Eek! I am officially out of the new movie loop. I had no idea that a Narnia film was in the works. We saw a theatrical version in London two years ago that was excellent. For some reason I never liked the BBC miniseries though. I guess the casting of Lucy as a little chubby girl with buck teeth just didn’t jibe with my imagined version. I hope they get this one right. (Thanks to Kevin for the heads-up.)

The Snook and I flipped on the TV tonight just as the show Getaway was starting. It’s a travel show where the hosts travel around the world and tell you about great places to go. Imagine my surprise when the second segment of the show was on Elkhart, Indiana! The Aussie host was all excited to travel to the “RV Capital of the World”. He went to a motorhome convention and even visited the Shipshewana flea market and the Essenhaus! I nearly pissed myself laughing when he pronounced Amish as “Aim-ish”. The best part is that I managed to hit record on the VCR so I’ll be able to watch it whenever I’m homesick. I just can’t believe we managed to catch that right when I needed the most. It was great.

I was just researching cocktails for a work project (as one does), when I came across a recipe for a Pan-Galactic Gargle Blaster. As you all know, the effect of this drink is like “having your brains smashed out by a slice of lemon wrapped round a large gold brick”. We may have to try this.

Damn. I thought the Snook and I were finally going to get our chance. Then I read the disclaimer. “g. Both members of each team must be United States citizens and live in the United States.” Awwww, no fair!

Apparently it’s possible to brew beer in a washing machine. The Snook is gonna love this.

Today the Sydney Morning Herald ran a story about TiVo! It’s mostly fluff and it doesn’t say they’re bringing it out here or anything, but at least it’s a mention.

Apparently there’s going to be a new remake of Around the World in 80 Days… starring Jackie Chan. As Passepartout. And British comedian Steve Coogan will play Phileas Fogg. I quote from the article:

Based on the novel by Jules Verne, “80 Days” begins with Passepartout (Chan), an adventurer, trying to make it to China to restore a sacred object stolen from his village. He’s joined by Phileas Fogg (Coogan), who puts his rep as an inventor on the line to provide the transport. Bent on stopping them is Lord Kelvin (Jim Broadbent), head of the Royal Academy of Science, who’ll lose his fortune if the duo circles the globe in that 80-day period.

Based on the novel by Jules Verne??? If you haven’t read the book, let me spell it out for you: it’s nothing like this. Passepartout is French, for God’s sake! They never even go to China! I shouldn’t get so upset, but the original really is one of my favorite books. This quote is especially ironic: “We believe in Frank Coraci’s vision for a film that will be a lot like ‘Willy Wonka’ — colorful, fun and adventurous,” said Cary Granat, head of the company developing the picture. I’d just like to point out another similarity with Willy Wonka: they’re both complete rip-offs that bastardize and dumb-down an excellent story. Hmmph.

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade was last night. I think Madam Sadam and Her Weapons of Mass Seduction is the Greatest. Float. Concept. Ever.