Jul 31, 2006
Today is a Special Day!
I'm sorry I haven't blogged today, but it's mine and my girlfriend's two year anniversary, and we've spent it doing the thing we love best: moving her into her new apartment and working.
Hooray!
In the meantime, enjoy all of the delicious goodies I've put on the newly designed - and utterly fantasmible - sidebar I designed.
And you know what, human race? It's all for you. I love you. Yes, I do.
Hooray!
In the meantime, enjoy all of the delicious goodies I've put on the newly designed - and utterly fantasmible - sidebar I designed.
And you know what, human race? It's all for you. I love you. Yes, I do.
Jul 30, 2006
The Blogs, They Are A-Changin'
As you can probably tell, I'm changing everything about the blog cosmetically, so I hope you like it all. The content may change much over the next few days, but I'll be back to blogging full-time in the next few days.
Thanks for your patience.
Thanks for your patience.
Mel Gibson + DUI = Anti-Semitism?
Okay, so Mel Gibson was arrested on Friday night for DUI. Big deal; people make mistakes. Millions of people have them. Unless you kill someone, your only consequence is that you'll be labeled an alcoholic for the rest of your life. If you're a celebrity, it means a lifetime of one liners about drinking, driving, or both. And most of those jokes are usually bad (take that, Jay Leno).
That's not the story here.
Apparently, old Melly Mel likes to rag on the Jews when he's sauced, according to the NY Times and several hundred other magazines on the internet. The quotes for his supposedly anti-semitic remarks when arrested for drunk driving haven't been released so far, and I imagine they won't. But I can imagine what they probably amount to.
If it is true, and he really did make those remarks, it just goes to show this guy has a lot of baggage to carry around. Unless the cops were Jewish - and no one has said they were - what would have prompted him to start such a tirade?
"You're drunk."
"So are the Jews." (Mel Gibson)
"Sir?"
"The Jews killed Jesus." (also, this is Mel)
"Whatever. We pulled you over on suspicion of drunk driving."
"I'm suspicious. Suspicious that you need to be investigating murder instead of drunk driving, that's all. I'm a cop. Didn't you ever see Lethal Weapon?*
*(Not actually what Mel Gibson said)
And so on and so forth. That's my two cents on the issue, complete with a little skit. I don't want to make light of his DUI. It can be dangerous to drive drunk, but it can also be strange and bizarre, as it is in this case. Like the people who were outraged at Mellian's comments.
That's not the story here.
Apparently, old Melly Mel likes to rag on the Jews when he's sauced, according to the NY Times and several hundred other magazines on the internet. The quotes for his supposedly anti-semitic remarks when arrested for drunk driving haven't been released so far, and I imagine they won't. But I can imagine what they probably amount to.
If it is true, and he really did make those remarks, it just goes to show this guy has a lot of baggage to carry around. Unless the cops were Jewish - and no one has said they were - what would have prompted him to start such a tirade?
"You're drunk."
"So are the Jews." (Mel Gibson)
"Sir?"
"The Jews killed Jesus." (also, this is Mel)
"Whatever. We pulled you over on suspicion of drunk driving."
"I'm suspicious. Suspicious that you need to be investigating murder instead of drunk driving, that's all. I'm a cop. Didn't you ever see Lethal Weapon?*
*(Not actually what Mel Gibson said)
And so on and so forth. That's my two cents on the issue, complete with a little skit. I don't want to make light of his DUI. It can be dangerous to drive drunk, but it can also be strange and bizarre, as it is in this case. Like the people who were outraged at Mellian's comments.
Jul 28, 2006
Girls Next Door is a Terrible Show.
All right, so my girlfriend was watching the E! show Girls Next Door - I promise you I wasn't - and I thought I would come blog about it, maybe create a discourse.
I'm not against Playboy, but I'm against bad television. And I've got to be honest, Girls Next Door has "next to nothing" worth watching. Ha!
Apparently there is a new season coming out - I didn't know the first one existed - and I got on the web to look up some information about Hef's early anti Women's Movement stuff. I thought it would play nicely with the upcoming show (something about newsworthiness).
Anyway, that idea tanked because I CAN'T FIND ANY INFORMATION ON IT! Anyone who has ever seen, heard of, or viewed with braile an issue of Playboy knows that issues with feminists and so forth were and are inevitable, but supposedly Hef was very anti women's lib early on. Of course, I can't quote anything since I have no proof, but I thought it was out there. Oh well.
Where do I stand on Playboy as a whole?
I don't know.
I mean, I've seen Killing Us Softly and I'm not an uneducated heathen, but I can't say that I'm against it. I don't have a subscription to the magazine - I used to - but I don't think that presents a totally degrades women. I also don't believe that it is a glowing representation, either.
As with most issues of any importance, I don't really know where I stand. I can't help but to be attracted to an attractive woman, but I also don't think that all attractive women have to be busty and blonde. There are plenty of women out there who are beautiful and don't have to do anything.
Blah blah blah.
The point is, you can look at it if you want to. If you don't, walk by it at the newsstand. Personally, I don't think that the people who read Playboy are likely to start attending feminist rallies in the near future, and the people who don't read Playboy aren't turning into sex maniacs because of the magazine's existence. If Playboy did not exist, underage guys would just have to go back to using their imaginations to figure out what women look like naked.
I'm not against Playboy, but I'm against bad television. And I've got to be honest, Girls Next Door has "next to nothing" worth watching. Ha!
Apparently there is a new season coming out - I didn't know the first one existed - and I got on the web to look up some information about Hef's early anti Women's Movement stuff. I thought it would play nicely with the upcoming show (something about newsworthiness).
Anyway, that idea tanked because I CAN'T FIND ANY INFORMATION ON IT! Anyone who has ever seen, heard of, or viewed with braile an issue of Playboy knows that issues with feminists and so forth were and are inevitable, but supposedly Hef was very anti women's lib early on. Of course, I can't quote anything since I have no proof, but I thought it was out there. Oh well.
Where do I stand on Playboy as a whole?
I don't know.
I mean, I've seen Killing Us Softly and I'm not an uneducated heathen, but I can't say that I'm against it. I don't have a subscription to the magazine - I used to - but I don't think that presents a totally degrades women. I also don't believe that it is a glowing representation, either.
As with most issues of any importance, I don't really know where I stand. I can't help but to be attracted to an attractive woman, but I also don't think that all attractive women have to be busty and blonde. There are plenty of women out there who are beautiful and don't have to do anything.
Blah blah blah.
The point is, you can look at it if you want to. If you don't, walk by it at the newsstand. Personally, I don't think that the people who read Playboy are likely to start attending feminist rallies in the near future, and the people who don't read Playboy aren't turning into sex maniacs because of the magazine's existence. If Playboy did not exist, underage guys would just have to go back to using their imaginations to figure out what women look like naked.
Jul 27, 2006
Crazy by Any Other Name is Still Crazy
Okay, forget the hokey title, but the story I just read is sort of disturbing. Apparently, winning the Nobel Peace Prize does not mean you have to play nice with people you regard as your enemies.
Betty Williams, while speaking to a group of children, said she would 'love to kill George Bush.'
Hmmm.
The funniest thing about the whole situation is not that she won the Nobel Peace Award, but that the press is attributing her outbursts to her 'fiery Irish spirit' instead of something a little more palpable, like - I don't know - lunacy.
I'm not trying to be stiff here - like Rush Limbaugh (Zing! Just kidding. That was, like, a month ago) - but I think it's a case of the ole double standard. People think it's funny for people to joke - or be serious, I'm not sure - about killing an unpopular REPUBLICAN president. Oh, HA HA HA, President Bush is an ass so we should just shoot him! That Alec Baldwin is a real card!
Now, don't get me wrong, I think the idea of telling a bunch of children that you would like to kill the President is funny, especially if you've won the Nobel Peace Prize in the past. Or an Oscar. Actually, I don't think Alec Baldwing has won an Oscar.
But no one from the right can make the same kinds of jokes without it coming off as cruel and heartless. Oh, Ann Coulter is such a heartless bitch - which she is - for making light of this or that. Believe me, I'm not going to defend her, but I think it's sort of disingenuous for people to bash one side for being pricks, and yet be as completely unaware of irony as Mrs. Williams appears to be.
Well, she's not really. She says, "I don't know how I ever got a Nobel Peace Prize, because when I see children die the anger in me is just beyond belief. It's our duty as human beings, whatever age we are, to become the protectors of human life."
Protection by murder? Hey, I'm all for it. It'll make for some interesting television, but don't criticize the other side for making similar comments.
Betty Williams, while speaking to a group of children, said she would 'love to kill George Bush.'
Hmmm.
The funniest thing about the whole situation is not that she won the Nobel Peace Award, but that the press is attributing her outbursts to her 'fiery Irish spirit' instead of something a little more palpable, like - I don't know - lunacy.
I'm not trying to be stiff here - like Rush Limbaugh (Zing! Just kidding. That was, like, a month ago) - but I think it's a case of the ole double standard. People think it's funny for people to joke - or be serious, I'm not sure - about killing an unpopular REPUBLICAN president. Oh, HA HA HA, President Bush is an ass so we should just shoot him! That Alec Baldwin is a real card!
Now, don't get me wrong, I think the idea of telling a bunch of children that you would like to kill the President is funny, especially if you've won the Nobel Peace Prize in the past. Or an Oscar. Actually, I don't think Alec Baldwing has won an Oscar.
But no one from the right can make the same kinds of jokes without it coming off as cruel and heartless. Oh, Ann Coulter is such a heartless bitch - which she is - for making light of this or that. Believe me, I'm not going to defend her, but I think it's sort of disingenuous for people to bash one side for being pricks, and yet be as completely unaware of irony as Mrs. Williams appears to be.
Well, she's not really. She says, "I don't know how I ever got a Nobel Peace Prize, because when I see children die the anger in me is just beyond belief. It's our duty as human beings, whatever age we are, to become the protectors of human life."
Protection by murder? Hey, I'm all for it. It'll make for some interesting television, but don't criticize the other side for making similar comments.
A Site About My Town
From now on, I'm going to try to include more info about Athens, the town where I reside. It's a cool place, strange and wonderfully uncool at the same time. But it's also one of the best places in the world, if you enjoy all of the meshing that goes on here. There's townies, sorority kids, homeless people, rich people, football fans, foreign guys and girls, tourists, painters, sculptors, writers, teachers, and just plain people who take up space.
If you've never been here, Overheard in Athens is a good introduction to the city.
It's merely a collection of quotes and things "overheard in Athens." If you think stereotypes of sorority girls in Athens are unfair, you should probably visit this site. I'm not saying that ALL of the dumb girl quotes are perpetrated by sorority girls, but I can envision a few of my Greek friends saying things very similar to what is being posted.
If you've never been here, Overheard in Athens is a good introduction to the city.
It's merely a collection of quotes and things "overheard in Athens." If you think stereotypes of sorority girls in Athens are unfair, you should probably visit this site. I'm not saying that ALL of the dumb girl quotes are perpetrated by sorority girls, but I can envision a few of my Greek friends saying things very similar to what is being posted.
New Metallica Song on Youtube
In additional Metallica news, a new song has leaked onto the internet - albeit in a kind of crappy quality - and I think it's pretty damn good.
If you want to watch it, click here or type New Metallica in the search engine to pull up the video.
I've got to warn you, though. It's a beast of a song, clocking in at well over Eight minutes - nine, on some sites - so pack a lunch.
If you want to watch it, click here or type New Metallica in the search engine to pull up the video.
I've got to warn you, though. It's a beast of a song, clocking in at well over Eight minutes - nine, on some sites - so pack a lunch.
Metallica and Napster in Bed Together?
It was reported yesterday that Metallica has finally ended its long-suffered battle with Napster, among others, allowing nearly the entire catalog to be sold online.
ABC News has a fairly short and uninformative piece regarding the issue.
Eh.
I mean, honestly I'm thinking, "Finally!" It's almost such a non-issue now that I wonder why people are even reporting it. Well, other than the seriously damaging and entangled battle in 2000 over the whole thing.
But, it's also kind of strange that Dr. Dre hasn't been mentioned in any of this. His music is available for download, has been, but he was involved in the Napster-hunt of 2000 alongside Metallica, and nobody really rags on him. Is it because Dr. Dre never came out and publicly made an ass of himself? Perhaps. But I just thought that it should be pointed out, at least.
Also, for those of you who think the band is filled with Luddites who'd rather wear leather and have its music released in the form of a dubbed tape - which it may - just realize that Metallica is not the last band to fall into the iTunes revolution.
Here are a few others: The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Tool, Kid Rock(?), and Bob Seger.
Personally, I think it was a stupid, pride-driven decision to wait this long. However, look at how much publicity the band has gotten, including a blurb in the most recent issue of Rolling Stone.
In the words of Adam Sandler, "...Not too Shabby."
ABC News has a fairly short and uninformative piece regarding the issue.
Eh.
I mean, honestly I'm thinking, "Finally!" It's almost such a non-issue now that I wonder why people are even reporting it. Well, other than the seriously damaging and entangled battle in 2000 over the whole thing.
But, it's also kind of strange that Dr. Dre hasn't been mentioned in any of this. His music is available for download, has been, but he was involved in the Napster-hunt of 2000 alongside Metallica, and nobody really rags on him. Is it because Dr. Dre never came out and publicly made an ass of himself? Perhaps. But I just thought that it should be pointed out, at least.
Also, for those of you who think the band is filled with Luddites who'd rather wear leather and have its music released in the form of a dubbed tape - which it may - just realize that Metallica is not the last band to fall into the iTunes revolution.
Here are a few others: The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Tool, Kid Rock(?), and Bob Seger.
Personally, I think it was a stupid, pride-driven decision to wait this long. However, look at how much publicity the band has gotten, including a blurb in the most recent issue of Rolling Stone.
In the words of Adam Sandler, "...Not too Shabby."
Jul 26, 2006
More Trivia
This seems like an extremely lazy way to run a blog, but it keeps me interested, and I like posting trivia.
1. What is the first movie Vinnie Chase turns down after the release of Head On? For bonus points: Who ended up taking that role?
2. This is a three part question. Red Dragon is not the first movie version of Thomas Harris's novel to be released. What is the name of the original? Who directed it? Who played Hannibal Lecter?
3. Who did Liv Tyler think her father really was before fining out later that it was Steven Tyler?
4. What do beat writer William S. Burroughs, Motley Crue frontman Vince Neil, and "Noxzema Girl" Rebecca Gayheart all have in common?
5. July 27, 1996: What significant event happened in Atlanta on this date?
1. What is the first movie Vinnie Chase turns down after the release of Head On? For bonus points: Who ended up taking that role?
2. This is a three part question. Red Dragon is not the first movie version of Thomas Harris's novel to be released. What is the name of the original? Who directed it? Who played Hannibal Lecter?
3. Who did Liv Tyler think her father really was before fining out later that it was Steven Tyler?
4. What do beat writer William S. Burroughs, Motley Crue frontman Vince Neil, and "Noxzema Girl" Rebecca Gayheart all have in common?
5. July 27, 1996: What significant event happened in Atlanta on this date?
Jul 25, 2006
Trivia for tonight
Name all of the seven studio albums made by Creedence Clearwater Revival, indicating which one starred the band as a trio, after John Fogerty's brother left the band. This is a tough question, but I have faith in you guys.
Dane Cook, You Lucky Son of a...
Okay, everybody, you'll have to excuse me. I'm about to travel into the rumor mill, even though by nature I despise that sort of stuff.
But, when it involves two of my favs in the cult of celebrity, I can't help it.
Apparently, Dane Cook and Jessica Simpson are rumored to be "going together", to use the nomenclature (I'm using the word loosely) of my childhood.
I don't care one way or the other. I just find it flat-out interesting. Dane Cook is the most popular comic in the world right now, and I don't think I have to mention Jessica Simpson's bodily dimensions.
It's a match made in...I don't know. What do you think? Even if it weren't true - which it probably is - it's kind of a strange combination. It's the old-school equivalent of Groucho Marx and Rita Heyworth hopping in the sack together, I think. Maybe that's a little cruel. Dane Cook could probably have any woman he wanted right now, star or not, so I have no room to talk.
It's just that my perspective on him has changed a little since watching Tourgasm. The fit he threw after the paint ball thing made me feel kind of weird, like I caught him being "real" for a minute. It's different than the guy I imagined, I guess. Sorry for blathering.
But, when it involves two of my favs in the cult of celebrity, I can't help it.
Apparently, Dane Cook and Jessica Simpson are rumored to be "going together", to use the nomenclature (I'm using the word loosely) of my childhood.
I don't care one way or the other. I just find it flat-out interesting. Dane Cook is the most popular comic in the world right now, and I don't think I have to mention Jessica Simpson's bodily dimensions.
It's a match made in...I don't know. What do you think? Even if it weren't true - which it probably is - it's kind of a strange combination. It's the old-school equivalent of Groucho Marx and Rita Heyworth hopping in the sack together, I think. Maybe that's a little cruel. Dane Cook could probably have any woman he wanted right now, star or not, so I have no room to talk.
It's just that my perspective on him has changed a little since watching Tourgasm. The fit he threw after the paint ball thing made me feel kind of weird, like I caught him being "real" for a minute. It's different than the guy I imagined, I guess. Sorry for blathering.
Blackalicious Isn't Just What I Think of Beyonce
Okay, so when I started this blog, I promised to myself that I would act as a beacon - as best I could - to put information out there for things I'm passionate about.
Music, no doubt, is one of those things.
An artist I want to feature in this Beacon - I'd like to call it the Minorstream, but I don't know if that already exists - is Blackalicious.
Now, disregard the name, because it sounds like the kind of rap you hear on the crappy pop stations pretending to play rap music. Blackalicious is the real thing. There's no real single undercurrent running through the music. It's not overtly political, sexual, spiritual, etc. but it can be in parts, if that makes any sort of sense whatsoever.
Gift of Gab, the lyricist, is sort of hard to pin down singularly. His flow is pretty good - he raps pretty fast on certain songs - but for the most part his primary focus in the material is the boast. And he's good at it.
If I had to liken it to another group, I'd have to say Blackalicious resembles Jurassic 5 a little bit. Cut Chemist, of J-5, makes an appearance on Chemical Calisthenics, a verbal workout if I've ever heard one.
The album to cut your teeth on is Blazing Arrow The highlights of the record are "Blazing Arrow", "Paragraph President", "Chemical Calisthenics", and "Aural Pleasure".
I hope you guys check Blackalicious out. It's what I'm listening to right now.
Music, no doubt, is one of those things.
An artist I want to feature in this Beacon - I'd like to call it the Minorstream, but I don't know if that already exists - is Blackalicious.
Now, disregard the name, because it sounds like the kind of rap you hear on the crappy pop stations pretending to play rap music. Blackalicious is the real thing. There's no real single undercurrent running through the music. It's not overtly political, sexual, spiritual, etc. but it can be in parts, if that makes any sort of sense whatsoever.
Gift of Gab, the lyricist, is sort of hard to pin down singularly. His flow is pretty good - he raps pretty fast on certain songs - but for the most part his primary focus in the material is the boast. And he's good at it.
If I had to liken it to another group, I'd have to say Blackalicious resembles Jurassic 5 a little bit. Cut Chemist, of J-5, makes an appearance on Chemical Calisthenics, a verbal workout if I've ever heard one.
The album to cut your teeth on is Blazing Arrow The highlights of the record are "Blazing Arrow", "Paragraph President", "Chemical Calisthenics", and "Aural Pleasure".
I hope you guys check Blackalicious out. It's what I'm listening to right now.
Jul 24, 2006
In other News...
I'm working on the final polish of my first novel, and I hope to have it done this week, at the very latest. Don't give up on me. I promise I'm not neglecting you. I would never do that!
Jul 23, 2006
What More Can Be Said About Youtube?
Unless you've been living under a technological rock for the last few months, then you've undoubtedly heard about Youtube.com.
I've only recently discovered it, and I think it's one of the best commodities out on the internet right now. EVERYTHING you can imagine is on there, including a sneak peak at the as-of-yet-unreleased Adult Swim show, Korgoth of Barbaria. If you have LOTS of extra free time, you should check out Youtube. It's awesome.
I've only recently discovered it, and I think it's one of the best commodities out on the internet right now. EVERYTHING you can imagine is on there, including a sneak peak at the as-of-yet-unreleased Adult Swim show, Korgoth of Barbaria. If you have LOTS of extra free time, you should check out Youtube. It's awesome.
Quick Trivia
1. What was the name of John Fogerty and Co. before they were Creedence Clearwater Revival?
a. The Golliwogs
b. Blue Velvets
c. A and B
d. None of the above
2. Today is my birthday. What famous rocker shares this special occasion?
a. Kurt Cobain
b. Keith Richards
c. Slash
d. Eddie Vedder
3. What is the name of the only cover song Nirvana released on a studio album? For bonus points, name all of the cover songs that were in the Unplugged in New York recording (not a studio album).
4. What is Rob's (John Cusack) favorite book in the movie High Fidelity?
5. What band performs the theme music for the HBO series Entourage?
a. The Golliwogs
b. Blue Velvets
c. A and B
d. None of the above
2. Today is my birthday. What famous rocker shares this special occasion?
a. Kurt Cobain
b. Keith Richards
c. Slash
d. Eddie Vedder
3. What is the name of the only cover song Nirvana released on a studio album? For bonus points, name all of the cover songs that were in the Unplugged in New York recording (not a studio album).
4. What is Rob's (John Cusack) favorite book in the movie High Fidelity?
5. What band performs the theme music for the HBO series Entourage?
Jul 20, 2006
Transfomers Trailer
Yep. I know it sounds crazy, but there's a Transformers movie - a live-action Transformers movie - in the works and it's going to be GREAT! Well, unless Michael Bay (see Pearl Harbor) screws it up.
Check out the official site for the trailer. Now, when I say that it's going to be live action, I don't mean like Masters of the Universe live action (if you've seen the movie, you'll get the joke). It's more of a blend of state-of-the-art CGI and live action stuff, so prepare to be impressed.
The movie comes out on Independence Day next year, so I'm guessing the plot will have something to do with freedom? from robots? I don't know, but it looks cool and dark and ominous and I'm on board.
Oh, and I don't mean LITERALLY see Pearl Harbor. That would be bad, and you'd probably blame me. No, it's just a figure of speech. Please, please, PLEASE don't see Pearl Harbor. I just meant it as a frame of reference.
Phew. I almost got scared there for a minute.
Check out the official site for the trailer. Now, when I say that it's going to be live action, I don't mean like Masters of the Universe live action (if you've seen the movie, you'll get the joke). It's more of a blend of state-of-the-art CGI and live action stuff, so prepare to be impressed.
The movie comes out on Independence Day next year, so I'm guessing the plot will have something to do with freedom? from robots? I don't know, but it looks cool and dark and ominous and I'm on board.
Oh, and I don't mean LITERALLY see Pearl Harbor. That would be bad, and you'd probably blame me. No, it's just a figure of speech. Please, please, PLEASE don't see Pearl Harbor. I just meant it as a frame of reference.
Phew. I almost got scared there for a minute.
My Media
I know you find yourself wondering, "what in the world does that guy from the strangely-titled blog listen to and read and such?"
Well, thank you for wondering.
At the moment, I'm listening to The Rolling Stones's Exile on Main Stret. I'm listening to a lot of other stuff, but it's hard to rip this disc out of my cd player right now.
I'm reading Bad Moon Rising: The Unofficial History of Creedence Clearwater Revival.
I'd like to know what you guys are listening to right now. Comment below on this post or e-mail me: t_blake_braddy@yahoo.com
Well, thank you for wondering.
At the moment, I'm listening to The Rolling Stones's Exile on Main Stret. I'm listening to a lot of other stuff, but it's hard to rip this disc out of my cd player right now.
I'm reading Bad Moon Rising: The Unofficial History of Creedence Clearwater Revival.
I'd like to know what you guys are listening to right now. Comment below on this post or e-mail me: t_blake_braddy@yahoo.com
Little Miss Sunshine
I discovered a movie called Little Miss Sunshine while perusing the Fox Searchlight site tonight.
I haven't heard anyone talk about it yet, so it's definitely under the radar. But it boasts a cool cast - Steve Carell, Greg Kinnear, Alan Arkin, and Toni Collete - and Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris directed it, so it stands a good chance of hitting all the right notes.
It looks reminiscent of something Wes Anderson would do, but I don't want to take away from the movie itself. Check out the web site for the movie if you want to learn more about it. Also, I believe Steve Carell plays a homosexual in the movie, so that ought to be interesting.
I haven't heard anyone talk about it yet, so it's definitely under the radar. But it boasts a cool cast - Steve Carell, Greg Kinnear, Alan Arkin, and Toni Collete - and Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris directed it, so it stands a good chance of hitting all the right notes.
It looks reminiscent of something Wes Anderson would do, but I don't want to take away from the movie itself. Check out the web site for the movie if you want to learn more about it. Also, I believe Steve Carell plays a homosexual in the movie, so that ought to be interesting.
Beerfest is Brewing for its Release
Sorry for the ham-handed title, but the new movie fom the Broken Lizard squad is almost ready to be unleashed on the world.
For those of you who don't know, Broken Lizard is responsible for Super Troopers and Club Dread. Oh, and Jay Chandresekhar directed The Dukes of Hazzard movie.
Beerfest hits theaters August 25. I don't think this movie needs an introduction.
Visit the Broken Lizard site.
For those of you who don't know, Broken Lizard is responsible for Super Troopers and Club Dread. Oh, and Jay Chandresekhar directed The Dukes of Hazzard movie.
Beerfest hits theaters August 25. I don't think this movie needs an introduction.
Visit the Broken Lizard site.
The Aristocrats! Oh God Yes The Aristocrats!
If you love the First Amendment - and I do - I suggest that you watch The Aristocrats.
If - and I realize that I'm starting another paragraph with the word "if" - ever there was a celebration of free speech, The Aristocrats would be the main attraction (Well, that and George Carlin's Seven Dirty Words bit).
The Aristocrats is a movie - a documentary, to be exact - that explores a certain Vaudeville joke, for which ONLY the punchline is standard. It's more than that, however. The Aristocrats is a joke that tests the limits of each comedian's creativity and ability to improvise.
Another good article about the movie can be read here.
Penn Jillette and Paul Provenza are the brains behind this wonderfully un-PC movie, and if you get a chance to see it, do.
If - and I realize that I'm starting another paragraph with the word "if" - ever there was a celebration of free speech, The Aristocrats would be the main attraction (Well, that and George Carlin's Seven Dirty Words bit).
The Aristocrats is a movie - a documentary, to be exact - that explores a certain Vaudeville joke, for which ONLY the punchline is standard. It's more than that, however. The Aristocrats is a joke that tests the limits of each comedian's creativity and ability to improvise.
Another good article about the movie can be read here.
Penn Jillette and Paul Provenza are the brains behind this wonderfully un-PC movie, and if you get a chance to see it, do.
Yahoo! Movies Likes Clerks Sequel
Yahoo!Movies give Clerks II a pretty good review. I'm excited about that, for obvious reasons. I know it seems that I've got a pretty big Man-Crush on ole Kevin Smith right now, but I really don't. It's just that I've been looking forward to this movie since I heard rumors that it was a possibility.
After the awe-inspiringly horrible outcome of Jersey Girl, I had a feeling that Kevin Smith would go back to the thing he does best. And, honestly, I can't be happier. Even though I'm getting on up in years, I can't help but enjoy his movies.
If you've never seen a Kevin Smith movie, you should go and immediately check out Clerks or Mallrats or Chasing Amy. Mallrats is probably the most palatable movie to teeth on, and it's the first movie of his that I saw. After that, you should probably get Clerks, if you can handle it.
Oh, and Clerks II is opening the same weekend as my 24th birthday.
After the awe-inspiringly horrible outcome of Jersey Girl, I had a feeling that Kevin Smith would go back to the thing he does best. And, honestly, I can't be happier. Even though I'm getting on up in years, I can't help but enjoy his movies.
If you've never seen a Kevin Smith movie, you should go and immediately check out Clerks or Mallrats or Chasing Amy. Mallrats is probably the most palatable movie to teeth on, and it's the first movie of his that I saw. After that, you should probably get Clerks, if you can handle it.
Oh, and Clerks II is opening the same weekend as my 24th birthday.
Music News: The Raconteurs, Metallica
According to Encyclopedia Metallica, the band's new album will not be coming out until summer or fall of 2007. A bummer for all the fans out there, but what can you do?
Read the article here.
The band is currently on tour in Europe. They're taking a break from making the record to enjoy(?) a tour.
The Raconteurs, meanwhile, are playing several gigs around the states. You can read an interview with them here at Rolling Stone.
Read the article here.
The band is currently on tour in Europe. They're taking a break from making the record to enjoy(?) a tour.
The Raconteurs, meanwhile, are playing several gigs around the states. You can read an interview with them here at Rolling Stone.
The Otterbox: A New Type of Protection for Your iPod
All right, I know I shouldn't be trying to hock something on my very first blog back, but I just can't help it.
Okay, here's the thing. I love my iPod, but sometimes I think the thing is just too damn fragile. It goes with the territory, but I've always wondered if there was a way I could make my sweet little iPod a little more resilient.
Well, there's no such thing. Sorry. But you can make your iPod less susceptible to the elements.
Check out Otterbox.com No, it's not a bestiality site.
An Otterbox is a container for your product, whatever it is. They protect, let's say, your iPod, from shock damage, dust, dirt, and water. Yes, these things are waterproof! I think they seem pretty cool.
Check it out, if you think you might want one. The only thing is, they are pricey. The Nano model is 39.95. But hey, you could submerge your iPod in your pool just for kicks!
Okay, here's the thing. I love my iPod, but sometimes I think the thing is just too damn fragile. It goes with the territory, but I've always wondered if there was a way I could make my sweet little iPod a little more resilient.
Well, there's no such thing. Sorry. But you can make your iPod less susceptible to the elements.
Check out Otterbox.com No, it's not a bestiality site.
An Otterbox is a container for your product, whatever it is. They protect, let's say, your iPod, from shock damage, dust, dirt, and water. Yes, these things are waterproof! I think they seem pretty cool.
Check it out, if you think you might want one. The only thing is, they are pricey. The Nano model is 39.95. But hey, you could submerge your iPod in your pool just for kicks!
Jul 17, 2006
I'm not Dead.
I'm sorry I haven't been on here in a few days. I know you're probably freaking out and stuff, but I promise I'm not dead and I haven't been kidnapped, so rest easy, blogosphere.
My posts might have to be a little more sporadic over the next few days, though, as the computer I've been using has crapped out.
Stay with me through this. It has been a tough time going without the internet. You have NO idea!
My posts might have to be a little more sporadic over the next few days, though, as the computer I've been using has crapped out.
Stay with me through this. It has been a tough time going without the internet. You have NO idea!
Jul 14, 2006
Rocky Balboa Trailer Hits the Net
In movie news, the sixth installment of the Rocky series is set to come out on December 22 of this year and yes, Sylvester Stallone is playing the fabled boxer.
He is sixty years old.
His opponent this time around is Mason "the Line" Dixon - I'm not kidding - and the basic story is that ESPN feeds all of the boxers of all time into a computer and what comes out is that Rocky Balboa, not Dixon (played by Antonio Tarver), is the best of all time, causing public interest in such a fight.
You can view the trailer at Yahoo Movies. It looks like it will be entertaining, even though it'll be the same rehashed story. Personally, I don't care. I can't wait to see it. Though it's pretty funny. I now know what it's like for people to go see Lynyrd Skynyrd or Poison in concert.
He is sixty years old.
His opponent this time around is Mason "the Line" Dixon - I'm not kidding - and the basic story is that ESPN feeds all of the boxers of all time into a computer and what comes out is that Rocky Balboa, not Dixon (played by Antonio Tarver), is the best of all time, causing public interest in such a fight.
You can view the trailer at Yahoo Movies. It looks like it will be entertaining, even though it'll be the same rehashed story. Personally, I don't care. I can't wait to see it. Though it's pretty funny. I now know what it's like for people to go see Lynyrd Skynyrd or Poison in concert.
Jul 13, 2006
Brisco County Now on DVD!
Most people I know have never heard of The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr., but, being a huge fan of Bruce Campbell, I love that show.
Bruce Campbell is the hero of the Evil Dead movies, a cult horror trilogy. Sam Raimi, the man who made Spider-Man the colossus that it is, directed all three of the movies.
You can buy it on Amazon if you like or rent it on Netflix. I highly recommend the show, as it is not a straightforward western show. You should try at least an episode and see if you like it. You must be a little bit quirky in the first place to like it, but it's really entertaining.
Bruce Campbell is the hero of the Evil Dead movies, a cult horror trilogy. Sam Raimi, the man who made Spider-Man the colossus that it is, directed all three of the movies.
You can buy it on Amazon if you like or rent it on Netflix. I highly recommend the show, as it is not a straightforward western show. You should try at least an episode and see if you like it. You must be a little bit quirky in the first place to like it, but it's really entertaining.
Why Does Osama Hate Indiana?
You'd think that New York City is the place where the Department of Homeland Security would just dump all of its money, hoping against hope that another 9/11 wasn't in the future.
Nope, we've got New York's safety all locked up.
In an article by the New York Times yesterday, the place with the most listed terror targets is Indiana.
Yep. The Hoosier state. Over 8500 of them. This isn't an article from the Onion. I wish it were that funny.
And guess what else folks: The Empire State Building is NOT even on the list.
That's right, kids. The Department of Homeland Security thought to list the Apple and Pork Festival in Clinton, Illinois before even thinking of The Empire State Building.
And is the Department embarrassed about this flub?
No.
Not at all.
"We don’t find it embarrassing," said the department’s deputy press secretary, Jarrod Agen. "The list is a valuable tool."
Read the article. Please.
Nope, we've got New York's safety all locked up.
In an article by the New York Times yesterday, the place with the most listed terror targets is Indiana.
Yep. The Hoosier state. Over 8500 of them. This isn't an article from the Onion. I wish it were that funny.
And guess what else folks: The Empire State Building is NOT even on the list.
That's right, kids. The Department of Homeland Security thought to list the Apple and Pork Festival in Clinton, Illinois before even thinking of The Empire State Building.
And is the Department embarrassed about this flub?
No.
Not at all.
"We don’t find it embarrassing," said the department’s deputy press secretary, Jarrod Agen. "The list is a valuable tool."
Read the article. Please.
Possible Raise in Minimum Wage?
AS the Congressional midterm elections loom - they are less than four months away - it seems that the Democrats are trying to gain support over the issue of minimum wage, which hasn't been raised in over eight years.
The New York Times has reported that wages are at a twenty year low, if accounted for inflation.
The minimum wage stands at $5.15 an hour presently, and the expected hike would make it a more formidable $7.25.
Pressure for this measure is certainly on in areas that are all-too-often deemed "swing states". Ohio and Arizona, it seems, are key areas in this fight.
Hmmm.
It makes me wonder, though, if raising the minimum wage is just compensation for the unearthly high gas prices so prominent these days. Will the gas issue just go away if wages are raised? I surely hope not. Even a two dollar wage raise cannot compensate for the cost-of-living that is perpetually going up.
The New York Times has reported that wages are at a twenty year low, if accounted for inflation.
The minimum wage stands at $5.15 an hour presently, and the expected hike would make it a more formidable $7.25.
Pressure for this measure is certainly on in areas that are all-too-often deemed "swing states". Ohio and Arizona, it seems, are key areas in this fight.
Hmmm.
It makes me wonder, though, if raising the minimum wage is just compensation for the unearthly high gas prices so prominent these days. Will the gas issue just go away if wages are raised? I surely hope not. Even a two dollar wage raise cannot compensate for the cost-of-living that is perpetually going up.
More on Momentarily
I've had a few people dispute my post regarding the word "momentarily." They say that it is correct to use it as "in a moment" as well as "for a moment".
(See my blog posting Pirates of the Caribbean 2 Revew.
This is wrong.
Apparently the television show Sports Night did an episode on momentarily and came to the conclusion that it could be used either way.
Like I said in my post, common usage has won out and so "in a moment" has therefore been accepted as a use of the word, but it is still incorrect. It creates a usage problem, and most reference web sites make it a point to note such a fact.
The Free Dictionary proves my point. Hopefully.
If not, then Dictionary.com's definition should clarify things.
A Postscript: I'm really not that nutty about language in everyday life. I promise I'm not. It's annoying to be that anal retentive about something like that. But to see it on screen like that...I don't know. I just Hulked out, I guess.
(See my blog posting Pirates of the Caribbean 2 Revew.
This is wrong.
Apparently the television show Sports Night did an episode on momentarily and came to the conclusion that it could be used either way.
Like I said in my post, common usage has won out and so "in a moment" has therefore been accepted as a use of the word, but it is still incorrect. It creates a usage problem, and most reference web sites make it a point to note such a fact.
The Free Dictionary proves my point. Hopefully.
If not, then Dictionary.com's definition should clarify things.
A Postscript: I'm really not that nutty about language in everyday life. I promise I'm not. It's annoying to be that anal retentive about something like that. But to see it on screen like that...I don't know. I just Hulked out, I guess.
Kevin Smith to appear on Amazon.com's FishBowl
Writer/Director Kevin Smith appeared on Amazon.com's weekly series The Fishbowl w/ Bill Maher on July 6th, talking about his new movie, Clerks II.
Each week on the show, Bill Maher interviews several celebrities hocking their new stuff, including directors, actors, and musicians, doing his usual Real Time monologue "schtick" before interviewing the guests.
The Kevin Smith interview just basically goes into Kevin Smith's masturbatory habits. Watch it Now!
Oh, and Clerks II comes out in 5 days, 12 hours, and 51 minutes.
In more Kevin Smith news - so I won't have to create another post - Kevin Smith will appear on G4's Icon's on July 15th at 7:30 pm. You can watch it online if you click on the link above.
Each week on the show, Bill Maher interviews several celebrities hocking their new stuff, including directors, actors, and musicians, doing his usual Real Time monologue "schtick" before interviewing the guests.
The Kevin Smith interview just basically goes into Kevin Smith's masturbatory habits. Watch it Now!
Oh, and Clerks II comes out in 5 days, 12 hours, and 51 minutes.
In more Kevin Smith news - so I won't have to create another post - Kevin Smith will appear on G4's Icon's on July 15th at 7:30 pm. You can watch it online if you click on the link above.
Jul 12, 2006
Nightmares Reviews
The first two episodes of TNT's mini-series Nightmares and Dreamscapes aired tonight on TNT.
I could review them, but I'd rather leave it up to the guys who do it for a living. The review on Creature Corner is pretty good, so I'll leave you with it.
Just to give a sense of what I thought, though:
Overall, both adaptations were good in different ways. Battleground drifted away from the original story quite a bit, but it was good and intense and I was glad that it was chosen. However, I don't think that Crouch End should have been adapted in the first place. It's a story that reads well and should be left alone, as it is sort of a long and protracted - Creature Corner calls it a Lovecraftian Tale - work.
I could review them, but I'd rather leave it up to the guys who do it for a living. The review on Creature Corner is pretty good, so I'll leave you with it.
Just to give a sense of what I thought, though:
Overall, both adaptations were good in different ways. Battleground drifted away from the original story quite a bit, but it was good and intense and I was glad that it was chosen. However, I don't think that Crouch End should have been adapted in the first place. It's a story that reads well and should be left alone, as it is sort of a long and protracted - Creature Corner calls it a Lovecraftian Tale - work.
Syd Barrett Dies
Syd Barrett died on July 7th, 2006.
He was the original lead singer of Pink Floyd and was responsible for much of their early material, namely Piper at the Gates of Dawn. He was (or maybe was not, depending on who says it) the inspiration for the song Shine on You Crazy Diamond.
Read more about him in this article on Rolling Stone. Their article is so much better than anything I could have done.
Also, since he was from across the pond, the BBC will be covering his death extensively.
He was the original lead singer of Pink Floyd and was responsible for much of their early material, namely Piper at the Gates of Dawn. He was (or maybe was not, depending on who says it) the inspiration for the song Shine on You Crazy Diamond.
Read more about him in this article on Rolling Stone. Their article is so much better than anything I could have done.
Also, since he was from across the pond, the BBC will be covering his death extensively.
Hello? Has Anyone Seen My Gametap?
I know it's not the newest development, but has anyone heard of or tried Gametap? I've been thinking about trying it for some time now, but I haven't gathered the cojones together to actually go through with it (cojones are very hard to come by in my area).
Also, I don't know anyone else who uses Gametap. Considering how media and tech savvy my friends are, that's a very telling sign.
And it is all but impossible to find out how much the service actually costs on the web site. Not even in the hip, cool, not-very-uninfommercial style demo do they mention the price. I had to navigate the Help section to get the answer (It's 9.95 a month, by the way). That's not really a qualm so much as an irritation. You don't have that sort of problem with places like Netflix. They post it right on their ads. Is it a secret? I hope I didn't unlock some sort of third dimension, where you need to be a computer hacker to find out how much things cost.
Sorry, a little off-base with that last comment. Anyway, my point is that my old age and techno-quirkiness is preventing me from taking the plunge into Gametap. Am I being unreasonably irrational?
Also, I don't know anyone else who uses Gametap. Considering how media and tech savvy my friends are, that's a very telling sign.
And it is all but impossible to find out how much the service actually costs on the web site. Not even in the hip, cool, not-very-uninfommercial style demo do they mention the price. I had to navigate the Help section to get the answer (It's 9.95 a month, by the way). That's not really a qualm so much as an irritation. You don't have that sort of problem with places like Netflix. They post it right on their ads. Is it a secret? I hope I didn't unlock some sort of third dimension, where you need to be a computer hacker to find out how much things cost.
Sorry, a little off-base with that last comment. Anyway, my point is that my old age and techno-quirkiness is preventing me from taking the plunge into Gametap. Am I being unreasonably irrational?
Jul 11, 2006
Just a warning...
Blogspot (and thus, my blog) will be shut down for a while this evening, so you may not get any sort of post from me today. I will return tomorrow if I'm not able to post anything lengthy today.
Jul 10, 2006
Not Again!
In honor of the Time article I read today, I'm going to list a few of my favorite westerns. I hope you enjoy.
* The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly - No surprise here, huh? The final - and in my opinion, the best - of the "Man with No Name" trilogy, GBU is a classic and not just because of Clint Eastwood. Sergio Leone did a great job casting Eli Wallach as Tuco and Lee Van Cleef as Angel Eyes. Without them, this movie doesn't work as well.
* The Magnificent Seven - a remake of Seven Samurai, The Magnificent Seven cannot be touched by most of the crap imitators that came out of the time period.
* The Searchers - Sort of a revisionist western before they were cool, The Searchers takes a different look at the whole "Cowboys and Indians" angle, molding irony, regret, and a little bit of emotion into a genre that could be a little bland and heartless at times. John Wayne plays (sort of) a different character in this one. Well, he plays John Wayne, but he also realizes what the movie attempts to accomplish and plays up his part as an ironic play on a few of his former roles. Also, John Ford is a BA director.
* Unforgiven - Clint Eastwood at his best. This movie manages to be sad and funny simultaneously, with Eastwood taking on the conventions of the old west in his own brooding, moody style. And the final scene is one of the best in cinema history, even if it is meant to be horrifying.
* Tombstone - Do I really need to say why? Okay, admittedly, parts of it are a little corny, but all of the flaws are washed away by the gun fights and such. I wouldn't call it a good movie, but it's probably the most entertaining and gratifying western I've ever seen. Besides, did you ever see Wyatt Earp?
These are just a few of them - five actually - and if you like, you can send me a list of your favorite westerns at t_blake_braddy@yahoo.com . I'd like to hear from you.
* The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly - No surprise here, huh? The final - and in my opinion, the best - of the "Man with No Name" trilogy, GBU is a classic and not just because of Clint Eastwood. Sergio Leone did a great job casting Eli Wallach as Tuco and Lee Van Cleef as Angel Eyes. Without them, this movie doesn't work as well.
* The Magnificent Seven - a remake of Seven Samurai, The Magnificent Seven cannot be touched by most of the crap imitators that came out of the time period.
* The Searchers - Sort of a revisionist western before they were cool, The Searchers takes a different look at the whole "Cowboys and Indians" angle, molding irony, regret, and a little bit of emotion into a genre that could be a little bland and heartless at times. John Wayne plays (sort of) a different character in this one. Well, he plays John Wayne, but he also realizes what the movie attempts to accomplish and plays up his part as an ironic play on a few of his former roles. Also, John Ford is a BA director.
* Unforgiven - Clint Eastwood at his best. This movie manages to be sad and funny simultaneously, with Eastwood taking on the conventions of the old west in his own brooding, moody style. And the final scene is one of the best in cinema history, even if it is meant to be horrifying.
* Tombstone - Do I really need to say why? Okay, admittedly, parts of it are a little corny, but all of the flaws are washed away by the gun fights and such. I wouldn't call it a good movie, but it's probably the most entertaining and gratifying western I've ever seen. Besides, did you ever see Wyatt Earp?
These are just a few of them - five actually - and if you like, you can send me a list of your favorite westerns at t_blake_braddy@yahoo.com . I'd like to hear from you.
Late to the Party
I try to keep political stuff out of the blog, but I found this article infinitely interesting...
It's the article Bobby Kennedy, Jr. wrote for Rolling Stone Magazine and, though a lot of people may think it's tin-foil hat stuff, I think it has some merit, at least in the sense that we can't really trust electronic voting companies with our elections.
Not that I necessarily believe all of it, but I think you should give it a read at Rolling Stone. There's some merit in it. Unless you're a really right-wing leaning guy yourself, you don't think of BKJr. as a nutcase.
P.S. Bobby Kennedy has already filed a suit against the companies producing these machines. He's not trying to reverse the election or anything; he only wants to preserve the integrity of our electoral process.
It's the article Bobby Kennedy, Jr. wrote for Rolling Stone Magazine and, though a lot of people may think it's tin-foil hat stuff, I think it has some merit, at least in the sense that we can't really trust electronic voting companies with our elections.
Not that I necessarily believe all of it, but I think you should give it a read at Rolling Stone. There's some merit in it. Unless you're a really right-wing leaning guy yourself, you don't think of BKJr. as a nutcase.
P.S. Bobby Kennedy has already filed a suit against the companies producing these machines. He's not trying to reverse the election or anything; he only wants to preserve the integrity of our electoral process.
Jul 9, 2006
Microsoft's New iPod?
I'm not a GIANT tech-nerd, but apparently Microsoft is planning on releasing its own mp3 device, to be ready for the shelves by Christmas. It's going to have a whole bunch of gadgets and things to try to lure you, the consumer, away from the market-stingy iPod. You can read all about the device here.
Jul 8, 2006
Pirates of the Caribbean 2 Review
I went to see Pirates of the Caribbean: The Dead Man's Chest today. I'm not going to complain about the movie, if that's what you were thinking.
No, I'm going to complain about a word.
Yes, a word. And the word is, "MOMENTARILY." I absolutely hate when people use that word incorrectly. It drives me up the wall. Is that the case with anyone else? Yep? Good.
Before the movie, a screen pops up telling the audience to "SILENCE YOUR CELL-PHONES," a concept I find creepy anyway.
At the bottom of the screen it says, "Your Feature Presentation Will Begin Momentarily." I thought, "what the hell?" I paid 5.50 for this. It better not just be a moment.
Then, I wisened up. Ah, I thought, they must mean that the movie will begin shortly. Momentarily means for a moment, not in a moment.
It sounds like a small goof, but it's not. Someone higher up than myself in the movie world had to make that mistake. It actually hurt my respect for the theater, which, in turn, changed the way I felt about the moviegoing experience, if only slightly.
These people shouldn't be putting things on big screens! They should be working on small, small, itty-bitty, teeny-tiny television screens, the ones that you keep in your kitchen or maybe the kind that double as a radio.
It only reinforces a completely idiotic blunder that people will just continue to make. It's wrong and it makes no logical sense if you know the proper usage.
Oh, and Pirates of the Caribbean was extremely good.
No, I'm going to complain about a word.
Yes, a word. And the word is, "MOMENTARILY." I absolutely hate when people use that word incorrectly. It drives me up the wall. Is that the case with anyone else? Yep? Good.
Before the movie, a screen pops up telling the audience to "SILENCE YOUR CELL-PHONES," a concept I find creepy anyway.
At the bottom of the screen it says, "Your Feature Presentation Will Begin Momentarily." I thought, "what the hell?" I paid 5.50 for this. It better not just be a moment.
Then, I wisened up. Ah, I thought, they must mean that the movie will begin shortly. Momentarily means for a moment, not in a moment.
It sounds like a small goof, but it's not. Someone higher up than myself in the movie world had to make that mistake. It actually hurt my respect for the theater, which, in turn, changed the way I felt about the moviegoing experience, if only slightly.
These people shouldn't be putting things on big screens! They should be working on small, small, itty-bitty, teeny-tiny television screens, the ones that you keep in your kitchen or maybe the kind that double as a radio.
It only reinforces a completely idiotic blunder that people will just continue to make. It's wrong and it makes no logical sense if you know the proper usage.
Oh, and Pirates of the Caribbean was extremely good.
Jul 4, 2006
My Cool/Weird/Nerdy/Strange/Hipster/Etc. Site of the Week!
I'm a Reagan Baby, so there were certain things that I enjoyed as a child of the Eighties.
One of those things, I'll admit, was G.I. Joe. For those of you who don't know, G.I. Joe was combination toy line/30 minute children's commercial that, along with Transformers, was unstoppable in the 80s. It was the ultimate in American pride, so it's only fitting that a web site devoted to such a subject be my July 4th site.
Storm Shadow, Roadblock (who always spoke in rhyme on the show), Sergeant Slaughter, Flint, and Duke. Oh, man, Duke was the hero of ALL heroes way back.
If you didn't grow up in my generation, none of this will apply to you. But, if you did play with G.I. Joes as a kid, Yo Joe will definitely drag you screaming down memory lane. Now, this site is dedicated mostly to the toys themselves, which is what I dug, so don't be afraid to look around for the cartoon stuff too.
There's a hilarious "remixing" of the Public Service Announcements at Ebaum's World. They're pretty funny. But I've got to warn you: watching them will make you crave the old T.V. show.
One of those things, I'll admit, was G.I. Joe. For those of you who don't know, G.I. Joe was combination toy line/30 minute children's commercial that, along with Transformers, was unstoppable in the 80s. It was the ultimate in American pride, so it's only fitting that a web site devoted to such a subject be my July 4th site.
Storm Shadow, Roadblock (who always spoke in rhyme on the show), Sergeant Slaughter, Flint, and Duke. Oh, man, Duke was the hero of ALL heroes way back.
If you didn't grow up in my generation, none of this will apply to you. But, if you did play with G.I. Joes as a kid, Yo Joe will definitely drag you screaming down memory lane. Now, this site is dedicated mostly to the toys themselves, which is what I dug, so don't be afraid to look around for the cartoon stuff too.
There's a hilarious "remixing" of the Public Service Announcements at Ebaum's World. They're pretty funny. But I've got to warn you: watching them will make you crave the old T.V. show.
Clerks 2 Trailer
I don't want this blog to turn into a movie page, but I do want to point out that the Clerks 2 trailer is floating around, both on T.V. and the web, and if you haven't seen it you should. I've linked the main page here and on the Links Bar, so you'd have to be mentally challenged not to find it.
One of the cool things Kevin Smith has done with the web site is show the making of the film and the sound mixing(at George Lucas's Skywalker Ranch, of course). There's tons of information regarding the film and even links to the character's myspace pages. Check it out if you're a fan of Kevin Smith or the View Askewniverse.
One of the cool things Kevin Smith has done with the web site is show the making of the film and the sound mixing(at George Lucas's Skywalker Ranch, of course). There's tons of information regarding the film and even links to the character's myspace pages. Check it out if you're a fan of Kevin Smith or the View Askewniverse.
Eunuch Myth-Busting
I've always wondered to what extent Eunuchs are incapable of being sexual. It's not a fascination or anything, but something that I don't know much about. I learned tonight that it is a misconception that Eunuchs are incapable of getting aroused. They just can't reproduce. Actually, it's rumored that women in various dynasties and whatnot actually preferred them because they could last longer in bed, as they could not physically get there.
Talk about a plan backfiring.
It's not proper conversation, but I just had to reveal that I learned something not movie related today. Okay. Maybe you did too. The trick is seeing if you can squeeze it into conversation sometime soon. I dare you.
Funny side note:
One of the few pop culture references to eunuchs is in the movie Pirates of the Caribbean. Jack Sparrow calls Will Turner refers to Will Turner as a eunuch several times in the movie.
Talk about a plan backfiring.
It's not proper conversation, but I just had to reveal that I learned something not movie related today. Okay. Maybe you did too. The trick is seeing if you can squeeze it into conversation sometime soon. I dare you.
Funny side note:
One of the few pop culture references to eunuchs is in the movie Pirates of the Caribbean. Jack Sparrow calls Will Turner refers to Will Turner as a eunuch several times in the movie.
Jul 3, 2006
NM & DS Mini-Series
Apparently, several (actually eight) of Stephen King's short stories have been turned into a mini series call Nightmares & Dreamscapes. Not all of the films come from the actual book NM & DS. Some of them come from Everything's Eventual, etc. But they all seem to be well-produced, unlike some of SK's earlier compilation work.
They begin on July 12, 2006 at 9 p.m. on TNT.
The List of Stories:
Crouch End
Battleground (w/ William Hurt)
Umney's Last Case (w/ William H. Macy)
The End of the Whole Mess (w/ Ron Livingston)
The Road Virus Heads North (w/ Tom Berenger)
The Fifth Quarter
Autopsy Room Four
You Know They Got a Hell of a Band
All of the stories that were picked are pretty good. I've always wanted to see what 'Hell of a Band' would look like on film, and now I guess I get a shot. I've read most of the above stories more than once, so I'm pretty jacked about seeing all of them, starting in a few weeks. If you're a Stephen King fan, you won't be disappointed if you visit the web site.
They begin on July 12, 2006 at 9 p.m. on TNT.
The List of Stories:
Crouch End
Battleground (w/ William Hurt)
Umney's Last Case (w/ William H. Macy)
The End of the Whole Mess (w/ Ron Livingston)
The Road Virus Heads North (w/ Tom Berenger)
The Fifth Quarter
Autopsy Room Four
You Know They Got a Hell of a Band
All of the stories that were picked are pretty good. I've always wanted to see what 'Hell of a Band' would look like on film, and now I guess I get a shot. I've read most of the above stories more than once, so I'm pretty jacked about seeing all of them, starting in a few weeks. If you're a Stephen King fan, you won't be disappointed if you visit the web site.
Inglorious Bastards - 6 Hours Long?
Everything Tarantino is reporting a rumor that the script for the new QT movie runs about six hours and may be broken into two (or three) parts, if necessary. Michael Madsen, one of the movie's stars, said that Inglorious Bastards, which is set during WWII, could be that long.
Wow.
Another marathon of a film from Tarantino. I'm lovin' it, but I wonder what most people think. This, of course, could be B.S., as rumors on movies like this often are, but what if it's true?
Currently, however, Tarantino is working on a movie called Grind House with Robert Rodriguez.
Wow.
Another marathon of a film from Tarantino. I'm lovin' it, but I wonder what most people think. This, of course, could be B.S., as rumors on movies like this often are, but what if it's true?
Currently, however, Tarantino is working on a movie called Grind House with Robert Rodriguez.
Time is Too Expensive
This holiday break has flown by, but I still have two days left to enjoy it. I hope you're all doing the same. I hate that I neglected you guys today, but I promise that tomorrow will be better.
Jul 1, 2006
Movie Quotes Quiz
As you can probably tell, I'm a big fan of the trivia. If you know me well enough, and most of you probably don't, then you should have no trouble figuring these out. There's one gimme that everyone should know on here, maybe two. Email your answers to me at t_blake_braddy@yahoo.com.
1. "I'm fuzzy on the whole good/bad thing. What do you mean "bad"?
2. "You ain't leading but two things right now: Jack and S**t. And Jack just left town."
3. "Mickey's a mouse, Donald's a duck, Pluto's a dog. What's Goofy?"
4. "You know what I just watched?"
"Me pulling a can off some moron's fist?"
5. "Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill!"
1. "I'm fuzzy on the whole good/bad thing. What do you mean "bad"?
2. "You ain't leading but two things right now: Jack and S**t. And Jack just left town."
3. "Mickey's a mouse, Donald's a duck, Pluto's a dog. What's Goofy?"
4. "You know what I just watched?"
"Me pulling a can off some moron's fist?"
5. "Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill!"
Horror Vacation
I'm officially on "vacation" for the July 4th holiday, and all I've done is watch horror movies and drink grape soda. And I've got to tell you...
It's awesome!
My latest video misadventure came in the form of the remake of The Hills Have Eyes.
Now, I've got to be honest: I liked the movie. As I have said many times - though probably never in the blog - Hollywood=homogeneity, so it can come as no surprise that one of the new trends in horror is to re-make "classic" flicks.
Some work (The Texas Chain Saw Massacre) and some do not (Amityville Horror).
I think that Hills does work overall. The pacing works because it is paced like the horror movies of yore, not some action teen movie disguised as a horror flick. The tension builds moodily(is that a word?) and the horror is extreme (Greg Nicotero is a SFX god).
But...
Some of the earlier exposition scenes are too long. I know, it sounds as if I'm contradicting my earlier pace praise, but I'm really not. Barring a few sequences, particularly the one directly after the crash, it's all right.
It's awesome!
My latest video misadventure came in the form of the remake of The Hills Have Eyes.
Now, I've got to be honest: I liked the movie. As I have said many times - though probably never in the blog - Hollywood=homogeneity, so it can come as no surprise that one of the new trends in horror is to re-make "classic" flicks.
Some work (The Texas Chain Saw Massacre) and some do not (Amityville Horror).
I think that Hills does work overall. The pacing works because it is paced like the horror movies of yore, not some action teen movie disguised as a horror flick. The tension builds moodily(is that a word?) and the horror is extreme (Greg Nicotero is a SFX god).
But...
Some of the earlier exposition scenes are too long. I know, it sounds as if I'm contradicting my earlier pace praise, but I'm really not. Barring a few sequences, particularly the one directly after the crash, it's all right.
Music Question
Just a quick trivia question for all you in the blogosphere out there:
Who was the first country singer to sell one million records? Just a hint: It was NOT Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, or Johnny Cash.
Who was the first country singer to sell one million records? Just a hint: It was NOT Garth Brooks, Tim McGraw, or Johnny Cash.
Mac the Knife
My laptop freaked out on me tonight, and I'm having trouble deciding what is actually wrong with it.
For some unapparent reason, the thing just simply will not charge. I don't know if it's the battery (which is attached to the computer) or the AC Adapter (which is plugged in to the computer). Either way it means only one thing for me: MONEY.
And, as anyone who owns or has ever heard of Mac knows, it will consist of lots and lots and lots of money.
I know none of you probably care about any of that sort of thing, but I had to say SOMETHING. It's not every day that my computer breaks.
Also, The Exorcism of Emily Rose - Not a good movie. Save your time. Horror/courtroom/religious movies just plain don't work. If you watch it, you'll see what I mean. The movie becomes less about poor little Emily and more about a female lawyer and a priest. If they were to walk into a bar, at least we'd get a joke out of it.
For some unapparent reason, the thing just simply will not charge. I don't know if it's the battery (which is attached to the computer) or the AC Adapter (which is plugged in to the computer). Either way it means only one thing for me: MONEY.
And, as anyone who owns or has ever heard of Mac knows, it will consist of lots and lots and lots of money.
I know none of you probably care about any of that sort of thing, but I had to say SOMETHING. It's not every day that my computer breaks.
Also, The Exorcism of Emily Rose - Not a good movie. Save your time. Horror/courtroom/religious movies just plain don't work. If you watch it, you'll see what I mean. The movie becomes less about poor little Emily and more about a female lawyer and a priest. If they were to walk into a bar, at least we'd get a joke out of it.
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