Well, that's another great show to die.
I've just found out that the Syfy Channel has cancelled yet another Stargate show. Stargate Universe (SGU) Was a bold new installment in the Stargate franchise. It was completely character driven and was much darker than both SG1, Atlantis and the DTV movies. I for one really enjoyed it. Gone were the Goauld, the Ori, the Wraith and Replicators. SGU had no "bad guy" that they fought with every week. Instead, the enemy, for lack of a better word, was simply survival and isolation. It was a really good concept and one which was slow to burn. It was a far more dramatic show than the previous installments, which relied on action to drive the plot. I was really looking forward to seeing what they could do with it over the next couple of seasons. But no. Syfy, in its infinite wisdom, has scrapped it. To be replaced, most likely, with more wrestling or awful self made b-movies.
Ratings, it would seem, are everything to the network execs. With high ratings comes advertisers. With advertisers comes money. Forget the fan base. Who cares about the people who actually watch the show? They'll watch what we tell them to watch. The irony is that without American tv, I'd have nothing to watch, but because of it, I have to constantly search for something new because all my favourites get routinely cancelled due to their (the studio's) greed and douchebaggery.
SG1: Cancelled after 10 seasons (a great run to be honest)
Stargate Atlantis: Cancelled after 5 seasons
SGU: Cancelled after 2 seasons.
Firefly: Cancelled after 1 season
Studio 60: Cancelled after 1 season (though to be fair, American audiences dont like intelligent programming)
Kyle XY: Cancelled after 2 seasons
Sliders: Cancelled due to being fucked over by FOX
Fringe: On its way out
While one cant solely blame the suits for these cancellations, (the writers are sometimes to blame for lack of ambition and or laziness/ineptitude) the fact remains that if your show fails to make the money the studios want, then you get the axe.
And its not just tv. Jon Favrou wont be directing Iron Man 3 due to, one can assume, budget issues.
The film studios are even worse at this kind of thing. They have always thrieved on greed. Its capitalism 101: How do we make the most amount of money, for the least amount.
I'm sick to death of seeing endless horse shit movies and tv shows gaining huge ratings and success that just dont deserve it. Pirates of the Carribean 4? Seriously? Isnt that horse beaten to death enough?
You may have noticed that my list of shows, bar Studio 60, were all sci-fi. Yes, SCI-FI, not SYFY, you miscrients. If you're going to re-brand, dont be retarded about it. The reason is I love Sci-fi stuff. I was raised on a healthy dose of Star Trek, Stargate, Star Wars, anything really to do with space and or time travel/alternate dimensions. I watched Earth 2, Quantum leap, Sliders, was blown away by the 1st ep of Farscape (I was young) and I recall another show that involved marines in space, though I cant remember the name. I'm a huge nerd. I'm good at it as well. That isnt to say however that I dont enjoy other genres. Lie to me, Lost, Dexter, HIMYM, Californication, The Wire. I just prefer science fiction. Its inspiring, entertaining, can be hilariously funny, (SG1's 100th and 200th episodes were amazing) dramatic, thought provoking and touching. It is, in my opinion, the greatest and richest of all the genres. That is why I get so angry when studios shit all over it.
Alas, I feel as though I'm pissing in the wind. Science fiction will never garner the same support as a televisual/Movie art form the likes other genres enjoy. You wont see sci fi shows winning the best show award at the prime time emmys. You'd be hard pressed to see a Sci Fi movie win a top Oscar (At least not these days)
There are millions of sci fi fans all over the world. Millions of them in America alone. When you think about it, it doesnt really makes sense as to why such an obiously popular genre is constantly being beaten in the damn ratings. (a possible reason could be weak writing, but that can only go so far. Sliders was a fantastic show until the studio got involved and started demanding more of this and less of that)
There should be a dedicated channel, a proper sci fi channel, that airs only science fiction, for science fiction fans. A channel that isnt controled by idiots who think they know what people will watch. A Sci Fi channel for fans that is run by fans of the genre itself. Ratings can go fuck themselves.
But of course, for that to become a reality, the monetary system would have to take a back seat to quality programming. And that will never happen. Oh I do despair sometimes. Money, like religion, is the cause of so many problems. But without both, this wouldnt be our world. Damn paradox!
The Giving Lens
Friday, December 17, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Stephen Fry and Craig Ferguson
I love dick and fart jokes. I love crass, low rent humour. I also love fascinating conversations about society and language. While Craig Ferguson is generaly the proponent of the former, his is a gifted interviewer with a keen intellect.
If you're not familiar with Craig, and I shall assume that you are not based on the fact that nobody I know does, here is a brief description. Craig Ferguson is the host of "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson" which airs everynight on CBS in America. In my opinion the best of all the talk show hosts in that country and perhaps the world. He is funny, immensely entertaining, and you only have to watch a few of his shows to realise that what sets him apart from the rest is his honesty and his ability to not conform to the usual norms of his chosen profession.
Earlier this year, Craig had on as his guest, Stephen Fry. There is no need to provide a description of this man, as his awesomness goes without saying. Stephen has been on the show several times, but on this particular night, without an audience, without puppets or sketch segments, Craig just wanted to sit down and have a good old chat. This kind of thing is never seen in late night. And thats the point. Craig sets himself apart from the rest by being brave enough to try new things.
I just wanted to share with anyone who may read this the footage of that interview. Why? Because it's a great interview with two fascinating and intelligent people I admire greatly. I'll also provide links to Craig's wikipedia page so you can get some more information and also the youtube channel that provides daily episodes to the show. This is a relatively new channel as the old one was forced to close down. Because of this I cant seem to find the opening of the show.
Enjoy :)
Part 1:
Part 2:
Part 3:
Part 4:
Links: (hidden for some reason. Just move your cursor down and they will highlight)
Wikipedia page
Malinky's youtube channel
If you're not familiar with Craig, and I shall assume that you are not based on the fact that nobody I know does, here is a brief description. Craig Ferguson is the host of "The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson" which airs everynight on CBS in America. In my opinion the best of all the talk show hosts in that country and perhaps the world. He is funny, immensely entertaining, and you only have to watch a few of his shows to realise that what sets him apart from the rest is his honesty and his ability to not conform to the usual norms of his chosen profession.
Earlier this year, Craig had on as his guest, Stephen Fry. There is no need to provide a description of this man, as his awesomness goes without saying. Stephen has been on the show several times, but on this particular night, without an audience, without puppets or sketch segments, Craig just wanted to sit down and have a good old chat. This kind of thing is never seen in late night. And thats the point. Craig sets himself apart from the rest by being brave enough to try new things.
I just wanted to share with anyone who may read this the footage of that interview. Why? Because it's a great interview with two fascinating and intelligent people I admire greatly. I'll also provide links to Craig's wikipedia page so you can get some more information and also the youtube channel that provides daily episodes to the show. This is a relatively new channel as the old one was forced to close down. Because of this I cant seem to find the opening of the show.
Enjoy :)
Part 1:
Part 2:
Part 3:
Part 4:
Links: (hidden for some reason. Just move your cursor down and they will highlight)
Wikipedia page
Malinky's youtube channel
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Budget 2011 instant reaction
I have just spent the last couple of hours watching coverage of the Budget via RTE's online service. The quality was, at times, terrible as i was forced to continualy refresh the feed and thus missing large portions of what was being said. I dont know whether this was due to my connection being weak or if RTE's service is just pants. In either case, I felt the need to comment on what I heard.
At first glance, the Budget doesnt seem to be the extremely harsh one we were all led to believe it would be. Though it will obviously take time and various supplemenatry reports to make a full decision on this. Iwas very surprised that no increase in alcohol or tobacco was introduced. Dole payments are of course down, various taxes are up. To be honest, I dont feel qualified enough to go into these things. What I will say though is this: How does it benefit any nation to continually take money out of Health, Social Protection and Education?
In regards to the speeches made I thought Brian Lenihan was his usual confusing self. Though that may be due to my lack of understanding in regards to finance. He recieved several jeers and looked a bit like Donkey standing next to Shrek. Shrek being the mass of useless flesh sat next to him, Brian "Jabba" Cowen.
Michael Noonan was, from what I managed to hear, almost inspirational in my opinion. It was a great speech with a very apt Michael Collins quote at the end. Quite right that Minister Noonan was applauded at the end of it.
Joan Burtan was painful. I dont know enough to make a comment on her ability to do her job, but public speaking certainly isnt what she should do very often. Endless comparisons to America and a bizzare and cheesy High School Musical reference was just plain stupid and irelevant to me. She sounded like one of those school teachers who want to be popular with the kiddies. Though she did seem angry at the end of her speaking time, which was nice to see.
The last speech, and the one most interfered with in terms of RTE's pitiful streaming abilities, was the new Sinn Féin minister Pearse Doherty was in my view fantastic and awe inspiring. He encaptualted what we all are feeling. He, along with Minister Noonan gave suggestions on how all the FF cut backs cut have been avoided and he seemed genuinely angery and passionate about what he was saying and I respect him a lot for it.
I was utterly digusted however, that by the time Minister Doherty had a chance to speak, the Dáil had basicaly emptied. No Cowen, no Lenihan, No Kenny or Gilmore. In fact, I think I saw one Labour party TD and no FG TD's what so ever. FF had the Tainiste Mary Coughlan and another TD there, though I cant recall his name now. The Táinste spent most of the speech looking bored, disrespectal and constantly berrated and badgered Minister Doherty. Utter disgrace. The idea that 90+% of our elected officials dont see the need to listen to everyone and just get up and leave once they've said their peice makes me really angry. Sanctimonious, self-righteous bastards.
I never though id become involved in th politics of my Country, but the last few weeks have really shaken me up. I was even dissapointed to find out that due to me being in Italy, I will be unable to vote in the up-coming election. (Though I am still fairly cynical about elections in general)
I also never would have thought I would vote for anyone in Sinn Féin. But based on what I heard in the Dáil today, If I could, I would most likely vote for Pearse Doherty.
Slán
P.S: I'm quite liking the surge of Patriotism ive been feeling lately.
Here are Michael Noonan and Pearse Doherty's speeches:
Minister Noonan
Government accused of being 'socially blind' - RTÉ News
Minister Doherty:
Government accused of being 'socially blind' - RTÉ News
At first glance, the Budget doesnt seem to be the extremely harsh one we were all led to believe it would be. Though it will obviously take time and various supplemenatry reports to make a full decision on this. Iwas very surprised that no increase in alcohol or tobacco was introduced. Dole payments are of course down, various taxes are up. To be honest, I dont feel qualified enough to go into these things. What I will say though is this: How does it benefit any nation to continually take money out of Health, Social Protection and Education?
In regards to the speeches made I thought Brian Lenihan was his usual confusing self. Though that may be due to my lack of understanding in regards to finance. He recieved several jeers and looked a bit like Donkey standing next to Shrek. Shrek being the mass of useless flesh sat next to him, Brian "Jabba" Cowen.
Michael Noonan was, from what I managed to hear, almost inspirational in my opinion. It was a great speech with a very apt Michael Collins quote at the end. Quite right that Minister Noonan was applauded at the end of it.
Joan Burtan was painful. I dont know enough to make a comment on her ability to do her job, but public speaking certainly isnt what she should do very often. Endless comparisons to America and a bizzare and cheesy High School Musical reference was just plain stupid and irelevant to me. She sounded like one of those school teachers who want to be popular with the kiddies. Though she did seem angry at the end of her speaking time, which was nice to see.
The last speech, and the one most interfered with in terms of RTE's pitiful streaming abilities, was the new Sinn Féin minister Pearse Doherty was in my view fantastic and awe inspiring. He encaptualted what we all are feeling. He, along with Minister Noonan gave suggestions on how all the FF cut backs cut have been avoided and he seemed genuinely angery and passionate about what he was saying and I respect him a lot for it.
I was utterly digusted however, that by the time Minister Doherty had a chance to speak, the Dáil had basicaly emptied. No Cowen, no Lenihan, No Kenny or Gilmore. In fact, I think I saw one Labour party TD and no FG TD's what so ever. FF had the Tainiste Mary Coughlan and another TD there, though I cant recall his name now. The Táinste spent most of the speech looking bored, disrespectal and constantly berrated and badgered Minister Doherty. Utter disgrace. The idea that 90+% of our elected officials dont see the need to listen to everyone and just get up and leave once they've said their peice makes me really angry. Sanctimonious, self-righteous bastards.
I never though id become involved in th politics of my Country, but the last few weeks have really shaken me up. I was even dissapointed to find out that due to me being in Italy, I will be unable to vote in the up-coming election. (Though I am still fairly cynical about elections in general)
I also never would have thought I would vote for anyone in Sinn Féin. But based on what I heard in the Dáil today, If I could, I would most likely vote for Pearse Doherty.
Slán
P.S: I'm quite liking the surge of Patriotism ive been feeling lately.
Here are Michael Noonan and Pearse Doherty's speeches:
Minister Noonan
Government accused of being 'socially blind' - RTÉ News
Minister Doherty:
Government accused of being 'socially blind' - RTÉ News
Critical Mass
Is Wikileaks the shining beacon of hope we all want it to be or is it, like the Iranian government insist, a U.S State Dept ploy? This answer is obviously not the latter (crazy Iranians) but it may not be the former either. Wikileaks is without a doubt one of the most amazing things to happen in recent years. Anyone who values truth and freedom should, and probably do, admire and respect Julian Assange and the various pople connected to the website. In the world today, there are not enough men and women like him. At least, no one as well known. There are the Alex Jones, Jim Marrs and Jesse Ventura's of the world, but they are relatively unknown to the vast majority of the public.
Wikileaks has been around for a few years now and has broken some pretty huge stories. Their exposé of Scientology, the murder of Reuter's journalists and the thousands of documents the released on the wars in Afganistan and Iraq we're incredible. However this latest cablegate stuff is just immense. (side note: I hate how every controversial news story gets the "gate" treatment. Stop doing that!) Governments should be held accountable for what they do, but there is a risk of endangering people's lives when too much information is shared. I'm talking here of the cable released recently discussing locations that are vital to U.S interests. The only problem I have with this is the fact that there is the possibility that such sights ma become targets for "terrorist" bombings. I say "terrorist" because that word is really over used in the media but my point remains the same. Apart from that, I think the release of these documents is a great things. And here's why:
Knowledge is power.
For thousands of years, the ones with the knowledge, control the ones who dont. The world, if you look at it from a certain perspective, is an Orwellian dystopia and becomes so even more as time passes. Such a society can not exist if information is freely available to the mass populace. That is whats really scaring the U.S and various other power brokers. Wikileaks presents a threat to their very nature. If you cant control what the people know, you cant control the people. So they are fighting back in every way they can think of that wont cause all out revolt. Bullshit charges of sexual misconduct. Hacking the site into oblivion (though, like the Hydra, new ones continue to appear) Amazon taking back their servers, Paypal and Mastercard making it so Assange and co cant recive donations, his Swiss bank account being frozen due to him not providing correct details on where he lives. Please! If you read these stories, they just make you laugh!
The bank said: "(Mr) Assange cannot provide proof of residence in Switzerland and thus does not meet the criteria for a customer relationship with PostFinance. For this reason, PostFinance is entitled to close his account."
While Master Card opted for: "MasterCard said it was cutting off payments because WikiLeaks is engaging in illegal activity. "MasterCard rules prohibit customers from directly or indirectly engaging in or facilitating any action that is illegal," spokesman Chris Monteiro said."
Think about that for a moment. A Swiss bank closes an account because proof or residence cant be confirmed. You telling me that every single Swiss bank account holder lives in Switerland? Assange put Geneva as his residence. As, I am sure, many, many others do. It's bullshit. And as for Mastercard's pitiful excuse? How many criminals use credit cards? Its utter lunacy. It's as if you were to let ten thousand rats through your window, but tell one guy he cant come in because he wants to use the front door. (A very odd analogy, but its late, and I'm tired)
I could segway into a rant about the invisble empire or 'NWO' and incorporate all sorts of material ranging from documentaries, to video games, to comics; but I wont. Anyone who knows me knows that I love conspiracy theories and could talk about them for ever. This isnt the best platform to do that. However, I will add some links to news stories, websites and the names of some films you should watch and then you can make up your own minds as to how they are all connected to some degree. I personaly think we as a people are approaching a critical mass in terms of our understanding to whats really going on in the world. There are too many signs emerging for me to believe they are purely coincidental. There are 3 ways this will all end as far as i'm concerned: 1: They, whomever 'they' are, win. Perhaps they already have and now are just consolidating their power. 2: They fail due to information reaching the public and the public, en masse, finally wake up and take actual steps to prevent the End Game. or 3: I'm just a paranoid nut.
We shall find out in the coming future.
Below are the links :) (they just seem to be hidden for some reason. Move your curser down though and the links will highlight)
Good night, and good luck
Wikileaks Twitter
Cablegate Twitter
Twitter censorship of wikileaks?
Infowars.com
Jim Marrs.com
Documentaries:
The Obama Deception
Terror Storm
End Game
Fall of the Republic
Invisible Empire: A New World Order defined
Zeitgeist the Movie
Zeitgeist Addendum
Loose Change
Other ares of interest:
The Illuminati
The Knights Templar
The Bildeberg Group
The Tri-Lateral Commission
The Council on Forign Relations
The pc/xbox game series "Deus Ex" & Assassin's Creed
2012, the Annunaki, the Mithras storyline in the Deadpool comic, ancient astronaut theory and 'Chariots of the Gods' by Erich von Daniken
Jesse Ventura interviews and videos you come across.
These are just ideas on where to begin. You'll find various other sources online and in books.
Wikileaks has been around for a few years now and has broken some pretty huge stories. Their exposé of Scientology, the murder of Reuter's journalists and the thousands of documents the released on the wars in Afganistan and Iraq we're incredible. However this latest cablegate stuff is just immense. (side note: I hate how every controversial news story gets the "gate" treatment. Stop doing that!) Governments should be held accountable for what they do, but there is a risk of endangering people's lives when too much information is shared. I'm talking here of the cable released recently discussing locations that are vital to U.S interests. The only problem I have with this is the fact that there is the possibility that such sights ma become targets for "terrorist" bombings. I say "terrorist" because that word is really over used in the media but my point remains the same. Apart from that, I think the release of these documents is a great things. And here's why:
Knowledge is power.
For thousands of years, the ones with the knowledge, control the ones who dont. The world, if you look at it from a certain perspective, is an Orwellian dystopia and becomes so even more as time passes. Such a society can not exist if information is freely available to the mass populace. That is whats really scaring the U.S and various other power brokers. Wikileaks presents a threat to their very nature. If you cant control what the people know, you cant control the people. So they are fighting back in every way they can think of that wont cause all out revolt. Bullshit charges of sexual misconduct. Hacking the site into oblivion (though, like the Hydra, new ones continue to appear) Amazon taking back their servers, Paypal and Mastercard making it so Assange and co cant recive donations, his Swiss bank account being frozen due to him not providing correct details on where he lives. Please! If you read these stories, they just make you laugh!
The bank said: "(Mr) Assange cannot provide proof of residence in Switzerland and thus does not meet the criteria for a customer relationship with PostFinance. For this reason, PostFinance is entitled to close his account."
While Master Card opted for: "MasterCard said it was cutting off payments because WikiLeaks is engaging in illegal activity. "MasterCard rules prohibit customers from directly or indirectly engaging in or facilitating any action that is illegal," spokesman Chris Monteiro said."
Think about that for a moment. A Swiss bank closes an account because proof or residence cant be confirmed. You telling me that every single Swiss bank account holder lives in Switerland? Assange put Geneva as his residence. As, I am sure, many, many others do. It's bullshit. And as for Mastercard's pitiful excuse? How many criminals use credit cards? Its utter lunacy. It's as if you were to let ten thousand rats through your window, but tell one guy he cant come in because he wants to use the front door. (A very odd analogy, but its late, and I'm tired)
I could segway into a rant about the invisble empire or 'NWO' and incorporate all sorts of material ranging from documentaries, to video games, to comics; but I wont. Anyone who knows me knows that I love conspiracy theories and could talk about them for ever. This isnt the best platform to do that. However, I will add some links to news stories, websites and the names of some films you should watch and then you can make up your own minds as to how they are all connected to some degree. I personaly think we as a people are approaching a critical mass in terms of our understanding to whats really going on in the world. There are too many signs emerging for me to believe they are purely coincidental. There are 3 ways this will all end as far as i'm concerned: 1: They, whomever 'they' are, win. Perhaps they already have and now are just consolidating their power. 2: They fail due to information reaching the public and the public, en masse, finally wake up and take actual steps to prevent the End Game. or 3: I'm just a paranoid nut.
We shall find out in the coming future.
Below are the links :) (they just seem to be hidden for some reason. Move your curser down though and the links will highlight)
Good night, and good luck
Wikileaks Twitter
Cablegate Twitter
Twitter censorship of wikileaks?
Infowars.com
Jim Marrs.com
Documentaries:
The Obama Deception
Terror Storm
End Game
Fall of the Republic
Invisible Empire: A New World Order defined
Zeitgeist the Movie
Zeitgeist Addendum
Loose Change
Other ares of interest:
The Illuminati
The Knights Templar
The Bildeberg Group
The Tri-Lateral Commission
The Council on Forign Relations
The pc/xbox game series "Deus Ex" & Assassin's Creed
2012, the Annunaki, the Mithras storyline in the Deadpool comic, ancient astronaut theory and 'Chariots of the Gods' by Erich von Daniken
Jesse Ventura interviews and videos you come across.
These are just ideas on where to begin. You'll find various other sources online and in books.
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