WARNING: Images may be disturbing
I heard about a cat that was converted into a helicopter on the radio this morning, and just had to find the pictures. There's also a Youtube video.
It's highly disturbing and strangely hysterical at the same time. People have very strong reactions to the cat being turned into a helicopter - ranging from horrified to amused. The gallery that displayed the work has been vandalized.
ETA: Heard an interview with the creator of Orvillecopter this morning on the radio. His name is Bart Jansen, and he's a Dutch artist who does a lot of mash-ups for this art, like mixing non-electronics with electronic appliances. Orville was apparently killed when he was hit by a car, and Jansen mentioned that his whole family really missed him. They still have Orville's brother, Wilbur. Jansen thought that it was an appropriate tribute because Orville was named after Orville Wright, one of the pioneers of flying, and Orville loved to chase birds when he was alive. His descriptions of how he converted Orville into Orvillecopter made me very squeamish. But it was very clear that he loved his pet very much. Personally, although I find it disturbing, I don't find it any more disturbing than hunters putting heads of their kills up on the walls or people stuffing their dead pets and having them on display at the house. I think those people who are saying that this can lead to all kinds of atrocities like doing something similar to dead people is taking it too far.
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
Sunday, June 3, 2012
The Avengers
Finally saw the Avengers over Memorial Day weekend. Great movie - it definitely lived up to the hype. In case you haven't heard, the Avengers just passed the Dark Knight to become the third-highest grossing movie of all times, behind Avatar and Titanic.
I'm a big fan of Joss Whedon, and I'm thrilled that this movie did so well. I think Joss did a great job of balancing all the different personalities and quirks of the superheroes. It also helped that Tom Hiddleston brought a much needed gravity as Loki. He could have chewed the scenery more and turned Loki into a caricature, but I actually felt Loki's pain and the delusions of grandeur. Yay for Alexis Denisof showing up as the creepy alien Other - always fun to see a member of Whedonverse. I can't help but think of Robin Scherbatsky when looking at Cobie Smulders, though - she seemed a little out of place as the Nick Fury's right-hand woman Maria Hill.
It also helped that none of the actors tried too hard, even Samuel L. Jackson. Robert Downey, Jr. was the showiest, with Iron Man cracking jokes and one-liners left and right, but it never felt too much. I still feel that the weakest one is Chris Evans as Captain America. I don't quite buy him as being that earnest, but in an ensemble movie it wasn't as jarring as it was in his own movie. Mark Ruffalo was a big improvement as the Hulk over Edward Norton, and the CGI version of the Hulk was also so much better. It was nice that they modeled the Hulk's face after Ruffalo's.
The teasers at the end were interesting. Thanos is one of those iconic Marvel villains, and has been around for over 30 years. Marvel did hint previously that he might show up some day - there was a brief glimpse of the Infinity Gauntlet in the halls of Asgard in Thor. In the comics, Thanos used the Infinity Gauntlet to kill half the universe. Yes, he's quite the badass villain. Now the question is whether he's going to show up in the next individual movies (like Thor 2 or Iron Man 3) or in the next Avengers. I'm inclined to think that he'll be the big bad for the next Avengers - he doesn't have a close tie to any specific Avenger.
Another question is whether they will ever introduce the Ant Man and the Wasp to the Avengers movie universe. In the comics those two were founding members and were usually integral parts of the Avengers. However, they are also probably the hardest superheroes to sell to a typical audience member, so Marvel might decide to keep them on the sidelines.
I'm a big fan of Joss Whedon, and I'm thrilled that this movie did so well. I think Joss did a great job of balancing all the different personalities and quirks of the superheroes. It also helped that Tom Hiddleston brought a much needed gravity as Loki. He could have chewed the scenery more and turned Loki into a caricature, but I actually felt Loki's pain and the delusions of grandeur. Yay for Alexis Denisof showing up as the creepy alien Other - always fun to see a member of Whedonverse. I can't help but think of Robin Scherbatsky when looking at Cobie Smulders, though - she seemed a little out of place as the Nick Fury's right-hand woman Maria Hill.
It also helped that none of the actors tried too hard, even Samuel L. Jackson. Robert Downey, Jr. was the showiest, with Iron Man cracking jokes and one-liners left and right, but it never felt too much. I still feel that the weakest one is Chris Evans as Captain America. I don't quite buy him as being that earnest, but in an ensemble movie it wasn't as jarring as it was in his own movie. Mark Ruffalo was a big improvement as the Hulk over Edward Norton, and the CGI version of the Hulk was also so much better. It was nice that they modeled the Hulk's face after Ruffalo's.
The teasers at the end were interesting. Thanos is one of those iconic Marvel villains, and has been around for over 30 years. Marvel did hint previously that he might show up some day - there was a brief glimpse of the Infinity Gauntlet in the halls of Asgard in Thor. In the comics, Thanos used the Infinity Gauntlet to kill half the universe. Yes, he's quite the badass villain. Now the question is whether he's going to show up in the next individual movies (like Thor 2 or Iron Man 3) or in the next Avengers. I'm inclined to think that he'll be the big bad for the next Avengers - he doesn't have a close tie to any specific Avenger.
Another question is whether they will ever introduce the Ant Man and the Wasp to the Avengers movie universe. In the comics those two were founding members and were usually integral parts of the Avengers. However, they are also probably the hardest superheroes to sell to a typical audience member, so Marvel might decide to keep them on the sidelines.
Staples Center's Busy Weekend Part II
I blogged before about Staples Center's busy weekend when the Kings, the Clippers, and the Lakers had home playoff games, and there was also a major bike race that ended at the Staples Center.
Last week's Sports Illustrated has an interesting article about the same subject. The reporter attended nine out of the ten events that happened in the area within a 78-hour period. You can read the article here. To quote the tagline: "For a 78-hour stretch Los Angeles was, finally, the sports capital of the world: 300,000 fans, 10 events, four teams, three playoff series, 110 cyclists. And an eclipse. Results be damned, it was a good four days."
Last week's Sports Illustrated has an interesting article about the same subject. The reporter attended nine out of the ten events that happened in the area within a 78-hour period. You can read the article here. To quote the tagline: "For a 78-hour stretch Los Angeles was, finally, the sports capital of the world: 300,000 fans, 10 events, four teams, three playoff series, 110 cyclists. And an eclipse. Results be damned, it was a good four days."
Belated Thoughts on Season Finales
Sorry I haven't blogged in awhile. Life was pretty busy, and I haven't gotten a chance to log on. Belated thoughts on season finales:
GLEE
I thought the season finale was very bittersweet. The scene in the train station between Rachel and Finn included the best acting I've seen from Lea Michele and Cory Monteith. I was disappointed that Kurt didn't get into NYADA - I hope Ryan Murphy will figure out a way to get him to NY to be with Rachel next year. I was also disappointed that Gloria Estefan showed up as Santana's mom, but didn't get to sing. What a waste of a guest star. At first I thought it was unrealistic that a mom like that was going to be OK with Santana not going to college, but then I realize that she was a smart mom. Pushing Santana to college was probably going to get the opposite effect of her staying in Lima with Brittany. At least by going to NYC she'll be doing something else. I love Brittany, but as a significant other, she's a pretty bad prospect, whether for a man or a woman. Favorite song had to be Lea Michele singing "Roots Before Branches." Although it was rather amusing that Rachel went from Grand Central, across town to Times Square, then back to the East Side in front of FAO Schwarz. Ah, TV magic.
CASTLE
Finally! Love the season finale, especially Castle and Beckett finally hooking up. Of course there are still tons of cliffhangers - like what will happen to Beckett now that she has quit the police force, and whether Esposito and Ryan can make up and go back to being bros. Plus there's that little matter of Beckett still being hunted by Cole Maddox (played by the awesomely-named Tahmoh Penikett), who's about to kill the mystery man who has been protecting Beckett. I have to send props to Andrew Marlowe for giving the fans what they want while still giving us amazing cliffhangers. Easily my favorite season finale this year.
HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER
Baby Eriksen is here! My favorite scene has to be Marshall trying to make it up two steps while drunk, and the ATM coming alive. I admit to a couple of tears when they revealed that they named him Marvin after Marshall's dad. I was so frustrated with Ted for not following through with bringing Victoria back to the church. After being left at the altar, he was willing to do the same to another guy? Shame on him. As much as I like Victoria, she's not the mother, so hopefully this story will not be a rehash and another backsliding for Ted.
THE BIG BANG THEORY
I thought the ending was touching when all of them were watching Howard blast off into space, and even Sheldon held Amy's hand. The wedding itself was also sweet and appropriately geeky when they panned out to show Google Earth's view of the rooftop. There was even a brief glimpse of Howard's mom in the pink dress. Overall, though, it was just an OK season finale.
NEW GIRL
I didn't think Nick was going to come back so fast. Thomas Lennon was hilarious as the new roommate and I was hoping he would stick around a little longer to break up the chemistry a bit. I'm so glad they didn't have Nick and Jess hook up in the desert - it would have been too soon and out of character for the two of them. Schmidt and Cece have also become more interesting to me, because it was obvious neither of them can handle a relationship. I hope they give Winston more to do next season, though. He has been underutilized.
HAWAII FIVE-O
I really, really hope that Kono isn't dead. How heartbreaking was Daniel Dae Kim when Chin Ho had to make the decision about saving his cousin or his wife. The showrunners hinted that Chin Ho will be a different person next season because of what happens to him, so that means either Kono or Malia will probably die. As much as I like Reiko Aylesworth, if I had to pick one to die I would pick Malia because I think Kono is such an integral part of the main team. I did appreciate the shot of DDK shirtless, though. McGarrett discovering his mom is still alive reminds me of Alias. Let's hope they can find someone as good as Lena Olin was. Michelle Borth is joining the cast full time next season as McGarrett's girlfriend Catherine. Working together can't be good for their relationship. I also hope Danny won't lose Grace to the mainland. A great season finale and can't wait for next season.
GLEE
I thought the season finale was very bittersweet. The scene in the train station between Rachel and Finn included the best acting I've seen from Lea Michele and Cory Monteith. I was disappointed that Kurt didn't get into NYADA - I hope Ryan Murphy will figure out a way to get him to NY to be with Rachel next year. I was also disappointed that Gloria Estefan showed up as Santana's mom, but didn't get to sing. What a waste of a guest star. At first I thought it was unrealistic that a mom like that was going to be OK with Santana not going to college, but then I realize that she was a smart mom. Pushing Santana to college was probably going to get the opposite effect of her staying in Lima with Brittany. At least by going to NYC she'll be doing something else. I love Brittany, but as a significant other, she's a pretty bad prospect, whether for a man or a woman. Favorite song had to be Lea Michele singing "Roots Before Branches." Although it was rather amusing that Rachel went from Grand Central, across town to Times Square, then back to the East Side in front of FAO Schwarz. Ah, TV magic.
CASTLE
Finally! Love the season finale, especially Castle and Beckett finally hooking up. Of course there are still tons of cliffhangers - like what will happen to Beckett now that she has quit the police force, and whether Esposito and Ryan can make up and go back to being bros. Plus there's that little matter of Beckett still being hunted by Cole Maddox (played by the awesomely-named Tahmoh Penikett), who's about to kill the mystery man who has been protecting Beckett. I have to send props to Andrew Marlowe for giving the fans what they want while still giving us amazing cliffhangers. Easily my favorite season finale this year.
HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER
Baby Eriksen is here! My favorite scene has to be Marshall trying to make it up two steps while drunk, and the ATM coming alive. I admit to a couple of tears when they revealed that they named him Marvin after Marshall's dad. I was so frustrated with Ted for not following through with bringing Victoria back to the church. After being left at the altar, he was willing to do the same to another guy? Shame on him. As much as I like Victoria, she's not the mother, so hopefully this story will not be a rehash and another backsliding for Ted.
THE BIG BANG THEORY
I thought the ending was touching when all of them were watching Howard blast off into space, and even Sheldon held Amy's hand. The wedding itself was also sweet and appropriately geeky when they panned out to show Google Earth's view of the rooftop. There was even a brief glimpse of Howard's mom in the pink dress. Overall, though, it was just an OK season finale.
NEW GIRL
I didn't think Nick was going to come back so fast. Thomas Lennon was hilarious as the new roommate and I was hoping he would stick around a little longer to break up the chemistry a bit. I'm so glad they didn't have Nick and Jess hook up in the desert - it would have been too soon and out of character for the two of them. Schmidt and Cece have also become more interesting to me, because it was obvious neither of them can handle a relationship. I hope they give Winston more to do next season, though. He has been underutilized.
HAWAII FIVE-O
I really, really hope that Kono isn't dead. How heartbreaking was Daniel Dae Kim when Chin Ho had to make the decision about saving his cousin or his wife. The showrunners hinted that Chin Ho will be a different person next season because of what happens to him, so that means either Kono or Malia will probably die. As much as I like Reiko Aylesworth, if I had to pick one to die I would pick Malia because I think Kono is such an integral part of the main team. I did appreciate the shot of DDK shirtless, though. McGarrett discovering his mom is still alive reminds me of Alias. Let's hope they can find someone as good as Lena Olin was. Michelle Borth is joining the cast full time next season as McGarrett's girlfriend Catherine. Working together can't be good for their relationship. I also hope Danny won't lose Grace to the mainland. A great season finale and can't wait for next season.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
Staples Center's Busy Weekend
Staples Center in LA is having a crazy weekend. The Kings, the Lakers, and the Clippers are all hosting home playoff games, and the large Tour of California bicycle race ends there Sunday morning.
On Saturday both the Lakers and the Clippers are hosting home playoff games. The Clippers game is on 12:30 p.m. PT, and the Lakers game is on 7:30 p.m. PT. It takes 75 minutes to switch between two basketball courts and the Staples Center staff has done this before, so the doubleheader on Saturday will be OK.
On Sunday, the Tour of California race ends at Staples Center in the morning, the Kings-Coyotes game starts at 12 p.m. PT, and Clippers-Spurs starts at 7:30 p.m. PT. It takes 2 hours, 15 minutes minutes to switch from hockey floor to basketball, so the Kings game can't really go into overtime. They also have to manage the fans.
No wonder the Staples Center staff hasn't been able to sleep much.
Funniest Yearbook Prank
Again, not quite entertainment-related, but way too funny not to share.
Eight girls from a California high school pulled off the funniest yearbook prank.
Totally awesome.
Eight girls from a California high school pulled off the funniest yearbook prank.
Totally awesome.
Friday, May 18, 2012
Teacup Pig Hugs a Strawberry
This is not exactly entertainment-related, but it was on People.com, so I'm spreading the love.
Look at this cute picture of a teacup pig hugging a strawberry.
Awwwww...
Look at this cute picture of a teacup pig hugging a strawberry.
Awwwww...
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