Hmmmmm ... Johnny Depp as Willy Wonka

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)

As a child, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, by Roald Dahl, was one of my favourite books. I didn't see the movie until about a year ago. As a matter of fact, I was unaware of the existance of said movie until last year.

As is the case with most movies based on great works of children's literature, I was sorely disappointed with this effort. I despised the way that Gene Wilder played the role of Willy Wonka .. ie as someone in desperate need of a slap up the side of the head. I have often wished that someone would make an updated version of this film, taking advantage of the wondrous special effects now available. I had envisioned Kelsey Grammer in the role of Willy Wonka. I believe he could capture the mirth and mischief of Willy Wonka that I had imagined while reading the book.

It seems that Tim Burton has not received my telepathic messages on this subject, and has instead cast the delicious Johnny Depp in the lead role. In the words of Farmer Hoggett, that'll do!

Wired News: Solar to Keep Army on the Go

Wired News: Solar to Keep Army on the Go

This will have amazing applications! However, being able to power a television whilst on the beach .. now that's just silly.

New Harry Potter title revealed by author - Jun. 29, 2004

New Harry Potter title revealed by author - Jun. 29, 2004

It is with absolutely no shame that I announce to the world that I am a HUGE Harry Potter/J.K. Rowling fan. Yes, I'm 35 years old. Yes, I went to Queen's. Yes, I am in all other ways a serious, responsible adult.

There, I've blogged it. Whew.

Real life will resume now.

A view from abroad

Rebuke from Canadians as Liberals lose majority - World - www.smh.com.au

I stayed up way too late last night, watching the returns from the Canadian election. In so many ways, I am a border-straddler. We live about 25 miles from the Canadian border. The radio is permanently tuned to CBC. I am a proud Canadian citizen, but I am no longer a Canadian resident. It felt very strange for me to not vote in yesterday's election. I could only watch from a distance .. and that distance might as well have been from Australia.

Starting out ...

I guess I'm a little late to the party, but here's my blog! I'm not sure that I will have anything of signifigance to add to the blogosphere .. but really, who does? So let the adventure begin.