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Nolan's Pop Culture Review 2008!
   Assistant Editor:  Terence Nuzum.                                                          HOME      ARCHIVES
Established A.D. 2000, March 19. Now in our ninth calendar year!
Number 418  (Vol. 9, No. 13). This edition is for the week of March 24--30, 2008.


"Stop-Loss"
DVD Review: "The Baby"
Happy Birthday, PCR....Happy Birthday, Iraq War....The Wolfman
The Right Price At What Cost .... Golden Slumbers .... Also Passing .... .... .... .... .... .... And The Oscar For 1967 Should Have Gone To... h
Milestones
PCR's Eighth Anniversary!
Also...
Iraq War at Five Years and 4,000 Dead Americans
Plus...
A Very Woods Easter


Due to the news of the passing of Arthur C. Clarke shaking me up quite a bit last week, I neglected to note two important milestones in the headline section. Over the weekend, a third came up which ties into one of them anyway.

PCR TURNS EIGHT YEARS OLD!
Yay me. Yay us! Eight years ago last week, on or about March 19, 2000 I created the first issue of what would become Nolan's Pop Culture Review. I say "on or about" because I started this 'zine as Nolan's Newsstand very casually in the first two weeks of March of that year. (My first ever webpage, an AOL Pagebuilder version of The World of Nolan, Friends and Family Homepage went online only about a month earlier, on February 15.)

We were underway a few weeks before PCR was "codified" and I needed to remember such things as important dates. Since we were covering things like the Academy Awards in our first issues, obviously Mike Smith and I were in progress well before March 19. And even though I dated Issue #1 as for "The Week of March 19--25, 2000", I seem to recall I did that slightly post-facto, when I officially went "live" with the 'zine. I used a cross section of file upload date stamps and post-hypnotic regression to arrive at the date of March 19th as the closest "final" answer to go back and date those first couple issues. Keep in mind that at the time this was strictly a done as a lark, figuring it might last a few weeks -- I had no idea it would become my legacy.

The current declaration on each webpage of PCR that we are "in our ninth calendar year" stems from the confusion a year with zeroes brings, i.e., 2000 to 2008 is actually nine years. But birthdate to birthdate, March to March, we are eight years old.

THE IRAQ WAR TURNS FIVE
I mentioned something about this in last week's Readers' Comments, but I felt this is important enough that I should make an official entry on the homepage. It has been FIVE YEARS since the US war with Iraq started. It was founded on non-existent evidence (WMD), misinformation over 9/11 (alleged ties with Iraq), and an administration so obsessed with oil (don't kid yourself) and revenge (Saddam tried to kill daddy) that any possible stop-gap measures were ignored. We have invested nearly a TRILLION DOLLARS into that monstrosity. We have, as of last weekend, lost FOUR THOUSAND American soldiers (the third milestone I alluded to above). THOUSANDS more are sick, injured or maimed from the conflict.

And for what? We removed Saddam Hussein from power, who was not a nice man, but which left a power vacuum that has caused dangerous instability in that region. Although this was supposed to be a "slam-dunk" operation, some estimates have the conflict continuing over there for at least another five years, maybe much longer. The creation of Homeland Security and The Patriot Act have paved the way for the erosion of civil liberties in America (we're all potential terrorists, you know). And, for the life of me, I can't see how this has improved our lives here at home. Meanwhile, millions of illegal immigrants continue to make their way into this country and our economy spirals out of control with no end in sight.

Speaking of the economy, I wish the Feds could pump say, oh, about A TRILLION LOST DOLLARS back into it -- there's an economic stimulus package that would actually improve our lives -- but, woops, we're too worried about, you know, bringing democracy into the Middle East. Or something like that. Whatever.

I'd like to hear your thoughts on this topic, so I took the liberty of starting a message board thread.


NOTE: The CANOVA comic for last week was completed very late over the weekend and has only been up a few days. Additionally, artist John Miller has experienced a recent illness which has delayed production on the series, so we're leaving the latest issue up for a while longer. Of course, we all sincerely wish John a speedy recovery! --Nolan

Click on images to enlarge. A new browser window will open.
The atmospheric Olive Garden restaurant was a great place to meet for lunch. Our server was good enough to take this group picture for us. L-to-R, Diane Talento Woods, Chris Woods, Marie Talento, Mary Ann Talento, Terence Nuzum, and Nolan Canova.
I heroically sacrificed my place in this picture so I could personally get a better close-up shot of the family. L-to-R, Diane Talento Woods, Chris Woods, Marie Talento, Mary Ann Talento, our server (behind Mary Ann, I don't remember his name, sorry), and Terence Nuzum.
A VERY WOODS EASTER
With just about everyone I know either out-of-town for Easter, or else having plans with family here in town, it was obvious there was going to be no PCR gathering last Sunday. Mixed feelings there, as yours truly can always use some extra rest, but I've never been real crazy about the lonelier prospects these occasions create.

Terence Nuzum and I were honored to be invited to A Very Woods Easter (an imaginary TV special title if ever there was one), where we'd meet members of Chris Woods' family who'd traveled all the way from his hometown of Utica, NY, just to be with him and sight-see Central Florida. Enthusiastically onboard with this idea, Terence and I met up with everyone at the Olive Garden Italian restaurant on U.S 19 in St. Petersburg right about 1:00pm Easter Sunday.

We were introduced to Chris' mother, Diane Talento Woods, her mother, Marie Talento, and Chris' adorable 21-year-old cousin, Mary Ann Talento. We heard a few funny stories about growing up Woods in Utica, and how Utica compares to Tampa ("Tampa's so BIG!"). It's been noted that while Utica's arts community is much smaller than Tampa's, it is covered and promoted by the local media there much more vigorously. The Talentos are charming people and I was enchanted by their stories of raising children in a small Northern town.

They have a great sense of humor too, so when they asked what kind of job Chris had at Bay News 9, I told them that his lofty position title was basically fancy talk for "janitor". Of course they didn't they believe me, but I got great laughs. When asked what I did for a living, I shifted in my chair, harumphed loudly and I said I was a "senior sales associate for a massive retail chain". Natch, Terence and Chris chimed in with "he works at 7-Eleven" right on cue.

As our last official act, we posed for pictures holding each other's cameras to get adequate coverage of the event (it was a media circus!!! Haha). We had a great time and pledged to get together again as soon as the opportunity arises.


Readers' Comments

The Readers' Comments section for this issue of PCR is now closed. To continue to interact, please use the Message Board or write a Letter to the Editor! The comments below are listed starting with the msot recent. Thank you.

Crazed FanComments -- We Welcome Reader Feedback on any article(s) on this page.
J.MILLER [29-03-2008 02:28] 
Nolan congratulations and thank you for investing your time every week in the PCR...This is the first and last site I look at each week...Without it Id probably never sign online...

Chris Woods [28-03-2008 18:13] 
Nolan, first off congrats on the 8th Anniversary. Wow, I can't believe it's been eight years. You've covered many great topics through out the years, Indie films in Tampa, local and national topics. Crazedfanboy.com is the New York Times of Tampa Bay to me.

Also thanks for the write up on A Very Woods Easter. I love the title, it does sound like a TV special. My family had a good time and it was a great Easter lunch.
Paul Guzzo [28-03-2008 10:23] 
I hope in the next year's "A Very Woods Easter" that Simon Lynx makes an appearance ... just remind Simon to hold off on his first line of dialogue until the crowd is done clapping.
Puff Chrissy [28-03-2008 10:13] 
Congratulations, Nolan. Eight years is a hell of a run.
Nolan [28-03-2008 03:29] 
Paul, yeah, I'll bet that's the same guy who's been talking to me about it -- you remember I told you and Pete about this deal at the last TFR? I didn't get much reaction, so I told him (Steve, a manager) to contact you directly. I'm glad he did.

That said, sure, we can go back to Gaspar's Grotto. It's a bit farther to walk after TFR, BUT he's been promising a return to free meatballs and chicken wings for filmmakers. Yummy, indeed!

Now that I likely have everyone's attention, Steve also has been mounting a film showing on Thursday nights, sort of a TFR-ultra-lite. Usually either one feature length cult film, or a couple indie films. Something to think about.
Paul Guzzo [27-03-2008 15:47] 
hey guys. Gaspar's Grotto called me and asked if we would would the TFR after party back to their location - free food and drink specials. Any thoughts on going back to Gaspars? I like the idea and Gaspars is very film friendly (let people film there all the time) ... but don't wanna do it if you all love Rock n' Sports more .. FREE FOOD!
Paul Guzzo [27-03-2008 15:34] 
I think if you go back far enough in the archives, you can find a time in which Andy liked modern films ... oh wait, it's 8 years, not 80.
Lonnie Dohlen [27-03-2008 15:21]  
Happy Anniversary,Nolan.I was just going thru the old Archives of 2004,when Andy's(lalino) Hair was turning Gray,now it's White.
Paul Guzzo [27-03-2008 10:14] 
I will be judging Italian Idol in Ybor this weekend!!!! *crickets* .. yeah, not that exciting ...
Nolan [27-03-2008 07:57] 
To everyone: Thank you all so much. I am sincerely moved. I've said it before, but it bears repeating: I didn't do this alone and I couldn't have made it this far without you.
Lisa C [27-03-2008 06:50] 
Wow, eight years! Congratulations Nolan! And thank you.

You are the sun, the center of our Crazed Fan Boy universe. The rest of us are planets happily caught up in your orbit, knowing full well things would be mighty dark and cold without you and this website.
ED [27-03-2008 05:22] 
Nolan - It's hard to believe it's been eight years and even harder for me to believe I have been around for about seven of them! I went back and did a quick perusal of a few year end issues and it's pretty obvious this zine just keeps getting better and better. Keep up the good work!
NASA [26-03-2008 23:57] 
.... Range safety officer reports that there has been a major malfunction....... the vehicle... has ....... exploded.
Michael [26-03-2008 21:16] 
Wow! 8 years. Haven't missed an issue and haven't gotten a raise! Oh well, the things we do for love! Congrats on the big milestone my friend. It's been a pleasure to take this ride with you.
Paul Guzzo [26-03-2008 20:21] 
I would have posted that anyway Terence ... I swear.

Nolan, the issue at hand here is YOU ... don't slight eight years man. You deserve all the credit we are giving you.
Steve Beasley [26-03-2008 19:54] 
What I should have said: In the meantime, Sit back, relax and have a nice cold martini and light a cigar....in the 'satisfaction' of a job well done since the beginning of the 21st century.

Steve Beasley [26-03-2008 19:51] 
Congratulations. Senor Canova for having kept PCR alive for so long a time!
In the beginning, I can't say that I felt as you did...that it was a lark. That's probably because I was holding out hope that you would someday be able to earn a living on either PCR or CFB. You mentioned that in one (or more) of our conversations at Colonial Village as did I. At the time there were plenty of news reports about people starting websites and making tons of money. I know that making money isn't a primary goal of yours....what drives you is the artistic side of the website, as well as being a conduit for those in the local film community. I still hope tho, that someday...you will be able to drop 7 Eleven to concentrate full time on your commitment to Tampa Bay's Pop Culture and independent film community. In the meantime, have a nice cold martini, light a cigar and relax....in the knowledge of a job well done since the beginning of the 21st century.
Nolan [26-03-2008 19:39] 
Paul, thank you my friend, that means a lot to me.

Terence, well done, young man.

Now everybody....let's please talk about this issue's topics.
terence [26-03-2008 19:23] 
all of Passinaults uselessness has been deleted. this isnt what the front page is for. Paul and the others i know you guys are defending nolan but if you keep responding to Passinault you are only encouraging him and makes it impossible to delete his comments with out deleting yours too. so in a way you are helping him deface the front page.
Paul Guzzo [26-03-2008 17:00] 
Congrats on the anniversary Nolan. You should be proud of this website and how much you mean to the Tampa Bay community. You have become one of the most respected and beloved members of Tampa's film and art community.
[31-12-1969 16:00] 
End of Comments    


"Mike's Rant" is ©2008 by Michael A. Smith    "Matt's Rail" is ©2008 by Matthew Drinnenberg     "This Week's Movie Review" is ©2008 by Michael A. Smith    "FANGRRL" is ©2008 by Lisa Ciurro    "Retrorama" is ©2008 by ED Tucker    "Filmlook" is ©2008 by Paul Guzzo    "CANOVA: The Online Comic Series" is ©2008 by John Miller      All contents of Nolan's Pop Culture Review are ©2008 by Nolan B. Canova    
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