What you are about to read is a consolidated version of an actual interview that actually happened in December with actual real people, actually...
ME: Thanks for sitting down with me today, me.
ME2: No problem, me.
ME: So tell me, how did your writing challenge in November go?
ME2: Oh, it was great! I got all sorts of ideas down and basically had a brain dump on paper. I was so utterly pleased with myself...
ME: That's interesting, because if I look at my records, that really didn't happen. And since I am you (goo goo ga joob), why not give me the REAL story?
ME2: Damn ME!
ME: Go on...
ME2: Well, it turns out that the challenge was indeed more...challenging than I truly realized from the outset.
ME: In what way?
ME2: For starters, my initial apathy and lack of self-discipline pushed me into pushing back how much I would do in one day. That, when coupled with other distractions, such as work, chores, various planning events, and others too many to mention, meant I put each issue off and put it off and put it off and put it off...
ME: Ok, ok I get it. So what did you manage to accomplish in that month?
ME2: I did manage to stay true to basis of the challenge, so I did not work on any other projects at all during the month of November.
ME: That's...good?
ME2: Actually, this was harder than you might imagine. My mind tends to wander and begins to dream up ideas and potential projects at the drop of a hat. It took a bit of self-control to NOT do even a preliminary write up of the handful of ideas that sprung up in my mind.
ME: Ok, so far you've managed to do nothing in November, by both design and by lack of discipline or whatever. I want to know what you ACTUALLY did during NaNoWriMo.
ME2: I did get one issue done.
ME: So, Denim Avenger #3?
ME2: Not really.
ME: CosMick #3?
ME2: Not so much.
ME: Um...Centropolis #1 featuring Grey Harkin, Vampire Detective?
ME2: That would have been awesome.
ME:...
ME2: What? It would have.
ME: So...
ME2: The Sparrow #1
ME: What I am hearing is that your effort to catch up on some of your current comic ideas, instead you chose to write a single issue on a character who hasn't even been concept drawn yet?
ME2: Yep, that sound about right.
ME: Awesome.
ME2: That origin story had been rattling around in my mind for months and it was nice to finally drop it down to paper.
ME: The words escape me.
ME2: To be honest, the whole experience (if you want to call it that) was a bit of an eye opener, like when me and Jon finally realized we can't churn out an issue a month, even on something as simple as Denim Avenger. We are too busy and the process takes longer than we truly gave it credit for. While I am not proud of only completing one issue, I do appreciate what I gleaned from that month.
ME: Which was?
ME2: That I need to knuckle down to do what I want. That I can't let idea of the dream be dragged down by harsh reality. That I have to look at what I can do honestly and plan accordingly. That I shouldn't get down on myself for failing to do a task beyond what may not even humanly possible.
ME: That...that was actually kind of beautiful.
ME2: Yeah, I'm a little proud of it.
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Happy Day of the Dead (with all due respect to George Romero)...
When I said tomorrow two days ago, I meant the tomorrow AFTER tomorrow, which is today. Cause everyone knows that two tomorrows are better than just one. Also, I had a puppy to watch, a party to attend, and a illness to which I am still fighting (let's give it up for all the H1N1s in the house [god, I hope not]...), so it wasn't a conductive day for blogging. Also, this will likely be my last post in the month of November, due to the writing challenge I gave myself (look it up...). That all being said, here's why Halloween is the most disappointing holiday...
Here's the facts about Halloween DAY: It comes at the end of the month so all of October is gearing up for this one magical spooky day. However, once November 1 rolls around, that's it. No more Halloween for anybody. Tara and I even got heckled in Ithaca on our way to a party in the first part of November (Granted, we ARE talking about Ithaca...). If you look at any store, they shift almost immediately in Thanksgiving/Christmas mode, and it makes me sad...
I do love Halloween. I love the spirit of it, all of the atmosphere, everything. It's also no secret I love Halloween more than other 'major' holidays. Most other holidays don't have such build up for one day of festivities. Check it: Valentine's Day and St. Patty's Day fall in the middle of the month so less build up for (basically) inconsequential and misinterpreted events. Celebrating Christmas is drawn out over all of December and part of January, lumped in with New Years. Winter decorations stick around until companies decide to throw up Valentines Day decor. Easter is tricky to classify since it always jumps all over the calendar, but in the same vein as Halloween, it's all over after the ONE day. Then there's the 'US' holidays which are just reasons for most of the populace to pretend they are more patriotic than they typically are on a daily basis...
Here's what I want: companies, facilities, and whatnot need to extend their spookiness until mid-November. I still expect to see Thanksgiving decorations out November 1, but I still want to see ads for haunted houses. I want people to feel comfortable having Halloween costume parties after October 31. I mean, you paid/made that costume. Let's wear them out and party to the grave, baby. That is all...
Here's the facts about Halloween DAY: It comes at the end of the month so all of October is gearing up for this one magical spooky day. However, once November 1 rolls around, that's it. No more Halloween for anybody. Tara and I even got heckled in Ithaca on our way to a party in the first part of November (Granted, we ARE talking about Ithaca...). If you look at any store, they shift almost immediately in Thanksgiving/Christmas mode, and it makes me sad...
I do love Halloween. I love the spirit of it, all of the atmosphere, everything. It's also no secret I love Halloween more than other 'major' holidays. Most other holidays don't have such build up for one day of festivities. Check it: Valentine's Day and St. Patty's Day fall in the middle of the month so less build up for (basically) inconsequential and misinterpreted events. Celebrating Christmas is drawn out over all of December and part of January, lumped in with New Years. Winter decorations stick around until companies decide to throw up Valentines Day decor. Easter is tricky to classify since it always jumps all over the calendar, but in the same vein as Halloween, it's all over after the ONE day. Then there's the 'US' holidays which are just reasons for most of the populace to pretend they are more patriotic than they typically are on a daily basis...
Here's what I want: companies, facilities, and whatnot need to extend their spookiness until mid-November. I still expect to see Thanksgiving decorations out November 1, but I still want to see ads for haunted houses. I want people to feel comfortable having Halloween costume parties after October 31. I mean, you paid/made that costume. Let's wear them out and party to the grave, baby. That is all...
Friday, October 30, 2009
Double Feature: Flying Objects Attacked and Tilted Carrion Eaters...
I love Dave Grohl. I think he's probably one of, if not the most, talented musician in modern rock today. He's also one of the busiest (check out his wikipedia page...), so we get plenty of Grohl munchies to satisfy our urges. The reason I bring Diamond Dave up is that he's got not one, but two musical updates coming out very soon and they both sound great. While they have different sounds, both releases show that Dave is not a rock musician or an alternative musician or any other label. He's just a musician who loves his craft and enjoys performing for us, the listener...
First up: The Foo Fighters are releasing a greatest hits album November 2 (holla if it's your birthday... [HOLLA!]) and thank goodness. I used to think that a musician or band had to die or disband to warrant a greatest hits album. At the very least, you ought to have an extensive library of songs to warrant a list that isn't just the radio played songs of your few albums (I'm looking at you, Creed...). That being said, I think that Foo Fighters deserve a greatest hits album for a handful of reasons...
As far as modern bands go (read: bands formed in my life time...), FF has stayed around and prosperous while some of there contemporaries have fallen by the wayside (pick your favorite, I have mine...). They've had hugely successful albums, still grab significant airplay, and win awards consistently for their efforts. While they've evolved (who hasn't...), the Foos have managed to derive a sound all of their own, and I'd like to think it's mostly thanks to Mr. Grohl. Not that the band lives or dies because of Dave, but I believe it's his talent that enhances the group's efforts and makes them the rock powerhouse they are today...
I said before that Dave keeps himself busy, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that he has formed yet another ensemble band (he's been in so many, he may have broken the term 'Super Group'...) called Them Crooked Vultures. They've got a QotSA member, Dave, and a Zep member (look 'em up...). Their debut album drops in November and they've released a single called New Fang and it is pretty damn good. Unlike the Foo Fighters, their sound is more like Eagles of Death Metal and their ilk (Tj calls it 'ball-to-the-walls' rock 'n roll...). Definitely not a bad thing at all, however, it does further show how broad Dave Grohl's taste in music reaches to. I'm looking forward to that album and what TCV gives us...
That is all for now. Tune in tomorrow where I shall a thought on Halloween and why I discovered, in my aging, that it is the most disappointing of all the 'government sanctioned' holidays. By the way, the Foo Fighters released a new song off their greatest hits album and it's called Wheels...
First up: The Foo Fighters are releasing a greatest hits album November 2 (holla if it's your birthday... [HOLLA!]) and thank goodness. I used to think that a musician or band had to die or disband to warrant a greatest hits album. At the very least, you ought to have an extensive library of songs to warrant a list that isn't just the radio played songs of your few albums (I'm looking at you, Creed...). That being said, I think that Foo Fighters deserve a greatest hits album for a handful of reasons...
As far as modern bands go (read: bands formed in my life time...), FF has stayed around and prosperous while some of there contemporaries have fallen by the wayside (pick your favorite, I have mine...). They've had hugely successful albums, still grab significant airplay, and win awards consistently for their efforts. While they've evolved (who hasn't...), the Foos have managed to derive a sound all of their own, and I'd like to think it's mostly thanks to Mr. Grohl. Not that the band lives or dies because of Dave, but I believe it's his talent that enhances the group's efforts and makes them the rock powerhouse they are today...
I said before that Dave keeps himself busy, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that he has formed yet another ensemble band (he's been in so many, he may have broken the term 'Super Group'...) called Them Crooked Vultures. They've got a QotSA member, Dave, and a Zep member (look 'em up...). Their debut album drops in November and they've released a single called New Fang and it is pretty damn good. Unlike the Foo Fighters, their sound is more like Eagles of Death Metal and their ilk (Tj calls it 'ball-to-the-walls' rock 'n roll...). Definitely not a bad thing at all, however, it does further show how broad Dave Grohl's taste in music reaches to. I'm looking forward to that album and what TCV gives us...
That is all for now. Tune in tomorrow where I shall a thought on Halloween and why I discovered, in my aging, that it is the most disappointing of all the 'government sanctioned' holidays. By the way, the Foo Fighters released a new song off their greatest hits album and it's called Wheels...
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
It's coming...
With November less than a month away, it is time to prepare for that month long event that many aspiring writers attempt in some form or another. I am of course speaking of NaNoWriMo (incidentally, does to 'No' stand for 'novel' or 'November'?). For those unacquainted with NaNoWriMo, it goes like this: a writer challenges him or herself to write a novel of more than 50,000 word in the month of November. The prize is as simple as the challenge: you get to say you've written a novel. The challenge of that much constant writing (more than 1600 words per day...) is daunting to many would-be authors, leading to some unfinished works...
Now, this author is taking it in a slightly different vein (I do have to be me...). As I am not exactly in novel writing mode these days, I am going to use NaNoWriMo for a unique writing challenge: I am going to write one comic book issue per day for the month of November. This will include dialogue and coherent notes for the artist. I will also be giving said issues for editting to those who care and aren't doing NaNoWriMo (Hi Jon, Jesse, Brian, etc...). However, per the rules of NaNoWriMo, I will not change anything of each issue until December 1...
This task is extremely daunting, and I'll tell you why. If one is writing a typical, run-of-the-mill novel, it will have a few characters that stay the focus of the project. This means you can travel with said characters as the story grows around them. Not so with comic book issues. I don't intend to write 30 issues of one character. The way I handle characters and stories these days, I need a break and/or write about something else. So I don't have the luxury to rest up between sessions; I just have to keep plugging along...
So, all that being said, here's what I'm doing to prepare myself:
- No actual issue writing until November 1...
- Keeping track of my various ideas I brainstorm...
- Work on other projects until NaNoWriMo starts...
- Catch up on my single issue reading to set the mood...
- Unearth other possible stories written and forgotten...
With all else going on (job hunting, back-to-schooling, vague wedding plans, household duties, puppy watch...), it's been a challenge just finding enough time to pump myself up for this. I can only imagine it will get harder next month when I put ink to paper. Oh yeah; I'm doing it old school, pencil and paper style mostly for NaNoWriMo. I know that some of my compatriots have been trying to ween me off of it (sorry Crash 'n Klein guys...), but I'm not there yet. Wish me luck...
Now, this author is taking it in a slightly different vein (I do have to be me...). As I am not exactly in novel writing mode these days, I am going to use NaNoWriMo for a unique writing challenge: I am going to write one comic book issue per day for the month of November. This will include dialogue and coherent notes for the artist. I will also be giving said issues for editting to those who care and aren't doing NaNoWriMo (Hi Jon, Jesse, Brian, etc...). However, per the rules of NaNoWriMo, I will not change anything of each issue until December 1...
This task is extremely daunting, and I'll tell you why. If one is writing a typical, run-of-the-mill novel, it will have a few characters that stay the focus of the project. This means you can travel with said characters as the story grows around them. Not so with comic book issues. I don't intend to write 30 issues of one character. The way I handle characters and stories these days, I need a break and/or write about something else. So I don't have the luxury to rest up between sessions; I just have to keep plugging along...
So, all that being said, here's what I'm doing to prepare myself:
- No actual issue writing until November 1...
- Keeping track of my various ideas I brainstorm...
- Work on other projects until NaNoWriMo starts...
- Catch up on my single issue reading to set the mood...
- Unearth other possible stories written and forgotten...
With all else going on (job hunting, back-to-schooling, vague wedding plans, household duties, puppy watch...), it's been a challenge just finding enough time to pump myself up for this. I can only imagine it will get harder next month when I put ink to paper. Oh yeah; I'm doing it old school, pencil and paper style mostly for NaNoWriMo. I know that some of my compatriots have been trying to ween me off of it (sorry Crash 'n Klein guys...), but I'm not there yet. Wish me luck...
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
The Ever Evolving Playlist vol. 1...
Here's a list that I'll constantly update with songs I want and cross off those I acquire. Ready? GO!
1. Alphabeat - Fascination
2. U2 - Get On Your Boots
3. Kanye West ft. T-Pain - Good Life
4. Justice - Dance
5. Eminem - Like Toy Soldiers
6. MGMT - Electric Feel
7. MGMT - Electric Feel (Justice Remix)
8. Justice - Genesis
9. Paul McCartney & Wings - Jet
10. Eminem feat. Dr. Dre - Guilty Conscience
11. The Cranberries - Linger
12. Cece Peniston - Finally
13. The Wallflowers - One Headlight
14. U2 - Get On Your Boots (Justice Remix)
15. Band of Horses - Islands on the Coast
16. Billy Joel - Sometimes a Fantasy
17. Common - I Used to Love H.E.R.
18. Temple of the Dog - Hunger Strike
19. ACDC - Thunderstruck
20. Martin Sexton - Diner
As an additional bonus, here's 20 songs you ought to check out (yes, you)...
1. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young - Carry On
2. Journey - Faithfully
3. Royksopp - Alpha Male
4. Copeland - Pin Your Wings
5. The Darkness - Growing On Me
6. America - Ventura Highway
7. Ben Lee - Catch My Disease
8. Sarah McLachlan - Possession
9. Paul McCartney - Ever Present Past
10. John Mayer - Slow Dancing in a Burning Room
11. Cary Brothers - Who You Are
12. Los Lonely Boys - Onda
13. Bonnie 'Prince' Billy and Tortoise - Thunder Road
14. Hootie and the Blowfish - Running from an Angel
15. Matisyahu - Jerusalem
16. Velvet Revolver - Fall to Pieces
17. Simply Red - Sunrise
18. Bruce Springsteen - Girls in their Summer Clothes
19. Foo Fighters - Band on the Run
20. Blind Melon - No Rain
Enjoy...
1. Alphabeat - Fascination
2. U2 - Get On Your Boots
3. Kanye West ft. T-Pain - Good Life
4. Justice - Dance
5. Eminem - Like Toy Soldiers
6. MGMT - Electric Feel
7. MGMT - Electric Feel (Justice Remix)
8. Justice - Genesis
9. Paul McCartney & Wings - Jet
10. Eminem feat. Dr. Dre - Guilty Conscience
11. The Cranberries - Linger
12. Cece Peniston - Finally
13. The Wallflowers - One Headlight
14. U2 - Get On Your Boots (Justice Remix)
15. Band of Horses - Islands on the Coast
16. Billy Joel - Sometimes a Fantasy
17. Common - I Used to Love H.E.R.
18. Temple of the Dog - Hunger Strike
19. ACDC - Thunderstruck
20. Martin Sexton - Diner
As an additional bonus, here's 20 songs you ought to check out (yes, you)...
1. Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young - Carry On
2. Journey - Faithfully
3. Royksopp - Alpha Male
4. Copeland - Pin Your Wings
5. The Darkness - Growing On Me
6. America - Ventura Highway
7. Ben Lee - Catch My Disease
8. Sarah McLachlan - Possession
9. Paul McCartney - Ever Present Past
10. John Mayer - Slow Dancing in a Burning Room
11. Cary Brothers - Who You Are
12. Los Lonely Boys - Onda
13. Bonnie 'Prince' Billy and Tortoise - Thunder Road
14. Hootie and the Blowfish - Running from an Angel
15. Matisyahu - Jerusalem
16. Velvet Revolver - Fall to Pieces
17. Simply Red - Sunrise
18. Bruce Springsteen - Girls in their Summer Clothes
19. Foo Fighters - Band on the Run
20. Blind Melon - No Rain
Enjoy...
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
The Ladies...
You know what I love? Strong women. It's true. From a very early age I've been drawn to the ladies that are tough, strong, 'don't take no shit', but still retain that feminine quality about them. This is a hard balance to achieve, as usually there is too much of one and not enough of the other. However, balance is possible (what's up, Tara...), but since that combination of qualities is rare, that makes those special ladies all the more special. So, with that in mind, I give you:
The Witteman's Top Ten List of Screen Ladies who are Sexytough...
10) April O'Neil from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - I've read that a lot of fans aren't crazy about this actress being April (probably because of the ridiculous banana yellow raincoat she wears...), but I think she's great. She has that cute sexiness I love, but also has that moxie-filled spirit that is so essential of being Sexytough. Without any training, she not only mouths-off to the Foot Clan, she prepares to defend herself with Raph's sai. Granted, she's taken out quickly, but it's her spirit that I admire. This April, more than most others, combines the best of quaint femininity and New York tough gal. And that's Sexytough...
9) Lucy Lawless - This one is a bit cliched for any fanboy to include on a list such as this, but she does play great, strong ladies and still retains a lot of sexiness. I suppose that's why she keeps getting those types of roles. We all know her from Xena: Warrior Princess (Raimi and Tapert, you geniuses...), but she has shown up in recurring roles, such as in Battlestar Galactica and in Spartacus. Along with Xena, her one-time appearance on Burn Notice (personal favorite...) gives her all the reason to be on my Sexytough list. Keep it up, Miss Lawless...
8) Commander Uhuru from Star Trek V: The Final Frontier - Many of you (especially you older readers...) probably grew up at least knowing who Lt. Uhuru was on the original Star Trek series. If not, she was the communications officer on the Enterprise, and a good looking one at that. Also, she was, either one of or, the first African-American character on TV. But it wasn't until the movies came out (barring the occasional moment on TV...) that Uhuru really toughened up. The particular scene I refer to is the distraction dance she does to lure the bad guys out and then holds them at gun point. IN THE NUDE. While she has had other bad ass moments, this scene takes the cake for Uhuru being Sexytough...
7) Sarah Connor from Terminator 2: Judgment Day - I'm not including T1 for a reason: she's too much a chased, 'Damsel-in-Distress' type, even after she grows a pair near the end. No, T2 is where she really shows development as a character. The need to preserve what's most important to her drives her to any end, and that shows. She doesn't shirk in the face of an opponent that overpowers her in every respect, but shows a vulnerable, feminine side at the right moments as well. If we're being honest, Sarah's more sexyTough than Sexytough, but who's counting...
6) Beatrix Kiddo from Kill Bill vol. 1 & 2 - The ol' QT gave us a very deep and entrancing character in Beatrix Kiddo. In vol. 1, she is very bad ass, kicking tail from start to finish, while teasing us with hints of her vulnerable past. In vol. 2, we see Beatrix softer beginnings and dealings with people that are very affectionate. She still kicks it here, there and everywhere, but she is shown to be a very feminine women with a hidden soft side. Thanks to both Quint and Uma for this wonderfully Sexytough lady...
5) Fiona from Burn Notice - This one's a fairly recent addition to the list, but she does come from my current favorite TV progrum. There's nothing like a gun-toting Irish woman, let me tell you. She's got it all; the looks, the attitude, the sass, the unstable temperament. Yummy. Unfortunately, I've seen little else with that actress in it, and what I have seen, it's not so Sexytough. I can only hope that with the popularity of the show and Fiona, she'll find more similar work in the years to come...
4) Gail from Sin City - Gail marks the shortest on-screen time of any on this list. She appears briefly in 'The Hard Goodbye', but really gets to shine in 'The Big Fat Kill'. Now I love Sin City; it's one of my all time favorite movies (true story...) and there are a lot of Sexytough ladies in it, especially in the Old Town sequences. But it is Gail that embodies the most Sexytoughness of them all. She is feminine and aggressive, passionate and primal. She's the best eye-candy in the whole movie, hands down...
3) Halle Berry - What can I say about Miss Berry? Not a whole lot actually. She consistently gets strong roles in most movies she's in, and even if they aren't particularly strong, Halle brings her own strength to the role, making it stronger than before (get all that?). I cannot pin down her best Sexytough role; it could be in Die Another Day or Swordfish or even as Storm. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that I'd even be willing to watch Catwoman. Once...
2) Marion Ravenwood from Raiders of the Lost Ark - Oh Marion. I have such a crush on you. Even though you're old enough to be my mom, you are still cute as a button and the eternal girl next door. She is the perfect foil to Indy, with enough sass and moxie to keep up with Jones. Hell, she punches out Nazis and Communists. What isn't to love? Now everyone chimes in on 'The Best Bond Babe', but I'm putting it out there that Marion is 'The Best Indy Babe' ever (I said that long before Indy 4...). She hung in there when What's-their-names from Doom and Grail would have given up, and that's what makes Marion Ravenwood Sexytough...
1) Ripley from the Alien movies - Time to come clean: this character probably started me down the path of loving strong and sexy women. I cannot help but be drawn in on multiple levels by this character. Not only is her anguish believable, her quest genuine, but she has probably one of, if not THE, coolest fight scenes in movie history. But throughout her ordeal Ripley remains both attractive AND charismatic, something not everyone can do, especially under duress. I would be led by this Sexytough vixen against a horde of Aliens any day...
So there you have it. My favorite Sexytough screen ladies, forever immortalized in this geeks blog. They must feel so proud...
The Witteman's Top Ten List of Screen Ladies who are Sexytough...
10) April O'Neil from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles - I've read that a lot of fans aren't crazy about this actress being April (probably because of the ridiculous banana yellow raincoat she wears...), but I think she's great. She has that cute sexiness I love, but also has that moxie-filled spirit that is so essential of being Sexytough. Without any training, she not only mouths-off to the Foot Clan, she prepares to defend herself with Raph's sai. Granted, she's taken out quickly, but it's her spirit that I admire. This April, more than most others, combines the best of quaint femininity and New York tough gal. And that's Sexytough...
9) Lucy Lawless - This one is a bit cliched for any fanboy to include on a list such as this, but she does play great, strong ladies and still retains a lot of sexiness. I suppose that's why she keeps getting those types of roles. We all know her from Xena: Warrior Princess (Raimi and Tapert, you geniuses...), but she has shown up in recurring roles, such as in Battlestar Galactica and in Spartacus. Along with Xena, her one-time appearance on Burn Notice (personal favorite...) gives her all the reason to be on my Sexytough list. Keep it up, Miss Lawless...
8) Commander Uhuru from Star Trek V: The Final Frontier - Many of you (especially you older readers...) probably grew up at least knowing who Lt. Uhuru was on the original Star Trek series. If not, she was the communications officer on the Enterprise, and a good looking one at that. Also, she was, either one of or, the first African-American character on TV. But it wasn't until the movies came out (barring the occasional moment on TV...) that Uhuru really toughened up. The particular scene I refer to is the distraction dance she does to lure the bad guys out and then holds them at gun point. IN THE NUDE. While she has had other bad ass moments, this scene takes the cake for Uhuru being Sexytough...
7) Sarah Connor from Terminator 2: Judgment Day - I'm not including T1 for a reason: she's too much a chased, 'Damsel-in-Distress' type, even after she grows a pair near the end. No, T2 is where she really shows development as a character. The need to preserve what's most important to her drives her to any end, and that shows. She doesn't shirk in the face of an opponent that overpowers her in every respect, but shows a vulnerable, feminine side at the right moments as well. If we're being honest, Sarah's more sexyTough than Sexytough, but who's counting...
6) Beatrix Kiddo from Kill Bill vol. 1 & 2 - The ol' QT gave us a very deep and entrancing character in Beatrix Kiddo. In vol. 1, she is very bad ass, kicking tail from start to finish, while teasing us with hints of her vulnerable past. In vol. 2, we see Beatrix softer beginnings and dealings with people that are very affectionate. She still kicks it here, there and everywhere, but she is shown to be a very feminine women with a hidden soft side. Thanks to both Quint and Uma for this wonderfully Sexytough lady...
5) Fiona from Burn Notice - This one's a fairly recent addition to the list, but she does come from my current favorite TV progrum. There's nothing like a gun-toting Irish woman, let me tell you. She's got it all; the looks, the attitude, the sass, the unstable temperament. Yummy. Unfortunately, I've seen little else with that actress in it, and what I have seen, it's not so Sexytough. I can only hope that with the popularity of the show and Fiona, she'll find more similar work in the years to come...
4) Gail from Sin City - Gail marks the shortest on-screen time of any on this list. She appears briefly in 'The Hard Goodbye', but really gets to shine in 'The Big Fat Kill'. Now I love Sin City; it's one of my all time favorite movies (true story...) and there are a lot of Sexytough ladies in it, especially in the Old Town sequences. But it is Gail that embodies the most Sexytoughness of them all. She is feminine and aggressive, passionate and primal. She's the best eye-candy in the whole movie, hands down...
3) Halle Berry - What can I say about Miss Berry? Not a whole lot actually. She consistently gets strong roles in most movies she's in, and even if they aren't particularly strong, Halle brings her own strength to the role, making it stronger than before (get all that?). I cannot pin down her best Sexytough role; it could be in Die Another Day or Swordfish or even as Storm. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that I'd even be willing to watch Catwoman. Once...
2) Marion Ravenwood from Raiders of the Lost Ark - Oh Marion. I have such a crush on you. Even though you're old enough to be my mom, you are still cute as a button and the eternal girl next door. She is the perfect foil to Indy, with enough sass and moxie to keep up with Jones. Hell, she punches out Nazis and Communists. What isn't to love? Now everyone chimes in on 'The Best Bond Babe', but I'm putting it out there that Marion is 'The Best Indy Babe' ever (I said that long before Indy 4...). She hung in there when What's-their-names from Doom and Grail would have given up, and that's what makes Marion Ravenwood Sexytough...
1) Ripley from the Alien movies - Time to come clean: this character probably started me down the path of loving strong and sexy women. I cannot help but be drawn in on multiple levels by this character. Not only is her anguish believable, her quest genuine, but she has probably one of, if not THE, coolest fight scenes in movie history. But throughout her ordeal Ripley remains both attractive AND charismatic, something not everyone can do, especially under duress. I would be led by this Sexytough vixen against a horde of Aliens any day...
So there you have it. My favorite Sexytough screen ladies, forever immortalized in this geeks blog. They must feel so proud...
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Couldn't leave it alone...
I'm not usually one for noticing current events enough to then comment on said events later. That being said, a headline caught my eye that seemed so absurd, so outlandish, I can't leave it alone. Also, I'm a product of my generation (read: Saturday morning pop culture), so when it shows up in the news, I take notice. So, without further adieu, here's the (brief) article...
The Green Ranger joins MMA
Now, I've already emailed this link to the friends I knew would give a crap about this kind of announcement (unfortunately, that means most/all of my known readers...), so this is not new to some. It was one of those stories I had to click on. I couldn't help it, I swear...
Let me explain something: I know little about MMA fighting and the UFC. I do know it is about super buff dudes just wailing on each other till one gives up. Now comes the ridiculous parts: I know they hired and promoted a homeless guy (whose name I've forgotten) AND said homeless guy got knocked out early in the first round. I know that former WWF (yes, I still call it the WWF...) member Brock Lesner has transferred over to the UFC to make a 'name' for himself (whatever that means...). I also know that a lot of people take this kind of 'sport' REALLY seriously...
Even with all that being said, I have to draw the line at the FREAKING Green Ranger joining their ranks. It is just super ridiculous. I am not commenting on the man's martial arts ability. From what I remember, he was one of the more talented cast members (even if a lot of it was dance-esque and leaping like a freak...), so he most likely can compete. All together though, it's just absurd. The man was a beloved, and semi-complex, character from a lot of the current 16 to 24 demographic. Now, I don't know if the UFC wants more viewers in that bracket (could be), but even thinking about it gets the 'What the hell?' juices flowing...
Not much more to weigh in about the topic. It was too 'huh?' to leave alone. I hope he does well and proves me wrong. I mean, if you liked the first two seasons of Power Rangers, you'll probably root for the guy. As I recall, he was the good looking, bad boy, rebel type during this point. Plus, they did give him the coolest weapon and Megazord EVER. Yes, I stand by that. Screw that talking saber or anything else after that point. The Green Ranger summoned a Godzilla-esque robot with a trumpet-esque daggerflute. Go, Green Ranger, GO!!!
The Green Ranger joins MMA
Now, I've already emailed this link to the friends I knew would give a crap about this kind of announcement (unfortunately, that means most/all of my known readers...), so this is not new to some. It was one of those stories I had to click on. I couldn't help it, I swear...
Let me explain something: I know little about MMA fighting and the UFC. I do know it is about super buff dudes just wailing on each other till one gives up. Now comes the ridiculous parts: I know they hired and promoted a homeless guy (whose name I've forgotten) AND said homeless guy got knocked out early in the first round. I know that former WWF (yes, I still call it the WWF...) member Brock Lesner has transferred over to the UFC to make a 'name' for himself (whatever that means...). I also know that a lot of people take this kind of 'sport' REALLY seriously...
Even with all that being said, I have to draw the line at the FREAKING Green Ranger joining their ranks. It is just super ridiculous. I am not commenting on the man's martial arts ability. From what I remember, he was one of the more talented cast members (even if a lot of it was dance-esque and leaping like a freak...), so he most likely can compete. All together though, it's just absurd. The man was a beloved, and semi-complex, character from a lot of the current 16 to 24 demographic. Now, I don't know if the UFC wants more viewers in that bracket (could be), but even thinking about it gets the 'What the hell?' juices flowing...
Not much more to weigh in about the topic. It was too 'huh?' to leave alone. I hope he does well and proves me wrong. I mean, if you liked the first two seasons of Power Rangers, you'll probably root for the guy. As I recall, he was the good looking, bad boy, rebel type during this point. Plus, they did give him the coolest weapon and Megazord EVER. Yes, I stand by that. Screw that talking saber or anything else after that point. The Green Ranger summoned a Godzilla-esque robot with a trumpet-esque daggerflute. Go, Green Ranger, GO!!!
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Gimme an M...U...G...E...N! What's that spell...
Probably one of the most boring things you can do is watch someone play a great video game. They are having all the fun and you are stuck watching said fun. Sure, it can be entertaining (certainly there are some games worth watching...), but in the end, it gets dull. Especially dull if you also never get to play yourself. That's a one way ticket out the door for me. However, there is always a exception to the rule. The exception for me is M.U.G.E.N...
Superman vs Thor
If you are unaware what Mugen (as I will write it for the rest of the post), it is a gaming engine for computers to allow characters from most 2d beat-em-up/fighting franchises to be put together for a battle royal. Think of it as a customizable fighting game where you control the roster. I am way behind this in all ways; conceptually, thematically, everything. It feeds my desire for cross-overs and fighting games. So far, all that I have seen has been most impressive. Characters I never would have guessed to be in a fighting game can be in there. Odd examples:
-Ash from Evil Dead...
-Strong Guy...
-The cast of Family Guy...
-An escape key (huh?)...
Now, it's a fact that I don't exactly do a lot of research before I post on this blog. It pops in my head and I write. So, what has puzzled/intrigued me about Mugen is the (what I consider) truly unique characters and what they can do. Step back a moment: I understand repainting previous characters to look like the ones you want. I understand uploading dialogue from a variety of media for the voices. What I haven't been able to grasp is (to me) creating unique characters with unique attacks with lines I don't know where they came from. Take, for instance, Thor. He has only appeared as a support character in previous game, so there isn't a lot to work with. An amature programmer figure how to do him, and he has a graphic intensive move set. It just impresses and astounds me what people can do...
Wonder Woman vs Jean Grey
Someday, I'll download the program for Mugen and make my own roster. If it has online multi-player, more the better. I do hope that one day (and maybe that day has come) Mugen can be ported to a Wii or an Xbox or whatever the current popular game system is (and that I already own [c'mon, Gamecube]). If you are a fan of fighting games, customizablity, or even seeing a specific character or franchise in a video game, check out some of the online Mugen videos. Just make sure to watch the ones with the sound effects and not the ones with the metal or techno music. I love video game sfx...
Superman vs Thor
If you are unaware what Mugen (as I will write it for the rest of the post), it is a gaming engine for computers to allow characters from most 2d beat-em-up/fighting franchises to be put together for a battle royal. Think of it as a customizable fighting game where you control the roster. I am way behind this in all ways; conceptually, thematically, everything. It feeds my desire for cross-overs and fighting games. So far, all that I have seen has been most impressive. Characters I never would have guessed to be in a fighting game can be in there. Odd examples:
-Ash from Evil Dead...
-Strong Guy...
-The cast of Family Guy...
-An escape key (huh?)...
Now, it's a fact that I don't exactly do a lot of research before I post on this blog. It pops in my head and I write. So, what has puzzled/intrigued me about Mugen is the (what I consider) truly unique characters and what they can do. Step back a moment: I understand repainting previous characters to look like the ones you want. I understand uploading dialogue from a variety of media for the voices. What I haven't been able to grasp is (to me) creating unique characters with unique attacks with lines I don't know where they came from. Take, for instance, Thor. He has only appeared as a support character in previous game, so there isn't a lot to work with. An amature programmer figure how to do him, and he has a graphic intensive move set. It just impresses and astounds me what people can do...
Wonder Woman vs Jean Grey
Someday, I'll download the program for Mugen and make my own roster. If it has online multi-player, more the better. I do hope that one day (and maybe that day has come) Mugen can be ported to a Wii or an Xbox or whatever the current popular game system is (and that I already own [c'mon, Gamecube]). If you are a fan of fighting games, customizablity, or even seeing a specific character or franchise in a video game, check out some of the online Mugen videos. Just make sure to watch the ones with the sound effects and not the ones with the metal or techno music. I love video game sfx...
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Admission is free...
My eyes water and ache. My head pounds painfully in time with my heart. My fingers; they tremble and shake. I have become irritable. The time has come to admit it, publicly for all to see. I am an addict, but I have no shame. Look, ye readers, what has its claws into my very soul:
This game, released in the 1980's from the former Soviet Union, is easily one of the most addicting games I have ever played. And I do mean EVER. Since hooking my Nintendo up, I have enjoyed playing many NES games I haven't played in years. However, now that I have been (spoiled by...) playing modern games with advanced AIs, I find that many of the games I used to enjoy more can be beaten through pattern recognition, muscle memory, and constant repetition (thus lowering the overall fun level of some games). Not so with Tetris...
If you are unfamiliar with Tetris (how many of my generation isn't...), the point is to drop blocks (every shape composed of four square blocks...) to eliminate lines of blocks to reach your goal. The beauty of the game is every time you play it, it is different. It's like you build a puzzle while, at the same time, you undo it. It requires great hand-eye coordination and quick thinking. AND IT'S SO DAMN ADDICTING! If there never was a 'Tetris Anonymous', there really should be. Even in today's realm of modern games, I know few others that I would play for hours and hours and hours like Tetris. Super Smash Bros. maybe, but Tetris is so simple a game. It's perfect...
My family and I, back in the day, would have Tetris competitions every so often. Let me tell you, we can be a competitive bunch. Thankfully, it's all in good fun. But the thing I loved about our family Tetris time is that we would always turn off the sound and put on The Alan Parsons Project (usually The Instrumental Works). If you don't know them, look them up (This post is about Tetris, sucka!). Beyond enjoying APP, Tetris would speed the music up once you reached the top, throwing you off your game (Dad would get so mad...). Also, since APP usually has a good beat, it was ideal for playing the game. As a result, I can't help but think of Tetris when APP is on. Thanks Dad...
If you've never played it, you are missing out. Then again, if you haven't played it, you don't have the addiction inside you. As a kid, it was almost embarrassing to be in a Pizza Hut, just staring at the in store console because you didn't have a quarter on you. Think about that: I wanted to PAY to play a game I already owned. Now THAT is addiction. Thankfully, weening is a process I think that, with time, I can truly be free of it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go play some Tetris...
This game, released in the 1980's from the former Soviet Union, is easily one of the most addicting games I have ever played. And I do mean EVER. Since hooking my Nintendo up, I have enjoyed playing many NES games I haven't played in years. However, now that I have been (spoiled by...) playing modern games with advanced AIs, I find that many of the games I used to enjoy more can be beaten through pattern recognition, muscle memory, and constant repetition (thus lowering the overall fun level of some games). Not so with Tetris...
If you are unfamiliar with Tetris (how many of my generation isn't...), the point is to drop blocks (every shape composed of four square blocks...) to eliminate lines of blocks to reach your goal. The beauty of the game is every time you play it, it is different. It's like you build a puzzle while, at the same time, you undo it. It requires great hand-eye coordination and quick thinking. AND IT'S SO DAMN ADDICTING! If there never was a 'Tetris Anonymous', there really should be. Even in today's realm of modern games, I know few others that I would play for hours and hours and hours like Tetris. Super Smash Bros. maybe, but Tetris is so simple a game. It's perfect...
My family and I, back in the day, would have Tetris competitions every so often. Let me tell you, we can be a competitive bunch. Thankfully, it's all in good fun. But the thing I loved about our family Tetris time is that we would always turn off the sound and put on The Alan Parsons Project (usually The Instrumental Works). If you don't know them, look them up (This post is about Tetris, sucka!). Beyond enjoying APP, Tetris would speed the music up once you reached the top, throwing you off your game (Dad would get so mad...). Also, since APP usually has a good beat, it was ideal for playing the game. As a result, I can't help but think of Tetris when APP is on. Thanks Dad...
If you've never played it, you are missing out. Then again, if you haven't played it, you don't have the addiction inside you. As a kid, it was almost embarrassing to be in a Pizza Hut, just staring at the in store console because you didn't have a quarter on you. Think about that: I wanted to PAY to play a game I already owned. Now THAT is addiction. Thankfully, weening is a process I think that, with time, I can truly be free of it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go play some Tetris...
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Have you seen water so white...
I just came back from a trip to West Virginia (not tops on people "To Go To" list I've heard...) where yours truly went white water rafting with the fiance's bro and dad. It was a ball and a half, let me tell you...
So, after a moderately grueling 6-ish hour drive and a night camping, we showed up to the rafting...dispatch...area...thing. They provided a really nice breakfast buffet (to which I may have indulged in a smidge more than I ought...) and the three of us just hung out until it was our turn to ship out. I've never really spent this much time hanging out with Tara's family, so it was nice to finally get to know them better. Once we got on the bus, I found myself surrounded by all sorts of folk; what I would call the cream of the folk of West Virginia (the typical stereotypes are fading away the older I get...). Boisterous and gabby, everyone of them...
On the river, we were put with a guide who really was the physical stereotype of a West Virginia; accent, temperament, everything. As the day progressed, Eric (our guide) proved that a THICK accent and slight mispronunciations hid a quick wit and an intelligence that the partying country boy style contrasts with. He was quite a character, but he did know the river. I couldn't have asked for a better guide. And, as is par for the course on these kinds of trips, he graced me with the nickname 'Redbeard'. I wonder why...
The rapids were very good, though my experience is limited. I got a more than decent workout on the trip, that's for sure. Early on in the trip, a rapid knocked me out of the raft and into the river. Surprising, but I was fine. Thing is, I remember being pushed up and out of raft, but the video (yes, there is video footage of my folly...) shows me being pushed and rolled over the side. Live and learn. I do have to say that hearing my voice outside my body is still a VERY weird experience...
All in all, it was a beautiful day. I give high marks to Class VI River Runners and their program for the New River (which, I found out, is the second oldest river in the world...). The skies were clear, though it did rain after we got off the river, it wasn't too hot, the company was light and fun. It is most definitely a trip I will take again...
So, after a moderately grueling 6-ish hour drive and a night camping, we showed up to the rafting...dispatch...area...thing. They provided a really nice breakfast buffet (to which I may have indulged in a smidge more than I ought...) and the three of us just hung out until it was our turn to ship out. I've never really spent this much time hanging out with Tara's family, so it was nice to finally get to know them better. Once we got on the bus, I found myself surrounded by all sorts of folk; what I would call the cream of the folk of West Virginia (the typical stereotypes are fading away the older I get...). Boisterous and gabby, everyone of them...
On the river, we were put with a guide who really was the physical stereotype of a West Virginia; accent, temperament, everything. As the day progressed, Eric (our guide) proved that a THICK accent and slight mispronunciations hid a quick wit and an intelligence that the partying country boy style contrasts with. He was quite a character, but he did know the river. I couldn't have asked for a better guide. And, as is par for the course on these kinds of trips, he graced me with the nickname 'Redbeard'. I wonder why...
The rapids were very good, though my experience is limited. I got a more than decent workout on the trip, that's for sure. Early on in the trip, a rapid knocked me out of the raft and into the river. Surprising, but I was fine. Thing is, I remember being pushed up and out of raft, but the video (yes, there is video footage of my folly...) shows me being pushed and rolled over the side. Live and learn. I do have to say that hearing my voice outside my body is still a VERY weird experience...
All in all, it was a beautiful day. I give high marks to Class VI River Runners and their program for the New River (which, I found out, is the second oldest river in the world...). The skies were clear, though it did rain after we got off the river, it wasn't too hot, the company was light and fun. It is most definitely a trip I will take again...
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