You Make the Call

Neatorama.com is a site I check daily. They always have fun and interesting stuff like the photo above. Was is it vandalism or just clever marketing? You make the call!

On Set with the Angel of Death

We first heard about Ed Brubaker's "Angel of Death" back in July. CBR.com has a set report plus photos [like the one above with Zoe Bell and Ed Brubaker between takes]. You can check it out here.

Can You Survive the Outbreak?

Knowing many ZONErs are fans of the zombie genre, I just had to link to the interactive movie called The Outbreak. Not only is it surprisingly well done, but there is a way to actually survive. It took me more than a couple of tries, but I enjoyed the time spent playing If you decide to give it a go, be advised that there is profanity and gore. It is a zombie movie after all. Click here to get started.

In the Chapel of Mignola

It's a special time when Hellboy creator, Mike Mignola, returns to write AND draw his creation. The stars and planets must have lined correctly because this week Mignola returns to do just that in the Hellboy one shot “In the Chapel of Moloch.” You can see some preview art and learn more about it here.

I Am Wrestling

This Olympic Sport Quiz says that I am most like wrestling. I like that. I was a wrestler in high school so it makes sense. As to the last line, "anyone who steps into the ring with me should watch out..." watch out... that I don't pass out. It's been a long time since high school.

Who's the Smart One?

I wasn't surprised that I did well on this US History quiz. It was one of my favorite subjects in school. Still is. I wouldn't have done nearly as well with geography. The funny thing is, and maybe it's not so funny... the last line in the picture above says to "show some foreigners how smart Americans can be" -- but quite often immigrants to the US know more about our country than those born here since the immigrants have to pass a test to get citizenship.

Nice New Posters

IMPAwards.com just posted up several nice new posters. Three French character posters for "Quantum of Solace," the Clint Eastwood "Gran Torino" poster, and a creepy "The Burrowers" poster are included in the group. You can see all of them here.

Previewing the Punisher

I know that many ZONErs are Punisher fans. If you fall into that category, then you'll probably want to check out Newsarama's exclusive six page preview of Punisher: Frank Castle #66. It's written by one of my favorite new authors, Duane Swierczynski with art by Michael Lacombe. Fan favorite, Dave Johnson, provides the cover.

Declaring My Independence

I was really interested in the results of this poll. I've been a registered Independent since I was old enough to vote. Over the years, I've pulled the switch for Republicans and Democrats depending on the person running. I've voted for liberal and conservative causes depending on the issue. My opinions on some issues have changed over the years, due to research and perhaps maturity. So I wondered how the poll would turn out... had I become more liberal or conservative? Seems that although some things have changed, I'm still pretty independent. I like that.

Ain't It Gran?

Two movie posters in two days that I really like. That could be a record. What's not to dig about the Clint Eastwood's "Gran Torino" poster? You know, at one time "Gran Torino" was rumored to be a new "Dirty Harry" movie. Although it ain't, it still should be worth a view. Especially if it's as good as the poster.

I Should Be Allowed to Vote

I'm glad that I passed the test to be allowed to vote. Wouldn't it be great if everyone who was of age to vote, was informed on the issues and then did?

Justice is Coming

Are you diggin' the "Watchmen" poster as much as I am? It's the first poster in a looong time that I really like. What say you?

Mr. Zablo Day

As many ZONErs are aware, I'm a high school assistant principal. Years ago, I decided that I would simplify my life by wearing dark pants, a white dress shirt and a tie [usually colorful] to work daily. By doing that I didn't have to worry about matching colors. or when I wore that shirt last, etc. Dark pants, a white dress shirt and a tie became my uniform of sorts.

Today when I went to work I discovered that MANY of our teachers, administrators, guidance counselors, office specialists and students were dressed like me. In honor of my 50th birthday, it was "Dress as Mr. Zablo Day." At lunch many of those, but unfortunately not all, who participated got together for a picture. It was a fun day -- how could it not be when you get birthday cards, gifts, baked goods and people dressing up like you? -- and a birthday I'll never forget.

I am a Dog

After yesterday's Cat Quiz, I decided to see what kind of dog I'm most like. It turns out to be a Bullmastiff. That's the kind of dog that Rocky had. Of course that made me smile. Then I read the personality traits and pretty much had to agree.

Jack Lord Ain't Got Nothin' on Me!

Today's my birthday. It's a milestone. My 50th. The Big Five-Oh.

Normally, I would write something like I don't feel fifty years old [I don't], or that you're only as old as you feel [a cliche that I believe] or that age is just a number [another cliche], but I don't think I'll resort to that today.

Instead I think I'll just show some maturity and say, "Hey!! Where are my presents???"

The Shield: "Parricide"

As the final season of The Shield heads to a conclusion, I find my self wondering how it will all end. Whatever happens, the main characters aren't walking away happy. Two of the characters in the photo above, from the first episode of season one, are already dead. Mackey's family is falling apart, his job and pension hang by a thread and his best friend has become his worst enemy.

Another Strike Force Team member could die in tonight's episode which Capone over at Ain't It Cool News calls the best and most gripping installment yet. And that's saying a lot. Maybe too much in fact. And for once I refused to read Capone's invisatext spoiler warning on how the episode ends.

I am a Cat

Although I'm much more of a "dog lover" this quiz says I have the personality of a cat. Funny thing is, they may be right.

Fast Clicker

Think you have quick reflexes? You can test them out here. You can see my score above. They say it's pretty good... so my reflexes must still be fast... that or my RoadRunner has a great connection today.

Do Call It a Comeback

This article brought back a flood of great memories. When I was a kid, mom [and sometimes dad] used to load my brother and sisters up in the car and off to the drive-in we'd go. It wasn't unusual for us to make a stop at a little stand that sold the best popcorn and candy. The place was hardly bigger than a phone booth. [What's that? You've never seen a drive-in or a phone booth?] That little shop was where I first experienced flavored salts for popcorn. Celery salt was my favorite. Sounds pretty mundane now, but back in the 60's that was a big deal.

We'd get to the movies early so we could go down to the playground [all drive-ins had a playground consisting of some swings, teeter-toters and that octagon shaped thing that you'd push around as fast as possible with the hope of getting someone dizzy]. Parents would just send their kids down to the playground without supervision. It was a different time then. We'd head back to the car before the movie started. Usually my sisters and brother would be pretty tired and fall asleep before the second movie. Me, I was there until the end.

When I was old enough to drive, drive-ins were still popular. I loved the fact that you could always count on at least a double feature and sometimes you'd get real lucky and there'd be a marathon of sorts. Usually it was monster movies [who doesn't like those?] or comedies, or even a mismash of genres. I hit the drive-ins [we had two in our town] almost weekly and since we lived in Florida at this point, we could go year round.

It's said that video killed the radio star. I don't know about that, but I do know that video killed the drive-in theater. According to some reports, drive-ins have been making a comeback the last few years. I hope that's true because, man, I miss those days.

SBBN Film Favorites

Stacia from She Blogged by Night asked her readers to name their Top Three Favorite Movies. It's interesting to see the wide variety of film favorites that her readership has. I like that there is such a diverse crowd dropping by her blog. Maybe you will too.