I'm not sure why I find this so funny, but it had me cracking up this morning. Perhaps it's all the cleaning chemicals I've been exposed to recently.
Dr. Eldritch's Tip of The Week:
--------------------------------------------
This Tip of the Week is brought to you by Draekkar the Slaughterer, a 2,304-year-old Warrior-King, and the woman who channels him, Mrs. Edith Mims, of Dorking, Surrey, England: Crush the skulls of all who walk on the Night of Death, lest they be evil lich risen to feed upon your flesh! Wrap a paper tissue around your candy and secure it with an elastic band, add eyes with a felt pen, and it makes a "ghostly" Halloween treat the neighbor children will love!
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Halloween Fun
Today is officially the longest Tuesday that has ever existed. HOW CAN IT NOT BE 4 YET?!
Foregoing that, here's the results of a BBC contest for Mysterious Memorials.
It's like a British ghost walk tour from the comfort of your PC.
Foregoing that, here's the results of a BBC contest for Mysterious Memorials.
It's like a British ghost walk tour from the comfort of your PC.
Heroes-Now with more ambiguity
We were deep cleaning our house until 11 last night, and then we camped out on my air mattress in the living room to watch Heroes on DFL's little personal tv. Yes, I stayed up til midnight, just so I could bring ya'll my Heroes review.
That's just the kind of dedicated blogger I am.
This episode was Parkman-free. Yeah!
Molly is still asleep.
PAY-tuh makes it to Montreal, and learns that once again the world is in peril. Instead of saving the cheerleader, this time he has to bring down The Company.
Last season had better catch phrases.
HRG and The Haitian reminded us why they were the best villains last season. The interrogation of the Russian was very La Femme Nikita-esque.
They find the rest of the paintings, but none of them are very helpful. HRG wonders "but what does it mean?"
I'm right there with ya pal.
Hiro has broken the space-time continuum. I have no idea where the writers are going with this. Will it give rise to an entire alternate history, and that's why NY is destroyed? Or will Hiro re-go back into time to inform his self to ditch the girl?
Who knows.
Mohinder takes a stand, and now Nikki is babysitting him. Or possibly Jessica. I think it's Nikki pretending to be Jessica. Or perhaps it's Jessica who's assimilated Nikki.
Gah! It's enough to give a girl a headache.
Copycat has an ipod and a one-woman mission to clean up New Orleans. That storyline would actually make for a really good comic. I'm glad she still has her powers. She's one of my favorite characters.
Sylar's still creepy. Maya is still dumb as a post. She's moved from "I killed them by accident so it's okay" to "I killed them because they were in my way, and that's okay."
I fear for the workers in the inevitable construction that will slow their road trip East.
Future Maya dialogue:
"They didn't turn the Stop sign to Slow fast enough. They had to die!!"
"What do you mean the canyon is closed?"
"Last rest stop for 100 miles? DIE!!!"
That's just the kind of dedicated blogger I am.
This episode was Parkman-free. Yeah!
Molly is still asleep.
PAY-tuh makes it to Montreal, and learns that once again the world is in peril. Instead of saving the cheerleader, this time he has to bring down The Company.
Last season had better catch phrases.
HRG and The Haitian reminded us why they were the best villains last season. The interrogation of the Russian was very La Femme Nikita-esque.
They find the rest of the paintings, but none of them are very helpful. HRG wonders "but what does it mean?"
I'm right there with ya pal.
Hiro has broken the space-time continuum. I have no idea where the writers are going with this. Will it give rise to an entire alternate history, and that's why NY is destroyed? Or will Hiro re-go back into time to inform his self to ditch the girl?
Who knows.
Mohinder takes a stand, and now Nikki is babysitting him. Or possibly Jessica. I think it's Nikki pretending to be Jessica. Or perhaps it's Jessica who's assimilated Nikki.
Gah! It's enough to give a girl a headache.
Copycat has an ipod and a one-woman mission to clean up New Orleans. That storyline would actually make for a really good comic. I'm glad she still has her powers. She's one of my favorite characters.
Sylar's still creepy. Maya is still dumb as a post. She's moved from "I killed them by accident so it's okay" to "I killed them because they were in my way, and that's okay."
I fear for the workers in the inevitable construction that will slow their road trip East.
Future Maya dialogue:
"They didn't turn the Stop sign to Slow fast enough. They had to die!!"
"What do you mean the canyon is closed?"
"Last rest stop for 100 miles? DIE!!!"
Monday, October 29, 2007
Go Joe!!
I loved watching GI Joe as a kid. Joe, He-Man, and Thundercats were some of my Saturday morning favorites.
Today there's a really great article about the origins of GI Joe, who was based on a real WWII Marine.
It's an amazing story.
Today there's a really great article about the origins of GI Joe, who was based on a real WWII Marine.
It's an amazing story.
AAHHHH!!!
Today I received a life altering phone call.
Later this week, I should receive the life altering confirmation letter that will signal my change from office ninja to mad scientist.
I can't wait. I intend to fully flip out with excitement.
Later this week, I should receive the life altering confirmation letter that will signal my change from office ninja to mad scientist.
I can't wait. I intend to fully flip out with excitement.
Monday AMV
Now with videos!!
Here is an AMV about Kakashi, Naruto's teacher. He's pretty cool, especially considering the most you see of him is his one eye.
And just because we have been without for so long, here's an awesome fan made trailer for the Sasuke retrieval arc of Naruto.
Very cool.
Here is an AMV about Kakashi, Naruto's teacher. He's pretty cool, especially considering the most you see of him is his one eye.
And just because we have been without for so long, here's an awesome fan made trailer for the Sasuke retrieval arc of Naruto.
Very cool.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Friday Fun-- Sans Video Again
Sigh...my list of possible Youtube funnies grows ever longer. Someday, I'll be able to watch them.
But until then, here's an awesome recipe for Salted water for boiling.
Be sure to check out the reviews.
I haven't read all 776 of them, but the ones I've read so far have been hilarious.
Found via Metafilter.
UPDATE: I can't help myself, here are some of the awesome reviews:
From a new cook:
mbarnstein from the reisterstown valley I am unsure what type of salt to use. Sea. kosher or another that i am unware of? Also, pictures , diagrams and maybe even a video could be useful in making this easier to understand..
Not all reviews are positive:
Cook from boston, ma after a few spoonfuls, my whole family agreed that we had had enough, and we ended up tossing the rest. what a waste of perfectly good water and salt.
But people try to help:
A Cook from Philadelphia, PA Boston, Did you boil the water? It really helps bring out the flavor of the salt.
A Helpful Hint on prep:
kmennie from Ottawa A solid four-forker. Finally, a vegetarian entrée the omnivores love as well. NB: A mise en place really helps speed up the prep work.
HA HA HA!!
ciacontra from Evian, France Like any recipe, this one is only as good as the ingredients you use. To make my SALTED WATER FOR BOILING I collected the individual snowflakes as they fell fresh from the winter sky. As I was concerned that the output from the local smelting plant might taint my water's purity, I was forced to go miles away from town, high into the mountains. The fact that it was July did not make it any easier, as I could only collect a a pint or so a day. By Fall, however, I had enough to get started on this delicious dish! Fortunately, as I daily trekked through the forest and into the mountains I collected the sweat from my brow. Upon my return each day I wrung my towel into a bottle, collecting the precious salty drops. I treat my body as a temple, so I figured my sweat would be holy. By the the time the leaves started to turn, I knew it was time to begin to extract the precious salt. I boiled it for hours and hours until I had several tablespoons of my holy salt. One of my neighbors banged on the door, shouting that I'd made the entire apartment building smell like feet, but I ignored them. They just didn't understand. I bottled my precious snow water and holy salt in champagne bottles and vacuum packs, respectively, and aged them in my wine seller for several years. How many, I am not sure, my landlord committed me after the foot-smell incident and they kept me heavily sedated. However, I tricked them and soon was back on my path to SALTED WATER FOR BOILING. At Christmas, I had over two dozen people over. Though they offered to bring side dishes and wine, I told them no thanks. I had a special treat in store. When I served the glorious culmination of all my efforts, I was shocked. They all left. They just didn't understand SALTED WATER FOR BOILING like I do...
So Practical:
KitsaWhiska from I'mnotkidding.SaltLakeCity I tried making a huge batch of this and freezing some for later. It not only freezes well, but can be reheated and taken to work for lunches when I'm too busy to make it fresh. I'll definitely make this for the next wedding shower I'm in charge of. If only I could buy this at fast-food restaurants. Goes well with Cheese.
Even celebrities like it:
Eyreka from Valencia, CA As Nicole Richie's chef, I prepare this on an almost daily basis and she can't get enough of it! She likes to pair it with a bottle of 1999 Valium, but I think a 2000 Percocet would go just as well.
Make it for the folks:
A Cook from Arizona I have searched every website on the net for the perfect recipe to prepare for my MOTHER-IN-LAW… and thanks to you, Epicurious, I have finally found it! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am planning on doubling the amount of salt in the recipe.. does anyone know if this will work?
I hate seaweed too:
penguinjo1 from Pac NW OH MAN! I wish I had found this years ago! All this time I had been treking to the beach to get my salt water! I'm so glad I can make it at home now! Sea weed might be healthy for you but man does it get stuck in my teeth!
Here's one for Halloween:
A Cook from Rosemary's Baby This worked quite well for an exorcism we held last night, though I found I needed a double batch to really get out the demons.
One for the Hipsters:
jtfortin from Milwaukee, WI I read somewhere that Thomas Keller, Jean-Jorges Vongerichten, Daniel Boulud, and Mario Batali all have used this recipe at their restaurants with great success so I decided to offer it too. I decided on deconstructed salted water on my menu. On a plate I provide a small tea pot of water, a few tablespoons of kosher salt, and a sterno can. It is up to the customer to create their own "salted water" experience.
Ewww:
madameblue from Redmond, OR I was out of salt, so instead I siphoned four gallons from my salt-water fish tank. Not only did this save a step, but I found that the Moray eel bouquet added some interest. If you try this, be sure to test the salinity of your tank first.
Snarky:
A Cook This was just awful. I followed the directions exactly, but just ruined my stove. I went to MarthaStewart.com and HER recipe said to first put the water in a pot. It just goes to show where cutting corners will get you.
This was just too poetic to pass up:
from woods hole, MA This heavenly recipe, ambrosia from above, rejuvenates the senses, especially in one who ails from an apoplexy of the spirit.... add a dash of oyster sauce, and you'll feel like you're in the briny blue sea....
But until then, here's an awesome recipe for Salted water for boiling.
Be sure to check out the reviews.
I haven't read all 776 of them, but the ones I've read so far have been hilarious.
Found via Metafilter.
UPDATE: I can't help myself, here are some of the awesome reviews:
From a new cook:
mbarnstein from the reisterstown valley I am unsure what type of salt to use. Sea. kosher or another that i am unware of? Also, pictures , diagrams and maybe even a video could be useful in making this easier to understand..
Not all reviews are positive:
Cook from boston, ma after a few spoonfuls, my whole family agreed that we had had enough, and we ended up tossing the rest. what a waste of perfectly good water and salt.
But people try to help:
A Cook from Philadelphia, PA Boston, Did you boil the water? It really helps bring out the flavor of the salt.
A Helpful Hint on prep:
kmennie from Ottawa A solid four-forker. Finally, a vegetarian entrée the omnivores love as well. NB: A mise en place really helps speed up the prep work.
HA HA HA!!
ciacontra from Evian, France Like any recipe, this one is only as good as the ingredients you use. To make my SALTED WATER FOR BOILING I collected the individual snowflakes as they fell fresh from the winter sky. As I was concerned that the output from the local smelting plant might taint my water's purity, I was forced to go miles away from town, high into the mountains. The fact that it was July did not make it any easier, as I could only collect a a pint or so a day. By Fall, however, I had enough to get started on this delicious dish! Fortunately, as I daily trekked through the forest and into the mountains I collected the sweat from my brow. Upon my return each day I wrung my towel into a bottle, collecting the precious salty drops. I treat my body as a temple, so I figured my sweat would be holy. By the the time the leaves started to turn, I knew it was time to begin to extract the precious salt. I boiled it for hours and hours until I had several tablespoons of my holy salt. One of my neighbors banged on the door, shouting that I'd made the entire apartment building smell like feet, but I ignored them. They just didn't understand. I bottled my precious snow water and holy salt in champagne bottles and vacuum packs, respectively, and aged them in my wine seller for several years. How many, I am not sure, my landlord committed me after the foot-smell incident and they kept me heavily sedated. However, I tricked them and soon was back on my path to SALTED WATER FOR BOILING. At Christmas, I had over two dozen people over. Though they offered to bring side dishes and wine, I told them no thanks. I had a special treat in store. When I served the glorious culmination of all my efforts, I was shocked. They all left. They just didn't understand SALTED WATER FOR BOILING like I do...
So Practical:
KitsaWhiska from I'mnotkidding.SaltLakeCity I tried making a huge batch of this and freezing some for later. It not only freezes well, but can be reheated and taken to work for lunches when I'm too busy to make it fresh. I'll definitely make this for the next wedding shower I'm in charge of. If only I could buy this at fast-food restaurants. Goes well with Cheese.
Even celebrities like it:
Eyreka from Valencia, CA As Nicole Richie's chef, I prepare this on an almost daily basis and she can't get enough of it! She likes to pair it with a bottle of 1999 Valium, but I think a 2000 Percocet would go just as well.
Make it for the folks:
A Cook from Arizona I have searched every website on the net for the perfect recipe to prepare for my MOTHER-IN-LAW… and thanks to you, Epicurious, I have finally found it! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I am planning on doubling the amount of salt in the recipe.. does anyone know if this will work?
I hate seaweed too:
penguinjo1 from Pac NW OH MAN! I wish I had found this years ago! All this time I had been treking to the beach to get my salt water! I'm so glad I can make it at home now! Sea weed might be healthy for you but man does it get stuck in my teeth!
Here's one for Halloween:
A Cook from Rosemary's Baby This worked quite well for an exorcism we held last night, though I found I needed a double batch to really get out the demons.
One for the Hipsters:
jtfortin from Milwaukee, WI I read somewhere that Thomas Keller, Jean-Jorges Vongerichten, Daniel Boulud, and Mario Batali all have used this recipe at their restaurants with great success so I decided to offer it too. I decided on deconstructed salted water on my menu. On a plate I provide a small tea pot of water, a few tablespoons of kosher salt, and a sterno can. It is up to the customer to create their own "salted water" experience.
Ewww:
madameblue from Redmond, OR I was out of salt, so instead I siphoned four gallons from my salt-water fish tank. Not only did this save a step, but I found that the Moray eel bouquet added some interest. If you try this, be sure to test the salinity of your tank first.
Snarky:
A Cook This was just awful. I followed the directions exactly, but just ruined my stove. I went to MarthaStewart.com and HER recipe said to first put the water in a pot. It just goes to show where cutting corners will get you.
This was just too poetic to pass up:
from woods hole, MA This heavenly recipe, ambrosia from above, rejuvenates the senses, especially in one who ails from an apoplexy of the spirit.... add a dash of oyster sauce, and you'll feel like you're in the briny blue sea....
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Dinner and a Show
Last night we wanted to meet up for dinner and a show for DFL's birthday. Unfortunately, DFL was sick, so she just went to the show.
BSA and I still met up for dinner though, and we went to Les Halles, a French restaurant on Penn Ave. Les Halles is Anthony Bourdain's restaurant, for those of you who may watch his show on the food network, and Les Halles also hosts the waiter race on Bastille Day.
I got oven roasted chicken breast stuff with goat cheese. It was very good. I've become quite fond of goat cheese. I love it's creamy texture and rich flavor. It also came with mashed potatoes, gravy, and spinach. BSA gave me a hard time about not finishing the Spinach, but come on....it's spinach. Even buttery-garlic sauce can't change that. If fact, the only Spinach dish I've ever finished is Rasika's Palak Chaat, which is melt-in-your mouth amazing.
Afterwords, we went and saw a musical called "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" It was hilarious. Definitely PG-13, but sooo funny. The theater was decorated to look like a school gymnasium, complete with athletic honor flags celebrating "Putnam Piranhas Caber Toss" or "State Champions, Putnam Piranha Luge"
It's playing at the National Theater, whose interior is painted a shade of Turquoise normally only seen on beach houses. This caused one of the actors to ask "Have you ever seen a gymnasium that looked like the inside of a Tiffany's box?"
They also bring up audience members to play some of the kids participating in the bee. The moderators ad libbed wonderfully, coming up with "interesting facts" about the audience members. Like the guy with a full beard, "Tony is the first boy in his class to grow facial hair!" The audience members got easy words like "Mexican" and "Cow" until it was time for them to get disqualified, and then they'd get some extremely difficult word.
The last audience guy up, got his word, which was some ancient goat herding term, and totally nailed it! There was this pause while the actors looked at each other, and then everyone in the audience started cheering. They found another, even harder word for him, but it was still awesome.
My favorite parts were the sentences. Whenever the kids would ask "could you use it in a sentence?" the Vice Principal would come up with these awesome, implausible sentences that were no help whatsoever. Those were the best jokes.
My other favorite part, although it was a little sacrilegious, was when one of the girls starts praying during her turn at the mic, and Jesus shows up to answer.
The songs weren't really memorable. I have no inclination to go buy the soundtrack, but it was a very entertaining show. Definitely worth checking out.
BSA and I still met up for dinner though, and we went to Les Halles, a French restaurant on Penn Ave. Les Halles is Anthony Bourdain's restaurant, for those of you who may watch his show on the food network, and Les Halles also hosts the waiter race on Bastille Day.
I got oven roasted chicken breast stuff with goat cheese. It was very good. I've become quite fond of goat cheese. I love it's creamy texture and rich flavor. It also came with mashed potatoes, gravy, and spinach. BSA gave me a hard time about not finishing the Spinach, but come on....it's spinach. Even buttery-garlic sauce can't change that. If fact, the only Spinach dish I've ever finished is Rasika's Palak Chaat, which is melt-in-your mouth amazing.
Afterwords, we went and saw a musical called "The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" It was hilarious. Definitely PG-13, but sooo funny. The theater was decorated to look like a school gymnasium, complete with athletic honor flags celebrating "Putnam Piranhas Caber Toss" or "State Champions, Putnam Piranha Luge"
It's playing at the National Theater, whose interior is painted a shade of Turquoise normally only seen on beach houses. This caused one of the actors to ask "Have you ever seen a gymnasium that looked like the inside of a Tiffany's box?"
They also bring up audience members to play some of the kids participating in the bee. The moderators ad libbed wonderfully, coming up with "interesting facts" about the audience members. Like the guy with a full beard, "Tony is the first boy in his class to grow facial hair!" The audience members got easy words like "Mexican" and "Cow" until it was time for them to get disqualified, and then they'd get some extremely difficult word.
The last audience guy up, got his word, which was some ancient goat herding term, and totally nailed it! There was this pause while the actors looked at each other, and then everyone in the audience started cheering. They found another, even harder word for him, but it was still awesome.
My favorite parts were the sentences. Whenever the kids would ask "could you use it in a sentence?" the Vice Principal would come up with these awesome, implausible sentences that were no help whatsoever. Those were the best jokes.
My other favorite part, although it was a little sacrilegious, was when one of the girls starts praying during her turn at the mic, and Jesus shows up to answer.
The songs weren't really memorable. I have no inclination to go buy the soundtrack, but it was a very entertaining show. Definitely worth checking out.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Heroes-Now with Veronica Mars!
Well, now we know where Peter got his lightening powers from.
So our favorite teenage detective is still detecting, can shoot lightening from her hands, and is just the teensiest bit evil, in a fry patronizing Irish-men kind of way.
She's also still working for her dad.
No not that guy. Lightening powers. Evil. Bizarre cargo container plots? Obviously her Daddy is this guy.
The Diabolical Doctor Doom!! And Doom will not be stopped by a mere Irishman.
As the offspring of Doom, only the Fantastic Four will be able to stop her!
Let's see, we have the crazy "Invisible Woman" invisible guy, Claire's dead-beat "Human Torch" mother..er but no stretchy guy and no Thing... so I guess it's up to Peter. Or he could just run away to Canada.
I predict French in next week's episode.
Man, good thing Doom called her off.
Okay, let's round up this sucker:
Boring Psychic Cop Guy is an idiot. I realize this is hardly new, but it bears repeating.
Mohinder took Molly the sleeping Moppet to the Company, even though MEG and I both told him this was a bad idea.
Jessica is trying to kill Nikki!! Nikki is unhappy about this turn of events and nearly escapes. She would've gotten away with it too, if it hadn't been for Mohinder and his little taser.
Thanks a lot Mohinder.
Cool tv girl now has a comic book and her hero name: Copy Cat!! Although, just as she's getting cool, Mohinder shows up to disappear her for Company medical research.
Thanks a lot Mohinder. Jerk.
Turns out Sauron is more like George Costanza from Seinfeld. So now I will refer to him as Evil George. We also learn where Parkman (Boring Cop Guy) gets his winning personality and manly physique.
But he can trap people in their nightmares, which is pretty cool.
Next week: Hiro takes on an army!
Honestly, that's all I can remember from this episode. What parts did you guys like?
So our favorite teenage detective is still detecting, can shoot lightening from her hands, and is just the teensiest bit evil, in a fry patronizing Irish-men kind of way.
She's also still working for her dad.
No not that guy. Lightening powers. Evil. Bizarre cargo container plots? Obviously her Daddy is this guy.
The Diabolical Doctor Doom!! And Doom will not be stopped by a mere Irishman.
As the offspring of Doom, only the Fantastic Four will be able to stop her!
Let's see, we have the crazy "Invisible Woman" invisible guy, Claire's dead-beat "Human Torch" mother..er but no stretchy guy and no Thing... so I guess it's up to Peter. Or he could just run away to Canada.
I predict French in next week's episode.
Man, good thing Doom called her off.
Okay, let's round up this sucker:
Boring Psychic Cop Guy is an idiot. I realize this is hardly new, but it bears repeating.
Mohinder took Molly the sleeping Moppet to the Company, even though MEG and I both told him this was a bad idea.
Jessica is trying to kill Nikki!! Nikki is unhappy about this turn of events and nearly escapes. She would've gotten away with it too, if it hadn't been for Mohinder and his little taser.
Thanks a lot Mohinder.
Cool tv girl now has a comic book and her hero name: Copy Cat!! Although, just as she's getting cool, Mohinder shows up to disappear her for Company medical research.
Thanks a lot Mohinder. Jerk.
Turns out Sauron is more like George Costanza from Seinfeld. So now I will refer to him as Evil George. We also learn where Parkman (Boring Cop Guy) gets his winning personality and manly physique.
But he can trap people in their nightmares, which is pretty cool.
Next week: Hiro takes on an army!
Honestly, that's all I can remember from this episode. What parts did you guys like?
Monday, October 22, 2007
Movie Reviews
Elizabeth:
I liked this movie, but I don't think everyone will. They didn't take as many liberties with history as they did in the first Cate Blanchett Elizabeth movie (Title: Elizabeth) which was nice, because I managed to resist the temptation to point out all the factual errors.
I'm sure the people with me appreciated it.
It was a very pretty movie. It was like the director thought to himself, "You know. Everyone already knows how the story ends (spoiler: Spain loses) but I have Cate Blanchett, and I have all these amazing costumes, so why not just make everything gorgeous."
Some of my favorite scenes: Elizabeth in a beautiful green dress positioning military units on an enormous map; Elizabeth in armor, delivering the historic speech modern screenwriters would have preferred her to give instead of her actual historic speech; and the Spanish Armada putting out to sea.
For some of the more squeamish among you: there is a scene of a guy getting his tongue cut out, some unpleasant torture scenes and one booty shot.
There's this whole romance sub-plot with Sir Walter Raleigh, because you simply can't make an Elizabeth docu-drama unless she's bravely pining for someone she can't have. It's like a Hollywood law or something.
The part that struck me, just because it was so accurate but not in the way the plot intends, is when Elizabeth discovers that one of her handmaidens has married without her consent and completely flips out.
That happened a couple of times during her reign. That was the one scene where I thought, "Here's the Elizabeth I've read and studied about. This is Henry VIII's daughter."
I also saw Dave in Real Life. Which was very cute. A great family movie that is all about relationships and love and values and all that warm and fuzzy stuff.
I just know more about Elizabeth than being a widower/advice columnist with three girls looking for love in middle age, so I can't really go into as much detail here.
It was pretty dang hilarious though.
I liked this movie, but I don't think everyone will. They didn't take as many liberties with history as they did in the first Cate Blanchett Elizabeth movie (Title: Elizabeth) which was nice, because I managed to resist the temptation to point out all the factual errors.
I'm sure the people with me appreciated it.
It was a very pretty movie. It was like the director thought to himself, "You know. Everyone already knows how the story ends (spoiler: Spain loses) but I have Cate Blanchett, and I have all these amazing costumes, so why not just make everything gorgeous."
Some of my favorite scenes: Elizabeth in a beautiful green dress positioning military units on an enormous map; Elizabeth in armor, delivering the historic speech modern screenwriters would have preferred her to give instead of her actual historic speech; and the Spanish Armada putting out to sea.
For some of the more squeamish among you: there is a scene of a guy getting his tongue cut out, some unpleasant torture scenes and one booty shot.
There's this whole romance sub-plot with Sir Walter Raleigh, because you simply can't make an Elizabeth docu-drama unless she's bravely pining for someone she can't have. It's like a Hollywood law or something.
The part that struck me, just because it was so accurate but not in the way the plot intends, is when Elizabeth discovers that one of her handmaidens has married without her consent and completely flips out.
That happened a couple of times during her reign. That was the one scene where I thought, "Here's the Elizabeth I've read and studied about. This is Henry VIII's daughter."
I also saw Dave in Real Life. Which was very cute. A great family movie that is all about relationships and love and values and all that warm and fuzzy stuff.
I just know more about Elizabeth than being a widower/advice columnist with three girls looking for love in middle age, so I can't really go into as much detail here.
It was pretty dang hilarious though.
How Adorable Are These?
Vampire Cupcakes.
Here's the recipe.
How fun! I'm a huge vampire fan. The reason I dislike the Twighlight books is because of the human main character.
Edward's cool.
Here's the recipe.
How fun! I'm a huge vampire fan. The reason I dislike the Twighlight books is because of the human main character.
Edward's cool.
Monday-Feeling the Pain
Grr, once again I am lacking in videos. My nice blogging routine is going to be messed up pretty much from now until December.
Saturday I spent most of the day packing. I discovered the Secret Boxelder Bug Graveyard behind my bookcase (gross) and tossed out two bags of trash. That's the one good thing about moving, it forces me to re-evaluate my hording choices.
I need a few more boxes, for clothes and what not, then we'll move our stuff into storage this coming Saturday. Then we'll be crashing with a friend for three weeks unitl the townhouse is available.
Best. People. Ever.
And just to make it the best Monday ever, after a weekend of packing and hauling boxes, I went to the dentist this morning. I also have a Krav Maga class this afternoon, and I'm sure the mouth guard will feel simply lovely.
I really need to work on my scheduling choices.
Let's see, this weekend I saw Elizabeth and Dave in Real Life, so I'll have reviews a little later. Right now I have to think of something soft I can gum down for lunch.
Wednesday I'm going to see a musical called "The Spelling Bee." I know nothing about it, but it's a musical about spelling. So I'm sure it will be awesome.
Saturday I spent most of the day packing. I discovered the Secret Boxelder Bug Graveyard behind my bookcase (gross) and tossed out two bags of trash. That's the one good thing about moving, it forces me to re-evaluate my hording choices.
I need a few more boxes, for clothes and what not, then we'll move our stuff into storage this coming Saturday. Then we'll be crashing with a friend for three weeks unitl the townhouse is available.
Best. People. Ever.
And just to make it the best Monday ever, after a weekend of packing and hauling boxes, I went to the dentist this morning. I also have a Krav Maga class this afternoon, and I'm sure the mouth guard will feel simply lovely.
I really need to work on my scheduling choices.
Let's see, this weekend I saw Elizabeth and Dave in Real Life, so I'll have reviews a little later. Right now I have to think of something soft I can gum down for lunch.
Wednesday I'm going to see a musical called "The Spelling Bee." I know nothing about it, but it's a musical about spelling. So I'm sure it will be awesome.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Friday Fascinating
Unfortunately, I still can't get videos to work at home. We're calling Cox, but it limits my ability to comb the Internet for weird stuff.
However, I have found a fascinating article at Newsarama about June Foray, the voice artist for Witch Hazel from Looney Tunes and Rocky the Squirrel.
Bugs Bunny: Aren't you ashamed of yourself, roastin' children!
Witch Hazel: Call it a weakness.
Witch Hazel is one of my all time favorite Looney Tune characters, and her voice actress is an amazing lady.
Take some time and read the article here.
However, I have found a fascinating article at Newsarama about June Foray, the voice artist for Witch Hazel from Looney Tunes and Rocky the Squirrel.
Bugs Bunny: Aren't you ashamed of yourself, roastin' children!
Witch Hazel: Call it a weakness.
Witch Hazel is one of my all time favorite Looney Tune characters, and her voice actress is an amazing lady.
Take some time and read the article here.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Oh Man...
Some crazy man has taken over a bus (empty) and is in a standoff with SWAT on Rte. 1.
They've closed the roads in both directions. It's going to make the evening commute a living nightmare.
I'm sure it's a bad sign that my first reaction to this kind of news is to think of what it's going to do to traffic, but man, I don't want to spend hours trying to get home tonight.
Honestly, I was watching Heroes, and when Flyboy took Claire to the Hollywood sign, I thought "That's awesome. He doesn't have to worry about traffic."
They've closed the roads in both directions. It's going to make the evening commute a living nightmare.
I'm sure it's a bad sign that my first reaction to this kind of news is to think of what it's going to do to traffic, but man, I don't want to spend hours trying to get home tonight.
Honestly, I was watching Heroes, and when Flyboy took Claire to the Hollywood sign, I thought "That's awesome. He doesn't have to worry about traffic."
Dr. Eldritch Horoscopes!
They were particularly funny this week, especially if DFL starts singing to ATMs. I get to experience boring visions, while Leo and Aquarius are just funny.
Dr. Eldritch's Tip of The Week:
--------------------------------------------
Careful what you sign! Many Signature Gatherers for petitions or ballot measures actually present you with an agreement to hand over your Soul. Read carefully!
The Dr. Eldritch HOROSCOPE OF MYSTERY!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your astrological forecast for October 17 – 23rd, 2007 is as follows:
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 - Jan 19): Bring in the Stunt Double! Your Mercury (the Perky Planet) is at a low ebb, so take your personal-replica android from the closet, dust it off and send it out to be you for a while. You'll be all the happier for it, and may be at home for a mysterious phone call! Expect deception from an Aries.
AQUARIUS (Jan 20 - Feb 18): Lawsuits from Beyond the Grave! What do you know of your ancestors? You may be asked to settle a 600-year-old legal battle. Consult a lawyer skilled in 15th-Century Law, and you may come out on top. If you don't, you could lose half your sheep or maybe a bunch of fardels. A Gemini gives a gift!
PISCES (Feb 19 - Mar 20): Eureka! Saturn's pull is particularly strong for you, which may cause you to wake up from an odd dream and find that you've brought a device back with you from the Dream State. A Be-Smart Ray? Teleportation device? Or maybe the Ultimate Karaoke Machine! Wouldn't that be great? Surprising kindness from a Capricorn!
ARIES (Mar 21 - Apr 19): Beware the Trickster! Do you know the Brazilian Diplomat Scam? Well, you may become all too familiar with it. The stars aren't clear whether you'll be victim or accomplice, but signs indicate that you'll be the one stuck with a truckload of fake mustaches. Socialize with an Aquarius now.
TAURUS (Apr 20 - May 20): Visions! An interesting confluence puts you in touch with the Moon's oracular powers. When you meet people, you may see a vision of what they'll be doing exactly one week in the Future! You'll learn that most people's lives are very, very repetitious. Pity, that. Put trust in a Pisces.
GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Oh, Bad Luck! Your Most Embarrassing Habit that you don't want anyone to know about may be displayed on the evening news. Hopefully they won't also show that thing you do at work when you think nobody's looking. Charming a Scorpio helps!
CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Spring Romance! How sweet! Have you been looking for your One True Love? The fudge topping to your ice cream? A pairing of Kindred Souls may be in your future, but your soulmate may not be exactly, um, human. Keep an open mind! Not all romances with the Faerie Folk are doomed. A Taurus helps keep you safe.
LEO (July 23 - Aug 22): What's the opposite of March Madness? This will be the Doldrums of the Supernatural for you. Just nothing going on. Zero. Zip. Nada. So if you think you see ghosts, pixies, monsters, or mythical creatures, it's merely your imagination. Expect white lies from an Aries.
VIRGO (Aug 23 - Sept 22): Not just for Daylight! Have you ever thought about building a Time Saving device where wasted minutes and seconds can be gathered up to be used later, like to give yourself several extra hours before a deadline? Well, perhaps you should. You'll meet an interesting Leo!
LIBRA (Sept 23 - Oct 22): This is a good week to participate in the Neighborhood Watch program, because your neighbors are going to be doing some intriguing things! Of course, you may learn secrets you'd rather not know about. And keep your curtains closed, in case others who read this horoscope who might watch you! Give a Scorpio a tasty snack.
SCORPIO (Oct 23 - Nov 21): Do you frequently use a particular ATM? The one you visit most often may decide it doesn't like you, leading to problems with your financial transactions. Make up a happy song and sing it to your ATM to appease it. Pay no attention to the people in line behind you. Does a Virgo catch your eye?
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 - Dec 21): Great News! Neptune leaves the sign of the Tired Monkey, and enters the constellation of the Oddly-Shaped Rock! Your recent study of ancient Mayan astrology should tell you exactly what to do now to reap great rewards! (Please disregard this notice if you haven't been studying ancient Mayan astrology.) The Jaguar King blesses your next move! Finally, straight talk from an Aquarius.
Dr. Eldritch's Tip of The Week:
--------------------------------------------
Careful what you sign! Many Signature Gatherers for petitions or ballot measures actually present you with an agreement to hand over your Soul. Read carefully!
The Dr. Eldritch HOROSCOPE OF MYSTERY!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Your astrological forecast for October 17 – 23rd, 2007 is as follows:
CAPRICORN (Dec 22 - Jan 19): Bring in the Stunt Double! Your Mercury (the Perky Planet) is at a low ebb, so take your personal-replica android from the closet, dust it off and send it out to be you for a while. You'll be all the happier for it, and may be at home for a mysterious phone call! Expect deception from an Aries.
AQUARIUS (Jan 20 - Feb 18): Lawsuits from Beyond the Grave! What do you know of your ancestors? You may be asked to settle a 600-year-old legal battle. Consult a lawyer skilled in 15th-Century Law, and you may come out on top. If you don't, you could lose half your sheep or maybe a bunch of fardels. A Gemini gives a gift!
PISCES (Feb 19 - Mar 20): Eureka! Saturn's pull is particularly strong for you, which may cause you to wake up from an odd dream and find that you've brought a device back with you from the Dream State. A Be-Smart Ray? Teleportation device? Or maybe the Ultimate Karaoke Machine! Wouldn't that be great? Surprising kindness from a Capricorn!
ARIES (Mar 21 - Apr 19): Beware the Trickster! Do you know the Brazilian Diplomat Scam? Well, you may become all too familiar with it. The stars aren't clear whether you'll be victim or accomplice, but signs indicate that you'll be the one stuck with a truckload of fake mustaches. Socialize with an Aquarius now.
TAURUS (Apr 20 - May 20): Visions! An interesting confluence puts you in touch with the Moon's oracular powers. When you meet people, you may see a vision of what they'll be doing exactly one week in the Future! You'll learn that most people's lives are very, very repetitious. Pity, that. Put trust in a Pisces.
GEMINI (May 21 - June 20): Oh, Bad Luck! Your Most Embarrassing Habit that you don't want anyone to know about may be displayed on the evening news. Hopefully they won't also show that thing you do at work when you think nobody's looking. Charming a Scorpio helps!
CANCER (June 21 - July 22): Spring Romance! How sweet! Have you been looking for your One True Love? The fudge topping to your ice cream? A pairing of Kindred Souls may be in your future, but your soulmate may not be exactly, um, human. Keep an open mind! Not all romances with the Faerie Folk are doomed. A Taurus helps keep you safe.
LEO (July 23 - Aug 22): What's the opposite of March Madness? This will be the Doldrums of the Supernatural for you. Just nothing going on. Zero. Zip. Nada. So if you think you see ghosts, pixies, monsters, or mythical creatures, it's merely your imagination. Expect white lies from an Aries.
VIRGO (Aug 23 - Sept 22): Not just for Daylight! Have you ever thought about building a Time Saving device where wasted minutes and seconds can be gathered up to be used later, like to give yourself several extra hours before a deadline? Well, perhaps you should. You'll meet an interesting Leo!
LIBRA (Sept 23 - Oct 22): This is a good week to participate in the Neighborhood Watch program, because your neighbors are going to be doing some intriguing things! Of course, you may learn secrets you'd rather not know about. And keep your curtains closed, in case others who read this horoscope who might watch you! Give a Scorpio a tasty snack.
SCORPIO (Oct 23 - Nov 21): Do you frequently use a particular ATM? The one you visit most often may decide it doesn't like you, leading to problems with your financial transactions. Make up a happy song and sing it to your ATM to appease it. Pay no attention to the people in line behind you. Does a Virgo catch your eye?
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 - Dec 21): Great News! Neptune leaves the sign of the Tired Monkey, and enters the constellation of the Oddly-Shaped Rock! Your recent study of ancient Mayan astrology should tell you exactly what to do now to reap great rewards! (Please disregard this notice if you haven't been studying ancient Mayan astrology.) The Jaguar King blesses your next move! Finally, straight talk from an Aquarius.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Today is World Bread Day
Who knew? I feel like I should, once again, attempt to make a decent loaf of bread. (My sister says the secret is to buy a bread maker)
Unfortunately, we're house hunting again tonight, so I won't have time for kitchen adventures.
Maybe I could make cookies. Do cookies count as bread? They use flour, so I say "Close enough!"
On a completely unrelated note, check out these awesome chocolate chili death heads.
Found via Tastespotting
Unfortunately, we're house hunting again tonight, so I won't have time for kitchen adventures.
Maybe I could make cookies. Do cookies count as bread? They use flour, so I say "Close enough!"
On a completely unrelated note, check out these awesome chocolate chili death heads.
Found via Tastespotting
Heroes--Where's Hiro edition
This episode was one of Heroes trademark frustrating/annoying ones, featuring way too much Parkman and no Hiro at all. Alas. Alack.
Micah's grandma is Lt. Uhara! Yeah! She's so classy.
Micah steals pay per view, and we learn that his cousin has the coolest power ever. She can learn anything that she sees on tv. As a tv junkie, this appeals to me. I'd start with the food network, rent a few kung fu movies, then on to the history channel or discovery.
You could do ANYTHING.
Moutain Man Nate has kids. I totally forgot about them. He also shaved his beard. Thank heavens.
Ma Petrelli takes one for the team. I'm starting to see her as a kinder, gentler Magneto. We still have no idea what her power is though.
Molly the Moppet alternated between waking and sleeping, confusing everybody until, at one point, Mohinder put her to bed in jeans and a hoodie.
That just can't be comfortable. Seriously, have you ever tried sleeping in a hoodie?
Of course, thanks to Psychic Jerk she's now in a coma, and so will be unconscious for the foreseeable future.
I think that when they cast Molly, they brought in a bunch of little girls, had them lay down on mats, and then played "Graveyard" with the winner getting the part.
Boring Psychic Jerk Cop Guy (Parkman) discovers that his Dad is Sauron.
That Nerd Guy's name is Bob! It seems so appropriate.
Claire and Flyboy steal yet another iconic Superman image and kiss in the air. What's next Heroes? Jessicki in a patirotic leotard?
Mr. Evil Glasses can not die. I'm just ignoring that all stupid plot line. He Can't DIE!! Dang it!
The Wonder Twins replayed the exact same storyline they've played since the pilot.
It goes something like this:
Girl: We will get to America than everything will be great!
Boy: I'll protect you.
Girl: The murder charge is such a total bummer. It's not like a meant to hurt them, so it shouldn't count. Pass the pringles.
Boy: We're out.
Girl: *sniff sniff* *whimper* (Her eyes go all creepy black, people start dropping.)
Boy: Calm down! Soon we'll be in NY and you can have all the pringles you want!
(He holds her hands, they do that wierd black eye transfer, people start coming back to life.)
Rinse and repeat. I'm guessing we'll see this all the way up until the finale.
And in the night's most frustrating event:
Sylar walked through a tropical jungle for three days, before falling through a massive plot hole and landing in the middle of a road in the Mexican desert.
I'm so sick of Sylar. They should have killed him off last season. Let's ignore his storyline too and skip straight to the previews.
Next week: VERONICA MARS!!
Micah's grandma is Lt. Uhara! Yeah! She's so classy.
Micah steals pay per view, and we learn that his cousin has the coolest power ever. She can learn anything that she sees on tv. As a tv junkie, this appeals to me. I'd start with the food network, rent a few kung fu movies, then on to the history channel or discovery.
You could do ANYTHING.
Moutain Man Nate has kids. I totally forgot about them. He also shaved his beard. Thank heavens.
Ma Petrelli takes one for the team. I'm starting to see her as a kinder, gentler Magneto. We still have no idea what her power is though.
Molly the Moppet alternated between waking and sleeping, confusing everybody until, at one point, Mohinder put her to bed in jeans and a hoodie.
That just can't be comfortable. Seriously, have you ever tried sleeping in a hoodie?
Of course, thanks to Psychic Jerk she's now in a coma, and so will be unconscious for the foreseeable future.
I think that when they cast Molly, they brought in a bunch of little girls, had them lay down on mats, and then played "Graveyard" with the winner getting the part.
Boring Psychic Jerk Cop Guy (Parkman) discovers that his Dad is Sauron.
That Nerd Guy's name is Bob! It seems so appropriate.
Claire and Flyboy steal yet another iconic Superman image and kiss in the air. What's next Heroes? Jessicki in a patirotic leotard?
Mr. Evil Glasses can not die. I'm just ignoring that all stupid plot line. He Can't DIE!! Dang it!
The Wonder Twins replayed the exact same storyline they've played since the pilot.
It goes something like this:
Girl: We will get to America than everything will be great!
Boy: I'll protect you.
Girl: The murder charge is such a total bummer. It's not like a meant to hurt them, so it shouldn't count. Pass the pringles.
Boy: We're out.
Girl: *sniff sniff* *whimper* (Her eyes go all creepy black, people start dropping.)
Boy: Calm down! Soon we'll be in NY and you can have all the pringles you want!
(He holds her hands, they do that wierd black eye transfer, people start coming back to life.)
Rinse and repeat. I'm guessing we'll see this all the way up until the finale.
And in the night's most frustrating event:
Sylar walked through a tropical jungle for three days, before falling through a massive plot hole and landing in the middle of a road in the Mexican desert.
I'm so sick of Sylar. They should have killed him off last season. Let's ignore his storyline too and skip straight to the previews.
Next week: VERONICA MARS!!
Monday, October 15, 2007
Monday AMV
The internet was down at our house all weekend. The withdrawal was horrible. Fortunatley, I had this video filed away, since I couldn't search for new ones.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Friday Fun
For today we have an adorable Avatar Chibi short, Bending Battle.
I don't really like Toph's Chibi, but I love that she uses mountain ranges to create an outline of her face that you can see from space.
I don't really like Toph's Chibi, but I love that she uses mountain ranges to create an outline of her face that you can see from space.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Metro Gymnast
When I'm going home, if I hit all the lights just right I can get on an earlier train and it's not so crowded.
If I miss it I catch the next train 7 minutes later. You'd be surprised how much of the rush hour crush increases within that 7 minutes.
So last night I was walking down the escalator (it was broken) and I see the early train, and the conductor is giving the "Stand clear doors are closing" warning. But he's still at the beginning, and there's no one on the escalator, and no one on the platform, and I thought "I can totally make it."
So I started running. Raced down the escalator, slid around the turn, took a few running steps and then leaped towards the car, sticking the landing with a triumphant "HA!" just as the doors slid close.
(If the doors catch you, they hurt alot. I learned this during a less successful jump on the train attempt)
Anyway, all the people sitting around the doors swiveled around to look at me, and the guy sitting across from the doors burst out laughing. Probably because he could see my victorious "I made the train!! Take that Metro!!" face.
I was little embarrassed at being stared at, so I made my way, non-chalantly of course, to the front of the car and sat down.
I snuck a peek behind, and the guy was still watching and laughing at me.
If I miss it I catch the next train 7 minutes later. You'd be surprised how much of the rush hour crush increases within that 7 minutes.
So last night I was walking down the escalator (it was broken) and I see the early train, and the conductor is giving the "Stand clear doors are closing" warning. But he's still at the beginning, and there's no one on the escalator, and no one on the platform, and I thought "I can totally make it."
So I started running. Raced down the escalator, slid around the turn, took a few running steps and then leaped towards the car, sticking the landing with a triumphant "HA!" just as the doors slid close.
(If the doors catch you, they hurt alot. I learned this during a less successful jump on the train attempt)
Anyway, all the people sitting around the doors swiveled around to look at me, and the guy sitting across from the doors burst out laughing. Probably because he could see my victorious "I made the train!! Take that Metro!!" face.
I was little embarrassed at being stared at, so I made my way, non-chalantly of course, to the front of the car and sat down.
I snuck a peek behind, and the guy was still watching and laughing at me.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Scary!
Our head samurai is on a rampage today, and the carnage is...horrible.
Fortunatley, I have perfected the office ninja art of becoming one with the cubicle.
That, and I've stocked my candy dish with Reese's PB cups, his favorite, and thus have been spared.
Fortunatley, I have perfected the office ninja art of becoming one with the cubicle.
That, and I've stocked my candy dish with Reese's PB cups, his favorite, and thus have been spared.
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Heroes-Superman Edition
Last night, on an all new Heroes:
Claire learns that she can never, ever, ever bring her flyboy home to meet her parents.
Peter joins the Irish mob, which is like The Godfather but with charming accents.
Mr. Kitty Pryde is dead!? While Parkman lives?! So not fair.
Speaking of Parkman, he seems to think he's 007, which is so sad it's almost funny.
Molly the Moppet wakes briefly to hug Mohinder, who didn't even have an impassioned speech to make this episode. Seriously, he's reached new levels of boring. He could at least change his outfit.
Jessicki is back, and starring in a plot line ripped straight from the X-Men. She goes to That Nerd Guy for a cure, but we all know he's just going to brainwash her into being his evil henchman.
That Nerd Guy also reads comics. I'm not sure, but I think it was The Adventures of Tintin.
The Wonder Twins are in Mexico, where Maya comes up with the brilliant strategy of walking into a police station, pulling down her wanted poster, and then announcing she's the murder everyone's been looking for.
Couldn't she have, oh I don't know, asked if her brother was there, thanked the man politely, then stepped outside to think about dead puppies, cry her tears of death, and then, after her rescued brother brings everyone back to life, escape while the confused police recovered?
But no, by all means, blow your cover and start a massive manhunt. That'll solve everything.
We finally get to see the true form of Illusion Girl, who learns that it's not a good idea to tease a psychopath.
Sylar can no longer steal powers. Ha Ha!!
He's also trapped in the middle of nowhere, after killing his only source of information. Double Plus Ha Ha!!
Claire learns that she can never, ever, ever bring her flyboy home to meet her parents.
Peter joins the Irish mob, which is like The Godfather but with charming accents.
Mr. Kitty Pryde is dead!? While Parkman lives?! So not fair.
Speaking of Parkman, he seems to think he's 007, which is so sad it's almost funny.
Molly the Moppet wakes briefly to hug Mohinder, who didn't even have an impassioned speech to make this episode. Seriously, he's reached new levels of boring. He could at least change his outfit.
Jessicki is back, and starring in a plot line ripped straight from the X-Men. She goes to That Nerd Guy for a cure, but we all know he's just going to brainwash her into being his evil henchman.
That Nerd Guy also reads comics. I'm not sure, but I think it was The Adventures of Tintin.
The Wonder Twins are in Mexico, where Maya comes up with the brilliant strategy of walking into a police station, pulling down her wanted poster, and then announcing she's the murder everyone's been looking for.
Couldn't she have, oh I don't know, asked if her brother was there, thanked the man politely, then stepped outside to think about dead puppies, cry her tears of death, and then, after her rescued brother brings everyone back to life, escape while the confused police recovered?
But no, by all means, blow your cover and start a massive manhunt. That'll solve everything.
We finally get to see the true form of Illusion Girl, who learns that it's not a good idea to tease a psychopath.
Sylar can no longer steal powers. Ha Ha!!
He's also trapped in the middle of nowhere, after killing his only source of information. Double Plus Ha Ha!!
Monday, October 08, 2007
Movie Review: The Seeker
My brother is in town! We met up Friday night for pizza and movie. Both of us were excited to see The Seeker. I read the Dark is Rising as a child, and I really liked it.
The movie was pretty good. Lots of cool special effects, especially when an evil security guard bursts into a flock of Ravens.
There are some pretty scary/intense moments too.
My favorite was the Old Lady guardian (Old One actually, but calling someone Old Lady Old One just sounds redundant.) You have to admire a woman who, hanging upside down and covered in snakes, calmly remarks "Could you please hurry. This is highly unpleasant."
There were some plot issues. They don't mention that Will is the seventh son of a seventh son until halfway through the movie, and it's a central plot point. There's a part where the Rider sends an attack of cold and water against the manor, and everyone's freezing and/or drowning and you find yourself wondering, "Why doesn't Will just use his fire powers to make everyone warm and/or dry?"
This question is never answered.
My other main beef was with the casting of the Rider. This character is supposed to be darkness personified. The very embodiment of evil. And they cast a guy who looks like he should be teaching seventh grade math.
The Riders guide to acting evil:
1. Don't emote. Most of the time your in a mask anyway. So all you really have to master is the evil eyebrow tilt.
2. Don't use any inflection when you speak. Ever. This lead to a fun game of "Talk like the Rider" when Jon and I left the theater.
Other than that it was pretty good. Some good lessons, some good action, some creepy "The Birds" attack action with clouds of ravens.
Good times.
The movie was pretty good. Lots of cool special effects, especially when an evil security guard bursts into a flock of Ravens.
There are some pretty scary/intense moments too.
My favorite was the Old Lady guardian (Old One actually, but calling someone Old Lady Old One just sounds redundant.) You have to admire a woman who, hanging upside down and covered in snakes, calmly remarks "Could you please hurry. This is highly unpleasant."
There were some plot issues. They don't mention that Will is the seventh son of a seventh son until halfway through the movie, and it's a central plot point. There's a part where the Rider sends an attack of cold and water against the manor, and everyone's freezing and/or drowning and you find yourself wondering, "Why doesn't Will just use his fire powers to make everyone warm and/or dry?"
This question is never answered.
My other main beef was with the casting of the Rider. This character is supposed to be darkness personified. The very embodiment of evil. And they cast a guy who looks like he should be teaching seventh grade math.
The Riders guide to acting evil:
1. Don't emote. Most of the time your in a mask anyway. So all you really have to master is the evil eyebrow tilt.
2. Don't use any inflection when you speak. Ever. This lead to a fun game of "Talk like the Rider" when Jon and I left the theater.
Other than that it was pretty good. Some good lessons, some good action, some creepy "The Birds" attack action with clouds of ravens.
Good times.
Monday AMV
Man it's been a crazy week. We're looking for a new place to live, so lots of time looking at places and sorting stuff and what not.
Such a pain.
Such a pain.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Heroes! *Spoilers**
Heroes--Promoting literacy through liberal use of subtitles.
In this episode, we not only had Japanese and Spanish speakers, but also some basic French as Mohinder poked through some Haitian housing.
The Haitian is back!! Yeah! Combined, once again, with Mr Bennett to bring back the evil cool.
Sorry That Nerd Guy, evil cool is just beyond you. It's not your fault. At least you have a nice evil study.
Boring psychic cop guy used his powers to trample all over Ma Petrelli's civil rights, and now I hate him even more.
Of course, our favorite ice queen not only lawyered up, but delivered a bene gesserit worthy mental smack down. Take that Mr. Thought Police!!
Poor Ma P. Not only did she get the red spot (the mysterious symbol of strange mystery is no longer mysterious or strange, alas) but was being killed slowly and painfully while trapped in the police interrogation room. Sulu just got pushed off a roof.
Yeah she got saved, but it still seems unfair. Although if she hadn't survived that would've been a wicked locked room mystery. Requiring the detective skills of either Sherlock Holmes, Mrs. Bradley, or Batman.
Not Mr. 5th Amendment? What 5th Amendment?!
Nate put on his lawyering suit but he still looks like the unabomber.
In an attempt to fix history, Hiro became his hero. I totally called it. He also had the best line of the show. "You should write this down in your history books! Battle of the Twelve Swords is a good name!"
Peter has spent the last four months hiding out in a gym. That's my guess anyway. He looks good with his shirt off.
He still has amnesia, but thanks to his Rescue-the-Damsel impulse, he now has access to his buffet table of powers. He's also in with the Irish mob. So that's nice.
There's still no sign of Jessicki, although Peter had her strength and her husband's phasing powers.
Molly the Moppet slept through this episode.
The wonder twins are almost to Mexico. It turns out that when separated from her brother, the girl goes into Inky Black Eyes of Death mode, killing anyone near her? Or possibly anyone she touches? But her brother can cancel her power out and/or restore the recently dead by ink.
So I guess as long as they're together everything should be fine.
Must make dating awkward.
Claire has taken up herpetology. Also, I hate to be a Debbie Downer here, but I refuse to believe that you can cut off a toe with a pair of household scissors.
When her pinky toe flew off, arcing through the air like a tiny pink dolphin, my only thought was "If Mr. Muggles runs off with that sucker I'm going to puke." Fortunately, my DVR cut off right after her toe grew back, so I was spared any pinky toe-dog shenanigans.
In this episode, we not only had Japanese and Spanish speakers, but also some basic French as Mohinder poked through some Haitian housing.
The Haitian is back!! Yeah! Combined, once again, with Mr Bennett to bring back the evil cool.
Sorry That Nerd Guy, evil cool is just beyond you. It's not your fault. At least you have a nice evil study.
Boring psychic cop guy used his powers to trample all over Ma Petrelli's civil rights, and now I hate him even more.
Of course, our favorite ice queen not only lawyered up, but delivered a bene gesserit worthy mental smack down. Take that Mr. Thought Police!!
Poor Ma P. Not only did she get the red spot (the mysterious symbol of strange mystery is no longer mysterious or strange, alas) but was being killed slowly and painfully while trapped in the police interrogation room. Sulu just got pushed off a roof.
Yeah she got saved, but it still seems unfair. Although if she hadn't survived that would've been a wicked locked room mystery. Requiring the detective skills of either Sherlock Holmes, Mrs. Bradley, or Batman.
Not Mr. 5th Amendment? What 5th Amendment?!
Nate put on his lawyering suit but he still looks like the unabomber.
In an attempt to fix history, Hiro became his hero. I totally called it. He also had the best line of the show. "You should write this down in your history books! Battle of the Twelve Swords is a good name!"
Peter has spent the last four months hiding out in a gym. That's my guess anyway. He looks good with his shirt off.
He still has amnesia, but thanks to his Rescue-the-Damsel impulse, he now has access to his buffet table of powers. He's also in with the Irish mob. So that's nice.
There's still no sign of Jessicki, although Peter had her strength and her husband's phasing powers.
Molly the Moppet slept through this episode.
The wonder twins are almost to Mexico. It turns out that when separated from her brother, the girl goes into Inky Black Eyes of Death mode, killing anyone near her? Or possibly anyone she touches? But her brother can cancel her power out and/or restore the recently dead by ink.
So I guess as long as they're together everything should be fine.
Must make dating awkward.
Claire has taken up herpetology. Also, I hate to be a Debbie Downer here, but I refuse to believe that you can cut off a toe with a pair of household scissors.
When her pinky toe flew off, arcing through the air like a tiny pink dolphin, my only thought was "If Mr. Muggles runs off with that sucker I'm going to puke." Fortunately, my DVR cut off right after her toe grew back, so I was spared any pinky toe-dog shenanigans.
Monday, October 01, 2007
I Dream of Chess
Last night, I dreamt that I had to outwit an evil mastermind by playing on an enormous chessboard.* This is the kind of thing that happens when you watch Sherlock Holmes.**
Although I feel cold, tired, and everything hurts, so it could also be that this is what happens when you watch Sherlock Holmes and then become ill.
That's called deductive reasoning.
I learned it by watching Sherlock Holmes.
* I was losing. Even my dreams, I can't see more than two moves ahead.
**For the curious, it was "Sherlock Holmes Faces Death," staring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce who (whom?) I consider to be the definitive Holmes and Watson. Sherlock finds a buried treasure vault by solving a chess riddle on an enormous chess board. He doesn't "Face Death" per se, but he does get beaten at fisticuffs by a plump, middle age doctor/psychiatrist.*** Which is just embarrassing really.
***Turns out Holmes threw the match in order to secure a confession! That Holmes. He's crazy. Crazy like a fox!!
Although I feel cold, tired, and everything hurts, so it could also be that this is what happens when you watch Sherlock Holmes and then become ill.
That's called deductive reasoning.
I learned it by watching Sherlock Holmes.
* I was losing. Even my dreams, I can't see more than two moves ahead.
**For the curious, it was "Sherlock Holmes Faces Death," staring Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce who (whom?) I consider to be the definitive Holmes and Watson. Sherlock finds a buried treasure vault by solving a chess riddle on an enormous chess board. He doesn't "Face Death" per se, but he does get beaten at fisticuffs by a plump, middle age doctor/psychiatrist.*** Which is just embarrassing really.
***Turns out Holmes threw the match in order to secure a confession! That Holmes. He's crazy. Crazy like a fox!!
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