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Hey folks,
Just got back from a trip to the super creepy, eerie, and disturbing town of Silent Hill. What, what's that you say? That's impossible because it's nothing but a fictional town from a video game horror series? Well, for the month of October this year the town of Silent Hill and it's monster denizens did in fact exist as a special attraction for Halloween at the Sinister Pointe Haunted Maze Attractions down in Brea, California.
The attractions, both this and the other one called "FEAR", ran for the whole month of October up until Halloween night. Being kind of busy with all the festivities surrounding the holiday, I had to pass it up and figured I had missed my chance to see it in person(there's no guarantee they'll do it again next year or in the future). But as fate would have it, the very next day I went to check their site to see in the off-hand chance if they had decided to keep it going for another night or two, and sure enough they did! Once I saw that they were having a special encore showing on Nov. 1st, I was off to the races for a plane down to SoCal and a ticket for my way into the Silent Hill maze! Being the last night of the event, they had a special discount at $15 for both mazes, a pretty good deal I'd say.
They had the mazes open from 6 - 10pm that last night, and I had made it there straight from the airport with just enough time to go through both mazes once. Being the great SH fan that I am, I would've liked to have gone through that maze once more or two, but I thought I'd better go through the other one at least once since I paid for it.
The "FEAR" one was quite interesting, but of course my critical eye was dead set upon evaluating the Silent Hill Haunted Attraction. So what did I think of it?
Unfortunately, not a whole lot. It was about what I had expected, and that is to say I had not high expectations to begin with. A lot of the same conventional, typically cliched type of scares by live actors in costumes, and fairly cheap set construction and designs. I will give kudos to the guy in charge of the whole thing and his crew, you could clearly tell that they put out a great effort and did a lot of hard work to make this thing happen. It's just so unfortunate that such a great premise was marred by such misguided notions in their approach and some just plain bad ideas, namely basing a lot of it around the *godawful* movie.
Just got back from a trip to the super creepy, eerie, and disturbing town of Silent Hill. What, what's that you say? That's impossible because it's nothing but a fictional town from a video game horror series? Well, for the month of October this year the town of Silent Hill and it's monster denizens did in fact exist as a special attraction for Halloween at the Sinister Pointe Haunted Maze Attractions down in Brea, California.
The attractions, both this and the other one called "FEAR", ran for the whole month of October up until Halloween night. Being kind of busy with all the festivities surrounding the holiday, I had to pass it up and figured I had missed my chance to see it in person(there's no guarantee they'll do it again next year or in the future). But as fate would have it, the very next day I went to check their site to see in the off-hand chance if they had decided to keep it going for another night or two, and sure enough they did! Once I saw that they were having a special encore showing on Nov. 1st, I was off to the races for a plane down to SoCal and a ticket for my way into the Silent Hill maze! Being the last night of the event, they had a special discount at $15 for both mazes, a pretty good deal I'd say.
They had the mazes open from 6 - 10pm that last night, and I had made it there straight from the airport with just enough time to go through both mazes once. Being the great SH fan that I am, I would've liked to have gone through that maze once more or two, but I thought I'd better go through the other one at least once since I paid for it.
The "FEAR" one was quite interesting, but of course my critical eye was dead set upon evaluating the Silent Hill Haunted Attraction. So what did I think of it?
Unfortunately, not a whole lot. It was about what I had expected, and that is to say I had not high expectations to begin with. A lot of the same conventional, typically cliched type of scares by live actors in costumes, and fairly cheap set construction and designs. I will give kudos to the guy in charge of the whole thing and his crew, you could clearly tell that they put out a great effort and did a lot of hard work to make this thing happen. It's just so unfortunate that such a great premise was marred by such misguided notions in their approach and some just plain bad ideas, namely basing a lot of it around the *godawful* movie.
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Goodbye, Late Night with Conan O' Brien
4 min read
As I'm writing this entry, filming of the newest and final episode of NBC's Late Night with Conan O'Brien is concurrently going on and may even have already wrapped up by this time. It'll be the last Late Night show ever to be hosted by the freckled, Irish, red-haired funny man, whose been a fixture of NBC's post 12:35am late night circuit since 1993 taking over for David Letterman who migrated over to CBS, and marks his ascension to an earlier time slot at 11:35pm where he'll remain as part of NBC's late night family as the new host of the historic Tonight Show replacing current host and big-chinned, unfunny windbag Jay Leno.
Now I've been a regular late night viewer for at least the last decade, tuning into the smorgasbord that TV has to offer the likes of Leno, Letterman, Kimmel and Craig(both Kilborn and now Ferguson), regularly switching back & forth between them on a nightly basis. Let's just say I'm a night person who doesn't get much sleep, 'kay?
Anyway, my favorite of all these late night programs, as you might have guessed, and the one that I think was consistently the best, has been Late Night with Conan O'Brien. I think Conan is genuinely the funniest of the hosts, and his show had by far the best writing with their offbeat brand of silly, "derivative and arbitrary" humor that has been innovating late night comedy for the last 16 years. Arbitrary? Yes, but funny as hell! What else would you call a cactus chef playing "We Didn't Start the Fire" on a flute or Fidel Castro rabbit DJ, or hilariously unpopular characters such as rejected X-Men Shoe-verine, the Fed-Ex pope, coked-up Werewolf, or the just plain disturbing Pubes.
I'm sure it'll be a great final show with more than a few surprises, perhaps appearances by popular mainstays of the show like insult comic dog extraordinaire Triumph, Pimpbot 5000, and Conan's former Late Night sidekick partner in comedy Andy Richter. But I can't help but feel really sad and dejected by the whole thing.
I remember being quite disappointed upon first hearing the news that Conan would be leaving to take over the Tonight Show, not that I didn't think he would be good for that show but moreso because he would be leaving something great behind. I know it's been Conan's aspirations for an earlier time slot and more exposure, which for that I'm happy for him, but his unique kind of zany off-the-wall comedy and New York persona worked so well in the NY-based Late Night, bringing that type of comedy to an LA setting and maintaining the same level of quality to keep it fresh, sharp and original is going to be challenging. I mean, with a more mainstream audience and an earlier family-friendly time slot, we can all say goodbye to endearing Late Night staples like the Masturbating Bear, Camel-Toe Annie, Money Shot Abe Lincoln or the Sexual Harrassing Skeleton. Sure you'll be getting a wider late night viewing audience that isn't half-asleep now, Conan, but AT WHAT COST?!!!
A very sad occasion indeed. It's the end of one era of late night comedy, and the beginning of a new. I just hope that it'll be Conan changing the Tonight Show for the better, rather than the Tonight Show changing him. I have faith in you Conan, that you'll turn that vapid, soulless, phony LA show from a wasteland of unfunny television into something worthwwhile and entertaining. I'll be watching.
In the meantime, I urge you all to go check out all things Late Night with Conan at the official NBC site where you can see recent full episodes and a lot of classic clips from over the years.
Conan will be hosting the Tonight Show for the first time in June, while former SNLer Jimmy Fallon takes over Conan's old Late Night show next month. Question mark.......much?
Now I've been a regular late night viewer for at least the last decade, tuning into the smorgasbord that TV has to offer the likes of Leno, Letterman, Kimmel and Craig(both Kilborn and now Ferguson), regularly switching back & forth between them on a nightly basis. Let's just say I'm a night person who doesn't get much sleep, 'kay?
Anyway, my favorite of all these late night programs, as you might have guessed, and the one that I think was consistently the best, has been Late Night with Conan O'Brien. I think Conan is genuinely the funniest of the hosts, and his show had by far the best writing with their offbeat brand of silly, "derivative and arbitrary" humor that has been innovating late night comedy for the last 16 years. Arbitrary? Yes, but funny as hell! What else would you call a cactus chef playing "We Didn't Start the Fire" on a flute or Fidel Castro rabbit DJ, or hilariously unpopular characters such as rejected X-Men Shoe-verine, the Fed-Ex pope, coked-up Werewolf, or the just plain disturbing Pubes.
I'm sure it'll be a great final show with more than a few surprises, perhaps appearances by popular mainstays of the show like insult comic dog extraordinaire Triumph, Pimpbot 5000, and Conan's former Late Night sidekick partner in comedy Andy Richter. But I can't help but feel really sad and dejected by the whole thing.
I remember being quite disappointed upon first hearing the news that Conan would be leaving to take over the Tonight Show, not that I didn't think he would be good for that show but moreso because he would be leaving something great behind. I know it's been Conan's aspirations for an earlier time slot and more exposure, which for that I'm happy for him, but his unique kind of zany off-the-wall comedy and New York persona worked so well in the NY-based Late Night, bringing that type of comedy to an LA setting and maintaining the same level of quality to keep it fresh, sharp and original is going to be challenging. I mean, with a more mainstream audience and an earlier family-friendly time slot, we can all say goodbye to endearing Late Night staples like the Masturbating Bear, Camel-Toe Annie, Money Shot Abe Lincoln or the Sexual Harrassing Skeleton. Sure you'll be getting a wider late night viewing audience that isn't half-asleep now, Conan, but AT WHAT COST?!!!
A very sad occasion indeed. It's the end of one era of late night comedy, and the beginning of a new. I just hope that it'll be Conan changing the Tonight Show for the better, rather than the Tonight Show changing him. I have faith in you Conan, that you'll turn that vapid, soulless, phony LA show from a wasteland of unfunny television into something worthwwhile and entertaining. I'll be watching.
In the meantime, I urge you all to go check out all things Late Night with Conan at the official NBC site where you can see recent full episodes and a lot of classic clips from over the years.
Conan will be hosting the Tonight Show for the first time in June, while former SNLer Jimmy Fallon takes over Conan's old Late Night show next month. Question mark.......much?
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Happy Friday the 13th!!!
3 min read
A good Friday the 13th to you all! 
Boy do I love Friday the 13ths, I'm not sure why I just do! Of course this one just happens to coincide with my birthday, making it especially noteworthy so that might have something to do with it. According to old supersitions it's a day of bad luck, but from my experience I've had nothing but good luck on these days! Or if not good, at the very least a neutral day, but never bad. But again, my birthday and the gifts and such would have to account for some of that good fortune. I wasn't actually born on a Friday though, but it was close(it was a Saturday!), and admittedly that would be a bit on the spooky side. And for those who follow a certain horror series that revolves around this particular holiday, my name happens to be Jason.
Eh, could be worse. I could've been born the next day, the 14th.........Valentine's Day.
Anyway, hope you had a good one.
I know it's been a reeeeeeeaaally long time since I've updated my page with anything new, including this journal entry. Too long, in fact, so I'm happy to inform you all that I'm going to start uploading more artwork very shortly. I've been taking digital pics and scans of a LOT of my artwork from years past, some of it recent and some of it going way back in the day. So those shall be up very soon.
I wish I could say I've been real busy, working hard and such.......but really, I've just been slacking off. :/
But not for long! I've got a number of projects lined up that I'm working on at the moment. Many of those, as you can imagine, are Silent Hill-related. Being that this is the 10th anniversary of the original Konami PSone classic, I can think of no better way to commemorate the occoasion! Speaking of which, this also happens to be the 25th year anniversary of both Ghostbusters and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, two of my mainstay childhood favorites, and also the 20th anniversary of one of what will undoubtedly named the greatest animated sit-com of all time - The Simpsons!
Perhaps I'll try to do some Ghostbusters, TMNT, and Simpsons artwork to honor the respective anniversaries of each of those as well. It's something I'd certainly like to find the time to do.
I'm also working on a boatload of images and video from my art show that was held back in October last Halloween. There's a lot of media from that event though it's very scattered and unorganized at the moment, but once I've got it all edited into a more presentable manner I'll be happy to share it all. ^_^
So unlike before, you can tell I've got my hands full now with things to do!!!
Boy do I love Friday the 13ths, I'm not sure why I just do! Of course this one just happens to coincide with my birthday, making it especially noteworthy so that might have something to do with it. According to old supersitions it's a day of bad luck, but from my experience I've had nothing but good luck on these days! Or if not good, at the very least a neutral day, but never bad. But again, my birthday and the gifts and such would have to account for some of that good fortune. I wasn't actually born on a Friday though, but it was close(it was a Saturday!), and admittedly that would be a bit on the spooky side. And for those who follow a certain horror series that revolves around this particular holiday, my name happens to be Jason.
Eh, could be worse. I could've been born the next day, the 14th.........Valentine's Day.
Anyway, hope you had a good one.
I know it's been a reeeeeeeaaally long time since I've updated my page with anything new, including this journal entry. Too long, in fact, so I'm happy to inform you all that I'm going to start uploading more artwork very shortly. I've been taking digital pics and scans of a LOT of my artwork from years past, some of it recent and some of it going way back in the day. So those shall be up very soon.
I wish I could say I've been real busy, working hard and such.......but really, I've just been slacking off. :/
But not for long! I've got a number of projects lined up that I'm working on at the moment. Many of those, as you can imagine, are Silent Hill-related. Being that this is the 10th anniversary of the original Konami PSone classic, I can think of no better way to commemorate the occoasion! Speaking of which, this also happens to be the 25th year anniversary of both Ghostbusters and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, two of my mainstay childhood favorites, and also the 20th anniversary of one of what will undoubtedly named the greatest animated sit-com of all time - The Simpsons!
Perhaps I'll try to do some Ghostbusters, TMNT, and Simpsons artwork to honor the respective anniversaries of each of those as well. It's something I'd certainly like to find the time to do.
I'm also working on a boatload of images and video from my art show that was held back in October last Halloween. There's a lot of media from that event though it's very scattered and unorganized at the moment, but once I've got it all edited into a more presentable manner I'll be happy to share it all. ^_^
So unlike before, you can tell I've got my hands full now with things to do!!!
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SH5 - The Good, the Bad, and Unknown
3 min read
I have yet to buy a PS3 game console, but I'm anxiously awaiting two games in particular in order for me to do so - the upcoming Ghostbusters Videogame and Silent Hill: Homecoming, aka SH5. With regard to the new Silent Hill, taking into account all the latest screenshots, info and new video-footage that I've seen and read, here is my personal list of GOOD, BAD, and still UNKNOWN...
The GOOD:
- The graphics, at least from a technical standpoint, are most impressive. The sheer level of detail should ensure this to be the most realistic-looking SH game to date.
- The new physics engine looks equally impressive, increasing the realistic interaction with objects and the environment should enhance the immersive gameplay experience nicely. Finally, we get to reach for the knobs and actually see doors opening!
- The visual design of the main characers seem appropriately SH-like enough to follow in the line of SH characters past. Even though Alex seems a might similar to James in look.
- Voice acting seems pretty good. Dialogue is cryptic and mystifying, as it should be.
- The music, of course. Sounds like we're in for another terrific soundtrack from Akira, I would expect nothing less!
The BAD:
- The overall art direction is still lame. At least compared to the previous entries, just doesn't have the unique gritty & grime artistry that the Japanese team employed so successfully. Some of the background environments look nice, others look kind of generic and uninspired to me.
- The monster designs. Perhaps their visual look ties into the story in some way and into Alex's psyche, hopefully, but as far as I'm concerned on a pure visual level they simply suck. That creeper thing that comes out of the water looks cool, but even that seems like it would fit better in Resident Evil. The head even looks like the Licker's.
- Anything inspired by the movie. Nurse designs, wall-peeling dark world transformations, why-oh-why....
The UNKNOWN:
- Gameplay mechanics. Looks good and perhaps innovative for the series, but I won't know for sure until I'm behind the controller and have at it myself.
- Grain filter. They keep promising there'll be one, and different variants for different situations, I have yet to see one implemented. This could help a bit with my complaint about the 'visual look'.
- Story & plot. At the end of the day this is pretty much all that matters in a SH game besides the scare factor. Until we actually beat the game(or somebody posts spoilers prematurely), it'll remain a big question mark.
Oh yeah, and this game gets a "sexual themes" warning label but SH2 doesn't? Wow, this must be one dirty and perversely sick SH game!
So, (*utilizing my best Cartman voice*)......"When are we gonna get a god**** TRAILER, GOD****IT!!!"
The GOOD:
- The graphics, at least from a technical standpoint, are most impressive. The sheer level of detail should ensure this to be the most realistic-looking SH game to date.
- The new physics engine looks equally impressive, increasing the realistic interaction with objects and the environment should enhance the immersive gameplay experience nicely. Finally, we get to reach for the knobs and actually see doors opening!
- The visual design of the main characers seem appropriately SH-like enough to follow in the line of SH characters past. Even though Alex seems a might similar to James in look.
- Voice acting seems pretty good. Dialogue is cryptic and mystifying, as it should be.
- The music, of course. Sounds like we're in for another terrific soundtrack from Akira, I would expect nothing less!
The BAD:
- The overall art direction is still lame. At least compared to the previous entries, just doesn't have the unique gritty & grime artistry that the Japanese team employed so successfully. Some of the background environments look nice, others look kind of generic and uninspired to me.
- The monster designs. Perhaps their visual look ties into the story in some way and into Alex's psyche, hopefully, but as far as I'm concerned on a pure visual level they simply suck. That creeper thing that comes out of the water looks cool, but even that seems like it would fit better in Resident Evil. The head even looks like the Licker's.
- Anything inspired by the movie. Nurse designs, wall-peeling dark world transformations, why-oh-why....
The UNKNOWN:
- Gameplay mechanics. Looks good and perhaps innovative for the series, but I won't know for sure until I'm behind the controller and have at it myself.
- Grain filter. They keep promising there'll be one, and different variants for different situations, I have yet to see one implemented. This could help a bit with my complaint about the 'visual look'.
- Story & plot. At the end of the day this is pretty much all that matters in a SH game besides the scare factor. Until we actually beat the game(or somebody posts spoilers prematurely), it'll remain a big question mark.
Oh yeah, and this game gets a "sexual themes" warning label but SH2 doesn't? Wow, this must be one dirty and perversely sick SH game!
So, (*utilizing my best Cartman voice*)......"When are we gonna get a god**** TRAILER, GOD****IT!!!"
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The Incredible Friday the 13th!
1 min read
What an INCREDIBLE Friday of an INCREDIBLE 13th of the month, the first and only Friday the 13th of this 2008 year.
They happen to be one of my favorite days of the year and to only have one is kinda disappointing to me.
They happen to be one of my favorite days of the year and to only have one is kinda disappointing to me.
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