Let the nerdery begin!

Tomorrow morning I leave for San Diego ComicCon. The biggest gathering of dorks in this side of the Federation of Planets, and Above Middle Earth. As always I will be bringing along my camera to highlight the more horrific moments.

Please, oh please check back in on Monday.

Boozy Boozy Weekend

Ah, the weekend is nigh. Here in Sunny southern California many entertainment companies adhere to the "Gentlemanly tradition" established long ago by the bankers and Madison Avenue execs of half-day fridays durring the boiling summer months. Now, my company does not allow such extravagances, however the companies that do have a ripple effect which slows the breakneck speed of the biz to a crawl, for half the day. And lo there was the promise of drunkeness. So to that ends I present to you.. Mappy Hour! It's Google maps meets..
It's Mappy Hour!

And to get you in the mood here are a few lovely spots for KNOT IRISH WHISKY:

Transformational Memories

Five minutes ago I finished a conversation with a nine year old. Today is his birthday, and he was showing me his new cell phone. I thought, "A child with a cell? What poppycock!"

The cell however was more than meets the eye. The kid flipped some panels to reveal what I knew to be the AUTOBOT emblem. After a few homemade and all too familliar "Chee koo kah kah" sounds the transformation was complete and a conversation about the finer points of Transformers was struck. I pulled up some old transformer cartoons on YouTube, and the lad explained to me that he was a supporter of the Optimus Prime to Rodimus Prime transition. Now, anyone worth their chops understands that the fatal error of the Transformers franchise back in the 80's was the introduction of Roddimus Prime and the death of one Optimus. They jumped the proverbial Sharkticon. Not to take away from the masterpiece that was the Motion Picture, but the seris and the toys went off the deep end, never to fully recover.

The exchange with the lad brought back a few memories of my youth. Playing transformers with my younger brother in the basement, the pogo ball being used as Nuke of some sort, and Nerf Golf Balls being Vector Sigma (And Family, when i was being particularly cruel). The alliances formed in that basement weren't Hasbro approved. Often Autobots and decepticons were mishmashed into roaming teams of ultra-violent, revenge-obsessed, over-hyphenated, marauders. My parents had inadvertently thrown the transformer world into turmoil by giving us EACH a Galvatron action figure.To my parents they were giving us each a "Gun". To US we were given a double embodiment of battery charged light-up evil. Neither of us willing to dispense with our galvatron both action figures were eventually folded into the randomness of our play. However, at that early age, one thing stood out; My brother was a tutu wearing namby pamby hot-rod scrote lickin', Roddimus supporter.

Perhaps like this young un I spoke to earlier, youth was easily influenced. My brother, being three years younger was willing to eat whatever bullshit Hasbro fed him. Whereas I, who at one point was forced to use a bare bones Ultra Magnus as a Prime replacement, knew what a load of crapticon Roddimus/Hot-Rod and all the post film transformers became. Though i must admit the sharkticon with the mace was pretty sweet. History has vindicated me, the return of Optimus Prime in the summer blockbuster has once more proven me wise beyond my years. But, even now i can't help but rub it in my brother's face.

"Optimus Prime..the TRUE Autobot Leader.."

Former Pres. Bush Contemplates Suicide

Emperor Palpatine Second Guesses his Stylist.



ANOTHER Fuckin' Creepy thing about the Catholic Church



Dude, we're totally going to be presidents.




PHOTO PHUN!

SIMON SCHAMA'S: POWER OF ART

History Nerds such as myself who mourn the death of Eugen Webber, or who thrill at a Keegan lecture are undoubtedly familiar with the fantastic work of Simon Schama. His series THE HISTORY of BRITAIN was nearly esquisite in its ability to entertain and inform. Not to be outdone, Schama has come out with an absolutely thrilling new series called: THE POWER OF ART.

My girlfriend and I accidentally stumbled onto the Carravaggio episode, and were riveted at the lunatic tales of these artists on the edge.

From the PBS website:

"In 1941, during the Nazi occupation of Paris, the Gestapo visited Pablo Picasso's Left Bank flat, where a member of the secret police spied a postcard of the artist's most famous work, Guernica. The giant mural memorialized Germany's 1937 aerial obliteration of a small Basque village. "Was it you who did this?" the Nazi demanded of Picasso, to which he replied, "No. It was you." In the eight-part SIMON SCHAMA'S POWER OF ART, internationally acclaimed scholar and writer Simon Schama recounts that story while challenging viewers with a typically provocative query: "Shouldn't art just stick to what it does best, the delivery of pleasure, and forget about being a paintbrush warrior? Or is it, when the bombs are dropping, that we find out what art is really for?"

If you think this is dramatic, you need only tune in to the series to see that this is par for the course. The Artist profiled and their definitive works are as follow:

* Vincent van Gogh (1853-1890) and Wheatfield With Crows, (Pictured above with Andy Sirkis as Vincent)

* Pablo Picasso (1881-1973) and Guernica,

* Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571-1610) and David With the Head of Goliath,

* Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680) and The Ecstasy of St. Theresa,

* Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669) and The Conspiracy of the Batavians Under Claudius Civilis,

* Jacques-Louis David (1748-1825) and The Death of Marat,

* J.M.W. Turner (1775-1851) and Slave Ship (Slavers Throwing Overboard the Dead and Dying, Typhoon Coming On),

* Mark Rothko (1903-1970) and the Seagram murals.

After watching the Jacques Louis David episode, I have an all new appreciation for a painting I had always ...admired (?)
If you are into Art, watch it. If you are into History, watch it. If you are into Love, Violence, Politics, Intrigue, Sex, Death, and LIFE, watch it!

I have found the following Episodes online (If you find more, let me know!):


Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680) and The Ecstasy of St. Theresa


Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669) and The Conspiracy of the Batavians Under Claudius Civilis



Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571-1610) and David With the Head of Goliath (TOTALLY INSANE!)

Joyeux Fete Nationale!

So Superman went Ballistic...

WARNING: EXTREMELY HIRALIOUS NERDERY

Don't Hassel the Hoff

The Hoff. The burger dropping, stretched out, weepy chanteur of today, is not too shockingly different from the cheeseball of Baywatch and Knight Rider. Yet in Europe the Hoff was and is a HUGE celebrity. His anthem "Looking for Freedom" became a huge hit as communist regimes toppled across Europe, and his impact was such that a captured Bosnian Sniper Rifle known as the HASSELHOFF MAUSER bore his likeness.
Now, far be it for me to judge our Euro Friends, god knows they gave us well, Western Civilization, something I am a notorious proponent of. However, despite all the wailing and gnashing of teeth I am somehow releived that the stewardship of western civilization and media has passed to the more saavy and less cheese encrusted hands of Hollywood. I hate to Imagine what would hapen if This went Global:




What can I say? I now know WHY Communism crumbled.



Do you think Kitt resents being used like that?

Ah Dear friends! On this particular fourth of July, when this fragile democracy of ours faces assaults from both ithe inside and outside, let us not forget that monummental day.



It was on that day when an egg hatched. An egg that would chirp uh... I'll let the founding fathers explain it. IN SONG!





Happy fourth of July Everyone!

Photo Phun

Oh I know I haven't been posting all too regularly. In lieu of anything worthwhile, but preemptive to my fourth of July musical and video tribute to our great nation, allow me to bestow some photographic fireworks.

My favorite pictures of the week

1. WHALE AND DOLPHIN HORSING AROUND



What's Dolphin for "Dude did you just see what I did?"?

“I was observing a strange interaction between a pair of bottlenose dolphins and a humpback whale, when it became apparent that the two species were collaborating in some way. The dolphin was lying on a humpback whale’s head while it was slowly swimming along. Looking through my camera lens the stunt appeared to be orchestrated by mutual “agreement.” The whale very slowly—and vertically—lifted the dolphin into the air. I expected the dolphin to wriggle atop the humpback’s head to get off, but it just laid still and arched, trying to stay on top of the whale’s snout. In this frame the dolphin was beginning its slippery return to the sea. Once back in the ocean, the dolphin swiftly swam away with the other dolphin, leaping joyfully as if they had just scored a coup!”


2. WHY MY BROTHER IS AN IDIOT



FYI my brother nearly got killed sea kayaking in strong currents last week.

3. WHY I HATE CATS



The audacity!

4. THE ONLY KNOWN PHOTOGRPAH DOCUMENTING THE IRISH POTATO FAMINE OF 1845



I know its a downer, but the photograph is astonishing in its candor. Most of the period photographs were looney portraits attempting to romanticize the subjects. Due to the long exposure, there was very little if any candid photography in those days. The fact that this family was captured in the throes of starvation and squalor is shocking, and poingniant.

OMG I TLY LV BLINGEE!

Yeah, that's right I've discovered a site that I can exploit. An so can you!







Make Your Own Glitter Graphics

Walking down Wilshire

Tobias Wacker (Great Name) just uploaded this awesome video of Wilshire Blvd. He took one picture every ten steps for sixteen miles. As someone who lives and works right by Wilshre, it was fun seeing all the landmarks.

I live one block north of 5:44

I work One Block South of 4:48

Pretty sweet, huh?

Ron Paul Is A worthless Judas-Goat

The most recent "Internet Phenom" is this gay-ass, Ron Paul Movement. Fat, pale, sweaty men from all corners of the internet are standing behind this incorruptible defender of the constitution who believes in Peace, Prosperity, and No gun control Laws. Ron Paul may be a very ethical man, who has voted dilligently to protect the constitution of the United States, and yes, he's got a very proud record, a good heart etc. etc. But let's not forget that Ron Paul continues to caucus with the same party that has brought the most devastating affronts to our consitution in history. In a year where there is an opportunity to send a message about change and the direction we are heading, those that have grown disenchanted with the Republicans, but daren't support a Black man or a Woman, are hiding behind Ron Paul as a way of avoiding the true question of this election.

Will you ally yourself with the same? The same corruption, the same incompetence, cronyism, the same batch of welathy ill-speaking backwards white males of the last century? Support of Ron Paul, is an offensive and amoral but simple chice for the weak willed. I Applaud Ron Paul for standing up to the majority of Republicans and speaking the truth. But those who seek to elevate his symbolic candidacy would do well to ally with their gut come November of 2008.

In the meantime, Vote Ron Ron Paul in all the Caucuses and Primaries, and Insure that he remains a voice of opposition, though he has cast his lot with the devil. And a Reminder from a conservatice website as to this man's Alleigances:

Ron Paul is pro-life. As a specialist in obstetrics/gynecology, he has delivered more than 4,000 babies. Dr. Paul is not just an opponent of partial-birth abortion; he is an opponent of abortion itself. He is also opposed to federal funding of embryonic stem cell research.

Ron Paul is a believer in family values. Unlike many Christian "leaders" and Republican politicians who have admitted to adulterous affairs and/or been married multiple times, Dr. Paul has been married to the same woman for fifty years. He and his wife have been blessed with five children and seventeen grandchildren.

Ron Paul is opposed to same-sex marriage. Although he doesn’t want to strip homosexuals of their civil rights, he has voted to prohibit federal funding for the joint adoption of a child between individuals who are not related by blood or marriage.

Ron Paul is a patriot. He served as a flight surgeon in the U.S. Air Force from 1963 to 1967. He opposes federal court jurisdiction over the question of whether the phrase "under God" should be included in the pledge of allegiance.

Ron Paul is opposed to unrestricted immigration. Because he believes that true citizenship requires cultural connections and an allegiance to the United States, he favors an end to birthright citizenship. And because he believes that it insults legal immigrants, he does not favor amnesty for illegal immigrants in any form. He opposes welfare state subsidies for illegal immigrants that alienate taxpayers and breed suspicion of immigrants. Dr. Paul also believes that all federal government business should be conducted in English.

Mr. Wizard (1917-2007)

Pioneering TV science educator Don Herbert, AKA Mr. Wizard, passed away this morning. He was almost 90 years old.









read more | digg story

Bush Gets his Watch Stolen!!!!

While hugging and grasping at the adulating crowds in Albania, our feeble minded President gets ripped off. Keep your eyes on the watch, and see if you can figure out who takes it.



Can you read Dutch? | digg story

Why Everyone is Wrong in the Paris Hilton Fiasco

I am bothered. There are many pressing global issues, and CNN broke from the news that the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs was being replaced to footage of reporters running after Paris Hilton's car. But beyond the obvious reasons of why we shouldn't really care about this lies the more troubling question of why people care so much. The picture above shows some very hateful feelings, towards who? For what?

Paris Hilton is the semi-retarded offspring of billionaires. She did not graduate high-school, she has chemical dependency issues, and has created a name for herself by flashing an unhealthy cooch and an itty bitty titty. She suffers from genital warts, has been televised for her ignorance and stupidity, this is a freak show we are talking about. In old days she'd be taught to knit and wave and be married off to someone who would never have to deal with her on a personal level. She'd sprout offspring and that would make her happy.

Now let's discuss the LA courts and LA county Jail.
LA county Jail is a mess. The overcrowding puts anywhere between 5 to 15 people to a cell. People are put in cots in the hallway. Now, with that sort of overcrowding and peoples definitive views on Paris, i think we can all agree that perhaps getting raped and killed might be too much of a punishment for driving with a suspended license. Now, the LA Sheriff (A sleazy man named Lee Baca) is in charge of carrying out the judge's orders. However, installed within the DOC are such programs as early release for first time nonviolent offenders, and home confinement which keeps people off the streets. Now, the judge that sentenced Paris has been sitting on that bench for a long time, and has been notoriously useless. His judicial history is one of someone with no desire for advancement, and who is well aware of overpopulation, continuously dealing out lopsided rulings favoring the defendants, using overpopulation as reasoning for not overburdening the system. This mope of our judicial system knows full well that very often the same crime is punished in very much the same way the sheriff tried to punish Paris. Home incarceration costs the taxpayer nothing, whereas a solitary cell like Paris would require, costs up to 11 times more than the average inmate.

Now, I understand this idiot thumbed her nose at the judicial system. However, she deserves equal treatment under the law, no matter how skanky. In my opinion, she is not getting it. She is being hunted down like the Elephant man, by the same people who payed to watch the freak show. It is the court's duty to dispense justice, not to make examples, prove points, or punish the unpopular.

So i will say, what I never thought i'd say:


And let's remove this skank from our lives.

The Sopranos and the Simpsons: Too much of a good thing

SPIOLER ALERT!

Last night, the known universe choked, as the clock wound down for the HBO series THE SOPRANOS.

The crew I was with shouted "bloody murder!" at the blackout scene where to everyone's dismay, no one died, and life went on as usual for the Soprano clan.

My brother and I discussed this anticlimax on the way home, and while he obsessed about the sexual aspects of the Sopranos (He was left particularly breathless by the FBI agent's hairy chest)I realized i rather enjoyed the end. Who needs things to end bloodily and with manic carnage? My friend Will described the Drama and the family aspects of the Sopranos as the "Meat and Potatoes". I sort of revelled in the game they played as the clock ran down, and when the end came I took a huge amount of satisfactions at the grunts and hollers from everyone around me, and then of course the inevitable backlash. People flooded the HBO website untill it crashed, people cancelled their subscriptions to HBO, angry message boards, etc. etc.

It seems this country is so obsessed with the immediate gratification of a tidy and violent ending, that they convulse at having to think about things. The "Outrage" over Paris Hilton is another example of how people would rather yell, than be forced to think. As the Simpsons movie looms in the horizon i wonder if the obviously weary creators aren't doomed to a similar backlash but with the beloved yellow family. Unfortunately for the Simpsons, the end will not come soon enough. The Sopranos should have ended before Chris and AJ became Film people. Would anyone have complained if the season where Adrianna gets offed were the last one? Instead the same public that demanded more and more of the same, becomes wildly enraged when the creators of the show, decided that the end should be the same as a regular episode.

Shanks and Shivs For Prison Princesses

My friend found this while she was surfing on Etsy. I damn near pooped myself.



Check it all out HERE

When Toys Jump the Shark

I'm especially fond of the Moose.

I love this town

When we think of LA and all it has to offer we rarely connote scenic beauty. Yet on a shockingly clear day, at a shockingly scenic angle, our fair, sprawling city was shockingly beautiful.



Yes, that is Silver Lake.

Picture, by Friend of a Friend Brandon Zagha