All Hallow's Eve

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Sorry. I know it's been a few days since my last post. Part of the reason was because Blogger was experiencing some technical issues and I the one day I wanted to post, I couldn't. The main reason has been lack of time. I just picked up a third job, so the little time that I had to post has been pinched even further. Because of the new time constraint, I probably won't be posting everyday. But I am mixing things up a bit. Due to the popularity of last week's movie challenge, I will be doing more contests. I am also opening the blog up to guest posters. If any of you get a burst of creative energy shoot me an email with your thoughts. Ok. Let's get to the random.

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Jeepers Creepers


In celebration of Halloween, I have compiled a list of movies that I feel should be watched every year at this time. I have excluded obvious films (The Excorcist, The Omen, Rosemary's Baby) and have listed less known movies that I feel deserve a viewing.Now these are movies that I consider genuinely frightening. You will notice that there are no ginsu hack and slash flicks. I don't consider those films scary. Some can be entertaining (Halloween, Scream) but most of the scares are of the quick edit, cats in the alley variety. The movies I have on the list generate a sense of foreboding and creepy. It's not what you see on the screen, but what you don't and what your mind does with that unseen knowledge. So here's the list in no particular order.

The Haunting

I refer to the 1963 version, not the tragic 1999 re-make (although it is almost worth a viewing to see Owen Wilson get decapitated). This is the ultimate haunted house movie. Director Robert Wise is masterful in creating an evil atmosphere and even though you never see a single ghost, you feel them everywhere.


Prince of Darkness

John Carpenter of Halloween fame explores the source of all evil and the consequences if released into our world. After viewing this film, I can't go into any church without wondering if there is a basement with a glowing vat in it. Look for a cameo by Alice Cooper.

The Evil Dead

Before the skyscrapers and bustling streets of Spider-man, Sam Raimi's first film was set in a remote cabin in the woods. Notable for it's unique pov camera work and the first (only?) rape between a human and an oak tree.

Pumpkinhead

A different twist on the revenge story. Director Stan Winston is known for his creature effects on films like Alien and Predator. You can see a Ridley Scott influence in Winston's directorial debut.


White Chicks

The Wayans Brothers collaborate to produce one of the scariest films of all time. Includes an equally frightening soundtrack featuring Vanessa Carlton.


If you have seen any of these, please post a comment on what you thought of the film. I'd also love to hear your choices for must see films on Halloween.

Movie Stationary

With a little help from my Random friends, all the stationary movie scenes have been deciphered. A t-shirt will be going out to Tammy for being the first to get number 14-thanks!!I will post all the answers in the comments section so you can enter the drawing for the DVDs.

The man who murdered five students at the University of Florida and Santa Fe Community College in a 1990 killing spree that spread fear in Gainesville, Fla., was executed on Wednesday night by the State of Florida. Method of execution? A roundhouse kick to the head from Chuck Norris.

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Did anyone figure out all of the office supply movie scenes from yesterday? I got a few answers from Kathryn(thanks!), but there is still one that I can't figure out. Number 11. I'm putting everyone to the task of figuring out pesky number 11. First one to figure it out, gets a free Family Guy t-shirt. Post your answer in the comments section.

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This is just freaky. Wonder if he only does pipes?

24 starts up again in January. Fox has posted an advance teaser. I wonder who would win in a fight between Jack Bauer and James Bond. Oh yeah-Chuck Norris.

Another previously unknown Chuck Norris fact.

In space, Chuck Norris can hear you scream.

Saw The Lake House this past weekend. Enjoyed it. Also saw The Grudge 2 this past weekend. Hated it. Too much of the pale blue people doing that echo location thing with their mouths.

The Usual office supplies

This one's for all of you supposed movie buffs out there. Can you guess the movie based on the office supply clues? I got 15 out of 20. I'll post my answers in the comments section, so no cheating. Please post your answers in the comments section as well. Maybe you will get the ones I couldn't answer.

Chuck Norris Reads Random Troy

Hey everyone. There's a new Chuck Norris Fact-he has a weekly column on Worldnet.com. Bet you can't guess what he talks about in his first installment.

I just discovered this new Chuck Norris Fact.

Chuck Norris is the world's greatest personal trainer. He can make anyone lose any amount of weight by delivering a roundhouse kick to the face. Of course, this kills them but they don't have a weight problem anymore.

Do you know any unknown Chuck Norris Facts?

Harvesting Fall

There's a bite in the air. The sun is increasingly reluctant to rise. To me, these indicate the start of a new season. Not fall or football. Something else. It's the beginning of a period when I try to become less superficial and more introspective. An almost herculean labor for me. I start by taking stock of my life so far. Like a beloved paperback, I thumb through the dog-eared favorite passages of my life. As I remember those happy times, I can feel a warmth rise in me like a hot-spring from beneath the earth. Those memories start to infuse my being and reawaken dormant emotions. These revived emotions help me bring friends and family closer. Like a cashmere throw, I draw them tight around me and their warmth insulates me from the emotional chill. This time of year is my emotional anti-hibernation. It is my favorite time of year.

That's One Small Step for Man

Ever wonder why NASA used chimpanzees for the first rocket flights? This video explains it all.


You see, chimpanzees are so much more self-dependent than humans.

Appearances

Wow! My post about Cracker Barrel really generated some comments. Alot of you feel very strongly about your Cracker Barrel or South Carolina. Nothing like stirring up the old controversy stew. I do want to remind everyone that Random Troy is for entertainment purposes only. Please do not read this blog if you are using any type of hallucenogenic drug(I need them to write this blog and don't want the world supply to run dry) and under no circumstances should you use heavy machinery while reading this blog.

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Super Genius!

Apparently, most of you missed my shout out from the folks at 88 Slide. So here it is again for my hedonistic pleasure.

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Beauty is in the Monitor

Dove has made a video to demonstrate soceity's perceived veil of beauty.

Does this mean anyone can be made pretty? If so, then they really need to work on Nick Nolte.

Don't Forget to Tip

Chris Rock's mother is suing Cracker Barrel. Back in April, at a South Carolina location, Rose Rock and her 21 year old daughter were seated at a table but never greeted by a server for half an hour.
They flagged down a manager to ask about the delay and were offered a free meal. They refused the meal and left. She is claiming racism because they were the only black people in the restaurant.

What do you think? Was it racism? Of course it was racism!!!! But my question is-why is she surprised? Firstly, she was in South Carolina. The state thinks the Confederacy won the Civil War. Secondly, she went to a Cracker Barrel. The name implies that it is a place full of white people. So why would a black person want to eat there? If I were a white person, I wouldn't eat at a place called Coon Tavern.

Come to think of it, why would anyone eat at a Cracker Barrel?
They have an entree called a chicken fried steak. Who came up with this culinary treasure? A tough cut of beef, battered in flour and spices, and deep fried. Then it's drowned in gravy. You might as well just rip your heart out of your chest and stomp on it.

So, what are your thoughts? Does Ms. Rock have a case? Should Cracker Barrel change it's name? Would you rather eat rat anus than chicken fried steak? Post a comment and let me know!!

Over 300,000,000 Served



According to this nifty sign, the U.S. Population reached approximately 300,000,000 yesterday. It marks the fastest rate of growth in the U.S. population. In unrelated news, Mexico has announced it's lowest population since Cortez conquered the nation. Mexican officials are at a lost to explain the diminishing population since births outnumbered deaths 3 to 1. "It's like people are just getting up and leaving the country," a perplexed Mexican census official stated at a recent press conference. "But we know that is impossible. Where could they possibly go and why?"

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Conflict Escalates

Sectarian violence flared over the weekend. Two rival sects clashed when one sect infiltrated into territory occupied by the other sect. Here is an exclusive clip of the violence.

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We Built This City on Sadism

After months of denying the allegations, George Bush finally admitted to the torture of detainees by the CIA. I have uncovered footage of some of this torture in action. Blender magazine and Best Buy locked a hapless soul into a sealed room and forced him to listen to Starship's "We Built this City" for 24 hours straight. Oh, the humanity!! Everyone does know that Best Buy and Blender are fronts for the CIA, right?

Friday the 13th-October Edition

Today is Friday the 13th(bad luck) and it's October(spooky). So today is spooky bad luck. Hope you don't have paraskavedekatriaphobia.
Why all the fuss about Friday the 13th? Sure, it wasn't the best day for the Templar Knights. Getting arrested, tortured, and burned at the stake can sour your view of the date. But that was 700 years ago. I don't think there are any Templar Knights left. Can we give Friday the 13th a break already? Isn't having those crappy Jason flicks flicks named for the date punishment enough? I wouldn't be surprised if those movies were written by a Templar Knight descendant to exact revenge on Friday the 13th. Let's move on and pick on another date for a change. How about Wednesday the 21st? Not too fond of that date. Just think about it.

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Lemony Snicket is releasing the 13th and final(thank god!)book in the A Series of Unfortunate Events

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The Grudge 2 opens today. Could suck, could be good. Sucky or good, it has Sarah Michele Gellar in a hospital gown. Yummy.

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Until the Wednesday the 21st thing takes off, everyone be extra careful today. Don't spill salt, break any mirrors or step on any cracks. Unless you hate your Momma.
Have a good weekend!!

Eye Candy

Ok, I've got some videos and trailers for your enjoyment today.

If you're a fan of Quentin Tarentino or Robert Rodriguez then you already should know about Grind House, their double feature horror flick that pays homage to the 70's B-horror films. If you're not familiar with the film, here is a trailer of the Robert Rodriguez feature. Warning: It's a little graphic.



This video is for all of you Battlestar Galactica(the old and new show) fans out there.

Here is a Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang related 88slide. I know everyone reading this blog has seen the movie already, right? RIGHT?!? Good, I'd hate to start bitch slapping people. If you know the answer, you may be as smart as the guy who got yesterday's question right. But I doubt it.

Out Come

Been hiding something? Today is National Coming Out today. It is normally observed by members of the lesbian and gay community, but I say why limit it too homosexuals? We all enjoy something that we keep to ourselves. Maybe it's a pickle fetish or a disturbing attachment to all things Sanrio. But today you should announce your love for gherkins and Hello Kitty to the world. So what do I keep closeted? It's been just a rumor, but I'm confirming it for the record. I love "That's So Raven." Wow. I feel so relieved. Now I don't have to watch the adventures of Raven, Eddie and Chelsea late at night or when nobody's home(my roommate probably thought I was watching porn). Now you try it.

Wild Water Cooler

If you have some free time, check out this webcam. It's set up at an African watering hole. If you're patient, you may see a wildebeast become an entree for a croc. The best viewing time is Monday morning when the wildlife gather to discuss the Cowboys game.

Covers Can Kill

Some of you may have seen this already. For those who haven't, enjoy!!

Happy Columbus Day!!

Today we celebrate Christopher Columbus. History would have you believe that he discovered America. Not true. America had already been discovered by earlier european explorers. Columbus discovered San Salvador which we now call the Bahamas. Which means, the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria were actually cruise liners. Here is a painting of the first shore excursion. Columbus is leading the tourists in a rousing game of capture the flag. Another popular activity was playing smallpox tag with the native population. So here's to Christopher Columbus, founder of the cruise line and inspiration to Captain Stubing.

More Halloween Goodness

Here is another scary video.

The spooky about this video is that a similar incident happened to me at the grocery store. Except the monster was covered in eggs, whole milk, and velveeta. Luckily, I was able to ward the creature off with my frequent shopper card. I also saved 50 cents on Charmin.

New Look

You will notice some changes to the blog over the next few days. I've converted Random Troy to a new version of the Blogger software. Please be patient as I do some tweaking to the layout and let me know if you like the new look.

Seminoles Football-Where'd you go?

Florida State lost to NC State 24-20. Tragic. The saddest part about this loss is that I have no one to blame it on. Can't blame my sister-in-law, been there done that. I don't think there were any cosmic anamolies last night. Damn it! I guess FSU just sucks!! No offense or defense. I hate to say it, but Bobby Bowden and his son Jeff must turn in their coaching hats. Bobby, you can stay and help recruit. Jeff, I'm kicking your scrub ass to the curb. Do not pass Osceola Ave, do not collect $200. Since I have major pull in personnel decisions(writing this blog does have it's benefits), I am hiring Mark Richt from the University of Georgia to be the new head coach. Mark, I hope you don't mind being compensated with comic books, cause I have too many. There, that should fix all of FSU's problems. That was easy.

Lost again. Finally!!

The wait is finally over. Tonight is the season premiere of Lost. If you need a quick refresher course or if you missed last season's finale, iTunes is giving away the season finale and a 20 minute recap of what's happened so far.

Reel Horror

Since it's October, I will be featuring some Halloween themed posts. Today I have a creepy video clip for you. Warning:This is not for the faint of heart.

Kiss Kiss Iron Man Bang Bang

I'm not sure how to take this bit o news. Robert Downey Jr. has been tapped to portray Iron Man in the upcoming movie based on the Marvel comic book. I'm a big Iron Man fan and I was curious to see who the studio would pursue to tackle the role of playboy industrialist Tony Stark. For a long time Tom Cruise was attached to the project. I thought this was a logical choice. Cruise would bring added box office and he is no stranger to the action genre. But Cruise backed out of the project and the search continued. Over the summer, Jon Favreau was hired to direct the film. Favreau has acted in numerous movies and tv shows and has directed a few features, most notably Elf. An intriguing choice for the director of a major comic book action film to say the least. And now he has cast Robert Downey Jr.., another odd choice.

I'm surprised that Downey Jr. would take such a role. Ever since he got out of jail (the second time), he has been choosing smaller roles in small pictures. These roles have allowed him to showcase his talent and diversity. His biggest role recently was in Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. (Public Service Announcement: If you haven't seen Kiss Kiss yet, drop what you're doing now and go rent it now. You can go to the bathroom later.) I almost think this is a bit of overcasting. Downey Jr. is too good an actor for this role. Unless the movie plans to touch on the fact that Tony Stark is an alcoholic. Then Downey Jr. is the perfect pick. Cheers!

It's genetic

I just wanted to show you that the famous Dodd grace and coordination isn't going to end with me. That's my baby girl doing the limbo.