Chadwick Boseman

I was very sorry to hear the news--just barely an hour ago--about how actor Chadwick Boseman has died from colon cancer. He played legendary baseball player Jackie Robinson, Chief Justice Thurgood Marshall, and singer James Brown in various films. 

But he was probably best known for his role as Black Panther, starting in Captain America: Civil War, through two Avengers movies, and in his own Black Panther film. No matter what the project, Boseman always uplifted it with his acting skills. Rest in peace.  

Even Sharks Are Not Safe!

Everybody and their mother has probably seen this by now. But just in case you haven't, here's a video of a pretty sizable fish being scooped up by an even more sizable bird of prey. Where was this bird when Chief Brody needed it on Amity Island?

Hope you're having a great Fourth of July. And if you don't celebrate the Fourth, then I hope you're enjoying a great summer weekend.

A nice surprise

There's an email book recommendation from Amazon where they suggest books for people to buy. This particular e-mail dealt with Science Fiction and Fantasy. Look what book they recommend right next to the Star Trek: Discovery novel.

I've got to admit I'm really tickled to see this. It's the first time I've seen one of my Ryta books promoted like this (I've had nothing to do with it), and it's really cool.

Speaking of my favorite jungle girl, I'm still working on the latest Ryta book, which I hope to have ready by late November or early December at the latest. Just keep it right here for the latest Ryta news.

Uncharted fan film

In the days of yore, fan films were cheap little productions made by amateurs who loved the cinematic (or TV) universes their stories took place in. These days a fan film can star big name actors and look as slick as a big-budget Hollywood production. That's what you have here, a fan film starring Nathan Fillion as Nathan Drake from the Uncharted video games.

I've never played Uncharted, but it's a lot like an Indiana Jones adventure that's set in the modern day era. I've always liked Nathan Fillion, back when he was Mal on Firefly/Serenity, and he brings that same wise-cracking toughness here. It's not bad, but it's not as breath-taking and gripping as Croft, another fan film about another modern day adventurer that was made about five years ago.

Still, it's an amazing time to be living in when fan films can give the pros a run for their money.

Dolores O'Riordan -- RIP

Dolores O'Riordan, the lead singer of The Cranberries, has died today. She was only 46. No word yet on cause of death. She had a hell of a range as a singer, and her talent will sorely be missed. RIP.

Harry Dean Stanton

The character actor Harry Dean Stanton died today at 91. If you've been watching movies over the last forty five years or so, you'd probably seen Stanton in one or two things. He was probably best known as Brett from the first Alien movie, but he was also in Escape From New York, Paris, Texas, The Godfather II, Cool Hand Luke, as well as the TV show Big Love, and many more.

I'll always fondly remember him as Brett, from Alien. ("Right.") RIP.

Harvey

I usually try to keep current events off of this blog in an attempt to create a sanctuary of sorts from the more sordid news stories that keep hammering us in the media. However, given the heart-breaking situation in Texas, which is suffering from some of the worst flooding they've seen in ages, I wanted to extend my thoughts and prayers to the people there who are struggling with this devastating calamity.

But while thoughts and prayers are nice, these folks could use some real help. You can help them by making a donation through the Red Cross. If you wish to do so, just visit the link right here.

Any amount, no matter how small, will be a huge help.

RIP Roger Moore

RIP to Roger Moore, who did a damn fine job at keeping the James Bond series going during his run as 007. He still holds the record as having played the super spy the longest of any actor so far.

And I would just like to offer my sympathies to those affected by the Manchester bombing. I realize that what words I offer here isn't really much, but please know that I'm sending positive thoughts and prayers.

Don Rickles RIP

Don Rickles passed away today. He was one of the best comedians of his day, and a very funny man in what would become known as the snarky manner, or insult humor, that he perfected. This clip from the Johnny Carson show has Don dropping in unannounced on Johnny and Frank Sinatra. Don, that hockey puck, will be missed.

International Women's Day

Just wanted to wish everybody--especially the women--a Happy International Women's Day.

Happy Birthday Adam West

I just wanted to say Happy Birthday to Adam West, who turns 88 years old today. His 1966 Batman series was my very first exposure to the Caped Crusader back when I was an impressionable little spud. And it remains one of my favorite versions of Batman to this day.

Happy Moon Landing Day

On this day in 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first men to walk on the surface of the moon. Armstrong was the very first one out of the capsule, reciting the now-immortal line, "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."

I still get chills seeing pictures of the Apollo astronauts on the moon, and hope that we will return there someday. Back to the moon and beyond.