The "Original" Urban Docent

Rusty

2011-06-14T12:42:00.002-04:00

On the lookout for Caturday

2011-05-28T15:11:00.000-04:00

Braves Baseball

2011-03-28T20:21:00.003-04:00

New York Maple Weekend (35mm)

2011-03-27T09:09:00.002-04:00

OLD 35mm film from D.C.

2011-03-26T09:43:00.001-04:00

Random all-digital images

2011-03-23T11:17:00.002-04:00

More images from the 35mm

2011-03-22T06:43:00.002-04:00

Chloe + Sunny

2011-03-19T16:38:00.002-04:00

More 35mm images (including expired APS film)

2011-02-17T18:39:00.005-05:00

July 2010?

2011-02-16T09:11:00.001-05:00

Wow.... way too long.

2010-07-27T06:49:00.001-04:00

New "Tron Legacy" Trailer

2010-07-22T20:51:00.004-04:00

My reception of "Inception"

2010-07-20T11:49:00.012-04:00

We saw "Inception" at our local Imax because I just had to see for myself what all the shouting is about...

Dream a little dream: Leo DiCaprio plays a master of subconscious espionage, protecting or accessing the secrets of a person's mind during a chemically engineered shared dream state.

While Leo's guy is deft at extracting hidden knowledge, he gets a chance to set his life straight by fulfilling an extremely difficult assignment - complete the implantation or "inception" of an idea.

The run down: It's really hard to find comparisons between the new cinematic vision of Christopher Nolan and something you've already seen. The best I can manage would be some combination of "Mission: Impossible" and "The Matrix Reloaded" and even that misses the mark a bit.

"Inception" is probably one of the better films you'll see this summer, and offers a unique undertaking in the baseline story, visuals and objectives. But while the underpinnings of the storyline excel in originality, they sometimes stumble in their execution.

Once you reach the height of excitement, some of the story becomes a little muddled - not hard to follow, but not executed as cleanly as possible. And I hate to say that much of what happens toward the end is predictable if not unoriginal.

And while it's nice to see DiCaprio in something other than a Scorsese film, I just wasn't 100% behind his performance. He lacks the overall intensity of the marginal "Shutter Island" and the believability of the excellent "The Departed." This is not his best performance to date by far.

Of course, a big hook for "Inception" is the special effects. The CG is solid, but you don't get too many visuals you haven't seen elsewhere. While the action is mostly in dream sequences, the surrealist feeling of "The Matrix" is dropped in favor of a plot-padding alternative vision.

So this brings us to the bigger question - Do I need to see this in Imax? If you want to splurge, I say go for it. Bigger is better with this one, but a nice standard-screen showing in digital will be equally as entertaining.

Bottom line: "Inception" is good, but it isn't great. It draws you in and holds you in place, but it does trip on itself just a bit. Worth the price of admission and a good summer-time romp. However, don't expect to have the cinematic world turned upside down or the genre revolutionized.

Grade: B+

STAY TUNED

2010-07-17T11:26:00.001-04:00

STAY TUNED -- MORE COMING SOON

2010-04-29T07:52:00.006-04:00

2010-04-29T07:49:00.001-04:00

Heh hee hee hee hee

2010-04-22T10:24:00.001-04:00

It's Christmas, but in April

2010-04-20T10:33:00.005-04:00

Today is the day that the NFL officially releases the 2010 schedule for all 32 teams.

In true NFL fashion, there is a big production set for the unveiling of the who-what-when-where for the new year. Looks like NFL Network subscribers will get the lowdown during a program set for 7 pm (est) tonight!

I'm really excited about this. Unlike so many other professional sports, the NFL has managed to pack all the drama and excitement of an entire season in 16 easy-to-mange, regular-season events. That's it - 16 games, then the post season.

This also helps me set my schedule of where I'll be this Christmas! Please please please be somewhere warm this year....

Really think about it, and let me know

2010-04-19T15:57:00.010-04:00

You know how your mind wanders and you ruminate on thoughts that may (or may not) mean anything of any significance to anyone?

Today brought yet any other of those moments for me.

I overheard a situation from its seemingly inconsequential beginning through to its as-expected end. It really isn't anything newsworthy or otherwise notable, but I overheard the whole thing.

To summarize:

Person 1: "Well, Person 2. I haven't seen evidence that Person 3 did a certain thing."
Person 2: "Really? That's interesting. Hum..... Hey, Person 3! Did you do this thing?"
Person 3: "I'm sure I did, Persons 1 and 2. But please allow me to make sure."

See, I knew how the whole situation would play out. I knew once the first comment was made that this other person (Person 3) would be asked about it. I even knew the timing and manner of the asking....

It was then that I began to wonder. "Unless I'm simply stuck in the biggest - and most meaningless - of space/time continuum fractures, could it be possible that predictability actually equates to inevitability?"

For a real definition of terms, I am look at "predictability" to mean "indicating something in advance." And for me, "inevitability" means "incapable of being avoided."

True enough; there could have been 1 billion alternate sets of circumstances following the initial comment. Virtually anything could have transpired, including (but not limited to) an earthquake, medical emergency or Rapture.

But what ultimately occurred was exactly what I thought would happen... like it was just bound to be that way and that way alone. Almost like I knew that there was no other possible course of action that could be allowed without the universe rupturing.

And if this really is about predictable behaviors or actions in repeatable circumstances and familiar settings, does that somehow diminish the seeming inevitability of what ensued? Could it really be possible that what happened was totally unavoidable?

And if this was unavoidable, could it mean that it is impossible for someone to change their ways and disrupt the flow? If someone were to, say, decide not to badger the living daylights out of someone - just this once - would there be a cosmic allowance whereby that inevitable course of action didn't occur?

I remain unresolved in providing an adequate explanation for the whole thing, and I am also willing to admit that this is all probably only meaningless ramble.

However, it does end with a cartoon ENJOY!

Monday in pain

2010-04-19T10:52:00.004-04:00

Well, it just so happened that I spent the weekend traveling up and down a ladder for the sake of facilitating some much-needed home repairs. I've now learned that there's nothing like a trip or 20 via ladder to remind you just how old and out-of-shape you've really become.

The good news is that more than half of it is done. The bad news is that there is still about half to do. Yikes.

Please pray for my aching knee joint. Perhaps it will get all better before I have to climb the ladders again. Thanks ....

Neat-o

2010-04-16T08:17:00.000-04:00

How do I hate thee? Let me count the ways...

2010-04-13T10:55:00.007-04:00

Ok, so there is so much to complain about that this blog couldn't possibly hold it all.

But then again, who wants to read nothing but complaints? Nobody, that's who.

Moving right along.....

I have recently been increasingly intrigued by the common usage of phrases and terms, including "house on fire." So let us talk about that for a minute.

Have you heard this one? "I got a real house on fire here!" "Forget that other project; this is the house on fire."

We as messaging consumers are to consider whatever is labeled "house on fire" to be of the utmost priority. It would appear that without regard of any other outstanding known issues, we are to immediately engage this "house on fire" with as much gusto as is humanly possible.

So what's wrong with this terminology? I'll tell you what.... kinda moving from the metaphorical to reality.

Typically, a house or other structure ablaze is readily apparent to even the most casual of observers. Where there is smoke and that terrible smell, there is typically a fire (unless someone is rubbing their rotten sneakers together).

And there's ash and heat and firefighters and sirens from trucks and people standing around pointing at it and weeping family members or friends and helicopters overhead and countless other indicators that you are, indeed, in the presence of a flaming domicile.

And there are people efforting with urgency to subdue the conflagration. If you've never been up close and personal to a house fire, you might not get it. But believe me - when you've got a real house on fire in your face, it's hard to miss.

Here's what doesn't lead you to believe the whole "house on fire" routine. Someone shouting a directive or otherwise hastily providing "direction" regarding something you knew nothing about just moments ago.

Say you've got things - projects, ideas, work-related goals or whatever - that are exclusively in your head, daytimer or spreadsheet. Well guess what: the rest of the world likely knows nothing about them. You are seeing ashes, hearing the trucks and manning a hose.... the rest of us are going about our business because there is nothing to see here.

"Failure to plan on your part does not necessitate an emergency on my part." Firefighters, mercifully, are not trained to live by the motto, and apparently many others are keenly unaware of it's meaning....

So in short, I'm not your firefighter. And I don't smell smoke... So don't come around here trying to sell me your burning building business!

And now: A house on fire!

2010-04-11T16:38:00.001-04:00

I Got A Better Idea

2010-04-08T10:17:00.008-04:00

Take a plane, and remove a third of the seats. Rearrange the remaining seats to provide more leg room.

Remodel the entire interior of the plane, including the toilet area, to be flame resistant. Use dark colors to hide nicotine stains and cigarette burns.

Advertise as the only American flight for American smokers. Comp the drinks, smokes and lighters. Make sure the crew all sign agreements fully acknowledging the second-hand smoking environment, and allow them to smoke while on the job.

Charge three times the amount of money for a normal, comparable flight. Profit.

I've got so much to say!

2010-04-06T09:52:00.004-04:00

Every feel like you're gonna burst? Like you've got so many things to say - good, bad or otherwise - that you might pop if you don't get them out?!??!

I'm in that boat with you, paddling up the same stream...

Thank goodness for blogs.

A Note From The Blogger

2010-04-05T07:33:00.005-04:00

CENSORED

From our recent trip

2010-04-04T09:47:00.001-04:00

2010-03-26T04:10:00.000-04:00

2010-03-25T22:09:00.001-04:00

The End

2010-03-25T18:24:00.000-04:00

The End

RIP Robert Culp - 79

2010-03-24T19:36:00.007-04:00

"The Greatest American Hero" tv show intro

Eminem - Guilty Conscience ft. Dr. Dre

Guess who is back at it?

2010-03-24T10:18:00.003-04:00

Well, that would be me....

Sure. I have paid hosting set up to support UrbanDocent.com, but this is where it all began. If I'm every gonna get back in the swing, this is where I'm gonna have to start.

And start I shall.

UrbanDocent.com open for business!!!!!

2007-02-09T09:32:00.000-05:00

That's right! The blog that you all know, love and read on a regular basis is now its own wholly contained website --- UrbanDocent.com.

This current blog site -- now known as the "original" Urban Docent -- will remain open as an online archive for previous posts, comments and other old-school frivolity.

All new posts will be found at UrbanDocent.com.

Excelsior!

So, what's the big news?

2007-02-08T14:27:00.000-05:00

What's this all about?

Click here to learn more ....

Big big news on the way ....

2007-02-07T19:31:00.000-05:00

Watch this space for the soon arrival of the biggest news in the history of the Urban Docent ....

Details coming soon!!!!

People are the same everywhere . . . .

2007-02-06T13:59:00.000-05:00

The more I see funny videos like this one, the more I realize that peoples' reactions are pretty much the same all over.

It's easier -- and, in some cases, wiser -- to just do what everybody else is doing in a given situation rather than what you might do otherwise. There must be some wiring in the human mind for survival that causes reactions like these.

But I think it would also be interesting to see the footage that wasn't good enough for the program. I would like to see the reactions of folks who didn't go along with the gags.

"The Messengers" -- aka "What Not To Watch"

2007-02-04T09:43:00.000-05:00

Yet another Urban Docent original, spoiler-free review

A group of us made the mistake of watching "The Messengers" late Saturday night. I hope that this review will keep you from treading our path of misfortune ....

I was kind of open to the flick because of its association with Ghost House Pictures and producer, Sam Raimi. Don't get me wrong -- I wasn't expecting "Evil Dead," but I was looking for a little more than just pure garbage.

Plot Summary: This goofy, somewhat dysfunctional family leaves the big city behind to have a fresh start in their county's most sinister-looking homestead. Strange and scary things begin to happen with the children, and one of the family members goes the extra mile to resolve the secrets that have made this such an evil place to live.

Sounds kind of interesting, right? Well, this story would have been more enjoyable if there weren't these massive holes in the logic and behavior of the characters. There are a series of patchy plot points that all add up to even the least discerning film viewer saying, "Hey, what the heck was the point of XYZ THING THAT MADE NO SENSE?"

"The Messengers" is loaded with annoying, repetitive tools like blurry images suddenly sweeping in front of the camera accompanied by a loud music note. It goes for way too many schlocky "shock" tactics that so many similar films ran into the ground years ago. And by the time the film is over, you'll really wish a Raimi-like cellar sequence a la "Evil Dead II: Dead By Dawn" was coming your way (but you'll only be disappointed).

I will, however, give the crew some credit for occasionally offering some nice cinematography. There are a few moments that you will be able to appreciate for their technical construction, but they are sadly few and far between.

So, do not pay full-price admission to suffer through this one at the theater; "The Messengers" is too sorry to do that. But if you are in the mood for what promises to be a more competent ghost story, save your pennies for the upcoming "1408," which is based on a story by this little-known author named Stephen King:

Hey SunDragon22!!! Happy Birthday ....

2007-02-01T21:41:00.001-05:00

Happy birthday ....

Oh no . . . Van Halen alert!

2007-01-26T18:09:00.000-05:00

Back in the late 1980s, I had a good friend who came by after school almost daily to play with the Nintendo Entertainment System. We spent hundreds of hours destroying ninjas, punching foreigners and generally beating the ever-loving crap out of each other. Good times!!!

So given that there were thousands of possible 8-bit audio music sources available to us, what do you think was ultimately our soundtrack of choice?

The same friend who owned the NES also had this second-hand copy of Van Halen's "1984" -- possibly the pinnacle of the band's accomplishments. It was an old tape published in that odd, beige plastic with black lettering that came off with excessive handling. You ended up remembering the track order without the benefit of the factory-provided guide.

I must have heard every lick of "1984" dozens of times during those carefree days of excessive video game intake. Portions of this albums remain in circulation with classic rock stations around the world, and every guitar hero wannabe at some time tries to copy the style.

Why was this such a landmark effort? Nobody else was making sounds like these. Nobody in mainstream music could match Eddie Van Halen's guitar play. And David Lee Roth could yell out a lyric with unparalleled ability.

But all good things must come to an end, and much of Van Halen's follow-up efforts failed to gain traction. And it didn't help that each member of the band was living a lifestyle destined to lessen the quality of their lives and their abilites to contiune to put up with each other.

Now it has come to light that the band is back and hitting the road . . . with Roth in the lead and minus Michael Anthony. I just don't see how these guys are going to get over all the bad feelings that caused them to break up, rejoin, break up, rejoin and break up again.

And face facts -- they are all old, tired and just as worn as that old cassette we popped in time and again. This just seems like the saddest thing these guys could possibly do to grab more cash and "keep it real" with the fans.

I think most who spent way too much time listening to "1984" over any other recording available at the time will agree -- if it ain't going to be right, just don't do it. We'll all thank you for using a little discretion.

I would expect as much from Toad, but not Mario.

2007-01-25T16:39:00.000-05:00

EMERGENCY MARKETING MEETING

2007-01-25T15:39:00.000-05:00

For details, please click here

Cat photo + silly caption = comedy gold!

2007-01-25T11:35:00.000-05:00

/ not original to me
// still funny

"Grindhouse" site up and running . . .

2007-01-25T09:09:00.000-05:00

Been wondering what Rodriguez and Tarantino have been up to lately?

Well, wonder no more ....

The website for their upcoming double feature, "Grindhouse," is now up and running. It's a quirky little slice of those Internets with lots of hidden interactive features that will keep you coming back for more.

"Saw III" -- Meaty, bloody yuck (UPDATED)

2007-01-23T21:39:00.000-05:00

The following review is promised to be without spoilers

Hey, remember that little movie franchise known as the "Saw" films? If you haven't heard, they came out with a flick last year -- "Saw III" -- and now it's out on DVD. Wow, what a way to keep your player happy for a few minutes . . .

Let me say this about the whole "Saw" series: I think the first movie was great for the genre, but the last two have steadily gone down-hill directly. Fans should be happy with the very real possibility that "Saw III" is the last film (if the storyline is to be believed, that is...).

Now I know there are some of you out there who have said that "Saw" is really only good for a few laughs; still some others were pretty disturbed by what occurred.

I let the first one go by for a long time. I was in the camp that thought the first movie would be teenage slasher fodder of the worst kind. Instead, I found a tight story with really good performances and plot twists provided by Michael Emerson ("Henry" from "Lost"), Cary Elwes ("Westley" from "The Princess Bride") and Danny Glover ("Murtaugh" from "Lethal Weapon"). It was a nice, original mystery without the overall reliance on seeing people graphically tortured to death.But the second movie was just not as good. The plot was somewhat thinner, and the traps were a lot more reliant on placing gore in your face. And this most recent installment is about the same -- a marginal mystery with way too much bone-popping, meat-flinging closeup views of horribly uncomfortable and graphic deaths.

I did, however, find the end of "Saw III" to have a great twist close to the "oh man!" factor of "Saw." If you find yourself increasingly nauseated by the mounds of human pieces (which I was not, but I know some who will), you've got to stick it out. You will get a slight reprieve before the final punch.

Again, I sure hope this is the last film. I believe the only possible plot devices that could continue the "Jigsaw" performance have either been employed here already or are just so far off the mark as to make the franchise even less.

ADDITION: Upon further reflection, I meant to convey that "Saw II" and "Saw III" are nowhere near as entertaining as "Saw" because the entire mystery factor of the first film was usurped by the splatter gore of the next two. In short, "Saw" was a different kind of "whodunnit;" the others are much more about the torture, which I do not think is either entertaining or original.

Hazaah!!! (A Medieval Times review)

2007-01-18T07:28:00.000-05:00

My community is not one that I would characterize as a tourist destination, which is why I was a little surprised to see a Medieval Times open in my neighborhood.

For those who don't know, Medieval Times is a dinner theater action/drama showcase featuring swords, horses and food intended for you to eat with your fingers.

Let me begin by saying that I've not had a strong interest in the kind of entertainment Medieval Times has to offer -- I don't make it to the renaissance festivals, I don't own a sword. So, I didn't think I was going to have that much of a good time. But, to my surprise, I found the whole experience to be really fun.

Here is a quick run down of what goes on:

Location: As visiting Lords and Ladies, you are seated at color-coded, stadium-like areas complete with a table, chair, plate, bowl, cup and candle. Your seat overlooks the arena of sport -- a sand-lined pit presided over by a balcony with seats for the king and his daughter, the princess. Each color seating section has a corresponding knight for you to cheer to victory.

If you are apt to be put off your meal by the smell of animals, then you may -- at times -- have a loss of appetite. You will be watching people riding around on large, well-trained horses, and the horses do soil the sand. Folks will do their best to clean up between the action, but there is still a lingering scent of the equine variety.

Presentation: You are treated to a variety of entertaining performances occurring as segments of an overall story. There are ridership exhibitions, falconry demonstrations, skills competitions, hand-to-hand combat and a few special effects added here and there. And yes, you get to see some jousting!

The exposition of the story can be a little corny and bloated at times, and that is really about the only thing that I found slack about the whole experience. There will be a few "down times" where you get a mini-lecture on why the kingdom is in its current state. If you get over the melodramatic theatrical speed bumps, then you're good to go for the rest of the evening.

Food: Overall, you get a pretty good meal. Everyone will receive something like the following:

soup
bread
half a chicken
bbq ribs
half a seasoned potato
fruit-filled pastry

Drinks of Pepsi, tea, water and coffee are complementary. If you want beer, wine or some sort of specialty drink, they can be delivered to your seat.

You might want to personally order from the bar area in the lobby. They have a wide range of drinks and serving vessels available for purchase before or during the show. For example, you can grab a commemorative "stein" (more like a large ceramic mug with no lid) filled with your favorite domestic beer for $19 - $20.

So, was it worth it?

A trip to Medieval Times is best enjoyed with a large group of family and/or friends. We went with a big crowd as the guests of a rather generous business associate, and a good time was had by all.

You will, however, have to remember that nothing here is cheap. Just getting in the door will cost you $47.95 per adult and $35.95 for those 12 and younger. And throughout the entire evening, servers will come to your seat to sell souvenirs like banners ($1) and battery-powered flower lights ($5).

In short, Medieval Times makes for the kind of night that you and your crew of sword buddies will enjoy if you have a little extra spending money to keep yourselves entertained for a few hours. Short of a renfest visit, there is really very little else that can compare with an evening of shouting, "KILL HIM!!!" to the knight of your choosing.

Eat, drink and be medieval!

The Bruce Campbell Blogging Trifecta!

2007-01-14T09:54:00.000-05:00

In keeping with the Urban Docent's recent posts relative to Mr. B-Movie himself, Bruce Campbell, I bring you this spoiler-free discussion of 1988's "Maniac Cop."

"Maniac Cop" is kind of a horror/crime murder romp with Campbell off to one side for most of the movie. He plays a key part in making the loose plot come to a close, but much of the film rolls without him.

Summary: Someone, dressed as a uniformed officer, is killing people left and right in late 80s New York City. A small group in the law enforcement community goes out of its way to stop the rampage. A few other twists and backstories are thrown in for good measure.

Overall, "Maniac Cop" is standard-issue movie cheese with goofy killing after goofy killing. But I will say there is evidence of some actual craftsmanship and value in the production; they really tried to make a movie that comes off without a weak moment. I applaud them for their efforts.

There are, however, some holes here and there that keep this from being a total classic. It is a great example of low-budget action films of the 80s, but I think the fan support for Campbell (who turns in a pretty good performance, by the way) is the only thing that has kept this one going for nearly two decades. Every so often, you'll catch this title playing on a weekend afternoon on your local UHF station . . . so enjoy it!

As a side note: "Maniac Cop" would be nothing if weren't for the performance of another b-movie legend: Robert Z'Dar. Z'Dar is the kind of actor with a very distinctive face that you'll remember without ever knowing the guy's real name.

MST3K fans will recall Z'Dar's "immortal" role as the wacky reaper in "Soultaker," which is another example of bad 80s film making leaching its way into the early 90s.

Just remember the lesson the following "Soultaker" clip taught us: The Grim Reaper may come for you while you're in the shower, but he'll likely enjoy the free show before cutting another notch in his scythe.

OK; you can call him Ash just this once . . .

2007-01-12T10:24:00.000-05:00

Don't call him Ash

2007-01-11T16:02:00.000-05:00

Whatever

2007-01-10T19:29:00.000-05:00

I just finished the current NY. Times #6 best-seller, and it was a little less than memorable. (I promise: no spoilers . . . )

This is basically a fleshing out of the young life of America's favorite cannibal, Hannibal Lecter. Supposedly, you're going to get the straight story on why he does what he does.

If you read the last book, you already have a pretty good idea about what happened to raise the mania that is the good doctor's trademark. In short, "Hannibal Rising" really crosses very little new ground.

Overall, I found this book to be pretty flat. Much of the text comes off as these back-story scenes -- possibly cut from other titles -- strung together with really forgettable conversations and boring "action" sequences.

If you're a fan of the franchise, skip this one and wait for the movie (coming in about a month).

RING RING RING -- Hello? -- Yes, your cell phone is garbage...

2007-01-09T17:37:00.000-05:00

Hey, remember that cell phone of yours . . . that one you just got and signed some insane contract to be able to afford . . . . Well, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but your phone is now an obsolete piece of technotrash.

<-- click here for a full explanation -- >

Er, I don't think so

2007-01-08T21:22:00.000-05:00

Even the vacuum said, "NO!"

2007-01-08T20:52:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the world of disgusting candy. Welcome to Swizzels' Parma Violets.

Yuck

This is easily one of the worst candies ever -- far worse than Circus Peanuts, Cinnamon Disks or anything made by those horrible confectioners at Ferrara Pan.

We purchased the lousy candy some time ago at a local British food and gifts store. We forgot these things were still here until we recently cleaned out a storage area while looking for a piece of missing mail.

The remaining two rolls of Parma Violets then somehow ended up under the vacuum. When I started it up, these things just stayed there, getting in the way -- there was no way the machine was going to consume these chucks of candy crap.

So, just what makes these things so bad? They're chalky like an antacid tablet. They have a bad flowery taste like the one that might settle in your mouth were you to enter an elevator or other close space occupied by too many large, stinky old ladies. The bad taste stays in your mouth for several minutes after they (the candies, not the old ladies) are dissolved.

To sum up -- Parma Violets are really just gross and should be avoided at all cost. I can't think of a reason why anyone would want to eat them.

And you should in no way use these horrible treats to indict all British goodies. My somewhat-limited experience with candies from across the pond is that they are, for the most part, better than American treats.

Of course, my all-time favorite candy item is also an import . . . . yum!

Greetings from Catland

2007-01-06T15:47:00.000-05:00

Spectreman!!!!!!!

2007-01-05T14:05:00.000-05:00

As a small boy, this was without a doubt the only show that had my imagination and attention fully in its grasp. I was captivated from the first minute I saw this undoubtedly poorly translated Japanese import.

I would watch ever second of every episode I could find on the dial. I would mimic the dialogue, fight sequences, sounds and anything I could possibly recall once the program was over. I spent hour upon hour recreating adventures and making new ones with Spectreman at the center.

There are many episode segments on YouTube that I have yet to explore, but here's what I recall from the depths of my childhood memory banks: there was this evil alien monkey hovering over the earth in a flying saucer. The evil monkey had a stupid brute of a gorilla henchman to run around and pull off devilish schemes that mainly involved unloading crazy beasts to destroy the world.

Fortunately for humanity, another alien -- Spectreman -- was sent to earth to stop the monkey men. Spectreman worked in disguise as George, a reporter (?) and/or low-level government agent addressing the problems of pollution. How convenient: the monkey plots all involved exploiting stupid humanity's propensity to ruin his own world with industrial waste.

Spectreman doesn't sound like much, but trust me -- for an overly impressionable youth, this show was the biggest thing going. In fact, I happen to recall seeing an episode involving bad guys driving around in this strange, black conversion van. The next day while traveling on the expressway with my family, I immediately hid in the floorboard upon seeing a similar looking vehicle.

There will always be a special place in my heart for this simple, over-the-top Japanese monster-robot bashfest. I am thrilled to relive a little of the magic thanks to the postings of others who most likely once cared a lot for seeing this program.

Rock on!!!!

Speaking of Superstars

2007-01-04T14:45:00.000-05:00

The recent passing of the Hardest Working Man in Show Business. James Brown, has produced a glut of interesting entries on my favorite place to preview music styles.

One of the more different selections available is a little ode to that darling of the down-and-out: heroin. Here are the lyrics:

"King Heroin" --- James Brown

I came to this country without a passport
Ever since then I've been hunted and sought
My little white grains are nothin' but waste
Soft and deadly and bitter to taste
I'm a world of power and all know it's true
Use me once and you'll know it, too
I can make a mere schoolboy forget his books
I can make a world-famous beauty neglect her looks
I can make a good man forsake his wife
Send a greedy man to prison for the rest of his life
I can make a man forsake his country and flag
Make a girl sell her body for a five-dollar bag
Some think my adventure's a joy and a thrill
But I'll put a gun in your hand and make you kill
In cellophane bags I've found my way
To heads of state and children at play
I'm financed in China, ran in Japan
I'm respected in Turkey and I'm legal in Siam
I take my addicts and make 'em steal, borrow, beg
Then they search for a vein in their arm or their leg
So, be you Italian, Jewish, Black or Mex
I can make the most virile of men forget their sex
So now, no, my man, you must (you know) do your best
To keep up your habit until your arrest
Now the police have taken you from under my wing
Do you think they dare defy me, I who am king?
Now, you must lie in that county jail
Where I can't get to you by visit or mail
So squirm -- with discomfort -- wiggle and cough (hack!)
Six days of madness, hah! You might throw me off
Curse me in name! Defy me in speech!
But you'd pick me up right no if I were in your reach
All through your sentence you've become resolved to your fate
Hear now! younng man and woman, I'll be waitin' at the gate
Don't be afraid, don't run! I'm not chased
Sure my name is Heroin! You'll be back for a taste
Behold, you're hooked!
Your foot is in the stirrup
And make -- haste!
Mount the steed!
And ride him well
For the white horse of heroin
Will ride you to Hell!
To Hell!
Will ride you to Hell!
Until you are dead!
Dead, brother! Dead!
This is a revolution of the mind
Get your mind together
And get away from drugs!
That's the man!
Back! Back

To hear "King Heroin" for yourself, head over to this site and scroll down to the middle of the page (the section pictured below):

So there is a trick to this thing . . .

2007-01-03T09:30:00.000-05:00

They have the whole thing fixed against you. But, you can win!!!!

Happy New Year!!!!!

2007-01-01T17:13:00.000-05:00

"Americans love a winner and will not tolerate a loser. Americans play to win all the time.

I wouldn’t give a hoot in hell for a man who lost and laughed."

George C. Scott -- Patton

Falcons fire coach Jim Mora

And the winner is: UD!

2006-12-31T19:27:00.000-05:00

All the games are not yet over, but the luck of the draw in the selection process means my margin of victory will remain unchanged.

In short, The Urban Docent has done the impossible: win the regular-season NFL office contest. I end with a final 9-game win margin.

My win streak was unbroken from Week 1 going forward; while I did have a week where I was tied, I was never beaten during any week of selecting games.

Some may have tracked our progress from week to week, and you can continue to see how we survive the playoffs and Super Bowl.

Each gamer has a distinctly different set of picking criteria and level of NFL/football knowledge. I'm by far the least knowledgeable about players and leadership personalities, but I guess what little I know -- coupled with great guesses -- payed off.

To my fellow pickers -- The Limey, Other Guy, Fantasy Fanatic -- I say thanks for the great competition. If you would like, I would be more than thrilled to have you guys offer some insights into this season courtesy of the comment section for this post.

Thanks -- see you all again soon!

Before you rent it . . .

2006-12-31T11:09:00.000-05:00

Many months ago, I posted two movie reviews for films I saw in the theater on the same day.

So, before you rent -- or purchase -- "Snakes On A Plane" or "The Descent," check out the reviews I put together on 20060819.

Read and enjoy

2006-12-30T13:38:00.000-05:00

Must-see DVD

2006-12-28T21:40:00.000-05:00

I missed "A Scanner Darkly" when it was in theaters earlier this year because my work schedule was too insane to visit the big screen. I did, however, manage to read the re-release of the classic "sci-fi" novel by Philip K. Dick, and I really enjoyed it.

This film works because the director took extra special care to craft the screen adaptation mirroring Dick's novel. He even collaborated, in a sense, with Dick's remaining family to ensure the big-screen version was true to the text.

Many portions of the film seem to use the original conversations and narration present in the novel. If you have ever read the book, it is very entertaining to see the great performances carry through all the intensely different back-and-forth of these memorable characters.

And you might expect a character-driven film to fail due to the presence of one Keanu Reeves, but have no fear -- he doesn't make this one a mess. Each character is performed perfectly; there are no weak performance, there are no bad on-screen moments. Rarely will you ever find a film with so many solid acting jobs as you find here.

It may take a moment to get used to some of the more sense-defying aspects of the animation techniques applied in the film. But before it's over, you will begin to enjoy the near painting-like quality of the production. I mean, how else are you really going to present the scramble suit technology without having a string of Jar Jar Binks-esque bad CG moments?

As a side note: You may remember the street preacher-type character abducted shortly before Arctor gets in the car with Donna and they have the landmark discussion of moving to a farm up north.

The abduction scene featured a cameo by none other than Austin resident, Alex Jones. (The film was made in Austin, by the way.) Jones is a great choice for this role as much of what his character had to say is very similar to the kinds of topics he covers in the real world with his radio programs, websites and documentary films.

2006-12-28T11:17:00.001-05:00

With a single week left . . .

2006-12-28T10:58:00.000-05:00

A single week of NFL games remains prior to the start of the playoffs. Here is how the office standings look going into the last week:

Urban Docent: 151
Fantasy Fanatic: 142
Other Guy: 138
The Limey: 134

NEW WEEK OF NFL PICKS

2006-12-20T21:28:00.000-05:00

Thursday, Dec. 21
Minnesota at Green Bay

Saturday, Dec. 23
Kansas City at Oakland

Sunday, Dec. 24
Baltimore at Pittsburgh
Carolina at Atlanta
Chicago at Detroit
Indianapolis at Houston
New England at Jacksonville
New Orleans at N.Y. Giants
Tampa Bay at Cleveland
Tennessee at Buffalo
Washington at St. Louis
Arizona at San Francisco
Cincinnati at Denver
San Diego at Seattle

Monday, Dec. 25
Philadelphia at Dallas
N.Y. Jets at Miami

2006-12-20T10:06:00.001-05:00

(primus sucks)

Worst Christmas ever?

2006-12-18T20:54:00.000-05:00

"Why is there so much bad news?" Well, people like to gossip about something they saw on TV, heard on the radio or read in the paper/online. And who doesn't, on some level, likes to hear about how bad off everyone else is. . .

For the same reason that "if it bleeds, it leads" remains true, this website is a "fun" way to see how other peoples' Christmas holidays have produced some of the worst times in their lives.

On this rotten slice of the Internets, there are stories that are funny, traumatic and otherwise sad. The tales of yule terror range from a kidnapped child enjoying a puked-soaked Christmas meal to loved ones counting off their last minutes on earth in the true holiday spirit.

WARNING: THIS SITE IS NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART. STORIES ARE OFTEN TOLD IN A RAW, IN-YOUR-FACE MANNER. IN OTHER WORDS, NO PUNCHES ARE PULLED. THIS IS NOT A KID-FRIENDLY SITE. THIS ONE IS FOR ADULTS ONLY.

You have been warned. Enter at your own risk.

2006-12-16T12:59:00.001-05:00

2006-12-16T12:20:00.000-05:00

Chloe the Cat says, "Merry Christmas, you fish-smelling mouseface!!!!"
(click image to make much, much larger)

You read it here first (. . . sort of)!

2006-12-15T10:46:00.000-05:00

Many moons ago in an entry entitled, "Wii: I'm just not sure," I repeated the concerns of some others that Nintendo's runaway console may be relying too much on the gimmick of motion-sensing controls. By visiting the linked item above, you'll see a video I found showing the ease with which the fancy new controller could leave your hand and make physical contact with your TV or general surroundings.

My overall distrust of the reliance on motion play took a turn for the worse on Friday with this news story in the Washington Post:

Japanese gamemaker Nintendo on Friday announced the recall of 3.2 million straps for its popular Wii computer game controllers.

The problem? People are apparently putting too much faith in the structural integrity of the thin wire connecting the wrist to the controller. Controllers are flying, TVs are getting broken and consumers cannot be trusted to simply take it down a notch.

Until the multimillion piece replacement project is complete, everyone is asked to be a little more careful and exhibit some self control. And if you can't do that, then maybe you don't need to Wii after all . . .

Ok; what the heck is going on here?

2006-12-14T12:14:00.001-05:00

Some velvet mornin' when I'm straight
I'm gonna open up your gate
And maybe tell you 'bout Phaedra
And how she gave me life
And how she made it end
Some velvet mornin' when I'm straight

Flowers growing on a hill, dragonflies and daffodils
Learn from us very much, look at us but do not touch
Phaedra is my name

Some velvet mornin' when I'm straight
I'm gonna open up your gate
And maybe tell you 'bout Phaedra
And how she gave me life
And how she made it end
Some velvet mornin' when I'm straight

Flowers are the things we know, secrets are the things we grow
Learn from us very much, look at us but do not touch
Phaedra is my name

Funny

2006-12-13T14:20:00.000-05:00

Sunsphere

2006-12-11T09:56:00.000-05:00

In an older episode of The Simpsons, Bart obtained a drivers license while completing a school-assigned career day project. Using the fake id and with the help of Martin, Nelson and Milhouse, a rental car is secured and the under-aged roadtrip begins.

Along the way, the foursome decides a trip to Knoxville, Tn., is in order to catch the World's Fair. Unfortunately, Milhouse has pointed them all in the wrong direction because of an out-of-date travel guide.

The crew crashes the Sunsphere, destroys the rental car and ends up having to be a little more creative to get home. It's a classic episode showing The Simpsons at its best.

Prior to my recent visit to Knoxville, I had forgotten that Simpsons moment. Imagine my delight and subsequent laughter when I spotted the Sunsphere towering over the horizon.

Here are some other sights from in and/or near the mighty metropolis known as Knoxville:

Christmas and bowling in New England

2006-12-06T12:01:00.000-05:00

During the Urban Docent's recent return visit to Boston, we all stumbled across this funky old Fairway Bowling location west of the city.

As my first impressions of the center were from the corner of my eye as I drove by at night, I originally mistook the place for a furniture store. I was really delighted to discover that this was a place much more exciting and original.

We made a special return trip the next night to what I figured would be an older version of predictable bowling. But this place offered a true New England original -- Candlepin Bowling.

Candlepin offers a much greater challenge than what typically passes for the game of bowling. The pins are smaller and harder to knock down all at once. The pins you do bowl down stay in play until your turn is over; there is no machine sweeping them away between pitches. And the ball is smaller, which makes aim and precision harder to accomplish.

We tried our hand at it, and we really enjoyed the experience. I think I ended up with a 68, which I'm assured is a great start for a beginning Candlepin bowler and non-New Englander.

But an added amazing feature of the Fairway Bowling was the presence of wall-to-wall Christmas animatronic displays. Apparently, the owners started putting up the animal-centric holiday machinery 30 + years ago, and the tradition continues to this day.

Some of them are neat; some are creepy. Here are the videos featuring some of what's available:

2006-12-05T14:45:00.001-05:00

NEW PHOTOS

2006-11-30T20:12:00.000-05:00

Click ----> here.

2006-11-30T19:26:00.000-05:00

I don't really care for The Beatles that much, and Fiona Apple isn't my favorite. But this is an example of the music video genre at its best.

The idea of judging a song by its status as a "single" is now obsolete. Music videos still exist, believe it or not, but they're really no longer that plentiful. I couldn't tell you the last time someone downloaded Apple's take on this Beatles tune, but with possible pending release of the Fab Four's albums on iTunes it won't belong before mp3s abound.

So for now, enjoy a free near-cinematic take on this memorable track.

Words are flowing out like endless rain into a paper cup,
They slither wildly as they slip away across the universe
Pools of sorrow, waves of joy are drifting through my opened mind,
Possessing and caressing me.
Jai guru De Va, om,
Nothing's gonna change my world,
Nothing's gonna change my world.
Nothing's gonna change my world.
Nothing's gonna change my world.

Images of broken light which dance before me like a million eyes,
They call me on and on across the universe,
Thoughts meander like a restless wind inside a letter box
They tumble blindly as they make their way
Across the universe
Jai guru De Va, om,
Nothing's gonna change my world,
Nothing's gonna change my world.
Nothing's gonna change my world.
Nothing's gonna change my world.

Sounds of laughter shades of earth are ringing
Through my opened views inciting and inviting me
Limitless undying Love which shines around me like a
million suns, It calls me on and on
Across the universe
Jai guru De Va, om,
Nothing's gonna change my world,
Nothing's gonna change my world.
Nothing's gonna change my world.
Nothing's gonna change my world.

Jai Guru De Va
Jai Guru De Va
Jai Guru De Va
Jai Guru De Va

Yet another take . . .

Wii: I'm just not sure.

2006-11-26T13:31:00.000-05:00

This holiday weekend I had the chance to experience the Wii thanks to the founder of Big Head Mode. While I enjoyed getting some first-hand play time with the hottest new system, I'm not sure this is the total wave of the future.

Let me begin by saying that the price of the machine and the eventual online access to thousands of older games are tremendous selling points. And if you've had a Game Cube, you're good-to-go for backwards compatibility.

But the motion-sensing and physical shaking, swinging and flicking of the controller to guide play seems like it could wear thin in the long run. I enjoyed the bowling and tennis of the Wii Sports title, but the experience of the two-player mode of Red Steel was like a splash of cold water -- a total buzz killer.

I have read and heard some "gaming experts" say that the whole motion control is a complete gimmick . . . it hooks you for a while, but then there is a lack of real enjoyment in return. While I cannot say that I experienced this disappointment, I do find myself considering their comments indicating a lack of substantive third-party support might hinder the Wii later.

In the end, the Wii might be set for real failure if the titles produced for it are somehow "dumbed down" to accommodate gimmicky play. If licensees produce considerably stronger or more solid versions of their titles for competing platforms, then what's the point of constantly putting up with the weaker system?

I'm taking a wait-and-see approach to the eventual viability of the Wii as my best choice for a new system. And even if the motion magic proves to be little more than a gimmick, the Wii will remain a better choice for me than PC or online gaming.

Only time will tell . . .

Time for a change once again.

2006-11-21T08:17:00.000-05:00

For those of you regularly tracking the Urban Docent's office NFL picks, you're now going to have to cross over to the Not Blogger to keep up.

Beginning with the post-game results for week 11, all updates on the NFL standings will be posted on The Not Blogger's Blog.

Thanks for the assistance in migration.

2006-11-17T13:48:00.001-05:00

2006-11-17T10:14:00.000-05:00

What is your opinion of this story?

I like video games, but not that much.

2006-11-17T06:58:00.000-05:00

So the new PlayStation has sparked frenzied consumer riots akin to those witnessed over the Cabbage Patch Kids dolls of decades past. Read about the PS3 garbage here.

Remember Cabbage Patch Kids? They still make them. They still sell them. They are overpriced hunks of plastic and fluff collecting dust on shelves across the country.

In a few months, game players will be able to walk in to just about any store and purchase whatever they want without the hassle of standing in tremendous lines or squaring off with pushy people. And they won't have to camp out overnight to get what they want.

Just in case nobody has put you hip before now, let me be the first to tell you this:

No toy, game or personal amusement device is worth punishing someone else to obtain or radically altering your routine -- even for just a while -- because you want to be first.

You know what? You're not a better person because you got a PS3, and you weren't first.

Yes, you are now one of the "lucky ones" who has the new, shiny object. And just like that Cabbage Patch Kid, someone else will get it right after you; they might even pay less for something that comes with more.

In short, can't we all agree that these things are just ways to keep yourself entertained, and in the grand overall scheme of things are really not that important?

No matter how much enjoyment you will derive from it later, is it really worth going all-out and embarrassing yourself just to get it?

Depending on how you answer the above questions, this little bit of advice might help later:

2006-11-14T15:23:00.000-05:00

Here is a classic example of why Homestar is so great.
You can see all the funny here.

Have you ever?

2006-11-14T14:40:00.000-05:00

OK; be honest -- when was the last time you were even remotely interested in a Stallone film? Think about it hard enough, and you might find a flick or two that made you chuckle or you otherwise enjoyed.

Well, you just might have to add the upcoming "Rocky Balboa" movie to your list of "Stallone films I find entertaining." In fact, this one might be good enough to bump another of his films from your list of favs.

In short, this is the last Rocky movie -- the final adventure of the aged and worn-out fighter that inspired a generation of would-be kings of the ring to enter the squared circle. Rocky plans to get tough again for one last fight, and he's taking on a decidedly younger, faster athlete to determine who is the all-time best. The rest is two hours of training, punching, training, punching and memorable shrugging.

The original Rocky (1976) was written by the star himself. Stallone supposedly banged out the script in three days after being inspired by a real fight. Thus an unsurpassed Hollywood sports franchise was born.

I have seen all the Rocky movies time and again; the fight choreography is some of the best in an American motion picture. Sure, the quality declined with each subsequent addition, and nobody really liked the last one. But this time, I have a good feeling about a Stallone flick . . . this one could really be good.

Interested? In keeping with the revolutionary influence of the Internet on motion-picture making, the Balboa movie has its own blog and complete online rundown of more than enough stuff to keep a fanboy squealing for hours . . . . .

2006-11-14T12:13:00.000-05:00

New Blog Alert!!!!

2006-11-11T22:13:00.000-05:00

In the not too distant past, the Urban Docent solicited and received a guest blog entry concerning an attempted school shooting.

Well, the author of that guest appearance now has his own domain: Midwest Motormouth. You can access it now by the link posted here, or visit it later with the link available on the right-hand side of this page under "other blogs".

I say, 'Greetings and welcome to the wild world of blogging.' Good times!

2006-11-11T19:59:00.001-05:00

You paid attention during 69% of high school!

68-84% Pretty good, you know that there are libraries and newspapers, and you remember what you've read. You were a child that wasn't left behind!

Do you deserve your high school diploma?
Create a Quiz

Jack is back . . . . Jack Chick, that is.

2006-11-11T16:22:00.000-05:00

Go here to read the latest from your friend and mine, Jack Chick.

Enjoy

Losers make us laugh

2006-11-10T11:13:00.000-05:00

As someone rightfully stated, this is an amusing photo of new loser Rick Santorum and his "weird, zombie-like family." Right or wrong, I have always derived some satisfaction from seeing people disappointed -- especially those who hold themselves out to be completely beyond the margin of error. This Santorum photo, then, is one of the funniest bits I've seen in a long while.

Why is it that losers -- portrayed correctly -- can be so darn funny? I mean in a way, isn't the number one movie in American essentially the tale of a strange loser muddling his way across the country? Fake falls, potty humor and the like will only get you so far. But everyone loves a loser (figuratively speaking, of course).

And speaking of losers . . . how about those recent elections? Dems had to pretend to be morally and fiscally conservative (for the most part) to win. The whole anti-Iraq sentiment was misjudged more than can be imagined. You didn't even need to say, 'I wanna bring the boys back home;' everyone just presumed that if you weren't with the other team, you felt that way.

So, what's next? Do we see radical changes, or is it pretty much going to be 'meet the new boss / same as the old boss'?

Official office NFL standings

2006-11-08T11:52:00.000-05:00

Office picks by participant (click on image to see larger)

UD: Urban Docent
TL: The Limey
FF: Fantasy Fanatic
OG: The Other Guy

2006-11-06T08:35:00.000-05:00

"The Steelers, who committed six turnovers [on Sunday against Denver], have lost six of seven games and are 2-6, matching their worst start in Coach Bill Cowher's 15 seasons and the worst by any returning NFL champion in the last 20 seasons.

"No team has bounced back from a 2-6 record and a loss in its eighth game to make the playoffs."

I got nothing

2006-11-02T22:15:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm a little out of the game at the moment.

Please come back tomorrow to find some new stuff.

Thanks

UD

In case you haven't noticed . . .

2006-11-01T14:21:00.000-05:00

The list of songs unfit for human consumption continues to grow.

Yes, more tunes have been added to our ever-increasing All-Time Worst Songs - Period list. You can see the most recent addition here as well as in more detail at The Not Blogger.

DVD buffs beware!!!!

2006-11-01T09:40:00.000-05:00

I purchased the newly released Reservoir Dogs 15th anniversary edition DVD set, but I have since released it back into the hands of my local retailer.

Why? Bad packaging, that's why. Here's what happened:

The top-most disc came off its holder. As a result, about a quarter of the play surface was scratched and cloudy. There was also a lima bean-sized cloudy spot on the surface opposite the majority of the damage.

I was disappointed. I took the discs back in an attempt to exchange them. But when I opened two subsequent sets at the store, I found identical damage to the play surfaces. Bummed, I received a full refund and when home with an alternate selection.

Way too funny to be ignored

2006-11-01T09:33:00.001-05:00

Sandy who?

2006-10-31T14:38:00.000-05:00

I'm calling this guy out for not doing jack doody with his supposed blog for too many days in a row.

I mean, geez .... wiener.

Although I do give him credit for welcoming topic suggestions. I have a feeling that a few of my own might eventually see the light of day over there.

Only time will tell.

Happy Hallow-Day

2006-10-31T11:00:00.000-05:00

Today's toon courtesy of Homestar Runner

Happy Halloween

2006-10-31T07:46:00.000-05:00

Wanna learn more? Go here.

If you have any ideas about the cryptic meaning of this headstone inscription, send them to cemeterylegends@yahoo.com. Be sure to tell them the Urban Docent sent you.

Trick or treat

Let me know

2006-10-29T13:56:00.000-05:00

What do you think?

Best marathon ever! Thank you one and all

2006-10-28T18:26:00.000-04:00

A special word of thanks for joining us in this year's All-Night Horror Movie Marathon.

This was, without a doubt, our best outing yet. Thank you for helping make this evening a fantastic marathon session of gore, goo, wet dead, hoodoo, sweater vests and everything in between.

The 2006 All-Star Horror Selections

The Simpsons (Season 7, 1989) -- Treehouse of Horror VI

The Changeling (1980) -- George C. Scott at his sweater-vested worst

Tales from the Darkside: The Movie (1990) -- King, Romero and the rest

The Skeleton Key (2005) -- It was alright

Dawn of the Dead (1979) -- The definitive, unsurpassed classic

Dark Tales of Japan (2005) -- Great and bad all at the same time

Ju-on aka The Grudge (2003) -- Frequently better than the American remake

An ice cream cake decorated by Mrs. Urban Docent (photo courtesy of Reflections of Bast)

NFL Week 8 pics

2006-10-27T17:08:00.000-04:00

The "Original" Urban Docent

Rusty

On the lookout for Caturday

Braves Baseball

New York Maple Weekend (35mm)

OLD 35mm film from D.C.

Random all-digital images

More images from the 35mm

Chloe + Sunny

More 35mm images (including expired APS film)

July 2010?

New "Tron Legacy" Trailer

My reception of "Inception"

STAY TUNED

Heh hee hee hee hee

It's Christmas, but in April

Really think about it, and let me know

Monday in pain

Neat-o

How do I hate thee? Let me count the ways...

I Got A Better Idea

I've got so much to say!

A Note From The Blogger

From our recent trip

The End

RIP Robert Culp - 79

Guess who is back at it?

UrbanDocent.com open for business!!!!!

So, what's the big news?

Big big news on the way ....

People are the same everywhere . . . .

"The Messengers" -- aka "What Not To Watch"

Hey SunDragon22!!! Happy Birthday ....

Oh no . . . Van Halen alert!

I would expect as much from Toad, but not Mario.

EMERGENCY MARKETING MEETING

Cat photo + silly caption = comedy gold!

"Grindhouse" site up and running . . .

"Saw III" -- Meaty, bloody yuck (*UPDATED*)

Hazaah!!! (A Medieval Times review)

The Bruce Campbell Blogging Trifecta!

OK; you can call him Ash just this once . . .

Don't call him Ash

Whatever

RING RING RING -- Hello? -- Yes, your cell phone is garbage...

Er, I don't think so

Even the vacuum said, "NO!"

Greetings from Catland

Spectreman!!!!!!!

Speaking of Superstars

So there is a trick to this thing . . .

Happy New Year!!!!!

Falcons fire coach Jim Mora

And the winner is: UD!

Before you rent it . . .

Must-see DVD

With a single week left . . .

NEW WEEK OF NFL PICKS

Worst Christmas ever?

You read it here first (. . . sort of)!

Ok; what the heck is going on here?

Funny

Sunsphere

Christmas and bowling in New England

NEW PHOTOS

Wii: I'm just not sure.

Time for a change once again.

I like video games, but not that much.

Have you ever?

New Blog Alert!!!!

Jack is back . . . . Jack Chick, that is.

Losers make us laugh

Official office NFL standings

I got nothing

In case you haven't noticed . . .

DVD buffs beware!!!!

Way too funny to be ignored

Sandy who?

Happy Hallow-Day

Happy Halloween

"Saw III" -- Meaty, bloody yuck (UPDATED)