The Force is Strong with This One

Earlier in the month I stumbled upon a contest being run by Ain’t It Cool News. It was a writing competition where movie geeks would re-write the duel between Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi from the end of the movie, “Revenge of the Sith”, and submit it in script format by Labor Day. Here’re the gory details: http://www.aintitcool.com/node/37975.

“…So you win a statue?”

Yes. It’s actually a Diorama of Obi-Wan and Anakin dueling from “Revenge of the Sith” produced by Sideshow Collectables. But what’s even better is that you get to write a scene from Star Wars that someone (Quint) judged to be better than George Lucas’s final draft. Now there are some geek bragging rights for ya.

Well tonight, with Mother Hen’s assistance, I just e-mailed my PDF file to Quint. I will spare you the chore of reading the entry. Rest assured if you are not a Star Wars geek, you just wouldn’t want to read it anyway. Quint (one of the reviewers from AICN) is going to have a lot of reading ahead of him these next few weeks.

Oh well, it was fun and, for the most part, it keeps me off of the streets.

I’ll let you know what happens.

The 2008 National Book Festival

How cool is this? The 2008 National Book Festival is coming to the National Mall in Washington DC on September 27th, 2008. The day will be sponsored by the Library of Congress and “about 70 different authors” will be in attendance. Please click here for the gory details: http://www.loc.gov/bookfest/. It will happen between 3rd and 7th streets from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The festival is free and open to the public.

Free? That’s my favorite price!

Although Ray Bradbury and Steven King are NOT a part of the festivities this year some other great writers are including another one of my favorites, Mr. Neil Gaiman. Jon Scieszka (The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales and The True Story of the Three Little Pigs – which are both must haves if you’ve got kids), Salman Rushdie (The Satanic Verses) and, an author that my kids would give their eye teeth to meet, Mr. R.L. Stine (the man responsible for the Goosebumps series). If you click on “Authors” it will give you a list of who is going to be there and at what times. Many of them will be signing copies of their books, if you are into that sort of thing.

Add in a bunch of geocaching, some history lessons and you’ve got yourself a great day in the nation’s capitol. I’m hoping that we can make it this year. I’d love to meet Mr. Gaiman and ask if he has intentions of writing a third in the American God’s series. The second, “Anansi Boys” was just a wonderful read.

Collect your books and have your pens at the ready; September 27th looks to be a winner. See you on the mall.

Busy Weekend

Busy, busy, busy. Much has transpired and I was nowhere near my keyboard to throw in my two cents. You see while Barack Obama chose a running mate (Joe Biden), the 2008 Olympics came to a close and the Democratic National Convention began out west in Denver Colorado; I was camping well actually we were camping, the EC-5. We were with the Youth Group from my church (see: http://www.calvaryvineland.com/) this weekend. There were about 40 or so kids and about a dozen or so of us counselor types. What an amazing group of young people at summer camp this year. Some of those young men and women are on fire in their faith in Jesus Christ and how they live it in their lives; there are some who are just getting their fires started and other’s who’s flame needed to be rekindled. That’s what this weekend was about – rekindling and becoming set apart. It was something to see.

Oh there were other things to see as well.

The games schedule was unbelievable – think Survivor, Fear Factor, and The Amazing Race mixed together for a weekend of stunts and you’d be on the right track. The kids were split into the Blue and Green teams. All competitions and points were based on how well each team performed; and oh, what wonderful performances. Hey anytime that you and five of your friends have to finish a box of cereal and a gallon of milk while using no utensils but you hands or when you have to push a Fruit Loop along twenty yards of fishing line using nothing but a straw or when you have teams chewing gum furiously to see who can make the biggest wad in a given amount of time or when the candle / soda chugging competition is underway – look out; crazy stuff but good stuff. The kids bonded as teams while we counselors took turns at judging the various competitions and relays.

The food was something to see as well. There is a smoker that shows up for these events and, as Joe (our head cook) said, “Every home should have one.” I agree. The thing could heat your home as well as smoke about a dozen turkeys at the same time. It is a converted oil tank (sans oil) with a hatch, chimney and firebox welded into its frame. Oh man… the food. The smoker does amazing things to pork loins and chicken. Amazing things. I pity the vegetarians in the group but hey, the smoker even worked for them too; have you ever had smoked macaroni and cheese?

Another thing to see were the campfires; no that’s not right… the CAMPFIRES. Yeah, that’s better. Old fences, huge split logs of seasoned pine and doors can really cause a conflagration (see picture of the doorway to hell). S’mores aplenty.

Another thing to see was the Christian Rap concert by Renewed Disciples (see: http://www.myspace.com/reneweddisciples). Bring a hand towel because it’s time to catch fire! When the concert was over my knees were sore from jumping up and down, my voice was horse from screaming out the lyrics, my ears were ringing and the smile on my face was stuck in place. These kids and musicians have a gift and they are ready willing and able to share it. Bad Wolf (the oldest of the Three Chicks) bought a CD but she’s gonna have to wrestle me for it.

Too cool.

So that was my weekend. I was exhausted and took today (Monday) off. Tomorrow it’s back to the grind but this past weekend is going to stay with yours truly. It was a whirlwind but an unforgettably wonderful one.

Peace.

LeRoi Moore

It has been said whenever a musician dies that “Heaven must have a swingin’ band.” Well, the band just got a great saxophone player. LeRoi Moore, the saxophone player from the Dave Matthews Band passed away due to complications from an ATV accident. Here is the full story from the bands web site: http://www.dmband.com/ and here is what Yahoo has to say: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080820/ap_on_en_mu/obit_leroi_moore. He was 46.

For my birthday one year I received tickets to see DMB at the Spectrum in Philadelphia. Mother Hen and schlepped over the Walt Whitman Bridge and saw the show. Bela Fleck and the Flecktones opened the show and let me just say that “electric banjo” is a lot cooler than it sounds. It was a great evening although we did feel that we (MH and I) were on the other side of the bell curve because of our age. No that’s not the right word – maturity maybe? ...No... I was right the first time.

Oh well. Such is the way of things.

Any way, there is a lot to like when you consider the Dave Matthews Band. They are a solid group of Jazz-fusion musicians who have made some beautiful and groundbreaking music together. The albums, sorry – I mean CDs, are solid. I’ve always been partial to “Under the table and Dreaming” and “Crash” but there is a lot great music to discover in their library. One of the most wonderful things about the Dave Matthews Band is how they play live; DMB is a jam band and dependent on each of its musicians to bring something to the table. Mr. Moore always delivered. He always brought something to the party. He will be missed.

My thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Moore’s friends, family at this time and the rest of DMB at this time. He was one of the founding members I hope that they continue to make beautiful music together.

Monty Python’s SPAMalot

Friends of ours called us with a half price ticket deal to go and see Monty Python’s SPAMalot over in Philly at the Academy of Music. We snapped at the chance. Due to a ticketing issue the girls sat together and I sat next to my Main Man. We quote lines from Monty Python and the Holy Grail as it is and now, seated in the theater at the Academy of Music? We giggled like schoolgirls.

I giggled and guffawed and tears welled in my eyes – if you get a chance go see Monty Python’s SPAMalot – do so. If you are a fan of any knight who says, “NEE!” or if you have ever considered the idea that coconuts might be migratory; you have to go. The troop will be in Philly until August 31st. You have until then to join the quest for the Grail!

Too much fun.

An Open Letter of Thanks to Blogger

As it turns out you may or may not have seen a You Tube Isaac Hayes video pop up a couple of times. I tried to post a single copy of the video on 8/10/08. It didn’t work out so I wrote up a quick few sentences and a link to the Yahoo article. Well, they showed up today – both of them dated, well; today. I took them down.

Blogger (the place where yours truly posts this blog) has been experiencing some growth pains. They are updating things and that’s a good thing. You might see some technical difficulties every once in a while but the folks at Blogger do a pretty amazing job of keeping the blogisphere ship afloat.

I’ve seen the hard work and commitment it takes to run such an internet endeavor and you’ve got something to be pleased with. Thanks Blogger for all the behind the scenes stuff that make it easy for common everyday folks to have a voice and a place to get what’s inside out.

Sincerely,

Evil Chicken

The Vintage Rose Tea Room

If you poke around this blog long enough you will begin to spot a pattern; there’s the movie stuff, the warped opinion stuff and the coffee stuff. I love the coffee stuff. I proudly post when I run into a great spot that I would like to share. Well today, Gentle Reader, I have found such a place – the trick is they do not serve coffee. Yeah, I know technically a blog about coffee should be about, well… coffee and while that is all well and good the Vintage Rose Tea Room is all about the tea.

I had the pleasure of visiting the Vintage Rose Tea Room today, which happened to be their 2nd anniversary. Who knew? I need to get out more and after today’s visit, Gentle Reader, so do you. The Vintage Rose Tea Room is a “Full service tea room & gift shop that serves afternoon tea & lunch.” I had the raspberry iced tea and a couple of scones with clotted cream and lemon curd. Fru fru? – you bet and unabashedly so (and a wonderful experience to boot). It’s worth your time. I’m looking forward to sharing the experience with Mother Hen and the 3 Chicks in the near future.

They are open Wednesday through Saturday from 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM and Sundays from 11:00 – 4:00. I didn’t have a reservation although I heard the ladies ask other patrons if they had them. If you were so inclined their number is 856-293-0500. You can check them out on the web here: http://www.vintagerosetearoom.com/ but the scones are better if you check them out in person.

…Oh yeah, they are also open for Millville’s 3rd Friday celebrations (which also happens to be tonight).

Maybe I’ll see you there.

Tropic Thunder

As you may or may not know, Gentle Reader, I follow movies. Usually summer blockbusters and fan boy stuff but movies and film nonetheless. Tropic Thunder has good spin. It’s had good spin for months. It’s a satirical comedy about a group of washed up Hollywood action heroes who are accidentally put into an actual war situation. Hilarity ensues. Ben Stiller directs and stars, Jack Black is involved and so is Robert Downey Jr. That’s a good cast people.

And now people are picketing the movie. Here’s what Harry from Ain’t It Cool News said on the subject; http://www.aintitcool.com/node/37873 and, low and behold, he’s got some very salient points. BTW – Harry and company do not usually shy away from language and ideals such as freedom of speech. Read the truth but be warned about the colorful metaphors that he uses to exercise said freedoms.

Mel Brooks said, “Political correctness is the death of humor.” That is a too true sort of statement. Mr. Brooks knows what he is talking about. Quite frankly I’d sooooooo much rather listen to him when it comes to funny than anyone who decides to picket a goofy satirical comedy just because the word, “retard” may or may not be used. Come on, life is entirely too short for such “controversy”. Mountainous Mole Hills are usually stacked to the heavens even when those causing the stir have NOT EVEN SEEN THE FILM! This has always amazed me and it happens on both sides of the fence – CENSORSHIP that is. Really? Yes. The pros and cons slap up picket signs and circle the wagons whenever their particular tree is shaken; see “The Last Temptation of Christ” and “The Passion of the Christ” if you don’t believe me. Both the pros and the cons were marching in front of the theaters for both these films. Both looked at the figure of Christ from different views and both were “controversial”. People picketed both of them.

…And for what? Really? For what?

If you don’t want to see a movie don’t go. Don’t support it with your hard earned dollars. But please, PLEASE don’t moan, complain or gripe about it unless you have actually SEEN the film. How myopic can you be? Hey here’s a novel idea, you don’t like the music that’s playing on the radio? Change the station. How about that TV show that got you upset about the plight of dogs in Ireland or China or wherever? Don’t watch it. Move along. There’s nothing to see here. It’s just not for you. And that’s ok – do you know why Gentle Reader? It’s because the world does not revolve around you or I for that matter. It is what it is. Oh we can do the whole ostrich thing and hide our heads in the sand but in spite of our very best efforts, the world moves on.

As tempting as Book Burning, film picketing, TV boycotts, music censorship or the whole concept of the thought police may be to you – you can not make an idea or ideal disappear just because its vehicle of deliverance is burnt, picketed or destroyed. You can’t pretend that people don’t have thoughts just because the ever-changing powers that be decide to burn them. That’s a bit fascist, no? You can burn a book but an idea? It’s just not that easy. Nor should it be.

Sermon over.

That being said I can’t wait to see Tropic Thunder at the multiplex. I hear that it is well written, acted and directed and that sounds like a winning ticket to me. The film points out the hypocrisy of Hollywood – something that is ripe to be lampooned. The movie is rated “R” so don’t bring the kiddies. It opens on 8/13/08. I’ll see you at the multiplex for this one – I’ll be the one smuggling in his Junior Mints and dodging the picketers.

The film will bring the funny; and I for one can’t wait.

“Just Talkin’ Bout Shaft!”

Isaac Hayes has passed. Here’s the story from Yahoo: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080810/ap_on_en_mu/obit_isaac_hayes_5.

He was the man who did the theme from Shaft, the A # 1 King of New York from Escape from New York and Chef from South Park.

He’ll be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time.

The Beijing Olympics

By chance did you see the opening ceremonies? Amazing. If you did not, here is the NBC link (be warned though, you’re gonna have to jump through a few hoops and advertisements before the clip shows. It is, however, worth it.): http://www.nbcolympics.com/video/share.html?videoid=0808_HD_OC_RC_CE005. Here’s what Wikipedia has to say on the subject: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_Summer_Olympics_Opening_Ceremony. Zhang Yimou pulled off something that will be hard to duplicate. Something wonderful.

I’m not a big sports guy but I do enjoy a good epic. It’s this epic that attracts me most to the Olympics. For China this is big and that’s saying something. The opening ceremonies cost about 300 million dollars and about 150,000 performers to pull off. The drummers, the jaw dropping technology and pyrotechnics, the shear spectacle was simply astonishing. I pity London in 2012 – they are going to have a hard act to follow. China’s sleeping giant has awakened.

Beijing has rocketed up my list of places to see before I keel over and assume room temperature. The Forbidden City, the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, The Great Wall of China and Tiananmen Square are all good reasons to visit the city; now add to this list the Beijing National Stadium (or “Bird’s Nest”) and you’ve got an unforgettable experience.

You know, I’ve put off hitting the lottery and applying for passports for far too long. I’m gonna get right on that.

Enjoy the Olympics!

Talkin’ Bout My Generation

(Special thanks to Wikipedia, my favorite second brain, for what you are about to read.)

The Police had a song called “Born in the Fifties” on their 1978 album Outlandos d’Amour. I loved that album and can still belt out any of the cuts, which appear therein, but something always tripped me up. It was the lyrics of the refrain of the song; “We were BORN… born in the fifties! BORN… born in the fifties!” No matter how much I wanted to identify myself with the band or as much as I loved that song I couldn’t honestly sing those words. I was not a “Baby Boomer”. Oh I could sing along with the best of ‘em but I would never be one of them.

Jack Kerouac wrote a depressing book called, “On The Road”. It is a hard read but worth the trip. This man influenced an entire generation of thinkers, writers and artists. He was from the “Silent Generation”. Kerouac coined the term, “Beat Generation”, as in, “This is one beat generation,” as he was speaking of his peers, himself and the times they were living in. Even though I was depressed with “On The Road”, the story has a way of growing on you; there is an epic quality to his both literary and geographic ramblings. As much as I’d like to call myself a “Beatnik”, I cannot.

Tom Brokaw in his 1998 book, “The Greatest Generation” argued that the soldiers who fought in World War II were among, “the greatest generation any society has produced.” He reasoned that the soldiers “fought not for the fame and recognition, but because it was the right thing to do.” Some historians criticized this concept saying that it was a slap to the side of the head for the Baby Boomers who, by the way, owe their entire existence to “The Greatest Generation”. As important to our world history as “The Greatest Generation” is there's no possible way I could stand in their ranks.

“Why is that?” you might ask. I’ll tell you why… it’s because I am “Generation X”; pure and simple. Please see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_generations to see where you fit. Because I was born in 1968 that puts me firmly into Generation X territory and as much as I’d like to sing with Sting or be on the road with Jack; they are not of my generation. I appreciate and love ‘em both but when they were at the height of their powers they were playing for another crowd. …Hey, I was 10 when Outlandos d’Amour was released.

So here’s the rundown… There’s the Lost Generation (people who came of age in the United States after WWI), the Greatest Generation (WWII), the Silent Generation (a generation born between two world wars. My father was part of the Silent Generation.), the Baby Boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964, give or take.), Generation X (1965 – 1979), Generation Y (1980 – 1986), the Echo Boom (1987 – 1990), and Generation Z (1990 – 2008). Generation Z “are the people that are born in the 1990s and will reach adulthood in the 2010s and enter the workforce around 2015-2020. This group of people are generally thought to be instant minded, as they are born in the world of digital technology and gadgets.” GZ is our future.

GZ has no idea who The Police are (or were), if Outlandos d’Amour is a decent album at all or, for that matter, what an “Album” is. Oh well, such is the way of things. We stand on the shoulders of all who have come before our time. Who knows where Generation Z’s children will take us? I’d like to be around to see whatever happens happen next.

Only time will tell.

Mayhem at Montague Manor

Tonight I had the distinct pleasure of attending the opening night performance of Mayhem at Montague Manor or 'The Mystery of Lady Utopia's
Grail' at the Calvary Chapel Playhouse in Vineland (located at 930 N. Main Rd. Vineland, NJ 08360). Check out: http://www.pwpstorytellers.com/melodrama2008.html for all the details.
Mayhem at Montague Manor is a play in three acts adeptly written and directed by Ms. Kathryn Ross and brought to life through an amazingly talented cast. These actors have trained long and hard for this production and it shows. There is a lot of love for what they are doing. The play is about three hours long with intermission and there is a "Just Desserts" dessert bar and coffee for all of your sugar and caffeine cravings - both free with paid admission.

…Try the red herring pudding.

The playbill brings you up to speed on the story thus far. "Long lost
Montague relations arrive to lay claim to the family fortune just hours
before the entire family estate is to be auctioned to the highest bidder!
They each come to take possession of the infamous Lady Utopia's Grail - the
greatest of all Montague treasures - though no one seems to know precisely
what this mysterious grail really is. It was hidden somewhere in Montague
Manor by the great Lady Utopia's herself in the hopes that a worthy heir to
the estate might seek it out someday. The new heirs are given a clue to its
whereabouts - but only the one who can solve the confounding riddles and
outwit a mysterious villain at large will win the prize. Who will be the
first to solve THE MYSTERY OF LADY UTOPIA'S GRAIL!?"

There you have it; now you are ready to boo the villains and cheer for the
heroes; which is exactly what Chicken Little and I did tonight. We had a
blast. What can I say, if you are in the area go check the Pageant Wagon
Players troop out - they are most certainly worth the detour in your
schedule. There are now three shows left; August 1 and 2nd at 7:00 PM and a
Saturday matinee at 1:30 PM. Tickets are $10.00 for Adults, $7.00 for
Senior citizens, and $5.00 for Kids under 12.

Ms. Ross and company have pulled off something special with Mayhem at Montague Manor. Great cast, great story, great night out; go see them while you can. They won't be back until next summer with, "The Villain Vaudevillian" (working title).

Wonderful stuff – I hope you enjoy them as much as we did.

Through the Looking Glass

“We’re all mad here… I’m mad, you’re mad.”

Ain’t It Cool News is reporting that Johnny Depp has signed on to play The Mad Hatter in Disney’s 3D, Tim Burton directed “Alice in Wonderland”. Check it: http://www.aintitcool.com/node/37702.

I’m grinning like a Cheshire Cat at this news. I love the pairing of Burton and Depp; the two make beautiful music together. I jumped over to the Internet Movie Data Base; which is manna from heaven for movie geeks (see: http://www.imdb.com/ and click around a while if you don’t believe me), and looked ‘em up. To date the pair have collaborated in some pretty wonderful cinema including; Edward Scissorhands, Ed Wood, Sleepy Hollow, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Corpse Bride, and Sweeny Todd: the Demon Barber of Fleet Street.

I knew that Depp had signed on to portray Barnabas Collins in the film version of “Dark Shadows” but I just saw that BURTON was attached to that too. Even though Tim Burton has been re-imagining and remaking things a bit much recently for my tastes but I still love the guy. There have been hits and there have been misses but the man has a unique vision time and time again. He makes me want to buy a movie ticket. Hearing that he and Depp are attached to Dark Shadows as well as Alice in Wonderland makes my geek heart gush.

It should be a hoot.

Thor’s Hammer

“Did you know that 5 people got struck by lightning today in New Jersey?” Mother Hen said to me last night as I was cooking dinner.

“…Really?” I said as I prepped the burgers for the grill. “That’s blog worthy.” I mean, lightning happens but to 5 people in one afternoon? That’s pretty scary.

But such lightning activity is not uncommon. See: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lightning_safety. According to this article, “Nearly 2000 people per year in the world are injured by lightning strikes. In the USA between 9-10% of those struck die, amounting to an average of 75 fatalities annually. In the United States, it is the #2 weather killer (second only to floods), killing 100 annually and injuring ten times that number. The odds of an average person living in the USA being struck by lightning in a given year is 1:700,000. Roy Sullivan has the record for being the human who has been struck by lightning the most times. Working as a park ranger, Roy was struck seven times over the course of his 35 year career. He lost a nail on his big toe, and suffered multiple injuries to the rest of his body.”

Roy’s gotta be a little nervous when the clouds gather and the rain starts falling. I think after getting hit the first time I’d be looking for some other line of work. Definitely after getting hit a second time. Maybe something in a basement somewhere or perhaps something to do with a rubber insulated room. Come to think of it, certain parties have suggested over the years that a rubber room is just what I needed. But enough about me, this is about lightening.

Wikipedia, my favorite second brain explains the phenomenon here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lightening - fascinating stuff. I didn’t know that there were so many types of lightning. There’s positive lightning, cloud-to-cloud, dry lightning, cloud-to-ground, bead lightning, ribbon lightning, staccato lightning, ground-to-cloud lightning, ball lightning, and then there’s upper-atmospheric lightning that includes things like sprites, blue jets and ELVES. Yes, Elves which stands for, Emissions of Light and Very Low Frequency Perturbations from Electromagnetic Pulse Sources. This is not to be confused with Gnome lightning which stands for Get the heck to shelter - No One is going to survive except ME because I’m in a shelter.

So what can you do to protect yourself? As per the above article, “The US National Lightning Safety Institute advises everyone to have a plan for their safety when a thunderstorm occurs and to commence it as soon as the first lightning or thunder is observed. This is important, since lightning can strike without rain actually falling. If thunder can be heard at all then there is a risk of lightning. The safest place is inside a building or a vehicle. Risk remains for up to 30 minutes after the last observed lightning or thunder. If a person is injured by lightning they do not carry an electrical charge and can be safely handled to apply First aid before emergency services arrive.” So there you have it. Get out of the water, get off the golf links, and if you can’t, get as low as possible to the ground as you can. Amongst the trees is not a good place to hide since lightning routinely discharges onto the tallest thing standing and tree shrapnel is not a good way to go.

Still, there is something hypnotic about a good storm; the raw energy surrounding you, the awesome power displayed before your eyes that reminds us that we are but a small part of a vast eco-system. I can see what the allure is to the “storm chasers”, those guys that drive towards big storms, tornados and hurricanes? They are not all crazy. There is something to that experience, something that connects them to a much larger world. That sort of thing could easily become addictive.

So when the clouds gather and the rain starts falling don’t fret, Gentle Reader, I’ve got plenty of space in my rubber room for all of us.

I Still Want To Believe

Before I get started let me just say that X-Files: I Want to Believe, is best appreciated if you are already a fan. You see, X-Files is like that old pair of running shoes you have in your closet. Sure they may be old and worn but they are comfortable and you are happy that you rediscovered them. Still you wouldn’t want to give your shoes to someone who has never worn them before; that’s just asking for trouble – and blisters too, I might add. If you are a fan you’ll enjoy what you see. If you have no idea who these people are or what they are trying to accomplish you might get a lost. It’s been about 6 years since X-Files graced TV screens and in that time a lot of people are simply not going to know who Fox and Dana are.

Fortunately for yours truly, I’m a fan; but not just me this time – Mother Hen is too! It was with a certain degree of hopefulness that we schlepped over to the multiplex last night to check out, “X-Files: I Want To Believe”. Back in the show’s heyday Mother Hen and I would make time to watch it together, in between my working shift work and her work schedule. It was a ritual. We would make tea and watch the X-Files. It was beautiful. The show switched from Friday to Sunday but we still held on and then David Duchovny, the man who so adeptly plays Fox Mulder, left the show. Now I must confess, I love Ms. Gillian Anderson (Agent Scully – a wonderful Irish name I might add) but the show suffered from Favoritus-Disappearus when that happened a lot of the chemistry went with it. After a nice run from 1993 – 2002 the show called it quits.

BUT… there was so much left to tell. No really. What about the government conspiracies? What about the aliens of all shapes and sizes? What was the deal with that oily substance that invaded the host? Just what was the final fate of Alex Krycek? Was that child really Scully and Mulder’s? What about the alien invasion of 2012? Would the fluke man ever return? Inquiring minds want to know! The original X-Files had so much to offer. It was Chris Carter (the creator, writer and sometime director) at the top of his game. X-Files: I Want to Believe feels like its joints need to be greased and some rust sanded off. I want to believe that there will be a part III because I have no doubt that Carter would bring his A game. Rumor has it part III would be one of the “Mythology Episodes” and would focus on the alien invasion scheduled to happen on December 22, 2012. Mulder and Scully staving off the end of the world? Now there’s something I’d go to the theaters for.

“So should I go see it, Evil Chicken?”

Yes. If you’re a fan it will be like slipping on those running shoes in your closet. If you are not a fan expect some blisters.

See you at the multiplex.

Goodbye, Mr. Pausch

The man lived life like he was dying. Here is CNN’s write up: http://www.cnn.com/2008/SHOWBIZ/books/07/25/obit.pausch/index.html. Here’s what my favorite second brain has to say: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randy_Pausch. Interesting man.

If you haven’t seen Professor Randy Pausch’s, “Last Lecture” on You Tube – do so. You can find it here: http://youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo. It’s about an hour and seventeen minutes long so grab a cup of coffee (or tea if you are so inclined) and watch it. Oh sure you can just do the snippets which are poignant enough but for the full picture of who the man was and the message that he spent the rest of his life getting across you’ve got to watch the whole thing.

This is not a dress rehearsal – live your life.

Godspeed, Professor.

While ALMOST Mowing the Lawn

Yesterday evening marked the 6th day in a heat wave that we have been having in the Swamps of Jersey. I believe the high was 97 degrees Fahrenheit. I would give you the Celsius measurement but I am at once both too ignorant to know it off the top of my head and too lazy to look it up on a convenient web site.

Blame it on the heat.

Oh but its out there. Growing. Why is that? Why does the grass continue to grow in this heat? Shouldn’t it just want to lay as dormant as I want to? No – grass is a real ‘go getter’. You would think that it would just burn. Wouldn’t that be great?! Oh yeah. I’d love the yard to be dead; brown and dead – dust bowl dead. Yeah, that would be nice.

Man, it’s hot.

I had such high hopes for the ivy (see: http://evilchickenscratch.blogspot.com/2008/06/while-mowing-lawn.html). The plan was simple enough; plant ivy and kill grass. The ivy would spread like a plague covering the tenacious lawn with a lush greenness that would never need to be mowed! That’s a brilliant plan. Oh yes, and the plan would have worked too, if it weren’t for those meddling kids!

No that’s not right the meddling kids had nothing to do with this one.

“When are you going to come and pick up the bucket of ivy?” my friend from work asked. “It’s starting to stink.”

“Stink?” I asked.

“Yes.” She said. “All you’ll have to do is wash it with bleach.”

“Bleach?”

“Yes. It’s right to the left after you open the gate.

“Right.” I said. “I’ll pick it up.”

And true to my word I did just that. The bucket was exactly where she said it would be and so was the smell. No, that does not do it justice, Gentle Reader. Please forgive me – allow me to rephrase the latter part of that sentence. Here we go…

SO WAS THE SMELL!

Yeah, that’s better. The five-gallon bucket reeked of dead horse intestine stewing in its own juices for about two weeks in the hot sun. I could detect horse feces somehow in the mix. Vultures would have been circling save for the fact that this was supposed to be plant life. No – this really smelled of decaying flesh. The scent of death was about it. It was some abomination of nature warping both animal and plant DNA together in some macabre poached brew plucked from some level of Hell where Satan puts his own black skid marked stained undies. Brutal.

“Bleach!” I said out loud to no one but myself. My friend and her husband were not home so I was officially talking to myself. The simple fact was that there was not enough bleach in my pantry to save what was left of the ‘ivy’. I began to hatch a plan. I couldn’t leave it here. She (my friend) had been kind enough to put the abomination in the bucket for me in the first place and she had made a request for me to pick it up from her residence – a job that I had agreed to do. There was no way that I could take it all the way to my place. I had to find a home for it… nearby. And that’s exactly what I did. I dumped out a little of the concoction so that it wouldn’t spill in the bed of my small SUV.

…Oh the stench…

I put the bucket in my trunk and drove to the woods where I introduced ‘ivy’ to the local environment. I didn’t litter – that would have been wrong. Instead I stimulated the ecosphere and reforested a bare patch in the forest.

Hideous.

I thanked my friend for her troubles, deodorized my truck and silently wished that the initial plan had come to fruition. Ah, “the best laid plans of mice and men”; this was a good one too. Now instead of ivy I’ve got a lawn full of tall, hot grass that needs mowing. Oh well, what’s a boy to do?

Maybe I’ll ask my friend for another bucket sans the horse intestine. Hey (or hay), it could work.

The Dark Knight

Stop reading this Blog if you do NOT want any spoilers – in fact stop reading this blog and head directly to a high quality digital theater with crystal clear surround sound; no – hold on a tick… go directly to your local IMAX theater for the full 70 foot tall Gotham City experience.

“Why?”

Simple answer – this film is worth it. It is the best film I’ve seen this year – not just the summer popcorn movie blitz that I usually ply you with Gentle Reader. This one is the real deal. I could gush more about the movie and bleed in four-color comic book for you but that’s all been done before; even, dare I say – believe it or not – right here at this blog.

No – let’s look at the film as just that; a film. Let’s just ignore the idea that it’s a “comic book” movie. Instead, consider approaching this film like it is a psychological crime drama with excellent characterization and an actual coherent plot. Imagine that. The film is an exploration of both the truth (and our perception or it) and individuals having limits verses individuals without them.

The Joker is devoid of anything that resembles a conscience. He is a sociopath; an agent of chaos; he has no limits and that is just the way he likes it. The Batman for all his issues at his core – his heart of hearts – he does not want to see anyone hurt the way that he was and in defending this personal code of ethics the words DO NOT MURDER are at the top of his list. The Joker has no such limit, no such internal regulation. There is a certain symbiotic nature to their relationship. The Joker sees it first. He knows that they are both damaged goods when he says, “To them (the public) you’re just a freak… Like me!” He knows the limits of the Batman and he wants to test those limits – repeatedly, and this testing includes a high body count.

Let’s discuss acting. What a cast. Christopher Nolan has assembled a wonderful cast to bring the Dark Knight to the screen. Christian Bale is the best Batman who has ever donned the body armor and cowl. Could there be a better Alfred than Michael Caine? Morgan Freeman as Lucius Fox the head of Wayne’s Enterprises and the designer of Batman’s arsenal. Maggie Gyllenhaal is Rachel Dawes this time out; last time Katie Holmes and she didn’t reprise her role this time out. Who knows why? I really dig Gyllenhaal though – good choice. Gary Oldman is Lieutenant and then Commissioner Gordon. Man, I really loved the scenes with Oldman. His Gordon is fair, hardnosed and smart – just like in the comic books. Imagine that. Aaron Eckhart as the tragic Harvey Dent (Two-Face). And then there is Heath Ledger. By now you have heard the hype concerning Heath Ledger and his last roll? BELIEVE IT. It’s bitter sweet since it is the last time that Mr. Ledger will play the role due, of course to his tragic demise. Now I love Cesar Romero and Jack Nicholson as much as the next fan boy but the Joker has now been embodied in the person of Mr. Heath Ledger. If he does not receive the posthumous Oscar nod for Best Actor the Academy Awards should be boycotted. Seriously. In an early scene in the film the Joker introduces himself to the crime bosses of Gotham City – in an instant he sets the tone for the entire film; he establishes just who the Joker is and what he is capable of doing. Unreal. Watching Ledger embody this character is unforgettable. His performance is that good. From now on it will always be his part – his role. No doubt.

“Do you wanna see a magic trick?” Go see The Dark Knight. Get a sitter if you have kids; this in not for them. It’s the definitive Batman on the big screen and it is not to be missed. Welcome the 900-pound gorilla, ladies and gentlemen. It’s worth the wait and all the Oscar nods it’s about to receive.

I’ll see you at the IMAX for that whole 70-foot Gotham City experience. It’s worth the ride.

This Town Needs a Better Viral Campaign…

...And I’m gonna give it to ‘em.

As I write this little blog entry the moments are ticking down to the 12:01 AM showing of The Dark Knight. If you were lucky enough to get a ticket God bless ya. I’m hitting the theaters tomorrow night with a group of like-minded fan boys and girls.

I can’t wait.

The spin has been unreal concerning this next installment of the Christopher Nolan Batman series. I’ve heard of a posthumous Oscar nod for Heath Ledger, as well as, best director for Nolan and even, Best Picture has been discussed.

Seriously.

Any way, I should really finish this quickly since the hours are ticking away and these: http://www.comcast.net/thedarkknightmovie/#/videos/exclusives (six “exclusive videos” won’t be so exclusive in a few hours.) There’s also a game, which can be found here: http://www.comcast.net/thedarkknightmovie/game/.

“Evil Chicken”, how can this be?”

Good question, Gentle Reader. It seems that a representative from a company called Rocket XL asked me to post here on Chicken Scratch those two links if I was going to write about The Dark Knight; in return they would send me a movie ticket.

Hey, I’m in.

I’m not sure if Rocket XL was responsible for the viral marketing campaign for The Dark Knight or not but just in case they were I asked for a job in my response back to the company. I’ll let you know if I’m switching vocations or not.

Until then, I’ll see you at the multiplex! As I’ve said before – THIS will be the 900-pound gorilla of the summer (see this: http://evilchickenscratch.blogspot.com/2008/01/evil-chickens-spring-summer-movie.html); the definitive BATMAN on the big screen – sign me up.

Memphis Minnie McCoy-Lawler – I Owe You an Apology

I recently credited one of my favorite bands, Led Zeppelin with writing the song, “When the Levee Breaks.” I was wrong. As it turns out according to http://www.songfacts.com/ (main site and most certainly worth investigating if you are a music fan), or more specifically, http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=335, “The lyrics to this song (written by Memphis Minnie in 1927) are based on The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927. African-American plantation workers were forced to work on the levee at gunpoint, piling sandbags to save the neighboring towns. Hence the lyrics, "I works on the levee, mama both night and day, I works so hard, to keep the water away." After the levee breached, blacks were not allowed to leave the area, and were forced to work in the relief and cleanup effort, living in camps with limited access to the supplies, which were coming in. Many left at the first chance since there was no work in the Delta after the destruction of all of the plantations; hence the lyrics, "Oh cryin' won't help you, prayin' won't do no good" and "I's a mean old levee, cause me to weep and moan, gonna leave my baby, and my happy home”.

Wow.

Rock, blues, and jazz – we really owe a debt to untold thousands of African American musicians. There is an article by Barry Lee Pearson at All Music that you should check out (http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:kiftxq95ld0e~T1). Of course there is always my favorite second brain too: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis_Minnie.

I’m sorry Memphis Minnie; I didn’t know. I look forward to discovering you for myself.