tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44876032010017032532024-03-13T04:05:48.655-07:00Memoirs of a FanboyAlex Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011016808827088633noreply@blogger.comBlogger89125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487603201001703253.post-12138542196988323992015-06-21T20:13:00.001-07:002015-06-21T20:13:22.704-07:00It has been YEARS since I've updated this blog. Such fond memories too....<br />
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Fortunately, I've actually just gotten back into geek-blogging and can be found on Tumblr now at the following link! <a href="http://quixotichamster.tumblr.com/">http://quixotichamster.tumblr.com/ </a><br />
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If any of my old followers are on Tumblr I'd love to hear from you and would be more than willing to follow you back if you give me a follow on my new set up over on Tumblr!<br />
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To this blog, I shall say goodbye old friend. Twas fun while it lasted. "Can't stop the signal".Alex Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011016808827088633noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487603201001703253.post-9778877901648343862011-06-15T07:19:00.000-07:002011-06-15T07:19:19.795-07:00First Avengers Poster!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DplE5OiXrn0/Tfi0vr3FiHI/AAAAAAAAAkk/QLOpQlGfNx4/s1600/The%2BAvengers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DplE5OiXrn0/Tfi0vr3FiHI/AAAAAAAAAkk/QLOpQlGfNx4/s400/The%2BAvengers.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The first promotional image from Joss Whedon's The Avengers!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div>Alright, if you've payed any attention to Hollywood these days, you'll notice that superhero movies are all the rage. The two big contenders who seem to take all the glory in both the cinemas and their comic book predecessors are DC and Marvel. <br />
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While I'm not nearly as well versed in comics as I am in film or television, there's some pretty simple facts about these companies that most <i>geeks/nerds/fanboys/fangirls/soccer moms who took their 8 year olds to Watchmen </i>know. <br />
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DC is behind iconic characters like Superman, Batman, The Green Lantern and Wonder Woman.<br />
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Marvel has brought about household names such as Captain America, The Incredible Hulk and Iron Man.<br />
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Both are the heaviest hitters in the superhero industry, both have created a garish amount of movies as of late, and in the near future, both will be putting out movies wherein all their heroes gather together to form a sort of Spandex Key Club<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F-r0kjW7XSY/Tfi9jfpdQuI/AAAAAAAAAks/TM-IsBWAUJc/s1600/CopyRightSymbol.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="10" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F-r0kjW7XSY/Tfi9jfpdQuI/AAAAAAAAAks/TM-IsBWAUJc/s200/CopyRightSymbol.gif" width="10" /></a><br />
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Marvel's upcoming film, The Avengers, will fit the bill by taking take all the heroes already established in their recent films and bringing them together to fight some sort of villain who apparently couldn't just be handled by a monstrous mutant, a genetically enhanced super-human, a technological genius or a god.<br />
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Fortunately, we know that the movie is in good hands; Joss Whedon, creator of Buffy, Firefly and Serenity, is behind the wheel. We here at Memoirs of a Fanboy, (meaning me) are fairly sure that the film should be quite well done just knowing this simple fact.<br />
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But enough ranting; lets get onto the poster!<br />
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Here it is again for good measure:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rhXsXU8adtU/Tfi5XqvqHOI/AAAAAAAAAko/1TsDb6JRmqo/s1600/The+Avengers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rhXsXU8adtU/Tfi5XqvqHOI/AAAAAAAAAko/1TsDb6JRmqo/s400/The+Avengers.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br />
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So who do we have here? The Hulk? Check. Iron Man? Check. Captain America? Check. Thor? Check.<br />
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But here's the deal, we also have two other faces in the poster. One familiar and one not so much. The first, being the woman in the upper right hand side of the poster, is none other than Black Widow, the S.H.I.E.L.D. agent we see sent to keep an eye on Tony Stark in Iron Man 2. While she certainly proved her mettle, she is by no means a superhero, possessing no known super powers besides being able to find a way into increasingly tighter latex. It should be interesting to see how she is involved with the Avengers.<br />
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The next face is that of Hawkeye, another member of the Avengers with absolutely no super powers. In the original Marvel comics, Hawkeye is the most accurate archer in the world and joins The Avengers solely on this basis. However in Thor, we get a blink and you'll miss it cameo from Hawkeye who appears to be working for S.H.I.E.L.D.<br />
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I'm not quite sure what to make of Hawkeye other than that he looks pretty uninteresting. Or gay. In a Legolas sort of way...<br />
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<b>The Avengers hits the big screen on May 4, 2012!</b><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><b>Who would you like to see as the villain in The Avengers? Sound off in the comments below!</b></span>Alex Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011016808827088633noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487603201001703253.post-26636893037016752672011-06-09T13:46:00.000-07:002011-06-09T13:46:32.785-07:00Blame SocietyBlameSociety is a group of total nerds who use a mix of British humor and geek lingo to create hilarious videos. Blame Society creates spin offs of Chad Vader, (their most popular video series), with various other fictional characters that they've thought up. <br />
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As a big fan of these guys, I couldn't help but post about the fact that my question was featured in their latest video! :D<br />
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Check it out below, along with some of my other favorites from these guys!<br />
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<iframe width="450" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/hZrtyv8Njdw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<iframe width="450" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/xFhCeqHWjds" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
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<iframe width="450" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/9DgbjKOu6Xw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>Alex Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011016808827088633noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487603201001703253.post-54175944940712553152011-05-16T20:04:00.000-07:002011-05-16T20:13:27.038-07:00Napoleon Dynamite Heads To The Small Screen!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VI24OEpdXfM/TdHlkFJzpXI/AAAAAAAAAkU/u8WFSnOvdT4/s1600/Napoleon-animated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VI24OEpdXfM/TdHlkFJzpXI/AAAAAAAAAkU/u8WFSnOvdT4/s320/Napoleon-animated.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I don't even know how to react to this one. I'm a fan of the original Napolean Dynamite movie that came out in 2003, but this... I don't know what to make of this.<br />
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The movie in itself was idiocy coupled with stupidity all wrapped up with a nice wallop of downright bizarre.But, (and that's a big but) it was very original. I get the feeling that creating a series, an ongoing week-after-week dose of Napolean, will quickly kill off the originality the show's predecessor oozed of.<br />
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With that said, I'm looking forward to seeing more of the series. Hopefully it'll prove me wrong and surmount to a few good laughs.<br />
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One interesting tidbit is that all the cast members from the film will be reprising their roles in the series. That should help to bring in viewers and keep to the sense that the show really is a continuation of the film.<br />
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Napolean Dynamite will be airing on FOX in the summer of 2012. Check out the trailer below.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've created my first post as co-contributor for <a href="http://www.spoilerwhore.blogspot.com/">Spoiler Whore!</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Go check it out <a href="http://www.spoilerwhore.blogspot.com/">here</a> and don't forget to follow and comment! </div>Alex Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011016808827088633noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487603201001703253.post-2591862622939194312011-05-08T18:56:00.000-07:002011-05-08T18:58:01.757-07:00Countdown: Top Ten Memorable Movie DeathsNo, I'm not going to make this an excuse to showcase grotesque scenes of gore that is the staple of oh so many a horror film. Instead, I'll be showcasing the top ten most thought-provoking, emotional, humorous (can death be humorous?) or downright blaze-of-gloryesque deaths.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5aS6n1YcnVU/Tcc4zYNirMI/AAAAAAAAAjI/J89Wl1RrWks/s1600/Spock+Dies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="141" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5aS6n1YcnVU/Tcc4zYNirMI/AAAAAAAAAjI/J89Wl1RrWks/s200/Spock+Dies.jpg" width="200" /></a><b>Spock:</b> Yes, he came back to life one movie later, but that certainly didn't lessen the impact his death had on audiences across the world in that summer of '83.<br />
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Spock, like Data a generation later, embodied the human potential to grow and killing him off was like a swift kick to the hearts of Trekkies everywhere.<br />
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<b>Wash:</b> The witty pilot of everyone's favorite cowboy spaceship, Hoburn Wash's sudden and unexpected death at the hands of cannibalistic, barbaric Reavers, after just having saved the entire crew through a series of incredibly skillful maneuvers was a shock to many fans of the short-lived Firefly series.<br />
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Though his death was upsetting, (especially to me :\) some of the latest Firefly fiction has established an interesting plot line wherein Zoey, Wash's widow is pregnant with their child.<br />
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<b>Vinzinni:</b> After being tracked down and having witnessed both his unfortunate allies fall before him to the 'masked man', Vinzinni resorted to simple trickery, hoping to poison his opponent in a so called game of will. To Vinzinni's demise, the masked man, none other than Buttercup's long lost love, Westley <b>(SPOILER!), </b>had trained himself to develop an immunity to the very same poison that Vinzinni had put into his glass.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x5AZW7wwI2g/Tcc61pgccbI/AAAAAAAAAjM/khhHTqUhnJ4/s1600/Darth+Vader+Dies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x5AZW7wwI2g/Tcc61pgccbI/AAAAAAAAAjM/khhHTqUhnJ4/s320/Darth+Vader+Dies.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br />
<b>Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader:</b> The death of Anakin Skywalker, hero, villain and the focal point for the entire Star Wars saga, was nothing short of tragic. Anakin's rise, fall, redemption and ultimately death, remains to this day an epic; one of the greatest cinematic stories ever told.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-boT8AbldM7w/Tcc7trogcqI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/kZBRCJxMCWM/s1600/Boromir+Dies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-boT8AbldM7w/Tcc7trogcqI/AAAAAAAAAjQ/kZBRCJxMCWM/s1600/Boromir+Dies.jpg" /></a><b>Boromir:</b> Of all the deaths we witness in The Lord of the Rings trilogy, none is more tragic and depressing than that of Boromir's. His possession by the ring and his desperateness to defend his people sent him into near madness, betraying his oath, his morals and in the end his very life to the power of the One Ring. What makes his demise all the more bitter is his redemptive fight at the end of the first film, sacrificing his life for his childlike Hobbit companions and regaining his honor in postmortem.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f1pVxw-9s4w/Tcc79MmL07I/AAAAAAAAAjU/4wOxoZi7YbQ/s1600/Captain+Miller+Dies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-f1pVxw-9s4w/Tcc79MmL07I/AAAAAAAAAjU/4wOxoZi7YbQ/s1600/Captain+Miller+Dies.jpg" /></a></div><b>Captain Miller: </b>At the climax of Saving Private Ryan, after fighting a grizzly, desperate and downright brutal battle, the good Captain and his squad of soldiers did what they set out to accomplish; they saved Private Ryan. Miller's last words, whispered to Ryan, wrap up the tale perfectly in an emotional atom bomb, "Earn this."<br />
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If you haven't already shed a tear during the film (Cylon?) you're sure to do so now. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wGve--r0q_s/TcdDJqkpS_I/AAAAAAAAAjc/uPAzPVhGI-A/s1600/Maximus%2527s+death.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wGve--r0q_s/TcdDJqkpS_I/AAAAAAAAAjc/uPAzPVhGI-A/s1600/Maximus%2527s+death.jpg" /></a><br />
<b>Maximus: </b>After having fought valiantly as a gladiator in the Roman Colosseum, Maximus was injured before his final encounter with Emperor Commodus. As his final act of vengeance against the cruel Caesar, Maximus slew him in the sand, but not before Commodus mortally wounded Maximus.<br />
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Collapsing in the blood-tarnished sand of the arena, Maximus finally reunited with his family.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pbX75riZSBg/TcdED3UyDbI/AAAAAAAAAjg/l4Qam6LmJUM/s1600/William+Wallace+Dies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pbX75riZSBg/TcdED3UyDbI/AAAAAAAAAjg/l4Qam6LmJUM/s1600/William+Wallace+Dies.jpg" /></a></div><b>William Wallace: </b>Having fought the good fight, Wallace gave his life over to the enemy as a testament to his unwavering principle of FREEDOM! Though his death was gruesome, his legacy lives on till this day.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cIfS0eYoISI/TcdIUyQsa-I/AAAAAAAAAjk/AzUVlQcEkmw/s1600/King+Leonidas+Dies+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cIfS0eYoISI/TcdIUyQsa-I/AAAAAAAAAjk/AzUVlQcEkmw/s320/King+Leonidas+Dies+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><b>King Leonidas: </b>In the end, after fighting for days on end against the insurmountable might of the Persian army, King Leonidas and his 300 Spartan warriors fell to a shower of enemy arrows, but not without proving one powerful point, gods don't bleed.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IFv_8bQy_Lk/Tcc-EdZpAnI/AAAAAAAAAjY/E2w2H3xF5Vw/s1600/Joker%2527s+Trick.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IFv_8bQy_Lk/Tcc-EdZpAnI/AAAAAAAAAjY/E2w2H3xF5Vw/s320/Joker%2527s+Trick.jpg" width="212" /></a><b></b><br />
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<b>Unnamed "Joker's Vanishing Trick" Thug: </b>While it may very well be one of the most iconic moments from Batman's The Dark Knight, I couldn't actually find a good picture of this guy. Oh well, if you've seen the film its likely you won't have forgotten this particular scene.<br />
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Suffice to say, the Joker pulled off one of the best magic tricks ever.<br />
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<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Agree? Disagree? Sound off in the comments below!</span></b>Alex Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011016808827088633noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487603201001703253.post-61305405999737720672011-04-25T16:09:00.000-07:002011-04-25T16:09:52.184-07:00Getting Back Into the Routine<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Red Friday</span>: Maybe you've heard about this new craze of sorts that's sweeping the nation. Okay, so its less of a craze and more of a gigantic patriotic ball that American citizens are trying to get rolling. <br />
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Basically, its a group on Facebook, click here if you will ----------> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=186921718020532&id=100001081167447&notif_t=feed_comment">RED FRIDAY</a><br />
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The group's main shtick is that they'd like people to wear red, any sort of red on every Friday in open support of our troops. I liked the idea so much, that I went ahead and created this little montage for the event. <br />
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It's nothing special, at all, but I had a good time making it. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/PkaNyMR56HA" title="YouTube video player" width="480"></iframe><br />
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<span style="color: lime; font-size: large;">Free Star Trek Books:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HotpMXcaJpk/TbX_OOgULQI/AAAAAAAAAi4/bvhI66eftiQ/s1600/Star+Trek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" i8="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HotpMXcaJpk/TbX_OOgULQI/AAAAAAAAAi4/bvhI66eftiQ/s1600/Star+Trek.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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I get free Star Trek books in the mail. Its by far the coolest perk of being a geeky blogger with a humble 55 followers. Simon and Schuster were very generous and simply asked if I'd like to receive their latest novels. Of course I said yes! I LOVE Star Trek, and I LOVE Star Trek fiction! Wait, isn't <strong>all </strong>Star Trek basically fiction? Whatever...<br />
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It's awesome, I love it and I thought I should at the very least give a big thank you to the folks who author and distribute these fantastic novels. In fact, if you like Star Trek or Sci-Fi for that matter, check out these great Star Trek novels <a href="http://series.simonandschuster.com/Star-Trek-All/books">here</a>. <br />
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Might I suggest <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Star-Trek-Department-Temporal-Investigations/dp/1451606257/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1303771435&sr=1-3">Watching the Clock</a></em> by Christopher L. Bennett? Very compelling novel. Especially for those hard core Trekkies... Trekkers? <br />
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<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">Civilnation:</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4TloKgEeDoo/TbX_BxcRvyI/AAAAAAAAAi0/SfXB2ivxhKg/s1600/Typing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" i8="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4TloKgEeDoo/TbX_BxcRvyI/AAAAAAAAAi0/SfXB2ivxhKg/s320/Typing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
I'm going to take a guess that if you're reading this, that you're a blogger, or at the very least, versed in the World Wide Web. <br />
<br />
Now I'm going to take another guess. How many times have you simply stated your opinion, be it a short comment on Youtube, Twitter or Tumbler and the next thing you know, someone's verbally attacking you for no particular reason. Whether or not those really do intend it or not, their comments can be harmful. Very harmful. Heck, you may even get insults thrown at you by your friends on Facebook.<br />
<br />
That's where Civilnation comes in. Civilnation is a non-profit organization who's goal is to make the Internet, and its denizens, a more friendly, accepting and less abussive place. While I am downright against regulating speech, it is a freedom after all, I think it's imperative that we at the very least educate and try to be examples for the online community. <br />
<br />
If you're interested in pledging to Civilnation, or would simply like to pass on the link and get the word around, <a href="http://civilinationnews.org/">click here</a>.<br />
<br />
Alright, so that's all for today. I'll be getting back to my traditional posting style shortly, but in the meantime I might as well ask another reader question!<br />
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<span style="color: #f1c232; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Who is your all time favorite movie character?</span> </span>Alex Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011016808827088633noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487603201001703253.post-39381875773808728942011-04-22T05:51:00.000-07:002011-04-22T05:51:30.243-07:00I'm back; again...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1E8bwLcoTx0/TbF5seWwoBI/AAAAAAAAAiw/tB7DLySY7pk/s1600/Guy+Fleegman.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" i8="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1E8bwLcoTx0/TbF5seWwoBI/AAAAAAAAAiw/tB7DLySY7pk/s320/Guy+Fleegman.gif" width="238" /></a></div><br />
Yes, its been a while. But, it seems like this is a reoccurring trend for me:<br />
<br />
1. Post belligerently for a few consecutive weeks.<br />
<br />
2. Leave the blogging world entirely for various different 'real world' reasons.<br />
<br />
3. Return to blogging to thunderous applause from all in the blogging community. <br />
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4. Wash and repeat.<br />
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<br />
So I may have stretched that second to last one a bit. But nonetheless, I'm back, and excited to be so! I have a lot in mind for 'Memoirs'! Oh, and lest we forget, I've also yet to post on <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.spoilerwhore.blogspot.com">Spoiler W****</a>, so I'm looking forward to that in the near future!<br />
<br />
Yeah, so again, I'm really glad to be back. I'm not going to go into the whole description of how the real world took over. Instead I'll use one word that should sum up the past 6-7 months of my life <strong>college</strong>.<br />
<br />
Yes, prep for college has completely overtaken my life, but fortunately it has all payed off and I'll be joining the ranks of lackluster beer chuggers, keg standers and drug abusers come this fall. *Note to self; <strong>don't </strong>join those ranks*<br />
<br />
So yeah, that's about it. I'm back. I'll be posting frequently. I'll try to keep up with everyone's blogs. And I've got some new material in store. Hop along for the ride if you haven't done so already.Alex Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011016808827088633noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487603201001703253.post-1889264019455998512011-01-26T18:50:00.000-08:002011-01-26T18:50:45.350-08:00Almost PointlessOkay, this is hardly worth a post, but I thought that this was pretty darn cool.<br />
<br />
Follow these quick instructions to get an sweet surprise on ANY Youtube video.<br />
<br />
1. Pause a Youtube video.<br />
2. Hold down the 'left' arrow key.<br />
3. Hold down the 'up' arrow key.<br />
4. Enjoy<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="youtube-player" frameborder="0" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/dR_LHlFwlhk" title="YouTube video player" type="text/html" width="480"></iframe>Alex Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011016808827088633noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487603201001703253.post-71524237630659413292011-01-20T14:03:00.000-08:002011-01-20T14:07:04.554-08:00Roundup: Catching Up & Fanboy HeavenWell, it's been a while and I've missed a lot of interesting bits of info. But, it's been quite an eventful week in geeky news. <br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>The Dark Knight Rises:</strong><br />
<br />
First off, and possibly the most interesting news break this week was that info regarding the upcoming sequel to Christopher Nolan's <em>The Dark Knight, </em>has been released. The cast has been revealed for the new heavy-hitting characters.<br />
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<strong>Anne Hathaway</strong> as <strong>Catwoman</strong><br />
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TTik0d7_oHI/AAAAAAAAAhA/29b7VZ-VDU8/s1600/Anne+Hathaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TTik0d7_oHI/AAAAAAAAAhA/29b7VZ-VDU8/s320/Anne+Hathaway.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A picture of Hathaway with her clothes on. Who new?</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Yeah, you read that right. I think I just had a geek induced seizure. With the exception of someone like Natalie Portman or Rachel Weisz, I do believe Hathaway will be perfect for the role. She's practically got the sultry seductiveness aspect of the character mastered already. <br />
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<strong>Tom Hardy</strong> as <strong>Bane</strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TTilgxt9g_I/AAAAAAAAAhE/y1EW04Ahp50/s1600/Tom+Hardy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TTilgxt9g_I/AAAAAAAAAhE/y1EW04Ahp50/s320/Tom+Hardy.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It's about <strong><em>destiny</em></strong> Picard!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I'll be honest. Until a few weeks ago when this character's name was thrown around as a possible villain in the latest installment in Nolan's Batman films, I hadn't even heard of him. Now that I know the back story to Bane, (he literally <em>breaks </em>Batman), I find myself greatly anticipating what Nolan will do with this character.<br />
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Oh, and on a side note; is it just me, or does Nolan love to reuse his actors in different movies?<br />
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<strong>Liam Neeson Returns To Star Wars!</strong><br />
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TTind9Vd-SI/AAAAAAAAAhI/cxCkhtO5w5k/s1600/Qui+Gon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="187" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TTind9Vd-SI/AAAAAAAAAhI/cxCkhtO5w5k/s320/Qui+Gon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Upon reading this highly unexpected news this morning, I began to scream for joy. In my mind of course :P<br />
<br />
So apparently The Clone Wars will be resurrecting Qui Gon Jinn, master to Obi-wan Kenobi all around awesome Jedi and one of The Phantom Menaces' redeeming qualities. Albeit temporarily. And as a vision. But nevertheless! Qui Gon is back, and Liam Neeson himself will be returning to voice his original character. <br />
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<br />
<strong>First Images For X-Men First Class:</strong><br />
<br />
I'll admit, I found the X-Men movies to be dreadfully awful. The acting was atrocious, the stories were rushed, boring and childish, and nothing anyone can say or do will change my opinion.<br />
<br />
With that said, I'll give the upcoming prequel, First Class the benefit of the doubt. Here's the first two officially released images. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TTiozGUuDkI/AAAAAAAAAhM/Ux4CDVYZEFE/s1600/Magneto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TTiozGUuDkI/AAAAAAAAAhM/Ux4CDVYZEFE/s400/Magneto.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I don't care if you didn't like the movies either; if you don't know who this is, you might as well leave this site.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TTippLwT07I/AAAAAAAAAhQ/L_FjppEG4Pw/s1600/X+Men.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TTippLwT07I/AAAAAAAAAhQ/L_FjppEG4Pw/s400/X+Men.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Apparently everyone who thinks that Victoria's Secret models are 'mutated' were right.</span><br />
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<br />
<br />
<strong>Fanboy Quote: "</strong>None of you seem to understand. I'm not locked in here with you. You're locked in here with ME!" --<em>Rorscach</em>, <em><strong>Watchmen </strong></em><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<br />
<strong> </strong><strong>Fanboy DVD Pick:</strong> <br />
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<br />
O Brother, Where Art Though? <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TTirAqPEaEI/AAAAAAAAAhU/wsgf8f2HjDA/s1600/O_brother_where_art_thou_ver1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TTirAqPEaEI/AAAAAAAAAhU/wsgf8f2HjDA/s320/O_brother_where_art_thou_ver1.jpg" width="218" /></a></div><br />
Highlarity ensues when three chain-gang convicts escape a life of menial labor and become a nationwide phenomenon as the traveling band, The Soggy Bottom Boys. <br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>Completely Random: </strong><a href="http://www.booksofadam.com/2010/10/so-that-happened.html">Here it is. Enjoy.</a><br />
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<br />
And lastly, here's the start of a new segment. "<strong>Reader Questions</strong>". <br />
<br />
So without further adieu, here's the first question.<br />
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<em>"What's your all time favorite song?" </em><br />
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So there you have it. <br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Answer away in the comments below!</span></em></strong><br />
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Mine you ask? Oh, wait. You don't? Oh well... 1979 by the Smashing Pumpkins.Alex Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011016808827088633noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487603201001703253.post-29351225392122126532011-01-19T17:09:00.000-08:002011-01-19T17:19:20.640-08:00I'm Back; Once Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TTeKDHT0DAI/AAAAAAAAAg0/rsS6KmGjYIM/s1600/Sacrifice+of+Angels+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TTeKDHT0DAI/AAAAAAAAAg0/rsS6KmGjYIM/s320/Sacrifice+of+Angels+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Totally random, yet insurmountably awesome pic.</span></div><br />
Yes, I've returned. I took a nice long break from writing my blog over the holidays. Frankly, I probably won't be updating as often as I used to, ( I know I know, the whole 'life' excuse is getting old). <br />
<br />
It's a shame really. There's so much material that I'd love to follow through with. In the meantime, I'm going to try and dish out a few posts here and there before I inevitably am pulled back into the world of non-blog-writing oblivion. <br />
<br />
Oh! Before I began my extended break, I became a co-contributor to Jia's blog, <a href="http://spoilerwhore.blogspot.com/">Spoiler Whore</a>. Yes, I promised to never use vulgar language on this blog, but I'll let this one slip. :P <br />
<br />
So as I return I'll say this; it's good to be back! Reading everyone else's writings and insights, getting a laugh or two and dusting off the portion of my brain devoted to my own writing skills.Alex Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011016808827088633noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487603201001703253.post-85958474324990309212010-12-19T12:16:00.000-08:002010-12-19T12:36:04.865-08:00Fanboy Christmas: Alternative Christmas SongsAre you getting tired of listening to the same Christmas songs over and over again on the radio? Well, I'm not, but you very well may be. If that's the case, enjoy these alternative, <strong><em>Fanboy-approved</em></strong> Christmas songs!<br />
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<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HTGlUMvbhSw?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HTGlUMvbhSw?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wskT6YfVB6E?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wskT6YfVB6E?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
<br />
<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZXYffxwb6J0?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZXYffxwb6J0?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
<br />
<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/OdfdSF8MgDE?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/OdfdSF8MgDE?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
<br />
Hope your Christmas is going wonderfully! And through all the last minute holiday shopping and festivities, don't forget to remember the true nature of Christmas!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><strong><em>Oh, and FYI, yes there is a poll going on, feel free to vote. Just highlight the area were the choices would usually be. Don't ask why, frankly I haven't a clue why my blog's giving me trouble.</em></strong></span>Alex Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011016808827088633noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487603201001703253.post-13039286285102782792010-12-13T19:17:00.000-08:002010-12-13T19:20:55.988-08:00Roundup: Pirates 4 Trailer, Chuck Parody, New SegmentLo and behold the trailer for the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie; On Stranger Tides. <br />
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After watching the trailer, I'm reminded of the failure that was At World's End. However, I'll stay hopeful that this latest installment will be worthwhile. <br />
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<object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Miz0fAWC5xA?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Miz0fAWC5xA?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
<br />
For those Chuck fans out there, enjoy this MAD spoof of the ever popular spy show. Yes, it's corny, cheesy and childish, but it's the first spoof of Chuck ever made, and that alone warrants attention.<br />
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<object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_IuIgd2y5Xg?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_IuIgd2y5Xg?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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<br />
<strong>Fanboy DVD Pick: </strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TQbguKo8pQI/AAAAAAAAAgk/a2OvJNrMLoM/s1600/We+Were+Soldiers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" n4="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TQbguKo8pQI/AAAAAAAAAgk/a2OvJNrMLoM/s320/We+Were+Soldiers.jpg" width="215" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><strong>We Were Soldiers</strong>: Following the exploits of a Lieutenant General (Mel Gibson) who led the US in the first major battle of Vietnam, We Were Soldiers provides a unique look not only at the battlefield, but at life back home where the wives and families of those fighting abroad struggle to cope with the war and everything it brings about.<br />
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Here's a new segment within a segment titled, <em>'Completely Random'.</em><br />
<br />
To herald in the new mini-segment is....<a href="http://www.stumbleupon.com/su/75sI2D/courses.cs.vt.edu/~cs3604/support/Writing/writing.caveats.html">THIS! Click Here!!!You Won't Regret It!</a><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Opinions on the new Pirates movie? Sound off in the comments below!</span></em></strong>Alex Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011016808827088633noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487603201001703253.post-68319511388997876582010-12-10T09:25:00.000-08:002010-12-10T09:27:00.035-08:00Quick Movie Reviews: Despicable Me, Harry Potter & more!Once again, I'm back! Life always has a way of tearing me away from my blog, and once again, it was just at the right time. Hence I'm happy to say, that everything is right in the world of Alex.<br />
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Well, it's been quite a while since I've reviewed movies. I've been promising this latest installment for quite some time now, and finally, here it is. Enjoy and basque in its awesomeness.<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>(I went ahead and decided to split this uber-long lineup of movies into two posts, so look forward to my reviews of Toy Story, The Town, Red and Karate Kid shortly.)</em><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TQJcIoLZTuI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/mkSIzQ7wa04/s1600/The+Expendables.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TQJcIoLZTuI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/mkSIzQ7wa04/s400/The+Expendables.jpg" width="299" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<strong>The Expendables:</strong> If there's one thing that I've learned over the past couple of years of watching movies like Rocky Balboa and Rambo, it's that films directed by Sylvester Stallone are the cinematic equivalent to horse crap. The only reason that they're actually in theaters and not completely overlooked in the Sundance Festival is because his name is on it.<strong> </strong><br />
<br />
So, it goes without saying that The Expendables is an absolute train wreck. I understand that they were trying to poke fun at all the action movies that have come and gone, but everything was way too overdone! I couldn't believe anything that was going on in the movie which alienated its audience by being blatantly unrealistic, all the while still trying to take itself seriously. Frankly, Rambo was the same way. How can you say that you're making a tribute to action movies with this over-the-top ridiculousness when the last movie that you made had the same exact style, and it didn't make any excuses for itself?!? <br />
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
Even the movie's vast menagerie of famous action stars couldn't rectify the emptiness and flagrant stupidity that is The Expendables. Frankly, the acting of nearly all the "stars" was incredibly sub par and downright disappointing. <br />
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
Lastly, it shouldn't come as a surprise that once again, Stallone attempted to humanize his character, which I wouldn't totally be against if it was done in a way that resembles good storytelling in any way shape or form.<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">Rating: 3 (Vomitous)</span><strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"></span><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TOMtrROozrI/AAAAAAAAAfE/Jk2NTzBJJTc/s1600/Despicable+Me+Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TOMtrROozrI/AAAAAAAAAfE/Jk2NTzBJJTc/s1600/Despicable+Me+Poster.jpg" /></a></div></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
<strong>Despicable Me: </strong>Going into it, I didn't expect much from Despicable Me, it's a CGI children's cartoon about a comical villain, aided by a myriad of even more comical henchman, who finds himself the father of three young orphaned girls. Upon leaving the theater, my original expectations hadn't been proven unwarranted.<br />
<br />
Despicable Me is entertaining, but is completely unoriginal. Instead, it tries to use ever popular actor Steve Carrell, cast as the main title villain, to make up for what is obviously recycled material that we've seen hundreds of times in other movies. <br />
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Carrell is totally wasted in this role. He's become popular due to his acting; not <strong>voice</strong> acting. The character hardly draws from Carrell's signature, quirky, style of comedy at all, making the choice to cast Carrell ever the more pointless. <br />
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While the children will eat up the asinine antics of Carrell's 'Minions', parents and everyone above the age of 12 will find themselves rewatching a story that has been told countless times.<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">Rating: 5 (average)</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TQJd5eVF_VI/AAAAAAAAAgU/IngaO7uz1lU/s1600/The-Last-Airbender-International-Poster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TQJd5eVF_VI/AAAAAAAAAgU/IngaO7uz1lU/s400/The-Last-Airbender-International-Poster.jpg" width="270" /></a></div><br />
<strong>The Last Airbender:</strong> While staying partially true to its source material, The Last Airbender deviates away from and neglects what made its inspiration great; fun, character development and the awesome ethnic setting, but mostly fun. <br />
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Now, with that said, I really don't understand why this movie has been belittled as much as it has. Yes, it deviates from it's source in more ways than one, yes some of the actors are stiff, and yes Iroh isn't obese, but this movie really isn't that bad.<br />
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The original cartoon was fantastic (it's the only anime show that I've ever found remotely interesting), so it hurt to read what many a movie critic had to say about it. And while I really wanted to like this movie more than I do, it simply strayed too far away from everything that made the TV show great to stand outside of the immense shadow that it's descendant cast.<br />
<span style="color: #990000;">Rating: 5 (average)</span></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TQJLMiExzqI/AAAAAAAAAgM/TpQ-d_Qwzno/s1600/Deathly+Hollows.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TQJLMiExzqI/AAAAAAAAAgM/TpQ-d_Qwzno/s400/Deathly+Hollows.bmp" width="270" /></a></div><br />
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<strong>Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows: Part 1:</strong> With the action entirely taking place outside of Hogwarts, Hallows' creators had the perfect opportunity to do something very different with this latest installment. They did. Deathly Hallows Part 1 is the most unique of all the films and may in fact be my favorite film over the entire series. <br />
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The movie, like most of it's predecessors follows the plot of the novels closely and sums up the first half of the book, capturing all it's major plot points, quite accurately. The entire movie had a somber, tenebrous feel to it, and it worked wonderfully.<br />
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Hallows was one of my favorite books in the series, so to finally see the initial chase/fight sequence on the big screen was something of a Fanboy dream. I even found myself more wrapped up in the character's adventures, especially the suspense between the trio more so than when I read the book through the first time. <br />
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Despite what critics are saying about the movie's so called, cut-off ending, I couldn't disagree more. The film ended at a perfect spot, with an extreme amount of foreboding permeating the very air that you're breathing as the final scene fades to black.<br />
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Let me put it this way; everything in Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows: Part I coalesces perfectly, from character development, to staying true to the book, to the beautiful cinematography, creating one, if not <strong>the</strong>, finest installments in the Harry Potter movie franchise to date. Only one question remains, will the next and final movie be able to top it and wrap up this adventure that we've all followed for over a decade? <br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">Rating: 8 (superb)</span><br />
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<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Get ready for the 12 days of Christmas-Fanboy Style, starting December 12th!</em></strong></span><br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #990000;">Also, it was Gina from Fantasy Casting's birthday yesterday. Head on over to her blog, give her a birthday greeting, and how 'bout a follow while you're at it? You know that's what you'd want on YOUR birthday! </span></em></strong></div>Alex Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011016808827088633noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487603201001703253.post-89524559990620707072010-11-26T13:33:00.000-08:002010-11-26T13:33:59.223-08:00Updated Design!Hi everyone!<br />
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Christmas is right around the corner! I might be jumping the gun by creating a Christmas themed banner, but for some strange reason, I'm in a particularly festive mood today. <br />
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I know, I've been slacking off in my posting as of late, and I've promised numerous times to post my reviews of a lot of different movies, but once again, it seems like real life is taking up most of my time. How dare it?!?<br />
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For now, I've updated my blog design with a Christmas theme, which will most likely be modified as the holidays get closer. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TPAnsOTglFI/AAAAAAAAAf4/qKiqQMcDhsM/s1600/Charlie+Brown+Christmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TPAnsOTglFI/AAAAAAAAAf4/qKiqQMcDhsM/s1600/Charlie+Brown+Christmas.jpg" /></a></div>I'll be keeping up with everyone's blogs, but I won't get around to creating some articles of my own, movie reviews, (cough), until early December. <br />
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Until then, have a Merry Christmas!Alex Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011016808827088633noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487603201001703253.post-74562096489536933402010-11-17T19:02:00.000-08:002010-11-17T19:04:44.680-08:00Green Lantern Trailer, New The Clone Wars outfits & Serenity!Well here it is. The long awaited trailer for The Green Lantern! <br />
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<object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/8NWGl_A3b60?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/8NWGl_A3b60?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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Okay, is it just me, or does this <strong>not </strong>look good? I'll admit, I'm not a big fan of Ryan Reynolds. At all. I find him exceedingly annoying, and it looks like they're trying to sprinkle this movie with a little too much of his 'charm'. <br />
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And aren't those suits weird? I don't know. It could just be me, but my anticipation for this movie has been drastically lowered. <br />
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On the flip side, check out my fellow geek blog <a href="http://www.white-wave.com/aaha/?p=1400">Anakin and His Angel</a>, which is celebrating it's tenth anniversary this month! Congrats Jen!<br />
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<strong>The Clone Wars gets a new look:</strong><br />
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Nearly half way through it's third season, The Clone Wars will now be updating the models for it's core three characters, Anakin, Ahsoka and Obi-Wan.<br />
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Each character will be sporting a newly designed outfit, with both Obi-Wan and Anakin appearing more like they do in Revenge of the Sith and Ahsoka getting more covered up. <br />
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In addition to the new wardrobe, all three characters seemed to have a more 'aged' look. And finally, as witnessed by<a href="http://www.starwars.com/video/view/001152.html"> this awesome video</a>, Ahsoka will be using not one, but two lightsabers in the future. While retaining her original saber, she'll be putting a short lightsaber or shoto to use. <br />
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Okay, I'm drawing way too far into this aren't I? All I know is that it's a breath of fresh air seeing these new designs.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TOSUmLoYFwI/AAAAAAAAAfg/XaFU9mJaIoE/s1600/The+Clone+Wars+New+Look+Main+Cast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="208" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TOSUmLoYFwI/AAAAAAAAAfg/XaFU9mJaIoE/s400/The+Clone+Wars+New+Look+Main+Cast.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TOSS9dy0U7I/AAAAAAAAAfc/gftObn3PnLQ/s1600/The+Clone+Wars-New+Look.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TOSS9dy0U7I/AAAAAAAAAfc/gftObn3PnLQ/s400/The+Clone+Wars-New+Look.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong>Serenity Continues: </strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Serenity, the ever popular cult-classic sci-fi western is continued once again in a comic book format with the long awaited Shepherd's Tale, and also a free online comic, <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2010-11-08-serenity08_ST_N.htm">Downtime. </a></div><br />
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Besides the fact that it feels REALLY good having new Serenity material to read, there's one very interesting thing I thought that I should point out. Neither of these comics were created by Joss Whedon. In the comments for Shepherd's Tale on the Dark Horse website, it says that Joss' brother, Zack has been passed the creative torch. <br />
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As a fanboy who can dream about a future where Firefly/Serenity returns to both the little and big screens, I am currently jumping for joy. Yes, I CAN dream!<br />
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Finally, and I know that I've said this many a time lately, but I WILL be posting my reviews of multiple movies tomorrow; Toy Story 3, The Last Airbender, The Town, Despicable Me and Red.<br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #cc0000;">What are your thoughts on the Green Lantern trailer? Love it? Hate it? Sound off in the comments below!</span></em></strong>Alex Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011016808827088633noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487603201001703253.post-38818751596294284952010-11-11T09:08:00.000-08:002010-11-11T09:09:28.928-08:00Roundup: AgainThis video, courtesy of both MTV and my fellow geek blog, <a href="http://swclonewarsreviews.blogspot.com/">TCW Reviews</a>, has brought me to one conclusion, one single irrefutable fact; Savage Oppress is a monster. An extremely cool, over the top, killing machine of a monster. If you do nothing else in the day but watch this clip it will be worth it.WATCH IT!!!<br />
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<strong>Savage is a Monster: </strong><br />
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<embed allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" base="." flashvars="configParams=vid%3D596049%26uri%3Dmgid%3Auma%3Avideo%3Amtv.com%3A596049" height="319" src="http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:596049" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480"></embed><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center; width: 500px;"><a href="http://www.mtv.com/ontv/" style="color: #439cd8;" target="_blank">MTV Shows</a></div><br />
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Okay. So that was pretty cool right? Well here's another video to wet your appetite. Have I been going crazy with the videos lately? Yes. Am I likely to stop anytime in the near future? Probably not... no.<br />
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<strong>Kung Fu Panda 2 Trailer:</strong> <br />
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<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JKeRrNG51Cc?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JKeRrNG51Cc?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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Lastly, coinciding with the release of the Serenity graphic novel The Shepherd's Tale, comes a free online web comic called Downtime. While it is short, it's a great tale with a very authentic Firefly feel to it. <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/life/comics/2010-11-08-serenity08_ST_N.htm">Check it out here.</a><br />
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Alright, that's it. Again. I fully intend to create a full length post in the near future, most likely a Quick Movie Review of all of the following; The Town, The Last Airbender, The Karate Kid and Toy Story 3. I know that I've promised this before, but I assure you, I'm working on it. So stay tuned!Alex Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011016808827088633noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487603201001703253.post-34832077192822214982010-11-10T18:23:00.000-08:002010-11-10T18:23:17.761-08:00Roundup: Video-centricI didn't feel liking creating a post today, until I'd seen this. Originally, I wasn't very intrigued by the addition of Darth Maul's brother in The Clone Wars. The whole concept just seemed to be an example of how the team behind The Clone Wars was running out of story lines. In their defense, they're not, the whole thing just felt very Star Trekish. Technically speaking there's only so many new stories that can be created. <span style="font-size: xx-small;"><a href="http://memory-alpha.org/wiki/Second_Skin_(episode)">[1]</a> <a href="http://memory-alpha.org/wiki/Face_of_the_Enemy_(episode)">[2]</a></span><br />
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<div><object height="324" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://d.yimg.com/nl/ytv/site/player.swf"></param><param name="flashVars" value="shareUrl=http%3A//tv.yahoo.com/star-wars-the-clone-wars/show/38472/videos/22903025&vid=22903025&repeat=0&"></param><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed width="480" height="324" allowFullScreen="true" src="http://d.yimg.com/nl/ytv/site/player.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="shareUrl=http%3A//tv.yahoo.com/star-wars-the-clone-wars/show/38472/videos/22903025&vid=22903025&repeat=0&"></embed></object></div><br />
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You may or may not have heard of Kinect, the new supplemental gaming system to the Xbox 360. For those of you who own one, I envy you all the more; Star Wars will be making it's way to the Kinect system next year. <br />
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What is Kinect you ask? To sum it up, it's basically a camera that tracks your movements without the assistance of anything that you hold or wear, and broadcasts the image of you and your movements onto the game that you're playing. <br />
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I think. Honestly, the technology is new to me too...<br />
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<object class="ign-videoplayer" data="http://media.ign.com/ev/prod/embed.swf" height="270" id="vid_4c50d3e2aeaed848cbd104cc" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://media.ign.com/ev/prod/embed.swf" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#000000" /><param name="flashvars" value="url=http://uk.ign.com/videos/2010/06/14/kinect-star-wars-x360-e3-2010-microsoft-press-trailer"/></object><br />
<div style="width: 480px;"><a href="http://uk.ign.com/videos/2010/06/14/kinect-star-wars-x360-e3-2010-microsoft-press-trailer">More Kinect: Star Wars Videos</a></div><br />
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Lastly, and this is a must-watch, I've posted a new video in the upper right hand corner of my blog, (as if you hadn't seen that like a smack in the face when the page first loaded). The video features Brian Regan, a comedian I've discovered recently. Is it just me, or is he one of the funniest stand up comedians you've ever seen? And he's clean. I usually don't fixate on that, <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(I'll admit, Dane Cook can be funny. At times...) </span>but it's a breath of fresh air to watch someone be funny, without being overly crude or obscene. Just watch, I promise you won't regret it!<br />
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And for additional viewing pleasure, check out these other Brian Regan videos; <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89frRi8GgGA">UPS</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LBko_3wT44Q&feature=related">Serving Sizes</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxenUzZPFiQ">Stupid in School</a>, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9em-ZCddWk&feature=related">Flying</a>.Alex Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011016808827088633noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487603201001703253.post-16471230108738457232010-11-05T18:54:00.000-07:002010-11-28T05:32:11.923-08:00Music in the Media Week (cont.): Top 5 Favorite TV SoundtracksI'm trying to get back on track with my old posts since my departure. The first thing I thought that I'd tackle would be Music in the Media Week. However, I think that I'll probably stretch it out to Music in the Media Month. I simply don't like bogging down my blog with all those videos. I need words in between posts, actual words! So the five or so posts that I have lined up, in addition to my first 'Music' post from a few weeks back will make up Music in the Media <strong>Month</strong>. <br />
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Here we go with the next post.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">My Top 5 Favorite TV Soundtracks:* </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*No, Glee's not one of them. I'll say that you <strong>need </strong>to listen to each and every song! Also, the additional songs are fantastic! The only reason I didn't place them in the post itself was to conserve space. Also, each additional song is a link, so click away!</span><br />
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<strong>5. Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles:</strong><br />
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Bringing about some of the most touching and chilling music heard on television, The Sarah Connor Chronicles resonated with the hearts of many fans of good television before it's untimely cancellation. The show also managed to stay true to it's movie predecessors as is clearly evident in all three of the following songs.<br />
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Sarah Connor's Theme: Heart felt, but oozing with a sense of dread and foreshadowing that just can't be shaken off.<br />
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<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BX8PPaoYwLk?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BX8PPaoYwLk?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
Cromartie in the Hospital: A perfect example of the suspenseful music that perfectly transcended from the big to small screen.<br />
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<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XKzEZwlcH8I?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XKzEZwlcH8I?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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Opening Theme: A great theme that captured the action/adventure feel that accompanied the show.<br />
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<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/30cB-Wb_O-g?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/30cB-Wb_O-g?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
<em>Additional Listening:</em> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CC2skFNaQc&feature=related">Sampson & Delilah</a>-<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLlRraD6niM&feature=related">End Credits</a><br />
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<strong>4. Chuck: </strong><br />
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Featuring old hits by famous artists like The Talking Heads and Rush, and adding new songs from relatively unknown artists like Spoon and Franz Ferdinand, Chuck adds a great bit of variety to the monogamy that is weeknight television music.<br />
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The Underdog: Upbeat, fun and a great example of one the indie songs that Chuck features regularly.<br />
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<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yWD7HYUnR1Q?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/yWD7HYUnR1Q?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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Chuck Theme Song/ Short Skirt Long Jacket: Can I just say that this is one of the catchiest songs ever? Every Monday night I find myself whistling along with the opening montage.<br />
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<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HNKEs3UF244?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HNKEs3UF244?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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Beat the Devil's Tattoo: Another relatively unknown band who's find a welcome home on <a href="http://www.nbc.com/chuck/video/chuck-vs-the-cubic-z/1252825/">one of Chuck's latest episodes. </a><br />
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<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/gn9C1vKd7Gc?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/gn9C1vKd7Gc?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
<em>Additional Listening:</em> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4Q9zngV52U">Got Nuffin'</a>-<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1wg1DNHbNU">Once in a Lifetime</a>-<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNZru4JG_Uo">Tom Sawyer</a>-<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHh0r-1L9eI">Bite Hard</a><br />
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<strong>3. Star Wars: The Clone Wars:</strong> With a movie composer, Kevin Kiner, behind the wheels of the music composed for The Clone Wars, you'd think that a quality soundtrack would be produced. Well you would be correct in that assumption. The music created for The Clone Wars is, epic, dramatic and diverse in it's ethnicity-derived themes. But first and foremost, it's Star Wars. <br />
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Jabba's Palace: Kiner was specifically instructed by George Lucas to create a different theme for each planet visited in the show and to incorporate music from Earth's many different cultures. The first song that features this new brand of Star Wars music was the Arabic-inspired piece that accompanied multiple scenes taking place in Jabba's Palace.<br />
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<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/1JO5oVBIJqs?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/1JO5oVBIJqs?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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Battle of Christophsis: Absolutely magnificent in it that it evokes a sense of absolute epicness and relays the feeling that The Clone Wars is grand in magnitude. <br />
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<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/m0Q_Ildcx1o?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/m0Q_Ildcx1o?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
Battle of Teth: Heard during the ascension of the Tethan cliffs, this fantastic piece of work helped to set the pace for this fast paced action sequence. <br />
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<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/idf3C9JM2IE?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/idf3C9JM2IE?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
<em>Additional Listening:</em> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlFpx3af0io">Anakin vs. Dooku</a>-<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7LsiQMhOzU">Courtyard Fight</a>-<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofs6egetG6c">Jabba's Chamber Dance</a>-<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJlYc_SMlyU">Ziro's Nightclub Band</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Yes, I'm aware that all of these songs are originally from the soundtrack used for The Clone Wars feature film, but the film itself was intended for television to begin with and much of the music used in the movie is used in one way or another in the show itself.</span><br />
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<strong>2. Heroes:</strong> Do you ever get moved so much by a piece of music that you shiver? No? Just me? I've seriously embarrassed myself by putting this little tidbit about me on the world wide web? Oh well, because that's what happened to me when I first heard Fire & Regeneration. The music composed for Heroes fit with the overall theme of the show extremely well. <br />
From the feeling that you're part of something larger than life while listening to Fire & Regeneration, to the creepiness that is Sylar's Theme, Heroes' diversity and epicness set the tone perfectly for what would be one heck of show. <span style="font-size: x-small;">*cough* ...season.</span><br />
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Fire & Regeneration: This is what plays when Chuck Norris defecates. Yes, I went there.<br />
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<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/o2eQH6ICwyc?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/o2eQH6ICwyc?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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Heroes Action Theme: The title itself suitably sums up this great piece.<br />
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<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/yqcsTjs7wQ8?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/yqcsTjs7wQ8?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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Sylar's Theme: The tale of Sylar, the mass murderer of 'heroes', was certainly a disturbing one, all the while accompanied by Sylar's theme.<br />
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<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/73je2IzYTMI?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/73je2IzYTMI?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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<em>Additional Listening:</em> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LX8qYv6WGes">He's Frank</a>-<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tgcc5V9Hu3g&ob=av3n">David Bowie's Heroes</a><br />
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<strong>1. Avatar: The Last Airbender:</strong> The Last Airbender spawned some of the most intriguing and inspirational pieces of music my ears have had the fortune to be graced by. The score created for the show set the tone for the show itself with the utmost perfection. <br />
Agni Kai: This song would play every time Firebenders would engage in a mutual duel. Powerful and exhilarating.<br />
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<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KApH38PZlec?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KApH38PZlec?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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The Avatar's Love: Please forgive the poor quality, yes those are footsteps in the background. Beautiful and enchanting, 'Love' is a great example of the passionate side that the show frequented regularly. <br />
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<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/aM6OESptPLA?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/aM6OESptPLA?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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Season 3 Trailer Music: Dark, mysterious and foreboding, the music that accompanied the trailer for Avatar's final season couldn't have been more perfect.<br />
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<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CJafRYJHec0?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CJafRYJHec0?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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<em>Additional Listening:</em> <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AX744fHpEqA&p=683C0E93C1EA0769&playnext=1&index=20">Yuyen Capture Aang</a>-<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=40lWnTM7Bck&feature=related">Azula's Theme</a>-<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FioT-EA6OuU&feature=related">Dai Li Headquarters</a><br />
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Wow, that's a lot of videos. Can you tell that I ran out of ways to describe songs? Yeah...<br />
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Keep on the lookout for my next MITMM post, The Top Ten Best Trailer Scores along with my reviews of Toy Story 3, The Last Airbender, Karate Kid and The Town, which should actually have words in it. Coherent words, in paragraph form!<br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #cc0000;">What are your favorite TV soundtracks or songs? Feel free to leave links to them in the comments below.</span></em></strong>Alex Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011016808827088633noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487603201001703253.post-3081336291476710252010-11-04T09:30:00.000-07:002010-11-04T09:36:05.156-07:00Return of the FanboyGreetings awesome followers! It's been quite some time since my last post. I had just started a week-long segment regarding music in movies and television, when I suddenly dropped off the end of the earth. Hopefully, I left many of you shocked, disappointed and wanting more. Emphasis on 'hopefully'. <br />
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I suppose I <em>should</em> explain myself. Well, to put things in layman's terms. Life took over. A mixture of school, family, and a new job took precedence. I'll most likely revisit, the Music in the Media Week segment sometime soon.<br />
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Obviously, a lot of news has been coming out in the weeks since I've stopped posting. I've tried to keep track of all the cool happenings, rumors and news, but alas, by the time that I've gotten around to writing this post, I've most likely forgotten about a good deal of quality news. <br />
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Well, here's my best attempt at compiling everything that I thought was interesting. <span style="font-size: xx-small;">That I can remember...</span><br />
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<strong>Star Trek 2 Villains:</strong> Okay, so first off, and I think this is the coolest news/rumor; someone supposedly close to the production of the next Star Trek movie, the sequel to 2009's Star Trek, has revealed five different villains from the original Star Trek series, and left it up to us fans to guess who the villain will be. The choices are; <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TNLbHxGoPgI/AAAAAAAAAew/dvBnHcTq2vY/s1600/The+Talosians.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TNLbHxGoPgI/AAAAAAAAAew/dvBnHcTq2vY/s1600/The+Talosians.jpg" /></a></div> <strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Talosians </span></strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TNLbgTk-XqI/AAAAAAAAAe0/lKTMUcApBWo/s1600/Gary+Mitchell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TNLbgTk-XqI/AAAAAAAAAe0/lKTMUcApBWo/s1600/Gary+Mitchell.jpg" /></a></div> <span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><strong>Gary Mitchell</strong></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TNLbvPPVOhI/AAAAAAAAAe4/1LyGTfM-PS4/s1600/The+Horta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TNLbvPPVOhI/AAAAAAAAAe4/1LyGTfM-PS4/s1600/The+Horta.jpg" /></a></div> <strong><span style="font-size: large;">The Horta</span></strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TNLb-1L-UcI/AAAAAAAAAe8/JSGam7pHOU0/s1600/Trelane.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TNLb-1L-UcI/AAAAAAAAAe8/JSGam7pHOU0/s320/Trelane.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> <strong><span style="font-size: large;">Trelane </span></strong><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TNLcIQJtm6I/AAAAAAAAAfA/IkuT8F1grXk/s1600/Harry+Mudd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TNLcIQJtm6I/AAAAAAAAAfA/IkuT8F1grXk/s1600/Harry+Mudd.jpg" /></a></div> <strong><span style="font-size: large;">Harry Mudd</span></strong><br />
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For those of you unfamiliar with these classic villains, descriptions for each can be found <a href="http://movies.ign.com/articles/113/1130515p1.html">here.</a> Personally, I'd LOVE to see Gary Mitchell take the lead as the next villain, the only thing I could see complicating things is that in this alternate timeline, McCoy seems to have taken the role of Kirk's best friend. As for the rest of them, I think that J.J. Abrams could easily adapt any of them into a great villain. <br />
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But who's to say that McCoy can't take the role of Gary in the next movie. Now THAT would be interesting.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TNLYDwdykcI/AAAAAAAAAes/fRQvcGfbdBk/s1600/Star+Wars+Wallpaper-Freaking+Awesome!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TNLYDwdykcI/AAAAAAAAAes/fRQvcGfbdBk/s400/Star+Wars+Wallpaper-Freaking+Awesome!.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<strong>Star Wars Sequels:</strong> The Internet has been abuzz lately with the rumor that George Lucas will be creating another Star Wars trilogy, taking place after the events of Return of the Jedi. <br />
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This supposed sequel trilogy will (according to rumor) follow the exploits of characters other than the Skywalkers. The trilogy is rumored to be released after the final movie of the saga, Return of the Jedi, will be shown in 3D in 2016 or 2017. <br />
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Now, I would normally shoot this rumor down right off the bat, and wouldn't even bother posting about it; but I must say, this actually does have a certain amount of credibility to it. The original website that posted this news, IESB, has broken some of the most important Star Wars related news in the past with their 'inside source' in Lucasfilm such as Revenge of the Sith being the first PG-13 Star Wars movie.<br />
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For now, I'll contain myself and my thoughts on yet another trilogy, but I'll also be keeping a look out for any and every bit of news regarding this in the future.<br />
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<strong>Quinlan Vos in The Clone Wars: </strong>After coming off it's incredible second season, The Clone Wars' third season seems dull in comparison. Littered with stories that are bogged down by politics, uninteresting characters, and poor character development, The Clone Wars' third season has gotten off to a rough start. However, in it's defense, there are always bright spots. The first two episodes of the new season, 'Clone Cadets' and 'Arc Troopers' were breakout episodes, as was the most recent installment, 'Assassin'.<br />
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Now, The Clone Wars promises something to fans of the Star Wars Expanded Universe (novels, video games, comics). Quinlan Vos, a prominent character in tie-in novels that accompanied the prequel trilogy will be making his Clone Wars debut in one of the series' upcoming episodes. Personally, I couldn't be more excited. The only thing that could quell that excitement would be if the show's creators changed the character drastically from his portrayal in all his previous work. (That of a rouge triple-agent Jedi Master whose continuous struggle with the Dark Side puts him over the edge time and time again.) <br />
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<object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7vp5jm7aaNQ?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7vp5jm7aaNQ?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="490" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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Does he look like a triple-agent? I didn't think so! However, this could easily be explained away that this is one of the rare times when he's not deep undercover behind Separatist lines. Also, if you recognize the name, congrats. George Lucas liked the character so much that he put a mention to Quinlan in Revenge of the Sith. He even went so far as to put Quinlan's apprentice, Aayla Secura, (the scantily clad blue-skinned Jedi) in the latter two of his prequels. Okay, enough Fanboyish ranting. <br />
<strong>Movie Titles Revealed:</strong> The titles for Transformers 3 has been revealed, <em>The Darkness of the Moon</em>, as has Batman 3, <em>The Dark Knight Rises</em>. Is it just me, or do both of those sound awefully familiar? The Darkness of the Moon sounds like a Pink Floyd song, (you know which one), and the Dark Knight Rises? Seriously?!? That's all they could come up with? Wow...<br />
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Lastly and on a completely different note. Who would like to see the pumpkin I carved for Halloween this year? Well here it is anyway. Creative no? <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TNLVCRGYQ8I/AAAAAAAAAeo/Ed5G0LmevtU/s1600/Pumpkin-Best+in+the+World.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TNLVCRGYQ8I/AAAAAAAAAeo/Ed5G0LmevtU/s400/Pumpkin-Best+in+the+World.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Aaaaaahhhhhhhh, it's good to be back! <br />
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Alright. That's enough. This post is already long and disorderly enough. Thanks to everyone who still kept up with me while I was inactive. <br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong><em>Who do you want to see in the Star Trek sequel? What are your thoughts on another Star Wars trilogy? Can you contain yourself now that I'm back?!?</em></strong></span></div>Alex Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011016808827088633noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487603201001703253.post-67745029010781444312010-10-12T10:07:00.000-07:002010-10-12T10:13:27.432-07:00Music in Media Week!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TLSCGlbQXEI/AAAAAAAAAeY/9lJojoeigHg/s1600/Orchestra+Composing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="206" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TLSCGlbQXEI/AAAAAAAAAeY/9lJojoeigHg/s320/Orchestra+Composing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">This entire week, I'll be creating posts pertaining to the wonderful world of music in mediums such as movies, television and also... um.... well basically just movies and TV. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Music inspires us! It makes us sing and dance, laugh and scream, and sometimes, it brings out the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uAxG3lgRKUU">silliest</a> in us. The tone provided by music, sets the pace and ambiance for the viewers. Bottom line, music can make or break movies and television. </div>So, without further adieu, here's my first post for what I'm declaring is music week! <br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>My Top Ten Favorite Opening Theme Songs:<br />
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<strong>10. Mash:</strong> <br />
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<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/4gO7uemm6Yo?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/4gO7uemm6Yo?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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Unfortunately I couldn't find the actual opening credits, so this will have to do. Isn't it simply an uplifting song? <br />
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<strong>9. The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air:</strong><br />
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<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/hBe0VCso0qs?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/hBe0VCso0qs?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object> <br />
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It was funny the first time, and it's still funny the hundredth time. <br />
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<strong>8. Spongebob:</strong><br />
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<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/He-LBIyBUz8?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/He-LBIyBUz8?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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I couldn't help but put our spongy, aquatic friend onto the list, after all, his theme song is pretty much known by children and adults alike. Or maybe it's just the children's parents who heard it every waking day of their lives? <br />
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<strong>7. Futurama:</strong><br />
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<object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/F2wBGzCzv_E?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/F2wBGzCzv_E?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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Another cartoon, I know I know, but this one's different. It has Zoidberg in it!<br />
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6<strong>. Star Trek: The Next Generation:</strong><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><object height="385" style="clear: left; float: left;" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/XsxgcLf0TSY?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/XsxgcLf0TSY?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></div><br />
Though the middle three Star Trek series all sported fantastic opening themes, The Next Generation's was the finest by far.<br />
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<strong>5. All in the Family:</strong><br />
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<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/znrjbo9QRLk?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/znrjbo9QRLk?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object> <br />
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"And you knew where you were then!" <br />
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<strong>4. Malcolm in the Middle:</strong><br />
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<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/3IlEXetYssE?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/3IlEXetYssE?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
<br />
The theme showed just how dysfunctional the family was in a manner of 30 seconds. <br />
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<strong>3. Chuck:</strong> <br />
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<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/wWHSNplG4FE?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/wWHSNplG4FE?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
<br />
One of the catchiest theme songs, ever!<br />
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2<strong>. Firefly:</strong><br />
<br />
<object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LrAS20mNZUE?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LrAS20mNZUE?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
<br />
Should I be embarrassed to say that I can quote the lyrics off the top of my head? Nah!!!<br />
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<strong>1. Band of Brothers:</strong><br />
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<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/a23ibUHxlNY?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/a23ibUHxlNY?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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To this day, it still makes me want to cry.<br />
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<strong>Honorable Mentions:</strong><br />
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<strong>The Pacific:</strong> <br />
<br />
<object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/LrbEmTRhBAI?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/LrbEmTRhBAI?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
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Riveting, but Band of Brothers' opening takes the cake.<br />
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<strong>That 70's Show:</strong><br />
<br />
<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PpwOYiL_zRg?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PpwOYiL_zRg?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
<br />
You knew laughs were going to ensue whenever you heard this theme song.<br />
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<strong>Star Trek: Voyager:</strong> <br />
<br />
<object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/6ccYZTONpic?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/6ccYZTONpic?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
<br />
As much as I loved the Voyager theme, The Next Generation's is a classic.<br />
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<strong><em><span style="color: #cc0000;">Feel free to jump on in and create your own music inspired posts, and leave a link to it in the comments section!</span></em></strong>Alex Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011016808827088633noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487603201001703253.post-79738399895839963732010-10-05T09:11:00.000-07:002010-10-05T11:50:19.739-07:00Star Wars Blu-Rays: Deleted ScenesGeorge Lucas (the creator of Star Wars) while at Celebration V, revealed that his epic sci-fi saga would be converted to Blu-Ray. With this welcome news came a special treat for fans of the films. A scene cut from the original production of Return of the Jedi, wherein we see Luke crafting his new lightsaber as Darth Vader calls out to him through the Force. <br />
<br />
This little scene is just a taste of what we can expect from the Blu-Ray releases. Each new scene whether it barely made it into post-production or not, will be fully recreated for the release. Below is a list of deleted scenes that possibly might be added to the saga. <br />
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<strong>Episode I: The Phantom Menace:</strong> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TKX1H5mDeEI/AAAAAAAAAdU/RXT573dY_YE/s1600/Yoda-Digital+Episode+I.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TKX1H5mDeEI/AAAAAAAAAdU/RXT573dY_YE/s320/Yoda-Digital+Episode+I.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><strong><em>Digital Yoda in Episode I:</em></strong> This has been hinted at for quite some time now. During a documentary, a scene from Episode I, where Yoda is entirely digital could also be seen.<br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394;">Probability: High</span><br />
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TKX11vLsqFI/AAAAAAAAAdY/Vqcg6Uek1Es/s1600/The_Waterfall_Sequence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TKX11vLsqFI/AAAAAAAAAdY/Vqcg6Uek1Es/s320/The_Waterfall_Sequence.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><strong><em>The Waterfall Scene:</em></strong> An extended portion of the Gungan sub sequence, wherein the trio, upon reaching Naboo's capital of Theed, find themselves surfaced directly near a waterfall.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0b5394;">Probability: Medium</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TKX4A59Oo5I/AAAAAAAAAdc/6AD88SCk1yY/s1600/Farewell_to_Jira.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TKX4A59Oo5I/AAAAAAAAAdc/6AD88SCk1yY/s320/Farewell_to_Jira.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<strong><em>Probe Droid Attack:</em></strong> One of my favorite deleted scenes, the probe droid attack explains why Qui Gon and Anakin are running through the Tatooine desert prior to being attacked by Darth Maul. It also adds a nice additional farewell scene for Anakin.<br />
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Probability: Medium<br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TKtEp0Vr-hI/AAAAAAAAAds/-EoD-YR4NCc/s1600/Pylat+Bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TKtEp0Vr-hI/AAAAAAAAAds/-EoD-YR4NCc/s320/Pylat+Bird.jpg" width="258" /></a></div><strong><em>Exotic Neimodian Birds Suffocate:</em></strong> At the start of The Phantom Menace, the Jedi divert an attempted poisoning. In the original script, there are two birds who share the room with them. The poison was originally invisible, but as the birds fell to there deaths, the Jedi instantly knew that they were not welcome. I wouldn't put it past them to somehow incorporate this scene into the finished version.<br />
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Probability: Low<br />
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<strong>Episode II: Attack of the Clones:</strong><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TKtE-AbX5ZI/AAAAAAAAAdw/O0K-ET9n-fU/s1600/AOTC_droid_ship_cut_scene_0001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TKtE-AbX5ZI/AAAAAAAAAdw/O0K-ET9n-fU/s320/AOTC_droid_ship_cut_scene_0001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><em><strong>Assault on the Core Ship:</strong></em> These scenes were tremendously awesome! Coinciding with the larger arena battle scenes in Attack of the Clones, the footage was never completed, with large portions of it even lacking sound. The rough footage was released to members of Hyperspace, the official Star Wars fanclub. Yes, I'm really showing my level of fandom here.<br />
<br />
Probability: Medium<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TKtHKw2OHPI/AAAAAAAAAd0/QbhpS3Y2aWU/s1600/Padme's_Parent's_House.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TKtHKw2OHPI/AAAAAAAAAd0/QbhpS3Y2aWU/s400/Padme's_Parent's_House.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><strong><em>Padme's Family:</em></strong> Multiple extended sequences of Padme and Anakin's pre-marriage relationship were cut from the final film. One of my favorites involved Padme taking Anakin to her childhood home for dinner with her parents and sister. The scene, while a little corny, added a certain amount of realism to the duo's relationship. <br />
<br />
Probability: Medium<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TKtIBMQL_3I/AAAAAAAAAd4/DfyNlG4NjgY/s1600/Padme's_Bedroom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TKtIBMQL_3I/AAAAAAAAAd4/DfyNlG4NjgY/s400/Padme's_Bedroom.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><strong><em>Padme's Bedroom: </em></strong>After meeting Padme's family, Padme shows Anakin her bedroom. It is a quiet scene that showcases Padme's humanitarian work and a small portion of her political background through moving "holo-portraits" that adorn her walls.<br />
<br />
Probability: Low<br />
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<strong><em>Episode III: Revenge of the Sith:</em></strong> <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TKtIomGMB9I/AAAAAAAAAd8/h0K7pacA-hw/s1600/Yoda+Arrives+on+Dagobah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TKtIomGMB9I/AAAAAAAAAd8/h0K7pacA-hw/s400/Yoda+Arrives+on+Dagobah.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><strong><em>Yoda arrives on Dagobah:</em></strong> This short scene closes the story of Yoda in the prequel trilogy, allowing for his absence in Episode IV and his eventual discovery in Episode V to have a smooth transition. <br />
<br />
Probability: High<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TKtI-6YG7EI/AAAAAAAAAeA/nCxNnYIi7a4/s1600/Clone+Trooper_Jedi+Disguis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TKtI-6YG7EI/AAAAAAAAAeA/nCxNnYIi7a4/s320/Clone+Trooper_Jedi+Disguis.jpg" width="195" /></a></div><strong><em>Order 66-Clone Trooper Disguise:</em></strong> An additional scene as a part of the Order 66 sequence was cut, wherein Obi-Wan and Yoda confront a group of clones disguised as Jedi and proceed to kill the group who were laying in ambush for Jedi to return to the Temple. An extension of this scene, presumably cut for graphic nature, involved a Jedi youngling who was lured in by the disguised clones and proceeded to be killed by a blaster wielding clone firing at point blank range at the child's face.<br />
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Probability: Low <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TKtEYWmeUVI/AAAAAAAAAdo/lqltsPWH64k/s1600/Pylat+Bird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><em>Episode IV: A New Hope:</em></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TKtLYiDhSFI/AAAAAAAAAeE/5TQP6PBuPyg/s1600/Luke+and+Biggs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TKtLYiDhSFI/AAAAAAAAAeE/5TQP6PBuPyg/s320/Luke+and+Biggs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><em>Luke's Anchorhead Introduction: </em></strong>Luke's introduction was cut from both Episodes IV and VI. Though his Return of the Jedi intro has been confirmed as a new scene on the Blu-Ray release, the ever popular Anchorhead introduction has still yet to be confirmed. The scene involves Luke, gathering with his friends in an outskirt town known as Anchorhead where he tries to show the group the space battle seen overhead between Princess Leia's vessel and Darth Vader's. We also are introduced to Biggs Darklighter, Luke's best friend, making his death at the film's end all the more bitter.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Probability: Medium</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><em>Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back:</em></strong></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TKtMDXBfaAI/AAAAAAAAAeI/LdwpNVtJCRw/s1600/C-3PO+Wampa+Door.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TKtMDXBfaAI/AAAAAAAAAeI/LdwpNVtJCRw/s320/C-3PO+Wampa+Door.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><em>Fleeing Echo Base:</em></strong> A scene were upon fleeing the assault on Echo Base, Han, Leia and Threepio come a cross a door with a warning sign on it. Han ushers the trio into the door, but stops at Leia's protest, "No! That's were they keep the creatures!" (Referring to the Wampas; the same creatures that attacked Luke at the start of the film). Threepio proceeds to take off the warning sign as he follows Han and Leia further along the corridor. The Snowtroopers chasing after the trio fall for 3PO's trap and become a small snack for the creatures.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Probability: Medium</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><em>Episode VI: Return of the Jedi:</em></strong></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TKtMYXfYHdI/AAAAAAAAAeM/20tsP-mCjwU/s1600/Return+of+the+Jedi+sandstorm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TKtMYXfYHdI/AAAAAAAAAeM/20tsP-mCjwU/s400/Return+of+the+Jedi+sandstorm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><em>Extended Tatooine Departure:</em></strong> After destroying Jabba and his sail barge, the heroes reunite at the hangar bay that houses both the Falcon and Luke's X-Wing. A sandstorm engulfs the group as Han thanks Luke for saving him and Luke explains that he has to leave for Dagobah.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Probability: Medium</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TKtNKFYMP-I/AAAAAAAAAeQ/jop929s0Jrg/s1600/General+Cracken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="211" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TKtNKFYMP-I/AAAAAAAAAeQ/jop929s0Jrg/s320/General+Cracken.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><em>General Cracken and the Falcon's gunners:</em></strong> An Expanded Universe (books, comics, video games etc...) character know as General Airen Cracken was supposed to appear in Return of the Jedi as one of the gunners for the Millennium Falcon during the Battle of Endor. In addition, extra scenes involving the B-Wing pilots were originally going to appear in the 2004 special additions, but were withheld for a "future release." </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
Probability: High<br />
<br />
Hopefully, there are even more scenes that have yet to be revealed that will make it onto the Blu-Ray release, and for your viewing pleasure, here's the first scene revealed from Return of the Jedi. Watch it, if you haven't done so enough already.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/18O-Rj2MP9Q?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/18O-Rj2MP9Q?fs=1&hl=en_US&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><em><span style="color: #cc0000;">Which scenes do you want to be added to the saga and why? Feel free to comment!</span></em></strong></div>Alex Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011016808827088633noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487603201001703253.post-75027654532110994582010-10-01T18:48:00.000-07:002010-10-01T18:48:26.368-07:00Harry Potter 8, 9 & 10!<span style="font-size: xx-small;">There's no time for a picture!</span> Okay, forgive me, because at the moment, while writing this post, I'm in the process of yelling and screaming in joy and wetting my pants repeatedly! J.K. Rowling, the author of the Harry Potter series, (duh) mentioned previously today while on the Oprah Winfrey show that she may publish three more continuations to her extremely popular series of Harry Potter novels!<br />
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I can't believe this news! It's SO awesome in SO many ways! That's all I can make onto paper right now, so feel free to freak out in the comments! WOOOOOOOOOOT!!!<br />
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Here's a quote from the show, (she mentions the tenth novel in an interview with EW.com): "They're all still in my head. I could definitely write 8 or 9."--J.K. freaking Rowling.Alex Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011016808827088633noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487603201001703253.post-77247110307460469852010-09-28T19:37:00.000-07:002010-09-28T19:37:59.201-07:00Star Wars in 3D!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TKKh5atP98I/AAAAAAAAAdQ/fpZkD5FyHf0/s1600/Star+Wars+3D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TKKh5atP98I/AAAAAAAAAdQ/fpZkD5FyHf0/s320/Star+Wars+3D.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Years and years of rumors have now been confirmed! Both USA Today and the official Star Wars site have confirmed that the entire Star Wars saga, beginning with The Phantom Menace will be converted to 3D and re-released in theaters. The prospected release date is 2012. The release dates for the following five movies has yet to be revealed. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>With the earlier news of the Star Wars saga being converted to Blue Ray, and considering that the Blue Rays will feature formerly deleted scenes, as seen <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18O-Rj2MP9Q">here</a>, the question rises; will the 3D release feature the deleted scenes? <br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><strong><em>Which scene or scenes are you looking forward to seeing in 3D the most? Mine would have to be the Battle of Endor, The Battle of Geonosis and the three-way-duel between Obi-Wan, Qui Gon and Darth Maul.</em></strong> </span>Alex Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011016808827088633noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4487603201001703253.post-52032114077200737212010-09-26T19:40:00.000-07:002010-09-26T19:43:53.176-07:00Roundup: Blackwidow movie, Pick of the Week, The Hobbit, Rock Band 3<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Highlighted Song:</span></strong> I'm really looking forward to Rock Band 3, so to share my anticipation, as a part of the Highlighted Song mini-segment, I'll be sharing some of my favorite songs that are slated to appear on the upcoming threequel's track list. Let's start with one of my favorites, good 'ol Lowrider.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Quote:</span></strong> From Gangs of New York:<br />
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</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><em>Boss Tweed: The appearance of the law must be upheld, especially as it's being broken.</em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TJ_9Td0XAdI/AAAAAAAAAdE/72d5DQBkxs4/s1600/The+Incredibles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TJ_9Td0XAdI/AAAAAAAAAdE/72d5DQBkxs4/s1600/The+Incredibles.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><strong><span style="font-size: large;">Fanboy Pick of the Week:</span></strong> If there's one thing that I've learned when it comes to children's movies it's this, Pixar never disappoints. With each new film, Pixar outdoes itself, creating both visual and storytelling masterpieces that captivate both young and old. One of my favorite movies that Pixar has dished out is The Incredibles. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Taking a humorous slant on the life of retired super heroes, The Incredibles managed to perfectly parody the lives of a retired (super) couple, all the while feeling like a 50's comic book. The movie also promoted the importance of family, something we see so rarely in today's media and culture.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TKABEEpeahI/AAAAAAAAAdI/EyPbcerNzXY/s1600/The+Hobbit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TKABEEpeahI/AAAAAAAAAdI/EyPbcerNzXY/s320/The+Hobbit.jpg" width="216" /></a></div><span style="font-size: large;"><strong>News Flash: </strong></span><span style="font-size: small;">The much anticipated prequel to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbit, has once again been delayed, this time due to a change in the movie's shooting location. According to <a href="http://www.ign.com/">IGN</a>, a writer's strike originally taking place in the Australia/New Zealand area has now spread to encompass both Europe and the United States. Members of SAG, (the Screen Actor's Guild) were told not to participate in the creation of the movie due to the fact that it was not a union run project. The movement may force Peter Jackson and Warner Brothers to change the location of the movie to Eastern Europe.</span><br />
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On the other hand, here's some hopefully positive news regarding The Hobbit. It is rumored that <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0293509/">Martin Freeman</a> of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy fame will be playing Bilbo. Personally, I think there is no one more perfect for the role than Martin. Now that his name has come up, I don't think that I can envision anyone else in the role. Hopefully we'll be able to see him on the big screen sometime in the next, oh I don't know, decade or two.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TKAC9tFNnAI/AAAAAAAAAdM/7OOpoOwzbM0/s1600/Black+Widow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_lDrpPQWIjSQ/TKAC9tFNnAI/AAAAAAAAAdM/7OOpoOwzbM0/s1600/Black+Widow.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Some of you may be aware that the recent Marvel movies, i.e. Iron Man 1 and 2, The Incredible Hulk and both the upcoming Thor and Captain America, are all predecessors to an Avengers movie. But what you may not know is that Black Widow, a character first seen in Iron Man 2 and played by Scarlett Johanson will be appearing in her own Marvel movie as a follow-up to The Avengers. I'm not sure how well this will be. But I really don't know enough about the character to go into any more detail. All I know, is that she kicked some serious buttocks in Iron Man 2 and that she works for Samuel Jackson. <br />
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<strong>Stay tuned as I look back (and forward) on Harry Potter, the novels and movies of a generation!</strong>Alex Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10011016808827088633noreply@blogger.com6