If you enjoy a great movie trailer as much as I do, you'll find this article to be of interest. Some great insight into the world of a trailer editor is offered. It's a cool read.

(And they even acknowledge that some trailers *cough*WhatLiesBeneath*cough* give everything away.)

While I'm on the topic, I'll attempt to coax some comments. Best Trailer Ever? The Rock? Austin Powers 2? Uh...Cannonball Run? Shout out your suggestions below.

Now Playing :: Unbreakable score
posted by Gray at 10:23 PM | | link

According to the LIVE ACTIONCHOPPER6CAM on the news, the Lenox Square food court is on fire. I'm thinking that maybe that pizza place that always smells like something is burning is finally actually burning.

"Dude...did you take that calzone out before you took your break?"
"Uhhhh...."
posted by Gray at 11:12 AM | | link

I'm no huge Korn fan, but I must say, this new video where the guy from the Vanilla Coke commercial orders up a ho and steps into his prom in some modern day pimp gear before proceeding to projectile vomit on all of his enemies with such force that they're actually washed across the gym is somewhat impressive.
posted by Gray at 2:10 AM | | link

I am all about The History Channel these days. They're giving R. Lee Ermey his own show!
posted by Gray at 12:45 AM | | link

The 2nd volume of Alan Moore's League of Extraordinary Gentlemen came out last week...the first issue of it, anyway. Definitely worth a look if you're interested in... well, here's where I could say 'Victorian literature,' but I don't suppose the kids are really tearin' through the Jules Verne these days.

Whatever the case, I sure enjoy it. Volume 1 was published a couple of years ago, and there's a movie being shot even as you read this (to be released this fall). So, if you think the collective adventures of Allan Quartermain, Dr. Jekyll, The Invisible Man, Captain Nemo and Mina Harker might be to your liking, check it out at a comic shop near you. If you've already read it and enjoyed it, make sure you check out Jess Nevins' Notes on the series.
posted by Gray at 12:31 AM | | link

No posts since Friday... yes, it's really been just that boring a weekend. I will take a moment to confirm the quality and replay value of Advance Wars on the Game Boy Advance and to recommend it to anyone who enjoys wargames or strategy in general. Well worth the $60 + $25 for the GBA and cartridge.

I've put hours and hours into this game, and I'm still going strong. Lemme know if you want to rumble.
posted by Gray at 1:47 PM | | link

After much procrastination, I've added some links to 'blogs of people I read but don't really know' on the left sidebar there. [ jumplink ]

Take a minute and check out a new blog. These all have the $nowman Seal of Approval.
posted by Gray at 1:18 AM | | link

Here's your Friday Sellout. What do you think? REALLY silly, or only slightly silly?
posted by Gray at 4:01 PM | | link

We got in on one of the Goldmember screenings over at ye olde Hollywoode this evening... hilarity ensued, and fortunately, almost all of it was on the movie screen. I won't go into details, but it was the best laugh I've had in a long, long time. Make sure you're not late for this one... the opening scene is worth the price of admission.
posted by Gray at 11:27 PM | | link

I have returned. West Virginia has many mountains and Econo Lodgeses. One of them sits on the site of Fort Lewis, and smells funny.

Fortunately, there are other hotels in the area. Anyway, I'm home. More later.
posted by Gray at 2:05 AM | | link

I'm heading up to WV today to see my sister. She's working at a hole-in-the-mountains theater up there for the summer. Maybe we'll see Derek Zoolander's father and two brothers leaving the coal mine at the end of their shift.

Watch the store for me.
posted by Gray at 9:03 AM | | link

Smokey & The Bandit 2 comes on TBS in a little while.
"You remember how good Smokey & The Bandit was? That's how BAD Smokey & The Bandit 2 is." - Joe Bob Briggs
posted by Gray at 1:33 AM | | link

The show was cool... the guys worked the crowd pretty well, but they didn't seem to have enough material to fill the hour. When there was a lull in crowd enthusiasm near the end during a slow song, they said 'funk dat!' and played "Lapdance" and "Rock Star" again. That seemed to work pretty well.

Random Observations:
1) Teenage girls do not acknowledge that their clothes have pockets. Mobile phones must be held at all times.
2) When the sign says it's an "Extra Large Jumbo Huge Funnel Cake," they're not kidding. *powdered sugar overload*
3) Nothing funnier than one guy in a moshpit that no one else has any interest in.
4) As much as I may try to avoid daytime TV in any form, I cannot deny that Kelly Ripa is way hot.
5) I need to find some more people that know who Link Wray is.
posted by Gray at 1:29 AM | | link

Hmmm... sudden rain = less enthusiasm about free concert this evening. I would like to see N.E.R.D., though... especially since I read an interview mentioning that they'd prefer to never tour again. (maybe that just means they suck live?)

...and I really should take advantage of the fact that Link Wray is in town tonight.

Now Playing :: DJ Shadow - "Walkie Talkie"
posted by Gray at 3:45 PM | | link

Apparently, some people in Canada like GI Joe way, way, WAY more than I do. They're performing COBRA - The Musical, and all the shows are sold out. They've got pictures. Click the links and enjoy the fruity evil.

Now Playing :: Mojo Nixon - "The Poontango"
posted by Gray at 1:18 PM | | link

I have forgone a workout this evening to see a certain dragon movie *points to the black area at right* so I need to head down to the pool and swim a few laps. The competition? I have Blackalicious playing and a big ol' stack of new comic books in front of me. Also, there's air conditioning inside the house.

Choices, choices. (saying this as if I don't have hours and hours of free time on my hands...)
posted by Gray at 11:16 PM | | link

An evening of high quality portly soul on the talk shows tonight. Solomon Burke sat upon his throne (really!) and wooed the crowd on Letterman. Cee-Lo Green (ATL represent!) and His Perfect Imperfections had me dancing in my chair on Carson's show (a rare feat at 2 a.m., let me tell ya).

Check these guys out if you are not completely without a groove.
posted by Gray at 2:11 AM | | link

I guess it's time to refocus my career search. My new goal will be BLIND PSYCHIC MONK.
posted by Gray at 11:18 PM | | link

As Travis points out, "this is just odd right here" -- [ The Doors Replace Jim Morrison With Ian Astbury ]

(For those of you scratching your heads and unwilling to click the link, Ian was the singer for The Cult. They've been making music to drive Camaros by for quite a few years now. You may remember them from such songs as "Fire Woman" and "Love Removal Machine.")

So anyway, Doors reunion tour in the works. I guess it's time for all the now-goth kids to revert to high school mode and put on their well-worn Levis with LIZARD KING scrawled on the thigh and the matching Morrison Hotel black tshirt? Rock on, dude.
posted by Gray at 1:49 PM | | link

...and speaking of my fellow ATLiens, is anyone going to the free N.E.R.D. show Friday night? Or the non-free Link Wray show?
posted by Gray at 11:22 AM | | link

Hey howdy hey to anyone making their way here from the Atlanta Blogs Webring. The group looks to be fairly, uh...exclusive (read: small) so far, but I'm sure the ranks will fill out soon enough.

In other news, I'm trying to put together a small portfolio of writing efforts. I'll post a link when I get it ready. Oh, and speaking of bad writing... [ link ]

Now Playing :: Bjork - "Amphibian"
posted by Gray at 11:12 AM | | link

I think the porno spammers are using robots now:

fun_chik2001: hi.... you there?
graythedj: yes, I am.
fun_chik2001: asl?
graythedj: I think they're in my profile.
fun_chik2001: 23/f/ny
fun_chik2001: so waht are you up to graythedj?
fun_chik2001: you wana cyber me! im kinda in the mood if you know what i mean
graythedj: I don't know you.
fun_chik2001: great! can you jst get it started..
graythedj: no, I just told you I don't know you.
fun_chik2001: so tell me how you would do me! from behind?
graythedj: are you reading the words I'm typing before you reply?
fun_chik2001: yeah, give it to me from behind sweets
graythedj: I think you're some kind of Fembot.
fun_chik2001: what?? what is a bot?
graythedj: a robot.
fun_chik2001: what?? what is a bot?
graythedj: HA. go away, Fembot.
fun_chik2001: ok, i can take a hint.. but you should check out the pictures i have of me on my site.. you might change ur mind.. check it out http://www.holeinmypants.com/elisabeth/
graythedj: please remove me from your list of potential suckers. thank you, drive through.

I guess she does deserve a small amount of pity, though. The poor thing has a hole in her pants.
posted by Gray at 2:43 PM | | link

For those of you with similar retro-geeky interests:

Schedule of GI Joe on Cartoon Network (it's on Mon. - Thu. at 1am now!)
posted by Gray at 12:26 PM | | link

While on the topic of Catherine Bach, check out this picture of her with George Burns and a giant, disgusting-looking, phallic cake (I assume that's what it is):



...and leave your snarky and/or filthy remarks in the comment area below. Have fun.
posted by Gray at 3:53 PM | | link

TV Guide has passed judgement upon The 50 Worst TV Shows Of All Time. Fortunately, I've only seen about 10 of them, and would only give any kind of support to two.

I had no idea there was a show called "Hee-Haw Honeys." That must have been some nee-hawin', Daisy Duke-wearin' good fun. Or not.

Soggy weather has robbed me of a day of much-needed yardwork, but that's what I get for putting it off.

Now Playing :: Ian Moore - Via Satellite (buy this cd.)
posted by Gray at 3:35 PM | | link

I noticed in the search logs that someone found their way to this page by looking for "HOW TO SET GRAY SCALE ON TV," and I got all excited because I misread and thought someone wanted to GET ME ON TV... which would rule. So, now that the topic has been breached, someone please, GET ME ON TV. Thank you.

Now Playing :: Transformers The Movie (score) - Vince DiCola
posted by Gray at 5:29 PM | | link

The new Weezer video ("Keep Fishin'") is very cool. It's got Muppets! Thanks to Ariel for posting the link.
posted by Gray at 8:07 PM | | link

Has anyone seen How's Your News? It sounds pretty great.
posted by Gray at 2:59 PM | | link

ITEM! The folks over at Cinema Confidential report that Michelle Rodriguez has been added to the cast of the upcoming S.W.A.T. remake. Samuel L. "BMF" Jackson and Colin "Bullseye" Farrell also star.

Now, aside from the added bonus of Michelle's hotness and Sam and Colin's combined badassedness, a new movie based on S.W.A.T. means, more importantly, that we'll probably hear a lot more of the Rhythm Heritage's "Theme from S.W.A.T.," available most conveniently on Kurtis Blow Presents The History of Rap: Vol. 1.

Since I consider it to be one of the coolest TV themes EVER, that works just fine for me. Just don't let Puffy anywhere near it, please. Thanks.

Now playing :: UNKLE - "Be There" (lots of remixes)
posted by Gray at 1:11 PM | | link

Is there such a thing as too much Buffy? Yes, I think there is, and I think I'm watching it. Dear Lord, please give me a job so I'm not home every afternoon to watch The A-Team, 2-3 hours of Buffy and an occasional X-Files. Granted, I enjoy all these shows, especially The A-Team, but GUH...I think it's sapping my will to move.
posted by Gray at 8:36 PM | | link

Well, I just caught the tail end of it as I glanced over from Castlevania, but I'd like to take a moment to remind everyone that Action Cats is one of the greatest things to ever grace a television.
posted by Gray at 2:24 AM | | link

Operation: Midnight Swim was a success. Nothing like combining a bike ride and a swim and uh...staying up late.

Also, it has come to my attention that there are lots and lots of Simpsons tshirts out there. Why, back in MY day, we didn't HAVE shirts for every character under the sun! They were all Bart, and we LIKED it! YEAH!

Well, we didn't know any better. The joys of Ralph and Apu and Comic Book Guy were not yet evident. I will say this, though; when I found that Bartman tshirt in a Bakersfield, CA mall in 1991, it was one of the coolest purchases of my young life. Don't have a cow, man.
posted by Gray at 1:36 AM | | link

A few pictures from the shindig at Edward's house last weekend are now up...for any of you out there who know Edward (the one in ATL, not the one linked in at left).
posted by Gray at 1:03 PM | | link

Experimenting with layout. Drop a line if something looks horrid or breaks your browser completely.

Q: Why are they using hoochiemamas in tight jeans and Daisy Dukes to market the Powerpuff Girls Movie?
A: So I will watch the commercials. (on MUTE)
posted by Gray at 2:55 AM | | link

Taking suggesions on what to do with the rest of the day. So far we have two suggestions:

1) Make a list
2) Continue to sit here

Give me a shout if you have any other ideas. So far this weekend, I've already caught up on my Black Panther reading and my Shyamalan movie watching.

Perhaps a sammich will enlighten me.
posted by Gray at 2:08 PM | | link

There is no mood that cannot be improved by the occurance of Isaac Hayes' "Theme from Shaft" coming on the radio immediately after you start the car. If you happen to be leaving the ice cream stand with a butterscotch ripple cone in your hand...WELL....does life get any better than that?

(perhaps, but I'm a simple man. God bless America, Isaac Hayes and Bruster's Ice Cream.)
posted by Gray at 10:57 PM | | link

Happy 4th, everybody. Don't forget to celebrate the independence of your nation by blowing up a small part of it! (I would link in a sound file of Apu saying that here, but surprisingly, one does not seem to exist on the internet. My mind is officially boggled at that one.)
posted by Gray at 12:59 PM | | link

I'm all about the blurbs lately. Here's my attempt at Larry King as a video game fan:

"For my money, there is no finer piece of aural feedback in a video game than the hearty *CHOOM* of my sword slashing down a zombie in Castlevanie: Symphony of the Night for the Sony Playstation! The perfectly weighted thud that the subwoofer projects at my foot makes me wish I was a younger man again, and that I didn't have to pay my wife to stay home at night! I'm Larry King, and this is CNN!"
posted by Gray at 10:38 PM | | link

Heed the wisdom of Mr. T!
posted by Gray at 11:22 PM | | link

Here's an interesting story about Wes Anderson, one of my favorite directors.

Have I mentioned lately that you can listen to me on internet radio? Better give it a try before The Man does away with it altogether...
posted by Gray at 11:04 AM | | link

Well, I didn't make the Street Team (despite the fact that I had a healthy lead in the poll as of last night... that wasn't really a factor. It just made me feel cool.). If you missed it, my bio and video are still up... check them out before Nintendo removes the page, I guess.

p.s. - A big thanks to everyone who voted repeatedly for me in the poll. I appreciate the support, even if the brass at Nintendo chose to ignore the obvious tidal wave of public opinion and pick some of the other candidates over me... : ) (27% as of last night. whoop.)
posted by Gray at 10:31 AM | | link

Here's something you don't see just every day...



SPEED BUGGY! Luckily, I had slowed due to construction at this point, and I was able to pull out the digital camera and shoot this over my shoulder before he/it disappeared. Lucky shot, eh?

Now playing :: Wayne's World
posted by Gray at 2:11 AM | | link