Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Doll House
Mike, I take those with a saly *mine*, thanks... I may have posted this here before, so forgive an old man if he repeats himself. I had a friend in college who had a Neilsen box. He also had a doctoral thesis defense pending, a wife with one of her own and a new baby daughter. The first time he had me over for dinner, he introduced me to his wife, his daughter and his Neilsen box, adding, I don't watch the thing at all. If you have a show you want to keep on the air, just let me know and I'll tune it in for you. (Mind you, he was honest enought o call the Neilsen people to tell them all of what I just said about his life, and asked them to take the box out. They never replied. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Doll House Date : Sun, 15 Feb 2009 21:22:19 -0500 From : Mike Street streetfor...@gmail.com To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com We have to take Nelson numbers with a grain of salt these days http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
[RE][scifinoir2] Liking Ben 10
Keith, I do watch it, but it's sporadically at best. Time bites, as always. I like it as well. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : [scifinoir2] Liking Ben 10 Date : Sun, 15 Feb 2009 20:14:50 + (UTC) From : Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@comcast.net To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Anyone ever watch Ben 10? It's become one of my fav cartoons, especially now that Avatar has ended its run. I first discovered it a year ago, and was intrigued by this young man with a powerful alien weapon attached to his body. What really pulled me in, though, was the characters, each of whom has an interesting backstory and function. There's Ben's grandfather, a member of the Plumbers ( the agency that fights alien threats), his cousin Gwen, the technogeek with magical powers, and the sometimes enemy Kevin, who can absorb the properties of anything he touches (similar to Absorbing Man in Marvel). The show is entertaining, funny, even exciting at times. The first few years of Ben 10 showed growth with the characters, as Ben and his friends grow in power, maturity, and the level of dangers they face. There were many story arcs in addition to just monster-of-the-week eps, and the plot lines became more complex and even darker over the years. With the second series, Ben 10: Alien Force, they do something you rarely see in animation: allow the characters to age and change. Ben and Gwen are several years older (and look it), their powers have grown, and once opponent Kevin is part of the team. The last time I remember seeing characters grow and change significantly in 'toons is probably the late great, Legion of SuperHeroes, or maybe the change in Goku from young child to adult in Dragonball Z. At any rate, I'm curious if anyone else has watched any of this show. It's been a present surprise. With other new or recently ended fare that's out now--Secret Saturdays, Danny Phantom, Batman: Brave and the Bold, Avatar, Wolverine and the X-Men--this is really one of the best times for cartoons I can remember in recent years. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
[RE][scifinoir2] Venture Bros Marathon
OMFD! I HAD to be looped up in family business. Could've used the laughs. rave, I'm with you on Tag Sale - You're It! The scene when the Baron had to check his metal jaw had me screaming! And the first ep (can't conjure the title offhand), when Brock's fighting the Monarch's henchmen, and has one by the throat when he's run over by a pick-up truck - even apparently dead, they still can't pry the poor henchguy out of Brock's grip, and they have to bury him along with Brock, Brock later using the dead guy to dig his way out of the grave- (walking away, howling) -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : [scifinoir2] Venture Bros Marathon Date : Sun, 15 Feb 2009 15:54:23 - From : ravenadal ravena...@yahoo.com To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com I think I fried my brain yesterday engaging in a Venture Bros marathon, yesterday. (Truth is, my brain was already fried from a hellacious week at work - I am still employed but I am currently expected to do the work three people used to do in half the time while my two direct supervisors are engaged in a locked cage match to see who will keep their job and thereby win the right to continue micro-managing me (!) - so I was in the proper mood to vegetate). I had all 39 episodes of the Cartoon Network's The Venture Bros on my DVR (a fact I didn't realize until AFTER I had deleted more than half of them after viewing) and I powered through 27 of them. I earlier stated on this list that watching The Venture Bros was like watching Jonny Quest on acid and that is no understatement! Watching the episodes in the order they were recorded, I realized I had watched Season Three first and then began watching the totally excellent episodes from Season One (with Season Two still to go). My two new favorite episodes are Season One, episode 7, Ice Station - Impossible, a wicked deconstruction of both The Incredibles and the Fantastic Four ouvre and Season One, episode 10, Tag Sale - You're It! wherein Dr. Venture holds a yard sale to raise money and all his super powered friends and enemies come to pick up high tech bargains (and chaos and hilarity ensue when Dr. Venture's arch enemy, The Monarch, creates a diversion so he can use the bathroom inside the Venture compound). Choice bits in Impossible included the fact that the Invisible Girl disappearing act is limited to her skin (revealing all the meat and muscle underneath), the Human Torch bursts into flames AND excruciating pain every time he is exposed to oxygen - not to mention the hilariously cruel death of Race Bannon - said program frequently cuts back to little children riding a dead Bannon down the street (every time the wind catches and inflates his parachute) while rifling his pockets for cool super secret gadgets. Let me give a special shout out to episode 4, The Incredible Mr. Brisby, a devilish take on Roy Disney and the whole (evil) Disney Empire and his struggle with the dilettante Orange County Liberation Front. I have twelve of season two to complete but, as I said at the onset, my brain is currently deep fried. ~rave! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
Re: [scifinoir2] Push
Well, that kicks it back to Blockbuster rental when nothing else good is on the shelves status... -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Push Date : Sat, 14 Feb 2009 20:27:27 -0500 From : Mike Street streetfor...@gmail.com To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com it was one of those films where all the good stuff was in the trailer. On Sat, Feb 14, 2009 at 8:24 PM, Keith Johnson wrote: Wow, in what way was it boring? Was the camera work as awful as I fear? - Original Message - From: Mike Street To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, February 14, 2009 7:14:08 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Push I saw it and hated it! It was s boring! On Fri, Feb 13, 2009 at 3:51 PM, Keith Johnson wrote: Anyone see the movie Push? I was in Boston when it premiered last week. I haven't heard much, other than some critics' reviews that say it's a bit of a jumbled, hyperactive mess (told you I was worried about the too-quick camera cuts!) But though a few of us were initially anticipating it, I don't recall any reviews or discussions here, certainly no praise for the flick. Did anyone see it? How was it? Along the same lines, I'm considering checking out Benjamin Buttons and Coraline. Any thoughts on those? -- My Social Media Resume: http://www.visualcv.com/mikestreet Visit my Blog: http://www.Greasyguide.com Follow Me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/streetforce1 -- My Social Media Resume: http://www.visualcv.com/mikestreet Visit my Blog: http://www.Greasyguide.com Follow Me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/streetforce1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
Re: [scifinoir2] Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office
Keith, you forgot to include Will Ferrell. I'm certain that it was due to your own mental self-defenses kicking in... -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Date : Sun, 15 Feb 2009 01:21:34 + (UTC) From : Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@comcast.net To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Funny. He isn't a guaranteed big draw for me. Among male actors, I'm much more likely to see a flick with Don Cheadle, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Clive Owen, Viggo Mortensen, Robert Duvall. Maybe De Niro if it's not Meet the Parents or Righteous Kill type crap. And I'd actually place Clooney higher up on my list than Smith. In fact, I can't remember the last time I saw a movie because Smith was in it. I saw Hancock and I Am Legend because they were scifi, and Hitch because it was a romantic comedy I could share with my wife. The other males below, I'll certainly consider--especially Damon and Di Caprio--but depends on the type of movie they're in. I will say, I do wish Christian Slater were still doing good work, for he'd certainly be on my list. For female actors, my list would have to include Judi Dench, Angela Bassett (keep hoping she finally finds the roles that utilize her massive talent), Meryl Streep (who's really impressed me with her continually good work as she gets older), Kimberly Elise (woefully underappreciated actress), Taraji P. Henson (hard not to be engaged with, even with unintentionally funny stuff like He don't love me no 'mo'! in Baby Boy), Cate Blanchett, Jodi Foster, Queen Latifah (good dramatic and comedic actress), Sanaa Lathan. They ought to list the actors guaranteed to kill a movie, to drive people away. For me, that would include Adam Sandler (don't get his humour), Pauly Shore (how does he get work?), Jim Carey (most of his stuff is too manic for me), David Spade (loved him on TV, can't abide his film work), Mila Jovovich (horrible movie choices), Kate Hudson (she's sure to star in wretched romantic comedies that make you gag). - Original Message - From: Tracey de Morsella To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, CINQUE Sent: Saturday, February 14, 2009 5:53:22 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: [scifinoir2] Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office 12 February 2009 1:27 AM, PST Will Smith has again emerged as the film star whose name on the marquee guarantees a movie's success, according to most analysts. In Forbes magazine's Star Currency survey, Smith was the only film star to receive a perfect score of 10. Others in the top ten included: Leonardo DiCaprio , Angelina Jolie , Brad Pitt , Tom Hanks , George Clooney , Denzel Washington , Matt Damon , Jack Nicholson , and Julia Roberts . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
RE: [scifinoir2] Push
Personally, I can't see anyone over the age of sixteen wanting to see that piece of dreck. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : RE: [scifinoir2] Push Date : Sat, 14 Feb 2009 16:51:16 -0800 From : Tracey de Morsella tdli...@multiculturaladvantage.com To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Confessions has not received any good reviews and people are saying it is tone death to the times as it focuses a lot on maxing out multiple credit cards From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:scifino...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Keith Johnson Sent: Saturday, February 14, 2009 2:21 PM To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Push Thanks. What about Confessions of a Shopaholic? Hey...today is Valentine's, and tomorrow is my anniversary. I gotta take the romantic comedy bullet sometime soon! - Original Message - From: Daryle Lockhart To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, February 13, 2009 4:28:41 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Push Curious Case was good. I think you will enjoy it. Push is a two hour Marvel Comic book written by a writer you never heard of but an illustrator you love. So it looks good, but halfway in you realize you've seen/read this all before. It ain't the editing, it's the script. It's a rental. On Feb 13, 2009, at 3:51 PM, Keith Johnson wrote: Anyone see the movie Push? I was in Boston when it premiered last week. I haven't heard much, other than some critics' reviews that say it's a bit of a jumbled, hyperactive mess (told you I was worried about the too-quick camera cuts!) But though a few of us were initially anticipating it, I don't recall any reviews or discussions here, certainly no praise for the flick. Did anyone see it? How was it? Along the same lines, I'm considering checking out Benjamin Buttons and Coraline. Any thoughts on those? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
Re: [scifinoir2] Push
Keith, a belated happy anniversary to you and Phyllis! -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Push Date : Sat, 14 Feb 2009 22:21:20 + (UTC) From : Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@comcast.net To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Thanks. What about Confessions of a Shopaholic? Hey...today is Valentine's, and tomorrow is my anniversary. I gotta take the romantic comedy bullet sometime soon! - Original Message - From: Daryle Lockhart To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, February 13, 2009 4:28:41 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Push Curious Case was good. I think you will enjoy it. Push is a two hour Marvel Comic book written by a writer you never heard of but an illustrator you love. So it looks good, but halfway in you realize you've seen/read this all before. It ain't the editing, it's the script. It's a rental. On Feb 13, 2009, at 3:51 PM, Keith Johnson wrote: Anyone see the movie Push? I was in Boston when it premiered last week. I haven't heard much, other than some critics' reviews that say it's a bit of a jumbled, hyperactive mess (told you I was worried about the too-quick camera cuts!) But though a few of us were initially anticipating it, I don't recall any reviews or discussions here, certainly no praise for the flick. Did anyone see it? How was it? Along the same lines, I'm considering checking out Benjamin Buttons and Coraline. Any thoughts on those? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
[RE][scifinoir2] Wonderful media site
My thanks as well, my friend! -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : [scifinoir2] Wonderful media site Date : Fri, 13 Feb 2009 22:42:17 -0500 From : Maurice C. Jennings mcjennings...@yahoo.com To : blackfo...@v2.listbox.com, scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, self_mast...@yahoogroups.com, 1...@yahoogroups.com, 40s...@yahoogroups.com Instant newspapers from around the world! http://www.newseum.org/todaysfrontpages/flash/ One of the most useful sites I have found. First select an area of the world from the horizontal global menu. Then put your mouse on a city anywhere in the region or nation and the newspaper headlines pop up. Double click and the page gets larger and then you can click on the website to go directly to the newspaper. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
[RE][scifinoir2] New in Town Changes Color of Story's Characters
Neither did I, Keith. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : [scifinoir2] New in Town Changes Color of Story's Characters Date : Fri, 13 Feb 2009 21:15:06 + (UTC) From : Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@comcast.net To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com I didn't know this... ** Black Writer: ‘New in Town’ Victim of Color-Conscious Casting Date: Monday, January 26, 2009, 2:50 pm By: William Douglas, Special to BlackAmericaWeb.com It will be a day of pride and “what-ifs” for screenwriter and Howard University alum Kenneth Rance when his romantic comedy, “New in Town,” opens in theaters nationwide on Friday. The Renee Zellweger-Harry Connick, Jr., vehicle about a Miami female executive who falls for a guy from New Ulm, Minnesota is Rance’s first feature film and ends a 16-year quest that began when he tried to pick up a cute corporate out-of-towner at a nightclub in his native Minnesota and thought the episode might make a good flick. But between idea and execution, Rance’s script morphed from two black lead characters – similar to him and the corporate executive – meeting in a tiny, very white Minnesota town to two white leads, Academy Award-winner Zellweger and Connick. On one hand, Rance says, the color shift proves to a sometimes skeptical motion picture industry that black writers “have the ability to tell stories that are beyond hip-hop, dope, drugs, crime, things that are negative and have the ability to tell stories that are more universal and have a larger appeal.” On the other hand, he says the change shows how much farther Hollywood has to go when it comes to casting blacks in major roles. “As a black father and husband, it’s also important that our community have images and stories that are positive and that are diverse,” Rance told BlackAmericaWeb.com. “And so, I’m very grateful that God has blessed this film and that it is finally making it to the silver screen. But then on the flip side, one does think ‘Wow, would that have looked like had, say, Angela Bassett was playing that role.” Rance believes that the movie, a Lionsgate and Gold Circle Films release, wouldn’t have been made with a black actress – Bassett, Vivica A. Fox, Queen Latifah, Jennifer Hudson – in the starring role. He says Gabrielle Union (“Cadillac Records,” “Deliver Us From Eva,” “Daddy’s Little Girls,” “Bring It On”), was slated to play Lucy Hill, the executive sent to frigid New Ulm (the scenes were actually shot in frosty Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada) to restructure the town’s food manufacturing plant. The multi-talented Connick (“Little Man Tate,” “Hope Floats,” “Bug,” “Memphis Belle”) plays Ted Mitchell, a union representative who falls for Hill. “I set out to write a movie about a woman from a big city, who comes to a small town, has conflict at a plant, falls in love with a blue-collar guy, the type of guy she wouldn’t give the time of day to. Oh, and by the way, she just happens to be black,” Rance told BlackAmericaWeb. “I think because the screenplay wasn’t about her being black, so to say, that it was very easy for the studio to make, in essence, a bigger picture, a more global picture, by removing her ethnicity, making her white, bringing on Renee Zellweger, Oscar Award-winning actress, and being able to distribute this film worldwide, as opposed to going with Gabrielle Union.” But Paul Hill one of the film’s four producers, said in press notes for the movie that Zellweger (“Bridget Jones’s Diary,” “Cold Mountain,” “Chicago,” “Leatherheads”) “was absolutely our first choice for Lucy Hill.” C. Jay Cox, who co-wrote the script with Rance, said race wasn’t a major factor in the movie. “So little about what made the script work was about race, about this woman being in the whitest town in America,” Cox told The Winnipeg Free Press. “Very little of it had to be changed from the idea that it was written with, say, Halle Berry in mind as opposed to Renee … Basically, it was a story about our assumptions about city versus small town, and about beliefs and the way that they function in our lives.” Rance wasn’t the only black involved in the development of the film. Tracey E. Edmonds (“Soul Food,” “Good Luck Chuck,” and BET’s “College Hill” reality television show) and Darryl Taja (“King’s Ransom,” “Thicker Than Water”) are also “New In Town” co-producers. Still, Rance believes that having a black characters leading in the original script slowed “New In Town’s” progress to the screen. “I remember a while back in early 2000 showing it to my agent and he said ‘Ken, this is a great script, I can’t sell it,’” Rance recalled. “Why? It’s just too difficult to sell a film with an African-American female lead.” Rance, a graduate of Howard University’s School of Communications and a former co-chair of the Writers Guild of America’s Committee of Black Writers, said Hollywood is interested in making
[RE][scifinoir2] Leverage - last night
Fate, that jumped right off the screen at me. Watched it all the way through, despite the fact that I knew I had to be pushing an SUV northward in four hours. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : [scifinoir2] Leverage - last night Date : Fri, 13 Feb 2009 10:28:37 -0800 (PST) From : Augustus Augustus jazzynupe_...@yahoo.com To : Sci Fi scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com did anyone get a chance 2 check out leverage last night? for all of my Trek friends did u notice the reverence to Trek? Brent Spiner (Data) - the defendant Armin Shimerman (Quark) - the medical expert witness and Jonathan Frakes (Riker) - the director of last nights episode. Fate. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
[RE][scifinoir2] Private jail pays 2 PA judges 2.6 mil to supply inmates
Dang! After thirty-plus years of my life trying to make writing a paying gig, I see that I need to reevaluate... -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : [scifinoir2] Private jail pays 2 PA judges 2.6 mil to supply inmates Date : Fri, 13 Feb 2009 09:26:13 - From : ravenadal ravena...@yahoo.com To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090212/ap_on_re_us/courthouse_kickbacks 2 Pa. judges plead guilty in kickback scheme By MICHAEL RUBINKAM, Associated Press Writer Thu Feb 12, 4:22 pm ET SCRANTON, Pa. Two Pennsylvania judges charged with taking more than $2 million in kickbacks to send youth offenders to privately run detention centers pleaded guilty to fraud Thursday in one of the most stunning cases of judicial corruption on record. Prosecutors allege Luzerne County Judges Mark Ciavarella and Michael Conahan took $2.6 million in payoffs to put juvenile offenders in lockups run by PA Child Care LLC and a sister company, possibly tainting the convictions of thousands of juvenile offenders. The judges pleaded guilty in federal court in Scranton to honest services fraud and tax fraud. Their plea agreements call for sentences of more than seven years in prison. They were permitted to remain free pending sentencing. The gray-haired jurists said little at Thursday's hearing, and declined to comment to reporters afterward. Prosecutors described a scheme in which Conahan, the former president judge of Luzerne County, shut down the county-owned juvenile detention center in 2002 and signed an agreement with PA Child Care LLC to send youth offenders to its new facility outside Wilkes-Barre. Ciavarella, who presided over juvenile court, sent youths to the detention center while he was taking payments, prosecutors said. For years, youth advocacy groups complained that Ciavarella was overly harsh and ran roughshod over youngsters' constitutional rights. Ciavarella sent a quarter of his juvenile defendants to detention centers from 2002 to 2006, compared with a statewide rate of one in 10. Among the offenders were teenagers who were locked up for months for stealing loose change from cars, writing a prank note and possessing drug paraphernalia. Many had never been in trouble before, and some were imprisoned even after probation officers recommended against it. Many of the children didn't have attorneys. Susan Mischanski, 46, whose teenage son appeared in Ciavarella's courtroom without an attorney, said Thursday she hopes the judge gets more than seven years behind bars. Ciavarella sentenced her son a first-time offender charged with simple assault to 90 days at a juvenile wilderness camp. Only because he hurt my child, I'd like to see him put away for longer, said Mischanski, who attended the hearing. Ciavarella has specifically denied sending kids to jail for cash, and had indicated he would not go through with the guilty plea if the government offered that as evidence. Thus prosecutors Thursday skirted over many of the allegations contained in their original criminal complaint, presenting only enough evidence to establish that crimes had occurred. But Assistant U.S. Attorney Gordon Zubrod said after the hearing that the government continues to allege a quid pro quo. We're not negotiating that, no. We're not backing off, he said. The prosecutor said it will be up to U.S. District Judge Edwin Kosik, who will determine the judges prison terms after a lengthy pre- sentence investigation, to settle the matter. Kosik could reject the proposed sentence as too light if he decides there was a quid pro quo. I think there will be significant disagreements as to what the facts are, Zubrod said. Was there a connection between the payments and the money, and young people going to prison? Those are issues that are going to be addressed later by the court. There's going to be plenty of time to fight about that. The judges were charged Jan. 26 and subsequently removed from the bench by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The high court on Wednesday appointed a senior judge from Berks County to review cases handled by Ciavarella dating back to 2003. The goal of this court is to determine whether the alleged travesty of juvenile justice occurred, and if it did, to identify the affected juveniles and rectify the situation as fairly and swiftly as possible, the justices said in a statement. Senior Judge Arthur E. Grim must report his findings in four months. Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
Re: [scifinoir2] OT: On a personal note...
Dax, your words are welcome. Thank you. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] OT: On a personal note... Date : Thu, 12 Feb 2009 19:06:03 -0500 From : Dax nx_31...@yahoo.com To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com I know by the time you get this everyone would have said what I have wanted to say as well. I am sorry as well, for your lost. I as well have lost an aunt just this past Christmas. Lost no matter what time of the year is hard. However with time, the pain lightens. --Lavender People may lie, but the evidence rarely does. -- From: Daryle Lockhart Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2009 5:51 PM To: Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] OT: On a personal note... Martin - really sorry to hear that, bro. All the best to you and your family. Safe trip to VA! Daryle On Feb 11, 2009, at 4:37 PM, Martin Baxter wrote: My friends, I will be absent from you august company until Monday. My mother's oldest brother passed away on Friday, and I have to travel to Virginia for the funeral on this Friday. Know that I'm with all of you, in spirit and thought. Keep the good works coming, and I'll be back. Martin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds Post your SciFiNoir Profile at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scifinoir2/app/peoplemap2/entry/add?fmvn=mapYahoo! Groups Links http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
Re: [RE][scifinoir2] Leverage - last night
Martin, glad that u made the drive safely. it was a very good ep. Fate. --- On Mon, 2/16/09, Martin Baxter truthseeker...@lycos.com wrote: From: Martin Baxter truthseeker...@lycos.com Subject: [RE][scifinoir2] Leverage - last night To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Date: Monday, February 16, 2009, 8:52 AM Fate, that jumped right off the screen at me. Watched it all the way through, despite the fact that I knew I had to be pushing an SUV northward in four hours. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : [scifinoir2] Leverage - last night Date : Fri, 13 Feb 2009 10:28:37 -0800 (PST) From : Augustus Augustus jazzynupe_...@yahoo.com To : Sci Fi scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com did anyone get a chance 2 check out leverage last night? for all of my Trek friends did u notice the reverence to Trek? Brent Spiner (Data) - the defendant Armin Shimerman (Quark) - the medical expert witness and Jonathan Frakes (Riker) - the director of last nights episode. Fate. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
Re: [RE][scifinoir2] Leverage - last night
Thank you, sir. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [RE][scifinoir2] Leverage - last night Date : Mon, 16 Feb 2009 06:06:29 -0800 (PST) From : Augustus Augustus jazzynupe_...@yahoo.com To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Martin, glad that u made the drive safely. it was a very good ep. Fate. --- On Mon, 2/16/09, Martin Baxter wrote: From: Martin Baxter Subject: [RE][scifinoir2] Leverage - last night To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Date: Monday, February 16, 2009, 8:52 AM Fate, that jumped right off the screen at me. Watched it all the way through, despite the fact that I knew I had to be pushing an SUV northward in four hours. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : [scifinoir2] Leverage - last night Date : Fri, 13 Feb 2009 10:28:37 -0800 (PST) From : Augustus Augustus To : Sci Fi did anyone get a chance 2 check out leverage last night? for all of my Trek friends did u notice the reverence to Trek? Brent Spiner (Data) - the defendant Armin Shimerman (Quark) - the medical expert witness and Jonathan Frakes (Riker) - the director of last nights episode. Fate. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
Re: [scifinoir2] Is DC Comics dying?
Jeff, I guess that that's a matter of interpretation. IMO, I could take your statement, substitute Civil War for Final Crisis, and it would be a valid assessment. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Is DC Comics dying? Date : Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:37:03 -0500 From : Jeff Carter mbsj...@gmail.com To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Did anyone read Final Crisis, this is the real reason DC is dying. They keep putting all their eggs in one writers basket (Morrison) who takes a dump throws it on the wall calls it art, and if anyone complains tells them that it's the editors fault. Jeff On Fri, Feb 6, 2009 at 9:42 PM, Martin Baxter wrote: Grant Morrison seems to think so. They haven't posted the article from Wizard that I read this afternoon on the web site, so it falls to me to quote it. When asked about his work on Final Crisis (the ending in particular, and what he hopes fans will take away from the conclusion of the story), he says, I hope they''ll take away a sense of how much they love the DC universe. Because there are the two camps... and Marvel is a colossus right now. To me, the DC Universe dying is almost how it felt to be at DC. There was just a sense that Marvel was just getting bigger and bigger and bigger. I don't agree with that at all. IMO, Marvel has al but sold out its readers, with cheap and gimmicky plotlines that aren't likely to last more than two years before being retconned right out of existence, leaving nothing short of a continuity mess. DC, on the other hand, is bringing about Final Crisis, almost to the letter as it was destined to happen thirty-odd years ago. I put my brain to the task of remembering exactly what books I'd picked up in the last six months, and they've been 95% DC, only Fantastic Four as a Marvel representative. But that's just me. Thrash on this. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
Re: [scifinoir2] OT: On a personal note...
Thank you, Reece. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] OT: On a personal note... Date : Thu, 12 Feb 2009 20:25:28 + From : mcjennings...@yahoo.com To : SciFi2 scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com God bless you and your family, Martin. Safe trip, my friend. M Sent via BlackBerry by ATamp;T -Original Message- From: Keith Johnson Date: Thu, 12 Feb 2009 04:03:07 To: Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] OT: On a personal note... Sorry to hear that. My best wishes to you and your family. - Original Message - From: Martin Baxter To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2009 4:37:04 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: [scifinoir2] OT: On a personal note... My friends, I will be absent from you august company until Monday. My mother's oldest brother passed away on Friday, and I have to travel to Virginia for the funeral on this Friday. Know that I'm with all of you, in spirit and thought. Keep the good works coming, and I'll be back. Martin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
Re: [scifinoir2] OT: On a personal note...
Thank you, Brent. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] OT: On a personal note... Date : Thu, 12 Feb 2009 13:37:19 -0500 From : brent wodehouse brent_wodeho...@thefence.us To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Condolences, mate. My thoughts are with you and your family at this time of loss. Be safe. Brent Martin Baxter writes: My friends, I will be absent from you august company until Monday. My mother's oldest brother passed away on Friday, and I have to travel to Virginia for the funeral on this Friday. Know that I'm with all of you, in spirit and thought. Keep the good works coming, and I'll be back. Martin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
Re: [scifinoir2] Is DC Comics dying?
I agree with you about civil war as well. The big two have given complete control to two or three writers, and they are able to get away with anything they want. Stories are bland and repetitive, each company puts out a big stunt every three months (one more day, death of batman), issues are consistently late, and now they are raising the prices. After 27 years of reading and collecting comics I do believe that this is my time to bow out. Jeff On Mon, Feb 16, 2009 at 9:11 AM, Martin Baxter truthseeker...@lycos.comwrote: Jeff, I guess that that's a matter of interpretation. IMO, I could take your statement, substitute Civil War for Final Crisis, and it would be a valid assessment. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Is DC Comics dying? Date : Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:37:03 -0500 From : Jeff Carter mbsj...@gmail.com To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Did anyone read Final Crisis, this is the real reason DC is dying. They keep putting all their eggs in one writers basket (Morrison) who takes a dump throws it on the wall calls it art, and if anyone complains tells them that it's the editors fault. Jeff On Fri, Feb 6, 2009 at 9:42 PM, Martin Baxter wrote: Grant Morrison seems to think so. They haven't posted the article from Wizard that I read this afternoon on the web site, so it falls to me to quote it. When asked about his work on Final Crisis (the ending in particular, and what he hopes fans will take away from the conclusion of the story), he says, I hope they''ll take away a sense of how much they love the DC universe. Because there are the two camps... and Marvel is a colossus right now. To me, the DC Universe dying is almost how it felt to be at DC. There was just a sense that Marvel was just getting bigger and bigger and bigger. I don't agree with that at all. IMO, Marvel has al but sold out its readers, with cheap and gimmicky plotlines that aren't likely to last more than two years before being retconned right out of existence, leaving nothing short of a continuity mess. DC, on the other hand, is bringing about Final Crisis, almost to the letter as it was destined to happen thirty-odd years ago. I put my brain to the task of remembering exactly what books I'd picked up in the last six months, and they've been 95% DC, only Fantastic Four as a Marvel representative. But that's just me. Thrash on this. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
Re: [RE][scifinoir2] Leverage Renewed
It's not showing on the AMC schedule. I'll keep my eyes open for it. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [RE][scifinoir2] Leverage Renewed Date : Thu, 12 Feb 2009 15:15:22 - From : B. Smith daikaij...@yahoo.com To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Is AMC still showing it? --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Martin Baxter wrote: No comparison there. I'll take Hustle any day of the week. The anti-hero angle in Leverage is fun, but there's nothign quite as fun as seeing the bad guys just cutting loose. And Hustle came up with a few shell-in-shell scenarios that kept me jumping. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [RE][scifinoir2] Leverage Renewed Date : Sun, 08 Feb 2009 13:58:00 + From : keithbjohn...@... To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com How do you like Leverage compared to the British series Hustle? I enjoyed that show, it had a black man in the lead-and a very good actor to boot. Doesn't seem to have ever really caught on in America during its run... -- Original message -- From: Martin Baxter To quote Hubert Farnsworth, Good news, everyone! -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : [scifinoir2] Leverage Renewed Date : Wed, 4 Feb 2009 01:35:16 -0800 From : Tracey de Morsella To : NT has renewed its hit heist dramedy Leverage for a second season. The cable network announced on Monday (Feb. 2) that it has ordered an additional 15 Leverage episodes slated to begin later in 2009. Timothy Hutton, Gina Bellman, Christian Kane, Beth Riesgraf and Aldis Hodge star as a group of sometime-crooks now doing the Robin Hood thing as they right corporate misdeeds. Leverage premiered to an audience of 5.6 million viewers back in December and has averaged 3.2 million viewers through its first season. We're thrilled that audiences and critics have responded so positively to 'Leverage' and made the show a solid hit, TNT programming head Michael Wright says. We look forward to another great season of fun and exciting storylines brought to life by the outstanding cast, led by Timothy Hutton, and the incredible production team, headed up by executive producers Dean Devlin and John Rogers. In addition to Devlin and Rogers, Leverage is also executive produced by Chris Downey. The series has reliably ranked as ad-supported cable's #1 entertainment program in its Tuesday 10 p.m. ET slot. We had an amazing experience shooting the first season of 'Leverage' with such a talented cast and crew and with the full support of TNT behind us, Devlin says. We can't wait to get to work on season two and take viewers on another adventure with Nate and his team. http://www.hitfix.com/articles/2009-2-2-tnt-renews-leverage/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
Re: [scifinoir2] Is DC Comics dying?
Jeff, I won't go that far. Though a lot of the stuff out there falls short of palatability, there are good reads to be had. My last time through my comic store, I picked up the first two issues of a Vertigo comic called Air, a nice mixture of surrealism and modern-day air piracy. My next time through has me picking up #s 3-6, and hoping for more. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Is DC Comics dying? Date : Mon, 16 Feb 2009 09:19:13 -0500 From : Jeff Carter mbsj...@gmail.com To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com I agree with you about civil war as well. The big two have given complete control to two or three writers, and they are able to get away with anything they want. Stories are bland and repetitive, each company puts out a big stunt every three months (one more day, death of batman), issues are consistently late, and now they are raising the prices. After 27 years of reading and collecting comics I do believe that this is my time to bow out. Jeff On Mon, Feb 16, 2009 at 9:11 AM, Martin Baxter wrote: Jeff, I guess that that's a matter of interpretation. IMO, I could take your statement, substitute Civil War for Final Crisis, and it would be a valid assessment. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Is DC Comics dying? Date : Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:37:03 -0500 From : Jeff Carter To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Did anyone read Final Crisis, this is the real reason DC is dying. They keep putting all their eggs in one writers basket (Morrison) who takes a dump throws it on the wall calls it art, and if anyone complains tells them that it's the editors fault. Jeff On Fri, Feb 6, 2009 at 9:42 PM, Martin Baxter wrote: Grant Morrison seems to think so. They haven't posted the article from Wizard that I read this afternoon on the web site, so it falls to me to quote it. When asked about his work on Final Crisis (the ending in particular, and what he hopes fans will take away from the conclusion of the story), he says, I hope they''ll take away a sense of how much they love the DC universe. Because there are the two camps... and Marvel is a colossus right now. To me, the DC Universe dying is almost how it felt to be at DC. There was just a sense that Marvel was just getting bigger and bigger and bigger. I don't agree with that at all. IMO, Marvel has al but sold out its readers, with cheap and gimmicky plotlines that aren't likely to last more than two years before being retconned right out of existence, leaving nothing short of a continuity mess. DC, on the other hand, is bringing about Final Crisis, almost to the letter as it was destined to happen thirty-odd years ago. I put my brain to the task of remembering exactly what books I'd picked up in the last six months, and they've been 95% DC, only Fantastic Four as a Marvel representative. But that's just me. Thrash on this. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
Re: [scifinoir2] OT: On a personal note...
Thank you, Adrianne. *hugs* -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] OT: On a personal note... Date : Thu, 12 Feb 2009 10:00:50 -0500 From : Adrianne Brennan adrianne.bren...@gmail.com To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com My most sincere sympathies for your loss. Take care of yourself; we'll be here when you are ready and able to return. *hugs* ~ Where love and magic meet ~ http://www.adriannebrennan.com Experience the magic of Blood of the Dark Moon: http://www.adriannebrennan.com/botdm.html Take a bite out of Blood and Mint Chocolates: http://www.adriannebrennan.com/bamc.html Dare to take The Oath in Book 1 Bound: http://www.adriannebrennan.com/theoath_bound.html On Wed, Feb 11, 2009 at 4:37 PM, Martin Baxter wrote: My friends, I will be absent from you august company until Monday. My mother's oldest brother passed away on Friday, and I have to travel to Virginia for the funeral on this Friday. Know that I'm with all of you, in spirit and thought. Keep the good works coming, and I'll be back. Martin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
[scifinoir2] Re: Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office
Rave, The Way I See It is actually my least favorite Raphael Saadiq solo album. I appreciated what he did but some of the songs went from homage to imitation. It didn't work for me but it was one of the better Grammy nominees this year. And I do agree with you about Lil Wayne's wins. I told my wife before the ceremony even began that Robert Plant and Alison Krauss would sweep the major categories. It was pure Grammy bait. I like Robert Plant a lot but this album was pretty flaccid and had none of the bite that made a lot of his post Zeppelin stuff so good. And don't get me started on Coldplay. They had two or three standout songs on that album and the rest were boring filler. If anyone besides Brian Eno had produced it they would have taken even more critical bashing. I'd go so far as saying that Chris Martin's collaborations with Kanye West and Jay-Z did more to revitalize them than Brian Eno's genius. --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, ravenadal ravena...@... wrote: Funny story (though not necessarily funny ha-ha): I own a gray Harlem Globetrotters hoodie that I am fond of wearing. Once when a friend and I were at a diner, the white waitress noticed the Harlem Globetrotters script on the back of my hoodie and asked me if EYE was a Harlem Globetrotter. --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Keith Johnson KeithBJohnson@ wrote: Great mention of the Globetrotters. Even today, I'm stunned at what a phenomenon they've been over the decades. Imagine a group of (then) men who could actually beat many pro basketball teams. I wonder how many people nowadays really appreciate them? As for the Grammy awards, interesting observation. There was some feeling that Krause and Plant was one of those must-win deals where voters could feel good about themselves for making the choice. As for skipping the rock and country acts, I have to say many of them were very good. Country done right on the big stage is quite enjoyable. - Original Message - From: ravenadal ravenadal@ To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2009 7:22:39 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office I recently saw a documentary about the Harlem Globetrotters during their heyday. The struggling all-white NBA teams would have the all- black Globetrotters play the first game of a double-headers to hype the gate. Most of the customers would leave after the Globetrotter game but the all-white NBA team would get the majority of the receipts. I was reminded of this as I watched the Grammy's (I DVRed it and watched a 3 and 1/2 show in 1 hour and 40 minutes by skipping all the rock and country acts)where rap acts and rap duets with the likes of Justin Timberlake and Coldplay hyped the show (and ratings) while the likes of Coldplay and Robert Plant and Alison Krause took home all the major awards. ~(no)rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com , Daryle Lockhart daryle@ wrote: Most nominated artists for Best Single are single oriented artists. This is why you never see a Nancy Wilson Best Single nomination. It's TOTALLY possible to have the best produced (and perhaps selling) single of the year on an album that was horrible. You have to understand who is nominating people for Grammy Awards and what Lil Wayne sounds like to them. For as much as everybody is talking about him, I personally don't like anything he's ever done, and I question all the hype. I mean -- a documentary? But that doesn't mean he can't luck up on a great song. On Feb 15, 2009, at 1:56 PM, ravenadal wrote: Let me say this about that...the Grammy for best artist and best single ARE ghetto categories when you are the best selling artist of the year. My position is that Lil Wayne should have had traction in the Song of the Year or the Album of the Year category and that T.I. should have swept the Rap category. To be ghettoized is to be relegated to one category and not to be allowed to transcend that category. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com , Daryle Lockhart daryle@ wrote: Rap grammy is not a ghetto category. It is an acknowledgment of hip- hop's main musical outlet as a stand alone art form. Before the Rap category All Black artists who weren't doing jazz were competing in the same category. The Grammies still have a way to go, as there aren't a lot of DJ's who vote and so you don't have any categories for musical genres that have really pushed the creative boundaries, like drum n bass or progressive electronic. There have been more progressions made in so called Dance music than in any thing pop's done since
[RE][scifinoir2] Goog411
Thank you, sir! -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : [scifinoir2] Goog411 Date : Thu, 12 Feb 2009 03:50:40 -0800 (PST) From : Augustus Augustus jazzynupe_...@yahoo.com To : atlantameetngre...@yahoogroups.com, bham_meet_n_gr...@yahoogroups.com, Christina Powell missjmuffi...@yahoo.com, rdejarnettmann...@yahoo.com, Sammie Bibb sammieb...@yahoo.com, Sci Fi scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Thought you all might want this. I checked the link, and then programmed it in my cell. Tried it yesterday - just 2 see if it worked. it did. so enjoy! Just leave it up to Google to come up with something like this!!! My compliments to Google! Here's a number worth putting in your cell phone, or your home phone speed dial: 1-800-goog411. This is an awesome service from Google, and it's free -- great when you are on the road. Don't waste your money on information calls and don't waste your time manually dialing the number. I am driving along in my car and I need to call the golf course and I don't know the number. I hit the speed dial for information that I have programmed (1-800-goog411). The voice at the other end says, City amp; State. I say, Garland , Texas . He says, Business, Name or Type of Service. I say, Firewheel Golf Course. He says, Connecting and Firewheel answers the phone. How great is that? This is nationwide and it is absolutely free! Click on the link below and watch the short clip for a quick demonstration. http://www.google. com/goog411/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
[scifinoir2] Re: Is DC Comics dying?
The sad thing is comics as a whole are still great. Stuff like The Walking Dead, The Exterminators, DMZ, Fables, Fear Agent, Godland and lots of others are still great reads. Unfortunately the quality of the superhero comics at the big two are suffering and the rest of the industry takes the hit as well. Don't get me wrong there is still good stuff being done at the Marvel and DC but it gets crushed under the rest of the dreck. I loved the Annilation miniseries and the spinoff books but the massively inferior Civil War and World War Hulk got all the press. I think I found a good time to jump ship. --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Martin Baxter truthseeker...@... wrote: Jeff, I won't go that far. Though a lot of the stuff out there falls short of palatability, there are good reads to be had. My last time through my comic store, I picked up the first two issues of a Vertigo comic called Air, a nice mixture of surrealism and modern- day air piracy. My next time through has me picking up #s 3-6, and hoping for more. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Is DC Comics dying? Date : Mon, 16 Feb 2009 09:19:13 -0500 From : Jeff Carter mbsj...@... To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com I agree with you about civil war as well. The big two have given complete control to two or three writers, and they are able to get away with anything they want. Stories are bland and repetitive, each company puts out a big stunt every three months (one more day, death of batman), issues are consistently late, and now they are raising the prices. After 27 years of reading and collecting comics I do believe that this is my time to bow out. Jeff On Mon, Feb 16, 2009 at 9:11 AM, Martin Baxter wrote: Jeff, I guess that that's a matter of interpretation. IMO, I could take your statement, substitute Civil War for Final Crisis, and it would be a valid assessment. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Is DC Comics dying? Date : Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:37:03 -0500 From : Jeff Carter To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Did anyone read Final Crisis, this is the real reason DC is dying. They keep putting all their eggs in one writers basket (Morrison) who takes a dump throws it on the wall calls it art, and if anyone complains tells them that it's the editors fault. Jeff On Fri, Feb 6, 2009 at 9:42 PM, Martin Baxter wrote: Grant Morrison seems to think so. They haven't posted the article from Wizard that I read this afternoon on the web site, so it falls to me to quote it. When asked about his work on Final Crisis (the ending in particular, and what he hopes fans will take away from the conclusion of the story), he says, I hope they''ll take away a sense of how much they love the DC universe. Because there are the two camps... and Marvel is a colossus right now. To me, the DC Universe dying is almost how it felt to be at DC. There was just a sense that Marvel was just getting bigger and bigger and bigger. I don't agree with that at all. IMO, Marvel has al but sold out its readers, with cheap and gimmicky plotlines that aren't likely to last more than two years before being retconned right out of existence, leaving nothing short of a continuity mess. DC, on the other hand, is bringing about Final Crisis, almost to the letter as it was destined to happen thirty-odd years ago. I put my brain to the task of remembering exactly what books I'd picked up in the last six months, and they've been 95% DC, only Fantastic Four as a Marvel representative. But that's just me. Thrash on this. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
[RE][scifinoir2] FW: Senator Diane Feinstein is attempting to kill net neutrality
Bad polly! BAAD POLLY! -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : [scifinoir2] FW: Senator Diane Feinstein is attempting to kill net neutrality Date : Wed, 11 Feb 2009 20:36:56 -0800 From : Tracey de Morsella tdli...@multiculturaladvantage.com To : ' Lockhart, Daryle ' dar...@darylelockhart.com, afrikanm...@hotmail.com, 'Albert Fields' cbilmarket...@yahoo.com, bettil...@msn.com,CINQUE cinque3...@verizon.net, 'Cleo' cleo.wad...@aliefisd.net,dorothyh...@sbcglobal.net, duva...@hotmail.com, fis...@bellsouth.net, 'GTW' gwashin...@aol.com, 'Jeffrey Ballou' jeffreypbal...@gmail.com, 'Kai Pettaway' killa...@gmail.com, kalpub...@aol.com,keithbjohn...@comcast.net, 'Kera' imke...@gmail.com, kimbe...@luftworld.com, 'Leroy Hughes' seriousnup...@yahoo.com, 'Leslie' ilovesgrho1...@yahoo.com, 'Logic' logic1...@aol.com, 'Martin Baxter' truthseeker...@icqmail.com, 'Marvalous' mmb1...@gmail.com, 'Michael Gordon' gord...@indiana.edu, michael.v.w.gor...@gmail.com, 'ravenadal' ravena...@yahoo.com,rs...@yahoo.com, 'Seku Brathwaite' everything...@nyc.rr.com, 'Valery Jean' valeryjea...@yahoo.com, 'Wendell Theophilus Smith' wendellsmit...@gmai! l.com,'Whitney J Evans' sonofafieldne...@sbcglobal.net, williamsf...@speakeasy.net, 'Zanfordino Anthony' beta...@yahoo.com From: Chris de Morsella [mailto:cdemorse...@yahoo.com] Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2009 5:39 PM To: Tracey de Morsella (work); paul demorsella; Julie de Morsella; Jose Alvarez Subject: RE: Senator Diane Feinstein is attempting to kill net neutrality An anonymous reader writes According to the Register, Senator Diane Feinstein is attempting to put language into the stimulus bill that would kill net neutrality. The amendment that her provision was attached to was withdrawn, but lobbyists tell Public Knowledge that Feinstein hopes to put it back into the bill during the closed-door conference committee that reconciles the House and Senate versions. Bad Senator! No Cookie! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
[RE][scifinoir2] Re: Is DC Comics dying?
I loved Annihilation as well, B. When both it and Civil War came out, I read them both. After three issues of each, I did something I've never done before. I got rid of the Civil War books. Fortunately for my wallet, my comic store was willing to take them back for store credit, which I used for the next three Annihilation books. Still, I'm not jumping ship yet. Too many good reads between the lines. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : [scifinoir2] Re: Is DC Comics dying? Date : Mon, 16 Feb 2009 14:45:43 - From : B. Smith daikaij...@yahoo.com To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com The sad thing is comics as a whole are still great. Stuff like The Walking Dead, The Exterminators, DMZ, Fables, Fear Agent, Godland and lots of others are still great reads. Unfortunately the quality of the superhero comics at the big two are suffering and the rest of the industry takes the hit as well. Don't get me wrong there is still good stuff being done at the Marvel and DC but it gets crushed under the rest of the dreck. I loved the Annilation miniseries and the spinoff books but the massively inferior Civil War and World War Hulk got all the press. I think I found a good time to jump ship. --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Martin Baxter wrote: Jeff, I won't go that far. Though a lot of the stuff out there falls short of palatability, there are good reads to be had. My last time through my comic store, I picked up the first two issues of a Vertigo comic called Air, a nice mixture of surrealism and modern- day air piracy. My next time through has me picking up #s 3-6, and hoping for more. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Is DC Comics dying? Date : Mon, 16 Feb 2009 09:19:13 -0500 From : Jeff Carter To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com I agree with you about civil war as well. The big two have given complete control to two or three writers, and they are able to get away with anything they want. Stories are bland and repetitive, each company puts out a big stunt every three months (one more day, death of batman), issues are consistently late, and now they are raising the prices. After 27 years of reading and collecting comics I do believe that this is my time to bow out. Jeff On Mon, Feb 16, 2009 at 9:11 AM, Martin Baxter wrote: Jeff, I guess that that's a matter of interpretation. IMO, I could take your statement, substitute Civil War for Final Crisis, and it would be a valid assessment. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Is DC Comics dying? Date : Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:37:03 -0500 From : Jeff Carter To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Did anyone read Final Crisis, this is the real reason DC is dying. They keep putting all their eggs in one writers basket (Morrison) who takes a dump throws it on the wall calls it art, and if anyone complains tells them that it's the editors fault. Jeff On Fri, Feb 6, 2009 at 9:42 PM, Martin Baxter wrote: Grant Morrison seems to think so. They haven't posted the article from Wizard that I read this afternoon on the web site, so it falls to me to quote it. When asked about his work on Final Crisis (the ending in particular, and what he hopes fans will take away from the conclusion of the story), he says, I hope they''ll take away a sense of how much they love the DC universe. Because there are the two camps... and Marvel is a colossus right now. To me, the DC Universe dying is almost how it felt to be at DC. There was just a sense that Marvel was just getting bigger and bigger and bigger. I don't agree with that at all. IMO, Marvel has al but sold out its readers, with cheap and gimmicky plotlines that aren't likely to last more than two years before being retconned right out of existence, leaving nothing short of a continuity mess. DC, on the other hand, is bringing about Final Crisis, almost to the letter as it was destined to happen thirty-odd years ago. I put my brain to the task of remembering exactly what books I'd picked up in the last six months, and they've been 95% DC, only Fantastic Four as a Marvel representative. But that's just me. Thrash on this. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
[scifinoir2] Re: WTF - Friday the 13th Remake Pulls in Huge Numbers
Don't worry about Taken. It's already closing in on $80 million after three weekends in the U.S. and has taken in close to that amount internationally. They are some rumbles about a sequel. Not bad for a French produced medium budget thriller. --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@... wrote: Huh? All the reviews I read said that this is a dull movie, even by its own kill-by-the-numbers standards. Is this box office due to a bunch of young folk who simply never saw the original? It's a bit distressing to see this and Mall Cop doing so much better than Taken and The International. Of course, it could be worse: Will Smith could star in a remake of Halloween! Course, it'd probably make over one hundred million the first weekend, right Rave? * LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - What better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than to watch college kids get slaughtered in a remake of Friday the 13th ? The revival of the venerable slasher franchise easily took the No. 1 spot at the North American box office this weekend, setting a new record for a horror opening with estimated sales of $42.2 million, distributor Warner Bros . Pictures said on Sunday. The old mark was held by The Grudge with a $39 million debut in 2004. That film had a less-restrictive PG-13 rating, while the R rating for Friday the 13th ostensibly prevented fans under age 17 from buying tickets unless accompanied by an adult. The new film is essentially a remake of the 1980 film that kicked off the horror series and eventually introduced a hockey-masked villain named Jason. His most recent appearance, in 2003's Freddy vs. Jason, generated a $36.4 million opening. Warner Bros., a unit of Time Warner Inc , predicted Friday the 13th would end up in the $48 million range once sales for the U.S. Presidents Day holiday on Monday were calculated. The film was directed by German filmmaker Marcus Nispel , who shot the hit 2004 retread of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre . Both films were produced by Transformers director Michael Bay , whose Platinum Dunes banner specializes in low-budget horror remakes. Also new this weekend were Walt Disney Co's Isla Fisher comedy Confessions of a Shopaholic at No. 4 with a modest $15.4 million, and Columbia Pictures' Clive Owen thriller The International at No. 7 with $10 million. Columbia, a unit of Sony Corp , also had a disappointment last weekend with The Pink Panther 2 ($22 million to date). But the studio's surprise hit comedy Paul Blart: Mall Cop crashed through the century mark, tallying $110.5 million after an $11.7 million weekend. Last weekend's champion, Warner Bros.' ensemble romance He's Just Not That Into You , slipped to No. 2 with $19.6 million, taking its 10-day tally to $55.1 million. The comedy, based on a self-help book that was itself inspired by the TV show Sex and the City, revolves around the lives and loves of various couples. The A-list lineup includes Jennifer Aniston , Drew Barrymore , Ben Affleck and Scarlett Johansson . The thriller Taken fell one place to No. 3 with $19.3 million in its third weekend. Liam Neeson plays a father in a race against time to prevent his kidnapped teen daughter's virginity from being taken by an Arab sheikh. The surprise success, produced by French filmmaker Luc Besson , has earned $77.9 million to date, and should hit $120 million, said distributor 20th Century Fox , a unit of News Corp . (Editing by Eric Beech) (please visit our entertainment blog via www.reuters.com or on http://blogs.reuters.com/fanfare/)
Re: [scifinoir2] OT: On a personal note...
Thank you, Keith. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] OT: On a personal note... Date : Thu, 12 Feb 2009 04:03:07 + (UTC) From : Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@comcast.net To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sorry to hear that. My best wishes to you and your family. - Original Message - From: Martin Baxter To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2009 4:37:04 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: [scifinoir2] OT: On a personal note... My friends, I will be absent from you august company until Monday. My mother's oldest brother passed away on Friday, and I have to travel to Virginia for the funeral on this Friday. Know that I'm with all of you, in spirit and thought. Keep the good works coming, and I'll be back. Martin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
Re: [scifinoir2] OT: On a personal note...
Thank you, Daryle. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] OT: On a personal note... Date : Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:51:57 -0500 From : Daryle Lockhart dar...@darylelockhart.com To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Martin - really sorry to hear that, bro. All the best to you and your family. Safe trip to VA! Daryle On Feb 11, 2009, at 4:37 PM, Martin Baxter wrote: My friends, I will be absent from you august company until Monday. My mother's oldest brother passed away on Friday, and I have to travel to Virginia for the funeral on this Friday. Know that I'm with all of you, in spirit and thought. Keep the good works coming, and I'll be back. Martin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
Re: [scifinoir2] Re: OT: On a personal note...A moment of silence please
Thank you, Fate. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Re: OT: On a personal note...A moment of silence please Date : Wed, 11 Feb 2009 14:05:34 -0800 (PST) From : Augustus Augustus jazzynupe_...@yahoo.com To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Martin, i totally agree with B. you and your family will be in our prayers. Fate. --- On Wed, 2/11/09, B. Smith wrote: From: B. Smith Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: OT: On a personal note... To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2009, 4:46 PM Sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family are in our prayers. Have a safe trip. --- In scifino...@yahoogro ups.com, Martin Baxter wrote: My friends, I will be absent from you august company until Monday. My mother's oldest brother passed away on Friday, and I have to travel to Virginia for the funeral on this Friday. Know that I'm with all of you, in spirit and thought. Keep the good works coming, and I'll be back. Martin http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=JQdwk8Yntds http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
[RE][scifinoir2] Re: OT: On a personal note...
Thank you, B. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : [scifinoir2] Re: OT: On a personal note... Date : Wed, 11 Feb 2009 21:46:13 - From : B. Smith daikaij...@yahoo.com To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family are in our prayers. Have a safe trip. --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Martin Baxter wrote: My friends, I will be absent from you august company until Monday. My mother's oldest brother passed away on Friday, and I have to travel to Virginia for the funeral on this Friday. Know that I'm with all of you, in spirit and thought. Keep the good works coming, and I'll be back. Martin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
Re: [scifinoir2] Re: OT: On a personal note...A moment of silence please
Martin, it was from the heart. anything that i can do, please let me know. Fate. --- On Mon, 2/16/09, Martin Baxter truthseeker...@lycos.com wrote: From: Martin Baxter truthseeker...@lycos.com Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Re: OT: On a personal note...A moment of silence please To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Date: Monday, February 16, 2009, 9:56 AM Thank you, Fate. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Re: OT: On a personal note...A moment of silence please Date : Wed, 11 Feb 2009 14:05:34 -0800 (PST) From : Augustus Augustus jazzynupe_...@yahoo.com To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Martin, i totally agree with B. you and your family will be in our prayers. Fate. --- On Wed, 2/11/09, B. Smith wrote: From: B. Smith Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: OT: On a personal note... To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2009, 4:46 PM Sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family are in our prayers. Have a safe trip. --- In scifino...@yahoogro ups.com, Martin Baxter wrote: My friends, I will be absent from you august company until Monday. My mother's oldest brother passed away on Friday, and I have to travel to Virginia for the funeral on this Friday. Know that I'm with all of you, in spirit and thought. Keep the good works coming, and I'll be back. Martin http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=JQdwk8Yntds http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
[RE][scifinoir2] Re: Is DC Comics dying?
Money was the main reason I quit buying monthlies but lack of time was another major factor. I still pick up the trades for The Walking Dead but the cliffhanger endings lose some of their punch when you can flip the page and see what comes next. I'm thinking of starting a small monthly list of no more than 10 titles to support the books that I really enjoyed. --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Martin Baxter truthseeker...@... wrote: I loved Annihilation as well, B. When both it and Civil War came out, I read them both. After three issues of each, I did something I've never done before. I got rid of the Civil War books. Fortunately for my wallet, my comic store was willing to take them back for store credit, which I used for the next three Annihilation books. Still, I'm not jumping ship yet. Too many good reads between the lines. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : [scifinoir2] Re: Is DC Comics dying? Date : Mon, 16 Feb 2009 14:45:43 - From : B. Smith daikaij...@... To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com The sad thing is comics as a whole are still great. Stuff like The Walking Dead, The Exterminators, DMZ, Fables, Fear Agent, Godland and lots of others are still great reads. Unfortunately the quality of the superhero comics at the big two are suffering and the rest of the industry takes the hit as well. Don't get me wrong there is still good stuff being done at the Marvel and DC but it gets crushed under the rest of the dreck. I loved the Annilation miniseries and the spinoff books but the massively inferior Civil War and World War Hulk got all the press. I think I found a good time to jump ship. --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Martin Baxter wrote: Jeff, I won't go that far. Though a lot of the stuff out there falls short of palatability, there are good reads to be had. My last time through my comic store, I picked up the first two issues of a Vertigo comic called Air, a nice mixture of surrealism and modern- day air piracy. My next time through has me picking up #s 3-6, and hoping for more. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Is DC Comics dying? Date : Mon, 16 Feb 2009 09:19:13 -0500 From : Jeff Carter To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com I agree with you about civil war as well. The big two have given complete control to two or three writers, and they are able to get away with anything they want. Stories are bland and repetitive, each company puts out a big stunt every three months (one more day, death of batman), issues are consistently late, and now they are raising the prices. After 27 years of reading and collecting comics I do believe that this is my time to bow out. Jeff On Mon, Feb 16, 2009 at 9:11 AM, Martin Baxter wrote: Jeff, I guess that that's a matter of interpretation. IMO, I could take your statement, substitute Civil War for Final Crisis, and it would be a valid assessment. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Is DC Comics dying? Date : Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:37:03 -0500 From : Jeff Carter To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Did anyone read Final Crisis, this is the real reason DC is dying. They keep putting all their eggs in one writers basket (Morrison) who takes a dump throws it on the wall calls it art, and if anyone complains tells them that it's the editors fault. Jeff On Fri, Feb 6, 2009 at 9:42 PM, Martin Baxter wrote: Grant Morrison seems to think so. They haven't posted the article from Wizard that I read this afternoon on the web site, so it falls to me to quote it. When asked about his work on Final Crisis (the ending in particular, and what he hopes fans will take away from the conclusion of the story), he says, I hope they''ll take away a sense of how much they love the DC universe. Because there are the two camps... and Marvel is a colossus right now. To me, the DC Universe dying is almost how it felt to be at DC. There was just a sense that Marvel was just getting bigger and bigger and bigger. I don't agree with that at all. IMO, Marvel has al but sold out its readers, with cheap and gimmicky plotlines that aren't likely to last more than two years before being retconned right out of existence, leaving nothing short of a continuity mess. DC, on the other hand, is bringing about Final Crisis, almost to the letter as it was destined to happen thirty-odd years ago. I put my brain to the task of remembering exactly what books I'd picked up in the last six months, and they've been 95% DC, only Fantastic Four as a Marvel representative. But that's just me. Thrash on this.
Re: [RE][scifinoir2] Re: Is DC Comics dying?
There are good books outside of the big two that do come out on time. Fables, Invincible, Boys, Project Superpowers, 100 Bullets these are all good books that I still enjoy, but it is frustrating to cough up 30+ dollars for something that doesnt even come out on time and when it does is practically unreadable. Jeff On Mon, Feb 16, 2009 at 9:53 AM, Martin Baxter truthseeker...@lycos.comwrote: I loved Annihilation as well, B. When both it and Civil War came out, I read them both. After three issues of each, I did something I've never done before. I got rid of the Civil War books. Fortunately for my wallet, my comic store was willing to take them back for store credit, which I used for the next three Annihilation books. Still, I'm not jumping ship yet. Too many good reads between the lines. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : [scifinoir2] Re: Is DC Comics dying? Date : Mon, 16 Feb 2009 14:45:43 - From : B. Smith daikaij...@yahoo.com To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com The sad thing is comics as a whole are still great. Stuff like The Walking Dead, The Exterminators, DMZ, Fables, Fear Agent, Godland and lots of others are still great reads. Unfortunately the quality of the superhero comics at the big two are suffering and the rest of the industry takes the hit as well. Don't get me wrong there is still good stuff being done at the Marvel and DC but it gets crushed under the rest of the dreck. I loved the Annilation miniseries and the spinoff books but the massively inferior Civil War and World War Hulk got all the press. I think I found a good time to jump ship. --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Martin Baxter wrote: Jeff, I won't go that far. Though a lot of the stuff out there falls short of palatability, there are good reads to be had. My last time through my comic store, I picked up the first two issues of a Vertigo comic called Air, a nice mixture of surrealism and modern- day air piracy. My next time through has me picking up #s 3-6, and hoping for more. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Is DC Comics dying? Date : Mon, 16 Feb 2009 09:19:13 -0500 From : Jeff Carter To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com I agree with you about civil war as well. The big two have given complete control to two or three writers, and they are able to get away with anything they want. Stories are bland and repetitive, each company puts out a big stunt every three months (one more day, death of batman), issues are consistently late, and now they are raising the prices. After 27 years of reading and collecting comics I do believe that this is my time to bow out. Jeff On Mon, Feb 16, 2009 at 9:11 AM, Martin Baxter wrote: Jeff, I guess that that's a matter of interpretation. IMO, I could take your statement, substitute Civil War for Final Crisis, and it would be a valid assessment. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Is DC Comics dying? Date : Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:37:03 -0500 From : Jeff Carter To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Did anyone read Final Crisis, this is the real reason DC is dying. They keep putting all their eggs in one writers basket (Morrison) who takes a dump throws it on the wall calls it art, and if anyone complains tells them that it's the editors fault. Jeff On Fri, Feb 6, 2009 at 9:42 PM, Martin Baxter wrote: Grant Morrison seems to think so. They haven't posted the article from Wizard that I read this afternoon on the web site, so it falls to me to quote it. When asked about his work on Final Crisis (the ending in particular, and what he hopes fans will take away from the conclusion of the story), he says, I hope they''ll take away a sense of how much they love the DC universe. Because there are the two camps... and Marvel is a colossus right now. To me, the DC Universe dying is almost how it felt to be at DC. There was just a sense that Marvel was just getting bigger and bigger and bigger. I don't agree with that at all. IMO, Marvel has al but sold out its readers, with cheap and gimmicky plotlines that aren't likely to last more than two years before being retconned right out of existence, leaving nothing short of a continuity mess. DC, on the other hand, is bringing about Final Crisis, almost to the letter as it was destined to happen thirty-odd years ago. I put my brain to the task of remembering exactly what books I'd picked up in the last six months, and they've been 95% DC, only Fantastic Four as a Marvel representative. But that's just me. Thrash on this. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
RE: [scifinoir2] OT: On a personal note...
Thank you, James. And I was in Danville. You know, that part of the Commonwealth you've been trying to give away for years? (Thanks for the thought, Fate. Could've used a lemonade Friday at about three..) Everything went as well as expected there. And, as I suppose we're all meant to do during such crises, we learn a little about who and what we are in the world. Myself, I think I've been handed the mantle my late uncle carried, as mentor to all of my younger male cousins. The number of contacts in my cellphone doubled in just under two hours. A little daunting, as I think about it. But I'm told that I can handle it, so I believe such. Again, thank you all for your words and thoughts. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : RE: [scifinoir2] OT: On a personal note... Date : Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:38:02 -0500 From : James Landrith ja...@jameslandrith.com To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Martin, I am sorry to hear of your uncle’s passing. Your family will be in my thoughts. By the way, what part of Virginia will you be visiting? I’m in Alexandria. -- James Landrith Official website: http://jameslandrith.com TMA: http://multiracial.com LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jlandrith Facebook: http://apus.facebook.com/profile.php?id=134400205 Facebook Reader's Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/James-A-Landrith-Jr/18759565916 MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/jlandrith Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/jlandrith From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:scifino...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Martin Baxter Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2009 4:37 PM To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Subject: [scifinoir2] OT: On a personal note... My friends, I will be absent from you august company until Monday. My mother's oldest brother passed away on Friday, and I have to travel to Virginia for the funeral on this Friday. Know that I'm with all of you, in spirit and thought. Keep the good works coming, and I'll be back. Martin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
Re: [scifinoir2] Re: WTF - Friday the 13th Remake Pulls in Huge Numbers
My brother had a clear bootleg of Taken like 2 weeks before it came out. I was like how in the world did you get this movie. Taken was pretty good..but I think I'll go to F13 since I'm off work today. On Mon, Feb 16, 2009 at 9:54 AM, B. Smith daikaij...@yahoo.com wrote: Don't worry about Taken. It's already closing in on $80 million after three weekends in the U.S. and has taken in close to that amount internationally. They are some rumbles about a sequel. Not bad for a French produced medium budget thriller. --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@... wrote: Huh? All the reviews I read said that this is a dull movie, even by its own kill-by-the-numbers standards. Is this box office due to a bunch of young folk who simply never saw the original? It's a bit distressing to see this and Mall Cop doing so much better than Taken and The International. Of course, it could be worse: Will Smith could star in a remake of Halloween! Course, it'd probably make over one hundred million the first weekend, right Rave? * LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - What better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than to watch college kids get slaughtered in a remake of Friday the 13th ? The revival of the venerable slasher franchise easily took the No. 1 spot at the North American box office this weekend, setting a new record for a horror opening with estimated sales of $42.2 million, distributor Warner Bros . Pictures said on Sunday. The old mark was held by The Grudge with a $39 million debut in 2004. That film had a less-restrictive PG-13 rating, while the R rating for Friday the 13th ostensibly prevented fans under age 17 from buying tickets unless accompanied by an adult. The new film is essentially a remake of the 1980 film that kicked off the horror series and eventually introduced a hockey-masked villain named Jason. His most recent appearance, in 2003's Freddy vs. Jason, generated a $36.4 million opening. Warner Bros., a unit of Time Warner Inc , predicted Friday the 13th would end up in the $48 million range once sales for the U.S. Presidents Day holiday on Monday were calculated. The film was directed by German filmmaker Marcus Nispel , who shot the hit 2004 retread of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre . Both films were produced by Transformers director Michael Bay , whose Platinum Dunes banner specializes in low-budget horror remakes. Also new this weekend were Walt Disney Co's Isla Fisher comedy Confessions of a Shopaholic at No. 4 with a modest $15.4 million, and Columbia Pictures' Clive Owen thriller The International at No. 7 with $10 million. Columbia, a unit of Sony Corp , also had a disappointment last weekend with The Pink Panther 2 ($22 million to date). But the studio's surprise hit comedy Paul Blart: Mall Cop crashed through the century mark, tallying $110.5 million after an $11.7 million weekend. Last weekend's champion, Warner Bros.' ensemble romance He's Just Not That Into You , slipped to No. 2 with $19.6 million, taking its 10-day tally to $55.1 million. The comedy, based on a self-help book that was itself inspired by the TV show Sex and the City, revolves around the lives and loves of various couples. The A-list lineup includes Jennifer Aniston , Drew Barrymore , Ben Affleck and Scarlett Johansson . The thriller Taken fell one place to No. 3 with $19.3 million in its third weekend. Liam Neeson plays a father in a race against time to prevent his kidnapped teen daughter's virginity from being taken by an Arab sheikh. The surprise success, produced by French filmmaker Luc Besson , has earned $77.9 million to date, and should hit $120 million, said distributor 20th Century Fox , a unit of News Corp . (Editing by Eric Beech) (please visit our entertainment blog via www.reuters.com or on http://blogs.reuters.com/fanfare/) -- My Social Media Resume: http://www.visualcv.com/mikestreet Visit my Blog: http://www.Greasyguide.com Follow Me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/streetforce1
Re: [RE][scifinoir2] Re: Is DC Comics dying?
Jeff, I don't like to make assumptions, so can I instead venture an uneducated guess that you're at the mercy of one of Those Evil Comics Vendors Who Force You To Buy Unseen? My comics store (Oxford, 2455 Piedmont Road, Atlanta, GA) keeps most of their books open for reading, bagging only after six months. My last store had the old open it and you've bought it policy, which I can't stand. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [RE][scifinoir2] Re: Is DC Comics dying? Date : Mon, 16 Feb 2009 10:01:24 -0500 From : Jeff Carter mbsj...@gmail.com To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com There are good books outside of the big two that do come out on time. Fables, Invincible, Boys, Project Superpowers, 100 Bullets these are all good books that I still enjoy, but it is frustrating to cough up 30+ dollars for something that doesnt even come out on time and when it does is practically unreadable. Jeff On Mon, Feb 16, 2009 at 9:53 AM, Martin Baxter wrote: I loved Annihilation as well, B. When both it and Civil War came out, I read them both. After three issues of each, I did something I've never done before. I got rid of the Civil War books. Fortunately for my wallet, my comic store was willing to take them back for store credit, which I used for the next three Annihilation books. Still, I'm not jumping ship yet. Too many good reads between the lines. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : [scifinoir2] Re: Is DC Comics dying? Date : Mon, 16 Feb 2009 14:45:43 - From : B. Smith To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com The sad thing is comics as a whole are still great. Stuff like The Walking Dead, The Exterminators, DMZ, Fables, Fear Agent, Godland and lots of others are still great reads. Unfortunately the quality of the superhero comics at the big two are suffering and the rest of the industry takes the hit as well. Don't get me wrong there is still good stuff being done at the Marvel and DC but it gets crushed under the rest of the dreck. I loved the Annilation miniseries and the spinoff books but the massively inferior Civil War and World War Hulk got all the press. I think I found a good time to jump ship. --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Martin Baxter wrote: Jeff, I won't go that far. Though a lot of the stuff out there falls short of palatability, there are good reads to be had. My last time through my comic store, I picked up the first two issues of a Vertigo comic called Air, a nice mixture of surrealism and modern- day air piracy. My next time through has me picking up #s 3-6, and hoping for more. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Is DC Comics dying? Date : Mon, 16 Feb 2009 09:19:13 -0500 From : Jeff Carter To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com I agree with you about civil war as well. The big two have given complete control to two or three writers, and they are able to get away with anything they want. Stories are bland and repetitive, each company puts out a big stunt every three months (one more day, death of batman), issues are consistently late, and now they are raising the prices. After 27 years of reading and collecting comics I do believe that this is my time to bow out. Jeff On Mon, Feb 16, 2009 at 9:11 AM, Martin Baxter wrote: Jeff, I guess that that's a matter of interpretation. IMO, I could take your statement, substitute Civil War for Final Crisis, and it would be a valid assessment. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Is DC Comics dying? Date : Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:37:03 -0500 From : Jeff Carter To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Did anyone read Final Crisis, this is the real reason DC is dying. They keep putting all their eggs in one writers basket (Morrison) who takes a dump throws it on the wall calls it art, and if anyone complains tells them that it's the editors fault. Jeff On Fri, Feb 6, 2009 at 9:42 PM, Martin Baxter wrote: Grant Morrison seems to think so. They haven't posted the article from Wizard that I read this afternoon on the web site, so it falls to me to quote it. When asked about his work on Final Crisis (the ending in particular, and what he hopes fans will take away from the conclusion of the story), he says, I hope they''ll take away a sense of how much they love the DC universe. Because there are the two camps... and Marvel is a colossus right now. To me, the DC Universe dying is almost how it felt to be at DC. There was just a sense that Marvel was just getting bigger and bigger and bigger. I don't agree with that at all. IMO, Marvel has al but sold out its readers, with cheap and gimmicky plotlines that aren't likely to last more than two years before being retconned right out of
Re: [scifinoir2] Re: OT: On a personal note...A moment of silence please
I will. Again, thank you. THANK YOU. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Re: OT: On a personal note...A moment of silence please Date : Mon, 16 Feb 2009 06:58:25 -0800 (PST) From : Augustus Augustus jazzynupe_...@yahoo.com To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Martin, it was from the heart. anything that i can do, please let me know. Fate. --- On Mon, 2/16/09, Martin Baxter wrote: From: Martin Baxter Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Re: OT: On a personal note...A moment of silence please To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Date: Monday, February 16, 2009, 9:56 AM Thank you, Fate. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Re: OT: On a personal note...A moment of silence please Date : Wed, 11 Feb 2009 14:05:34 -0800 (PST) From : Augustus Augustus To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Martin, i totally agree with B. you and your family will be in our prayers. Fate. --- On Wed, 2/11/09, B. Smith wrote: From: B. Smith Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: OT: On a personal note... To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2009, 4:46 PM Sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family are in our prayers. Have a safe trip. --- In scifino...@yahoogro ups.com, Martin Baxter wrote: My friends, I will be absent from you august company until Monday. My mother's oldest brother passed away on Friday, and I have to travel to Virginia for the funeral on this Friday. Know that I'm with all of you, in spirit and thought. Keep the good works coming, and I'll be back. Martin http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=JQdwk8Yntds http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
Re: [RE][scifinoir2] Re: Is DC Comics dying?
Mine is the same for books that are not on the pull list. Because so many people have stopped buying my guy orders most books based only on the pull list. My problem is my optimism. I keep hoping that it will get better so I buy. For many years my other problem was in breaking up my collection, and telling myself I would stop once I reached issue 500 or soemthing like that. Now I pick up things on word of mouth. Jeff On Mon, Feb 16, 2009 at 10:12 AM, Martin Baxter truthseeker...@lycos.comwrote: Jeff, I don't like to make assumptions, so can I instead venture an uneducated guess that you're at the mercy of one of Those Evil Comics Vendors Who Force You To Buy Unseen? My comics store (Oxford, 2455 Piedmont Road, Atlanta, GA) keeps most of their books open for reading, bagging only after six months. My last store had the old open it and you've bought it policy, which I can't stand. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [RE][scifinoir2] Re: Is DC Comics dying? Date : Mon, 16 Feb 2009 10:01:24 -0500 From : Jeff Carter mbsj...@gmail.com To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com There are good books outside of the big two that do come out on time. Fables, Invincible, Boys, Project Superpowers, 100 Bullets these are all good books that I still enjoy, but it is frustrating to cough up 30+ dollars for something that doesnt even come out on time and when it does is practically unreadable. Jeff On Mon, Feb 16, 2009 at 9:53 AM, Martin Baxter wrote: I loved Annihilation as well, B. When both it and Civil War came out, I read them both. After three issues of each, I did something I've never done before. I got rid of the Civil War books. Fortunately for my wallet, my comic store was willing to take them back for store credit, which I used for the next three Annihilation books. Still, I'm not jumping ship yet. Too many good reads between the lines. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : [scifinoir2] Re: Is DC Comics dying? Date : Mon, 16 Feb 2009 14:45:43 - From : B. Smith To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com The sad thing is comics as a whole are still great. Stuff like The Walking Dead, The Exterminators, DMZ, Fables, Fear Agent, Godland and lots of others are still great reads. Unfortunately the quality of the superhero comics at the big two are suffering and the rest of the industry takes the hit as well. Don't get me wrong there is still good stuff being done at the Marvel and DC but it gets crushed under the rest of the dreck. I loved the Annilation miniseries and the spinoff books but the massively inferior Civil War and World War Hulk got all the press. I think I found a good time to jump ship. --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Martin Baxter wrote: Jeff, I won't go that far. Though a lot of the stuff out there falls short of palatability, there are good reads to be had. My last time through my comic store, I picked up the first two issues of a Vertigo comic called Air, a nice mixture of surrealism and modern- day air piracy. My next time through has me picking up #s 3-6, and hoping for more. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Is DC Comics dying? Date : Mon, 16 Feb 2009 09:19:13 -0500 From : Jeff Carter To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com I agree with you about civil war as well. The big two have given complete control to two or three writers, and they are able to get away with anything they want. Stories are bland and repetitive, each company puts out a big stunt every three months (one more day, death of batman), issues are consistently late, and now they are raising the prices. After 27 years of reading and collecting comics I do believe that this is my time to bow out. Jeff On Mon, Feb 16, 2009 at 9:11 AM, Martin Baxter wrote: Jeff, I guess that that's a matter of interpretation. IMO, I could take your statement, substitute Civil War for Final Crisis, and it would be a valid assessment. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Is DC Comics dying? Date : Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:37:03 -0500 From : Jeff Carter To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Did anyone read Final Crisis, this is the real reason DC is dying. They keep putting all their eggs in one writers basket (Morrison) who takes a dump throws it on the wall calls it art, and if anyone complains tells them that it's the editors fault. Jeff On Fri, Feb 6, 2009 at 9:42 PM, Martin Baxter wrote: Grant Morrison seems to think so. They haven't posted the article from Wizard that I read this afternoon on the web site, so it falls to me to quote it. When asked about his work on Final Crisis (the ending in
[scifinoir2] Re: WTF - Friday the 13th Remake Pulls in Huge Numbers
Taken was actually made in 2007 and released overseas last year. It was even released on dvd in Europe. I guess the U.S. distributor took his head out his butt when he saw how well it tested with audiences and decided to give it a theatrical release. --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Mike Street streetfor...@... wrote: My brother had a clear bootleg of Taken like 2 weeks before it came out. I was like how in the world did you get this movie. Taken was pretty good..but I think I'll go to F13 since I'm off work today. On Mon, Feb 16, 2009 at 9:54 AM, B. Smith daikaij...@... wrote: Don't worry about Taken. It's already closing in on $80 million after three weekends in the U.S. and has taken in close to that amount internationally. They are some rumbles about a sequel. Not bad for a French produced medium budget thriller. --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Keith Johnson KeithBJohnson@ wrote: Huh? All the reviews I read said that this is a dull movie, even by its own kill-by-the-numbers standards. Is this box office due to a bunch of young folk who simply never saw the original? It's a bit distressing to see this and Mall Cop doing so much better than Taken and The International. Of course, it could be worse: Will Smith could star in a remake of Halloween! Course, it'd probably make over one hundred million the first weekend, right Rave? * LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - What better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than to watch college kids get slaughtered in a remake of Friday the 13th ? The revival of the venerable slasher franchise easily took the No. 1 spot at the North American box office this weekend, setting a new record for a horror opening with estimated sales of $42.2 million, distributor Warner Bros . Pictures said on Sunday. The old mark was held by The Grudge with a $39 million debut in 2004. That film had a less-restrictive PG-13 rating, while the R rating for Friday the 13th ostensibly prevented fans under age 17 from buying tickets unless accompanied by an adult. The new film is essentially a remake of the 1980 film that kicked off the horror series and eventually introduced a hockey-masked villain named Jason. His most recent appearance, in 2003's Freddy vs. Jason, generated a $36.4 million opening. Warner Bros., a unit of Time Warner Inc , predicted Friday the 13th would end up in the $48 million range once sales for the U.S. Presidents Day holiday on Monday were calculated. The film was directed by German filmmaker Marcus Nispel , who shot the hit 2004 retread of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre . Both films were produced by Transformers director Michael Bay , whose Platinum Dunes banner specializes in low-budget horror remakes. Also new this weekend were Walt Disney Co's Isla Fisher comedy Confessions of a Shopaholic at No. 4 with a modest $15.4 million, and Columbia Pictures' Clive Owen thriller The International at No. 7 with $10 million. Columbia, a unit of Sony Corp , also had a disappointment last weekend with The Pink Panther 2 ($22 million to date). But the studio's surprise hit comedy Paul Blart: Mall Cop crashed through the century mark, tallying $110.5 million after an $11.7 million weekend. Last weekend's champion, Warner Bros.' ensemble romance He's Just Not That Into You , slipped to No. 2 with $19.6 million, taking its 10-day tally to $55.1 million. The comedy, based on a self-help book that was itself inspired by the TV show Sex and the City, revolves around the lives and loves of various couples. The A-list lineup includes Jennifer Aniston , Drew Barrymore , Ben Affleck and Scarlett Johansson . The thriller Taken fell one place to No. 3 with $19.3 million in its third weekend. Liam Neeson plays a father in a race against time to prevent his kidnapped teen daughter's virginity from being taken by an Arab sheikh. The surprise success, produced by French filmmaker Luc Besson , has earned $77.9 million to date, and should hit $120 million, said distributor 20th Century Fox , a unit of News Corp . (Editing by Eric Beech) (please visit our entertainment blog via www.reuters.com or on http://blogs.reuters.com/fanfare/) -- My Social Media Resume: http://www.visualcv.com/mikestreet Visit my Blog: http://www.Greasyguide.com Follow Me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/streetforce1
Re: [scifinoir2] Re: WTF - Friday the 13th Remake Pulls in Huge Numbers
Oh ok well I guess that paid off...I didn't expect it to do so well..but it's on track to $100mil On Mon, Feb 16, 2009 at 10:46 AM, B. Smith daikaij...@yahoo.com wrote: Taken was actually made in 2007 and released overseas last year. It was even released on dvd in Europe. I guess the U.S. distributor took his head out his butt when he saw how well it tested with audiences and decided to give it a theatrical release. --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Mike Street streetfor...@... wrote: My brother had a clear bootleg of Taken like 2 weeks before it came out. I was like how in the world did you get this movie. Taken was pretty good..but I think I'll go to F13 since I'm off work today. On Mon, Feb 16, 2009 at 9:54 AM, B. Smith daikaij...@... wrote: Don't worry about Taken. It's already closing in on $80 million after three weekends in the U.S. and has taken in close to that amount internationally. They are some rumbles about a sequel. Not bad for a French produced medium budget thriller. --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Keith Johnson KeithBJohnson@ wrote: Huh? All the reviews I read said that this is a dull movie, even by its own kill-by-the-numbers standards. Is this box office due to a bunch of young folk who simply never saw the original? It's a bit distressing to see this and Mall Cop doing so much better than Taken and The International. Of course, it could be worse: Will Smith could star in a remake of Halloween! Course, it'd probably make over one hundred million the first weekend, right Rave? * LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - What better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than to watch college kids get slaughtered in a remake of Friday the 13th ? The revival of the venerable slasher franchise easily took the No. 1 spot at the North American box office this weekend, setting a new record for a horror opening with estimated sales of $42.2 million, distributor Warner Bros . Pictures said on Sunday. The old mark was held by The Grudge with a $39 million debut in 2004. That film had a less-restrictive PG-13 rating, while the R rating for Friday the 13th ostensibly prevented fans under age 17 from buying tickets unless accompanied by an adult. The new film is essentially a remake of the 1980 film that kicked off the horror series and eventually introduced a hockey-masked villain named Jason. His most recent appearance, in 2003's Freddy vs. Jason, generated a $36.4 million opening. Warner Bros., a unit of Time Warner Inc , predicted Friday the 13th would end up in the $48 million range once sales for the U.S. Presidents Day holiday on Monday were calculated. The film was directed by German filmmaker Marcus Nispel , who shot the hit 2004 retread of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre . Both films were produced by Transformers director Michael Bay , whose Platinum Dunes banner specializes in low-budget horror remakes. Also new this weekend were Walt Disney Co's Isla Fisher comedy Confessions of a Shopaholic at No. 4 with a modest $15.4 million, and Columbia Pictures' Clive Owen thriller The International at No. 7 with $10 million. Columbia, a unit of Sony Corp , also had a disappointment last weekend with The Pink Panther 2 ($22 million to date). But the studio's surprise hit comedy Paul Blart: Mall Cop crashed through the century mark, tallying $110.5 million after an $11.7 million weekend. Last weekend's champion, Warner Bros.' ensemble romance He's Just Not That Into You , slipped to No. 2 with $19.6 million, taking its 10-day tally to $55.1 million. The comedy, based on a self-help book that was itself inspired by the TV show Sex and the City, revolves around the lives and loves of various couples. The A-list lineup includes Jennifer Aniston , Drew Barrymore , Ben Affleck and Scarlett Johansson . The thriller Taken fell one place to No. 3 with $19.3 million in its third weekend. Liam Neeson plays a father in a race against time to prevent his kidnapped teen daughter's virginity from being taken by an Arab sheikh. The surprise success, produced by French filmmaker Luc Besson , has earned $77.9 million to date, and should hit $120 million, said distributor 20th Century Fox , a unit of News Corp . (Editing by Eric Beech) (please visit our entertainment blog via www.reuters.com or on http://blogs.reuters.com/fanfare/) -- My Social Media Resume: http://www.visualcv.com/mikestreet Visit my Blog: http://www.Greasyguide.com Follow Me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/streetforce1 -- My Social Media Resume: http://www.visualcv.com/mikestreet Visit my Blog: http://www.Greasyguide.com Follow Me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/streetforce1
RE: [RE][scifinoir2] Wonderful media site
You are quite welcome, sir! _ From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:scifino...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Martin Baxter Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 8:47 AM To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Subject: [RE][scifinoir2] Wonderful media site My thanks as well, my friend! -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : [scifinoir2] Wonderful media site Date : Fri, 13 Feb 2009 22:42:17 -0500 From : Maurice C. Jennings mcjennings...@yahoo.com To : blackfo...@v2.listbox.com, scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, self_mast...@yahoogroups.com, 1...@yahoogroups.com, 40s...@yahoogroups.com Instant newspapers from around the world! http://www.newseum.org/todaysfrontpages/flash/ One of the most useful sites I have found. First select an area of the world from the horizontal global menu. Then put your mouse on a city anywhere in the region or nation and the newspaper headlines pop up. Double click and the page gets larger and then you can click on the website to go directly to the newspaper. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
RE: [RE][scifinoir2] Private jail pays 2 PA judges 2.6 mil to supply inmates
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! _ From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:scifino...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Martin Baxter Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 9:00 AM To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Subject: [RE][scifinoir2] Private jail pays 2 PA judges 2.6 mil to supply inmates Dang! After thirty-plus years of my life trying to make writing a paying gig, I see that I need to reevaluate... -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : [scifinoir2] Private jail pays 2 PA judges 2.6 mil to supply inmates Date : Fri, 13 Feb 2009 09:26:13 - From : ravenadal ravena...@yahoo.com To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090212/ap_on_re_us/courthouse_kickbacks 2 Pa. judges plead guilty in kickback scheme By MICHAEL RUBINKAM, Associated Press Writer Thu Feb 12, 4:22 pm ET SCRANTON, Pa. Two Pennsylvania judges charged with taking more than $2 million in kickbacks to send youth offenders to privately run detention centers pleaded guilty to fraud Thursday in one of the most stunning cases of judicial corruption on record. Prosecutors allege Luzerne County Judges Mark Ciavarella and Michael Conahan took $2.6 million in payoffs to put juvenile offenders in lockups run by PA Child Care LLC and a sister company, possibly tainting the convictions of thousands of juvenile offenders. The judges pleaded guilty in federal court in Scranton to honest services fraud and tax fraud. Their plea agreements call for sentences of more than seven years in prison. They were permitted to remain free pending sentencing. The gray-haired jurists said little at Thursday's hearing, and declined to comment to reporters afterward. Prosecutors described a scheme in which Conahan, the former president judge of Luzerne County, shut down the county-owned juvenile detention center in 2002 and signed an agreement with PA Child Care LLC to send youth offenders to its new facility outside Wilkes-Barre. Ciavarella, who presided over juvenile court, sent youths to the detention center while he was taking payments, prosecutors said. For years, youth advocacy groups complained that Ciavarella was overly harsh and ran roughshod over youngsters' constitutional rights. Ciavarella sent a quarter of his juvenile defendants to detention centers from 2002 to 2006, compared with a statewide rate of one in 10. Among the offenders were teenagers who were locked up for months for stealing loose change from cars, writing a prank note and possessing drug paraphernalia. Many had never been in trouble before, and some were imprisoned even after probation officers recommended against it. Many of the children didn't have attorneys. Susan Mischanski, 46, whose teenage son appeared in Ciavarella's courtroom without an attorney, said Thursday she hopes the judge gets more than seven years behind bars. Ciavarella sentenced her son a first-time offender charged with simple assault to 90 days at a juvenile wilderness camp. Only because he hurt my child, I'd like to see him put away for longer, said Mischanski, who attended the hearing. Ciavarella has specifically denied sending kids to jail for cash, and had indicated he would not go through with the guilty plea if the government offered that as evidence. Thus prosecutors Thursday skirted over many of the allegations contained in their original criminal complaint, presenting only enough evidence to establish that crimes had occurred. But Assistant U.S. Attorney Gordon Zubrod said after the hearing that the government continues to allege a quid pro quo. We're not negotiating that, no. We're not backing off, he said. The prosecutor said it will be up to U.S. District Judge Edwin Kosik, who will determine the judges prison terms after a lengthy pre- sentence investigation, to settle the matter. Kosik could reject the proposed sentence as too light if he decides there was a quid pro quo. I think there will be significant disagreements as to what the facts are, Zubrod said. Was there a connection between the payments and the money, and young people going to prison? Those are issues that are going to be addressed later by the court. There's going to be plenty of time to fight about that. The judges were charged Jan. 26 and subsequently removed from the bench by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. The high court on Wednesday appointed a senior judge from Berks County to review cases handled by Ciavarella dating back to 2003. The goal of this court is to determine whether the alleged travesty of juvenile justice occurred, and if it did, to identify the affected juveniles and rectify the situation as fairly and swiftly as possible, the justices said in a statement. Senior Judge Arthur E. Grim must report his findings in four months. Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The information contained in the AP News report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without the prior
RE: [scifinoir2] OT: On a personal note...
We know you, Martin. You can handle it. And I've learned over the past couple of years that YOU get to let them know exactly what you are able to give. And they gladly accept that from you. Trust me, it was such a revelation. I stopped ducking folks. I used to think it was up to them! Life got a little easier when I realized I controlled it... _ From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:scifino...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Martin Baxter Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 10:04 AM To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [scifinoir2] OT: On a personal note... Thank you, James. And I was in Danville. You know, that part of the Commonwealth you've been trying to give away for years? (Thanks for the thought, Fate. Could've used a lemonade Friday at about three..) Everything went as well as expected there. And, as I suppose we're all meant to do during such crises, we learn a little about who and what we are in the world. Myself, I think I've been handed the mantle my late uncle carried, as mentor to all of my younger male cousins. The number of contacts in my cellphone doubled in just under two hours. A little daunting, as I think about it. But I'm told that I can handle it, so I believe such. Again, thank you all for your words and thoughts. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : RE: [scifinoir2] OT: On a personal note... Date : Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:38:02 -0500 From : James Landrith ja...@jameslandrith.com To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Martin, I am sorry to hear of your uncle's passing. Your family will be in my thoughts. By the way, what part of Virginia will you be visiting? I'm in Alexandria. -- James Landrith Official website: http://jameslandrith.com TMA: http://multiracial.com LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jlandrith Facebook: http://apus.facebook.com/profile.php?id=134400205 Facebook Reader's Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/James-A-Landrith-Jr/18759565916 MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/jlandrith Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/jlandrith From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:scifino...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Martin Baxter Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2009 4:37 PM To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Subject: [scifinoir2] OT: On a personal note... My friends, I will be absent from you august company until Monday. My mother's oldest brother passed away on Friday, and I have to travel to Virginia for the funeral on this Friday. Know that I'm with all of you, in spirit and thought. Keep the good works coming, and I'll be back. Martin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
Re: [scifinoir2] Push
How cool. Were you doing security work? I think of the Reids as one of those best-kept secrets among black folk. Tim is usually thought of mostly for his role as Venus Flytrap in WKRP in Cincinnati, and Daphne maybe for taking over the role of Will Smith's aunt in The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. But they have done so much more than that. Tim has been a producer, director, and creator of series such as the late great Frank's Place, and Linc's, as well as his movie work. The Reids built the first production studio in Tim's native Virginia. Reid has the distinction of being part of the first black-and-white comedy duo to tour, Tim and Tom, back in the '70s. The Reids are really focused on educating blacks about our heritage, about producing family-friendly fare featuring blacks, and overall creating a more positive image. Daphne was a model for years, the first black woman to be featured on Glamour magazine's cover. I've never met them, but every interview I see them in, I'm struck by their apparent love of life, their sense of humour, and how they quietly but consistently do their part to help black people in the entertainment world. - Original Message - From: Reece Jennings mcjennings...@yahoo.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 2:53:40 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: RE: [scifinoir2] Push Well-said, Keith. And great counter! I once guarded Tim and Daphne at an NAACP National Convention. We were riding in a Limo together going God knows where... Great, down to earth people. At the time, they mentioned that they were going to be coming out with some movies. This was back in '88 or '89. God! That was 20 years ago! From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:scifino...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Keith Johnson Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2009 8:42 PM To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Push You ever seen those e-mails questionnaires that float around? I've gotten some over the years with questions to determine if you're a real black person or not. The standard is an e-mail questionnaire with questions like What did Florida say at the end of the 'Good Times' ep when James died, or, What character always entered the scene by saying 'Wooo-weee!'? When some of my friends sent that e-mail my way a while back, I countered with a questionnaire that included all the movies below, asking if they'd seen them. I then chided those who hadn't. I consider viewership of all the below essential for all black people, especially Sankofa, the closest thing in some ways to that Nat Turner film we keep waiting for. Down on The Delta, directed by Maya Angelou, is a sweet and comfortable-feeling movie of a splintered black family, and Once Upon a Time... is a great pre-Civil Rights era film that's just a slice-of-life in a Southern town, and I love the fact that Tim and Daphne Reid are behind it. - Original Message - From: Reece Jennings mcjennings...@yahoo.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2009 6:02:35 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: RE: [scifinoir2] Push I've seen ALL of these, I believe! GREAT films. What are 'Indie' films? I saw most of them on DVD from Blockbuster. From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:scifino...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Keith Johnson Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2009 1:18 PM To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Push Did you by chance catch Sankofa, Once Upon a Time When We Were Colored, Badasss , Down on The Delta, Killer of Sheep, or To Sleep with Anger in theatres when they came out? All are fabulous indie films that so few blacks I know saw, but which I loved and chased down in theatres. You strike me as the type who may have sought them out... - Original Message - From: Daryle Lockhart dar...@darylelockhart.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2009 12:48:35 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Push I'm in for The International. It's Clive Owen doing his Clive Owen thing, and that's cool. If anyone's in a city where Medicine For Melancholy is playing, I can't recommend that film enough. It's wonderful. One of the better Black indies I've seen in a long time. On Feb 14, 2009, at 8:33 PM, Keith Johnson wrote: I'm thinking that too. I'll probably see it tomorrow, then go see The International on Monday as a nice thriller. - Original Message - From: Daryle Lockhart dar...@darylelockhart.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Saturday, February 14, 2009 8:21:01 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Push Yes, that's what I've heard as well. In all reality, Keith, if your wife has been with you this long, she's sensitive to a little sci-fi, so Curious Case is probably your best call. On Feb 14, 2009, at 7:51 PM, Tracey de Morsella wrote:
Re: [RE][scifinoir2] Liking Ben 10
There was a marathon on yesterday, a good three or four hours of shows. Really good. - Original Message - From: Martin Baxter truthseeker...@lycos.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 8:18:49 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: [RE][scifinoir2] Liking Ben 10 Keith, I do watch it, but it's sporadically at best. Time bites, as always. I like it as well. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : [scifinoir2] Liking Ben 10 Date : Sun, 15 Feb 2009 20:14:50 + (UTC) From : Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@comcast.net To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Anyone ever watch Ben 10? It's become one of my fav cartoons, especially now that Avatar has ended its run. I first discovered it a year ago, and was intrigued by this young man with a powerful alien weapon attached to his body. What really pulled me in, though, was the characters, each of whom has an interesting backstory and function. There's Ben's grandfather, a member of the Plumbers ( the agency that fights alien threats), his cousin Gwen, the technogeek with magical powers, and the sometimes enemy Kevin, who can absorb the properties of anything he touches (similar to Absorbing Man in Marvel). The show is entertaining, funny, even exciting at times. The first few years of Ben 10 showed growth with the characters, as Ben and his friends grow in power, maturity, and the level of dangers they face. There were many story arcs in addition to just monster-of-the-week eps, and the plot lines became more complex and even darker over the years. With the second series, Ben 10: Alien Force, they do something you rarely see in animation: allow the characters to age and change. Ben and Gwen are several years older (and look it), their powers have grown, and once opponent Kevin is part of the team. The last time I remember seeing characters grow and change significantly in 'toons is probably the late great, Legion of SuperHeroes, or maybe the change in Goku from young child to adult in Dragonball Z. At any rate, I'm curious if anyone else has watched any of this show. It's been a present surprise. With other new or recently ended fare that's out now--Secret Saturdays, Danny Phantom, Batman: Brave and the Bold, Avatar, Wolverine and the X-Men--this is really one of the best times for cartoons I can remember in recent years. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
[scifinoir2] Re: WTF - Friday the 13th Remake Pulls in Huge Numbers
My bootleg guy also hooked me up with a mint condition copy of Taken two weeks before the film opened. I actually think this helped the opening week box office - contrary to popular and studio belief. Tyler Perry's career was built off of bootleg copies of his plays. That is how I first became aware of him. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Mike Street streetfor...@... wrote: My brother had a clear bootleg of Taken like 2 weeks before it came out. I was like how in the world did you get this movie. Taken was pretty good..but I think I'll go to F13 since I'm off work today. On Mon, Feb 16, 2009 at 9:54 AM, B. Smith daikaij...@... wrote: Don't worry about Taken. It's already closing in on $80 million after three weekends in the U.S. and has taken in close to that amount internationally. They are some rumbles about a sequel. Not bad for a French produced medium budget thriller. --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Keith Johnson KeithBJohnson@ wrote: Huh? All the reviews I read said that this is a dull movie, even by its own kill-by-the-numbers standards. Is this box office due to a bunch of young folk who simply never saw the original? It's a bit distressing to see this and Mall Cop doing so much better than Taken and The International. Of course, it could be worse: Will Smith could star in a remake of Halloween! Course, it'd probably make over one hundred million the first weekend, right Rave? * LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - What better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than to watch college kids get slaughtered in a remake of Friday the 13th ? The revival of the venerable slasher franchise easily took the No. 1 spot at the North American box office this weekend, setting a new record for a horror opening with estimated sales of $42.2 million, distributor Warner Bros . Pictures said on Sunday. The old mark was held by The Grudge with a $39 million debut in 2004. That film had a less-restrictive PG-13 rating, while the R rating for Friday the 13th ostensibly prevented fans under age 17 from buying tickets unless accompanied by an adult. The new film is essentially a remake of the 1980 film that kicked off the horror series and eventually introduced a hockey-masked villain named Jason. His most recent appearance, in 2003's Freddy vs. Jason, generated a $36.4 million opening. Warner Bros., a unit of Time Warner Inc , predicted Friday the 13th would end up in the $48 million range once sales for the U.S. Presidents Day holiday on Monday were calculated. The film was directed by German filmmaker Marcus Nispel , who shot the hit 2004 retread of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre . Both films were produced by Transformers director Michael Bay , whose Platinum Dunes banner specializes in low-budget horror remakes. Also new this weekend were Walt Disney Co's Isla Fisher comedy Confessions of a Shopaholic at No. 4 with a modest $15.4 million, and Columbia Pictures' Clive Owen thriller The International at No. 7 with $10 million. Columbia, a unit of Sony Corp , also had a disappointment last weekend with The Pink Panther 2 ($22 million to date). But the studio's surprise hit comedy Paul Blart: Mall Cop crashed through the century mark, tallying $110.5 million after an $11.7 million weekend. Last weekend's champion, Warner Bros.' ensemble romance He's Just Not That Into You , slipped to No. 2 with $19.6 million, taking its 10-day tally to $55.1 million. The comedy, based on a self-help book that was itself inspired by the TV show Sex and the City, revolves around the lives and loves of various couples. The A-list lineup includes Jennifer Aniston , Drew Barrymore , Ben Affleck and Scarlett Johansson . The thriller Taken fell one place to No. 3 with $19.3 million in its third weekend. Liam Neeson plays a father in a race against time to prevent his kidnapped teen daughter's virginity from being taken by an Arab sheikh. The surprise success, produced by French filmmaker Luc Besson , has earned $77.9 million to date, and should hit $120 million, said distributor 20th Century Fox , a unit of News Corp . (Editing by Eric Beech) (please visit our entertainment blog via www.reuters.com or on http://blogs.reuters.com/fanfare/) -- My Social Media Resume: http://www.visualcv.com/mikestreet Visit my Blog: http://www.Greasyguide.com Follow Me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/streetforce1
Re: [RE][scifinoir2] Liking Ben 10
Yesterday's marathon was the same marathon they ran in December, but the last few episodes are always worth watching. the Wronch was a great story twist in Alien Force. My son was into Ben 10 first,then I got hooked on it. On Feb 16, 2009, at 8:18 AM, Martin Baxter wrote: Keith, I do watch it, but it's sporadically at best. Time bites, as always. I like it as well. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : [scifinoir2] Liking Ben 10 Date : Sun, 15 Feb 2009 20:14:50 + (UTC) From : Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@comcast.net To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Anyone ever watch Ben 10? It's become one of my fav cartoons, especially now that Avatar has ended its run. I first discovered it a year ago, and was intrigued by this young man with a powerful alien weapon attached to his body. What really pulled me in, though, was the characters, each of whom has an interesting backstory and function. There's Ben's grandfather, a member of the Plumbers ( the agency that fights alien threats), his cousin Gwen, the technogeek with magical powers, and the sometimes enemy Kevin, who can absorb the properties of anything he touches (similar to Absorbing Man in Marvel). The show is entertaining, funny, even exciting at times. The first few years of Ben 10 showed growth with the characters, as Ben and his friends grow in power, maturity, and the level of dangers they face. There were many story arcs in addition to just monster-of-the-week eps, and the plot lines became more complex and even darker over the years. With the second series, Ben 10: Alien Force, they do something you rarely see in animation: allow the characters to age and change. Ben and Gwen are several years older (and look it), their powers have grown, and once opponent Kevin is part of the team. The last time I remember seeing characters grow and change significantly in 'toons is probably the late great, Legion of SuperHeroes, or maybe the change in Goku from young child to adult in Dragonball Z. At any rate, I'm curious if anyone else has watched any of this show. It's been a present surprise. With other new or recently ended fare that's out now--Secret Saturdays, Danny Phantom, Batman: Brave and the Bold, Avatar, Wolverine and the X-Men--this is really one of the best times for cartoons I can remember in recent years. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
Re: [scifinoir2] Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office
Ha-ha! I like Will Ferrell in small doses. Long after the hype on him had built, I sat down and watched Talladega Nights where he was NASCAR racer Ricky Bobby, and laughed my butt off. But that was only the second or third movie I'd seen him in. I also enjoyed his more subtle turn in Stranger Than Fiction, the movie where his life was literally being controlled by an author's keystrokes. And Elf gave me some chuckles as well. I think I saw Elf, then Stranger Than Fiction, then Talladega Nights, giving me silly comedy, subtle comedy/drama, then silly comedy again. That was sufficient. But Ferrell needs to quit doing the same old type comedy film. His turns in the films about ice skating and basketball, for example, are all variations of the same Ricky Bobby scheme, so I avoided them. He has the looks and I think the chops to do other stuff. I don't know if he can carve the niche of understated, nuanced actor that Bill Murray has found for his career. But I think he might be able to do at least as well as Adam Sandler, who's actually not half bad when he backs off the stupid comedies and reigns himself in for roles like that in Spanglish, or 50 First Dates. Ferrell has had training, like many comedians he gets the drama underlying life, and I think he could start branching out a bit more. I'm always intrigued at watching comedic actors who get their start or fame in really silly, over-the-top roles, who can also pull off the more subtle stuff. Not everyone can do both: Chevy Chase, for example. But actors like Steve Martin, Sandler, Murray, Robin Williams, Eddie Murphy (he has the ability, just not the will I guess), Steve Carell all have that talent,and I think Ferrell does too. He's made the dough, now it's time to stretch... - Original Message - From: Martin Baxter truthseeker...@lycos.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 8:38:35 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Keith, you forgot to include Will Ferrell. I'm certain that it was due to your own mental self-defenses kicking in... -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Date : Sun, 15 Feb 2009 01:21:34 + (UTC) From : Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@comcast.net To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Funny. He isn't a guaranteed big draw for me. Among male actors, I'm much more likely to see a flick with Don Cheadle, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Clive Owen, Viggo Mortensen, Robert Duvall. Maybe De Niro if it's not Meet the Parents or Righteous Kill type crap. And I'd actually place Clooney higher up on my list than Smith. In fact, I can't remember the last time I saw a movie because Smith was in it. I saw Hancock and I Am Legend because they were scifi, and Hitch because it was a romantic comedy I could share with my wife. The other males below, I'll certainly consider--especially Damon and Di Caprio--but depends on the type of movie they're in. I will say, I do wish Christian Slater were still doing good work, for he'd certainly be on my list. For female actors, my list would have to include Judi Dench, Angela Bassett (keep hoping she finally finds the roles that utilize her massive talent), Meryl Streep (who's really impressed me with her continually good work as she gets older), Kimberly Elise (woefully underappreciated actress), Taraji P. Henson (hard not to be engaged with, even with unintentionally funny stuff like He don't love me no 'mo'! in Baby Boy), Cate Blanchett, Jodi Foster, Queen Latifah (good dramatic and comedic actress), Sanaa Lathan. They ought to list the actors guaranteed to kill a movie, to drive people away. For me, that would include Adam Sandler (don't get his humour), Pauly Shore (how does he get work?), Jim Carey (most of his stuff is too manic for me), David Spade (loved him on TV, can't abide his film work), Mila Jovovich (horrible movie choices), Kate Hudson (she's sure to star in wretched romantic comedies that make you gag). - Original Message - From: Tracey de Morsella To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, CINQUE Sent: Saturday, February 14, 2009 5:53:22 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: [scifinoir2] Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office 12 February 2009 1:27 AM, PST Will Smith has again emerged as the film star whose name on the marquee guarantees a movie's success, according to most analysts. In Forbes magazine's Star Currency survey, Smith was the only film star to receive a perfect score of 10. Others in the top ten included: Leonardo DiCaprio , Angelina Jolie , Brad Pitt , Tom Hanks , George Clooney , Denzel Washington , Matt Damon , Jack Nicholson , and Julia Roberts . http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
Re: [scifinoir2] Push
Thanks! - Original Message - From: Martin Baxter truthseeker...@lycos.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 8:41:51 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Push Keith, a belated happy anniversary to you and Phyllis! -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Push Date : Sat, 14 Feb 2009 22:21:20 + (UTC) From : Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@comcast.net To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Thanks. What about Confessions of a Shopaholic? Hey...today is Valentine's, and tomorrow is my anniversary. I gotta take the romantic comedy bullet sometime soon! - Original Message - From: Daryle Lockhart To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, February 13, 2009 4:28:41 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Push Curious Case was good. I think you will enjoy it. Push is a two hour Marvel Comic book written by a writer you never heard of but an illustrator you love. So it looks good, but halfway in you realize you've seen/read this all before. It ain't the editing, it's the script. It's a rental. On Feb 13, 2009, at 3:51 PM, Keith Johnson wrote: Anyone see the movie Push? I was in Boston when it premiered last week. I haven't heard much, other than some critics' reviews that say it's a bit of a jumbled, hyperactive mess (told you I was worried about the too-quick camera cuts!) But though a few of us were initially anticipating it, I don't recall any reviews or discussions here, certainly no praise for the flick. Did anyone see it? How was it? Along the same lines, I'm considering checking out Benjamin Buttons and Coraline. Any thoughts on those? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
RE: [scifinoir2] Push
I did security for the NAACP at their National Conventions. And you're right about the Reids. They are the same way in person. Really impressive! Thanks for the info about them. I didn' tknow all of that! Did you see 'Asunder'? http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005516/ Blair Underwood http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005516/ ... Chance Williams http://resume.imdb.com/ Debbi Morgan http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005247/ ... Lauren Hubbs http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004729/ Michael Beach http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004729/ ... Michael Hubbs http://resume.imdb.com/ Marva Hicks http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0382914/ ... Roberta Williams Directed by Tim Reid. VERY intense! _ From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:scifino...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Keith Johnson Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 12:06 PM To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Push How cool. Were you doing security work? I think of the Reids as one of those best-kept secrets among black folk. Tim is usually thought of mostly for his role as Venus Flytrap in WKRP in Cincinnati, and Daphne maybe for taking over the role of Will Smith's aunt in The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. But they have done so much more than that. Tim has been a producer, director, and creator of series such as the late great Frank's Place, and Linc's, as well as his movie work. The Reids built the first production studio in Tim's native Virginia. Reid has the distinction of being part of the first black-and-white comedy duo to tour, Tim and Tom, back in the '70s. The Reids are really focused on educating blacks about our heritage, about producing family-friendly fare featuring blacks, and overall creating a more positive image. Daphne was a model for years, the first black woman to be featured on Glamour magazine's cover. I've never met them, but every interview I see them in, I'm struck by their apparent love of life, their sense of humour, and how they quietly but consistently do their part to help black people in the entertainment world. - Original Message - From: Reece Jennings mcjennings...@yahoo.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 2:53:40 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: RE: [scifinoir2] Push Well-said, Keith. And great counter! I once guarded Tim and Daphne at an NAACP National Convention. We were riding in a Limo together going God knows where... Great, down to earth people. At the time, they mentioned that they were going to be coming out with some movies. This was back in '88 or '89. God! That was 20 years ago! _ From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:scifino...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Keith Johnson Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2009 8:42 PM To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Push You ever seen those e-mails questionnaires that float around? I've gotten some over the years with questions to determine if you're a real black person or not. The standard is an e-mail questionnaire with questions like What did Florida say at the end of the 'Good Times' ep when James died, or, What character always entered the scene by saying 'Wooo-weee!'? When some of my friends sent that e-mail my way a while back, I countered with a questionnaire that included all the movies below, asking if they'd seen them. I then chided those who hadn't. I consider viewership of all the below essential for all black people, especially Sankofa, the closest thing in some ways to that Nat Turner film we keep waiting for. Down on The Delta, directed by Maya Angelou, is a sweet and comfortable-feeling movie of a splintered black family, and Once Upon a Time... is a great pre-Civil Rights era film that's just a slice-of-life in a Southern town, and I love the fact that Tim and Daphne Reid are behind it. - Original Message - From: Reece Jennings mcjennings...@yahoo.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2009 6:02:35 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: RE: [scifinoir2] Push I've seen ALL of these, I believe! GREAT films. What are 'Indie' films? I saw most of them on DVD from Blockbuster. _ From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:scifino...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Keith Johnson Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2009 1:18 PM To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Push Did you by chance catch Sankofa, Once Upon a Time When We Were Colored, Badasss , Down on The Delta, Killer of Sheep, or To Sleep with Anger in theatres when they came out? All are fabulous indie films that so few blacks I know saw, but which I loved and chased down in theatres. You strike me as the type who may have sought them out... - Original Message - From: Daryle Lockhart dar...@darylelockhart.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2009 12:48:35 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Push I'm in for The International.
[scifinoir2] Re: Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office
No love for Anchorman? --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@... wrote: Ha-ha! I like Will Ferrell in small doses. Long after the hype on him had built, I sat down and watched Talladega Nights where he was NASCAR racer Ricky Bobby, and laughed my butt off. But that was only the second or third movie I'd seen him in. I also enjoyed his more subtle turn in Stranger Than Fiction, the movie where his life was literally being controlled by an author's keystrokes. And Elf gave me some chuckles as well. I think I saw Elf, then Stranger Than Fiction, then Talladega Nights, giving me silly comedy, subtle comedy/drama, then silly comedy again. That was sufficient. But Ferrell needs to quit doing the same old type comedy film. His turns in the films about ice skating and basketball, for example, are all variations of the same Ricky Bobby scheme, so I avoided them. He has the looks and I think the chops to do other stuff. I don't know if he can carve the niche of understated, nuanced actor that Bill Murray has found for his career. But I think he might be able to do at least as well as Adam Sandler, who's actually not half bad when he backs off the stupid comedies and reigns himself in for roles like that in Spanglish, or 50 First Dates. Ferrell has had training, like many comedians he gets the drama underlying life, and I think he could start branching out a bit more. I'm always intrigued at watching comedic actors who get their start or fame in really silly, over-the-top roles, who can also pull off the more subtle stuff. Not everyone can do both: Chevy Chase, for example. But actors like Steve Martin, Sandler, Murray, Robin Williams, Eddie Murphy (he has the ability, just not the will I guess), Steve Carell all have that talent,and I think Ferrell does too. He's made the dough, now it's time to stretch... - Original Message - From: Martin Baxter truthseeker...@... To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 8:38:35 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Keith, you forgot to include Will Ferrell. I'm certain that it was due to your own mental self-defenses kicking in... -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Date : Sun, 15 Feb 2009 01:21:34 + (UTC) From : Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@... To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Funny. He isn't a guaranteed big draw for me. Among male actors, I'm much more likely to see a flick with Don Cheadle, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Clive Owen, Viggo Mortensen, Robert Duvall. Maybe De Niro if it's not Meet the Parents or Righteous Kill type crap. And I'd actually place Clooney higher up on my list than Smith. In fact, I can't remember the last time I saw a movie because Smith was in it. I saw Hancock and I Am Legend because they were scifi, and Hitch because it was a romantic comedy I could share with my wife. The other males below, I'll certainly consider--especially Damon and Di Caprio--but depends on the type of movie they're in. I will say, I do wish Christian Slater were still doing good work, for he'd certainly be on my list. For female actors, my list would have to include Judi Dench, Angela Bassett (keep hoping she finally finds the roles that utilize her massive talent), Meryl Streep (who's really impressed me with her continually good work as she gets older), Kimberly Elise (woefully underappreciated actress), Taraji P. Henson (hard not to be engaged with, even with unintentionally funny stuff like He don't love me no 'mo'! in Baby Boy), Cate Blanchett, Jodi Foster, Queen Latifah (good dramatic and comedic actress), Sanaa Lathan. They ought to list the actors guaranteed to kill a movie, to drive people away. For me, that would include Adam Sandler (don't get his humour), Pauly Shore (how does he get work?), Jim Carey (most of his stuff is too manic for me), David Spade (loved him on TV, can't abide his film work), Mila Jovovich (horrible movie choices), Kate Hudson (she's sure to star in wretched romantic comedies that make you gag). - Original Message - From: Tracey de Morsella To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, CINQUE Sent: Saturday, February 14, 2009 5:53:22 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: [scifinoir2] Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office 12 February 2009 1:27 AM, PST Will Smith has again emerged as the film star whose name on the marquee guarantees a movie's success, according to most analysts. In Forbes magazine's Star Currency survey, Smith was the only film star to receive a perfect score of 10. Others in the top ten included: Leonardo DiCaprio , Angelina Jolie , Brad Pitt , Tom Hanks , George Clooney , Denzel
Re: [scifinoir2] Re: WTF - Friday the 13th Remake Pulls in Huge Numbers
Yeah, I plan to see it. It sounds like it will a fun, diverting time at the movies. I have the hardest time explaining my views to some of my friends. They'll ask me questions like How is it you will pay to see 'Taken' or 'Face Off', yet hate movies like 'Crank' or 'Bad Boys 2' or 'Friday the 13th'? I've given up the speech on good-throwaway fare, good-bad fare, good-camp fare, entertaining-diverting-forgettable fare, versus bad-throwaway, bad-bad, bad-camp, and excrutiating-annoying-wish-I -could forget fare. For example,when I confessed to one friend that I *liked* Talladega Nights, he said Then I don't get why you always dog out Adam Sandler's comedies. Told another friend my wife and I enjoyed Knocked Up, and the response was, Then why do you avoid Martin Lawrence's movies? Sigh... - Original Message - From: B. Smith daikaij...@yahoo.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 9:54:24 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: WTF - Friday the 13th Remake Pulls in Huge Numbers Don't worry about Taken. It's already closing in on $80 million after three weekends in the U.S. and has taken in close to that amount internationally. They are some rumbles about a sequel. Not bad for a French produced medium budget thriller. --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com , Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@... wrote: Huh? All the reviews I read said that this is a dull movie, even by its own kill-by-the-numbers standards. Is this box office due to a bunch of young folk who simply never saw the original? It's a bit distressing to see this and Mall Cop doing so much better than Taken and The International. Of course, it could be worse: Will Smith could star in a remake of Halloween! Course, it'd probably make over one hundred million the first weekend, right Rave? * LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - What better way to celebrate Valentine's Day than to watch college kids get slaughtered in a remake of Friday the 13th ? The revival of the venerable slasher franchise easily took the No. 1 spot at the North American box office this weekend, setting a new record for a horror opening with estimated sales of $42.2 million, distributor Warner Bros . Pictures said on Sunday. The old mark was held by The Grudge with a $39 million debut in 2004. That film had a less-restrictive PG-13 rating, while the R rating for Friday the 13th ostensibly prevented fans under age 17 from buying tickets unless accompanied by an adult. The new film is essentially a remake of the 1980 film that kicked off the horror series and eventually introduced a hockey-masked villain named Jason. His most recent appearance, in 2003's Freddy vs. Jason, generated a $36.4 million opening. Warner Bros., a unit of Time Warner Inc , predicted Friday the 13th would end up in the $48 million range once sales for the U.S. Presidents Day holiday on Monday were calculated. The film was directed by German filmmaker Marcus Nispel , who shot the hit 2004 retread of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre . Both films were produced by Transformers director Michael Bay , whose Platinum Dunes banner specializes in low-budget horror remakes. Also new this weekend were Walt Disney Co's Isla Fisher comedy Confessions of a Shopaholic at No. 4 with a modest $15.4 million, and Columbia Pictures' Clive Owen thriller The International at No. 7 with $10 million. Columbia, a unit of Sony Corp , also had a disappointment last weekend with The Pink Panther 2 ($22 million to date). But the studio's surprise hit comedy Paul Blart: Mall Cop crashed through the century mark, tallying $110.5 million after an $11.7 million weekend. Last weekend's champion, Warner Bros.' ensemble romance He's Just Not That Into You , slipped to No. 2 with $19.6 million, taking its 10-day tally to $55.1 million. The comedy, based on a self-help book that was itself inspired by the TV show Sex and the City, revolves around the lives and loves of various couples. The A-list lineup includes Jennifer Aniston , Drew Barrymore , Ben Affleck and Scarlett Johansson . The thriller Taken fell one place to No. 3 with $19.3 million in its third weekend. Liam Neeson plays a father in a race against time to prevent his kidnapped teen daughter's virginity from being taken by an Arab sheikh. The surprise success, produced by French filmmaker Luc Besson , has earned $77.9 million to date, and should hit $120 million, said distributor 20th Century Fox , a unit of News Corp . (Editing by Eric Beech) (please visit our entertainment blog via www.reuters.com or on http://blogs.reuters.com/fanfare/ )
Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office
I submit that Anchorman is possibly Will Ferrell's greatest film. Also, it may be one of the greatest comedy films of the last 10 years. Except for the fact that it's the whitest movie since Sophie's Choice, It's a flawless cast with flawless acting. I say this after just watching Tropic Thunder. That's my submission, and I am open to debate. On Feb 16, 2009, at 12:37 PM, B. Smith wrote: No love for Anchorman? --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@... wrote: Ha-ha! I like Will Ferrell in small doses. Long after the hype on him had built, I sat down and watched Talladega Nights where he was NASCAR racer Ricky Bobby, and laughed my butt off. But that was only the second or third movie I'd seen him in. I also enjoyed his more subtle turn in Stranger Than Fiction, the movie where his life was literally being controlled by an author's keystrokes. And Elf gave me some chuckles as well. I think I saw Elf, then Stranger Than Fiction, then Talladega Nights, giving me silly comedy, subtle comedy/drama, then silly comedy again. That was sufficient. But Ferrell needs to quit doing the same old type comedy film. His turns in the films about ice skating and basketball, for example, are all variations of the same Ricky Bobby scheme, so I avoided them. He has the looks and I think the chops to do other stuff. I don't know if he can carve the niche of understated, nuanced actor that Bill Murray has found for his career. But I think he might be able to do at least as well as Adam Sandler, who's actually not half bad when he backs off the stupid comedies and reigns himself in for roles like that in Spanglish, or 50 First Dates. Ferrell has had training, like many comedians he gets the drama underlying life, and I think he could start branching out a bit more. I'm always intrigued at watching comedic actors who get their start or fame in really silly, over-the-top roles, who can also pull off the more subtle stuff. Not everyone can do both: Chevy Chase, for example. But actors like Steve Martin, Sandler, Murray, Robin Williams, Eddie Murphy (he has the ability, just not the will I guess), Steve Carell all have that talent,and I think Ferrell does too. He's made the dough, now it's time to stretch... - Original Message - From: Martin Baxter truthseeker...@... To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 8:38:35 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Keith, you forgot to include Will Ferrell. I'm certain that it was due to your own mental self-defenses kicking in... -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Date : Sun, 15 Feb 2009 01:21:34 + (UTC) From : Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@... To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Funny. He isn't a guaranteed big draw for me. Among male actors, I'm much more likely to see a flick with Don Cheadle, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Clive Owen, Viggo Mortensen, Robert Duvall. Maybe De Niro if it's not Meet the Parents or Righteous Kill type crap. And I'd actually place Clooney higher up on my list than Smith. In fact, I can't remember the last time I saw a movie because Smith was in it. I saw Hancock and I Am Legend because they were scifi, and Hitch because it was a romantic comedy I could share with my wife. The other males below, I'll certainly consider--especially Damon and Di Caprio--but depends on the type of movie they're in. I will say, I do wish Christian Slater were still doing good work, for he'd certainly be on my list. For female actors, my list would have to include Judi Dench, Angela Bassett (keep hoping she finally finds the roles that utilize her massive talent), Meryl Streep (who's really impressed me with her continually good work as she gets older), Kimberly Elise (woefully underappreciated actress), Taraji P. Henson (hard not to be engaged with, even with unintentionally funny stuff like He don't love me no 'mo'! in Baby Boy), Cate Blanchett, Jodi Foster, Queen Latifah (good dramatic and comedic actress), Sanaa Lathan. They ought to list the actors guaranteed to kill a movie, to drive people away. For me, that would include Adam Sandler (don't get his humour), Pauly Shore (how does he get work?), Jim Carey (most of his stuff is too manic for me), David Spade (loved him on TV, can't abide his film work), Mila Jovovich (horrible movie choices), Kate Hudson (she's sure to star in wretched romantic comedies that make you gag). - Original Message - From: Tracey de Morsella To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, CINQUE Sent: Saturday, February 14, 2009 5:53:22 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: [scifinoir2] Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office 12 February 2009 1:27 AM, PST Will Smith has again emerged as the film star whose name on the
Re: [scifinoir2] Push
I worked with their son for a short time in the music business, and you're right, they are extremely cool people! I never saw Asunder, though. Just found the trailer, and it looks like a real stretch for Blair. I may have to rent this! On Feb 16, 2009, at 12:25 PM, Reece Jennings wrote: I did security for the NAACP at their National Conventions. And you're right about the Reids. They are the same way in person. Really impressive! Thanks for the info about them. I didn' tknow all of that! Did you see 'Asunder'? Blair Underwood ... Chance WilliamsDebbi Morgan Lauren Hubbs Michael Beach Michael HubbsMarva Hicks Roberta Williams Directed by Tim Reid. VERY intense! From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:scifino...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Keith Johnson Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 12:06 PM To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Push How cool. Were you doing security work? I think of the Reids as one of those best-kept secrets among black folk. Tim is usually thought of mostly for his role as Venus Flytrap in WKRP in Cincinnati, and Daphne maybe for taking over the role of Will Smith's aunt in The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. But they have done so much more than that. Tim has been a producer, director, and creator of series such as the late great Frank's Place, and Linc's, as well as his movie work. The Reids built the first production studio in Tim's native Virginia. Reid has the distinction of being part of the first black-and-white comedy duo to tour, Tim and Tom, back in the '70s. The Reids are really focused on educating blacks about our heritage, about producing family-friendly fare featuring blacks, and overall creating a more positive image. Daphne was a model for years, the first black woman to be featured on Glamour magazine's cover. I've never met them, but every interview I see them in, I'm struck by their apparent love of life, their sense of humour, and how they quietly but consistently do their part to help black people in the entertainment world. - Original Message - From: Reece Jennings mcjennings...@yahoo.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 2:53:40 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: RE: [scifinoir2] Push Well-said, Keith. And great counter! I once guarded Tim and Daphne at an NAACP National Convention. We were riding in a Limo together going God knows where... Great, down to earth people. At the time, they mentioned that they were going to be coming out with some movies. This was back in '88 or '89. God! That was 20 years ago! From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:scifino...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Keith Johnson Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2009 8:42 PM To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Push You ever seen those e-mails questionnaires that float around? I've gotten some over the years with questions to determine if you're a real black person or not. The standard is an e-mail questionnaire with questions like What did Florida say at the end of the 'Good Times' ep when James died, or, What character always entered the scene by saying 'Wooo-weee!'? When some of my friends sent that e-mail my way a while back, I countered with a questionnaire that included all the movies below, asking if they'd seen them. I then chided those who hadn't. I consider viewership of all the below essential for all black people, especially Sankofa, the closest thing in some ways to that Nat Turner film we keep waiting for. Down on The Delta, directed by Maya Angelou, is a sweet and comfortable-feeling movie of a splintered black family, and Once Upon a Time... is a great pre-Civil Rights era film that's just a slice-of-life in a Southern town, and I love the fact that Tim and Daphne Reid are behind it. - Original Message - From: Reece Jennings mcjennings...@yahoo.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2009 6:02:35 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: RE: [scifinoir2] Push I've seen ALL of these, I believe! GREAT films. What are 'Indie' films? I saw most of them on DVD from Blockbuster. From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:scifino...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Keith Johnson Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2009 1:18 PM To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Push Did you by chance catch Sankofa, Once Upon a Time When We Were Colored, Badasss , Down on The Delta, Killer of Sheep, or To Sleep with Anger in theatres when they came out? All are fabulous indie films that so few blacks I know saw, but which I loved and chased down in theatres. You strike me as the type who may have sought them out... - Original Message - From: Daryle Lockhart dar...@darylelockhart.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2009 12:48:35 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re:
RE: [scifinoir2] Push
What he said J From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:scifino...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Martin Baxter Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 5:42 AM To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Push Keith, a belated happy anniversary to you and Phyllis! -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Push Date : Sat, 14 Feb 2009 22:21:20 + (UTC) From : Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@comcast.net To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Thanks. What about Confessions of a Shopaholic? Hey...today is Valentine's, and tomorrow is my anniversary. I gotta take the romantic comedy bullet sometime soon! - Original Message - From: Daryle Lockhart To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, February 13, 2009 4:28:41 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Push Curious Case was good. I think you will enjoy it. Push is a two hour Marvel Comic book written by a writer you never heard of but an illustrator you love. So it looks good, but halfway in you realize you've seen/read this all before. It ain't the editing, it's the script. It's a rental. On Feb 13, 2009, at 3:51 PM, Keith Johnson wrote: Anyone see the movie Push? I was in Boston when it premiered last week. I haven't heard much, other than some critics' reviews that say it's a bit of a jumbled, hyperactive mess (told you I was worried about the too-quick camera cuts!) But though a few of us were initially anticipating it, I don't recall any reviews or discussions here, certainly no praise for the flick. Did anyone see it? How was it? Along the same lines, I'm considering checking out Benjamin Buttons and Coraline. Any thoughts on those? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
RE: [scifinoir2] Re: The Kindle Killer
I think the Logic Reader is for those of us who are tech savvy but old school about books After posting this, I began to rethink my post title taken from Andrew Sullivan and began to view the Logic Reader as an interim product, for those of us who grew up on books. However, I suspect people under thirty, as you indicated, would not likely be drawn to the interim product. I was listening to a report on NPR last week that indicated that Kindle is a very small niche. However, for the long haul Kindle is a good investment that will yield a substantial pay-off. While I still like to read books, I do not read hard copy newspapers or magazines much anymore. So I'm likely a prime target for both products -Original Message- From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:scifino...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of ravenadal Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 9:26 AM To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: The Kindle Killer I don't own a Kindle - yet - but one of the reasons it is so popular is because it does NOT attempt to mimic a book. In fact, it is more akin to an i-pod or a Blackberry and this was a very savvy decision because most of the tech savvy people who will purchase a Kindle HATE books (or, at best, consider it old technology) and don't purchase them. But they DO read. My children (16 20) are voracious information consumers but they are not avid readers of books. And, since I began reading to my children in utero, I know they read more physical books than do their peers (my daughter just finished reading Terry McMillan's Disappearing Acts - but only because she has seen the HBO movie version about forty times. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Tracey de Morsella tdli...@... wrote: Andrew Sullivan thinks the following will be a Kindle Killer. I think so too. I think this will appeal to old school book lovers who like to hold a book in their hand. It won't replace bookers but when it's price comes down, as electronics always do, look out. What do you think? Plastic Logic Reader by Brian Fichtner http://www.coolhunting.com/authors/brianfichtner.php PLReaderAndPersonLandscape.jpg Still one year out of consumer reach, the Plastic Logic http://www.plasticlogic.com/index.html reader is already being touted by some sources as the Kindle killer. At this week's Tools of Change http://www.toccon.com/toc2009 for Publishing Conference in New York, I had a chance to see the reader prototype in action and get my hands on one, albeit briefly. With a form factor equivalent to that of a legal-size pad of paper, though coming in at half the thickness and weighing under 16 ounces, it's easy to see the reader's instant appeal. Compatibility with document formats like Word, Excel, PowerPoint and PDFs, in addition to newspapers, periodicals and books, means that users will no longer need to stuff carry-ons or briefcases full of papers when traveling. The reader has the capacity to store thousands of documents, all of which can be synced wirelessly or with wired access. Publishing partners already include fictionwise, the Financial Times, Ingram Digital and USA Today. Reader.jpg So how about the image quality? The reader utilizes an E Ink active matrix display, initially produced with a grayscale screen that adequately replicates the effect of reading newsprint (plans for both a flexible reader and color screen are in the works). Unlike typical glass silicon displays, the flexible plastic substrates used in the reader allow the device to be both thinner, lighter and rugged. These features, coupled with the ability to see the reader in broad daylight, makes for a strong case indeed. The touch-screen interface uses simple gestural commands similar to those on Apple devices, allowing for toggling between pages, zooming in and out and bringing up the keyboard for annotations. A simple home button in the upper left corner brings users back to the main page. Check out a demonstration at the Consumer Electronics Show in the AP video below. See video at: http://www.coolhunting.com/archives/2009/02/plastic_logic_r.php All in all, I was more than impressed with Plastic Logic's reader. Holding the device in my hands felt little different than holding a sturdy copy of The New Yorker. Although the device is somewhat finalized, a few contentious points remain with regard to the physical design. As we all learned from generations of iPods, rounded corners are nice, but rounded edges are even nicer. The reader could benefit with a miniscule tweak of this detail while also changing the backside to a more tactile material. Additionally, the color palette chosen for the prototype is highly reminiscent of the beige CPU towers that took us decades to do away with-we still tend to judge books and magazines by their covers. While Plastic Logic may be alluding to the color of paper or
[scifinoir2] Re: Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office
I guess I'm immune to Tropic Thunder's charms. The faux trailers, Simple Jack and the never go full retard scene were great. The rest? Meh. I laughed longer and harder at Pineapple Express. That movie had so many throwaway bits its hard to keep up with them between laughs. --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Daryle Lockhart dar...@... wrote: I submit that Anchorman is possibly Will Ferrell's greatest film. Also, it may be one of the greatest comedy films of the last 10 years. Except for the fact that it's the whitest movie since Sophie's Choice, It's a flawless cast with flawless acting. I say this after just watching Tropic Thunder. That's my submission, and I am open to debate. On Feb 16, 2009, at 12:37 PM, B. Smith wrote: No love for Anchorman? --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Keith Johnson KeithBJohnson@ wrote: Ha-ha! I like Will Ferrell in small doses. Long after the hype on him had built, I sat down and watched Talladega Nights where he was NASCAR racer Ricky Bobby, and laughed my butt off. But that was only the second or third movie I'd seen him in. I also enjoyed his more subtle turn in Stranger Than Fiction, the movie where his life was literally being controlled by an author's keystrokes. And Elf gave me some chuckles as well. I think I saw Elf, then Stranger Than Fiction, then Talladega Nights, giving me silly comedy, subtle comedy/drama, then silly comedy again. That was sufficient. But Ferrell needs to quit doing the same old type comedy film. His turns in the films about ice skating and basketball, for example, are all variations of the same Ricky Bobby scheme, so I avoided them. He has the looks and I think the chops to do other stuff. I don't know if he can carve the niche of understated, nuanced actor that Bill Murray has found for his career. But I think he might be able to do at least as well as Adam Sandler, who's actually not half bad when he backs off the stupid comedies and reigns himself in for roles like that in Spanglish, or 50 First Dates. Ferrell has had training, like many comedians he gets the drama underlying life, and I think he could start branching out a bit more. I'm always intrigued at watching comedic actors who get their start or fame in really silly, over-the-top roles, who can also pull off the more subtle stuff. Not everyone can do both: Chevy Chase, for example. But actors like Steve Martin, Sandler, Murray, Robin Williams, Eddie Murphy (he has the ability, just not the will I guess), Steve Carell all have that talent,and I think Ferrell does too. He's made the dough, now it's time to stretch... - Original Message - From: Martin Baxter truthseeker013@ To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 8:38:35 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Keith, you forgot to include Will Ferrell. I'm certain that it was due to your own mental self-defenses kicking in... -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Date : Sun, 15 Feb 2009 01:21:34 + (UTC) From : Keith Johnson KeithBJohnson@ To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Funny. He isn't a guaranteed big draw for me. Among male actors, I'm much more likely to see a flick with Don Cheadle, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Clive Owen, Viggo Mortensen, Robert Duvall. Maybe De Niro if it's not Meet the Parents or Righteous Kill type crap. And I'd actually place Clooney higher up on my list than Smith. In fact, I can't remember the last time I saw a movie because Smith was in it. I saw Hancock and I Am Legend because they were scifi, and Hitch because it was a romantic comedy I could share with my wife. The other males below, I'll certainly consider--especially Damon and Di Caprio--but depends on the type of movie they're in. I will say, I do wish Christian Slater were still doing good work, for he'd certainly be on my list. For female actors, my list would have to include Judi Dench, Angela Bassett (keep hoping she finally finds the roles that utilize her massive talent), Meryl Streep (who's really impressed me with her continually good work as she gets older), Kimberly Elise (woefully underappreciated actress), Taraji P. Henson (hard not to be engaged with, even with unintentionally funny stuff like He don't love me no 'mo'! in Baby Boy), Cate Blanchett, Jodi Foster, Queen Latifah (good dramatic and comedic actress), Sanaa Lathan. They ought to list the actors guaranteed to kill a movie, to drive people away. For me, that would include Adam Sandler (don't get his humour), Pauly Shore (how does he get work?), Jim Carey (most of his stuff is too manic for me), David Spade (loved him on TV,
Re: [RE][scifinoir2] Liking Ben 10
There's a reason for that. Dwayne McDuffie helped to revamp the show when it relaunched as Ben 10: Alien Force. His influence definitely lead to an improved and more mature show. --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Daryle Lockhart dar...@... wrote: That should have read Wrench, but it also reminded me that Ben 10 is probably the only show that grows with its audience. The way they handled Gwen getting older was the best thing I'd seen on TV since Justice League. On Feb 16, 2009, at 12:16 PM, Daryle Lockhart wrote: Yesterday's marathon was the same marathon they ran in December, but the last few episodes are always worth watching. the Wronch was a great story twist in Alien Force. My son was into Ben 10 first,then I got hooked on it. On Feb 16, 2009, at 8:18 AM, Martin Baxter wrote: Keith, I do watch it, but it's sporadically at best. Time bites, as always. I like it as well. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : [scifinoir2] Liking Ben 10 Date : Sun, 15 Feb 2009 20:14:50 + (UTC) From : Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@... To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Anyone ever watch Ben 10? It's become one of my fav cartoons, especially now that Avatar has ended its run. I first discovered it a year ago, and was intrigued by this young man with a powerful alien weapon attached to his body. What really pulled me in, though, was the characters, each of whom has an interesting backstory and function. There's Ben's grandfather, a member of the Plumbers ( the agency that fights alien threats), his cousin Gwen, the technogeek with magical powers, and the sometimes enemy Kevin, who can absorb the properties of anything he touches (similar to Absorbing Man in Marvel). The show is entertaining, funny, even exciting at times. The first few years of Ben 10 showed growth with the characters, as Ben and his friends grow in power, maturity, and the level of dangers they face. There were many story arcs in addition to just monster-of-the-week eps, and the plot lines became more complex and even darker over the years. With the second series, Ben 10: Alien Force, they do something you rarely see in animation: allow the characters to age and change. Ben and Gwen are several years older (and look it), their powers have grown, and once opponent Kevin is part of the team. The last time I remember seeing characters grow and change significantly in 'toons is probably the late great, Legion of SuperHeroes, or maybe the change in Goku from young child to adult in Dragonball Z. At any rate, I'm curious if anyone else has watched any of this show. It's been a present surprise. With other new or recently ended fare that's out now--Secret Saturdays, Danny Phantom, Batman: Brave and the Bold, Avatar, Wolverine and the X-Men--this is really one of the best times for cartoons I can remember in recent years. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
Re: [RE][scifinoir2] Liking Ben 10
Then it is official. I am a Dwayne McDuffie fan. I didn't even know that but I really liked the show. It also helps me feel a little better about having my son be such a big fan! On Feb 16, 2009, at 2:59 PM, B. Smith wrote: There's a reason for that. Dwayne McDuffie helped to revamp the show when it relaunched as Ben 10: Alien Force. His influence definitely lead to an improved and more mature show. --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Daryle Lockhart dar...@... wrote: That should have read Wrench, but it also reminded me that Ben 10 is probably the only show that grows with its audience. The way they handled Gwen getting older was the best thing I'd seen on TV since Justice League. On Feb 16, 2009, at 12:16 PM, Daryle Lockhart wrote: Yesterday's marathon was the same marathon they ran in December, but the last few episodes are always worth watching. the Wronch was a great story twist in Alien Force. My son was into Ben 10 first,then I got hooked on it. On Feb 16, 2009, at 8:18 AM, Martin Baxter wrote: Keith, I do watch it, but it's sporadically at best. Time bites, as always. I like it as well. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : [scifinoir2] Liking Ben 10 Date : Sun, 15 Feb 2009 20:14:50 + (UTC) From : Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@... To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Anyone ever watch Ben 10? It's become one of my fav cartoons, especially now that Avatar has ended its run. I first discovered it a year ago, and was intrigued by this young man with a powerful alien weapon attached to his body. What really pulled me in, though, was the characters, each of whom has an interesting backstory and function. There's Ben's grandfather, a member of the Plumbers ( the agency that fights alien threats), his cousin Gwen, the technogeek with magical powers, and the sometimes enemy Kevin, who can absorb the properties of anything he touches (similar to Absorbing Man in Marvel). The show is entertaining, funny, even exciting at times. The first few years of Ben 10 showed growth with the characters, as Ben and his friends grow in power, maturity, and the level of dangers they face. There were many story arcs in addition to just monster-of-the-week eps, and the plot lines became more complex and even darker over the years. With the second series, Ben 10: Alien Force, they do something you rarely see in animation: allow the characters to age and change. Ben and Gwen are several years older (and look it), their powers have grown, and once opponent Kevin is part of the team. The last time I remember seeing characters grow and change significantly in 'toons is probably the late great, Legion of SuperHeroes, or maybe the change in Goku from young child to adult in Dragonball Z. At any rate, I'm curious if anyone else has watched any of this show. It's been a present surprise. With other new or recently ended fare that's out now--Secret Saturdays, Danny Phantom, Batman: Brave and the Bold, Avatar, Wolverine and the X-Men--this is really one of the best times for cartoons I can remember in recent years. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office
Daryle, we didn't see the same movie. To me, Ferrell has been a one-note band for years. Maybe I just don't get his stuff. It's been a long time since I synched with comedians. Blame Richard Pryor for being so great... -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Date : Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:48:28 -0500 From : Daryle Lockhart dar...@darylelockhart.com To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com I submit that Anchorman is possibly Will Ferrell's greatest film. Also, it may be one of the greatest comedy films of the last 10 years. Except for the fact that it's the whitest movie since Sophie's Choice, It's a flawless cast with flawless acting. I say this after just watching Tropic Thunder. That's my submission, and I am open to debate. On Feb 16, 2009, at 12:37 PM, B. Smith wrote: No love for Anchorman? --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Keith Johnson wrote: Ha-ha! I like Will Ferrell in small doses. Long after the hype on him had built, I sat down and watched Talladega Nights where he was NASCAR racer Ricky Bobby, and laughed my butt off. But that was only the second or third movie I'd seen him in. I also enjoyed his more subtle turn in Stranger Than Fiction, the movie where his life was literally being controlled by an author's keystrokes. And Elf gave me some chuckles as well. I think I saw Elf, then Stranger Than Fiction, then Talladega Nights, giving me silly comedy, subtle comedy/drama, then silly comedy again. That was sufficient. But Ferrell needs to quit doing the same old type comedy film. His turns in the films about ice skating and basketball, for example, are all variations of the same Ricky Bobby scheme, so I avoided them. He has the looks and I think the chops to do other stuff. I don't know if he can carve the niche of understated, nuanced actor that Bill Murray has found for his career. But I think he might be able to do at least as well as Adam Sandler, who's actually not half bad when he backs off the stupid comedies and reigns himself in for roles like that in Spanglish, or 50 First Dates. Ferrell has had training, like many comedians he gets the drama underlying life, and I think he could start branching out a bit more. I'm always intrigued at watching comedic actors who get their start or fame in really silly, over-the-top roles, who can also pull off the more subtle stuff. Not everyone can do both: Chevy Chase, for example. But actors like Steve Martin, Sandler, Murray, Robin Williams, Eddie Murphy (he has the ability, just not the will I guess), Steve Carell all have that talent,and I think Ferrell does too. He's made the dough, now it's time to stretch... - Original Message - From: Martin Baxter To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 8:38:35 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Keith, you forgot to include Will Ferrell. I'm certain that it was due to your own mental self-defenses kicking in... -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Date : Sun, 15 Feb 2009 01:21:34 + (UTC) From : Keith Johnson To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Funny. He isn't a guaranteed big draw for me. Among male actors, I'm much more likely to see a flick with Don Cheadle, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Clive Owen, Viggo Mortensen, Robert Duvall. Maybe De Niro if it's not Meet the Parents or Righteous Kill type crap. And I'd actually place Clooney higher up on my list than Smith. In fact, I can't remember the last time I saw a movie because Smith was in it. I saw Hancock and I Am Legend because they were scifi, and Hitch because it was a romantic comedy I could share with my wife. The other males below, I'll certainly consider--especially Damon and Di Caprio--but depends on the type of movie they're in. I will say, I do wish Christian Slater were still doing good work, for he'd certainly be on my list. For female actors, my list would have to include Judi Dench, Angela Bassett (keep hoping she finally finds the roles that utilize her massive talent), Meryl Streep (who's really impressed me with her continually good work as she gets older), Kimberly Elise (woefully underappreciated actress), Taraji P. Henson (hard not to be engaged with, even with unintentionally funny stuff like He don't love me no 'mo'! in Baby Boy), Cate Blanchett, Jodi Foster, Queen Latifah (good dramatic and comedic actress), Sanaa Lathan. They ought to list the actors guaranteed to kill a movie, to drive people away. For me, that would include Adam Sandler (don't get his humour), Pauly Shore (how does he get work?), Jim Carey (most of his stuff is too manic for me), David Spade (loved him on TV, can't abide his film work), Mila Jovovich
Re: [scifinoir2] Push
You're welcome, my friend! -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Push Date : Mon, 16 Feb 2009 17:22:44 + (UTC) From : Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@comcast.net To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Thanks! - Original Message - From: Martin Baxter To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 8:41:51 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Push Keith, a belated happy anniversary to you and Phyllis! -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Push Date : Sat, 14 Feb 2009 22:21:20 + (UTC) From : Keith Johnson To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Thanks. What about Confessions of a Shopaholic? Hey...today is Valentine's, and tomorrow is my anniversary. I gotta take the romantic comedy bullet sometime soon! - Original Message - From: Daryle Lockhart To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, February 13, 2009 4:28:41 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Push Curious Case was good. I think you will enjoy it. Push is a two hour Marvel Comic book written by a writer you never heard of but an illustrator you love. So it looks good, but halfway in you realize you've seen/read this all before. It ain't the editing, it's the script. It's a rental. On Feb 13, 2009, at 3:51 PM, Keith Johnson wrote: Anyone see the movie Push? I was in Boston when it premiered last week. I haven't heard much, other than some critics' reviews that say it's a bit of a jumbled, hyperactive mess (told you I was worried about the too-quick camera cuts!) But though a few of us were initially anticipating it, I don't recall any reviews or discussions here, certainly no praise for the flick. Did anyone see it? How was it? Along the same lines, I'm considering checking out Benjamin Buttons and Coraline. Any thoughts on those? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office
Richard Pryor was the man, but let's face it...he's done more BAD films than good ones. Will Ferrell was eh until Anchorman, because if you look at it, the best Will Ferrell is him playing offa Cheri Oteri. Christina Applegate proved herself to be a great straight man but doesn't get overshadowed. Will has never done any better than Anchorman, in my opinion. It's his best picture. He will never outdo it. I don't think Land Of the Lost is going to be a great Will Ferrell movie as much as it's going to be this is what Brendan Fraser should be doing. On Feb 16, 2009, at 4:20 PM, Martin Baxter wrote: Daryle, we didn't see the same movie. To me, Ferrell has been a one-note band for years. Maybe I just don't get his stuff. It's been a long time since I synched with comedians. Blame Richard Pryor for being so great... -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Date : Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:48:28 -0500 From : Daryle Lockhart dar...@darylelockhart.com To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com I submit that Anchorman is possibly Will Ferrell's greatest film. Also, it may be one of the greatest comedy films of the last 10 years. Except for the fact that it's the whitest movie since Sophie's Choice, It's a flawless cast with flawless acting. I say this after just watching Tropic Thunder. That's my submission, and I am open to debate. On Feb 16, 2009, at 12:37 PM, B. Smith wrote: No love for Anchorman? --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Keith Johnson wrote: Ha-ha! I like Will Ferrell in small doses. Long after the hype on him had built, I sat down and watched Talladega Nights where he was NASCAR racer Ricky Bobby, and laughed my butt off. But that was only the second or third movie I'd seen him in. I also enjoyed his more subtle turn in Stranger Than Fiction, the movie where his life was literally being controlled by an author's keystrokes. And Elf gave me some chuckles as well. I think I saw Elf, then Stranger Than Fiction, then Talladega Nights, giving me silly comedy, subtle comedy/drama, then silly comedy again. That was sufficient. But Ferrell needs to quit doing the same old type comedy film. His turns in the films about ice skating and basketball, for example, are all variations of the same Ricky Bobby scheme, so I avoided them. He has the looks and I think the chops to do other stuff. I don't know if he can carve the niche of understated, nuanced actor that Bill Murray has found for his career. But I think he might be able to do at least as well as Adam Sandler, who's actually not half bad when he backs off the stupid comedies and reigns himself in for roles like that in Spanglish, or 50 First Dates. Ferrell has had training, like many comedians he gets the drama underlying life, and I think he could start branching out a bit more. I'm always intrigued at watching comedic actors who get their start or fame in really silly, over-the-top roles, who can also pull off the more subtle stuff. Not everyone can do both: Chevy Chase, for example. But actors like Steve Martin, Sandler, Murray, Robin Williams, Eddie Murphy (he has the ability, just not the will I guess), Steve Carell all have that talent,and I think Ferrell does too. He's made the dough, now it's time to stretch... - Original Message - From: Martin Baxter To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 8:38:35 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Keith, you forgot to include Will Ferrell. I'm certain that it was due to your own mental self-defenses kicking in... -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Date : Sun, 15 Feb 2009 01:21:34 + (UTC) From : Keith Johnson To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Funny. He isn't a guaranteed big draw for me. Among male actors, I'm much more likely to see a flick with Don Cheadle, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Clive Owen, Viggo Mortensen, Robert Duvall. Maybe De Niro if it's not Meet the Parents or Righteous Kill type crap. And I'd actually place Clooney higher up on my list than Smith. In fact, I can't remember the last time I saw a movie because Smith was in it. I saw Hancock and I Am Legend because they were scifi, and Hitch because it was a romantic comedy I could share with my wife. The other males below, I'll certainly consider--especially Damon and Di Caprio--but depends on the type of movie they're in. I will say, I do wish Christian Slater were still doing good work, for he'd certainly be on my list. For female actors, my list would have to include Judi Dench, Angela Bassett (keep hoping she finally finds the roles that utilize her massive talent), Meryl Streep (who's really impressed me with her continually good work as she gets
Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office
I don't like a single movie Pryor ever did. Every time I stumble across one, I'm left saddened, seeing how his true chops were, mostly because of That Evil Pipe. Heck, he was supposed to play Sheriff Bart in Blazing Saddles. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Date : Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:29:38 -0500 From : Daryle Lockhart dar...@darylelockhart.com To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Richard Pryor was the man, but let's face it...he's done more BAD films than good ones. Will Ferrell was eh until Anchorman, because if you look at it, the best Will Ferrell is him playing offa Cheri Oteri. Christina Applegate proved herself to be a great straight man but doesn't get overshadowed. Will has never done any better than Anchorman, in my opinion. It's his best picture. He will never outdo it. I don't think Land Of the Lost is going to be a great Will Ferrell movie as much as it's going to be this is what Brendan Fraser should be doing. On Feb 16, 2009, at 4:20 PM, Martin Baxter wrote: Daryle, we didn't see the same movie. To me, Ferrell has been a one-note band for years. Maybe I just don't get his stuff. It's been a long time since I synched with comedians. Blame Richard Pryor for being so great... -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Date : Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:48:28 -0500 From : Daryle Lockhart To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com I submit that Anchorman is possibly Will Ferrell's greatest film. Also, it may be one of the greatest comedy films of the last 10 years. Except for the fact that it's the whitest movie since Sophie's Choice, It's a flawless cast with flawless acting. I say this after just watching Tropic Thunder. That's my submission, and I am open to debate. On Feb 16, 2009, at 12:37 PM, B. Smith wrote: No love for Anchorman? --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Keith Johnson wrote: Ha-ha! I like Will Ferrell in small doses. Long after the hype on him had built, I sat down and watched Talladega Nights where he was NASCAR racer Ricky Bobby, and laughed my butt off. But that was only the second or third movie I'd seen him in. I also enjoyed his more subtle turn in Stranger Than Fiction, the movie where his life was literally being controlled by an author's keystrokes. And Elf gave me some chuckles as well. I think I saw Elf, then Stranger Than Fiction, then Talladega Nights, giving me silly comedy, subtle comedy/drama, then silly comedy again. That was sufficient. But Ferrell needs to quit doing the same old type comedy film. His turns in the films about ice skating and basketball, for example, are all variations of the same Ricky Bobby scheme, so I avoided them. He has the looks and I think the chops to do other stuff. I don't know if he can carve the niche of understated, nuanced actor that Bill Murray has found for his career. But I think he might be able to do at least as well as Adam Sandler, who's actually not half bad when he backs off the stupid comedies and reigns himself in for roles like that in Spanglish, or 50 First Dates. Ferrell has had training, like many comedians he gets the drama underlying life, and I think he could start branching out a bit more. I'm always intrigued at watching comedic actors who get their start or fame in really silly, over-the-top roles, who can also pull off the more subtle stuff. Not everyone can do both: Chevy Chase, for example. But actors like Steve Martin, Sandler, Murray, Robin Williams, Eddie Murphy (he has the ability, just not the will I guess), Steve Carell all have that talent,and I think Ferrell does too. He's made the dough, now it's time to stretch... - Original Message - From: Martin Baxter To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 8:38:35 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Keith, you forgot to include Will Ferrell. I'm certain that it was due to your own mental self-defenses kicking in... -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Date : Sun, 15 Feb 2009 01:21:34 + (UTC) From : Keith Johnson To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Funny. He isn't a guaranteed big draw for me. Among male actors, I'm much more likely to see a flick with Don Cheadle, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Clive Owen, Viggo Mortensen, Robert Duvall. Maybe De Niro if it's not Meet the Parents or Righteous Kill type crap. And I'd actually place Clooney higher up on my list than Smith. In fact, I can't remember the last time I saw a movie because Smith was in it. I saw Hancock and I Am Legend because they were scifi, and Hitch because it was a romantic comedy I could share with my wife. The other males below,
Re: [RE][scifinoir2] Liking Ben 10
I looked up the schedule. When the marathon was on, I was stuffing an Arby's Beef 'n Cheddar in my face in South Carolina, while doing 85 in a 70. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [RE][scifinoir2] Liking Ben 10 Date : Mon, 16 Feb 2009 17:07:17 + (UTC) From : Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@comcast.net To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com There was a marathon on yesterday, a good three or four hours of shows. Really good. - Original Message - From: Martin Baxter To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 8:18:49 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: [RE][scifinoir2] Liking Ben 10 Keith, I do watch it, but it's sporadically at best. Time bites, as always. I like it as well. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : [scifinoir2] Liking Ben 10 Date : Sun, 15 Feb 2009 20:14:50 + (UTC) From : Keith Johnson To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Anyone ever watch Ben 10? It's become one of my fav cartoons, especially now that Avatar has ended its run. I first discovered it a year ago, and was intrigued by this young man with a powerful alien weapon attached to his body. What really pulled me in, though, was the characters, each of whom has an interesting backstory and function. There's Ben's grandfather, a member of the Plumbers ( the agency that fights alien threats), his cousin Gwen, the technogeek with magical powers, and the sometimes enemy Kevin, who can absorb the properties of anything he touches (similar to Absorbing Man in Marvel). The show is entertaining, funny, even exciting at times. The first few years of Ben 10 showed growth with the characters, as Ben and his friends grow in power, maturity, and the level of dangers they face. There were many story arcs in addition to just monster-of-the-week eps, and the plot lines became more complex and even darker over the years. With the second series, Ben 10: Alien Force, they do something you rarely see in animation: allow the characters to age and change. Ben and Gwen are several years older (and look it), their powers have grown, and once opponent Kevin is part of the team. The last time I remember seeing characters grow and change significantly in 'toons is probably the late great, Legion of SuperHeroes, or maybe the change in Goku from young child to adult in Dragonball Z. At any rate, I'm curious if anyone else has watched any of this show. It's been a present surprise. With other new or recently ended fare that's out now--Secret Saturdays, Danny Phantom, Batman: Brave and the Bold, Avatar, Wolverine and the X-Men--this is really one of the best times for cartoons I can remember in recent years. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
RE: [scifinoir2] OT: On a personal note...
Thank you, brother. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : RE: [scifinoir2] OT: On a personal note... Date : Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:03:38 -0500 From : Reece Jennings mcjennings...@yahoo.com To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com We know you, Martin. You can handle it. And I've learned over the past couple of years that YOU get to let them know exactly what you are able to give. And they gladly accept that from you. Trust me, it was such a revelation. I stopped ducking folks. I used to think it was up to them! Life got a little easier when I realized I controlled it... _ From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:scifino...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Martin Baxter Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 10:04 AM To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [scifinoir2] OT: On a personal note... Thank you, James. And I was in Danville. You know, that part of the Commonwealth you've been trying to give away for years? (Thanks for the thought, Fate. Could've used a lemonade Friday at about three..) Everything went as well as expected there. And, as I suppose we're all meant to do during such crises, we learn a little about who and what we are in the world. Myself, I think I've been handed the mantle my late uncle carried, as mentor to all of my younger male cousins. The number of contacts in my cellphone doubled in just under two hours. A little daunting, as I think about it. But I'm told that I can handle it, so I believe such. Again, thank you all for your words and thoughts. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : RE: [scifinoir2] OT: On a personal note... Date : Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:38:02 -0500 From : James Landrith To : Martin, I am sorry to hear of your uncle's passing. Your family will be in my thoughts. By the way, what part of Virginia will you be visiting? I'm in Alexandria. -- James Landrith Official website: http://jameslandrith.com TMA: http://multiracial.com LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jlandrith Facebook: http://apus.facebook.com/profile.php?id=134400205 Facebook Reader's Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/James-A-Landrith-Jr/18759565916 MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/jlandrith Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/jlandrith From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:scifino...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Martin Baxter Sent: Wednesday, February 11, 2009 4:37 PM To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Subject: [scifinoir2] OT: On a personal note... My friends, I will be absent from you august company until Monday. My mother's oldest brother passed away on Friday, and I have to travel to Virginia for the funeral on this Friday. Know that I'm with all of you, in spirit and thought. Keep the good works coming, and I'll be back. Martin http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
[RE][scifinoir2] The Kindle Killer
I'm still not moved by it. To start with, I've tried to sink myself into e-books for years now. I have several hundred, but I have trouble reading them. I suppose it's because I'm so old-fashioned. Also, I'd worry about damaging that thing somewhere in transit. Mind you, I'm not a klutz, but I'm not Nijinsky either. And, in a big city, it's easy to get jostled about. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : [scifinoir2] The Kindle Killer Date : Mon, 16 Feb 2009 08:15:06 -0800 From : Tracey de Morsella tdli...@multiculturaladvantage.com To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, scifinoir_...@yahoogroups.com, CINQUE cinque3...@verizon.net, 'S. Drasnin' sdras...@msn.com, 'Paul de Morsella' p...@14408.com, juliai...@yahoo.it, ggs...@yahoo.com Andrew Sullivan thinks the following will be a Kindle Killer. I think so too. I think this will appeal to old school book lovers who like to hold a book in their hand. It won't replace bookers but when it's price comes down, as electronics always do, look out. What do you think? Plastic Logic Reader by Brian Fichtner PLReaderAndPersonLandscape.jpg Still one year out of consumer reach, the Plastic Logic reader is already being touted by some sources as the Kindle killer. At this week's Tools of Change for Publishing Conference in New York, I had a chance to see the reader prototype in action and get my hands on one, albeit briefly. With a form factor equivalent to that of a legal-size pad of paper, though coming in at half the thickness and weighing under 16 ounces, it's easy to see the reader's instant appeal. Compatibility with document formats like Word, Excel, PowerPoint and PDFs, in addition to newspapers, periodicals and books, means that users will no longer need to stuff carry-ons or briefcases full of papers when traveling. The reader has the capacity to store thousands of documents, all of which can be synced wirelessly or with wired access. Publishing partners already include fictionwise, the Financial Times, Ingram Digital and USA Today. Reader.jpg So how about the image quality? The reader utilizes an E Ink active matrix display, initially produced with a grayscale screen that adequately replicates the effect of reading newsprint (plans for both a flexible reader and color screen are in the works). Unlike typical glass silicon displays, the flexible plastic substrates used in the reader allow the device to be both thinner, lighter and rugged. These features, coupled with the ability to see the reader in broad daylight, makes for a strong case indeed. The touch-screen interface uses simple gestural commands similar to those on Apple devices, allowing for toggling between pages, zooming in and out and bringing up the keyboard for annotations. A simple home button in the upper left corner brings users back to the main page. Check out a demonstration at the Consumer Electronics Show in the AP video below. See video at: http://www.coolhunting.com/archives/2009/02/plastic_logic_r.php All in all, I was more than impressed with Plastic Logic's reader. Holding the device in my hands felt little different than holding a sturdy copy of The New Yorker. Although the device is somewhat finalized, a few contentious points remain with regard to the physical design. As we all learned from generations of iPods, rounded corners are nice, but rounded edges are even nicer. The reader could benefit with a miniscule tweak of this detail while also changing the backside to a more tactile material. Additionally, the color palette chosen for the prototype is highly reminiscent of the beige CPU towers that took us decades to do away with-we still tend to judge books and magazines by their covers. While Plastic Logic may be alluding to the color of paper or newsprint, the device is devoid of the sensual appeal that Apple brought to its iPod line-up. Lastly, the company may want to consider untethering the device to its name. Unless they can team up with some real branding gurus, we're guessing a name like Plastic Logic will do little to inspire consumer lust. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
[scifinoir2] Re: Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office
I like quite a few Richard Pryor movies. I don't think he ever found the perfect part but I loved him stuff like Which Way Is Up?, Blue Collar, Stir Crazy and Jo Jo Dancer. He also stole the show in smaller roles like the ones in Lady Sings The Blues, Bingo Long, Uptown Saturday Night, Car Wash, etc. --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Martin Baxter truthseeker...@... wrote: I don't like a single movie Pryor ever did. Every time I stumble across one, I'm left saddened, seeing how his true chops were, mostly because of That Evil Pipe. Heck, he was supposed to play Sheriff Bart in Blazing Saddles. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Date : Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:29:38 -0500 From : Daryle Lockhart dar...@... To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Richard Pryor was the man, but let's face it...he's done more BAD films than good ones. Will Ferrell was eh until Anchorman, because if you look at it, the best Will Ferrell is him playing offa Cheri Oteri. Christina Applegate proved herself to be a great straight man but doesn't get overshadowed. Will has never done any better than Anchorman, in my opinion. It's his best picture. He will never outdo it. I don't think Land Of the Lost is going to be a great Will Ferrell movie as much as it's going to be this is what Brendan Fraser should be doing. On Feb 16, 2009, at 4:20 PM, Martin Baxter wrote: Daryle, we didn't see the same movie. To me, Ferrell has been a one-note band for years. Maybe I just don't get his stuff. It's been a long time since I synched with comedians. Blame Richard Pryor for being so great... -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Date : Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:48:28 -0500 From : Daryle Lockhart To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com I submit that Anchorman is possibly Will Ferrell's greatest film. Also, it may be one of the greatest comedy films of the last 10 years. Except for the fact that it's the whitest movie since Sophie's Choice, It's a flawless cast with flawless acting. I say this after just watching Tropic Thunder. That's my submission, and I am open to debate. On Feb 16, 2009, at 12:37 PM, B. Smith wrote: No love for Anchorman? --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Keith Johnson wrote: Ha-ha! I like Will Ferrell in small doses. Long after the hype on him had built, I sat down and watched Talladega Nights where he was NASCAR racer Ricky Bobby, and laughed my butt off. But that was only the second or third movie I'd seen him in. I also enjoyed his more subtle turn in Stranger Than Fiction, the movie where his life was literally being controlled by an author's keystrokes. And Elf gave me some chuckles as well. I think I saw Elf, then Stranger Than Fiction, then Talladega Nights, giving me silly comedy, subtle comedy/drama, then silly comedy again. That was sufficient. But Ferrell needs to quit doing the same old type comedy film. His turns in the films about ice skating and basketball, for example, are all variations of the same Ricky Bobby scheme, so I avoided them. He has the looks and I think the chops to do other stuff. I don't know if he can carve the niche of understated, nuanced actor that Bill Murray has found for his career. But I think he might be able to do at least as well as Adam Sandler, who's actually not half bad when he backs off the stupid comedies and reigns himself in for roles like that in Spanglish, or 50 First Dates. Ferrell has had training, like many comedians he gets the drama underlying life, and I think he could start branching out a bit more. I'm always intrigued at watching comedic actors who get their start or fame in really silly, over-the-top roles, who can also pull off the more subtle stuff. Not everyone can do both: Chevy Chase, for example. But actors like Steve Martin, Sandler, Murray, Robin Williams, Eddie Murphy (he has the ability, just not the will I guess), Steve Carell all have that talent,and I think Ferrell does too. He's made the dough, now it's time to stretch... - Original Message - From: Martin Baxter To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 8:38:35 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Keith, you forgot to include Will Ferrell. I'm certain that it was due to your own mental self-defenses kicking in... -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Date : Sun, 15 Feb 2009 01:21:34 + (UTC) From : Keith Johnson To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Funny. He isn't a guaranteed big draw
[scifinoir2] Re: Push
Ditto! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Tracey de Morsella tdli...@... wrote: What he said J From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:scifino...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Martin Baxter Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 5:42 AM To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Push Keith, a belated happy anniversary to you and Phyllis! -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Push Date : Sat, 14 Feb 2009 22:21:20 + (UTC) From : Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@... To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Thanks. What about Confessions of a Shopaholic? Hey...today is Valentine's, and tomorrow is my anniversary. I gotta take the romantic comedy bullet sometime soon! - Original Message - From: Daryle Lockhart To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, February 13, 2009 4:28:41 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Push Curious Case was good. I think you will enjoy it. Push is a two hour Marvel Comic book written by a writer you never heard of but an illustrator you love. So it looks good, but halfway in you realize you've seen/read this all before. It ain't the editing, it's the script. It's a rental. On Feb 13, 2009, at 3:51 PM, Keith Johnson wrote: Anyone see the movie Push? I was in Boston when it premiered last week. I haven't heard much, other than some critics' reviews that say it's a bit of a jumbled, hyperactive mess (told you I was worried about the too-quick camera cuts!) But though a few of us were initially anticipating it, I don't recall any reviews or discussions here, certainly no praise for the flick. Did anyone see it? How was it? Along the same lines, I'm considering checking out Benjamin Buttons and Coraline. Any thoughts on those? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
Re: [scifinoir2] Push
Never saw Asunder. Any good? - Original Message - From: Reece Jennings mcjennings...@yahoo.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 12:25:10 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: RE: [scifinoir2] Push I did security for the NAACP at their National Conventions. And you're right about the Reids. They are the same way in person. Really impressive! Thanks for the info about them. I didn' tknow all of that! Did you see 'Asunder'? Blair Underwood ... Chance Williams Debbi Morgan Lauren Hubbs Michael Beach Michael Hubbs Marva Hicks Roberta Williams Directed by Tim Reid. VERY intense! From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:scifino...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Keith Johnson Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 12:06 PM To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Push How cool. Were you doing security work? I think of the Reids as one of those best-kept secrets among black folk. Tim is usually thought of mostly for his role as Venus Flytrap in WKRP in Cincinnati, and Daphne maybe for taking over the role of Will Smith's aunt in The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. But they have done so much more than that. Tim has been a producer, director, and creator of series such as the late great Frank's Place, and Linc's, as well as his movie work. The Reids built the first production studio in Tim's native Virginia. Reid has the distinction of being part of the first black-and-white comedy duo to tour, Tim and Tom, back in the '70s. The Reids are really focused on educating blacks about our heritage, about producing family-friendly fare featuring blacks, and overall creating a more positive image. Daphne was a model for years, the first black woman to be featured on Glamour magazine's cover. I've never met them, but every interview I see them in, I'm struck by their apparent love of life, their sense of humour, and how they quietly but consistently do their part to help black people in the entertainment world. - Original Message - From: Reece Jennings mcjennings...@yahoo.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 2:53:40 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: RE: [scifinoir2] Push Well-said, Keith. And great counter! I once guarded Tim and Daphne at an NAACP National Convention. We were riding in a Limo together going God knows where... Great, down to earth people. At the time, they mentioned that they were going to be coming out with some movies. This was back in '88 or '89. God! That was 20 years ago! From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:scifino...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Keith Johnson Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2009 8:42 PM To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Push You ever seen those e-mails questionnaires that float around? I've gotten some over the years with questions to determine if you're a real black person or not. The standard is an e-mail questionnaire with questions like What did Florida say at the end of the 'Good Times' ep when James died, or, What character always entered the scene by saying 'Wooo-weee!'? When some of my friends sent that e-mail my way a while back, I countered with a questionnaire that included all the movies below, asking if they'd seen them. I then chided those who hadn't. I consider viewership of all the below essential for all black people, especially Sankofa, the closest thing in some ways to that Nat Turner film we keep waiting for. Down on The Delta, directed by Maya Angelou, is a sweet and comfortable-feeling movie of a splintered black family, and Once Upon a Time... is a great pre-Civil Rights era film that's just a slice-of-life in a Southern town, and I love the fact that Tim and Daphne Reid are behind it. - Original Message - From: Reece Jennings mcjennings...@yahoo.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2009 6:02:35 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: RE: [scifinoir2] Push I've seen ALL of these, I believe! GREAT films. What are 'Indie' films? I saw most of them on DVD from Blockbuster. From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:scifino...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Keith Johnson Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2009 1:18 PM To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Push Did you by chance catch Sankofa, Once Upon a Time When We Were Colored, Badasss , Down on The Delta, Killer of Sheep, or To Sleep with Anger in theatres when they came out? All are fabulous indie films that so few blacks I know saw, but which I loved and chased down in theatres. You strike me as the type who may have sought them out... - Original Message - From: Daryle Lockhart dar...@darylelockhart.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, February 15, 2009 12:48:35 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Push I'm in for The International. It's Clive Owen doing
Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office
Haven't seen it yet, just the Ferrell movies listed below. Along the same lines, while I've seen and enjoyed Knocked Up, I haven't seen any other films from the Apatow factory, such as The Forty-Year Old Virgin or Superbad. - Original Message - From: B. Smith daikaij...@yahoo.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 12:37:12 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office No love for Anchorman? --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com , Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@... wrote: Ha-ha! I like Will Ferrell in small doses. Long after the hype on him had built, I sat down and watched Talladega Nights where he was NASCAR racer Ricky Bobby, and laughed my butt off. But that was only the second or third movie I'd seen him in. I also enjoyed his more subtle turn in Stranger Than Fiction, the movie where his life was literally being controlled by an author's keystrokes. And Elf gave me some chuckles as well. I think I saw Elf, then Stranger Than Fiction, then Talladega Nights, giving me silly comedy, subtle comedy/drama, then silly comedy again. That was sufficient. But Ferrell needs to quit doing the same old type comedy film. His turns in the films about ice skating and basketball, for example, are all variations of the same Ricky Bobby scheme, so I avoided them. He has the looks and I think the chops to do other stuff. I don't know if he can carve the niche of understated, nuanced actor that Bill Murray has found for his career. But I think he might be able to do at least as well as Adam Sandler, who's actually not half bad when he backs off the stupid comedies and reigns himself in for roles like that in Spanglish, or 50 First Dates. Ferrell has had training, like many comedians he gets the drama underlying life, and I think he could start branching out a bit more. I'm always intrigued at watching comedic actors who get their start or fame in really silly, over-the-top roles, who can also pull off the more subtle stuff. Not everyone can do both: Chevy Chase, for example. But actors like Steve Martin, Sandler, Murray, Robin Williams, Eddie Murphy (he has the ability, just not the will I guess), Steve Carell all have that talent,and I think Ferrell does too. He's made the dough, now it's time to stretch... - Original Message - From: Martin Baxter truthseeker...@... To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 8:38:35 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Keith, you forgot to include Will Ferrell. I'm certain that it was due to your own mental self-defenses kicking in... -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Date : Sun, 15 Feb 2009 01:21:34 + (UTC) From : Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@... To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Funny. He isn't a guaranteed big draw for me. Among male actors, I'm much more likely to see a flick with Don Cheadle, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Clive Owen, Viggo Mortensen, Robert Duvall. Maybe De Niro if it's not Meet the Parents or Righteous Kill type crap. And I'd actually place Clooney higher up on my list than Smith. In fact, I can't remember the last time I saw a movie because Smith was in it. I saw Hancock and I Am Legend because they were scifi, and Hitch because it was a romantic comedy I could share with my wife. The other males below, I'll certainly consider--especially Damon and Di Caprio--but depends on the type of movie they're in. I will say, I do wish Christian Slater were still doing good work, for he'd certainly be on my list. For female actors, my list would have to include Judi Dench, Angela Bassett (keep hoping she finally finds the roles that utilize her massive talent), Meryl Streep (who's really impressed me with her continually good work as she gets older), Kimberly Elise (woefully underappreciated actress), Taraji P. Henson (hard not to be engaged with, even with unintentionally funny stuff like He don't love me no 'mo'! in Baby Boy), Cate Blanchett, Jodi Foster, Queen Latifah (good dramatic and comedic actress), Sanaa Lathan. They ought to list the actors guaranteed to kill a movie, to drive people away. For me, that would include Adam Sandler (don't get his humour), Pauly Shore (how does he get work?), Jim Carey (most of his stuff is too manic for me), David Spade (loved him on TV, can't abide his film work), Mila Jovovich (horrible movie choices), Kate Hudson (she's sure to star in wretched romantic comedies that make you gag). - Original Message - From: Tracey de Morsella To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com , CINQUE Sent: Saturday, February 14, 2009 5:53:22 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: [scifinoir2] Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At
Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office
I take it you liked Tropic Thunder? - Original Message - From: Daryle Lockhart dar...@darylelockhart.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 12:48:28 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office I submit that Anchorman is possibly Will Ferrell's greatest film. Also, it may be one of the greatest comedy films of the last 10 years. Except for the fact that it's the whitest movie since Sophie's Choice, It's a flawless cast with flawless acting. I say this after just watching Tropic Thunder. That's my submission, and I am open to debate. On Feb 16, 2009, at 12:37 PM, B. Smith wrote: No love for Anchorman? --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com , Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@... wrote: Ha-ha! I like Will Ferrell in small doses. Long after the hype on him had built, I sat down and watched Talladega Nights where he was NASCAR racer Ricky Bobby, and laughed my butt off. But that was only the second or third movie I'd seen him in. I also enjoyed his more subtle turn in Stranger Than Fiction, the movie where his life was literally being controlled by an author's keystrokes. And Elf gave me some chuckles as well. I think I saw Elf, then Stranger Than Fiction, then Talladega Nights, giving me silly comedy, subtle comedy/drama, then silly comedy again. That was sufficient. But Ferrell needs to quit doing the same old type comedy film. His turns in the films about ice skating and basketball, for example, are all variations of the same Ricky Bobby scheme, so I avoided them. He has the looks and I think the chops to do other stuff. I don't know if he can carve the niche of understated, nuanced actor that Bill Murray has found for his career. But I think he might be able to do at least as well as Adam Sandler, who's actually not half bad when he backs off the stupid comedies and reigns himself in for roles like that in Spanglish, or 50 First Dates. Ferrell has had training, like many comedians he gets the drama underlying life, and I think he could start branching out a bit more. I'm always intrigued at watching comedic actors who get their start or fame in really silly, over-the-top roles, who can also pull off the more subtle stuff. Not everyone can do both: Chevy Chase, for example. But actors like Steve Martin, Sandler, Murray, Robin Williams, Eddie Murphy (he has the ability, just not the will I guess), Steve Carell all have that talent,and I think Ferrell does too. He's made the dough, now it's time to stretch... - Original Message - From: Martin Baxter truthseeker...@... To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 8:38:35 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Keith, you forgot to include Will Ferrell. I'm certain that it was due to your own mental self-defenses kicking in... -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Date : Sun, 15 Feb 2009 01:21:34 + (UTC) From : Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@... To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Funny. He isn't a guaranteed big draw for me. Among male actors, I'm much more likely to see a flick with Don Cheadle, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Clive Owen, Viggo Mortensen, Robert Duvall. Maybe De Niro if it's not Meet the Parents or Righteous Kill type crap. And I'd actually place Clooney higher up on my list than Smith. In fact, I can't remember the last time I saw a movie because Smith was in it. I saw Hancock and I Am Legend because they were scifi, and Hitch because it was a romantic comedy I could share with my wife. The other males below, I'll certainly consider--especially Damon and Di Caprio--but depends on the type of movie they're in. I will say, I do wish Christian Slater were still doing good work, for he'd certainly be on my list. For female actors, my list would have to include Judi Dench, Angela Bassett (keep hoping she finally finds the roles that utilize her massive talent), Meryl Streep (who's really impressed me with her continually good work as she gets older), Kimberly Elise (woefully underappreciated actress), Taraji P. Henson (hard not to be engaged with, even with unintentionally funny stuff like He don't love me no 'mo'! in Baby Boy), Cate Blanchett, Jodi Foster, Queen Latifah (good dramatic and comedic actress), Sanaa Lathan. They ought to list the actors guaranteed to kill a movie, to drive people away. For me, that would include Adam Sandler (don't get his humour), Pauly Shore (how does he get work?), Jim Carey (most of his stuff is too manic for me), David Spade (loved him on TV, can't abide his film work), Mila Jovovich (horrible movie choices), Kate Hudson (she's sure to star in wretched romantic comedies that make you gag).
Re: [scifinoir2] Push
Gracias! She's been sick all weekend with a cold or stomach virus, so didn't do too much. Valentine's Day was a simple meal at home of Hamburger Helper (Cheeseburger Macaroni of course), salad, Texas Toast, and chocolate chip cookies for desert. (Hey, that's comfort food for where I come from when when doesn't want to throw down with fried chicken, hot water corn bread, or pork chops with gravy!) Sunday took her out for Thai food, and gave her my gift of two tickets to the Alvin Ailey Dancers this week. Other than that, my gifts to her have been staying in and keeping her company while she's sick, not bouncing off the walls while doing so (I hate staying inside all day), and watching decorating shows and cheesy movies and smiling throughout! - Original Message - From: Tracey de Morsella tdli...@multiculturaladvantage.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 1:47:00 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: RE: [scifinoir2] Push What he said J From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:scifino...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Martin Baxter Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 5:42 AM To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Push Keith, a belated happy anniversary to you and Phyllis! -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Push Date : Sat, 14 Feb 2009 22:21:20 + (UTC) From : Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@comcast.net To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Thanks. What about Confessions of a Shopaholic? Hey...today is Valentine's, and tomorrow is my anniversary. I gotta take the romantic comedy bullet sometime soon! - Original Message - From: Daryle Lockhart To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, February 13, 2009 4:28:41 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Push Curious Case was good. I think you will enjoy it. Push is a two hour Marvel Comic book written by a writer you never heard of but an illustrator you love. So it looks good, but halfway in you realize you've seen/read this all before. It ain't the editing, it's the script. It's a rental. On Feb 13, 2009, at 3:51 PM, Keith Johnson wrote: Anyone see the movie Push? I was in Boston when it premiered last week. I haven't heard much, other than some critics' reviews that say it's a bit of a jumbled, hyperactive mess (told you I was worried about the too-quick camera cuts!) But though a few of us were initially anticipating it, I don't recall any reviews or discussions here, certainly no praise for the flick. Did anyone see it? How was it? Along the same lines, I'm considering checking out Benjamin Buttons and Coraline. Any thoughts on those? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
Re: [scifinoir2] Re: The Kindle Killer
I love all the physical stuff: books, newspapers, mags. There's just something satisfying about holding the paper in my hand, turning the pages, being able to read them without worrying about a wifi, cable, or power connection nearby. A newspaper doesn't come back with link no longer found, a book doesn't scream You should change your battery or plug into an outlet now!, a magazine doesn't blue screen on you at the drop of a hat. I've never worried about eating or drinking coffee near a comic book, other than an minor stain. Sunday mornings just wouldn't be the same with the tactile comfort of turning the page and hearing the rustle of the paper replaced by the clicks and bloops and bleeps of the computer. Give up the soothing smell of yellowed paper and a library full of books for the ozone of a short cirtcuit? I love my electronics--never go far without my laptop and my iPod--but decorating the coffee table with a Lenovo of Mini doesn't look quite as good as copies of House Beautiful or Newsweek lying there. I'm one of those foot-in-both-worlds people. I've been waiting for the electronic reader tech to stabilize and when I have the dough to invest in them. Like my iPod, I see them as indispensable for when i want a lot of info on the train, at the park, or at a coffee shop. But like the iPod, they'll never replace the old-school media. I'll continue to have 'em all - Original Message - From: Tracey de Morsella tdli...@multiculturaladvantage.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 2:15:30 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: RE: [scifinoir2] Re: The Kindle Killer I think the Logic Reader is for those of us who are tech savvy but old school about books After posting this, I began to rethink my post title taken from Andrew Sullivan and began to view the Logic Reader as an interim product, for those of us who grew up on books. However, I suspect people under thirty, as you indicated, would not likely be drawn to the interim product. I was listening to a report on NPR last week that indicated that Kindle is a very small niche. However, for the long haul Kindle is a good investment that will yield a substantial pay-off. While I still like to read books, I do not read hard copy newspapers or magazines much anymore. So I'm likely a prime target for both products -Original Message- From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com ] On Behalf Of ravenadal Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 9:26 AM To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: The Kindle Killer I don't own a Kindle - yet - but one of the reasons it is so popular is because it does NOT attempt to mimic a book. In fact, it is more akin to an i-pod or a Blackberry and this was a very savvy decision because most of the tech savvy people who will purchase a Kindle HATE books (or, at best, consider it old technology) and don't purchase them. But they DO read. My children (16 20) are voracious information consumers but they are not avid readers of books. And, since I began reading to my children in utero, I know they read more physical books than do their peers (my daughter just finished reading Terry McMillan's Disappearing Acts - but only because she has seen the HBO movie version about forty times. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com , Tracey de Morsella tdli...@... wrote: Andrew Sullivan thinks the following will be a Kindle Killer. I think so too. I think this will appeal to old school book lovers who like to hold a book in their hand. It won't replace bookers but when it's price comes down, as electronics always do, look out. What do you think? Plastic Logic Reader by Brian Fichtner http://www.coolhunting.com/authors/brianfichtner.php PLReaderAndPersonLandscape.jpg Still one year out of consumer reach, the Plastic Logic http://www.plasticlogic.com/index.html reader is already being touted by some sources as the Kindle killer. At this week's Tools of Change http://www.toccon.com/toc2009 for Publishing Conference in New York, I had a chance to see the reader prototype in action and get my hands on one, albeit briefly. With a form factor equivalent to that of a legal-size pad of paper, though coming in at half the thickness and weighing under 16 ounces, it's easy to see the reader's instant appeal. Compatibility with document formats like Word, Excel, PowerPoint and PDFs, in addition to newspapers, periodicals and books, means that users will no longer need to stuff carry-ons or briefcases full of papers when traveling. The reader has the capacity to store thousands of documents, all of which can be synced wirelessly or with wired access. Publishing partners already include fictionwise, the Financial Times, Ingram Digital and USA Today. Reader.jpg So how about the image quality? The reader utilizes an E Ink active
Re: [RE][scifinoir2] Liking Ben 10
Damn, I didn't know that! No wonder. No matter the topic ,whether it's a standalone, or a part of a story arc, the shows in Alien Force definitely have an intelligence and sureness of writing that's impressive. - Original Message - From: B. Smith daikaij...@yahoo.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 2:59:43 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [RE][scifinoir2] Liking Ben 10 There's a reason for that. Dwayne McDuffie helped to revamp the show when it relaunched as Ben 10: Alien Force. His influence definitely lead to an improved and more mature show. --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com , Daryle Lockhart dar...@... wrote: That should have read Wrench, but it also reminded me that Ben 10 is probably the only show that grows with its audience. The way they handled Gwen getting older was the best thing I'd seen on TV since Justice League. On Feb 16, 2009, at 12:16 PM, Daryle Lockhart wrote: Yesterday's marathon was the same marathon they ran in December, but the last few episodes are always worth watching. the Wronch was a great story twist in Alien Force. My son was into Ben 10 first,then I got hooked on it. On Feb 16, 2009, at 8:18 AM, Martin Baxter wrote: Keith, I do watch it, but it's sporadically at best. Time bites, as always. I like it as well. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : [scifinoir2] Liking Ben 10 Date : Sun, 15 Feb 2009 20:14:50 + (UTC) From : Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@... To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Anyone ever watch Ben 10? It's become one of my fav cartoons, especially now that Avatar has ended its run. I first discovered it a year ago, and was intrigued by this young man with a powerful alien weapon attached to his body. What really pulled me in, though, was the characters, each of whom has an interesting backstory and function. There's Ben's grandfather, a member of the Plumbers ( the agency that fights alien threats), his cousin Gwen, the technogeek with magical powers, and the sometimes enemy Kevin, who can absorb the properties of anything he touches (similar to Absorbing Man in Marvel). The show is entertaining, funny, even exciting at times. The first few years of Ben 10 showed growth with the characters, as Ben and his friends grow in power, maturity, and the level of dangers they face. There were many story arcs in addition to just monster-of-the-week eps, and the plot lines became more complex and even darker over the years. With the second series, Ben 10: Alien Force, they do something you rarely see in animation: allow the characters to age and change. Ben and Gwen are several years older (and look it), their powers have grown, and once opponent Kevin is part of the team. The last time I remember seeing characters grow and change significantly in 'toons is probably the late great, Legion of SuperHeroes, or maybe the change in Goku from young child to adult in Dragonball Z. At any rate, I'm curious if anyone else has watched any of this show. It's been a present surprise. With other new or recently ended fare that's out now--Secret Saturdays, Danny Phantom, Batman: Brave and the Bold, Avatar, Wolverine and the X-Men--this is really one of the best times for cartoons I can remember in recent years. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
Re: [RE][scifinoir2] Liking Ben 10
I've been a fan since the Milestone Universe captivated all those years ago... - Original Message - From: Daryle Lockhart dar...@darylelockhart.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 3:07:30 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [RE][scifinoir2] Liking Ben 10 Then it is official. I am a Dwayne McDuffie fan. I didn't even know that but I really liked the show. It also helps me feel a little better about having my son be such a big fan! On Feb 16, 2009, at 2:59 PM, B. Smith wrote: There's a reason for that. Dwayne McDuffie helped to revamp the show when it relaunched as Ben 10: Alien Force. His influence definitely lead to an improved and more mature show. --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com , Daryle Lockhart dar...@... wrote: That should have read Wrench, but it also reminded me that Ben 10 is probably the only show that grows with its audience. The way they handled Gwen getting older was the best thing I'd seen on TV since Justice League. On Feb 16, 2009, at 12:16 PM, Daryle Lockhart wrote: Yesterday's marathon was the same marathon they ran in December, but the last few episodes are always worth watching. the Wronch was a great story twist in Alien Force. My son was into Ben 10 first,then I got hooked on it. On Feb 16, 2009, at 8:18 AM, Martin Baxter wrote: Keith, I do watch it, but it's sporadically at best. Time bites, as always. I like it as well. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : [scifinoir2] Liking Ben 10 Date : Sun, 15 Feb 2009 20:14:50 + (UTC) From : Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@... To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Anyone ever watch Ben 10? It's become one of my fav cartoons, especially now that Avatar has ended its run. I first discovered it a year ago, and was intrigued by this young man with a powerful alien weapon attached to his body. What really pulled me in, though, was the characters, each of whom has an interesting backstory and function. There's Ben's grandfather, a member of the Plumbers ( the agency that fights alien threats), his cousin Gwen, the technogeek with magical powers, and the sometimes enemy Kevin, who can absorb the properties of anything he touches (similar to Absorbing Man in Marvel). The show is entertaining, funny, even exciting at times. The first few years of Ben 10 showed growth with the characters, as Ben and his friends grow in power, maturity, and the level of dangers they face. There were many story arcs in addition to just monster-of-the-week eps, and the plot lines became more complex and even darker over the years. With the second series, Ben 10: Alien Force, they do something you rarely see in animation: allow the characters to age and change. Ben and Gwen are several years older (and look it), their powers have grown, and once opponent Kevin is part of the team. The last time I remember seeing characters grow and change significantly in 'toons is probably the late great, Legion of SuperHeroes, or maybe the change in Goku from young child to adult in Dragonball Z. At any rate, I'm curious if anyone else has watched any of this show. It's been a present surprise. With other new or recently ended fare that's out now--Secret Saturdays, Danny Phantom, Batman: Brave and the Bold, Avatar, Wolverine and the X-Men--this is really one of the best times for cartoons I can remember in recent years. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQdwk8Yntds
Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office
The only movie that I liked him in was Harlem Nights. You have to admit it was a movie with a lot of great one liners. One that I don't think I could say here, but I am sure Vera can!! --Lavender People may lie, but the evidence rarely does. - Original Message From: B. Smith daikaij...@yahoo.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 5:21:24 PM Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office I like quite a few Richard Pryor movies. I don't think he ever found the perfect part but I loved him stuff like Which Way Is Up?, Blue Collar, Stir Crazy and Jo Jo Dancer. He also stole the show in smaller roles like the ones in Lady Sings The Blues, Bingo Long, Uptown Saturday Night, Car Wash, etc. --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Martin Baxter truthseeker...@... wrote: I don't like a single movie Pryor ever did. Every time I stumble across one, I'm left saddened, seeing how his true chops were, mostly because of That Evil Pipe. Heck, he was supposed to play Sheriff Bart in Blazing Saddles. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Date : Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:29:38 -0500 From : Daryle Lockhart dar...@... To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Richard Pryor was the man, but let's face it...he's done more BAD films than good ones. Will Ferrell was eh until Anchorman, because if you look at it, the best Will Ferrell is him playing offa Cheri Oteri. Christina Applegate proved herself to be a great straight man but doesn't get overshadowed. Will has never done any better than Anchorman, in my opinion. It's his best picture. He will never outdo it. I don't think Land Of the Lost is going to be a great Will Ferrell movie as much as it's going to be this is what Brendan Fraser should be doing. On Feb 16, 2009, at 4:20 PM, Martin Baxter wrote: Daryle, we didn't see the same movie. To me, Ferrell has been a one-note band for years. Maybe I just don't get his stuff. It's been a long time since I synched with comedians. Blame Richard Pryor for being so great... -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Date : Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:48:28 -0500 From : Daryle Lockhart To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com I submit that Anchorman is possibly Will Ferrell's greatest film. Also, it may be one of the greatest comedy films of the last 10 years. Except for the fact that it's the whitest movie since Sophie's Choice, It's a flawless cast with flawless acting. I say this after just watching Tropic Thunder. That's my submission, and I am open to debate. On Feb 16, 2009, at 12:37 PM, B. Smith wrote: No love for Anchorman? --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Keith Johnson wrote: Ha-ha! I like Will Ferrell in small doses. Long after the hype on him had built, I sat down and watched Talladega Nights where he was NASCAR racer Ricky Bobby, and laughed my butt off. But that was only the second or third movie I'd seen him in. I also enjoyed his more subtle turn in Stranger Than Fiction, the movie where his life was literally being controlled by an author's keystrokes. And Elf gave me some chuckles as well. I think I saw Elf, then Stranger Than Fiction, then Talladega Nights, giving me silly comedy, subtle comedy/drama, then silly comedy again. That was sufficient. But Ferrell needs to quit doing the same old type comedy film. His turns in the films about ice skating and basketball, for example, are all variations of the same Ricky Bobby scheme, so I avoided them. He has the looks and I think the chops to do other stuff. I don't know if he can carve the niche of understated, nuanced actor that Bill Murray has found for his career. But I think he might be able to do at least as well as Adam Sandler, who's actually not half bad when he backs off the stupid comedies and reigns himself in for roles like that in Spanglish, or 50 First Dates. Ferrell has had training, like many comedians he gets the drama underlying life, and I think he could start branching out a bit more. I'm always intrigued at watching comedic actors who get their start or fame in really silly, over-the-top roles, who can also pull off the more subtle stuff. Not everyone can do both: Chevy Chase, for example. But actors like Steve Martin, Sandler, Murray, Robin Williams, Eddie Murphy (he has the ability, just not the will I guess), Steve Carell all have that talent,and I think Ferrell does too. He's made the dough, now it's time to stretch... - Original Message - From: Martin Baxter To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 8:38:35 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Will Smith -- The
Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office
I was thinking of Harlem Nights too. It wasn't a great movie, but I liked the more serious role Pryor was playing. It makes me wonder if he could have done a decent job as a dramatic actor, given the chance. Unfortunately, Eddie Murphy was the force behind the movie, and he was really full of himself at that time. Both Pryor and Redd Fox talked to Murphy about toning down the cursing and more slapstick aspects of the movie, but he refused to listen to them. Pryor says he and Foxx told Murphy, We did all the cursing and stuff so you don't have to anymore. I wish Murphy had listened. The movie was uneven, and stuff like his fight with Della Reese, and subsequent shooting off her toe, was ill placed, unfunny, and a bit misogynistic to my mind. - Original Message - From: Lavender Wil nx_31...@yahoo.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 8:42:02 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office The only movie that I liked him in was Harlem Nights. You have to admit it was a movie with a lot of great one liners. One that I don't think I could say here, but I am sure Vera can!! --Lavender People may lie, but the evidence rarely does. - Original Message From: B. Smith daikaij...@yahoo.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 5:21:24 PM Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office I like quite a few Richard Pryor movies. I don't think he ever found the perfect part but I loved him stuff like Which Way Is Up?, Blue Collar, Stir Crazy and Jo Jo Dancer. He also stole the show in smaller roles like the ones in Lady Sings The Blues, Bingo Long, Uptown Saturday Night, Car Wash, etc. --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com , Martin Baxter truthseeker...@... wrote: I don't like a single movie Pryor ever did. Every time I stumble across one, I'm left saddened, seeing how his true chops were, mostly because of That Evil Pipe. Heck, he was supposed to play Sheriff Bart in Blazing Saddles. -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Date : Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:29:38 -0500 From : Daryle Lockhart dar...@... To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Richard Pryor was the man, but let's face it...he's done more BAD films than good ones. Will Ferrell was eh until Anchorman, because if you look at it, the best Will Ferrell is him playing offa Cheri Oteri. Christina Applegate proved herself to be a great straight man but doesn't get overshadowed. Will has never done any better than Anchorman, in my opinion. It's his best picture. He will never outdo it. I don't think Land Of the Lost is going to be a great Will Ferrell movie as much as it's going to be this is what Brendan Fraser should be doing. On Feb 16, 2009, at 4:20 PM, Martin Baxter wrote: Daryle, we didn't see the same movie. To me, Ferrell has been a one-note band for years. Maybe I just don't get his stuff. It's been a long time since I synched with comedians. Blame Richard Pryor for being so great... -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Date : Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:48:28 -0500 From : Daryle Lockhart To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com I submit that Anchorman is possibly Will Ferrell's greatest film. Also, it may be one of the greatest comedy films of the last 10 years. Except for the fact that it's the whitest movie since Sophie's Choice, It's a flawless cast with flawless acting. I say this after just watching Tropic Thunder. That's my submission, and I am open to debate. On Feb 16, 2009, at 12:37 PM, B. Smith wrote: No love for Anchorman? --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com , Keith Johnson wrote: Ha-ha! I like Will Ferrell in small doses. Long after the hype on him had built, I sat down and watched Talladega Nights where he was NASCAR racer Ricky Bobby, and laughed my butt off. But that was only the second or third movie I'd seen him in. I also enjoyed his more subtle turn in Stranger Than Fiction, the movie where his life was literally being controlled by an author's keystrokes. And Elf gave me some chuckles as well. I think I saw Elf, then Stranger Than Fiction, then Talladega Nights, giving me silly comedy, subtle comedy/drama, then silly comedy again. That was sufficient. But Ferrell needs to quit doing the same old type comedy film. His turns in the films about ice skating and basketball, for example, are all variations of the same Ricky Bobby scheme, so I avoided them. He has the looks and I think the chops to do other stuff. I don't know if he can carve the niche of understated,
Re: [scifinoir2] Viewers Give Warm Welcome to Whedon's 'Dollhouse'
Dollhouse is also the #1 show on iTunes. Gossip Girl is usually #1 but since they are showing repeats it's allowed Dollhouse to take over the top spot. On Mon, Feb 16, 2009 at 2:40 AM, Tracey de Morsella tdli...@multiculturaladvantage.com wrote: Different point of view Entertainment Weekly's Hollywood Insider has an alternate take on the Dollhouse ratings: The mythological drama starring Eliza Dushku attracted 4.7 million viewers—a pretty decent jump over the eyeball levels for The Sarah Connor Chronicles at 8 p.m. (which lured a mere 3.7 million), according to fast national ratings. In fact, Dollhouse helped Fox double its viewership levels among women versus Chronicles and helped the net finish in second place among adults 18-34 and in first place across key male demos for the night. So what does this mean for Dollhouse's long-term prospects? Although 4.7 million isn't that great—Fox typically averages 5.5 million on Fridays—the Whedon drama has a better chance of making it over the long haul if it stays put on the night. In fact, network insiders have long cautioned that if the series were scheduled earlier in the week and ended up attracting these kind of (low) viewership levels, it would have been axed by its second or third airing. So relax, Whedonites—Dushku and Co. appear safe for now. Viewers Give Warm Welcome to Whedon's 'Dollhouse' By Josef Adalian Weeks of marketing and years of pent-up interest from Joss Whedon fans helped Fox's Dollhouse score a solid welcome Friday night. The much-anticipated drama notched a 2.0 rating/6 share among adults 18 to 49 during its 9 p.m. Friday premiere, according to preliminary fast national data from Nielsen. It attracted 4.72 million viewers. While Dollhouse's overall ratings were nothing spectacular, the show's 2.0 rating in adults 18 to 49 is a nice improvement over what Fox had been averaging in the fall with gameshow Don't Forget the Lyrics. Most weeks last fall, Lyrics had been scoring between a 1.5 and a 1.7 in the demo. Dollhouse also nearly doubled the ratings Fox averaged last spring with the Friday premiere of short-lived scripted drama Canterbury's Law, which bowed to a 1.1/3. The early numbers seem to indicate that if Fox wants to program scripted series on Friday, genre fare such as Dollhouse is a much better option than a standard procedural. Two other positive points: Dollhouse appears to have held on to its audience throughout the show, and the series built nicely on its lead-in, the relocated Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles. The latter drama earned a 1.3/5, a bit below what Fox had been earning with Are You Smarter than a 5th Grader? Terminator dipped from its most recent original telecast on Monday nights, when the show earned a 1.9/5 on Dec. 15. Overall, Dollhouse ranked second in the 9 p.m. hour, just below ABC's Supernanny (2.2/7), but ahead of CBS' Flashpoint (1.9/6) and NBC's fading Friday Night Lights (1.1/3). Among adults 18 to 34, Dollhouse earned a 1.7/6, coming within spitting distance of Supernanny (1.8/7) in that demographic. Fox's marketing of Dollhouse and Terminator as a pairing of sexy sirens paid off with men: Both dramas won their timeslot among men 18 to 34. Fox executives will be watching the numbers closely in the coming weeks to see if Dollhouse can hold on to its audience. If the series can maintain its premiere numbers, Fox may have found itself a Friday night player. The network had hoped airing the show on Fridays, rather than on Mondays as originally announced, would give it time to find and hold and audience. Mr. Whedon has indicated he's on board with the strategy. http://www.tvweek.com/news/2009/02/viewers_give_warm_welcome_to_w.php -- My Social Media Resume: http://www.visualcv.com/mikestreet Visit my Blog: http://www.Greasyguide.com Follow Me on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/streetforce1 Post your SciFiNoir Profile at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scifinoir2/app/peoplemap2/entry/add?fmvn=mapYahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scifinoir2/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scifinoir2/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: mailto:scifinoir2-dig...@yahoogroups.com mailto:scifinoir2-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: scifinoir2-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
[scifinoir2] Trillions of Planets Could Be Supporting Life
ahar...@earthlink.net Trillions of Planets Could Be Supporting Life Folks: Here's an article that supports the Star Trek view of the Universe. Diversity. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/science/article5739563.ece
[scifinoir2] Re: Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office
To me, the funniest thing about Tropic Thunder, which I liked, is Tom Cruise's vulgar rap loving movie executive. His Ludicris' fueled end credit dance is hilarious. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, B. Smith daikaij...@... wrote: I guess I'm immune to Tropic Thunder's charms. The faux trailers, Simple Jack and the never go full retard scene were great. The rest? Meh. I laughed longer and harder at Pineapple Express. That movie had so many throwaway bits its hard to keep up with them between laughs. --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Daryle Lockhart daryle@ wrote: I submit that Anchorman is possibly Will Ferrell's greatest film. Also, it may be one of the greatest comedy films of the last 10 years. Except for the fact that it's the whitest movie since Sophie's Choice, It's a flawless cast with flawless acting. I say this after just watching Tropic Thunder. That's my submission, and I am open to debate. On Feb 16, 2009, at 12:37 PM, B. Smith wrote: No love for Anchorman? --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Keith Johnson KeithBJohnson@ wrote: Ha-ha! I like Will Ferrell in small doses. Long after the hype on him had built, I sat down and watched Talladega Nights where he was NASCAR racer Ricky Bobby, and laughed my butt off. But that was only the second or third movie I'd seen him in. I also enjoyed his more subtle turn in Stranger Than Fiction, the movie where his life was literally being controlled by an author's keystrokes. And Elf gave me some chuckles as well. I think I saw Elf, then Stranger Than Fiction, then Talladega Nights, giving me silly comedy, subtle comedy/drama, then silly comedy again. That was sufficient. But Ferrell needs to quit doing the same old type comedy film. His turns in the films about ice skating and basketball, for example, are all variations of the same Ricky Bobby scheme, so I avoided them. He has the looks and I think the chops to do other stuff. I don't know if he can carve the niche of understated, nuanced actor that Bill Murray has found for his career. But I think he might be able to do at least as well as Adam Sandler, who's actually not half bad when he backs off the stupid comedies and reigns himself in for roles like that in Spanglish, or 50 First Dates. Ferrell has had training, like many comedians he gets the drama underlying life, and I think he could start branching out a bit more. I'm always intrigued at watching comedic actors who get their start or fame in really silly, over-the-top roles, who can also pull off the more subtle stuff. Not everyone can do both: Chevy Chase, for example. But actors like Steve Martin, Sandler, Murray, Robin Williams, Eddie Murphy (he has the ability, just not the will I guess), Steve Carell all have that talent,and I think Ferrell does too. He's made the dough, now it's time to stretch... - Original Message - From: Martin Baxter truthseeker013@ To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 8:38:35 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Keith, you forgot to include Will Ferrell. I'm certain that it was due to your own mental self-defenses kicking in... -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Date : Sun, 15 Feb 2009 01:21:34 + (UTC) From : Keith Johnson KeithBJohnson@ To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Funny. He isn't a guaranteed big draw for me. Among male actors, I'm much more likely to see a flick with Don Cheadle, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Clive Owen, Viggo Mortensen, Robert Duvall. Maybe De Niro if it's not Meet the Parents or Righteous Kill type crap. And I'd actually place Clooney higher up on my list than Smith. In fact, I can't remember the last time I saw a movie because Smith was in it. I saw Hancock and I Am Legend because they were scifi, and Hitch because it was a romantic comedy I could share with my wife. The other males below, I'll certainly consider--especially Damon and Di Caprio--but depends on the type of movie they're in. I will say, I do wish Christian Slater were still doing good work, for he'd certainly be on my list. For female actors, my list would have to include Judi Dench, Angela Bassett (keep hoping she finally finds the roles that utilize her massive talent), Meryl Streep (who's really impressed me with her continually good work as she gets older), Kimberly Elise (woefully underappreciated actress), Taraji P. Henson (hard not to be engaged with, even with unintentionally funny stuff like He don't love me no 'mo'! in Baby Boy), Cate
[scifinoir2] Re: Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office
Pryor has two great movies in his catalog: Car Wash and Which Way Is Up? I recently rewatched Which Way Is Up? and I was amazed how raw and real and funny it was. Can you imagine a major black comedian today making a movie about corporate greed, migrant worker rights and personal integrity and responsibility? Not to mention a totally hot Lonette McKee and a hilarious SM scene featuring an equally hot Margaret Avery. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Daryle Lockhart dar...@... wrote: Richard Pryor was the man, but let's face it...he's done more BAD films than good ones. Will Ferrell was eh until Anchorman, because if you look at it, the best Will Ferrell is him playing offa Cheri Oteri. Christina Applegate proved herself to be a great straight man but doesn't get overshadowed. Will has never done any better than Anchorman, in my opinion. It's his best picture. He will never outdo it. I don't think Land Of the Lost is going to be a great Will Ferrell movie as much as it's going to be this is what Brendan Fraser should be doing. On Feb 16, 2009, at 4:20 PM, Martin Baxter wrote: Daryle, we didn't see the same movie. To me, Ferrell has been a one-note band for years. Maybe I just don't get his stuff. It's been a long time since I synched with comedians. Blame Richard Pryor for being so great... -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Date : Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:48:28 -0500 From : Daryle Lockhart dar...@... To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com I submit that Anchorman is possibly Will Ferrell's greatest film. Also, it may be one of the greatest comedy films of the last 10 years. Except for the fact that it's the whitest movie since Sophie's Choice, It's a flawless cast with flawless acting. I say this after just watching Tropic Thunder. That's my submission, and I am open to debate. On Feb 16, 2009, at 12:37 PM, B. Smith wrote: No love for Anchorman? --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Keith Johnson wrote: Ha-ha! I like Will Ferrell in small doses. Long after the hype on him had built, I sat down and watched Talladega Nights where he was NASCAR racer Ricky Bobby, and laughed my butt off. But that was only the second or third movie I'd seen him in. I also enjoyed his more subtle turn in Stranger Than Fiction, the movie where his life was literally being controlled by an author's keystrokes. And Elf gave me some chuckles as well. I think I saw Elf, then Stranger Than Fiction, then Talladega Nights, giving me silly comedy, subtle comedy/drama, then silly comedy again. That was sufficient. But Ferrell needs to quit doing the same old type comedy film. His turns in the films about ice skating and basketball, for example, are all variations of the same Ricky Bobby scheme, so I avoided them. He has the looks and I think the chops to do other stuff. I don't know if he can carve the niche of understated, nuanced actor that Bill Murray has found for his career. But I think he might be able to do at least as well as Adam Sandler, who's actually not half bad when he backs off the stupid comedies and reigns himself in for roles like that in Spanglish, or 50 First Dates. Ferrell has had training, like many comedians he gets the drama underlying life, and I think he could start branching out a bit more. I'm always intrigued at watching comedic actors who get their start or fame in really silly, over-the-top roles, who can also pull off the more subtle stuff. Not everyone can do both: Chevy Chase, for example. But actors like Steve Martin, Sandler, Murray, Robin Williams, Eddie Murphy (he has the ability, just not the will I guess), Steve Carell all have that talent,and I think Ferrell does too. He's made the dough, now it's time to stretch... - Original Message - From: Martin Baxter To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 8:38:35 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Keith, you forgot to include Will Ferrell. I'm certain that it was due to your own mental self-defenses kicking in... -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Date : Sun, 15 Feb 2009 01:21:34 + (UTC) From : Keith Johnson To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Funny. He isn't a guaranteed big draw for me. Among male actors, I'm much more likely to see a flick with Don Cheadle, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Clive Owen, Viggo Mortensen, Robert Duvall. Maybe De Niro if it's not Meet the Parents or Righteous Kill type crap. And I'd actually place Clooney higher up on my list than Smith. In fact, I can't remember the last time I saw a movie because Smith was in
[scifinoir2] Re: Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office
Ahem...I meant Blue Collar not Car Wash, not that there is anything wrong with Car Wash. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, ravenadal ravena...@... wrote: Pryor has two great movies in his catalog: Car Wash and Which Way Is Up? I recently rewatched Which Way Is Up? and I was amazed how raw and real and funny it was. Can you imagine a major black comedian today making a movie about corporate greed, migrant worker rights and personal integrity and responsibility? Not to mention a totally hot Lonette McKee and a hilarious SM scene featuring an equally hot Margaret Avery. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Daryle Lockhart daryle@ wrote: Richard Pryor was the man, but let's face it...he's done more BAD films than good ones. Will Ferrell was eh until Anchorman, because if you look at it, the best Will Ferrell is him playing offa Cheri Oteri. Christina Applegate proved herself to be a great straight man but doesn't get overshadowed. Will has never done any better than Anchorman, in my opinion. It's his best picture. He will never outdo it. I don't think Land Of the Lost is going to be a great Will Ferrell movie as much as it's going to be this is what Brendan Fraser should be doing. On Feb 16, 2009, at 4:20 PM, Martin Baxter wrote: Daryle, we didn't see the same movie. To me, Ferrell has been a one-note band for years. Maybe I just don't get his stuff. It's been a long time since I synched with comedians. Blame Richard Pryor for being so great... -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Date : Mon, 16 Feb 2009 12:48:28 -0500 From : Daryle Lockhart daryle@ To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com I submit that Anchorman is possibly Will Ferrell's greatest film. Also, it may be one of the greatest comedy films of the last 10 years. Except for the fact that it's the whitest movie since Sophie's Choice, It's a flawless cast with flawless acting. I say this after just watching Tropic Thunder. That's my submission, and I am open to debate. On Feb 16, 2009, at 12:37 PM, B. Smith wrote: No love for Anchorman? --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Keith Johnson wrote: Ha-ha! I like Will Ferrell in small doses. Long after the hype on him had built, I sat down and watched Talladega Nights where he was NASCAR racer Ricky Bobby, and laughed my butt off. But that was only the second or third movie I'd seen him in. I also enjoyed his more subtle turn in Stranger Than Fiction, the movie where his life was literally being controlled by an author's keystrokes. And Elf gave me some chuckles as well. I think I saw Elf, then Stranger Than Fiction, then Talladega Nights, giving me silly comedy, subtle comedy/drama, then silly comedy again. That was sufficient. But Ferrell needs to quit doing the same old type comedy film. His turns in the films about ice skating and basketball, for example, are all variations of the same Ricky Bobby scheme, so I avoided them. He has the looks and I think the chops to do other stuff. I don't know if he can carve the niche of understated, nuanced actor that Bill Murray has found for his career. But I think he might be able to do at least as well as Adam Sandler, who's actually not half bad when he backs off the stupid comedies and reigns himself in for roles like that in Spanglish, or 50 First Dates. Ferrell has had training, like many comedians he gets the drama underlying life, and I think he could start branching out a bit more. I'm always intrigued at watching comedic actors who get their start or fame in really silly, over-the-top roles, who can also pull off the more subtle stuff. Not everyone can do both: Chevy Chase, for example. But actors like Steve Martin, Sandler, Murray, Robin Williams, Eddie Murphy (he has the ability, just not the will I guess), Steve Carell all have that talent,and I think Ferrell does too. He's made the dough, now it's time to stretch... - Original Message - From: Martin Baxter To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 8:38:35 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Keith, you forgot to include Will Ferrell. I'm certain that it was due to your own mental self-defenses kicking in... -[ Received Mail Content ]-- Subject : Re: [scifinoir2] Will Smith -- The Only Sure Thing At The Box Office Date : Sun, 15 Feb 2009 01:21:34 + (UTC) From : Keith Johnson To : scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Funny. He isn't a guaranteed big draw for me. Among male actors, I'm much more likely to see a flick with Don Cheadle,
