Merry Christmas

Peace Everybody.

We are all in this together.

Let's have a Great 08!

Later,

Paul Parducci

Hans Richter's Dreams That Money Can Buy

Links:
Hans Richter

International DADA Archive

Artnet

Later,
Paul Parducci

Proof That Santa Exists

There has been a disturbing trend recently to dismiss as "Imaginary" the individual known to us in North America as "Santa Claus." Some children have of course been disturbed by this incorrect and scientifically invalid position.

For those of you who have children that simply want the hard facts, here they are:

1) Santa has been granted a special privilege of eternal life.

2) He lives at the North Pole in a secret complex shielded from any type of radar or satelite imaging. The various Nations of the world know this but have determined after thirty -seven different Top Secret closed-door UN meetings that he poses no threat. (Check the records on this)

3) He possesses technology that enables him to slow/stop time.(This is why it has been virtually impossible to photograph him or capture him on video.

4) He does in fact keep detailed behavior records(ie: The List) but word has it that he is notoriously lax in this regard and has never left coal. (The 1930's Kentucky incident has been proven to be false.)

5) He is in fact helped in his work by a virtual army of what we call "Elves."(Who are actually smaller statured denzens from a planet (They pronounce it "Xylpho") in the next solar-system-considered by over Two hundred and six advanced civilizations to be the most brilliant Toy and Amusement designers and builders in the universe. (Unfortunately this information will not become public knowledge until the year 2346.)

Here are some other links that prove his existence:

Live Science

Five Ways to Prove Santa

Does Santa Exist?

Yes Virginia...

I hope this settles this question once and for all.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Paul Parducci

Thank You For Your Support of "Monday, Wednesday, Friday"

All of a sudden my film "Monday Wednesday, Friday" became a Featured Film on YouTube-
Thank you all for watching and all your kind and supportive comments for this decidedly less than kind character.
Later,
Paul Parducci

Why Do I Have To Create What I Have to Create?

Or maybe the question is: Why am I an Artist? Or more particularly why am I a Filmmaker?

After two decades of professional creative endeavor I am still both energized and vexed by the constant drive to do certain things: to make films, to write screenplays and to learn more about presenting my ideas and stories visually.

I was walking through a bookstore last night and I wondered, why don't I want to write books but I want to make films? Why this type of Storytelling and not others? Why do it at all? It would be better and certainly "easier" not to make them. I could focus on acting alone, an area I have done pretty well in.)

This drive to create Cinema has been called the "Silver Addiction,"(because of the silver salts on film stock) and I can understand why. Sometimes it feels like one. But it's no different I suspect from other Artists driven to create what they have to create.

In many respects Creativity itself is still a mystery, here is an excellent overview of the subject.

Later,

Paul Parducci

PS: The pictures from Tod Browning's silent classic The Unholy Three.

Henry Levin's "Journey To The Center Of The Earth"

I absolutely loved this movie as a kid-the dinosaur, the crystal cave!
It seemed to play on local television at least twice a year in the Tri-state area and I watched it almost every time.
Fox Movie Channel just ran it and it brought back great memories.
Later,
Paul Parducci

Jacques Tourneur's I Walked With A Zombie

Made for Val Lewton's B- Unit at RKO from what I can gather "I Walked With a Zombie" was Jacques Tourneur's personal favorite.

If you are a fan of Psychological Horror this should be on your list.

Later,

Paul Parducci

Once Again A Holiday At The Table

Risk was invented by Albert Lamorisse who also directed that award-winning short film you saw in grammer school "The Red Balloon."
Later,
Paul Parducci

Happy Thanksgiving!

I wish all the best for you and yours.

And please excuse these suggestions: do your best to refrain from discussing politics or religion at the table.(You know that no matter what the people at your table believe or follow they would be there for you if you needed them.) And take a secret moment to look around at all your family and friends. I don't have to tell you why.

God Bless,

Paul Parducci

Charles Bukowski's "Death Wants More Death"

death wants more death, and its webs are full:

I remember my father's garage,

how child-like I would brush the corpses of flies from the windows they thought were escape-

their sticky, ugly, vibrant bodies shouting like dumb crazy dogs

against the glass

only to spin and flit in that second larger than hell or heaven

onto the edge of the ledge,

and then the spider from his dank hole nervous and exposed the puff of body swelling

hanging there not really quite knowing, and then knowing-something

sending it down its string,

the wet web, toward the weak shield of buzzing,

the pulsing; a last desperate moving hair-leg there against the glass

there alive in the sun, spun in white; and almost like love: the closing over,

the first hushed spider-sucking: filling its sack upon this thing that lived;

crouching there upon its back drawing its certain blood as the world goes by outside

and my temples scream and I hurl the broom against them:

the spider dull with spider-anger still thinking of its prey

and waving an amazed broken leg;

the fly very still, a dirty speck stranded to straw;

I shake the killer loose and he walks lame and peeved towards some dark corner but I intercept his dawdling his crawling like some broken hero,

and the straws smash his legs now waving above his head and looking

looking for the enemy and somewhat valiant, dying without apparent pain

simply crawling backward piece by piece

leaving nothing there until at last the red gut sack splashes its secrets,

and I run child-like with God's anger a step behind,

back to simple sunlight,

wondering as the world goes by with curled smile

if anyone else saw or sensed my crime

----------------------------------

Later,

Paul Parducci

Today We Honor our Veterans

Thank you.
Paul Parducci

PS: This is a photo of Revolutionary War veteran Manual Downing taken in 1864. He was born in 1751.

Strike.

Fair is Fair.
Later,
Paul Parducci

Edgar G. Ulmer's Detour

I am a Film Noir fan. From "Kiss Me Deadly" to "The Spiral Staircase" on to "Gun Crazy" and beyond. But I recently caught a corner of Black-hearted brilliance called Detour Filmed by the Poverty Row Auteur Edgar G. Ulmer (Before he was sent away from mainstream Hollywood, he made The Black Cat) it is definitely something to put on your queue. Here is Robert Weston's excellent piece on both the man and his movie.

Later,

Paul Parducci

Val Lewton

Val Lewton was a genuinely Creative Producer and Screenwriter who made eleven innovative films for RKO's B-Unit in the 1940's working with such outstanding Director's as Jacques Tourneau, Robert Wise and Mark Robson.

His RKO Films:

Cat People (1942)
I Walked with a Zombie (1943)
The Leopard Man (1943)
The Seventh Victim (1943)
The Ghost Ship (1943)
The Curse of the Cat People (1944)
Mademoiselle Fifi (1944)
Youth Runs Wild (1944)
The Body Snatcher (1945)
Isle of the Dead (1945)
Bedlam (1946)

Here is Mark Viera's excellent article on the man and his work.

Okay, it's time to watch Cat People.

Later,

Paul Parducci

Ed"Big Daddy" Roth, Rat Fink and the Center of the Livingroom

I have a clear memory of seeing an image of Rat Fink Ed "Big Daddy" Roth's seminal creation on American Bandstand as a toddler sitting in the center of the livingroom floor. It came and went quickly but that fiendishly cool-looking rat stayed in my head to this day. Ed Roth American designer and artist has had a profound effect on all aspects of the visual arts, from skateboards to Chrysler. Ed has gone to the big garage in the sky but here are some excellent links to get you up to speed on this amazing creator.

Detroit News Obit

Ratfink.org

Mr.Gasser.com

Tribute Page

Peterson Automotive Museum

and about Ron Mann's excellent movie: "Tales of the Rat Fink"
Later,

Paul Parducci

Robert Fuest's "The Abominable Dr. Phibes"

Robert Fuest's Over-the Top Deco Horror Masterpiece "The Abominable Dr. Phibes" is a must see during the Halloween season. It stars the always solid Joseph Cotton and Vincent Price ( at his tearing up the screen best) delightfully disturbed revenge sequences and a clockwork band.
Later,
Paul Parducci

Original Photograph: "Please Mary"

Here is my photograph entitled "Please Mary."
Later,
Paul Parducci

Billy Wilder's The Lost Weekend and My Lost Week

I haven't had a chance to post lately as I've been involved in directing a new project.

But here is a must see movie, Billy Wilder's "The Lost Weekend."

It's worth it for the Delerium Tremens sequence alone and Ray Milland has never been better.

Later,

Paul Parduci

Malachi Martin and his In-depth Study of Exorcism

Malachi Martin was a Jesuit who was involved in and made a study of the Exorcism of demons.
His book Hostage to the Devil is a chilling look at five cases of Demonic Possession in the modern era.



By the way,"Hostage" is best read during the day.
Later,
Paul Parducci

Carl Jung/Myers Briggs Typology: I am an INFJ

Swiss Psychiatrist Carl Jung was a man of expansive interests one of which was the determining and categorizing of personality Types.
Repetitive testing has me pegged as an INFJ Type.
This is my type from similarminds.com
More about Meyers Briggs and to find out your type.
Of course not everyone agrees, this is from The Skeptic's Dictionary.
If you have the time here is an excellent documentary on Jung called "Matter of Heart"
Later,
Paul Parducci

Did Jackie Gleason Actually See Physical Evidence of the Roswell Incident?

You can't go two inches in any direction when discussing UFO's without hearing about Roswell.

However the Gleason connection is probably the most interesting.

So Away we goooo!(I'm sorry)

For a great overview here is Bill Knell's piece.

From UFO Updates

Also for those interested Jackie's Paranormal Library is now on exhibit.

Later,

Paul Parducci

Chiller Theater: WPIX TV's Six-Fingered Discount Horror Show

It's no secret that I am intrigued by the world of the scary and the strange. One of my fondest memories as a kid was watching Chiller Theater on WPIX TV Channel 11.
This is the opening:



And you have to go to Joe Cascio's comprehensive Chiller Theater site.
Later,
Paul Parducci

Strange Archaeology: The Baghdad Battery

Did the Ancients make batteries?

A very intriguing discovery was made in Iraq in 1936.

If this interests you go to Ancient Technology.

Fascinating huh?

Later,

Paul Parducci

A Warriors Poem

The Soldier and Marine
Both a year from their proms
Sat in the depot, brothers in arms
They talked of Fallujah, Bastogne and Yalu
They spoke of Ramadi and Route Irish too.
They joked and they bragged
And remembered brave men
Knowing they’d never serve with their likes again
At three in the morning came the northbound train squeals
One felt for his duffle, one unlocked his wheels
One pushed and one watched
There’s no need to delve
One got the Six
The other the Twelve

© 2007 Paul Parducci All Rights Reserved

Eight Ball

This is a Strange One: The Belmez Faces

Since 1971 Faces have been appearing on their own on the cement floor of a private home in Spain.

This link will give you a solid overview.

Also this one.

This is an excellent short film about the faces.

Is it a hoax? Evidence of some kind of Thoughtography?

Well, that's all for now.

Later,

Paul Parducci

Happy Labor Day! Now Relax.

We American's work too hard. Myself included. With cell phones and computers, PDA's and Blackberries we are always gettin it done.
Achievement is nice but so is taking time to be with family and friends and simply existing. I know. "Bills." Forget them just for today and do something fun.
Gotta go now, we're off to the beach.
Later,
Paul Parducci


PS: This picture is from the National Archives.

See You Later Dad. William J. Parducci (August 7, 1910-August 17, 2007)

After a long battle with Alzheimer's my father passed away on Friday morning August 17,2007.
I was on my way to see him when he died. In fact I got the call just before I reached the first security check point at LAX.
My father was a great man. A true genius who always took an interest in those around him. He was a Vaudevillian, a Musician, a Bandleader, a painter (oils) a Chess Master, Boat builder, Mountain climber and a Design Engineer.(Among many accomplishments, he worked for Tucker and was on the Jet engine team during World War II) He was a devoted Husband(married to my Mom for 62 years) and father of five sons. (He had his first son at the age of 38 and his last at the age of 55.)
Over the past few years my father's amazing mind began to shut down.This happened right after the sudden loss of his first born son (My brother Bill-Four or five years ago I stood on the lawn of my boyhood home while my father tried to stave off memory-loss by reciting multiplication tables.He used his mind constantly and was acutely aware when it started to fail him.)
He always had several books going at once and a chessboard set up by his chair.
One of my favorite things to do was to make him laugh. My father had a great laugh. Inevitably what worked best was repetition. I would keep repeating some inane voice or stupid remark until he started to shake with laughter and lean forward guffaw tears streaming down his face and swat me lightly on the shoulder.
I have my father's chess board now, it rests on my coffee table in the livingroom. I have an old pair of his glasses, a mechanical pencil and his violin. I have a handful of photos too. At the end of the day though these things though symbols of a life well-lived are all simply trinkets. What's not a trinket is the love my father had for me and all of us.
I miss you Dad.
See You Later.
Your Son Paul

PS: The top photo is my father at the drafting table in the 40's, the other one is my dad on stage in 1929

Turkish Remake of The Exorcist

Look at this.
Later,
Paul Parducci

What's the Deal with Ouija Boards?

 With the new horror movie "Ouija" out I thought I'd revitalize this post I did on this creepy parlor activity.
One of my earliest memories concerning a Ouija Board is my Mom warning me never to use one. She owned one as a teenager and while using it to communicate with a favorite cousin who had been killed in the war, had a very unpleasant and terrifying experience. After that she threw it away never to even touch one again.

As for myself, after reading extensively about this purported communication device, my advice is to stay away. A better source of answers is a good encyclopedia or your Aunt Martha (Your living Aunt Martha that is.)
Here is a blog dedicated to them.

And the Web Ouija.

The Skeptical point of view.

From Prairie Ghosts

A Ouija Board Warning

Dale Kacsmarek's piece

OK, even after my Mother's warnings and my own promise to never touch one myself, while writing this post I had a nearly overwhelming urge to try it.(Read: "nearly" I didn't do it.) I guess there will always be a desire deep inside for extra-earthly, extra-here and now information.

Good Luck All!
Later,

Paul Parducci

EGO, Self Will, God's Will- What's the Deal?

The older I get the more I realize that what the spiritual masters of virtually every faith have said is true. The Human Ego is the root of all misery.

Here are some insightful links regarding what many believe to be the false self.

From Deoxy

From LiveReal
According to Freud

Don't Underestimate the Ego

From Spiritual Experiences

Dr. John W. Gilmore's piece in SelfGrowth

Rudolf Steiner Lecture on The Lord's Prayer

Michael S. Hoffman's piece on Ego Death

Later,

Paul Parducci

Retro Causalty, Retro Psychokinesis and the Possibility of Time Travel

What is time? Can we change things that have already occured?
Here are some links to get your cranium cranking.
Hold on to your hats.
RetroPsychoKinesis

Time Travel

Nostradamus

Changing the Past? article

Talks on Retro Causality:

That's enough for now.
Later,
Paul Parducci

Mind Over Matter,The Secret, Random Number Generators and the Physics of Intention

Recently the book "The Secret," which touts the Law of Attraction has been flying off the shelves. Although it's is slowing a bit now (I'm starting to see unsold stacks of books and CD's.)Despite the strong feelings on both sides of the concepts espoused by the books experts, at the heart of all this current inquiry into "mind Power," is the legitimate question as to whether an individual's thoughts can actually influence the physical world.

In addition to armies of True Believers, there are also scientists involved with determining whether or not there is anything to this.

Here are some links to get you up to speed:

RNG's

Princeton's Lab set up to study Engineering Anamolies. (Closed in February 2007) PEAR.

Consciousness Research

Psyleron

SSE

Is it true? Can we really use Mind over Matter?

I have some of the smartest readers in the blogoshere and as always I welcome your comments.

Later,

Paul Parducci

Hawaiian Adventure

Just got back from a 15 day round-trip Cruise to Hawaii.

We had a great time.

The ship was wonderful. Hilo, Kona, Waikiki, Lahaina-all fantastic.

Favorite part?

An amazing rain forest hike to a cool waterfall fed spring on Kauai.(I'd never been to this island before and it took my breath away.)

Later,

Paul Parducci

Happy Fourth of July!

To All my fellow Americans,

Happy 4th!

Here is an excellent compilation of various 4th of July celebrations put together by James R. Hentze.

As always please be careful with the fireworks.

Later,

Paul Parducci

William Greaves' Symbiopsychotaxiplasm Take One

William Geaves made this film in 1968.

It is a brilliant example of Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle at work within the mechanism of Filmmaking. You can find it on NetFlix and you'll be glad you did.

Later,

Paul Parducci

Horror Hotel's Amicus Roots

Although Max Rosenberg is listed as the producer of Director John Llewellyn Moxey's Horror Hotel it was by all accounts also produced by Milton Subotsky which makes this the first film produced by the team that would bring the world Amicus Studios.

Horror Hotel is an atmospheric giant of the genre and more than worthy of a thorough perusal.

Here I believe is a very fair overview by Steve Biodrowski of Hollywood Gothique.

Later,

Paul Parducci

New Director's Reel

After much input from my friends.
(Thank you all by the way. )
Here is my new Director's Reel.
Later,
Paul Parducci

Once a Soldier Always A Soldier. Happy Birthday US Army

(The photo is Sydney E, Manning Medal of Honor Recipient from World War One)

Today marks the 232nd anniversary of The United States Army. I am a former Soldier, I volunteered for the Army Infantry (Airborne) right after I completed High School. In many ways I count myself least among this amazing organization that includes men like Paul Smith and women like Deborah Samson. But at the end of the day, now and always I claim the title of "Soldier." I graduated from the US Army Infantry School at Fort Benning as well as the Airborne Course. That Blue cord and those hard-earned jump wings ( I jumped injured for my last three qualifying jumps -I have a total of Five Military Jumps) are among my proudest possessions. My Honorable Discharge is framed and hangs over my College Diploma. The discipline, loyalty and commitment to excellence I learned in the Army have supported me in all aspects of my life. I was fortunate enough to have served during peace but my brothers and sisters now under fire are constantly in my thoughts.

They say "Once a Soldier, Always A Soldier," and I have found this to be true. I am proud of all the branches of our Military but my heart belongs to the US Army. To be sure there is a quietness about my branch, a reluctance to display and discuss, this probably emanates from the concepts of the "Quiet Professional," (Army Hero SFC Chapman)and the legacy of George Washington and the Citizen Soldier (Barry Strauss piece on the Citizen Soldier) all of which find themselves lodged in the collective unconscious of the American Soldier. There is also it seems a professional acceptance at being unsung-by being the boots on the ground doing the tough thankless jobs, day in and day out frequently under unbelievably dangerous conditions.

The spiritual core of the US Army is the common Foot Soldier or Infantryman. He is the individual who when asked by America to do so, takes and holds ground. Even as we speak there are young men volunteering to do this. Volunteering to go in harms way.

LTC Randolph C. White speech gives an excellent overview about what it means to be an Infantry Soldier.

The hard lessons learned while at the Infantry School in the searing heat of summer in Georgia have stayed with me. When I encounter a problem I still say to myself ;"Over, Around, Under or Through." When a task is at hand I frequently think of the Infantry motto; "Follow Me!" Or the Airborne call,"All the Way!"
Because Soldiers are so frequently reluctant to talk about their service once it is done, you may be surprised by the number of Former Soldiers now serving in Congress.

Yes, Once a Soldier Always A Soldier. So even though my time as a Spartan is done and I now work in the dream factory making stories, I would like to tell all my Army family from Valley Forge to Kirkuk, from the beaches of Normandy to the rough mountains of Afghanistan.
Thank you for your service, Happy Birthday and remember this Soldier's prayers always have your six.
Later,
Paul Parducci
Sorry Almost forgot: HOOAH!

Broadcasting Electricity, The Avengers and Now

When I was a kid I used to watch re-runs of the the British import series the Avengers.(I think on New York's WOR TV ? Please help me readers.)

One episode in particular has stayed with me, in it the bad guy wore rubber boots and special gloves and sent lethal doses of electricity through the air. I didn't remember the name but I looked it up: "The Positive Negative Man."

It was the announcement of discovery of scientists this week of the ability to actually transmit electricity that prompted this post.

Be careful Emma!

Later,

Paul Parducci

Terence Fisher's "Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed"

"Frankenstein Must Be Destroyed" is a film deals with the human aspects inherent in bringing someone back to life. Although I have never been able to get through Shelley's Frankenstein (chalk it up to ADD.) Others who have have stated that this film comes the closest to Shelley's vision.

I just saw it and was extremely impressed by director Terence Fisher's vision. I highly recommend this movie for anyone interested in seeing a Frankenstein movie that isn't all about stomping around, dark castles and villagers. Hammer studios the venerable Studio that dripped blood put out this film. As I have spoken about before in this Blog, Hammer's rival (Amicus) has been a great influence on my take on this genre as well as my love of film. Amicus tended to present Modern Horror in a Contemporary setting. This was always more naturally to my liking so I generally avoided any scare pic with gaslights and horse-drawn carriages in it. Consequently I have not seen that many films put out by Hammer. But this take on the Frankenstein story has moved me in a whole new direction and made me want to see more of Fisher's brilliant yet largely over-looked work . And as he made most of his most memorable works with Hammer there will now be lots of Hammer on my queue.

Later,

Paul Parducci

Mark and Megan's "Bow Wow Bugs A Bug"

My good friends Mark Newgarden and Megan Montague Cash have put out a fascinating Wordless Picture story: "BOW-WOW BUGS A BUG."

To get filled in go here.

It's already a Junior Library Premier Selection and here's what Lane Smith says about it:

"What an odd, sweet, surreal, and hilarious adventure from Newgarden and Cash. It's what Crockett Johnson, Ernie Bushmiller, and Rod Serling might have come up with if they shared a bench at the doggie park. I love it!"

As visual story telling goes this is a perfect box of smiles for both you and the kids in your life.

Later,

Paul Parducci

Is There Really Life After Death?

NDE's or Near Death Experiences is one of the most interesting when it comes to peeking behind the veil of death.

Some believe it is proof positive that death is not the end and others believe it's just a flush of Ketamine related chemicals.

Here are some excellent links that should give you a nice overview of the conversation:

NearDeath.com

IANDS

Skepdic

Howstuffworks

Infidels.org

David Perry's Experience

Journal of Scientific Exploration

From the Telegraph

Ketamine

DamnInteresting.com

Children's NDE's

NDERF

Later.

Paul Parducci

Memorial Day Weekend

A marker on an unknown soldiers grave.

This weekend I think of you all.

Thank you,

Paul Parducci

Party Chit Chat:Padre Pio and Stigmata

Next time you are at a loss for conversation starters at a party bring up; Stigmata.

One of the most investigated and documented cases in modern times was the Stigmata of Padre Pio cananonized a Saint by the Catholic church in 2002.

Here's more on Stigmata.

Later,

Paul Parducci

A Movie You Don't Hear Too Much About

Paul Morrissey is a director who was closely associated with Andy Warhol during the days of the Factory. He is a resolutely independent filmmaker with a definite vision. Nothing more can be asked of an Artist.(Of course you can ask many more things of an Artist, but you know what I'm getting at.)
Here is the trailer for his film "Flesh For Frankenstein," Shot in Italy in 1973.
It's not for everyone (especially kids )but if you see it you won't soon forget it.
Later,
Paul Parducci

Guy Maddin

I could give you a lot of Film School jargon about one of my favorite Filmmakers: Guy Maddin. Instead I'll let the man speak through his brilliant work. Here is "The Heart of the World."
Later,
Paul Parducci
My buddy Stephen is Blogging about his latest in New York.

Werner Herzog's Fitzcarraldo: Filmmaking Without a Net

Fitzcarraldo is a film about ambitious dreaming. The kind of dreaming that is usaulally beaten out of you by age eleven or twelve here in the Western world.

Made without the computer effects we take for granted these days it is a stunning testament to the genius and recklessness of Herzog who worked (and worked his cast and crew) under unbelievably difficult conditions. Werner Herzog was at his auteur best and Klaus Kinski was never better.

I encourage all to see it.

I also encourage all to dream!

Later,

Paul Parducci

Great piece on it here.

The Brilliant, The Funny:Tom Poston

One of the greats has just passed away:

Tom Poston

Rest in Peace Mr. Poston you will be missed.

Later,

Paul Parducci

George Romero's Day of the Dead

Just watched George Romero's 1985 Day of the Dead. It is the least discussed of his Zombie masterpieces. Night of the Living Dead is of course both the genesis of the modern Zombie movie as well as the benchmark. The original 1978 Dawn of the Dead is also considered a classic. However, as I see it,"Day of the Dead" although planned (from what I have heard) as the third of a trilogy has gotten short shrift. Last seasons Land of the Dead was wonderfully executed and an extension of the myth of Zombiedom.(particularly with it's theme of Zombie development) But "Day" for this cinema consumer is Romero's darkest vision. With it's subterranean setting and edge of sanity performances, it is a must add for your queue.

Later,

Paul Parducci

PS: Sherman Howard's performance as Bub is a stand out.

The Nightmare Boss DVD has Been Released!!!

I can't thank you all enough for the unbelievable success of the very demented the very angry Nightmare Boss. The DVD has now been released. It includes all 15 Episodes plus the Nightmare Boss Holiday Special. The best place to get it is at Amazon.
Later,
Paul Parducci

The Problem of Consciousness: The Self Aware Internet, Thinking Robots and the Future of Man-Machine Interactions

Prepare yourselves, I'm going to say it. We live in amazing times. Technology is advancing geometrically--especially in the area of Artificial Intelligence and computer memory. We may very well be at the threshold of Robots who truly think for themselves. Here is an excellent piece on this from the Daily Mail

The potential consciousness of the Internet itself is also becoming a topic of some considerable inquiry, even though a solid definition of consciousness is problematic.
This is Computational Neuroscientist Terrence Sejnowski's piece on the Internet from Edge: The World Question Center. And here is an interesting post on Self-Aware Spam.
I have to go now, I'm creeping myself out.
Later,
Paul Parducci

The Virginia Tech Massacre

My prayers go out to all the innocent victims of this horrifying crime.
Here is the In Memoriam site.
Any news organization who is showing the video tape of the monster who did this should be deeply ashamed.
To promote or glorify this senseless act in any way is evil beyond words.
I believe in a God of Absolute Love and Perfect Justice and right now my prayers are for the power of this Loving God to wrap around the families who have suffered such an unthinkable loss.
God Bless,
Paul Parducci

Kurt Vonnegut- A Life in Letters.

Kurt Vonnegut died yesterday in New York at the age of 84.

I read one of his most celebrated works: "Slaughterhouse Five" while in Brother Tom's Lit class in High School. The imagery of it has stayed with me in the form of a crown of white yellow over the shadow edges of ornate buildings. A visual Haiku. It is the novelization of Mr. Vonnegut's direct experience of the fire-bombing of Dresden.

Here is a thorough piece on this one of a kind American author from the LA Times.

And another from Myway.

Rest in Peace Mr. Vonnegut.

Later,

Paul Parducci

Neil Marshall's The Descent

Just watched Neil Marshall's Appalachian Cave Horror; "The Descent." (I know I'm late, but my excuse for not watching it in a theater would bore you to death.)

If you enjoyed his previous film "Dog Soldiers," (I certainly did.) you will have a great time with this one. I must warn you however that it is very claustrophobic at times. At one point I had to pause the DVD to geta breath of fresh air.

Marshall is a Writer/Director who is not afraid to go to the bleaker edges of life. In fact the original title for this film was "The Dark."

So, get an oxygen tank and a bowl of popcorn or almonds if you eat low carb and follow Sarah, Juno and the rest of the gals into the bowels of the earth for some tight squeezed, hard to breath, help me please...fun.

Later,

Paul Parducci

PS: Movie link.

Sneak Peek at The Cover of the Soon to Be Released Nightmare Boss DVD!

Available Everywhere fine DVD's are sold and on Amazon.com on May 1st!

All Fifteen Nightmare Boss Mobisodes including "Donuts" and "Bladder Problem" plus the Holiday Special!

Later,

Paul Parducci

April Fool's Day and Driving to Grants' or Made You Look!

My Mom is a terrific lady. with my Dad (also terrific) she raised five boys. She was never however a Joke-ster. I mean she would laugh and she would tell jokes from time to time etc. But she was primarily about the business of cooking meals for her huge brood and doing laundry and keeping the house immaculate, telling us she loved us,(and praying for us) in short my Mom was then and is now a textbook example of the perfect loving Domestic Engineer. That is why the coming of April first was always a surprise for me. I remember one incident in particular, it was a Saturday morning and we were driving to the Grant's department store. (We went there a lot on weekends.) On the way to the on ramp we always passed through a neighborhood of tightly grouped houses. So this morning as we were passing through my Mom said,"Look at that huge hole in that house!"I turned immediately to look and said of course, "Where?" My brother Jim turned as well, craning his head to the side of mine as we both peered out the back window of our Impala station wagon. "April Fool!" my Mom called out. She has gotten me many times over the years. I never expect it, so I always look. We live a continent apart now-so the Fool has to come by phone. Maybe this year I'll get my Mother first. I have to go now and think up something real good. Love you Mom!

Happy April Fool's Day Everybody,

Paul Parducci

PS: The Eyes are from Illusion works

Nightmare Boss is Coming to DVD!

I have been overwhelmed by the support for Nightmare Boss. It is now one of the most popular Comedy Mobisodes in the world. (Sprint Powervision Channel 19) As a Filmmaker the greatest feeling is to have a project that you made connect with an audience. After receiving thousands of requests I am happy to announce that Nightmare Boss will be coming to DVD! The entire series is being completely remastered and will be released on or around May 1st.
Thank you!
Paul Parducci

PS:Until then for all things Nightmare Boss go to NightmareBoss.com

Joseph H. Lewis' "Gun Crazy" or Let's Get Weapons and Drive!

This Seminal Film Noir really holds up. Directed by Joseph H. Lewis, written by Mackinley Kanter and Dalton Trumbo (who had to use a Pseudonym at the time because of the Blacklist) and starring John Dall and Peggy Cummins in the roles of their lives. For lovers of the Noir style of Crime film this movie is a must see.
The Femme Fatale, the existential world-view it's all there as well as the famous Hampton Bank Robbery sequence-(shot in one take from the back seat of the get-away car,word has it that the script had the scene at 17 pages that Lewis simply threw away.)

Initially released as "Deadly is the Female."

Lines like "We go together like guns and ammunition." are waiting so hurry up!

Later,

Paul Parducci

PS: Here is a very nice piece on GC by Gary Johnson from Images Journal