Start of a new year has given me some motivation to once again to try and write my blog. Let us see how long this lasts.
The end of the year was kind of tough on me. Had a colonoscopy which came up with three small polyps, once which had the potential to grow into something. They got it before it could do any harm the other two were benign. I get to do this again in five years.
On Oct. 25 my 48 year old younger brother, Dale, passed away. The cause of death was accidental overdose which lead to severe respiratory depression. He was a recovering opiate addict who was being treated for depression and adult attention deficit disorder. He was on an antidepressant and methylphenidate i.e. Ritalin. He chose to buy prescription medications such as diazepam, lorazapam, and Oxycontin in order to create a drug cocktail which if he was still alive would be a claim that he was self medicating when really he was trying to get high. He lived a live of deceit and never was honest with his family or health providers.
And while I have lots of great memories of him, it is hard to get pass the fact that I am angry for doing this to himself.
I went to San Diego in November for the SFN meeting. My poster was well received, but did I hate that five hour flight from the East Coast to there. I love Amtrack even more after that experience.
Went home for the holidays and have a nice time there. Mom and Dale used to fight constantly and create a lot of tension. This year it was very pleasant. Went to State College to send a few days with my sister. I won her a t shirt at the Lady Lions-Bucknell basketball game but catching the attention of the cheerleaders handing them out with a loud yell. I was not happy that three old guys in front of us were screaming for a free Subway sub that was handed out earlier which made the DJ toss it at them and their scramble to get the sub caused it to be destroyed over us all.
Saw True Grit, the Coen Brothers remake, which I liked a lot (A) and also the Black Swan, which was okay (B), the best part was Natalie Portman's performance, she deserves an Oscar.
And I have to admit, I am enjoying Private Practice this year, somehow they actually started writing good scripts again. I also like Detroit 187 and Human Target, both which will probably get cancelled.
Lie to Me has started to get really bad, I think that they are making the mistake they did with House and focusing too much on Lightman's nutty behavior instead of the mysteries. Will not miss it if Fox axes it.
Well, I blew my football pool this weekend, with the first two games. I had New Orleans going to the Super Bowl and they got beat by Seattle. Shannon Sharpe has any team who makes it from the NFC West was a guarantee to got out in the first round. And the hated Jets beat the Colts which mean my beloved Patriots have to play them in the next round. Rex Ryan will be shooting his mouth off all week, I hope we can kill them again like last time.
Let us see how long I can write this blog this go around.
Oh well.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Thursday, September 23, 2010
Farewell: 23-September-2010
As I spend the day doing prep for a colon test scheduled for tomorrow, I find that I cannot work up any motivation to write a blog entry.
I am spent and so I bid the few who still read this blog farewell.
I am spent and so I bid the few who still read this blog farewell.
Monday, September 6, 2010
Rants, Raves, and Bewilderment: 06-Sept-2010
Happy Labor Day everyone, a day which was created to celebrate labor unions and now with their popularity go down, is a bit ironic. Now we used this day to celebrate the end of summer.
Rants.
Persons Unknown on NBC, what a piece of crap that show turned out to be. We were promised that the mysteries would be explained. Did not happen. Instead, we have no answers at all after watching this crapfest for 12 episodes. This show makes Harper's Island look good, at least they identified the killer at the end. Stephen King raves about this show, thank God his work is the total opposite of this crapfest.
The Boston Red Sox have once again broken my heart. At least they could have taken the damn Yankees out.
Friday, we had this big Hurricane Earl warning, my company actually let us leave at noon. So I rushed through my experiment and get done by 1:45 pm, get soaked by a heavy rain storm that ended five minutes after I started my walk home, and that was it. No high winds, just some heavy rain. Power did not go out at all. What a pain in the butt that day was.
Raves.
The Glades on A&E, just love this show.
Machete, the latest film by Robert Rodriguez and Ethan Maniquis, not for everyone, but a grand old time for us fans of the grind house movie. Just an amazing film experience.
Penn State won its home/season opener easily over Youngstown State. Always good to see a Penn State victory, I still remember when Bowling Green beat us in what was supposed to be an easy win opener.
Bewilderment.
Sports Illustrated is picking the Steelers to beat the Packers in this year's Super Bowl. The Steelers, they are not even the best team in their division, and Big Ben is out for the first four games. At least they are not picking the frakking Jets.
Oh well.
Rants.
Persons Unknown on NBC, what a piece of crap that show turned out to be. We were promised that the mysteries would be explained. Did not happen. Instead, we have no answers at all after watching this crapfest for 12 episodes. This show makes Harper's Island look good, at least they identified the killer at the end. Stephen King raves about this show, thank God his work is the total opposite of this crapfest.
The Boston Red Sox have once again broken my heart. At least they could have taken the damn Yankees out.
Friday, we had this big Hurricane Earl warning, my company actually let us leave at noon. So I rushed through my experiment and get done by 1:45 pm, get soaked by a heavy rain storm that ended five minutes after I started my walk home, and that was it. No high winds, just some heavy rain. Power did not go out at all. What a pain in the butt that day was.
Raves.
The Glades on A&E, just love this show.
Machete, the latest film by Robert Rodriguez and Ethan Maniquis, not for everyone, but a grand old time for us fans of the grind house movie. Just an amazing film experience.
Penn State won its home/season opener easily over Youngstown State. Always good to see a Penn State victory, I still remember when Bowling Green beat us in what was supposed to be an easy win opener.
Bewilderment.
Sports Illustrated is picking the Steelers to beat the Packers in this year's Super Bowl. The Steelers, they are not even the best team in their division, and Big Ben is out for the first four games. At least they are not picking the frakking Jets.
Oh well.
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Rants, Raves, and Bewilderment: 29-August-2010
Rant: I am having trouble getting motivated to write this blog. I really don't seem to be able to work up much enthusiasm to even write a rant. Maybe I need the horrible ABC program, Private Practice to motivate me.
Rant: The Red Sox are now in the break your heart mode. They beat Tampa Bay on Friday and lose to them last night. This team gets your hope up that maybe they can make the playoffs by coming close and then lose key games. Injuries killed this team's chances.
Bewilderment: Linda McMahon, the CEO of the World Wrestling Entertainment company and Republican nominee for the US Senate is bashing the Democrat candidate Richard Blumenthal by claiming he lied about taking PAC money. Only problem, she fails to name specifics. Why is she starting a negative campaign, given all the dirt that is out there on her? Wrestling promoters are the most corrupt people around, she is the last person who should be slinging mud.
Rant: Persons Unknown (NBC) like Joss Whedon's Dollhouse, started off with lots of promise and now has quickly sunk to the depths of utter boredom. I could care less what happens to these people and what the crappy program is all about. NBC is pushing this new show, The Event, which I think is going to be the same piece of crap as this show.
Oh well.
Rant: The Red Sox are now in the break your heart mode. They beat Tampa Bay on Friday and lose to them last night. This team gets your hope up that maybe they can make the playoffs by coming close and then lose key games. Injuries killed this team's chances.
Bewilderment: Linda McMahon, the CEO of the World Wrestling Entertainment company and Republican nominee for the US Senate is bashing the Democrat candidate Richard Blumenthal by claiming he lied about taking PAC money. Only problem, she fails to name specifics. Why is she starting a negative campaign, given all the dirt that is out there on her? Wrestling promoters are the most corrupt people around, she is the last person who should be slinging mud.
Rant: Persons Unknown (NBC) like Joss Whedon's Dollhouse, started off with lots of promise and now has quickly sunk to the depths of utter boredom. I could care less what happens to these people and what the crappy program is all about. NBC is pushing this new show, The Event, which I think is going to be the same piece of crap as this show.
Oh well.
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Rants, Raves, and Bewilderment: 22-August-2010
I am changing the tone of this blog to short comments about my raves, my rants, and my general bewilderment at the world. Time to try something new.
Rant: After being off the Internet for a while due to my vacation in Harrisburg, PA, I have to say what the frak is up with PA newspapers? News exists outside of PA, yet not one word could I find about the results of the CT primaries until I got to the public library and did checked out the New London Day website. I miss my computer.
Rant: Linda McMahon wins the Republican primary for the US Senate nomination. Seriously, folks in CT really believe she is qualified to be a US Senator. Well, a easy vote for me, I am going with Richard Blumenthal.
Rave: Ned Lamont, after spending a ton of money, was rejected by CT Democratic votes and Dan Malloy will be running for Governor against Tom Foley. Thank God, some intelligent voters are still alive and well in CT.
Rant: Injuries decimated the Boston Red Sox to the point that the team will not make the playoffs. So the hated Yankees with that weak ass pitching staff will make the playoffs, please somebody eliminate them ASAP.
Rave: I am loving the Glades (A&E) and hope it gets renewed, a great show and fun to watch.
Rant: I cannot believe how few good movies came out in August. Usually my sister and I got to the movies when we get together on our family vacations and could not find anything that we wanted to see. Where are all the good movies?
Oh well.
Rant: After being off the Internet for a while due to my vacation in Harrisburg, PA, I have to say what the frak is up with PA newspapers? News exists outside of PA, yet not one word could I find about the results of the CT primaries until I got to the public library and did checked out the New London Day website. I miss my computer.
Rant: Linda McMahon wins the Republican primary for the US Senate nomination. Seriously, folks in CT really believe she is qualified to be a US Senator. Well, a easy vote for me, I am going with Richard Blumenthal.
Rave: Ned Lamont, after spending a ton of money, was rejected by CT Democratic votes and Dan Malloy will be running for Governor against Tom Foley. Thank God, some intelligent voters are still alive and well in CT.
Rant: Injuries decimated the Boston Red Sox to the point that the team will not make the playoffs. So the hated Yankees with that weak ass pitching staff will make the playoffs, please somebody eliminate them ASAP.
Rave: I am loving the Glades (A&E) and hope it gets renewed, a great show and fun to watch.
Rant: I cannot believe how few good movies came out in August. Usually my sister and I got to the movies when we get together on our family vacations and could not find anything that we wanted to see. Where are all the good movies?
Oh well.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Thoughts: 31-July-2010
The last day of July, and next week I go on vacation to visit the family and celebrate my mother's 82 birthday. Lots of cigarette smoke and stress and tension to look forward to. Some of the time will be spent visiting my brother Glenn and his family and some with my sister in State College, so that should help maintain the sanity.
Our former intern, who I dubbed 23 a while ago, just finished her contract with Pfizer and is heading off to Tufts to start graduate school. EH, my new name for her, is a very bright and hardworking person and should have a great career ahead of her. Tufts is a great school to go to, better than my school, Kent State.
Boston Red Sox: This team is killing me, split 2 out of 4 with the Mariners, swept the Angels 3 straight and then drop the first of three to the Tigers 6-5. Tampa Bay is now one game behind the Yankees and it is looking like we will not make the playoffs this year. I hate the frakking Yankees.
I have been watching lots of shows on the cable networks, they seem to be doing better with creating new shows. Even HawthoRNe (TNT) has not been too bad, pretty much a C after that horrible and stupid season premiere. Christine is still bossing people around, just not as effective as the previous season. She caught her daughter in a postcoitial coupling with her boyfriend to end the last episode freaking out in the fadeout. One would think a nurse would be able to control herself a little more. Also her love interest is looking at another (and prettier) woman making Christine jealous, even though she rejected his proposal. And this is the worst show I have been watching.
Take that back, Persons Unknown (NBC) the summer miniseries event has fallen flat after a promising beginning. At this point, I don't know where it is going but I am getting bored. Maybe it is a tad too long, kind of the same problem Harper's Island (CBS) had. It does help knowing the show will resolve its plot line at the end of the summer. D
Being Human (BBC America): This show has really started off with a bang for this second season. A I just wonder how good the SyFy version of this show will be. I watched the British version of Eleventh Hour and thought the four shows they did were a tad better than the American remake version of those four shows, even though I liked Eleventh Hour quite a bit.
Oh well.
Our former intern, who I dubbed 23 a while ago, just finished her contract with Pfizer and is heading off to Tufts to start graduate school. EH, my new name for her, is a very bright and hardworking person and should have a great career ahead of her. Tufts is a great school to go to, better than my school, Kent State.
Boston Red Sox: This team is killing me, split 2 out of 4 with the Mariners, swept the Angels 3 straight and then drop the first of three to the Tigers 6-5. Tampa Bay is now one game behind the Yankees and it is looking like we will not make the playoffs this year. I hate the frakking Yankees.
I have been watching lots of shows on the cable networks, they seem to be doing better with creating new shows. Even HawthoRNe (TNT) has not been too bad, pretty much a C after that horrible and stupid season premiere. Christine is still bossing people around, just not as effective as the previous season. She caught her daughter in a postcoitial coupling with her boyfriend to end the last episode freaking out in the fadeout. One would think a nurse would be able to control herself a little more. Also her love interest is looking at another (and prettier) woman making Christine jealous, even though she rejected his proposal. And this is the worst show I have been watching.
Take that back, Persons Unknown (NBC) the summer miniseries event has fallen flat after a promising beginning. At this point, I don't know where it is going but I am getting bored. Maybe it is a tad too long, kind of the same problem Harper's Island (CBS) had. It does help knowing the show will resolve its plot line at the end of the summer. D
Being Human (BBC America): This show has really started off with a bang for this second season. A I just wonder how good the SyFy version of this show will be. I watched the British version of Eleventh Hour and thought the four shows they did were a tad better than the American remake version of those four shows, even though I liked Eleventh Hour quite a bit.
Oh well.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Thoughts: 24-July-2010
Another fun week, had a physical on Friday. Everything checked okay, except that I have a excess of ear wax in my left ear and with my 50th birthday, I have to schedule a colonoscopy.
Movie Review.
Inception directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen Page, and Michael Caine. Pretty good film, thought I thought DiCaprio was a tad too young for the role. I know he is around 36, but he just looks too young to me. Other than that it was a pretty good film, tad confusing as they go in and out of levels of dream states. And the ending is left open to questioning.
B
Rissoli and Isles (TNT): I watched the first two episodes and the show really improves with the second episode. A Boston Strangler reference drives the show, I like it and TNT has another hit. A
Doctor Who (BBC America): Season finale tonight and Matt Smith has been brilliant in his portrayal of the Doctor. I have to say that the BBC has been very fortunate in selecting good actors to play the Doctor. A
Boston Red Sox: This team is killing me. They take 2 out of 3 over the Blue Jays, and then against the Rangers go 1 out of four. Against the Oakland Athletics, 1 out of 3, then against the Mariners in a four game series, they win game 1 8-6 and game 2 2-1. This season is killing me, too many injuries.
Oh well.
Movie Review.
Inception directed by Christopher Nolan and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen Page, and Michael Caine. Pretty good film, thought I thought DiCaprio was a tad too young for the role. I know he is around 36, but he just looks too young to me. Other than that it was a pretty good film, tad confusing as they go in and out of levels of dream states. And the ending is left open to questioning.
B
Rissoli and Isles (TNT): I watched the first two episodes and the show really improves with the second episode. A Boston Strangler reference drives the show, I like it and TNT has another hit. A
Doctor Who (BBC America): Season finale tonight and Matt Smith has been brilliant in his portrayal of the Doctor. I have to say that the BBC has been very fortunate in selecting good actors to play the Doctor. A
Boston Red Sox: This team is killing me. They take 2 out of 3 over the Blue Jays, and then against the Rangers go 1 out of four. Against the Oakland Athletics, 1 out of 3, then against the Mariners in a four game series, they win game 1 8-6 and game 2 2-1. This season is killing me, too many injuries.
Oh well.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Thoughts: 18-July-2010
It has been a pretty busy week here in Groton, CT. Just do not have any time to do half the stuff I want to do.
I want to see Inception and the Sorcerer's Apprentice, I have a ton of shows to watch on TV, and tons of stuff to read. Plus fighting on Internet message boards, and throw in Farmville, and my day is flying by.
Despicable Me, directed by Pierce Coffin, Chris Renaud, with co-director Sergio Pabolos. I really liked this movie, Steve Carell was very good as the voice of Gru and I cried when Gru read the second bedtime story to the kids. I had to pretend it was allergies. Any move that does that gets an A.
Boston Red Sox: Last weekend they took 2 out of three from the Blue Jays and after the All-Star Break, dropped the first two games to the Rangers before winning yesterday 3-2 in 11 innings. Today is game 4 and I don't have a clue what is going to happen with this team. The National League won the all star game, so they get home field advantage in the World Series.
Most of the TV shows that I am watching have been pretty good and do not have anything to say. Doctor Who (BBC America) has been outstanding and Matt Smith is a great Doctor. Next Saturday is the season finale, which I cannot wait to see.
Oh well.
I want to see Inception and the Sorcerer's Apprentice, I have a ton of shows to watch on TV, and tons of stuff to read. Plus fighting on Internet message boards, and throw in Farmville, and my day is flying by.
Despicable Me, directed by Pierce Coffin, Chris Renaud, with co-director Sergio Pabolos. I really liked this movie, Steve Carell was very good as the voice of Gru and I cried when Gru read the second bedtime story to the kids. I had to pretend it was allergies. Any move that does that gets an A.
Boston Red Sox: Last weekend they took 2 out of three from the Blue Jays and after the All-Star Break, dropped the first two games to the Rangers before winning yesterday 3-2 in 11 innings. Today is game 4 and I don't have a clue what is going to happen with this team. The National League won the all star game, so they get home field advantage in the World Series.
Most of the TV shows that I am watching have been pretty good and do not have anything to say. Doctor Who (BBC America) has been outstanding and Matt Smith is a great Doctor. Next Saturday is the season finale, which I cannot wait to see.
Oh well.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Thoughts: 11-July-2010
Late with my blog this week. I had to do three months of laundry yesterday and got all wore out. I hate doing laundry, it is so easy to put it off, especially with my low standards of what is dirty. The single bachelor life, there is nothing like it.
I almost would consider getting married if I truly believed my wife would do laundry.
Sports Update.
Jerk of the Decade: LeBron James spent some big bucks to do a one hour special on ESPN so that he can announce that he signed with the Miami Heat. What a jerk, can you imagine Michael Jordon doing something like that, or Dr. J, or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar? The guy lives in Akron, and having spent four years at Kent, Ohio, let me tell you, for him to live there, he must love the area. So why go to Miami and hose the fans in Cleveland? Not more money, just a chance to win a ring. For some reason, I don't see him fairing that way in Miami, because there the fans are not going to have the same respect for him as they do in Ohio. Prepare to be booed.
Boston Red Sox: Tough week for the Red Sox with all the injuries. They took 2 out of 3 over the Orioles in their weekend series, were swept by the Rays 3 straight, and have split the series with the Blue Jays this weekend, taking the first game 14-3 and losing game 2, 9-5. Rubber match is this afternoon. Another long summer for Red Sox fans.
SyFy Channel Premieres.
Three shows, one new, two returning had their season premieres this week on the SyFy Channel.
Warehouse 13: Season 2 opened up with a bang. The cliffhangers from the end of season one were resolved, a new villian shows up, and this show is looking great. I love it. A
Eureka: This season opens up with some great twists, an alternate time line where the cast members find themselves in some slightly different situations. Jack had broken up with Tess (actress went to the ill fated ABC show Eastwick) and now is living with her. Jo and Zack were dating and looking at marriage, now she and Zack are not friends at all. Allison's son, Kevin, is no longer autistic. And Henry is married to someone who we have not met yet. And a scientist from 1947 who helped found Eureka has come to this time for unknown purposes. Wow. A
Haven: This is the new show based on the Hard Case Crime novel written by Stephen King called the Colorado Kid. In that story, facts are presented in a very mysterious murder which never gets explained let alone solved by King. This forms the basis of this show, where an FBI agent comes to this mysterious town where the murder happened and discovers the residents have supernatural powers. Also, she sees a picture of the Colorado Kid crime scene which has a woman in it that looks just like her. This show got some bad reviews, but so do Warehouse 13 and that became a winner. I like it and look forward to seeing what they do. B
Oh well.
I almost would consider getting married if I truly believed my wife would do laundry.
Sports Update.
Jerk of the Decade: LeBron James spent some big bucks to do a one hour special on ESPN so that he can announce that he signed with the Miami Heat. What a jerk, can you imagine Michael Jordon doing something like that, or Dr. J, or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar? The guy lives in Akron, and having spent four years at Kent, Ohio, let me tell you, for him to live there, he must love the area. So why go to Miami and hose the fans in Cleveland? Not more money, just a chance to win a ring. For some reason, I don't see him fairing that way in Miami, because there the fans are not going to have the same respect for him as they do in Ohio. Prepare to be booed.
Boston Red Sox: Tough week for the Red Sox with all the injuries. They took 2 out of 3 over the Orioles in their weekend series, were swept by the Rays 3 straight, and have split the series with the Blue Jays this weekend, taking the first game 14-3 and losing game 2, 9-5. Rubber match is this afternoon. Another long summer for Red Sox fans.
SyFy Channel Premieres.
Three shows, one new, two returning had their season premieres this week on the SyFy Channel.
Warehouse 13: Season 2 opened up with a bang. The cliffhangers from the end of season one were resolved, a new villian shows up, and this show is looking great. I love it. A
Eureka: This season opens up with some great twists, an alternate time line where the cast members find themselves in some slightly different situations. Jack had broken up with Tess (actress went to the ill fated ABC show Eastwick) and now is living with her. Jo and Zack were dating and looking at marriage, now she and Zack are not friends at all. Allison's son, Kevin, is no longer autistic. And Henry is married to someone who we have not met yet. And a scientist from 1947 who helped found Eureka has come to this time for unknown purposes. Wow. A
Haven: This is the new show based on the Hard Case Crime novel written by Stephen King called the Colorado Kid. In that story, facts are presented in a very mysterious murder which never gets explained let alone solved by King. This forms the basis of this show, where an FBI agent comes to this mysterious town where the murder happened and discovers the residents have supernatural powers. Also, she sees a picture of the Colorado Kid crime scene which has a woman in it that looks just like her. This show got some bad reviews, but so do Warehouse 13 and that became a winner. I like it and look forward to seeing what they do. B
Oh well.
Sunday, July 4, 2010
Thoughts: 04-July-2010
Happy Birthday U.S.A.
Sports Update.
Boston Red Sox: They beat the Orioles 9-3 to take the second game of their three game weekend series, Jon Lester got his 12th win and is 12-0. Looks good for an All Star selection. The damn Yankees also won, so the good guys are still a half game behind.
Season Finales.
In Plain Sight (USA): USA network cut this season short for some reason, nice ending though with Mary going on vacation with Steve Weber, the FBI love interest. I thought that Marshall was going to suggest they get together, but instead she ends up with Weber. He could be back next season as Happy Town appears to be cancelled by ABC. B
Merlin (SyFy): Season 2 ended with Merlin defeating the dragon that he set free. We find out that his father was the last of the Dragon Lords and Merlin now has inherited that title. Too bad they had to kill his father off right away, may have been interesting to see him around in season 3. Still have to wonder when Arthur is gong to realize who Merlin is, given all that goes on with him. B
Three Rivers (CBS): The last episode ran last night, and it is too bad this show is over. I thought it was pretty good. I am glad that the African patient got his heart so at least that had a happy ending. B
According to TV.com, Friday Night Lights is doing pretty good in the ratings with its NBC run. Finally people are seeing what a great show this is.
Comic News.
FrankenCastle (Marvel) is coming to an end with issue 21. While I like seeing the Marvel Monsters get some ink, I did not care too much for this series. They are better off doing the Punisher Max series than trying to make the Punisher fit into the Marvel Universe.
Nice seeing the Man-Thing, one of my favorite characters, in the current run of ThunderBolts. Maybe Marvel Monsters are coming back. Anything would be better than the endless Deadpool comics or that stupid Marvel Zombies stuff.
Oh well.
Sports Update.
Boston Red Sox: They beat the Orioles 9-3 to take the second game of their three game weekend series, Jon Lester got his 12th win and is 12-0. Looks good for an All Star selection. The damn Yankees also won, so the good guys are still a half game behind.
Season Finales.
In Plain Sight (USA): USA network cut this season short for some reason, nice ending though with Mary going on vacation with Steve Weber, the FBI love interest. I thought that Marshall was going to suggest they get together, but instead she ends up with Weber. He could be back next season as Happy Town appears to be cancelled by ABC. B
Merlin (SyFy): Season 2 ended with Merlin defeating the dragon that he set free. We find out that his father was the last of the Dragon Lords and Merlin now has inherited that title. Too bad they had to kill his father off right away, may have been interesting to see him around in season 3. Still have to wonder when Arthur is gong to realize who Merlin is, given all that goes on with him. B
Three Rivers (CBS): The last episode ran last night, and it is too bad this show is over. I thought it was pretty good. I am glad that the African patient got his heart so at least that had a happy ending. B
According to TV.com, Friday Night Lights is doing pretty good in the ratings with its NBC run. Finally people are seeing what a great show this is.
Comic News.
FrankenCastle (Marvel) is coming to an end with issue 21. While I like seeing the Marvel Monsters get some ink, I did not care too much for this series. They are better off doing the Punisher Max series than trying to make the Punisher fit into the Marvel Universe.
Nice seeing the Man-Thing, one of my favorite characters, in the current run of ThunderBolts. Maybe Marvel Monsters are coming back. Anything would be better than the endless Deadpool comics or that stupid Marvel Zombies stuff.
Oh well.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Thoughts: 03-July-2010
The summer is just flying by. I have to plan my trip home to Harrisburg for August, have to write a poster for the SFN meeting in San Diego, and do a million other things.
Sports Update.
Boston Red Sox: A great week that saw the Red Sox take 2 out of 3 games from the Giants, split a two game series with Tampa Bay, and then take the first of a 3 game weekend series with the Orioles 3-2. Tim Wakefield gets the win last night with a 8 inning pitching run and with help from a 2 HR effort by Drew. This puts the Red Sox only a half game behind the hated Yankees for first place. Things are heating up baby.
NCAA Football: I just read an idiotic commentary by Beebe the Big 12 (but really 10) commissioner trashing the Pac 10 and Big 10. He claims that the geographic area where the Big 10 is located is losing population and thus are not going to be supported that well. Funny, the Big 10 network seems to be doing pretty good and is available nationwide. Somebody must be watching, and those somebodies are sure as hell not going to be watching the Big 12. My guess is that Beebe's song and dance act that he put on to convince teams to stay in the Big 12 is now raising questions as to where is the money going to be coming from that you promised us? I predict in the next five years the Big 12 will be losing teams and will soon be a nonentity.
Big 10: In the latest issue of Sporting News, there was a nice article that Nebraska was going to be a major power in college football again which will be good news for the Big 10. Should make a stronger attraction for the Big 10 network.
HawthoRNe (TNT): Yes, last week I swore I would not watch this show again. So Tuesday comes along and I do not have anything to watch at 8:55 pm on my DVR, and was too lazy to pick out a DVD. So I decided to watch this show. Episode 2 was a vast improvement over the stupid crap shown in last week's show. It was kind of fun to watch everyone blow off Christine's interference and attempts to push doctors around. Then she somehow managed to convince the doctor in charge of the ethics committee to talk to the patient that they denied treatment too which caused them to reverse their decision, which is what Christine wanted. But before she finds out, she makes a fool of herself before the committee by berating them for not doing what she wants. When they inform her that we did change our minds, she kind of shrunk really little like they used to do to Fred Flintstone in that old cartoon series. I guess seeing her not get away with her crap was kind of fun. C
Next Tuesday Warehouse 13 (SyFy) comes back for season 2 and I may be able to give up HawthoRNe for good.
Looks like ABC shelved plans to show the last two episodes of Eastwick on July 10. That show got no respect and just as it got interesting it was cancelled. At least the one actress has some appearance on Eureka (SyFy) coming up.
Oh well.
Sports Update.
Boston Red Sox: A great week that saw the Red Sox take 2 out of 3 games from the Giants, split a two game series with Tampa Bay, and then take the first of a 3 game weekend series with the Orioles 3-2. Tim Wakefield gets the win last night with a 8 inning pitching run and with help from a 2 HR effort by Drew. This puts the Red Sox only a half game behind the hated Yankees for first place. Things are heating up baby.
NCAA Football: I just read an idiotic commentary by Beebe the Big 12 (but really 10) commissioner trashing the Pac 10 and Big 10. He claims that the geographic area where the Big 10 is located is losing population and thus are not going to be supported that well. Funny, the Big 10 network seems to be doing pretty good and is available nationwide. Somebody must be watching, and those somebodies are sure as hell not going to be watching the Big 12. My guess is that Beebe's song and dance act that he put on to convince teams to stay in the Big 12 is now raising questions as to where is the money going to be coming from that you promised us? I predict in the next five years the Big 12 will be losing teams and will soon be a nonentity.
Big 10: In the latest issue of Sporting News, there was a nice article that Nebraska was going to be a major power in college football again which will be good news for the Big 10. Should make a stronger attraction for the Big 10 network.
HawthoRNe (TNT): Yes, last week I swore I would not watch this show again. So Tuesday comes along and I do not have anything to watch at 8:55 pm on my DVR, and was too lazy to pick out a DVD. So I decided to watch this show. Episode 2 was a vast improvement over the stupid crap shown in last week's show. It was kind of fun to watch everyone blow off Christine's interference and attempts to push doctors around. Then she somehow managed to convince the doctor in charge of the ethics committee to talk to the patient that they denied treatment too which caused them to reverse their decision, which is what Christine wanted. But before she finds out, she makes a fool of herself before the committee by berating them for not doing what she wants. When they inform her that we did change our minds, she kind of shrunk really little like they used to do to Fred Flintstone in that old cartoon series. I guess seeing her not get away with her crap was kind of fun. C
Next Tuesday Warehouse 13 (SyFy) comes back for season 2 and I may be able to give up HawthoRNe for good.
Looks like ABC shelved plans to show the last two episodes of Eastwick on July 10. That show got no respect and just as it got interesting it was cancelled. At least the one actress has some appearance on Eureka (SyFy) coming up.
Oh well.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Thoughts: 27-June-2010
The Karate Kid, directed by Harald Zwart is a remake of the classic film that came out in 1984. Jackie Chan is cast as Mr. Han who trains Dre Parker in Kung Fu. Yes the Kung Fu Kid would have made more sense, but this is a remake. Dre is played by Jaden Smith son of Will and Jada Pinckett Smith. He should give his mom some acting lessons, I could not believe how good this young actor was in the role. And given his small stature, he was very believable with the threat from the bullies. The setting in China was well used and Chan got to show some acting chops in his performance. All in all very good film, I give it an A. Now if Jaden can avoid showing up on his mom's crappy show, HawthoRNe, he should have a great career ahead of him.
Leverage (TNT): The show returned last week with two new episodes, the cliffhanger from last season was nicely resolved with an ongoing subplot to occupy us until the season finale. The second episode was set at a high school reunion and Timothy Hutton was quite funny in playing the character who shows up at the reunion. A
Futurama (Comedy Central): This show returns with the first of two new episodes and it was great as always. I have watched all the episodes on DVD from its run on Fox TV, the four direct to DVD movies, and now this. Oh, and the comic books series too. Great show. A
Boston Red Sox: They beat the Giants yesterday 4-2, after Clay Buchholz went out after one inning. Injuries are starting to plague this team. It is going to be a long season.
Oh well.
Leverage (TNT): The show returned last week with two new episodes, the cliffhanger from last season was nicely resolved with an ongoing subplot to occupy us until the season finale. The second episode was set at a high school reunion and Timothy Hutton was quite funny in playing the character who shows up at the reunion. A
Futurama (Comedy Central): This show returns with the first of two new episodes and it was great as always. I have watched all the episodes on DVD from its run on Fox TV, the four direct to DVD movies, and now this. Oh, and the comic books series too. Great show. A
Boston Red Sox: They beat the Giants yesterday 4-2, after Clay Buchholz went out after one inning. Injuries are starting to plague this team. It is going to be a long season.
Oh well.
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Thoughts: 26-June-2010
It has been over 7 days since I got my new tattoo and the aftercare has been going great. Looks good and is healing nicely.
Sports Update.
Boston Red Sox: After sweeping the Dodgers this past weekend, the Red Sox lost 2 out of three to the Rockies and dropped the first game to the Giants 5-4 in this weekend's series. Not a good week.
HawthoRNe (TNT): I was going to skip the second season premiere of this show, then decided to watch it. The show has gone from the ridiculous to the ludicrous. Budget overruns has forced one of two hospitals to close, one with a 98% rating and one with a 58%. So the good one closes, the bad one stays open, and our heroine has to share the director of nursing job with the nurse from hell who kills patients left and right, but cannot be fired because she knows where the bodies are buried. Give me a frakking break. It was bad enough when Hawthorne was bossing doctors around, now this crap? Will not be watching this show anymore. F
Saving Grace (TNT): Did that series finale make any sense at all? Grace's big redemption mission was to kill herself along with Satan/demon who helped with the Oklahoma City bombing? What was that all about? How could she kill this guy when she filled him with bullets and he was still okay? I mean, really that is how they wanted to end the series. What a load of BS. F
Treme (HBO): The first season of this excellent show ended and it has been a charm from the get go. I was surprised that the John Goodman character committed suicide, but in thinking it through it made sense. Glad that this show will be back on HBO. A
The Phantom (SyFy): I watched this miniseries that updated Lee Faulk's classic hero and when back and forth liking it and not liking it. I don't care for the costume, but I see why they went with a change. I guess it was intriguing enough for me to want to check the show out, if it has been green lit for a ongoing series. B
Oh well.
Sports Update.
Boston Red Sox: After sweeping the Dodgers this past weekend, the Red Sox lost 2 out of three to the Rockies and dropped the first game to the Giants 5-4 in this weekend's series. Not a good week.
HawthoRNe (TNT): I was going to skip the second season premiere of this show, then decided to watch it. The show has gone from the ridiculous to the ludicrous. Budget overruns has forced one of two hospitals to close, one with a 98% rating and one with a 58%. So the good one closes, the bad one stays open, and our heroine has to share the director of nursing job with the nurse from hell who kills patients left and right, but cannot be fired because she knows where the bodies are buried. Give me a frakking break. It was bad enough when Hawthorne was bossing doctors around, now this crap? Will not be watching this show anymore. F
Saving Grace (TNT): Did that series finale make any sense at all? Grace's big redemption mission was to kill herself along with Satan/demon who helped with the Oklahoma City bombing? What was that all about? How could she kill this guy when she filled him with bullets and he was still okay? I mean, really that is how they wanted to end the series. What a load of BS. F
Treme (HBO): The first season of this excellent show ended and it has been a charm from the get go. I was surprised that the John Goodman character committed suicide, but in thinking it through it made sense. Glad that this show will be back on HBO. A
The Phantom (SyFy): I watched this miniseries that updated Lee Faulk's classic hero and when back and forth liking it and not liking it. I don't care for the costume, but I see why they went with a change. I guess it was intriguing enough for me to want to check the show out, if it has been green lit for a ongoing series. B
Oh well.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Thoughts: 20-June-2010
Day 2 of my tattoo aftercare. Seems to be healing nicely and I have gotten over my sleeping phobia of ruining the tattoo while sleeping on my stomach. So far so good.
Movie Review.
Toy Story 3, directed by Lee Unkrich. Despite an average review by Roger Ebert, this latest installment of the Toy Story franchise hits the mark. Another winner from Pixar, are these guys capable of making a bad film? I like how the story deals with Andy growing up and the toys having to adjust to that, with a very happy ending for the toys as they go to a new owner. Just works out to be a nice way to end the story. Great film. A
I did not get a chance to catch the Karate Kid remake yet, maybe next weekend. The film is doing well in the box office so it may be around for awhile.
New Avengers (Marvel): I read the first issue of the relaunch of the New Avengers comic and have to say, Why? The other three ongoing Avengers books make sense, why did Marvel need to create a fourth ongoing book? I would rather see Ms. Marvel or Spider-Woman back in their own books, than another Avengers book.
ABC is going to show unaired episodes of Happy Town and Eastwick on upcoming Saturday nights this summer. Happy Town failed to kill the Wed 10 pm Dead Zone for ABC, and it looks like the Magic Man will get away with his crimes. Show was kind of fun to watch but I knew it would get cancelled. Will ABC show the unaired episode of Eastwick that they skipped? Hopefully they will show the last three episodes in order, rerunning the one they did show before killing the series.
Boston Red Sox: They beat the Dodgers again yesterday, 5-4. I still am hoping for a Yankees and Rays' collapse.
When you are single and want to send birthday cards to friends who are married, did you ever stop and think and you have to send two cards to their one? I get one card from married couples, but have to send them each one. Not fair at all.
Oh well.
Movie Review.
Toy Story 3, directed by Lee Unkrich. Despite an average review by Roger Ebert, this latest installment of the Toy Story franchise hits the mark. Another winner from Pixar, are these guys capable of making a bad film? I like how the story deals with Andy growing up and the toys having to adjust to that, with a very happy ending for the toys as they go to a new owner. Just works out to be a nice way to end the story. Great film. A
I did not get a chance to catch the Karate Kid remake yet, maybe next weekend. The film is doing well in the box office so it may be around for awhile.
New Avengers (Marvel): I read the first issue of the relaunch of the New Avengers comic and have to say, Why? The other three ongoing Avengers books make sense, why did Marvel need to create a fourth ongoing book? I would rather see Ms. Marvel or Spider-Woman back in their own books, than another Avengers book.
ABC is going to show unaired episodes of Happy Town and Eastwick on upcoming Saturday nights this summer. Happy Town failed to kill the Wed 10 pm Dead Zone for ABC, and it looks like the Magic Man will get away with his crimes. Show was kind of fun to watch but I knew it would get cancelled. Will ABC show the unaired episode of Eastwick that they skipped? Hopefully they will show the last three episodes in order, rerunning the one they did show before killing the series.
Boston Red Sox: They beat the Dodgers again yesterday, 5-4. I still am hoping for a Yankees and Rays' collapse.
When you are single and want to send birthday cards to friends who are married, did you ever stop and think and you have to send two cards to their one? I get one card from married couples, but have to send them each one. Not fair at all.
Oh well.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Thoughts: 19-June-2010
I got my Luther Rose tattoo yesterday and it looks great. Also got my Patriots tattoo retouched as I damaged it when I rolled over in my sleep and busted it open. Now it looks great and I have more experience taking care of tattoos. Interesting, the two artists who did my Patriots and Red Sox tattoos are now gone from the shop. Let's hope I am not a jinx.
I think that I will get one more, a rat for my back. I was born in the year of the rat and that animal is one I have done the most research on. That is the only other one I want to get.
I am going to try and see Toy Story 3 and maybe the Karate Kid today. I did not get a chance to catch a movie yesterday. No Jonah Hex though, may have to do a DVD pick up for that.
I had a lot of trouble sleeping last night. I tried to sleep on my back which did not work out so well, as I usually sleep on my stomach. Trying to protect my new tattoos. I ended up going to my LaziBoy chair and sleeping in that for a couple of hours. Then I went back to bed, where I ended up in my usual sleeping position. The tattoos look fine this morning, so maybe I was worried for nothing.
Sports Update.
Boston Red Sox: They beat the Dodgers at home 10-6, Manny Ramirez made his first visit back to Fenway after he was traded to LA. Mixed reaction, I guess it has been too long for any major reaction. Glad my hope that I expressed yesterday was fulfilled.
NCAA: Lou Holtz thinks Notre Dame should join the Big 10 after years of opposing such a move. I don't think he has any sway over the powers that control Notre Dame, so his opinion means as much as mine. I would like to see Notre Dame and Pittsburgh join the Big 10.
The college and pro football annuals are making their appearances on the newsstands. I used to buy one of each, now I do not bother. Don't really need them with the Internet handy. I still buy the Town and Gown Penn State Annual, as there is some good information to be had in that magazine.
Oh well.
I think that I will get one more, a rat for my back. I was born in the year of the rat and that animal is one I have done the most research on. That is the only other one I want to get.
I am going to try and see Toy Story 3 and maybe the Karate Kid today. I did not get a chance to catch a movie yesterday. No Jonah Hex though, may have to do a DVD pick up for that.
I had a lot of trouble sleeping last night. I tried to sleep on my back which did not work out so well, as I usually sleep on my stomach. Trying to protect my new tattoos. I ended up going to my LaziBoy chair and sleeping in that for a couple of hours. Then I went back to bed, where I ended up in my usual sleeping position. The tattoos look fine this morning, so maybe I was worried for nothing.
Sports Update.
Boston Red Sox: They beat the Dodgers at home 10-6, Manny Ramirez made his first visit back to Fenway after he was traded to LA. Mixed reaction, I guess it has been too long for any major reaction. Glad my hope that I expressed yesterday was fulfilled.
NCAA: Lou Holtz thinks Notre Dame should join the Big 10 after years of opposing such a move. I don't think he has any sway over the powers that control Notre Dame, so his opinion means as much as mine. I would like to see Notre Dame and Pittsburgh join the Big 10.
The college and pro football annuals are making their appearances on the newsstands. I used to buy one of each, now I do not bother. Don't really need them with the Internet handy. I still buy the Town and Gown Penn State Annual, as there is some good information to be had in that magazine.
Oh well.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Thoughts: 18-June-2010
I took the day off in order to get my tattoo. This past Sunday when I was scheduled to get it, my artist called in sick and so I had to re-schedule for today. Let us hope I can get it today.
I am going to try and see Toy Story 3 after I get the tattoo. I also want to see the Karate Kid remake since Roger Ebert gave that a good review. Jonah Hex is also opening up this weekend but is not at the Groton Cinemas which I thought would be there for sure given these types of movies always end up there. I have been reading the Jonah Hex comic for years and would like to see this movie even with the bad reviews that it has gotten.
Sports Update.
Boston Celtics: So close and yet so far. After taking a 3-2 game lead over the Lakers, they lose the final two games in LA. While both they and the Bruins played well this year, neither won the ultimate prize.
Boston Red Sox: After beating the Phillies up big time in the first two games of the series, they lost the third game. Then they swept the Arizona Diamondbacks. Now the LA Dodgers are the next time they face. The Red Sox are doing pretty good against the National League and maybe they can get some revenge for the Celtics' loss. Funny how fans think sports teams actually care about other teams losing.
NFL: Looks like we may have an 18 game regular season and a cut back in those preseason games. Players union is complaining about an increase in injuries, what about injuries in those useless preseason games. I am for it.
NCAA: Well, the PAC 10 tried to add Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Texas to make a 16 team conference. The Big 12 commissioner counteracted with a promise of increased TV revenue for the teams and these three decided to stick with the Big 12. So PAC 10 asked Utah to join and they decided to leave the Mountain West and be the 12th member. Texas is trying to create its own TV network, other than that, the loss of the conference championship game is going to cut down on TV revenue. Granted with only 10 teams, that means more money per team, but as much as the PAC 10 could deliver? I doubt it. So the PAC 10 has 12 teams (guess here is that they will become the PAC 12), the Big 12 has 10 teams (and own the copyright to the name Big 12), and the Big 10 has 12 teams (Big Midwest 12 or BM 12 is my pick for a new name).
Nurse Jackie (Showtime): I caught up the the season finale and thought the show ended in a very strange fashion. Jackie's best friend and Jackie's husband find out about her drug addiction, and Jackie returns to the bathroom and defiantly stares into the mirror denying she is an addict. Is that supposed to make us respect her? And the drug dealer she ripped off of $12,000 in drugs, he just gets taken out by Thor? And no repercussions at work? Bad ending to this season, it gets a C.
Oh well.
I am going to try and see Toy Story 3 after I get the tattoo. I also want to see the Karate Kid remake since Roger Ebert gave that a good review. Jonah Hex is also opening up this weekend but is not at the Groton Cinemas which I thought would be there for sure given these types of movies always end up there. I have been reading the Jonah Hex comic for years and would like to see this movie even with the bad reviews that it has gotten.
Sports Update.
Boston Celtics: So close and yet so far. After taking a 3-2 game lead over the Lakers, they lose the final two games in LA. While both they and the Bruins played well this year, neither won the ultimate prize.
Boston Red Sox: After beating the Phillies up big time in the first two games of the series, they lost the third game. Then they swept the Arizona Diamondbacks. Now the LA Dodgers are the next time they face. The Red Sox are doing pretty good against the National League and maybe they can get some revenge for the Celtics' loss. Funny how fans think sports teams actually care about other teams losing.
NFL: Looks like we may have an 18 game regular season and a cut back in those preseason games. Players union is complaining about an increase in injuries, what about injuries in those useless preseason games. I am for it.
NCAA: Well, the PAC 10 tried to add Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Texas to make a 16 team conference. The Big 12 commissioner counteracted with a promise of increased TV revenue for the teams and these three decided to stick with the Big 12. So PAC 10 asked Utah to join and they decided to leave the Mountain West and be the 12th member. Texas is trying to create its own TV network, other than that, the loss of the conference championship game is going to cut down on TV revenue. Granted with only 10 teams, that means more money per team, but as much as the PAC 10 could deliver? I doubt it. So the PAC 10 has 12 teams (guess here is that they will become the PAC 12), the Big 12 has 10 teams (and own the copyright to the name Big 12), and the Big 10 has 12 teams (Big Midwest 12 or BM 12 is my pick for a new name).
Nurse Jackie (Showtime): I caught up the the season finale and thought the show ended in a very strange fashion. Jackie's best friend and Jackie's husband find out about her drug addiction, and Jackie returns to the bathroom and defiantly stares into the mirror denying she is an addict. Is that supposed to make us respect her? And the drug dealer she ripped off of $12,000 in drugs, he just gets taken out by Thor? And no repercussions at work? Bad ending to this season, it gets a C.
Oh well.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Thoughts: 13-June-2010
I made an appointment to get my three tattoo today. At 12:30 pm I am getting the Luther Rose tattooed on the right side of my chest. Also going to get my Patriots tattoo retouched. I rolled over on it during my sleep when I first got it and it has has marks I want retouched. I also have a Boston Red Sox tattoo on my right arm.
Still debating about getting a rat tattooed on my back.
Just read a good review of the new Karate Kid film starring Jackie Chan and Dre Smith by Roger Ebert. I guess I will try and check it out. He also reviewed the A Team film and his review agrees with all the bad ones for that film.
Sports Update.
Boston Red Sox: They killed the Phillies again yesterday, 10-2, man I wish they could play like that all the time.
Boston Celtics: Game 5 in Boston tonight, series tied 2-2. Celtics need a win in this game, I do not like their chances going to LA if they lose tonight.
NCAA: Lots of talk about conference changes. PAC 10 is meeting with Oklahoma and Oklahoma State about joining them. If they get both teams, I think that they will try and get one more, either a team in Texas or one in Kansas. Big 10 will not add any more teams, unless Notre Dame wants in. I could see Pittsburgh and Missouri joining the Big 10 at some point, I can also see Kansas and Kansas State coming in as well. Notre Dame needs to get off its high horse and understand that they are going to be left out in the cold unless they join a conference. Big 10 makes the most sense for them, but I see them screwing the pooch and blowing that opportunity.
Comics News.
DC is cancelling the Vertigo title Unknown Soldier with issue 25. Good book but sales were low. I wonder if the WW2 version will still make an appearance in this book as that was hinted at one point.
I read the first issue of Marvel's Hawkeye and Mockingbird book. I liked it, but boy does it remind me of the recently cancelled Green Arrow and Black Canary book. DC did not like the direction and/or sales of that premise, and are now going with a Green Arrow solo book. Could this happen with the Marvel book as well?
Oh well.
Still debating about getting a rat tattooed on my back.
Just read a good review of the new Karate Kid film starring Jackie Chan and Dre Smith by Roger Ebert. I guess I will try and check it out. He also reviewed the A Team film and his review agrees with all the bad ones for that film.
Sports Update.
Boston Red Sox: They killed the Phillies again yesterday, 10-2, man I wish they could play like that all the time.
Boston Celtics: Game 5 in Boston tonight, series tied 2-2. Celtics need a win in this game, I do not like their chances going to LA if they lose tonight.
NCAA: Lots of talk about conference changes. PAC 10 is meeting with Oklahoma and Oklahoma State about joining them. If they get both teams, I think that they will try and get one more, either a team in Texas or one in Kansas. Big 10 will not add any more teams, unless Notre Dame wants in. I could see Pittsburgh and Missouri joining the Big 10 at some point, I can also see Kansas and Kansas State coming in as well. Notre Dame needs to get off its high horse and understand that they are going to be left out in the cold unless they join a conference. Big 10 makes the most sense for them, but I see them screwing the pooch and blowing that opportunity.
Comics News.
DC is cancelling the Vertigo title Unknown Soldier with issue 25. Good book but sales were low. I wonder if the WW2 version will still make an appearance in this book as that was hinted at one point.
I read the first issue of Marvel's Hawkeye and Mockingbird book. I liked it, but boy does it remind me of the recently cancelled Green Arrow and Black Canary book. DC did not like the direction and/or sales of that premise, and are now going with a Green Arrow solo book. Could this happen with the Marvel book as well?
Oh well.
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Thoughts: 12-June-2010
It has been awhile, I hoped to write a blog sooner than this, but lots of stuff got in the way. Too busy.
Rant of the week.
I just saw a news item that record companies are crying about a drop in CD sales. You know, before the CD, we had vinyl records which you could buy 3 for 10 bucks, giving you a chance to support new groups. Then CDs came out with the marketing con about only the best is coming out on CDs which cost 15 bucks. Eventually everything came out on CD with prices not dropping at all. CDs were always way overpriced and now with downloads and IPods, we don't need to pay for the over priced CD, if record companies had been less greedy, the CD would still be selling well.
Movie Review.
Splice, directed by Vincenzo Natali and starring Adrien Brody and Sarah Polley. This film is a cross between Species and Croneberg's the Fly. These scientists are creating hybrid life forms to synthesize new proteins to be used to cure diseases. They created a male and female blob creature for this drug company, who then wants to shut down the lab and focus on creating products from the proteins. They want to go further, and create a human animal hybrid then becomes unexpectedly viable and grows into a pretty creature named Dren. Pretty enough to entice Brody into having sex with her. Then at the stockholders meeting where the blobs are to be shown, we find out the female has changed into a male and the two creatures start to fight casting blood and guts over all the shareholders. Working for a major pharmaceutical company, I liked this scene the best. Dren follows suit and turns into a male, kills Brody and rapes Polley impregnating her in the process. She ends up killing Dren and cuts a deal with the company for a zillion bucks for the fetus growing in her, as that has these valuable proteins. Okay film and was worth watching, not that original but entertaining enough. B (Mostly because I really liked that stockholder scene.)
Sports Update.
Boston Red Sox: Last weekend they took 2 out of three from the Orioles, split a four game series with the Cleveland Indians, and beat the Phillies 12-2 last night to start their weekend series. Now the Yankees and Rays need to start losing.
Boston Celtics: Very frustrating series with the Lakers. They split the first two games in LA giving them the home advantage, then lose game 3 in Boston. They came back in game 4 to tie the series 2-2. Now they have to win at least one game in LA, provided they win game 5, the last in Boston.
NHL: The Chicago Blackhawks have won their fourth Stanley Cup by beating the Flyers in OT in game 6 in Philadelphia. This was a series where the Flyers won the first two games in Philadelphia but could not get the job down in their last home game. Chicago must be very excited to have this win, I know my dad would have been happy.
NCAA: Conference changes are a happening. Colorado leaves the Big 12 to join the PAC 10 and Nebraska leaves the Big 12 to join the Big 10 as the 12th team. Big 10 will have a conference championship game and now will they court any other teams? Texas (PAC 10 and Big 10) and Texas A&M (SEC) are rumoured to be evaluating their options. And can the Big 10 get the Big 12 name? And will Notre Dame finally join a conference or risk being left out in the cold? I wonder if Pittsburgh has a chance for the Big 10 or is that now dashed?
World Cup: For the first time in the 25 years I have been at Pfizer, they are showing World Cup games during the week on the big screen in the 220 atrium. This is do to all the British folk joining this company over the last few years, I think that the World Cup is boring and would rather do work than watch that. You know why that guy screams out the word GOAL, it is to wake up the audience.
Oh well.
Rant of the week.
I just saw a news item that record companies are crying about a drop in CD sales. You know, before the CD, we had vinyl records which you could buy 3 for 10 bucks, giving you a chance to support new groups. Then CDs came out with the marketing con about only the best is coming out on CDs which cost 15 bucks. Eventually everything came out on CD with prices not dropping at all. CDs were always way overpriced and now with downloads and IPods, we don't need to pay for the over priced CD, if record companies had been less greedy, the CD would still be selling well.
Movie Review.
Splice, directed by Vincenzo Natali and starring Adrien Brody and Sarah Polley. This film is a cross between Species and Croneberg's the Fly. These scientists are creating hybrid life forms to synthesize new proteins to be used to cure diseases. They created a male and female blob creature for this drug company, who then wants to shut down the lab and focus on creating products from the proteins. They want to go further, and create a human animal hybrid then becomes unexpectedly viable and grows into a pretty creature named Dren. Pretty enough to entice Brody into having sex with her. Then at the stockholders meeting where the blobs are to be shown, we find out the female has changed into a male and the two creatures start to fight casting blood and guts over all the shareholders. Working for a major pharmaceutical company, I liked this scene the best. Dren follows suit and turns into a male, kills Brody and rapes Polley impregnating her in the process. She ends up killing Dren and cuts a deal with the company for a zillion bucks for the fetus growing in her, as that has these valuable proteins. Okay film and was worth watching, not that original but entertaining enough. B (Mostly because I really liked that stockholder scene.)
Sports Update.
Boston Red Sox: Last weekend they took 2 out of three from the Orioles, split a four game series with the Cleveland Indians, and beat the Phillies 12-2 last night to start their weekend series. Now the Yankees and Rays need to start losing.
Boston Celtics: Very frustrating series with the Lakers. They split the first two games in LA giving them the home advantage, then lose game 3 in Boston. They came back in game 4 to tie the series 2-2. Now they have to win at least one game in LA, provided they win game 5, the last in Boston.
NHL: The Chicago Blackhawks have won their fourth Stanley Cup by beating the Flyers in OT in game 6 in Philadelphia. This was a series where the Flyers won the first two games in Philadelphia but could not get the job down in their last home game. Chicago must be very excited to have this win, I know my dad would have been happy.
NCAA: Conference changes are a happening. Colorado leaves the Big 12 to join the PAC 10 and Nebraska leaves the Big 12 to join the Big 10 as the 12th team. Big 10 will have a conference championship game and now will they court any other teams? Texas (PAC 10 and Big 10) and Texas A&M (SEC) are rumoured to be evaluating their options. And can the Big 10 get the Big 12 name? And will Notre Dame finally join a conference or risk being left out in the cold? I wonder if Pittsburgh has a chance for the Big 10 or is that now dashed?
World Cup: For the first time in the 25 years I have been at Pfizer, they are showing World Cup games during the week on the big screen in the 220 atrium. This is do to all the British folk joining this company over the last few years, I think that the World Cup is boring and would rather do work than watch that. You know why that guy screams out the word GOAL, it is to wake up the audience.
Oh well.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Thoughts: 05-June-2010
I had jury duty this week, the jury was for a week long criminal case that is going to start on Monday. I got into an argument with the judge about jury nullification and was excused. I guess they don't want jurors who think too much.
Sports Update.
Boston Red Sox: They took 2 out of 3 from the Oakland Athletics and won the first game in the current weekend series with the Baltimore Orioles. Are they finally in a groove?
Boston Celtics: They lost game 1 to the Los Angeles Lakers, game 2 is tonight in LA. They were the favorites, but my gut is telling me told you so.
NHL: The Flyers won games 3 and 4 in Philadelphia to even the series with the Blackhawks. Flyers have always been tough at home and it appears they still are. Still have to win one in Chicago.
NCAA Football: Lots of talk about conference expansion. PAC 10 wants to add six teams from the Big 12 to become the Big 16, Big 10 is now looking at Texas to join them in their expansion plans. I will be very interested in where this is all going. Big 10 has the advantage of the Big 10 TV network which brings in big buck to their members.
Happy Town (ABC): I started watching this show when ABC began airing it on their Wed 10 pm dead zone, it seemed like a Harper's Island clone. The last episode has really spun away from that comparison. It is starting to get interesting, just as the ratings take a major nosedive. Concepts like this do not work as ongoing series, needs to be a miniseries. B
Burn Notice (USA): Season premiere was on the other night and it seems that the past three seasons were an audition for Michael Weston to take on this investigation into a very powerful person starting mini wars around the world for profit. Could this be the endgame for the show? And why do they let Michael continue to help clients? A
Royal Pains (USA): Favourite show from last summer is back. The interplay with the characters especially with Even and Divya and Henry Winkler joining the cast as the crooked father, makes this show a delight. I loved the punch Hank laid on his father to end the show. A
I am off to see Splice today and then watch Three Rivers, which returns with unaired episodes on CBS, and watch Doctor Who, new episode on BBC America.
Oh well.
Sports Update.
Boston Red Sox: They took 2 out of 3 from the Oakland Athletics and won the first game in the current weekend series with the Baltimore Orioles. Are they finally in a groove?
Boston Celtics: They lost game 1 to the Los Angeles Lakers, game 2 is tonight in LA. They were the favorites, but my gut is telling me told you so.
NHL: The Flyers won games 3 and 4 in Philadelphia to even the series with the Blackhawks. Flyers have always been tough at home and it appears they still are. Still have to win one in Chicago.
NCAA Football: Lots of talk about conference expansion. PAC 10 wants to add six teams from the Big 12 to become the Big 16, Big 10 is now looking at Texas to join them in their expansion plans. I will be very interested in where this is all going. Big 10 has the advantage of the Big 10 TV network which brings in big buck to their members.
Happy Town (ABC): I started watching this show when ABC began airing it on their Wed 10 pm dead zone, it seemed like a Harper's Island clone. The last episode has really spun away from that comparison. It is starting to get interesting, just as the ratings take a major nosedive. Concepts like this do not work as ongoing series, needs to be a miniseries. B
Burn Notice (USA): Season premiere was on the other night and it seems that the past three seasons were an audition for Michael Weston to take on this investigation into a very powerful person starting mini wars around the world for profit. Could this be the endgame for the show? And why do they let Michael continue to help clients? A
Royal Pains (USA): Favourite show from last summer is back. The interplay with the characters especially with Even and Divya and Henry Winkler joining the cast as the crooked father, makes this show a delight. I loved the punch Hank laid on his father to end the show. A
I am off to see Splice today and then watch Three Rivers, which returns with unaired episodes on CBS, and watch Doctor Who, new episode on BBC America.
Oh well.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Thoughts: 31-May-2010
I just read a terrible review of Sex and the City 2 on rogerebert.com. I guess I should not have loved it as much as I did. I agree that the film was over the top, but that was the show's premise. As I said yesterday, if you are a fan of the show like I am, you will love this movie.
Sports Update.
Boston Red Sox: They beat the Royals yesterday 8-1 with a great Jon Lester pitching performance. So they split the series and have today off, before they start a three game home series with the Oakland Athletics.
NCAA: Big 12 is going to talk about conference realignment at their upcoming annual meeting. I guess that Nebraska and Missouri are going to consider a switch to the Big Ten if an offer is made. Big 12 may be trying to get their wayward members back in line.
Eleventh Hour (British version): I watched on DVD the first two episodes of this series which starred Patrick Stewart as Ian Hood (Rufus Sewell played John Hood in the American version). Both episodes were remade in the American version of the show, the British episodes were about 23 minutes longer. Pretty well done and makes me want to watch my DVD set of Sewell's show. A
I mentioned some guilty pleasures yesterday. Charlie Chan movies were regularly broadcast on local Harrisburg TV stations when I was growing up. They even had a Charlie Chan theater every Saturday that my dad and I would watch. Then they kind of faded from being shown on TV, AMC when they used to show old movies without commercial interruption would do Charlie Chan marathons. every couple of months, those made my day. TCM got the rights to the films but decided not to show them because of complaints regarding racial issues with the portrayal of Asians in this film. Actually, African Americans were the ones who had stuff to complain about, those portrayals are really bad, the Chinese were a lot more respectfully treated in these films. At least now these films have been coming out in DVD sets, so I can again watch them at my leisure.
Some debate about the Warner Oland-Sidney Toler-Roland Winters portrayals of Chan. I like both Oland and Toler's work on the series, my favorite Chan is one that Toler did, "Charlie Chan at the Wax Museum". I have never seen any of the Winters' Chans, but a couple are going to be released with the next DVD set which is coming out this week. I cannot wait.
Oh well.
Sports Update.
Boston Red Sox: They beat the Royals yesterday 8-1 with a great Jon Lester pitching performance. So they split the series and have today off, before they start a three game home series with the Oakland Athletics.
NCAA: Big 12 is going to talk about conference realignment at their upcoming annual meeting. I guess that Nebraska and Missouri are going to consider a switch to the Big Ten if an offer is made. Big 12 may be trying to get their wayward members back in line.
Eleventh Hour (British version): I watched on DVD the first two episodes of this series which starred Patrick Stewart as Ian Hood (Rufus Sewell played John Hood in the American version). Both episodes were remade in the American version of the show, the British episodes were about 23 minutes longer. Pretty well done and makes me want to watch my DVD set of Sewell's show. A
I mentioned some guilty pleasures yesterday. Charlie Chan movies were regularly broadcast on local Harrisburg TV stations when I was growing up. They even had a Charlie Chan theater every Saturday that my dad and I would watch. Then they kind of faded from being shown on TV, AMC when they used to show old movies without commercial interruption would do Charlie Chan marathons. every couple of months, those made my day. TCM got the rights to the films but decided not to show them because of complaints regarding racial issues with the portrayal of Asians in this film. Actually, African Americans were the ones who had stuff to complain about, those portrayals are really bad, the Chinese were a lot more respectfully treated in these films. At least now these films have been coming out in DVD sets, so I can again watch them at my leisure.
Some debate about the Warner Oland-Sidney Toler-Roland Winters portrayals of Chan. I like both Oland and Toler's work on the series, my favorite Chan is one that Toler did, "Charlie Chan at the Wax Museum". I have never seen any of the Winters' Chans, but a couple are going to be released with the next DVD set which is coming out this week. I cannot wait.
Oh well.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
