Monday, August 31, 2009
My Love For Marvel Entertainment (1976-2009)
Sometime around noon on August 31, 2009, the Marvel Universe as we know it died of a massive corporate takeover by the malignant entity known as Disney.
I don't know what you were doing when news broke of Disney buying Marvel Entertainment, but I had just finished eating some tasty leftover spaghetti that quickly became unsettled in my belly after reading the headline. Some of you probably just shrugged and went on with your somewhat satisfied lives. But if you're like me, and have "Made Yours Marvel" for decades, this comes as a kick in the groin with a 12-inch Rambo knife attached to the steel-toed Mickey shoe.
Marvel Entertainment, home to a bunch of beloved characters that finally were turning things around movie-wise, has been bought by the Mouse that hasn't turned out a universally-adored animated film from it's own studio since The Lion King. That just seems wrong on so many levels. However one looks at it, this deal will change the game for the House that Stan Lee built, and will mean different things to different people.
What the deal feels and looks like to me.
Disney buys yet another beloved property to add it to it's soulless collection. I've always felt it was a travesty that Michael Eisner, in his quest to make Disney into an even bigger corporate juggernaut, let Disney Animation atrophy to a point where it could no longer create hits from within. Sure, Eisner's way made the Mouse a whole lot of money, but it also turned Disney, in my eyes, into the douchebag rich kid who can buy anything he wants regardless of whether he deserves it, or not.
Disney, The Douchebag Rich Kid: "My movies suck now. I wanna make people love my movies again. I've got a few billion in my pocket...guess I'll buy PIXAR! Yay!!! People love MY movies again because I own PIXAR!"
"Ooh, you guys like Spidey? Well so do I. What the heck, I got a few billion in my toilet paper roll, I'll buy him and all his superhero friends. Heck, I could even get Zac Efron to play Peter Parker if that Tobey Maguire guy won't show up at my birthday party wearing the Spidey suit. I'll show that wuss who's boss just like I'll show my mother and her middle-aged botox barracudas when I buy OPRAH!"
That's how I view Disney, and that's why this deal makes me feel slimy all over.
What the deal probably means to Disney and Marvel.
Realistically, this deal should raise the profile of the Marvel Universe higher than it's ever been. Disney has been looking to target young boys for a while now (ooh, even THAT sounds creepy) to balance out it's girlie brands of Hannah Montana, High School Musical, and everything else they produce. Marvel would make a great fit in that strategy. Plus, if they leave Marvel alone to "do their thing" like they're doing with PIXAR, some interesting shows and movies could be made as a result. (Please note, I said "interesting", NOT great, or fantastic! A horrible car accident could look "interesting" as you drive past it, too, y'know.)
What the deal means to me and others of my ilk.
One of the things that I fear will happen is that the characters we Marvel fans have grown up with will be "Disneyfied" and made into these soulless corporate products. Granted, Spider-Man and his amazing friends are already corporate products, but the difference was that Marvel was sort of playing with it's own toys, and therefore took more risks with what they did with their characters. Disney's bread and butter is family entertainment, and they're going to do whatever it takes to dangle Mom and Dad from their loafers and violently shake every last penny out of them. Sure, they'll have the "edgy" types of shows and movies featuring Wolverine and the Punisher, but have you EVER truly seen an "edgy" Disney film that was aimed at anyone below 18?
We just may see a smiling Wolverine and Punisher greeting people at the Magic Kingdom alongside Goofy, and that's just wrong!
Also, like any corporate merger, this type of deal will have casualties, though they'll be in the form of Marvel characters we'll probably NEVER see again. Remember when Disney bought the Muppets years ago? WHERE THE HELL ARE THEY?!?!?!?!? I know there's a Fraggle Rock movie in the works, but I haven't seen Gonzo, Fozzie, Miss Piggy, or even Kermit that much (if at all) since THAT deal. It's almost as it Mickey has them locked away in some dungeon, probably being waterboarded as we speak by that hot-head Donald Duck.
Could this deal make Marvel movies, comics, video games, and underwear better? Anything is possible, I guess, but who the heck knows?! All I know is that Wolverine was an absolute badass, and then some douchebag rich kid bought him and put some mouse ears on him.
And you can't be a badass wearing mouse ears.
"Rambo 5" Ready tilled
Actor Sylvester Stallone certainly be back to play John Rambo, as well a dyrector Rambo 5th film, which was originally going to start work on this spring. Millennium Films has given that signal. Unfortunately, it can not determine which films will be given to the Fifth Rambo movie later.
Little leaks about a story that will be present, Rambo 5 will talk about John Rambo faces a battle of the syndicate selling human beings and drugs, to rescue a young woman who was abducted near the U.S. border-Mexico.
In a recent interview, Stallone said that preparations had begun cultivation of Rambo. Last year, the 4th Rambo film had earned an income of 42 million U.S. dollars for domestic and 113 million U.S. dollars for overseas screening.
Rambo first appeared in 1982 through First Blood. Three years later released First Blood II and in 1988 appeared Rambo III.
Ring pillow / Brooch cushion
RUN-DMC Get Their Own Street
Located on the corner of 205th Street and Hollis Avenue, the street will now be dubbed
“Run-DMC JMJ Way.” It will be in commemoration of the group's DJ, Jam Master Jay, who was murdered in Jamaica, Queens in October 2002, a case that is still unsolved.
Bad Boy 3 Is Coming!!
After two successful tries, with stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence leading the way, the "Bad Boys" film franchise is set to return with its third installment.
Columbia Pictures has hired Peter Craig to write the screenplay. However, so far, there is no promise that director Michael Bay, or stars Will Smith and Martin Lawrence will return, reports Geeks of Doom.
Right now, the plan is to get a script finished, and hopefully, it's good enough to get all the original people onboard.
Currently, everything is in the early stages.
The first two films feature Smith and Lawrence as Miami detectives Mike Lowrey and Marcus Burnett, who get caught up in high action situations, such as car chases and explosions.
The original "Bad Boys" came in 1995, and helped launch the career of Michael Bay as a director and Will Smith as an action star, despite only grossing around $66 million in the US.
Its sequel, however, fare a lot better, raking in $138 million domestically and $273 million worldwide.
According to Reuters: all parties have expressed a willingness to return if a story can be hammered out. One potential hurdle, however, would be the costly deals with the players.
WHOA! Fizz and J Boog Music Video...WTF
Ugh this song is dreadful...and their new "sound" is awfully familiar...
Chris Brown to Appear on Larry King
Here's a preview:
Sunday, August 30, 2009
NIKEBASKETBALL
Mais um site com material interessante.
http://www.nike.com/nikeos/p/nikebasketball/en_US/signature/main
MACRO Monday - Roasted Garlic
This purple garlic was roasted for some delicious tomato soup I made - a la Donna Hay! It requires a whole head of garlic roasted with about 12 vine ripened tomatoes. It is soooooo yummy!! Soooo simple :-) My favourite part is squeezing out the soft garlic into the food processor :-) mmmm gooey garlic. I hope you had a great weekend.
R.I.P. DJ AM
DJ AM, celebrity DJ known for dating Nicole Ritchie and surviving a plane crash with Travis Barker, was found dead Friday evening (Aug. 28) in his SoHo apartment. DJ AM, real name Adam Goldstein died of an apparent drug overdose.
Cops found prescription drug bottles inside DJ AM's residence at 210 Lafayette St. after the 36-year-old's lifeless body spotted face-down in his bed at around 5:23 p.m. by a friend, who was concerned he hadn't heard from the performer in several days, sources said.
Emergency medical workers responding to a 911 call from the friend declared DJ AM dead at the scene. No foul play is suspected.
DJ AM, whose real name is Adam Goldstein, had twittered recently that he had finished wrapping up an MTV reality show about drug addiction.
Prescription drugs and a crack pipe were found at the scene. Bottles of pills were found in both the bedroom and the kitchen. He was wearing sweatpants and no shirt.
(NY Post)
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Another use for crocheted circles
Friday, August 28, 2009
Deep Thoughts with "Smiling" Sean Marks
Artist Video Submission: Ten Finger Orchestra "U Wanna Be Like Me"
LEAVE FEEDBACK
The Ten Finger Orchestra - U Wanna Be Like Me
Another Jay-Z Leak: Ghetto Techno
Some artists just don't sound right on certain songs, despite the level of their talent.
Fans Reaction to Michael Vick's Eagles Debut
Don't ask me what his stats were, I didn't care to watch that long. LOL
Dream Job: The Dream Named Executive Vice President of Island Records
The-Dream announced on Twitter that he has been recruited as Executive Vice President of Island Records, replacing Christopher Hicks. "I wanna Thank everyone at Island Records/DefJam for their faith in me and making me Executive Vice President of Island Records," he wrote.
Last but not least, The-Dream thanked his family and fiancee Christina Milian. "Oh yeah thank you Christina for your wonderful belief in me i love you! also i want to thank the entire Nash family and Milian family," he revealed.
WOW! Kandi and Fantasia Booty Poppin
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Jasmine Fiore Murderer Hanged Killed Self
Master of Ceremonies 'Megan Wants a Millionare' on VH1 cable TV station was found hanging himself in the Thunderbird Motel, in Hope. His body was found by motel staff.
According to local police, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Jenkins found in the Thunderbird Hotel in Hope, Britis Columbia, Canada, as reported by TMZ, Monday (24/8/2009)
Jenkins's body was found hanging in hotel room by one of the hotel staff. He is known through his fingerprints.
Known, since August 20 and Jenkins sought police officer after his wife Jasmine Fiore is found mutilated in a suitcase in Buena Park, California August 15 last.
Perhaps this is done by Jenkins because of frustration and regret having killed his own wife.
Friday Favourites - Travel
Mehmet Okur is Becoming LeBron James
Did you notice how obvious it is that Mehmet Okur is aping LeBron's style? Here is a side-by-side comparison to elucidate the similarities:
I've connected the things that are the same with an easy-to-read color coded set of boxes and lines. Check it out.
- Same Louis Vuitton bag.
- Same creepy line beard.
- Both have electronics on their person.
- Both walking.
Pretty obvious now, isn't it? Mehmet Okur is definitely pulling a Single White Female, a documentary about people trying to be like other people. The only difference is these two people are males. And also neither is a white person (technically). But otherwise, it's the same because he's trying to look EXACTLY like him. We all know how that turned out (someone died).
I don't want to wake up some morning and read that Mehmet Okur stabbed Steven Weber with a spiked heel. Someone keep an eye on this situation.
Gov. Mark Sanford Won't Step Down...SMH
1. He denied financial resources for South Carolina, which could've provided new materials for schools and created more jobs
2. Knowing that the state has a deficit, he STILL spent state money to fly overseas and get it in with his Argentinian side piece.
3. He didn't even inform his wife and kids on his whereabouts. How inconsiderate can you be?
4. Not only was he sleeping with that chick, he fell in love with her! I thought you knew the rules of the game, playa? Come on now, everybody say it with me...
Get real, damage control isn't even an option. Unless you're gonna humble yourself for the sake of your state and take that stimulus money your job here is done.
Frankie...An OMG, WTF, LMAO, and SMH Moment
Rick Ross Movie Trailer: Chain Reaction
*NEW* Drake feat. Lil Wayne, Kanye West, and Eminem
Repensar a natação . E já agora porque não o basquetebol ?
"A Participação da equipa nacional nos Mundiais de Roma deixam um sabor amargo quanta aos resultados dos nossos nadadores. Quando a generalidade das equipas, ali presentes, alcançaram taxas de sucessos superiores a 63% Portugal apenas conseguiu um valor na ordem dos 37% 0 que é muito fraco. Importa e analisar o que poderá explicar este insucesso no final do primeiro ano deste cicio olímpico. Não estou surpreendido com as mesmas. Resultados foram demasiado fracos num contexto competitivo como aconteceu em Roma. E precise acordar e dizer que a natação nacional encontrasse em plano inclinado a caminho da maior crise que já enfrentou no seu nível qualitativo e isso quer a nível nacional quer internacional . Importa entender a razão porque a percentagem de crescimento da nossa natação é das mais baixas a nível mundial.
Vejam-se as classificações dos nossos nadadores e comparem-se com o passado. Todos nos passam. Estudem-se os sucessos do Brasil, a grande revelação nestes Mundiais, na opinião dos maiores especialistas. Dê-se um salto a Espanha para estudar como progrediram tanto. Estude-se a Irlanda que já nos ultrapassou. Analise-se pianos de preparação dos nadadores que Inglaterra publicou e cujos resultados foram observados a três anos do JO. Como recuperaram os alemães ap6s anos de maus resultados? São os países desenvolvidos que temos que estudar. Portugal nunca teve felicidade de ter Governo que tivesse competência para criar sistema de criação dos atletas de elite. Repito, a construção de elites desportivas. Fazer leis atrás de leis não significa desenvolver desporto e isto sempre foi confusão do presente Governo. A natação também está a ser vitima desta incapacidade dos sucessivos governos . É por tudo isto , e muitas mais razões, que importa repensar a natação portuguesa. E isto é urgente".
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Artist Spotlight - Maui (Charlotte, NC)
Maui is a diverse talent that is refreshing to hip hop. The NC artist has a new single out called "I'm a Ryder" that is pure heat. After his previous single, "Get Right" this follow up track continues to shed light on his potential for hip hop greatness.
Check out Maui's hit single, "Get Right" his newest, "I'm a Ryder"
Chris Brown Sentenced to 5 Years Probation
Chris Brown was formally sentenced in a Los Angeles courtroom Tuesday (August 25) stemming from his February altercation with then-girlfriend Rihanna.
The terms of the plea deal the singer agreed to last month in the case are largely the same, including 180 days of community labor work, a year of domestic-abuse counseling and five years' probation. The judge, however, did not lift the protective order issued against Brown, warning him that he must stay away from Rihanna for five years, until August 25, 2014, when his probation period is over.
Judge Patricia Schnegg then told Brown she is not one to believe hearsay, but she informed the singer she was "not immune from the chatter that has been on the airwaves" about meetings between the couple. When asked if he understood the protective order and the conditions — which require the singer to stay at least 100 yards from Rihanna or 10 yards away from her during music-industry events they both attend — Brown quietly told the judge "yes." (MTV.com)
Venus and Serena Become Part Owners of the Miami Dolphins
The Williams sisters have become the first black females to hold a limited stake in an NFL team. The league has no black majority owners. The Estefans also are the first Cuban-Americans to have a stake in an NFL team, and Anthony is a New York native of Puerto Rican descent.
But Venus and Serena seemed far more excited about becoming part owners for other reasons, namely their ties to South Florida. "We're South Florida girls," Venus said. "When we get off the road, this is where we come home to."
Serena is familiar with the NFL (for more reasons than dating former NFL players LaVar Arrington and Keyshawn Johnson), claiming to be a loyal Dolphins fan. The sisters said they have attended games and plan to be at many more whenever they aren't working.
Foxy Brown Has a New Reality Show Coming
R.I.P. Senator Ted Kennedy
The Kennedys are to politics what the Jacksons were to music; a family legacy that played a major role in growth, establishment, and substance. Sen. Ted Kennedy was the patriarch and center of his family. He will truly be missed.
Alone of the Kennedy men of his generation, he lived to comb gray hair, as the Irish poet had it. It was a blessing and a curse, as he surely knew, and assured that his defeats and human foibles as well as many triumphs played out in public at greater length than his brothers ever experienced.
He was the only Kennedy brother to run for the White House and lose. His brother John was president when he was assassinated in 1963 a few days before Thanksgiving; Robert fell to a gunman in mid-campaign five years later. An older brother, Joseph Jr., was killed piloting a plane in World War II.
Runner-up in a two-man race for the Democratic nomination in 1980, this Kennedy closed out his failed candidacy with a speech that brought tears to the eyes of many in a packed Madison Square Garden.
"For me, a few hours ago, this campaign came to an end," he said. "For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives and the dream shall never die."
He was 48, older than any of his brothers at the time of their deaths. He lived nearly three more decades, before succumbing to a brain tumor late Tuesday at age 77.
(Yahoo News)
Caron Butler, I'm Just Like You
Hey, Caron Butler, I get it. The whole "giving up pop because someone wants you to" thing. It's not very much fun is it? I mean, yeah, you sleep better. And you don't get that raw feeling in your mouth from drinking too much. But it's still definitely not the best.
I don't know about you, but I'm getting something out of it. If I don't drink pop (or eat junk food) from now until September 9th, my wife is going to buy me The Beatles: Rock Band. I'm guessing you have the same sort of deal with the Wizards, only you'll probably get several thousand dollars in a bonus. Same thing, basically.
Since I heard the news, I've been thinking a lot about how we're very similar, and it's not just the pop thing. For instance, I bet kids called you "Carry-On" because it sounded like your name. That's exactly like when I used to get called "Gay Trey." Rhyming is universal. And remember how you chew on straws (of course you do -- you're you)? I used to do that too.
Oh, and of course, there's the main similarity between our vocations. You play basketball nine months out of the year and make millions of dollars. I make less than a tenth of that sitting at a desk day in and day out. See the similarity? We're both employed in this economy. It's amazing how much the same we are.
So next time you're in Chicago to play the Bulls, give me a call. We can do something that bros like us like to do. Maybe we can go buy some things that are super expensive, or go watch the new Quentin Tarantino movie (you like him, too? I knew it!). You know, stuff for us kinda guys. We'll think of something, I'm sure. Just no pop.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Customer appreciation photos
Um site de consulta obrigatória
LeBron, Kobe, and the Battle of Asia
First, Kobe Bryant forces the Lakers to sign Sun Yue as an olive branch of sorts to the Chinese. However, because it's Kobe, there's more to the signing. He knows that adding a Chinese player to the roster increases his visability in China. Following the signing, Kobe makes Sun Yue sit next to him on every airplane and bus ride they take, even though he doesn't speak a word of Chinese.
Then, LeBron James convinces Nike to run in ad campaign in China, depicting him as the rightful heir to the throne formerly inhabited by the Bearded Man and Young Girl. As all Chinese know, these two former rulers were ousted by the Angry Man who has tyrannically ruled over China for centuries. Not until LeBron have the Chinese had a worthy adversary to Angry Man.Then, Kobe takes a tour of Asia where he promotes his super light shoe. At every turn he derides LeBron's shoe for being too clunky. The Chinese take a liking to Kobe's shoes, mostly because they look better with high-end denim. Also, they're not that upset with Angry Man, he's just misunderstood.
Angered that Kobe has usurped his throne as reigning shoe maven in China, LeBron installs a massive video screen in his house that allows him to interact with the Chinese in real time. The video screen is wired in to China's closed circuit television mainframe, which gives LeBron the ability to interrupt any program with very important news. As you can see, the Chinese are delighted.
Finally, Kobe commissions the construction of a large, friendly looking robot which has been embraced by the Chinese. Unbeknownst to them, however, the robot is programmed so that if LeBron ever interrupts a Kobe commeercial or program it will systematically destroy whichever metropolis it is near. Savvy as he is, Kobe informed LeBron of this robot's capabilities and programming, leaving the onus on LeBron to not invoke it's wrath, in essence limiting LeBron's television control.
Wendy Williams Goes In On Lil Wayne
Michael Jackson's Death Ruled As a Homicide
The Los Angeles County coroner's finding that the death of Michael Jackson was a homicide could mean criminal charges for his doctor, Dr. Conrad Murray, who told investigators that he administered a mix of powerful drugs to treat the pop star's insomnia hours before his death.
The homicide ruling was based on forensic tests that found the anesthetic propofol combined with at least two sedatives to kill Jackson, a law enforcement official told The Associated Press on Monday, speaking on condition of anonymity because the findings have not been publicly released.
While the finding does not necessarily mean a crime was committed, it means more likely that criminal charges will be filed against Dr. Conrad Murray.
Murray told investigators that at the time of the King of Pop's death, he had been trying to wean Jackson off propofol. The doctor said he'd been treating Jackson for insomnia for about six weeks with 50 milligrams of the drug every night via an intravenous drip, a search warrant affidavit said.
Murray said he feared Jackson was becoming addicted to the anesthetic, which is supposed to be used only in hospitals and other advanced medical settings.
The affidavit unsealed in Houston, where Los Angeles police took materials from one of Murray's clinics last month as part of their manslaughter investigation, includes a detailed account of what detectives say Murray told them. Manslaughter is homicide without malice or premeditation.
Murray told detectives that he had lowered the propofol dose to 25 milligrams and added the sedatives lorazepam and midazolam two days prior to Jackson's death, a combination that succeeded in helping the pop star sleep. The next day, Murray said, he cut off the propofol — and Jackson fell asleep with just the two sedatives.
But on June 25, Murray said he tried unsuccessfully to make Jackson sleep with a series of drugs that included a 10-milligram tablet of Valium and repeated injections of two milligrams of lorazepam and two milligrams of midazolam. When they didn't work, he gave in to Jackson's "repeated demands/requests" for propofol, which the singer called his "milk," according to the affidavit. Murray administered 25 milligrams of the white-colored liquid — a relatively small dose — and finally, Jackson fell asleep. Murray remained with the sedated Jackson for about 10 minutes, then left for the bathroom, the affidavit said. Less than two minutes later, Murray returned — and found Jackson had stopped breathing.
Jackson's family released a statement Monday, saying it has "full confidence" in the legal process and the efforts of investigators. It concludes: "The family looks forward to the day that justice can be served."
Plaxico Burress Explains How He Shot Himself
Monday, August 24, 2009
Stitches and Craft show
With my free tickets in hand, I went on my merry way to the Stitches and Craft show with my Mama, Auntie, and cousins! We had a great day - my favourite part was of course the Incubator! Please excuse my mobile phone photos - everyone thought the other person was bringing the good camera ;)
- Crochet Cool display - Luisa De Santi - very cool
- Yana & Gret
- Me (far right)with the lovely girls from Ink & Spindle (boy I look tired - this was only at 10am) - they are as delightful in real life as you would think