Barbie and Ken go on a Trek (TM)
25 Jan 05
A friend took this photo in a toy store in Tokyo recently. Actually, when you think about it, Barbie and Ken would be perfect on the Enterprise. Shame she’s a ‘red shirt’ though, they never last long …
Blue Mosque, Istanbul
20 Jan 05
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Evening light on the dome and spires of the Blue Mosque, Istanbul. I was in Istanbul on September 11, 2001. You can read more about this trip to Turkey at petergifford.com.
New stuff on the ’Hollow
20 Jan 05
You may have already noticed, but Headless Hollow is beginning to finally develop into the blog I always wanted it to be. Finally, the Photos section is up and running, and I’ll be posting new pictures there everytime I feel like procrastinating my work (which is quite a lot). Also, look to your left and you’ll see a link to a new Freebie page chock-full of professionally designed reference sheets for your favourite boardgames. Granted, you may not play boardgames as a rule, but those of you who do are excited right now I bet!
Puerto Morelos
19 Jan 05
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The beach at Puerto Morelos, south of Cancun, Mexico.
Chichen Itza: Temple of the Warriors
18 Jan 05
Chichen Itza: the Temple of the Warriors seen from the top of the Pyramid of the Sun.
Chichen Itza: Pyramid of the Sun
17 Jan 05
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During the research trip to Chichen Itza for the computer game The Omega Stone, I was lucky enough to witness the twice-a-year appearance of the snake down the main staircase of the Pyramid. The site was crowded with hundreds of people who had come to see the event; locals, New-Agers and backpackers, conch-blowers, the serious and the playful, the scientific and the spiritual.
The Telltales new CD released
14 Jan 05
After a year of hard work, my band The Telltales has just released its new CD, Haymaking. Let me assure you the term ‘difficult second album’ is not just a rock and roll cliché. But the beast is finally loose, and we’re all very proud of the results. And as the humble drummer, I can personally say I’m proud, after 20-plus years of playing music, to be in a band that has released a second album.
We have a website at thetelltales.com where you can find out all about the band, download some songs, and most importantly, link to where you can buy the CD online. Or even better, just walk into your local music store (if you live in Australia that is) and order a copy. Every sale guaranteed to advance the cause of independent Australian music!
Film review: The Incredibles
11 Jan 05
I saw The Incredibles over a week ago now, so I’m unforgivably late for my review!
Look, this one’s easy. It’s a Pixar film. They can do no wrong. And let me tell you why, it’s not a magic formula. They don’t do things the way the rest of Hollywood does. They work long and hard on an film until it’s perfect. They come up with one strong, original concept and build a story around it; a story they develop to perfection before everything else. They give that story layers of meaning so you can enjoy it whatever age you are. The animation is inspired and informed by the great animators of the past. They give each film time (four years in this case) so the team can work, polish, perfect and work some more until it’s the best it can be.
All processes that on the surface seem obvious, but are ignored everyday by disorganised, uninspired people in seach of the fast buck. An attitude by no means exclusive to the film industry …
Contrast this with the boring, uninspired cash-in that Shrek 2 was (I’m not even going to bother reviewing it here) and you can see what I mean.
Put the ingredients together with a dash (excuse the pun) of pure genius and you have The Incredibles. It’s fast-paced, touching, funny, exciting, stylish, clever and beautifully made. Everything you’ve come to expect from a Pixar film.
Four and a half flabby bellies out of five.
Happy Birthday to Me, Happy Birthday to Me …
30 Dec 04
The day closes on my 39th birthday, and what an excellent birthday it was, largely due to my wonderful girlfriend who showered me with thoughtful gifts and attention. Books (1001 Films to See Before You Die, The Poems of Edgar Allan Poe), games (Corsairi and Babel), a DVD (Edward Scissorhands), an Edward Gorey-illustrated Dracula stage play cardboard set, a bottle of Moet, and an original 1954 bakelite ViewMaster. What taste! Now, I just have to get used to the concept of only one year of my thirties being left …
Have a good one
24 Dec 04
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To all my readers, the very happiest and healthiest of Christmases. Thanks for visiting—and I hope you continue to find my little blog of interest in the coming year.
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