Hootie Hoo Haiku.

The undead wake up,
Craving flesh, bone and fresh brains.
To sate their frenzy.

Boogity Boo Haiku.

Go to sleep early
And escape your evil dreams
Of ghouls, ghosts, and death.

Middle of the week, and I'm already exhausted. But I do like what I find in my Free Will Horoscope:

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):
I figure you've served enough time as a scapegoat to last you forever. You've shouldered the blame and accepted the responsibility far more than your fair share. Therefore, dear Virgo, in accordance with the laws of karma and by decree of the cosmic enforcers of balance, you are hereby authorized to be a prince or princess this Halloween. You're further entitled to corral a volunteer to dress up as your Prügelknabe. In old Germany, this was a companion who served as a stand-in scapegoat, getting spanked every time the prince or princess misbehaved.

Isn't that lovely? Which one of you wants to be my scapegoat? Anyone? Anyone?

David E. Kelley may think that he has the Midas Touch, but Mr. Michelle Pfeiffer's luck may have run out.

Jerry Seinfeld is no doubt one of the richest, most-recognized men on the face of the earth. The money he gets in syndication alone has to be monumental. Well then, why is he appearing on Late Night with David Letterman this week? Some people think they may have the answer.

More comedy for you. Saturday Night Live has been around for ages. Well, longer than I've been a live at least. Anyhow, a new book seeks to expose the show's sordid past. Get some dirt on it here.

Finally, what more can make you question your faith?

I'm going to go out on a limb today and mention someone who's work I'm not completely familiar with, but who I was very impressed with when I first saw what he does. Brad Bird is yet another animator from the Disney fold. I don't know a whole lot of things he's worked on, but the most noticeable work he's done was the movie The Iron Giant. If you haven't seen it, I suggest you see it and maybe you'll understand what I'm talking about. His direction is quite refreshing. The sharp sense of humor, fluid representation of human characters, and an eye for the fantastic make his work pretty unique. I'm actually looking forwad to his next venture into cinema which is going to be a Pixar movie by the name of The Impossibles. Should be pretty cool.

Lovely, lovely weekend. The World Series was very exciting for all of us Southern California people. Read about it here and also here. I'm still coming to gribs with the fact that the Angels won. It's almost like I'm in some Bizarro world.

What are you going to be for Halloween? Well, I hope none of you are going to be buying any of these masks this year. Makes me sick.

Once again, the British have come up with another study that is rather interesting. Gives more meaning to the term A Rush of Blood to the Head. Coupled with this, the British have also discovered that some things are more important to married couples than sex.

New Technology is great. First of all, we're getting all sorts of cool new cell phones on the market. Not only that, but in the near future we may get televisions that behave like wall scrolls. Check it out.

And last, but not least, I know all of you are anticipating the release of the next Harry Potter movie. To give you more of a taste, click here for a little preview from the good folks at Time Magazine.

Too many links today. Should keep everyone busy enough to ignore their work.

Brian Sum
Triplecode Pallette System
Jamie Ferguson
Gattaca
Outdoor Sculptures
Subtraction
Eyes Wide Shut
Acrylick
Keep Left
Saturate
Seventh Model
Knewseen
Sopp Collective
Primi Piatti
Duo
T.D. Collins
l.e.o.g.e.o.
Art Coup
Myopic Society

True Blue Haiku.

You don't know me.
You say I'm not living right.
Why do you judge me?

Sweatin' You Haiku.

Why don't you go home?
And sleep in your silk PJ's.
Leave me in peace, please.

Lovely, lovely Wednesday to you all. It's real cloudy, gloomy, and downright depressing. I wish the tension would go away and the clouds would just open up and weep for once. I'm tired of waiting for Mother Nature to announce the arrival of Fall. Besides all that, here's the Free Will Horoscope of the day:

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):
It'll be a zigzag, flip-flop, which-end-is-up week, Virgo. Every plot twist will quickly split into at least two more; anything that looks like a trick ending will lead to what looks like another trick ending. Your natural talents for thinking on your feet and adapting on the fly will be even better than usual, though, so you're poised to thrive in slippery conditions that may befuddle weaker minds. My advice? Act as if there were no script for the unfolding drama; treat every situation like an improv exercise in an acting class.

Drama? I'm not really excited for impending drama. I haven't had any for a while, and I don't believe I need any at the moment. Well.. maybe a little bit...

News sources earlier this week said J.K. Rowlings would be publishing not 7, but 8 new Harry Potter novels. No sooner was that story published, but it was also quickly refuted.

America could not get enough American Idol so there is going to be another season. Not only that, but they're also adding a new judge to the mix.

Since it's Halloween, Entertainment Weekly decided to include a countdown of their picks for the 13 Scariest Movies. I agree with most of them, except for some of the '80's slasher films. Regrettably, they didn't include The Ring. That movie freaks me out right now just thinking about it...

Boeing makes big news again by announcing the completion of their Bird of Prey. Not to be confused with the new show on The WB, Birds of Prey.

Kurt Cobain lives!

A while back we were experiencing some server difficulty. I think now I may see the reason why.

Oh, and if any of you wondered exactly how depraved Christina Aguilera really is, here's some evidence.

So I finally found an image that will only remotely describe Akira Toriyama. Perhaps best known for being the creator of Dragonball Z, Mr. Toriyama had humble beginnings as a manga artist. His first published work, Dr. Slump, was rife with the quirky sense of humor Mr. Toriyama is known for. His second work, Dragonball, laid the groundwork for what would be one of the longest-running anime series. The inclusion of martial arts with his humor made for a resounding success, but most stunning were the epic action sequences that Mr. Toriyama drew. Incredibly sharp and always over-the-top, the action of Dragonball Z featured superhuman feats, intergalactic violence, and a cast of characters so large it spanned generations. So sharp are his character design skills that he has been recruited in the past to design for video games as well, the most famous probably being Chrono Trigger. Currently, I believe he's publishing a continuation of Dr. Slump, but I'm not all that sure. If you know, feel free to inform me.

I just realized that I didn't post my Free Will Horoscope last week. So here's a make up post:

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):
I've been working on a do-it-yourself manual for the new "Just Drop It" school of psychotherapy. It'll be pretty short. In the introduction, I'll tell you to procure a cheap briefcase and fill it up with a hundred pounds of rocks. On page two I'll suggest that you imagine the briefcase is stuffed with emotional baggage you can't seem to let go, memories you love to hate, and annoying frustrations you never get tired of complaining about. The third page will insinuate that maybe you should actually carry this terrible burden around with you everywhere you go for an entire week. On the fourth and last page, I'll offer the simple, elegant cure: JUST DROP IT!

I'll dispense with the banter for today and just give you all the straight story. Weekend good. Monday bad.

East meets West.

Bastards!

I want one!

Youth sports gets out of hand.

One large bird.

Fun for you all, links links links.

Repeat To Fade
Tim Prentice
Neomu
Neostream
Formula H
Sea
Engine System
Creatures In My Head
Breakup Simulator
La Graphica

Illness has prevented me from yesterday's update, so it's going to be posted today. No haikus today you lucky people, but you will still get your links. And the conclusion to my story.

Tattle-Tale
Part 3

A tin clicking noise began to emanate from within the walls surrounding us. Trying to remain calm, I strained to distinguish their particular location. Sadly, it’s hard to distinguish ubiquitous noise.

The Bloodhound turned to face me, a pointed look on his face. “Your tenure is up.”

“Wait, I’m sure there is some room to negotiate, right?”

“You gave up your rights when you violated your mandate, Transfer-Mediate.”

Clickings turned to metallic whirrings, as if thousands of gears creaked and groaned in laborious motion. Closer.

“But, I don’t even know what I could have done wrong.”

“Perhaps that is part of your mistake.” In my panic, I forgot that reasoning with Bloodhounds was pointless.

Wires began to descend from the ceiling, making their way ever closer to my seat.

“Remain still.” My nervousness couldn’t contain itself any longer as I started to squirm.

“Was it my association with neighbors?”

“Your attempts at discovery will not assist your survival.”

I felt strands of metal, like new locks of hair, covering me; pointed extensions, attempting to burrow their way under my skin.

“My loyalties have never strayed from Corporate Mandate.” I spat, attempting to garner favor.

“Your regrettable decision to purchase that deplorable book has already sealed your fate. I’m afraid there’s nothing I can do. Pathetic.”

Click-clack.

What was next was inevitable, thought-machines descended down their wiry paths. Making bee-lines towards me. Their purpose known only to the Bloodhound.

“I bought many books last week.” Confusingly slurring my words. “It could have been anything!”

“I’m sure you know what tome I’m speaking of.”

“Every book I’ve ever purchased has been on the Corporate Sponsorship list. It’s what gave me entrance!”

Tendrils of ceramic touched down upon my skin, surrounding my face and shoulders. Sinister blue eyes glaring upon me with mindless purpose. The placid smiles upon their faces were just the beginning of the terror they instilled.

“Sit still.”

I couldn’t muster words.

“It’s beginning.”

A tearing sound. Needles along my extremities. Spiking burns searing flesh. My tongue swells. A blinding whiteness followed by blackness.

I wake up on a table, next to myself, in a jar filled with a pale pink liquid, wondering how I got there, and how I will get out. I hear nothing but laughing in the background as my body rises up from the table and steers itself towards the door. I watch as I exit on to the roof of the building and throw myself 20 stories to the black cement. My last thoughts are remembering the book I bought out of turn.

Don't we all wish it could be Friday already? I do, particularly because I'm tired of coming to work sick. Maybe I should call in one of these days and not go?

Yay, they're making new Wallace and Gromit short films!

Yay, they're making new short films for The Hire!

Yay, they're making a new Shinobi!

Enough with the cheering, we should all be sad because some movies are being shelved. Granted, a lot of these movies are supposedly awful, it's still sad to think that something you worked so hard on could get so little support.

Oh, and it looks like Steve may be out of a job.

It's so sad.

I can't seem to find any images worth posting, but I know what artists I want to feature. So today I'll just talk about him instead and you all can click on links and see what kind of things he's done in the past.

Don Bluth is a name you may not know, but who's work you've definitely seen. Previously working as an animator for Walt Disney Studios, Mr. Bluth took an independent path and decided to form his own animation company. The first notable movie you may have seen was An American Tail. Slightly more mature in subject matter, but still aimed towards a young audience, this movie typified his work. Visually, his attention to detail in dynamic movement and facial expressions are possibly what defines his style, and can be noted in his other movies as well. What you may not see, is his contribution in the field of videogames. His company was the first to actually pioneer into the field of laser disc media for video game application. Dragon's Lair and Space Ace were those explorations, and although not successful, their place in video game history is notable. Check him out, you may find some familiar titles among his work.

I need a tissue. It's Monday, I'm congested, but the weekend was fun. I'll keep the banter and comments to a minimum to conserve my strength. I'm not actually that sick, but for the sake of being dramatic, I'll act all sorry for myself. On with some news.

People in England may not have the best dental care, but they at least get paid to work out.

The Washington Sniper has really caused quite a disturbance on the East Coast. Luckily, the police believe they may have a few clues that will lead to his capture.

We all know some people's issues start in the home. But now, there may be evidence that it goes deeper than that.

In case you've been living in a cave, under a rock, THE ANGELS ARE IN THE WORLD SERIES!

If the United States goes to war against Iraq, there will be repercussions in a lot of ways. Bush is being semi-smart, and trying to curb those repercussions early.

This story is too sensational to describe. Just read it.

So the RIAA believes they can crack down on us pirates through our educational system. How sad is that?

Eat these links for breakfast:

DNA Studio
3D Display
Sacha Dean Biyan
Those That Know
Fluid
Autophene
Heliozilla
Stylorouge
Tamz
Pencil Brains
Tiger Magazine
Sparta

Scooby-Doo Haiku.

Mr. boombastic
Running scared through haunted halls.
All he says is, "Zoinks!"

Bronx Zoo Haiku.

Tigers in the wild
Have no regard for humans.
They'd eat us alive.

Ah, to make up for lack of news and lack of post yesterday, I have more than enough to keep people occupied and amused. Or at least I hope I have more than enough to keep you occupied and amused. We'll see. How about a Free Will Horoscope to start out:

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):
The other night I met a Navajo medicine woman who showed me the "squat of power" practiced by the Pleiadean star people. She said it would free me of any urge to watch TV, and it did. She also gave me a karma-free spell to unbind me from my enemies (it worked!), and slipped me some hot financial tips she'd gleaned on the astral plane from a departed spirit who used to work at Goldman Sachs. Sorry I can't reveal any of these useful hints to you, Virgo; the medicine woman swore me to secrecy. Don't feel deprived, though: You'll soon tap into equally exotic sources that will provide you with equally practical advice.

All of you better get more exotic soon so I can ask you for advice. Maybe something financial perhaps? Win the lottery, please!

Astronomers the world over are all very excited right now. A new planet has been discovered. Curiously, it's name doesn't make any sense.

This man is very, very smart.

If any of you have been following the news about the sniper who's currently killing random people in Maryland, you've seen that new evidence has been found. For others out there who have no idea what's going on? This might be of help.

Also from Time, there's a new rash of improv on television. Must be new and exciting. Now if only I had cable.

Lastly, we have this little Flash tribute to Romeo and Juliet. All I have to say is, "Oh yea!"

Something tells me I'm not in the mood to post anything meaningful today. I had some artists in mind, but I just can't seem to find an appropriate image to borrow for the day. Maybe I'll find one, but there will be no image post today. See ya all tomorrow.

Usually on Mondays I have plenty of news to supply to y'all. Unfortunately for some reason, there is a light load. Well, you all already know the Angels have advanced to the American League Championship Series! Ooohh....

Japanese technology is so much cooler than ours. It's a shame it takes so long for most of their products to come over here. Well, Sony's new VAIO desktop is making its way overseas. Looks pretty slick. I just like how compact it is.

The world's first floating city is in the planning stages. Looks interesting, but I'm sure it will never see the light of day.

Today's cell phones are chock-full of extras. Makes you wonder what they'll think of next. CNN seems to think they know the reason for the trend. I don' t know about everyone else, but I'm happy with my simple cell phone. I don't know if I really want to be able to play interactive pong for 99 cents a minute.

I also thought it would be alright to send links for more music. Today I'm including links to "I feel sorry for myself" music. Click and listen.

Pete Yorn
No Motiv
Dashboard Confessional
Weezer
Linkin Park
New Found Glory
The Get Up Kids
Alkaline Trio

Yay! It's finally Friday over here and I'm still tired! Let's just click on thse links for right now.

Soul Method
Josh Boston
Nineaem Photography
Half Project Duel
Christopher Sleboda
Aclaim
Funkuncle
Kosta Seremetis
Street Wise One

Can you believe it? It's the return of the story! It's still not up to my standards, and it's running away with itself. Let's hope it doesn't get too long, or you all will be yelling at me for a conclusion.

Tattle-Tale
Part 2


Pallid beige hallways belied the tension heavily apparent in the hallways of the Conservatory. I was following the cannonball with legs that was my guide. The Admittance Men rarely spoke aloud to Transfer-Mediates such as me, and this particular fellow was no different than the rest of them. I didn’t mind, even though I was wary of his presence. Admittance men held more influence than the general public really knew. In fact they acted as our own police force and seemed to hold more power than Corporate Law itself. But like most people say, “No one is above the law.”

After a brief stint inside an elevator, a few short, sterile hallways, and a non-descript, locked door, we reached my destiny: a freshly carpeted and freshly-painted room with no mirrors or windows. Brushed aluminum legs supported a narrow, armless leather chair placed in the middle of the space. The indigo seat was obviously meant for me, but as is policy, I wasn’t to take my seat until beckoned to do so. My Admittance Man left without a sound, closed the door, and I was left to peruse my surroundings more carefully.

Rooms such as these were numerous since civilian meetings with Bloodhounds were quite frequent. Employee meetings, however, were rare. I found myself in the unique situation of actually sweating. Climate control was rampant throughout; even the most scant droplets were a rare sight.

Waiting.

Waiting.

“Knock Knock!”

A lean man with a slender face and dark complexion calmly opened the door, and motioned for me to take my seat.

“’Morning. I trust I haven’t kept you standing.”

“No, sir. I actually like to stand, I feel lazy being seated.” If there was anything Bloodhounds detested, it was a sloth.

“Hmph. Well I see that you’ve been shorn recently. I take it you anticipated our conversation?”

“As well as I could.”

“Fine. Comfortable?”

“Slightly. I don’t believe my job is to be comfortable.”

“Fine.”

He was trying to confuse me with small talk before revealing his point. Most Bloodhounds were known for their conversational techniques. Not that many ever recounted the full events of a conversation with a Bloodhound. It was a testament to their skill that no one could actually remember what they had talked about.

“Where’d you purchase that suit? I believe I own one quite like it.” Not unusual, we were all uniformly attired; whether we did it consciously was another matter entirely.

“Off of Williams and 15th, where we all get our suits.” My tongue-in-cheek reply was not amusing as he moved around the chair to stand behind my back.

“Williams, I believe you actually live very close to that corner, as your records state.” He was again, beating around the bush. “Do you know a lot of your neighbors?”

“Policy dictates I remain solitary for long periods of time.” True. “People come to my door, but only to deliver my mail.” False. Lying wasn’t the smartest thing to do, but white lies were harmless.

“Truthfully, please don’t toy with me.”

An annoyed sigh escaped my lips, “My neighbors do come over occasionally. They ask whether or not I can housesit, watch their cat, whatever. I do happen to try and be a decent person in my spare time.”

“Honorable.”

“May we go on? I do have a job to return to.”

"This is your job. Any conversation is good for business.” He was right of course. “So please, reiterate your position within the Corporation, please.”

“I’m a mid-level Transfer-Mediate, specializing in the Urban Sector.”

“And what are your duties?”

“As a Transfer-Mediate, I facilitate the implementation of new Corporate Technologies within public domain.”

“Where in your job description does it state that you are allowed to exceed the boundaries of your position.”

“Nowhere. My position is permanent unless altered by yourself or those with Corporate Leeway.”

“Whether you know it or not, you’ve violated your mandate, Transfer-Mediate.”

Ants crawled down my throat, my heart was replaced with a hummingbird, and the skin on my palms became soaked sponges. He’d been using small talk to set me at ease, but this statement was orchestrated to demolish my relaxation. My mind stretched itself attempting to remember an instance where I may have neglected my mandate. The sallow look in the Bloodhound’s eyes told me the answer was not only forthcoming, but also unpleasant.

We missed you, Haiku!

Where'd I leave my keys?
Perhaps they're on my new desk?
Ack! I locked them in!

Pikachu Haiku.

"I'm tired of lying."
"Let's all hear the truth then, son."
"I ate the last scone!"

I'm so tired. It's gloomy outside. And yet I still find time to post to the blog. Do I have my priorities mixed? Perhapsss. Well, let's see what the Free Will Horoscope says today:

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22):
Is it true that you're fantasizing about being possessed by blind, reeling obsession? That's what my spies tell me, Virgo. They say you're so weary of the meticulous approach you usually cultivate that you secretly wish you could be taken and shaken, flipped and flopped, zoomed and boomed by a flood of uncontrollable feelings. While I appreciate your yearning for an outbreak of head-spinning passion, I believe you can arrange for it to occur in less drastic fashion. I beg you, therefore, to dream about indulging in a refined spree, a discerning bacchanal, a measured mania.

Strange. I don't see myself as a particularly passionless, meticulous person. Guess that shows you not everyone can be right all the time.

If any of you enjoyed last year's movie, X-Men, then you no doubt know about the sequel being filmed for release next summer. Here's an advance look at the sequel's latest mutant addition: Nightcrawler.

Remember that trailer I posted a couple of days ago? Well, there's a much higher quality, and more easily downloadable version here.

A new study in the UK shows that glasses may hinder romance. Kind of sad in a way. I happen to find glasses make a girl appear more attractive. More mysterious perhaps. Maybe I'm just biased because I tend to wear my glasses more nowadays.

More interesting news from the UK. The National Health Service is handing out vibrators to women. Read the article to find out why. Amazing. What next, free vaseline for men?

Lastly, as if we didn't know already, another study shows that education is more expensive than ever. I'm hoping this means more financial aid for more people, but we all know it doesn't. Oh well...

Adam Warren makes me cry. Well he doesn't really make me cry, but his art's pretty darn kick-ass. These images are "borrowed" from Images Central, so I thought I'd mention that real quick before talking about Mr. Warren a bit. Looking at Adam Warren's drawings, you might think he's another Japanese artist that I'm profiling. Actually, Adam Warren is just one of many western artists that have been so strongly influenced by the Eastern Flava, he's completely immersed himself in it artistically. There are many Western qualities about his art still, but with the incredibly dynamic action and the prevalent use of speed lines, it's apparent where his artistic loyalty lies. His writing isn't too bad either. Funnier than most things I've read, and perhaps a little too thick on the cultural references, but still pretty darn good. Let's all pause for a moment and gaze upon some images.

So even after giving them credit, Images Central still ripped me off, so the images have disappeared. Not like I'm taking credit for scanning, but I guess stealing bandwidth is bad enough. It's not like this is even a commercial site. I should have read their FAQ first, alas.