State of the Cheesecake Nation – 2014 Edition

Lets just skip the whole “it’s been months since your last update” thing. It has been months and I’m truly sorry. Onwards!

And the award for musical excellence goes to…

My other half knows that I am a sucker when it comes to the more unusual musical nuggets you can find on the internet. She heard this and immediately thought of me. I’ll be honest I can’t for the life of me think why?

Oh I remember now – an army of evil undead unicorns invading Dundee. Knew I’d remember eventually. The album, Tales from the Kingdom of Fife is gloriously silly but also manages to be proper RAWK at the same time. Gloryhammer are great fun. Highly recommended listening my internet chooms.

The Remake/Reboot Quandary

Lots of buzz floating around at the moment regarding various reboots and remakes. Robocop reappeared recently and immediately polarised opinion. There has also been lots of talk re new Fantastic Four movie on the horizon. When it comes to remake and reboots I tend to take each on a case by case basis. There are certain films for example where I think it would be entirely unnecessary. Your never going to better the likes of Jaws or The Godfather so frankly why bother trying. On the other hand comic book movies can be remade/reimagined and work quite successfully. Spiderman being a perfect example. I enjoyed Tobey Maguire’s take but Andrew Garfield’s version is equally valid.

Random Internet Wish Fulfilment

I read a wild rumor yesterday that Mads Mikkelsen might be being considered to possibly be in with a chance of being involved with being in the running for Dr Strange*. That has the potential to be spectacularly bonkers if by some slim, and I mean proper tiny here people, chance this turned out to be true. Imagine Hannibal Lecter as the Sorcerer Supreme. I reckon he could pull that role off with aplomb.

Mads Mikkelsen yesterday

Mads Mikkelsen yesterday

On a side note – I’ve always been a fan of Dr Strange’s huge oversized collar. I hope that makes it into the movie version when it does finally appear.

You Might Think That, I Couldn’t Possibly Comment

Started watching US version of House of Cards. The Internets were all excited about season 2 so I thought I best give season 1 a try. It’s kinda weird as I still have reasonably vivid memories of the original UK version with Ian Richardson. Don’t get me wrong I was impressed with Kevin Spacey’s performance. Frank Underwood is suitably manipulative and power hungry but I think Francis Urquhart just nudges it for me. Weirdly this article in the Telegraph sort of captures my point. I will continue watch the new version though. I am intrigued to see the differences between the two interpretations.

Urquhart

Francis has his eye on you. Run away!

Anyway, enough of this internet folderol. I’m off to go and contribute to society in some far more meaningful way. Perhaps a new book review?

Ron

Till next time brethren,

Be excellent to one another and stay frosty

Sir Francis Cheesecake

* My that was a long sentence wasn’t it? Got there in the end mind you so I think we’re all good.

Stuff and Nonsense

Pablo Cheesecake object of desire?

…Ha, there’s a post title I never thought I’d use

I had the weirdest experience last week. I was standing waiting for the the ever lovely MadNad to meet me after work when a car drove by and I got a wolf whistle. Stunned doesn’t even begin to described my reaction. To give you some perspective, I’m not far off being 39 years old and in all that time this has never happened to me before. My first reaction was to check behind me to make sure that there wasn’t a male model walking by and I was in his way. Just the oddest experience. What’s the standard response to this? Should I be flattered? Based on the fact it has taken nearly 39 years to get my first wolf whistle I estimate I should be due another in approximately 2052. I want to know now how I should deal with it so that I’m prepared.

C’Mon Hollywood, Give Us A Break

I saw a link on a website recently that heralded that 10th movie spot for Man of Steel. 10TH!!! Isn’t that verging on overkill. Don’t get me wrong I am jazzed to see the film but if I watch all of these then I fear that sense of excitement will soon be gone. Listen up Hollywood, here’s the deal. When your gargantuan marketing machines have a new film to promote how about you create just one trailer? All I’m looking for something that will entice me into the theatre. That’s all I need. I dont think this is an impossible task. I don’t want to see the whole fucking thing in three minute chunks spread over a six month build up. I just want one trailer, one poster and possibly a sneak listen to the soundtrack.

Actually while we’re it it. If your trailer is for a comedy probably not a great idea to include one of the funniest moments in the trailer (I’m looking at you Hangover 3). As soon as the scene started in the film I knew exactly where it was going to end. Potentially amusing scenario ruined. Bit of a shame that. Especially when the film in question was so short on laughs.

You’ll Get Square Eyes

I’m in thrall to the gogglebox. Always have been, always will be. Right now there are some absolutely splendid shows airing in the UK. I’ve become somewhat obsessed with my Saturday night fix of Scandinavian crime with Arne Dahl on BBC4. Sky Atlantic has given us and Game of Thrones and Banshee, both which are superb examples of their respective genres. Channel 4 have just started showing The Returned, which based on the first episode, is going to be a keeper. All of these shows are pretty dark but rest assured it’s not all doom and gloom. Parks and Recreation is sublime comedy that started off slow but has become a weekly ritual in our house. I only wish I could live my life like a Scottish Ron Swanson. Truly he is a Renaissance man if ever there was one.

Ron Swanson

2013 Challenge Update

Its been a while so I thought I’d finish with an update for this years fitness challenge. So far in 2013 I’ve cycled six hundred and sixty five kilometres. Only another three hundred and thirty five to go! I reckon I can probably manage that. If anyone out there is taking on their own challenge. I salute you. Go for it and stay positive. If I can do it anyone can!

I look almost exactly like this at the gym...almost.

I look almost exactly like this at the gym…almost.

Right I’m off, till next time stay frosty amigos

Oh, before I forget my Pablo Does 40 Things website will be launching soon. Be prepared to follow the zany adventures of an idiot who has successfully avoided doing lots of things in the last four decades.