I wish they'd bring back the 'Less Filling, Tastes Great' commercials. I liked those.
I have more complex thoughts than that today but I'm too tired to type them out. Pity cause they're good thoughts. Have to remember them for tomorrow.
20 June 2009
19 June 2009
Really? Really?!?
Monday night my buddy Brian texted me about WWE RAW, noting that Vince McMahon had come out to announce that he'd sold the show to an investor. Being long-time wrestling fans, we knew this was a story and figured the investor would turn out to be Ric Flair since the show was in Charlotte. I spent most of the night flipping back and forth between the wrestling show and the Brewers/Indians baseball game, which was just wild. I haven't watched RAW in ages but was curious enough to check in. The investor turned out to be Donald Trump.
While Trump has worked with Vince before, we couldn't figure out as a group how this 'independent investor' that just owned the show would work in the story. Would he just be responsible for the content of the show, like a 'general manager'? Would he have to provide wrestlers, bringing in new wrestlers, pretending they worked for Trump and not the WWE? It seemed overly complicated and, as a group, Brian and Moppy (who we dragged into the conversation) and I dismissed it.
Today I read that the storyline was promoted via press release on various websites. Nothing new there either. Another press release noted that this was all a storyline. On that 'news' WWE stock dropped 7% as investors apparently believed that Trump had actually bought into the company.
For years I've been reminded by non-wrestling fans that wrestling is 'fake'. I've had many people look at me funny because I look too smart to watch something so stupid. Yet here were people that play the stock market that couldn't tell the difference between a storyline and something real.
And I was the idiot all these years? Suddenly the poor state of the economy makes sense. It's awash with desperate stupid people looking to get rich quick.
I think I get to look at people that play the market with that Look now.
While Trump has worked with Vince before, we couldn't figure out as a group how this 'independent investor' that just owned the show would work in the story. Would he just be responsible for the content of the show, like a 'general manager'? Would he have to provide wrestlers, bringing in new wrestlers, pretending they worked for Trump and not the WWE? It seemed overly complicated and, as a group, Brian and Moppy (who we dragged into the conversation) and I dismissed it.
Today I read that the storyline was promoted via press release on various websites. Nothing new there either. Another press release noted that this was all a storyline. On that 'news' WWE stock dropped 7% as investors apparently believed that Trump had actually bought into the company.
For years I've been reminded by non-wrestling fans that wrestling is 'fake'. I've had many people look at me funny because I look too smart to watch something so stupid. Yet here were people that play the stock market that couldn't tell the difference between a storyline and something real.
And I was the idiot all these years? Suddenly the poor state of the economy makes sense. It's awash with desperate stupid people looking to get rich quick.
I think I get to look at people that play the market with that Look now.
18 June 2009
A Few Thoughts on Comics from this week
A number of books I enjoyed this week but no big 'wow!' book or moment really.
Ultimatum: Spider-Man: Requiem #1 gives us what appears to be an older Ultimate Team-Up book that wasn't printed. The bulk of the issue is in flashback but the framework is set the day after the Ultimatum wave hit. Spidey is missing. The book works because it shows people in shock after a major tragedy and just doing what they need to do. There's a creepy honesty, a lack of false hope, to the characters. Still not sure if I want to leap onto the books when they revive as 'Ultimate Comics'. If I don't, this is turning out to be a fine coda to the series I was following.
The Mighty Avengers #26 completes the scuffle with between the team and the Fantastic Four. Whatever Hank Pym has up his sleeve is apparently enough to impress a lot of people. I'm looking forward to seeing what it is! They keep teasing us with it. Hank also gets points for noting that his 'sonic extractor' makes for a 'heck of a screwdriver'.
A year or two ago in 'Avengers: The Initiative' we saw that James Rhodes had become some sort of weird cyborg that can absorb random equipment into a functioning whole. It was a surprise revelation but what happened to him wasn't explained, at least until now in War Machine #7. What happened isn't pretty at all. It does go a long way to explaining why he's been acting the way he's been. It's a good issue.
Punisher #6 spends most of its story identifying the rules for what occurred at the end of the last issue. The upside is that this is interesting and the 'villains' clash well. The downside is that we don't see much of Frank.
Marvel Adventures - Avengers #37 features a 'clash' between the Avengers and the heroes of 1954 (they're referred to as the 'Invaders' but they'd probably be the 'All Winners Squad', which is referenced in the story title as 'Doll Winners Squad'). While there's a plot to resolve and things to do, the more interesting storyline revolves around Captain America's reaction to seeing his old friends. He has grown comfortable in the present but does miss the Invaders. If given the chance to go back, would he?
Transformers Spotlight: Cliffjumper tells a story that's not unfamiliar. The entertainment comes from Cliffjumper, 'small' as he is, being this frighteningly effective assassin. When the Decepticon reenforcements realize who they've been called in to help against and they freak out, it's a great moment.
Simpsons Comics #155 starts a three part 'event'. The story here parodies recent comic book events and how complicated comics have become. Change is coming to Radioactive Man comics but whatever that change is remains a secret for the moment. Funny stuff as usual.
Ultimatum: Spider-Man: Requiem #1 gives us what appears to be an older Ultimate Team-Up book that wasn't printed. The bulk of the issue is in flashback but the framework is set the day after the Ultimatum wave hit. Spidey is missing. The book works because it shows people in shock after a major tragedy and just doing what they need to do. There's a creepy honesty, a lack of false hope, to the characters. Still not sure if I want to leap onto the books when they revive as 'Ultimate Comics'. If I don't, this is turning out to be a fine coda to the series I was following.
The Mighty Avengers #26 completes the scuffle with between the team and the Fantastic Four. Whatever Hank Pym has up his sleeve is apparently enough to impress a lot of people. I'm looking forward to seeing what it is! They keep teasing us with it. Hank also gets points for noting that his 'sonic extractor' makes for a 'heck of a screwdriver'.
A year or two ago in 'Avengers: The Initiative' we saw that James Rhodes had become some sort of weird cyborg that can absorb random equipment into a functioning whole. It was a surprise revelation but what happened to him wasn't explained, at least until now in War Machine #7. What happened isn't pretty at all. It does go a long way to explaining why he's been acting the way he's been. It's a good issue.
Punisher #6 spends most of its story identifying the rules for what occurred at the end of the last issue. The upside is that this is interesting and the 'villains' clash well. The downside is that we don't see much of Frank.
Marvel Adventures - Avengers #37 features a 'clash' between the Avengers and the heroes of 1954 (they're referred to as the 'Invaders' but they'd probably be the 'All Winners Squad', which is referenced in the story title as 'Doll Winners Squad'). While there's a plot to resolve and things to do, the more interesting storyline revolves around Captain America's reaction to seeing his old friends. He has grown comfortable in the present but does miss the Invaders. If given the chance to go back, would he?
Transformers Spotlight: Cliffjumper tells a story that's not unfamiliar. The entertainment comes from Cliffjumper, 'small' as he is, being this frighteningly effective assassin. When the Decepticon reenforcements realize who they've been called in to help against and they freak out, it's a great moment.
Simpsons Comics #155 starts a three part 'event'. The story here parodies recent comic book events and how complicated comics have become. Change is coming to Radioactive Man comics but whatever that change is remains a secret for the moment. Funny stuff as usual.
17 June 2009
Additional
Penn and Teller are in RUN D.M.C.'s video for 'It's Tricky' as three-card monte scam artists.
Awash in the Past
I've been watching a lot of music videos the past couple days. I go through streaks with this form of entertainment, moreso that most of the forms or styles with which I'm fascinated. Of late videos have been a 'going by Moppy' thing. If I go over by him to watch the game or somesuch, the entertainment generally starts with a few videos. Good way to set the mood.
I've got piles and piles of video tapes in general and a number of them have MTV's 120 Minutes on them. Two hours worth of 'alternative' music videos a week. Good stuff. Every few months I get the bug in my system and I convert a bunch over to DVD. Memories.
This recent explosion was due to finding a bunch of 'older' clips online and realizing I had enough located to make a few data DVDs. It's been a lot of fun. There's been a few moments of interest in particular. For instance, I was watching the video for the Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson duet 'Say, Say, Say'. At one point Macca hustles Harry Dean Stanton at pool. Was Harry a known actor by this point? I can't remember and am apparently too lazy to go check at the moment. I know Matt Dillon was a known actor by the time he appears in the 'Fairytale of New York' video for the Pogues.
Must...have...more...
Stupid addictions.
I've got piles and piles of video tapes in general and a number of them have MTV's 120 Minutes on them. Two hours worth of 'alternative' music videos a week. Good stuff. Every few months I get the bug in my system and I convert a bunch over to DVD. Memories.
This recent explosion was due to finding a bunch of 'older' clips online and realizing I had enough located to make a few data DVDs. It's been a lot of fun. There's been a few moments of interest in particular. For instance, I was watching the video for the Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson duet 'Say, Say, Say'. At one point Macca hustles Harry Dean Stanton at pool. Was Harry a known actor by this point? I can't remember and am apparently too lazy to go check at the moment. I know Matt Dillon was a known actor by the time he appears in the 'Fairytale of New York' video for the Pogues.
Must...have...more...
Stupid addictions.
16 June 2009
Indiana Jones 5
Word emerged today regarding the fifth movie in the Indiana Jones series, tentatively titled 'Indiana Jones and the Psychedelic Tablet'. Official announcement was scheduled for next month's San Diego Comic-Con but a brief press conference was arranged once the news leaked.
Much as the fourth movie advanced a decade into the future from the earlier films to reflect the popular movies of the Nineteen Fifties, this fifth film will take place during the late Sixties and reflect the movies of that time. The film will reflect elements of 'exploitation' films of the period and much of the film will be set at Barnett College.
A major new character will be 'Moonglow', a hippie that leads and organizes the local protests. Indiana's son, Mutt, is torn between his growing interest in following in his father's work and the mutual fascination between him and Moonglow.
Harrison Ford has been preparing to play an even older Indiana Jones. "I've been yelling at kids to get off my lawn. I think I can do this."
When confronted with rumors of a twist in the relationship between Mutt and Moonglow (that they are half-brother and sister) as well as the rumor that Mutt would lose a hand during the course of the story, Lucas' jaw dropped. "You know about that already? (Flipping) Internet!"
Indiana Jones 5 is currently scheduled for release on April 1st, 2010.
(In the event it's still not clear, I made this up while playing Lego Indiana Jones and it is in no way true. That said, news today said that there is a real Indy 5 on the way, so this is topical.)
Much as the fourth movie advanced a decade into the future from the earlier films to reflect the popular movies of the Nineteen Fifties, this fifth film will take place during the late Sixties and reflect the movies of that time. The film will reflect elements of 'exploitation' films of the period and much of the film will be set at Barnett College.
A major new character will be 'Moonglow', a hippie that leads and organizes the local protests. Indiana's son, Mutt, is torn between his growing interest in following in his father's work and the mutual fascination between him and Moonglow.
Harrison Ford has been preparing to play an even older Indiana Jones. "I've been yelling at kids to get off my lawn. I think I can do this."
When confronted with rumors of a twist in the relationship between Mutt and Moonglow (that they are half-brother and sister) as well as the rumor that Mutt would lose a hand during the course of the story, Lucas' jaw dropped. "You know about that already? (Flipping) Internet!"
Indiana Jones 5 is currently scheduled for release on April 1st, 2010.
(In the event it's still not clear, I made this up while playing Lego Indiana Jones and it is in no way true. That said, news today said that there is a real Indy 5 on the way, so this is topical.)
15 June 2009
EXTRA - A Few Thoughts on Comics from this week
Normally when I do these little reviews, my goal is to be as spoiler free as possible. This week, something different happened with the release of books, well, a book, and that demands a bit of a change from me as well.
I'm going to talk about Captain America #600. This was released today instead of Wednesday with the rest of the comics for this week. There will be spoilers ahead. If you're waiting or have to wait until Wednesday to get your copy, you may not want to read ahead.
You'll notice I'm working to fill this space with text rather than blank space. That is intentional.
Last chance!
Most importantly, Steven Rogers does not return in this issue. As a result, I have to label this as something of a disappointment. The issue was hyped as a big deal and, while things happen, we don't get Steve back. The main story primarily acts as a prelude to the Reborn mini-series that is set to launch just before the fourth of July.
Now, what do we get? Mostly clues. It's the anniversary of Steve being gunned down. Sharon Carter has started to remember more about that day and tracks down someone else that had been used by Faustus that day. The problem for the bad guys? They forgot all about him, and he's still got the murder weapon.
The bulk of the rest of the story is catching up with the various other characters involved, seeing what they've been up to, and building to the big vigil in the park for Steve. Here Sharon catches up to the Avengers and reveals her new information, evidence to believe, for the first time, that Steven Rogers may not be dead.
Boom. Done.
Is it exciting? Interesting? Yes, just as much as any previous issue has been. Does it pay off as a 'big deal'? Not so much.
We get a few extras. My favorite of these is the note from Cap's co-creator, Joe Simon, which includes pictures he did in the 40's trying to get through Jack Kirby's thick skull that Cap's shield was now round. Great!
This is a good book. I'm not disappointed I got an 'extra' early copy but I wouldn't recommend going out of your way to get it early. It'll keep until your normal visit to the Local Comic Book Store.
I'm going to talk about Captain America #600. This was released today instead of Wednesday with the rest of the comics for this week. There will be spoilers ahead. If you're waiting or have to wait until Wednesday to get your copy, you may not want to read ahead.
You'll notice I'm working to fill this space with text rather than blank space. That is intentional.
Last chance!
Most importantly, Steven Rogers does not return in this issue. As a result, I have to label this as something of a disappointment. The issue was hyped as a big deal and, while things happen, we don't get Steve back. The main story primarily acts as a prelude to the Reborn mini-series that is set to launch just before the fourth of July.
Now, what do we get? Mostly clues. It's the anniversary of Steve being gunned down. Sharon Carter has started to remember more about that day and tracks down someone else that had been used by Faustus that day. The problem for the bad guys? They forgot all about him, and he's still got the murder weapon.
The bulk of the rest of the story is catching up with the various other characters involved, seeing what they've been up to, and building to the big vigil in the park for Steve. Here Sharon catches up to the Avengers and reveals her new information, evidence to believe, for the first time, that Steven Rogers may not be dead.
Boom. Done.
Is it exciting? Interesting? Yes, just as much as any previous issue has been. Does it pay off as a 'big deal'? Not so much.
We get a few extras. My favorite of these is the note from Cap's co-creator, Joe Simon, which includes pictures he did in the 40's trying to get through Jack Kirby's thick skull that Cap's shield was now round. Great!
This is a good book. I'm not disappointed I got an 'extra' early copy but I wouldn't recommend going out of your way to get it early. It'll keep until your normal visit to the Local Comic Book Store.
14 June 2009
A Few Thoughts on Comics from this week
This week's big 'wow!' book was Fantastic Four #567. The Masters of Doom dismiss Doom as if he was nothing. You know Doctor Doom is not going to take this lying down! This storyline is the big wrap-up to Mark Millar and Bryan Hitch's run on the book. Halfway in, it feels like a big deal. Seriously bad things have happened and the FF aren't even on the scene yet. This could be impressive.
On the other hand, there's Uncanny X-Men #511. This was the end of a storyline wrapping up some threads. I'm not quite sure what happened. Part of me wants to read the last few again to see if I can figure it out and part of me is just annoyed. It was all something about putting corrupted psyches back into corpses to bring them back to life. Oh, and the character that was doing it has been dead for awhile. No clue when they brought her back. Next issue looks like it's going to focus on the X-Club, kind of a Planetary for the Marvel Universe, and I should enjoy that. It's a group of mostly scientific adventurers led by Hank McCoy. For all the X books there are, they could spin this off so I could get that book and cancel my Uncanny subscription. Those X-Club characters are fun.
Hack/Slash #23 is a double feature book with a cover that looks like an old movie poster. I continue to enjoy this book!
Amazing Spider-Man #597 still doesn't have any Phil Jimenez art. It does have a grand story in it. Spidey's infiltration of the 'Dark' Avengers tower doesn't go well. This is pretty much the exact opposite of well. The cliffhanger is one where I know what we see can't be what happened but I'm curious as to how they'll get out of this one.
On the other hand, there's Uncanny X-Men #511. This was the end of a storyline wrapping up some threads. I'm not quite sure what happened. Part of me wants to read the last few again to see if I can figure it out and part of me is just annoyed. It was all something about putting corrupted psyches back into corpses to bring them back to life. Oh, and the character that was doing it has been dead for awhile. No clue when they brought her back. Next issue looks like it's going to focus on the X-Club, kind of a Planetary for the Marvel Universe, and I should enjoy that. It's a group of mostly scientific adventurers led by Hank McCoy. For all the X books there are, they could spin this off so I could get that book and cancel my Uncanny subscription. Those X-Club characters are fun.
Hack/Slash #23 is a double feature book with a cover that looks like an old movie poster. I continue to enjoy this book!
Amazing Spider-Man #597 still doesn't have any Phil Jimenez art. It does have a grand story in it. Spidey's infiltration of the 'Dark' Avengers tower doesn't go well. This is pretty much the exact opposite of well. The cliffhanger is one where I know what we see can't be what happened but I'm curious as to how they'll get out of this one.
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