The Engleson Files

Another little classic graphic novel I picked up over the holidays was The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen by Alan Moore. I thoroughly enjoyed the first volume in the series and have just ordered the second. The Victorian Era plotlines in this series are very detailed and interesting and have a beautiful wit within the dialogue. Alan Moore’s novels have become quite the hit on the silver screen but Moore has continually refused to be a part of them - and judging the finished product of a few of his stories I am sure he is happy with his decision.

Continuing on my graphic novel kick, I just recently finished reading V for Vendetta by Alan Moore. Not much to say except that it is an absolute classic! The storyline is most intense (Guy Fawkes lovers beware!) and the artwork is fantastic. Get your copy today!

Last night Joe and I stumbled upon this fantastic little NFB film called “Paddle to the Sea”. The very second we started watching it we were totally captivated and have not been able to get it out of our minds since. This half-hour film was made in 1966 and was nominated for an Academy Award and is an adaptation of a children’s book (of the same name) by author Holling C. Holling. Today I went and purchased the book and words cannot describe how beautiful it and the story is - this is pure Canadiana at its finest, people! Anyways, take some time and have a quick look at this cool little film and get then race down to your local book store and pick up your copy today - you will be glad you did.

Click here for a sneak peak at the book.

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Last night Uncle Scott, Aunt Sandy and Hugh all came down from Nanaimo for a nice little visit. During our time together I was introduced to a comic named Mitch Hedberg. Now, living in China I tend to be behind the eight ball on many things so I am sure all of you already know of him. Anyways, I listened to two performances of his last night and simply could not stop laughing - this guy is/was a funny, funny dude! I just love his delivery of the joke and there is no question he is far better when performing heavily under the influence. Mitch has since died of a drug overdose in 2005 but thankfully his comedy lives on. If you have some time give this guy a listen. Thanks for the memories!

I just came away from watching The Dark Knight for the second time and I have to say once again that Heath Ledger’s performance as the Joker is simply brilliant. Everytime he is on screen he captivates your full attention and just carries every scene he is in - there is no question this is his movie. It is sad to know that we will never be able to see him perform it again, but I say to you right now: get out there, pay the big bucks and go watch an amazing acting performance!

P.S. - Sorry Mamma Judy, I caved and watched it without you but will gladly go again!

When you need a problem solved in a pinch there is only one man to call: Barnaby Jones! I know it’s impossible to take seriously, but damn this is slick intro!

Wow. Just the other day I was able to pick up a pirated version of Kung Fu Panda and watched it for the first time. I had heard a few things about this movie but really had no idea what it was about or had not heard any of the hype surrounding it. Now, I don’t know if it is because I am living in China or because my views of children’s movies has changed so drastically, but boy did I really enjoy this movie! I thought the animation was spectacular, the story was great and they didn’t go too cheese-ball with the China gags. I am very happy Magnus enjoys watching it because that means I get to watch again as well - two thumbs up from this guy!

Did you know all of this about the chipmunk? For a more complete story on the chipmunk please contact the Canadian Wildlife Services in Ottawa…

C’mon folks, it is a long weekend back home in Canada, which means it is time kick the shoes off a little and let loose - and here’s just the thing to help you get started!

Hey, it’s not everyday a man gets a spider named after him, so today we here at The Engleson Files would like to tip our hat to the one and only Neil Young for his new big honor. I have been a big fan of Neil’s for many years now and it is nice to see him get some pure bonafide scientific recognition for all the great work he has done. Love him or hate him, you have to admit he has had true staying power in his career and still continues to put out great music - and now we have a spider to prove it. Congrats Neil!

Click here for more on the big spider news.

Curveball

Two years ago I was introduced to the game of Curveball , which is a beautiful advancement of the classic video pong game, and became quite addicted to it for an extended period of time. In fact, it became a downright obsession with my officemates in O302 and a few other friends at Maple Leaf School - daily discussions revolved around what level one reached and who had the top score of the day. Those days have since passed, but, for whatever reason I hear the game calling us back again and this time it is challenging us all to see who the ultimate Curveball champion is! So yes, it is now time to put all the talking aside and let your skills speak in volumes - who has what it takes?!

Leave a comment to record your top level and high score

Now that our one week vacation is upon us, I have decided to take a little time for myself and re-watch some of my favorite classic movies while the kids are down for their afternoon nap - and today’s selection was Das Boot. Now, if you are not familiar with this movie I strongly suggest you get down to your local video store and pick it up right away. It is definitely the best submarine movie out there but I could easily put it up there as one of the best war movies as well. Das Boot is not a movie that you watch, it is a movie that you experience. You experience the suffering of life on a submarine, the fears of being trapped below the water’s surface and the horrors of naval artillery engagement. This is definitely not a romantic war movie where everyone walks off into the sunset at the end, but it is a classic and I thoroughly enjoyed watching it again.

When it comes to watching good wholesome movies with the family, nothing (and I mean nothing) beats a Pixar production. Now, I apologize to all of you without children who may not be as up to date as us family folk when it comes to Pixar movies, but really, there is no comparison. Movies such as: Toy Story, Incredibles, Monsters Inc. and Cars are all classics in my opinion - and even after you have watched them a gazillion times as our children do they still hold some charm. Whoever is in charge of creating these movies knows full well that the entire family unit is watching and they do an absolutely fantastic job of hitting all levels with their humor; also, the animation of Pixar movies are second to none. I was deeply saddened to see that Disney bought them out (because I hate Disney), but I will do my best to overlook this point. Anyways, Pixar films has a new movie coming out - Wall-E - and I have to admit that I am quite excited to see it. So, thank you Pixar for making top notch films that keep everyone in the house happy. Keep up the good work!