31 July 2007
Movie: Race You to the Bottom
Trailers can sometimes be misleading. What looks cool on the movie screens, the bits and pieces that are sewn together, can be awful when they're pieced altogether. So can, it seems, when segments pop-up on Youtube.
Take, for example, Race You to the Bottom. A few months ago, a segment of the film was floating around Youtube. In the scene, it had actor Cole Williams -who is, apparently, the son of singer Paul Williams - playing a bisexual guy who convinces a friend (played by hunky Smallville actor Justin Hartley) to let him give him a hand-job. It was, a bit hot and sexy.
The film is out now on DVD, so I Netflix'ed it. Then I found out how boring it really is.
The premise of the film is that Williams plays a travel writer, who takes college friend Maggie (Buffy the Vampire Slayer's Amber Benson) with him on a trip to Napa Valley. The problem is, these two are having an affiar -despite both having boyfriends.
I guess the filmmakers goal was to say that it's okay to be self-centered and egotistical during these ages -somewhere in their 20's I think. But, like the cast of ER these days, they're unappealing and annoying. Plus, Williams is never, ever believable as a bisexual. Or, an actor. And therein lies the problem with the film.
So, I was misled by that Youtube scene. It was the only interesting thing in the movie.
Amber Benson is the best part of the film, and sadly, that's not saying much.
Take, for example, Race You to the Bottom. A few months ago, a segment of the film was floating around Youtube. In the scene, it had actor Cole Williams -who is, apparently, the son of singer Paul Williams - playing a bisexual guy who convinces a friend (played by hunky Smallville actor Justin Hartley) to let him give him a hand-job. It was, a bit hot and sexy.
The film is out now on DVD, so I Netflix'ed it. Then I found out how boring it really is.
The premise of the film is that Williams plays a travel writer, who takes college friend Maggie (Buffy the Vampire Slayer's Amber Benson) with him on a trip to Napa Valley. The problem is, these two are having an affiar -despite both having boyfriends.
I guess the filmmakers goal was to say that it's okay to be self-centered and egotistical during these ages -somewhere in their 20's I think. But, like the cast of ER these days, they're unappealing and annoying. Plus, Williams is never, ever believable as a bisexual. Or, an actor. And therein lies the problem with the film.
So, I was misled by that Youtube scene. It was the only interesting thing in the movie.
Amber Benson is the best part of the film, and sadly, that's not saying much.
30 July 2007
Love Of The Common People
Living on free food tickets
Water in the milk from the hole in the roof
Where the rain came through
What can we do
Tears from your little sister
Crying 'cause she doesn't have a dress without a patch for the party to go
Oh but you know she'll get by
'Cause she's living in the love of the common people
Smiles from the heart of the family man
Daddy's gonna buy her a dream to cling to
Momma's gonna love her just as much as she can
And she can
It's a good thing you don't have bus fare
It would fall through the hole in your pocket
And you'll lose it in the snow on the ground
Out walking your dog to find a job
Trying to keep your hands warm
But the hole in your shoe lets the snow come through
And it chills you to the bone
You better go home where it's warm
You can live in the love of the common people
Smiles from the heart of the family man
Daddy's gonna buy her a dream to cling to
Momma's gonna love her just as much as she can
And she can
Living on dreams ain't easy
But the closer the knit the tighter the fit
And the chills stay away
You can take them in stride, for family pride
You know that faith in your foundation
And with a whole lot of love and a warm conversation
And a __ prayer making you strong
Where you belong
Where you can live in the love of the common people
Smiles from the heart of the family man
Daddy's gonna buy her a dream to cling to
Momma's gonna love her just as much as she can
And she can
Water in the milk from the hole in the roof
Where the rain came through
What can we do
Tears from your little sister
Crying 'cause she doesn't have a dress without a patch for the party to go
Oh but you know she'll get by
'Cause she's living in the love of the common people
Smiles from the heart of the family man
Daddy's gonna buy her a dream to cling to
Momma's gonna love her just as much as she can
And she can
It's a good thing you don't have bus fare
It would fall through the hole in your pocket
And you'll lose it in the snow on the ground
Out walking your dog to find a job
Trying to keep your hands warm
But the hole in your shoe lets the snow come through
And it chills you to the bone
You better go home where it's warm
You can live in the love of the common people
Smiles from the heart of the family man
Daddy's gonna buy her a dream to cling to
Momma's gonna love her just as much as she can
And she can
Living on dreams ain't easy
But the closer the knit the tighter the fit
And the chills stay away
You can take them in stride, for family pride
You know that faith in your foundation
And with a whole lot of love and a warm conversation
And a __ prayer making you strong
Where you belong
Where you can live in the love of the common people
Smiles from the heart of the family man
Daddy's gonna buy her a dream to cling to
Momma's gonna love her just as much as she can
And she can
Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
A great song for a great town.
There’s a road I’d like to tell you about, lives in my home town
Lake Shore Drive the road is called and it’ll take you up or down
From rags on up to riches fifteen minutes you can fly
Pretty blue lights along the way, help you right on by
And the blue lights shining with a heavenly grace, help you right on by
And there ain’t no road just like it
Anywhere I found
Running south on Lake Shore Drive heading into town
Just slippin’ on by on LSD, Friday night trouble bound
And it starts up north from Hollywood, water on the driving side
Concrete mountains rearing up, throwing shadows just about five
Sometimes you can smell the green if your mind is feeling fine
There ain’t no finer place to be, than running Lake Shore Drive
And there’s no peace of mind, or place you see, than riding on Lake Shore Drive
And there ain’t no road just like it
Anywhere I found
Running south on Lake Shore drive heading into town
Just slicking on by on LSD, Friday night trouble bound
And it’s Friday night and you’re looking clean
To early to start the rounds
A ten minute ride from the Gold Coast back make sure you’re pleasure bound
And it’s four o’clock in the morning and all of the people have gone away
Just you and your mind and Lake Shore Drive, tomorrow is another day
And the sunshine’s fine in the morning time, tomorrow is another day
And there ain’t no road just like it
Anywhere I found
Running south on Lake Shore drive heading into town
Just snaking on by on LSD, Friday night trouble bound
28 July 2007
The Simpsons Movie
Saw The Simpsons Movie today. I found it to be one the best “episodes” in years of the show, but hey, I would rather have 10 seasons of so-so Simpsons episodes than one hour of The Family Guy.
The debate about The Simpsons Vs. The Family Guy will always go on -hell, even Matt Groening’s own son has said The Simpsons are over and that Family Guy is the hot show - but I think I know why my love of The Simpsons grows, even though the show is not as good as it once was.
While The Simpsons is fairly simple on the surface (much like Family Guy), but when you scratch that surface and see the next layer you see the show grappling with very real, and complicated issues. Oh, it’s not to say that there is no low-brow humor in it (I mean, pig poop in a pond is the main thrust of the movie), but the series tries to stay at a certain level.
Another words, if the joke is too easy, then they tend to avoid it, where The Family Guy will take the easy joke, because it can. But then, so Family Guy is not for everyone. The show has always gone for the more easy road when getting to the climax of a joke (and it usually involves farts). Plus, when they tell a joke, they also need to visualize for the audience -almost assuming that it’s fans are complete morons and can’t get a verbal joke.
Scratch The Family Guy’s surface and you get more surface. With The Simpsons, and its darker look at life, and with a coda that Matt Groening says is “about alienation, and the ambivalence of living with a family who you love, but who drive you completely crazy” you get more satisfaction -even with a few seasons of stinkers.
The Simpsons Movie is good, the animation great, and the jokes (with some working and others not) come fast and furious. But there is also a message in the film (along with a very clever opening), one not seen in a tent-pole film such as this.
But personally, I don’t see how a Family Guy film -which is rumored to be in the works - can be better than this film. But, then again, people sit through and then buy Larry the Cable Guy movies, and they’re about as funny as having a tooth execrated with out pain killers.
The debate about The Simpsons Vs. The Family Guy will always go on -hell, even Matt Groening’s own son has said The Simpsons are over and that Family Guy is the hot show - but I think I know why my love of The Simpsons grows, even though the show is not as good as it once was.
While The Simpsons is fairly simple on the surface (much like Family Guy), but when you scratch that surface and see the next layer you see the show grappling with very real, and complicated issues. Oh, it’s not to say that there is no low-brow humor in it (I mean, pig poop in a pond is the main thrust of the movie), but the series tries to stay at a certain level.
Another words, if the joke is too easy, then they tend to avoid it, where The Family Guy will take the easy joke, because it can. But then, so Family Guy is not for everyone. The show has always gone for the more easy road when getting to the climax of a joke (and it usually involves farts). Plus, when they tell a joke, they also need to visualize for the audience -almost assuming that it’s fans are complete morons and can’t get a verbal joke.
Scratch The Family Guy’s surface and you get more surface. With The Simpsons, and its darker look at life, and with a coda that Matt Groening says is “about alienation, and the ambivalence of living with a family who you love, but who drive you completely crazy” you get more satisfaction -even with a few seasons of stinkers.
The Simpsons Movie is good, the animation great, and the jokes (with some working and others not) come fast and furious. But there is also a message in the film (along with a very clever opening), one not seen in a tent-pole film such as this.
But personally, I don’t see how a Family Guy film -which is rumored to be in the works - can be better than this film. But, then again, people sit through and then buy Larry the Cable Guy movies, and they’re about as funny as having a tooth execrated with out pain killers.
27 July 2007
More Deathly Hallows stuff
A couple of post ago, I commented on the epilogue to Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. I was curious why Rowling did not include information about what Harry and the rest of the group had been doing for the last 19 years.
It appears Wikipedia had some answers:
It appears Wikipedia had some answers:
In an interview, author J. K. Rowling gave additional information about the characters that is not mentioned in the book. The epilogue does not directly state that Ron and Hermione are married, but Rowling confirmed that indeed they are.
- Harry and Ron are both Aurors; Harry is the department head, and Hermione is "very high up" in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.
- Luna Lovegood has become a naturalist of sorts, searching the world for odd and unique creatures.
- At Hogwarts there is a permanent Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher and the jinx Voldemort had placed on this job was broken after his death. There is also an unknown headmaster, as Professor McGonagall, who was the interim Headmistress, was getting too old to assume the position permanently. Rowling did not identify either the Headmaster or the Defense against the Dark Arts teacher.
Rowling felt that including all of this information in the book made it too "neat" of an ending.
Oh, well, I see her point, but still...
26 July 2007
Heroes Sylar actor Quinto to play young Spock in Trek XI
As a Star Trek fan, this weekends Comic Con in San Diego is going to very interesting.
With filming scheduled to begin in October or November on Star Trek XI, director J.J. Abrams has confirmed that Heroes bad guy Sylar, played by Zachary Quinto, will be young Spock. Also, Leonard Nimoy will return as Spock in the film, also, saying the reason he signed on was "We have a great director, a wonderful script, and a wonderful young actor playing Spock, so ... it was logical."
But that's all that has been announced. Abrams says that they are still trying to find a part for William Shatner to return as Kirk, but nothing has developed.
While I still believe going back to the early days of Kirk and Co. somewhat of a mistake, I like Abrams and believe he has the best interest of both the franchise and the fans. But the casting of Quinto seems to me a good choice. He certainly has the look to pull off a young Leonard Nimoy.
With the actors casting, this will mean a schedule change for the actor on his TV gig as the evil Sylar. Series creator Tim Kring said a few days ago -when Quinto's casting was a just a rumor - that he'll be working around the actors filming schedule.
Paramount has this Star Trek film already set for Christmas Day, 2008.
With filming scheduled to begin in October or November on Star Trek XI, director J.J. Abrams has confirmed that Heroes bad guy Sylar, played by Zachary Quinto, will be young Spock. Also, Leonard Nimoy will return as Spock in the film, also, saying the reason he signed on was "We have a great director, a wonderful script, and a wonderful young actor playing Spock, so ... it was logical."
But that's all that has been announced. Abrams says that they are still trying to find a part for William Shatner to return as Kirk, but nothing has developed.
While I still believe going back to the early days of Kirk and Co. somewhat of a mistake, I like Abrams and believe he has the best interest of both the franchise and the fans. But the casting of Quinto seems to me a good choice. He certainly has the look to pull off a young Leonard Nimoy.
With the actors casting, this will mean a schedule change for the actor on his TV gig as the evil Sylar. Series creator Tim Kring said a few days ago -when Quinto's casting was a just a rumor - that he'll be working around the actors filming schedule.
Paramount has this Star Trek film already set for Christmas Day, 2008.
25 July 2007
The first exploitive look at the Chris Benoit murder/suicide hitting in the fall
It was announced on Publishers Weekly web site that the first book about WWE wrestler Chris Benoit -who last month murdered his wife Nancy and his 7-year-old son Daniel before taking his own life - will bow in October.
Toronto-based publisher ECW will release Benoit: Wrestling with the Horror that Destroyed a Family and Crippled a Sport by four veteran professional wrestling writers: Steven Johnson, Greg Oliver, Irvin Muchnick, and Heath McCoy.
Senior editor Michael Holmes says that the book is intended to look at what might’ve happened to Benoit, it also takes a look at the steroid use within wrestling itself. He told PW that “we’re trying to actually do something good with this book and not do something that’s a crash title, that exploits a hot-button issue."
But, in reality, this is what the book is really about. Wrap it up as a “serious” look into steroid use, but frame it with an exploitive take on what “might’ve” happened to Benoit and the gruesome way the family died.
This will be the book version of that horrible shrew Nancy Grace show on CNN. And while these tomes have a short shelf life, the sad aspect that some people will buy this crap -they are also the same folks who think People Magazine and US Weekly is technically reading.
Toronto-based publisher ECW will release Benoit: Wrestling with the Horror that Destroyed a Family and Crippled a Sport by four veteran professional wrestling writers: Steven Johnson, Greg Oliver, Irvin Muchnick, and Heath McCoy.
Senior editor Michael Holmes says that the book is intended to look at what might’ve happened to Benoit, it also takes a look at the steroid use within wrestling itself. He told PW that “we’re trying to actually do something good with this book and not do something that’s a crash title, that exploits a hot-button issue."
But, in reality, this is what the book is really about. Wrap it up as a “serious” look into steroid use, but frame it with an exploitive take on what “might’ve” happened to Benoit and the gruesome way the family died.
This will be the book version of that horrible shrew Nancy Grace show on CNN. And while these tomes have a short shelf life, the sad aspect that some people will buy this crap -they are also the same folks who think People Magazine and US Weekly is technically reading.
More on Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
With a good night sleep and a day of work (and a bike ride) behind me, I have more thoughts on the final Harry Potter book.
The 19 years later still bothers me a bit. In one sense, if you are going to do a Where Are They Now, why not give more information. Harry needs to live a mundane, Muggle life and die a natural death for everything to work. What has he done for those last 19 years? Did he become a dentist, an accountant, the Prime Minister (and is anyone else creeped out by Harry and Ginny's marriage? With Harry so close to the Weasley's and with Mrs. Weasley calling Harry another son, his and Ginny's marriage seems almost incestuous)?
Same with Ron and Hermione -what exactly have they been doing (beyond Ron passing his drivers license at the age of 36)?
Why is Tonks and Lupin's kid Teddy doing on the Hogwarts train. He should be 19, yet all the students graduate at the age of 17.
And speaking of Lupin and Tonks, their deaths seemed silly, almost tacked on. Rowling mentioned that she long ago wrote the last chapter before she begun Deathly Hallows. She mentioned two characters that survived, now died, while one that had died, now survived.
Was Tonks and Lupin the two that survived first, only to die later?
And back to the last chapter. Who is the Headmaster at Hogworts? While Neville is a professor there, who's in charge?
Maybe, as Kenny suggested, Rowling might be considering these "minor" characters as a basis for a new series. But, as I mentioned in my last post, I personally hope she ventures somewhere else.
I'm just bothered by some of these things.
The 19 years later still bothers me a bit. In one sense, if you are going to do a Where Are They Now, why not give more information. Harry needs to live a mundane, Muggle life and die a natural death for everything to work. What has he done for those last 19 years? Did he become a dentist, an accountant, the Prime Minister (and is anyone else creeped out by Harry and Ginny's marriage? With Harry so close to the Weasley's and with Mrs. Weasley calling Harry another son, his and Ginny's marriage seems almost incestuous)?
Same with Ron and Hermione -what exactly have they been doing (beyond Ron passing his drivers license at the age of 36)?
Why is Tonks and Lupin's kid Teddy doing on the Hogwarts train. He should be 19, yet all the students graduate at the age of 17.
And speaking of Lupin and Tonks, their deaths seemed silly, almost tacked on. Rowling mentioned that she long ago wrote the last chapter before she begun Deathly Hallows. She mentioned two characters that survived, now died, while one that had died, now survived.
Was Tonks and Lupin the two that survived first, only to die later?
And back to the last chapter. Who is the Headmaster at Hogworts? While Neville is a professor there, who's in charge?
Maybe, as Kenny suggested, Rowling might be considering these "minor" characters as a basis for a new series. But, as I mentioned in my last post, I personally hope she ventures somewhere else.
I'm just bothered by some of these things.
24 July 2007
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
Been gone for a bit, as I had to finish this book.A grand finale for a grand series, if I can say. It is an emotional ride, one filled with great loss and a few surprises. A bit overlong -especially during Harry and Hermione's flight from the Death Eaters, which seemed to go on and on - but I loved it.
The ending was a bit rushed, also, but the last chapter gave us a nice wrap up of everything -though I wished a little more inter-action with the Malfoy's would've been explained.
Still, a small quibble. These are, after all, children's books.
I wonder what JK Rowling has next in store for us?
I hope a new series, with new characters and new adventures.
Long live Harry Potter.
22 July 2007
The death of Tammy Faye
I have to admit I never once fell under Tammy Faye's spell, even after she started hanging around with gays.
Tim over at Naked Came I perhaps sums up my feelings also on her life and legacy.
She may not've been evil, but she never, ever once said she was sorry publically about what she did with the PTL for three decades. Misguided, at best, is all I can say.
But I never considered her a friend of gay people, and I think anyone who turned her into some campy, big eyelashed icon are in need of some self-exploration.
Tim over at Naked Came I perhaps sums up my feelings also on her life and legacy.
She may not've been evil, but she never, ever once said she was sorry publically about what she did with the PTL for three decades. Misguided, at best, is all I can say.
But I never considered her a friend of gay people, and I think anyone who turned her into some campy, big eyelashed icon are in need of some self-exploration.
19 July 2007
Star Trek: Odyssey - Opening Credits
Star Trek: Odyssey
So, here's the opening credits to the fan produced webseries that I work on. The first episode, Illad, is nearly finished.
So, here's the opening credits to the fan produced webseries that I work on. The first episode, Illad, is nearly finished.
18 July 2007
Altitude testing?
Generally, I avoid talking about work, if only because its not that interesting. And since I will not be there for the Harry Potter release this weekend, I don't think I can even say anything about that.
Still, the customers sometimes can be funny, in the most idiotic sort of way, and bring sunshine to my life.
Had a gentleman come in today, looking for books on "altitude testing." Both Conant and I turned to each other. Both of us sort of said What? with out speaking. I asked him if he meant military study guides? Nope, he said altitude testing again.
Then the light bulb went off in my head. Did you mean aptitude testing, I asked.
Sure enough, that's what he wanted. So I took him over to the reference section, but I told him I didn't think I had much of anything on that subject (as it turned out, I had one). He insisted on telling me why he needed such a book -apparently he was applying for a warehouse job driving a fork lift and all, and was surprised he had to take a test - but while he tried his hardest to cover up his mistake about what he was looking for in the first place, the more I wanted to escape from him.
Don't get me wrong, he was nice, super nice, but had I stayed with him (and I was approaching nearly 15 minutes) I would've needed to chew a leg off. Or my ear, as he was talking that off!
Still, Conant and I kept giggling about it for the rest of the day.
Altitude testing. Silly, customer.
Still, the customers sometimes can be funny, in the most idiotic sort of way, and bring sunshine to my life.
Had a gentleman come in today, looking for books on "altitude testing." Both Conant and I turned to each other. Both of us sort of said What? with out speaking. I asked him if he meant military study guides? Nope, he said altitude testing again.
Then the light bulb went off in my head. Did you mean aptitude testing, I asked.
Sure enough, that's what he wanted. So I took him over to the reference section, but I told him I didn't think I had much of anything on that subject (as it turned out, I had one). He insisted on telling me why he needed such a book -apparently he was applying for a warehouse job driving a fork lift and all, and was surprised he had to take a test - but while he tried his hardest to cover up his mistake about what he was looking for in the first place, the more I wanted to escape from him.
Don't get me wrong, he was nice, super nice, but had I stayed with him (and I was approaching nearly 15 minutes) I would've needed to chew a leg off. Or my ear, as he was talking that off!
Still, Conant and I kept giggling about it for the rest of the day.
Altitude testing. Silly, customer.
A Good and Happy Child by Justin Evans
One of the more interesting things about The Exorcist was when Father Merrick came to save a little girl possessed with an demon, the priest had encountered it before. In A Good and Happy Child, first time novelist Justin Evans takes up some of those same themes, and adds a bit of A Sixth Sense and a Stephen King style to his story about a lonely 11 year-old boy who may have inherited his late father’s battle with a demonic force.
George Davies grew up with two parents who taught him more literary values than the typical child, thus he was harassed as being “different.” Still trying to navigate the world after the death of his father some months ago, George discovers a mysterious entity has also entered into his life, causing even more trouble. But who or what is this Friend? And what is the connection between it and his father, who died of malaria in South America?
And why is his father’s friend, Tom Harris, trying to hide letters from George that may explain all of this?
In what might amount to a stunning debut, Evans novel is wrapped in terror and psychological suspense. The book deftly navigates between the clinical work of people who believe him to a danger to himself and others, while three people try to help him in some horrifying scenes of an exorcism. The book grabbed me from the start -something that I find rarer these days - with its literary style, with its attention to detail such as dialect pronunciation (something Stephen King has made a career of) and with the whole “father issue” that could make even the best psychiatrist a little hesitant to take on.
A worthwhile read at beach or anywhere.
George Davies grew up with two parents who taught him more literary values than the typical child, thus he was harassed as being “different.” Still trying to navigate the world after the death of his father some months ago, George discovers a mysterious entity has also entered into his life, causing even more trouble. But who or what is this Friend? And what is the connection between it and his father, who died of malaria in South America?
And why is his father’s friend, Tom Harris, trying to hide letters from George that may explain all of this?
In what might amount to a stunning debut, Evans novel is wrapped in terror and psychological suspense. The book deftly navigates between the clinical work of people who believe him to a danger to himself and others, while three people try to help him in some horrifying scenes of an exorcism. The book grabbed me from the start -something that I find rarer these days - with its literary style, with its attention to detail such as dialect pronunciation (something Stephen King has made a career of) and with the whole “father issue” that could make even the best psychiatrist a little hesitant to take on.
A worthwhile read at beach or anywhere.
17 July 2007
16 July 2007
Monday this and that?
The Monday blues have hit and went.
Work was fine, nothing to write home about. Same with the weather, as LA continues its typical sunny, cloudless days. Though not really hot, it was stilkl warm.
Speaking of work, this is the final few days before the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows turns a busy weekend, into a hellish weekend. And after working the last three releases, happily I will not be there on Friday for the 12:01 laydown or for the entire weekend.
Working on finishing 1.01 of Odyssey on Friday. Saturday should be spent reading the above mentioned book.
14 July 2007
Today, we came one day closer to finishing episode 1.01 of StarTrek: Odyssey. We film again on Friday, and then Illiad will be done. For some reason, this shoot has seemed to go on forever. And we said goddbye to a cast member, who is off to do other things. I have mixed emotions on this, but I wish them the best. We had a new guy come in at the last moment to play a Romulan. He was good, despite the last minute casting. He was pretty hot, also. I hope we can use him for other things in the near future.
I've decided to take the first full week of August off. I have no idea what I'll do, though that's not really true. I will probably plan a day or two going to the ocean, spend some time around Santa Monica beach and what not, and take in a few tourist sites. I would like a trip to Disney, but I don't think I can afford it.
But, it would also be nice just to relax for a few days. Get caught up on some reading. Ride my bike and other boring things. I told JT that while I hope he has a job by August 6, but if he didn't, we should get together and do something.
So, I guess I got that going for me.
I've decided to take the first full week of August off. I have no idea what I'll do, though that's not really true. I will probably plan a day or two going to the ocean, spend some time around Santa Monica beach and what not, and take in a few tourist sites. I would like a trip to Disney, but I don't think I can afford it.
But, it would also be nice just to relax for a few days. Get caught up on some reading. Ride my bike and other boring things. I told JT that while I hope he has a job by August 6, but if he didn't, we should get together and do something.
So, I guess I got that going for me.
11 July 2007
Daniel Radcliffe in leather
After his nude performance in Equus, Daniel Radcliffe continues to make his image more adult than his alter-ego of Harry Potter. The above picture is from his recent interview and photo shoot in Details Magazine. The soon-to-be 18 year-old, when not working on HP movies, seems to want the world to know he's a normal as anyone else, and can make a bad fashion statement like this.Granted, its hot, with those blue eyes and actual hair on his chest (and more we cannot see) but looking like a 1970's porn star seems to a little extreme. Still, that's what makes the free world so cool.
10 July 2007
09 July 2007
Three things I know I'm bad at
1. Small talk. I'm not able to carry on conversations that won't fall into some sort of awkward silence.
2. Being Happy with my life. It seems strange, and I know that old saying that only I can change my life, but I feel, and sense that I'll always be that sad little loser.
3. Having a partner. This, more or less, is the truth. And because of number two, this follows in a natural order.
Have I outlived my usefulness?
2. Being Happy with my life. It seems strange, and I know that old saying that only I can change my life, but I feel, and sense that I'll always be that sad little loser.
3. Having a partner. This, more or less, is the truth. And because of number two, this follows in a natural order.
Have I outlived my usefulness?
British retailer starts a petition: wants Harry Potter to continue
With Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows just a mere 12 days away, a Save Harry petition has begun, asking (or is that demanding?) that JK Rowling continue writing Harry Potter books.
Rowling herself has said that while she may “never say never”, the series comes to a decisive conclusion with the Deathly Hallows.
Personally, I think she should stick to her guns. While long-running franchises are what is currently keeping the entertainment industry afloat (in both TV and cinemas), this becomes an albatross around some authors.
Anne Rice is a prime example. After her Vampire series really took off, all her fans wanted more. She obliged, but on occasion, she would do something different. Her Witches series, while selling well, did not have the same following as her Vampire Chronicles. And, when she would attempt to do something different, and I’ve heard the words from the people themselves, that they think all she should do is the vampire books. Piers Anthony is another, that I can think of, stuck doing formulaic Xanth books until he dies. Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series, which was once only a 7 volume series has ballooned to the soon-to-be-released volume 12 (with 2 more prequels to come after that final volume). And Stephen King was wise, finishing his Dark Tower series long before he cashed in his chips, and long before it became vogue to end a “franchise.”
Beloved they may be, but while these series are money makers, it also forces the author into a corner: how do you do something different? Now, of course, Rice has given up that whole genre, as she has found God and is writing a multi-volume, fictional take on Jesus between the ages 3 and 33 (but, unlike Christopher Moore’s hysterical take on the same theme, Rice’s novels will be very serious).
Then there are the dead authors, who keep publishing from beyond the grave: V.C. Andrews, Robert Ludlum, and even J.R.R. Tolkien. Mack Bolan writer Don Pendelton has been dead for years, but there still publishing books. And what about the ubiquitous James Patterson, who gets his name in huge letters on the cover, even though he really does not write them (there is usually a co-author on the cover, but in much smaller letters. These are the ones who actually write the books)
Anywho, Rowling has mentioned she will probably write a book that catalogs all the characters and situations of the Potter series (and would donate the money that such a book make to charity), but has no plans at this time to continue on -no matter how the series ends with the July 21st release of the final book. And she reportable making sure that after she shuttles off this mortal coil, no author can write another Harry Potter novel.
All good things must come to an end, as the saying goes. And, after all, she is the richest person in the UK, so one hopes that no matter what money is thrown at her, she resists. Still, the fans need to move on and when she releases another novel, one hopes everyone will support it as much as Harry Potter.
I understand that the series has been a financial boom to the sagging book industry, but I believe most of that can be traced to both publishers and, more importantly, major book chains resistence to take risks on unknown authors.
A petition to keep Rowling writing Harry Potter books is just plain silly.
Rowling herself has said that while she may “never say never”, the series comes to a decisive conclusion with the Deathly Hallows.
Personally, I think she should stick to her guns. While long-running franchises are what is currently keeping the entertainment industry afloat (in both TV and cinemas), this becomes an albatross around some authors.
Anne Rice is a prime example. After her Vampire series really took off, all her fans wanted more. She obliged, but on occasion, she would do something different. Her Witches series, while selling well, did not have the same following as her Vampire Chronicles. And, when she would attempt to do something different, and I’ve heard the words from the people themselves, that they think all she should do is the vampire books. Piers Anthony is another, that I can think of, stuck doing formulaic Xanth books until he dies. Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series, which was once only a 7 volume series has ballooned to the soon-to-be-released volume 12 (with 2 more prequels to come after that final volume). And Stephen King was wise, finishing his Dark Tower series long before he cashed in his chips, and long before it became vogue to end a “franchise.”
Beloved they may be, but while these series are money makers, it also forces the author into a corner: how do you do something different? Now, of course, Rice has given up that whole genre, as she has found God and is writing a multi-volume, fictional take on Jesus between the ages 3 and 33 (but, unlike Christopher Moore’s hysterical take on the same theme, Rice’s novels will be very serious).
Then there are the dead authors, who keep publishing from beyond the grave: V.C. Andrews, Robert Ludlum, and even J.R.R. Tolkien. Mack Bolan writer Don Pendelton has been dead for years, but there still publishing books. And what about the ubiquitous James Patterson, who gets his name in huge letters on the cover, even though he really does not write them (there is usually a co-author on the cover, but in much smaller letters. These are the ones who actually write the books)
Anywho, Rowling has mentioned she will probably write a book that catalogs all the characters and situations of the Potter series (and would donate the money that such a book make to charity), but has no plans at this time to continue on -no matter how the series ends with the July 21st release of the final book. And she reportable making sure that after she shuttles off this mortal coil, no author can write another Harry Potter novel.
All good things must come to an end, as the saying goes. And, after all, she is the richest person in the UK, so one hopes that no matter what money is thrown at her, she resists. Still, the fans need to move on and when she releases another novel, one hopes everyone will support it as much as Harry Potter.
I understand that the series has been a financial boom to the sagging book industry, but I believe most of that can be traced to both publishers and, more importantly, major book chains resistence to take risks on unknown authors.
A petition to keep Rowling writing Harry Potter books is just plain silly.
Waterstones
08 July 2007
05 July 2007
Doctor Who gets bigger (and gayer) for season 4
It now looks like Doctor Who is more of certifiable hit than ever, as the revived series -which just ended its season on June 30, and which hits the Sci Fi Channel on July 6 - scored its highest ratings yet for that season finale.
But at what point will the show get too big?
The upcoming fourth season in 2008 seems to indicate that it could be its biggest year yet. However, before that happens, the annual Christmas special will try to outshine last years, as worldwide popstar (and gay icon) Kylie Minogue will help the Doctor solve why the Titanic crashed through the TARDIS at the end of Last of the Timelords. Called Voyage of the Damned, this one full hour holiday special, and will not feature current companion Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman).
The departure of Martha has fans speculating as to why, but it really might be explained as that Agyeman appears to have fallen to the fate of not only being the replacement of popular Billie Piper’s Rose, but also following in the shadow of last years Christmas special, The Runaway Bride, that guest starred another popular star, comedienne Catherine Tate as Donna.
Catherine Tate had her own self-titled series that ran for two seasons on the BBC where she played a variety characters, where she used extensive make-up to play a dozen or so recurring characters -much in the same vain as the brilliant Little Britain. The show was a huge success and her recent gig on benefit show Comic Relief endured her more, where she went toe-to-to with former Prime Minister Tony Blair, new James Bond Daniel Craig and current Doctor, David Tennant.
Now, in what turned out to be a huge surprise -if only because rumors had been coming out that the Doctor’s new companion would be male - Catherine Tate will be returning as the belligerent bride-to-be for all of Doctor Who’s upcoming 13 episode fourth-season. Meanwhile, Agyeman will guest star on three episodes of the Who spin-off, Torchwood, before returning to the TARDIS later in season 4 (which more or less confirms that the BBC has a two-year contract with her, and should not expect her return for a 5th season on either show).
As of today, new rumors have come out concerning the series fourth season, as Outpost Gallifrey is reporting that actor Dennis Hopper might be a guest star, if schedules can be worked out. Also, looks like another Classic Series villain will pop up -one not yet seen on this revival series- though nothing has been confirmed (and one can expect a return of the Master, as I’m sure we’ve yet to see the last of him).
But at what point will the show get too big?
The upcoming fourth season in 2008 seems to indicate that it could be its biggest year yet. However, before that happens, the annual Christmas special will try to outshine last years, as worldwide popstar (and gay icon) Kylie Minogue will help the Doctor solve why the Titanic crashed through the TARDIS at the end of Last of the Timelords. Called Voyage of the Damned, this one full hour holiday special, and will not feature current companion Martha Jones (Freema Agyeman).
The departure of Martha has fans speculating as to why, but it really might be explained as that Agyeman appears to have fallen to the fate of not only being the replacement of popular Billie Piper’s Rose, but also following in the shadow of last years Christmas special, The Runaway Bride, that guest starred another popular star, comedienne Catherine Tate as Donna.
Catherine Tate had her own self-titled series that ran for two seasons on the BBC where she played a variety characters, where she used extensive make-up to play a dozen or so recurring characters -much in the same vain as the brilliant Little Britain. The show was a huge success and her recent gig on benefit show Comic Relief endured her more, where she went toe-to-to with former Prime Minister Tony Blair, new James Bond Daniel Craig and current Doctor, David Tennant.
Now, in what turned out to be a huge surprise -if only because rumors had been coming out that the Doctor’s new companion would be male - Catherine Tate will be returning as the belligerent bride-to-be for all of Doctor Who’s upcoming 13 episode fourth-season. Meanwhile, Agyeman will guest star on three episodes of the Who spin-off, Torchwood, before returning to the TARDIS later in season 4 (which more or less confirms that the BBC has a two-year contract with her, and should not expect her return for a 5th season on either show).
As of today, new rumors have come out concerning the series fourth season, as Outpost Gallifrey is reporting that actor Dennis Hopper might be a guest star, if schedules can be worked out. Also, looks like another Classic Series villain will pop up -one not yet seen on this revival series- though nothing has been confirmed (and one can expect a return of the Master, as I’m sure we’ve yet to see the last of him).
Soon I Will be Invincible by Austin Grossman
While not a huge fan of comic books or graphic novels, none the less I was intrigued by the advance copy of Austin Grossman’s Soon I Will Be Invincible (which I got in, what February and finally got to it, a month after its release?). According to his bio, Grossman is a freelance game-design consultant, what ever that is, along with being a doctoral candidate in English lit at UC Berkeley.
In his first novel, he gives the assorted comic heroes and villains a dose of reality (much like the Watchman graphic novel series), with a cast of characters who have very human emotions. The novel shifts back-in-forth between evil genius Doctor Impossible and newcomer Fatale, a cyborg, who has joined the group known as the Champions. Lonely and unsure of her reasons for being in the group, Fatale must navigate the ups and downs of her new family who all miss -but sometimes hated -their dead leader, Corefire. Meanwhile, once again after breaking out of jail, Doctor Impossible hatches his new scheme to knock the earth out of its orbit.
Using the many themes that are common among comics, the heroes also face the pitfalls of fame and ego, and Grossman turns the novel into funny, engrossing read that almost anyone can enjoy. Of course, for comic book fans, this riff on both of the DC and Marvel Universe, will make them smile, or groan at all the parallels.
In his first novel, he gives the assorted comic heroes and villains a dose of reality (much like the Watchman graphic novel series), with a cast of characters who have very human emotions. The novel shifts back-in-forth between evil genius Doctor Impossible and newcomer Fatale, a cyborg, who has joined the group known as the Champions. Lonely and unsure of her reasons for being in the group, Fatale must navigate the ups and downs of her new family who all miss -but sometimes hated -their dead leader, Corefire. Meanwhile, once again after breaking out of jail, Doctor Impossible hatches his new scheme to knock the earth out of its orbit.
Using the many themes that are common among comics, the heroes also face the pitfalls of fame and ego, and Grossman turns the novel into funny, engrossing read that almost anyone can enjoy. Of course, for comic book fans, this riff on both of the DC and Marvel Universe, will make them smile, or groan at all the parallels.
04 July 2007
01 July 2007
Bike and a flat
I got up early this morning for one reason: to go bike riding. This is the only time I've done it five days in a row. I think, though, if I did not have my iPod, biking would be a bore. Anyway, went back to the bike path that starts in Claremont and rode to its current end, the 8400 block of Grove Ave in Upland. 8 miles there, 8 miles back.
I have to think about getting new tires for the bike, as they seem to pick up every thorn on the road -or for that matter, when I was forced to ride through an unpaved area with no sidewalks. Apparently, for a moutain bike, the tires are not very sturdy. When I pulled over at Starbucks, I pulled at lrast a half-dozen thorns from both front and rear tire.
When I pulled them out of the front tire, the blue self-seal boiled out then re-sealed itself. Kind of cool to see that. However, the rear tube, being cheap and all of that, just began to loose air after I pulled 3 or 4 thorns from the tire. Stupid me for not thinking this could be a problem, 4 miles from home.
But, I had the air pump, and thought I would go to the Schwinn Bike shop at Geary and Foothill. Of course, as soon as it was pummped up, I could only go a few blocks before all the air had leaked out.
*sigh*
So, I get to the Schwinn shop, only to find it will not open until noon. I look at my watch: 10:00.
I sigh again, and decide to fill the tire up one more time, and I'll stop at Target and buy the more expensive, self-sealing tube and be done with it. But, on what can be a rare fortune for me, one of the workers at Schwinn had arrived early, and saw my troubles.
He was kind enough to open the back, bring my bike and fix it for $10.
So, that was cool.
While I was there, a couple arrived withy their bikes in a VW Van. Classic hippies, none the less. Anyways, was talking to the wife, and they mentioned the live in Rancho Cucumanga, and her husband rides his bike to Monrovia everyday, a 26 mile ride back and forth.
And I bitched and thought 16 miles to my store was outrageous. Maybe, just maybe, I can do this. Well, I know I can. I just got to do it. But, then again, I'm usually all talk.
Cleaned up my room, watched Doctor Who via Youtube, and then showered cause it was hot in this room. Went to Statler Bros, to get some food for dinner and next week. Going to Rob and Beo's on Tuesday to discuss a few Odyssey related things -plus, its sort of a pre 4th party, as it appears people are doing things on that day.
Marc and Brad are suppose be in from Chicago, with Wednesday probably being the only day I can see them. I can't wait, to be honest. It's been nearly year and half since I last saw Marc and nearly two since I saw his boyfriend, Brad.
This also should be an interesting week at Borders for IPT. Natasha is still gone, leaving DJ to really take on his new job by himself, and both James and Zack are gone on vacation. I wonder who will be stuck doing their sections?
Still, even with a holiday in the middle of the week and one less shipment, things can get backed up pretty damn quick.
I hate to be so, I don't know, "the sky is falling" type of guy. But, I've seen it happen too many times.
Well see.
I have to think about getting new tires for the bike, as they seem to pick up every thorn on the road -or for that matter, when I was forced to ride through an unpaved area with no sidewalks. Apparently, for a moutain bike, the tires are not very sturdy. When I pulled over at Starbucks, I pulled at lrast a half-dozen thorns from both front and rear tire.
When I pulled them out of the front tire, the blue self-seal boiled out then re-sealed itself. Kind of cool to see that. However, the rear tube, being cheap and all of that, just began to loose air after I pulled 3 or 4 thorns from the tire. Stupid me for not thinking this could be a problem, 4 miles from home.
But, I had the air pump, and thought I would go to the Schwinn Bike shop at Geary and Foothill. Of course, as soon as it was pummped up, I could only go a few blocks before all the air had leaked out.
*sigh*
So, I get to the Schwinn shop, only to find it will not open until noon. I look at my watch: 10:00.
I sigh again, and decide to fill the tire up one more time, and I'll stop at Target and buy the more expensive, self-sealing tube and be done with it. But, on what can be a rare fortune for me, one of the workers at Schwinn had arrived early, and saw my troubles.
He was kind enough to open the back, bring my bike and fix it for $10.
So, that was cool.
While I was there, a couple arrived withy their bikes in a VW Van. Classic hippies, none the less. Anyways, was talking to the wife, and they mentioned the live in Rancho Cucumanga, and her husband rides his bike to Monrovia everyday, a 26 mile ride back and forth.
And I bitched and thought 16 miles to my store was outrageous. Maybe, just maybe, I can do this. Well, I know I can. I just got to do it. But, then again, I'm usually all talk.
Cleaned up my room, watched Doctor Who via Youtube, and then showered cause it was hot in this room. Went to Statler Bros, to get some food for dinner and next week. Going to Rob and Beo's on Tuesday to discuss a few Odyssey related things -plus, its sort of a pre 4th party, as it appears people are doing things on that day.
Marc and Brad are suppose be in from Chicago, with Wednesday probably being the only day I can see them. I can't wait, to be honest. It's been nearly year and half since I last saw Marc and nearly two since I saw his boyfriend, Brad.
This also should be an interesting week at Borders for IPT. Natasha is still gone, leaving DJ to really take on his new job by himself, and both James and Zack are gone on vacation. I wonder who will be stuck doing their sections?
Still, even with a holiday in the middle of the week and one less shipment, things can get backed up pretty damn quick.
I hate to be so, I don't know, "the sky is falling" type of guy. But, I've seen it happen too many times.
Well see.
Doctor Who: Last of the Timelords
Ah, yes The Temporal Reset Button episode. Wonder if someone at the BBC had to pay Star Trek for the use of it, cause I thought it was a registered tradmark for Voyager and Enterprise. Shhh
Then there's the whole One Year Later thingy, stolen wholesale from Battlestar Galactica.
Like some, I thought the Futurekind were Timelords, if only because, well, it does not matter. But, it makes sense that they are the future humans, and the sub-plot of the Paradox Machine was something I missed -to be honest I thought it was a throw away.
Doddy-Doctor was cute, but pointless (though the CGI was well rendered). While I'm sure we've yet to see the last of The Master -cause that was his "human companion" that stole the ring (ala 1980's Flash Gordon)- I'm not so sure what the purpose it was to show it. I mean, she kills him (what was the sudden reason for her to defy the Master?) and then steals the ring. This is sloppy filmmaking (not counting the TRB) at best.
Also, how many of you who watched the Master burn on the funeral pyre (with an almost shot for shot steal from Return of the Jedi), did you expect the camera to pull up to the sky and see fireworks and Ewoks?
What I've heard about for Doctor Who season four seems good. I mean, the show has to evolve, and even though Martha is not a companion any more -and hearing she'll also be a part of Torchwood - I think its good the way RTD keeps changing the show around.
After all, the series -at least in this much updated version - cannot be like its first incarnation. While old Who has its charms, if RTD kept to that format, the series would become dull and predictable (now its just semi-predictable).
Plus, beyond stealing from Star Trek, BG and Star Wars, RTD seems to be channeling Joss Whedon. Oh well, its still better than According to Jim.
Then there's the whole One Year Later thingy, stolen wholesale from Battlestar Galactica.
Like some, I thought the Futurekind were Timelords, if only because, well, it does not matter. But, it makes sense that they are the future humans, and the sub-plot of the Paradox Machine was something I missed -to be honest I thought it was a throw away.
Doddy-Doctor was cute, but pointless (though the CGI was well rendered). While I'm sure we've yet to see the last of The Master -cause that was his "human companion" that stole the ring (ala 1980's Flash Gordon)- I'm not so sure what the purpose it was to show it. I mean, she kills him (what was the sudden reason for her to defy the Master?) and then steals the ring. This is sloppy filmmaking (not counting the TRB) at best.
Also, how many of you who watched the Master burn on the funeral pyre (with an almost shot for shot steal from Return of the Jedi), did you expect the camera to pull up to the sky and see fireworks and Ewoks?
What I've heard about for Doctor Who season four seems good. I mean, the show has to evolve, and even though Martha is not a companion any more -and hearing she'll also be a part of Torchwood - I think its good the way RTD keeps changing the show around.
After all, the series -at least in this much updated version - cannot be like its first incarnation. While old Who has its charms, if RTD kept to that format, the series would become dull and predictable (now its just semi-predictable).
Plus, beyond stealing from Star Trek, BG and Star Wars, RTD seems to be channeling Joss Whedon. Oh well, its still better than According to Jim.