h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

SOme of my American friennds will doubtless be familiar with American Movie Classics, one of cable TV's national basic movie channels. Every year, AMC runs its "Monsterfest" during the onth of October- usually beginning around the middle of the month and ending with a big hurrah on Hallowe'en.

I've always been a big fan of the Monsterfest, it's hour after hour of glorious old schlock and "B" flicks. One year I think I managed to record six or seven of my favorites during the two-week run! Cool stuff, like "Earth Vs. the Spider", "The Monster That Challenged the World", "Them!", etc.

But this year's Monsterfest is a pitiful collection of second-rate, mass-market "horror" films, and not even the palatable ones, but the godawful sequels. Today's lineup consists of "Amityville II", "Amityville III", "Scream 2" (twice, back-to-back, as if once wasn't a big enough waste), and similar tripe.

Why do I even bother subscribing to cable TV, when this is the cr*p I get? Thankfully I've more than enough videos and DVDs to entertain me for a day sick in bed, but what about those less fortunate than myself? It's a pity that people should have to waste their hard-earned money on such pathetic excuses for entertainment... unless, horror of horrors, people out there actually *like* it?

Yucko! I don't like most horror movies to begin with, much less the awful sequels. I'll pass on that for sure.

I do remember being deliciously scared by the original "Halloween", and humming the theme for the rest of the week.

Hi PC, I still haven't managed to catch up on stuff since my computer was in the shop. I haven't hade as much time to spend on line lately it seems. I also don't subscribe to cable, in fact due to tv addiction I can't even keep a tv. As I recall when I've had access to other people's cable, there are millions of channels with nothing on. I do miss South Park but that's probably the only thing I miss and it's on dvd now so if I'm gonna spend money on cable for that, I might as well buy the dvds anyway, huh. Babbling away here... Sorry to hear you've been sick. I hope your recover is quick and stuff! s.

Hey JEllen and Hellbound, good to see you both!

Hellbound, you catch up as and when you can. I'm just happy to see you around when you'e able; never mind the backlog!

I only subscribe to cable TV because I got a package deal with the cable internet, and it's only $15 more each month. Though, at this point, it's hardly worth it any more. They've cut almost all the good stuff from BBC America, AMC runs some very dubious "classics", and there's really not much else that I can pick up with basic cable. There's a new channel called "MonstersHD", all monsters, all the time, which would be right up my alley. But I don't subscribe to HDTV, nor can I afford to just now. Luckily, good monster flicks on DVD are usually in the $7 to $10 range!

I'm not a huge fan of "horror" films myself, if by horror one means "Scream" and the like. I'm more into classic horror or cheesy gore flicks.

Hi again, PC! You must be home sorry about that but you get to spend the whole day on Hootoo so that's a bonus! I hope you're recovered enough tomorrow to go out and vote! Or have you already voted? ("early and often")

Too bad about BBC America. I'm going to have cable when I move to my parents' in Cal in January. I don't watch much TV but I was looking forward to BBC America. My parents also have cable internet so that will be nice.

Hey there Hellbound!

Yes, I'm home today, but feeling much better than yesterday. My nose won't stop running and I'm coughing up goo, but better in than out! And yes, being able to spend a little bonus time on Hootoo is pretty cool!

I had a whole bunch of errands I wanted to run today when I scheduled an extra day off. But it's pouring rain outside (every time it lets up, by the time I have my shoes and sweater on and get downstairs and out the door, it's started pouring again!) and I'm not in the mood to deal with dragging shopping home in the rain today. So, I'll just be resting and/or playing today!

BBC America used to have great programming. Then, at least the Thursday night comedy lineup was fun. Now, even the comedy is bad. I keep on hoping that it will improve, eventually. And the cable internet is well worth the price, if you can afford it. That's great that you'll have it at your p's place!

Oh, yeah, there won't be any problem with my getting to vote tomorrow, even if I'm not well enough to go back to work, which I expect to be. The polling place is located at the public library about a half a block from the corner of my street. It's hardly a full minute's walk.

My polling place is close and convenient too. Things are very close in MN. They're talking about the lawn sign wars on the radio right now. I don't think we're having them in my neighborhood though. I live in a Kerry neighborhood.

Yeah I was reading about some serious vandalization of lawn signs out in the suburbs. We don't have that in my neighborhood, either, it seems to be predominantly pro-Kerry as well.

It's good to have things close by, isn't it? My building is very conveniently located between two "el" (elevated train, though by me it's mainly subway) stops and the expressway. And I can walk to do most of my errands, though certain kindhearted people nearly always insist on driving me.

Oh sorry to hear your sick

~waves~ at Hellie

Awww, thanks! It's nothing more serious than a head cold, but it's still no fun.

Between the cold and the rain outside, though, it's given me a wonderful excuse to do absolutely nothing and not feel guilty about it.

I'm going to start the housework inna mo... Especially need to do the kitchen floor before lil feets come scampering home.

Went out this morning with a friend, and we trolled around the arts and crafts store where I drooled over many pencils.

We left there and hit toyrus where I also drooled over stuff for G-force. Then from there to the dollar store where I finally bought some things, I got a few christmas stocking fillers for G and some other boring household stuff that we need and that has been my day really so far....apart from catching up on here that is...

I managed two loads of laundry, emptying all the wastebaskets, and sorting through some bags of stuff I need to get rid of. I need to arrange for Goodwill to come pick up a good dozen sacks of clothes, and have about six bags of books, etc, to sell at various shops. Ugh.

Haven't started any Xmas shopping yet. I anticipate a layoff by the first of the year, so I'm keeping it down to a few people. Probably just K, his cat, and his roommates. Maybe something inexpensive for my parents, on the off chance they send me something. I've already ordered myself two DVDs, the extended "Return of the King" and the last Harry Potter. That's about all I should spring for this year for myself.

I need to visit a better dollar store, too, need some flower pots and stuff. There's a decent one within walking distance, but I'm not up to going out in this drizzle. I love dollar stores, I rarely walk out without spending around $20, though!