Re: [scifinoir2] Sales soar for new Tolkien novel
Take your time...I love the Hitch Hiker's Guide series because it was read by Douglas Adams himself and it reminded me so much of what they did on Monty Python...There are six books to the series just like Herbert's Dune... [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: hey, no biggie. I'm just funning. I get grief from lots of people for never having seen "It's a Wonderful Life", and also "Forest Gump", "The Maltese Falcon", "Citizen Kane" (highest on my list), or any of the "Godfather" movies. I created a spreadsheet last year on which I listed the American Film Institute's choice of the top 100 films of all time. To that list, I added others that I deemed must-see's which AFI didn't rank in the 100--films like "Shaft", "The Magnificent Seven", "Forbidden Planet", "Uptown Saturday Night". I came up with 146 must-see films, of which I've seen 66 so far... I don't do any commuting where I can listen to audiobooks, but I do use my iPod quite a bit when working out or doing yard work. Maybe I'll pick up an audiobook of "Hitchhiker's Guide". Thanks for the recommendation... -- Original message -- From: Astromancer Chill, dude, I was joking...BUT...if you spend a lot of time doing the commute thing, I suggest the audionbook route...The Dune series definitely comes on tape and CD...a fantastic series to listen to is 'The Hitch Hiker's Guide To the Galaxy'...It was dry, Python-esque humor and I couldn't stop laughing... [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: i know, i know! I've only seen the last scene, where everyone's happy and the angel's gonna get his wings -- Original message -- From: Astromancer (GASP!) You've never seen 'It's A Wonderful Life'??? SHAME! [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Okay, every year or so I have to make this shameful confession, so let's get it over with: I, Keith Johnson, science fiction nut, lifelong reader and viewer of all things scifi, have never read any of the "Dune" books. (Hanging head in shame). I've also never read Heinlein's "Stranger in a Strange Land", or any of Octavia Butler's work. (Flinching from the barbs and arrows). And since confession's good for the soul, let me admit to the crime of never having seen "Forest Gump" or "It's a Wonderful Life". Ahh...I feel so much better! -- Original message -- From: Astromancer There are several: A prequal trilogy leading up to the events of Dune: Dune-House Atreites, House Harkkonin (maybe I misspelled these names) and House Corrino...Then there are several more to include The Bukterian Jihad...I'm sure you can look them up...I have the trilogy in audiobook form (abridged) and I enjoyed them thoroughly...As soon as I can, I'm going to try and buy the remaining books...They also come in CD as well as tapes...To me, they;re just like owning videotapes...I started listening to audiobooks while driving a cab for a living and have been addicted to them ever since...I like being read to! [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: is that novel any good? -- Original message -- From: Astromancer Reminds me of the newer Dune novel written by Herbert's son, Brian, and Kevin Anderson... [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Well, the sales are high and the reviews are favorable. And since I absolutely *love* books that delve more deeply into the history of legends---"The Silmarillion" is one of my favs--I think I'll enjoy this one too. Maybe I'll get it for the cold winter days, which is when I ready my heavier books. ** Sales soar for new Tolkien novel By HILLEL ITALIE, AP National WriterTue May 1, 4:15 PM ET The world still has a taste for tales about Middle-earth. Two weeks after the publication of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Children of Hurin," an unfinished novel edited by the late author's son, Christopher, more than 900,000 copies are in print worldwide, nearly double the original total, according to the U.S. publisher, Houghton Mifflin. The new book, a prequel to Tolkien's mega-selling epic "The Lord of the Rings," was started by J.R.R. Tolkien in 1918, but eventually abandoned. The author died in 1973, and his son spent the next 30 years working on the manuscript. Excerpts from "The Children of Hurin," which includes the elves and dwarves of Tolkien's other works, had been published over the years, but there was never a single narrative until this spring. "The Children of Hurin," which came out April 17, has topped numerous best-seller lists and Houghton Mifflin has increased its printing from 250,000 to 550,000. In Britain, copies in print have been raised from 250,000 to 360,000. Reviews have been favorable. Elizabeth Hand wrote in The Washington Post that "Hurin" was grand, epic storytelling and a reminder, if one was needed, of Tolkien's genius in creating an imaginary world that both reflects and deepens a sense of our own mythic past." The Associated Press' Bruce DeSilva praised the book as "a coherent, vivi
Re: [scifinoir2] Sales soar for new Tolkien novel
hey, no biggie. I'm just funning. I get grief from lots of people for never having seen "It's a Wonderful Life", and also "Forest Gump", "The Maltese Falcon", "Citizen Kane" (highest on my list), or any of the "Godfather" movies. I created a spreadsheet last year on which I listed the American Film Institute's choice of the top 100 films of all time. To that list, I added others that I deemed must-see's which AFI didn't rank in the 100--films like "Shaft", "The Magnificent Seven", "Forbidden Planet", "Uptown Saturday Night". I came up with 146 must-see films, of which I've seen 66 so far... I don't do any commuting where I can listen to audiobooks, but I do use my iPod quite a bit when working out or doing yard work. Maybe I'll pick up an audiobook of "Hitchhiker's Guide". Thanks for the recommendation... -- Original message -- From: Astromancer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Chill, dude, I was joking...BUT...if you spend a lot of time doing the commute thing, I suggest the audionbook route...The Dune series definitely comes on tape and CD...a fantastic series to listen to is 'The Hitch Hiker's Guide To the Galaxy'...It was dry, Python-esque humor and I couldn't stop laughing... [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: i know, i know! I've only seen the last scene, where everyone's happy and the angel's gonna get his wings -- Original message -- From: Astromancer (GASP!) You've never seen 'It's A Wonderful Life'??? SHAME! [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Okay, every year or so I have to make this shameful confession, so let's get it over with: I, Keith Johnson, science fiction nut, lifelong reader and viewer of all things scifi, have never read any of the "Dune" books. (Hanging head in shame). I've also never read Heinlein's "Stranger in a Strange Land", or any of Octavia Butler's work. (Flinching from the barbs and arrows). And since confession's good for the soul, let me admit to the crime of never having seen "Forest Gump" or "It's a Wonderful Life". Ahh...I feel so much better! -- Original message -- From: Astromancer There are several: A prequal trilogy leading up to the events of Dune: Dune-House Atreites, House Harkkonin (maybe I misspelled these names) and House Corrino...Then there are several more to include The Bukterian Jihad...I'm sure you can look them up...I have the trilogy in audiobook form (abridged) and I enjoyed them thoroughly...As soon as I can, I'm going to try and buy the remaining books...They also come in CD as well as tapes...To me, they;re just like owning videotapes...I started listening to audiobooks while driving a cab for a living and have been addicted to them ever since...I like being read to! [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: is that novel any good? -- Original message -- From: Astromancer Reminds me of the newer Dune novel written by Herbert's son, Brian, and Kevin Anderson... [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Well, the sales are high and the reviews are favorable. And since I absolutely *love* books that delve more deeply into the history of legends---"The Silmarillion" is one of my favs--I think I'll enjoy this one too. Maybe I'll get it for the cold winter days, which is when I ready my heavier books. ** Sales soar for new Tolkien novel By HILLEL ITALIE, AP National WriterTue May 1, 4:15 PM ET The world still has a taste for tales about Middle-earth. Two weeks after the publication of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Children of Hurin," an unfinished novel edited by the late author's son, Christopher, more than 900,000 copies are in print worldwide, nearly double the original total, according to the U.S. publisher, Houghton Mifflin. The new book, a prequel to Tolkien's mega-selling epic "The Lord of the Rings," was started by J.R.R. Tolkien in 1918, but eventually abandoned. The author died in 1973, and his son spent the next 30 years working on the manuscript. Excerpts from "The Children of Hurin," which includes the elves and dwarves of Tolkien's other works, had been published over the years, but there was never a single narrative until this spring. "The Children of Hurin," which came out April 17, has topped numerous best-seller lists and Houghton Mifflin has increased its printing from 250,000 to 550,000. In Britain, copies in print have been raised from 250,000 to 360,000. Reviews have been favorable. Elizabeth Hand wrote in The Washington Post that "Hurin" was grand, epic storytelling and a reminder, if one was needed, of Tolkien's genius in creating an imaginary world that both reflects and deepens a sense of our own mythic past." The Associated Press' Bruce DeSilva praised the book as "a coherent, vivid and readable narrative." Film rights for have yet to be optioned, with the Tolkien estate reportedly waiting to see the public's response to the book. "The Lord of the Rings" was adapted into an Academy Award-winning trio of bl
Re: [scifinoir2] My Take: "Spider-Man 3"
Thanks, Keith. I saw this in IMAX last night. TOTALLY worth it. I needed the raise in spirits after the Chelsea/Arsenal match yesterday morning, and it did indeed deliver. There may be spoilers below, so beware all ye who continue to read. I pretty much agree with your review with one pretty major addition: That's enough of Kristen Dunst. I thinik we can get a new Mary Jane actress and nobody will really complain. She pouted and sauntered her way through this movie like she was doing us, the audience, a favor. Everyone else seemed to be having a great time. ESPECIALLY Toby. I've had a little trouble believing him as Peter Parker, but in this movie...he nails it. As for the Gwen Stacy thing...I went to see this movie with my daughter, who is 19, and we've seen 1 and 2 together. I didn't tell her until after the movie what really happens to Gwen Stacy in the books. She said "that would have made a better movie, don't you think?" And I DO think so. Yes. I also could have done well with coming back to see Spidey 4 for Venom. Sandman on an IMAX screen was good enough for me. The multiple villains was a bit much. I think the Spider Man 3 movie that is in the minds of Marvel fans is a better movie, but the one that Sam Raimi made for Sony was pretty good. I hope there are more. If any of you are planning on taking children to see this movie, two things: 1. Don't. 2. if you must, PREPARE THEM FOR WHAT THEY ARE GOING TO SEE. Venom is SO not a typical bad guy, he's a psychologist's wet dream. One last beef. If Stan Lee is gonna continue to be in these movies, he's gonna have to take an acting lesson. Just one will do. Daryle On May 7, 2007, at 11:39 AM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > No spoilers, so read on to your heart's content... > > My quick take: > > A fun, entertaining movie. As always, the story and characters are > more important than the superhero action, and it's fun to see > Spidey have a bit of good luck for a minute. CGI is better than > ever, though still too fake in spots. Battles are good, but too > brief, and often the action is hard to follow. The final battle is > pretty bad, way over the top, and the Fx suck in that case. The > cast is too large, meaning all the plots don't get the full > development I'd have liked, especially Sandman and "Venom". Ending > is open, and a fourth movie almost required to tie up some things, > but not sure it'll happen. Overall, well done, better than the > second, and worth seeing--though not a must-see unless you're a > fan. For my money, though "Batman Begins" might still be the best > superhero flick ever... > > My full take: > > Marvel Comics gained its fame by crafting heroes with the powers of > gods, but the everyday problems of regular people. Sam Raimi gets > this. His Spider-Man films are first and foremost about Peter > Parker, the superhero who has trouble paying rent or keeping a > girlfriend. Parker has the powers of our dreams, but the life > problems of our nightmares. > > This time, for once, the problem isn’t Spider-Man being hated and > feared by the people. In fact, the opposite is true. As Spider-Man > 3 opens, we see that the Web Slinger (Tobey McGuire) has achieved > immense popularity. Spidey’s cheered by the masses, has his image > on t-shirts, TV reporters clamoring for interviews. On top of > this, Peter plans to marry Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst). Life-- > for a change--couldn’t be better for our Friendly Neighborhood > Spider-Man. > > But this is Marvel, and soon, the wheels start coming off: > > Mary Jane is struggling to make it as an actress, and feels that > Peter is becoming selfish and arrogant, putting Spider-Man before > her... > > There’s a new photographer at the Bugle bucking to displace Peter > > > Petty crook Flint Marko (Thomas Haden Church) is mutated while on > the run (in an impressive but unbelievably convenient accident) and > menaces New York as the super powered Sandman. Worse, the police > implicate Marko in the death of Pete’s Uncle Ben... > > Peter’s former best friend Harry Osborn (James Franco) is busy > shining his Goblin Glider and stocking up on Pumpkin bombs as he > plots to take Peter down for the imagined murder of his father > > > There’s a certain black evil symbiote creature crawling around > looking for someone to bond with (literally). Whew! With super > villians and girlfriend problems galore, Spidey’s got his hands full! > > Spider-Man 3 moves along at a good pace. Raimi takes his time > setting up the battles, providing at least the minimal origin > stories justifying his characters’ behaviour. He doesn’t rush to > fights, but doesn’t make you wait too long before the action starts > either. Balancing dialogue and action in a superhero film is a > tricky thing, and Raimi does it pretty well, giving us enough setup > before th
Re: [scifinoir2] Re: OT: Paris Hilton Going to Jail for 45 Days--Who Cares?
You got that right. And how someone who is gonna be responsible for managing hundreds of millions of dollars can't remember that her license is suspended? And then to blame that on her assistants? Ridiculous! -- Original message -- From: "g123curious" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Yes it is sad that crap like this gets a lot of press while folks are dying in the Middle East and others in DC outright lie about a failed foreign policy. BTW, PH couldn't hire a driver? Talk about your spoiled rich girl feeling entitled. George --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > Good point! I can say one thing for the series "Enterprise". Its point that the Vulcans intentionally tried to keep humans from deep space after 90 years almost makes sense at times. > > -- Original message -- > From: Martin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > I hear you, Keith. And I hope they're not considering orbital bombardment... > > [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Sorry to destroy some of your brain cells with this, but the ludicrous nature of all the coverage over Hilton's dumb a$$ going to jail is pathetic and funny at the same time. I love the statements from her mother and lawyer who say she was singled out for punishment because of who she is. With all the issues over Iraq, New Orleans' continued sorry state, global warming, etc., what the heck do I care about a spoiled, untalented rich girl breaking the law? I can still here those Vulcans out in orbit. I doubt even creating warp drive will be enough to convince them we're worth contacting any time soon... > > ** > > Paris Hilton Going to Jail for 45 Days > By SANDY COHEN, AP Entertainment Writer > > LOS ANGELES - A judge sentenced Paris Hilton to 45 days in county jail Friday for violating her probation, putting the brakes on the hotel heiress' famous high life. Hilton, who parlayed her name and relentless partying into worldwide notoriety, must go to jail by June 5 and she will not be allowed any work release, furloughs, use of an alternative jail or electronic monitoring in lieu of jail, Superior Court Judge Michael T. Sauer ruled after a hearing. > > The judge, saying "there's no doubt she knew her license had been suspended," ruled that she was in violation of the terms of her probation in an alcohol-related reckless driving case. > > "I'm very sorry and from now on I'm going to pay complete attention to everything. I'm sorry and I did not do it on purpose at all," she told the judge before he announced the sentence. > > She was then ordered to report to a women's jail in suburban Lynwood by the set date or face 90 days behind bars. The judge's ruling excluded her from paying to serve time in a jail of her choice, as some are allowed. Hilton was among a series of witnesses who took the stand during the hearing. She testified she believed her license was initially suspended for 30 days and that she was allowed to drive for work purposes during the next 90 days. She said that when an officer who stopped her in January made her sign a document stating her license was suspended, she thought he was mistaken and did not actually look at the document. > > Also called to the stand was Hilton's spokesman, Elliot Mintz. Hilton and her attorneys characterized Mintz as a liaison between Hilton and her lawyers.Mintz testified that to his knowledge Hilton did not drive during the 30-day period. He said he then advised her that he believed her license was no longer suspended. > The judge called Mintz's testimony worthless and expressed disbelief at Hilton's lawyers. > > "I can't believe that either attorney did not tell her that the suspension had been upheld," the judge said. "She wanted to disregard everything that was said and continue to drive no matter what." > > As a city prosecutor said during closing arguments that Hilton deserved jail time, Hilton's mother, Kathy, laughed. When the judge ruled, Kathy Hilton then blurted out: "May I have your autograph?" > > Paris Hilton looked forward and didn't speak to news media as she left court. Her mother looked upset. > When a reporter asked what she thought of the judge's decision, a visibly angry Kathy Hilton responded: "What do you think? This is pathetic and disgusting, a waste of taxpayer money with all this nonsense. This is a joke." > > Defense attorney Howard Weitzman said he would appeal. > > "I'm shocked, I'm surprised and really disheartened in the system that I've worked in for close to 40 years," Weitzman said. > > He said the sentence was "uncalled for, inappropriate and bordered on the ludicrous." > > "I think she's singled out because of who she is," Weitzman said... > > What Paris Can Expect Behind Bars > > LOS ANGELES - Paris Hilton better like chicken. The hotel heiress was sentenced Friday to 45 days at the Century Regional Detention Center, Los Angeles County's jailh
Re: [scifinoir2] Sales soar for new Tolkien novel
Chill, dude, I was joking...BUT...if you spend a lot of time doing the commute thing, I suggest the audionbook route...The Dune series definitely comes on tape and CD...a fantastic series to listen to is 'The Hitch Hiker's Guide To the Galaxy'...It was dry, Python-esque humor and I couldn't stop laughing... [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: i know, i know! I've only seen the last scene, where everyone's happy and the angel's gonna get his wings -- Original message -- From: Astromancer (GASP!) You've never seen 'It's A Wonderful Life'??? SHAME! [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Okay, every year or so I have to make this shameful confession, so let's get it over with: I, Keith Johnson, science fiction nut, lifelong reader and viewer of all things scifi, have never read any of the "Dune" books. (Hanging head in shame). I've also never read Heinlein's "Stranger in a Strange Land", or any of Octavia Butler's work. (Flinching from the barbs and arrows). And since confession's good for the soul, let me admit to the crime of never having seen "Forest Gump" or "It's a Wonderful Life". Ahh...I feel so much better! -- Original message -- From: Astromancer There are several: A prequal trilogy leading up to the events of Dune: Dune-House Atreites, House Harkkonin (maybe I misspelled these names) and House Corrino...Then there are several more to include The Bukterian Jihad...I'm sure you can look them up...I have the trilogy in audiobook form (abridged) and I enjoyed them thoroughly...As soon as I can, I'm going to try and buy the remaining books...They also come in CD as well as tapes...To me, they;re just like owning videotapes...I started listening to audiobooks while driving a cab for a living and have been addicted to them ever since...I like being read to! [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: is that novel any good? -- Original message -- From: Astromancer Reminds me of the newer Dune novel written by Herbert's son, Brian, and Kevin Anderson... [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Well, the sales are high and the reviews are favorable. And since I absolutely *love* books that delve more deeply into the history of legends---"The Silmarillion" is one of my favs--I think I'll enjoy this one too. Maybe I'll get it for the cold winter days, which is when I ready my heavier books. ** Sales soar for new Tolkien novel By HILLEL ITALIE, AP National WriterTue May 1, 4:15 PM ET The world still has a taste for tales about Middle-earth. Two weeks after the publication of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Children of Hurin," an unfinished novel edited by the late author's son, Christopher, more than 900,000 copies are in print worldwide, nearly double the original total, according to the U.S. publisher, Houghton Mifflin. The new book, a prequel to Tolkien's mega-selling epic "The Lord of the Rings," was started by J.R.R. Tolkien in 1918, but eventually abandoned. The author died in 1973, and his son spent the next 30 years working on the manuscript. Excerpts from "The Children of Hurin," which includes the elves and dwarves of Tolkien's other works, had been published over the years, but there was never a single narrative until this spring. "The Children of Hurin," which came out April 17, has topped numerous best-seller lists and Houghton Mifflin has increased its printing from 250,000 to 550,000. In Britain, copies in print have been raised from 250,000 to 360,000. Reviews have been favorable. Elizabeth Hand wrote in The Washington Post that "Hurin" was grand, epic storytelling and a reminder, if one was needed, of Tolkien's genius in creating an imaginary world that both reflects and deepens a sense of our own mythic past." The Associated Press' Bruce DeSilva praised the book as "a coherent, vivid and readable narrative." Film rights for have yet to be optioned, with the Tolkien estate reportedly waiting to see the public's response to the book. "The Lord of the Rings" was adapted into an Academy Award-winning trio of blockbusters, directed by Peter Jackson. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] "Lets just saying you know more than you think, but were not going to help you figure it out." - The Side Street Chonicles by C.W. Badie - Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? Check outnew cars at Yahoo! Autos. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Yahoo! Groups Links "Lets just saying you know more than you think, but were not going to help you figure it out." - The Side Street Chonicles by C.W. Badie - Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? Check outnew cars at Yahoo! Autos. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Yahoo! Groups Links "Lets just saying you know more
Re: [scifinoir2] ABC details final three "Lost" seasons
reMEMBER? Had "Enterprise" done this 16 episode season nonsense it MIGHT still be ON! It would have been obvious a lot sooner that Manny Coto should have taken over. The thing about the short seasons is that they're not always cheaper to produce, but sometimes you can get 1.5 times the ad value! Doesn't really explain why the HBO shows are short seasons, but I've given up on trying to explain TV logic long ago. On May 7, 2007, at 3:31 PM, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > wow. Remember back in the old days when a single season was 26 - 28 > episodes, and there were no reruns from September until the season > ended in May? Remember when all the network shows started and ended > in synch? My first thought is that I don't want to "get Lost" for > another three straight years. They're dragging this out to > basically another decade??? Why not just wrap it up in two longer > seasons, or, better yet, one more long season? > > -- Original message -- > From: "ravenadal" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > http://tv.yahoo.com/news/article/urn:newsml:tv.reuters.com:20070507:lo > st_dc__ER:1 > > ABC details final three "Lost" seasons > By Nellie Andreeva Today at 12:16 am > ABC has set an end date for "Lost." > > The Emmy-winning adventure series will run for 48 more episodes over > three seasons. Each season will consist of 16 episodes, which will > air uninterrupted. > > "Lost" executive producers/showrunners Damon Lindelof and Carlton > Cuse, who have been vocal about setting up an endgame for the show, > have signed on to stay for the remainder of the series' run. Their > separate new eight-figure deals with "Lost" producer ABC TV Studio > include their services on the show as well as multiyear development > pacts set to kick in when "Lost" bows out during the 2009-10 season. > > "Due to the unique nature of 'Lost,' we knew it would require an end > date to keep the integrity and strength of the show consistent > throughout and to give the audience the payoff they deserve," ABC > Entertainment president Stephen McPherson said. > > Lindelof said having the end point in sight was "incredibly > liberating. Like we've been running a marathon and we actually know > where the finish line is for the first time." > > Lindelof and Cuse said they've had "a road map for the series with > all the major mythological milestones and the ending in place" for a > while. > > "What we didn't know was how long we had to play the story out," Cuse > said. "By defining the endpoint we can now really map out the rest of > the series in confidence." > > There will be some puzzle play, too. > > "We sort of view "Lost" as a mosaic," Cuse said. "Now there are only > 48 more tiles that go into that mosaic, and we're figuring out, along > with all the other writers, exactly where they all go." > > In January, Lindelof and Cuse said that they envisioned the endpoint > for "Lost" around episode 100. The agreement with ABC will bring the > total number of episodes to 120. > > Lindelof wrote the pilot for "Lost" with fellow executive producer > J.J. Abrams, and Cuse joined the series in October 2004 shortly after > the show debuted to big numbers. > > In addition to its instant commercial success and large > following, "Lost" has enjoyed strong critical acclaim, capped by a > best drama series Emmy in 2005 and best drama series Golden Globe in > 2006. > > While the show's ratings have softened this season -- it is averaging > 15.1 million viewers to date -- it is the most recorded show on TV, > gaining 18% more viewers through DVR viewing. It is also a popular > draw for streaming replays on ABC.com, iTunes downloads and DVDs. > > Reuters/Hollywood Reporter > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[scifinoir2] Re: OT: Edward F. Boyd Dies at 92; Marketed Pepsi to Blacks - Fought Stereotypes
Thank you very, very much for posting this. It's always good to read about our history. While I did not know this Pepsi story, I do like the link to the pullman rail cars. My Dad was a Pullman porter for many years after WW2. He traveled a lot and saw a lot of cities that I would later visit by air. There is a good movie about the pullman porters experience, titled _10,000 black men named george_ which I encourage folks to see, if you haven't. My dad was a strong supporter of A. Philip Randolph. George --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, "ravenadal" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/06/business/06boyd.html? > _r=1&oref=slogin > > May 6, 2007 > > Edward F. Boyd Dies at 92; Marketed Pepsi to Blacks > > By DOUGLAS MARTIN > > Edward F. Boyd, who as a young sales executive parlayed his > assignment to promote Pepsi-Cola to fellow blacks into a war > against white racism and black stereotypes, meanwhile selling > oceans more soda, died on April 30 in Los Angeles, PepsiCo > announced. He was 92.
Re: [scifinoir2] Sales soar for new Tolkien novel
i know, i know! I've only seen the last scene, where everyone's happy and the angel's gonna get his wings -- Original message -- From: Astromancer <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> (GASP!) You've never seen 'It's A Wonderful Life'??? SHAME! [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Okay, every year or so I have to make this shameful confession, so let's get it over with: I, Keith Johnson, science fiction nut, lifelong reader and viewer of all things scifi, have never read any of the "Dune" books. (Hanging head in shame). I've also never read Heinlein's "Stranger in a Strange Land", or any of Octavia Butler's work. (Flinching from the barbs and arrows). And since confession's good for the soul, let me admit to the crime of never having seen "Forest Gump" or "It's a Wonderful Life". Ahh...I feel so much better! -- Original message -- From: Astromancer There are several: A prequal trilogy leading up to the events of Dune: Dune-House Atreites, House Harkkonin (maybe I misspelled these names) and House Corrino...Then there are several more to include The Bukterian Jihad...I'm sure you can look them up...I have the trilogy in audiobook form (abridged) and I enjoyed them thoroughly...As soon as I can, I'm going to try and buy the remaining books...They also come in CD as well as tapes...To me, they;re just like owning videotapes...I started listening to audiobooks while driving a cab for a living and have been addicted to them ever since...I like being read to! [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: is that novel any good? -- Original message -- From: Astromancer Reminds me of the newer Dune novel written by Herbert's son, Brian, and Kevin Anderson... [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Well, the sales are high and the reviews are favorable. And since I absolutely *love* books that delve more deeply into the history of legends---"The Silmarillion" is one of my favs--I think I'll enjoy this one too. Maybe I'll get it for the cold winter days, which is when I ready my heavier books. ** Sales soar for new Tolkien novel By HILLEL ITALIE, AP National WriterTue May 1, 4:15 PM ET The world still has a taste for tales about Middle-earth. Two weeks after the publication of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Children of Hurin," an unfinished novel edited by the late author's son, Christopher, more than 900,000 copies are in print worldwide, nearly double the original total, according to the U.S. publisher, Houghton Mifflin. The new book, a prequel to Tolkien's mega-selling epic "The Lord of the Rings," was started by J.R.R. Tolkien in 1918, but eventually abandoned. The author died in 1973, and his son spent the next 30 years working on the manuscript. Excerpts from "The Children of Hurin," which includes the elves and dwarves of Tolkien's other works, had been published over the years, but there was never a single narrative until this spring. "The Children of Hurin," which came out April 17, has topped numerous best-seller lists and Houghton Mifflin has increased its printing from 250,000 to 550,000. In Britain, copies in print have been raised from 250,000 to 360,000. Reviews have been favorable. Elizabeth Hand wrote in The Washington Post that "Hurin" was grand, epic storytelling and a reminder, if one was needed, of Tolkien's genius in creating an imaginary world that both reflects and deepens a sense of our own mythic past." The Associated Press' Bruce DeSilva praised the book as "a coherent, vivid and readable narrative." Film rights for have yet to be optioned, with the Tolkien estate reportedly waiting to see the public's response to the book. "The Lord of the Rings" was adapted into an Academy Award-winning trio of blockbusters, directed by Peter Jackson. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] "Lets just saying you know more than you think, but were not going to help you figure it out." - The Side Street Chonicles by C.W. Badie - Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? Check outnew cars at Yahoo! Autos. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Yahoo! Groups Links "Lets just saying you know more than you think, but were not going to help you figure it out." - The Side Street Chonicles by C.W. Badie - Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? Check outnew cars at Yahoo! Autos. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Yahoo! Groups Links "Lets just saying you know more than you think, but were not going to help you figure it out." - The Side Street Chonicles by C.W. Badie - Ahhh...imagining that irresistible "new car" smell? Check outnew cars at Yahoo! Autos. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] [Non-text portions of this mes
Re: [scifinoir2] ABC details final three "Lost" seasons
wow. Remember back in the old days when a single season was 26 - 28 episodes, and there were no reruns from September until the season ended in May? Remember when all the network shows started and ended in synch? My first thought is that I don't want to "get Lost" for another three straight years. They're dragging this out to basically another decade??? Why not just wrap it up in two longer seasons, or, better yet, one more long season? -- Original message -- From: "ravenadal" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> http://tv.yahoo.com/news/article/urn:newsml:tv.reuters.com:20070507:lo st_dc__ER:1 ABC details final three "Lost" seasons By Nellie Andreeva Today at 12:16 am ABC has set an end date for "Lost." The Emmy-winning adventure series will run for 48 more episodes over three seasons. Each season will consist of 16 episodes, which will air uninterrupted. "Lost" executive producers/showrunners Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse, who have been vocal about setting up an endgame for the show, have signed on to stay for the remainder of the series' run. Their separate new eight-figure deals with "Lost" producer ABC TV Studio include their services on the show as well as multiyear development pacts set to kick in when "Lost" bows out during the 2009-10 season. "Due to the unique nature of 'Lost,' we knew it would require an end date to keep the integrity and strength of the show consistent throughout and to give the audience the payoff they deserve," ABC Entertainment president Stephen McPherson said. Lindelof said having the end point in sight was "incredibly liberating. Like we've been running a marathon and we actually know where the finish line is for the first time." Lindelof and Cuse said they've had "a road map for the series with all the major mythological milestones and the ending in place" for a while. "What we didn't know was how long we had to play the story out," Cuse said. "By defining the endpoint we can now really map out the rest of the series in confidence." There will be some puzzle play, too. "We sort of view "Lost" as a mosaic," Cuse said. "Now there are only 48 more tiles that go into that mosaic, and we're figuring out, along with all the other writers, exactly where they all go." In January, Lindelof and Cuse said that they envisioned the endpoint for "Lost" around episode 100. The agreement with ABC will bring the total number of episodes to 120. Lindelof wrote the pilot for "Lost" with fellow executive producer J.J. Abrams, and Cuse joined the series in October 2004 shortly after the show debuted to big numbers. In addition to its instant commercial success and large following, "Lost" has enjoyed strong critical acclaim, capped by a best drama series Emmy in 2005 and best drama series Golden Globe in 2006. While the show's ratings have softened this season -- it is averaging 15.1 million viewers to date -- it is the most recorded show on TV, gaining 18% more viewers through DVR viewing. It is also a popular draw for streaming replays on ABC.com, iTunes downloads and DVDs. Reuters/Hollywood Reporter [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
[scifinoir2] Re: ABC details final three "Lost" seasons
Funny how an end point of 100 eps is just long enough for syndication (= ). Does Heroes have an end date? If not, it should. So too should Desparate Housewives. George --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, "ravenadal" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > http://tv.yahoo.com/news/article/urn:newsml:tv.reuters.com:20070507:lo > st_dc__ER:1 > > ABC details final three "Lost" seasons > By Nellie Andreeva Today at 12:16 am > ABC has set an end date for "Lost." > > The Emmy-winning adventure series will run for 48 more episodes > over three seasons. Each season will consist of 16 episodes, which > will air uninterrupted. > > "Lost" executive producers/showrunners Damon Lindelof and Carlton > Cuse, who have been vocal about setting up an endgame for the show, > have signed on to stay for the remainder of the series' run. Their > separate new eight-figure deals with "Lost" producer ABC TV Studio > include their services on the show as well as multiyear development > pacts set to kick in when "Lost" bows out during the 2009-10 season. > > "Due to the unique nature of 'Lost,' we knew it would require an > end date to keep the integrity and strength of the show consistent > throughout and to give the audience the payoff they deserve," ABC > Entertainment president Stephen McPherson said. > > Lindelof said having the end point in sight was "incredibly > liberating. Like we've been running a marathon and we actually know > where the finish line is for the first time." > > Lindelof and Cuse said they've had "a road map for the series with > all the major mythological milestones and the ending in place" for > a while. > > "What we didn't know was how long we had to play the story out," > Cuse said. "By defining the endpoint we can now really map out the > rest of the series in confidence." > > There will be some puzzle play, too. > > "We sort of view "Lost" as a mosaic," Cuse said. "Now there are > only 48 more tiles that go into that mosaic, and we're figuring > out, along with all the other writers, exactly where they all go." > > In January, Lindelof and Cuse said that they envisioned the > endpoint for "Lost" around episode 100. The agreement with ABC will > bring the total number of episodes to 120. > > Lindelof wrote the pilot for "Lost" with fellow executive producer > J.J. Abrams, and Cuse joined the series in October 2004 shortly > after the show debuted to big numbers. > > In addition to its instant commercial success and large > following, "Lost" has enjoyed strong critical acclaim, capped by a > best drama series Emmy in 2005 and best drama series Golden Globe > in 2006. > > While the show's ratings have softened this season -- it is > averaging 15.1 million viewers to date -- it is the most recorded > show on TV, gaining 18% more viewers through DVR viewing. It is > also a popular draw for streaming replays on ABC.com, iTunes > downloads and DVDs. > > Reuters/Hollywood Reporter >
[scifinoir2] Re: OT: Paris Hilton Going to Jail for 45 Days--Who Cares?
Yes it is sad that crap like this gets a lot of press while folks are dying in the Middle East and others in DC outright lie about a failed foreign policy. BTW, PH couldn't hire a driver? Talk about your spoiled rich girl feeling entitled. George --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: > Good point! I can say one thing for the series "Enterprise". Its point that the Vulcans intentionally tried to keep humans from deep space after 90 years almost makes sense at times. > > -- Original message -- > From: Martin <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > I hear you, Keith. And I hope they're not considering orbital bombardment... > > [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: Sorry to destroy some of your brain cells with this, but the ludicrous nature of all the coverage over Hilton's dumb a$$ going to jail is pathetic and funny at the same time. I love the statements from her mother and lawyer who say she was singled out for punishment because of who she is. With all the issues over Iraq, New Orleans' continued sorry state, global warming, etc., what the heck do I care about a spoiled, untalented rich girl breaking the law? I can still here those Vulcans out in orbit. I doubt even creating warp drive will be enough to convince them we're worth contacting any time soon... > > ** > > Paris Hilton Going to Jail for 45 Days > By SANDY COHEN, AP Entertainment Writer > > LOS ANGELES - A judge sentenced Paris Hilton to 45 days in county jail Friday for violating her probation, putting the brakes on the hotel heiress' famous high life. Hilton, who parlayed her name and relentless partying into worldwide notoriety, must go to jail by June 5 and she will not be allowed any work release, furloughs, use of an alternative jail or electronic monitoring in lieu of jail, Superior Court Judge Michael T. Sauer ruled after a hearing. > > The judge, saying "there's no doubt she knew her license had been suspended," ruled that she was in violation of the terms of her probation in an alcohol-related reckless driving case. > > "I'm very sorry and from now on I'm going to pay complete attention to everything. I'm sorry and I did not do it on purpose at all," she told the judge before he announced the sentence. > > She was then ordered to report to a women's jail in suburban Lynwood by the set date or face 90 days behind bars. The judge's ruling excluded her from paying to serve time in a jail of her choice, as some are allowed. Hilton was among a series of witnesses who took the stand during the hearing. She testified she believed her license was initially suspended for 30 days and that she was allowed to drive for work purposes during the next 90 days. She said that when an officer who stopped her in January made her sign a document stating her license was suspended, she thought he was mistaken and did not actually look at the document. > > Also called to the stand was Hilton's spokesman, Elliot Mintz. Hilton and her attorneys characterized Mintz as a liaison between Hilton and her lawyers.Mintz testified that to his knowledge Hilton did not drive during the 30-day period. He said he then advised her that he believed her license was no longer suspended. > The judge called Mintz's testimony worthless and expressed disbelief at Hilton's lawyers. > > "I can't believe that either attorney did not tell her that the suspension had been upheld," the judge said. "She wanted to disregard everything that was said and continue to drive no matter what." > > As a city prosecutor said during closing arguments that Hilton deserved jail time, Hilton's mother, Kathy, laughed. When the judge ruled, Kathy Hilton then blurted out: "May I have your autograph?" > > Paris Hilton looked forward and didn't speak to news media as she left court. Her mother looked upset. > When a reporter asked what she thought of the judge's decision, a visibly angry Kathy Hilton responded: "What do you think? This is pathetic and disgusting, a waste of taxpayer money with all this nonsense. This is a joke." > > Defense attorney Howard Weitzman said he would appeal. > > "I'm shocked, I'm surprised and really disheartened in the system that I've worked in for close to 40 years," Weitzman said. > > He said the sentence was "uncalled for, inappropriate and bordered on the ludicrous." > > "I think she's singled out because of who she is," Weitzman said... > > What Paris Can Expect Behind Bars > > LOS ANGELES - Paris Hilton better like chicken. The hotel heiress was sentenced Friday to 45 days at the Century Regional Detention Center, Los Angeles County's jailhouse for women just south of downtown in Lynwood. Inmates get three low-sodium meals a day, with dinner the only hot meal. Beef and pork aren't permitted _ "it's all poultry-based," said Capt. Alice Scott, who oversees the 2,200-inmate facility she describes as "a very nice place." > > Like othe
[scifinoir2] ABC details final three "Lost" seasons
http://tv.yahoo.com/news/article/urn:newsml:tv.reuters.com:20070507:lo st_dc__ER:1 ABC details final three "Lost" seasons By Nellie Andreeva Today at 12:16 am ABC has set an end date for "Lost." The Emmy-winning adventure series will run for 48 more episodes over three seasons. Each season will consist of 16 episodes, which will air uninterrupted. "Lost" executive producers/showrunners Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse, who have been vocal about setting up an endgame for the show, have signed on to stay for the remainder of the series' run. Their separate new eight-figure deals with "Lost" producer ABC TV Studio include their services on the show as well as multiyear development pacts set to kick in when "Lost" bows out during the 2009-10 season. "Due to the unique nature of 'Lost,' we knew it would require an end date to keep the integrity and strength of the show consistent throughout and to give the audience the payoff they deserve," ABC Entertainment president Stephen McPherson said. Lindelof said having the end point in sight was "incredibly liberating. Like we've been running a marathon and we actually know where the finish line is for the first time." Lindelof and Cuse said they've had "a road map for the series with all the major mythological milestones and the ending in place" for a while. "What we didn't know was how long we had to play the story out," Cuse said. "By defining the endpoint we can now really map out the rest of the series in confidence." There will be some puzzle play, too. "We sort of view "Lost" as a mosaic," Cuse said. "Now there are only 48 more tiles that go into that mosaic, and we're figuring out, along with all the other writers, exactly where they all go." In January, Lindelof and Cuse said that they envisioned the endpoint for "Lost" around episode 100. The agreement with ABC will bring the total number of episodes to 120. Lindelof wrote the pilot for "Lost" with fellow executive producer J.J. Abrams, and Cuse joined the series in October 2004 shortly after the show debuted to big numbers. In addition to its instant commercial success and large following, "Lost" has enjoyed strong critical acclaim, capped by a best drama series Emmy in 2005 and best drama series Golden Globe in 2006. While the show's ratings have softened this season -- it is averaging 15.1 million viewers to date -- it is the most recorded show on TV, gaining 18% more viewers through DVR viewing. It is also a popular draw for streaming replays on ABC.com, iTunes downloads and DVDs. Reuters/Hollywood Reporter
[scifinoir2] OT: Edward F. Boyd Dies at 92; Marketed Pepsi to Blacks - Fought Stereotypes
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/06/business/06boyd.html?
_r=1&oref=slogin
May 6, 2007
Edward F. Boyd Dies at 92; Marketed Pepsi to Blacks
By DOUGLAS MARTIN
Edward F. Boyd, who as a young sales executive parlayed his
assignment to promote Pepsi-Cola to fellow blacks into a war against
white racism and black stereotypes, meanwhile selling oceans more
soda, died on April 30 in Los Angeles, PepsiCo announced. He was 92.
Pepsi hired Mr. Boyd in 1947 the same year the Brooklyn Dodgers
introduced Jackie Robinson and his quieter achievement was also
revolutionary. Avoiding Aunt Jemima images, he commissioned ads
showing African-Americans as fun-loving middle-class consumers living
the American dream. In one ad the small boy shown shopping for Pepsi
with his mother was Ron Brown, who would become secretary of commerce.
He also used pictures of distinguished blacks like Ralph Bunche, the
diplomat, and of high-achieving students.
Mr. Boyd hired some of the first black advertising models, flooded
black papers with ads and added new sophistication and prominence to
the ads already being published in magazines like Ebony. He created
the first point-of-purchase displays aimed at minorities.
His program also included having celebrities like Duke Ellington and
Lionel Hampton give "shout-outs" for Pepsi from the stage.
Mr. Boyd's most daring initiative echoed the hiring of Robinson by
the Dodgers' president, Branch Rickey . He assembled a squad of black
salesmen to visit bottlers, grocery stores, shoeshine emporia, Elks
Clubs, conventions and teachers' and doctors' conferences. They were
even invited to speak from church pulpits, discreetly not mentioning
a certain effervescent liquid.
Blacks were then being lynched in the South, and even in the North,
many hotels did not welcome the Pepsi salesmen. Mr. Boyd had them use
Pullman sleeping cars on trains so they could eat in their
compartments, not segregated dining areas. Mr. Boyd often traveled
with his lieutenants, who were better qualified but paid less than
their white counterparts at Pepsi. One proud salesman, a Harvard
graduate, resigned after being sent to the back of a bus.
Marketing specifically to African-Americans allowed Pepsi to expand
at the expense of Coca-Cola. It already had an advantage: its nickel
bottle was 12 ounces, compared with Coke's six. ("Twice as much," ads
boasted.) The upshot was that Pepsi under Mr. Boyd pioneered what
Madison Avenue a generation later called "niche marketing."
Mr. Boyd sometimes used race as an explicit selling point. He
disseminated a Time magazine report that Coke's chairman, Robert W.
Woodruff, had raised a toast to the re-election campaign of Herman
Talmadge, the staunchly segregationist Georgia governor. He attacked
Coke's widely perceived reluctance to hire blacks.
His team bolstered Pepsi sales in every area they hit with a
marketing blitz, Stephanie Capparell wrote in "The Real Pepsi
Challenge" (Free Press, 2007). After they visited Chicago, Pepsi
overtook Coke there for the first time.
"Long before most companies came to see the potential of the black
consumer, Ed put doors where previously only walls had existed,"
Donald M. Kendall, retired chairman and chief executive of PepsiCo,
said in a statement after Mr. Boyd's death.
Edward Francis Boyd, a barber's son, was born on June 27, 1914, and
raised in Riverside, Calif., where he went to junior college. He
graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles, and used
his singing and dancing training in minor movie roles, generally
playing stereotypical black roles he despised. He worked for the
Screen Actors Guild, then in government housing programs. He ended up
in New York, working for the National Urban League, a civil rights
group known for pushing economic betterment.
In 1944, Mr. Boyd married Edith Jones, who survives him, as do his
daughter, Rebecca, of Manhattan; his sons Brandon, of Manhattan;
Edward Jr., of Boulder, Colo.; and Timothy, of Chicago; and a
granddaughter.
Pepsi's president, Walter S. Mack, who both favored progressive
causes and saw the vast potential of the black market, hired Mr. Boyd
in 1947. Mr. Mack had started a three-member black sales force in
1940, but World War II ended it.
Mr. Boyd's arrival meant a larger initiative, and many black
newspapers published long articles about him. Still, his sales force
did not expand to the dozen Mr. Mack promised until 1951. Mr. Boyd
enlisted the Urban League to train new hires in the higher purposes
of their mission.
The cola wars required delicacy. Ms. Capparell said that Pepsi did
not want to appear too solicitous of blacks, for fear of losing white
customers. Once a rumor circulated, which Mr. Boyd's salesmen
attributed to a Coke bottler, that a black worker had fallen into a
Pepsi syrup tank and died.
Even within Pepsi the road was not always smooth. In 1949, Mr. Mack
told 500 bottlers at the Waldorf-Astori
[scifinoir2] My Take: "Spider-Man 3"
No spoilers, so read on to your heart's content... My quick take: A fun, entertaining movie. As always, the story and characters are more important than the superhero action, and it's fun to see Spidey have a bit of good luck for a minute. CGI is better than ever, though still too fake in spots. Battles are good, but too brief, and often the action is hard to follow. The final battle is pretty bad, way over the top, and the Fx suck in that case. The cast is too large, meaning all the plots don't get the full development I'd have liked, especially Sandman and "Venom". Ending is open, and a fourth movie almost required to tie up some things, but not sure it'll happen. Overall, well done, better than the second, and worth seeing--though not a must-see unless you're a fan. For my money, though "Batman Begins" might still be the best superhero flick ever... My full take: Marvel Comics gained its fame by crafting heroes with the powers of gods, but the everyday problems of regular people. Sam Raimi gets this. His Spider-Man films are first and foremost about Peter Parker, the superhero who has trouble paying rent or keeping a girlfriend. Parker has the powers of our dreams, but the life problems of our nightmares. This time, for once, the problem isnt Spider-Man being hated and feared by the people. In fact, the opposite is true. As Spider-Man 3 opens, we see that the Web Slinger (Tobey McGuire) has achieved immense popularity. Spideys cheered by the masses, has his image on t-shirts, TV reporters clamoring for interviews. On top of this, Peter plans to marry Mary Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst). Life--for a change--couldnt be better for our Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. But this is Marvel, and soon, the wheels start coming off: Mary Jane is struggling to make it as an actress, and feels that Peter is becoming selfish and arrogant, putting Spider-Man before her... Theres a new photographer at the Bugle bucking to displace Peter Petty crook Flint Marko (Thomas Haden Church) is mutated while on the run (in an impressive but unbelievably convenient accident) and menaces New York as the super powered Sandman. Worse, the police implicate Marko in the death of Petes Uncle Ben... Peters former best friend Harry Osborn (James Franco) is busy shining his Goblin Glider and stocking up on Pumpkin bombs as he plots to take Peter down for the imagined murder of his father Theres a certain black evil symbiote creature crawling around looking for someone to bond with (literally). Whew! With super villians and girlfriend problems galore, Spideys got his hands full! Spider-Man 3 moves along at a good pace. Raimi takes his time setting up the battles, providing at least the minimal origin stories justifying his characters behaviour. He doesnt rush to fights, but doesnt make you wait too long before the action starts either. Balancing dialogue and action in a superhero film is a tricky thing, and Raimi does it pretty well, giving us enough setup before the punches fly, then getting back to the emotional meat of the movie once the fights over. The battles themselves are for the most part good. One of my major complaints with previous Spider-Man pictures has been the poor CGI used to animate Spidey and his opponents. It looked like a badly done video game. This time I hardly noticed any obvious FX in many of the scenes. I will say though, that many of the aerial fights are too fast-paced, making it hard to tell what was going on. And the battles themselves are often too abbreviated, ending just as I was really getting into the action. People rarely care about acting in a superhero movie, unless its too terrible to be ignored. Suffice it to say that everyone does an adequate job with his or her role. McGuire is fun to watch during his brief transformations from nerd to aggressive super stud. Haden Church plays Sandman as surprisingly sympathetic, but given the lack of real screen time for the character, that potential wasnt explored. Too bad A problem is that the large ensemble cast has to share screen time. After an impressive introduction, the Sandman appears in snippets. He shows up to cause mayhem, then disappears. Looking at Churchs massively muscled body, I kept thinking man, he sure went through a lot of training not to get much screen time. The same goes for Venom. Like Sandman, we get background story on the villain, but his subsequent appearances are short in duration. The Goblin fares slightly better. Hes the major bad guy in the flick, due to his overall influence on Spidey, and the screen time afforded Franco. Bryce Dallas Howards Gwen Stacy is underused. Those who know how incredibly important Gwen is in Spider-Man lore might be disappointed at how inconsequentialand changedher storyline is. Unless theres a Spider-Man 4 and she comes back, one of the great tragic love stories in comic h
