C'mere and kill a president...

Every once in a while, two things that might never have been associated together, enter my head at the same time and combine. Let me explain...
A couple of weeks ago, a friend emailed me her joy at discovering Yimou Zhang's amazing film Hero. It is not only a beautifully shot film...it also brings up interesting ideas about an assassin's place in society.
Anyhoo, I recently have found myself in one of my musical-obsession phases. Last night I finally got my hands on Stephen Sondheim's musical Assassin (You know the revival cast that has Doogie Howser in it!!)
All I can say, is if you are looking for an interesting night. Watch Hero and listen to Assassins. Then email me so we can discuss. So far, I have been having debates with myself...and I always loose!

Like a storybook ending, I'm lost in your charms...

Well, it has been forever folks, but here it is...one of my fabulous photodumps: PicSpam Spectacular!™. However, this time I have actually gone above and beyond the call of duty...I didn't just find the pics, I actually scanned 4 of them. You see, as I explained a couple months back, I have joined the fascinating world (read: all-encompassing club, no wait...cult) of comic books based on tellie programs. Not only am I enjoying season 8 of Buffy, but I have now starting reading the Supernatural Origins series. I can guess what you are thinking, but no time for that now. I should note that I didn't think that the drawings of the different characters were going to be exact, but with the Buffy drawings, you can easily decifer who is who...with the exception of all those stupid slayer potentials...well I guess they are no longer potentials, but you know what I mean. I could never tell them apart...except the one Willow dated, silly hat girl, and Robena (or is it Rowena? I honestly don't care) the whiner.
Anyhoo, after enjoying 3 issues of Buffy, I started reading my first Supernatural comic and boy was I in for a shock. I'm not sure what show the artist was watching, but I don't think it looks like anything I have seen. Well, I tried to tell ChickLit all about it, but she wanted so see...so I scanned some of the pages. I should warn you, the scans aren't high quality and for some reason all of the writing is backwards. I have included an assortment of imags from the show in order to try and make comparisons easier. Anyway, hope you all enjoy!

PicSpam Spectacular!™: What Where Those Artists Smoking?

The Winchester Men...Sam, Shutup!Daddy, and Dean


Oh and Missouri...



Now the drawn versions...

ShutUp!Daddy & Missouri

A young Dean & Sam...really!?!?! Dean's blond and I'n not sure what is up with Sammy!

Again, I'm not quite sure what the artists were on...

Well, at least they gof Sammy's crying right. That's something at least!

Only the echoes of my mind...

I think perhaps it is a very good thing there are only 2 episodes of Supernatural left in season 2. You see, I have started handing out - only in my mind of course - "Fabulous Drunk!Sam Seal of Disapproval" honors to people. Now I do take some comfort in the fact that I didn't create this special award myself, but that doesn't excuse the unimaginable joy I get handing them out to people.
Although, I should probably seize the day and have as much fun with the dubious 'prize' as I can since the next two weeks may be the last to ever offer a new Supernatural episode. Oh and in case you were wondering...the image comes with the distinction!

You're the apple of my heart...

I don't really have much to say...who am I kidding? Of course I have much to say, it just isn't all that exciting or interesting. Sure I could rant about what I feel is wrong with congress and the horrific consequences of employing young, low-paid legislative staffers. It would make me feel better for a while, but in the end it is only a momentary relief and I would simply find something else to go on about.
I could talk about the new Supernatural ep on tonight, but I don't think many of my readers are Winchester fans. (I know, I know that hasn't stopped me in the past, but I am trying to be a more considerate person...at least for today!) That show has had a really strong second half. Hopefully that convinces the powers that be to keep it around. *fingers crossed*
Oh, I am thinking of moving my blog over to Wordpress, but no final word on the subject. I figure if I do switch, it will only be after ChickLit figures out all the ins & outs. I know I don't want to figure it out!
I guess, I could talk about the pic I chose for today's blog. In case you are unfamilar, I love when my worlds combine and this is a pretty sweet image. The pic features Simon Pegg (if you have not seen Shaun of the Dead or Hot Fuzz, go and see both now...I can wait!), Kevin Smith (If you haven't seen a Kevin Smith film, I don't know why you would ever be interested in my blog!), and Edgar Wright (Pegg's co-writer and the director of Shaun of the Dead or Hot Fuzz.) Somehow, things don't seem so bad anymore...
Perhaps, I should have talked about last night's One Tree Hill episode. I didn't watch most of it, since I don't enjoy watching violence again women, but I do appreciate that the 2 girls fought the sicko-stalker guy and defeated him on their own. I thought sure the show was going to have one of the guys rush in and save them, but for once the female citizens of Tree Hill really stepped up!

You Know He Ain't Gonna Die...

Well, I don't have much to report today other than last night's episode of Supernatural completely rocked! Funny story though...I keep calling it Prison Break! I mean think about it the story centered around 2 brothers completely devoted to one another, first breaking into a prison and then breaking out. Sounds a bit lik Prison Break to me.

In other, non-tellie news, ChickLit and I created a fabulous vidspam follow-up to this week's Hump Day Hotties column featuring hetero-life partners! You should totally go check it out because, hey...no reading involved!!!

I've been too long, I'm glad to be back!!

Ok...I know it has been quite a while since I have blogged, but hey, I have been jetting all over the west coast. So, in order to make up for it, I have compiled a list of thoughts, questions, and tips I have discovered over the last 3 weeks. (Oh and in case you are worried, my daily blog pic will be back tomorrow. I just couldn't find an appropriate one for today's entry!)

• It turns out that even though I hate birds (hey I got pooped on once and it was really traumatic...just ask ChickLit...she was there!), I still can’t handle watching birds fall from the sky onto the pavement and get run-over. Apparently I do have some compassion left!
• Sci-Fi Conventions are Awesome!!
• Never visit a hospital hungry...after a couple of hours, hospital cuisine starts to look good!
• Will I ever not be broke?
• I have a new fern named Bernadette. Yes I name plants...they really do live longer that way!
• Damn the CW for creating inner conflict for me once again!
• I have figured out what is wrong with the US Federal Government - no one picks up the phone.
• The Powers That Be better not cancel Supernatural...all I can say is that it won't be pretty!!
• 12-14 hour work days are not fun.
• Apollo is cute in person, but shorter than I thought; Starbuck is a lot more girly...
• Travel Tip #1: Always obtain a rental car from a state you do not live in. That way when you drive like a crazed maniac in Canada, it will be blamed on someone else...like Oregon! I mean we all know about those insane Oregonian drivers...
• Tell me again why No one does comedy like the Brits. If you haven't seen Hot Fuzz yet...drop what you are doing and go. Go Now! I can wait. My blog will be here when you get back! *starts humming The Girl From Ipanema*
• The staff working for Congressional members are never at their desk and never ever answer email or voicemail!
• Apparently I am more of a Trekker than I thought. However, I still find people in costume creepy.
• So while the Prison Break finale was completely preposterous, I have to say...I can't wait until next season!
• Travel Tip #2: When traveling in Canada or Britain, B&B’s are the way to go!!
• I love tea.
• Chekov is kind of a cranky old guy.
• Travel Tip #3: Burbank airport is truly the airport time forgot!
• Once you have been in an incarnation of Star Trek, you have it made...unless you resent being on Star Trek. Then you are simply screwed for all eternity.
• The awesomeness of flower vending machines is immeasurable...I mean it is a spinning diner pie case that has flowers for sale!!!
• Did I mention Sci-Fi Conventions are Totally Awesome!!
• You don't believe me about the whole B&B thing...I have two words for you: Fresh Scones!
• Please let the Powers That Be cancel Veronica Mars. I don't want to watch anymore, but I lack the willpower to do so on my own.
• No matter what various people said, I still think Avery Brooks is an ass...a pompous ass!
  
• Tell me, how did I get mixed up in dealing with animal vaccines again?
• Travel Tip #4: Flying in high winds is not fun and should be avoided as much as possible. If you do have to fly in high winds, make sure you know where the air sickness bag is. Trust me...
• Is it pathetic that I was genuinely happy to recieve flowers on Administrative Professionals Day?
• I can die happy...Tom Paris used the term 'lizard babies'. Perhaps the worse ep in the history of Star Trek actually brought some good! All I can say is it is about time!!
• TVGuide did a whole page article about Supernaturalin this week's magizine...does that mean it is coming back next year? (And doesn't El Deano look a lot like Wentworth Miller in that pic? Ok...maybe that is just me!)
• Travel Tip #5: Travel with people who have money. It just makes everything better!
• In case you missed it, Sci-Fi Conventions are Frakkin’ Awesome!!

But trust me on the sunscreen...

Jon Stewart put it best,"As an adolescent, [Vonnegut] made my life bearable." If you haven't heard already, I don't know how to break this news gently: Kurt Vonnegut has died. Now I know he hasn't published a whole lot recently, but still American literature has lost a titan...a voice of the people. As with Arthur Miller, I didn't need to see a new book published every couple of years, it was just compforting knowing that somewhere Vonnegut was alive. I saw him on The Daily Show a few months back and marvelled at how 'with it' he still seemed and the way Jon Stewart seemed at a loss for words and simply just somewhere was enough.

So it goes...

[Note: Yes I know that Kurt Vonnegut didn't write the speech used in the Baz Luhrmann hit, but I sitll think it is somewhat fitting. I think it is advice that he would give.]

Move along, move along, just to make it through...

The Mad Madam M strike continues and you're still stuck with me. You'll manage, I'm sure. I was inspired to do another VidSpam in honor of her...because, well, it is her invention. I think. Actually, I don't really remember. Whatever. So, on with the VidSpam done up Supernatural style.



This is a creepy video. The music is almost peppy, which makes it even creepier.



This one has fire, which is cool because it appeals to my inner pyro.



This one I just went what the *&&%^%??? Be afraid, be very afraid.

And the beat goes on...

The Mad Madam M has run away with the circus (don't worry she'll be back next week), but I promised to put in an appearance over here and keep you entertained while she's gone. Today, I bring you a VidSpam of Veronica Mars songs. Enjoy!

Creepy ass, yet funny video with these boots are made for walking. Have fun with this one.



And for those of us who have a love/hate relationship with the annoying, tiny blonde one.



Veronica Mars in rewind mode. It's kinda creepy though to watch people go backward so much. I got a little bit sea sick.

Leaving on a jet plane...

For years, I have tried to stay away from the world of comic books. You see, I feel it's pull like a siren's call. Here would be the perfect hobby for my affinity for fantasy/sci-fi as well as my OCD tendencies. See why I have tried to stay away...there is just too much temptation.
Anyhoo, leave it to Joss Wheadon to suck me in. Most of you probably already know of his plan to release a season 8 in comic book form. No network. No budget. Just Buffy and the scooby gang (unfortunately now including all the potentials) fighting evil. Can you see why I finally gave in?!?!?!
Well, I read the first issue the day it came out and now await the second. I also read all of Frank Miller's 300 at Barnes & Noble. (You can only get the book in hardback and I don't have $17 lying around to spend on something I may not like. It just makes sense, although I never thought I would become one of those people that reads an entire book at the store. Seems kind of sad... On second thought, perhaps I should have kept that to myself!)
And now, I am being tempted to read the Supernatural prequels. I mean, how could I resist learning more about the adventures of Charleton Heston and wee!angry-man Dean. (Oh and chubby baby!sammy. How could I forget him...) I only know one phrase to express my current state of mind: KHAN!!!!!
In other news, ChickLit will be filling in for the next couple of days while I soak up the sun in Victoria, BC. *takes a moment to try away the tears caused by hysterical laughter* Hopefully I finally get to use the new raincoat I spent an arm and a leg on. Wait on second thought, scratch that...
Anyway, be nice to the guest blogger or I'll be forced to create another Procrastination Station™ Competition. You wouldn't want that would you!?!?!?

I will feel a glow just thinking of you...

Well, I have finally finished. Yes, I can now proudly - perhaps not proudly, but I couldn't think of better word - say I have watched all of Star Trek: Deep Space 9. (For those of you playing the home game, it only took me 8 months! However in my defense, I watched the last 3 seasons - 26 episode seasons - in 2 months...that was how good it got!)
I ended up quite loving the series as a whole. For those of you wondering, Quark turned out to be my favorite full-time cast member character with the combo of Bashir and O'Brien coming in a close second. I even grew to tolerate Sisko. He will never be a favorite, but I could stand him in the end...believe me that is an amazing statement. I wrote back in late October that the series was starting to get better, but I didn't realize how good it was going to get!
Luckily I watched the series finale alone last night. I was doing pretty good and then the show threw me a curve ball and snuck in a rendition of the Jerome Kern classic "The Way You Look Tonight" at a going away party. After that I kept tearing up...especially when Bashir and O'Brien said goodbye and especially when Kira and an tux wearing Odo parted for the last time. No matter what, I will always think of them all (Jadzia Dax NOT Exri Dax of course) on that former Cardassian space station near Bajor dealing with the latest tragedy - normally involving Gul Dukat, Kai Winn, or the Dominion - but never forgetting to enjoy time with good friends while hanging out in Quark's...

Two riders were approaching, the wind began to howl...

Since this is my blog and I can do whatever I want (I'm used to having my way since I am an only child...you don't want to fight me on this), I want to talk about the Battlestar Galactica finale. However, I promis this is going to be cryptic since I have no clue if any of my loyal readers watch BSG. I know ChickLit is only through part of season 1 - since she is borrowing my dvds - and I would hate to ruin the series for her or anyone else just coming to know the awesomeness of BSG. I have to say, after a slow and often frustrating season 3, BSG redeemed itself and hooked me again. I can't believe I have to wait until 2008 to see a new episode. Hopefully season 4 doesn't disappoint and I can get some juicy tidbits from Jamie Bamber and Katee Stackoff in a couple of weeks!
Again, I would hate to ruin things so I will leave it at this...I think I know who the two riders are, but that still leave the joker, the thief, and the prince left to identify. Let the theories roll...

and her heart it is in Ireland, deep within the Emerald Isle...

Hope everyone has an awesom St. Patrick's Day. I have already had my corn beef & cabbage along with some potatoes and Guiness. Anyhoo, Knows-It-All sent me this awesome card that I just had to share. If you know me, you know how perfect this card is...

Back in Black...

Well, it has been a couple of days. Wish I could say I was doing something cool, but in all honesty, I got a bit overloaded a work. It happens sometimes. Anyway, I had planned to do a blog entry on 300, which I saw on Monday, but I'm just not feeling it at the moment. I enjoyed the film immensely, so perhaps next week...
However, as you probably have guessed by the image appearing in the top left-hand corner, this entry is all about the return of Supernatural. Yes, after a month long hiatus one of my fav shows is returning and with a very special guest that completely rocks my world. Caprica Six - Tricia Helfer - from Battlestar Galactica is this week's damsel in distress. Although I find it somewhat creepy when my worlds combine, this mixture I'm actually looking forward to. Besides both shows film in Vancouver...and it isn't like that creepy scene from Dark Angel that features Col. Kira from Deep Space Nine Boomer from BSG and Jensen. You would think that Kira's (I don't remember her name on Dark Angel and to be honest I don't care. Nana Visitor will always be Kira...) bleached hair would have been the scariest thing in that scene, but no...it is the weird collection of people. It just isn't right!
So read a fun interview with Jared about Sam finally gettin' some lovin' or an interesting article about the show or even watch Jensen's interview with Jimmy Kimmel. I honestly don't mind which you do, but for goodness sake click on something. That is what the internet is for. (Although Avenue Q does have their own theory that might be a bit more accurate.) Trust me on this...
Oh before I sign off, remember that today is the last day to participate in my first ever Procrastination Station™ No Prize competition. At this moment, only ChickLit has entered. Come on! If you don't enter, the terrorists win! You don't want that do you?!?!?! (Not that I am implying in any way that ChickLit is a terrorist, mind you. Just that participation in idiotic competitions is part of the foundation of American life. I mean how else do you explain the fact that Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader got picked up for another 13 episodes?!?!?!)

Clicky Licky for the Details

The closing walls and the ticking clocks...

I hate Spring Forward Day (SFD). I know it actually happened yesterday, but I am still upset. I mean I hate SFD like I hate people who try to jump the queue and Hilary Swank films. (If you have never been presence when someone tries to cut in a line or heard my rants about Hilary Swank count yourself lucky...just ask ChickLit!)

Anyway, that is all I really had to share at the moment. I did recently watch "Shut Up & Sing", the documentary about the whole Dixie Chick controversy a couple of years ago. Even if you don't like country music, this is a fascinating film that takes place over the course of 3 years; detailing the original incident, in which Natalie Maines made disparaging remarks about Bush and the Iraq war in 2003 during a concert in London, and concluding with the release of their new album Taking the Long Way.

Ireland, Scotland, Britian & Wales, I can hear those ancient voices calling...

Since ChickLit made my day by creating some posters for my first ever Procrastination Station™ Competition (as well as helping me brainstorm the name I might add), I decided to create a blog all about Ioan Gruffudd, one of her favorite people! Sure he has made some questionable flicks - *cough* Fantastic Four *cough* - but Horatio Hornblower is still one of the best BBC produced series EVER! I mean, no one does not-so-subtle HoYay! like BBC does HoYay! Besides what is not to love about hot guys running around really cool looking ships in loafers...LOAFERS. Forget muskets and ponytails...I don't think there is any better fashion accessory for Napoleonic naval battles that the low-heeled loafer for men. Reminds me of the women of Star Trek always going into battle in 3 inch heels...I snicker every time they have to survive a fire fight or even hike through rough terrain in such ridiculous shoes! But I digress...
A while ago I stumbled upon a video of Ioan and his real-life best friend Matthew Rhys (yes FemeNazi...Kevin from your new fav series) speaking Welsh in a short 2 minute film. I have no clue what they are saying, but it is one of the sexiest things I have ever watched. Why do other languages always sound so exquisite?!?! Anyway ChickLit...this one's for you!!

I Can't Live...With or Without You!

I'mmmmm Baaaack! Did you miss me? Come on...you can admit that you did! (Or at least say that you missed me...my self-esteem could really use a boost right now!) Big thanks to ChickLit for filling in for a couple of days!!

Anyway, the good news is that last night I finally regained my internet connection. Apparently 'the powers that be' decided I'd served my time and so my punishment finally ended. At long last, my first blog entry since February 16th...well except for the marathon OC picspam I co-authored with ChickLit! But that really wasn't an entry as much as a fond farewell to a friend!

So, for my triumphant return I have decided to include you, the faithful and long-suffering reader, in my first ever Procrastination Station™...when any excuse will do! I recently discovered the joy of making my own 'motivational' posters. (Television Without Pity has a 390+ thread on their boards filled with them!) You know like the posters offered by Despair Inc., the company that has provided motivational posters for pessimists for years! Anyway, all you have to do is find an image, figure out a catchy title & motivational text, and follow the easy steps on the website! It is as easy as that and you can spend hours upon hours making these posters...like I did!

Consequently, I have decided that it is about time my blog served some sort of purpose other than my ramblings about pop culture, so I'm issuing a challenge. I stress that this isn't a competition since there will be no real prize other than the chance to get your poster published on my blog! I'm looking for posters that make me laugh! Please upload your posters to an image hosting website like Flikr or Photobucket and post the link in the comment section. Posters can be about anything pop culture related include but not limited to tellie, books, movies, celebrities, or the horrors of grad school/academia! The winning poster, or really any poster that gets submitted since I doubt anyone is going to take me up on this, will be posted next Friday, St. Patrick’s Day Eve. So readers get ready for an addictive new activity to waste more time!

Here is a sample I made!

Create Your Own Now!

Stop Me from Making Movies of Myself...

The saga continues...day five of Mad Madam M without internet. Sorry folks.

Anyway, I give you the first real quiz on this blog. To make it fun, I forced the Mad Madam M to take the quiz too. It's about being a movie buff. Those of you who know anything about her know she's an expert in pop culture. She'd seen everything on the list except one move that she made a personal choice not to watch. I'll let you guess which one it was.

Your Movie Buff Quotient: 98%

You are a movie buff of the most obsessive variety. If a movie exists, chances are that you've seen it. You're an expert on movie facts and trivia. It's hard to stump you with a question about film.

Are You a Movie Buff?

And here's me. I cheated and added a few to my list to make her feel better. Remember the post about making your best friend feel better about herself by lying? Friendship in action here, people. Check it out.

Your Movie Buff Quotient: 48%

You are well on your way to becoming a movie buff. You've seen many of the great films, and you have even probably developed an expertise in a few genres.

Are You a Movie Buff?

Lucy in the sky with diamonds

Day two of the Mad Madam M not having internet, so you're all still stuck with me, her dubious partner in crime.

I'm going to take a swing at her vidspam posts. This week will be popular songs turned into Lord of the Rings and/or Pirates of the Carribbean music videos.

Aragon *hearts* Arwen. Awww...while ocking out to Nickelback.



This is Johnny Depp at his weirdo best...and a really dorky song to help him along.



Because when I think of pirates, I think country music. Fer Sure.



Because a nice girl wouldn't tell you what you should do...but Keira Knightley will smack you across the face with her opinion.



This should totally have been the Rohan theme song. Totally.

I've been waiting for this moment, for all my life...

Since this is my first foray into Mad Madam M-land and she asked me to throw up a blog because her 'net is down, I decided to make a list of all the reasons I'm her best friend:

1. I completely understand her fetish for all things pop culture, though I don't share it. If I didn't understand, we couldn't be friends. If I shared it, wee'd be too much alike and we couldn't be friends. Sense a pattern?
2. When she told me it was Jensen Ackles birthday today, I immediately assured her that the older he gets, the lower his asking price will be when I'm famous enough to buy him for her as her own personal pool boy. I want to be a fmous author, and we all need a loyal entourage to spoil. It's the perfect set-up for both of us, I think.
3. She's totally supportive of my writing career, but she never reads my books. Why does this make us awesome friends? I write romance! She doesn't need to read the kind of stuff that come out of my head. Ewwww.
4. I watched Buffy for her. I mean, that says something right there. I'm just not sure what. Anyway...moving on!
5. We both suffered through the same heinous senior project together. And there was ice cream after. Lots of ice cream.
   
6. We both went to grad school. It was in different states, so how would this draw us together? Grad school messes with your mind, man. You'll never be the same again. So, we're similarly wacked out.
7. When we're old and widowed and still wacked out, we can be biddies with fifty cats. The neighbors can think we're weird and smell kind of old-lady menthol funny, but we'll still be propping up and reassuring each other delusions. That's what real friends are for. They don't help you move or move bodies, they see that you're crazy and old and lie to your face about it to make you feel better.