Silly title aside, I've been meaning to dust off the old blog for some random writing exercises, and what better way than to celebrate Natalie's Merchant's newest album. I'm going to avoid a few superficial disagreements I have with the album and not even mention the whole gap between albums thing.
Point of fact, Natalie's back, and her voluptuous voice is as stunning as ever. The fusion of orchestra and more traditional band sounds makes for a heady combination, but make no mistake. This is not another "Leave Your Sleep." Its tone and themes are much more sombre this time around.
These songs were cultivated during that long interim, her first foray into motherhood.
Natalie, promise us it won't be another four years until you grace us with your lyrical genius.
Wednesday, May 07, 2014
Saturday, November 23, 2013
The Big Five-OH
I guess it would be remiss of me not to take a little time to acknowledge the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who. This day, fifty years ago, was when the first episode, "An Unearthly Child", broadcasted in the BBC. If I'm fortunate, I might even be here to see the 100th anniversary in 2063, but I'm getting ahead of myself.
It's surprising to learn how many pop culture ideas came from the 60s and all are celebrating their golden anniversary. James Bond did a few years ago. Fantastic Four will next year. Spider-Man and Ultraman will have theirs in 2016. This is just me skimming the surface, of course.
I suppose I'm a little jealous in that I have no idea or character that will outlive me. No one will look fondly back, fifty years from now, at something that I wrote. So, I just borrow a very old ideology, one of goodwill and self-sacrifice. Hopefully, that will see me through.
It's surprising to learn how many pop culture ideas came from the 60s and all are celebrating their golden anniversary. James Bond did a few years ago. Fantastic Four will next year. Spider-Man and Ultraman will have theirs in 2016. This is just me skimming the surface, of course.
I suppose I'm a little jealous in that I have no idea or character that will outlive me. No one will look fondly back, fifty years from now, at something that I wrote. So, I just borrow a very old ideology, one of goodwill and self-sacrifice. Hopefully, that will see me through.
Wednesday, October 02, 2013
Ultraman Taro Warrior of Light (Hikari no Ultra Senshi) Review
With the new Ultraman television series, "Ultraman Ginga," there's no surprise that there is a flood of new merchandise. Besides Ultraman Ginga, I was surprised to find out that Ultraman Taro had a supporting role in the series (as a talking toy, don't ask) and was included in said landfill of new toys.
Ultraman Taro first had his own television series in 1973, but has made several appearances since then, namely 2006's "Ultraman Mebius and Ultra Borthers." He's been one of my favorite due to his unique design.
So, let's take a look at this 6" figure. There is a rubbery feel to Taro, not unlike the rubber suits that make up the Ultraman costumes. The legs feel solid and shouldn't warp over time. Due to the electronics in its chest, the toy does have a bit of a heft to it.
Now there's virtually no articulation. Okay, the arms move up and down, but they feel a little wobbly, like I could just pull them out of their sockets if I wanted to. But what it lacks in articulation, it makes up in a very solid sculpt.
Taro has a very strong stance. The sculpt captures a lot of the details from the actual suit, including the boots, gloves, and the wrinkles in certain areas. The head and chest look very "on-model." In other words, Taro is a great looking statue.
A great looking statue that lights up, of course. The whole concept behind the "Warrior of Light" series is that the Ultraman's eyes and color timer light up at a press of a button. I would have preferred that it be a switch so that I could leave Taro on, but it's minor at best. My only other complaint is that the color timer seems really bright, laser pointer bright.
Overall, it's a great, but immobile, version of Taro. I'm so happy that they even cut out the area in Taro's fin. A lot of companies are too lazy to do that.
Ultraman Taro first had his own television series in 1973, but has made several appearances since then, namely 2006's "Ultraman Mebius and Ultra Borthers." He's been one of my favorite due to his unique design.
So, let's take a look at this 6" figure. There is a rubbery feel to Taro, not unlike the rubber suits that make up the Ultraman costumes. The legs feel solid and shouldn't warp over time. Due to the electronics in its chest, the toy does have a bit of a heft to it.
Now there's virtually no articulation. Okay, the arms move up and down, but they feel a little wobbly, like I could just pull them out of their sockets if I wanted to. But what it lacks in articulation, it makes up in a very solid sculpt.
Taro has a very strong stance. The sculpt captures a lot of the details from the actual suit, including the boots, gloves, and the wrinkles in certain areas. The head and chest look very "on-model." In other words, Taro is a great looking statue.
A great looking statue that lights up, of course. The whole concept behind the "Warrior of Light" series is that the Ultraman's eyes and color timer light up at a press of a button. I would have preferred that it be a switch so that I could leave Taro on, but it's minor at best. My only other complaint is that the color timer seems really bright, laser pointer bright.
Overall, it's a great, but immobile, version of Taro. I'm so happy that they even cut out the area in Taro's fin. A lot of companies are too lazy to do that.
Saturday, September 14, 2013
Playmates TMNT Stealth Tech Raph & Mikey Review
Okay, so my review for Leo turned into a kiss-up to Playmates. That's why I've decided to review two more of the Stealth Tech line of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Raphael and Michelangelo. As stated before, both of the turtles have unique suit and headgear designs. Playmates even kept the individual scaling the same with Mikey shorter than the others.
For the Stealth Tech line, each Turtle has their signature weapon along with an unique spy-themed device or weapon. Raph, true to his nature, comes with a battering ram to fit his raging temper, while Mikey has a portable listening device, which can hook into his belt. (Either that or Mikey's just listening to his favorite tunes...)
Mikey's design is a little plain with his front armor resembles stereo speakers. On Raph's back is a portable generator-thingy, possibly for his night vision googles. His sai(s) rest in his back strap, which is a little snug against the generator-thingy. I wish they'd take the time to list the accessories and give them wacky names like in the original toy line. Then, at least, people would know what some items the figures came with actually were supposed to be. (I'm talking to you, Donny.)
The only accessory they all share is the zip line. Clipping it to the back of the character, they can fulfill your darkest Mission: Impossible desires, or just zip them across sofas and other handy furniture. The articulation is close to the original ones, but their front shells aren't softened, so the forward leg movement is limited.
Mikey's design is a little lacking, in my opinion, but they are all fun toys that both adults and kids will enjoy.
For the Stealth Tech line, each Turtle has their signature weapon along with an unique spy-themed device or weapon. Raph, true to his nature, comes with a battering ram to fit his raging temper, while Mikey has a portable listening device, which can hook into his belt. (Either that or Mikey's just listening to his favorite tunes...)
Mikey's design is a little plain with his front armor resembles stereo speakers. On Raph's back is a portable generator-thingy, possibly for his night vision googles. His sai(s) rest in his back strap, which is a little snug against the generator-thingy. I wish they'd take the time to list the accessories and give them wacky names like in the original toy line. Then, at least, people would know what some items the figures came with actually were supposed to be. (I'm talking to you, Donny.)The only accessory they all share is the zip line. Clipping it to the back of the character, they can fulfill your darkest Mission: Impossible desires, or just zip them across sofas and other handy furniture. The articulation is close to the original ones, but their front shells aren't softened, so the forward leg movement is limited.
Mikey's design is a little lacking, in my opinion, but they are all fun toys that both adults and kids will enjoy.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)