Blog: Serenaide December 13, 2004 06:29 pm

 From Vu

I recently discovered that my friend's band, Serenaide, is on MySpace.com. You should check it out and listen to their songs on myspace. Now.

I'm very fond of Mimi (the bassist) on there. Looking at their photographs of their recent festival gig, it looks like they're really doing swell.

Oh, in case you were interested, I do have a MySpace.com account (or if you use Friendster).

An afternoon in the country,
Was all that I was after
If I can't see you in the future,
I'll see you in the pasture

Also, it's about time, but I'm getting broadband very soon. I couldn't get my work to pay for it, but I figure I need faster internet anyway.

It is my Christmas gift to myself.

Blog: I Lost my ATM Card (Again) December 11, 2004 10:35 pm

 From Vu

You are Elastica. You like to keep yourself busy. You don't crave attention or money. You do what you want and don't care what anyone thinks of you. You're spiky, tough and energetic. VAMPIRES: THE MASQUERADE (Nov 2004)

I hate these quiz things that everyone likes. I had to take this particular one only because I was trying to get "You are Sleeper", but unfortunately there were only a few results and Elastica seems like a good choice if any.

You know, I've lost my 5th ATM Bank Card. Everytime I lose them, I always tell myself "Never again!!" It's always one thing: I stick my card in the Automatic Teller Machine and then as soon as it spits out money, I'm off running !!

I'm playing this video game called "Vampires: The Masquerade" and there is this woman in the video game that looks just like Louise ! At least, I think it looks like her :)

I hung out with my brother yesterday and we watched Morrissey and The White Stripes videos. I didn't know he liked them at all, I guess he's really growing up.

I bought my first scarf yesterday too. EL tells me it's very "peppery" and then made fun of my hat.

At the video shop today, I ran into two people I knew, but I couldn't remember their names. I'm terrible with names. They looked at what I was renting: The Stepford Wives (2004), Envy, and Lady Death. I told them, "It's free, don't make fun of my choices."

Since joing Hollywood Video's "MVP" program, I've must've rented at least 60 DVDs in the course of two months.

Blog: Travelling Light December 05, 2004 08:43 am

 From Vu

BELLE & SEBASTIAN PIN (Karren & Sandy) (31 Oct 2004), photograph by Matt Zulawski

I hate aol, but for some reason, I really like AIM. I'm sleepercat on there - please send me a message if you want to hang out (or want to play Scrabble online).

I'm going to Scottsdale, Arizona, for a work-related event in January 2005. I was told that the resort there is quite nice and I have my own room. Internet will be provided, so I'm taking my home laptop, and hopefully it'll be good and fun. I think the only real work day is Thursday, I will be assisting in a Power Point presentation. Friday, I think I'm going to do a hot air balloon (it was either that or more golfing or ATV/Hummer in the desert). Not really sure what I'm actually doing in AZ, but hey, it's all paid for, so I might as well show up.

I'm hoping to be around Toronto, Canada, around March 2005-ish. I will be seeing some really, really old friends called Karren & Sandy (can't believe their photograph are online because they're so camera shy!) and Linh, who I met through a Friendship Book (penpal) around 1995. I've met Linh in real-life before in Los Angelese, I still have this old photograph of us being all young and dorky.

Oh, and I haven't scared off Celeste.... yet. (Shadez is Celeste). Sigh, I wish someone else would move up here!

Update: My DVD list is now automatic via Intervocative Software. If you choose to, you can have your DVD list online, so anytime you add something new, the list gets updated. It's a pretty neat software.

Oh, my S*M*A*S*H website is getting quite a bit of activity due to their tour recently.

Blog: Happy Thanksgiving November 25, 2004 10:34 pm

 From Vu

Although this is purely an American thing, I wanted to say Happy Thanksgiving. This year we did Taco Thanksgiving, which I don't really recommend. I mean hot salsa & turkey just doesn't mix well, you know?

Tomorrow is the biggest shopping day of the year, so there are some crazy sales happening. I might go to a few tomorrow, hopefully I won't get crushed by the other shoppers...

News: Putting the Morr Back In Morrissey November 25, 2004 02:41 am

 From Vu

Happy pre-Thanksgiving.

I probably would've enjoyed a night's sleep if it wasn't for Celeste, who was going to see Lali Puna (with Alias and Duo 505).

So we went and I was pleasantly suprised to see that this was part of the Morr Music Tour! The company released a non-Morrissey (that is Morrissey doesn't appear or has anything to do with the record) called Putting the Morr Back In Morrissey, a 2-disc compilation of their bands.

I only know about the compilation because, as obsessed as I am, I always look in the "Morrissey" section at the local music store to see what's new, and that compilation is there.

Blog: There is a Boy That Never Goes Out November 22, 2004 07:05 am

 From Vu

CELESTE'S HANDS (Nov 2004)

I think I am having a pretty good birthday (for once!), because of Raul, Celeste, Sara, my sister, and Dave.

Spent Saturday at the Minnesota Art Institute.

Spent Sunday eating Dim Sum.

Will be spending Monday semi-at-home. I have to show up for a 2 hour meeting, but it's my day off!!

Will be having a lunch "date" with Sophia on Tuesday.

There is a Boy that Never Goes Out:
"Ba-ba-bada-ba-ba" goes the backing vocals,
I'm trying hard not to be antisocial.
Truth be told, I'm not entirely hopeful

-The Lucksmiths

Sometime people's priorities are kind of funny. For instance, my brother, who constantly is running low on cash, spent $30 on a cap because "it looked cool".

Or how about Celeste? She brought two crates of records, a record player... and one pair of socks.

Or the worst case of all: me. I sort of bought a house, but I'm going through a midlife crisis, so I also want a superduper fast car and, perhaps, a tank.

Also, I now know three or four Texans, and I think they're all very cool! How come none of them have accents ? Y'know what I mean, sugar?

Blog: She Wore Mirrorshades November 12, 2004 07:02 am

 From Vu

Ever had a song stuck in your head in a loop that just won't go away? Mine was Information Society's Mirrorshades:

She said "Now you're here, you've got to show and prove,
And do that dance until it don't move.
The phone doesn't work so you won't be calling home."

I had to revisit the Hack album and it is so good. I love all the songs on it, and it's a total departure from their first record, which was basically pop music. I love InfoSoc, I mean they lived in Minneapolis for a time!

Celeste is arriving here on Saturday and I'm so excited about it. I left a voice mail on her cell phone and must've sounded like a complete dork. I had 20 things I wanted to say, but none of them came out in proper complete sentences.

I wanted to say, "We've never talked to each other, so, this is my voice. Hello, how are you? I hope you have a safe drive. Look forward to seeing you."

Instead, this is what I sounded like, "Oh, erm hi, my voice. Drive. See you. White Pizza" (My boss was asking what I wanted for lunch.)

Blog: Random Things October 31, 2004 01:43 pm

 From Vu

Several things to sum up:

Celeste tells me she will be moving to Minneapolis (where I live). I told her that it would making stalking her so much easier.

I found Dead End at a Target, much to my surprise, because these stores never stock new toys!! I'm very excited about the Transformers: Alternators toyline, it is simply the best Transformers series. Check out Grimlock, Meister, and Ravage.

Browsing the toy aisle, I also noticed that the Teen Titans Tower as well as two Teen Titans Command Centers were also available.

It's a slow process, but I'm forwarding a lot of old emails from my hotmail account to gmail. It's amazing that hotmail is only offering 2mb, while all their competitors are offering much more than that! Hotmail is supposed to offer 250mb for users? I haven't seen any evidence of that.

I'm currently stuck on Syberia 2, an adventure game, which I picked up for $7.48 on clearance. Some of the puzzles just doesn't make any sense to me, but that's common in these types of games. I end up looking for hints & clues online... It is actually not a bad game, and the graphics are pretty amazing. I might pick up another copy for a cheap Christmas gift.

I really want this: TV Wonder USB 2.0. I think I will wait for a second generation of this product, since they usually fix all the problems in the initial release.

Also, do NOT UPDATE MS OFFICE 2003. For some security reason, your DVD Player will turn black. Thank goodness for System Restore.

Blog: Halloween 2004 October 29, 2004 10:15 pm

 From Vu

HALLOWEEN '04 (Oct 2004)

It's not every day you can wear jammies to work.

Blog: Darkseid and AIM 5.9 October 25, 2004 01:56 am

 From Vu

I just bought the Darkseid figure from the Justice League series... at Walmart!

It's very cool, even though Darkseid is wearing a mini-skirt. What's interesting about this figure, is that he's the first JL villain in the toy series (we're now up to three, with Ultra-Humanite and Lex Luthor being the other two).

I'm hoping they'll release other toys in the JLU series - I would love to have a Blue Beetle or Booster Gold figure.

I've decided to take a picture of the other two Darkseid figures I have: a Total Justice figure and a HeroClix version.

On another topic, with this new computer, I downloaded the latest version of AIM and it totally sucks. Not only do we get more advertisements but there are certain screen that you can't get rid of (only "hide"). It's very annoying. I tried installing AIM 9.2 but aol's server won't even allow it to run. Just awful.

Related

Ultra-Humanite Action Figure

Blog: Shuttle Computers October 17, 2004 10:37 am

 From Vu

This is my new computer.

Shuttle XPC Desktop with Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 3.0GHz Model: G 5690 This ultracompact aluminum cube is remarkable, but what's inside has everyone talking — a whopping 256MB ATI graphics card, DVD/CD burner and oodles of ports. Intel® Pentium® 4 processor 3.0GHz with Hyper-Threading Technology for improved multitasking performance; 800MHz frontside bus 512MB PC3200 DDR memory for multitasking power, expandable to 2.0GB 8x DVD±RW/CD-RW drive with a typical burn time of just 8 min. 512KB L2 cache memory for efficient system processing 160.0GB hard drive (7200 rpm) ATI RADEON 9550 AGP graphics card with 256MB video memory; VGA and DVI ports 5.1-channel digital audio with SPDIF input/output to plug into a home theater or sound system; 1 rear output, 1 front output and 1 center/bass output 3 IEEE 1394 (FireWire) ports and 4 high-speed USB 2.0 ports, both front and rear accessible, for fast digital data transfer and easy peripheral connectivity Built-in Realtek 8100B 10/100 Ethernet LAN Compact, cube-style form factor blends into any environment; I.C.E. heat pipe for cool, efficient performance PS/2 keyboard and optical mouse Windows XP Home Edition operating system preinstalled

The manufacturer's website (www.shuttle.com) doesn't seem to list this model. It's a pretty bare-bones system, but I have plenty of external USB devices that I just plug in and it just works. The US Robotics Modem that I bought, its driver is kind of funky at times. I get a winausb.sys Blue-Screen-of-Death sometime, so I usually have to unplug the Modem when I'm not using it. Kind of annoying, but I haven't experience the Blue Screen since.

Also, so far, so good, no major pains with Service Pack 2. It gives you grief if you do not have the Windows Automatic Update turned on. (I turn it off because I am hesitant to have things automatically download).

Blog: WinXP Service Pack 2 October 11, 2004 07:57 pm

 From Vu

I recently got a copy of Windows Service Pack 2, which I installed on my new computer. I haven't noticed any major conflicts, if the Windows Firewall blocked a software, you can always tell it to ignore certain software you use.

You can get a free copy yourself by going on their website and filling out your home address: www.microsoft.com/../sp2/cdorder. Unfortunately, I think only the US/English version is available at the moment.

I think you can also get a free copy of the CD from selected computer magazines this month.

Blog: George Lucas September 19, 2004 12:52 pm

 From Vu

In a semi-recent discussion of George Lucas's on the "original" STAR WARS DVDS on slashdot.org, it's come to my attention that he actually changed the storyline ... particularly by inserting another actor in Episode 4 and Greedo shooting first (in the original film Han Solo shoots first).

Lucas felt that his films, back in the 70s and 80s were not finished, that's why he's gone back and made these changes. Although one can respect that, I (and many, many other annoyed fans) would rather just have the theatrical version, or both version, on their DVD shelves. It looks like the only way to get the untouched version is on bootleg DVD, which were transfered from the Japanese Laserdiscs version.

The bootlegs are selling extremely well, and it is the number one reason why Lucas decided to release his movies way ahead of schedule... he was planning on releasing it just prior to his new film, Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, in about three years from now.

Am I going to get it ? I probably would get it if it had both version, but it seems unlikely if this is my only choice. I guess it also all depends on its price and if the Best Buy Darth Vader Bobble Head is available or not.

To sum it up, George Lucas doesn't listen to what fans are saying anyway:

'Star Wars' Trilogy Debuts on DVD
Wednesday September 15 2:27 PM ET

(excerpt)

AP: Do you pay much attention to fan reactions to your choices?
Lucas: Not really.

Blog: Comic Books With DVDs September 12, 2004 12:50 am

 From Vu

Everyone's talking about the great free (original) comic book that came in the release of the PUNISHER DVD. I got my copy at Circuit City, which came with a bonus CD (3 songs from the movie). Best Buy also has an exclusive, a preview DVD of the new Lions Gate movie "Saw".

Of all the "free" comic that came with DVDs, I would have to say that this Punisher comic is the best because it is written and drawn exclusively for movie. Written by Garth Ennis and drawn by Steve Dillion, both top talents.

Here are some DVDs that came with special comic books (usually reprints). I do not have the American Splender Comic, but I know that it came with one if you buy the DVD.

THE PUNISHER #1 (Lions Gate) (Sep 2004), comic book inserted in THE PUNISHER (2004) DVD.	DAWN OF THE DEAD #1 (2004), comic book inserted in DAWN OF THE DEAD ULTIMATE EDITION DVD	UNDERWORLD #1 (2004), comic book inserted in UNDERWORLD: DIRECTOR'S CUT DVD	REALBOUT SCHOOL (2002), comic tpb came free with limited edition of REALBOUT SCHOOL #1 DVD.	FLESH FOR THE BEAST (2004), comic book inserted in ZOMBI 2 (25th Anniversary)
AMERICAN SPLENDER (Not Actual Cover) (2003), comic book inserted in AMERICAN SPLENDER DVD.	SNAKE PLISSKEN #1 (DVD Edition) (Dec 2003), comic book inserted in ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK DVD (Special Edition)	AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #129 (Lion's Gate Edition) (Jun 2004), Standard - sized comic came free with purchases of SPIDER-MAN DVD at Best Buy	LEAGUE OF THE EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN #1 (Circuit City) (Dec 2003), Standard - sized comic came free with the purchase of LEAGUE OF THE EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN DVD

I'm sure I'm missing some other comic book/dvd combo, so let me know if that is the case. An honorable mention goes to CHASING AMY (Criterion Edition), which has an insert that spoofs a comic book.

Blog: Star Trek: The Original Series Season One September 06, 2004 04:05 am

 From Vu

STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES SEASON ONE (Aug 2004)

I don't understand Paramont's designing teams... why would you make it so difficult to take out discs? It's like they don't expect you to watch this 8-disc set. It's not just this design, but even Star Trek: Voyager, which is a hassle to take out and put back discs. So annoying... but it sure looks pretty, doesn't it ?

The Best Buy version includes a bonus 12-minute DVD, which isn't essential if you're on a budget. I hear that Costco has Season One for only $80 vs $107 that Best Buy is charging.

When I was younger, I would catch some of these shows on re-runs on syndication, but I never follow it religiously or anything. Now that I've watched the series from beginning to ending for Season One, I have to ask: Whatever happened to Yeoman Janice Rand (as played by Grace Lee Whitney)? She was a reoccurring character for the first few episodes, and then suddenly she kind of disappeared (well she later shows up in 1991 as Captain Sulu's Executive Officer in Star Trek VI).

Hopefully when I get around to it, I was going to compile all the STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION, STAR TREK: VOYAGER, and STAR TREK: THE ORIGINAL SERIES bonus discs (the exclusive Best Buy discs usually range from 10-30 minutes each) onto one DVD-R, so I don't have to flip through each boxset for a feature.

August 30, 2004 05:38 pm | Blog: Video Rental War

[ Blog ] From Vu

Under pressure from online rental stores like Netflix, which gives subscribers unlimited rental (you can have only 3 DVDs at a time, but you can always upgrade for an additional fee), Blockbuster rolled out their Blockbuster Online version.

Hollywood Video is FINALLY starting their own Movie Value Pass program.

Here is quick breakdown of what they offer:

PROGRAM Netflix Blockbuster Hollywood

PRICE $21.99 $19.99 $14.99

TITLES 25,000 25,000 10,000

LIMIT 3 DVDs at a time 3 DVDs, 2 free vouchers for in-store 3 DVDs, in-store only

If you want to see the latest DVD releases, I don't recommend you signing up for Hollywood's MVP, but take in account that Netflix and Blockbuster might not have your new DVD right away and takes a few days to mail your rentals to you. Mailing time all depends on if you live by a distribution center. Netflix actually has a distribution center in Minneapolis, so it's great for Minnesota but not so great for, say, Idaho.

Take into account that Netflix doesn't send you artwork for the DVD, just the original disc. I have never signed up for Blockbuster, but I am assuming they are cloning Netflix's program so they probably won't include the artwork as well. What Blockbuster offers is a slightly cheaper rate and 2 free voucher for in-store rental (which is about a $8.50 value).

Hollywood is still restricted to titles, because it was slow to adopt DVD and because the store is limited to space. There are a lot of obscure DVD that it does not carry, but Netflix & Blockbuster have them in a warehouse somewhere. Also, the Hollywood program is still limited to a 5-day rental, you still have to either phone in or bring the DVD in for renewal. Netflix & Blockbuster, you keep them for as long as you want.

I signed up for Hollywood's program today, so I'll let you know its problems, if any. I think this is a great way to enjoy older films without the worry of choosing titles based on your budget. For instance, I'll rent out some old Criterion DVDs in a few days when I return my first 3 rental. If you just rent 4 titles a month, you'll already made back your $14.99 subscription, so I'll try and rent at least 9 titles a month!

Also, I have picked up some more DVDs, BENNY HILL SEASON ONE, ALAN CLARKE COLLECTION (Available for sale on August 31st), VIDEO DROME (Available for sale on August 31st), ZATOICHI (2003), BIG SHOT'S FUNERAL, QUEEN BOXER, DEADLY KUNG FU LADY, BLUE SPRING, and SABU.

August 25, 2004 08:10 pm | Blog: Zombie Films

From Vu

The zombie genre is "alive" and well, especially with the recent "Shaun of the Dead". What's also interesting is the new Doom 3 game is full of zombies... If you are a long-time visitor to this website, then you'll remember that the last time I only reviewed Asian Zombie films, this time I'll concentrate on the rest of the world. It is not a complete listing, just the ones I own:

ZOMBI 2 (25th Anniversary) (aka ZOMBIE): This is the Media Blasters edition, beware of the 'normal' editions released by Anchor Bay Entertainment & (most recently) Blue Underground. Although each version of the film is excellent, the best version to get is the 25th Anniversary Edition since it comes with a bonus DVD and is in a swell packaging. Zombi 2 (I don't know what Zombi 1 was, sorry), was basically the Italian take on the Zombie genre, with their own bloody and disturbing twist. This story is basically copied for CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST, which was made in the same year. Anyway, this film is probably the greatest zombie film ever made, I recommend this one.

ZOMBI 3: By the way, none of the ZOMBI series are connected in any shape way or form. Just like all the DJANGO series had nothing to do with each other, besides sharing the same title. This is more common in other countries since the copyright laws are more loose, I guess. I have not picked up the rest of the ZOMBI series, I think it goes up to ZOMBI 6. This film is decent, kind of boring at times, and features birds carrying the zombie disease.

RESIDENT EVIL: This is actually a very decent film. Everyone will tell you it sucks, but I liked it. I have played the video game and quit after a while since I got bored of the game.... Besides Milla is hot too. Look for the sequel coming soon.

HOUSE OF THE DEAD: Another video-game-made-to-movie film. This is absolutely the WORST FILM EVER MADE. Okay it's slightly better than BATMAN AND ROBIN.

ZOMBIE HOLOCAUST (aka DR BUTCHER MD): An interesting zombie film, I think all the zombie footage was actually from another (student?) film which they spliced together with another film to create this one. The 1970s was a strange time.

NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD (Millenium): There are a billion Night of the Living Dead editions out there, since (I think) the film is public domain. The Millenium edition is the version to get since it features commentaries and endorsed by the writer/director George Romero. Incidently, this is THE FILM that started the whole Zombie genre.

DAWN OF THE DEAD: This is the sequel to Night of the Living Dead. The whole 'Dead Trilogy' are all very good and original, but I think this is the best one of the lot. Someone else thought this too and remade this film in 2003, featuring 'fast' zombies. The original is still better than the remake, but the remake has its own merits too. By the way, a 2-disc version of Dawn will be released soon and will contain the European & US version of this film since the UK version is so very different (the US version concentrated more on the humans! bah !).

DAY OF THE DEAD: Every 10 years, Romero makes one of these Zombie films, and I suppose there's always the rumored TWIGHTLIGHT OF THE DEAD. I have some faith that Romero will eventually make a fourth and final film to this series. The packaging to this is very nice.

28 DAYS LATER: This is a great film. Scary and pyscho. It is also very similiar to THE BEACH, since it's by the same writer. But not many people realized that the plot is loosely based on DAY OF THE DEAD!

SHOCK WAVES: The best Nazi-Zombie film ever made ? It's the only one I know of, so by default it's the best (and the worst).

RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD: Because the word "Living Dead" was never properly copyrighted, there were all sorts of movie that used these words to try capture the 'living dead' craze. This movie was more comedy than horror, and I think is underappreciated.

RETURN OF THE LIVING DEAD 3: I don't know if part 2 was released on DVD, but this one is a pretty good one. The main character, starring Mindy Clarke, tries and inflict self-mutilation in order to prevent herself from eating her boyfriend. And it's not that kind of eatin' either! As a result, she has piercing all over her bodies. The director thought this was pretty insane and disturbing -- only years later discover that was the fashion statement of the youth!

EROTIC NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD (Unrated): For about 10 minutes this film is a hardcore adult film. No, it's not zombie having sex (that would be disturbing). The rest of the film is pretty boring, there's a bit where the "Asian Emannuelle" shows up as an apparition.

Well that's all, next time I will be talking about The One-Armed Swordsman and the Zatoichi series.

August 23, 2004 07:27 pm | Blog: Thriller, a Cruel Picture

From Vu

THRILLER, A CRUEL PICTURE (1974), Synapse Films

Thriller - A Cruel Picture (Limited Edition) goes on sale on Sept. 28, 2004. The DVD is limited to 25,000 units and I have a copy.

From various interviews with Quentin Tarantino, he said that his is his favorite exploitation film. There are so many of these rape/revenge movies (the most famous being I Spit on Your Grave and Last House on the Left), but this one, based on what I've seen, is definitely the harshes of them all... Especially, the famous eye-cutting scene.

If you plan on buying this DVD, you should be aware that there are scenes of hardcore pornography in the picture. I personally think the film would've been better without those footage, because it doesn't really help tell the story and it makes the film sleazy.

There's plenty of special features, including the original Swedish Language (mono), production photographs, and an alternate harbor fight sequence.

The DVD menu is hard to understand, although intuitately you should probably know that the first item (usually upper-left) is "play movie", and the last item is probably "special feature"... Otherwise, just click on a random menu to see what it does.

August 17, 2004 05:45 am | Blog: Shaun of the Dead

From Vu

NICK FROST, SIMON PEGG, and EDGAR WRIGHT (15 Aug 2004)

I went to see the Minneapolis/US premiere of "Shaun of the Dead" film last Sunday. The film will be released in general selected theaters (500 screens) on September 24.

The film is a romantic comedy (with zombies). There was rarely a moment where the zombies were treated as a joke, they were real, and they could kill, yet the heart of the story is about Shaun's relationship with his girlfriend, his best friend, and his parents. There were a lot of reference/homages to earlier zombie films such as "We're coming to get you, Barbara" (from Night of the Living Dead), to the stomach-ripping scene (from Day of the Dead), to the virus-carrying monkey (from 28 Days Later).

Morrissey does appear in this film, by the way. A scene with a clueless Shaun was flipping through the television, all the news about a breakout and, for three seconds, you see The Smiths singing, "Panic on the streets of London". Very funny, there was a hoorah reaction from the audience too! The clip they used was from the Derek Jarman video, appearing on THE SMITHS: THE COMPLETE PICTURE.

After the screening, there was a special Question & Answer session with director Edgar Wright, co-writer/star Simon Pegg, and co-star Nick Frost.

Here are some interesting items from the session:

The US DVD release will have more special features than the UK DVD, because there's a lot of things that had happened since the UK release (especially since they realized they outgross the original Dawn of the Dead and 28 Days Later in the UK).

A zombie extra actually had one of his eye pop out. Medical reasonings, not because of an accident on set.

The film was made for a mere £4 million.

Sorry for the crappy photograph, I took it secretly with my PDA. Edgar did take a photograph of the audience, which I'm pretty sure I'm in it, but I don't think the photograph is up yet. Check out the official website: www.shaunofthedeadmovie.com (I'm 'sleeperzombie' in case you want to give me some pints), or IMDB: Shaun of the Dead. You can read a review of the UK DVD at DVD Times.co.uk.

August 11, 2004 01:02 am | Blog: Toilet Paper Fashion Show 2004

From Vu

TEXTRON HORSE (11 Aug 2004), photo by Vu

It's our annual Toilet Paper Fashion Show at work today. Lots of fun... I'm looking forward to the TP 500 race tomorrow. I'm usually the photographer for these events that goes on our intranet website, but I think my boss volunteered me to be a runner this year - which was a total surprise to me.

I always joke that this is all good clean fun. I think last year my team won basically all the awards, especially soap carving, which I was a natural at. It's fun to carve soap, no, seriously, try it sometime.

Anyroad, my team's Horse won this year fashion show, we beat out 'engine man', 'the bride' and some guy with toilet paper on a stick.

And check out Holly's hands! Yikes:

Also, I am happy to announce that I have been nominated and won the 'Employee of the Quarter' award. The prize ? A quarter.

No, just kidding, it's a $250 gift card.

I got a similiar Employee award two years ago, too. I think this is just a cheap ploy because I never take any sick time and I hardly ever use my vacation time.

Still, it's nice to be noticed for such things.

August 09, 2004 12:52 am | Blog: Doom 3

From Vu

Like thousands of other boys, I am playing Doom 3 (which was released last Wednesday).

I think the biggest problem I have with this game is switching between my flashlight and my shotgun! Well apparently someone's written a mod to address this problem.

I was actually surprised that my computer can even run Doom since the minimum requirement was so high. I ended up tweaking it a little but I'm running it at 640x480 with 32x anti-aliasing turned on, and I get decent frame rates. I think one day I'll have to get a video card that can handle the max setting in these type of games, because it looks gorgeous even at 640.

Since this new doom seem to be inspired by zombies & the dead, I will talk about Zombie movies next week.

August 08, 2004 10:28 pm | Blog: My First Gmail Spam

From Vu

I got my first gmail spam today. Man, that's fast...

What's interesting is that the spam seem to be targetted to me, specifically since there is a random text that reads:

"CROSSGEN 2002 ANNIVERSARY TOUR T-SHIRT"

Has anyone seen these type of targetted spam ?

If this was a legitimate email, then please don't ask for my credit card number or tell me that you're from Nigeria!

July 31, 2004 11:36 am | Blog: Embarrassing Moment #4,591

From Vu

Our phones at work tells us the type of telephone calls we're receiving. When I see "direct-in", that means that someone knows my direct line (who are usually my friends & family).

Well anyway, I saw that I was getting a direct-in call so I answered the phone. The woman on the other end started speaking in French, and I thought it was one of my friends playing a prank on me. So I played along, I started saying random French & Spanish words.

"Tu hablas espanole?"

"Wee"

"Je ne parle pas Francais"

etc.

After a few minutes, I came to the realization that perhaps I did not know this woman. And further, that she was really speaking French!

I tried to apologize to her, but she didn't understand a word I was saying ... It was so embarrassing. We both hung up shortly after this.

July 26, 2004 12:22 am | Blog: Gmail

From Vu

BELLE & SEBASTIAN - BOOKS (US) (29 Jun 2004)

Please note that I am changing my email address, once again. Please start using , although I might change it to another username since "sleeperster" sounds weird. It was a suggestion because 'sleeper' was already taken. I thought about it and I would've either gone with Sleeperchamp or Pajamapants.

Last week, I was supposed to meet my friends to see a comedy troop. I was late. Since I was already in downtown, I decided to walk down Nicollet Avenue to an import record store called Let it Be Records. But along the way, there was some sort of festival happening all summer called "Sommerfest". I ended up watching a Jazz band and then a street performer juggling sharp knives over four people underneath him. He dubbed it, "the Human Table... of Death!"

At the store, I bought two CDs, Belle & Sebastian's "Books" EP and a used Camera Obscura "Underachievers Please Try Harder" CD. B&S's "Your Cover's Blown" is the most amazing song ever. I just could not stop listening to it. The song seems like it's a patchwork of musical genres. I wish radio stations would play this song, but it's not going to happen as the song is six minutes. Too short, if you ask me.

Well, I have been buying cheap software via Ebay lately. I'm not sure that these software are entirely legal, but it's definitely cheaper than retail. I've picked up Photoshop 8 CS and Pocket Quicken for a very reasonable price.

July 17, 2004 12:16 am | Blog: Attention Star Trek Fans

From Vu

Although I love Science Fiction and Star Trek, I do not really consider myself as a hardcore fan. I am more of a closet geek. Okay, maybe more like a bitter recluse.

Read the letter, and tell her live long and prosper:

>>>
Subject : Star Trek question
Friday, July 16, 2004 4:05 AM
written by Karen Jackson

I’m researching the history of Star Trek, the films and 5 TV shows, in my media course at high school. Being in Australia, it’s currently winter over here, so we don’t break like the northern hemisphere does, being in the summer season, although we had a 2 week break last month.

For my fan survey task, I need to ask (preferably advanced) Trek fans the question of who your personal favorite Trek character is and why, compared to the others (from the 10 films and the 5 live action TV shows) in a maximum of 50 words for each one, if you have a couple personal favorites. From the Trek TV series, the character has to have appeared in at least 5 episodes. Please be as eloquent and as articulate as possible in your reply.

July 11, 2004 02:06 am | Blog: Target "Marvel Age" & DVDs for Sale

From Vu

I was at Target yesterday when I noticed this nice stand for Marvel's "Marvel Age" magazine-sized comic book. I think these books are exclusive to Target.

Most of the Marvel Age titles were of Spider-Man, but they had a few other titles like Emma Frost, Marvel Encyclopedia, and Ultimate X-Men.

What is really nice about these books are the prices, which is $4.99 (except for the Encyclopedia, which was $5.99) for about six issue's worth of stories. Given that the price of normal comics is on average $2.99, this is a great deal...

They are original DVD, with original inserts. I'm selling them because I own duplicate versions of these movies. Prices are half the price of retail. Also, shipping to U.S. residents are free. Shipping to other countries should be pretty cheap, please email me if you have any questions or photograph requests.

ICHI THE KILLER (2001), Media Blasters, Unrated, 1 disc, Zone 1 - $8

REBORN FROM HELL: SAMURAI ARMAGEDDON (1998), Media Blasters, Unrated, Zone 1 - $8

DJANGO (1966), Blue Underground, Unrated, 1 disc, Zone 0 - $8

SPIDER-MAN (2002) (Widescreen) (unopened), Columbia-TriStar, Rated PG-13, 2 discs, Zone 1 - $10 (on hold)

UNDERWORLD (2003) , Screen Gems, Rated R, Region 1, 1 Disc - $10

PITCH BLACK (2000) , Universal, Unrated, Region 1, 1 Disc - $7

DEAD OR ALIVE (1999), King Video, Unrated, 1 disc, Zone 1 - $8

THE GOOD THE BAD AND THE UGLY (1966), MGM, Rated R, 1 disc, Zone 1 - $6

THE FIVE VENOMS (1978), Entertainment Programs Inc, Unrated, 1 disc, Zone 0 - $5

I actually have quite a few other DVDs that I want to get rid of, but since I probably won't sell any on this list, this will probably be the last you'll hear of this.

June 28, 2004 09:01 pm | Blog: Computer Not OK

From Vu

Due to a Windows XP corrupted file, I was not able to boot up my computer.

I didn't have any start up disc either... so I ended ordering a Sony Recovery DVD from their official store. At first I tried to order it online at servicesales.sel.sony.com, but the website does not list my particular notebook model (PCG-V505DX), so I had to call their phone number, 800-488-7669, and talk to one of their operator.

She tried to sell me the "next day" option for $22 in shipping, but I thought that was a little expensive, so I opted for the only cheap option ($6) which took a full eight days to deliver (discounting Sunday).

Needless to say, I should've taken the overnight option.

Jun 14, 2004 12:35 am | Blog: The Lucksmiths

From Vu

Matinée Records posted some MP3 tracks of the Lucksmiths, check it out. I recommend "T-Shirt Weather" and "Untidy Town". The Would-Be-Goods is also, er, good too.

Here is the letter I got in the inbox:

Matinée Newsletter #18
Saturday, June 12, 2004 11:06 AM
written by Jimmy

Our June Artist of the Month is The Lucksmiths! Visit the updated artist page, read lots of interviews, watch some videos, and vote in the favorite song poll throughout the month. The sounds page now features five Lucksmiths mp3s including the rare track "Boat", but check it out soon because it will only be around for the next 30 days. All Lucksmiths releases are on sale this month so plan a trip to the mailorder today!

The Lucksmiths is one of my favorite bands. They sing about happiness, joblessness, successlessness, relationshipsness - you know things I can't really relate to. But I still love them though.

I think the best description that I've heard someone said about their music is that they don't really write songs, but conversations.

Here are some random songs:

"It hasn't been all beer and skittles. There were some madness in the middle. I'll make a sandwich, and I'll make a mess. Am I making sense ? We were good, good friends... for a while."

"She's the opposite of coffee, she's the last thing I need in the morning."

"Are you split in two, when I talk to you. Because I'm split in three when you talk to me."

"Better Saturdays, and it's been that way since I spoke to you this morning. From a pay phone in a pub, here's the rock and rolling, there's the rub. When I spoke to you, you said, "I'll see you soon." But I won't see you for ages. And your voice sounded so small, the loneliness of a long-distance phone call."

I've seen them twice and the first time, there were a few people around. I managed to steal their setlist.

Jun 12, 2004 11:27 pm | Blog: PAL DVDs

From Vu

CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST (1979), EC Entertainment FREDDY'S NIGHTMARES Vol 1 (1984), Warner Brothers (UK)

I saw one of the most disturbing films earlier today: CANNIBAL HOLOCAUST. Yes, if you can believe, it is part of what is known as Cannibal genres. I believe most of these kind of films came out of Italy (but I have seen the same genre from Mexico as well), who also exported many of the great Westerns, Zombies, and Horror films.

Anyway, the film was never released uncut in America because of its violence and disturbing images.... and by all right, people should just avoid this movie. That's why I have the special deluxe 2-disc DVD :).

Even though the DVD is in PAL format, it actually looked pretty good. I have seen other PAL formatted DVD and I have not been very impress with that format... But Cannibal looked incredibly detailed - as detailed as normal NTSC formatted DVDs.

I picked up another PAL DVD called FREDDY'S NIGHTMARES, which collected the first 3 episodes of the Television series. I don't know why the series weren't released domestically, because there's a huge market for this kind of stuff.

May 29, 2004 01:31 pm | Blog: Television DVDs

From Vu

DEAD ZONE SEASON TWO (2003), Lions Gate Home Entertainment BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER SEASON SIX (2001-2002), Twentieth Century Fox STAR TREK: VOYAGER SEASON TWO (1995-1996), Paramount KIDS IN THE HALL (1989), A&E THREE'S COMPANY SEASON TWO (1977), Anchor Bay PENN & TELLER: BULLSH*T (2003), Showtime

I don't watch television.

I don't really have the time, and my reception is pretty bad, so I don't really watch television.

There are a cable-only shows like Penn & Teller, Dead Zone, and The Kids in the Hall, so the only way I could watch them is on DVD. If you think about it, cable TV costs about $40 a month for basic cable, so in a way, it's worth it to buy selected shows that you're only interested in.

To be honest, I haven't had the time to watch the DEAD ZONE SEASON TWO, since I only picked it up yesterday. But since I enjoyed the first season, I'm sure I'll enjoy the second season.

BUFFY SEASON SIX is pretty good, it's better than Season Five. The "Trio" is probably the highlight of the season, and "Dark Willow" happened a little too late... But it was good to see Willow back into her computer-roots. Oh, and Buffy gets a job at the Double Meat.

VOYAGER is becoming one of my favorite Star Trek series. My all-time favorite is still THE NEXT GENERATION, but VOYAGER is in some way better. Probably because all the aliens and worlds were not familiar to the ST universe, because they're in the Delta Quadrant... even though all the aliens look pretty similiar. Plus, Best Buy Exclusive includes a bonus 12-min DVD on designing the USS Voyager.

By the way, someone tell Paramont that I totally hate the Voyager packaging. It's difficult to take out the discs and the plastic top just looks cheap.

KIDS IN THE HALL is one of those cult shows that was originally produced by HBO. There's some funny stuff in this first season, my favorite is Sarcastic Guy.

THREE'S COMPANY SEASON TWO gets a digipak packaging, much better than the first season, which was just a single DVD in a standard DVD case. If you buy Best Buy's Season 2 exclusive version, you also get a set of coasters. The best part about DVD is that it contains the original Three's Company Pilot, which had totally different characters and actor and Jack Tripper was called David Bell!

PENN & TELLER: BULLSH*T is a great series, but it's nothing original. They just basically expose frauds. Like bottle water, TV psychics, Feng Shui, alien abductions, etc...

May 26, 2004 12:00 am | Blog: Paja Johns Free DVD

From Vu

DON JUAN DEMARCO (Papa John's Edition) BILL & TED'S BOGUS JOURNEY (Pizza Hut)

Papa Johns is giving away one of three free DVD if you buy a regular priced large pizza from them. This isn't a bad deal, I ended up getting New Line Cinema's "Don Juan DeMarco", starring Johnny Depp.

I probably won't get the other DVDs, because the selection isn't really my cup of tea.

Last year Pizza Hut gave away free DVDs with their pizza as well, which I picked up MGM's "Bill & Ted's Bogus Journey"

Because it's so cheap to produce DVDs, I predict more and more freebies in the future. Not just restricted to pizza restraunts... Wouldn't it make sense if Hollywood is re-making a movie, I would not mind paying a little more (like $3) to get a DVD of the original movie when you pay for adult admission to the theater.

Or movie producers could give movie-goers "making of"/trailer promotional DVD of a coming-soon movie (similar to the recent Best Buy's Hellboy Promo DVD).

May 23, 2004 08:30 pm | Blog: Coconuts.com

From Vu

The strangest thing happened to me.

I got this parcel in the mail a few days ago from a company called "Coconuts.com", don't bother trying to go to their website - they don't exist.

The package contain one WILLIE P. RICHARDSON, "THE PHONE PRANKSTER": IN CONCERT VHS. I've obviously never been to their website and I actually don't own a working VCR, so I haven't bought a VHS in many years now.

I have come to some conclusions:
1. Their website got hit with a virus and they sent this to me by mistake. But why would they have my name and address in their files as I've never heard of them?

2. It is a rather distasteful gift from someone I know. But why would they not tell me about it prior (and for what occassion? And WHY????)

3. It is some sort of scam to visit their non-existing website. I don't know. I checked my credit cards and none of them were billed for anything out of the ordinary (otherwise I would've already concluded it was a scam and refuted the charge).

The other strange thing is that their address:

coconuts.com
33 Journey
Aliso Viejo, CA 92656

But their paid postage reads: New Brunswick, NJ 08901

If anyone know anything about this, please let me know. This is a really strange mystery.

May 11, 2004 07:13 am | Blog: Quantum Leap Season 1

From Vu

QUANTUM LEAP - SEASON 1 (Jun 2004)

I think I've got the case of the Mondays....

I saw that Quantum Leap - The Complete First Season will be release on 6/8/2004. This is great news as this is the only show I've been asking for on DVD.

Details of the 3-disc set:

>>>
Region 1
3-Disc Boxed Set
Full Frame - 1.33
Dual Layer

Audio:
Dolby Digital 2.0 Sound - Mono - English

Additional Release Material:
Interviews - 1. Scott Bakula, Dean Stockwell - Stars, Donald P. Bellisario - Creator
Featurette - 1. Episode Introductions

Now, all I am waiting for are PERFECT STRANGERS, MACGYVER, and THUNDERCATS. I would mention the A-TEAM, but they already have a DVD coming out (also on 6/8/2004).

May 09, 2004 12:57 am | Blog: Post Cereals

From Vu

FRUITY PEBBLES (Apr 2004) WAFFLE CRISP (Apr 2004)

This Kraftfood's POST cereals JLA promotional started sometime in mid-April, but since I don't really eat breakfast, this is the first time I've seen them. The official website to the Justice League America promotional is located here: www.postopia.com/jl

April 30, 2004 | Blog: Special DVD Packagings

From Vu

TWINS EFFECT (with useless pointer-thing) (2003) MONSTER LEGACY STATUES (24 Apr 2004)

I know at least one person out there likes reading my DVD reviews so here we go with another few items.

My Hollywood Video rental store actually now carries some Asian DVDs. It used to be that they never order these kind of films, so I'm kind of voting with my wallet by renting if I have not seen it.

I rented these two Korean films, and have not watched them yet: TUBE (2003) and FRIEND (2002). If I like TUBE enough, there is a 2-disc set version from Korea, so I might just buy that versus burning a copy.... Anyway the video store had just two copies of each, and I rented the last one. These films usually don't get re-sold either, unlike JEEPER CREEPERS 2, which I bought used for $8.99 (this is a huge savings when it was first released and sold for $19.99).

Of course, I still buy DVDs based on packaging/extras, like TWINS EFFECT (aka VAMPIRE EFFECTS - U.S. title). I got the deluxe boxset of TWINS EFFECT earlier this year and it comes with the most useless feature: a stupid pointy sword stick. It does absolutely nothing. But the packaging is cool, the bat in the center is filled with lead or something as it weighs a ton. The 2nd disc have a few special features but I think they were not subtitled so I didn't pay much attention to it.

I won't give away the plot too much, but it's basically about Vampires and Vampire Hunters. Jackie Chan makes a SMALL cameo in this film, although judging from the US version of this film it looks like he's the major star. Anyway, this is a very fun film, and feature some nice wired fighting. Even the sword/grappling hook thing looks cool (but in the real world this item is just not possible.)

Also, I picked up the MONSTER LEGACY boxset, which includes all the classic DRACULA, FRANKENSTEIN and THE WOLF MAN films from the Golden Age of Cinema by Universal Studios. I haven't had a chance to watch them, but I did listen to the commentaries of THE WOLF MAN at work. Did you know that there's been five WOLF MAN films starring Lon Chaney Jr ?

Also, this is crazy, but Minnesota State Tax is posting name and addresses of delinquent taxpayers. There's a few other states that is doing that as well - but you would think they could just arrest these people?

April 27, 2004 | Blog: Vu-art

From Vu

BEER, art by Vu! RANDOM NOTES, art by Vu!

"Just two things, she tells me, if you want to keep things friendly: no beer for me and no peanuts and I'll be happy. Oh and no football. I guess that makes three." - the Lucksmiths.

I did some random art this past week that I wanted to show you.

The first was done at Demauro.com in java and the second was produced during my long meeting for NPSI (yes, I was taking notes, and yes we had a quiz afterwards)...

Also, I'm trying to remind people that Echobelly's new CD is coming out pretty soon.

April 24, 2004 | Blog: Master & Command

From Vu

MASTER AND COMMAND (Collector's Gift Set) (Best Buy) (2003), Twentieth Century Fox

I was told MASTER & COMMAND wasn't a very good movie, but I actually enjoyed it. I really didn't know much about the movie, and I think this is probably the best way to view a movie.

Anyway, what it is basically about is a small-sized war ship commanded by Russell Crowe is taking on a vastly superior ship (twice the cannons and twice as fast!). I thought some of the tactics were pretty neat and overall all the actors were pretty good. Oh, bring a Navel & olde English dictionary because you're not going to understand half the language spoken !

If you end up buying a copy, you should probably get the Best Buy version, which comes with an extra bonus exclusive DVD, "Behind the Seas: A Filmaker's Journey".

I now have over 700 DVDs. Yeah, I know, I don't have any room.

Finally, Diamond takes forever to fulfill back orders (I once ordered a book that took two months to arrive.) And NEVER, EVER buy DVDs from Diamond, because they will be available to general stores months BEFORE it reaches Diamond. Okay, okay, I've heard that they are getting better at it (only a week late, etc), but it's still not worth it.

Anyway, you can read more frustrations from a book dealer in New York here:

Alan Elliott of Queen City Bookstore in Buffalo, New York:

Here we are, with a great demand for the Hellboy trade paperbacks; and all we get from Diamond is back orders. Between the lack of foresight on both Diamond and Dark Horse to make sure there was enough inventory and Diamond's slow shipping of backordered items, we are missing a great chance to expand our market.

April 18, 2004 | Blog: Hellboy and the Punisher

From Vu

AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #129 (Lion's Gate Edition) (Jun 2004), Marvel Comics/Lions Gate Films EVL COMICS

I just signed up as an affiliate for EVL Comics. I did check out their selections and noticed a Crossgen Chronicles #2 Signed by George Pérez.

Searching is kind of annoying and there are no cover scans on most comics... but if you know exactly what you want, it's not so bad. Plus, you do get 25% off if you order $100 and over (plus free shipping).

I saw Hellboy last week and it wasn't as good as I had hoped for. Don't believe all the reviews about "non-stop" action and how the love story added to the movie, it just seems kind of standard comic book movie. There are so many of them now that I think I'm going to be sick of it...

Having said that, maybe I'll check out the new Punisher movie sometime next week. I do have the AMAZING SPIDER-MAN comic that were given to movie-goers who went to see the Punisher movie. I have read mix reviews on the movie, but I guess I will decide for myself.

You can read more about the promo comic here: www.icv2.com/../4566.html

I am seeing Kill Bill tomorrow.

April 10, 2004 | Blog: Spaghetti Westerns

From Vu

ONCE UPON IN ITALY (2004), Anchor Bay SPAGHETTI WESTERNS COLLECTION (2002), Blue Underground ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST (1969), Paramont GREAT SILENCE (1968), Fantoma Films

I think Spaghetti Westerns are some of the most entertaining movies I've ever seen !

I've mentioned FOUR OF THE APOCALYPSE (1975), in a previous blog, but I wanted to talk more about Italian Westerns. Did you know from 1960 to 1980 that there has been over 300 Italian Westerns ? Only a handful of these films made it over the US, because the length of these films usually exceeds America's short attention span of 90 minutes...

It all started with Sergio Leone's THE MAN WITH NO NAME TRILOGY (including A FIST FULL OF DOLLARS, FOR A FEW DOLLARS MORE, and THE GOOD THE BAD AND THE UGLY.) Sergio actually based A FIST FULL OF DOLLARS on Akira Kurosawa's YOJIMBO (and even later on was remade into LAST MAN STANDING).

Anyway, some of the best films I've seen so far are: DJANGO, DJANGO... KILL, ONCE UPON A TIME IN THE WEST (my personal favorite), and A BULLET FOR THE GENERAL.

I've included THE GREAT SILENCE on here because this is a very interesting western. The lead actor does not speak in the film (his throat was slash when he was young), and the ending was so depressing and morbid that the film company asked the director to re-shoot the ending. The "Happy" ending appeared in US and Brazil release of the films, but it definitely did not feel right. I suggest seeing the original ending and weeping at how totally tragic it turned out.

Now, there's good news. MGM is re-releasing THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY in a two-disc set, and Blue Underground is re-releasing THE SPAGHETTI WESTERN COLLECTION each of the 4 films will contain two discs. If you like westerns, you need to own THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY, it is such a classic.

April 9, 2004 | Blog: Pay-As-You-Go Phones

From Vu

Ladies and gentlemen, I am now a part of modern society with my own stupid cell phone.

Since I need and am already paying $30 a month for a land-line, I just did not need another telephone.... But since I use the land-line for internet dial-up, people could never get a hold of me.

Also, I hope that it will be used in emergencies and I like the idea that it's really non-commital. In fact, when I called to activate the phone, the person on the other line said that it was optional that we fill out my home address. That's crazy ! It's like disposable phones, in a way.

Talking 10 minutes a day will set you back 25 cents a minute, then after that it costs 10 cents a minute. Current pay phones in America costs about 50 cents to make a local phone call. Long distance is equally more expensive, so this Virgin "Pay as You Go" phone is pretty cheap considering that long distance and local are one flat rate, at any moment of the day.

I figure I will need a mobile phone in case I get lost or if I'm late to work because of an accident... Now it's easy to just phone it in, instead of just missing-in-action in my car. It is also for the time when I'm online and there is a busy signal, this new phone is dedicated to getting in touch with me.

I did look over the other plans from Boost, AT&T, and, I think, Sprint. AT&T is, by far, the worst of the Pay-As-You-Go phones. Their prices is a whopping 50 cents a minute if you put down $10.

My only complaint about these phones is that, in order to keep your phone account activated, that you put in $20 every three months. I suppose it's not so bad, considering that you carry over your dollar amounts, and, again, no monthy fees.

This is my new phone:

Kyocera
Slider ™ V5 *MTV Edition $149.99

Innovative and Eye-catching
Slides open with the push of a thumb
Full-color screen
High quality sound with polyphonic ringtones

Services and Features
Virgin Mobile software to access our services and VirginXtras
Exclusive *MTV content: *MTV games, MTV News, and more
Easy to use text messaging
One-touch or voice activated dialing
Automatically adjusts call volume based on surrounding noise
4 pre-loaded games

Specs and Facts
4 hours of talk time and 4 days of standby time
Weighs only 3.2 ounces; measures 3.4 by 1.9 by 0.9 inches
Charger included

The other perks with the above phone, that is not mentioned, is: free caller ID, caller ID blocking, free call waiting, free voice mail, free logging of all your calls (incoming or outgoing), screen savers, choices of different ringtones (depending on your criteria), and "free" long distance calling.

April 4, 2004 | Blog: Gadgets & Technology

[ Blog ] From Vu

SONY CLIÉ Finally a PDA for Middle-Earth THE VUNI BOMBER (3 Apr 2004)

Okay, so I love gadgets and technology. Who doesn't ? I picked up a SONY CLIÉ PEG-UX40 for $299 at COMPUSA on their week sale (it normally retails for $499 or more). I had already made some rules when it comes to buying things like this: if they do not have it in stock then it is just fate. So, of course, when I got there, it was the last item they had left so I had to stick to my rule and buy it, didn't I?

I played around with its feature, it has a built in camera for motion picture and still images (see VUNI BOMBER photo for quality). It's definitely not going to replace any real digital camera, but it is kind of neat to use with your PDA. Particularly the address book, which you can assign photographs of your contacts.

I have started using the calendar, as I tend to forget birthdays, holidays, time changes, etc. This will really be helpful, I hope.

When it all comes down to it, this expensive PDA is, really just good for the solitaire game, haha. Oh, I've also downloaded Tetris, Bejeweled, a dictionary, a local map, and a few other software. I think I will need to look into buying one of those GPS system and track myself walking around...

I also bought an external DVD writer a couple of weeks ago. This has been the best investment I've made in a long time. As you know, I love movies (I have about 700 DVDs now), and the DVD writer was just a logical step. At first, from what I've read, I thought most software did not allow you to make copies of copyrighted DVDs, but this untrue.

There is a popular software that I have been using called DVD FAB, which lets you take off Macrovision, CSS, Region Coding, alternate audio, etc. Unfortunately, it does not compress movies, so if you make a copy of a dual-layered DVD, you have to copy it on two 4.7 gig discs. I have been using this to remove zone coding so my brother (who does not have an all-zone player) can watch some of my movies.

The most popular DVD software is, of course, 321 Software, who makes DVD X COPY. The software is pretty expensive ($99 retail), but it will compress DVD 9 (dual layer) video/audio to fit on one 4.7 gig disc. Even though it is compressed, you hardly notice it. Incidentally, 321 is currently being sued by Hollywood.

There are a lot more DVD software out there, but since the current two DVD software I am using is working fine, so I have not explored other options.

March 22, 2004 | Blog: Lone Wolf & Cub on DVD

From Vu

LONE WOLF AND CUB is going to be available to DVD in America (the UK had them on DVD for at least a year!). According to the official website, Animeigo, it looks like the first FIVE DVD are available for purchase through their website (it also looks like the last time they updated the information was on Thursday, March 04, 2004 12:16:23 PM for final artwork), but if you check online at your usual DVD shops, like Deep Discount DVD, you'll notice that you can only buy the first or second DVD.

Why? Their FAQ explains it:

Video company (us) announces new title, sets a STREET DATE (date of first sale, or date the stores can put it out for sale) about 2 months in the future.

This gives time for stores/online sites to (a) decide to order it, (b) place the order, and (c) add to their inventory systems, about a month before the street date.

Then we have a month to (a) gather all the orders, (b) replicate enough discs, and (c) ship them out in time for the stores to get them by the street date.

"Missing" a street date, not having the product to the stores in time, is a major sin in the industry, and we've been nailed by last minute problems so many times that we now have a policy of "don't announce a street date until we have finished, tested product in the warehouse!"

So when the product does come in, we announce a street date, and as a bonus for fans who can't wait, make the title available on our website.

I talked to the people releasing the DVDs and they said that a box set will be made available - but if you bought each DVD singularly, they will make the box available to you for free.

March 20, 2004 | Blog: Infernal Affairs

From Vu

INFERNAL AFFAIRS (2002), Media Asia INFERNAL AFFAIRS II (2003), Media Asia INFERNAL AFFAIRS III (2003), Media Asia

So I got the entire trilogy last month (Infernal Affairs III was recently released in February 2004), because there was a lot of buzz for this trilogy. This series is often compared to the Godfather movie series, but it is long and complicated and everyone is related to each other. Other than that, it is about gangsters and policemen.

The first movie actually is Asia's number one film (it topped Shaolin Soccer at the box office), and with its success a prequel soon followed.

I actually first mis-read the series as "INTERNAL", but it is actually titled INFERNAL. I did not quite understand the title, but I have a feeling it has to do with the Buddha and Hell, as the gangsters and cops are walking that fine line between Heaven and Hell.... But maybe I'm reading too much into it.

Each DVD is a 2-disc set, but the 2nd special features disc are not subtitled (but most of the behind the scene stuff does not have a lot of dialogue anyway.) Part 2 and 3 each comes with a special book, handsomely bounded, and fit inside a beautiful black box. Oh, and they are also coded for zone 3, except for the first movie, which is all-zone. If you like Asian movies, you really do need to own a no-zone player anyway... they sell them on Ebay for under $70.

I got my copy from Sensasian which also came with a special oversized 2004 Infernal Affairs Calendar (I did not get a free Infernal Affairs Mug), and it retails for $100, but Senasian is selling it for $57. Of course you have to count in the shipping, which is about $20 for air mail.

March 15, 2004 | X-Files Bootlegs

From Vu

X-FILES

Well the X-Files bootlegs arrived on Saturday, but as it need to have me physically sign for them, I went to pick them up at the post office this morning. At first, they look incredibly legit and real, but upon closer examinations, I can safely say that these are unofficial releases.

The packaging is a box, complete with color artwork and the discs are machine pressed (not written via a dvd-writer).

I analyzed one of the disc using DVD X Rescue:

The following information was collected by DVD X Rescue
Copyright 1997-2003, Arrowkey, Inc.
Licensed to 321 Studios, Inc.

Table of Contents
There are a total of 1 tracks on disc, plus the lead-out.

Disc is a DVD, type is DVD-ROM
This disc has 1 layers.

Track 1 occupies 1818989 blocks (404 Min, 13 Sec, 14 Frames).

This track contains data and is UDF format.

Lead-out track starts at block 1818989.
---------------------------------------------
Data track 1 recorded as part of session 1.
This track was written by Daikin U.S. Comtec Lab.
There are 13 accessible files and 2 directories contained in this track.
---------------------------------------------
This disc has passed all checks for replication.

As you can see, these discs are single-layer. The fox DVDs are actually dual layer. This is an excerpt of the Fox DVD:

Disc is a DVD, type is DVD-ROM
This disc has 2 layers. Track 1 occupies 3940368 blocks (875 Min, 38 Sec, 18 Frames).

What this means is that the company writes the data on two layers and then pressed them together to form one dvd. Your dvd player reads a single layer and then pauses to read the second layer underneath the disc. Dual layer discs are about 9 gigabyte versus single layer which is about 4.7 gigabyte.

I watched a little of bootleg disc and there is evidence of video and sound compression. They're hardly noticiable, but there are sometime missing frames.

Now the good news: all the special features are there. And let's not forget that these are incredibly cheap. They sell for about $11.99, that's about $100 off the official releases.

Still, I think you're better off buying the official merchandise, but if you have a tight budget and don't mind compressed video, these are worth it.

Remember, you get what you pay for.

March 14, 2004 | Blog: Hellboy

[ Blog ] From Vu

HELLBOY SPECIAL SNEAK PREVIEW (DVD) (Mar 2004) HELLBOY PREMIERE EDITION (Mar 2004) HELLBOY PREMIERE EDITION (Wizard Subscriber Cover) (Mar 2004)

Hellboy/Mike Mignola fans should be really happy since the movie coming out soon (in theaters April 2nd, 2004), and there will be a lot of tie-in merchandises & comics.

These are just some of the items that was recently released, including a Best Buy exclusive Sneak Preview DVD for Hellboy. Includes trailers and a behind-the-scene featurette, which looks promising.

Wizard is giving an alternate cover to their HELLBOY PREMIERE EDITION (which originally was offered in WIZARD #148) for subscribers only. The new cover is by Guy Davis.

For more information, check out www.hellboy.com.

In the meantime, I will be picking up a few free copies of the Hellboy Preview DVD for anyone that wants one (you do need to pay me for postage, however.)

March 12, 2004 | Blog: Alternators

From Vu

SIDE SWIPE (Dodge Viper) and SMOKESCREEN (Subaru Impreza)

The new Transformers toyline: Alternators are the best TF toys since Robots in Disguise, in my opinion. I stopped buying TF shortly after the three trains were introduced, when Hasbros just started recycling old toys by repainting them. The whole Armada and Energon series just seems like a waste of plastic, transforming looks incredible easy and just the designs looks just ugly... so I didn't buy any TF until Alternators came out.

Alternators is supposed to be for the older, old-school TF fans: realistically looking cars and incredibly detailed robots.

Some of the best features are the rubber wheels, working steering wheel (the front two wheels turns), adjustable seats, working doors, reflective mirrors (stickers), and the engines becomes a laser gun!

Right now, the only two available are Side Swipe and Smokescreen. They retail for about $20, and can be found in various department stores, like Wal-Mart, Target, K-Mart, or Toys R Us.

It looks like Hound (Jeep Wrangler) is next on Hasbro's list: hasbro.com/../product_id.14133

March 5, 2004 | Blog: Napster, RSA, & Italian Westerns

From Vu

NAPSTER/SAMSUNG LYNNE FREDERICK from FOUR OF THE APOCALYPSE (1975)

There's so much I want to talk about, but it's just been so busy lately.

I bought a few things, including the Napster/Samsung MP3 player. It's 20 gig, and I'm currently using it as an MP3 player & storage device (I back up my website on the harddrive). It is not that great of a device as it froze up on me twice, but it is good that it comes with a 'reset' button. It also has an FM tuner (which you can record songs off the radio) and comes with a non-working transmitter. Yes, the FM transmitter just does not work, I don't even know why they bother even advertising that it's an option.

It is a bit heavy and it is a bit big. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone, but it was practically "free" to me, so I won't really complain about it.

Oh, also, have you heard of RSA? I got one of these devices for my job, as sometime it does require me to go on the road (although you'd never know it because I haven't gone anywhere but Georgia!) There are some talk about Montreal and Providence, but it's nothing solid right now.

Anyway, this little RSA device is (what seems to be) a randomly generated six-digit number that changes every one minute. You will need to key in the correct number when you log onto our network from outside the firewall. It's pretty neat. I've heard of this kind of thing, but to have the technology on my keychain, it's very cool.

On the DVD front, China is producing supercheap X-Files Season DVDs. You can probably find all the X-File Season on 48 DVDS for $150 on ebay. This is really, really cheap, considering that one season sells for over $100 in the US, so if you're trying to complete your set, you're looking to spend over $800 easily.

I am expecting season 5 & 6 in the mail, which I spent about $40 for both. There's probably no special features and packaging probably sucks (and it's probably bootlegged!), but it was so cheap, I had to check it out. I will write a review if I get around to it.

In the meantime, I am really enjoying all the ONCE UPON A TIME IN ITALY boxset, released by Anchor Bay. All the Italian Westerns are SO good. The most unique and probably the best one of the lot is FOUR OF THE APOCALYPSE (1975) which is basically a horror movie in the West.

According to the back sleeve:

Due to its graphic violence, FOUR OF THE APOCALYPSE was banned or censored in many countries and never seen in America. Meanwhile, fans - and Lucio Fuici himself - considered it to be one of the greatest films in the maestro's career.

Oh, and, if you missed it, JLA/AVENGERS #4 is delayed until March 31st.

February 25, 2004 | Blog: Best Buy & ST

From Vu

STAR TREK: VOYAGER SEASON ONE (1995), Paramount STAR TREK 6: UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY (1991), Paramont

Wow, pretty slow news week.

I just picked up the first season on STAR TREK: VOYAGER on DVD. If you get it at Best Buy, you get an extra bonus 16 minutes DVD. 16 minutes may not be much, but it's an incentive for me to pick it up, as there are limited supplies of them.

The best news, however, is that the original STAR TREK series will be available on space-saving season boxsets in winter 2004! I'll definitely buy this, considering that the reason why I didn't already pick up the original series is because I really don't have space for an extra 41 DVD (standard cases).

Some other Best Buy Exclusives includes a 30 Min Featurette on XENA SEASON 3, disc 8, and NINJA SCROLL THE SERIES vol 2.

February 21, 2004 | Blog: iTunes, Pepsi, & Toshiba

From Vu

MY 300LB TOSHIBA

My brother gave me two bottle caps for free downloadable tracks from Apple's iTunes.

It was pretty hard to pick and choose two songs (the bands I like aren't really being licensed). Since I also have a lot of music I already enjoy, I would've liked to download more obscure b-sides or whatever, but iTunes doesn't offer that either.

I settled for these two tracks: Stereolab's "Wow and Flutter" and the exclusive live track of The Strokes's "Modern Girls and Old Fashion Men".

To be perfectly honest: I hate it. I can't play these iTune songs on my favorite MP3 player, and I get a little paranoid that it keeps track of how many times I listen to the downloaded song.

Well, at work, I finally got my laptop last week. I'm going to have to download data at work and then play around with them through several softwares at home. Don't worry, they're supposed to pay me bonus overtime.

The work-laptop weighs like 300 pounds and it seems like it was made in the 1940's. At least it plays DVDs.

February 15, 2004 | Blog: DVDs for the Dull Weekend

From Vu

NINJA SCROLL - THE SERIES, VOL 2: DANGEROUS PATH (Feb 2004), Urban Vision HEROIC DUO (1997), Universal Laser NAKED LUNCH (1991), Criterion

I like getting movies before they're available for sale, I don't see what the big deal is about waiting for the sale date. I mean, if you have the product on hand, why not sell it ? Anyway, I picked up the 2nd Ninja Scroll series a few days ago - it won't be available until Tuesday. I watched it last night and it's a great series. Too bad it's direct-to-video, which means only 'fans' will want to buy/see this. There's interviews with the director and character designer, as well as storyboard comparison, more than your average series releases.

I also picked up a few other things like HEROIC DUO (1997), which I haven't had the time to watch it. Since it's subtitled, I really have to pay attention to it (I usually watch DVDs in the background while I'm doing other things like work.)

The weirdiest movie ever made: NAKED LUNCH (1991). It's directed by David Cronenberg and stars Peter Weller. It is about a guy (writer) who accidentally shoots his wife in the head, and escapes to Interzone. It's about talking typewriters, drug abuses, and sex. All of this from a 1959 landmark novel! The video transfer is the best I've ever seen, the image is crystal clear and as expected of a Criterion release. Unfortunately, Criterion are only really concentrating on old movies, which is a shame because there are a lot of more modern releases that deserves attention. Which is probably due to licensing rights because the market is so good right now, that movie studios would rather release the movies themselves.

February 6, 2004 | Blog: Business Phones

From Vu

I recently signed up as an affliate to Sensasian, they have a lot of DVDS that I'm interested (and at really decent pricing). For instance the BATTLE ROYALE 2 (2 Disc) is only $10.99. That's the cheapest price I've seen online.

Also, I got these prototype telephones from my boss for me to test out (which I get to keep, plus I get the actual retail phone when they do hit the market). They usually sell for about $150, but they are really nice, especially if you run a small business. There's four phone lines, as well as speakerphones, DND ("Do Not Disturb") option, and other functions, which I haven't really looked at them all yet.

Next week, I'll be getting a work laptop, so I can do work from home. I kind of like the idea of not driving to the office, but at the same time they pretty much said I will be working on Saturday & Sunday. It's okay, I'll get compensated for it, but it also means I'll probably have less time to work on my websites.

I will also be back to Alpharetta, Georgia, sometime in March. Since I will then have the work laptop as well as my own personal laptop, I'm not sure if it's such a good idea to travel with both! I guess I'll wait and see.

February 1, 2004 | Blog: Voice Technology

From Vu

AIR - TALKIE WALKIE (2004), Source

Hello welcome to Georgiapandas.com. I am using Microsoft office 2003 use voice recognition program. I am trying to speak clearly and concisely so that the computer will understand my voice and type my voice as it appears on screen. The computer is making a lot of mistakes but that's technology for you. It is definitely a lot faster if I were to type this whole sentence but I wanted to play around with this program which is very very close all. Apparently it did not understand a word very very cool and had written in very very close all.

I don't think I will be using voice recognition have very much but some the possibility of it being here is kinda cool so I'll keep that in mind when I am writing documents for word 2003.

Anyway I hope that you guys enjoy the weekend.

(The above was 'written' by Microsoft Office's Voice Recognition Program. It's pretty neat, but I don't think I'll be using it to write, but it does do pretty well with transcribing written text. Also, I've updated my CD collection...)

January 31, 2004 | Blog: Office 2003 For Free?

From Vu

OFFICE 2003 PROFESSIONAL AND ONENOTE 2003 (Jan 2004)

I thought it was a joke or a scam at first. I re-read it again.

Enjoy, with our compliments, these full versions of Microsoft Office Professional Edition 2003 and Microsoft Office OneNote 2003.

How can a company that sells these two software, retailing with the combined total of $700, be giving away this stuff ? Seriously, Office Professional Edition 2003 sells for $499 and OneNote 2003 sells for $199.

I guess maybe they are hoping people upgrade to Office 2004 or even buy more licensings for other computers. Who knows. All I know is that I paid $0.00 for it.

I installed the softwares and they are working just fine. It does require you to activate it via the internet, but after that it's not time-restrictive or a demo or anything. It's the real thing.

This is funny because I know a guy who is going to throw away his copy.

FIST OF THE NORTH STAR OVA (2004)

I got the Raijin Comic's FIST OF THE NORTH STAR OVA episode 1 in the mail yesterday. This is an exclusive promo to their charter subscribers.

It is sixty minutes and, according to the back of the box, coded for ZONE 1.

OVA stands for Original Video Animation, and is a pretty common acronym for animes.

I also just recently bought BATTLE ROYALE (2-disc), and they are already selling BATTLE ROYALE 2 (2 disc)! I will probably get the 2-disc set on my next paycheck.

Anyway, my friend Melinda sent this:

>>>
The I-Love-Everything board also mentioned your drawing on a thread about Sinister. --

near the end of Are you now, or have you ever been, a member of sinister?

there is this post:

Sinister: hard-drinking, sexually overactive, dissolute, knowledgeable, cynical, articulate, diverse and NOT TWEE (NOT TWEE links to your picture at www.nodata.org/../No001.html
-- Archel (r.playfort...), April 16th, 2002.

12 DAYS OF TEXTRON LYRICS

I attended my company's annual holiday party on Saturday. I have rotten luck, and the previous two years that I've attended these parties, I never win anything. This year, I actually got a sleeping bag and a four person tent (Coleman's). I half-jokingly said that they are for the long Textron nights.

The other interesting item is the singalong lyrics to "12 Days of Textron", which I'm in the lyrics on the 7th day. It's kind of funny, but they probably used my name because it rhymes with "Ho's". No, seriously, it does.

Also, I recently bought Dirt Cheap Software: Neverwinter Nights Collector's Edition for $29.95. That's really cheap, considering that it was originally $79.95. It comes with the game, mousepad, poster (printed on fabric?), a longsleeve shirt, and the soundtrack. This is a great deal for $30, even if you already have the computer game.

The nicest thing happened to me the other day.

On Thursday, I misplaced my check book. I started searching and turning my house inside-out, but I couldn't find it. I wake up in the middle of the night, moved the sofa around and still no use.

Then Friday, I came home from work around six o'clock and saw my check book on the counter with my mail. It turned out that some stranger found my check book in the parking lot of Pizza Hut, and returned it to the Hut, who in turn sent someone to deliver it to my house !

Even though I would've done the same thing if the situation was reversed, I still can't help but think that this was amazingly the nicest thing anyone can do.

Strangest thing today:

MSN PERSONAL: bEcKaHLoii
last updated: 9/8/2002

Name Undisclosed Age 21 Gender Female Marital Status Single Location Sacramento, California, United States Occupation sTuDeNt

Favorite Things The Smiths and Morrissey, Bjork, The Cure Hobbies and Interests The Cure..playing guitar, being alone Favorite Quote "Those who cannot remember the past are doomed to repeat it" My Homepage Take a look at my personal Web site.

See, that's actually MY website. I don't know who that woman is...

RANDOM SKETCHES (30 Dec 2003)

I spent a whole lot of time doing random sketches with my friendster Mandy last night. 90% of the art is made up, but I did use this handsome photo of Brieannon, who is a much, much better artist than either of us.

An "artist" who goes to www.artcluster.com and www.demauro.com, absolutely hates my artwork. It's not like I am a serious artist, we're just there, doodling and having a fun time. At least it used to be fun.

I am listening to "E" lately. I borrowed this 1992 album called "A Man Called E" because of this one song, "Hello Cruel World":

Hello cruel world so this is you
A broken heart a withered view
I'm looking out to face another day

The angry mob, the happy mass
This birthday cake may be the last
I'm looking out to find another way

Off-topic: If you read/like MISTER E from DC Comics, you should note that his name is "Mystery" ("Mister E"). Fat and beautiful and strange, monkeys dancing in a cage.

Last modified Tuesday, December 30, 2003 4:59:23 PM, www.georgeperezgallery.com:

12/24: Minor tweaks to the site --more, much more, to come shortly PROMISE!!

KOGEPAN ARM PILLOW BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER: "The Body"

Did you know Kogepan (Burned Bread Boy) made a cameo on Buffy the Vampire Slayer television show ? Apparently Joss Wheldon is a huge Kogepan fan. Speaking of Wheldon, I guess the latest rumors is that he's going to be the writer to replace Grant Morrison on New X-Men. Can you already see Wolvie, the Sentinel Slayer ?

I got some pleasant xmas gifts in the mail: $80 Best Buy Reward Zone Certificates, and a Kogepan Arm Pillow (thank you Melinda!). Other stuff I got was a Morrissey Tour Poster (1991), "I Am Sam" Soundtrack, and The Strokes: Room on Fire CD.

Pretty good Christmas overall. Hope yours was as nice.

Also, I really need to stop buying stuff on ebay. They recently gave free listing on any items listed on 12/26, so basically there's a lot of crap that went up on sale!

FIVE VENOMS (EPI) FIVE VENOMS (Celestial)

Celestial Pictures finally released the original THE FIVE VENOMS (1978) in December 2003. I don't want to stress how important this film is, it spawn about forty "sequels"! They're not true sequels, of course, but they did reprise the same five actors and director in different settings and stories. They are commoningly known as "The Venoms" films in America and have quite a cult following.

Most of the Shaw Brothers' movies that were released in the U.S. are from poor quality source, and often edited. For instance, the NS/Ground Zero's version of SUPER NINJAS is edited out for nudity and extreme violence. I am assuming the version they had was for television broadcast. As you can see from the screen shot comparison, that is the case with EPI's FIVE DEADLY VENOMS (1978). Still, EPI actually at least had a widescreen version because most bootlegs are in full-frame.

By the way, Celestial Pictures are only releasing Zone 3 version, but you can pick up an all-zone player on Ebay for under $75. Miramax is actually supposed to be releasing 72 zone 1 Shaw Brothers movies, but who knows when that is going to happen. When it comes to Asian films, people nicknamed them "Mira-axed".

TRON (1981) REGURGITATOR - "Everday Formula" (1997) THE STROKES - "12:51" (2003)

I recently saw the Stroke's "12:51" video, which is loosely based on TRON (1981). TRON is considered by many critics as the first Computer Generated movie. Anyway, seeing as it is influencial as well as the first of its kind, they have inspired music videos, like Australia's Regurgitator to the Strokes. I'm almost certain there are more Tron-based videos, but these are the only two I know of. Special thanks to Sharon Romer. I miss you!

Lots of things to mention, particularly that is is almost Christmas, and I am really busy.

I've also been meaning to get a better messageboard, so I have registered for a free board: Proboards after being reminded by Buddy Dave. This is a great free messageboard that offered a lot more than the previous messageboard, but at the same time I think older browser might have a hard time understanding some of the scripts.

You do not have to register for a login name, so you can post as a Guest or be anonymous, which I think a lot of messageboards do not offer (which I do not like). You can curse all you want, the board does not filter fowl languages, nor do I seek to put in custom censor. Like all things, if people become abusive, I will moderate.

Also, the board understands "enter" and will automatically insert breaks where it is needed.

Please let me know if you're having problems with the board and/or suggestions (like new forums). I am thinking there should be a place for strictly "JLA/Avengers" discussion, but I leave that up to demands from you guys.

Also, is it me, or has the CGForum not working ? I keep getting this fatal error message.

The message reads:
Fatal error: Maximum execution time of 30 seconds exceeded in D:\cgforums.com\www\phpbb2\db\mysql4.php on line 48

Again, I hope everyone have a great Christmas and I look forward to my days off from work.

LEAGUE OF THE EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN #1 (of 6) (Mar 1999) LEAGUE OF THE EXTRAORDINARY GENTLEMEN #1 (Circuit City) (Dec 2003) SNAKE PLISSKEN #1 (DVD Edition) (Dec 2003)

If you bought the League of the Extraordinary Gentlemen on DVD at Circuit City, there is a little promo comic book that comes with it.

The only difference with the promo is that it does not contain 9 pages of extra written text (with illustrations) as well as made-up advertisements. The cover was modified to not read "(of 6)" as well as the Canadian price being $4.50 (instead of $4.70 in the original first issue).

Speaking of exclusive promos, the latest edition of ESCAPE FROM NEW YORK (1981), which was released last Tuesday (12/16), comes with a mini-comic book of SNAKE PLISSKEN #1. It is very cool and comes with a two-page art printed on clear paper.

See also SNAKE PLISSKEN CHRONICLES #1 (Cinescape Special Edition).

MOVIE POSTER THE CROWD

There were a lot of people that showed up for the five shorts tonight at the Caprice Theatre. I am pretty sure the theater was at maximum capacity of 250 persons!

I was pleased to see the two poster I put together at the entrance of the old theater, they both turned out really well on poster-print.

Of all the short films, I have to say that "15 Minutes with Uma" is probably the worst of bunch, because it made absolutely no sense at all. It's about some conspiracy that Uma Thurmann is a man (or something like that). I guess, you can't fault the director/writer, as it is his first film.

I've been busy lately, I am maintaining the website on my lunch break at work, so things might be delayed one day behind.

December 14th is the Wang Chung movie premier, an excerpt from the official press release:

LOCAL FILMMAKERS TO PREMIER SHORT FILMS
December 5, 2003

Northwest Community Television of Brooklyn Park will host the world premier screen of five short films produced by local filmmakers at 5:00pm on Sunday, December 14, at the Capris Theater, 2027 West Broadway Avenue, Minneapolis. All films were produced by participants in Northwest Community Television's Motion Picture Workship, under the leadership of filmmaker Damian Kussian.

I have been sneaking to the lunch room (which has a television) at 3 o'clock to see a little sneak peek at the Teen Titans cartoon. It's very anime-influence, but it's also very funny. I believe with the right promotion and merchandises, this show will be a huge hit.

Speaking of promotion, I just read that the Teen Titans Go! comic will be sent with subscriber's to SPORTS ILLUSTRATED FOR KIDS. This is a great move, since this will expose more kids to comics and the Teen Titans.

It is good to be home. There's something nice about the comfort of your bed.

I got my xbox chip, I installed it last night and we got to the bios bootup screen. Now I'm just trying to find software for it. For legal reasons they are not found on websites, instead you have to do it the hardway: IRC.

Okay, the way I see it: IRC is so obsolete. I hate having to type in all these commands, it reminds me of DOS.

Anyway. Can't pleased everyone, eh? If I ever get this thing to work, I'll talk about it. If I don't get it to work, I'd be too embarrassed to mention it.

Also, WIZARD'S POSTERMANIA 2004 does not contain any George Pérez's artwork. You would think with the hot JLA/Avengers series that George would be a shoe-in. Now we have to wait until POSTERMANIA 2005.

WI-FI (5.5 Mbps)

I am at the airport right now (10am), my flight is at noon, and unfortunately there is no wireless connection where I am at. I might go walk around and look for some booths later.

Anyway, things are good, I am getting used to controlling the mouse using the mousepad on the laptop (there is no table-area to use my little usb mouse.) The battery life reads three hours, which I think will be okay for now. I might look into getting a longer-lasting battery, but these things aren't cheap. I believe the last one I looked at, which lasts approximately twelve hours, costs about $500 for a battery. It's insane, and I wish there were better or cheaper battery power source.

It looks like the connection I was getting last night was around 5.5 Mbps, which I think was pretty fast. What's interesting is, depending where I am sitting with my laptop, the signal isn't as strong, and sometime drops you. For instance, connecting near the nightstand is only 1 Mbps.

If you plan on traveling and want something to keep you entertained or connected, definitely get a laptop. The Sony VIAO PCG-V505DX is a little expensive, but it's worth it. On the flight home, I think I'm going to try and watch a DVD, something with subtitles as it's rude to have the volume on.

2:30PM: I should've known my luck: my flight got canceled. Apparently the airplane has a broken part (I think I heard it was some sort of valve that won't close), and they were flying the part to get it fixed. They had to rescheduled my flight to arrive at 8PM tonight.

They gave me $20 in airplane food and $6 in long distance phone calls.

I am flying back home today (Friday). Hopefully the flight will go smoothly.

I am also expecting a package for that mod chip for my xbox, but I have a feeling I won't be home in time for the delivery.

This is has been very nice. It is as if I never really left home! I am excited about updating the website ASAP if I decide to cover a convention featuring George Perez.

Wi-Fi is off da hook! This is my first time using it, obviously. When you stay at the Hilton, they give you a special 24 hour guest log on. You turn on your Wireless button and you're online! It's great. It's high-speed. I think I'm going to spoiled when I get back to dial-up when I get home. Sigh.

I have to get used to typing on this small keyboard.

The good news is that my hotel is right across a Best Buy. Not really close, but within walking distance.

Well I'll stop by when I go out for food tonight. I have to remember to keep the receipts.

Well, I'm flying to Georgia today. If you don't hear from me, it's because my Wi-Fi connection isn't so hot.

VU'S DVDS (Nov 2003)

I am pretty close to 600 DVDs now. What is sad is these shelves do not hold all of my DVD collection. I keep moving things out to make more room. The next purchase is the Aliens Legacy Boxset, and I have a place for it next to the Scream Boxset.

You'll notice the Cyclone fighter from Robotech: The New Generation, the complete 28 volume of Lone Wolf and Cub (with the retailer's Hardcover), The Comic Book Guy from The Simpsons (who doesn't have a real name, but we think it's Luis Lane), and the giant CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS OVER-SIZED POSTER and Radiohead's OK COMPUTER being covered up by the shelves. I just don't have the bare walls to display them anymore, unfortunately.

I will be out shopping for a step-on stool/ladder-type as the high shelf is pretty hard to reach for me.

This is the laptop I bought: Sony VAIO® V505DX Notebook PCG-V505DX. I know it's a little expensive, but it's not everyday I turn twenty-nine. Despite the 12.1" monitor and tiny keyboard, I have to say it's not all that bad.

I'm officially 29 years old today. Yes, I know, I am getting really old.

I've already given myself lots of birthday gifts, but I think I will get one final item: a small laptop computer. Something with Wi-Fi for wireless connection. Weight will be the big deciding factor for me as well...

By the way, I now own a twelve pound bowling ball. I started bowling every other Fridays at the "all you can bowl" place near here, and this ball was given to me, so it's kind of nice. I'm getting used to the ball, I think I do pretty well for a beginner.

I will be on a business trip to Alpharetta, Georgia, the first week of December.

It it times like this, that I wish I had my own computer laptop so I can update the website or read emails.

The website will be inactive during that week.

WANG CHUNG MOVIE POSTER (Nov 2003), graphics by Vu

We got prints back for the poster I designed - they look amazing! We have about three giant-size movie posters and I am working on poster #2 and flyers. I don't really have the time but it is due before Thanksgiving. The movie premier is December 14th. If anyone out there is interested, the student film people are making a DVD compilation of all the short features onto one DVD. The cost per disc is about $8.

MY LIFE WITH MORRISSEY (2003), Eclectic DVD Distribution

I was thinking about 'hacking' my Xbox. I don't know anything about smoldering, so with the new generation of mod chips being solderless, I thought this would be the perfect time to try and do this. There is one particular chip that I'm looking at right now: X-ecuter2.2 Plus Modchip. I'm mainly interested in playing all-region DVDs and maybe running some third party software. Any suggestions are welcome, especially if you've done some mods on your game consoles and have some pointers.

I also did a recent review on this movie called MY LIFE WITH MORRISSEY (2003). Although it may seem negative, it is, after all, my opinion of the movie and should not discourage anyone else from buying or renting the movie for themselves.

Also, the TEEN TITANS: GAMES rumor is probably the worst kept secret! I think we reported it first: October 26, 2003 | Perez to Work on Titans GN?. I did for a time disable access to this page. I do hate to censor things, so I am glad to bring this item back finally.

WANG CHUNG MOVIE POSTER (Nov 2003), graphics by Vu

Well, I have about a week to complete four movie poster for my brother's film, "Wang Chung".

Here is the first. The second will be more Jame Bond-ish and the third will be black and white for flyers.

The last poster will be hand-painted by me, but that isn't due until later because the premier of the film is next month, I think.

Our next film will be based on a dream I had. I don't want to give away the story, but the dream really would make a great movie. No, it's not like David Lynch-esque at all.

I got a lot of good positive feed backs for the JLA/AVENGERS HANDBOOK thing. I haven't settled on a title, maybe someone could suggest something. Lots of good ideas, and I'm all about crediting things where it is due, so don't be afraid to submit anything. I think at the moment, I want to give the fanzine out for free. If you want to pay for the postage, I won't turn you away.

There's also suggestions to print it in a nice book format, but that would mean I would have to put up the money/capital to print it and that's something I don't think I want to do right now.

Things can change... 2004 is seemingly a long way away.

My work is making me read this book called GUNG HO, which teaches: The Spirit of the Squirrel, the Way of the Beaver, and the Gift of the Goose. It is actually not a bad read, it's based on American Indian teachings, converted to a corporate teaching book. Some of the other books I have to read is SIX SIGMA. I think General Electric was the original (and successful) Six Sigma user.

Textron is also spotlighted in last week's INFORMATION WEEK: Getting The IT Mix Right (Oct. 27, 2003). After I read the article, I had no idea we had twenty-five people working in India! From my understanding, more and more companies are outsourcing their IT department to people in other countries, because they can get away with paying far less.

More work-related stuff, I started my new position at Textron last week. I was there for almost two days, until I received news that they could not function without me at my old job - so I had to come back. I will be there until November 17th.

DEAR CATASTROPHE VU (01 Nov 2003)

I have never been to a Halloween concert before.

That all changed last night when I went to see Belle & Sebastian, their first time in Minnesota. The Hidden Camera, the opener, were all dressed up. B & S were all dressed up, well they did discarded their costumes shortly after the first song... I suppose it can get extremely hot. Especially, since they were all dancing around on stage.

Unfortunately, the audiences weren't exactly dressed for the occassion. (I suppose they were too hip for that!) I was dressed up as a monk.

The tickets were extremely expensive ($29), so I warm-heartedly thank the girl who gave me her extra ticket outside the box office. I tried and tried to give her money for it, but she wouldn't have it.

I also ran into a long-forgotten friend, Kathy, who was taking photographs for the The Big Takeover. She promised me that B & S will be feature on their front cover on the next issue. She seems really happy to be out because lately there weren't any potential work. "Concertwise," she tells me, "have been dry."

With the extra money I saved, I ended up buying a T-Shirt and postcards after the show.

Sometime you get an email that makes you happy. It is a rare thing for me these days. Sigh, I have been a bit depressing lately, I must confess. It is mostly because of one person and the lack of money, but I see a better tomorrow. At least on the latter part.

On November 1st, 2003, Sandy writes:

so, how are things with you? i know you keep a sort of blog on your site, and you know what? you did that before blogging became so popular! i always think to myself "vu was the first blogger on the internet!" i think that's one of the things i always loved about your site, is you would always put a bit of personal touches to it, and it made it all themore nice to read :)

She is refering to late 1996, when I put out a very simple Sleeper webpage and would randomly talk about what I was up to. I'm pretty sure I wasn't the first blogger (that word didn't exist back then!)

I leave you now with an excerpt from Belle & Sebastian's "Piazza, New York Catcher":

I love you I've a drowning grip on your adoring face
I love you my responsibilty has found a place
Beside you and strong warnings in the guise of gentle words
Come wave upon me from the wider family net absurd
"You'll take care of her, I know it, you will do a better job."
Maybe, but not what she deserves.

Ever wondered if those "Superbit" (8-bit) DVDs are worth it ? I did some screen comparison of the first "Charlie's Angels" movie:

4-Bit from Charlie's Angels (2000)

8-Bit from Charlie's Angels - Superbit (2000)

As you can see, it's hardly noticeable on a regular television. I am assuming they look a lot better and different on an HDTV (and computer monitor).

The drawback of Superbit DVDs is that there are never really any "Special Features" because the 8-bit encoding takes up twice as much disc space as normal DVDs. This, of course, will change once the new SDVD format becomes adopted and accepted as a standard.

What's interesting to note is that really wide shots of backgrounds - there are hardly a difference.

I got a few IndyClix in the mail the other day, here is a photograph of them.

I have also updated and added a few of my frontpage links: TCJ: Journalista, ComixFan, ComiXtreme, and Comic Art Gallery: George Perez. Since I mainly use them - they link to the most active/news page instead of the front page.

Read "I Just Want to be Friends", a very, very funny and true writing. I love the writer, in a platonic way, of course.

Also, keep an eye out for www.theartistschoice.com to put up pages from AVENGERS/JLA #2 for sale soon.

S*M*A*S*H played their first gig in eight years !

They broke up in late 1995, but according to their drummer (who left a message on my website), that they didn't break up... they just took "a long break".

Added some random things in Promotionals.

MANDY (Oct 2003), art by Vu PIRATE MANDY

I spent most of the day on Tuesday playing "Red Mask" in a little film my brother is shooting. We were using the local cable 12 studio and generally were having a good time. It's kind of funny that no one knew what they were doing (and was looking to me for answer - like I knew what's going on, haha.)

It has been a long time since I posted any bad drawings, so here is one of Mandy I did recently at Demaruo. Yep, I still can't draw....

There are a few DVD promos that I haven't gotten around to updating, some of which includes: Matrix Best Buy Bonus DVD (not worth getting), Scary Movie 3 Sampler DVD (includes scenes from Scary Movie 3!), and Eyes Open, Mouth Shut DVD Sampler. Well, maybe when I have more time...

I spent a lot of money on DVDs this past couple of weeks, I've been superbad. I'm going to try and trim down, looking at what's coming out, I don't think I can manage!

List from Bargainflix:

Coming to DVD Tuesday, October 28, 2003

Married With Children - The First Season 2-DVD Set (1987)

Wild Zero (2000)

Coming to DVD Tuesday, November 04, 2003

The Undertones - Teenage Kicks: The Story of The Undertones

Weird Al Yankovic - The Ultimate Video Collection

Coming to DVD Tuesday, November 11, 2003

Amateur (1994)

Naked Lunch Special Edition (1991)

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines Widescreen 2-Disc Set (2003)

Three's Company: Season One

Coming to DVD Tuesday, November 18, 2003

Ichi the Killer 2-DVD Uncut Special Edition (2002)

Momus - Man of Letters

Space Ghost Coast to Coast: Volume 1 (2003)

Suicide Club Unrated Version (2002)

Coming to DVD Tuesday, November 25, 2003

X2: X-Men United Widescreen 2-Disc Set (2003)

I have started working on Promotional Items, which is something I have always wanted to put together (but never really had the time). I will get around to adding all the Free Comic Book Day comics...

"Kill Bill" is the best picture I've seen in a while - although it is not a movie for everyone. The general public will not enjoy all the blood and dismembered limbs! I can't wait to see volume 2.

I do want to lodge a complaint, however. If you pay attention, you'll note these red dots on the film. Usually it's in the center and they randomly appear on screen. I have read that movie companies have deliberately put these red spots on their film to prevent the copying of the movie (I guess the red dots is worsen when copied). Most people won't notice it at all, but I did - and it's just annoying. Think of it as a "cigarrette burn", except instead of the upper right corner, the red spots appear right in the center of the film.

Before I forget, I wanted to make an announcement about www.savefarscape.com. I don't have cable, so I actually haven't seen the television show (but it looks like something I'd enjoy as I generally like Science Fiction). Well anyway, these people are very passionate about saving the show, and I like that kind of die-hard fan and dedication. Although, I have to add that sometime you should just accept when things are cancelled! From what I understand, there are talks of a Farscape movie. The Season 2 boxset of Farscape will be released 10/28/2003 and retails for $149.98 (but you can find it online for about $89).

SAMANDAHL REY and BROM

IndyClix was released last Wednesday.

I got a lot of Top Cow characters, for some reason. Out of four boosters, all I got were two CrossGen characters (see photo).

I have ordered the Arwyn and Boon figures (which were exclusive specials from Wizard Entertainment). There is another IndyClix promo, Witchblade, which was exclusive to Scrye magazine, but the confusing ordering form makes it look like the figure costs $10 with shipping. This is not true, the figure is only $5, which includes shipping & handling.

Some interesting facts: Europe's version of IndyClix will contain some different assortments, I am assuming because 2000AD (Judge Dredd characters) are more important and popular over there than here.

Be sure to check out CGC's website for stats on how many copies of JLA/AVENGERS actually got a perfect 10.0. The comic population was last updated 8/27/03.

There's never been a better time to be a movie/DVD fan! These are some DVDS I am interested in picking up (the majority of this will have to be ordered online):

Coming to DVD Tuesday, September 30, 2003

Bend It Like Beckham Widescreen (2003)

Better Luck Tomorrow (2003)

The Chemical Brothers - Singles 93 - 03 (1993-03)

The Christopher Lee Collection Uncut Films (1966/68)

Ninja Scroll 10th Anniversary Special Editio (1993)

Samurai Fiction (2003)

Scarface Widescreen; Anniversary Edition (1983)

The Tick - Complete Series 2-Disc Set (1994-97)

Coming to DVD Tuesday, October 07, 2003

My Life With Morrissey (2001)

Coming to DVD Tuesday, October 14, 2003

Star Trek V: The Final Frontier 2-Disc Special Collector's Edition (1989)

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre Special Edition; New Digital Superscan Transfer (1974)

Transformers - Season Three / Part 1 Boxed Set 3 Disc Boxed Set

Wrong Turn (2003)

Coming to DVD Tuesday, October 21, 2003

28 Days Later Widescreen (2003)

The Adventures of Indiana Jones Widescreen - 4-Disc Set (1981-1989)

The Eye (2003)

Revenge of the Kung Fu Master Two Disc Set (1994)

Some items of interests: Takashi Miike Collection DVD 3-Pack (2000-2001), Spiderbabe Unrated Version - 2-Disc Set (2003), and The Matrix Reloaded Widescreen (2003). I already own all of Miike's US releases and I'm assuming the Matrix will be seen again in a deluxe 3-movie boxset, which I'm going to wait for. As for Spiderbabe, did anyone remember this comic book parody of Spider-Man? I just remember the Adam Hughes covers.

We've managed to get (200,000) hits today. The last milestone was on July 6, 2003 with (150,000).

I've only had the epson gallery since September 17, 2003, but it is reporting really high downloads as well:

It was crazy hat day at work, and I won $10:

I am also well over 500 in my little DVD collection. The last couple DVDs I bought was the Dead Zone Season One (it's one of the best episodic series I've seen in a while!), and Wes Craven's "The Hills Have Eyes", or as it is in Spanish: "Las Colinas Tienen Ojos".

M Tam sent me this Shieldhost.com comparison chart. It looks like a pretty cheap host, for about $1.99 a month. She will let me know how that server holds up as she signed up for their service to check it out. It sounds too good to be true, if you ask me.

NICOLE DeBOER

In February 1999, I saw a television program called "Mission Genesis" (US name), which I think was made in Canada. I don't think the show ran very long, but it did leave me with this impression: Nicole DeBoer is super-hot. She's probably most well known for being on Star Trek DS9 as Ezri Tigan Dax.

Anyway, I recently saw a movie called CUBE (1997) which co-starred DeBoer. The movie is sort of like a 90 minute Twilight Zone episode. Six strangers wakes up in a Cube and they have no idea how they got there. They decide to keep moving, to try and figure out a way out of the Cube. Each room have six doors and each door leads to another similiar room. They soon discover that certain room are booby-trapped.

It's a very good independent film, making use of the same rooms over and over again and each character contribute a way to moving through the rooms. You get a sense that the Cube is actually just like life, where you don't know what's the meaning of it, but you keep moving and getting over obstacles.

You can check out her movie/television career on IMDB or the outdated fansite: www.nicoledeboer.com.

Also, I may have mentioned that I was a little some worried about my job because of the weak economy. Well, I don't know why I was even worried to begin with, because, apparently, I have a lot of allies at work (at least with all the important people). It looks like I'll still be gainfully employed for a while.

Just a reminder that THE BALTIMORE COMIC-CON 2003 is happening this weekend.

All is forgiven with the Twomorrows thing, I just wanted an acknowledgment that they had used my photograph.

RICK RANGER © 2003 by Lanard

I think I may have a problem with my hotmail account. If you've emailed me and haven't gotten a response - I apologize, either the email is blocked by hotmail's filters or my inbox was full (which is rare, but it does happen once in a while). I try and shift through my emails and keep it clear... but it does get full sometime from image atttachements. Again, I apologize if you've sent me something and I never got it.

Having said that, I have about 8 images I need to start resizing and posting here soon. Thanks for all the JLA/A fan art, I know that a lot of people have been enjoying this.

I bought a few Lanard's CORPS (Elite Edition) figures at Wal-Mart for 97 cents. The toy is incredibly detailed and painted and I'm pretty sure they absolutely are not making a profit! (Okay, I guess sales of their figures will boost sales for vehicles, where they'll make back their money). Anyway, I will definitely pick up a few more of these, especially "Justin Case" and "Large Sarge".

I took over 100 photos from South Dakota, here's three of them (I'll spare you the rest):

THE BLACK HILLS photo by Vu

MT RUSHMORE photo by Vu

SHEEPER photo by Vu

Just a reminder that I will not have access to the internet, so this website will not be updated until September 15th.

In the meantime, I trust that contributors to this website keep the news going by using the Forum. Thank you in advance!

Some suggested comic news sites: Comic Book Resources, Silver Bullet Comics, Newsarama, Pulse, Comics Continuum, Avengers Comicboard and ICv2.

There was a slight delay, I will be going away tomorrow morning.

Download Google's Toolbar to block popup advertisements on IE.

Since I will not have access to a computer, please do not email me attachements. Text emails are always welcome, and I look forward to reading them when I get back.

To clarify original art pages for JLA/AVENGERS #3, some of the pages will be broken up and sold to people George knows (who are drawn into the comic book). The majority of the pages will be for sale. Look to The Artist's Choice shortly after #3 is released (Nov 26th) to see what pages are available to buy.

I will make one final update before I leave!

I went to the Valley Fair on Saturday. I had a great time.

Knocking Bottles (6 Sep 03)

Ed Alonzo (6 Sep 03), he's from "Saved by the Bell"

Miniature Golf (6 Sep 03), Steve, Dave & Briana

Since I have about 75 hours of vacation time due to me, I will be in South Dakota on Wednesday to Sunday (September 10th-14th), so there will be no updates on those days.

For new visitors: I've traditionally kept this website as a pseudo-blog since 2000, I think it's fun and it sort of keeps things personal. I have a feeling some people hate it, as it is usually not related to George Pérez (let alone comic book related!). But I think it's a good break sometime, no?

We shifts through "news" pretty quickly here, so if you think you are missing anything, go to the News Section or do a search (the website gets indexed on a weekly basis):

LIONHEART (14 Aug 2003), published by Black Isle

Anyway, I am playing Black Isle's Lionheart, but it's very buggy (especially if you get a companion in the game, it crashes). I wouldn't recommend anyone buying the game until they release a patch because when software do not work, it's just plain annoying.

Reading their troubleshooting messageboard, it seems that they are have a TON of bugs in the game. I wonder sometime if these games ever get tested on home systems before they give the green light to ship it out? Personally, I am disappointed because I have always loved Black Isle's games (Fallout, Baldur's Gate, Torment, Icewind Dale, etc).

Also, Michele finally sent photographs from 1997. If you haven't been keeping up, I think I left a pretty bad impression on Michele, that she actually remembered who I (after seeing that I was a friend to her sister, Mandy on Friendster). This is funny because I've known both of them but did not know they were related.

"So, if it's not too much to ask, let's just let the moment pass, I have no wish to be reminded of how awkward I can be, please don't point that thing at me."

Vu at 23 (1997), photo by Michele

Michele (recently)

Mandy (2003)

It was fun looking back at all these old photos. You think and you wonder, whatever happened to Katie? She sent me a letter and then disappeared later that year.

Alexandra & Scott got married shortly after they met (at the same convention). I've been pen pals with Andrea from '93 to '97. From Oregon to New York to Philadelphia, she's currently hanging out with the Morrissey Tour girls.

Melinda is teaching in Japan. I think she's back home in the states for vacation.

It is pretty sad, but I spent all of last night playing Literati with an old friend from NY. While waiting for Erin to arrive, I randomly talked to a Rebeka, who apparently knows someone from that Big Brother television show. I don't keep up with reality TV, but I hear it's pretty popular.

So, with that, we will return back to the regular Pérez program.

I tried looking for the new ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY issue with JLA/A, but it is not available for sale yet. I don't know how the magazine distribution work, but I think it should be available very soon. I also tried their website (www.ew.com), but you need to be a subcriber or aol users to view its content. Aol users - please copy the article online for me.

I was about to spend my last dollar at a snacks vending maching on Thursday, when I spotted www.wheresgeorge.com stamped on it. I was curious and decided to punch in the serial number to find out that it originated in South Dakota, 82 days ago.

From CNet News:

U.S. Attorney John McKay of Seattle said 18-year-old Jeffrey Lee Parson of Minneapolis was arrested and charged with one count of intentionally damaging a protected computer.

That's right, Minneapolis. Of course. By the way, you can view the hacker's website through Google's cache.

I am reading Louise Wener's new novel The Big Blind. It is going well, and is very funny. Here is an excerpt:

THE BIG BLIND (2003), written by Louise Wener

Shortly after losing Little Louie, Big Louie was forced to bid on harrowing farewell to his wife. She choked to death on a cup cake the day after they moved into their trailer park; and even though Big Louie did everything in his powers to save her, his efforts were tragically in vain.

'It was horrible,' he says, shaking his soggy jowls from side to side. 'I was trying to perform the Heimlich manoeuvre but I couldn't get my arms around her. I tried punching her in the gut but there was too much fat. I'm telling you, Audrey, it was heart wrenching. Heart wrenching. The way her lips turned blue and her tongue lolled out her gasping mouth. And the noise she made. Jeez, I can still hear it now. A rasping, or was it more of a gagging… maybe it was more like a trickly cough. Anyway,' he says, rubbing his hands together, 'at least she died happy, God rest her soul - cup cakes were always her favourite.'

I saw Liz Phair yesterday (her last show of her current tour). Sure, "never jammed before". It looked rehearsed.

I posted a larger scan of the cover to WIZARD #144 at Yahoo Groups: George Pérez 2 under "Files".

I was confused about it, but now that I've gotten the chance to read the fine print, MARVEL PREVIEWS #1 came free with PREVIEWS vol 13, #11 (or by itself for $0.99).

I will be taking a break from posting JLA/A Gallery art. If you have artwork available via the internet, give me the address and I'll post links to them. The images I'm hosting on this site is taking up too much space, despite compressions, etc.

Any suggestions, please email me and let me know.

There seems to be a slew (no pun intended) of Asian Zombie films on DVD lately. I don't collect all zombie films, but they do interest me a little.

BIOZOMBIE (1998) is Hong Kong Zombie comedy. I didn't expect comedy to mix with horror, but this film pulled it off pretty well!

TOMIE (1998), loosely based on Junji Ito's creepy horror manga about a girl who wouldn't die (in fact, her pieces will grow another Tomie). Not exactly a zombie movie, but it's a pretty strange film.

JUNK (Unrated) (1999), I've never heard of Unearthed Films before, but apparently they are releasing a lot of rare Japanese horror movies, such as EVIL DEAD TRAP 2. (The First Evil Dead Trap in 1998 has pre-bullet time special effects!). Anyway, JUNK is kind of a mix between Dawn of the Dead, Reservior Dogs and From Dusk Until Dawn, except in Japanese, of course. The cover is reversible (I'm assuming that the reverse is the original Japanese cover), and there is also a Rated "R" version to this movie.

VERSUS (Unrated) (2000), there are three different version to this movie. The best one to get is the 2-disc version, but I only have the one disc unrated version. This is because the 2-disc set was delayed until August 19th. This movie mixes a variety of genre, like Action, Yakuza, and, Zombies.

STACY (2001). A very weird movie, the zombie effect only affect teenage girls from the age of 15-17. So yeah, what's scarier than 1,000 zombies ? 1,000 school girl zombies. Other wonderful references: Blues (Bruce) Campbell's Right Hand 2 and (George) Romero's Police squad.

The next Japanese zombie flick that I'll be getting is called WILD ZERO (out Sept 30th).

More Troma madness:

Lloyd Kaufman	Lloyd with Swimmer's Ear Magazine	Lloyd with homemade videos
Lloyd signing to fan	Make Your Own Damn Movie	Diploma & Animation Cell awarded to the F*ck Ups

I will be attending Lloyd Kaufman's book signing today and seeing some movies at the Tromathon.

Lloyd Kaufman	Lloyd and Jimmy	Andy as Noxie
Noxie vs Sgt Kabukiman	The Nick Atoms	Can you believe my head is bigger than Lloyd's ?

DC Comics is releasing a variant edition of SUPERMAN/BATMAN #1, but only for retailers attending the Diamond Comic Distributors Retailer Summits in Fort Wayne and Las Vegas.

Tomorrow is Lloyd Kaufman's Toxic Avengers Parade! I have been automatically selected to take photographs as well as attend as a guest. The funny thing is, I didn't know I was doing this (this soon), so I'm going to have to call in sick tomorrow! Shh, don't tell them!

>>>
August 22 - 31, 2003
What: Screenings of 13 Troma Movies!
Where: Saint Anthony Main Theater
115 Main St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414
612.331.4723

Details:
The one and only Lloyd Kaufman will be on hand IN PERSON to kick off the big Troma film retrospective in Minneapolis! Starting Friday, August 22, the St. Anthony Main Theater will present a week-long festival, featuring 12 of your favorite Troma movies! This is your chance to see ALL FOUR TOXIE MOVIES in the SAME DAY! Plus, Cannibal The Musical, Tromeo and Juliet, Sgt. Kabukiman, Bloodingsucking Freaks, plus lots more throughout the week on the Big Screen! The full screening schedule for the week will be posted soon, along with ticket information.

Lloyd will be in person for three big days: August 22 - 24. Troma videos and DVD's, plus copies of Lloyd's new book will be on sale at theater. Here's your chance to get Lloyd's autograph on your very own copy of "Make Your Own Damn Movie"!

August 23, 2003 3:00 PM
Location: in store.
Minneapolis-Downtown
600 Hennepin Ave.
Minneapolis, MN
Phone:612.339.4859

Movie Maven Lloyd Kaufman

Kaufman will discuss his new book, Make Your Own Damn Movie! Lloyd Kaufman and his partner Michael Herz run Troma Entertainment, the oldest independent movie studio in the world. Troma owns a library of over 900 titles, including The Toxic Avenger series, Class of Nuke 'Em High, Tromeo and Juliet and Terror Firmer. The early efforts of many of today's stars -- Vincent D'onofrio, Samuel L. Jackson, Kevin Costner, Robert DeNiro, Billy Bob Thornton and Trey Parker -- can be found in Troma's films. In his new book, Kaufman takes his independent studio style of filmmaking and puts it in the reader's hands, showing them how to develop and write a knockout screenplay, raise funds for production, find locations and cast actors, hire a crew and obtain equipment, permits and music rights for little or no money. According to Kaufman, "I want to give young filmmakers a step-by-step guide to making low-budget independent movies so that they can use what works for us and learn from our mistakes... although in Tromaville, we don't call them mistakes. They're impromptu script deviations."

More details on Troma.com. Also read Kauffman in Minneapolis's City Pages (8/20).

The new Garbage Pail Kids stickers were recently released by Topps. It is basically a reprint of their "best of" stickers. For those who didn't grow up in the Eighties, GPK is a parody of the short-lived Cabbage Patch Kids, only instead of being cute, GPK are disgusting.

This one is for you, George:

I just got about 70 emails in my junk mail folder, most of which included an attachement. I do not want to stress how important it is to NOT open up suspicious attachements!

What's worst is that I got some "Mail Undeliverable" messages, and I know I did not send out junk/viruses.

Read more:

World squirms as Sobig returns
August 19, 2003, 8:47 AM PT

(excerpt)

"Initial analysis would suggest that Sobig.F is a mass-e-mailing virus that is spreading very vigorously. Sobig.F appears to be polymorphic in nature. The address is also spoofed and may not indicate the true identity of the sender," a MessageLabs statement said.

The sender appears to be someone from a recognized domain name, such as ibm.com, zdnet.com or microsoft.com. The subject line typically says "Re: Details," "Resume" or "Thank you."

Attachment names may include: your_document.pif, details.pif, your_details.pif, thank_you.pif, movie0045.pif, document_Fall.pif, application.pif, and document_9446.pif.

If you think you got this virus, please go here: F-Secure Virus Descriptions: Sobig.F and download a disinfection tool.

DAY OF THE DEAD (1985), Anchor Bay

I fell down the stairs today! Not something I want to repeat again, my arms are bruised.

I picked up Day of the Dead (1985) yesterday, it's not supposed to be released until August 19th. I think it is the first DVD that I own that is mastered with Divimax, which looks as sharp and clear as Superbit versions.

The packaging is digipak - which I prefer over regular plastic boxes. I've also noticed that Target's version of House of 1,000 Corpes (2002) is in plastic instead of digipak (at Best Buy). Incidentally, if you got the digipak version of House: there is NO INSERT, even though there is a pocket for it.

On technology news, Sony announced an 8 megapixel camera, which will hit store shelves in mid-November and will cost $1,200. I only have a wimpy 3.2 megapixel camera.

The strangest thing happened to me today. Remember how I finally gave in and joined Friendster because of Mandy ? Well it turned out that Mandy's sister saw me through her sister's profile and guess what ? I've met her sister before. She promised me she will scan and send photographs of me in 1997 on Monday.

It was good seeing her again. It's a very small world we live in.

After four requests from friends asking me to join Friendster, I finally decided to give in and joined (as a favor to Mandy).

You can read about this phenomenon called Friendster in a recent San Francisco Weekly article called Attack of the Smartasses (August 13, 2003).

Can you believe it's only a few more weeks until JLA/AVENGERS #1?

Randomly:

FUTURE TENSE
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13, 2003

For the first time, Internet users can download, edit and swap many of the U.S. Supreme Court's greatest hits. Oral arguments available include those for the Roe v. Wade abortion-rights case and the disputed 2000 presidential election.

The audio files come from the Oyez Project, a multimedia archive that gets its name from the phrase meaning "Hear ye." Since 1994, the Oyez Project has made audio of the cases available in a streaming format that requires a continuous Internet connection. The arguments date to 1955, when taping of oral arguments began. Now the audio is being converted to MP3 format.

More randomly:

Phebe
11.08.03 09.45.p

i have a job! i am now a "team member" at jo-ann fabrics. i'm supposed to go in for training on wednesday. this makes me feel much better.

i got that horrible rash again. this time was a lot worse than last. oatmeal bath didn't really help, cortizone didn't really help, sleeping was out of the question since itchy muscle spasms kept me up all night two nights ago. i finally begged brian to go to the store for some benadryl, which at least makes the itching stop. the huge red blotches are still all over my arms, legs, and neck.

but that doesn't matter. i'm employed.

I recently started doing a short interview column, Baker's Dozen, for www.worldfamouscomics.com ... it's a bit like the series of "5 Minutes with..." shorts I did for the Wizard site a few years back, for those who've been putting up with me that long. For the rest of you, well, it's me sitting down for a short talk with a creator or other noteworthy individual who I feel deserves more recognition and press for their work. Typically, I'll be talking with small/indy creators, with the occasional mainstream maven thrown in for good measure. It debuted last Wednesday, and the second column just hit the web. More columns will follow every Wednesday until further notice.

The first two installments can be found at:

1. Myatt Murphy and Second to Some Studios
2. Chris Yambar on Edison's Frankenstein 1910

While the general direct link to the latest installment is: www.worldfamouscomics.com

Related

June 1, 2002 | Bill Baker

The MS Blaster Worm hit me yesterday, so I spent the day doing research about it at work. If you're using WinXP or Win2000, you might get a Generic Host Process error message that looked like this:

Download this security update: Microsoft Security Bulletin MS03-026. Once you've installed that patch, download the removal tool.

If you want to remove it the old fashion way, do a search for "msblast" and delete those files. Next, click on START then RUN and type in "msconfig". Find the "Startup" tab and uncheck "msblast". You will still need to download the security patch, however.

If you are unsure of which version of Windows you have, you can always launch the Windows Update feature and find Critical Updates (it should be the latest update, about 5.1 megs for WinXP 64bit).

The Admins

I had my ex-department at work do air guitar poses, then I photoshopped equipments to make them look like they're in a rock band. I think it turned out pretty well.

I saw a French film called Irreversible which worked the same way as Memento, only I thought Memento was a much better film. There's just something interesting about watching a film that was edited to be shown in reverse.

Also, check out Toys R Us edition of JUSTICE LEAGUE ADVENTURES #13 (Toys R Us), available free at their stores. What's cool about this promo is that it comes with a different cover.

Freddy Vs Jason is out on Friday, August 15th, but I am hoping to see it tomorrow, Monday.

Thank you to Paul Harbron for mentioning about Dr Fate in JLA/A Cast of Characters.

I picked the two covers to SUPERMAN/BATMAN last Wednesday. I'm very impressed with Ed McGuinness' art. DC Comics has been 'selling out' of their comics of late. If I were DC, I would anticipate some of the 'hotter' titles and overprint by 100% or something, especially for their JLA/A titles.

I'm about 13 shy of owning 500 DVDs. It's not a goal or anything, but I'll probably end up owning more than 500 next month. Someone said I should get insurance, because it's risky to not have it insured.

So I sold my MP3 player to my sister. It's really okay, the recording I was hoping was better, but it wasn't. I also really don't understand why the MP3 players these days aren't as advance as MD players? I have an MD from two years ago and that sucker came with a rechargeable lithium battery and a 'remote control'!

Yeah, I'm sticking with my reliable MD player for now. It's 4 inches larger than the MP3 player, unfortunately.

I have been really busy lately.

Here are some random photos:

art by Vu	art by Vu	art by Vu
photo by Vu	photo by Vu	photo by Vu

Check out WHEN THERE'S TROUBLE…: J. TORRES TALKS 'TEEN TITANS GO'.

Not to be too harsh on Erik, I think everyone is entitled to their opinions... that's why I posted John Byrne's opinion, which pretty much reflects how I feel.

Maybe it's me, but how can someone who draws fists as big as heads or manly women (with circular boobs) complain about George's work ?

Marcus is also selling an original published artwork of Antithesis, starting bid is very cheap (and postage & handling is very reasonable).

>>>

SCOOBIE DOO'S GANG (Nov 02), art by George Pérez, very special thanks to Marcus Mebes

Item number 2185510983: Perez ORIG. ART "Scooby Doo" Spectacular!!
Ends Aug-03-03 07:29:02 PDT
Starting bid: US $300.00
Seller Baringer2k

All right folks, this is SUPER RARE! Here we have available for bids the ORIGINAL ART that George Perez drew of the team from "Mystery Inc." (Scooby Doo's humans). Freddy Jones, Daphne Blake, Velma Dinckley, and Norville "Shaggy" Rogers. George Perez is famous for his work on NEW TEEN TITANS, CRISIS, WONDER WOMAN, and the forthcoming JLA/AVENGERS. You'll never find a treasure as obscure as this one is! It's drawn on standard DC Cover page paper, and measures 11.5" x 17". It's signed "Best, George Perez '02" on the bottom left. You can still see the original blue pencils underneath the inks! This is truly a must-have for serious Perez fans and collectors. I'm starting the bidding at half what I paid for it, so PLEASE bid up so I can get my money back!! This was a cherished treasure in my collection; now it’s time for it to be cherished by someone else! Please check out the photo of this rare collectible, and please check my other auctions for more unique collectibles and hard to find items. I accept PayPal, money orders, and cash, but personal checks are fine if your feedback is higher than 40.

This is probably the worst seduction scene I've ever seen in a movie:

The scene is from Revenge of the Ninja (1983).

So, I bought a Yepp MP3 Player. I'm using it for several things:

1. Storage device, for transporting files (under 256 mb) from one computer to another. Face it: the floppy disc is so dead.
2. Audio recorder, so I can record concerts or live speeches. It also double as a portable MP3 real-time encoder, so if someone has a cd player and I like a song, I can just make an MP3 at 128kbps right there...
3. Radio, it only picks up FM frequency... but who listens to AM anyway?
4. MP3 Player, self explanatory.

I have been doodling around using my Wacom Tablet I got last year. Incidentally, "D.C." is a person, and not the publisher. Although, if they want to hire me... then they must mean it as a joke.

I have gotten a few requests/interested party for more wall paintings. I'm excited about that, because one of them is for the Hulk & other super-heroes!

I am almost done with these wall paintings. I think I only have about three hours left, for final touchups and airplane/clouds additions. It looks a lot better in real life (the photos don't look as good).

Art by Vu	Art by Vu
Art by Vu	Art by Vu

Thanks to Torsten B. Abel for mentioning that Judd Winick was talking about OUTSIDERS #1 and not JLA/AVENGERS #1. Newsarama simply forgot to insert a new subject title.

I will not be home for the majority of the day tomorrow (7/19). I'll be painting (see previous week's Site Update entry).

Would you pay $152 for a half-eaten sandwich? Someone did.

Thanks to Mimi for this:

Happy Deathday!
Your name: Morrissey
You will die on: Monday, July 29, 2030
You will die of: Killer Bee Stings

Although I like covering TEEN TITANS ANIMATED SERIES, it really has absolutely nothing to do with George Pérez (other than the fact that the show was based on characters created by Marv Wolfman and George Pérez). So coverage of the series will stop when the series debut July 19th. If you're interested in more TT Toon, please refer to Titans Tower or the official website.

My sleep schedule is all messed up. I need a recovery day, and soon.

I went to see Blur last Sunday. It was the most expensive show I've been to in a very long time. I think the last major expensive show I went to see was for Oasis back in 1996 (and they cancelled their Los Angeles gig, even though I had both SF and LA tickets). Good times.

Checking out The Lucksmiths's website, I saw that they are coming back to Minnesota. Their website is selling the new album for $20AUS which is only about $11.50US, so it's pretty cheap. I'll probably pick it up when I see them in person. Oh, I saw them in 2001 as an opening act to the Ladybug Transistor. (See setlist Lucksmiths 6/18/2003).

I guess DC is now publishing AVENGERS/JLA while Marvel is doing JLA/AVENGERS. Crazy.

Also, SAN DIEGO COMIC-CON 2003 is on its way, starting tomorrow, so please send me any reviews/photos! It looks like a pretty big show.

Check out this hilarious auction: Item number 3035832775: The worst two pence in the world (possibly)

Here are some of the painting I did yesterday. I always think things look much better in real-life than in pictures and it's true in this case. It's also obviously not completed, but it's a start.

Art by Vu

Art by Vu

I will be driving to someone's house to do a special painting commission. It will be similiar to last year's Thomas the Train. It will probably take me the whole day to paint two walls, so there will not be any updates until Sunday.

Although I would like to do drawings of Jay the airplane (see unfinished digital Jay art), this new commission is basically scenic wildlife. I'll digitally record it on my camera and share it with you if it's any good.

Check out Andy Mangels' new website layout and features!

Check out Wizard: Wonder Woman Vs Wonder Man by Phil Jimenez!

Pulse ran a story about the Hulk doll's monster willy which I thought was pretty funny. It is so fake! I want a doll like that.

Check out Newsarama's MASTER OF THE LAIR: DON BLUTH. Also, see Andy Mangels' Dragonslair Section.

Since I'm a pretty big collector of DVD, check out Pizza Hut: Family Movie Night, you get a free MGM DVD with an order of a large pizza.

Counter hit (150,000) yesterday. Due to the server being down and also the holiday, web traffic has been slow.

Here are some random photos that I took last week:

Art by Darylynn	Photo by Vu	Photo by Vu
Photo by Vu	Photo by Vu	Photo by Vu

28 Days Later: "Hello?"

I saw 28 Days Later... in the theaters the other day. I've been a pretty big fan of Danny Boyle's earlier films (Trainspotting, Shallow Grave and The Beach, except for A Life Less Ordinary, which wasn't as good). Anyway, it's one of the best film I've seen in a while, and the ending will surprise you.

It was definitely more enjoyable than The Hulk, which was... a very different type of movie than I would've liked it to be. I think in some ways, it was another film alltogether, and all they did was put the Hulk in it. I still think Lee's Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon was a wonderful film, and I am looking forward to its two prequels- but I'd probably skip the inevitable Hulk 2.

Also, my server was not working from 11am to 1pm this morning.

Since yesterday is Independence Day, everyone is on vacation. We'll eventually reach that 150,000 number!!

I heard the best Superhero song: "Ode To A Superhero" by Al Yankovic. It's sung to "Piano Man" by Billy Joel, and it pretty much sums up the Spider-Man movie, especially the part about William Defoe looking scarier without the Goblin mask. Heheh.

As you know, according to "The Best of All Worlds: George Perez" published in COMIC BOOK MARKETPLACE #86, #89, #90 and #94, George Pérez likes to listen to "Weird" Al when he draws.

You can read part one and two the interview on Bill Baker's website, www.hypethis.com.

COMIC BOOK ARTIST #25, which is the last issue published under TwoMorrows was released to comic book store yesterday. Reliable sources tells us that BACK ISSUE #1 will replace CBA. Meanwhile, Comic Book Artist is now being published by Top Shelf Production, with color!

Also, I got this Gillete Mach3 Turbo Razor in the mail today. As indicated on the box, it's free. I'm not sure why they sent one to me, it's not like I'm in the Anti-Mustache Brigade or anything. Well, whatever it is for, thank you, Walgreens & Gillette.

The counter numbers are multiplying really rapidly, I think we hit close to 1,000 a day. At this rate, I think in about two days, we'll see 150,000. As I write this, we are at 148,903.

I bought Blizzard's Warcraft III: Frozen Throne Expansion recently at Best Buy, which came with a free action figure of a demon and a $10 rebate card. It's a pretty good deal, but I know I'll regret it later when I see a better deal when the expansion and original game gets a special packaging, with DVD or something. I've only gotten through one chapter of the game so far.

Netscape 7.1 was released last Monday. Yes, I'm one of the 1% of users that still uses Netscape.

Hulk: What Savage Beast Book (Proof) is now accessible, if you couldn't view it before.