San Diego Johnny

Interview with a Cactus: Anne Rice is Leaving La Jolla

According to the Associated Press, author Anne Rice is leaving La Jolla for the desert: "Less than a year after buying a luxury home in the city's tony La Jolla neighborhood, author Anne Rice is selling the dwelling and moving to the desert for a warmer climate and simpler life, her real estate agent said." Source: Author Anne Rice Leaving San Diego For SoCal Desert

A simpler life?  What could be simpler than living in a "three-story, 10,089 square-foot La Jolla home for $8 million and replaced the deck with French limestone balustrades, said Adams, who represented her in the purchase. The 13-year-old home, which sits on a third of an acre of land, has six bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a gym with a sauna and steam room, an upgraded media room, wine cellar, elevator, four-car garage, pool, spa and ocean views..."?  Living in the lap of luxury near the ocean with near perfect weather in a place with fine dining and a plethora of cultural evemts and destinations is hectic?  Many of us wish to have the lack of simplicity that Anne apparently abhors!   

Perhaps Anne is entering her Georgia O'Keefe phase.  What next if Rancho Mirage is too busy?  Perhaps deeper into the Mojave?  Or maybe further south?  I hear some pueblos may be available. 

A scene from near La Jolla Cove, likely too hectic for Anne Rice

More Con

I updated my Comic-Con photos at Flickr to include yesterday's photos. I saw a couple of great panels yesterday but find myself short on time this morning to describe them for you, check out the photos. Oh, and I see that the Sox lost to the Yankees, ugggh. This geek cocoon can only protect me so much!

Getting My Geek On, Preview Night

I met a Red Sox fan and got the authograph of John Landis. Such were the highlights for preview night as I scoured the hall. The line for the holographic Princess Leia was too long at the Star Wars shop and the line for John Landis autographs was short. Darth Taters are available at the Hasbro store and I may have to pick one up today. HasbroToyshop.com has a ten percent discount with promo code "COMIC10" (obviously without the quotes). This discount is good until August 13. My preliminary photos can be found at my Flickr.com set. Enjoy! I'm off to see what I can see.

Get your Geek On

For those of us in the San Diego area and beyond, San Diego Comic-Con International is a yearly pilgramage to the San Diego Convention Center. Over the years, this comics convention has grown to much more than just comics and now encompasses the sci-fi and supernatural genre. Recently "the Con" as it is known released its 2005 schedule. A pdf of the schedule can be dowloaded here. As only a second time attendee and who learned a little last year about how to navigate this expanse of exhibitors and events, I decided to highlight some events I may attend in my four days at the Con 1:30-2:30 Philip K. Dick’s A Scanner Darkly: The Movie—Like a graphic novel come to life, A Scanner Darkly, based on the science fiction novel by author Philip K. Dick, will use live action photography overlaid with an advanced animation process (interpolated rotoscoping) to create a haunting, highly stylized vision of the future. The technology, first employed in Richard Linklater’s 2001 film Waking Life, has evolved to produce even more emotional impact and detail. Appearing in person to present a look and discuss the creative process of this ground breaking film will be producer Tommy Pallotta and lead animators Sterling Allen, Evan Cagle, Nick Derington and Christopher Jennings. Also on the panel, in order to answer the question: “Do Androids Dream of Being Phil Dick?” will be Philip K. Dick in android form! Come and see for yourself … he'll even answer your questions! Written for the screen and directed by Richard Linklater, the film stars Keanu Reeves, Robert Downey Jr., Woody Harrelson, Winona Ryder and Rory Cochrane, and will be released by Warner Independent pictures in 2006. Room 6CDEF I hadn't heard about this project but it seems like this will be an interesting film concept and the android could end up being fun. 3:00-4:00 Is It Dead, Jim? Star Trek: 1966–2005, R. I. P.—On the eve of its 40th anniversary is Star Trek really, truly dead, or is it just taking a breather? Join a freewheeling discussion amongst the worlds biggest Trekspert's, including Free Enterprise director Robert Meyer Burnett, Music of Trek author Jeff Bond, Star Trek: The Motion Picture Special Edition producer Daren Dochterman, and some special surprise guests. Moderated by CFQ's Mark A. Altman. Room 6A Since the demise of Enterprise, Trekkers have wondered where this franchise will go and how to revive it. I have my own ideas but wonder how much we can really cover in an hour. 4:30-5:30 A Conversation with David Cronenberg—Director David Cronenberg will appear to discuss his upcoming thriller A History of Violence, along with writer Josh Olson. Plus, a special sneak peak at A History of Violence footage. An autograph session with Cronenberg will follow in the Autograph Area in the Sails Pavilion. Room 6CDEF I've found Cronenberg's movies to be strange and disturbing and look forward to the sneak peak and hearing the guy discuss it. 5:30-7:00 Cartoon Network: Adult Swim: A Panel About Pitching—Do you have an idea for TV but don’t know what to do next? Let Adult Swim gently guide you through the pitch process and have your questions answered by show creators who were once in your shoes. Featuring Nick Weidenfeld, Adult Swim development; Kim Manning, Adult Swim programming; Loren Bouchard, Home Movies, Dr. Katz; Dino Stamatopoulos, Mr. Show, TV Funhouse; and Todd James, Adam de la Pena, and Peter Girardi, Crankyankers. Room 6CDEF Don't many of us think we have the next big idea for TV? Okay maybe you don't but a panel of Adult Swim guys could be quite entertaining. 9:00-11:00 Special Film Screening: The Perfect Crime (El Crimen Perfecto), with a special introduction by Comic-Con Special Guest Bruce Campbell—The most seductive salesperson of a big department store accidentally kills his boss. The sole witness of the crime is a co-worker, who seizes the opportunity to blackmail him. Directed by Álex de la Iglesia. From Spain, with English subtitles. (Also known as Ferpect Crime, in an homage to Asterix and Obelix: in Asterix and the Laurel Wreath, when Obelix gets drunk and continuously says "ferpect.") Adult situations. Room 6B As a fan of the Evil Dead movies, I can't miss out on a chance to see Bruce Campbell ("Ash"). Friday July 15: Friday is Star Wars day with all kinds of Star Wars events going on... 10:30-11:30 Spotlight on Forry Ackerman—One of the all-time fan favorites, Forrest J. Ackerman is back again as a Comic-Con special guest. The beloved editor of Famous Monsters of Filmland has been one of the seminal influences on a whole generation of filmmakers, artists, and writers. Room 3 Forrest Ackerman, known as "Mr. Science Fiction" is an icon in the sci-fi world. 11:00-12:00 Richard Hatch: Past, Present, and Future—Actor/writer Richard Hatch (Apollo, Tom Zarick) shares his personal journey and struggles from Classic Battlestar to reimagined version to his new Magellan project, novels, and comic adaptation. The program will nclude new theatrical trailers. Room 6A Hatch's conversion from classic Battlestar advocate and opponent of the re-imagined show to cast member of the new show has been extraordinary. I wonder if his Magellan project is finally getting off of the ground.. 11:00-1:00 Warner Bros. Presents—This giant-size presentation includes four great new films coming soon from Warner Bros.: V For Vendetta— Based on the groundbreaking graphic novel, V for Vendetta stars Hugo Weaving and Natalie Portman, is directed by John McTeigue, and produced by Joel Silver with Larry and Andy Wachowski from their screenplay. Appearing in person at this event will be Natalie Portman, Joel Silver, and original graphic novel co-creator David Lloyd. Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire—In the fourth film adaptation of J. K. Rowling’s popular Harry Potter novel series, Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) must contend with being mysteriously selected to compete in the prestigious Triwizard Tournament, a thrilling international competition that pits him against older and more experienced students from Hogwarts and two rival European wizarding schools. Get an exclusive look at this pivotal adventure in Harry Potter's life. Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride—Carrying on in the dark, romantic tradition of Tim Burton’s classic films Edward Scissorhands and The Nightmare Before Christmas, Tim Burton’s Corpse Bride is set in a 19th-century European village. This stop-motion animated feature follows the story of Victor (voiced by Johnny Depp), a young man who is whisked away to the underworld and wed to a mysterious Corpse Bride (voiced by Helena Bonham-Carter) while his real bride, Victoria (voiced by Emily Watson), waits bereft in the land of the living. It’s a tale of optimism, romance, and a very lively afterlife, told in classic Tim Burton style. Appearing in person to show a never-before-seen look at this remarkable film will be producer Allison Abbate and co-director Mike Johnson. The Fountain-The story of one man's 1000-year struggle to save the woman he loves. As a 16th century conquistador, a modern-day scientist, and a 26th century astronaut, he searches for the secret to eternal life. Join writer- director Darren Aronofsky (pi, Requiem for a Dream) and Rachel Weisz (The Mummy, Constantine) for a preview and discussion of this truly unique science-fiction/fantasy film. All of these programs will held in Hall H The exclusive previews are one of the most best features of Comic-Con! 2:00-2:45 Sony Presents: Zathura and The Legend of Zorro—Two great new films from Columbia Pictures, with fan-favorite Jon Favreau (Swingers) on stage live! Zathura—In Columbia Pictures' heart-racing sci-fi adventure Zathura, two squabbling brothers are propelled into deepest, darkest space while playing a mysterious game they discovered in the basement of their old house. The film is based on the best-selling book by the acclaimed children's writer Chris Van Allsburg (The Polar Express, Jumanji), with a screenplay by David Koepp and John Kamps. The film stars Josh Hutcherson, Jonah Bobo, Dax Shepard, Kristin Stewart, and Oscar-winner Tim Robbins, directed by Jon Favreau (Elf), and produced by William Teitler and Michael DeLuca. Director Jon Favreau will be on hand to give you an early exclusive preview and field your questions. Think of it as “Dinner for Five Thousand” without the food! The Legend of Zorro—Antonio Banderas and Catherine Zeta-Jones are reunited with director Martin Campbell in Columbia Pictures's epic adventure. The year is 1850. After fighting to help California become the 31st state of the Union, Zorro (Antonio Banderas) must live up to the promise he made his wife Elena (Catherine Zeta-Jones) to give up his secret identity and live a normal life as Alejandro de la Vega. When he hesitates, it threatens to tear them apart. Join us for an action-filled exclusive sequence from The Legend of Zorro. These films will be presented in Hall H What is the over/under in time until some geek yelling "You're money, baby!" to Favreau? 3:00-4:00 SCI-FI: BattlestarGalactica—Their only goal is survival. Their only hope is each other. The entirecast returns for the second season of Battlestar Galactica, which airs Fridays at10/9C on SCI FI. Time magazine called Battlestar Galactica one of the best dramas on TV, and the new season is sure to continue the show’s tremendous success.Panelists include actors Mary McDonnell (President Laura Roslin), James Callis(Dr. Gaius Baltar), Katee Sackhoff (LT. Kara Thrace—Starbuck), Jamie Bamber(Capt. Lee Adama—Apollo), and Grace Park (LT. Sharon Valerii— Boomer) and executive producer David Eick. Moderated by Michael Davis, senior editor, TV Guide.Be sure to pick up a raffle ticket at the door for a chance to win a meet-and-greetwith the cast following the panel in the SCI FI booth conference room. The winner willbe announced at the end of the panel. Room 20 What a kickass panel for a great show, possibly the best sci-fi television show of our's or any time. Spoiler fans tell me that this season will be even darker than last. The chance for the meet and greet with the cast is key and I've been asked by a friend to take pictures if I can, because "Katee Sackhoff is the hotness." Some of the ladies and fellows (at least half of the Sci-Fi Daily team) probably are more interested in Jame Bamber and James Callis. 4:45-6:15 Lucasfilm Presents: Star Wars Spectacular—It just wouldn’t be Comic-Con International without hearing the latest on Lucasfilm and Star Wars from Steve Sansweet, the company’s head of Fan Relations. Sansweet will cap Star Wars Day with peeks and previews into what’s on the horizon. There’s a lot more Star Wars on the way, and the record-breaking release of Revenge of the Sith is just the start of a new chapter for the world’s favorite space saga. Sansweet will show that Lucasfilm means it when it says, “Star Wars is Forever.” Hall Star Wars was a big part of Comic-Con last year, as the name of "Revenge of the Sith" was revealed at the Con. It sounds like we'll be treated to some exclusive previews or what's to come in the Star Wars universe. One thing that digitalbits.com is teasing is the release date for the DVD's for Sith and the second season of the animated Clone Wars. I wonder if perhaps we'll get a release date on the Six episode set that is inevitably going to be released. 8:00-11:00 SCI FI Friday! New Episodes of Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis, and Battlestar Galactica—Don’t go home or back to your hotel room! We’ve got your SCI FI Friday right here! That’s right...it’s premier night on the SCI FI Channel and we have all three brand-new season openers for Stargate SG-1, Stargate Atlantis, and Battlestar Galactica, on a big screen, uncut and commercial-free! Bring a snack, settle back and oh, don’t thank Comic-Con, thank SCI FI! 8:00 Stargate: SG-1—Lt. Colonel Cameron Mitchell (Ben Browder), the newest member of the SG-1 team, sets out on a mission with Daniel Jackson (Michael Shanks), Teal'c (Christopher Judge), and Vala (Claudia Black) to uncover a stash of ancient riches. 9:00 Stargate Atlantis—As Lt. Aiden Ford (Rainbow Sun Francks) recovers from his near-fatal encounter with a Wraith, the team races against time to save the city from an impending Wraith assault. 10:00 Battlestar Galactica—With Adama (Edward James Olmos) mortally wounded and Laura Roslin (Mary McDonnell) in the brig, Tigh (Michael Hogan) faces his first test of leadership: reuniting Galactica with the rest of the fleet. All three shows screen in Room 6CDEF Sci-Fi Friday on the big screen, enough said. Saturday July 16, 10:00-12:00 ABC Presents: Lost, Invasion, Nightstalker—ABC Television presents an exciting not-to-be-missed two-hour panel highlighting the #1 hit series Lost and the much-anticipated new shows Nightstalker and Invasion! First, from writer/producer Shaun Cassidy (Cold Case, American Gothic, Cover Me) comes Invasion, a suspenseful tale of a splintered family trying to rebuild their lives after experiencing a devastating hurricane and its mysterious aftermath that has seemingly “invaded” their town. Cassidy will show you an early glimpse of the show and participate in a Q&A. Then Buena Vista Home Entertainment will reveal the secrets of the upcoming Lost: Season One DVD release with exclusive sneak peeks into the DVD bonus features, plus a special Q&A panel featuring actors Josh Holloway (Sawyer), Maggie Grace (Shannon), and Harold Perrineau (Michael), along with co-creator/executive producer Damon Lindelof, executive producers Bryan Burk and Carlton Cruse, and writer Javier Grillo-Marxauch. Finally, producer Frank Spotnitz (The X-Files) presents a sneak preview of his new show, Nightstalker, and divulges some early insight on what you’ll see in the fall. This suspenseful mystery follows L. A. crime reporter Carl Kolchak (Stuart Townsend), as he attempts to piece together unexplained crimes while on a quest to find the seemingly unrelated answers to his wife’s bizarre murder. And don’t miss the autograph session for all three shows—Lost, Nightstalker, and Invasion—at the Inkworks booth #2629. Program held in Room 20 As someone who missed the first run of Lost and is now making it a DVR destination event weekly, this panel will be topical. Invasion and the remake of he 70's show Nightstalker could complement Lost well in the ABC lineup. 12:00-1:30 SCI FI: Stargate SG-1 and Stargate Atlantis—Beau Bridges and fan favorite Ben Browder join Stargate SG-1, the longest-running sci-fi show of all time, when it kicks off its ninth season this July. Also welcoming Claudia Black and Lou Gossett, Jr. to the cast in recurring roles, SG-1 returns to SCI FI Fridays at 8 p.m. ET/PT. This season, the SG-1 team races to defeat a powerful and malevolent new adversary. Panelists include Amanda Tapping (Lieutenant Colonel Samantha Carter), Ben Browder (Lieutenant Colonel Cameron Mitchell), and Beau Bridges (General Hank Landry). In season one, the Stargate Atlantis team opened the door to one of Earth’s greatest mysteries. Now, in the second season, the team is caught in the middle of a galactic firestorm. Returning to Fridays at 9 p.m. ET/PT, Atlantis welcomes Jason Momoa as a mysterious new team member and Mitch Pileggi in a recurring role as the team's gruff new ally. With enemies on all sides, this will be the team’s greatest challenge yet. Panelists for this part of the program include Joe Flanigan (Maj. John Sheppard), Torri Higginson (Dr. Elizabeth Weir), Rachel Luttrell (Teyla Emmagan), David Hewlett (Dr. Rodney McKay), Paul McGillion (Dr. Carson Beckett), and Jason Momoa as Ronon Dex. Ben Browder goes to SG-1 and Atlantis gets a makeover. I guess they were listening to the fans last year. I may have to cut out of this panel for the next or skip it entirely so I can get a seat at the next. 1:00-2:00 Kevin Smith—He’s baaaaaack! After a year off from Comic-Con, Kevin Smith makes his triumphant return, for the first time ever in the massive 6,500 seat Hall H arena! Plus, Richard Kelly (writer/director of Donnie Darko) will appear and will speak with Kevin. Richard will give a special presentation that will include his forthcoming movie and multi-media project. Hall H Affleck, you the bomb in "Phantoms", yo! Having never seen Kevin Smith in person, this could be a treat. 1:30-2:30 Family Guy Feature Length DVD Premiere—The rumors are true! Family Guy is back like you've never seen before . . . in an all-new, feature-length production available only on DVD September 27 from Fox Home Entertainment! In Family Guy Presents Stewie Griffin: The Untold Story!, the maniacal baby genius is distracted from his plans for world domination by a near-death experience and a time-traveling quest...to find his real father! See an exclusive sneak peek of never-before-seen footage, with a special guest appearances by executive producer David Goodman and writer Steve Callaghan (also author of Family Guy: Stewie's Guide to World Domination)! Room 20 Too many good panels in this time period! Stewie may have to be sacrificed. 2:15-3:15 Universal Presents Serenity and Slither—Fan-favorite creator Joss Whedon and cast members of Serenity return to Comic-Con a year later to show us how it all worked out! Join Joss, along with actors Nathan Fillion, Adam Baldwin, Summer Glau, Gina Torres, Sean Maher, Ron Glass, and Jewel Staite and executive producer Chris Buchanan. Ask questions, see scenes from the upcoming movie (to be released Sept. 30), and enjoy the company! Plus, get a sneak peek at Slither! A small town is taken over by an alien plague, turning residents into zombies and all forms of mutant monsters. Featuring, in person writer/director James Gunn and cast members Elizabeth Banks, Michael Rooker, Gregg Henry, and Nathan Fillion. Hall H We got a sneek peak at Serenity last year and we get the full panel this year. Firefly is being run in its entirety on Sci-Fi. 3:30-5:00 Sony Presents—An incredible event featuring 3 upcoming new films! Underworld: Evolution—Kate Beckinsale and Scott Speedman reprise their roles as Selene, the beautiful vampire heroine, and Michael, the lycan (werewolf) hybrid, in this fast-paced, modern-day tale of deadly action, ruthless intrigue, and forbidden love. The film traces the beginnings of the ancient feud between the aristocratic Death Dealers and the barbaric Lycans and takes them into the battle to end all wars as the immortals must finally face their retribution. Join Kate and Scott, director Len Wiseman, and production designer and acclaimed special effects artist Patrick Tatopoulos for a special sneak peek at this eagerly awaited second chapter in the Underworld saga! Underworld: Evolution opens January 20, 2006. Ghost Rider—In Ghost Rider, Johnny Blaze, a motorcycle stunt rider, makes a deal with the devil in order to save his father's life, only to become possessed by his demonic alter ego, Ghost Rider. As he struggles against his new persona, he must save his girlfriend and engage in a mortal battle with Mephistopheles. Ghost Rider stars Nicolas Cage, Wes Bentley, Eva Mendes, Sam Elliott, and Peter Fonda. Join us for a first look at Ghost Rider with director Mark Steven Johnson, star Eva Mendes, and Marvel's own Avi Arad in person. The Fog—In Revolution Studio's horror/thriller The Fog there really is something out there in the dark. 100 years ago, in a thick, eerie fog off the rocky coast of Northern California, a horrible shipwreck occurred under mysterious circumstances. Now, shrouded in darkness, the ghosts of the long-dead sailors have returned from their watery graves to exact their bloody, merciless revenge. Based on John Carpenter's classic 1980 film, director Rupert Wainwright (Stigmata, Wolf Lake) has been handed the reins by the master himself. The Fog stars Tom Welling (Smallville), Maggie Grace (Lost), and Selma Blair. Appearing in person will be Rupert Wainwright and Maggie Grace. Hall H More Kate Beckinsale in leather and an appearance in person by Eve Mendes, need I say anything more? I'm interested to see what the FX for Ghostrider will look like. Looks like Maggie Grace is getting more and more work since being on Lost. I first recognized her as one of the Cutter's victims on Nip/Tuck. Sunday July 17 Brunch 12:00-1:00 Threshold—Get a first look at the making of and a sneak peek presentation of Threshold, the new suspense thriller from Paramount Network Television and executive producers Brannon Braga (Star Trek), David S. Goyer (Batman Begins and Blade,) and David Heyman (Harry Potter). Panel participants include series stars Carla Gugino (Sin City), Charles S. Dutton (Roc), Brian Van Holt (House of Wax), Rob Benedict (Alias), Peter Dinklage (The Station Agent), and Brent Spiner (Star Trek: The Next Generation), and executive producers Braga, Goyer, and Heyman. Premiering in September on CBS, Threshold is a suspenseful drama about a team of experts who are assembled when the U.S. Navy makes the chilling discovery that an extraterrestrial craft has landed in the mid-Atlantic ocean. (The cast will be signing autographs from 2:30 to 4:00 in the Sails Pavilion) Room 20 There's been buzz about this next Braga project for some time. Carla Gugino might be enough for the legions of geeks to attend this panel! 1:00-2:30 The 4400— See a new episode of Paramount Network Television’s hit sci-fi series for USA Network, followed by a panel discussion with series stars Joel Gretsch (Tom Baldwin), Jacqueline McKenzie (Diana Skouris), Mahershalalhashbaz Ali (Richard Tyler), and Chad Faust (Kyle Baldwin), along with executive producers Ira Steven Behr (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine), Scott Peters (The Outer Limits), and Maira Suro (Platinum). This season of The 4400 continues exploring the travails of the 4400 people who all at once returned in a ball of light to Earth. Though the returnees have not aged physically, many reappeared with dramatic abilities ranging from enhanced reflexes to precognition. NTAC (National Threat Assessment Command) is the government agency responsible for keeping track of the returnees and investigating all things related to the 4400. (The cast will be signing autographs from 2:30 to 4:00 in the Sails Pavilion.) Room 20 I've been watching this show since the mini-series last year and enjoy it every week on my DVR. 2:30-4:30 Mars: The Future Isn’t What it Used to Be—A multimedia presentation and panel discussion of how the plans for sending humans to Mars have changed. Featuring Dr. Michael Caplinger from Malin Space Science Systems (senior scientist for the Mars Orbital Camera/Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft currently at Mars); Rick Sternbach, senior illustrator for Star Treks TNG, DS9, Voyager, and Nemesis; astronomer Rica Sirbaugh French; editor Jeff Berkwits of Amazing Stories; and Gerry Williams, publisher of the MarsMovieGuide.com. Moderator: Dave Rankin, co-founder of The Mars Society, San Diego. Room 3 I've always found how people in the past viewed the future to be interesting. 3:00-4:30 Starship Smackdown: Finale—One of Comic-Con's most beloved and popular panels, presented by CFQ magazine, is back for the last time ever! That's right, this is the final chapter in the Starship Smackdown saga in which, for the first time, the audience picks the contestants who will square off in stellar combat amongst our expert panel of expert spaceshipologists, who include Dan Vebber (American Dad), Robert Meyer Burnett (Free Enterprise), Steve Melching (The Batman), Daren Dochterman (ST: TMP Special Edition DVD), Kay Reindl (Millennium), Chris Gossett (The Red Star), and moderator Mark A. Altman. Will Kirk's Enterprise prevail over the Galactica again? Can the Serenity beat the tar out of the Millennium Falcon? Ever wonder if a Klingon D-7 battle cruiser could defeat the Heart of Gold? All infinitely improbable? If you think so, you've never been to Starship Smackdown! Room 6B The concept seems ludicrous, but which young geek never wondered if a Star Destroyer could take a Romulan War Bird? There seems so much to do at this convention that I'll decide on the fly which panels to atend. Some of the greatest fun is interacting with the comic artists and game and toy makers, especially the independents, selling their wares.