All posts by BagpiperDon

Announcement, Book, E-Book

BagpiperDon – Interviewed as an AUTHOR!

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Claire Buss
TOP OF THE MORNING, CLAIRE!

REAL QUICK!!! — I was recently interviewed and featured on ButIDontLikeSalad.  Yes, you read that right . . .

ButIDontLikeSalad is a writing-themed blog by a delightful lady in England — Claire Buss.   Originally Claire found me online while looking to interview podcasters.  I spoke up about the writing themed podcast I do with my friend, Tom, titled Writing On Whidbey Island.  This lead to an interview on PenToPrint.org.  On the heels of that, Claire asked me to do an interview which is now on ButIDontLikeSalad.  I talked about writing, my first book “Make Your Own Darn Good Cookies” (available on Amazon),  and my upcoming book “The Patriotic Piper, Vol. I” (also on Amazon).

Okay — you got all of that — right?!?

Well, it’s also mentioned here on my Whidbey Island Baking Company website.

ENJOY! ~ Don

Movie, Review, Zombies

Zombie With A Shotgun (2019)

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Zombie With A ShotgunWhen I heard about Zombie With A Shotgun, the title had me curious — it was a turn-around on the typical premise.  Usually the shotgun is used on the zombies, but in this case the zombie apparently has a shotgun.   The title also made me think of Hobo With A Shotgun.

I watched Zombie With A Shotgun on TubiTV — it was my first time using Tubi.  I had higher hopes about ZWAS because of the promotion I had seen online and the implied campiness.  Ultimately … the acting is thin, the dialogue delivery is hardly better, and the gratuitous Z-film boobs are further enhanced by some sort of hallucinations of lesbian kissing followed by some of the same Z-film boobs in the shower with boy-butt just to keep things in balance.  Outside of that, I barely have an idea what the point of the film was.  Were this a book a friend referred to me I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t finish reading it.

I appreciate the independent film spirit — and I honestly believe that the film wants to be something.  It has a visual polish — a certain professional look — but everything else falls short.  It is as though the filmmakers had the right money, cameras, etc to make the film but the story writing and actors weren’t much better than most of the self-produced Z-films on YouTube.  The development of whatever the story is hardly makes sense even 30 minutes into the film and it’s only 79 minutes long.

Before I finished the film I already began debating if I would rate Zombie With A Shotgun would receive my Red Blood or Yellow Puss zombie-film rating. Conclusion … maybe I need to come up with some kind of orange rating.  ZWAS isn’t a great zombie film, but there are worse Z-films.

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Movie, Review, Zombies

ZOMBIELAND: DOUBLE TAP (2019)

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OKAY — I finally got to see Zombieland: Double Tap!  Do some stretches, grab some Twinkies, and let’s dive in…

When any first film was an original and a hit, there’s a challenge to making Film 2.  The filmmakers can’t half-ass it and make a reheat of the first film — they have to kick-it-up a notch.  They need to bring something new to the story, not change too much from the original, and go deeper with the journey the viewer went on the first time.  In this Bagpiper Zombie-film Reviewer’s Blog opinion Zombieland: Double Tap had a bit of an interesting time navigating these concepts …

Little Rock, Wichita, Tallahassee, and Columbus

We find the main characters from Zombieland (2009) about 10 years in the future — which fits in that it’s been about 10 years between the two films.  Tallahassee, Columbus, and Wichita are living together as Little Rock is reaching her 18th birthday.  Things go bad — as they always do in zombie films — and the sequel story is off and running.

Beyond this information I’m not going to risk any spoilers … so let’s get back to what I think of the film …. which, I presume you want to know or you wouldn’t have read this far.

There’s a well written review by arabnikita at IMDB titled “Sometimes less is more and not every movie needs a sequel” that sums things up well.  Arabnikita gave the film 6 out of 10 stars and writes …

“When Zombieland came out in 2009 it was able to break the routine of zombie films by using an unorthodox style with its quirky dialogues, rules and storytelling. It was wild, fresh and most inportantly fun … but sadly, the story leaves a lot more to be desired.”
(And you know I copied and pasted that writing because ‘importantly’ has a spelling mistake.)

Big Fat Death monster truck

The ZL2 is a continuation of ZL1 — we get to see the same beloved characters, and they go on a road trip.  The quirk of the characters is brought further out by many of them running into their doppelgangers — which bring added comedy, dynamic, and … frankly … sex appeal.  ZL2 doesn’t quite amp things up from ZL1 but to make up for that in a story-fitting and story-progressing way the zombies have evolved into different dangerous types.  That and some memorable Zombieland vehicles …. and some new Rules.

So in 2030 are we going to get “Zombieland: Hat-Trick“?  Who knows — and I’d probably watch that, too.  As for Zombieland: Double Tap, I’m probably more glad than sad that it was made Vs not made, and I got a kick out of watching it.  If you’re a Z-film fan and you enjoyed ZL1, I’d say Watch It — but don’t get your hopes up too high, which is why I rate it Yellow Puss.

If nothing else, watch the film for Emma Stone …. to be supportive of her career, of course.

LINKS

Movie, Review, Zombies

RAMPANT (2018)

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So here’s my take on Rampant . . .

According to Wikipedia “Rampant is a 2018 South Korean period action zombie film directed by Kim Sung-hoon. It was released on October 25, 2018. The film features a clash between exiled prince Lee Chung and the Joseon Minister of War Kim Ja-joon with the backdrop of a spreading zombie plague.”

I like foreign films.  I don’t always have the patience for foreign films.  This looked like it was probably a well made film before I called it quits on it.

That’s the extent of my review.

I rate it Yellow Puss.

Links

Movie, Review, Zombies

The Dead 2: India (2013)

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HEY — if this reads a bit like a draft … it’s because it is!

Similar to The Dead (2010), I give this film a Yellow Puss/nearly Green Ooze score.

Similar story elements as the first film however seems that the Ford brothers have honed their craft both with storytelling and film making

A good looking American engineer is working in an economically depressed foreign country, he must make his way out with the assumption that he can get to safety

In this movie, the action is set in the Indian states of Rajasthan and Maharashtra.

Uses local talent as part of the story line more than The Dead (2010) — which is really clever if you think about it.  This and the first piece were made by independent film makers for rather little money.  By going to these other countries and writing stories that work within the local atmosphere the can get more resources and actors, making a bigger film for less money.  When it comes to India, bear in mind that Bollywood produces some goofy stuff, they also produce skilled actors, quite a few more films annually than HolloWood, and nearly-as-good special effects for less money.

Links

Once again the production encountered a number of problems.  Most of the extras playing zombies were not proficient in English and required translators.  Joseph Millson also mentioned that they did not get a permit from the Indian Government to shoot the movie in India.

If National Geographic made a travel show through a foreign country ravaged by zombies, it would be this film

Movie, Review, Zombies

Undead (2003)

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PSST — if this reads like a draft, it’s because it is — I never went back to finish writing it …. so I figured better to publish this than nothing!

Undead (2003 – US release 2005 … shucks, why’d we have to wait?!?)

Undead is a 2003 Australian zombie science fiction comedy horror film written and directed by Michael and Peter Spierig and starring Felicity Mason, Mungo McKay and Rob Jenkins.

(Not to be confused with the 1957 horror film, The Undead (film).)

Budget AUD $1 million (which in USD that’s $0.75 million)

A fisherman punching zombie fish and when that doesn’t work he starts shooting them …. and then inconveniently gets abducted by aliens.  I hate it when that happens …

Links

 

 

Movie, Review, Zombies

Thor: Ragnarok (2017)

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Wait — what — “Thor / Ragnarok” is a zombie film?!?

Uh … YEAH!

Remember when Hela, Thor’s older evil sister played by Cate Blanchett, raised the former soldiers of Asgard?

Yep … ZOMBIES!

The undead Asgardian army (or more appropriately the Berserker Army makes Thor: Ragnarok a zombie film.  Considering that most modern Z-films have ‘infected’ zombies, these ones being raised by Hela’s powers (magic, whatever) is closer to the original voo doo zombies.

Draugr
Who’s a pretty boy?

Frankly, as zombie films go … I have to rate this one Yellow Puss.  It’s a considerably bad-ass movie, but the zombies have too little to do with it.  In fact, I think they were only shown about twice in the film.  They didn’t even particularly seem to have anything to do with the Norse concept of zombies — better known as a Draugr.

The Old Norse meaning of Draugr is a revenant.  The details of these buggers and their abilities are many.  In simple terms, they are animated corpses with physical bodies and similar physical abilities as in life.  Draugrs have superhuman strength, are able to increase their size at will, and give off the stench of decay … basically it’s a cross between a 2 year old and a teenager.  How do I know this?  Because they guard what they treasure, wreak havoc on living beings, or torment those who wronged them in life …. in other words, their parents.  Don’t believe me?  Well, they also have the ability to enter into the dreams of the living.  They live in their grave or burial mound, usually guarding the treasure that was interred with them.  When they do rise from their grave, they come out as wisps of smoke and “swim” through solid rock.

Sparkles
Keep in mind — Thor is “The God of Thunder” … but Disney makes him “The God of LIGHTENING”

Now — I’m telling you — a film with these zombies would be INCREDIBLE …. and frankly, in this regard Thor / Ragnarok fell severely short.  Sorry Disney … I guess you don’t just screw up Star Wars films (specifically TLJ / ROS) — you screw up Marvel films as well.

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Announcement, BPD Albums

An Intriguing Call Today …

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I received a call today that proved to be … INTRIGUING!

out of the blueSpring of 2012 I produced a custom solo album for a friend.  I planned the music, I ran my gear, I played for it, and I handled all the audio post-production.  The project was made under a time-crunch — I recorded and made the CD in about 24 hours, then rush-mailed it across the country to her.  This collection of music was brief but with a very specific purpose.

The crazy thing here is that I want NOTHING MORE but to say what this was about, but there’s a reason why I can’t give those details away.  Read on, you’ll find out why…

There was only ever one CD made of this album.  Today I received a phone call from my friend and she asked if I could make a back-up copy for her.  I’m not one to lose data — there have been some mistakes, and I had an only-partially backed-up hard drive crash once, but for the most part I have everything I’ve ever made or gathered.  So — YEAH — I still have the audio and everything from the custom album I made.

Back when I produced this work I wrestled with a thought…  I considered making a similar album and put it on the market.  The mental wrestle came from considering the good and bad reasons for going public with a CD of this nature.  I mentioned this to my friend when we spoke today.  She thinks it’s a great idea!  For me … it’s intriguing!  Her suggestion was that I use the same title as I gave her CD, and if I can re-use the same audio even.  She thought she might even be able to make the artwork .  Hmm … INSTANT ALBUM!

don't stop believeingNow I’m playing around with the ‘intriguing’ idea again.  While I’d love to talk about it, I can’t say really anything more.  When it comes to my album and track ideas, I always play it close to the vest — I want to protect my ideas so they don’t get stolen by someone else.  So … consider this blog post what may be the first announcement of a future album.  This could be the first of a number of albums I’ve thought to make — or with some of my work, finish — and get on the market along with my recipe book.  Cross promotion is a beautiful thing!

Review, Zombies

Ash vs Evil Dead – Season 1

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GROOVY!

Ash Williams is BACK in “Ash vs Evil Dead“!

What could be better than hearing that Bruce Campbell has resumed his mantle as the lovable horror-comedy shotgun-wielding, chainsaw-hand rube ASH???  Well, at least for fans of the original three films … (ED1, ED2, AOD)

“If Chins Could Kill” that chin would belong to none other than Bruce Campbell.  Presently, I’m little more than half-way through Season 01.  I’ve heard nothing but good things from other fans, and I quickly came to the same opinion.

Yeah, remember that creepy cabin?

Ash vs Evil Dead is staying true to the original films.  The story resumes 30 years later and Ash is … well, Ash.  He’s working at a chain store, living in a trailer park, looking for love, and not aspiring to much.  But then … after fighting The Evil Dead twice in a woodsy cabin and once with the aid of medieval knights, perhaps he’s laying low … or perhaps he’s lost his purpose?

Nonetheless, The Kandarian Demon has reemerged in Ash’s later-life, possessing hapless people and turning them into Deadites.  Ash has no choice but to gather those around him in hopes of keeping Evil from crossing over into this world.

Ray Santiago as Pablo and Dana DeLorenzo as Kelly

This new series in my opinion could not be better executed.  It lends honorable nods to the original films.  It not only strikes me as what the Sam Raimi team originally set out to accomplish, it also serves as an amped-up progression.

Ash vs Evil Dead is on the Starz network and filmed in New Zealand. Bruce is aptly joined by Ray Santiago/Pablo, Dana DeLorenzo/Kelly, and Lucy Lawless as Ruby Knowby.
(PSST!  For no apparent reason Wikipedia seems to downplay Jill Marie Jones who portrays Amanda Fisher during the first half of the season.)

Jill Marie Jones, Amanda Fisher
Jill Marie Jones as Amanda Fisher

Bruce Campbell – Official website

The music featured in Ash vs Evil Dead is also FANTASTIC!
The soundtrack is on my wish-list 🙂

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BACK TO WORK – BILL MILLIN AND D-DAY

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(Re-posted from WhidbeyIslandBaking.com)
Bill Millin plays bagpipes for soldiers, 1944
Bill Millin plays his pipes for fellow soldiers in 1944.

This past summer got BUSY … and interesting!  As many of you know I had a few adventures as a professional SCUBA diver, working at various locations around western Washington.  While it was great to get back in the water and blow bubbles, it also required me to shift my priorities.  Big among those priorities was the completion of my second book.  As many of you ALSO know this project is a Highland bagpipe sheet music & tune history book I am writing as a fundraiser for a veteran’s organization I am a member of.  There are a few chunky tasks remaining before publication.  The most challenging of these is writing about Bill Millin, a bagpiper who played on D-Day.

The legend of Bill Millin is well-known in the Highland bagpipe community.  The short story that everyone knows is that “Piper Bill” went ashore on Sword Beach* — he carried no firearm, wore a kilt, played bagpipes, and never got shot by German forces because they thought he had gone insane.  While all of this is true and I already knew from lore, I have been formally researching the whole story and it is far more detailed.
(*Queen Red, the furthest east section of the invasion)

Bill Millin, Highland bagpipes, landing, Queen Red, Sword Beach.
Bill Millin with his bagpipes landing on the Queen Red section of Sword Beach.

It is an honor to be writing about this man’s role in the June 6, 1944, Normandy invasion and it is important to me that I get it right.  I have reached out for every information source I can locate.  Presently I have a considerable stack of library books on D-Day, audiobooks and e-books, media on order, one film, along with articles and interviews I’ve found online.  Something I am particularly excited about is that I have made contact with Bill Millin’s son and grandson online and they have agreed to review my work once complete.  Also, it seems that each time I stop by the library to pick up another piece of media I’ve ordered, I find and buy a D-Day or WWII book from their used book rack.  Apparently I’m building my own D-Day/WWII library $3 at a time!

The bronze life-size statue of Piper Bill Millin unveiled on 8 June 2013 at Colleville-Montgomery, near Sword, in France.

As I review these history sources I have found some problems in the information.  Generally speaking I have books written by historians and articles written by journalists.  Some of the errors I have identified due to my Highland bagpipe playing career.  Some of the errors seem to be words and concepts the previous writers did not fully understand.  The biggest problem I have been finding is historical inconsistencies.  Generally the greater collection of errors come from the journalists — these individuals tend to work at a faster pace with less study than historians.  Usually I can sift through the historical inconsistencies by applying information from military documents along with identifying the details that are consistent in history books and interviews from Bill Millin himself.

As said it is an honor to be writing about this man.  It is an honor as a bagpiper and as the grandson of WWII veterans.  My aim is to help clean up some of the history mistakes that have developed and promote the greater story of Bill Millin’s role in D-Day among my piping peers along with my non-piping readers.  I am sure that you too will be impressed by this one aspect of The Greatest Generation and the greatest invasion in the history of the world.

Books and Other Media

  • The Longest Day: 6 June 1944 D-Day by Cornelius Ryan – This is the seminal D-Day history book behind the film.  I am presently about half way through it and it is nothing short of AMAZING!  The cast-of-thousands film by Darryl F. Zanuck is really only a brief representation of the book although still well worth viewing.
  • D-Day / June 6, 1944: The Climatic Battle of WWII by Stephen E. Ambrose – To his great credit Mr. Ambrose seems to be making a good portion of his career on D-Day/WWII books, and to our benefit!  I have listened to his Pegasus Bridge book, largely built using interviews, and found it invaluable.  I am looking forward to one of his Eisenhower books along with others.
  • D-Day / The Air and Sea Invasion of Normandy in Photos by Nicholas A. Veronico – This bran-new 2019 publication may well be the best recent work on the subject.  In addition to concise writing it is packed with photos and data — not to mention a bibliography that can’t be beat.
  • D-Day by Peter Benoit, D-Day / The Invasion of Normandy 1944 by Rick Atkinson, and D-Day by Charlie Samuels – D-Day books for various age youths.  Straightforward photos and facts to introduce the next generation to the history and significance of this important day to remember.
  • D-Day / The WWII Invasion That Changed History by Deborah Hopkinson – I’m frankly disappointed by this book.  Picking it up it appears to be on-par with the work of Cornelius Ryan and Stephen Ambrose (ETC) — the book is large and thick — but that is a first impression only.  Upon closer inspection, as an author I can tell you there are a few tricks that have been used to make the book appear more impressive.  The two main tricks is that the book is not single-spaced and it is loaded with pictures; take out the photos, make it single spaced, and it is half the length at best.  This 2018 publication does not appear to present anything new on the topic and is possibly written in such a manner as to not ‘offend’ the Politically Correct (ETC) crowd &/or to spoon-feed D-Day to the delicate middle-grade blue-ribbon crowd.  The good thing I can say about the book is that it is worth it for accessing the D-Day related pictures … other than that, other books are in my opinion better information sources whereas this one is comparatively watered-down.  And for my uses … no apparent mention of Bill Millin on Sword Beach or at Pegasus Bridge.

If you would like to support my writing endeavours today, please find my book “Make Your Own Darn Good Cookies” on Amazon, Smashwords and their affiliates.  4 Free Recipes are available if you would like to try before you buy.