Halloween Meme

1. What is your favorite written work of horror fiction?
Pet Semetary by Stephen King and The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson. Haunting scared the shit out of me, to the point where I cannot read it with no one around/after dark or I get the creeps.


Also, Semetary's ending scared me so much that I had to have my back against the wall of my stairs in my room as I read it.

2. What is your favorite work of science fiction/fantasy?
'Aliens' is my favourite sci-fi movie, second only to 'Serenity'. Though, if we stick with a Halloween theme, I'd say the TV shows 'Supernatural' and 'Fringe' are the best.

3. Who is your favorite monster?
The Headless Horseman from The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. And as far as actual monsters, I'd have to say vampires, though we're inundated with them now, and it's annoying.

4. What is your favorite Horror movie?
'Fright Night'. It's spooky, scary and very funny. And it has Roddy McDowall and Chris Sarandon in it. :)

5. What horror movie gives you the most chills?
'The Haunting' {1963 version}, 'The Descent' and 'The Orphanage'.

6. What character from any horror film would you most like to play?
I'd probably like to be Ripley from 'Alien', since she kicks total ass.

7. Freddy or Jason?
I don't really like either of them, but I'll have to go with Freddy since he can kill you in your dreams, and that's awesome. And also:

He's being played in the remake by Jackie Earle Haley. How awesome is that?

8. What is your favorite Halloween treat?
Almond Joys

9. Ghosts or goblins?
Ghosts, by far. Thank you, 'Supernatural'! I've even been ghost hunting in Old Ellicott City and saw numerous orbs.

10. Friendly-faced jack-o'-lantern or scary one?
I usually make friendly ones, but this one is AWESOME:

11. What is your scariest encounter with the paranormal?
I was on the phone with one of my current exes, and I was sitting on the floor in front of the stove. While we were talking, the radio that was across the room started making noises, like voices, which raised in volume and then just went away.

Also, when I was on the phone with same ex, we got disconnected, and when I called him back, I heard some weird whispering on the other end. I got freaked out and hung up. He called me back a minute later and went, "What the hell was THAT?!" since he had heard it, too.

12. Do you believe in ghosts? Why or why not?
I do believe in ghosts. I've felt a cold spot in the middle of summer, I've heard ghostly whispering on the phone and through the radio, and one night I heard whistling downstairs when everyone in the house was asleep and I was the only one awake.

Also, I've got numerous photos of orbs that I took in Old Ellicott City, and while they're not necessarily evidence of ghosts, they are often psychic residue or evidence of of it.

13. Would you rather be a zombie, alien, or psycho?
Psycho. They have the most fun before the third act. {Excellent answer, Lauren. I totally agree.}

14. Favorite Halloween costume?
Of the ones I've worn, when I was Laura Ingalls Wilder in 8th grade. It was so much fun getting to dress up as her.

15. Best thing about Halloween?
All the free candy, and pretending to be someone else for the night.

16. Person in your family who most likes Halloween (not counting yourself)?
I would say my uncle or my Dad, since all of us share a love of horror movies, but my Mom likes the decoration aspect of the holiday...like every other holiday.

17. Are you superstitious?
Not really, though I do knock on wood sometimes.

18. Share an unusual Halloween story.
I don't really have one, actually.

19. What did you do for Halloween as a kid?
Trick or treated.

20. What's the best Halloween party that you've attended?
The one I attended yesterday. There was Rock Banding while in costume. I was Liz Lemon from '30 Rock'.

"Broadcast on all known frequencies and in all known languages. Including Welsh."

Rimmer, I think Welsh is a language. Title is from 'Red Dwarf'

The Day So Far
I woke up today at 10:55, after resetting my alarm at 10:45, and didn't know so many things could go wrong within the space of about 15 minutes. Dad called, so I got to talk to him for a bit. While I was on the phone with him, I was making my breakfast; Frosted Flakes. When I poured the milk from the last of the 1/2 gallon over it, it was chunky. So, I tossed a whole bowl of cereal in the garbage. My second try was almost worse, since, though the sell by date was today, it had gone off. I smelled it, but sometimes milk just smells gross. So, I poured a little into a glass and took a sip. It tasted weird and then when I tasted it again, I was almost sick.

So, yes, definitely sour milk. FUUUH.

I worked with Ben and am now relaxing at home before Derek's Halloween party.

News/Stuff About Celebrities and Movies/Music/TV Shows/etc.
Movie News:
According to Daniel Craig, the next James Bond film is scheduled to begin filming sometime next year. I for one am excited at the thought of another Bond film. At least, one with Mr. Craig in it, since he's my favourite Bond {granted, the only other movie with someone else playing Bond in it I've seen has been 'The Spy Who Loved Me', with Roger Moore...truly awful}.

TV News:
According to this article, and Lauren's blog from today, the 10th season of 'Red Dwarf' will launch the 10th season of the show shortly. Now, though this is one of my most favourite television shows ever {I got into it in 5th grade, and have been hooked ever since}, there's a few things wrong with this:
-I don't recall them having a 9th season. Unless you count 'Back to Earth', the recent TV special they did {and I do NOT count that}.
-All of the actors, with the exception of Danny John-Jules {The Cat} and Robert Llewelyn {who has prosthetics put over his face for every episode as Kryten}, are WAY too old to be playing their roles. Chris Barrie and Craig Charles do not look convincing as Lister and Rimmer anymore, and they look more like they want to take a shower and listen to records all evening with wine in their hand while they fall asleep in their armchairs. And, I wasn't aware holograms aged.
-The 7th season of 'Red Dwarf' was almost unbearable, once they reintroduced Kochanski {Lister's recurring love interest from the first season, whom he never actually got together with}, one of the most insipid and annoying characters ever. Or maybe it's just because I didn't like the actress. Whatever the reason, they were really trying to make the show funny in season 7, and I just wasn't feeling it. Season 8 picked up a lot, but comes nowhere near the genius of seasons 3-6.

See? Even they don't look happy about the new show, and this picture is easily 15 years old. Let's not sully the original memory of this show.

I thank all the Gods that actually do exist that the American pilot of 'Red Dwarf' never actually got off the ground.

Miscellany
Funny Picture(s) I've Found:


The Song Currently Stuck In My Head:
'Jack's Lament' from the Nightmare Before Christmas soundtrack. It's almost Halloween, and I feel I should begin getting in the spirit of the holiday.

Jackie Earle Haley:

I can't wait until 'Human Target' premieres. Just have to wait until January. Can I do it?...I guess I'll have to.

Hot Guy Of the Day
David Wenham
Quote(s) of the Day
-Deb: "You are not allowed to talk about anyone I date as long as you’re seein’ Little Miss "Pardon My Tits". I am sorry, Dex, but she is gross. And pale. And nobody is pale in Miami. She is obviously a vampire. A gross, English, titty vampire."

-Kryten: "Mr. Rimmer is suffering from a stress-related nervous disorder."
-Lister: "Next time I see him he'll be suffering from a fist-related teeth disorder."

Anything Else I Can Think Of
A Video You Need to See:
The question game scene from 'Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead'. If you haven't seen this movie by now, you should be ashamed of yourself. It's got Gary Oldman AND Tim Roth in it.

"It appears my hypocrisy knows no bounds."

I think everyone's got boundless hypocrisy in them. They just have to know where to look. Title is from 'Tombstone'.

The Day So Far
I had a dream I was hanging out with the people from 'Friends'. And when I was about to get Chandler's number, we began to be overrun my zombies.

I've been watching 'Fringe' all morning, trying to get to the end of season 1 so I can watch season 2 while it's still available on Hulu.

News/Stuff About Celebrities and Movies/Music/TV Shows/etc.
Actor News:
Soupy Sales died today. He was a comedian who I had never heard of until I started watching 'Friends'. And I'm not sure if my dream was entirely a coincidence or not.

Maybe I've been watching too much 'Fringe'.


Most Recent Movie(s)/TV Show(s) I've Seen At Home:
'Fringe' season 1. Created by J.J. Abrams, Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci and starring Anna Torv, Joshua Jackson, John Noble, Mark Valley, Lance Reddick and Kirk Acevedo. This show has everything that is good about 'The X-Files' and none of its weaknesses. Though a lot of it, you may feel you've seen before, they manage to spin in an entirely new light and make interesting. Though it moves at a slow pace, you feel like you get more in each episode. All the characters are very well written, and it's one of the first shows where I really like all of the main characters. John Noble is hilarious as Walter Bishop, an eccentric scientist who was institutionalized after the death of his lab assistant 17 years ago.

One warning; as with all J.J. Abrams created shows, this will leave you with a million new questions and about twelve answers. There is also a cow.

Grade: A-

Miscellany
Funny Picture(s) I've Found:


The Song Currently Stuck In My Head:
'Pain' by Three Days Grace. It makes me think of Rorschach, and that can't be all bad, right?

Jackie Earle Haley:

Oh, Little Joe. You need to pull the dead poodle off of your head.

This is from 'The Zoo Gang', one of the very worst movies ever made. Seriously, 'Twilight' was better than this dreck. And I never ever thought I would say that.

Hot Guy Of the Day
Brendan Hines


Quote of the Day
-Tobias: "Well, yes, but I'm afraid I prematurely shot my wad on what was supposed to be a dry run, if you will, so now I'm afraid I have something of a mess on my hands."
-Michael: "There are just so many poorly chosen words in that sentence."

Anything Else I Can Think Of
Band You Should Be Listening To:
Electrelane. Formed in the 1998 in Brighton, England, by Verity Susman {also known as Vera November} and Emma Gaze, they were an alternative rock band who drew influence from Sonic Youth, The Velvet Underground, Neu! and Stereolab. The lead singer, Verity Susman, doesn't have what you'd call a "good" singing voice, in that she's not that good at all, but she's very soulful, and you can't help but like it.

I may be biased because I was told by my friend, who makes music and who likes her voice, that I sound like her when I sing. I suppose that's a good thing.

I Want:
A frozen Mudslide. With some sushi on the side, please.



A Video You Need to See:
Neil Patrick Harris + Batman + a musical number = EPIC AMAZINGNESS

Batman: The Brave and the Bold at IGN.com

"I've never had a conversation with a dead guy before. Forgive me if I don't know the rules."

Could someone tell me the rules for having a conversation with a dead person? I'd like to know them. Title is from 'Fringe'.

The Day So Far
I did Math homework, went to class, and felt the need to drink while I did both of those things. I have a bad feeling I will be failing this class, and will have to retake it next semester. It's my LAST class before I get my Associate's Degree. FUUUUUH.


The ONLY bright side, that I can see, is that whenever I fail a class {it's always been Math}, I always do sensationally better the second time around.

I paid two bills {would have sent the 3rd out had I remembered to put a stamp on it}, and am now significantly poorer. I long for a better job. I did have Chinese food for dinner, and have been relaxing all evening, so that has been lovely.


Most Recent Movie(s)/TV Show(s) I've Seen At Home:

'Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead'
Written and directed by Tom Stoppard, starring Tim Roth, Gary Oldman and Richard Dreyfuss {the "hottie from 'Jaws'", so says my friend Emmy}. The two minor characters, Rosencrantz, played by Gary Oldman, and Guildenstern, played by Tim Roth {or is it the other way around?} find themselves in the middle of the famous play 'Hamlet', unsure why they're there or what to make of anything that's going on, all the while, trying to figure out why Hamlet is going mad.

I expected this to be rip-roaringly funny, and while it wasn't that, it was still very funny on its own merits. I hadn't read 'Hamlet' in quite awhile, and so was trying to remember certain elements of the story, which probably helped in the viewing of the film. Confusion reigns supreme, as even the main characters are trying to figure out who the hell they are, and what the hell they're doing in Denmark.

Grade: B


Miscellany
Funny Picture(s) I've Found:

The Song Currently Stuck In My Head:
'Anarchy in the UK' by the Sex Pistols.

Jackie Earle Haley:
Jackie at the 2009 Scream Awards. He's at 1:09.


Cheeky... :3


Hot Guy Of the Day
Tim Roth. I don't need to explain why he's on here again.


Quote of the Day
-Olivia: "Where is your father?"
-Peter: "Walter is at the hotel. But don't worry, your agents are standing guard, not that it matters 'cause the man is unconscious. He was awake till five in the morning reciting the chemical compositions of his favorite beverages to me. That was right after he finished lecturing me on how I squandered on my above average intellect and my substantial education all while he was standing there naked. Because he 'prefers the breeze'."


Anything Else I Can Think Of
I Want:
Chocolate mousse cake. Thank you, Dean.


This picture is almost pornographic. Pass the forks and milk, please.

Random List:
Favourite Horror Films:
1. The Haunting {1963}
2. 28 Days Later
3. Dawn of the Dead {2004}
4. Dog Soldiers
5. The Descent
6. The Orphanage
7. Let the Right One In
8. 28 Weeks Later
9. Wrong Turn
10. An American Werewolf in London
11. Psycho {1960}
12. Fright Night {technically a horror comedy, but still}
13. The Hills Have Eyes {2006}

A Video You Need to See:
The Amazing Athiest shows you how to put on makeup the manly way. Seriously watch this. It's hilariously ludicrous.

"Touch each other in a celebratory way."

I haven't touched someone in a celebratory way in a long time. Title is from 'The IT Crowd'.

The Day So Far
Finally dragged myself out of bed after being up for a long time thinking about stuff, around noon. I'm now watching 'Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead' for the first time, and I am immensely enjoying Tim Roth in his Guildenstern costume.

*Coughs* Uhm. Yes.

I know I haven't updated this since October 2nd. Sorry. Life gets in the way sometimes, you know? Quick rundown: I met Billy Boyd and his band, got rid of a cold in 3 days, watched a ton of movies, got into two other TV shows {'30 Rock' and 'Fringe'} and am anxiously anticipating my vacation in December.

News/Stuff About Celebrities and Movies/Music/TV Shows/etc.
Most Recent Movie(s) I've Seen in Theatres:

'Zombieland'
Directed by Ruben Fleischer, starring Woody Harrelson, Jesse Eisenberg, Emma Stone and Abigail Breslin. Normally, I'm not a fan of zombie movies. Sure, I liked the remake of 'Dawn of the Dead', but I don't actively seek them out. And no, the '28 Days/Weeks Later' movies are NOT zombie films. I'm sorry, but they aren't. Zombies are reanimated corpses, and the people in those movies are just infected with a virus that makes them not want to do anything but attack and bite other people. They then ignore all of their base body instincts, eating in particular, and then die after about three weeks {if they're not killed} of starvation or dehydration.

Anyway...'Zombieland' was amazing. Really funny, and probably one of the best zombie movies I've ever seen. The cast had great chemistry, and Woody Harrelson was great as Tallahassee. Jesse Eisenberg has now become one of my favourite actors, not the least because he is a less annoying, WAY more tolerable version of Michael Cera, who I cannot stand and want to beat his skull in.

Go see the movie if you haven't already. It's good for both gorehounds, zombie lovers, and those who just like a good comedy.

Grade: A

'Law Abiding Citizen'
Directed by F. Gary Gray, starring Gerard Butler and Jaime Foxx. It was good, but I feel it could have been better. Gerard Butler was great as the villain. Though I think anti-villain/hero would be more appropriate. Yes, he's killing people, but it didn't bother me for some reason. It was nice to see him in a heavier role than just as the romantic interest in a rom-com or as a generic action guy. There were a few too many plot holes, as well. Normally, I'm willing to overlook them, but since they were so important, I don't understand how they could be ignored.

Grade: C

'Where the Wild Things Are'
Directed by Spike Jonze, starring Max Records, Catherine Keener, and the voice talents of Forest Whitaker, Lauren Ambrose, Paul Dano, Catherine O'Hara and Chris Cooper. The movie was very beautiful; the monsters looked just like I remembered them, but as a whole, I didn't like the movie that much and still don't understand the massive amount of hype surrounding this book/movie. Yes, I liked it when I was a kid, like I said before, but I was never crazy over it. I've been told by Ben Moy that I don't have a soul because I don't like Wallace and Gromitt {Yes. I know. Get over it.}, so I'm just wondering what people will say about me for not liking 'Where the Wild Things Are'. Probably something like, "You're the Devil."

Grade: C-

Most Recent Movie(s)/TV Show(s) I've Seen At Home:

'Dollhouse'
As a fan of Joss Whedon, I'd been looking forward to watching this show, despite the negative reviews I'd heard for it. I thought, "How bad could it be? Whedon shows and projects are funny and have good plots and snappy writing." I just barely got through the first episode, and the rest of the series, with the exception of episodes 11 and 12, kept me just this side of interested. I think part of the problem lay in the casting of Eliza Dushku as the main character. I don't really like her as an actress and she did not evoke any sympathy from me for her character, which she should have done. Everyone else in the show was a joy to watch, except her. The plot wasn't really that good, honestly, though the premise held incredible potential.

Grade: D

'30 Rock' season 1
One of the funniest TV shows I've seen in a long time, after 'The IT Crowd'. It's got the absurdity of 'Arrested Development', but upped by about 300. Tracey Morgan is insane, and Alec Baldwin has surprisingly wonderful comedic timing. Tina Fey is awkward and crazy, but she's great on this, too. I look forward to knowing what season 2 has in store for me.

Also, this show has a weird way of making a lot of people really attractive. Jason Sudeikis is quickly becoming a new crush of mine, and I didn't even realise I found him even remotely attractive. Will Arnett, too. Goddamn.

Grade: A

Miscellany
Funny Picture(s) I've Found:

The Song Currently Stuck In My Head:
'All is Love' by Karen O and the Kids from the 'Where the Wild Things Are' OST. I didn't like the movie, but I did enjoy the soundtrack a lot.

Jackie Earle Haley:

Look at that shirt! It's crazy!

Hot Guy Of the Day
Joshua Jackson


Quote of the Day
-Dr. Spaceman: "Boy, it's crazy to think we used to settle questions of paternity by dunking a woman in water until she admitted she made it all up. Hmm, different time in the '60s."

Anything Else I Can Think Of
A Video You Need to See:
Done by the same people who brought you Charlie the Unicorn

"Can you, for a moment, imagine how depressing it is to teach five centuries of masculine ineptitude?"

I'll have this to look forward to should I become a history teacher. Title is from 'The History Boys'.

The Day So Far
Showered, did laundry and am starting to watch more of season 1 of 'Dollhouse'.

News/Stuff About Celebrities and Movies/Music/TV Shows/etc.
Movie You Should Be Excited About:
'Law Abiding Citizen'


I've started to like Gerard Butler more and more as the years go on, especially when they give him good meaty roles like this. He's not a bad actor by any stretch of the imagination, I just think he hasn't been given good roles yet {the only movies I've seen him in were 'Phantom of the Opera', '300' and 'The Proposal'}. This looks like it could change all that.

And even if you don't agree with me about Gerry Butler, sometimes it's nice to root for the "bad guy".

From IMDB.com: "An everyday guy decides to take justice into his own hands after a plea bargain sets his family's killers free. His target: The district attorney who orchestrated the deal."

Starring: Gerard Butler, Jaime Foxx, Leslie Bibb and Michael Kelly {seen in Zack Snyder's 'Dawn of the Dead'}

Movie News:
-Quentin Tarantino has announced plans for 'Kill Bill Vol. 3'. I didn't think the first two were particularly THAT good, but they were entertaining. And as far as action movies go in today's world, they were some of the best {aside from 'Eastern Promises' and maybe 'Shoot 'Em Up'...which has to be mentioned for the sheer absurdity that was that movie}.

-'Transformers 3' is set for a 2011 release. I really hope this is the last of these movies, because I am sick of seeing ads for it and I am sick of seeing that gross chick Megan Fox and her toe thumbs. Seriously. Google 'Megan Fox's thumbs', and you will see the evidence.

Movies I'm Looking Forward to Seeing:
-Law Abiding Citizen: release date of October 16, 2009
-Boondock Saints II: All Saints Day: release date of October 30, 2009
-The Fourth Kind: release date of November 6, 2009
-The Fantastic Mr. Fox: wide release date of November 25, 2009
-The Road: release date of November 25, 2009
-The Princess and the Frog: release date of December 11, 2009
-Daybreakers: release date of January 8, 2010
-Legion: release date of January 22, 2010
-Shutter Island: release date of February 19, 2010
-A Nightmare on Elm Street: release date of April 30, 2010


Miscellany
Funny Picture(s) I've Found:


The Song Currently Stuck In My Head:
'Can't Catch Tomorrow (Good Shoes Won't Save You This Time)' by the Lostprophets.

Jackie Earle Haley:

The only thing he's missing is me a shotgun on his lap.

Hot Guy Of the Day
Enver Gjokaj


Quote of the Day
-Seth McFarlane: "I for one would like to see some proof that there is a God. And if you say, 'A baby's smile' I'm going to kick you right in the stomach."

Anything Else I Can Think Of
A Video You Need to See:
Liam Sullivan is a genius

"Eat it, Twilight!"

Oh, Dean. You magnificent bastard. Title is from 'Supernatural'.

The Day So Far
I've done Math homework, gotten caught up on 'Supernatural', cried over said Math homework, realised that I hadn't gotten my new computer yet because "business days" doesn't encompass the weekends, and just generally had ups and downs.

News/Stuff About Celebrities and Movies/Music/TV Shows/etc.
Movie You Should Be Excited About:
'The Fourth Kind'


I'm not usually big on alien abduction movies, or aliens in particular, but this looks pretty spooky. The screeching noises in the trailer ALONE sent chills up my spine. And the dude sitting up ramrod straight in bed is a special kind of creepy as well.

From IMDB.com: "Fact-based thriller involving an ongoing unsolved mystery in Alaska, where one town has seen an extraordinary number of unexplained disappearances during the past 40 years and there are accusations of a federal cover up."

Starring: Milla Jovovich, Elias Koteas and Will Patton.

Miscellany
Funny Picture(s) I've Found:
The Song Currently Stuck In My Head:
'Håll om Mig' by Nanne. Youtube this song, but be forewarned, it's really catchy.

Jackie Earle Haley:
One of the many new pictures I have found this week, and all I can say is, he's a total DILF. What?

Hot Guy Of the Day
James Franco.

Quote of the Day
-Dean Winchester: "All right. Let me tell you something. There are two things that I know for certain. One. Bert and Ernie are gay. Two. You are not gonna die a virgin. Not on my watch. Let's go."

Anything Else I Can Think Of
Band You Should Be Listening To:


Iron & Wine. If I ever have enough money, I want to pay this man to sit by my bed and play his acoustic guitar and sing me lullabies. The songs are so beautiful and mellow, they're the ultimate calm down songs. I think if I ever saw him in concert, I would fall asleep. And that's not a bad thing at all.

I Want:

A nice big cup of tea. Maybe not green tea or oolong, but something.

A Video You Need to See:
Unfortunately, he is correct.