In honor of Brock Lesnar's third MMA match taking place this weekend, I thought some of you might be curious to see what his first MMA fight was like...
2008-08-04
2008-08-03
More On Manny
Man, you non-Dodger fans must be pulling your hair out reading this blog this week but... well, I can't quite help it. Like I said, there's a buzz in the air... a kind of magic surrounding the team that hasn't been felt in a long, long while.
I just can't seem to find anything else that I want to write about - not yet anyways. I'm sure it'll come and come soon but for now, it's all about Number 99.
There has been a lot written about Manny over the past few days - some of it right here on this page - but this is one of my favorite pieces.
Some highlights...
Maaannnyyy, Maaannnyyy," came the chorus, ringing through the left-field bleachers. "Maaannnyyy! Maaannnyyy!"At one point this year, a very wise man repeatedly said about his favorite basketball team - "You've gotta believe."
Manny Ramirez, No. 99 in his baggy Dodgers uniform, stood at the plate.
A pitch came.
He swung.
Thwap!
The ball lofted from his bat and traced a smooth arc in the sky, heading directly for the patch of seats where I happened to be sitting with a group of the Dodgers' most rambunctious fans. When it landed just feet from us -- Ramirez's first Dodgers homer -- the bleachers shook with euphoria.
"Maaannnyyy! Maaannnyyy! Maaannnyyy!"
Helping lead the chorus was Gabriel Ruiz, a 25-year-old from South L.A. who is also a left-field, cheap-seats lifer, on hand for every game he can possibly make.
...
Sitting on splintered seats, Ruiz and his fellow Dodgers loyalist Renato Casas told me Saturday night they feel like they've died and gone to heaven.
"Surprised isn't the right word, really," said Casas, leaning in to speak to me just after the beginning of the game, which turned out to be a 4-2 Dodgers win. "More like, I just couldn't believe it. I thought I was dreaming."
"I mean, we're talking Manny Ramirez," Ruiz added, tugging his Dodgers cap. "Manny Ramirez? He's the best hitter in baseball. It's that simple. . . . Trust me, one man can make a difference."
...
I hated to be a killjoy but amid all of this positivity, all this belief, I spoke of my skepticism. It's hard for me to imagine this team getting much better just because it now has a left fielder who trudged to Hollywood with a shaky glove, a .299 batting average and 20 home runs this year, even if he is a lock for the Hall of Fame. Ramirez, 36, isn't exactly in his prime, I reminded.
No way, you gotta keep the faith, Ruiz told me. I noticed that he was also the only person in the stands wearing an Andruw Jones jersey.
"One man can make a difference," said Ruiz, who often sits in the stands with a blue Mohawk skullcap perched on his head. "You gotta believe."
...
Look, I said, this is the ultimate .500 team, a group of underachievers whose slogan should be "wait till next year."
They eyed me like I was either nuts, or simply a Giants fan about to get mauled.
This is the year, they vowed. This is the year.
We laughed together. We turned to the green field and the large crowd. Ramirez was up. He walked to the plate, swung, and the ball he struck popped off his bat as if shot from a bazooka, landing just a few rows from us.
When the chorus of cheers and the high-fives died down, Ruiz spoke up.
"You see?" he said. "One man can make a difference!"
Caught up in a great moment, I found myself agreeing. Sometimes it's good to be among the true fans, and to believe like they do.
Well, that one didn't turn out so well in the end, I suppose...
But the believing never ends.
One man can make a difference. If you don't believe it, give Kirk Gibson a call.
2008-08-02
Manny Is Very, Very Happy To Be Here - Just Hopes He Can Help The Ballclub
It is Day Two of the Manny Era in Los Angeles and things are developing nicely.
He had his first homerun as a Dodger tonight, something that contributed to a big win over the first place Diamondbacks and earned him a curtain call from the fans.
Tickets are selling like crazy. They sold something like 11,000 tix for Friday's game between 1 PM Thursday when the trade was announced and 4 PM Friday. They also sold a few hundred season tickets - all for a player the Dodgers aren't even paying this season.
There's a definite buzz in the air that hasn't surrounded the Dodgers in a long, long while. When I went to lunch on Friday afternoon, ESPN was discussing the deal at length - for basically an entire show. I can't remember the last time that happened.
To drop the cherry on top, Manny apparently announced to the world that he's so happy in LA that he hopes to retire as a Dodger. Now, one can never tell if that's just "Manny being Manny" but on Day Two of the Manny Era, the fans seem like they would agree with him.
Of course, there's an odd man out at the moment named Andre Ethier who has spent two days on the bench despite playing so well this season. Here's hoping they can get Andruw Jones or Juan Pierre out of town on a waiver deal to clear the logjam a bit because Andre definitely deserves to be playing right now.
But for now, the Manny Era is in full effect and everything is sunshine and roses.
Check back later to see if it stays that way.
2008-08-01
There's Magic In The Stars
Somehow the sun seems to be shining just a little brighter on this early August morning.
Oh, by the way, Dodger fans? Clear your calendars for October.
2008-07-31
Deadline Watch: The Final Day
Just got my Internet connection back up this morning so I thought I'd dig through the MLB Trade Rumors and spit out some random commentary on what I see:
Couple Of Teams In On Dunn
I'm surprised it's taken this long. With Dunn, you get a powerful corner outfielder that are always in high demand. The problem is - he either strikes out, walks, or homers. But the power upside is so large, you would think people would be lining up to discuss him.
Giants Like Beltre
That's an interesting one. Apparently the Giants believe he'd thrive back in the NL West. It's hard to say as he bailed out after his one excellent season in the NL West. There were some rumors before the Blake deal that the Dodgers were looking at him. I never really expected that go anywhere though - apparently Beltre has the Dodgers on his "no trade" list. How's that for gratitude?
Rhodes To Marlins?
It amazes me how valuable aging relievers become this time of year. A team with a bushel of them that's not a contender could make out like a banshee right now.
Brian Roberts Not Available
Interesting. Perhaps my favorite rumor of this mid-season hot stove was the Dodgers looking at Roberts with the intent of making Kent a pinch hitter and occasional first baseman for the rest of the season before he either retires or moves on. I'm personally of the opinion that Kent is a big reason for the uncomfortable chemistry on our team and the Dodgers will take a big step up when he's gone.
Dunn Rumors
So, the D-Backs offered up Chad Tracy for Dunn. That had to be a tough one for the Reds to turn down. The Rays are apparently in as well.
Sox In On Street
The White Sox have thrown their name in the mix for Huston Street. It seems like almost every team in the league has been in on Street at some point over the past few weeks.
Maddux Watch
Talks have stalled between the Pads and the Dodgers over Maddux. Apparently, the Dodgers (thankfully) realized they have all the leverage in these negotiations and aren't giving in. There's speculation this may spill over into August for a waiver deal.
JUNIOR!
Ken Griffey Jr. dealt to the White Sox. Well, that makes the Dunn rumors make a lot of sense now as the Reds have moved into a rebuild mode. It's a shame that Junior didn't end up back in Seattle like he wanted though. He's always seemed like a real good guy so best of luck to him.
Manny To Florida?
Rumors persist on this three-way deal between the Marlins/Red Sox/Pirates. Does anyone actually believe that the Marlins would keep Manny? This is just like the Piazza deal all over again.
Couple Of Teams In On Dunn
I'm surprised it's taken this long. With Dunn, you get a powerful corner outfielder that are always in high demand. The problem is - he either strikes out, walks, or homers. But the power upside is so large, you would think people would be lining up to discuss him.
Giants Like Beltre
That's an interesting one. Apparently the Giants believe he'd thrive back in the NL West. It's hard to say as he bailed out after his one excellent season in the NL West. There were some rumors before the Blake deal that the Dodgers were looking at him. I never really expected that go anywhere though - apparently Beltre has the Dodgers on his "no trade" list. How's that for gratitude?
Rhodes To Marlins?
It amazes me how valuable aging relievers become this time of year. A team with a bushel of them that's not a contender could make out like a banshee right now.
Brian Roberts Not Available
Interesting. Perhaps my favorite rumor of this mid-season hot stove was the Dodgers looking at Roberts with the intent of making Kent a pinch hitter and occasional first baseman for the rest of the season before he either retires or moves on. I'm personally of the opinion that Kent is a big reason for the uncomfortable chemistry on our team and the Dodgers will take a big step up when he's gone.
Dunn Rumors
So, the D-Backs offered up Chad Tracy for Dunn. That had to be a tough one for the Reds to turn down. The Rays are apparently in as well.
Sox In On Street
The White Sox have thrown their name in the mix for Huston Street. It seems like almost every team in the league has been in on Street at some point over the past few weeks.
Maddux Watch
Talks have stalled between the Pads and the Dodgers over Maddux. Apparently, the Dodgers (thankfully) realized they have all the leverage in these negotiations and aren't giving in. There's speculation this may spill over into August for a waiver deal.
JUNIOR!
Ken Griffey Jr. dealt to the White Sox. Well, that makes the Dunn rumors make a lot of sense now as the Reds have moved into a rebuild mode. It's a shame that Junior didn't end up back in Seattle like he wanted though. He's always seemed like a real good guy so best of luck to him.
Manny To Florida?
Rumors persist on this three-way deal between the Marlins/Red Sox/Pirates. Does anyone actually believe that the Marlins would keep Manny? This is just like the Piazza deal all over again.
2008-07-30
Deadline Watch
My mobile Google Reader showed a bit about the Dodgers having interest in Greg Maddux.
I support this deal if the price is right - and it should be considering how badly the Pads want to move him and LA is one of the only places he'll go.
At worst, you get an extra pitching coach for two months and I can think of far worse things than Clayton Kershaw and Chad Billingsley hanging around a future HOFer for 60 days. At best, you add a solid starter to a rotation that has looked shaky as of late.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
2008-07-29
Uh Oh
With Ned Coletti's job in jeopardy, many Dodgers fans have been holding their breath over the past few weeks as trade rumors swirled. There was a narrow aversion of disaster when Frank McCourt put the kibosh on a rumored CC Sabathia deal that would have lost Matt Kemp for the team - a deal I wouldn't find worth the cost.
But when Casey Blake was acquired this week for a relatively low cost, many Dodger fans breathed a sigh of relief, thinking this trade deadline would pass without any more frightening moments.
Hold on tight, Dodger fans.
From Jon Heyman at SI:
The Dodgers are one of a few teams showing interest in embattled superstar Manny Ramirez and are currently in discussions with the Red Sox, SI.com has learned.
However the talks are said to be in the very early stages, and there are numerous complications and hurdles to clear for a Dodgers deal to get done. People familiar with the talks say it is too early to gauge the chances for a trade.
Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, a Bostonian, is believed to love the idea of adding Ramirez to bolster the Dodgers' mediocre offense. However, McCourt, whose team has previously acquired or signed ex-Red Sox Nomar Garciaparra, Derek Lowe, Bill Mueller and manager Grady Little under his stewardship, has been telling Dodgers people he doesn't want to add payroll during this trading season, and has been openly complaining about disappointing attendance and revenues. Ramirez is making $20 million this year.
...
Dodgers players likely to interest the Red Sox would include young outfielders Matt Kemp and perhaps Andre Ethier. The Dodgers have a deep reservoir of young talent.
...
While Ramirez has announced that he badly wants out of Boston, it is believed he'd want an acquiring team to waive the $20-million team option for 2009 so he can become a free agent.
Lots of red flags there. First off, there is no chance I trade Matt Kemp or Andre Ethier in this deal - especially if Manny insists on that team option being waived. Even if he doesn't, Kemp's off-limits and Ethier is right there with him. If the Sox were willing to take one of the Dodgers' bad contracts back [either Jones, Schmidt, or Pierre] I'd consider putting Ethier in the deal very reluctantly.
This one really concerns me because we all know McCourt's weakness for BoSox players. I'd love to see Manny in Dodger Blue but only at the right price. If you can't keep him or get him on the cheap, let him become a free agent and revisit it then.
But when Casey Blake was acquired this week for a relatively low cost, many Dodger fans breathed a sigh of relief, thinking this trade deadline would pass without any more frightening moments.
Hold on tight, Dodger fans.
From Jon Heyman at SI:
The Dodgers are one of a few teams showing interest in embattled superstar Manny Ramirez and are currently in discussions with the Red Sox, SI.com has learned.
However the talks are said to be in the very early stages, and there are numerous complications and hurdles to clear for a Dodgers deal to get done. People familiar with the talks say it is too early to gauge the chances for a trade.
Dodgers owner Frank McCourt, a Bostonian, is believed to love the idea of adding Ramirez to bolster the Dodgers' mediocre offense. However, McCourt, whose team has previously acquired or signed ex-Red Sox Nomar Garciaparra, Derek Lowe, Bill Mueller and manager Grady Little under his stewardship, has been telling Dodgers people he doesn't want to add payroll during this trading season, and has been openly complaining about disappointing attendance and revenues. Ramirez is making $20 million this year.
...
Dodgers players likely to interest the Red Sox would include young outfielders Matt Kemp and perhaps Andre Ethier. The Dodgers have a deep reservoir of young talent.
...
While Ramirez has announced that he badly wants out of Boston, it is believed he'd want an acquiring team to waive the $20-million team option for 2009 so he can become a free agent.
Lots of red flags there. First off, there is no chance I trade Matt Kemp or Andre Ethier in this deal - especially if Manny insists on that team option being waived. Even if he doesn't, Kemp's off-limits and Ethier is right there with him. If the Sox were willing to take one of the Dodgers' bad contracts back [either Jones, Schmidt, or Pierre] I'd consider putting Ethier in the deal very reluctantly.
This one really concerns me because we all know McCourt's weakness for BoSox players. I'd love to see Manny in Dodger Blue but only at the right price. If you can't keep him or get him on the cheap, let him become a free agent and revisit it then.
Life Imitates Art
Well, that was bizarre.
I was watching Ocean's 13 a little while ago and it had gotten to the part where they simulate the earthquake in the hotel to get everyone to leave. I got up from the couch to grab my lunch...
...and the room starts shaking. How fucking weird is that?
Looks like a 5.6 earthquake centered about 20 miles north of here.
It was a good-sized one. Shook for quite a while, made the apartment sway a bit, knocked over a few things. There was a tiny aftershock a short while after that as well - apparently a 3.8. The guy on the news just said there's a "one in twenty percent" chance that it's a foreshock. I don't understand that math. Must be some of that "new math" stuff.
I was watching Ocean's 13 a little while ago and it had gotten to the part where they simulate the earthquake in the hotel to get everyone to leave. I got up from the couch to grab my lunch...
...and the room starts shaking. How fucking weird is that?
Looks like a 5.6 earthquake centered about 20 miles north of here.
It was a good-sized one. Shook for quite a while, made the apartment sway a bit, knocked over a few things. There was a tiny aftershock a short while after that as well - apparently a 3.8. The guy on the news just said there's a "one in twenty percent" chance that it's a foreshock. I don't understand that math. Must be some of that "new math" stuff.
And I Can't Even Get An Interview
I'm enjoying a day off today so you may see a scattering of really random posts from me today as things pop into my mind.
Kicking it off is one of the weirder pieces of news I've seen in some time as the WWE has hired a new member to their creative team...
That's right. The former king of teen comedies has "earned" a slot in the madness of the WWE writers room. Early estimates put his over/under at one month before he caves under the demands of travel, politics, and a psychotic but brilliant boss.
Yep. Freddie Prinze Jr. will help shape the future of the WWE...
...and I can't even get an interview.
The world trickles one step closer to collapsing upon itself.
Kicking it off is one of the weirder pieces of news I've seen in some time as the WWE has hired a new member to their creative team...
That's right. The former king of teen comedies has "earned" a slot in the madness of the WWE writers room. Early estimates put his over/under at one month before he caves under the demands of travel, politics, and a psychotic but brilliant boss.
Yep. Freddie Prinze Jr. will help shape the future of the WWE...
...and I can't even get an interview.
The world trickles one step closer to collapsing upon itself.
2008-07-28
Manny Watch
As the favorite MLB player that I met on my wedding day, Manny Ramirez holds a special place of interest to me. So, hearing that he was back on the trading block piqued my GM instincts.
As I thought about it, there seemed to be only one fair trade scenario.
The Red Sox send Manny Ramirez to the Dodgers in exchange for...
Andruw Jones.
That's obvious, right? The Sox need an OF in return - one with the potential to be awesome. Obviously, Andruw hasn't been that great this year but... well, yeah. You want to get rid of a problem, you probably have to take one back.
But I'll sweeten the pot for you.
I'll toss in longtime Boston fan favorite, Nomar Garciaparra.
Deal?
As I thought about it, there seemed to be only one fair trade scenario.
The Red Sox send Manny Ramirez to the Dodgers in exchange for...
Andruw Jones.
That's obvious, right? The Sox need an OF in return - one with the potential to be awesome. Obviously, Andruw hasn't been that great this year but... well, yeah. You want to get rid of a problem, you probably have to take one back.
But I'll sweeten the pot for you.
I'll toss in longtime Boston fan favorite, Nomar Garciaparra.
Deal?
Screenplay Update
For those of you who care, you'll be pleased to know that the final draft of my first screenplay was completed yesterday. As of last night, I now officially have my first screenplay registered with the Writers Guild of America - which is a far cry from being a WGA member but hey, it's a step, right?
So, in the coming days, I'll be submitting the screenplay to a competition that could prove quite profitable.
Updates to come as I have them.
And now?
Time to start a second one!
So, in the coming days, I'll be submitting the screenplay to a competition that could prove quite profitable.
Updates to come as I have them.
And now?
Time to start a second one!
2008-07-27
"Dick, to the Batpole!"
Fans of this blog know that I have absolutely no qualms with kicking our President when he's down - although I do have a little concern that publishing something calling Bush a coke addict might get me on some kind of FBI watchlist.
If we lose the ability to see in our mind's eye a giant "KAPOW!" when Bush speaks, the terrorists win.
If we lose the ability to see in our mind's eye a giant "KAPOW!" when Bush speaks, the terrorists win.
2008-07-26
2008-07-25
Top Five Friday: The Rogues Gallery
If you haven't seen The Dark Knight yet, go away.
Not because I don't want to spoil anything for you [but I'll be doing that too] but honestly, if you haven't seen TDK yet, I may just not want to know you anymore! It is, without a doubt, the best film I've seen this year. Period. Not superhero flick. Not summer flick. Not action flick.
The best movie I've seen this year.
With that in mind, with the death of Heath Ledger and the... well, with Two-Face apparently out of the picture, the talk of all Bat-flick fans over the past week has been just who could step in for a third film and not embarrass themselves after the amazing double performance we just saw.
THE TOP FIVE VILLAINS WHO SHOULD STEP FRONT AND CENTER IN BAT 3!
Some groundrules.
1. We will not use any villain who was already in Begins or TDK. No Scarecrow, No Ra's, No Joker, No Two-Face. Unfortunately, this also takes Mr. Zsasz out of the equation.
2. We will attempt to keep the villains grounded in the very real world that Christopher Nolan has created for our Batman. This prevents "quirky" characters like Clayface or Killer Croc. I'm of the opinion this also removes Mr. Freeze as an option.
The candidates:
5. Talia al Ghul
The daughter of Ra's. If we operate under the theory that Ra's actually died in Begins, Talia would have plenty of reasons for coming after Bruce and Batman. She can bring the League of Shadows with her or she could bring her own group of evil henchmen - maybe using some of the Bat second tier villains like Firefly. Of course, you could also play off the story used in the comics where Talia and Bruce fall in love. And if Ra's is actually alive? Batten down the hatches!
4. Catwoman
The big strike against this one is that the Halle Berry flick is probably too fresh in people's minds. Also, there seems to be a reluctance to make Catwoman a true villain - in both the comics and the movies these days. Both could cause a problem. But I think a story where Bats falls for her but she's still evil as fuck would be fun to see. Oh, and the rumors that the studio thinks Jolie as Catwoman is the answer better be false. Despite how scorching hot she'd be in costume, I don't think she has the acting chops to hang with that cast.
3. The Riddler
The Riddler is a tough one because no one wants to see a "funny" villain in this Bat universe and I'm just not sure how dark you can make the Riddler. Even in the comics, he's always kinda treated as a joke. But he is a "big name" recognizable Bat villain which is something that always is useful. It would be a very fine line to walk though to make him not just appear as a Joker ripoff. I'd suggest giving him the goal of figuring out who Batman is and then holding that information over his head - yep, kinda like Forever but not as cartoon-like. Trying to make him a homicidal maniac just won't work.
2. Bane
The first two Bat flicks have been very clear about the problem of organized crime and drugs in Gotham City. So, why not bring in a Latin America crime boss who is a bit too hooked on his own product - a super-steroid called Venom? We've seen Batman battle people who were on his level psychologically but we haven't seen someone dominate him physically yet. While I'd love to see the Knightfall story play out on the big screen, I don't think it'll ever happen so I'd settle for Bane kicking the crap out of Bats early and Batman having to struggle his way back to full strength. Maybe a Talia/Bane combo movie where Bats goes to Talia for help in getting back in shape to fight Bane? Maybe have Bruce indulge in a little Venom of his own to get to even footing and have to fight the addiction? Lots of options here.
1. The Penguin
The Penguin is generally written as a major crime boss so he could be the guy to come in and fill the power vacuum after the Joker has ruined all the crime families in Gotham. No nefarious motives here. He doesn't want to rule the world. He doesn't want to own Batman's mind. He just wants money and lots of it. Hrrm. I really can't think of a captivating story for Penguin right now. He just seemed like the obvious #1 to slot in here.
Not because I don't want to spoil anything for you [but I'll be doing that too] but honestly, if you haven't seen TDK yet, I may just not want to know you anymore! It is, without a doubt, the best film I've seen this year. Period. Not superhero flick. Not summer flick. Not action flick.
The best movie I've seen this year.
With that in mind, with the death of Heath Ledger and the... well, with Two-Face apparently out of the picture, the talk of all Bat-flick fans over the past week has been just who could step in for a third film and not embarrass themselves after the amazing double performance we just saw.
THE TOP FIVE VILLAINS WHO SHOULD STEP FRONT AND CENTER IN BAT 3!
Some groundrules.
1. We will not use any villain who was already in Begins or TDK. No Scarecrow, No Ra's, No Joker, No Two-Face. Unfortunately, this also takes Mr. Zsasz out of the equation.
2. We will attempt to keep the villains grounded in the very real world that Christopher Nolan has created for our Batman. This prevents "quirky" characters like Clayface or Killer Croc. I'm of the opinion this also removes Mr. Freeze as an option.
The candidates:
5. Talia al Ghul
The daughter of Ra's. If we operate under the theory that Ra's actually died in Begins, Talia would have plenty of reasons for coming after Bruce and Batman. She can bring the League of Shadows with her or she could bring her own group of evil henchmen - maybe using some of the Bat second tier villains like Firefly. Of course, you could also play off the story used in the comics where Talia and Bruce fall in love. And if Ra's is actually alive? Batten down the hatches!
4. Catwoman
The big strike against this one is that the Halle Berry flick is probably too fresh in people's minds. Also, there seems to be a reluctance to make Catwoman a true villain - in both the comics and the movies these days. Both could cause a problem. But I think a story where Bats falls for her but she's still evil as fuck would be fun to see. Oh, and the rumors that the studio thinks Jolie as Catwoman is the answer better be false. Despite how scorching hot she'd be in costume, I don't think she has the acting chops to hang with that cast.
3. The Riddler
The Riddler is a tough one because no one wants to see a "funny" villain in this Bat universe and I'm just not sure how dark you can make the Riddler. Even in the comics, he's always kinda treated as a joke. But he is a "big name" recognizable Bat villain which is something that always is useful. It would be a very fine line to walk though to make him not just appear as a Joker ripoff. I'd suggest giving him the goal of figuring out who Batman is and then holding that information over his head - yep, kinda like Forever but not as cartoon-like. Trying to make him a homicidal maniac just won't work.
2. Bane
The first two Bat flicks have been very clear about the problem of organized crime and drugs in Gotham City. So, why not bring in a Latin America crime boss who is a bit too hooked on his own product - a super-steroid called Venom? We've seen Batman battle people who were on his level psychologically but we haven't seen someone dominate him physically yet. While I'd love to see the Knightfall story play out on the big screen, I don't think it'll ever happen so I'd settle for Bane kicking the crap out of Bats early and Batman having to struggle his way back to full strength. Maybe a Talia/Bane combo movie where Bats goes to Talia for help in getting back in shape to fight Bane? Maybe have Bruce indulge in a little Venom of his own to get to even footing and have to fight the addiction? Lots of options here.
1. The Penguin
The Penguin is generally written as a major crime boss so he could be the guy to come in and fill the power vacuum after the Joker has ruined all the crime families in Gotham. No nefarious motives here. He doesn't want to rule the world. He doesn't want to own Batman's mind. He just wants money and lots of it. Hrrm. I really can't think of a captivating story for Penguin right now. He just seemed like the obvious #1 to slot in here.
2008-07-24
I Don't Know If I Should Laugh Or Cry
I've always had a fondness for amusement parks. In recent years, it has pretty much been limited to the Disney parks but from my youth, I have many fond memories of Universal, Sea World, Knotts, and Magic Mountain. I always find to be sad news when a park struggles or even worse, actually shuts down.
So, I found this site to be especially disappointing. Take a look.
Here's a sneak peek...
So, I found this site to be especially disappointing. Take a look.
Here's a sneak peek...
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
This may be well-known news to everyone else but I just discovered it and it made me feel pretty sick.
Apparently, AC/DC is releasing a new studio album in the fall. Hoo rah, right?
Wrong.
Said album is going to be released exclusively through Wal-Mart stores.
Wal-Mart.
The evil Satan of corporate retail itself. The store that makes me feel dirty when I walk into it. The store that ran out countless mom and pop stores nationwide to homogenize retail in every suburban shopping center. You know all that jazz that people say when they demonize Wal-Mart - insert that shit right here.
But seriously, Wal-Mart?
How does a band widely considered a pioneer in hard rock and heavy metal end up being owned like that?
How does a band who had their first lead singer drop dead after a night of heavy alcohol drinking end up in the stores that censor every album that comes onto their shelves?
Now THIS is the definitive example of a band selling out - and I absolutely abhor that term but I can't think of any better description of this story.
Shed a tear today, loyal readers, because rock and roll just died a little bit.
Apparently, AC/DC is releasing a new studio album in the fall. Hoo rah, right?
Wrong.
Said album is going to be released exclusively through Wal-Mart stores.
Wal-Mart.
The evil Satan of corporate retail itself. The store that makes me feel dirty when I walk into it. The store that ran out countless mom and pop stores nationwide to homogenize retail in every suburban shopping center. You know all that jazz that people say when they demonize Wal-Mart - insert that shit right here.
But seriously, Wal-Mart?
How does a band widely considered a pioneer in hard rock and heavy metal end up being owned like that?
How does a band who had their first lead singer drop dead after a night of heavy alcohol drinking end up in the stores that censor every album that comes onto their shelves?
Now THIS is the definitive example of a band selling out - and I absolutely abhor that term but I can't think of any better description of this story.
Shed a tear today, loyal readers, because rock and roll just died a little bit.
2008-07-23
The Sun'll Come Out Tomorrow
Even on a far too early morning when I'm getting ready to go open the store after a far too late night when I closed [and went in on my day off no less which prompted endless Clerks "I'm not even supposed to be here today!" moments]... there are things that can brighten my spirits.
This would be one of them.
Seth Green is making a sequel to his Emmy-nominated “Robot Chicken: Star Wars,” and it hits the Cartoon Network Nov. 16.
As for the creative direction in the sequel, "we decided to focus on the bounty hunters a bit and explore their stories," "Robot Chicken" co-creator Matt Senreich said.
As the far superior winner of last year's Family Guy/Robot Chicken Star Wars parody shows, I'm looking forward to Seth Green and company beating the everloving fuck out of those Family Guy people again.
And on a side note, as a non-Family Guy watcher, don't you hate all those people who run around quoting Family Guy and praising it as the greatest thing since the invention of the iPod.
Yeah, me too.
Oh, Comic-Con Preview Night is tonight - and I won't be there.
just rub it in, world! Rub it in!
Oh well. At least I didn't hit my head on a glass wall, right?
This would be one of them.
Seth Green is making a sequel to his Emmy-nominated “Robot Chicken: Star Wars,” and it hits the Cartoon Network Nov. 16.
As for the creative direction in the sequel, "we decided to focus on the bounty hunters a bit and explore their stories," "Robot Chicken" co-creator Matt Senreich said.
As the far superior winner of last year's Family Guy/Robot Chicken Star Wars parody shows, I'm looking forward to Seth Green and company beating the everloving fuck out of those Family Guy people again.
And on a side note, as a non-Family Guy watcher, don't you hate all those people who run around quoting Family Guy and praising it as the greatest thing since the invention of the iPod.
Yeah, me too.
Oh, Comic-Con Preview Night is tonight - and I won't be there.
just rub it in, world! Rub it in!
Oh well. At least I didn't hit my head on a glass wall, right?
2008-07-22
I'd Buy That For A Dollar
This little tidbit snuck by the radar a few days ago.
Here are the highlights for those who don't care to click the link:
-- The hotly-rumored Robocop "relaunch" is actually a sequel set twenty years following the termination of the original Robocop program.
-- Darren Aronofsky is set to direct
-- The series would move in setting from Detroit to Los Angeles.
I don't know about all y'all but I'm pretty excited about this idea. I think it's got loads of potential and is much better than the rumored relaunch. Everyone's got too fond of memories of the original Robocop for someone to fuck with it so a "relaunch" is the best option for everyone.
In other words, this went from a "Ugh, fuck me in the ear" to a "Hey, that might be fun" on my list of upcoming motion pictures.
Think it over, creep.
Here are the highlights for those who don't care to click the link:
-- The hotly-rumored Robocop "relaunch" is actually a sequel set twenty years following the termination of the original Robocop program.
-- Darren Aronofsky is set to direct
-- The series would move in setting from Detroit to Los Angeles.
I don't know about all y'all but I'm pretty excited about this idea. I think it's got loads of potential and is much better than the rumored relaunch. Everyone's got too fond of memories of the original Robocop for someone to fuck with it so a "relaunch" is the best option for everyone.
In other words, this went from a "Ugh, fuck me in the ear" to a "Hey, that might be fun" on my list of upcoming motion pictures.
Think it over, creep.
2008-07-21
Holy Bat Artwork!
I love finding stuff like this on days when I'm exhausted and can't think straight to post. Beautiful artwork is here!
2008-07-20
These Words Are My Own
I saw The Dark Knight last night. I plan on doing a full review in a few days but until then, there's only three words needed to describe it.
HO. LEE. SHIT!
Easily my favorite movie of the year and I can't wait to see it in IMAX.
I saw the Anderson Silva fight last night.
HO. LEE. SHIT!
The man is so much fun to watch. Now I know what Tyson fans during his streak of quick KOs felt like. Easily my favorite MMA fighter to watch right now.
The Dodgers are back in a tie for first place after scoring five runs in the ninth to win today. Wait. The Dodgers scored 5 in the ninth? My Dodgers? The ones who've been 0 for infinity with RISP most of the year?
HO. LEE. SHIT!
Taking 2 of 3 from the first place team is an awesome way to start the second half. Let's hope they can keep things going.
Fedor puts his name back in the debate of the best fighter in the world with a 36 second demolition of former two-time UFC champ Tim Sylvia.
HO. LEE. SHIT!
The man is no mere mortal. He was sent back in time by John Conner to dominate the world of MMA with his cybernetic strength and Skynet-influenced mind and skillz.
Shannon Doherty's back for the new 90210!
HO. LEE. SHIT!
Well, okay, that's not as exciting as the rest but I wanted a nice even five. And it IS pretty exciting, right? Oh, come on. You know you're gonna watch it. Even if it's because it has the chance to be so bad it's good.
HO. LEE. SHIT!
Easily my favorite movie of the year and I can't wait to see it in IMAX.
I saw the Anderson Silva fight last night.
HO. LEE. SHIT!
The man is so much fun to watch. Now I know what Tyson fans during his streak of quick KOs felt like. Easily my favorite MMA fighter to watch right now.
The Dodgers are back in a tie for first place after scoring five runs in the ninth to win today. Wait. The Dodgers scored 5 in the ninth? My Dodgers? The ones who've been 0 for infinity with RISP most of the year?
HO. LEE. SHIT!
Taking 2 of 3 from the first place team is an awesome way to start the second half. Let's hope they can keep things going.
Fedor puts his name back in the debate of the best fighter in the world with a 36 second demolition of former two-time UFC champ Tim Sylvia.
HO. LEE. SHIT!
The man is no mere mortal. He was sent back in time by John Conner to dominate the world of MMA with his cybernetic strength and Skynet-influenced mind and skillz.
Shannon Doherty's back for the new 90210!
HO. LEE. SHIT!
Well, okay, that's not as exciting as the rest but I wanted a nice even five. And it IS pretty exciting, right? Oh, come on. You know you're gonna watch it. Even if it's because it has the chance to be so bad it's good.
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