Patrick Norton, of The Screensavers fame (back when it was actually a good show.) now has his own blog. It only took him several years and a bet from his Screensavers co-stars Kevin Rose and Leo Laporte. Good job Patrick. Welcome to the typepad neighborhood.
Ok, now I have to go to a meeting with my managers and pitch them stuff. What fun.
Later.
Some friends of mine have pointed out that in my last suedo-political post I forgot to mention the Scott Peterson murder trial. He was found guilty of murdering his wife, Laci, and their unborn child. His sentence, death. Can’t say I’m too broken up about it.
As I like the movies and tv, I thought I would throw down some movie and tv news (mixed with a little commentary, of course). So here goes:
Joss Whedon, creater of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”, “Angel” and “Firefly”, will write and direct the new big-screen version of “Wonder Woman”. He likes strong female characters so this makes sense. I like women who tie you up and make you tell the truth so count me in too.
And, in case you missed it, actor Robert Blake of “Beretta” fame (man, I loved that talking bird) has been found not guilty on charges that he killed his wife. The jury did not think the evidence was strong enough to convict him. I wonder if we will start bumping into him at Vitello’s again, now that he’s a free man.
Also, the musical version of “The Lord of the Rings” (yes, I said musical) will debut in Toronto next year with an eye to move to the states later.
And, in a story close to me (not for the reason you think. I almost made a movie in India and have friends in the business there) In a clip aired on India TV, film star Shakti Kapoor is seen telling an actress, “All actresses have slept with directors. I want to make love to you and kiss you. You must do this or else I won’t be able to help you.” The footage has caused an uproar in Bollywood. Kapoor denies the charges. So, the casting couch is real, eh? At least in Bollywood. I’m sure that would never happen here.
And, last but not least, I recently had occasion to visit some people working on the new “Miami Vice” movie. All I can say is that with Michael Mann directing and from the stuff I saw, it is going to be pretty cool. Plus, I really loved the original series so it was even more fun to see some of the ways in which it will be updated. Time to pull the white suit and blue t-shirt out of the closet.
As many of you know, I have been trying to stay away from politics subsequent to the presidential “election”. But, just when I think I’m out, I get pulled back in. So, I want to mention what happened here in California because I know it will give President Bush and all the other hate-mongers a stomach ache for at least the next few days.
A judge ruled that the state cannot bar gay marriage and that specifying that marriage is between “a man and a woman” is unconstitutional. Here’s the money quote from Superior Court Judge Richard Kramer:
“No rational basis exists for limiting marriage in this state to opposite-sex partners”
There you go. Of course, the decision will be up for appeal.
And while I’m here, there were a couple more things that happened in the last day or so that made me smile but also made my stomach hurt a little too.
First, a new poll (reg required) regarding the war in Iraq shows that 53 percent of Americans said the war was not worth fighting, 57 percent said they disapprove of the president’s handling of Iraq and 70 percent said the number of U.S. casualties, now just over 1,500, is an unacceptable price to pay.
Where were these people during the election? If you don’t like the way the guy is doing the job, don’t vote for him again. It’s that simple.
Also, Bernard J. Ebbers, former CEO Worldcom, was found guilty on charges of fraud. His contention that he was ignorant of the illegal accounting practices that pushed his telecom company into bankruptcy apparently did little to persuade the jury. Ebbers faces a maximum of 85 years in prison.
Now, if the same thing happens to Ken Lay, we may really be on to something.
As many of you know, I have been trying to stay away from politics subsequent to the presidential “election”. But, just when I think I’m out, I get pulled back in. So, I want to mention what happened here in California because I know it will give President Bush and all the other hate-mongers a stomach ache for at least the next few days.
A judge ruled that the state cannot bar gay marriage and that specifying that marriage is between “a man and a woman” is unconstitutional. Here’s the money quote from Superior Court Judge Richard Kramer:
“No rational basis exists for limiting marriage in this state to opposite-sex partners”
There you go. Of course, the decision will be up for appeal.
And while I’m here, there were a couple more things that happened in the last day or so that made me smile but also made my stomach hurt a little too.
First, a new poll (reg required) regarding the war in Iraq shows that 53 percent of Americans said the war was not worth fighting, 57 percent said they disapprove of the president’s handling of Iraq and 70 percent said the number of U.S. casualties, now just over 1,500, is an unacceptable price to pay.
Where were these people during the election? If you don’t like the way the guy is doing the job, don’t vote for him again. It’s that simple.
Also, Bernard J. Ebbers, former CEO Worldcom, was found guilty on charges of fraud. His contention that he was ignorant of the illegal accounting practices that pushed his telecom company into bankruptcy apparently did little to persuade the jury. Ebbers faces a maximum of 85 years in prison.
Now, if the same thing happens to Ken Lay, we may really be on to something.
I wish this kind of thing had been around when I played all my role-playing games like Dungeons and Dragons. My friends and I might have done something like this if the technology was available. I can see how it can make the gaming more interesting. Isn’t technology cool?
Ok, I went to see brother Sam’s band, The High Violets, last Wednesday night at King King, which is a cool space, btw. As I said in my previous post, I had never seen him live with this band before and I was looking forward to it.
Well, the vote is in and all I can say is “fantastic”. I really liked it. They did a great job. I know, we are related and all but rest assured, if he sucked, you folks would be the second to know (I would tell him first, of course).
I want to encourage the kid and would have probably put it better than “well, that really blew” but I would have told him what I think. He deserves the truth. I would expect no less from him. Although, I never do anything that someone could say “that blew” about so no danger there.
So, it is with great pleasure that I say his show rocked! If I had anything bad to say it would be that the set was too short. I wanted more and so did the audience. They were in to it.
The band needs more songs. I know they are working on more and will have a CD out soon so expect me to be pushing that when it becomes available. I also tried to take some photos with the Treo and you can see those at the flickr moblog. Although, the Treo is not a very good low-light camera. I’m dumb and didn’t bring the good camera. Oh well, live and learn. Maybe next time.
Cheers.
Man, I really like Deadwood. What a great show. I know, they do tend to throw around some pretty harsh language and some harsh violence and some sex too. It’s just all done with such style and quality. The characters are so well-drawn and acted with such gusto and talent. I really feel like I in that town, living with those people. Just a really great show. I’m going to go watch it again right now.
Well, just saw the new trailer at the end of the O.C. (yes, I watch the O.C., what of it?) All I can say is the movie looks pretty dark and evil and is not going to end well for many characters. I like it and will definitely be at the Chinese Theater on May 19th, as always.
I won’t comment on the editing or pacing of the trailer or the content, but I did enjoy it and have watched it at least five times now. What can I say, I’m a Star Wars fan. Always have been, always will be. Is there anyone who isn’t going to see this movie? Maybe a few but I can say with 100% confidence that this movie will be huge, a blockbuster to end all blockbusters. Maybe even bigger than Titanic (although Hayden is no Leo, sadly).
If you want your own copy of the trailer and didn’t TiVo it like I did, check out this site for links to quite a few torrents. If you don’t have bittorrent, get it here. Enjoy!
My brother Sam and his band, The High Violets, are playing tonight here in LA. They will be at King King in Hollywood and I expect this to be a great show. I say “I expect” because I have never actually seen them live before. Although, the music on their website is great. So, come on over and check it out. Oh, and buy tons of drinks as I think they get part of the booze sales. Maybe some of the gate too. Either way, just come on out and support local music (even if his band is really from Portland).
In other news, it seems the Israeli army frowns on Dungeons and Dragons players. The Israeli Defense Forces say players are “detached from reality” and are automatically given a low security clearance. Now, I played D&D for a long time when I was a kid and I don’t think it made me detached from reality. Although I did end up in the movie business which is kinda detached from reality. And, I have never had a typical “real” job in my life working in an office or a bank or fast food or something. I don’t think I am detached from reality at all.
Now where did I put my +3 Vorpal Sword so I can go smite those fools?!