November 30, 2005
November 29, 2005
This City, Full of Lunatics in Bathing Suits
I have to admit, a lot of Alan Moore's post-Watchmen superhero work has been hit or miss for me. The times when he seems to be having fun with the genre - like 1963 (available in back issue bins), League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, or his run on Supreme - really engage me. However, much of his work at America's Best Comics (with the exception of Greyshirt) has left me cold - it's not that I don't see the merit/talent/worth; I just can't get into it as much.
Which is why I was pleasantly suprised that I enjoyed Top 10: The Forty-Niners so much - it's not that I dislike Top 10; this "prequel" has so much atmosphere, strong writing, and cool art, that it's difficult not to enjoy it.
Brief summary - it's 1949, after the end of World War 2. On a train, two former enemies (one who switched sides) meet, and soon find themselves in Neopolis - a city designed to contain all of the "science heroes" who emerged during the war. This book follows a period of time in a place where super-powered beings are the norm, rather than the exception; vampires run the local mafia, and robots are considered a "minority". This is a book about prejudices, stereotypes, and moving beyond prescribed norms - trust it to Mr. Moore to place it in an interesting story.
The book also has some nice fannish touches - some obvious (Doctor Omega), some not-so-obvious. Rather than the wink-and-a-nudge touch that plagues some books (like Supreme Power or The Authority), it is subtle, and only serves to move the story forward. Gene Ha's art also helps - giving it a slight bit of realism that helps create a world that is equal parts Justice League, LA Confidential and 87th Precinct.
If you're looking for a decent stocking stuffer - or someone wants to know what they can get you that isn't socks and/or underwear, suggest this book. Trust me, friends - you'll like it.
Which is why I was pleasantly suprised that I enjoyed Top 10: The Forty-Niners so much - it's not that I dislike Top 10; this "prequel" has so much atmosphere, strong writing, and cool art, that it's difficult not to enjoy it.
Brief summary - it's 1949, after the end of World War 2. On a train, two former enemies (one who switched sides) meet, and soon find themselves in Neopolis - a city designed to contain all of the "science heroes" who emerged during the war. This book follows a period of time in a place where super-powered beings are the norm, rather than the exception; vampires run the local mafia, and robots are considered a "minority". This is a book about prejudices, stereotypes, and moving beyond prescribed norms - trust it to Mr. Moore to place it in an interesting story.
The book also has some nice fannish touches - some obvious (Doctor Omega), some not-so-obvious. Rather than the wink-and-a-nudge touch that plagues some books (like Supreme Power or The Authority), it is subtle, and only serves to move the story forward. Gene Ha's art also helps - giving it a slight bit of realism that helps create a world that is equal parts Justice League, LA Confidential and 87th Precinct.
If you're looking for a decent stocking stuffer - or someone wants to know what they can get you that isn't socks and/or underwear, suggest this book. Trust me, friends - you'll like it.
November 28, 2005
Return of Quizilla
Hope everyone had a great Turkey Day - more blogging madness this week; however, for today,
more wacky fun quiz results!
You Are Sawyer. You're a realist, not an idealist.
Sarcasm, wit, and leers run rampant whenever
you are around. Whether it's making a racist
remark or shooting a polar bear, you're sure to
leave a lasting impression on those around you.
Add a cigarette and some beard stubble, and the
formula for redneck charm is complete.
Which Lost Character Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
more wacky fun quiz results!
You Are Sawyer. You're a realist, not an idealist.
Sarcasm, wit, and leers run rampant whenever
you are around. Whether it's making a racist
remark or shooting a polar bear, you're sure to
leave a lasting impression on those around you.
Add a cigarette and some beard stubble, and the
formula for redneck charm is complete.
Which Lost Character Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla
November 26, 2005
In Gratitude
A lot of people usually do this sort of thing around Thanksgiving - I wanted to wait a day or so, to really mull it over, and do a "things I'm thankful for" list like I did last year. And now, this year's entries for things I'm grateful for:
- Leaving a job that had me covering five counties in Missouri - luckily, I've discovered the power of networking, and I'm "Linked In".
- Despite my job search, I haven't been majorly burned or ripped off, as this person seems to have been.
- My St. Louis friends, who taught me the most important Thanksgiving lesson of all: when carving the turkey, make sure it is not upside down
- Bottom - You have to love the Brits, who can make totally reprehensible behavior funny. You owe it to yourself to catch this series on DVD.
- Redheads - God's Greatest Creation (except for this guy...and I think Brian counts too, but for a different reason. Please don't hurt me, Brian.)
- White Castles - God's Second Greatest Creation.
- The Blogosphere - you all know who you are.
- My Cat, Dax, and my godson, Logan - two of the greatest reasons to be alive
- The smell of freshly-brewed coffee in the morning.
- Every day above ground is always a good day.
November 24, 2005
Get Stuffed Today!
Just wanted to write a brief note wishing everyone a happy Thanksgiving, and to engage in little
pop culture holiday nostalgia....
Everyone, sing!
pop culture holiday nostalgia....
Everyone, sing!
Have a good one, everyone
We gather together to watch cheesy movies
On Comedy Central on Thanksgiving Day
Mystery Science
Theater 3000
It's thirty straight hours
And it's called Turkey Day.
November 22, 2005
Records You Should Own
Whilst perusing the blogosphere, I came across Chris "Lefty" Brown's review of my Mixed Bag Halloween CD. Given his comments - plus wanting some inspiration to blog more, I am starting a new feature of this blog. Inspired by both Greg and Chicago broadcasting legend Harry Porterfield, here is the new monthly "Records You Should Own", wherein I will humbly recommend an album that should be a part of your record collection.Based on yesterday's blog post, my first recommendation is Rumble: The Best of Link Wray. If the only song Mr. Wray was known for was "Rumble" - three chords set against a menacing country-ish beat - his place in the rock pantheon would be set. Even if you include "The Swag"'s being featured in a John Waters movie - that would also be impressive. However, this disc - a great introduction - shows that he was so much more than that. If Chuck Berry "invented" rock guitar, then Link invented heavy metal - a huge, distorted monster sound that sounds more dangerous than your average death metal/punk/rap band.
It's all in the grooves, folks - "Rawhide's" threatening groove, a lascivious "Ain't That Lovin' You Baby" (where Mr. Wray - having had a lung removed during the Korean war - sounds absolutely nasty), "Big City After Dark" (12-bar blues gone haywire), "Chicken Run". Even the songs that seem kinda silly - a goofy take on the Batman theme, "The Shadow Knows" (evil laughter + killer chords = malevolent tune). This is one of those discs that if you don't own, you are depriving yourself of a major piece of rock'n'roll history. In addition, it also means you're a big wussy. In fact, Christopher Titus would more than likely agree with me on that point. This is a CD that you absolutely have to own, dudes (and dudettes).
Oh, sure, Mr. Wray's not in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, but you know what? That's actually good - it makes him even cooler. (And, in a shout out to a fellow blogger, Hey, Andy - is there a Link Wray cover of "Louie Louie?" (God, I hope so).
And in another piece of promotion, if you want to check out killer tunes, head to Good Rockin' Tonight. It's a great way to "try before you buy", you'll learn about some cool music, and your wallet will get thinner. That's the Blog THIS, Pal Guarantee.
And now, I have some thinking to do - I'm seriously considering changing my blog's motto, thanks to this comment from the Redhead Fangirl.
EDIT: Had to fix some broken links. All should work.
November 21, 2005
Link Wray RIP 1929 - 2005
First read about this in Boing Boing - this is truly a loss. If you've never heard his stuff...hoo, boy, you are one deprived child.Now, you're probably wondering "who the heck is Link Wray?" In the spirit of Mike Sterling (who's done this kind of thing before), we're linkblogging.
Link Wray's entry in the Wikipedia
The "only official" Link Wray website
Read his entry as one of Rolling Stone's Top 100 Guitarists
Read about him on the "Rockabilly Hall of Fame"
There's tons more information if you Google his name...but your best bet is to listen for yourself.
November 20, 2005
Easy To Love
This past weekend has been a pretty heady mixture of feelings - Friday brought a temp assignment at a health-care provider, complete with warm and caring coworkers, a free lunch, and plenty of networking. Yesterday brought news that a friend of mine will be moving soon, having gone through his own dark night of the soul. It was a mixture of joy, melancholy, and almost melodic in its arrangements.
In other words, very much like a Cole Porter tune. No wonder De-Lovely has been in constant rotation in my DVD player. (And to be honest, I've never really appreciated Porter - in fact, the closest I've come is an old 7-UP ad which used "De-Lovely" and an obscure Monty Python sketch).
It seems as if the bio-pic is being reinvented, focusing less on the facts of a person's life than on creating an "impression" of how someone lived. This movie's spiritual cousin is Ray - focusing on a musician as a complicated human being, and being less concerned with "getting it right". (It helps that a previous attempt at a Porter film biography, Night and Day, missed the mark during a simpler time in Hollywood). However, De-Lovely is as close to a "cutting edge" movie musical as one can get - we see Cole Porter (Kevin Kline) and "Gabe" (Jonathan Pryce) overseeing a "musical" based on Porter's life.
Soon, however, Cole meets his soon-to-be wife, Linda (Ashley Judd), and from there, it becomes a very unconventional love story. She's leaving an abusive relationship; he's seeking love in any form. (Please note - homophobes and Michael Medved will not like this movie. It actually handles adult sexuality in an adult manner. God forbid that should ever happen). It would be easy to fall into the cliche of "art-reflects-life", but this movie deftly handles those moments, and actually becomes one of those movies where you're constantly checking your watch...because you don't want the movie to end.
Great example: Porter explains how to sing "Night and Day" to an actor (John Barrowman, who is the object of many a man-crush). Within a few minutes, due to Irwin Winkler's direction, we are given much information - the way the song is written; the growing attraction between the two men; and the movement from rehearsal to final show. Imagine a movie filled with scenes with deft touches (such as the slight Marxisms during "Be A Clown"), and you'll get a great sense of how this movie handles its material.
Of course, handling Porter's songs is another clever touch, the only major misstep being Alanis Morrissette's mangling of "Let's Do It, Let's Fall In Love." (Her voice quavers, and this is material that demands straightforward delivery). Robbie Williams delivers a slightly Dr. John-ish "De-Lovely", Elvis Costello sounds almost playful on "Let's Misbehave", and Diana Krall...well, let's just say Elvis has good taste in women. But the highlight is Sheryl Crow's "Begin the Beguine", turning it from a major-key celebration into a minor-key, jazzy meditation. (When the movie encourages you to purchase the soundtrack...that's a good thing).
Luckily, De-Lovely should have moved from the "New Release" shelf - this is definitely a movie catching this weekend. It will leave you absolutely in a delightful, delicious, de-lovely state.
This is a movie that's easy to love.
In other words, very much like a Cole Porter tune. No wonder De-Lovely has been in constant rotation in my DVD player. (And to be honest, I've never really appreciated Porter - in fact, the closest I've come is an old 7-UP ad which used "De-Lovely" and an obscure Monty Python sketch).
It seems as if the bio-pic is being reinvented, focusing less on the facts of a person's life than on creating an "impression" of how someone lived. This movie's spiritual cousin is Ray - focusing on a musician as a complicated human being, and being less concerned with "getting it right". (It helps that a previous attempt at a Porter film biography, Night and Day, missed the mark during a simpler time in Hollywood). However, De-Lovely is as close to a "cutting edge" movie musical as one can get - we see Cole Porter (Kevin Kline) and "Gabe" (Jonathan Pryce) overseeing a "musical" based on Porter's life.
Soon, however, Cole meets his soon-to-be wife, Linda (Ashley Judd), and from there, it becomes a very unconventional love story. She's leaving an abusive relationship; he's seeking love in any form. (Please note - homophobes and Michael Medved will not like this movie. It actually handles adult sexuality in an adult manner. God forbid that should ever happen). It would be easy to fall into the cliche of "art-reflects-life", but this movie deftly handles those moments, and actually becomes one of those movies where you're constantly checking your watch...because you don't want the movie to end.
Great example: Porter explains how to sing "Night and Day" to an actor (John Barrowman, who is the object of many a man-crush). Within a few minutes, due to Irwin Winkler's direction, we are given much information - the way the song is written; the growing attraction between the two men; and the movement from rehearsal to final show. Imagine a movie filled with scenes with deft touches (such as the slight Marxisms during "Be A Clown"), and you'll get a great sense of how this movie handles its material.
Of course, handling Porter's songs is another clever touch, the only major misstep being Alanis Morrissette's mangling of "Let's Do It, Let's Fall In Love." (Her voice quavers, and this is material that demands straightforward delivery). Robbie Williams delivers a slightly Dr. John-ish "De-Lovely", Elvis Costello sounds almost playful on "Let's Misbehave", and Diana Krall...well, let's just say Elvis has good taste in women. But the highlight is Sheryl Crow's "Begin the Beguine", turning it from a major-key celebration into a minor-key, jazzy meditation. (When the movie encourages you to purchase the soundtrack...that's a good thing).
Luckily, De-Lovely should have moved from the "New Release" shelf - this is definitely a movie catching this weekend. It will leave you absolutely in a delightful, delicious, de-lovely state.
This is a movie that's easy to love.
November 18, 2005
Friday Surprises
First, if you haven't made plans already, I strongly suggest attending Zombie Hunter's Trivia Night - if I had the cash, I'd put together a team and/or volunteer to be a ringer. All zombie trivia - how cool is that?
Roger asked for five additions to this meme, and here are my five:
Stripes
A Night At the Opera
Young Frankenstein
The Blues Brothers
South Park: Bigger, Longer, Uncut
And finally, something that you probably never expected to see:
Roger asked for five additions to this meme, and here are my five:
Stripes
A Night At the Opera
Young Frankenstein
The Blues Brothers
South Park: Bigger, Longer, Uncut
And finally, something that you probably never expected to see:
November 17, 2005
S-s-s-s-mokin'!
OK, I admit, unnecessary Jim Carrey reference...
As many of you know, I've been involved with tobacco prevention (comes from my background in substance abuse), and thanks to Roger for the timely reminder that today is the Great American Smokeout.
(To Laura, who is concerned about smoking bans - if you look at the health benefits, there is an improvement. Plus, all that's being asked is that people don't smoke in public places. Will get on soapbox later.)
Speaking of former smokers, Jack Klugman has a new book (and blog) out, so that should keep the Church of Klugman happy for, oh, about five seconds.
Finally, for the pipe smoker aficionado (via Boing Boing), for all of you League of Extraordinary Gentlemen fans - you can now read installments of Sherlock Holmes' adventures either via PDF or old-fashioned mail. Here's where you can learn more.
As many of you know, I've been involved with tobacco prevention (comes from my background in substance abuse), and thanks to Roger for the timely reminder that today is the Great American Smokeout.
(To Laura, who is concerned about smoking bans - if you look at the health benefits, there is an improvement. Plus, all that's being asked is that people don't smoke in public places. Will get on soapbox later.)
Speaking of former smokers, Jack Klugman has a new book (and blog) out, so that should keep the Church of Klugman happy for, oh, about five seconds.
Finally, for the pipe smoker aficionado (via Boing Boing), for all of you League of Extraordinary Gentlemen fans - you can now read installments of Sherlock Holmes' adventures either via PDF or old-fashioned mail. Here's where you can learn more.
November 15, 2005
Come In Tuesday, I Feel Better
First, the obligatory post having finally got around to reading Infinite Crisis # 1 and # 2: pretty good stuff. Looking forward to reading more. It's also interesting to read people's reactions (Ian's linked to several posts, and Greg's response is as close to pure genius as one can get). Of course, I also find it interesting that some bloggers are still whining about how blogs should be, as Heidi's post points out. My take - it's your blog, do whatever floats your boat.
Today's entry - just some random thoughts for today. Right now, things may be looking up on the work front - got called in for a couple day's temp/fill-in work. Plus, I'm starting to develop a bit of a consulting practice, thanks to healthy word-of-mouth. Between that, networking (one of my coolest skills) and everything else, I'm feeling confident that I should have a job within the next month (as in real, long-term, well-paying job).
Anyway, just a few requests for information from my pals in the blogosphere:
Today's entry - just some random thoughts for today. Right now, things may be looking up on the work front - got called in for a couple day's temp/fill-in work. Plus, I'm starting to develop a bit of a consulting practice, thanks to healthy word-of-mouth. Between that, networking (one of my coolest skills) and everything else, I'm feeling confident that I should have a job within the next month (as in real, long-term, well-paying job).
Anyway, just a few requests for information from my pals in the blogosphere:
- Any tips on using Courier with Gmail without using Stunnel? (Or, at least, a less tech-y solution - I love Courier's color markers, but want to pull all of my e-mail into one source)
- Speaking of e-mail, my main account at Fastmail was cut off due to their outage - although I was without e-mail for one day (since I wasn't a full or enhanced member), I'm good now. If I haven't gotten back to you, please be patient.
- This past Saturday's trivia night earned my cause du jour almost $9,000. That's right, it went from a break-even event to a fundraiser. I'm so money, baby.
- And, as always, remember to support Nanowrimo!
November 14, 2005
Monday Musings
This has been one busy weekend - luckily, the trivia night fundraiser for my cause du jour was a complete success - everyone had a good time (although I did have to apologize for a trivia question about this movie). Anyway, taking a note from Tosy & Cosh, I'll be meme-ing on my comedy favorites. I've bolded the films I've seen.
Airplane!
All About Eve
Amelie
Annie Hall
The Apartment
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery
I actually liked the first AP movie - the second had its moments, and the third's best
moment was a deleted scene
Blazing Saddles
The first movie I conned my dad into taking me to see - it's true!
Bringing Up Baby
Gonna have to add this to my Netflix queue - I mean, Cary Grant and
Katherine Hepburn? Too cool.
Broadcast News
Caddyshack
Le diner de con
Dr. Strangelove: Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb
Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
Duck Soup
I think this is the funniest movie ever made. If you do not agree, I will fight you.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Four Weddings and a Funeral
The General
Ghostbusters
Caught this on the "Special Edition" DVD. Even better than I remember
The Gold Rush
As I've said in other posts, I just don't get Chaplin.
Good Morning Vietnam
The Graduate
Groundhog Day
A Hard Day's Night
It's easy for forget this movie was funny, because it's the greatest rock 'n'roll
movie ever made. However, if you have never seen this movie, you are seriously
depriving yourself.
His Girl Friday
Much like The Third Man, a film that I saw in college that I cannot
get out of my bloodstream
Kind Hearts and Coronets
The Lady Killers
Local Hero
Manhattan
M*A*S*H
Monty Python's Life of Brian
A notch below Holy Grail, but pretty strong...and it's no Meaning of Life
National Lampoon's Animal House
Aka, The Movie that Lied to Me About College
The Odd Couple
The Producers
Forget the Broadway hype - see the original. Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder are unsung geniuses
Raising Arizona
Never understood this movie's appeal. Sorry.
Roxanne
Rushmore
Saw this at the Tivoli about a year ago - great frickin' film.
Shaun of the Dead
A Shot in the Dark
Some Like it Hot
Strictly Ballroom
Sullivan's Travels
Saw this three months ago on DVD - well worth the reputation
There's Something About Mary
This is Spinal Tap
To Be or Not to Be
You know, I just saw this movie recently - it has a great, almost snarky
attitude towards Nazism. You could argue that Jack Benny was the Jason
Lee of his time
Tootsie
Toy Story
Les vacances de M. Hulot
When Harry Met Sally...
Withnail and I
If you choose to see one movie from this list, make sure it's Withnail and I - it's a British film with some great quotes, excellent performances, and quite frankly - you will laugh yourself sick.
Airplane!
All About Eve
Amelie
Annie Hall
The Apartment
Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery
I actually liked the first AP movie - the second had its moments, and the third's best
moment was a deleted scene
Blazing Saddles
The first movie I conned my dad into taking me to see - it's true!
Bringing Up Baby
Gonna have to add this to my Netflix queue - I mean, Cary Grant and
Katherine Hepburn? Too cool.
Broadcast News
Caddyshack
Le diner de con
Dr. Strangelove: Or How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb
Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story
Duck Soup
I think this is the funniest movie ever made. If you do not agree, I will fight you.
Ferris Bueller's Day Off
Four Weddings and a Funeral
The General
Ghostbusters
Caught this on the "Special Edition" DVD. Even better than I remember
The Gold Rush
As I've said in other posts, I just don't get Chaplin.
Good Morning Vietnam
The Graduate
Groundhog Day
A Hard Day's Night
It's easy for forget this movie was funny, because it's the greatest rock 'n'roll
movie ever made. However, if you have never seen this movie, you are seriously
depriving yourself.
His Girl Friday
Much like The Third Man, a film that I saw in college that I cannot
get out of my bloodstream
Kind Hearts and Coronets
The Lady Killers
Local Hero
Manhattan
M*A*S*H
Monty Python's Life of Brian
A notch below Holy Grail, but pretty strong...and it's no Meaning of Life
National Lampoon's Animal House
Aka, The Movie that Lied to Me About College
The Odd Couple
The Producers
Forget the Broadway hype - see the original. Zero Mostel and Gene Wilder are unsung geniuses
Raising Arizona
Never understood this movie's appeal. Sorry.
Roxanne
Rushmore
Saw this at the Tivoli about a year ago - great frickin' film.
Shaun of the Dead
A Shot in the Dark
Some Like it Hot
Strictly Ballroom
Sullivan's Travels
Saw this three months ago on DVD - well worth the reputation
There's Something About Mary
This is Spinal Tap
To Be or Not to Be
You know, I just saw this movie recently - it has a great, almost snarky
attitude towards Nazism. You could argue that Jack Benny was the Jason
Lee of his time
Tootsie
Toy Story
Les vacances de M. Hulot
When Harry Met Sally...
Withnail and I
If you choose to see one movie from this list, make sure it's Withnail and I - it's a British film with some great quotes, excellent performances, and quite frankly - you will laugh yourself sick.
November 11, 2005
Veteran's Day Reading
First, please take a pause and consider why we celebrate this holiday - for those who have served (and are serving) for our country.
Ready? Good. As promised, if you would like to read my entry in last year's Nanowrimo, click here to download the PDF. (Be warned: it's PG-13) In addition, if you'd like to read a (slightly dated) policy paper on malicious landlords in St. Louis, click here. You'll need Adobe Acrobat to read both...and you now have no excuse to catch up on reading classic literature.
(Our new motto: more wacky links than Delenda Est Carthago).
Polite Scott explains something I should have learned in grad school.
Chipped Ham Productions gives us some thoughts on the new Star Wars DVD.
Dorian objectifies Superman.
Ever wonder why there are no season sets of Get a Life, but there are two DVD compilations? Read these interviews with Chris Elliot to learn why.
Hellboy gets animated!
Here's a page of freeware utilities to help you do stuff.
One for Mark at Rightsided.org - this clips's for you, via Boing Boing.
Since one of the more popular search phrases for this blog is "Doctor who theme music", I might as well be accommodating.
Mike Sterling, Ebay hunter! (Warning: not work safe)
Ever wonder how Andromeda should have ended? Robert Hewitt Wolfe wrote a coda - download here!
Finally, here are some snappy comebacks for any occasion.
Have fun!
Ready? Good. As promised, if you would like to read my entry in last year's Nanowrimo, click here to download the PDF. (Be warned: it's PG-13) In addition, if you'd like to read a (slightly dated) policy paper on malicious landlords in St. Louis, click here. You'll need Adobe Acrobat to read both...and you now have no excuse to catch up on reading classic literature.
(Our new motto: more wacky links than Delenda Est Carthago).
Polite Scott explains something I should have learned in grad school.
Chipped Ham Productions gives us some thoughts on the new Star Wars DVD.
Dorian objectifies Superman.
Ever wonder why there are no season sets of Get a Life, but there are two DVD compilations? Read these interviews with Chris Elliot to learn why.
Hellboy gets animated!
Here's a page of freeware utilities to help you do stuff.
One for Mark at Rightsided.org - this clips's for you, via Boing Boing.
Since one of the more popular search phrases for this blog is "Doctor who theme music", I might as well be accommodating.
Mike Sterling, Ebay hunter! (Warning: not work safe)
Ever wonder how Andromeda should have ended? Robert Hewitt Wolfe wrote a coda - download here!
Finally, here are some snappy comebacks for any occasion.
Have fun!
November 10, 2005
Dirt Behind the Daydream
You know, I'm pretty much lacking in original thoughts these days (although the Church of Klugman apparently has a crush on me), so like Redhead Fangirl and Yet Another Comics Blog...I'm posting random search terms that brought people here, as well as color commentary. (And in a day or so, I'll make my 2004 Nanowrimo novel available...until then, support those who are involved this year).gordon well desert - Is this "stump the band" or what?
3D - Dave said it much better than I could.
The song Fast Car - soon to be a major motion picture starring Sandra Bullock
boondock saints based on a true story - God, I hope not.
c.j. craig the jackal - someone please explain why I keep getting this search term. Is this some forgotten Golden Age hero?
Eartha Kitt - I Want To Be Evil [Flirty Mix].mp3 - Try Dorian; his tastes are more eclectic than mine.
sin city blog - You know, I've read some of the graphic novels, and...Mr. Miller, I think you might want to read more Chandler to offset the Spillane. Just a suggestion.
lewis martin reunited sinatra - Because, let's face it, a splintered Sinatra can be painful.
want dark shadows pen pals - Dear Barnabas, You're my bestest friend in the whole world. Forget Josette, man - let's grab some brewskis sometime.
Warren DeMontague - The greatest actor ever, and here's an overview of his work.
steve dahl lyrics hump day fever - Is this guy even still alive? And if so, can he ever approach the genius of Svengoolie?
avengers disassembled parody - Wait a minute, I thought Avengers Dissassembled was a parody?
"doctor who theme song" - That's why file sharing was invented, folks.
mcfarlane "bite me fanboy" - Before you bite McFarlane, get your shots. He hasn't had his.
Lyle Waggoner On Batman - You know, I still think he's ripe for a comeback. Mark my words, and I'm not being ironic, either.
A Lonely Jew On Christmas mp3 - South Park rules!
comic multiverse - You know, I think we comic bloggers should form our own company, and create a multiverse. I mean, let's face it, we could have the St. Louis Avengers face off against the Justice League of Western California, or something.
"in brightest day" mp3 - I dunno, but currently, this album (as you can witness by the graphic above) is getting mucho play in my home. Buy the CD - trust me, you'll dig it.
November 8, 2005
This Week's Random Thoughts
Currently, I'm grooving to Logan's replacement Mixed Bag Disc (his original was in pieces thanks to these lovely people). Like all but one of the Mixed Bag Halloween exchanges, the short take - good stuff. Gil, however, is one sick puppy, in my humble opinion. But enough of that...
If you can't get enough Nanowrimo, check out Greg's and Jason's efforts. My effort from last year will appear shortly - it's the best first draft I have ever written. If interested, just note in the comments.
Like Pop Culture Gadabout, I was a bit underwhelmed by the "live" West Wing debate. For me, it was the almost cliche "this-is-America-to-me" writing, but ultimately - when I see a live show, I want there to be some excitement, some risk...and it seems like the "debate" was rather overrehearsed (in my opinion). Granted, I dug West Wing in the early days - now, it just seems to be going through the motions.
However, Law & Order: Criminal Intent kicked major wicked heinie. I know, everyone loves SVU, but this is my favorite L&O - it's the Deep Space Nine of the franchise, and is a heady mixture of Sherlock Holmes and Columbo. Especially this season, with D'Onofrio's unconventional character alternativing with Chris Noth's more "tough guy" performance, and this past Sunday's movie deserved two hours.
In between networking appointments, job interviews, and other stuff, enjoying these fine works - and here is a new meme, if you're interested.
Speaking of my job search - I've come within a former colleague's sphere of influence twice in the past few months. I have a strong feeling I will be working with this person once again. However, is it intuition or wishful thinking?
Or is it, to paraphrase one of my favorite Bond novels - once is happenstance, twice is circumstance, the third time is enemy action?
If you can't get enough Nanowrimo, check out Greg's and Jason's efforts. My effort from last year will appear shortly - it's the best first draft I have ever written. If interested, just note in the comments.
Like Pop Culture Gadabout, I was a bit underwhelmed by the "live" West Wing debate. For me, it was the almost cliche "this-is-America-to-me" writing, but ultimately - when I see a live show, I want there to be some excitement, some risk...and it seems like the "debate" was rather overrehearsed (in my opinion). Granted, I dug West Wing in the early days - now, it just seems to be going through the motions.
However, Law & Order: Criminal Intent kicked major wicked heinie. I know, everyone loves SVU, but this is my favorite L&O - it's the Deep Space Nine of the franchise, and is a heady mixture of Sherlock Holmes and Columbo. Especially this season, with D'Onofrio's unconventional character alternativing with Chris Noth's more "tough guy" performance, and this past Sunday's movie deserved two hours.
In between networking appointments, job interviews, and other stuff, enjoying these fine works - and here is a new meme, if you're interested.
Speaking of my job search - I've come within a former colleague's sphere of influence twice in the past few months. I have a strong feeling I will be working with this person once again. However, is it intuition or wishful thinking?
Or is it, to paraphrase one of my favorite Bond novels - once is happenstance, twice is circumstance, the third time is enemy action?
November 4, 2005
Support Nanowrimo!
As a participant in last year's Nanowrimo initiative (and who is bowing out because - well - I've got job searching to do), I would like to strongly encourage and promote this fine activity. (And if you ask nicely, I'll make my first - and only - draft novel available. It's a pulp pastiche that is a smart reminder that - let's face it - anything worth doing could use revision).
First, if you haven't already, begin reading Greg's novel. (He's the same guy who brings you Latin-named blogs, and occasionally reminds us that comics should be good).
Also, if you are working on a Nanowrimo novel as a blog, please mention it in the comments. I will do my best to get people reading them.
Thanks, and good luck!
First, if you haven't already, begin reading Greg's novel. (He's the same guy who brings you Latin-named blogs, and occasionally reminds us that comics should be good).
Also, if you are working on a Nanowrimo novel as a blog, please mention it in the comments. I will do my best to get people reading them.
Thanks, and good luck!
November 3, 2005
The Ballad of Harry Lime
It has captured my attention since the first time I saw it in 1991 for a film class in college. After moving to St. Louis, it was the first movie I paid to see - yes, it had been restored from a public domain print. Heck, it was even name checked in an episode of Law & Order.What is it about The Third Man that brings me back, year after year, to enjoy in its dark noirish glory?
Part of it has to be the setting - Vienna in the years following World War II. Set designers w
ould kill for the kind of gradual decay that the city provided. Split into four zones, it provided an excellent backdrop - a city unsure of its direction, a city barely held together, a city where anything could - and did -- happen. The climax at the sewers seems almost an afterthought - the city serves as a character in and of itself. It's mixture of old European opulance with post-combat wariness....it's the kind of place that Raymond Chandler would have written about if he lived in Europe.The plot moves along at a crackling, yet leisurely pace - and for that, thank Carol Reed, the second greatest British filmmaker (after Alfred Hitchcock). Nothing seems out-of-the-ordinary, or forced - this is a film that is 100% killer, no filler. Reed's camerawork is dazzling without being overbearing, and every shot propels the story. Even at times when the plot may seem rather mechanical (and there's only one to speak of), Reed's confident handling of the material keeps the film moving. The dialogue crackles, the supporting players shine, and there isn't a bad step in the entire movie. (Go fifty-three minutes in and watch for fifteen minutes - you will never, ever see a better orchestrated cinematic sequence).
However
, the lynchpins of this movie are Citizen Kane cohorts Orson Welles and (especially) Joseph Cotten. (I wonder if Cotten gave Welles pointers - after all, Cotten was no stranger to playing dark, morally ambiguous characters). Both men are similar enough in name (Holly and Harry), and it's their ability to give their characters moral weight - even in the midst of an amoral world - that is the film's greatest strength. Welles' infamous speech comes after a chilling monologue - but it's a sequence with Cotton and Trevor Howard in a military hospital that serves as the emotional climax, and brings home the themes of the movie.Knowing what is moral in an amoral world.. Seeing people as ends rather than as means. Cynicism versus optimism - even a kind of weary optimism. It's a story that resonates through the ages, from the aforementioned L&O episode (dealing with counterfeit flu vaccine) to this Doctor Who story. It reminds us about doing the right thing even in the wrong situation, and of the worth of maintaining one's principles in troubling times.
And maybe that's why I keep coming back to it.
(As well as the radio series based on The Third Man)
November 2, 2005
Pullin' A Burgas
Ok, since Greg is writing a novel for Nanowrimo, I thought, "hey, why not outright plagiarize his idea and post a bunch of links?" (One of these days, I'll export my novel as a PDF and make it available to anyone who asks, since I deleted the blog awhile ago. It was...interesting, to say the least.) So without further adieu, readers, here's the skinny:
First, if you're looking for radio dramas, be sure to check out here and here, as well as the Mercury Theater archive.
James at the Comic Asylum has started a new meme, and like any bandwagon, I eagerly jumped at the chance.
Lefty Brown has a new award to present, but I don't think Tom the Dog will be nominating this book.
(By the way, Tom, just watched 10 minutes of Freddie....hoo, boy, I want those ten minutes back)
Blog St. Louis - the greatest place to get news on St Louis politics - has changed its look. Check it out.
Another bright idea from Hollywood, thanks to the Church of Klugman.
The Absorbascon makes a great case for Hal Jordan to not have a power ring.
If you want to know what great things actors say, check this out. For example, Tom Cruise says, "I love jumping on couches and reading Logan's blog." OK, so he has good taste in blogs....
For the Trek fans, RIP Michael Piller.
If you have a non-profit and want a free logo design, you might want to read this.
I'm seriously thinking of contacting Screen Rant and doing some writing. Your thoughts?
Looks like my friend Brian is also doing the Nanowrimo thang.
Dave's Long Box thanks Space Ghost. All we gotta say is....F@$%! yeah!
(Also, I would like to nominate this post for Lefty Brown's award)
Redhead Fangirl met Burt Ward...and lived to tell the tale.
Finally, Will's post on Phil Spector... speaks for itself.
First, if you're looking for radio dramas, be sure to check out here and here, as well as the Mercury Theater archive.
James at the Comic Asylum has started a new meme, and like any bandwagon, I eagerly jumped at the chance.
Lefty Brown has a new award to present, but I don't think Tom the Dog will be nominating this book.
(By the way, Tom, just watched 10 minutes of Freddie....hoo, boy, I want those ten minutes back)
Blog St. Louis - the greatest place to get news on St Louis politics - has changed its look. Check it out.
Another bright idea from Hollywood, thanks to the Church of Klugman.
The Absorbascon makes a great case for Hal Jordan to not have a power ring.
If you want to know what great things actors say, check this out. For example, Tom Cruise says, "I love jumping on couches and reading Logan's blog." OK, so he has good taste in blogs....
For the Trek fans, RIP Michael Piller.
If you have a non-profit and want a free logo design, you might want to read this.
I'm seriously thinking of contacting Screen Rant and doing some writing. Your thoughts?
Looks like my friend Brian is also doing the Nanowrimo thang.
Dave's Long Box thanks Space Ghost. All we gotta say is....F@$%! yeah!
(Also, I would like to nominate this post for Lefty Brown's award)
Redhead Fangirl met Burt Ward...and lived to tell the tale.
Finally, Will's post on Phil Spector... speaks for itself.
November 1, 2005
Desert Island Trades
First, some administrava - added Redhead Fangirl to the blogroll, discovered that Lefty & I share a common enemy, and have been listening to the second greatest Doctor Who Unbound audio (this is my first choice).
Anyway, this week is going to be busy - networking, interviews, and flat out research on the job search. I wanted to think of a cool post to stimulate interest, and came across James' desert island meme on The Comic Asylum. Thinking that it was great food for thought, I am proposing my "five trades I can't live without", and that if I were stuck on a desert island, would be spared if I needed to build a fire.
Meme on, readers!
Anyway, this week is going to be busy - networking, interviews, and flat out research on the job search. I wanted to think of a cool post to stimulate interest, and came across James' desert island meme on The Comic Asylum. Thinking that it was great food for thought, I am proposing my "five trades I can't live without", and that if I were stuck on a desert island, would be spared if I needed to build a fire.
- Watchmen - I think this goes without saying. Whether you think it deserves prominence as a novel or graphic literature, this is a flat-out masterpiece. Psychologically, structurally, character-wise: it's worth rereading again and again. It's as necessary as a copy of Citizen Kane in your movie collection.
- DR & Quinch's Guide to Life - Everyone is so fixed on Alan Moore as an intellectual reframer of comics, nobody seems to realize - this guy is funny. DR & Quinch is equal parts Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galay, The Young Ones, and Monty Python. It's a great alternate take on a prominent talent.
- Starman: A Wicked Inclination - I've always wondered why this series never got its props. I'm including this one strictly for the Stars & Sand four-parter, when Jack Knight teams with Wesley Dodds. Literate writing, great use of continuity, razor sharp characterizations...yes, friends, comics can be this good.
- Ex Machina: The First Hundred Days - I really like this series because it's got enough city politics for the policy wonk in me; but it also has great superhero action for the fanboy in me. It's well worth being stranded on a desert island with.
- Fun With Milk & Cheese - Dairy products gone bad. Evan Dorkin's masterpiece of spite and wit.
Meme on, readers!
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