A little gif of an upcoming video. y’all best be GETTIN PUMPED

IV Hunga Games start

Happy Trails,
Sam.

Yesterday I posted about how happy I was with my new Poe Collector statue from Ben over at Fizz Man Industries. When I talked over some ideas with him we both seem to have thought the Poe Collector sounded really cool. Apparently we’re not the only ones! Zelda Dungeon is one of the most popular sites (and my favorite) devoted to Zelda news on the internet. So imagine my surprise when I opened Google Reader this morning and saw listed as the top post “Poe Collector Sculpture“. It seems someone tipped them off to the newest Fizz Man creation and they thought it pertinent enough to post about! I’d like to once again say “Great work!” to Ben for his sculpting, he deserves all the recognition he gets. Just a cool little tidbit, good way to start off the day! For the record, Zelda Dungeon guys, I don’t have a ruler as I’m not at home, but I’d guess it stands about 9 inches tall and it cost me $80. He may be ratcheting the price up soon, though, since he’s getting more popular. Now’s your chance! You can check out their post here.

Happy Trails,
Sam.

A few weeks back I got turned on to the website of a sculptor named Ben Howard. From his site you can tell me mainly does video game sculptures (he even won EGM’s art contest), though that’s not all. I don’t remember exactly how or what happened after I went to the site, but one thing led to another and I ended up asking him to make me a sculpture of my own. After discussing some ideas and pricing, I settled on a sculpture of the Poe Collector. Never heard of him?

yeahh... he looks pretty lame here on the N64.

He’s a rather obscure character even in the Zelda universe. After you travel to the Ganon-controlled future you can find this weird character in the ruins of Hyrule Market in the building by the entrance. He’s (it’s?) the one you can capture and sell peoples’ souls to. I was playing through Ocarina of Time 3D and just happened to think he was a creepy character, but that was really it. It wasn’t until I came across this picture that I decided he (it?) was one of the coolest, creepiest Zelda characters. In fact, go check out the artist’s (Lawlzy is his name) deviantART page. He’s got some really impressive stuff there. I mean, who doesn’t enjoy seeing a butt-faced cat?? (also his blog is pretty cool) Sooo… anyways I decided on the Poe Collector over Linebeck or Luigi with his vacuum thingy.

The inspiration.

After much arduous waiting… actually not much at all, Ben finished very timely and it shipped even timelier!… I finally got my sculpture last Friday. Sadly, I left immediately after opening and admiring it, so I didn’t have a chance to post about it until now. So here it is! Dun DAHH! My Poe Collector sculpture thingy nicely complimenting my Captain Jean-Luc Picard dude and tiny 5-Below Tetra/Goron thingies!

It looks awesome and I’m really happy with it! The pictures don’t do it justice. Ben posted about it over on his site (Fizz Man Industries, whatever that means ) and even put up a full gallery of images if you want to take a look. Seeing the art and sculpture side-by-side really shows off what a great piece it is. Even the toe is outstretched like in the pic. Not that Ben didn’t take some cool cues of his own, it’s just impressive! I am honored to adorn my apartment with its creepiness! If there’s anyone reading this who wants a supa’ cool sculpture, this Ben Howard feller has the Official Sam Jack Seal of Approval. *seal given* Go take a look at his work, it’s pretty impressive. The Zelda chess set in particular is what turned me on to his work.

Happy Trails,
Sam.

Self-professed muggle, amazing blogger, and an all-around wickedly handsome human specimen. Many will also know me as an admitted Harry Potter film skeptic; loving some and loathing the rest. I’ve always held the Prisoner of Azkaban as an amazing movie, and held the other six films as acceptable, though remembered with a bit of annoyance. Order of the Phoenix was boring at the time, for instance. The fourth film was terrible in my mind. It was completely unable to stand as even a coherent story without the book, which I did not read. That’s right. I have never read the entire Harry Potter series. I’ve read the first three books (three times, in fact!) but that’s it. Last week I decided for the premiere of Part Two that I would finally read the others but have since given up and decided against it. I did make it through the first three books (again!) before I gave up, though! TOOOO LOOOONGG of books to read in five days while having a life! I also decided to enjoy the movie for what it truly will be. If I had just read the last book I will be constantly comparing the movie to it. And that’s never any fun. Especially when I’m so psyched about the last film!

Oh, hello there! I'm epic.

So instead a friend and I decided to do a Harry Potter movie a night leading up to going to the midnight premiere tonight. Having just read the first three books (which I hadn’t done in years) gave me a completely new perspective on the Harry Potter films. Especially the later ones. Rewatching Order of the Phoenix, I loved it! What a dark, awesomely evil tale. Sure, it had it’s problems. Most obvious is the terribleness of Sirius Black’s death scene. Most anticlimactic, unclear death in the whole series. I had absolutely no idea he was even dead until after the film ended and I asked a friend who had read the books. I realize [now] that the doorway is supposed to be mysterious and not fully explained even in the books. But that’s no excuse to not explain it AT ALL in the film. In fact I think my exact phrasing was “Soo… where did Sirius go? Are they going to find him again soon?” I shouldn’t have to read the books to understand the films. The films should be based on more than the popularity of the books. Everything. Must. Make. Sense. PERIOD. This is true of any entertainment transfer from medium to medium. You must adapt the story, not summarize it. The only place nonsense like that works I can think of is in those LEGO video game versions of popular series (like Harry Potter, Batman, Pirates, etc.). I know many people who got all hot ‘n’ bothered that they “left stuff out” of the films because they “really wanted to see that”. Oh, BOO-HOO. What about for those of us who never read the books? We aren’t disappointed because something “could have been cool”. We’re disappointed because we have NO IDEA WHAT’S GOING ON. In fact, this portion of my post is more a rant against the majority of the literature-to-film industry. That “literature” term includes everything from novels to comic books.

Hear ye, hear ye! I new decree is placed henceforth from the keyboard of Samuel Rodgers unto the whole of the entertainment industry [with a focus on the Harry Potter producers]! If Peter Jackson can perfectly condense the Lord of the Rings series (a series way more long-winded than Harry Potter, I might add!) to the point the entire series can be watched and understood apart from the source material, the writers/directors/producers of Harry Potter have no excuse. But if somehow a book is too long to be easily condensed, the producers should take a Prisoner of Azkaban approach and change parts of the story so as to not reference extraineous side-stories and tighten the narrative. They should not take a Goblet of Fire or Phoenix-doorway approach and simply ignore everyone but the book fans. The effects of their terrible “Goblet” approach came to final coagulation [for me] in Deathly Hallows Part One when Harry was suddenly in possession of an incredibly plot-important mirror shard which had never been mentioned before in the other films. They never even mentioned it was new in the film, just went ahead as if Harry had always been shown receiving the shard from Sirius. It’s as if the producers just said “Aww, screw it. No hiding this screw up. Let’s just give Harry the shard and move on.” Ultimately I’m glad they didn’t go back in the seventh film and show scenes of Harry receiving it, but there’s no rational reason it should have been left out of the film when it was such an important plot element later on. Garbage.

I'm sorry, Harry. This next part is going to hurt a bit...

I’ve realized why I feel this way about the Potter series, though. After rewatching the films this past week, most of the film inconsistencies are inconsequential and often moot details. Mostly things like “Why’d she say that?” “Whatever happened to…?” “Who’s that?” “How did that do that?” Even the Phoenix doorway can ultimately be a excused (though Sirius’s death is still bad). The films really are great on their own! In fact, I would almost say they’re… magical! So then why this “Potter-film-skeptic” status? This ideology didn’t slowly form over the course of the seven films for me. There was a singular moment of the film series that brought this philosophy to fruition. In fact, it was a 157 minute portion which occurred in 2005. What was it? I have no way of typing it, so I can only post the recitation of it’s name in original Parseltongue:

In the common tongue, it translates roughly as “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire“. Brrrrr… shivers just ran down me spine!

After the fourth movie, I often viewed the film series’ existence as simply a money-making ploy on the side of Warner Bros. I still view the fourth movie as such! You can quote me on this: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire is a poorly-paced, expositionless film fully proving its extrensity from the book’s tight-knit story by trading decent explanation for a desultory hodgepodge of flashy effects and abstruse, poorly acted character interactions. Rather than quirky cleverness and whimsically ingenious storytelling, all we get is a random, background-less sequence of events. We could rather easily compare it to digesting crack-infused mush. And not even that good mush everyone loves! Just normal, average, run-o-the-mill, watery, cooshy, cornmealy mush. With psychotics sprinkled in. Huh… Surprisingly, our recently envisioned metaphorical porridge actually makes more sense than our comparee. Okay, fine. That’s way too harsh. But seriously folks, after all these years it still feels like Warner Bros. suddenly decided they could cash-in an entire film based solely on the series’ pedigree/surname. Longest book thusfar = shortest film? WUZZUHH?? Makes no sense and the film nearly ruined the entire series for me! The pacing is awful with almost no lead-in from one scene to the next, and no readable emotional arc of any kind, or explanation or… *sigh* I’ve already said all this three times this post I think. You get the point.

Moving on, I just watched Deathly Hallows Part One again last night and might actually watch it again today with my HP-buddy (don’t tell them I called them that…) before we go to the midnight showing. Man, I love the seventh movie. At first I was worried about Warner Bros. decision to split the last book into two parts, but in hindsight I am extremely happy about it. After two movies (Order of the Phoenix and Half-Blood Prince) they were finally able to take their time building the gloom, beauty, and distress of the world since He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was resurrected. the film was able to delve into the emotional depths of the characters and their slowly unhinging resolve in the face of the end. The film also took the time to build up to the most perfect scene in the whole series: the dance between Harry and Hermione. Beyond these things, the film is also beautiful to watch. The cinematography is just… WOW. The locations are breathtaking, the brooding atmosphere engaging, the acting top-notch (usually), and the interactions deserved.

I don’t think it’s much of a stretch to say the opening of Deathly Hallows Part Two may be the biggest film event in history. But that’s not what this post is titled. There is a big difference between the “biggest film event in history” and the “most important film event in history”. How can I qualify this statement? Let’s get some facts down. The Harry Potter book series is one of the most popular series ever. No denying it. On top of that, the film series is the highest grossing film series of all time. Way more than James Bond. Way more than Star Wars. All seven movies are on the all time list of 30 highest-grossing films ever. The series has made well over $6 billion worldwide. That’s crazy. So speaking from an industry perspective, this really is the most important opening ever. It’s the official close of the biggest franchise ever. To add to the industry-importance, Part Two is openly supporting 3D, making it the first in the series to do so. Not that a movie supporting 3D is big news in itself, but there’s been talk for quite some about whether 3D in theaters has run it’s course. Last time doubts arose regarding 3D in the industry Avatar stepped up to squelch them. The Harry Potter behemoth seems a likely contender for this new round of doubts. This film could invigorate the 3D industry again, or it could help turn the tide of the industry away from it. I mean really, audiences, if wizard duels can’t be cool in 3D… what can? Personally, I’ve made sure the first time I see Part Two that it’s in traditional 2D. I’m not as adamently against 3D as some people I know (*cough* Will *cough*), but I don’t want to even possibly risk the 3D negatively affecting my perception of this film. I do enjoy 3D, though. Films like Avatar and Coraline have convinced me that 3D can be used to enhance the experience. However, it’s still an industry rife with gimmick.

From a non-industry view (read: “normal”) the film’s opening is a mega-huge-big deal, too! It’s been a ten-year journey. Just like with the readers of the books, the stars and audiences for the films have grown up along with them. In a way it’s the film series of our generation. And if it’s not the most important film event in history, it’s up there! What? The epic poster above not have you convinced? Well then how about a 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes? [Correction: 97% now!] Yeah. That’s a Pixar-quality score. That’s amazing. I never thought I would see a 96% by a Harry Potter movie, and seeing it only heightens my current crazy excitement for this film. Or how about the verdict: “Thrilling, powerfully acted, and visually dazzling, Deathly Hallows Part II brings the Harry Potter franchise to a satisfying — and suitably magical — conclusion.” Well there’s no way you’re not convinced now, but just to hit home the excitement-inducing-awesomeness of it all, here ya go:

This is it. This is the end, guys. And I couldn’t be more excited.

Happy Trails,
Sam.

According to the official patronus app, my patronus is a jack russell terrier. The same as Ron.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1303773/plotsummary

Ohhhh man the long-awaited film based on the long awaited band is HERE! Can’t wait to see how well they portrayed us, the constant in-band-fighting, Jimmy’s feminine wiles, and The Great Guitar Loudness Battle of 2010. All epic scenes, I’m SURE!



Happy Trails,
Sam.

Okay, listen up! Here’s the deal. If I don’t get 800 views on this page by the end of the year 2014, I WILL delete this post. You’ve been warned!!

“Man, whatever happened to chasinglilly.net?” The quiet, dust-ridden man standing at the bus stop asked his counterpart bus-riding partner to his right.

“I don’t even know, Carlisle.” The counterpart whispered, weeping. “I miss it. The classiness, the perfect English, the family-friendly atmosphere, the…”

“The praise-worthy morals and enlightening zingers!” Carlisle piped in.

“Exactly. By the way, blog readers, my name is Brad Whistlessly.”

“Who are you talking to?” the Carlislian man enquired.

“I was just thinking it would be a lot easier in this conversation if I had an actual name so Sam wouldn’t have to keep typing ‘the bus-riding counterpart’ over and over again. Do you understand now, Carlilse, dear friend?” Spake Brad Whistlessly unto Carlisle.

Carlisle was confused to say the least! However, before he could form a question with his oral cavity, a large-set, wealthy businessman entered the scene with quick footwork. He was a domineering figure. He wore an entirely snake skin suite/underwear combo, held a wolf-fur briefcase, and chewed whale blubber. He also had golden dollar signs nailed into the enamel of his teeth, so everyone he bit would have a dollar sign imprinted upon them. His coat had the name ‘Bennington McLardbelly’ branded into the collar.

“Top o’ the morn! What are you ugly *$#%@!ers talking about, eh, Captain?” Bennington asked gruffly.

Confused at being called ‘Captain’, neither Carlisle nor Brad responded. So Bennington left.

Then in walked in a golden-yellow lab. The dog was panting with massive amounts of saliva dripping from his gums.

“Whaddup y’all, my name be Corbin Ratwell!” the lab said bluntly. “Did I hear you talkin’ ’bout Sam Rodgers’ ol’ webspace?”

“Yeah!” Brad screamed. “Why doesn’t he update it as much anymore? I miss his angelic humor and untimely handsomeness!”

Corbin spit in Brad’s face angrily. “MAAAAAAAAAN! Why y’all gotta talk ’bout that jank!? It’s time to move AWN! Get a new life, you ain’t no bamf posers, crackers! You fool no one! Sam’s never comin’ back fer y’all!”

Carlisle sat quietly for 30 minutes. Darkness engulfed his every thought. He was in despair. “I believe in Sam. He’ll come back one day. Just watch, Corbin. Nothing can last forever, not even a hiatus. My first eight marriages taught me that.”

“That’s the spirit, Brad!” Carlisle whispered quickly five times. He then looked at his watch. “We’ve been here for eight hours. Did we miss the bus?”

SUDDENLY their bus sped by at 50 miles per hour without stopping. And to everyone’s amazement Keanu Reeves was driving it. They began to cheer! That is, until the bus sped out of view and the whole congregation of bus riders realized they were all actually part of an elaborate prologue segment to the 1994 hit action movie Speed. And everyone knows how that movie ends…

*Credits roll*

(20th Century Fox Home Entertainment absolutely probably did not endorse this)

While the above scene is fictitious, it represents a very real conversation that may be happening at bus stops the world over! Don’t worry, my hiatus of not posting more than my evil arch-nemesis Will McCarry is at an end! World domination is back! Horrah!

Happy Trails,
Sam.

I am currently sitting in front of my fan with the window open, trying to cool down from my run I just came back from. It’s still hot. It’s over 70 degrees outside right now. This is not February. This can only be evidence some alternate, opposite-seasoned universe colliding with our own! Seriously, what’s going on!? I mean, I’ve got… hm… oh, wait, here… the lolcats can explain this so much better than I ever could:

And I can’t really explain it any better than that. However, let me say I am not complaining that I want the cold weather back. It wasn’t going to snow anymore, so the cold weather can just die for all I care. In fact, I LOVE the current weather! Here’s hoping my friends wanna go disc golfing tomorrow! Woot!

Happy Trails,
Sam.

PS – I also found this lovely picture while trying to find the lovely WTFcat above:

This is quite possibly one of the greatest/funniest things I’ve ever heard. Basically Detroit is getting a statue of Robocop erected. You can see the official page and read the full detailed story at their official page or their donation site, but I’m going to overview the now viral tale below.

Basically Monday last week (February 7), @MT (some random guy living in MA) tweeted at @MayorDaveBing (Detroit Mayor) a simple statement. The mayor then responded:

The best Robocop tweet-versation ever

I’d first like to state that Mayor Bing’s tweet was hilarious in it’s dry response.

And of course, with the internet being the way it is and such, a Facebook event was quickly created, along with an official donation website. And here we are nine days later. Within NINE days the Robocop statue project has already passed it’s $50,000 goal. That’s amazing, and a testament to the awesomeness of some people!

Granted, one of my first thoughts was “Seriously? They couldn’t have put that $50,000 to better use somewhere else? Clean water for some third-world country or such?” Then I thought about it more. And I began to laugh. Because it’s so stupid that it might just be the greatest thing ever!! Also apparently most of the donations were $1. That’s just awesome. A Robocop statue. Now I have a reason to visit Detroit!

Happy Trails,
Sam.

(PS – This news is also ironic because I recently got Robocop and have yet to watch it. But now I definitely will. See, this statue is great! It’ll boost movie sales as well as tourism)

I am now up to a near average of 350 views a month!! Woohoo!! For some bigger bloggers that may not seem like a lot, but I’m pretty happy with it, saying my usual posts are pointless rambles I doubt many are actually interested in

In other news, we’re getting great reception for our new (and final) incarnation of Meet the McGrimmy’s! We got 200 views within the first 24 hours, which is pretty great saying we had no subscribers and only really promoted it on Facebook! However, we’ve started trying to get more viewers. We now have a Facebook fan page for Meet the McGrimmy’s, please go show your support by just clicking the “Like” button on the page, it’ll help a lot! A few friends have volunteered to delve to the depths of internetdom to promote the series, even scourging the dark of 4chan, but we prob won’t do that till we put up a few more episodes. Watch it below and subscribe!

In even newer news, I just got back from our latest Violent Blue show. We played at the “Remember the Skate Rink Show”, which was also a sort of reunion show for The Skamalians, which was a semi-popular high school ska band that existed back around my sophomore year. It was a lot of fun, and I premiered my epic trumpet playing skills during “Pink”! It was a lot of fun, we saw a lot of old friends, and even the Skalamalians were really fun!

I also got to see my good friend Eliseo for the first time in months. He joined the marines and in a little bit is heading over to a base in Japan, so I won’t see him in person again for another three years at least! I kinda miss him already, but wish him the best of luck! He’s certainly got my prayers!

Well I’ll keep posting about the McGrimmy’s, and I’ll probably even post a video or two from our show tonight!

Happy Trails,
Sam.