Are We Winning?

As most of you know, I read a good amount of books.  Mainly fiction, but every once in awhile I will read something nonfiction.  Rarely do I read sports books.  Which I think is weird, since I love sports.  Some of you also know that I am a huge fan of Deadspin, especially the Will Leitch days.  Well, he has a new book out, called Are We Winning?  Fathers and Sons in the New Golden Age of Baseball.  I decided to pick it up last week and pretty much could not put it down once I started it.

The book is about a trip to the Cardinals/Cubs game in '08 when the Cubs clinched the division.  Leitch attends the game with his father and a friend (a hated Cubs fan).  Actually this is just the backdrop of the book.  Leitch is writing the book to his nonexistent son.  It is broken up into chapters by inning.  He explains modern baseball and how it is doing just fine, but also his own relationship with his father.

My favorite part of the book can be read here.  He discusses Steve Bartman and how that could have been any diehard baseball fan.  Anyone could have reached for that foul ball and ended up being blamed for ruining a season.  Utterly ridiculous the way Bartman was treated.

The book also made me think of the relationship with my own father.  In fact, so much of Leitch's description of his dad, reminded me of my dad.  Playing catch and my dad being able to launch flyballs into the stratosphere, or being able to throw the length of our field without much effort always amazed me.

If you are a fan of baseball or just want to read about father/son relationships, this is definitely a book you should check out. 

Game of Thrones Banners

I saw these and just had to make them my desktop background (I would love to have a few of these as shirts).  After the jump you can see all of them.

Inheritance Review

Christopher Paolini's Inheritance Cycle series came to it's conclusion with the fourth book:  Inheritance.  Where does he go from here?  Something tells me that he is not done with this world.  I imagine he will write a few short stories about other things, but his next novel will return to this land.

Anyways, on to the book.  It was decent.  That is really about all I can say.  It had a few great moments, a few terrible moments, but the majority of it was pretty bland.  At least he tied up the majority of the earlier loose ends, but most of them seemed pretty weak.

The major one was the Vault of Souls.  I honestly expected whatever weapon be there to be something completely different, but instead it was just a bunch of the Eldunari that were hidden away from the world after Galbatorix went crazy.  My question is that if the dragons are that powerful that they could make everyone forget about these Elunari, how come they could not do more against Galbatorix? 

Also, the more I think about it, I feel like the Eldunari and Paolini's magic system come like a video game.  You can gain and absorb power, I almost expect to see a health bar near Eragon's head during battles.  "You have discovered the Vault of Souls!  Unlimited magic power!"

Second thing that bothered me was the way he portrayed Galbatorix.  At first, he seems to be very much not insane.  He has grand plans for the use of magic throughout the land.  He wants to make it fair and pretty much put everyone on equal footing.  Remember how Murtaugh said that Galbatorix had grand designs for the world?  Well, it seemed like he was not lying.

I just wish that Paolini had continued with this idea.  In fact, he should have taken it to an extreme.  Make Galbatorix the good guy, who represents change in the world.  Eragon and the rest are fighting to keep things the way they are.  This would have been an interesting idea, something to help ponder.  But, in the end, it turns out that Galbatorix is just batshit crazy and wants to rule the world.  Lame.

Although, I did enjoy that the secret to Galbatorix ended up being that he discovered the name of the ancient language.  Unfortunately, I did not like that the way he is defeated.  Murtaugh falls in love with Nasuada and this causes his true name to change, meaning all of the binding spells by Galbatorix are null and void.  He reveals this by stripping Galbatorix's wards with the new magic word.  Eragon then uses a spell without words to make Galbatorix feel pain or something.  Galbatorix then pulls an Emperor (or Sauron) and explodes, almost killing everyone.

Speaking of love...ugh.  Murtaugh and the Nasuada love story was pretty much the most predictable thing ever.  If someone could not see it coming, then they must have been mildly retarded.  Another thing I could do without:  the stupid contemplations about murder during war that Roran and Eragon both go through.  If I wanted to read about soldiers thoughts on the horrors of war, I would read biographies from actual soldiers...the reason Tolkien could write about these things is that he actually fought in World War I.

Wow, so it probably seems like I did not like anything at all.  Which is not true, allow me to mention the things I enjoyed:

-Angela.  I would love to see a short story, or maybe even a featured novel about her history/adventures.  Also, I loved the Monty Python reference.  She tells a story to the Urgals about a killer bunny and it ends with "and there was much rejoicing."

-Roran.  Again, if there was another book about his adventures in securing Carvahall or something.  I would be most pleased. 

-I actually enjoyed the ending with Eragon going away and not ending up with Arya.  Especially now that she has her own dragon.  I was a little upset that we never really saw anything from Vanir until the end.  I thought for sure he would lead an elf battalion or something.  Or at least become friends with Roran...oh well.  I also liked the way Eragon handled the Urgal situation.  He created the Olympics AND allowed an Urgal (and dwarf) to be a Rider.

-Minus the love story, I did enjoy the fact that Murtaugh decided to leave.  Maybe that is what his next book should be:  Murtaugh's adventure outside of Alagaesia.  Then he can return and explain to Nasuada that her becoming High Queen is idiotic.  He could bring democracy to the land...

Like I said, it was an okay book, but nothing amazing.

Wheel of Time Casting: Aes Sedai

Remember the first book?  How scary the Aes Sedai seemed?  They were all powerful and the most badass ladies in the world.  Then we met the Foresaken, and learned about how the Aes Sedai used to be insanely more powerful than these ones now.

Elaida a'Roihan
We first meet Elaida when Rand runs into her at the palace of Andor.  She was there as advisor to the queen.  She has some power with foretelling.  Throughout the first batch of books, you really think she could be one of the Black Ajah.  At one point, I was pretty much convinced of it.  She helped get rid of Siuan and make herself the Amyrlin Seat.

Unfortunately, it does not seem that she is Black Ajah.  She is just a misguided Red Ajah.  She hates men who can channel.  She does not want to usher in the Dragon Reborn.  She wants to control him, and most likely gentle him.

She is described as handsome and with a very fierce look.  Most guys would probably find her hot, but probably be very intimidated. 

Diane Lane has that kind of look.  Hell, she looks pretty damn good in red.

Siuan Sanche
The Amyrlin Seat before Elaida decides to overthrow her.  She is helping Moraine with the whole Rand thing.  They want to find the Dragon Reborn and help guide him.  Eventually Siuan will use the rest of the Tower to help Rand.  Unfortunately all these plans fall through.

She is stilled and instead of just rolling over to die, she decides to exact revenge against Elaida.  She travels to the rebels and helps them.  Later she is healed by Nynaeve, but is not nearly as powerful.  My favorite thing about her is the way she embraces her roots as a fisherman's daughter.  She always has these great sayings that involve fish.

As Amyrlin, she is attractive, but with an air of power.  After she is stilled, her body goes back to being young looking.  Most people do not even recognize her.  I think Jennifer Connelly would be perfect.  With some makeup, they could make her look different, aged.  Then afterwards she could go back to being the hottie.

Leane Sharif
Siuan's Keeper, who is stilled during Elaida's coup.  She escapes with Siuan and when they arrive at Salidar, they concoct a plan to get into their good graces.  They fight with each other and basically annoy everyone with their bickering until they see the good side of one of their arguments.

Before she is stilled, she must have dressed very plain.  Follows her job duty.  After she is stilled and her youthful looks return, she decides to embrace her Domani heritage.  She uses her flirting skills to get what she wants.  After she is healed, she becomes a member of the Green Ajah.

I decided that she had to be somewhat exoctic.  Bipasha Basu fits that description pretty well.  She could pull off the plain look and the extremely hot look. 

Verin Mathwin
She is a member of the Brown Ajah, who shows up at odd times to help Rand and the rest of the guys.  I have said from the beginning that there is something suspicious about her.  She has pretty much encyclopedic knowledge of all things about the Dragon Reborn.

I always get the image of a plump woman, who must look like she has started to age, which takes a very long time for Aes Sedai.   In fact, I usually picture Kathy Bates for some reason.

Alanna
She is a member of the Green Ajah, who is traveling with Verin looking for new girls in the Two Rivers region.  She helps Perrin when he defends the village.

Later she offers to heal Rand, and decides to bond him as her warder.  This pisses off Rand, and Alanna is actually fearful of him because of his threats.

As with most of the Green Ajah, she is pretty frisky.  She has a few warders already, but now Rand is able to keep tabs on her.  She has dark hair and is known for being a bit shy, but also has a huge temper.  Vanessa Marcil is perfect.  She can play that whole meek, sweet, quiet girl, who can explode and be ready to make most men pee their pants.

Sheriam
She is the Mistress of Novices.  Her job is dole out punishment and whatnot.  Later on she heads to Salidar.  She becomes the Keeper for Egwene and seems to want to guide her.

She has red hair.  Julianne Moore has red hair.  Seems to work for me.

Romanda Cassin
One of the Sitters in Salidar who is trying to control Egwene.  She has gray hair and she was one of the Yellow Ajah.

I do not know, maybe Sandra Bullock would be a good choice.  Just let her dye her hair.  I will not lie, her and Lelaine are important, but I have no interest in either of them.

Lelaine Akashi
One of the Blue Ajah and the other Sitter at Salidar that is trying to control Egwene.  Apparently, she and Romanda have had animosity towards each other for years.

Rachel Weisz would be perfect.  Since she is attractive.
Theodrin Dabei
This is one of the girls I like.  She tries to help Nynaeve with her block.  Apparently it is her task.  She was also a wilder and she broke her block.  She could only channel when she was in the presence of a guy she had a thing for.  They tricked her by having switching out a guy she liked with his twin sister and when she realized she channeled in front of her, she was able to channel.

Anyways, she later swears fealty to Egwene and is one of these Aes Sedai who might be leading the rest into a new direction.  If that makes sense.  Instead of Oath Rods and all that, they swear to Egwene and want what is good for the world.

I am guessing that she is very hot.  Anne Hathaway is perfect.  I have no real reason, just that I think she is hot.  Screw you.  My rules.

Faolain Orande

She was one of the ones you just hate at the beginning.  She is mean to Nynaeve because she is a wilder.  Later though, she becomes one of the ones that swears to Egwene.  She is described as attractive with curly, dark hair.  I think Michelle Trachtenberg is perfect.  She could pull off that bitchy, snarky youngster.  And she would look good doing it.
Cadsuane Melaidhrin
This lady is like the oldest Aes Sedai around.  She is a legend.  She has done everything.  She brags about having gentled more men than most of the Red Ajah.  She turns up now and works her way close to Rand.  He even runs into her with the rebels.

I have no clue what to think of her.  Anyways, Helen Mirren would probably be perfect for the role.

After the jump, here are some artist renderings of Elaida and Siuan...

Elaida

Dark Tower Casting: Eddie Dean

I was watching A Gifted Man, okay not really watching it, but the TV was on and it came on.  I never saw the show before, but then this character came on and he reminded me of Eddie Dean from The Dark Tower series. 

This got me thinking, I should do a casting for the Dark Tower, especially since the movie/show is still in talks.  When I read the books, I always pictured Kevin Corrigan as Eddie.  His performance in the crappy show, Grounded for Life made me think of Eddie or vice versa.  Sarcastic and silly, always on the verge of driving a serious person insane.

I thought he would be perfect, especially since he was from the Bronx, had the accent and whatnot.  Unfortunately, as time went on, he started to look really old.  I highly doubt he could pull off a 21 year old.

Anyways, the guy I saw tonight could pull it off.  Plus, he is pretty much a no name.  Seriously, who the hell has heard of Rhys Coiro?  He is not so young either, 32, but I think he would have a better chance to pull it off than someone younger.  I do remember him from 24, well vaguely. 

For those of you who are fans of the series, let me know what you think.  Who should play Eddie?  Think about this, do you want Shia Lebouf trying to battle Blaine the Monorail?  Do you want Casey Affleck reciting the Gunslingers mantra?  Every actor suggested is either some pretty boy, or someone ridiculous.  I do like Aaron Paul (Jesse from Breaking Bad), but would he really want to play another addict?

I think this is a pretty good drawing of Eddie...

A Crown of Swords

I just finished book seven in The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan.  This one was pretty damn good (everyone keeps telling me that they start to become boring, but I am not sure when that will be...)  Let me recap some of things I really liked.

-Rand fighting Padar Fain.  I was glad that they finally confronted each other.  The dagger almost killed Rand, luckily one of the Asha'man was able to use healing to save him.  Then they head to Illian to confront Sammael.  Unfortunately, the battle with Sammael ends up being pretty lackluster.  Rand chases to Sammael to Shadar Logoth, where they battle a bit, but Sammael ends up being killed by the Mashadar.

-Dashiva is one of the Foresaken.  I would guess that he is Aginor (or his new body as Osan'gar).  There is just something about him.  He seems to know things and he quickly rose within the Asha'man.  As Lews would say "KILL HIM!!!"

-Who was the guy who helped Rand in Shadar Logoth?  I am guessing that it was whoever the weird guy is that holds Moghedien prisoner.  Moridin.  My thought on that one is that Rand saw him channel, but did not see the weaves or saidin.  Moridin channels from the Dark One.  The other question is who is Moridin.  I have no real guesses on that one, maybe one of the other ones Rand killed.

-Elayne and Nynaeve (reluctantly) apologize to Mat for the way they treat him.  Aviendha was shocked that they never thanked him for saving them in Tear.  Also, Mat and Birgitte have some fun conversations:  he recognizes her and when they are drinking, I think he explains that he has a bunch of dead soldiers in his head.  They become friends.

-They finally find the Bowl of Winds, and they discover another major treasure:  women who can channel, but either did not pass their tests as Aes Sedai, or were wilders.  They also learn that the one woman is over 400 years old.

-Lan finally comes back and reunites with Nynaeve.  They get married and the good schtupping that Lan gives her causes her to break her block (or maybe that block comes down when she almost dies, whatever). 

-Mat's battle with the gholam was pretty awesome.  That thing just sounds like an amazing thing to see.  Then to see Mat's medallion hurt it.  As always, Mat is so damn awesome.

-And then, out of nowhere the Seanchan arrive in Ebou Dar.  As our merry little group tries to escape, Mat cannot find Olver and decides to go look for him.  I have a feeling that Mat will end up getting captured by the Seanchan and he will finally meet the Daughter of the Nine Moons.  That is just a guess.

I might take a break from the series in order to read Inheritance by Christopher Paolini...

Wheel of Time Casting: The Guys

This one should make the ladies happy.  Again, this is not all the major guys from the books, but instead just some of the major guys.  I did not include any of the White Cloaks yet because I plan on doing them and some others together.  Also, I am sure at some point more characters will be introduced, so whatever. 

Tam al'Thor
Rand's father during the first few books.  Although as he travels about the world, we start to get the hint that this might not be the truth.  Then we learn that he was adopted by Tam.  The man seems like a simple shepherd at the beginning, but then we find out that he possesses a heron-marked blade, which means he is a blade-master.

Also, he ran away as a young man and joined the army and became a blade-master.  This is a good thing for Rand because the Flame/Void trick he teaches Rand, which helps Rand focus during archery and other tasks (like sword play), also helps him focus saidin.

We need a bigger guy, who plays the kind of quiet, gruff, but also very likeable father.  He needs to be believable as a farmer, but also as a warrior.  He needs to be good looking enough that all the ladies of the Two Rivers want to play match-maker for him.  How about Nathan Fillion?  That dude is just so damn cool.  Let him grow a beard and he would be perfect (he should probably just be in every movie at this point).

Gawyn Trakand
The brother of Elayne.  He is supposed to be her protector and whatnot.  He is also in love with Egwene (and she with him).  He looks a good bit like his sister and he is a pretty damn good swordsman.

During the White Tower problems, when they oust Siuan, he kills a couple Warders (his teacher actually) and forms a small army called the Younglings.  I also remember him as the cocky kid who finds Rand at the palace and keeps cracking jokes about him.

I figured Alexander Ludwig would be a pretty good choice to play Gawyn.  He has the looks and in some of the movies I have seen, he has the cocky/brash attitude.

Galad Damodred
You cannot mention Gawyn without talking about his half-brother Galad.  Actually, Galad is also Rand's half-brother, and the two look a little bit alike.  Here is really all you need to know about Galad:  women think he is sexy.  I mean every woman out there.  He and Gawyn practice without shirts and all the Aes Sedai stop and watch him.  He has a thing for Egwene, but she does not have a thing for him.

Later he joins the White Cloaks and almost has his mind blown when he finds Elayne and Nynaeve.  Apparently he will always do the right thing.  To the point of idiocy.  He swears to get his half-sister back to Andor, but he also swore to bring in any Aes Sedai...this kind of thing can make his head explode.

Anyways, when you think of a sexy guy out there, who do you picture?  How about Paul Walker?  Plus, some people claim he looks like my pick for Rand.

Gareth Bryne
One of the greatest generals in the world.  He was the leader of the Andoran armies, but then when Rahvin came into Morgase's life, she pushed him away and banished him out of Caemlyn.

During his banishment, he runs in Siuan and follows her to Salidar, where the rebel Aes Sedai convince him to build and lead an army against Tar Valon. 

I picture him as a stoic individual, with a great mustache or goatee.  Who better than Tom Selleck?  Plus, have you seen him in Las Vegas?  He could definitely pull off that smug, know it all, who torments Siuan.

Thom Merrilin
This guy shows up in the Two Rivers as a gleeman.  He is basically an entertainer who will perform during the festival and then leave town.

He gets caught up with Rand and the gang and never looks back.  We later learn that he was a court bard in Andor and used to sleep with Morgase.  He pretty much teaches Rand a ton of cool things and even saves his life by taking on a Half-man.

Nowadays he is seen most of the time with Elayne and Nynaeve.  He is also good friends with Mat, who likes to play Stones with him since Mat's luck skills have no effect on the game.  So who could play a character like Thom?  Someone with a huge personality and an awesome mustache?  People always mention Sam Elliot, but he is a bit too old. 

Fortunately, I have a person who would make the role come alive.  When it comes to eccentric, go no further than everyone's favorite nutjob:  Nic Cage!  Let him take a year and grow out the mustache and he would be perfect.

Juilin Sandar
A simple thief-catcher from Tear.  At first he betrays Elayne and Nynaeve to the Black Ajah and they are imprisoned in the Stone of Tear.  He then helps Mat break in and rescue them.

After that he is pretty much by those two ladies side, along with Thom, for many adventures.  Where Thom is great at getting information through nobles and the higher ups, Juilin is able to find things out from the dregs of society.

The people of Tear are described as having darker skin/darker eyes.  I just kept picturing him as Sayid from Lost.  Naveen Andrews would be pretty awesome, especially since we know he can play a pretty bad-ass individual.

Mazrim Taim
A man who can channel.  He has been causing trouble for years, but recently called himself the Dragon Reborn.  He was captured by Aes Sedai, but he escaped before they could gentle him.  He then heard about Rand's amnesty to men who could channel and decided to join him.

He knows how to do plenty of stuff, since he has been channeling for awhile and has yet to go crazy.  He is able to copy something Rand does after only seeing it once.  Rand has him teach the Black Tower men, even though Rand knows there is something off about Taim and that he cannot be trusted.

They describe him as skinny and with a little of an attitude about him.  I kind of picture him to talk a bit like Scar from The Lion King.  Every site I found says that Jason Isaacs should play him (I am guessing that Taim turns out to be a bad guy at some point, since people are not usually creative).  However, I picture Willem Dafoe.  He is a fantastic actor, and he would easily pull off that not-so-trusting guy that is trying to help you role.  I mean, just look at the guy!

Logain Ablar
The monster we hear about in the first book who claimed to be the Dragon Reborn.  He is captured and gentled by the Aes Sedai.  He pretty much disappears until all the crap happens with Siuan.  When they escape the Tower, they bring him along.

He believes he will get his revenge, but instead Siuan uses him to convince other Aes Sedai that Elaida and the Red Ajah set him up at the Dragon Reborn in order to further their own agenda.  Most of the time he seems depressed and pretty out of it.   Fortunately, every time Min looks at him, she sees great things in his future.

Eventually, Nynaeve cures him of being gentled and heals him back to his normal strength.  She is the first person to ever do such a thing.  Egwene later helps him escape and tells him to go to Rand.  I am hoping/guessing that eventually he will square off with Mazrim Taim.

He is described as a big guy, and very king-like.  I picture Eric Bana every single time I read a chapter with him.  Think of Bana from Troy.

Masema Dagar

Speaking of a guy helping Rand.  How about our good buddy Masema?  Funny story, remember how in the first couple books the armies of Shienar are all badass and whatnot.  Then after awhile, you never really hear much about them again.  There was one soldier who pretty much hated Rand, especially when they were searching for the Horn, his name was Masema.  He thought it was bullshit that Rand was named the second in command and all that jazz.

After Falme, Masema realizes that Rand is the Dragon Reborn and declares himself a loyal servant.  Well, at some point Moraine sends the soldiers in search of someone and Masema starts calling himself the Prophet of the Dragon Reborn.  From there, shit gets kind of screwy.

He collects people to him like crazy and pretty much causes chaos wherever he goes.  At some point, Rand will have to send someone to deal with this lunatic.  Who could play a tough soldier, who might be a bit insane?  Christian Bale.  No question.  I can see him now screaming at a queen about her style of dress, using his cool Batman voice...

Uno
Honestly, this guy is such a minor character, but he is great comic relief.  I get the feeling that he is an old soldier, with his eye-patch and scars.  He eventually helps Nynaeve and Elayne escape somewhere and make it to Salidar.  I think he is in Gareth Bryne's army nowadays.

I like Michael Keaton.  I think he could pull off the old soldier thing and the funny, trying not to swear around the ladies part.  Whatever, these are my choices, live with it.  And it would be great uniting all the Batman actors together.  I just need Val Kilmer and Adam West...

Abell Cauthon
Mat's dad.  Not much to really say about the guy.  He is basically a background character who helps Tam during the Two Rivers wars against the Trollocs.  Mat mentions that he is great with a quarter-staff.

I figured you need someone who is a bit of a smart-ass to play Mat's father.  How about Ty Burrell, do you remember him from Dawn of the Dead?  He was pretty funny.  Again, this is another one that you just have to accept from me.

Padan Fain
The peddler who shows up at the beginning and turns out to be a Darkfriend.  Then we learn that things went very wrong for him in life.  He ends up becoming something of pure evil.  I do not even think he has any loyalty to the Dark One anymore, since he likes to kill Fades for fun.

He has one goal and that is to kill Rand and everyone he loves.  He is absolutely insane.  He is described as having a big nose and being a pretty ugly fellow.  He is tall and lanky (I think).  I personally think Adrian Brody should probably play him.  Basically because of the nose thing.


Davrim Bashere
Faile's father and another of those great generals.  He has not really played a major part so far except to offer Rand advice.  I do know that he is described as kind of short, but I did not take that into consideration.  I figured since I went with Middle Eastern for Faile, I should probably do so for her father.

To be perfectly honest, no one really came to mind.  I found this picture of Faran Tahir and figured he could pull the role off, but I am not really all that pleased with it.  Maybe someone else has a better suggestion.

Lews Therin Telamon
The original Dragon.  The guy that went crazy and broke the world.  The most powerful Aes Sedai ever.  Remember how when I described some of the Foresaken, they turned to the Dark One out of jealous and because they were tired of playing second fiddle to Lews?

Unfortunately, minus flashbacksWwe are only going to hear his voice in Rand's head most of the time.  And at times that voice needs to sound like a completely insane person.  So, what actor out there could pull off such an awesome role?  What guy is good looking enough to cause guys like George Clooney and Daniel Craig to be pissed off?  Is there really a question here?  Brad Pitt would knock this one out of the park.

Alright, that is it for this round.  Like I said, there will probably be some more at some point.  Still plenty of characters I have omitted.  Next time it will probably be Aes Sedai.  Should be fun (mostly hot girls!).  As always the drawings after the jump are brought to you by Seamassketches.