I have been researching for some time comments regarding the "fragmentation of the media" that the blogosphere will cause. Supposedly there will be a universe where we only read self-affirming political information, or putter around our own limited interests (RPGs, Comics, PC, Movies) without encountering any kind of larger shared community. I disagree with the thesis, primarily because the radio, television, cable, internet, explosion of newspapers, (insert other medium here), was supposed to do this in the past. None of them ever did.
Anyway, before I hint at what my longer post will discuss, let me just say that while they are "outside my interests" I visit Summer in Paris (a blog about fashion and handbags) relatively frequently now. Though I have to admit, it is not something I would expect I would read, I visited it because it linked to me and once I visited it I kept going back. My only criticism is that I wish the posts were longer. I also am a frequent reader of Tabloid Whore, who singlehandedly has made me a fan. Why? Because, though in colorful language, the blog makes me laugh.
I also use some "big name" portals, you know like Yahoo! and AOL. The "fearmongers" are too caught up to realize that people can become interested in new subjects, or that the market has already created "cultural centers."
Monday, January 02, 2006
Vote for Number One's Best of 2005
Happy New Year!
This year I am beginning a new tradition at Cinerati. I will post links to some, actually too many, of my favorite posts from this past year and you can tell me which ones you liked the best. This year there will be four categories: General, Comic Books, Movies, Games.
Without further ado, the nominees are:
There they are, the nominees for 2005. There are too many, even though I think I left out some interesting posts (like my Supernatural Spec post), but that's what happens when one nominates ones own work. I hope that other members of the Cinerati community will do similar posts.
Let me know what you think.
This year I am beginning a new tradition at Cinerati. I will post links to some, actually too many, of my favorite posts from this past year and you can tell me which ones you liked the best. This year there will be four categories: General, Comic Books, Movies, Games.
Without further ado, the nominees are:
General:
Comic Books:
Movies:
Games:
There they are, the nominees for 2005. There are too many, even though I think I left out some interesting posts (like my Supernatural Spec post), but that's what happens when one nominates ones own work. I hope that other members of the Cinerati community will do similar posts.
Let me know what you think.
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Spielberg to Hire World's Greatest Babysitter?
According to the Independent UK, Steven Spielberg may be looking at remaking the classic tale Mary Poppins.
There have been some snide comments made about the possibility of Spielberg making this film, Chuck Yarborough of Cleveland's Plain Dealer find the idea of remaking Mary Poppins so absurd he jokingly imagines a remake/sequel with ET starring in the title role. I, for one, look forward to seeing what a Spielberg version of Poppins would look like. I think Spielberg is at his best when he is making the "classic" Hollywood film. Catch Me if You Can and The Terminal were films that could have been made in any era of Hollywood, and been successful. His science fiction films can be hit or miss, the same is true for his "important" films, but when Steven decides he just wants to entertain us...well he does.
Neither The Hollywood Reporter or Variety have any more details on this story at the time I write this.
There have been some snide comments made about the possibility of Spielberg making this film, Chuck Yarborough of Cleveland's Plain Dealer find the idea of remaking Mary Poppins so absurd he jokingly imagines a remake/sequel with ET starring in the title role. I, for one, look forward to seeing what a Spielberg version of Poppins would look like. I think Spielberg is at his best when he is making the "classic" Hollywood film. Catch Me if You Can and The Terminal were films that could have been made in any era of Hollywood, and been successful. His science fiction films can be hit or miss, the same is true for his "important" films, but when Steven decides he just wants to entertain us...well he does.
Neither The Hollywood Reporter or Variety have any more details on this story at the time I write this.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Eventually Even I Catch A Meme.
Continuing the Meme trail I caught over at David E's Fablog.
Four jobs you’ve had in your life: movie theater assistant manager, video store clerk, grocery store courtesy clerk, director of a non-profit.
Four movies you could watch over and over: Amelie, Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, About a Boy, The Thin Man.
Four places you’ve lived: Castro Valley, CA; Baumholder, Germany; Reno, NV; Los Angeles, CA.
Four TV shows you love to watch: House, Supernatural, Grey's Anatomy, Judge Judy.
Four places you’ve been on vacation: Bayern; Anaheim, CA; Milwaukee, WI; Seattle, WA.
Four websites you visit daily: Google Entertainment, ICV2, Cathy's World, Los Angeles Times.
Four of your favorite foods: Porterhouse Steak, Black Pepper Chicken, Chicken Marsala, Cobb Salad.
Four places you’d rather be: London, Seattle, Montreal, Chicago. But only for vacation. What is it Randy Newman says..."I love LA!"
Four jobs you’ve had in your life: movie theater assistant manager, video store clerk, grocery store courtesy clerk, director of a non-profit.
Four movies you could watch over and over: Amelie, Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, About a Boy, The Thin Man.
Four places you’ve lived: Castro Valley, CA; Baumholder, Germany; Reno, NV; Los Angeles, CA.
Four TV shows you love to watch: House, Supernatural, Grey's Anatomy, Judge Judy.
Four places you’ve been on vacation: Bayern; Anaheim, CA; Milwaukee, WI; Seattle, WA.
Four websites you visit daily: Google Entertainment, ICV2, Cathy's World, Los Angeles Times.
Four of your favorite foods: Porterhouse Steak, Black Pepper Chicken, Chicken Marsala, Cobb Salad.
Four places you’d rather be: London, Seattle, Montreal, Chicago. But only for vacation. What is it Randy Newman says..."I love LA!"
Who Needs Medieval Times When You Can Hire Robin Hood?
Tim Pollard, a former Games Workshop employee no less, performs Robin Hood banquets regularly in locations across the UK. From time to time he has even performed in the United States. You can read about the adventures of the travelling "official Robin Hood of Nottingham" at his own blog, or you can watch a slideshow of him firebreating here.
Who knew that Robin Hood was a firebreather? And Maid Marion kisses that mouth?
Who knew that Robin Hood was a firebreather? And Maid Marion kisses that mouth?
California Military Residents Acquire New Benefits in 2006
When a person who is in the National Guard or in the Reserves is called up for active duty in a conflict, as is happening today, it can often lead to financial burdens back at home. Family members of the soldier often have to manage household affairs on a diminished budget as the soldier's pay shifts from that of a private sector job to that of a member of the military. The State of California, and the Federal Government, already have a number of laws to help families of servicemen and women, but the State of Califoria voted to expand the benefits offered. In September 2005, Assembly Bill 1666 (Frommer) passed and starting in January this law will:
The bill was passed with heavy bi-partisan support.
provide protections for these persons in connection with their military service with respect to recording fees for a power of attorney, termination of a mobile telephony services contract, military leave of absence from specified educational institutions, waiver of attorney membership fees, payment of arrearages under terminated motor vehicle leases, and continuation of gas and utility services, as provided. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.
The bill was passed with heavy bi-partisan support.
Gretsky Returns to Phoenix After Mother's Death
Wayne Gretsky, coach of the Phoenix Coyotes, has returned and will be coaching the Coyotes tonight. Gretsky had taken some time off to spend with his mother, who was suffering from lung cancer. Gretsky's mother died on December 19th.
It seems that two of the all-time great hockey players are having less than wonderful 2005s. Mario Lemieux, who has come back from serious illnesses in his career, has missed games this year due to an irregular heartbeat.
It seems that two of the all-time great hockey players are having less than wonderful 2005s. Mario Lemieux, who has come back from serious illnesses in his career, has missed games this year due to an irregular heartbeat.
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