The Year in Review
The Year in Review
Well, 2007 is quickly drawing to a close. Now, I find myself reflecting on the year I’ve had, the year my friends had, and the world in general. Let’s see.
POLITICAL TELEVISION
I am an avid viewer of Countdown with Keith Olbermann. He is the perfect counter to the rants and raves of the right wing pundits. By breaking down the day’s news stories, he cuts through the chatter and none news and, with his often scathing special comments (more often than not directed at George Bush himself), reminds us that dissent is part of our heritage as citizens of the United States. Remember, had we lost the Revolutionary War, every man who inked his signature on the Declaration of Independence would have been hung, drawn, and quartered as a traitor. Highlight of each show: Keith’s Worst Persons list. Bill O’Reilly, Ann Coultergeist, and George Bush are frequently featured.
Real Time with Bill Maher also takes the news of the week and offers panel discussion on the topic. Maher invites varying views and while I find myself often yelling at the yes men and women who still see no wrong in the current administration, Maher always has the last word with his New Rules.
Website Media Matters cuts through outrageous claims, fact-checking and refuting exaggerations. I know that the website is often targeted by right-wing pundits but all they do is post transcripts so that we can read for ourselves. Bill O’Reilly says he didn’t say that? Well, the transcript from his show, often edited on his web page but posted completely on Media Matters, reveals he did.
ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION
Urged to watch by a friend, I slowly but surely became addicted to Lost, about three years too late. Ah, the benefits of renting from Netflix. I am currently trying to finish up season three, though a quick glance through my latest issue of Wizard Magazine revealed a huge spoiler. Oh well. I like Lost. I am still convinced that the island is Purgatory and all the plane crash survivors are dead.
Other television shows I became addicted to: Top Chef Season 3, all things Kathy Griffin, Survivorman, Man vs. Wild, and Dirty Jobs. Oh, and Family Guy. Gotta love Family Guy. Stewie is Bart Simpson with perfect grammar.
Best from the BBC: Jekyll. You have to rent this series. James Nesbitt plays the titular role both as the anguished doctor trying to understand what is happening to him and the mischievous, violent Hyde. Only six episodes, I was screaming with shock and delight as the final credits rolled. Surprises to the bitter end, my friends. Absolutely the best series all year.
COMICS
Captain America was assassinated on the steps of the Supreme Court. Though his death did not resonate as loudly as the death of Superman, it still had an impact on the comic book world. That Cap could be assassinated for “the greater good” is a harsh reminder of our all-too-real political climate. Cap was an all-American hero. Who will carry Cap’s shield remains to be seen.
Dark Horse introduced the controversial Cade Skywalker, descendant of Luke Skywalker, in the comic series Star Wars Legacy. Cade is Force-sensitive, but has decided to not follow in his ancestors’ footsteps and become a Jedi. Instead, he works as a bounty hunter, bringing in renegade Sith and Jedi alike, both of whom are public enemy number one under the new empire. He’s addicted to death-sticks, he hangs around with some rather unseemly characters, and he is often visited by the ghost of Luke Skywalker.
Comic God Alan Moore finally released his League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Black Dossier. Though I haven’t been able to find a copy, yet, it echoes a return to one of Moore’s greatest works. Latest news is that he is also planning a new book, LXG: Century for 2008. For those of you who haven’t read Alan Moore… what the heck are you waiting for? Recommendations: League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, V for Vendetta, or the Watchmen (being made into a film by Zac Snyder, the guy who brought 300 to life).
MOVIES
300! This film is a living comic book. Frank Miller took the infamous Battle of Thermopylae, stylized it, and created a cinematic graphic novel. Zac Snyder took Miller’s vision and created the quintessential comic book film. Gerard Butler growling and fierce as King Leonidas. It’s rock and roll film-making. Violent, sure. But exquisitely so.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Is it just me or do these films just get better and better? I had so much fun seeing this film. The battle in the Hall of Mysteries, culminating with the wizard smack down between Voldemort and Dumbledore was by far the best action sequence in a Harry Potter film to date. Natalie Tena’s brief appearance as Tonks had me begging for more. Evanna Lynch was the perfect choice for Luna Lovegood. Favorite shot? Hermione’s Patronus swimming around her. Hee-Hee! I’m giggling with fangirl glee!
The Golden Compass. It’s a harsher reality than other children’s literature but still fascinating. I’m working my way through reading the series but it was the film that convinced me that I needed to. My daemon = a Chimpanzee named Erasmus. Find yours at: http://www.goldencompassmovie.com
Biggest Surprise of the Year? How much I thoroughly enjoyed Disney’s Enchanted. It pays homage to all the classic fairy tales. It includes cameos and “easter eggs” for Disney fans. Amy Adams is thoroughly charming as Giselle. The tale could have been a sardonic parody, but in Amy Adams’ talented hands is instead a charming and believable fairy tale. Her Giselle is refreshingly insightful, innocent but not naïve, and courageous—earning her place amongst the pantheon of Disney heroines. As she grows accustomed to our world, she matures as a person but never loses sight of her belief that true love can conquer all. She impacts those around her, reconciling a couple on the brink of divorce and reminding Patrick Dempsey’s Robert that love can be romantic and ever-lasting.
BOOKS
I read a lot of books.
Read a lot of religious-themed books. As I do. Read about the Shroud of Turin (the head is disconnected from the body, the image measures 6’10” tall, and why are the hands conspicuously covering the genitals?), Mary Magdalene, and the history of the book of Revelation.
Notable titles: The Historian, The Thirteenth Tale, The Secret Supper, The Jesus Papers, The History of the End of the World, The God Delusion.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The Final Book. Not a disappointment. What a fantastic end to the series. I told you that Severus was loyal to Dumbledore.
The Expected One. What a surprising find. This book takes a different twist than the bestselling The Da Vinci Code. Pick it up and give it a read.
Star Wars: Legacy of the Force series. These are still ongoing. I broke down and decided to read these tales when I learned of the death of a particular character. I am enjoying it despite the fact that it looks like Han & Leia will lose their only surviving son. At least, Leia has finally met her granddaughter, Allana. Do you need to be a Star Wars fan to read these? It helps.
ME
I flew twice (the second time by myself!) this year. I had not previously flown since 1986. Coincidentally, I flew back east to attend the wedding of my cousin Terri. This time, I flew (for the first time) to attend the wedding of one of my best mates, Jeanne. Yep. Flew. On an airplane. Did I enjoy it? Not really. Every strange sound, every bit of turbulence made me nervous. Burying my thoughts in a book helped a little but I think I would prefer to travel on the ground.
The Sealed Air plant in Kent closed at the end of March this year. I spent the next month helping shred out-of-date documents, prepare current documents for shipping, clean up, and just go through mounds of office supplies and equipment. While I wasn’t fond of some aspects of my job, I did make some good friends (all guys!) and I do miss seeing some of them every day. But, because of a great deal made for the severance package, I was able to take some time off, go to my friend’s wedding, attend Celebration IV without having to worry about getting back home in a hurry, and take my time in finding my next career path.
While I was searching, I received an email from my former boss from NCS Pearson. She’s working for Princeton Review in New York City. She asked if I would be interested in writing and editing some assessment items. I said sure. And it has turned out to be very lucrative. I was given a second assignment, as well. And while my former boss hinted that there is the slight possibility that I may be offered a full-time position, I am not holding my breath but taking each day as it comes.
So, I work from home, make some money, and try to keep out of trouble. I can go and see films during the week and relax at home on the weekends. I can stay up late, sleep in to whenever, and it’s quite addicting!
I reconnected with an old friend, Liesl, who I had not heard from since the mid-1990s. Now that we are in constant contact, I am reminded of how much I missed having her around to talk to, vent with, goof around, and make genuine mischief.
Oh. And… I Met Carrie Fisher! Woo-Hoo. J.K. Rowling says you need to find a happy memory to produce a patronus charm. I have! Expecto Patronum! I stood in line for a couple of hours for a thirty-second one-on-one while she signed a photograph for me but hey… isn’t life made up of little moments? Then, the next evening, I got to sit in on her “Conversation” event at Celebration IV. She reminisced about various Star Wars memories, recited Princess Leia’s hologram speech verbatim, and reminded all of us why Princess Leia is just so cool.
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2008
Prince Caspian. The teaser trailer was released just a couple of weeks ago. As a longtime fan of the Chronicles of Narnia, I am looking forward to seeing this film.
Taking back the White House. If any of the Republican candidates ever stop trying to sound like Shrub light, I might reconsider… but for now, I want a Democratic president in the White House. I want someone with experience. Someone who can hit the ground running and someone with enough foreign policy experience to undo some of the damage done to our allies abroad by Shrub’s cowboy brand of politics.
Who knows where 2008 will take us? I have no fear. Except for http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h110-1955. Follow the link and read. This was sponsored by Jane Harman, a Democrat. What is she smoking?
And, if Hillary Clinton becomes the Democratic nominee for president, we will see history made in 2008 when a woman finally holds the highest political office in our nation. And it’s about time!
SAYING GOODBYE
Leigh Eddings. Yvonne De Carlo. Deborah Kerr. Beverly Sills. Merv Griffin. Kurt Vonnegut. Norman Mailer. Ingmar Bergman. Luciano Pavarotti. Robert Goulet. Michael Kidd. Dan Fogelberg. Evel Knievel. Madeleine L’Engle. Alice Ghostley. Jane Wyman. Don Ho. Jack Valenti. Tom Poston. Charles Nelson Reilly. Dick “Mr. Whipple” Wilson. Joel Siegel. And… Lois Maxwell. Miss Moneypenny.
Mara Jade. & Handsome Charlie.
Well, 2007 is quickly drawing to a close. Now, I find myself reflecting on the year I’ve had, the year my friends had, and the world in general. Let’s see.
POLITICAL TELEVISION
I am an avid viewer of Countdown with Keith Olbermann. He is the perfect counter to the rants and raves of the right wing pundits. By breaking down the day’s news stories, he cuts through the chatter and none news and, with his often scathing special comments (more often than not directed at George Bush himself), reminds us that dissent is part of our heritage as citizens of the United States. Remember, had we lost the Revolutionary War, every man who inked his signature on the Declaration of Independence would have been hung, drawn, and quartered as a traitor. Highlight of each show: Keith’s Worst Persons list. Bill O’Reilly, Ann Coultergeist, and George Bush are frequently featured.
Real Time with Bill Maher also takes the news of the week and offers panel discussion on the topic. Maher invites varying views and while I find myself often yelling at the yes men and women who still see no wrong in the current administration, Maher always has the last word with his New Rules.
Website Media Matters cuts through outrageous claims, fact-checking and refuting exaggerations. I know that the website is often targeted by right-wing pundits but all they do is post transcripts so that we can read for ourselves. Bill O’Reilly says he didn’t say that? Well, the transcript from his show, often edited on his web page but posted completely on Media Matters, reveals he did.
ENTERTAINMENT TELEVISION
Urged to watch by a friend, I slowly but surely became addicted to Lost, about three years too late. Ah, the benefits of renting from Netflix. I am currently trying to finish up season three, though a quick glance through my latest issue of Wizard Magazine revealed a huge spoiler. Oh well. I like Lost. I am still convinced that the island is Purgatory and all the plane crash survivors are dead.
Other television shows I became addicted to: Top Chef Season 3, all things Kathy Griffin, Survivorman, Man vs. Wild, and Dirty Jobs. Oh, and Family Guy. Gotta love Family Guy. Stewie is Bart Simpson with perfect grammar.
Best from the BBC: Jekyll. You have to rent this series. James Nesbitt plays the titular role both as the anguished doctor trying to understand what is happening to him and the mischievous, violent Hyde. Only six episodes, I was screaming with shock and delight as the final credits rolled. Surprises to the bitter end, my friends. Absolutely the best series all year.
COMICS
Captain America was assassinated on the steps of the Supreme Court. Though his death did not resonate as loudly as the death of Superman, it still had an impact on the comic book world. That Cap could be assassinated for “the greater good” is a harsh reminder of our all-too-real political climate. Cap was an all-American hero. Who will carry Cap’s shield remains to be seen.
Dark Horse introduced the controversial Cade Skywalker, descendant of Luke Skywalker, in the comic series Star Wars Legacy. Cade is Force-sensitive, but has decided to not follow in his ancestors’ footsteps and become a Jedi. Instead, he works as a bounty hunter, bringing in renegade Sith and Jedi alike, both of whom are public enemy number one under the new empire. He’s addicted to death-sticks, he hangs around with some rather unseemly characters, and he is often visited by the ghost of Luke Skywalker.
Comic God Alan Moore finally released his League of Extraordinary Gentlemen Black Dossier. Though I haven’t been able to find a copy, yet, it echoes a return to one of Moore’s greatest works. Latest news is that he is also planning a new book, LXG: Century for 2008. For those of you who haven’t read Alan Moore… what the heck are you waiting for? Recommendations: League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, V for Vendetta, or the Watchmen (being made into a film by Zac Snyder, the guy who brought 300 to life).
MOVIES
300! This film is a living comic book. Frank Miller took the infamous Battle of Thermopylae, stylized it, and created a cinematic graphic novel. Zac Snyder took Miller’s vision and created the quintessential comic book film. Gerard Butler growling and fierce as King Leonidas. It’s rock and roll film-making. Violent, sure. But exquisitely so.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. Is it just me or do these films just get better and better? I had so much fun seeing this film. The battle in the Hall of Mysteries, culminating with the wizard smack down between Voldemort and Dumbledore was by far the best action sequence in a Harry Potter film to date. Natalie Tena’s brief appearance as Tonks had me begging for more. Evanna Lynch was the perfect choice for Luna Lovegood. Favorite shot? Hermione’s Patronus swimming around her. Hee-Hee! I’m giggling with fangirl glee!
The Golden Compass. It’s a harsher reality than other children’s literature but still fascinating. I’m working my way through reading the series but it was the film that convinced me that I needed to. My daemon = a Chimpanzee named Erasmus. Find yours at: http://www.goldencompassmovie.com
Biggest Surprise of the Year? How much I thoroughly enjoyed Disney’s Enchanted. It pays homage to all the classic fairy tales. It includes cameos and “easter eggs” for Disney fans. Amy Adams is thoroughly charming as Giselle. The tale could have been a sardonic parody, but in Amy Adams’ talented hands is instead a charming and believable fairy tale. Her Giselle is refreshingly insightful, innocent but not naïve, and courageous—earning her place amongst the pantheon of Disney heroines. As she grows accustomed to our world, she matures as a person but never loses sight of her belief that true love can conquer all. She impacts those around her, reconciling a couple on the brink of divorce and reminding Patrick Dempsey’s Robert that love can be romantic and ever-lasting.
BOOKS
I read a lot of books.
Read a lot of religious-themed books. As I do. Read about the Shroud of Turin (the head is disconnected from the body, the image measures 6’10” tall, and why are the hands conspicuously covering the genitals?), Mary Magdalene, and the history of the book of Revelation.
Notable titles: The Historian, The Thirteenth Tale, The Secret Supper, The Jesus Papers, The History of the End of the World, The God Delusion.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. The Final Book. Not a disappointment. What a fantastic end to the series. I told you that Severus was loyal to Dumbledore.
The Expected One. What a surprising find. This book takes a different twist than the bestselling The Da Vinci Code. Pick it up and give it a read.
Star Wars: Legacy of the Force series. These are still ongoing. I broke down and decided to read these tales when I learned of the death of a particular character. I am enjoying it despite the fact that it looks like Han & Leia will lose their only surviving son. At least, Leia has finally met her granddaughter, Allana. Do you need to be a Star Wars fan to read these? It helps.
ME
I flew twice (the second time by myself!) this year. I had not previously flown since 1986. Coincidentally, I flew back east to attend the wedding of my cousin Terri. This time, I flew (for the first time) to attend the wedding of one of my best mates, Jeanne. Yep. Flew. On an airplane. Did I enjoy it? Not really. Every strange sound, every bit of turbulence made me nervous. Burying my thoughts in a book helped a little but I think I would prefer to travel on the ground.
The Sealed Air plant in Kent closed at the end of March this year. I spent the next month helping shred out-of-date documents, prepare current documents for shipping, clean up, and just go through mounds of office supplies and equipment. While I wasn’t fond of some aspects of my job, I did make some good friends (all guys!) and I do miss seeing some of them every day. But, because of a great deal made for the severance package, I was able to take some time off, go to my friend’s wedding, attend Celebration IV without having to worry about getting back home in a hurry, and take my time in finding my next career path.
While I was searching, I received an email from my former boss from NCS Pearson. She’s working for Princeton Review in New York City. She asked if I would be interested in writing and editing some assessment items. I said sure. And it has turned out to be very lucrative. I was given a second assignment, as well. And while my former boss hinted that there is the slight possibility that I may be offered a full-time position, I am not holding my breath but taking each day as it comes.
So, I work from home, make some money, and try to keep out of trouble. I can go and see films during the week and relax at home on the weekends. I can stay up late, sleep in to whenever, and it’s quite addicting!
I reconnected with an old friend, Liesl, who I had not heard from since the mid-1990s. Now that we are in constant contact, I am reminded of how much I missed having her around to talk to, vent with, goof around, and make genuine mischief.
Oh. And… I Met Carrie Fisher! Woo-Hoo. J.K. Rowling says you need to find a happy memory to produce a patronus charm. I have! Expecto Patronum! I stood in line for a couple of hours for a thirty-second one-on-one while she signed a photograph for me but hey… isn’t life made up of little moments? Then, the next evening, I got to sit in on her “Conversation” event at Celebration IV. She reminisced about various Star Wars memories, recited Princess Leia’s hologram speech verbatim, and reminded all of us why Princess Leia is just so cool.
LOOKING AHEAD TO 2008
Prince Caspian. The teaser trailer was released just a couple of weeks ago. As a longtime fan of the Chronicles of Narnia, I am looking forward to seeing this film.
Taking back the White House. If any of the Republican candidates ever stop trying to sound like Shrub light, I might reconsider… but for now, I want a Democratic president in the White House. I want someone with experience. Someone who can hit the ground running and someone with enough foreign policy experience to undo some of the damage done to our allies abroad by Shrub’s cowboy brand of politics.
Who knows where 2008 will take us? I have no fear. Except for http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext.xpd?bill=h110-1955. Follow the link and read. This was sponsored by Jane Harman, a Democrat. What is she smoking?
And, if Hillary Clinton becomes the Democratic nominee for president, we will see history made in 2008 when a woman finally holds the highest political office in our nation. And it’s about time!
SAYING GOODBYE
Leigh Eddings. Yvonne De Carlo. Deborah Kerr. Beverly Sills. Merv Griffin. Kurt Vonnegut. Norman Mailer. Ingmar Bergman. Luciano Pavarotti. Robert Goulet. Michael Kidd. Dan Fogelberg. Evel Knievel. Madeleine L’Engle. Alice Ghostley. Jane Wyman. Don Ho. Jack Valenti. Tom Poston. Charles Nelson Reilly. Dick “Mr. Whipple” Wilson. Joel Siegel. And… Lois Maxwell. Miss Moneypenny.
Mara Jade. & Handsome Charlie.
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