04 April 2007
01 April 2007
Smith and Jones -Season 3 of Doctor Who
The revived Doctor Who launched into season 3 with Smith and Jones, written by show runner Russell T. Davies. While no mention of just how much time has passed between the end of season two and the start of season three, the Doctor still seems to be in bit of funk after the departure of Rose.
Just like the series opener, the Doctor is investigating something odd, something alien happening in London. This time it’s the Royal Hope Hospital, which is transported to the moon. Medical student Martha Jones (played by new series regular Freema Agyeman) soon finds herself fighting a blood-sucking alien who is hiding from the rhino like storm troopers called the Judoon.
Davies crams a lot of story into the 45 minutes, but succeeds in keeping things from going to wonky. Of course a lot of credit goes to David Tennant, who has made The Doctor his own and the very appealing Agyeman, who promises to be another, in a very short-line, of Time Lord companions who can hold their own.
There is one thing I’ve noticed about the new series, one many a critic and fan has commented on. The Doctor’s travels have been keeping him on Earth, which is starting to grow old. In some ways, these new TV adventures remind me of the first 3 seasons of the Jon Pertwee era, were he was exiled by the Time Lords. Then, the Doctor was trapped on Earth, with no working TARDIS. While this helps keep the budget in check, it also will hasten the end of the show if it continues to stay leashed to Earth.
Also, just like season one, there seems to be a thread of foreshadowing to the season finale. The name John Saxon seems to pop up now and then, including one that says Vote for John Saxon. Anagrams aside, this might be this seasons little secret. One other thing is the Doctor mentions he once had a brother, but no more. Whether he was lying or not, it’s an interesting comment.
It had been rumored since the Pertwee days that The Master would’ve been revealed as The Doctor’s brother, but the death of the actor who played him, Roger Delgado, put that theory on hold. It wasn’t until Peter Davidson’s Doctor was this thread -sort of - picked up again.
In The Planet of Fire, as The Master’s plans go awry and he is caught in the some fire, does he yell, “Doctor, how could you do this to your own...”
With The Master scheduled to return to the series in the season finale, Last of the Time Lords, it’s a good bet all of this is leading to a family revelation.
Just like the series opener, the Doctor is investigating something odd, something alien happening in London. This time it’s the Royal Hope Hospital, which is transported to the moon. Medical student Martha Jones (played by new series regular Freema Agyeman) soon finds herself fighting a blood-sucking alien who is hiding from the rhino like storm troopers called the Judoon.
Davies crams a lot of story into the 45 minutes, but succeeds in keeping things from going to wonky. Of course a lot of credit goes to David Tennant, who has made The Doctor his own and the very appealing Agyeman, who promises to be another, in a very short-line, of Time Lord companions who can hold their own.
There is one thing I’ve noticed about the new series, one many a critic and fan has commented on. The Doctor’s travels have been keeping him on Earth, which is starting to grow old. In some ways, these new TV adventures remind me of the first 3 seasons of the Jon Pertwee era, were he was exiled by the Time Lords. Then, the Doctor was trapped on Earth, with no working TARDIS. While this helps keep the budget in check, it also will hasten the end of the show if it continues to stay leashed to Earth.
Also, just like season one, there seems to be a thread of foreshadowing to the season finale. The name John Saxon seems to pop up now and then, including one that says Vote for John Saxon. Anagrams aside, this might be this seasons little secret. One other thing is the Doctor mentions he once had a brother, but no more. Whether he was lying or not, it’s an interesting comment.
It had been rumored since the Pertwee days that The Master would’ve been revealed as The Doctor’s brother, but the death of the actor who played him, Roger Delgado, put that theory on hold. It wasn’t until Peter Davidson’s Doctor was this thread -sort of - picked up again.
In The Planet of Fire, as The Master’s plans go awry and he is caught in the some fire, does he yell, “Doctor, how could you do this to your own...”
With The Master scheduled to return to the series in the season finale, Last of the Time Lords, it’s a good bet all of this is leading to a family revelation.
Spder-Man 4 already set for 2009?
As I grow older, the less I care about seeing movies at the theaters and the more I care about the business side of it, like how the big studios are already lining up films for the next two years. Of course, this is big business and to keep the investors happy, you announce these tent-pole films way in advance.
That being said, I wonder how Sony has set a May 2009 release date for Spider-Man 4, even though there is still a month before number 3 opens and that its have said that 3 is enough? Does this make the investors happy? Does Sony’s stock go up, despite not having a potential cast or even a director? I have no doubt that Spidy 3 will do good, but I feel this announcement is nothing less than speculative at best.
Meanwhile, after Speed Racer moved up two-weeks to avoid the potential problems of coming out the same day as Indiana Jones 4, the adaptation of the beloved graphic novel Watchman has been placed in its spot, May 22, 2008. Still, while both films appeal to some radically different fans, I think Watchman can survive against Indy, but it won’t be number 1 at the box office that weekend. Also next summer, Warner Bros. has moved up the release date ofThe Dark Knight, the sequel to Batman Begins, from mid July to June 13. It should easily beat up the new version of The Hulk, also scheduled to open that day. The move of the Dark Knight seems to be in response to the potential clusterfuck of July 11, which will see the three huge sequels opening the same day, The Mummy 3, Hellboy 2 and Sin City 2. And finally, looking towards Thanksgiving 2008, Sony has decided that James Bond 22 will take on Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince, as both films will open on November 19.
Not to bitch, but are sequels just getting out of hand?
That being said, I wonder how Sony has set a May 2009 release date for Spider-Man 4, even though there is still a month before number 3 opens and that its have said that 3 is enough? Does this make the investors happy? Does Sony’s stock go up, despite not having a potential cast or even a director? I have no doubt that Spidy 3 will do good, but I feel this announcement is nothing less than speculative at best.
Meanwhile, after Speed Racer moved up two-weeks to avoid the potential problems of coming out the same day as Indiana Jones 4, the adaptation of the beloved graphic novel Watchman has been placed in its spot, May 22, 2008. Still, while both films appeal to some radically different fans, I think Watchman can survive against Indy, but it won’t be number 1 at the box office that weekend. Also next summer, Warner Bros. has moved up the release date ofThe Dark Knight, the sequel to Batman Begins, from mid July to June 13. It should easily beat up the new version of The Hulk, also scheduled to open that day. The move of the Dark Knight seems to be in response to the potential clusterfuck of July 11, which will see the three huge sequels opening the same day, The Mummy 3, Hellboy 2 and Sin City 2. And finally, looking towards Thanksgiving 2008, Sony has decided that James Bond 22 will take on Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince, as both films will open on November 19.
Not to bitch, but are sequels just getting out of hand?
29 March 2007
CEO of Thomas Nelson posts a comment
So, sort of suprised to get the CEO of Thomas Nelson posting about my take on the how religious publishing houses are gathering strength to jump on The Secret bandwagon. Here's what he said:
David,
I'm the CEO of Thomas Nelson. We published Breaking the Da Vinci code, which was actually the biggest book debunking The Da Vinci Code. It was on the New York Times list for several weeks.
I don't really think these books are published in order to hurt the sales of The Secret or The Da Vinci Code. I've read The Secret and watched the DVD several times. I gave a copy to all of my executive staff. However, the real purpose is to answer questions that Christians—our core audience—have about these books and how the philsophy integrates into their own.
One of the first questions that was asked of The Secret panel of experts on the follow-up show Oprah did was from a Christian woman who didn't quite understand how it fit with her faith. If you visit the Secret’s Discussion Forum, you’ll also see lots of questions from Christians who are struggling with the same thing.
I can’t speak for the author publishers, but I have read the manuscript to There’s More to the Secret. I would not describe it as a debunking book at all. It's more of a here’s-what-is congruent-with-our-faith and here’s-what’s-not kind of book.
Thanks,
Mike Hyatt
www.michaelhyatt.com
I responded back, via email:
Mr Hyatt, First, I want to thank you for taking the time to read my blog on debunking The Secret. You're words are very kind. However... I've been working in the book business for now going on 20 years, and I've seen these type of books come and go like waiters in a resturant. The Secret is nothing new in either philosophy or metaphysical thought process. According to Byrne -and the quotes she has complied from everyone under the sun - seem to imply the Law of Attraction, i.e. envisioning winning the lotto, will make it happen. There's no proof that it can or will happen, but like religion, it offers people HOPE.
Thought about adding a postscript, but then realized I was tired. That could get me into trouble, as I so want to rant on the dangers of believing in both The Secret and religion. But, that will be for another day...
David,
I'm the CEO of Thomas Nelson. We published Breaking the Da Vinci code, which was actually the biggest book debunking The Da Vinci Code. It was on the New York Times list for several weeks.
I don't really think these books are published in order to hurt the sales of The Secret or The Da Vinci Code. I've read The Secret and watched the DVD several times. I gave a copy to all of my executive staff. However, the real purpose is to answer questions that Christians—our core audience—have about these books and how the philsophy integrates into their own.
One of the first questions that was asked of The Secret panel of experts on the follow-up show Oprah did was from a Christian woman who didn't quite understand how it fit with her faith. If you visit the Secret’s Discussion Forum, you’ll also see lots of questions from Christians who are struggling with the same thing.
I can’t speak for the author publishers, but I have read the manuscript to There’s More to the Secret. I would not describe it as a debunking book at all. It's more of a here’s-what-is congruent-with-our-faith and here’s-what’s-not kind of book.
Thanks,
Mike Hyatt
www.michaelhyatt.com
I responded back, via email:
Mr Hyatt,
And that’s the sticking point, from my point of view. Some one is horning in on that monopoly, and thus the need to publish such responses. I can call it a "debunking" and you can call it "here’s-what-is congruent-with-our-faith and here’s-what’s-not kind of book", but ultimately that author wants to make sure that there is only one place to find that hope.
If Thomas Nelson, any other religious publishing house,wants to publish 247 books about Byrne’s work, or The Da Vinci Code (hey, I knew it was a novel, i.e. fiction. He proposed some wild theories that went against the State, and everyone went bananas. I got to admit, I found it extremely amusing), more power to them. But if Thomas Nelson’s "core audience" cannot see what The Secret really is and take it with the grain of salt it should be, then I question validity of their education, and what their churches choose -and not choose - to impart on their flock. The smart ones are the people who shrug and say: "It's clap trap, I know it, the author knows it. And I know most Americans suffer from ADD, so something else shiny and new will come this way shortly."
Thought about adding a postscript, but then realized I was tired. That could get me into trouble, as I so want to rant on the dangers of believing in both The Secret and religion. But, that will be for another day...
28 March 2007
Cover for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows is released
With 17 year-old Harry reaching for the sky -or the final batch of money, the 784 page last book in the super best selling, gets its cover debut.Once again, look for the book to go on sale at 12.01 am, July 21, 2007.
Mika's Life in Cartoon Motion
In the age of pre-fab pop (ala American Idol), it’s nice to see a new pop artist who proved that you don’t have to manufactured to be success. His name is Mika (Me-Ka), a 23 year-old Lebanese currently living in London. A gifted man, he started to make the rounds trying to get picked up by a music label. He was turned down by all, if only because they wanted him to change everything that was him, to fit a common pop mold.
Undaunted by this, he refused to be shaped into something he was not, for a demographic that seems as nebulas as success of Britney Spears. He wrote “Grace Kelly” - and a bunch of others - to prove them wrong.
And surprise, after hearing "Grace Kelly", the labels came around and signed him on. It’s ironic, really, as the song is sort of gibe at them, with lyrics that ask:
Why don’t you like me/Why don’t you like me/ Why don’t you like yourself?/Should I bend over/Should I look older just to be put on the shelf?
But behind that elfish look, and charming smile is a young man with talent. If I had to compare him, I would say his influences cover many people and groups, including Scissor Sisters, Elton John, The Beatles and Five for Fighting. His lyrics are very intelligent and resembles the talent makes Rufus Wainwright such a delight.
And while his debut CD Life in Cartoon Motion is a huge success in Europe, the sad aspect is that he’ll never be as popular as he should -along with Scissor Sisters, I might add - because he is gay. And for weeks leading up to the UK release of the CD, many interviewers asked him about his sexuality. He was evasive in answering them, but I fear it was not because he was not ready to come out, but I’m sure there was pressure from his label to keep it down, in fear of hurting him in the US market.
However that may be changing now, as I read a interview with him about a week ago when another reporter asked him that same question. And while he once again, never said the words, he did tell them that its very obvious what his sexuality is: Just listen to the song "Billy Brown", about a married man of three children who falls in love with another man.
Besides, if there’s one thing I’m good at, is knowing family.
Undaunted by this, he refused to be shaped into something he was not, for a demographic that seems as nebulas as success of Britney Spears. He wrote “Grace Kelly” - and a bunch of others - to prove them wrong.
And surprise, after hearing "Grace Kelly", the labels came around and signed him on. It’s ironic, really, as the song is sort of gibe at them, with lyrics that ask:
Why don’t you like me/Why don’t you like me/ Why don’t you like yourself?/Should I bend over/Should I look older just to be put on the shelf?
But behind that elfish look, and charming smile is a young man with talent. If I had to compare him, I would say his influences cover many people and groups, including Scissor Sisters, Elton John, The Beatles and Five for Fighting. His lyrics are very intelligent and resembles the talent makes Rufus Wainwright such a delight.
And while his debut CD Life in Cartoon Motion is a huge success in Europe, the sad aspect is that he’ll never be as popular as he should -along with Scissor Sisters, I might add - because he is gay. And for weeks leading up to the UK release of the CD, many interviewers asked him about his sexuality. He was evasive in answering them, but I fear it was not because he was not ready to come out, but I’m sure there was pressure from his label to keep it down, in fear of hurting him in the US market.
However that may be changing now, as I read a interview with him about a week ago when another reporter asked him that same question. And while he once again, never said the words, he did tell them that its very obvious what his sexuality is: Just listen to the song "Billy Brown", about a married man of three children who falls in love with another man.
Besides, if there’s one thing I’m good at, is knowing family.
27 March 2007
Debunking begins on The Secret
You know, you are a nobody in publishing until spiritual authors start lining up to debunk you. Thanks to the huge success of Rhonda Byrne’s The Secret, not surprisingly (if you work within the book business, that is, as imitators abound), there a few authors lining up to disrepute the books claims.
Much like the months leading up to the release of the movie version of The Da Vinci Code, where there were more than 35 titles in the stores (and most from evangelical Christian and Catholic publishing houses), these new books are designed to discredit Byrne’s The Secret.
Publisher Thomas Nelson will release a title by Ed Gungor called There is More to “The Secret”, which its publisher says it was not written to attack the book, but rather “correct their misguided advice.”
okey dokie...
Then there will be The Secret Revealed: Exposing the Truth About the Law of Attraction, by Jim Garlow and Rick Marcshall. Galrow -along with co-author Peter Jones - wrote Cracking The Da Vinci Code, which turned out to be the most successful of the Da Vinci response titles. The idea of this book is to discuss the “Law of Attraction” as something “typical of many false religions and movements throughout the centuries.”
Righty...
There is bound to be others, as the gravy train that is The Secret continues. However, I’m unsure what the purpose of all of this is, beyond the money that is. Religion has always found itself threatened by anyone who tries something “different.” And for some reason they think by responding to it like this - by releasing debunking books (the same way they did with The Da Vinci Code) is some how going to damage The Secret’s sales and the credibility of its author.
It never works, really. If anything, it helps the book gain even larger audience. Dan Brown’s sales did not shrink due to the many tomes that came out about The Da Vinci Code, and the movie version did well by most standards, but was really hurt by its one trick pony plot line than by anything else. And there are many who are waiting for his long awaited follow-up, The Solomon Keys, due this winter.
I’ve been in the book business way to long to be impressed by the lemming attitudes of people who think The Secret offers them a chance at happiness. And give it another month or two, and the general public will have moved on to something else -like Harry Potter 7.
So, really, it seems that most of this debunking is really about how much money you can make riding the coattails of something -for what ever reason - that makes you feel threatened.
Much like the months leading up to the release of the movie version of The Da Vinci Code, where there were more than 35 titles in the stores (and most from evangelical Christian and Catholic publishing houses), these new books are designed to discredit Byrne’s The Secret.
Publisher Thomas Nelson will release a title by Ed Gungor called There is More to “The Secret”, which its publisher says it was not written to attack the book, but rather “correct their misguided advice.”
okey dokie...
Then there will be The Secret Revealed: Exposing the Truth About the Law of Attraction, by Jim Garlow and Rick Marcshall. Galrow -along with co-author Peter Jones - wrote Cracking The Da Vinci Code, which turned out to be the most successful of the Da Vinci response titles. The idea of this book is to discuss the “Law of Attraction” as something “typical of many false religions and movements throughout the centuries.”
Righty...
There is bound to be others, as the gravy train that is The Secret continues. However, I’m unsure what the purpose of all of this is, beyond the money that is. Religion has always found itself threatened by anyone who tries something “different.” And for some reason they think by responding to it like this - by releasing debunking books (the same way they did with The Da Vinci Code) is some how going to damage The Secret’s sales and the credibility of its author.
It never works, really. If anything, it helps the book gain even larger audience. Dan Brown’s sales did not shrink due to the many tomes that came out about The Da Vinci Code, and the movie version did well by most standards, but was really hurt by its one trick pony plot line than by anything else. And there are many who are waiting for his long awaited follow-up, The Solomon Keys, due this winter.
I’ve been in the book business way to long to be impressed by the lemming attitudes of people who think The Secret offers them a chance at happiness. And give it another month or two, and the general public will have moved on to something else -like Harry Potter 7.
So, really, it seems that most of this debunking is really about how much money you can make riding the coattails of something -for what ever reason - that makes you feel threatened.
26 March 2007
My Hidden Frontier Family
From left to right:
Top:
Andrew, Beo, Rob and Beau
Bottom:
me, Tim, Adam and JayTee
25 March 2007
24 March 2007
22 March 2007
21 March 2007
The Wild, Wild West: The Complete Second Season
When I was a kid, growing up in Chicago, Sunday morning was for watching classic TV shows on WGN. There was Rawhide, The Cisco Kid, The Lone Ranger, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, and my personal favorite, The Wild Wild West. That show -and possibly the classic series, The Avengers - saw me through the worst of times, and more or less, confirmed my sexuality.
While I always thought Robert Conrad as suave secret service agent James West was a prick, he was hot looking. That tight, compact little body (and shirtless as much as possible) shoe-horned into those tight pants. But it was the late, great Ross Martin I admired. As Atremus Gordon, Martin always looked like he was having fun, especially when he got to dress up in various disguises.
Anyway, I watched the show as much as possible, enjoying the brilliant idea of slapping together the two staples of the mid 1960's, James Bond and the TV Western. The show was pretty wild, even for its times -even though Conrad would later say that if you watched 10 episodes of the series, you’ve seen them all. It’s early season episodes were somewhat straight laced western fair, but like the daytime TV soap Dark Shadows, once it embraced the science fiction side of its plots, the show took off. Sadly, it was cancelled after four seasons, but not because of ratings, but because of the violence (which it was, as West got beat up every week)
The show disappeared from TV for a while, only to show up on the cable channel TNT during the late 1990's, where it ran for a few years. Last year, the show’s first season was released on DVD. Out of the 28 episodes, I think I saw all of them, but it was great to see them uncut for the first time, and in glorious black & white.
Season two came out this week, and it was the first season aired in color. The show also got a boost with its guest stars that season, including Boris Karloff, John Astin, Carroll O’Connor, Victor Bono (who was also in the pilot episode) and legendary actress Ida Lupino. Michael Dunn also returned for several guest shots as West and Gordon’s nemesis, Doctor Loveless. Plus, future Superman director Richard Donner got his start on TV and directed an episode that guest-starred Sammy David, Jr. and Peter Lawford, that led him to the silver screen, thanks to Davis, Jr. and Lawford.
A great series, I my opinion. And I’m hoping that they also release the two TV movie remakes done in the 1979 (The Wild, Wild West Revisited) and 1980 (More Wild, Wild West). They were once out on video, but I don’t think they were ever issued on DVD.
Plus, the theme music rocked. Classic all around.
While I always thought Robert Conrad as suave secret service agent James West was a prick, he was hot looking. That tight, compact little body (and shirtless as much as possible) shoe-horned into those tight pants. But it was the late, great Ross Martin I admired. As Atremus Gordon, Martin always looked like he was having fun, especially when he got to dress up in various disguises.
Anyway, I watched the show as much as possible, enjoying the brilliant idea of slapping together the two staples of the mid 1960's, James Bond and the TV Western. The show was pretty wild, even for its times -even though Conrad would later say that if you watched 10 episodes of the series, you’ve seen them all. It’s early season episodes were somewhat straight laced western fair, but like the daytime TV soap Dark Shadows, once it embraced the science fiction side of its plots, the show took off. Sadly, it was cancelled after four seasons, but not because of ratings, but because of the violence (which it was, as West got beat up every week)
The show disappeared from TV for a while, only to show up on the cable channel TNT during the late 1990's, where it ran for a few years. Last year, the show’s first season was released on DVD. Out of the 28 episodes, I think I saw all of them, but it was great to see them uncut for the first time, and in glorious black & white.
Season two came out this week, and it was the first season aired in color. The show also got a boost with its guest stars that season, including Boris Karloff, John Astin, Carroll O’Connor, Victor Bono (who was also in the pilot episode) and legendary actress Ida Lupino. Michael Dunn also returned for several guest shots as West and Gordon’s nemesis, Doctor Loveless. Plus, future Superman director Richard Donner got his start on TV and directed an episode that guest-starred Sammy David, Jr. and Peter Lawford, that led him to the silver screen, thanks to Davis, Jr. and Lawford.
A great series, I my opinion. And I’m hoping that they also release the two TV movie remakes done in the 1979 (The Wild, Wild West Revisited) and 1980 (More Wild, Wild West). They were once out on video, but I don’t think they were ever issued on DVD.
Plus, the theme music rocked. Classic all around.
20 March 2007
18 March 2007
16 March 2007
Will there be a fourth season of Veronica Mars
While games shows like Deal or No Deal and American Idol continue to get high ratings as Americans tune in and turn off their brains, shows like Veronica Mars suffer the slings and arrows of bad ratings, despite high praise from critics.
Started three seasons ago on the now defunct UPN, Veronica Mars is a student, progressing from her junior year in High School to freshman in college this past season, who is also a part-time detective. The show balances murder mystery, school drama and social commentary wrapped together with sarcasm, tons of offbeat humor and pop culture rants.
The series survived for two seasons on UPN, despite low ratings -as it came in dead last each week - but the network was pleased with the fan base it was generating, plus it was also the time that the mini-network was shifting it demographic more towards women, and the show had some great girl power going for it. Series star Kristen Bell also had a similar look to Buffy The Vampire Slayer star Sarah Michelle Geller, which the series was said to be compared with tone wise.
When it shifted to the CW this past fall for season 3, the show was paired with established hit, Gilmore Girls from the WB. To help initiate a bigger fan base, series creator Rob Thomas made the show more easily accessible, as the previous two seasons had a season long, continuing mystery. But sadly, the show has not performed as well as it should, despite that the writing has remained true, with its witty dialogue and engaging characters and its stylish noir look. So, it mystifies why the show is not more successful.
And its fate might now be sealed, after the show was put on hiatus after its February 27th episode. On March 6, the mini-network aired the new game show Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll, which scored a higher rating than Mars (though on its second airing, the show stumbled, losing a good chunk of its viewing audience). On March 15, E’s Kristin Veitch reported that Veronica Mars was cancelled, but it was quickly retracted by request of the CW, which says its fate remains unknown. But series creator Rob Thomas still wants his show to remain on the air and is expected to create a trailer for a retooled version of Veronica Mars, set several years after the end of season three, where Veronica is now in the FBI Academy.
But I believe its fate hangs, also, on the future of Gilmore Girls. Now in its seventh season, if the CW wants an eighth year it will need to renegotiate the contracts with the series stars, as everyone’s expires at the end of filming this April. And that could be costly.
In the meantime, Veronica Mars will return on May 1st for its final batch of new episodes. And by this time in May, we’ll also know if it will be back for season 4.
Hidden Frontier, the series finale wraps on Saturday
I must admit, that I'm approaching tomorrow's final shoot for Hidden Frontier a bit sadly. While it's only been a year that I've been associated with Rob and the cast and crew of the this online series, I feel that I've made the best friends anyone could ask for. And its like the last day of High School or college, while you say "see you soon", deep down you know that this will probably the last time you see them.
Oh, there is another project in the works, one in which I'll be associated with, but there is still a good chance that I'll see very little of the people I've grwon to love and respect. And that fills me with sadness.
But it has been fun, I've learned so much and yet it seems impossible that all ends after Rob calls cut tomorrow afternoon.
I wonder what he feels, beyond the sense that he'll have time to relax with man he loves for a while, before the next project gets underway.
Anyway, while tommorow is the final shoot day, we still have one brief scene to film, and that'll take place at the end of April, at UC Irving. Then its onto EB2.
Engage.
Oh, there is another project in the works, one in which I'll be associated with, but there is still a good chance that I'll see very little of the people I've grwon to love and respect. And that fills me with sadness.
But it has been fun, I've learned so much and yet it seems impossible that all ends after Rob calls cut tomorrow afternoon.
I wonder what he feels, beyond the sense that he'll have time to relax with man he loves for a while, before the next project gets underway.
Anyway, while tommorow is the final shoot day, we still have one brief scene to film, and that'll take place at the end of April, at UC Irving. Then its onto EB2.
Engage.
14 March 2007
Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows breaks record print run
In what is bound not to be a collector item anytime soon, Scholastic Books has announced a record breaking 12 million first-print run of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, the seventh and final book in J.K. Rowlings boy-wizards series.
This breaks the old record, set by The Half-Blood Prince two years ago, at 10.8 million copies. Scholastic has also announced a multi-million dollar advertising package that will include worldwide parties the day the book goes on sale, 12.01am, July 21, 2007.
The huge print-run is fueling speculation that Harry will die in the final volume, but I'm guessing that Scholastic is anticpating a much larger first day sales than the last book, which sold 6.9 million copies in just 24 hours.
13 March 2007
Shortbus
Sofia (Sook-Yin Lee), is a sex therapist who's never had an orgasm, who seeks out ways to overcome her "pre-orgasmic" dilemma, which is profoundly affecting her marriage. James (Paul Dawson), is a former male escort battling depression, goes to ultimate extremes when he can't even seem to feel happiness with his loving and devoted partner of five years, Jamie (PJ DeBoy). Struggling artist Severin (Lindsay Beamish), who works as a dominatrix, seeks to have a meaningful relationship with someone – anyone.
And while the on-screen sex is real, its not there for the sake of cheap titillation. Its only part of the film which is about the human relationship.
Director John Cameron Mitchell shines the light into all the dark corners of what we consider sex and what we consider love.
I think if anyone has hang-ups about sex -in what ever for you want it, gay, straight, bi, transgendered - the answers lay with in Shortbus.
And while the on-screen sex is real, its not there for the sake of cheap titillation. Its only part of the film which is about the human relationship.
Director John Cameron Mitchell shines the light into all the dark corners of what we consider sex and what we consider love.
I think if anyone has hang-ups about sex -in what ever for you want it, gay, straight, bi, transgendered - the answers lay with in Shortbus.
12 March 2007
Speed Racer relocates away from Indy 4
So, after looking Paramount Pictures Indy 4 in the eyes for a few weeks, Warner Bros. has decided to remove Speed Racer from potential problems battling what could be the biggest Indiana Jones film in the series.
Now the film will sit nicely between Iron Man, due May 9 and Chronicles of the Narnia: Prince Caspian, due May 23. With Speed Racer now due May 16, it opens a full two weeks before Indy 4.
Now the film will sit nicely between Iron Man, due May 9 and Chronicles of the Narnia: Prince Caspian, due May 23. With Speed Racer now due May 16, it opens a full two weeks before Indy 4.
11 March 2007
Fire and heat; Welcome to LA in March
It was like summer here today, as the heat came full on today, adding a mighty wind. This, appears, to be the cause of a wildfire sweeping through Orange County today, destroying two homes and threatening more.
If it start this early, were bound to have a very hot summer. And since the winter -which ends 1 week fronm Tuesday has produced very little rain, this summer could also be the worst for firefighters. As is, this winter is offically the dryest EVER.
Let's keep our fingers crossed, folks.
If it start this early, were bound to have a very hot summer. And since the winter -which ends 1 week fronm Tuesday has produced very little rain, this summer could also be the worst for firefighters. As is, this winter is offically the dryest EVER.
Let's keep our fingers crossed, folks.
The Loop
On March 15, 2006, FOX debuted the new comedy The Loop, starring Grounded For Life’s (he played the dumb boyfriend) Bret Harrison. It’s the story of Sam Sullivan, the youngest executive at the corporate headquarters of a major airline. As Sam tries to find a way to cope with the demands of his career- his boss Russ is a lunatic and his coworker Meryl, a 40-something sexpot, is continuously making sexual advances towards him - the social demands of his crazy roommates seem to continue to get in the way. He lives with his brother Sully (Eric Christian Olsen) , his college buddy Piper (Amanda Loncar, and who he secretly has a crush on) and Lizzy (Sarah Wright), the sexy bartender at their local hangout.
Created by former South Park writer Pam Brady and Andy Richter Controls the Universe writer Luis Gluck, the series does push the limits, and its humor sometimes can be crude as often as it is clever. Blending broad, bathroom humor with slick satire of corporate America is hard, but the creators also have added character development to expand the sometimes stilted stereotypes of sitcom TV. It also helps that the show in single camera, forcing the audience to laugh on its own.
The gem of the show is Mimi Rogers and Phillip Baker Hall who seem to having a great time with these broad roles. Rogers Meryl is so politically incorrect, and seems to take a cruel delight in teasing him -not only as his role as this junior drone, but sexually also - that she seems to be enjoying this role immensely. And Hall has made a career out playing villains and jerks, that his turn as the CEO of the airlines -who seems clueless at times, but ruthless in giving his customers less for more money - is perfect casting.
Meanwhile, Harrison has a rubbery face and plays the straight man very well. His double takes and ability not to get silly make his character very appealing, as he tires his hardest not be what every corporate drone has been for decades. Also, Olsen’s Sully is atypical older brother seen on TV and in the movies. He’s the slacker, and actually seems to be younger than his brother. The actor is appealing and like Harrison, cute and lovable.
Plus, as a bonus, both Harrison and Olsen spend a lot of time shirtless. So its got that going for it.
The two girls, Piper and Lizzy make up the rest and while fine, essentially could be dropped. The real element of the show is Harrison, Olsen, Rogers and Hall. And then there’s Joy Osmanski as Sam’s assistant Darcy. She is bitter that she graduated from M.I.T. yet can only get a job as an assistant to a guy who’s only talent it seems, is to remember everything about the airline buisness for the last couple of decades.
The show ran seven episodes, and to be honest, I expected it not to be renewed. While the show had weak ratings, it still did well enough as a post Idol show (well, it retained a larger audience than the previous show, something called Life on a Stick). In a surprise move, when FOX announced its fall schedule last May, they had order 13 new episodes for the 2006-07, but the show would re-tooled to focus more on the workplace adventures of Sam at the airlines.
In November of 06, FOX cut back the order of 13 to 10, perhaps knowing that by the time the show premiered in the 07, their schedule was too full to rerun the seven episodes, and then 10 new ones. In late February, the network announced the show would return in June, which is after the TV season has ended, and does not bode well for it continuing. As a matter of fact, Harrison is already doing a pilot, which more or less confirms the show is dead.
On March 6, the first season was released on DVD. The best part of the watching the show on DVD is to catch all the flubs. The show is set in Chicago, but beyond the lovely camera shots of the city, and the opening credits which were filmed there, its obviously filmed in LA. Take for example the opener, which had Sam giving a birthday party to Piper. They decide to have the party at Comisky Park, home of the Chicago White Socks. Of course, as a name, Comiskey no longer exists. It’s now known as US Celluar Field or as radio DJ Steve Dahl call, the Joan (because actress Joan Cusack ptiches for the cell phone dealer). Anyway, there is a pan to the jumbo tron and if you look closely (and freeze the frame) you can clearly see that they are in Dodger Stadium, as the Los Angeles Times banner can be seen.
Plus, of course, in the meetings at the “airfield”. Through the windows, you can clearly see the hills of California.
The show quirky, with an appealing cast and while I say it was never as clever as Arrested Development, it was still better The War at Home.
Created by former South Park writer Pam Brady and Andy Richter Controls the Universe writer Luis Gluck, the series does push the limits, and its humor sometimes can be crude as often as it is clever. Blending broad, bathroom humor with slick satire of corporate America is hard, but the creators also have added character development to expand the sometimes stilted stereotypes of sitcom TV. It also helps that the show in single camera, forcing the audience to laugh on its own.
The gem of the show is Mimi Rogers and Phillip Baker Hall who seem to having a great time with these broad roles. Rogers Meryl is so politically incorrect, and seems to take a cruel delight in teasing him -not only as his role as this junior drone, but sexually also - that she seems to be enjoying this role immensely. And Hall has made a career out playing villains and jerks, that his turn as the CEO of the airlines -who seems clueless at times, but ruthless in giving his customers less for more money - is perfect casting.
Meanwhile, Harrison has a rubbery face and plays the straight man very well. His double takes and ability not to get silly make his character very appealing, as he tires his hardest not be what every corporate drone has been for decades. Also, Olsen’s Sully is atypical older brother seen on TV and in the movies. He’s the slacker, and actually seems to be younger than his brother. The actor is appealing and like Harrison, cute and lovable.
Plus, as a bonus, both Harrison and Olsen spend a lot of time shirtless. So its got that going for it.
The two girls, Piper and Lizzy make up the rest and while fine, essentially could be dropped. The real element of the show is Harrison, Olsen, Rogers and Hall. And then there’s Joy Osmanski as Sam’s assistant Darcy. She is bitter that she graduated from M.I.T. yet can only get a job as an assistant to a guy who’s only talent it seems, is to remember everything about the airline buisness for the last couple of decades.
The show ran seven episodes, and to be honest, I expected it not to be renewed. While the show had weak ratings, it still did well enough as a post Idol show (well, it retained a larger audience than the previous show, something called Life on a Stick). In a surprise move, when FOX announced its fall schedule last May, they had order 13 new episodes for the 2006-07, but the show would re-tooled to focus more on the workplace adventures of Sam at the airlines.
In November of 06, FOX cut back the order of 13 to 10, perhaps knowing that by the time the show premiered in the 07, their schedule was too full to rerun the seven episodes, and then 10 new ones. In late February, the network announced the show would return in June, which is after the TV season has ended, and does not bode well for it continuing. As a matter of fact, Harrison is already doing a pilot, which more or less confirms the show is dead.
On March 6, the first season was released on DVD. The best part of the watching the show on DVD is to catch all the flubs. The show is set in Chicago, but beyond the lovely camera shots of the city, and the opening credits which were filmed there, its obviously filmed in LA. Take for example the opener, which had Sam giving a birthday party to Piper. They decide to have the party at Comisky Park, home of the Chicago White Socks. Of course, as a name, Comiskey no longer exists. It’s now known as US Celluar Field or as radio DJ Steve Dahl call, the Joan (because actress Joan Cusack ptiches for the cell phone dealer). Anyway, there is a pan to the jumbo tron and if you look closely (and freeze the frame) you can clearly see that they are in Dodger Stadium, as the Los Angeles Times banner can be seen.
Plus, of course, in the meetings at the “airfield”. Through the windows, you can clearly see the hills of California.
The show quirky, with an appealing cast and while I say it was never as clever as Arrested Development, it was still better The War at Home.
09 March 2007
08 March 2007
Mysterious Skin
When I read Mysterious Skin by Scott Heim several years ago, the novel never left me. It was one of those rare books that disturb me so much, that I knew I would never read it again.
In 2004, Gregg Araki -whom until then had only directed films about the nihilistic LA youths, something that he was raised in, adapted the novel for the screen. The book was already hard to read, but could it be made for a wider audience?
The book and movie is begins in 1981, where two 8 year-old boys in the town of Hutchinson, Kansas -who play together on a Little League team - come into the orbit of their coach, who is a pedophile. Neil’s mother is promiscuous, and only pawned him off so she could go on dates, while Brian’s dad is emotionally distant, apparently disappointed with his life and son.
That summer, Neil is abused by the coach, and on one raining night, Brian is taken by the coach and raped.
But while Neil, more or less, accepts this situation that summer, he grows up to be a gay hustler, but Brian believes that he was abducted by aliens that summer night -and again that Halloween. As he grows up, his dreams of that night set him off looking for other people who have been abducted by aliens. As his obsession grows, he realizes that there is a connection between him and another boy named Neil and sets out to find him.
The opening scenes, where the boys are being abused is hard to watch, and I suppose that was the intention. But according to the director, he filmed those scenes in such away that the young actors where unaware of the sexual content.
The films stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who after hitting success with 3rd Rock From the Sun, has set a film career the see’s him choosing films that most young actors would avoid. Like his role in the teen film noir Brick (2005), he takes on the role of Neil with such gusto, and gives another bravo performance. Brian is played by newcomer Brady Corbet, and delivers a quirky performance as a teen who has to discover what happened to him when he was 8.
It’s a tough film to watch, and its not for the timid. But the performances are fabulous and Gordon-Levitt reminds me so much of Johnny Depp. In the sense, that is, that after TV success, Depp choose a film career out of the mainstream. Starring in small, independent or low-budget features where characterization and plots were more important than tent-pole films of the big studios.
In 2004, Gregg Araki -whom until then had only directed films about the nihilistic LA youths, something that he was raised in, adapted the novel for the screen. The book was already hard to read, but could it be made for a wider audience?
The book and movie is begins in 1981, where two 8 year-old boys in the town of Hutchinson, Kansas -who play together on a Little League team - come into the orbit of their coach, who is a pedophile. Neil’s mother is promiscuous, and only pawned him off so she could go on dates, while Brian’s dad is emotionally distant, apparently disappointed with his life and son.
That summer, Neil is abused by the coach, and on one raining night, Brian is taken by the coach and raped.
But while Neil, more or less, accepts this situation that summer, he grows up to be a gay hustler, but Brian believes that he was abducted by aliens that summer night -and again that Halloween. As he grows up, his dreams of that night set him off looking for other people who have been abducted by aliens. As his obsession grows, he realizes that there is a connection between him and another boy named Neil and sets out to find him.
The opening scenes, where the boys are being abused is hard to watch, and I suppose that was the intention. But according to the director, he filmed those scenes in such away that the young actors where unaware of the sexual content.
The films stars Joseph Gordon-Levitt, who after hitting success with 3rd Rock From the Sun, has set a film career the see’s him choosing films that most young actors would avoid. Like his role in the teen film noir Brick (2005), he takes on the role of Neil with such gusto, and gives another bravo performance. Brian is played by newcomer Brady Corbet, and delivers a quirky performance as a teen who has to discover what happened to him when he was 8.
It’s a tough film to watch, and its not for the timid. But the performances are fabulous and Gordon-Levitt reminds me so much of Johnny Depp. In the sense, that is, that after TV success, Depp choose a film career out of the mainstream. Starring in small, independent or low-budget features where characterization and plots were more important than tent-pole films of the big studios.
05 March 2007
04 March 2007
03 March 2007
01 March 2007
A lie can travel halfway around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.
Mark Twain once said. It seems this is the world my sister lives in.
Well, nephew is back at Little sisters house.
I'm so unsure about all of this. Whilel nephew created all of his financial issues, I don't know how he's going to pay off all of debt, plus pay for all the things that the house needs repaired so LS can sell it working part-time at $7.00 an hour. Plus, crazy girl has nephew sign an agreement that he cannot get help from any family member, or she'll kick him out. This also means, at this time, I cannot even call my nephew -or can he call me - without threat of being homeless.
It astounds me that LS thinks all of us are crazy, including non-family members who know the whole deal. It seems, she believes she is the only sane one in the entire universe. Well, at least the family anyways.
Big sister spent time with (along with LS) at the psychologist on Feb. 19. Apparently, LS said that the entire family has never been for her, while she always puts 100% into everything. Plus, we never call. Well, when we do, she never answers (because I'm guess she gets a lot creditors calling her, but that began ages ago), and if we do leave a message, she never responds back.
Too busy getting on with her life, I guess. Hello, irony is knocking on the door.
BS has said she no longer wants to talk to LS anymore, and since I have not spoken a word to her since early January, I'm assuming she does not want to talk to me. Which is fine, because there is nothing to talk to her about. She has chosen, like she did 20 plus years ago, to cut the family out of her life. She see's it differently, of course. She thinks we've abandoned her.
My LS lives in a tiny world, caught on a stage in which she is the only clear headed thinker. She has basically taken away her kids from the rest of the family, using them as weapons in the imagenary battle she has created in her mind.
Nephew is stuck at home until he pays off his debt, but I'm sure he does not want to leave his little sister there all by herself, with such an unstable person that is my sister. I fear for them both, I really do.
But I swear, if anything happens to either of them, my sister will pay. Even as I write this, save it and post it, I don't care what happens to me. I will hurt her so much, knock her into next week so hard that it will take a major operation just to get Wednesday out of her ass.
She is lost to me, and the only sadness I have left, is for niece and nephew. Stuck with this bitter women, this jealous husk of pig, I fear for their lives.
And, if they can survive, I also fear for their mental health. Living with LS is bound to damage them, bound to ruin what ever chance they have at success.
As much as I cannot forgive my uncle for his verbal abuse while growing up, I cannot forgive my LS for the shit she is currently pulling.
Fool me once, shame on me, fool me twice -well, I won't let her. She is dead to me, as dead as my father is.
My only hope is that, by the gace of God, someone will rescue those two kids.
Well, nephew is back at Little sisters house.
I'm so unsure about all of this. Whilel nephew created all of his financial issues, I don't know how he's going to pay off all of debt, plus pay for all the things that the house needs repaired so LS can sell it working part-time at $7.00 an hour. Plus, crazy girl has nephew sign an agreement that he cannot get help from any family member, or she'll kick him out. This also means, at this time, I cannot even call my nephew -or can he call me - without threat of being homeless.
It astounds me that LS thinks all of us are crazy, including non-family members who know the whole deal. It seems, she believes she is the only sane one in the entire universe. Well, at least the family anyways.
Big sister spent time with (along with LS) at the psychologist on Feb. 19. Apparently, LS said that the entire family has never been for her, while she always puts 100% into everything. Plus, we never call. Well, when we do, she never answers (because I'm guess she gets a lot creditors calling her, but that began ages ago), and if we do leave a message, she never responds back.
Too busy getting on with her life, I guess. Hello, irony is knocking on the door.
BS has said she no longer wants to talk to LS anymore, and since I have not spoken a word to her since early January, I'm assuming she does not want to talk to me. Which is fine, because there is nothing to talk to her about. She has chosen, like she did 20 plus years ago, to cut the family out of her life. She see's it differently, of course. She thinks we've abandoned her.
My LS lives in a tiny world, caught on a stage in which she is the only clear headed thinker. She has basically taken away her kids from the rest of the family, using them as weapons in the imagenary battle she has created in her mind.
Nephew is stuck at home until he pays off his debt, but I'm sure he does not want to leave his little sister there all by herself, with such an unstable person that is my sister. I fear for them both, I really do.
But I swear, if anything happens to either of them, my sister will pay. Even as I write this, save it and post it, I don't care what happens to me. I will hurt her so much, knock her into next week so hard that it will take a major operation just to get Wednesday out of her ass.
She is lost to me, and the only sadness I have left, is for niece and nephew. Stuck with this bitter women, this jealous husk of pig, I fear for their lives.
And, if they can survive, I also fear for their mental health. Living with LS is bound to damage them, bound to ruin what ever chance they have at success.
As much as I cannot forgive my uncle for his verbal abuse while growing up, I cannot forgive my LS for the shit she is currently pulling.
Fool me once, shame on me, fool me twice -well, I won't let her. She is dead to me, as dead as my father is.
My only hope is that, by the gace of God, someone will rescue those two kids.
19 February 2007
All Star Game, Vegas and Whores
Las Vegas hosted the NBA All Star Game.
It brought in $47 non-gambling dollars to the city, but the people that came trashed the place.
It was reported that well over 350 arrests were made and a shooting at the MGM Grand.
Walking the Strip yesterday, you could not help but notice there were people who don't or wouldn't normally come to Sin City. Even I felt out of place, but anyways.
Beyond the usual homeless and hookers (maybe some out-of-town hookers came also) there were tons of gangs. And while everyone kept a tone of respect, it felt things could trip rather easily.
Add on the horrible traffic with people blasting bad music from the rolled down windows, anyone who does not live in a racially mixed city, could be intimidated by these people.
The thing was, since Vegas is close by to LA (from LaVenre, its 235 miles -about 3 1/2 hours away) that many people just came for the festive atmosphere -cause most people cannot afford the tickets to the game. The gangs that came were probably from the LA basin.
But I'm sure while the police will say different, for many owners of the casino's and other stores, the All Star Game was a boom.
But I'm sure it scared regular folks.
It brought in $47 non-gambling dollars to the city, but the people that came trashed the place.
It was reported that well over 350 arrests were made and a shooting at the MGM Grand.
Walking the Strip yesterday, you could not help but notice there were people who don't or wouldn't normally come to Sin City. Even I felt out of place, but anyways.
Beyond the usual homeless and hookers (maybe some out-of-town hookers came also) there were tons of gangs. And while everyone kept a tone of respect, it felt things could trip rather easily.
Add on the horrible traffic with people blasting bad music from the rolled down windows, anyone who does not live in a racially mixed city, could be intimidated by these people.
The thing was, since Vegas is close by to LA (from LaVenre, its 235 miles -about 3 1/2 hours away) that many people just came for the festive atmosphere -cause most people cannot afford the tickets to the game. The gangs that came were probably from the LA basin.
But I'm sure while the police will say different, for many owners of the casino's and other stores, the All Star Game was a boom.
But I'm sure it scared regular folks.
Viva Las Vegas and more family stuff
I remember, years ago, a commercial on TV where an actor is pushing some kind of medicine, and he says “I’m not a doctor, but I play one on television.” My guess is, that the image of a “trust-worthy TV actor doctor” was suppose to convince people to buy the product. I, of course, saw through that -as did many writers, as that ad became the joke of many comics.
On Sunday, I went to Las Vegas to see my Older Sister and her husband, who were taking a belated trip to Sin City after the last attempt in April 2006 was cancelled when my Younger Sister’s husband passed.
I went there knowing I would hear all the tales of what has been happening in YS life and her two kids, my niece and nephew. I had known that nephew had been thrown out of the house after flinging -in her direction - a steak knife near niece. Apparently, younger sister had finally decided that nephew -at age 19 - should learn what cause and effect is about (something I have been trying to tell and teach him for years).
Over the years, especially the last five, I was aware of things my sisters two kids were doing. But, this past weekend, when given the final puzzle pieces to certain things, I discovered I knew very little.
Granted, I did shy away from getting too involved with younger sisters kids, as she had made it clear on several occasions that they were her kids and she would dole out the punishment and what not. Fair, to me.
Case in point, my nieces losing here internet privileges. Now, what I thought I known about it turned even uglier this past weekend, when older sister told me the full truth about why niece had lost those privileges and why younger sister tried her hardest to keep dying husband’s family from being alone with him.
What I been told was the truth, but like Obi Wan in Return of the Jedi, it was from a certain point of view. I was told she had done and said some things on her myspace page that had caused her to be banned -nephew reconfigured the home computer with a log-on code that only he and his mother knew. It seems niece -who would’ve been late 13 or early 14 - had posted a nude picture of herself on the net. I tell you, this floored me on Sunday, standing in the middle of the Paris Casino in Las Vegas.
And, older sister informed me, this was why my late brother-in-laws sisters were not allowed to be alone with him during his final weeks on earth. They knew what niece had done, and they wanted to their brother what his daughter had done and what his wife NOT doing about it. Younger sister apparently felt this was info he did not need (and maybe so, but...) And older sister informed me that our brother-in-law died never knowing this. The truth was kept from him, by my younger sister, if only because brother-in-laws family already hated her and felt she was bad for him. And this was the proof they were right.
My little sister lives in a bizarre world where everyone is wrong and she is right. And even if she admits she’s wrong on that rare occasion, she doesn’t care. Since the passing of her husband last April, she has grown more and more odd in her parenting skills and her perspective on life itself.
So, I’m not a physiologist, but I am a Monday Morning Quarterback, so her goes. My younger sister is crazy. I don’t see how she manages to live inside the tiny stage she’s created in her mind. She see’s herself here as the victim. My mom, my brother, my sister, my stepdad, my step siblings, their spouses and me are all wrong about her.
It is we who refuse to move on with our lives, it is her children who are poising the well against her, it is my mothers and older sisters fault that she is in the position she is currently in -need we remind her again, that all of this started 20 plus years ago when she abandoned the family for the older man who said he loved her.
Now, nephew is living with my older brother. And on Sunday, niece was staying at her aunt and uncles house, close to where my brother and his wife live. Apparently, younger sister called my step-sister looking for her daughter (young sis had been out with her boy toy) to take her out to breakfast). Step-sis asked her if she was actually going to spend time with her daughter, or just have breakfast with her, then drop her off at home and head over to boy toy Mike’s house to get their freak on? Apparently, my little sister made some rude comment and told step-sis that K could stay with them, and hung up.
As of today, I think now that both my niece and nephew are at my brothers. The niece is still at home, but we’ll see how long that lasts.
This tale is far from over.
On Sunday, I went to Las Vegas to see my Older Sister and her husband, who were taking a belated trip to Sin City after the last attempt in April 2006 was cancelled when my Younger Sister’s husband passed.
I went there knowing I would hear all the tales of what has been happening in YS life and her two kids, my niece and nephew. I had known that nephew had been thrown out of the house after flinging -in her direction - a steak knife near niece. Apparently, younger sister had finally decided that nephew -at age 19 - should learn what cause and effect is about (something I have been trying to tell and teach him for years).
Over the years, especially the last five, I was aware of things my sisters two kids were doing. But, this past weekend, when given the final puzzle pieces to certain things, I discovered I knew very little.
Granted, I did shy away from getting too involved with younger sisters kids, as she had made it clear on several occasions that they were her kids and she would dole out the punishment and what not. Fair, to me.
Case in point, my nieces losing here internet privileges. Now, what I thought I known about it turned even uglier this past weekend, when older sister told me the full truth about why niece had lost those privileges and why younger sister tried her hardest to keep dying husband’s family from being alone with him.
What I been told was the truth, but like Obi Wan in Return of the Jedi, it was from a certain point of view. I was told she had done and said some things on her myspace page that had caused her to be banned -nephew reconfigured the home computer with a log-on code that only he and his mother knew. It seems niece -who would’ve been late 13 or early 14 - had posted a nude picture of herself on the net. I tell you, this floored me on Sunday, standing in the middle of the Paris Casino in Las Vegas.
And, older sister informed me, this was why my late brother-in-laws sisters were not allowed to be alone with him during his final weeks on earth. They knew what niece had done, and they wanted to their brother what his daughter had done and what his wife NOT doing about it. Younger sister apparently felt this was info he did not need (and maybe so, but...) And older sister informed me that our brother-in-law died never knowing this. The truth was kept from him, by my younger sister, if only because brother-in-laws family already hated her and felt she was bad for him. And this was the proof they were right.
My little sister lives in a bizarre world where everyone is wrong and she is right. And even if she admits she’s wrong on that rare occasion, she doesn’t care. Since the passing of her husband last April, she has grown more and more odd in her parenting skills and her perspective on life itself.
So, I’m not a physiologist, but I am a Monday Morning Quarterback, so her goes. My younger sister is crazy. I don’t see how she manages to live inside the tiny stage she’s created in her mind. She see’s herself here as the victim. My mom, my brother, my sister, my stepdad, my step siblings, their spouses and me are all wrong about her.
It is we who refuse to move on with our lives, it is her children who are poising the well against her, it is my mothers and older sisters fault that she is in the position she is currently in -need we remind her again, that all of this started 20 plus years ago when she abandoned the family for the older man who said he loved her.
Now, nephew is living with my older brother. And on Sunday, niece was staying at her aunt and uncles house, close to where my brother and his wife live. Apparently, younger sister called my step-sister looking for her daughter (young sis had been out with her boy toy) to take her out to breakfast). Step-sis asked her if she was actually going to spend time with her daughter, or just have breakfast with her, then drop her off at home and head over to boy toy Mike’s house to get their freak on? Apparently, my little sister made some rude comment and told step-sis that K could stay with them, and hung up.
As of today, I think now that both my niece and nephew are at my brothers. The niece is still at home, but we’ll see how long that lasts.
This tale is far from over.
15 February 2007
Family Poop
Lets start by saying while she is my little sister and I have to love her, she is so far in the dog house with the family, I'm unsure how to recover from this.
Since her husband passed last April, I assumed my siuster was trying to get her life back together, along with her two kids. But, I've learned, especially after four years that her husband was sick, that my little sister is a liar and not be trusted.
While it was obvious to all that she was stuck in a loveless marriage, for perhaps, the last decade she was married, after her husband was given the cancer notice, she tried her vainest to keep him alive. Now, maybe, I see why. He was her meal ticket (when he worked).
Don't get me wrong, she did work and go to school, but I'm unsure of her grades, as she claims they are good. Now, after the past 10 days, I begin to wonder if my little sister is just not to be trusted.
let me backtrack a bit. About a good 20 years.
Dawn was maybe 19 at the time. She was working for Giant Auto in Hoffman Estates -ironically, my brother had worked for them, and at the same store. There she meet a man about 18 years her senior, who (though I'm still not sure) was seperated from his wife. Kurt (or John as we would eventually know him as) has two kids, just a few years younger than Dawn.
Anyway, my sister began to have an affair with him, something she tried to hide. At this point, I guess, one could say that both my sisters were looking for "daddy" figures in their lives. Having lost our father at such a young age (Dawn was not yet 4), they both seemed to find comfort in men way older than them.
Once everyone found out about Dawn and John, well, all hell broke loose. My mom ruled her house with an iron fist, and she took no shit from no one. She tried her hardest to stop Dawn from seeing this guy, which would, in hindsight, push Dawn farther away.
One thing led to another and Dawn and John moved to New Mexico. During that time, Dawn kept in contact with big sister Donna, so we found out that Dawn had married John after his divorce and was now pregnant. During the months before Steven's birth, things between my Mom and Dawn eased. My mom still hated John, but she loved her daugther.
Steven arrived into the world on September 18, twenty-five years and one day after mine. Donna and mom went to New Mexico. Almost a year later, Dawn and John moved back to Chicago, and with the aide of the baby, things seemed to get better. I still don't think my mom ever trusted John, but she tolerated him, if only because Dawn was back with her grandchild.
They settled in (I moved to California), had another child in September of 1991, Kyra, and things went on, as they are bound to do. I moved back 18 months later.
But there was always tension, and me and my little sister tried to get along. It seems that Dawn and me were never destined to nothing more than brother and sister -the same thing I have with my older brother. Only Donna and I seemed to be more than just siblings. We were best buds also.
So, over the next decade, John and Dawn would give Steven an Kyra everything they wanted, as if John was making up for all the things he never gave his kids from his first marriage (and I often wonder if they ever became jealous of their half brother and sister). But somewhere along the line, both fell out of love with each other. And, I think Dawn realized she was stuck.
And then came the lies, the deception of not paying bills, of letting things slide to the point that I began to question things in my mind. But instead of asking, or some might say prying into her life, I ignorned some obvious things.
And then cancer struck, and the long slide into death for John began, and Dawn's family slowly began to unwind like a broken yoyo; no one was there to tug it back up.
To be continued...
Since her husband passed last April, I assumed my siuster was trying to get her life back together, along with her two kids. But, I've learned, especially after four years that her husband was sick, that my little sister is a liar and not be trusted.
While it was obvious to all that she was stuck in a loveless marriage, for perhaps, the last decade she was married, after her husband was given the cancer notice, she tried her vainest to keep him alive. Now, maybe, I see why. He was her meal ticket (when he worked).
Don't get me wrong, she did work and go to school, but I'm unsure of her grades, as she claims they are good. Now, after the past 10 days, I begin to wonder if my little sister is just not to be trusted.
let me backtrack a bit. About a good 20 years.
Dawn was maybe 19 at the time. She was working for Giant Auto in Hoffman Estates -ironically, my brother had worked for them, and at the same store. There she meet a man about 18 years her senior, who (though I'm still not sure) was seperated from his wife. Kurt (or John as we would eventually know him as) has two kids, just a few years younger than Dawn.
Anyway, my sister began to have an affair with him, something she tried to hide. At this point, I guess, one could say that both my sisters were looking for "daddy" figures in their lives. Having lost our father at such a young age (Dawn was not yet 4), they both seemed to find comfort in men way older than them.
Once everyone found out about Dawn and John, well, all hell broke loose. My mom ruled her house with an iron fist, and she took no shit from no one. She tried her hardest to stop Dawn from seeing this guy, which would, in hindsight, push Dawn farther away.
One thing led to another and Dawn and John moved to New Mexico. During that time, Dawn kept in contact with big sister Donna, so we found out that Dawn had married John after his divorce and was now pregnant. During the months before Steven's birth, things between my Mom and Dawn eased. My mom still hated John, but she loved her daugther.
Steven arrived into the world on September 18, twenty-five years and one day after mine. Donna and mom went to New Mexico. Almost a year later, Dawn and John moved back to Chicago, and with the aide of the baby, things seemed to get better. I still don't think my mom ever trusted John, but she tolerated him, if only because Dawn was back with her grandchild.
They settled in (I moved to California), had another child in September of 1991, Kyra, and things went on, as they are bound to do. I moved back 18 months later.
But there was always tension, and me and my little sister tried to get along. It seems that Dawn and me were never destined to nothing more than brother and sister -the same thing I have with my older brother. Only Donna and I seemed to be more than just siblings. We were best buds also.
So, over the next decade, John and Dawn would give Steven an Kyra everything they wanted, as if John was making up for all the things he never gave his kids from his first marriage (and I often wonder if they ever became jealous of their half brother and sister). But somewhere along the line, both fell out of love with each other. And, I think Dawn realized she was stuck.
And then came the lies, the deception of not paying bills, of letting things slide to the point that I began to question things in my mind. But instead of asking, or some might say prying into her life, I ignorned some obvious things.
And then cancer struck, and the long slide into death for John began, and Dawn's family slowly began to unwind like a broken yoyo; no one was there to tug it back up.
To be continued...
09 February 2007
This and That 3
* If Anna Nicole Smith did not die of a drug overdose (and I'm still convinced she did, but...) what killed her?
* Why was I born with this pectus deformity? I realize, God, that there could be worse things in my life, but why? I mean, was I bad in some previous life? The cruel trick also is that You made me gay. That's like adding insult to injury.
* Is Andrew the one for me?
* And if he is, why has he not made the first move (cause you know how much I screw it up when I become the agressor).
08 February 2007
Anna Nicole Smith 1967-2007
The death of Anna Nicole Smith's today at the age of 39 surprised me, yet some how I'm not. I will not be shocked, however, that once the inquest is done, it will be determined that she died of some kind of drug overdose -just like her son Daniel did back on September 7, 2006.
In someways, her life was tragic, but because she won the genetic lottery, she was able to hide from it. Which means, I guess, with drugs and booze. Plus, while I think she was smart, I still feel that she was a few tacos short of a combination platter. Which also, in many ways, helped her escape that sad part of fame.
To be honest, I feel since the death of her son 5 months ago, her time here on this mortal plane was limited. Even the birth of a new daughter was never going to replace the son she lost in September.
A drug overdose probably killed her, but like some have said, she really died of a broken heart.
May she find the peace in death that eluded her in life.
In someways, her life was tragic, but because she won the genetic lottery, she was able to hide from it. Which means, I guess, with drugs and booze. Plus, while I think she was smart, I still feel that she was a few tacos short of a combination platter. Which also, in many ways, helped her escape that sad part of fame.
To be honest, I feel since the death of her son 5 months ago, her time here on this mortal plane was limited. Even the birth of a new daughter was never going to replace the son she lost in September.
A drug overdose probably killed her, but like some have said, she really died of a broken heart.
May she find the peace in death that eluded her in life.
01 February 2007
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows out July, 21
With one announcement, the book industry too a huge sigh of relief, as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will be published on July 21, just 8 days after Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix hits movie theaters. And like the last two bboks, this lay down date is a Saturday.
This last book in the series should give a huge boost to the sagging industry, which despite a rich collection of tomes released at the end of September to Christmas 2006, is finding itself facing troubling times.
Of course, the biggest issue remains that the super books stores face tons of competition from other retail outlest like Target, Cosco and even the local grocery store (not to mention Amazon). Plus they over build, in some vain attempt to keep investors investing.
Barnes & Noble is doing better in the stock area, while Borders remains flat and not predicted to gain any strength for at least a year. It's new CEO claims big things are in the works, but from my POV, its working on the wrong things. A new inventory system would be nice, as our DM pointed out to me that when Borders was a hundred stores, it worked. Now at well over 510, it is obsolete and flawed.
Anyway, this last Harry Potter book will help through the end of the year, even though some 7 million copies will be sold the first weekend its out. It will sell well through the fall, drop off and pick up again by Christmas, which will also be the time when Order is out on DVD.
Cha-Ching.
This last book in the series should give a huge boost to the sagging industry, which despite a rich collection of tomes released at the end of September to Christmas 2006, is finding itself facing troubling times.
Of course, the biggest issue remains that the super books stores face tons of competition from other retail outlest like Target, Cosco and even the local grocery store (not to mention Amazon). Plus they over build, in some vain attempt to keep investors investing.
Barnes & Noble is doing better in the stock area, while Borders remains flat and not predicted to gain any strength for at least a year. It's new CEO claims big things are in the works, but from my POV, its working on the wrong things. A new inventory system would be nice, as our DM pointed out to me that when Borders was a hundred stores, it worked. Now at well over 510, it is obsolete and flawed.
Anyway, this last Harry Potter book will help through the end of the year, even though some 7 million copies will be sold the first weekend its out. It will sell well through the fall, drop off and pick up again by Christmas, which will also be the time when Order is out on DVD.
Cha-Ching.
30 January 2007
Harry Potter's Daniel Radcliffe grows up.
One feels a bit dirty old man looking at the 17 year-old in these press photos for his new play Equus. And while some of his fans, well, the parents of these fans really, seem a bit taken aback by these photo's, I think it's good for him.
First, of course, it's a role so opposite of Harry Potter. After playing the role for nearly 8 years and with at least four more to go, a role such as this can prove to be better for his career. While the play still remains as controversial as when it was first put on 35 years ago, in today's internet world -as soon as these press photo's were released, they zipped accross the web like a comet on crack - it opens the door for people not familiar with the story.
I believe this is a bold move for Radcliffe, and hopefully the role will be help his acting career, and not be popular because he'll be nude on stage for a time. But, it can only help. How many top female actors and singers have done nude spreads in Playboy?
Of course, once again, we have to note Radcliffe is 17 (and will turn 18 this July), but I think he has something to prove to people who only see him as Harry Potter -and will continue years after the final credits close on movie seven. He will show them that HP is only one role in what is bound to be a great career that should last decades.
And even this role in Equus, is just that, a role.
More power to him.
On a side note, I'm struck on how Radcliffe must've been forced to shave his chest (and that oh so sexy treasure trail) for the bath sequence on Goblet of Fire (though he kept his pit hair and some stragglers around his nipples). Seems while the actor can go through puberty, but you can't show that on screen.
First, of course, it's a role so opposite of Harry Potter. After playing the role for nearly 8 years and with at least four more to go, a role such as this can prove to be better for his career. While the play still remains as controversial as when it was first put on 35 years ago, in today's internet world -as soon as these press photo's were released, they zipped accross the web like a comet on crack - it opens the door for people not familiar with the story.
I believe this is a bold move for Radcliffe, and hopefully the role will be help his acting career, and not be popular because he'll be nude on stage for a time. But, it can only help. How many top female actors and singers have done nude spreads in Playboy?
Of course, once again, we have to note Radcliffe is 17 (and will turn 18 this July), but I think he has something to prove to people who only see him as Harry Potter -and will continue years after the final credits close on movie seven. He will show them that HP is only one role in what is bound to be a great career that should last decades.
And even this role in Equus, is just that, a role.
More power to him.
On a side note, I'm struck on how Radcliffe must've been forced to shave his chest (and that oh so sexy treasure trail) for the bath sequence on Goblet of Fire (though he kept his pit hair and some stragglers around his nipples). Seems while the actor can go through puberty, but you can't show that on screen.
24 January 2007
2007 Oscar predictions
Personally, like the Golden Globes, Letters from Imo Jima, should've been nominated in the Best Foreign Film catagory. However, I'm unsure of the rules, considering this was a Janpanese/American production.
Still, that is why I think Dreamgirls failed to score a Best Picture nod on Tuesday. Still, it will walk away with a few Oscars on February 25.
Here's what I think will happen:
Best Picture:
Should Win: The Queen
Will Win: Babel
Best Actor:
Should win: Forest Whitaker
Will win: Forest Whitaker
Best Actress:
Should Win: Judi Dench
Will win: Helen Mirren
Best Supporting Actor:
Should win: Jackie Earle Haley
Will win: Eddie Murphy
Best Supporting Actress:
Should win: Jennifer Hudson
Will win: Jennifer Hudson
Directing:
Should win: Stephen Frears
Will win: Martin Scorsese (finally)
Foreign Language:
Should win: Pan's Labyrinth
Will win: Pan's Labyrinth
Adapted Screenplay:
Should win: Children of Men
Will win: Children of Men
Original screenplay:
Should win: The Queen
Will win: Babel
Animated Feature:
Should win: Monster House
Will win: Cars
While Cars is by far a better film -in the sense in the way it was made, as its fully CGI, while both Monster House and Happy Feet used the motion capture and then animated around it, I actually beileve Monster House has a better story. Cars storyline was far from original and one done many times over -even in Pixar's own library. Monster House's story was more original and much more funny -and scary. The young actors actually brought more scope to the characters than just their voices using motion capture.
As for Happy Feet, well, while bottom of the barrel CGI is coming left and right, the film was choosen based on how popular it became. Artistically, I feel the film is nothing more than a so-so idea that became a hit in spite of itself.
Still, that is why I think Dreamgirls failed to score a Best Picture nod on Tuesday. Still, it will walk away with a few Oscars on February 25.
Here's what I think will happen:
Best Picture:
Should Win: The Queen
Will Win: Babel
Best Actor:
Should win: Forest Whitaker
Will win: Forest Whitaker
Best Actress:
Should Win: Judi Dench
Will win: Helen Mirren
Best Supporting Actor:
Should win: Jackie Earle Haley
Will win: Eddie Murphy
Best Supporting Actress:
Should win: Jennifer Hudson
Will win: Jennifer Hudson
Directing:
Should win: Stephen Frears
Will win: Martin Scorsese (finally)
Foreign Language:
Should win: Pan's Labyrinth
Will win: Pan's Labyrinth
Adapted Screenplay:
Should win: Children of Men
Will win: Children of Men
Original screenplay:
Should win: The Queen
Will win: Babel
Animated Feature:
Should win: Monster House
Will win: Cars
While Cars is by far a better film -in the sense in the way it was made, as its fully CGI, while both Monster House and Happy Feet used the motion capture and then animated around it, I actually beileve Monster House has a better story. Cars storyline was far from original and one done many times over -even in Pixar's own library. Monster House's story was more original and much more funny -and scary. The young actors actually brought more scope to the characters than just their voices using motion capture.
As for Happy Feet, well, while bottom of the barrel CGI is coming left and right, the film was choosen based on how popular it became. Artistically, I feel the film is nothing more than a so-so idea that became a hit in spite of itself.
22 January 2007
You Suck by Christopher Moore
I always thought that after Bloodsucking Fiends, author Christopher Moore owed a great deal to Buffy The Vampire Slayer. His hero Jody, turned into a vampire by a bored 800 plus year-old monster, is a sarcastic, tough talking blonde, er, wait, red-head who is not so keen on killing people to survive, despite that fact that Elijah (the old vampire) informs here that they only kill people who are near death. Still, even before that 1995 novel, Moore had been cutting his teeth -with what would become his trademark - crafting genre novels set in the real world -mostly in the city of San Francisco (where the author lives).
Lamb, for me, remains his best work to date.
Anyway, Jody -and now undead former minion Tommy, who Jody has sired - returns in You Suck. The novel follows most of Moore’s now patented formula of relationships between men and women that usually gets screwed up (by the guy), snappy dialogue and a lot of self-referential comments.
Once again, Moore brings back previous characters from Fiends, like the cops Rivera and Cavuto and homeless crazy man The Emperor. And while this is more natural than his previous works, I did find one thing distracting. Its been 12 years since Fiends, yet this novel basically begins the next day. Those self-referential comments about emo boy Jared was not even around when Moore penned the first book in the early 1990's.
There was also a special guest appearance of Charlie Asher, from last years superior Dirty Job. The encounter between Charlie and Jody in You Suck, is the same that appeared in Job (plus, Tommy’s minion, the great Abby Normal, is friends with Lily, who works at Asher’s antique store).
The plot is thin, but that’s not important to the story. The real treasure lies in Moore’s characters, who find being a vampire not what all those stories thought they would be. Jody and Tommy are really just folks -or undead folks - trying to get by. Not so much like the living.
And, perhaps there is Abby, who handles the bulk of the later aspects of the book through her diary. And while at times this expressive style, it does, OMFG, get a little wearisome.
I’ve enjoyed all of Moore’s work, but will always site Lamb as his best, so sometimes my opinion is colored about his later works. But all of tomes are million times better than most humorous genre fiction.
Is there others?
Lamb, for me, remains his best work to date.
Anyway, Jody -and now undead former minion Tommy, who Jody has sired - returns in You Suck. The novel follows most of Moore’s now patented formula of relationships between men and women that usually gets screwed up (by the guy), snappy dialogue and a lot of self-referential comments.
Once again, Moore brings back previous characters from Fiends, like the cops Rivera and Cavuto and homeless crazy man The Emperor. And while this is more natural than his previous works, I did find one thing distracting. Its been 12 years since Fiends, yet this novel basically begins the next day. Those self-referential comments about emo boy Jared was not even around when Moore penned the first book in the early 1990's.
There was also a special guest appearance of Charlie Asher, from last years superior Dirty Job. The encounter between Charlie and Jody in You Suck, is the same that appeared in Job (plus, Tommy’s minion, the great Abby Normal, is friends with Lily, who works at Asher’s antique store).
The plot is thin, but that’s not important to the story. The real treasure lies in Moore’s characters, who find being a vampire not what all those stories thought they would be. Jody and Tommy are really just folks -or undead folks - trying to get by. Not so much like the living.
And, perhaps there is Abby, who handles the bulk of the later aspects of the book through her diary. And while at times this expressive style, it does, OMFG, get a little wearisome.
I’ve enjoyed all of Moore’s work, but will always site Lamb as his best, so sometimes my opinion is colored about his later works. But all of tomes are million times better than most humorous genre fiction.
Is there others?
17 January 2007
NBC picks-up Heroes; Sci Fi gun-shy on Galactica
In what amounts to a big "wow, that's not a surprise," NBC gave an early pick-up for a second season of Heroes. The only real breakout hit of the 2006-07 TV season, Heroes will return this Monday after a six-week break, with 6 all new episodes. Usually, the networks wait until the spring to announce their pick-ups, but with the show a huge hit in the ratings, plus critic praise, the peacock network felt an early pick-up was right thing to do.
Meanwhile, Sci Fi Channel's David Howe, executive vice president of the cable network, which produces and airs the 1970s series remake, told iFMagazine that the reason why the fate of Battlestar Galactica hasn't been announced yet is because the network is on a time schedule for such decisions, and they usually wait until the deadline to announce it. But either way, he would be "shocked" if the show as not picked up for a fourth season.
While I'm sure the show will return, also, I find the Howe's statement about the network's time schedule amusing. NBC's early renewal of Heroes this month, versus' April or May, confirms that they believe in the show (on the other hand, the network loves Friday Night Lights, but will wait to renew the show; they're holding off until they see the ratings when the show moves to Wednesday). And while Sci Fi may believe in Galactica, it seems rather gun shy to not commit to a new season, cause the show has the critics going bananas. But those ratings seem to still bother them. Which means they are taking a wait-and-see attitude with the shows move to Sunday.
T.R. Knight on Ellen: Washington did call him a faggot
Watched The Ellen DeGeneres Show today, where she had Grey's Anatomy star T.R. Knight as a guest. This is his first one-on-one interview since an early-October incident on the set of his series forced him publically to anounce that he was gay.
Recalling Isaiah Washington's original verbal clash with Patrick Dempsey, Knight says the former "referred to me as a faggot," and loud enough for everyone to overhear. "I could've just let it slide and not said anything," Knight tells DeGeneres during the sit-down, "but it became important," as word spread and the press latched on.
But Washington, on Monday's Golden Globe Award show told Access Hollywood, apparently does not remember that way, telling the entertaimnet show that "There is no way I could do anything so vile" thing as call someone a faggot.
His statement appears to have enraged another co-star, Katherine Heigl, who told AH that Washington's revisting of the incident -and saying the faggot word again- continues to hurt Knight, who was in the same press room at the time. "I'm going to be really honest right now. [Isaiah] needs to just not speak in public. Period," the actress said in an interview that aired Tuesday. "That did not need to be said, I’m not OK with it. Drawing attention to it and saying the word again is just unnecessary."
"Yeah, he denied that he said it," Knight marvels to Ellen. "I don’t know what to say, really, about that."
What shocks me more -beyond Washington's white-washing of the incident -is how ABC and Grey's creator, Shonda Rhimes, have kept quiet about it. As Ellen pointed out today, the word faggot is a hate full word and is used way to often by people who then backpedal by saying it was "in the heat of the moment."
No matter what you're feelings are on about gay people, using such word and then lying you ever used the word, makes you look like an ass. The only thing Washington can do -if ABC will not do a thing -is to publically apologize. I’m not saying he needs to go down to West Hollywood and walk among the gays, but acknowledge that you said the word.
Lying is bad enough, covering it up with more lies makes you a fool and a idiot.
Accountability is all I ask.
Recalling Isaiah Washington's original verbal clash with Patrick Dempsey, Knight says the former "referred to me as a faggot," and loud enough for everyone to overhear. "I could've just let it slide and not said anything," Knight tells DeGeneres during the sit-down, "but it became important," as word spread and the press latched on.
But Washington, on Monday's Golden Globe Award show told Access Hollywood, apparently does not remember that way, telling the entertaimnet show that "There is no way I could do anything so vile" thing as call someone a faggot.
His statement appears to have enraged another co-star, Katherine Heigl, who told AH that Washington's revisting of the incident -and saying the faggot word again- continues to hurt Knight, who was in the same press room at the time. "I'm going to be really honest right now. [Isaiah] needs to just not speak in public. Period," the actress said in an interview that aired Tuesday. "That did not need to be said, I’m not OK with it. Drawing attention to it and saying the word again is just unnecessary."
"Yeah, he denied that he said it," Knight marvels to Ellen. "I don’t know what to say, really, about that."
What shocks me more -beyond Washington's white-washing of the incident -is how ABC and Grey's creator, Shonda Rhimes, have kept quiet about it. As Ellen pointed out today, the word faggot is a hate full word and is used way to often by people who then backpedal by saying it was "in the heat of the moment."
No matter what you're feelings are on about gay people, using such word and then lying you ever used the word, makes you look like an ass. The only thing Washington can do -if ABC will not do a thing -is to publically apologize. I’m not saying he needs to go down to West Hollywood and walk among the gays, but acknowledge that you said the word.
Lying is bad enough, covering it up with more lies makes you a fool and a idiot.
Accountability is all I ask.
11 January 2007
The parks closed. The moose at the entrance should've told you.
So, it's been a few days.
Not that I've had anything to say, but today I locked myself out of the bathroom. Yep, really smart of me. I dropped off some kids at the pool, sprayed the room, hit the fan and closed the door. Just before 4, when I was finally going to get on the tred mill, I thought I would open the door, turn off the fan.
It was locked. And all the keys that Bill has, not one opened the door. It took a while, but I finally stuck a screw driver into the jamb. One thing my door knob has that made it open was that if you turn the handle sticks. So you can close it, but it does not click shut.
Well, the click shut thingy was not fully out, so with a screw driver, a little push in and to the right, and the door popped open.
I just had visions of the fan going until Bill got back from Vegas on late Saturday.
Anyway, the weather is suppose to turn nasty this weekend. While 53 degree high on Friday and Saturday is nothing for this Chicago boy, the people on the news are acting like a blizzard is coming. Granted, since they don't get snow -except in the hills and valleys above 3,500 feet, this is their way to make it sound important. It's suppose to snow near Vegas, so hopefully Bill will have no weather troubles coming home.
Continue to use the tred mill, today and yesterday -taking Tuesday off for some odd reason. Weighed myself yesterday morning, after I got up. 181 pounds. Not heavey, I realize, but not where I want to be. Last summer, before I stopped, I had dropped to 175. I'm unsure how much I can lose, before it becomes bad, but at least this year I'm adding vitimans to help with the stuff I sweat out of my body.
The right knee still bothers me, from time to time. I'm gearing up for the insurance in February, so I hope to find out what's up with it in the next few months, along with getting my teeth fixed -which is bound to get very expensive.
Andrew will be in for the HF shoot on 1/21. I'm looking forward to seeing him again. I like him, but I'm unsure what his feelings are, but I think -I think - he likes me. I'm not holding my breath, but I'm thinking Beo wants to play matchmaker.
Old Man fixer upper guy returned today and replaced the garage access door. It's actually nice and should keep the rain out of the garage. I think Bill will like it.
Not that I've had anything to say, but today I locked myself out of the bathroom. Yep, really smart of me. I dropped off some kids at the pool, sprayed the room, hit the fan and closed the door. Just before 4, when I was finally going to get on the tred mill, I thought I would open the door, turn off the fan.
It was locked. And all the keys that Bill has, not one opened the door. It took a while, but I finally stuck a screw driver into the jamb. One thing my door knob has that made it open was that if you turn the handle sticks. So you can close it, but it does not click shut.
Well, the click shut thingy was not fully out, so with a screw driver, a little push in and to the right, and the door popped open.
I just had visions of the fan going until Bill got back from Vegas on late Saturday.
Anyway, the weather is suppose to turn nasty this weekend. While 53 degree high on Friday and Saturday is nothing for this Chicago boy, the people on the news are acting like a blizzard is coming. Granted, since they don't get snow -except in the hills and valleys above 3,500 feet, this is their way to make it sound important. It's suppose to snow near Vegas, so hopefully Bill will have no weather troubles coming home.
Continue to use the tred mill, today and yesterday -taking Tuesday off for some odd reason. Weighed myself yesterday morning, after I got up. 181 pounds. Not heavey, I realize, but not where I want to be. Last summer, before I stopped, I had dropped to 175. I'm unsure how much I can lose, before it becomes bad, but at least this year I'm adding vitimans to help with the stuff I sweat out of my body.
The right knee still bothers me, from time to time. I'm gearing up for the insurance in February, so I hope to find out what's up with it in the next few months, along with getting my teeth fixed -which is bound to get very expensive.
Andrew will be in for the HF shoot on 1/21. I'm looking forward to seeing him again. I like him, but I'm unsure what his feelings are, but I think -I think - he likes me. I'm not holding my breath, but I'm thinking Beo wants to play matchmaker.
Old Man fixer upper guy returned today and replaced the garage access door. It's actually nice and should keep the rain out of the garage. I think Bill will like it.
06 January 2007
This and That 2
* One week to go before I begin helming The Center Cannot Hold.
* I hate doing laundry, along with washing the bathroom and keeping the kitchen floor clean.
* I'm unsure if Bill has any intention of losing weight and trying to live longer than his 50's.
* I'm making something for dinner; have no idea what it is.
* Did not go on the tred mill today, but will run tomorrow. I promise
* Bought a new matress cover. Cost me $40. I could've gone cheaper, but why do I have to do that all the time?
* Nothing more.
04 January 2007
Here comes the rain
It's raining.
Of course, anytime it does rain in SoCal, it's a big event. Stormwatch and all. I laugh at how intense things get here when just a little rain -like tonights - gets everyone going. I realize, growing up in the midwest, a light, rainy night is usually shrugged off as no big deal. Here, it's like the world is coming to an end.
But I'll take all the weather maps, computers in motion and what not, because there is no snow and its warm.
Spent 30 minutes on the tred mill. Man, months ago when I was on the tred almost everyday, I could do an hour or more. I so sore and tired. But it does make me feel good.
So I got that going for me!
Of course, anytime it does rain in SoCal, it's a big event. Stormwatch and all. I laugh at how intense things get here when just a little rain -like tonights - gets everyone going. I realize, growing up in the midwest, a light, rainy night is usually shrugged off as no big deal. Here, it's like the world is coming to an end.
But I'll take all the weather maps, computers in motion and what not, because there is no snow and its warm.
Spent 30 minutes on the tred mill. Man, months ago when I was on the tred almost everyday, I could do an hour or more. I so sore and tired. But it does make me feel good.
So I got that going for me!
02 January 2007
Pat Roberston's 2007 predictions. Miss Cleo would be jealous
Pat Robertson continues to be the new Miss Cleo of the 2000s. The Evangelical broadcaster shared his annual New Years Nostrodamas “God Talked to Me” broadcast on Tuesday by saying that the Good Lord has passed onto him some inside info about a terrorist attack on the United States that would cause a "mass killing" late in 2007.
Got to say, this is pretty nonspecific.
You would think God - who knows the future, the past and what really happened to Brittany Spears on New Years Eve -would give us a date. If “millions of people will be affected by the attack”, why all the cloak and dagger? If you have inside information, and you are going to give it to someone like Robertson, can’t you say when, instead of some vague “after September” time frame?
All this sort of makes Pat Robertson look like a snake oil salesman. And the scary part is, people believe him.
Of course, this isn’t the first time Robertson played the fabled Miss Cleo. A year ago, the guy claimed God “punished then-Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon with a stroke for ceding Israeli-controlled land to the Palestinians.”
Of course there’s no proof of that, but if Robertson said, it must be true.
In January of 2005, Robertson said that George Bush would have victory after victory in his second term, would elect many conservative judges and have his Social Security plan approved.
Well, Bush is a conservative President, and its not a big stretch to assume he would elect conservative judges to the Supreme Court. So, that was a pretty safe bet when made that one, you think?
And I think the Social Security thing is “stalled” and it obvious Robertson missed the huge defeat Bush got in November. Of course that was 2006 and not 2005. Natch.
Robertson claims he has a pretty good track record, even though the tsunami he claimed would hit the US in 2006 did not happen, but he says all the heavy rains and flooding in up the North East was “partly fulfilling” of his predictions.
Again, all of this is so very nonspecific.
But when you make things up, this is what you get.
Got to say, this is pretty nonspecific.
You would think God - who knows the future, the past and what really happened to Brittany Spears on New Years Eve -would give us a date. If “millions of people will be affected by the attack”, why all the cloak and dagger? If you have inside information, and you are going to give it to someone like Robertson, can’t you say when, instead of some vague “after September” time frame?
All this sort of makes Pat Robertson look like a snake oil salesman. And the scary part is, people believe him.
Of course, this isn’t the first time Robertson played the fabled Miss Cleo. A year ago, the guy claimed God “punished then-Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon with a stroke for ceding Israeli-controlled land to the Palestinians.”
Of course there’s no proof of that, but if Robertson said, it must be true.
In January of 2005, Robertson said that George Bush would have victory after victory in his second term, would elect many conservative judges and have his Social Security plan approved.
Well, Bush is a conservative President, and its not a big stretch to assume he would elect conservative judges to the Supreme Court. So, that was a pretty safe bet when made that one, you think?
And I think the Social Security thing is “stalled” and it obvious Robertson missed the huge defeat Bush got in November. Of course that was 2006 and not 2005. Natch.
Robertson claims he has a pretty good track record, even though the tsunami he claimed would hit the US in 2006 did not happen, but he says all the heavy rains and flooding in up the North East was “partly fulfilling” of his predictions.
Again, all of this is so very nonspecific.
But when you make things up, this is what you get.
This and that
Another day at Borders. Ho hum. One good thing, though, due to the raise in minimum wage that started yesterday, Jeff gave me a bumo up in my hourly wage. Apparently, however, Patricia asked him why. I mean, I already make a more than the supervisors, and probably close to what managers make (and way below GM's), so I can see her questioning it. But, I think in the short time Jeff has been at the store, he knows I am worth the money.
Plus, I was employee of the month, got that recognition award of $25 gift card and lunch, eventually, with Jeff. So that is nice. I also realized I have 80 hours of vacation time coming to me and 42 hours of personal/sick time. I don't think I'll earn any more vac. time until I take some, so long weekends are probably in the works.
So, once I get our monthly $30 gift card, I can buy things. The question is what? If I buy any more books, well, I only read 16 1/2 in 2006 and I have more than 3 dozen I have yet to read. Buying DVD's at work is silly, considering that I can get them cheaper elsewhere.
Maybe some music. I'm way behind in that, but that's not so bad. But still have yet to Marc's Best of 2006. I'll give it until the end of the week, 'cause of the hoilday and President Ford's death have screwed up shipping.
I went jogging today, for about 1/2 hour. After 4 months, it was not so bad. But, I'm not going to over do it. I hope to drop a few pounds by April, and maybe lose enough around the waist to get back into 32" pants size.
On days Bill is home, I'll drag my ass across the street to the parks track. When he is working, I'll use the tread mill.
I need to keep this up.
Plus, I was employee of the month, got that recognition award of $25 gift card and lunch, eventually, with Jeff. So that is nice. I also realized I have 80 hours of vacation time coming to me and 42 hours of personal/sick time. I don't think I'll earn any more vac. time until I take some, so long weekends are probably in the works.
So, once I get our monthly $30 gift card, I can buy things. The question is what? If I buy any more books, well, I only read 16 1/2 in 2006 and I have more than 3 dozen I have yet to read. Buying DVD's at work is silly, considering that I can get them cheaper elsewhere.
Maybe some music. I'm way behind in that, but that's not so bad. But still have yet to Marc's Best of 2006. I'll give it until the end of the week, 'cause of the hoilday and President Ford's death have screwed up shipping.
I went jogging today, for about 1/2 hour. After 4 months, it was not so bad. But, I'm not going to over do it. I hope to drop a few pounds by April, and maybe lose enough around the waist to get back into 32" pants size.
On days Bill is home, I'll drag my ass across the street to the parks track. When he is working, I'll use the tread mill.
I need to keep this up.
01 January 2007
Rose Parade before the parade
So, Beo called about 6:30 last night, and asked if I doing anything for New Years. I had no plans, as I pointed out on yesterdays blog. He said come on over, Adam and JT were there, we have some drinks, maybe a movie and then go to downtown Pasadena and see the floats for big parade on Monday morning.
Well, I knew I could not miss this. So, I got there around 7:30, talked to Adam about Voyager again, was told cutie pie Tim was coming later. Anyways, we had some drinks, talked about HF -can't seem NOT to talk about it - called Andrew and wished him a happy New Year.
After Tim arrived, we jumped in JT's car, though Rob drove. We found parking and walked to the place where the floats were being staged. We walked around, welcomed in the new year, and saw all thouse lovely floats. It was cool, though not unpleasant. I still wore my flip flops, as they are the only things I wear when I'm not working.
I just love this weather.
Left a message for Marc, but seeing it was after two in Chicago and was unsure he was still up -he was last year when he called after midnight here. Poor Brad was drunk then.
Anyways, it was a great night, and I almost wished Mom was here, as she would've loved to see all those floats up close.
Got home at 2:10, in bed three-minutes later and was awake at 6:30. So I'm tired and was planning to start jogging today, but I'll put that off until tomorrow.
But it WILL happen. I just look at the guy above and know if I want anything close to that, well, I'm going to have to do (as there is no try, according to Yoda).
Happy New Year.
31 December 2006
End of 2006 and the books I read
New Years Eve.
Those pesky resolutions.
Drunks driving on the road -despite the laws.
Anyways, working tomorrow, so no late night for me. Might be in bed before the witching hour.
But, I will get back to jogging. I have too.
01. State of Fear -Michael Crighton
02. Cell -Stephen King
03. Great Influenza - John M. Barry
04. A Dirty Job -Christopher Moore
05. Angels & Demons -Dan Brown
06.The Da Vinci Code -Dan Brown
07. Bad Twin -Gary Troup
08. Map of Bones -James Rollins
09. Icon
10. Valley of the Dolls -Jacqueline Susann
11. Mayflower -Nathaniel Philbrick
12. Gil’s All fright Diner - A. Lee Martinez
13. Shadowmarch -Tad Williams
14. Lisey’s Story -Stephen King
15. Pirates In an Adventure with Communists -Gideon De Foe
16. The Innocent Man -John Grisham
Happy New Year!!!
25 December 2006
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