A touch of classical

I have always been a fan of classical music. Perhaps its because of That's Opera Doc, or maybe it's the various types of music that my family listened to as I grew up. I'm not sure. But I do enjoy it.

Of course many younger, and more than a few older, readers may not be familiar with classical music. I've heard the misstatments that classical music is boring, or without feeling. I suppose to those more in tune with instant everything this might be true.

So in an effort to introduce classical music to some who might never otherwise hear it I present some youtube videos that combine classical music with other forms of entertainment that might better appeal to the music video generations (and provide a few laughs for those older). Who knows, 35 years from now you might be doing something similar for the next generation.

Halo






Ok, not quite classical, but cool - Star Wars


Bleach - ok, its the techno version, but I love that version - Warning, video can cause seisures


Apocalypse Now


Star Trek (revision)


Muppets


Eric Prydz


Well I think that did it.

I think my point is made. Classical music isn't some ancient thing to be avoided. Like all music it can be what you make of it and take from it.

Quantum Quest - its NASA in 3D. Doesn't that sound fun?

In more mundane news there is something that sounds a bit special. Can you imagine a movie that combines Star Trek, Star Wars, samurai, a moon walk, and Grey's Anatomy?

A daunting task for anyone on their best day. but that is exactly what will be available when Quantum Quest opens. The movie is a 3-D animated film, and it will feature the voices of some of the best known sci-fi and television actors ever. The cast includes:

William Shatner
James Earl Jones
Mark Hamill
Neil Armstrong
Samuel L. Jackson
Chris Pine
Hayden Christensen
Susan Oh
Jason Alexamnder

I left out the fact that a touch of Seinfeld will be in there too.

With such a cast I am sure the producers are thinking major money. I'm not as sure such a wide mix of actors will fix together. The script would have to be very exceptional. Given the nature of writing in Hollywood these days I would take 4:3 odds that it won't work as well as it sounds. But it could be interesting as 6 of the 8 actors, and Neil Armstrong, are notable and interesting.

The description of the film explains that the concept of the film comes from NASA. While there is no question of the minds at NASA, their ability to create a film is more uncertain. The film intends

"The 3D, large format CGI-animated educational film interweaves actual space imagery captured from ongoing NASA missions with an adventure, set in an imaginary universe and intended to create a family-friendly film experience that entertains while educating viewers"

Doesn't that sound like a must see? Not to worry though. This 45 minute film is intended for young kids learning about science in school. It's 45 minutes long. My guess is that the producers hope to capture the minds of kids by the names of the actors and what they have done in the past. And for DVD sales there is the same thought as well as a few names geared more to parents.

Best bet is to wait until the eventual DVD hits the bargain bin for $3 and let the kids watch it as they prepare for a science test.

Dancing Stormtroopers? Only if Jar-Jar dies.

Ok, George Lucas has gone too far.

I can deal with Christian Hayden as Darth Vader. I survived his brat attitude and never really dark or compelling acting. I survived, barely, the existence of Jar-Jar who thankfully had ever smaller appearences in the prequel films. I even handled the bizarre and Scientology-esque existence of miticlorians that are in fact the Force, and the death of the best bad guy outside of Vader himself - Darth Maul. But you can only push a fan so far.

George Lucas has now greenlighted a stage production of Star Wars, as a musical. And there is going to be singing Wookies. And a Stormtrooper kick line [Note: this has been updated such that the Wookies and Stormtroopers may not be singing and dancing - we can only hope]. This sounds like a joke, or someone trying to make The Producers in real life. But this isn't either of those.

Hey, I'm a fan of Star Wars as much as anyone. I've seen every movie several times, know the histories of all the major characters. I've read many of the novels that continue to carry the story forward and was really pissed when they killed Chewbacca. I even had a few of the model toys when I was young (I am 40 you know). But singing Wookies and dancing Stormtroopers?

If this rings of the infamous Star Wars Holiday Special, which if you are under about 35 you never saw so be thankful, I think you are right. George Lucas may have enough money to burn, but this is not one of the ways I might chose. And I doubt many fans will agree with Lucas on this.

Now Lucas is no fool. The play will also feature an exhibition of never before seen props, models, drawings and the like. That will draw fans. That's the money maker. Especially if he gives fans a chance to buy the originals or (limited numbers of) reproductions of such. I would go to do that. But not the play.

Perhaps the only way I would go to see singing Wookies, Ewoks, a dancing Stormtrooper and Emperor Palpatine is if there was a clear scene of the funeral of Jar-Jar - or better yet watching him blasted into bits in space so we don't have to hear him. And even then I'd have to flip a coin over it.

**The original source of the story, which I link to, has dropped the singing Wookies and dancing Stormtroopers as I was writing this. So Lucas has not gone insane it seems. This is not a stage event, but a music concert with enhancements, it seems. That makes massively more sense. Yahoo, where I saw the news first, had an old version of the uncorrected story.

Still I would love to hear the funeral march for Jar-Jar.**

Like Bugs Bunny the Washington Natioal Opera and Wagner are struck down

Sometimes you have to wonder what Odin would have thought. Specifically about Wagner’s The Ring of the Nibelung a version of the Nibelungenlied. Now some readers may wonder what this opera is and why they might care.

The thing is that far more people know this famous opera than think they do. It has been the subject of multiple stroylines (including an interesting take in the anime Cyborg 009) in film. The music from the various operas have lasted over a century now, and can be heard in fare as diverse as a Bugs Bunny cartoon



to Apocalypse Now – a great scene in the film.



So it’s worth just discussing for at least a moment. And this all came up because the Washington Natioal Opera has just decided to cancel the performance of all 4 operas that make up the Ring. They are doing so because of the current financial difficulty that we all are expereincing. And that is a shame.

To see the full opera is to understand the full story of the Norse Gods and their demise. In total the 4 parts can take up to 4 nights and 15 hours in total. The sheer magnitude of the entirety is unmatched, and perhaps the only medium and story that comes close to the same degree of enormity would be Star Wars (though elements of the story seem to have inspired parts of the Lord of the Rings). Yet this has no special effect, and has been performed long before film existed.

Thus to hear that Washingon National Opera was planning this was a joy. Plácido Domingo would have had his work cutout for him no matter the economy. To hear that Odin, The Norse and Midgard have been destroyed yet again by mere money is sad in a manner.

This means that likely the only way to see the complete Ring cycle will have to be in Seattle in 2009, unless the economy ends that as well. For an opera that has inspired and touched so many for so long, I was hoping for better.

Flights of fantasy and video - George Lucas be aware

Following on my thoughts yesterday about lighter themes going into the weekend I want to present a couple of other comical and remarkable videos you might not have seen before.

Inspired by a post I made for Hollywood Gossip Blog on Cheech and Chong I present:



And following the Star Wars theme let’s look at the future of ‘redneck’ life in space



Now switching gears just a bit I want to present one of the better Star Wars videos that was completely made by regular people. This is a lightsaber battle that ranks among the best I’ve ever seen. Well done Cary and Calvin Ho.



Lastly I present something even more unique. Created from the Star Wars Galaxies MMO (massively multiplayer online) this video is well edited, directed, choreographed and presented. Hats off to Daemen/Reek and all involved [but next time can we get a better soundtrack? My only complaint]

Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, and Star Trek all from a different perspective

There’s been a huge hustle and bustle of news and events of late and the tone to many posts I’ve written has been a bit darker than usual. So today I decided to slow down a bit and look at things from a different perspective.

Perhaps the best way to get a different perspective is to view things from a new way of seeing an old idea. So I sought out Youtube and checked out some of the mashed up movies there. I present you a couple of great ideas that Hollywood will never think of, done quite well by people just like you and me (actually I admit I don’t have the knowledge and perhaps the talent to do the videos you see below).

The Universe is big, so what would happen if some of the galactic travelers of sci-fi met up?



What if the culture of the Spartans never died, or at least in a galaxy far away a long time ago? How could they not be the forefathers of the greatest forces in the galaxy?



And for something completely different – and one of my favorites – what if JRR Tolkein wasn’t always a stand up guy?

The Joker - an example of speculating and not collecting

Do you recall back in the day when you would play with a 3 inch Yoda doll that was part of your Star Wars collection? I’m talking about the toys based on the original movie, before they paid attention to which chapter they represented. They were fun and cool and everyone wanted a Darth Vader or Boba Fett (which came out before the second movie as I recall).

Perhaps you were more interested in the G.I. Joe dolls. Each stood about 6” tall and some had special abilities like ‘karate action’ or an ‘eagle eye’ or simply a 'fuzzy' beard. Again this is before the cartoon series that spawned a new version of toys, a mere 3” tall.

If you do recall these toys, or others like them, with joy in your heart don’t search on eBay. The prices these then-modestly priced items go for now will astound most. But some want to search around for the latest in the Batman: Dark Knight series of toys, or the X-Men, Hulk, Spiderman and so on. They should choose carefully.

There are hordes of would be collectors buying up the various items each movie spawns, hoping that one of their purchases will one day broker their dream vacation. A great example of this is the current craze for all goods that are the Joker, bearing a likeness to Heath Ledger. Honestly I think such pursuits are a waste.

Collecting generally happens either because of a rarity of an item, it’s representation of a significant event in time, age, or it’s value as an item of fond memories – even if those memories are second or third hand. That’s why you can sell a good condition Dr. Seuss Green Eggs and Ham first edition book for several thousand dollars. Or why certain stamps are priceless. The same can be said of the above mentioned Star Wars, G.I. Joe, and various coin collections. There is a value that can stand the test of time.

But today there is a rush based on minor activities and passing curiosity. Not unlike the comic book craze in the late 1980’s that caused comic book prices to rise dramatically, and then all but the older, rarer books to have that value nearly evaporate within a year or 2.

Heath Ledger is dead. It is a shame. But he did not die, say like Bruce Lee – at the top of his career, rising in legend and acclaim, in the middle of filming what might have been a classic film. Mr. Ledger died of a drug overdose that he gave himself. No mystery or glamour to it. His death was no Marilyn Monroe event. He was no mega-star. Thus there is no significant event that can survive time.

Thus anyone hoarding the Joker toys is making a massive bet that Ledger will be remembered in an historic manner in 5 years, thus giving a value to their collected items. I’m sure they are also hoping that the millions of other items produced before his death, and more than a few after, will all wind up in the trash as little Jonnie or Jane grow up. But considering many of the Joker items, and Batman as well, were snapped up by hopeful collectors (or speculators might be better to describe them) the chances are slim for rarity. Thus the hope of selling an item in the future to die-hard Heath Ledger fans diminishes.

Since the Joker items have just come out along with the movie, age is something that won’t happen for another decade or more. And considering the trend of Hollywood to ‘revision’ older successful films, it’s highly likely that by the time any item today becomes a fond memory of a middle- or later aged adult, there will be at least one more version of Batman corralling bad guys on either a small or big screen.

So overall the chances of a Heath Ledger Joker item becoming a collectible of worth are unlikely. Now I don’t say this to diminish the memory of Heath Ledger, but this is the most recent and dramatic point that can be made right now.

Collecting is not speculation. It should not be done with the hope of a reward in the future. That kind of wait-and-sell is best suited for the stock market, and your odds are far better there. Collecting should be done for the sheer joy of it.

I recently sold a few of my Magic The Gathering cards. I owned them from my time in California (in the early 1990’s) when I started to play the game and collect the cards after I had broken my leg in a motorcycle accident. I had no idea what the value was then, and even less now. But when I sold them – clearing away some things as I moved into a new house – I found out that just 3 of my cards alone were worth $200. That was more than I had spent on the whole collection. And I honestly had a hard time selling them.

I think that is the real value of a collection. The emotion it provides the buyer, and holds for the seller. If you start a collection for any other reason than that, you’re probably wasting your money and time.

Repost: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BARACK

Repost from VASS, my political site. You can also find information on the Presidential race and politics there.


Ok, I saw this in a clip on Fox News coverage of the West Virginia Primary. I knew I wanted to see it in full. Once I saw it I had to provide it for you my readers.

Enjoy, and may the force be with you.

Star Wars Friday - 3.14.2008.1

Now as some of you may know, I am a big fan of Star Wars. I even liked the second trilogy – well really just the 3rd movie but you get the point. So when I heard about another movie I was a bit confused.

George Lucas has made it clear that he won’t go into the 3 chapters of the Star Wars that follow from the end of Return of the Jedi. There have been numerous books detailing everything that has happened to Han Solo and his wife Leia, Luke Skywalker and his wife Mara Jade, the death of Chewbacca and all of their respective kids. If you haven’t read any of them yet, you really should.

But there is going to be another movie later this year in August. And that will be followed by a television show on Cartoon Network. As you might imagine both are to be animated.

The premise of all of this is that we will be able to get an understanding of the relationships of the major characters inbetween the fall of Anakin Skywalker and the start of the Clone wars. As a bonus we are going to get to also learn of a few new characters too - like the rare almost fabled female Jedi. [Which is fine as long as we never see another Jar-Jar character unless it’s while they are being tortured and then die!]

Now I do find aspects of this to be of interest. There just wasn’t enough on the Clone wars, and there was a lot they could have done. Plus I love the double lightsaber battles. There needed to be more of that. Obviously I was not alone in these thoughts, and we are going to see a lot on this.

But as a bonus I did a bit of searching the net to get a preview for you my readers. And I found it, and something else.

It’s Friday, raining where I am and a bit cold. So on this dreary day for me I instead offer this video clip that made me laugh. I hope you at least chuckle too.

PS2 video games worth owning - 9.12.2007.1

With the ongoing move from the old generation of video gaming platforms to the latest versions, deals are out there to be had. For those that have yet to switch over to the new platforms, and owning the Playstation 2, you may be wondering what to do. Well there are several choices out there that you may have missed on their initial release, or just didn’t hear enough about to realize they were worth owning.

This list was compiled at Racketboy.com, and I agree with several of the choices. The prices are about as good as they get and more than worth the gameplay you will receive. I’ll just mention a couple of the video game choices I have owned and/or played. (Prices are as stated from the Racketboy.com list)

Gran Turismo 3: $7
Gran Turismo 4: $10
I love this series. Great racing, intensely realistic. You won’t get away with moves that you will in other racing games, and you will be glad about that. Challenging and great graphics.

Devil May Cry: $7
A bit repetative after a while, but at this price well worth it. It shouldn’t take too long for most to beat this game, but you’ll have fun bashing the bad guys along the way.

Resident Evil 4: $16
A must have. The Resident Evil series is a must have. The challenge is at the top end of gaming. At this price how could you ever not play it on a PS2?

Burnout 3 & Burnout Revenge: $12 each
Less realistic than the Gran Turismo series, but then again you aren’t looking to see who is the most skilled driver, persay. Hyper-fast, good graphics and lots of fun. Play your kids, friends or girlfriend/wife, they will all get suched into the competition and watching cars go boom.

Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoonus : $11
I may be a bit old for the game, but so what. I got it for my nephew when it first came out and paid full price then. It’s worth it still now. A good challenge and just fun. A great way to just waste time with your kids (or nd nephews) on a rainy day. Or just play it as an adult and keep it quiet.

The Mark of Kri: $8
A decent game with a unique system of targeting and attacking enemies. The storyline isn’t too simplistic either. It felt quite short to me, but it was an enjoyable time. Worth the money.

Star Wars Starfighter : $7
Fun. I had this and loved it. Again it was a purchase for my nephew that I just enjoyed playing too. Like you don’t want to pilot a Star Wars fighter yourself!

One thing I want to add in. On the list mentioned and linked above are the GTA (Grand Theft Auto) video games. I do not support those games. I disagree with their images, game play and philosophy. I don’t like them for kids or adults. I find them insulting.

Others may enjoy GTA, fine. I just won’t advocate that gaming software, ever. But it’s on the list.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Robot Chicken does Star Wars - 6.18.2007.1

I’m sure many of the fanboys of Star Wars and Robot Chicken [a show on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim programming. Basically anime for adults.] were watching all night as a special episode, approved by Mr. George Lucas, dominated the channel.

This one night there was nothing but older episodes of Robot Chicken, which can have some very funny and dark skits, with the special episode repeating throughout the night. Of the dozen or so skits, several are old, but there was one I really liked. It resolve the question (if anyone was wondering) of what happened to that ridiculous, waste of space, Jar-Jar. Darth Vader does something every fan of the original 3 movies wanted to do. He chucks him out an airlock!

Sadly this is not without consequence. Still it’s worth it. When you see the skit you will get what I mean.

Other than that the ‘dancing in Bespin’ skit [my reference not the actual] and ‘Boba Fett gets personal’ are my personal favorites. Still I did expect a bit more as Mr. Lucas okayed the use of his characters, in addition to the use of his voice and that of Mr. Mark Hamill. I’m sure those who dislike President Bush will get a laugh out of the ‘Jedi Bush’ skit, which wasn’t too bad. Oh, I can't leave out 'Luke and Laura go Hotel New Hampshire'.

You can see all the skits over at the AdultSwim.com site. Now that you’ve seen my favorites in order, which was your favorite?

On a separate thought, did anyone else see the commercial for the flavored water that featured 50 cent. [I still hate his name] While all of the commercials from this company (who’s name I forget) features entertainers, mostly from sports, in events that are ridiculous this was way over the top.

The basketball player throwing a sheep, football players doing ping pong, and the NASCAR racer in the Himalayas were all ok. A rapper conducting a symphony just doesn’t work. Especially since he can’t even stick to Beethoven for more than 3 bars. It might have worked if he kept with the 5th Symphony, but the fact he doesn’t just brought up in my mind the question of if he has actually ever heard the piece. Kind of defeats the theme I thought.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Random items - 4.30.2007.1

So it was another week of surprising events. Mr. Alec Baldwin captured the attention of the nation. Whether it was the anti-spanking crowd or father rights groups, virtually all of the pundits seemed to have a comment. Perhaps the surprising talking head was that of Ms. Rosie O’Donnell who surprisingly was on Mr. Baldwin’s side. That was unexpected.

The announcement by Ms. O’Donnell that she would be leaving the View was hardly a surprise though. I think most non-extreme left of center individuals were expecting this, and obviously Disney was considering this on almost a daily basis. I can truly say I won’t miss her often unfounded rants. And just for the record it seems obvious to me that she was fired.

In more entertaining news, Star Wars fans take note. Mr. George Lucas, and Mr. Mark Hamill have agreed to work on an adaptation of the Star Wars storyline for a special episode of Robot Chicken. For those not familiar with the Robot Chicken series, it’s on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim program block. The series parodies everything from movies to television shows to everyday events or unique items from the surprisingly inventive minds of co-creators Mr. Seth Green and Mr. Matthew Senreich. Fans of the show have seen several parody skits of the Star Wars movies, but this new project will be a full half-hour and will also include the actual Chewbacca and R2D2 soundfiles. Isn’t that interesting. What may happen is really anyone’s guess but I have no doubt it will be funny and very different. Keep an eye out for this one.

I have to ask, is NASCAR really that big a deal? I hadn’t known a single person who ever watched more than a highlight of this before I moved to this small town of Binghamton. Now I see many who ask about people I’ve never heard about. To be honest 90% of those who discuss NASCAR scare me, and it’s not because of their sports preference. Anyway, the reason for even mentioning racing is that Mr. Tony Stewart likened NASCAR to pro wrestling. In essence he stated that a portion of the caution flags that have been used in races were staged thus altering the outcomes. This is similar to the massively staged wrestling programs that seem to have infectiously propagated cable television in recent years. The suggestion by Mr. Stewart is that this use of flags somehow intensifies the enjoyment of racing fans. I don’t get it.

First of all it’s a bunch of guys going around making left turns. For hours. While I can understand the need for endurance, I wouldn’t call it athletic. While it is difficult driving at such high speeds, I hardly equate it with the levels of skill needed to play professional football, soceer, or other such sports. F-1 racing at least has some right turns. What can I say, I find it slightly more mind-numbing than wrestling. That is a hard thing to be. But maybe some of the readers will be glad to know this news, if they don’t already. I’m sure it will be a big controversy in racing.

But since I’m on the subjects of gratuitous violence and numbing minds, I should also mention I noticed a bit dealing with the FCC. The Federal Communication Commision seems to want to influence the violent programs on TV, something they don’t currently have regulation over. I fear if they get the authority to do this. Besides the schizophrenic attitudes that the FCC has, as seen by the amount of flesh shown in various soap operas and primetime television shows for decades now yet the insane freakout that the FCC has after 5 seconds of Ms. Janet Jackson’s breast being exposed, the First Amendment is at issue. That goes without saying that parents need to be involved with what their kids see, and lack of viewers will determine what stays on television. Even if that means the public chooses programs like WWE Raw, American Idol, The Apprentice and their ilk. In my opinion.

Seriously, name one thing the government regulates well. Ma Bell (the old AT&T) was broken up to lower telephone costs and the cost went up. The FDA screws up medications on a regular basis. The Department of Education hasn’t done well for 40 years and the DMV speaks for itself (ok, that’s on the states but you get the point). If the FCC regulates any more on television kiss NFL footage good-bye.

Pay attention. It’s like what I say about Presidential candidates, ask questions or you’ll get stuck with something you can’t do anything about. Just a few late night thoughts.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Should this be in USAToday's list? - 4.2.2007.1

So USAToday has come out with a list of the top 25 quotes from the last 25 years. Several of the quotes that made their list are quite good and memorable. Of course there are a good number that just shouldn’t have made the cut. Rather than take apart each of their choices I will just mention a couple of items I think should have been in there instead.

This is your brain on drugs – Widely used as a joke rather than the serious public announcement against taking drugs, popular in the early ‘80’s

I’ve fallen and I can’t get up! – It’s sad in a way that this is an even bigger joke than the previous quote. Part of an ad meant to sell a device to aid the elderly and disabled this was keyed upon by teens and 20-somethings across the nation. Even today it holds the ability to get a laugh, especially when matched with a pratfall. Cruel but funny.

Hi, I’m Joe Isuzu – Yes another commercial. What can I say we are a consumer society. This introduction was the hallmark of the most honest advertising campaign ever. Joe just blatantly lied to you. Seriously. He was just openly honest about what most people feel advertisers are doing anyway.

Fight the Power – The theme of many of the songs (and featured prominently in more than one) by the political rap group Public Enemy. Headed by Chuck D, this group was the spearhead of rap music with a plan of the late 80’s early 90’s. Controversial for their views and lyrics, they were a massive influence in rap hip-hop until the emergence of ‘gansta’ rap. Very motivational or intimidating depending on your view.

President Bush hates black people – Inflammatory without question, and inappropriate as it was spontaneously spoken by entertainer Kayne West during a live televised Hurricane relief concert. Still millions shared the same view, especially after seeing the complete failure of the government on all levels in protecting the mostly poor Black American populace of New Orleans.

What if this is as good as it gets – another quote from the highly talented Mr. Jack Nicholson in a film (As Good As It Gets) addressing the awkwardness of not fitting in and the need for love.

Good Night and Good Luck – The signature saying, and title of a film, by renowned and respected broadcaster Edward R. Morrow. The film is a sobering reminder of the responsibility that the news media has to inform the public and the potential for abuse by the government.

Duoh! – The ever so eloquent Homer Simpson’s catchphrase. Not only one of the longest running programs on television ever, but also the first non-children oriented animation program to gain wide acceptance in the United States. Stoners, and regular families alike, have grown up with this family that eerily seems too close to our own.

Take the Blue pill and you wake up and believe what ever you want, take the red pill and see how far the rabbit hole goes – And down the rabbit hole we all went. The first Matrix film did for this generation what Star Wars did for the prior. It set up a new wave of innovation in the film industry and the sci-fi genre that hasn’t been matched since.

While this list isn’t extensive, and mostly limited to entertainment venues, I think it captures more memories in the last couple of decades than most of the list in USAToday.

This is what I think, what do you think?

Hall of Fame, Obi Wan, cavemen and Star Trek - 3.13.2007.1

So did you hear? Finally there has been some recognition for the original forms of Rap music. The musical genre has been rightly acknowledged with the induction of Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five to the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame. The founding groups and individuals that were considered mere fads by the media and industry are now finally getting the respect due for creating a genre that, though changed dramatically, now commands significant attention in record sales, movie soundtracks, music television air-time and more. Long past a mere fad, the founders can now look to be joined by other influential groups in the near term.

Without a question the Beastie Boys will get recognized, and they deserve to though I think it will be before other more deserving artists. LL Cool J must be inducted, as must Run-DMC, and Eric B and Rakim. I’m sure slightly down the road will be Queen Latifah and Salt&Peppa. Dougie Fresh would be a pleasant addition as well. Whether or not this will happen, and in what order will come out shortly as the 25 year pre-condition is met by more and more of the ‘fad’ stars. And when the time comes I dare the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame to deny Public Enemy. [Though I’m glad the time for considering the minor abilities of artists like 50 cent is far off.]

In other news there is talk of the cavemen from the popular Giecko ads, will be getting their own television show. This could be quite interesting, and I hope the respect is given to the men starring in the ads now by giving them a shot at fame on the show. It would be irresponsible if they aren’t in the show. More on that as details emerge.

In other popular news, fans of Star Trek have something to look forward to. The journey is not over, as a new movie is planned for the end of 2008. This new film will be going back into the past of the timeline, though thankfully will not be delving into the ruinous Enterprise arena. No, the studios have learned and realized the real draws of the series, and will be featuring a story based on Kirk and Spock. This will be about their first meeting and mission outside of Starfleet Academy.

This is fertile ground and a lot can be done with the story. Hopefully the writers have actually watched the early television show, even better if they are fans. But be primed against a good movie with the fact that ‘revisioning’ seems to be the mantra of films based on previous movies and television programs these days. The most critical fact will be the choice of who will play Kirk and Spock. Considering we know what they look like, getting someone that looks like younger versions of them will be difficult. But as long as the choices are close I can live with that obvious difficulty. Given that I can’t imagine who could pull it off. I’m not the only fan out there, who do you think should be these larger than Starfleet characters? Who deserves to be the greatest Starfleet captain and his first mate?

For fans of the biggest sci-fi film and series ever, another piece of the Force has just gone into someone else’s hands. Yes the cloak of old Obi Wan Kenobi, as worn by esteemed actor Sir Alec Guiness, was sold recently for $104,000. Not a small price tag, though I can see paying for that item. Of course my wish list includes Darth Vader’s helmet and lightsaber. Not likely I could afford them but still worth wanting.
For the non sci fi fans the same auction also sold a Bond girl catsuit, Mr. Mel Gibson’s kilt from Braveheart and Mr. Terry Jones’ metal helm from Monty Python and the Holy Grail. That last piece went for 19 thousand. Some wish lists are real expensive.

More soccer and movie thoughts soon to come.

This is what I think, what do you think?

UFO arrivals on time at gate 7 - 1.4.2007.2

Here is something for the UFO conspiracists out there. Odd things happen even without the weekend. What I am speaking on is the report on the 1st that weather and not visitors from another planet were responsible for the reported sightings over O’Hare airport on November 7, 2006.

Now this sighting was not some group of beer drinking kids, or questionable individuals, but a group of United Airlines employees. This group included pilots and at least one supervisor. Not a group of individuals known for flights of fancy [yes another bad pun – I’m not a comedy writer you know].

Of course this sighting was called a ‘weather condition’ and is not being investigated. I’ve noticed that sightings are always called ‘weather conditions’ or infrequently ‘military aircraft’ – whether experimental or not. It’s just seems too convenient. Especially when otherwise credible individuals step up and mention the sighting.

I can’t say that this was incorrect. I do note that no follow up or investigation will be conducted. I am concerned that something seemed to be of concern to these individuals over a busy airport and there is no interest. Some things should not be casually laughed off, even if they appear to be odd. And this does qualify as odd.

For the record I will mention that I do believe we are not alone in the universe. Other beings exist. It is complete arrogance and statistically impossible for there not to be other lifeforms. It is equally arrogant and impossible that all those other beings are less intelligent or advanced than ourselves. Given these probabilities it is possible that UFO’s exist and do visit the world.

To further clarify what I think, there will be no government that will openly confirm or acknowledge the existence of other life in the universe. This is especially true of intelligent life. If it were similar to life on earth, then they have a belief of life (perhaps a religion). These beliefs may well be very different than our own. Even if similar they bring into question every concept of life and our intelligence and place in the universe.

If other beings exist, life on earth becomes chaotic. Our dreams of a future like Star Wars, or Star Trek, or any other expansion and domination of the universe go out the window. Our views of religion come into question. Our superior status over all life we know of ends. Human beings at this point cannot accept such an absolute change on the principles we have founded civilization on. Thus we will never hear about it.

I don’t know what happened at O’Hare. But I would like to know more than the usual and casual ‘weather condition’ answer. We have enough knowledge in the populace that a better answer can be given. And if some earthly means were at play, I’d like to be assured that it’s not a potential danger. You know, like a satellite breaking apart as it falls to earth. That happens constantly, but it’s nice to know that it’s not something that is a danger to watch out for.

So the UFO conspiracies can start on this. But don’t get too carried away. I still prefer my aliens in a video game or a movie theater.

This is what I think, what do you think?