tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-88120168985301903632024-03-05T01:24:38.081-08:00Andrew's Weekly MusingsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812016898530190363.post-57676368889081117792010-11-07T16:06:00.000-08:002010-11-07T16:06:04.603-08:00Wonder Woman's New Costume: The VerdictBy now, most of you folks out there will probably have heard about the new Wonder Woman costume- and some may have seen it. I've been doing a little reading, looking at fan reaction, and looking at the various looks that Wonder Woman has had in the past, and I am now able to say my verdict: I like it.<br />
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The costume has been receiving heavy criticism. Fans have been saying that it looks dated- something that looks like it was from the nineties, and not in a good way. The costume, redesigned by Jim Lee, retains some of the classic signature Wonder Woman motifs- the bracelets, the lasso of truth, and the headband. However, everything else has been completely revamped and changed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/files/2010/06/newwwcostume.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://dcu.blog.dccomics.com/files/2010/06/newwwcostume.jpg" width="104" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wonder Woman's new costume was conceived by superstar artist Jim Lee. It premiered in <i>Wonder Woman</i> #601.</td></tr>
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Wonder Woman's chest piece has been replaced by a red shirt, with a neck line going done to the breasts. Along the neck line, we can see a smaller Wonder Woman emblem than we are used to. She has retained her belt, albeit a slightly changed one with the image of an eagle imprinted onto it. She has tight-fitting pants, which by Jim Lee's design look padded, with some sort of strange shoe. She has a sporting leather jacket, also padded, and new bracelets. This time they're red and gold, and with a W imprinted on them. Look at the above image for more details.<br />
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As for the new direction of the series, J. Michael Straczynski has said the following.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> "</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The Gods, for reasons of their own but which may have something to with their survival and perhaps the survival of Earth itself, have changed the timeline. In the new timeline, years ago the Gods removed their protection from Paradise Island, and left it vulnerable to attack. And attacked it was. Led by a dark figure, a veritable army descended upon the Island, equipped with weapons that could kill even the Amazons. Outgunned, doomed, Hippolyta gave over her three-year-old daughter to a handful of guardians who spirited her away as Hippolyta led one last desperate battle against the forces that had come to destroy all she had created. In that final battle, she and most of the Amazons were killed, though some managed to escape." Diana has been raised in a modern, urban setting, and her mission is to restore the original timeline.</span><br />
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">As for fans of the original costume, this is good news. If the new costume misses the mark and turns out to be more bothersome than compelling, the story can end with Wonder Woman restoring the former time line and getting her classic costume back. But we all have to keep in mind- when Spider-Man's symbiote costume appeared in </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">the Amazing Spider-Man</i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> #252 it was also heavily criticized. It continued to reapear and dissapear according to fans, until finally finding itself a more </span>permanent<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"> home- with Eddie Brock. However, the costume is now considered to be as classic as the original itself. Hopefully this is what will happen with Wonder Woman's costume, unlike her previous 60's mod look:</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://dccomicsartists.com/dchistory/WonderWoman178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://dccomicsartists.com/dchistory/WonderWoman178.jpg" width="216" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wonder Woman's mod costume was originally concieved by Mike Sekowsky. It premiered in <i>Wonder Woman</i> #178.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So I have decided that I rather like it. It's colorful, iconic, and very recognizable. It's a throwback to the classic costume, and since the costume has not changed in years, it's good that the costume has finally changed. It's also very modern, and kind of punky. Overall, it's a change for the better and I cannot wait until for more!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812016898530190363.post-17329788329876105732010-02-20T07:45:00.000-08:002010-02-20T07:48:11.676-08:00LaGuardia!My LaGuardia is almost finished. You have no idea how this has made me feel. This paper, which has been the bane of my life for the last three months, is almost at an end. All I need to do is a few edits, and then it is done. The paper is due on Monday.<div><br /></div><div>The paper I have written is about Miyamoto Musashi, the legendary samurai from Japan. I analyze the book he wrote, <i>Go Rin No Sho</i>, and talk about his strategy and how he applied it in his duel with Sasaki Kojiro. Anybody who wants to read the paper can read it shortly. I'll post the final grade up here when I get it!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812016898530190363.post-68960327431120881822010-02-19T13:39:00.000-08:002010-02-19T13:41:34.922-08:00Something Funny I Made...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgF8YiDZ-gdcWCVZCRwZHtPBw6oC4UiYgVK2fX4gNZQJnF_VP8zgzBFiOdFWzk0G-WSJ6BDohB37G3b89I4e9ve1um903TtGqJ5vrxz0MYlB4QO-KIi74wJL2HPVlFlmnxY_I4UWckFO4/s1600-h/Damn+Robin.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 310px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgF8YiDZ-gdcWCVZCRwZHtPBw6oC4UiYgVK2fX4gNZQJnF_VP8zgzBFiOdFWzk0G-WSJ6BDohB37G3b89I4e9ve1um903TtGqJ5vrxz0MYlB4QO-KIi74wJL2HPVlFlmnxY_I4UWckFO4/s400/Damn+Robin.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440072592014759778" /></a><div>You can make your own at <a href="http://batmancomic.info">Batman Comic</a>. It's a really neat tool that allows you to add your own text to the panels provided.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812016898530190363.post-69714481490316086022010-02-13T15:17:00.000-08:002010-02-14T12:36:30.219-08:00"The Wolfman" Returns!<p class="MsoNormal">The Wolf Man, perhaps Universal’s best character from the classic rogue gallery that is the Universal Monsters, Get’s to hunt again in the remake of the 1941 original, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">The Wolfman</i>. The movie itself was brilliant, to say the least, but those who go expecting a big picture remake of the original will be surely disappointed.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">The Wolfman</i> tells the story of Lawrence Talbot (Benicio Del Toro), who returns to <st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Blackmoor</st1:city>, <st1:country-region st="on">England</st1:country-region></st1:place>, after receiving the news from that his brother is dead. There, he reunites with his father, Sir John Talbot (Anthony Hopkins) and meets his brother’s girlfriend, Gwen Conliffe (Emily Blunt). After seeing the savage wounds on his brother’s body, he concludes that nothing short of a large beast could have done such a thing. He goes out to hunt the beast (which local peasantry tell is a werewolf), but is infact bitten by the beast himself. The local legends come true- on the night of the full moon, Lawrence Talbot transforms into the Wolf Man, and instantly starts attacking and viciously killing the local population. Scotland Yard inspector Francis Aberline comes to inspect the gruesome deaths, and becomes obsessed with hunting down the Wolf Man.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Benicio Del Toro, who was last seen in the equally brilliant <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Che</i>, delivers a fantastic performance as Lawrence Talbot and the Wolf Man. He plays the part of Lawrence Talbot rather coldly, so it is hard to gain an emotional connection to him, but this is redeemed when Emily Blunt arrives as the love interest. Anthony Hopkins also gives an equally chilling performance as his father. Art Malik also appears in a smaller part, which is a shame. Joe Johnston should have utilized his part as the Talbot servant a bit more.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">One thing to note is that this film is not for the faint hearted. When the Wolf Man attacks his prey, you see everything- and when I say that, I mean their internal organs. The film is horrifically violent. It has everything from disembowelment to beheading, but it is done in a style where it is not distasteful. I think the film is a great retreat from the mindless slashers that populate the horror genre today. However, I would not suggest bringing any children with you, as they’ll probably have nightmares for months.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Overall, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">The Wolfman</i> does not disappoint. However, those who are fans of the original (including me) will be a little disappointed at how different the film is from the original. Although it utilizes the characters and the very general story of the werewolf, it does nothing in the way of a remake. It is an entirely different movie. Whilst this is refreshing, those who are hardcore fans of the original (and the Universal Monsters brand in general) will be disappointed at the lack of similarity.</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Hopefully, the film will open up some more remakes of Universal’s Monster properties. There is word of a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Creature From The Black Lagoon</i> remake, as well as a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">Bride Of Frankenstein</i> remake. Additionally, there is an upcoming project named <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Dracula: Year Zero</i>, which follow the events that lead to Dracula becoming a vampire. However, this does not mean anything- these projects have been floating around since the rather disappointing <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal">Van Helsing</i>, and nothing has come of them. Hopefully, something will, but for now, the future remains uncertain.</p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812016898530190363.post-8087126386664216722010-01-20T14:15:00.000-08:002010-01-20T14:27:05.172-08:00"Che", "30 Rock", And More!<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I haven't posted in a long time, so this is just a small catch up on what's been happening. I got really excited today because Steven <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Soderbergh's</span> "Che" has just come out in a 3 disc set in the Criterion Collection. If anybody knows me, they know I'm obsessed with getting Criterion editions of some of my favorite films. As soon as I have the money, I'm going to Barnes And Noble and purchasing a copy. It's 5 hours long (although it was theatrically released in two parts, and that's how it's presented here), and is pure brilliance! <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Benicio</span> Del <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Toro</span>, who is set to appear in next-month's "The Wolf Man", acts as Che. He is one of the greatest actors of his generation, and I cannot wait to see his performance in "The Wolf Man"!<div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I've also started to watch Tina Fey's "30 Rock", a comedy series that follows the daily lives of the crew on the fictional "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">TGS</span> With Tracy Jordan". Tracy Morgan, Tina Fay, Alec Baldwin, and Jack <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">McBrayer</span> are brilliant in the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">TV</span> series. Alec Baldwin is hilarious with his all <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">business</span> approach to television, Tracy Morgan's portrayal of true idiocy is brilliant, and Jack <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">McBrayer</span> melts your heart as the simple-minded yet loyal Kenneth. Anybody who wants to watch a great television series should watch "30 Rock"!</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Other than that, I have also started watching the television series "Star Wars: The Clone Wars". It's very good, but I am not as impressed with it as I was with the 2003 <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">micro series</span> that was on Cartoon Network. The new series has plots that are worthy of the original trilogy, and the visual style is amazing, but the script is sometimes a bit childish. However, I would still recommend it to friends, and I recommend it to you.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812016898530190363.post-72821256506050634592009-11-26T18:25:00.000-08:002009-11-26T18:39:19.623-08:00Boris Karloff And Bela Lugosi In Edgar Allan Poe's "The Black Cat" And "The Raven"Both Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi have been in excellent horror films on their own and have also created monster icons in their own right, but some of their best work together lies in the two Edgar Allan Poe films made by Universal in the 1930s: "The Black Cat", and "The Raven".<br /><br />"The Black Cat" tells the story of the strange and violent relationship between Dr. Vitus Werdegast and Hjalmar Poelzig. For once in his career, Bela Lugosi plays the dashing good guy, but this is to little affect because of his sinister aura. The ending is so shocking and masterfully shot that the film will leave a mark on all viewers! The film features a very modern Bauhaus type furniture, which is strange for a horror story and a pleasant departure from the usual cobwebs and staircases.<br /><br />"The Raven" is the better of the duo and tells the story of a surgeon, Dr. Richard Vollin, who falls madly in love with a woman soon to be married. He takes in and disfigures murderer-on-the-run Edmund Bateman, who is soon unwillingly drawn into his web of murder. Boris Karloff gives another tragic-but-brilliant performance, and his final heroic act will bring tears to all eyes. Bela Lugosi also gives one of the genre-defining roles as Dr. Vollin, perhaps the greatest mad doctor of all time.<br /><br />These two films are brilliant examples of Universal Horror. Although they do not feature the blatant German Expressionist photography that "Dracula", and "The Mummy" employed, they do takes us through a newer, more modern type of horror. The films are definitely not supernatural, and focus on psychological horror instead.<br /><br />The true star of these films, though, is definitely Boris Karloff. His performances in these films are so unnerving (The Black Cat) and tragic (The Raven) that nobody will forget them. The sinister Poelzig will frighten everybody, and the tragic figure of Edward Bateman will definitely make all cry.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812016898530190363.post-50640300846993489992009-11-15T07:16:00.000-08:002009-11-15T07:18:43.774-08:00Why Do People Kill...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuTAIbC1snTo0seLRyg5IsrkPyZ3SwcyO6YwaQ0hePEiSi6g7LKTlMxpgiKrP5s1x4VKMT4XL_l5r0e3Zu5gDjEo5N4hihv24wUYSm_ckcb9cR2wOsNbmvxNZ8-k-77LrwmQTzl1cMSho/s1600-h/blah.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuTAIbC1snTo0seLRyg5IsrkPyZ3SwcyO6YwaQ0hePEiSi6g7LKTlMxpgiKrP5s1x4VKMT4XL_l5r0e3Zu5gDjEo5N4hihv24wUYSm_ckcb9cR2wOsNbmvxNZ8-k-77LrwmQTzl1cMSho/s400/blah.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5404350139169458738" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinKisBHyi9lZxzDhclQgLyrGHKp4WnwtMAKT4a7NhFTOUme208HwGnAKuizE1NGE-Oa28thgJEiYQXSzW60iCIdo2JWsME0eCiGRLhp4Qyyj-yJ31JVtofKgP5QpIC_to0gqdp_anhRoI/s1600-h/blah.JPG"><br /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812016898530190363.post-5640508347445666512009-10-31T14:53:00.001-07:002010-01-17T10:31:21.377-08:00First Halloween Special! Top 10 Horror Movies! AWM Awards!Happy Halloween everybody! Hope you've all had a good halloween. To celebrate, us folks at AWM central (us folks meaning one guy) have cooked up a wild concotion of Halloween fun! So, to begin- an all new horror story written especially for this site! And so begins... <span style="font-style: italic;">Attack Of The Werewolf</span>!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Attack Of The Werewolf</span><br /></div><blockquote>The moors were dark. The moon hung in the sky, weighted down by the heavy black clouds. The brilliance of the stars were gone, replaced by darkness. It enveloped everything, with it's musky smell. But wait- a footstep. Very small. A twig breaks.<br />Daniel was in the moors that fateful night. He would not have been, had he known the fate that would befall him. The mist encircled him. He was sweating. His overcoat was torn- almost completely- and there was a huge gouge in his leg. Someone, something had attacked him. And, with the mist as it's ally, it circled him.<br />A hand slowly rested itself near his foot. It had long, circling hairs, sharp nails. Wait, scratch that- it's finger's were sharp. And suddenly, the mist drew back. The hand had an arm, the arm a shoulder, the should a body. The body, a head. White, brilliant teeth and blood-red eyes staired at him. Daniel looked back at the creature. It was a wolf of some kind, only larger.<br />And deadlier.<br />The wolf attacked. He howled in pain, as he felt the vicious, stinking teeth tear into his throat, the black hairs engulfing him. The eyes stared into his. They were vacant. The eyes were vacant. And ever so hungry. The wolf buried himself in the sticky blood at his throat.<br />And now, Daniel knew his fate. He didn't bother to fight back. The wolf, or dog, whatever it was- pushed him to the ground, and slashed his face. Fresh, vivid blood splattered accross the dying grass.<br />Daniel looked beside him for help. There was none. So he simply sat there, wheezing and bleeding. The moon hung in the sky. The moors were dark. The moors belonged to the beast.</blockquote><br />So... pretty wild, huh? The writer is planning to continue installments of this story. So check back soon, and we might have a new story for you, waiting to be read. And, if the story proves popular enough, we might make a <span style="font-style: italic;">seperate</span> blog just for it...<br />So now, were going to start a new tradition right here and now. Every halloween, we're going to review our top ten horror films. Every year, you'll get a different list, as there are a <span style="font-style: italic;">lot</span> of horror films. So now, get ready for our top ten!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Top 10 Horror Movies</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><ol><li><span style="font-style: italic;">The Shining</span> (1980)<br />Stanley Kubrick's masterpiece is undoubtedly <span style="font-style: italic;">The Shining</span>. Beautifully shot, with haunting music and great acting, <span style="font-style: italic;">The Shining</span> tells the story of Jack Torrance, a failing writer who decides to take his family on holiday. They decide to stay at the Overlook Hotel- as caretakers for winter. As isolation sets in, Jack Torrance begins to experience a special kind of cabin fever... one influenced by the rather frighteningly powerful ghosts that haunt the hotel.<br />5 pumpkins.</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Nosferatu</span> (1922)<br />F. W. Murnau has crafted the greatest adaptation of Bram Stoker's <span style="font-style: italic;">Dracula</span> to date... which is quite funny, really, considering it was the first. The powerful imagery and the disturbing appearance of the count started the Murnau style of German Expressionism.<br />5 pumpkins.</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Dracula</span> (1931)<br />Bela Lugosi gives his legendary performance in this monster movie classic. Count Dracula, recently arrived in England, begins preying on the Harkers. With the help of the eccentric Van Helsing, they may have a chance at ending his reign of terror. This is the first of the Universal Horror line up, and really did start the gothic-ness of <span style="font-style: italic;">Dracula</span>.<br />5 pumpkins.</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">The Wolf Man</span> (1941)<br />In <span style="font-style: italic;">The Wolf Man</span>, Lawrence Talbot starts a legacy of horror when he becomes the so called "Wolf Man". Lon Chaney Jr gives a brilliant and heart-breakingly sad performance as Lawrence Talbot. The music, the visuals (particularly the moors) are brilliant. The only let down with the film is the 1-hour running time. Revisit the greatest werewolf horror film of all time.<br />5 pumpkins.</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">The Blair Witch Project</span> (1999)<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The Blair Witch Project</span> was the first in the classic line up of shakey-camera horror movies. Some ameteur film makers decide to film a documentary in a haunted forest. As all horror film fans know, horror ensues. I'm suprised the film makers didn't expect it. The only thing that brings down the power of this film is the mention of a child-murderer.<br />4 pumpkins.</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Alien</span> (1979)<br />Ridley Scott makes movie history in this clausterphobic horror-thriller, apltly named <span style="font-style: italic;">Alien</span>. Mixing the old school style of the classic Universal Monster movies with the new wave of American horror, <span style="font-style: italic;">Alien</span> is like Alfred Hitchcock in space. It really is a terrifyingly powerful film. The only let down in the end are some particular shots that make the Alien look like it's from a 40's horror movie.<br />4 pumpkins.</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">The Mummy</span> (1932)<br />Boris Karloff, hot off of <span style="font-style: italic;">Frankenstein</span>, makes movie history again with <span style="font-style: italic;">The Mummy</span>. Photographed with lots of german-expressionism inspired shots, this film has some truly terrifying moments. Boris Karloff delivers an amazing performance as Imhotep. The only let downs are the often cheesy music, and the plot being all too similar to Bela Lugosi's <span style="font-style: italic;">Dracula</span>.<br />3 pumpkins.</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Horror Of Dracula</span> (1958)<br />Christopher Lee delivers an amazing performance as the evil Count Dracula. Set in Germanic regions (all though, everybody has an English accent), Count Dracula has been haunting people for decades. Dracula comes to the attention of Dr. Van Helsing when his friend and ally, Jonathan Harker, is murdered by Dracula. Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing provide wholly believable performances. The only problem with the movie is the often cheesy one-liners, and the ridiculous expressions on people's faces.<br />3 pumpkins.</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">Frankenstein Meets The Wolf Man</span> (1943)<br />In this sequel to <span style="font-style: italic;">The Wolf Man</span>, Lon Chaney Jr has risen from the grave, and has returned as the infamous Wolf Man<span style="font-style: italic;">.</span> As if angry villagers aren't enough, he now has to deal with the very real threat of Bela Lugosi, dressed in black clothes and loads of make up as Frankenstein. It has one of the most unforgettable opening sequences ever. The only problem with this film is the frequent mistakes of trying to be a monster mash-up, which, I guess, is what it is.<br />3 pumpkins.</li><li><span style="font-style: italic;">The Raven</span> (1935)<br />As it says in the opening credits, this film is "suggested" by the Poe story. Boris Karloff, acting as hunted murderer Edmund Bateman, goes to Bela Lugosi (acting as Dr. Richard Vollin) to have his appearance altered. However, Lugosi only makes him even more ugly and terrifying, and recruits him (unwillingly) into a plan of murder. This film will stick with you forever. However, it would have been a treat to not have been mislead by the title.<br />3 pumpkins.</li></ol>Well, that concludes our Top 10 Horror Movies. I know some of you are suprised that titles like "The Excorsist" and "Poltergeist" aren't on there; no worry- I simply haven't seen them yet. Next year, maybe you'll be in for a suprise. And now, for the AWM Awards!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">AWM Awards</span><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Right here, right now, I'm going to judge horror movies and books and anything else you can find that is related to horror. These movies, books, and television shows will have the special honor of having an AWM Award. Not that it means anything, but still. Sit back, and relax!<br /><ul><li>Greatest horror icon: Boris Karloff</li><li>Greatest horror novel: <span style="font-style: italic;">Frankenstein</span></li><li>Greatest horror actor: Bela Lugosi</li><li>Greatest horror director: Roger Corman</li><li>Greatest horror television special: <span style="font-style: italic;">'Salem's Lot</span> (1979)<br /></li><li>Greatest horror movie: <span style="font-style: italic;">The Shining</span> (1980)<span style="font-style: italic;"></span></li><li>Worst horror movie of all time: <span style="font-style: italic;">Halloween</span> (2007)</li></ul>So, that concludes our programming for tonight. But don't forget, the horror fun isn't over yet! Tune in between November 23rd and November 29th to read the AWM blog post for the Boris Karloff blogathon!<br /><br />Good night. Sleep well. Don't let the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bedbug">bed bugs</a> bite.<br /></div></div></div></div><blockquote></blockquote>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812016898530190363.post-90487117635081382132009-10-18T05:53:00.000-07:002009-10-18T06:09:51.179-07:00Double Double Bills<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>You know, I've been going to the cinema a lot quite recently. I've discovered an art/rerun cinema right next to me (in Manhattan, it's not possible to not be in a strategic location), and a mainstream cinema opposite me. However, my stays in these cinemas have been... elongated. The reason why is both visits to the cinema have been a blast from the past... First of all, all the films I saw were reruns, and they were double bills!<div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The first double bill I went to see had "Toy Story" and "Toy Story 2", in 3D. It was great seeing these classic films again, particularly the first one. The reason why is I haven't seen the film since I was 4 years old, and seeing it on the big screen was almost like seeing it for the first time. I really enjoyed seeing them. The double bill also announced that a new Wii game is coming out- "Toy Story Mania"- which is based on the classic ride in Disneyland. I've been on the ride in Disneyland, and it was brilliant, so I am excited.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The second bill- which I saw last night- was a little more frightening. As Halloween is coming round- one of the biggest holidays in America- There are a lot of Halloween events around. For example, on the tv channel TCM, there are multiple horror themed marathons going on. For example, there is a Boris Karloff marathon the day before Halloween, and a "Meteor Night" marathon that plays some really old sci fi movies.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Well, do you remember that art cinema I mentioned? They have a string of horror movies playing at the moment, and whilst most of them are very clever, they are also a bit too much to see at the big screen. However, there were a few that I would have seen, but unfortunately missed- "An American Werewolf In London", with a Q&A with John Landis, and Tom Savanni's remake of "Night Of The Living Dead". However, the double bill I went to see was better than any of that. It was (drum roll please)............... "The Horror Of Dracula" and "The Curse Of The Werewolf"! Two classic Hammer Horror films for the price of one (almost)! Anyone who knows me well will know that "The Horror Of Dracula" is one of my all-time favorite movies! Seeing it on the big screen was incredible. I had never seen "The Curse Of The Werewolf" before, and whilst it wasn't the best film I've ever seen, it was amazing to see on the big screen.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>And if any of you hammer fans live in London, they have an upcoming Hammer event in London- <a href="http://www.hammerfilms.com/event/hammer-festival">The Hammer Festival</a>, which includes ghost walks and screenings of classic Hammer films. If you're a Hammer fan, then this is worth checking out.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812016898530190363.post-28108533218588693242009-10-08T17:44:00.000-07:002009-10-08T17:54:52.892-07:00Woah...<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>So, as you guys can probably tell, I haven't been updating this blog too much in the last month. I haven't lost interest, just a lot of important stuff has been happening all in succession. So, to start off this post with a bang, I'm gonna give you some bad news.<div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I entered an art contest about a month ago, and the rules were that you had to draw your favorite video game boss battle. The winner would get 60 dollars worth of video gaming money. This is all at an independent website, and they have about 4 contests a year. I entered, but didn't win. No biggie. Look at <a href="http://www.gamersdigart.com/features/34/127">this</a> to see my art on the internet!</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>So, after that, I found out that I had been accepted into the school play. This isn't a small thing, it's quite a big deal. There were auditions and everything. It's not the sort of thing that are made so parents come and say "awwww"- real reviewers come. I am playing the part of The Sentry in Sophocles' "Antigone". It's a pretty good play. Check it out sometime.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>So, after those two important pieces of news, I've also started writing classes. I brought in my first piece yesterday. I aimed for something like Catcher in the Rye. It's OK, I'm not particularly proud of it, but who knows what will happen?</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812016898530190363.post-39918846908267453632009-09-07T06:21:00.000-07:002009-09-07T06:44:24.918-07:00"The Death And Return Of Superman"<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>When I found out the news that Doomsday, one of my all-time favorite Superman villains, was the central antagonist for season 8 of "Smallville", I went into a frenzy of reminiscence. In Smallville, Doomsday is the alter-ego of Davis Bloome, a paramedic with an appetite for violence. His alter-ego, the Doomsday creature, looks a little different from the comics, but still, it is great that, for the first time ever, Doomsday has come to the silver screen.<div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>As I said before, I was reminiscing. The main reason why is that Doomsday was originally introduced in a Superman story arc named "The Death Of Superman". Superman and Doomsday both die at the end of the graphic novel, and so it sets up events for the next two entries, "A World Without Superman" and "The Return Of Superman". These events were also recently adapted into an animated film, named "Superman: Doomsday".</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Now, as many of my family and friends will know, I don't like the Superman character, but I don't despise him. Many of his stories don't appeal to me because he has no flaws- the only comic that had him in that I ever liked was "Superman: For Tomorrow"- one that I recommend to everybody. I do believe, however, that "The Death And Return" is Superman at his best. It was so successful as an arc that there was an audio drama, several animated adaptations (with lots of artistic liberty) as well as a video game.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812016898530190363.post-49846102008846621132009-09-01T10:38:00.000-07:002009-09-01T10:49:15.475-07:00The Return Of Eddie Brock In "Spider-Man: New Ways To Die"<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>For those of you that don't keep up to date with the comics world, stories featuring the Eddie Brock version of Venom have been pretty naff since the two original story lines that were illustrated by Todd McFarlane and written by David Michelinie. There was the whole "Maximum Carnage" thing, and whilst impressive, it focused more on Carnage rather than Eddie Brock.<div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>In the 2000s, Eddie Brock has willingly shredded his symbiote, after finding out he had cancer. The suit ends up with a new host- none other than Mac Gargan, formally known as "The Scorpion"- and things have pretty much been that way since. Hoping to redeem himself, Eddie Brock started working at a F.E.A.S.T. Center in NYC- a local charity that has refuge centers for the homeless. However, the leader is also the evil Mr. Negative, and when he destroyed the cancer cells in Brock's body simply by touching him, Eddie feels like he has a new lease on life. But not for long.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>As Norman Osborn, who is viewed as a hero after the "Secret Invasion" storyline, and his team of Thunderbolts (Radiation Man, Bullseye, Song Bird, and Venom) clean the streets of non-registered superheroes (see "Civil War"), he becomes obbsessed with Spider-Man once again. He doesn't know who he is (see "One More Day" and "Brand New Day"), and all he knows is that Parker takes photos of him. He sends the Thunderbolts out to look for Spidey- Venom goes AWOL, thinking he has found Spidey (he senses a host) but instead has found Eddie. Something happens, and suddenly Eddie Brock turns into Anti-Venom, a Negative Symbiote that repels the original. Using his powers, he's destined to become a hero!</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>"New Ways To Die" is the only Venom storyarc I've read since the "Venom Returns" storyarc that I feel has portrayed Eddie Brock- and Venom- in a really good light. 90's era Venom was always portrayed as this tortured, sobbing man, and he was so mushy you couldn't stand him. However, with "New Ways To Die", he's portrayed as the ultimate evil he once was.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I'd reccommend anybody and everybody this storyline. It's pretty cool!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812016898530190363.post-30281943565899292482009-08-27T14:49:00.000-07:002009-08-27T14:52:22.368-07:00Andrew's Weekly Video Game Musings<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Hello everybody!<div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Since I have become a little more pro-active on the video gaming scene, I decided I'd make a sister-blog for the blog you're reading now. It's called "Andrew's Weekly Video Game Musings", and here I'll be talking and reviewing... well, you know how this sentence ends (you do know, don't you?)</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Check it out <a href="http://andrewsweeklyvgmusings.blogspot.com/">here</a>, and whilst you're at it, why don't you follow it?</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812016898530190363.post-7703450848203332922009-08-13T17:44:00.000-07:002009-08-13T18:01:45.148-07:00Hiroshi Inagaki's "Samurai Trilogy", and "Star Wars, The Clone Wars: Jedi Alliance"<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Whilst on holiday here in the Catskills, I was fortunate enough to find that the married couple who live in the house have a large collection of classic movies on VHS. Among them were "It's A Wonderful Life", "Best Years Of Our Lives", "Malcolm X", and "Scream", but by far the most unusual movies I found were in a box set and simply titled "The Samurai Trilogy". I've known about these films, but had never seen them. I thought I'd watch them.<div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The first in the series is named "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Musashi</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Miyamoto</span>", and is about how the brutal peasant <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Tazeko</span> transforms into a graceful, elegant, and genteel man. He states his dreams about becoming a legendary samurai, and at the end of the film, ventures to complete the rest of his training. After watching the film, I could not help but think and wonder about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Toshiro</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Mifune's</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">heart stopping</span> performances. He delivers such emotion in the role of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Tazeko</span>. Others may know him from his collaborations with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Akira</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Kurowsawa</span>, namely "Seven Samurai" and "Throne Of Blood".</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The second in the series, "Duel At <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Ichijoji</span> Temple", is about how <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Musashi</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Miyamoto</span> finishes his samurai training, but learns that a samurai must have <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">compassion</span> against his enemies. This film also introduces his life-long nemesis, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">Hiroji</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">Saseko</span>, another legendary samurai. The film features a brilliant and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">grueling</span> fight against 80 evil ninjas. Whilst the film slightly failed with character <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">development</span>, the film more than makes up for it with brilliant photography and action packed sword fights. I'd say it was as good as the original.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The third film in the series, "Duel At <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Ganryu</span> Island", is about <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Miyamoto's</span> final showdown with <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Saseko</span>, and is the most emotional and violent of the series. This last film has it all: tragedy, romance, gory sword fights, and, of course, another legendary performance from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">Toshiro</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">Mifune</span>.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The entire series makes up a brilliant whole, and is a rare experience that nobody should miss. Even if you don't expect character development, there is plenty here. Although I am not familiar with <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_22">Japanese</span> films, and did not have any previous expectations, all these films will be in your top 10 if you ever watch them.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Other than that, I've been reading and harbouring a love for Star Wars. I've just bought a Nintendo <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_23">DS</span> exclusive video game named "Star Wars, The Clone Wars: Jedi Alliance". It is a brilliant video game, and another experience that should not be missed. All the action takes place with the stylus, so there's no more button mashing in this video game. You can play as <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_24">Anakin</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_25">Skywalker</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_26">Ashoka</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_27">Tano</span>, Obi-Wan <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_28">Kenobi</span>, Mace <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_29">Windu</span>, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_30">Plo</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_31">Koon</span>, and Kit <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_32">Fisto</span>. For me, the highlight of the video game are the spectacular "Jedi Action Sequences". I won't tell you anything about them, you'll have to play it. And, <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_33">surprisingly</span> for a video game, there is plenty of video to advance the story. If you will, it makes it's own movie with these videos, and they are all fun to watch.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>So, what have you been doing? I bet you couldn't write an entry as long as this!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812016898530190363.post-85344768280911327912009-08-06T05:48:00.000-07:002009-08-06T06:01:51.606-07:00Greg Mortenson's and David Oliver Relin's "Three Cups Of Tea"<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>How many of you fellow readers consider yourself charitable? Perhaps you've donated money in the past, went to an Oxfam shop and bought something, or perhaps even lent a pencil to someone in class or at work? Well, prepare to meet one of today's greatest humanitarians- Greg Mortenson.<div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Some of you may already know the name through the news media, but, if you do know his name, you will probably know it from a no. 1 <i>New York Times</i> Bestseller, "Three Cups of Tea". The book details the turbulant life of Greg Mortenson, starting from early 1993 to 2003. Greg Mortenson, in 1993, attempted to climb the worlds highest peak, K2, to honor his sister's memory, who had recently died of an epileptic fit. He fails, and wanders into a small village in the Karakoram (the mountainous regions of Pakistan) named Korphe. He was inspired by the uneducated children living there to build a school for them.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>What started as one school has so far climbed to over sixty schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan, where children can get a non-extremist schooling that has propelled them to greater heights than anybody could ever have guessed.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>If you'd like to make a donation, visit <a href="http://www.ikat.org/">www.ikat.org</a>, the homepage of Mortenson's company, Central Asian Institute. If you'd like to find out more about Mortenson's work, I'd suggest reading his book "Three Cups Of Tea", as it is not only informative, but is a great read and a life-altering experience as well.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812016898530190363.post-54649237498154878622009-07-12T08:54:00.001-07:002009-08-09T07:32:48.916-07:00"Marvel Noir" Covers<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Marvel has recently released a series of new mini-series in which the different Marvel characters are recreated- not just a little, like the Ultimate series, but completely- in 1930's crime ridden New York City. The series has a visual style similar to that of 1930s and '40s crime movies. They are truly brilliant. They stray away from the superhero factor, and more to a detective/thriller story.<div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>For those interested, I thought I'd share some covers with you. So far, there are four miniseries- "Spider-Man Noir", "Daredevil Noir", "X-Men Noir" and "Wolverine Noir". The series don't just change the characters a little- they change practically everything about them. Essentially, they create new characters.</div><div><ol><li>"Daredevil Noir"<br /><a href="http://www.ifanboy.com/comics/marvel_comics/daredevil_noir">http://www.ifanboy.com/comics/marvel_comics/daredevil_noir</a></li><li>"Spider-Man Noir"<br /><a href="http://www.ifanboy.com/comics/marvel_comics/spider-man_noir">http://www.ifanboy.com/comics/marvel_comics/spider-man_noir</a></li><li>"Wolverine Noir"<br /><a href="http://www.ifanboy.com/comics/marvel_comics/wolverine_noir">http://www.ifanboy.com/comics/marvel_comics/wolverine_noir</a></li><li>"X-Men Noir"<br /><a href="http://www.ifanboy.com/comics/marvel_comics/x-men_noir">http://www.ifanboy.com/comics/marvel_comics/x-men_noir</a></li></ol><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I hope some of you check out these miniseries. Two have been released in complete hardcovers- "Spider-Man Noir" and "X-Men Noir". They will be shortly followed by more hardcovers, and some new miniseries are on there way: "Luke Cage Noir" and "Punisher Noir".<br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812016898530190363.post-87108552243036230542009-07-11T17:34:00.001-07:002009-07-11T17:39:31.304-07:00"Spider-Man Noir" Sequel<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>When I was in England, I read a short graphic novel named "Spider-Man Noir". It was a complete reimagining of the character in 1930s crime-ridden new york. The visual style of the book borrowed heavily from many noir films, like "On the Waterfront" and "The Third Man". I liked it so much that I decided the story should be taken further.<br /><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I'm currently writing a sequel named "Spider-Man Noir II: Carnage and Tragedy", and it is set two years after the rise of Spider-Man and the fall of the Goblin's crime group. The story deals with the rise of a new criminal mastermind, named Cletus Kassidy, alternatively known as "Carnage"- and how the events that transpire break Spider-Man and his soul.<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>It's going to be a lot darker than the original miniseries, and of course, this Carnage is the Noir version of the classic Spider-Man villain Carnage. But don't worry, there will be no symbiotic relationship between him and an alien, like there was in the comics. I was much more interested in the serial killer side of the story.<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Anyone who wants a copy of the story once it's finished can get it by requesting it via email.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812016898530190363.post-59143235814424230002009-07-06T04:16:00.000-07:002009-07-07T17:16:48.233-07:00Green Day's "21st Century Breakdown"So, as you guys probably already know, Green Day has just released their new album, "21st Century Breakdown". It is their second Rock Opera/Concept Album (their first was "American Idiot") and their eighth studio album.<br /> At first, I was skeptical. I am quite a fan of Green Day, and I do like their stuff, but I thought before listening that the album was going to be garbage. They don't need to make good music now to have a bestselling album- they're Green Day! But, after listening to the album, my opinion has changed. It is their best album to date, and if you look carefully at each song, you will tear up when you realize what the story is.<br /> The album is split up into three acts, with a small prologue ("Song of the Century"): "Heroes and Cons", "Charlatans and Saints", and "Horseshoes and Grenades". The album follows two legendary figures, Gloria and Christian. They are lovers, and the story is their experience and emotions during the reign of Bush. Gloria is an idealistic person, very light and happy, whilst Christian is moody, and simply wants to destroy everything. Although their is not a clear storyline per se, the album deals with their issues and emotions rather than their physical presence.<br /> The story is told through 18 relentless assaults of songs that, at times, evoke such strong emotions that it is hard to hide them. Songs like "21 Guns" and "Restless Heart Syndrome" evoke sad, longing emotions, whilst "Song of the Century" and "Christian Inferno" speak and evoke emotions of rebellion and happiness.<br /> All in all, Green Day has outdone themselves. Although it may be hard to compute, "21st Century Breakdown" is Green Day's masterpiece. If you thought that "American Idiot" was their best, you will be pleasantly suprised that you are wrong. The story of "American Idiot" is easy to disect: Jesus of Suburbia travels around, wanting to be free and happy, and meets St. Jimmy and Whatsername, whom represent opposite ideals. St. Jimmy represents destruction, whilst Whatsername represents happiness and contentness. "21st Century Breakdown" is different in the fact that it talks to us about emotions and feelings, rather than a storyline.<br /> Imagine the greatness of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, and The Sex Pistols all combined into one album. More or less, "21st Century Breakdown" is the end result, and one that everybody will be roaring about for millenia.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812016898530190363.post-58105111493971383042009-06-11T06:45:00.001-07:002009-06-11T06:53:36.303-07:00"The Glass Castle" by Jeanette Walls and Dracula<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Last Tuesday, school ended. Even though the school year was incredibly stressful and full of work, I found that it has been one of the best school years of my life. Part of the reason for this is my English and Social Studies teacher, Mr. Theisen, who, unfortunately, won't teach me again.<div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>When we are on our summer holiday, we have to read three novels for school. This year, we have to read "The Glass Castle" by Jeanette Walls, "Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortenson, and "When Asia Was the World" by Stewart Gordon. Although I was not particularly looking forward to reading any of these books (all of them are filled to the brim with disturbing and graphic images), I must admit that I am enjoying "The Glass Castle".<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I won't tell you anything about the book, other than it is a memoir. I have only gotten up to page 19, but already I am in it's infamous grip! The writer's style is very open, and you really get the feeling that you are on to something when reading it.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Other than that, all I plan to do this holiday is make my own documentary. I chose to do one about Dracula, and his influence on modern culture. I am currently downloading the film "Bram Stoker's Dracula", and I have already downloaded "Nosferatu", "Horror of Dracula", and "Dracula", starring Béla Lugosi. I am using the films for footage which will be included in the documentary. For example, the title sequence is primarily composed of sequences from "Dracula".<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812016898530190363.post-82204449816265714512009-05-23T15:11:00.001-07:002009-05-23T15:13:53.230-07:00Funny Book!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAZnlVJ8U7e8_uH5MmLM8aDsoW_CnRXGGt3KQwvF3A5mWuh9RmfYerJ0VCN4SJOPjM0gk88VNEGAd3CyVq2XrBmjGYjKkbcnS_5UB1b0nXumuGz6SbAHX67_eOvC7KHLMSd1v9NMBO2c/s1600-h/Servants_of_the_wankh%5B1%5D.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 120px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuAZnlVJ8U7e8_uH5MmLM8aDsoW_CnRXGGt3KQwvF3A5mWuh9RmfYerJ0VCN4SJOPjM0gk88VNEGAd3CyVq2XrBmjGYjKkbcnS_5UB1b0nXumuGz6SbAHX67_eOvC7KHLMSd1v9NMBO2c/s200/Servants_of_the_wankh%5B1%5D.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339146081221356098" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Just a funny picture I found on the internet of a book... look at the title. Quite funny if you are a teenage boy.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812016898530190363.post-8277130729057755532009-05-20T17:25:00.000-07:002009-05-20T17:35:27.894-07:00"Star Trek", My Birthday, And More!<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>First of all, I'd like to thank everybody for my presents. Listed below are the presents and who they are from:<br /><div><ol><li>"Seven Samurai" DVD- Grandad</li><li>"One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest" DVD- Amanda</li><li>"The Blair Witch Project" DVD- Amanda</li><li>"Rear Window" DVD- Isabella</li><li>"To Kill A Mockingbird" DVD- Nana Betty</li><li>"Beauty and the Beast" DVD*- Nana Carole</li><li>"Stanley Kubrick: A Biography" by John Baxter- The Williams</li><li>"The Shining" by Stephen King- The Williams</li><li>"'Salem's Lot" by Stephen King- The Williams</li><li>"Skulduggery Pleasant 3: The Faceless Ones" by Derek Landy- Sue & Guy</li><li>"Mad Max" DVD- Sue & Guy</li><li>"Blow Up" DVD- Sue & Guy</li></ol><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>*I am talking about the 1940's black and white one, not the disney one. This one is a lot more artistic, and very frightening, and very true to the original short story.<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I also saw "Star Trek" this weekend, and I must say, I loved it. One of the best science fiction movies I've seen in a long time. And I'm kinda ashamed to say, but I watched a few of the original series... and I loved it! I started writing a few short stories, which you can read at this link:<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>www.startrekadventures.blogspot.com<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Happy reading! And thanks for my presents!<br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812016898530190363.post-62463687473093967722009-05-05T15:56:00.000-07:002009-06-11T06:54:36.341-07:00New Photo From "Iron Man 2"!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBN9KC-QIYHa56E-pANrI0rUQbOwLLBmXzWuazHqY138LQKTjyA1s18FK1dbOLpS0xwEkdow1Yn-wRZ0Qz__uD0tKvCcaEJ2lnrmEk45Fv4SiXkEWvXNKg2Pj_DUDL9Up0sxF4eZLvu3g/s1600-h/Iron+Man+2.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBN9KC-QIYHa56E-pANrI0rUQbOwLLBmXzWuazHqY138LQKTjyA1s18FK1dbOLpS0xwEkdow1Yn-wRZ0Qz__uD0tKvCcaEJ2lnrmEk45Fv4SiXkEWvXNKg2Pj_DUDL9Up0sxF4eZLvu3g/s200/Iron+Man+2.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332477964823630466" /></a><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Anyone see the original Iron Man movie from last year? Well, die hard fans like me will be pleased to hear a photo from the sequel has just been released online! AAAAAAHH! SUGAR CRAZY!!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812016898530190363.post-1096618930673401942009-05-03T12:54:00.001-07:002009-05-03T13:02:13.205-07:00"X-Men Origins: Wolverine", "Doctor Strange: The Animated Series" and "On the Waterfront"<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>So... I saw the new Wolverine movie, and I have to say that it is the best marvel movie made as of yet. The only one, in my opinion, that has matched up to it in originality and... sheer art, was the animated movie of "Doctor Strange: Sorcerer Supreme". I urge any and all to go and see it, but don't take any children who are less than 12 years old- there is a particularly nasty scene (or <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">should</span> I say, scenes) that features a beheading, and a character that looks like the Mummy, just without a mouth.<div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>When you look at the title of "Doctor Strange: The Animated Series", you probably think that I was talking about the movie I just mentioned. Well, I can tell you this- you are wrong. I've begun a short, web-based <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">television</span> series adapting the original Doctor Strange comics. I have made two episodes as of yet, both of which are on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">youtube</span>. However, a note- the first episode had the audio taken away, So i will upload both of the episodes some time in the near future. If you want them straight away, we can chat via <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">MSN</span> and transfer the files then. They are in .<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">wmv</span> format.<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Also, I saw "On the Waterfront" with Marlon Brando for the first time ever. I must say it was a brilliant film, but I need to watch it again as I saw it <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">immediately</span> after "Wolverine" and it seemed pretty tame. Anything will after that film!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812016898530190363.post-12770203827702356952009-05-01T14:30:00.000-07:002009-05-01T14:36:52.323-07:00The Holocaust: A Textbook Case<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; "><div style="border-top-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 3px; padding-right: 3px; padding-bottom: 3px; padding-left: 3px; width: auto; font: normal normal normal 100%/normal Georgia, serif; text-align: left; "><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>In my social studies class (a mixture of geography and history) we have just begun to wrap up our knowledge on World War II. I... felt quite strange reading about it; for me, it is one of the most interesting wars I've looked at, along with The Vietnam war.<div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>We are about to start studying the Holocaust. Our teacher, Mr. Theisen, also teaches my english class, and he tries to make the two connect for a richer learning experience. So, for example, we read "Red Badge of Courage" whilst studying the Civil War, read "Fools Crow" whilst studying Native American culture... and now, we are studying "Night", by Elie Wiesel.<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre; "> </span>I have read some Holocaust fiction before- the graphic novel "Maus". And from the experience I had reading this graphic novel, I came away with something. It changed my life, so to speak. And now, just having started reading "Night", I wanted to share with you a small passage I found:<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Never shall I forget that night, the first night in the camp, that turned my life into one long night seven times sealed.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Never shall I forget that smoke.<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Never shall I forget the small faces of the children whose bodies I saw transformed into smoke under a silent sky.<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Never shall I forget those flames that consumed my faith forever.<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Never shall I forget the nocturnal silence that deprived me for all eternity of the desire to live.<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Never shall I forget those moments that murdered my God and my soul and turned my dreams to ashes.<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Never shall I forget those things, even were condemned to live as long as God himself.<br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Never.<br /></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>From this, and other Holocaust fiction I've read, I have derived a small fact: that you can never really learn about the Holocaust from a textbook. Sure, you can read about all the people that died, about the inhumane ways they were killed in.<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>But you will never learn the true horror from a textbook.<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>You need to read it from literature; preferably a first hand account, one such as "Maus" or "Night". And we need to learn this, because the enemy, even though physically defeated, will win this battle if we ever forget what happened.</div><div></div></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8812016898530190363.post-87968928864779569442009-04-20T16:39:00.000-07:002009-04-20T16:52:21.128-07:00"Radioactive Man Comics" and "The Simpsons"<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Hey all.<div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>I could go on and on about how bad I feel right now, but... yah. Whatever. Anyway, being at home today, I had some time on my hands. I did a multitude of things- watched "Solaris", read comics, and er... read comics. Attempted to watch Alien 3, but I found it too disturbing and had to stop watching it.<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>So, to take my mind off of child murders and exploding dogs, I downloaded some comics of "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radioactive_Man_(The_Simpsons_character)">Radioactive Man Comics</a>". For those who aren't fans of "The Simpsons", "Radioactive Man Comics" is Bart Simpson's favorite comic book. It's about this guy who's like Superman, but he's braindead and way more stupid than Superman is.<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The concept of the series was that "Radioactive Man Comics" had been around since the 50's, and that Bongo Comics (the publisher) is presenting six highlights of the series. Almost every issue is a rip off of a famous storyline- my favorite being issue 679- "Who Washes the Washmen's Infinite Secrets Crossover Knight Wars?"- a combination of cult classics "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watchmen">Watchmen</a>", "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dark_Knight_Returns">Batman: the Dark Knight Returns</a>" and DC Megaseries "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crisis_on_Infinite_Earths">Crisis on Infinite Earths</a>". A hiliarious issue filled with stupid pranks.<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>For anyone who's interested in a painful, side-splitting laugh, read these comics. If you request, I can post some links later on in the month of the whole series.<br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0