Celluloid Diaries: Reading / watching / listening to...

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Reading / watching / listening to...

the twilight zone tv series

Reading:

* Not From Around Here by Larry Hochwald. Inventiveness is definitely what sets Larry Hochwald's science fiction/horror anthology apart. I just wish the characters and the way they express themselves would have been more mature. Join The Club, a story about a boy who's dared to spend the night in a haunted house, was by far the best of the bundle.

* Master Of The Inn and Inn For The Holidays by Ella Jade. These were really sexy, kinky reads set against autumn and winter settings. A quaint inn, a picnic among the autumn leaves, laying tangled together by the huge picture window watching the snow fall... Ella Jade knows how to make things cozy for her readers... and then cleverly breaks that coziness to introduce you to her kinky games. Highly recommended.

* Cats Of Italy/Gatti d'Italia by Janet Wellington. Janet and I got into contact recently because we both share a passion for feline photography. Collecting all the cats of Italy in a photo essay and adding cat quotes to the whole is definitely an idea that speaks to me. Just a pity that Cats Of Italy/Gatti d'Italia is only available as an eBook.

* Santa Claws by Meg Mims. An evil cat that ruins its owner's Christmas. If this description sounds fun... it's not. Meg Mims never leaves her comfort zone and Santa Claws is seriously lacking surprises.

*A Dog Named Leaf by Allan Anderson. The true story of a man who undergoes brain surgery due to an aneurysm. Not a bad book at all. The author just shouldn't have forced his story around a dog whose impact on his personal changes isn't nearly as important as that of his wife, his past as a cop, and the fear surrounding the surgery.


Watching: 

* Masquerade. In this Korean historical film, set in the era of the Joseon Dynasty, the tyrannical king Gwanghae collapses from a poison, and his body double becomes the new king. Will the newcomer save the country, avoid assassination, and pull off the biggest masquerade in history? This film was recommended to me as a masterpiece. It's a little too long for that (over two hours) as my mind was wandering for the last half hour. The rest of the movie is excellent and extremely funny.

* The Punishment Of Anne / The Image. Holds the middle between a stylish porn film and a drama. It's completely kinky and weird and puts the viewer ill at ease. Loved it. From cult director Radley Metzger.

* All The Colors Of The Dark. In this giallo by Sergio Martino, a blue-eyed maniac with a knife follows a woman wherever she goes. Despite its cult status, All The Colors Of The Dark is rather repetitive and badly acted. The music makes up for a lot of its misses.

* Wrong Turn part 2 and Wrong Turn part 5. The second installment of this horror series about a group of mutated cannibals is highly stereotypical, but unlike many slasher movies, it's not easy to guess who will survive. Part five, on the other hand, was one of the better of the series, especially because the murders were so gruesome.

* Surviving Christmas. This is one of my favorite Christmas movies. Don't judge me.

* The Fury. It's been a good twenty years since I last saw this Brian De Palma movie. While not engaging for its entirety, I particularly liked its atmosphere, aesthetics, and "explosive" ending.

* Contracted. A lesbian girl sleeps with a man and gets infected with a disease that slowly turns her into a zombie. Amateurish acting and questionable cinematic technique made it hard to enjoy this film.

* Safe. Julianne Moore plays a woman who believes she suffers from multiple chemical sensitivity, even though her physician can't find anything wrong with her. She ends up in a new age community that challenges her weak personality even more. Director Todd Haynes succeeds in setting an uneasy mood for this film, but it's Julianne Moore's precise portrayal of the physically and mentally unstable Carol White that really makes us question what is safe in this world.

* The Twilight Zone: The Complete Definitive Collection. I recently received this 28-DVD set as a present and I'm hooked once more. Supernatural stories don't get much better than this.

* Homeland season three. The third season of Homeland builds up slow and ends in fireworks of brilliance and emotion.

* American Horror Story: Season 3 – Coven. I stopped in the middle of this season. So much silliness.


Listening to:

* Word Play by Kormac. I absolutely love the latest CD from this Irish DJ, especially the songs Another Screen and Rainstorm. In the vein of Chinese Man and Wax Tailor.

* Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. This double CD belonged to my grandfather and we listened to it over and over again every Christmas during the last years of his life. It contains 38 Christmas classics such as Happy Holiday, Here Comes Santa Claus, It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year, and Do You Hear What I Hear? Whenever A Christmas Prayer by Bobby Vinton is on, I picture how he closed his eyes in order to savor this song and how he softly moved his hands through the air to accompany the tone. If there's one CD that brings back beautiful memories, then it's without a doubt Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.

 * Ultra-Lounge: Christmas Cocktails vol. 1 and Ultra-Lounge: Christmas Cocktails vol. 4. An original big band arrangement of well-known Christmas songs. Even if you don't like Christmas music, you'll at least have to listen to Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer played in mambo-tempo.


What are your favorite eighties songs?
Do you have favorite Christmas books, movies, and music?

35 comments:

  1. Twenty-eight DVDs? That's a lot of Twilight Zone.
    One of my favorite Christmas movies is A Christmas Story.
    And we've been rocking the TSO Christmas CDs this week.
    Merry Christmas, Vanessa!

    ReplyDelete
  2. We share a few likes and dislikes, and I enjoyed reading your post. You are really busy! I entered your giveaway. I'd never posted any status thing on Google+ before and I wasn't a member of Bloglovin' - but for Drowned Sorrow, I am now! (I don't Twitter or Pinterest though). I hope you get lots of participation for your giveaway. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ik lees de laatste tijd te weinig!
    Groetjes, RW & SK

    ReplyDelete
  4. Although I can be a bit of a grinch, I love Christmas films and songs - even all the cheesy ones. I'm not listening to as much as I usually do though - I must rectify that soon!

    ReplyDelete
  5. OMG for a second I saw only TWILIGHT on that picture and I got afraid.... very afraid :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. I've only seen the first Wrong Turn and that was enough. Gross! I love scary horror, but gory horror grosses me out. lol

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love Homeland. I enjoyed the first two seasons of American Horror Story but not this season so much. We stopped watching Coven.

    ReplyDelete
  8. We've only seen the first season of Homeland but love it! Don't tell My Rare One, but I got her season 2 on DVD for under the tree. So we'll watch that after Xmas. Kind of one of those selfish gifts that benefits me too, isn't it? I'm sure we'll buy and watch season 3 in due course!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I can't stand Wrong Turn, or movies of that ilk. I prefer my horror to make my spine tingle, not make me hurl. :) But I'm full of envy over that Twllight Zone box set! I'm struggling through the latest American Horror, purely because I love the cast and the series prior, so I want to at least support the series so they make more. Homeland was a slow burn, and I didn't like the ending either. But again, I continued to watch because the writing is good, performances are superb and I wanted to support it for providing me so much entertainment perviously. Great post, I've picked up a few extras and remembered a few old faves. :) X

    shahwharton.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love horror, so Wrong Turn is for me.

    Thanks for the giveaway and Happy Holidays.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Awesome Giveaway!
    I'm new to the blogosphere and could use some followers. I’m now following you via Facebook, GFC & Twitter. You can find my blog at Kismet Book Reviews & Tours
    Happy Holidays!

    ReplyDelete
  12. I've not read/watched/listened to any of those on your list. Just shows how much choice there is.

    ReplyDelete
  13. wonderful collection you have here...how you find the time to do so much is amazing. Surviving Christmas looks like a fun movie...i'm going to check it out! thanks ☺

    ReplyDelete
  14. you are reading, watching and listening to some amazing stuff!

    ReplyDelete
  15. 1. The Image sounds like you discovered the BluRay in your boyfriends library ;)
    2. For a second there I thought I saw All the Colors of the Dark under the Books-section and thought you had acquired the ludicrously expensive but majestically magnificent book on Mario Bava by Tim Lucas. But not.
    3. Safe came highly recommended to me too, now I seriously need to make time for it.
    4. Twilight Zone = seminal.
    5. I just finished American Horror Story season 1 and was pretty disappointed, but maybe because too high expectations? So it doesn't get any better?..

    Two more notes:
    - One more book about cats or dogs and I'm afraid we're going to have to call an intervention!
    - I think Game of Thrones is still missing from these lists? I'm going to overhype it if this goes on...

    ReplyDelete
  16. Hi there! New reader here. I have liked both of your Facebook pages because I like cats and I'm interested in your screenplays, particularly GPS with Benefits! That screams of a must-make chick flick I'd love!

    ReplyDelete
  17. ¸.•°♡♡⊱彡
    Je viens te souhaiter un JOYEUX NOËL chère Vanessa !

    ⋱ ⋮ ⋰
    ⋯ ✰ ⋯
    ⋰ ⋮ ⋱


    ░J░O░Y░E░U░X
    ░N░O░Ë░L░

    GROSSES BISES ensoleillées !!!
    ¸.•°♡♡⊱彡

    ReplyDelete
  18. This is really great work , Thank you for sharing such a useful information here in the blog. I have something to share here mcafee download |

    norton download |

    microsoft office download |

    office download |



    ReplyDelete
  19. Performance tab helps you to see and monitor the software’s activities and performance.

    Security tab allows you to test and scan your network. It also enables you to update Norton, create security and firewall settings, etc.


    Copy and send the download link to your email address if you want to use it on another device

    Wait for the download to complete; then, open the file on your device, follow the screen prompt to install.

    After the general overview, let’s see how to install the norton.com setup on different devices.
    Safety For Mobile Devices

    Help block programmers from your gadgets, keep your online movement hidden and secure your character, across the board. It's rarely been simpler
    Cloud Computing With Norton
    norton com setup enter productkey

    Gadget security helps block programmers and Norton Secure VPN encourages you keep your online action hidden.

    ReplyDelete
  20. How MAC Users Can Download Cannon software?
    Mac users can download and install the Canon software through
    using these steps.

    Using your browsers, type
    After the page opens, tap on the setup icon
    Move to the search option to fill in your printer type
    Tap on the Go option, then click the start button
    Prepare your printer per the instructions on the screen
    Wait for the download button to appear
    Now, tap on the download icon
    Wait for the download to end
    Double click to open the file
    Click yes when the control panel opens
    Here comes the start set up window
    Now, that you’ve downloaded the Cannon printer driver to your Mac computer,
    let’s figure out how to install it.Enter your printer model
    Click on the Go icon
    Tap on Start
    Now check if your printer is powered to make it ready
    Click on the download to start downloading
    Wait for the download to complete then open the ‘exe’ file
    Once the account control window opens, tap on the
    Yes button to proceed to set up the processij.start.cannon set up

    ReplyDelete
  21. Internet Security protects you from various online threats like scams, viruses, and phishing.

    Performance tab helps you to see and monitor the software’s activities and performance.

    Security tab allows you to test and scan your network. It also enables you to update Norton, create security and firewall settings, etc.


    Copy and send the download link to your email address if you want to use it on another device

    Wait for the download to complete; then, open the file on your device, follow the screen prompt to install.

    After the general overview, let’s see how to install the setup on different devices.
    Safety For Mobile Devices

    Help block programmers from your gadgets, keep your online movement hidden and secure your character, across the board. It's rarely been simpler
    Cloud Computing With Norton
    norton com setup sign in

    Gadget security helps block programmers and Norton Secure VPN encourages you keep your online action hidden.

    ReplyDelete

  22. Using your browsers, type
    After the page opens, tap on the setup icon
    Move to the search option to fill in your printer type
    Tap on the Go option, then click the start button
    Prepare your printer per the instructions on the screen
    Wait for the download button to appear
    Now, tap on the download icon
    Wait for the download to end
    Double click to open the file
    Click yes when the control panel opens
    Here comes the start set up window
    Now, that you’ve downloaded the Cannon printer driver to your Mac computer,
    let’s figure out how to install it.Enter your printer model
    Click on the Go icon
    Tap on Start
    Now check if your printer is powered to make it ready
    Click on the download to start downloading
    Wait for the download to complete then open the ‘exe’ file
    Once the account control window opens, tap on the
    Yes button to proceed to set up the processij.start.cannon set up

    ReplyDelete
  23. Wait for the download to complete; then, open the file on your device, follow the screen prompt to install.

    After the general overview, let’s see how to install the norton.com setup on different devices.Open your browser

    Type Norton com setup sign in or the URL
    Sign in to your Norton setup account

    Hit on the download button

    Check the license agreement before clicking the download

    Select the option per your browser

    Tap on the ‘Run’ icon

    Now, the account control window opens

    Click on continue



    hrefs

    norton.com/setup
    www.norton.com/setup

    ReplyDelete
  24. norton setup
    Keep it safeess your most recent Norton products and services
    Go through each product description to know what suits your fancy
    Select your preferred package
    Choose a payment option and enter your details to complete the order
    If successful, the Norton setup product key will arrive in your email box
    Keep it safe
    Gadget security helps block programmers and Norton Secure VPN encourages you keep your online action hidden.
    After reading the license agreement, tap on the download button

    Copy and send the download link to your email address if you want to use it on another device

    Wait for the download to complete; then, open the file on your device, follow the screen prompt to install.
    norton com setup enter productkey

    ReplyDelete
  25. norton com setup enter productkey

    norton com setup sign in
    I'm truly dazzled about the information you give in your articles. I should state am exceptionally overpowered by your entire story. It is difficult to get

    AccAccess your most recent Norton products and services
    Go through each product description to know what suits your fancy
    Select your preferred package
    Choose a payment option and enter your details to complete the order
    If successful, the Norton setup product key will arrive in your email box
    Keep it safeess your most recent Norton products and services
    Go through each product description to know what suits your fancy
    Select your preferred package
    Choose a payment option and enter your details to complete the order
    If successful, the Norton setup product key will arrive in your email box
    Keep it safe
    Gadget security helps block programmers and Norton Secure VPN encourages you keep your online action hidden.
    After reading the license agreement, tap on the download button

    Copy and send the download link to your email address if you want to use it on another device

    Wait for the download to complete; then, open the file on your device, follow the screen prompt to install.
    norton.com setup

    ReplyDelete

  26. ij.canon.start
    nce more, select the LAN or Ethernet association, at that point, click on the following symbol.

    Check if your printer link is associated and filling in true to form

    Hit on the following catch

    Trust that the printer's name will spring up

    On the off chance that not, type the printer's IP address, click search

    Follow the rules on the new window

    Snap on straightaway and select the printer name

    Tap on the following symbol

    Follow the new set up manage on the screen

    Hit the investigating symbol on the off chance that you have any difficultyfor Macintosh With Ethernet Link Association

    Once more, select the LAN or Ethernet association, at that point, click on the following symbol.

    Check if your printer link is associated and functioning true to form

    Hit on the following catch
    ij.start.cannon set up

    ReplyDelete
  27. Great information, i was searching of this kind of information, thank you very much for sharing with us. i also have some links to share
    buy modvigil online

    buy vilafinil online

    ReplyDelete
  28. The great destinations information is truly educated. The pleasant destinations alluded was acceptable information

    토토사이트
    온라인카지노
    파워볼사이트

    ReplyDelete
  29. your work was exemplary. The information provided was very helpful and articulate. Keep recording.

    스포츠토토
    토토
    안전놀이터
    토토사이트

    ReplyDelete
  30. I don’t even know how I returned, however i presumed this kind of submit has been practical. Cheers!

    스포츠토토
    카지노사이트
    파워볼게임
    바카라

    ReplyDelete
  31. It's a great post. I will check this blog continuously. I hope you have a good day today.

    ReplyDelete