http://blogcritics.org/ A sinister cabal of superior bloggers on music, books, film, popular culture, politics, and technology - updated continuously. en Copyright 2005-2007 by the authors Thu, 11 Sep 2003 14:26:22 EDT http://backend.userland.com/rss Blogcritics.org custom software http://blogcritics.org/ Phillip WinnSunday, August 26, 2007, marks the switch of all Blogcritics.org article feeds from full-content to short-content. This is the result of several converging factors, and is unfortunately a permanent decision (as permanent as any decision can be on the web, that is). We are aware of all of the reasons that this is a Bad Idea, and we are aware that some of you will be quite upset about having to click on something to read the free content, and we're sorry. Unfortunately, despite great effort, full-content feeds are not currently economically viable. Two other factors are involved: full-content feeds have resulted in an unprecedented level of content theft, with BC content appearing on many websites, usually spam sites, without attribution or permission. This duplicate content causes a cascading set of problems, not the least of which is that search engines generally aren't favorable to duplicate content, and don't always guess correctly. Finally, our RSS advertising partner is strongly in favor of short-content feeds. We hope that you'll continue to subscribe to BC via RSS, and when an article grabs your eye, it's only a click away, still free on the BC website. Thank you for your understanding. Administration0@blogcritics.org Sun, 26 Aug 2007 12:00:00 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2003/09/11/142622.php Chris WebbI am not a Nicholas Cage fan by any stretch of the imagination. His worthwhile works, in my opinion, barely make up a handful of films: Raising Arizona, Leaving Las Vegas, (I've yet to see Family Man or Adaptation) and now Matchstick Men. Cage seems to be in his element as Roy Waller, an agoraphobic, obsessive-compulsive and chain-smoking confidence man. So much so that I'm starting to wonder how much acting was actually involved on Cage's part. An unlikely master at the small time con, Roy has a considerable fear of helplessness in certain situations which manifests itself in various tics and scrubbing the fibers of his carpet. His partner and protege, Frank Mercer (Sam Rockwell), is the perfect contrast in this odd couple-esque dramedy, and along with Roy's shrink, and newly acquainted 14 year-old daughter threatens to turn Roy's world inside out- phobias and all. Some will see the drama-comedy labeling and write this movie off as a "chick-flick," while others, I'm sure, will see the word con-artist and liken it to something along the lines of The Italian Job. Both would be wrong, of course, because while Matchstick Men does contain elements of both of those genres, it thankfully doesn't fit neatly into either category. Matchstick Men is not Cage's best movie, but it is definitely one of his best, and director Ridley Scott's gritty camera work and musical selection adds a very down-to-earth and unidealistic semblance to this film. I hate spoilers, so I won't elaborate any further. Instead, I'll simply suggest that you treat yourself to this movie. Video8300@blogcritics.org Thu, 11 Sep 2003 14:26:22 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2003/06/09/222049.php Chris WebbMeasly by industry standards, that is. Jesse Jordon, however, says it was his life savings. KNAC.com reports that: "Jesse knew students were sharing files on his network: pictures, PowerPoint presentations, physics notes, anime, and music. But he refutes the RIAA's claim he "hijacked an academic network" and "installed an emporium for music trading. They agreed to allow Jesse to deny their allegations. [The RIAA] agreed to dismiss the case and all allegations against him," Andy said. "Basically they agreed that he didn't do anything wrong, but [they're] taking his 12 grand."I can see both sides of the file sharing issue, but the RIAA's handling of it leaves much to be desired. Sci/Tech6044@blogcritics.org Mon, 9 Jun 2003 22:20:49 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2003/05/15/211305.php Chris WebbA collective blog self described as "Bloggers monitoring homeland security after the Patriot Act" is taking shape over at The Watchtower. It is designed to be a one stop resource for news and discussion about the Patriot Act, and all that it entails - including: surveillance, internet privacy, and the much debated RIAA. Bloggers on board include the Armchair Analyst, Daily Pundit, Light of Reason, and Talk Left.If you would like to add your name to the growing list of bloggers at The Watchtower, send an email to editor@libertywatchtower.com Sci/Tech5342@blogcritics.org Thu, 15 May 2003 21:13:05 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2003/02/08/180324.php Chris WebbIt appears Mr. Hellbilly and his House of 1000 Corpses aren't just a bunch of stiffs after all. According to RockRage.com, Rob Zombie: has teamed up with rap Trina and former Commodore Lionel Richie to remake the Commodore hit "Brick House." Evidently, the remake will be included on the soundtrack to Zombie's upcoming movie debut, Music3080@blogcritics.org Sat, 8 Feb 2003 18:03:24 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2003/01/01/145628.php Chris WebbThe Library of Congress' annual selection of films for preservation is to include the facetious This is Spinal Tap. Rob Reiner's "mockumentary" will officially take its place in history alongside films such as The Black Stallion and In the Heat of the Night. Congressional Librarian James H. Billington stated, "The selection of a film, I stress, is not an endorsement of its ideology or content, but rather a recognition of the film's importance in American film and cultural history and history in general."The infamous 80's live on.More on this year's selections here. Video2444@blogcritics.org Wed, 1 Jan 2003 14:56:28 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2002/12/10/022749.php Chris WebbAfter Axl failed to appear for the tour's opening night, and the subsequent riot in Vancouver, the latest incarnation of Guns N' Roses has imploded. As reported by our own Eric Olsen and again today by Chartattack.com: The band failed to show at their scheduled show in Philadelphia on Friday (December 7) night, apparently because an unnamed member of the band had fallen ill. They have since cancelled their remaining 15 shows. 5:1 the ill bandmember had red hair. Eric may get his wish after all, as the remaining original Guns members have auditioned a slew of singers including Travis Meeks, Joshua Todd, A. Jay Popoff, and Kelly Shaefer. It seems they still haven't found what they're looking for. Music2198@blogcritics.org Tue, 10 Dec 2002 02:27:49 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2002/12/07/221500.php Chris WebbThe Chronic Twins are at it again. According to EOnline: Tommy Chong revealed he's in final negotiations to bring a Cheech & Chong reunion movie to the big screen as early as next year. Initially, he says, his costar and pal Cheech Marin balked at the idea, because there wasn't as much money in it for him as he wanted. That's no longer an issue. Not only does Tommy say there's big money, his daughter Rae Dawn Chong wrote a worthy script. Big money for a duo who peaked 20 years ago - Getting high, it would seem, never goes out of fashion. Video2169@blogcritics.org Sat, 7 Dec 2002 22:15:00 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2002/11/23/153856.php Chris WebbAlmost fifteen years ago, the first half of Communion nearly terrified the adolescence right out of me. A month ago, I thought it would be a good idea to revisit it. Although, the first half still kind of freaks me out, what I kept noticing were the logical flaws and the overbearing attempts to persuade the reader of its factuality. "But why do I need these absurd stories? They are not lies; when I tell them, I myself believe them. I don't lie. Perhaps I tell them to myself when I tell them to others, so that I can hide from myself whatever has made me a refugee in my own life." Ah, so if you tell yourself a story enough to believe it, it is no longer a lie? Later, in Appendix II, Strieber recounts the results of his polygraph test: 13. Did you ever lie to anyone in a buisiness venture prior to 1984? No. (Evaluated as possibly untrue. A correct response. I've been in business for twenty years and I'm not sure I haven't lied occasionally.) Am I picking nits here? Possibly, but "I don't lie" is one hell of a strong statement, which, as shown in the polygraph, isn't quite as true as he initially would have us believe. Strieber claims to be agnostic towards the idea of aliens, yet his website is full of implications that these and other various mystical stories and conspiracy theories are indeed real. > It should also be noted that Strieber is a horror writer by trade, and in that respect, Communion is a pretty good novel. Is it true? I remain doubtful, but that does not mean I completely disregard the possibility of life existing outside the Earth's atmosphere. It is, after all, an awfully big universe. A friend of mine used to say that the definition of an asshole is someone who believes his or her own lies. Perhaps asshole is the wrong word here, considering Strieber's claims, 'mooncalf' might be more appropriate. ReadCommunion and make up your own mind. Books1986@blogcritics.org Sat, 23 Nov 2002 15:38:56 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2002/11/17/214653.php Chris WebbDever recently offered this clue for those who need it. The required reading at my own high school (never mind how long ago!) was rather, uh, light, shall we say. With this in mind, I've compiled a list of books that I believe should be included in high school curriculums. Whether students agree with the ideas presented is irrelevant. The important thing is for them to think logically about the works, and to learn how to structure valid arguments for or against each idea.1. 1984 - George Orwell 2. Elective Affinities - Goethe 3. Fountainhead, The - Ayn Rand 4. Genealogy of Morals - Friedrich Nietzsche 5. House of Leaves - Mark Danielewski 6. Hamlet - Shakespeare 7. Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad 8. Mephisto - Klaus Mann 9. Robinson Crusoe - Daniel Defoe 10. Self-Reliance - Ralph Waldo Emerson 11. Trial and Death of Socrates - Plato 12. Winter of Our Discontent - John Steinbeck 13. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance - Robert M. PirsigLet's give the kids some credit and leave the fluff to Harlequin. Books1885@blogcritics.org Sun, 17 Nov 2002 21:46:53 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2002/11/11/014021.php Chris WebbThe Redheaded One kicked off the latest Guns -n- Roses tour (featuring guitarist Buckethead) in familiar fashion. The cancellation of G-n-R's opening show for their North American tour, induced a collective flashback among Vancouver fans. According to KNAC, 10,000 concert goers rioted.The fans used steel barricades to smash windows around the arena prompting the police to come down hard. Using battons and pepper spray, concert goers said that the police literally went ape shit, swinging wildly at anything that moved and at times assaulting people who were already down.There is some confusion as to the cause of the cancelation. Axl is blaming the building manager of General Motors Place who, of course, is blaming Axl.KISW has posted an audiostream of an interview in which Axl tells his side of the story.As Axl said, "it's all kind of screwy." Music1768@blogcritics.org Mon, 11 Nov 2002 01:40:21 EST