video: Charlie Rose Interview with Guillermo del Toro

If you are nearly through with reading The Strain, by Chuck Hogan and Guillermo del Toro then watch the Charlie Rose Interview with Guillermo del Toro. It won't spoil it.

I really loved so many passages in this book. It's not as dense as I have seen some horror stories. The Strain makes for a great summer read if you just want some meaty vampire fiction.

Del Toro and Hogan's shrewdly chosen details of each scene is filmlike. You see the landscape, the toy that the child is touching and the food that they're eating as part of the physical setting and then, WHAM!, their entire fate comes into question in seconds and then its over.

Taking a slower pace at the beginning helps the reader grasp a sense of the characters whom are genuine humans they would personally know. The intro is a contrast to the faster paced action towards the middle and end of the book by its careful unfolding mysterious occurrence on a TransAtlantic Flight, following a planetary event, when suddenly chaos begins to develop on the tiny island of Manhattan. The beginning takes a little too long, for my short-attention mind wanting instant action. At first I became increasingly concerned I would not find it unpredictable, but it actually kept me really surprised and I loved even what I knew was about to happen.

"It's as sexy as rectal cancer," del Toro says to Charlie Rose. Yeah, there were definitely parts of the story that made me question if I should be reading during the part of lunch where I enjoy a snack. Somehow the gory images got to me. Milk is definitely a metaphor... pretty cool, too.

I hope it does have a sequel. Del Toro hints at it in the interview.

Caution, if you check out the book's trailer, you should have already gotten to the chapter titled "The Second Night" or what you see could dampen your own imagination from adding more to the image of the "beast" in the book.

True Blood Paper Dolls!

True Blood paper dolls!. Designer and cartoonist Andy Swist has debuted a printable paper-doll collection based on characters from the series. There's a contest, too, and a hilarious video explaining their plans to do more paper dolls.

Jerichow in theatres now

Jerichow is one of my favorite films from the 2009 Berlin & Beyond Film Festival. Read the review of the film I added to Netflix. It is German language, subtitled in English.


Lead actor Benno Furmann has also starred in The Princess and the Warrior and in the film Joyeux Noel.

Michael Jackson's accident during the Pepsi shoot revealed

Unearthed graphic video (you've been warned) of the pyrotechnics injuring the 25-year old Michael Jackson while shooting a Pepsi commercial.


I have a theory as to why Jackson must have not felt the burning flames until the stage crew started to put it out: the alcohol in the hair product he used burned off initially before the flames scorched his scalp and face. The look on his face as he is picked up off the floor and escorted out is of shock from the pain. But I think he smelled the burning by the time he hits the main stage where he begins singing because he begins to take off his jacket, which he didn't do in the first take. He may have thought his clothes caught fire. It is quite obvious that safety precautions were not taken such as wearing non-flammable products and having a Michael Jackson stunt double first rehearse it several times to test the timing of the pyrotechnics before using pyrotechnics with the real Michael Jackson. The recovery from 2nd and 3rd degree burns is not always smooth; a risk of infection is always possible and the scarring can still cause pain to the touch while it is healing. The unfortunate fact is that he may never had become addicted to pain killers if this preventable accident had not occurred.

Enki Bilal - Animal'z on exhibit and up for auction in France

Here is a Google translated interview with graphic artist, writer and filmmaker Enki Bilal by Alexandre Phalippou of the La Tribune where Bilal explains why he "will be exhibiting at Artcurial the 350 cases of [his] latest BD, Animal'z from 8 July to 10 September. They will then be auctioned on 19 September."

worst faux pas, bad man Joe Jackson using his son's death to plug label

Joe Jackson plugging his label... no way, shut up!??? Yup, I watched him do it on the red carpet, too.

Whether people are sad or not about Michael Jackson suddenly dying before his 50-date concert event, no one seems to ponder for a minute that fans and his family would have been traumatized at seeing him collapse to his death on stage while performing. The media would have gotten hold of footage of it and endlessly replay it to the horror of the family and young fans.

Rolling Stone magazine blogged the new rehearsal images where you can tell from the light shining silhouetting the dark shirt under the yellow sleeves (possibly the sleeves were tailored for his ease of movement) how painfully thin Jackson was and couldn't have weighed more than 120-130 lbs. at 5'10".

In addition, I'm guessing that he had been on and off addicted to pain killers that were prescribed following his surgeries. Anyone withdrawing from pain meds will go through headaches, vomiting and diarrhea, which can account for significant weight loss. Following withdrawal, you may feel well, but putting your body through perspiring and daily heightened physical activity while being 50 years old... the heart just cannot take it unless it is closely monitored every day and the person is eating and hydrating enough to withstand the calories they're burning and the fluids that they're losing.

No one is talking about whether or not he had his vitiligo condition dealt with via depigmentation therapy with Monobenzyl Ether of Hydroquinone. It is applied topically for lightening the skin, killing the melanocytes. Side effects are skin irritation and inflammation, however its ingredients are found in disinfectants, germicides, condoms and rubber aprons. Just makes you wonder how the body can tolerate these chemicals along with repetitive use of anesthetics for cosmetic surgery.

I listened to Art Bell on Coast to Coast AM on Friday night and he said that he never would have revealed this info while Jackson was alive, but he was living in Pahrump, NV, up until recently. It makes sense that Pahrump would be a secluded and sparsely populated town to hide out, but also the dry climate is better for people who have health problems including muscle aches and aching bones or sore joints. It is a little over an hour between Pahrump and Las Vegas and he could have retained the doctor, who is based out of Las Vegas, and who was with him when he died, while he was living in Pahrump.

While I hear the media speculate on whether or not he was given meds in the 24 hours leading up to his death, no one is mentioning how much we learned about prescription drug abuse from Heath Ledger's accidental overdose.

If Jackson was given any prescriptions to treat anxiety, aching muscles, and insomnia, the "cocktail mix" of these medicines even at prescribed dosages could be intolerable for someone with no food in their stomach and for someone with a lightweight build. Breathing will slow first. Without lung function, the heart slows and then stops. Why individuals are not able to be resuscitated could be because the toxicity level was far greater than understood before CPR is administered.

His entire life is a duality of great success and a very long, sad story. I am not re-watching the rebroadcast of "Living with Michael Jackson" story that aired in 2003. It's too difficult to watch him feed Blanket aka Prince Michael II while his legs are shaking the baby on his lap. Jackson hated this documentary. I hope the family finds closure soon and that the media finds some way to evolve past the scandals (the media never will, but I can hope). I choose to enjoy the pre-90s era of his career because I can appreciate the effects and influence his dance and music had on many pop and non-pop artists to follow. His use of costume in his changing image and his media stunts have all been repeated but never could be duplicated. I did tear up at seeing an emotional Janet Jackson followed by Jamie Foxx and Ne-Yo's duet of "I'll Be There."

Tetro Q&A with Coppola on June 26, 2009

It's not really a "Wednesday" type of movie, but Tetro will be presented with a Q&A to follow by Francis Ford Coppola on Friday, June 26, 2009 at 7:30pm at the Sundance Kabuki in San Francisco.

{article} There's an art to writing on Facebook or Twitter -- really

A while back I posted about Twitter. Today I read a new article relating to the nonsense people choose or not choose to read from their tweeting friends. The entire left panel of this article lists the DOs and DON'Ts. I especially agree with "DONT: Tweet like some celebs"... EXACTLY: They don't know how to write!... They leave out crucial facts. One wonders if there will be a revolution from this instant message madness where Twitter and Facebook accounts will require the "joiner" to write a complete sentence that makes sense and actually contains something of substance in less than 15 seconds.

NPR: Joss Whedon - Slayers, Dolls and Singing Villains

Three months ago I wrote this below entry about "Dollhouse" and I want to state here that I'm glad I stuck with it and that Fox is sticking with it!

original post on 3/10/09 at 6:26PM
This is an excellent conversation that Joss Whedon has with NPR's David Bianculli about his new show "Dollhouse" which airs on Fox on Friday nights.

Watching the first four episodes of "Dollhouse" I am not sold on it, but I'm sticking with it. I was eager to love it, but then the constant flesh-sploitation of the women characters was a turn off for me. I care more about what's often going on with the characters that have two lines such as Amy Acker's Claire Saunders.

The interview also extensively covers Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog with samples of the musical commentary that can be found on DVD as an audio commentary musical track.

(SNL) Mark Wahlberg Talks to Animals

It is very TV Funhouse-like to use live animals so in a way it is a nod to Robert Smigel's twisted sense of humor except the sketch is missing the puppet characters. Andy Samberg is a perfect soundalike and lookalik to Mark Wahlberg.

(SNL) Giraffes!

I found this and remembered that I loved it the first time and I love it even more now! It's made by the Dudes aka The Lonely Island

{interview} John Bergin on Spoiler Alert Radio

If you are a filmmaker or graphic artist turning art into film, listen to artist/musician/filmmaker John Bergin being interviewed on Spoiler Alert Radio. It covers a great deal about his work including his making of the movie From Inside.

Addams Family Musical news

Since the last post, more news has come in which includes casting news. The website for Addams Family Musical is using portraits of the Charles Addams-drawn characters so when you mouseover each one, you see which actor is playing the character. If you click on "tickets", you can subscribe to updates. I was able to find a ticket for the Oriental Theatre shows (Chicago) in a search today although it says public sale is 5/29/09. The musical is scheduled to begin previews on Broadway (NYC) on March 4, 2010 and to open on April 8. I would rather wait to see it on Broadway so I can visit friends in NY and take them to a show.

Not looking good for the show Reaper

Some are predicting that "Reaper" is not going to be renewed. It's a shame. It barely had a chance and it's really a very hilarious show. Actor Tyler Labine, whom plays Sock, will likely be seen again, maybe as soon as Fall 2009 on Fox's "Sons of Tucson". Ray Wise plays the Devil and will have no shortage of work.

She played the girl in the hood...

...actually a little red riding hood. Finally!!! The short film starring Christina Ricci as Little Red Riding Hood will soon be available to watch on DVD. It was back in 1997 that the award-winning film played several film festivals. Those who caught it then, and later on the Sundance Channel, swooned at the site of Ricci being hunted down by a beautiful wolf creature played by dancer Timour Bourtasenkov. Narrator Quentin Crisp eloquently told the tale of a teen's first exploration into danger. It's available on June 16, 2009, so don't hesitate on adding this one to your collection.

Berkeley, CA's The Bone Room will be on Mythbusters

Store owner Ron Cauble has just reported that The Bone Room will be on Mythbusters in an upcoming episode.

Here's a video recently made about the store.

opening this weekend Isabel Samaras: Into The Woodz in San Francisco

One of Wednesday's top 5 favorite artists in the world is has a show opening at the Shooting Gallery this weekend. Saturday, 5/9, from 7pm-11pm stop by 839 Larkin St. in San Francisco to meet the artist, Isabel Samaras. Plus you can buy some art, her book called On Tender Hooks, postcards, limited edition items which includes her art on a limited edition plate and get into her twisted take on Goldilocks and the Three Bears.

UPDATE: preview the show where you can see incredible detail of the paintings unframed. The paintings are beautifully framed and at least two are framed in wood frames that have bear bites in the wood. The opening on Saturday was very well-attended with so many fans and newcomers squeezing into the modest space to take in Isabel's extraordinary artwork. I bought her book, On Tender Hooks and the postcard book. Both items contain the painting that I acquired in 2003 called "Wednesday the Destroyer." That particular painting is done with the idea that the heads of the dolls Wednesday owns are hung around her neck much like Kali's garland of fifty human heads.

this weekend: Dennis Nilsen Crimes That Shook The World

Dennis Nilsen will be on Investigation Discovery for the show Crimes That Shook the World. Tonight's airing is a repeat so I'm so glad I found it on the schedule and there are a few airings of it in the future. I had mentioned him before on the website.

Nilsen is the least covered on shows such as the ones found on Investigation Discovery. There are many other documentaries about so other serial killers. I think it is the most fascinating case because he preceded Jeffrey Dahmer. While living in London, working as a civil servant, he killed 15 men whom he befriended at the local pubs and, in each case, the book depicts his acts of disposing the bodies over a period of five years. Author Brian Masters wrote about Nilsen in the book Killing for Company. As the title indicates, Nilsen was, for several reasons, a victim of loneliness while at the same time his diary documents his guilt over the accumulation of victims. I remember when Dahmer was thought to be a unique case. He was saving bodies like Nilsen. Then trying to dispose of them in pieces. I don't keep the details in the front of my mind as they're very grim. They were both necrophile serial killers, but one difference is that Dahmer practiced cannibalism on his victims. You can see an excellent docu-drama titled Dahmer with Jeremy Renner expertly portraying Jeffrey. I'll post a review of it after viewing it. 

UNEDITED REVIEW of the episode: The video matches what I imagined while reading Masters's book. The English accent provides authenticity to the vivid details of evidence found in the plumbing. The actor who plays Nilsen was very understated and he looks very similar to Nilsen. I think it is remarkable that they put Nilsen in the back seat of the car without handcuffs and when he admits to how many more victims there are, the driver nearly drove off the road. The episode's x-ray graphics of the crime scene and the lighting of the re-enactments were well done. Nilsen's story is a modern day Jekyll and Hyde story where he'd wake up after a drunken stupor and discover he had killed again. He confessed that the decision to kill came from inside him. It took him over. Masters says that he fused love and death when he saw his dead grandfather. I think the most poignant moment was from the guy that survived who says that Nilsen tried to revive him. "Was he my killer or my savior?" The authorities don't state this but they discovered that Nilsen's first victim was a 14-year-old boy. Couldn't this also classify him as a pedophile if he had sex with him before he killed him?

R.I.P. Andy Hallett

I am devastated at hearing of the passing of the superb actor Andy Hallett. He played one of the best characters in the Whedonverse on television: "Lorne" from "Angel". He was an owner of a nightclub, able to read any person by having them sing for him. One of many memorable performances includes the song "Lady Marmalade" he sang in the "Vegas" episode called "The House Always Wins". He says in this interview that this was his favorite episode on "Angel."

I attended an event where he appeared as a guest. He mentioned briefly that he was ill earlier that year, but performed for us as if he was on top of the world. We never wanted him to leave. His presence in the room was obvious, but he was also generous and kind to his fans.

Like his fans, his fellow cast members must be just in shock. My thoughts are with Andy's friends and family; I wish them strength in saying farewell to whom they all must feel touched their souls.