Mister Rogers the Clown

This is the most disturbing this you will see all day.

Good Stuff - Ghetto Man

Book Review - Atlantis by David Gibbins

Atlantis

By David Gibbins

The Story

Marine archeologist Jack Howard may have found the key to uncovering Atlantis, the legendary sunken city purportedly built by a flourishing culture. A scrap of papyrus discovered in an Egyptian desert, which may contain a secondhand account of the lost city, sends Jack scrambling to assemble a team, including Costas, an MIT- and Stanford-trained expert in "submersible technology" and Katya, a beautiful Russian Atlantis specialist. Once prepped and in position in the Aegean Sea, Jack and company find themselves caught up with Kazakhstan terrorists and a multicountry fight over a missing Soviet nuclear submarine—and that's before they've uncovered the ancient secrets of the lost city. -- From Publishers Weekly

The Deal

This story reminds me very much of a Clive Cussler story. Any of his Dirk Pitt adventures will do. The book is riddled with underwater exploration and archeological finds that would make Indiana Jones quiver. However, just because you may love Clive Cussler novels (I do), does not mean that you will necessarily even like this story. The book gets bogged down in the technical dialogue and gets very confusing on the geography. I needed to consult a world map to understand the points of reference. The characters jump all over the Mediterranean and the Black Sea so much, I feel Greek.

The Bottom Line

It is a big read, 480 pages. With so much great fiction out there, I would PASS. The story ended with a “that’s it?” feeling. I felt ripped off for my time investment.

Technorati Tags: Book Review,Atlantis,David Gibbins

Finally saw "The Dark Knight"

Yes, it is awesome.

You really know someone is a good actor and is entrenched in the character, when you cannot even tell that it is them.

Ever site in the world has a comment about this movie.

Enough said by me.

The Watchmen Trailer

 

This does look unbelievable!

Can't wait.

USA Network Taps Saab in Product Integration Deal

From BrandWeek

July 22, 2008

-By Steve Miller

USA Network has formed a deal with Saab USA to use multi-platform
integration of the Saab 9-3 Convertible in second season episodes
of Burn Notice. The car is driven by one of the show's
protagonists and is featured in an online game called "Covert Ops."

"Saab USA is another example of the many ways we're partnering with
our advertisers across multiple platforms," Chris McCumber,
evp-marketing, digital and brand strategy at USA Network, said in a
statement.

Nine episodes of the show will air this summer and another seven
starting in January. The deal also includes full Saab presence on
the Web site for Burn Notice, as well as ad buys during the
show.

"It's a relationship that hits some major platforms," said
Alexandra Shapiro, USA Network's svp-brand marketing and digital.
"On-air is the core component, integrated into the show. Then
through online, with 'Covert Ops,' as both the presenting sponsor
and through integration in the game."

"Covert Ops," at BurnNoticeOps.com, invites visitors to play a game
and become an operative by helping characters solve a case. The
Saab 9-3 is integrated into the game through branding experiences
tied to missions. Players receive interactive video hints, e-mails
and text messages from the cast as they are given instructions for
various challenges. Players who complete each challenge are
eligible to win the grand prize: a 2009 Saab 9-3 and a visit to the
set of Burn Notice in Miami. "Covert Ops" will run until the
end of September.

Through its affiliation with the series, Saab is addressing a key
demographic: 25- to 54-year-olds with a higher-than-average
income. This season's premier of Burn Notice (on July
10) delivered 2.7 million viewers in the 25-54 age group—the second
highest of any original cable series this year, per USA Network.

Saab seeks to follow in the footsteps of Volvo and Mercedes with a
smaller, more affordable entry-level car that is scheduled to debut
in the next few years.

General Motors has forged several placement deals with USA Network
shows over the years, including the integration of Buick into
Monk and its self-proclaimed "eco-friendly" vehicles into an
episode of Law & Order: CI.

Cadillacs were used in initial episodes of Burn Notice
before the deal with Saab was finalized. Saab spent $26 million
last year on advertising and $3 million through April, per Nielsen
Monitor-Plus.

Sci Fi - Press Release

SCI FI UNVEILS SCI FI VENTURES PORTFOLIO OF BUSINESSES ENCOMPASSING GAMING, PUBLISHING, MERCHANDISING, DIGITAL, WIRELESS AND YOUTH MARKET
Released by Sci Fi
[NOTE: The following article is a press release issued by the aforementioned network and/or company. Any errors, typos, etc. are attributed to the original author. The release is reproduced solely for the dissemination of the enclosed information.]

SCI FI UNVEILS SCI FI VENTURES PORTFOLIO OF BUSINESSES ENCOMPASSING GAMING, PUBLISHING, MERCHANDISING, DIGITAL, WIRELESS AND YOUTH MARKET

Beverly Hills, CA - July 20, 2008 - SCI FI today announced the formation of SCI FI Ventures, a new portfolio of media and non-media businesses, which transcend the television screen and leverage the deep affinity the SCI FI audience has with the most main stream and profitable genre world-wide. The announcement was made today by Dave Howe, President, SCI FI.

"SCI FI Ventures is a major initiative that demonstrates our commitment to building businesses and driving maximum value around the unique relationship we have with our audience," said Mr. Howe in making the announcement. "The SCI FI brand's deep connection with its consumers - comprised chiefly of trend-setting innovators - proves that SCI FI has the power and the imagination to reach beyond the television screen to become a total global lifestyle brand."

The businesses in addition to SCI FI Channel include:

SCI FI MEDIA

A portfolio of media assets focused on dominating the sci-fi/fantasy genre as well as adjacent affinity-based experiences. In addition to the top-10 ranked SCI FI Channel, SCIFI Media also includes the category-killing SCIFI.com, the world's #1 genre Web destination. Recent digital expansions include DVICE, the Website for the technology obsessed, and Fidgit, the consumer entertainment general game site. SCI FI Media's portfolio will continue to grow and expand with a new stand-alone Website focused on the latest entertainment news and reviews, and the development of a theatrical film banner, SCI FI Films.

SCI FI GAMES

The popularity of sci-fi/fantasy genre based titles and passion SCI FI fans have for video games make SCI FI Games a natural component of the SCI FI Ventures portfolio. SCI FI recently announced a groundbreaking partnership with Trion Worldwide to co-develop and simultaneously launch a global TV and MMOG (Massively Multi-Player Online Game) experience. This effort represents the next evolution in deeply immersive dynamic MMOGs and will allow SCI FI's audience to actually "play out" the story they will be seeing on television inside a video game. Additionally, NBC Universal recently acquired an equity stake in BigPoint, market leader in browser based multiplayer online games, through its Peacock Equity Fund. BigPoint Games will be hosted on SCIFI.com along with a range of more casual games based on SCI FI Channel shows.

SCI FI GEAR

Working with licensing agency BrandSense, SCI FI Ventures will develop, produce and market licensed product lines for SCI FI's passionate consumer base in retail and on-line. Based in Los Angeles, CA, Brand Sense Partners, LLC was founded by Brian France, Chairman & CEO of NASCAR. Their high profile clients include Britney Spears, Halle Berry, and Magic Johnson Enterprises.

SCI FI PUBLISHING

With new comic book titles serving as the creative genesis, SCI FI/Virgin Comics are developing fresh properties that integrate the unique spirit and vitality of both brands. Delivering innovative, multi-platform projects, original concepts are being considered across all mediums from publishing, film and television to digital and gaming.

SCI FI KIDS

For many consumers, the passion for the science fiction and fantasy genre starts when they are very young. Accordingly, SCI FI plans to expand the brand by launching a kid's division to serve the all-important youth market of 2 - 17 year olds. This business will be analog and digital with physical product extensions to create an immersive world within which young consumers can stimulate their imaginations with fantastical worlds and stories.

SCI FI Channel is a television network where "what if" is what's on. SCI FI fuels the imagination of viewers with original series and events, blockbuster movies and classic science fiction and fantasy programming, as well as a dynamic Web site (www.scifi.com ) and magazine. Launched in 1992, and currently in 93 million homes, SCI FI Channel is a network of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies.

Movie Review: Space Chimps

The family and I went to see Space Chimps this weekend. We where four of the ten people in the theater. Tough for a second weekend of a film, but what do you expect with 5 screens of The Dark Knight next door? Once again, I must say, Patrick Warburton is the hardest working man in showbiz. Honestly, is he the only actor with a larger than life voice that can play jarhead type roles? I digress.

The Story

What you get in Space Chimps is a story of three chimps that get to go into space and make first contact. Of course there is a back-story where one of the chimps is a slacker whose grandfather was the first chimp in space and a hero. He of course wants nothing to do with being a hero and is more into the show business lifestyle. You have seen the story many times; I am not going into it further. That story line really gets old in this movie. The hero chimp constantly acts like a diva and it get annoying.


The Deal

It is a very good movie. It held my attention and the attention of a four year old until the end. It also had enough adult inside jokes to make it humorous for grown ups, while being corny enough to entertain the tots.

The Bottom Line

I would say, wait until the movie comes out on DVD. Great movie to rent, maybe own for the kids. Not really worth the price of theater admission when compared to other summer hits (Wall.e).

PS. Preview for Fly me to the Moon in 3D looks cool.

Chuck vs Hellboy II

DVD Review - Diamond Dogs

Diamond Dogs
Available 04/29/08

The Story
In debt to the Mongolian mob, maverick ex-Army officer Xander Ronson (Dolph Lundgren) reluctantly agrees to guide a team of American fortune hunters on a quest to find the legendary Tangka tapestry in this martial arts action thriller. Obstacles natural and supernatural stand in the team's way -- from a competing gang of Russian mercenaries to an ancient curse rumored to protect the relic. - Netflix


The Deal
DVD comes nicely equipped with a digital copy of the film. This is a really great feature for you Ipod people, who love to watch a movie on a 2 inch screen. Other than that, there is a making of featurette. No big deal here…

The Bottom Line
Ever since Rocky IV, Dolph Lundgren has been in movies. Bad movies. Don’t get me wrong, I love bad movies. The acting here reminded me of the acting in a porno. The lines were either done over the top or under the breath.

I will give it this; the martial art sequences are very well done. I think there was more than one actual nose broken in the making of this film. The story was supposed to be enjoyable to those who would like Tomb Raider or National Treasure, but Dolph is no Angelina or Nick.

I have to say PASS on this straight to DVD feature. Unless you are inviting some buddies over to drink some beers, with something on in the background- then rent it. It will be on Sci Fi or Showtime late one night, enjoy it them after some drinks.



Best Quote

“That is my American friend over there.”

DVD review: The Mist

The Mist
(2007)

The Story

After a brutal thunderstorm pounds a small town, the residents discover a malevolent mist hangs over their homes, killing anyone who remains outside. Trapped in a grocery store, a band of survivors must make a stand against the deadly fog. Based on a story by horror maestro Stephen King and directed by multiple Oscar nominee Frank Darabont, this spine chiller stars Thomas Jane, Marcia Gay Harden and Andre Braugher. – Netflix

The Deal

This movie was written very closely to the book, which is rare in modern cinema. Usually they shorten for time, or create elements for merchandising (Jurassic Park). However, the last fifteen minutes of the movie gives us an ending that is completely different from the King’s book.

Lots of extras on this DVD. We get a few commentaries, a good bit of deleted scenes, and trailers for other movies. I wish it had an alternate ending, but then it would have been perfect…

The Bottom Line

This is a tough choice for PASS or RENT. I will go with RENT. The movie is excellent. You get the typical clique of folks in the store, which seams to happen during disasters. The religious fanatics, the angry racial group, the cool headed townies, and the evil military personnel are all represented in force. Great special effects, good monsters (very Cthulhu looking), and great acting. The ending just screwed the whole thing up.

Semi Spoiler Alert*
In the story, you never know what becomes of the “hero(es)”. You just know that they left their story behind and it was found. In the movie, they give us a “bullet to the brain” ending that seems rushed. Like the said, “Well we got five minutes to end this thing, let’s just have them give up”.

It would be the same feeling if the Rebel Alliance just went ahead and set their ships on fire in the 3rd movie, because there was a shield around the Death Star.


Best Quote

“The question on my mind is; what was that tentacle attached to?”

DVD review: I Know Who Killed Me

I Know Who Killed Me

The Story

When Aubrey Fleming (Lindsay Lohan) is kidnapped and tortured by a serial killer, she manages to escape with her life -- but minus a limb and convinced that's she's not Aubrey but rather Dakota, her double. While those close to her suspect she's suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, the would-be victim is sure she's still in danger and races to save Aubrey's life and her own in this thriller co-starring Julia Ormand and Neal McDonough. - Netflix


The Deal

Not only is Dakota her double, but she is a stripper. In fact this is commonly known as “The Lindsay Lohan Stripper Movie”. I like to think of it as the “Parent Trap 2008”. If you see the movie, you will know what I mean…

As for DVD features, it has an extended 'dance' scene, and alternate ending, and an alternate opening. Not enough to save it, however.




The Bottom Line

This movie is a PASS. Let me go ahead and answer the questions on all guys’ minds. She does not get naked. She also has this slow stripper dance which kills the ‘pace’ of the movie. In fact:
- She takes the ‘exotic’ out of exotic dancer.
- She looks like the kind of stripper that would have bruises all over her.
- She is the kind of stripper you would throw loose change at.
- She would do better to dance at children’s birthday parties as a clown.
- The club DJ announces her as “Bathroom Break”.





Best Quote

“I know who killed me!” – Dakota Moss (oh yes, they had her say it)

Book Review - "El Sombra" by Al Ewing

El Sombra

By Al Ewing

The Story

The terrifying Luftwaffe, on their steam-driven wings, have torn apart the sleepy town of Pasito in the heart of Mexico, only to rebuild it as a terrifying clockwork-town where the people become human robots, furthering the nightmare dreams of the Fuhrer.

General Eisenberg and his sociopathic son Alexis control this paradise of horrors. But they are unprepared for the return of a man the desert claimed nine long years ago, a man who has returned from the doors of death and the depths of madness to bring his terrible fury upon their world. With the slash of a sword and a laugh that lights up the night, the man in the bloodstained mask cuts his way through the hopeless, endless routines of the clockwork men to bring new hope to the people. He defies death! He defies man! No trap can hold the masked daredevil, the saint of ghosts men know as El Sombra! – Abaddon Press

The Deal

This is another novel in the Pax Britannia series. This series is based on modern day timeline however the British Empire is the reigning government. Technology is Steampunk based, which apparently steam can power spacecraft and micro circuitry. Nazis, Mexico, Steampunk, and high action, this book has a lot packed into its covers.

The Bottom Line

I must be honest here; this is not my type of literature. I do like alternate reality, but fantasy alternate reality is beyond me. This has Nazis flying around in flapping winged steampunk backpacks. Rocket fueled jetpacks, yes. Flapping wings, no. I can’t get into storylines where steampunk equals magic.

Nevertheless, I am going to give this a PASS. Pass this book on by and look for some other titles from Abaddon Press.

Book Review - "Kill or Cure" by Rebecca Levene

Kill or Cure

By Rebecca Levene

The Story
Jasmine has spent five years underground, locked in a secret government bunker with no one but the skeletons of her dead colleagues for company. Outside, the world has gone to hell, a mysterious virus killing all but 1 in 20 of the world’s population.

It’s enough to drive anyone mad – but Jasmine’s crazier than most. The cure she was working on had an unexpected side effect, psychotic symptoms which only the most powerful drugs can suppress. Jasmine’s rescuers, the pirate rulers of the New Caribbean, don’t care. They need Jasmine’s help to discover what it is that has turned the inhabitants of Cuba into rabid killers. Jasmine’s quest to find a cure for this new plague, as well as for her own barely suppressed madness, draws her across the fractured continent of America and in to the darkest recesses of her own past. – Abaddon Press


The Deal

We have a scientist who is living a messed up, drugged out life. Alone in a caved in underground facility, with a lifetime supply of food and morphine, she waits for someone to come along. Then somebody does. She is then spirited away and forced to detoxify on an ocean liner turned into a floating fortress. There she must work on the cure to the virus, that she created years ago, that turns the living into the walking dead or worse.

The Afterblight Chronicles, which this is a book in that series, is about life after a virus attacks mankind that quickly kills earth’s population. Only people with O negative blood type are spared, however they are not “safe” by a long shot.


The Bottom Line

I loved this book. If had an award to give out for the “2007 Best Post-Apocalyptic Story” this would have received it. This book had many tough storylines: isolationism, drug addiction, horror, and sci fi elements. Think the Resident Evil movies, but much better.

Of course, I am going to say this is a BUY. It’s a buy and read more than once. One of the very few stories that I can say I read cover to cover in a couple days.

Best Quote

“I can help you,” the Voice in my head said “I’m the only thing that can.”

DVD Review: Dragon Wars

Dragon Wars: D-War (2007)

Release date: January 8, 2008

The Story

An ancient Korean legend forms the basis for this action tale of Armageddon. In present-day Los Angeles, reporter Ethan Kendrick (Jason Behr) investigates a series of inexplicable disasters plaguing the city. Fortunately for the citizenry, legend has it that Ethan is in fact the incarnation of an ancient warrior destined to team with the modern counterpart (Amanda Brooks) of his eternal beloved to protect the City of Angels from imminent doom. - DVD Cover



The Deal

This was a very interesting take on dragon movies. Korean dragons are the serpent mythos. We really only see “giant snakes” for the entire movie. At the end you do see the typical Asian dragon, very cool. The plot was very “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”, a lot of fate and destiny type stuff.

About half way through the movie, it becomes an action film. Then it really picks up. The creatures from legend that resurface to claim their reward are amazing. When the armies of darkness attack downtown Los Angeles, it is like legions of Middle Earth from “Lord of the Rings”- versus Apache helicopters and tanks!



The Bottom Line

For the sci fi fan out there, this is a BUY. It is worth multiple views just for the aerial combats of dragons against combat helicopters and modern day soldiers against knights. The special effects are top notch. Nothing looks model or computer generated.

On the DVD, you get a choice of wide or full screen and plenty of Sony previews. It does have a making of feature and storyboards, but no commentary track.


Best Quote:

“In the end, they died star-crossed lovers” – Jack the antique salesman and reincarnated holy warrior.