Time to Jump, again

Well it's October again, and that means it is once that time of year when I plan to jump out of an airplane. Last year in October, i sky jumped for the very first time. And yes, certainly I suspect it will be even more fun than it was last year. It goes down on Sunday morning at around 11:11 am. After going to seven o'clock mass of course.

Dressed to Kill Basil & Angie

The first version of Dressed to Kill starred Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes and Nigel Bruce as his trustworthy friend, Dr. Watson. They are searching for clues in enigmatic music boxes in order to find some missing currency plates. It would undermine the financial structure if these plates got out. In 1980, Brian DePalma came out with a new movie called Dressed to Kill, starring Michael Caine and Angie Dickinson. This is a very scary movie. You have been warned.

Biwa Diddy

Strange times indeed. We still have a few more tweaks before we launch the 9th annual Screamfest, but we thought we would give you something to whet your whistle. With all the recent financial turmoil, we thought we should get a little perspective, of how hard life can be for some. For instance, at the beginning scene of Hoichi the Earless, we are thrust into an ancient sea battle of Japanese clans. One gets anihilated... not graphic or anything, but sad all the same. If you go to the Hoichi page, scroll down and look closely - you will see a hidden link to a master stroke of genius from Frank Random. Yes folks, that's a crazy mixed up mix of Jose and Hoichi, soing some street biwa diddy. Hoichi the Earless is part of a 4 part film, called Kwaidan, which roughly translates as Weird Tales.

Politics, Old School

While today's annoying rancor might seem somehow new or different, a quick look at some older political films, tv and media clips give a slightly different picture. Why, ye olde school politics was just as nasty and dirty as it is today. I mean, who knew? For example, if you think the media messing in politics is something new, check out Frank Capra's Meet John Doe, starring Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck. The corrupt newspaper creates a folk hero named John Doe, and in a flash - the political parties are both looking to use this guy for their own ends. A great story and let's hope our current limbo in the divided we fall hole we find ourselves in.... ends up like a happy Frank Capra movie. Hey, one can hope. Another classic tale, Angel on My Shoulder with Paul Muni, not only has some shady political stooges - why it even has the general of the Axis of Evil, Satan himself trying to inject himself onto the political landscape. Claude Rains does a terrific job at playing Lucifer, though i doubt he is as diabolical as he would be if they ever redid this film. It is a great movie and totally worth the time and effort. Co-stars Anne Baxter too.

And if all the political yelling gets too loud, please check out presidential graft at its finest in Popeye for President. It seems the race is tied, with only one vote left - Olive Oyl. Watch Bluto and Popeye promise her everything under the sun to win her vote. Why they'd even sell out the country it seems. And sure, Popeye is running on the Spinach Party ticket, so that would make him the green candidate.

Plus, there's a lot of clips related to historical politics - with such notable characters as Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Churchill, and Hindenburg to name but a few. Just search for politic and see what comes up. (a bunch of them are also for politically incorrect... like Amos and Andy, but most are related to the world of political intrigue. Happy viewing, and don't forget to vote. Unless you are voting for the other guy.

Paul Newman Dies

Paul Newman died today, September 27,2008 at the age of 83 after a battle with cancer. He was born on January 26, 1925 in Shaker Heights, Ohio. He was known for a great combination of being handsome, with steely blue eyes - and for being a great actor who starred in countless different roles and interesting characters. He was certainly one of the best actors in Hollywood for decades.

To honor Paul Newman's life and all he added to the history of film, tv and theater, we suggest you check out Bang the Drum Slowly, with a terrific Paul Newman live tv performance as Henry Wiggin, an ace major league pitcher. It also stars Albert Salmi as catcher Bruce Pearson and George Peppard as Piney Woods. We really liked this sad baseball story and the acting and live element made it exciting to watch.

Here's a few more short video clips that either feature Paul Newman, or have his name mentioned in the text description.

My hat's off to Paul Newman. I had a great deal of admiration for him, not only as a good actor, but also for his efforts to be a good man. He was quiet about it too. Which was refreshing and gracious of Mr. Newman. May God bless you and keep you safe.

Charlotte is gas free

Today, Charlotte NC is a real mess. For some reason, i suspect a lot has to do with the recent hurricane hitting Texas, we have a very limited supply of gas. The trouble started brewing last night, when supplies were already low, and a TV station put out the word, advising folks who have a half tank, to NOT fill up. And they broadcast a list of who was still selling gas. So here we are on Thursday, and a little problem turned into a bigger one, and we have gas lines and are only allowed to buy $20 worth of gas. Premium, Plus or regular - you get what you can. It took me over an hour to finally get to my spot in line where i finally was allowed to put in $20. (and my gas light was on - yikes). Remember ye olde 1970s. OPEN, & the oil embargo? I do, seemed just like yesterday, and today was a re-run.

And with all the recent financial turmoil, we get to see who loses their cool when times get tough. Perhpas Frank Random's re-mix of Duck and Cover (called Duck and Die) will give folks the incentive to pick up a little more trash around the homestead.

Oprah at the EMMYs

At the EMMYs last night, Oprah began the ceremony by saying, "Nothing connects us quite like television." Wow. Cool Oprah, I never knew you were such a big fan of the site. We're honored and wish you the best. Don't believe me? Check out the LA Times or the New York Times. I agree Oprah -

Nothing connects us quite like television.