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Chris

‘The Wolf of Bedford Falls’

Posted on November 26, 2013

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I was having a discussion recently with some pals on Facebook in which we postulated what elements a sequel to Frank Capra’s classic film It’s a Wonderful Life would contain. The possibility of a sequel was in the news recently and we wondered just how far Hollywood would go so it would cater to the lowest common denominator and be a hit with the youth market.

I have to say, it was pretty funny. At least to us. Maybe you had to be there. Anyway, today I saw this.

It’s not exactly what we were talking about, but it’s similar. It’s a recut of an It’s a Wonderful Life trailer to mimic the trailer for Martin Scorscese’s upcoming The Wolf of Wall Street, starring Leonardo Di Caprio. I think it’s pretty funny, especially if you know the original film well.

Yes, I know the footage is in color. That’s how this was done. Try to enjoy it anyway.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LRf_RN7Dkww?rel=0]

All the Extra ‘Return of the Jedi’ Footage In One Place

Posted on November 25, 2013

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This has been going around the Interwebs for some time now but I thought I would just put it here also for easy findability. Yeah, I know, that’s not even a word. So?

As I always say, if you don’t like the way I say things here, you are free to go elsewhere. No hard feelings. However, I do hope you’ll stay and try to be tolerant when I make words up. It’s all in fun, after all.

Okay, now go enjoy some RotJ extra footage.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kz56q4t6fek]

‘FDR: American Badass’

Posted on November 18, 2013

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There’s a fine tradition in Hollywood of so called “B” movies. These are the movies that don’t usually feature major stars or have big budgets and often their plots, acting, sets, special effects and pretty much most aspects of the production, to put it nicely, tend to strain credibility.

With the American Film Market in full swing in Santa Monica last week, there’s a lot of these “B” movies being offered for sale to the hundreds of buyers from around the world who come to the AFM each year to get a taste of that Hollywood glamour. And what could be more glamourous than Barry Bostwick starring in a movie called FDR: American Badass?

I don’t know, but until we find it, there’s this:

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-R898wegx6Y&w=560&h=315]

Trailer for ‘Police Story 2013’ with Jackie Chan

Posted on November 2, 2013

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One of the things you learn quickly when you have a new baby in the house is your time stops being your own. The baby becomes the priority and many of the other things you might want to do have to take a back seat. I’m not complaining, just making an observation.

Having Max is a great thing and I couldn’t be happier about it. He’s awesome and one of the best things that’s ever happened to me.

That said, I also use him as an occasional excuse (intentionally or not) to not do many of the things I’m supposed to do, or would really like to do — such as posting here. Yeah, I know, but what are you gonna do, right? Time just slips away.

I would, however, like to keep putting things here. To that end, here’s the Chinese trailer for Police Story 2013 with Jackie Chan. It looks pretty wild.

Have a great weekend all.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXOE5zm2UH0&w=560&h=315]

The Original ‘Empire Strikes Back’ Teaser Trailer

Posted on October 28, 2013

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If you saw this teaser trailer for The Empire Strikes Back today, I wonder, would it make you excited for the movie? Trailers sure have come a long way in the last 30 + years.

Of course, filmmaking has also come a long way too, so maybe that has something to do with it. Still, seeing things like this is great fun and takes me back to easier, carefree times when I was just a kid excited to see movies.

I try to recapture those feelings as much as a can, but it isn’t always easy. Life intrudes and the demands on “adults” can often stifle those feelings. But that doesn’t mean I’ve given up. Not by a long shot.

Anyway, here’s the trailer.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omcxaMEGha0?rel=0&w=420&h=315]

Dragon Park

Posted on October 25, 2013

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I love finding this kind of stuff on the Interwebs and seeing people who still care about making things better. This park looks like a fun place to visit. I wish I lived close enough to check it out in person.

The fact that it’s maintained solely through donations is also pretty cool. Here’s some more info from the folks who put together the documentary about “Dragon Park.” And no, we won’t be saying anything about the relative quality of the documentary itself.

That’s not why we’re here today. We’re just gonna let the good will flow instead:

“This is a short documentary on “Castle Park” or “The Dragon Park”, located in Carbondale, Illinois. With a unique fantasy motif, this private park attracts a variety of visitors each weekend and is funded entirely on donations.

The documentary tells the story of the park through the eyes of its patrons and visitors, and explores the reasoning behind the park’s appellation of “Carbondale’s Best Kept Secret”.

Wish I had this kind of place to play when I was a kid.

[vimeo 42254605 w=560 h=315]

Medieval Land Fun-Time World

Posted on October 17, 2013

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You can probably guess I’m a big fan of the HBO series Game of Thrones. If you know me at all, ever heard my podcast or read most anything I’ve written, it should be pretty obvious I’m a geek/nerd. And geek/nerds love GOT.

The show is really fun and I enjoy pretty much every minute of it. In fact, I can’t wait until it starts again with season four.

I never read the books before I saw the series, but I don’t really see that as a problem. I think the series stands on its own as one of the best on TV.

That said, I can also see the potential humor in a lot of what goes on during the show. Some of it, although taken very seriously, could be very funny if presented in a different way. Apparently, the folks who made this video agree and have taken the idea and run with it. Far.

I haven’t laughed this much in some time. That could be because I’m extremely tired (we do have a new baby in the house after all), but if so, that doesn’t take away from the fact that this video is extremely funny. Enjoy.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Krz-dyD-UQ?rel=0&w=560&h=420]

Nerdapalooza 2013

Posted on October 11, 2013

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Sadly, I’m not going to the Nerdapalooza event in Orlando next week. I would if I could, because it looks like a great time with a lot of bands, and other nerdity, I would enjoy. Plus, hello, I’m a nerd from way back.

But, as many of you know, there’s this new man in my life (his name is Max) who needs lots of attention right now and also a steady supply of clean diapers and nipples. So, no trips for me right now.

However, not being able to go doesn’t stop me from talking about the event or from posting a video about it. It also doesn’t stop me from posting this link to Z’s article at Geek Dad about what to bring to the show if you’re one of the few, the happy few, to be going.

Plus, I like cool events that cater to my people and I like to promote them when I can. I don’t get anything for it other than a warm feeling inside and the satisfaction of knowing I did what I could to help out a worthy event. So there.

Oh, before we get to the video, my pal Joe Dilworth and I managed to crank out a new episode of our podcast this week. I think it’s pretty cool. You might too.

Okay, enough self-promotion, here’s the video.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZBbvjYeOAA]

Paper Is Not Dead

Posted on October 7, 2013

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I’m someone who has embraced the new technologies and does a lot of content consumption and creation via the iPad. I am also someone who still uses a pen, pencil and paper often. I really like that kind of analog stuff — almost as much as the guy who did an entire article on the best reasonably priced pen available.

What is this amazing pen? You’ll have to check out the article to find out. Rest assured, though, I have checked out the pen for myself and procured several of them for my various bags and offices. They really are quite nice.

Meantime, like the folks who made this commercial, I don’t believe paper is dead. After watching the commercial, I think you will agree.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_gOZDWQj3Q?rel=0&w=560&h=315]

‘Breaking Trek’

Posted on September 29, 2013

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In truth, I haven’t watched the last couple seasons of Breaking Bad . . .yet. I have, however, watched every episode of every Star Trek series. More than once, in fact.

I also like when smart, talented people put things together and see what happens. Keeping that in mind, what do you think you get when you combine Star Trek and Breaking Bad?

Well, wonder no more because in the video below, we all get to find out.

On a mostly unrelated note, being a new father has, as you may expect, caused me to lose considerable sleep. Consequently, I’ve been having some difficulty being on a regular schedule and also fining the time, and coherent moments, to put anything here. Rest assured, I will get back to my version of normal as soon as I can.

Although, I guess with a new son I need to be open to the possibility things will change quite a bit and I will have to adopt a “new” normal. Fortunately for all concerned, the new boy is pretty awesome so if things have to change (which they surely will) I won’t mind one bit.

Anyway, here’s the video.