SWING

Blaise at the park.

CLEAN

I’ve been asked on numerous occasions what I thought of the third Transformers movie (Dark of the Moon) after I went to go watch it a fortnight ago.

For me, it was the crushing blow. The Michael Bay interpretation of Transformers has given me a headache I will never forget. Dark of the Moon (2011) was an impressive, yet busy ‘more than meets the eye’ fighting robot experience; but once again full of irrelevant and random silliness that was an unwelcome ingredient of the previous two films. And that was just the start.

To its credit, the Bay Trilogy has made Hasbro a lot of money and delivered commercial success again to the Transformers brand. The Bay Trilogy had also imagined skilfully what Transformers might look like if they were real beyond fiction. The ‘ugly’ designs actually grew on me a bit. However, the bad really outweighs the good in the case of this movie trio.

This structured portrayal of Transformers is so wrong on many accounts. In a nutshell; the attitude, characters, storylines and general execution are all just done badly. What I feel should have been a family series of films has turned out to be something unnecessarily smutty, sinister, air-headed and masochistic. Since when was the heroic Optimus Prime a merciless cold-blooded killer? 

I feel that many have accepted this version of Transformers because it is simply there and there is no silver screen alternative (yet). In short, I think many have just ‘made do’ and made the best of what has been offered. Beggars can’t be choosers, right?

I cannot endorse this version of Transformers, especially to children. These films are easily 15+ affairs, but the merchandise based on it is aimed at a younger market. It makes me wonder what the suits were thinking in regards to target audience. The trilogy feels like a big mess, and I am not just talking from a moral standpoint. It certainly feels like a lot of wrong choices were made in the process.

I am certainly done with this era of 'tainted' Transformers history. Here is hoping the Bayverse is a stepping stone into something better. I gave the 3 films a chance, but I feel now is the time to dismiss them. I am sure there are fans of this Transformers medium and everyone in the fandom likes what they like (and are entitled to), but I won’t own the DVDs or view any future features if they continue in its direction. I am happily washed of it all.

Hasbro and Paramount seriously should consider a clean slate.  No pun intended.

Now, Transformers: Prime! A medium with so many praises to be sung from a long term changing bot fan such as me. Stay tuned readers!

TED

Aside from a load of retro Doctor Who stuff and Clone Wars s2, I've been enjoying a fair bit of Father Ted as of late.

It has been a fair few years since I've indulged in the 90's antics of Craggy Islands most obscure Catholic priest and his colleagues. Probably not since the days of the shows original airing on Channel 4, in fact. Glad to reminisce and catch up on the good and sometimes bad times of this hilariously fun sitcom.

SIZE

So here we have it. Courtesy of Christianbooks.com is the acquisition of the century!

Bible Character Action figs. David & Goliath, oddly out of scale to one another. Pretty cool though. Looks like a wrestling toyline in disguise.

 I've taken more photos since this one with a few comparisons for an upcoming Figured Out entry. 

GARDEN

Blaise had a great time today in the garden with Grandma and Grandad who came by for a visit.

She likes to sit on the grass and sometimes makes an attempt to eat it.

TALEBEARER

This blog entry is a special shout-out to the local cyber-Gestapo in the adage of what Americans like to call – “The First Amendment”.

It has saddened me to hear that there are local trawlers who take the time to search for stuff online so they can report it. My personal blog is one of the targeted sites for their ‘Thought Policing’.

People are actually exercising free-speech on the internet? Not allowed it would seem.

My intention in this entry is to enlighten these ‘tell-tales’ so they know their actions are well and truly sad. Those of you outside of all this; do join me for the ride and maybe for a good chuckle.

The Bible say’s a lot in regard to ‘Gossiping’ and in this case the current ‘Gossip Culture’ victimization my blog has been under fire from. I feel bad that our pastor has to endure mass irrelevant whining about websites that these complainers choose to surf in on. It’s like deliberately looking for trouble.

The biblical term for these people – Talebearers! Even before the days of the internet; ‘gossip culture’ has been stirring up problems, because some people had nothing better to do.

In Leviticus, the creator commands: “Do not go about spreading slander [or being a tale-bearer] among your people. Do not do anything that endangers your neighbour's life. I am the Lord.” (Lev. 19:16 NIV)

Secondly, “Where there is no talebearer, strife ceases”. (Prov.26:20b). Gossip is basically better off being non-existent. I could endure this entry with several reasons why people gossip, but that would be a Tolstoy length chapter and wouldn’t transition to blog form very well….

In conclusion:
The good book commands that if someone has a problem with another that they confront the individual, as stated in I Corinthians (5:11,12 NIV). I don’t know the identities of my voyeuristic trawlers, but I know of them and therefore believe it is down to them to stop with the cloak & dagger act and get it sorted.

I am flattered that a lot of people find my blog interesting and take the time to read it - especially those generally enjoying the content. I think the people who have been complaining about here have no business surfing on in to start with.

In light of this, I request that the gossip-brigade should goosestep in another direction and simply Go Away. I also request that those who support myself and this blog to express it more as I really do value the vote of confidence. Thankyou for reading.

STEPPING

Blaise is really keen to invade Cat City. Marvel at my daughter in action as the scaredy cats look on.

===KEN

OMEDETOU

The above title is Japanese for 'Birthday'.

I have one coming up this weekend. I've already had an early present from my parents in the form of an art set. I got some pretty awesome pens, and for the first time in months I will dust off the old art pad from its last usage in 2009 and get scribbling.

Special mention to; Sam Purnell whose birthday was yesterday, wrestling pal Petherwick whose is today, my cats Zip & Star whose joint birthday is tomorrow and my bud Bassey whose birthday is the day after mine (11th).  Phew! July birthdays rock!

RIGHTEOUS

The wealth of this world will never satisfy, and the ways of wickedness will not profit you anything. But the righteous will never go hungry and will have an heavenly inheritance to look forward to. - Proverbs 10:2-3

BODYSLAM

I’ve been having a bit of a blast on WWE All-Stars recently.

The game is a recent Fathers Day gift, so I could have something play on the X-Box besides Duodecad and Lips.

I like how this game presents an exaggerated approach to wrestling with an arcade attitude and over the top looking wrestlers. I’m won over at being able to play as old favourites like Hulk Hogan, Jake the Snake Roberts and The Ultimate Warrior again in a video game and pitting them against the stars of today in glorious fantasy warfare!

Great fun!

WHO

Who's YOUR Doctor Who?

I've watched Doctor Who material featuring all 11 regenerations. From Hartnell to Smith, Doctor Who is a show I enjoy whoever is driving the TARDIS.

If I had to pick a favourite, the 4th Doctor (Tom Baker) would easily be that choice.

Why: The 4th Doctor has been visually the longest serving on the show and in my view cemented as the most iconic of the bunch. This Doctor also been accompanied by some of the most memorable travelling companions. Like with the other Doctors the dress sense only this time featuring a long overcoat and a stupendously long scarf.

Highlighted adventures/moments include: Genesis of the Daleks, The Key to Time saga, Brain of Morbius and Robot.

Fancy a Jelly Baby? :D