There's no one sweeter or more deserving of everything there heart desires than my Mom. She's the most thoughtful, loving person I know and I love her from the very bottom of my heart.

This is her birthday and I wish her 100 more in the future.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOM!!!

Saturday Morning Samoflange Episode 19

In this Episode we talk about the Top 5 best cartoons of the 2000's!

Survivor Palau

The year the good guy won again! Tom Westman the firefighter was a great winner and I loved this season because of him! Ian giving up his shot at Immunity and giving it to Tom to show his "loyalty" just showed how much Tom had control over that game.

But he was the only thing that was good about it! For the first time ever people were voted out from the very beginning of the episode. Wanda and Jonathan weren't picked and got to have only 5 minutes of fame before forever leaving the game. Sucked.

I'm glad they never did this again because it sucks to get all the way there and have friends and family excited to see what you'll do on the show only to see you made it past the intro and were out. That may have been the reason they never did this again.

One of the most memorable things about the season was one tribe always won while the other always lost. Bobby Jon and Stephanie were the sole remaining members of their tribe and the producers refused to merge until they were all eliminated except for Stephanie. Who spent the night alone in her camp before merging with the others the next day. I loved it.

Though I hated Stephanie's "poor me" attitude the whole time.

Sad Fact:

Survivor contestant Jenn Lyon was a cancer survivor on the show, but her cancer came back in claimed her life 5 years later.

Survivor Vanuatu

After All-Stars the next season had some big shoes to fill. People didn't think it was that great but I think the allure from All-Stars was still fresh in everyone's mind and they didn't want to see unknowns going at it again.

But I loved Chris Daugherty, the man who won Survivor and the Idiot award all in the same season.

Talk about falling up. Chris's head was on the chopping block on Day 1 but he kept falling in the cracks and managed to come out on top in the end. And all he had to do was sit quiet as the women bickered and fought each other off the island. By the end of the season, the women all hated each other so much, they ended up voting for the guy who they banded against in the first place!

For the first time in Survivor history it was men vs women. (what EVERY season ends up being just about half the time now)

One of the best moments in the show was when the women all turned against the Queen Bee Ami. One of the most shocking blindsides I've ever seen!

Fun Fact:

Probst actually dated contestant Julie Berry for a short time after the show. She claimed to have been a fan of his for years and even painted an "I love Jeff" on her body with paint leftover from the flag for Tribal Council one night. Talk about sending obvious signals!

Survivor All-Stars

I freaked out when I heard about it and even was able to correctly guess the winner before the first Episode ended! With mad help by Boston Rob, Amber Brkich ended up winning it all.

But this one had all the stars. Colby and Jerri were back, as were originals Susan, Rudy, Jenna and Richard. Ethan, Alecia, Lex, Kathy, Tom, Tina and the "other" Rob from Amazon.

The one person I felt didn't deserve to be there was Shii ann. The only survivor represented from Thailand. Surely they could have chosen someone better?! Shii ann didn't even MAKE THE MERGE on her own season! But being Chinese the production company wanted more diversity and there you have it. I'm glad she was voted off early again.

The Idiot award this season goes to Rupert for trying to make a shelter on the beach. To be honest this wasn't his best. I liked him less this time around as a person. He made some dumb decisions that season and played poorly the whole time.

Who can forgot Boston Rob's unbelievable hypnotism over Lex when asking him to "save Amber for a favor" incredible to think why Lex thought that was a good idea! Or the heated tribal council to decide the winner. What about Sue's claim that Richard "molested" her in a challenge? But my favorite part came during the reunion show when Jerri tried to speak and the whole crowd booed her. After the commercial break, she was gone and Jeff had told the audience she had decided to leave. The whole crowd cheered again.

Fun Fact:

Jenna's exit was pre-meditated. The producers had gotten word that her mother was dying soon so they filmed a quick "exit scene" for her and rushed her off to be with her mother before she passed away.

Survivor Pearl Islands

Spitfire Sandra Diaz won it all but she wasn't the most memorable character that season.

This had everyone's favorite Survivor, Rupert and his delight at "Pirating" the other tribes boat during the first episode. We all fell in love with his bravery, honesty and humbleness. And on the exact opposite spectrum there was Johnny Fairplay, who I hate so much until the "My Grandma Died" episode. My hate boiled over and I started laughing and cheering for him after that. He was playing the bad guy ON PURPOSE!

Like being in on a secret joke this whole time, I couldn't help but love him after that. Definitely up there (and even above) Richard Hatch in the Villain department.

Pearl Islands was the first time a tribe was made up of folks who had been voted off the island. Team Outcast, came in for an Immunity challenge and it they won would get to vote one of themselves back in the game. I hated the concept and supposedly so did Jeff Probst. He asked Mark Burnett if they could never do that again. Because once someone was voted out of the game, it should stay that way. Mark agreed and we haven't seen an "Outcast" tribe since.

Fun Facts:

Danny Banaduce and Johnny Fairplay had a struggle on stage at an award show some years later where Fairplay jumped on his back and Danny flipped him over where Fairplay landed face first he busted his teeth and tried to sue but the case was thrown out of court. Turns out Fairplay was playing the "jerk" after all!

Princes of the Universe Episode 19

In this Episode we DON'T talk about Star Wars for a change!

Instead, we talk about the latest movie news, the Hugo Awards controversy and the Harry Potter series!

Survivor Amazon

Jenna Morasca won and though I didn't like it, it is what it is. She and Heidi made get the Idiot award agreeing to strip for peanut butter. I think the production team realized how sleezy it looked on TV and we have seen a "would you get naked for...." moment since.

Fan favorite Rob was on this season. And though he was a lovable guy he's just not good enough to win Survivor. Matt was a little crazy, but I still liked him. Especially at the Reunion show when he tried to convince everyone it was all an act so they wouldn't vote him off.

Riiiight. I would like o see him back on but I doubt CBS would let him after his first go-round. Let's face it, not everyone can be Boston Rob.

Fun Fact:

Jenna of course hooked up with Ethan later on, but she even did some off-Broadway shows while trying to make it as an actress. She also posed for Playboy with Heidi because both were desperate for money.   

Saturday Morning Samoflange Episode 18

In this Episode we talk about Top 5 90's Cartoons!

Survivor Thailand

Even though I loved Brian Heidik (the winner) that season I was hoping Monroe resident Clay Jordan could have pulled it out too! Having Clay on the show made this season even MORE fun to watch at the time!

Highlights was the drama with Ghandia she got a little too cozy with Ted and when she realized the cameras were filming it all she turned her story around to make it look like Ted was molesting her. (gag)

One of the best moments in Survivor history happened this season when Jeff did the whole, "Two tribes living together" line and made everyone think a merge had happened, leaving Shii Ann (winner of this season's Idiot Award) out in the cold with her tribe, which she made know she was going to betray them all to the other team. Sadly, great people like Erin and Jake had to be voted out later because they didn't have the numbers after that.

And of course everyone talk about Rob strangling Clay in a challenge that got so violent the producers never did it again.

Another great scene was at the end when Clay told Helen at the last tribal to shut up and sit down because he knew he didn't have her vote. Helen thought he was a male pig who demeaned woman but she later found out it was Brian (her friend) instead. Oh man, that reunion show, seeing her reaction to it all was priceless!

Fun Fact:

Clay Jordan actually visited our church once. Wild huh? And Brian actually went to prison for shooting a dog!

Survivor Maquesas

Vecipia Towery has to be one of the worst winners of all time. She did absolutely NOTHING to win. It still angers me to this day.

This whole season did for that matter. Hunter being voted out so early by Boston Rob (making his rookie appearance in the show) is the reason I still hate Boston Rob to this day! This season also had the genius game that revealed the chopping block order. (something they still do today) It really shook the dynamics up and I was floored when I first saw it. The part that most people remember however is Kathy peeing on John's hand to fight infection of an urchin sting.

Fun Facts:

The producers loved Boston Rob so much that they gave him a record 4 times to come back on the show until he won. (rigged!)

Survivor Africa

The first season a "good guy" won. Ethan Zohn (who later dated Jenna from another season of the show)

Tons of memorable people on this episode. Lex's paranoia andTom the simple farmer for example. It was also the first season of a soul-crushing twist as my man Silas had the game all but won until Jeff had them switch up with the other tribe. It resulted in his immediate exit for the show and I was mad about it too. I hated the "rule" change but later on realized how much it was needed to keep things from becoming repetitive. Still sucks though. And the "idiot" award for this season goes to Clarence, who was stupid enough to eat a bunch of the rashens while his team was away and think they wouldn't notice it if he threw the cans way outside camp.

Fun Facts:

Ethan beat cancer but is not strong enough to come back to play the game anymore. Sad, because he was a beast!

 

Survivor Austraila

Another classic episode that featured everyone's favorite Survivor, Colby. He dominated the challenges and instead of going for the win, he took the higher road and let coat-tail riding Tina Wesson win it all.

This was the season I started my tradition of trying to pick a winner before the end of the first episode. I came close, picking Colby and missed it.

But this season had one of my most hated villains in Survivor history (Jerri) and her lackey Amber (who would later win on another season)

Highlights were Jerri accusing Kel of eating beef jerky when it was really nothing but grass. Jerri accusing Keith (the chef) of not even being able to cook rice. Michael falling into the campfire and the gruesome shot of melted skin on his hands.

Fun Facts:

Elizabeth Hasselbeck is the most successful Survivor to date! Hosting The View and currently "Fox and Friends she has been asked back to be on the show but has also declined.

Roger (the farmer from Kentucky) actually got to run with the Olympic torch

And Colby went on to become the host of "Top Shot" I watched the first season if it for him but after that tuned out. I don't think it runs anymore.

Princes of the Universe Episode 18

In this Episode we talk about current nerd news, Avengers 2, Universal Studios upcoming attractions and (of course) Star Wars!

Survivor Borneo

Hang on to your seats boys and girls, because the next few weeks are going to get AWESOME!

I'm going through all the 29 past seasons of Survivor (my favorite TV show) by giving you the highlights, winner and fun facts along the way!

So the first season is a classic. It still holds the record for more watched Survivor show at 51.7 million viewers tuning in.

The notorious villain Richard Hatch won and I was upset but then again, I would have been upset if Kelly would've won instead. so it doesn't matter either way. Sean gets my "idiot" award for being clueless the entire time as to how the game was played. Susan's "snake eats the rat" speech is STILL talked about to this day. And Rudy's bonehead move to let go of the idol and loose immunity was heartbreaking. Because he would have won the whole thing if not for that.

Fun Facts:

Kelly sued the producers of the show years later saying they persuaded people not to vote for her in the end. She lost and was countersued by CBS. (ouch) However, with her recent availability to return on to next seasons "Second Chance" I guess both parties have mended those fences.

Jenna made a sex tape of herself that was leaked out on the internet where one website was selling copies of it to people. The twist? It was later discovered that Jenna and her (then husband) were running the site. Wow. It was all a scam to make some money.

Colleen went on to star in "The Animal" with Rob Schneider. She's been asked back to the show several times but has politely declined for reasons unknown. Same with her "fling" on the show Greg.

BB Anderson (the 2nd person ever to be voted off) sadly passed away in 2013. RIP

Saturday Morning Somaflange Episode 17

In this episode we talk about the Top 5 Best Openings to a movie!

June Movie Review

Instead of waiting until the last day of the month to do this I thought I'd get a head start on it now!

 Entourage: The Movie

Yes. One of the few movies I'm looking forward to because I loved the show so much. I plan on watching through every season before I go see this. Hope it's good and has lots of Ari Gold scenes in it!

 Inside Out

I know it's Pixer so that means it has to be good right? Then how come I have absolutely NO desire to see this?

 Insidious 3

The first one I enjoyed. The 2nd was ok and I'll watch the 3rd...when it comes out on Redbox.

 Jurassic World

The more I see about this one, the least likely I want to go to it. But it'll happen regardless because Megan wants to see it.

Ted 2

My mind says "No" but my body says "Yes" I'll end up going to see this movie and be disappointed before I leave the theater I know it.

Have a great weekend folks!

Survivor Second Chance (guys I didn't pick and why)

This part will pretty much be easy, since I don't feel bad about the following not getting any of my votes.

Mike Holloway

Why didn't I pick him? This is actually the hardest "snub" for me out of the bunch. Sure I liked him at the last half of this season, but you have to remember HE was the reason he got to be the underdog in the first place! I'd also rather see other players than Mike come back. Don't worry folks, if he doesn't get in next season they'll bring him back for another before too long.

 Max Dawson

Why didn't I pick him? I honestly have no earthly idea of why he was selected as a candidate in the first place. He's an idiot who did nothing and lasted a very short time on his tribe. I guess they couldn't find any other interesting guys to say they'd come back for a second time.

Jeremy Collins

Why didn't I pick him? The firefighter from Blood vs Water who was way more interesting to watch than he wife, really didn't do anything but speak out of both sides of his mouth. He held people to their "word" with him but didn't live under that same rule with others. I have no respect for him or the game he played.

Brad Culpepper

Why didn't I pick him? He played a dumb game and out of all the contestants for "Second Chance" lasted the least amount of time in the game. But he was in the NFL, CBS loves the NFL, NFL players bring in ratings, idiot viewers will vote for him, someone more worthy will be left out of the game thanks to this clown so I guess it doesn't matter that I'm the ONLY one not voting for him. At least make it to 14th place like Max did, Brad! GEEZ!

"Troyzan" Robertson

Why didn't I pick him? Sure we all loved him towards the end of his season but just like Mike from this season, Troyzan's dumbass moves were the reason he got in that position in the first place. Like Mike, he doesn't deserve a spot on next season's roster. But like Mike, I'm afraid he'll get that chance and leave more worthy players such as Jeff, Andrew and Stephen, out in the cold.

Jim Rice

Why didn't I pick him? Hooray! It's the man who had zero influence over his tribe the entire time! He's only legitimate claim is he lasted longer than Brad Culpepper did in his season. (then again, who didn't?) Jim (like Peih Gee) had no control over the game and was quickly eliminated when he team saw fit. Let's hope older fans remember that too.

Ok folks, those were my picks. What's yours?

Survivor Second Chance (The guys I picked and why)

Now we're getting to the easier choices! Here they are:

Jeff Warner

Why did I pick him? He wasn't my favorite from Australia, in fact he was kind of conniving on his season until he stepped out of an Immunity challenge for a jar of peanut butter and was voted out shortly thereafter when his entire plan blew up in his face. I'm happy to choose him because it's good to see an old face but also the fact that he claims not to have eaten peanut butter since his mistake. (which was 12 years ago) I love it! He jus had to be my pick!

Andrew Savage

Why did I pick him?  Total surprise to see him on the list! Andrew got screwed during Survivor Pearl Islands when the "Outcast" tribe came back and won, throwing a wrench in his plans and getting him voted out soon after. Jeff Probst even admits they made a mistake that season letting that eliminated contestants back in to play so the producers decided to give him another chance and I think he should receive that chance on the next season. An easy one to vote for.

Shane Powers

Why did I pick him? Are you kidding me? I've been asking for his return ever since he was last on it! I LOVE Shane and really hope to see him on the next season. He was great entertainment and I hope he gets another shot. According to sources, Shane has be petitioning to get back on the show ever since his last time to play. I hope the fans give him that shot!

Terry Deitz

Why did I pick him? He is tied with Colby for mot individual Immunity challenges won by a male (and Colby's been on the show 3 times) Though I'd hate to see him beat Colby out for the record, I can't deny him a fair shot at it. Loved him on the show and really hope he comes back!

Stephen Fishbach

Why did I pick him? He went all th way to he end with JT in Tocantins but (rightfully) lost to the better player. He's begging for a chance to get back in and I think I'll give him it. I liked him for the first part of the season back towards the end he took more of a villainous role and fell out with the rest of the tribe. I'm so afraid people won't remember him and will miss out on such an excellent player returning to the game.

Vytas Baskaukas

Why did I pick him? Who didn't love his story between him and his brother Aras on Blood vs Water?! I loved Aras and carried the same love for Vytas that season. He definitely deserves another shot at this game in my opinion and I'd be shocked if he didn't get it because I wasn't the only one who loved seeing him on the show. He's a shoe-in, in my opinion.

Spencer Bledsoe

 

Why did I pick him? Come on?! He was the best thing about his season! Why wouldn't you want to pick this guy?! The man Probst said had "No chance" at ever winning this game came close. So close in fact that Jeff wrote an apology letter to Spencer and gave it to him t the live finale to admit he was wrong. I'd LOVE to see him come back. Even win. I'm rooting for him that much this season. He was just great! The only member on the Brains Tribe to actually live up to the name.

 

Woo Hwang

 

Why did I pick him? I think you know why. Everyone loves Woo. And while he's not that smart a player, he's still entertaining to watch. He's another lock for next season anyway, I'm sure of it.

 

Keith Nale

 

Why did I pick him? Do you even need to ask? Keith is one of my favorite players in recent years and even someone I'd cheer for to win the million. (it's actually a tie between him and Spencer) I hope he gets in a good alliance this time around and makes it to the end!

 

 

Joe Anglim

 

Why did I pick him? Joe's fresh in everyone's mind so I don't have to tell you why. I will say that at first I wasn't impressed with Joe. But as time went out I began to cheer for him with the rest of the public and automatically know he'll also be a sure thing, for next season as well.

 

Tomorrow I'll talk about the guys I didn't pick.

 

Survivor Second Chance (Girls I didn't pick and why)

This list is going to be easy. Sadly, some will get my vote but ONLY because I have to have 10 votes before they'll let you submit. If you ask me, it's a if the producers KNEW we wouldn't want any of these girls returning so they picked garbage for us to shift though so there would be people we hate on the show. Here's the girls I absolutely can't stand and why.

Ciera Eastin

Why I hate her: She and her mom were the Top 2 people I wanted gone from the show on day 1. Having her back in for another season is going to be torturous to watch!

Cass McQuillen

Why I hate her: Honestly, she's one of the DUMBEST players I've ever seen play this game. Why she's even a choice absolutely boggles my mind! PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, don't vote for this idiot.

Monica Padilla

Why I hate her: One of Russel Hantz's groupies, she got voted out by Hantz himself when he noticed how flaky she was getting. But Monica see's it differently. She thinks she was taken out because she was a threat and started making "moves" in the game even though it was that same "move" that got her voted out in the first place! She get's an "A" for oblivious but an "F" for getting my vote.

Peih-Gee Law

Why I hate her: On her season she was all talk and no show. She thought she was a game changer but had ZERO control the entire game. Don't believe me? Go watch Survivor China again and laugh at how stupid she sounds when her heads on the chopping block but she's confident she has control over the outcome of tonight's vote.  Like Ciera, if she gets in it was be a smudge on the next season.

Stephanie Valencia

Why I hate her: Another Hantz Disciple who was hoping on riding Hantz's coat tails, letting him make ALL the big moves which would leave her getting the votes in the end. She was pissed when her strategy didn't work (people were wise to Hantz by then) and was voted out shortly after he was. This was the first person I saw on the list that I said "NO!" to.

Tasha Fox

 

Why I hate her: Well, if it isn't the Tweedle-Dee to Kass' Tweedle-Dumb! This former "Brains" tribe member proved she had none when playing the game. Utterly clueless of how the game worked, she and Kass singlehandedly destroyed their own games by their behaviors. She will NEVER get my vote.

 

Carolyn Rivera

 

Why I hate her: Do you really have to ask? One season of her is enough for me! I can't bear the thought of having her on again.

 

Shirin Oskooi

 

Why I hate her: The producers of the show won't say, but they must not have had many takers on returning women if this is all we're stuck with to vote. Same as Peih Gee, this woman doesn't know  a thing about strategy and is a complete waste of time for this game.

 

Alright folks, the good stuff starts tomorrow as I give me my Top 10 (easy) picks for guys.



Survivor Second Chance (The girls I picked and why)

So last week Jeff dropped a HUGE bomb on Survivor and let the fans know that they will be the ones deciding who gets to be on the next season! This is a fantastic idea and I love it!

I wanted to give you who my picks are and why. Today we'll start with the women. It was HARD to choose here because in my opinion, very few of these girls deserve to be back on the show. Slim pickings out of the bunch they gave us to choose from.

Natalie Tenerelli

Why did I pick her? Because she's one of the few people who didn't piss me off on the show. Honestly, it's come down to that when choosing for girls. I think she didn't make big moves but I'll give her a shot back on if she wants it.

Sabrina Thompson

Why did I pick her? Because the rest of the choices I had were crap. Sabrina was nothing but a coat tail rider, who didn't made one significant move during the entire game. She says she can do better the next time so I guess a 2nd shot couldn't hurt.

 Teresa Cooper

Why did I pick her? Believe it or not, she's one of the few women I'd LIKE to see return! Being all the way back from Survivor Africa, I hope people haven't forgotten who she is. She was a smart competitor and definitely worthy of another shot.

Kelly Wentworth

Why did I pick her? Again, this was another no-brainer for me. She was good on Blood vs Water and could really shake up the game if given a second shot. One of very few women on this list I agree with giving another chance.

Kelly Wiglesworth

Why did I pick her? Well, I hated her on season one for who she was and how she played the game, but again I go back to my "slim pickings" comment and say "We'll at least it'd be fun seeing an original contestant come back again" We'll see how that turns out.

Kimmy Kappenburg

Why did I vote for her? Same reason as Wiglesworth. Nostalgia for old contestants is all that drove this decision.

Mikayla Wingle

Why did I vote for her?  Like I said about Natalie previously on this post, she didn't annoy me on the show and I feel she might have something new to bring to the game if she were on a 2nd time.

Abi Maria Gomes

Why did I pick her? She is a stuck up brat. To be honest folks, I'm scrapping the barrel making her one of my picks. You new she wasn't going anywhere and at times her massive conceit for everyone was humorous. It's enough not to let me lose sleep at night, throwing her one of my votes.

So there's 8 you can pick. As for who your last two votes would be for, beats me! I'll tell you why it's so hard to decide tomorrow.

Saturday Morning Samoflange Episode 16

Saturday morning Samoflange in color? Archive.org changed up there site and I'm still

The Importance of Continuity

A few months ago savethesweu.org posted an article I'd written about continuity. But with the good help of my friend Joe Bongiorno here is the edited version I wasn't able to give them in time. Enjoy! 

 

The Importance of Continuity

By: Matt Wilkins

 

What is continuity?

Let’s look at the definition: An unbroken and consistent existence or operation of something over a period of time.

That’s nice. So what does it mean?

Continuity in story telling shows a higher effort and concentration of keeping everything consistent with what has come before. It saves the reader from the confusion and aggravation of facts being changed or becoming inconsistent with one another.

We live with consistency in our everyday live as well. When I step outside, I know gravity will keep me on the ground. The sun will always rise in the east and set in the west. That’s plain science, it’s consistent. Knowing one plus one will always equal two is also consistent because that’s math. Math and science are a big part of our lives.   

We also have consistency in sports. If a baseball player hits the ball we know he’s running to first base and not to third. If a batter gets his third strike, he is out. Those are the rules and they’re consistent wherever the sport is played.

But say we were playing baseball and I decided to change the rules. Instead of running to first base, you must run to the pitcher’s mound, back to home plate and then advance to first. Would you accept my new rule and play it that way or would you be upset and refuse to change?

Why can’t we just change the rule? Can’t you accept it? Forget about how the game’s been played for a hundred years, it’s my way of playing the game and I can change the rules however I want. And if you don’t love new rule then you’re not a true fan of this sport!

Does that analogy seem fair to you?

Maybe not. But if Major League Baseball decided to accept such a scenario officially you’d have to deal with it while other folks mocked and ridiculed the original rules that were played by. Some won’t even know how it was played in the first place and tell you that “running to first” was always a rule to begin with.

But let’s move to the subject of continuity in storytelling. It’s the most popular form of art in our society today. We all tell stories, whether fictional or true and everyone loves a good one. But we love consistency in them as well.

A good joke is delivered the same way so its effect is just as funny when you heard it the first time. If you don’t deliver the set up or punch line, the joke fails or misses its mark.  The same can be said with a story. If it doesn’t hold consistency it risks losing its audience and allure. Yet consistency in story telling is a dying trait, and in comics and Hollywood, it holds very little value at all anymore.

Hollywood is all about the reboot. Stories being retold again and again with less behind it each time. There have been two Spiderman’s on the silver screen in less than a decade and soon we’ll have a third. Instead of giving us new ideas or building on the works of their predecessors, Hollywood chooses to hit the restart button in an attempt to create the same worn-out product, leaving a tremendous gap in the development of original stories and ideas.

The myth that “consistency hinders creativity” is not usually the case. Continuity inspires and challenges you to build upon what came before and make it better. One of the keys to successful sequels is that they stand on the facts established in the previous films and therefore can take the story to other levels. It’s an amazing accomplishment that the audience appreciates.   

Take Aliens, for instance. How good would the movie be if James Cameron had decided to reboot the story and tell it all over again? He’d have to reintroduce characters and elements to the audience they’ve already seen before moving his vision forward.

However, the time it takes setting everything up is half the movie. Reboots contain an unnecessary redundancy that the audience could do without. The thing many disliked about Amazing Spiderman was that they had to sit through yet another origin story a few years after Sam Raimi had already done one. 

In my opinion, hitting the “reboot” button instead of continuing the story is lazy and uncreative. If there’s no more story to tell then end it and create something better. Reboots only make movies look like expensive fan films instead of something truly inspired.

Consistency is also a reward to the fans who’ve loyally followed the story and appreciate ties to the previous films. It’s a way of thanks for their long standing support.

A prime example is the Tremors franchise. A series which started in 1990 has seen 3 sequels and a short-lived TV series. Each sequel stays in perfect continuity with later installments and even brings actors back to portray their original characters when necessary. The franchise pays close attention to detail because they know it’s what the fans want. They recently announced a new movie coming this October..Tremors 5: Bloodlines will continue the story of our hero Burt Gummer as he sets out to save the populace from graboids. To see they’re keeping “5” in the title instead of making a tag line is an indication that the creators are proud to stand alongside previous works as the fifth installment of this series.

But let’s move over to the Star Wars Expanded Universe for a bit. This is a series that spanned over 35 years of one continuous continuity.  Recently, since the purchase of the Disney corporation, it was decided that everything but the films and recent Clone Wars animated series should be discarded in favor of a reboot .

Those who defend the original continuity are sometimes even mocked by fans of the films on online forums and message boards, with comments such as, “Get over it” and “Stop whining,” revealing the ignorance of those who miss the point. The Expanded Universe gave fans one cohesive story through the eyes of hundreds of authors who carefully constructed an arc over the many years of its existence.

Others have stated, “I loved the EU too, but I got over it, why can’t you?”

For many, the answer is clear. They care about it more.

Some will accuse such adherents as being elitist.. However, if one claims to care about something, but isn’t upset it’s gone, then that person may need to reevaluate how much she “loved” it in the first place.

If one’s friend passed away and I said to you “I’m sorry about your loss,” ut I came back weeks later and say “You’re friend’s gone! I miss her too but you don’t see me whining about it, do you?! Now get over it!” How insensitive would that be?

I don’t share the same connection you did with your friend. The arrogance of assuming I’m wiser than you is foolish. The reason some Star Wars fans can’t understand why the Expanded Universe meant so much is because they didn’t share the same connections that many did to the story.

Generally speaking, people don’t like reboots. Reboots generally don’t do well and comics have lost an enormous amount of readers over the years because of it. So why is it so casually accepted today?

That’s why I refer to reboots as lazy. The Star Wars Expanded Universe raised the bar for story telling as time went on, becoming a more creative and encompassing force the longer it went on. Unfortunately, continuity is not in keeping with the corporate bottom-line, and the fans are left to suffer because of it.

The upcoming Star Wars novel “Aftermath” will continue the process (following the new line of comics by Marvel) of bulldozing decades of a historic content that’s been around, and while some cheer its demise others will see it as reminiscent of the tragic ending of Revenge of the Sith, which depicted the destruction of the Grand Republic that had stood for over a thousand generations.

Long live the Expanded Universe. An extraordinary saga that proved how creativity and continuity go hand in hand.

Megan meets a snake

 So a few weeks ago we were at a friends house and his wife has a pet python she keeps in their bedroom. (creepy) But get this, she got Megan to actually touch it!! Just in case you miss the significance of that, is Megan hates snakes more than Indiana Jones! You could imagine my shock at hearing her do this.

Anyway, they fed it a mouse and Megan WOULDN'T let us leave until it had devoured the whole thing. After 3 LONG hours after it finally did I asked her if she'd like a snake of her own.

"No" she replied. "Those things are awful!"

I bit my tongue instead of asking her why then we had to sit through three hours of pure boredom in the first place.

Oh well.