tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30010288638998878532024-03-05T21:10:36.020-05:00The Witte Says...Gleaned from the source...Prototaphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228409362040362316noreply@blogger.comBlogger84125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3001028863899887853.post-12554319090179042652011-05-10T13:55:00.000-04:002011-05-10T13:55:38.402-04:00Pining for the past...Happy Tuesday, everybloody! A few years back, I had my cd collection stolen out of my ever-so-classy Mitsubishi Eclipse and since that time, I have been diligently trying to replace each and every disk within it. Some, unfortunately, are irreplaceable (personalized mix cds, small time concert disks, my dad's music, etc...) but I am still trying to rebuild my collection to its former glory. To help put it in perspective, it was every cd I had collected and created since early high school, so we are talking several hundred cds easy. I have since been lucky so far to find most of the missing cds on the cheap (I love you, Salvation Army...), but some are still AWOL. So, with all that build up, I'm running down the top missing discs I still need for my collection to be whole again. Here we go...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/59/Daft_Punk_-_Human_After_All_Remixes_cover_cleaned_up.jpg/200px-Daft_Punk_-_Human_After_All_Remixes_cover_cleaned_up.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="200" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/59/Daft_Punk_-_Human_After_All_Remixes_cover_cleaned_up.jpg/200px-Daft_Punk_-_Human_After_All_Remixes_cover_cleaned_up.jpg" /></a></div>13) Daft Punk - Human After All: For those in the know, I am a pretty big Daft Punk fan. I wanted to fight a dude for his Daft Punk shirt at a recent bachelor party because I thought he didn't deserve it because he looked like a douche. Either way, I have enjoyed Daft Punk ever since senior year of high school and saw their music videos in Germany. Their music stylings mixed with slightly retro anime animation worked wonders for me. Since then, I have been following their continuing career with much enthusiasm and interest (TRON was awesome...). As far as this album is concerned, it will never be their best work as it is filled with an overuse of repetitive loops and beats AND it happened to follow Discovery which is one of my ultimate albums. It's still a good album and I must have it for completions sake alone, even outside enjoying the band...<br />
Songs of note: Human After All, Robot Rock, Technologic... <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://static.cleantab.com/images/album/1/hits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="160" width="159" src="http://static.cleantab.com/images/album/1/hits.jpg" /></a></div>12) Phil Collins - ...Hits: Sometimes, you just want the sappy love songs or the heart rending ballads. Enter Phil Collins and his greatest hits collection from his very extensive body of work. This was released pre-Tarzan but truly captures the overall feeling of the bald pop star and former front man of Genesis. I get a lot of good natured flack for liking the Phil (you know who you are...), but like most things, even Phil Collins has his time and place in my musical repertoire. Sometimes I don't really want to listen to his B-sides; that's the joy and the convenience of a greatest hits disc...<br />
Songs of note: In The Air Tonight, Take Me Home, Two Hearts...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.simplyred.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="198" width="200" src="http://www.simplyred.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/home.jpg" /></a></div>11) Simply Red - Home: Here we have a blue-eyed soul group who had their greatest success in the 1980's. However, it would be foolish to sell this group short as they can still produce all-around solid tunes. Home is a disc of covers and songs inspired by recognizable works of other artists. For some groups, this might feel like cheating or a cop out. But for Simply Red, it really works. Each of the songs within that are influenced by others is done in a way that makes them unique and they own their version of it. Their stylings go from pop to jazz to dance and beyond within the span of this album and it has never disappointed. It may not push any boundaries, but not every album needs to...<br />
Songs of note: Home, Sunrise, Fake...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51DSIJC1u2L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="300" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51DSIJC1u2L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" /></a></div>10) John Mayer - Heavier Things: One of my favorite younger artists (comparatively; I listen to a LOT of old rockers...), John Mayer is often a treat to listen to. Spawned from and inspired by the era of Dave Matthews Band pop/rock, John Mayer is one of the few musicians that come to mind to have 'gamed the system' successfully. By that, I mean he entered the scene being a pure pop act with a smattering a blues and rock elements thrown in AND was successful. Now that he established himself, Mr. Mayer is able to tell the record companies what he wants to do and not always pander to the needs of 'the man', whatever that means. This particular album venture shows the beginning of the transition of John's music style from pop to the blues that he loves so much. As the album progresses, his passion for music definitely comes through in this piece of work...<br />
Songs of note: Clarity, Bigger Than My Body, Come Back to Bed...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://whitgunn.freeservers.com/Davemusic/G/genesis/genesis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="200" src="http://whitgunn.freeservers.com/Davemusic/G/genesis/genesis.jpg" /></a></div>9) Genesis - Genesis: Oh, Genesis. Be you fronted by Peter Gabriel or Phil Collins, I totally dig your style. This particular album, led by the aforementioned PC, was one of the first albums I ever owned. It was a Christmas gift in the late 90's. Back then, I was WAY into Phil Collins, so obviously I was into his era of Genesis. Now, as an adult, I can actually more fully appreciate the songs within this album. Still feeling their prog-rock roots but beginning to shift towards the pop scene, Genesis (the album...) is full of strange, quirky, yet catchy songs that hold up to the test of time. I recommend this to anyone who thinks the Phil Collins-era of Genesis is only about pop and not worth the time of day...<br />
Songs of note: Mama, That's All, Illegal Alien...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.seeing-stars.com/Images/posters/ThrillerCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="130" width="130" src="http://www.seeing-stars.com/Images/posters/ThrillerCover.jpg" /></a></div>8) Michael Jackson - Thriller: Good Lord, is there anything anyone can say about Thriller that hasn't been said twenty times before? At this point, I sincerely doubt it. It's MJ, it's the ultimate in 80's pop, it's got both Eddie Van Halen AND Vincent Price on the same album, and it’s the number one selling album even before Jackson died. Thriller is just worth owning as it is polished, slick, and just a pleasure to put in and jam on...<br />
Songs of note: Wanna Be Startin' Somethin', Billie Jean, Thriller...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://images.artistdirect.com/Images/Sources/AMGCOVERS/music/cover200/drd900/d993/d99312wfn0k.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="200" src="http://images.artistdirect.com/Images/Sources/AMGCOVERS/music/cover200/drd900/d993/d99312wfn0k.jpg" /></a></div>7) 3 Doors Down - The Better Life: The boys of 3 Doors Down are a great example of the post-grunge style spawned from the loins of bands such as Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots, and Soundgarden. 3DD's sound is more palatable and relatable than their predecessors and (by proxy...) more lucrative. Not that this is a bad thing; bands gotta eat too. This particular album came out at the end of my junior year in high school and we listened the hell out of it. To date, none of 3 Doors Down's other albums have match the success of The Better Life but it did succeed in establishing them as a solid rock act worth the plastic they are printed on. Kind of like ZZ Top...<br />
Songs of note: Kryptonite, Loser, Down Poison... <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif26i5DSqrtaEkp6unnyV_vhctFQ9NNAiLftmUFgT6x67laqMBt6co4uNl3o85ORWWpuyrnIhy5i2KwlfmxOSd5zMeOZY24XNI3oOXB_2kyasifV1jdK4h9_pqFyG2dRhnIu33f7Rkgvc/s320/zz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif26i5DSqrtaEkp6unnyV_vhctFQ9NNAiLftmUFgT6x67laqMBt6co4uNl3o85ORWWpuyrnIhy5i2KwlfmxOSd5zMeOZY24XNI3oOXB_2kyasifV1jdK4h9_pqFyG2dRhnIu33f7Rkgvc/s320/zz.jpg" /></a></div>6) ZZ Top - Afterburner: And speaking of the boys in beards, we have the long standing blues-rock group from Texas. These guys are so good, it surprises me how often they get glossed over in 'Awesome Rock Groups' lists. They are musically great, their themes are relatable and awesome (hot chicks and hot cars, man...), and they just ooze cool. Afterburner was released at the height of their more synthesizer period, but each song still contains the elements that make ZZ Top... ZZ Top. Due to the success of the previously released Eliminator, it is not surprising they would release a similarly synthed-up album. Want some solid rock tracks? Pick up Afterburner...<br />
Songs of note: Stages, Planet of Women, Delirious...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.spirit-of-metal.com/les%20goupes/T/The%20Darkness/One%20Way%20Ticket%20to%20Hell%20...and%20Back/One%20Way%20Ticket%20to%20Hell%20...and%20Back.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="250" width="250" src="http://www.spirit-of-metal.com/les%20goupes/T/The%20Darkness/One%20Way%20Ticket%20to%20Hell%20...and%20Back/One%20Way%20Ticket%20to%20Hell%20...and%20Back.jpg" /></a></div>5) The Darkness - One Way Ticket to Hell ...and Back: The short lived, glam-rock send up band known as The Darkness never achieved the mainstream success they should have. Not surprising; the media couldn't figure out if they were a joke band like Spinal Tap or a throwback group akin to Queen. The Darkness also waffled on that matter during interviews, so confusion was sown and, with their breakup, many have forgotten this little gem of a band. This is their second and last album (to date...) and, while it did not reach the height of Permissions to Land, it contained some solid glam metal tracks that are just fun to listen to and rock out with...<br />
Songs of note: Is it Just Me?, Dinner Lady Arms, Girlfriend...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.stuckinthe80s.com/image.php?productid=16623" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="294" width="300" src="http://www.stuckinthe80s.com/image.php?productid=16623" /></a></div>4) Spinal Tap - Break Like The Wind: Going from a pseudo-fake band to a full on fake band, we have the dudes from Spinal Tap. This album was procured during my tenure at camp and I was blown away. I thought this actually legitimized Spinal Tap as a 100% real bad. I was wrong. Break Like The Wind was released around the time of the movie sequel to 'This is Spinal Tap'. Oh well. Either way, this silly album features a plethora of guest artists such as Dweezil Zappa, Slash, and even Cher. While the Tap is surprisingly talented musically, each song on Break Like The Wind is full of silly humor, double entandres, and strange, nonsensical metaphor, all of which add to the charm of this album...<br />
Songs of note: Bitch School, Diva Fever, The Sun Never Sweats...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://image.lyricspond.com/image/e/artist-eagles/album-eagles-the-very-best-of-2cd/cd-cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="260" width="300" src="http://image.lyricspond.com/image/e/artist-eagles/album-eagles-the-very-best-of-2cd/cd-cover.jpg" /></a></div>3) The Eagles - Complete Greatest Hits/The Very Best Of: So far, this two-disc set of Eagles hits has been the only thing to dislodge Thriller from the number one album slot. This was a temporary dislodging, but it proved the sheer might of this collection. I highly recommend this set for any Eagles fan, be they the casual radio-listener type or the hardcore, 'I own them all on vinyl' type. It contains the best of both the Frey years and the Henley years and there would be no reason to not own this compilation. I enjoy Greatest Hits discs as they are easier to listen to and you don't have to switch out discs to hear what you want. This may change in this iPod era, but we'll see...<br />
Songs of note: Take it Easy, Life in the Fast Lane, Hotel California...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.heymister.net/storage/FleetwoodMac-Rumors.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1218089103558" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="300" src="http://www.heymister.net/storage/FleetwoodMac-Rumors.jpg?__SQUARESPACE_CACHEVERSION=1218089103558" /></a></div>2) Fleetwood Mac - Rumors: Rumors is a staple of 70's rock and quite possibly one of the best composed albums I've ever owned. Many of the songs differ greatly in theme, style and sound, but they have been blended together in a wonderful piece of art that is relevant in any time period since its release in 1977. The stories have been expounded upon by various news sources about what was going on with Fleetwood Mac at this time, so I won't go into it here. I will say (with apologies to the band...) that I am glad for the listeners’ sake that they had the troubles they did back then. The level of heightened emotion each member felt then came pouring out into their music and lyrics. Rumors is a triumph of rock music and if you do not own a copy, remedy that...<br />
Songs of note: Go Your Own Way, You Make Lovin' Fun, Don't Stop...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27TVOxxW-l_nxbeJpmI2NTwk_cOTYEdS44OISoHamdOAyoYA6tEnXhrtVuJzwfP_rIb0jaovGiz0NypV-ODaZKPEz29A9cujcyuOO_lSK8rmEXP4VIyVV3kAAx5S412DGdwTDqmkdJ6A/s320/californication.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh27TVOxxW-l_nxbeJpmI2NTwk_cOTYEdS44OISoHamdOAyoYA6tEnXhrtVuJzwfP_rIb0jaovGiz0NypV-ODaZKPEz29A9cujcyuOO_lSK8rmEXP4VIyVV3kAAx5S412DGdwTDqmkdJ6A/s320/californication.jpg" /></a></div>1) Red Hot Chili Peppers - Californication: And so we come to the end of the list with an album that really caps off 90's rock with a bang. If there is a better album that exemplifies this period in rock music (specifically mainstream rock music...), I don't know what it is. Californication feels like a giant opus for the Chili Peppers, helped partially by the length, but also due to the level of surface emotions in this album. RHCP hit on all their strengths in this album; they get funky, they rock out hard, the slow it down for introspection, all of which can be seen to varying degrees in each of their previous albums. But it took Californication to really bring it home and cobble it together as one giant package. My only complaint: it can get a little long, but I really can't pick any songs to remove. It's one of the few albums to actually make me tired while listening to it. It's just a great big road trip. Let's put it in perspective, though; I've bought this album three times before. I guess I have a forth coming up...<br />
Songs of note: Scar Tissue, Californication, Purple Stain...Prototaphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228409362040362316noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3001028863899887853.post-8340945621932931532011-05-06T22:52:00.001-04:002011-05-06T22:52:14.788-04:00This week intentionally left blank...Prototaphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228409362040362316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3001028863899887853.post-43610575329324382572011-04-28T13:33:00.000-04:002011-04-28T13:33:40.833-04:00A little game review for a little game...In my down time/off time, I have a penchant for playing games. I am no stranger to Civilization 4 (I'm kicking some serious tail as Chairman Mao in a Terra campaign...) as well as a variety of other online and console games. When I don't have much time to mess around or needs some mindless/numbing entertainment, I drift towards simple flash-based games that abound on the internet. Recently, I discovered a game on <a href="http://www.onlineflashgames.org">onlineflashgames.org</a> that really works for me on multiple levels. The game in question is 'Tower of Heaven'...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.anaitgames.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/towerofheaven1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="345" width="460" src="http://www.anaitgames.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/towerofheaven1.jpg" /></a></div>Game play is delightfully simple. Jump and move your little... whatever he is towards the exit to advance. At the beginning of each level of the tower, a text box discouraging you from the 'path of righteousness' appears and has varying levels of snarkiness for you to read. Obstacles (such as spikes and pits...) appear in your way to destroy you so you cannot reach the top of the tower. An interesting twist to this is that as you progress, the game will give you rules that are an instant kill if you violate them. A couple examples are, 'You cannot touch any living thing (such as vines, grass, and butterflies...)' and 'You cannot walk left (more annoying than you can imagine...)'. The game play is also very linear, which is no surprise for an online flash game, but this is not a detractor either. It's straight forward and simple and that's good for me...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://playthisthing.com/files/gamenodeimages/tower_of_heaven.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="239" width="320" src="http://playthisthing.com/files/gamenodeimages/tower_of_heaven.png" /></a></div>Here's why I love this game: The graphics are done in the style and colors of the old school Game Boy (read: blacks, browns, and greens...), the sound effects are also appropriate to the style, and (last but certainly not least...) the soundtrack is f'ing fantastic. The composer is on deviantart as <a href="http://flashygoodness.deviantart.com">FlashyGoodness</a> and has made a plethora of video game music as well as large variety of video game remixes. This dude has the chops, let me tell you. Beyond that, this game succeeds where many others I've played failed. It is very easy to make an homage game that is rather half-assed. It takes real talent, then, to make a game that shows the great affection the creator has the genre. The graphics and music blend together perfectly with the play style and make playing it a joy each time I load it up...<br />
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I give this game a solid A all around. I would pick this game up even after I beat it because of the music and of the challenge level. As of this blog post, I still haven't finished the game. Level 11 is smacking me around resoundly. I trust I shall complete it though. But unlike many other games, I'm in no hurry to do so. Game on, friends. Oh, and let's not forget you can find the link to the game <a href="http://www.onlineflashgames.org/games/classic/tower-of-heaven.htm">here</a>...Prototaphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228409362040362316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3001028863899887853.post-69497111000385400622011-04-22T16:04:00.000-04:002011-04-22T16:04:19.467-04:00Keep your shirts on, hipsters...Back again and this time, it's a movie review. You know how you see a movie preview and hear a lot of hype about it and it REALLY gets you pumped to see it? And in that same preview, there are a dozen or more reason why you THINK the movie will appeal to you and be just one hell of a ride? You wait and you wait and (sometimes...) you miss it in the theaters and mourn the loss. And then you get to actually see the movie and it is a complete and total let down on a level you cannot appropriately describe. I have had this experience many, many times and guess what? It happened again. I don't normally go off and negatively review a movie (I like talking about things I actually enjoy...), but this will as close as I get for a while. Let's just jump right in with the Witte's Review of 'Scott Pilgrim vs. the World'...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://twitchfilm.com/reviews/ScottPilgrimVsTheWorld.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="370" width="250" src="http://twitchfilm.com/reviews/ScottPilgrimVsTheWorld.jpg" /></a></div>Good lord, where to start? I suppose a synopsis is in order, but I won't give too much away if you still want to give this film a shot. It starts with an 8-bit rendition of the Universal Studios theme (pretty cool, if nerdy...). Then, we are introduced to Scott Pilgrim and his band, Sex Bob-omb, right off. They have a sort of odd indie/post-emo sound that Scott's current girlfriend, Knives (ugh...), thinks is awesome even though the rest of the band go on and On and ON about how they are pretty sure they suck (double ugh [more on this 'ugh' later...]...). It needs mentioning that the majority of the characters are extremely depressing and whiny for no damn reason. We are then shortly introduced Ramona Flowers, the object of Scott's affections and the motivation for the rest of the film. He breaks up with Knives to be with Ramona and Knives has a bit of a breakdown. Sex Bob-omb is scheduled to play at a battle of the bands against Scott's ex-ex-girlfriend (more and more whine...) but the journey is punctuated with battles between Scott and Ramona's evil ex-boyfriends. These battles are further punctuated with video game and comic book references, making them more fun and unique than your usual action movie. In between each battle there is an attempt at character development (fail...) and then another battle. This back and forth of story eventually leads Scott to the final boyfriend. I'll leave it there as to leave some surprise of the ending for those who still want to see it...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cinemablend.com/images/news_img/17744/scott_pilgrim_vs_the_world_17744.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="250" width="250" src="http://www.cinemablend.com/images/news_img/17744/scott_pilgrim_vs_the_world_17744.jpg" /></a></div>I'll start with saying it takes 30 minutes before the first battle starts, and that first 30 minutes are quite painful to get through by the end. The characters are introduced but not very well developed and end up being very one-dimensional and shallow. Probably the best character (even by the end...) is Scott's gay roommate, who actually shows a bit of normalcy and depth compare to the other characters. We know little about each of the characters, though I can imagine this would be alleviated if I had read the comics first (people who saw 'Watchmen' without reading it first might feel the same way...). Even so, the characterization is weak in the context of the movie. The majority of the characters are extremely whiny and depressing, but for no reason that is discernable. The band members have all the marks of being in high school for all their complaining, but each of them (minus Knives...) is 20+ and (as far as I can tell...) have little to no reason to be THIS whiny...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.filmofilia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/scott-pilgrim-vs-the-world-photo-535x285.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="285" width="535" src="http://www.filmofilia.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/scott-pilgrim-vs-the-world-photo-535x285.jpg" /></a></div>The movie gives us little reason to commiserate with the characters and their issues. This might also be a factor of my age and the maturing of my movie palate. Each of the band members prattle on about their 'suckness', but little is shown to back up that opinion. Many of the important characters are annoyingly narcissistic and it makes me not care whether I see them develop or not. Scott and his band are portrayed as if they are in high school and thus act as if they are still under the social pressure of high schoolers. However, this does not pan out as the movie goes for a variety of reasons. They are not in a situation that bombards them with social disapproval and have chosen a hobby/profession that would (inevitably...) either preclude them from ridicule or be forced out due to harsh unpopularity. However, their audience seems to either care very little or avidly like them as a band (especially by the end...). Plus, they can actually play so the talent part is out. Further, they are put forward as trendy, semi-nomadic, mostly attractive hipsters. This doesn't jive with the social outcast vibe the movie was trying to give us. This movie is trying to tell us that this kind of people are not cool or in and (frankly...) that is who this movie is pandering to; the pretensious cool kids who are too cool to think they are cool (ya dig?)...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDUBk6M4W5rv87Q7oCelxzG4j4gmoG8S9akHBekd7mbIcOsDiZ_iNFps_2Vk_3baO4lpKrOs7RUvT973HXO8Sme1cw-SoXvv2GQ8IKWrUNdGCuoVXfdU1Mwd6b9zLNQArZ6LjwiClkIw/s1600/hammer.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="280" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYDUBk6M4W5rv87Q7oCelxzG4j4gmoG8S9akHBekd7mbIcOsDiZ_iNFps_2Vk_3baO4lpKrOs7RUvT973HXO8Sme1cw-SoXvv2GQ8IKWrUNdGCuoVXfdU1Mwd6b9zLNQArZ6LjwiClkIw/s400/hammer.bmp" /></a></div>Wow, that was cathartic to say the least. I'll move onto a positive note; the actual fights. Most of them are actually pretty good. The choreography rivals to any modern martial arts movie and the effects used are seamless. It was nice to see comic book styled sound effects accompany the hits as well as having an announcer denote combos and K.O.s (a la Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat...). I was less than impressed with the CGI monster during the band battle as it show less innovation and originality compared to the other fight scenes, but on the whole, the fights were the best part of the film. I'd even go as far as saying that if they release a 'Fight's Only' DVD version, I'd by it. Though (as I was told recently...), that's why God made the scene skip button on the remote...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OXn9LgTM5B8laPXsF1_fov5Uvxvapa_MGsl0vGoAY_Wees_Mjt9vOHqMFkpKUBvfJsB9uKnnKHsp1DS1V4jL8qMaCoeYABgb8koywe-HGYUTws5S2lYJBKbcLjoZySe8v6kGPP3ahOc/s1600/villains.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="242" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9OXn9LgTM5B8laPXsF1_fov5Uvxvapa_MGsl0vGoAY_Wees_Mjt9vOHqMFkpKUBvfJsB9uKnnKHsp1DS1V4jL8qMaCoeYABgb8koywe-HGYUTws5S2lYJBKbcLjoZySe8v6kGPP3ahOc/s320/villains.bmp" /></a></div>This will kind of segue into my next up-note for SCvTW; the evil ex-boyfriend's themselves. This is where the overall silliness comes into play and the movies are the most fun. The villains are over the top and seem to have a bit more depth than our main characters (sad...). Specifically, two of the exes stand out from the pack and only because of the actors they chose. These are Chris Evans (whom you know as the Human Torch and Capt. America to name a few...) and Brandon Routh (the Reeves look-a-like from Superman Returns...). Having established super hero actors in this kind of movie inspires me to think of what this movie could have been with a little extra effort. 2 of the 7 exes are already in the comic genre; just make the rest other hero actors. There are enough young bucks in the field that it would have been easy and fun for the audience. However, what I got was enough to amuse me (if not completely counteract the whine...). I have to mention my favorite bit where Routh's character gets assaulted by the Vegan Police for breaking vegan law (one of the V-Cops is Thomas Jane, who you know as Punisher in the first reboot...). It's silly without being obnoxious and that fact is crucial to making these moments of the film better than the whole kit-and-caboodle...<br />
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So, my overall thoughts? I will say I don't regret seeing Scott Pilgrim vs. the World. However, I will likely not see it again or if I must, I will find something to do in between the fight scenes. I see the love note to video game fans there are attempting to send, but they didn't do it enough to suit me. I compare it to the love note Hot Fuzz sent to action movie fans; that movie (for me...) was the total package. SCvTW falls a little short for not doing enough. The effects are good, but the characters aren't worth the celluloid they were printed on. Might I have a different reaction after reading the comics? Perhaps, but I doubt I will ever based on what I've seen in the movie. Again, if you like heavy effects fight scenes and video game references, you might like this. If you hate non-purpose whiner babies, it's doubtful you'll make it far with this. I'll end with the thought I had midway through the film: "I thought that angsty emo-kids were the most annoying people. Turns out I hate whiny, pretentious hipsters even more". Take what you will from that...Prototaphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228409362040362316noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3001028863899887853.post-18541541312597640612011-04-13T08:59:00.000-04:002011-04-13T08:59:35.344-04:00We'll be right back...Going camping this weekend, so there won't be any decent post on here until next week. I should have a couple gems by then, but in the meantime, how about a suggestion or two for what to write about? I love reader suggestions (even if I don't fulfill them...) because it allows me to stretch out. Either way, see you guys come Monday of next week...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNaVXKZsvTaxYNbeTusvd-_GW7bhC5QxiJcpSxSVlCVoPomnLKY0W_HBUHKaPM5Bp3PtCAoIM_j0io5rmi7B1ukqniJ33Lvj5NsJ_fHn2VwCrL5dwS40FG9GFKCjuxj74wX1Q7xhzsFt0/s1600/Me.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="289" width="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNaVXKZsvTaxYNbeTusvd-_GW7bhC5QxiJcpSxSVlCVoPomnLKY0W_HBUHKaPM5Bp3PtCAoIM_j0io5rmi7B1ukqniJ33Lvj5NsJ_fHn2VwCrL5dwS40FG9GFKCjuxj74wX1Q7xhzsFt0/s400/Me.bmp" /></a></div>Prototaphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228409362040362316noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3001028863899887853.post-15993049705458664032011-04-04T12:18:00.000-04:002011-04-04T12:18:02.968-04:00Casting call, part deux...Here we have another round of casting choices if it were even remotely possible to make an Earth/Universe/Paradise X movie. Let me tell you, it took some thought for this challenge (I hate phoning it in...) and with the length being what it is, we're going into overtime. Er, round three that is. I'll get to them as I get to them, but let's see who's on deck this time:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-Yhc2HE_mSHhbfllSfTsSrS_5KZvjteiyo1rV4oI3sGsV6yr91JEYBTmo5Kf0q_Xa1quQ8YZil2NlMxsbfHZYUNom712svx-N_43c71zoVHhs5ykg4H2aW4X7Dc6J-T8eGOIupVmH6Y/s1600/Pierce.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="194" width="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG-Yhc2HE_mSHhbfllSfTsSrS_5KZvjteiyo1rV4oI3sGsV6yr91JEYBTmo5Kf0q_Xa1quQ8YZil2NlMxsbfHZYUNom712svx-N_43c71zoVHhs5ykg4H2aW4X7Dc6J-T8eGOIupVmH6Y/s320/Pierce.bmp" /></a></div>Reed Richards - Pierce Brosnan: Overcome with grief due to the loss of his wife Sue, as well as Johnny Storm, the former Mr. Fantastic has settled into Doom's castle and wears the armor of Doom as penance. He still works tirelessly to right the world’s wrongs, but is constantly a frustrated man. We need an actor who can seem to take the world's burden on their shoulders and remain strong. We need an actor who can play a tortured genius but also be looked up to by others. I'm tapping Pierce Brosnan to play Mr. Fantastic for this. It may seem odd to some, but I really would feel this performance as Pierce is a more than decent actor and this might give him a reason to stretch out (HA!) and do something a little different for a change. Plus, his voice can have a soft quality to it that I think fits the persona of this older Richards. Lastly, the ladies love Pierce, no matter his age...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfZV_gnfJxMcB_S77Elh8kDZ8keXwRUtFqhfzK2bq9y-GUpPs3VemMxgc3PByIoI404o1fHaZr1R4UJVr-56p6WQZxVYrfMiBFiYJKYzUCIi5m2xGgYxbPTCXSr_e13BHsS6IRQBPqTU/s1600/Frank.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="216" width="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixfZV_gnfJxMcB_S77Elh8kDZ8keXwRUtFqhfzK2bq9y-GUpPs3VemMxgc3PByIoI404o1fHaZr1R4UJVr-56p6WQZxVYrfMiBFiYJKYzUCIi5m2xGgYxbPTCXSr_e13BHsS6IRQBPqTU/s320/Frank.bmp" /></a></div>X-51/Machine Man - Frank Welker: X-51 is the first character we meet in Earth X and he remains supremely important in the entire series. He is 'recruited' by the old Watcher to be his replacement. However, despite his being a machine, X-51 was built with a conscience and this will contrast with his predecessor’s method of Watching. This character would be 90% CGI, but you need a voice that can be very tragic, torn and conflicted as well as passionate and often sublime. This was the toughest on the list to fill, but I chose to go with one of the current masters of voice acting, Frank Welker. You've heard Frank in countless cartoons (Fred in Scooby Doo, Megatron in the original Transformers, Abu in Aladdin, check Wikipedia for the full list...) but might have never figured that one guy does so many different voices. He has such a range that I often have to check the credits just to find out if he did a voice or not. When you have a difficult decision, it's best to go with the best...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibmaHHXgS5dU9kNDxAVdJk2j7B-cKxdzxhQMJ38L4Y5pZijX2zDlwTEHOUMWXPUSXzaSUKLW60mMjZocuUbRaEDJMDsDUyipZl9R8SP_xTJtMyCruIZMMKlw0RvJPnBR_kkdAPqlljlw/s1600/Chiklis.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="147" width="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjibmaHHXgS5dU9kNDxAVdJk2j7B-cKxdzxhQMJ38L4Y5pZijX2zDlwTEHOUMWXPUSXzaSUKLW60mMjZocuUbRaEDJMDsDUyipZl9R8SP_xTJtMyCruIZMMKlw0RvJPnBR_kkdAPqlljlw/s320/Chiklis.bmp" /></a></div>The Thing - Michael Chiklis: After the Fantastic Four disbanded, Ben Grimm settled down with Alicia Masters in New York and have a couple of kids; basically living the American Dream, even if it is cosmically powered. The Thing is one of the few characters that are very close to their main Marvel counterpart, in demeanor, in attitude, and in how he views the world. You might think this selection is a cheat, but I'll let you in on a little secret; casting Michael Chiklis was probably the most perfect choice regarding the Fantastic Four movies (from a fan boys' stance...). He's reportedly a fan of the series and it really shows in the performance he gave us then and Mike would give the same dedication if an Earth X movie was green lit...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzux87vh2aNevWeCJTc0PAhRmjbH1tZA4Qk374OzUVLVrXSJA9YUBSUUeUL97gWxmTCd8cKpFvXkLu8igOUa3uIdKPtn1geGICOIdqi1rdVyqkIpFOeUeGqo2EOthArUs7-WuDJgeAzE/s1600/Swinton.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="180" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRzux87vh2aNevWeCJTc0PAhRmjbH1tZA4Qk374OzUVLVrXSJA9YUBSUUeUL97gWxmTCd8cKpFvXkLu8igOUa3uIdKPtn1geGICOIdqi1rdVyqkIpFOeUeGqo2EOthArUs7-WuDJgeAzE/s320/Swinton.bmp" /></a></div>Female Thor - Tilda Swinton: Thor was cursed yet again by Odin, by way of Loki's trickery, to inhabit the body of a female in an effort to teach the thunder god further humility. Part of this new curse also entails that if Thor sets foot in Asgard, he will never be able to leave again. The changes Thor experiences over the course of series are deep and very important to plot in each part of the trilogy. I went a little left on this one. There is a distinct lack of large, Norse women in movie worth sticking in this role. So, I went with Tilda Swinton. She's a really good actress plus she has a very intense feeling about her. Even though she is tall and lithe, she can project such power. Also, playing characters like the White Witch and the angel Gabriel were great primers for this role...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKNGmQW7cdIieN-0Us1pnL3jm4EwJarfmjgip2NBdSIFxNhj9CAw9ICE0gnA_wTPpdKqwrZ8pVRSHCepPnfaQVqhSW0_fQf8YEESrFiZkzRSOY4D8uge3xiE96q-91i3Z4NeCu461QoY/s1600/Law.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="204" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggKNGmQW7cdIieN-0Us1pnL3jm4EwJarfmjgip2NBdSIFxNhj9CAw9ICE0gnA_wTPpdKqwrZ8pVRSHCepPnfaQVqhSW0_fQf8YEESrFiZkzRSOY4D8uge3xiE96q-91i3Z4NeCu461QoY/s320/Law.bmp" /></a></div>Loki - Jude Law: Of all the characters within the X trilogy, Loki changes the most drastically than most of the other Marvel characters. In the confines of Earth X, however, he starts out as most know him best; he's the Norse God of Trickery and Lies and fulfills this role magnificently. To play Loki properly, you need an actor who can make you trust him, but you feel like he would just stab you in the back if you try and double cross him. I'm grabbing Jude Law for this one. He's a very likable guy and plays many likable, sympathetic roles. Jude's also got some serious acting chops outside of character work he has done in recent years. But, every so often I feel like he could just destroy to someone's way of life if he wanted to. That's Loki to a T for me...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGknnOiBnm86XHH2ow3S5lKfsc6QhCo1mXOk-SAp9lkKtwtCyT6UcATnvWHuSuFVMlsPCA33FmBqdasCPomslJIxCkHs-L8Xz5mMGYc97mCguskg01esivlRFcofqL3ei8-kIeZydRmA/s1600/Price.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="195" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfGknnOiBnm86XHH2ow3S5lKfsc6QhCo1mXOk-SAp9lkKtwtCyT6UcATnvWHuSuFVMlsPCA33FmBqdasCPomslJIxCkHs-L8Xz5mMGYc97mCguskg01esivlRFcofqL3ei8-kIeZydRmA/s320/Price.bmp" /></a></div>Dr. Strange - Vincent Price: Stranded astrally in the land of the dead before the events of Earth X, Dr. Strange is very integral to the overall story line of the X series. I do not want to give any of his parts away but while there will be betrayal from many sides, yet he will remain the Sorcerer Supreme. Yes, this is my second dead actor for this list. Since I can remember, I have thought that Vincent Price would have made an excellent Dr. Strange at any age. He has the poise, the grace, and the presence to be the Sorcerer Supreme. His older actor style fits well with the Dr. Strange aesthetic and would add a touch of class to what may turn into a super hero action romp...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWb26Ypgt2MA7yytKFfOLF7hVuGkYKLoIre2ALfXEQzNC-D_I3aV3ShkEbK1cD582xArlcGEIRgoVGRqqXiFJt02YF1fPF3LYgQbB4_KOO4TcQ-Rg3ZgtIa9mznPzgGGPeLmf3rMshmjI/s1600/Weaver.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="191" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWb26Ypgt2MA7yytKFfOLF7hVuGkYKLoIre2ALfXEQzNC-D_I3aV3ShkEbK1cD582xArlcGEIRgoVGRqqXiFJt02YF1fPF3LYgQbB4_KOO4TcQ-Rg3ZgtIa9mznPzgGGPeLmf3rMshmjI/s320/Weaver.bmp" /></a></div>Medusa - Sigourney Weaver: Wife of Black Bolt and Queen of the Inhuman race, Medusa has become much more subdued when we see her appear in Earth X. She is usually known for her fiery temper, but age has dulled her rage and taught her patience even in the face of adversity. A woman with an air of tempered royalty and underlying passion would be needed to play the Queen and I can think of few I'd rather see in this role than Sigourney Weaver. She is a tall and imposing women, capable of both savagery and gentleness (don't believe me? Watch Aliens...) in the roles she takes on. Also, I've got a crush on Ms. Weaver. Sue me...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLbA_PEIeKYut2UfV-M7_-gwq5_hLvLyOibKj00xX2JFc4U2zUp2c5xtvMsyJ6zrD2YbvAq_n9RrU5VPmDZZVR1vbplthg4KpdZSRt2q8idmycpRWn2EJ6q9hLw494TbDzNxxcxBiqiM/s1600/White.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="173" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlLbA_PEIeKYut2UfV-M7_-gwq5_hLvLyOibKj00xX2JFc4U2zUp2c5xtvMsyJ6zrD2YbvAq_n9RrU5VPmDZZVR1vbplthg4KpdZSRt2q8idmycpRWn2EJ6q9hLw494TbDzNxxcxBiqiM/s320/White.bmp" /></a></div>Luke Cage - Michael Jai White: Known for his mercenary crime-fighting tactics, Luke Cage has grown up from his Heroes-For-Hire days and is now a prominent member of the NYPD. Still fighting crime, the man once known as Power Man is a respected crime fighter in his community, now legitimately taking out the bad guys. I went with Michael Jai White on this one because of his interest in the martial arts, the fact he is the right size for Luke Cage AND in shape for the role, and he has an intense presence about him. Plus, it might redeem him for making Spawn (I doubt many consider 'Black Dynamite' redemption...)...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCpOYHY6CDFmAItmCX7FZd8kC9P6diCliGwm-nszpS8bICy3A_wNH4Aw9QgI_v7qCDzqLPtzQyZRtW8ul9kvjLI1gl4mndVcIUTRI6H7EdhrQ0tBKSCgPCivStLNpAYmBe7sRw2izaANU/s1600/Clooney.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="165" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCpOYHY6CDFmAItmCX7FZd8kC9P6diCliGwm-nszpS8bICy3A_wNH4Aw9QgI_v7qCDzqLPtzQyZRtW8ul9kvjLI1gl4mndVcIUTRI6H7EdhrQ0tBKSCgPCivStLNpAYmBe7sRw2izaANU/s320/Clooney.bmp" /></a></div>Cyclops - George Clooney: After the X-Men broke up before Earth X began, Cyclops lived a solitary life speaking telepathically with Phoenix in the land of the dead and doing general good in the community. His relationship with the living Jean Grey deteriorated due to his bond with the Phoenix Force. Captain America sends him circus mutants to train as a new team of X-Men for the upcoming crisis in Earth X. Now, because we are to believe that this aging hero is able to take on a bunch of young mutants and come out on top to be their mentor, you'll need a guy who can show that being old doesn't mean you are weak. I'm going with George Clooney on this one. Much like Bruce Willis, he can still believably do action-type roles that are typically reserved for the 22 to 38 age group. Plus, it'd be a nice apology for Batman & Robin...<br />
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As always, your comments are encouraged and welcome (even the off color, tasteless ones...). I'd love to know if you disagree and who you'd see in the roles. This will be the last one of these for a while, but I will get to another round sooner or later. Hit me back...Prototaphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228409362040362316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3001028863899887853.post-6651846179397297362011-03-29T08:55:00.001-04:002011-03-29T09:55:33.805-04:00Only the best for comic dystopia...Hey guys! Missed a full week for the first time this year. Not too shabby for me, actually; I've almost done more posts in 3 months than I have over the course of 2008 - 2010 (scary...). Other projects took precedent and I found I had less to blog about while I was at work. I had slipped back into my consumer role instead of remaining a reviewer. Let me tell you, it is tough to keep this up regularly AND keep the quality of the posts high. It may seem like a cop out, but I would rather not post if I don't have something worth posting. I don't want to fall back onto 'Top 10 list of X' or any other trick done to keep my numbers up. There is nothing wrong with lists in blogs; I have seen other blogs who rely on them too much when there is a lack of actual content though. I just don't want to be 'that guy'...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tFfzNAz99nGEGk9NdXRuv3kY6Gj1RtS7NhQhXKowHJzqOGUIZCtK5IDGuk8DvrwOZuSwhfkdd4lyptmQag6lQhsCRG0E9YdUrWdr3CIpqFPbvM3gyjBkAVSIXFXq-TGTC56ug3S8mFY/s1600/Cover+1.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1tFfzNAz99nGEGk9NdXRuv3kY6Gj1RtS7NhQhXKowHJzqOGUIZCtK5IDGuk8DvrwOZuSwhfkdd4lyptmQag6lQhsCRG0E9YdUrWdr3CIpqFPbvM3gyjBkAVSIXFXq-TGTC56ug3S8mFY/s320/Cover+1.bmp" /></a></div>Anyways, onto the real deal. As an avid fan of graphic novels and collected editions of comic, I have quite the collection (probably not as big as you might think; that crap is EXPENSIVE...) which grows each year. And one of my favorites is Kingdom Come. In a nutshell, it's about DC superheroes in a future where the tensions of super beings are nearly bursting and the aging heroes (Superman, Wonder Woman, Batman...) come out of retirement to restore sanity to society before it is too late. Bad stuff happens, lots of heroes die, but in the end, order is restore and all is (relatively...) well. This graphic novel was done by the most excellent Alex Ross (check earlier comic posts for some Ross love [photo realism, baby...]...) and Mark Waid, who doesn't have the rep of Ross, but has been in the business for quite some time and holds weight on his own. Following the success of Kingdom Come, Ross wanted to do a similar situation with the Marvel Universe, albeit different enough that it didn't turn into Marvel's Kingdom Come. The end product was the Earth X series (spanning across the titles Earth X, Universe X and Paradise X...), which was piloted by Ross, writer Jim Kruger, and interior artist John Paul Leon...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0NhQ6wUMen9nke8-ACPLBiOaoqgClLpgTpp7fwm_g9mJ0cnclHw8KaWKhBTnK0X-ScUFtBHZt44QBHAtWyeDxlp_tkA3K6zrjcfuEAkGHardxDT5MZWX2GiGvMe46K2cHiDbZul8t_E/s1600/Cover+2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0NhQ6wUMen9nke8-ACPLBiOaoqgClLpgTpp7fwm_g9mJ0cnclHw8KaWKhBTnK0X-ScUFtBHZt44QBHAtWyeDxlp_tkA3K6zrjcfuEAkGHardxDT5MZWX2GiGvMe46K2cHiDbZul8t_E/s320/Cover+2.bmp" /></a></div>This series (unlike Kingdom Come...) is too large and expanding to encompass into a paragraph or so, but it does break down a bit like it's DC predecessor: Society is spinning out of control (EVERYONE has superpowers now...), no one in the current generation is stepping up to reign it all in, so over the course of the series more and more old heroes step up to do what they do best; save the world. However, this series spans the ENTIRE Marvel Universe, hopping into alternate realities and possible futures and uses celestial beings, such as the Asgardian Gods, Galactus, Mephisto, and even Death itself. It is/was a treat for comic trivia nuts out there, but I would imagine that it was sort of confusing or overwhelming for the casual reader (this may be why it was not as successful as Kingdom Come...) since there is so much to take in. Even though they do recap the heroes origins and how previous events played out (at least those that lead to the current story...), there is still too much to take in for some...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCa0xDO028tSdgB-nU2XS044WbcWlgYJ_LJXttPXAw2yYxVhoCP0IQ3cBXXR57WM1V5VozcCs9k1Rhi73gceBhqioC-PcU74YeMZ8o7rYQsi-Q46BvO6SlBr7py_UDyLib9Wn-NRMoNPE/s1600/Cover+3.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCa0xDO028tSdgB-nU2XS044WbcWlgYJ_LJXttPXAw2yYxVhoCP0IQ3cBXXR57WM1V5VozcCs9k1Rhi73gceBhqioC-PcU74YeMZ8o7rYQsi-Q46BvO6SlBr7py_UDyLib9Wn-NRMoNPE/s320/Cover+3.bmp" /></a></div>That being said, I love the series. Not in the same way as I love Kingdom Come (that was a glorious love note to the DC Universe...), but the Earth X series is a great ride and I AM a Marvel trivia buff (specifically trivia that pertains to Marvel circa 1993 and before, which is what the X series relates to...). Because of the grand scope of Earth X and the look of the individuals, I have given some thought to who would fit into these aged hero roles if (in my own fantasy world...) they ever wanted to make it into a movie. They never will (much like the never will for Kingdom Come...) actually make a film of this convoluted and niche storyline, but it does get my movie imagination running to think of it. So let's get to it...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtX-QW0YmmOtltWjF_vxDhj-opgLfcyqdh_pOLbLqpR1zfa1MNw-7uraqGZV3kogciSGLS5vNJGFgFBVXMUXv4NMHHH4JoMV3zwIcJcGyGWOl_k5WKvHH5XRsJN69QJ2kGfSJlmupIY2Q/s1600/bruce.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="165" width="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtX-QW0YmmOtltWjF_vxDhj-opgLfcyqdh_pOLbLqpR1zfa1MNw-7uraqGZV3kogciSGLS5vNJGFgFBVXMUXv4NMHHH4JoMV3zwIcJcGyGWOl_k5WKvHH5XRsJN69QJ2kGfSJlmupIY2Q/s320/bruce.bmp" /></a></div>Captain America - Bruce Willis: In this reality, Cap is roughly 100 years old and fights for a dream that no one believes in anymore. He has become jaded over the many years fighting what he sees as an ever-losing battle, but fighting for the American Dream is all he knows. I picked Bruce Willis as he plays the action hero type well and retains this ability even as he ages (Sin City, Red, Live Free or Die Hard...). Actually, the real bottom line is that Bruce is a great actor and has a knack for playing this kind of character...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrBS9iX3u6XUgp7DNxxwemDqm4KUulpU3uCxWUM_tOjTgtNRORYDXvlYEa7Q9WSMHiS7KLx7HtP-oEjK4noIsObbtUTJ95jBvCG1vWSw4k-Y5x1-zAMGMh2E00vAnnyyz6RytAfqTuS0/s1600/Anthony.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="195" width="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitrBS9iX3u6XUgp7DNxxwemDqm4KUulpU3uCxWUM_tOjTgtNRORYDXvlYEa7Q9WSMHiS7KLx7HtP-oEjK4noIsObbtUTJ95jBvCG1vWSw4k-Y5x1-zAMGMh2E00vAnnyyz6RytAfqTuS0/s400/Anthony.bmp" /></a></div>Iron Man - Anthony Hopkins: Tony Stark has sealed himself off inside his mansion as he is the only person left without 'mutant' super powers and has rebuilt robot versions of the Avengers as they have died in combat. He is a paranoid old man, trying to hold on to a past world that has been long gone. Mr. Hopkins is a fantastic actor who can play a wide variety of roles. Playing a grizzled and paranoid Tony Stark would be a cinch as well as a treat to see. Several of Anthony's characters (Zorro, Hannibal, etc...) have been given an obsessive quality which would serve him well as an aged Stark...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqzdGDvikoZ24rroKh4wbgE0N8n-QYbEE8YhoQqzQWAHeRuHjvI4iZmlOkmEI2rcO1Mj5NEyF26ybNOwcYZmpfo7Oxd0ZM16XLBw5F_6Pm9Qr7Rwu4fvuR0L_YWQrH3osk9DJ9cxJTpsg/s1600/Robert.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="229" width="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqzdGDvikoZ24rroKh4wbgE0N8n-QYbEE8YhoQqzQWAHeRuHjvI4iZmlOkmEI2rcO1Mj5NEyF26ybNOwcYZmpfo7Oxd0ZM16XLBw5F_6Pm9Qr7Rwu4fvuR0L_YWQrH3osk9DJ9cxJTpsg/s400/Robert.bmp" /></a></div>Namor - Robert Patrick: Cursed by Franklin Richards for killing the Human Torch, half of The Submariner's body burns without killing him when he is in contact with the air. The only thing that can stop it is constant submersion into the ocean, which prevents him from interacting with the surface world without constant, agonizing pain. I have thought for some time (ok, shortly after T2 came out...) that Robert Patrick had the chops to be Namor and he has aged gracefully enough that he would fit the demeanor of an aged Namor. He's sinister and sly enough that it would be quite fun and a pleasure to see to say the least...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTy2z8wK2SVEWXgo_MN9H2kvbsF2TPi-7En3l2GKy8DCB3EBKnLOGgXE4Sqvj0Gk3KUOehXK8NBFTWPif9D90pMD_2WPRV8vqIHAmbP7Wyz3h2MtKMwxWt0A-jR_c4-GfCMJUkd6d3TcI/s1600/Tony.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="228" width="379" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTy2z8wK2SVEWXgo_MN9H2kvbsF2TPi-7En3l2GKy8DCB3EBKnLOGgXE4Sqvj0Gk3KUOehXK8NBFTWPif9D90pMD_2WPRV8vqIHAmbP7Wyz3h2MtKMwxWt0A-jR_c4-GfCMJUkd6d3TcI/s400/Tony.bmp" /></a></div>Black Panther/Panther-Man - Tony Todd: Due to the population of Earth being mutated into super beings, Black Panther had been mutated into an actually animal man: along with the power and savagery of a panther, his head now is that of his namesake. He still rules Wakanda with Storm by his side as queen, as well as with Hank McCoy (the Beast...). As this would be completely CGI, you need a great, powerful voice to go along with the Panther-Man. You could pick several mighty voices for this (Michael Dorn, Keith David, etc...), but my pick is Tony Todd, a veteran of many horror and thriller movies. He has the right delivery and tone to match the kind of role while adding an unknown and unexpected quality to the character...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAv4rjPyBvcOe9VQpruhyphenhyphen9z6D9DZz6COUeWHEjyvtYQnn4bRCnSgQpE-olcVNLReHlN8DXyH0KE0DcWShfAMLOPpQOfpqBZm7TjzQbaV7PLPuysJFDvXsemhDchFUR26H9kTux_-ZFs8/s1600/john.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="196" width="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfAv4rjPyBvcOe9VQpruhyphenhyphen9z6D9DZz6COUeWHEjyvtYQnn4bRCnSgQpE-olcVNLReHlN8DXyH0KE0DcWShfAMLOPpQOfpqBZm7TjzQbaV7PLPuysJFDvXsemhDchFUR26H9kTux_-ZFs8/s400/john.bmp" /></a></div>Spiderman/Peter Parker - John Ritter: After the people of Earth all gain powers, Spiderman retires and is revealed to be mild-mannered Peter Parker. He lives a life of despondency as no one needs a man with spider powers if everyone can just save themselves. At this point in the story, Mary Jane has died, but after they had a daughter, May (more on her in a minute...). This will be one of the few instances where I will pick a dead actor, but I think this one fits well. Before John's death, he played a slightly dumpy dad on a prime time sitcom so this juxtaposition fits well. Mr. Ritter has always felt like an everyman to me, and that's really what Spiderman should be (you know, minus the spider powers...). John proved to his audiences that, while he may not be one of the great actors, he is a solid one and gave consistent and enjoyable performances whenever he was on the screen...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKp1JPrFio4P8JqareXZpREeP6GPu28NMhDOcBUpZaufRI6VDKjOceXEkKQTg-6fqZ_XZvIh09I9LhokfrAcBxq9moJdGUEhHSQtPMHHMlgtW8f8JPwYaUZOvmEs5c9NiiTs_IeyiuxU/s1600/Olivia.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="207" width="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioKp1JPrFio4P8JqareXZpREeP6GPu28NMhDOcBUpZaufRI6VDKjOceXEkKQTg-6fqZ_XZvIh09I9LhokfrAcBxq9moJdGUEhHSQtPMHHMlgtW8f8JPwYaUZOvmEs5c9NiiTs_IeyiuxU/s320/Olivia.bmp" /></a></div>May 'Mayday' Parker/Spidergirl - Olivia Wilde: The daughter of Spiderman and Mary Jane, she inherited her father's powers, if not his sense of responsibility. Before the events of Earth X take place, May has become bonded with the Venom symbiot, but professes to her father that she is in control, rather than the suit controlling her. I'll admit it: I picked Olivia Wilde after seeing Tron: Legacy and thinking that she was great in it. She is athletic enough to fill the role as well as being able to portray the attitude of the semi-estranged daughter of a super hero legend. The fit feels natural...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4irXkaKkGvW9mZ9q2j2Cgr53txxLd8nIPxU5oyWvBOSgSqkGudLcmgKg_u4vQXRvMtGVGr38qpy6cTWJRktWEHDq7wx4Gs1Qax_5-FxYkurzhSYilTH3yyoXb-O91_dhvCCdW3yhhmx8/s1600/Tom.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="209" width="294" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4irXkaKkGvW9mZ9q2j2Cgr53txxLd8nIPxU5oyWvBOSgSqkGudLcmgKg_u4vQXRvMtGVGr38qpy6cTWJRktWEHDq7wx4Gs1Qax_5-FxYkurzhSYilTH3yyoXb-O91_dhvCCdW3yhhmx8/s400/Tom.bmp" /></a></div>The Skull - Tom Felton: Integral to the beginning and the end of the Earth X series, this young teen is the most powerful telepath to exist. When his powers manifested, it destroyed every active telepath on Earth (Prof. X, Jean Grey, etc...) as well as activated a need to conquer and control. He took the Punisher's symbol, painted red, and set out on a crusade to conquer everyone on the planet. Ignore what you have seen earlier today as it was a spoiler, but now it is gone. This one is kind of a cheat as Tom Felton (you know him as Draco Malfoy...) already played a sadistic blonde teen, but honestly I couldn't think of anyone better. He's got that domineering bully stereotype down pat...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6Yr_1d97G7TrECnqqGMRNR3AvNgmNRTpSA7OayWHOjisD3LRajoDw4AY_VDkTl9w_mrbxc1jZWi3Xekle3T3zAAblzwrHMqie8oLMVaLhmoDQUe9wnE5bZvycVYdaPxRY6hRlLHQT-U/s1600/Danny.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="214" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH6Yr_1d97G7TrECnqqGMRNR3AvNgmNRTpSA7OayWHOjisD3LRajoDw4AY_VDkTl9w_mrbxc1jZWi3Xekle3T3zAAblzwrHMqie8oLMVaLhmoDQUe9wnE5bZvycVYdaPxRY6hRlLHQT-U/s320/Danny.bmp" /></a></div>Wolverine - Danny DeVito: In this reality, Wolverine and Jean Grey left the X-Men after Xavier's death and started a life together. This was mainly due to the fact that Cyclops was in love with the Phoenix Force rather than Jean herself. Unfortunately, once there was no need for the X-Men, Wolverine began leading a life of laze and the 'happy' couple began to resemble the cast of 'All in the Family' rather than hardened heroes. I picked DeVito because, well, look at him. That's Danny DeVito. Period. He's belligerent, he's uncouth, he's short, he's heavy. DeVito...<br />
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I will stop there as this post has gone MUCH longer than anticipated. I will create a second (or more...) post for other character/actor combination for this same topic. But, for now, I hope you've enjoyed this beginning piece of fantasy mumbo-jumbo. If you are familiar with the Earth X series and wish to add your own thoughts, feel free to. I'd love to know who would fit where...Prototaphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228409362040362316noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3001028863899887853.post-29276359146358110422011-03-14T12:22:00.000-04:002011-03-14T12:22:20.381-04:00Hee-Haw ::clank, clank:: Hee-Haw...Hitting it early this week with a video game review and an odd little game it is. In the 80's, the video game field was dominated by a few main types of game: You had your action platformers (Super Mario Bros., Mega Man, Castlevania, Metroid, etc...), your top down adventure/puzzle games (Legend of Zelda, Bomberman, Final Fantasy, Fester's Quest, etc...), and your various sports simulators (Pole Position, Tecmo Bowl, Jordan vs. Bird: One on One, Excitebike, etc...). Granted, that is an over simplification of the field, but an appropriate one never the less. However, there were a handful of games to break this mold do something uniquely different (yeah, I said it...). One game in particular is a great love from my childhood (you too, tall guy...) and that game is the simply titled M.U.L.E...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lvls.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/nes-mule.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="428" width="300" src="http://lvls.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/nes-mule.jpg" /></a></div>M.U.L.E. is an economic strategy game with cooperative elements. The setting is that the players are settlers (aliens, humans, even robots...) on a distant planet and need to not only make a good settlement for yourself, but also increase the overall productivity and value of the entire colony. The game play goes as follows: you are granted a plot of land to which you will work for a resource of your choice (Mining for Smithore, Crystite for Crystite, Energy for Energy, and Farm for Food...); to do this, you purchase a M.U.L.E. (Multiple Use Labor Element) and outfit said M.U.L.E accordingly and place it in the plot. After this point, you can hunt the mountain wampus (???), assay the land for crystite levels, or go to the pub for gambling (this ends the turn...). The turns are timed so you must be quick to make sure you get everything done you need/want to. After this, the plots' resources are gathered and the players take part in the auction phase. Each resource is bartered for 'cash' from either the store or the players who are in need of a particular resource. Resources can also be bought from the store (if it has any to spare...). Lacking particular resources causes bad things to happen during game play (less time in a turn, higher M.U.L.E. prices, etc...). Finally, the leader board is displayed, showing the ranking order of each of the players. Scores are determined by land amount, total number of resources, and cash level. The turn then starts again. Over the course of the game, players can receive beneficial or detrimental messages that affect everybody or just an individual player (Pirate raid the store, M.U.L.E. goes crazy, solar flares, receive an inheritance, etc...). The total point level at the end of the last round determines how well your colony has done and how often supply ships will return to your colony with supplies...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.coolrom.com/screenshots/nes/M.U.L.E..gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="224" width="256" src="http://www.coolrom.com/screenshots/nes/M.U.L.E..gif" /></a></div>I first experienced this game in the 90's after moving back to Maryland and befriending my buddy, Brian (that's two shout outs in one post, sir...). His dad had it and it was an excellent breath of fresh air after playing games like Super Mario and Tetris religiously. The strangest part of it, even at the tender age of 8 or 9, I really got into it (as did Brian and his siblings...). We got into this strange habit as the messages at the beginning of the turns scrolled across the screen (with dial-up buffering slowness, it seemed...), we would read the messages like a jerky robot. For some reason, even though there wasn't a lot of hilarity in that, that aspect of the game stuck with me almost more so than any other part of it (only slightly more so than the 'walking in place' glitch during the auction scenes...). I would even speculate that my love for complex and intricate board games can be traced to extensive playing of M.U.L.E. It was definitely my gateway game (suck it, Settlers of Catan...)...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://lvls.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/mule-nes.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="224" width="256" src="http://lvls.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/mule-nes.gif" /></a></div>The competition in M.U.L.E. is a much more cerebral challenge and requires a different skill set than what is required for platformers or puzzle games. In effect, this game played much more like a board game than a 'standard' video game. The level of resource management and economics within M.U.L.E. had not been seen before in a video game and, while the concept did not take off from here, the ability to effectively create a multiplayer game on the NES and that you could create a dynamic and interesting game in this era video games without the need for enemies flying at you, laser blasts, or power ups. While very easy to get into, M.U.L.E. is a layered, if not complex, 8-bit game whose influence can be seen in other games, video or otherwise down the line. It is the grand daddy to many games of its genre, even if they don't realize it (Will Wright even dedicated The Sims to its creator!)...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogcdn.com/news.bigdownload.com/media/2010/02/planet-mule-bdheader.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="238" width="425" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/news.bigdownload.com/media/2010/02/planet-mule-bdheader.jpg" /></a></div>A last point: M.U.L.E has proven popular enough (even in cult-ish status...) that individuals have created their own clones of M.U.L.E. to varying success. My personal favorite: Planet M.U.L.E. It has excellent slick graphics and the people who created it really took the time to fine tune the details. I very much enjoy the modern remix of the M.U.L.E theme at the beginning (I do enjoy some techno...) and everything I have played with it, it is a perfect recreation of the mechanics and game play. If you are interested, please click <a href="http://www.planetmule.com/">here</a> and give Planet M.U.L.E. a download. You won't be sorry (but your free time will...)...Prototaphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228409362040362316noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3001028863899887853.post-24118169937879176622011-03-11T16:55:00.000-05:002011-03-11T16:55:58.748-05:00The Midnight Sons ride on...It's time I did another comic review and pulling from my most often read binder-o-comics, what do I come across? Spirits of Vengeance #2 from 1992. I came across this particular issue before the tender age of 10 and, due to the local librarian being a friend of the family, she would give me a bunch of comics when they cycled their stock (yes, my Lodi library branch used to carry semi-current issues of comics back in the 90's...). I have a bad feeling most of their 'stock' was recycled back then, but at the time, I was just stoked to get free comics. My copy even still has the check-out date stickers still attached (if anyone cares...). Enough pointless nostalgia; on to the issue...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWm9xEHE7MTE0_kWYHNMAMQJP30AXfTeCJR3aENfO3NjWmFhaQ2WB8fAbrLElM3_bVCXLR_Y-wfUTAGwW7a0iNPPPV939DZM3YWUv7aPk2_DufsO05tDdpgXy3HnsqpZxG05-YhP8ldw/s1600/SoV.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPWm9xEHE7MTE0_kWYHNMAMQJP30AXfTeCJR3aENfO3NjWmFhaQ2WB8fAbrLElM3_bVCXLR_Y-wfUTAGwW7a0iNPPPV939DZM3YWUv7aPk2_DufsO05tDdpgXy3HnsqpZxG05-YhP8ldw/s400/SoV.bmp" /></a></div>A little backstory for this one; during the 90's, Ghost Rider was revamped and rebooted with a new human host (Dan Ketch...) and a trendy, 90's look (read: bulkier and spikey...). This new Ghost Rider proved so popular that a whole line of comics dedicated to the darker characters of the Marvel Universe sprung up (at least for a couple years...). We had the Nightstalkers (Blade, Frank Drake and Hannibal King...), a revamped, edgier and hipper Morbius, the Living Vampire (who you have seen as an on-again, off-again Spiderman villain...), the aforementioned Spirits of Vengeance (Ghost Rider, Johnny Blaze, and [ugh...] Vengeance...), and some fairly obscure or non-characters known as the Darkhold Redeemers (look 'em up if you are honestly interested...). Their biggest thing was an event that put them head to head (with Dr. Strange backing them up...) with the demon queen Lilith who wished to plunge the world into darkness. In the end, these 'Midnight Sons' saved the day with little losses, but none of these individual series (save Ghost Rider...) never attained the awesomeness that was attained at this time in Marvel history. The art was all solid (we're talking pre-Chapter 11 Marvel here...), most of the characters were dynamic, gritty, and very cool, the storylines and dialogue weren't forced compared to most other comics, and the whole of them (especially Spirits of Vengeance...) felt very natural on the whole. I still have this feeling even today; nearly 20 years after the issues debuted...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix/stlven5.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="368" width="265" src="http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix/stlven5.gif" /></a></div>Anyways, onto the issue itself. We begin with a hitchhiker getting nabbed by our villain of the issue, Steel Vengeance (have we picked up on the theme of 90's comics yet?), and killed so she could paint with his blood (why else?). She is the sister of another Ghost Rider villain, Steel Wind, who had been rendered comatose due to GR's penance stare (a little dab'll do ya...). After the killing, we skip to Ghost Rider and Johnny Blaze (the 'first' Ghost Rider [don't ask...]...) racing towards Blaze's carnival where his family is atop of fiery motorcycles (it was the 90's...). After getting there, Ghost Rider falls into a coma-esque state where his flames went out but he remained in skeletal form (read: a skeleton in biker gear...). While Blaze was checking in with his carnival family, Steel Vengeance showed up and started blasting the carnival with her assault motorcycle (they never say that, but it's the only thing I can call it...). Blaze is knocked out, so she proceeds to beat up on the non-responsive GR and getting increasingly frustrated doing so. Eventually, Blaze awakens and demands of his family to locate his gun (did I mention it spews Hellfire rounds? Cause it does...) and, while he searches, the carneys distract her with a small TANK(!) and the acrobat midget nearly gets killed fighting her. Blaze shows up at that point (gun...blazing...) and takes Steel Vengeance down and is about to kill her, but Ghost Rider awakens and wants to give her his Penance Stare (tm...). This attack fails, as she has sold her soul for power and is unaffected by GR's stare. She breaks away with the Rider and Blaze in hot pursuit and ends up driving off a cliff, swearing to return (go with it...). We end with a panel of Lilith and a clairvoyant servant watching the action from a city with a dark and pithy remark...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheadXUEp8qeNlmYXS-wJVSuZZDtLN5WoXpXBz0p7uneWe8QdaEx5ID-E7HGDKvWWfu_czohUfp43Ca3GLdJvdAgYbGPmf572TaAtOZk57WK_SSEUHnCktQA80mmdmwB1kdNkMz5P6d1WA/s1600/Blaze.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="212" width="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheadXUEp8qeNlmYXS-wJVSuZZDtLN5WoXpXBz0p7uneWe8QdaEx5ID-E7HGDKvWWfu_czohUfp43Ca3GLdJvdAgYbGPmf572TaAtOZk57WK_SSEUHnCktQA80mmdmwB1kdNkMz5P6d1WA/s400/Blaze.bmp" /></a></div>Bottom line, this is by far one of my favorite comic book issues to own. I actually own two copies; my beat up one from when I was a kid and a better condition one that I keep with the rest of the Spirits line. The art is fantastic and comes from a time in comic art that was nearly the last of its era before the Chapter 11 bit. The interior art is penciled by Adam Kubert, while the cover was done by his brother, Andy. These guys' father is the well-known comic artist Joe Kubert (another day, another time...), so good comic art is in their blood. I have a lot of the Kubert's issues (as well as their contemporaries...) and this one doesn't disappoint. The story itself made me want to hunt down other issues as a kid to see who Steel Wind was, who this Lilith character was at the end, why Dan Ketch was missing INSIDE of Ghost Rider, and why was Johnny Blaze a carney? The ending is silly (just keep driving but away from the ravine OR use some of those spikes to hang on to the wall...), but whatever; it doesn't detract for me. Also, I have to mention the layout of the issue as I draw a great deal of inspiration from, not only this issue, but others of this era of Marvel as it's very well done. The pacing is very well done and I aspire to that in my own work...<br />
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I recommend this particular (and several others of this time...) for their artistic quality if not the story. The art itself is very well proportioned (give or take...) and lends itself to believability of the characters. Ghost Rider, Blaze, even Steel Wind to a point, while products of the time period they were released, they have a high level of sophistication in their design and realism in their quality. If you want to know what the Witte would aspire to be like (at least in the realm of comic creation...), look no further than Spirits of Vengeance vol. 1 #2. It's definitely worth your time to pick it up...<br />
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(Disclaimer: The third image is not from Spirits of Vengeance #2. I just liked the picture and the quote...)Prototaphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228409362040362316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3001028863899887853.post-12403998673322980942011-03-09T23:11:00.000-05:002011-03-09T23:11:40.656-05:00Ah, faeries, dancing under the moon\ A Druid land, a Druid tune!Falling behind in general, but chew on this, non-believers...<br />
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<b>Day 6</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH9i5SzK8tbNCxUDaSdvDx9sh2IjQtTOH60PVNj7cCHtbWrhC0qL3s9cToLwg2BxzqhW62UQ7oi5W89IgNo8LwJGj0-DMICztoaMCTdoSiHwPkX5s5h7KaGwmiwK2k0PAPaQ6Nbh5uURE/s1600/Knock.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="241" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH9i5SzK8tbNCxUDaSdvDx9sh2IjQtTOH60PVNj7cCHtbWrhC0qL3s9cToLwg2BxzqhW62UQ7oi5W89IgNo8LwJGj0-DMICztoaMCTdoSiHwPkX5s5h7KaGwmiwK2k0PAPaQ6Nbh5uURE/s320/Knock.bmp" /></a></div>A much better morning, indeed. Not only was it comfy and dry, it came with a full traditional Irish breakfast (with an amazing view...). And when I mean full, I mean FULL. Check this:<br />
-cereal...<br />
-toast...<br />
-juice...<br />
-French pressed coffee...<br />
-English style bacon...<br />
-sausage links...<br />
-an egg (fried...)...<br />
-black pudding...<br />
-scones...<br />
-tomato...<br />
Damn, that's good...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3Pn-AnPX_x7-gwn_yb1LAFdrlxnZDsGEEQrPI6QiUIYFPdIm5rJ6mx6PBJ7B-WDWYPCMSoAo9PTEdEZPfutFiZsM-JzxmoQxX6RyNQewzYasIbXBXgIWYubYhsil6ajkuZUfJophggg/s1600/Tomb+1.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="299" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd3Pn-AnPX_x7-gwn_yb1LAFdrlxnZDsGEEQrPI6QiUIYFPdIm5rJ6mx6PBJ7B-WDWYPCMSoAo9PTEdEZPfutFiZsM-JzxmoQxX6RyNQewzYasIbXBXgIWYubYhsil6ajkuZUfJophggg/s400/Tomb+1.bmp" /></a></div>The itinerary consisted of three goals:<br />
1)See Queen Maeve's grave...<br />
2)See W.B. Yeats grave...<br />
3)Get to Tara's friend Catherine's home in Strabane...<br />
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So, first things first: Queen Maeve's grave. After finding the area, getting to the site was a challenge in-and-of itself. I can imagine that many of the pagan persuasion would consider the trek up the steep (very in some parts...) hill as a pilgrimage of sorts, and I don't blame them. I felt I had accomplished something once I reached the top...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzdCFDsNL1DFaacatS4J6tIWb97e5zaIzWtVRPK66bgbFhRWX5GEDufcGqaq4-K7S9TZp582yyIxBvgr8nRZSP8_webHPDGrIMyXVTWQ0MV0iFeapaZlJRg1-CyMDHUZ2NSX1nY5vGIE/s1600/Tomb+2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzdCFDsNL1DFaacatS4J6tIWb97e5zaIzWtVRPK66bgbFhRWX5GEDufcGqaq4-K7S9TZp582yyIxBvgr8nRZSP8_webHPDGrIMyXVTWQ0MV0iFeapaZlJRg1-CyMDHUZ2NSX1nY5vGIE/s200/Tomb+2.bmp" /></a></div>The Queen's grave itself was more like a cross between a tomb and a cairn (size plus materials used...). Regardless what the monument was, I was suitably impressed and satisfied with the site/sight. It was at this point I did two things a stereotypical, ignorant tourist would do. One, I ignored the sign saying, 'Do Not Climb the Grave' and went to the top. This, again, was worth it. To see a stormy panorama of Ireland stretched all around me; the feeling was nothing short of magical. I'm not much for religion, but it was as close as I've come in a long time. And two: I took stones from the grave. I really shouldn't have, but they were small and not all for me. I can now say I have 'The Bones of Maeve' (By the way, if you don't know who Queen Maeve was, look her up...)...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTCp1fza31qQiR2JYZgsOIkiVUcBV1R66hWxR5yxzlEuipO98Ks2_kebqy1dQCLgtHyUr_OHad7E96NkDEvVF6j_s2As1CtSa_lQr5oOnJkOsykDL7_hQFrFHOye-v663cEPsi1pWVAs/s1600/Yeats.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTCp1fza31qQiR2JYZgsOIkiVUcBV1R66hWxR5yxzlEuipO98Ks2_kebqy1dQCLgtHyUr_OHad7E96NkDEvVF6j_s2As1CtSa_lQr5oOnJkOsykDL7_hQFrFHOye-v663cEPsi1pWVAs/s200/Yeats.bmp" /></a></div>On to Yeats. I only know this figure by reputation, as I am not usually for poetry. I do know W.B. Yeats was, and is, a highly respected and regarded author and poet in the literary world. After my experience at Maeve's, one might think I'd have a similar experience at Yeats' grave. I didn't...<br />
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So, with the two major sites to see out of the way, it was off to see Tara's friend, Catherine, in Strabane for the weekend. Catherine knows Tara through an online RPG within the Pern universe (years before the term 'MMORPG' was popularized...), as well as another Irish native named Marion. Catherine, and her husband Colin, were gracious enough to open their home to us free of charge for three days, so I was looking forward to getting to know some new people fairly well (the two bottles of wine we brought should help...)...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoROyI2dEj2ietH8Ts7EEyrYPQW9qqGtt85HIBHn_CCsEca0CCDwFs891iUnW48AafRK21TPB4pkz0qNOCZ4pS2WUyF7r3NEV1wH0EHRvV5ODbmsWOpJxt02YlmmkAZV61pPPYq078ixU/s1600/Trail.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoROyI2dEj2ietH8Ts7EEyrYPQW9qqGtt85HIBHn_CCsEca0CCDwFs891iUnW48AafRK21TPB4pkz0qNOCZ4pS2WUyF7r3NEV1wH0EHRvV5ODbmsWOpJxt02YlmmkAZV61pPPYq078ixU/s320/Trail.bmp" /></a></div>It was quite a long drive to Strabane, so Tara and I had to amuse ourselves. Our main topic: concepting a new addition to the Tycoon computer game series, Wine Tycoon. Due to our love of wine these days (thank you Ithaca and the Finger Lakes...), it was an easy topic for us to jump into, but a very in depth idea once we got going. We think we covered everything: Grape types, soil content, hazards, equipments, world regions, customer needs, and a bunch of other things as well. To put it in perspective, we talked about the whole idea for over an hour and a half. That feels like a long time to brainstorm a computer game...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivfZyVvnL8cC2MwEO4_LEOVSi8sjp4U5jfAz1PbH2rZYH3ZfB0KkObv4JH4tz9-d4G2p4njXA-r2hqT04S-1aAR-kEWh69FQsO1MNkRzjKcBs3z80EZ__93ZllDJNa_ubaR1pXZEDFHO8/s1600/Tomb+3.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="241" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivfZyVvnL8cC2MwEO4_LEOVSi8sjp4U5jfAz1PbH2rZYH3ZfB0KkObv4JH4tz9-d4G2p4njXA-r2hqT04S-1aAR-kEWh69FQsO1MNkRzjKcBs3z80EZ__93ZllDJNa_ubaR1pXZEDFHO8/s320/Tomb+3.bmp" /></a></div>Meeting Catherine was neat, I'd have to say. While we waited for her husband, Colin, to return home from work, we played the get-to-know-you game. Apparently, Catherine knows more about me than I could ever realize (she follows Tara's blogging...). She made us a nice dinner and we actually went through three bottles of wine between the four of us. Being tired, we made light conversation till evening's end, sharing a few more drinks and then retiring. Good people, though it's shaping up to be an alcohol-filled stop. It behooves me to mention that our hosts are 35 and 42, so their tolerance is a bit higher than Tara's or mine. Hang on, liver; it's going to be a bumpy ride. Zzzz...<br />
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June 18, 2009<br />
Nicholas C. Witte<br />
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Enjoy these other pictures of the day:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VO9D0bqlHaCQaDWVJdPvVS5xjyeRNCFebY9r6b5pf8l6DQSzGpn_4kWJwuatSCN6SnOFj7VpraOubuNzem3GYOAvJLrHPDpXfYUHTGxAbEthFTqGL8_Td8OUDouZm5-mZvIXFpWvgaQ/s1600/Sheep+Hill.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5VO9D0bqlHaCQaDWVJdPvVS5xjyeRNCFebY9r6b5pf8l6DQSzGpn_4kWJwuatSCN6SnOFj7VpraOubuNzem3GYOAvJLrHPDpXfYUHTGxAbEthFTqGL8_Td8OUDouZm5-mZvIXFpWvgaQ/s320/Sheep+Hill.bmp" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mp7bhxyKJr68HRMmIwf_csP4Yzhg65WSz5kOqIZl-sjdRQsygn0CQEBwdHEOZNSC6eTa9pzK5mA7z4ieeCEfuY6CexQMXzr92VVcuMObQdazgCUed_rXb5KVIw1zKTXyBdkuxfMu_KA/s1600/View+1.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7mp7bhxyKJr68HRMmIwf_csP4Yzhg65WSz5kOqIZl-sjdRQsygn0CQEBwdHEOZNSC6eTa9pzK5mA7z4ieeCEfuY6CexQMXzr92VVcuMObQdazgCUed_rXb5KVIw1zKTXyBdkuxfMu_KA/s320/View+1.bmp" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3LNWmWkKUvlQB0hyphenhyphena9XIFbVXOmndtA391Q1WFJFw9zhDve78pPkTDjsPDpHTH_R8VPNA4eNp9poJN0ai_tiW6-l1ciIS8JxGH6kl6y2sCldwkxOD8cpZMfOMwNjQQkUrU0910fcly10/s1600/View+2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="239" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS3LNWmWkKUvlQB0hyphenhyphena9XIFbVXOmndtA391Q1WFJFw9zhDve78pPkTDjsPDpHTH_R8VPNA4eNp9poJN0ai_tiW6-l1ciIS8JxGH6kl6y2sCldwkxOD8cpZMfOMwNjQQkUrU0910fcly10/s320/View+2.bmp" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQLfvfvmojFjlgMdYv65Z1tK5DyD80UzvF64cPed77syClRRO86OLcN__oGWRXWNGbsPb8Qqp04BcGqPlwb50rKGWEpYdUSERSfcEBJQ93ow_gz-1F10tvw2Jvy2P_V5F3kvKPCuQ26Q/s1600/Sign+2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="241" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBQLfvfvmojFjlgMdYv65Z1tK5DyD80UzvF64cPed77syClRRO86OLcN__oGWRXWNGbsPb8Qqp04BcGqPlwb50rKGWEpYdUSERSfcEBJQ93ow_gz-1F10tvw2Jvy2P_V5F3kvKPCuQ26Q/s320/Sign+2.bmp" /></a></div>Prototaphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228409362040362316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3001028863899887853.post-12088554207496870742011-03-02T21:58:00.000-05:002011-03-02T21:58:40.620-05:00Insert Irish Joke Here...<b>Day 5</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2vIGBcEMbGeskAjJyeHtl-vA2z_XF_EatM-JGoTZK48KqpqP2G3KxoUnfUEU3CLMwfmGnQV3nkq6QXno5JGl0sZ0qJeJLQu_8mOIm-illQgppkGFJTxraNL2hDxBFx5HKe4jkVkbyhY/s1600/Valley.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="239" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn2vIGBcEMbGeskAjJyeHtl-vA2z_XF_EatM-JGoTZK48KqpqP2G3KxoUnfUEU3CLMwfmGnQV3nkq6QXno5JGl0sZ0qJeJLQu_8mOIm-illQgppkGFJTxraNL2hDxBFx5HKe4jkVkbyhY/s320/Valley.bmp" /></a></div>The Witte is grumpy. The weather was unbelievably bad last night. Combine a leaky tent, an absorbent sleeping bag, wet clothes, and little sleep, grumpy is really an understatement. To top it all off, the car had a flat tire due to a slow leak (yet another victim of Ireland's deceptively treacherous roads...). Thankfully, by 9:00 AM, we had a new tire and were fairly none the worse for wear. I also discovered how widespread (and parasitic...) Tim Horton's truly is...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtunytLqwV778iKEL14vma38g53YO_XAcyt3HjzJNoI5UHF7Ohklbj4KWLvu3hkEBLaLwHRAf6l1DrnJJlr5NjCD_fA962QQKJl6WoMe3WrVizXskf0d197_hPRe1BIBrUPn_Fb6M4DU/s1600/Famine+1.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtunytLqwV778iKEL14vma38g53YO_XAcyt3HjzJNoI5UHF7Ohklbj4KWLvu3hkEBLaLwHRAf6l1DrnJJlr5NjCD_fA962QQKJl6WoMe3WrVizXskf0d197_hPRe1BIBrUPn_Fb6M4DU/s320/Famine+1.bmp" /></a></div>It seems ironic then (or at least weirdly coincidental...) that we would see some of the more depressing parts of Irish history. Lunch was taken in, after yet another (however unappreciated this day...) picturesque example of Ireland's landscape, at the memorial of the Famine Walk. For those unacquainted with the event, in the 1840's (during the Great Potato Famine...), 600 starving Irish walked 12 miles to beg for food from the lord of the land, and were subsequently denied. 200 or more died on the return trip, hence the memorial. Many, many years later, Nelson Mandela made the same walk to honor the dead and for all the symbolism that the distance meant. You may think it's a little odd to stop and have a meal at the site of dead and starved Irishmen. It is...<br />
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Our journey took us to the town of Murrisk, where another Famine memorial had been erected. This one, rather than the standard, respectful cross monument, was a stylized, artistic bronze ship, laced with floating skeletons. I have to say, I took the standard memorial much more serious than the artistic one. To each their own...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEyG2i9kp6hr3rGtP-WuK7EahgJQEnSntnXIAL-unIGuhurE-Amm5RmHf85pGN4qxTYhAl1DrnyTcOO9fIo3phYmL8RkscWyp0R8dcwAIOXGM_hD0wPyiOOZs9dhAB_n-uwteb-am9QxI/s1600/Famine+2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEyG2i9kp6hr3rGtP-WuK7EahgJQEnSntnXIAL-unIGuhurE-Amm5RmHf85pGN4qxTYhAl1DrnyTcOO9fIo3phYmL8RkscWyp0R8dcwAIOXGM_hD0wPyiOOZs9dhAB_n-uwteb-am9QxI/s200/Famine+2.bmp" /></a></div>Due to the inclement weather the previous night, a B&B was in order and boy, were we looking forward to it. We spent at least an hour hunting one down on our route (probably more than an hour...) and we finally settled on one in Drumcliffe (the town W.B. Yeats is buried in...). A little pricey, but after last night's disaster, the B&B comforted us, both physically and psychologically. Hopefully, the next day will be better than the last...<br />
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June 17, 2009<br />
Nicholas C. Witte<br />
Guinness Count: 4<br />
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P.S. European TV has lots of boobs...<br />
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As usual, more bonus pictures for your enjoyment...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_jft4X3Jf1m5czeUlJ2ZpNv3Fd8nIGHTS1BjTB-116vRy66n8Oz8tttzWEt8zYXajLT3Mf5Wk9NtGSfLkFFzzKNpOHI-ejr-9FdoCAVkG1eTfbz5zCNSit2haKeKLSnOJPDbhIAd19M/s1600/Sign+1.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl_jft4X3Jf1m5czeUlJ2ZpNv3Fd8nIGHTS1BjTB-116vRy66n8Oz8tttzWEt8zYXajLT3Mf5Wk9NtGSfLkFFzzKNpOHI-ejr-9FdoCAVkG1eTfbz5zCNSit2haKeKLSnOJPDbhIAd19M/s320/Sign+1.bmp" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeP_zS-dXBymPP5GRy75EqeelCrF0LYnRTl1JOP55njdOGOFeLIElGeP-gbqLUo7IiR_15RmM0hkr0mslpw48oqwEt3ulAZykXkHG1HlAupiAmzmC-eDtWu2fUgk7969GNPUjcsHTITh8/s1600/Horses.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeP_zS-dXBymPP5GRy75EqeelCrF0LYnRTl1JOP55njdOGOFeLIElGeP-gbqLUo7IiR_15RmM0hkr0mslpw48oqwEt3ulAZykXkHG1HlAupiAmzmC-eDtWu2fUgk7969GNPUjcsHTITh8/s320/Horses.bmp" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQr-xYP6Er4dpa6UkwYJWy77KuQ3HqJnSR3Orbt0yIWSLQkxMqlHMNgcCQ_JLlrbAsxH4CjNtoSjwheW9AlxoxaKxgIFjhMtYMXeNaB4mFVf9iuqB1O_vS4miI2oNiPlreEbmTcx1R8A/s1600/Car+1.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="238" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIQr-xYP6Er4dpa6UkwYJWy77KuQ3HqJnSR3Orbt0yIWSLQkxMqlHMNgcCQ_JLlrbAsxH4CjNtoSjwheW9AlxoxaKxgIFjhMtYMXeNaB4mFVf9iuqB1O_vS4miI2oNiPlreEbmTcx1R8A/s320/Car+1.bmp" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1Ff6-gsNZp5cxxv8bkCYz9tguRmKD3Wf3X5VV47p5mca9p9m4xdoFIlOs_3seXaCkF6r0RaUdWVMjHY7nxEquGC0RQDXk_YCZ2hBEGPMXzHxtpe-RYg3Cz4ZmoEjJU4Fm7nBpdCVq90/s1600/Emo.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="238" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1Ff6-gsNZp5cxxv8bkCYz9tguRmKD3Wf3X5VV47p5mca9p9m4xdoFIlOs_3seXaCkF6r0RaUdWVMjHY7nxEquGC0RQDXk_YCZ2hBEGPMXzHxtpe-RYg3Cz4ZmoEjJU4Fm7nBpdCVq90/s320/Emo.bmp" /></a></div>Prototaphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228409362040362316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3001028863899887853.post-32015291656976368902011-03-01T15:47:00.000-05:002011-03-01T15:47:57.525-05:00DROP IT!!!Let's dial it back one more year to 1987. Aretha Franklin is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a squirrel shut down the Stock Exchange by burrowing in a phone line (awesome...), both Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Star Trek: The Next Generation debuted to great success, and Paul Verhoeven unveiled his dystopic crime film, Robocop (also to great success...) set in a slightly futuristic, crime-ridden Detroit (at least the future as viewed through 80's style Ray-Bans...) and features the aforementioned (and quite possibly the most famous...) cyborg crime fighter laying down the law...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGyps1PP2RRfSGHhyQccHJ3soNhD0-BUi24Xbf0Vuruj2sy4k84igD6WizX208g2rYiMKPgXUyv2HbhSwMcc2JSI6pr8RToK_St_Lf3SlzN5g-xVgc3SzoFV4m161AMHBVl7o0eqhLXM/s1600/robocop-1620-poster-large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxGyps1PP2RRfSGHhyQccHJ3soNhD0-BUi24Xbf0Vuruj2sy4k84igD6WizX208g2rYiMKPgXUyv2HbhSwMcc2JSI6pr8RToK_St_Lf3SlzN5g-xVgc3SzoFV4m161AMHBVl7o0eqhLXM/s400/robocop-1620-poster-large.jpg" /></a></div>We enter a world (set in an ambiguous near future...) where the crime rate in Detroit is basically an epidemic, cops are being killed every week and are threatening to strike, and the overall management of law enforcement is being handled by the mega corporation, OCP. It is revealed that the company is planning on releasing an automated policing unit as the human police force is seen as unable to handle the job. After a disastrous unveiling of the ED-209 (an AT-ATs smaller cousin...), the Robocop program in accepted and begins production. This leads us to our tragic hero, Murphy, who is gunned down the first day on the job in Detroit (kind of a reverse to the cliché'...). His still (barely...) living remains are claimed by OCP and integrated into the Robocop hardware, allowing a human brain to operate what amounts to a man-sized tank. Robocop then goes about the city and prevents many crimes, both big and small (ripping off a convenience store [look for old Marvel comics in this scene...] to stopping a hostage situation...). Eventually, the human side of Robocop reasserts itself and he begins remembering his old life, his old family, and those who brutally murdered him. So, after hospitalizing one hoodlum and tracking down another gang member of tried to kill him, Robocop busts into a cocaine processing plant (god, I love the 80's...) where the rest of cop killers are. He nearly kills the leader of the gang (the dad from That 70's Show...) before being reminded that he is a cop first and cannot take the law into his own hands. Also revealed is that the head guy at OCP is the money behind the crime lords in Detroit, which leads Robocop to attempt to arrest the head OCP guy. Unfortunately, a protocol in Robocop’s programming prevents him from arresting OCP members and a functional ED-209 was waiting to take him out. Fortunately, Robocop outsmarted the machine by toppling it down the stairs but was then greeted by the remaining police force (under OCPs payroll...) and was shot up, forcing a retreat to the steel mill where he was nearly killed at the beginning. OCP guy hires the rest of the cop killing gang, arms them with futuristic grenade launchers, and sets out to kill our hero. But, through cunning and smidgeon of good luck, the gang is whittled down to the leader. Robocop becomes trapped under scrap metal, but the leader becomes cocky and gets close enough for Robocop to stab him in the neck with a spike, killing him. Afterwards, Robocop returns to OCP to deal with the money man. Revealing proof to the board that he killed the creator of Robocop, the villain tries to take the owner of OCP hostage. But, the owner fires the money man which removes the OCP protocol and allows him to take him down by blasting him out the window. As Robocop leaves, the owner asks his name and his simple reply is, 'Murphy'...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.moviesonline.ca/AdvHTML_Upload/robocop-news.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="322" width="480" src="http://www.moviesonline.ca/AdvHTML_Upload/robocop-news.jpg" /></a></div><br />
This movie is a science fiction staple for me and I pass it on to anyone who enjoys the genre. Robocop is more subtle science fiction though as it takes place in a near future, it is based in a recognizable city, and there is no mention of space travel, aliens, and the like. It is especially fun for those who dig realistic fiction and dystopia vs. utopia universes. While the contrasts between the two aren't as pronounced as in other films (The Matrix, Demolition Man, etc...), it is a more logical progression into the future as there are no laser guns, no flying cars, etc. It's just regular people being put down by 'The Man'. Because of the amount of bloodshed and bullets, this typically gets lumped in with the general action movie genre (due to the aforementioned sci-fi subtleties...) but that is a bit of over simplification of the kind of movie Robocop is...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.cs.unc.edu/~plaisted/comp550/robocop02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="286" width="430" src="http://www.cs.unc.edu/~plaisted/comp550/robocop02.jpg" /></a></div>It warrants mentioning that Robocop can be perceived as an early pop culture champion of the cyberpunk movement. Let's look at the facts: Robocop exists on an Earth where a giant corporation wants to change their environment (read: Detroit...) to fit their ideal of perfection and go to many lengths to do it. Murphy is first a normal working Joe (read: lower class...) and then is dropped further in status (read: near dead...) before being changed by the corporation to bear their standard into the future. Robocop then turns against the 'overall' wishes of the corporation and becomes an autonomous unit, capable of free thought, judgment and actions. He is still bound by his prime directives (Serve the public trust, Protect the innocent, and Uphold the law...), but is able to act more heroically, meaning more compassionate and human. Granted, we don't really get to see this until the second movie, but the principle holds true. He's a plugged-in rebel who fights for the good of the public and that makes him a cyberpunk hero in my book...<br />
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One last point of note: There have been several articles written to point out the biblical metaphors within Robocop. I've read a couple of them and can (sort of...) see where they are coming from. List them in the comments what you picked up on...Prototaphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228409362040362316noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3001028863899887853.post-52225830012540527242011-02-24T13:53:00.000-05:002011-02-24T13:53:05.320-05:00I get rattled, baby...Let us turn to the Way Back Machine and take a trip back to the grand ol' age on 1988. Compact discs outsold vinyl records for the first time, both Nine Inch Nails and Milli Vanilli were formed (taking both ends of the spectrum here...), the most excellent Megaman 2 video game was released, and Magnum P.I. drove off into the sunset in his red Ferari for the last time. But, most importantly (at least as far as today's post is concerned...), the supergroup Travelling Wilburys released their album 'Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1' to great critical and public success...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimW8sC4_YCqeZ1W-UdM34Li6H2NjPADhBuvYdZHYMp2gPnOoSdzJljYrfvZqOVKYDFE6k9GdorInCi-w51QX25RPz8tQ6wU7Rpk_rOMEcad_2tE2s2MfY2CDrqZyGU2LBdM5nAEoyQYZb7/s1600/Traveling_Wilburys1_14374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="397" width="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimW8sC4_YCqeZ1W-UdM34Li6H2NjPADhBuvYdZHYMp2gPnOoSdzJljYrfvZqOVKYDFE6k9GdorInCi-w51QX25RPz8tQ6wU7Rpk_rOMEcad_2tE2s2MfY2CDrqZyGU2LBdM5nAEoyQYZb7/s1600/Traveling_Wilburys1_14374.jpg" /></a></div>A little history first: if you are not aware of who the Traveling Wilburys were, they were a supergroup (in every sense of the word...) formed by Roy Orbison ('Oh, Pretty Woman'...), George Harrison (The Beatles...), Bob Dylan ('Blowin' in the Wind'...), Tom Petty (The Heartbreakers...), and Jeff Lynn (Electric Light Orchestra [ELO...]...) by chance that they all happened to be in close proximity to each other and were doing some separate side projects. Someone (who knows...) said something to the effect of, 'Hey, let's cut a record, guys', and so the Travelling Wilburys were born. Let's look at this a moment: You have one of the great rockabilly musicians, a Beatle, an icon of 60's and 70's counterculture, a highly successfully musician of the Americana variety, and the lead of one of the most successful prog rock bands of the 70's and 80's. How could this fail? Thankfully, for the world at large, it did not fail and proved that there are musicians who are in it for the love of playing music with your friends and not (just...) the cash. Either that or they are great actors as well...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.wilburys.info/images/covers/vol1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="249" width="250" src="http://www.wilburys.info/images/covers/vol1.gif" /></a></div>It turns out that I love this album and never knew it. I picked up the album at Salvation Army (my one-stop shop for cds...) because I found the song 'Margarita' a couple years back and really got down on it. So, I thought, 'I bet the rest of the album is pretty good too, what with that lineup and all'. I got the surprise of a lifetime as I began to realize that this album wasn't an unknown to me. About three songs in, it dawned on me that I had heard this whole album before, but nearly 20 years ago. A wash of nostalgia hit me and I was transported back to a small town in Ohio when I was just a lad. I even called up my mother and asked about it. Apparently, this is one of the soundtracks of my childhood. It also may explain why I cling so vehemently to classic rock over many modern rock styles; it's in my blood, plain and simple. I was programmed at an early age do enjoy most music pre-1990 and I guess it worked (thanks, Mom and Dad...)...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qRaQhxGZXM3BopGgtSn0dNKhFi2P95n3IvNbTzRzKPuV9ZPWY0JZPAmIz3CMKrQhAG-cP1Kpk64IV2JQFEtAJkJRI0-YZ_PPkTFQjOcfqlKNmjCBXW5dBdbaTfL97rYnP6-l1VscwSs/s1600/gaB3CiZKQn3lgwa5fowsB5qZo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="373" width="375" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7qRaQhxGZXM3BopGgtSn0dNKhFi2P95n3IvNbTzRzKPuV9ZPWY0JZPAmIz3CMKrQhAG-cP1Kpk64IV2JQFEtAJkJRI0-YZ_PPkTFQjOcfqlKNmjCBXW5dBdbaTfL97rYnP6-l1VscwSs/s400/gaB3CiZKQn3lgwa5fowsB5qZo1_500.jpg" /></a></div>The album content is definitely greater than the sum of its parts (and the parts are fantastic on their own...). 'Handle with Care' is reminiscent of Tom Petty's 'Learning to Fly' (actually, that analogy is backwards...), but allows you to really get the power of Roy and George as well as their combined power in the bridges. 'Dirty World' is mostly done by Dylan and is quirky, sexually laden song that is just fun to sing (what does he mean by 'He loves your bottled water'?). 'Rattled' is a throwback to the days of rockabilly (I could see Elvis doing this one...) and Jeff Lynn sings it expertly, though I'd have loved to hear Roy do it. 'Last Night' is a Roy/Petty number, with the rest backing them up. It's a story, literally, about a nefarious woman the singer met up with 'last night'. It's a bit repetitive, but still pretty good. 'Not Alone Anymore' is an Orbison ballad and suits his singing style (always good to hear from the Big O...). 'Congratulations' is mostly a Dylan number about loss and probably my least favorite on the album due to the repetition and Dylan's voice (not much of a Dylan fan here...). However, because of its slightly annoying distinctiveness, it tends to be the most memorable song on the list. 'Heading for the Light' starts out like an ELO number but you can almost feel the Beatle undertones. If the Beatles (the band...) had lived past 1970, I can imagine that this is where their sound would have headed. I'm not sure exactly where 'Margarita' fits in the genre list, but it's a pretty cool song. It builds in intensity and has a quirky mix of folk, country, surf, and rockabilly rock. Very catchy. 'Tweeter and the Monkeyman' is...indescribable, but is apparently a poke at Springsteen (Click <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ReQsRgQXgQY">here</a> to experience it...). The last song, 'End of the Line', is a sweet, on-the-move number with a touch of melancholy as this is one of the last songs Roy Orbison put down. The music video shows a rocking chair with a guitar in it in Roy's place and is a little sad without him there...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.jpgr.co.uk/wx224_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="320" src="http://www.jpgr.co.uk/wx224_b.jpg" /></a></div>Where I a divinely powered being, I would have created a universe where there is ALWAYS a Traveling Wilbury band. As members get too old to do it or move in different directions or what have you, other rock artists should take up the Wilbury banner and keep the tradition alive. Were I to reform the Traveling Wilburys today, I would use the following artists in various incarnations in the future:<br />
-Paul McCartney to replace George/Roy...<br />
-Eric Clapton...<br />
-keep Tom Petty...<br />
-Joe Walsh and/or Don Henley from The Eagles...<br />
-Dave Grohl to represent the 90's...<br />
-Jack White...<br />
-The Edge from U2...<br />
-Billy Gibbons from ZZ Top...<br />
I don't know about many artists from the 90's and 2000's that would mesh with this more classic rock sound, but I'd be up for some suggestions to add to this grouping...<br />
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I highly recommend this album if you are a fan of any of the artists who contributed to 'Traveling Wilburys Vol. 1' or are just a fan of classic American rock. This is a very fun album (though I bet it was more fun to make...) and definitely is on my top 25 album list, if not higher. All the songs are very catchy and easy to get into. In recent times, there seems to be a resurgence of artists getting together to lay down some fresh tunes (Jack White and Dave Grohl have been notorious for this...) for the sake of doing something different and just playing some rockin' music. I feel they are continuing a tradition is older than they imagine. Rock on, everybody...Prototaphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228409362040362316noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3001028863899887853.post-54930581771851951612011-02-21T13:08:00.000-05:002011-02-21T13:08:23.015-05:00How Are Things In Connemara?Maybe two this week?<br />
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<b>Day 4</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUYwqGoST8NiW-8-hgAVso8RLjMZOlrhNg2IDgITQexnutYEYVcXUFTTCsR4fGVkWQTsd1HOK_oK1igKrBzEofStLIuvcz4U1grlZUK1GOUQTZqsYvRiD3xm_ejO_c3-3MRA0PjVGhDg/s1600/Leaving+Aran.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjUYwqGoST8NiW-8-hgAVso8RLjMZOlrhNg2IDgITQexnutYEYVcXUFTTCsR4fGVkWQTsd1HOK_oK1igKrBzEofStLIuvcz4U1grlZUK1GOUQTZqsYvRiD3xm_ejO_c3-3MRA0PjVGhDg/s320/Leaving+Aran.bmp" /></a></div>An early up and off to the ferry for another fun filled Irish day, and what a day it was. The road to Connemara was filled with sights both natural and not, so in some ways, this was Ireland at its finest (including Ireland's wonderful road system, which makes most American roads look like a stroll through the park...)...<br />
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I was fairly drowsy until lunch, but I do recall green, rolling hills and quaint little lakes and sheep. Lots and lots of sheep. For gas, we stopped at what I can only describe as a back country Irish strip mall (not as bad as it sounds...). The craft store boasted some of the finest in Ireland so it was worth a stop just to satisfy our curiosity...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7L95KJ7HxcxzP33s9SmLlWjGDby67IOjzhqd0UgEX1aPDTbUM062QApGAtMv7Lz3TkXZ_n2s0xjof-pIq2M1qs0jkisPh7RoApnoiFryUpuZPpjOgiqeg2A98zzfCClJGe1tle2-Dx4/s1600/Statue.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="200" width="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7L95KJ7HxcxzP33s9SmLlWjGDby67IOjzhqd0UgEX1aPDTbUM062QApGAtMv7Lz3TkXZ_n2s0xjof-pIq2M1qs0jkisPh7RoApnoiFryUpuZPpjOgiqeg2A98zzfCClJGe1tle2-Dx4/s200/Statue.bmp" /></a></div>We were drawn to a huge statue of a man (turned out to be the Connemara Giant...) and at his base were the words, and I kid you not, 'The Connemara Giant, carved by the Connemara Craftsmen in 19XX, for no reason at all.' You gotta love the Irish sense of humor. This trip is shaping up just right. After a while in the gift shop (and a quick change of pants...), the Irish countryside awaited...<br />
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For lunch (for reals, this time...), we pulled over for a pastoral picnic amongst the largest Irish mountain range, the 12 Bens. These mountains reminded me of a cross between our Rockies and Appalachians; green like the east coast, but very treeless like most of the west. Very lovely indeed. Did I mention a butt load of wandering sheep? Cause there's a butt load...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQGFMJNkLq18g_r_lEJiIbRIWmKsayIh29c7rPJAIcPP27-F_rhJ3oEfvlHtrSTsqHUkd_uufLXJ17-5PwwSqrtDEcvdGOwvxCdFTOMT6uiE3cM-ipLunOHYMb-BzaeTVilCWl9cIu04/s1600/Mountain.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaQGFMJNkLq18g_r_lEJiIbRIWmKsayIh29c7rPJAIcPP27-F_rhJ3oEfvlHtrSTsqHUkd_uufLXJ17-5PwwSqrtDEcvdGOwvxCdFTOMT6uiE3cM-ipLunOHYMb-BzaeTVilCWl9cIu04/s400/Mountain.bmp" /></a></div>After seeing signs for some sort of music workshop (perking my interest...), it seemed to be a worthwhile side trip. Rather than being an activity center, it was literally a workshop where instruments were made, specifically bo'hdrans (pronounced bow-run...). The salesman, who was surprisingly Texan with a Scottish partner (small world, no?). Long story short, I bought an Irish drum for my father as a Christmas gift (I hope he enjoys it...). I almost want one for me; they're pretty cool...<br />
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Cong Abbey was our next stop, which turned out to be ruins (pretty cool; America needs better ones...), a usable cemetery, and a pastoral, verdant back area. If weather had permitted, we'd have walked through the verdance. But Irish weather (such as it is...) persisted and drove us back to the car. In the rain, we pitched our tent and prayed. See you in the morning...<br />
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June 16, 2009<br />
Nicholas C. Witte<br />
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As before, have some bonus pictures on the house (and yes, that is the Giant from the back...):<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVe1bKyL-g-P9wdmNBzc2G20wIH02yndvSwBgvP7b_H_L5Zn2-Eum7aiNSb-WzuWAQzOHBI9Sb2Hhb-OXxbpWPDD-yIK8_2yLenSkihpaX3XmH3-y-6h_ClYGc3LpX7swGXbq90ZxI7uk/s1600/Statue2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVe1bKyL-g-P9wdmNBzc2G20wIH02yndvSwBgvP7b_H_L5Zn2-Eum7aiNSb-WzuWAQzOHBI9Sb2Hhb-OXxbpWPDD-yIK8_2yLenSkihpaX3XmH3-y-6h_ClYGc3LpX7swGXbq90ZxI7uk/s400/Statue2.bmp" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHE6HRXuJhsgO6Krc3l4deeFmoNoVdu7oF0wVUS-1ht2S7kys0zcm4swrfPgcgO-ArKUvXM3P0VCy0aItDG5nHpMakjliKA7eOab7_ZCSiVmrm_he2IpCKgdT1pXuC27M0SWgZrjjmJs/s1600/Mountain2.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiHE6HRXuJhsgO6Krc3l4deeFmoNoVdu7oF0wVUS-1ht2S7kys0zcm4swrfPgcgO-ArKUvXM3P0VCy0aItDG5nHpMakjliKA7eOab7_ZCSiVmrm_he2IpCKgdT1pXuC27M0SWgZrjjmJs/s400/Mountain2.bmp" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-KETmBKj2LCJN2RWcA2Cn9qex0CdZ0RmHOXA6pMf5w_l1fT7h_7NPMeymn488q9sTZSREA3QP0j23HD3YCH2I-nxPAIxU7g5zvFe_EyiRcMRIE8XQ_e7c8g02gmG9dLfAmRutDAfLXE/s1600/Fish+House.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ-KETmBKj2LCJN2RWcA2Cn9qex0CdZ0RmHOXA6pMf5w_l1fT7h_7NPMeymn488q9sTZSREA3QP0j23HD3YCH2I-nxPAIxU7g5zvFe_EyiRcMRIE8XQ_e7c8g02gmG9dLfAmRutDAfLXE/s400/Fish+House.bmp" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkdDHtQDvdqi3HG98Q85BkA5Alp4jpZDObT7qOV0tzLCWz887JkowiBRNnLw2TjVT57lEhn0JiKW1ZIrhyCIjzy6NrxPAlX3Jmobm86bFZqdHYFCm6rrm-HGS5Mz1HYnTsN1rthfQrZQ/s1600/Mountain3.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="300" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkdDHtQDvdqi3HG98Q85BkA5Alp4jpZDObT7qOV0tzLCWz887JkowiBRNnLw2TjVT57lEhn0JiKW1ZIrhyCIjzy6NrxPAlX3Jmobm86bFZqdHYFCm6rrm-HGS5Mz1HYnTsN1rthfQrZQ/s400/Mountain3.bmp" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIkroXhJV4AsnXprIY-xwcfI2a5jfLhUms0eDRH39hyQC8aZvMbaN9m0So4TEoesbBwDTo771Shuw8_uSjW9nCxfS1V8HJVwYlYWVEH7-q9Exc5AMyuL3u6FDRLdCCsa2RR7gM5YukjVQ/s1600/Pastoral.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="311" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIkroXhJV4AsnXprIY-xwcfI2a5jfLhUms0eDRH39hyQC8aZvMbaN9m0So4TEoesbBwDTo771Shuw8_uSjW9nCxfS1V8HJVwYlYWVEH7-q9Exc5AMyuL3u6FDRLdCCsa2RR7gM5YukjVQ/s400/Pastoral.bmp" /></a></div>Prototaphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228409362040362316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3001028863899887853.post-17638922155690286612011-02-16T17:54:00.000-05:002011-02-16T17:54:19.140-05:00Motivation is the key...Another comic post, but this time in a more serious vein (serious comics?). The motivation for any hero to take up the mantle or cause is fairly straight forward and easy to understand; they want to do good for humanity by using their skills to make the world a better place. But today, we're going to go over the motivation behind two specific events from two comic universes (universi?) and compare the effects of these events on the heroes in question. First, we'll analyze Iron Man's motivation behind his decision in the 'Civil War' arc, then take a look at a moment from 'Superman: Grounded' and compare their effectiveness, appropriateness, and believability...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCKelwRUz59nIMtu0ATsdm1Jhi7VxCtgOKW5IYh91Bek4CBDhLw7KzUTNkQOhqE-YwEFxolmOTv5UupRWRYSFmEuudVx6MKdvSahHMCO4pZcdSsWpTJTQUxzM8MNraOgJKits8EigvQL8/s1600/ts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="295" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCKelwRUz59nIMtu0ATsdm1Jhi7VxCtgOKW5IYh91Bek4CBDhLw7KzUTNkQOhqE-YwEFxolmOTv5UupRWRYSFmEuudVx6MKdvSahHMCO4pZcdSsWpTJTQUxzM8MNraOgJKits8EigvQL8/s320/ts.jpg" /></a></div>Roughly 4 years ago, Marvel Comics released a huge crossover event called 'Civil War' (one in a loooooooong string of huge crossovers...). In a nutshell, a reckless tragedy involving a team of lesser known heroes way out of their league, destroyed a small town and killed hundred (all caught on TV, I might add...); calling into question how should superheroes be regulated. This split the hero community between those believing that being registered and regulated by the government for accountability's sake vs. those who believe that heroes should act outside the law since those who were sanctioned could be pointed at targets regardless of right and wrong. The heads of each faction were Captain America, leading the said against regulation, and Iron Man, who leads the registered heroes side of the fence. Iron Man took up the side of regulation when one of the victim's mothers assaulted him emotionally at her son's funeral. She screamed at him that his flagrant attitude towards the law and society over the years inspired a younger generation and precipitated the actions that killed her son. This struck a chord with the armored billionaire and pushed hard for the regulation of the hero community. This inevitably lead to a showdown between the two factions (as well as their leaders...), ending in the surrender, capture and eventual assassination of Captain America...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamtFWxxMBy0rqbLUumVo2hrhDI77Bgou_svzRKjblCkNay5Q4N59O3ZjtsPOuQsAfHy8Lds7w1WaHSpgTO9GecnD-BQ5_FwluUvTUdX0MgqumIwt5_M3N_AKw6MhDB9_5W2KgAlmEQMQ/s1600/15967575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiamtFWxxMBy0rqbLUumVo2hrhDI77Bgou_svzRKjblCkNay5Q4N59O3ZjtsPOuQsAfHy8Lds7w1WaHSpgTO9GecnD-BQ5_FwluUvTUdX0MgqumIwt5_M3N_AKw6MhDB9_5W2KgAlmEQMQ/s400/15967575.jpg" /></a></div>Now, let's jump to today, but switch universes: after an event which caused the destruction of the New Kryptonians in DC comics (look it up; it's too much to go into here...), Superman was feeling disconnected to the people of Earth. More specifically, he felt removed from the people of America, to whom he had sworn to protect (Truth, Justice, and the American Way and all...). To this end, The Man of Steel set off on a walk (see why it's called 'Grounded'...) across America to help the average person with their daily lives and attempt to reconnect to the everyday, average American (good luck, big guy...). He makes stops at various cities and makes a show trying to connect and going through some self-doubt to show how he is growing as a person and rediscovering what it means to be human. The series is still ongoing, so there is no wrap up yet like with 'Civil War', but the moment in question involves a press conference Superman gives and a grieving woman comes up to him and slaps him (smooth...). She tells him how the love of her life had an inoperable brain tumor and she knew Superman could fix it. But when she tried to contact him (I'd love to know more about that...), all she was told is that he was 'prevent[ing] some big interstellar crisis' (is that all...) and that Superman was 'doing something important'. Her husband died and she blamed The Man of Tomorrow as he could have used his super abilities to save her husband. This moment further spurred Superman to take his journey across the country...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKYee_zIqXkqIt5AlzHQYyyXnliMOtr5QZ9doiaWPRVFURMydF1nzaGcBcmh2V4JT8jQ2tsfI77jTWudywGHcxgnZUl31ngzM0gnGwYGXPVO6efZlbv-v8_osATiBV1rGmJF4LWx_t78/s1600/Iron+vs+Steel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="301" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKYee_zIqXkqIt5AlzHQYyyXnliMOtr5QZ9doiaWPRVFURMydF1nzaGcBcmh2V4JT8jQ2tsfI77jTWudywGHcxgnZUl31ngzM0gnGwYGXPVO6efZlbv-v8_osATiBV1rGmJF4LWx_t78/s400/Iron+vs+Steel.JPG" /></a></div>How do these moments stack up to each other? Both speak to how the populace of each universe view and regard their hero population and it is for this reason the 'Civil War' moment is more poignant that the one from 'Superman: Grounded'. In Marvel, the public are not always on the side of the hero and often regard superheroes as much in fear as in adulation (look at what Wolverine, the Punisher, and Hulk do on a regular basis and tell me I'm wrong...). So a public outcry over the reckless nature of young heroes in the Marvel universe is to be expected if not a complete given. By having the mother assault Tony Stark and make him realize that his hedonistic nature contributed to the idea that anyone with powers could do whatever they please, it speaks to the maturity and evolution of the character of Iron Man and that he is willing to become the role model and take responsibility for his actions (Uncle Ben would be so proud...). In a different time, Iron Man and Cap would have been on opposite sides, but having the split this way and forcing Tony to choose between his brothers-in-arms and what is good for the people of America is good story telling and good character development...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2hrF93Jh4Rt6rfCRXp2aCaP-FIPakD8wU3SUKCgpqA8X7O3uh5wnJFCNqOUTWTSZW2zk1K8KQIhMoAKkklLV23zt9Iy-hk3f-wLb8qqGZuqBRMoplEtxryefa7aOX-PETlqK_3JCvk0/s1600/sad+supes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="302" width="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2hrF93Jh4Rt6rfCRXp2aCaP-FIPakD8wU3SUKCgpqA8X7O3uh5wnJFCNqOUTWTSZW2zk1K8KQIhMoAKkklLV23zt9Iy-hk3f-wLb8qqGZuqBRMoplEtxryefa7aOX-PETlqK_3JCvk0/s400/sad+supes.JPG" /></a></div>In contrast, the moment in 'Superman: Grounded' does not work for me as motivation for Superman to try and reconnect with the Untermensch (if you get it, you get it...). The idea of Superman has been built upon that most view him as a god and that he is a well respected and well loved member of society. This also leads to the fact that the people of DC's Earth lean on their heroes more than Marvel's seem to. When you have protectors such as Green Lantern, Superman, and Wonder Woman around, life can go on a bit more recklessly than it might otherwise if such demigods didn't exist. Also, the responsibility of the safety of man, accidental or otherwise, is now placed on super beings able to do the impossible at the drop of a hat. This moment is the case and point of the attitude towards supers in DC comics. Granted, we are supposed to feel bad for this widow, but to have her displace the blame onto Superman (he was battling Kryptonians in space to save Earth, for God's sake...) is a bunch of weak sauce. Superman, as close to a deity as he might be, cannot be everywhere at once and it is childish, even in the face of the death of a loved one, to blame him for something that is small potatoes in comparison to Earth's safety...<br />
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What it comes down to is cause in the end. Iron Man's actions (as well as many Marvel heroes...) as a super hero can be traced as the inspiration for the actions of later generations of heroes. His recklessness and lack of responsibility for his actions is transferable to the next generation. It makes sense for him to be personally affected by the tragedy when put into context by a grieving mother. However, Superman did not cause the husband's tumor, much like he did not cause an inescapable flood or a terrorist bombing. Does he have the abilities to stop said catastrophe? Absolutely. Does that automatically make him available to handle every potentially tragic event that may, and probably will, occur in life? Hell to the no. Superman's sin is being gifted with these powers and having a populace that unfairly treats him like a miracle on a stick. I feel sorry for the Big Blue Boy Scout...Prototaphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228409362040362316noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3001028863899887853.post-9791477412103960852011-02-15T11:53:00.000-05:002011-02-15T11:53:27.422-05:00Guilty as charged...It's true that we all have some kind of guilty pleasure in this world. For some, it's a television show or movie that really speaks to them (that goes out to all you <i>Sex in the City</i> and <i>Jersey Shore</i> watchers who aren't proud of it...). For others, it can be food related, be it chocolate, fatty foods, or some other cheap snack food (mmmm, cheese food product...). For me, I have a handful of musical guilty pleasures, some of which I am proud of and others not so much. Today, let's talk about the extremely radio friendly Bryan Adams...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JsuXFFgQlqdEDb9GsGG-TsGvM_E6obxgIAVCo7inuD76PYwroRIL101xr9Q_XPouT72ySI_aI2x8Vo-voWb3NfgSCs0d2khE4ojTU_d6r1ha9FY-GL6h0lSurP0oziScc6FEiEknOrE/s1600/Bryan%252520Adams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2JsuXFFgQlqdEDb9GsGG-TsGvM_E6obxgIAVCo7inuD76PYwroRIL101xr9Q_XPouT72ySI_aI2x8Vo-voWb3NfgSCs0d2khE4ojTU_d6r1ha9FY-GL6h0lSurP0oziScc6FEiEknOrE/s320/Bryan%252520Adams.jpg" /></a></div>Bryan Adams is one of those artists who seem to have always been around, which is likely because of his radio friendly sound. The Canadian rocker has been spinning chart worthy hits since the very late 70's and has been able to continue this trend until modern times (not an easy feat for many, more publicly accepted acts...). However, I would be willing to speculate that between the mid 80's to early 90's shall be remembered as Mr. Adams heyday. During this time, we received such hits as 'Cuts Like a Knife', 'Run to You', 'Heaven', 'Summer of '69', 'Can't Stop This Thing We Started', and 'Everything I Do (I Do it For You)' (which you may remember from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves [quite possibly a guilty pleasure as well...]...). While this time period was the greatest success for Bryan, he has still found more than enough work, what with doing movie soundtracks, music collaborations with artists from all stripes, and writing songs that (despite never reaching the top spots...) still receive solid airplay...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuuCPxATMhnp0UWTwECcFWkkBptwoDgyf7T0NnPPsIvmDJFRqWSnK9mOzyjqmh27BdfGWqtJa4ianTQiha_vQRjxNSQrk1ORu92O1sZYfZTwsvaYEQIyEoVj3w5lQOX9OMbjANBofHdrw/s400/bryan_adams-18_till_i_die_a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="301" width="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuuCPxATMhnp0UWTwECcFWkkBptwoDgyf7T0NnPPsIvmDJFRqWSnK9mOzyjqmh27BdfGWqtJa4ianTQiha_vQRjxNSQrk1ORu92O1sZYfZTwsvaYEQIyEoVj3w5lQOX9OMbjANBofHdrw/s400/bryan_adams-18_till_i_die_a.jpg" /></a></div>I would imagine that a lot of my peers aren't fans of Bryan Adams due to his seemingly corporate sound, the idea that his brand of rock may feel like he 'sold out', and that the sound of his edge is a weak sauce (read: pussy rock...). Bryan has been around as long as many, better regarded (at least among my friend group...) bands, such as ZZ Top, The Eagles, and Heart (more on them later...). This seems contrary to critical reception of Mr. Adams, as he has been nominated (94 times!) and won a great many awards over his 40 years in the business, including a Grammy, an American Music Award, and 18 Juno Awards. Granted, most I know don't give much thought to awards as they can be quite political at times (read: pointless...) and they don't necessarily add up to great musical talent. An indicator sometimes, but never an absolute. Friends of mine would tend to listen to harder contemporaries of Bryan Adams, such a Def Leppard, Aerosmith, and Van Halen and lump Mr. Adams in with lighter bands such as Wham!, Sting, and Journey...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1tnLVFti41Pt_c5Tb7BEsgBTzO03EKse-XySotBuAvS6JtMUsgDMXqYdUVF7unEh1aipYc60Fw_XvNz9TtH3cPspIfQZR8SBf7EW2prS7n0Y1dCQUORtj2W77z42IdO08N4Vrw5WICA/s1600/Bryan-Adams-Photo2-292x484.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="363" width="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV1tnLVFti41Pt_c5Tb7BEsgBTzO03EKse-XySotBuAvS6JtMUsgDMXqYdUVF7unEh1aipYc60Fw_XvNz9TtH3cPspIfQZR8SBf7EW2prS7n0Y1dCQUORtj2W77z42IdO08N4Vrw5WICA/s400/Bryan-Adams-Photo2-292x484.jpg" /></a></div>I enjoy myself some Bryan Adams and I won't lie or hide it. I do, however, get a little sheepish if the topic comes up. My music collection is full of a wide variety of song styles; from the poppiest pop to some serious heavy metal and most styles in between (I like to think I appeal to all types...). But, since I am known for enjoying some serious rock, the knowledge of my affection from Bryan Adams' music is a little off-putting. I would imagine most would feel it is beneath me to have most of his albums and public rock it out, but I don't mind (usually...). While I'm not as big a fan of his slow ballads (they feel REALLY long...), I think his faster rock tunes are solid, especially when compared to much of modern pop rock. He's a great guitarist (I do love guitars...) even when his lyrics aren't the deepest. I get very pumped when I hear 'Can't Stop This Thing We Started' and 'Summer of '69'. I can't help; I think they are great songs...<br />
<br />
I believe Bryan Adams is the bridge between pop and rock, at least in the context of 80's and 90's rock. He's not as hard as most hard rock and metal bands of the era, but he is by far more solid than the majority of pop music that came out at the same time. Given the choice, I'd listen to Bryan Adams over most of his pop contemporaries (and even some of his rock contemporaries actually...) much of the time. Does that make me a weak rock fan? Nah, it just means I'm diverse in my love of the rock. Tell me; what is your musical guilty pleasure? Go on, it'll be fun...Prototaphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228409362040362316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3001028863899887853.post-50588342933078509522011-02-11T16:21:00.001-05:002011-02-11T16:32:02.330-05:00Pryde (In the Name of Love)...Looks like its two comic style posts this week (wee...). Today, we're going to look at an obscure piece of animation, one that seems to go under the radar, even in this YouTube generation. Few think to even look for this cartoon and, since it never took off, you'd have to have a friend like me tell you about it. Most comic fans remember, or at least know about, the 90's X-Men cartoon on Fox (and love it to pieces...). What many people don't know (or forget about...) is that in 1989, a pilot for an X-Men cartoon was released, titled 'Pryde of the X-Men'...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBGeAoR2pRAh-1xdLqXsykK3UneKU01q3ZPyIyP_yCJ2r0UmfdzXNEPJqiLV_a5HM5eURQo6bc0lCRtCgy4cXR09bjWvUHLlOQgowmX3daf8BTDLK3jVs5lCLOD7DxsnHOGcleh9BmwE/s1600/x-men_pryde_of_the_x-men.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="177" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIBGeAoR2pRAh-1xdLqXsykK3UneKU01q3ZPyIyP_yCJ2r0UmfdzXNEPJqiLV_a5HM5eURQo6bc0lCRtCgy4cXR09bjWvUHLlOQgowmX3daf8BTDLK3jVs5lCLOD7DxsnHOGcleh9BmwE/s320/x-men_pryde_of_the_x-men.jpg" /></a></div>In the 1980's, the youth market were flooded with cartoons that definitely did not treat their audience as seriously as many cartoons do today (except all you Pokemon knockoff shows [jerks...]...). For example, let's look at most episodes of He-Man: There is a problem that, it turns out, only He-Man can solve. Something bad is going to happen, tension builds, He-Man is summoned, he performs some Herculean effort, and the crisis is averted, wrapped up in a neat little moral before the credits rolled. Rarely are any innocents in any real danger as the villains didn't want to kill people, just lord over them with 'EVIL'. Even natural or cosmic dangers felt too big to be REALLY threatening and, since He-Man IS the 'Most Powerful Man in the Universe' (and won 3rd in the bikini contest...), you could be assured that he would always save the day. The same could be said of G.I. Joe, Transformers, Thundercats, and basically all action-adventure shows of the decade. No one died and the status quo was maintained (again, wee...). As kids, we bought these situations because the heroes were big and bold and the villains were over-the-top and mostly ineffectual and we loved seeing the good guys win in the end, regardless of the issues at hand, the ridiculousness of the outcome, or the stapled on moral lessons...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMA4a5DQSb-i6jdtFtvbG9AL0LrQtg1C16Yjd7XBnnwGL8yspf30iX5h0SaouS16oyXOMQgLTzGUGeQsfAN4FHno84cKxbBHMymcDN8fkykmNRu1eCVU_FhUcVN3iGizMRbFpC1dmNLkY/s1600/pryde.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMA4a5DQSb-i6jdtFtvbG9AL0LrQtg1C16Yjd7XBnnwGL8yspf30iX5h0SaouS16oyXOMQgLTzGUGeQsfAN4FHno84cKxbBHMymcDN8fkykmNRu1eCVU_FhUcVN3iGizMRbFpC1dmNLkY/s400/pryde.jpg" /></a></div>But, to speak of the X-Men pilot in question, it has all the elements of its 80's brethren: Magneto is a super hammy version of himself (I'll destroy the world with a comet!) and employs the 'Brotherhood of Mutant Terrorists' (why?), the bad guys give up with little fight (or sometimes with NO fight...), the heroes really seem to be in little danger (Nightcrawler is the closest to being in trouble...), and the same/similar voice casts is used for the characters (let's give it up for Frank Welker...). As it is 1989, this almost seems a parody of what had come before, but I know this is not the case. Parodies of that nature would be reserved for the 2000's and beyond. I can imagine the main reason this did not take off. Due to when this came out, much like the advent of alternative/grunge over hair metal, the market was over saturated with this kind of kids show and the formula had grown tired. This did not press any boundaries and would thus leave us without an X-Men cartoon until the fall of 92...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://burnallzombies.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/pryde.jpg?w=150" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="http://burnallzombies.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/pryde.jpg?w=150" /></a></div>Not that there was no good within this (failed...) toon. On the contrary, the biggest bonus it has going for it is the art and animation. Coming in at the end of 80's era cartoons, it has all the polish the genre could muster and made it look good (better, in fact, than the last handful of the 90's era X-Men episodes...). Not only was the animation sophisticated, but the characters were all spot on for their time in the X-Men. The costumes were all of the 80's era, and while some were a bit ridiculous (I'm looking at you, Colossus...), they were authentic and accurate (what's up, Brown-and-Tan Wolverine...), just as the 90's counterpart were (different styles, same dedication...). And, while the voice talents were many you would recognize from Transformers or G.I. Joe, I can't fault their abilities to bring the characters to life in a dynamic manner. I do prefer the relative unknowns used in the 90's version, though...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX2-TMY0a3Ac4bGuU0FZOgvrOFj0IR5Uwc4dK4UC1oj1IZo_RYbJwGonGccu01SeuwEgJlBegfZ2f0qpZQA0Cp1g1NBDCnN_dX-PHCFvQa00jp8Re_4rPS1I6CmHQvGJiLEdXN1QCwjaw/s1600/xmenarcade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="369" width="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX2-TMY0a3Ac4bGuU0FZOgvrOFj0IR5Uwc4dK4UC1oj1IZo_RYbJwGonGccu01SeuwEgJlBegfZ2f0qpZQA0Cp1g1NBDCnN_dX-PHCFvQa00jp8Re_4rPS1I6CmHQvGJiLEdXN1QCwjaw/s400/xmenarcade.jpg" /></a></div>I would be remiss if I did not mention a hidden (near forgotten...) bonus that came from the production of this pilot. As a kid, I remember very fondly playing the arcade game of this pilot in malls wherever I lived. It was a great game, which supported at least 4 players and played like a standard beat-'em-up game, but with mutant special powers added in. Most of them didn't make much sense (Wolverine's 'laser claw', Nightcrawler's strange damaging teleport, Colossus's 'RRRRAAAHHHH!!!' ability [don't ask...]...), but it was great fun and nice change of pace to play a full team of X-Men with your buddies for a change...<br />
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I do have some questions, though (as most fans of X-Men do after watching this little goodie...):<br />
-Why is Wolverine Australian?<br />
-Why is the White Queen in the Brotherhood and throw bolts of light?<br />
-Why is Wolverine Australian?<br />
-Why does Colossus sound like a stereotypical dumb Russian?<br />
-Why does Prof. X give the 'Key' to Kitty Pryde, who he's known for exactly 10 minutes to protect?<br />
-Why is Wolverine Australian?<br />
-Why do the X-Men stay with their beaten opponents?<br />
-Lockheed? Dazzler? Dumb Blob?<br />
-Finally, why is Wolverine an Australian?<br />
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I give this pilot a B and mostly for nostalgia's sake. Most people who grew up on, and enjoy more, the cartoons of the 90's will be constantly rolling their eyes at this one, from the cheesy intro song to the hammy villains to the infallible heroes. But it does score points for animation proficiency and faithfulness to character designs (if not completely to the characters themselves...). If you are a diehard X-Men fan or dig the toons of the 80's, it's worth a watch or two. If you are more of a casual fan, I'd recommend waiting to find a fan that digs this kind of thing. Click <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAKEImjGzu8&feature=related">here</a>if you want to begin the journey into Pryde of the X-men...Prototaphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228409362040362316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3001028863899887853.post-12147970795180607452011-02-09T22:12:00.000-05:002011-02-09T22:12:56.169-05:00And Aran, Aran so far away...Missed a week...<br />
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<b>Day 3</b><br />
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Up-an-attem, bright and early, for to catch a fairy...er, ferry. We caught the ferry in Rossaviel after hanging about for a couple of hours. Apparently, things don't really get going until after 9 in the morning or so. Me and Tara did get a chance (while we waited for Ireland to wake...) to munch on some unique UK goodies. Being processed by the Cadbury company, their chocolates are more rich than our home grown Hershey's and Nestle's, but at a similar cost. We are so missing out on the good stuff...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2IQUlz5orJsIr2oKyWhrGbCHNP7cyUTBC8a8XIf8koGh5h6b8iUnniIDD9kdNLOQcDCwiDxV-eiCXqGwy4la6TqXzrubz2kQ-FZdI2YLyzQc9NMaJSb7J_BeFOMj9elOaKh0yLBXGwQ/s1600/Hill.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="238" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw2IQUlz5orJsIr2oKyWhrGbCHNP7cyUTBC8a8XIf8koGh5h6b8iUnniIDD9kdNLOQcDCwiDxV-eiCXqGwy4la6TqXzrubz2kQ-FZdI2YLyzQc9NMaJSb7J_BeFOMj9elOaKh0yLBXGwQ/s320/Hill.bmp" /></a></div>Anyways, the ferry and the island. Nothing much to say about the boat. It was full, but not crowded. I napped. I'm finding it difficult to properly stay awake yet, but I imagine it will come to me, given time. Right off the boat, we were dumped into probably the busiest area on the island and were immediately scooped up for a bus tour. This was handy, since biking the island would have been SUPER tiring and we would have never really known what we were looking at...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuSEoguvQV9r1fm-de15EWoIZ8CkgopZYgbLH01DsC1naOH3Dq5h7PXuv_EIiWpkjgAfDw6BOCcEvlUhwjQSvPgBadLXWc9FOOnRaDZmqsAmlJZ0orzuc3fMvixuZq_Z8-EWjEHNwXum8/s1600/Shore.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuSEoguvQV9r1fm-de15EWoIZ8CkgopZYgbLH01DsC1naOH3Dq5h7PXuv_EIiWpkjgAfDw6BOCcEvlUhwjQSvPgBadLXWc9FOOnRaDZmqsAmlJZ0orzuc3fMvixuZq_Z8-EWjEHNwXum8/s320/Shore.bmp" /></a></div>So, Aran Island (best known as the home of Samus...in the future...on another planet...) is an island of around 800 people, part of which is transient tourists. More than half of the cars there are mini-tour buses, since there really is no place to go. Plenty of pubs, though, much like the rest of Ireland. The island contains over 7,000 miles of hand built, loose stone walls (not like pebbles or small rocks, but good sized stones, uncemented and properly stacked...). Apparently, this wall building trade has nearly died off and has become a near art form. Specialists are hired by other countries (like Norway...) to build these walls for a considerable cost...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHjbVknKMGk0pGdA8hMVoA8M9V6rBeypDjpp0Dndc9INb5BqGM4STeXyGTKLUMsZBD6V1WFFlqUjXu0x1geJ83Z8Ls7-y1mMlZ7FkdR8HlqeYa8ADAbZanlozZgOTu0KVsOK4orQbESg/s1600/pony.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWHjbVknKMGk0pGdA8hMVoA8M9V6rBeypDjpp0Dndc9INb5BqGM4STeXyGTKLUMsZBD6V1WFFlqUjXu0x1geJ83Z8Ls7-y1mMlZ7FkdR8HlqeYa8ADAbZanlozZgOTu0KVsOK4orQbESg/s320/pony.bmp" /></a></div>Anyways, back to the island. Pretty indeed, but on the whole, not much to say about it. The hostel was decent (very...hostely?), but nothing else. The pub, Joe Wattie's, was real good though. Good decor, layout, everything. Well, almost. The two entree's Tara wanted most were out (seriously, how can an Irish pub run out of Traditional Irish STEW!?), but mine was there (a burger, I believe...). We picked Joe Wattie's due to its reputation (among locals...) as having the better pub music on the island. I wasn't disappointed. The duo played a bunch of songs I'd never heard before (not saying much, really...), but the biggest treat was that they played The Mermaid Song. That's right; the old Camp Ware, meal time stand-by (I think we even did it at Lexie's wedding in lieu of TCCB...). Few not in-the-know wouldn't appreciate hearing it (or any camp song for that matter...) out here in the wild, as it were.<br />
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That's all from Aran Island. Tune in next time for The Road to Connemara. Back to you, Tom...<br />
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June 15, 2009<br />
Nicholas C. Witte<br />
Guinness Count: 3<br />
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As a treat, have a couple extra pictures...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiAYV9upH8qBeaE7HG3Q2nw4Dhl_mTBZLegjNbbrcNOHBu2n9vaihwlWnMGOVib85wB2WmxzRScWPV6MNrkEY57cRojfGPD3576A7ubXN23LB9JjDse30kREyi-nfbB-wgyYyay__WNAI/s1600/Yorkie.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiAYV9upH8qBeaE7HG3Q2nw4Dhl_mTBZLegjNbbrcNOHBu2n9vaihwlWnMGOVib85wB2WmxzRScWPV6MNrkEY57cRojfGPD3576A7ubXN23LB9JjDse30kREyi-nfbB-wgyYyay__WNAI/s320/Yorkie.bmp" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDwoNL5SAOxutwgYhfhiYDpMd7rI5ZtaMm5TrwMHnmENq_kD3hRD1mk7lhNGDP68-9DBT6sWzyxUPxvH20bEpVL9-SZd95K-WVdcrsOSrdi78YWgd97EXcrBcION99Bozhxt-HllKbsA/s1600/Me+and+wall.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIDwoNL5SAOxutwgYhfhiYDpMd7rI5ZtaMm5TrwMHnmENq_kD3hRD1mk7lhNGDP68-9DBT6sWzyxUPxvH20bEpVL9-SZd95K-WVdcrsOSrdi78YWgd97EXcrBcION99Bozhxt-HllKbsA/s320/Me+and+wall.bmp" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-TLWXY_8DXVtu5pG-vLbc5HGd0uVYuQObB3ENzLnV54q_4q_fyR5m15qWENmuQ7qg3C1HbjaVX1bDp1SrQTUVYJ7lTdKDqgGLqLmXXwWCFAnxl5P3DSODJ2LX_v7gca8DkPr-umED1uY/s1600/landscape.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="239" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-TLWXY_8DXVtu5pG-vLbc5HGd0uVYuQObB3ENzLnV54q_4q_fyR5m15qWENmuQ7qg3C1HbjaVX1bDp1SrQTUVYJ7lTdKDqgGLqLmXXwWCFAnxl5P3DSODJ2LX_v7gca8DkPr-umED1uY/s320/landscape.bmp" /></a></div>Prototaphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228409362040362316noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3001028863899887853.post-87452634220697186222011-02-08T10:58:00.000-05:002011-02-08T10:58:36.722-05:00If I go crazy...Probably the most iconic superhero in the business is Superman and for good reason. He's got an extremely recognizable (near garish...) costume and a symbol that anyone knows from a distance. The S shield is likely even more recognizable than Batman's symbol as it has changed the least since it first débuted in the 1930's. Further, his power set (while rather generic...) is memorable in that many comic book fans think of Superman when the idea of flight, heat vision and the like are brought up. And it is the power set that we shall discuss today; specifically the topic of invulnerability and super strength...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGKl94QLO2OQsIY31cpyZEErLAOXf8oWkXwi8zFJKlwYcHLaEs9gJahUrE68hTWDiyhkrukRRZhfFCwW_imFF6MimHckAm4JSBh27pvTF4U9rzgzccx5Adx2p7awBWpnz2_4nlZAjsGA/s1600/pc6sx5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsGKl94QLO2OQsIY31cpyZEErLAOXf8oWkXwi8zFJKlwYcHLaEs9gJahUrE68hTWDiyhkrukRRZhfFCwW_imFF6MimHckAm4JSBh27pvTF4U9rzgzccx5Adx2p7awBWpnz2_4nlZAjsGA/s320/pc6sx5.jpg" /></a></div>It's no secret that Superman can take most anything thrown at him, be it missiles, super strong opponents, or even meteors. The impact may throw him back a ways, maybe it would even 'hurt' him, but he sustains no real lasting damage (after all, he is The Man of Steel...) unless it is a ridiculous level of damage or the opponent is his match or his better in strength (see Doomsday...). Further, Superman can dish it out as well as he takes a hit. He has shifted tectonic plates, moved the moon, and punched 'reality' so hard that it changed (ok, that was Superboy Prime, but the principle is still sound [and it's ridiculous...]...). It's likely that Superman could honestly solve a majority of the world’s problems by a mere application of force, but he doesn't because of his upstanding, 1950's morality. This level of power also means it is nigh-pointless to have him stopping everyday crime. No one would commit petty crimes with a Superman around (that's for another post altogether...). However, this amount of power and toughness comes into question when we bring in Kryptonian or Kryptonian-esque beings on par (power-wise...) with the Big Blue Boy Scout...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.lovehkfilm.com/blog/damnyoukozo/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/batman_vs_superman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="338" width="450" src="http://www.lovehkfilm.com/blog/damnyoukozo/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/batman_vs_superman.jpg" /></a></div>To set the stage, let's say we take a body builder and have him punch a dude who is not a body builder. The guy who got punch will fly back farther than if he had also been a body builder. It's an application of resistance and force; pure physics if you will. Now, let's bring in Superman and an average, comparable Kryptonian (Zod is good...) or Captain Marvel (Shazam for those of you who need clarification...). If a Kryptonian punches something (or somone...) that is not supernaturally tough, the target will go flying. But, using the body builder analogy, Superman should react to a Kryptonian/Shazam punch as if he were a normal guy getting hit by a normal guy. Because of The Man of Steel's inherent toughness, the reaction of his getting sent through the air/through walls/etc. should not occur...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q2_ID6hflJQ/SmAzzPfYbSI/AAAAAAAAAkc/el2kXWPl6Do/s400/supes-vs-marvel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="400" width="314" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Q2_ID6hflJQ/SmAzzPfYbSI/AAAAAAAAAkc/el2kXWPl6Do/s400/supes-vs-marvel.jpg" /></a></div>There is a hidden statement when we see Superman take a punch in such a way (and it may be a trifle...). When he gets hit by such a being/force/what have you, not only does his inherent invulnerability become negated, the force of the blow overrides his ability to fly as well. Superman has been shown to be able to turn on a dime and have fine control of his ability to fly, but when he gets hit by such a force, this ability becomes lost until he lands. Afterwards, his flight returns as normal. Again, I realize this is for effect alone and makes combat with Superman better, but by having the Man of Steel react in such a ways makes a statement that has never been explained completely enough for my tastes...<br />
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In specialized instances (being surprised, getting hit with a large object with Kryptonian force, etc...) though, I can understand seeing Superman sailing through the air or getting beaten down. It would be similar if someone got sucker punch or knocked a guy out with one punch. And I also understand the need to use such effects in comic books; seeing Superman smashing and getting smashed by a powerful opponent leads to good combat panels and makes a comic that much more exciting. I get it. It would not nearly be as much fun if Superman got punched by Zod and he reacted as if I got punched by, let's say Brian. Not that exciting, really. Now, my knowledge of physics is limited so the original analogy may be flawed due to lack of science know how. However, this is how the subject of invulnerability vs. super strength (with a dash of flight...) is being handled in a not quite believable manner. Prove me wrong, folks...Prototaphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228409362040362316noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3001028863899887853.post-59601698753900714462011-02-04T11:00:00.000-05:002011-02-04T11:00:43.675-05:00Blaaaaaaaarrrrggggggggghhhh......Who doesn't love zombies? It's a wonderful little subgenre of fiction that gets a lot of attention (maybe more than it deserves, but that's speculation...) for what it is. The idea of zombies tends to fluctuate in popularity (much like most fads...), going from a mere glimmer on the pop culture radar to society wide obsession level. Currently, zombies are still going strong, but we definitely are waning away from the 'obsession' level (over exposure will do that...). However, we're going to talk a little about a game spawning from this undead obsession and it's called simply 'Zombies!!!'...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWxdKdqEmg0rFhG2om04UHfIJIqtYhx4zxUq92v2pX66byWWn8X51GIKY0vFRHr8dfkKBDpORr9s_z7fAjDLuxNkUOsVVthOrPGNdOK5wm94pBVrFUecACKstk3OQ39i-k0Lp0bOlZ-ZM/s1600/zombies_second_edition_cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWxdKdqEmg0rFhG2om04UHfIJIqtYhx4zxUq92v2pX66byWWn8X51GIKY0vFRHr8dfkKBDpORr9s_z7fAjDLuxNkUOsVVthOrPGNdOK5wm94pBVrFUecACKstk3OQ39i-k0Lp0bOlZ-ZM/s320/zombies_second_edition_cover.jpg" /></a></div>Game play is pretty straightforward: The game is governed by a series of die rolls and tile placement. The players are trying to make their way out of a zombie infested city to a helipad and, subsequently, safety (a la Romero-esque zombies...). The city is a tile based board that grows each turn. Each player flips up a new tile and lines up the road squares so that no road dead ends at a building. Each player is a 'shotgun guy' and must mow their way through an army of zombies, picking up equipment along the way (with die rolls, action cards and equipment cards...). Beyond moving their own piece, they must also move the zombies at the end of their turn (per another die roll...), which effective allows the player to impede (read: screw with...) the other players' progress. Each player starts with 3 health and 3 bullets; bullets aid combat rolls, health gets you out of unwinnable scraps. When your health is gone, you go back to start and halve your zombie kill collection. You can also win by having 25 zombie kills in your collection...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://nonsensegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/zombies-board-game-announce-415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="311" width="415" src="http://nonsensegamer.com/wp-content/uploads/zombies-board-game-announce-415.jpg" /></a></div>In contrast to the last board game I <a href="http://thewitte.blogspot.com/2011/01/dont-know-when-ill-be-back-again.html">reviewed</a>, this game is almost completely driven by luck. It has die rolls, a deck, and a random game board each time it's played; there is little in the way of classic strategy. The best you can do is try to facilitate your zombie kills and block off the other players with the new tiles and hope for cards that mess up your opponents. However, this game just drips with flavor. A mad dash to escape an undead ridden city is fantastic and is simple enough to get into. There is very little in the way of complicated rules, so once the game gets rolling after the first few turns, the kinks (if any...) are all smoothed out. Having your friends all do their best zombie impression, however, is probably the best part of the game. My favorite moment while playing Zombies!!! has to be reading from the Zombie Haiku book (find a copy, it's delightful...) with Tyson & Vicki. Awesome...<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.365halloween.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/zombies-game1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="338" width="450" src="http://www.365halloween.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/05/zombies-game1.jpg" /></a></div>My one complaint: Zombies!!! can turn into a very long experience. If you have poor die rollers (we have a few...), killing zombies becomes problematic, which means moving towards the goal is even more problematic. Further, if you die, you often have an even bigger zombie army in your way, slowing you down further. It's definitely not Monopoly level of length, but it can get moderately tiresome if you die a lot and have trouble moving through the zombie horde. The cards are supposed to facilitate an easier time of it, but it never ends up being that way (at least not for my group...). This, in turn, makes me nervous for the multiple expansions that have been released. As fun as they look (they even released a version where you play as the zombies and try to eat all the humans [awesome...]...), I would be afraid that it would add too much length, offsetting the fun level. I could be wrong, and I certainly wouldn't pass an opportunity to try the expansions, so I would approach the other versions with subdued excitement...<br />
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Final thoughts: This is a very fun game, if a bit mindless (not a bad thing; just a label...). It won't stress your brain muscle much, but very, very enjoyable, especially with the right people. Zombies!!! is a must have for any hardcore zombie fanatic and would be a great gift for the casual gamer. If you ever want to blow holes through the undead, this'd be the way to go...<br />
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Grade: Solid B+...Prototaphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228409362040362316noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3001028863899887853.post-63340964429536812242011-02-02T22:16:00.003-05:002011-07-12T13:01:37.822-04:00No man is an island...I was challenged by Brian (my true and faithful follower...) that I should rise to an earlier challenge posted by a radio station I don't really listen to. I'm not sure of the full details of the challenge, but I believe it goes something like this: 'You are stuck on a desert island and you can have 10 songs to keep you company. What are they?' Brian did his own and you can find them <a href="http://psyllogism.livejournal.com/151329.html">here</a>. Not to be outdone, I have thought long and hard about what to put on this list. It wasn't easy at all, though such a decision should not be really. Let's cut the crap and get to it. Here is the Witteman's Widget of Desert Island Music:<br />
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As this seems appropriate (and since Brian set the precedent...), I'll break down the why for each song in a short paragraph:<br />
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1)<b>How Long - The Eagles</b>: I love me some Eagles and this song encapsulates their 40+ years in the music business. The harmonies are fantastic and the blending of Glenn Fry's and Don Henley's vocals are fan-friggin'-tastic. The song itself is very infectious and it is hard not to sing along with it. While not a complex piece, it does warm the heart and keep me company like an old friend...<br />
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2)<b>Baluchitherium - Van Halen</b>: Ramping up from the realm of classic/southern rock is this instrumental from one of my favorite hard rock/heavy metal bands. It has a soaring lead that tells it's own story and a driving bass that never lets up. For being stranded on an island, this little piece not only play well on the ears, but drives me to do tasks such as manual labor and exercise. It makes me feel powerful and, by being empowered, this will save me from abject loneliness...<br />
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3)<b>Limelight - Rush</b>: This is quite possibly the most perfect rock song I have in my collection. The guitar hooks in this are incredible, Neil Pert's drumming is supra-excellent, and Getty Lee's vocals rise like a cathedral without becoming a screech. I cannot adequately profess my joy of this song enough. Were I required to put together just a top five, or even a top three, song list, this would make the cut even then...<br />
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4)<b>Runnin' on Empty - Jackson Browne</b>: This song is on this list for one reason and one reason alone: Hope. I cannot tell you how upbeat I get when this song comes on the radio and I want that feeling to follow me to which ever island I land on. Also, much like Baluchitherium, this song has a tendency to get me up and moving with it's driving rhythm and up tempo vocals. This song also emphasizes the fact that, even though I might be all alone and 'runnin' on empty', I can still make it through...<br />
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5)<b>Digital Love - Daft Punk</b>: From the realm of rock, we detour into the land of techno/electronica and find a selection from my all-time favorite techno group. This one is chosen due to it's lack of repetitive music, pop-infused sound, lovey-dovey lyrics, and a lead at the end that hints at Van Halen level of technique. It's an extremely light song compared to most on here and the pop flavor runs off of it like water. By adding a song such as this, I prolong the despair I may end up sinking into...<br />
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6)<b>Times Like These - Foo Fighters</b>: Another empowering song regarding solidarity, it is also one of my most favorite songs ever. It was a toss up between this one and Everlong, but won due to the overall more positive vibe I get from listening to it. The song is very powerful and is a contender for the hardest song on the list. In such a lonely island situation, when things are looking the most grim, put on this song and remind yourself that it is indeed 'times like these we learn to live again'...<br />
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7)<b>Running from an Angel - Hootie & the Blowfish</b>: This is a fun, almost folksy piece that bring me great amounts of enjoyment each time I hear it. It was never a radio hit, but it was a wonderful find after purchasing the album. I love to just sort of dance around like a white dude to this one and just enjoy listening to the music. Also, thankfully Hootie's range is right in mine so singing feels natural. It's a good friend to have on your island...<br />
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8)<b>Ventura Highway - America</b>: I have adored this song for well over two decades at this point. I cannot picture my life without this song in it. I get very vivid pictures of traveling down the road with a friend or two, casually so. There is an air of nonchalance and a laid back energy that helps mellow up the days where stress may build. Also, I find this song is a very hopeful, if strange lyric-wise, song and I listen to it when I am feeling down in the dumps to pick myself back up...<br />
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9)<b>Faithfully - Journey</b>: Quite possibly the greatest rock ballad of all, Faithfully gives us another song of soaring vocals and excellent guitar work as we wind the list down. The message that, no matter how far apart we may be, I will be yours faithfully is both powerful and cathartic In the dark times of isolation, when hope and drive seems all but gone, Journey's eternal song of heartfelt love can shine through. The epic level of such a mighty, mighty song cannot be overstated and I would be a fool not to bring it along to the island...<br />
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10)<b>Aqueous Transmission - Incubus</b>: A late, almost dark horse, entry to the list is this very odd little piece, but one I cherish. I have fallen asleep many nights listening to this story song with a smile on my face. It is a dreamy, flowing song that stays mellow like a calm river and soothes the nerves on even the most troublesome days. It's affect on me is almost zen-like in nature. I can allow myself to be taken by this song and lose myself in the lyrics, the music, and the mood. The pieces just all fit together beautifully...<br />
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So there she be, friends and neighbors. Not what you might choose for certain, but we all go into the 'desert island' situation for different vantage points. I took it from more of a 'I will eventually dive deeper into lonely despair and need the company of up tempo numbers to pull me out of it' standpoint. I treat these songs like I would companions and have chosen them according to qualities I would look for in people. Makes sense? Not completely, but I bought it. What would YOU have picked?<br />
<a href=" http://grooveshark.com/playlist/My+Widget/43128285"> New Widget<br />
http://grooveshark.com/playlist/My+Widget/43128285</a>Prototaphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228409362040362316noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3001028863899887853.post-33291701231649632182011-02-02T08:24:00.010-05:002011-02-02T15:05:13.655-05:00Wolverine AAAAATTTTTT SEEEEEEEAAAAAA......Let's (belatedly...) hit February hard and give 'em a comic book post to chew on, shall we? It's no secret that if I had to choose my favorite comic book character, Wolverine would likely be on the top of that list. Yeah, I realize it's not all that original for a fan boy to think Wolverine is all that great, but he's got a lot that people find interesting; a tragic story line, a rigid code of honor, a reluctance to kill with the tools given to him, an internal war between civility and savagery...Ok, let's be honest: He's got unbreakable metal claws, he's hard to kill, and pines after the hot redhead, just like you did in school (you know who you are...). Boom. As far as today is concerned, we will be looking at Wolverine #44 (vol. 2...)...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9QK2G_9IDj-RApUJpAkeslXDpIYqhNNFpz-suSayyNljVOd0jxMke05cjm5ntyt8ArLElOe_jCUMlIIlGVv2Jhygkfdxf5nD_eEVLeApaXFfrUC02jo3PYXSmgR44aVfsnitrZ9460M/s1600/W.+cover.bmp"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 210px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo9QK2G_9IDj-RApUJpAkeslXDpIYqhNNFpz-suSayyNljVOd0jxMke05cjm5ntyt8ArLElOe_jCUMlIIlGVv2Jhygkfdxf5nD_eEVLeApaXFfrUC02jo3PYXSmgR44aVfsnitrZ9460M/s320/W.+cover.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5569175045104630354" /></a>We start with our hero reminiscing (while needlessly wearing tattered...cloth, I guess...) about days gone by and experiences on the sea. This leads us into story at an undetermined time in Wolverine's past. Logan is plagued with dreams of floating, golden babies, which is strange enough. He ends up on a cruise (lord knows why; he sticks out like a sore thumb with that hair [maybe the babies told him to...]...) and meets up with these pregnant women. After a short conversation, one of the women dives into the pool and is quickly (and brutally...) murdered in broad day light. No one saw the murderer, but ol' Wolvie has some suspicions. The party breaks up and Logan dons his brown and yellow costume (my personal favorite costume of his...) and gets down to business. Meanwhile, one of the other women is killed and strung up in the elevator. We then finally see our killer; he's a monster with a lot sharp teeth, sharp spikes, and sharp claws. They fight briefly and the monster slices an elevator cable (innocents in danger...), forcing Wolverine to stop fighting and grab both ends of the loose cables (more on that later...). The monster escapes and, following a brief frackus with security, Wolverine rushes to the last woman's room just as the monster does. He tackles the monster into the water and they fight, all the while the giant rotors (the 'screws', as mentioned in the issue...) get closer. The monster gets sucked into them and is chopped to bits while Wolverine swims away. The issue ends with Logan and the last woman sharing a heartfelt moment...<br /><br /><a href="http://images.sodahead.com/polls/000169243/polls_wolverine44_01_1238_783774_answer_3_xlarge.jpeg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 290px; height: 350px;" src="http://images.sodahead.com/polls/000169243/polls_wolverine44_01_1238_783774_answer_3_xlarge.jpeg" border="0" alt="" /></a>I've had a copy of this comic book for longer than I can remember. It was a coverless copy even when I received it back in the very early 90's and its condition shows its love. Tara bought me a cherry copy a couple years back, which meant a lot (if you don't know why, I can't teach you...), so now I don't have to be nearly as gentle with the original as I have been. As far as the contents go, the story is alright (written by mega-veteran Hulk author, Peter David...). It's in the vein of a suspense monster movie, but quick (it IS a comic book issue, after all...) so there is little in the way of development and more of a headlong plunge into the final battle. The art, though, varies from really good to absolutely great. This came out during my favorite era of comic art, so I dig a little Marc Silvestri on the cover and Larry Stroman did a bang up job on the rest of it, giving the relative realism of the time while still putting his own spin on it. The inker, Dan Green, should definitely be given a shout out as there is a ton of great panels where the inking was everything. There is great mood in the panels and very simple shots keep up the pace until the end...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.toyark.com/attachments/218d1228185887-wolverinetan001.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 233px; height: 400px;" src="http://www.toyark.com/attachments/218d1228185887-wolverinetan001.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Not that I have no problems with this issue. As a kid, I totally bought that Wolverine would just crouch there in rags. I would have thought, 'Oooh, I wonder who Wolverine just fought? I bet it was Sabertooth and Lady Deathstrike!'. As an adult, however, it seems a little pointless. I'd imagine he'd just rip them off by the time this panel happened and/or changed clothes, though I know why they used it. It's very evocative of the character. Next, the scene in the elevator. Regardless of how strong Wolverine really is, I don't buy that he can hold an elevator car aloft without it slipping through his hand (check the singular status...). It's not a question of his bones; it's just not possible for someone at his assumed power level to do this. Not buying it at all. Further, the battle in the water needs to be addressed. My problems are twofold: 1) Adamantium is heavy (it was once said that he had 300 pounds of adamantium laced to his bones...) so, even with Wolverines augmented strength, he'd have to constantly swim to stay afloat. Augmented strength does not give augmented buoyancy. And B) Why didn't Wolverine get sucked into the rotors with the monster? I can suspend my disbelief for the floating thing, but this completely defied conventional logic and physics. Sure, it wouldn't have killed him, but he doesn't have anti-rotor pheromones or whatever. I may be getting picky as I age, but these just seem a little silly, even in the realm of comic book physics...<br /><br />It's a very groovy one-shot Wolverine comic. It does not serve to forward any of the Wolverine plotlines of the time, but that's ok. #44 served more as a break in the storyline to develop the character a little and branch out from what was happening then (we were knee deep in the mind wiping cover up and the Shiva program and all back then...). Silvestri was the primary artist at the time (and still did the cover and first page...), but I would imagine this was an effort to allow another artist shine and give Mr. David a crack at writing a Wolverine story. This is definitely one of those issues I still pick up and read to this day, even though I know the entire thing by heart. It is well drawn, well written, and well paced. I feel I can draw a lot from this particular issue and apply to my own comic projects. If you see me and I happen to have it around, give a read and tell me what you think...Prototaphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228409362040362316noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3001028863899887853.post-41958452672133877132011-01-31T20:35:00.002-05:002011-01-31T21:14:26.213-05:00To all things...Evening and, once again, well met to all of you. Well, the end of January is nigh and 1/12th of this new year is gone. With it goes the many, many (countless many, actually...) new years resolutions, failed or not, made by an untold amount of people across the globe. Why do I bring this up, you ask? This blog that you have all so graciously enjoy for a month was just that; a new years resolution. For longer than I can remember, there have been so many hobbies I have always said that I CAN do, but I then I don't actually do them. I've never felt the need to prove my ideas in that regard as I 'know' what I can (or should...) be able to do. For this, the year of our Lord 2011, I decided to actually prove my worth and do something that I said I could do but have never actually done...<br /><br />So what did I learn from this experience? Well, first off, I don't think I have it in me to consistently post once a day, every weekday. Sometimes, I'm too busy with work and home life, I don't have time to churn out a QUALITY blog entry (therein lies the important distinction...). I do not want to get to the point where I am phoning in this blog and just make short posts about random crap I think of (far, far too easy and then what's the point...). For each post, I want to showcase something in my life that I have enjoyed or (at the very least...) caused some kind of emotional reaction within me (for good or for ill...). By using pop culture items I am interested in inherently, this prospect was made so much easier. But it was definitely a more difficult prospect that I realized at the outset...<br /><br />Where we go from here is uncertain. My intention was to do this blog often enough that posting would become habit and I got close to that idea. While I did make enough posts for each weekday in January (yay...), what I more succeeded in doing was making myself anxious for something to blog about. Close enough, I suppose. However, I did promise to unveil my entire Ireland journal on this blog and we are still fairly early in the journey yet and I will attempt to continual daily blogging until the end of the travel log. I am hoping (cross your fingers...) that by continuing until that goal is complete, I will have gotten into a better groove and just keep going on and on until I tire of it. I have not grown tired yet, I am just tapping myself out too quickly and I need to find my blog voice or at least define it better than I have already. Maybe something will spring force as this blog evolves from its nascent state...<br /><br />As a great man once said (you know him if you know me well enough...), 'Excelsior!'. I'll leave you with that...Prototaphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228409362040362316noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3001028863899887853.post-87360816533602385082011-01-31T09:46:00.006-05:002011-01-31T12:06:36.323-05:00We prere'd the crap out of that day...Seems I missed a day again. This will have to count for last Friday (problematic at the very least...), which is kind of odd since what I will go over today happened on Sunday, so it wouldn't have been an issue then. Cop out? Perhaps, but it is a good topic none the less. So, Big Brian (yeah, I said it...) and I decided that, after such a long hiatus, it was time for us to blow some cash and have some geektacular fun, just the two of us. And we're off to Glen Burnie for the Mirrodin Besieged M:tG prerelease...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVq6oVoVU2G1mUlTSuzihLf97lAaHh43rxuRQ-Stku5kMlywfs5KCkacy3_oXZkfc2HixafJCmbY5HRsIV6Lb9Chzl3TLIqfyyMbP5yAZ_i131KLETvl4n3W0elKsdtMkzLV0GFxpskyc/s1600/507_pkh9o1sm9e.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 179px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVq6oVoVU2G1mUlTSuzihLf97lAaHh43rxuRQ-Stku5kMlywfs5KCkacy3_oXZkfc2HixafJCmbY5HRsIV6Lb9Chzl3TLIqfyyMbP5yAZ_i131KLETvl4n3W0elKsdtMkzLV0GFxpskyc/s320/507_pkh9o1sm9e.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568395558538651794" /></a>A little prere explanation: Before the official release of any Magic: the Gathering set, Wizards of the Coasts sends out a set number of booster pack boxes to locations across the country for the use of having a Limited tournament (a type of event where only the very most recent cards are allowed...). Each player is given six boosters with which to make a 40 card deck (lands are comp...) and then the players are paired off, standard elimination style. If you do well enough, you could win additional boosters as prizes. Usually, those who do the best are those who randomly receive the biggest bombs (REALLY good cards...) as well as factoring in proficiency at deck building. If the deck building skills are comparable between two players, the game is often decided which player pulled the better cards from the outset. Further, larger locations may also run booster drafts, which allow X players to pull-and-pass packs, taking a card one by one and then making a deck with their choices. At the end of the day, each player walks home with a promo card and (at least...) six booster packs worth of the current block sets, all for the cool price of 30 bucks for one sealed flight (drafts and additional flights cost extra...)...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIh_YR5A_XemdlEOKc_K43OJ_6_dkQQ-Dtv6vU_FL6r6eH8nNFpxARXs8kl897PKV2-UR4bcIBvTtNlP3nSOXjvl3wHjxcNH78KAN0q7PGxwhC8ZHtOJbiYpBT5vHruujmkxqWK79IoY/s1600/Mirrodin-Besieged-Preview-Art1-564x902.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFIh_YR5A_XemdlEOKc_K43OJ_6_dkQQ-Dtv6vU_FL6r6eH8nNFpxARXs8kl897PKV2-UR4bcIBvTtNlP3nSOXjvl3wHjxcNH78KAN0q7PGxwhC8ZHtOJbiYpBT5vHruujmkxqWK79IoY/s320/Mirrodin-Besieged-Preview-Art1-564x902.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568396195919455010" /></a>This then brings us up to Mirrodin Besieged, the second set in the Scars of Mirrodin block (this block being a sequel block to the original Mirrodin block back in 2003...). When last we left Mirrodin (a metallic world where life is infused with metal [the trees, the people, everything...]...), the elf Glissa had saved the day, the green sun had been created, and the turmoil within that set had been (to one degree or another...) appropriately resolved. Fast forward 7ish years (real world time...) and enter Scars of Mirrodin/Mirrodin Besieged. Life progressed as normal on Mirrodin (whatever normal happens to be for metalish beings...). However, the once defeated Phyrexians (M:tG's overarching baddies...) have returned and insidiously invaded Mirrodin, right under the noses of the (un...)natural inhabitants. The Phyrexian forces have finagled their way into every aspect of Mirrodin life, which brings us to the end of Scars. Within Mirrodin Besieged, the Mirrans have noticed their planet being overtaken by the Phyrexians and fight back finally, splitting the planet into two warring factions (Mirrans vs. Phyrexians, if you hadn't guessed by now...). Mirrans favor the red/white philosophy (Mountains/Plains, attacking bonuses, cheap fast creatures, lots of removal spells, etc...) while green/black is the purview of the Phyrexians (Forest/Swamps, poison counters, regeneration, big stompy creatures, wither away forces and resources, etc...). Blue, then, is split in twain between the two factions, subtlely supporting both sides of the war(Islands, card drawing, charge counters, evasions, temporary removal, etc...)...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.pastimes.net/images/prize_image/Faction_pack_t_w350_h350.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 350px; height: 262px;" src="http://www.pastimes.net/images/prize_image/Faction_pack_t_w350_h350.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>This prerelease was different than the others I have been to, specifically because the players had to pick which warring faction to play as. This affected the cards you would get (Mirrans got more red/white cards, Phyrexians got more green/black...) in each Besieged pack. Rather than getting a standard booster with a standard assortment, players received three Scars packs and three Besieged packs of their faction. I chose Phyrexian and Brian went with Mirran (we wanted to see how each side fared...). Brian did not pull cards that were so great, but I pulled decently. I built a very solid green/black/artifact deck and it played fairly well each game. My problem: no real bombs to speak of. Many solid cards, but nothing that was really game changing/ending (see: Blightsteel Colossus, Massacre Wurm, Creeping Corruption, etc...) so I had to rely on my deck building skills over just 'getting lucky'. I would be remiss if I did not mention that Brian is very integral to my continued deck building skills. He is great for bouncing ideas off of, though sometimes I feel I may use him as a crutch (though one of the few times he wasn't there, I won packs...)...<br /><br /><a href="http://sales.starcitygames.com/cardscans/MAG_MBS/BlightsteelColossus.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 223px; height: 310px;" src="http://sales.starcitygames.com/cardscans/MAG_MBS/BlightsteelColossus.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>My first match was against a Mirran deck, but the guy didn't really seem to know what he was doing (at the very least, he was not a good deck builder...). I smoked him 2-0; he played very little cards and my efficient deck just ran him over (like a boss...). Second game, I got a beat down quite a bit (I went 1-2...). This guy played a Phyrexian deck like mine, but ended up pulling better cards from the get go. He was faster and his bombs were very bomb-y (the above Massacre Wurm made multiple appearances...). I was able to poison him out one game, but it was for naught. My last game (1-2 again...) was a beast to play. This guy was running multiple awesome cards (Venser, Black Sun Zenith, Sunblast Angel, etc...) in a strange (but effective...) black/white/blue combination, but my 'Little-Deck-That-Almost-Could' pushed through enough poison to end the game. That guy was <em>pissed</em>. However, game two I got mana screwed (not enough resources to cast my spells...) and then he just beat the crap out of me in game three. Good matches, even if I won no prizes...<br /><br />Final thoughts regarding the prere: I have missed it and it was a lot of fun. However, I will say the overall match ups were a little dull(ish...) as you could almost guess what you would see once you figure which faction the opponent was playing. The variable of deck types were reduced a bit (I was very pleasantly surprised to see black/white/blue in round three...), but the game play itself was a delight. Brian and I hadn't played a prere since Lorwyn in 2007, so it was nice to get out and do it up right. This time, it was a local store rather than a big convention hall so it was a bit of a different experience (less of an event and more like a Friday Night Magic...). I am highly looking forward to the next prere tournament, but will satisfy my cravings with the occasional one on one draft that Brian and I do so well. Until next time, enjoy gaming folks, however you find it...Prototaphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228409362040362316noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3001028863899887853.post-62719378383449491132011-01-26T21:39:00.008-05:002011-01-26T22:34:08.366-05:00LOOK! You see? The Cliffs of Insanity!Another day in (Irish...) paradise...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Day 2</span><br /><br />Very tired this morning. Jet lag caught up to me big time. But after much poking and prodding from Tara, I was roused. After a light breakfast (one step in my weight loss plan...), we hopped into the car for the day to begin. First stop: Dunguaire Castle...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4wLDRdm6cLCvCmzkMZR7Mx-2wbx9VWY47p_D4isUD-6vcD-fJWDLUZb1gZsEsLR4QxucJT_c1nWRVvG0wzlTWaeGo_JeXMkAuGsQAPptj-cKhjF03Tpdz7tswxZGh0gtiQHAciFplj8/s1600/Castle.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4wLDRdm6cLCvCmzkMZR7Mx-2wbx9VWY47p_D4isUD-6vcD-fJWDLUZb1gZsEsLR4QxucJT_c1nWRVvG0wzlTWaeGo_JeXMkAuGsQAPptj-cKhjF03Tpdz7tswxZGh0gtiQHAciFplj8/s200/Castle.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566702912440947058" /></a>The castle was actually smallish from the outside and, since it cost for the tour, we decided to walk the grounds. We got some nice pictures and, all in all, it was a nice first stop. It got me ready for the next item: the Cliffs of Moher. Before the cliffs, we passed through some gorgeous scenery (though I am seeing very little that isn't gorgeous...) and drove on one of the worlds curviest roads; the aptly named Corkscrew Road. Anyways, onto to the cliffs...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCMnkTTP7E0O2_tu01AFzcaX8S2Jf2EeWzCZzRgetr0BlVOYDbbikZ8cF-MYFTXI-N9UwjBJEcgZ__LkbJKmbaEhgebqp8IhgPqfsAC9R7RdSvh0G1QjN47rnqEJMIVXfs0jk4mPCp6Q/s1600/Cliffs.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJCMnkTTP7E0O2_tu01AFzcaX8S2Jf2EeWzCZzRgetr0BlVOYDbbikZ8cF-MYFTXI-N9UwjBJEcgZ__LkbJKmbaEhgebqp8IhgPqfsAC9R7RdSvh0G1QjN47rnqEJMIVXfs0jk4mPCp6Q/s320/Cliffs.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566703361659947378" /></a>The Cliffs of Moher (colloquially known to many Americans as 'THE CLIFFS OF INSANITY!!!'...) were very impressive and stretched for miles down the coastline. Despite being fairly touristy for a national natural monument (though I suppose no more so than any in the states...), the cliffs were a treat. I got to see my first puffins AND an honest to God raven in the wild. Tara and I spent a long while trying to decide where that bit in The Princess Bride was filmed; we think we narrowed it down to a couple sections. Got to try my first Irish soft serve there, too (delicious...)...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZw0eXPLX2PSoW8R36o8dmE0TVWR7w9Y4kW0pm_Ooz0nYzMtpl7_otvrlHap2tRsCKN8igfrNRCgHuaoHH3HNdsjAiLQgiGPeYsM7nPZlDJZJSn2wjSm2SbfPnUpsQnx_1YUybC_O3EM/s1600/Burren.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZZw0eXPLX2PSoW8R36o8dmE0TVWR7w9Y4kW0pm_Ooz0nYzMtpl7_otvrlHap2tRsCKN8igfrNRCgHuaoHH3HNdsjAiLQgiGPeYsM7nPZlDJZJSn2wjSm2SbfPnUpsQnx_1YUybC_O3EM/s320/Burren.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566703697226683970" /></a>Lunch next, then it was off to the Burren. The Burren was an odd area, topographically speaking. The whole area is (mostly...) limestone, but due to time and erosion, the ground looks like this: Most of the ground was flat stone and the rain had grooved the land into an intricate rivulets that were dark and deep with hardy grasses growing in most of them. Very cool. The Burren also contained two man-made monuments: A ring fort and a grave marker (called a portal, I believe...). The grave marker resembled a part of Stonehenge, just thinner stones. They actually call the flat stone areas 'pavement'. Weird. Going back, the ring forts (scattered across the island...) are structures used, and later modified, since ancient times (BC...) up to the 15th - 16th centuries. Though each is different, it was quite unique and interesting to be within something so old and still around...<br /><br />The rest of the evening was spent at camp. Tara and I walked a bit on the beach, ate some packed dinner, and bedded down for a drier night than the previous one. The itinerary tomorrow: The Aran Islands...<br /><br />June 14, 2009<br />Nicholas C. Witte<br /><br />Bonus - A cute picture of me and Tara at Moher...<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMbD0Oew8RkU-v0OL6gYO_7E1iPBSAeLQIbVhrxtbfac08q83at5BY_yCOivL1Qdqt4PNwVlraB7cv2qWi9rV6H9eW0yEvYqMHrfv4SiehiCSX9_pNVLqlBI_54yHB884LfrrBNGQHMo/s1600/Love.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 397px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgMbD0Oew8RkU-v0OL6gYO_7E1iPBSAeLQIbVhrxtbfac08q83at5BY_yCOivL1Qdqt4PNwVlraB7cv2qWi9rV6H9eW0yEvYqMHrfv4SiehiCSX9_pNVLqlBI_54yHB884LfrrBNGQHMo/s400/Love.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5566702318150678242" /></a>Prototaphhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15228409362040362316noreply@blogger.com0