Formula for LOTR: Take 20 minutes worth of slo-mo shots of hand opening to reveal ring with no discernible power, mix with ACME CGI ogres, add a splash of Enya, and bake until completely homoerotic. Serves up to 3 movies.
Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Monday, April 25, 2005
Star Wars Saga Marathon tickets sell out faster than a hyperdrive !
The Star Wars Saga Marathon (May 16th) 'Galactic Passport' tickets went on Sale via UCI Cinemas this morning at 9am for £50 each.
Over 120 people queued up outside the UCI Leicester Square in the early morning rain! Tickets sold out in 9 minuites of the box office opening.
Hope those of you who wanted to go were lucky!.
Saturday, April 23, 2005
Friday, April 22, 2005
Planning on calling in sick for a 'CERTAIN' movie ?
For those of you planning to do a 'Bunk' from School or pull a 'Sickie' from work! to watch a certain film released May 19th 2005 - Hilarious!!
Prequel-itis setting in? Put down the stapler and pick up that laser sword.
Geek Squad has you covered.
Click here!
Prequel-itis setting in? Put down the stapler and pick up that laser sword.
Geek Squad has you covered.
Click here!
Thursday, April 21, 2005
Jackson selling Beatles Catalogue? - Nothing but a RACIST'S FANTASY
I've just wasted my afternoon engaging in a furious Internet message Board debate (I wont mention which one) with a group of people gleefully celebrating the fact that Michael Jackson may sell the Beatles Catalogue. These stories have been n circulating for years and as I said to the Internet geeks, are nothing but Caucasian Fantasies. Note how Jackson owns the ATV catalogue which is described on Sony's website as:
A worldwide music publishing joint venture between Sony and Michael Jackson, which owns or administers copyrights and catalogues by such artists as Babyface, The Beatles, Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, Leonard Cohen, Miles Davis, Bob Dylan, The Everly Brothers, Jimi Hendrix, Graham Nash, Roy Orbison, Sarah McLachlan, Roger Miller, Joni Mitchell, Graham Nash, Willie Nelson, Stephen Stills, Hank Williams, and Brooks & Dunn, among others.
Yet the cultural and racial implications of this become all to clear when it is only referred to as "The Beatles Catalogue". The media is to blame for spinning the nonsensical story that Michael Jackson some how 'stole' the Beatles catalogue from Paul McCartney, even though he declined TWO opportunities of first refusal to buy the publishing rights before Jackson was even involved.
You cannot educate the ignorant, and my education attempts only resulted in insults, predictable Wacko Jacko kiddie fiddler jokes, nonsense about how Michael Jackson used a single tube of bleaching cream to transform his skin and the most frustrating of all, accusations of reverse racism - these people had the cheek to suggest that my highlighting of THEIR racist attitudes towards Michael Jackson as a powerful Black icon was in fact a form of racism itself.
Here is an article that best communicates the point I so failed to make.
No one's disputing that some of Michael's actions are out of place for someone his age.
And even that has to be placed in context.
First of all, at one time he was a virtual recluse. I believe it was during that time that he was developing this Peter Pan persona, and this was in large measure a defense mechanism to insulate himself in some way from the media attention and public scrutiny. There's just so much adulation an individual can take. We were not created to be worshipped. That privilege is reserved to God alone.
Eventually, Liz Taylor rightly or wrongly talked him into coming out more in the public eye, and being more open and public about his life in general.
And so one can see why in gradually becoming more open, he was to, at first, confine his association to children, because children are at least non-judgmental. And precisely what the world does to him right now--judge him harshly--is what he hates.
People call him names without taking these factors into consideration. And because we allow this, in fact we even seem to promote it, a thousand opportunists and scam artists are given free reign to rise up in the space of a day, so-to-speak, and falsely claim, with impunity, that "Michael molested me!"
Then again there's racism. We can't simply ignore that factor. The media and public betray a thinly-veiled racist attitude concerning any issue related to Jackson. And I think that's precisely because he is, by Western standards, arguably the wealthiest and most successful African American in modern history, and because he has, in that respect and others, unconventionally exploded the myth of white racial supremacy.
In reply to a racist who questioned why Jackson had been able to get to marry a white woman (meaning Presley's daughter), Tom Sneddon said: "Don't worry! We're gonna run him out of the county."
As one religious organization states:
Racism, one of the most baneful and persistent evils, is a major barrier to peace. Its practice perpetrates too outrageous a violation of the dignity of human beings to be countenanced under any pretext. Racism retards the unfoldment of the boundless potentialities of its victims, corrupts its perpetrators, and blights human progress. Recognition of the oneness of mankind, implemented by appropriate legal measures, must be universally upheld if this problem is to be overcome.
Racial discrimination is baneful because it violates the dignity of human beings. And yet it persists. Racism is poisonous because it cripples its victims, corrupts its perpetrators, and blights human progress. And yet it persists. Why? We believe that racism persists precisely because it is deeply rooted in outdated attitudes and erroneous beliefs.
A worldwide music publishing joint venture between Sony and Michael Jackson, which owns or administers copyrights and catalogues by such artists as Babyface, The Beatles, Felice and Boudleaux Bryant, Leonard Cohen, Miles Davis, Bob Dylan, The Everly Brothers, Jimi Hendrix, Graham Nash, Roy Orbison, Sarah McLachlan, Roger Miller, Joni Mitchell, Graham Nash, Willie Nelson, Stephen Stills, Hank Williams, and Brooks & Dunn, among others.
Yet the cultural and racial implications of this become all to clear when it is only referred to as "The Beatles Catalogue". The media is to blame for spinning the nonsensical story that Michael Jackson some how 'stole' the Beatles catalogue from Paul McCartney, even though he declined TWO opportunities of first refusal to buy the publishing rights before Jackson was even involved.
You cannot educate the ignorant, and my education attempts only resulted in insults, predictable Wacko Jacko kiddie fiddler jokes, nonsense about how Michael Jackson used a single tube of bleaching cream to transform his skin and the most frustrating of all, accusations of reverse racism - these people had the cheek to suggest that my highlighting of THEIR racist attitudes towards Michael Jackson as a powerful Black icon was in fact a form of racism itself.
Here is an article that best communicates the point I so failed to make.
No one's disputing that some of Michael's actions are out of place for someone his age.
And even that has to be placed in context.
First of all, at one time he was a virtual recluse. I believe it was during that time that he was developing this Peter Pan persona, and this was in large measure a defense mechanism to insulate himself in some way from the media attention and public scrutiny. There's just so much adulation an individual can take. We were not created to be worshipped. That privilege is reserved to God alone.
Eventually, Liz Taylor rightly or wrongly talked him into coming out more in the public eye, and being more open and public about his life in general.
And so one can see why in gradually becoming more open, he was to, at first, confine his association to children, because children are at least non-judgmental. And precisely what the world does to him right now--judge him harshly--is what he hates.
People call him names without taking these factors into consideration. And because we allow this, in fact we even seem to promote it, a thousand opportunists and scam artists are given free reign to rise up in the space of a day, so-to-speak, and falsely claim, with impunity, that "Michael molested me!"
Then again there's racism. We can't simply ignore that factor. The media and public betray a thinly-veiled racist attitude concerning any issue related to Jackson. And I think that's precisely because he is, by Western standards, arguably the wealthiest and most successful African American in modern history, and because he has, in that respect and others, unconventionally exploded the myth of white racial supremacy.
In reply to a racist who questioned why Jackson had been able to get to marry a white woman (meaning Presley's daughter), Tom Sneddon said: "Don't worry! We're gonna run him out of the county."
As one religious organization states:
Racism, one of the most baneful and persistent evils, is a major barrier to peace. Its practice perpetrates too outrageous a violation of the dignity of human beings to be countenanced under any pretext. Racism retards the unfoldment of the boundless potentialities of its victims, corrupts its perpetrators, and blights human progress. Recognition of the oneness of mankind, implemented by appropriate legal measures, must be universally upheld if this problem is to be overcome.
Racial discrimination is baneful because it violates the dignity of human beings. And yet it persists. Racism is poisonous because it cripples its victims, corrupts its perpetrators, and blights human progress. And yet it persists. Why? We believe that racism persists precisely because it is deeply rooted in outdated attitudes and erroneous beliefs.
Media Already Know That Michael Jackson Is Innocent!
By Seány of mjjforum.com
Okay guys, just got a telephone call from a guy who runs a local television show called 'On Second Thought' in Santa Maria called William Wagner. I met Wagner at a fan event held in the Radisson hotel on the evening of Sunday April the 3rd and then numerous times that week after the courts proceedings.
Anyway we exchanged numbers and I rang him on Monday to see how everything was going, although he was not there, I just left a voice message instead. Just a while ago I received a call back from him and he had some very interesting information...
He started off by telling me about yesterdays proceedings and how him and other members of the media reacted when the prosecution announced they where going to show some of the evidence that was found at Neverland.
Wagner was in the courts overflow room, this is a place where the media can go and view the trial, where they are allowed to chat to each other and discuss the case. He said all the reporters in the overflow room remained hushed and where waiting for some horrendous piece of evidence, as they had heard 'magazines' where about to be produced. The prosecution then displayed nudist magazines from the 1930's and a magazine with two naked men on the front cover cutting a huge piece of wood from a tree. That was it. That was the big 'crunch'. It was also the time when all of the reporters in the overflow room looked at each other and almost rolled about laughing in hysterics (wagners words)! He said right before the prosecution showed these magazines, some reporters thought 'Uh Oh', this is it, this is what's gonna nail Jackson', thinking the magazines may have been related to child pornography etc. Wagener went on to tell me that it was obvious that the prosecution where merely using the magazines in a way to 'shock' the jury, however they remained unfazed by it all. One of the magazines even had the words 'sunshine and health' written across the cover...
Mesereau argued that the magazines where 'collector's items, can be found in the homes of people interested in Art and are legal to buy online and various outlets! He said that out of all of the hundreds of magazines and books found, this is all they (the prosecution) had to prove that MJ was interested sexually in children?? "Why did this ever go to trial", was a CNN reporter's comment to Wagner in the overflow room. My thought's exactly.
He went on to tell me about what he witnessed happening to Janet Arvizzo after the proceedings on Friday and on Monday. He said that on the Friday after the court he seen police putting Janet into the back of a 'heavily secured armored vehicle', very similar to the ones banks use to transport money and the windows where so heavily blacked out, that he thought it was against the law! On the side on the vehicle it had 'Santa Maria Bomb Squad' written across it, which he found very strange. On the Monday after the proceedings he witnessed Janet Arvizzo being escorted into a White heavily secured vehicle, again with very darkened windows. He said that she has more security surrounding her than Michael Jackson does!
Another few interesting points he made was that (and this has not been released publicly yet) certain members of the media have filed lawsuits against Judge Rodney Melville because of his strict behavior with them in the courtroom! The motions that have been filed state the Melville 'intimidates' members of the media, who are only trying to do their job. At one point Vicki, the lady who does the courts sketching, was asked to leave the court because her mobile went off. Wagner stressed that this was completely unfair to her, as she is a free lance and does not get paid directly for her work. Wagner himself was also reprimanded by Melville for being seen talking to Randy at one point a few weeks ago.
He also stated that Melville is definitely on the prosecutions side and members of the media have already picked up on this. Wagner also said that he is doing his best to go out of his way to help the prosecution with as much as he can, in order for it to go in their favour.
Something else that was very interesting was this...
He asked me what was the media coverage like here in Britain and in Ireland and I said it had became very 'minimal' over the last week or so and he said that he wasn't surprised, because after the first day of the Janet's testimony, members of the media had already decided that 'enough was enough' and had made their mind up that Michael Jackson was indeed Innocent of these crimes. He even said that some members of the media were actually 'frustrated' at hearing Janet's testimony, as they knew in the end the defense would have this case 'in the bag' and for some of them it seemed pointless being there if MJ was going to walk away from all of this... He told me to watch out for the news reporting of the trial going into the midweek of week two of the Defenses case. The public will see that the media will start reporting news that indicate that Michael Jackson is innocent of these crimes, to be exact he said that "they will report what I've been saying all along".
He spoke of members of the media 'already packing up and going' and that even in the courthouse now, there are a lot of empty seats where the media representatives usually take their positions and will continue to do so until Michael Jackson's defense start to call the celebrity friends of Jackson's to the stand.
Wagner also stated that the Prosecution have taken advantage of Janet Arvizzo by putting her on the stand, knowing Michael Jackson is innocent and making her lie, as she is obviously a person who needs psychiatric help and this will do her longtime damage. I asked him was she as 'erratic' and 'animated' as the media have made her out to be on the stand and he responded with "have you seen the reenactments on Sky, well she is even more over-the-top than the actress who is portraying her, it's really that bad"...
I told him that I was coming back out to Santa Maria for the start of July and Wagner said that "the case will be over by then". I asked him why did he think that and he said "because basically there is no need for Mesereau to put all these witness's on the stand and waste everyone's time, the Prosecution doesn't even have a case for Mez to counter attack!" He said all Mez will need is two or three weeks of witness's and this case is over!
He said that he wants to see Sneddon behind bars for this and that MJ can take him to court for wrongful prosecution (I think that's the words he used), but that this would be very difficult and that it's very hard to win a case like that.
He ended by saying that there is no way that Michael Jackson will be found 'Guilty' on any of these 10 accounts. This is his opinion of course and coming from a man who has been in that courtroom every single day since this trial has taken place and has been following the proceedings very closely, I tend to agree with him.
Wednesday, April 20, 2005
May the (16th) Force be with Leicester Square!
Some news offically announced today from Lucasfilm and 20th Century Fox:
The Force will be strong in London's Leicester Square on May 16 as Star Wars fever grips the capital for an unprecedented day of events celebrating the entire Star Wars saga -- culminating in the U.K. premiere of the eagerly awaited Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith, to be attended by writer-director George Lucas and the stars of the movie.
Fans will want to prepare to have their lightsabers out at dawn so they can fight for the perfect seat for a world exclusive: All six episodes of the Star Wars saga will be presented back-to-back in a once-in-a-lifetime Star Wars Marathon" at the UCI Empire, Leicester Square. Beginning at 7 a.m. with Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope and ending with an evening public premiere of Revenge of the Sith, the entire saga will be shown in a single day for more than a thousand lucky fans.
And that's just the beginning -- the day will be filled with never-to-be-repeated activities presented by Lucasfilm Ltd. and Twentieth Century Fox. Star Wars Celebration Day is open to the general public, so everyone will have the chance to experience the galaxy's most exciting, action-packed celebration of the Star Wars saga, including:
Individually ticketed performances of Episodes I, II, IV, V and VI at Leicester Square's VUE and Odeon West End Cinemas, which will screen throughout the day
Special free performances of unforgettable Star Wars music, presented by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
"On duty" Stormtroopers from the 501st Legion's UK garrison, helping to ensure that order is upheld in the Square.
"Revenge of the Sith is a remarkable movie, and this extraordinary celebration reflects the fun and excitement that are the hallmarks of Star Wars," said the movie's producer, Rick McCallum. "The Star Wars movies have a strong connection to the United Kingdom, so it's very fitting to hold this one-of-a-kind event here in London."
The culmination of Star Wars Celebration Day will be the UK premiere of Revenge of the Sith at the Odeon Leicester Square, with expected attendance by Lucas, McCallum and stars Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker), Ian McDiarmid (Palpatine), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO) and Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), along with other celebrity guests.
The first-ever Star Wars Marathon will kick off "Celebration Day" with a breakfast screening of A New Hope and continue throughout the day with The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones, followed by the U.K.'s first public presentation of Revenge of the Sith.
"Galactic Passports" to the Star Wars Marathon will be available beginning at 9 a.m. GMT Thursday, April 21 and will cost £50 per person.Tickets can be purchased at the box office of the Empire Leicester Square (tel: 8700 10 20 30) or online at www.uci.co.uk. Only those holding a "Galactic Passport" will be able to complete the journey and see Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith before its UK release on May 19.
Tickets for The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones and Return of the Jedi are available at the VUE box office (tel: 44 8712 240 240) or online at www.myvue.com.
Tickets for A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back are available at the Odeon West End box office (tel: 44 8712 244 007) or online at www.odeon.co.uk
All other events at the Star Wars Celebration Day on Leicester Square will be open to the public.
Now the question is, as a Star Wars nut, am I going to go to this? Do I WANT to go to this? NO.
Why? - Well paying £50 to watch the same five films I already own on DVD just to receive the privilege of watching Episode 3 three days early doesn’t exactly appeal to me.
Secondly, I can’t imagine sitting over 12 hours in a cinema with little more than a pee-pee break in between each movie. I would be exhausted by the time Episode 3 screens and would not enjoy it as much.
Thirdly, what’s the point of screening the entire Star Wars saga in the WRONG order??!! (4,5,6,1,2,3).
No, I have a bigger plan in mind, I don’t want in on the fan event, I want in on the PREMIERE, the Grand-Daddy in the Odeon that’s invitation only. I see this fan event as a cynical ploy to separate the most hardcore of the Starwars fan base from the actual Celebs attending the premiere.
Let operation blag-premiere-tickets-for-starwars commence! I did it for Attack of the Clones (and MET George Lucas personally - even shaking his hand), so i'm sure I can do it for Revenge of the Sith.
I'll keep you posted on my progress!!
The Force will be strong in London's Leicester Square on May 16 as Star Wars fever grips the capital for an unprecedented day of events celebrating the entire Star Wars saga -- culminating in the U.K. premiere of the eagerly awaited Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith, to be attended by writer-director George Lucas and the stars of the movie.
Fans will want to prepare to have their lightsabers out at dawn so they can fight for the perfect seat for a world exclusive: All six episodes of the Star Wars saga will be presented back-to-back in a once-in-a-lifetime Star Wars Marathon" at the UCI Empire, Leicester Square. Beginning at 7 a.m. with Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope and ending with an evening public premiere of Revenge of the Sith, the entire saga will be shown in a single day for more than a thousand lucky fans.
And that's just the beginning -- the day will be filled with never-to-be-repeated activities presented by Lucasfilm Ltd. and Twentieth Century Fox. Star Wars Celebration Day is open to the general public, so everyone will have the chance to experience the galaxy's most exciting, action-packed celebration of the Star Wars saga, including:
Individually ticketed performances of Episodes I, II, IV, V and VI at Leicester Square's VUE and Odeon West End Cinemas, which will screen throughout the day
Special free performances of unforgettable Star Wars music, presented by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
"On duty" Stormtroopers from the 501st Legion's UK garrison, helping to ensure that order is upheld in the Square.
"Revenge of the Sith is a remarkable movie, and this extraordinary celebration reflects the fun and excitement that are the hallmarks of Star Wars," said the movie's producer, Rick McCallum. "The Star Wars movies have a strong connection to the United Kingdom, so it's very fitting to hold this one-of-a-kind event here in London."
The culmination of Star Wars Celebration Day will be the UK premiere of Revenge of the Sith at the Odeon Leicester Square, with expected attendance by Lucas, McCallum and stars Hayden Christensen (Anakin Skywalker), Ian McDiarmid (Palpatine), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO) and Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), along with other celebrity guests.
The first-ever Star Wars Marathon will kick off "Celebration Day" with a breakfast screening of A New Hope and continue throughout the day with The Empire Strikes Back, Return of the Jedi, The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones, followed by the U.K.'s first public presentation of Revenge of the Sith.
"Galactic Passports" to the Star Wars Marathon will be available beginning at 9 a.m. GMT Thursday, April 21 and will cost £50 per person.Tickets can be purchased at the box office of the Empire Leicester Square (tel: 8700 10 20 30) or online at www.uci.co.uk. Only those holding a "Galactic Passport" will be able to complete the journey and see Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith before its UK release on May 19.
Tickets for The Phantom Menace, Attack of the Clones and Return of the Jedi are available at the VUE box office (tel: 44 8712 240 240) or online at www.myvue.com.
Tickets for A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back are available at the Odeon West End box office (tel: 44 8712 244 007) or online at www.odeon.co.uk
All other events at the Star Wars Celebration Day on Leicester Square will be open to the public.
Now the question is, as a Star Wars nut, am I going to go to this? Do I WANT to go to this? NO.
Why? - Well paying £50 to watch the same five films I already own on DVD just to receive the privilege of watching Episode 3 three days early doesn’t exactly appeal to me.
Secondly, I can’t imagine sitting over 12 hours in a cinema with little more than a pee-pee break in between each movie. I would be exhausted by the time Episode 3 screens and would not enjoy it as much.
Thirdly, what’s the point of screening the entire Star Wars saga in the WRONG order??!! (4,5,6,1,2,3).
No, I have a bigger plan in mind, I don’t want in on the fan event, I want in on the PREMIERE, the Grand-Daddy in the Odeon that’s invitation only. I see this fan event as a cynical ploy to separate the most hardcore of the Starwars fan base from the actual Celebs attending the premiere.
Let operation blag-premiere-tickets-for-starwars commence! I did it for Attack of the Clones (and MET George Lucas personally - even shaking his hand), so i'm sure I can do it for Revenge of the Sith.
I'll keep you posted on my progress!!
Tuesday, April 12, 2005
Coppola unhappy with 'Godfather' game
Director Francis Ford Coppola disapproves of a video game adaptation of his classic The Godfather.
He was left unimpressed after playing a preview version of the Electronic Arts game which features vocal contributions from the the late Marlon Brando, James Caan and Robert Duvall.
Cubed3.com quote the director as saying: "I knew nothing about it. They never asked me if I thought it was a good idea. They use the characters everyone knows, and then for the next hour they shoot and kill each other. I had absolutely nothing to do with the game, and I disapprove."
Monday, April 11, 2005
Lucas' Original Concept-- Palpatine as Anakin's Father
This is taken from Page 42 of the Making of Revenge of the Sith book, which contains storyline and dialogue from George Lucas' rough draft of the script....
"On Coruscant, PALPATINE completes his seduction of ANAKIN, who at first refuses to go over to the dark side-- until the Chancellor makes a startling confession:"
DARTH SIDIOUS-- "I have waited all these years for you to fulfill your destiny... I arranged for your conception. I used the power of the Force to will the midichlorians to start the cell divisions that created you."
ANAKIN-- "I don't believe you."
DARTH SIDIOUS-- "Ahhh, but you know it's true. When you clear your mind, you will sense the truth. you could almost think of me as your father."
ANAKIN-- "That's impossible!"
DARTH SIDIOUS-- "Nevertheless, you must decide."
Later this dialogue was cut, as you can see if you read on the second column, about halfway down on Page 60. It simply states this there....
"The dialogue indicating that PALPATINE is responsible for ANAKIN'S creation has been cut."
Thank God!
"On Coruscant, PALPATINE completes his seduction of ANAKIN, who at first refuses to go over to the dark side-- until the Chancellor makes a startling confession:"
DARTH SIDIOUS-- "I have waited all these years for you to fulfill your destiny... I arranged for your conception. I used the power of the Force to will the midichlorians to start the cell divisions that created you."
ANAKIN-- "I don't believe you."
DARTH SIDIOUS-- "Ahhh, but you know it's true. When you clear your mind, you will sense the truth. you could almost think of me as your father."
ANAKIN-- "That's impossible!"
DARTH SIDIOUS-- "Nevertheless, you must decide."
Later this dialogue was cut, as you can see if you read on the second column, about halfway down on Page 60. It simply states this there....
"The dialogue indicating that PALPATINE is responsible for ANAKIN'S creation has been cut."
Thank God!
ECTS is CANCELLED!
Source: GameCube Europe
A bad blow for the European Games Industry was dealt today, as ELSPA announced that this year's ECTS has been cancelled.
After the news last week that gaming trade show Game Zone Live (known as Game Stars Live last year) was to be cancelled it seems that the European gaming industry has felt the ripples, as today ELSPA has announced that long-standing gaming trade show ECTS is cancelled.
While no official reason was given it seems that due to ECTS running alongside Game Stars Live last year the event suffered from a lack of people attending. Website Gamesutra, owned by CMP Corporate, even called last year's event "a shadow of its former self."
This also means Game Developers Conference Europe has been canned, as it is a companion event to ECTS. As well as this there is much talk that CMP-backed independent retail show SCoRE has been cancelled. It seems that the future of European gaming trade events is looking bleak.
Extremely disappointing news for those in Europe hoping to catch a sneak peak at the Nintendo Revolution/Playstation 3 before year end.
A bad blow for the European Games Industry was dealt today, as ELSPA announced that this year's ECTS has been cancelled.
After the news last week that gaming trade show Game Zone Live (known as Game Stars Live last year) was to be cancelled it seems that the European gaming industry has felt the ripples, as today ELSPA has announced that long-standing gaming trade show ECTS is cancelled.
While no official reason was given it seems that due to ECTS running alongside Game Stars Live last year the event suffered from a lack of people attending. Website Gamesutra, owned by CMP Corporate, even called last year's event "a shadow of its former self."
This also means Game Developers Conference Europe has been canned, as it is a companion event to ECTS. As well as this there is much talk that CMP-backed independent retail show SCoRE has been cancelled. It seems that the future of European gaming trade events is looking bleak.
Extremely disappointing news for those in Europe hoping to catch a sneak peak at the Nintendo Revolution/Playstation 3 before year end.
Revenge of the Sith Soundtrack - Leaked and HERE!
Well here it is folks, the soundtrack to Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith has been leaked three weeks early!
Click here!
My impressions? - a striking combination of the epic, the emotional, the breathtaking, eerie and (at the end,) the nostalgic.
Williams does the Star Wars saga justice with a spectacular farewell.
01 - Star Wars and The Revenge Of The Sith 7:31
The normal opening crawl is short-lived, unlike other episodes. Whereas normally the scroll fades into infinity, the last part is cut off by a very adventurous yet dangerous motif – the space battle over Coruscant. After this brief motif, we are first introduced into the one of the most constant Themes on the soundtrack - The Force Theme (which is under-scored with a militaristic beat similar to the Droid Invasion Theme from EPISODE I) which continues for quite a while; no doubt following a long camera shot into battle. The rest of the track continues in this fashion.
02 - Anakin's Dream 4:46
A beautiful Viola solo accompanied by a harp opens Anakin’s Dream. Across the Stars soon can be heard underneath the solo before the darker string section hits, and uncertainity arises, only to once again fall into the Love Theme. After more dark cues, the Force Theme echoes things to come.
03 - Battle Of The Heroes 3:42
The new major Theme for Star Wars. The theme consists of a busy bass line with choral pieces intertwined.
04 - Anakin's Betrayal 4:04
Sections of the Love Theme again can be heard with strings and horns interwoven.
05 - General Grievous 4:07
A 'congo' sounding piece that no doubt will sound fantastic on screen.
06 - Palpatine's Teachings 5:25
This track reminds me of the soundtrack of the Dark Crystal. A deep male voice 'moans' with a metalic sound over the top. It then moves into the Love Theme which flows into Vader's Theme. Followed is a variation on the Force Theme - kinda interesting. After some more dark music, a brilliant Arrival at Coruscant theme from EPISODE I ends the piece.
07 - Grievous and the Droids 3:28
Standard fight music here. Very much reminiscent of EPISODE I 'Droid Invasion'.
08 - Padme's Ruminations 3:17
Deadly eerie. It doesn't sound like it should be in Star Wars. A long note held on a double bass glides as Amazonian like flutes and a synthesised women's solo flows over top. This is just very eerie.
It is soon followed by a movement in the lower strings section that reminds me of Palpatine's Chambers in RETURN OF THE JEDI. Horns pulse every now and then.
09 - Anakin vs. Obi-Wan 3:57
Battle of the Heroes starts off this piece before we quickly get into Vader's Theme. Back to Battle of the Heroes; first solo, then the string section picks it up. There is then another familiar theme (the one which was played during the teaser trailer as Vader rises). We then have a busy string section before more Vader's Theme - followed again by that 'familiar' theme. Enter the Chorus and another section of Battle of Heroes that crescendos into strings and soon the Force Theme with a pumping base raises its head, followed again by Battle of the Heroes.
10 - Anakin's Dark Deeds 4:05
A soft introduction leads to a wall of Chorus (very Lords of the Rings-ish). After a 'fight' like music, it enters on a really soft section that echoes the way Padme is represented in this score. The ending is so sad to the track before brass finishes it off.
11 - Enter Lord Vader 4:14
A soft introduction is soon met with variations of the Battle of the Heroes Theme. There is a small part of this that reminds of the music from the Rebels in the Original Trilogy. A militaristic section soon ends with Vader's Theme and another playing of the Force Theme which is followed by the Emperor's Theme.
12 - The Immolation Scene 2:42
A dark and omnious piece.
13 - Grievous Speaks to Lord Sidious 2:49
Most have heard this on Starwars.com. The end of this piece is a variation on the Love Theme which is dark.
14 - The Birth Of The Twins and Padme's Destiny 3:37
A lilting bass line from Across the Stars is overscored by a harp and glockenspiel. It is then followed by a majestic version of Qui-Gon's Funeral Theme (which may have just become the Naboo Funeral Theme) and is played about three times in total.
15 - A New Hope and End Credits 13:06
This is the longest piece of music on the soundtrack. A beautiful segue into Leia's Theme is followed by the Force Theme. The Force Theme is repeated and grows (but don't expect a big finale) before we enter the End Credit sequence.
Leia's Theme follows the standard Star Wars End Credit Theme. Battle of the Heroes takes off where Leia's Theme finishes. The Throne Room Theme then hits in at the end of BotH. The middle section of the The Throne Room is extremely legato compared to the ending in A NEW HOPE. After this part is finished its back into the main section.
It sounds like it is about to finish as in A NEW HOPE when it suddenly enters a really delicate version of the Force Theme. The Theme then shifts up and plays again before entering the Throne Room Theme once more. This plays out until the finale Star Wars Theme.
Sunday, April 10, 2005
Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith Has Its Rating!!
For merchandising reasons it has been suggested that George Lucas was contractually obliged to turn in a PG rated film, but as anticipated, it seems that Episode 3 is way too dark for that! And today came the OFFICIAL news from the MPAA that will make fanboys across the galaxy leap with joy,- REVENGE OF THE SITH is PG-13 for sci-fi violence and some intense images.
Expect a similar 12/12a rating in the UK.
BRING IT ON!!!
For merchandising reasons it has been suggested that George Lucas was contractually obliged to turn in a PG rated film, but as anticipated, it seems that Episode 3 is way too dark for that! And today came the OFFICIAL news from the MPAA that will make fanboys across the galaxy leap with joy,- REVENGE OF THE SITH is PG-13 for sci-fi violence and some intense images.
Expect a similar 12/12a rating in the UK.
BRING IT ON!!!
Friday, April 08, 2005
Jackson: D.A.'s Witnesses Admit Lying
By Roger Friedman
Source: Fox News
The prosecution put on two witnesses yesterday in the Michael Jackson child molestation trial, each determined to demolish the defense.
At first the prosecution's plan looked good. But then defense attorney Tom Mesereau came twirling onto the court, and the rest is history.
Mesereau's big moment came at 9:35 a.m. PDT.
With 10 minutes to go before the first break in the morning session, Mesereau knew that he had to act fast to counter former Neverland security guard Ralph Chacon's testimony, which included two instances of child molestation described in graphic detail.
The episodes were so intense and unsavory that they sent Jackson's mother Katherine Jackson fleeing from the courtroom. That left only brother Tito Jackson to stand by the pop star during perhaps his worst-ever moments in a court room. (Father Joseph Jackson was in Las Vegas on business, according to sources.)
Mesereau had no time to waste. The jury, the judge, the press and the public had just heard Chacon reel off what might have been a scenario from a porn novel issued by the National Man Boy Love Association.
Chacon said that he saw Jackson perform oral sex on a boy, among other upsetting things. When Chacon described a second episode, in which Jackson was "passionately kissing" the boy in front of a Peter Pan display, even Tito left the courtroom.
Santa Barbara County District Attorney Tom Sneddon asked Chacon why he'd never mentioned the latter incident in previous depositions.
"Who would believe me?" Chacon responded.
For a minute, the answer was everyone. The shock of his vulgar description was just enough to get the attention of all in the room.
But then came Mesereau, driving hard down the court like Michael Jordan. Armed with Chacon's deposition from the 1994 "Neverland Five" case, in which former Jackson employees unsuccessfully sued the singer for wrongful termination and harassment, Mesereau didn't take long to make mincemeat of the witness.
Suddenly Chacon's every answer was "I don't know" when Mesereau plied him for details of the famous lawsuit, the longest civil trial in Santa Maria history.
"The jury said you stole and acted with malice," said Mesereau. "There was a judgment against you for fraud. Do you recall stipulating that you acted with fraud, oppression and malice?"
Suddenly Chacon, who claimed to have a clear memory seeing Jackson in a criminally incriminating situation, could not remember a thing.
He couldn't recall the exact amount each defendant in the dismissal case was ordered to pay Jackson ($1.4 million), or a judgment against Chacon in another case ($2,600), or his telling a doctor that he'd rather get $1 million than work again.
Even when Mesereau, in a flamboyant but familiar lawyerly move, showed him his contradictory depositions from a year ago, Chacon was flummoxed.
Did he remember his lawyer saying he wanted $16 million for the five former employees?
"No," said Chacon.
Mesereau showed him his deposition. The ex-security guard, now a substitute teacher, had an epiphany.
"Now I see it," he declared.
Did Chacon recall saying in his deposition that Michael Jackson used to stare continuously at him? That he stared at no one else?
The witness, in a rare moment of clarity, explained: "I said it just to say it."
Those ten minutes were perhaps the most crucial in Michael Jackson's life.
Things went just as badly for former personal maid Adrian McManus.
Even though her appearance and demeanor were a marked improvement over Chacon's, her forceful testimony was cut to shreds by Mesereau quickly. At one point, jurors started looking around the room rather than pay attention to her.
This happened after the umpteenth time Mesereau — by now riffing on the "May I refresh your memory by showing you that page from your deposition?" routine — sauntered over to the witness stand, book in hand.
McManus should have been a reliable, prepared witness.
Mesereau got her to admit she'd had a three-hour meeting the night with prosecutors on Wednesday night, just before her testimony Thursday morning.
Even under direct questioning, her natural bubbly personality had been supplanted by somber tones. And it didn't help that Mesereau knew a lot of dirt about her past.
He avoided any reference to her direct testimony that McManus claimed she'd seen four boys — including Macaulay Culkin — share Jackson's bed. Instead he pounced on her personal credibility.
Among McManus's "secrets": She and her husband were sued by their sister-in-law, who won a judgment against them of $30,584.89. The crime? They "willfully and maliciously defrauded" the woman's children after her husband died and the couple served as their guardians.
In the Jackson dismissal case, Mesereau revealed that McManus had stolen an ink drawing of Elvis Presley done by Jackson and sold it — her contribution to the "fraud, oppression and malice" part of the case, which also included fellow former employees Chacon, Melanie Bagnall, Sandi Domz and Kassim Abdool.
Part of what Mesereau was able to establish with McManus and Chacon was their unwillingness to work with or for a new Jackson's security team, which was installed in 1994.
Called the Office of Special Services, or "OSS," the internal Neverland outfit was run by longtime Jackson crony Bill Bray. Fearing disloyalty after the Chandler scandal broke in 1993, Bray brought in his own security force to run roughshod over the Neverland staff.
The result was much as it is presently at Neverland — fear and loathing rules, with no one in charge. It's a management style made for disaster.
McManus's final half hour on the stand was almost painful. She was reminded of a statement she'd made in a deposition about the alarm system for Jackson's bedroom: "When you're a celebrity, you lead a difficult life. People kill celebrities. That little sensor benefits him for his life."
She also admitted to having lied in the Chandler v. Jackson civil suit a decade ago. In that case, she claimed she'd never seen any kids sleeping in Jackson's room. She'd also said that June Chandler, mother of the kid who eventually got a $20 million settlement from Jackson, had brought her son's clothes to Jackson's room, knowing full well he'd be staying there.
Mesereau said: "You're saying you committed perjury in the Chandler deposition?"
McManus: "The whole time [I lied]."
Mesereau: "Knowing that it was a crime?"
McManus: "I didn't think of it that way."
By then, the jury had long forgotten about Chacon's pornographic musings.
Source: Fox News
The prosecution put on two witnesses yesterday in the Michael Jackson child molestation trial, each determined to demolish the defense.
At first the prosecution's plan looked good. But then defense attorney Tom Mesereau came twirling onto the court, and the rest is history.
Mesereau's big moment came at 9:35 a.m. PDT.
With 10 minutes to go before the first break in the morning session, Mesereau knew that he had to act fast to counter former Neverland security guard Ralph Chacon's testimony, which included two instances of child molestation described in graphic detail.
The episodes were so intense and unsavory that they sent Jackson's mother Katherine Jackson fleeing from the courtroom. That left only brother Tito Jackson to stand by the pop star during perhaps his worst-ever moments in a court room. (Father Joseph Jackson was in Las Vegas on business, according to sources.)
Mesereau had no time to waste. The jury, the judge, the press and the public had just heard Chacon reel off what might have been a scenario from a porn novel issued by the National Man Boy Love Association.
Chacon said that he saw Jackson perform oral sex on a boy, among other upsetting things. When Chacon described a second episode, in which Jackson was "passionately kissing" the boy in front of a Peter Pan display, even Tito left the courtroom.
Santa Barbara County District Attorney Tom Sneddon asked Chacon why he'd never mentioned the latter incident in previous depositions.
"Who would believe me?" Chacon responded.
For a minute, the answer was everyone. The shock of his vulgar description was just enough to get the attention of all in the room.
But then came Mesereau, driving hard down the court like Michael Jordan. Armed with Chacon's deposition from the 1994 "Neverland Five" case, in which former Jackson employees unsuccessfully sued the singer for wrongful termination and harassment, Mesereau didn't take long to make mincemeat of the witness.
Suddenly Chacon's every answer was "I don't know" when Mesereau plied him for details of the famous lawsuit, the longest civil trial in Santa Maria history.
"The jury said you stole and acted with malice," said Mesereau. "There was a judgment against you for fraud. Do you recall stipulating that you acted with fraud, oppression and malice?"
Suddenly Chacon, who claimed to have a clear memory seeing Jackson in a criminally incriminating situation, could not remember a thing.
He couldn't recall the exact amount each defendant in the dismissal case was ordered to pay Jackson ($1.4 million), or a judgment against Chacon in another case ($2,600), or his telling a doctor that he'd rather get $1 million than work again.
Even when Mesereau, in a flamboyant but familiar lawyerly move, showed him his contradictory depositions from a year ago, Chacon was flummoxed.
Did he remember his lawyer saying he wanted $16 million for the five former employees?
"No," said Chacon.
Mesereau showed him his deposition. The ex-security guard, now a substitute teacher, had an epiphany.
"Now I see it," he declared.
Did Chacon recall saying in his deposition that Michael Jackson used to stare continuously at him? That he stared at no one else?
The witness, in a rare moment of clarity, explained: "I said it just to say it."
Those ten minutes were perhaps the most crucial in Michael Jackson's life.
Things went just as badly for former personal maid Adrian McManus.
Even though her appearance and demeanor were a marked improvement over Chacon's, her forceful testimony was cut to shreds by Mesereau quickly. At one point, jurors started looking around the room rather than pay attention to her.
This happened after the umpteenth time Mesereau — by now riffing on the "May I refresh your memory by showing you that page from your deposition?" routine — sauntered over to the witness stand, book in hand.
McManus should have been a reliable, prepared witness.
Mesereau got her to admit she'd had a three-hour meeting the night with prosecutors on Wednesday night, just before her testimony Thursday morning.
Even under direct questioning, her natural bubbly personality had been supplanted by somber tones. And it didn't help that Mesereau knew a lot of dirt about her past.
He avoided any reference to her direct testimony that McManus claimed she'd seen four boys — including Macaulay Culkin — share Jackson's bed. Instead he pounced on her personal credibility.
Among McManus's "secrets": She and her husband were sued by their sister-in-law, who won a judgment against them of $30,584.89. The crime? They "willfully and maliciously defrauded" the woman's children after her husband died and the couple served as their guardians.
In the Jackson dismissal case, Mesereau revealed that McManus had stolen an ink drawing of Elvis Presley done by Jackson and sold it — her contribution to the "fraud, oppression and malice" part of the case, which also included fellow former employees Chacon, Melanie Bagnall, Sandi Domz and Kassim Abdool.
Part of what Mesereau was able to establish with McManus and Chacon was their unwillingness to work with or for a new Jackson's security team, which was installed in 1994.
Called the Office of Special Services, or "OSS," the internal Neverland outfit was run by longtime Jackson crony Bill Bray. Fearing disloyalty after the Chandler scandal broke in 1993, Bray brought in his own security force to run roughshod over the Neverland staff.
The result was much as it is presently at Neverland — fear and loathing rules, with no one in charge. It's a management style made for disaster.
McManus's final half hour on the stand was almost painful. She was reminded of a statement she'd made in a deposition about the alarm system for Jackson's bedroom: "When you're a celebrity, you lead a difficult life. People kill celebrities. That little sensor benefits him for his life."
She also admitted to having lied in the Chandler v. Jackson civil suit a decade ago. In that case, she claimed she'd never seen any kids sleeping in Jackson's room. She'd also said that June Chandler, mother of the kid who eventually got a $20 million settlement from Jackson, had brought her son's clothes to Jackson's room, knowing full well he'd be staying there.
Mesereau said: "You're saying you committed perjury in the Chandler deposition?"
McManus: "The whole time [I lied]."
Mesereau: "Knowing that it was a crime?"
McManus: "I didn't think of it that way."
By then, the jury had long forgotten about Chacon's pornographic musings.
Oh No! - Fresh Prince of Bel Air to RETURN??!!
Rumours suggest that Will Smith has been talking to the producers of My Wife and Kids about a new show, showing Will's new life after Bel Air which will see the Fresh Prince grown up and married with kids.
Jackson Oral Sex Claims - My 2¢
Its very easy to get worked up (and depressed) over today's headlines reporting yesterday's 'revelations' from a former Jackson employee, that he witnessed the King of Pop perform oral sex on a child.
This IS disturbing to hear, but lets hold back, look at the facts and put things into perspective. - Ok so we got a total of FIVE disgruntled ex-employees who stole things, blackmailed Jackson, were successfully counter-sued and filed for bankruptcy after been ordered to pay damages to Jackson... talk about motives to come now... by the way Ralph Chacon (former bodyguard) told about oral sex acts that even the '93 kid Jordan Chandler never even mentioned in his affidavit!! The ex-employee says he never told the authorities back then because he only just remembered it 12 years after!! hahaha! I'm sorry, but if I was to see someone do this to a child, I'm gonna call the cops IMMEDIATELY and not wait 12 years and one lawsuit later.
This case today is about spinning negative PR or feeding the prosecution's claims out to the public to hurt Michael's reputation. That's the REAL REASON WHY Tom sneddon hired PR firm Tellum (a highly suspicious move from a District Attorney) and that's why the media have been very selective in what they choose to report publicly. When it's very damaging to the prosecution, the media becomes tight lipped and the case is of no news-worthy interest. When it's unsubstantiated claims from questionable witnesses, it gets lots of airtime and print space. In fact it's Tellum themselves who are the hiring these negative, anti-Jackson pundits to frequent the various news/current affairs shows that report on the case every day! This is what you call, hi-tech lynching - keep your head up Jackson supporters because it's gonna get worse before it gets any better!
This IS disturbing to hear, but lets hold back, look at the facts and put things into perspective. - Ok so we got a total of FIVE disgruntled ex-employees who stole things, blackmailed Jackson, were successfully counter-sued and filed for bankruptcy after been ordered to pay damages to Jackson... talk about motives to come now... by the way Ralph Chacon (former bodyguard) told about oral sex acts that even the '93 kid Jordan Chandler never even mentioned in his affidavit!! The ex-employee says he never told the authorities back then because he only just remembered it 12 years after!! hahaha! I'm sorry, but if I was to see someone do this to a child, I'm gonna call the cops IMMEDIATELY and not wait 12 years and one lawsuit later.
This case today is about spinning negative PR or feeding the prosecution's claims out to the public to hurt Michael's reputation. That's the REAL REASON WHY Tom sneddon hired PR firm Tellum (a highly suspicious move from a District Attorney) and that's why the media have been very selective in what they choose to report publicly. When it's very damaging to the prosecution, the media becomes tight lipped and the case is of no news-worthy interest. When it's unsubstantiated claims from questionable witnesses, it gets lots of airtime and print space. In fact it's Tellum themselves who are the hiring these negative, anti-Jackson pundits to frequent the various news/current affairs shows that report on the case every day! This is what you call, hi-tech lynching - keep your head up Jackson supporters because it's gonna get worse before it gets any better!
Thursday, April 07, 2005
Michael Jackson Maid Gets Facts Wrong About Wade
Source: Undercover
As the Michael Jackson case continued, his former maid Blanca Francia took the stand and attempted to give some damning evidence against the superstar. What a pity she got her facts wrong.
Ms Francia was told the court that Wade Robson, from Brisbane, Australia did not speak English. She also admitted that she did not actually see anything happen.
Wade Robson, who is now a successful choreographer in the USA and has worked with Britney Spears, will not appear in court but has publicly stated that Michael Jackson did not molest him.
Robson was questioned back in 1993 when a previous allegation was thrown at Jackson. Co-incidentally prosecutor Thomas Sneddon was behind that witch-hunt as well.
Robson has called the allegations against Jackson "a big lie". In a interview with Sydney's Daily Telegraph in 2003 he said "His initial interests in me was because of my dancing. He saw the talent and the spark I had inside me and all he has ever wanted to do is just help my career" he said.
Although he admits he has slept in Jackson's bed, Wade says "Yeah, but nothing strange happened."
"The biggest thing you have to understand is that he has no concept of reality" he said.
After yesterday's court appearance, Wade's mother Joy called Blanca Francia "a liar".
As the Michael Jackson case continued, his former maid Blanca Francia took the stand and attempted to give some damning evidence against the superstar. What a pity she got her facts wrong.
Ms Francia was told the court that Wade Robson, from Brisbane, Australia did not speak English. She also admitted that she did not actually see anything happen.
Wade Robson, who is now a successful choreographer in the USA and has worked with Britney Spears, will not appear in court but has publicly stated that Michael Jackson did not molest him.
Robson was questioned back in 1993 when a previous allegation was thrown at Jackson. Co-incidentally prosecutor Thomas Sneddon was behind that witch-hunt as well.
Robson has called the allegations against Jackson "a big lie". In a interview with Sydney's Daily Telegraph in 2003 he said "His initial interests in me was because of my dancing. He saw the talent and the spark I had inside me and all he has ever wanted to do is just help my career" he said.
Although he admits he has slept in Jackson's bed, Wade says "Yeah, but nothing strange happened."
"The biggest thing you have to understand is that he has no concept of reality" he said.
After yesterday's court appearance, Wade's mother Joy called Blanca Francia "a liar".
Wednesday, April 06, 2005
Transformers the (non-animated) movie to be made.... so here's the BAD news..
1980s children's show Transformers is to be remade for the big screen.
(Good news Sham & Jas!)
The Hollywood Reporter states that Michael Bay (Armageddon) is currently in talks to direct the live-action project.
(Commiserations Sham & Jas!)
The show was given its first big screen outing in 1986 with the animated The Transformers: The Movie.
(Good news Sham & Jas!)
The Hollywood Reporter states that Michael Bay (Armageddon) is currently in talks to direct the live-action project.
(Commiserations Sham & Jas!)
The show was given its first big screen outing in 1986 with the animated The Transformers: The Movie.
Saturday, April 02, 2005
*YAWN!*
Well, i'm back from Midnight Madness and am completely knackered.
I would say near 150 geeks(if not more)showed up, and they came in all shapes and sizes!, young, old, Black, White, Asian, male and female!
We queued up inside the store and the staff let the fans approach the toy display five at a time. At one point I saw that all of the Vader figures had gone, but *Relief!* they had boxes and boxes more of each in the range at hand.
Other highlights included 'original Trilogy Vader' Dave Prowse signing merchandise, a life size X-Wing and Darth Vader with Boba Fett and a group of Stormtroopers monitoring security!
Here's what I picked up:
2 x Episode 3 Darth Vader action figure
2 x Episode 3 Anakin Skywalker action figure
2 x Episode 3 Holographic Yoda figure
Episode 3 Emperor Palpatine
Episode 3 Holographic Poster
Episode 3 Midnight Madness T-Shirt
Star Wars Magazine (May Edition)
Well, i'm back from Midnight Madness and am completely knackered.
I would say near 150 geeks(if not more)showed up, and they came in all shapes and sizes!, young, old, Black, White, Asian, male and female!
We queued up inside the store and the staff let the fans approach the toy display five at a time. At one point I saw that all of the Vader figures had gone, but *Relief!* they had boxes and boxes more of each in the range at hand.
Other highlights included 'original Trilogy Vader' Dave Prowse signing merchandise, a life size X-Wing and Darth Vader with Boba Fett and a group of Stormtroopers monitoring security!
Here's what I picked up:
2 x Episode 3 Darth Vader action figure
2 x Episode 3 Anakin Skywalker action figure
2 x Episode 3 Holographic Yoda figure
Episode 3 Emperor Palpatine
Episode 3 Holographic Poster
Episode 3 Midnight Madness T-Shirt
Star Wars Magazine (May Edition)
Friday, April 01, 2005
One American's view of Sony's all-in-one approach to the PSP
Source: Brighthand
An American Pocket PC loyalist rants about how Sony have 'lost the plot' with their PSP strategy of convergence!
[UMD] is not recordable. I am not going to pay all over for music, video, and other content I have just to get it in UMD format. The mini-disk format is just getting to the stage of usability for a lot of people and they replace it with yet another proprietary format?
I think Sony has lost its mind and if customers buy PSPs to watch videos on or buy new music or movies on, I will come back here and eat crow. But, I hope there are still some sane people in the world who remember the BetaMax and keep their pocketbooks closed and their budgets & sanity intact.
I see memory sticks running on sale big time this week to hope to pick up some quick profits from the folks shortsighted enough to buy PSPs who didn't realize they are crippled with the UMD and MS formats. These super bargain cards, even on their biggest sales of the year, are $100+ and $50+ for 1 gig and 512 MB sizes. I have a 1 gig SD card I paid $51 for last September. I saw a 512 SD card at Buy.Com this week for $19. Sorry Sony, I don't think it will fly. Maybe as a superGameboy for a few rich college kids, but never as a generally accepted device.
An American Pocket PC loyalist rants about how Sony have 'lost the plot' with their PSP strategy of convergence!
[UMD] is not recordable. I am not going to pay all over for music, video, and other content I have just to get it in UMD format. The mini-disk format is just getting to the stage of usability for a lot of people and they replace it with yet another proprietary format?
I think Sony has lost its mind and if customers buy PSPs to watch videos on or buy new music or movies on, I will come back here and eat crow. But, I hope there are still some sane people in the world who remember the BetaMax and keep their pocketbooks closed and their budgets & sanity intact.
I see memory sticks running on sale big time this week to hope to pick up some quick profits from the folks shortsighted enough to buy PSPs who didn't realize they are crippled with the UMD and MS formats. These super bargain cards, even on their biggest sales of the year, are $100+ and $50+ for 1 gig and 512 MB sizes. I have a 1 gig SD card I paid $51 for last September. I saw a 512 SD card at Buy.Com this week for $19. Sorry Sony, I don't think it will fly. Maybe as a superGameboy for a few rich college kids, but never as a generally accepted device.
Midnight Madness @ Toys R Us!
Tonight at the witching hour, Toys R Us are organising an event at seveel of their flagship stores called Midnight Madness. At the stroke midnight, over-eager Star Wars geeks will be allowed through its doors to claim freebies, marvel at a life-sized X-Wing, heckle security guards dressed as Stormtroopers and most importantly (for the retailer at least) spend all of their money on the newly released Episode 3 toy merchandise.
Being somewhat of a Star Whore myself, I am contemplating going - if I can persuade someone to give me a lift to the Brent Cross branch. Might pick me up an Anakin/Vader figure or two!! If I go, expect an update of pictures from the frenzy courtesy of my Cameraphone!
Watch this space.
Being somewhat of a Star Whore myself, I am contemplating going - if I can persuade someone to give me a lift to the Brent Cross branch. Might pick me up an Anakin/Vader figure or two!! If I go, expect an update of pictures from the frenzy courtesy of my Cameraphone!
Watch this space.
Jackson Trial: 1993 Witness Summaries
As you well know, the media have got what they wanted and details of former accusations against Michael Jackson will be allowed as evidence to support the current, shaky case against him thanks to Judge Rodney Melville's rather biased ruling.
The media love to mention how 5 accusers of abuse will testify against Jackson, but this is an absolute falsehood - most of these kids (now adults) will go on the stand to say that Jackson never did anything to them at all.
Lets have a look at the players involved...
Witness Summaries
Brett Barnes (Alleged Victim)
- Met Jackson when he was 11 years old - 18 months before 1993 allegations surfaced.
- Was questioned in 1993 by investigators and said that the megastar is no child abuser.
- Said "He wouldn't do anything like that. He wouldn't touch people in a different way that you shouldn't,"
- Said "It's like I've known him all my life, and in a past life,"
- Said "Jordan never mentioned feeling uncomfortable around Jackson."
- Said "Michael doesn't even let me watch weird movies, not even with cursing in it."
Jordan Chandler (Alleged Victim)
- Refused to testify at a criminal hearing regarding his 1993 allegations.
- Will not be testifying in the current case.
- Some reports have claimed he has fled the country, others say he is hiding.
- Reportedly made the allegations under the influence of a mind-altering, hypnotic drug.
- Family has a history of seeking out money from others
Macaulay Culkin (Alleged Victim)
- Is a Godfather to Michael Jackson's two eldest kids (Prince and Paris)
- Supported Michael Jackson on multiple interviews including a recent appearance on Larry King Live.
- Said "It just really goes to show as soon as they got the money they ran."
- Said "Nothing happened. I mean we played video games."
- Said "Michael Jackson's bedroom is two stories and it has like three bathrooms and this and that,"
- Said "You'd go to the movies, you'd do this and do that and you plop down and go to sleep and wake up."
- Said "I think he's a very good father. It's so easy to tear him down."
Jason Francia (Alleged Victim)
- Intereviewed by LA District Attorney and SB District Attorney about being abused.
- Neither District Attorney decided to pursue a criminal case after hearing his testimony.
- The answers Jason provided are said to be "wishy-washy about what happened."
- Mother sold her story to tabloids and changed her story about what she said happened.
- He is the only alleged victim coming forward for the 'Past Bad Acts' presentation.
Wade Robson (Alleged Victim)
- Spoke out in support of Michael Jackson shortly after the November 2003 raid took place.
- Has repeatedly denied any wrong-doing and has known Michael Jackson since he was five years old.
- Said "I never had that experience and I hope that it never happened to anybody else."
- Said their relationship was creatively based and Jackson wanted to help his career.
- Reportedly willing to testify for Jackson in the current case if called.
Ralph Chacon (Third-Party Witness)
- Part of a group of five former employees who dubbed the name, "The Neverland Five."
- Filed a lawsuit against Michael Jackson for wrongful termination."
- Was one of two employees who stole sketches, personal notes, hats, toys, and candy from Neverland.
- Told stories to tabloids about what Ralph supposedly witnessed at Neverland.
- Some of the items Chacon stole from Neverland were sold to tabloids.
- Judge ordered Chacon to pay Mr. Jackson $25,000 in damages and the jury said Ralph acted with malice.
- Lost the lawsuit filed against Jackson for wrongful termination, was successfully countersued.
- Told stories to tabloids about
Adrian McManus (Third-Party Witness)
- Part of a group of five former employees who dubbed the name, "The Neverland Five."
- Filed a lawsuit against Michael Jackson for wrongful termination."
- Was deposed by the lawyer for the boy whose family ultimately settled with Jackson.
- Told stories to tabloids about what Adrian supposedly witnessed at Neverland.
- Was one of two employees who stole sketches, personal notes, hats, toys, and candy from Neverland.
- Some of the items McManus stole from Neverland were sold to tabloids.
- Judge ordered McManus to pay Mr. Jackson $35,000 in damages and the jury said Adrian acted with malice.
- Lost the lawsuit filed against Jackson for wrongful termination, was successfully countersued.
Philippe LeMarque (Third-Party Witness)
- Was paid BIG TIME by a popular tabloid company to tell a story about Neverland
- Conducted interview with Paul Barresi - a former porn star who bragged about selling stories to tabloids.
- Paul Barresi secretly recorded the interview and then sold it to a tabloid for his own gain
- Paul Barresi said he didn't care about anything but the money, same as LeMarque.
- Paul Barresi threatened a tabloid with a gun after they didn't pay him for a story.
- Paul Barresi sold secretly recorded tabloid interviews of Pellicano to CBS
- LeMarque went from wanting $100,000 to $500,000 for their story
- The higher the price went for the story, the more filthy the story became.
- Was featured in several major tabloid works including "Michael Jackson: Unauthorized"
- The district attorney concluded that both of the LeMarques were useless as witnesses.
- The story Philippe and his wife told was about Marlon Brando while he was at Neverland.
June Chandler (Third-Party Witness)
- The mother of Jordan Chandler who refuses to testify in the current case.
- Seemed to want to force Jordan onto Michael Jackson.
- Became remarkably attached to Jackson by March 1993.
- Had serious custody issues with her ex-husband, Evan Chandler
- Strongly opposed Evan's declaration that Michael molested Jordan.
- Only sided with Evan after the seeds of a settlement were in place.
Blanca Francia (Third-Party Witness)
- Was paid $25,000 by "Hard Copy" to tell a story about what went on at Neverland.
- Was also featured in the tabloid-like book, "Michael Jackson: Unauthorized."
- Started her deposition by saying she 'saw something', ended by saying she 'saw nothing'.
- Claims to have seen her kid taking a shower with Jackson amongst other things
- Said she backed out and left because she didn't want to make him mad or lose her job.
Bob Jones (Third-Party Witness)
- Worked for Michael Jackson for decades before being excused.
- Started writing a book, it was co-written by Stacy Brown and Dennis Love.
- Brown and Love claimed in the book proposal that Jones saw something inappropriate happen.
- Jones actually never claimed to see anything unsavory and was upset to see that in the book proposal.
- Jones is said to testify that he only ever saw Jackson curled up in a chair next to a kid on a plane.
Charli Michaels
- Was paid to be in several major tabloids including the television show, "Hard Copy."
- Was one of the "Neverland Five" folks who lost a lawsuit against Michael Jackson.
- Claims to have seen Michael grabbing a boy's crotch and dancing with him.
- After witnessing that act, she thought, "I can't get caught. I'll lose my job."
Charmagne Sternberg
- Was one of the "Neverland Five" folks who lost a lawsuit against Michael Jackson.
- Told tales about what went on at Neverland with Lisa Marie Presley, phones being bugged, etc...
- Along with the other four disgruntled employees, Charmagne ended up owing Jackson a lot of legal fee money.
The media love to mention how 5 accusers of abuse will testify against Jackson, but this is an absolute falsehood - most of these kids (now adults) will go on the stand to say that Jackson never did anything to them at all.
Lets have a look at the players involved...
Witness Summaries
Brett Barnes (Alleged Victim)
- Met Jackson when he was 11 years old - 18 months before 1993 allegations surfaced.
- Was questioned in 1993 by investigators and said that the megastar is no child abuser.
- Said "He wouldn't do anything like that. He wouldn't touch people in a different way that you shouldn't,"
- Said "It's like I've known him all my life, and in a past life,"
- Said "Jordan never mentioned feeling uncomfortable around Jackson."
- Said "Michael doesn't even let me watch weird movies, not even with cursing in it."
Jordan Chandler (Alleged Victim)
- Refused to testify at a criminal hearing regarding his 1993 allegations.
- Will not be testifying in the current case.
- Some reports have claimed he has fled the country, others say he is hiding.
- Reportedly made the allegations under the influence of a mind-altering, hypnotic drug.
- Family has a history of seeking out money from others
Macaulay Culkin (Alleged Victim)
- Is a Godfather to Michael Jackson's two eldest kids (Prince and Paris)
- Supported Michael Jackson on multiple interviews including a recent appearance on Larry King Live.
- Said "It just really goes to show as soon as they got the money they ran."
- Said "Nothing happened. I mean we played video games."
- Said "Michael Jackson's bedroom is two stories and it has like three bathrooms and this and that,"
- Said "You'd go to the movies, you'd do this and do that and you plop down and go to sleep and wake up."
- Said "I think he's a very good father. It's so easy to tear him down."
Jason Francia (Alleged Victim)
- Intereviewed by LA District Attorney and SB District Attorney about being abused.
- Neither District Attorney decided to pursue a criminal case after hearing his testimony.
- The answers Jason provided are said to be "wishy-washy about what happened."
- Mother sold her story to tabloids and changed her story about what she said happened.
- He is the only alleged victim coming forward for the 'Past Bad Acts' presentation.
Wade Robson (Alleged Victim)
- Spoke out in support of Michael Jackson shortly after the November 2003 raid took place.
- Has repeatedly denied any wrong-doing and has known Michael Jackson since he was five years old.
- Said "I never had that experience and I hope that it never happened to anybody else."
- Said their relationship was creatively based and Jackson wanted to help his career.
- Reportedly willing to testify for Jackson in the current case if called.
Ralph Chacon (Third-Party Witness)
- Part of a group of five former employees who dubbed the name, "The Neverland Five."
- Filed a lawsuit against Michael Jackson for wrongful termination."
- Was one of two employees who stole sketches, personal notes, hats, toys, and candy from Neverland.
- Told stories to tabloids about what Ralph supposedly witnessed at Neverland.
- Some of the items Chacon stole from Neverland were sold to tabloids.
- Judge ordered Chacon to pay Mr. Jackson $25,000 in damages and the jury said Ralph acted with malice.
- Lost the lawsuit filed against Jackson for wrongful termination, was successfully countersued.
- Told stories to tabloids about
Adrian McManus (Third-Party Witness)
- Part of a group of five former employees who dubbed the name, "The Neverland Five."
- Filed a lawsuit against Michael Jackson for wrongful termination."
- Was deposed by the lawyer for the boy whose family ultimately settled with Jackson.
- Told stories to tabloids about what Adrian supposedly witnessed at Neverland.
- Was one of two employees who stole sketches, personal notes, hats, toys, and candy from Neverland.
- Some of the items McManus stole from Neverland were sold to tabloids.
- Judge ordered McManus to pay Mr. Jackson $35,000 in damages and the jury said Adrian acted with malice.
- Lost the lawsuit filed against Jackson for wrongful termination, was successfully countersued.
Philippe LeMarque (Third-Party Witness)
- Was paid BIG TIME by a popular tabloid company to tell a story about Neverland
- Conducted interview with Paul Barresi - a former porn star who bragged about selling stories to tabloids.
- Paul Barresi secretly recorded the interview and then sold it to a tabloid for his own gain
- Paul Barresi said he didn't care about anything but the money, same as LeMarque.
- Paul Barresi threatened a tabloid with a gun after they didn't pay him for a story.
- Paul Barresi sold secretly recorded tabloid interviews of Pellicano to CBS
- LeMarque went from wanting $100,000 to $500,000 for their story
- The higher the price went for the story, the more filthy the story became.
- Was featured in several major tabloid works including "Michael Jackson: Unauthorized"
- The district attorney concluded that both of the LeMarques were useless as witnesses.
- The story Philippe and his wife told was about Marlon Brando while he was at Neverland.
June Chandler (Third-Party Witness)
- The mother of Jordan Chandler who refuses to testify in the current case.
- Seemed to want to force Jordan onto Michael Jackson.
- Became remarkably attached to Jackson by March 1993.
- Had serious custody issues with her ex-husband, Evan Chandler
- Strongly opposed Evan's declaration that Michael molested Jordan.
- Only sided with Evan after the seeds of a settlement were in place.
Blanca Francia (Third-Party Witness)
- Was paid $25,000 by "Hard Copy" to tell a story about what went on at Neverland.
- Was also featured in the tabloid-like book, "Michael Jackson: Unauthorized."
- Started her deposition by saying she 'saw something', ended by saying she 'saw nothing'.
- Claims to have seen her kid taking a shower with Jackson amongst other things
- Said she backed out and left because she didn't want to make him mad or lose her job.
Bob Jones (Third-Party Witness)
- Worked for Michael Jackson for decades before being excused.
- Started writing a book, it was co-written by Stacy Brown and Dennis Love.
- Brown and Love claimed in the book proposal that Jones saw something inappropriate happen.
- Jones actually never claimed to see anything unsavory and was upset to see that in the book proposal.
- Jones is said to testify that he only ever saw Jackson curled up in a chair next to a kid on a plane.
Charli Michaels
- Was paid to be in several major tabloids including the television show, "Hard Copy."
- Was one of the "Neverland Five" folks who lost a lawsuit against Michael Jackson.
- Claims to have seen Michael grabbing a boy's crotch and dancing with him.
- After witnessing that act, she thought, "I can't get caught. I'll lose my job."
Charmagne Sternberg
- Was one of the "Neverland Five" folks who lost a lawsuit against Michael Jackson.
- Told tales about what went on at Neverland with Lisa Marie Presley, phones being bugged, etc...
- Along with the other four disgruntled employees, Charmagne ended up owing Jackson a lot of legal fee money.
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