How excited am I?
Thursday, October 09, 2008
V is Returning to TV! - ComingSoon.net
V is Returning to TV! - ComingSoon.net: "V is Returning to TV!
Source: Variety October 10, 2008
ABC is developing a new adaptation of 'V,' the 1980s miniseries about alien lizards visiting Earth, reports Variety.
'V' spawned a second miniseries and TV spin-off — written by 'The 4400' co-creator/executive producer Scott Peters.
Warner Bros. TV, which was behind the original, is once again producing the project, which was sold as a spec script to ABC."
There's a part of me that says that any new V series should be done by series creator Kenneth Johnson.
However, I read Johnson's V: The Second Generation novel, and it wasn't very good. And I loved Scott Peters' 4400 series, and miss it. So, really, if Scott Peters produces a new series of V, I'm pretty much okay with that.
Source: Variety October 10, 2008
ABC is developing a new adaptation of 'V,' the 1980s miniseries about alien lizards visiting Earth, reports Variety.
'V' spawned a second miniseries and TV spin-off — written by 'The 4400' co-creator/executive producer Scott Peters.
Warner Bros. TV, which was behind the original, is once again producing the project, which was sold as a spec script to ABC."
There's a part of me that says that any new V series should be done by series creator Kenneth Johnson.
However, I read Johnson's V: The Second Generation novel, and it wasn't very good. And I loved Scott Peters' 4400 series, and miss it. So, really, if Scott Peters produces a new series of V, I'm pretty much okay with that.
Wednesday, October 08, 2008
Scale Plastic Model Kits by Airfix
Scale Plastic Model Kits by Airfix: "As times change and the hobby industry evolves, Airfix has started to create some fantastic new box art illustrations using the latest technology!
With these new eye catching pieces of art, we hope to grab the attention of the younger generation, thus making them pick up a kit and start modelling. This new way of creating artwork also ensures that all the subjects have an extremely high standard of both detail and accuracy."
Part of me laments yet another example of hand-crafted art given up in favor of computers. Another part of me is amazed that it took this long for them to switch over.
I used to love building model planes. Haven't done it in years.
With these new eye catching pieces of art, we hope to grab the attention of the younger generation, thus making them pick up a kit and start modelling. This new way of creating artwork also ensures that all the subjects have an extremely high standard of both detail and accuracy."
Part of me laments yet another example of hand-crafted art given up in favor of computers. Another part of me is amazed that it took this long for them to switch over.
I used to love building model planes. Haven't done it in years.
Wednesday, October 01, 2008
CW's 'Graysons' takes flier on Robin - Entertainment News, TV News, Media - Variety
CW;Graysons; takes flier on Robin - Entertainment News, TV News, Media - Variety: "Holy prequel, Boy Wonder, the CW is prepping a series based on Batman sidekick Robin’s pre-Caped Crusader days.
'Smallville' exec producers Kelly Souders and Brian Peterson, as well as 'Supernatural' exec producer McG, are behind 'The Graysons,' which has landed a put pilot commitment at the netlet."
'Smallville' exec producers Kelly Souders and Brian Peterson, as well as 'Supernatural' exec producer McG, are behind 'The Graysons,' which has landed a put pilot commitment at the netlet."
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
What Can Save The Sarah Connor Chronicles? | The Underwire from Wired.com
What Can Save The Sarah Connor Chronicles? | The Underwire from Wired.com: "Sarah Connor has a serious problem. And it's not the relentless army of bots cloaked in human skin determined to kill her and her son.
It's the show ratings, which are steadily dropping with each episode.
Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello delivered a grim outlook last week: 'An SCC insider tells me that if the show's numbers don't start to climb, Fox is unlikely to order any additional episodes beyond the 13 currently in the pipeline.'"
Okay, I really enjoy this show. Plus, an old friend of mine from junior high works on it. So, if you've been thinking of watching but haven't, now's the time to start.
It's the show ratings, which are steadily dropping with each episode.
Entertainment Weekly's Michael Ausiello delivered a grim outlook last week: 'An SCC insider tells me that if the show's numbers don't start to climb, Fox is unlikely to order any additional episodes beyond the 13 currently in the pipeline.'"
Okay, I really enjoy this show. Plus, an old friend of mine from junior high works on it. So, if you've been thinking of watching but haven't, now's the time to start.
Monday, September 29, 2008
Okay, first things first: did anyone else watch Billie Piper in Shadow in the North on Masterpiece Mystery last night? Damn PBS wussies cut out the love scene between Sally and Fred! And last week, they cut out the epilogue scene from Ruby in the Smoke. Sons of ...
Anyway.
So last week, I had one day off and worked six days in a row, so no posting here for me. Got some catching up to do.
Last Monday saw the season premieres of Big Bang Theory and Heroes. Big Bang Theory was probably my favorite new comedy last season (which is kind of damning it with faint praise, because the only other new comedy I started watching was Samantha Who?). Wisely, they haven't made major changes, so I'm still loving it.
Heroes also seems to be back on track, although between a lackluster second season (though hardly the worst thing on television, as some Internet "critics" seemed to claim) and a nine-month gap between seasons due to the strike, I'm a little over it. Still a TV series I want to watch, but I don't think I'll ever be as in awe of it as I was the first season.
Tuesday saw the sixth season premiere of NCIS, another long-time favorite. Last season's finale shook things up a bit by breaking up the team, but I'm glad that was only a short-term change.
Tried to record the premiere of Knight Rider on Wednesday, but my stupid DVR screwed it up. (Although it's not a problem that has reoccurred, so it was more likely a transmission problem.) Downloaded it for free off iTunes the other week, so I'll see it one way or another.
And I'll get to the rest of the week later.
Anyway.
So last week, I had one day off and worked six days in a row, so no posting here for me. Got some catching up to do.
Last Monday saw the season premieres of Big Bang Theory and Heroes. Big Bang Theory was probably my favorite new comedy last season (which is kind of damning it with faint praise, because the only other new comedy I started watching was Samantha Who?). Wisely, they haven't made major changes, so I'm still loving it.
Heroes also seems to be back on track, although between a lackluster second season (though hardly the worst thing on television, as some Internet "critics" seemed to claim) and a nine-month gap between seasons due to the strike, I'm a little over it. Still a TV series I want to watch, but I don't think I'll ever be as in awe of it as I was the first season.
Tuesday saw the sixth season premiere of NCIS, another long-time favorite. Last season's finale shook things up a bit by breaking up the team, but I'm glad that was only a short-term change.
Tried to record the premiere of Knight Rider on Wednesday, but my stupid DVR screwed it up. (Although it's not a problem that has reoccurred, so it was more likely a transmission problem.) Downloaded it for free off iTunes the other week, so I'll see it one way or another.
And I'll get to the rest of the week later.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
SFX: the leading science fiction, fantasy and horror magazine
SFX: the leading science fiction, fantasy and horror magazine: "Douglas Adams’s widow, Jane Belson, has given her blessing for Artemis Fowl author Eoin Colfer to write a sixth Hitchhiker’s novel, 16 years after Mostly Harmless was published."
Feeling a little bit torn. On the one hand, I absolutely love Douglas Adams' work, especially the Hitchhikers series. His voice is so unique and distinctive, the idea of reading a book about his characters that isn't by him just feels a bit wrong.
On the other hand, I liked the recent movie (written by him and posthumously rewritten by other hands) and the recent adaptations of the last three of his books for radio (also adapted by not-him). And I like Eoin Colfer's work, what I've read of it, although I'm not interested in reading past the third Artemis Fowl book, because I think the series ends just fine at that point.
Aw, who am I trying to kid? Of course I'll read this book.
Feeling a little bit torn. On the one hand, I absolutely love Douglas Adams' work, especially the Hitchhikers series. His voice is so unique and distinctive, the idea of reading a book about his characters that isn't by him just feels a bit wrong.
On the other hand, I liked the recent movie (written by him and posthumously rewritten by other hands) and the recent adaptations of the last three of his books for radio (also adapted by not-him). And I like Eoin Colfer's work, what I've read of it, although I'm not interested in reading past the third Artemis Fowl book, because I think the series ends just fine at that point.
Aw, who am I trying to kid? Of course I'll read this book.
downthetubes interview: David Flicking, Publisher of The DFC
downthetubes interview: David Flicking, Publisher of The DFC
The DFC is something I look forward to each week, so it was interesting, reading this interview with publisher David Fickling.
The DFC is something I look forward to each week, so it was interesting, reading this interview with publisher David Fickling.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Not a lot to talk about, except still enjoying Terminator and Fringe on Fox. Watched last night's One Tree Hill, which, being pretty much all about death, wasn't the most pleasant of experiences. Tonight saw the return of Lincoln Heights, a how I really enjoy, but am about three episodes behind (from last season).
Perhaps I will manage a longer post sometime over the next couple of days. In the meantime, please enjoy the new Cinematic Titanic trailer.
Perhaps I will manage a longer post sometime over the next couple of days. In the meantime, please enjoy the new Cinematic Titanic trailer.
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Giles News
Giles News: "Noted author and longtime Giles County resident Gregory Mcdonald has died at the age of 71."
When I was in high school, I loved Mcdonald's Fletch novels. (The Chevy Chase movie was actualy fairly faithful to the first book.) I had bought a new copy of the first book recently, planning on rereading the series. Think I'll move that up on my to-read list.
When I was in high school, I loved Mcdonald's Fletch novels. (The Chevy Chase movie was actualy fairly faithful to the first book.) I had bought a new copy of the first book recently, planning on rereading the series. Think I'll move that up on my to-read list.
Obviously, it's been a while. Once again, I'm going to try to use the new TV season to try to impose some sort of schedule on my blogging.
So here's my thoughts on what's new in the world of television:
Much as I love the work of Steven Bochco (NYPD Blue, Hill Street Blues, LA Law) I decided to give his new show on TNT, Above the Bar, a pass. Tried it out for about five minutes, and while it looked perfectly well-made, I just felt like I had seen it already. Just not interested in a lawyer show right now. Maybe it brings something new to the table beyond the story of overworked public defenders struggling to keep their clients from being swallowed up by a system that doesn't care. If so, someone let me know and I'll Netflix the DVDs. As should be evident to anyone who even kind of knows me, I watch a lot of television already. Don't need an excuse to add more.
I had thought about checking out the new 90210, but when the day rolled around, I realized I just really wanted to watch it because of my crushes on Shannen Dougherty and Jennie Garth, formed while watching the original version. Not the worst reason for watching, but on the other hand, I would have to sit through another teen drama, and I already watch One Tree Hill. (Which, to its credit, has moved beyond the teen part.) So, at the last minute, I passed, and watched a recording of another old favorite, Tales of the Gold Monkey.
And I did not watch Prison Break. Didn't really enjoy last season, and the news that they're bringing back Sarah after beheading her last season was the last straw for me. Unless they brought her back as a head in a bottle, a la Futurama. But that's not what happened. (I asked a coworker.)
Loved the season premiere of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. Lots of great action sequences, as usual. The developments with Cameron will hopefully turn out to be a good idea; I liked her character before, but I think she'll be a lot more interesting now that it's no longer as clear whether she's simply the "good Terminator." And the twist at the end with Shirley Manson's character caught me completely by surprise, and yet made perfect sense.
I'm not quite as enthusiastic about the new HBO vampire series, True Blood. It held my attention all the way through, and I definitely want to see the next episode. And Anna Paquin has quite the young Holly Hunter vibe. (Loving older Holly Hunter in Saving Grace, so not a bad thing.) In some ways, I guess I feel, as with Raising the Bar, that I've kind of seen this stuff before. But while lawyer shows follow a pretty clearly established path, vampire shows are--if nothing else--weirder. So here's hoping.
Speaking of weird, I liked the premiere of the new JJ Abrams show, Fringe, quite a bit. It owes quite a bit to X-Files, obviously, both in tone (been watching early X-Files on DVD recently) and just in the "government agent investigates weird phenomena with hints of some sort of big backstory connecting things" obvious sort of way. Having said that, it doesn't just follow the pair of characters/believer/unbeliever pattern of X-Files, and the larger ensemble cast should make things a little more interesting. Plus the fact that one of the characters is completely mad. And I generally enjoy the shows JJ Abrams produces. (Yes, even Six Degrees and What About Brian. Judge me.)
And that's about it for new American TV. As far as British stuff, I didn't hate Spooks Code 9 as much as the rest of the Internet, but I'm not going to accuse it of being good television. I saw the first episode of Mutual Friends and liked it enough to want to see the next two episodes, but haven't yet. I think I like the cast more than I do the premise. I really liked the first episode of Lost in Austen, about a contemporary London girl who finds herself stuck in the story/world of Pride and Prejudice, while Elizabeth Bennett disappears off to contemporary London.
As far as reading, I am about halfway through Brad Meltzer's latest book, Book of Lies. So far, it's a good, gripping thriller. Also still listening to the audiobook of Agatha Christie's Partners in Crime, although that got sidelined by my desire to listen to the new Torchwood soundtrack over and over again. And I'm about a third of the way through the first collection of IDW"s Complete Little Orphan Annie. As with all chronological reprints of comic strips, the strip is never quite as good at the beginning as it later becomes, but it's not bad, either. I'm enjoying the strips on their own, and as a means to watch the development of Harold Gray as the strip goes on.
So here's my thoughts on what's new in the world of television:
Much as I love the work of Steven Bochco (NYPD Blue, Hill Street Blues, LA Law) I decided to give his new show on TNT, Above the Bar, a pass. Tried it out for about five minutes, and while it looked perfectly well-made, I just felt like I had seen it already. Just not interested in a lawyer show right now. Maybe it brings something new to the table beyond the story of overworked public defenders struggling to keep their clients from being swallowed up by a system that doesn't care. If so, someone let me know and I'll Netflix the DVDs. As should be evident to anyone who even kind of knows me, I watch a lot of television already. Don't need an excuse to add more.
I had thought about checking out the new 90210, but when the day rolled around, I realized I just really wanted to watch it because of my crushes on Shannen Dougherty and Jennie Garth, formed while watching the original version. Not the worst reason for watching, but on the other hand, I would have to sit through another teen drama, and I already watch One Tree Hill. (Which, to its credit, has moved beyond the teen part.) So, at the last minute, I passed, and watched a recording of another old favorite, Tales of the Gold Monkey.
And I did not watch Prison Break. Didn't really enjoy last season, and the news that they're bringing back Sarah after beheading her last season was the last straw for me. Unless they brought her back as a head in a bottle, a la Futurama. But that's not what happened. (I asked a coworker.)
Loved the season premiere of Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. Lots of great action sequences, as usual. The developments with Cameron will hopefully turn out to be a good idea; I liked her character before, but I think she'll be a lot more interesting now that it's no longer as clear whether she's simply the "good Terminator." And the twist at the end with Shirley Manson's character caught me completely by surprise, and yet made perfect sense.
I'm not quite as enthusiastic about the new HBO vampire series, True Blood. It held my attention all the way through, and I definitely want to see the next episode. And Anna Paquin has quite the young Holly Hunter vibe. (Loving older Holly Hunter in Saving Grace, so not a bad thing.) In some ways, I guess I feel, as with Raising the Bar, that I've kind of seen this stuff before. But while lawyer shows follow a pretty clearly established path, vampire shows are--if nothing else--weirder. So here's hoping.
Speaking of weird, I liked the premiere of the new JJ Abrams show, Fringe, quite a bit. It owes quite a bit to X-Files, obviously, both in tone (been watching early X-Files on DVD recently) and just in the "government agent investigates weird phenomena with hints of some sort of big backstory connecting things" obvious sort of way. Having said that, it doesn't just follow the pair of characters/believer/unbeliever pattern of X-Files, and the larger ensemble cast should make things a little more interesting. Plus the fact that one of the characters is completely mad. And I generally enjoy the shows JJ Abrams produces. (Yes, even Six Degrees and What About Brian. Judge me.)
And that's about it for new American TV. As far as British stuff, I didn't hate Spooks Code 9 as much as the rest of the Internet, but I'm not going to accuse it of being good television. I saw the first episode of Mutual Friends and liked it enough to want to see the next two episodes, but haven't yet. I think I like the cast more than I do the premise. I really liked the first episode of Lost in Austen, about a contemporary London girl who finds herself stuck in the story/world of Pride and Prejudice, while Elizabeth Bennett disappears off to contemporary London.
As far as reading, I am about halfway through Brad Meltzer's latest book, Book of Lies. So far, it's a good, gripping thriller. Also still listening to the audiobook of Agatha Christie's Partners in Crime, although that got sidelined by my desire to listen to the new Torchwood soundtrack over and over again. And I'm about a third of the way through the first collection of IDW"s Complete Little Orphan Annie. As with all chronological reprints of comic strips, the strip is never quite as good at the beginning as it later becomes, but it's not bad, either. I'm enjoying the strips on their own, and as a means to watch the development of Harold Gray as the strip goes on.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Alaskans Speak (In A Frightened Whisper): Palin Is “Racist, Sexist, Vindictive, And Mean.” | The LA Progressive
Alaskans Speak (In A Frightened Whisper): Palin Is “Racist, Sexist, Vindictive, And Mean.” | The LA Progressive: "“So Sambo beat the bitch!”
This is how Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin described Barack Obama’s win over Hillary Clinton to political colleagues in a restaurant a few days after Obama locked up the Democratic Party presidential nomination."
This is how Republican Vice Presidential nominee Sarah Palin described Barack Obama’s win over Hillary Clinton to political colleagues in a restaurant a few days after Obama locked up the Democratic Party presidential nomination."
Monday, May 26, 2008
Cat hired as station chief brings passengers back
Cat hired as station chief brings passengers back: "A money-losing Japanese train company has found the purr-fect pet mascot to draw crowds and bring back business — tabby Tama.
All the 9-year-old female cat does is sit by the entrance of Kishi Station in western Japan, wearing a black uniform cap and posing for photos for the tourists who are now flocking in droves from across the nation."
All the 9-year-old female cat does is sit by the entrance of Kishi Station in western Japan, wearing a black uniform cap and posing for photos for the tourists who are now flocking in droves from across the nation."
Thursday, April 24, 2008
SFX: the leading science fiction, fantasy and horror magazine
SFX: the leading science fiction, fantasy and horror magazine: "Great news for the hordes of posters on the SFX forum who were raving about BBC’s Being Human – the show has been commissioned for a further six episodes, the BBC confirmed today.
The original hour-long quirky drama about a ghost, a vampire and a werewolf sharing a flat was broadcast as part of BBC 3's drama pilot season in February, and proved hugely popular with both viewers and critics, and was a download smash on the Beeb’s new iPlayer service (which must say something about good word of mouth)."
The original hour-long quirky drama about a ghost, a vampire and a werewolf sharing a flat was broadcast as part of BBC 3's drama pilot season in February, and proved hugely popular with both viewers and critics, and was a download smash on the Beeb’s new iPlayer service (which must say something about good word of mouth)."
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Still not really in a big thinky-writey mood right now, so I will have to delay my thoughts on this week's episode of Doctor Who until later. But I did think it was great, and wallpaper of Donna-in-parka now decorates my computer desktop and my phone.
Finished Starcross on Friday, and read A Diet of Treacle by Lawrence Block yesterday. Like most Hard Case Crime books, it only took a couple of hours to read. And I can't think of anything to say about it. It definitely gave a sense of what Greenwich Village must have been like in the early '60s, and as a story, it definitely held my attention. But it didn't seem particularly deep, either, so I can't really say anything deep about it.
Today, I started Court of the Air by Stephen Hunt. After Starcross, I wanted another Steampunk story, and I had this lying around the house. About 100 pages in so far, and I'm liking it.
Finished Starcross on Friday, and read A Diet of Treacle by Lawrence Block yesterday. Like most Hard Case Crime books, it only took a couple of hours to read. And I can't think of anything to say about it. It definitely gave a sense of what Greenwich Village must have been like in the early '60s, and as a story, it definitely held my attention. But it didn't seem particularly deep, either, so I can't really say anything deep about it.
Today, I started Court of the Air by Stephen Hunt. After Starcross, I wanted another Steampunk story, and I had this lying around the house. About 100 pages in so far, and I'm liking it.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Not really feeling too much like writing right now. Need breakfast. But, really quickly:
Finished the NASCAR romance Tuesday night. Forbidden Attraction, it was called. I continue to be curious about the background mysteries these books are setting up, and I'm enjoying the books okay, so I'll be reading the next one. (Truth & Consequences?)
I am about a hundred pages into Starcross, Philip Reeve's sequel to Larklight. Like the first, this one is a clever parody of Victorian science fiction, this time with a bit of Agatha Christie mixed in. Loved the first one, loving this one.
Now, breakfast.
Finished the NASCAR romance Tuesday night. Forbidden Attraction, it was called. I continue to be curious about the background mysteries these books are setting up, and I'm enjoying the books okay, so I'll be reading the next one. (Truth & Consequences?)
I am about a hundred pages into Starcross, Philip Reeve's sequel to Larklight. Like the first, this one is a clever parody of Victorian science fiction, this time with a bit of Agatha Christie mixed in. Loved the first one, loving this one.
Now, breakfast.
Monday, April 14, 2008
According to plan, I finished Three Shirt Deal today. I really liked it, but I see it's getting some negative reviews on Amazon.com, including one from Publishers Weekly. If I'm honest, I suppose none of the Shane Scully books have been as good as the first one, but I didn't really have any problems with this one. Maybe I was all caught up in the story of Shane and Alexa trying to reconnect, because I'm just a big softie. Maybe I'm just not very critical, but I know what I like, and I liked this.
I think I'm also predisposed to liking this particular series, because I've also gotten my brother hooked on it. My brother, a cop, doesn't read anything except the Harry Potter books and this series, as far as I know. We don't have a lot of stuff to bond over, so it's nice that we have this.
Speaking of being a big softie (okay, pussy), I think the next book I'm going to read is a NASCAR Harlequin Romance, although it's downstairs right now and I can't remember the title. Go ahead and judge me. The thing is, when I first was introduced to NASCAR by an ex-girlfriend, the Pedophile, I couldn't get into it. Then I found a novel about the early years of NASCAR, first book in a paperback series, I think called White Lightning. (That was the book title; can't remember the series title any more.) I read it in an attempt to put a more human face on the sport, so I could better connect with the girlfriend. Apparently, I would have had better luck if I had instead chosen to f*ck teenage boys, but there you go.
Anyway, I enjoyed reading that series of books, and that led me to start enjoying watching the races. Looking for something similar, all I could find was this Harlequin series, which is an ongoing series focusing on a couple of different racing families. I like series, especially big, multi-character ones. I like NASCAR, although I'm not a fanatic. (Can't spare the energy from my Doctor Who obsession.) So I gave the first one in the series a try, and enjoyed it enough to want to read this second one.
So, you know, go ahead and make the jokes.
I think I'm also predisposed to liking this particular series, because I've also gotten my brother hooked on it. My brother, a cop, doesn't read anything except the Harry Potter books and this series, as far as I know. We don't have a lot of stuff to bond over, so it's nice that we have this.
Speaking of being a big softie (okay, pussy), I think the next book I'm going to read is a NASCAR Harlequin Romance, although it's downstairs right now and I can't remember the title. Go ahead and judge me. The thing is, when I first was introduced to NASCAR by an ex-girlfriend, the Pedophile, I couldn't get into it. Then I found a novel about the early years of NASCAR, first book in a paperback series, I think called White Lightning. (That was the book title; can't remember the series title any more.) I read it in an attempt to put a more human face on the sport, so I could better connect with the girlfriend. Apparently, I would have had better luck if I had instead chosen to f*ck teenage boys, but there you go.
Anyway, I enjoyed reading that series of books, and that led me to start enjoying watching the races. Looking for something similar, all I could find was this Harlequin series, which is an ongoing series focusing on a couple of different racing families. I like series, especially big, multi-character ones. I like NASCAR, although I'm not a fanatic. (Can't spare the energy from my Doctor Who obsession.) So I gave the first one in the series a try, and enjoyed it enough to want to read this second one.
So, you know, go ahead and make the jokes.
So, I still haven't watched Saturday's episode of Spectacular Spider-Man or Friday's episode of Sarah Jane Adventures (although I've seen that multiple times already since it's original UK broadcast). And my stupid recording of Saturday's stupid NASCAR stupid race cut off about 17 laps before the end, so I didn't see who won. (Found out later it was Jimmy Johnson, but it's not the same.)
TV I did see on Sunday, though...
A Room With a View on Masterpiece: Very beautiful, very well-acted. Only, I've never read the story or seen any previous adaptations, so I guess I was expecting a bit more twists and complications. Still, nice scenery, although this is the second British TV program shot in Italy I've seen this week, after Doctor Who, and I can't help thinking that this would have been livened up a bit with the inclusion of lava monsters.
Everybody Hates Chris: Not a whole lot to say. Another hilarious episode of one of my current favorite comedies. Why doesn't this show get more attention?
John Adams on HBO: Again, not a whole lot to say, except as well-done as the previous five installments. A much smaller scale episode after the casts of thousands we've seen in previous weeks, but no less effective for it.
And I'm about halfway through Stephen J. Cannell's Three Shirt Deal, the seventh novel in his Shane Scully series. Like most of the other books in the series, corruption in the LAPD seems to be a major theme once again. As always, Cannell proves himself to be an extremely able, effective storyteller (as you might expect from such a TV veteran).
I have to admit, one of the problems I had with the last book in the series, White Sister, was the seemingly miraculous recovery of Scully's wife, Alexa, after being shot in the head. Not that I wanted her to die, but it just felt too much like a TV series "everything is going to be all right now, just like it was before" type of ending. So while it's painful to read, I appreciate that, in this book, we see the aftereffects of Alexa's injury, and it's clear that it's not quite such a happy ending after all. Hoping to finish this book today or tomorrow.
TV I did see on Sunday, though...
A Room With a View on Masterpiece: Very beautiful, very well-acted. Only, I've never read the story or seen any previous adaptations, so I guess I was expecting a bit more twists and complications. Still, nice scenery, although this is the second British TV program shot in Italy I've seen this week, after Doctor Who, and I can't help thinking that this would have been livened up a bit with the inclusion of lava monsters.
Everybody Hates Chris: Not a whole lot to say. Another hilarious episode of one of my current favorite comedies. Why doesn't this show get more attention?
John Adams on HBO: Again, not a whole lot to say, except as well-done as the previous five installments. A much smaller scale episode after the casts of thousands we've seen in previous weeks, but no less effective for it.
And I'm about halfway through Stephen J. Cannell's Three Shirt Deal, the seventh novel in his Shane Scully series. Like most of the other books in the series, corruption in the LAPD seems to be a major theme once again. As always, Cannell proves himself to be an extremely able, effective storyteller (as you might expect from such a TV veteran).
I have to admit, one of the problems I had with the last book in the series, White Sister, was the seemingly miraculous recovery of Scully's wife, Alexa, after being shot in the head. Not that I wanted her to die, but it just felt too much like a TV series "everything is going to be all right now, just like it was before" type of ending. So while it's painful to read, I appreciate that, in this book, we see the aftereffects of Alexa's injury, and it's clear that it's not quite such a happy ending after all. Hoping to finish this book today or tomorrow.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Comic Book Resources > CBR News: Stranger Than Fiction: Cornell on “Fantastic Four: True Story”
Comic Book Resources > CBR News: Stranger Than Fiction: Cornell on “Fantastic Four: True Story”: "There’s nothing more satisfying that just diving into a good book. This July, the First Family of Marvel Comics will do literally just that in the pages of the four-issue miniseries, “Fantastic Four: True Story,” by writer Paul Cornell (“Wisdom,” “Captain Britain and MI:13”) and artist Horacio Dominguez."
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Okay, literally just finished this week's new episode of Doctor Who. New in the UK, that is; coming to SciFi in about three weeks or so.
Last year, the second episode of the season, The Shakespeare Code , was a lavish, lively, historical adventure that quickly became one of my favorite stories. This year, the second episode of the season, The Fires of Pompeii, is a lavish, lively, historical adventure that has almost immediately become one of my favorite stories. Written by the talented James Moran (about whom more later), it manages to shift from comedy to action to tragedy seamlessly, with some fantastic visual sequences and some heartbreaking emotional ones.
Catherine Tate continues to amaze as Donna Noble. In some ways, the relationship between her and the Doctor reminds me of his relationship with Sarah Jane Smith, (her from The Sarah Jane Adventures, who traveled with the Doctor back in the 70s). I said it last week, and I'll say it again: because she's not a lovestruck young woman, they come across more as equals. As she was even back in her debut story, The Runaway Bride, she's someone who can pull the Doctor back from the brink of alien coldness, someone who can revive his humanity.
Once again, I'll try to keep this spoiler-free, but it should come as no surprise that a story called The Fires of Pompeii features the eruption of Mount Vesuvius and the destruction of the city. Seeing Donna's heartbreaking attempts to fight history by trying to save just one person, and the plight of marble merchant Caecilius and his family, nearly brought a tear to my eye. I loved the moments when she stood up to the Doctor, forcing the two of them, and the series in general, to directly confront and deal with how set in stone history truly may be, and just how much the Doctor is slave to these fixed points in time. And I loved when she lent her support at a key moment, which I won't describe here, but which made me cheer out loud (much to the surprise of Penelope, who was curled up next to me, also watching).
And then there are the mysterious prophecies, and yet another mention of missing planets... Where is it all leading?
Well, next week, I suppose it's leading to the planet of the Ood, in an episode entitled Planet of the Ood. Can't wait.
James Moran is definitely a name I'll be keeping out for. He was a guest at this past February's Gallifrey convention, where he revealed he's going to be writing an episode of Primeval next series, and is writing an episode of upcoming Spooks spinoff, Spooks: Code 9. Clearly, I also need to watch his debut horror film, Severance
Oh, and I finished the second novel in the Shadow collection. I really enjoyed this pair of stories, billed as author Walter Gibson's favorites. While the editorial material doesn't quite spell out why he favored these tales, they certainly are changes of pace from the bulk of the stories I've read. They're more personal in focus, dealing with small-scale stories of revenge and other personal motivations, instead of the usual series of crimes committed by master supervillains. Definitely recommended for folks who like this sort of thing.
Of course, I'm still not actually finished with the thing, since there's still an article and radio script in the book for me to get through. But I will finish tonight.
In the on-deck circle: Three Shirt Deal by Stephen J. Cannell. I loved watching Cannell's TV series in the 80s, and I really enjoy his books, especially his series about LAPD Detective Shane Scully (of which this is the latest installment). More once I start reading it.
Last year, the second episode of the season, The Shakespeare Code , was a lavish, lively, historical adventure that quickly became one of my favorite stories. This year, the second episode of the season, The Fires of Pompeii, is a lavish, lively, historical adventure that has almost immediately become one of my favorite stories. Written by the talented James Moran (about whom more later), it manages to shift from comedy to action to tragedy seamlessly, with some fantastic visual sequences and some heartbreaking emotional ones.
Catherine Tate continues to amaze as Donna Noble. In some ways, the relationship between her and the Doctor reminds me of his relationship with Sarah Jane Smith, (her from The Sarah Jane Adventures, who traveled with the Doctor back in the 70s). I said it last week, and I'll say it again: because she's not a lovestruck young woman, they come across more as equals. As she was even back in her debut story, The Runaway Bride, she's someone who can pull the Doctor back from the brink of alien coldness, someone who can revive his humanity.
Once again, I'll try to keep this spoiler-free, but it should come as no surprise that a story called The Fires of Pompeii features the eruption of Mount Vesuvius and the destruction of the city. Seeing Donna's heartbreaking attempts to fight history by trying to save just one person, and the plight of marble merchant Caecilius and his family, nearly brought a tear to my eye. I loved the moments when she stood up to the Doctor, forcing the two of them, and the series in general, to directly confront and deal with how set in stone history truly may be, and just how much the Doctor is slave to these fixed points in time. And I loved when she lent her support at a key moment, which I won't describe here, but which made me cheer out loud (much to the surprise of Penelope, who was curled up next to me, also watching).
And then there are the mysterious prophecies, and yet another mention of missing planets... Where is it all leading?
Well, next week, I suppose it's leading to the planet of the Ood, in an episode entitled Planet of the Ood. Can't wait.
James Moran is definitely a name I'll be keeping out for. He was a guest at this past February's Gallifrey convention, where he revealed he's going to be writing an episode of Primeval next series, and is writing an episode of upcoming Spooks spinoff, Spooks: Code 9. Clearly, I also need to watch his debut horror film, Severance
Oh, and I finished the second novel in the Shadow collection. I really enjoyed this pair of stories, billed as author Walter Gibson's favorites. While the editorial material doesn't quite spell out why he favored these tales, they certainly are changes of pace from the bulk of the stories I've read. They're more personal in focus, dealing with small-scale stories of revenge and other personal motivations, instead of the usual series of crimes committed by master supervillains. Definitely recommended for folks who like this sort of thing.
Of course, I'm still not actually finished with the thing, since there's still an article and radio script in the book for me to get through. But I will finish tonight.
In the on-deck circle: Three Shirt Deal by Stephen J. Cannell. I loved watching Cannell's TV series in the 80s, and I really enjoy his books, especially his series about LAPD Detective Shane Scully (of which this is the latest installment). More once I start reading it.
Just some quick thoughts about Thursday's TV:
My Name is Earl: Almost didn't watch it, to be honest. I'm glad I did; it ended up making me laugh. But I think there's only so much humor that can be milked from having your main character in a coma. (Again, Dad's hospitalization may be having an effect on how I'm viewing this storyline.)
30 Rock: I find I have nothing to say about this episode. I like the show, and I liked this episode, but there's nothing that particularly stood out for me.
The Office: Thought it was hilarious, although between seeing Michael and Jan at home this week, and Dwight's home earlier in the season, I'm not sure I want to see anyone else's home lives at this point. They're just too weird, and I'm getting really creeped out.
I did enjoy last night's Battlestar Galactica. Although, with the lightest moment probably being when a bunch of characters were machine-gunned to death, I am glad that the option exists for me to watch Doctor Who the next day, instead of right before Battlestar. Really, with SciFi's Friday lineup being Sarah Jane Adventures, followed by Doctor Who, followed by Battlestar Galactica, it's like having a light, frothy, wonderful dessert, followed by a full, rich, well-balanced meal, followed by some big guy kicking you in the groin over and over again with steel toed boots.
Still reading my Shadow book. Since Walter Gibson wrote two Shadow novels a month, I think it may actually be taking me more time to read them than he took to write them.
My Name is Earl: Almost didn't watch it, to be honest. I'm glad I did; it ended up making me laugh. But I think there's only so much humor that can be milked from having your main character in a coma. (Again, Dad's hospitalization may be having an effect on how I'm viewing this storyline.)
30 Rock: I find I have nothing to say about this episode. I like the show, and I liked this episode, but there's nothing that particularly stood out for me.
The Office: Thought it was hilarious, although between seeing Michael and Jan at home this week, and Dwight's home earlier in the season, I'm not sure I want to see anyone else's home lives at this point. They're just too weird, and I'm getting really creeped out.
I did enjoy last night's Battlestar Galactica. Although, with the lightest moment probably being when a bunch of characters were machine-gunned to death, I am glad that the option exists for me to watch Doctor Who the next day, instead of right before Battlestar. Really, with SciFi's Friday lineup being Sarah Jane Adventures, followed by Doctor Who, followed by Battlestar Galactica, it's like having a light, frothy, wonderful dessert, followed by a full, rich, well-balanced meal, followed by some big guy kicking you in the groin over and over again with steel toed boots.
Still reading my Shadow book. Since Walter Gibson wrote two Shadow novels a month, I think it may actually be taking me more time to read them than he took to write them.
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
So I finished Den of Thieves Monday afternoon. Totally wrong about what I thought was a setup for the next book. Shows what I know. There are already two more books out in the series, so I've ordered the next one.
Monday night, I started reading the 14th book in the new series of Shadow pulp reprints, collecting The Grove of Doom and The Masked Lady. I've been a fan of the Shadow since I was a kid. Part of the fascination may have been the idea that, once upon a time, decades before I was born, there were whole novels published every other week about this character (I've always loved serial fiction). Years later, DC Comics published a collection of the Denny O'Neil/Mike Kaluta comics that were my first exposure to the character. In his introduction, O'Neil explained that part of the reason for the Shadow's enduring popularity may be because he basically has all the trappings of a sinister villain, but he's a hero. I think that may be part of it, too.
So far, I'm maybe halfway through The Grove of Doom. (Didn't have much time to read last night.) It's interesting, in that it's set on a Long Island estate instead of the usual urban New York setting, and the motivation behind the incredibly weird crimes seems to be a family squabble. The domestic setting is unusual. Additionally, this book ostensibly collects two of author Walter Gibson's favorite Shadow stories, so going in, the expectations are a little higher than usual.
Last night saw the return of NCIS with new episodes. I've said many times before that I enjoy the show because of the characters, and nothing has changed. Nice to see Gretchen Egolff guest-starring as a homicide detective; good to see she's finding work after the cancelation of Journeyman.
In related news, TV Guide's Michael Ausiello reveals that a series regular will be gone by the end of the series. So that's something that will keep me watching (as if I wouldn't otherwise).
Meanwhile, not too sure how I'm feeling about the new season of Hell's Kitchen. On the one hand, I thought that last week's premiere made this season look a bit too gimmicky and game-showy, like they were trying too hard to make it as flashy as other reality shows. This week's attempt by Cory to strategically eliminate her competition backed that up. Ultimately, the show redeemed itself by having chef Gordon Ramsay remind everyone that the prize is an actual job running an actual kitchen in an actual restaurant, and that at the end of the day, regardless of strategy and game-playing, the winner had to prove that they could do the job. So he overrode Cory's choices and got rid of who he saw as the weakest link. So kudos to Gordon Ramsay for keeping it real.
Monday night, I started reading the 14th book in the new series of Shadow pulp reprints, collecting The Grove of Doom and The Masked Lady. I've been a fan of the Shadow since I was a kid. Part of the fascination may have been the idea that, once upon a time, decades before I was born, there were whole novels published every other week about this character (I've always loved serial fiction). Years later, DC Comics published a collection of the Denny O'Neil/Mike Kaluta comics that were my first exposure to the character. In his introduction, O'Neil explained that part of the reason for the Shadow's enduring popularity may be because he basically has all the trappings of a sinister villain, but he's a hero. I think that may be part of it, too.
So far, I'm maybe halfway through The Grove of Doom. (Didn't have much time to read last night.) It's interesting, in that it's set on a Long Island estate instead of the usual urban New York setting, and the motivation behind the incredibly weird crimes seems to be a family squabble. The domestic setting is unusual. Additionally, this book ostensibly collects two of author Walter Gibson's favorite Shadow stories, so going in, the expectations are a little higher than usual.
Last night saw the return of NCIS with new episodes. I've said many times before that I enjoy the show because of the characters, and nothing has changed. Nice to see Gretchen Egolff guest-starring as a homicide detective; good to see she's finding work after the cancelation of Journeyman.
In related news, TV Guide's Michael Ausiello reveals that a series regular will be gone by the end of the series. So that's something that will keep me watching (as if I wouldn't otherwise).
Meanwhile, not too sure how I'm feeling about the new season of Hell's Kitchen. On the one hand, I thought that last week's premiere made this season look a bit too gimmicky and game-showy, like they were trying too hard to make it as flashy as other reality shows. This week's attempt by Cory to strategically eliminate her competition backed that up. Ultimately, the show redeemed itself by having chef Gordon Ramsay remind everyone that the prize is an actual job running an actual kitchen in an actual restaurant, and that at the end of the day, regardless of strategy and game-playing, the winner had to prove that they could do the job. So he overrode Cory's choices and got rid of who he saw as the weakest link. So kudos to Gordon Ramsay for keeping it real.
Monday, April 07, 2008
I write an awful lot on this blog about television. Partly, it's because I do watch an awful lot of television, unashamedly. It's also partly because it's easy. I don't like to talk a lot about personal stuff here, because it's private. I also don't have a lot of personal stuff to talk about. But every night, I usually see something new on TV, and that gives me something new to talk about here, when I get around to writing new entries.
Lest my faithful readers (both of you) think I do nothing but watch TV, I have decided to start talking about the books I'm reading as well.
Right now, I'm pretty close to finishing Den of Thieves, the third Cat Royal book by Julia Golding. Sadly unavailable in the US, I ordered the first book in the series, The Diamond of Drury Lane as a result of one of the very rare instances of Amazon.co.uk making a useful recommendation. (Generally, their recommendations seem along the lines of, "You ordered a book with pages and a cover. Here are other books with pages and a cover.") Set in the 18th century, the books tell the adventures of Cat Royal, an orphan growing up at the Royal Theater in London, and her adventures through a cross-section of London society, from the gangs of thieves running the streets to an aristocratic family she befriends. The second book goes further into the complex morality of the time, as she struggles to rescue her escaped slave friend, Pedro Hawkins, from the clutches of his cruel master.
In this third book, faced with the closure of the Royal, Cat finds herself acting as a spy in revolutionary Paris. At the same time, she has entered into a dark bargain with evil Billy Shepherd (which, it seems to me, can't possibly be wrapped up in this book, and may be setting things up for the next volume). The closest thing I can think of to these books are Philip Pullman's Sally Lockhart books, although Pullman's books are set in a different time period, and his plots are a bit more melodramatic and fantastical. The Cat Royal stories are gripping adventures that pretty much show her struggles with the problems of her ordinary life, without the addition of mysterious jewels and treasures and secret weapons.
For what it's worth, the first book won the Nestle Book Prize, something it has in common with other favorite books of mine, like Varjak Paw by SF Said, The Fire-Eaters by David Almond, Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve, and some books about some kid named Harry Potter.
Lest my faithful readers (both of you) think I do nothing but watch TV, I have decided to start talking about the books I'm reading as well.
Right now, I'm pretty close to finishing Den of Thieves, the third Cat Royal book by Julia Golding. Sadly unavailable in the US, I ordered the first book in the series, The Diamond of Drury Lane as a result of one of the very rare instances of Amazon.co.uk making a useful recommendation. (Generally, their recommendations seem along the lines of, "You ordered a book with pages and a cover. Here are other books with pages and a cover.") Set in the 18th century, the books tell the adventures of Cat Royal, an orphan growing up at the Royal Theater in London, and her adventures through a cross-section of London society, from the gangs of thieves running the streets to an aristocratic family she befriends. The second book goes further into the complex morality of the time, as she struggles to rescue her escaped slave friend, Pedro Hawkins, from the clutches of his cruel master.
In this third book, faced with the closure of the Royal, Cat finds herself acting as a spy in revolutionary Paris. At the same time, she has entered into a dark bargain with evil Billy Shepherd (which, it seems to me, can't possibly be wrapped up in this book, and may be setting things up for the next volume). The closest thing I can think of to these books are Philip Pullman's Sally Lockhart books, although Pullman's books are set in a different time period, and his plots are a bit more melodramatic and fantastical. The Cat Royal stories are gripping adventures that pretty much show her struggles with the problems of her ordinary life, without the addition of mysterious jewels and treasures and secret weapons.
For what it's worth, the first book won the Nestle Book Prize, something it has in common with other favorite books of mine, like Varjak Paw by SF Said, The Fire-Eaters by David Almond, Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve, and some books about some kid named Harry Potter.
Saturday, April 05, 2008
Okay, so I just finished watching Partners in Crime, the first episode of the fourth series of Doctor Who. And I loved it.
As I have alluded to in recent posts, things have not been all happiness and light in the Penelopecat household. There have been ups (managed to pull off a huge program at work, a comics convention, that attracted a thousand people, plus I got promoted) but they seem so tiny compared to the downs. Well, one big down, really; my dad passed away a week before Christmas, and it still haunts me, every single day. Sometimes there are things that distract me, but I never forget. But Doctor Who has always been more than a distraction for me, more than just a favorite TV show. In the words of Paul Cornell, it's a lifestyle choice. Whether it's a book or a magazine or a comic or whatever, Doctor Who has always been something I could completely lose myself in. And a new TV episode that I've never seen before? Better than anything else in the world.
And it helps that the show goes from strength to strength. Catherine Tate, returning as Donna from Christmas, 2006's Runaway Bride is phenomenal. I loved Billie Piper as Rose during the first two series. I loved Freema Agyeman as Martha last year. But after one new episode of Donna, I don't particularly miss either one. (Having said that, I'm looking forward to Martha's return. And, of course, Rose.) I know only too well that Donna/Catherine Tate had her detractors; the vehemence of some online comments is what keeps me backed away a bit from online fandom. But me, I loved her in The Runaway Bride, especially at the end, when we see how Donna has grown over the course of her adventure with the Doctor. I swear, anyone complaining that Catherine Tate only played the character as shouty, self-centered, stupid, and soulless must have turned the show off five minutes before the end. Their loss.
This episode builds on the development we've already seen Donna go through, and she is a fully rounded-out character. She's clever, she's inquisitive, and she's oh so funny. And she's not funny because she's playing a stylized character in her own comedy series, but because she's a woman with a sense of humor. She also has some wonderful moments of warmth, particularly in her scenes with her granddad. Partners in Crime is the perfect title for this episode, because that's how the Doctor and Donna come across: as equals. With Rose and Martha, with the various shades of romance in their pairings with the Doctor, plus their relative youth, that sense of equality wasn't quite there.
Once again, I find myself not at all interested in the online reaction, because I can predict the complaints. I'm going to generalize here, but the more comedy in an episode, the more upset the vocal parts of the fan community seem to get. Whatever. I laughed out loud over and over again, but not because the episode was played for laughs at the expense of the story. The humor fit right in, although it must be said that the story wasn't as dark as other episodes. That's the thing, though; this is a show that can go up and down that scale with ease. And that's why, as much as I like Battlestar Galactica and admire the quality of writing and acting and all that, it's too dark and joyless for me to give myself up to it so completely, the way I can with Doctor Who.
So excited for next week. And I would be remiss if I didn't at least mention That Sudden Surprise Toward the End, but I don't want to give anything away. So I will just leave you with this: loved it, loved it, loved it.
As I have alluded to in recent posts, things have not been all happiness and light in the Penelopecat household. There have been ups (managed to pull off a huge program at work, a comics convention, that attracted a thousand people, plus I got promoted) but they seem so tiny compared to the downs. Well, one big down, really; my dad passed away a week before Christmas, and it still haunts me, every single day. Sometimes there are things that distract me, but I never forget. But Doctor Who has always been more than a distraction for me, more than just a favorite TV show. In the words of Paul Cornell, it's a lifestyle choice. Whether it's a book or a magazine or a comic or whatever, Doctor Who has always been something I could completely lose myself in. And a new TV episode that I've never seen before? Better than anything else in the world.
And it helps that the show goes from strength to strength. Catherine Tate, returning as Donna from Christmas, 2006's Runaway Bride is phenomenal. I loved Billie Piper as Rose during the first two series. I loved Freema Agyeman as Martha last year. But after one new episode of Donna, I don't particularly miss either one. (Having said that, I'm looking forward to Martha's return. And, of course, Rose.) I know only too well that Donna/Catherine Tate had her detractors; the vehemence of some online comments is what keeps me backed away a bit from online fandom. But me, I loved her in The Runaway Bride, especially at the end, when we see how Donna has grown over the course of her adventure with the Doctor. I swear, anyone complaining that Catherine Tate only played the character as shouty, self-centered, stupid, and soulless must have turned the show off five minutes before the end. Their loss.
This episode builds on the development we've already seen Donna go through, and she is a fully rounded-out character. She's clever, she's inquisitive, and she's oh so funny. And she's not funny because she's playing a stylized character in her own comedy series, but because she's a woman with a sense of humor. She also has some wonderful moments of warmth, particularly in her scenes with her granddad. Partners in Crime is the perfect title for this episode, because that's how the Doctor and Donna come across: as equals. With Rose and Martha, with the various shades of romance in their pairings with the Doctor, plus their relative youth, that sense of equality wasn't quite there.
Once again, I find myself not at all interested in the online reaction, because I can predict the complaints. I'm going to generalize here, but the more comedy in an episode, the more upset the vocal parts of the fan community seem to get. Whatever. I laughed out loud over and over again, but not because the episode was played for laughs at the expense of the story. The humor fit right in, although it must be said that the story wasn't as dark as other episodes. That's the thing, though; this is a show that can go up and down that scale with ease. And that's why, as much as I like Battlestar Galactica and admire the quality of writing and acting and all that, it's too dark and joyless for me to give myself up to it so completely, the way I can with Doctor Who.
So excited for next week. And I would be remiss if I didn't at least mention That Sudden Surprise Toward the End, but I don't want to give anything away. So I will just leave you with this: loved it, loved it, loved it.
Thursday, April 03, 2008
NBC Fall Schedule Scoop! - Ausiello Report | TVGuide.com
NBC Fall Schedule Scoop! - Ausiello Report | TVGuide.com: "NBC's schedule for the 2008-09 TV season has been announced, and here's the big news: Friday Night Lights has been renewed (13 eps will air beginning in January following a fall run on DirecTV's The 101),"
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Cinematic Titanic
Cinematic Titanic
New thing from Mystery Science Theater 3000's Joel Hodgson. No idea what it is. Stay tuned.
New thing from Mystery Science Theater 3000's Joel Hodgson. No idea what it is. Stay tuned.
Father Awarded Millions for Funeral Protest - New York Times
Father Awarded Millions for Funeral Protest - New York Times: "The father of a fallen Marine was awarded nearly $11 million Wednesday in damages by a jury that found leaders of a fundamentalist church had invaded the family's privacy and inflicted emotional distress when they picketed the Marine's funeral."
You know, I'm against the war as much as anyone, but I say, "Good." Because there's a time and a place to protest appropriately, and this just isn't it.
You know, I'm against the war as much as anyone, but I say, "Good." Because there's a time and a place to protest appropriately, and this just isn't it.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Watch with Kristin - Best News Ever! Joss Whedon Spills Exclusive Deets on His New Series
Watch with Kristin - Best News Ever! Joss Whedon Spills Exclusive Deets on His New Series: "Whedon's new Fox series, called Dollhouse, stars Miss Eliza Dushku, best known as Faith to you Buffy the Vampire Slayer fans. And this show isn't just a pilot. It's already been given a seven-episode commitment by Fox. Woo!"
Comics Commentary: Scorchy Smith
Comics Commentary: Scorchy Smith: "On the subject of future projects, since we've already sent the solicitation info to our book distributor, I can announce that in June 2008, I will release an oversized, 11' x 11' hardcover: SCORCHY SMITH AND THE ART OF NOEL SICKLES through IDW. It will contain the complete Sickles Scorchy for the first time ever, plus about 60 pages of Sickles's magazine and other illustrations."
Yet another classic comic strip collection I must have.
Yet another classic comic strip collection I must have.
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
A model of Scrooge McDuck's money bin - a photoset on Flickr
A model of Scrooge McDuck's money bin - a photoset on Flickr
As a longtime reader of the Scrooge McDuck comics, this just sems pretty cool.
As a longtime reader of the Scrooge McDuck comics, this just sems pretty cool.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Daniel Craig Signs For Four More Bond Films - James Bond 007 - CommanderBond.net - James Bond At Its Best
Daniel Craig Signs For Four More Bond Films - James Bond 007 - CommanderBond.net - James Bond At Its Best: "Daniel Craig has been signed on for four more films as James Bond, according to trade paper, The Hollywood Reporter. MGM chairman and CEO, Harry Sloan yesterday revealed the news at the Forbes MEET II conference."
Of course, Timothy Dalton was signed for three films, but his deal lapsed after two, so nothing is ever guaranteed. And while Casino Royale seemed to signal a turning point in terms of quality for the James Bond series, so did For Your Eyes Only.
But it's not like I'm not going to go see a new James Bond movie, so fingers crossed.
Of course, Timothy Dalton was signed for three films, but his deal lapsed after two, so nothing is ever guaranteed. And while Casino Royale seemed to signal a turning point in terms of quality for the James Bond series, so did For Your Eyes Only.
But it's not like I'm not going to go see a new James Bond movie, so fingers crossed.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
E! News - Prison Break for Girls?
Ha ha! I had been joking that after being sent to a Panamanian prison to break someone out for the mysterious "Company," Prison Break's Michael Scofield might soon find himself being forced to break yet another person out of another prison. The twist this time? It's a women's prison!
And then I read this...
E! News - Prison Break for Girls?: "Fox is reportedly plotting a Prison Break spinoff that would take place at a women's penitentiary and follow a new character who's expected to make her debut later this season on the serialized thriller."
I've also joked about Scofield having to break out of a space prison made out of an asteroid. Let's see if that one comes true.
And then I read this...
E! News - Prison Break for Girls?: "Fox is reportedly plotting a Prison Break spinoff that would take place at a women's penitentiary and follow a new character who's expected to make her debut later this season on the serialized thriller."
I've also joked about Scofield having to break out of a space prison made out of an asteroid. Let's see if that one comes true.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Watch with Kristin - Breaking! Pushing Daisies Picked Up for Full Season
Watch with Kristin - Breaking! Pushing Daisies Picked Up for Full Season: "Fellow pie lovers, rejoice! I'm hearing from a few reliable sources that ABC is officially extending the Pushing Daisies party! Rumor has it the back nine episodes were just ordered, which means the show is going to enjoy a full season! Let's all have a slice of lemon meringue to celebrate, 'kay?"
Monday, October 15, 2007
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Okay, now that we're well into the new fall TV season, here's the new shows I'm finding myself watching:
First, the only new show I think I'd miss if it was canceled is Pushing Daisies. According to E! Online, it's doing well, and stands a good chance of surviving, which is great. It does push the charm and whimsy-o-meter right up to the line, but not quite to the breaking point. I would say it almost feels like a Tim Burton TV series, only it's nothing like Family Dog at all, which is the one TV series Tim Burton produced, off the top of my head. But it's fun, it's sweet, it's clever, and if their attempts to expand the envelope of what prime time network TV drama can be don't always work, at least they're not just producing the same old stuff.
And still, the best show on TV right now continues to be Friday Night Lights.
Comedies: I'm watching Aliens in America, The Big Bang Theory, and Back to You. All I ask from a comedy is that it make me laugh, and all three have. Big Bang Theory was probably the biggest surprise, since I was expecting it to be a "Look at the funny nerds" show. But I watched the pilot, thanks to a free iTunes download, and I liked it. I give it a lot of credit for allowing the hot blonde chick to treat the nerds as if they are normal people, and not looking down on them or treating them as stereotypes. Aliens in America is pleasantly low-key, a good follow-up to Everybody Hates Chris. And Back to You, starring sitcom vets Kelsey Grammer and Debra Heaton, is about as traditional as it gets, but it's still funny.
Oh, and I'm watching Curb Your Enthusiasm again, and am finally on board watching 30 Rock. None of these shows, new and returning, have grabbed me the way shows like The Office, Everybody Hates Chris, or My Name is Earl have, but I'm enjoying them.
Dramas: Journeyman is kind of a low-key Quantum Leap. I appreciate that the main character's wife has already accepted that he's traveling through time, and we don't have to watch episode after episode of him trying to explain his "mysterious" disappearances to her. Beyond that, I like the whole idea of him helping ordinary people instead of getting caught up in big events. Not watching anything new on Tuesdays, except for the gripping and soon-to-be-ending Damages.
Wednesday, it's the aforementioned Pushing Daisies and Private Practice and Bionic Woman. Again, both entertaining enough to bring me back next week, neither shows that I'd miss if they got canceled. In particular, Bionic Woman seems like a bigger-budgeted version of SciFi's dead series, Painkiller Jane, which I fell behind on and eventually stopped watching after four or five episodes. Michelle Ryan, as Jamie Summers, is just fine, but overall, the show is just a little too dark and heavy. That works okay on producer David Eick's other show, Battlestar Galactica, but since Bionic Woman isn't an allegory for the war on terrorism, it's an uncomfortable fit here.
I think it's also interesting that of the three shows set in San Francisco this year (Journeyman, Bionic Woman, and Women's Murder Club) Bionic Woman is the only one set exclusively in the parts of San Francisco that are dark, shitty, rainy, and look exactly like Vancouver. And since almost every TV show and movie try to pass Vancouver off as someplace else, Bionic Woman looks like it's set in the same place as every other TV show or movie. No real sense of place at all. (Heck, Nash Bridges did a better job of feeling like it was really set in SF.)
Private Practice is the much-anticipated Grey's Anatomy spin-off that is really just an okay medical drama. But that doesn't mean Amy Brenneman, Kate Walsh, or Kadee Strickland are in it any less. (Or Tim Daly, Taye Diggs, or Paul Adelstein, but the attraction isn't the same.) And just because it isn't groundbreakingly brilliant doesn't mean it's bad.
Don't believe I'm watching anything new on Thursday, beyond the fantastic, almost-finished-for-this-year Mad Men. Oh, and I've decided to check out Law & Order: Criminal Intent again because Alicia Witt has joined the cast. Been a fan since Cybill, created by the man behind The Big Bang Theory.
Friday is the home of the one new show I sampled and decided to pass on: Moonlight. The idea of a vampire detective sounded very Angel, and, in fact, Angel cocreator David Greenwalt worked on Moonlight briefly. In fact, it turned out to be more Forever Knight, without all the supernatural weirdness that made Angel interesting. Having said that, Sophia Myles was totally hot, and great, and almost enough to get me to watch the show if there wasn't anything else in that time slot.
But there is something else in that slot. Two somethings, in fact. There's the aforementioned Friday Night Lights--best show on network TV, and better than most cable--and the new Women's Murder Club. Like Private Practice, it's a good, solid traditional genre show (cop show instead of doctor show) that's quite well made and acted. On its own, it's just fine, but compared to something truly great, like Friday Night Lights, it pales a bit. However, I enjoyed it better than Moonlight, so I'll watch it over the vampire detective thing.
And I'll write about Sunday's new shows tomorrow.
First, the only new show I think I'd miss if it was canceled is Pushing Daisies. According to E! Online, it's doing well, and stands a good chance of surviving, which is great. It does push the charm and whimsy-o-meter right up to the line, but not quite to the breaking point. I would say it almost feels like a Tim Burton TV series, only it's nothing like Family Dog at all, which is the one TV series Tim Burton produced, off the top of my head. But it's fun, it's sweet, it's clever, and if their attempts to expand the envelope of what prime time network TV drama can be don't always work, at least they're not just producing the same old stuff.
And still, the best show on TV right now continues to be Friday Night Lights.
Comedies: I'm watching Aliens in America, The Big Bang Theory, and Back to You. All I ask from a comedy is that it make me laugh, and all three have. Big Bang Theory was probably the biggest surprise, since I was expecting it to be a "Look at the funny nerds" show. But I watched the pilot, thanks to a free iTunes download, and I liked it. I give it a lot of credit for allowing the hot blonde chick to treat the nerds as if they are normal people, and not looking down on them or treating them as stereotypes. Aliens in America is pleasantly low-key, a good follow-up to Everybody Hates Chris. And Back to You, starring sitcom vets Kelsey Grammer and Debra Heaton, is about as traditional as it gets, but it's still funny.
Oh, and I'm watching Curb Your Enthusiasm again, and am finally on board watching 30 Rock. None of these shows, new and returning, have grabbed me the way shows like The Office, Everybody Hates Chris, or My Name is Earl have, but I'm enjoying them.
Dramas: Journeyman is kind of a low-key Quantum Leap. I appreciate that the main character's wife has already accepted that he's traveling through time, and we don't have to watch episode after episode of him trying to explain his "mysterious" disappearances to her. Beyond that, I like the whole idea of him helping ordinary people instead of getting caught up in big events. Not watching anything new on Tuesdays, except for the gripping and soon-to-be-ending Damages.
Wednesday, it's the aforementioned Pushing Daisies and Private Practice and Bionic Woman. Again, both entertaining enough to bring me back next week, neither shows that I'd miss if they got canceled. In particular, Bionic Woman seems like a bigger-budgeted version of SciFi's dead series, Painkiller Jane, which I fell behind on and eventually stopped watching after four or five episodes. Michelle Ryan, as Jamie Summers, is just fine, but overall, the show is just a little too dark and heavy. That works okay on producer David Eick's other show, Battlestar Galactica, but since Bionic Woman isn't an allegory for the war on terrorism, it's an uncomfortable fit here.
I think it's also interesting that of the three shows set in San Francisco this year (Journeyman, Bionic Woman, and Women's Murder Club) Bionic Woman is the only one set exclusively in the parts of San Francisco that are dark, shitty, rainy, and look exactly like Vancouver. And since almost every TV show and movie try to pass Vancouver off as someplace else, Bionic Woman looks like it's set in the same place as every other TV show or movie. No real sense of place at all. (Heck, Nash Bridges did a better job of feeling like it was really set in SF.)
Private Practice is the much-anticipated Grey's Anatomy spin-off that is really just an okay medical drama. But that doesn't mean Amy Brenneman, Kate Walsh, or Kadee Strickland are in it any less. (Or Tim Daly, Taye Diggs, or Paul Adelstein, but the attraction isn't the same.) And just because it isn't groundbreakingly brilliant doesn't mean it's bad.
Don't believe I'm watching anything new on Thursday, beyond the fantastic, almost-finished-for-this-year Mad Men. Oh, and I've decided to check out Law & Order: Criminal Intent again because Alicia Witt has joined the cast. Been a fan since Cybill, created by the man behind The Big Bang Theory.
Friday is the home of the one new show I sampled and decided to pass on: Moonlight. The idea of a vampire detective sounded very Angel, and, in fact, Angel cocreator David Greenwalt worked on Moonlight briefly. In fact, it turned out to be more Forever Knight, without all the supernatural weirdness that made Angel interesting. Having said that, Sophia Myles was totally hot, and great, and almost enough to get me to watch the show if there wasn't anything else in that time slot.
But there is something else in that slot. Two somethings, in fact. There's the aforementioned Friday Night Lights--best show on network TV, and better than most cable--and the new Women's Murder Club. Like Private Practice, it's a good, solid traditional genre show (cop show instead of doctor show) that's quite well made and acted. On its own, it's just fine, but compared to something truly great, like Friday Night Lights, it pales a bit. However, I enjoyed it better than Moonlight, so I'll watch it over the vampire detective thing.
And I'll write about Sunday's new shows tomorrow.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Pushing Daisies - Comic Book - ABC.com
Pushing Daisies - Comic Book - ABC.com
I was already looking forward to this new series from Bryan Fuller, creator of Wonderfalls and Dead Like Me and former producer of Heroes. So this was fun, finding an online comic for the show (which premieres in 11 days, according to the countdown clock on the site) actually written by Fuller and drawn by some of my favorite artists, like Zach Howard and Cameron Stewart.
I was already looking forward to this new series from Bryan Fuller, creator of Wonderfalls and Dead Like Me and former producer of Heroes. So this was fun, finding an online comic for the show (which premieres in 11 days, according to the countdown clock on the site) actually written by Fuller and drawn by some of my favorite artists, like Zach Howard and Cameron Stewart.
Monday, September 17, 2007
THE BEAT � Blog Archive � RIP: Phil Frank
THE BEAT RIP: Phil Frank: "San Francisco Chronicle cartoonist Phil Frank creator of FARLEY died this week at age 64. He had announced his retirement due to illness only a few days before."
I really loved Phil Frank's work. I had drifted away from reading Farley on a daily basis, but just came back to it. And I just discovered Elderberries, the new strip he was drawing.
First Marshall Rogers, then Mike Wieringo, now this. Very upset indeed.
I really loved Phil Frank's work. I had drifted away from reading Farley on a daily basis, but just came back to it. And I just discovered Elderberries, the new strip he was drawing.
First Marshall Rogers, then Mike Wieringo, now this. Very upset indeed.
Friday, September 07, 2007
Thursday, September 06, 2007
BBC - Doctor Who - News - Slitheen For Sarah Jane
BBC - Doctor Who - News - Slitheen For Sarah Jane: "New CBBC series The Sarah Jane Adventures will feature the return of some familiar Doctor Who enemies when it debuts later this month. The Slitheen, a family of scheming monsters first seen in Aliens of London / World War Three are back - and out for revenge."
SFX
Thank you, SFX Magazine. (Now where's my copy of the lastest issue?)
SFX: "Because it's Thursday and because you're worth it, we've got a little treat for you to pass a few minutes today. Thanks to the lovely people at ITV, we've got an exclusive video interview with Primeval co-creator Adrian Hodges in which he gives us some tidbits about the next series (due to hit screens in the new year). But enough of our yakking - it's over to Adrian..."
SFX: "Because it's Thursday and because you're worth it, we've got a little treat for you to pass a few minutes today. Thanks to the lovely people at ITV, we've got an exclusive video interview with Primeval co-creator Adrian Hodges in which he gives us some tidbits about the next series (due to hit screens in the new year). But enough of our yakking - it's over to Adrian..."
Monday, September 03, 2007
BBC - Doctor Who - News - Series Five
Time for some Doctor Who news...
BBC - Doctor Who - News - Series Five: "Series Four, which went into production in July 2007, will hit UK screens in Spring 2008, followed by a special episode for Christmas 2008. In 2009 Doctor Who will return with three specials starring David Tennant, with Head Writer, Russell T Davies. The full-length fifth series will transmit in 2010."
BBC - Doctor Who - News - Series Five: "Series Four, which went into production in July 2007, will hit UK screens in Spring 2008, followed by a special episode for Christmas 2008. In 2009 Doctor Who will return with three specials starring David Tennant, with Head Writer, Russell T Davies. The full-length fifth series will transmit in 2010."
Monday, August 27, 2007
Blog@Newsarama � Ennis to write Dan Dare series for Virgin Comics
Blog@Newsarama � Ennis to write Dan Dare series for Virgin Comics: "Virgin Comics is bringing Dan Dare: Pilot of the Future out of retirement to star in a new line of comics and a big-screen adaptation. Variety reports that the classic British science fiction character is a favorite of Virgin's Richard Branson, who spearheaded the effort to acquire publishing, film, television and video game rights to the Frank Hampson creation. The new comic, which debuts in November, will be written by Garth Ennis. "Dan Dare is the quintessential British hero," Ennis tells the trade paper. "He's our Captain America, our Superman, our Batman; he's all of them rolled into one.""
Thursday, August 23, 2007
ComicMix.Com
ComicMix.Com: "Disney Adventures, the monthly supermarket digest magazine containing a huge chunk of original Disney-related comic strips, will be ending its 17 year run with its November issue. "
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
As a telefantasy fan, I feel like I should write up something about just how disappointing SciFi's new Flash Gordon series is. About how they've taken a story about an ordinary man going to another planet to save the Earth, and turned it into a story about a guy who lives at home with his mom and waits for stuff to come to him. About how the show didn't even name one of it's main characters, Zarkov, until a third of the way through the second episode.
But, it turns out that Lance Parkin has already written it for me.
But, it turns out that Lance Parkin has already written it for me.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
SCI FI Wire | The News Service of the SCI FI Channel | SCIFI.COM
SCI FI Wire | The News Service of the SCI FI Channel | SCIFI.COM: "Moviehole.net reported that the upcoming sequel film The Scorpion King: Rise of the Akkadian is set to begin shooting in South Africa on Oct. 1 and is casting for a hero to fill the shoes of Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson, who won't be reprising the title role."
Watch with Kristin - Breaking! Grace Saved: Holly Hunter's TNT Drama Renewed!
Watch with Kristin - Breaking! Grace Saved: Holly Hunter's TNT Drama Renewed!: "Good news for Holly Hunter and Saving Grace. Faring better than Treat Williams' Heartland in the post-Closer time period on TNT, the show has execs at the cable net mighty pleased. Just three weeks out of the gate, the series has received a 15-episode second-season order. Or so I'm hearing from show insiders. Stay tuned for official confirmation..."
Watch with Kristin - Breaking! Burn Notice Will Be Back!
Watch with Kristin - Breaking! Burn Notice Will Be Back!: "USA has ordered 13 additional episodes for a second season of the fabulous Burn Notice."
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Woo hoo! Just read in TV Guide that on Sunday, August 26, Jennifer Finnigan will be returning to The Dead Zone as psychic/occasional girlfriend to Johnny Smith, Alex Sinclair. It was seeing her on this show that led me to watch her in lawyer show Close to Home on CBS two years ago. I stopped watching it after the first season, not because she wasn't good, but because it really was just another lawyer show. So I'm happy to see her back here.
Okay, so it's been a while since I've written anything new. And, instead of talking about that, I'm just going to jump right in and talk about new stuff.
First, I saw Stardust over the weekend. It's been a number of years since I read the book, by Neil Gaiman, so I can't say how exactly faithful it is to the original. But it feels like I remember the book feeling, so that's a good thing. I like the Disney Pirates of the Caribbean movies just fine, but while Stardust is similar to those in that it's a historical fantasy/adventure, it's way better. I loved it.
On to television...
Saw the season finale (and apparently series finale) of HBO's John From Cincinnati. Wish I could say it made sense at the end, but no, not really. Maybe I'm just thick. But it was still well-acted, the dialogue was great, and it was fascinating to watch.
The 4400 and The Dead Zone continue to be reliably entertaining. Sort of the good, solid mainstream programming that networks don't produce any more. Not that they're old-fashioned, but sometimes you want good, solid, straightforward storytelling with likable, human characters. Not edgy or experimental, just fun to watch.
Over on TNT, Heartland came to the end of its first season. Not a spectacular show, but one I watched because I like the cast. If it comes back, I'll watch it again, and if it doesn't, I won't shed a tear.
Saving Grace stirs mixed feelings in me. I really enjoy watching it, but when I think about it, the cop show stuff isn't really any better than any other cop show, and the stuff with the angel trying to bring Grace back to God doesn't have any connection to the cop stuff, so it's almost like it's shoehorned in. So what makes it so special? Holly Hunter, obviously. Twelve feet of pure sex shoved into a five foot woman. Apparently, it has been renewed for a second season, and I'm glad.
A new favorite is Kyle XY. It's almost like a low-key Smallville, and maybe that's what I like about it. (More about a superkid discovering his powers while trying not to become an outsider, less of the whole beating-up-women thing that Smallville had seemed to focus on for a while. Although, to be fair, they seemed to get away from that in the 2/3 of the most recent season that I've seen.) And Kyle XY is less melodramatic.
Meanwhile, over on Hell's Kitchen, Gordon Ramsay made the right choice by picking Rock to win. Admittedly, I wanted Bonnie to win, but only so she'd be working down the street from me and I could go stare at her in a way that wouldn't be stalker-ish at all. Still haven't tried Terra Rosa, the restaurant run by last year's winner.
Another new favorite is My Boys on TBS. (Which surprises me, because the part of The Bill Engvall Show I caught on the same network was supremely unfunny.) It's a bunch-of-friends-hanging-out-together sitcom, along the lines of (obviously) Friends or Sex in the City, but it makes me laugh. Not as hard as Psych, but still.
And I watched the first episode of ABC Family's new cartoon, Slacker Cats. Not as funny as My Boys, not by a long shot. It sort of reminded me of the sort of cartoon we got in the early 90s, when everyone was trying--and failing--to duplicate the success of The Simpsons. Maybe it's because there's a Simpsons movie out. Or maybe it's because shows like Family Guy strike me the same way, but it seems to be doing okay. Anyway, I laughed once or twice, so I'll give it another shot.
First, I saw Stardust over the weekend. It's been a number of years since I read the book, by Neil Gaiman, so I can't say how exactly faithful it is to the original. But it feels like I remember the book feeling, so that's a good thing. I like the Disney Pirates of the Caribbean movies just fine, but while Stardust is similar to those in that it's a historical fantasy/adventure, it's way better. I loved it.
On to television...
Saw the season finale (and apparently series finale) of HBO's John From Cincinnati. Wish I could say it made sense at the end, but no, not really. Maybe I'm just thick. But it was still well-acted, the dialogue was great, and it was fascinating to watch.
The 4400 and The Dead Zone continue to be reliably entertaining. Sort of the good, solid mainstream programming that networks don't produce any more. Not that they're old-fashioned, but sometimes you want good, solid, straightforward storytelling with likable, human characters. Not edgy or experimental, just fun to watch.
Over on TNT, Heartland came to the end of its first season. Not a spectacular show, but one I watched because I like the cast. If it comes back, I'll watch it again, and if it doesn't, I won't shed a tear.
Saving Grace stirs mixed feelings in me. I really enjoy watching it, but when I think about it, the cop show stuff isn't really any better than any other cop show, and the stuff with the angel trying to bring Grace back to God doesn't have any connection to the cop stuff, so it's almost like it's shoehorned in. So what makes it so special? Holly Hunter, obviously. Twelve feet of pure sex shoved into a five foot woman. Apparently, it has been renewed for a second season, and I'm glad.
A new favorite is Kyle XY. It's almost like a low-key Smallville, and maybe that's what I like about it. (More about a superkid discovering his powers while trying not to become an outsider, less of the whole beating-up-women thing that Smallville had seemed to focus on for a while. Although, to be fair, they seemed to get away from that in the 2/3 of the most recent season that I've seen.) And Kyle XY is less melodramatic.
Meanwhile, over on Hell's Kitchen, Gordon Ramsay made the right choice by picking Rock to win. Admittedly, I wanted Bonnie to win, but only so she'd be working down the street from me and I could go stare at her in a way that wouldn't be stalker-ish at all. Still haven't tried Terra Rosa, the restaurant run by last year's winner.
Another new favorite is My Boys on TBS. (Which surprises me, because the part of The Bill Engvall Show I caught on the same network was supremely unfunny.) It's a bunch-of-friends-hanging-out-together sitcom, along the lines of (obviously) Friends or Sex in the City, but it makes me laugh. Not as hard as Psych, but still.
And I watched the first episode of ABC Family's new cartoon, Slacker Cats. Not as funny as My Boys, not by a long shot. It sort of reminded me of the sort of cartoon we got in the early 90s, when everyone was trying--and failing--to duplicate the success of The Simpsons. Maybe it's because there's a Simpsons movie out. Or maybe it's because shows like Family Guy strike me the same way, but it seems to be doing okay. Anyway, I laughed once or twice, so I'll give it another shot.
Monday, August 13, 2007
NEWSARAMA.COM: MIKE WIERIGNO PASSES AWAY
NEWSARAMA.COM: MIKE WIERIGNO PASSES AWAY : "The comics industry lost a luminary this weekend - Mike Wieringo passed away Sunday of a sudden heart attack. Details are still sketchy as of this time, but according to close sources, the acclaimed artist had chest pains at some point during the day and called 911, but the responders did not make it in time."
One of my favorite comics artists. Very sad.
One of my favorite comics artists. Very sad.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
DARK HORSE TO PUBLISH NEW INDIANA JONAES COMICS - NEWSARAMA
DARK HORSE TO PUBLISH NEW INDIANA JONAES COMICS - NEWSARAMA: "Lucasfilm's celebrated action/adventure hero, Indiana Jones, the forerunner of popular characters such as Lara Croft, will be making a triumphant return in 2008 with the yet-to-be-titled fourth installment of the Indiana Jones film series. Starring Harrison Ford and directed by Steven Spielberg, the film is slated for release in May 2008. Dark Horse Comics is excited to announce that it has acquired the comic book rights to the world's most famous adventurer and will launch a new series in 2008. Fans can plunge themselves into the adventures of the fedora-wearing archaeologist well before then. In February 2008, Dark Horse Comics will publish the first of two Indiana Jones Omnibuses collecting Dark Horse's previous entries in the saga. Then April sees the release of volume one of Indiana Jones Adventures--a digest-sized graphic novel designed for the enjoyment of young readers as well as adults. The Indiana Jones Adventures volumes and the Omnibuses will continue on a quarterly basis--including Omnibuses for the Young Indiana Jones Chronicles and the original Marvel run of Indiana Jones comics.
A comics adaptation of the film will be released simultaneously with the motion picture, followed immediately by an all-new Indiana Jones comics series."
A comics adaptation of the film will be released simultaneously with the motion picture, followed immediately by an all-new Indiana Jones comics series."
Wednesday, July 04, 2007
BBC - Doctor Who - News - Donna says "I do!"
BBC - Doctor Who - News - Donna says "I do!": "Catherine Tate is set to return to the TARDIS for the complete 13 week run of Series Four of Doctor Who.
Award winning comedian Tate will reprise her role as Donna, the runaway bride from last year's Christmas special, despite turning down the Doctor's invitation to travel with him at the end of that adventure."
I don't think I want to go near a Doctor Who message board for, oh, the next year or so...
Award winning comedian Tate will reprise her role as Donna, the runaway bride from last year's Christmas special, despite turning down the Doctor's invitation to travel with him at the end of that adventure."
I don't think I want to go near a Doctor Who message board for, oh, the next year or so...
Saturday, June 02, 2007
Monday, May 28, 2007
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Monday, May 14, 2007
Friday, May 11, 2007
BBC NEWS | Entertainment | Hammer horror films set to return
BBC NEWS | Entertainment | Hammer horror films set to return: "Cult Hammer horror films will return to the big screen after the company behind the movies was sold to a group headed by Big Brother creator John de Mol."
(This would excite me more if there didn't seem to be an announcement of someone reviving the Hammer brand every 24 hours...)
(This would excite me more if there didn't seem to be an announcement of someone reviving the Hammer brand every 24 hours...)
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Monday, April 23, 2007
Monday, April 16, 2007
Okay, I had started blogging about this week’s episode of Doctor Who, but had to stop for a work-related project. After I was done with that, I went out to dinner, and the restaurant had big TVs on all the walls. And that’s where I heard about the Virginia Tech massacre today.
Thirty-three people dead, and the gunman shoots himself. What’s up with that? What sort of person decides to just go out and kill 33 innocent people, and then kill himself? I mean, if you’re going to kill yourself anyway, why drag others along with you?
And yes, okay, I know, this is probably a crazy person. Or, you know, not. Still completely appalling, no matter what.
And every time something like this happens, and even when it isn’t happening, I think of those whiny anti-gun control people who will come crawling out of their caves and log cabins and out from under their logs, spitting out a mouthful of tobacco juice, moonshine, and wood grubs. They’ll take a break from picking ticks and fleas off their mates to remind us that guns don’t kill people, people kill people. And yes, it’s true that it takes a person to point a gun at someone else and fire it.
Having said that, it’s not often that you hear about someone bursting into a classroom or school building, stabbing 33 people to death with a knife, injuring more, and then turning his blade on himself. Because, seriously, maybe it’s not the guns, maybe it’s the people doing the killing, but when they do it with guns, they seem to do a lot more of it. And maybe if it were that much harder to get guns, then the number of people who are killed by them would drop a bit. And, yes, I do understand that if someone is well and truly determined to get a gun, the laws probably won’t stop them. But, you know, maybe it would stop those who aren’t quite so determined, who could be steered from the path leading to the worst school shooting in American history if only they encountered a little more resistance?
But, you know, we live in a country where Quakers in Idaho are now requiring all the people in their town to arm themselves against a possible invasion by Hurricane Katrina victims. So, sense? Out the fucking window.
Thirty-three people dead, and the gunman shoots himself. What’s up with that? What sort of person decides to just go out and kill 33 innocent people, and then kill himself? I mean, if you’re going to kill yourself anyway, why drag others along with you?
And yes, okay, I know, this is probably a crazy person. Or, you know, not. Still completely appalling, no matter what.
And every time something like this happens, and even when it isn’t happening, I think of those whiny anti-gun control people who will come crawling out of their caves and log cabins and out from under their logs, spitting out a mouthful of tobacco juice, moonshine, and wood grubs. They’ll take a break from picking ticks and fleas off their mates to remind us that guns don’t kill people, people kill people. And yes, it’s true that it takes a person to point a gun at someone else and fire it.
Having said that, it’s not often that you hear about someone bursting into a classroom or school building, stabbing 33 people to death with a knife, injuring more, and then turning his blade on himself. Because, seriously, maybe it’s not the guns, maybe it’s the people doing the killing, but when they do it with guns, they seem to do a lot more of it. And maybe if it were that much harder to get guns, then the number of people who are killed by them would drop a bit. And, yes, I do understand that if someone is well and truly determined to get a gun, the laws probably won’t stop them. But, you know, maybe it would stop those who aren’t quite so determined, who could be steered from the path leading to the worst school shooting in American history if only they encountered a little more resistance?
But, you know, we live in a country where Quakers in Idaho are now requiring all the people in their town to arm themselves against a possible invasion by Hurricane Katrina victims. So, sense? Out the fucking window.
Friday, April 13, 2007
FDA's Response to Tainted Pet Food Assailed - washingtonpost.com
FDA's Response to Tainted Pet Food Assailed - washingtonpost.com: "A Senate panel took the Food and Drug Administration to task yesterday for its 'inexcusable' response to pet food contamination and a month's worth of expanding recalls that have left Americans fearful about what to feed their cats and dogs."
Sunday, April 08, 2007
So, okay, last night, Doctor Who, The Shakespeare Code. How cool was that?
I admit, I am predisposed to liking my Doctor Who stories with historical settings. Maybe it’s because one of the first episodes I ever saw was the last part of Talons of Weng Chiang. Maybe it’s because the BBC just was more comfortable making period costume dramas than science fiction, and so were able to handle those stories better. Maybe because it’s something that more naturally suits Doctor Who than, say Stargate or Star Trek. Regardless, the idea of the Doctor and Shakespeare versus witches pretty much sums up what I love about Doctor Who.
I thought Dean Lennox Kelly’s Shakespeare-as-rock-star performance was a clever twist on the usual portrayal, although it’s not like the precedent hadn’t been set by productions like Shakespeare in Love. So often, though, it seems like the thinking is, “He’s a writer, and we don’t know much about him, so he must be quiet and shy and bookish.” Whatever. This version works just as nicely, I think.
And how great was Christina Cole as Lilith? The snooty edge that kept me from warming up to her as the heroine of Hex served her just fine as this week’s monster. And it was nice to see fairly traditional witches, and magic being dealt with in a fairly straightforward, Doctor Who kind of way (just a different type of science, really).
And I’m still really liking Martha.
So, next week, a return to New Earth, with the Cat Nurses (and other cat people, it looks like, so Penelope should get a kick out of it) and the foretold final appearance—presumably—of the Face of Boe. And lots and lots of traffic.
I admit, I am predisposed to liking my Doctor Who stories with historical settings. Maybe it’s because one of the first episodes I ever saw was the last part of Talons of Weng Chiang. Maybe it’s because the BBC just was more comfortable making period costume dramas than science fiction, and so were able to handle those stories better. Maybe because it’s something that more naturally suits Doctor Who than, say Stargate or Star Trek. Regardless, the idea of the Doctor and Shakespeare versus witches pretty much sums up what I love about Doctor Who.
I thought Dean Lennox Kelly’s Shakespeare-as-rock-star performance was a clever twist on the usual portrayal, although it’s not like the precedent hadn’t been set by productions like Shakespeare in Love. So often, though, it seems like the thinking is, “He’s a writer, and we don’t know much about him, so he must be quiet and shy and bookish.” Whatever. This version works just as nicely, I think.
And how great was Christina Cole as Lilith? The snooty edge that kept me from warming up to her as the heroine of Hex served her just fine as this week’s monster. And it was nice to see fairly traditional witches, and magic being dealt with in a fairly straightforward, Doctor Who kind of way (just a different type of science, really).
And I’m still really liking Martha.
So, next week, a return to New Earth, with the Cat Nurses (and other cat people, it looks like, so Penelope should get a kick out of it) and the foretold final appearance—presumably—of the Face of Boe. And lots and lots of traffic.
For some reason, Blog This won't post a link to this entry. So, here's the old fashioned way:
"Exciting news from BBC AMERICA's press department hit the wires this morning: the entire channel is undergoing a "radical makeover" later this year. The channel will now "focus exclusively on bringing U.S. audiences the very best in contemporary British programs - including a greater emphasis on our world renowned news coverage," according to our new head honcho, Garth Ancier. Lots of great acquisitions to announce, including MI-5 (Spooks to you UKers), the long-running youth soap Hollyoaks (which I love), Hotel Babylon, the new Jennifer Saunders comedy The Life and Times of Vivienne Vyle, Doctor Who spinoff Torchwood, and new seasons of Hex, Life On Mars, and Doctor Who. "
"Exciting news from BBC AMERICA's press department hit the wires this morning: the entire channel is undergoing a "radical makeover" later this year. The channel will now "focus exclusively on bringing U.S. audiences the very best in contemporary British programs - including a greater emphasis on our world renowned news coverage," according to our new head honcho, Garth Ancier. Lots of great acquisitions to announce, including MI-5 (Spooks to you UKers), the long-running youth soap Hollyoaks (which I love), Hotel Babylon, the new Jennifer Saunders comedy The Life and Times of Vivienne Vyle, Doctor Who spinoff Torchwood, and new seasons of Hex, Life On Mars, and Doctor Who. "
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Press Releases
Peabody Award Press Releases: "Friday Night Lights NBC No dramatic series, broadcast or cable, is more grounded in contemporary American reality than this clear eyed serial about the hopes, dreams, livelihoods and egos intertwined with the fate of high-school football in a Texas town. "
There's one new episode left in the season, and previous episodes can be viewed at NBC's web site and purchased from iTunes. And this really is one of the best American TV series on right now, and it's a shame it isn't getting the audience it deserves.
There's one new episode left in the season, and previous episodes can be viewed at NBC's web site and purchased from iTunes. And this really is one of the best American TV series on right now, and it's a shame it isn't getting the audience it deserves.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
So I just got the news this morning that Penelope is just fine. I was more than a little anxious overnight; there was a message from Doctor Claws when I got home last night asking me to call him to talk about her blood work. And I was worried that if it was just fine, he would have said so on the message. But, no, it turns out all is well. We’re going to try a different cat food, one formulated for seniors, and see if that produces more regular results.
(And, no, his name isn’t really Doctor Claws. It’s Klaus. But it sounds the same.)
So now I can talk about Doctor Who, even though I’m not a huge fan of discussion about television on the Internet. So much of it seems bitter and negative and mean-spirited. Either people are focused on discussing what they’re not watching, or they’re talking about how they watch something week after week after week, and it never gets any better. Me, if there’s something I don’t like, I don’t watch it. And if I’m not watching something, and am watching something else, I’m more interested in talking about what I am watching.
The thing, I think, about reviews and criticism in general, and amateur net-reviews in particular, is that a lot of entertainment isn’t meant to be picked to pieces in the first place. I’m not saying that’s a license for careless or shoddy production. But if you hold anything up to close enough scrutiny, you will find flaws, particularly if you are predisposed to look for them. And I think that most amateur critics are predisposed to look for them, because pointing out flaws really proves how intellectual you are. (Just look at how fans at Outpost Gallifrey point out how Doctor Who Magazine’s reviews aren’t well-written because they are too positive.)
But despite the rise of TV-on-DVD and so forth, most TV is meant for this level of critical analysis: “That was good, I think I’ll watch it next week, what’s for dinner?” And that’s pretty much where I come from. If I like something enough, I may want to watch it again, maybe buy it on video (well, probably buy it on video, but that’s me). But if I watch it again, it will be to appreciate the things I like, not start focusing on the things I don’t.
Which is a long, roundabout way of saying that I liked the first new episode of Doctor Who’s third series, Smith and Jones. It isn’t as plot-heavy as some of my favorites, like The Girl in the Fireplace, but I think it’s important to look at the function of the episode. This is the story that introduces Martha Jones, the Doctor’s new companion. While School Reunion dealt heavily with the idea that the Doctor has had companions before Rose, and that he sometimes has to leave them and move on, for a lot of the audience, Rose was as much a part of the show as the Doctor. (Certainly, this is the case with my friends who have only seen the new show.)
Martha couldn’t just happen to be just any other character in a typical Doctor Who story who ends up traveling with the Doctor. Her first story needed to make the audience absolutely fall in love with her, and to do that, the focus needed to be on her. As an audience, we should be watching her, and paying attention to who she is and what she does, not having to worry about the twisty machinations of a complex plot.
Fortunately, Russell T. Davies gives us exactly what we need: a suspenseful, Die-Hard-in-Space story with big exciting effects and a really cool-looking monster, which never takes the spotlight off Martha. It gives her problems to solve and situations to react to, but doesn’t force the audience to devote attention to trying to remember twists and turns. It’s simple and straightforward without skimping on the emotional content we need to see what a great companion Martha will make.
So it looks like a great start to a new season. A great debut for a new character, and her supporting cast. And next week’s episode, with William Shakespeare and witches looks to be fantastic (and Paul Cornell says it’s pretty much Gareth Roberts bringing the style of his fantastic novels to the screen). So totally looking forward to the next twelve weeks. Just don’t try calling me on a Saturday night!
(And, no, his name isn’t really Doctor Claws. It’s Klaus. But it sounds the same.)
So now I can talk about Doctor Who, even though I’m not a huge fan of discussion about television on the Internet. So much of it seems bitter and negative and mean-spirited. Either people are focused on discussing what they’re not watching, or they’re talking about how they watch something week after week after week, and it never gets any better. Me, if there’s something I don’t like, I don’t watch it. And if I’m not watching something, and am watching something else, I’m more interested in talking about what I am watching.
The thing, I think, about reviews and criticism in general, and amateur net-reviews in particular, is that a lot of entertainment isn’t meant to be picked to pieces in the first place. I’m not saying that’s a license for careless or shoddy production. But if you hold anything up to close enough scrutiny, you will find flaws, particularly if you are predisposed to look for them. And I think that most amateur critics are predisposed to look for them, because pointing out flaws really proves how intellectual you are. (Just look at how fans at Outpost Gallifrey point out how Doctor Who Magazine’s reviews aren’t well-written because they are too positive.)
But despite the rise of TV-on-DVD and so forth, most TV is meant for this level of critical analysis: “That was good, I think I’ll watch it next week, what’s for dinner?” And that’s pretty much where I come from. If I like something enough, I may want to watch it again, maybe buy it on video (well, probably buy it on video, but that’s me). But if I watch it again, it will be to appreciate the things I like, not start focusing on the things I don’t.
Which is a long, roundabout way of saying that I liked the first new episode of Doctor Who’s third series, Smith and Jones. It isn’t as plot-heavy as some of my favorites, like The Girl in the Fireplace, but I think it’s important to look at the function of the episode. This is the story that introduces Martha Jones, the Doctor’s new companion. While School Reunion dealt heavily with the idea that the Doctor has had companions before Rose, and that he sometimes has to leave them and move on, for a lot of the audience, Rose was as much a part of the show as the Doctor. (Certainly, this is the case with my friends who have only seen the new show.)
Martha couldn’t just happen to be just any other character in a typical Doctor Who story who ends up traveling with the Doctor. Her first story needed to make the audience absolutely fall in love with her, and to do that, the focus needed to be on her. As an audience, we should be watching her, and paying attention to who she is and what she does, not having to worry about the twisty machinations of a complex plot.
Fortunately, Russell T. Davies gives us exactly what we need: a suspenseful, Die-Hard-in-Space story with big exciting effects and a really cool-looking monster, which never takes the spotlight off Martha. It gives her problems to solve and situations to react to, but doesn’t force the audience to devote attention to trying to remember twists and turns. It’s simple and straightforward without skimping on the emotional content we need to see what a great companion Martha will make.
So it looks like a great start to a new season. A great debut for a new character, and her supporting cast. And next week’s episode, with William Shakespeare and witches looks to be fantastic (and Paul Cornell says it’s pretty much Gareth Roberts bringing the style of his fantastic novels to the screen). So totally looking forward to the next twelve weeks. Just don’t try calling me on a Saturday night!
Monday, April 02, 2007
Saturday, March 31, 2007
So, today, it was announced that Hill’s Prescription Diet m/d Feline dry food is being recalled because it’s tainted with rat poison or whatever crap was affecting the Menu Foods products that have been in the news. And Penelope’s food is Hill’s Prescription Diet t/d Feline. Which means that this news is about six inches to the left of my worst fucking nightmare. And while they haven’t announced a recall of the t/d variety, I can’t help but notice that it took them a week or so to figure out the m/d variety was tainted. Not wishing to wait around for them to discover that they make the food at the same place (presumably) I’m taking Penelope to the vet tomorrow.
But that’s tomorrow. Tonight, I watched the season premiere of Doctor Who, introducing his new companion, Martha Jones. Has it really only been two years since I sat down in front of the TV to watch Rose for the very first time? I remember being absolutely spellbound. It wasn’t just the flashy new opening title sequence (although seeing the TARDIS flying through the space-time vortex as never before was pretty exciting). No, when the show opened with that flashy, fast-paced montage of Rose in London, accompanied by the almost surf-rock sound of Murray Gold’s music, the whole thing looking nothing like Doctor Who had ever looked before, it was apparent that this childhood favorite that I knew like the back of my hand was a whole new, fresh, exciting, different thing. Something I wouldn’t just be watching as a piece of nostalgia.
And then the Doctor showed up. And it was so immediately apparent that he was the Doctor from my childhood, but also fresh, new, and different. And that was it. I was ten years old again.
So now it’s a new Doctor and a new companion. And it’s still a fantastic show.
But that’s tomorrow. Tonight, I watched the season premiere of Doctor Who, introducing his new companion, Martha Jones. Has it really only been two years since I sat down in front of the TV to watch Rose for the very first time? I remember being absolutely spellbound. It wasn’t just the flashy new opening title sequence (although seeing the TARDIS flying through the space-time vortex as never before was pretty exciting). No, when the show opened with that flashy, fast-paced montage of Rose in London, accompanied by the almost surf-rock sound of Murray Gold’s music, the whole thing looking nothing like Doctor Who had ever looked before, it was apparent that this childhood favorite that I knew like the back of my hand was a whole new, fresh, exciting, different thing. Something I wouldn’t just be watching as a piece of nostalgia.
And then the Doctor showed up. And it was so immediately apparent that he was the Doctor from my childhood, but also fresh, new, and different. And that was it. I was ten years old again.
So now it’s a new Doctor and a new companion. And it’s still a fantastic show.
Upcoming Pixar :: A Pixar Animation Studios Blog :: The Latest Pixar News and more
Upcoming Pixar :: A Pixar Animation Studios Blog :: The Latest Pixar News and more: "Pixar will delve into the area of VFX and live action with Brad Bird creating his first live-action feature length film, from the John Carter of Mars series. Pixar will provide the visual effects for the film with Brad Bird directing and Mark Fergus will co-direct and write the script."
Thursday, March 29, 2007
iTunes Introduces Complete My Album
iTunes Introduces Complete My Album: "Apple today announced Complete My Album, a groundbreaking new iTunes service that allows customers to turn their individual tracks into a complete album at a reduced price by giving them a full 99 cent credit for every track they have previously purchased from that album."
About Gruddamned time...
About Gruddamned time...
Monday, March 26, 2007
MARSHALL ROGERS DIES - NEWSARAMA
MARSHALL ROGERS DIES - NEWSARAMA: "Comics have lost another luminary. Details are still sketchy, but word came earlier today that Marshall Rogers died yesterday or Saturday. The cause of death was not immediately disclosed. "
Very upset at this news. The first actual Batman comic I ever owned was--I discovered years later--Marshall Rogers' first full-length Batman comic.
So, so sad.
Very upset at this news. The first actual Batman comic I ever owned was--I discovered years later--Marshall Rogers' first full-length Batman comic.
So, so sad.
Sunday, March 25, 2007
YouTube - BBC One - Doctor Who - Exclusive Clip Of Episode 1
YouTube - BBC One - Doctor Who - Exclusive Clip Of Episode 1
Now they're just trying to stir up trouble...
Now they're just trying to stir up trouble...
Thursday, March 22, 2007
ICv2 News - IDW to Publish 'Little Orphan Annie'
ICv2 News - IDW to Publish 'Little Orphan Annie': "Dean Mullaney, who is editing the new reprint edition of Milton Caniff's classic Terry & the Pirates comic strip for IDW, has informed ICv2 that his next project with IDW will be a similar reprinting of Harold Gray's Little Orphan Annie."
BBC - Doctor Who - News - Series Four confirmed
BBC - Doctor Who - News - Series Four confirmed: "octor Who will return for a fourth series in 2008, executive producer and lead writer Russell T Davies confirmed last night."
Monday, March 19, 2007
Comic Book Resources - CBR News: NYCC, Day 1: %u201CWhiteout%u201D Returns! Rucka & Lieber Talk
Somehow, I had completely missed this...
Comic Book Resources - CBR News: NYCC, Day 1: Whiteout Returns! Rucka & Lieber Talk: "Since then, little has been heard from Carrie, but that all changes in the fourth quarter of 2007 as Rucka and Lieber reunite for the third chapter of Carrie's story, Whiteout: Thaw, once again from Oni Press. Like the two previous series, Thaw will likely debut as a four issue mini-series (Rucka, Lieber and company are still finalizing their plans) in black and white once again."
Comic Book Resources - CBR News: NYCC, Day 1: Whiteout Returns! Rucka & Lieber Talk: "Since then, little has been heard from Carrie, but that all changes in the fourth quarter of 2007 as Rucka and Lieber reunite for the third chapter of Carrie's story, Whiteout: Thaw, once again from Oni Press. Like the two previous series, Thaw will likely debut as a four issue mini-series (Rucka, Lieber and company are still finalizing their plans) in black and white once again."
Saturday, March 17, 2007
IDW TO COLLECT TERRY AND THE PIRATES - NEWSARAMA
IDW TO COLLECT TERRY AND THE PIRATES - NEWSARAMA: "Celebrating the centennial of Milton Caniff %u2019s birth, IDW Publishing will publish a fully authorized six-book series collecting the entirety of Caniff %u2019s groundbreaking newspaper adventure strip Terry and the Pirates. The Sunday pages will be reproduced in their original color, alongside the daily black-and-white strips."
Okay, now if only somebody would do Barnaby and Little Orphan Annie life would be many more degrees closer to perfect.
Oh, and Alex Raymond's Rip Kirby, which I've become a huge fan of thanks to King Features' Daily Ink.
Okay, now if only somebody would do Barnaby and Little Orphan Annie life would be many more degrees closer to perfect.
Oh, and Alex Raymond's Rip Kirby, which I've become a huge fan of thanks to King Features' Daily Ink.
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