The Greatest Show on Earth!!!

I’m not talking about the Circus, I’m talking about the upcoming elections for next November.  You’d think it was a circus with all these self serving clowns vying for high offices in our joke of a Government.  Seriously, what has happened to this country?

This country used to stand for something.  The Government used to listen to us, The People.  Don’t get me wrong, I’d STILL fight for, and if needed, die for it, but I’m disappointed with what is going on in Washington and the rest of this once great nation.

Greed, corruption, Religious Zealots trying to take over, rampant stupidity in the guise of Political Correctness,   and Carpetbaggers twisting the political process to fit some agenda to alienate the Middle Class and Poor of this country.

We are in a recession, teetering extremely close to a Depression almost as bad the the one in the 30’s with one major difference that I can see.  Back then our Government did a lot to help people. Jobs were created by things like the WPA, the NRA, the TVA and many more so we could hold our heads up and put food on our tables.  What do we have now? Carpetbaggers.

Carpetbaggers.  I like that word.  It is a perfect description of what we are being offered as possible leaders and representatives to run this country. Wikipedia offers this tidbit about what a Carpetbagger is;

In United States history, "carpetbaggers" was a pejorative term Southerners gave to Northerners (also referred to as Yankees) who moved to the South during the Reconstruction era, between 1865 and 1877.

The term referred to the observation that these newcomers tended to carry "carpet bags," a common form of luggage at the time (sturdy and made from repurposed carpet). It was used as a derogatory term, suggesting opportunism and exploitation by the outsiders. Together with Republicans they are said to have politically manipulated and controlled former Confederate states for varying periods for their own financial and power gains. In sum, carpetbaggers were seen as insidious Northern outsiders with questionable objectives meddling in local politics, buying up plantations at fire-sale prices and taking advantage of Southerners. Carpetbagger is not to be confused with copperhead, which is a term given to a person from the North who sympathized with the Southern claim of right to Secession.

The term carpetbaggers was also used to describe the Republican political appointees who came South, arriving with their travel carpet bags. Southerners considered them ready to loot and plunder the defeated South.^[1]

In modern usage in the U.S., the term is sometimes used derisively to refer to a politician who runs for public office in an area where he or she does not have deep community ties, or has lived only for a short time. In the United Kingdom, the term was adopted to refer informally to those who join a mutual organization, such as a building society, in order to force it to demutualize, that is, to convert into a joint stock company, solely for personal financial gain.

Solely for Financial Gain.  That says a lot about the Teabaggers and Republicans, doesn’t it?  They couldn’t care less about the Middle Class and Poor. A lot of people out there put the blame on the President’s shoulders. Poor guy is trying to clean up a mess left by his predecessor and his cronies and is being blocked at every turn by greedy little weasels who see themselves as Kingmakers.  They don’t want a strong Leader, they want a puppet they can control for their own end.  Big Money Corporations, the Uber-Rich and yes, Foreign interests are trying to buy power in this country.  They want brainless idiots to be President.

I personally think it’s time to take our country back from these carpetbaggers and let them know who is supposed to be running this country.  If you agree with me, leave a comment and let me know.

The BEST Web-Series You're NOT Watching!

“We are The Hunted - survivors of vampire attacks who have banded together to protect ourselves from becoming cattle.

Like sharks in a feeding frenzy, vampires are drawn by the scent of those who have been bitten (unless masked by garlic pills), and continue to drain us until we turn and become one of them, unable to exist without a constant supply of fresh human blood.

Our only defense is to stick together. Several groups have been formed such as the VA (Vampires Anonymous) which meets on a regular basis to help members cope with various issues including blood addiction.

Be warned: it is virtually impossible to distinguish vampires from the rest of us. The tell-tale fangs and glowing red eyes are present only when they are feeding, enraged, or captured in flash photography. They have spread throughout our society, from law enforcement and political figures, to executive producers responsible for the nonstop flood of vampire-related entertainment pouring out of Hollywood.

And, like cockroaches, they have developed an immunity to practically everything over the years: crosses, sunlight, and holy water have no effect, and a stake in the heart just pisses them off. The only way they can be killed is to remove their head from their body.

Thus, many of us have become skilled swordsmen (and women) and call ourselves Slayers.  But even though some of us have acquired a hint of their invulnerability, strength, and speed, we have not acquired their powers (many of which are still unknown to us), we are not immortal, and we can be killed in the same way.

Our only other defense is through this website and internet series, in which we hope to prove the existence of vampires so that others may join our cause.”

Have I got your attention now? 

“The Hunted” is the first internet series based on user content, which means episodes can be shot by virtually anyone anywhere! In addition, regular contests feature cash prizes and are judged by Hollywood professionals.

There are a lot of Major Celebrities attached to this Great Series, among them Anthony DeLongis, F. Braun McAsh, Andrew Helm (who worked behind the scenes on Highlander: The Series) and Roberta Brown, (who worked on “Queen of Swords”), all working with my friend and and fellow Sword Aficionado, Robert Chapin, who has starred in "Ring of Steel" as well as giving Sword demos at various conventions with Anthony DeLongis. To find out what you’ve been missing out on, go here;

http://www.thehunted.tv

You’ll find Character Profiles of the “Slayers” and “Vampires” and learn their histories. There is a Forum you can join to talk about your favorite Episodes and Characters, learn how to shoot an episode, find out about the Contests and read about the upcoming Episodes that are still in Production.  “The Hunted” is also slated to become a Major Motion Picture! To find out more about this , go here;


http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thehunted/the-hunted-feature-film


 They even have collectibles you can buy to show your support and become a producer!  You’ll find links to Vampire Sites, Sword Training, Weapons and much more!

Want to see some pictures?  They have loads of Pics here;

http://www.facebook.com/thehuntedtv?sk=photos

Want a preview?  They got your previews right here;

http://www.youtube.com/user/thehuntedtv?blend=7&ob=5

In fact they have a whole shopping list of Goodies you can watch, so come join the fun and become a part of…


                         

It Snot Funny... A "Dog Days of Summer" Rant

I hate this time of year.  The final days of Summer and the beginnings of Fall when my sinuses go haywire. I don't have any allergies, but for some strange reason, they go into overdrive and produce more mucus than normal making sleep nearly impossible.

Why, you may ask?  I suffer from what used to be called "Post Nasal Drip".  They used to have commercials about it back in the '60s and the medicine to help alleviate the symptoms.  Basically what happens is when you lay down to sleep, your sinuses suddenly decide to drain, right down your throat.  Normally this isn't a problem since it is usually  thin and just goes down your esophagus and you swallow it.  Yeah, disgusting isn't it, but harmless for the most part.

Now comes the fun part.  The usually thin mucus is thicker, yet still fluid enough to flow kind of like molasses, and therein lies the problem.  When you lie back to begin the entry into dreamland something happens.  Why, I don't know.  What I do know is that about 10 to 15 minutes after you lay back and just before sleep takes you, a glob of thick gooey snot is released from your sinuses, flows down your throat and clogs your windpipe. This is usually not a big problem, a little cough and a quick swallow and back to dreamland.  It's an automatic thing and nothing to worry about, but, when you are exhaling and it drops just as you begin the inhale, it clogs things and and you wake up in a panic unable to inhale or cough enough to dislodge that glob of snot that's clogging the works for a few seconds.  If you're lucky, you can hang off the side of the bed while gasping for breath and get it to dislodge so you can take that deep breath you need.  If not, well you might shuffle off this mortal coil and it looks like sleep apnea did you in.

For me, sleeping in a semi upright position helps and that means lots of pillows to keep me raised.  Now comes the next bit of fun.  This time of year the humidity at night is higher than normal and the sweat just lays there on you.  The fan in my room helps a little, but waking up wet and clammy and sticky is not  pleasant even under the best of circumstances, but couple that with choking on your own snot makes for a long line of sleepless night and you wander through your days like a Zombie, barely aware of your surroundings, yearning for that deep, restful sleep that eludes you.  You get cranky and snap at your loved ones and can't think clearly.  Even simple routine things become difficult, like reading a book or trying to watch a movie without your vision going wonky and suddenly falling asleep and snapping awake with a snort wondering what happened, or giving in for a power nap to  revive your self then feeling like you're climbing out of a deep pit before you can fully function. Such is Life during the Dog Days of Summer.

I can't wait for November when things finally begin to cool down!

A Q&A with Adrian Paul

During this year's Comic-Con I was offered an Opportunity to interview Adrian Paul, but due to scheduling conflicts, (I kept missing the emails...). He was gracious enough to consent to an Email Q&A.

  Dave Davis-If the money was right and the rights were there, would you consider reprising
Duncan MacLeod in any kind of an independent film production?

 Adrian Paul-I would always consider it...Macleod was a great character.

DD-Have you ever visited the Forum? 

AP-Once or twice in the past. Don’t like reading about myself that much.

DD-If you had complete creative control over Highlander. how would you have ended
Duncan's story? 

AP-I think with any myth you can’t end it. You have to always wonder if he is out 
there ready to come back at any time. That is what always makes great Legends. 
I think he would have had to leave, with or without a woman in his life, 
living some where, some place that he always held  special.

DD-There is Lots of Curiosity about your Latest Project. Can you share anything? 

AP-I am about to start a film as  Producer and actor in the Motion picture At 
2,15. Currently we have commitments from Nick Nolte, Melanie Griffith and 
Angela Molina. We also have Antonio Banderas’s company doing the music and 
negotiating with other high level talent. My company Filmblips, www.filmblips.com>  is also working on two other films, one is  called FIVE which we are in the middle of shooting a promotional video for.

DD-Who were your Heroes when you were growing up? 

AP-Spartacus, My dad.

DD-And your fans would like to know who your Martial Arts Idol is? 

AP-Bruce Lee, when I was growing up. But soccer players were where my true idols were.

DD-What kind of workout routine do you do and, are you keeping your sword skills
sharp? 

AP-I still study Shaolin martial arts and we do various weapons. One of which is the tai chi sword. However I have been slack in praticing of late.

DD-Who was your favorite Swordmaster? 

AP-Bob Anderson

DD-What are your thoughts on Peter Wingfield going back to Medical School and
 will you miss working with him? 

AP-I think it is fantastic for him. I know he will be very happy.

DD-What would it take for you and Stan Kirsch to do a film together? 

AP-Our paths have changed so much since Highlander and therefore very doubtful that we would work together again as actors, but you never know. I always had fun with Stan.

DD-Is there another Light Comedy in the works? 

AP- No, except for Basile’s Legacy.

DD-Has becoming a father changed the way he views roles now?? (Anything he won't
do, or now will consider?) 

AP-There are a few roles that would consider not doing. But being a father hasn’t affected my considerations of the roles I play. Yet. LOL

DD-Do you have any directing projects in the works? 

AP-The film Basile’s Legacy. information is on my film site www.filmblips.com

DD-How did Duncan hide his katana in a small leather jacket like in various
episodes but it just magically folds out? 

AP-Like Jim Byrnes said. The sword came from the same place the music did.

DD-Would you consider working with Donnie Yen again? 

AP-Of course.

DD-Which do you prefer? Producing and directing, or acting?  

AP-They are all different. Acting actually is probably the easiest LOL

DD-I heard that you may be interested in doing a Remake of “Don Juan”.  Are you
getting any closer to working on it? 

AP-No never heard that one

DD-I understand that you will be filming the Chilean mine rescue "Miracle
Underground" with Nia Peeples, a reunion of sorts with a Highlander Alum, and
that you are scheduled to appear in "Deauville" a movie that will be heavily
character driven instead of action based, and featuring several beautiful
 actresses. What's it about, is it set in a French resort?

AP-I am not sure if Deauville is ever going to happen since it was supposed to work two years ago. I haven’t heard anymore about the project in that time. Projects are tricky. Many appear and only a few actually  make it all the way to completion.

DD- You have been a leading man and the star, and you’ve played supporting roles.
What are the different demands on you as an actor? Do you think playing both
 kind of roles assist you in directing?

 AP-Supporting roles are easier because you just go in and do your job. Having the leading role means you have to concentrate on a lot more things. Demands from production companies/producers are greater too. Of course they would be, you are the face of the film.  There are so many more things you have I think about as a director and these are but one of them. Having done both I think it will help in the directing jobs I will do.

Comic-Con 2011, Day 4!

Day 4 of Comic-Con! Things are still high energy, but you can just feel it as the fans are trying to get that last Collectible or Comic to round out their collection. That last minute frenzy because they won't get to do this again until next year. All the studio and gaming company booths are packed with people trying to get a last glimpse of their favorite celebrity or a chance to get a free signed poster or play a Beta Version of a yet to be released game and yes, even I managed to score some shwag.

Before I left the house I checked my email and found a press release from Senitype to stop by and pick up a Press Kit and a free Captain America SENITYPE Collectible Movie Ticket! MAJOR SCORE FOR ME!!! I will be redeeming very soon and my son and I will go see it!


On that high note the tone for the day was set. Today is Collectible and Celebrity Day. I cruised over to the Sideshow Collectibles booth and saw lots of drool worthy of some things I want but will never be able to afford on my limited income, but a guy can dream, can't he? Here are some pics to give you an idea;

These are all around 3 feet tall;





Terminator Endo-skeleton





Classic Wolverine





Iron Man





Predator with a Dead Alien





Life-sized bust of the Predator. How would you like to wake up and see this looking back at you?





And the BIGGIE, a LIFE-SIZED Han Solo in Carbonite!!!


I saw this guy wandering around;





But there was no sign of the TARDIS.





G4 Booth Babes!


While heading to the elevator I ran into an old friend;





Steve Leialoha. I've known him for more than 30 years. He's one of the finest Inkers in the business.


Finally made it upstairs to the Sail Pavillion where all the Autograph tables were and began visiting people. You know, if you just talk to them, they will share all kinds of info with you and you may just come away with a new friend.


I was rolling around when I spotted a familiar face from a Movie Trailer I saw on Apple Movie Trailers;







Three cast members from the upcoming film, "Sinbad: The Fifth Voyage", William Romeo, Shahin Sean Solimon and Said Farj. They were very pleased that I knew about the film and am really looking forward to seeing it when it comes out. The even signed a poster for me! William plays the African Genie, Shahin is Sinbad and Said is the Evil Sorceror. All the monsters are old school stop motion ala Ray Harryhausen, so GO SEE THIS!!! And, on the other side of the table I met Isaac Singleton Jr. who plays Death;





The man is HUGE! And you can see from the poster behind him, he also starred in POTC and Galaxy Quest.


Next was Camden Toy, the face under the makeup of so many of the creatures on "Buffy the Vampire Slayer";





You can see the face he wore from the episode "Hush" in the poster behind us.


Next is Chris Warner who played Bozo #3 in Sin City.





You can see from the picture in my hand that he has been in a LOT of things and is now working on getting the role of "Frank Castle" in the next Punisher. I hope he gets it!


I took a quick break to have lunch out on the Terrace, when suddenly, I was attacked from behind by long time friend and fellow Highlander Fan, Andrew Modeen. Andrew is an up and coming young film maker who has made a called "Highlander: Dark Places".







If you're on Facebook, check out his page;


https://www.facebook.com/highlanderdarkplaces


Back inside and who do I run into? Greg Bear!





Hugo and Nebula Award winning Science Fiction Writer! I've known him for more years than I care to remember and can recall when he lived down here in Santee, CA! Always a welcome friend of Comic-Con!


Next up is the Lovely Mercedes McNab, Harmony from both "Buffy" and "Angel";





Still stunning!


I managed to catch Lee Meriwether, 1955 Miss America, Catwoman #3 in Batman and more recently, Ruth Martin on "All My Children";





Still beautiful and very gracious to let me chat with her and take this picture.


I rolled over and got to have a talk with Timothy Quill;





You might recognize him from all three "Spiderman" films and from "Army of Darkness" as the blacksmith who worked on Ash's car. He's hoping to here from Sam Raimi and Bruce Campbell about a role in the next "Evil Dead" film and I hope he does!


I got to meet Richard Hatch next. No, not the naked guy from "Survivor", but the original Apollo from "Battle Star Galactica";





When I asked if he would ever make another Charlie Chan Film he cracked up!


I ran into my friend, Daniel Gear, who helped me on Thursday to get a quick photo-op with Adrian Paul and he clued me in on a special opportunity to grab some pictures, The Cast of "Merlin" was coming up to sign posters for the fans! I managed to get some good shots, no thanks to guy who was rushing me through the line and I didn't even get a poster!













They were all happy to give a me a chance to get the pictures and I did get to tell Katie McGrath, who plays Morganna, that I think she is beautiful and that Evil very often is, and that's the smile she gave me!


By this time the day was beginning to wear on me and I felt a lot like this little guy;





Yes, that's a real dog and he looks pooped!


On the way to the elevator to head down for one last pass, I ran into these two lovelies;





I don't know why, but the ladies all seem willing to pose with me. Not that I'm complaining or anything...

Well that's it for today, but stay tuned and I will be posting some of the stuff I didn't add tomorrow!

Comic-Con 2011, Day 3!

Wow!  Day three was filled with costumed cuties and old friends and a few surprises!  I started off back at the Heavy Metal Booth which seemed to have become my base of operations.  I met another member of the creative force behind "War of the Worlds: Goliath", Leon Tan!  He's the guy beside me in the picture;



We shared a lot of thoughts and info on the film and I have REALLY high hopes for its success.

Next up was a quick trip to the FOX Booth for a picture of Adam West, former TV Batman and current Mayor of Quahog, Rhode Island on "Family Guy".  He was swamped with eager fans wanting a signed postr so we didn't get a chance to talk about old times when he MC'd the Comic-Con Masquerade..



Sorry it's fuzzy, but I got bumped just as I snapped the shutter.  While I was there, I got a special ticket for a Free Signed poster of the cast of the upcoming show "Alcatraz" and I got to take a few quick pictures;

The Booth Babes;











The show is slated for a 2013 release and I can't wait!

From there I made a beeline for the Vanguard booth to see if Jim Steranko would be there and if he remembered Aug. 2nd, 1980 when he was a guest at my wedding.  He DID!



He always was a snappy dresser!

I took a left and looked over at the "Profiles in History" booth and who did I spy with my little eye?  Billy Zane from "The Phantom";



Looking sharp!

I found this guy laying around the "Spartacus" Booth;



Over in Artist's Alley I dropped by on old friend Stan Sakai and we had a little chat about "Usagi Yojimbo" and what he has in store, but he swore me to secrecy...




Last year I was lucky enough to meet and makes friends with Todd Stashwick and Dennis Calero;



Todd is an actor, writer and comedian who has starred in many TV shows, "Heroes" among them.  Dennis is a fantastic artist and you can see their work at; http://www.toddstashwick.com/comic.asp?E=1 .  They just finished a 52 week run and will be starting a new chapter very soon, so jump on over and check it out!

Well folks, I don't want to overload you just yet, so stay tuned for Day 4 which will be up tomorrow and after that I will share even more tales and pictures form Comic Con!

Comic-Con 2011, Day 2!

Day  two of Comic-Con and things are in full swing!  So much to see, so many people to meet!  I started out just rolling around the Exhibit Hall trying to keep from running into people, no small task since they keep stopping in front of me.  I went back to the Heavy Metal Booth and finally found my friend, Producer and Director of "War of the Worlds: Goliath", Joe Pearson and met a new friend, Leon Tan.


 I am amazed at the progress of the film, from the first time I saw it in 2009.  It just keeps getting better and better! Right now it is earmarked for a Spring Release in 3-D in Select theaters, I hope.  I have wanted to see it since Joe first posted some of the concept drawings on the Official Highlander Message Board!  For a look behind the scenes and to watch the trailer, go here;

http://www.wotw-goliath.com/

Next, I went to the Profiles in History to get some shot of the DeLorean they have on display and got to meet Joe Maddalena, Owner and Star of "Hollywood Treasures".  He has been on a quest to find a pair of Original Ruby Slippers from "The Wizard of OZ" that were stolen from a museum in Minnesota.  Well, about a month ago there was a story on my local news about a guy who might have the missing slippers.  It turns out has A pair, but not the ones Joe is looking for.  And, it turns out the guy who has the unmarked slippers lives about 3 miles from me.  We talked about his passion for collecting and how we both got started.  I told him how one day I'd like to go up and get a tour through his warehouse just for the drool factor!  He really is a GREAT guy and I had a great time talking to him.



I got to meet Robert Picardo of "Star Trek: Voyager".  A gentleman and a delight to talk with.



Met this little guy serving drinks;



His owner said it took two years to build him!



The Alien Motorcycle from the upcoming "MIB3".  I tried to swipe it but it was too big to fit under my vest...



Phillip Dana Yeh artist of "Dinosaurs Across America"  and Phil Ortiz, artist of "The Simpsons"



Yes!  I still got Game!



Lloyd Kaufman, me and the gang at the TROMA Booth!



At the Radical Publishing Booth!



And I can't forget the Jedi Elvis!

There was lots and lots of really pretty girls on costume and I took WAY too many pics to post them all, so here are a few of the High Points;



Elf Quest Hotties!



Poison Ivy



Best looking Black Canary EVER!  She is the Booth Babe at the TNA Booth.

I have about 200 more, so if you really want to see them, you'll have to Friend me on Facebook!

That's all for now, stay tuned for tomorrow's installment!  More surprises in store!!!!