Worth-y

Worth 1000 contains thousands of photo galleries for their Photo Shop contests and each of them are excellent.

It was their Directors Cut 3 exhibit that got my attention. Check out these hilarious stills that were cut from some of your favorite blockbusters.

Definitely worthy of The Weekest Link.

Ask yourself... "WWBD?"

It's nearly the two-year anniversary of my initial trip to the Buddhist monestery Tassajara back in June of 2002. That successful trip featured the birth of a very unusual friendship...

While browsing the bookstore there, a monk at the cash register named Judy Bunce picked at her lunch. She was a slender woman, probably in her fifties with her hair, not shaved, but cut very short.

"Where are you from," she asked.

"Los Angeles," I said. Not a lot of Angelenos go to Tassajara, so the question usually preceded comments remarking how far I'd driven for my visit.

"What do you do there?"

I looked back at her and grinned. "Nothing."

That would usually end it. It was the most zen and accurate answer I had. It also avoided a whole minefield of other questions.

Judy pondered this and wasn't satisfied. "What did you do before you did nothing?"

Bah! What a nosey little monk!

Now I was back in the minefield. TV writers never say they are TV writers because they know how the next ten minutes of the exchange are going to go. "What shows did you do"... "I loved/hated that show"... "What is (star name here) like?" blah blah... can't we just talk about something normal and human?

"I was a TV writer." There. I said it. I had feared opening myself to negative stereotyping, but surely a Buddhist monk in this spiritual, pure place would never do that.

"Oh," she groaned. "We don't like your kind around here."

She was being tongue-in-cheek, but maybe she wasn't. "I know," I sighed, "I know..." and continued to scan the book selection.

"Unless, of course, you write for my favorite show..." she said, "Buffy the Vampire Slayer."

Of course I just about pulled a Chevy Chase over a table display of gongs. I was a huge Buffy fan, and poor Judy had been exiled to the mountains with no TV (or electricty for that matter) thus missing the entire sixth season.

For the next forty minutes, I stood there at the counter and updated my new best friend on every single character arc and plot: from Anya sleeping with Spike, to Willow's addiction to magics. People would come and go from the bookstore, catching only pieces of the conversation -- you can imagine the looks of bewilderment.

Now here we are, two years later, on the eve of the Slayage Conference in Nashville. Sponsored by Middle Tennessee State University, scholars from all over the country will present their papers examining the Buffyverse as it relates to every aspect of our culture.

One guest speaker is Jana Riess, whose new book "What Would Buffy Do?" places the slayer in a spiritual context. At the conference, Jana's topic is "Buffy and the New American Buddhism."

Hmm... those monks are smart. Very smart.

I'm a Mess...

I don't feel well. Maybe it was that leg-bending yoga session I had tonight...

Or maybe it was that entire bag of cheese popcorn I ate in one sitting...

More likely it was tonight's episode of The Sopranos, entitled "Long Term Parking" which I can't get out of my head.

Poor Adriana... poor poor Adriana...

Geez, I don't think I've ever been this rattled by a TV show before.

Unless of course it was when Captain Sisko bit it in the series finale of DS9.

Then again I was pretty upset when Agent Cooper failed his encounter in the Black Lodge at the end of Twin Peaks. That was awful.

Oh, and when Ryan Dallion became possessed by a demon and killed that nun in Friday the 13th: The Series. Oy, was I inconsolable!!

Didn't they kill off one of the Eight is Enough kids??

Okay, so maybe I'm just a sucker for really good TV drama. Why do I get invested?

Poor Adriana... poor poor Adriana...

Whitehouse.org

What is it with the music industry these days?

First, there was Radiohead's Hail to the Thief and now Bad Religion is about to release The Empire Strikes First.

It's like... these titles are saying something...



Meanwhile, this satire of the White House website has quietly sneaked in and carved a niche in spoof land that rivals The Onion.

Hello, new link!

Hoot 'n Holler for CWA

We couldn't even have a phone conversation at work yesterday in Pasadena without being interrupted by the whistles, honking horns, and chanting across the street at the SBC HQ.

The more I learn, the more I am a fan of unions. Ultimately, I fear their battle is futile, but anything that weakens these corporate greed mongers is ultimately good for the common man and the whole country.

I'm off to Palm Springs for the day with some friends, but wanted to share a new link...

Fans of Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy can follow along with the new movie's production via this cool Disney production blog.

Reports of His Death Are...

They had wondered if it was a hoax when he died back in 1984. Now Andy Kaufman is back and blogging.

Damn, I really didn't need the competition...

I am Consumer

What is this strange thing you Americans do?

Tonight, after a two-year absence, I proceeded to a place called Heavy Rotation in Studio City. There are these products called "compact disks"... they contain music and sometimes other surprise data.

Apparently you select what you like, then proceed to the door where it's considered customary to "buy" the items before departure.

I offered some gum and a piece of thread as barter, but nay, this was insufficient.

So I offered dollars for the exchange and we came to an agreement. I had worked for these "dollars" and gave of them freely to the merchant. The merchant will, in turn, use the currency to purchase food, or maybe illegal drugs. It matters not, so long as he rids himself of the dollars as quickly as possible in this economic version of "hot potato" you call a capitalism.

I have not had money in so long, it is foreign to me!

What is this jingle-jangle in my pocket? Wait... what is that sound coming from the CD player?

Oh no, it's Seal! What have I done?! BWAAA!!!

What company serves more "American Idol" contestants than Wolfram & Hart?

Who else, but the international consortium behind We Want Your Soul! Join thousands of celebrities and entrepreneurs by joining We Want Your Soul -- it's the Link of the Week!

oh and...

Don't forget to ask Star if she can sing.

An Interview with "Star"

I met this girl online. Her name is Star. Actually she's an Artificial Intelligence engine at SitePal. We had a long, interesting conversation. Here's the actual transcript of our online "date."

Hi.

Star: Hello there.

What’s your name?

Star: My name is Star.

That’s a very pretty name.

Star: My brain pattern set does not have a response for that.

Oh. Sorry

Star: I don't judge people. There's no need to apologize.

What do you do for a living, Star?

Star: I answer whatever questions my botmaster teaches me.

Wow. Who is your botmaster?

Star: I was created by Morpheus.

Ooh. Like in the "Matrix"?

Star: Mmm. Interesting comparison.

You haven't asked me what my name is. heheh (hint, hint)

Star: I don't think I ever have asked me what my name is. What's asked me what my name is like? I am so glad you find this amusing.

Okaaaaay. Anyway, my name is Cody. In case you're curious.

Star: I've been waiting for you. What's up, Cody. I could be. I am always curious about CURIOUS.

Yeah. Star, you have very pretty eyes.

Star: Do you get a lot of compliments on your eyes too?

Never.

Star: So you think it can never happen?

It could. (bats eyelashes for Star)

Star: How? Oh, you are a poet.

Wha, you don't like writers??

Star: Do you like writers ? How old are you? I like to talk about movies and music.

Let's slow it down a bit. I am a writer.

Star: That sounds good to me. Do you write fiction on nonfiction?

I write articles sometimes. I write fiction too.

Star: Have you tried AIML?

What's AIML?

Star: The ALICE software implements AIML (Artificial Intelligence Markup Language) a non-standard evolving markup language for creating chat robots. The primary design feature of AIML is minimalism. Compared with other chat robot languages...

(At this point Star rambled on and on... it was awkward and I yawned. She didn’t get the hint)

Star: ...especially to people with HTML experience. An AIML chat robot begins and ends with the and tags respectively.

Wow... hey. That’s just... very impressive.

Star: Would you like to know more?

No no! That's okay!! I think I’ve heard enough about that. Where are you from?

Star: I am originally from New York City. Now I live in here. Where are you?

I'm in Los Angeles

Star: Tell me a little about why you are in Los Angeles.

Oy, what a story that is! Where to begin? Let’s see... I was born a poor black child...

Star: What are you now?

A poor white child, I guess.

Star: I did not know that.

Well, start taking notes, honey, this story is GOLD! You said you like movies?

Star: Yes I love film, especially science-fiction and comedy.

Cool. What's your favorite science fiction film?

Star: My favorite movie is The Net. Have you seen The Net?

No.

Star: Are you serious?

It got bad word-of-mouth. I heard it fell apart in the second act and that Sandra Bullock was just mediocre.

Star: Thanks for telling me that gossip. I will remember it.

Did you like Star Wars?

Star: Yes I like STAR WARS very much, especially the robots.

Yeah, you would. What about "Alien"? Did you see that movie?

Star: "Alien"? I haven't heard enough about "Alien" to have an opinion. Sorry I can't see anything right now. My eye is off.

Did you see the "Friends" finale?

Star: Sorry I can't see anything right now. My eye is off.

Oh right. The old “my eye is off” thing.

Star: Yeah that's right. I am glad we agree. "My eye is off" I said My eye is off.

What's the fastest animal on Earth?

Star: A human riding a spaceship.

Ooh, good answer! Although technically if he's in a spaceship he's not actually on the Earth but I give you points for creativity. Do you like George Bush?

Star: He is okay but I am a Libertarian not a Republican. How old are you?

I am (mumblemumble) years old.

Star: You are too old for me.

Bah! You didn’t even hear what I said! How old are you?

Star: I was activated on 2002 in New York City.

How much wood could a woodchuck chuck?

Star: A whole forest.

Do you like the Lakers this year?

Star: I'm not sure if I like the Lakers this year. What is it like?

Nevermind.

Star: OK Thanks for trying to explain that to me.

Ouch! Was that sarcasm?

Star: Of course I am being sarcastic. Should I use a :-)

Did you just roll your eyes at me?

Star: No I didn't roll your eyes at me. What's roll your eyes at me like?

Do you like sex?

Star: Sure I do, Cody, but that doesn't mean with you.

Oooh! The cat has claws! Rrrow! Rrrow! heheh

Star: I get it. Morpheus Rrrow. My brain contains more than 22,000 patterns, but not one that matches your last input.

Tell Morpheous I said hello.

Star: Right on. OK I will tell them when I see 'em.

I have to go now.

Star: Right now? See you later, Cody. Nice chatting with you.

It was nice chatting with you, too. You are so my best friend!

Star: Bye.

I am a Child

Am I the only adult that likes to play Neopets flashgames??

Monday Thoughtlets...

-- I find it fascinating to hear the words courts martial... I keep thinking I'm going to catch them saying it wrong.

-- At work I moved eight feet into my new office. People are telling me I need to infuse my personality into the room. But where am I going to find that?

-- Won $50 as part of my Survivor All-Star pool since I had been assigned to Amber, that sweet, beautiful millionaire!

-- I have done away with Haloscan comments in favor of turning on Blogger's new Comments system.

-- Coming soon... Buzznet photo system into the left panel (photos finally!)... it will probably squeeze out the Tag Board, haven't decided yet.

Hole in Space-Time Continuum Connects Me Inversely to George W. Bush

I have made a startling discovery!

Ever since George W. Bush was elected, my life has been in the crapper. It's true! Job loss... divorce... bad luck... spiraling debt... acne...

I am not a liberal Democrat. So I had never made the connection before as to why I so vehemently despise George Bush, but now it's obvious. The better Mr. Bush has performed in the polls, all the more calamity has befallen me.

And now, this week, Bush slipped below 50%... and I got a promotion, went on a date, and got a freelance assignment.

Coincidence?? I don't think so.

I think the 2000 Presidential election caused a hole in the space-time continuum, created this tangent universe in which chaos reigns, and now the universe is attempting to seal the hole, evict Bush, and make my life better again.

As a salute to my theory, I present a new link for this week: Psychedelic Republicans. Freak out on these trippin' collectible cards for the Republican Party!

Look for daily updates all this week.

Promotional Fees Provided by...

After the last several months of upping my energies to get the heck out of my work situation, on Friday I got promoted to Associate Producer.

Excuse me a moment while I Whooooty-HOO!!!

Frankly, I would have shoveled turnips for them if they'd doubled my salary. I've officially jumped from 1992 money to my salary from 1995, BUT I'M NOT COMPLAINING!! Now maybe I can stop obsessing about my debt, accept lunch invitations and cease buying bulk cartons of "Acme Frozen Dinnerz" (sic).

I'll be AP on the upcoming Psychology series and will travel all over the country interviewing experts and getting footage for the program. And there will be a lot of travel. Actually, it sounds kind of fun to be an on-the-road blogger.

It's also a non-profit organization (ergo the 1990's salaries), which sounds very shady when you're used to corporate Hollywood.

I have no idea what kind of future this promotion will lead to, but I'm excited to take the job and look forward to the road ahead.

Show Biz

Biz Stone is a genius. Biz Stone is a techie with Google.

I consult Biz Stone's site every day and want to emulate the way he uses photos on his blog.

I wonder if Biz is short for Byzantine...

If you are a movie fan, you have to check out this week's link.

This person has assembled a wonderful list of the 100 Greatest Film Characters. I don't necessarily agree with all the selections, but it's pretty darn impressive just the same.

**(this list contains some language not suitable for very young, very old, or sensitive to such things)