Peter Jackson’s Three-Minute Rule
In an interview with Jason Gorber of Moviefone, Desolation of Smaug star Evangeline Lilly revealed one of Peter Jackson’s nifty storytelling techniques: “When you introduce a group of characters on screen, if you don’t introduce specific members of that group, nobody will care about that group. If you’re at war and that group is losing, […]
The Origin of Rancho Obi-Wan
How did Stephen J. Sansweet amass the world’s largest collection of Star Wars memorabilia? He told the story at Star Wars Celebration Europe II in Essen, Germany, July 17, 2013. Thanks to Association Mintinbox.net, “Rancho Obi-Wan: From Dream to Reality” is now available online: Posted on Dec 3, 2013 The story is also blogged here.
Grandpa Dragon on a Plane
The appearance of a dragon on an Air New Zealand plane has caused quite a stir in the media. Grandpa Dragon comments: “Why ARE folks making such a big fuss over seeing MY FACE on an aeroplane? Honestly! I’m more embarrassed about having my DONUT obsession exposed!!! “…Which reminds me, when you’re visiting me at […]
Smaug Revealed!
It’s a secret no longer. Today, December 1, 2013, Air New Zealand unveiled the likeness of the vile dragon adorning its Boeing 777-300. Yes, now you can fly the friendly skies with Smaug! For details, click here. To view a video of the plane-decoration–and listen to Sylvester McCoy’s narration–click here. Note that the newly-decorated plane […]
Ed Sheeran Sees Fire
For the end credits music for The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, writer-director Peter Jackson asked songwriter-singer Ed Sheeran to compose-sing “I See Fire.” Posted online November 6, 2013. Enjoy: And here is UK singer Alice Olivia‘s take on the music, published November 9, 2013: LYRICS: Oh, misty eye of the mountain below Keep careful […]
Joe Hisaishi’s Studio Ghibli 25 Years Concert
One of Japan’s most talented and prolific composers is Joe Hisaishi. According to People’s Daily (a Chinese paper), he has composed over 100 films and solo albums. To Western audiences, he is perhaps best known as the composer of all of Hayao Miyazaki’s films, from Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind to The Wind […]
“My Neighbor, Totoro” … Sung by a Cockateil!
Yes, it’s true. A Cockateil has learned the theme to My Neighbor, Totoro, and he sings it! Don’t believe me? Watch, and listen: Posted July 19, 2012.
Theodore Roosevelt’s Thanksgiving Proclamation, October 29, 1902
By the President of the United States of America. A Proclamation According to the yearly custom of our people, it falls upon the President at this season to appoint a day of festival and thanksgiving to God. Over a century and a quarter has passed since this country took its place among the nations of […]
Grandpa Dragon’s New Home
Want to hug a dragon? Well, now you can. At long last, Grandpa Dragon has found a home, at the Wellington Zoo in New Zealand. Here are a couple shots of his arrival: After he was transported from his previous location, Grandpa had to have his two halves sealed properly. Here he is waiting for […]
The Doctor Meets Himself … and Himself
In honor of the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who, enjoy a couple videos where the eccentric Time Lord meets himself for the first time. From “The Three Doctors,” Part One, December 30, 1972:
