Jeremiah was no bullfrog. He was my blue and gold macaw. A parrot originally from South America, his earliest days were spent riding the handrail in the front of a repainted blue and yellow school bus. He rode with my family for 10 days and 5000 miles, looking out the windows on our journey from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, along the Al-Can Highway and ending in Anchorage, Alaska. Jeremiah and I bonded on that trip, sharing perhaps a dozen bubble-gum-flavored ice cream cones, french fries and bags of M&Ms. Before either he or I knew chocolate wasn't good for birds, they were one of his favorite things in the world, although he did tend to eat the peanuts and spit out the chocolate, to my bewilderment.
Jeremiah loved the view from the bus windshield, and seemed to particularly marvel when we stopped to watch a mother moose with calf along the road, or a bald eagle perched in a tree below the snowy mountains.
At the end of the journey and in the years--then decades--that passed, Jeremiah was relegated to the periphery of the house. He wasn't ignored, but 'his corner' was out of the way where his messes (a healthy Macaw is anything but tidy) wouldn't interfere with the rest of the house. He wasn't isolated, but it was perhaps lonely.
I went off to college, and off to work, then overseas to live. One year I came back from Vietnam to visit and was sitting in the living room. While I was watching tv, Jeremiah did something he hadn't done since my childhood. In the back of the house he climbed down from his cage and walked down the hall. I heard the click, click, click of his claws on the wooden floor. He came into the living room, walked around from the couch, and climbed into my lap. I was completely surprised. He looked up and talked to me. Then he looked over to my ice cream and talked to me some more, as if asking permission. I pushed the bowl of ice cream over to him and we shared it. When it was finished he sat in my lap all evening, talking, cuddling and watching tv.
I didn't know that he still remembered those days in the bus to Alaska, so long ago. I assumed he'd hardened a bit in his age. Those times were special to me, but what I didn't realize was how special they must have also been to him, and how the absence of such times with me in his later years may have also impacted him.
I few weeks later I went back to Vietnam. Jeremiah died a soon after.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Monday, December 24, 2012
Concerning Mountain Ponies
I saw The Hobbit again over the weekend. Just as good on a second viewing. The treks through caves, mountain cliffsides and goblin towns really strike a chord with me. My trek through Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan, China was the longest, most treacherous, and only two-day walk through the mountains that I have ever endured. Hiking above the Yellow Sands River, which later becomes the Yangtze, my brother and I passed through Naxi villages in hanging valleys along the ancient Tea Horse Trail. The first day we were caught in a storm and the wind howled fiercely through the teeth of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. After a night in a cliffside tavern we continued our trek through waterfalls cascading across the mountain path. As we turned a corner a train of ponies saddled with bags appeared in a bend of the trail ahead. The path followed a cliff that fell thousands of feet to the gorge below. The way was only big enough to walk single file, so I hugged the rocks as the ponies stumbled passed. I looked into the eyes of the last as he came close, wondering what he would think if he knocked me off the mountain to my death in the gorge below. Would he feel any responsibility or remorse? As he passed me, his rump knocked me against the rock face and his hoof stepped on my sore feet. His stomach groaned and then grumbled into a loud fart just below my head. I looked back at him and his burdened comrades as they turned the corner and out of sight, but he did not look back at me.
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Christmas Greetings 2012
Merry Christmas to all my friends across the world; you my new friends in New Zealand who I've been blessed to meet, you friends in the US--most of whom I've known since college days, my dear friends in Vietnam and Cambodia over the last decade, and a few of you who have been scattered elsewhere across the globe. I'm spending this Christmas in Wellington--something quite unplanned--much like a certain Christmas in a small fishing town east of Saigon in 2003. Although I feel most fortunate to spend this holiday season in beautiful New Zealand, a part of my heart will always wander the city streets of Phan Thiet late on Christmas eve, with crowds of friends and neighbors under canopies of colored lights and bright red Christmas stars.
Monday, October 8, 2012
Wellington Celebrates the World Premiere of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey with The Middle of Middle-earth Campaign
In just over 50 days, Wellington will again be in the worldwide
spotlight when it hosts the 28 November world premiere of The Hobbit: An Unexpected
Journey, a production of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures
(MGM).
To celebrate Wellington’s role as host of this much anticipated world premiere,
Mayor Celia Wade-Brown says Wellington will be calling itself The Middle of Middle-earth during the
week of the premiere.
“Wellington sits at the very heart of New Zealand’s innovative and
thriving film industry,” says Mayor Wade-Brown.
“It’s also the city that has been integral in bringing the fantasy world
of J.R.R. Tolkien to life on the big screen. So for a week around the premiere Wellington
will be known as The Middle of Middle-earth.”
The Middle of Middle-earth logo
was designed by Daniel Reeve, an artist who worked on the cartography and
calligraphy for The Hobbit Trilogy.
“I'm absolutely thrilled
that The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey will have its world premiere in the
Middle of Middle-earth,” says the film’s director Sir Peter Jackson.
“Nowhere else in
the world does a premiere quite like Wellington, and I'm very grateful for the
support of the Mayor, the Council and all Wellingtonians. It's special
showing any film to an audience for the first time, but even more so when it's
in your home town.”
Jackson will be joined by members of the film’s cast, as well as Hollywood
stars and executives on the red carpet for the VIP invitation-only world
premiere on the evening of 28 November.
“We’re delighted to take part in the Middle
of Middle-earth festivities with this exciting premiere of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey in
Wellington,” said Sue Kroll,
Warner Bros. Pictures’ President, Worldwide Marketing. “It’s a unique opportunity to debut the film
to the world in the country that has been the home of Middle-earth throughout
production of the Trilogy.”
Stars and VIPs will walk more than 500 metres of red carpet from Reading
Cinema to The Embassy Theatre, both of which will be screening the film for
invited guests on premiere night. The
event will be covered by press from around the world.
“Wellington has established a track record of holding stunning
world-class red carpet premieres and we’re confident the city will turn it on
again and show that we are indeed ‘the Coolest little Capital’ in the world,”
says Mayor Wade-Brown.
“Preparation for The Hobbit premiere is a terrific opportunity to tell
Wellington’s story too – the Coolest Little Capital where talent lives, works
and does great business.”
Wellington City Council will contribute $1.1 million to the premiere week
activities and towards ensuring Wellington is again looking its best under the
international spotlight.
Celebrations and
preparations for the World Premiere are already well underway, highlights
include:
- A ‘countdown clock’ to be installed on
the front of the Embassy Theatre. The clock will count down the minutes to
the beginning of the Premiere celebrations.
- Stunning
artwork inspired by The Hobbit Trilogy
to welcome visitors at Wellington International Airport and across the
city.
- A
Hobbit-inspired Artisan Festival in Waitangi Park showcasing the various
craftspeople and talent involved in the making of The Hobbit Trilogy.
- Outdoor, free public screenings of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy leading up to the premiere night event.
About The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey
From Academy Award®-winning
filmmaker Peter Jackson comes The Hobbit:
An Unexpected Journey, the first of a trilogy of films adapting the
enduringly popular masterpiece The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien.
The three films tell a
continuous story set in Middle-earth 60 years before The Lord of the Rings, which Jackson and his filmmaking team
brought to the big screen in the blockbuster trilogy that culminated with the
Oscar®-winning The Lord of the
Rings: The Return of the King.
The adventure follows the
journey of title character Bilbo Baggins, who is swept into an epic quest to
reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor from the fearsome dragon Smaug. Approached out of the blue by the wizard
Gandalf the Grey, Bilbo finds himself joining a company of thirteen dwarves led
by the legendary warrior, Thorin Oakenshield.
Their journey will take them into the Wild; through treacherous lands
swarming with Goblins and Orcs, deadly Wargs and Sorcerers.
Although
their goal lies to the East and the wastelands of the Lonely Mountain, first
they must escape the goblin tunnels, where Bilbo meets the creature that will
change his life forever…Gollum.
Here,
alone with Gollum, on the shores of an underground lake, the unassuming Bilbo
Baggins not only discovers depths of ingenuity and courage that surprise even
him, he also gains possession of Gollum’s “precious” ring that holds unexpected
and useful qualities… A simple, gold ring that is tied to the fate of all
Middle-earth in ways Bilbo cannot begin to know.
Ian McKellen returns as Gandalf
the Grey, the character he played in “The Lord of the Rings” Trilogy, with
Martin Freeman in the central role of Bilbo Baggins, and Richard Armitage as
Thorin Oakenshield. Also reprising their
roles from “The Lord of the Rings” in “The Hobbit” Trilogy are: Cate Blanchett
as Galadriel; Ian Holm as the elder Bilbo; Christopher Lee as Saruman; Hugo
Weaving as Elrond; Elijah Wood as Frodo; and Andy Serkis as Gollum. The international ensemble cast of the
trilogy also includes (in alphabetical order) Manu Bennett, Jed Brophy, Adam
Brown, John Callen, Mark Hadlow, Peter Hambleton, Barry Humphries, Stephen
Hunter, William Kircher, Sylvester McCoy, Bret McKenzie, Graham McTavish, James
Nesbitt, Dean O’Gorman, Conan Stevens, Ken Stott and Aidan Turner.
The screenplay for The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey is by
Fran Walsh & Philippa Boyens & Peter Jackson & Guillermo del
Toro. Jackson is also producing the film, together with Carolynne
Cunningham, Zane Weiner and Fran Walsh. The executive producers are Alan
Horn, Toby Emmerich, Ken Kamins and Carolyn Blackwood, with Boyens and Eileen
Moran serving as co-producers.
Under Jackson’s direction, “The
Hobbit” Trilogy has been shot in 3D 48 frames-per-second and will be released
in High Frame Rate (HFR) 3D, other 3D formats, IMAX and 2D. Under Jackson’s direction, “The Hobbit” Trilogy
has been shot consecutively in digital 3D using the latest camera and stereo
technology. Production has taken place at Jackson's own facilities in
Miramar, Wellington, and on location around New Zealand.
Among the creative
behind-the-scenes team returning to Jackson’s crew are director of photography
Andrew Lesnie, production designer Dan Hennah, conceptual designers Alan Lee
and John Howe, composer Howard Shore and make-up and hair designer Peter
King. The film is edited by Jabez
Olssen. The costumes are designed by Ann
Maskrey, Richard Taylor and Bob Buck.
Taylor is also overseeing the
design and production of weaponry, armour and prosthetics which are once again
being made by the award-winning Weta Workshop.
Weta Digital take on the visual effects for the films, led by the film’s
visual effects supervisor, Joe Letteri.
Post production will take place at Park Road Post Production in
Wellington.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and the second and third films of the
trilogy are productions of New Line Cinema and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures
(MGM), with New Line managing production.
Warner Bros. Pictures is handling worldwide theatrical distribution, with
select international territories as well as all international television
distribution being handled by MGM.
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey will be released in New Zealand on
December 13, 2012, with the second film, The
Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, releasing December 13, 2013, and the third
film, The Hobbit: There and Back Again
slated for July 18, 2014. www.hobbitmovies.co.uk
Labels:
Lord of the Rings,
New Zealand,
the hobbit,
Wellington
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Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Snapshots from Star Wars Celebration VI (Part 3 of 3)
A few last photos from last week's Star Wars Celebration VI in Orlando, Florida.
Dickey Beer, stunt man for the original Boba Fett in Empire Strikes Back & Return of the Jedi.
Artist Jan Duursema, the talent behind the Dark Horse comic series 'Star Wars Legacy,' Quinlan Vos: Jedi in Darkness and other popular series.
Artist Dave Dorman, who among other things, created the cover for the new
Darth Maul comic that I'm holding.
A giant At-At in one of the lobbies. It was signed by George Lucas himself.
A life-size Boba Fett made from Lego.
A curious bartender at the show.
A little life-size piece of the Moon of Endor.
Looking for Star Wars Celebration photos to publish? Drop me a line.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Snapshots from Star Wars Celebration VI (Part 2 of 3)
One of the best parts about attending Star Wars Celebration is meeting the actors and crew from the films, many of them childhood heroes (well, maybe adult-hood heroes too).
Daniel Logan plays Boba Fett in The Clone Wars, and young Boba in Attack of the Clones. This guy doesn't sit still--watch him--he has a bright future ahead of him.
Ben Burtt, legendary sound editor for Star Wars, Indiana Jones, ET and many more treasured films. In my opinion he's just as good as meeting George Lucas himself (who did come to the event, but mostly stayed out of sight).
Anthony Daniels is a real super-trooper, coming out every morning to greet fans in line and walking around the exhibition hall for photo ops. Very gracious guy.
Jeremy Bulloch, the original Boba Fett from Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. A living legend.
Jabba the Hutt, who taught me everything I know.
An evening with Kevin Smith. He was hilarious--and very relatable, which made his humor all the more poignant. Unfortunately I didn't manage to get a photo with Jabba or Kevin.
Stay tuned for part 3.
Stay tuned for part 3.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Ian McDairmid, Sam Witwer, Episodes III & IV in 3D… and FOUR Star Wars TV shows!?...
I attended Star Wars Celebration VI in Orlando this weekend (I'll be mixing the worlds of entertainment and travel a lot through 2013, including covering the premier of The Hobbit in New Zealand). This was my first Star Wars convention and it gave all the attendees a bountiful supply of information on Lucasfilm’s upcoming film and tv projects.
First and foremost was the Season 5 premier
of the 3D-animated television series, Clone Wars, which takes place between
Episodes II and III of the film franchise.
The premier showed the last two episodes of
Season IV, followed by the first of Season V, thus competing a three-episode
story arc of the return of Darth Maul, who it turns out didn’t really die at
the end of The Phantom Menace. The character, now voiced by Sam Witwer (Being
Human), has brought intensified interest in the series from fans. Warning,
SPOILER ALERT in the next paragraph:
Actor Sam Witwer, voicing a character in a 'radio drama'
created for the convention, titled 'Smuggler's Gambit.'
In Season V, Episode 1, we find Darth Maul
and ‘brother’ Savage Opress haphazardly raising an army of pirates to take on
Obi-wan Kenobi and the Jedi Order. Opress however doesn’t like Maul’s assertion
of dominance and tests Maul, who puts Opress in his place and, as actor Sam
Witwer explained, Maul would henceforth refer to Opress as ‘apprentice’ rather
than ‘brother.’ In an early scene we see an appearance by a Kenner-style ‘Blue
Snaggletooth’ character. Director David Filoni said that fans of the original
action figure line will be happy to find other Kenner-style characters making
appearances this season. The fighting in this episode was far more intense than
in previous seasons, and the stakes much higher. Late in the episode Opress head-butts
and kills a well-known jedi before Kenobi cuts off the left arm of Opress. Maul
too loses a mechanical foot before the two barely escape. Filoni indicated it
would be later in the season before we see Maul and Opress again. Likewise, he
noted that while the night sisters have been diminished, they would return in
force later on.
Following the premier was an extended new trailer
for the season, featuring a Mandalorian civil war enflamed by Maul and Opress.
Darth Sideous himself arrives to take on Maul and Opress in a light saber duel,
reminding them that ‘there can only be two, and you [Maul] are no longer my
apprentice.’ We see a darker Anakin, driven by jealousy and anger. Assage
Ventress returns masked, though her new role unclear now that she has left the
Sith. There were vague hints regarding the anticipated demise of Anakin’s
Padawan Ahsoka. Indeed, Matt Lanter, Ashley Eckstein, and Dave Filoni all
indicated that the two had voiced top-secret scenes between Anakin and Ahsoka
regarding her fate, which the other actors were not privy. Whether she is
killed by Ventress (which could tie up the much-anticipated fate of both
characters), or Maul, or Count Duku (which would go a long way in explaining
Anakin’s new brutality in Revenge of the Sith), is yet to be revealed... or maybe she merely goes into hiding like Yoda?... not likely.
In other trailers we see Darth Maul wearing
special red Mandalorian armour, as well as fighting green-skinned Falleen of
the Black Sun (think Prince Xizor from Shadows of the Empire). This all happens
in the midst of growing anti-Jedi sentiment within the republic. We see a
battle on the planet Onderon and a female rebel leader, Steela, who features
prominently in previews. Could she fill the niche left by a likely demise of
Ahsoka?
Ian McDairmid, in his first US convention appearance.
Actor Ian Abercrombie, who voices Palpatine in Clone Wars, passed away earlier this year. When asked if Ian McDairmid would replace him, Dave Filoni declined to answer out of respect for Abercrombie, however he said that Abercrombie had voiced most of Season 5 already and that he would announce the replacement closer to the time new scenes are recorded.
Coincidentally (or perhaps not), McDairmid
was asked by a fan if he would be voicing Palpatine in the hotly anticipated
Star Wars live-action tv series tentatively titled ‘Underworld.’ McDairmid’s
reply:
“What do you think?” he laughed, concluding
“I would hate it if I was alive and someone else got the part.” This may
suggest he is also open to resuming the part for the 3D animate Clone Wars.
Though whether there will be a Sixth Season has not been announced.
However, McDairmid confirmed that ‘Star
Wars Underworld’ had been shelved for the time being, do to overwhelming costs
and time needed to produce the level of computer effects desired by George
Lucas. According to sources connected with the series, as many as 50 scripts
had already been written for the series, some casting had begun, and concept
art had been approved by George Lucas.
In a separate screening announced for
families, Lucasfilm showed a 3-episode story arc from Season 5 of Clone Wars, titled
‘Young Jedi,’ and cut as a short movie. It followed the training of a group of new
padawans, including building their first light sabers, and eventually taking on
the dreaded General Grievous.
Clone Wars Season 5 premiers September 29 on the Cartoon Network.
A new 3D animated, slap-stick comedy series
entitled Star Wars: Detours was also announced by Seth Green and the team
behind ‘Robot Chicken’ at the convention. The series features characters from
the movies in whimsical forms and settings, reminding me of a cross between
family guy, the Muppets and… Robot Chicken.
George Lucas himself made a surprise
appearance at a morning panel with Dave Filoni. He talked about what appeared
to be yet another Star Wars tv series in development and aimed at young
children, which was neither Young Jedi, nor Star Wars: Detours. What exactly
this series is remains to be seen.
The convention concluded with the
announcement of the release of Episode II and Episode III in 3D for September
and October 2013.
Photos copyright 2012 Adam Bray. Videos are the property of Lucasfilm via YouTube.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Day Two with Ghosts & Monster Hunters
Below are more photos from my first paranormal conference, held this weekend at the Kewadin Casinos. It was a fun time and Kewadin was a cosy and welcoming setting. I loved the free gift bags for attendees too! I'd be happy to come back for future events at Kewadin any time.
Joshua Gates and Rex Williams had a fun Q&A looking back on their show, Destination Truth. The discussion included a horrifying paranormal experience involving their cameraman in Romania, Rex getting choked by a ghost in Thailand, and the whole group getting detained at a military border checkpoint in Senegal. I can sympathize with the last one, regarding my own experiences in Vietnam. Josh said his most amazing experience was spending the night alone in King Tut's tomb; something arranged by a rather amazing local Egyptian fixer.
Joshua Gate, Rex Williams and I.
You can order the Destination Truth DVDs and book
at Amazon.
'Paranormal Rockstar' Dustin Pari and Barry Fitzgerald of SyFy's Ghost Hunters International gave a funny and informative talk on their experiences with the show and discussed new discoveries and techniques in the field of ghost investigations. Particularly interesting were their comments on how different types of lighting/radiation seemed to disrupt and inhibit ghost activity, and how the foods we eat can disrupt or enhance our own senses, important in investigation of the supernatural.
Dustin Pari, Barry Fitzgerald and I. Dustin is no longer with the show, but does continue to do ghost hunting on the side, and doesn't seem to have ruled out a return to tv, in perhaps another form later on. He has also founded the Christian Patch Ministry. Dustin and Barry have a new book, 'So My Home is Haunted... Now What?' Get their previous book, 'The Complete Approach-The Scientific and Metaphysical Guide to The Paranormal
' at Amazon.
Me with Amy Bruni (SyFy's Ghost Hunters) and Kris Williams (SyFy's Ghost Hunters International). Kris was involved in a bit of a controversy when she spoke out against an episode of GHI this season. A member of the team volunteered to participate in a Mayan Blood-letting ceremony to communicate with spirits at an ancient ruin in Belize. I appreciate that Kris spoke up and stood firm on her beliefs. Although my own experience with tv has been more limited, I understand what it's like as a writer when an editor changes my own words without informing me, and comes out making statements that I don't agree with--when my own name is the one on the story. Within travel media It's also bothered me when travel tv hosts set their beliefs aside to do things for ratings that would otherwise pose ethical, moral and even legal dilemas if they did the same activity in their home country.
Kris said that there's been no news about whether there will be a new season of Ghost Hunters International, but that she doesn't expect to continue with the show. I wish her well in whatever comes next. She's a talented lady with a good head on her shoulders and I'm sure she'll have a bright future. Best wishes to Amy too, who has a baby on the way!
You can order or download seasons of Ghost Hunters
Labels:
destination truth,
joshua gates,
Paranormal,
syfy
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Saturday, August 11, 2012
Squeezing in Some Ghosts, UFOs and a Vietnamese Bigfoot
Speaking of which... This weekend I happen to find myself at my first Paranormal Convention! I'll save most comments and stories for tomorrow's post, as bed-time is fast approaching, but I thought I should throw a few photos out from today's activities before I sign off.
Author Travis Walton and I. Mr. Walton's book, 'Fire in the Sky' was made into a movie starring D B Sweeney, Robert Patrick and James Garner.
The ladies answered nearly 2 hours of questions, ranging from the role of women in ghost hunting, to working with celebrity guests, to a certain infamous episode this season.
Stay tuned for more details tomorrow, including appearances by Rex Williams and Joshua Gates from SyFy's 'Destination Truth' and Dustin Pari and Barry Fitzgerald from SyFy's 'Ghost Hunters' and 'Ghost Hunters International.' Joshua Gates was recently in Vietnam hunting for an elusive giant primate. We'll see if I can pry any behind-the-scenes info on that from him...
John Zaffis from the SyFy Channel's 'Haunted Collector'
John's son, Chris Zaffis, also from SyFy Channel's 'Haunted Collector'
Travis Walton giving a presentation on his infamous UFO abduction experience
Author Travis Walton and I. Mr. Walton's book, 'Fire in the Sky' was made into a movie starring D B Sweeney, Robert Patrick and James Garner.
Amy Bruni from SyFy's 'Ghost Hunters' (with baby bump!)
The lovely Kris Williams from Syfy's 'Ghost Hunters International'
The ladies answered nearly 2 hours of questions, ranging from the role of women in ghost hunting, to working with celebrity guests, to a certain infamous episode this season.
Stay tuned for more details tomorrow, including appearances by Rex Williams and Joshua Gates from SyFy's 'Destination Truth' and Dustin Pari and Barry Fitzgerald from SyFy's 'Ghost Hunters' and 'Ghost Hunters International.' Joshua Gates was recently in Vietnam hunting for an elusive giant primate. We'll see if I can pry any behind-the-scenes info on that from him...
Labels:
destination truth,
joshua gates,
Paranormal,
syfy,
Vietnam
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