Sunday, May 28, 2006

Let's talk finales

Well that time has come again. The end of the major TV season with cliffhanging finales and happy series endings.

First, 24. Not as splashy as I expected but a fitting ending to a wiener of a president. I am glad his wife was able to pull him down and Jack finally got the girl, if only for a few minutes (1.5 minutes to be exact). Anyway, now he is off to China with extreme torture in his future. What is his street value anyway? Beyond the unbelievable, it is the character moments that I love in this show. That and its amazing production value. How cool is it that we get to see a movie production every week for an hour and sometimes two?

Desperate Housewives. A little predictable what with the other son doing the killing and Susan's boyfriend getting the hit and run. I did not expect it to be the dentist though, definitely something he wanted covered up. The Solis' infidelity is very boring to me but I tend to like Gabrielle's character the most next to Brie. Golly, poor Brie has had some trauma about this year. I would like to see her calm her rententiveness next season. By the by, I just can not watch Susan without thinking of Penny Parker on MacGyver. I have watched Teri Hatcher multiple times in that show and she brings out Penny a lot in Housewives. Give 'em hell, Penny!

Lost. You would think with all the great minds writing this show, they would answer some of those damn questions. Sure, now we know why the plane crashed and that the Others are not what they seem but sheesh, a whole year and we still do not know anything about the polar bears or the crazy monsters or why Walt's thoughts seem to manifest. Still, just like 24 its all about the characters and production value. Add to that some witty writing and the impressive combination of past and present story lines and you have a show that I just can not avoid. I was glad to see Michael and his son ride off into the sunset and even more interested that Kate was looking to Jack when they were led off. I just know Hurley is going to come through and get Sayid to save those three. The episode was topped off with a lovely little kiss between Charlie and Claire and Locke admitting he was wrong. I think this goes along with the show's tagline: Everything happens for a reason. Please explain that next season.

Veronica Mars. There is no description for the joy I feel when I watch this show. While not as poignant as Buffy, VM has style all her own and tying this year's plot with last year's murder of Lily, the best friend and occasional bisexual (how funny was that?) was pure genius. Beaver's emotional outburst that his name was Cassidy and then Logan trying to get him down from the roof by using said name was probably the best part of the finale. That and VM finding out that Beaver raped her and killed her father. Anyway, it all ends up okay for the Mars family though we get a nice glimpse of next season. Cordelia Chase, ahem, Kendell Casablancas, ahem, Priscilla Banks seems to have fallen on to some money and some trouble. Also, we have to get Weevil out of jail so he can make his grandmother proud and walk during graduation. Looks like it will be a fun season on the new CW.

Alias. A tremendous wrap up to this series which had seen better days and worse for that matter. Even with all the Rambaldi nonsense and the immortality hocus pocus, it was a fun ride. I am happy to see most of the main characters survive, although I would have preferred Sloan to stay dead. Still I can be satisfied that he will live an eternal lifetime in a crazy man's tomb with not even his dead daughter with whom to talk. Poor Tom and Jack did not make it and even Irina fell to a horrible death. I was disappointed there were so many flashbacks and not one with Will. However, Francie was a pleasant surprise. The complex storylines made it hard to continue watching this show but I am glad I stuck it out. It was the action sequences and quirky assignments that made it enjoyable. Not to mention Michael Vartan with whom I am secretly in love. Arrivederci Phoenix, it was fun knowing you.

There were some other surprises. Grisom and Sara was not a twist I liked very much on C.S.I. The Without a Trace ending was nice although I wish they would play Eric Close more and not as a guy hooked on vicodin. Actually, the only character I do not really like on that show is Jack and that is because he is so inconsistent sometimes. Smallville was kind of fun, a nice round about way to bring in Zod but please get Lana out of the way because she is way over the top sometimes. ER also had that cliff hanger of an ending but I expected nothing less from this veteran show. I just hope they get back to the hospital drama and have less bedroom scenes. Get back to what made this show good, people. Finally, House. A kind of weird season to a show that gives me lots of weird feelings. I like that it is daring in that capacity but it is also something that tends to ward me away from it. You can not miss Hugh Laurie as House, though. A huge character that is almost underplayed by him. That and sometimes I wish he would bring in that British accent. The other characters on this show are also just a bit inconsistent with the exception of Cuddy, who I find kind of intriguing. I like that there is this strong female in the lead and that she is contemplating artificial insemination. It actually seems like something the character would do. The season ender was kind of strange but so was last season's ender. In fact, the last few episodes of this sophomore season were very tied together. I look forward to working with the M.D. again. Just please cut the C.S.I. computer generated bodily functions. It is starting to really get to me.

Well, with the fall-spring shows ending. The summer starts up. Monk, 4400, Dead Zone, the Stargates, and some new shows are popping up on several networks. It is not just reality this summer, much to my appreciation. It makes me want to turn on my tube which is actually a digitally created picture. But hey, that is just the geek talking.

Thursday, May 11, 2006

When is a bed not just a bed?

When it is not delivered when it is supposed to be? When it one of your first major purchases? When it is part of a complete bedroom set? When you have been waiting eight weeks for it? How about all of the above. Why do I always have such bad luck?

Monday, May 08, 2006

Whithersoever they blow


Man of La Mancha lyrics aside, this Da Vinci Quest by google has actually been a little fun. Sure the questions are a pain and the puzzles not so tough but it gives me a five minute break every day. The symbol puzzles are the best, sort of a contorted sudoku puzzle. As I am reading Angels and Demons these days, there is also a connection. I am hoping for a big kicker of an ending to my quest.

Tuesday, May 02, 2006

"I'm and unholy mess of a girl"

The Philadelphia Story, 1940, starring Cary Grant, Katherine Hepburn, and James Stewart. Nominated for four academy awards, this film won for Best Writing/Screenplay and Best Actor in a Leading Role giving Jimmy the first of his only two Oscar statues in his prestigious career.

This has to be my favorite quote of all time. The entire scene is fantastic and I find myself watching, captivated by Grant and Hepburn. Oh but Katherine, she steals the scene and Grant's timing is impeccable. For me, the epitome of classic film.

HEPBURN: "I'm such an unholy mess of a girl."
GRANT: "That's no good. That's not even conversation."

Friday, April 28, 2006

Use the force

Best home made lightsaber duel ever!

This is a very talented star wars fan movie which brings out the fangirl side of me!

Thursday, April 27, 2006

Not a red or a blue state

USA National Gas Temperature Map

It seems that in this map, it is better to be a green state. Who knew there was a good thing about living in a state like Montana or Idaho. I am just glad that I am yellow and not in New York or California like some siblings I know.

Friday, April 21, 2006

Speaking of super heros

How much do I miss Teen Titans?

More than anyone knows.

Thursday, April 20, 2006

Leaps for justice

I came into Justice League and Justice League Unlimited pretty late. Although, a fairly decent DC comics fan and a huge Batman: The Animated Series fanatic, I guess JL and JLU went over my head went it first appeared. Over the years, DVDs have been released with non sequential episodes but never has a full season been released until now. After watching an animated series from the beginning and in the order it was meant to be seen, I can not believe I missed this glorious series. Lovely animation with all that super hero goodness, not to mention the personal story lines and just plain fun dialog. It will never get old and I believe this series is a close second to Batman: The Animated Series. It was sad to hear that it is ending its six year run in three weeks.

Tuesday, April 04, 2006

Mystery Project Update 1


So I am making something for a friend of mine and I can not say much about it because she may or may not check this blog. Therefore, you have to bear with the cloak and dagger stuff. I am 1/5 the way through and right on schedule, if not a little ahead. The yarn is a gem, in fact it is Louet Gems and blocks wonderfully. The project itself is a blast, easy to carry around because it is done in parts, and just fun to knit because every row is different. The hard part is waiting to be able to finish. Back to it!

Saturday, March 18, 2006

80% completed

AFI's 100 YEARS...100 MOVIES

Seeing AFI's top 100 movies is vital to keeping my movie buff title. After this past weekend, I have seen 80 of them. That is thirty classic movies since 2002 when I noticed I had already seen about half. With each film comes a renewed passion for the film industry, both past and present. It is amazing what leaders in the industry were able to accomplish back then and fun to see how far they have come today. Even with the rising costs, the pitiful attempts at epic art, and the horrendous junk that is produced these days, it still remains my favorite pastime. "Let's all go to the movies." ~Daddy Warbucks, Annie 1982

Friday, March 10, 2006

I want my CL2 now.

TechCrunch » Exclusive Screenshots: Google Calendar
Let's hope this comes out soon because it looks awesome.

Updated to note that Google loves to bring out software on April 1 (sort of an April Fool's joke but not). Anyway, here's hoping that CL2 is released in a few weeks!

Thursday, March 09, 2006

A list as long as...

So I have a list of Anime that I have seen or want to see in my links section. I redid it last night using a better reference for links (animenewsnetwork.com has an impressive site, I think). After completing the revamp, I noticed that the anime I have seen list is longer than the anime I want to see. That is a first.

Tuesday, March 07, 2006

Fortune favors the brave

This week marks the end of two anime series on Cartoon Network in which I have been invested for a year; Full Metal Alchemist and Samurai Champloo. One is about two brothers struggling to put back part of their lives and literally part of their bodies. Following its mantra of equivalent exchange, this struggle comes at a huge price. The FMA story has become very complex and political but still retains its stamina. The characters leave me heartbroken but hopeful. The other's story does not live up to the hype of the crew's predecessor, Cowboy Bebop. Champloo is lacking in consistency and true character development. However, its art and action are one to behold and story paucity notwithstanding, I still am eager to learn its conclusion.

Tuesday, February 28, 2006

Holy smoke!

Goodness, Elizabeth is beautiful and even Paul brings tears to my eyes. Cat on a Hot Tin Roof steams with excellent acting and powerful stage direction. You would think it would be a boring tale of Southern familigia but somehow you are drawn to them and their pitiful lives and wives. I have never felt more adoration for these two young actors in their prime.

Parting is such sweet sorrow

I just finished the Soul Society arc of recent anime, Bleach, and I can safely say this is one of the best anime I have watched in a while. It has everything I love about anime, amazing talent, intriguing character backstory, a convoluted world, and action fights that so live up to the powers of its main character, Ichigo. Still, it was Renji who captured my devotion. And luckily he comes back after the arc finishes. Seriously, we finally are exposed to great animated art that is Bleach. Bring it on.

Monday, February 20, 2006

Those lovable grifters

Hustle

It seems like it has been done before but never quite as entertaining. Oh there have been movies about it. In fact, The Sting is referred to more than once. And sometimes the good guys end up playing a con or two in your favorite crime drama. So, I went in thinking it was just going to be a mediocre show and to tell you the truth, it is. But the characters draw you in and before you know it, you are rooting for them. BBC has brought more than one capable drama to the tele and I have to say, this one is a must see.

Saturday, February 11, 2006

A comedic situation

I do not watch sitcoms anymore because they fail to make me laugh, and that is saying something. There are two exceptions to this. The first is Scrubs. It is so hard not to smile at the twisted humor and imaginary antics these characters play on each other, let alone hard to laugh at loud. Then they turn around and move you with their friendship and love. Even with their female names and quirky jokes, I keep coming back for more. Arrested Development is the other show that makes me laugh loudly. It is so off the wall. I await the next season on Netflix.

Thursday, February 09, 2006

Composer, conductor, creator

John Williams conductsA man among men, John Williams celebrates his 74th birthday this week. 2005 has seen three of his scores, two of which have been Oscar nominated and the other ending a thirty year epic. His music has changed how we have heard films and broken barriers that no one even imagined were there. Acclaimed and accredited, seventy years has nothing on this man.

Monday, January 30, 2006

In honor of Being Green


My Dad, being the nice guy that he is, sent me a book the other day entitled It Isn't Easy Being Green and other things to consider which is a collection of quotes and poems by Kermit, Jim Henson, and Friends. Now my dad is great. A smart and funny man, most of the time. In honor of his goodness and sense of humor, I submit this advice which is identical to some he has given me time and again, minus the pigs part.

"Here's some simple advice: Always be yourself. Never take yourself too seriously. And beware of advice from experts, pigs, and members of Parliament." ~ Kermit

Wednesday, January 25, 2006

Look what I did


Been wanting a small bag for a while and felting seemed to be the right thing. I have to admit it turned out well.