I'm putting this first paragraph up in a hurry to tell you all I may have to do PCR in bits and pieces this week---my computer's power supply fan is failing, and if it stops, I'll have to shut down for a while. It's already happened a couple times. I hope to get one of my computer-tech geniuses on it ASAP. Hopefully, I can at least get this week's PCR out intact.
Hillary Wins Pennsylvania Primary
I'm sure all y'all saw this coming, but after the much ballyhooed---and predicted---ten-point spread in voting (55 to 45) Tuesday night, according to my sources, Hillary gained a net of 16 delegates. She's in the race, though, and barring any unforseen weirdness, this may go all the way to the Democratic National Convention.
Barack Obama is still seen by many as the odds-on favorite, but I'm not so sure. John McCain's camp must be laughing at this occasionally; he's the only one not dogged by scandal or any other Republican opponents right now. (Loyalty compels me to mention Republican candidate Ron Paul has still not conceded the race.)
Congratulations to Mike Smith and Juanita Craft!....
...who are getting married this weekend. I hope nothing but the best for this happy couple. We should get a very interesting Mike's Rant out of this....with pics included! Haha.
About Last Week's PCR
I want to say that last week was not an especially strong week for me, writing-wise, I admit. (The other writers' columns were, as usual, fantastic though.) The coverage of the Tampa Film Review and the Tampa Comic Con in the same week I had no days off was a strain, to say the least. I was exhausted and not at my best. I feel good about the TFR reviews, but my coverage of the Con, while adequate, was perhaps not as sterling as it could've been. It's been brought to my attention by at least one reader that there were a few "holes" in the event details that called for elaboration.
I know it might seem odd to mention Ashley Lewis being pregnant and not mention who the father is. Ashley herself is proudly announcing her "condition", but the father business she wants to keep to herself until a little farther down the road. It'll all come out in the wash, folks.
I didn't think what merchandise I would've bought with extra money was terribly important. I realize now, however, my reviews may be taken more seriously by someone from out-of-town trying to decide whether the Tampa Con is worth the trip. What I maybe should've elaborated on is that purchases I might've made were of a random and personal sort, and not to be construed as discovering Action Comics #1 going for $5. Any Con is going to have plusses and minuses. I happen to think the Tampa Comic Con does a great job for an event of its size, not owned by a conglomerate, but by a private individual. Sometimes the selection is terrific, sometimes it seems so-so, at least to me, but I always have a good time. I figure there are many cities in Florida that have something like this, but this is my hometown one to promote.
Brandon Jones' (formerly of Splash Page) appearance at the Con was a high point for us. When I alluded to the fact he hadn't attended in a year, I didn't feel the need to explain it any further, but suffice it to say, there were many times we tried to hook up with Brandon, but something always happened, usually at the last minute. He certainly wasn't avoiding the event!
And finally...
Regarding some comments made last week that I only promote those in my "clique", first off, I'll simply say I resent the implication. Otherwise, I defer to what co-editor/moderator Terence Nuzum said in his terrific and concise answer. This is a review website, not designed primarily for promotion. Promotion happens as an adjunct to what we're writing about and I'm not against it. And contrary to popular belief, we have promoted things here on the homepage before! What should be clarified is if we opened the floodgates and invite free promotion, soon the entire front page would be taken over by hundreds of links that wouldn't do anybody any good. I'd be doing nothing but handling a link and banner farm for total strangers for free. There are other websites that do that better. (Anyone desiring a more permanent homepage link can, of course, check out our ad banner page for rates.) This site is here primarily to express what I and the PCR staff personally experience and, of course, invite feedback and talk fandom.
If any of us are invited to something for the purpose of review, we generally try our best to make it. Realistically, however, we're limited by time (we all have full-time jobs) and budget (gas money and distance). I continue to be honored, however, that so many artists and entertainment entrepreneurs value our opinions.
I told my staff a long time ago, we're not going to please everybody. This business of who gets promoted and who doesn't is an old sticking point.
That said, PCR writer Paul Guzzo does a really good job of updating filmmaker news and some general art events in his "Indie Film News" on a regular basis. I will endeavor to make his link more visible since it doesn't change appearance and might be overlooked.
Sports Talk Update
To anyone wondering what Chris Munger's Sports Talk is still doing on the Guest Editorial page, I'm very happy with how his column is going, but plead guilty to forgetting to bring my camera to work to take his picture for inclusion in a proprietary Sports Talk banner. So, I asked Chris to dig up something I can use which, as of this writing, hasn't arrived yet. As soon as that gets here, the Sports Talk column's format will be finalized.
Please consider making a donation to help support Crazed Fanboy! Click on the "donate" link below and give whatever you can. I sincerely thank you for any and all consideration.---Nolan
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