Who is Bombshell McGee?

I personally don't care about the rumors or scandal surrounding this woman. I believe strongly in the fact that whatever did or did not happen to Sandra Bullock's marriage is a personal matter and they shoudl be left alone.

Seperate of that I was interested in what this reportedly tattoed woman and fetish model looked like. Does she deserve the name 'Bombshell'? How good is her modeling?

Well there isn't much to go on. The best I could find was this video



Honestly not nearly as interesting as the name implies. I'm bored with this, and I have to ask - Now that you know who this woman is (and even if you didn't), what difference in your life does the scandal make?

Jeff Bridges is NOT John Wayne

They just had to do it. They just couldn't leave it alone. Hollywood is going for broke and about to ruin a great film because someone thinks they can do it better than the original.

It's a trip on the revisionist wave that is modern Hollywood. This time around we are going to be treated to a "new" look at John Wayne's oscar winning performance in True Grit. Likely the film is being redone because most younger movie audiences have never seen the original, which fans of Wayne love. You can include me in the latter.

The original film was released in 1969, based on the novel of the same name from 1968. It featured Wayne, Glen Campbell, and Kim Darby. The basic premise goes, a drifter kills a father in the old 1880 west. His daughter goes to hire a marshal to gain revenge by bringing the man to justice (a trial). The daughter is highly religious and very sheltered. She also is stubborn.

She hires a notorious Marshal by the name of Rooster Cogburn (John Wayne), known for catching criminals as often as killing them. Along the way they meet up with a Texas Ranger after the same man (and the reward for him).

In attempting to capture the fugitive, who has joined a vicious band of outlaws, Maggie learns the meaning of 'true grit' and comes to respect Cogburn despite his flaws (an alcoholic and constant use of profanity).

It's a good film, the following video clip may give you an idea of how the film went. (Yes, that is a very young Robert Duvall)


But the new version, set to come out in December of 2010, won't be the same story. This time the story will be from the view of Maggie. It will depict a far different view of Cogburn (as played by Jeff Bridges) and the Ranger (to be Matt Damon). It will seek to convey a moral message, and be far more funny at points.

In essence it will ruin the film. Because Bridges is a good actor, but he does not convey the charisma or character of Wayne. Nor does he resemble an image of a world-weary wilderness hardened cowboy.

The same can be said of Matt Damon. he can do action, and drama. He is talented. But he does not convey an image of the old west. Perhaps makeup and the proper scenery can change that view. But I doubt it.

The bottom line is why are they remaking the film? Why must modern directors and movie studios insist on trying to remake classics with the thought that they can do it better? Because they never do. Not in the revisioned Psycho, or Halloween, or Hills Have Eyes, or Speed Racer, or I Am Legened, or Pink Panther, ect. Perhaps lighting strikes once in every 100 tries, like with The Fly, but it is so rare as to not be worth the attempt.

Classics aren't there to be "improved upon". Let's just enjoy them for what they are.

5 black piano keys, a rich history and sound

A friends sent me a link that I found really remarkable, and I want to share it with you.

The thing about the video you will see (which I first viewed at http://pjcockrell.wordpress.com/2007/11/22/amazing-grace-just-the-black-notes) is that I doubt most are aware of spiritual songs created by African Americans during and after Slavery in the U.S. Sure many have heard of these songs, especially those in the South or the highly religious (and occassionally a movie or 2), but I doubt that most can name the songs let alone their composers. Or that White spiritual songs were based on the same style as the 'negro' spirituals.

Even sadder is the thought that I am sure that not one classroom outside of the few college courses on the subject ever discuss any aspect of the 5 black notes, pentatonic scale or 'slave scale'. Never once in a history class, not once in a history book, is there mention of the musical abilities of slaves - nor more importantly any other achievement of African Americans until well into the 20th Century. Yet reality differs from history in that there are many things that slaves created besides the foundations, buildings, roads, and agricultural trade that gave birth to and nurtured America. So many in fact that without them the America of today could not exist.

Still it is amazing to hear, to learn, of how much was made of something so simple by people denied so much.

Cooking on Sunday

It was a quiet Sunday and I decided to make a quick easy meal. Just something I've worked on before and a few friends wanted to know how I created. So I figured I'd show a bit of my culinary skills.

The following is a video of me preparing my Lemon Butter Chicken. It's not hard to make and tastes great.



I hope my video helps, because I can't give any better descriptions. I have no idea about measurements or portions. I cook by eye and taste.

Give it a try, and tell me what you think of it.

OK GO does it again

You may not know the name of the band OK GO, you may not recall their songs, but you do know their videos.



The music is middle of the road at best. But the innovation of the band, the manner in which they have made simple but eyecatching music videos makes them stand out. Their no cut, constant action timed to their song flow is a standout amongst the industry and really a treat.

Their latest music video, to the song And This To Shall Pass, is again an example of what entertainment is about. If you haven't seen it, or even if you have, check out the video now.



OK Go should take a bow. That is impressive.

Schuyler Fisk - iTunes exclusive

Here is a bit of news that music fans, and those that like iTunes, will enjoy. I have been notified that Schuyler Fisk will be releasing a new song, "Love Somebody", exclusively on iTunes on Friday January 8th.

The song "Love Somebody" has been heard in some regions in association with commercials for SPCA. But now fans nationwide will have the chance to download the song. The big bonus though is that the proceeds of the song will go to benefit Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA. That's 100% of the proceeds.

For those readers less familiar with Schuyler Fisk, I found the following video. It's not a music video, but a portion of the film I'm Reed Fish, where Fisk is singing the song herself.



For those that are fans of Fisk, you can look forward to seeing her in a movie shortly. She will be in an upcoming Gus Van Sant movie that has already finished filming.

"Because I may suddenly feel the need to."

With all the closed door meetings in Congress, the idea of Universal Voter Registration, and now the C-SPAN deal I was reminded of one of the better monologues I've seen in movies.

It's made by Dennis Leary - whom I think is a great comedian - from the mediocre movie Demolition Man starring Sylvester Stallone.



You can substitute various politician's names in, depending on your political view. But ultimately I think you have to agree with the point made.

Ataque de Panico!

If you have not seen this video on Youtube, than you have to see it here. It is a video that honestly has more of a story, better visuals, and better effects than virtually any SyFy original (ie. revisioned copy) film, and more than a few major movies in the past several years.



Believe it or not, this was made by Fede Alvarez for $300. I love the effects and wonder how he got all of that done for so little. No matter how he did it, the video is great!

But here is the kicker. Alvarez has now joined Neill Blomkamp as a new director for Hollywood. Considering the skill of the above video, the budget, and the slick forethought to not include any dialog so it basically fits in any country, Hollywood is getting more than they deserve.

I'm not sure what the first film for Alvarez will be, supposedly it won't be a continuation or expansion of this video, but he is going to get $30 million to make it. I'm getting goosebumps at what he might be able to do with that kind of money with his vision. That is, as long as the Hollywood studios leave him alone.

Fede Alvarez, we are watching out for you.

Video Game Preview: Dante's Inferno

There are days that I find things that are fun, joyful, informative, and make me feel good about what I do. Then there are days where I learn about other things. Today is one of those days, and the video game Dante's Inferno is the reason.

Before I go any further, this is graphic. It not pleasant. It definitely plays off of religious themes. And I really do not suggest any child read any further. Nightmare will like just be the start of what they go through.

You have been warned.


When I first noticed the video for Dante's Inferno I was captivated by the title. Obviously it is in reference to the medeival poem of the same name which is part of the Divine Comedy (not that there is humor). The poem details a trip through the 9 circles of Hell. The goal was to travel closer to God. This is directly based on the Christian religious beliefs as of the 14th Century.

Hell, as described by Dante, can be broken down into Upper Hell (the first 5 Circles) for the self-indulgent sins; Circles 6 and 7 for the violent sins; and Circles 8 and 9 for the malicious sins. Each level lower is more horrific a punishment for sinners than the last.

The video game takes these ideas and runs with them. There are plenty of changes from the original source material. Such as a back story on Dante, making him a knight that fought and commited multiple sins during the Crusades. That he is on a quest to save the soul of his beloved Beatrice, whose innocent soul was taken to Hell.

As part of this quest, Dante fights Death to start on the path - gaining Death's scythe. The scythe is one of 2 main weapons that you have in the game. The other is a cross.

The scythe is an attack weapon that takes multiple forms. It also adds to the negative morality your charater has. The cross keeps foes at a distance and exorcises them adding to the positive karma. It is stated that defeating all the foes is possible using the cross, but the diffulty is far higher.

There is no question of the surrounding in the game. The visuals, virtually from the start of the game, leaves little question. They are expressive of the pain and torture that Dante's Inferno has always expressed. And I have to believe that the designers have spent many nights waking in cold sweats. Plus it gets worse the furhter the game goes.

Even the sounds are clear in the game. Right at the beginning of Hell the screams of the damn are indications of what is to come. And the sound does not stop after that.

There is really no aspect of this game that leaves the player guessing what they are there to do, or what they are against.

Here are some of videos of the gameplay, showing off some of the levels of the game and the designers thoughts.











Seeing this I cannot, and I'm not sure I want to, imagine what the center of the 9th Ring would be like.

This game is absolutely sure to offend ultra-religious types. It is sure to have various religous groups protest. It is sure to give more than a few people nightmares (not the least of which may be from the thought that if this is what a person can imagine, what could it REALLY be like?).

This game will sell. If only for the fact that people will ant to see what they have envisioned, just as people go to see the SAW movies for the traps. But the gameplay looks solid, and it seems to be well thought out. In fact the marketing for this game has gone so far as to create an animated short movie to go along with the game. Kind of "fleshing" it out.



That will be available on DVD in Febrary, just as will be the game.

I can't recommend this game. Not because of the gameplay or visuals or some other part of its function. It isn't because I am a devout person of faith. It just unnerves me. I can't get past that, so the game is out for me. But if that is not a problem (or a motivation) for you go for it. I can't see a reason otherwise to knock the video game.

It will be available on the PS3 and Xbox 360

Sean Hannity vs. Michael Moore

Commentary about these interviews can be found at VASS.

Oscar Grant trial - now its about 'emotional' African Americans

It's just one of those days. The racial bias in the news just seems to be rolling of the presses. This time its in reference to a trial I have long been discussing. Johannes Mehserle.

Johannes Mehserle is the former officer that allegedly shot the unarmed and defenseless Oscar Grant in the back on January 1st of this year. It was the first murder of the year (I believe), and was the unofficial welcome to office for President Obama.

I have stated in no uncertain terms, that I believe Mehserle is guilty. The fact that at least 4 separate videos of the shooting exist that I have seen, in addition to preliminary testimony for police that is at best questionable, plus the actions to evade prosecution by Mehserle have all led to that belief. But according to the lawyer for Mehserle it is that combination of facts, which cause me to be upset, that guarantee no African American can be fair in the trial without even presenting a single piece of evidence for Johannes Mehserle.

In fact, the defense has gone so far as to ask for a change of venue to move the trial out of Almeda County. They have stated that polls (of unknown quality and suspect technique) done for the defense show that 80% of all African Americans in Almeda County believe Mehserle is guilty. The defense has inferred that African Americans are too emotional and devoid of logic to put aside their passions and evaluate facts.

Thus if the trial is not moved, an action and motivation that allowed the officers on trial for the Rodney King beating to evade justice, the defense - Michael Rains - has requested the following:

"Mehserle will be entitled to question every black juror, in private, in substantial depth, about prejudgment. The questioning will be intense, awkward, personal and uncomfortable."

So I take it that the defense plans to either move the trial because 87% of Almeda County (the non-Black resident percentage) just hangs on the every word and thought of the Black community there, or any African American called to jury duty and selected for this trial will be taken to the side and intimidated in a style reminiscent of Mississippi in 1960.

Now my job may be to comment on events in the nation and the world and in doing so express my opinions and feelings - but I have no illusion that everyone that reads what I write agrees with me. No matter the color of their skin, age, religious background or sex. Yet the defense in this case is trying to claim exactly that same kind of situation. Essentially they are insulting every person of color in the nation and reviving streotypes that just can't seem to be left for dead in the past.

45% of all people polled by the defense stated that they had no opinion, or favored, Mehserle. So far there is no legal evidence presented - since the trial has yet to start. But if the defense thinks that just poking at race will allow Mehserle to bypass the legal system I think Mehserle should plan for a long stay in a very small room.

It is one thing for evidence to prove that Mehserle is innocent. It is a far cry differnt for race baiting to allow him to avoid prosecution.

So I come to this conclusion, Mehserle knows that testimony from officers found to have changed their story multiple times is not enough. That video from multiple sources makes a very clear and strong case. That an unarmed man lying on the ground face down isn't a threat to anything but an ant. That all of this combined equates to life in jail, UNLESS enough prejudice can be stirred up beforehand to create a biased verdict in his favor.

That's not emotion, that's logic based on facts at hand. But if Rains wants emotion I will take a moment and provide him some - if his client gets convicted I would love to see him get the death penalty.

Fond memories of summer

Back before I left for the APA Las Vegas National Tournament I had the chance to go to a car wash. This was an event to help raise money for the other Central New York team that was also going to Las Vegas.

The car wash was a bit different. The ladies of the team were the ones doing the work. And they had the best sales gimmick. Suffice to say that they pulled in many cars.

I didn't get video of it, but one of the funniest things had to be an older couple (in their 70's) that came into the car wash. The wife was right in the passenger seat and fully enthralled. You just had to see that.

Or the 4 guys that came back 5 times, in each of their cars and then borrowed a neighbors car.

I think the video will explain why.

The Bruce Lee Nokia video

I have no doubt that many more people than I think have seen this video before, but for those of you who have not just like me it will be a treat.

I was watching a special called How Bruce Lee Changed The World. It was a really cool program about the impact that Bruce Lee was able to have with only 4 films made before his highly untimely death in the 70's. His reach continues even to this day, in martial arts movies, sports, video games, music and more.

One of the things touched upon is how Lee is so well known that his image is still a symbol for innumerable products across the globe. One such take on Lee, and his abilities (he was so fast that he was slowed down in his films so people could believe the action they were watching) comes in the form of playing ping pong with nunchuku.



What that has to do with a cell phone I do not know. But I just think its a very cool homage to Bruce Lee. And I have no doubt that he could have done this with ease.

Movie Preview: Dance Flick

It's been a while since a Wayans family movie has been in theaters. It's been even longer since one of their movies has been worth watching. But the latest try is a trip back to the roots of the family, parody of movies that are in themselves a joke.

The latest movie, Dance Flick, looks to take on the flood of films that are more or less spontaneous dances strung together by the loosest and most trivial of plots. Films of this genre includes Stomp The Yard, Save the Last Dance, You Got Served, Flashdance (ok that one actually had a plot of some sort, but it's older than most of the audience going to movies this summer), and so on. So we would expect that this Wayans project should be an easy target, and far more entertaining than the movies it parodies.



From the trailer we can see that like all parody films it's hit and miss. But I think it's hitting more often than not. All the elements look to be in place. The dumb street guys. The 1 educated street kid. The White girl trying desperately to be accepted by Black kids she has no connection to. The general void of intelligence by anyone under the age of 72 in these films. And so on.

The baby popping out and striking a pose is cute, and way over the top. The scene bending Flashdance into a quasi-homoerotic experience is spot on. And the Black kid denying any connection to the White girl is priceless in its mockery of reality and these movies at the same time.

Perhaps the biggest clue to the potential success of this film is the fact that the whole family of Wayans are on board. Damien is directing. Keenan, Damien, Shawn and Marlon wrote it. Yes Marlon and Shawn are in the film. Thus fears of another Little Man exist. But this film also has Keenan, and sister Kim as actors. Add to that David Alan Grier and you have a solid cast of comedy standard bearers. If they appear in more than 1 or 2 scenes. Oh, it also has Chris Elliott in it, another mark against the film if he is in more than just 1 scene.

This will also be the first film for Damon Wayans Jr. Considering the ability of Damon the elder, and the tutelage of everyone in the family (except Marlon and Shawn) this should be a big break-out film. It may also be why the whole troupe is showing up (though Damon Sr. is not - but that may just be because he didn't want to give his son gitters). And Damien Wayans will have this film as his first motion picture debut (though his credits include work directing his uncle Damon Sr. on My Wife and Kids).

While the early trailer is not telling a lot about how good the film is, it is nice to see that the foremost (and likely largest) family of comedy movies has not ended their run. Every film backed by the Wayans clan may not be the best film ever, but then again no actor or Hollywood studio can make that claim either.

This should be a decent film. I hope it's a nice introduction of Damon Wayans Jr. and a success for Damien (it just needs to clear $30 million). But we have some time before it hits theaters, more trailers will arrive. And the opening weekend will say it all. At the very least, it's one of the most original ideas of the 2009 summer movie season.

David Caruso should have watched Eddie Murphy

David Caruso should have seen Eddie Murphy’s comedic take on the divorce of Johnny Carson.

Warning – this video contains language that is not for kids.


If he didn’t his ex-girlfriend did. Because after 4 years being together she is suing him for $1.2 million.

Now I understand that they have children together, and I fully believe that those kids must be taken care of. But that is not the basis of the lawsuit. There seems to be no question about Caruso taking care of his children. The lawsuit is about the needs of Ms. Marquez.

I understand that Ms. Marquez gave up her job, for whatever reason. I understand she needs a home to live in. But unless she had a home prior to the relationship that was worth a million dollars, and/or she was making money to the extent of what she is asking for, she is just being vindictive and gold digging.

How many stories have filled the airwaves and internet about a celebrity breaking up and losing millions. Johnny Carson and Paul McCartney are just a couple of the most visible having lost the most money – for no apparent reason. In this case there isn’t even the benefit of marriage involved. Yet, we can be sure that she will get most everything she is asking for.

Just like a friend of mine who has to work extra hours to pay his ex alimony he does not have. Because even though she gained his house, most of his money, and much of his retirement funds – the judge believed that the losses he suffered in the stock market (like the rest of American investors) were his fault, and he has to make up for those lost funds for the rest of his life.

Or like another friend of mine that had his wife go to the Government and declare he was a deadbeat dad. This is while he lived with his wife and kids, paid every bill, she did not work, and the kids had everything they needed. And the Government agreed with her. So he had to get another job just to make payments the Government believed he owed her.

I don’t know David Caruso. I have no idea how the relationship he had went. But I believe that the judicial environment is such that he has no chance of winning. And that is sad. Because it seems there is no question of his ability to take care of his children. Just accusation and demands of money from his ex-girlfriend.

It’s a shame. She doesn’t deserve it, if the best excuse for the money she wants for herself and not the kids is “he promised it to me”.

Tiger Woods at the Masters 2009

I was just browsing around the internet, thinking about the win of Tiger Woods recently and how that will affect the upcoming Masters. I recalled a television commercial that I think nailed it on the head.



But I decided to see if there was anything that better encapsulates the feeling. And I found this gem that I missed completely before. I love it.



It may be a year old but it had me laughing out loud. And it still captures the mood going into the Masters this year I think.

A bit of silliness in video form

Sometimes I should think about the things I do before I do them. Then again sometimes it's just fun to be silly and dumb. I haven't done many videos in a bit due to time constraints, but last night I made a quick little video.

Now it was late, I had just returned from my 8-ball pool league, and I was hungry. And yes I did have a beer earlier. So I was just in a silly mood. Plus, as any of my friends can describe, I don't like vegetables.

The result turned out to be the following video.



I hope it gave you a laugh.

Movie preview: Public Enemies

Johhny Depp is back. And he has Christian Bale along for the ride with him.

The movie Public Enemies is a romanticized re-telling of the life and exploits of John Dillenger. A bank robber that defied the federal government for years, and became a media sensation long before television had been created.



From the trailer we can see how Depp brings a charm and bit of devil may care attitude to the portrayal. Fans of his Captain Jack Sparrow will likely be interested in how he seems to be bringing Dillenger to life. Both characters have a wild spirit and live for the day mentality.

Christian Bale though is on the other side of this spectrum. Dedicated and stern. Serious and lawful. Out for justice and breaking the media’s love affair with this dangerous and at time vicious criminal.

Thus is one of my problems with the film. It looks good. It’s based on the truth. But it seems to gloss over the dark side of crime and Dillenger’s actions. It glamorizes his actions, and not the authorities that sought to reign in his rampage across the mid-west.

I don’t blame the actors for doing their jobs, and well. I love the fact that Depp is so good at what he does he can make a dubious personality look like a rock star. But if the movie does not delve into the darker aspects of Dillenger, the movie is doing a disservice to the audience.

Of course Depp is not known for taking roles of commercial quality. He goes for the artistic flair. He strives to bring out the character, flaws and all. So I expect that while the trailer is very positive and happy-go-lucky the film may well be far darker in tone. Anyone expecting to see a Pirates movie set to the 1930’s will likely be disappointed. Which I think this trailer sets them up to be.

The styling, clothing and sets appear very authentic. Obviously there is some action. But don’t be surprised as the film gets closer to release this year, if the tone of the movie gets darker.

This movie is one I will be looking for more details on.

Movie Preview: 12

In general I despise remakes. This is most directly true of any movie were the word ‘revisioned’ is in any way attached. As has been obvious to most movie-goers over the last decade or 2, more often than not such a film is not only a waste of time but usually an insult to the audience.

Now given my state of mind on this issue, I am faced with a dilemma of sorts. Does the remake philosophy I have hold up with films that are redone in another nation? And I’m not talking about a one time lucky break. I mean a film that has been done more than once, and is now being adapted to fit a world with war, and terrorism?

That ultimately is the question facing anyone who wishes to see 12. This is a remake of the great film 12 Angry Men with Henry Fonda. The story is simple and well known. A jury debates what may be an open and shut case. Only 1 juror believes that the defendant is innocent. Thus he goes on a journey in pursuit of justice, with a life in the balance.



Is the young man innocent? Is there reason to have doubt in a war torn section of Russia? Does one life getting justice matter? Can 12 strangers live with the consequences of their decisions? Consequences that go far beyond the courtroom.

I do not know the Russian actors in this film. Nor do I know the director. But I have learned a bit about the film. And it not only takes us through the drama that Fonda first portrayed on the big screen, but it adds the next level of the story – the what next.

This is an interesting take on an old classic. It’s a remake, and a sort of revision, but at it’s heart it is faithful and dedicated to the original. That’s the difference in any language. Like the original film, I would suggest seeing this one.

Jason Bourne vs. James Bond: scene vs. scene

I was recently in an argument with a friend about Jason Bourne and James Bond. Many have had similar arguments in the past, and I’m sure more will come in the future. But I wanted to clarify why I felt Jason Bourne is better.

The best way to do this is to go to the movies of these characters themselves. Looking almost side by side we can evaluate which is best. The video is a selection of perhaps the best scenes explaining the 2 characters.



For Bourne we see a man that is always in control of his situation. Even when it spirals away from his goals. He does not get flustered. He is economical with his action, always oriented on his end-point. Every action is meant to build his advantage.

Bourne has the highly difficult task of evading detection, for himself and a novice, in one of the most visible spots on the planet. He has to think on his feet, and react without hesitation. He must protect himself and his target. And he has to do so without gaining attention.

James Bond, especially this incarnation, takes things to the other direction. He is brutish, and if he spares a thought at all it is to how he might kill just a few more people. There is no question that he draws attention. There is no question that everyone in a mile can see him distinctly. And there is no question as to what he is after.

Bond relies more on luck and gall than intelligence. The fact no one expects him to do what he does is more of the saving grace than the logic of his actions. It also seems likely that without the multitude of gadgets, luck, and support personnel, Bond would be dead with a quickness.

Now I do enjoy both movies. I am a fan of both characters. I would easily see a film about either at any time. But if I had to choose, Bourne wins out. Intellect always trumps brute force. Bond may have more explosions (which is never bad) but Bourne has more of a thrill.

That’s the way I see it. Do you agree?

[And yes I do know I truncated the Bond sequence. I had to make it fit for the video. Besides, 4 minutes of chasing a bad guy through crowds, buildings, a road, and an embassy is more than a bit boring the second time through.]

Movie Preview: Inglorious Basterds

Going in a totally different direction I saw the trailer for Inglorious Basterds. This is the latest film from director Quentin Tarantino. So be prepared to have your ears assaulted by profanity and your eyes by violence.

Now don’t get me wrong, I like the movies of Quentin Tarantino. I love Reservoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction. I think Tarantino has a unique ability to display a film that will grip an audience. He provides a sense of reality and honesty most directors shun from. That makes his films powerful and hard to look away from.

I also love the way that Tarantino weaves into his movies insights about human nature, and deep philosophical nuggets. Most might just blur past these comments, but for those that pay attention he makes it intense. I mean the Superman solo by David Carradine in Kill Bill 2 is masterful.

But can this work when applied to World War II? Especially when styled as a spaghetti-western?



Brad Pitt makes an interesting choice of lead for this motley group of Dirty Dozen rejects. He’s not dark enough of an actor to me. I don’t see him as akin to Lee Marvin, who would be ideal for this kind of role. So that takes something off the film for me. But the movie may fill that gap.

And have no illusions, this movie looks to be a Guns of Navarone or Dirty Dozen inspiration. It may be more violent, and thus a bit repellant at points, but it is an homage.

And it has nothing to do with Inglorious Bastards starring Fred Williamson. Entirely different films. No connection whatsoever. And Tarantino’s film does not have any African Americans in it (well except for the narration by Samuel Jackson), which makes sense considering the plot – centered in Europe behind enemy lines.

This film has been talked about and rumored for years. It’s been through multiple rewrites and revisions. It is claimed that this will be similar in ways to a spaghetti western, though set in WWII. Ultimately though the question is if it will be good.

The trailer really doesn’t give us a clue yet. I’m still mixed in my thoughts. But it won’t be out till the summer, so expect to hear a lot more about it soon.

Dragonball – The Hollywood revision curse

Of course there is the very distinct fact that the upcoming Dragonball movie will be nothing more than a blatant attempt of Hollywood to collect a bunch of money on the hopes of the worldwide fan base. The word to use here is revisioning. And long-time readers know what I think of this now common Hollywood tactic.

But perhaps one of the best ways to discuss the fears of fans of DBZ is said best by this Youtube video.



I think that says it all.

Oscar Grant murdered by Oakland police in cold blood

Can we even start a year without something racial happening in this country? I have already spoken about my thoughts concerning the Muslim family that were subjected to fear and discrimination while trying to take a flight. But this is something far worse.

On New Years eve, hours into the start of the New Year, police shot a young Black man. In the back. While he was laying face down. And I bet most in the nation are only learning about this today, a week into the month just like me.

Now some may have seen the highly edited video of this murder, as shown by ABC News and a local television station. I warn my viewers this is disturbing, real, and murder in my opinion.



Here are details that are currently known and visible from the video. Police were called to the Oakland train station reportedly because of a fight. Once there we see that initially 2 officers had control over 3 or 4 men, who were co-operating. The crowd observing the event made the officers nervous, as another 5 officers arrived on the scene. Oscar Grant, 22 years old, is seen standing at one point though it is not clear why. The officers have him kneel and then place him face first on the ground. Oscar seems to be handcuffed this entire time. He moves on the ground and one of 3 officers restraining him places his knee on Grant's neck. As this happens another officer, a 2 year veteran, casually stands back, reaches for his gun and fires into the back of Grant killing him.

Another view of this entire incident can be seen below.

This is raw footage. The key moments are from 1:56 - 2:57 . It is clear at 2:37 that 32 officers, joined by a third, are nervous but controlling a crowd that are busy observing the event and video taping it. At 2:52 you can see the officer draw his gun, with 2 officers holding Grant down, 3 officers holding the crowd (4 people apparently and an unknown amount in the subway car) and I believe one other officer in the background.

While the situation was not pleasant, none of the men on the ground were endangering the officers. The crowd was at a distance. and 3 men were close getting video. One of those men was taken down by one officer, but the rest of them were unencumbered or endanger. I say that both from their stance and the video footage of the crowd.



There is no question of the guilt of the officer that fired. There was no threat. Not from Grant, the other men on the ground, nor the crowd. There were 6 or 7 officers at the location that can be observed, with an unknown amount in transit. While quite vocal, the crowd maintained a wide distance, with the exception of 3 men that were under constant observation by no less than 2 officers.

This was a murder.

A murder committed by a police officer, on an unarmed, defenseless Black man. Again. And some dare tell me that I have no reason to fear the police. That stories about the consistent, coast to coast murder of Black men by police is a lie. That this is just a coincidence.

If all that were true, then why has this taken 6 days to be released to the nation? Why has no major media network covered this story nationally? Why is ABC News providing a highly edited video that places doubt on the cause of this event, when I found several videos of this event on youtube in 10 seconds that are clear on what happened.

The innocent can stand in the light of day, and were this murder justified in any way the police would have made it national an hour after it happened. But it is not. And only now, with the family suing for $25 million is it catching attention.

And I think the family deserves far more. A father of a 4 year old daughter has been killed in cold blood for no justifiable reason. A family has lost a son. There is no proper price, but obviously in California the $50 million paid to Rodney King was not enough to make a point.

How can anyone look at this video, and recall the deaths of Sean Bell, the beating of Rodney King, Amidou Diallo, and so many other events - each year - and not wonder if Black men have bull's eye's painted on their backs that police see.

I am angry. At the news media for hiding this for days. At the police department in Oakland for pretending that there could be any justification for this act. They are claiming the officer might have been trying to draw his taser. If so, once his hand was on the gun didn't he know the difference. Once he drew the gun and saw it, why didn't he replace it. And why did he fire when 2 officers had control of Grant on the ground?

And I am insanely angry at the officer. he is a murderer. He needs to be in jail right now. Because I guarantee if I killed a White man who was on the ground, defenseless, and a father of a child there would be national outrage. I'd be in a jail immediately. And the only question would be if I would get electrocuted. And all that is without a video tape.

Justice in America is not colorblind. Like the news media and police across the nation it seems to be color bound.

So there a Black guy in an elevator...

Ok, hold the presses. I just saw this video - thanks to On A Whole New Level (which links to my site I found out) - that had me laughing out loud. This is the perfect video about the whole Black man in an elevator situation.

Warning, this contains a small bit of vulgar language that some might find offensive. Of course the subject matter it is dealing with is a whole lot more offensive if you ask me.



Now tell me that wasn't perfect. I had to watch it twice. Thank you ThinkerGoneMad.

Movie Preview: Notorious

Well the trailer is out. I can see movie theaters in Brooklyn selling out in January. Because the film of B.I.G. will be out to start 2009.



I have some bad news though. The movie is probably crap. I’m not saying this because of my personal belief that gangsta rap music is garbage overall. Nor is it because I think any film glorifying a criminal – drug dealing loser – is a bad idea. I think this movie is bad because it’s coming out January 9th. Movie studios reserve that time of year for what they view as the worst films they have. It’s the equivalent of taking out the trash.

I know there will be fans of current rap music that will hate to hear this. I am sure there are fans of this deceased drug dealer that still cherish his memory. I am obviously not one of them.

The fact that an ex-con, that sold death in a crack pipe, was able to become an entertainment star is a credit to the American way of life, and moreso to the ability and determination of music industry executives in promoting base images to the public. This movie, detailing the life of this small time hood, is only being made because of his sudden violent death. A death that occurred because of the most stupid reason I can think of; not over money or women or power, but because one group of drug dealing self-important entertainers thought they were better than another group of drug dealing self-important entertainers. In other words a pissing contest.

Do I think Christopher George Latore Wallace deserves a movie? No. Do I think a life that glorifies the business of killing people with poison for money and a life of degrading African Americans in society is worthy of a movie? No.

I have no doubt that Biggie smalls was loved by those close to him. I have no doubt that his mother cared about him. I have friends, both dead and alive today, that have served time in prison. Several lived lives that were less than stellar in their youth, and most paid the price of death for those lives. But to have a movie made about that, that seemingly highlights those moments of lechery and depraved indifference of life is bewildering to me.

What will this film feature? Christopher Wallace making a choice to sell drugs at 12, dropping out of school at 17 – because he preferred a life of crime, not because he had no other option. It should show him being thrown in jail for his crimes, and several arrests. It will show him performing, and gaining importance in the gangsta rap genre. It might show him attacking autograph seekers in Manhattan, or him beating friends of a concert promoter and robbing them. It will show him getting into a car accident and requiring him to need a cane. And the film will show Wallace being shot to death, and possibly place blame on someone for that shooting.

On balance I expect little to come of this film, except a renewed anger between West Coast and East Coast rappers. There is no beautiful moment to be expressed, no greater statement to be made. Christopher Wallace was not a great man, beyond his size. Biggie smalls did no great deeds. Notorious B.I.G. had no legacy nor made a lasting impact on life on this planet.

The film will make a profit, because this kind of film is cheap to make. How Angela Bassett was attached to this film is beyond me. I suppose she adds credibility to the film, and no doubt was the single greatest cost above or below the line. So it will make a profit, and possible start a trend of films about insignificant popular entertainers with no meaning or benefit other than to reinforce stereotypes and make tons of money for music and Hollywood executives.

It’s guaranteed you’ll hear more about this film soon. And some will try to spin this into a positive like politician’s polispeak about why the bailout will benefit America. But the honest thought is that this film does not deserve an audience, nor to make a profit. If you see it, you deserve to lose the brain cells it will kill and the waste of time it will suck from your life.

A 4 ball break in 9-ball pool league match by me

Ok, time to take a break from the political blogging, and all the polispeak spin surrounding the bailout talks that are on-going. It’s time for something a bit light.

Now as I have mentioned before, I am in an APA pool league for 8-ball and 9-ball. For my lifetime of playing in the APA I am at 61% win ratio for 8-ball and 53% win ration for 9-ball. Not too shabby.

Yesterday I was playing in the 9-ball league. I had the luck of pulling out a player 2 skill levels above me for my match. This made the game quite a challenge for me.

We started the match with me breaking, and the first game went 4-6 against me. But I rallied back in the next game for a 7-3 win. Again I got spanked 1-9 in the next game, followed by a 7-2 win for me. The rest of the games went 5-5, 3-6, and 3-3 for a nice win for me.

But the real point of the post is this video is a personal best. In the 2nd match I had the break again, and I love 9-ball because of this. The break is the best part of 9-ball, and I went for it. Especially since I had fallen behind and was losing momentum to a better player. This is how that second 7-3 match went. The break is the best break I've had on a level long pool table in 9-ball.



Now I realize I could have cut the 9, or gone for the bank shot to the long left corner. But I thought I was in position for the 9 to be kicked (reverse bank) to the side or the far right corner of a miss and bank. It’s a shot I practice and am usually able to make some 30-40% of the time. Of course I didn’t make it. But do you think it was a bad shot to take?

Guns 'N Roses cause guns and arrest

During the last 3 days I’ve been suffering from a sprain in my shoulder. It’s making my typing difficult to do, especially in the amounts I normally do. Considering how much I’ve written on the Democratic National Convention, I haven’t been able to do much more.

But when I saw this I had to tell you about it. Bloggers beware, the FBI are cracking down.

Now I do respect the laws of the nation, and the FBI. But they have gone way too far. It seems that Kevin Cogill, of Antiquiet, was arrested by the FBI because he put 9 songs from the upcoming Guns ‘N Roses Chinese Democracy album on his site.

The FBI arrived at dawn, reportedly en masse. They arrested Cogill with no lack of impending doom as you might expect. And the reason why is that he released the songs ahead of time, breaking copyright laws. Even though the songs had been removed by the time of arrest.

Since when is that the proper response? Since when does the FBI bother with a copyright issue? Isn’t this normally an issue that lawyers resolve with a stroke of a pen, threatening a lawsuit if the material is not removed (which it was)?

This is overkill, and a problem for bloggers of all sizes. If ABC News, or MTV, the news media, or Sirius Radio played the songs before release (which radio stations have long done) there would never be FBI closing down those companies. The DJ responsible would never be yanked of the air until they can make bail. They would never have to face criminal charges in court.

We bloggers are powerful, there is no question. I reach 119 countries each month on this blog alone. I write for about 40 blogs (when I’m in good health) each month. And I am often controversial and critical in what I write. I’m sure that I piss off various parts of the Government, politicians, entertainers and celebrities, Hollywood, athletes, countries, racists, and a host of others on a regular basis. Does that mean I should fear the police?

My posts have been usurped by other websites that I don’t write to. PrettyShady.com stole my post on Brawlin'at the Belmar - my first BMX Pro-Am dirt jumping tournament, calling me an employee. [They also have false information on their contacts – protecting them from being told to remove information] But I didn’t decide to get the FBI to arrest them for violating my copyrights. [I do not authorize the wholesale copying of my posts or content, though excepts with links and/or full credit are permissible.] But the precedent stated means that I could have done that instead of letting them know to remove the copied material or face a lawsuit.

If the FBI can arrest a blogger for releasing a song early, what is next? Arrests because you used a public photo (with credit to its source) of a politician in a negative post? Possession of a podcast or post on a laptop or cell phone means federal charges for distribution or receiving stolen goods? And how long is it before a blogger just gets arrested because they wrote something someone else did not like.

I think about it now and I suppose that the movie previews that I do might violate a copyright, in that the person that got the video clip may or may not have had permission. Does that mean I should expect the FBI at my corporate office looking to arrest me, SWAT team in tow? Just because I think Oliver Stone is a politically biased loudmouth?

This may not sound serious, but my fellow bloggers it is. Stay aware.

I just hope the bloody Guns ‘N Roses album will be worth even half this trouble. But I doubt it.

Movie Preview: The Day The Earth Stood Still

Expect to hear a bunch of hype in the near future because Keanu Reeves is about to have another film come out. Much like the Matrix series, this film will also be a sci-fi film. But this time the film will be far less difficult for some to follow. That’s because Keanu Reeves has jumped onto the ‘revisioned’ bandwagon.

As I’ve said in the past, I have no love for revisioned movies or television shows. They are virtually all inevitably horrendous films, and most flop as badly as their warped re-telling of the stories are far from the mark. Unless you were a fan of Dukes of Hazzard, Starsky & Hutch, the first Hulk movie, or any number of other complete foul-ups. Of course Hollywood seems not to care because they keep rolling out these screwed up remakes, en masse. I suppose the money brought in by these abysmal Cliffnotes version of good ideas is enough to cover the cost of making the movies – obviously they are saving tons of cash on writers.

In this case the remake is of the classic film The Day The Earth Stood Still. A great film from 1951. Black & White, low end special effects (especially by today’s standards), but well acted and a better than average storyline.



The new film will likely lose all the nuance, and subtle political message of the original film. In fact I expect the film will make a political point like using a sledgehammer to open a sunflower seed.



What I can say is that they stole the image of the black globe of death from AKIRA. And I note that they are going for the PC-friendly idea in the son being of (presumably) mixed race. And there is the benefit of appealing to women with the hint of the line

“If the Earth dies, you die. If you die, the Earth survives.”

Such a hokey line and idea never was in the first film, but I’m sure it will garner positive reviews from women’s groups because she is so important to the world.

Of course between now and December 12th further movie video clips will be released, and it’s possible that the connecting parts of the film will justify the line, and might even make it worthwhile. But from this video trailer I have to say that I’m not excited by Keanu’s Agent Smith-like acting or the apparent storyline. But we will see.

A quick question about my video clip - 7.19.2007.4

On a side note I want to mention something. As you have all noticed by now, I have a short video clip on the site. I am developing a couple of commercials and a special item and need your help.

What do you like, or dislike, about the video clip? Good music choice? Too short? Too fast? Tell me your thoughts.

I have a few ideas, but there is nothing better than your feedback. You tell me what you think and I will work on the best/most frequent comment.

Oh, if you don’t want one of the over 200 items I have available for the store but you want to still contribute to the blog sites, you can always donate whatever you wish. Dollars add up, though $20’s are faster. But honestly it’s your choice.

I’m listening intently.