ya know, i expected to get negative emails concerning what i implied about SC Justice Scalia, but i didn't. instead, i get a couple calling me many bad names because i said Rehnquist is actually dead.
i'm sorry folks, but he is dead. if you can get a peek under his robes, you'll see that they have a tube coming out of his backside to relieve any pressure from the build up of decomposition gases. it wouldn't do to have the Chief Justice bloat up and explode during oral arguments.
Wednesday, September 26, 2001
Tuesday, September 25, 2001
ok, so now that i have a little time (i.e., i'm goofing off again), it's time to write a little about Angel: [may be SPOILERS ahead!]
i was very pleased with this episode. except for a couple of minor things (Wesley's hair during his first scene: what the hell was that?!?), it was, all in all, a worthy episode. i had two big concerns about this episode (and this season, by extension): first, would Buffy's death be ignored or glossed over? second, how is Fred going to fit into the group?
i was happy with the way they handled the aftershocks of Buffy's death. Angel had to go away for a while, and just returned at the beginning of this episode. Wesley, Gunn and Cordelia made mention of it a few times through the episode, and Cordy showed and expressed a great deal of concern for how Angel was dealing with it. it wasn't mentioned off-handedly, and i think it was VERY appropriate (and maybe some hints for future developments?) for Angel and Cordy to be the ones discussing how it affected Angel, especially after the things James said to Angel about (paraphrased) 'you didn't love her, because, had you, you wouldn't be able to live.' handled very well, i think.
Fred is going to take longer to decide upon. it was right that she be reclusive during Angel's absence. she hid out alone for so long on Pylea, Angel was the one who rescued her and took her away from her Cave of Solitude, and she's a couple of digits short of making a collect call. it was good that she not be out interacting with the Cordy, Wes and Gunn, but it still hasn't answered any of the questions about how she's going to fit in with the others. in fact, at the end of the episode, Angel and Co. walked out, on their way to whereever, and no one gave a thought to "Hey, are we sure Fred's going to be ok here alone in a place where an enemy had just invaded and attacked?" we'll have to give her some more time, but i do agree with Jean: she's got to get rid of that annoying accent.
other little things about the episode that i liked: Angel jumping out of the dorm window to do some roof top hopping, hopping, hopping in pursuit of the baddies; Dennis hasn't been forgotten! Cordy's post-vision breakdowns are still getting worse, though she's trying to keep the others from seeing it; the Host singing!
things that bugged me: the shakey camera thing during fight scenes, along with that strange edit-at-the-moment-the-blow-lands during the James/Angel fight scene. both of them irritated me. i hope they don't become regular parts of the show.
good quotes: Cordy, after receiving a pendant from Angel-- "Look how it brings out my breasts!"
Cordy-- "I'm Cordelia. I don't think. I know."
memorable lines that cracked me up but weren't meant the way i took them: Gunn to Angel - "Thanks for the head, bro."
fight scenes: Angel vs. Demon Monks was ok, but the Angel vs James fight was pretty kick ass. James turned out to be a tougher opponent than he looked, and i liked the way he snatched the Cordelia-tossed stake out of the air and took to Angel with it. too bad James died spontaneously.
WTF?? scenes: Darla. is. pregnant.
i was very pleased with this episode. except for a couple of minor things (Wesley's hair during his first scene: what the hell was that?!?), it was, all in all, a worthy episode. i had two big concerns about this episode (and this season, by extension): first, would Buffy's death be ignored or glossed over? second, how is Fred going to fit into the group?
i was happy with the way they handled the aftershocks of Buffy's death. Angel had to go away for a while, and just returned at the beginning of this episode. Wesley, Gunn and Cordelia made mention of it a few times through the episode, and Cordy showed and expressed a great deal of concern for how Angel was dealing with it. it wasn't mentioned off-handedly, and i think it was VERY appropriate (and maybe some hints for future developments?) for Angel and Cordy to be the ones discussing how it affected Angel, especially after the things James said to Angel about (paraphrased) 'you didn't love her, because, had you, you wouldn't be able to live.' handled very well, i think.
Fred is going to take longer to decide upon. it was right that she be reclusive during Angel's absence. she hid out alone for so long on Pylea, Angel was the one who rescued her and took her away from her Cave of Solitude, and she's a couple of digits short of making a collect call. it was good that she not be out interacting with the Cordy, Wes and Gunn, but it still hasn't answered any of the questions about how she's going to fit in with the others. in fact, at the end of the episode, Angel and Co. walked out, on their way to whereever, and no one gave a thought to "Hey, are we sure Fred's going to be ok here alone in a place where an enemy had just invaded and attacked?" we'll have to give her some more time, but i do agree with Jean: she's got to get rid of that annoying accent.
other little things about the episode that i liked: Angel jumping out of the dorm window to do some roof top hopping, hopping, hopping in pursuit of the baddies; Dennis hasn't been forgotten! Cordy's post-vision breakdowns are still getting worse, though she's trying to keep the others from seeing it; the Host singing!
things that bugged me: the shakey camera thing during fight scenes, along with that strange edit-at-the-moment-the-blow-lands during the James/Angel fight scene. both of them irritated me. i hope they don't become regular parts of the show.
good quotes: Cordy, after receiving a pendant from Angel-- "Look how it brings out my breasts!"
Cordy-- "I'm Cordelia. I don't think. I know."
memorable lines that cracked me up but weren't meant the way i took them: Gunn to Angel - "Thanks for the head, bro."
fight scenes: Angel vs. Demon Monks was ok, but the Angel vs James fight was pretty kick ass. James turned out to be a tougher opponent than he looked, and i liked the way he snatched the Cordelia-tossed stake out of the air and took to Angel with it. too bad James died spontaneously.
WTF?? scenes: Darla. is. pregnant.
it's the return of "On This Day In US Supreme Court History"!
on this day in 1981, Sandra Day O'Connor was sworn in as an associate justice.
on this day in 1986, Antonin Scalia was commissioned as associate justice (soon after completion of his semi-autobiographical novel, which was later turned into a popular Scorsese movie staring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, and Joe Pesci).
on this day in 1986, William Rehnquist died. within minutes, he was propped in his chair by a group of law clerks and commissioned as Chief Justice. due to his extreme advanced age at the time of his death, he is technically considered a well preserved mummy. he still sits in his chair to this day, dead, and held up by a combination of dow rods and a complex weaving of bent and twisted wire coat hangers.
for more "On This Day in SCOTUS History," try the Oyez Project.
on this day in 1981, Sandra Day O'Connor was sworn in as an associate justice.
on this day in 1986, Antonin Scalia was commissioned as associate justice (soon after completion of his semi-autobiographical novel, which was later turned into a popular Scorsese movie staring Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, and Joe Pesci).
on this day in 1986, William Rehnquist died. within minutes, he was propped in his chair by a group of law clerks and commissioned as Chief Justice. due to his extreme advanced age at the time of his death, he is technically considered a well preserved mummy. he still sits in his chair to this day, dead, and held up by a combination of dow rods and a complex weaving of bent and twisted wire coat hangers.
for more "On This Day in SCOTUS History," try the Oyez Project.
it's time for me to go save my state from it's own shortsightedness. i'm off to vote (as if my vote weighed more than another's).
until i get the chance to talk about Angel, why not go read a review of "Welcome to the Hellmouth," the first (and last night's) episode of syndi-Buffy.
everyone *did* watch Angel last night, right? i'll talk about it a bit later (busy morning at work). if you need to know a little know, head over to Jean's for a taste (beware: spoilers)
Monday, September 24, 2001
good lord! the only way this could be scarier is for it to be a clown instead.
[things that shouldn't exist found by Stuff and Stuff]
this found there too.
[things that shouldn't exist found by Stuff and Stuff]
this found there too.
coolness: Angel will air in widescreen this season.
coolness buried within coolness: "The network and New Line Cinema also confirmed an earlier report that a new trailer for the first of Peter Jackson's upcoming Lord of the Rings films would debut during the [premiere] episode."
[again, via SciFi Wire]
coolness buried within coolness: "The network and New Line Cinema also confirmed an earlier report that a new trailer for the first of Peter Jackson's upcoming Lord of the Rings films would debut during the [premiere] episode."
[again, via SciFi Wire]
there's an online petition asking that Aaliyah's role not be recast and that the scenes she'd filmed already not be cut and reshot. sounds great, unless there are more scenes with her character that haven't been shot yet. what should the director do? corpses just aren't very animated ('cept in voodoo country) and can be difficult to work with.
[via SciFi Wire]
[via SciFi Wire]
everyone (in the US) remember: the season premiere of Angel is tonight on the WB at 8pm CDT. tune in for the further adventures of Joss' answer to Batman.
i saw The Mummy Returns this weekend with Video Store Guy. i figured out why they gave it that title. i didn't know the shaven headed guy was back. i thought the whole thing featured the Rock, and i kind of expected a Smackdown feel to the movie, but i'm glad for Imhotep. i thought he was nice.
i'd had many people tell me that this sequel was better than the first. the only reason it was better is the swords. the swordplay can make or break an otherwise dull and predictable movie. ooh! and the chick fights too! those were cool.
i'd had many people tell me that this sequel was better than the first. the only reason it was better is the swords. the swordplay can make or break an otherwise dull and predictable movie. ooh! and the chick fights too! those were cool.
Click here for my petition to end discrimination against gays giving their sperm to spermbanks. — from the very last line of Mathieu's Diary.
we all have to have our Causes, i suppose (except me. i'm too apathetic. don't care about anything. eh). i'm not interested in promoting the Cause so much as wanting to thank Closetboy for posting the link. grrrr! something to put me in a good mood this morning.
we all have to have our Causes, i suppose (except me. i'm too apathetic. don't care about anything. eh). i'm not interested in promoting the Cause so much as wanting to thank Closetboy for posting the link. grrrr! something to put me in a good mood this morning.
Saturday, September 22, 2001
fuckwit is my new favorite word. it's fun to say, and i think it's appropriate that the first person i get to call 'a fuckwit' is myself. i had the opportunity today to speak to my brother. i haven't talked to him in four years, because he lives with my father, and my father doesn't want his only remaining son talking to the faggots.
anyway, today, at my nephew's soccer game, as i'm saying goodbye to my nephews, my father and brother are standing there, just a few feet away. my sisters tell me that our father has really mellowed out during that last couple of years, and i guess he has a little, considering that his only reaction was to take a step away and turn his back to me, both ignoring me (which is really the same way he interacted with me when he was still talking to me) and appearing to give silent assent allowing me to talk to my brother.
so, i turn to my brother, who, at one time, followed me everywhere because he thought his big brother was the coolest thing in the world, the little boy who begged for years for my old Transformers toys, the boy who, when i left for college, would sleep with my hand-puppet green dragon named Spike because he missed me, this little boy who is now fifteen and resembles me far more than i'd like (shattering the hopes i had that his father is not my father), i turned to him today, took a deep breath, and said "Hi." that was all. i stood there, with years and years of things to say, and i couldn't pick out just one thing to talk about. so we stood quietly for a moment, before my father (er- his father) decided it was time for them to go, and i watched him leave while thinking 'fuckwit!Terrence' and hoping that, by the next opportunity, i'll have improved my conversational skills beyond the salutation.
anyway, today, at my nephew's soccer game, as i'm saying goodbye to my nephews, my father and brother are standing there, just a few feet away. my sisters tell me that our father has really mellowed out during that last couple of years, and i guess he has a little, considering that his only reaction was to take a step away and turn his back to me, both ignoring me (which is really the same way he interacted with me when he was still talking to me) and appearing to give silent assent allowing me to talk to my brother.
so, i turn to my brother, who, at one time, followed me everywhere because he thought his big brother was the coolest thing in the world, the little boy who begged for years for my old Transformers toys, the boy who, when i left for college, would sleep with my hand-puppet green dragon named Spike because he missed me, this little boy who is now fifteen and resembles me far more than i'd like (shattering the hopes i had that his father is not my father), i turned to him today, took a deep breath, and said "Hi." that was all. i stood there, with years and years of things to say, and i couldn't pick out just one thing to talk about. so we stood quietly for a moment, before my father (er- his father) decided it was time for them to go, and i watched him leave while thinking 'fuckwit!Terrence' and hoping that, by the next opportunity, i'll have improved my conversational skills beyond the salutation.
Friday, September 21, 2001
Mikey brought over a large bottle of rum last night. i was worried about coming to work with a hangover. i should have been worried about coming to work with no sleep and without being completely sober. ugh.
i watched Son of the Beach for the first time last night (what? i was watching FX for the Buffy commercials). fucking hilarious! until i watched the second episode. it bit. i'm leaning toward a belief that the first episode i saw was a fluke.
today will be a long day.
i watched Son of the Beach for the first time last night (what? i was watching FX for the Buffy commercials). fucking hilarious! until i watched the second episode. it bit. i'm leaning toward a belief that the first episode i saw was a fluke.
today will be a long day.
Thursday, September 20, 2001
excitement is building. the next few weeks are going to be very good for television viewing (all times are Central Daylight Time):
Monday 9/24
syndicated Buffy premieres on FX at 6pm (each episode will replay the following weekday at 3pm). check out the FX Buffy site. not bad.
Angel premieres on WB at 8pm. on it's new night. following 7th Heaven.
Wednesday 9/26
Enterprise premieres on UPN at 7pm with a two hour debut.
Tuesday 10/02
do i even need to say it? if you don't know, you're a worthless monkeyfuck. season 6 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer premieres on UPN at 7pm with a two hour debut. in case you missed the first hundred times i said it: WATCH IT.
Wednesday 10/03
Special Unit 2 premieres it's second season on UPN at 8pm, following Enterprise. i don't know why, but i have a soft spot for this show. i'm looking forward to the new season.
Tuesday 10/09
Roswell premieres on UPN at 8pm, following Buffy. i had trouble getting into this show last season, but now i know i just caught a couple of the less-than-great episodes. i'm ready to give it another try.
Tuesday 10/16
Smallville premieres on WB at 8pm. this is where i run into a little trouble. it's opposite Roswell. i can watch one and tape the other if i'm home, but what happens when i can't be home? may need another VCR.
Monday 9/24
syndicated Buffy premieres on FX at 6pm (each episode will replay the following weekday at 3pm). check out the FX Buffy site. not bad.
Angel premieres on WB at 8pm. on it's new night. following 7th Heaven.
Wednesday 9/26
Enterprise premieres on UPN at 7pm with a two hour debut.
Tuesday 10/02
do i even need to say it? if you don't know, you're a worthless monkeyfuck. season 6 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer premieres on UPN at 7pm with a two hour debut. in case you missed the first hundred times i said it: WATCH IT.
Wednesday 10/03
Special Unit 2 premieres it's second season on UPN at 8pm, following Enterprise. i don't know why, but i have a soft spot for this show. i'm looking forward to the new season.
Tuesday 10/09
Roswell premieres on UPN at 8pm, following Buffy. i had trouble getting into this show last season, but now i know i just caught a couple of the less-than-great episodes. i'm ready to give it another try.
Tuesday 10/16
Smallville premieres on WB at 8pm. this is where i run into a little trouble. it's opposite Roswell. i can watch one and tape the other if i'm home, but what happens when i can't be home? may need another VCR.
if you don't like the idea for "Thirteen Days, Seven Nights, 15 Minutes," maybe you'd prefer "Erin Brockovich Must Die" in which a spunky and scantily clad law clerk faces off against ex-cop Jet Li in the courtroom but when outside it, romances him secretly, much to the disappointment of her three children and boss who battle nightly against the kung fu forces of Jet Li's law firm. it ends badly when all must undergo hysterectomies because they were unaware of the hexavalent chromium used in the ink of their legal briefs.
or maybe "Crouching What's Up, Tiger Lily, Hidden Dragon?" Woody Allen and Michelle Yeoh battle to the death in a film in which the soundtrack has been replaced entirely with a dying Chow Yun-Fat eulogizing himself. subtitles by Jade Fox. (hey, a "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: the Bruce Lee Story" would have waaaay too much kung fu. make your teeth hurt).
or maybe "Crouching What's Up, Tiger Lily, Hidden Dragon?" Woody Allen and Michelle Yeoh battle to the death in a film in which the soundtrack has been replaced entirely with a dying Chow Yun-Fat eulogizing himself. subtitles by Jade Fox. (hey, a "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: the Bruce Lee Story" would have waaaay too much kung fu. make your teeth hurt).
bless Max for mentioning that the last issue of the Oz miniseries is out. i was in the comic/gaming store yesterday (buying Kithbook: Eshu) but forgot to check the comics (and hey, if you love me, you'll buy me this).
also, it's time for me to get excited about upcoming BTVS comic books because of the one-shot upcoming Lost and Found "in which we check up on the kids immediately after Buffy's death," Tales of the Slayer (which i've described before), should be released just after my birthday, and Fray will be back next month (speaking of TOTS, i'd like to see some Tales of Kendra or something. i like her).
coolness is Buffy comics online.
also, it's time for me to get excited about upcoming BTVS comic books because of the one-shot upcoming Lost and Found "in which we check up on the kids immediately after Buffy's death," Tales of the Slayer (which i've described before), should be released just after my birthday, and Fray will be back next month (speaking of TOTS, i'd like to see some Tales of Kendra or something. i like her).
coolness is Buffy comics online.
from Sci Fi Wire: Michelle Trachtenberg, who plays little sister Dawn on UPN's Buffy the Vampire Slayer, told TV Guide Online that creator Joss Whedon has approached her about starring in another Buffy spinoff series.
keep reading. not quite what they make it out to be.
"I've been asked if a spinoff or a continuation [of the show] would be of interest to me, and pretty much it is," she reveals.
here's the TVGuide Online report.
and have some fun with the Buffy the Vampire Slayer matchmaker game.
keep reading. not quite what they make it out to be.
"I've been asked if a spinoff or a continuation [of the show] would be of interest to me, and pretty much it is," she reveals.
here's the TVGuide Online report.
and have some fun with the Buffy the Vampire Slayer matchmaker game.
Wednesday, September 19, 2001
although this didn't originate there, i'm linking to the post on Where is my mind? because it's where i found it, and i'm feeling too lazy to attempt looking for the original. i'm also a little unsure about the suitability title, but, eh, i didn't write it, so i don't get to name it.
Why I will not rally around the president.
Why I will not rally around the president.
i shared the email mentioned in the last post because i thought it could be a humorous thing, but really, i can't tell you how much my head aches to think that the company has hired, as our PR manager, the guy who was responsible for promoting the XFL. i know it's unfair to judge him on that when he actually has much more experience (with MLB, MLS, and the NFL, along with "Soccer Digest Magazine") and because the XFL did have a big media blitz (i don't know how good the ads were since i instinctively ignore anything football related). i'm too pessimistic, and the recent lack of job security is influencing the horrible sinking feeling i have about this company.
from an email from a Senior VP:
"Please join me in welcoming Ben ... to the team as PR Manager..." "Ben comes to TV Guide from the XFL where he served as Director of Corporate Communications."
if it'd been me, i don't think i'd have listed XFL on my resume, unless i could think of some way to phrase it that'd put a positive spin on it... like this:
"Having the experience of growing a new brand as well as handling fallout from a downturn in business has made Ben an agile communications professional."
sounds much better than 'i was in charge of promoting the XFL. didn't really do well at that.' i'd like to think that he's here to help us turn things around, but with circulation falling and a round of lay offs every month, i'm worried they're more interested in his experience with a failing enterprise than his ability to get things going.
"Please join me in welcoming Ben ... to the team as PR Manager..." "Ben comes to TV Guide from the XFL where he served as Director of Corporate Communications."
if it'd been me, i don't think i'd have listed XFL on my resume, unless i could think of some way to phrase it that'd put a positive spin on it... like this:
"Having the experience of growing a new brand as well as handling fallout from a downturn in business has made Ben an agile communications professional."
sounds much better than 'i was in charge of promoting the XFL. didn't really do well at that.' i'd like to think that he's here to help us turn things around, but with circulation falling and a round of lay offs every month, i'm worried they're more interested in his experience with a failing enterprise than his ability to get things going.
in a really good mood this morning for some reason. i'm singing. singing at work. singing "Broadway Baby" at work. singing "Broadway Baby" at work and not caring that co-workers can hear me. singing "Broadway Baby" at work and not caring that co-workers can hear me and are asking me to stop. bite me, co-workers.
an old friend from my Hell-Mart days was in town last night. haven't seen him in a couple of years. it was nice. sometimes, when you haven't seen someone in a long time, you forget how important they are to you. now i'm reminded.
had dinner with Old Friend and Video Store Guy. VSG seemed a little nervous, and didn't talk much. not until his second margarita. the lush.
an old friend from my Hell-Mart days was in town last night. haven't seen him in a couple of years. it was nice. sometimes, when you haven't seen someone in a long time, you forget how important they are to you. now i'm reminded.
had dinner with Old Friend and Video Store Guy. VSG seemed a little nervous, and didn't talk much. not until his second margarita. the lush.
Tuesday, September 18, 2001
am i the only one who's been getting an email like this every friggin' day?
10:30 EASTERN TIME.... 9:30 Central, 8:30 Mountain, 7:30 Pacific
I just heard on the radio that the U.S. has asked that everyone step out on their lawns tonight at 10:30 Eastern time (9:30 Central, 8:30 Mountain, 7:30 Pacific) and light a candle. They will be taking a satellite picture of the U.S. and posting it on the news tomorrow morning. Please pass this on to as many people as possible.
how many of these stupid sat photos do people think they want? "I guess the one they took yesterday didn't turn out so good, so we have to do it again." geez, every single day this goes round and round.
10:30 EASTERN TIME.... 9:30 Central, 8:30 Mountain, 7:30 Pacific
I just heard on the radio that the U.S. has asked that everyone step out on their lawns tonight at 10:30 Eastern time (9:30 Central, 8:30 Mountain, 7:30 Pacific) and light a candle. They will be taking a satellite picture of the U.S. and posting it on the news tomorrow morning. Please pass this on to as many people as possible.
how many of these stupid sat photos do people think they want? "I guess the one they took yesterday didn't turn out so good, so we have to do it again." geez, every single day this goes round and round.
Experts warn of 'black wave' that could sweep universe and end life.
can't do anything about it, so why worry?
can't do anything about it, so why worry?
this is not a holy crusade. we are not the forces of good. they are not the forces of evil. why are we talking about this in terms of who is right (or righteous) and who's not instead of talking about it solely as 'you hurt us, so now we'll hurt you (and those around you)(oh yeah, and anyone who gets in the way too),' which is all it is.
Monday, September 17, 2001
ok, people are dissing the theme to Angel. i like the theme. none should dare disagree with me on this.
in case you haven't been paying attention to my obsessions, we now have one week until syndicated Buffy premieres on FX, beginning, appropriately, at the beginning of season one with "Welcome to the Hellmouth" (and just before that, the film "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" with Kristy Swanson, Dylon McKay, Pee-wee Herman and Deputy Dewey will be shown. you don't need to see the movie version to get into the series. the series makes a couple of brief references to a couple of things from the movie, mainly to explain why Buffy is now in Sunnydale, but otherwise, no previous experience required).
if you're like me, and you missed the first few seasons of BTVS, here's your chance to make it up. if you've never watched before, you can start at the beginning (but, whatever you do, DON'T miss the season 6 premiere on UPN on October 2).
if you're like me, and you missed the first few seasons of BTVS, here's your chance to make it up. if you've never watched before, you can start at the beginning (but, whatever you do, DON'T miss the season 6 premiere on UPN on October 2).
yesterday, i saw Pat Robertson standing on a street corner holding a sign. ok, maybe it's possible it was someone who looks a lot like him, but wasn't. anyway, Pat Robertson was holding a sign, and i drove by slowly expecting to read something like "You're Going To Hell" or maybe "Jesus Loves You." instead it said "Free Car Wash."
i'm not certain what to make of that.
i'm not certain what to make of that.
Dark Horizons reports:
Shows being pulled or delayed is one thing, but now certain pro-censorship advocate groups are sensing the frenzy and pushing their own agendas past the point of good reason. Requests are apparently being sent in to video stores to pull films like "Die Hard", "Deep Impact", "Independence Day", "Armageddon" and the "Earthquake in New York" mini-series from their shelves and getting cable/regular TV networks to never show them again. There's also two films still out in theatres with a continuity flaw - both "Final Fantasy" and "AI" features scenes and shots with the towers in them - as both films are set in the future this seems out of context.
Shows being pulled or delayed is one thing, but now certain pro-censorship advocate groups are sensing the frenzy and pushing their own agendas past the point of good reason. Requests are apparently being sent in to video stores to pull films like "Die Hard", "Deep Impact", "Independence Day", "Armageddon" and the "Earthquake in New York" mini-series from their shelves and getting cable/regular TV networks to never show them again. There's also two films still out in theatres with a continuity flaw - both "Final Fantasy" and "AI" features scenes and shots with the towers in them - as both films are set in the future this seems out of context.
Vanity Fair has some good photos of the characters of the Harry Potter movie. if you get a chance, thumb through it and take a look (but for sod's sake, don't buy it).
also, there's an article concerning the Pope's rush to canonize Mother Teresa, who apparently wasn't the nice little old lady everyone seems to think. as a non-Catholic (and non-Christian), i really don't care one way or the other if people start invoking her name when they want something, or if they celebrate a Feast Day in her honor. it was an interesting read for someone who's planning on being canonized one day.
also, there's an article concerning the Pope's rush to canonize Mother Teresa, who apparently wasn't the nice little old lady everyone seems to think. as a non-Catholic (and non-Christian), i really don't care one way or the other if people start invoking her name when they want something, or if they celebrate a Feast Day in her honor. it was an interesting read for someone who's planning on being canonized one day.
Eleni has something to say about the recent spate of harassment and attacks on Muslim and Arab people.
Friday, September 14, 2001
my mom asked me last night, "Have you donated blood yet?" she didn't know that i'm not allowed to do so, even if i do like being punctured by needles. bloody Red Cross.
also last night, my nephew had his second soccer game. before the game started, the only thing anyone talked about was this week's events. the game started. everyone cheered the kids (and cheered their chosen star just a little louder), forgetting for an hour that anything terrible had happened. afterward, talked turned to praise of the kids and calls for ice cream.
i've decided that the opposite of destructive explosions is a group of 5 year olds running around a field chasing a ball in a game they barely understand.
also last night, my nephew had his second soccer game. before the game started, the only thing anyone talked about was this week's events. the game started. everyone cheered the kids (and cheered their chosen star just a little louder), forgetting for an hour that anything terrible had happened. afterward, talked turned to praise of the kids and calls for ice cream.
i've decided that the opposite of destructive explosions is a group of 5 year olds running around a field chasing a ball in a game they barely understand.
Thursday, September 13, 2001
miss the Groosalugg? read a DragonCon chat with Mark Lutz and check out that photo. grrrr!
or maybe you prefer the demonic visage of the Host. his photo gets a double grrrr! (the second photo, silly).
or maybe you prefer the demonic visage of the Host. his photo gets a double grrrr! (the second photo, silly).
although this provided the office with a brief distraction from much greater tragedies, ET says it's not true.
it's a little bizarre that piece of bad news actually provides respite.
it's a little bizarre that piece of bad news actually provides respite.
Did you know that Pat Robertson can leg-press 600 pounds! How does he do it?
Pat Robertson's Age-Defying Shake!
Pat Robertson's Age-Defying Shake!
a woman threatened a DJ at a local radio station this morning because he refused to agree that we're 'training terrorists' at Spartan School of Aeronautics here in Tulsa by allowing the A-Rabs to attend.
Wednesday, September 12, 2001
my first thought yesterday, when i heard something about terrorists and a tower at WTC collapsing, was 'wtf?' my second thought was something along this line. i worry less about another terrorist attack or war than i worry about what we'll trade away to gain an illusory feeling of security.
Tuesday, September 11, 2001
i really wish Dan Rather, et.al. would stop speculating on who and why. they did this when the Murrah Federal Building was bombed in OKC, and they were wrong.
i really wish they'd stop putting "experts" on the air. i don't think these experts know what they're talking about.
i really wish the people around me would stop proposing the complete annihilation of [insert group/ethnicity/nationality being blamed]. i'm sure that the other people around me who are members of whichever particular group/ethnicity/nationality are neither comfortable nor thrilled with such proposals.
i really wish our leader didn't look and sound so panicked. it's not confidence inspiring.
i really wish they'd stop putting "experts" on the air. i don't think these experts know what they're talking about.
i really wish the people around me would stop proposing the complete annihilation of [insert group/ethnicity/nationality being blamed]. i'm sure that the other people around me who are members of whichever particular group/ethnicity/nationality are neither comfortable nor thrilled with such proposals.
i really wish our leader didn't look and sound so panicked. it's not confidence inspiring.
Monday, September 10, 2001
my five year old nephew had his first soccer game on saturday. he scored a goal and had two almost-goals. i'm certain he'll end up being a goalie since he can't keep his hands off the ball.
it was really a nice experience to watch the game. the parents of both teams cheered and praised all of the kids. there was no unpleasantness from the spectators, sidelines or players. i'm guessing they save all that for later in the season.
it was really a nice experience to watch the game. the parents of both teams cheered and praised all of the kids. there was no unpleasantness from the spectators, sidelines or players. i'm guessing they save all that for later in the season.
and on the subject of controversial books, a school board member in North Charleston, SC visits two high school libraries and checks out and keeps Catcher In the Rye to prevent "great damage to the minds of young people." i like the idea of sending replacement copies to the high schools (though i'm sure they'll buy their own with the fee they get from the guy). i think i'll do the same with some local high schools just to make sure they have copies. and i'll send a couple of copies of To Kill A Mockingbird to the Muskogee high school library. yay! i'm getting activist-ey! [link via Metafilter]
i'm sure it's a temporary condition. i'll return to my apathetic state soon.
i'm sure it's a temporary condition. i'll return to my apathetic state soon.
i showed up at work Friday to find that our network was down again. tech and supervisors were panicked, but the boss offered us the chance to take the day off. i bit. yay for three-day weekends!
after calling in outside help, they blamed everything on a virus. yay for viri that shut us down! if that's all it takes, i think i'll spend my free time at work hunting for viri and infecting as many computers as possible.
spent a lot of time with Video Store Guy this weekend. his sarcasm and my bitter anger at the world seem to complement each other well. the only bumps we've encountered so far are that he didn't care for Dude, Where's My Car? and he hates vegetables. i'm not sure which is worse, but i think i can deal with both.
after calling in outside help, they blamed everything on a virus. yay for viri that shut us down! if that's all it takes, i think i'll spend my free time at work hunting for viri and infecting as many computers as possible.
spent a lot of time with Video Store Guy this weekend. his sarcasm and my bitter anger at the world seem to complement each other well. the only bumps we've encountered so far are that he didn't care for Dude, Where's My Car? and he hates vegetables. i'm not sure which is worse, but i think i can deal with both.
Thursday, September 06, 2001
the building's power cut out today. the phones and network went down. i've never seen so many tech people running so quickly before. hilarious! they were running in and out of glass-walled rooms and darkened closets. they'd group together in huge numbers for a few seconds, then scatter. there was much moaning and 'oh shit!'ing. the boss came around and told everyone to go to lunch for 90 minutes. everyone but the techs cheered. as i left the parking lot, fire engines came screaming in. there was no fire, and no one's sure of why TFD showed up, but it was grand fun for us anyway.
Wednesday, September 05, 2001
Joss Whedon; The Onion Interview.
don't miss the rest here.
[blessed be Jean for the link]
and for those who waited impatiently for it (which, i guess, may only be me), Redcricket has a new camtoon.
don't miss the rest here.
[blessed be Jean for the link]
and for those who waited impatiently for it (which, i guess, may only be me), Redcricket has a new camtoon.
Tuesday, September 04, 2001
UPN Rolls Out Buffy Blitz. i'd probably cause an accident if i was driving down the road and saw a Buffy billboard.
from the Daily News article mentioned in the link above: "Buffy" creator Joss Whedon wrapped up the series last spring with a cliffhanger episode that left viewers unsure whether the heroine was alive or dead.
that's wrong, of course. we knew she was quite dead.
see some more Buffy tv ads at the UPN site (click on the Buffy button, then start mouseover-ing candles).
and Buffy Fans Want Crossovers (petition here)
from the Daily News article mentioned in the link above: "Buffy" creator Joss Whedon wrapped up the series last spring with a cliffhanger episode that left viewers unsure whether the heroine was alive or dead.
that's wrong, of course. we knew she was quite dead.
see some more Buffy tv ads at the UPN site (click on the Buffy button, then start mouseover-ing candles).
and Buffy Fans Want Crossovers (petition here)
just because the title cracks me up: Cannibal Women in the Avocado Jungle of Death (synopsis and cover).
"I've been thinking about changing my major from Home Economics to Feminist Studies, but I wasn't sure if you had any feminist cooking classes."
it's not the cannibal women so much as the Avocado Jungle of Death. we need more place names like that (Death Valley is so boring. someone should spice it up).
"I've been thinking about changing my major from Home Economics to Feminist Studies, but I wasn't sure if you had any feminist cooking classes."
it's not the cannibal women so much as the Avocado Jungle of Death. we need more place names like that (Death Valley is so boring. someone should spice it up).
already spitting into the face of whomever it is that decided you're not supposed to do it after Labor Day, today, i wear white.
Friday, August 31, 2001
i tried. i really did.
i'm supposed to stay at work until 7pm tonight, but i can't focus on anything. i don't think it's the holiday. i've been extremely manic for the last couple of days, and i don't want to be at work. so i'm not. most people have already left, so no one will notice anyway.
i'm disconnecting completely for the next three days. no computer, therefore no updates, no email. later, gators.
i'm supposed to stay at work until 7pm tonight, but i can't focus on anything. i don't think it's the holiday. i've been extremely manic for the last couple of days, and i don't want to be at work. so i'm not. most people have already left, so no one will notice anyway.
i'm disconnecting completely for the next three days. no computer, therefore no updates, no email. later, gators.
there really isn't much you can add that the title doesn't already say: The Day My Bum Went Psycho.
[attacking ass monsters sponsored by Comatoseblog]
[attacking ass monsters sponsored by Comatoseblog]
Thursday, August 30, 2001
a few links before i depart for the day:
my new Buffy desktop wallpaper. possibly the script for "Broken Bow" (pilot episode of Enterprise). pdf prologue of Stephen King's Dark Tower V. thousands of newspapers on the net. and one Jean pointed out to me a while back, Angelus' Hair Manifesto. later gators!
my new Buffy desktop wallpaper. possibly the script for "Broken Bow" (pilot episode of Enterprise). pdf prologue of Stephen King's Dark Tower V. thousands of newspapers on the net. and one Jean pointed out to me a while back, Angelus' Hair Manifesto. later gators!
to whomever came looking for this, Smallville is a WB program. and now i think i know what Xander didn't want to reveal when he said no power on earth will make him tell the rest of the "one night, a dancer called in sick" story.
this is the Xander that the searcher wanted, i think [is it a good thing that he's "extremely discrete" (see the ad) or would potential clients prefer him to be discreet?].
this is the Xander that the searcher wanted, i think [is it a good thing that he's "extremely discrete" (see the ad) or would potential clients prefer him to be discreet?].
i and three of my department-mates will remain employed for the time being. yip for us.
also, ice cream is no longer the "soften the blow" food. guess they got tired of treating people right before they escorted them out. now, it's "congratulation, you're still employed" food. they gave us our choice of root beer float ice cream bars (blech) or those orange sherbet push pop things (yum!)
what's the proper length of time to mourn our newly jobless former co-workers before we raid their now vacated cubicles for supplies?
also, ice cream is no longer the "soften the blow" food. guess they got tired of treating people right before they escorted them out. now, it's "congratulation, you're still employed" food. they gave us our choice of root beer float ice cream bars (blech) or those orange sherbet push pop things (yum!)
what's the proper length of time to mourn our newly jobless former co-workers before we raid their now vacated cubicles for supplies?
we're having a meeting in 10 minutes to discuss the for-now fate of those us who remain. i can't decide if we're actually staying employed, or if the supervisors took a lunch break, then decided to do a group lay off instead of talking to us individually. i'm thinking the former. if it is the latter though, should i receive the news calmly, or should i start with the wailing and the clothes rending and the gnashing of teeth before collapsing into a heap on the floor?
a review of the Xander and Cordelia action figures. i want the Cordelia figures, the regular and the Cheerleader Cordy variant, but even more, i want the Cordy figure from the Angel line up, and the Faith. as a bonus, i'm even going to request the "Vanilla Ice as Angel" figure (the Angel series figures aren't finalized yet. i'm hopeful they'll smooth out the "Play That Funky Music, Whiteboy" vibe he's giving off).
Wednesday, August 29, 2001
And in Oklahoma, To Kill a Mockingbird has already been removed. [article]
someone should let FOXNews know that one school district in Oklahoma is not the entire state, or they should be a little clearer about what they mean. they *are* journalists (/snicker) after all (hard to keep a straight face through that last part).
someone should let FOXNews know that one school district in Oklahoma is not the entire state, or they should be a little clearer about what they mean. they *are* journalists (/snicker) after all (hard to keep a straight face through that last part).
The moviefone Web site has posted an image of the official poster for the first of Peter Jackson's upcoming Lord of the Rings movies, The Fellowship of the Ring.
[link and copy via Sci Fi Wire]
[link and copy via Sci Fi Wire]
The Musketeer - A kung fu version? If they start making "Crouching Pride, Hidden Prejudice" I'm gone.
heh. Garth at Dark Horizons gives us a fall film guide, divided into "Must See," "Worth Seeing," "Unsure Potential" and "For Fans Only."
heh. Garth at Dark Horizons gives us a fall film guide, divided into "Must See," "Worth Seeing," "Unsure Potential" and "For Fans Only."
i'm sexy! i'm cute! i'm popular to boot!
i'm bitchin! great hair! the boys all love to stare!
i'm wanted. i'm hot! i'm everything you're not!
i'm pretty. i'm cool! i dominate this school!
who am i? just guess! guys wanna touch my chest!
Bring It On was on Starz last night. i had to watch, even though i own the video.
i'm bitchin! great hair! the boys all love to stare!
i'm wanted. i'm hot! i'm everything you're not!
i'm pretty. i'm cool! i dominate this school!
who am i? just guess! guys wanna touch my chest!
Bring It On was on Starz last night. i had to watch, even though i own the video.
Tuesday, August 28, 2001
is it me, or has someone been taking design notes from Star Trek? makes me want to poke at my screen and say "thrusters not responding!"
in fifth grade, there was a kid named Eugene. he was teased for his name. he was often badgered with calls of "You gene!" (i guess it's clever in the fifth grade). it later evolved into "Chromosome." he'd cry. i'm not sure why. i've never thought of genetic material as insulting (other than when inheriting it from someone. yeah, "dad", i'm talkin' about you). i don't think i would have cried if someone had taken to calling me "mitochondrial DNA," or if i'd had to suffer shouts of "rough endoplasmic reticulum!" i think the boy was a bit sensitive.
i don't know what made me think of him. but here are a few links to some of the wonderful things about Eugene (Oregon).
i don't know what made me think of him. but here are a few links to some of the wonderful things about Eugene (Oregon).
Astrology school in Arizona gets accredited.
just in time too. i'm planning on going back to school at spring semester. who wouldn't hire a guy with a diploma in astrology and psychology?
"Now would be an inauspicious time for insider trading. Instead, concentrate on the environmental degradation policies and bribery of federal judges while reducing employee benefits and wages. Also, you will receive a disturbing letter from a long lost friend."
just in time too. i'm planning on going back to school at spring semester. who wouldn't hire a guy with a diploma in astrology and psychology?
"Now would be an inauspicious time for insider trading. Instead, concentrate on the environmental degradation policies and bribery of federal judges while reducing employee benefits and wages. Also, you will receive a disturbing letter from a long lost friend."
thanks, sweetie. i did it. i signed up for Buffy The Journal Slayer. at my fingertips, i'll have buttloads of places to originate Buffy links. not that i needed more.
if you're a Faith fan (or just a Buffy fan in general), you may get a kick out of the Faith page. i laughed myself silly thinking of her slaying like that.
if you're a Faith fan (or just a Buffy fan in general), you may get a kick out of the Faith page. i laughed myself silly thinking of her slaying like that.
scifi.ign:TV Round-Up has a bit on those stupid semi-transparent channel ID bugs. they say UPN is considering selling that space to advertisers, and there are a couple of links to protest or write a letter or something. much too Activist for me.
the local FOX affiliate here already uses that space for advertisements for Pizza Hut during the syndicated run of The Simpsons and Home Improvement. it is annoying and doesn't work (i never want pizza after seeing the ad). i wish it'd stop. the bug isn't as annoying as the local WB's "Coming Up on WB19:" pop ups that cover the lower quarter or so of the screen. hate them.
i'm still trying to get used to seeing the local FOX advertise for the local UPN and vice versa. they're both Clear Channel Communications stations, and for some reason, they think it's ok to do that. it's not. it's creepy.
the local FOX affiliate here already uses that space for advertisements for Pizza Hut during the syndicated run of The Simpsons and Home Improvement. it is annoying and doesn't work (i never want pizza after seeing the ad). i wish it'd stop. the bug isn't as annoying as the local WB's "Coming Up on WB19:" pop ups that cover the lower quarter or so of the screen. hate them.
i'm still trying to get used to seeing the local FOX advertise for the local UPN and vice versa. they're both Clear Channel Communications stations, and for some reason, they think it's ok to do that. it's not. it's creepy.
Monday, August 27, 2001
ack! as if capitalizing the first letter isn't bad enough, he capitalized the whole name! capitalization is vanity, and the vain are going to hell!
Summer relief over as gas prices rise
Most Americans are paying 6 cents a gallon more at the pump than they did two weeks ago...
lucky devils. we're paying 40 cents more for each gallon than we did two weeks ago.
Most Americans are paying 6 cents a gallon more at the pump than they did two weeks ago...
lucky devils. we're paying 40 cents more for each gallon than we did two weeks ago.