16 March 2009
15 March 2009
Books: Fool by Christopher Moore
What do you get when you cross Shakespeare’s most tragic tragedy and Christopher Moore?
You get King Lear as a comedy.
And using Lear’s fool (called Pocket), Moore re-tells the story of King Lear, who is old, and wants to retire. He decides to divide his realm among his three daughters, and offers the largest share to the one who loves him best. Goneril and Regan both proclaim in fulsome terms that they love him more than anything in the world, which pleases him. Cordelia speaks temperately and honestly, which annoys him. In his anger he disinherits her, and divides the kingdom between the other two. Kent objects to this unfair treatment, but Lear is further enraged by such contradiction, and banishes him from the country.
From there the tale begins a jam-packed ride of bawdy humor, extremely creative curse words and whole crap-load of intrigue that out shines the original tale.
As a huge fan of Moore’s, I was surprised to see him take on such a task. Not known for historical novels (with the exception of Lamb, which fictionalized the unknown years of Jesus), taking on Shakespeare -arguably one of the great playwrights in English language history - must’ve been daunting. Having never read or seen King Lear will not distract anyone from the story -after all, what movie or TV series has not stole ideas from Shakespeare’s work?
Still, at the end of the day, most of Moore’s stuff remains, as in previous books. There’s the always problematic relationship between men and women (and how men usually screw them up), his pointed humor, sharp as a serpent’s tooth here, and tons of sexual jokes.
But as I finished it, I’m hoping he returns to San Francisco in his next book. I’m wondering what The Emperor and Jody (along with Tommy) are up to.
You get King Lear as a comedy.
And using Lear’s fool (called Pocket), Moore re-tells the story of King Lear, who is old, and wants to retire. He decides to divide his realm among his three daughters, and offers the largest share to the one who loves him best. Goneril and Regan both proclaim in fulsome terms that they love him more than anything in the world, which pleases him. Cordelia speaks temperately and honestly, which annoys him. In his anger he disinherits her, and divides the kingdom between the other two. Kent objects to this unfair treatment, but Lear is further enraged by such contradiction, and banishes him from the country.
From there the tale begins a jam-packed ride of bawdy humor, extremely creative curse words and whole crap-load of intrigue that out shines the original tale.
As a huge fan of Moore’s, I was surprised to see him take on such a task. Not known for historical novels (with the exception of Lamb, which fictionalized the unknown years of Jesus), taking on Shakespeare -arguably one of the great playwrights in English language history - must’ve been daunting. Having never read or seen King Lear will not distract anyone from the story -after all, what movie or TV series has not stole ideas from Shakespeare’s work?
Still, at the end of the day, most of Moore’s stuff remains, as in previous books. There’s the always problematic relationship between men and women (and how men usually screw them up), his pointed humor, sharp as a serpent’s tooth here, and tons of sexual jokes.
But as I finished it, I’m hoping he returns to San Francisco in his next book. I’m wondering what The Emperor and Jody (along with Tommy) are up to.
13 March 2009
Monday Morning Watchman
After last weeks great, but (lets admit) less than expected haul for Watchman, a sort of post-mortem has begun. But was it doomed from the start? Could a film adaptation of one the most popular graphic novels of all time crossover from fanboy adulation to mainstream audience? And while Watchman hauled in a pretty $55 million, it’s take was reduced by the fact that the last R rated film to open big was Synder’s 300, which captured $70 million two years ago, and on less screens. 300, perhaps, was unique. But its success made Synder a household name with the fanboys, and may have doomed him in the end.
His near faithful take, the 2 hour 42 minute run time and the fact it was rated R could also be factored in, but I think the real reason here that Race to Witch Mountain might over take it this weekend, is because despite all the marketing Warners did with the film -and they supported it - they failed to take in the fact that mainstream audiences had no idea what the story was about.
And they don’t go to web sites that these fanboys and girls go to. They still will rely on mainstream reviewers, no matter what. So, even though Roger Ebert gave it a good review, along with Rolling Stones guru Peter Travers, there were many more who thought it was absurd masturbation fantasy. Even Entertainment Weekly rated it a B, but it still noted that the film had many flaws, mostly pacing, long periods of exposition, unnecessary graphic violence and cardboard acting -which seemed to a thread woven through many of critics reviews I’ve read.
Go to other sites, like Sci Fi Wire, and you get “This was the best graphic novel adaptation ever, and a pretty well-done R-rated action movie on its own, source material aside.” Then there’s this: “I just saw the movie and I thought it rocked! they did a superb job at interpreting the graphic novel.”
So, as penguin said in Batman Returns, what one person throws in his toilet another puts on his mantle. Try taking half these guys to Slumdog Millionaire, and I’m sure they say its just Forrest Gump. And it is, but its one helleva good film.
Is it apples and oranges, or is this further proof that these type of films, and adaptations are still, essentially cult followed products? That the reason studios get wary of throwing tons of money into this genre, is that its main audience is still a small group of comic book lovers who bristle at being called comic book lovers? I mean, one reason the TV networks fail to produce sci fi on regular basis is that they do consider this type of genre to have a limited audience appeal, plus the inescapable fact that these types shows tend to have higher budgets, thus must have higher ratings to justify them. Even the Sci Fi Channel has found that producing high quality genre shows like Battlestar Galactica and Farscape have not made the network more noticeable to mainstream viewers. Battlestar Galactica can get all the rave reviews it wants, but it would’ve never survived on ABC, NBC, CBS or even the mini-networks like FOX and the CW.
To me, its no surprise the fanboys are embracing this film, but I’m also not surprised the film did not, and will not, cross over to mainstream audiences. In the end, Zack Synder has broken no new ground here. The film is essentially an Agatha Christie murder mystery with super heroes. It leaves behind Alan Moore’s satirical skewering of American superheroes, in favor of graphic violence, pseudo-psychological babel and style over substance.
Call me a cynic, but Snyder’s resume - a remake Dawn of the Dead and that silly, homoerotic 300 - don't exactly qualify you as the man to adapt what is arguably (or so I’ve heard from my friends) the greatest work in the history of the graphic novels. He wants to be the next Christopher Nolan or Peter Jackson, yet he is no where near there being them.
But maybe its biggest flaw in crossing over from the fan geeks is its lack of familiarity for everyone else. Superman, Batman, Spider-Man and the X-Men have been around for decades while Watchmen’s characters are known only to its fan base. And while the graphic novel has sold well since the first trailer popped up on The Dark Knight last year - along with Time Magazine’s choice of the graphic novel for its list of the “100 Greatest American Novels”- it has shown that fickle moviegoers still know more who Bruce Wayne’s alter ego is than know -or care, apparently - who are the Watchman.
His near faithful take, the 2 hour 42 minute run time and the fact it was rated R could also be factored in, but I think the real reason here that Race to Witch Mountain might over take it this weekend, is because despite all the marketing Warners did with the film -and they supported it - they failed to take in the fact that mainstream audiences had no idea what the story was about.
And they don’t go to web sites that these fanboys and girls go to. They still will rely on mainstream reviewers, no matter what. So, even though Roger Ebert gave it a good review, along with Rolling Stones guru Peter Travers, there were many more who thought it was absurd masturbation fantasy. Even Entertainment Weekly rated it a B, but it still noted that the film had many flaws, mostly pacing, long periods of exposition, unnecessary graphic violence and cardboard acting -which seemed to a thread woven through many of critics reviews I’ve read.
Go to other sites, like Sci Fi Wire, and you get “This was the best graphic novel adaptation ever, and a pretty well-done R-rated action movie on its own, source material aside.” Then there’s this: “I just saw the movie and I thought it rocked! they did a superb job at interpreting the graphic novel.”
So, as penguin said in Batman Returns, what one person throws in his toilet another puts on his mantle. Try taking half these guys to Slumdog Millionaire, and I’m sure they say its just Forrest Gump. And it is, but its one helleva good film.
Is it apples and oranges, or is this further proof that these type of films, and adaptations are still, essentially cult followed products? That the reason studios get wary of throwing tons of money into this genre, is that its main audience is still a small group of comic book lovers who bristle at being called comic book lovers? I mean, one reason the TV networks fail to produce sci fi on regular basis is that they do consider this type of genre to have a limited audience appeal, plus the inescapable fact that these types shows tend to have higher budgets, thus must have higher ratings to justify them. Even the Sci Fi Channel has found that producing high quality genre shows like Battlestar Galactica and Farscape have not made the network more noticeable to mainstream viewers. Battlestar Galactica can get all the rave reviews it wants, but it would’ve never survived on ABC, NBC, CBS or even the mini-networks like FOX and the CW.
To me, its no surprise the fanboys are embracing this film, but I’m also not surprised the film did not, and will not, cross over to mainstream audiences. In the end, Zack Synder has broken no new ground here. The film is essentially an Agatha Christie murder mystery with super heroes. It leaves behind Alan Moore’s satirical skewering of American superheroes, in favor of graphic violence, pseudo-psychological babel and style over substance.
Call me a cynic, but Snyder’s resume - a remake Dawn of the Dead and that silly, homoerotic 300 - don't exactly qualify you as the man to adapt what is arguably (or so I’ve heard from my friends) the greatest work in the history of the graphic novels. He wants to be the next Christopher Nolan or Peter Jackson, yet he is no where near there being them.
But maybe its biggest flaw in crossing over from the fan geeks is its lack of familiarity for everyone else. Superman, Batman, Spider-Man and the X-Men have been around for decades while Watchmen’s characters are known only to its fan base. And while the graphic novel has sold well since the first trailer popped up on The Dark Knight last year - along with Time Magazine’s choice of the graphic novel for its list of the “100 Greatest American Novels”- it has shown that fickle moviegoers still know more who Bruce Wayne’s alter ego is than know -or care, apparently - who are the Watchman.
11 March 2009
Signing dumb things
At the end of the day, Borders continues to do dumb things in dumb ways. Such as forcing us employee's into signing yet another form stating something about not releasing anything on the up coming DVD of Twilight. Now, first off, why are we concerned about this stuff? We have a company in desperate straights, one doomed to failure by the time 2010 comes around. What are we doing? Hmmm, trying to get product into the store and onto the floor so customers can buy it? No, we're worried about some person leaking stuff about the Borders exclusive DVD of the most craptacular film since Watchman.
No one cares. Period, end of story.
Borders stuff on their special DVD was stuff they filmed at last years Comic Con in San Diego, plus other stuff. Still, I can't see anyone really wanting the stuff earlier than March 21. It's not like there's anything important.
Anyhoo, what makes this different than any other laydown? Should we not then, in theory, sign a paper every week for every Tuesday laydown? Why not sign one for Nora Roberts, Stephen King, W.E.B. Griffen or even the latest U2 CD, or the DVD release of The Dark Knight last year?
It's pointless, really. Besides, when I joined Borders, I signed a form saying I would never do what they're asking me again to sign for anyways. What is this need to keep going back again to it?
I know it keeps some paper pusher in Ann Arbor with a job, but you think they would be really worried about why we can't handle new sales trends as quickly as Barnes & Nobles does, or getting rid of DM's with delusions of grandeur or trying to convince our customers we’re not closing.
No one cares. Period, end of story.
Borders stuff on their special DVD was stuff they filmed at last years Comic Con in San Diego, plus other stuff. Still, I can't see anyone really wanting the stuff earlier than March 21. It's not like there's anything important.
Anyhoo, what makes this different than any other laydown? Should we not then, in theory, sign a paper every week for every Tuesday laydown? Why not sign one for Nora Roberts, Stephen King, W.E.B. Griffen or even the latest U2 CD, or the DVD release of The Dark Knight last year?
It's pointless, really. Besides, when I joined Borders, I signed a form saying I would never do what they're asking me again to sign for anyways. What is this need to keep going back again to it?
I know it keeps some paper pusher in Ann Arbor with a job, but you think they would be really worried about why we can't handle new sales trends as quickly as Barnes & Nobles does, or getting rid of DM's with delusions of grandeur or trying to convince our customers we’re not closing.
10 March 2009
Day Trip Believer
Over the weekend, a fan of our online Star Trek series came to from St. Louis to LA to visit the set and meet some of people who act, produce and direct Star Trek: Odyssey and Star Trek: The Helena Chronicles.
Matt is a fan's fan, 4 months shy of his 21st birthday and just stepping out into a new world of LA and the closet. Yep, we've corrupted him -and I think I a get a toaster oven.
We got him in Klingon makeup, put him in the front of the green screen, gave him a few lines (one in Klingon) and let him run through the space lanes of film production.
On Monday, JT and I took him on a magical tour of LA. After picking him up in Woodland Hills, we went to Hollywood and did some touristy things like the Walk of Fame, took him around Hollywood & Highland and the Kodak Theater where the Oscars were held three weeks ago.
We then ventured out to Santa Monica (passing through WeHo and Beverly Hills) and the grand Pier. We walked around, looked at the ocean, watching giant pelicans diving in to the Pacific Ocean and eventually headed north on PCH towards Malibu (which sorted made me hark back to the two years I lived in the Bay Area, and would drive south on PCH towards Monterey). After driving for a bit, we pulled over (just a few miles past Pepperdine University) and walked on a small beach and spent time sitting on the beach, looking at ocean (which was out for low tide, so we had some tide pools to look at as well.
After that, we headed back to Westwood (driving through Brentwood and hoping OJ was not around) and met up with Sharon and her husband Rupert at a hooka cafe called Habibi. Intereesting, if not more expensive than I thought. After that, we finally ended up in WeHo and stopped by a porno store for Matt's first experience in one.
As noted, he is just 20, so no bars. Drove back to Woodland Hills and dropped him off, took JT back to Silver Lake and then home.
Matt is, and was, a delightful kid. Shy, yet totally crazy. A fan who knows more about all the characters with in our little Star Trek series than even the actors. He has energy to spare, and can charm youy to the bones. I defy anyone NOT to like him.
Matt is a fan's fan, 4 months shy of his 21st birthday and just stepping out into a new world of LA and the closet. Yep, we've corrupted him -and I think I a get a toaster oven.
We got him in Klingon makeup, put him in the front of the green screen, gave him a few lines (one in Klingon) and let him run through the space lanes of film production.
On Monday, JT and I took him on a magical tour of LA. After picking him up in Woodland Hills, we went to Hollywood and did some touristy things like the Walk of Fame, took him around Hollywood & Highland and the Kodak Theater where the Oscars were held three weeks ago.
We then ventured out to Santa Monica (passing through WeHo and Beverly Hills) and the grand Pier. We walked around, looked at the ocean, watching giant pelicans diving in to the Pacific Ocean and eventually headed north on PCH towards Malibu (which sorted made me hark back to the two years I lived in the Bay Area, and would drive south on PCH towards Monterey). After driving for a bit, we pulled over (just a few miles past Pepperdine University) and walked on a small beach and spent time sitting on the beach, looking at ocean (which was out for low tide, so we had some tide pools to look at as well.
After that, we headed back to Westwood (driving through Brentwood and hoping OJ was not around) and met up with Sharon and her husband Rupert at a hooka cafe called Habibi. Intereesting, if not more expensive than I thought. After that, we finally ended up in WeHo and stopped by a porno store for Matt's first experience in one.
As noted, he is just 20, so no bars. Drove back to Woodland Hills and dropped him off, took JT back to Silver Lake and then home.
Matt is, and was, a delightful kid. Shy, yet totally crazy. A fan who knows more about all the characters with in our little Star Trek series than even the actors. He has energy to spare, and can charm youy to the bones. I defy anyone NOT to like him.
07 March 2009
NBC renews Heroes, ends the life of Knight Rider 2.0
Despite eroding ratings and critical panning from the press and its fans, NBC announced they've picked up Heroes for a fourth season. Part of the reason may be that the show does fairly well overseas, but it also shows some faith in Bryan Fuller, who returned to the show as a consulting producer for the shows final 6 episodes. It's been reported that the show will return to its more character based roots from season one, and that out of six episodes he oversaw, he wrote the upcoming March 16th episode. Fuller will stay on for the shows fourth season.
Still, while ratings are down 24% overall, in the all important 18-49 advertiser demographic, the show is in a virtual tie with The Office as the highest ranked NBC show.
The Peacock network will probably follow ABC's Lost model by setting a long-term series end-date for the show, even though it appears the network wants Heroes to continue beyond season 4 -most likely wanting the magic 100 episodes to sell into syndication and the lucrative oversea market. However, while the pick-up was good, the new NBC entertainment president Angela Bromstad noted they expect to shoot 18 -20 episodes for season four, down from season one's 23 and season three's 25.
On a side note, for the few fans who were still watching the clunky re-do of Knight Rider, NBC has decided to kill the show.
But then, who's surprised at that?
Still, while ratings are down 24% overall, in the all important 18-49 advertiser demographic, the show is in a virtual tie with The Office as the highest ranked NBC show.
The Peacock network will probably follow ABC's Lost model by setting a long-term series end-date for the show, even though it appears the network wants Heroes to continue beyond season 4 -most likely wanting the magic 100 episodes to sell into syndication and the lucrative oversea market. However, while the pick-up was good, the new NBC entertainment president Angela Bromstad noted they expect to shoot 18 -20 episodes for season four, down from season one's 23 and season three's 25.
On a side note, for the few fans who were still watching the clunky re-do of Knight Rider, NBC has decided to kill the show.
But then, who's surprised at that?
05 March 2009
26 February 2009
Borders to close its huge Chicago store on the Mag. Mile
Borders announced today its closing its huge store on Michigan Avenue in Chicago. The closing, schedule for January 2010, is happening due to performance issues at the location, which opened in 1995. While part of the downturn is evident because of the economy, its obvious that Borders financial issues plays in here as well.
Still, one also has to realize that leasing on the Magnificent Mile is expensive. And since Borders cannot arbitrarily raise prices like many of the clothing stores and what not on the retail street, it can no longer afford the rent.
Borders, however, still has 19 other stores in the Chicagoland market, with three smaller sized Superstores and a Borders Express within 5 miles of the Michigan Ave. store.
Never worked there, but I did like the store. It's huge, like 4 floors. Nice to visit, busy as hell all the time, but I guess just way too expensive to run.
Still, one also has to realize that leasing on the Magnificent Mile is expensive. And since Borders cannot arbitrarily raise prices like many of the clothing stores and what not on the retail street, it can no longer afford the rent.
Borders, however, still has 19 other stores in the Chicagoland market, with three smaller sized Superstores and a Borders Express within 5 miles of the Michigan Ave. store.
Never worked there, but I did like the store. It's huge, like 4 floors. Nice to visit, busy as hell all the time, but I guess just way too expensive to run.
British actress Wendy Richard -Miss Brahms dies
As the resident sexpot Miss Brahms on the classic British TV series Are You Being Served?, Wendy Richard was the comic foil to the indomitable Mrs Slocombe and the rest of the crazy employee's of Grace Bros. Wendy Richard, who played her from 1973 to 1985, passed away at the age of 65 after a long battle with breast cancer.
Like the death of John Inman nearly two years ago, her passing fills me with terrible sadness. I adore that show, and watch it every time its on. The cast was brilliant, the scripts witty and the characters, you felt, were people you knew.
And while American fans will always remember her for that role, for most British citizen's it was her role on the classic soap EastEnder's that cemented her career. Her role as the damaged but undefeated Pauline Fowler made her a houshold name.
She'll live on in reruns, but the world is a bit sadder today.
Like the death of John Inman nearly two years ago, her passing fills me with terrible sadness. I adore that show, and watch it every time its on. The cast was brilliant, the scripts witty and the characters, you felt, were people you knew.
And while American fans will always remember her for that role, for most British citizen's it was her role on the classic soap EastEnder's that cemented her career. Her role as the damaged but undefeated Pauline Fowler made her a houshold name.
She'll live on in reruns, but the world is a bit sadder today.
24 February 2009
What's with music at the Oscars?
When we were watching the Oscars the other night, my house mates friend brought up the oddness of so few Best Original Score and Original Song nominations. Usually -in most of the major categories - there are five choices. Each had only three nominees. Why?
According to NPR, the reason The Dark Knight was not nominated for its score was that both Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard -and, it seems, a few others - worked on the film, and apparently the holders at the Academy thought there was too many cooks. However, they apparently changed their minds after another listen, and said that both Zimmer and Howard wrote enough to make the score eligible. As it seems, the honor was not given.
I’m unsure of the Academy rules when it comes to scores, but every movie released in 2008 had a score, why was films such as Milk, WALL-E and even Twilight not nominated? Were they not submitted, or what? Or, was there just not enough good scores?
And what of the Original Song? Only three and two from Slumdog Millionaires. Now, of course, I think this is more simpler answer; there are no good songs. Not since Titanic has there really been a huge hit song from a movie, and love it or hate it, My Heart Will Go On will endure.
Songs created for movies are no longer designed to live beyond the DVD release and even though Bob Dylan won an Oscar for his song in Wonder Boys, did anyone ever hear on the radio (though, I guess the same can be said for this years winner) or seen the video? Look at the song for Quantum of Solace, the last James Bond film. Much like the last batch of title songs from the film series, Another Way To Die from Jack White and Alicia Keyes is dull and pointless. It makes the Duran Duran cement mixer song for A View To A Kill almost on par with Live and Let Die and The Spy Who Loved Me.
Still, is the Academy not nominating songs because of some nebulas rules, or are they pointing out that the songs being written for movies (which are many) are formulaic, forgetful and badly written?
According to NPR, the reason The Dark Knight was not nominated for its score was that both Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard -and, it seems, a few others - worked on the film, and apparently the holders at the Academy thought there was too many cooks. However, they apparently changed their minds after another listen, and said that both Zimmer and Howard wrote enough to make the score eligible. As it seems, the honor was not given.
I’m unsure of the Academy rules when it comes to scores, but every movie released in 2008 had a score, why was films such as Milk, WALL-E and even Twilight not nominated? Were they not submitted, or what? Or, was there just not enough good scores?
And what of the Original Song? Only three and two from Slumdog Millionaires. Now, of course, I think this is more simpler answer; there are no good songs. Not since Titanic has there really been a huge hit song from a movie, and love it or hate it, My Heart Will Go On will endure.
Songs created for movies are no longer designed to live beyond the DVD release and even though Bob Dylan won an Oscar for his song in Wonder Boys, did anyone ever hear on the radio (though, I guess the same can be said for this years winner) or seen the video? Look at the song for Quantum of Solace, the last James Bond film. Much like the last batch of title songs from the film series, Another Way To Die from Jack White and Alicia Keyes is dull and pointless. It makes the Duran Duran cement mixer song for A View To A Kill almost on par with Live and Let Die and The Spy Who Loved Me.
Still, is the Academy not nominating songs because of some nebulas rules, or are they pointing out that the songs being written for movies (which are many) are formulaic, forgetful and badly written?
The CW picks-up 75% of its shows -Smallville back for season 9; Reaper to be cast off?
The CW announced that they’ve picked up Smallville and Supernatural for a the 2009-10 TV season -along with most of their current programming that includes 90210, Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill and America’s Next Top Model.
Shows on the “bubble” include Privileged, The Game and Everybody Hates Chris. Also on that list is Reaper, which does not premier its second season until March 3. It’s possible the CW will wait until a few episodes are out before making its decision on its fate. But with the mini-network working on a spin-off of Gossip Girl and remake of Melrose Place among other shows in development the odds are the CW will just let the show go.
The pickup of Smallville comes as a somewhat of a surprise. It had been more or less confirmed before the start of this current season, the show would close out eight years. But while ratings (along with Supernatural) have dipped, the creative new direction the shows taken (with a new team behind the magic curtains) has given the CW enough confidence to pick up the show for a ninth season. Plus, Supernatural has kept most of its lead-in audience, so its renewal comes more or less because Smallville got picked up.
Shows on the “bubble” include Privileged, The Game and Everybody Hates Chris. Also on that list is Reaper, which does not premier its second season until March 3. It’s possible the CW will wait until a few episodes are out before making its decision on its fate. But with the mini-network working on a spin-off of Gossip Girl and remake of Melrose Place among other shows in development the odds are the CW will just let the show go.
The pickup of Smallville comes as a somewhat of a surprise. It had been more or less confirmed before the start of this current season, the show would close out eight years. But while ratings (along with Supernatural) have dipped, the creative new direction the shows taken (with a new team behind the magic curtains) has given the CW enough confidence to pick up the show for a ninth season. Plus, Supernatural has kept most of its lead-in audience, so its renewal comes more or less because Smallville got picked up.
22 February 2009
Sean Penn and Lance Black take home Oscars for Milk
Perhaps, it was the because Prop 8 passed that led both Lance Black and Sean Penn to win Oscars for their work on Milk. Penn's win as Best Actor was the only real surprise upset at the 81st Annual Academy Awards, as Mickey Rourke (who's role in The Wrestler as a man seeking redemption that mirrored his real life) seemed almost destined to win.
But after Prop 8 passed, after the voters here in California said it was legally alright to violate the civil rights of a group of people, the fate of Milk and actor Sean Penn was sealed.
Still, when Penn started his speech with "You commie homo-loving sons of guns" you got to realize this what every conservative asshat out there will be saying tomorrow. He added: "For those who saw the signs of hatred as our cars drove in tonight, I think it's a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect on their great shame and their shame in their grandchildren's eyes if they continue that support. We've got to have equal rights for everyone."
But first we've got to convince these folks that this has nothing to do with morality.
But maybe its Dustin Lance Black who put it best when accepting his Oscar for Best Original Screenplay:
"If Harvey had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he would want me to say to all the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight who have been told they are less than by the churches, by the government, by their families,that you are beautiful, wonderful creatures of value, and that no matter what anyone tells you, God does love you and that very soon, I promise you, you will have equal rights, federally, across this great nation of ours."
Perhaps. Just perhaps, this is the beginning of the end for hate in California and America.
But after Prop 8 passed, after the voters here in California said it was legally alright to violate the civil rights of a group of people, the fate of Milk and actor Sean Penn was sealed.
Still, when Penn started his speech with "You commie homo-loving sons of guns" you got to realize this what every conservative asshat out there will be saying tomorrow. He added: "For those who saw the signs of hatred as our cars drove in tonight, I think it's a good time for those who voted for the ban against gay marriage to sit and reflect on their great shame and their shame in their grandchildren's eyes if they continue that support. We've got to have equal rights for everyone."
But first we've got to convince these folks that this has nothing to do with morality.
But maybe its Dustin Lance Black who put it best when accepting his Oscar for Best Original Screenplay:
"If Harvey had not been taken from us 30 years ago, I think he would want me to say to all the gay and lesbian kids out there tonight who have been told they are less than by the churches, by the government, by their families,that you are beautiful, wonderful creatures of value, and that no matter what anyone tells you, God does love you and that very soon, I promise you, you will have equal rights, federally, across this great nation of ours."
Perhaps. Just perhaps, this is the beginning of the end for hate in California and America.
Books: Captain Freedom by G. Xavier Robillard
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLVPRfpC2Yg&eurl=http://www.captainfreedom.net/2009/01/04/captain-freedom-vents-about-new-book/&feature=player_embedded
So, this is my third book I’ve read over the last year about superheroes and their problems fitting into modern day society. Soon I Will Be Invincible was a glorious poke at comic books and their fans, while Hero was about a gay teen trying to fit in with the rest of the good guys. In Captain Freedom, which seems to owe a lot towards Cartoon Networks Johnny Quest parody, The Venture Brothers, and in particular, the Monarch, we get a neurotic superhero who is also a media whore.
So fame, as it always, is fleeting and comes crashing down on Freedom after a dinner date that goes wrong. Soon, he finds he’s been fired from Gotham Comixs -who’s middle managers say the his comic can no longer compete “with the indecipherable but adorable manga” - and forced into retirement. What's he supposed to do now? Being a superhero is all he’s ever known. So, like anyone with too much time and money on their hands, he enters politics and writes a childrens book.
But as his life coach points out, all he really needs is to commit to a single long-term archenemy.
Captain Freedom is hysterical, very wicked satire of being a celebrity, about office life, about politics and being, of course, a Superhero. In the meantime, he takes on NPR, Hollywood, and the fashion world.
The novel is wonderful in many ways, with a Superhero who both dumb and smart, kinda clueless and sort of adorable. A quick read and one you won't be disappointed in.
So fame, as it always, is fleeting and comes crashing down on Freedom after a dinner date that goes wrong. Soon, he finds he’s been fired from Gotham Comixs -who’s middle managers say the his comic can no longer compete “with the indecipherable but adorable manga” - and forced into retirement. What's he supposed to do now? Being a superhero is all he’s ever known. So, like anyone with too much time and money on their hands, he enters politics and writes a childrens book.
But as his life coach points out, all he really needs is to commit to a single long-term archenemy.
Captain Freedom is hysterical, very wicked satire of being a celebrity, about office life, about politics and being, of course, a Superhero. In the meantime, he takes on NPR, Hollywood, and the fashion world.
The novel is wonderful in many ways, with a Superhero who both dumb and smart, kinda clueless and sort of adorable. A quick read and one you won't be disappointed in.
19 February 2009
Borders Group Cuts 136 Jobs, Or 12% Of Corporate Work Force
DOW JONES NEWSWIRES
Earlier this month, the company eliminated several high-level corporate positions to reduce management layers. The latest job cuts amount to 1% of the work force.
Shares were recently up 3.9% to
New Chief Executive
Borders and its largest shareholder, Pershing Square Capital Management LP, earlier this month again extended the expiration date of their agreement for Pershing Square to buy Borders' U.K.-based Paperchase gifts and stationery business. The deadline for Borders to repay a
Last month, Borders ousted its chief executive and his management team, installing Marshall, who has a strong financial background.
The book chain, like almost all retailers, had a disappointing holiday season. But its problems stretch back considerably further. Last March, the company disclosed it faced a potential liquidity crunch and put itself up for sale. Despite its weak stock price, Borders couldn't find a buyer.
17 February 2009
Let those doggies roam
For the few people who come here, I've been pretty loose about updating the blog. I spend most of the time on Facebook (which, BTW, I love reading about this uproar over their new terms of use. The reality about your content on Facebook is that its been there since the day you signed up - it's just something users don't think about until something like this happened. In reality, we're giving Facebook rights to look for advertising revenue, and I think that the change in the terms of service apparently surprised people).
One idea, I guess when I started this back in early 2005, was to write. I like to write, and thought (as most narcists do) that my life would prove interesting, all while honing my skills. It strikes me now that I have no skills when it comes to writing and my life was duller than week old dish water.
And who wants to hear me whine about being sick?
Even though I went to Las Vegas this past weekend, does anyone really care?
Screw you, then.
I like Vegas, but if you don't have any money, it kind gets old very quick. Gambling and shopping are what the city is built on, but would it kill them to put an Outlet Center on the strip? Of course, they would never do that. Like a Wal Mart, who wants that class of clientele that a center would bring in?
I like Vegas, but if you don't have any money, it kind gets old very quick. Gambling and shopping are what the city is built on, but would it kill them to put an Outlet Center on the strip? Of course, they would never do that. Like a Wal Mart, who wants that class of clientele that a center would bring in?
Anyways, you need money to buy anything there, along with money to gamble. I have none, so after a few hours, Vegas becomes, well, boring. The city is beautiful at night, I'll give it that. I could spend hours just wandering around looking at it all lite up like some twisted Christmas Tree.
And the people watching is extraordinary, such a huge cross section of humanity. Plenty of cute boys mixed in, so plenty of eye candy for me. But the people I find interesting.
I mean, what goes through the minds of people as they play games that are highly set against them? I'm sure they know they're losing more than they're gaining, but to sit there for hours on end, smoking one cigarette after another, it baffles and amuses the mind.
And the smoking. My God, now I know where all the smokers went. There was a smoker at every table I saw, every one-armed bandit and electronic poker. And despite the venting system designed to keep the place clear of smoke, the smell is everywhere.
But the place is a smoker haven. And that, my friends, is a strike against it.
I have such high morals. Eh?
Anyways, getting back to the start, I'll try to find something interesting to write about, but the odds are slim things are going to change.
There is Borders I could talk about, but that seems senseless now. The company spins, and here locally, our DM continues to let good people go because of his style of management. Lyly, my favorite GM and who has been an important influence on me, is leaving the company after a million years, literally because of him. It's become a trend since he took over, almost forcing the best GMs to leave with his "unique" style of management. Of course, HR is well aware of his antics, but he's done nothing wrong. He's smart, and probably good at what he does, so you know he'll never slip up. It's sad, that's all. Good people, good GM's are gone because of him.
And the smoking. My God, now I know where all the smokers went. There was a smoker at every table I saw, every one-armed bandit and electronic poker. And despite the venting system designed to keep the place clear of smoke, the smell is everywhere.
But the place is a smoker haven. And that, my friends, is a strike against it.
I have such high morals. Eh?
Anyways, getting back to the start, I'll try to find something interesting to write about, but the odds are slim things are going to change.
There is Borders I could talk about, but that seems senseless now. The company spins, and here locally, our DM continues to let good people go because of his style of management. Lyly, my favorite GM and who has been an important influence on me, is leaving the company after a million years, literally because of him. It's become a trend since he took over, almost forcing the best GMs to leave with his "unique" style of management. Of course, HR is well aware of his antics, but he's done nothing wrong. He's smart, and probably good at what he does, so you know he'll never slip up. It's sad, that's all. Good people, good GM's are gone because of him.
10 February 2009
Disney to make Tower of Terror movie?
While the "Pirates of the Caribbean" movies did very well for Disney, there is the craptacular "Haunted Mansion."Now word comes that the Walt Disney Company is considering a movie version of their California Adventure ride "Tower of Terror."
Still, rights issues need to be ironed out before a film can be made. The ride, which is set in a old-Hollywood hotel where tragedy struck decades ago, is themed towards the classic TV series "The Twilight Zone," which Warner Brothers owns the rights.
The ride, though, seems geared towards an good old Hollywood ghost story, and its been a while since anyone has touched upon that golden era.
Thoughts?
08 February 2009
My Oscar choices
To me, the 81st Academy Awards is a battle between The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and Slumdog Millionaire -the studio backed blockbuster and the scrappy Independent that got word of mouth across the world. Both carry a gene of Forrest Gump with them, but ultimately it will be interesting to see if Hollywood (always a champion of underdogs) will choose Slumdog (to me, a better film) or the more "safer" Benjamin Button. We'll see on February 22nd.
BEST ACTOR
Richard Jenkins, The Visitor
Frank Langella, Frost/Nixon
Sean Penn, Milk
Brad Pitt, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler
Personal note: While I would like top see Penn win for many reasons, my gut feeling is the Oscar will go to Mickey Rourke. Frank Langella is the darkhorse here while Pitt remains (in my opinion) a slim chance, despite his popularity. But one never knows here. A win for Rourke is not a shoe-in, if only because some Hollywood insiders have long memories. But like Heath Ledger, he's got history on his side.
BEST ACTRESS
Anne Hathaway, Rachel Getting Married
Angelina Jolie, Changeling
Melissa Leo, Frozen River
Meryl Streep, Doubt
Kate Winslet, The Reader
Personal Note: I adore Anne Hathaway, even though I don't find her strong actress. She's good, however, in Rachel Getting Married. As always with the Best Actress category, this is hard choice. But with this years list, I see it a contest between Melissa Leo and Kate Winslet, with Hathaway as the darkhorse. Winslet will probably walk away with it.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Josh Brolin, Milk
Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
Robert Downey Jr., Tropic Thunder
Philip Seymour Hoffman, Doubt
Michael Shannon, Revolutionary Road
Personal Note: History is on Ledger's side here, and despite a great performance from Brolin in Milk -his only real competition, I might add - Ledger's win is almost a given.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Amy Adams, Doubt
Penélope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Viola Davis, Doubt
Taraji P. Henson, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Marisa Tomei, The Wrestler
Personal Note: Another category that's hard to choose from, but its a good chance Taraji P. Henson will walk away with the Oscar, though don't count out Viola Davis.
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Frozen River, Courtney Hunt
Happy-Go-Lucky, Mike Leigh
In Bruges, Martin McDonagh
Milk, Dustin Lance Black
WALL-E, Andrew Stanton, Jim Reardon, Pete Docter
Personal Note: Dustin Lance Black - a recent winner from the WGA - should win this award. Beyond WALL-E, no has heard of the rest.
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Eric Roth
Doubt, John Patrick Shanley
Frost/Nixon, Peter Morgan
The Reader, David Hare
Slumdog Millionaire, Simon Beaufoy
Personal Note: Easily, Slumdog Millionaire should win this category. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button has a chance, but since it will probably win Best Picture, Slumdog should capture this award.
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
Bolt
Kung Fu Panda
WALL-E
Personal Note: I see WALL-E winning, however there has been some backlash on the Pixar film in the sense that it does not portray the future of humans as smart. Plus, as someone put it, R2D2 finally got his own film! And the conservatives attacked the film for is environmental message. Good chance Kung Fu Panda will win.
BEST PICTURE
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Frost/Nixon
Milk
The Reader
Slumdog Millionaire
Personal Note: The only real contest here is between Benjamin Button and Slumdog, even though both are both just trumped up versions of Forrest Gump. I like to see Slumdog win, if only because it relied on the performances of its actors instead of the visual effects.
BEST DIRECTOR
Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire
David Fincher, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Ron Howard, Frost/Nixon
Stephen Daldry, The Reader
Gus Van Sant, Milk
Personal Note: Again, a two-way race between Slumdog's Danny Boyle and Button's David Fincher. The only darkhorse -if you can it that - is Ron Howard or Gus Van Sant. In the end, I think it'll go this way: Boyle wins best director, Button wins Best Picture and vis versa. Again, personal choice is Van Sant.
BEST ART DIRECTION
Changeling
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
The Duchess
Revolutionary Road
Personal Note: Everyone in Hollywood like period pieces, and out of the five films, four are set in the past. Revolutionary Road should win this.
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Changeling
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
The Reader
Slumdog Millionaire
Personal Note: Slumdog Millionaire should take this award, though Benjamin Button remains a close second.
BEST COSTUME DESIGN
Australia
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Duchess
Milk
Revolutionary Road
Personal Note: Like the Art Direction category, a expect Revolutionary Road to score the win, though (once again) Benjamin Button could win here.
BEST EDITING
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Frost/Nixon
Milk
Slumdog Millionaire
Personal Note: To me, Milk should score this, but as this years Oscars is a race between Slumdog and Benjamin Button either one of them could get it.
BEST MAKEUP
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Hellboy II: The Golden Army
Personal Note: Easy one: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Alexandre Desplat
Defiance, James Newton Howard
Milk, Danny Elfman
Slumdog Millionaire, A.R. Rahman
Personal Note: I loved the score to Slumdog Millionaire, and it should also win.
BEST ORIGINAL SONG
''Down to Earth,'' WALL-E
''Jai Ho,'' Slumdog Millionaire
''O Saya,'' Slumdog Millionaire
Personal Note: In keeping with Slumdog Millionaire's win for original score, it will take home this category as well, probably for O Saya.
BEST SOUND EDITING
The Dark Knight
Iron Man
Slumdog Millionaire
WALL-E
Wanted
BEST SOUND MIXING
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Slumdog Millionaire
WALL-E
Wanted
WALL-E, Thomas Newman
Personal Note: Best Sound Editing and Sound Mixing usually go together. Expect Dark Knight to win here in both.
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Iron Man
Personal Note: Another, fairly easy category: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
BEST ACTOR
Richard Jenkins, The Visitor
Frank Langella, Frost/Nixon
Sean Penn, Milk
Brad Pitt, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Mickey Rourke, The Wrestler
Personal note: While I would like top see Penn win for many reasons, my gut feeling is the Oscar will go to Mickey Rourke. Frank Langella is the darkhorse here while Pitt remains (in my opinion) a slim chance, despite his popularity. But one never knows here. A win for Rourke is not a shoe-in, if only because some Hollywood insiders have long memories. But like Heath Ledger, he's got history on his side.
BEST ACTRESS
Anne Hathaway, Rachel Getting Married
Angelina Jolie, Changeling
Melissa Leo, Frozen River
Meryl Streep, Doubt
Kate Winslet, The Reader
Personal Note: I adore Anne Hathaway, even though I don't find her strong actress. She's good, however, in Rachel Getting Married. As always with the Best Actress category, this is hard choice. But with this years list, I see it a contest between Melissa Leo and Kate Winslet, with Hathaway as the darkhorse. Winslet will probably walk away with it.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Josh Brolin, Milk
Heath Ledger, The Dark Knight
Robert Downey Jr., Tropic Thunder
Philip Seymour Hoffman, Doubt
Michael Shannon, Revolutionary Road
Personal Note: History is on Ledger's side here, and despite a great performance from Brolin in Milk -his only real competition, I might add - Ledger's win is almost a given.
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Amy Adams, Doubt
Penélope Cruz, Vicky Cristina Barcelona
Viola Davis, Doubt
Taraji P. Henson, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Marisa Tomei, The Wrestler
Personal Note: Another category that's hard to choose from, but its a good chance Taraji P. Henson will walk away with the Oscar, though don't count out Viola Davis.
BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Frozen River, Courtney Hunt
Happy-Go-Lucky, Mike Leigh
In Bruges, Martin McDonagh
Milk, Dustin Lance Black
WALL-E, Andrew Stanton, Jim Reardon, Pete Docter
Personal Note: Dustin Lance Black - a recent winner from the WGA - should win this award. Beyond WALL-E, no has heard of the rest.
BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Eric Roth
Doubt, John Patrick Shanley
Frost/Nixon, Peter Morgan
The Reader, David Hare
Slumdog Millionaire, Simon Beaufoy
Personal Note: Easily, Slumdog Millionaire should win this category. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button has a chance, but since it will probably win Best Picture, Slumdog should capture this award.
BEST ANIMATED FEATURE
Bolt
Kung Fu Panda
WALL-E
Personal Note: I see WALL-E winning, however there has been some backlash on the Pixar film in the sense that it does not portray the future of humans as smart. Plus, as someone put it, R2D2 finally got his own film! And the conservatives attacked the film for is environmental message. Good chance Kung Fu Panda will win.
BEST PICTURE
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Frost/Nixon
Milk
The Reader
Slumdog Millionaire
Personal Note: The only real contest here is between Benjamin Button and Slumdog, even though both are both just trumped up versions of Forrest Gump. I like to see Slumdog win, if only because it relied on the performances of its actors instead of the visual effects.
BEST DIRECTOR
Danny Boyle, Slumdog Millionaire
David Fincher, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Ron Howard, Frost/Nixon
Stephen Daldry, The Reader
Gus Van Sant, Milk
Personal Note: Again, a two-way race between Slumdog's Danny Boyle and Button's David Fincher. The only darkhorse -if you can it that - is Ron Howard or Gus Van Sant. In the end, I think it'll go this way: Boyle wins best director, Button wins Best Picture and vis versa. Again, personal choice is Van Sant.
BEST ART DIRECTION
Changeling
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
The Duchess
Revolutionary Road
Personal Note: Everyone in Hollywood like period pieces, and out of the five films, four are set in the past. Revolutionary Road should win this.
BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY
Changeling
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
The Reader
Slumdog Millionaire
Personal Note: Slumdog Millionaire should take this award, though Benjamin Button remains a close second.
BEST COSTUME DESIGN
Australia
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Duchess
Milk
Revolutionary Road
Personal Note: Like the Art Direction category, a expect Revolutionary Road to score the win, though (once again) Benjamin Button could win here.
BEST EDITING
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Frost/Nixon
Milk
Slumdog Millionaire
Personal Note: To me, Milk should score this, but as this years Oscars is a race between Slumdog and Benjamin Button either one of them could get it.
BEST MAKEUP
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Hellboy II: The Golden Army
Personal Note: Easy one: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
BEST ORIGINAL SCORE
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Alexandre Desplat
Defiance, James Newton Howard
Milk, Danny Elfman
Slumdog Millionaire, A.R. Rahman
Personal Note: I loved the score to Slumdog Millionaire, and it should also win.
BEST ORIGINAL SONG
''Down to Earth,'' WALL-E
''Jai Ho,'' Slumdog Millionaire
''O Saya,'' Slumdog Millionaire
Personal Note: In keeping with Slumdog Millionaire's win for original score, it will take home this category as well, probably for O Saya.
BEST SOUND EDITING
The Dark Knight
Iron Man
Slumdog Millionaire
WALL-E
Wanted
BEST SOUND MIXING
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Slumdog Millionaire
WALL-E
Wanted
WALL-E, Thomas Newman
Personal Note: Best Sound Editing and Sound Mixing usually go together. Expect Dark Knight to win here in both.
BEST VISUAL EFFECTS
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
The Dark Knight
Iron Man
Personal Note: Another, fairly easy category: The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
Books: The Appeal by John Grisham
In the hyper-reality world that John Grisham usually portrays in his legal thrillers, most (if not all) lawyers are crooked, evil and only care about money. Even in his Author’s Note in The Appeal, Grisham defends his home state of Mississippi, but does say there is a “lot of truth” in his story about how to rig an election. The blow-by-blow account sounds sadly way to real, and could make someone like me further question politics on both sides of coin.
And while, in typical Grisham fashion, his characters are all stick figures, his talents lay in creating a plausible story of corruption at the heart of the American judicial system. He lays out how easily, it seems, Americans can be duped into supporting candidates without really understanding -or even caring - what they truly stand for. All it takes, it seems is just throw out a few fear inducing ideology Easter eggs like gay marriage, gun control and the death penalty (which Grisham writes is ironic that the ones on the Right, who fight abortion, will also be the first to support the death penalty) and people ignore that maybe, just maybe, their candidates rise to power has nothing to do with up holding the Constitution, but to be in the pockets of people who have way too much money and time on their hands.
The Appeal is Grishman’s best book in years and gets the sour taste left out of my ,mouth by the atrocious Playing for Pizza.
And while, in typical Grisham fashion, his characters are all stick figures, his talents lay in creating a plausible story of corruption at the heart of the American judicial system. He lays out how easily, it seems, Americans can be duped into supporting candidates without really understanding -or even caring - what they truly stand for. All it takes, it seems is just throw out a few fear inducing ideology Easter eggs like gay marriage, gun control and the death penalty (which Grisham writes is ironic that the ones on the Right, who fight abortion, will also be the first to support the death penalty) and people ignore that maybe, just maybe, their candidates rise to power has nothing to do with up holding the Constitution, but to be in the pockets of people who have way too much money and time on their hands.
The Appeal is Grishman’s best book in years and gets the sour taste left out of my ,mouth by the atrocious Playing for Pizza.
03 February 2009
Sci Fi News
ABC has given a pilot order for a re-do of the classic late 80's NBC miniseries "V". Written by Scott Peters, the new "V" will center on a female Homeland Security agent. Kenneth Johnson, who wrote and directed the original "V" movie -but had nothing to do with the sequel movie or subsequent TV series - is aware of the project, and has given the thumbs up on it. Johnson is still at work trying to relaunch "V" as a movie series, starting with "V -The Second Coming", which would be set some 20 years after the first invasion.
Also being reimaged is "The Witches of Eastwick". The new ABC series is based on the 1987 movie and will simply be called "Eastwick". This is the second time a pilot based on that movie and the late John Updike novel will be made; one done in 1992 was never picked up.
Fox has greenlighted "Masterwork," a drama from "Prison Break" creator Paul Scheuring and 20th TV. The ambitious project is described as a globe-trotting adventure in the vein of "National Treasure" and "The Da Vinci Code," a race against time to recover the world's most sought-after artifacts.
Jesse Alexander, one the scribes fired off of "Heroes" last November, has got NBC to greenlight his pilot called "Day One", a sort-of post Apocalypse drama about the recovery of world after a global catastrophe.
After two less than successful films from Paramount, 20th Century Fox appears to want to fork over the money for a reimaging of "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider". Word is Angelina Jolie will be replaced by "Transformer" mannequin - I mean actress - Megan Fox.
Filming begins in mid March in Greenland on M. Night Shyamalan's "The Last Airbender." In the live-action film based on the Nickelodeon cartoon TV series, 12-year-old Texan newcomer Noah Ringer plays Aang, the film's lead, who is the last of a race of people who can manipulate the elements of air. "Slumdog Millionaire" and former "Skins" star Dev Patel has joined the cast. Patel steps into a role that singer Jesse McCartney was pretty much set for until his music commitments got in the way.
"Reaper" will be returning two weeks early. The CW announced that it will premiere the second season of its supernatural drama "Reaper" on March 3, two weeks sooner than was originally announced. All 13 original episodes will air consecutively through the season finale on May 26. "Reaper" will also be placed in the 8 p.m. ET/PT slot, which means that it won't get the lead-in from "90210" as previously planned. Instead, the teen soap will follow at 9 p.m., which will keep it clear from FOX's "American Idol" juggernaut.
Also being reimaged is "The Witches of Eastwick". The new ABC series is based on the 1987 movie and will simply be called "Eastwick". This is the second time a pilot based on that movie and the late John Updike novel will be made; one done in 1992 was never picked up.
Fox has greenlighted "Masterwork," a drama from "Prison Break" creator Paul Scheuring and 20th TV. The ambitious project is described as a globe-trotting adventure in the vein of "National Treasure" and "The Da Vinci Code," a race against time to recover the world's most sought-after artifacts.
Jesse Alexander, one the scribes fired off of "Heroes" last November, has got NBC to greenlight his pilot called "Day One", a sort-of post Apocalypse drama about the recovery of world after a global catastrophe.
After two less than successful films from Paramount, 20th Century Fox appears to want to fork over the money for a reimaging of "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider". Word is Angelina Jolie will be replaced by "Transformer" mannequin - I mean actress - Megan Fox.
Filming begins in mid March in Greenland on M. Night Shyamalan's "The Last Airbender." In the live-action film based on the Nickelodeon cartoon TV series, 12-year-old Texan newcomer Noah Ringer plays Aang, the film's lead, who is the last of a race of people who can manipulate the elements of air. "Slumdog Millionaire" and former "Skins" star Dev Patel has joined the cast. Patel steps into a role that singer Jesse McCartney was pretty much set for until his music commitments got in the way.
"Reaper" will be returning two weeks early. The CW announced that it will premiere the second season of its supernatural drama "Reaper" on March 3, two weeks sooner than was originally announced. All 13 original episodes will air consecutively through the season finale on May 26. "Reaper" will also be placed in the 8 p.m. ET/PT slot, which means that it won't get the lead-in from "90210" as previously planned. Instead, the teen soap will follow at 9 p.m., which will keep it clear from FOX's "American Idol" juggernaut.
02 February 2009
25 Things about...Me
From my Facebook:
1. When I was a 6 or 7, I was put in a “special school” due to having difficulties dealing with my fathers death. I was one year behind in school for the rest my schooling.
2. That one thing, that feeling of always being behind, has been with me all my life.
3. I did not start reading books until I was a freshman in High School.
4. I read almost every Agatha Christie book during that first year.
5. I fell in love with my best friend, and it ruined our friendship.
6. I’m a fairly blunt person. But its usually because I’m right when I am.
7. I can’t sing, but that does not stop me from turning up the tunes and singing along.
8. I’ve always wanted to be a writer. But I can’t seem to put what I have swimming in my head down onto paper.
9. I went to England in 1987 -it remains the best vacation I ever took.
10. I bring a book with me everywhere I go.
11. I like playing Sudoku, but find even the moderate ones hard to do.
12. I was born with Pectus Excavatum -look it up, folks, and go to Youtube -you can see others with this.
13. I want to live by the ocean
14. I never want to leave California, but I fear I will have to because of the expense.
15. Like singing, I can’t really act. But that I wish I could.
16. I sometimes wish my mother and I could be better friends.
17. While my brother and two sisters got my fathers good cheekbones, I was stuck with my mothers side of the family; sagging face and no chin line.
18. I started to go grey when I was 30.
19. I fear hospitals and doctors.
20. I believe in God, but not have no faith in organized religion.
21. As matter of fact, I find organized religion to be the danger to ones mental health.
22. And I fear death.
23. I miss my friends in Chicago, and wish they were closer -in both distance and heart.
24. I did not see Star Wars (Episode IV) until the summer of 1979 -the year I fell in love with sci fi.
25. I’m afraid of success.
1. When I was a 6 or 7, I was put in a “special school” due to having difficulties dealing with my fathers death. I was one year behind in school for the rest my schooling.
2. That one thing, that feeling of always being behind, has been with me all my life.
3. I did not start reading books until I was a freshman in High School.
4. I read almost every Agatha Christie book during that first year.
5. I fell in love with my best friend, and it ruined our friendship.
6. I’m a fairly blunt person. But its usually because I’m right when I am.
7. I can’t sing, but that does not stop me from turning up the tunes and singing along.
8. I’ve always wanted to be a writer. But I can’t seem to put what I have swimming in my head down onto paper.
9. I went to England in 1987 -it remains the best vacation I ever took.
10. I bring a book with me everywhere I go.
11. I like playing Sudoku, but find even the moderate ones hard to do.
12. I was born with Pectus Excavatum -look it up, folks, and go to Youtube -you can see others with this.
13. I want to live by the ocean
14. I never want to leave California, but I fear I will have to because of the expense.
15. Like singing, I can’t really act. But that I wish I could.
16. I sometimes wish my mother and I could be better friends.
17. While my brother and two sisters got my fathers good cheekbones, I was stuck with my mothers side of the family; sagging face and no chin line.
18. I started to go grey when I was 30.
19. I fear hospitals and doctors.
20. I believe in God, but not have no faith in organized religion.
21. As matter of fact, I find organized religion to be the danger to ones mental health.
22. And I fear death.
23. I miss my friends in Chicago, and wish they were closer -in both distance and heart.
24. I did not see Star Wars (Episode IV) until the summer of 1979 -the year I fell in love with sci fi.
25. I’m afraid of success.
30 January 2009
25 January 2009
Books: Fraction of the Whole by Steve Toltz
There is a point in A Fraction of the Whole, the debut novel by Australian author Steve Toltz, where I realized had I known the Martin clan, I would’ve tried to escape them. Toltz’z stream of conscious style writing gets odd and disturbing at times, and at well over 500 pages drags here and there.
The novel begins during a prison riot, leading quickly to the declaration, "my father's body will never be found." It then quickly rewinds to describe three generations of Deans, beginning with Jasper Dean's grandparents as recounted in the first person by Jasper's father Martin. The book is at least as much by and about Martin Dean as it is Jasper, though Martin is clearly dead as the book begins.
Set primarily in Australia, the novel does wander through other locations, such as Paris and Thailand. Much like A Confederacy of Dunces, the novel’s characters are outsiders in most sense of the word, coming up with one wild scheme after another (Martin's plan to make every Australian a millionaire, or Martin and Jasper building a house in the middle of a labyrinth, or Martin compiling a Handbook of Crime) while making commentaries about the ills of the world.
The book is wonderfully funny, filled with well realized, if not over-the-top misanthropic characters. There are not many novels that can peel away all of societies complex problems the way Toltz’s has done here, and kind of make them charming.
And there were times when reading the book, I felt like these characters, filled with unbridled desire to shake the world from their stupor of trying to fit in, be a conformist were the true spirit of the any ones world.
And, sometimes I too feel like a “philosopher who’s thought himself into a corner.”
The novel begins during a prison riot, leading quickly to the declaration, "my father's body will never be found." It then quickly rewinds to describe three generations of Deans, beginning with Jasper Dean's grandparents as recounted in the first person by Jasper's father Martin. The book is at least as much by and about Martin Dean as it is Jasper, though Martin is clearly dead as the book begins.
Set primarily in Australia, the novel does wander through other locations, such as Paris and Thailand. Much like A Confederacy of Dunces, the novel’s characters are outsiders in most sense of the word, coming up with one wild scheme after another (Martin's plan to make every Australian a millionaire, or Martin and Jasper building a house in the middle of a labyrinth, or Martin compiling a Handbook of Crime) while making commentaries about the ills of the world.
The book is wonderfully funny, filled with well realized, if not over-the-top misanthropic characters. There are not many novels that can peel away all of societies complex problems the way Toltz’s has done here, and kind of make them charming.
And there were times when reading the book, I felt like these characters, filled with unbridled desire to shake the world from their stupor of trying to fit in, be a conformist were the true spirit of the any ones world.
And, sometimes I too feel like a “philosopher who’s thought himself into a corner.”
22 January 2009
20 January 2009
19 January 2009
Movie: Slumdog Millionaire (2008)
Slumdog Millionaire is, perhaps, one of the most engaging, and oddly uplifting tales of a horrible life I’ve seen. It is bold, exciting, directed with great flair by Danny Boyle (Trainspottting, The Beach, 28 Days Later).
Written by Simon Beaufoy and based on the novel Q & A by Vikas Swarup it’s a tale about eighteen year old Jamal Malik, who is having an amazing answering streak on the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. He's only one correct question away from the big prize. However, some, including those associated with the game show, question how someone like Jamal, a self confessed non-genius who grew up in the slums of Mumbai, can be doing so well on the show when others who are brighter, more educated and wealthier than him have failed. Is Jamal cheating? Is it purely luck that they have asked him the questions to which he knows the answers?
As the film unwinds between now and the past, we see how Jamal can answer all the questions he’s been asked We see his struggle as an orphan with his brother -a guardian/protector and eventually, his antagonist and as he works his way towards what appears to his one, true destiny -winning on the show to be reunited with the one girl he has loved all his life.
Boyle -an English director, so an ultimate outsider - has some how has becomes connected to the world of India, a country increasingly coming into the spot light of the world. With a multi-layered script that never panders to the sordid lives these children live (as a matter of fact, the children seem almost unaware), he’s able to bring heart and joy to the story of Jamal (played by Skins actor Dev Patel in a star making performance).
Certainly, one the best 10 films of 2008.
Written by Simon Beaufoy and based on the novel Q & A by Vikas Swarup it’s a tale about eighteen year old Jamal Malik, who is having an amazing answering streak on the Indian version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire. He's only one correct question away from the big prize. However, some, including those associated with the game show, question how someone like Jamal, a self confessed non-genius who grew up in the slums of Mumbai, can be doing so well on the show when others who are brighter, more educated and wealthier than him have failed. Is Jamal cheating? Is it purely luck that they have asked him the questions to which he knows the answers?
As the film unwinds between now and the past, we see how Jamal can answer all the questions he’s been asked We see his struggle as an orphan with his brother -a guardian/protector and eventually, his antagonist and as he works his way towards what appears to his one, true destiny -winning on the show to be reunited with the one girl he has loved all his life.
Boyle -an English director, so an ultimate outsider - has some how has becomes connected to the world of India, a country increasingly coming into the spot light of the world. With a multi-layered script that never panders to the sordid lives these children live (as a matter of fact, the children seem almost unaware), he’s able to bring heart and joy to the story of Jamal (played by Skins actor Dev Patel in a star making performance).
Certainly, one the best 10 films of 2008.
18 January 2009
Titanic II: Miracle on the Hudson
I don't know, is it just me or does this photo remind you of another ill-fated passenger voyage?Cue Music.
Anyways, while the "steerage" passengers get to stand on the wings, getting their feet wet in the freezing waters of the Hudson, the "first class" passengers get a comfy boat -and are probably being served cocktails, along with a dry towel.
Priorities to wealthy.
Always.
17 January 2009
Movie: Revoultionary Road (2008)
If there is one in inescapably aspect of Revolutionary Road is that picture feels dated, though its themes of suburban hell ring true even today. And one can’t also escape that Mendes vivisected these same themes in American Beauty.
The script is fine, the acting of both Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio is marvelous and the production design glorious. Director Sam Mendes is also in fine form, though at times the film felt staged, like the theatrical production April Wheeler was in at the beginning of the film. And while Richard Yates novel of 1950's America gone horribly wrong was probably -if you can excuse the phrase - revolutionary when the book came out in 1962, but today its themes have been discussed and dissected over the last 46 years.
When my mom and dad moved to the suburbs after I was born in 1962, life there seemed to be filled with endless hope. And for some, this life worked, while for others that life seemed dull and listless. Ironically, I think, that most kids my age and maybe a decade younger are moving back into the city, realizing that while the suburbs offered open space to build a family, there was -and still is - an undertow, a darkening theme that fitting in is more important than living.
April Wheeler was not crazy, or insane, she felt -like many lost souls who understand that there is more to life than just a husband, a house and kids to a life - the suburban life was really a dead end, much like the 1950s.
And in the back of his head, I think even Frank sees it is also, but he is afraid to be different, to stand up for himself. Life in the suburbs for many is a living hell, while others its divine.
Revolutionary Road is a good picture, with great performances from the entire cast, including the creepy Michael Shannon (who oddly looks like DiCaprio at times) as John Givings. But again, I feel the films themes never come close to really making you feel sorry for either them, and would say that AMC’s Mad Men is a better example of the conformity that Yates novel was after.
The script is fine, the acting of both Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio is marvelous and the production design glorious. Director Sam Mendes is also in fine form, though at times the film felt staged, like the theatrical production April Wheeler was in at the beginning of the film. And while Richard Yates novel of 1950's America gone horribly wrong was probably -if you can excuse the phrase - revolutionary when the book came out in 1962, but today its themes have been discussed and dissected over the last 46 years.
When my mom and dad moved to the suburbs after I was born in 1962, life there seemed to be filled with endless hope. And for some, this life worked, while for others that life seemed dull and listless. Ironically, I think, that most kids my age and maybe a decade younger are moving back into the city, realizing that while the suburbs offered open space to build a family, there was -and still is - an undertow, a darkening theme that fitting in is more important than living.
April Wheeler was not crazy, or insane, she felt -like many lost souls who understand that there is more to life than just a husband, a house and kids to a life - the suburban life was really a dead end, much like the 1950s.
And in the back of his head, I think even Frank sees it is also, but he is afraid to be different, to stand up for himself. Life in the suburbs for many is a living hell, while others its divine.
Revolutionary Road is a good picture, with great performances from the entire cast, including the creepy Michael Shannon (who oddly looks like DiCaprio at times) as John Givings. But again, I feel the films themes never come close to really making you feel sorry for either them, and would say that AMC’s Mad Men is a better example of the conformity that Yates novel was after.
15 January 2009
Is this a further sign that complex, character-driven serialized storytelling is on the wane at the broadcast networks?
In an era when scripted TV is being reduced to the lowest common denominator, or being replaced by brainless game and reality shows and the likes of Jay Leno, there is some good, well written shows out there. Unfortunately, some are finding their road on the idiot lantern difficult.
Take, for example, a few shows on Fox. When it comes to genre, the House of Rupert Murdock has had a rocky road. These days, the success of The X Files, and its 9 season run, seems to be shocking in a day where it takes only an episode or two for it to end up on the cancellation bin.
Today, while The Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles is still around, despite low ratings and an apathetic audience who seemed to be confused by well written, character based stories, its long range fate is muddled. It will be moved from its Monday slot to Friday soon, teamed up with Joss Whedon’s new show Dollhouse -which has a huge problem on its way to the airwaves.
At the recent winter TCA press tour, Fox Entertainment president Kevin Reilly talked about Dollhouse and other genre shows on the network. "Joss Whedon does a certain kind of show. He’s right in the zone again on that. It's the kind of show that we know has a core passionate audience. In some other scheduling scenarios there could be enormous pressure on it ... we have a very compatible lead in with ‘Sarah Connor’... we’re going to let the show play out for 13 episodes and hopefully it will catch on ... if we can do some business there, that would be a great thing for the future."
Dollhouse has already had its pilot re-shot and re-worked, its concept tweaked for an audience, it appears, might be confused by deeper story.
Ron Moore's Virtuality pilot is being recut, possibly from two hours to one: Reilly said that "It could air as-is and a certain segment of the audience would flip for it. But it's a little dense."
Dense, eh? Still, series co-creator Michael Taylor agrees the show could be a bit dense, “It's dense in the same way Battlestar was/is, in that it introduces a bunch of complex, intriguing characters, along with a compelling sci-fi scenario with several layers to it. In other words, it's dense in the way good science fiction often is. The pilot puts a bunch of balls in the air but I think it does a great job of juggling those balls and setting up the scenario up in a way that makes it easy for the audience to understand without having to be hit over the heads with a lot of heavy-handed exposition. That said, it's definitely challenging material, the kind of story you need and want to pay attention to, especially in the pilot. But to us that's what made it so much fun to create, and what will ultimately pay off in series, by allowing us to tell exciting layered stories in the mold of shows like Lost.”
Meanwhile, Fringe has doing excellent and Reilly assured the press “the show's been a bear creatively because it's been very ambitious. They've really found the storytelling model now ... what you're going to see in the second half in the year, if you follow the serialized story you will not be disappointed, yet the stories really do reset themselves each week. I would not expect it to take off after 'Idol,' but I do think it will tick up another level."
Expectations are the show will be picked up for a second season.
Meanwhile, NBC Entertainment chief Angela Bromstad -who announced that the Peacock Network has picked up my two favorite comedies for the 2009-2010 TV season, The Office and 30 Rock - said that Bryan Fuller’s return to the embattled Heroes has already been helpful, and that the next chapter, Fugitives, is basically going to reset the show. While she said the show is “secure,” its fate has yet to be decided. But the rumor is the show will indeed be picked up for a fourth season.
What is not known is the future of other shows on NBC with the network giving Jay Leno the 10pm spot. What will be the fate of the Law & Order franchise, Life, Chuck, and Medium (which returns for season five on February 2nd). My Own Worst Enemy and Knight Rider are not expected to survive, and the network is developing six dramas and 4 comedies for the fall.
Take, for example, a few shows on Fox. When it comes to genre, the House of Rupert Murdock has had a rocky road. These days, the success of The X Files, and its 9 season run, seems to be shocking in a day where it takes only an episode or two for it to end up on the cancellation bin.
Today, while The Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles is still around, despite low ratings and an apathetic audience who seemed to be confused by well written, character based stories, its long range fate is muddled. It will be moved from its Monday slot to Friday soon, teamed up with Joss Whedon’s new show Dollhouse -which has a huge problem on its way to the airwaves.
At the recent winter TCA press tour, Fox Entertainment president Kevin Reilly talked about Dollhouse and other genre shows on the network. "Joss Whedon does a certain kind of show. He’s right in the zone again on that. It's the kind of show that we know has a core passionate audience. In some other scheduling scenarios there could be enormous pressure on it ... we have a very compatible lead in with ‘Sarah Connor’... we’re going to let the show play out for 13 episodes and hopefully it will catch on ... if we can do some business there, that would be a great thing for the future."
Dollhouse has already had its pilot re-shot and re-worked, its concept tweaked for an audience, it appears, might be confused by deeper story.
Ron Moore's Virtuality pilot is being recut, possibly from two hours to one: Reilly said that "It could air as-is and a certain segment of the audience would flip for it. But it's a little dense."
Dense, eh? Still, series co-creator Michael Taylor agrees the show could be a bit dense, “It's dense in the same way Battlestar was/is, in that it introduces a bunch of complex, intriguing characters, along with a compelling sci-fi scenario with several layers to it. In other words, it's dense in the way good science fiction often is. The pilot puts a bunch of balls in the air but I think it does a great job of juggling those balls and setting up the scenario up in a way that makes it easy for the audience to understand without having to be hit over the heads with a lot of heavy-handed exposition. That said, it's definitely challenging material, the kind of story you need and want to pay attention to, especially in the pilot. But to us that's what made it so much fun to create, and what will ultimately pay off in series, by allowing us to tell exciting layered stories in the mold of shows like Lost.”
Meanwhile, Fringe has doing excellent and Reilly assured the press “the show's been a bear creatively because it's been very ambitious. They've really found the storytelling model now ... what you're going to see in the second half in the year, if you follow the serialized story you will not be disappointed, yet the stories really do reset themselves each week. I would not expect it to take off after 'Idol,' but I do think it will tick up another level."
Expectations are the show will be picked up for a second season.
Meanwhile, NBC Entertainment chief Angela Bromstad -who announced that the Peacock Network has picked up my two favorite comedies for the 2009-2010 TV season, The Office and 30 Rock - said that Bryan Fuller’s return to the embattled Heroes has already been helpful, and that the next chapter, Fugitives, is basically going to reset the show. While she said the show is “secure,” its fate has yet to be decided. But the rumor is the show will indeed be picked up for a fourth season.
What is not known is the future of other shows on NBC with the network giving Jay Leno the 10pm spot. What will be the fate of the Law & Order franchise, Life, Chuck, and Medium (which returns for season five on February 2nd). My Own Worst Enemy and Knight Rider are not expected to survive, and the network is developing six dramas and 4 comedies for the fall.
12 January 2009
Afraid
I've grown up all of my life afraid to do things, afraid to advance my career because I fear failure. So, to avoid it, I don't do things -like get a better job, or even move up in the one that I have - because that way I can avoid failure. The same can be applied to my social life, which many of my friends have caught on.
So, I guess, in some ways I lead a dull, prosaic life. And its all my fault, that I know. So, I will do (because, according to Yoda, there is no try) better. I will not call it an epiphany in any sort of the way, but I'm determined to be a better person this year, make 2009 the best year for a new job (or advancement in the job I have) and find the right guy for me.
Plus, I'll still use my blog and facebook to complain about things, but I want to be a better, stronger person.
So, I guess, in some ways I lead a dull, prosaic life. And its all my fault, that I know. So, I will do (because, according to Yoda, there is no try) better. I will not call it an epiphany in any sort of the way, but I'm determined to be a better person this year, make 2009 the best year for a new job (or advancement in the job I have) and find the right guy for me.
Plus, I'll still use my blog and facebook to complain about things, but I want to be a better, stronger person.
09 January 2009
Earthquake, part 2
Back in July, a 5.4 Earthquake rattled the Inland Empire. I was at work when it happened, but last night when a 4.5 hit, I was at home, peeing. Not because it scared me, but because that's what I was doing at 7:49 pm when it happened.
So, there I was peeing when I heard noise that, oddly, sounded like the neighbors slamming their door. At first, I thought it was just that, then the noise happened again, this time only louder. It was then, I realized I was experiencing another earthquake.
It lasted a mere, maybe 15 seconds, but there you go. With in an hour, there were three aftershakes, none which I felt.
So, I went on with my night.
Today, I took the day off from work -I have enough personal time to take two-weeks off - and went to Disneyland again. Unlike on Sunday, I went on a few rides.
I have problems taking time off of work. It's not that I feel they can't continue without me, it's just that when I was in High School, it was drilled into my head by my teachers that if you take time off, someone has to your job and their job.
But today, and the rest of 2009, I've decided that I will no longer feel horrible that I've earned this time off -I also have an additional 33 hours of vacation time. Long weekends look to be in my future over the next couple of months, and I enjoy going to Disneyland, so there you go.
by the way, looks like spring is coming here for a few days, as warm weather (some predictions have an 80 in the IE by Sunday) is on the way.
Yea!
So, there I was peeing when I heard noise that, oddly, sounded like the neighbors slamming their door. At first, I thought it was just that, then the noise happened again, this time only louder. It was then, I realized I was experiencing another earthquake.
It lasted a mere, maybe 15 seconds, but there you go. With in an hour, there were three aftershakes, none which I felt.
So, I went on with my night.
Today, I took the day off from work -I have enough personal time to take two-weeks off - and went to Disneyland again. Unlike on Sunday, I went on a few rides.
I have problems taking time off of work. It's not that I feel they can't continue without me, it's just that when I was in High School, it was drilled into my head by my teachers that if you take time off, someone has to your job and their job.
But today, and the rest of 2009, I've decided that I will no longer feel horrible that I've earned this time off -I also have an additional 33 hours of vacation time. Long weekends look to be in my future over the next couple of months, and I enjoy going to Disneyland, so there you go.
by the way, looks like spring is coming here for a few days, as warm weather (some predictions have an 80 in the IE by Sunday) is on the way.
Yea!
05 January 2009
NBC drops Coulter. Sound fine to me.
Ann Coulter, one of truly most hateful people in the world, has a new book dropping tomorrow. Apparently, she was to appear on the Today Show promote her next rant at the liberals of the world, but NBC has cancelled her appearance, saying that "We've had Ann Coulter on Today many times, but because of the news in Washington and the Middle East, we decided to cancel her appearance tomorrow."
The Drudge report says something else; mainly that she's been banned.
Maybe, just maybe, NBC has realized that Coulter in nothing but a asshat who has no real desire ever to be anything but an instigator of hate, one who easily wraps herself up in the American flag when someone counters her flawed arguments and disagrees with her views.
She wants to only continue this destructive schism that is turning America into a divided nation of Reds and Blue States. And she appears to need validation, also, as if writing her book was not enough, now she needs to continue her hateful ways by appearing on TV and radio. Sure, the right wing nutjobs of Orange County will embrace her, will applaud her for "standing up" to the liberal media, even while she talks in circular arguments, even while further cutting up an America hurt by such division.
Personally, I consider her a comedian, cause really can't take anything she says serious. But she is funny, quick witted but really not more than an empty dress.
The Drudge report says something else; mainly that she's been banned.
Maybe, just maybe, NBC has realized that Coulter in nothing but a asshat who has no real desire ever to be anything but an instigator of hate, one who easily wraps herself up in the American flag when someone counters her flawed arguments and disagrees with her views.
She wants to only continue this destructive schism that is turning America into a divided nation of Reds and Blue States. And she appears to need validation, also, as if writing her book was not enough, now she needs to continue her hateful ways by appearing on TV and radio. Sure, the right wing nutjobs of Orange County will embrace her, will applaud her for "standing up" to the liberal media, even while she talks in circular arguments, even while further cutting up an America hurt by such division.
Personally, I consider her a comedian, cause really can't take anything she says serious. But she is funny, quick witted but really not more than an empty dress.
The dread of something after death
Death, as Shakespeare wrote, is the "undiscovered country from who bourn no traveler returns."
Even at 46, I'm still -somewhat - afraid to die. Perhaps, exactly because no one knows what lies beyond this mortal coil. I want to believe that there is something else than darkness, that my soul, life energy or whatever, continues on after my heart gives its last beat. But, I don't know, and that worries me.
While this is a morbid thought, the reason I bring it up is that death is here everyday, things we hear on the news about a murder, a car accident, a tragic confluence of things that kills some child, some mother, or father. The rash, so it would seem, of Hollywood stars dying.
These last few months, death has come close to me. Not in the sense that I've lost family members, but that I've seen the passing of other people's family members. That death has visited my friends, and I'm worried its getting closer to mine.
Back in November, when I had learned my friend and former co-worker Pete had taken his life, I have not gone a day without thinking of him. It was then that I also had heard of the death of Pete and I's old General Manager at the Borders we worked at in Oak Park a few months prior to Pete taking his life. Then, just before Christmas, my stepbrother's wife lost her father after a long battle with cancer. And now, today I learn my friend Marc and his brother Matt have traveled home to St. Louis because their mother's husband is, apparently, losing his battle with cancer.
Both Marc and Matt lost their dad a few years ago (their parents, however, had been divorced for many years), and now they'll lose a step-father.
Its been nearly 3 years since the death of my brother-in-law, yet I know that spectre is haunting my great uncle, who is now 95; my sweet Uncle Joe, my Godfather. And while I'll be sad when he goes, he's had 9 decades on this earth. All of the recent ones closest to me, have left way too soon.
Death is fickle and never fair. I want to be here as long as possible, if only because I an scared of what lies in that undiscovered country. I know there is nothing I can do about it, I know worrying about it is pointless, but like a bad debt, it hangs on the edge of my conscious thoughts, always there, always whispering.
Like dead leaves in a strong wind, it skittles across my days and my nights.
I send my best to Marc and Matt, for I love them both.
Even at 46, I'm still -somewhat - afraid to die. Perhaps, exactly because no one knows what lies beyond this mortal coil. I want to believe that there is something else than darkness, that my soul, life energy or whatever, continues on after my heart gives its last beat. But, I don't know, and that worries me.
While this is a morbid thought, the reason I bring it up is that death is here everyday, things we hear on the news about a murder, a car accident, a tragic confluence of things that kills some child, some mother, or father. The rash, so it would seem, of Hollywood stars dying.
These last few months, death has come close to me. Not in the sense that I've lost family members, but that I've seen the passing of other people's family members. That death has visited my friends, and I'm worried its getting closer to mine.
Back in November, when I had learned my friend and former co-worker Pete had taken his life, I have not gone a day without thinking of him. It was then that I also had heard of the death of Pete and I's old General Manager at the Borders we worked at in Oak Park a few months prior to Pete taking his life. Then, just before Christmas, my stepbrother's wife lost her father after a long battle with cancer. And now, today I learn my friend Marc and his brother Matt have traveled home to St. Louis because their mother's husband is, apparently, losing his battle with cancer.
Both Marc and Matt lost their dad a few years ago (their parents, however, had been divorced for many years), and now they'll lose a step-father.
Its been nearly 3 years since the death of my brother-in-law, yet I know that spectre is haunting my great uncle, who is now 95; my sweet Uncle Joe, my Godfather. And while I'll be sad when he goes, he's had 9 decades on this earth. All of the recent ones closest to me, have left way too soon.
Death is fickle and never fair. I want to be here as long as possible, if only because I an scared of what lies in that undiscovered country. I know there is nothing I can do about it, I know worrying about it is pointless, but like a bad debt, it hangs on the edge of my conscious thoughts, always there, always whispering.
Like dead leaves in a strong wind, it skittles across my days and my nights.
I send my best to Marc and Matt, for I love them both.
04 January 2009
Weekend Update
Weekends by definition, are designed to be days when you relax.
However, since I lack anything close to a life (which is my fault, I know), I find the hours between Saturday and Sunday tedious until I can return to work on Monday to interact with my co-workers (and then I mumble about something on the track of, jebus when is Friday going to get here?)
Yes, I'm also a mess of contradictions.
But the one good thing about the weekend (when not filming Odyssey or Helena Chronicles) is that I read more -I spend a few hours at the Starbucks passing time. Then, when I'm bored, I try to go home with all these ambitious ideas of cleaning, even going for a bike ride.
Then I sit in front of the computer and I let the day slip away like George Bush shitting my tax dollars away. Yesterday was such a day. Did nothing, well, beyond the usual stuff...
Anyways, today I went to Disneyland. Unlike When I went in November, I prepared to bring food with me. So, I saved some money, even though I did buy a few things at California Adventure (where I swear I saw Tornwordo from Sticky Crows. I know he's in SoCal now, so this tall guy, walking with three other guys and a girl pushing a baby passes by me in CA. And I thought that the tall guy looked like the avatar of Tornwordo. I've never met Richard, but I swear it was him). Still, somehow I ended up dropping my car keys on the driver seat of my car. I did not realize they were missing until I was waiting for the Tram to get to Disneyland. I knew I didn't drop them, but I was certain I took them out of the ignition. Like I said, once I got back to the car, I saw them on the seat. It took security about 15 minutes or so to get my door open -its nice to know that the Focus is a hard car to shimmy.
Anywho, after that adventure I finally got into the happiest place on Earth. I liked going to Disneyland by myself today, but I realize something: one person can navigate both parks much more quickly. I was done with both Disneyland and California Adventure in a matter of maybe 3 hours.
I didn't go any rides, but I just wanted to roam on my own, do things with out waiting for someone else. And much as a loner, misathropic jackass that I am, going by yourself is also kinda boring.
I'll do again, but now I know.
Next Sunday, production begins on season two of Star Trek: Odyssey. So, now I only haver to fill one day next weekend with something...
However, since I lack anything close to a life (which is my fault, I know), I find the hours between Saturday and Sunday tedious until I can return to work on Monday to interact with my co-workers (and then I mumble about something on the track of, jebus when is Friday going to get here?)
Yes, I'm also a mess of contradictions.
But the one good thing about the weekend (when not filming Odyssey or Helena Chronicles) is that I read more -I spend a few hours at the Starbucks passing time. Then, when I'm bored, I try to go home with all these ambitious ideas of cleaning, even going for a bike ride.
Then I sit in front of the computer and I let the day slip away like George Bush shitting my tax dollars away. Yesterday was such a day. Did nothing, well, beyond the usual stuff...
Anyways, today I went to Disneyland. Unlike When I went in November, I prepared to bring food with me. So, I saved some money, even though I did buy a few things at California Adventure (where I swear I saw Tornwordo from Sticky Crows. I know he's in SoCal now, so this tall guy, walking with three other guys and a girl pushing a baby passes by me in CA. And I thought that the tall guy looked like the avatar of Tornwordo. I've never met Richard, but I swear it was him). Still, somehow I ended up dropping my car keys on the driver seat of my car. I did not realize they were missing until I was waiting for the Tram to get to Disneyland. I knew I didn't drop them, but I was certain I took them out of the ignition. Like I said, once I got back to the car, I saw them on the seat. It took security about 15 minutes or so to get my door open -its nice to know that the Focus is a hard car to shimmy.
Anywho, after that adventure I finally got into the happiest place on Earth. I liked going to Disneyland by myself today, but I realize something: one person can navigate both parks much more quickly. I was done with both Disneyland and California Adventure in a matter of maybe 3 hours.
I didn't go any rides, but I just wanted to roam on my own, do things with out waiting for someone else. And much as a loner, misathropic jackass that I am, going by yourself is also kinda boring.
I'll do again, but now I know.
Next Sunday, production begins on season two of Star Trek: Odyssey. So, now I only haver to fill one day next weekend with something...
03 January 2009
BBC names 11th -and youngest - Doctor Who
Little known British actor Matt Smith, 26, will take over the lead role of the Doctor when the series returns for a 5th season on the BBC in spring of 2010. After numerous rumors that the role would go to an older, more seasoned actor (or potential actress) the announcement of Smith has surprised fans. At 26, he is three years younger than Peter Davison -the 5th Doctor - when he took over the role in 1981. And while Davison had a fan following with his work in All Creatures Great and Small, Smith's work at the BBC began in 2006, with the adaptation of Philip Pullman's The Ruby in the Smoke, which starred former Doctor Who companion Billie Piper. He has also acted opposite Piper in the follow-up, The Shadow in the North, and in ITV2's Secret Diary of a Call Girl. In 2007, he had a leading role in BBC Two's political drama Party Animals, in which he played a parliamentary researcher.
For some fans, their casting of someone so young seems to confirm that the BBC is more concerned with the tween audience -especially girls - than anything else. Of course, like here in Hollywood, the younger you are, the better demographics you get, the better profit you make. In theory anyways.
Still, one hopes that despite his age, the series can be pulled from the doldrums by new showrunner Steven Moffat, who'll have a year to make the fifth series the best since the show was brought back in 2005. He is, perhaps, a better writer than Russell T Davies, in the effect that his scripts are filled with more depth and with better dialogue. Davies was great for bringing huge set pieces to the show, but if you look too close at his scripts, you find its way too fanish and lacks a lot of substance.
There is to be three more specials of Doctor Who featuring outgoing David Tennant, with the next one to be aired around Easter. A third will probably air in late summer, while the fourth, and last of the 10th Doctor, will air Christmas Day of this year.
For some fans, their casting of someone so young seems to confirm that the BBC is more concerned with the tween audience -especially girls - than anything else. Of course, like here in Hollywood, the younger you are, the better demographics you get, the better profit you make. In theory anyways.
Still, one hopes that despite his age, the series can be pulled from the doldrums by new showrunner Steven Moffat, who'll have a year to make the fifth series the best since the show was brought back in 2005. He is, perhaps, a better writer than Russell T Davies, in the effect that his scripts are filled with more depth and with better dialogue. Davies was great for bringing huge set pieces to the show, but if you look too close at his scripts, you find its way too fanish and lacks a lot of substance.
There is to be three more specials of Doctor Who featuring outgoing David Tennant, with the next one to be aired around Easter. A third will probably air in late summer, while the fourth, and last of the 10th Doctor, will air Christmas Day of this year.
01 January 2009
Movie: Milk (2008)
After watching Milk, last night and again today after getting home from work, I felt a profound sense of oddness on how the film sort of paralleled the Prop 8 issue here in California. And whether it got made and released before the historic vote here this past November 4 and some how effected its course, one will never know. Thirty years ago, when then Prop 6 was on the ballot -one said to protect the children from homosexual teachers and their supporters - it failed to pass because (with help from Harvey Milk no doubt) even the people who were straight and maybe Republican (such as former Governor Ronald Reagan) felt there was plenty of laws to protect the children already on the books.
When the conservatives toted out the same reason for passing Prop 8 in 2008, it now seems that it’s the only weapon they have, some meaningless talking point about protecting the children.
Anyways, Gus Van Sant’s biographical film on the life of Harvey Milk is exceptional film, and I say that with extreme prejudice, as it effects me personally. While Sean Penn has run hot and cold with since Fast Times at Ridgemont High, his work here will surely grab him an Oscar nod for best actor. But what surprises me more, is how the film treats Dan White (played by an extraordinary Josh Brolin, who deserves a best supporting nod), the man who murdered Milk and San Francisco Mayor George Moscone. He could’ve been portrayed as some wild-eyed conservative who believed he was doing God’s work, but his fall from grace is told in a very humanized way.
The location work and the archival footage -much taken from the 1984 Academy Award winning documentary The Times of Harvey Milk - add to films message that -as Harvey often said - “you’ve got to give them hope.”
Van Sant’s usual fanciful direction is more linear (as it should, of course) here and the camera work and style almost makes the film look more a real documentary. Dustin Lance Black’s screenplay lights up the screen, and is another part of the film that should score with the Oscar voters.
Beyond Penn and Brolin, there is some more good performances from Emile Hirsch as Milk protégée Cleve Jones and the extraordinary handsome James Franco as Milk’s boyfriend Scott Smith. Equally handsome Diego Luna plays the unstable love interest Jack Lira later in the film, if I want to complain, after he was gone, the film petered a bit -but that’s a small quibble, really. Rounding out the cast is some up and coming actors such as Walt Disney mainstay (the High School Musical franchise) Lucas Grabeel (who perhaps can now finally come out the closet himself?), Running with Scissors actor Joseph Cross and Alison Pill (from the short-lived NBC series The Book of Daniel).
I cannot say this is the film of the year, but it certainly deserves to up there with the top five of 2008. It’s a moving, often thought provoking film that shows that the gay movement of today needs a leader such as Harvey Milk to end this destructive schism between us all so we can give hope to all.
When the conservatives toted out the same reason for passing Prop 8 in 2008, it now seems that it’s the only weapon they have, some meaningless talking point about protecting the children.
Anyways, Gus Van Sant’s biographical film on the life of Harvey Milk is exceptional film, and I say that with extreme prejudice, as it effects me personally. While Sean Penn has run hot and cold with since Fast Times at Ridgemont High, his work here will surely grab him an Oscar nod for best actor. But what surprises me more, is how the film treats Dan White (played by an extraordinary Josh Brolin, who deserves a best supporting nod), the man who murdered Milk and San Francisco Mayor George Moscone. He could’ve been portrayed as some wild-eyed conservative who believed he was doing God’s work, but his fall from grace is told in a very humanized way.
The location work and the archival footage -much taken from the 1984 Academy Award winning documentary The Times of Harvey Milk - add to films message that -as Harvey often said - “you’ve got to give them hope.”
Van Sant’s usual fanciful direction is more linear (as it should, of course) here and the camera work and style almost makes the film look more a real documentary. Dustin Lance Black’s screenplay lights up the screen, and is another part of the film that should score with the Oscar voters.
Beyond Penn and Brolin, there is some more good performances from Emile Hirsch as Milk protégée Cleve Jones and the extraordinary handsome James Franco as Milk’s boyfriend Scott Smith. Equally handsome Diego Luna plays the unstable love interest Jack Lira later in the film, if I want to complain, after he was gone, the film petered a bit -but that’s a small quibble, really. Rounding out the cast is some up and coming actors such as Walt Disney mainstay (the High School Musical franchise) Lucas Grabeel (who perhaps can now finally come out the closet himself?), Running with Scissors actor Joseph Cross and Alison Pill (from the short-lived NBC series The Book of Daniel).
I cannot say this is the film of the year, but it certainly deserves to up there with the top five of 2008. It’s a moving, often thought provoking film that shows that the gay movement of today needs a leader such as Harvey Milk to end this destructive schism between us all so we can give hope to all.
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