[scifinoir2] How To Make NBC's Loss Your Gain
How To Make NBC's http://io9.com/5455119/how-to-make-nbcs-loss-your-gain Loss Your Gain NBC's late night slaughter/shuffle may have been a publicity black eye for the broadcaster, public douche outing for Jay Leno and humiliating public execution for Conan O'Brien http://io9.com/tag/conanobrien/ , but that doesn't mean it's not an opportunity for you, wannabe broadcaster. The dropping of Jay Leno's five-nights-a-week prime time chat show means that NBC suddenly had five hours a week to find programming for, which means that they're definitely open to ideas. That openness explains the eighteen pilots they're currently considering, as well as network primetime http://tv.ign.com/articles/105/1059816p1.html president Angela Bromstad saying that there is a very good chance that Heroes will be renewed for a fifth season despite poor ratings. We're not saying that NBC would be a dream employer - We're still sore with them for canceling Kings, and continually http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/television/news/e3i936d 3d2c48ddaeb19d550fcea2dbc325 reducing the yet-to-be-broadcast Day One, after all - but the fact remains that, right now? They need new ideas. So here's a quick guide on how to make your new pitch more attractive to the peacock network: Play Down The Sci-Fi It dawned on us last week that Chuck runs on the same idea of Dollhouse. Before you start throwing chairs and calling us heretics, consider that both shows feature central characters whose brains have been upgraded through the use of worrying technology imprinting them with new skill sets. Only one of these shows, however, argues that the use of this technology leads to an immoral road of prostitution and the total collapse of civilization as we know it; the other has cool Bond riffs and Fight Club being re-enacted in the back of an electronics store. Why? Because NBC shows are about people, not abstract ideas that lead a show to get canceled after two short, problematic seasons! Don't believe us? Consider how many times Heroes has promised to get back to relatable human stories instead of going superherobatshitcrazy. NBC has no problem with science fiction, as long as you keep it down over there. On the other hand... Play Up The Comedy What's the one thing that NBC does right? Its Thursday evening comedy line up, which generally skews younger and smarter than the rest of its programming. How do shows like Community and 30Rock manage to get away with everything they do? We wouldn't be surprised to find that network executives back off from comedies because they're unsure what makes something funny. Make sure that your show has some strong comedic element. We suggest a bumbling sidekick with a funny accent. That always works. Make It A Procedural NBC loves a good procedural. They have three Law Orders, two medical dramas (Including one uncanceled just this very year when they realized they had nothing to replace it with - That's how needy they are for your ideas, people) and still swoon at the very mention of their much beloved er. If you want your show to have a good start with the powers that be, make sure that there's something about it that implies both what'd happen if someone dialed 911 and that the cast are easily replaceable because, really, the show is all about the story and the setting. Anyone who's reading this right now and thinking Space Hospital With Comedic Senior Doctor Who Sounds Like The Swedish Chef Off The Muppets, But It's Really All About The Patients, Not The Space Or The Future Medicine, back off. That's the idea that's going to make everyone here at this website very rich, okay? We have a pitch meeting first thing Monday. Make It A Reboot It's hard to argue that the network that greenlit reboots for both Bionic Woman and Knight Rider doesn't know the value of a brand name just oozing with nostalgia, so why not help your pitch by retrofitting it with the title of an old show? We http://io9.com/381916/what-nbc-shows-should-be-revamped-by-battlestar-bioni c-producer gave you some suggestions a couple of years ago, but that doesn't mean that there aren't there http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:NBC_network_shows aren't hundreds of other options out there for you to choose to brush off and dazzle nervous executives with. Personally, we can't wait for someone to come up with a gritty, realistic SF take on Blossom. Come to think of it, maybe she could be an emergency room science doctor in a space hospital... Most importantly, though, Don't Give Up NBC doesn't always know what's best for it (See: Getting rid of Conan). Even Chuck, now doing well in its third season, was almost canceled during the summer. The cancellation of Kings and whatever-the-hell-is-going-on with Day One adds to the feeling that the network doesn't always know what the best thing for it is, but the survival despite all odds of Heroes should give you some hope that, once you convince NBC of your worth, your chances of success
[scifinoir2] ATT U-verse Doomed?
Many have heard of the difficulties in implementing ATT's U-verse IPTV http://www.tmcnet.com/tmcnet/snapshots/snapshots.aspx?Company=IPTV service. ATT's U-verse network is actually a fiber/copper hybrid, which pulls fibers to 3,000 to 5,000 feet from the homes they serve, where it then connects to mini-DSLAMs called 52B boxes and then it runs copper the last mile to the home. This hybrid approach is a bargain when compared to the $20 http://blog.tmcnet.com/blog/tom-keating/voip/verizon-races-to-build-fiber-t o-fend-off-voip-and-cable-rivals.asp billion Verizon http://www.tmcnet.com/tmcnet/snapshots/snapshots.aspx?Company=Verizon is spending to build-out fiber all the way to the home. This hybrid fiber/copper approach gives ATT a 20Mbps+ link to customers, enough to offer high-speed Internet, VoIP, and the company's IPTV service. The problem is getting towns to grant public right of ways for these massive 52B boxes, which hold DSLAMS, batteries, and cooling gear in rugged, weatherproof cases. Many towns objected or wanted AT http://arstechnica.com/articles/culture/u-verse.ars T to sign video franchise agreements. Lawsuits were filed, including cable companies that want to classify U-verse service as a cable service to force ATT to abide by the same build-out rules, which has drastically affected U-verse deployment . In addition, the IPTV service uses proprietary set-top boxes from Microsoft, which had their own share of problems - mostly http://www.dmwmedia.com/news/2007/01/26/wsj-at-t-iptv-deployment-delayed-by -microsoft-software-problems software related. On top of all this, a new IPTV standard (DVB-IPI http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DVB-IPI ) is about to be ratified (later this month) by the Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) standards body. This standard takes a very different technical approach than the strategy embodied in the Microsoft http://www.tmcnet.com/tmcnet/snapshots/snapshots.aspx?Company=Microsoft solution that ATT has implemented, and addresses many of the inherent challenges with IPTV, including quality of service, scalability and fast channel change times. Which reminds me, I really hate the slow channel changing times on satellite TV. I wish the set-top boxes would buffer the next channel UP and the next channel DOWN, so at least changing up or down one channel is fast. In any event, The DVB-IPI standard is based largely on a hybrid of well-established forward error correction (FEC) technology from Digital Fountain http://www.digitalfountain.com/ called DF Raptor and a public domain technology known as Pro-MPEG COP3. These technologies are currently being evaluated by most IPTV providers in the U.S. and elsewhere. Several new deployments using this technology are expected to be announced later this year. According to Rose Anne Raphael, a representative of Digital Fountain, Whatever the actual problems in the ATT/MS deployments (since we're not part of these deployments, we have no firsthand knowledge), the strategy employed is one that inherently poses scalability problems and bucks certain foundation assumptions on which IP networks and broadcast architectures are based. Could this new standard make ATT's and Microsoft's gamble on their own proprietary technology be the nail in the coffin for U-verse? Certainly, a standards-based approach will eventually result in lower costs to deploy due to economies of scale when multiple vendors all use the same technology. This could give ATT/Microsoft's competitors a cost advantage. Who would have thought that mega-titans ATT and Microsoft would bet on the wrong horse using proprietary technology? Wait a minute, ATT and Microsoft are the KINGS of proprietary technology, so I shouldn't be surprised. The difference is that 20 years ago you could get away with it - now with open-source and standards along with a global economy, a standards-based approach is the only way to go. Update (I had some other thoughts and feedback from users) One person emailed me and wrote: Read with great interest your comments about the possible doom of U-verse. Taking those concerns into account, would you recommend it to a consumer like me who is considering switching from Comcast http://www.tmcnet.com/tmcnet/snapshots/snapshots.aspx?Company=Comcast to U-verse if and when it becomes available on the west side of Indianapolis? The cost and channel availability seem to have cable beat by a mile, but your technological concerns may trump other advantages. I'd appreciate your assessment on whether consumers should proceed to sign up for this new service. I responded: Put to you this way. If I could get U-verse in my area, I'd do it. Yes, I knocked ATT for not meeting their target goals, as did many media outlets. While I think ATT Microsoft were perhaps 1-2 years too early with their proprietary technology, it is still a good solution.I'm just not a fan of proprietary solutions. ATT and Microsoft have had a bumpy road, but I think ATT Microsoft have
Re: [scifinoir2] Enterprise Marathon on SyFy
Agreed the series was really hitting its stride before the suits pulled the plug./ From: Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@comcast.net To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Fri, January 22, 2010 10:39:45 AM Subject: [scifinoir2] Enterprise Marathon on SyFy Another Enterprise marathon on SyFy all day today. That's followed by the movie First Contact, and then by the premiere of Caprica. I will say about Enterprise , it's a show that had its moments. Watching the Xindi storyline in big chunks, for example, I can appreciate the dramatic intensity of it better. There are some gems in that storyline: the Memento type ep (on now) where Archer's in a future where Earth's destroyed, and T'Pol must retell the story to him every single day...the ep where, desperate to continue the mission, Archer orders his reluctant crew to actually attack and steal supplies from a ship that had recently aided them.. A powerful study of morality vs. need, and rather radical for Trek...the various dealings with the Vulcans and Andorians--how cool to see the Andorians having had so significant a part in the early days of Starfleet, how cool to see Vulcan as a sometimes duplicitous, self-serving planet on the brink of rejecting Logic, how cool to see how Earth, as an outsider planet, helped broker deals that lead to the creation of the Federation. There was lots of good stuff that fleshed out and revealed new stories on the history of Starfleet. As the show entered it's last couple of seasons it hit its stride and became what I expected. Of course, one has to wade through the bad first couple of seasons, the juvenile attempts at titillation sprinkled throughout the series, and the BB obsession with time travel stories, one of which ruined the whole Xindi storyline by ending with that stupid Nazi/alien occupied NYC. But overall, not a bad way to spend a day.
[scifinoir2] Re: ATT U-verse Doomed?
Isn't this always the way? As a unrepentant vidiot, I have done time with all the services and IMHO, ATT-U-verse is superior to all when you consider price, service and selection (for instance, DISH is cheapest but you can't get most of the black channels and BET is only available in the pricier tiers; Warner Cable is available everywhere - here in Milwaukee - but they don't carry the NFL network). Further, also IMHO, it is better to go without a dish instead of a dish (the ugly DISH Network dish is STILL attached to the front of my townhouse). It seems the best product always fails in the marketplace. That said, I have no sympathy for either ATT or Microsoft - although I do find it fascinating that they are running into problems when they finally deliver a better product. ~(no)rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Tracey de Morsella tdli...@... wrote: Many have heard of the difficulties in implementing ATT's U-verse IPTV http://www.tmcnet.com/tmcnet/snapshots/snapshots.aspx?Company=IPTV service. ATT's U-verse network is actually a fiber/copper hybrid, which pulls fibers to 3,000 to 5,000 feet from the homes they serve, where it then connects to mini-DSLAMs called 52B boxes and then it runs copper the last mile to the home. This hybrid approach is a bargain when compared to the $20 http://blog.tmcnet.com/blog/tom-keating/voip/verizon-races-to-build-fiber-t o-fend-off-voip-and-cable-rivals.asp billion Verizon http://www.tmcnet.com/tmcnet/snapshots/snapshots.aspx?Company=Verizon is spending to build-out fiber all the way to the home. This hybrid fiber/copper approach gives ATT a 20Mbps+ link to customers, enough to offer high-speed Internet, VoIP, and the company's IPTV service. The problem is getting towns to grant public right of ways for these massive 52B boxes, which hold DSLAMS, batteries, and cooling gear in rugged, weatherproof cases. Many towns objected or wanted AT http://arstechnica.com/articles/culture/u-verse.ars T to sign video franchise agreements. Lawsuits were filed, including cable companies that want to classify U-verse service as a cable service to force ATT to abide by the same build-out rules, which has drastically affected U-verse deployment . In addition, the IPTV service uses proprietary set-top boxes from Microsoft, which had their own share of problems - mostly http://www.dmwmedia.com/news/2007/01/26/wsj-at-t-iptv-deployment-delayed-by -microsoft-software-problems software related. On top of all this, a new IPTV standard (DVB-IPI http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DVB-IPI ) is about to be ratified (later this month) by the Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) standards body. This standard takes a very different technical approach than the strategy embodied in the Microsoft http://www.tmcnet.com/tmcnet/snapshots/snapshots.aspx?Company=Microsoft solution that ATT has implemented, and addresses many of the inherent challenges with IPTV, including quality of service, scalability and fast channel change times. Which reminds me, I really hate the slow channel changing times on satellite TV. I wish the set-top boxes would buffer the next channel UP and the next channel DOWN, so at least changing up or down one channel is fast. In any event, The DVB-IPI standard is based largely on a hybrid of well-established forward error correction (FEC) technology from Digital Fountain http://www.digitalfountain.com/ called DF Raptor and a public domain technology known as Pro-MPEG COP3. These technologies are currently being evaluated by most IPTV providers in the U.S. and elsewhere. Several new deployments using this technology are expected to be announced later this year. According to Rose Anne Raphael, a representative of Digital Fountain, Whatever the actual problems in the ATT/MS deployments (since we're not part of these deployments, we have no firsthand knowledge), the strategy employed is one that inherently poses scalability problems and bucks certain foundation assumptions on which IP networks and broadcast architectures are based. Could this new standard make ATT's and Microsoft's gamble on their own proprietary technology be the nail in the coffin for U-verse? Certainly, a standards-based approach will eventually result in lower costs to deploy due to economies of scale when multiple vendors all use the same technology. This could give ATT/Microsoft's competitors a cost advantage. Who would have thought that mega-titans ATT and Microsoft would bet on the wrong horse using proprietary technology? Wait a minute, ATT and Microsoft are the KINGS of proprietary technology, so I shouldn't be surprised. The difference is that 20 years ago you could get away with it - now with open-source and standards along with a global economy, a standards-based approach is the only way to go. Update (I had some other thoughts and feedback from users) One person emailed me and wrote: Read with great interest your comments
[scifinoir2] Get This Motherf*cking Samuel L Jackson App On Your Motherf*cking iPhone
http://gizmodo.com/5448868/get-this-motherfcking-samuel-l-jackson-app-on-your-motherfcking-iphone
[scifinoir2] Re: Conan O'Brien: Free At Last!
Having the Roots as his house band absolves Mr. Fallon of all sins. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Mr. Worf hellomahog...@... wrote: Oh don't get me started! :) Fallon is the worst waste of space on tv! Infomercials are more entertaining than his disjointed sap! On Fri, Jan 22, 2010 at 8:55 PM, C.W. Badie astromancer2...@...wrote: No, really, Mr. Worf, tell us how you really feel... Such music flows on the Fringe, and no one can resist singing to Scarlet From THE SIDE STREET CHRONICLES by C.W. Badie --- On *Fri, 1/22/10, Mr. Worf hellomahog...@...* wrote: From: Mr. Worf hellomahog...@... Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Conan O'Brien: Free At Last! To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Date: Friday, January 22, 2010, 2:44 PM Kimmel is really a writer. He needs to be part of a team writing somewhere and not hosting a show, but ABC has been trying to compete on the late night for years. Fallon is just a waste of space. On Fri, Jan 22, 2010 at 7:47 AM, Keith Johnson KeithBJohnson@ comcast.nethttp://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=keithbjohn...@... wrote: Agreed, that's why I'm glad this failed. We need original scripted TV, not more talk shows in a field already overloaded with mostly mediocre talent (Kimmel and Fallon especially). And I'm more irritated at Leno, the more I think of it. He never should have agreed to a 10 pm show that couldn't help but hurt Conan. I've said it before: if you want to bring something different to TV, how about an old-time variety show. Something like Carol Burnett updated, with skits, singing, dancing, etc. Cedric the Entertainer tried it a while back and didn't succeed. I believe Brady tried such a show, with little success. But maybe it could work as a once-a-week show. Surely Americans' tastes haven't fallen so far that we're satisfied with the likes of American Idol or Dancing with the Stars??? Or maybe a new show similiar to In Living Color? - Original Message - From: Tracey de Morsella tdli...@multicultur aladvantage. comhttp://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=tdli...@... To: scifino...@yahoogro ups.comhttp://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=scifino...@yahoogroups.com Cc: Lockhart, Daryle dar...@darylelockha rt.comhttp://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=dar...@..., afrikanmind@ hotmail.comhttp://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=afrikanm...@..., Albert Fields cbilmarketing@ yahoo.comhttp://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=cbilmarket...@..., bettil...@msn. comhttp://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=bettil...@..., CINQUE cinque3...@verizon. nethttp://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=cinque3...@..., dorothyhamm@ sbcglobal. nethttp://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=dorothyh...@..., duva...@hotmail. comhttp://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=duva...@..., fis...@bellsouth. nethttp://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=fis...@..., GTW gwashin...@aol. comhttp://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=gwashin...@..., Jeffrey Ballou jeffreypballou@ gmail.comhttp://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=jeffreypbal...@..., Kai Pettaway killa...@gmail. comhttp://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=killa...@..., kalpub...@aol. comhttp://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=kalpub...@..., keithbjohnson@ comcast.nethttp://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=keithbjohn...@..., Kera imke...@gmail. comhttp://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=imke...@..., Leroy Hughes seriousnupe87@ yahoo.comhttp://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=seriousnup...@..., Logic logic1...@aol. comhttp://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=logic1...@..., Martin Baxter Truthseeker013@ icqmail.comhttp://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=truthseeker...@..., Marvalous mmb1...@gmail. comhttp://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=mmb1...@..., Michael Gordon gord...@indiana. eduhttp://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=gord...@..., michael v w gordon michael.v.w. gor...@gmail. comhttp://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=michael.v.w.gor...@..., ravenadal ravena...@yahoo. comhttp://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=ravena...@..., rs...@yahoo. comhttp://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=rs...@..., Seku Brathwaite everythingist@ nyc.rr.comhttp://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=everything...@..., Valery Jean valeryjean77@ yahoo.comhttp://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=valeryjea...@..., Wendell Theophilus Smith wendellsmithis@ gmail.comhttp://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=wendellsmit...@..., Whitney J Evans sonofafieldnegro@ sbcglobal. nethttp://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=sonofafieldne...@..., williamsfred@ speakeasy. nethttp://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=williamsf...@..., Zanfordino Anthony beta...@yahoo.
[scifinoir2] Hughes Brothers discuss Book of Eli on NPR
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=122893922 I found this interview fascinating, both from the aspect of actually hearing what the brothers sound like and in how different the identical twins are. Their take on Eli's religiosity is also worth a listen. ~rave!
[scifinoir2] Re: Shiny Happy Martin
Sure, just when I went all in on your Tarnished, Gloomy Martin signature. ~(no)rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Martin Baxter truthseeker...@... wrote: (planning on incorporating this into his e-mail sig, when time allows) If all the world's a stage and all the people merely players, who in bloody hell hired the director? -- Charles L Grant http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com From: astromancer2...@... Date: Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:33:54 -0800 Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Shiny Happy Martin That's Martin...wouldn't have him any other way... Such music flows on the Fringe, and no one can resist singing to Scarlet From THE SIDE STREET CHRONICLES by C.W. Badie --- On Fri, 1/22/10, Grayson grayson.reyesc...@... wrote: From: Grayson grayson.reyesc...@... Subject: [scifinoir2] Shiny Happy Martin To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Date: Friday, January 22, 2010, 4:52 PM LOL - Martin you are dark. I'm pretty happy and shiny too, really, which may be where the contemporary romance comes from, but I tell you six million ways to die... so I choose a FEW when I'm writing everything else! :) --Grayson --- In scifino...@yahoogro ups.com, Martin Baxter truthseeker013@ ... wrote: Oh, yeah. Actually had the scene written. He went down in a blaze, took a few million with him, but down he went, literally drowning in someone's blood, after he gutted them. Martin (a shiny, happy person at heart -- REM wrote the song for me) If all the world's a stage and all the people merely players, who in bloody hell hired the director? -- Charles L Grant http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=fQUxw9aUVik To: scifino...@yahoogro ups.com From: grayson.reyescole@ ... Date: Fri, 22 Jan 2010 22:34:01 + Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: Gamer - Spoilers Ohhh yeah, good old FW. My eBooks definitely kicked the hindquarters of my paperback sales. Scarlet Rage, huh? ;) --GRC --- In scifino...@yahoogro ups.com, Martin Baxter truthseeker013@ wrote: And missed you we have! Had to look up the newsletter (sad state of my brian -- couldn't remember it right off). It's Fictionwise. com. I tried to forward the e-mail here so that I could post it, but I received it at Yahumail... 'nuff said. And I know what having a story fight you tooth and nail is like. A few weeks ago, I was within a hair's-breadth of killing off one of my main characters. I kindly put him out to pasture (in the floor of my closet) until the Scarlet Rage has passed. Take care, and eep on working! :-) If all the world's a stage and all the people merely players, who in bloody hell hired the director? -- Charles L Grant http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=fQUxw9aUVik To: scifino...@yahoogro ups.com From: grayson.reyescole@ Date: Fri, 22 Jan 2010 22:19:48 + Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: Gamer - Spoilers Hey Martin! Things are going, um, swimmingly, for sure, but which report do you get? I'm curious. Right now I'm taking a break from contemporary romance, which I confess is easier for me to finish, in order to devote myself to the hell that is finishing the sequel to Bright Star. Domina is fighting me more than any novel ever has. To deal with this piece, I've decided to not write anything unrelated to Domina through the end of the month and to focus on final edits. That's nearly impossible for me to do because of my super short attention span and the need to get ideas out whenever they happen to come supersedes working on something I've already committed to the world outside my head. We'll see. I've been lurking, but not as talkative as normal because I've been trying to get my writing house in order. :) Thanks for missing me! --Grayson --- In scifino...@yahoogro ups.com, Martin Baxter truthseeker013@ wrote: Hey, Grayson! I don't know about anyone else in the forum, but I know what you've been up to... I get an E-book sales listing every week, and your name was prominent on it. (Congrats! ) And I didn't see Gamer at the theater, because I was once part of a VR experiment back in my Salad
Re: [scifinoir2] ATT U-verse Doomed?
What's the upper limit in bandwidth ATT can offer, if copper's carrying the signal for as much as a mile? Per fibre running closer to the home would give the potential for much greater speeds in the long run. Is 20 MBits ATT's upper limit? I can see fibre hitting ten times that speed some day...- Original Message -From: "Tracey de Morsella" tdli...@multiculturaladvantage.comTo: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.comSent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 3:29:16 AM GMT -05:00 US/Canada EasternSubject: [scifinoir2] ATT U-verse Doomed? Many have heard of the difficulties in implementing ATT's U-verse IPTV service. ATT's U-verse network is actually a fiber/copper hybrid, which pulls fibers to 3,000 to 5,000 feet from the homes they serve, where it then connects to mini-DSLAMs called "52B" boxes and then it runs copper the last mile to the home. This hybrid approach is a bargain when compared to the $20 billion Verizon is spending to build-out fiber all the way to the home. This hybrid fiber/copper approach gives ATT a 20Mbps+ link to customers, enough to offer high-speed Internet, VoIP, and the company's IPTV service. The problem is getting towns to grant public right of ways for these massive 52B boxes, which hold DSLAMS, batteries, and cooling gear in rugged, weatherproof cases. Many towns objected or wanted ATT to sign video franchise agreements. Lawsuits were filed, including cable companies that want to classify U-verse service as a "cable service" to force ATT to abide by the same build-out rules, which has drastically affected U-verse deployment . In addition, the IPTV service uses proprietary set-top boxes from Microsoft, which had their own share of problems - mostly software related. On top of all this, a new IPTV standard (DVB-IPI) is about to be ratified (later this month) by the Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) standards body. This standard takes a very different technical approach than the strategy embodied in the Microsoft solution that ATT has implemented, and addresses many of the inherent challenges with IPTV, including quality of service, scalability and fast channel change times. Which reminds me, I really hate the slow channel changing times on satellite TV. I wish the set-top boxes would buffer the next channel UP and the next channel DOWN, so at least changing up or down one channel is fast. In any event, The DVB-IPI standard is based largely on a hybrid of well-established forward error correction (FEC) technology from Digital Fountain called DF Raptor and a public domain technology known as Pro-MPEG COP3. These technologies are currently being evaluated by most IPTV providers in the U.S. and elsewhere. Several new deployments using this technology are expected to be announced later this year. According to Rose Anne Raphael, a representative of Digital Fountain, "Whatever the actual problems in the ATT/MS deployments (since we're not part of these deployments, we have no firsthand knowledge), the strategy employed is one that inherently poses scalability problems and bucks certain foundation assumptions on which IP networks and broadcast architectures are based." Could this new standard make ATT's and Microsoft's gamble on their own proprietary technology be the nail in the coffin for U-verse? Certainly, a standards-based approach will eventually result in lower costs to deploy due to economies of scale when multiple vendors all use the same technology. This could give ATT/Microsoft's competitors a cost advantage. Who would have thought that mega-titans ATT and Microsoft would bet on the wrong horse using proprietary technology? Wait a minute, ATT and Microsoft are the KINGS of proprietary technology, so I shouldn't be surprised. The difference is that 20 years ago you could get away with it - now with open-source and standards along with a global economy, a standards-based approach is the only way to go. Update (I had some other thoughts and feedback from users) One person emailed me and wrote: Read with great interest your comments about the possible doom of U-verse. Taking those concerns into account, would you recommend it to a consumer like me who is considering switching from Comcast to U-verse if and when it becomes available on the west side of Indianapolis? The cost and channel availability seem to have cable beat by a mile, but your technological concerns may trump other advantages. I'd appreciate your assessment on whether consumers should proceed to "sign up" for this new service. I responded: Put to you this way. If I could get U-verse in my area, I'd do it. Yes, I knocked ATT for not meeting their target goals, as did many media outlets.While I think ATT Microsoft were perhaps 1-2 years too early with their proprietary technology, it is still a good solution.I'm just not a fan of proprietary solutions. ATT and Microsoft have had a bumpy road, but I think ATT Microsoft have worked out most of the kinks. Also, I am the
[scifinoir2] Book of Eli ends Hughes' 9 year hiatus
Hughes brothers are back with 'The Book of Eli' By Rob Lowman Los Angeles Daily News Posted: 01/17/2010 01:00:00 AM PST Updated: 01/18/2010 12:58:19 PM PST NEW YORK - Sure, they are twins, share a wicked sense of humor and do that finish-each-other's-thoughts thing, but there are differences. Ask Denzel Washington, who stars in their latest film, The Book of Eli: Allen is more the casting people, cutting guy, and Albert is the guy with all that geek stuff. See? Easy. It's like a two-headed mutant monster, admits Albert. Sometimes we walk around separately like idiots, but together we can be one complete whole. Allen specializes in one thing. I specialize in one thing. He can do my job, and I can do his job. He thinks more personality, Religious roles fit nonreligious Paul Bettany surprisingly well story and relationships, and I'm more like, 'I like this microphone' and 'How does it work?' But the real question is what have the 37-year-old filmmaking brothers been doing since their last film, From Hell, the 2001 adaptation of Alan Moore's graphic novel about the Jack the Ripper murders, starring Johnny Depp. Allen offers three reasons for the delay: First, they couldn't get the scripts they were interested in off the ground. Second, they were pretty successful making commercials, and making a lot of money tends to make you less urgent to make things that you should be making. Lastly, they took a twin sabbatical. For the first time in our lives, at 30, we went and tried to find out who we were as individuals. Encouraged by their mother, who gave them a video camera at age 12 while growing up in Pomona, the brothers began working on music videos as teens for rap stars such as Tone Loc and Tupac Shakur. By 1993, they had written and directed Menace II Society, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and went on to be a big hit. They followed that in 1996 with Dead Presidents, and then in 1999 with the documentary American Pimp, about the underground pimp culture and exploitation of women, which generated a fair amount of controversy. The brothers expect that The Book of Eli, which involves the power of the Bible, may generate some discussion, too. Allen says, When I read the line 'This is not just a book, it's a weapon,' that's when the hair stood up on the back of my neck. ... It's a rare occasion where a film can be a different movie depending on what you bring into it. For his part, Albert gave the film an eerie look, befitting a post-apocalyptic world. As we've gotten older, the references come from anywhere, says Albert. I've been recently influenced by this Czech photographer, Jan Saudek. A lot of the way the clouds are in the movie are straight out of his photos desaturate everything and add a stroke of color. I wish you would have shared that with me, Allen chimes in. Talking to the brothers is a bit of a trip, careening from them riffing on an old Alka Seltzer commercial to some wild quips most of which are best left unrepeated lest someone think they were serious to talking about their favorite male soul singers. There is a key moment where Washington's character, Eli, listens to Al Green's version of How Can You Mend a Broken Heart. Green, Allen points out, has made an appearance on all their soundtracks, except for In Hell, set in London in 1888. Although they say they have nothing pinned down at the moment, the brothers promise there won't be such a long wait for their next movie. We're not waiting around another eight years that's for sure, Albert says. It's important we get back to making movies where you leave the theater and it's a debate about it, Allen says. Even if you don't like the movie, you've got to respect it, and if you go to dinner afterward, you're going to be talking about it.
[scifinoir2] Jonah Hex
Anyone other than me waiting to see how this one with Josh Brolin and Megan Fox going to look? Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry -Original Message- From: Kelwyn ravena...@yahoo.com Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 16:29:29 To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Subject: [scifinoir2] Book of Eli ends Hughes' 9 year hiatus Hughes brothers are back with 'The Book of Eli' By Rob Lowman Los Angeles Daily News Posted: 01/17/2010 01:00:00 AM PST Updated: 01/18/2010 12:58:19 PM PST NEW YORK - Sure, they are twins, share a wicked sense of humor and do that finish-each-other's-thoughts thing, but there are differences. Ask Denzel Washington, who stars in their latest film, The Book of Eli: Allen is more the casting people, cutting guy, and Albert is the guy with all that geek stuff. See? Easy. It's like a two-headed mutant monster, admits Albert. Sometimes we walk around separately like idiots, but together we can be one complete whole. Allen specializes in one thing. I specialize in one thing. He can do my job, and I can do his job. He thinks more personality, Religious roles fit nonreligious Paul Bettany surprisingly well story and relationships, and I'm more like, 'I like this microphone' and 'How does it work?' But the real question is what have the 37-year-old filmmaking brothers been doing since their last film, From Hell, the 2001 adaptation of Alan Moore's graphic novel about the Jack the Ripper murders, starring Johnny Depp. Allen offers three reasons for the delay: First, they couldn't get the scripts they were interested in off the ground. Second, they were pretty successful making commercials, and making a lot of money tends to make you less urgent to make things that you should be making. Lastly, they took a twin sabbatical. For the first time in our lives, at 30, we went and tried to find out who we were as individuals. Encouraged by their mother, who gave them a video camera at age 12 while growing up in Pomona, the brothers began working on music videos as teens for rap stars such as Tone Loc and Tupac Shakur. By 1993, they had written and directed Menace II Society, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and went on to be a big hit. They followed that in 1996 with Dead Presidents, and then in 1999 with the documentary American Pimp, about the underground pimp culture and exploitation of women, which generated a fair amount of controversy. The brothers expect that The Book of Eli, which involves the power of the Bible, may generate some discussion, too. Allen says, When I read the line 'This is not just a book, it's a weapon,' that's when the hair stood up on the back of my neck. ... It's a rare occasion where a film can be a different movie depending on what you bring into it. For his part, Albert gave the film an eerie look, befitting a post-apocalyptic world. As we've gotten older, the references come from anywhere, says Albert. I've been recently influenced by this Czech photographer, Jan Saudek. A lot of the way the clouds are in the movie are straight out of his photos — desaturate everything and add a stroke of color. I wish you would have shared that with me, Allen chimes in. Talking to the brothers is a bit of a trip, careening from them riffing on an old Alka Seltzer commercial to some wild quips — most of which are best left unrepeated lest someone think they were serious — to talking about their favorite male soul singers. There is a key moment where Washington's character, Eli, listens to Al Green's version of How Can You Mend a Broken Heart. Green, Allen points out, has made an appearance on all their soundtracks, except for In Hell, set in London in 1888. Although they say they have nothing pinned down at the moment, the brothers promise there won't be such a long wait for their next movie. We're not waiting around another eight years — that's for sure, Albert says. It's important we get back to making movies where you leave the theater and it's a debate about it, Allen says. Even if you don't like the movie, you've got to respect it, and if you go to dinner afterward, you're going to be talking about it.
[scifinoir2] Swordfish
I don't know if this movie has ever been discussed here, but I just watched Swordfish all over again for two reasons 1) I was bored and 2) I keep thinking if I watch it again I will like it more. Neither reason was worth the effort. I'm just curious, lots of people I know like the movie and not just because they got to see Halle Berry's boobies, I'm in the minority because I don't (the only scene I like is when Hugh Jackman is explaining how he cracked the DoD, Halle Berry negates all of his explanations, then he fesses up to just being au naturel and seeing the code in his head). What do you think? Grayson Reyes-Cole http://www.graysonreyescole.com Facebook Bright Star The Builder The Prescription Playboy
RE: [scifinoir2] Swordfish
Grayson, I've yet to make it all the way through the movie. Haven't even seen the aforementioned assets of Ms Berry, save in still-shot format. If all the world's a stage and all the people merely players, who in bloody hell hired the director? -- Charles L Grant http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com From: grayson.reyesc...@yahoo.com Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 11:36:53 -0800 Subject: [scifinoir2] Swordfish I don't know if this movie has ever been discussed here, but I just watched Swordfish all over again for two reasons 1) I was bored and 2) I keep thinking if I watch it again I will like it more. Neither reason was worth the effort. I'm just curious, lots of people I know like the movie and not just because they got to see Halle Berry's boobies, I'm in the minority because I don't (the only scene I like is when Hugh Jackman is explaining how he cracked the DoD, Halle Berry negates all of his explanations, then he fesses up to just being au naturel and seeing the code in his head). What do you think? Grayson Reyes-Cole http://www.graysonreyescole.com Facebook Bright Star The Builder The Prescription Playboy _ Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/196390710/direct/01/
RE: [scifinoir2] Jonah Hex
I'm game, too. If all the world's a stage and all the people merely players, who in bloody hell hired the director? -- Charles L Grant http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com From: jazzynupe_...@yahoo.com Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 18:34:02 + Subject: [scifinoir2] Jonah Hex Anyone other than me waiting to see how this one with Josh Brolin and Megan Fox going to look? Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry From: Kelwyn ravena...@yahoo.com Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 16:29:29 -To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.comSubject: [scifinoir2] Book of Eli ends Hughes' 9 year hiatus Hughes brothers are back with 'The Book of Eli' By Rob Lowman Los Angeles Daily News Posted: 01/17/2010 01:00:00 AM PST Updated: 01/18/2010 12:58:19 PM PST NEW YORK - Sure, they are twins, share a wicked sense of humor and do that finish-each-other's-thoughts thing, but there are differences. Ask Denzel Washington, who stars in their latest film, The Book of Eli: Allen is more the casting people, cutting guy, and Albert is the guy with all that geek stuff. See? Easy. It's like a two-headed mutant monster, admits Albert. Sometimes we walk around separately like idiots, but together we can be one complete whole. Allen specializes in one thing. I specialize in one thing. He can do my job, and I can do his job. He thinks more personality, Religious roles fit nonreligious Paul Bettany surprisingly well story and relationships, and I'm more like, 'I like this microphone' and 'How does it work?' But the real question is what have the 37-year-old filmmaking brothers been doing since their last film, From Hell, the 2001 adaptation of Alan Moore's graphic novel about the Jack the Ripper murders, starring Johnny Depp. Allen offers three reasons for the delay: First, they couldn't get the scripts they were interested in off the ground. Second, they were pretty successful making commercials, and making a lot of money tends to make you less urgent to make things that you should be making. Lastly, they took a twin sabbatical. For the first time in our lives, at 30, we went and tried to find out who we were as individuals. Encouraged by their mother, who gave them a video camera at age 12 while growing up in Pomona, the brothers began working on music videos as teens for rap stars such as Tone Loc and Tupac Shakur. By 1993, they had written and directed Menace II Society, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and went on to be a big hit. They followed that in 1996 with Dead Presidents, and then in 1999 with the documentary American Pimp, about the underground pimp culture and exploitation of women, which generated a fair amount of controversy. The brothers expect that The Book of Eli, which involves the power of the Bible, may generate some discussion, too. Allen says, When I read the line 'This is not just a book, it's a weapon,' that's when the hair stood up on the back of my neck. ... It's a rare occasion where a film can be a different movie depending on what you bring into it. For his part, Albert gave the film an eerie look, befitting a post-apocalyptic world. As we've gotten older, the references come from anywhere, says Albert. I've been recently influenced by this Czech photographer, Jan Saudek. A lot of the way the clouds are in the movie are straight out of his photos — desaturate everything and add a stroke of color. I wish you would have shared that with me, Allen chimes in. Talking to the brothers is a bit of a trip, careening from them riffing on an old Alka Seltzer commercial to some wild quips — most of which are best left unrepeated lest someone think they were serious — to talking about their favorite male soul singers. There is a key moment where Washington's character, Eli, listens to Al Green's version of How Can You Mend a Broken Heart. Green, Allen points out, has made an appearance on all their soundtracks, except for In Hell, set in London in 1888. Although they say they have nothing pinned down at the moment, the brothers promise there won't be such a long wait for their next movie. We're not waiting around another eight years — that's for sure, Albert says. It's important we get back to making movies where you leave the theater and it's a debate about it, Allen says. Even if you don't like the movie, you've got to respect it, and if you go to dinner afterward, you're going to be talking about it. _ Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/196390710/direct/01/
RE: [scifinoir2] Re: Shiny Happy Martin
Can't help myself. I'm a chameleon. ;-) If all the world's a stage and all the people merely players, who in bloody hell hired the director? -- Charles L Grant http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com From: ravena...@yahoo.com Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 15:29:33 + Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: Shiny Happy Martin Sure, just when I went all in on your Tarnished, Gloomy Martin signature. ~(no)rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Martin Baxter truthseeker...@... wrote: (planning on incorporating this into his e-mail sig, when time allows) If all the world's a stage and all the people merely players, who in bloody hell hired the director? -- Charles L Grant http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com From: astromancer2...@... Date: Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:33:54 -0800 Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Shiny Happy Martin That's Martin...wouldn't have him any other way... Such music flows on the Fringe, and no one can resist singing to Scarlet From THE SIDE STREET CHRONICLES by C.W. Badie --- On Fri, 1/22/10, Grayson grayson.reyesc...@... wrote: From: Grayson grayson.reyesc...@... Subject: [scifinoir2] Shiny Happy Martin To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Date: Friday, January 22, 2010, 4:52 PM LOL - Martin you are dark. I'm pretty happy and shiny too, really, which may be where the contemporary romance comes from, but I tell you six million ways to die... so I choose a FEW when I'm writing everything else! :) --Grayson --- In scifino...@yahoogro ups.com, Martin Baxter truthseeker013@ ... wrote: Oh, yeah. Actually had the scene written. He went down in a blaze, took a few million with him, but down he went, literally drowning in someone's blood, after he gutted them. Martin (a shiny, happy person at heart -- REM wrote the song for me) If all the world's a stage and all the people merely players, who in bloody hell hired the director? -- Charles L Grant http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=fQUxw9aUVik To: scifino...@yahoogro ups.com From: grayson.reyescole@ ... Date: Fri, 22 Jan 2010 22:34:01 + Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: Gamer - Spoilers Ohhh yeah, good old FW. My eBooks definitely kicked the hindquarters of my paperback sales. Scarlet Rage, huh? ;) --GRC --- In scifino...@yahoogro ups.com, Martin Baxter truthseeker013@ wrote: And missed you we have! Had to look up the newsletter (sad state of my brian -- couldn't remember it right off). It's Fictionwise. com. I tried to forward the e-mail here so that I could post it, but I received it at Yahumail... 'nuff said. And I know what having a story fight you tooth and nail is like. A few weeks ago, I was within a hair's-breadth of killing off one of my main characters. I kindly put him out to pasture (in the floor of my closet) until the Scarlet Rage has passed. Take care, and eep on working! :-) If all the world's a stage and all the people merely players, who in bloody hell hired the director? -- Charles L Grant http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=fQUxw9aUVik To: scifino...@yahoogro ups.com From: grayson.reyescole@ Date: Fri, 22 Jan 2010 22:19:48 + Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: Gamer - Spoilers Hey Martin! Things are going, um, swimmingly, for sure, but which report do you get? I'm curious. Right now I'm taking a break from contemporary romance, which I confess is easier for me to finish, in order to devote myself to the hell that is finishing the sequel to Bright Star. Domina is fighting me more than any novel ever has. To deal with this piece, I've decided to not write anything unrelated to Domina through the end of the month and to focus on final edits. That's nearly impossible for me to do because of my super short attention span and the need to get ideas out whenever they happen to come supersedes working on something I've already committed to the world outside my head. We'll see. I've been lurking, but not as
RE: [scifinoir2] Enterprise Marathon on SyFy
George, that's because they finally wised up and sent the Killers B's packing. If all the world's a stage and all the people merely players, who in bloody hell hired the director? -- Charles L Grant http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com From: brotherfromhow...@yahoo.com Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 06:46:08 -0800 Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Enterprise Marathon on SyFy Agreed the series was really hitting its stride before the suits pulled the plug./ From: Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@comcast.net To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Fri, January 22, 2010 10:39:45 AM Subject: [scifinoir2] Enterprise Marathon on SyFy Another Enterprise marathon on SyFy all day today. That's followed by the movie First Contact, and then by the premiere of Caprica. I will say about Enterprise , it's a show that had its moments. Watching the Xindi storyline in big chunks, for example, I can appreciate the dramatic intensity of it better. There are some gems in that storyline: the Memento type ep (on now) where Archer's in a future where Earth's destroyed, and T'Pol must retell the story to him every single day...the ep where, desperate to continue the mission, Archer orders his reluctant crew to actually attack and steal supplies from a ship that had recently aided them.. A powerful study of morality vs. need, and rather radical for Trek...the various dealings with the Vulcans and Andorians--how cool to see the Andorians having had so significant a part in the early days of Starfleet, how cool to see Vulcan as a sometimes duplicitous, self-serving planet on the brink of rejecting Logic, how cool to see how Earth, as an outsider planet, helped broker deals that lead to the creation of the Federation. There was lots of good stuff that fleshed out and revealed new stories on the history of Starfleet. As the show entered it's last couple of seasons it hit its stride and became what I expected. Of course, one has to wade through the bad first couple of seasons, the juvenile attempts at titillation sprinkled throughout the series, and the BB obsession with time travel stories, one of which ruined the whole Xindi storyline by ending with that stupid Nazi/alien occupied NYC. But overall, not a bad way to spend a day. _ Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/196390710/direct/01/
RE: [scifinoir2] Re: Spartacus: Blood and Sand - Any good?
Again with you all the way, Keith. THe curse words they're using are mostly Anglo-Saxon, something that folks who live in Greece (If I've got the geography right) aren't likely to speak. If all the world's a stage and all the people merely players, who in bloody hell hired the director? -- Charles L Grant http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com From: keithbjohn...@comcast.net Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 04:37:09 + Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: Spartacus: Blood and Sand - Any good? Looking at part of it again, the fight scenes really do border on kinda funny, the 300-style imitation is so over the top it reminds me more of the hilariously bloody fight scene with the Black Knight in Monty Python and The Holy Grail. I mean, seriously, the blood is spattering and splatering like red water from a burst balloon. One dude got knocked in the back of the head, and blood sprayed all over it was funny. The showrunners seem to have an almost perverse interest in showing closeups of flesh cut and spread, bodies impaled. Silly, gratuitous, unmoving. Quite a bit of nudity too, including of Lucy Lawless I believe. Bit of a shock that, seeing Xena topless, but much better than seeing the dudes' naked bottoms. :( Also there seems to be quite a bit of anachronistic language. At least, I'm not sure the term Where the fu** are the Romans? is accurate for the times. Two showings, and I haven't been able to sit through the whole thing yet without laughing or shaking my head at the whole thing. Anyone else? - Original Message - From: Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@comcast.net To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, January 22, 2010 11:28:04 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Spartacus: Blood and Sand - Any good? Anyone watch the debut of this series? It's showing on both one of the Encore and Starz channels. I tried to watch the show, out of curiosity, and because Lucy Lawless is one of the stars. But I came in in the middle of a battle scene that frankly made me laugh and grown. Lawless in an interview I'd seen mentioned the show was modeled in part on 300. But what I saw was a bad imitation of 300: the same not-quite-real backgrounds, the now recognizable fast-slow-fast movements of the soldiers in battle, blue-grey backgrounds whose colors are splashed liberally with the blood flowing like wine in battle. Lots of close ups of decapitations, swords cleaving flesh to expose nasty cuts. it was all a bit too frenetic and artificial looking for me. And I gotta admit that title--...Blood and Sand already had me a bit leery. Granted, i didn't see anything but the battle. Maybe the actual acting is good and it's worth a look? Can anyone give a recommendation? *** http://www.starz.com/originals/spartacus Betrayed by the Romans. Forced into slavery. Reborn as a Gladiator. The classic tale of the Republic’s most infamous rebel comes alive in the graphic and visceral new series, Spartacus: Blood and Sand. Torn from his homeland and the woman he loves, Spartacus is condemned to the brutal world of the arena where blood and death are primetime entertainment. But not all battles are fought upon the sands. Treachery, corruption, and the allure of sensual pleasures will constantly test Spartacus. To survive, he must become more than a man. More than a gladiator. He must become a legend. Starring Australian actor, Andy Whitfield (McLeod's Daughters) as Spartacus, Lucy Lawless (Xena: Warrior Princess) as Lucretia, John Hannah (The Mummy, Four Weddings and A Funeral) as Batiatus and Peter Mensah (300, The Incredible Hulk) as Doctore, this unique mix of live action, graphic novel effects and brutal battle sequences is set to make Spartacus: Blood and Sand an epic television event. _ Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/196390710/direct/01/
RE: [scifinoir2] Re: [scifi noir2] NASA unveils personal fl ying suit named ‘Pu ffin’; fli es at 150 mph
;-) If all the world's a stage and all the people merely players, who in bloody hell hired the director? -- Charles L Grant http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com From: aubrey.leatherw...@hotmail.com Date: Sat, 23 Jan 2010 18:37:02 -0500 Subject: RE: [scifinoir2] Re: [scifi noir2] NASA unveils personal flying suit named ‘Puffin’; fli es at 150 mph Hey Now, This is a family loop! Aubrey Leatherwood www.aubreyleatherwood.com FaceBook * MySpace Dime Can Nicole resist the call of the stage or the call of her heart? Imperfection A tale of perfect commitment, perfect love... and perfect sex. The People You Know, The Sex They Have ROMANTIC TIMES NOMINEE FOR BEST CONTEMPORARY EROTICA 2008 CAPA and PSYCHE AWARD NOMINEE FOR 2009 ISBN: 978-0-9818905-0-0 To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com From: jazzynupe_...@yahoo.com Date: Sat, 23 Jan 2010 22:44:19 + Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: [scifi noir2] NASA unveils personal flying suit named ‘Puffin’; fli es at 150 mph Hey Martin, sounds like u have just been propositioned! What u going 2 do? To quote Arsenio..Things that make u go h Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry From: Martin Baxter truthseeker...@hotmail.com Date: Sat, 23 Jan 2010 16:57:50 -0500 To: SciFiNoir2scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Subject: RE: [scifi noir2] NAS A unveils personal f lying suit named ‘Pu ffin’; fli es at 150 mph Aubrey, I pretty much have to disclose my height everywhere, because of my use of LMNAO. Many people, including some of my closest confidants, knowing that I'm Black, think that I mean the n-word when I post that. If all the world's a stage and all the people merely players, who in bloody hell hired the director? -- Charles L Grant http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com From: aubrey.leatherw...@hotmail.com Date: Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:42:48 -0500 Subject: RE: [scifinoir2] NASA unveils personal flying suit named ‘Puffin’; flies at 150 mph Wow 6'6. You should never divulge a height like that to me Martin, I have an illness, I've recognized it. LOL. There's hardly anything out there made properly for such a tall fellow (except me, hee hee), seeing as I have only ever dated giant fellows in my life, I know this well. I still say you wouldn't have to worry about fitting in it when you're doubled over on the ground giggling and kicking like a four year old. Aubrey Leatherwood www.aubreyleatherwood.com FaceBook * MySpace Dime Can Nicole resist the call of the stage or the call of her heart? Imperfection A tale of perfect commitment, perfect love... and perfect sex. The People You Know, The Sex They Have ROMANTIC TIMES NOMINEE FOR BEST CONTEMPORARY EROTICA 2008 CAPA and PSYCHE AWARD NOMINEE FOR 2009 ISBN: 978-0-9818905-0-0 To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com From: truthseeker...@hotmail.com Date: Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:39:49 -0500 Subject: RE: [scifinoir2] NASA unveils personal flying suit named ‘Puffin’; flies at 150 mph A valid point, Aubrey. And, thinking on it, would they even make a model I could get inside of, at 6'6? If all the world's a stage and all the people merely players, who in bloody hell hired the director? -- Charles L Grant http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com From: aubrey.leatherw...@hotmail.com Date: Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:22:02 -0500 Subject: RE: [scifinoir2] NASA unveils personal flying suit named ‘Puffin’; flies at 150 mph I know I, for one, wouldn't be able to stop laughing long enough to fly safely. I mean, look at it! :D Aubrey Leatherwood CAPA NOMINEE FOR FAVORITE EROTIC AUTHOR 2009 www.aubreyleatherwood.com FaceBook * MySpace Dime Can Nicole resist the call of the stage or the call of her heart? Imperfection A tale of perfect commitment, perfect love... and perfect sex. The People You Know, The Sex They Have ROMANTIC TIMES NOMINEE FOR BEST CONTEMPORARY EROTICA 2008 CAPA and PSYCHE AWARD NOMINEE FOR 2009 ISBN: 978-0-9818905-0-0 To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com From: truthseeker...@hotmail.com Date: Fri, 22 Jan 2010 17:17:07 -0500 Subject: RE: [scifinoir2] NASA unveils personal flying suit named ‘Puffin’; flies at 150 mph I'd love to see this in reality as well, but today out on the road proved to me that people are dangerous enough with vehicles that stay on the ground. Add in flight, and all of its vector components... it would get ugly. If all the world's a stage and all the people merely players, who in bloody hell hired the director? -- Charles L Grant http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com From: hellomahog...@gmail.com Date: Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:32:55 -0800 Subject: [scifinoir2] NASA unveils personal flying suit named ‘Puffin’; flies at 150 mph NASA unveils personal flying suit named ‘Puffin’; flies at 150 mph By
Re: [scifinoir2] Re: ATT U-verse Doomed?
I agree. I was a cable installer for a while and U-Verse smashes the next best competitor in my area to bits in all areas. They haven't failed yet. They may have issues but they also have incredible demand. Serious huge demand. Get on a waiting list to get it demand down here. I wouldn't rule them out just yet. B --- On Sun, 1/24/10, Kelwyn ravena...@yahoo.com wrote: From: Kelwyn ravena...@yahoo.com Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: ATT U-verse Doomed? To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Date: Sunday, January 24, 2010, 9:10 AM Isn't this always the way? As a unrepentant vidiot, I have done time with all the services and IMHO, ATT-U-verse is superior to all when you consider price, service and selection (for instance, DISH is cheapest but you can't get most of the black channels and BET is only available in the pricier tiers; Warner Cable is available everywhere - here in Milwaukee - but they don't carry the NFL network). Further, also IMHO, it is better to go without a dish instead of a dish (the ugly DISH Network dish is STILL attached to the front of my townhouse). It seems the best product always fails in the marketplace. That said, I have no sympathy for either ATT or Microsoft - although I do find it fascinating that they are running into problems when they finally deliver a better product. ~(no)rave! --- In scifino...@yahoogro ups.com, Tracey de Morsella tdli...@... wrote: Many have heard of the difficulties in implementing ATT's U-verse IPTV http://www.tmcnet. com/tmcnet/ snapshots/ snapshots. aspx?Company= IPTV service. ATT's U-verse network is actually a fiber/copper hybrid, which pulls fibers to 3,000 to 5,000 feet from the homes they serve, where it then connects to mini-DSLAMs called 52B boxes and then it runs copper the last mile to the home. This hybrid approach is a bargain when compared to the $20 http://blog. tmcnet.com/ blog/tom- keating/voip/ verizon-races- to-build- fiber-t o-fend-off-voip- and-cable- rivals.asp billion Verizon http://www.tmcnet. com/tmcnet/ snapshots/ snapshots. aspx?Company= Verizon is spending to build-out fiber all the way to the home. This hybrid fiber/copper approach gives ATT a 20Mbps+ link to customers, enough to offer high-speed Internet, VoIP, and the company's IPTV service. The problem is getting towns to grant public right of ways for these massive 52B boxes, which hold DSLAMS, batteries, and cooling gear in rugged, weatherproof cases. Many towns objected or wanted AT http://arstechnica. com/articles/ culture/u- verse.ars T to sign video franchise agreements. Lawsuits were filed, including cable companies that want to classify U-verse service as a cable service to force ATT to abide by the same build-out rules, which has drastically affected U-verse deployment . In addition, the IPTV service uses proprietary set-top boxes from Microsoft, which had their own share of problems - mostly http://www.dmwmedia .com/news/ 2007/01/26/ wsj-at-t- iptv-deployment- delayed-by -microsoft-software -problems software related. On top of all this, a new IPTV standard (DVB-IPI http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ DVB-IPI ) is about to be ratified (later this month) by the Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) standards body. This standard takes a very different technical approach than the strategy embodied in the Microsoft http://www.tmcnet. com/tmcnet/ snapshots/ snapshots. aspx?Company= Microsoft solution that ATT has implemented, and addresses many of the inherent challenges with IPTV, including quality of service, scalability and fast channel change times. Which reminds me, I really hate the slow channel changing times on satellite TV. I wish the set-top boxes would buffer the next channel UP and the next channel DOWN, so at least changing up or down one channel is fast. In any event, The DVB-IPI standard is based largely on a hybrid of well-established forward error correction (FEC) technology from Digital Fountain http://www.digitalf ountain.com/ called DF Raptor and a public domain technology known as Pro-MPEG COP3. These technologies are currently being evaluated by most IPTV providers in the U.S. and elsewhere. Several new deployments using this technology are expected to be announced later this year. According to Rose Anne Raphael, a representative of Digital Fountain, Whatever the actual problems in the ATT/MS deployments (since we're not part of these deployments, we have no firsthand knowledge), the strategy employed is one that inherently poses scalability problems and bucks certain foundation assumptions on which IP networks and broadcast architectures are based. Could this new standard make ATT's and Microsoft's gamble on their own proprietary technology be the nail in the coffin for U-verse? Certainly, a standards-based approach will eventually result in lower costs to deploy due to
Re: [scifinoir2] Swordfish
I saw it once. I have almost no memory of it. I don't even remember the Halle without clothes on part though I am certain that's in there. I recall it being terrible and immediately, obviously, forgetful. I think I'll keep forgetting about it based on your re(view) B --- On Sun, 1/24/10, Grayson Reyes-Cole grayson.reyesc...@yahoo.com wrote: From: Grayson Reyes-Cole grayson.reyesc...@yahoo.com Subject: [scifinoir2] Swordfish To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Date: Sunday, January 24, 2010, 1:36 PM I don't know if this movie has ever been discussed here, but I just watched Swordfish all over again for two reasons 1) I was bored and 2) I keep thinking if I watch it again I will like it more. Neither reason was worth the effort. I'm just curious, lots of people I know like the movie and not just because they got to see Halle Berry's boobies, I'm in the minority because I don't (the only scene I like is when Hugh Jackman is explaining how he cracked the DoD, Halle Berry negates all of his explanations, then he fesses up to just being au naturel and seeing the code in his head). What do you think? Grayson Reyes-Cole http://www.graysonr eyescole. com Facebook Bright Star The Builder The Prescription Playboy
RE: [scifinoir2] Jonah Hex
I love the westerns so I am in as well. B --- On Sun, 1/24/10, Martin Baxter truthseeker...@hotmail.com wrote: From: Martin Baxter truthseeker...@hotmail.com Subject: RE: [scifinoir2] Jonah Hex To: SciFiNoir2 scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Date: Sunday, January 24, 2010, 2:06 PM I'm game, too. If all the world's a stage and all the people merely players, who in bloody hell hired the director? -- Charles L Grant http://www.youtube. com/watch? v=fQUxw9aUVik To: scifino...@yahoogro ups.com From: jazzynupe_007@ yahoo.com Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 18:34:02 + Subject: [scifinoir2] Jonah Hex Anyone other than me waiting to see how this one with Josh Brolin and Megan Fox going to look? Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry From: Kelwyn ravena...@yahoo. com Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 16:29:29 -To: scifino...@yahoogro ups.comSubject: [scifinoir2] Book of Eli ends Hughes' 9 year hiatus Hughes brothers are back with 'The Book of Eli' By Rob Lowman Los Angeles Daily News Posted: 01/17/2010 01:00:00 AM PST Updated: 01/18/2010 12:58:19 PM PST NEW YORK - Sure, they are twins, share a wicked sense of humor and do that finish-each- other's-thoughts thing, but there are differences. Ask Denzel Washington, who stars in their latest film, The Book of Eli: Allen is more the casting people, cutting guy, and Albert is the guy with all that geek stuff. See? Easy. It's like a two-headed mutant monster, admits Albert. Sometimes we walk around separately like idiots, but together we can be one complete whole. Allen specializes in one thing. I specialize in one thing. He can do my job, and I can do his job. He thinks more personality, Religious roles fit nonreligious Paul Bettany surprisingly well story and relationships, and I'm more like, 'I like this microphone' and 'How does it work?' But the real question is what have the 37-year-old filmmaking brothers been doing since their last film, From Hell, the 2001 adaptation of Alan Moore's graphic novel about the Jack the Ripper murders, starring Johnny Depp. Allen offers three reasons for the delay: First, they couldn't get the scripts they were interested in off the ground. Second, they were pretty successful making commercials, and making a lot of money tends to make you less urgent to make things that you should be making. Lastly, they took a twin sabbatical. For the first time in our lives, at 30, we went and tried to find out who we were as individuals. Encouraged by their mother, who gave them a video camera at age 12 while growing up in Pomona, the brothers began working on music videos as teens for rap stars such as Tone Loc and Tupac Shakur. By 1993, they had written and directed Menace II Society, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and went on to be a big hit. They followed that in 1996 with Dead Presidents, and then in 1999 with the documentary American Pimp, about the underground pimp culture and exploitation of women, which generated a fair amount of controversy. The brothers expect that The Book of Eli, which involves the power of the Bible, may generate some discussion, too. Allen says, When I read the line 'This is not just a book, it's a weapon,' that's when the hair stood up on the back of my neck. ... It's a rare occasion where a film can be a different movie depending on what you bring into it. For his part, Albert gave the film an eerie look, befitting a post-apocalyptic world. As we've gotten older, the references come from anywhere, says Albert. I've been recently influenced by this Czech photographer, Jan Saudek. A lot of the way the clouds are in the movie are straight out of his photos — desaturate everything and add a stroke of color. I wish you would have shared that with me, Allen chimes in. Talking to the brothers is a bit of a trip, careening from them riffing on an old Alka Seltzer commercial to some wild quips — most of which are best left unrepeated lest someone think they were serious — to talking about their favorite male soul singers. There is a key moment where Washington's character, Eli, listens to Al Green's version of How Can You Mend a Broken Heart. Green, Allen points out, has made an appearance on all their soundtracks, except for In Hell, set in London in 1888. Although they say they have nothing pinned down at the moment, the brothers promise there won't be such a long wait for their next movie. We're not waiting around another eight years — that's for sure, Albert says. It's important we get back to making movies where you leave the theater and it's a debate about it, Allen says. Even if you don't like the movie, you've got to respect it, and if you go to dinner afterward, you're going to be talking about it.
RE: [scifinoir2] Re: ATT U-verse Doomed?
At the bottom of the article the writer answers a reader question about whether he should get it. The Guy says he still wishes they had it where he lives and that he would get it in a heartbeat. Then he says he wishes he could also get Verizon FiOS. What is event more frustrating is that ATT U-Verse and Microsoft have major operations for this venture two miles from my house and on a list of the 22 states they are in, Washington is not on the list, but Oklahoma is. !?!?!?! From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:scifino...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Bosco Bosco Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 8:30 AM To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Re: ATT U-verse Doomed? I agree. I was a cable installer for a while and U-Verse smashes the next best competitor in my area to bits in all areas. They haven't failed yet. They may have issues but they also have incredible demand. Serious huge demand. Get on a waiting list to get it demand down here. I wouldn't rule them out just yet. B --- On Sun, 1/24/10, Kelwyn ravena...@yahoo.com wrote: From: Kelwyn ravena...@yahoo.com Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: ATT U-verse Doomed? To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Date: Sunday, January 24, 2010, 9:10 AM Isn't this always the way? As a unrepentant vidiot, I have done time with all the services and IMHO, ATT-U-verse is superior to all when you consider price, service and selection (for instance, DISH is cheapest but you can't get most of the black channels and BET is only available in the pricier tiers; Warner Cable is available everywhere - here in Milwaukee - but they don't carry the NFL network). Further, also IMHO, it is better to go without a dish instead of a dish (the ugly DISH Network dish is STILL attached to the front of my townhouse). It seems the best product always fails in the marketplace. That said, I have no sympathy for either ATT or Microsoft - although I do find it fascinating that they are running into problems when they finally deliver a better product. ~(no)rave! --- In scifino...@yahoogro ups.com, Tracey de Morsella tdli...@... wrote: Many have heard of the difficulties in implementing ATT's U-verse IPTV http://www.tmcnet. com/tmcnet/ snapshots/ snapshots. http://www.tmcnet.com/tmcnet/snapshots/snapshots.aspx?Company=IPTV aspx?Company= IPTV service. ATT's U-verse network is actually a fiber/copper hybrid, which pulls fibers to 3,000 to 5,000 feet from the homes they serve, where it then connects to mini-DSLAMs called 52B boxes and then it runs copper the last mile to the home. This hybrid approach is a bargain when compared to the $20 http://blog. tmcnet.com/ blog/tom- keating/voip/ http://blog.tmcnet.com/blog/tom-keating/voip/verizon-races-to-build-fiber-t verizon-races- to-build- fiber-t o-fend-off-voip- and-cable- rivals.asp billion Verizon http://www.tmcnet. com/tmcnet/ snapshots/ snapshots. http://www.tmcnet.com/tmcnet/snapshots/snapshots.aspx?Company=Verizon aspx?Company= Verizon is spending to build-out fiber all the way to the home. This hybrid fiber/copper approach gives ATT a 20Mbps+ link to customers, enough to offer high-speed Internet, VoIP, and the company's IPTV service. The problem is getting towns to grant public right of ways for these massive 52B boxes, which hold DSLAMS, batteries, and cooling gear in rugged, weatherproof cases. Many towns objected or wanted AT http://arstechnica. com/articles/ culture/u- verse.ars http://arstechnica.com/articles/culture/u-verse.ars T to sign video franchise agreements. Lawsuits were filed, including cable companies that want to classify U-verse service as a cable service to force ATT to abide by the same build-out rules, which has drastically affected U-verse deployment . In addition, the IPTV service uses proprietary set-top boxes from Microsoft, which had their own share of problems - mostly http://www.dmwmedia .com/news/ 2007/01/26/ wsj-at-t- iptv-deployment- http://www.dmwmedia.com/news/2007/01/26/wsj-at-t-iptv-deployment-delayed-by delayed-by -microsoft-software -problems software related. On top of all this, a new IPTV standard (DVB-IPI http://en.wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DVB-IPI .org/wiki/ DVB-IPI ) is about to be ratified (later this month) by the Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) standards body. This standard takes a very different technical approach than the strategy embodied in the Microsoft http://www.tmcnet. com/tmcnet/ snapshots/ snapshots. http://www.tmcnet.com/tmcnet/snapshots/snapshots.aspx?Company=Microsoft aspx?Company= Microsoft solution that ATT has implemented, and addresses many of the inherent challenges with IPTV, including quality of service, scalability and fast channel change times. Which reminds me, I really hate the slow channel changing times on satellite TV. I wish the set-top boxes would buffer the next channel UP and the next channel DOWN, so at least changing up or down
[scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish
I've seen Swordfish many times. It is not good but it has charms. For me, Halle's short red dress scene in Hugh Jackman's trailer is better than either her lingerie scene or her topless scene (if you wanna see Halle's assets, Monster's Ball is a better bet). I like Don Cheadle's dogged detective, I like the business at the bank, the business with the bus and, IMHO, John Travolta is always fun to watch. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Grayson Reyes-Cole grayson.reyesc...@... wrote: I don't know if this movie has ever been discussed here, but I just watched Swordfish all over again for two reasons 1) I was bored and 2) I keep thinking if I watch it again I will like it more. Neither reason was worth the effort. I'm just curious, lots of people I know like the movie and not just because they got to see Halle Berry's boobies, I'm in the minority because I don't (the only scene I like is when Hugh Jackman is explaining how he cracked the DoD, Halle Berry negates all of his explanations, then he fesses up to just being au naturel and seeing the code in his head). What do you think? Grayson Reyes-Cole http://www.graysonreyescole.com Facebook Bright Star The Builder The Prescription Playboy
RE: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish
I didn't love it, but enjoyed it. I don't even remember the Halle Berry tit scene. But Rave really captures my feelings about the movies in his last two lines. Travolta is always fun to watch- even in bad movies. The action is good. I enjoyed Cheadle, Jackson and Berry in their roles. -Original Message- From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:scifino...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Kelwyn Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 1:04 PM To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish I've seen Swordfish many times. It is not good but it has charms. For me, Halle's short red dress scene in Hugh Jackman's trailer is better than either her lingerie scene or her topless scene (if you wanna see Halle's assets, Monster's Ball is a better bet). I like Don Cheadle's dogged detective, I like the business at the bank, the business with the bus and, IMHO, John Travolta is always fun to watch. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Grayson Reyes-Cole grayson.reyesc...@... wrote: I don't know if this movie has ever been discussed here, but I just watched Swordfish all over again for two reasons 1) I was bored and 2) I keep thinking if I watch it again I will like it more. Neither reason was worth the effort. I'm just curious, lots of people I know like the movie and not just because they got to see Halle Berry's boobies, I'm in the minority because I don't (the only scene I like is when Hugh Jackman is explaining how he cracked the DoD, Halle Berry negates all of his explanations, then he fesses up to just being au naturel and seeing the code in his head). What do you think? Grayson Reyes-Cole http://www.graysonreyescole.com Facebook Bright Star The Builder The Prescription Playboy Post your SciFiNoir Profile at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scifinoir2/app/peoplemap2/entry/add?fmvn=mapYa hoo! Groups Links
RE: [scifinoir2] Re: ATT U-verse Doomed?
Whom the heck's in Oklahoma, aside from college kids, and why do they (everyone there who isn't in college) need such bandwidth? If all the world's a stage and all the people merely players, who in bloody hell hired the director? -- Charles L Grant http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com From: tdli...@multiculturaladvantage.com Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 12:52:14 -0800 Subject: RE: [scifinoir2] Re: ATT U-verse Doomed? At the bottom of the article the writer answers a reader question about whether he should get it. The Guy says he still wishes they had it where he lives and that he would get it in a heartbeat. Then he says he wishes he could also get Verizon FiOS. What is event more frustrating is that ATT U-Verse and Microsoft have major operations for this venture two miles from my house and on a list of the 22 states they are in, Washington is not on the list, but Oklahoma is. !?!?!?! From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:scifino...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Bosco Bosco Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 8:30 AM To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Re: ATT U-verse Doomed? I agree. I was a cable installer for a while and U-Verse smashes the next best competitor in my area to bits in all areas. They haven't failed yet. They may have issues but they also have incredible demand. Serious huge demand. Get on a waiting list to get it demand down here. I wouldn't rule them out just yet. B --- On Sun, 1/24/10, Kelwyn ravena...@yahoo.com wrote: From: Kelwyn ravena...@yahoo.com Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: ATT U-verse Doomed? To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Date: Sunday, January 24, 2010, 9:10 AM Isn't this always the way? As a unrepentant vidiot, I have done time with all the services and IMHO, ATT-U-verse is superior to all when you consider price, service and selection (for instance, DISH is cheapest but you can't get most of the black channels and BET is only available in the pricier tiers; Warner Cable is available everywhere - here in Milwaukee - but they don't carry the NFL network). Further, also IMHO, it is better to go without a dish instead of a dish (the ugly DISH Network dish is STILL attached to the front of my townhouse). It seems the best product always fails in the marketplace. That said, I have no sympathy for either ATT or Microsoft - although I do find it fascinating that they are running into problems when they finally deliver a better product. ~(no)rave! --- In scifino...@yahoogro ups.com, Tracey de Morsella tdli...@... wrote: Many have heard of the difficulties in implementing ATT's U-verse IPTV http://www.tmcnet. com/tmcnet/ snapshots/ snapshots. aspx?Company= IPTV service. ATT's U-verse network is actually a fiber/copper hybrid, which pulls fibers to 3,000 to 5,000 feet from the homes they serve, where it then connects to mini-DSLAMs called 52B boxes and then it runs copper the last mile to the home. This hybrid approach is a bargain when compared to the $20 http://blog. tmcnet.com/ blog/tom- keating/voip/ verizon-races- to-build- fiber-t o-fend-off-voip- and-cable- rivals.asp billion Verizon http://www.tmcnet. com/tmcnet/ snapshots/ snapshots. aspx?Company= Verizon is spending to build-out fiber all the way to the home. This hybrid fiber/copper approach gives ATT a 20Mbps+ link to customers, enough to offer high-speed Internet, VoIP, and the company's IPTV service. The problem is getting towns to grant public right of ways for these massive 52B boxes, which hold DSLAMS, batteries, and cooling gear in rugged, weatherproof cases. Many towns objected or wanted AT http://arstechnica. com/articles/ culture/u- verse.ars T to sign video franchise agreements. Lawsuits were filed, including cable companies that want to classify U-verse service as a cable service to force ATT to abide by the same build-out rules, which has drastically affected U-verse deployment . In addition, the IPTV service uses proprietary set-top boxes from Microsoft, which had their own share of problems - mostly http://www.dmwmedia .com/news/ 2007/01/26/ wsj-at-t- iptv-deployment- delayed-by -microsoft-software -problems software related. On top of all this, a new IPTV standard (DVB-IPI http://en.wikipedia .org/wiki/ DVB-IPI ) is about to be ratified (later this month) by the Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) standards body. This standard takes a very different technical approach than the strategy embodied in the Microsoft http://www.tmcnet. com/tmcnet/ snapshots/ snapshots. aspx?Company= Microsoft solution that ATT has implemented, and addresses many of the inherent challenges with IPTV,
[scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish
The thing is... I like everybody in this movie. Berry, Cheadle, Jackman, and Travolta who I am loving more and more lately (absolutely loved him in The Taking of Pelham 123 even though the the plot of that movie--remake or not--was as thin as Nick Cage's hairline) plus the very tiny roll for Vinnie Jones who I always like in a fight. But the movie is just... bad. Also is it bad that I haven't seen Monster's Ball and have absolutely no desire to do so. It's on my list of movies to never see. Titanic is also on this list as well as a few other Best Picture nominees/winners. Grayson --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Kelwyn ravena...@... wrote: I've seen Swordfish many times. It is not good but it has charms. For me, Halle's short red dress scene in Hugh Jackman's trailer is better than either her lingerie scene or her topless scene (if you wanna see Halle's assets, Monster's Ball is a better bet). I like Don Cheadle's dogged detective, I like the business at the bank, the business with the bus and, IMHO, John Travolta is always fun to watch. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Grayson Reyes-Cole grayson.reyescole@ wrote: I don't know if this movie has ever been discussed here, but I just watched Swordfish all over again for two reasons 1) I was bored and 2) I keep thinking if I watch it again I will like it more. Neither reason was worth the effort. I'm just curious, lots of people I know like the movie and not just because they got to see Halle Berry's boobies, I'm in the minority because I don't (the only scene I like is when Hugh Jackman is explaining how he cracked the DoD, Halle Berry negates all of his explanations, then he fesses up to just being au naturel and seeing the code in his head). What do you think? Grayson Reyes-Cole http://www.graysonreyescole.com Facebook Bright Star The Builder The Prescription Playboy
Re: [scifinoir2] Re: ATT U-verse Doomed?
The upper limit for fiber optic is over 1000 mbs. There are techniques where the could push it even higher than that. 1000mbs is just a standard and it has been around for 10 years. The last speed record was well over 2500. It all comes down to spending the money to update the signal boosters. ATT may not want to spend the money without help from the feds. Verizon's FIOS system runs at 50mbs down and 5mbs up. Which is better than anything else on the market right now. Oklahoma is an internet hub that links the west coast to the rest of the country. Most of the universities are redundant pieces of the web that automatically fills in if a hub goes down. On Sun, Jan 24, 2010 at 1:43 PM, Martin Baxter truthseeker...@hotmail.comwrote: Whom the heck's in Oklahoma, aside from college kids, and why do they (everyone there who isn't in college) need such bandwidth? If all the world's a stage and all the people merely players, who in bloody hell hired the director? -- Charles L Grant http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik -- To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com From: tdli...@multiculturaladvantage.com Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 12:52:14 -0800 Subject: RE: [scifinoir2] Re: ATT U-verse Doomed? At the bottom of the article the writer answers a reader question about whether he should get it. The Guy says he still wishes they had it where he lives and that he would get it in a heartbeat. Then he says he wishes he could also get Verizon FiOS. What is event more frustrating is that ATT U-Verse and Microsoft have major operations for this venture two miles from my house and on a list of the 22 states they are in, Washington is not on the list, but Oklahoma is. !?!?!?! *From:* scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:scifino...@yahoogroups.com] *On Behalf Of *Bosco Bosco *Sent:* Sunday, January 24, 2010 8:30 AM *To:* scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com *Subject:* Re: [scifinoir2] Re: ATT U-verse Doomed? I agree. I was a cable installer for a while and U-Verse smashes the next best competitor in my area to bits in all areas. They haven't failed yet. They may have issues but they also have incredible demand. Serious huge demand. Get on a waiting list to get it demand down here. I wouldn't rule them out just yet. B --- On *Sun, 1/24/10, Kelwyn ravena...@yahoo.com* wrote: From: Kelwyn ravena...@yahoo.com Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: ATT U-verse Doomed? To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Date: Sunday, January 24, 2010, 9:10 AM Isn't this always the way? As a unrepentant vidiot, I have done time with all the services and IMHO, ATT-U-verse is superior to all when you consider price, service and selection (for instance, DISH is cheapest but you can't get most of the black channels and BET is only available in the pricier tiers; Warner Cable is available everywhere - here in Milwaukee - but they don't carry the NFL network). Further, also IMHO, it is better to go without a dish instead of a dish (the ugly DISH Network dish is STILL attached to the front of my townhouse). It seems the best product always fails in the marketplace. That said, I have no sympathy for either ATT or Microsoft - although I do find it fascinating that they are running into problems when they finally deliver a better product. ~(no)rave! --- In scifino...@yahoogro ups.comhttp:///mc/compose?to=scifino...@yahoogroups.com, Tracey de Morsella tdli...@... wrote: Many have heard of the difficulties in implementing ATT's U-verse IPTV http://www.tmcnet. com/tmcnet/ snapshots/ snapshots. aspx?Company= IPTVhttp://www.tmcnet.com/tmcnet/snapshots/snapshots.aspx?Company=IPTV service. ATT's U-verse network is actually a fiber/copper hybrid, which pulls fibers to 3,000 to 5,000 feet from the homes they serve, where it then connects to mini-DSLAMs called 52B boxes and then it runs copper the last mile to the home. This hybrid approach is a bargain when compared to the $20 http://blog. tmcnet.com/ blog/tom- keating/voip/ verizon-races- to-build- fiber-thttp://blog.tmcnet.com/blog/tom-keating/voip/verizon-races-to-build-fiber-t o-fend-off-voip- and-cable- rivals.asp billion Verizon http://www.tmcnet. com/tmcnet/ snapshots/ snapshots. aspx?Company= Verizonhttp://www.tmcnet.com/tmcnet/snapshots/snapshots.aspx?Company=Verizon is spending to build-out fiber all the way to the home. This hybrid fiber/copper approach gives ATT a 20Mbps+ link to customers, enough to offer high-speed Internet, VoIP, and the company's IPTV service. The problem is getting towns to grant public right of ways for these massive 52B boxes, which hold DSLAMS, batteries, and cooling gear in rugged, weatherproof cases. Many towns objected or wanted AT http://arstechnica. com/articles/ culture/u- verse.arshttp://arstechnica.com/articles/culture/u-verse.ars T to sign video franchise agreements. Lawsuits were filed, including cable companies that want to classify
[scifinoir2] 40 Gbps - Fastest Internet Connection to a Single Home
40 Gbps - Fastest Internet Connection to a Single Home Jul 13, 2007 75-year old Swede has recently got a 40 Gbps internet connection directly to her home computer. She is a mum of the internet legend Peter Löthberg and they have got money and technology to make a connection like this. She decided to persuade internet operators to invest in faster internet connections. We used to see those optical fiber links and their speed used to be enough. Now when I heard about this I want such a connection. I would feel like I can download all the internet data in just seconds. Well, I am just joking but it is really fast. Imagine she can download a full HD DVDhttp://www.gadgets-reviews.com/index.php?page=postid=317in just 2 seconds. My SATA II hard drive speed is just 3 Gbps I can't imagine how a home internet speed can be faster than my hard drive. It is a good thing that RAM is still a bit faster though. The secret that stands behind this speed is in new modulation technique. This technique allows data to be transferred to de distances up to 2,000 kilometers directly between only two routers. This does not involve any intermediary transponders which makes the connection even faster. Of course now you've got to get a high quality fiber optic cable to be able to get such speed. Moreover it will surely cost a fortune to get 40 Gbps internet connection. From: http://www.gadgets-reviews.com/index.php?id=411page=post -- Celebrating 10 years of bringing diversity to perversity! Mahogany at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mahogany_pleasures_of_darkness/
Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish
The only reason I watched the movie was for Halle's breasts. On Sun, Jan 24, 2010 at 1:57 PM, Grayson grayson.reyesc...@yahoo.comwrote: The thing is... I like everybody in this movie. Berry, Cheadle, Jackman, and Travolta who I am loving more and more lately (absolutely loved him in The Taking of Pelham 123 even though the the plot of that movie--remake or not--was as thin as Nick Cage's hairline) plus the very tiny roll for Vinnie Jones who I always like in a fight. But the movie is just... bad. Also is it bad that I haven't seen Monster's Ball and have absolutely no desire to do so. It's on my list of movies to never see. Titanic is also on this list as well as a few other Best Picture nominees/winners. Grayson --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Kelwyn ravena...@... wrote: I've seen Swordfish many times. It is not good but it has charms. For me, Halle's short red dress scene in Hugh Jackman's trailer is better than either her lingerie scene or her topless scene (if you wanna see Halle's assets, Monster's Ball is a better bet). I like Don Cheadle's dogged detective, I like the business at the bank, the business with the bus and, IMHO, John Travolta is always fun to watch. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Grayson Reyes-Cole grayson.reyescole@ wrote: I don't know if this movie has ever been discussed here, but I just watched Swordfish all over again for two reasons 1) I was bored and 2) I keep thinking if I watch it again I will like it more. Neither reason was worth the effort. I'm just curious, lots of people I know like the movie and not just because they got to see Halle Berry's boobies, I'm in the minority because I don't (the only scene I like is when Hugh Jackman is explaining how he cracked the DoD, Halle Berry negates all of his explanations, then he fesses up to just being au naturel and seeing the code in his head). What do you think? Grayson Reyes-Cole http://www.graysonreyescole.com Facebook Bright Star The Builder The Prescription Playboy Post your SciFiNoir Profile at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scifinoir2/app/peoplemap2/entry/add?fmvn=mapYahoo! Groups Links -- Celebrating 10 years of bringing diversity to perversity! Mahogany at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mahogany_pleasures_of_darkness/
RE: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish
Grayson, I'll say this. You are BLESSED to have missed that. Unless you're a fan of bad porn, because that was its only attraction. Paid five bucks to rent the video, and slept through everything except that (only because the noise woke me). If all the world's a stage and all the people merely players, who in bloody hell hired the director? -- Charles L Grant http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com From: grayson.reyesc...@yahoo.com Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 21:57:37 + Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish The thing is... I like everybody in this movie. Berry, Cheadle, Jackman, and Travolta who I am loving more and more lately (absolutely loved him in The Taking of Pelham 123 even though the the plot of that movie--remake or not--was as thin as Nick Cage's hairline) plus the very tiny roll for Vinnie Jones who I always like in a fight. But the movie is just... bad. Also is it bad that I haven't seen Monster's Ball and have absolutely no desire to do so. It's on my list of movies to never see. Titanic is also on this list as well as a few other Best Picture nominees/winners. Grayson --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Kelwyn ravena...@... wrote: I've seen Swordfish many times. It is not good but it has charms. For me, Halle's short red dress scene in Hugh Jackman's trailer is better than either her lingerie scene or her topless scene (if you wanna see Halle's assets, Monster's Ball is a better bet). I like Don Cheadle's dogged detective, I like the business at the bank, the business with the bus and, IMHO, John Travolta is always fun to watch. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Grayson Reyes-Cole grayson.reyescole@ wrote: I don't know if this movie has ever been discussed here, but I just watched Swordfish all over again for two reasons 1) I was bored and 2) I keep thinking if I watch it again I will like it more. Neither reason was worth the effort. I'm just curious, lots of people I know like the movie and not just because they got to see Halle Berry's boobies, I'm in the minority because I don't (the only scene I like is when Hugh Jackman is explaining how he cracked the DoD, Halle Berry negates all of his explanations, then he fesses up to just being au naturel and seeing the code in his head). What do you think? Grayson Reyes-Cole http://www.graysonreyescole.com Facebook Bright Star The Builder The Prescription Playboy _ Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/196390708/direct/01/
Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Conan O'Brien: Free At Last!
No it doesn't. That was just a marketing plot to show how hip he is. He's so unfunny that he could possibly be defined as ANTI-COMEDY. On Sun, Jan 24, 2010 at 7:13 AM, Kelwyn ravena...@yahoo.com wrote: Having the Roots as his house band absolves Mr. Fallon of all sins. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Mr. Worf hellomahog...@... wrote: Oh don't get me started! :) Fallon is the worst waste of space on tv! Infomercials are more entertaining than his disjointed sap! On Fri, Jan 22, 2010 at 8:55 PM, C.W. Badie astromancer2...@...wrote: No, really, Mr. Worf, tell us how you really feel... Such music flows on the Fringe, and no one can resist singing to Scarlet From THE SIDE STREET CHRONICLES by C.W. Badie --- On *Fri, 1/22/10, Mr. Worf hellomahog...@...* wrote: From: Mr. Worf hellomahog...@... Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Conan O'Brien: Free At Last! To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Date: Friday, January 22, 2010, 2:44 PM Kimmel is really a writer. He needs to be part of a team writing somewhere and not hosting a show, but ABC has been trying to compete on the late night for years. Fallon is just a waste of space. On Fri, Jan 22, 2010 at 7:47 AM, Keith Johnson KeithBJohnson@ comcast.nethttp://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=keithbjohn...@.. . wrote: Agreed, that's why I'm glad this failed. We need original scripted TV, not more talk shows in a field already overloaded with mostly mediocre talent (Kimmel and Fallon especially). And I'm more irritated at Leno, the more I think of it. He never should have agreed to a 10 pm show that couldn't help but hurt Conan. I've said it before: if you want to bring something different to TV, how about an old-time variety show. Something like Carol Burnett updated, with skits, singing, dancing, etc. Cedric the Entertainer tried it a while back and didn't succeed. I believe Brady tried such a show, with little success. But maybe it could work as a once-a-week show. Surely Americans' tastes haven't fallen so far that we're satisfied with the likes of American Idol or Dancing with the Stars??? Or maybe a new show similiar to In Living Color? - Original Message - From: Tracey de Morsella tdli...@multicultur aladvantage. com http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=tdli...@... To: scifino...@yahoogro ups.com http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=scifino...@yahoogroups.com Cc: Lockhart, Daryle dar...@darylelockha rt.com http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=dar...@..., afrikanmind@ hotmail.com http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=afrikanm...@..., Albert Fields cbilmarketing@ yahoo.com http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=cbilmarket...@..., bettil...@msn. com http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=bettil...@..., CINQUE cinque3...@verizon. net http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=cinque3...@..., dorothyhamm@ sbcglobal. net http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=dorothyh...@..., duva...@hotmail. com http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=duva...@..., fis...@bellsouth. net http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=fis...@..., GTW gwashin...@aol. com http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=gwashin...@..., Jeffrey Ballou jeffreypballou@ gmail.com http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=jeffreypbal...@..., Kai Pettaway killa...@gmail. com http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=killa...@..., kalpub...@aol. com http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=kalpub...@..., keithbjohnson@ comcast.net http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=keithbjohn...@..., Kera imke...@gmail. com http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=imke...@..., Leroy Hughes seriousnupe87@ yahoo.com http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=seriousnup...@..., Logic logic1...@aol. com http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=logic1...@..., Martin Baxter Truthseeker013@ icqmail.com http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=truthseeker...@..., Marvalous mmb1...@gmail. com http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=mmb1...@..., Michael Gordon gord...@indiana. edu http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=gord...@..., michael v w gordon michael.v.w. gor...@gmail. com http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=michael.v.w.gor...@..., ravenadal ravena...@yahoo. com http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=ravena...@..., rs...@yahoo. com http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=rs...@..., Seku Brathwaite everythingist@ nyc.rr.com http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=everything...@..., Valery Jean valeryjean77@ yahoo.com http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=valeryjea...@..., Wendell Theophilus Smith wendellsmithis@ gmail.com http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=wendellsmit...@..., Whitney J Evans
Re: [scifinoir2] Get This Motherf*cking Samuel L Jackson App On Your Motherf*cking iPhone
That's funny! On Sun, Jan 24, 2010 at 7:17 AM, Kelwyn ravena...@yahoo.com wrote: http://gizmodo.com/5448868/get-this-motherfcking-samuel-l-jackson-app-on-your-motherfcking-iphone Post your SciFiNoir Profile at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scifinoir2/app/peoplemap2/entry/add?fmvn=mapYahoo! Groups Links -- Celebrating 10 years of bringing diversity to perversity! Mahogany at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mahogany_pleasures_of_darkness/
Re: [scifinoir2] Swordfish
I really disliked it. I thought it was stupid. I'm all for good camp, but Travolta's over-the-top villain was laughable--in a bad way. As one of the few men in America not hypnotized by Berry, her exposed top didn't do anything for me (and I'm still a bit sad that a woman exposing her top is sometimes considered a necessary career move to get better roles anyway). Things such as Jackman having to do a major hack in sixty seconds while a lady pleasures him were just unnecessary stuff added, like something done by leering teen boys. I'm only seen it once--that was enough for me. - Original Message - From: Grayson Reyes-Cole grayson.reyesc...@yahoo.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 2:36:53 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: [scifinoir2] Swordfish I don't know if this movie has ever been discussed here, but I just watched Swordfish all over again for two reasons 1) I was bored and 2) I keep thinking if I watch it again I will like it more. Neither reason was worth the effort. I'm just curious, lots of people I know like the movie and not just because they got to see Halle Berry's boobies, I'm in the minority because I don't (the only scene I like is when Hugh Jackman is explaining how he cracked the DoD, Halle Berry negates all of his explanations, then he fesses up to just being au naturel and seeing the code in his head). What do you think? Grayson Reyes-Cole http://www.graysonreyescole.com Facebook Bright Star The Builder The Prescription Playboy
Re: [scifinoir2] Enterprise Marathon on SyFy
Other than that horrible fuc* you series ender BB crafted, one of the worst single shows in all of Trek, up (or down) there with the clip show that ended season two of TNG. - Original Message - From: Martin Baxter truthseeker...@hotmail.com To: SciFiNoir2 scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 3:13:28 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: RE: [scifinoir2] Enterprise Marathon on SyFy George, that's because they finally wised up and sent the Killers B's packing. If all the world's a stage and all the people merely players, who in bloody hell hired the director? -- Charles L Grant http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com From: brotherfromhow...@yahoo.com Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 06:46:08 -0800 Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Enterprise Marathon on SyFy Agreed the series was really hitting its stride before the suits pulled the plug./ From: Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@comcast.net To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Fri, January 22, 2010 10:39:45 AM Subject: [scifinoir2] Enterprise Marathon on SyFy Another Enterprise marathon on SyFy all day today. That's followed by the movie First Contact, and then by the premiere of Caprica. I will say about Enterprise , it's a show that had its moments. Watching the Xindi storyline in big chunks, for example, I can appreciate the dramatic intensity of it better. There are some gems in that storyline: the Memento type ep (on now) where Archer's in a future where Earth's destroyed, and T'Pol must retell the story to him every single day...the ep where, desperate to continue the mission, Archer orders his reluctant crew to actually attack and steal supplies from a ship that had recently aided them.. A powerful study of morality vs. need, and rather radical for Trek...the various dealings with the Vulcans and Andorians--how cool to see the Andorians having had so significant a part in the early days of Starfleet, how cool to see Vulcan as a sometimes duplicitous, self-serving planet on the brink of rejecting Logic, how cool to see how Earth, as an outsider planet, helped broker deals that lead to the creation of the Federation. There was lots of good stuff that fleshed out and revealed new stories on the history of Starfleet. As the show entered it's last couple of seasons it hit its stride and became what I expected. Of course, one has to wade through the bad first couple of seasons, the juvenile attempts at titillation sprinkled throughout the series, and the BB obsession with time travel stories, one of which ruined the whole Xindi storyline by ending with that stupid Nazi/alien occupied NYC. But overall, not a bad way to spend a day. Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. Get it now.
Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Spartacus: Blood and Sand - Any good?
Was the f-word even being used by the Britons during the time of Spartacus? - Original Message - From: Martin Baxter truthseeker...@hotmail.com To: SciFiNoir2 scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 3:17:28 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: RE: [scifinoir2] Re: Spartacus: Blood and Sand - Any good? Again with you all the way, Keith. THe curse words they're using are mostly Anglo-Saxon, something that folks who live in Greece (If I've got the geography right) aren't likely to speak. If all the world's a stage and all the people merely players, who in bloody hell hired the director? -- Charles L Grant http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com From: keithbjohn...@comcast.net Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 04:37:09 + Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: Spartacus: Blood and Sand - Any good? Looking at part of it again, the fight scenes really do border on kinda funny, the 300-style imitation is so over the top it reminds me more of the hilariously bloody fight scene with the Black Knight in Monty Python and The Holy Grail. I mean, seriously, the blood is spattering and splatering like red water from a burst balloon. One dude got knocked in the back of the head, and blood sprayed all over it was funny. The showrunners seem to have an almost perverse interest in showing closeups of flesh cut and spread, bodies impaled. Silly, gratuitous, unmoving. Quite a bit of nudity too, including of Lucy Lawless I believe. Bit of a shock that, seeing Xena topless, but much better than seeing the dudes' naked bottoms. :( Also there seems to be quite a bit of anachronistic language. At least, I'm not sure the term Where the fu** are the Romans? is accurate for the times. Two showings, and I haven't been able to sit through the whole thing yet without laughing or shaking my head at the whole thing. Anyone else? - Original Message - From: Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@comcast.net To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, January 22, 2010 11:28:04 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Spartacus: Blood and Sand - Any good? Anyone watch the debut of this series? It's showing on both one of the Encore and Starz channels. I tried to watch the show, out of curiosity, and because Lucy Lawless is one of the stars. But I came in in the middle of a battle scene that frankly made me laugh and grown. Lawless in an interview I'd seen mentioned the show was modeled in part on 300. But what I saw was a bad imitation of 300: the same not-quite-real backgrounds, the now recognizable fast-slow-fast movements of the soldiers in battle, blue-grey backgrounds whose colors are splashed liberally with the blood flowing like wine in battle. Lots of close ups of decapitations, swords cleaving flesh to expose nasty cuts. it was all a bit too frenetic and artificial looking for me. And I gotta admit that title--...Blood and Sand already had me a bit leery. Granted, i didn't see anything but the battle. Maybe the actual acting is good and it's worth a look? Can anyone give a recommendation? *** http://www.starz.com/originals/spartacus Betrayed by the Romans. Forced into slavery. Reborn as a Gladiator. The classic tale of the Republic’s most infamous rebel comes alive in the graphic and visceral new series, Spartacus: Blood and Sand . Torn from his homeland and the woman he loves, Spartacus is condemned to the brutal world of the arena where blood and death are primetime entertainment. But not all battles are fought upon the sands. Treachery, corruption, and the allure of sensual pleasures will constantly test Spartacus. To survive, he must become more than a man. More than a gladiator. He must become a legend. Starring Australian actor, Andy Whitfield ( McLeod's Daughters) as Spartacus, Lucy Lawless (Xena: Warrior Princess) as Lucretia, John Hannah ( The Mummy, Four Weddings and A Funeral) as Batiatus and Peter Mensah (300, The Incredible Hulk) as Doctore, this unique mix of live action, graphic novel effects and brutal battle sequences is set to make Spartacus: Blood and Sand an epic television event. Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. Get it now.
Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish
Dude, it ain't worth it for that. - Original Message - From: Martin Baxter truthseeker...@hotmail.com To: SciFiNoir2 scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 4:41:39 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: RE: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish Halle's short red dress scene in Hugh Jackman's trailer... Okay, okay... I'll watch it. Didn't have to twist my arm. If all the world's a stage and all the people merely players, who in bloody hell hired the director? -- Charles L Grant http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com From: ravena...@yahoo.com Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 21:04:14 + Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish I've seen Swordfish many times. It is not good but it has charms. For me, Halle's short red dress scene in Hugh Jackman's trailer is better than either her lingerie scene or her topless scene (if you wanna see Halle's assets, Monster's Ball is a better bet). I like Don Cheadle's dogged detective, I like the business at the bank, the business with the bus and, IMHO, John Travolta is always fun to watch. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com , Grayson Reyes-Cole grayson.reyesc...@... wrote: I don't know if this movie has ever been discussed here, but I just watched Swordfish all over again for two reasons 1) I was bored and 2) I keep thinking if I watch it again I will like it more. Neither reason was worth the effort. I'm just curious, lots of people I know like the movie and not just because they got to see Halle Berry's boobies, I'm in the minority because I don't (the only scene I like is when Hugh Jackman is explaining how he cracked the DoD, Halle Berry negates all of his explanations, then he fesses up to just being au naturel and seeing the code in his head). What do you think? Grayson Reyes-Cole http://www.graysonreyescole.com Facebook Bright Star The Builder The Prescription Playboy Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. Get it now.
Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish
I didn't like Monster's Ball for lots of reasons. As a black man, i had no desire to see a movie in which one black man is on death row, a young black boy is verbally abused and encounters major horrors, and white bigots get to have sex with black women. I felt the sex scene with Berry and Thornton--which she found her courage to do by exposing her top in Swordfish--was unnecessarily graphic, and disturbed me in profound ways: massah getting it on with the slave gal. I frankly felt it was a movie only a white guy could have written. Yeah, i know Lee Daniels was part of the crew, but he's got his own issues, such as his skin color prejudice. I felt Monster's Ball was an update on white male fantasies that have dogged us since slavery: white man eliminates black man, abuses black woman, but somehow there's something good to be found in their relationship. Right: give me more movies with black men and black women making it *together* in the world. - Original Message - From: Grayson grayson.reyesc...@yahoo.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 4:57:37 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish The thing is... I like everybody in this movie. Berry, Cheadle, Jackman, and Travolta who I am loving more and more lately (absolutely loved him in The Taking of Pelham 123 even though the the plot of that movie--remake or not--was as thin as Nick Cage's hairline) plus the very tiny roll for Vinnie Jones who I always like in a fight. But the movie is just... bad. Also is it bad that I haven't seen Monster's Ball and have absolutely no desire to do so. It's on my list of movies to never see. Titanic is also on this list as well as a few other Best Picture nominees/winners. Grayson --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com , Kelwyn ravena...@... wrote: I've seen Swordfish many times. It is not good but it has charms. For me, Halle's short red dress scene in Hugh Jackman's trailer is better than either her lingerie scene or her topless scene (if you wanna see Halle's assets, Monster's Ball is a better bet). I like Don Cheadle's dogged detective, I like the business at the bank, the business with the bus and, IMHO, John Travolta is always fun to watch. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com , Grayson Reyes-Cole grayson.reyescole@ wrote: I don't know if this movie has ever been discussed here, but I just watched Swordfish all over again for two reasons 1) I was bored and 2) I keep thinking if I watch it again I will like it more. Neither reason was worth the effort. I'm just curious, lots of people I know like the movie and not just because they got to see Halle Berry's boobies, I'm in the minority because I don't (the only scene I like is when Hugh Jackman is explaining how he cracked the DoD, Halle Berry negates all of his explanations, then he fesses up to just being au naturel and seeing the code in his head). What do you think? Grayson Reyes-Cole http://www.graysonreyescole.com Facebook Bright Star The Builder The Prescription Playboy
[scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish
Keith, couldn't agree with you more. You hit on the one thing I dislike most about this movie. I have frequently described that scene as some pubescent fantasy that never should have been unleashed on adult folks. Grayson --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@... wrote: I really disliked it. I thought it was stupid. I'm all for good camp, but Travolta's over-the-top villain was laughable--in a bad way. As one of the few men in America not hypnotized by Berry, her exposed top didn't do anything for me (and I'm still a bit sad that a woman exposing her top is sometimes considered a necessary career move to get better roles anyway). Things such as Jackman having to do a major hack in sixty seconds while a lady pleasures him were just unnecessary stuff added, like something done by leering teen boys. I'm only seen it once--that was enough for me. - Original Message - From: Grayson Reyes-Cole grayson.reyesc...@... To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 2:36:53 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: [scifinoir2] Swordfish I don't know if this movie has ever been discussed here, but I just watched Swordfish all over again for two reasons 1) I was bored and 2) I keep thinking if I watch it again I will like it more. Neither reason was worth the effort. I'm just curious, lots of people I know like the movie and not just because they got to see Halle Berry's boobies, I'm in the minority because I don't (the only scene I like is when Hugh Jackman is explaining how he cracked the DoD, Halle Berry negates all of his explanations, then he fesses up to just being au naturel and seeing the code in his head). What do you think? Grayson Reyes-Cole http://www.graysonreyescole.com Facebook Bright Star The Builder The Prescription Playboy
Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Conan O'Brien: Free At Last!
Amen! The only thing about his show that makes me laugh is when you see him running in the opening credits, as if he's late for the show. And frankly, Conan's version of that was way funnier. When he took over The Tonight Show and moved to LA, he opened with a hilarious bit that made it seem as if he ran all the way from East to West coast-in his suit and tie! - Original Message - From: Mr. Worf hellomahog...@gmail.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 6:09:23 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Conan O'Brien: Free At Last! No it doesn't. That was just a marketing plot to show how hip he is. He's so unfunny that he could possibly be defined as ANTI-COMEDY. On Sun, Jan 24, 2010 at 7:13 AM, Kelwyn ravena...@yahoo.com wrote: Having the Roots as his house band absolves Mr. Fallon of all sins. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com , Mr. Worf hellomahog...@... wrote: Oh don't get me started! :) Fallon is the worst waste of space on tv! Infomercials are more entertaining than his disjointed sap! On Fri, Jan 22, 2010 at 8:55 PM, C.W. Badie astromancer2...@...wrote: No, really, Mr. Worf, tell us how you really feel... Such music flows on the Fringe, and no one can resist singing to Scarlet From THE SIDE STREET CHRONICLES by C.W. Badie --- On *Fri, 1/22/10, Mr. Worf hellomahog...@...* wrote: From: Mr. Worf hellomahog...@... Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Conan O'Brien: Free At Last! To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Date: Friday, January 22, 2010, 2:44 PM Kimmel is really a writer. He needs to be part of a team writing somewhere and not hosting a show, but ABC has been trying to compete on the late night for years. Fallon is just a waste of space. On Fri, Jan 22, 2010 at 7:47 AM, Keith Johnson KeithBJohnson@ comcast.net http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=keithbjohn...@.. . wrote: Agreed, that's why I'm glad this failed. We need original scripted TV, not more talk shows in a field already overloaded with mostly mediocre talent (Kimmel and Fallon especially). And I'm more irritated at Leno, the more I think of it. He never should have agreed to a 10 pm show that couldn't help but hurt Conan. I've said it before: if you want to bring something different to TV, how about an old-time variety show. Something like Carol Burnett updated, with skits, singing, dancing, etc. Cedric the Entertainer tried it a while back and didn't succeed. I believe Brady tried such a show, with little success. But maybe it could work as a once-a-week show. Surely Americans' tastes haven't fallen so far that we're satisfied with the likes of American Idol or Dancing with the Stars??? Or maybe a new show similiar to In Living Color? - Original Message - From: Tracey de Morsella tdli...@multicultur aladvantage. com http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=tdli...@.. . To: scifino...@yahoogro ups.com http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=scifino...@yahoogroups.com Cc: Lockhart, Daryle dar...@darylelockha rt.com http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=dar...@.. ., afrikanmind@ hotmail.com http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=afrikanm...@.. ., Albert Fields cbilmarketing@ yahoo.com http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=cbilmarket...@.. ., bettil...@msn. com http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=bettil...@.. ., CINQUE cinque3...@verizon. net http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=cinque3...@.. ., dorothyhamm@ sbcglobal. net http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=dorothyh...@.. ., duva...@hotmail. com http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=duva...@.. ., fis...@bellsouth. net http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=fis...@.. ., GTW gwashin...@aol. com http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=gwashin...@.. ., Jeffrey Ballou jeffreypballou@ gmail.com http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=jeffreypbal...@.. ., Kai Pettaway killa...@gmail. com http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=killa...@.. ., kalpub...@aol. com http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=kalpub...@.. ., keithbjohnson@ comcast.net http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=keithbjohn...@.. ., Kera imke...@gmail. com http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=imke...@.. ., Leroy Hughes seriousnupe87@ yahoo.com http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=seriousnup...@.. ., Logic logic1...@aol. com http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=logic1...@.. ., Martin Baxter Truthseeker013@ icqmail.com http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=truthseeker...@.. ., Marvalous mmb1...@gmail. com http://us.mc594.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=mmb1...@.. ., Michael Gordon gord...@indiana. edu
Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Spartacus: Blood and Sand - Any good?
Nope... they say that it was invented around the 1100s. But there had to be a similar word back then. On Sun, Jan 24, 2010 at 3:26 PM, Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@comcast.netwrote: Was the f-word even being used by the Britons during the time of Spartacus? - Original Message - From: Martin Baxter truthseeker...@hotmail.com To: SciFiNoir2 scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 3:17:28 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: RE: [scifinoir2] Re: Spartacus: Blood and Sand - Any good? Again with you all the way, Keith. THe curse words they're using are mostly Anglo-Saxon, something that folks who live in Greece (If I've got the geography right) aren't likely to speak. If all the world's a stage and all the people merely players, who in bloody hell hired the director? -- Charles L Grant http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik -- To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com From: keithbjohn...@comcast.net Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 04:37:09 + Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: Spartacus: Blood and Sand - Any good? Looking at part of it again, the fight scenes really do border on kinda funny, the 300-style imitation is so over the top it reminds me more of the hilariously bloody fight scene with the Black Knight in Monty Python and The Holy Grail. I mean, seriously, the blood is spattering and splatering like red water from a burst balloon. One dude got knocked in the back of the head, and blood sprayed all over it was funny. The showrunners seem to have an almost perverse interest in showing closeups of flesh cut and spread, bodies impaled. Silly, gratuitous, unmoving. Quite a bit of nudity too, including of Lucy Lawless I believe. Bit of a shock that, seeing Xena topless, but much better than seeing the dudes' naked bottoms. :( Also there seems to be quite a bit of anachronistic language. At least, I'm not sure the term Where the fu** are the Romans? is accurate for the times. Two showings, and I haven't been able to sit through the whole thing yet without laughing or shaking my head at the whole thing. Anyone else? - Original Message - From: Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@comcast.net To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, January 22, 2010 11:28:04 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Spartacus: Blood and Sand - Any good? Anyone watch the debut of this series? It's showing on both one of the Encore and Starz channels. I tried to watch the show, out of curiosity, and because Lucy Lawless is one of the stars. But I came in in the middle of a battle scene that frankly made me laugh and grown. Lawless in an interview I'd seen mentioned the show was modeled in part on 300. But what I saw was a bad imitation of 300: the same not-quite-real backgrounds, the now recognizable fast-slow-fast movements of the soldiers in battle, blue-grey backgrounds whose colors are splashed liberally with the blood flowing like wine in battle. Lots of close ups of decapitations, swords cleaving flesh to expose nasty cuts. it was all a bit too frenetic and artificial looking for me. And I gotta admit that title--...Blood and Sand already had me a bit leery. Granted, i didn't see anything but the battle. Maybe the actual acting is good and it's worth a look? Can anyone give a recommendation? *** http://www.starz.com/originals/spartacus Betrayed by the Romans. Forced into slavery. Reborn as a Gladiator. The classic tale of the Republic’s most infamous rebel comes alive in the graphic and visceral new series, *Spartacus: Blood and Sand*. Torn from his homeland and the woman he loves, Spartacus is condemned to the brutal world of the arena where blood and death are primetime entertainment. But not all battles are fought upon the sands. Treachery, corruption, and the allure of sensual pleasures will constantly test Spartacus. To survive, he must become more than a man. More than a gladiator. He must become a legend. Starring Australian actor, Andy Whitfield (*McLeod's Daughters)* as Spartacus, Lucy Lawless *(Xena: Warrior Princess)* as Lucretia, John Hannah (*The Mummy, Four Weddings and A Funeral)* as Batiatus and Peter Mensah *(300, The Incredible Hulk)* as Doctore, this unique mix of live action, graphic novel effects and brutal battle sequences is set to make Spartacus: Blood and Sand an epic television event. -- Hotmail: Powerful Free email with security by Microsoft. Get it now.http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/196390710/direct/01/ -- Celebrating 10 years of bringing diversity to perversity! Mahogany at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mahogany_pleasures_of_darkness/
Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Spartacus: Blood and Sand - Any good?
Absolutely, I just have an issue with lazy writing on that level unless it's intentional. In Hercules and Xena, for example, the anachronistic language was intentional and sometimes funny. The god Apollo, for example, was portrayed as a magical surfer type, who even said Dude. But Spartacus, from what i can tell, is trying to be serious drama, so I just can't get past such gaffes. I've noticed more and more in recent years that problem in historical dramas. I see a lot of them where the characters are speaking idiomatically as if they're from modern American. Even if they use the time-appropriate words, the way those words are structured into phrases is just off. That always irritates me. For example, don't tell me you're giving me a well-written drama that takes place in, say, a Puritan village in the 1700s, then have a young person ask another How's it going? Lazy... - Original Message - From: Mr. Worf hellomahog...@gmail.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 7:01:06 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Spartacus: Blood and Sand - Any good? Nope... they say that it was invented around the 1100s. But there had to be a similar word back then. On Sun, Jan 24, 2010 at 3:26 PM, Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@comcast.net wrote: Was the f-word even being used by the Britons during the time of Spartacus? - Original Message - From: Martin Baxter truthseeker...@hotmail.com To: SciFiNoir2 scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 3:17:28 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: RE: [scifinoir2] Re: Spartacus: Blood and Sand - Any good? Again with you all the way, Keith. THe curse words they're using are mostly Anglo-Saxon, something that folks who live in Greece (If I've got the geography right) aren't likely to speak. If all the world's a stage and all the people merely players, who in bloody hell hired the director? -- Charles L Grant http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com From: keithbjohn...@comcast.net Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 04:37:09 + Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: Spartacus: Blood and Sand - Any good? Looking at part of it again, the fight scenes really do border on kinda funny, the 300-style imitation is so over the top it reminds me more of the hilariously bloody fight scene with the Black Knight in Monty Python and The Holy Grail. I mean, seriously, the blood is spattering and splatering like red water from a burst balloon. One dude got knocked in the back of the head, and blood sprayed all over it was funny. The showrunners seem to have an almost perverse interest in showing closeups of flesh cut and spread, bodies impaled. Silly, gratuitous, unmoving. Quite a bit of nudity too, including of Lucy Lawless I believe. Bit of a shock that, seeing Xena topless, but much better than seeing the dudes' naked bottoms. :( Also there seems to be quite a bit of anachronistic language. At least, I'm not sure the term Where the fu** are the Romans? is accurate for the times. Two showings, and I haven't been able to sit through the whole thing yet without laughing or shaking my head at the whole thing. Anyone else? - Original Message - From: Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@comcast.net To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Friday, January 22, 2010 11:28:04 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Spartacus: Blood and Sand - Any good? Anyone watch the debut of this series? It's showing on both one of the Encore and Starz channels. I tried to watch the show, out of curiosity, and because Lucy Lawless is one of the stars. But I came in in the middle of a battle scene that frankly made me laugh and grown. Lawless in an interview I'd seen mentioned the show was modeled in part on 300. But what I saw was a bad imitation of 300: the same not-quite-real backgrounds, the now recognizable fast-slow-fast movements of the soldiers in battle, blue-grey backgrounds whose colors are splashed liberally with the blood flowing like wine in battle. Lots of close ups of decapitations, swords cleaving flesh to expose nasty cuts. it was all a bit too frenetic and artificial looking for me. And I gotta admit that title--...Blood and Sand already had me a bit leery. Granted, i didn't see anything but the battle. Maybe the actual acting is good and it's worth a look? Can anyone give a recommendation? *** http://www.starz.com/originals/spartacus Betrayed by the Romans. Forced into slavery. Reborn as a Gladiator. The classic tale of the Republic’s most infamous rebel comes alive in the graphic and visceral new series, Spartacus: Blood and Sand . Torn from his homeland and the woman he loves, Spartacus is condemned to the brutal world of the arena where blood and death are primetime entertainment. But not all battles are fought
[scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish
I think Monster's Ball should be seen as part of Lee Daniels' oeuvre, this would include the heavily lauded Precious and the little appreciated Shadowboxer. In fact, Precious actually deepens my appreciation of Halle's Academy Award performance. Daniels is an emerging master of both ensemble casting and performance Likewise, I think Titantic should be seen as part of James Cameron's oeuvre. I recently re-saw The Abyss and it confirmed my opinion that even when Cameron is bad, he is good. I don't believe there is anybody better at well-crafted populist cinema that Cameron. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Grayson grayson.reyesc...@... wrote: The thing is... I like everybody in this movie. Berry, Cheadle, Jackman, and Travolta who I am loving more and more lately (absolutely loved him in The Taking of Pelham 123 even though the the plot of that movie--remake or not--was as thin as Nick Cage's hairline) plus the very tiny roll for Vinnie Jones who I always like in a fight. But the movie is just... bad. Also is it bad that I haven't seen Monster's Ball and have absolutely no desire to do so. It's on my list of movies to never see. Titanic is also on this list as well as a few other Best Picture nominees/winners. Grayson --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Kelwyn ravenadal@ wrote: I've seen Swordfish many times. It is not good but it has charms. For me, Halle's short red dress scene in Hugh Jackman's trailer is better than either her lingerie scene or her topless scene (if you wanna see Halle's assets, Monster's Ball is a better bet). I like Don Cheadle's dogged detective, I like the business at the bank, the business with the bus and, IMHO, John Travolta is always fun to watch. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Grayson Reyes-Cole grayson.reyescole@ wrote: I don't know if this movie has ever been discussed here, but I just watched Swordfish all over again for two reasons 1) I was bored and 2) I keep thinking if I watch it again I will like it more. Neither reason was worth the effort. I'm just curious, lots of people I know like the movie and not just because they got to see Halle Berry's boobies, I'm in the minority because I don't (the only scene I like is when Hugh Jackman is explaining how he cracked the DoD, Halle Berry negates all of his explanations, then he fesses up to just being au naturel and seeing the code in his head). What do you think? Grayson Reyes-Cole http://www.graysonreyescole.com Facebook Bright Star The Builder The Prescription Playboy
[scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish
And, while there wasn't much there, what there was... was choice! ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Mr. Worf hellomahog...@... wrote: The only reason I watched the movie was for Halle's breasts. On Sun, Jan 24, 2010 at 1:57 PM, Grayson grayson.reyesc...@...wrote: The thing is... I like everybody in this movie. Berry, Cheadle, Jackman, and Travolta who I am loving more and more lately (absolutely loved him in The Taking of Pelham 123 even though the the plot of that movie--remake or not--was as thin as Nick Cage's hairline) plus the very tiny roll for Vinnie Jones who I always like in a fight. But the movie is just... bad. Also is it bad that I haven't seen Monster's Ball and have absolutely no desire to do so. It's on my list of movies to never see. Titanic is also on this list as well as a few other Best Picture nominees/winners. Grayson --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Kelwyn ravenadal@ wrote: I've seen Swordfish many times. It is not good but it has charms. For me, Halle's short red dress scene in Hugh Jackman's trailer is better than either her lingerie scene or her topless scene (if you wanna see Halle's assets, Monster's Ball is a better bet). I like Don Cheadle's dogged detective, I like the business at the bank, the business with the bus and, IMHO, John Travolta is always fun to watch. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Grayson Reyes-Cole grayson.reyescole@ wrote: I don't know if this movie has ever been discussed here, but I just watched Swordfish all over again for two reasons 1) I was bored and 2) I keep thinking if I watch it again I will like it more. Neither reason was worth the effort. I'm just curious, lots of people I know like the movie and not just because they got to see Halle Berry's boobies, I'm in the minority because I don't (the only scene I like is when Hugh Jackman is explaining how he cracked the DoD, Halle Berry negates all of his explanations, then he fesses up to just being au naturel and seeing the code in his head). What do you think? Grayson Reyes-Cole http://www.graysonreyescole.com Facebook Bright Star The Builder The Prescription Playboy Post your SciFiNoir Profile at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scifinoir2/app/peoplemap2/entry/add?fmvn=mapYahoo! Groups Links -- Celebrating 10 years of bringing diversity to perversity! Mahogany at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mahogany_pleasures_of_darkness/
[scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish
And, while there wasn't much there, what there was... was choice! ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Mr. Worf hellomahog...@... wrote: The only reason I watched the movie was for Halle's breasts. On Sun, Jan 24, 2010 at 1:57 PM, Grayson grayson.reyesc...@...wrote: The thing is... I like everybody in this movie. Berry, Cheadle, Jackman, and Travolta who I am loving more and more lately (absolutely loved him in The Taking of Pelham 123 even though the the plot of that movie--remake or not--was as thin as Nick Cage's hairline) plus the very tiny roll for Vinnie Jones who I always like in a fight. But the movie is just... bad. Also is it bad that I haven't seen Monster's Ball and have absolutely no desire to do so. It's on my list of movies to never see. Titanic is also on this list as well as a few other Best Picture nominees/winners. Grayson --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Kelwyn ravenadal@ wrote: I've seen Swordfish many times. It is not good but it has charms. For me, Halle's short red dress scene in Hugh Jackman's trailer is better than either her lingerie scene or her topless scene (if you wanna see Halle's assets, Monster's Ball is a better bet). I like Don Cheadle's dogged detective, I like the business at the bank, the business with the bus and, IMHO, John Travolta is always fun to watch. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Grayson Reyes-Cole grayson.reyescole@ wrote: I don't know if this movie has ever been discussed here, but I just watched Swordfish all over again for two reasons 1) I was bored and 2) I keep thinking if I watch it again I will like it more. Neither reason was worth the effort. I'm just curious, lots of people I know like the movie and not just because they got to see Halle Berry's boobies, I'm in the minority because I don't (the only scene I like is when Hugh Jackman is explaining how he cracked the DoD, Halle Berry negates all of his explanations, then he fesses up to just being au naturel and seeing the code in his head). What do you think? Grayson Reyes-Cole http://www.graysonreyescole.com Facebook Bright Star The Builder The Prescription Playboy Post your SciFiNoir Profile at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scifinoir2/app/peoplemap2/entry/add?fmvn=mapYahoo! Groups Links -- Celebrating 10 years of bringing diversity to perversity! Mahogany at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mahogany_pleasures_of_darkness/
Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish
I hear you, I just had issues with Monster's Ball as stated below. Seen enough of that stuff from movies my whole life without needing to revisit it again. And unlike Precious--which while rough, at least reflects a bitter reality of black American life--the unique story of Monster's Ball isn't one that's as universal to me. At least, I can't remember the last time I saw black women hooking up with racists white guys since all those slave-era movies where that very thing happened. I'd have told a movie like that with a black man helping Berry navigate the tragedy of her life. We need to see more of the stories--and they are out there--of black men and women working *together*.But that's just me. Like i said: that was a movie written by a white man with a white man's sensibilities. - Original Message - From: Kelwyn ravena...@yahoo.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 7:10:42 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish I think Monster's Ball should be seen as part of Lee Daniels' oeuvre, this would include the heavily lauded Precious and the little appreciated Shadowboxer. In fact, Precious actually deepens my appreciation of Halle's Academy Award performance. Daniels is an emerging master of both ensemble casting and performance Likewise, I think Titantic should be seen as part of James Cameron's oeuvre. I recently re-saw The Abyss and it confirmed my opinion that even when Cameron is bad, he is good. I don't believe there is anybody better at well-crafted populist cinema that Cameron. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com , Grayson grayson.reyesc...@... wrote: The thing is... I like everybody in this movie. Berry, Cheadle, Jackman, and Travolta who I am loving more and more lately (absolutely loved him in The Taking of Pelham 123 even though the the plot of that movie--remake or not--was as thin as Nick Cage's hairline) plus the very tiny roll for Vinnie Jones who I always like in a fight. But the movie is just... bad. Also is it bad that I haven't seen Monster's Ball and have absolutely no desire to do so. It's on my list of movies to never see. Titanic is also on this list as well as a few other Best Picture nominees/winners. Grayson --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com , Kelwyn ravenadal@ wrote: I've seen Swordfish many times. It is not good but it has charms. For me, Halle's short red dress scene in Hugh Jackman's trailer is better than either her lingerie scene or her topless scene (if you wanna see Halle's assets, Monster's Ball is a better bet). I like Don Cheadle's dogged detective, I like the business at the bank, the business with the bus and, IMHO, John Travolta is always fun to watch. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com , Grayson Reyes-Cole grayson.reyescole@ wrote: I don't know if this movie has ever been discussed here, but I just watched Swordfish all over again for two reasons 1) I was bored and 2) I keep thinking if I watch it again I will like it more. Neither reason was worth the effort. I'm just curious, lots of people I know like the movie and not just because they got to see Halle Berry's boobies, I'm in the minority because I don't (the only scene I like is when Hugh Jackman is explaining how he cracked the DoD, Halle Berry negates all of his explanations, then he fesses up to just being au naturel and seeing the code in his head). What do you think? Grayson Reyes-Cole http://www.graysonreyescole.com Facebook Bright Star The Builder The Prescription Playboy
Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish
I have to agree with you on that. He is the king of hyped movies. On Sun, Jan 24, 2010 at 4:10 PM, Kelwyn ravena...@yahoo.com wrote: I think Monster's Ball should be seen as part of Lee Daniels' oeuvre, this would include the heavily lauded Precious and the little appreciated Shadowboxer. In fact, Precious actually deepens my appreciation of Halle's Academy Award performance. Daniels is an emerging master of both ensemble casting and performance Likewise, I think Titantic should be seen as part of James Cameron's oeuvre. I recently re-saw The Abyss and it confirmed my opinion that even when Cameron is bad, he is good. I don't believe there is anybody better at well-crafted populist cinema that Cameron. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Grayson grayson.reyesc...@... wrote: The thing is... I like everybody in this movie. Berry, Cheadle, Jackman, and Travolta who I am loving more and more lately (absolutely loved him in The Taking of Pelham 123 even though the the plot of that movie--remake or not--was as thin as Nick Cage's hairline) plus the very tiny roll for Vinnie Jones who I always like in a fight. But the movie is just... bad. Also is it bad that I haven't seen Monster's Ball and have absolutely no desire to do so. It's on my list of movies to never see. Titanic is also on this list as well as a few other Best Picture nominees/winners. Grayson --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Kelwyn ravenadal@ wrote: I've seen Swordfish many times. It is not good but it has charms. For me, Halle's short red dress scene in Hugh Jackman's trailer is better than either her lingerie scene or her topless scene (if you wanna see Halle's assets, Monster's Ball is a better bet). I like Don Cheadle's dogged detective, I like the business at the bank, the business with the bus and, IMHO, John Travolta is always fun to watch. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Grayson Reyes-Cole grayson.reyescole@ wrote: I don't know if this movie has ever been discussed here, but I just watched Swordfish all over again for two reasons 1) I was bored and 2) I keep thinking if I watch it again I will like it more. Neither reason was worth the effort. I'm just curious, lots of people I know like the movie and not just because they got to see Halle Berry's boobies, I'm in the minority because I don't (the only scene I like is when Hugh Jackman is explaining how he cracked the DoD, Halle Berry negates all of his explanations, then he fesses up to just being au naturel and seeing the code in his head). What do you think? Grayson Reyes-Cole http://www.graysonreyescole.com Facebook Bright Star The Builder The Prescription Playboy Post your SciFiNoir Profile at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/scifinoir2/app/peoplemap2/entry/add?fmvn=mapYahoo! Groups Links -- Celebrating 10 years of bringing diversity to perversity! Mahogany at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mahogany_pleasures_of_darkness/
Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish
Actually, black women hooking up with rednecks happens a lot more than you might think. There are various reasons for it that I am still analyzing. On Sun, Jan 24, 2010 at 4:26 PM, Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@comcast.netwrote: I hear you, I just had issues with Monster's Ball as stated below. Seen enough of that stuff from movies my whole life without needing to revisit it again. And unlike Precious--which while rough, at least reflects a bitter reality of black American life--the unique story of Monster's Ball isn't one that's as universal to me. At least, I can't remember the last time I saw black women hooking up with racists white guys since all those slave-era movies where that very thing happened. I'd have told a movie like that with a black man helping Berry navigate the tragedy of her life. We need to see more of the stories--and they are out there--of black men and women working *together*.But that's just me. Like i said: that was a movie written by a white man with a white man's sensibilities. - Original Message - From: Kelwyn ravena...@yahoo.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 7:10:42 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish I think Monster's Ball should be seen as part of Lee Daniels' oeuvre, this would include the heavily lauded Precious and the little appreciated Shadowboxer. In fact, Precious actually deepens my appreciation of Halle's Academy Award performance. Daniels is an emerging master of both ensemble casting and performance Likewise, I think Titantic should be seen as part of James Cameron's oeuvre. I recently re-saw The Abyss and it confirmed my opinion that even when Cameron is bad, he is good. I don't believe there is anybody better at well-crafted populist cinema that Cameron. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com scifinoir2%40yahoogroups.com, Grayson grayson.reyesc...@... wrote: The thing is... I like everybody in this movie. Berry, Cheadle, Jackman, and Travolta who I am loving more and more lately (absolutely loved him in The Taking of Pelham 123 even though the the plot of that movie--remake or not--was as thin as Nick Cage's hairline) plus the very tiny roll for Vinnie Jones who I always like in a fight. But the movie is just... bad. Also is it bad that I haven't seen Monster's Ball and have absolutely no desire to do so. It's on my list of movies to never see. Titanic is also on this list as well as a few other Best Picture nominees/winners. Grayson --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com scifinoir2%40yahoogroups.com, Kelwyn ravenadal@ wrote: I've seen Swordfish many times. It is not good but it has charms. For me, Halle's short red dress scene in Hugh Jackman's trailer is better than either her lingerie scene or her topless scene (if you wanna see Halle's assets, Monster's Ball is a better bet). I like Don Cheadle's dogged detective, I like the business at the bank, the business with the bus and, IMHO, John Travolta is always fun to watch. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com scifinoir2%40yahoogroups.com, Grayson Reyes-Cole grayson.reyescole@ wrote: I don't know if this movie has ever been discussed here, but I just watched Swordfish all over again for two reasons 1) I was bored and 2) I keep thinking if I watch it again I will like it more. Neither reason was worth the effort. I'm just curious, lots of people I know like the movie and not just because they got to see Halle Berry's boobies, I'm in the minority because I don't (the only scene I like is when Hugh Jackman is explaining how he cracked the DoD, Halle Berry negates all of his explanations, then he fesses up to just being au naturel and seeing the code in his head). What do you think? Grayson Reyes-Cole http://www.graysonreyescole.com Facebook Bright Star The Builder The Prescription Playboy -- Celebrating 10 years of bringing diversity to perversity! Mahogany at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mahogany_pleasures_of_darkness/
[scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish
The merits of Monster's Ball have been argued ad nauseum in this space. It is a movie that pushes buttons. I am of the minority that believes it is high brow exploration of race and class (Berry, Thornton, Heath Ledger and Mos Def do good work in this film). The majority dismisses it as trash. The debate, like the beat, goes on. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@... wrote: I hear you, I just had issues with Monster's Ball as stated below. Seen enough of that stuff from movies my whole life without needing to revisit it again. And unlike Precious--which while rough, at least reflects a bitter reality of black American life--the unique story of Monster's Ball isn't one that's as universal to me. At least, I can't remember the last time I saw black women hooking up with racists white guys since all those slave-era movies where that very thing happened. I'd have told a movie like that with a black man helping Berry navigate the tragedy of her life. We need to see more of the stories--and they are out there--of black men and women working *together*.But that's just me. Like i said: that was a movie written by a white man with a white man's sensibilities. - Original Message - From: Kelwyn ravena...@... To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 7:10:42 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish I think Monster's Ball should be seen as part of Lee Daniels' oeuvre, this would include the heavily lauded Precious and the little appreciated Shadowboxer. In fact, Precious actually deepens my appreciation of Halle's Academy Award performance. Daniels is an emerging master of both ensemble casting and performance Likewise, I think Titantic should be seen as part of James Cameron's oeuvre. I recently re-saw The Abyss and it confirmed my opinion that even when Cameron is bad, he is good. I don't believe there is anybody better at well-crafted populist cinema that Cameron. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com , Grayson grayson.reyescole@ wrote: The thing is... I like everybody in this movie. Berry, Cheadle, Jackman, and Travolta who I am loving more and more lately (absolutely loved him in The Taking of Pelham 123 even though the the plot of that movie--remake or not--was as thin as Nick Cage's hairline) plus the very tiny roll for Vinnie Jones who I always like in a fight. But the movie is just... bad. Also is it bad that I haven't seen Monster's Ball and have absolutely no desire to do so. It's on my list of movies to never see. Titanic is also on this list as well as a few other Best Picture nominees/winners. Grayson --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com , Kelwyn ravenadal@ wrote: I've seen Swordfish many times. It is not good but it has charms. For me, Halle's short red dress scene in Hugh Jackman's trailer is better than either her lingerie scene or her topless scene (if you wanna see Halle's assets, Monster's Ball is a better bet). I like Don Cheadle's dogged detective, I like the business at the bank, the business with the bus and, IMHO, John Travolta is always fun to watch. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com , Grayson Reyes-Cole grayson.reyescole@ wrote: I don't know if this movie has ever been discussed here, but I just watched Swordfish all over again for two reasons 1) I was bored and 2) I keep thinking if I watch it again I will like it more. Neither reason was worth the effort. I'm just curious, lots of people I know like the movie and not just because they got to see Halle Berry's boobies, I'm in the minority because I don't (the only scene I like is when Hugh Jackman is explaining how he cracked the DoD, Halle Berry negates all of his explanations, then he fesses up to just being au naturel and seeing the code in his head). What do you think? Grayson Reyes-Cole http://www.graysonreyescole.com Facebook Bright Star The Builder The Prescription Playboy
[scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish
Yeah, I'm sorry Rave, but I can't do it. No Titanic and no Monster's Ball regardless of who's oevre it is. I don't typically watch movies that don't speak to me regardless of their importance or high regard. It's possible I miss out on some things, but I'm comfortable with that. I remind myself that the world of known art is so large I cannot possibly consume everything and there is something in the world right at this very moment I would love if I were exposed to it, but I will never know about. OK, random tangent over. On another note, I am a James Cameron fan even if he's vicious to fans in airports. The Abyss is one of my all time favorite movies despite the very, very end which for me was a let down. Grayson --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Kelwyn ravena...@... wrote: I think Monster's Ball should be seen as part of Lee Daniels' oeuvre, this would include the heavily lauded Precious and the little appreciated Shadowboxer. In fact, Precious actually deepens my appreciation of Halle's Academy Award performance. Daniels is an emerging master of both ensemble casting and performance Likewise, I think Titantic should be seen as part of James Cameron's oeuvre. I recently re-saw The Abyss and it confirmed my opinion that even when Cameron is bad, he is good. I don't believe there is anybody better at well-crafted populist cinema that Cameron. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Grayson grayson.reyescole@ wrote: The thing is... I like everybody in this movie. Berry, Cheadle, Jackman, and Travolta who I am loving more and more lately (absolutely loved him in The Taking of Pelham 123 even though the the plot of that movie--remake or not--was as thin as Nick Cage's hairline) plus the very tiny roll for Vinnie Jones who I always like in a fight. But the movie is just... bad. Also is it bad that I haven't seen Monster's Ball and have absolutely no desire to do so. It's on my list of movies to never see. Titanic is also on this list as well as a few other Best Picture nominees/winners. Grayson --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Kelwyn ravenadal@ wrote: I've seen Swordfish many times. It is not good but it has charms. For me, Halle's short red dress scene in Hugh Jackman's trailer is better than either her lingerie scene or her topless scene (if you wanna see Halle's assets, Monster's Ball is a better bet). I like Don Cheadle's dogged detective, I like the business at the bank, the business with the bus and, IMHO, John Travolta is always fun to watch. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Grayson Reyes-Cole grayson.reyescole@ wrote: I don't know if this movie has ever been discussed here, but I just watched Swordfish all over again for two reasons 1) I was bored and 2) I keep thinking if I watch it again I will like it more. Neither reason was worth the effort. I'm just curious, lots of people I know like the movie and not just because they got to see Halle Berry's boobies, I'm in the minority because I don't (the only scene I like is when Hugh Jackman is explaining how he cracked the DoD, Halle Berry negates all of his explanations, then he fesses up to just being au naturel and seeing the code in his head). What do you think? Grayson Reyes-Cole http://www.graysonreyescole.com Facebook Bright Star The Builder The Prescription Playboy
Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish
Trust me, I'm from Texas and live in Georgia. I know it's a reality of life. What I'm saying, though, is it's not the greatest reality of black life. And, Hollywood is still in 2010 criminally negligent when it goes to showing healthy black male/female couples. It's not that the story is fiction, per se, it's just something I've see way too many times from a movie industry that loves putting white men with black women, but feels as if two black people onscreen is something to be avoided. - Original Message - From: Mr. Worf hellomahog...@gmail.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 7:39:21 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish Actually, black women hooking up with rednecks happens a lot more than you might think. There are various reasons for it that I am still analyzing. On Sun, Jan 24, 2010 at 4:26 PM, Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@comcast.net wrote: I hear you, I just had issues with Monster's Ball as stated below. Seen enough of that stuff from movies my whole life without needing to revisit it again. And unlike Precious--which while rough, at least reflects a bitter reality of black American life--the unique story of Monster's Ball isn't one that's as universal to me. At least, I can't remember the last time I saw black women hooking up with racists white guys since all those slave-era movies where that very thing happened. I'd have told a movie like that with a black man helping Berry navigate the tragedy of her life. We need to see more of the stories--and they are out there--of black men and women working *together*.But that's just me. Like i said: that was a movie written by a white man with a white man's sensibilities. - Original Message - From: Kelwyn ravena...@yahoo.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 7:10:42 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish I think Monster's Ball should be seen as part of Lee Daniels' oeuvre, this would include the heavily lauded Precious and the little appreciated Shadowboxer. In fact, Precious actually deepens my appreciation of Halle's Academy Award performance. Daniels is an emerging master of both ensemble casting and performance Likewise, I think Titantic should be seen as part of James Cameron's oeuvre. I recently re-saw The Abyss and it confirmed my opinion that even when Cameron is bad, he is good. I don't believe there is anybody better at well-crafted populist cinema that Cameron. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com , Grayson grayson.reyesc...@... wrote: The thing is... I like everybody in this movie. Berry, Cheadle, Jackman, and Travolta who I am loving more and more lately (absolutely loved him in The Taking of Pelham 123 even though the the plot of that movie--remake or not--was as thin as Nick Cage's hairline) plus the very tiny roll for Vinnie Jones who I always like in a fight. But the movie is just... bad. Also is it bad that I haven't seen Monster's Ball and have absolutely no desire to do so. It's on my list of movies to never see. Titanic is also on this list as well as a few other Best Picture nominees/winners. Grayson --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com , Kelwyn ravenadal@ wrote: I've seen Swordfish many times. It is not good but it has charms. For me, Halle's short red dress scene in Hugh Jackman's trailer is better than either her lingerie scene or her topless scene (if you wanna see Halle's assets, Monster's Ball is a better bet). I like Don Cheadle's dogged detective, I like the business at the bank, the business with the bus and, IMHO, John Travolta is always fun to watch. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com , Grayson Reyes-Cole grayson.reyescole@ wrote: I don't know if this movie has ever been discussed here, but I just watched Swordfish all over again for two reasons 1) I was bored and 2) I keep thinking if I watch it again I will like it more. Neither reason was worth the effort. I'm just curious, lots of people I know like the movie and not just because they got to see Halle Berry's boobies, I'm in the minority because I don't (the only scene I like is when Hugh Jackman is explaining how he cracked the DoD, Halle Berry negates all of his explanations, then he fesses up to just being au naturel and seeing the code in his head). What do you think? Grayson Reyes-Cole http://www.graysonreyescole.com Facebook Bright Star The Builder The Prescription Playboy -- Celebrating 10 years of bringing diversity to perversity! Mahogany at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mahogany_pleasures_of_darkness/
Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish
'Tis true, my man. And if we lived in a world where we got more positive big screen releases showing black men and women helping each other, it'd not irritate me as much. Even in 2010 with all the crossing of ethnic lines for marriage, with more people than ever marrying people of other colors, the average black person in America still marries another black person--even with NBA players' predilections :) We have a real problem in America with image and perception when it comes to the black family. That's why so many people were so insanely happy to see the Obama's ascend to the White House. I'm not accusing the movie of being unrealistic, just of focusing on something that, while real, isn't as important as black men and women helping each other--IMHO. I couldn't recall any discussion on this film in this group back when it came out. Then I realized, I never saw it in theatres because I didn't want to support it. More importantly, it came out less than two month's after my father died, and I was barely checking e-mail for a long time, let alone contributing any. Sorry to beat that deceased equine again! - Original Message - From: Kelwyn ravena...@yahoo.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 7:39:19 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish The merits of Monster's Ball have been argued ad nauseum in this space. It is a movie that pushes buttons. I am of the minority that believes it is high brow exploration of race and class (Berry, Thornton, Heath Ledger and Mos Def do good work in this film). The majority dismisses it as trash. The debate, like the beat, goes on. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com , Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@... wrote: I hear you, I just had issues with Monster's Ball as stated below. Seen enough of that stuff from movies my whole life without needing to revisit it again. And unlike Precious--which while rough, at least reflects a bitter reality of black American life--the unique story of Monster's Ball isn't one that's as universal to me. At least, I can't remember the last time I saw black women hooking up with racists white guys since all those slave-era movies where that very thing happened. I'd have told a movie like that with a black man helping Berry navigate the tragedy of her life. We need to see more of the stories--and they are out there--of black men and women working *together*.But that's just me. Like i said: that was a movie written by a white man with a white man's sensibilities. - Original Message - From: Kelwyn ravena...@... To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 7:10:42 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish I think Monster's Ball should be seen as part of Lee Daniels' oeuvre, this would include the heavily lauded Precious and the little appreciated Shadowboxer. In fact, Precious actually deepens my appreciation of Halle's Academy Award performance. Daniels is an emerging master of both ensemble casting and performance Likewise, I think Titantic should be seen as part of James Cameron's oeuvre. I recently re-saw The Abyss and it confirmed my opinion that even when Cameron is bad, he is good. I don't believe there is anybody better at well-crafted populist cinema that Cameron. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com , Grayson grayson.reyescole@ wrote: The thing is... I like everybody in this movie. Berry, Cheadle, Jackman, and Travolta who I am loving more and more lately (absolutely loved him in The Taking of Pelham 123 even though the the plot of that movie--remake or not--was as thin as Nick Cage's hairline) plus the very tiny roll for Vinnie Jones who I always like in a fight. But the movie is just... bad. Also is it bad that I haven't seen Monster's Ball and have absolutely no desire to do so. It's on my list of movies to never see. Titanic is also on this list as well as a few other Best Picture nominees/winners. Grayson --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com , Kelwyn ravenadal@ wrote: I've seen Swordfish many times. It is not good but it has charms. For me, Halle's short red dress scene in Hugh Jackman's trailer is better than either her lingerie scene or her topless scene (if you wanna see Halle's assets, Monster's Ball is a better bet). I like Don Cheadle's dogged detective, I like the business at the bank, the business with the bus and, IMHO, John Travolta is always fun to watch. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com , Grayson Reyes-Cole grayson.reyescole@ wrote: I don't know if this movie has ever been discussed here, but I just watched Swordfish all over again for two reasons 1) I was bored and 2) I keep thinking if I watch it again I will like it more. Neither reason was worth the effort. I'm
RE: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish
Just weighing in on Mr Worf's to say that sure black women hook up with rednecks, but why does it take that much analyzing? The disrespect many black men show women is no different in my opinion than some racist redneck, if you've accepted that men are going to treat you like trash... what's the difference? I'm not saying this is always the reason, but I've lived in the South my whole life and it's one reality I see. Aubrey Leatherwood www.aubreyleatherwood.com FaceBook * MySpace Dime Can Nicole resist the call of the stage or the call of her heart? Imperfection A tale of perfect commitment, perfect love... and perfect sex. The People You Know, The Sex They Have ROMANTIC TIMES NOMINEE FOR BEST CONTEMPORARY EROTICA 2008 CAPA and PSYCHE AWARD NOMINEE FOR 2009 ISBN: 978-0-9818905-0-0 _ Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/196390708/direct/01/
Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish
Okay, I'll bite: Why do you avoid Titanic? What other popular films have you actively avoided (rather than, just not having gotten around to seeing?) And what's this about Cameron treating fans badly? - Original Message - From: Grayson grayson.reyesc...@yahoo.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 7:45:18 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish Yeah, I'm sorry Rave, but I can't do it. No Titanic and no Monster's Ball regardless of who's oevre it is. I don't typically watch movies that don't speak to me regardless of their importance or high regard. It's possible I miss out on some things, but I'm comfortable with that. I remind myself that the world of known art is so large I cannot possibly consume everything and there is something in the world right at this very moment I would love if I were exposed to it, but I will never know about. OK, random tangent over. On another note, I am a James Cameron fan even if he's vicious to fans in airports. The Abyss is one of my all time favorite movies despite the very, very end which for me was a let down. Grayson --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com , Kelwyn ravena...@... wrote: I think Monster's Ball should be seen as part of Lee Daniels' oeuvre, this would include the heavily lauded Precious and the little appreciated Shadowboxer. In fact, Precious actually deepens my appreciation of Halle's Academy Award performance. Daniels is an emerging master of both ensemble casting and performance Likewise, I think Titantic should be seen as part of James Cameron's oeuvre. I recently re-saw The Abyss and it confirmed my opinion that even when Cameron is bad, he is good. I don't believe there is anybody better at well-crafted populist cinema that Cameron. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com , Grayson grayson.reyescole@ wrote: The thing is... I like everybody in this movie. Berry, Cheadle, Jackman, and Travolta who I am loving more and more lately (absolutely loved him in The Taking of Pelham 123 even though the the plot of that movie--remake or not--was as thin as Nick Cage's hairline) plus the very tiny roll for Vinnie Jones who I always like in a fight. But the movie is just... bad. Also is it bad that I haven't seen Monster's Ball and have absolutely no desire to do so. It's on my list of movies to never see. Titanic is also on this list as well as a few other Best Picture nominees/winners. Grayson --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com , Kelwyn ravenadal@ wrote: I've seen Swordfish many times. It is not good but it has charms. For me, Halle's short red dress scene in Hugh Jackman's trailer is better than either her lingerie scene or her topless scene (if you wanna see Halle's assets, Monster's Ball is a better bet). I like Don Cheadle's dogged detective, I like the business at the bank, the business with the bus and, IMHO, John Travolta is always fun to watch. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com , Grayson Reyes-Cole grayson.reyescole@ wrote: I don't know if this movie has ever been discussed here, but I just watched Swordfish all over again for two reasons 1) I was bored and 2) I keep thinking if I watch it again I will like it more. Neither reason was worth the effort. I'm just curious, lots of people I know like the movie and not just because they got to see Halle Berry's boobies, I'm in the minority because I don't (the only scene I like is when Hugh Jackman is explaining how he cracked the DoD, Halle Berry negates all of his explanations, then he fesses up to just being au naturel and seeing the code in his head). What do you think? Grayson Reyes-Cole http://www.graysonreyescole.com Facebook Bright Star The Builder The Prescription Playboy
[scifinoir2] James Cameron Gets Nasty to A Fan in an Airpot
Keith, Answer to one request: http://www.examiner.com/x-34112-Manchester-Celebrity-Headlines-Examiner~y2009m12d24-James-Cameron-is-a-Grinch-to-Avatar-fan-at-airport Grayson --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com, Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@... wrote: Okay, I'll bite: Why do you avoid Titanic? What other popular films have you actively avoided (rather than, just not having gotten around to seeing?) And what's this about Cameron treating fans badly?
Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish
Good question, but I live in the South too, and I can't honestly say I've seen such a huge number of black women hook up with dudes who might as well be in the Klan. I think the level of racism in Thornton and his dad in the movie is one of my problems: most black women would have bolted. Do I know some who wouldn't? Sure, but like I said, that particular segment of society--black women who date virulently racist white men--isn't the largest part of black culture. I'm more concerned about showing the struggles of black men and women trying to make it together, as that's still the greater part of black society. As for whether it's worse for a black woman to hook up with a racist or a disrespectful brother? Hmmm...can't say I've ever done a comparison of that. Speaking as a black man, whatever other problems I might have with the opposite sex, i wouldn't want to be bringing racism into the mix. I'd *never* hook up with a white woman who thought my people were inferior even in the smallest part. It's pretty darn hard to purge one's psyche of deep-seated racism. I've known many black men and women who've gotten with whites who are prejudiced, and it turns my stomach. Even when they love the black people, they feel that have a free pass to make little racist jokes, call their loved one the n-word (happened in front of me once, I almost lost it). And often, their families can be even worse. I have a friend right now who's dating someone from the Deep South, and that person feels comfortable making all kinds of negative comments about black people. That person's family is straight-out bigoted, and don't get the mixing. All other things being equal, whatever other problems you might have with a significant other or their family, it'd be nice to take racism off the list. - Original Message - From: Aubrey Leatherwood aubrey.leatherw...@hotmail.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 8:15:15 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: RE: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish Just weighing in on Mr Worf's to say that sure black women hook up with rednecks, but why does it take that much analyzing? The disrespect many black men show women is no different in my opinion than some racist redneck, if you've accepted that men are going to treat you like trash... what's the difference? I'm not saying this is always the reason, but I've lived in the South my whole life and it's one reality I see. Aubrey Leatherwood www.aubreyleatherwood.com FaceBook * MySpace Dime Can Nicole resist the call of the stage or the call of her heart? Imperfection A tale of perfect commitment, perfect love... and perfect sex. The People You Know, The Sex They Have ROMANTIC TIMES NOMINEE FOR BEST CONTEMPORARY EROTICA 2008 CAPA and PSYCHE AWARD NOMINEE FOR 2009 ISBN: 978-0-9818905-0-0 Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. Get it now.
Re: [scifinoir2] James Cameron Gets Nasty to A Fan in an Airpot
wow, guess it's no surprise. I've heard for years he's a jerk. I remember back when he was married to Linda Hamilton, they were attending the Academy Awards, and got into an argument on the Red Carpet. I saw Cameron angrily grab Hamilton by the arm and say something to her, which struck me as way out of line. On a completely different note, the article says he used to call Kate Winslet Kate Weighs-a-lot That goes back to the point I made the other week about mainstream American perceptions of womens' bodies. I thought Winslet's curves were looking pretty damn fine in Titanic, and was actually upset when she got really thin a couple of years back. - Original Message - From: Grayson grayson.reyesc...@yahoo.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 8:24:09 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: [scifinoir2] James Cameron Gets Nasty to A Fan in an Airpot Keith, Answer to one request: http://www.examiner.com/x-34112-Manchester-Celebrity-Headlines-Examiner~y2009m12d24-James-Cameron-is-a-Grinch-to-Avatar-fan-at-airport Grayson --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com , Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@... wrote: Okay, I'll bite: Why do you avoid Titanic? What other popular films have you actively avoided (rather than, just not having gotten around to seeing?) And what's this about Cameron treating fans badly?
RE: [scifinoir2] 40 Gbps - Fastest Internet Connection to a Single Home
I may not be posting for awhile, as I'll be busy packing. If all the world's a stage and all the people merely players, who in bloody hell hired the director? -- Charles L Grant http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com From: hellomahog...@gmail.com Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 14:31:49 -0800 Subject: [scifinoir2] 40 Gbps - Fastest Internet Connection to a Single Home 40 Gbps - Fastest Internet Connection to a Single HomeJul 13, 2007 75-year old Swede has recently got a 40 Gbps internet connection directly to her home computer. She is a mum of the internet legend Peter Löthberg and they have got money and technology to make a connection like this. She decided to persuade internet operators to invest in faster internet connections. We used to see those optical fiber links and their speed used to be enough. Now when I heard about this I want such a connection. I would feel like I can download all the internet data in just seconds. Well, I am just joking but it is really fast. Imagine she can download a full HD DVD in just 2 seconds. My SATA II hard drive speed is just 3 Gbps I can't imagine how a home internet speed can be faster than my hard drive. It is a good thing that RAM is still a bit faster though. The secret that stands behind this speed is in new modulation technique. This technique allows data to be transferred to de distances up to 2,000 kilometers directly between only two routers. This does not involve any intermediary transponders which makes the connection even faster. Of course now you've got to get a high quality fiber optic cable to be able to get such speed. Moreover it will surely cost a fortune to get 40 Gbps internet connection. From: http://www.gadgets-reviews.com/index.php?id=411page=post -- Celebrating 10 years of bringing diversity to perversity! Mahogany at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mahogany_pleasures_of_darkness/ _ Hotmail: Trusted email with Microsoft’s powerful SPAM protection. http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/196390706/direct/01/
RE: [scifinoir2] Re: ATT U-verse Doomed?
I feel a teeny tiny bit better hearing this, but meanwhile this is an operations location, so it still sucks From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:scifino...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Mr. Worf Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 2:18 PM To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Re: ATT U-verse Doomed? The upper limit for fiber optic is over 1000 mbs. There are techniques where the could push it even higher than that. 1000mbs is just a standard and it has been around for 10 years. The last speed record was well over 2500. It all comes down to spending the money to update the signal boosters. ATT may not want to spend the money without help from the feds. Verizon's FIOS system runs at 50mbs down and 5mbs up. Which is better than anything else on the market right now. Oklahoma is an internet hub that links the west coast to the rest of the country. Most of the universities are redundant pieces of the web that automatically fills in if a hub goes down. On Sun, Jan 24, 2010 at 1:43 PM, Martin Baxter truthseeker...@hotmail.com wrote: Whom the heck's in Oklahoma, aside from college kids, and why do they (everyone there who isn't in college) need such bandwidth? If all the world's a stage and all the people merely players, who in bloody hell hired the director? -- Charles L Grant http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQUxw9aUVik _ To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com From: tdli...@multiculturaladvantage.com Date: Sun, 24 Jan 2010 12:52:14 -0800 Subject: RE: [scifinoir2] Re: ATT U-verse Doomed? At the bottom of the article the writer answers a reader question about whether he should get it. The Guy says he still wishes they had it where he lives and that he would get it in a heartbeat. Then he says he wishes he could also get Verizon FiOS. What is event more frustrating is that ATT U-Verse and Microsoft have major operations for this venture two miles from my house and on a list of the 22 states they are in, Washington is not on the list, but Oklahoma is. !?!?!?! From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:scifino...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Bosco Bosco Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 8:30 AM To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Re: ATT U-verse Doomed? I agree. I was a cable installer for a while and U-Verse smashes the next best competitor in my area to bits in all areas. They haven't failed yet. They may have issues but they also have incredible demand. Serious huge demand. Get on a waiting list to get it demand down here. I wouldn't rule them out just yet. B --- On Sun, 1/24/10, Kelwyn ravena...@yahoo.com wrote: From: Kelwyn ravena...@yahoo.com Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: ATT U-verse Doomed? To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Date: Sunday, January 24, 2010, 9:10 AM Isn't this always the way? As a unrepentant vidiot, I have done time with all the services and IMHO, ATT-U-verse is superior to all when you consider price, service and selection (for instance, DISH is cheapest but you can't get most of the black channels and BET is only available in the pricier tiers; Warner Cable is available everywhere - here in Milwaukee - but they don't carry the NFL network). Further, also IMHO, it is better to go without a dish instead of a dish (the ugly DISH Network dish is STILL attached to the front of my townhouse). It seems the best product always fails in the marketplace. That said, I have no sympathy for either ATT or Microsoft - although I do find it fascinating that they are running into problems when they finally deliver a better product. ~(no)rave! --- In scifino...@yahoogro ups.com http://mc/compose?to=scifino...@yahoogroups.com , Tracey de Morsella tdli...@... wrote: Many have heard of the difficulties in implementing ATT's U-verse IPTV http://www.tmcnet. com/tmcnet/ snapshots/ snapshots. http://www.tmcnet.com/tmcnet/snapshots/snapshots.aspx?Company=IPTV aspx?Company= IPTV service. ATT's U-verse network is actually a fiber/copper hybrid, which pulls fibers to 3,000 to 5,000 feet from the homes they serve, where it then connects to mini-DSLAMs called 52B boxes and then it runs copper the last mile to the home. This hybrid approach is a bargain when compared to the $20 http://blog. tmcnet.com/ blog/tom- keating/voip/ http://blog.tmcnet.com/blog/tom-keating/voip/verizon-races-to-build-fiber-t verizon-races- to-build- fiber-t o-fend-off-voip- and-cable- rivals.asp billion Verizon http://www.tmcnet. com/tmcnet/ snapshots/ snapshots. http://www.tmcnet.com/tmcnet/snapshots/snapshots.aspx?Company=Verizon aspx?Company= Verizon is spending to build-out fiber all the way to the home. This hybrid fiber/copper approach gives ATT a 20Mbps+ link to customers, enough to offer high-speed Internet, VoIP, and the company's IPTV service. The problem is getting towns to grant public right of ways for these massive 52B boxes, which hold DSLAMS, batteries, and cooling gear in
Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish
Its more like white men with any woman of any race. Even aliens! It is a luxury of being in power. They allow themselves too many liberties without much basis rooted in reality. On Sun, Jan 24, 2010 at 5:07 PM, Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@comcast.netwrote: Trust me, I'm from Texas and live in Georgia. I know it's a reality of life. What I'm saying, though, is it's not the greatest reality of black life. And, Hollywood is still in 2010 criminally negligent when it goes to showing healthy black male/female couples. It's not that the story is fiction, per se, it's just something I've see way too many times from a movie industry that loves putting white men with black women, but feels as if two black people onscreen is something to be avoided. - Original Message - From: Mr. Worf hellomahog...@gmail.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 7:39:21 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish Actually, black women hooking up with rednecks happens a lot more than you might think. There are various reasons for it that I am still analyzing. On Sun, Jan 24, 2010 at 4:26 PM, Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@comcast.netwrote: I hear you, I just had issues with Monster's Ball as stated below. Seen enough of that stuff from movies my whole life without needing to revisit it again. And unlike Precious--which while rough, at least reflects a bitter reality of black American life--the unique story of Monster's Ball isn't one that's as universal to me. At least, I can't remember the last time I saw black women hooking up with racists white guys since all those slave-era movies where that very thing happened. I'd have told a movie like that with a black man helping Berry navigate the tragedy of her life. We need to see more of the stories--and they are out there--of black men and women working *together*.But that's just me. Like i said: that was a movie written by a white man with a white man's sensibilities. - Original Message - From: Kelwyn ravena...@yahoo.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 7:10:42 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish I think Monster's Ball should be seen as part of Lee Daniels' oeuvre, this would include the heavily lauded Precious and the little appreciated Shadowboxer. In fact, Precious actually deepens my appreciation of Halle's Academy Award performance. Daniels is an emerging master of both ensemble casting and performance Likewise, I think Titantic should be seen as part of James Cameron's oeuvre. I recently re-saw The Abyss and it confirmed my opinion that even when Cameron is bad, he is good. I don't believe there is anybody better at well-crafted populist cinema that Cameron. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com scifinoir2%40yahoogroups.com, Grayson grayson.reyesc...@... wrote: The thing is... I like everybody in this movie. Berry, Cheadle, Jackman, and Travolta who I am loving more and more lately (absolutely loved him in The Taking of Pelham 123 even though the the plot of that movie--remake or not--was as thin as Nick Cage's hairline) plus the very tiny roll for Vinnie Jones who I always like in a fight. But the movie is just... bad. Also is it bad that I haven't seen Monster's Ball and have absolutely no desire to do so. It's on my list of movies to never see. Titanic is also on this list as well as a few other Best Picture nominees/winners. Grayson --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com scifinoir2%40yahoogroups.com, Kelwyn ravenadal@ wrote: I've seen Swordfish many times. It is not good but it has charms. For me, Halle's short red dress scene in Hugh Jackman's trailer is better than either her lingerie scene or her topless scene (if you wanna see Halle's assets, Monster's Ball is a better bet). I like Don Cheadle's dogged detective, I like the business at the bank, the business with the bus and, IMHO, John Travolta is always fun to watch. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com scifinoir2%40yahoogroups.com, Grayson Reyes-Cole grayson.reyescole@ wrote: I don't know if this movie has ever been discussed here, but I just watched Swordfish all over again for two reasons 1) I was bored and 2) I keep thinking if I watch it again I will like it more. Neither reason was worth the effort. I'm just curious, lots of people I know like the movie and not just because they got to see Halle Berry's boobies, I'm in the minority because I don't (the only scene I like is when Hugh Jackman is explaining how he cracked the DoD, Halle Berry negates all of his explanations, then he fesses up to just being au naturel and seeing the code in his head). What do you think? Grayson Reyes-Cole http://www.graysonreyescole.com Facebook Bright Star The Builder The Prescription Playboy -- Celebrating 10 years of
Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish
Agreed. I think that's why the whole Avatar angle of not just a human man, but a white human man, getting with an alien woman bothers some people. I have to see the movie to see if it bothers me. But that goes back to the FUBU concept for movies: i can't expect a white guy like Cameron to always think hey, I've got to put a black man in the lead role, when he already feels he's sending forth some positive messages about the environment, exploitation of indigenous species, etc. - Original Message - From: Mr. Worf hellomahog...@gmail.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 9:06:18 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish Its more like white men with any woman of any race. Even aliens! It is a luxury of being in power. They allow themselves too many liberties without much basis rooted in reality. On Sun, Jan 24, 2010 at 5:07 PM, Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@comcast.net wrote: Trust me, I'm from Texas and live in Georgia. I know it's a reality of life. What I'm saying, though, is it's not the greatest reality of black life. And, Hollywood is still in 2010 criminally negligent when it goes to showing healthy black male/female couples. It's not that the story is fiction, per se, it's just something I've see way too many times from a movie industry that loves putting white men with black women, but feels as if two black people onscreen is something to be avoided. - Original Message - From: Mr. Worf hellomahog...@gmail.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 7:39:21 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish Actually, black women hooking up with rednecks happens a lot more than you might think. There are various reasons for it that I am still analyzing. On Sun, Jan 24, 2010 at 4:26 PM, Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@comcast.net wrote: I hear you, I just had issues with Monster's Ball as stated below. Seen enough of that stuff from movies my whole life without needing to revisit it again. And unlike Precious--which while rough, at least reflects a bitter reality of black American life--the unique story of Monster's Ball isn't one that's as universal to me. At least, I can't remember the last time I saw black women hooking up with racists white guys since all those slave-era movies where that very thing happened. I'd have told a movie like that with a black man helping Berry navigate the tragedy of her life. We need to see more of the stories--and they are out there--of black men and women working *together*.But that's just me. Like i said: that was a movie written by a white man with a white man's sensibilities. - Original Message - From: Kelwyn ravena...@yahoo.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 7:10:42 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish I think Monster's Ball should be seen as part of Lee Daniels' oeuvre, this would include the heavily lauded Precious and the little appreciated Shadowboxer. In fact, Precious actually deepens my appreciation of Halle's Academy Award performance. Daniels is an emerging master of both ensemble casting and performance Likewise, I think Titantic should be seen as part of James Cameron's oeuvre. I recently re-saw The Abyss and it confirmed my opinion that even when Cameron is bad, he is good. I don't believe there is anybody better at well-crafted populist cinema that Cameron. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com , Grayson grayson.reyesc...@... wrote: The thing is... I like everybody in this movie. Berry, Cheadle, Jackman, and Travolta who I am loving more and more lately (absolutely loved him in The Taking of Pelham 123 even though the the plot of that movie--remake or not--was as thin as Nick Cage's hairline) plus the very tiny roll for Vinnie Jones who I always like in a fight. But the movie is just... bad. Also is it bad that I haven't seen Monster's Ball and have absolutely no desire to do so. It's on my list of movies to never see. Titanic is also on this list as well as a few other Best Picture nominees/winners. Grayson --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com , Kelwyn ravenadal@ wrote: I've seen Swordfish many times. It is not good but it has charms. For me, Halle's short red dress scene in Hugh Jackman's trailer is better than either her lingerie scene or her topless scene (if you wanna see Halle's assets, Monster's Ball is a better bet). I like Don Cheadle's dogged detective, I like the business at the bank, the business with the bus and, IMHO, John Travolta is always fun to watch. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com , Grayson Reyes-Cole grayson.reyescole@ wrote: I don't know if this movie has ever been discussed here, but I just watched Swordfish all over again for two reasons 1) I was
Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish
I'm analyzing it for the deeper psycho/sexual reasons behind it. What is the attraction there? For example, why are some women turned on by the idea of having a relationship with someone that despises their race? There are yahoo groups that are focused on role play of this type that amplifies the racism aspect and black women join the group at the rate of 1 or 2 a week. On Sun, Jan 24, 2010 at 5:15 PM, Aubrey Leatherwood aubrey.leatherw...@hotmail.com wrote: Just weighing in on Mr Worf's to say that sure black women hook up with rednecks, but why does it take that much analyzing? The disrespect many black men show women is no different in my opinion than some racist redneck, if you've accepted that men are going to treat you like trash... what's the difference? I'm not saying this is always the reason, but I've lived in the South my whole life and it's one reality I see. *Aubrey Leatherwood *www.aubreyleatherwood.com FaceBook http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1400087918 * MySpacehttp://www.myspace.com/aubreymleatherwood Dime http://www.king-cart.com/Phaze/product=Dime/exact_match=exact Can Nicole resist the call of the stage or the call of her heart? *Imperfection* http://www.lyricalpress.com/imperfection.html A tale of perfect commitment, perfect love... and perfect sex. *The People You Know, The Sex They Have*http://www.lyricalpress.com/the_people_you_know_the_sex_they_have.html ROMANTIC TIMES NOMINEE FOR BEST CONTEMPORARY EROTICA 2008 CAPA and PSYCHE AWARD NOMINEE FOR 2009 ISBN: 978-0-9818905-0-0 -- Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service. Get it now.http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/196390708/direct/01/ -- Celebrating 10 years of bringing diversity to perversity! Mahogany at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mahogany_pleasures_of_darkness/
RE: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish
You guys have not read some of the cut out scenes. In one, the native guy that was originally the heroes adversary, has is tail cut off by the big bad marine villain guy. That means he cannot longer connect to the world or have real sex – so in essence--- his dick was cut off. He asks the hero to become leader of the tribe and also to kill him From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:scifino...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Keith Johnson Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 6:12 PM To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish Agreed. I think that's why the whole Avatar angle of not just a human man, but a white human man, getting with an alien woman bothers some people. I have to see the movie to see if it bothers me. But that goes back to the FUBU concept for movies: i can't expect a white guy like Cameron to always think hey, I've got to put a black man in the lead role, when he already feels he's sending forth some positive messages about the environment, exploitation of indigenous species, etc. - Original Message - From: Mr. Worf hellomahog...@gmail.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 9:06:18 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish Its more like white men with any woman of any race. Even aliens! It is a luxury of being in power. They allow themselves too many liberties without much basis rooted in reality. On Sun, Jan 24, 2010 at 5:07 PM, Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@comcast.net wrote: Trust me, I'm from Texas and live in Georgia. I know it's a reality of life. What I'm saying, though, is it's not the greatest reality of black life. And, Hollywood is still in 2010 criminally negligent when it goes to showing healthy black male/female couples. It's not that the story is fiction, per se, it's just something I've see way too many times from a movie industry that loves putting white men with black women, but feels as if two black people onscreen is something to be avoided. - Original Message - From: Mr. Worf hellomahog...@gmail.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 7:39:21 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish Actually, black women hooking up with rednecks happens a lot more than you might think. There are various reasons for it that I am still analyzing. On Sun, Jan 24, 2010 at 4:26 PM, Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@comcast.net wrote: I hear you, I just had issues with Monster's Ball as stated below. Seen enough of that stuff from movies my whole life without needing to revisit it again. And unlike Precious--which while rough, at least reflects a bitter reality of black American life--the unique story of Monster's Ball isn't one that's as universal to me. At least, I can't remember the last time I saw black women hooking up with racists white guys since all those slave-era movies where that very thing happened. I'd have told a movie like that with a black man helping Berry navigate the tragedy of her life. We need to see more of the stories--and they are out there--of black men and women working *together*.But that's just me. Like i said: that was a movie written by a white man with a white man's sensibilities. - Original Message - From: Kelwyn ravena...@yahoo.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 7:10:42 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish I think Monster's Ball should be seen as part of Lee Daniels' oeuvre, this would include the heavily lauded Precious and the little appreciated Shadowboxer. In fact, Precious actually deepens my appreciation of Halle's Academy Award performance. Daniels is an emerging master of both ensemble casting and performance Likewise, I think Titantic should be seen as part of James Cameron's oeuvre. I recently re-saw The Abyss and it confirmed my opinion that even when Cameron is bad, he is good. I don't believe there is anybody better at well-crafted populist cinema that Cameron. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com mailto:scifinoir2%40yahoogroups.com , Grayson grayson.reyesc...@... wrote: The thing is... I like everybody in this movie. Berry, Cheadle, Jackman, and Travolta who I am loving more and more lately (absolutely loved him in The Taking of Pelham 123 even though the the plot of that movie--remake or not--was as thin as Nick Cage's hairline) plus the very tiny roll for Vinnie Jones who I always like in a fight. But the movie is just... bad. Also is it bad that I haven't seen Monster's Ball and have absolutely no desire to do so. It's on my list of movies to never see. Titanic is also on this list as well as a few other Best Picture nominees/winners. Grayson --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com mailto:scifinoir2%40yahoogroups.com , Kelwyn ravenadal@ wrote: I've seen Swordfish many times. It is not good but it has charms.
[scifinoir2] Perfectly Fine (Probably) Movies Grayson Hasn't Seen
Keith you asked, so here are a just a couple movies beyond Titanic and Monster's Ball on the list of award nominees/winners that are probably great and all but I haven't seen the, and don't plan to see them. What I will say is that for every popular movie on this list, I have seen a fringe movie that expanded my horizons. American Beauty The Reader Closer Forest Gump Mamma Mia (If this movie was about a black lady who slept with three guys and didn't know who her baby daddy was, with a Brothers Johnson soundtrack, I'm not so sure it would have had the same reception or be a huge production on the Vegas strip) Slumdog Millionaire - I have no idea why this movie is on my list. I listened all about it on NPR. Got the concept, was excited about it. Listened to the soundtrack. Rented it. Had it for two months before Netflix asked me if there was a problem at which point I returned it. Now it's on HBO on Demand and I *still* haven't watched it. So maybe it's not me rejecting the movie, it's just on the list by default. I'll figure it out later. Atonement - Pretty much anything featuring Keira Knightley that is not Pirates of the Caribbean makes my list, although my mother seems to think I would like The Duchess. Grayson Facebook Bright Star The Builder The Prescription Playboy
[scifinoir2] Movie - Geisha Assassin
First off this movie is definitely Saturday matinee faire. Very little plot and mostly all action. It took over half of the movie before I learned what the main character's name is, but she is apparently out to get revenge for her dead father. This required her to attack her father's killer while dressed as a geisha. Anyone that has studied geisha would know that being a geisha is a martial art within itself. She takes on many different fighters from ninja to a monk. Many of the fight scenes are run of the mill wire fu scenes, but there are some exceptions. One scene in particular drops the wire fu and goes for realism in a hand to hand combat scene. Very nice job. But alas it is mostly martial art eye candy. :) -- Celebrating 10 years of bringing diversity to perversity! Mahogany at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mahogany_pleasures_of_darkness/
Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish
Dang. Well, just reinforces my belief that people of color need to be producing more of our own stories, and those actors of color who do well need to fight the fight as much as possible too. And people of color need to *support* those efforts when they are done. - Original Message - From: Tracey de Morsella tdli...@multiculturaladvantage.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 9:17:09 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: RE: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish You guys have not read some of the cut out scenes. In one, the native guy that was originally the heroes adversary, has is tail cut off by the big bad marine villain guy. That means he cannot longer connect to the world or have real sex – so in essence--- his dick was cut off. He asks the hero to become leader of the tribe and also to kill him From: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com [mailto:scifino...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Keith Johnson Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 6:12 PM To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish Agreed. I think that's why the whole Avatar angle of not just a human man, but a white human man, getting with an alien woman bothers some people. I have to see the movie to see if it bothers me. But that goes back to the FUBU concept for movies: i can't expect a white guy like Cameron to always think hey, I've got to put a black man in the lead role, when he already feels he's sending forth some positive messages about the environment, exploitation of indigenous species, etc. - Original Message - From: Mr. Worf hellomahog...@gmail.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 9:06:18 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish Its more like white men with any woman of any race. Even aliens! It is a luxury of being in power. They allow themselves too many liberties without much basis rooted in reality. On Sun, Jan 24, 2010 at 5:07 PM, Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@comcast.net wrote: Trust me, I'm from Texas and live in Georgia. I know it's a reality of life. What I'm saying, though, is it's not the greatest reality of black life. And, Hollywood is still in 2010 criminally negligent when it goes to showing healthy black male/female couples. It's not that the story is fiction, per se, it's just something I've see way too many times from a movie industry that loves putting white men with black women, but feels as if two black people onscreen is something to be avoided. - Original Message - From: Mr. Worf hellomahog...@gmail.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 7:39:21 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: Re: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish Actually, black women hooking up with rednecks happens a lot more than you might think. There are various reasons for it that I am still analyzing. On Sun, Jan 24, 2010 at 4:26 PM, Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@comcast.net wrote: I hear you, I just had issues with Monster's Ball as stated below. Seen enough of that stuff from movies my whole life without needing to revisit it again. And unlike Precious--which while rough, at least reflects a bitter reality of black American life--the unique story of Monster's Ball isn't one that's as universal to me. At least, I can't remember the last time I saw black women hooking up with racists white guys since all those slave-era movies where that very thing happened. I'd have told a movie like that with a black man helping Berry navigate the tragedy of her life. We need to see more of the stories--and they are out there--of black men and women working *together*.But that's just me. Like i said: that was a movie written by a white man with a white man's sensibilities. - Original Message - From: Kelwyn ravena...@yahoo.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 7:10:42 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: [scifinoir2] Re: Swordfish I think Monster's Ball should be seen as part of Lee Daniels' oeuvre, this would include the heavily lauded Precious and the little appreciated Shadowboxer. In fact, Precious actually deepens my appreciation of Halle's Academy Award performance. Daniels is an emerging master of both ensemble casting and performance Likewise, I think Titantic should be seen as part of James Cameron's oeuvre. I recently re-saw The Abyss and it confirmed my opinion that even when Cameron is bad, he is good. I don't believe there is anybody better at well-crafted populist cinema that Cameron. ~rave! --- In scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com , Grayson grayson.reyesc...@... wrote: The thing is... I like everybody in this movie. Berry, Cheadle, Jackman, and Travolta who I am loving more and more lately (absolutely loved him in The Taking of Pelham 123 even though the the plot of that movie--remake or not--was as thin as
Re: [scifinoir2] Perfectly Fine (Probably) Movies Grayson Hasn't Seen
Ha-ha! I never saw American Beauty either. No real reason, just didn't make my list. Same for The Reader. I saw Closer and really didn't like it. A bunch of screwed up people playing odd games, a lot of really foul explicit language that didn't belong to me (as if they said let's make this an adult film and shock some people) Forest Gump, same thing. I did like Slumdog quite a bit. I think you'd like it. Sometimes really good films become victims of so much hype that we may sub-consciously avoid them, not wanting to be part of the in crowd, not wanting to support some flavor-of-the-moment. (At least, I feel that way sometimes). With some movies that's quite true: they're overhyped. Slumdog, however, is really good, especially the first two thirds. - Original Message - From: Grayson Reyes-Cole grayson.reyesc...@yahoo.com To: scifinoir2@yahoogroups.com Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2010 9:23:31 PM GMT -05:00 US/Canada Eastern Subject: [scifinoir2] Perfectly Fine (Probably) Movies Grayson Hasn't Seen Keith you asked, so here are a just a couple movies beyond Titanic and Monster's Ball on the list of award nominees/winners that are probably great and all but I haven't seen the, and don't plan to see them. What I will say is that for every popular movie on this list, I have seen a fringe movie that expanded my horizons. American Beauty The Reader Closer Forest Gump Mamma Mia (If this movie was about a black lady who slept with three guys and didn't know who her baby daddy was, with a Brothers Johnson soundtrack, I'm not so sure it would have had the same reception or be a huge production on the Vegas strip) Slumdog Millionaire - I have no idea why this movie is on my list. I listened all about it on NPR. Got the concept, was excited about it. Listened to the soundtrack. Rented it. Had it for two months before Netflix asked me if there was a problem at which point I returned it. Now it's on HBO on Demand and I *still* haven't watched it. So maybe it's not me rejecting the movie, it's just on the list by default. I'll figure it out later. Atonement - Pretty much anything featuring Keira Knightley that is not Pirates of the Caribbean makes my list, although my mother seems to think I would like The Duchess. Grayson Facebook Bright Star The Builder The Prescription Playboy
[scifinoir2] Avatar Keeps Rolling on Worldwide
In terms of pure dollars, Avatar will soon become the biggest of all time. (In terms of dollars adjusted for time, sadly, I think Gone With the Wind is still the champ). The country-by-country breakdown is pretty interesting. Australia over thirty mill, France, Algeria and Tunisia, over a hundred, and ninety mill in Russia? Wow, truly an international hit. Even Turkey with eight million. But what's up with Syria: only eighty-seven thousand? http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=intlid=avatar.htm
[scifinoir2] OT: Scorned Lover of Obama Adviser Uses Billboards to Vent
This is so bizarre. We passed one of this lady's billboards here in Atlanta last weekend, and I couldn't figure out who this couple was, nor why I should care about them. I find it hard to believe this lady was with this dude for eight years and didn't know he was still married. But whether she knew he was married, or whether he just chumped her by going back to his wife, this is a classless tacky move. I know she's hurting, but why do people outside of their inner circle need to know their private issues? That's the price of love: sometimes you get taken, sometimes you let yourself get taken by going into situations you know aren't right. Whatever, bottom line is she should just move on and keep their private affairs...private. Since this Brother runs Oracle and is a high level member of the Obama gang, I wonder if this will hit the major airwaves like Fox in the next couple of days...? * Revenge by billboard: Scorned lover pays £150,000 for street posters to reveal affair with Obama aide By David Gardner Last updated at 9:57 PM on 23rd January 2010 • Comments ( 164 ) • Add to My Stories The spurned mistress of one of Barack Obama's top economic advisers has exacted revenge by plastering details of their affair on giant billboard posters across the U.S. YaVaughnie Wilkins is said to have paid £150,000 to reveal her relationship with Charles Phillips to the world after he went back to his wife. The posters, which are three storeys high, show Miss Williams and the senior member of the president's hand-picked Economic Recovery Advisory Board below his initials and a quote saying: 'You are my soulmate forever.' Wilkins Shamed: YaVaughnie Wilkins poses with former lover Charles E. Phillips in a poster she placed in New York There is also a link to a website that is a shrine to his eight-year affair with Miss Wilkins, 41. It includes pictures chronicling their travels around the world as well as intimate notes and ticket stubs from concerts, films, sports games and Mr Obama' s inauguration a year ago. One of the giant signs is posted on Broadway near Times Square in New York - one of the world's most prominent advertising hoardings. A further two have appeared elsewhere in New York as well as one in Atlanta and one in San Francisco, where Miss Wilkins lives and her married ex-lover owns a family home. Each are said to have cost £30,000 to display. The billboards baffled Americans when they first appeared – with speculation mounting over whether it was a marketing ploy or an apology. Her extraordinary actions had the desired effect. The chief executive has been forced into an embarrassing public statement in which he admitted their affair. YaVaughnie Wilkins.jpg YaVaughnie Adventures: Wilkins set up a website of photos of the couple's world travels, including Sydney, right President Powerful: Phillips, circled, is an adviser to U.S. President Barack Obama Yesterday Mr Phillips, 50, who is also president of internet giant Oracle, issued a brief three-sentence statement saying: 'I had an eight-and-a-half year serious relationship with YaVaughnie Wilkins. 'My divorce proceedings began in 2008. The relationship with Ms Wilkins has since ended and we both wish each other well.' There has been speculation that YaVaughnie deliberately timed her campaign to coincide with a major Oracle event next week. Website Gawker noted that the company was due to host an all-day live event on January 27. Mr Phillips was paid £12million last year and has made around £30million since 2007. He has recently reconciled with his wife, Karen, according to reports in the U.S. The couple were seen at an awards ceremony in New York and pictured together at a gala held by the American Museum of Natural History in the city in November. They have a ten-year-old son, Chas. Miss Wilkins, a California-based actress and writer, was not available for comment yesterday. Karen Reconciliation: Phillips is back living with his wife Karen (centre) and their 10-year-old son in New York YaVaughnie Pressure: Phillips said he wished Wilkins well after intimate photos posted online forced him to admit the affair YaVaughnie 'Soulmates': The website, paid for by Wilkins, shows photos of the pair enjoying holidays abroad YaVaughnie YaVaughnie Pressure: Phillips was forced to admit the affair after the billboard posters and website went live Wilkins High-profile campaign: Wilkins paid £30,000 for each poster - including this one in New York YaVaughnie YaVaughnie Promises: Wilkins put the love notes sent from Phillips during their affair online Her website shows Mr Phillips and her standing arm-in-arm on the Great Wall of China and posing in Sydney wearing matching 'Australia' jackets. One of the photo albums from 2001 is set to a karaoke
Re: [scifinoir2] OT: Scorned Lover of Obama Adviser Uses Billboards to Vent
Probably by tomorrow. I just heard about this story last night at a small gathering of friends. We were all flabbergasted by this. Why do some people insist on drawing attention to themselves in this way? On Sun, Jan 24, 2010 at 9:16 PM, Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@comcast.netwrote: This is so bizarre. We passed one of this lady's billboards here in Atlanta last weekend, and I couldn't figure out who this couple was, nor why I should care about them. I find it hard to believe this lady was with this dude for eight years and didn't know he was still married. But whether she knew he was married, or whether he just chumped her by going back to his wife, this is a classless tacky move. I know she's hurting, but why do people outside of their inner circle need to know their private issues? That's the price of love: sometimes you get taken, sometimes you let yourself get taken by going into situations you know aren't right. Whatever, bottom line is she should just move on and keep their private affairs...private. Since this Brother runs Oracle and is a high level member of the Obama gang, I wonder if this will hit the major airwaves like Fox in the next couple of days...? * Revenge by billboard: Scorned lover pays £150,000 for street posters to reveal affair with Obama aide By David Gardnerhttp://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/search.html?s=yauthornamef=David+Gardner Last updated at 9:57 PM on 23rd January 2010 - Comments (164) http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1245296/Spurned-mistress-YaVaughnie-Wilkins-takes-revenge-Charles-E-Phillips-plastering-U-S-cities-compromising-posters.html#comments - Add to My Stories http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1245296/Spurned-mistress-YaVaughnie-Wilkins-takes-revenge-Charles-E-Phillips-plastering-U-S-cities-compromising-posters.html The spurned mistress of one of Barack Obama's top economic advisers has exacted revenge by plastering details of their affair on giant billboard posters across the U.S. YaVaughnie Wilkins is said to have paid £150,000 to reveal her relationship with Charles Phillips to the world after he went back to his wife. The posters, which are three storeys high, show Miss Williams and the senior member of the president's hand-picked Economic Recovery Advisory Board below his initials and a quote saying: 'You are my soulmate forever.' [image: Wilkins] Shamed: YaVaughnie Wilkins poses with former lover Charles E. Phillips in a poster she placed in New York There is also a link to a website that is a shrine to his eight-year affair with Miss Wilkins, 41. It includes pictures chronicling their travels around the world as well as intimate notes and ticket stubs from concerts, films, sports games and Mr Obama' s inauguration a year ago. One of the giant signs is posted on Broadway near Times Square in New York - one of the world's most prominent advertising hoardings. A further two have appeared elsewhere in New York as well as one in Atlanta and one in San Francisco, where Miss Wilkins lives and her married ex-lover owns a family home. Each are said to have cost £30,000 to display. The billboards baffled Americans when they first appeared – with speculation mounting over whether it was a marketing ploy or an apology. Her extraordinary actions had the desired effect. The chief executive has been forced into an embarrassing public statement in which he admitted their affair. [image: YaVaughnie Wilkins.jpg] [image: YaVaughnie] Adventures: Wilkins set up a website of photos of the couple's world travels, including Sydney, right [image: President] Powerful: Phillips, circled, is an adviser to U.S. President Barack Obama Yesterday Mr Phillips, 50, who is also president of internet giant Oracle, issued a brief three-sentence statement saying: 'I had an eight-and-a-half year serious relationship with YaVaughnie Wilkins. 'My divorce proceedings began in 2008. The relationship with Ms Wilkins has since ended and we both wish each other well.' There has been speculation that YaVaughnie deliberately timed her campaign to coincide with a major Oracle event next week. Website Gawker noted that the company was due to host an all-day live event on January 27. Mr Phillips was paid £12million last year and has made around £30million since 2007. He has recently reconciled with his wife, Karen, according to reports in the U.S. The couple were seen at an awards ceremony in New York and pictured together at a gala held by the American Museum of Natural History in the city in November. They have a ten-year-old son, Chas. Miss Wilkins, a California-based actress and writer, was not available for comment yesterday. [image: Karen] Reconciliation: Phillips is back living with his wife Karen (centre) and their 10-year-old son in New York [image: YaVaughnie] Pressure: Phillips said
Re: [scifinoir2] Avatar Keeps Rolling on Worldwide
Syria is anti-american somewhat.They were afraid that they were next on the list for invasion for a while when we entered Iraq. On Sun, Jan 24, 2010 at 9:03 PM, Keith Johnson keithbjohn...@comcast.netwrote: In terms of pure dollars, Avatar will soon become the biggest of all time. (In terms of dollars adjusted for time, sadly, I think Gone With the Wind is still the champ). The country-by-country breakdown is pretty interesting. Australia over thirty mill, France, Algeria and Tunisia, over a hundred, and ninety mill in Russia? Wow, truly an international hit. Even Turkey with eight million. But what's up with Syria: only eighty-seven thousand? http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?page=intlid=avatar.htm -- Celebrating 10 years of bringing diversity to perversity! Mahogany at: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/mahogany_pleasures_of_darkness/
