Category: Eclectic

Miscellaneous write-ups about whatever my heart desires.

Eclectic, Entertainment, Movies

Reality Is Stranger Than Fiction: We’re Living In A Real-Life Version Of Idiocracy

Bonnie Byrne
Idiocracy: Orange Dumbass And President Camacho
An Alternate Reality: The Orange Monster And President Camacho

Every time I hear another one of the orange lunkhead’s suggestions on how to treat COVID-19, I feel like I’m living in the movie Idiocracy.

Who could have predicted that this silly 2006 film, written by Etan Cohen and Mike Judge, would end up being so prophetic? Idiocracy focuses on Joe Bauers (Luke Wilson), an average American man who agrees to be placed into hibernation for a year.

A mistake is made and he is forgotten. Instead of being awoken a year later, Joe wakes up in the year 2505. And he quickly discovers the world is now populated with complete buffoons and he is the smartest human being on the planet. Continue reading “Reality Is Stranger Than Fiction: We’re Living In A Real-Life Version Of Idiocracy” →

Eclectic

Hometown Horror

Bonnie Byrne

On Saturday evening, my brother and I were enjoying barbecued pork souvlaki skewers and Greek salad and talking about how the meal reminded us of growing up in Toronto’s East End and heading to Greektown for dinner on the weekends. His favourite restaurant was Asteria Souvlaki Place, one of the least expensive restaurants with amazing food. I remembered going to Pappas Grill with friends when I was in high school. In the early 1990s, my sister and I would take him out on his birthday for Greek food and drinks on the Danforth. The atmosphere in the neighbourhood was relaxed, casual and friendly; just everyday people getting together for a fun night-out.

This morning, I woke up to the news that 15 people were shot on Danforth Avenue in Greektown last night. Two of those people have died, an 18-year-old woman and a 10-year old girl. The victims were innocent people in the wrong place at the wrong time. Most were just enjoying an evening out with family and friends. Reports say the gunman walked down the Danforth, firing bullets into restaurants and at people walking down the street.

I haven’t lived in Toronto for years but I still visit regularly for TIFF and to hang out with friends. I will continue to do so. But the horrific van attack in North York this past Spring and the mass shooting leaves me with a heavy heart today, thinking about these tragedies that have befallen my hometown.

Eclectic, Hot Men

Bye Bye Baby

Bonnie Byrne

I was listening to the Bay City Rollers in my car yesterday while driving home from my parent’s house in Owen Sound, singing along with Rock and Roll Love Letter. I was thinking about how there was a time in my life when I was too embarrassed to admit I had ever even liked them.

Bay City Rollers
In my Rollers gear!

But when I was a kid, I lived and breathed the Bay City Rollers. Their pictures adorned my bedroom walls. I listened to their albums continuously and had the full “Rollers” uniform – tam, scarf and pants trimmed with tartan. My mother would wake me up in the middle of the night so I could watch their appearances on late-night programs like The Midnight Special.

The Bay City Rollers were the first band I ever saw live. I saw them on August 11, 1976, at Maple Leaf Gardens and August 22, 1977, at Exhibition Stadium.

The man who started it all, Bay City Rollers founder Alan Longmuir, died today at the age of 70. Keep Reading!

Additional TV, Eclectic, Movies, Television

Harlan Ellison Defied Hollywood Brass

Bonnie Byrne
Harlan Ellison
Harlan Ellison in 1977.

Harlan Ellison was not afraid of the Hollywood establishment. The science fiction author and screenwriter did not suffer plagiarists lightly. He successfully sued ABC and James Cameron, among many others. Ellison died on June 28th at the age of 84.

In his lawsuit against ABC and Paramount Pictures, he alleged the TV series Future Cop was based on the short story Brillo, which was co-written with Ben Bova. The court awarded Ellison and Bova a settlement of $337,00.

He also successfully sued James Cameron, based on an Outer Limits episode he wrote. Soldier is about a warrior sent back in time with one mission – to kill an enemy. Sound familiar? Keep Reading!