To Absent Friends....

Well, it's getting around to the end of the year. That means it's time to remember those who left us over the past twelve months. The Etherverse took a bit of a hit this year, and since there won't be a New Year's show (I'm still sick), this online roll-call of the dearly departed will have to suffice.

January 13 – Patrick McGoohan, American-born British actor.  Best known for the cult classic The Prisoner
April 4 -- Lux Interior, legendary frontman for The Cramps
April 12 – Marilyn Chambers, American pornographic actress
June 2 – David Eddings, American author (The Belgariad).
June 3 – David Carradine, American actor
August 13 – Les Paul, American musician and inventor of the guitar that bears his name
October  12 -- Dickie Peterson, drummer for Blue Cheer.
November 30 – Paul Naschy, Spanish movie actor, screenwriter, and director.
December 29 - Erica Boyer, American pornographic actress

Shakespeare and heavy metal, together at last

Shakespeare and heavy metal, together at last

Interesting news story about a a group that combines Shakespearian monologues and costumes with heavy metal and comedy.  There's a video in the story--it's not as corny is it so easily could have been.

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"Exclusive" Fox News Story on Dita Von Teese

Fox News has an interesting story on fetish model/burlesque performer Dita Von Teese.  It's kind of surprising that Fox would post such a positive story about someone whom their hosts would probably spend a lot of time condemning for the "immorality"* of her career choice, but I've long since given up trying to figure out where they're coming from.

Back before she became Mrs. Marilyn Manson, I used to email Ms Von Teese on a semi-regular basis.  And no, I'm not talking in a stalker kind of way either.  Here's the rundown.  Back when I was learning to use Painshop Pro, I created a digital painting using a photograph of Dita, and I wanted to put it on my (long since dormant) webpage.  Rather then risk the embrassment  and hassle of a cease and desist letter, I forwarded a copy of the picture to her via her webmaster, explaining what I wanted to do, stressing that there was no commercial intent and if she said "no" that was fine and I'd live with it.  To my surprise about a week later I got an email from Dita herself, complimenting me on the picture and regretfully informing me that while she didn't mind my putting it online, she didn't own the copyright.  She did say that if I contacted the actual copyright holder, then  I could tell them that I had her approval for using it. In the meantime she asked me if she could put it on her website, in the gallery section, which I refused (just kidding, of course I said yes).

Then, she mentioned The Black Dahlia case (my email address at the time had black dahlia reference in it), telling me that David Lynch had suggested casting her in his upcoming movie about it.  She didn't know anything about the case and asked if I could give her any info, and that started a correspondence that lasted a couple of months. In return for me filling her in on the Black Dahlia, she dished some pretty juicy gossip from Tinseltown (some interesting stuff about Rose McGowan, for instance). It may be hard to believe, given her glamourous image and all, but she was very smart, funny and down to earth. Nothing earthshattering, just idle chat.  I sent her a couple of more pictures, and she was very encouraging about them (there was at least one other one she asked about putting on her website).  Then it just sort of tapered off as she got more famous and (one assumes) more busy and I was too busy to spend much time online (especially since I didn't have a computer at home at the time).

Next I heard, she was stepping out with Brian Warner (aka Marilyn Manson) but by that time correspondence had more or less ended.  I did send her a brief note congratulating her on her engagement, and she sent a polite reply.  Still, it's probably one of my few enounters with the Hollywood glitterati, so I milk the story every chance I get :)

Here's the Fox story:

  FOXNews.com - Exclusive: Dita Von Teese 'Shocked' That Americans Think Burlesque Is So Taboo

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* While of course showing lots and lots of video clips and photos just so that the audience has no doubts about what they're condemning.

Blood: The Last Vampire Trailer

Okay, I know I promised to ration the videos I post, but this is still within the guidelines I set for myself, and there's a reason I'm posting this one.

I've been wanting to see Blood: The Last Vampire for a while now, and my friend Eddie lent me a copy to check out, but before I got to see it, he took off to Jamaica for the holidays (lucky bastard) and so now I'm going to have to wait for him to get back in a week or so before I can see it. After which, of course, I will post a review. But I'm pretty confident, based on this trailer, that it at least won't be a total waste.

For one thing, I love vampire movies (and not the insipid, tweeny "Twilight" crapola that is currently smothering the genre in girly fluffiness and is an affront to darkness and perversity everywhere). For another, I love Asian action movies. I never saw the original manga though--my geekiness has never embraced japanimation, for some reason.

Anyway, enjoy the trailer and keep an eye out for the upcoming review.

Lords Of Chaos movie update: Twilight Heartthrob To Portray Varg Vikernes

Twilight Heartthrob To Portray Black Metal Icon Varg Vikernes Of Burzum In Upcoming Movie

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I wonder what Varg thinks of this little tidbit. Lords Of Chaos, based on the fascinating book, is slated for release sometime next year. There is a website for the movie, but there's nothing there as yet.

Daybreakers Trailer

Speaking of vampire flicks, here's an upcoming movie that looks like it might be worth checking out:

4 Reasons to Get Excited for Burton & Depp's 'Dark Shadows'

Happy News.

Alice In Wonderland isn't even out yet and buzz is already happening for the next Tim Burton/Johnny Depp opus: Dark Shadows!

I'm too young to remember the original Dark Shadows, but I do remember the short lived attempt to resurrect it (featuring the luscious Barbara Steele). With the relentless dumbing-down of the vampire genre thanks to the teeny-bopper Twilight franchise, the thought of stylemeister Burton lensing a vampire film--especially a vampire film based on the classic Dark Shadows, is great news indeed.

Rest assured as soon as there's a trailer, I'll be posting it. Until then, here's a story you might find interesting:

4 Reasons to Get Excited for Burton & Depp's 'Dark Shadows'

A Merry Metal Xmas to all!!

Wishing you all a very safe, happy holiday.

We here at Tapping the Ether will also be relaxing for the holidays, so tomorrow nights show will be a classic (i.e. repeat) episode of Tapping the Ether

Toss down some eggnog and throw up the horns!

Twentieth Anniversary T-shirts now available!

The first t-shirt for Tapping The Ether's twentieth anniversary are now available on Zazzle.com.

Hoodies and long-sleeve shirts will be made available early in the new year, but this will give you an idea what they're gonna look like.

Tapping The Ether commemorative shirt by ethertap
Design customized shirts at zazzle

Director Terry Gilliam Discusses Heath Ledger's Legacy

Director of the actor's final film, 'The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus,' remembers the actor's talent.

I've been wanting to see this. Now, because of Heath Ledger's death, what was originally going to be a cult flick is likely going to be widely seen and, one suspects, completely misunderstood.

Heath Ledger was one of the few bright points of Gilliam's "Brothers Grimm" and Depp always seems to shine for Gilliam, so I do have high hopes for this one.