Good Afternoon Ladies & Gentlemen,
Saturday was a day of running around town in the mornings, working out at the gym for about an hour or so, kicking back & relaxing in the afternoon, then going out for a few drinks & pool at The Final Final. Not a whole lot to brag about by any means. Although I did watch the first few episodes of the HBO series “
Treme” starring Steve Zahn & John Goodman. The story centers around the people who came back to rebuild New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina… mainly musicians. It’s actually quite gripping and really gets into the heart & soul of the people of New Orleans… and how they were basically f**ked over (and still so) by the government. My favorite character thus far is the English Professor at Tulane (Goodman) who is basically saying everything that the people of the city are thinking… which I suggest you visit the city a few times & watch the show to get the full impact of it. There’s of course drama infused into the story… as there’s a lot of drama in real life… and a tale of corruption… and on & on… but I’m only a few episodes in so I obviously don’t have the full story yet. I can’t wait to check it out though. The show also just reinstills in me that I love the music, the food & the people of that city… and it makes me want to go back (probably not to move though)… but they really need help in setting their infrastructure back up… and not just in the touristy French Quarter. Come on! You did it for New York when they had a major disaster. That’s all I’m saying.
I also watched “
Jackass 3.5” which is more of the same… basically the extra stuff from Jackass 3 that I watched a few days ago that didn’t make the movie… but then
I read that one of the stars passed away. "Jackass" star
Ryan Dunn, who along with his cast mates made Americans cringe and snicker through vulgar stunts in their multimillion-dollar TV and movie franchise,
was killed early Monday in a fiery car crash. He was 34. Dunn, a daredevil who gained notoriety for diving into a sewage tank and performing other unsavory stunts, was driving his 2007 Porsche in suburban Philadelphia when it careered off the road, flipped over a guardrail and crashed into the woods before bursting into flames. A passenger was also killed, and speed may have been a factor in the crash, West Goshen Township police said. The force of impact shattered the vehicle into several twisted and blackened pieces, leaving the Porsche 911 GT3 unrecognizable except for a door that was thrown from the crash and not incinerated. A 100-foot-long tire skid marked where the car left the roadway. Both Dunn and his passenger were severely burned. Police said they were able to identify Dunn through his tattoos and hair, but the identity of his passenger was still unknown. Dunn appeared on MTV shows "Jackass" and "Viva La Bam" and the three "Jackass" big-screen adaptations. He also was the star of his own MTV show, "Homewrecker," and just began hosting the show "Proving Ground" on the G4 cable network. G4 spokesman Dave Welch said "Proving Ground," which premiered June 11 with the second episode slated to air Tuesday, was being pulled for now until the network can discuss the show's future. Dunn's longtime friend and fellow "Jackass" daredevil Johnny Knoxville tweeted on Monday afternoon, "Today I lost my brother Ryan Dunn. My heart goes out to his family and his beloved Angie. RIP Ryan, I love you buddy." Dunn also starred in the yet-to-be-released film "Living Will." The film's website describes Dunn's character as a "party bum slacker (who) returns from the dead as a mischievous and perverted ghost." In a statement, MTV praised Dunn's humor and enthusiasm and said he would be missed. "We are devastated by the tragic loss of Ryan Dunn — a beloved member of the MTV family for more than a decade," said Van Toffler, resident of MTV Networks Music/Films Group. "The Jackass brotherhood will never be the same." Dunn was born in Ohio and moved at age 15 to Pennsylvania, where he met Bam Margera on his first day of high school, according to a biography posted on his website. Dunn, Margera, Christopher Raab (known as Raab Himself) and Brandon DiCamillo, under the moniker CKY for "Camp Kill Yourself," started making videos that featured them skateboarding and performing stunts. Dunn was working as a welder and at a gas station when Knoxville, a friend of Margera's through the skateboarding circuit, asked the crew to allow their videos to be part of the series "Jackass," which became a hit on MTV and ran from 2000 to 2002. Perhaps his most famous stunt, in 2002's "Jackass: The Movie," involved inserting a toy car into his rectum and going to an emergency room, where he made up a story that he was in mysterious pain after passing out at a fraternity party (oh yeah… this is the kind of stuff you’d see if you watched these movies… it’s basically snuff but without the sexy edge to it). Dunn's X-ray from the hospital became a popular T-shirt for "Jackass" fans. That first movie, filmed on a budget of just $5 million, went on to make more than $60 million in the United States alone. The most recent installment, released in 3-D in 2010, brought in $50 million on its opening weekend alone (yes, that’s why they’re still being made… because it costs almost nothing to do something really dangerous & stupid… but people will pay to see it). In a 2000 stunt, he dived into a tank at a raw sewage plant wearing flippers, a mask and a snorkel. A few hours before the 3 a.m. crash,
Dunn tweeted a picture of himself drinking with two friends (hmm… still think it was just speed that had something to do with the crash?). The photo has since been removed. Autopsies were to be conducted Monday, though it was unclear when the results would be released. Even when a man like Mr. Dunn lived his life to the fullest, was surrounded by friends, gained wealth & fame while having fun with his buddies, had a loving family, it’s still a tragic story in the end… as it usually is. He will truly be missed. The really messed up thing is… even though it was a horrible gruesome death… going out in a blaze of glory in a fiery car crash like James Dean or Dale Sr or something… you kind of expected something more elaborate than just another drunk driver given how he lived. If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it literally hundreds of times on this blog and thousands in real life –
Don’t Drink and Drive!!! I don’t care if doing stupid, dangerous sh*t is what got you famous! You have family & friends that care about you. Think about them every time you reach for your keys… especially if one of them is in the passenger seat next to you. Tragic tale of caution we should all learn from. Sorry for the bummer story… but it’s important to know.
Sunday, I did laundry, cleaning up around the house, finally putting up a few pictures that the roommates approve of (James Dean & Norma Jean), worked out for a few hours, then met up with Bubbles to go see
TECH N9NE!!! LIVE & IN CONCERT!!! For those of you who are not familiar with the
#1 Independent Hip-Hop Artist of all time, his sound is pretty unique. It’s a mix of hip-hop with a little rock & roll edge to it… kinda gritty at some times… great dance club / pop appeal with others… but always pretty good, even if it’s not my particular cup of tea… or rather at most times… but there’s definitely times when I just want to throw on some Tech, say f**k the world & rock out with my cock out. That’s just how it is. You may have heard a few singles like “I’m a Playa” (set to Falco’s “Amadeus”) and “Jellysicle” with E-40 but the VAST majority of his stuff is not exactly radio friendly… and like I said, he’s independent. Anyway, check him out on iTunes or something.
The concert was AMAZING!!! There were three hours of concert & six opening acts… BEFORE Tech even hit the stage. Most of the opening acts were even pretty good. First up was
Kung Fu Vampire… more than a pretty name. They were kind of a rock/rap mix as well. Next was
Stevie Stone, who often accompanies on a lot of Tech’s tracks, so most hip-hop. Third was
Mayday, the first band signed by Tech’s label Strange Records. They were pretty good rock / techno music with a little hip-hop & bongos thrown in. Fourth was
Jay Rock, who was an LA rapper… and the best part of his act was the references to other LA rappers. Fifth & sixth were
Kutt Calhoun & Kriss Kaliko who accompany many of Tech’s tracks too. Like I said, they were all pretty good… but they’re not why we showed up…
TECH N9NE finally came onto the stage & rocked the house for about an hour… and his light setup was a lot better than previous concerts in Utah… but that’s what happens when you’re independent & get all the money yourself, you can reinvest in your shows & not those of future prospects that you won’t see a dime of, it just makes business sense. Anyway, the show as amazing!!! Headed home with a bit of a buzz (beer & mysterious fog in the air) and woke up Monday morning with my head ringing… but probably just from the four hours of audio bombardment more than anything. Great show! Would definitely do it again… and highly recommend to others when he comes to your town. Best part… it’s actually affordable. Best part… I DIDN’T drink & drive!!! Anyway, now for some more… uplifting news…
Super Condom - A British medical company has had its erection-enhancing condom recommended for European approval. That’s right…
an erection ENHANCING condom. Got your attention yet? Futura Medical said its
CSD500 condom -- licensed to pharmaceutical firm Reckitt Benckiser for sale under its Durex brand has gel in its tip that dilates the arteries and increases blood flow to the penis, resulting in a firmer and bigger erection (and possible lose of blood flow to the extremities like the brain… but that’s what’ll be tested). Futura said on Monday products usually took about a month to receive CE mark certification after recommendation. The mark would enable the condom to be sold in 29 European territories and a number of other non-European countries. Futura said on its website that the CSD500 will be a condom used by healthy men to help maintain a firmer erection during intercourse whilst wearing a condom. In a double blind clinical study (how the f**k do I get to be a guinea pig in that experiment?) comparing CSD500 against a standard condom co-sponsored by Futura, of those who expressed a preference, a significant proportion of both men and women reported improvements in the firmness of the man's erection during intercourse when using CSD500, compared against a standard condom, the company said. Furthermore, of those who expressed a preference, a significant proportion of both men and women also felt that CSD500 increased the penis size and a significant proportion of women reported a longer lasting sexual experience. That’s right, ladies & gentlemen… the game just changed… and it’s coming to a store near you. Better start doing some stretches, ladies… by the way... it's been a while since I had a good sexbot update, hasn't it? I'd better check the trade journals.
Is It Sexist? – From time to time… I like to look at a controversial topic… and ask “Is it sexist? Racist? Or some other kind of –ist?” For example, would anybody really give two sh*ts about Casey Anthony’s crazy ass if she wasn’t an attractive woman? Hell no, she would’ve fried a long time ago like the hundreds of crazy mothers who killed their kids over the years… but she gets to show her pouty lips and soulless eyes on constant streaming television as they await the execution date. Anyway, that’s just one example. Next up -
Badminton's controversial 'skirt rule' has not been scrapped but is merely in limbo while officials wait for more consultation after initial feedback deemed it sexist, the governing body told Reuters Thursday. A new Badminton World Federation (BWF) code had required all female players to wear skirts or dresses in major tournaments in order to "
to ensure attractive presentation of badminton," but the rule has not been implemented after an outcry. That’s right… that was a QUOTE about “attractive presentation” for a sport. Usually they’re a LOT better at covering the language or BS’ing a reason than saying that they want the players to be hot. This week's Singapore Open had been slated as the first tournament to implement the rule, but marketing manager for the BWF's Super Series S.Selvam said a decision was in limbo. "The rule has been deferred until we get another proposal from the women's commission," Selvam said at the city state's Indoor Stadium. "There was a lot of feedback from players. But a lot of the feedback actually came from the public saying that it was too sexist," he continued… probably from the female public is my guess… wait, is THAT sexist? Even if it’s still true? The legislation -- that stipulates female players must wear a skirt during competition even if they also wear shorts -- is to be reassessed in December. "What was decided was to get the women's commission and the ethnic scholarship to gather feedback from manufacturers, players and other interested parties, and to come up with another proposal for the best dress code for female and male players," Selvam added.
So now I ask you… is requiring female badminton players to wear skirts sexist? Now… I encourage you to think it through before you respond. Who am I kidding? You’re not going to respond. Nobody reads this dribble… but I’ll just say it like this… Sex sells. Period. Studies, books, even my silly ass blog, everybody’s written about it and knows it to the deepest, most instinctual center of their core. It’s just the way it is. Even in sports. Name five female tennis players. Even all time. Go for it. I’ll bet you one of them is Anna Kournikova… and she’s never been in the top 5 at any given time. God knows I watch women’s tennis for the sounds more than anything. Giggidy! If Danica Patrick were Daniel Patrick… and Dan hadn’t won anything ever… would he even have a job as a professional driver? Probably not. Is that sexist? Yeah. Is it wrong that the average benchwarmer’s salary in the NBA could easily finance SEVERAL TEAMS in the WNBA? That’s the market. Is anybody even REALLY watching women’s badminton? I don’t even see that on ESPN2 midday Wednesday and I’ve seen poker, spelling bees & scrabble on that channel posed off as sports. Okay… so what’s my point? Who knows? I’m just appalled that they worded it that way. I know I’ve been in jobs where there were guidelines about personal appearance, appropriate attire / uniforms, adornment & from an HR standpoint, it wasn’t sexist… at least that’s what the documents said. Maybe it was just lost in translation or worded badly… but is it sexist? Probably… but who really cares? I’d play badminton all natural if the price was right. Brings a whole new meaning to the term “shuttlecock” now doesn’t it?
Marilyn Update - The Marilyn Monroe dress that flirted revealingly with a gust of New York subway air in "The Seven Year Itch" fetched
$4.6 million at an auction of film memorabilia. A more sedate outfit worn by Audrey Hepburn in the Ascot race scene of "My Fair Lady" drew a $3.7 million bid at the sale of nearly 600 Hollywood costumes and props collected by film star Debbie Reynolds. The buyers, who were not identified, also paid a sum to the auction house and other fees, according to auction publicity firm Nancy Seltzer & Associates. That brought the total price to more than $5.6 million for the Monroe costume and $4.5 million for the black-and-white gown worn by Hepburn. The auction house, Profiles in History, was calculating the sale's final tally Monday. In filmmaker Billy Wilder's "The Seven Year Itch," Monroe's character cooled off by standing over a subway grate to catch the breeze as a train sped underneath — which sent her dress north and exposed a shocking amount of leg and undergarment for a 1955 movie (or a disappointing amount by today’s standards). Modest but still impressive bids at Saturday's auction in Beverly Hills and online included $140,000 for a guitar used by Julie Andrews in "The Sound of Music" and $100,000 for a "Cleopatra" headdress that adorned Elizabeth Taylor. Reynolds, 79, started collecting four decades ago at auctions held by major film studios, including MGM and Fox, and eventually acquired 3,500-plus items. The auction meant the end of a dream for Reynolds, who starred as a teenager with Gene Kelly in "Singin' in the Rain" and was an Oscar nominee for "The Unsinkable Molly Brown."
Reynolds' combined casino-hotel and memorabilia museum in Las Vegas closed and she had planned to relocate the museum to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. That’s right… there was a museum like that in Vegas the WHOLE TIME and you didn’t know about it either. Last year, Reynolds' son, Todd Fisher, said the project had to file for bankruptcy protection and the collection would be sold to satisfy creditors. Reynolds, who still performs in nightclubs and theaters and remains the petite, pretty blonde who captured Kelly's heart in their 1952 musical, expressed regret in an interview last week. But she looked on the bright side as well. "I won't have so many children to take care of," she said, "so I won't have quite so much responsibility and I can rest a little more." More items are to be auctioned in December… so get your wallets ready. Mmm… what could possibly take my mind off Marilyn Monroe in that dress?
WONDER WOMAN!!! – So why haven’t they made a Wonder Woman movie yet? Many reasons… mostly involving my earlier discussion about women’s badminton, I’m sure… but seriously, who knows? The latest gossip is that "Drive" and "Bronson" director Nicolas Winding Refn has previously spoken about his desire to direct a "Wonder Woman" movie. Now, he is reportedly keen on getting "Mad Men" actress
Christina Hendricks to play the role (mmm… LOVE a curvy full-figured woman). "If I get to do it, she's going to be it" Refn told Vulture this week (and pretty much eliminating any slim chance he had at being director of the film). Hendricks herself last year indicated she'd be game, telling Rachel Ray "I've been wanting to wear that outfit my whole life (really? Why wait?)! I'd love to [do it]. That would be such fun!." The chances of such a film being made however remain super slim though… allegedly because of the disappointing results for "Green Lantern" and the failed David E. Kelley "Wonder Woman" pilot that nobody saw. How so? Was anybody really expecting those to be the greatest movie & TV series ever made? I doubt it… but hey, we are in a recession… and I’d hate for her “Mad Men” character to be written out because of a movie deal. Then again… if I had to take seeing her occasionally in a tight-fitting conservative 1960’s office dress… or gold-guilded panties, corset, tiara & bracelets with thigh high boots… I think you know which I would pick… every time. Now… it’s showtime…
Whew… after that… I’m just really excited that in less than 48 hours… I will be in Utah will my family & friends there. It’s going to be an EPIC weekend!!! You have a great weekend as well!!! Maybe I’ll see ya during it…
After that, I went to my brother's to meet up with him & my niece Kairi & nephew Vinny. Sigh... Kairi is going to start school next year... and Vinny's well over 3 years old now. They grow so fast... but we watched "X-Men: First Class" during their nap. Now, if you haven't seen this movie... it's pretty campy at some points as most comic adaptations are... but pretty damn good actually. It's the origin story of the X-Men with Dr. Charles Xavier (Chris McAvoy of "Wanted") and his "sister" Mystique (Jennifer Lawrence of "Winter's Bone") and how they cross paths with a Nazi assassin named Magneto (Michael Fassbender of "Inglorious Basterds") and how they join forces to save the world in the 60's from an evil man named Sebastian Shaw (THE Kevin Bacon) and his own gang of mutants with super powers. You all know the story... but yeah, definitely check it out. The cast is pretty good... even a cameo by Hugh Jackman... but hey, like I said, campy... but not half bad.
After playing with the kids for a bit, taking them up to grandma's (my mom's), we returned to my brother's newly remodeled bachelor pad to watch "Scott Pilgrim vs the World" starring Michael Cena. Another comic adaptation... but this one was more nerdy Nintendo feel to it... and was about a kid (Cena) who falls for a girl & tries to win her over... but first, he must fight her seven evil exes... or DIE!!! The best part about this movie... was the nerdy humor... and the distinctly new visual style... not necessarily the story or anything... but I highly recommend it if you also still have your Nintendo hooked up to the TV in your bedroom.
That night, I went up to my mom's after the wedding... so around midnight. Lo & behold, somebody was awake and excited to see me... my nephew Vinny. Long story short, he wasn't tired. That quickly changed when I said, "Hey buddy, wanna take a nap with me here under the fan?" "YEAH!!!" Within a few seconds of getting our makeshift bed set up with a few blankets & pillows on the floor, we lied down (lay down?) and he threw his arm over my arm in a little hug... and dozed off to sleep. It was really quiet cute as you could imagine.
It was just my dad & I... and we had a few beers, listening to most of the greatest hits from Uncle Ted... and good times were had by all. We even went to Sconecutters afterwards for some greasy food. Great day with the families.
Then, that evening, my dad, stepmom, brother & I went to see "The Green Lantern" starring Ryan Reynolds, Blake Lively & Mark Strong. Yes, another comic book adaptation... but tis the season... and a pretty standard genre for anything Hollywood. This one is about a pilot (Reynolds) who basically is chosen to be an intergalactic guardian of the Milky Way and has this ring that converts his Willpower into whatever he wants. Enter super-powerful cosmic force, love story, blah blah blah... and it wasn't horrible or anything, but basically what you would expect. I enjoyed it. The thing that caught me though was... okay... his "mentor" in this movie is named Sinestro (Strong). Now, reading the comics, you know he becomes the main bad guy... but the guy's name... is Sinestro. Sinestro! You can't trust a man named Sinestro! I don't care how you package it. Let's see... you applied to be our babysitter. What was your name again? Ted Bundy! Hmm... thank you for your application... have a nice day. What was your pastor's name again? Lou Cypher! I've seen that movie before. It just... doesn't work.
We followed that up with "The Hangover Part 2" starring the guys from the original (Bradley Cooper, Zach Galifinikas, Ed Helms, etc) and this time it's in Bangkok... and similar stuff happens... and it's hilarious. There's really all you need to hear about the movie. The rest just wouldn't be worth your time. If you liked the first one, this one's pretty good too. Check it out at a theatre near you... or wait for the DVD, I don't care, your choice.
Thanks for listening to me ramble... and don't worry, the tears have passed since I left so I'm back on my gangsta thug level now, back on my grind in The City. Holla! Have a great 4th of July weekend everybody!!!
