Merry (late) Christmas!

I know this post is late but bear with me!

A Lot has changed here at Ben's Blog these last few months. I have expanded a blog from a series to a franchise, adding in Movie, TV and Food reviews to the main blog. TV and Food reviews will start on the 1st of the year as I have been busy preparing to flood the internets with posts. I have been able to fufill my dream of having guest posts on the blog for the Rocky Horror Glee Show. (My review will be available when it comes out on the TV show review blog). Oh and a note to some readers. I don't plan on starting a Game review blog, sorry.

I have recently formed, with my friend David Shatto, a production company for small productions, or productions that are large and cheap. Whichever way you look at it it exists for a purpose, to help people with ideas produce the videos they want. Om Nom Nom Productions is currently working on Vworld and will hopefully shoot in the spring if the schedule doesn't get pushed too much later (It probably will).

Blogger Has thankfully implemented a mobile version of blogs for better reading on your smartphones. I had a chance to look at it and test drive the mobile site. I myself have to admit that it is pretty sweet and is easy to use. Once I figure out EXACTLY how to get to it I will inform everyone.

For the continual running of this blog and my projects there are a few people I have to thank
David Shatto- My best friend and brother. This guy keeps me level and nerdy. Without him life would defenitley be dull.
Anna Ryan- The mentor. We are each others therapists. What would I do without her or Any member of the Ryan family?
Alan and Marianne Knight- my no nonsense attitude comes from these two. My teachers. My mother tells me that I need to do better and my dad just agrees, which makes me work harder on making this blog better.
Andi Enns- She makes me strive to have this blog as professional as possible while still being fun and juvenile (Like my father).
Ken Willard and Kevin Edwards- The people responsible for my avid film-making. Edwards the Technical and Willard the theory, I have learned so much from them the 3 years I was at Wyandotte.

Rocky Horror Glee In The Eyes Of A Virgin

David Shatto
Rocky Horror Virgin

I was completely unfamiliar with Rocky Horror, and that hardly changed after watching the Glee episode. I feel that you barely were introduced to the characters of RHPS. As far as any inside jokes go, I didn't understand them, though I could tell in some instances a RHPS joke was made, and I could understand that it was an allusion to it, and could understand that it was a part meant to be somewhat funny. While I could appreciate it, without the knowledge of RHPS, I could not fully appreciate it. As for character choice for the roles, I cannot say, based on the briefest of descriptions, I would say they were pretty good. Overall the episode was good, I enjoyed the music, some of the comedy (excluding the RHPS references), Sue's role (as usual), though like most episodes of season 2, it could have used a little more character development, and less regression (while it did propel the Karl plot, it did not adequately tie up the Emma/Shoe subplot, which is another issue that they have with this season so far, they have new material and do not extend it to its fullest, they just brush it off to the side).

The Rocky Horror Glee In The Eyes of A Fan

Tomas Escarpita
Rocky Horror Fan

Hey Ben's almighty followers! My name is Shaggy, and today I'm going to be talking about my most favorite subject. That is "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" but not just TRHPS, but Glee's adaptation of it. What are my thoughts: from a die hard Rocky Horror fan. 



Now, what did I think of it? Well, as a die hard fan, I was not impressed. Sure, the adaptations of the songs were great. Except for "Sweet Trasvestite." Oh how mad I was when they decided to make Mercedes Frank-N-Furter. I mean, I have no problem seeing as Frank is right between a man and a woman, but they should at least try to be accurate. Everyone else was fantastic, I love that Ms. Pillsbury is finally becoming less boring, and she had her own solo! Haha. And how I loved John Stamos on "Full House" now I have him on "Glee!" All in all, I was expecting way too much, but I guess they did pretty good in the eye of a virgin.


--Shaggy

It's Kind Of A Funny Story

It's Kind Of A Good Movie

When I entered The theater to watch “It's Kind of a Funny Story” I knew that this would be an exceptional movie. Gilchrist, Galifinakis, Roberts, they all make up a great cast of actors that take roles seriously and can portray their characters with grace and style.

Even at the beginning I was not disappointed. The story progresses much as a narrative, a sixteen year old boy having problems with depression becomes suicidal and puts himself in a mental institution. Boring plot? Not really. Execution? Beautiful.

This is a movie that really goes back and looks at how movies are made and sometimes how you can drop the audio track and still have a complete understanding of the film, the characters and the events that progress. The comedy reminds me of the level of thinking that went into comedy classics such as The Naked Gun, Airplane, and Kentucky fried movie.

It is relieving to see Kier Gilchrist in a film. He has shown his abilities on the small screen with “The United States Of Tara” and has finally participated in a movie that is completely part of his tastes. His role is perfect as the teen who has so much on his mind and finally goes to the dark part of his mind.

When someone reads the plot they can be easily dragged into the idea this will be a dark drama with blood, shouting, sex and action. Not the case. This is a lighthearted comedy that brings the issues of an everyday teenager and puts them into a single person.

Not so much shadowing over Gilchrist, Galifinakis' character meets up with Gilchrist. These two actors work well together with their two brands of comedy. Galifinakis, the fun, almost 20's type of humor and behavior; and Gilchrist, the teen-trying to act as an adult attitude.

There is really little to complain about this movie. Wait a second, there is nothing I can find that is bad with it. The characters, all of them, are believable in their own sense. The direction was superb, and the writing was spot on.

To sum it up, this is a must watch movie and will be at the top of my list when the DVD becomes available.

Resurrection

Credit: David Shatto

Looking on my blogger dashboard in contemplation I have realized that Ben's blog is the  most used blog out of all the ones that I have created or managed. This I do not find okay. I am here to announce that two of my sattlelite blogs will be reactivated TV Reviews and Movie Reviews.

As I have been given the honor to write for the Scifried.com I will be upping the TV reviewing by a large amount. My initial goal wa to review all of the shows I have on DVD in it entirety. That meaning All of the episdodes in said series. The only problem with that? it would take weeks to complete that task!

Seeing that this is an unattainable goal when rushed I have come to the conclusion to first off only review the shows that are currently airing. When I catch up (and I will) I will work on the previous shows with the same vigor I plan to give to the first round.

The Movie reviews will be a little bit more spaced out after all of my DVD's are reviewed. I am attending current features more often and I will have more up-to-date movie reviews available. Also I want the Movie review site to be request friendly. If you have  movie you want me to watch and review I will gladly do so. All that needs to be done is send me an e-mail with this format.

camulus16@gmail.com
Subj: Review
Body: tell me what the movie is, the genre and some basic facts about the movie.

Caprica "Unvanquished"

Daniel Graystone
and
Sam Adama

A lot can happen in 3 weeks on Caprica. Daniel lost everything, Joseph can no longer go to New Cap City and is now with the Ha'la'tha, Lacy is a terrorist, and Clarice is on Gemenon. Wow.

The best thing about this opener is that it is what was asked for and more. A conclusion to some of the story arcs and the revelations on the outcomes of the various story lines and how they all intertwine into each other. Also it starts new storylines for the characters.

The most interesting thing was that there is a divide withing the monotheist religion. Not all monotheists are terrorists. There are 2 parts, The STO, the terrorists who spread monotheism through fear and the Religious priests who practice the religious traditions. They also give power to who they think deserves it and would spread their word the best.

It is nice to see Caprica going to other planets. I like Caprica, don't get me wrong, but I do want to see the other colonies as well. The Caprica City skyline is beautiful but can get a little boring. Gemenon is a beautiful planet, I am glad to see it and is a good way to start the new half season.

Another interesting thing about "Unaquivished" is that it is an end and it is a beginning for the characters. Ending the way of life and thinking for all of the characters and a new type of life for them. All of the characters have changed very dynamically and will continue to amaze.

I may have said a lot about the Character development but you must remember.  The whole show is about the characters.

Dj Hero 2 Demo Review

Dj Hero 2 is Activisions second installment in the Dj Hero series. Instead of using a guitar you utilize your Dj skills through a turntable peripheral. Dj Hero was first released October of 2009 and was met with so so sales.


The Gameplay of DJ Hero is pretty simple Mix, scratch, and fade your way through 93 mixes mixed by professional DJ's. The actual play was simple. 3 color coded buttons for cuts/effects, crossfader to superimpose one song over the other and rotate the table for scratching.

The Review
I snagged my copy of the demo today to see whether the second one was going to live up to the expectations the first one made.

Interface

Character Choice Screen

To start off with the interface is completely redesigned and the load times are much faster. it has more of a 2.0 feel which is good . instead of navigating through a slideshow of setlists you have a list of modes and options.

The Music

Dj Hero has always had an awesomely superb soundtrack that can stand alone on a CD and be well worth listening to over and over. The new set of music and mixes tops the last with even better music and even better mixes. The Demo includes Pussycat Dolls ft. Busta Rhymes "Don't Cha" Vs. Pitbull "You Know you Want Me" and Lady GaGa "Just Dance" vs. Dead Mau5 "Ghosts N Stuff".

Screenshot Of the Dj Hero 2 Battle Mode

The Game
The gameplay is much similar to the first game. You get a runway, there are buttons and scratches and fades. the interesting this is how it is enhanced by the new upgraded freestyle modes. Instead of choosing from a  short list of inputs you have one sample choice. Also there is Freestyle scratching, Freestyle crossfading and a new item that adds a little bit of a rip effect.

Extra Notes
I am not much into paying a high price for a game. The great thing is that you don't have to buy another turntable. Woo hoo!
Preorder now at Gamestop and recieve a Puma bag to store your controller and microphone. (a $45 value!)

My New Obsession: Candles

It's true, get me a good candle and I will go to town. We have A LOT of Tea candles around the house and I light them all. It gives a nice feel to the house. especially when it is dark. It sets a nice mood. G'ma and I spend much of the evening outside when it is nice. I like to have at least one candle out as the only illumination and it looks great.

(pictured are one of the bedroom candle sets I put together.)

Xbox 360 or PS3

My friend Shaggy is to blame for this article.

"Well, this Christmas I'm contemplating buying some PS3 games, or getting an Xbox 360. But I hear they scratch discs with movement, and they break down frequently. I don't wanna spend 400 on a system overall for a breakdown with a one year warranty! What are you thoughts on the system?"


Here are my thoughts. I am a proud owner of the Xbox360 Pro and have been for a little over a year now and I have been very impressed with it so far. I have taken great care of my system and have only had the annoying Open Tray Error.


The PS3, while a good system, does not meet some of my requirements to purchase. 

1. Media Player- AVI's are a must.
2. Large selection of Games (especially console specific)
3. Reliable Network

Although the PS3 does have a FREE network, I read too many news articles where the PSN is down for some sort of time. Personally I would pay $50 for a reliable network then a free one that seems to not work so well.

Media- I play a lot of videos in AVI format and I can't seem to get them to work on a PS3.

"I want the 360 because all my friends have it, but then I don't want to make my parents buy something that MAY break."

Here are some tips to keep it nice.

1. Keep the 360 in a cool room, or make the room as cool as humanly possible. As long as you aare not in the Sahara or Death Valley without an inter-cooler then you should be fine.
2. Keep you software updated. Every November and sometime in Spring Microsoft releases a big Dashboard update that has many software fixes for known problems.

Also the Interface is a lot better to Navigate on a 360.

Anything to Add?

Bandwagon

I am here to announce that Ben's blog has finally joined the bandwagon of Facebook. After about 4 years of posting, replies, and arguments Ben's blog is going to continue to pursue its main goal. Provide a look into the insight of one single American person and his life while informing the public with interesting news stories.

Also we are on Twitter @bensblog

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bens-Blog/148923655141349

Caprica: Stop Waiting

Remember the Comic Con announcement that season 1.5 of Caprica will premiere Jan. 2011? Remark your calendars. Caprica will in fact move to Oct. 5th (Tuesday) and will air alongside Stargate Universe.

Interesting choice of date. Caprica Season 1.0 will be available for sale on Oct. 5th as well. (that sounds like a marathon opportunity)

Sanctuary Moves to Fridays

The Facebook page for Sanctuary just announced that Sanctuary will not be premiering alongside Stargate Universe on Sept. 28 (Tuesday) but will instead wait about 2.5 weeks Oct. 15 (Fridays) to premiere.

SyFy announced that it will host wrestling programs on Fridays effectively killing SCI FI Fridays. Friday programming was then all moved to Tuesdays prolonging some shows (mid)season breaks.

Is this going to be a first step to reclaim SCI FI Friday? The announcement about wrestling was not very positive. friday was always premiere night for the Stargate franchise and Sanctuary as well as SyFy's latest hit Caprica.

Permitted

I also would like to make a late announcement. I am now a legally permitted Driver in the state of Kansas. to become a fully liscenced Driver i must complete 50 hours of driving with a certain amount being during the night. and then I must take another written test then an actual driving test. Woo hoo!

Epic Stir Fry Anyone?

for the 1:30am dinner/snack I was in a serious mood for stir fry so we looked all through the kitchen for the needed supplies. we found everything and decided to make it BD's Mongolian style. give me the ingredients you want and I will make it. Interesting thing, I made mine first and Joe smelled it and fell in love. Then he tasted it and loved it even more. So that was his choice. Thats 2 for me to make.

Then the bum friend of ours, JT decided he wanted some. so that was 3. it took a while (FOREVER) to get the water boiling but all in all it was an awesome stir fry!

Ingredients

Thin Spaghetti

Green Beans

Water Chestnuts

Corn

Soy Sauce

Basil

Garlic Powder

Meat of your choice(we forgot this step but it is awesome without)

Steps

soften the noodles in a pot.

have the skillet ready to recieve

Make the sauce (Soy sauce, Garlic Powder, and Basil)

put the noodles in the skillet and move around A LOT.

add the First vegetable

15 seconds later add the second vegetable

if you want the third wait another 15 seconds.

pour and scrape the sauce mix well.

put on plate and enjoy.

*If you want to add the meat add it before the vegetables

Finales Are Airing. I am lost.

May and June are finale months for network shows. After that begins months of not knowing what to do with myself. Weeds is returning as well as Warehouse 13 and Eureka. But WH13 and Eureka is not until July. I guess the good things is that I can go through my DVR and DVD's and continue reviewing TV shows.

What will be on this summer:
The Good Guys
Warehouse 13
Eureka
Weeds
Penn And Teller BS

News Briefs Edition 1

Aperture Science pimps out both STEAM and PORTAL 2 at the Same Time

Anyone who loves steam and the mack should know this by now. Steam officially came out on the Mac 2 days ago. The expansion was announced about 2 months ago alongside the announcement of a 2nd portal game. Aperture Science sent out this promotional video yesterday showing that you can simultaneously announce your game and the engine expansion at the same time and make it worth watching.

Video Game - E3 2010 - Portal

Law and Order has been sentenced to death (allegedly)

Although it has not been confirmed by NBC, or Universal. Dick Tracy Wolf's people have stated that Law and Order will not be returning for season 21. NBC stated that they are currently in talks and will make a proper announcement when the time is right.

Houston Teacher beats the frak out of student

If you have not heard of this already then I suggest you contact a cable provider to see if they service the rock you live under. A Teacher that works worked at a behavioral disorder school wailed on a student for singing. (if he sounded like Justin Bieber then I might have some sympathy). The video of the assault is horrific and makes you wonder, "why weren't the other teachers intervening?" "were they just that amused and couldn't stop watching?". 

Adieu. Unless updated.

News Briefs

In an attempt to keep you people informed I am Opening a new section. Thanks to the Pitch for the original name (I am stealing it until I can find something better) "News briefs" will be bite sized news stories clumped together and shipped here on a somewhat regular basis.

Twitter has the coolest bug to ever hit the internet

Twitter announced today that there is a bug in it's system. The bug to make anyone follow you. THe bug can be used by typing in “accept [Twitter Username]” and done!.




Example: accept @Camulus


This by far is the COOLEST bug to ever surface

Hell Week

Today is the official start of Hell Week for Dr. Horrible's sing along blog at Sumner. I think we have blocking done completely and now we need to perfect everything. We are hoping to start performances on Thursday but under the current situation we might be rescheduling that date. Tune in for a day to day breakdown of Hell Week

Caprica "Were Almost to midseason!"

I wanted to keep my Caprica talk to a minimum until the midseason break. But I just couldn't.

Caprica is the new SyFy series based in the Battlestar Galactica universe. Daniel Graystone created the Cylons and 58 years later our mechanical slaves nuked the colonies and started a saga that will last a lifetime. But I digress.

Caprica brings us the story of two families suffering the aftermath of a terrorist bombing on a train. The Graystones, a high class Caprican family that is drawn by money, and the Adamas a Tauron family living on Caprica that that is consumed by power. each family lost a daughter who now live in a virtual world as a life after death.

Caprica started out with one of the best (and wierdest) pilots ever seen. Ron Moore tells a great first chapter in an hour and a half that Kubrick would spend 3 to four hours telling. Fast paced , crazy, and aesthetically pleasing, Pilot gives newbies an opportunity to enter the Galactica universe for the first time and not be completely lost.

The episodes after that? Great, although not the best each episode keeps the story going and keeps us in that same fast paced world that we entered in.

I had my reservations when it was announced that Eric Stoltz would play showrunner Daniel Graystone but that worry was immediately taken away after I saw his first scene. I am torn between three characters as my favorite of the show. Zoe Graystone (Alessandra Torresani), Lacy Rand (Magda Apanowicz), or Tamara Adama (Genevieve Buechner). All three are immensely talented and it will take much more time until I find a favorite.

Overall the show get a 9.5 out of 10. Mainly because of a slow start after the pilot.

Hoping to make weekely updates now of each episode.

The Hard Part (1)

If I were to add my own 2 cents into what the hardest part (so far) of the movie production process is, it would be model making.

We entered day one of the model making process and the planning is hell. we have to create the school, the city and the ships. Sounds easy right? the problem being is that the models have to be big enough for a camera and detailed enough to look real enough. So far the models are just paper drawings but in a couple of weeks the school and part of the ship may be finished.

blah.