Hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas! Here are some links I have found interesting over the past week. Grab a coffee (with Peppermint Mocha) and enjoy:
Here: 57 Different Way to Say "Merry Christmas". Feliz Natal!
A little late, but here is a comic book version of "A Christmas Carol", to read online.
Also late, 10 Bizarre Christmas Traditions, 10 Unintentionally Scary Santas and the 10 Most Underrated Christmas Specials.
From the FOX network, Happy Fringemas!
Some geeky Christmas trees. I like the LEGO one the best.
This looks very cool and we may be getting one ourselves. Fun & easy works!
My son got one of these for Christmas, to help create a new tradition. Very cool.
Looking towards the new year, I can't wait to see the documentary "His Name Was Jason". Here is the newly released trailer.
Interesting Pile has a rundown of the marathons airing on New Year's Eve & Day.
Hope everyone has a great week, a Happy New Year and a healthy, happy and fine 2009!
What I read, write, watch, listen to or do between hot cups of the good stuff.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
Links... No two are alike!
Some more links to share:
First off, a page with even more photos from the ice storm the Northeast has been dealing with since last week.
Viennetta is back! Do you remember it?
For the doubting little Sheldon or Leonard in your life, here is the Science Behind Santa's Magic.
Not sure I would want to live next door to any of these 17 Jaw-Dropping Christmas Light Shows, but they are very cool.
VERY cool gingerbread houses.
Horror Hacker's guide to the Saint Nicks of Horror.
Disney lets you add someone you know to Santa's Naughty or Nice list.
Classic TV Sitcom Christmas episodes. Love to see some of these again.
Even more classic TV Christmas episodes remembered. Love some of the pics they have here.
The 6 Best TV Show Rip-Offs of "A Christmas Carol". Don't remember "The Six-Million Dollar Man" doing it, but I SO want to see it now.
This site counts the 5 Best & 5 Worst Christmas specials. I remember the Star Wars Christmas Special. Sadly.
This Christmas, there are some marathons on TV. And this site is doing it's best to list them all!
And this page lists the specials you can view online and where to view them! Can it get any easier???
Addictive/frustrating "Guide Lines" game.
Another addictive game, this one involves throwing people... into buckets.
Identify the five differences.
An interesting personality test.
Handy site to check if your ID is registered on lots of sites all at once.
The cast of "How I Met Your Mother" recreating some highlights from 2008. Hilarious.
A cool holiday card from the offical website of the Boston Red Sox.
Lastly, have you ever seen a more bizarre Christmas ornament?
First off, a page with even more photos from the ice storm the Northeast has been dealing with since last week.
Viennetta is back! Do you remember it?
For the doubting little Sheldon or Leonard in your life, here is the Science Behind Santa's Magic.
Not sure I would want to live next door to any of these 17 Jaw-Dropping Christmas Light Shows, but they are very cool.
VERY cool gingerbread houses.
Horror Hacker's guide to the Saint Nicks of Horror.
Disney lets you add someone you know to Santa's Naughty or Nice list.
Classic TV Sitcom Christmas episodes. Love to see some of these again.
Even more classic TV Christmas episodes remembered. Love some of the pics they have here.
The 6 Best TV Show Rip-Offs of "A Christmas Carol". Don't remember "The Six-Million Dollar Man" doing it, but I SO want to see it now.
This site counts the 5 Best & 5 Worst Christmas specials. I remember the Star Wars Christmas Special. Sadly.
This Christmas, there are some marathons on TV. And this site is doing it's best to list them all!
And this page lists the specials you can view online and where to view them! Can it get any easier???
Addictive/frustrating "Guide Lines" game.
Another addictive game, this one involves throwing people... into buckets.
Identify the five differences.
An interesting personality test.
Handy site to check if your ID is registered on lots of sites all at once.
The cast of "How I Met Your Mother" recreating some highlights from 2008. Hilarious.
A cool holiday card from the offical website of the Boston Red Sox.
Lastly, have you ever seen a more bizarre Christmas ornament?
Monday, December 15, 2008
Ice Storm
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The ice storm - wow. What can I say? It was amazing and horrible at the same time. We went to bed Thursday night hearing the ice fall and thinking it was a normal, winter-y storm. We woke up to what I can only describe as our entire area broken.
We made out MUCH better than almost everyone we know. We haven't lost power, and our only damage is the far end of our wooden fence was split in two by the fallen top of a tree. We had a lot more branches and limbs down, large and small, but none caused any further damage, including the one that landed askew on our GLASS patio table. I am not kidding, it did not break. Wow.
The house next door to us lost power and has had a generator running. They have a huge, old tree in their large yard, and it lost a major chunk, which pushed on a pole and, I guess, knocked their power out. National Grid was outside for at least a full day, and yet I still hear the generator running this morning.
My brother-in-law lost power, as well, and had many, many trees down all over his yard. He finally got his power restored around 4:30 this morning. He said he has at least a day with the chainsaw in his yard alone.
Our 'niece' and her family also live in town, and have lost power, as well. They found a generator at Home Depot (luckily), but are still waiting for the lights to go back on.
Our good friends in Holden, which was one of the hardest hit areas, have a ton of issues. They are without power, had one tree uprooted, a basketball hoop smashed, a car rear windshield shattered and a flooded cellar. Luckily, a neighbor loaned them a generator to get their sump pump working, and their niece offered them shelter.
The amount of trees and downed power and phone lines is just amazing. As my other brother-in-law said, you thought people were exaggerating until you actually drove around a bit and saw for yourself. It looks more like a tornado blew through town than an ice storm. Trees and poles and wires, everywhere. Unreal.
School was cancelled on Friday and again for today. I know my daughter's school is being used as the shelter for our town, and I imagine that will continue until all power is restored. To give you an idea of what it looks like out there, my youngest son said he would have rather have had school than have it be like it is outside.
Estimates for power resortation vary. Some parts of town are nearly out-of-reach like my brother-in-law's, but he got power back this morning. So, I guess it all depends on what the repair people are able to do and when they are able to do it. Kudos to everyone who has been out there since Thursday night. The cold makes their job even worse, but they have been at it all this time, working to bring things back to normal. Smaller storms are due in the next couple of days, here's to hoping they don't make things worse.
Our best to everyone, take care & stay safe.
Some links:
Thousands Still Without Power Three Days After Storm
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Links to Share (anyone got a better title?)
Okay, here are some sites I came across over the past week. Anyone got a better title for my link posts? I was thinking something like "Coffee Beans", but it just sounded ... meh ...
We are going to be heading to Bright Nights with the kids very soon!
EW.com has 100 Great Christmas Bummers. Sometimes, there is nothing like a sad Christmas song. UPDATE: EW.com posted this list again this year, with pictures!
Amazon.com has 25 days of Free Christmas Music Downloads!
Interesting 'Tree of Knowledge', from The Freethought Society of Greater Philadelphia.
I quote: "Forget Adam Sandler's Hanukkah Song, Here's the Atheism Song"
Create a Santa's Elf ID Card for your little helper.
Dr. Forrest's Cheeze Factory has a kitchsy piece of Christmas past.
kindertrauma has a list of some good, winter horror/thriller flicks. I love "Dead of Winter".
Cool new poster for the Friday the 13th remake. Here is the trailer, too.
The Aquaman Shrine posted a custom-made Aquaman set that is just too awesome for words!
A really great interactive map of Springfield, from "The Simpsons".
Lastly, my brother found this very cool, very short (less than 3 minutes) YouTube movie, "The Black Hole".
We are going to be heading to Bright Nights with the kids very soon!
EW.com has 100 Great Christmas Bummers. Sometimes, there is nothing like a sad Christmas song. UPDATE: EW.com posted this list again this year, with pictures!
Amazon.com has 25 days of Free Christmas Music Downloads!
Interesting 'Tree of Knowledge', from The Freethought Society of Greater Philadelphia.
I quote: "Forget Adam Sandler's Hanukkah Song, Here's the Atheism Song"
Create a Santa's Elf ID Card for your little helper.
Dr. Forrest's Cheeze Factory has a kitchsy piece of Christmas past.
kindertrauma has a list of some good, winter horror/thriller flicks. I love "Dead of Winter".
Cool new poster for the Friday the 13th remake. Here is the trailer, too.
The Aquaman Shrine posted a custom-made Aquaman set that is just too awesome for words!
A really great interactive map of Springfield, from "The Simpsons".
Lastly, my brother found this very cool, very short (less than 3 minutes) YouTube movie, "The Black Hole".
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Why I, as an Atheist, celebrate the Christmas season
I wrote this awhile ago, but I figured it beared repeating, especially on this new blog.
Why I, as an Atheist, celebrate the Christmas season.
Being an atheist at this time of the year, I am sometimes asked why I celebrate Christmas. This is my attempt to explain it.
To be honest, my family celebrated Christmas in a non-religious way. In fact, the only thing I remember that had religious meaning was a Nativity scene my parents had. I knew what it represented, but that was it. We never went to church for Christmas. Santa Claus was the reason for our season.
Now that I am married with children of my own, our Christmas is religion-free. My wife does have a Nativity scene, but she sets it up only in honor of her family. My children know who Jesus is, but they also know that I do not believe he is the “son of God”, or that there even is a God. But they do respect that others do believe.
Christmas, as I have tried to teach my children, is a time of good will and friendship, of spending time with family and friends. We enjoy the "Christmas Season", instead of just one day. From the Friday after Thanksgiving to New Year's, we enjoy it as a month long celebration. We enjoy the television specials, the music and the lit-up, decorated houses. And, of course, the food!
I guess I still celebrate the same way I did as a kid, although I consciously avoid religious allusions, whereas my parents were just lax. I suppose I could thank them for that, although I doubt they would find it amusing. While they, perhaps reluctantly, know I am an Atheist, they are more religious now than when I was a child. My father more so than my mother.
For some reason, when many people hear the word “Atheist”, they automatically assume “immoral”. This always amazes me. I lead a very moral, very traditional life. I teach my children to be good human beings. I just do not believe in a “superior being”.
I also do not force my views on my children. They are exposed to my beliefs, as well as the beliefs of the varied family members and friends around them. They are related to, or are friends with, not only Christians, but also people who are Jewish and Muslim. And other Atheists. When they are old enough, they can decide for themselves what they believe in.
Most of all, my family and I wish everyone a good, happy month, full of friends, family and fun. Oh yeah, and food!
This is a link to the original piece.
Why I, as an Atheist, celebrate the Christmas season.
Being an atheist at this time of the year, I am sometimes asked why I celebrate Christmas. This is my attempt to explain it.
To be honest, my family celebrated Christmas in a non-religious way. In fact, the only thing I remember that had religious meaning was a Nativity scene my parents had. I knew what it represented, but that was it. We never went to church for Christmas. Santa Claus was the reason for our season.
Now that I am married with children of my own, our Christmas is religion-free. My wife does have a Nativity scene, but she sets it up only in honor of her family. My children know who Jesus is, but they also know that I do not believe he is the “son of God”, or that there even is a God. But they do respect that others do believe.
Christmas, as I have tried to teach my children, is a time of good will and friendship, of spending time with family and friends. We enjoy the "Christmas Season", instead of just one day. From the Friday after Thanksgiving to New Year's, we enjoy it as a month long celebration. We enjoy the television specials, the music and the lit-up, decorated houses. And, of course, the food!
I guess I still celebrate the same way I did as a kid, although I consciously avoid religious allusions, whereas my parents were just lax. I suppose I could thank them for that, although I doubt they would find it amusing. While they, perhaps reluctantly, know I am an Atheist, they are more religious now than when I was a child. My father more so than my mother.
For some reason, when many people hear the word “Atheist”, they automatically assume “immoral”. This always amazes me. I lead a very moral, very traditional life. I teach my children to be good human beings. I just do not believe in a “superior being”.
I also do not force my views on my children. They are exposed to my beliefs, as well as the beliefs of the varied family members and friends around them. They are related to, or are friends with, not only Christians, but also people who are Jewish and Muslim. And other Atheists. When they are old enough, they can decide for themselves what they believe in.
Most of all, my family and I wish everyone a good, happy month, full of friends, family and fun. Oh yeah, and food!
This is a link to the original piece.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Wow! Huh? Ugh.
A bunch of sites I stumbled across over the past two weeks that piqued my interest, confused my brain or made me roll my eyes.
Ankle replacement surgery. I might need this down the road, and it makes me wonder when the scales will tip and I will become more artificial than biological?
And this lady has an interesting idea. Bet someone will figure it out in no time.
Five poems everyone should read.
Friday the 13th: The Series Season 2 is scheduled for release in February, 2009! Yay!
Made for TV Mayhem has The Top Ten Creepiest Characters of the Made for TV Horror Films of the 70s - Wow, that is a long blog entry title.
1o Huge Retail Rip-Offs. Number one, the wine, goes for hotel rooms, too. A bottle marked over $20 in our menu was $4 at the store.
Fun Disney.com Christmas site, with old and new holiday cartoons.
IconNicholson's Snowcraft is 10 years old this Christmas. Still fun, especially if you picture the little twerps as people who ticked you off!
OfficeMax is letting you go Elf Yourself again this year.
Starzbunnies.com does Christmas Vacation.
This Christmas card is actually pretty clever.
And this Christmas ad isn't new, but still makes me chuckle. Although it should be Leatherface with the chainsaw, not Jason.
Cool, but ultimately a waste, I think. The urn is better, at least people will be able to see SEE it! And they also have Star Trek items.
Meh.
And now... The End.
Ankle replacement surgery. I might need this down the road, and it makes me wonder when the scales will tip and I will become more artificial than biological?
And this lady has an interesting idea. Bet someone will figure it out in no time.
Five poems everyone should read.
Friday the 13th: The Series Season 2 is scheduled for release in February, 2009! Yay!
Made for TV Mayhem has The Top Ten Creepiest Characters of the Made for TV Horror Films of the 70s - Wow, that is a long blog entry title.
1o Huge Retail Rip-Offs. Number one, the wine, goes for hotel rooms, too. A bottle marked over $20 in our menu was $4 at the store.
Fun Disney.com Christmas site, with old and new holiday cartoons.
IconNicholson's Snowcraft is 10 years old this Christmas. Still fun, especially if you picture the little twerps as people who ticked you off!
OfficeMax is letting you go Elf Yourself again this year.
Starzbunnies.com does Christmas Vacation.
This Christmas card is actually pretty clever.
And this Christmas ad isn't new, but still makes me chuckle. Although it should be Leatherface with the chainsaw, not Jason.
Cool, but ultimately a waste, I think. The urn is better, at least people will be able to see SEE it! And they also have Star Trek items.
Meh.
And now... The End.
Monday, December 1, 2008
NaNoWriMo 2008
Well, it's over. Last night was the end of this year's National Novel Writing Month. And I finished in time! In one month I wrote a little over 50,000 words (50,102 to be exact) and I now have a 2nd novel done. Well, a first draft done, at least.
It wasn't easy, but with some late nights and A LOT of support from my wonderful wife, I was able to get it done, AND get to bed at a decent time.
So, thank you to Nancy, and to everyone who offered encouragement along the way. It is appreciated.
And I will be doing it all over again next November! Heck, I may even do my own personal NaNoWriMo in January, if I can come up with a good story.
Congrats to all the other winners, and to everyone who even attempted it. Whether you wrote 500 or 50,000 words, at least you were writing!
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Nearest Book Meme
At the suggestion of The Atheist Blogger
1. Grab the nearest book.
2. Open the book to page 56.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the next seven sentences in your journal along with these instructions.
5. Don't dig for your favorite book, the cool book, or the intellectual one: pick the CLOSEST.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
1. Grab the nearest book.
2. Open the book to page 56.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the next seven sentences in your journal along with these instructions.
5. Don't dig for your favorite book, the cool book, or the intellectual one: pick the CLOSEST.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now things were different, and he cared enough to have figuratively backed Mitch up against the non-figurative wall of Thomajon's, a small bistro on Sunset Strip. They had been friends since meeting at a studio party and discovering that they were fellow Chicagoans, transplanted like the palm trees. Both had been dutifully nostalgic about the Loop, critical of L.A., and cynical about the movie business. Now, three years later, Mitch was working steadily behind a camera, pulling in large, satisfying paychecks, and Legget, a man with producing aspirations, had drifted, bobbed, sunk, floated, and somehow survived the Hollywood waters.
There was no doubt in Legget's mind about why Mitch had been reluctant to see him, not after their last psyched-up luncheon at Tail o' the Cock. "Look, let's not even talk about that," Mitch said generously, waving his blunt fingers in a wipe across the past. "You were pretty low, Norman; this town had you talking to yourself. Uh, by the way, you working?"
from "The Moving Finger Types" by Henry Slesar, a part of "Don't Open This Book!", featuring selections chosen by Marvin Kaye.
I am tagging anyone who wishes to participate - let's see what book you have right next to you!
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Wow! Huh? Ugh.
Tonight, a bunch of sites I came across over the past week that piqued my interest, confused my brain or made me roll my eyes.
Off we go...
Late for Halloween, but a great list of 100 Horror Movie Posters! Like any horror movie, here's the sequel, 100 MORE Horror Posters!
A blogger asks why we don't have more "Nick and Nora" couples in movies. I'd like to know, too.
Never saw "From Beyond the Grave", but now I want to. And I have to wonder if the creators of "Friday the 13th: The Series" HAD seen it!
Cool site. Good reviews.
Artist Mark Bennett has floor plans of TV show homes for sale.
The end is near for Monk. :(
Free pics for blog posts at PicApp. Haven't used it yet, but I like the idea.
Snackerrific. I will try the Tim Tams, mate!
Turkey Day is coming! Are you prepared???
Write or Die. This is a VERY handy tool for writers who need a little motivation. Haven't used it yet, but with NaNoWriMo half over, I may be giving it a try.
And a nod to Laura! Her Linkdumps inspired me to do this. Thanks!
Have a great night, everyone!
Off we go...
Late for Halloween, but a great list of 100 Horror Movie Posters! Like any horror movie, here's the sequel, 100 MORE Horror Posters!
A blogger asks why we don't have more "Nick and Nora" couples in movies. I'd like to know, too.
Never saw "From Beyond the Grave", but now I want to. And I have to wonder if the creators of "Friday the 13th: The Series" HAD seen it!
Cool site. Good reviews.
Artist Mark Bennett has floor plans of TV show homes for sale.
The end is near for Monk. :(
Free pics for blog posts at PicApp. Haven't used it yet, but I like the idea.
Snackerrific. I will try the Tim Tams, mate!
Turkey Day is coming! Are you prepared???
Write or Die. This is a VERY handy tool for writers who need a little motivation. Haven't used it yet, but with NaNoWriMo half over, I may be giving it a try.
And a nod to Laura! Her Linkdumps inspired me to do this. Thanks!
Have a great night, everyone!
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Re-Ranking HMV's Top 50 Horror Films
Okay, so this has been bouncing around many of the horror blogs out there. HMV released their ranking of the Top 50 Horror Films. It is not surprising to me that no one has agreed on it. Horror fans are bemoaning the lack of older films and the inclusion of some newer ones.
50 films are a lot of films to rank, and I don't think you can find two fans who can agree on such a list. What scares one person enough to send them cowering under the covers may only generate a yawn in someone else. But, maybe that is the fun of these lists. They can start a debate (hopefully friendly and fun) of what belongs and what doesn't, of what should rank higher or lower.
Anyway, I took the top 50 films from their rank and RE-ranked them in the order I would put them, from #50 on down to my #1. Of course, there are movies I wouldn't include in the list (The House on Haunted Hill remake? really?) And there movies I would include that aren't listed (I personally think the original Black Christmas is damn creepy!)
But, just taking the list given, here is my RE-ranking of their Top 50:
(first number is my rank, second number is the film's HMV rank)
50) 41. House on Haunted Hill. William Malone (2000)
49) 35. Rosemary's Baby. Roman Polanski (1968)
48) 13. Lost Boys. Joel Schumacher (1987)
47) 4. The Silence of the Lambs. Jonathan Demme (1991)
46) 18. An American Werewolf in London. John Landis (1981)
45) 46. The Mist. Frank Darabont (2008)
44) 30. Salem's Lot. Mikael Salomon (2004)
43) 14. Dawn of the Dead. George A Romero (1978)
42) 45. The Changeling. Peter Medak (1980)
41) 27. The Evil Dead. Sam Raimi (1981)
40) 38. The Entity. Sidney J Furie (1981)
39) 22. Candyman. Bernard Rose (1992)
38) 43. It. Tommy Lee Wallace (1990)
37) 9. The Wicker Man. Robin Hardy (1973)
36) 8. Ring (Ringu). Hideo Nakata (1998)
35) 37. The Orphanage. Juan Antonio Bayona (2008)
34) 44. Audition. Takashi Miike (1999)
33) 49. Shutter. Masayuki Ochiai (2008)
32) 48. The Vanishing. George Sluizer (1993)
31) 50. Planet Terror. Robert Rodriguez (2007)
30) 24. Carrie. Brian De Palma (1976)
29) 36. Child's Play. Tom Holland (1989)
28) 47. Suspiria. Dario Argento (1977)
27) 28. Hellraiser. Clive Barker (1987)
26) 34. Misery. Rob Reiner (1991)
25) 17. The Blair Witch Project. Daniel Myrick & Eduardo Sanchez (1999)
24) 7. A Nightmare on Elm Street. Wes Craven (1984)
23)11. The Birds. Alfred Hitchcock (1963)
22) 5. Saw. James Wan (2004)
21) 2. The Shining. Stanley Kubrick (1980)
20) 3. Alien. Ridley Scott (1979)
19) 10. The Omen. Richard Donner (1976)
18) 1. The Exorcist. William Friedkin (1973)
17) 20. Poltergeist. Tobe Hooper (1982)
16) 23. Scream. Wes Craven (1996)
15) 26. Final Destination. James Wong (2000)
14) 33. Wolf Creek. Greg McLean (2005)
13) 19. Se7en. David Fincher (1995)
12) 12. The Thing. John Carpenter (1982)
11) 39. Nosferatu. FW Murnau (1922)
10) 29. Hostel. Eli Roth (2005)
9) 42. The Haunting. Robert Wise (1963)
8) 40. Night of the Living Dead. George A. Romero (1968)
7) 16. Jaws. Steven Spielberg (1975)
6) 25. Friday the 13th. Sean S Cunningham (1980)
5) 31. The Descent. Neil Marshall (2005)
4) 21. The Amityville Horror. Stuart Rosenberg (1979)
3) 32. The Hills Have Eyes. Wes Craven (1977)
2) 15. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Tobe Hooper (1974)
1) 6. Halloween. John Carpenter (1978)
So, there you go. Like I said, not my ideal choice for the top 50, but I worked with the films from the HMV list.
I know you disagree, and that is okay with me!
50 films are a lot of films to rank, and I don't think you can find two fans who can agree on such a list. What scares one person enough to send them cowering under the covers may only generate a yawn in someone else. But, maybe that is the fun of these lists. They can start a debate (hopefully friendly and fun) of what belongs and what doesn't, of what should rank higher or lower.
Anyway, I took the top 50 films from their rank and RE-ranked them in the order I would put them, from #50 on down to my #1. Of course, there are movies I wouldn't include in the list (The House on Haunted Hill remake? really?) And there movies I would include that aren't listed (I personally think the original Black Christmas is damn creepy!)
But, just taking the list given, here is my RE-ranking of their Top 50:
(first number is my rank, second number is the film's HMV rank)
50) 41. House on Haunted Hill. William Malone (2000)
49) 35. Rosemary's Baby. Roman Polanski (1968)
48) 13. Lost Boys. Joel Schumacher (1987)
47) 4. The Silence of the Lambs. Jonathan Demme (1991)
46) 18. An American Werewolf in London. John Landis (1981)
45) 46. The Mist. Frank Darabont (2008)
44) 30. Salem's Lot. Mikael Salomon (2004)
43) 14. Dawn of the Dead. George A Romero (1978)
42) 45. The Changeling. Peter Medak (1980)
41) 27. The Evil Dead. Sam Raimi (1981)
40) 38. The Entity. Sidney J Furie (1981)
39) 22. Candyman. Bernard Rose (1992)
38) 43. It. Tommy Lee Wallace (1990)
37) 9. The Wicker Man. Robin Hardy (1973)
36) 8. Ring (Ringu). Hideo Nakata (1998)
35) 37. The Orphanage. Juan Antonio Bayona (2008)
34) 44. Audition. Takashi Miike (1999)
33) 49. Shutter. Masayuki Ochiai (2008)
32) 48. The Vanishing. George Sluizer (1993)
31) 50. Planet Terror. Robert Rodriguez (2007)
30) 24. Carrie. Brian De Palma (1976)
29) 36. Child's Play. Tom Holland (1989)
28) 47. Suspiria. Dario Argento (1977)
27) 28. Hellraiser. Clive Barker (1987)
26) 34. Misery. Rob Reiner (1991)
25) 17. The Blair Witch Project. Daniel Myrick & Eduardo Sanchez (1999)
24) 7. A Nightmare on Elm Street. Wes Craven (1984)
23)11. The Birds. Alfred Hitchcock (1963)
22) 5. Saw. James Wan (2004)
21) 2. The Shining. Stanley Kubrick (1980)
20) 3. Alien. Ridley Scott (1979)
19) 10. The Omen. Richard Donner (1976)
18) 1. The Exorcist. William Friedkin (1973)
17) 20. Poltergeist. Tobe Hooper (1982)
16) 23. Scream. Wes Craven (1996)
15) 26. Final Destination. James Wong (2000)
14) 33. Wolf Creek. Greg McLean (2005)
13) 19. Se7en. David Fincher (1995)
12) 12. The Thing. John Carpenter (1982)
11) 39. Nosferatu. FW Murnau (1922)
10) 29. Hostel. Eli Roth (2005)
9) 42. The Haunting. Robert Wise (1963)
8) 40. Night of the Living Dead. George A. Romero (1968)
7) 16. Jaws. Steven Spielberg (1975)
6) 25. Friday the 13th. Sean S Cunningham (1980)
5) 31. The Descent. Neil Marshall (2005)
4) 21. The Amityville Horror. Stuart Rosenberg (1979)
3) 32. The Hills Have Eyes. Wes Craven (1977)
2) 15. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Tobe Hooper (1974)
1) 6. Halloween. John Carpenter (1978)
So, there you go. Like I said, not my ideal choice for the top 50, but I worked with the films from the HMV list.
I know you disagree, and that is okay with me!
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Monday, November 3, 2008
NaNoWriMo has begun!
Halloween has come and gone and November is underway. This means that NaNoWriMo has begun!
For those who don't know, this is the National Novel Writing Month. The goal of all who participate is this: Write a 50,000 word novel from November 1st to November 30th.
Daunting? Yes. Crazy? Yes. Impossible? No!
I participated last year and actually finished in time, writing 50,000 + words and completing a novel. I was amazed, relieved, tired and proud. Let's hope this year goes as well. I have written each day of November so far, and while I am a little short of the average for each day, there really is no set "rule". Just write, write and write some more.
Last year, I chose a children's fantasy type story, something that had been bouncing around in my head for awhile. It came out pretty good, and I am happy with the final product.
This year, I chose a fiction story based on my all-time favorite show, "Friday the 13th: The Series." I have long been unhappy with the show's abrupt cancellation and the unresolved way the characters were left. Some little kernel of this story has been growing in my head for close to 20 years, and I decided it was time now to get it out and down on paper, er... screen.
Basically, what I am trying to do is write a novel-length piece of fan fiction. Which means that while it should be a lot of fun for me to write, and for some die-hard fans of the show to read, it could be a very niche piece. But, I am okay with that. If I do a good job, it will hopefully be readable to non-fans, as well. And that is all I can do, my best.
So, I have begun. Three chapters in, I have 3,288 words written and at least 46,712 to go. Yeehaa!
For those who don't know, this is the National Novel Writing Month. The goal of all who participate is this: Write a 50,000 word novel from November 1st to November 30th.
Daunting? Yes. Crazy? Yes. Impossible? No!
I participated last year and actually finished in time, writing 50,000 + words and completing a novel. I was amazed, relieved, tired and proud. Let's hope this year goes as well. I have written each day of November so far, and while I am a little short of the average for each day, there really is no set "rule". Just write, write and write some more.
Last year, I chose a children's fantasy type story, something that had been bouncing around in my head for awhile. It came out pretty good, and I am happy with the final product.
This year, I chose a fiction story based on my all-time favorite show, "Friday the 13th: The Series." I have long been unhappy with the show's abrupt cancellation and the unresolved way the characters were left. Some little kernel of this story has been growing in my head for close to 20 years, and I decided it was time now to get it out and down on paper, er... screen.
Basically, what I am trying to do is write a novel-length piece of fan fiction. Which means that while it should be a lot of fun for me to write, and for some die-hard fans of the show to read, it could be a very niche piece. But, I am okay with that. If I do a good job, it will hopefully be readable to non-fans, as well. And that is all I can do, my best.
So, I have begun. Three chapters in, I have 3,288 words written and at least 46,712 to go. Yeehaa!
Friday, October 31, 2008
BOO! It's Halloween!
Halloween is finally here! Time for costumes, candy and scary movies!
Dozed off watching TCM (Turner Classic Movies) last night, with their very nice lineup of older films. I watched Torture Garden, with Burgess Meredith. Very nice movie, short stories held together by a sufficiently creepy narrative. After that, the channel aired Twice-Told Tales, starring Vincent Price in three short stories by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Watched the first of the three stories, then nodded off. Luckily, I thought ahead and set the DVR. Will watch the rest of it later.
This A.M., while doing the normal morning stuff, I had AMC (American Movie Classics) on. They aired some old, good flicks, like House of Dracula, House of Frankenstein and Horror of Dracula. All creepy flicks. Of course, most of these movies are better to watch at night, but what can you do when the day is so chock-full of horrific entertainment!
After the kids were off to school and the laundry was going, the channel stayed on AMC for another airing of John Carpenter's Halloween. I know I just watched this last Friday, but I never tire of this movie. And there is something particularly unsettling when you watch it on Halloween day. (As a side note, I actually had to go into the basement while watching the movie to look for something. Horror movies and one's imagination can be a tricky combo!)
After Halloween, I tried to switch to something different, as in I Still Know What You Did Last Summer, airing on FX. Couldn't stick with it, just bored me. So, I am back on AMC right now, with Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers. This movie can be very creepy. Definitely one of the best sequels to the original.
After this, who knows. The television airwaves are loaded up with horror-goodness today, so it shouldn't be a problem finding something good to watch. My wife isn't a horror-movie fan, but she never complains and I appreciate that. Thanks, Raven!
The kids are excited about trick-or-treating. My daughter is going as a 60s hippie (she won 2nd prize at the school dance last week, and Best Costume at her friend's party on Saturday) and my youngest son is going as Michael Phelps - medals, swim cap and all. They should have fun and will hopefully get lots of candy and no rocks!
I helped them carve their jack-o'-lanterns on Wednesday and we will be lighting them up again tonight. My son's pumpkin was rotting when I cut the top off, so scooping out the insides was NOT fun, but I couldn't see ditching it for another just to throw them all away in a week. So, lots of scraping, scooping and gagging led to a pretty empty shell that carved amazingly well.
So, looks like a fun night for all. Hopefully I won't have too much trouble staying awake. The older I get, the harder that is. Argh! We have a busy couple of days ahead, and the National Novel Writing Month kicks off tomorrow... ack!
For some fun, this site has a collection horror film posters. Sometimes those are the scariest parts of the movies!
Have a creepy, eerie, scary Halloween everyone!
Dozed off watching TCM (Turner Classic Movies) last night, with their very nice lineup of older films. I watched Torture Garden, with Burgess Meredith. Very nice movie, short stories held together by a sufficiently creepy narrative. After that, the channel aired Twice-Told Tales, starring Vincent Price in three short stories by Nathaniel Hawthorne. Watched the first of the three stories, then nodded off. Luckily, I thought ahead and set the DVR. Will watch the rest of it later.
This A.M., while doing the normal morning stuff, I had AMC (American Movie Classics) on. They aired some old, good flicks, like House of Dracula, House of Frankenstein and Horror of Dracula. All creepy flicks. Of course, most of these movies are better to watch at night, but what can you do when the day is so chock-full of horrific entertainment!
After the kids were off to school and the laundry was going, the channel stayed on AMC for another airing of John Carpenter's Halloween. I know I just watched this last Friday, but I never tire of this movie. And there is something particularly unsettling when you watch it on Halloween day. (As a side note, I actually had to go into the basement while watching the movie to look for something. Horror movies and one's imagination can be a tricky combo!)
After Halloween, I tried to switch to something different, as in I Still Know What You Did Last Summer, airing on FX. Couldn't stick with it, just bored me. So, I am back on AMC right now, with Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers. This movie can be very creepy. Definitely one of the best sequels to the original.
After this, who knows. The television airwaves are loaded up with horror-goodness today, so it shouldn't be a problem finding something good to watch. My wife isn't a horror-movie fan, but she never complains and I appreciate that. Thanks, Raven!
The kids are excited about trick-or-treating. My daughter is going as a 60s hippie (she won 2nd prize at the school dance last week, and Best Costume at her friend's party on Saturday) and my youngest son is going as Michael Phelps - medals, swim cap and all. They should have fun and will hopefully get lots of candy and no rocks!
I helped them carve their jack-o'-lanterns on Wednesday and we will be lighting them up again tonight. My son's pumpkin was rotting when I cut the top off, so scooping out the insides was NOT fun, but I couldn't see ditching it for another just to throw them all away in a week. So, lots of scraping, scooping and gagging led to a pretty empty shell that carved amazingly well.
So, looks like a fun night for all. Hopefully I won't have too much trouble staying awake. The older I get, the harder that is. Argh! We have a busy couple of days ahead, and the National Novel Writing Month kicks off tomorrow... ack!
For some fun, this site has a collection horror film posters. Sometimes those are the scariest parts of the movies!
Have a creepy, eerie, scary Halloween everyone!
Monday, October 27, 2008
Scariest Movie Monsters/Killers
In honor of the ongoing Halloween week horror movie-fest, and since another site decided to do their own Top 28 Horror Movie Villains, here are My Top 10 Horror Movie Monsters/Killers.
Notice I said MY, as in this list is totally my point of view. But, feel free to tell me who scares the beejeezus out of you!
10. 112 Ocean Avenue, Amityville (The Amityville Horror)
This house scared the crap out of me when I was a kid. I haven't watched the film in years, that shows you the fear etched into my brain. I remember seeing it at a drive-in one night and being freaked out by the scene where the stairs break and there is blood oozing. Gives me shivers still.
9. Norman Bates (Psycho)
Bates is one that lingers in my mind, because even a quiet mama's boy can be a nut-job, as insane a killer as the flesh-wearing maniac with a chainsaw. Anyone can be the lunatic.
8. The Miner (My Bloody Valentine)
This movie and it's killer had more to do with mystery and atmosphere, to me anyway. Something always seems dark and hidden, waiting to jump out and get you. Just unnerved me enough once to leave a lasting impression in the dark shafts of my mind.
7. Dracula (Dracula)
Even though he has been played by seemingly hundreds of actors over the years, there is still something evil about the Count. I like different takes on the character, for different reasons. Bela Lugosi's Dracula has that "Old World" mystery about him, but Christopher Lee's Dracula has a strange aloofness that can unsettle you. And don't forget Max Schreck's Nosferatu, so bizarre and creepy and weird. Was he playing himself?!?
6. Curt Duncan (When a Stranger Calls)
Not a typical pick, but this guy is so nuts that he stalks the babysitter so he can enjoy the torment he causes. The second half of the film shows more of his insanity. An uncomfortable experience, but I say that in a good way. Really.
5. The Creeper (Jeepers Creepers)
The first film is the better one, showing a really strange creature who is not human, but yet does such human things (driving like an ass, for one). The single scene that clinched this monster as a goosebump inducer is when the siblings drive past him as he dumps the bodies down the pipe. They see him and are justifiably creeped out, but he stops, looks and WATCHES THEM TOO! ack...
4. Leatherface (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre)
I can feel some sympathy for ol' Leatherface, due to his obvious mental problems stemming from whatever the hell happened with his face. But all pity goes out the window when he whacks the kid on the head, drags him into the kitchen and shuts the door. What the hell just happened???
3. Billy/The Prowler (Black Christmas)
I never saw this one as a kid, and that may be a good thing. When I did watch it a few years ago, I realized that Billy is one creepy, scary freak! Not only is he bat-shit insane, he is hiding in the attic! I would never have gotten our Christmas ornaments down from our attic again had I seen this when I was younger. I guess that would have made for 2 "black Christmases."
2. Jason Voorhees (Friday the 13th)
Jason, Jason, Jason. Some films in the series are seriously lacking in real scares (A New Beginning and Jason Takes Manhattan the worst, in my opinion), but Jason is so hell-bent determined to just kill, kill, kill that you have to be afraid of ever crossing his path. Relentless, ruthless, patient. How DO people sleep at campgrounds?
1. Michael Myers (Halloween)
The blank white face, the dark eyes, the tilt of his head. The original film does it best, of course. Michael Myers is a human void filled with the need to kill. Is he insane? Immoral? Just plain evil? Who knows and who cares. He is out there, and he wants to stalk and kill. To this day, I still feel uneasy, unsettled when I watch Halloween. It has the power to make me do double-takes at shadows and jump at slight noises. At age 37.
So, there you go, the ten movie monsters and killers that make my heart beat a little faster. But in a good way, as any horror movie fan knows.
Watch one of these flicks this week since "It's Halloween, everyone's entitled to one good scare."
Notice I said MY, as in this list is totally my point of view. But, feel free to tell me who scares the beejeezus out of you!
10. 112 Ocean Avenue, Amityville (The Amityville Horror)
This house scared the crap out of me when I was a kid. I haven't watched the film in years, that shows you the fear etched into my brain. I remember seeing it at a drive-in one night and being freaked out by the scene where the stairs break and there is blood oozing. Gives me shivers still.
9. Norman Bates (Psycho)
Bates is one that lingers in my mind, because even a quiet mama's boy can be a nut-job, as insane a killer as the flesh-wearing maniac with a chainsaw. Anyone can be the lunatic.
8. The Miner (My Bloody Valentine)
This movie and it's killer had more to do with mystery and atmosphere, to me anyway. Something always seems dark and hidden, waiting to jump out and get you. Just unnerved me enough once to leave a lasting impression in the dark shafts of my mind.
7. Dracula (Dracula)
Even though he has been played by seemingly hundreds of actors over the years, there is still something evil about the Count. I like different takes on the character, for different reasons. Bela Lugosi's Dracula has that "Old World" mystery about him, but Christopher Lee's Dracula has a strange aloofness that can unsettle you. And don't forget Max Schreck's Nosferatu, so bizarre and creepy and weird. Was he playing himself?!?
6. Curt Duncan (When a Stranger Calls)
Not a typical pick, but this guy is so nuts that he stalks the babysitter so he can enjoy the torment he causes. The second half of the film shows more of his insanity. An uncomfortable experience, but I say that in a good way. Really.
5. The Creeper (Jeepers Creepers)
The first film is the better one, showing a really strange creature who is not human, but yet does such human things (driving like an ass, for one). The single scene that clinched this monster as a goosebump inducer is when the siblings drive past him as he dumps the bodies down the pipe. They see him and are justifiably creeped out, but he stops, looks and WATCHES THEM TOO! ack...
4. Leatherface (The Texas Chainsaw Massacre)
I can feel some sympathy for ol' Leatherface, due to his obvious mental problems stemming from whatever the hell happened with his face. But all pity goes out the window when he whacks the kid on the head, drags him into the kitchen and shuts the door. What the hell just happened???
3. Billy/The Prowler (Black Christmas)
I never saw this one as a kid, and that may be a good thing. When I did watch it a few years ago, I realized that Billy is one creepy, scary freak! Not only is he bat-shit insane, he is hiding in the attic! I would never have gotten our Christmas ornaments down from our attic again had I seen this when I was younger. I guess that would have made for 2 "black Christmases."
2. Jason Voorhees (Friday the 13th)
Jason, Jason, Jason. Some films in the series are seriously lacking in real scares (A New Beginning and Jason Takes Manhattan the worst, in my opinion), but Jason is so hell-bent determined to just kill, kill, kill that you have to be afraid of ever crossing his path. Relentless, ruthless, patient. How DO people sleep at campgrounds?
1. Michael Myers (Halloween)
The blank white face, the dark eyes, the tilt of his head. The original film does it best, of course. Michael Myers is a human void filled with the need to kill. Is he insane? Immoral? Just plain evil? Who knows and who cares. He is out there, and he wants to stalk and kill. To this day, I still feel uneasy, unsettled when I watch Halloween. It has the power to make me do double-takes at shadows and jump at slight noises. At age 37.
So, there you go, the ten movie monsters and killers that make my heart beat a little faster. But in a good way, as any horror movie fan knows.
Watch one of these flicks this week since "It's Halloween, everyone's entitled to one good scare."
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Laptop Amnesia
I just don't get spyware, trojans, viruses or the people who spend their time creating them!
I spent a good portion of last night, this morning and this afternoon attempting to deal with the aftereffects of a trojan my laptop was infected with. I thought I had it licked last night, only to find it was still there this morning. My final attempt at getting rid of it had unforeseen consequences, and I was left with one avenue: using the computer's recovery disc.
Needless to say, that wasn't without sacrifices, as I lost all my saved everything. I know, in this day and age, I should have had everything backed up somewhere. I didn't, and I am paying that price now.
Of course, some of it was good stuff to lose, things I was saving that I really didn't need to save. But a lot of it I did want. Oh well. It's over, spilled milk and all that, time to move on.
Have the protection settings boosted in the wake of all this. Hope it helps. I still don't get why people take pleasure in creating a program to cause others misery. I don't think I ever will.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Still watching horror movies. Right now, Turner Classic Movies is airing Peeping Tom from 1960. An odd psychological/thriller/horror movie, shocking when it first came out. So far, so good.
I spent a good portion of last night, this morning and this afternoon attempting to deal with the aftereffects of a trojan my laptop was infected with. I thought I had it licked last night, only to find it was still there this morning. My final attempt at getting rid of it had unforeseen consequences, and I was left with one avenue: using the computer's recovery disc.
Needless to say, that wasn't without sacrifices, as I lost all my saved everything. I know, in this day and age, I should have had everything backed up somewhere. I didn't, and I am paying that price now.
Of course, some of it was good stuff to lose, things I was saving that I really didn't need to save. But a lot of it I did want. Oh well. It's over, spilled milk and all that, time to move on.
Have the protection settings boosted in the wake of all this. Hope it helps. I still don't get why people take pleasure in creating a program to cause others misery. I don't think I ever will.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Still watching horror movies. Right now, Turner Classic Movies is airing Peeping Tom from 1960. An odd psychological/thriller/horror movie, shocking when it first came out. So far, so good.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Halloween & Horror Movies
Halloween is almost here, and that means the TV lineup is filled with my favorite movies - scary movies! I wish they were all scary, but sadly, that isn't always the case. Lots of them can be downright bad, and not in the good-bad way, but in the lose-my-attention way. Ugh.
I still get excited in the week leading up to Halloween, mainly because of all the movies airing. The old classics are like comfort food, and there is always hope something great will be found in a new flick.
AMC (American Movie Classics) starts their annual FearFest tonight (previously called MonsterFest, not sure what necessitated the name change) with the original Halloween from 1978, my all-time favorite movie. AMC is playing up the 30th anniversary of the film, with Rob Zombie hosting FearFest, and PJ Soles as his guest, she played Linda in that movie. Always good to see her, she respects the fans and the movie, and she is always totally happy and smiling.
Some of the other movies on tonight are good, Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers among them. Always liked this one, it has an effectively creepy feel, even if it was more like other 80s slasher films than the original film. Rachel was a great "scream queen," and Danielle Harris stood out. Zombie has her as a guest tonight, as well. Very cool!
Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers is airing, as well, which is okay. This film has some interesting ideas and scenes, but I think losing Rachel was a bad idea. The scene with the kids at the park and Michael behind the tree always creeps me out.
Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers airs later, not much good I can say about that one. Confusing, far-fetched - bleh.
Even later tonight (early in the a.m. actually) Motel Hell is airing. Now this is an an odd one. If you haven't seen it, well ... 1980, Rory Calhoun, Nancy Parsons (Beulah Ballbricker from Porky's) and home-made beef jerky you WON'T want to try. Need I say more?
So, all in all, not a bad start for a week of scary movies. Hope I can stay up for most of them. Not as easy as it used to be, that's for sure!
Happy Halloween!
I still get excited in the week leading up to Halloween, mainly because of all the movies airing. The old classics are like comfort food, and there is always hope something great will be found in a new flick.
AMC (American Movie Classics) starts their annual FearFest tonight (previously called MonsterFest, not sure what necessitated the name change) with the original Halloween from 1978, my all-time favorite movie. AMC is playing up the 30th anniversary of the film, with Rob Zombie hosting FearFest, and PJ Soles as his guest, she played Linda in that movie. Always good to see her, she respects the fans and the movie, and she is always totally happy and smiling.
Some of the other movies on tonight are good, Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers among them. Always liked this one, it has an effectively creepy feel, even if it was more like other 80s slasher films than the original film. Rachel was a great "scream queen," and Danielle Harris stood out. Zombie has her as a guest tonight, as well. Very cool!
Halloween 5: The Revenge of Michael Myers is airing, as well, which is okay. This film has some interesting ideas and scenes, but I think losing Rachel was a bad idea. The scene with the kids at the park and Michael behind the tree always creeps me out.
Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers airs later, not much good I can say about that one. Confusing, far-fetched - bleh.
Even later tonight (early in the a.m. actually) Motel Hell is airing. Now this is an an odd one. If you haven't seen it, well ... 1980, Rory Calhoun, Nancy Parsons (Beulah Ballbricker from Porky's) and home-made beef jerky you WON'T want to try. Need I say more?
So, all in all, not a bad start for a week of scary movies. Hope I can stay up for most of them. Not as easy as it used to be, that's for sure!
Happy Halloween!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
A new blog.
So, a new blog. For me, at least.
I have blogged in the past. Twice, actually.
The first time, it was still called a "journal" and I used it to keep track of my progress towards, during and after my joint replacements (knee and two hips). I kept up with it for a bit, through all three surgeries, but afterwards it kind of died off.
The second time was on MySpace. I wrote a few random things, nothing major, nothing regular. I always thought "why bother" and "what could I post that anyone would want to read?" But, reading a post today from a friend who hit her six-year blog-anniversary, I was shown a reason why I should blog: For myself.
She made a point of saying that she writes to get the stuff out of her head, and that resonated with me. So, I will post what I want, when I want and how I want. I won't ask anyone to read it or comment on it or care about it.
I will at least be getting some flotsam and jetsam out of my head. Maybe I can help my writing, find some ideas for stories, articles - whatever. But it will all be just for me.
Feel free to read, or not. Feel free to share, or not. Enjoy it, or not.
I am going to!
I have blogged in the past. Twice, actually.
The first time, it was still called a "journal" and I used it to keep track of my progress towards, during and after my joint replacements (knee and two hips). I kept up with it for a bit, through all three surgeries, but afterwards it kind of died off.
The second time was on MySpace. I wrote a few random things, nothing major, nothing regular. I always thought "why bother" and "what could I post that anyone would want to read?" But, reading a post today from a friend who hit her six-year blog-anniversary, I was shown a reason why I should blog: For myself.
She made a point of saying that she writes to get the stuff out of her head, and that resonated with me. So, I will post what I want, when I want and how I want. I won't ask anyone to read it or comment on it or care about it.
I will at least be getting some flotsam and jetsam out of my head. Maybe I can help my writing, find some ideas for stories, articles - whatever. But it will all be just for me.
Feel free to read, or not. Feel free to share, or not. Enjoy it, or not.
I am going to!
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