Sunday, June 21, 2009 by Alexandria Harper.

Last night I went to the local Can’t Stop The Serenity (CSTS) screening of “Serenity” and Dr. Horrible’s Sing-A-Long Blog. The event was sponsored by the Southern Nevada Browncoats for Equality Now. A smattering of Firefly fans showed up to the event held at The Sci Fi Center at Commercial Center in Vegas. There were some technical difficulties during the first part of the movie but once they got all that worked out everyone had a good time. They had a raffle and my good friend Rani won two out of the three prizes which happened to be a nice matching necklace and earrings set with the Serenity logo. We wished there had been more singing participation during the Dr. Horrible’s screening. I guess they should visit a Southern California Browncoats event to see what a screening is really all about. The SN Browncoats wish to build interest in our local club and I aim to help them by providing information here. The club is planning on putting on a “shindig” here in town. I’ll keep you posted on the details.

Incidentally, before the screening Rani and I stumbled upon a little known local phenomenon. Well, little known to us anyway! There is a Thai restaurant in Commercial Center called Lotus of Siam that we both remembered visiting in the distant past so we decided to meet there. We arrived at 5 p.m because I assumed they would be open for dinner by then. Silly me. The restaurant didn’t open up until 5:30 and there was quite a line that formed waiting for it to open.  Now, I don’t know if you’ve ever been to Commercial Center but it’s located in a not so nice part of town - within a 2.5 square mile radius of the Las Vegas Convention Center that has the highest incidence of violence, robbery and rape in the entire city. I used to work in the area and can vouch for the validity of that statement. One time we were locked down in the building because there was a shoot out between the police and a guy who went off his meds. But I digress… Suffice it to say, there’s not much to look at and the area’s sort of seedy. Rani and I are of tough mettle so we braved the area for the screening and, being that we were hungry and like good Thai food, we decided to visit the restaurant. Apparently we weren’t the only ones that remember their food favorably because as soon as those doors were opened, it was standing room only. They didn’t have many tables available and we were lucky to get one in the back by the kitchen. There was a group behind us and they tried to plead their case for a table by telling the hostess they came all the way from Texas! Who knew it was such a Vegas hot spot? Apparently everybody there but us; most had called ahead for reservations. I understand what all the fuss is about and it’s worth fighting the crowd to eat at Lotus of Siam because the food is awesome. It’s some of the best Thai food I’ve ever had the pleasure of eating. I think they filter their water too because it was really, really good–not that nasty Vegas water you are usually presented with that requires two lemon wedges before you can even consider consumption. Well worth a visit but remember to call ahead and make a reservation! Their number is 702-735-3033 if you’re interested.

Today I’ve been doing homework and chilling out, mentally preparing myself for work tomorrow. I have to do my bi-weekly ironing yet today. Very exciting stuff. Hope you guys are having a great weekend!

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Sunday, June 7, 2009 by Alexandria Harper.

I’ve been having another quiet weekend at home rewatching seasons one and two of Psych and doing mundane tasks such as laundry, ironing and homework. Wow, my life is exciting.

I did watch the premiere of Burn Notice, albeit late because of a DVR malfunction. I saw my DVR was recording at the proscribed hour but when I went to view the show, Burn Notice was mysteriously absent from the list of recorded shows! I, of course, yelled at my poor cable box, to no avail, took a deep breath and then prayed that USA would show it again. I discovered they have a 6 a.m. replay on Saturday mornings. This time my DVR played nicey-nicey and I got to watch. I thought it was a strong start for the season and it had high ratings. Of course there’s not much competition right now, mind you, but kudos to USA anyway.

The real reason I’m writing tonight is because I wanted to let Firefly fans know about the Can’t Stop The Serenity (CSTS) screening for charity. In case you don’t know about CSTS, screenings of “Serenity” are held around the world in honor of Joss Whedon’s birthday (June 23) and the proceeds go to Joss’ favorite charity, Equality Now.

The Las Vegas Event is going to be held Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 7 p.m. at The Sci Fi Center, 2520 State Street (near Sahara and Maryland Parkway). Tickets are $5. You can get more information by contacting our local Southern Nevada Browncoats (of which I am a member) at SNBrowncoats@yahoo.com or by calling The Sci Fi Center at 702-792-GEEK (4335). This year’s screening will include prizes and raffles as well as a showing of Dr. Horrible’s Sing-A-Long Blog, which is always great fun. Come out and join us!

If you’re interested in joining the Southern Nevada Browncoats visit http://tv.groups.yahoo.com/group/VegasBrowncoats/.

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Wednesday, May 27, 2009 by Alexandria Harper.

I haven’t forgotten about all of you! I swear! I’ve just been swamped at work and school with catching up from my vacations this month. I went to Brian Head, Utah the weekend after my trip to Palm Springs and I just haven’t caught my breath yet. Whew!

I plan on writing a longer post tomorrow with a list of the returning summer TV shows and discussing the shows that were renewed (and canceled for that matter) in the official announcements last week.

For now, I will leave you with this tidbit of information for Vegas locals and our summer visitors…

The Regal Texas Station Stadium 18 is offering a Flashback Features series this summer each Wednesday at 6:30 p.m for $5 a ticket. The schedule is as follows:

For more information contact:
Regal Texas Station Stadium 18
2101 Texas Star Lane, at Lake Mead & Rancho in North Las Vegas
702-631-2206

Tonight they were showing Top Gun but I didn’t get the email in time. I think it would be cool to see some of these movies on the big screen again. I am definitely a child of the 80s!

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Thursday, May 7, 2009 by Alexandria Harper.

As you well know, I love a man in a kilt. I also love Nathan Fillion. Put those two things together and I am one happy girl. Nate was on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson last night wearing a leather Utilikilt in honor of Craig’s Scottishness. Hilarity ensued. Two very funny guys chatting about traditional kilt wearing is my idea of a good time.

Unfortunately, they haven’t posted the full episode on CBS’ website yet and I was only able to find part one of his interview on YouTube. Here it is for your viewing enjoyment:

Hunky Jeffrey Dean Morgan, who you may know as the Comedian in Watchmen and various guest spots on TV, was on Ferguson’s show Monday night. He talked about birds and the new suspense movie he’s about to shoot called The Resident with Hilary Swank, his co-star from P.S. I Love You—it will all make sense when you watch it. Here’s the crazy clip from YouTube:

Other TV news, the season finale hasn’t even aired yet but “Fringe” has been renewed for a second season by Fox. I’m glad that they are giving this show another season. I think J.J. Abrams has another hit on his hands. Leonard Nimoy is guest starring as Walter’s former lab partner William Bell on the season finale on May 12th. Be sure to tune in! Speaking of J.J. and Leonard Nimoy, I’m going to see Star Trek tomorrow morning so I’ll give you a review.

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Wednesday, April 22, 2009 by Alexandria Harper.

Howdy, everyone. I’ve posted the photos for the Celtic Festival and Highland Games held this past weekend here in Las Vegas. I guess nagging does work because I didn’t watch TV tonight so these photos would be posted and I wouldn’t have to eat crow tomorrow. That’s right, I missed “Lost” and “Ghost Hunters” for you, Tina and Lisa. Thank God for DVR. Click here to view the photo page.

Just a few other things of note. There’s a rumor going around that there is lawsuit against Twilight series writer Stephenie Meyer from her college roommate claiming that Twilight is based on a short story she wrote in college at BYU. Rest easy because the lawsuit isn’t true and the hoax is certainly not affecting the filming of the next movie in the series, New Moon. In other Twilight news, SciFi posted a photo of the new members of the Quileute wolf pack on their web site (see below).

Photo from SciFi.com. Pictured left to right: Paul (Alex Meraz), Sam (Chaske Spencer), Jared (Bronson Pelletier) and Embry (Kiowa Gordon).

Wow, I definitely cannot wait for that movie to come out now! New Moon will be out in November closely followed by the next installment in the series, Eclipse. They are wasting no time making preparations.

In other vampire news, SciFi has posted a teaser clip for season 2 of “True Blood“, starring Anna Paquin and Stephen Moyer. If you haven’t seen “True Blood” and you love the genre, it’s time to get on the bandwagon! It’s a great series, not kid-friendly or for the faint of heart mind you. “True Blood” is so great I even forgive writer/producer Raelle Tucker for leaving “Supernatural“. =]

I’ve read all of the Sookie Stackhouse novels and I can’t wait for the adventure to continue on HBO. I’m not usually into blondes but I have to say, I love the norse vampire character, Eric Northman, who is played by Alexander Skarsgård on the show. Charlaine Harris‘ next Stackhouse novel, Dead and Gone, comes out May 19. I’ve already pre-ordered on Amazon.

Time to walk the dog and go to bed. Talk to you soon.

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Thursday, April 16, 2009 by Alexandria Harper.

These two things are not directly related, unless Gerard Butler decides to show up at CineVegas. We can only hope!

The Las Vegas Celtic Society is sponsoring their annual Celtic Gathering and Highland Games this weekend, April 18-19, 2009 at Floyd Lamb State Park in Tule Springs. There will be games, entertainment, booths and, best of all, men in skirts. Ah, there’s nothing like watching a burly kilt-wearing Scot toss a caber (that’s a wooden pole for those of you non-Celts).  A few friends and I plan to be in attendance on Sunday. Come on out and join us!

The CineVegas Film Festival has posted the 2009 festival lineup. I wasn’t able to attend last year. Maybe I’ll find some time to check out a couple movies. There are a few that look interesting including the opening night film Saint John of Las Vegas.  It’s got a great cast including Steve Buscemi, Sarah Silverman and John Cho. Mercy, Patriotville, 500 Days of Summer, Adam and Moon look like they’re worth checking out too.

It’s Thursday so I’m going to go watch some TV. Catch you later!

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Wednesday, April 1, 2009 by Alexandria Harper.

I know it’s April Fool’s Day, but I’m not the jokester type. No foolin’ going on here.

Oh, and by the way, I’m not playing hooky. I’m at home waiting to work on my team assignment that’s due today. I need all the pieces and parts from everyone else before I can put all of them together with my  pieces and parts. Sounds dirty but it’s not…moving on.

I am sad to report that Andy Hallett best known to Joss Whedon fans as Lorne on “Angel” passed away from a heart attack last week at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles. He was only 33. I know he suffered heart problems for a while but we will certainly miss him.

On a more personal note, my friend Peggy Zellner passed away Saturday in her sleep. For those who didn’t know her, Peggy was a Naturopathic Doctor who also held gatherings each Tuesday at her office, Reflexology Management, in Las Vegas. Peggy was a bright light in this world and everyone whose life she touched will sorely miss her. Here’s to you, Peggy! See you on your next journey, my friend.

That’s the sad stuff, on to the glad…

Buffy alum Alyson Hannigan received the best birthday present ever on March 24— baby girl Satyana. How cool is that they’ll share the same birthday? Congrats to Alyson and her actor hubby Alexis Denisof (also from “Buffy” and “Angel”)!

Happy Birthday, Debbie Reynolds! She turns 77 today. “Singing in the Rain” is one of my all-time favorite movies so I feel the need to tip my virtual hat to Ms. Reynolds. Rotten Tomatoes recently interviewed her and I was pleased to find out that she hasn’t let the passing of years slow her down. She’s still touring and making the media rounds promoting the Warner Bros. movie archive collection.

I highly recommend checking out the interview. She’s a delight.

Until next time, kids.

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Friday, November 23, 2007 by Alexandria Harper.

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!

I had a great time with my friends. The food was great! We watched “Live Free or Die Hard” and marveled at the crazy, over-the-top effects and that-would-never-happen moments. That being said, I still loved it. Justin Long is great with the one-liners and you can’t go wrong with Bruce Willis.

I also got a chance to try Guitar Hero 2 for the first time on PlayStation 2. For those of you who don’t know, Guitar Hero is a video game that uses a guitar shaped controller with which you “play” along with the music by hitting five colored buttons on the “fret” and then strum using a button that acts like a pick. This is harder than it sounds. Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child Of Mine” kicked my butt! The song that I thought was the most fun to play was “Surrender” by Cheap Trick.

I tend to stay away from video games because I remember how many hours I wasted in my early 20s playing video games. My problem is that I don’t like not being good at something. This game awoke my normally submerged competitive nature. My first score was just over 7000, which the kids say is higher than they got on their first crack at it. Maybe they were just trying to make me feel better. My highest score was about 25,000. Not only was it hard, but my left arm is killing me today! I used muscles I didn’t know I had. Mmm, maybe Guitar Hero could constitute a work out…

It is fun, but addicting. I might have to break down and buy a game console just so I can beat it. I think it’s more frustrating because I used to play the guitar. I think that created a different level of frustration for me because I was trying to play like you would a real guitar. On another note, if you haven’t seen it, you should check out the Guitar Hero South Park episode. I highly recommend it!

I’ll leave you all with a reminder that the much anticipated Battlestar Galactica: Razor premieres this Saturday on the Sci-Fi Channel. Follow the link for more info and to check out the Razor Flashbacks they’ve been showing during Flash Gordon.

Also, let’s pray that the writer’s strike ends soon because Sci-Fi has announced they’ve stopped production early for the holidays on next season’s Battlestar episodes because of the strike (see “Strike Idles Bionic Production” here). Most shows have already stopped production or will soon because they have less than six weeks of material left until they’re out of scripts.

The writer’s have agreed to go back to the table for talk to end the strike on November 26. Let’s hope for the best! You can see complete coverage of the strike here at Yahoo! News.

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Monday, November 5, 2007 by Alexandria Harper.

I saw “Dan In Real Life” yesterday at the Red Rock Regal Theater. My stomach literally hurt from laughing so much. Steve Carell is a wonderful actor and comedian and I’ll watch pretty much anything that Dane Cook is in. Juliette Binoche was so great. Her performance was so true to life and you couldn’t help but fall in love with her character right along with everyone else. I highly recommend it.

On a completely different topic, I went to SEMA last Thursday. For those of you don’t know SEMA, stands for Specialty Equipment Marketing Association and is the convention of choice for gear heads from across the nation. There are some perks living in the Convention Capital of the World.

First, let me say that I am not a gear head. I can, however, appreciate the beauty and majesty of well-built shiny car.

SEMA has something for everyone: aftermarket products, restored cars, new models and, oh, yeah “Booth Babes”. I’m not so interested in the latter but I did notice there were a lot less of them than in previous years and they were less scantily clad. A few years ago you could walk through the show and see a few of the models dressed in nothing more than the shortest pair of boy-shorts known to man and a few gallons of body paint. I’m certainly not complaining (I’m sure there were a few disappointed males roaming the aisles)– just making an observation.

Now, my sole reason for attending SEMA had nothing to do with aftermarket products or restored cars. There was only one booth that I wanted to visit and that was GM’s booth. Why, you ask? BUMBLEBEE. Yes I went to a car show simply to see the Camaro concept car from “The Transformers” movie. They put a barrier around the car like they didn’t trust people to keep their hands off. Sheesh! I admit I wanted to run my hand over its slinky, cool hood too, but had to be placated by just being near it.

I did take a photo of Bumblebee with my phone.
.

I also took a photo of a Chevy SS because it was purty. Me likey, likey!

My co-worker, Audrey, went with me and we had a marginal fun looking at everything except for the hordes of people. It seems like the show was packed, which is good for business, but not my idea of a good time We checked out the North and Central Halls quickly and skipped the South Hall.

Well, that’s all for today. I’m going to watch “Robot Chicken” and “Torchwood” that I DVR’ed this weekend and then “Heroes” is on. See ya!

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