tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-250095742011-12-15T04:38:42.523+02:00As in a stoned elf or a drunk Aragorn. Blogging about movies, tv shows, music and books. Consequently, about actors, musicians, authors etc.Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.comBlogger611100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-45244866342354962332008-01-26T11:53:00.000+02:002008-01-26T12:24:00.783+02:00

Robert Harris is the author of several successful novels, two of which ("Fatherland" and "Enigma") are available in movie versions as well. "Imperium" is his second novel that is set in ancient Rome. It follows Marcus Cicero in his efforts toward the consulship. The story is told by Cicero's secretary, Tiro who was indeed Cicero's biographer. Harris has thoroughly researched his topic - much of

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-68785153091823478152007-12-18T23:44:00.001+02:002007-12-19T00:30:57.006+02:00

The fall tv season is now almost over. There have been remarkable new shows, some disappointments (Heroes) and some continuation of standard quality (House MD). But the one show that does its thing only in the fall season, is the clear winner. Dexter killed them all dead.For those unfamiliar with the show, Dexter Morgan (played by Michael C. Hall) is a blood spatter specialist working for the

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-79763385574094547202007-11-17T00:49:00.000+02:002007-12-02T22:46:26.348+02:00

Philosophy is sometimes accused of being void of content, nothing more than an indulgence at word-play and useless intellectual gymnastics. I don't think anyone is justified to hold such an opinion, especially after Karl Popper. After all, he set the standards of modern science by introducing the concept of falsifiability.In the first part of his influential tome "The Open Society and its Enemies

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-77297162827469490912007-10-30T12:51:00.001+02:002007-10-30T13:20:08.189+02:00

There are always bands that receive much more respect and recognition than actual sales, and this is very common in progressive circles. I would say that Germany's Sieges Even is a perfect example of this phenomenon. They started off as a very complex thrash metal band influenced by Watchtower, but by their second album it became obvious they are anything but ordinary. In 1991, "A Sense Of Change

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-88746251180073893402007-09-06T11:49:00.000+03:002007-09-06T12:42:43.013+03:00

I am rarely impressed by new bands these days, but ok, wow! "The Varangian Way" by finnish metallers Turisas had me at first note and I was frozen for the rest of its duration. Epic, symphonic, folk or whatever you want to call it, I can't find a single flaw about it. Adding the fact of its wonderful concept, "The Varangian Way" completes a triad of what we should call "ethnographic" metal (yeah

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-3902264599998745772007-08-28T00:13:00.001+03:002007-08-28T00:55:57.103+03:00

Lisa Gerrard's voice is an experience that is the closest I have come to what people describe as "spiritual". Sweetly haunting, it usually sings no words, but you feel it says so much.Her career with Dead Can Dance offered us albums of unsurpassed quality. Her later collaborations, including quite a few Hollywood movie soundtracks, were both artistic and commercial successes, mostly due to her

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-39473436131366202922007-07-23T16:23:00.000+03:002007-07-23T17:28:07.700+03:00

Steven Pinker is an experimental psychologist and cognitive scientist, but more importantly a very talented writer. "The Language Instinct" is one of the most interesting and well-written books I have read. It shouldn't be surprising for an author who writes about language to use it so masterfully.In his book, Pinker attempts to show that the ability of the human species to speak and understand

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-41545445915385156922007-06-27T02:20:00.000+03:002007-06-27T03:11:26.881+03:00

...is paved with good intentions, or so the saying goes. This couldn't be more true for Light Yagami, main character of the Japanese anime series "Death Note". Light is a 17 year old student of an exceptional intellect and impeccable reputation whose life changes when he comes across a strange notebook. The notebook was dropped into the human world by one of the Death Gods, Ryuk, who was looking

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-28533391543139730402007-06-20T22:18:00.000+03:002007-06-20T23:53:20.240+03:00

Atheism is rising fast as a coherent, self-reliant thinking and moral framework. You may not have noticed because, in western societies, religion is a topic of casual tradition that is of little consequence to everyday life. Of course, this is slightly generalizing - the difference between european and american societies is not subtle. In any case, atheism is no longer an abstract unbelief held

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-15751625417276153172007-05-27T18:44:00.001+03:002007-05-28T01:18:31.855+03:00

Don't read below if you don't want to be spoiled!It wouldn't be an exaggeration to claim that Lost's 3rd season finale was two of the most satisfying hours of tv time ever. I read somewhere that Lost is probably the only series that doesn't underestimate the intellect of the viewers. Nothing is served, ready and waiting for your consumption. This isn't a cop-out in the sense that the writers can

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-30330471627305315472007-05-21T11:30:00.001+03:002007-05-21T12:15:44.504+03:00

Dream Theater are releasing their 9th studio album and I believe there's no one who knows their name that treats this fact with indifference. The band that put the term "progressive" into metal hardly needs to prove anything anymore. Yes, it's been a long time since Dream Theater's music was progressive in any real sense but that's way beside the point. John Petrucci, Mike Portnoy, Jordan Rudess

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-83149734275741730592007-05-14T20:54:00.000+03:002007-05-18T22:45:44.483+03:00

For those who never heard of Skyclad, their unconventional and original (in the early '90s) folk metal, and Martin Walkyier's intelligent lyrics, here is a small sample. "A Great Blow For A Day Job" comes from the "Oui Avant-Garde A Chance" album and is a fun folk rock tune with some of the most clever lyrics I have read. Enjoy the lyrics with the most witty word plays ever below. Oh, and try to

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-78525081390559900082007-04-28T11:53:00.000+03:002007-05-18T22:47:04.814+03:00

Once more, the german bards find their way to Greece. It's no mystery considering the response they get. Ydrogeios club was packed full with an enthusiastic crowd. Looking at the age distribution, I'd say the new fans are few, but the old ones were all there. Well, so was I!Typical for Ydrogeios club, the sound was average at best but I must say I am so used to it by now that it hardly bothers me

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-77957723470542651372007-04-22T20:59:00.000+03:002007-05-18T22:50:16.966+03:00

I had previously refered to the concept of memes, but it took me a while to actually get to read Susan Blackmore's book. It is definitely a thorough presentation of what memetics is all about and the most revealing aspect about it is the field's extreme infancy and doubtful future. Don't get me wrong. Blackmore has some really brilliant ideas that could be the solution to difficult problems like

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-30227422715827292162007-04-19T23:13:00.000+03:002007-05-18T22:51:38.398+03:00

After Forever are definitely not newcomers and they hardly were a band to be ignored. Part of the rich atmospheric metal dutch scene, it is hard to stand out when there's The Gathering and Within Temptation to compete with. Not to mention the fact that the so-called gothic/atmospheric/operatic or whatever you want to call it metal is a genre that was repleted so fast that it was very hard to

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-17047267223760663792007-04-15T23:07:00.000+03:002007-05-18T22:51:38.398+03:00

Virgin Black had impressed me at first listen when their debut "Sombre Romantic" was released. It was the combination of dark classical music, modern gothic metal and most original and expressive vocals. They were compared with Saviour Machine back then, which was justified, but their new album "Requiem - Mezzo Forte" will allow some to invoke the holy name of Dead Can Dance. The band's requiem,

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-66755863362118438122007-03-29T23:02:00.000+03:002007-05-18T22:48:55.317+03:00

One of the reasons why I love "Lost" is the way it can surprise you with things you already know. For instance, Nikki and Paulo became immediately the show's most hated characters, even with minimal screen time. Everyone, including myself, was quick to assume that these characters were to play some important role and their awkward introduction was there to mislead the audience. Wrong! Nikki and

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-62702758326400012542007-03-22T12:42:00.000+02:002007-05-18T23:04:42.277+03:00

There are very few bands in today's power metal that still have my attention. Kamelot though have much more than mere attention; I can't wait to get new music from them! And the wait is almost over...the successor to the amazing "The Black Halo" will be released on June 4th and it is entitled "Ghost Opera".As you can see, the artwork for the album is simply stunning! I know we're not supposed to

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-20239191835163015902007-03-20T01:21:00.000+02:002007-05-18T23:04:42.277+03:00

In the picture, Tuomas Holopainen seems quite pleased with the progress of the new Nightwish album recording. The finnish band's keyboardist and songwriter has chosen the legendary Abbey Road studios for the recording, and the same orchestra that was used in the previous album, "Once". This is very good news; "Once" contained the band's two best songs (the phenomenal, outstanding, etc. "Creek

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-2117835939155901682007-03-16T23:29:00.000+02:002007-05-18T22:55:01.314+03:00

Stephen Colbert is famous for the caustic satire of his show and the liberal views it supports. It seems though that some people at the White House can't distinguish between caustic satire and mere comedy. There's no other explanation for this video which is an excerpt of the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner. It is simply astonishing that Colbert is allowed to make such harsh

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-5560132400198515182007-02-27T00:54:00.000+02:002007-05-18T22:53:25.059+03:00

This spanish movie managed to gain lots of attention and some well-deserved Oscar nominations. Indeed, its climb in imdb's top movie list is very impressive. Given my attraction to fantasy- related movies, I naturally checked it out. The pleasant surprise was that "Pan's Labyrinth" uses its fantasy elements in a very original way. Fantasy movies usually have very realistic messages or very

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-80169718357969622672007-02-08T22:11:00.000+02:002007-05-18T22:53:55.513+03:00

It's been 3 months without "Lost". Some people were frustrated, some were waiting patiently, some forgot the show's existence. It's too early to say whether this long break was as good an idea as it first seemed. What's pretty safe to say is that those who are really into the show's spirit and pace will not be disappointed by the returning episode.Juliet, the seemingly cold and determined Other,

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-9132505323614384972007-02-08T00:09:00.000+02:002007-05-18T22:47:04.815+03:00

The Gathering is one very special band. It's been a long time since they first popularized the concept of woman-fronted metal band, and it's now quite a common phenomenon. But that's not why they're special. It is because ever since Anneke Van Giersbergen joined the band in 1995, they make their own unique way in music. Sometimes dark, sometimes happy, sometimes heavy and sometimes mellow, but

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-67508349108437942082007-02-01T11:58:00.000+02:002007-05-18T22:50:16.966+03:00

That's the title of Neil deGrasse Tyson's new book, and here's a video of his appearance in the Daily Show with Jon Stewart. Tyson also gave an awesome speech at last year's "Beyond Belief" conference. Watch the video, it is simply hilarious!

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-65370525164495480112007-01-31T13:28:00.000+02:002007-05-18T22:52:49.824+03:00

The previous issue of "TIME" magazine had a brief but interesting article (by James Poniewozik) about Fox's tv series. I take the opportunity to write some of my similar thoughts on the subject.For someone who hasn't really watched "24", it would be easy to conclude that it's nothing more than conservative propaganda : the good americans vs the evil terrorists. This is Fox, after all!The reality

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-6949519404603061412007-01-26T23:29:00.000+02:002007-05-18T22:53:25.059+03:00

Mel Gibson hasn't been in the public opinion's favor lately. It's understandable considering his conduct. Having stupid beliefs and being famous is a bad combination (see also : Tom Cruise).Of course, all that is completely irrelevant to Gibson's skills as a director. "Apocalypto" is one of those movies whose visual character render their creator a respectable artist. The plot is about a young

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-68049035266610793442007-01-22T11:53:00.000+02:002007-05-18T23:04:42.278+03:00

The progressive megaband is once again in the studio. Personally, there are few things I find more exciting than a new Dream Theater album. I wasn't 100% satisfied with their previous release, "Octavarium", so my expectations are pretty high for this one. Until it is released, sometime in the spring, let's let Mike Portnoy give us a tour in the studio!

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-75875970208135043222007-01-21T21:07:00.000+02:002007-05-18T22:47:49.412+03:00

HBO's series is a rare one, and I didn't have much hope it would continue into a second season. I am very glad I am proven wrong.This genre is pretty much ignored on TV. It's understandable considering it requires a lot of work and money to create something serious and not some parody like Xena and Hercules. So, hats off to the creators for giving us this series.In the first season, we followed

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-64922239763354028562007-01-09T12:05:00.000+02:002007-05-18T22:51:38.399+03:00

There are very few bands out there that take the label "progressive" seriously. Pain Of Salvation is one of them and "Scarsick" is their 6th album that fails to fall below perfection. Truth be told, they lost some fans with the previous album, "Be", and this will also be true with "Scarsick". This is to be expected when you really want to progress. "Be" was such a deep, lyrical album and with

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-43068848717804650912007-01-04T18:54:00.000+02:002007-05-18T22:47:04.816+03:00

The Beyond Belief conferences have managed to bring together an impressive number of scientists, philosophers and writers to discuss the matter of the stormy relationship between science and religion. You can find the full discussions at the site. This is Richard Dawkins speaking about the change of our views on morality through time and how those views are unrelated to religious scriptures.

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-41847123859144027432007-01-03T16:37:00.000+02:002007-05-18T22:48:09.532+03:00

We still have a full month before Lost returns with the second part of third season. Here's one of the previews I found particularly exciting.

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-61842424507206889782007-01-03T16:10:00.000+02:002007-05-18T22:51:38.399+03:00

It's been 9 years since Loreena McKennitt's last studio album, the magnificent "Book Of Secrets". Now, we can finally enjoy Loreena's enchanting voice on new songs.Loreena is mostly known for her celtic music background, but it's a long time since she has moved to eastern musical cultures. As was the case with her previous albums, Loreena McKennitt has thoroughly researched the traditions before

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-11799361073324661882007-01-03T15:08:00.000+02:002007-05-18T22:51:38.400+03:00

It's more than 10 years since Therion released "Theli", the album that incorporated fully the classical music the band was flirting with since their beginning. Therion have come a long way since then and "Theli" that amazed a lot people back then, now sounds amateurish in comparison to their latest offering, "Gothic Kabbalah".In the years between, the band's mastermind, Christopher Johnsson, has

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-1157629765189333482006-09-07T14:25:00.000+03:002007-05-18T22:51:38.400+03:00

Each one of their albums is considered a major event for heavy metal everywhere. It's no different with "A Matter Of Life And Death", Iron Maiden's 14th studio album.Ever since Bruce Dickinson returned to the band in 2000, their releases were considered to be the long-delayed successors to the monumental "Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son" of 1988. This is bound to happen again, but this time it is a

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-1157081843649083182006-09-01T05:42:00.000+03:002007-05-18T22:52:23.331+03:00

The 4400's third season ends in a way that would serve for the end of the series itself. Smart, but fortunately there will be a fourth season next summer.In this final episode, we finally see the confrontation : Isabelle vs everyone else. But let's take things from the start.Jordan Collier films Devon taking a shot of promycin and urging the viewer to do the same in order to get a 4400 ability.

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-1156289218055389592006-08-23T01:42:00.000+03:002007-05-18T22:54:30.621+03:00

I admit that I didn't expect it, but the premiere of Prison Break's second season blew me away. An episode that tied all loose ends, kept you at the edge of your seat throughout, built a basis for the entire season and, as expected from all great episodes, shocked you in the last minute. Don't read below this line if you don't appreciate spoilers.The former prisoners, and now fugitives, run like

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-1155776834267568622006-08-17T03:39:00.000+03:002007-05-18T23:04:42.279+03:00

For fans of the Dragonlance books, this isn't the optimal turn of events. Nevertheless, the announcement that the first book of the series, "Dragons Of Autumn Twilight" becomes an animation movie is certainly exciting. I, too, would wish these books were turned into normal movies. The success of Peter Jackson's "Lord of the Rings" trilogy has shown that it can be done. The Dragonlance series is,

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-1155682687985525352006-08-16T01:40:00.000+03:002007-05-18T23:00:58.480+03:00

It should no longer matter to Blind Guardian fans that their new releases take more than 4 years to see the light of day. Their perfectionism and commitment into delivering something unique pay off and the wait is more than worth it. Their previous album, "A Night At The Opera", received a lot of criticism but mainly, in my opinion, from short-sighted sources. It was a brilliant album whose only

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-1155605044987185082006-08-15T03:46:00.001+03:002007-05-18T22:58:33.833+03:00

What summer has been lacking for a very long time was a good tv series. I'm pretty sure, though, that USA Network's "The 4400" did not go unnoticed by most of you. Indeed, the series is very near the ending of its third season so I will assume you know what it's about and move on with reviewing the latest episode.Jordan Collier is back and he is very much alive, despite being shot and killed at

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-1153955967342092472006-07-27T01:52:00.000+03:002007-05-18T22:57:55.902+03:00

The title and the hype can certainly be misleading, but that doesn't mean a popular book can't be enjoyable. If you ignore the facts that the economy, in the most common meaning, is never mentioned and that the whole thing reads like a shrine to Levitt, then "Freakonomics" will keep you some good company.Although the writers (mainly Levitt I guess) try to present this as a book with no unifying

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-1152478553638824132006-07-09T23:50:00.000+03:002007-05-18T23:03:02.282+03:00

The above is a sample of a very nicely done image that contains most of the info we have gathered in those amazing two "Lost" seasons. Get it over here. Be warned, it is over 4 MB in size!

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-1152194639913107612006-07-06T14:55:00.000+03:002007-05-18T22:57:55.902+03:00

I doubt you can find many novels that are as detailed, dense and inspired in science fiction as Dan Simmons' Hyperion ones. His next attempt was the duet "Ilium" and "Olympos". The first thing that amazes you is that once again Simmons' imagination is over the top. "Ilium" starts with the same verses as Homer's "Iliad" but the person who recites them is one Thomas Hockenberry, a scholar of the "

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-1146786425786413972006-05-05T01:59:00.000+03:002007-05-18T23:03:02.282+03:00

SPOILERS AHEAD!As the second season of "Lost" comes to a close, extraordinary events take place that will change the picture for the third season, much like the hatch's contents did for the second. It is hard to tell what it will be like, but one thing is sure : it will be violent.This episode was a wealth of information and shockers. Michael returns and he claims the Others are miserable, poorly

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-1146692429036518752006-05-03T23:12:00.000+03:002007-05-18T23:02:18.461+03:00

A lot of people are convinced about the answer to this question, but Robert Beckford, a Pentecostal christian thelogian at Birmingham University, is not taking things for granted. This 100-minute documentary aired in Brittish Channel 4 during Christmas of 2004 and was the cause of some controversy as it deals with a sensitive subject. It is one, though, that should receive a long-overdue

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-1146357289694588062006-04-30T02:53:00.000+03:002007-05-18T23:00:01.722+03:00

Movies that are inspired by video games are rarely worth it. The story usually required to make a good movie is beyond the scope of a video game, even a great one. I haven't played the "Silent Hill" game, but the movie manages to evade most hints about video games, at least to unsuspecting viewers. That said, it still is plagued by some of the stereotypical flaws of such movies : mediocre acting,

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-1146088762752087342006-04-27T00:21:00.000+03:002007-05-18T23:03:02.283+03:00

WARNING - SPOILERS AHEAD. Don't read below if you have not seen last Monday's "24" episode. The 5th season is quickly becoming a favorite one. What is ultimately at stake this time is not human lives at the mercy of terrorists, but the integrity of an idea. The show has always presented its characters with terrible moral dillemas that could drive a normal person crazy at the short time they have

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-1146003068825897632006-04-26T00:51:00.000+03:002007-05-18T23:00:58.481+03:00

This is the second album for the project of Kevin Moore (ex Dream Theater, Chroma Key), Jim Mattheos (Fates Warning), Joey Vera (Fates Warning) and Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater). If you are familiar with the members, you know the worth of the band. You may not know the origin of their name which refers to a subdivision of the USA department of defense which focused on propaganda. This short

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-1145233260744152222006-04-17T01:44:00.000+03:002007-05-18T23:00:01.723+03:00

It is usually a compliment to say that something has left you speechless, but it is much less than a compliment for someone who says so about "V For Vendetta". Indeed, the movie's purpose is, more than anything else, to encourage you to speak, no matter what it is you have to say.In a future Britain, this isn't possible; speaking against the government may get you killed. In a society nurtured

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-1144887166047374402006-04-13T02:16:00.000+03:002007-05-18T22:57:55.903+03:00

The idea of blogging, once conceived, was quickly spread and adopted so that we can safely name it today a cultural phenomenon. You may even say it was an idea that was good in self-replicating. The analogy with the biological self-replicators, the genes, was not lost to Richard Dawkins who first coined the term "meme" in his innovating "Selfish Gene" debut. The concept of cultural or otherwise

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-1144801707276615922006-04-12T03:02:00.000+03:002007-05-18T23:04:42.279+03:00

The news come directly from Fox's "24" website : Kiefer Sutherland has signed for 3 more seasons of the popular show. Am I happy about it? You bet. Few shows have managed to glue me to my seat, episode after episode, disregarding bodily protests about something called sleep. One has to wonder though, how will the writers manage to come up with enough ideas so that they won't repeat themselves. I

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-1144691653111603632006-04-10T20:28:00.000+03:002007-05-18T23:00:58.482+03:00

Some may find the alien-like (?) creature on the cover uninviting, but those that are familiar with the name of The Gathering know better. It's been 11 years since the band, with the arrival of Anneke Van Giersbergen, changed the status of front-woman metal bands almost single-handedly. Since then, the atmospheric but undoubtedly metal music of the band gave way to experimentations and artistic

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-1144582369030346142006-04-09T13:20:00.000+03:002007-05-18T22:57:55.903+03:00

Science fiction was never a genre that attracted me strongly. When it comes to fantasy literature I prefered the authors that were continuing the legacy of J.R.R Tolkien. These four books by Dan Simmons though changed my mind completely. "Hyperion" and "The Fall Of Hyperion" introduce you to a future of mankind, not far from the end of the millenium we just entered. Humanity has colonized part of

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-1144368401592237942006-04-07T02:49:00.000+03:002007-05-18T23:03:02.284+03:00

Finally, a different episode for Prison Break. This much-needed flashback will make you like Michael's team in Fox River, even T-Bag (ok, a little). If you thought that freeing criminals as a part of the whole thing is questionable, you may change your mind. You will also learn what motivated Michael to pursue his elaborate plan and how he designed it. Finally, new information about Dr. Tancredi

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-1144356197128462902006-04-06T23:07:00.000+03:002007-05-18T23:03:02.285+03:00

Both "24" and "Lost" are shows which are enjoying huge fanbases that I am sure are overlapping to a large percentage. While the format and setting is very different, both shows use the technique of the "last seconds shocker" to great effect and there is a reason it works well for both."24" with its continuous action and fast pace can actually turn a single trivial moment into one of suspense just

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-1144188331184079842006-04-05T00:11:00.000+03:002007-05-18T23:02:18.462+03:00

Richard Dawkins has written quite a few books that are well known for their clarity, persuasiveness and innovation when it comes to the theory of evolution. He is also well known for his atheism, as he is actively demonstrating in the two-part documentary of the title that aired on the british Channel 4. It is clear that Dawkins's background in zoology and evolution is what mainly brings him to

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-1144080496657114642006-04-03T18:38:00.000+03:002007-05-18T23:03:02.285+03:00

As Tom Cruise gets in the closet and refuses to come out, many people less wealthy than him are robbed of their money in order to stop the evil alien overlord Xenu from making them unhappy. When the concept of faith is met with unquestionable respect, absurdities like scientology are free to brainwash and take advantage of people. Southpark has been one of the most extreme and succesful cartoons

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-1143835663791739432006-03-31T22:37:00.000+03:002007-05-18T22:57:55.904+03:00

Lee Smolin is an astronomer and theoretical physicist who has contributed much to the research on unifying General Relativity with Quantum Mechanics. You can read a very comprehensive report about this research on his latest book "Three Roads To Quantum Gravity". It's my belief, however, that "The Life Of The Cosmos" will prove to be a much more important book. Despite it being quite speculative

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-1143825986235669772006-03-31T20:17:00.000+03:002007-05-18T23:03:02.286+03:00

After a very long break (pun not intended), Fox's series is back. The re-opening episode did very well in raising tension, as everything was falling apart and Lincoln's clash with electricity was only minutes away. The next delivery, however, becomes tedious, as Michael's new plans are even more absurd than before and the crucial destruction of his tatoo was a possibility that was extensively

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-1143805558549581022006-03-31T14:34:00.000+03:002007-05-18T23:00:58.483+03:00

It's been a while since we last heard from the barbarians of epic metal, Bal-Sagoth. The new album entitled "The Chthonic Chronicles" is a return to the heaviness and complexity of (deep breath) "Starfire Burning Upon The Ice Veiled Throne Of Ultima Thule". The soundtrack atmosphere that Byron's narrations and the unworldly keyboards of Johnny Maudling create, transports you to the fantastical

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-1143738807966888592006-03-30T20:01:00.000+03:002007-05-18T23:03:02.287+03:00

Hidden on one of the blast doors, visible only in black light, "Lost" reveals a map of the island hatches, workstations for the mysterious Dharma Initiative group. The many notes on the map will provide food for endless discussions, as will the taunting question mark in the center (they should make that an official symbol of the series!). "Lockdown" was a great episode and more will follow!

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25009574.post-1143668498567181702006-03-30T00:31:00.000+03:002007-05-18T23:00:58.483+03:00

Queensryche definitely don't need one. Just listen to the first sequel in the history of sequels that doesn't suck. "Operation:Mindcrime 2" brings you with astonishing ease back to 1988 when one of the best concept albums was released. The story continues with much soul-searching and yes, revenge.

Elfstonehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07784575596752237401noreply@blogger.com0