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 Wed, 24 Aug 2005 06:15:47 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/2005/08/24/061547.php messy First saw it on CNN. Then, according to Independent UK:Pat Robertson, one of the most influential Christian evangelists in the United States, has sparked controversy by calling for the assassination of the left-wing leader of Venezuela.Mr. Robertson, who heads the Christian Coalition and has close links to the White House, said the US should kill President Hugo Chavez because he wanted to turn his Catholic country into "the launching pad for communist infiltration and Muslim extremism".Sigh.I know Robertson doesn't speak for the Christians of America, but should Robertson be allowed to go on misrepresenting what Christ is truly about? I'm a Christian. But I'm also a Malaysian, so I'm a different "breed" of Christian, sort of. I can watch from afar, because I'm not part of the "system," so to speak.When I look at the state of Christianity in America, sometimes I shake my head. Not that we Malaysian Christians are so great (we have to combat an anti-intellectual streak, pastor-worship, superstitious ways and our own brand of extremism as well), but sometimes it dismays me to see Christians forgetting that the message of Christ is not to kill but to love: it is one of radical love.Lately, right-wing Christians have melded nationalism with religion; it clouds the main message of Christ. To whom do we owe our allegiance? To our country or to Christ? Which comes first? Some, to "balance" these two, have used the Bible to support their political views. That's ... sad! Other news sources. Meanwhile, the blogosphere is abuzz. Politics34695@blogcritics.org Wed, 24 Aug 2005 06:15:47 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/08/20/061805.php messyWell, I was set on buying Michael Buble's latest album It's Time when I came across Il Divo - four polished men in suits, and a sticker on the cover that says: The World's First Operatic Supergroup. Being an "amateur" fan of opera, I had to listen to this. Well, phew. Guys, imagine a Backstreet Boys with the voices of Andrea Bocelli. Michael Buble was sadly soon forgotten and I got this CD. I love "Every Time I look at You" and "Ti Amero". Well, actually I like most of the songs. :)Apparently, this group was put together by none other than American Idol judge Simon Cowell! (I'm not sure if that's good or bad news.) Most of these blokes were classically trained: the group is made up of David Miller (US), Carlos Marin (Spain), Urs Buhler (Switzerland) and Sebastien Izambard (France) after a worldwide talent hunt. (Is there a reality show connected to this? If so, BARF.) pub:NB Music34488@blogcritics.org Sat, 20 Aug 2005 06:18:05 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/07/06/102456.php messyAs much as I enjoy the blast of watching aliens rampage around Earth (or rather, the East coast of the United States), I know there are unanswered questions (or plotholes, depending on your point of view) about the show. Personally, I like the fact that we're not spoonfed the whys and hows. There are no anchormen theorising why the aliens attack on morning shows, nor are there Presidents to give us a speech to "stay strong". Gosh, the cliches! (Shudder) Anyway, here are some of my theories:Of course, that means spoilers ahoy!♥ Why in the world did the aliens attack? They're jealous that we have reality tv and they don't. Ok, ok, seriously - I believe it's a terraforming project. They either want to make the planet theirs so that tripods can be fruitful and multiply or they view us as one giant cheesecake ready for plunder.♥ Sure, but if the machines were buried millions of years ago, why did they strike now? Well, this "buried millions of years ago" theory came from Ray Ferrier (Tom Cruise), and as far as I know, he isn't in the inter-galactic intelligence agency. For all you know, the aliens have the technology to just teleport the suckers into the ground like, yesterday.♥ But let's say they buried it a million years ago ... Well, a successful invasion requires careful planning.♥ But they're not big on research, are they? Doesn't seem like it. I mean, you come to an alien planet, you should see if it's suitable for you or whether water will melt you (Signs, anyone?). But maybe these aliens are too confident in their technology. Or maybe they're just plain stupid.♥ Why do they need human blood?? They're relatives of Dracula. Actually, this one stumped me. But from what I could see, they seem to fill the tripods with blood which they pump out to the country side. Then, strange blood-red plant-like creepers grew on the ground. My sister say its fertiliser. But hey, maybe they need the iron in our blood to grow these plants. :P ♥ So, if they need the blood so much, why zap people? Well, if you have a cool ray gun, you gotta use it on something. If their aim is to make the world theirs, I would think terrorising the populace and reducing their numbers would be strategy #1.♥ Just how did Ray manage to drive through all those stalled cars? He was very lucky?♥ The aliens died such a lame death. That's the beauty. These creatures which possess such huge machines are felled by something so tiny. I love the fact that humans have nothing to do with their demise. It is a humbling thing: that bacteria succeeded where we couldn't.♥ Why is Robbie so annoying? He should be out dating, but instead he's stuck with an armageddon. With his dad and shrieky sister. ♥ How in the world did he survive?? You see, that's not really Robbie ... he's a pod person! Yeah, I know. He should've stayed dead. At least he thanked daddy for what he did. Video32106@blogcritics.org Wed, 6 Jul 2005 10:24:56 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/07/05/093309.php messyMy expectations for the movie was at sub-zero temperatures since a colleague told me the movie sucked and Kervin said it fell on its face. But I loved it! In fact, it's one of those rare movies where I can't wait to see it the second time. Actually, when I scouted around, it looks like it's a movie you'd either love or hate.¤ You'd hate it if You expected Independence Day II. Yes, there's action, but don't expect a coalition of earthlings saving the day. Let's just say it's realistic. Seriously - if a bunch of Martians in tripods the size of a Manhattan skyscraper have weapons that can turn folks into ash in an instant, do you think a computer virus would do the trick?¤ Why I loved the movie For me, it is a movie about a father - who never really took much interest in his kids before - realising that he'd do anything to keep them alive. The movie is his struggle to preserve his children when the world is literally going to ashes around him. Also, Ray (Tom Cruise) is always terrified (he even cried from terror once) - that's refreshing. How often have we seen heroes that are not afraid of big, scary aliens? That's old. Also, his priority is to save his kids instead of being a hero. That's real.You'd also like the movie if you like to see humans vaporised. ;)¤ Canggih* moments Humans exploding into ash - fuuyoh! Tripods - wahlau! ¤ Not-so-canggih moments Anytime Dakota Fanning starts screaming¤ Needless controversy That it is an allusion to 9/11. Aiyoh, just enjoy the movie-lah!* canggih = awesome. If you're curious what language this is, it's Malay. Video32041@blogcritics.org Tue, 5 Jul 2005 09:33:09 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/05/27/103208.php messyIs it my imagination, or are a lot of main characters dying, being tortured or about to die this season on American TV? [Malaysia is far behind these shows, but I make it a point to follow these shows from afar. Entertainment's in my blood as you know.]I blame it all on Lost. I really suspect that some network exec took note of the fan buzz surrounding JJ Abram's declaration that someone would die in the show and thought: "Hey, I think we can do that for our shows too! Imagine the buzz! The ratings!" Instead, it just got old. Fast.I am not the only one who noticed the current "hot" trend in TV. USA Today has an article: TV Death Stalks the Mainstays. (Spoilers ahoy!)Here are just some shows who have offed characters: The O.C., Desperate Housewives, NCIS (damn them!), Lost, Smallville, Enterprise (mighty lame way to go, that poor man)Characters that may die: Without a TraceCharacters who were tortured/attacked/in jeopardy: CSI: Miami, CSI (poor, poor, Nicky!), Smallville and The O.C.And may I just add that in the case of NCIS (highlight to read spoilers) ... it better be true that Sasha Alexander wanted out! Because killing Kate was just stoopid if you want a ratings boost. She's a pivotal part of the show, part of the reason why NCIS is so funny. Removing her the way they did - she died with a bullet between her eyes in front of Tony and Gibbs! - would just plunge the show into grim territory, making it Just Like Another Procedural Crime Show. If I want that, I'd watch CSI, thank you! I have no idea how NCIS is going to regain its humour. Sigh. What a waste, especially since this is the best ensemble I've ever seen. Anyway, bloggers are mostly furious too.I hope this trend doesn't continue next season. I mean, they're pretty much going to run out of main characters if they continue to do this every season. And note to producers of CSI:NY: Don't you dare touch Danny Messer! He LIVES, you hear?? Video30229@blogcritics.org Fri, 27 May 2005 10:32:08 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/05/20/234943.php messyI'm smitten. For some reason I suddenly realized that Danny Messer (played by Carmine Giovinazzo - that's one difficult surname to spell) is cute. I know, lame.It began when I hung around the message board, Talk CSI when I was fantastically bored one day. (Apparently many would like to see Danny a)in the shower b) without his shirt.) Then it was a rewatch of the episode Tanglewood. Darn it, but I'm always am intrigued by men with mysterious pasts! (Spoilers for those who have not watched Tanglewood.)As some of you know, we found out that Danny may be involved with the Tanglewood Boys. The heated debate at Talk CSI about whether he's part of the gang has gotten me intrigued, especially since they'll be a "Tanglewood Part II" November this year.Me? I think he was a gang member. Why then would he be so worried that Mac (Gary Sinise), who is like his mentor, found out? Methinks that although nobody leaves the gang, but somehow he managed to slip out and "lie low" (as low as anyone in law enforcement can!), but now that the Boys know that he's involved in placing one of the boys in prison, he or his family could be in big trouble.I honestly think that in Tanglewood Part II, he'll be in big trouble. Again! (He recently lost his chances at promotion.) How else would his Tanglewood connections come to the surface (according to Anthony Zuiker, his past will be revealed. hehe).IMHO, Tanglewood saved the show from CSI monotony. Seems like the following episodes revealed more of Danny's rather volatile and temperamental character, and more tension between Mac and Danny. A reaction, perhaps, to his worries about Mac knowing about his shady past? Right now, the two are "dancing" around each other. I suspect that Mac didn't know that he was in the interrogation room (behind the mirror), and thus knows that he knows.Ooh, I love all this character angst! 8-D Video29875@blogcritics.org Fri, 20 May 2005 23:49:43 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/05/20/233638.php messyIt's May 19, and Star Wars III is released in Malaysia, so it is now time for my spoilery review! So, be warned - this review will contain spoilers. The same for Eyeris', Rolling Stone's , Malaysia's The Star's , Roger Ebert's and less-spoilery - Erna's (who wants to kill Lucas for what he had done).For those who have not watched - don't go any further!! You were warned!You know what I said in my non-spoilery review - it's worth watching. The visual feast was top notch. The action was unrelenting. The nostalgia that is stirred up by cameos, references etc was fun. All this would probably wipe most fans' resentment towards the atrocious script etc.What I didn't tell you was that while I enjoyed the space battles, Jedi fights and visual feast, I was mentally in agony from listening to the dialogue, witnessing the wooden acting and questioning the holey plot.My grouses: (1) Padme and Anakin has to be the most unconvincing lovers in the entire universe. I was still asking: "Why in the world are these two in love?" when the credits rolled.(2) It's uncanny how Hayden Christensen, Ewan McGregor and Natalie Portman lose their acting skills when they landed this gig. I enjoyed Hayden's performance immensely in Shattered Glass, for one. I don't even recognise the lad here!(3) Padme's death wins the "Lamest excuse to die" award. She doesn't have the will to live anymore? Puh-lease! You're talkin' about a woman who was not only Queen of Naboo, but fought alongside Anakin in Episode II. The Padme I grew to know wouldn't give up so easily. I'd see her picking up the twins and raising them herself, while organising a rebellion to boot! But here, Lucas thinks it's far more romantic (and you know how well he does romantic with the lines he gives our lovebirds) for her die of a broken heart. Someone shoot me already!(4) Yoda and Obi Wan seems strangely calm about the fact that the entire universe has gone upside down. Yoda: "Oh, let's go into exile for a zonk amount of years." Obi-Wan soon to be Ben-Kenobi: "Sure thing, bud." But I'll just let this slip and say that it's Jedi training speaking.(5) Anakin's turn to the dark side was weak. One moment he's turning Palpatine to the Jedi Council. The next moment he's chopping Windu's hand off and killing younglings (why can't they just call them children)? I find it unconvincing. Maybe because I find his affection for Padme, which drove his decision, unconvincing. Now, I still liked this movie, only because of these elements: (1) Obi-Wan's cry to Anakin: "You were supposed to be the chosen one!" I felt his agony then. For the first time in the trilogy, Ewan McGregor acted.(2) I'm always a sucker for interior designs. Man, the cities of Coruscant etc were magnificent! All the alien landscapes were beautiful.(3) Order 66. How chilling is that? For the clones to suddenly just belot (betray) and kill the Jedi who have come to trust them. Silly folks.(4) I so love Obi Wan's furry and scaly ride when he dispatched General Grievious. Oh yeah, how he got rid of Grievious was cool too. You don't send a calvary to dispatch the meanest cyborg in the universe, you just send ONE Jedi. I find that awesome. ;)(5) The ending takes the taco. When Luke's foster parents held him and looked at the Tatooine skyline . Wah ... it's exactly like that scene when Luke was staring longingly at sunset in Ep IV. (6) Nice that Bail Organa has Leia. I find that piece of continuity touching too.(7) Palpatine is such a snake, that Dark Lord! Ian McDiarmid did a fantastic job if I might say so myself. Probably the only person who could act in the movie. Though he became campy when he became wrinkly.(8) Yoda was right all along. Anakin was far too unstable and too insecure to be trained. But nobody listens to the old fogey.I am just tortured by the thought of "What if". What if Lucas had stepped back and let a real writer handle the script? Imagine what a brilliant gem Star Wars would've been. Not that he cares with the bazzilions he's gonna make from the merchandising ... Video29873@blogcritics.org Fri, 20 May 2005 23:36:38 EDT