To non-Rock-Band-owners: now you have no excuse

That's right: everything you need to play, plus Rock Band 2, for $79 and free shipping. I guess they finally found a use for all of those surplus peripherals laying around. If you don't own Rock Band, for shame. Redeem yourself now with this crazy awesome offer.

Check out the deal here.

Meeting Ken Scholes

Monumental nerd and fantasy / sci-fi author Ken Scholes stopped by the Garfield Book Company in Parkland this evening. Aside from being a badass of an author, Scholes is also a self-confessed D&D nerd and a lover of Firefly. I'm in the middle of his first novel, Lamentation, which is an amazing blend of fantasy and science-fiction. Scholes was a totally laid-back guy who walked around before his reading and schook hands with each member of the audience, personally introducing himself and even remembering everyone's names for the signing later on.

Scholes gave some great advice to everyone, but it almost seemed, at times, like he was speaking directly to me. About that little critical voice that every writer has, Scholes said, "Shut the f*ck up and write."

Check out Scholes' website and definitely give Lamentation and its sequel, Cantical, a read.

...

Amid the dust-layered posts of Rocket Number 09, a lone figure strides. Cobwebs collect in the corners and a musty silence reigns. The figure tries the lights, but the switch clicks on and off uselessly. The figure clears its throat. God, but I miss this place.

The figure leaves a note: BRB.

And then leaves.

Trailer online for Dr. Parnassus

The trailer for The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, Heath Ledger's final film, is online. It's a Terry Gilliam picture, brimming with his trademark whimsy and underlying creepiness. Tom Waits, Johnny Depp, and a stable of other big names star along with Ledger. Looks fairly intriguing.

MyBypassSurgery — Help save a life

Hello friends. I have a favor to ask. My very good friend, Jake K.M. Paikai, is facing a very real, very scary health crisis. You see, Jake is morbidly obese, and his weight, and the numerous health risks that lie therein, are catching up to him. He needs $60,000 for a gastric bypass procedure. And while this seems like an unattainable sum, especially for somebody without health insurance, Jake is a legitimately amazing person, and as such, he is using his story as a way to raise money for himself and for others like him struggling with morbid obesity. He's launched MyBypassSurgery and is accepting donations now. Please, for my friend Jake and others like him, visit and consider donating to his cause.

I just donated $22. It might sound selfish, but I'm not just doing this for my friend Jake — I'm doing it for my own benefit. You see, because Jake is an amazing person in my life. And he needs to continue to be. He is someone who has been there for me in some hard times, and someone who has helped me immensely in achieving things I did not think were possible. In some ways, I'm just returning the favor. I know for a fact Jake would donate for me — I know for a fact that Jake would do anything to help save my life.

And so how can I say no to donating just $22? Why not $44? $88?

I should do everything in my power to help my friend Jake. Because I want him to continue working within my life.

Think about a person in your life whom you want to keep around — somebody who is maybe facing a deadly health risk. Is there somebody facing a health risk — diabetes, heart disease, others? — caused by obesity? Think about them, and then donate. Please donate and help my friend Jake. Donate to help everyone in this country and in our world struggling with morbid obesity. We can all help to beat this. Thank you.

Filmmaker John Hughes passes away at 59

Iconic filmmaker John Hughes, whose teen-oriented dramatic comedies provided a cinematic voice for the '80s, died today of cardiac arrest. Full story here.

He will be sorely missed. Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Sixteen Candles, and Planes, Trains, and Automobiles have to be some of my favorite comedies of all time.

Phillips, Scott to take over At the Movies

Rejoice!

A year after its extreme makeover of "At the Movies" went over like "Heaven's Gate," Disney's ABC Media Productions said Wednesday it is overhauling the Chicago-based syndicated TV program yet again in hopes of reconnecting with its respected past.

Gone are Ben Lyons of E! Entertainment Television and Ben Mankiewicz of Turner Classic Movies, the cable hosts Disney chose last summer to front what it called "the next generation of the series," in favor of a return to dueling newspaper film critics, Michael Phillips of the Chicago Tribune and A.O. Scott of the New York Times.

Thank the Powers That Be! Finally, some professionals who know what they're talking about. No more of Mankiewicz's blabbering, and I hope to never look upon the demonic visage of Ben Lyons as long as I shall live. I loved Phillips' and Scott's stints in Ebert's stead with Richard Roeper, so here's to hoping the best show about movies stays the best show about movies! Updates as they are needed.

The Great Trashing: On YouTube!

For those folks having trouble with the embedded Vimeo, here's the Great Trashing in three parts courtesy of YouTube. Also, send these along to your friends. The hits have not been as high as I would have hoped, due to my extended hiatus. If you know anyone that might find Trailer Trashing funny (or even charming), pass it along. I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks for everything, folks.

The Great Trashing: Drug Addiction

The Great Trashing: Drug Addiction from Matt Click on Vimeo.

A heartwarming 1951 tale of Marty Demelon, drug addict.

Here it is! Finally completed, after endless procrastination, months of writing, and countless hours recording, editing, and polishing, the Great Trashing is done. Here it is, in all of its glory. I hope you all enjoy hearing your jokes as much as I enjoyed recording them. This has been a great experience for me, and I cannot tell you enough how much I appreciate each and every one of you that submitted and helped make this possible. I could not have done it without you.

A huge shoutout to those who submitted. You are all official Trashers now!

Danny Canham
Damian Geminder
Kolby Harvey
Sarah Kelly
Katina Mathieson
Jonathan Murphy
Jake K.M. Paikai
Andy Riggins
Jessica Ritchie

Great Trashing coming soon!

Putting the finishing touches on the Great Trashing now. Expect it soon!