One-Bit Music & Other Silliness
8/31/2005
Thought I'd share a couple of funny things I discovered today.
Thing #1: Anti-Scientist Collectible Stamps! All I can say is... Fuck yeah!
Thing #2: One-Bit Music. This is similar to my idea for providing albums on machines that can non-destructively allow listeners to remix them in real time - similar because the hardware that is producing the sound is in the listener's reach - and it could probably be hacked to be a 'creation' tool as well... if one were saavy enough and desperate enough.
But in this form it looks kinda silly. And who really listens to minimalist glitch on purpose these days? I suppose I do, but I don't really count. Whatever the case, I commend Tristan Perich for having the passion and drive to take his art to such a noble personal level, and if it isn't too expensive I might just have to get one for myself!
BONUS THING!: Pathetic Display of Religious Ideology. This has to be the corniest use of intentional human stupidity I have ever seen, and I can't wait to visit these wonderful roadside attractions! And people still wonder where the enjoyment is in heckling religious extremism.
posted by Edward Svengali @ Wednesday, August 31, 2005,
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More Hilarious White House Hijinks!
8/30/2005
Heh. I love posts like this: Aid and Comfort.
I was so amazingly irate when NPR read the official statement from the American Legion a couple of weeks ago. It sounded like a public statement from the Taliban, because not in a million years could I imagine an America where peace vigils could be justifiably crushed by violence - words or deeds. "Thou shalt not have premarital sex or participate in peaceful war protests."
Suddenly I wanted to jump in the car and head down to Crawford, Texas. Its a little cliche, perhaps, but it's still a nexus for change - and that is exactly the sort of thing that works. Regardless, the looming, desperate sadness of needing another paycheck to get by reared its ugly head. And with gas prices going through the effing roof, I can't afford to be so free-spirited these days.
Here's another good post (and comment thread) I managed to stumble across today: When the Levee Breaks
It's sad and funny how the FALLOUT of bad White House decisions can polarize people. It's also quite loony how the process of 'cause and effect' doesn't seem to work the same way with rabid Bush supporters. "No. Not our saviour. He's too good to fuck up."
The weather isn't Bush's fault. But cutting funding for known issues is most definitely his fault. Taking the stance that 'they got what they deserved for living there in the first place' is just as bloodthirsty as blaming every rape victim for being vulnerable. Yes, it's a floodplain, but what the hell is modern engineering for if not to improve the quality of life on this planet?
Maybe Bush can rally support from all the fatcats that are paying less taxes these days? Pump some mega-bucks into relief. It would be a noble thing to do, and it might make him appear to be less than the monster he truly is. Unfortunately, the White House is so distracted by Bush's 'war' and the business gain Cheney's buddies are getting from holding Iraqis at gunpoint, so it's no surprise that relief will only come from the little guy once again.
posted by Edward Svengali @ Tuesday, August 30, 2005,
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REVIEW: Brothers Grimm
OK. I'm a HUGE, MASSIVE fan of Terry Gilliam. Probably one of the biggest TG fans you'll ever meet. Some of my all-time favorite movies were directed by him, and the animation he provided for Flying Circus was simply genius. I have seen every one of his movies at least half a dozen times, if not more, except for Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, which I found to be somewhat uncomfortable and awkwardly paced (and surprisingly enough, I'm not a very big fan of the late, great Gonzo reporter Hunter S. Thompson).
That said, my feeling toward The Brothers Grimm is not completely amiable. Aside from the occasional mad Frenchman and toothless old hag, I simply cannot find anything about this movie that feels like Terry Gilliam had anything to do with it. The sets are lush, but they don't feel as inspired as his earlier works, and the CGI is occasionally dodgy. I've heard that he filmed it initially without any CGI at all, and I would much rather see this version. These two things (the sets and the CGI) bring to mind Sleepy Hollow, an amazingly similar film that was equally as disappointing at first glance (though I have grown to appreciate it over the years). Both had the potential to be masterpieces, and both failed generally in all the same places.
The other thing that bothers me about this film is the lead cast. None of them seem to have any clue as to what's really going on, and their performances are all relatively passionless and flat. Also, the faux English accents (which is strange, considering they're all supposed to be German) are laughable at times.
The only saving grace for me was the last 30 minutes. they were so artfully executed that they nearly save the film. Nearly.
All in all, only the least critical of fans will appreciate this film, and only if they don't have to blow $16 of their blood sweat and tears to see it. If you must watch Brothers Grimm, wait until it's at the second-run theater - and let's hope that the time between now and Terry Gilliam's next potential masterpiece Tideland doesn't feel too horribly long!
I can't actually criticize the filmmaker for his failure to achieve his former greatness with Brothers Grimm; after all, practically every film he has made up to now is a masterpiece of quirky, neo-surrealist cinema, and nobody gets them right ALL the time. I have all the faith in the world that Tideland will be the fulfillment that all TG fans have been waiting for.
posted by Edward Svengali @ Tuesday, August 30, 2005,
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Support Red Cross
Just a little note. Red Cross really needs our help right now.
I will be donating tomorrow (payday). But if you have money, they really could use some of it.
posted by Edward Svengali @ Tuesday, August 30, 2005,
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Laura Anne
8/29/2005
Saturday night was great fun. After working on a client's web site all day, I retreated to Saffron (I'm working on their new web site, too, which should be up within the month). My intent was to relax, enjoy a cup of joe and spend some time with my wife.
Which is exactly what I did. The musicians arrived around 7:00. Shortly after, the place was hopping with strapping young lads and slender, giggling females - a mob of TU students, roughly 1/3 of which were paying customers.
The evening was filled with music from Laura Anne, a local singer/songwriter gifted with a gentle, pleasant voice and a knack for mellow, rhythmic tunes ala 10,000 Maniacs and The Sundays (with just a splash of country). Perfect for a round of speed chess and a triple-espresso breve. As my old immature poem proclaims, nothing pleases me more than a girl with a guitar, and this was no exception. Such a beautiful talent - not to be missed, and I'm sure you'll be seeing her name all over town eventually.
After Saffron, my wife and I sped over to The Battlefield for another exciting round of Munchkin! But before that, we attended a private screening of Thundercrack! (You can read my review here). Such a fantastically incapable film; I recommend it for a once-in-a-lifetime experience of gruelling torment and high weirdness (remember never to eat cucumbers or borrow wigs at Gertie Hammond's house!). But be sure and bring along painkillers, because nobody writes painful dialog like this. Woo-ey!
Next weekend I think we're going to watch Psyched by the 4D Witch. Yet another painful, wretched film (sex, perversity, psychadelia, terrible wigs and horrible, mangled dialog here we come...) ., though I'd rather see an H.G. Lewis film. We shall see.
posted by Edward Svengali @ Monday, August 29, 2005,
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Religious Extremism in America
A friend of mine pointed me to the American Taliban web page today. It's a fascinating (albeit incomplete) look at various levels of hatred, bloodthirst and hypocrisy fostered through the guise of a Christian ideology. My only wish is for documentation, because I can't really comment on specific quotations without knowing exactly where they came from.
Still, if you simply need a reason to get pissed, check it out.
posted by Edward Svengali @ Monday, August 29, 2005,
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UPDATE: Armageddon Eve!
Back in April Novachild wrote about how the Adventists were spreading thier anti-intellectual, end-times propaganda via direct-mailings for strange, anonymous rallies for 'good, Christian families' to attend.
The comments received on that particular post are strangely fulfilling. And inspiring. It's a relief to know that 1/ a few people are actually reading this journal, and that 2/ in a tiny way, we've made a little bit of a difference in the world - something we didn't really set out to do but serendipitously have become inspired by to act in new, spontaneous and courageous ways.
I am fed up with these assholes. I'm going to DO SOMETHING about all the 'lawn sign spam' they leave on every street corner that scream "Armageddon" and "END TIMES."
I'm taking them down.
I'm putting them in my trunk and I'm hauling them to the dumpster in large quantities. I'm going to look into recycling, but because this is Oklahoma I'm not holding out much hope.
These pathetic little signs are going down, man. And I hope that everybody out there who is inspired by this idea does the same thing. And if you do, I would be honored if you let me know about it. With words, with pictures. With kind, warm thoughts. And here is a little graphic that web site owners can copy, upload to their web sites and link back to my post:
Even if it's just one or two signs, it all makes a difference. If sign spam becomes a waste of money because of our actions, then perhaps they will have to find more legitimate ways to spread their hate and fear, thus putting a more recognizable face on those who would rather wish to remain anonymous? In any case, ridding the streets of such sheer stupidity is a noble effort.
posted by Edward Svengali @ Monday, August 29, 2005,
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Question Authority
8/24/2005
A dear friend of mine is moving to the UK (and I will miss her dearly). I, news junkie, read today about Government reaction to the recent bombings, and I stumbled upon this article pertaining to the deportation of 'hate preachers.'
I have a little concern with the wording in U.K. Home Secretary Charles Clarke's new criteria to deport 'extremists' 'considered to be encouraging terrorism.'
I don't support terrorism, or war, or guns, or violence. However, let it be said that this decision puts their enforcement agencies on a slippery slope. Hopefully the terminology of this decision will be debated, discussed and fleshed out with greater clarity so that free-thinking non-citizens can be more cooperative and responsive to this policy. Let it not be another Patriot Act.
My problem is with this:
.... " The list of ``unacceptable behaviors'' includes expressing views that justify, glorify or foment terrorist violence...."
Who decides? What level of anti-war or anti-foreign-policy views fit these criteria? If one is against involvement in the 'War on Terror,' does that make one a candidate for deportation? After all, one only has to do is 'foment' (agitate) terrorist violence to be included in this database. A good attorney could frame this in such a way that the most loving critic of foreign policy gets the boot. Yes, this seems irrational and extreme, but it's done all the time here in the US. Just look at Guantanamo and the ambiguous wordplay that allows it to continue thriving right under our very noses.
I'm not saying their Government shouldn't act in a way that discourages hatemongers to move and 'agitate' freely. I actually PRAISE Canada for banning Jack Chic religious tracts for their hate speech, and I often wonder why the US lets KKK members crash all the civil rights events with their hateful agitations. But they ought to be more specific as to where free speech and 'unacceptable behavior' meet. If I were a non-citizen resident, or about to be, I would be a little bit concerned.
People should never forget the value and importance of questioning authority, for it is the people that give that power to their respective authorities. ALWAYS QUESTION.
And Speaking of Authority...
Who gave Pat Robertson the right to call for assassinating world leaders? What a crazy, stupid asshole.
It's sick, pathetic power-leg-humpers like Robertson that make me shudder in disgust at the way this country - this world - has been taken over by right-wing extremists. Please, world, know that we're not all this fucking stupid.
posted by Edward Svengali @ Wednesday, August 24, 2005,
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Spot the Serial Killer
8/19/2005
Someone sent me this quis today:
Programming Language Inventor or Serial Killer?
And to top it all off, I got 9 out of 10 correct! Scary, eh?
posted by Edward Svengali @ Friday, August 19, 2005,
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Timbre' Wolf for President
Here's sumthin else I'm involved with: The Timbre' Wolf for President Campaign (official site here). I'm in some official capacity, though I don't know my title just yet. I like the idea of being the Secretary of Offense; it appeals to my sarcastic nature and could provide an official platform for shoving my heretical ideologies down the throats of world leaders. (insert evil laughter)
Of course, TWolf has a bit of a challenge running against this guy.
And to be honest, if it's a toss-up, I'll probably have to go with Christopher Walken. Friendship is one thing, but Captain Koons for President is quite another thing altogether! The first movie I ever saw him in was Brainstorm (1983). I was but a wee lad and my parents took me to the el cheapo movie theater in Charlston. It was always a thrill of my childhood to go to the movies, and this was probably the first 'serious' movie I got to see at the theater. Before that it was crap like Tron, Breakin', and Disney cartoons. And yes, I even got to see Electric Boogaloo at the cheapo theater. Woo fucking hoo!
Movies and me go way back. And 1982 was a big year for movies in my family. We got to see lots of cheese that year: Timerider, First Blood (the first and best Rambo movie - woo hoo!), Swamp Thing, E.T., Airplane II, Conan, The Dark Crystal, Death Wish 2 (a personal joy I share with my dad - we have this 'bond' with Charles Bronson revenge movies), The Elephant Man (where I learned to love David Lynch), the dreck that was Grease 2 (and I was only 8, so it was easy for me to fall in love with Michell Pfeiffer), etc. etc. That was also the year the Incredible Hulk began on television, one of my childhood treasures, and Knight Rider.
I suppose that was the year my brain started retaining memories of experiences, because I don't remember much of my life before 1982. Probably for the best, considering the clothes my mother made for me (jk!). The memory loss could be attributed to the fact that I spent so much time behind a 2-dimensional screen, either watching movies or playing on our Atari 2600. We were also one of the first homes in our neighborhood to get cable, so I got a head start with brain-frying crappy television and mind-numbing Saturday morning cartoons.
On days like this, humdrum, run-of-the-mill and nothing special days, I occasionaly indulge in drumming up distant memories. Sometimes I long for the sweetness of being naive, simple, and fascinated by everything. But then I remember how desperate I was to grow up, spending most of my childhood looking ahead instead of enjoying the youthfulness that slipped away, day by day.
Someone recently told me to 'grow up.' After weeks and weeks of mulling over what exactly this person meant, I have finally come to the conclusion that this person, no matter how good their intentions, was simply trying to tell me (in a respectable way, of course) to live up to their standards. Which, even if those standards are noble and decent and sensible, they aren't my standards. We all come from different perspectives, with different experiences, and there is something to be said about walking in someone else's shoes.
So this I say in return: appreciate others for who they are right now, and the gifts they bring, not for what you think they ought to be.
posted by Edward Svengali @ Friday, August 19, 2005,
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Mary deJuliis
8/18/2005
I was planning to write a journal entry about my feelings toward the Iraq War, Cindy Sheehan and Company. But
I am antiwar in Iraq because we were lied to about why we are in Iraq, our troops still don't have enough protective equipment, there were no weapons of mass destruction and Iraq wasn't responsible for the bombing of the World Trade Center. The first report I saw on CNN was that Marines had successfully secured 20 oil sites. It hasn't been about taking democracy to the Iraqi people. The Downing Street memos, the massive number of soldiers returning wounded and with missing limbs and more than 1,841 American soldiers' deaths, those are some of the reason's I am against the war in Iraq.In this State of corruption, greed and neo-conservatism, it's nice that a fellow Oklahoman has a loud enough voice today to land herself on the Google News page. Right at the top, too!
Also, last night several people I know attended an anti-war vigil in honor of Cindy Sheehan. It was held at Woodward Park and several local news channels arrived to cover the event. Here's an article. The actual number of attendees grew to more than 70, as mentioned by a friend who was there, which is a gentle surprise considering how pathetically pro-war most people seem to be in this city. Sadly, I wasn't aware of the event until seeing it on the 10:00 news, so I was unable to attend.
How do I feel about all of the progressive groups flocking to Camp Casey to 'show support?' Well, unlike so many others who are critical of the usual media sluts pouncing on ever opportunity to promote their organizations, I feel that this situation is different. This is happening beyond the influence of any single person or group. What is happening in Crawford, Texas is the peaceful people's voice in action. There are no guns. There is no fighting and rioting. And peace in practice is a powerful nexus for change. Sadly, I don't think that most people realize this, which is why they scoff and scorn on both sides of the fence.
In any situation, there are opportunistic hawks circling for a piece of meat. There will always be people like this, ambulance chasers, news reporters, politicians, professional protestors. They have their purpose, too. But right now, the animal is not dead, so there isn't much to feed on by carrion. At this point, only the predators can have their say. And it's lovely to find out who they are.
posted by Edward Svengali @ Thursday, August 18, 2005,
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War of the Worlds Review
8/12/2005
At the last minute, my wife and I decided to catch Spielberg's War of the Worlds at the theater last night.
Quick Summary: Good enough, tense enough, pretty enough, gritty enough, but nothing terribly outstanding or memorable (though I really do like the design of the tripods). Worth the price of admission, and I'll probably see it again when the DVD comes out.
Good Points: Tom Cruise plays the lead, a divorced single dad who lives much like other down-and-out single dads do. Messy, low-rent house, steady dead-end job. Gets the kids for the weekend - only this weekend, he ends up running from an alien extermination instead of having to suffer through reruns of Spongebob.
His acting isn't necessarily outstanding or memorable, but he provides enough conviction to keep the story going. Because this retelling relies on a certain sense of 'edgy realism,' an over-the-top performance would have seemed awkward. For instance, there is a scene where he 'snaps' after having witnessed some fairly intense carnage and destruction. He tossing a half-made peanut butter sandwich against the window. One part of me wishes he would have flipped out a bit more, because the whole movie would have been so much better without having to drag his asshole of a son around. But he just stands there, staring through the window at the darkness. As if his eyes are glazing over to shut out the fear. Nicely done.
In some ways, the mundane characterization of the lead is highly appropriate. After all, audiences are used to seeing the 'uber hero' lead in genre films, and it's a nice relief to get away from that cliche'. This guy's no hero. He's just doing what he needs to do to survive and protect his kids. Run, hide, run some more, and do what is necessary to protect loved ones (in one instance, including manslaughter). And he uses his brain a little. Not much, but a little.
Bad Points: What irritated me the most was the family arguments. It was unnecessary, pathetic, and probably more realistic than what most of the audience signed up for. If this planet is being attacked by giant tripods, I would hope that people not stoop to such pathetic displays of bickering and pettiness. Perhaps Spielberg was trying to show that maybe we at least earned the right to be slaughtered en masse?
Also, in the beginning when we first see the Tripods, none of the extras seem terribly frightened. Hardly even stunned.
Another thing: it is possible to have scenes that do not prominently feature the lead actor. In fact, some scenes would have been much more realistic had Tom Cruise not been planted dead center in the frame.
Lastly, while it was definitely in the spirit of the original novella, some of the liberties taken to 'modernize' the plot seemed less like original storytelling and more like a cheap attempt to stuff what should have been a 90-minute movie with pointless hollywood cliche'. After all, this is Spielberg, so it had better be at least 2 hours long, right?
In the end, we got our money's worth, but this ain't no classic. Somewhere between a popcorn movie and a truly outstanding film. 7 out of 10.
posted by Edward Svengali @ Friday, August 12, 2005,
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Parts Creator Sues The Island
8/10/2005
On Xmas Eve of last year, NC wrote this little journal entry:
http://journal.novachild.com/2004/12/some-novachild-ish-riffs-of-latest.html
Then, about 3-4 months later, NC received an email from the creator of Parts: The Clonus Horror. He appreciated the insight, asked for a few details regarding NC's general opinion, and laughed with NC a little.
Now, the creator of Parts: The Clonus Horror is suing Michael Bay for copyright infringement: http://scifi.com/scifiwire2005/index.php?category=0&id=31931&type=0
In some indirect way NC feels strangely responsible. And he can blame those heckling bots on MST3K for discovering the crud-fest in the first place. Neat!
posted by Edward Svengali @ Wednesday, August 10, 2005,
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Time Bomb
8/05/2005
Waiting in the dark
for a moment
to explode
to rise from the flames
of a dried up husk
to rip apart armories
of flesh and bone
to propel ambitious bullets
into sleeping hearts
to burn a white flash
in the dark
to blast minds
and bodies out
to pound the earth
alone in space
to thunder and echo
beyond peripheries of being
to awaken
and feel
the earth
tremble
posted by Edward Svengali @ Friday, August 05, 2005,
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Dear World
8/01/2005
As a U.S. Citizen - and a member of the 3rd wing of the U.S. Government (a.k.a. "The People"), I hereby proclaim that Ambassador John Bolton does not represent my Country. Instead, he represents the corrupt, self-interested wealthy barbarians that have hijacked the hands of the government. Same goes for the entire Bush Administration, as far as I'm concerned.
The Senators who represent my interests definitely do not want the bastard. We are under duress, it seems. And if Bush thinks he's getting 'partisan delaying tactics' from the Democrats, just wait until Bolton faces representatives from the rest of the world. Hopefully the other ambassadors won't confuse the face of Bolton with that of the majority of Americans who believe in common sense, liberty, and equality.
posted by Edward Svengali @ Monday, August 01, 2005,
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