It's My Lucky Day!

Good Advice for Final Girls (and Guys)

I find it completely astonishing that in 2012 AD, we are still primarily a race of superstitious neanderthals, cowering during a thunderstorm because some great invisible being must be angry at us. Of course the annotation "AD" in the date I just typed is a superstitious relic itself, used scientifically only to denote between documented and and undocumented or 'prehistoric' events. Of course, that first neanderthal who figured out that thunder and lightning were natural events decided to use that to his advantage and instill even more fear into his cave-mates, thus elevating him to "Shaman" (or its neanderthal equivalent) and giving him perceived power and influence over the rest of them.

Thank (you should pardon the expression) God for the Italians. Face it -- if it wasn't for the Renaissance, you would not be reading this and I would not be typing what you are reading. The free exchange of ideas; the sharing of information and the expansion of scientific knowledge forged by DaVinci and his contemporaries have all led to the computer-driven, world-connected society in which we now find ourselves, and where more like-minded people can now connect with one another better, faster and more often than ever before. The entire compendium of human knowledge is available -- to just about everyone --  at the touch of a few buttons.

So why is it that so many people still believe in invisible beings; ghosts; demons; angels; fairies; leprechauns; vampires; werewolves; black cats; broken mirrors; walking under ladders... ad nauseum? Every religion will tell you that 'faith' is what makes it real. In other words, belief in something completely illogical and unlikely, despite all scientific evidence to the contrary. The real world is scary enough without pretending there are 'supernatural' forces at work in our lives. And I won't deny that there are things still unexplainable. Who knows why the girl with the 'incurable' cancer suddenly went into permanent remission? Why did patient "Y" survive the transplant while patient "X" didn't? What made Sparky run out into the street just at that Jeep turned the corner? Why can't I win the lottery?

Because it's all completely random, folks. There's no "Cosmic Plan" or "Web of Destiny." As they say: "Sh*t Happens." Maybe its because I have a birthday coming up. Maybe I'm losing my faith in the hope for humanity. Or maybe it's a combination of things. Whatever it is, it's leading me down some previously only tentatively explored paths - and that's a good thing. 

So, if there is anything left of your Friday the 13th, go out and celebrate it. I once went camping in Salem on a Friday the 13th weekend (we were 'researching' a production of The Crucible) and had one of the most memorable experiences of my youth.

Damn. I should have played the Powerball...

Okay, fine. Is this better?



More, anon.
Prospero

The Gayest Things You'll See This Week

James Franco in Oz: The Great and Powerful

USA Network, these days known mostly for its original comedic procedurals like "Monk;" "Psych" and their latest, "Common Law" is breaking new ground this summer with "Political Animals," a 'limited series event' about a former First Lady and now Secretary of State (Sigourney Weaver) who makes a bid for the Presidency. Weaver is flanked by Carla Gugino as a print reporter shadowing her while trying to keep her job relevant and Chris MacNeil herself, Ellen Burstyn as Siggy's out-spoken, tart-tongued mother. Siggy and the POTUS emeritus (and soon-to-be ex-husband) have two sons, one of whom came out as teen while living in the White House. In the clip below (via), the son has apparently hired a rent boy, or as Chelsea Handler night say: "Oopsie!"

And then right after I watched that clip, I saw the jaw-dropping trailer for Sam Raimi's WOZ prequel, Oz: The Great and Powerful, starring James Franco; Mila Kunis; Rachel Wiesz; Michelle Williams and Zach Braff. Raimi's last film was the critically adored but audience ignored Drag Me to Hell, which I just out and out loved. This teaser trailer from Disney literally made my jaw drop. Watch this Shiz* in full screen and HD, if you can (also via):

I've watched it three times already and seen something new each time.Wow! Really can't wait for this one!

*Yes, that was both a Snoop Dog and Wicked reference, which JA over at MyNewPlaidPants says is now a go with Billy Elliot director Stephen Daldry at the helm. Anyone care to place bets on the casting of "Glee" diva Lea Michele as Elphaba? But who then as Glinda? Amanda Seyfried? Can she even sing? Who would you cast as Elphie and Glinda?

More, anon.
Prospero

Wait... They STILL Have Comic-Con?

ComicCon 2012's TV Panel Line-up

Five; three; maybe even two years ago, San Diego Comic-Con International was the entertainment event for geeks, nerds, fanboys and assorted hopeful writers, illustrators and filmmakers in an orgy of pop-culture, film, comics, cosplay and of course, merchandising. Events like this always remind me of The Merchandisers in the underrated European version of Chess. Yes, there are lots of cool and fun things for sale there, but do you really need to pay $375 for a Darth Vader telephone or $460 for a bust of Freddy Kruger? If you do, please see a doctor immediately, as you obviously have "more money than brains," as my mother is wont to say.

Of course, the big fascination for me are the cosplayers who sometimes spend hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars building elaborate costumes to wear to such events. Given the time and money these people spend, I know I could build just about any costume you could want, but who the hell has the time and money? Who are these people and how do they afford to build this stuff?

Yeah, pal. It's not fair.

But it seems Comic-Con may be losing its luster. Oh, it will still be packed with thousands of geeks, nerds, fanboys, etc. this year. There will still be cosplayers, vendors and celebrities. And while I wouldn't turn down a free trip and all-access pass, I don't think I ever really need to attend. I've mentioned many times my one fan convention in NYC in the 80's. I can only imagine they've gotten intensely weirder since then. And while I would like to be able to sit in on the panels for "The Walking Dead;" Oz, the Great and Powerful; The Hobbit; Pacific Rim and a few others, the one thing I really would like to have done is The Walking Dead Escape at Petco Park, where one can opt to be either a Survivor or a Spectator in "A ballpark infested with zombies where you will climb, crawl, hide and slide your way to safety."

Damn! There are still 3 1/2 months to wait!

Comic-Con International 2012 officially opens tomorrow. San Diego is a beautiful city with nearly perfect weather, year-round. The few days I've spent there were all memorable, for one thing or another. My "stay-cation" from the Day Job starts at 4:45 this Friday, though I wouldn't complain if some rich hottie picked me up at 4:46 and whisked me off in his private jet (not-to-mention VIP access to all events) and we spent the weekend geeking out, among other things (wink-wink, nudge-nudge).

More, anon.
Prospero

Hellboy's Heart and Other Good News

Via Spectral Motion

It was a beautiful day (finally) in the Northeast and I wanted to talk about things that are making me feel at least a little better about the world, so here we go. 

The last celebrity story I remember reading about the Make-a-Wish foundation, involved Food Network's Evil Hamptons Ho, Ina Garten and her denial of a child's request to spend an afternoon cooking with her. F*ck you, Ina! This first part of tonight's post is about one celebrity who really went all out to make a kid's wish come true (Get out your tissues for this one).

Zachary's dream was to meet and be his favorite superhero, Hellboy, played in two pretty great Guillermo Del Toro movies (both of which begin in the most hilariously unlikely and inaccurate version of Trenton, NJ as only Del Toro could imagine) by beloved genre actor, Ron Perlman. To make Zachary's wish come true, Perlman spent hours in makeup to become Hellboy and spend the day with the boy. Then his makeup team turned Zachary into a young Hellboy. How awesome is Ron Perlman, folks? Suck it, Ina. I don't care how many gay friends you pretend to have, you're a terrible person.

You can link to Spectral Motion's Facebook page album at the link in the photo caption. Kudos, Mr. Perlman (as if we needed yet another reason to love you!).

And now on to another site I (and everyone else in the world) visit frequently, YouTube. Do you ever get sucked into the comments people make on some videos? Do you hate them, but still somehow get baited into responding to the trolls? Well then, the brainy zombies over at BoingBoing have the answer you may well be seeking. Herp Derp is a free browser extension that converts all YouTube comments to "herp derp herp herp derp." I trust the folks at BoingBoing - their reputation is without question and the thing works beautifully.  If you HAVE to see a comment, you can click on it. I found it funny and even though I rarely read YouTube comments, I downloaded it for fun. 

And now for something completely gay. Via The Accidental Bear (site may be NSFW), here are porn-star Conner Habib and 'psycho musician' Christeene giving advice to a guy whose boyfriend is ashamed of the commercialization of Pride. It's perfectly weird, funny, gay and actually offers two valid opinions.And it's safe for work at inclusive companies. I'm going to try and embed the clip, but AB seemed to have some issues and so I'm going to add the same link that he did to the original at NewNowNext if you have a problem viewing it here.

Get More: Watch Reality TV, Video and Movies, Logo TV

More, anon.
Prospero

The PNSW Gayest Thing You'll See This Week

Oh, my...

Oh, Joy!

Shhh! Don't tell anyone about what you're about to read. Don't comment on anything but the images the links take you to. And here's why:

It seems that my new keyboard has a bit of a larger learning curve than I anticipated. This enigmatic post will be updated as soon as my gigantic sausage fingers get used to the damned thing's spacing, layout and feel.

So, "Yay! I'm back on-line!" and "Damnit! I mistyped 6 out of 10 words on these flat, small and close-together keys!" and "Oh sh*t! What the... Grrr!"

I vow to conquer you, new and alien keyboard! You will NOT win! I'm not even signing this, because this text will be gone, soon. So there! 

 I will, being part evil genius -- as you no doubt must have realized by now -- leave your comments up, so those who read it after it's been changed will wonder what the hell ya'll are talking about or maybe even if you're all completely insane (or - hopefully, make them think that they're insane). Shhhh! Don't let them know! :-) There are lots of fun links to reference in comments, too. So have at them and have fun.

Fast and Easy

Not Exactly My New PC

I'm back! And no, this post's title doesn't refer to me, you dirty-minded people!

After several weeks with limited Internet access, I finally got my new PC set up today and I have to say, it was the single easiest computer set up I've ever experienced. I don't usually do product endorsements, but my new Acer Aspire all-in-one PC has no tower; a gigantic 20" screen and required no special cords, plugs or adapters. And man, is it fast! My only (very minor) complaint, is that I'm having a bit of a time adjusting to it's rather small, almost laptop-like keyboard, though I am sure that will pass after a few days. Overall, I couldn't be happier with it. 

After clearing, cleaning and rearranging my computer desk, it was a very simple matter of plugging things in and I was ready to go in less than 10 minutes. Past PC set-ups have often taken me (someone who is decidedly less-than-savvy when it comes to electronics) over an hour. There was no cursing; no sweating and, best of all, no knee pain! Ports and CD ROM are all on the side and the mouse, keyboard and Internet receptacles are easily accessed without having to pull out an ridiculously heavy  tower. Best of all, Uncle P's Day Job offers a computer purchase loan program. I buy the PC, turn in the receipt and they cut me a check to pay it off right away, then deduct a certain amount from my check each pay-period without interest! How could I go wrong?

My old HP served me well these past six years, but I am not by any means sorry to see it go. Thank goodness, I backed up all my files. Now I'm off to find a cloud service to do it automatically. And of course, I'm very glad to be able to post again from home on a regular basis. I just hope you all haven't abandoned me!

And now, apropos of nothing other than my love of zombie movies, here's a trailer for one of the most original and intriguing zombie movies I've seen in a long time, Exit Humanity:

More, anon.
Prospero