Gotta write this down before I forget:
"There are 10 kinds of people in the world: those who know binary and those who don't."
Next Issue...More Clever Quotes
Monday, February 16, 2004
Happy Family Day! I hope you've enjoyed the most blatantly manufactured holiday of all time.
Here's some Family Day Fun Facts:
- Family Day was invented by former Alberta Premier Don Getty as an excuse to go visit his coke-dealing son who was in prison.
- One of Premier Ralph Klein's big election promises when he was first elected was the abolishment of Family Day. Klein believed it was a blatantly manufactured holiday and that people could better spend their time working on that day and helping get the province out of debt. Klein's been in power for more than 10 years now and he ain't followed through yet.
- School boards in the province of Alberta have long fought for the abolishment of Family Day. Their logic is that teachers always have thier conventions in February, thus giving students a 4-day weekend. Families plan vacations around this 4-day weekend, so students don't really need another long weekend in February.
But enough of my cattiness. I celebrated Family Day by watching my James Bond DVDs. Now, I no longer have to wait for TBS to have their annual James Bond marathon every December. I wonder if they know how many students' lives they've ruined because of those James Bond marathons. Back in Augustana, every December, I always found myself saying something like, "OK, time to start on this paper...what? Octopussy is on? Well...it can wait another two hours."
I remember about a year ago when Die Another Day came out in Japan. Most of my middle-aged female students were swooning over Pierce Brosnan. Of course, I wound up recommending You Only Live Twice to all of them. I mean, James Bond in Japan. I figured they'd get a kick out of it.
I also sent another postcard to Trouble in China. She always says that her students get a real kick out of them. Of course, that makes me wonder what her students think about me. When another postcard comes, do they say to each other, "Dude, he sent another one? Man, he must have it bad."
Oh, and a quick tidbit of movie news. Comic book uber-artist Alex Ross has been commissioned to do some artwork for Spider-Man 2. Ross's artwork will depict scenes from the first film and be used in the opening credits sequence, for a whole "in our last exciting issue..." thing.
Next Issue...Next Issue
Here's some Family Day Fun Facts:
- Family Day was invented by former Alberta Premier Don Getty as an excuse to go visit his coke-dealing son who was in prison.
- One of Premier Ralph Klein's big election promises when he was first elected was the abolishment of Family Day. Klein believed it was a blatantly manufactured holiday and that people could better spend their time working on that day and helping get the province out of debt. Klein's been in power for more than 10 years now and he ain't followed through yet.
- School boards in the province of Alberta have long fought for the abolishment of Family Day. Their logic is that teachers always have thier conventions in February, thus giving students a 4-day weekend. Families plan vacations around this 4-day weekend, so students don't really need another long weekend in February.
But enough of my cattiness. I celebrated Family Day by watching my James Bond DVDs. Now, I no longer have to wait for TBS to have their annual James Bond marathon every December. I wonder if they know how many students' lives they've ruined because of those James Bond marathons. Back in Augustana, every December, I always found myself saying something like, "OK, time to start on this paper...what? Octopussy is on? Well...it can wait another two hours."
I remember about a year ago when Die Another Day came out in Japan. Most of my middle-aged female students were swooning over Pierce Brosnan. Of course, I wound up recommending You Only Live Twice to all of them. I mean, James Bond in Japan. I figured they'd get a kick out of it.
I also sent another postcard to Trouble in China. She always says that her students get a real kick out of them. Of course, that makes me wonder what her students think about me. When another postcard comes, do they say to each other, "Dude, he sent another one? Man, he must have it bad."
Oh, and a quick tidbit of movie news. Comic book uber-artist Alex Ross has been commissioned to do some artwork for Spider-Man 2. Ross's artwork will depict scenes from the first film and be used in the opening credits sequence, for a whole "in our last exciting issue..." thing.
Next Issue...Next Issue
Sunday, February 15, 2004
As I was walking around town today, I stopped in at the corner store to buy a snack. I really do miss the convenience stores in Japan. I miss looking at a pop cooler and seeing a dozen different kinds of iced tea.
Shortly before I left Japan, I was asked, "What are you going to miss the most, Mark?" I took a deep breath and said, "The convenience stores." She laughed at me and said, "But we've got 7-11 back home!" I said, "Yeah, but you can't buy clean underwear at the stores back home."
I briefly did attempt a sub-series of columns called "What I Like About Japan." Convenience stores was on the list. I only wrote two editions before the catastrophic failure of my laptop. I keep wondering if I should go back and attempt to write the rest of the series; depend on my fading memories.
Tomorrow's the last day of my reading week. I'm hoping I can pump out a couple of columns. At the very least, I should try to finish my column about going to the Studio Ghibli museum. It's a 2-part affair and I've had part I in the bag for 6 months.
Speaking of columns, this week's is posted. It's a fairly mediocre piece called Idol Worship:
"Quick! Name five people you admire in your field. Pretty easy, isn’t it? I ask this question to someone like Mr. Anderson, who wants to write and draw comics, and he can rattle off five names with no problem. But, sadly, it is a task I have great trouble doing in my chosen profession. An upcoming assignment sounded rather simple at the outset. We have to do a profile on a DJ we like. Naturally, this means talking to said DJ. The instructor asked us which DJ we each were going to contact. She didn’t want us all swamping the same one, after all. She went around the table, and each of my classmates proudly yelled out the name of the DJ they were going to talk to with nary a thought. And then she came to me, and I was left struggling to find a name."
As always, please read the whole thing!
Next Issue...Vacation's End
Shortly before I left Japan, I was asked, "What are you going to miss the most, Mark?" I took a deep breath and said, "The convenience stores." She laughed at me and said, "But we've got 7-11 back home!" I said, "Yeah, but you can't buy clean underwear at the stores back home."
I briefly did attempt a sub-series of columns called "What I Like About Japan." Convenience stores was on the list. I only wrote two editions before the catastrophic failure of my laptop. I keep wondering if I should go back and attempt to write the rest of the series; depend on my fading memories.
Tomorrow's the last day of my reading week. I'm hoping I can pump out a couple of columns. At the very least, I should try to finish my column about going to the Studio Ghibli museum. It's a 2-part affair and I've had part I in the bag for 6 months.
Speaking of columns, this week's is posted. It's a fairly mediocre piece called Idol Worship:
"Quick! Name five people you admire in your field. Pretty easy, isn’t it? I ask this question to someone like Mr. Anderson, who wants to write and draw comics, and he can rattle off five names with no problem. But, sadly, it is a task I have great trouble doing in my chosen profession. An upcoming assignment sounded rather simple at the outset. We have to do a profile on a DJ we like. Naturally, this means talking to said DJ. The instructor asked us which DJ we each were going to contact. She didn’t want us all swamping the same one, after all. She went around the table, and each of my classmates proudly yelled out the name of the DJ they were going to talk to with nary a thought. And then she came to me, and I was left struggling to find a name."
As always, please read the whole thing!
Next Issue...Vacation's End
Saturday, February 14, 2004
You know, as much as I love Michael Moore, I find the anti-Moore websites to be a lot more fun. Truly, one of the best and most obsessive has to be Moore Watch. Here's what Moore Watch is currently doing.
See, Michael Moore was endorsing a presidential hopeful by the name of Wesley Clark. Moore had a little square on his website saying this and provided a link to the Clark website. Well, Wesley Clark lost a few of the primaries and decided to bow out. Naturally, since his boy wasn't running any more, Moore took down his little endorsement and link to Clark's website.
And Moore Watch is all over this! They love pointing out now how Moore is "backpedalling" and trying to conceal the fact that he was/is backing Wesley Clark. I don't think Moore is trying to cover up anything. I think Moore just realizes the futility in endorsing a man who isn't running anymore.
I tell you, 10% of the time, Moore Watch is good for providing the other side of the story. The other 90%, they're the raving loonies that they claim Michael Moore is.
Next Issue...Bowling for Burgers
See, Michael Moore was endorsing a presidential hopeful by the name of Wesley Clark. Moore had a little square on his website saying this and provided a link to the Clark website. Well, Wesley Clark lost a few of the primaries and decided to bow out. Naturally, since his boy wasn't running any more, Moore took down his little endorsement and link to Clark's website.
And Moore Watch is all over this! They love pointing out now how Moore is "backpedalling" and trying to conceal the fact that he was/is backing Wesley Clark. I don't think Moore is trying to cover up anything. I think Moore just realizes the futility in endorsing a man who isn't running anymore.
I tell you, 10% of the time, Moore Watch is good for providing the other side of the story. The other 90%, they're the raving loonies that they claim Michael Moore is.
Next Issue...Bowling for Burgers
Oh, something from the latest ToyFare I forgot to mention. I only mention this because I have a few classmates who obsessivly loved this movie. Get read for...PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN action figures. I saw the movie. It was good, but not 4 nib material.
Speaking of 4 nib material, great shake-ups happening on Pokemon, as the end of the fifth season starts coming to North America. Ash has finally defeated his rival Gary in Pokemon battle. Gary has decided to hang it up and become a researcher like his grandpa, Professor Oak. Having made it to the semi-finals of the Jhoto League Championship before losing out, Ash is now heading home to Pallet Town for a sabbatical. Where is he headed next? Well, there's a lot of hinting towards the Hoenn region, which is where the Pokemon Advance video games take place. And where all the episodes I saw in Japan a year ago took place.
Next Issue...JLA Forever
Speaking of 4 nib material, great shake-ups happening on Pokemon, as the end of the fifth season starts coming to North America. Ash has finally defeated his rival Gary in Pokemon battle. Gary has decided to hang it up and become a researcher like his grandpa, Professor Oak. Having made it to the semi-finals of the Jhoto League Championship before losing out, Ash is now heading home to Pallet Town for a sabbatical. Where is he headed next? Well, there's a lot of hinting towards the Hoenn region, which is where the Pokemon Advance video games take place. And where all the episodes I saw in Japan a year ago took place.
Next Issue...JLA Forever
Boy, did I have a fun and relaxing day off in the city! I finally got out to see Big Fish. Who'd have thunk that Tim Burton could make a sweet movie? It's really two movies going on. We have our modern day tale, which is the son trying to discover the truth behind his father's myths and thus learn the truth about his father. And then, we have the myths themselves. And when we're watching one of the myths, it's classic Tim Burton. Great movie! 3 nibs.
And then, I had to go spend way too much money. Future Shop finally had The Critic: The Complete Series, so I finally bought that. I loved this show way back when it was on!
Hey, have you ever wondered why every crappy TV show that only lasts 6 episodes or so manages to get released on DVD right away? This was explained by a big Hollywood producer in the paper a few weeks ago. You've got your TV show. Say, only 4 million people watch it. That makes your TV show a bomb, so it gets cancelled. Now, release it on DVD, and half the people who watched it on TV buy it on DVD. That's 2 million units! So suddenly, your mega-bomb TV show has become a double-platinum DVD. It's all rather fiendish.
And then, while browsing through HMV, I finally succumbed to my baser desires. Ever since I bought my DVD player, I said that I'd eventually buy some James Bond movies on DVD. I'd limit myself to only my favourite ones of each Bond actor! Well, HMV had the Bond movies on sale, 2 for $30, so I finally bought Goldfinger and The Spy Who Loved Me. Each one truly a classic.
And that reminds me. Exactly how many versions of a film do we need on DVD? I'm talking about things like "director's cuts." Why do they have to go messing with these classic films when they put them on DVD? What's wrong with the original theatrical version? I know, we need some kind of "value added" for the DVD. But, c'mon! My "T2" and "ID4" DVDs allow you to watch either the original theatrical versions or the DVD director's cuts at the push of a button. The technology does exist for us to have our cake and eat it too. So, c'mon!
That reminds me. I still have the morbid curiosity to see the special edition of E.T..
And in all of my excessive spending, I of course bought the latest ToyFare. They have the preview of the next series of Marvel Legends! This is the new smash-hit toy line where we get highly-detailed, super-posable renditions of classic Marvel Comics characters. Here's who's on tap for Series 6:
Wolverine (Brown Costume)
The Punisher (Thomas Jane likeness; Jane, of course, plays the Punisher in the upcoming film)
Phoenix
Cable
Deadpool
Juggernaut
And now I think I'll go to bed
Next Issue...Spring Vacation con't
And then, I had to go spend way too much money. Future Shop finally had The Critic: The Complete Series, so I finally bought that. I loved this show way back when it was on!
Hey, have you ever wondered why every crappy TV show that only lasts 6 episodes or so manages to get released on DVD right away? This was explained by a big Hollywood producer in the paper a few weeks ago. You've got your TV show. Say, only 4 million people watch it. That makes your TV show a bomb, so it gets cancelled. Now, release it on DVD, and half the people who watched it on TV buy it on DVD. That's 2 million units! So suddenly, your mega-bomb TV show has become a double-platinum DVD. It's all rather fiendish.
And then, while browsing through HMV, I finally succumbed to my baser desires. Ever since I bought my DVD player, I said that I'd eventually buy some James Bond movies on DVD. I'd limit myself to only my favourite ones of each Bond actor! Well, HMV had the Bond movies on sale, 2 for $30, so I finally bought Goldfinger and The Spy Who Loved Me. Each one truly a classic.
And that reminds me. Exactly how many versions of a film do we need on DVD? I'm talking about things like "director's cuts." Why do they have to go messing with these classic films when they put them on DVD? What's wrong with the original theatrical version? I know, we need some kind of "value added" for the DVD. But, c'mon! My "T2" and "ID4" DVDs allow you to watch either the original theatrical versions or the DVD director's cuts at the push of a button. The technology does exist for us to have our cake and eat it too. So, c'mon!
That reminds me. I still have the morbid curiosity to see the special edition of E.T..
And in all of my excessive spending, I of course bought the latest ToyFare. They have the preview of the next series of Marvel Legends! This is the new smash-hit toy line where we get highly-detailed, super-posable renditions of classic Marvel Comics characters. Here's who's on tap for Series 6:
Wolverine (Brown Costume)
The Punisher (Thomas Jane likeness; Jane, of course, plays the Punisher in the upcoming film)
Phoenix
Cable
Deadpool
Juggernaut
And now I think I'll go to bed
Next Issue...Spring Vacation con't
Thursday, February 12, 2004
I was thinking about what I said in my earlier post about Mr. Anderson banging his head against a wall complaining about how I don't get it because I have a Disney page on my website. I mean, he's my best friend, and it's good that he's got strong beliefs and all that, and I really shouldn't make fun of him.
I guess it all goes back to about a year ago. We were having some pretty heated arguments, especially about McDonald's. He'd say, "Any reasonable man who spends 10 minutes reading about McDonald's will never eat there again!" I'd shrug and say, "I spent 20 minutes reading and I still eat there." He'd just get so angry, and something about me just wanted to push it a little bit further. You feel almost a sadistic glee when someone outlines their whole belief system and you just say, "Ehh, whatever. I'll just stay here and keep violating your beliefs."
I really should stop that because, in the end, it just makes me a really crappy friend.
Subject change.
So, I don't know if you've noticed, but Canada Post now sells these things called "Tickelopes." They're evelopes made out of a foam, and in a really silly shape. I spent my day off from school writing a letter to a former student in Japan, and figured I'd get one of these Ticeklopes to mail it off in. After puzzling over the many shapes, I decided that the lobster shaped one had a particular cuteness to it, and that brought back something I'd always wondered.
Do you know if they make lobster sushi? I never saw it at any sushi places, and Japan really isn't in the middle of lobster waters. I'm certain though that a creative chef could make it.
Next Issue...Friends Forever?
I guess it all goes back to about a year ago. We were having some pretty heated arguments, especially about McDonald's. He'd say, "Any reasonable man who spends 10 minutes reading about McDonald's will never eat there again!" I'd shrug and say, "I spent 20 minutes reading and I still eat there." He'd just get so angry, and something about me just wanted to push it a little bit further. You feel almost a sadistic glee when someone outlines their whole belief system and you just say, "Ehh, whatever. I'll just stay here and keep violating your beliefs."
I really should stop that because, in the end, it just makes me a really crappy friend.
Subject change.
So, I don't know if you've noticed, but Canada Post now sells these things called "Tickelopes." They're evelopes made out of a foam, and in a really silly shape. I spent my day off from school writing a letter to a former student in Japan, and figured I'd get one of these Ticeklopes to mail it off in. After puzzling over the many shapes, I decided that the lobster shaped one had a particular cuteness to it, and that brought back something I'd always wondered.
Do you know if they make lobster sushi? I never saw it at any sushi places, and Japan really isn't in the middle of lobster waters. I'm certain though that a creative chef could make it.
Next Issue...Friends Forever?
Over at my official website, I just dusted off and did a new revision of my list of Disney animated films. And I'm sure Mr. Anderson is once again banging his head against a wall frustrated at how I just don't get it.
And here's some DVD news for my sister. My sister's all-time favourite movie is finally getting the 2-disc super-special edition treatment. On April 20, get ready for A League of Thier Own: Special Edition! This 2-disc set gets you:
- Running commentary with director Penny Marshall and various members of the cast
- 15 cut scenes, each with an introduction by Marshall
- An all new making-of documentary, entitled "Nine Exciting Innings."
- The music video for Madonna's theme song, "This Used to be My Playground"
- And, of course, the trailers
As is one of the newer trends of DVD, it'll be available in both widescreen and full screen versions. April 20!
For those who've never seen it, A League of Their Own follows the exploits of two sisters during World War II, as they're drafted to play in AAGPBL. See, all the baseball players started going to war, so a women's baseball major league was started, the All American Girls Professional Baseball League. Geena Davis and Lori Petty are the sisters and star players of the Rockford Peaches, Madonna plays the field (in both the baseball and sexual innuendo sense), and Tom Hanks steals the show as the washed-up former ball player who's the team manager.
If you want to find out more about the AAGPBL, a documentary about it was made in the late 80s, and it was also called A League of Their Own. In fact, it's the documentary that inspired the movie.
And the movie inspired a really crappy half-hour comedy/drama that only lasted 6 episodes. Who knows? With the way DVD works today, strong sales of A League of Their Own: Special Edition just might lead to A League of Their Own: The Complete Series.
Next Issue...A League of MY Own
And here's some DVD news for my sister. My sister's all-time favourite movie is finally getting the 2-disc super-special edition treatment. On April 20, get ready for A League of Thier Own: Special Edition! This 2-disc set gets you:
- Running commentary with director Penny Marshall and various members of the cast
- 15 cut scenes, each with an introduction by Marshall
- An all new making-of documentary, entitled "Nine Exciting Innings."
- The music video for Madonna's theme song, "This Used to be My Playground"
- And, of course, the trailers
As is one of the newer trends of DVD, it'll be available in both widescreen and full screen versions. April 20!
For those who've never seen it, A League of Their Own follows the exploits of two sisters during World War II, as they're drafted to play in AAGPBL. See, all the baseball players started going to war, so a women's baseball major league was started, the All American Girls Professional Baseball League. Geena Davis and Lori Petty are the sisters and star players of the Rockford Peaches, Madonna plays the field (in both the baseball and sexual innuendo sense), and Tom Hanks steals the show as the washed-up former ball player who's the team manager.
If you want to find out more about the AAGPBL, a documentary about it was made in the late 80s, and it was also called A League of Their Own. In fact, it's the documentary that inspired the movie.
And the movie inspired a really crappy half-hour comedy/drama that only lasted 6 episodes. Who knows? With the way DVD works today, strong sales of A League of Their Own: Special Edition just might lead to A League of Their Own: The Complete Series.
Next Issue...A League of MY Own
Tuesday, February 10, 2004
Various tidbits on the upcoming "Star Wars" DVDs:
- The films will be the 1997 Special Editions and not the originals.
- Each film will have a new running commentary with George Lucas and others (the others to be decided)
- The bonus material disc will have an all-new, feature-length documentary about the making of the trilogy, and feature all kinds of never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage
- And althought not confirmed, it's pretty much a given that they'll have special DVD-ROM weblinks, just like the "Episode I & II" DVDs.
More as it develops.
Next Issue...Showtime!
- The films will be the 1997 Special Editions and not the originals.
- Each film will have a new running commentary with George Lucas and others (the others to be decided)
- The bonus material disc will have an all-new, feature-length documentary about the making of the trilogy, and feature all kinds of never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage
- And althought not confirmed, it's pretty much a given that they'll have special DVD-ROM weblinks, just like the "Episode I & II" DVDs.
More as it develops.
Next Issue...Showtime!
Two big bits of movie and DVD news:
The Star Wars Trilogy - At long last, the trilogy comes to DVD! It'll follow the format of the "Indiana Jones Trilogy," in that it'll be a big boxed set of all three films, with all the bonus material on a fourth disc. What that bonus material will be is still unknown. The big day is September 21.
The Simpsons: The Movie - In a recent interview, "Simpsons" producer Mike Reiss said that a script for a feature length "Simpson" movie has been written! He says summer 2006 is the most likely release date, and that it's like the "South Park" movie, in that it's a "bigger, longer, amplified version of the show."
Next Issue...Blarg
The Star Wars Trilogy - At long last, the trilogy comes to DVD! It'll follow the format of the "Indiana Jones Trilogy," in that it'll be a big boxed set of all three films, with all the bonus material on a fourth disc. What that bonus material will be is still unknown. The big day is September 21.
The Simpsons: The Movie - In a recent interview, "Simpsons" producer Mike Reiss said that a script for a feature length "Simpson" movie has been written! He says summer 2006 is the most likely release date, and that it's like the "South Park" movie, in that it's a "bigger, longer, amplified version of the show."
Next Issue...Blarg
Monday, February 09, 2004
So I'm indulging my inner child. I've spent the past week looking for the most appropriate valentines to give to my classmates. I had it narrowed down to either Hulk valentines or Disney Princesses. To tell the truth, I really wasn't satisfied with either. Hulk seemed a little violent, and as much as I love Disney, giving a Disney princess valentine to one of my big hulking male classmates felt a little...gay. Then, way in the back of the shelf, I found...the Simpsons valentines! Needless to say, everyone was satisfied.
But, since I was in Kingsway Garden Mall, I decided to swing by the Disney store. Now, as much as I love Disney, I've always felt put-off by what they sell in the Disney Stores. Everything seems either too childish or to girly. There's nothing for the 18-35 male Disney fan! Until I was in there today. Now, I've noticed on past few visits that the Disney Stores have their own exclusive line of action figures entitled Disney Adventures. This is where you've got Aladdin, Tarzan, Hercules, and a few others all in their buff, action hero best. Never really bought one for my collection because they really didn't strike me. But then, when I was in there today, I noticed that they had...the Disney Adventure block figures! (For those who don't know, a "block figure" is an action figure done in the style of a Lego man, a Japanese Kubrick, any of those. "Block figure" is the blanket term to describe that style.) You'd get a 3-pack of figures and about a dozen accesories for an interactive play time. I thought, "Now hey, this rocks! This is something for the collection!" Then I saw the $20 price tag, and went, "Eww." Then I saw the sign that said, "75% off," and went "Yay! That's only $5! Perfect!" Then I remembered Mr. Anderson saying, "Disney is a big, evil corporation! If you buy anything from the Disney Store, I'll never speak to you again!" Well, he hasn't said that to me...yet. But he might. You never know.
I love how my best friend has gotten all political in his old age, but sometimes that makes him really fun to mess with:
Him>> McDONALD'S IS A TRULY EVIL CORPORATION! THEY ARE OUT TO RAPE AND PILLAGE THE WORLD ALL IN THE NAME OF THE ALMIGHTY DOLLAR!, ALL WHILE SCREWING OVER THEIR EMPLOYEES!
Me>> Does that mean you don't want me to bring you back a Big Mac?
(Subtle thumps as he bangs his head against the wall.)
And before I go to supper, I said this today and one of my classmates figured I should put it on a greeting card: "Once you accept that you're going to crash and burn, your only concern becomes how big a crater you can make."
Next Issue...The Crater
But, since I was in Kingsway Garden Mall, I decided to swing by the Disney store. Now, as much as I love Disney, I've always felt put-off by what they sell in the Disney Stores. Everything seems either too childish or to girly. There's nothing for the 18-35 male Disney fan! Until I was in there today. Now, I've noticed on past few visits that the Disney Stores have their own exclusive line of action figures entitled Disney Adventures. This is where you've got Aladdin, Tarzan, Hercules, and a few others all in their buff, action hero best. Never really bought one for my collection because they really didn't strike me. But then, when I was in there today, I noticed that they had...the Disney Adventure block figures! (For those who don't know, a "block figure" is an action figure done in the style of a Lego man, a Japanese Kubrick, any of those. "Block figure" is the blanket term to describe that style.) You'd get a 3-pack of figures and about a dozen accesories for an interactive play time. I thought, "Now hey, this rocks! This is something for the collection!" Then I saw the $20 price tag, and went, "Eww." Then I saw the sign that said, "75% off," and went "Yay! That's only $5! Perfect!" Then I remembered Mr. Anderson saying, "Disney is a big, evil corporation! If you buy anything from the Disney Store, I'll never speak to you again!" Well, he hasn't said that to me...yet. But he might. You never know.
I love how my best friend has gotten all political in his old age, but sometimes that makes him really fun to mess with:
Him>> McDONALD'S IS A TRULY EVIL CORPORATION! THEY ARE OUT TO RAPE AND PILLAGE THE WORLD ALL IN THE NAME OF THE ALMIGHTY DOLLAR!, ALL WHILE SCREWING OVER THEIR EMPLOYEES!
Me>> Does that mean you don't want me to bring you back a Big Mac?
(Subtle thumps as he bangs his head against the wall.)
And before I go to supper, I said this today and one of my classmates figured I should put it on a greeting card: "Once you accept that you're going to crash and burn, your only concern becomes how big a crater you can make."
Next Issue...The Crater
Sunday, February 08, 2004
Watching Batman Forever on TV. That movie gets stupider and stupider with each viewing.
But let's get to the latest column! This week's installment: The News is Our Hooker, The Truth is Her Pimp:
"I had just one goal when I went in to the program: be a DJ. But now that I’m in there, I find that there a lot of other options I can go with. If being a DJ doesn’t cut it, I can always be a writer; try to make a living doing this. Of course, production could also be fun. Sitting hunched over a computer all day, piecing together bits of audio and trying to make the perfect spot. There’s promotions, which is getting the word of the station out there. And then, I could sell my soul and go into sales. These are all things I’ve had varying degrees of experience with. So, you can imagine my surprise as I’ve now been told that my personality is best suited for the most complex and, I think most trying part of the radio station: news. "
As always, Clickie clickie to read it all!
I guess I should spent a little more time studying for my quiz tomorrow, but it's kind of hard to focus when I caught the instructor basing the quiz on a report I wrote.
Next Issue...the Long Sleep
But let's get to the latest column! This week's installment: The News is Our Hooker, The Truth is Her Pimp:
"I had just one goal when I went in to the program: be a DJ. But now that I’m in there, I find that there a lot of other options I can go with. If being a DJ doesn’t cut it, I can always be a writer; try to make a living doing this. Of course, production could also be fun. Sitting hunched over a computer all day, piecing together bits of audio and trying to make the perfect spot. There’s promotions, which is getting the word of the station out there. And then, I could sell my soul and go into sales. These are all things I’ve had varying degrees of experience with. So, you can imagine my surprise as I’ve now been told that my personality is best suited for the most complex and, I think most trying part of the radio station: news. "
As always, Clickie clickie to read it all!
I guess I should spent a little more time studying for my quiz tomorrow, but it's kind of hard to focus when I caught the instructor basing the quiz on a report I wrote.
Next Issue...the Long Sleep
What happened to my presence? Did I ever have it? Mr. Anderson says that a good DJ should have presence, like all good entertainers. But, he says that when he listened to my show back on Wednesday, presence was lacking. So now I'm wondering, did I ever have it?
I always flashback to an observation Mr. Anderson made when I was in university. He joined me for dinner in the cafeteria one night, and we sat with my "on campus friends." He said that, although I didn't speak much, when I did speak, I spoke a little louder than I normally do, and commanded the attention of the whole table. That's presence, right?
I think I had it in Japan; when I'd walk into my classroom, and the hushed silence would fall upon the class and all eyes were on me. That's presence, right? But then, it was easier to have presence when a strapping white pseudo-farm-boy like myself enters a room of bored, lonely Japanese housewives.
So how can I get my presence back?
Subject change.
Caught a bit of Batman Returns tonight. You know they're making a new Batman film, right? They're ignoring the last spate of Batfilms and taking it back to the beginning. This film is going to be a whole origin story thing, heavily influenced by Batman: Year One. We're going to SEE Bruce Wayne on his infamous world tour, training to be the Bat. We're going to SEE Bruce Wayne, in the cave, hunched over a grindstone, making the first batarangs. We're going to SEE an experimental, prototype vehicle being tested at Wayne Enterprises which is mysteriously stolen, only to reappear as the Batmobile. I'm really starting to look forward to this.
Christian Bale is Batman/Bruce Wayne. Christopher Nolan (Memento, Insomnia) is directing. David S. Goyer (the Blade films) is writing. Filming begins in April. Batman: Intimidation Game will come out Summer 2005.
Next Issue...JLA Returns
I always flashback to an observation Mr. Anderson made when I was in university. He joined me for dinner in the cafeteria one night, and we sat with my "on campus friends." He said that, although I didn't speak much, when I did speak, I spoke a little louder than I normally do, and commanded the attention of the whole table. That's presence, right?
I think I had it in Japan; when I'd walk into my classroom, and the hushed silence would fall upon the class and all eyes were on me. That's presence, right? But then, it was easier to have presence when a strapping white pseudo-farm-boy like myself enters a room of bored, lonely Japanese housewives.
So how can I get my presence back?
Subject change.
Caught a bit of Batman Returns tonight. You know they're making a new Batman film, right? They're ignoring the last spate of Batfilms and taking it back to the beginning. This film is going to be a whole origin story thing, heavily influenced by Batman: Year One. We're going to SEE Bruce Wayne on his infamous world tour, training to be the Bat. We're going to SEE Bruce Wayne, in the cave, hunched over a grindstone, making the first batarangs. We're going to SEE an experimental, prototype vehicle being tested at Wayne Enterprises which is mysteriously stolen, only to reappear as the Batmobile. I'm really starting to look forward to this.
Christian Bale is Batman/Bruce Wayne. Christopher Nolan (Memento, Insomnia) is directing. David S. Goyer (the Blade films) is writing. Filming begins in April. Batman: Intimidation Game will come out Summer 2005.
Next Issue...JLA Returns
Friday, February 06, 2004
Let's try a brilliant idea. Every time I think of something to say on the show, I'll write it here! Then, before the show, all I have to do is print this blog! Genius!
The new Superman movie - What the...? Beyonce Knowles as Lois Lane? Johnny Depp as Lex Luthor? Say it ain't so!
- Marvel Comics just signed a big development deal with EA games. EA will produce a "Marvel Heroes vs. EA Heroes" video game, and Marvel will produce comics based on the EA Heroes.
And can you believe it? I swung by Toys R Us today, and Spider-Man 2 action figures are already on the shelves.
Next Issue...Next Show
The new Superman movie - What the...? Beyonce Knowles as Lois Lane? Johnny Depp as Lex Luthor? Say it ain't so!
- Marvel Comics just signed a big development deal with EA games. EA will produce a "Marvel Heroes vs. EA Heroes" video game, and Marvel will produce comics based on the EA Heroes.
And can you believe it? I swung by Toys R Us today, and Spider-Man 2 action figures are already on the shelves.
Next Issue...Next Show
I've got to write this down before I forget (or forget to mention it on the show next week.)
Disney has finally announced that the 2-disc super-special edition of Aladdin is coming out this October. A complete list of bonus features has yet to be announced, but Disney has already mentioned that, thanks to the higher picture quality of DVDs, 20% of the film has been "enhanced." That means using computer to punch up the colours in some scenes, and completely re-animating sequences in other cases.
And, as I talk about this on next week's show, I should also bitch about how Disney changed their DVD policy. Way back when DVD first started, Disney had this simple yet brilliant strategy. They would release 2 editions of all their animated films. There would be the "family friendly" edition. This edition would have the film, and for bonus features you'd get similarily-themed animated shorts from the Disney archives, and maybe a game or two. Then, for the hardcore animation geeks (like myself) they'd release the 2-disc special edition. That edition would have all of your "behind the scenes" featurettes, storyboards, directors running commentary, and such forth.
But, things have changed. Now, Disney only release one edition, and we're finding more and more that the "special edition" stuff is being pushed out in favour of more "family friendly" stuff. I mean, who really wants to look at storyboards when you could play another lame-ass trivia game?
So, remind me to talk about this all on next week's show!
Next Issue...Blawp
Disney has finally announced that the 2-disc super-special edition of Aladdin is coming out this October. A complete list of bonus features has yet to be announced, but Disney has already mentioned that, thanks to the higher picture quality of DVDs, 20% of the film has been "enhanced." That means using computer to punch up the colours in some scenes, and completely re-animating sequences in other cases.
And, as I talk about this on next week's show, I should also bitch about how Disney changed their DVD policy. Way back when DVD first started, Disney had this simple yet brilliant strategy. They would release 2 editions of all their animated films. There would be the "family friendly" edition. This edition would have the film, and for bonus features you'd get similarily-themed animated shorts from the Disney archives, and maybe a game or two. Then, for the hardcore animation geeks (like myself) they'd release the 2-disc special edition. That edition would have all of your "behind the scenes" featurettes, storyboards, directors running commentary, and such forth.
But, things have changed. Now, Disney only release one edition, and we're finding more and more that the "special edition" stuff is being pushed out in favour of more "family friendly" stuff. I mean, who really wants to look at storyboards when you could play another lame-ass trivia game?
So, remind me to talk about this all on next week's show!
Next Issue...Blawp
Thursday, February 05, 2004
Completely Shocking Movie News:
So, a year ago, Frank Darabont, the maker of such fine films as The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, and The Majestic was commissioned by George Lucas to write the script for Indiana Jones 4. Steven Spielberg and Harrison Ford both said, "Great choice!" The geeks of the world said "Great Choice!" because Darabont got his start writing The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles TV show. There was no one better to write the script.
Here we are, one year later, and after toiling endlessly, Darabont finally turned in the finished script to George Lucas. Darabont said, "It's in God's hands now, or rather George's and Steven's."
Today, it was revelaed that George Lucas took one look at Darabont's screenplay and said, "This SUCKS!"
Darabont's script has been scrapped and Indiana Jones 4 is starting all over from scratch. It is now highly doubtful that Indy 4 will come out in Summer 2005 as originally hoped.
Darabont has gone back to what he was doing before he was working on Indy: a new film version of Farenheight 451.
Next Issue...All Hopes on Episode III
So, a year ago, Frank Darabont, the maker of such fine films as The Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile, and The Majestic was commissioned by George Lucas to write the script for Indiana Jones 4. Steven Spielberg and Harrison Ford both said, "Great choice!" The geeks of the world said "Great Choice!" because Darabont got his start writing The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles TV show. There was no one better to write the script.
Here we are, one year later, and after toiling endlessly, Darabont finally turned in the finished script to George Lucas. Darabont said, "It's in God's hands now, or rather George's and Steven's."
Today, it was revelaed that George Lucas took one look at Darabont's screenplay and said, "This SUCKS!"
Darabont's script has been scrapped and Indiana Jones 4 is starting all over from scratch. It is now highly doubtful that Indy 4 will come out in Summer 2005 as originally hoped.
Darabont has gone back to what he was doing before he was working on Indy: a new film version of Farenheight 451.
Next Issue...All Hopes on Episode III
Wednesday, February 04, 2004
Monday, February 02, 2004
Oh, happy day!
Trouble sent me an article this morning. 4Kids Entertainment, the same folks who imported Pokemon, are going to be importing my all-time favourite anime that I watched every morning in Japan! We are talking about the TV program whose closing theme I have adopted as the closing them for Chaos in a Box. Yes, it's the one, the only, Tokyo Mew Mew!
Of course, some changes are being made to make it more palitable to North American audiences, like re-naming it Hollywood Mew Mew. That seems rather...pointless. Oh, well. It will be premiering on the Fox Network later this year; I'm speculating as part of the Fall Saturday Morning Line-Up. Here's hoping it becomes as popular as Sailor Moon, so I can buy a boxed set of the complete, uncut series someday.
Next Issue...Anglais!
Trouble sent me an article this morning. 4Kids Entertainment, the same folks who imported Pokemon, are going to be importing my all-time favourite anime that I watched every morning in Japan! We are talking about the TV program whose closing theme I have adopted as the closing them for Chaos in a Box. Yes, it's the one, the only, Tokyo Mew Mew!
Of course, some changes are being made to make it more palitable to North American audiences, like re-naming it Hollywood Mew Mew. That seems rather...pointless. Oh, well. It will be premiering on the Fox Network later this year; I'm speculating as part of the Fall Saturday Morning Line-Up. Here's hoping it becomes as popular as Sailor Moon, so I can buy a boxed set of the complete, uncut series someday.
Next Issue...Anglais!
Sunday, February 01, 2004
And now, the latest exciting installment of Chaos in Print! Tonight's episode, The Final Frontier:
I still want to travel into space. Is that a childish dream? I guess this all really started in the eighth grade. That’s when the Canadian Space Agency ran an ad in every major newspaper in the country, announcing that they were looking for new astronauts. I mean, how cool is that? There it was, a classified ad: “Wanted: astronauts. Send resume to….” As an impressionable 13-year old who was deep into Star Trek, I was inspired. But I was in junior high. I grew up, no more ads were run, and I saw there was more to Earth than what lay above. But the dream still kind of lingers.
Tune in for more exciting action!
Next Issue...Slightly Less Action
I still want to travel into space. Is that a childish dream? I guess this all really started in the eighth grade. That’s when the Canadian Space Agency ran an ad in every major newspaper in the country, announcing that they were looking for new astronauts. I mean, how cool is that? There it was, a classified ad: “Wanted: astronauts. Send resume to….” As an impressionable 13-year old who was deep into Star Trek, I was inspired. But I was in junior high. I grew up, no more ads were run, and I saw there was more to Earth than what lay above. But the dream still kind of lingers.
Tune in for more exciting action!
Next Issue...Slightly Less Action
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)