Archive for the 'Television' Category

Beam me up, Shortie! #2

Wednesday, September 10th, 2008

I look forward to seeing the results of scientists activating The Doomsday Machine. Big Bang Theory be damned, I just hope it opens up a wormhole to another dimension! Or kills planets. Or can be used to defeat the Borg. You know, whatever.

Obviously I like a lot of weird things, but today I want to be a huge dork and talk about an anime that I’m currently watching and absolutely love: Code Geass.

Season 2 is drawing to a close, while season 1 has been domestically released and is now airing on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim block of shows. Or so I’ve read, because I don’t watch dubs.

Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion is a show that starts out about one thing, and then gets really wacky and becomes about betrayal, politics, war, and killing various family members.

This show has everything! Mechs, political intrigue, magic powers, really attractive noodle-people, and a dude so FAAAAAABULOUS he’s not even a whole number!

That last part will make sense if you watch the show, I swear.

Honestly, I hate feeling like I’m part of a bandwagon fandom. But I’ve come to realize that the reason a lot of these shows become so popular is because there is a lot to like about them! Just look at Gurren Lagann, the fandom has exploded (and is still exploding) and yet I am exploding right along with them because the show is fantastic. It’s the same thing with Code Geass, which I started watching on a whim several months ago and finished the first season within a few days.

I know it’s hard to believe, but I guess the reason stuff becomes popular is because it’s actually good.

But you know what’s NOT good? The show “Fringe.” Some new J.J. Abrams thing that premiered last night on Fox. Not only did it start out on a plane just like LOST, I swear it had the same soundtrack. Not to mention its shameless and blatant desire to be a modern version of one of my favorite shows of all time.

That’s right, J.J., I’ve already seen this show. It was called The X-Files.

I fear for the new Star Trek movie coming out next year, that J.J. Abrams is directing. Mr. Abrams was quoting as saying that he’s more of a Star Wars fan. My fandom weeps.

And then there was Cloverfield. That was two hours of my life I can never get back.

Damn, I wish I didn’t love LOST so much.

Beam me up, Shortie! #1

Thursday, September 4th, 2008

So, my goal here is to write all the informative (and asinine) things I think about on a weekly basis. Sounds easy enough.

First off, my name is Cristi. I’ve been a huge nerd for as long as I can remember, and have been a con-hopper and costumer since the summer before I turned 14. It all started with Star Trek cons and tiny local comic cons, and then in 1999 it evolved when I attended Otakon in Baltimore for the first time. After that, I hit between 4 and 7 anime cons per year, plus Dragon*Con and the occasional Wizard World, etc.

The rest is history. I enjoy everything from Firefly to Ghost Hunters. Catwoman to Chastity. Slayers to Code Geass. Pretty much everything that has ever been good in the world, and even Star Trek: Enterprise, which I know is questionable.

But we’re not here to talk about me, though I am quite an expert in that subject.

I think I will start my first entry talking about something I happen to know a lot about: Cosplay.

The origin of cosplay has been debated for several years. We all know that a Japanese man came up with the word, itself. Just an Engrish amalgamation of the words “costume” and “play.” But I argue that we came up with the concept of costuming and reenacting right here in America. Look at the Renaissance folks, and the Civil War re-creators. I once heard a story that during World War II our Superman comics made their way overseas, and the Japanese were inspired to create their own comics after seeing ours. Well, I don’t care one way or another about that. I don’t even know if it’s true. But it’s definitely plausible, and makes me wonder if the very manga and anime we love now came from Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster’s creation?

The first Star Trek convention was held around 1972, by a group of like-minded fans who rented out a ballroom with their own money. They had a costume contest even then. So all I’m saying is that while the act of costuming is only now coming more to the surface of popular culture (i.e. Jay Leno sending a correspondent to San Diego Comic Con to interview costumers) it has existed since before I was even a twinkle in my mom’s eye. Where it came from isn’t even that important, but what about where it’s going?

What about cosplay showing up in today’s media? Does it make those of us who participate look like weirdos, or does showing its popularity make it seem more acceptable? I find that cosplay in the media is a double-edged sword. After all, “mainstream” doesn’t necessarily have to be a dirty word. I can get my anime now at Best Buy, or online the very next day after it airs in Japan. Back in the day, I was paying $30 for a 4-episode crappy bootleg fansub at the local comic con, or ordering fansubs online that had to be *gasp* MAILED to me! So mainstream works for me in that way, because I benefit from it. But mainstream costuming? Suddenly everyone thinks they should go to school for fashion design, or thinks they are a model. While I think that’s great and everyone should do what they want in life, the hobby does seem to be getting a bit inundated with it. I used to say, “The more the merrier!” but as the con attendees keep getting younger and I keep getting older, I’m not so sure.

I guess I have more complex thoughts on the subject, but I don’t want to start sounding like a cosplay grandma. That does tend to happen. “BACK IN MY DAY ALL OUR COSTUMES WERE MADE OF TRASH BAGS AND CHEWING GUM!”

To change gears for a second, a female DJ on the local rock station where I live was making fun of Dragon*Con today. Somehow she found out about it, and started making really obnoxious jokes about nerds reading from books all about dragons. While I don’t take myself seriously at all (cosplay is NOT serious business), I was prompted to write to her. I called her out on her attitude, and explained how friendly, talented, and straight up awesome the people who go to Dragon*Con are. She wrote back and explained to me that she thinks of herself as a bit of a nerd and was only making fun because you’re allowed to “make jokes about your own kind.” She told me to let her know the next time there’s a con, so I linked her to Baltimore Comic Con. In return, she gave me free tickets to see The Black Crowes. Right on!

Anyway, it does make me wonder. Was she serious? Is she just going to show up at the con with her microphone and belittle the attendees? I really hope not, because I’ll feel somewhat responsible. I think I’ll try for some healthy optimism, and hope that she really is a geek and will go experience the con for herself. Maybe she’ll see we’re not all creeps living in our parents’ basement. I hate stereotypes, and I am living proof that they are wrong.

So what does everyone think?

Office of the Don #17: Spaced Out

Thursday, July 31st, 2008

Greetings, Freejacks!

Apologies ahead of time.  This installment will be shorter than you are used to.  See, I’ve had—

Hey!

Quit cheering.  It’s rude.

Anyway, my plate has been extremely full lately.  Between my hours changing at my job, my parents coming for a surprise visit this weekend, and having to put extra hours in on my web comic “The Draconia Chronicles”, I barely have time to sit and chat with you fine people.

Why are you laughing, now?

So, I wanted to share with you an exquisite little British show that just came out on DVD here in the US that anyone who can declare themselves a true geek should fancy.

I’m talking about “Spaced”.

Spaced

Anyone who loved Shaun of the Dead or Hot Fuzz should love this show as well.  Four of the lovable Brits who are responsible for the movies above are also responsible for this instant classic of a show – Simon Pegg, Edgar Wright, Nick Frost, and Jessica Hynes (née Stevenson).

The plot is simple – Simon and Jessica play Tim and Daisy (respectively).  Both of them recently became in need of a place to live.  After a chance meeting in a diner, they decide – despite not really knowing each other – to pose as a couple in order to meet the criteria necessary for a cheap flat (that’s what they call apartments in the UK) that has just become available in the classifieds.  The series, which only lasted two seasons, follows their lives as they deal with the crazy and surreal situations that keep popping up episode after episode.

What makes this show a must for the geek crowd is the fact that it’s filled with geek moments and references to a lot of the pop culture you and I squee over endlessly (okay, maybe just me).  In fact, one episode is directly responsible for the creation of Shaun of the Dead.  And at just under $30, it’s one of the more reasonably-priced British imports we’ve seen in some time.

“Spaced” is an awesome series, one that will make you laugh constantly.  At the very least, you’ll be pointing at every other moment in each episode, saying “Holy crap! That’s awesome!”

Or you may suddenly find yourself in a random, slow-motion shootout using your hands as guns.

 

 The Don doesn’t think dogs can look up either.  Let the aerial attacks begin.

SAN DIEGO COMIC CO–what just happened?!

Wednesday, July 30th, 2008

Ever been within inches of a passing semi truck on a busy freeway, whipping past at 70 mph? Even in your car, you get thrown around like a leaf? Yeah, that was SDCC for the remainder of the weekend.

While I’d love to share pics, I’m still on borrowed time — my flight back home departs TODAY, thus I can write to you all, but I have roughly 500 pictures to sort, weed out and organize into a functional blog. In the meantime, let me tell you all — California rolled out the red carpet, and I had THE BEST — excuse me, *ahem* THE BEST time at a convention since the Blizzard of 2003 during Katsucon. That’s no small feat.

This was geek Mecca. Direct your prayers of Dr. Horrible and new episodes of Eureka just south of the setting sun, folks. While no show is perfect, and Murphy’s Laws prevail, I will say that the positives of the experience far, FAR outweigh the negatives. In other words, don’t feel bad. Everyone else is broke too.

So, in the meantime (while I’m 30,000 in the air for several hours) here’s my take on:  FIVE THINGS I LEARNED FROM SDCC.

(1): No one in their right mind should ever move an event or convention from San Diego. It’s PRIME real estate. I’m not the man behind the wheel, so there’s no telling what the future holds — but I will say that San Diego embraced the convention with open arms, and there was PLENTY to do and see beyond the convention walls. Go to lunch at the Tin Fish restaurant. Get around on the trolleys. Check out the best damned reuben ever at The Field.  Speaking of fields, the Padres play at Petco Park right up the street (say what you like about the Padres.)  Even the train station is a photo op waiting to happen!

(2): Your Mileage May Vary.  And oh, did I rack up a few.  Now, you can actually stop and get a breather throughout a good portion of the con, you just have to be… creative about it.  And not have any hangups about sitting on cold floors, corners of huge displays or just around the corner of an artist table.

(3): You have to be extra special, determined or crazy (or maybe a heady combination of the three) to actually get the Rare Collectable Merchandise Given Out Only At The Con Wherein You Must Stand In Line For Several Hours For The CHANCE To Get It.

(4): Besides, there are scores of people hired just to hand out free flyers.  Save the earth, collect them all!  I bet you could fill a phone book with all the mini posters, cards, flyers, and extra bits.

(5): Some personal tips to share with you all:

-Bring a camera, and break a bank book on batteries.

-When you’re done packing, open your bags again, take out half the stuff you packed.  You’re not going to need it.

-Say “yes” to whatever absurd means it takes to get there, short of risk to person or possessions.  This place is worth it.

-Water.

-Plan ahead.  There is for even the regular attendees, four whole days worth of events to attend and people to see, things to buy (or have a conniption over whether TO buy) and while you CAN do it all in a day, if you’re around for the whole thing, space it out.  Get some rest.  Eat hearty.  Because TONIGHT WE DINE IN — *ahem*

I’ll be back with photos, folks!  Sorry for the delay, but right now it’s time for me to say goodbye to perpetually sunny San Diego!

(Oh yeah, and there was an earthquake yesterday.  Most bizarre damned thing I’ve ever experienced.)

So Much To Do! So Little Time!

Thursday, July 3rd, 2008

Waugh!  Yesterday was Wednesday wasn’t it?!  Don’t you hate it when one day transposes itself over another?

Anyways, quite a few things going on worth mention:

 -The Demon Mages, Issue #2 is on the threshold of completion.  Took a little extra time, but significantly less OT than before.  Look for that in and around the time of…

 -SAN DIEGO COMIC CON!  I’ll be happy to give you readers the extended post-con coverage (August 2nd.  Let’s be fair; jet-lag) , but in the meantime, a few lead-up articles will get passed around, starting next week.  There’s not much to say here, except that packing for ten days in two bags will be… interesting.

-Almost directly afterwards is Otakon 2008.  This blogger lives moments away from it, so like the event horizon of a black hole, it seems many individuals may be drawn into it’s vortex.  Convention roundup on that one as well will be posted, come August 13th. 

-Pixiv.net & Nico-Nico Douga are neat!  Even if your Japanese is lackluster, it’s easy navigation & content abounds!  I’m there most every day!  Google searches readily turn up non-native registration instructions, so there’s little chance of getting lost.

-BONESAW IS REA-DY!!!  Tough as heck with a keyboard, a little imprecise, but still an impressive game and I chuckled at most of the humor.  A cool homebrewed time waster.

-In the spirit of our nation, I watched Paul “John Adams” Giamatti in probably my most favorite role I’ve seen him play — as the whip smart, buck-nasty Mr. Hertz in Shoot ‘Em Up.  Funny to me to see commercials for his HBO special, and super-impose Mr. Hertz’s cellphone ringing.  Or maybe an extended gunfight with Ben Franklin. 

And now, some new art!  Both done by hand, with markers & pens — the second from back on June 13-15th for the Anime-Mid-Atlantic weekend.

That’s all for now!  See ya next week!

Office of the Don #11: Hulk Cash!…es In

Thursday, June 19th, 2008

Greetings, Deadly Friends!

So, some of you may have seen that Iron Man movie that came out a month or so ago.

You may have even stayed until the end credits.

You further may have known that Robert Downey, Jr. made a cameo as Tony Stark in a related film that opened this past weekend.

What am I getting at?  Wait.  What was I getting at?  Oh yeah – I saw that film last Sunday and I’m going to do a mini-review for this week’s Office of the Don.

That’s right, this week I talk to you about The Incredible Hulk.

Hulk and Bronsky

Now, from what I’ve seen and heard, there are two classes of people – the bourgeoisie and the laissez-faire.  No, wait.  That’s not right.  Hang on, let me look it up…

 
*elevator music*

 
Okay, got it – there are those who like the Hulk film that Ang Lee made a few years ago, and those that don’t.  I, personally, liked the film for what Ang Lee tried to do despite a couple of daddy issues I had with it.  His personal take made for a decent psychiatric study into a popular comic book character.  But it wasn’t the Hulk we geeks know and love.

Now, the latest and greatest from The Transporter director Louis Leterrier?  This is the Hulk film the fans wanted.  It took elements from the Bruce Jones run in the comic (Mr. Blue), the TV series (including the theme song – well done!), and mixed it together with some top-notch talent.

Is this movie as good as Iron Man?  No.  But, it’s close.  The pacing is excellent – it’s set up almost like a combination of a Bourne Identity-style thriller and a monster movie.  All the actors gave great performances.  The only exception was Liv Tyler.  She wasn’t bad, but I preferred Jennifer Conelly’s Betty Ross.

The CGI stands out a little at first.  But by the time Hulk and Blonsky are duking it out on a college campus, the CG effects are forgotten as it pulls you into the action.

The plot seems more cohesive and put together better than in Ang Lee’s effort.  There are a couple of divergent storylines going on with a couple of different characters, but each one seems to serve the greater story, merging into the main plot before the end.

And there’s no crap involving crazy fathers and weird character amalgamations.

Then there are all the little shout-outs to the fans – the mention of S.H.I.E.L.D., Nick Fury, Stark Industries, the Stark cameo, a sequence towards the opening that seems rather familiar to anyone who has seen the show, and the theme song.  Oh, and there is not only a cameo by Lou Ferrigno (jerk), but a surprise cameo by Bill Bixby himself!  All of these are sure to make a fanboy giggle with glee.  I should know.  I tested that personally.

Again, this movie isn’t as good as that other Marvel movie that came out this year, but it’s a fun and wild ride.  If you’re looking for “Hulk Smash!”, you’re gonna get it.

Plus, that feeling I told you about in my Iron Man review?  The one where it felt like the Marvel Universe is finally coming into being and expanding?  This film is just handed us another piece of the puzzle.

And not even Mr. McGee could make me angry after watching this film.

The Don is trying to find a way to control the raging heartburn that dwells within him.

Office of the Don #02

Wednesday, April 16th, 2008

From the Office of the Don:

On a Thwip and a Prayer

By Donnie Sturges

Greetings, fellow geeks!

When we last left our hero, he had just written and posted his first article for the irrepressible web mag called Spwug to establish his geek cred.

Meanwhile, at the Hall of Internets, The Don returned to discover an interesting after-effect of his online activities…

*crickets*

Well, I’m back for round two! For this installment, I will be reviewing the new Saturday morning cartoon that debuted back in March – The Spectacular Spider-Man. And although it may seem like I’m running off a one-note theme, I assure you that’s not the case. I’m reviewing it because the Universal Code of Intergalactic Species states that I must. And because it’s cool.

The Spectacular Spider-Man

Spider-Man, though extremely popular thanks to the three mega-successful films that have come out in the past several years, hasn’t had a popular animated series since the mid-1990s. Spidey did experience a brief resurgence in 2003 with a CGI-animated series on MTV that tied in to the first film. Unfortunately, that series lasted about as long as Uncle Ben’s appearance in Amazing Fantasy #15.

Luckily for our web-slinging hero, his unwavering popularity has endured thanks to his blockbuster films, as well as the recent controversies plaguing him in his four-color adventures. So, it was only a matter of time before an animated Spider-Man series would grace television screens again.

And the newest incarnation couldn’t have arrived in any more capable hands. Cartoon fans may remember a little animated show that Disney aired from 1994 to 1997 called Gargoyles? Created, written, and produced by Greg Weisman, Gargoyles became a decent hit and found a loyal fan base quickly. Sadly, creative differences forced Weisman to leave the show right after the beginning of the third season. The show was cancelled soon after.

But Weisman has returned to write and produce the new Spidey series. Anyone familiar with Weisman’s writing knows how in-depth and complex he can be with his story and characters – a trait he has been able to carry over to Spectacular Spider-Man.

So how does it hold up? Let me tell you - I’ve been able to watch the first six episodes so far. And those six episodes have punched me repeatedly in the face with fanboy glee.

First, let’s start with the new theme song. I think I can see what their intention is. It’s the first theme to have lyrics since the original Spider-Man cartoon in the 60s. And I think that’s what they were going for. It kinda feels like the old theme, but updated to appeal to the alternative rock crowd. It’s not my favorite theme, but it gets the job done. And it hardly takes away from the rest of the show.

Now, one of the first things you will notice is the animation style. It’s animated by the same folks who did the Teen Titans animated series, and you can definitely see the influences here. Thank the maker that didn’t include importing the sudden chibi-fits like the Titans characters would fall into. I hated those. They made my eyes bleed.

Another plus on the animation style is that we get to see lots of dynamic movement by our wall-crawler. His moves are impressive. He doesn’t just jump around execute simple moves like he did in the 90s animated series. No. This boy is all over the place! Flips, spins, bounces – crazy acrobatic stuff you’ve come to expect thanks to the movies. It’s all here, and it is glorious.

As I said before, one of the great things about having Weisman on board is that his incredible writing talents are showcased here in full force. Within the first few episodes, he has already planted seeds for plot and character development that won’t be revealed until several episodes down the road. This series is episodic, but at the same time it has ongoing storylines that make it appealing to the die-hard fans that watch it from week to week.

Peter, Gwen, and Brock

And Greg is no slouch in handling the characters on this show, either. The show focuses on Peter and his two friends – Gwen Stacy and Harry Osborne. What? No Mary Jane? Not to worry, she shows up soon enough. All the other supporting characters are in place as well. Under Weisman’s guidance, each character is developing nicely and at a great pace. Each episode gives us a little more background of each character, especially our main trio. Whether it’s going out for the football team, trying to make money to help Aunt May pay the bills, or showcasing a little romantic tension between a cute blond and a straight-A student who is oblivious, Weisman and his writing staff prove that they get the characters – they match their printed counterparts perfectly. And those of you who love J.K. Simmons’ portrayal of J. Jonah Jameson in the movies will love how close to that version he is portrayed here, even if it isn’t Simmons.

One of the interesting approaches to the show has been the decision to practically reset the series. But instead of starting the first episode off with the origin like you would think, this show starts several months after 16 year-old Peter Parker has gotten his abilities. We’re thrust right in the middle of his life, but not too far that we can’t get a quick grip on our bearings before getting thrown head first into Spidey’s first on-screen battle with some thugs.

Spidey in Action

And I think this is one of the major strengths of the show. Without having to mess with origins, Weisman has given himself and his writing staff plenty of room to work their magic. Their plotting and pacing are outstanding. And they are no stranger to the history and mythos of the characters and the comic. In fact, they incorporate elements from the comic book quite well into the series. A perfect example – instead of starting off with Peter and Mary Jane, as has been standard procedure for the past several years, Weisman and crew go back to the roots and make Gwen the first woman in Peter’s life. In a perfect execution of remaining faithful to the source, MJ is merely mentioned for a few episodes as the girl with the “nice personality” before her final onscreen debut as Peter’s date. And to add a cherry to the web-spinning sundae (that probably wouldn’t taste very good now that I think about it), her first appearance is punctuated by her now legendary line – “Face it tiger, you just hit the jackpot!” Oh, and minus several million cool points to you if you didn’t know what the line was. I’m ashamed of you.

Jackpot!

If I have one issue with the show, it’s that currently it appears like part of the story has already settled into a formulaic and repetitive plot device. So far, most of the villains in the show deviate from their original beginnings and are instead created by Norman Osborne’s company Oscorp. And almost every episode has followed this formula – shadowy big boss man is tired of his plans getting thwarted by the webhead, so each episode he has Oscorp take a guy and turn him into a super-powered villain to unleash on Spider-Man. The only thing keeping it from getting too redundant is the gradual reveal of the underlying machinations behind these creations.

Overall, I think The Spectacular Spider-Man is a solid little show – a great addition to an already colorful TV resume. I eagerly anticipate each episode. And in today’s society where it seems like Saturday morning cartoons are in danger of going the way of Peter’s marriage, this show is a perfect web-sling in the right direction.

The Don spins a yarn, any size, but can only catch a cold.

Indy films.

Wednesday, April 9th, 2008

Oh sure, a new anime spring season is upon us…  But sometimes, it’s the nuts and bolts of the industry that’s the most interesting and rewarding part.  Just a quick entry this week to show what this blogger’s been watching lately.  Some recent, some not; but it’s always inspirational to see animators both professional & upcoming work, talk and show off their stuff.  

Kings of Power 4 Billion %“, by Paul Robertson (Pirate Baby Cabana Battle Street Fight 2006), recently completed in January

“Altitude Adjustment“, a student film by Nick Butera at CalArts, May, 2006

God Slayer“, by Johnathan (PersonaSama) Kim from his CalArts presentation, May 2007

Brad Bird (direction, Pixar — Ratatouille, The Incredibles, The Iron Giant) for ThinkTank.com, Jan. 2008

Glen Keane (supervising animator for Disney),  in an interview & discussion over his work on Tarzan

More to come!  See ya’ll next week!

Random Flavors of Pocky #23: Memories… All Alone In My Braincase…

Tuesday, April 1st, 2008

Like many geeks of my generation, I have a special place in my heart for old shows, cartoon and live action, from my childhood. And like many geeks with a reasonable amount of disposable income, I have tried watching some of these old shows again.

They don’t always hold up. The years have not been kind to the quality of film, to the acting, to the writing in the show.

But sometimes they do. And do so well. I think so, at least.

Two of my all-time favorite shows from the 80s were the Centurions and the Bionic Six. I had a discussion about old shows with a friend recently, and decided to look for footage on YouTube. I was not disappointed. (Warning: My opinion on these shows is positive, but your mileage may vary.)

The Centurions was about three (then later, five) rugged men, all built like barbarians, who used special suits that fused with various weapon systems. These weapon systems allowed Ace McCloud and his friends to fight the forces of the evil ‘Doc Terror’, and his cyborg lackey, ‘Hacker’. The show was kind of hokey, and no one ever died, but the action was neat, the ideas were interesting, and they even had ‘science lessons’ at the end.

Most importantly, the toys were pretty cool. (I had Jake Rockwell and his base weapon system.)

The Bionic Six was also set in the near future, and centered around the Bennett Family; an unusual group that, through adoption, covered much of the ethnic rainbow. Through a fairly strange contrivance, the family, sans the father, falls comatose due to the influence of an alien device. Only by ‘bionic-izing’ the family, as the father already has been, can they be saved. Once the family was made bionic, they ended up fighting Scarab, a mad genius bent on world conquest, and his twisted minions.

Neither of these shows have been released on DVD yet (not officially, at least), but if they ever are, I will be one of the first in line to get them. I’d be behind a remake, too, just to see how they treated the licenses.

So, what are some of the special shows from your childhood? Have you watched them again recently? Do you still love them, despite the passage of time? Do you think they would be good fodder for a remake? And will I ever write anything interesting again?

Random Flavors of Pocky #22: A Tale of Two Topics

Tuesday, March 25th, 2008

First, my apologies for being really behind once again. If I get some spare time, I’ll try to catch up on the posts I’ve missed. 

So, a few weeks ago, a coalition of 12 environmental groups from New Mexico suggested that a tax be levied against video game and television entertainment, (link from Kotaku) so that the tax could be used to fund outdoor education programs. These programs would be aimed at getting children out of their homes and into the parks and such. 

I, for one, am both for and against such a tax.

I’m for it, because while I love video games and television, I do believe that education of all kinds is important. Even if I’m not personally a fan of the outdoors, I do think that it’s good for children to experience it for themselves, at least somewhat.

I’m against it because of the way it targets just video games and television, and not other forms of entertainment, like sporting events and movies. I’m against it because it’s trying to blame video games and television for the waning numbers of children visiting their parks and recreational areas, as opposed to themselves.

If they are going to levy a tax on entertainment, it should be on all entertainment, not just video games. That would be fairer, and get them even more funds.

What do you think? Should we tax our entertainment? Why? Why not? What would be fair if we did?

On a happier note, with the Writer’s Guild strike ended, some of favorite shows have come back. In my case, I’d been waiting for Big Bang Theory to come back, along with Heroes (sadly postponed until the next season) and How I Met Your Mother.

What show(s) did you miss the most, if any? Did the WGA strike affect you at all?

 



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