1776~But, Mr. Adams

In honor of the 4th of July:

Laurie (The guy Jo should have married, if she married at all...)

As much as I like Christian Bale in serious, chiseled roles (and it sounds like Melvin Purvis from Public Enemies is one of those), I love him as Theodore Lawrence (aka Teddie or Laurie) in Little Women . He has his serious moments as Laurie, but it's a more light-hearted part:

Christian Bale's Gift to Me...

Public Enemies is coming out right near my birthday. That's Christian Bale's gift to me, right?

The film looks promising: Johnny Depp is playing gangster John Dillinger and CB is playing Melvin Purvis, the FBI agent trying to stop him. CB's not the star of this--per the press, he's clearly in a supporting role--but I don't mind. I'll take him in any good role, regardless of how much screen time he gets.

I headed over to Raven's community for Bale Fans today and found this interview with CB. It's not quite enough to hold me over until I see the movie, but it's helping.

Ah yes...Picard and Riker, perhaps?

STAR TREK XI Preview...with the triad in tact!

This is the preview that aired during the Superbowl. I love it: it features Kirk, Spock and McCoy...giving me hope that perhaps--just perhaps--the powers that be won't short change McCoy in the new film!

Another Crazy Irish-Jewish Family...

I've spent several hours curled up in front of the television tonight. I was alone for Shabbat dinner, so right after lighting the candles and devouring a microwaved meal, I broke out some dvd's that my Mom lent me. It was a TV show she thought I'd like, about some crazy Irish-Jewish family. Somehow, she figured I'd relate.

Yes, I've just discovered Brothers & Sisters. And while watching TV is not the optimal way to spend Shabbas, right now I'm ok with it. The big family at the center of the show does remind me of my own. Ok, we don't have all the problems that the Walkers do, but I know what a large, extended family of mixed religious identity is like.

And I love the romance on the show, especially between Kevin (the token gay brother) and Scotty. No, they're not Spock & McCoy, and they won't steal me away from the Star Trek fandom. Heck, they won't even steal me away from Holmes and Watson. But still, I'm happy to have made their acquaintance, especially with great scenes like these:



Yeah, yeah--I know a lot's happened since then. But remember, I'm only on season one!

~The Day The Music Died~

Here's a rare clip of Buddy Holly, who died in a plane crash on this date, back in 1959, along with Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper:



(But February made me shiver
With every paper I'd deliver
Bad news on the doorstep
I couldn't take one more step

I can't remember if I cried
When I read about his widowed bride
But something touched me deep inside
The day the music died

~Don McLean, American Pie)

Star Trek & The Cartwright Boys

Ok, this oughtta warm the heart of both Star Trek fans and Bonanza fans. This clip is from a special about the western tv show Bonanza. It highlights many of its famous gueststars, including three from the Enterprise: Leonard Nimoy, James Doohan and DeForest Kelley.

Best of all, De Kelley has a grand pre-Star Trek line. Ben Cartwright says to him, "Well, you're a doctor, aren't you?" And Kelley's character answers, "I'm not a doctor. I'm a condemned murderer."

~Ricardo Montalbán 1920-2009~

Sad news: Ricardo Montalbán has died. He was eighty-eight years old, and left behind a wonderful legacy in television and films.

In tribute, here's a preview to the Star Trek TOS episode Space Seed, in which Montalban originated the role of Kahn--a role he reprised, of course, for Star Trek II: The Wrath of Kahn.

(The preview has a glimpse of one of my all time favorite McCoy scenes--Bones keeps his cool and his sense of humor even while Kahn is threatening to cut his throat!)

Caption Needed!

Wow--I love this pic! Spock's certainly got something on his mind. And just who is he crossing his arms at? There are all sorts of possibilities here...can't wait to hear your suggestions!

Meanwhile, a special thank you to Julianna for finding this pic. What a great shot of Spock =)

The Age-Old Question...

Ok, I've just gotta know. Which, er, 'historical' song do you prefer? Snoopy Vs. the Red Baron by The Royal Guardsmen:



Or The Battle of New Orleans by Johnny Horton...which someone set to a cool Legos scene:



I know, I know! Darned tough choice--they're both classics. Nonetheless, choose one, please, and vote on the poll on the sidebar. And feel free to comment here on your choice--or remain anonymous, as you choose. Thanks!

Clip of the Day~Why is this so funny?

I have no idea why I'm laughing so hard--except that this is just too adorable. That said, I can't explain why it sustains my interest the full 46 seconds:

Clip of the Day~The New Star Trek XI Trailer

Well, I'm still optomistic about this film, but I hope they haven't reduced the big three to the big two...I've seen a lot more of Kirk and Spock than of Kirk, Spock and McCoy. Sigh...

Meanwhile, check out the new trailer at Star Trek XI. What do you think?

Clip of the Day ~ If All Movies Had Cell Phones...

I saw a link to this video over on Shakespeare Geek: imagine how differently certain movies (and tv shows and plays) would have gone if only there'd been cell phones...

Clip of the Day~Get Out and Vote!

Listen to Jon Stewart & Stephen Colbert--make sure you vote!

I've already done my civic duty. I went at 6 am this morning, right when the polls opened. It felt like such a momentous occasion that I said the Shehecheyanu just before I pressed my choices. Whatever happens, this is going to be one heck of an election!

This isn't a political blog, but I don't mind sharing that I voted for Obama. But even if you're (gulp) a Republican, you should still vote =P

And then you should watch Indecision 2008 on Comedy Central tonight--it's bound to be fun!

Clip of the Day~The Raven

A treat for Hallowe'en: Christopher Walken narrating Edgar Allen Poe's The Raven. Thanks, Joe, for pointing this one out!

Clip of the Day--Taken Out of Context...

Okay, this is one of those scenes that deserves to be taken out of context! Prepare yourself for an intimate look at Picard and Q:

Clip of the Day~Is there such a thing as too gay?

Lol--this is a priceless bit from Ugly Betty...

Clip of the Day~Classic Bones & Spock

Hehe--great advertisement for classic Star Trek episodes:

Clip of the Day~O'Brien sings The Minstrel Boy

This is my all time favorite scene from STAR TREK: The Next Generation. In The Wounded, O'Brien sings the first verse of a classic Irish folk song (and war song) called The Minstrel Boy (lyrics below):



There is another fine version of this song--more rousing than O'Brien's, if not as emotionally taut--by Danny Quinn:



And Star Trek: Deep Space Nine also made good use of the song:



And now for the lyrics. I'm giving you both verses, even though O'Brien sings only the first:

The Minstrel Boy

The Minstrel Boy to the war is gone
In the ranks of death you will find him;
His father's sword he hath girded on,
And his wild harp slung behind him;
"Land of Song!" said the warrior bard,
"Tho' all the world betrays thee,
One sword, at least, thy rights shall guard,
One faithful harp shall praise thee!"

The Minstrel fell! But the foeman's chain
Could not bring that proud soul under;
The harp he lov'd ne'er spoke again,
For he tore its chords asunder;
And said "No chains shall sully thee,
Thou soul of love and brav'ry!
Thy songs were made for the pure and free,
They shall never sound in slavery!"

I've also seen a third verse to this song, allegedly added by the Irish regiments fighting for the Union during the American Civil War:

The Minstrel Boy will return we pray
When we hear the news we all will cheer it,
The minstrel boy will return one day,
Torn perhaps in body, not in spirit.
Then may he play on his harp in peace,
In a world such as Heaven intended,
For all the bitterness of man must cease,
And ev'ry battle must be ended.