Firefly: One Of The Best

I am currently rewatching Firefly and the short-lived, fourteen episode, series never seems to get old no matter how many time I watch it through. Its so frustrating to think that a great series could get canceled when there is so much crap on television. Makes me wonder what the studios are thinking. Are they really trying to please the viewing audience? Firefly is one of the lamented cancellations in the television's history. Captain Reynolds and his dis-functional crew had so many more stories to tell.

If you have never seen the series I suggest giving the first episode a try. If you are a fan of westerns, space adventures and witty writing you'll love it. Check out the first episode Serenity on Hulu.com.

Monday Music Highlight: States

In this music post I am going to highlight a band that is a phoenix from the ashes of two bands that have made huge impressions on my own music. Those bands are Copeland and Lydia. I was sad to see the end of Lydia and even more upset (understatement) to see the demise of Copeland. But there is redemption in the form of a brilliant new sound coming from a new band called States. This collaboration is made of former guitarists, and brothers, Bryan and Stephen Laurenson (Copeland) and vocalist and keyboardist Mindy White (Lydia).

Line 'Em Up is their first release and is already making its way to the top of playlists. Anxious seems to be the flag ship song garnering the most exposure but the rest of the EP is not to be skipped over. In fact there is very little criticism to be had with this first release. Line 'Em Up is a solid introduction for a band with a great deal of potential.

www.statesmusic.com



Here is their song Anxious. Check out the rest of their EP on www.myspace.com/states.

Top Five: Books I'd Like To Write

I have often thought about writing a book. I have so many ideas in my head for stories. I am a big fan of fantasy, if it is done well, and I also enjoy historical fiction and biographical memoirs. Most of the stories/ideas I have in my head are loosely based on my own life experiences. So, if I were to write a book, which book would I write? That's the question: What are the top five books I would write?

I also realize I have very few, if any, people reading this blog so far but feel free to comment and respond the question yourself.

1.) The Lemon in the Grass - This would be an observation about people who are considered useless or defective by others or themselves. The image of a lemon, fallen from the tree, and in the grass is indicative of a person who is beyond redemption. As long as a useless person is still attached to the tree they have potential.

2.) Avant: The First Born - I have had this idea for some time (almost a decade). The genre rests somewhere between Tolkien and Lewis. The story is about a young boy growing up with expectations of his potential and position. He would be the one to join two nations together that had been at odds with one another for centuries.

3.) Common Sense for Dummies - This is pretty self explanatory. There are a lot of people out there that could benefit from a book that teaches them how to identify common sense. But then again, maybe its not something that can be taught. That's a sad thought.

4.) Roanoke - A work of fiction on the historical mystery of the disappearance of an entire settlement. I have always been interested in the mystery of their disappearance and have many ideas as to what could have happened based on the evidence that we have.

5.) Font - I love design and my favorite design tool to work with is type. Art and information achieve their greatest potential when they work in tandem with one another. But most people don't realize that what they are reading is art or the art they are admiring has information or a message within it. I would love to write a book about the value of type (font) in our modern culture. I'd also like to take a chapter to discuss how text-speak is damaging to this art and information.

Here are a few writing resources I have used if you get the urge to do some writing yourself.

www.bookwritinghelp.com

www.bookcatcher.com

www.thesaurus.com

Fighting Robots: The Future Is Here

Robots fighting robots... what more could one ask for? There was a time when Battlebots was gaining popularity but it has since lost its appeal. However, these robots, perhaps because of their human form, are redefining the tech-sport of bot battling. I wish we were this cool in the states. I doubt this would ever really catch on here unless we could make the robots say f*@#, bleed profusely and/or have sex in between matches. For now I'll have to settle for videos on Youtube.

Most of the time these robots fall over and flop around like a fish out of water and yet I am still compelled to watch. Though, every now and then they do pull off some really cool moves. I read that the robot engineers that create these "fight-bots" are having to renovate their designs about every six months to keep up with the increasing pace of the evolution of technology. That is intense. I can't imagine how much money these people must be sinking into such a relatively ridiculous activity but as long as they do I'll be watching.

You can see more at www.robots-dreams.com.

Psych: "Are You A Fan Of Delicious Flavor?"

Psych is one my all-time favorite shows. I currently have seasons one through three on DVD and still haven't gotten tired of watching them.

Imagine Sherlock Holmes, in the present century, with a sharp wit, a generous knowledge of obscure 80s trivia, a great attention for detail and a Dr. Watson side kick who isn't actually a doctor but rather a pharmaceutical salesman moonlighting as his partner in anti-crime. Oh, and did I mention he owns a fake psychic detective agency?

This is by far the best show on the USA network and definitely one of the best shows on-air. I haven't come across an episode yet that didn't make me laugh. The writing is clever, the story lines are fun and the characters are diverse and work so well together. Basically, this show has it all.

Check out episode clips, reviews and character profiles, even quiz yourself on Psych trivia, at www.usanetwork.com.

Read what others have to say about Psych at www.tv.com.

Starcraft II: Blizzard Does It Again

So after a year of dragging my feet I finally got wise and bought Blizzard's StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty and I don't regret shelling out the 60 bones at all for this gem of a game. I may not be worthy of the title "gamer" but I am no stranger to the work of Blizzard Entertainment, I have spent many hours slaughtering the Horde, and this might just be the best title Blizzard has ever released. This is definitely a must for real-time strategy gamers. Those of you who don't give it at least a four out of five stars need to get your heads examined. Whether you are a casual or obsessive gamer StarCraft II does very little to disappoint.

"While it's not a revolutionary game, it is one of the most fully featured, expertly designed, and impressively refined real-time strategy experiences on the market. "

IGN, StarCraft II Wings of Liberty Review

Check out IGN's full review of Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty.

www.ign.com

www.blizzard.com

Bonnaroo: Can Hip Hop and Folk Be Friends

With one of the best music festivals in the world coming up in June I have just one question. Bonnaroo what has happened to you? I am not one to turn a shoulder to talent. I'll give credit where credit is due. Hip hop and rap have been driving forces in the music industry for decades now and have earned the right to be taken seriously. But does it belong at a Manchester, TN music festival that has its roots in the indie/folk scene?

Last year Noel Gallagher (of Oasis) raised some hell in reference to Jay-Z's invite. He had quite a number of people follow him on a tirade about hip-hop not belonging at Bonnaroo. And, though, I was inclined to agree with Mr. Gallagher, that hip hop didn't fit the festival's "image", I didn't feel the need to lead a boycott against that stage. However, you give the powers of the music industry an inch and they'll take every mile they can get their hands on. This year 'Roo is going full tilt rap. Its not one, not two, but this year's hip hop is getting a grand welcome at the festival with Eminem and Lil Wayne headlining along with several others in the lineup such as Atmosphere, Wiz Khalifa and Chiddy Bang. I think its safe to say that Bonnaroo is no longer the festival that it used to be. There will of course be some great acts that maintain the spirit of 'Roo like Arcade Fire, My Morning jacket, Robert Plant & Band of Joy, Mumford & Sons, The Strokes, The Decemberists, Ray Lamontagne, Iron and Wine... to name a few.

Rap might not belong at Bonnaroo but for all those complaining about the compromised integrity of the festival, myself included, I don't think we can deny that Bonnaroo still gets the best lineups around.

www.bonnaroo.com

Patrick Brown: Artist, Designer, Gamer

I want to take some time to highlight of my favorite artists, Patrick Brown. I came across his work on Deviantart.com a few years ago. This guy blows my mind with every new post. There is no doubt that he is a great illustrator but where he really shines is his work with color and texture.

Those who have played Grand Theft Auto might recognize the influence from the Rockstar Games senior artist Stephen Bliss. Patrick makes it clear where his influence comes from and to say that he is a big GTA fan would be an understatement.

This past year he was approached by Playstation Magazine France to develop two-page features every month based on upcoming PS3 titles. You can check them out as they are posted on his Deviantart page.

www.patrickbrown.deviantart.com

On another note: Who says you can't get a sweet dragon tattoo out of a vending machine at a cheap movie theater. That's one bad-ass dragon neck tat Pete.

Monday Music Highlight: Walk The Moon

WALK THE MOON "Anna Sun" OFFICIAL Music Video

Now I need a keytar. I'll be keeping my eye on these guys. I have a feeling they will be making an impact sometime in the next couple years.

www.walkthemoonband.com

Blender: Why Am I Just Now Discovering This

I have been trying to think of a good first post. I figured it needed to be a great ice-breaking topic but as I sat thinking of which thought to write about first I came to the conclusion that my best approach would be to jump right in as if I have been doing this blog all along. So...

For those of you who don't already know I am an artist. Graphic design is my "profession" and what I studied but I have recently opened the door to the world of 3-D modeling. Some might say it took you long enough, but I finally downloaded Blender (a great open source software for simple CG modeling and animation). Over the course of a few weeks I have obsessed over what the software is capable of. I have been modeling some basic low-poly models and it makes me wish I had chosen the gaming industry as my area of study. Here are a few models I have been working on over the past few weeks.

www.blender.org

This is a starship design currently in the works. On this project I was focusing on materials, texture and lighting.

Those who know me know that I am quite the Star Wars fan. So, modeling lightsabers is a must. The first two images are replicas from the films. The last one is a design of my own that I did for a friend.

From left to right: Luke Skywalker (ROTJ), Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jocasta Nu (modified), Luke Skywalker (TESB), Darth Vader

From left to right: Ki-Adi-Mundi, Kit Fisto, Adi Gallia, Jocasta Nu

If I am going to make lightsabers I might as well make a few guns as well. Here are a few models that are based on standard designs from the films with a few modifications.

Custom-Mod DL-44 Heavy Blaster Pistol

KYD-21 Blaster Pistol


Modified Nabooian Compact Blaster Pistol


Custom Jawa-Style Ion Rifle

I'll post some other Blender projects as I finish them.