Anno Domini 2009

May it be joyful and bountiful, may it find you in the company of those you love...

I have nothing better to do presents: Gabriel- Theology Vampirica

General disclosure:

If you are a Puertorrican woman in your thirties, you know about the eternal struggle. Mostly all of the Island's pop fandom is forced to choose, or walk the path carefully. Allow me to explain:

Ricky Martin__________?_________Chayanne

I've mostly chosen ?, which means that between Ricky and Chayanne I'll always choose Brad Pitt. However, when there is no in between, I'll go for San Lorenzo.

The point is I guess, even if I find him easy on the yes, I am not a Chayanne Fan, so when they told me he was going to be making a mini series, I said good. When they told me the series subject was vampires I signed in with a trembling hand.

This will be a loooong one peoples...

I went into GABRIEL with low expectations, not because of their choice of cast (although Jose Luis Rodriguez sent a bad shiver down my spine), but because of my fear of a weak script. Other than Guillermo del Toro, I haven't stumbled upon a writer that could spin a horror flick in Spanish without turning it in to a ham and cheese sandwich. It is the peril of the Spanish language. Too old, too rich; and people tend to forget that vampires are malleable creatures, chameleons of sort whose business is adapt or die. I really feared to hear what these vamps had to say. I was bracing for the 18th century brain on the streets of South Beach. I was pleasantly surprised that the dialogue was neither excessively cliched, nor ridiculously casual ( I'm still struggling with TWILIGHT, I'm sorry, it was a traumatizing experience).

Still I couldn't believe how they managed to avoid all the trappings and pit falls of the genre while sticking to a classic story. I am not being negative about the production, but I did start with doubts, so my review is kind of a photographic exposure one... bring out the light outlined by the negative.

Lots of things could have gone wrong, for example, the supernatural within itself. Not only did we have vampires, but also witches, ghosts and psychics. However, the writer took all in consideration and triangulated the three women in a sort of maiden mother and crone formation that pushed the narrative forward. One character knows the past, the other deals with the present and the third woman looks into the future with the knowledge and strenght provided by her two confidants.

Another well balanced element is that of the original source of the vampire. In this case, this being a Latin American production, they gave the old European aristocrat it's well deserved twist as vampirisim is a curse born of a land tired of being bathed in the blood of the innocent victims of "La Conquista." It also fits perfectly with the idea of an battle that can span ages, the conquistador trying to eradicate a mongrel bloodline that thrives even as the world he once believed an empire slowly collapses and dies.

And then there is the point that separates this particular series from any other, a character exploration venue that Anne Rice learned to master with subtlety and hardly no other writer dares to tackle: the theological implications of eternal life in a mortal plane. I was hit unexpectedly by a tale of redemption that managed to give good it's place without turning out to be excessively preachy.

I've always had a problem with the portrayal of the forces of good in vampire fiction, specially when it comes to spiritual matters. Good is always represented by the hunter, or the priest, the problem with these characters is that somewhere along the way, they become failing archetypes. They either loose their way or their faith, and in turn, dig their own graves.

In GABRIEL, the power of good and evil are complementary in the scale of things. They manifest themselves no more in the realm of monsters and the supernatural, than they do in our own. Vampires are just thrown into the mix, they are no greater than the best of sinners or more mystic than the best of saints. They are creatures of choice and consequence. For the first time, since Anne Rice injected this piece of cannon into the vampire mythos, someone else has the stones to flesh it out. Vampires are body, spirit and soul, just like anyone under a Western Theological Dogma. The only difference resides in their souls being infected by an unwanted (well most of the time- it's not like everybody wakes up wanting to be a bloodsucker) demonic element that inflicts both upon body and psyche. Yet, this element, although powerful, is still ultimately bound to the self and that double edge sword of a gift that is Freedom of Choice.

The theme that holds this series together is not the quest for a long lost and unretreavable humanity- subject that plagues most of the "romantic" vampire subplots- but the coming of terms with a monstrous existance, via spiritual reconciliation. It's after all a story about chances, you know those that I'm a sucker for.

All and all the character development was excellent, the story, although traditional in a sense was well developed and the resolution.... well, I am not spoiling but as in all vampire stories witha tinge of romance- it is satisfactory.

The Quote: "El destino es la excusa de los debiles"/ "Fate is an excuse for the weak" -Padre Miguel

Billy

I have written way too many sad entries on this blog. I refuse to write another.

William Velez died today. He was a wonderful human being, an excellent teacher and the best Theologian I have met. He was once pastor and always friend. Quite the Renaissance man, he was also a gifted musician, with an inclination towards Tropical Rhythms and Jazz. His sense of humor was unparalleled and his interpretation of the Gospel raised more than an eyebrow once in a while.

He taught me that one must be ever fearful, never afraid of God and although it is fun to play the cynic once in a while, it is refreshing to believe that there is a bit of good in everything.

He embraced life freely, lived it whole heartedly, confronting those who believed Christianity must be worn with a frown. His idea of stewardship was that it is our privilege as sons and daughters of God to enjoy what this place has to offer, be it art, literature, travel, good food, friends and the occasional cocktail. Our only obligation lies on paying it forward, grateful of the talents we are granted.

There were few things that shocked him and his doors were open to all: crazy mofos, starving artists, goths, gays, straights with complicated lives, people who still lived in the 70's, Austin Power Fans, even stern Pentecostals who were willing to give it a try, 30 days, free of charge :p. After all, no matter where we come from or what we do to entertain ourselves between cradle and grave, at a given point we have all been "heavy laden and full of labor" and it is up to God to give us peace, break us and make us new and better and improve our capacity to love without question.

It was amazing to cross paths with you on this journey, it'll rock to see you again when we reach our final destination.

The quote:

As I said I will remember this man with the respect he deserves and avoid tears, there is absolutely no Bible verse I can quote that he couldn't dissect better than me so I'll reach for one of his comments in between sermons. Billy used to say he was waiting for the day to get hold of the "promised transformed body, 'cause then I mold myself like a GQ Model." Enjoy the ripped abs, bro :p

Can I get a Hell, followed by a NO!!!!!!!!

The following is a reprint from Variety Magazine, but before you get to it, excuse my rant... I'll be screaming for a while, really screaming, so pardon the caps

WWWWHHHHHHYYYYYYYYYY WOULD ANYONE IN THIS FORSAKEN PLANET BELIEVE THERE IS AN URGENT NEED TO REMAKE THE CROW?

THEY TRIED TO CONTINUE THE FRANCHISE AND IT FAILED MISERABLY. BUT NOOOOOOO, ONE BLUNDER IS NOT ENOUGH.

I CAN SEE THE PITCH FOR THIS ONE...

WE ARE RUNNING OUT OF FRESH IDEAS GUYS... WHAT IS NEXT ON THE AGENDA?

DUNNO BOSS, WHATTABOUT TOSSING ACTION AND SUPERNATURAL INTO THE BLENDER. YOU KNOW SOMETHING ANGSTY THESE EMO KIDS CAN RELATE TO... WHAT ABOUT REFRYING THE CROW? THE CROW, YOU MEAN THE ONE WITH BRANDON LEE? MAYBE, I DON'T KNOW IT'S TOO VIOLENT AND TOO DARK. DON'T WORRY WE'LL WATER IT DOWN, THROW IN A LITTLE MORE CHEESE, BECAUSE YOU KNOW THAT ED CULLEN THING WORKED WONDERS FOR THE "NEO GOTHS" AND THEN WE'LL SHOOT IT DOCUMENTARY STYLE... ALA CLOVERFIELD!!!!! IT WILL FRIGGING ROCK. DON'T YOU MEAN FUCKING ROCK? HECK NO, THIS WILL BE PG-13, THIS WAY WE CAN TIE IT IN WITH BURGER KING.

SHOOT ME DEAD. I MEAN THERE ARE FEW THINGS IN MY GEEK UNIVERSE THAT I HOLD SACRED, AND THIS IS ONE OF THEM. JAMES O'BARR CREATED THE PERFECT GOTHIC TALE, A LOVE POEM WRITTEN IN VIOLENT STANZAS. ALEX PROYAS' VISION TRANSLATED IT BEAUTIFULLY TO THE SCREEN AND BRANDON LEE AND MICHAEL WINCOTT JUST DELIVERED. IT IS A STORY IN THREE ARCS THAT ENDS WITH A PICTURE OF DEATH AS THE FINAL RECONCILIATION. IT WAS NOT MEANT TO HAVE A SECOND INSTALLMENT, LET ALONE A REINTERPRETATION.

THE QUOTE:

"Quick impression for you: Caw! Caw! Bang! Fuck, I'm dead! "- HOPE THE SAME THING HAPPENS TO THIS IDEA

I'LL GO CRY NOW...

Norrington flies with 'Crow' franchise
Filmmaker to write, direct reinvention of series
By MICHAEL FLEMING

“The Crow” will fly again.
Stephen Norrington has signed on to write and direct a reinvention of “The Crow,” based on the comic created by James O’Barr.
Ryan Kavanaugh’s Relativity Media is negotiating with producer Ed Pressman to acquire the film franchise and finance the film.
Pressman produced the 1994 Alex Proyas-directed screen transfer, in which rock musician Eric Draven is murdered trying to rescue his girlfriend from thugs, and returns from the dead one year later to exact vengeance. Though the original became a gothic-style hit that grossed nearly $100 million worldwide, it is primarily remembered for a tragic accident in which star Brandon Lee was killed during filming.
For Norrington, “The Crow” deal marks the end of a long screen sabbatical. After making his breakthrough with the Marvel Comics hero “Blade,” Norrington took on a big-budget comic transfer with “The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.” Neither the director nor his star, Sean Connery, has made a film since.
Norrington said he felt demoralized by that experience, and the accomplished sculptor spent the next five years writing and working on his art. He made a deal to direct “Clash of the Titans” for Warner Bros., but left the project, he said, because he was “unable to excite Warner Bros. with my take, or influence the screenplay to any comfortable extent.” That pic goes into production early next year with Louis Leterrier at the helm.
Norrington resolved to focus on independent projects, and sparked to an approach on “The Crow” from Relativity production chief Tucker Tooley and Pressman. Norrington had a relationship with Pressman when they came close to making “Mutant Chronicles” several years ago. Both embraced Norrington’s vision of the antihero, which Norrington said will be different than the film Proyas made.
“Whereas Proyas’ original was gloriously gothic and stylized, the new movie will be realistic, hard-edged and mysterious, almost documentary-style,” Norrington told Daily Variety.
Norrington is repped by Endeavor.

Dixieland

I live in Florida, located in the Southern United States. However, after years of being the recipient of the New and the depository of the Old, Florida is no longer The South. It is too cosmopolitan, too artificial, too inviting. This is neither good nor bad, and by no means I am getting into deep rooted political discussions about whether or not the South is right or wrong in all it's idiosyncrasies. I'm just saying that living in Florida does not prepare you to face what stretches to the West as far as Texas and to the North as far as Virginia. It's a whole different ball game.

Our trip started somewhere around 5:00 AM on Thursday and it went without interruption from Wesley Chapel, Florida to Hamilton City, Georgia. It was a nice place to stop for coffee, after all it gave us a sense that our trip really started. A huge Confederate Flag waiving without a bit of shame announced our arrival to Dixieland . The coffee hit the spot as the temperature was dropping accordingly (we were going through part of the cold front that brought some snow to New Orleans that same day). Outside, impervious to the cold, a woman smokes a cigarette and talks to herself as the rain starts falling softly.

Reaching Hawpond Rd., we got the sight of cotton fields stretching for miles. The earth smells different, rich in minerals with shades of orange and brown we hardly ever see at home, where the best of the soil manages to have a touch of sand.

With some 5 hours ahead the trip divides between stretching stops, casual conversations, snacking, our enforced no cell phone policy, which dad kept breaking ( Dear Dad, the point of vacationing is leaving your job behind!!!!!) and quiet contemplation of billboards. I've always thought that bill boards speak volumes about a place and our way from Georgia to North Carolina seems to be the tightest fit of the Bible Belt.

God is in every other billboard along the road. Literally, Billboards signed by the Almighty. Sometimes He is gentle, reminding us all of John 3:16, others, He's all fury, shouting from high in big, bold, black letters that our sins will be visited upon our children.

Six cups of coffee, three stretches, four call backs, ten trivial conversations and forty billboards later, we arrived to the Smoky Mountain Tourist Center. It was cold, but bearable as the mountain range seemed to stretch into forever with the help of the mist left behind by the previous storm.

Maggie Valley proved to be quite the place to unwind, Eduardo really hit it on the head with this one. The air is crisp, the sun hides around four thirty, leaving it all enveloped in purple and soft blue until the night literally falls upon you in a matter if seconds.

We stayed at Castlewood a cozy, beautiful lodge right by Ghost Town (no kidding!!!) What can I say, the combination of people and place is hard to find anywhere else. As I said before, it only takes a little venture into the unknown to find the heart of Southern Charm and Hospitality.

As day broke, we were cheated off the promised snowfall by a sudden rise in temperature, but the ground was covered in frost and the sky clear of clouds as we made our way up to the Mountain. Had fun, even if the snow was not freshly packed, we got some pictures with white background, bonded over the several uses people of Spanish descent could give the word "creek"and let the day lazily go by before heading home again.

The South Carolina Border proved to be a Tourist Trap of Grand Design... did our best to avoid it.

Spent the night in Savannah, vowed to return, when time allows it.

On our way back home, our stop dujour was St. Augustine. We have been there before, but it was sort of a thank you note for Gramps, who was in excellent behavior through the trip. He loves the city and it's Seafood and thus, he was handsomely rewarded.

Now I'm back home, with all the responsibilities of a cell phone carrying fiend and still looking for a job. Whenever things look grim, I'll think about Dixie and how people just seem not to struggle against the tide, and yet they arrive the same way.

The quote, not really:

This trip was sponsored by "Werewolves at Cozy Creek" and "I hate you guys", which actually means I love you more than words can say.

The road to Nowhere presents... Family Vacation 2008

It happens at least once a year. Mr. Eduardo Zelaya, great soul and believer in the possibilities of the human spirit, graceful addition to our emotionally dyslexic clan via marriage to my little sissy, puts together a plan.

As it's known to all, the Road To... Interesting places is paved with good intentions and thus, in the Spirit of the Season, Eduardo has decided to carry us all to try and unwind, somewhere far, far away from Wesley Chapel. Don't get me wrong. I love my family to pieces, and I'm crazy about travel. It is the combination of both that's really worrisome.

The Santiago's are awesome for activities centered around a table, be it formal or informal dining, Monopoly, movie watching or general conversation, the brevity of the moment works some kind of magic that makes us feel better and closer to one and other. However, if you place us peas in a kettle for hours on end, it'll boil.

So far we've got

A grumpy Grandpa that has expressed his opinion in matters such as

• Psycho Killers in the Woods in South Carolina
• The excessive amount of sugary confections that come from Georgia, which he knows my father will consume in alphabetical order until there is no more
• Vampire cultists who pretend to be junkies who pretend to be voodoo kings in New Orleans
• The feeding habit of Catfish through all the Gulf Coast (don't get me started)

which will certainly guarantee at least half an hour rant about any projected destination other than Guanica, Puerto Rico.

Unfortunately Titi had to cancel us out due to illness. Her "briscas" playing antics and lively chatter will be missed.

Dad seems OK with it all, but the that's the way everything starts, until he gets all possessive about driving and such.

Mom... God bless her, she is a saint, He will have mercy on our souls just because she is there.

Lysania, pump up on the Prednisone, and get wild doing the Fast and Furious thing against the resident 84 year olds ( somewhere, somehow there is a geezer that will not be able to out walk you) and pleeeeeeease, be impressed by something!!!!

Eduardo, best of luck, since you are on the wheel in the Road to Nowhere.

Me? I'll make kick ass club sandwiches, catch up with some classics, take pics and make mental notes :p

29 hours and counting...

The quote:

"The family, that dear octopus from whose tentacles we never quite escape, nor in our innermost hearts never quite wish to." -Dodie Smith

Terminator Salvation

Hi, it's me with the Girly Girl Pick of the month. It was either this or AUSTRALIA, but I find the idea of Nicole Kidman sporting a rifle so... unlady like.
Anyway, I've always been a fan of the Terminator Saga, even if I must confess I saw RISE OF THE MACHINES only once and I rather keep it like that in order to avoid the destruction of any false cherished memory.
I'm looking forward to this one with the same amount of anticipation and dread. I've just noticed that the only hard core
Sci-Fi movie franchise that has successfully avoided the traps of "time travel" is about to take a plunge into the most feared of plot devices : the alternative future. It looks good, but still this is one of those make it or break it things. In the mean time Christian Bale!!!!! yyeeeeeeaaaaahhh

I had to copy it from Ms. Lightshadow

Her blog is cooler than mine. She also knows how to do the trick that allows you to try the link right off the page, if you are reading me, you'll have to click it.

Anyhoo, went about her blog and found this link.... that will analyze your typing and tell give you new insights to add to your long list of psychological ailments.

http://www.typealyzer.com/index.php?lang=en

In summary:

• I am an artist (woohooo ?)
• Who worries a lot and people often try to take me for a sucker (I'm not fighting that one either)

The complaisant side of me says : "Good that I'm not doing artsy things right now because something tells me that I would go through the Starvation Road. May be that's it, darn it, there is an anemic writer in me waiting to come out!"

The compromised, Literature lover on the other hand, is scolding me for being a coward. Seriously, I have the utmost respect for people who are willing to what it takes to pursue their dream, maybe it's time for me to take that risk and stop taking it lightly.

The quote is what it really said (they left out the excessive drama aspect of it all)


"ISFP - The Artists
The gentle and compassionate type. They are especially attuned their inner values and what other people need. They are not friends of many words and tend to take the worries of the world on their shoulders. They tend to follow the path of least resistance and have to look out not to be taken advantage of.

They often prefer working quietly, behind the scene as a part of a team. They tend to value their friends and family above what they do for a living. "

TWILIGHT.... no words can describe

So many people are putting down this movie that I find it excessive to give my two cents.

Let's put it this way, if you like VAMPIRES in your VAMPIRE movies, then this is not your cup of tea.

However, if you like pale kids with emotional problems and control issues who happen to have a knack for deer blood and Glitter, then indulge!!!!!

I would write something coherent about the message of misinterpreted traditional values and the perpetual damsel in distress= tragic heroine= female incapable of self reliance= good girl by all means, but I am too depressed.

Did I mention they sorta become glittery when they are exposed to sunlight... MY EYES, MY EYES!!!!!

Thanksgiving 2008

The odds are definitely against it. I can mention at least 5 events on this past week alone that guarantee this is not the best year ever.

Nevertheless, I wouldn't be me and I'm bound to fail God and myself if I can't find something to be grateful for.

One year ago I was in Italy spending time and money because I could. Today I'm fixing a sweet potato casserole on a budget. The fact that Kendra woke up early to go shopping and take notes on my kick-ass rolled oats strudel topping and stayed to make it all with me is good enough to be thankful.

I had a loss in my family exactly a week ago. It has not been easy. Nevertheless, the chance to open up a box and look over old pictures surrounded by people we love and breaking out in laughter between quiet periods of reflection is enough to start healing.

I'm thankful for friends who are always there, even if I disconnect for longer periods that allowed by standard friendships. I'm grateful that they get me and once I call back, after 5 seconds of a lame excuse for my negligence, they are kind and gracious enough to keep it rolling.

I have a family worth looking towards heaven for, crazy as we might be. I'm grateful that we all get one and other- sharp edge puzzle that we are.

I'm grateful for faith itself, because it will see me through and for the fact that God has everlasting love and a great sense of humor and has never, ever failed, even if I do once in a while.

I guess I've covered it all, to all of you reading, have a wonderful Thanksgiving, surrounded by family and all kinds of good stuff comprising of complex, delicious and sweet carbohydrates. Atkins can wait, South Beach will always be there, those guys from the Weight will be Watching the day after tomorrow... give a chance to food and love and fun and life will take care of itself.

The quote:

"Some people complain because God put thorns on roses, while others praise Him for putting roses among thorns." Anonymous

I read your name on the paper today

I read your name on the paper today, it was attached to a summary statistic: Male, 28 years old, murdered. It didn't quite process at first, after all, these things just don't happen everyday, not to us.

It was a strange feeling, being granted the ability to detach myself from it all as I read. I was a stranger, reading a piece on the paper, going over details of yet another violent case in an Island that seemed distant. However, it started pulling me in. The name and the stats were not only familiar- they were mine, ours. It all became an unwelcome feeling as I realized that hundreds of people grazed through the pages of the paper today, reading your name giving it no more than a passing thought. Your name, your 28 years, the circumstances of your death were wiped away for a second to hundreds of memories that are unique. For the love of all that's holy, I was there when you were born.

Male, 28 years, murdered. A little boy with a bright smile and beautiful blond hair runs through the garden and hands Lysania a small wild flower. An eight year old tags along with his dad, because the day is way too long and there are things to do, business to attend and then maybe later, a chance to catch up with the cousins at Mama Elisa's, and boy are you planning to have fun. A young man way too thin for his frame who against all odds manages to throw our way a smile that is sincere and warm waves goodbye before speeding away in his bike. We loved you, we couldn't help it.

Today I mourn your death and it's been all stages. I was mad for a while, really, really pissed as I struggled to contain my mother's tears and then inevitably, I gave way to some of my own.

I will celebrate what is worth celebrating because we are beyond if, what or why. I will celebrate the boy you were, and the man you might have been. If anything John, I'll do my best.

You'll always be remembered cousin.

Veteran's Weekend 2008

In my lifetime, I’ve seen many. I was not aware of them as they came from Vietnam, since I was barely starting to scream and kick my way into this world, but as I grew up, I knew all about them. They were a weird bunch, some of them too quiet for comfort, others not quite. They hardly spoke about IT, and when they did- strange enough- they didn’t regret it. Don’t get me wrong, some of them were bitter, obsessed, angry with a country that did not get it. They might have frowned upon the circumstances, but none of them to whom I spoke to would have done differently. They fought their way through hell and madness for their buddies. Looking back on it, they made me redefine friendship.

As a little girl I over heard my grandparents talking about it. It was everywhere, from the Philippines to the heart of Europe. It was a war that was justified and uncontested in it’s righteousness. They served aboard ships and as foot soldiers and established the United States of America as a beacon among nations. They did it because it was in their hands- the hands of brave men who walked into harm’s way, not only for their country, but for all countries. Those men who took the step achieved their goal, destroying the enemy and shaping the world as we now know it. Besides being eternally grateful and looking back on it, they made me redefine courage.

I was 17 years old when my father told me it was his duty to leave. The Gulf was a short war, perhaps one of the shortest and just when we thought it was time to return, he stayed. He served for a whole year because no matter if people try to convince you otherwise, there is compassion and duty and honor and all the best is brought forward when the last shot is fired. My father served and then stayed with the Army Corps of Engineers, not only because it was required, but because it was the right thing to do. Sometimes the idea of winning hearts and minds is not a cynical political statement, is a exercise of humanity. That is what keeps you going, even if you miss the comfort and the warmth of home. Looking back on it, my dad made me redefine compromise.

On September 11, 2001, as I came out of the initial shock, the first word to escape my mouth was "mercy"... and in a moment of pure selfishness I thought "Thank you, thank you dear Lord, dad is not active anymore". However, I still saw them leave- friends, family, complete strangers. They signed their lives into Afghanistan and Iraq to fight a war as we have never seen. As I see them come back and hear their stories, it strikes me how similar they are to those before them. Those who return are blessed with their lives and afflicted by that they leave behind. However, they keep going back as we wait for a final safe return. In all honesty, they have it all against them. Most outlets savor every opportunity to point out the strategic failures, the collateral damage and the ill intents. And yet they keep going back, doing their thing, keeping us safe, earning the right to be a US Veteran, because they don’t do it for themselves, they don’t do it for 15 minutes of cable news fame. They do it for duty, for country, they do it for the guy standing beside them and they do it for us, so we don’t have to go through what they have to. Looking back on it this ongoing generation of veterans it made me redefine pride.

Thank you.

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

PS- Courtesy of the Litte History Corner: I did not forget the "Forgotten War" (Korea) it is just that this is sorta like a chronological essay that relates my connection to family veterans and none of my guys ever went there. Nevertheless, if some one gives you a a tiny flower at a supermarket this weekend and tells you to remember, dust off your history books, they did their part, fighting the "commies" when they were really scary....

Historic Indeed...

Congratulations are in order for Barack Obama.

In what has been a record turn out, Senator Obama has been elected the 44th President of the United States and the first African American to hold the Office. It all has the appeal of Sense of Destiny.

As you know I am part of the more than 20 million who voted against him on this election. It was my right, and I don't regret it. After all, I voted just like Martin Luther King told me to, not by color of skin, but by content of character. I swear I wanted to like him enough to vote for him. I must admit that I rode the Obama wagon for a while, after all I've crossed lines before (The world knows I love me some Bill Clinton). It took me a lot of discipline not to be swayed by the speeches and carried away by the rhetoric. Most of all it took a lot of to cast a ballot "against history." As part of a minority, I've longed for this "first" forever, but it was not enough.

As celebration unfolds as it is expected, I reexamine my position to see if there is something I could have done differently and find myself saying absolutely nothing.

This is not the lonely rant of a bitter American who clings to her gun and her Bible . It is a plea to the new man in charge, please, please, prove me wrong. Nothing would make me happier.

Mr. Obama, the majority of the United States of America, in their wisdom is putting in your hands the biggest economic debacle since the Great Depression. Don't feed me the idea that you will try to solve it by sheer will power and magic... Prove me wrong and make people accountable, because it is not only W.'s war expenses or the fat cats in Wall Street, it is also the people that were meant to look out for our interests, people that we empowered and trusted to look out for us. Don't just slap them in the wrist CUT THEM DOWN AND MAKE THEM PAY; even if some of them turn out to be from your own party. That will be a heck of a start. While at it, be upfront about the repercussions the 700 billion will have on your original plan for this Country, tell me the new measure, so we can hold our ground.

As far as MY issues go, don't worry I'm not that hard to please.

You may do as you see fit with the situation in Iraq, after all, you will be the President. But please, take care of the troops. You are about to be Commander in Chief of the same people you said went overseas to air-raid villages and kill civilians. As a person who is closely linked to the US Army, I found that statement deeply disturbing. In fact it was the one statement that guaranteed the total loss of my sympathy for you in this race. Call me out, make me wrong and give them their place. Supply for them while they are still in harm's way and bring them safely home. After all, unlike many of us who can still say hell no to you or your policies, these men and women are subject to you. They have freely sworn to bleed and die upon your command. Don't forget it, until the last one of them is safely back home.

Allow me to remind you that there are countries other than Venezuela and Cuba. In fact there is a whole bunch of countries collectively known as Latin America. Extend your hand in partnership, please don't forget Colombia- a lot of issues, including a possible economic and political debacle depends upon the Free Trade Pact you have carefully avoided discussing. As far as illegal immigration goes, leave out the drama. The idea of families separated breaks our heart, however handing out pretty driving licenses to illegal immigrants or chewing on the same recycled ideas will solve nothing. I know there are a lot of things on your agenda, however in honor of those Latinos who could vote and did right by you in states like Florida and New Mexico, bring the start of the comprehensive reform within the first 100 days of your administration. My bet is it won't even be brought to mind, I beg of you, make me wrong.

I love my knish with a lot of mustard, my corned beef sandwiches in rye bread and my prayers facing Jerusalem. Hell, I am a strange breed of wacky Puertorrican Zionist. Sue me. Please, reconsider your idea about Iran being a tiny country that poses no threat. Look, I am not going the the extreme that other people went on this campaign, questioning your commitment to Israel. I'm just saying that a threat as palpable as that of Ajmadenijad is not to be taken lightly. While you are at it, and since the stance of Israel in teh Middle East is so linked to America, take in consideration that whole business of no preconditions. I really hope you could prove me wrong, but the odds are against you. You know it well, you have said so yourself, Ajmadenijad is not the true leader of Iran, it is the Ayatollah Khamenei, the same man who a couple of weeks ago expressed deep hatred for America based not on political grounds, but in religious philosophy. To sit down with these bozos without preconditions is to open the door for a public humiliation of every principle the United States stands for, based on the silly premise of their concept God being better than ours.

I've had my say. Does this mean that through this next four years I'll turn into an ultraconservative, sore looser, solely Fox News watching, Rabid Bible Thumping, NRA carding Obama hatin' gal? Not at all. If something we have learned of this campaign, is that the things that define us as a country are bigger and better than the things that we pride as individuals. Country First is more than a slogan to me, I'm here to do my part. After all, hating the player is divisive and amounts to nothing. I'll do as I always do once the last vote is counted. I'll stand at the center - good moderate girl that I am- and scream only as needed.

Please, Mr. O., do right by us all proving me wrong. Win me over. I guess it won't be difficult. You have been granted all, having the House, the Senate and the Judges on your side of the court!!!!!

God bless you and Good night.

PS: Props and love to McCain, it was an honorable retreat, my friend :p

It's almost Halloween...

I am kind of coming down with something- again- and I'm afraid I might not make it to the computer tommorrow, with all I have to do. So, in the eve of the eve, I'll leave this short Tim Burton's film, narrated by the one and only Vincent Price...happy haunts

You can vote however you like - Students of the Ron Clark Academy

Sing it! I've always reserved the highest admiration for people who dedicate themselves to service and do it right. In this case, kudos to the Teachers at Ron Clark Academy who came up with this amazing idea. It is really cool to see kids involved with a hands on approach in the political process and most of all, HAVING FUN while they learn!!!
In the spirit of coming elections and in honor of those who debate the issues without running the risk of cardiac arrest... here's to ya, lyrics and all

Obama on the left
McCain on the right
We can talk politics all night
And you can vote however you like…

(McCain supporters)
McCain’s the best candidate
With Palin as his running mate
They’ll fight for gun rights, pro life,
The conservative right
Our future is bright
Better economy in site
And all the world will feel our military might

I want Obama
FORGET OBAMA,
Stick wit McCain you gone have some drama
MORE WAR IN IRAQ
Iran he will attack
CAN’T BRING OUR TROOPS BACK
We gotta vote Barack!

(Obama supporters)
But McCain and Bush are real close right
They vote alike and keep it tight
Obama’s new, he’s younger too
The Middle Class he will help you
He’ll bring a change, he’s got the brains
McCain and Bush are just the same
You are to blame, Iraq’s a shame
Four more years would be insane

Lower your Taxes - you know Obama Won’t
PROTECT THE LOWER CLASS - You know McCain won’t!
Have enough experience - you know that they don’t
STOP GLOBAL WARMING - you know that you won’t

I want Obama
FORGET OBAMA
Stick with McCain and you’re going to have some drama
We need it
HE’LL BRING IT
He’ll be it
YOU’LL SEE IT
We’ll do it
GET TO IT
Let’s move it
DO IT!

I’m talking big pipe lines, and low gas prices
Below $2.00 that would be nice

But to do it right we gotta start today
Finding renewable ways that are here to stay

Democratic left
Republican right
November 4th we decide
And you can vote however you like, I said
You can vote however you like, yeah

Alas! It is unclogged...the HELLSING SAGA CONTINUES

This is the measure of my madness. For almost a month now I have been working on the never ending essay. At this point in time I don't know if I'll ever present it for consideration, since a bit of an economic downturn is leading me to put the idea of a Master's aside and go for a good old plain certification as a Medical Billing Specialist (choices, choices- money or fun- while there's debts to pay I'll be a happy little ho').

However, as this is therapy, I keep on writing as if it's serious business. Of course because I need no more stress in my life, I write myself into a corner... is Hellsing a reinterpretation, a continuation or a whole new approach to Bram Stoker's Dracula?

Continuation seems like the chosen path as the main character is in fact, eternal and seems to consistently fight against madness by trying to reconstruct a pattern that he is comfortable with- re-planning what he sought as a winning strategy once.

See, Alucard is kind of a hot-headed stubborn monster who doesn't like to loose. It took him a little over a hundred years to put it all in place, there's Lucy and Mina and Renfield, they just don't know it... and this is no Romantic vampire trying to redeem himself either. This is back to basics personification of the id monster unleashed, so that means that this time around everyone is in when he goes and cashes the IOU's.

The stage was perfect for my little theory and then, a complete block...DAMN IT!!!!
And here I've been until today, when all of a sudden it hit me. This is a graphic novel you twit, as much it is said in the panel as in the images...bless your heart Hirano, you bastard, keeping the character's integrity until the end even if it all "reads" other wise.

10-4 Boys and girls, I have to give shape to this, and finish it or burst.

No quote today, the video is from youtube, called Alucard's Story, not of my making, pretty cool though.

The Scarlet Letter

How do I start this without restraining to use the words FUCK and YOU in one sentence? I wouldn't be me. I don't know... Perhaps I'll try to find a little joy in my heart and turn this into a thank you letter to Ms. Ashley Todd.

Dear Miss Todd:

Thank you for making all of our lives a little better with your creativity and ever flowing well of imagination. Meaning I hope someone puts you in a straight jacket, for your own sake and sends you right away for a psychiatric evaluation...

Did you really think your 2 1/2 minutes of fame would sway the election or gain anybody's sympathy? Really? Did you even sit down and think the shameful consequence of your actions?

We find ourselves trying to prove what we are made of, amidst an election that is under the world's scrutiny, in which the both the issues and the content of the character of those involved are constantly discussed. Unfortunately in some sectors of our society, it is all walking the thin line of racial tension. Knowingly, you made up a story about a black Obama supporter, tracking you down, beating you up and carving a B on your face as if you were a piece of cattle? It is more than a shame, but I'll keep on the positives so, thanks.

Thank you. Your resolve speaks volumes about your commitment to the Republican cause and the level of respect you hold for people who differ of your point of view. I guess you got what you wanted, a personal phone call from McCain and Palin giving you emotional support in what they believed was your hour of need. That is one to tell your children about!!!

As I said you dumb witted piece of humanity: there are issues to be discussed, legitimate concerns to be raised, a country to salvage from a financial deficit that can take us all to hell in a hand basket and this is the way you leave your mark- all pun intended in case you didn't get it!!!. In the name of all of us who think the political process is a serious subject, in the name of those of us who actively and proudly take part and are willing to engage in respectful debate, Bless your plump cheek and it's bright, bold B!

The quote... There is no quote. I haven't found a quote about idiocy fitting enough. However, I must give props to my boy Nathaniel Hawthorne and to Ms. Lightshadow's Swift Prod Corner for the inspiration for this entry's title.

IS that time again in Florida....

Disclosure: I'm a Gen X voting Republican- shoot me- but before you do, pay attention to my Public Service Announcement...

It is 15 days to general election and advanced voting centers are open through the state of Florida as well as many other states through this nation.

To call this election a milestone in US history doesn't even begin to describe it. However- and it happens ALL the time- we all tend to get over excited about our hardcore affiliations, we get a kick out of turning "politico" and somehow it all ends with us forgetting to get to the polls. I would like to remind everyone who thinks voting is a right you might as well bypass- just look at certain countries around the world in which a vote is becoming more of a privilege, on it's way to be nullified. People, get going. Put your money where your mouth is.

Be it through absentee ballot, advanced voting or good old fashion Election Day, have your say. It is imperative. Hoist your colors high, drag your elephants and donkeys, put on your "Barack the Vote" or "Red State University" shirt and bring it.

"Always vote for principle, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost." John Quincy Adams

Crazy Train

Lots of stress, everywhere. This time it was dad's turn. He had an episode yesterday- stress induced angina that placed him in the hospital overnight. Fortunately, it was not a heart attack. After Mom's scare, I guess one is enough. And we must all count on the fact that unlike my delicate flower of a mother, dad is actually not make of iron. Being a man, his nature tends to high maintenance clinging to all. It was all funny, after the scare was gone, he was so much like a child. Bless the "weaker" sex, that's all I'm saying. However, daddy, this was a warning to stay away from all things leading to cardiac arrest, and that means changing habits in your diet and getting mobile!!!! I know we all tend to be fat cats, but we all need to work on it. Geeeeeeeeez, if I sound like not making much sense, it's because I'm really, really spent. My plan for yesterday night was to watch McCain and Obama make a display of magic wand solutions for the economy and ended up being a trial at the ER.

God is good, that's all I'm saying and goodnight boys and girls.

Ahhh Children of the Night Class...

I haven’t written a serious essay since my undergraduate thesis. Funny enough, the subject was, yes, you guessed it right: vampires. When the Hunter becomes Haunted: the fall of Lestat is my baby. Twenty pages of blood sweat and tears that guaranteed my graduating with honors and my winning a bet against a certain annoying, freckle ridden-red headed fellow student who almost died of disgust when I started out to write a semi dissertation on a series of books I could pick up at the local Walgreens.

Things didn’t follow the way of the scholar for me, and after trying out a couple of unsuccessful short stories, I decided to call it quits. However there is a part of me that became fascinated with the subject of my essay at an academic level that will never let me go. Sometimes I disguise it as fangirl appreciation. In sunny, happy days it is my quest for the best vampire movie ever made. In other occasions, I baffle mere mortals with obscure trivia that will guarantee winning every single question of Jeopardy in a row if the subject were: Things you didn’t know about Stoker.
And then there are days like these. It is against my will I swear. I’ll find a book that no one knows about, and I feel I need to make them notice- even if them is just me, trying to put my thoughts in order. My brain works overtime and in a discriminating manner. It throws full passages, long forgotten stanzas... it reminds me that if I really set my mind to it, I could take out that dusty MLA Citation Guideline and spin away, facing the challenge to create something original to go along with my rigid and sacred quotations.

I don’t know where I’m going with this, but I finally found it, the book that brought me off the shadows- or dragged me back into them. I am writing like the desperate, as if my life depended on it. I don’t know where my essay will get me. I have no idea if I’ll succeed, given the object of my affection: a Japanese graphic novel, written by an ex-hentai mangaka - not the wisest literary choices, but then, I like my diamonds in the rough.

I’m at a crossroad, and at thirty-five I might give it another chance- college, you know, it’s in my blood; all pun intended- I’ll write about vampires again, knock on their door and walk in if invited.

The quote:

"It is only when you refuse to give in with all your heart that you begin to transcend your humanity." Hellsing: Red Rose Vertigo. Dir. Umanusoke Iida. Writ. Kohta Hirano. Per. Crispin Freeman, 2001

The State of my Union

It seems I've not been doing much these days... that is not exactly true. What I have been is heavily depressed. It has been a rough patch for the last four months or so, illuminated by some instances of sheer joy that came about as quickly as they faded away. When I stepped on to weigh in and discovered that I had put on 20 pounds in the last four months, I just had to say "Bitch, stop it and start working it!!!!!"

I'll get back on track, as I promise myself to leave all worries and disappointments, both at a personal and professional level, behind. There are places to go, people to annoy and bridges to cross (and burn, depends on the mood). I am the best, frigging Medical Administrative Assistant this town can afford, and that is exactly how I'll sell myself. If I got sidetracked, then it was just for a brief spell. I'm back, and it feels great to be back.

If something I had learned from Miss Chinkis (pictured above) is that life is too precious to spend time brooding... I've got into a 3rd degree boo boo situation... what the heck, it does hurt, but it will hurt the less if I keep moving.

LOST BOYS: WTF RANT TO THE DEATH!!!!

It is Summer... still on movie blog mode...
I am guilty, yes it's mea culpa, massima culpa and so on so forth. I had to do it, after swearing off it and avoiding the "bring it to the big screen plea" like the plague, I decided to give LOST BOYS THE TRIBE a chance.
Reasons? mainly boredom and the fact that I thought that introducing Kiefer Sutherland's baby brother Angus as the lead vampire was kinda cute. So I said to honor good times and goofy classics, I'll give it a try. It can't be that bad.
I was wroooooooooooong. Who ever penned this craptacular toilet paper of a script thought he was capturing the spirit of the original and took himself seriously.
It is not a matter of me not catching the drift, last time I checked, I was alright with surfer dudes. It would have been interesting to see the whole vampire mythos introduced, even tongue in cheek to a life loving, free spirited pseudo stoned subculture. These surfers, however, are boring as hell. Each of these characters come in with their own little story that of course never gets developed. How could you go so wrong by mixing blood lust with adrenaline junkies, manic depressives and circuit legends on it's their own right? Don't ask me but they did it, the most interesting thing these idiotic blood suckers would do in an average night is stab each other to watch their guts spill...
If you cannot follow the level of depression I sunk into after watching this wasted can of film, I'll leave you with this... Corey Feldman was the best this movie had to offer, although not enough to justify Corey Haim's cameo which was like frigging out of the blue while the credits rolled... I'm still trying to figure that one out.
The point is this sad film is enough to keep me from vampire movies for a year, and let me say in self defense that I watched ANKLE BITERS and came out of it unscathed!!!
I would leave a quote as always, but blocks of this entire movie dialogue were borrowed and refried from the original.
Well, at least I reminded my self why LOST BOYS became an instant classic: cool vamps with the perfect blend of scary , fun and thrills. Oh and there is that quasi incestuous theme song a la Fall of the House of Usher... you know Cry Little Sister... which by the way is used over and over again on this installment with no reason or effect at all.

Why so... well you know TDK

Okay, let's face it, this is the 1,000,000th review you have read about The Dark Knight. However, when it comes to my reviews, I must say that I am surprisingly cool headed going into this movie. I left the fangirl hat at home and after seeing this film, I have no need to wear it.



When critics hype up a movie I tend to stand back. I stopped reading reviews the moment the words Oscar and Ledger were combined in one sentence. I hate to deconstruct expectations. I rather build upon certainties once I've seen it all. There are several things that are certain in this movie, and help me God, I'll go over them without a glimmer of fandom in my eye.

• Christopher Nolan will not allow us to forget that he once directed a movie called MEMENTO. The Dark Knight does not conform to superhero movie style, it takes itself seriously. This is a crime drama and it has moments of suspense and edge of your seat tension. It is effective in it's reach, connecting the audience with a city that usually acts as a backdrop to the story, however in this particular installment is brought out in the open as the main component of the film.



• It holds no bars tackling a very delicate subject for the Batman aficionado... it unmasks the superhero without taking the cowl off his face. This is a brilliant character study about what makes Batman tick. While movie versions usually avoid getting their main character's hands dirty, this one throws it all at Bats. The audience is left to ponder whether it's hero will endure, will he concede or will he need to reinvent himself in order to keep going. The line between righteous vigilance and criminal insanity of blurred deeper and further than in any other film. Christian Bale reprises his role and once again it is perfection, you can see him taking the pressure in, trying to keep Bruce Wayne to cross paths with his alter ego. He struggles to balance his moral and his ethics against the opportunity of saving countless lives by walking into a downwards spiral. And of course all this insanity is brought about by ...



• The Joker. I'll get into Ledger a little later. Right now I am just amazed at what they did with the character. This is not Romero or Nicholson. This is a level of perversion that barely showed through Allan Moore's "Killing Joke". It is a Jungian nightmare. Allow the nerd to elaborate:

According to Jung, the archetype of the trickster- in this case the clown- functions at a very primitive level as a messenger, essential to contact the sacred. This from the happy train of thought that sustains that peoples of the old world could not commune with the gods without the liberating power of laughter. Beautiful, ain’t it? Now imagine our jolly, universal clown gone insane. He is still in a sense a messenger and a mirror, however the message conveyed is one of undiluted terror. This movie pushes the boundaries of PG 13 and successfully exceeds them avoiding the censors because the nature of the violence develops, not from the graphic source but from the ailment of the mind. The Joker does not come off as much of as an individual but as the personification of a chaotic, traumatizing event that takes both characters at a personal and city at a global scale unaware and unprepared for the devastation at hand.

I have to stop myself from converting this into a Anarchy 101 lesson, but that is how fundamental this character is to the story line. Even if he is not consuming screen time, he is ever present.

• Heath Ledger did an outstanding job as the Ace of Knaves, Oscar worthy, although I will not place my hopes too high with the Academy. I'm not a crazed fangirl, but I know fans when I see them and this is how I came to my conclusion: I went to see the movie late, late at night, you know it's my favorite show of them all. Yes, that's when the crazies act out; the people who will laugh riotously at the "amazing pencil disappearing trick" ; I went, and waited for their moment of silence. See, Ledger's dialogue is witty, but his monologues are terrifying. He looses himself fearlessly in a character that wants to "watch the world burn". There is one particular rant in which even the hard core joker fans were not cheering, and that is when he delivers the speech about introducing chaos in a society of rigid order. As I heard it I thought, dear God, one hour and a half of the scrawny JJ Abrams monsters tearing up the city of New York could not achieve the emotional impact of these two minutes of dialogue... yes, there is a bit between the lines about us all and what became of us all during and in the aftermath of 9/11. I'll leave it to you to caliber, but it is worth a statue in my book. Ledger's performance is a gift, and of course, it hurts a little to step out from the theater into the real world and know that we will not see him again, but that is another story.


• But is is not all about the Joker as you might think. This is far and foremost the story of Harvey Dent, the man who stands between the criminally insane mastermind and the uber-righteous vigilante. It is his fall from grace, not Batman's ability or inability to deal with the unexpected what drives it all home. Don't forget Aaron Eckhart, he did his character justice.
  

All in all, brace your self for an unexpected movie par with any decent cop drama or high stakes thriller set in a world too close to ours for comfort, even if it's the play ground of the Batman and the freaky guy with the insane clown posse. It is a world exposed to blunt trauma and given alternatives, not the ones they think they deserve, but the only available to choose... either walk away from in all putting their faith, or lack of there of in chance, join the insane parade bent on destruction, or endure in the face of it all and rise the hero.

This is the most I can say without spoilers , so I'll leave it at Best movie of the year so far.

The quote:

" Madness, as you know, is just like gravity, all we need is a little PUSH"- the Joker, trying to get Batman to catch in on the punchline.

Aw Crap! Hellboy and the Golden Army is awesome

Hmmmmmmm... how to begin this one. I am a Gullermo del Toro fan. I didn't arrive there in a hurry. Long before Pan's Labyrinth, made him Hollywood's fantasy darling, I saw a movie that both repelled and fascinated me. It had all to do with a mechanical scarab able to give eternal life and an insatiable taste for blood to who ever unlocked it's secret. Cronos simply won me over and then it was a matter of waiting for the world to notice. While some people had reservations about Mimic and Blade 2, they were all winners in my book.

Then along came Hellboy. I'm no coward I would recommend this movie in a heartbeat, but I am also aware is not every one's cup of tea. Deep down this is the type of film that make some people uncomfortable. It is not your regular superhero movie, it is not even rooted in reality at a minimal level. The world from which Hellboy comes and that in which he operates is precisely the place that most people instinctively turn away from. And I am sorry guys, if you like your fantasy in a box, this is not for you. Del Toro builds a bridge, gets you to cross it and then burns it behind you.

For those of you who like things that go bump in the night, grab your popcorn and get your freak on. Golden Army promises a lot in the trailers and it delivers. There is action galore, kittens in peril for our hero to save and gallons of Tecate beer. There is also a wonderful, original and imaginative world that gives Neil Gaiman a run for his money.

When I first heard that Hellboy 2 had something to do with fairies, it sorta made me cringe. Even as a fan girl, I had my doubts, you know, dew drop stuff, beautiful, yet soulless beings against Big Red sounded like a mess, but then I saw Luke Goss in full attire and I smiled and said: you bastard!

These fairies come from the most primeval sources, before the Irish sugarcoated them for mass consumption, we are talking Michael Moorcock material... okay geeks, come forward, you know what I am talking about, Prince Nuada is a nod, nah is a freaking neon sign honoring elves who know how to get their hands dirty.

Kick ass sword wielding fairies is not what this movie is about though. This movie is a jackpot. You see I went to see a good action/fantasy flick and came back with a movie that had heart, meaning and gave Del Toro the chance to explore his signature subject: choices, the ones that we are expected to take, the ones we are forced to make and most important the ones we might regret.

In a world of darkness, colors fade away and sometimes good guys pave the road to hell with good intentions and bad guys actually have a perfectly comprehensible end to justify their means. There are a couple of key scenes in this film that will make you think, and that is not what you expect from an intended summer blockbuster. I found it priceless. I thought it an unexpected gift that I could watch this movie with my 11 year old niece and after leaving the theater we were not only wowed by the special effects but able to carry on a conversation about how we felt about the reasons behind the actions of the characters and what would we do if dealt the same cards. Believe me people in order for a preteen to see beyond the explosions, there is need of serious storytelling and detailed character development. I guess Ken- Ken's thumbs up and serious debate about Abe Sapiens is the best tribute to the genius of Del Toro. Keep them coming.

The quote: "Let me remind you why you were once afraid of the dark"- Prince Nuada, right before introducing unsuspecting New Yorkers to the cute, yet vicious and Calcium loving Tooth Fairies

Here there be....

Dragon Millipiedes? Well, until they discover something that will ground my belief that D&D is actually based on true events... here are the top ten new species for 2008, courtesy of Yahoo News...

Top 10 New Species Named
Jeanna Bryner Senior Writer Live Science.com

Thousands of new plant and animal species were discovered in 2007, though only 10 were bizarre enough, lethal enough or just plain cool enough to garner spots on a new Top-10 list.
Each year, the International Institute for Species Exploration (IISE) at Arizona State University issues the Top 10 New Species list, which spotlights flora and fauna described during the previous year, so in this case 2007.

The new list includes lethal animals like a box jellyfish (Malo kingi) - named after Robert King, who apparently died after he was stung by this species - and the Central Ranges Taipan (Oxyuranus temporalis), now thought to be one of the most venomous snakes in the world.
And a dragon millipede, whose shocking-pink exterior would put a 1980s fashionista to shame, gets a spot on the list. Rather than setting trends, the arthropod uses its gaudy coloration to alert predators of its toxicity.

Some species made it onto the list due to their modern monikers, including the Michelin Man, a succulent plant from Western Australia that resembles the rotund tire guy. Also on the list: an ornate sleeper ray from the east coast of South Africa that was named after the Electrolux vacuum cleaner brand due to the animal's ability to suck up prey in the water.
While scientists discover thousands of species each year, with an estimated 16,969 species considered new to science in 2006, plenty of plants and animals are waiting to be found. Scientists estimate 10 million or so species exist on Earth, with 1.8 million species described since Carl Linnaeus developed the modern system for naming plants and animals in the 18th century.

"Most people do not realize just how incomplete our knowledge of Earth's species is or the steady rate at which taxonomists are exploring that diversity," said Quentin Wheeler, an entomologist and director of IISE.

The international committee was chaired by Janine Caira of the University of Connecticut, and included scientists from across the globe, including the United States, United Kingdom, South Africa, Spain and New Zealand

Stan Winston 1946-2008

This is a sad day for Hollywoodland as a true, uncompromised artist will no longer share an amazing gift with the world.

I'm a movie geek, plain and obvious, and this man has been behind the most fun I've ever had a movie theater. Most people remeber him for this:

I am particularly grateful for this one though:

Hmmm tasty... I mean tastefully done.

The genius of Stan Wiston will be missed. Thank you sir, for amazing flights of fancy.

Geek Alert! Watch out for the Big Green guy

Finally got a job, and of course there is no better way to celebrate the joy of pay check than getting back to the best popcorn-fun summer ever.

I'm not much of Hulk comic book fan, a big green angry guy who could barely put two words together never cut it for me. I was how ever as any kind growing up in the late seventies and early eighties a fan of the TV show. I lived and died for both Hulk and Isis- kudos if you know about her.

The reason why I connected to the show is that even at a young age I've always had it for conflicted individuals, see- I was not a fan of The Hulk as I was a fan of Banner and his misadventures on hitchhiking. That is why I decided to go watch this movie, long before it caught on with the hype. The moment they told me Edward Norton would be Banner, I was in, hook line and sinker. There is only one way to put it and this might be something that sounds like a broken record, because it has been the geek word on the street since they dressed up Robert Downey in red hot and gold: Marvel is doing it right.

The bar has been raised to the point in which serious actors with amazing gravitas are engaging these characters and bringing out a human, sensitive side that links all of us to the world of superheroes. After all, it is the heart of the guy behind the mask, inside the suit or in this case within the beast, that allows us to suspend our disbelief.

Other than Norton's ability to take me there, I must confess that what really worked it for me, is of course, the company. Movies like these should be seen with the geeks squad, with people who will point out details and giggle like little kids when they see a certain super soldier serum or an awesome device courtesy of Stark Enterprises, people who know the name address and social security numbers of the head honchos at SHIELD and who will unashamedly applaud at a cameo by Lou Ferrigno.

The movie offers these little moments galore and it also has Tim Roth people, the biggest underrated badass ever!!! Forget about Abomination, when he goes one on one against the Hulk as Emil Blonski, there is so much determination and raw hatred that you know the green guy better watch it. It buils up powerfully towards the climax, which is quite brutal, for CGI... Liv Tyler does her part, as she usually does, sweet and speaking so softly it's like she is almost out of breath. Her chemistry with Norton is believable, as you can see it is heart wrenching to be in love with someone who despises himself .

All in all, it is very, very good. Unlike Iron Man, who took us all by surprise, it is inevitable to pinpoint stuff in this movie that goes beyond the immediate subject matter...I really got a kick about these guys in front of me who where discussing the unfolding of Marvel's master plan. I guess it was a matter of trial and error, but they finally did it we are all in a collision course with the Marvel Universe. Yipeeeeeeeee!!!!

The quote:

[Betty and Bruce need to get across town in New York City]

Betty:" The subway is probably quickest."

Bruce Banner: "Me in a metal tube with hundreds of people in the most aggressive city in the world?"

Betty: Right. Let's get a cab.

No more than a foot note comment

IN ONE OF THE BIGGEST ENTRIES EVER in history books. For the first time in 232 years of history as a Sovereign Nation, the United States of America grants a presidential nomination to a person of African descent.

You might ask your self why the heck I am not being ultra politically correct and calling Senator Obama an African-American? Because the dash is precisely what bothers me.

Are you a citizen of the USA, be it by birth or by choice? Have you done your part in whatever way for your country? Congratulations, you are an American. Unfortunately that is not the case with all of this US and A- thus the dash initiative, at least that is the way I see it.

As I said, as an American I am proud as hell that a chance was given not based on the color of the skin but in the content of the character (know your MLK peoples). As a woman I am happy that Hillary Clinton got a milestone of her own, girl power! -Now Ms. Clinton, we all know that it is a worthy battle cry not to go gentle into that good night (know you Thomas, peoples) how ever, it is dignified that once you've lost, to go in gracefully.

As a Republican-yesssssssss Pinky-(you all know that one...) all I have to say is hats off to a worthy opponent and see ya at the polls.

The quote:

"A politician thinks of the next election - a statesman of the next generation". - James Freeman Clarke

Indiana Jones and you know the rest...

There are a lot of things I am not meant to be, movie critic is one of them. As soon as the words FAN GIRL cloud my ability to distinguish right from left, all my understanding of the film industry goes to the dogs.Yes, I've seen a movie that had a surprising carelessness in editing and shallow traits on characters that should be pivotal. It is by no means closure to a series that set the standards of adventure and captured the imagination of audience and aspiring filmmakers for years to come. I could dwell on the pet peeves and get all nerdy about it, but this is INDIANA FRIGGING JONES and if I have to choose a side, I rather be a geek this time. Gimme the hat, Gimme the whip, Gimme John William's Raider's March an I'll be 8 years old again. I'll sit, too excited for popcorn and look adoringly into the eyes of the man that survived the wrath of God.

Knowing this, and trying to be as partial as possible I decided not to get to this venture alone. I had the pleasure of taking in the motley crew

• The divine Mrs. Michelle who is a fan, but not a rabid fan girl.


• My mom who will tear up at any crumb of spiritual insight


• My aunt who is the action barometer (there are never enough bullets or explosions to impress her)


• The wonderful Mr. Izzy, who is catching up with all things an 80's child of the free world had at his finger tips just now (damn you Fidel)


• And the great Ken Ken who for some reason or another had watched all of the Indiana Jones' Lego adventures and non of the films- go ask her.

These were the people who will keep it real for me, if I were to hyperventilate at any given moment.

IT DIDN'T WORK. That's why it took me so long to write this one... there were good things, there where bad things, but the FUN of seeing Indy once again won't let me think straight. So I'll just do a little of what I liked, what I didn't and what made me raise an eyebrow and say WTF just for a couple of seconds.

What I loved:

• Thank you Steven Spielberg for keeping the integrity of the piece. This installment was not meant to be a revamping of the series, nor was a trip down memory lane meant to turn us all in movie emos- shit it was not even meant to convert people to the Gospel of Indy. This was one last awesome fun ride for the fans. It was like catching up with a long lost friend- he might be older, his life might have lead him into another direction, geography and lifestyle might have taken you as apart as you could go and yet, once you are done with that shaky (or should I say EXPLOSIVE) hello, you'll find your self right at home. However because of time passed as it is meant to, and the audience has grown along with the character, there are things that ask for resolution that are happily accepted . We come to terms with half a smile that the rugged hero of our youth was also a man with a severe Peter Pan complex of sorts. Twenty years ago, it would have given me shivers thinking of Indiana Jones getting all his mess straightened, but now I kind of agree that it is time to.

What I hated:

• Besides the obvious nerdy pacing and editing stuff that I should mention- leave that to the people who actually make a living out of this, the only thing I truly regretted was how Cate Blanchett was wasted. By rule of thumb, Indy villains must be ruthless, scary bastards. Blanchett's character was no more than a caricature of a Soviet element. She got the robotic behavior product of Communist upbringing, but she never got to really show the cold, calculating, fierce intelligence and willingness for country that kept the US in the edge of their nuclear bunkers during the height of the cold war. Leave the comic relief to the sidekicks, keep my villains neat and clean, so their demise will be equally proportionate to their deeds.

WTF?

• I said I love you Mr. Spielberg, but let Lucas handle the aliens. You should know in your heart that there is a reason why there was no CLOSE ENCOUNTERS II. Why, Why , Why... did they have to challenge the X files is a question that will haunt me...

All in all, it is not perfect, but then, nobody promised me it will be better than RAIDERS, heck nothing is. What is important is that I am content just now, HOURS after watching it. What I found really, really cool is that while I was there I couldn't help to grin ear to ear and jump and laugh out loud and go arrrrrghhhhh that is disgusting! once in a while, and grind my teeth and cheer for the man in the Fedora.

As far as my movie crew

• Michelle thought it was acceptable and within cannon


• Mom laughed more than she cried, which is good, I think


• Auntie got her bullets and explosions galore


• Izzy had a deep discussion about the advantages of owning a FRIGIDAIRE in the event of a nuclear catastrophe


• and Ken Ken reminded me why Indy is Indy... now she wants to be an archaeologist and thinks that Senior Citizens Rock - for some reason she didn't get all hyped up for LaBeouf, which means that Ford's job was done.

The quote:

Spalko: "Any last words Dr. Jones?"

Jones: "I Like Ike"

Things to do in Tampa when you are dead

or Unemployed which is basically the same...

Kill me people, but I just let go of the proverbial bird in hand to chase the flying one, so I'm waiting for a promising corporate job that will take me straight to Ireland in 2009.



Anyhoo... in the meantime I keep

• Watching movies, catching Summer Blockbusters (INDY... I'm so there this weekend) ans getting reacquainted with classics (I'm watching NIGHT OF THE LEPUS as I type and there is nothing better than giant blood thristy rabbits to make me understand that drugs are BAD-what where they thinking/smoking?)Janet Leigh can never go wrong, can she?



• I'm getting to spend time with my family and have pictures to prove it. Unfortunately the quality of the pictures is not the best since I always forget my damn camera and end up shooting away on my cell phone... one of the many reasons I'll never make it as a photographer. It is not their fault that they end up in Facebook looking like the cover for DUH Magazine, it's all mine.


• I hang around MSN at all the wrong times, like 6:30 AM or the stroke of midnight


• Sometimes I feel like I'm going insane and then I happily remind myself that it is not a case of self discovery, but self awareness... I've always been crazy, it is just that when I'm occupied I tend to forget about it

So if you don't see me or hear me...if I am not interrupting your cyber life with pop up windows or spamming your email or dialing your phone... if I don't show up on your doorstep not quite sure what I was meaning to do there, excuse me. And love me, because as soon as I go back to work and forget I'm crazy, you'll get a load of my so called sanity.

The quote

"Attention, Attention there is a herd of killer rabbits coming your way,and we desperately need your help roll up your windows, turn on your lights and follow the police car"- shit I should have written that, but it's from the classic I told ya I am watching.

Prince Caspian:The good, the bad, the bit of theology that drive people mad

Ahoy peoples of the internet, it is Summer, gas prices are ridiculously high, a recession is on the horizon as they say and it is soggy and hot as ever in the beautiful state of Florida, which means that for a while, this will be the movie blog...

Saw a late night screening of Prince Caspian yesterday, and boy I'm glad I didn't wait for the DVD release. Don't worry the following has no spoilers of the major kind. This is a big movie, and as it usually happens with installments the second tends to let loose a lot of plot that at the moment swamps the mind and makes little sense, so I will not get all deep for fear of drowning. Instead I'll just go over what the child, the adult and the weekend theologian in me got out of it, straight and sweet.

I'm sorry but the seven year old in me wants to go first and who am I to deny the one that holds the popcorn?

• Sweeeeeeeeeet Narnia, the gryphons and centaurs are back and this time they get more screen time... yikes, they even get lines!!! I want a gryphon, I want one, I want one!!!!




• Is that Puss in Boots? no! It's a sword master mouse! The people who created Shrek bring you, once again a bit of comic relief via small, furry and cute.




• To be honest- and remember I am seven years old, I was kind of freaked by the White Witch and her minions this time around. It made me remember The Never Ending Story...




• Did I mention there is sort of a sweet but slow bear that will say things when you least expect them? Retarded bears.... Yiiiipppppeeeeeeeee!!!!

The adult in me chuckled at a couple of things

• Narnia will never be as effective as Lord of The Rings, no matter how much they match in allegory and content. I must admit I do miss the violence, although this installment is darker, much more than I expected, the consequence does not translate to the screen as well as in the book. There is something about the absence of blood on a big battle sequence that gains PG ratings at the expense of suspense of disbelief. My bloodlust aside, the movie does target a certain audience and it still does a wonderful job teaching kids about perseverance, courage and plain faith, so I'll shut my mouth and believe that a teenager could survive a mano a mano with a mean, conniving and plain brute with nothing more than a scratch.




• What is it with Caspain, he is behaving like Harry Potter... damn, the movie has his name on it and he is doing squat. Allow me to explain: to all of you nerds, who very much like myself use you kids and nieces to follow the adventures of Mr. Potter, it is inevitable for us as adults to notice that at all given points, especially in the beginning, Harry ends up as the hero and no one notices Hermione and Ron sweating it off in the back ground. Same with Caspian, he doesn't do much and what he does is not too promising, but somehow, there is a certain lion with a certain design who works in a certain incomprehensible way we'll need to wait to find out.




• I know this third entry makes it more than a couple of details, but I'll just have to say it because it made me laugh out loud... what is it with the bad guys on this movie? It seems they crossed into Narnia from Spain some time in the 16th Century, some of them behave like Antonio Banderas- you know, I'm too sexy for this armor- the king is a pain as he was conceived as a bad imitation of King Leonidas stuffed on paella...

Now the very brief theology. Suck it in people. It is there whether you want it or not. Narnia is after all a film adaptation of a book that comes straight off a guy who used to be an atheist, converted and held no responsibility towards Queen, Country or Political Correctness. One thing that I loved about this movie is how easily it places a bit of puzzling and annoying manifestation of the Godhood for all to enjoy: God is God and He will be whether or not you believe in Him or not. For those of you who think me crazy, the best expression of infinite being and God's sense of humor is in Exodus when Moses asks his name and he plain responds "I am who I am"- priceless.

He owes nothing to none, especially explanations. He did His bit you know, he came and died and rose again and that is enough or are all of us really pretending that He will do it twice?

There is not a lot of Aslan in this movie and it has nothing to do with the King Lion at all, the reason why Aslan does not physically interfere is because in their confusion, pride or blinding hurt, Narnians believed he had abandon them. They didnt catch on the design of things, that once the sacrifice was made it was their turn to prove their worth before he who gave his life for them. They forgot that there is a responsibility involved in their deliverance. It slipped them that God is Love and will answer when His children call- and sometimes He will deliver like the US ARMY- you know, it is guaranteed no man will be left behind, but in order to bring it, you'll need to leave a little bit of blood, sweat and tears in the process.

The quote:

"Things don't happen the same way twice"- Aslan