I loved Legends of the Hidden Temple - mostly because it felt like some sort of mini Raiders of the Lost Ark on acid for children. This author, though - not so much.
Have you ever wondered who's better, Lebron James or Michael Jordan? Possibly. But have you ever wondered who would win, a team of Lebron clones vs. a team of Michael Jackson clones? I know I once wondered if a team of Derrick Coleman clones could beat a team of Charles Barkley clones. And through the power of Sega Genesis, and NBA Showdown '93, my friend and I got to the bottom of it. I won't ruin the surprise of the outcome, in case you want to try it yourself...let's just say the one with the better gorilla dunk was the better man that day.
You're welcome.
Note: I realize no one will understand the above paragraph, which is littered with obscure references, personal childhood anecdotes and a clue who won so absurd that there might only be 2 people on the planet (besides myself) that would get it. But I had to relive it, if only to get in one of those person's faces.)
I keep going back and forth on whether I would try this giant rope swing. I think at the end of the day, I would. Especially since none of the people who did and filmed themselves tried the best reaction shot: the disinterested look:
I'll be honest, before knowing they had names, I could probably have recognizes 3 distinct shapes of chicken mcnuggets, but would have gotten crossed up between the ball and the bell. Also, isn't it cool to find out that these shapes are not natural, but completely artificially created?
So, you might not like the idea that your burger could contain horse meat, but when you get right down to it, that might be the best thing in it.
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Cool Shit 2/27
Glad to see Pat Robertson is clearing up the issue of demonically possessed clothes you might find at the thrift store.
Google is great and all, but it's not the only search engine out there. Check out these 9 alternatives (and no, Bing isn't one).
New short film/video of David Bowie's The Stars (Are Out Tonight) featuring Tilda Swinton. I see what you're doing Mr. Bowie...
It has already been 2 days since the Oscars, so let's start talking about what could win next year.
Pretty cool story about how 2 guys who own a bar/restaurant in Brooklyn, decided to make their own energy drink - also included is how to do it yourself. (the energy drink part - not the "open a bar in Brooklyn" part)
If you ever find yourself in a situation wondering, "I wonder what Louis C.K. would think?" then this is the site for you.
Google is great and all, but it's not the only search engine out there. Check out these 9 alternatives (and no, Bing isn't one).
New short film/video of David Bowie's The Stars (Are Out Tonight) featuring Tilda Swinton. I see what you're doing Mr. Bowie...
It has already been 2 days since the Oscars, so let's start talking about what could win next year.
Pretty cool story about how 2 guys who own a bar/restaurant in Brooklyn, decided to make their own energy drink - also included is how to do it yourself. (the energy drink part - not the "open a bar in Brooklyn" part)
If you ever find yourself in a situation wondering, "I wonder what Louis C.K. would think?" then this is the site for you.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Cool Shit 2/26
Any idea with "toxic mice" as the foundation sounds fantastic. Fantastic that someone thought it up as a legitimate solution, and fantastic because I guess it might work, but odds are it will fail spectacularly. Have we learned nothing from Jurassic Park?
The war on drugs seems to be a losing battle.
If you had access to a private jet and some disposable income, I bet you could hit all 101 of these restaurants in one year.
Completely lucky, (the final shot - the other ones are impressive) completely awesome badminton shot:
Related - I'm fairly certain I could play badminton at that level.
The sordid history of OK Cola, an offshoot of Coke. You know, maybe it's just me, but I'm not sure I'd listen to too many ideas in the boardroom from the guy who was behind New Coke.
The war on drugs seems to be a losing battle.
If you had access to a private jet and some disposable income, I bet you could hit all 101 of these restaurants in one year.
Completely lucky, (the final shot - the other ones are impressive) completely awesome badminton shot:
Related - I'm fairly certain I could play badminton at that level.
The sordid history of OK Cola, an offshoot of Coke. You know, maybe it's just me, but I'm not sure I'd listen to too many ideas in the boardroom from the guy who was behind New Coke.
Monday, February 25, 2013
Cool Shit 2/25
So, what did you think about the Oscars? I thought they were stupid and long. I thought McFarlane was in an impossible spot, attempting to reach out to such a broad audience that he missed with both his fans and the people who don't know him. I thought the "tributes" to the musicals (Chicago?) were boring and unneeded. Just cut the fluff, let people thank who they want to and get out of there in 3 hours. It's not rocket science.
Anyway, here's another take on Seth. And another.
I believe I would have enjoyed taking a class taught by David Foster Wallace.
Want to enhance your hipster credentials? Educate yourself and (pretend to) enjoy bourbon. Want to cement your hipster status? Tell everyone you know just how much you're into Pappy Van Winkle bourbon.
Was the violence in Bret Easton Ellis' American Psycho necessary?
Get ready for season 3 of Game of Thrones, coming March 31:
Anyway, here's another take on Seth. And another.
I believe I would have enjoyed taking a class taught by David Foster Wallace.
Want to enhance your hipster credentials? Educate yourself and (pretend to) enjoy bourbon. Want to cement your hipster status? Tell everyone you know just how much you're into Pappy Van Winkle bourbon.
Was the violence in Bret Easton Ellis' American Psycho necessary?
Get ready for season 3 of Game of Thrones, coming March 31:
Friday, February 22, 2013
Cool Shit 2/22
Part 2 of the interview with the guy who created Carnivale. Today, he goes into some detail about how the show would have ended.
With the Oscars right around the corner, here's a look at ten of their more lower points.
Hey, look at this. Wesley Snipes is back...starring in some sort of zombie western film. Sounds about right.
A story about a grueling mountain race in Alaska, and about the man who entered and was never seen again.
Having an Oscar party? Or maybe you just want to spice up your boring, everyday, regular popcorn. Here's 5 ways to do just that!
More pictures behind the scenes of famous movies.
With the Oscars right around the corner, here's a look at ten of their more lower points.
Hey, look at this. Wesley Snipes is back...starring in some sort of zombie western film. Sounds about right.
A story about a grueling mountain race in Alaska, and about the man who entered and was never seen again.
Having an Oscar party? Or maybe you just want to spice up your boring, everyday, regular popcorn. Here's 5 ways to do just that!
More pictures behind the scenes of famous movies.
Thursday, February 21, 2013
Cool Shit 2/21
Look over the shoulder of a director as he fills out an Oscar ballot. Some of the comments he makes are insightful; others offensive. It really is amazing for all the pomp the Oscars get (especially from the everyone who is up for the award, specifically people like this director) they don't take it seriously yet get angry at people who don't take it seriously.
Want to feel more like a real man? Learn how to rip a phone book in half.
Full disclosure: I didn't like Carnivale. Thought it was pretentious, slow moving and had no direction. Obviously this interview with the creator suggests otherwise. But seriously, in a battle between good and evil, when you're actively rooting for good to die (the Ben character was so mopey and uninteresting) you might have a problem.
I include this, I guess to laugh at the failure of an otherwise successful person. Possibly out of jealousy and envy (you may certainly think that, and there's certainly a hint of it), but mostly because I find it hard to accept that simply because you are famous means you should have creative doors always open for you. So sorry Mr. Pete Wnetz of Fall Out Boy, I won't read your new novel. I couldn't even get through all the examples posted in this article deriding it.
If you're looking for something with merit, creativity and instant readability, please take a moment and check out Matt Debenham's The Book of Right and Wrong (Ohio State Univ Prize in Short Fiction)
and Eric Raymond's Confessions from a Dark Wood
, two authors and books who have an unique voice and original style. And didn't grow up in a shitty pop band. As far as I know.
What people will be talking about for the next few days. Google Glass:
Can't tell whether this is going to be cool or not. To put my marketing hat on for a second, I think I would have shown a few more practical applications for them in the video; as it stands it makes Glass seem like not much more than a video recording device. (Yes, I know there were other things, in there, my point is what most viewers are going to take away). I also really wanted to see what the device looked like, in case it was a huge helmet cam that Al Franken would wear, but I was pleasantly surprised when I googled it. It doesn't seem to cumbersome and would look fairly cool in the Bladerunner type world we're inevitably hurtling toward.
Of course, I also had flashbacks to this movie, which can't be a good thing. I mean, Natalie Wood died during its production!
Want to feel more like a real man? Learn how to rip a phone book in half.
Full disclosure: I didn't like Carnivale. Thought it was pretentious, slow moving and had no direction. Obviously this interview with the creator suggests otherwise. But seriously, in a battle between good and evil, when you're actively rooting for good to die (the Ben character was so mopey and uninteresting) you might have a problem.
I include this, I guess to laugh at the failure of an otherwise successful person. Possibly out of jealousy and envy (you may certainly think that, and there's certainly a hint of it), but mostly because I find it hard to accept that simply because you are famous means you should have creative doors always open for you. So sorry Mr. Pete Wnetz of Fall Out Boy, I won't read your new novel. I couldn't even get through all the examples posted in this article deriding it.
If you're looking for something with merit, creativity and instant readability, please take a moment and check out Matt Debenham's The Book of Right and Wrong (Ohio State Univ Prize in Short Fiction)
and Eric Raymond's Confessions from a Dark Wood, two authors and books who have an unique voice and original style. And didn't grow up in a shitty pop band. As far as I know.What people will be talking about for the next few days. Google Glass:
Can't tell whether this is going to be cool or not. To put my marketing hat on for a second, I think I would have shown a few more practical applications for them in the video; as it stands it makes Glass seem like not much more than a video recording device. (Yes, I know there were other things, in there, my point is what most viewers are going to take away). I also really wanted to see what the device looked like, in case it was a huge helmet cam that Al Franken would wear, but I was pleasantly surprised when I googled it. It doesn't seem to cumbersome and would look fairly cool in the Bladerunner type world we're inevitably hurtling toward.
Of course, I also had flashbacks to this movie, which can't be a good thing. I mean, Natalie Wood died during its production!
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Cool Shit 2/20
I was hoodwinked by popular acclaim (not to mention a "loosely" defined book club) into reading The Girl with Dragon Tattoo. So when I see a trailer for a foreign film based on a popular novel, I roll my eye slightly. But dammit if this thing isn't the least bit intriguing. Also seems to have some cool shots...
Oh good - it seems there is a "mysterious slime" appearing over in England. Also, the article actually has the phrase "regurgitated innards, which is always pleasant to read in the morning.
Such a small, almost insignificant article from Esquire that is yet still packed with crazy curiosities! Starting with the recent Brussels 50 million dollar diamond heist, it goes on to question whether that was the best heist ever, citing some other recent heists. Some of the tidbits of those heists include identical twins getting off on a technicality, cross dressing, and the apparent unveiling of a group of thieves known as The Pink Panthers!
Honestly though, they had me at the word "heist."
Fan of The Thing? Then maybe you want to check out this completely unconfirmed story about who may or may not have been the alien at the end of the movie. Or maybe you don't want to. Your decision is a simple click away.
Incredibly long, but incredibly crazy story about junk food. We are all just slaves.
Oh good - it seems there is a "mysterious slime" appearing over in England. Also, the article actually has the phrase "regurgitated innards, which is always pleasant to read in the morning.
Such a small, almost insignificant article from Esquire that is yet still packed with crazy curiosities! Starting with the recent Brussels 50 million dollar diamond heist, it goes on to question whether that was the best heist ever, citing some other recent heists. Some of the tidbits of those heists include identical twins getting off on a technicality, cross dressing, and the apparent unveiling of a group of thieves known as The Pink Panthers!
Honestly though, they had me at the word "heist."
Fan of The Thing? Then maybe you want to check out this completely unconfirmed story about who may or may not have been the alien at the end of the movie. Or maybe you don't want to. Your decision is a simple click away.
Incredibly long, but incredibly crazy story about junk food. We are all just slaves.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Cool Shit 2/19
Remember Ken Jennings? Guy who won all that cash on Jeopardy? He's still doing pretty good for himself. And good for him.
A stone forest in Madagascar.
For the ladies. A pencil sharpener that doesn't sharpen pencils, but creates, well, you should just check it out.
Look, given enough time, any event can be spun the way you need it to be spun. Take, for instance, the destruction of a planet...
Celebrity scents that didn't quite make it to market. I would buy 100% of these if given the opportunity. But obviously 27th Precinct would top my list.
A stone forest in Madagascar.
For the ladies. A pencil sharpener that doesn't sharpen pencils, but creates, well, you should just check it out.
Look, given enough time, any event can be spun the way you need it to be spun. Take, for instance, the destruction of a planet...
Celebrity scents that didn't quite make it to market. I would buy 100% of these if given the opportunity. But obviously 27th Precinct would top my list.
Monday, February 18, 2013
Cool Shit 2/18
Anyone (other than Roger Ebert apparently) remember the movie Lifeforce? Didn't think so. Of course, it does star the venerable Steven Railsback, who also played Charles Manson in the made for television rendering of Helter Skeler. And yes, I've seen both of these things. Repeatedly.
If you enjoy photography but are always striving to get better, here's a huge directory of links to help you make it so.
As our world becomes more and more text based (less actual interaction, more virtual interaction) it makes sense to at least start thinking about more pieces of punctuation to convey our emotions.
Enjoy a virtual tour of Mexico's Isla de las Munecas. AKA Island of dolls. Nothing creepy here or anything. Just a small island with hundreds of decaying dolls hanging in the trees.
If you were thinking of making a career change and starting a heroin ring, this article is probably a good place to start. Minus the actual catching and dismantling of said ring. But we all learn from others' mistakes, no?
One of the stranger, overlooked stories during Hurricane Sandy - the rescuing of (most of) the crew of The Bounty, a glorified movie prop ship that was apparently sailing during on the bigger hurricanes in weather history.
If you enjoy photography but are always striving to get better, here's a huge directory of links to help you make it so.
As our world becomes more and more text based (less actual interaction, more virtual interaction) it makes sense to at least start thinking about more pieces of punctuation to convey our emotions.
Enjoy a virtual tour of Mexico's Isla de las Munecas. AKA Island of dolls. Nothing creepy here or anything. Just a small island with hundreds of decaying dolls hanging in the trees.
If you were thinking of making a career change and starting a heroin ring, this article is probably a good place to start. Minus the actual catching and dismantling of said ring. But we all learn from others' mistakes, no?
One of the stranger, overlooked stories during Hurricane Sandy - the rescuing of (most of) the crew of The Bounty, a glorified movie prop ship that was apparently sailing during on the bigger hurricanes in weather history.
Sunday, February 17, 2013
The FireCorn TrickPop SideChat: Podcast #3, or “Hitting the post like it owes us the vig”
Here are your segments:
- Proposing segments (META!)
- How would we describe ourselves naked?
- What is another word for a woman’s most holy of holes?
- How about some signs you could add to your yard to annoy your conservative neighbor across the street? Hypothetically.
Also, we all take turns trying to “hit the post”. That is an obscure bit of radio DJ terminology relating to the obnoxious habit of talking over the start of a song, but shutting up prior to the first syllable of the first word of the first lyric.
And we recorded it on an iPad.
Check out the “OUR PODCAST” section on the right for details about getting the podcast via iTunes. Or you can download it directly.
Feedback? We love it. Let us know what you think at thepopcorntrick@gmail.com
After the jump, I’ve added some supplementary videos to help you fully understand and appreciate our art. Enjoy.
I couldn’t find any proof of what supposedly happens the first time you snowboard. There are a lot of snowboarding videos with the word “gay” in the title, but none better than this.
Hang in till the end. It’s worth it.
One of Stern’s favorite recurring bits is mocking the traditional DJ patter, including “hitting the post”. This is a taste of that.
I miss Artie.
SOMEONE HIRE THIS GUY!
Couldn’t find any Japanese beer/STD hybrid ads, but hopefully an ad for what looks like Japanese kiddie beer will make up for that oversight.
I wish I were a Japanese child.
Apparently, there’s something resembling a Scott Bakula fan club. Their creativity cannot be denied. Their spelling and grammar however, are eminently deniable.
Oh, so that’s how “Waited” is spelled.
This one’s for Shane. And that other guy.
This is barely consensual.
This guy’s doing the Lord’s work. And apparently the Lord likes when people explain a joke.
Sigh.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Cool Shit 2/15
Interview with David Lee Roth. I enjoyed very much him talking about the current state of Van Halen. A lot of what he says I can completely see, but then he goes and talks about other stuff, which is completely crazy (specifically his rock opera). So I don't know what to think anymore. Other than DLR is batshit insane.
Here's a pretty simple example of how marketing works. I have never tasted these beers, but the cool looking labels have certainly piqued my interest and I will now, notice them in the beer store and probably be more inclined to buy one.
Before reading this article, I'd never heard of Jean Shepherd, or the I, Libertine hoax. Shame on me. A great story here for all the weirdos and "night people."
That New Year's resolution to go vegan not working out for you? Or maybe you just want a challenge. Regardless, here are a few tips that might help you go vegan, should you want to.
An in-depth look into the artist known as Banksy, or as in-depth as you can get about an anonymous person who controls what information he wants out there about himself.
There's a new Die Hard coming out today. Sadly, it seems as though this series has completely gone off the rails and fails to live up to the original - a movie many consider to be a classic. And here's why.
Here's a pretty simple example of how marketing works. I have never tasted these beers, but the cool looking labels have certainly piqued my interest and I will now, notice them in the beer store and probably be more inclined to buy one.
Before reading this article, I'd never heard of Jean Shepherd, or the I, Libertine hoax. Shame on me. A great story here for all the weirdos and "night people."
That New Year's resolution to go vegan not working out for you? Or maybe you just want a challenge. Regardless, here are a few tips that might help you go vegan, should you want to.
An in-depth look into the artist known as Banksy, or as in-depth as you can get about an anonymous person who controls what information he wants out there about himself.
There's a new Die Hard coming out today. Sadly, it seems as though this series has completely gone off the rails and fails to live up to the original - a movie many consider to be a classic. And here's why.
Thursday, February 14, 2013
Cool Shit 2/14
I love Unsolved Mysteries. And while this is a great list, it's certainly not my definitive top 10 list of mysteries. Though I do enjoy the unsubstantiated claim that Robert Stack doubled up on Elizabeth Taylor with JFK in a swimming pool. A story like that has gotta be true!
An interview with a chocolate health researcher. Yes, that position actually exists and is taken (at least somewhat, from I can gather) seriously.
I completely missed this story of secrets being leaked from the Vatican, but it's a somewhat crazy read.
Perhaps it's blasphemy to say this, but after reading that one of Kubrick's favorite films was White Men Can't Jump...I just, I'm not sure I can hold him in such high regard anymore. Maybe if he'd said Fast Break I could still respect him.
A few weeks ago I posted to a Vanity Fair excerpt about how Pulp Fiction was brought to the screen. Well, here's a more in-depth article about it.
For Valentine's Day, enjoy these Arrested Development cards from Flavorwire...
An interview with a chocolate health researcher. Yes, that position actually exists and is taken (at least somewhat, from I can gather) seriously.
I completely missed this story of secrets being leaked from the Vatican, but it's a somewhat crazy read.
Perhaps it's blasphemy to say this, but after reading that one of Kubrick's favorite films was White Men Can't Jump...I just, I'm not sure I can hold him in such high regard anymore. Maybe if he'd said Fast Break I could still respect him.
A few weeks ago I posted to a Vanity Fair excerpt about how Pulp Fiction was brought to the screen. Well, here's a more in-depth article about it.
For Valentine's Day, enjoy these Arrested Development cards from Flavorwire...
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
Cool Shit 2/13
Whoa. Dan Harmon, the creator of Community, is a complete whack job. And that is completely awesome.
Wired asked some fairly famous fans of the Star Wars movies what makes a good Star Wars movie. Here are their answers. Also, if you enjoyed that, you might enjoy this complete breakdown of the battle on Hoth, and how stupid the rebel forces were.
I'm not sure I can get behind Chicken & Waffles or Cheesy Garlic bread flavors, but sign me up for Sriacha flavored potato chips!
Trailer for the movie Computer Chess - a faux documentary (I think) about people in the 70s developing the first artificial intelligence to beat a chess grandmaster. I think. Actually, just read this if you're interested.
Dirty pool or capitalism at its apex? The war between big brewery and micro craft beers in the shopping sphere.
And finally, a look at a cover of a song - but you're going to have to work with me a little bit here. So please, don't skip to the second one - (re)acquaint yourself with the original song first. It gives much needed context...
David Bowie's song Sound and Vision, from the album Low is a nice little song, with a rather difficult arrangement. You can take a listen here:
But that of course would never stop Beck from attempting to perform it live...with a full orchestra and choir. Take a listen to that right here (and I know it's over 9 minutes long, but try to stay to the end - it's worth it):
(Mildly related: I now am on a quest to get that awesome jacket Beck is wearing)
Wired asked some fairly famous fans of the Star Wars movies what makes a good Star Wars movie. Here are their answers. Also, if you enjoyed that, you might enjoy this complete breakdown of the battle on Hoth, and how stupid the rebel forces were.
I'm not sure I can get behind Chicken & Waffles or Cheesy Garlic bread flavors, but sign me up for Sriacha flavored potato chips!
Trailer for the movie Computer Chess - a faux documentary (I think) about people in the 70s developing the first artificial intelligence to beat a chess grandmaster. I think. Actually, just read this if you're interested.
Dirty pool or capitalism at its apex? The war between big brewery and micro craft beers in the shopping sphere.
And finally, a look at a cover of a song - but you're going to have to work with me a little bit here. So please, don't skip to the second one - (re)acquaint yourself with the original song first. It gives much needed context...
David Bowie's song Sound and Vision, from the album Low is a nice little song, with a rather difficult arrangement. You can take a listen here:
But that of course would never stop Beck from attempting to perform it live...with a full orchestra and choir. Take a listen to that right here (and I know it's over 9 minutes long, but try to stay to the end - it's worth it):
(Mildly related: I now am on a quest to get that awesome jacket Beck is wearing)
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
Cool Shit 2/12
There's a new Between 2 Ferns out!
Some movies are so good they don't let you take a moment to question the logic of some of their decisions.
Every year Sony holds a competition for the best photography. Here are the 2012 winners.
Country music, at its heart, its not really about Taylor Swift's ex-lovers. Its history is much more colorful.
Want to see great art but can't stand the thought about not enjoying an alcoholic beverage? Or perhaps you want to get a drink but hate staring at drab, bare walls. Well, if you're in New York, we have ten solutions for your conundrum.
Some movies are so good they don't let you take a moment to question the logic of some of their decisions.
Every year Sony holds a competition for the best photography. Here are the 2012 winners.
Country music, at its heart, its not really about Taylor Swift's ex-lovers. Its history is much more colorful.
Want to see great art but can't stand the thought about not enjoying an alcoholic beverage? Or perhaps you want to get a drink but hate staring at drab, bare walls. Well, if you're in New York, we have ten solutions for your conundrum.
Monday, February 11, 2013
The Following: 3rd episode (The Poet's Fire)
Apologizing for being so late with this (I know the new episode airs tonight), but honestly it is so difficult for me to write about this show because there are so few things I enjoy about it. But that's not to say there aren't any good things. So what I've decided to do is start out with a list of things I like about the show. Followed by a list of things I don't like, which will then be followed with a theories section...
Things I like...
Things I don't like...
Theories...
Things I like...
- The Poe mask from the past two episodes is genuinely creepy. I'm not sure if they actually exist, but if I saw people wearing them I'd immediately be suspicious of their intentions (which also suggests I would probably not let anyone wearing one get close enough to me to light me on fire, but that's neither here nor there right now).
- Kevin Bacon's performance. He's not given much to work with, but he's doing what he can. Of course, the emotion of "brooding" can only go so far, so let's hope he's fleshed out a little more (sadly, I'm afraid they might do it in a weird, completely unbelievable way, but we'll get to that in the "theories" section).
- Call me crazy, but I also enjoy Natalie Zea, who plays Claire Matthews. She too is not given much other than despondent ex-wife who wants to see her kid back, but her moments with Bacon add a little depth of compassion to this show.
- I enjoy that the investigators, up to this point, have absolutely no idea what's going on. Yes, Hardy caught Carroll before, and so I guess we can consider him an expert, but 3 episodes in, and he's pretty much been only able to figure things out, either as they're happening or after they've happened. Which is a good thing! It's refreshing to see a show that doesn't have an investigator make ridiculous leaps of logic that help him/her catch the perp. Now, obviously there's still plenty of time for The Following to muck this up, but so far, it's nice to see the "plan" play out in real time and have the investigators simply react.
Things I don't like...
- The "cult" of serial killers is an easy crutch for the writers to lean on whenever they back themselves into a hole (which is often). Yet again they did it with the wife of the pyro guy actually being in the cult. Yes, it was a twist, and we demand twists in our entertainment, but the show is going to this well early and often and establishing a pattern that the audience is going to get tired of. Seriously, right now, I simply assume everyone is part of the cult, except for Hardy, and even he has secrets.
- The "cult" core of the fake/not-entirely-fake gay couple and psychopath girl Emma (and it's saying something to be labeled a "psychopath" when you're already in a murder cult) is just completely all over the place, both acting-wise, and intent-wise. Emma's decision to slash the maybe-gay guy's arm as he's trying to make peace makes no sense whatsoever. And the fact that she complains after he storms away in the car (with her look of surprise) is just the icing on the cake, that the character's actions are just used to advance the story and nothing was thought out in this show. Case in point, when we have a little bit of sympathy developed for the guy with tangled emotions leave after being sliced on the arm, and we start feeling something for him, he goes and violently kidnaps a woman, to destroy everything that was developed for him.
- Joe Carroll (James Purefoy) seems like a decent actor and intriguing character, but having him in the prison only forces the writers to concoct increasingly dumber scenarios to get him screen time. Honestly, it appears the FBI have set up shot at the prison and are running the investigation from there, and also brought the cop serial killer there to keep him under observation. I don't know what the regulations are of running an FBI investigation are, but this seems slightly unusual.
- The stupid pacemaker Hardy has - enough. It's only going to cause viewers to question what happened about it when we see Hardy doing strenuous activity. It's one of the stupider plot devices that has so far gone nowhere (can't wait until Carroll hacks it though).
- This show is grim! It's easy to understand why Mandy Patinkin left Criminal Minds. These shows about serial killers offer lots of gore and depravity to the audience, without offering much hope. It seems they're created and then written to one up themselves. But what's the point exactly? I have no problem with people being interested in serial killers and enjoying scares and gore, but at the end of the day don't we want to see them get their comeuppance? And yes, I understand it's series and there's a 99% chance we will see it, but how much dark muck do we have to wade through to get there? It's getting tougher and tougher.
Theories...
- That young FBI guy Mike Weston is in the murder cult. They've been setting it up for awhile now. He's definitely interested in the whole case, and in the most recent episode he was left with the injured FBI agent who then wound up dead. The clues are there! (Also, from a writing standpoint, giving him sympathetic, even mildly humorous dialog will only make the twist that he's a bad guy even more shocking - and they've done that in spades with him).
- The main FBI woman, Debra Parker, is not in the murder cult. I know they cast suspicion on her when she gave Carroll the book, but I believe that was a red herring. Otherwise, the theatrics of getting the cop serial killer to talk would be just that: theatrics for the audience, and I'm hoping the writers didn't succumb to that.
- Hardy and Carroll were romantically involved at one point. It could kind of explain my annoyance of Hardy being in the locale of the crime scene when he originally caught Carroll, and this most recent episode certainly alludes to it with their "date." Because there's definitely something more going on between the two of them.
Please feel free to disagree with me, agree with me, or call me an idiot in the comments.
Cool Shit 2/11
Matt Taibbi, writer for Rolling Stone (and one of the better investigative journalists out there, in my opinion, reporting on the sins of the government), did an AMA on Redditt. (For those who don't know - an "AMA" is "Ask Me Anything.")
I don't know, do you want a list of songs about one night stands? Because one exists. And here it is. Of course, it doesn't include Norwegian Wood, by the Beatles, which I thought was about a one night stand John Lennon had. Hold on one second as I go wiki it in real time...ok, so it seems, the song isn't about a one night stand, but about an affair - though the description of its meaning by both Paul and John is a little vague on the details, so I'm going to pull an audible and say it WAS about a one night stand, possibly changing the canon of the Beatles in doing so, but hey - where were we?
(A lot of the above might have to do with the fact that I'm currently listening to Tame Impala, a band that some might suggest sound like some of the trippier Beatles catalog, myself included. Listen for yourself...
Quick - get the Weathergirls back together. I smell a new hit (though rhyming anything with "spice" and making it work is going to be difficult. Also, raining spiders might be the next title of my nightmare.)
Movie trailer for Leviathan - a documentary about commercial fishing off the New England coast...though there are many television shows that depict this lifestyle, this movie looks to perhaps take a different visual approach to it. So if you ever thought Deadliest Catch wasn't visual enough to give you the whole picture of what it's like to go out to see for weeks on a fishing boat, this movie is for you. (Warning, if you get seasick easy, this might not be for you):
And then there's this most awesome thing of taking a love of Legos and combining it with a passion of curling, to make this.
I don't know, do you want a list of songs about one night stands? Because one exists. And here it is. Of course, it doesn't include Norwegian Wood, by the Beatles, which I thought was about a one night stand John Lennon had. Hold on one second as I go wiki it in real time...ok, so it seems, the song isn't about a one night stand, but about an affair - though the description of its meaning by both Paul and John is a little vague on the details, so I'm going to pull an audible and say it WAS about a one night stand, possibly changing the canon of the Beatles in doing so, but hey - where were we?
(A lot of the above might have to do with the fact that I'm currently listening to Tame Impala, a band that some might suggest sound like some of the trippier Beatles catalog, myself included. Listen for yourself...
Quick - get the Weathergirls back together. I smell a new hit (though rhyming anything with "spice" and making it work is going to be difficult. Also, raining spiders might be the next title of my nightmare.)
Movie trailer for Leviathan - a documentary about commercial fishing off the New England coast...though there are many television shows that depict this lifestyle, this movie looks to perhaps take a different visual approach to it. So if you ever thought Deadliest Catch wasn't visual enough to give you the whole picture of what it's like to go out to see for weeks on a fishing boat, this movie is for you. (Warning, if you get seasick easy, this might not be for you):
And then there's this most awesome thing of taking a love of Legos and combining it with a passion of curling, to make this.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Cool Shit 2/6
Interview with Norman Reedus, better known as Daryl on The Walking Dead.
Corporate spies. It sounds so silly when you attempt to define what it is, but apparently it's big business. because, you know people coming up with new ideas to do things is so crazy!
Valentine's Day is coming up. I know some of you will rant about how it's simply a manufactured holiday to keep the Hallmark card industry relevant. And maybe you're right. But perhaps some of these more unusual cards will lighten your cold, dark heart.
On the heels of learning there might be a standalone movie about Yoda, we now get rumors about movies about Han Solo and Boba Fett. I can understand (and potentially get excited for a Han Solo movie), but Bob Fett? Haven't we pretty much gotten his story? Oh sure, it can be fleshed out with some stuff, (I would look forward to scenes where he just continually runs into stormtroopers sans helmets and has to call them "Dads" all the time), but the appeal of Boba Fett in Empire Strikes Back was that there was mystery surrounding him. The more they flesh out his character, the lamer he becomes.
A brilliant breakdown of the new Fast and the Furious trailer from Bill Simmons (The Sports Guy).
There is a place in Nairobi that sells Playstation 2 games. But not just any games - hacked, mashup games. I'm still not sure what's going on, but I do know A.) I want at least one of these games, and B.) The building this store is in sounds utterly awesome and terrifying.
Corporate spies. It sounds so silly when you attempt to define what it is, but apparently it's big business. because, you know people coming up with new ideas to do things is so crazy!
Valentine's Day is coming up. I know some of you will rant about how it's simply a manufactured holiday to keep the Hallmark card industry relevant. And maybe you're right. But perhaps some of these more unusual cards will lighten your cold, dark heart.
On the heels of learning there might be a standalone movie about Yoda, we now get rumors about movies about Han Solo and Boba Fett. I can understand (and potentially get excited for a Han Solo movie), but Bob Fett? Haven't we pretty much gotten his story? Oh sure, it can be fleshed out with some stuff, (I would look forward to scenes where he just continually runs into stormtroopers sans helmets and has to call them "Dads" all the time), but the appeal of Boba Fett in Empire Strikes Back was that there was mystery surrounding him. The more they flesh out his character, the lamer he becomes.
A brilliant breakdown of the new Fast and the Furious trailer from Bill Simmons (The Sports Guy).
There is a place in Nairobi that sells Playstation 2 games. But not just any games - hacked, mashup games. I'm still not sure what's going on, but I do know A.) I want at least one of these games, and B.) The building this store is in sounds utterly awesome and terrifying.
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
Cool Shit 2/6
A look at people's Facebook comments after they believe an Onion article. My hope for humanity's redemption remains extremely low.
Guy visits every country on Earth, which is impressive enough, but also does it sans airplane travel!
Sure the parentheses in these songs probably don't make much sense, and don't have a lot of meaning, but try to get a point in Music Trivia with my friends without mentioning them and you'll be sorry!
No one can say they are the best at living off the grid until they get more remote than this family.
Wait, what? There are going to be standalone character movies within the next set of Star Wars movies? And the first one will be about Yoda? I'll give them this...Good or bad, Disney is definitely taking control of the Star Wars universe.
So there's a new show coming out called The Cult. And it's about people who start watching a new show called The Cult. But then weird things start happening in real life (the fake real life outside the fictional show The Cult, which is what the real television show is about). I'm so watching this.
Jam of the Day
Neutral Milk Hotel - Holland, 1945
Guy visits every country on Earth, which is impressive enough, but also does it sans airplane travel!
Sure the parentheses in these songs probably don't make much sense, and don't have a lot of meaning, but try to get a point in Music Trivia with my friends without mentioning them and you'll be sorry!
No one can say they are the best at living off the grid until they get more remote than this family.
Wait, what? There are going to be standalone character movies within the next set of Star Wars movies? And the first one will be about Yoda? I'll give them this...Good or bad, Disney is definitely taking control of the Star Wars universe.
So there's a new show coming out called The Cult. And it's about people who start watching a new show called The Cult. But then weird things start happening in real life (the fake real life outside the fictional show The Cult, which is what the real television show is about). I'm so watching this.
Jam of the Day
Neutral Milk Hotel - Holland, 1945
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Cool Shit 2/5
A look at the random roles of Patrick Warburton. Or as you probably know him, Puddy.
From The Big Picture, stunning photos of the sky.
Do you suffer from Future Shock?
Florida has what they call The Python Challenge. And it's exactly what you think it is.
Here is directory where you can access everything Tracy Jordan (Tracy Morgan) ever said on 30 Rock.
From The Big Picture, stunning photos of the sky.
Do you suffer from Future Shock?
Florida has what they call The Python Challenge. And it's exactly what you think it is.
Here is directory where you can access everything Tracy Jordan (Tracy Morgan) ever said on 30 Rock.
Monday, February 4, 2013
Cool Shit 2/4
For any of you who wanted to understand the Star Wars universe a little more, here's a map with everything laid out, that...probably won't help much, but it looks kinda cool.
A couple hangover cures from bartenders. Though, to be fair, why should we listen to bartenders about hangover cures? They're not the perpetually drunk ones - they're the scary shadows in the corners that provide the rest of us with the poison! They're the pushers. We're the victims. Shouldn't we be telling the bartenders the cures so they can provide that information to other people in their times of weakness?
Sure Super Bowl Media Day is crazy in and of itself. But what is it like on acid?
Netflix released a new series this weekend called House of Cards -- and released all of its episodes simultaneously. Many out there are suggesting this release is going to change the way we watch television, which I guess is possibly true, except didn't the release of entire shows' seasons on DVD already do that? Articles like this one seem to be the old media trying to catch up with the present entertainment landscape.
Here are 50 reasons to be excited about music in the upcoming year.
A couple hangover cures from bartenders. Though, to be fair, why should we listen to bartenders about hangover cures? They're not the perpetually drunk ones - they're the scary shadows in the corners that provide the rest of us with the poison! They're the pushers. We're the victims. Shouldn't we be telling the bartenders the cures so they can provide that information to other people in their times of weakness?
Sure Super Bowl Media Day is crazy in and of itself. But what is it like on acid?
Netflix released a new series this weekend called House of Cards -- and released all of its episodes simultaneously. Many out there are suggesting this release is going to change the way we watch television, which I guess is possibly true, except didn't the release of entire shows' seasons on DVD already do that? Articles like this one seem to be the old media trying to catch up with the present entertainment landscape.
Here are 50 reasons to be excited about music in the upcoming year.
Friday, February 1, 2013
Cool Shit 2/1
If you're a fantasy novel fan, you'll easily lose yourself (pun fully intended) in this collection of maps.
Art Bell and former host of the Coast to Coast radio show, is quite possibly getting a new show! (Honestly, it might be worth checking out his wikipedia page for some entertaining Friday reading.)
If you can slog through the atrocious layout and design of the site, you'll be able to enjoy a comprehensive look at the influences and homages in Quentin Tarantino films.
4 volcanos erupting at once! Check out the photos, and don't miss the navigable video (use your arrow keys and you'll be able to take in a 360 degree view of the eruption sites).
House of Cards, a new series on Netflix, comes out today. Here's a look at the first two episodes (Netflix is releasing the whole thing at once so you could make it a weekend watch if you'd like).
And here's a trailer for it to give you an idea of what it will be about:
This is incredible. A look at one of the original drafts (I think the 5th) of Raiders of the Lost Ark - complete with Harrison Ford's notes. A cool look into what really goes into finishing a script - long before the cameras start rolling.
Art Bell and former host of the Coast to Coast radio show, is quite possibly getting a new show! (Honestly, it might be worth checking out his wikipedia page for some entertaining Friday reading.)
If you can slog through the atrocious layout and design of the site, you'll be able to enjoy a comprehensive look at the influences and homages in Quentin Tarantino films.
4 volcanos erupting at once! Check out the photos, and don't miss the navigable video (use your arrow keys and you'll be able to take in a 360 degree view of the eruption sites).
House of Cards, a new series on Netflix, comes out today. Here's a look at the first two episodes (Netflix is releasing the whole thing at once so you could make it a weekend watch if you'd like).
And here's a trailer for it to give you an idea of what it will be about:
This is incredible. A look at one of the original drafts (I think the 5th) of Raiders of the Lost Ark - complete with Harrison Ford's notes. A cool look into what really goes into finishing a script - long before the cameras start rolling.
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