Sunday, December 7, 2014
Hello Everyone:
Whew! It's been quite a while. I hope to change that in 2015 as my schedule will be different and freeing up a few quality writing hours. Anyway, I saw a post today on FB that brought back memories from my childhood. Someone had posted some pics of a rather large eel in an aquarium and I recognized it right away as an Electric Eel (Electrophus electricus), a large, electric producing, eel that comes from South America where it lives in floodplain regions of the Amazon River. Though the name says eel they are actually related to the Knifefish which have elongated bodies with a very long, wavy ventral fin used in locomotion.
Watching the video of this guy's rather large (3'+) Electric Eel swimming in a large tank it brought back images from when I first started building an interest in the natural world around us, particularly in reptiles, amphibians, and strange fish. There was a place in Pinellas County called the Tarpon Zoo, located right on U.S. 19 in Tarpon Springs. It was really a neat place that was built like a zoo only every animal in the place was for sale. They had all kinds of animals though their main revenue came from the primates they supplied to zoos and research facilities.
Anyway, when one walked through the doors of the main building there were cages built into the walls to either side. The main attraction, though, was a relatively large round, indoor garden style pond that contained maybe 6-8 incredibly huge eel-like animals. These large, dark-colored eels as big around as a man's arm and in excess of 4-5 feet in length were huge, Electric Eels! I'd heard about them, and had even seen a video of them electrocuting a Caiman in a muddy floodplain, but this was my first time seeing them up close...and personal! To say I was fascinated by these giants of the freshwater fish world would be an understatement. No matter how many times I went to the "zoo" I always spent at least a few minutes watching the large eels. I never asked if they were for sale but in over 5 years of going there it always looked like the same eels in the pond.
Quite often, while waiting for them to pack the few animals we bought from them (mostly baby iguanas and turtles) we would sit on the concrete wall of the pond to wait. the eels would make their way over to where we were sitting and just kind of perch there, staring at us from under the water, their pitted faces only inches away. I know now that they were waiting for us to feed them. They really were rather personable.
So that is the story of how I was introduced to one of Mother Nature's more interesting characters; The Electric Eel of South America.
Take Care Everyone, and, as always...Have a Great Day!!!
The "Creature"
Sunday, July 7, 2013
"Man of Steel!"
Hello:
Last week I went to see "man of Steel." Tagging along with me was my sister Susan and her grandson (my grand nephew) Brice, and my little Bubby (venerable grandson) Gavyn. We went in the afternoon when the crowds weren't as large, just in case the little guys acted up (they are 7 &5 respectively).
Well, the movie started and I settled back to enjoy yet another foray into the life of Superman. I've seen all the movies, about half the various television shows, and had read his exploits in the pages of DC comics since the mid 1960's. Needless to say I was prepared for anything. I was not disappointed! This movie kind of took the legend and brought it into a new light (aha, you thought I was going to say new direction, didn't you?). There was a much heavier presence of the planet Krypton and the things which led to its destruction. A few years ago I read Kevin J. Anderson's wonderful novel; "The Last days of Krypton," and couldn't help but think that some of its charm and influence helped shape the view of a world being destroyed by complacencey, greed, and apathy. This was the technologically advanced world Kal was born into but luckily would not have to grow up in.
Now, here's part of the problem that may have confused some. This movie took the stance of how an alien being could be introduced into a world where fear of the unknown could (and probably would) lead to fear, hatred, and a desire to destroy. I got it right away. There was nothing different about this origin, just a little icing on the cake that was left out of former versions of the "Man of Steel" and his upbringing. It doesn't matter what year has been chosen for his time on Earth, the fact remains he is an alien with powers far beyond those of mortal men (you like how I sneaked that one in?) and as such his introduction to the world would have to be handled with kid gloves (remember the panic broadcast and what it caused, and that was only reading a story over the radio!!! I rest my case).
Unfortunatley, General Zod, that dastardly military leader from Krypton who was banished, along with his staunch followers, to the dreaded..."Phantom Zone" brought him out into the open by invading Earth's airspace and taking over the airwaves! OOPS!!! Can we say alien revalation unveiled??? Yeah, Baby!
So, I won't spoil the movie (I never do) by giving you all the secrets held within the plot but I will tell you that what follows is a battle royal worthy of any great Superman comic. These scenes were flawlessly executed and very exciting to watch. In my mind they succeeded in bringing the comic to life. If there was a weak spot in the movie it would only be that I think the character of Lois Lane could have been a more, in your face, aggressive character like many past Lois characterizations. She was good but by adding more aggression she could have been great.
So, definitely go see this one for yourself. It is a fun ride and covers most questions that could possibly come up. David Goyer's script covered the question of aliens meeting humans and the reactions that follow rather admirably. I give this one a full 4 Screams on the "Creature Scale!"
Have a Wonderful Day!!!
the "Creature"
Last week I went to see "man of Steel." Tagging along with me was my sister Susan and her grandson (my grand nephew) Brice, and my little Bubby (venerable grandson) Gavyn. We went in the afternoon when the crowds weren't as large, just in case the little guys acted up (they are 7 &5 respectively).
Well, the movie started and I settled back to enjoy yet another foray into the life of Superman. I've seen all the movies, about half the various television shows, and had read his exploits in the pages of DC comics since the mid 1960's. Needless to say I was prepared for anything. I was not disappointed! This movie kind of took the legend and brought it into a new light (aha, you thought I was going to say new direction, didn't you?). There was a much heavier presence of the planet Krypton and the things which led to its destruction. A few years ago I read Kevin J. Anderson's wonderful novel; "The Last days of Krypton," and couldn't help but think that some of its charm and influence helped shape the view of a world being destroyed by complacencey, greed, and apathy. This was the technologically advanced world Kal was born into but luckily would not have to grow up in.
Now, here's part of the problem that may have confused some. This movie took the stance of how an alien being could be introduced into a world where fear of the unknown could (and probably would) lead to fear, hatred, and a desire to destroy. I got it right away. There was nothing different about this origin, just a little icing on the cake that was left out of former versions of the "Man of Steel" and his upbringing. It doesn't matter what year has been chosen for his time on Earth, the fact remains he is an alien with powers far beyond those of mortal men (you like how I sneaked that one in?) and as such his introduction to the world would have to be handled with kid gloves (remember the panic broadcast and what it caused, and that was only reading a story over the radio!!! I rest my case).
Unfortunatley, General Zod, that dastardly military leader from Krypton who was banished, along with his staunch followers, to the dreaded..."Phantom Zone" brought him out into the open by invading Earth's airspace and taking over the airwaves! OOPS!!! Can we say alien revalation unveiled??? Yeah, Baby!
So, I won't spoil the movie (I never do) by giving you all the secrets held within the plot but I will tell you that what follows is a battle royal worthy of any great Superman comic. These scenes were flawlessly executed and very exciting to watch. In my mind they succeeded in bringing the comic to life. If there was a weak spot in the movie it would only be that I think the character of Lois Lane could have been a more, in your face, aggressive character like many past Lois characterizations. She was good but by adding more aggression she could have been great.
So, definitely go see this one for yourself. It is a fun ride and covers most questions that could possibly come up. David Goyer's script covered the question of aliens meeting humans and the reactions that follow rather admirably. I give this one a full 4 Screams on the "Creature Scale!"
Have a Wonderful Day!!!
the "Creature"
Sunday, July 22, 2012
"Third Time's a Charm"
Hello Fellow Castle Creeps:
You know the old saying, "You can't go back!" It's all hype, don't believe it. I wrote a blog about this 6-7 years ago in a different context but lightning has struck twice so I do believe the old saying bears repeating. Believe me when I tell you..."You CAN go back." :)))
Okay, now let me explain. Back in 2004, as the clock struck midnight on November 20th, changing over to November 21st (my birthday), I got a real sucky first present; the race track I'd been going to for nearly forty years (since I was a kid) was closing for good. I was one of the last to leave Sunshine Speedway, though with me, I greedily took all my good memories of racing over the years at the 1/4 mile oval
Oh it wasn't like I never saw any races again. I had gone to Lakeland Speedway a few times (even twice when it was a 3/4 mile track) and the last three years saw me haunting East Bay Raceway Park (a 1/3 mile dirt track) over in Riverview (a suburb of Tampa). I even went to Citrus County Speedway once in 2008 and spent a couple evenings at DeSoto Speedway in Bradenton. Still, I longed for the track that I always called home. I even raced out there for 2 1/2 seasons in the late seventies in the Thundercars, a hobby class for novice racers. I think part of the reason I often thought about the track was because the facility was still there. The grandstands and a couple of the buildings had been removed but the track found new life as a testing facility for Sun Pass toll booth advancements.
Well, this year the track that I loved so much had a second lease on life with new track owners Robert and Danielle Yoho. Robert was no stranger to the track having both raced out there and further supporting the track by supplying some of his trucks from his towing service. His racing name was Robert "Showtime" Yoho. Now the track will re-open as "SHOWTIME SPEEDWAY!" The reason I say will re-open is because the grand opening will be on July 28th with a 75 lap Late Model feature and a 50 lap Modified feature. You can bet your bottom dollar I'll be there to see it.
But...if you act now, there's more. The speedway has had a soft opening over the last three weeks to work some of the kinks out of a new, growing system. I've been there every week and I can tell you the racing is already heating up with many phenomenal performances already committed to memory.
Like a Phoenix taking flight, Showtime Speedway will now replace Sunshine Speedway. May it create as many great memories as its predecessor. I'm looking forward to every minute of it, and if the last three weeks is any indication, I'm sure it will.
So if you live in Pinellas County or just visit, make sure you put Showtime Speedway on your list of options. It's Saturday night racing once again in Pinellas County. "Racers...Start Your Engines!"
Have a Great Day!!!
The "Creature"
P.S. Always remember; "You can go back." C-Ya!!!
You know the old saying, "You can't go back!" It's all hype, don't believe it. I wrote a blog about this 6-7 years ago in a different context but lightning has struck twice so I do believe the old saying bears repeating. Believe me when I tell you..."You CAN go back." :)))
Okay, now let me explain. Back in 2004, as the clock struck midnight on November 20th, changing over to November 21st (my birthday), I got a real sucky first present; the race track I'd been going to for nearly forty years (since I was a kid) was closing for good. I was one of the last to leave Sunshine Speedway, though with me, I greedily took all my good memories of racing over the years at the 1/4 mile oval
Oh it wasn't like I never saw any races again. I had gone to Lakeland Speedway a few times (even twice when it was a 3/4 mile track) and the last three years saw me haunting East Bay Raceway Park (a 1/3 mile dirt track) over in Riverview (a suburb of Tampa). I even went to Citrus County Speedway once in 2008 and spent a couple evenings at DeSoto Speedway in Bradenton. Still, I longed for the track that I always called home. I even raced out there for 2 1/2 seasons in the late seventies in the Thundercars, a hobby class for novice racers. I think part of the reason I often thought about the track was because the facility was still there. The grandstands and a couple of the buildings had been removed but the track found new life as a testing facility for Sun Pass toll booth advancements.
Well, this year the track that I loved so much had a second lease on life with new track owners Robert and Danielle Yoho. Robert was no stranger to the track having both raced out there and further supporting the track by supplying some of his trucks from his towing service. His racing name was Robert "Showtime" Yoho. Now the track will re-open as "SHOWTIME SPEEDWAY!" The reason I say will re-open is because the grand opening will be on July 28th with a 75 lap Late Model feature and a 50 lap Modified feature. You can bet your bottom dollar I'll be there to see it.
But...if you act now, there's more. The speedway has had a soft opening over the last three weeks to work some of the kinks out of a new, growing system. I've been there every week and I can tell you the racing is already heating up with many phenomenal performances already committed to memory.
Like a Phoenix taking flight, Showtime Speedway will now replace Sunshine Speedway. May it create as many great memories as its predecessor. I'm looking forward to every minute of it, and if the last three weeks is any indication, I'm sure it will.
So if you live in Pinellas County or just visit, make sure you put Showtime Speedway on your list of options. It's Saturday night racing once again in Pinellas County. "Racers...Start Your Engines!"
Have a Great Day!!!
The "Creature"
P.S. Always remember; "You can go back." C-Ya!!!
Thursday, July 12, 2012
I finally saw "Conan The Barbarian" 2011
Hello Fellow "Castle Creeps":
I finally saw the new "Conan" the other day. I found it on Netflix so I watched it in the middle of the night when no one was awake to bother me. I wasn't expecting much as most everyone I know had seen it in the theaters and said that it was a slightly below average to poor movie. Very few of them really liked it which is what ultimately kept me from going and watching it myself.
Well, I was surprised to say the least. I actually thought it wasn't too bad. Now don't get me wrong, the characters could have been developed a bit better, but overall I think the movie was fine. There was enough action and fighting to make it worthy of being a true "Conan" story. Also, somebody on the team must have looked at lot's of B&W Conan magazines because this Conan movie had more than it's fair share of topless "wenches."
Jason Momoa made a pretty good Conan though I became annoyed with his head down positioning and looking up. To me Conan was so confident of his abilities that it would seem to me that his pride would cause him to hold his head high. Still, he looked good as Conan, reminding me of the younger Conan of John Buscema fame rather than the massive warrior presented by Frank Frazetta. Ron Perlman was excellent as Conan's father Corin, and though brief, possibly had the best role in the movie. Stephen Lang and Rose McGowan fit their roles as the murderous Warlord Khalar Zym and his half-witch daughter Marique. They were pure evil through-and-through. Nonso Anozie was excellent as Conan's Zamoran Pirate friend, Artus. The only thing missing here was Belit, Queen of the Black Coast for the pirate ship. Oh well, you can't have everything. Unfortunately, the role of Tamara, played by Rachel Nichols, seemed to get lost in the shuffle a bit, probably leading some to give the movie a lower rating. Though she played the part well, there was a lot more to this essential character than could be seen on screen. I mean this girl is the last pure blood descendent to the Sorcerers of Acheron. She should have been able to light the screen up and not act as a supporting character. After all, the murderous Khalar Zym and his Sorceress daughter have plundered village after village to gather pieces of the "Mask of Acheron," which holds untold power. They are seeking the last pure blood descendent to the Sorcerors of Acheron in order to sacrifice her, bringing the mask back to life with Tamara's blood.
Anyway, enough of the people, what good is a Conan movie without "MONSTERS." I mean, Robert E. Howard created some really neat beasties for Conan to fight and the first part of this movie version didn't even hint at any monsters. Well, I wouldn't be disappointed for long. Just about the time I noticed the lack of monsters, Marique called upon some really cool Sandmen for Conan to fight. These weren't your ordinary Sandmen built on the beach, nor were they like the Golden Age Sandman, the modern age Sandman, or villain turned good-guy Sandman. Nope, these guys were like Sand Demons and they were out to get Conan and Tamara and...well watch the movie and see for yourself. And don't forget to keep watching for the Cthulhuesque tentacled terror that appears later on. Yes, Houston, we do have MONSTERS!!!
I finally saw the new "Conan" the other day. I found it on Netflix so I watched it in the middle of the night when no one was awake to bother me. I wasn't expecting much as most everyone I know had seen it in the theaters and said that it was a slightly below average to poor movie. Very few of them really liked it which is what ultimately kept me from going and watching it myself.
Well, I was surprised to say the least. I actually thought it wasn't too bad. Now don't get me wrong, the characters could have been developed a bit better, but overall I think the movie was fine. There was enough action and fighting to make it worthy of being a true "Conan" story. Also, somebody on the team must have looked at lot's of B&W Conan magazines because this Conan movie had more than it's fair share of topless "wenches."
Jason Momoa made a pretty good Conan though I became annoyed with his head down positioning and looking up. To me Conan was so confident of his abilities that it would seem to me that his pride would cause him to hold his head high. Still, he looked good as Conan, reminding me of the younger Conan of John Buscema fame rather than the massive warrior presented by Frank Frazetta. Ron Perlman was excellent as Conan's father Corin, and though brief, possibly had the best role in the movie. Stephen Lang and Rose McGowan fit their roles as the murderous Warlord Khalar Zym and his half-witch daughter Marique. They were pure evil through-and-through. Nonso Anozie was excellent as Conan's Zamoran Pirate friend, Artus. The only thing missing here was Belit, Queen of the Black Coast for the pirate ship. Oh well, you can't have everything. Unfortunately, the role of Tamara, played by Rachel Nichols, seemed to get lost in the shuffle a bit, probably leading some to give the movie a lower rating. Though she played the part well, there was a lot more to this essential character than could be seen on screen. I mean this girl is the last pure blood descendent to the Sorcerers of Acheron. She should have been able to light the screen up and not act as a supporting character. After all, the murderous Khalar Zym and his Sorceress daughter have plundered village after village to gather pieces of the "Mask of Acheron," which holds untold power. They are seeking the last pure blood descendent to the Sorcerors of Acheron in order to sacrifice her, bringing the mask back to life with Tamara's blood.
Anyway, enough of the people, what good is a Conan movie without "MONSTERS." I mean, Robert E. Howard created some really neat beasties for Conan to fight and the first part of this movie version didn't even hint at any monsters. Well, I wouldn't be disappointed for long. Just about the time I noticed the lack of monsters, Marique called upon some really cool Sandmen for Conan to fight. These weren't your ordinary Sandmen built on the beach, nor were they like the Golden Age Sandman, the modern age Sandman, or villain turned good-guy Sandman. Nope, these guys were like Sand Demons and they were out to get Conan and Tamara and...well watch the movie and see for yourself. And don't forget to keep watching for the Cthulhuesque tentacled terror that appears later on. Yes, Houston, we do have MONSTERS!!!
Anyway, I thought "Conan the Barbarian" (2011) was a pretty fair movie so why don't you check it out for yourselves. I give it 2 1/2 screams on the "Creature Scale."
Have a Wonderfully Action Packed Day!!!
John (aka, The "Creature")
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
"THOR"
Hello Everyone:
Man I've just got to get out in the blogging world more often. This E-Mail "Hell" is destroying a large part of my computer time. Oh well. So, Last year I took my then barely three year old phenomenal grandson, Gavyn to see his first movie..."THOR." Everyone said "Don't take him. He'll never sit through it. He'll make it hard for you to enjoy the movie..."
Well, I gambled...and won. We went in the afternoon on a Friday, the first day of release. You see I can be as crafty as Loki for I knew afternoons were nap time for the little prince so he would naturally have a lower energy level and maybe even fall asleep. I would get to enjoy the movie that I've been waiting forever for and hopefully he would to, at least until he fell asleep.
Thor and I go back quite a ways as I started reading his adventures in marvel comics in the mid sixties when I started collecting comics. I always liked Vikings (proof is that I still have a number of the old Marx "Warriors of the World" Viking figures from the sixties. The tales of Asgard were the stories of the gods the Vikings worshiped. I think my first issue was #155 but by the early seventies I had filled in the gaps with almost every issue down to #103. So, as I said, I'd read years of Thor's tales long before seeing the movie.
Anyway, we go inside the theater and get our 3-D glasses and head to the darkened auditorium. After a few previews the movie started and we donned our glasses. I'll tell you one thing, I was completely amazed. The beginning takes place here on Earth where a team of Scientists led by Jane foster are trying to unravel the secrets behind some strange astronomical occurrences. Suddenly, while chasing an event for a closer look they run into a man that seemingly comes out of nowhere. This leaves the viewer wondering how this story is going to unfold. Suddenly there is a narrative from the all-father, Odin and the scene changes to Asgard, home of the Norse Gods. From there we get spectacular views of the wonders of Asgard (which are truly stunning)and the history of the Gods battles with the frost Giants on Earth itself. Then the story settles in a bit about life on Asgard after the war. We are then introduced to Thor and his "brother" Loki, the god of mischief. They are sort of in a friendly rivalry but the movie portrays them as kind of being fond of each other at that point.
Then, during a ceremony that would crown Thor as the new king of Asgard, a trio of Frost Giants appears in Odin's tropy room to claim back the source of the Frost Giant's power. Then we are introduced to the dreaded Destroyer, A metal Golem giant with incredible power. In no time at all it blasts the three Frost Giants into smithereens (you want to know what smithereens are, then watch this movie).
Thor is mad that his ceremony was cut short. The mischievous Loki talks him into attacking the Frost Giants in their own world. That is when we are introduced to the Fair Lady Sif and the warriors three; The voluminous Volstagg, Hogun the grim, and Fandral the dashing. What early Thor story wouldn't be complete without these great supporting characters. They go to Jotunheim to battle the Frost Giants. I was amazed at the set design of the frozen world of Jutenheim. This movie was getting better every minute. There is a big battle that includes this immensely huge monster. Suddenly Odin appears and darts away with the misplaced Asgardian youths. There is a battle of words between Thor and the all-father, ODIN. In the end Thor says the wrong thing and Odin strips him of his power, banishing him top the Earth as a "Human mortal!"
Before going on I have to say that the idea of the Bifrost bridge was ramped up a bit for the movie and it was simply amazing. I loved it. It's like technology meets magic. You just have to see it. It and the surrounding vistas with waterfalls dumping water into seemingly endless space filled with colorful galaxies is just breathtaking.
Anyway, Thor arrives just in time...to be hit by Jane Fosters van. Now we've gone full cicle back to the beginning.
What brilliant script writing. The whole movie was very well done. I found no flaws in the script at all. In fact, the pacing was smooth, there was just enough comedic scenes to lighten up some of the intense drama of the story. I was finding myself liking this original vision of Thor very much. It was all new but never strayed too far from the source material.
There was a lot more to the story but why spoil it for those who haven't seen it. This story get's better as it goes along. By the time it was over I found myself already wanting more. It looks like I'll get my wish since "The Avengers" was so phenomenally successful. Oh, by the way, before I forget, Gavyn stayed awake through the entire movie and loved every minute of it. We went and got him a foam Thor hammer as well as figures of Loki and Thor.
This was absolutely my favorite movie of last year, hands down. It is probably also my favorite Marvel movie though I surely have liked many of the others. I give "Thor" a full Four Screams on the Creature Scale. If you get a chance, check it out.
Have a Great Day!!!
The "Creature"
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
"She Finally Did It"
Hello Gang:
I laughed after writing that. Yeah, a gang of ghosts maybe. Anyway, I, your ever so humble narrator, in trying to keep with a bit more timely posting schedule couldn't help but announce the following news, My offspring has finally started a blog of her own. Yep, my daughter, Ashley, has finally decided to take her unique ideas and place them in a blog. Hopefully she'll be more regular with her posts than I am (hey, I'm trying to get better). In fact, maybe a bit of family competition will spur me on to spout my own brand of madness more regularly.
I'm really glad she has decided to start a blog because I feel her opinions on various subjects are very unique and different enough to attract quite an audience. Even as a teenager she kind of took the lead on many debates and conversations. She would jump right in and not back down even when assaulted from all sides with rebuttals. How do I know all of this you ask? Well, because as a kid growing up, she used to hang around in my circle of friends and it is among that group that she sharpened her "skills." Then, as she became an adult (though I do believe mentally she has been an adult since the age of twelve), she kind of broke off into her own clique and kicked the old man (that would be me) to the curb. Hey, at least she didn't throw me under the bus.
In all seriousness, we get along very well and I usually get the details of her forays into the world at evenings end. Sometimes I'll offer some of my whacky opinions but usually get beaten down by her quick wit backed up by a very well developed knowledge base.
Anyway, that's my kid, and I'm proud of her. If you'd like to check out her blog it is located at: commonsenseisbest.blogspot.com
HEE! HEE! I taught her that (common sense). It'll win the day every time. Now, you to, know the secret.
Have a Great Day!!!
The "Creature"
I laughed after writing that. Yeah, a gang of ghosts maybe. Anyway, I, your ever so humble narrator, in trying to keep with a bit more timely posting schedule couldn't help but announce the following news, My offspring has finally started a blog of her own. Yep, my daughter, Ashley, has finally decided to take her unique ideas and place them in a blog. Hopefully she'll be more regular with her posts than I am (hey, I'm trying to get better). In fact, maybe a bit of family competition will spur me on to spout my own brand of madness more regularly.
I'm really glad she has decided to start a blog because I feel her opinions on various subjects are very unique and different enough to attract quite an audience. Even as a teenager she kind of took the lead on many debates and conversations. She would jump right in and not back down even when assaulted from all sides with rebuttals. How do I know all of this you ask? Well, because as a kid growing up, she used to hang around in my circle of friends and it is among that group that she sharpened her "skills." Then, as she became an adult (though I do believe mentally she has been an adult since the age of twelve), she kind of broke off into her own clique and kicked the old man (that would be me) to the curb. Hey, at least she didn't throw me under the bus.
In all seriousness, we get along very well and I usually get the details of her forays into the world at evenings end. Sometimes I'll offer some of my whacky opinions but usually get beaten down by her quick wit backed up by a very well developed knowledge base.
Anyway, that's my kid, and I'm proud of her. If you'd like to check out her blog it is located at: commonsenseisbest.blogspot.com
HEE! HEE! I taught her that (common sense). It'll win the day every time. Now, you to, know the secret.
Have a Great Day!!!
The "Creature"
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
"Danica Mania"
Hello Patrons of the Blob (I mean Blog):
I know it's not my usual Sci-Fi/Horror post but even my profile says that I do like Stock Car racing. Well...here we go with some Stock Car racing perspectives from me, yours truly; then "Creature" from Scarewater Castle. The subject; Danica Patrick and her switch from Indy Racing to NASCAR.
She started out last year with the Nationwide series and even though she won no races there she did show she could race a pretty good race. Stock Car racing is very different from Indy Car racing which was where Danica came from. It takes a little while to get the hang of things but I think she is doing okay.
Now, the reason for this post. Ever since Speed Weeks at Daytona al I've heard from Sports writers, bloggers, and people's comments is how NASCAR made a possible mistake and how she is only a poser and this , that, and the other thing. They also go on to say her Win in the Indy Racing League was a fluke in a down time for the series and so forth and so on. Well, creating controversy makes for interesting battleground material but enough is enough.
First and foremost I admit that in the three races she was entered into she had three wrecks. Well, in most people's books that equals 100%...in the bad column. Well, I saw all those wrecks and I have a different take on them. First up is her wreck during the twin qualifiers. She did not cause that wreck. She was slammed into from the side at 190 mph+ which threw her car into a collision course with a safe barrier wall (thank God) with almost no reduction in speed. If that had hit on the driver's side instead of the passenger side there may have been a different tune sung. That was a hard hit no matter what anyone tells you, and she walked away from it. Up until that time she was riding with the pack and even keeping up with some front runners. I saw nothing wrong with that performance.
Wreck #2- The spin out and wall hit in the Nationwide race. Once again somebody hit her on the left rear bumper and spun her out which led to her hitting the wall. Again I saw nothing she did wrong to warrant such hostility toward her. I think more should have been made of Jeff Gordon's rough driving which caused him to flip his own car nearly four times. It is a rare day to see Jeff drive so aggressively and I even commented on it before the wreck happened. I don't know what he was thinking but it wasn't normal for him. Kyle Bush was a real trooper, survived all his misfortune, and won the race.
Now, the Grandaddy of them all...the wreck during the 500 in the first couple laps. I know this is beginning to sound like a broken record but She was a victim of a great former champions misfortune and not from any bad driving on her part. She was able to come back out after spending sixty+ laps in the pits to finish the race, during which she spent much of that time keeping up with the pack. So she finished 38th; Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon, both former NASCAR Champions on multiple occasions, finished behind her. I never heard a big deal about that. I guess she didn't do so bad after all. Hmmm! Boy, I can hear a pin drop.
I rest my case.
Have a Wonderful Day!!!
The "Creature"
P.S. Now If she would just change the color of that car (bright green is bad luck on a race track). C-Ya!!!
I know it's not my usual Sci-Fi/Horror post but even my profile says that I do like Stock Car racing. Well...here we go with some Stock Car racing perspectives from me, yours truly; then "Creature" from Scarewater Castle. The subject; Danica Patrick and her switch from Indy Racing to NASCAR.
She started out last year with the Nationwide series and even though she won no races there she did show she could race a pretty good race. Stock Car racing is very different from Indy Car racing which was where Danica came from. It takes a little while to get the hang of things but I think she is doing okay.
Now, the reason for this post. Ever since Speed Weeks at Daytona al I've heard from Sports writers, bloggers, and people's comments is how NASCAR made a possible mistake and how she is only a poser and this , that, and the other thing. They also go on to say her Win in the Indy Racing League was a fluke in a down time for the series and so forth and so on. Well, creating controversy makes for interesting battleground material but enough is enough.
First and foremost I admit that in the three races she was entered into she had three wrecks. Well, in most people's books that equals 100%...in the bad column. Well, I saw all those wrecks and I have a different take on them. First up is her wreck during the twin qualifiers. She did not cause that wreck. She was slammed into from the side at 190 mph+ which threw her car into a collision course with a safe barrier wall (thank God) with almost no reduction in speed. If that had hit on the driver's side instead of the passenger side there may have been a different tune sung. That was a hard hit no matter what anyone tells you, and she walked away from it. Up until that time she was riding with the pack and even keeping up with some front runners. I saw nothing wrong with that performance.
Wreck #2- The spin out and wall hit in the Nationwide race. Once again somebody hit her on the left rear bumper and spun her out which led to her hitting the wall. Again I saw nothing she did wrong to warrant such hostility toward her. I think more should have been made of Jeff Gordon's rough driving which caused him to flip his own car nearly four times. It is a rare day to see Jeff drive so aggressively and I even commented on it before the wreck happened. I don't know what he was thinking but it wasn't normal for him. Kyle Bush was a real trooper, survived all his misfortune, and won the race.
Now, the Grandaddy of them all...the wreck during the 500 in the first couple laps. I know this is beginning to sound like a broken record but She was a victim of a great former champions misfortune and not from any bad driving on her part. She was able to come back out after spending sixty+ laps in the pits to finish the race, during which she spent much of that time keeping up with the pack. So she finished 38th; Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon, both former NASCAR Champions on multiple occasions, finished behind her. I never heard a big deal about that. I guess she didn't do so bad after all. Hmmm! Boy, I can hear a pin drop.
I rest my case.
Have a Wonderful Day!!!
The "Creature"
P.S. Now If she would just change the color of that car (bright green is bad luck on a race track). C-Ya!!!
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Making Movies: A View From The Other Side"
Hello fellow Castle Creeps:
I'm trying to post a bit more often but sometimes it's difficult with all the activities I'm involved in. Still, I plug awa...
"Hey Creraturer!"
I can't believe it. Here I'm finally getting a chance to write to you fine people when HE destroys the moment. Excuse me while I kick a certain Green Goblin's Keester.
{*"I didn't know you hung out with the man himself, The Green Goblin!"*}
"Not that Green Goblin. Norman Osborn is only a comic book character. What an idiot."
{*"You better look at yourself in the mirror when you say that,"*}
"Hey Creature...Gorblie wants to know who you're talking to. Gorblie thinks it's funny looking for you to talk to nobody."
That's it, my patience is done, fried, baked, turn-me-over DONE!!! Please excuse the screams as I clean this mess up.
"Gorblie, just be quiet and sit down, and as for you ya little headcase..."
{*"I thought I was the voice inside your head, your voice of reason."*}
"I'll give you Reason, get back inside my head and be quiet. I ain't talking to you."
{*"You're talking to me now. I win. C-Ya!!!"*}
He's gone!
"Now, as for you, you green slime ball, what are you doing barging in here when I'm trying to write."
"Gorblie was excited because Santa brought the new movie to him."
Now I feel like a deer in the headlights.
"What movie? What's he talking about?"
"The new movie you're in Creature. Santa gave it to Gorblie."
"What do you mean by Santa brought it to you," I bemused.
Gorblie thought for a couple seconds before a huge smile (if you can call the grimace on his goblinoid features a smile)spread across his face. "it was given to me by a little old driver so lively and quick. I knew in a moment he must be a pr..."
Ah! Ah! Ah! That'll be enough of that. this is a family blob, I mean blog."
Now I'm more puzzled than ever although all you have to do is spend a few minutes with Gorblie and you'll be sucking your thumb to.
"You mean Nick, right? He was supposed to bring me a review copy.
Gorblie actually thought for a few minutes before answering.
"Yep, Jolly Ole' St. Nick...same guy. he came down the chimney while Gorblie was getting ready to light a fire and gave it to him.
"But, Nick would have brought it in his ca...oh forget it, give me the package."
Gorblie handed me the DVD already unwrapped.
"One Question before I banish you from the reading room. If this came from Jolly Ole' St.Nick who travelled down the chimney to bring it to me then why is it not wrapped?"
"Because...Gorblie couldn't watch it while it was wrapped."
"Ah, exactly what I thought. Now, give me a best Gorblie Christmas present...and get out of here!!!"
"Gorblie gone."
"Hm, A little old driver so lively and quick, I knew in a moment he must be a pr...hey, give me a break, I wrote that in tenth grade. The question is; how would Gorblie know that unless, the little weasel has been going through my archival chambers.'
Okay, mystery solved. I'll figure out what to do with him later. Anyway, the original gist of this missive (before it was hijacked by...THEM, no, not the Giant Ants) was to talk about the other side of movie making, working in front of the camera. Since we started making movies I have directed everything we did. I even wrote several of the shorts and one of the full-length features. Well, about midway through this year I took a little break from that as we had a few unfinished projects still being worked. To my surprise I was then invited to play small roles in a couple of short films. Needless to say I was more than happy to accept as this would give me an opportunity to both learn lines and work in front of the camera...as an actor.
It's not like I hadn't acted before but in all my other experiences I worked in front of and behind the camera. I was an occultist in a cameo on "Dark Dimensions, a thug in training in "Angora," A Fishing boat captain in "Bikini Monsters," and an old swamp poacher in "Shaawonokie." So I have had a little bit of screen time but these were minor roles. Now I was being asked to play a featured supporting part with dialogue exchange. Sounded like fun to me.
Earlier this year I directed the short,"Shock House," for Nick Cuti (yes, the Nick of the above exchange with Gorblie) which led to him inviting me to act in his next short, his directorial debut, "A Woman Without Substance." I was to play Dr. Steinmetz, the guy who kind of supports the theory of a mars expedition crew that disappears into a black hole. I spent a full day on set of the two day shoot and had a blast. I'll tell you one thing, It's nice to do your lines and be able to leave after. That's quite an unusual feeling for me.
On the heels of "A Woman Without Substance," I was invited to play another role in the Sci-Fi short "Lost in Transit." Here I was to play 21'st Century fix-it man and jack of all trades, Fred. This time I had two appearances in the movie and am the one that figures out where a little girl's lost transfer signal is being held. A hero through and through.
Filming "Lost in Transit" happened last weekend and it looks like everything went fine. What a great way to start Christmas week off. I had a lot of fun and would gladly do it again if called upon. Acting is fun for a change of pace but I still prefer writing, directing, and shooting a movie. All things considered, making movies is fun and something everyone should try.
Oh, someone's at the door. Hold on just one minute.
Opening the door I found Prof standing out in the hallway, a DVD in his hand.
"Hey Creature, this is for you. It 's that movie you've been waiting fopr. Nick dropped it off but said he couldn't stay because he had something previously planned for Christmas."
"Whoa, whoa, wait a minute Prof. Was he riding in his car?"
The Prof looked at me in a way I usually look at Gorblie. I felt like a butaki (again, you figure it out).
"A_yeah! He brought it to the door but his car was sitting in the courtyard...running. How else did you expect him to deliver it?"
I took the DVD from him and held up the one from Gorblie in the other hand.
"Gorblie brought me one an hour ago and said Jolly Ole' St. Nick delivered it...down the chimney."
I'm sure, at that point, Prof and I both had that strange, blank look on our faces. The Prof was about to speak when we both heard a scuffle on the castle roof followed by a scraping noise. This was not the Werewolf boys. We ran to a window to look out in time to see..a sleigh pulled by a bunch of reindeer disappear into the distance. The Little Ole" Driver yelled back as they disappeared in the night sky "HO! HO! HO! Merry Christmas."
Prof and I both looked at each other in amazement and said together, "Don't Ask!!!"
Talk about going to New York by way of Miami. I hope all of you have a Wonderful Christmas Weekend!!!
The "Creature"
I'm trying to post a bit more often but sometimes it's difficult with all the activities I'm involved in. Still, I plug awa...
"Hey Creraturer!"
I can't believe it. Here I'm finally getting a chance to write to you fine people when HE destroys the moment. Excuse me while I kick a certain Green Goblin's Keester.
{*"I didn't know you hung out with the man himself, The Green Goblin!"*}
"Not that Green Goblin. Norman Osborn is only a comic book character. What an idiot."
{*"You better look at yourself in the mirror when you say that,"*}
"Hey Creature...Gorblie wants to know who you're talking to. Gorblie thinks it's funny looking for you to talk to nobody."
That's it, my patience is done, fried, baked, turn-me-over DONE!!! Please excuse the screams as I clean this mess up.
"Gorblie, just be quiet and sit down, and as for you ya little headcase..."
{*"I thought I was the voice inside your head, your voice of reason."*}
"I'll give you Reason, get back inside my head and be quiet. I ain't talking to you."
{*"You're talking to me now. I win. C-Ya!!!"*}
He's gone!
"Now, as for you, you green slime ball, what are you doing barging in here when I'm trying to write."
"Gorblie was excited because Santa brought the new movie to him."
Now I feel like a deer in the headlights.
"What movie? What's he talking about?"
"The new movie you're in Creature. Santa gave it to Gorblie."
"What do you mean by Santa brought it to you," I bemused.
Gorblie thought for a couple seconds before a huge smile (if you can call the grimace on his goblinoid features a smile)spread across his face. "it was given to me by a little old driver so lively and quick. I knew in a moment he must be a pr..."
Ah! Ah! Ah! That'll be enough of that. this is a family blob, I mean blog."
Now I'm more puzzled than ever although all you have to do is spend a few minutes with Gorblie and you'll be sucking your thumb to.
"You mean Nick, right? He was supposed to bring me a review copy.
Gorblie actually thought for a few minutes before answering.
"Yep, Jolly Ole' St. Nick...same guy. he came down the chimney while Gorblie was getting ready to light a fire and gave it to him.
"But, Nick would have brought it in his ca...oh forget it, give me the package."
Gorblie handed me the DVD already unwrapped.
"One Question before I banish you from the reading room. If this came from Jolly Ole' St.Nick who travelled down the chimney to bring it to me then why is it not wrapped?"
"Because...Gorblie couldn't watch it while it was wrapped."
"Ah, exactly what I thought. Now, give me a best Gorblie Christmas present...and get out of here!!!"
"Gorblie gone."
"Hm, A little old driver so lively and quick, I knew in a moment he must be a pr...hey, give me a break, I wrote that in tenth grade. The question is; how would Gorblie know that unless, the little weasel has been going through my archival chambers.'
Okay, mystery solved. I'll figure out what to do with him later. Anyway, the original gist of this missive (before it was hijacked by...THEM, no, not the Giant Ants) was to talk about the other side of movie making, working in front of the camera. Since we started making movies I have directed everything we did. I even wrote several of the shorts and one of the full-length features. Well, about midway through this year I took a little break from that as we had a few unfinished projects still being worked. To my surprise I was then invited to play small roles in a couple of short films. Needless to say I was more than happy to accept as this would give me an opportunity to both learn lines and work in front of the camera...as an actor.
It's not like I hadn't acted before but in all my other experiences I worked in front of and behind the camera. I was an occultist in a cameo on "Dark Dimensions, a thug in training in "Angora," A Fishing boat captain in "Bikini Monsters," and an old swamp poacher in "Shaawonokie." So I have had a little bit of screen time but these were minor roles. Now I was being asked to play a featured supporting part with dialogue exchange. Sounded like fun to me.
Earlier this year I directed the short,"Shock House," for Nick Cuti (yes, the Nick of the above exchange with Gorblie) which led to him inviting me to act in his next short, his directorial debut, "A Woman Without Substance." I was to play Dr. Steinmetz, the guy who kind of supports the theory of a mars expedition crew that disappears into a black hole. I spent a full day on set of the two day shoot and had a blast. I'll tell you one thing, It's nice to do your lines and be able to leave after. That's quite an unusual feeling for me.
On the heels of "A Woman Without Substance," I was invited to play another role in the Sci-Fi short "Lost in Transit." Here I was to play 21'st Century fix-it man and jack of all trades, Fred. This time I had two appearances in the movie and am the one that figures out where a little girl's lost transfer signal is being held. A hero through and through.
Filming "Lost in Transit" happened last weekend and it looks like everything went fine. What a great way to start Christmas week off. I had a lot of fun and would gladly do it again if called upon. Acting is fun for a change of pace but I still prefer writing, directing, and shooting a movie. All things considered, making movies is fun and something everyone should try.
Oh, someone's at the door. Hold on just one minute.
Opening the door I found Prof standing out in the hallway, a DVD in his hand.
"Hey Creature, this is for you. It 's that movie you've been waiting fopr. Nick dropped it off but said he couldn't stay because he had something previously planned for Christmas."
"Whoa, whoa, wait a minute Prof. Was he riding in his car?"
The Prof looked at me in a way I usually look at Gorblie. I felt like a butaki (again, you figure it out).
"A_yeah! He brought it to the door but his car was sitting in the courtyard...running. How else did you expect him to deliver it?"
I took the DVD from him and held up the one from Gorblie in the other hand.
"Gorblie brought me one an hour ago and said Jolly Ole' St. Nick delivered it...down the chimney."
I'm sure, at that point, Prof and I both had that strange, blank look on our faces. The Prof was about to speak when we both heard a scuffle on the castle roof followed by a scraping noise. This was not the Werewolf boys. We ran to a window to look out in time to see..a sleigh pulled by a bunch of reindeer disappear into the distance. The Little Ole" Driver yelled back as they disappeared in the night sky "HO! HO! HO! Merry Christmas."
Prof and I both looked at each other in amazement and said together, "Don't Ask!!!"
Talk about going to New York by way of Miami. I hope all of you have a Wonderful Christmas Weekend!!!
The "Creature"
Friday, August 19, 2011
New Movies Released"
Hey Gang:
While Gorblie and Doc are out hunting beasties to feed our beasties here in the "Castle" I thought I'd hop on here, uninterrupted, and tell you about some new releases that occurred during the last couple months.
First up, the movie I've written about for a couple years is finally coming out. Yes, "Bikini Monsters" will be available by the time you read this. BM is the movie that Creature Productions pitched in with Warbranch Productions to produce and shoot this full-length Feature. I helped produce, acted as assistant director, and camera operator. Oh, and Terence even gave me a small acting role as Captain Shaw. That was fun.
"Bikini Monsters" is the story of an experiment gone wild and a scientist driven to the brink. The screenplay was written by Terence Muncy and Erica J. Heflin and directed by Terence.
Next up is "Tagged." This is the movie that Creature Productions produced with Nicola Cuti. It is a coming of age story centered around the game of Lazer Tag. Three different arenas were used in the making of this full length feature which was shot in 2010. My buddy Nick wrote the screenplay and I directed it. The premiere for "Tagged" happened in early August of this year.
Also at the same premiere Nick Cuti released his sinister short Film, "Shock House." I directed that one as well. It was made earlier this year. The tagline is simple: Nobody ever leaves Shock House that enters!
So July and August were kind of fun months for me as the duo saw the release of three movies I was involved with. Still, I have something up my sleeve for later this year. Details to come.
Have a Great Day!!!
The "Creature"
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Hello Everybody:
The new year came and went by in a flash. It seems funny that New Year's "the hype" is really only about two hours long. For an hour before New Years and an hour after the most intense partying one could imagine takes place. Then it quickly tapers off into a day off with nothing to do (mostly because of all the partying). Still we look forward to it every year.
So, what then do we do after the new Year has come and gone??? Settle back into our regular lives again only with the hope of fulfilling some new expectations via the form of...resolutions.
I only made one resolution for this year and that was to get back on track with my writing. That's going to be challenge enough without adding more to the mix. We'll see how it goes.
Anyway, I started my new Years with a bang. I worked from 3:30 A.M. until 10:30 A.M. After that I decided to do something different for the new year so I went and visited a couple friends of mine that opened a little comic booth at a local flea market. They'd been at the market for nearly a year yet I'd never gone there, even though the location was close to work. I have to admit they were surprised when they saw me walk in.
Well, to make a long story short, they had a really neat little place going and I ended up buying some comics, the first in over a year. I got 4-5 new ones and a couple older ones from my list. I even picked up a couple Blackhawk comics from 1967 I didn't have. I had a good time and managed to rekindle my passion for comics again (but that wasn't part of my resolution?!?!?). Oh well!!!
Have a Great Day!!!
The "Creature"
The new year came and went by in a flash. It seems funny that New Year's "the hype" is really only about two hours long. For an hour before New Years and an hour after the most intense partying one could imagine takes place. Then it quickly tapers off into a day off with nothing to do (mostly because of all the partying). Still we look forward to it every year.
So, what then do we do after the new Year has come and gone??? Settle back into our regular lives again only with the hope of fulfilling some new expectations via the form of...resolutions.
I only made one resolution for this year and that was to get back on track with my writing. That's going to be challenge enough without adding more to the mix. We'll see how it goes.
Anyway, I started my new Years with a bang. I worked from 3:30 A.M. until 10:30 A.M. After that I decided to do something different for the new year so I went and visited a couple friends of mine that opened a little comic booth at a local flea market. They'd been at the market for nearly a year yet I'd never gone there, even though the location was close to work. I have to admit they were surprised when they saw me walk in.
Well, to make a long story short, they had a really neat little place going and I ended up buying some comics, the first in over a year. I got 4-5 new ones and a couple older ones from my list. I even picked up a couple Blackhawk comics from 1967 I didn't have. I had a good time and managed to rekindle my passion for comics again (but that wasn't part of my resolution?!?!?). Oh well!!!
Have a Great Day!!!
The "Creature"
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
"What Happened???"
Hello Fellow (Hello??? Uh-Oh, too much echo):
Oh boy when I screw up I dump the whole can; nuts, bolts, everything. I just looked back over the paucity (?) of entries and saw that I've been on here for over a year-and-a-half!!!!!!!!!! In that time I've logged in a whopping 6 entries. That's enough to bore even the most trapped spirits in any Haunted House (or "castle" as the case is). Don't get me wrong, I haven't been lazy, well...maybe a little, I've just been perpetually trapped in the quagmire I call...E-MAIL HELL!!!!!!!!!!
"Uh, Creature?"
"Not now Gorblie. Can't you see I'm on a roll here?"
Gorblie looked at me sitting at the keyboard and let his eyes drop to the floor. When he looked at me he still had that confused look plastered all over his goblinoid features.
"Uh, Creature...Gorblie thinks the only rolling you're doing is back and forth in front of your writing desk. Gorblie wouldn't think that..."
"Ah-Ah-Ah...don't even say it. It was only a figure of speech"
"To Gorblie it looks more like tapping..."
"Would you quit looking over my shoulder. How many Gajillions of times have I told you that while I'm here writing..."
"Gorblie thought you were tapping keys?!?"
"Whatever, that's not the point. When I'm in here working you're not supposed to be anywhere in the vicinity. Especially not HOVERING OVER MY SHOULDERS!!!!!!!!"
Hey Creature?"
"UUUUHHHHH...WWWWHHHHAAAAATTTTT!!!!!!!!!"
"Gorblie wants to know if that's spelled with a "G"?"
"If what is spelled with a "G"? What are you talking about?"
"Gorblie thinks maybe Gagillion is maybe spelled with a "G"."
"That's it!!! That does it. Get out of here before I call the Gate Guardian. Get out of my writing room before I have your putrid Green Carcass BOILED IB OIL!!!!!!!"
"Uh, Creature..."
"WHAT CAN YOU POSSIBLY WANT NOW???????????"
"Gorblie just wanted to tell you that you spelled ib wrong."
"WHAT???? That's not even a word. What are you talking about?"
"Gorblie just wanted to know what you were talking about? Gorblie saw you write ib and he thought maybe Creature meant "in" instead."
He just stood there smiling, well, actually more of a grimace splayed across his goblinoid features. That was it, all Dunna (as baby Gavyn would say).
"That's it I'm gonna boil you in oil myself. Ib, in, who cares anyway?"
"Gorblie thinks your readers and editors might."
UUHHH!!! Out, NOW. GUARDS!! GUARDS!!"
"Gorblie is gone."
In a flash he disappeared, just the way he appeared. Oh, No, I know what you're thinking; he is not a figment. Oh, No. That little PITA (Pain-in-the-a#&) is a real goblin about three feet high. He's always bothering me when I start writing something and then I don't even have a clue as to what I'm supposed to be talking about.
Oh, yeah, that's right; E-MAIL HELL!!! Many people suffer from online gaming but I never seem to make it that far. I get trapped in perpetual e-mail inundation and never make it out in time to write anything of value (well, I guess my e-mail comments have some value). So, as I've said, I'm not super lazy, just mis-directed. I should be working on writing projects and not just writing thousands of words on e-mail comments. I have lots of Synopses (a word???) put tobether for at least three novels, a couple novellas, a few reptile articles, and at least twenty-five stories and still I trap myself under tons of e-mail. My early New Years resolution is to write more about me, myself, I, and all my projects and only spend a small portion of the day in e-mails. We'll see if that happens.
I remain optimistic because, in Creature's Castle," anything can happen.
Have a Great Day!!!
The "Creature"
Oh boy when I screw up I dump the whole can; nuts, bolts, everything. I just looked back over the paucity (?) of entries and saw that I've been on here for over a year-and-a-half!!!!!!!!!! In that time I've logged in a whopping 6 entries. That's enough to bore even the most trapped spirits in any Haunted House (or "castle" as the case is). Don't get me wrong, I haven't been lazy, well...maybe a little, I've just been perpetually trapped in the quagmire I call...E-MAIL HELL!!!!!!!!!!
"Uh, Creature?"
"Not now Gorblie. Can't you see I'm on a roll here?"
Gorblie looked at me sitting at the keyboard and let his eyes drop to the floor. When he looked at me he still had that confused look plastered all over his goblinoid features.
"Uh, Creature...Gorblie thinks the only rolling you're doing is back and forth in front of your writing desk. Gorblie wouldn't think that..."
"Ah-Ah-Ah...don't even say it. It was only a figure of speech"
"To Gorblie it looks more like tapping..."
"Would you quit looking over my shoulder. How many Gajillions of times have I told you that while I'm here writing..."
"Gorblie thought you were tapping keys?!?"
"Whatever, that's not the point. When I'm in here working you're not supposed to be anywhere in the vicinity. Especially not HOVERING OVER MY SHOULDERS!!!!!!!!"
Hey Creature?"
"UUUUHHHHH...WWWWHHHHAAAAATTTTT!!!!!!!!!"
"Gorblie wants to know if that's spelled with a "G"?"
"If what is spelled with a "G"? What are you talking about?"
"Gorblie thinks maybe Gagillion is maybe spelled with a "G"."
"That's it!!! That does it. Get out of here before I call the Gate Guardian. Get out of my writing room before I have your putrid Green Carcass BOILED IB OIL!!!!!!!"
"Uh, Creature..."
"WHAT CAN YOU POSSIBLY WANT NOW???????????"
"Gorblie just wanted to tell you that you spelled ib wrong."
"WHAT???? That's not even a word. What are you talking about?"
"Gorblie just wanted to know what you were talking about? Gorblie saw you write ib and he thought maybe Creature meant "in" instead."
He just stood there smiling, well, actually more of a grimace splayed across his goblinoid features. That was it, all Dunna (as baby Gavyn would say).
"That's it I'm gonna boil you in oil myself. Ib, in, who cares anyway?"
"Gorblie thinks your readers and editors might."
UUHHH!!! Out, NOW. GUARDS!! GUARDS!!"
"Gorblie is gone."
In a flash he disappeared, just the way he appeared. Oh, No, I know what you're thinking; he is not a figment. Oh, No. That little PITA (Pain-in-the-a#&) is a real goblin about three feet high. He's always bothering me when I start writing something and then I don't even have a clue as to what I'm supposed to be talking about.
Oh, yeah, that's right; E-MAIL HELL!!! Many people suffer from online gaming but I never seem to make it that far. I get trapped in perpetual e-mail inundation and never make it out in time to write anything of value (well, I guess my e-mail comments have some value). So, as I've said, I'm not super lazy, just mis-directed. I should be working on writing projects and not just writing thousands of words on e-mail comments. I have lots of Synopses (a word???) put tobether for at least three novels, a couple novellas, a few reptile articles, and at least twenty-five stories and still I trap myself under tons of e-mail. My early New Years resolution is to write more about me, myself, I, and all my projects and only spend a small portion of the day in e-mails. We'll see if that happens.
I remain optimistic because, in Creature's Castle," anything can happen.
Have a Great Day!!!
The "Creature"
Thursday, March 25, 2010
"Sharing through Chatting"
Hello Everybody:
I did something cool the other day that thousands of you have already done (I'm sure), but me, not so much. I was invited to a writer's chat session that would last around two hours (online). I wasn't sure I had anything to offer but I said I would be there anyway. For a couple days I thought about what I was gonna say.
Well, the day came (yesterday) and a friend of mine was down from out of town so I thought I would miss it. I was about ready to contact the group when I found out that my friend was gonna be busy for a while which would allow me a chance to at least join at the beginning.
I was excited when I entered (at 7:00 P.M.) the site for at least a brief chat with the group when suddenly I hit a brick wall. I couldn't get into the Chat room because I guess I didn't have the program for it. Well...not being a computer Whiz (I mean we're talkin' embarrassingly stupid about computers) I contacted them and said "The walls of the city have closed for the day. I'll try to get in next time." I lowered my head in shame. No computer knowledge, stupid high-rise walls, guards who won't let me through...That was the straw that broke this barrel monkey's chain (remember those stupid little barrel of monkeys games, yeah, well they still make 'em). I wheeled and stared the monstrous wall straight in the eye (well, the eye peeking from the sliding viewing window) and said, "I'm gettin' in whether you like it or not!!!" I think I was shaking my fist as well which was real stupid (that stupid word...again) because nobody is going to open the gates to somebody who is threatening them. DUH!!!
So, plan B. If I make an offering from Posiedon (you know him , the King of the sea) that looks like the Outer God Cthulhu (think Trojan Cthulhu, well try, so you have to stretch, stretching is good for you), then they'll think it looks so cool that they'll bring the Avatar behind the wall and; OILA!!!, I'll be in the Chat room (no Avatar jokes please, one does not wish to disturb mighty Cthulhu whiles he lies dead, dreaming)...Hey, I don't make this stuff up. Just go into the Dreamlands and turn left at the old House (yeah, the one with the dead trees and green glow around it) and go down to the cove. The Cthonian sisters will greet you there. Hmm, Dead Cthulhu lies Dreaming, is he dead asleep and counting sheep (yeah, lambs for the slaughter B-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a).
Anyway, or I could just use another server and go in from there which, in the end, was what I did. Five minutes after showdown I was in. YYYYAAAAAYYYYY!!!!! But, there's a catch; I got in and the chat room was...enpty. Know fair, Cthulhu got here before me. I left the room open (with me inside) and sat down to ponder the empty space before me. Sleep came quickly (I had been up for about 19 hours at that point) but I woke up a short time later to find the room...FULL!!!
For the next hour-and-a-half we had a great chat that covered several writing subjects. I learned a little and took a few notes. I think there were 6-7 of us in there and one-by-one they began dropping out after about an hour. I was the last one to eventually leave the room, so I turned out the light. I had a great time and look forward to next week when we do it all again.
So now you know how I spent a wonderful spring evening.
Have a Great Day!!!
John (aka, the "Creature")
I did something cool the other day that thousands of you have already done (I'm sure), but me, not so much. I was invited to a writer's chat session that would last around two hours (online). I wasn't sure I had anything to offer but I said I would be there anyway. For a couple days I thought about what I was gonna say.
Well, the day came (yesterday) and a friend of mine was down from out of town so I thought I would miss it. I was about ready to contact the group when I found out that my friend was gonna be busy for a while which would allow me a chance to at least join at the beginning.
I was excited when I entered (at 7:00 P.M.) the site for at least a brief chat with the group when suddenly I hit a brick wall. I couldn't get into the Chat room because I guess I didn't have the program for it. Well...not being a computer Whiz (I mean we're talkin' embarrassingly stupid about computers) I contacted them and said "The walls of the city have closed for the day. I'll try to get in next time." I lowered my head in shame. No computer knowledge, stupid high-rise walls, guards who won't let me through...That was the straw that broke this barrel monkey's chain (remember those stupid little barrel of monkeys games, yeah, well they still make 'em). I wheeled and stared the monstrous wall straight in the eye (well, the eye peeking from the sliding viewing window) and said, "I'm gettin' in whether you like it or not!!!" I think I was shaking my fist as well which was real stupid (that stupid word...again) because nobody is going to open the gates to somebody who is threatening them. DUH!!!
So, plan B. If I make an offering from Posiedon (you know him , the King of the sea) that looks like the Outer God Cthulhu (think Trojan Cthulhu, well try, so you have to stretch, stretching is good for you), then they'll think it looks so cool that they'll bring the Avatar behind the wall and; OILA!!!, I'll be in the Chat room (no Avatar jokes please, one does not wish to disturb mighty Cthulhu whiles he lies dead, dreaming)...Hey, I don't make this stuff up. Just go into the Dreamlands and turn left at the old House (yeah, the one with the dead trees and green glow around it) and go down to the cove. The Cthonian sisters will greet you there. Hmm, Dead Cthulhu lies Dreaming, is he dead asleep and counting sheep (yeah, lambs for the slaughter B-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a-a).
Anyway, or I could just use another server and go in from there which, in the end, was what I did. Five minutes after showdown I was in. YYYYAAAAAYYYYY!!!!! But, there's a catch; I got in and the chat room was...enpty. Know fair, Cthulhu got here before me. I left the room open (with me inside) and sat down to ponder the empty space before me. Sleep came quickly (I had been up for about 19 hours at that point) but I woke up a short time later to find the room...FULL!!!
For the next hour-and-a-half we had a great chat that covered several writing subjects. I learned a little and took a few notes. I think there were 6-7 of us in there and one-by-one they began dropping out after about an hour. I was the last one to eventually leave the room, so I turned out the light. I had a great time and look forward to next week when we do it all again.
So now you know how I spent a wonderful spring evening.
Have a Great Day!!!
John (aka, the "Creature")
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
HHHHHHEEEEEELLLLOOOOO!!!!!
Greetings one and all(probably not even one anymore):
So I came in here and dusted off all the cobwebs, fought off the Leng Spiders, performed a mental ventiloquist (probably butchered that one) act for the hound of Tindalos (Ha, Ha!!1 I'm over here) and now I'm back. I don't know how I get so wrapped up that I never have a chance to get over here but I will attemt to be more regular in the future.There's always lots to say, the problem is that I usually end up saying it on some website post where it becomes conveniently lost in the shuffle.
Anyway...I went to see "The Wolfman" the other day and I really liked it. I was wondering if I would because I'm a big fan of the original but I always go to movies with an open (and clear) mind (but not a blank slate). The feel of the movie was good and the sets I felt really reflected the time period (1891). Benicio Del Toro was very believable as Larry (Lawrence for those of you in Gila Bend) Talbot and Anthony Hopkins was a very mysterious version of Sir John. The wolfman looked great and was extremely vicious. I was actually surprised at the toned down gore appeal compared to what I thought it would be. If there was any improvement I would have made on this movie it would have been to include a little more about the gypsy camp. Maybe next time.
Overall I liked the movie and highly recommend it. I give it a hardy 4 screams on the "Creature Scale." And now...on to the lumberyard!!!
See You Real Soon and...Have a Great Day!!!
John (aka, the "Creature")
So I came in here and dusted off all the cobwebs, fought off the Leng Spiders, performed a mental ventiloquist (probably butchered that one) act for the hound of Tindalos (Ha, Ha!!1 I'm over here) and now I'm back. I don't know how I get so wrapped up that I never have a chance to get over here but I will attemt to be more regular in the future.There's always lots to say, the problem is that I usually end up saying it on some website post where it becomes conveniently lost in the shuffle.
Anyway...I went to see "The Wolfman" the other day and I really liked it. I was wondering if I would because I'm a big fan of the original but I always go to movies with an open (and clear) mind (but not a blank slate). The feel of the movie was good and the sets I felt really reflected the time period (1891). Benicio Del Toro was very believable as Larry (Lawrence for those of you in Gila Bend) Talbot and Anthony Hopkins was a very mysterious version of Sir John. The wolfman looked great and was extremely vicious. I was actually surprised at the toned down gore appeal compared to what I thought it would be. If there was any improvement I would have made on this movie it would have been to include a little more about the gypsy camp. Maybe next time.
Overall I liked the movie and highly recommend it. I give it a hardy 4 screams on the "Creature Scale." And now...on to the lumberyard!!!
See You Real Soon and...Have a Great Day!!!
John (aka, the "Creature")
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Hello Everybody:
Well this wasn't the way I wanted to start up here but i'll be more active in the coming months with all kinds of stuff. you know what season it is; money drain season (and you thought I was going to say X-mas season). Anyway, it's a cool time of the year (for some anyway) so from everybody here at the castle...
"Gorblie wants to be part of the everyone."
Excuse me while I fix this little problem.
"Did I not say from everyone? I did not stutter."
You said from everyone...but not from Gorblie. Gorblie said he wants to be added along with the everyone."
"Well you can tell Gorblie that he is a part of the everyone. Don't look at me like I just stepped off a spaceship or something. Don't they teach common language back at the "Great (yeah, right) Goblin empire?"
Uh, Creature, Gorblie says that's a capital "e."
"Excuse me, how do you know what it is. I'm speaking to you am I not? Oh, and by the way, it's an "O" and not an "a." Now you've got me doing it. Why don't you go haunt a house or something you little green glop of ectoplasmic , well...GLOP!!! Now you've got me all flustered and nobody reading this (if there is anybody) will know what the H-E-Double hockey stick we're even talking about at this point. UUUUUUUHHHHH!!!!
"But Creature..."
"What."
"Gorblie can't haunt a house."
"And why not?" I think at this point i was smiling some weird maniacal grin.
He looked up at me his eyes opening wide. "Uh, because...Gorblie hasn't gone to his great reward."
That was it.Over the edge. Oh...Allow me to arrange it for you."
Gorblie took off like a shot and I began laughing hysterically. "HO! HO! HO! From everyone here at the "Castle..." We hope you all have a very Scary Christmas and a Howlingly fun New Year.
And...Have a Great Day!!!
John (aka, the "Creature")
Well this wasn't the way I wanted to start up here but i'll be more active in the coming months with all kinds of stuff. you know what season it is; money drain season (and you thought I was going to say X-mas season). Anyway, it's a cool time of the year (for some anyway) so from everybody here at the castle...
"Gorblie wants to be part of the everyone."
Excuse me while I fix this little problem.
"Did I not say from everyone? I did not stutter."
You said from everyone...but not from Gorblie. Gorblie said he wants to be added along with the everyone."
"Well you can tell Gorblie that he is a part of the everyone. Don't look at me like I just stepped off a spaceship or something. Don't they teach common language back at the "Great (yeah, right) Goblin empire?"
Uh, Creature, Gorblie says that's a capital "e."
"Excuse me, how do you know what it is. I'm speaking to you am I not? Oh, and by the way, it's an "O" and not an "a." Now you've got me doing it. Why don't you go haunt a house or something you little green glop of ectoplasmic , well...GLOP!!! Now you've got me all flustered and nobody reading this (if there is anybody) will know what the H-E-Double hockey stick we're even talking about at this point. UUUUUUUHHHHH!!!!
"But Creature..."
"What."
"Gorblie can't haunt a house."
"And why not?" I think at this point i was smiling some weird maniacal grin.
He looked up at me his eyes opening wide. "Uh, because...Gorblie hasn't gone to his great reward."
That was it.Over the edge. Oh...Allow me to arrange it for you."
Gorblie took off like a shot and I began laughing hysterically. "HO! HO! HO! From everyone here at the "Castle..." We hope you all have a very Scary Christmas and a Howlingly fun New Year.
And...Have a Great Day!!!
John (aka, the "Creature")
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
"Bikini Monsters...the last full weekend"
Greetings everyone:
I think I've figured about a tenth of this out so maybe soon i'll have something worthwhile to say, something that will draw you back from the quagmire of info on the beast known only as the internet. I really do wish I was more computer literate (as opposed to computer illiterate) as I am a fairly creative person but...oh well.
Anyway, we just got done filming another weekend of "Bikini Monsters," this time at Fort DeSoto Park in st. Petersburg. Everything went smoothly and quietly so now we have one day of shooting left before we can call it a wrap. Then the fun of putting it all together in the editing booth can begin. Terence said we should have a trailer up by this Friday.
The weekend began with a final night of shooting with our first two Bikini Monsters on Friday ar North Shore Beach on the bayside of St. Petersburg as they kidnapped both our leading lady Detective Elizabeth Wayne and beach Jogger Danielle. Then on Saturday it was on to DeSoto to shoot the aftermath of a bikini Monster murder scene (in which we had about twenty beachgoers look on as extras) as police investigated the death of a beachgoer at the hand of the monsters. That same day we also shot the scenes of Mike Christopher (famous for portraying the "Hare Krishna Zombie" in Romero's "Dawn Of the Dead") as a police chief. This shoot was at a never used lab located at Fort Desoto Park.
Then on Sunday the lab doubled for what iT was originally intended, a lab for scientists Mike and Greig to work from...The "Florida Biologist Center." From there it was back to the beach to film the scenes of various "Beach Bums" as to what they may ot may not have witnessed.
And that was it for the weekend. As I said, it was a full weekend for the Creature Productions crew working with Warbranch productions.
Have a Great Day!!!
John (aka, the "Creature")
I think I've figured about a tenth of this out so maybe soon i'll have something worthwhile to say, something that will draw you back from the quagmire of info on the beast known only as the internet. I really do wish I was more computer literate (as opposed to computer illiterate) as I am a fairly creative person but...oh well.
Anyway, we just got done filming another weekend of "Bikini Monsters," this time at Fort DeSoto Park in st. Petersburg. Everything went smoothly and quietly so now we have one day of shooting left before we can call it a wrap. Then the fun of putting it all together in the editing booth can begin. Terence said we should have a trailer up by this Friday.
The weekend began with a final night of shooting with our first two Bikini Monsters on Friday ar North Shore Beach on the bayside of St. Petersburg as they kidnapped both our leading lady Detective Elizabeth Wayne and beach Jogger Danielle. Then on Saturday it was on to DeSoto to shoot the aftermath of a bikini Monster murder scene (in which we had about twenty beachgoers look on as extras) as police investigated the death of a beachgoer at the hand of the monsters. That same day we also shot the scenes of Mike Christopher (famous for portraying the "Hare Krishna Zombie" in Romero's "Dawn Of the Dead") as a police chief. This shoot was at a never used lab located at Fort Desoto Park.
Then on Sunday the lab doubled for what iT was originally intended, a lab for scientists Mike and Greig to work from...The "Florida Biologist Center." From there it was back to the beach to film the scenes of various "Beach Bums" as to what they may ot may not have witnessed.
And that was it for the weekend. As I said, it was a full weekend for the Creature Productions crew working with Warbranch productions.
Have a Great Day!!!
John (aka, the "Creature")
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
"A lights, Camera...action Weekend!!!
Hello Everybody:
"Here we go for round two of this sceduled 5,000 round..."
" Whoa! Hold on there Spunky, 5,000 rounds??? That could take years, probably decades...are you insane???"
"I know...now shut up and quit complainin', it'll keep em commin' back!!!"
Okay, whatever Spunky Nikelschitz, if you say so...
Anyway, hey everyone and welcome to this wonderfully whackie (I know I buthered that one, Whacky) land of LLewswyrld, where anything and everything is real and can happen (no speculation here). I found my voice and it's going to come from the D&D world I created back in the late seventies for all my worthy adventurers. And just in case you think it's a land that has long-since vanished...think again. A group of us visited Llewswyrld about eight months ago on a rip-roarin' adventure (more on that later).
So, anyway, This weekend and all the way into Monday saw Creature Productions (the company I own with my daughter ashley and best friend Phil) working on two movie projects; "Bikini Monsters" (with Warbranch Productions) and "Lazer-Tag Princess" which is one of ours. so without further adieu...here we go.
On Friday Nick Cuti (CP associate producer) and I met with Terence Muncy of Warbranch Productions at North Shore beach in St. Petersburg to capture on film the first ever shots of a "Bikini Monster."
We met at an undisclosed location on North Shore Beach in hopes of catching one of the elusive creatures. Along for the ride (and part of the team to help in this most dangerous mission) were Chris, Ben, Phil, Max, and several cast members (commonly known as bait). the hope was that by the end of the night we would have us a photo (at the very least) of a "BM." (No not BEM, I think they killed all of them in the fifties).
Everything was all set up by 8:30 and by 9:00 we wereunderway; lights, camera, action, the beach party we filmed went phenomonally (even better than I dared hope and by the end of the night we had our shot (and all this time you thought I was kidding) of a Bikini Monster.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
"Beginnings"
Hello Everyone:
Where do I start. This is all new to me and I want to make it all worth viewing so I guess i'll just start at the top and work my way down into a hole from which there is no escape. Welcome to "Creature's Castle." It's a strange place for sure but I call it home. It is my "Grub Street," the place where I go for ideas and the place from which I spew out all the insanity that I so affectionately call my life.
In here i'll talk about ideas for new projects, updates on current projects, movie reviews, essays on field work, animal care tips, and lots of sci-fi and horror reviews. I'm sure there will be lots of other things as well but we'll just have to see as time marches on.
I guess my biggest problem is figuring out the tone to use in my posts. I have a couple blogs on other sites that are kind of specific in style. Maybe for this one i'll just go with the flow as that would give me unlimited options. So welcome to "Creature's Castle," where the ordinary is anything but...ordinary.
Where do I start. This is all new to me and I want to make it all worth viewing so I guess i'll just start at the top and work my way down into a hole from which there is no escape. Welcome to "Creature's Castle." It's a strange place for sure but I call it home. It is my "Grub Street," the place where I go for ideas and the place from which I spew out all the insanity that I so affectionately call my life.
In here i'll talk about ideas for new projects, updates on current projects, movie reviews, essays on field work, animal care tips, and lots of sci-fi and horror reviews. I'm sure there will be lots of other things as well but we'll just have to see as time marches on.
I guess my biggest problem is figuring out the tone to use in my posts. I have a couple blogs on other sites that are kind of specific in style. Maybe for this one i'll just go with the flow as that would give me unlimited options. So welcome to "Creature's Castle," where the ordinary is anything but...ordinary.
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