I'll only say this:

"Madagascar" is the lowest-attended $61 million-dollar grossing movie I've ever seen at the theatre.

But still, "Longest Yard" does $60 million for a close third, and both flicks were within a mere 10 clicks of still-champ "Star Wars," so I don't feel too bad about my prediction. But this weekend is a relatively weak crop of movies ("Cinderella Man" is about it, lest you're really looking forward to "Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants"), so who knows.

Q'n'D Review: The Longest Yard

Really quickly, I saw LY with my bro, the lovely and talented Beth Wander, and two of her friends today, and was pleasently surprised by how much I enjoyed it. I don't know how it compares to the original film (as I haven't seen it), but on its own it's a very entertaining light comedy, save for one detail, which I really can't give away as it's a pretty big plot spoiler. Sufficed to say, see the flick, shoot me an e-mail, and we'll talk. Otherwise, definitely worth the trouble, if only to hear Kevin Nash talk about how sensitive his nipples are.

Longest Yard and ECW

Two things...

-I'm not saying it WILL happen, but I will say this - don't be surprised if "The Longest Yard" comes pretty close to shocking everyone and dethroning "Star Wars" this weekend. All I can say is, my theatre is usually a pretty successful barometer for how much dough a movie is taking in, and I can tell you this: Tonight, on its six screens, "Star Wars" only broke the mark of 100 people attending ONCE. All day. Whereas "Longest Yard" sold out a few times, nearly filled up the Director's Hall I was working (which led to much dismay, naturally), and all but sold out its last two shows in theatre 9, its biggest screen. ("Madagascar" was not a factor, drawing at best 50 people at any one show.) Now, "Star Wars" has more screens city-wide so the numbers may be a little skewed, but by my math "Yard" was drawing more people both per-show and overall. Keep your eyes peeled.

-And they've announced some matches, finally, for the much-anticipated ECW PPV on the 12th. To those who aren't wrestling fans, this line-up may not mean much, but for those of us who were around for the glory days of the Extreme, check THIS card out...

- Lance Storm, with Dawn Marie, vs. Chris Jericho (Lance gets his dream retirement match! Way to go, dude!)

- Rey Mysterio vs. Psychosis. (Hell yeah...)

- Three Way Dance: Super Crazy vs. Yoshihiro Tajiri, with Sinister Minister, vs. Little Guido. (Can't be an ECW show without a 3-Way...)

- Eddie Guerrero vs. Chris Benoit. (DOUBLE hell yeah...)

- Tommy Dreamer & The Sandman vs. Bubba Ray & D-Von Dudley. (Hope they cleared the musical rights with Metallica so we can get the true Sandman entrance, one more time.)

Also "Special Apprearances" by:
- Paul Heyman
- Rob Van Dam, with Bill Alfonso
- Tazz
- Spike Dudley
- Al Snow with Head
- Sabu
- Balls Mahoney
- Danny Doring and Roadkill
- CW Anderson
- Rhyno
- Joel Gertner
- Axl Rotten
- Justin Credible
- Kid Kash
- Masato Tanaka
- Mikey Whipwreck, with Sinister Minister
- The BWO - Big Stevie Cool, Hollywood Nova, and The Blue Guy

Now, find some matches for a lot of those "special appearance" guys, and this could be one of the best shows ever. I wanna see Masato Tanaka wrestle, darn it!

Another Bit Stolen From Lia's Blog...

1.) Bold what is true.
2.) Leave plain what is false.
3.) Add something at the end.

001. I miss somebody right now.
002. I watch more tv than I used to.
003. I love olives.
004. I love sleeping.
005. I own a home.
006. I wear glasses or contact lenses.
007. I love to play video games.
008. I've done something illegal.
009. I've watched porn movies.
010. I have been in a threesome.
011. I have been the psycho-ex in a past relationship.
012. I like my handwriting.
013. I have acne-free skin.
014. I like and respect Al Sharpton.
015. I curse frequently.
016. I have changed a lot mentally over the last year.
017. I have a hobby.
018. I've been to another country.
019. I carry my knife/razor everywhere with me.
020. I'm really, really smart.
021. I've never broken anyone else's bones.
022. I have a secret that I am ashamed to reveal.
023. I love rain.
024. I'm paranoid at times.
025. I would get plastic surgery if it were 100% safe, free of cost, and scar-free.
026. I need money right now.
027. I love sushi.
028. I talk really, really fast sometimes.
029. I have fresh breath in the morning.
030. I have semi-long hair.
031. I have lost money in Las Vegas.
032. I have at least one brother and/or sister.
033. I was born in a country outside of the U.S.
034. I shave my legs.
035. I have a twin.
036. I couldn't survive without Caller I.D.
037. I like the way that I look.
038. I have lied to a good friend in the past 6 months.
039. I know how to do cornrows.
040. I am usually pessimistic.
041. I have mood swings.
042. I think prostitution should be legalized.
043. I think Britney Spears is pretty.
044. I have cheated on a significant other.
045. I have a hidden talent.
046. I'm always hyper no matter how much sugar I have.
047. I've been sexually intimate with fewer than ten people.
048. I am currently single.
049. I have kissed someone of the same sex.
050. I enjoy talking on the phone.
051. I practically live in sweatpants or PJ pants.
052. I love to shop.
053. I would rather shop than eat.
054. I would classify myself as ghetto.
055. I'm bourgeoisie and have worn a sweater tied around my shoulders.
056. I'm obsessed with my LJ.
057. I don't hate anyone.
058. I'm a pretty good dancer.
059. I don't think Mike Tyson raped Desiree Washington.
060. I'm completely embarrassed to be seen with my mother.
061. I have a cell phone.
062. I watch MTV on a daily basis.
063. I have passed out drunk in the past 6 months.
064. I have never been in a real relationship before.
065. I've rejected someone before.
066. I currently have a crush on someone.
067. I have no idea what I want to do for the rest of my life.
068. I want to have children in the future.
069. I have changed a diaper before.
070. I've had the cops called on me before.
071. I bite my nails.
072. I am a member of the Tom Green fan club.
073. I'm not allergic to anything deadly.
074. I have a lot to learn.
075. I have dated someone at least 10 years older or younger.
076. I plan on seeing Ice Cube's newest "Friday" movie.
077. I am very shy around the opposite sex.
078. I'm online 24/7, even as an away message.
079. I have at least 5 away messages saved.
080. I have been rejected by someone.
081. I have made a move on a friend's significant other in the past.
082. I own the "SOUTH PARK" movie.
083. I have avoided work to play on LJ.
084. When I was a kid I played "the birds and the bees" with a neighbor or chum.
085. I enjoy country music.
086. I love my best friends.
087. I think that Pizza Hut has the best pizza.
088. I watch soap operas whenever I can.
089. I'm obsessive, anal retentive, and often a perfectionist.
090. I have used my sexuality to advance my career.
091. I love Michael Jackson, scandals and all.
092. I know all the words to Slick Rick's "Children's Story".
093. Halloween is awesome because you get free candy.
094. I watch Spongebob Squarepants and I like it.
095. I have dated a close friend's ex.
096. I'm happy as of this moment.
097. I have gone scuba diving.
098. I've had a crush on somebody I have never met.
099. I've kissed someone I knew I shouldn't.
100. I play a musical instrument.
101. I strongly dislike math.
102. I'm procrastinating on something right now.
103. I own and use a library card.
104. I fall in "lust" more than in "love."
105. Cheese enchiladas rock my socks.
106. I think The Lord of the Rings is one of the greatest things ever.
107. I'm obsessed with the tv show "The O.C."
108. I am resentful that I have to grow up.
109. I am an entirely different person around different people.
110. I think the world would be a better place if people just smiled more often.
111. I think Ramen is one of the best foods in the whole world.
112. I am suffering from a broken heart.
113. I am a nerd.
114. No matter where I am or who I'm with, I always seem to be lonely.
115. I am left handed and proud of it.
116. I try not to change who I am for someone.
117. My heart resides below my feet.
118. I have had sex with someone I was not in a relationship with.
119. I enjoy smoothies.
120. I have had major surgery.
121. I have adopted a pet from the SPCA.
122. I am listening to Radiohead right now.
123. Some people call me by a nickname.
124. I once stole a music stand.
125. I like pumpkin pie.
126. I love NASCAR!
127. I own over 200 CDs.
128. I work 7 days a week.
129. I have mono.
130. I don't have the ability to make decisions without changing my mind.
131. People tell me I have a horrible sense of humor.
132. I'm still in my PJs.
133. I'm looking for love in all the wrong places.
134. I have a tendency to fall for the wrong guys.
135. I'll try anything three times.
136. I've done drugs other than alcohol or cigarettes.
137. I'm having trouble sleeping.
138. I am a cuddler.
139. I like John Waters films.
140. I have made a pornographic videotape.
141. Sloth is my favorite deadly sin.
142. One of my boobs is bigger than the other though not noticed by others.
143. I know all the words to the "Firefly" theme song.
144. I am abnormally obsessed with all things Buffy/Angel.
145. I love comfort food.
146. I'm a right-winged conservative Christian, and proud of it.
147. I'm Catholic.
148. I can walk a mile without feeling like I'm going to keel over.
149. I am a college student.
150. I like to cook.
151. I hate vacuuming with a passion.
152. I'm addicted to photography and picture frames.
153. I have performed in the Rocky Horror Picture show.
154. I generally get along with my parents.
155. I like Shakespeare.
156. I like to sing.
157. I'll take the Pepsi Challenge any day, and STILL pick Coke!
158. I have things that I want to say to people, but I won't/can't because I don't want to hurt/be hurt by them.
159. I'm not "mainstream" when it comes to religion.
160. I've counted down the days until the summer.
161. I've fulfilled someone's dare at a party or gathering.
162. I challenge people to duels, and when I do, I mean it.
163. I was pigeon-toed at one point in my life.
164. I love Digimon and wear goggles to school.
165. I have been to an anime convention.
166. I constantly have my head in the clouds daydreaming.
167. I am addicted to roleplaying.
168. I was in labor for 30 hours with no pain medication.
169. I own more than three items of vinyl clothing.
170. I read hardcore Christian Bible Tracts because I think they're funny.
171. I hate to drive.
172. I'm unemployed but would rather sit on my butt and play video games than look for a job.
173. I come from a southern, highly religious family and have chosen to keep a major part of my life secret from my family for now.
174. I have a serious taste for older men.
175. I had a happy childhood.
176. I have an unhealthy obsession with certain child actors.
177. I am an only child.
178. I have more than five different lotions on my desk right now.
179. I have a more active online social life than IRL.
180. Sometimes, I actually like my job.
181. I love animals, and have had at least one pet.
182. I love writing letters.
183. I haven't had sex with a lot of people, but I've had a really wide range of sexual experiences with those few.
184. I don't bleed, I percolate.
185. I sleep the entire day but am awake all night long.
186. My two children were born in the same month.
187. I like the taste of blood.
188. I do not know how to swim.
189. I know how to shoot a gun.
190. I am currently pregnant with my first baby.
191. I flew to another state when I was underage without asking/ telling my parents.
192. I've experienced natural childbirth.
193. I am a HUGE "Sex and the City" fan.
194. I am currently experiencing physical pain.
195. I've lost time at work this week because my car was encased in an ice floe.
196. I'm looking for a new job that I actually like.
197. I am OCD about at least one thing.
198. I have a child named after a fictional or mythological character.
199. I have a pet named after a fictional or mythological character.
200. I have been paid money for my art.
201. I never ever tan. At all.
202. I have overcome at least one long-standing fear.
203. I have tattoos.
204. I need to take a shower.
205. I like to eat cool whip right out of the freezer.
206. I am regaining control of my life, one piece at a time.
207. I really want to move to a different state.
208. Ignorance sucks -especially in leadership positions!
209. I keep an open mind about most things - just not so open that my brain falls out.

Vote Early, Vote Often, Vote Abby!

Asking a favor of everyone...my dear friend, the lovely and talented Abby Bollenbacher, is auditioning to become "The Face of Fox Toledo," and has made it to the round of sixteen! Yep, 16 contestants left, and from this point on it becomes a bit of a popularity contest, and every vote counts. Ergo, I strongly encourage everyone to head over to the official page of the contest, view the remaining finalists, and then, click on the e-mail addy listed at the bottom of the page to send the network your support for her candidacy. (The addy in question is superdave@foxtoledo.com, BTW.) I know Abby would appreciate it, I'd appreciate it, it's just be very very appreciated all around, really. So what are ya waiting for? Go! Do it! Do it now! (insert Schwartzenegger grunt here)

For more info on the contest, Abby's candidacy, and what being the Face of Fox Toledo would mean, check out Abby's blog.

How Fox News Helped Me Feel Better About Myself

So I go into work on Friday. Things didn't get off to the best of starts anyway - my manager was all upset about something, the district manager was around, and the atmosphere of the whole theatre was a wee bit intense (Star Wars hasn't been packing 'em in nearly as much as we thought it would). So things were more than a little on-edge even before I noticed it.

We have a TV lounge. Normally it shows CNN. Why CNN, I have no idea. If they're looking to air something which is a relatively neutral and unoffensive programming choice, they failed, as I don't wanna see Georgie Boy as many times a day as this choice makes me. But I can live with it, for the most part. But on Friday, I looked up and saw that the TV instead was showing...Fox News.

Now, I knew the district manager was in. And I knew that the reason that TV shows CNN anyway is that he ordered it to (before that we'd mostly shown ESPN). So if he had come in and suddenly ordered that the TV show Fox News from now on - that's all it would show.

My immediate reaction surprised me. Upon seeing this, and thinking of all the ramifications of same, I realized that if that was the way it was gonna be from then on, I was fully prepared to take a stand. Not so much for myself, though the constant stream of right wing propaganda would certainly have been an annoyance. No, for the people who come in and out of our theatre every day. The folks who sit down in that lounge and have no option to change the TV. They'd be forced to watch Rupert Murdoch's ongoing efforts to direct public opinion through selective coverage and biased reporting. All under the banner of "fair and unbiased." (For more info, check out the excellent documentary "Outfoxed," now on DVD.)

So my immediate response was, if I find out that this is indeed a new theatre policy, that Fox News will now be broadcast every day, I am prepared to take a stand and demand that it be taken off of there. This is not a matter of censorship, this is a matter of people having no choice but to watch something which consistantly tilts the facts of our world toward one viewpoint. If "Fahrenheit 9/11" was showing on that screen 24/7, I would have the same issue.

I even realized, to my shock, that I was prepared for this to cost me my job, if need be. That there are some things worth taking that kind of stand for. And I felt...good. For so long I've felt so down about myself as a person, and now here, I find that my immediate response is not, as I've long feared, that of self-preservation and cowardice, but of resolve and pride. And suddenly I understood Roger's quote: "Depression is the last thing you feel when you risk everything for a principle."

So, I went to a manager and asked about the switch. And his response was an immediate, "Whoa, that's not supposed to happen. They have it on the wrong channel." He headed on up to the bar (where the TV controls are) and told them to change it back. And we were back to CNN again.

So my resolve, my determination, my strong-willed response? All for naught, an overreaction to a mistake in programming choice. But you know what? I still felt good. This one incident has lead me to realize that at my core, I'm a more determined, passionate, and committed individual than I've ever given myself credit for. And for the first time in a long time, I liked who I was.

And I have Fox News to thank for that. Go fig.

Q'n'D Review: Episode III

At last, George Lucas has made another Star Wars movie.

While Episode I was much maligned and bashed by the majority of the world, I thought that it at least felt common in tone with its roots, and was at least decent, even though it wasn't even close to actually being a Star Wars movie.

Episode II was a dreary slog through dreadfully dull dialogue and uninvolving events, saved by a two minute Yoda fight scene. Coming as it did two weeks post Spider-Man, it looked particularly weak - and not at all like a Star Wars movie.

But Episode III...somehow, this time, they got it right. From the exciting and inventive action to the character development (Anakin's turn, ham-handed in the earlier films, is more subtle and involving this time) to the always-impressive effects and the nifty ways of sewing up loose ends that many viewers wouldn't have noticed even if they hadn't sewn them up ("Have the protocol droid's memory wiped."), this film looks, talks, acts and feels like a Star Wars film should.

It isn't perfect (the advance notices you've heard about the movie being "the best of the whole saga" are the excited shouts of fans overreacting to a good film - it still isn't the equal of any of the originals, IMO), but it's closer than either I or II ever got, and on its own merits, it works wonderfully well as a movie. No matter what you think about the first two films in this prequel trilogy - or even if you haven't seen them - Episode III is worth it.

Believe the hype.

May the Force Be With Yadda Yadda....

On the whole, the LOTR crowd was more fun, less rowdy, and allowed me to talk without shouting quite as loud as I had to tonight. Not really a good time.

Five screens were playing the show - we sold out all but one of them, which was the last one made available. People were pretty okay waiting in line and being moved into the theatres, it was when they were in there that they started getting rowdy. The human being in large herds can be a scary animal. Three times I tried to address the crowd in one sold-out show, and three times I had to shout at the top of my lungs just to grab their attention, only to lose it quickly. Again, I dunno if the material being different was a factor or what, but the LOTR crowds were much nicer and much more readily attentive for Return of the King's opening day. But ah well.

Hopefully tomorrow will be more low key and manageable. And I'll get to do my full-blown Darth Vader schtick.

One of those days...

This was a day where everything went wrong. Not in an upfront way, but a subtle, building way. Like, "well, things are pretty okay except for a few nagging little things" until the nagging little things ganged up and kicked me square in the crotch. Ouch. Still nursing my wounds.

On the plus side, I was on TV today. Or I'm gonna be on TV tomorrow. I dunno, it's kinda vague - the local entertainment reporter was filming a piece on Star Wars and wanted a cameo from an employee who was willing to "ham it up" for the camera. The managers pointed to me. Backwards compliment, I'd say, but ah well. So if you happened to be watching TV 13's newscast and suddenly saw my big butt filling your screen and uttering the immortal line, "You mean the midnight show?" Now you know why. And if you didn't, it might air tomorrow at some point. I don't know. You go look, I don't wanna - I actually hate watching myself on TV. If anyone sees it, lemme know.

Some Cool Things...

Well, I haven't updated in quite a few days. And there's a good reason for this: I'm lazy. Well, no, I've been busy. Well, no, I'm lazy. Sigh...

Anyway, here are 7 cool things on this Sunday night...

#1. - The Interpreter. Saw the flick with the lovely and talented Amanda Myers this evening and it was very good. Definitely worth checking out.

#2. - Star Wars week. I was looking at this coming week with a sense of dread, that I'd work like I'd never worked before seating folks for this one. And then I learned that for reasons that I'd best not mention here (ask if ya wanna know), we apparently won't be carrying Episode III in the Director's Halls. And they still want me to do my schtick for the big theatres. So I have all the fun of doing my thing in front of the huge, enthusiastic crowds (last time I did something like this was the LOTR day, and that was the most fun I've ever had at work), and I probably won't have to seat anyone for it. Neat! (And hey, if you're coming to a midnight show at the theatre, hope you like the bit!)

#3. - Arrested Development's renewal. Now, I haven't seen the show (heard great things, haven't tried it yet), but my enthusiasm is rather for what I hope is a new trend - Fox renewed it for TWO seasons, despite the fact that it isn't doing that well in the ratings. Why? Because it's a much-liked and well-reviewed show (won the Best Comedy Emmy last year) which has a growing cult fanbase, so Fox wants to keep it around long enough for it to find its audience, and even if it doesn't work out, it'll make enough episodes to send it into syndication and make more money through DVD sales (ala Family Guy). Imagine - a good show sticking around because it's a good show, and this new marketplace giving it double the chance to turn a profit in the process. I really hope more networks pick up on this concept - how nowadays there's more than one way to have a hit, and that quality can and does find its audience, one way or another, if you give it a chance.

#4. - Family Guy. There hasn't been a breakout classic yet, but each of the shows so far in the new run have been very fun and with some awesome moments. Peter/Chicken II, anyone?

#5. - American Dad. I didn't think a lot of it at first - Family Guy the B Show, basically - but it's starting to grow on me. What really got me was a moment on tonight's show: "Mom just ran off with my boyfriend!" "No, your boyfriend just took off with my wife! Let's get back at them by dating each other! Wait a minute...Daddy didn't think that through..." The two shows are not equals just yet, but getting closer, and I will no longer simply blow off AD in favor of its big brother.

#6. - A.J. Styles wins the NWA Title at the TNA PPV tonight. Way to go A.J.! Now, TNA, give the guy a chance to actually carry the damn ball this time!

#7. - Job interview tomorrow. No details yet - later, I promise - but I'm actually pretty calm and cool about the whole thing. Cool if it happens, not a heartbreaker if it doesn't, so I'm feeling pretty darn cool on this one.

More info as it comes, and it won't be a week to the next update, I promise!

My Kinda Town

Sorry to disappoint and end all speculation, but my absence has not been because I have been in pursuit of Jessica's defamer (the search still ongoing, by gum), but rather because I was in Chicago! Yes, thanks to the lovely and talented Abby Bollenbacher (who came with, and whose car we used) I was able to head out to Chi-Town this past weekend to see John in his show "More Amazing Than The Time Michael Jackson Came Over To Your House To Use The Bathroom" at Second City. It was a marvelous trip and a wonderful time with several great friends, as well as a chance to visit perhaps my favorite-est city in the world.

Start with the trip, which began on Friday afternoon, meeting up with Abby for an early afternoon departure. Now, it's a four hour trip, at least, so I had packed up on CDs and music for the journey, but it turned out they pretty much weren't needed, as Abs and I can talk a blue streak and have epic conversation, and the four hours in the car just flew by. Next thing I know, I'm staring at the fountain that you see at the opening of "Married with Children." We meet up with Abby's brother Brian at his job - he works for Chicago's Shakespearean Theatre, and we got a comprehensive tour of the place, which is a GORGEOUS facility. One of...no, THE nicest performance space I've ever seen. If you ever get the chance and have the 65 or so dollars it costs, it is worth every penny to check it out.

After our departure from there, we head downtown and are lucky enough to find a good parking space only a couple blocks from the theatre, and after grabbing some coffee and grub, the four of us (me, Abby, Brian and Elizabeth - my dear friend in Chicago who met us there) went in to watch John's show, which was hysterical. Short but fast paced, it was a tremendous series of skits which all had me roaring. (Personal favorites were the guys who find out that Jesus has just moved in upstairs and John as a nervous valedictorian speaker who ends up reciting Sean Astin's wishing well speech from "Goonies" verbatim.) A tremendously funny show, and both John and Chuck have grown amazingly as performers during their Second City work. If anyone can be in the city next week to see the show and support John and Chuck and the rest of the cast, I highly recommend it.

Saturday was a wonderful experience, as well. While Abby and Brian went shopping for pageant stuffs, I got dropped downtown (around the Loop) and had a day to do pretty much whatever. And boy did I take advantage. Visited the Cultural Center and saw Millennium Park, browsed some of the big-@$$ stores, and most significantly for me, I saw a movie at the Gene Siskel Film Center. (Formerly simply dubbed The Film Center, it was redubbed in memory of Gene when he passed away, as he was one of its champions and supporters.) This was the equivalent of a trip to mecca for me, given how I idolized both Gene and Roger growing up (and still do, really). It's a lovely theatre, a bit on the small side but quite nice, with a large lobby area and quite a few alcoholic beverages for sale at the concession stand (heh). I grabbed a ticket and a soda (at 3 bucks, that's cheaper than at my theatre) and also a few souvenir mugs for me and Heather (at 3.50 for a very nice beer mug and 2.50 for a cappucino cup, they rank as the coolest and cheapest souvenirs I've pretty much every gotten). Then, I headed into the theatre itself, learning from a plaque that the screen was "donated by Roger and Chaz Ebert." Then, I headed up to the back row, as I normally do, to grab a seat...and in the back right corner of the theatre, I notice a small plaque over the chair: "Gene's Favorite Seat." Well, you know where I was sitting. :) The movie itself was "Ali: Fear Eats the Soul," a German film from 1974 about an elderly woman who falls in love with a young Arab man. The film was very good, though it ended a bit abruptly for my taste, but all things considered an excellent film to experience at the Center.

Then it was a quick meet-up with Abby and Brian before it was off again to hang out with John and company...at, oddly enough, the lobby of the Marriott hotel. It was a gorgeous setting with big comfy couches and live music, and we shot the breeze for an hour or so about the show, life, everything. Then it was back on the El to Brian's place after a long, tiring day (I had so hoped to meet up with Elizabeth again, as well, but scheduling problems, missed phone calls, and just plain being tuckered out made me miss that...sorry, my friend). Then, after the brief possibility of seeing the production of R&J at Brian's theatre, we instead decided to hit the road, where, thanks to Abby's lovely company and a lively and lengthy game of Famous Names, the trip once again just flew by.

All in all, a wonderful trip, and one which I won't soon forget. (I may have another story to relate in the coming days, as well, but I'm keeping this entry upbeat, so...) Thank you again, Abby, for making it possible, thank you Brain for putting us up and being an amazing host, thank you John for the show, thanks to...well, everybody!

Come on, gang! To the Mystery Machine!

"anything with jessica mitolo had to have sucked."

So sayeth a comment left on this blog by an anonymous author just today. This particular comment is tres curious, not only because of its disparaging nature toward a damn good friend of mine, but also because the comment was left on a post that is over four months old (the complete card of the BGSU Rumble 2K5, for the curious).

First of all, I don't like negative comments being posted about my friends. They are my friends, after all, and I won't have them knocked on my page. So even if this was written in jest, please, let us keep this kind of thing to a minimum.

Secondly, I am intrigued by the mystery of it all - whoever wrote this did it anonymously, on a months-old post, and maybe even thought no one would notice it (except that I get notified whenever anyone leaves a comment). Is it a friend of Jess's joshing with her? Is it perhaps Jess herself (as the lack of caps in the sentence is often a Jess trademark)? Or someone else?

Hmm. Curiouser and curiouser. Any thoughts? Our mystery writer wanna step forward?

Interview Me! - Lindsey's Questions

The lovely and talented Lindsey asked me dese questions on her blog, and here are my answers. Same rules apply as below...you wanna be interviewed, just ask!

-Jeff

1. What is your favorite episode, quote, and character from Family Guy?

Episode: "Road to Rhode Island"
Quote: Chris, in "Fore, Father" - "Oh my God! My fish is gone! And he robbed me!"
Character: Though it's a close call between him and Stewie, my favorite is Brian. Any character who can get away with lines like, "Barkeep, whose leg do you have to hump to get a dry martini around here?" just plain rules.

2. What was the last movie that made you cry from happiness?

Some may find this an odd choice, but "Miracle." I can't quite explain it, but the film really had a powerful impact on me, especially when the tribute to Herb comes up at the end and it says, "He never saw it. He lived it."

3. Who would play you in your life story?

I can't come up with a solid single answer here, but as far as personality goes, I'm leaning toward either Topher Grace or Jimmy Fallon. They'd have to wear prosthetics and a fat suit, naturally, but they could do the character well.

4. How do you deal?

To be frank, I really don't. Anyone who's seen me when the sh*t hits the fan knows that I don't deal with adversity that well, I'm sorry to say. The best I can do when I'm out of it (which is a lot) is latch onto something pop culture-oriented and focus on that (right now it's "Family Guy"), or do stuff to help out a friend, or a combination of both (the BGSU Rumble and its kin).

5. If you could recover one thing you lost from your childhood, what would it be?

If we're talking material possessions, the one thing I had back then which I wish I still had (and this'll make me sound like the world's BIGGEST geek) are episodes of "Siskel and Ebert" on video. Gene ain't around anymore, and the legalities of the clips from other movies (not to mention probable lack of demand) means that they'll never be shown anywhere again. More than any other show, that's what I grew up watching, and I really wish I could have some copies of episodes just for posterity. Now, if we're talking personality-wise, I had a relatively large amount of self-confidence in my youth. I wish I could have that back.

"Lucky there's a Family Guy..."

Welcome back to the show that never should have ended. An excellent and hilarious episode of FG to come back on, with tons of hilarious riffs and everyone picking right back up with their characters like there weren't 3+ years of time in the interim. This is one of those small show business miracles that just was never supposed to happen - and yet, through sheer force of will on the part of its fans, it did. Personally, I'm gonna enjoy every second of this, whether the new run lasts one season or 20. Welcome back, again, guys!