Superman, the world’s greatest comic book super hero is back in the movies. And if great SFX is your thing, this movie looks like its got it!
In theaters June 14th
From Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures comes “Man of Steel”, starring Henry Cavill, directed by Zach Snyder. The film also stars Amy Adams, Diane Lane, Kevin Costner, Michael Shannon, Russell Crowe, Antje Traue, Ayelet Zurer, Henry Lennix, Christopher Meloni and Laurence Fishburne.
Below is a video from Family Guy. In it, the eerie scene shows Bob Costas interviewing Family Guy’s Peter Griffin, asking him how he won the Boston Marathon.
The scene then shows Griffin’s answer where he makes two phone calls and two explosions are heard after each call.
A crazy video indeed.
After his first song Gangnam Style went VIRAL on the internet, tearing up dance floors all over the nation and prompting copycat videos on YouTube, PSY is now trying to do it all over again with the release of another YouTube video introducing his new song, Gentleman.
Can Gentleman do what Gangnam Style did? Does it have that secret ingredient to do what Gangnam Style did for the South Korean artist?
You be the judge.
Seriously, drama just revolves around these three. With the forever saga that goes along with Rihanna and Chris Brown, somehow Drake is oftentimes thrown into the mix.
Remember the June 13, 2012 W.i.P nightclub fight that occurred between Chris Brown and Drake supposedly over Rihanna which ultimately led to the club closing its doors for a brief time and several lawsuits quickly following? The most recent lawsuit involves Chris Brown’s bodyguard suing Drake and the nightclub over physical damages due to being hit in the face with a bottle during the fight.
Well, now, here is just another chapter in the The World Turns Around Rihanna (…and Chris Brown).
Drake, who usually leaves his thoughts out there in his lyrics, stated on the “Keep It Thoro” internet radio show that,
Don’t ask me sh– about that man when I come up there and leave that man alone. Stop preying on his insecurities…His insecurities are the fact that I make better music than him, that I’m more popping than him and that at one point in life the woman that he loves fell into my lap.
I did what a real n—a would do and treated her with respect.
Hmm, while I appreciate Drake’s candidness making statements in regards to leaving Chris Brown alone; I really don’t think that calling him out on his insecurities, making claims that his music is better than Chris’, and that he once did the dirty with Rihanna is really going to help settle their issues.
I can only predict further beefing developments will ensue.
So, until the next chapter….
Famed rapper LL Cool J collaborated with country singer Brad Paisley on his newly released song, “Accidental Racist.” The country singer created the song to deal with the issue of race and help the current generation to overcome the ills of the past. However, upon the songs release immediate backlash followed suit. Many argued that the duo’s attempt to address the issues of race and racism was a “bad idea,” and “misguided.” Others believe that the song is wrong for making light of slavery, Jim Crow laws and simply implying that race and racism are merely issues of the past.
Paisley, a country singer began the song by addressing a black man who was offended by the singer’s red flag (Confederate flag). “To the man that waited on me at the Starbucks down on Main, I hope you understand. When I put on that t-shirt, the only thing I meant to say is I’m a Skynyrd fan. The red flag on my chest somehow is like the elephant in the corner of the south. And I just walked him right in the room. Just a proud rebel son with an ‘ol can of worm. Lookin’ like I got a lot to learn but from my point of view. I’m just a white man comin’ to you from the southland.”
I think that both Paisley and LL Cool J are courageous. The discussion of race is one that oftentimes makes almost everyone uncomfortable. As such, the public reaction to the song was not aberrant given that most talks involving race and racism are notorious for generating the strongest and most negative emotions in people. Moreover, the sheer fact that neither artist is an “expert” on the subject matter further demonstrates the heart from which the song originated. Yet, despite their desire to see forgiveness, healing, love and atonement between blacks and white, many still insist that the song is merely a stunt, tactic or concoction to gain music sales.
However, after watching the interview about why the men created the song and what they hoped to gain as a result, I was even more enthused. Both Brad Paisley and LL Cool J appear to be truly genuine at heart. At least, this is what I believe based upon the spirit in which the song was written and produced. Then, upon hearing the song, coupled with the interview I was simply overjoyed. It was a sense of pride to see my generation actively engaged, taking control of our destiny and of those to follow. Moreover, even though the lyrics to this song may not have the depth to adequately address the issues that continue to plague blacks and whites today. I believe that the song does provide a sufficient platform for those who are interested in expanding the much needed dialogue over race relations in the 21st century conversation.
Neither, Paisley or LL Cool J is an academic, politician or a teacher. Therefore, I am not angry or put off by the fact that the song includes lyrics may be slightly misguided or misinformed. I am not disappointed that they may have omitted or confused some historical data facts. I am not dismayed by the song’s failure to mention the need for personal responsibility in dealing with the issue of race today.
Again, according to LL Cool J and Paisley, the song is about forgiveness and the need to heal the wounds of the past. The song was not intended to create conflict or controversy. I applaud the effort. Their intentions are good enough for me because I do not believe that the song is dismissive or disrespectful in anyway. This was their honest attempt to address the elephant in the room. Good Job! I am encouraged by their boldness and confidence to confront the giant of racism.
However, I will admit that the song should have dealt more with what we can do today to eradicate the ills of yesterday. The song say’s, “And it ain’t like you and me can re-write history. Our generation didn’t start this nation. And we’re still paying for the mistakes. That a bunch of folks made long before we came. And caught between southern pride and southern blame.”
I too agree! No, we cannot rewrite history, nor do we need to be concerned with such. However, we must accept our role in the struggle for freedom and equality. As the descendants of those who first committed and received the atrocities that negatively affect us all today; we must not only talk about the ills of yesterday. Instead we must encourage personal responsibility and confront these issues.
People are not only reaping the “blame” for the wrongs of their ancestors, but they are reaping the benefits too. As such, both blacks and whites in any given generation have a duty to evaluate the past and present, so as to identify the necessary steps to keep our nation going forward together.
Paisley is correct when he stated that, “We’re still pickin’ up the pieces, walkin’ on eggshells, fightin’ over yesterday.” I believe that we are not only picking up the pieces of yesterday but we will never move forward in a more meaningful way if we choose to ignore opportunities such as this to deal with the “color-line” that still remains. Unfortunately, our country was built upon division that has produced as much harm as good. However, if this generation does not make a decision to change the way in which we all live together division will destroy this country.
Each and every person has a role to play in shaping the world in which we all must live. Thank you, Brad Paisley and LL Cool J for your genuine efforts and Godly deeds to make this world a better place.
Branden Lee is a blogger, screenwriter, producer, and actor, currently residing in Boston, MA. Follow Branden on Twitter @Brandeness and Tumblr.
Unfortunately there wasn’t enough room in my previous piece about Webseries Worth Watching to include all of my favorite online shows. The internet is full of limitless entertaining programs available for your viewing whenever you find the time. Here are a few more of my favorite webseries.
Husbands takes place in a sci-fi world, where gay marriage is nationally recognized and there are out of the closet openly gay pro-athletes. If that type of mythical universe doesn’t seem too implausible to comprehend then Husbands is perfect for viewing . The show follows Brady, a freshly out of the closet pro-baseball player, and his new husband Cheeks, who’s an unapologetically flamboyant gay TV star. Brady and Cheeks find themselves married after a drunken night in Vegas and that’s where the show kicks off. The episodes are super short, but every second is amazing. Husbands was created by acclaimed producer/writer Jane Epenson and Brad “Cheeks” Bell who’s also one of the stars of the show. and features tons of celebrity cameos. Husbands has already completed 2 seasons, and episodes are available for viewing on their website or on YouTube.
Old Dogs & New Tricks takes the basic format of 4 best friends with uniquely different personalities and follows their dating lives. Where as most gay shows focus on beautiful young guys, Old Dogs & New Tricks focuses on all 40+ aged gays. It gives a perspective on what it’s like to accept aging as a gay man, but still being active, sexual, desirable, and not letting age hindering happiness and finding love. The season 2 finale of Old Dogs & New Tricks is next week, but there’s plenty of time to get caught up on the series. All episodes from both seasons are available on YouTube.
As you can probably tell from the title, Gay’s Anatomy is a bit of a parody to Grey’s Anatomy. Just without the network TV budget and most of the characters are gay, bi, or unknown. Gay’s Anatomy follows a bunch of fresh out of med school residents as they begin their medical careers. Hilarious antics and drama ensues when a bunch of doctors get together inside and outside of the hospital. Gay’s Anatomy has already completed 2 seasons, and all episodes are available for viewing on their website and YouTube.
As more and more shows approach their season/series finale, you’ll need something new to watch. Get online and watch some webseries! You definitely won’t regret any of my suggestions.
The Oscar-winner and her fiancé, Olivier Martinez, are expecting their first child together, and—as E! News revealed last week—the actress is pregnant with a boy and is reportedly about 12 weeks along.
Just days after word spread that Berry will be giving her 5-year-old daughter, Nahla, a little sibling, the star is speaking out for the first time about being on the baby way once again—an experience, she says, that’s been both immensely joyous and tremendously shocking.
“I feel fantastic,” the 46-year-old tells CNN.
“This has been the biggest surprise of my life to tell you the truth,” she adds. “I thought I was kind of past the point where this could be a reality for me. So it’s been a big surprise and the most wonderful.”
Berry, however, played it coy when it came to talking about the baby’s gender.
“I don’t know, I don’t know,” she said when asked whether she was having a son, stressing that all she wanted was for the baby to be “healthy.”
h/t E Online
Ladies and gentlemen, may I please ask for a moment of silence to remember a once great gaming publisher, Lucas Arts.
Alas this once mighty game developer and publisher has been shuttered a few months after being acquired by The Walt Disney Company. While their more recent of games, I’m looking at your Kinect Star Wars, showed this companies complete and total disconnection from their gaming community; Lucas Arts was once at the forefront of the gaming world and continually pushing out great games for one of the best known franchises in the world.
The Knights of the Old Republic quickly became a favorite amongst gamers
Lucas Arts was created by George Lucas in 1982 to serve as the video game development arm of his original company, Lucas Film. At first Lucas Arts developed games outside of Star Wars such as the Monkey Island series and numerous military based simulators. Though Star Wars wasn’t licensed by Lucas Arts until the 1990’s, it soon became the cash cow for the developer. This became the case so much that during the late 90’s and very early 2000’s, there were so many Star Wars games being put onto shelves. Though soon the age-old rule of “quality over quantity” began to kick in and by 2002 Star Wars game started to get hit hard with poor reviews throughout the gaming community. This all started to change though when in 2003 Lucas Arts worked with video game developer Bioware to create the amazingly well review Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic. This game was the launching point for not only a sequel but the new wave of modern 3D graphics combined with perfect story telling within a game and lastly a very intelligent role-playing game.
In 2004 Lucas Arts was given a new president, Jim Ward, who did a total reconstruction of the company’s infrastructure. Behind Jim Ward Lucas Arts produced some of it’s most well-known and best games to date. Leading this charge would be the great Star Wars Battlefront, which became the best-selling Star Wars game of all time at that point. Battlefront quickly spawned Star Wars Battlefront II in 2005 which was also met very positively by critics and gamers, such as myself, alike. From 2005 to 2008 the Lucas Arts continued to pump out successful games such as Star Wars Republic Commando, Star Wars Empire at War, and Star Wars: The Force Unleashed. Between these amazing years for the Star Wars franchise, Lucas Arts continually scaled down its in-house developing and started to rely heavily on 3rd party developers, their relation with such companies was…unprofessional to say the least.
One of their best known release, Republic Commando never spawned a sequel though the community demanded it
Jim Ward left Lucas Arts citing personal reasons in 2008 and this marked the increasing decline of the once powerhouse publisher. A month before Jim Ward stepped down, Lucas Arts released Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II which was given mediocre reviews by most critics. Continuing this downward spiral, Star Wars: The Clone Wars-Republic Heroes was launched in late 2009 and once again was met with a barrage of negative reviews. In their darkest of years a small glimmer of hope appeared in the form of a big budget game and resurrection of a classic tag; In late 2008 Star Wars: The Old Republic was announced and in production at Bioware studios. This game was supposed to be a big boost to the failing Lucas Arts, sadly The Old Republic did not give the lift needed for them. On the day of it’s launched the game faced horrific installation problems on its first day out coupled with game crashing bugs and glitches; This was the final nail in the coffin for Lucas Arts. Between 2010 and 2012 numerous key people left and layoffs hammered the company to a shell of its former glory. On October 30, 2012, The Walt Disney Company acquired Lucas Arts for a sum of $4.05 billion. At first rumors spread of current in-house and under development games, such as the eye brow raising Star Wars 1313, were put on hold and moved behind other more important projects. Sadly on April 3, 2013, Disney confirmed the shuttering and immediate closure of Lucas Arts and the cancellation or exporting of any current projects.
The beautiful Star Wars 1313 trailer was shown once and soon after the project was cancelled
I am saddened by the news of Lucas Arts and it’s closure to say the least. The games they produced during their glory days were some of the best I have ever had the pleasure of playing. Perhaps though they had it coming to them. Sadly they never did listen to the gaming community on what we wanted, as we never saw Star Wars: Republic Commando 2 and the much beloved Star Wars Battlefront III never did see the light of day. On top of that Lucas Arts continually bullied 3rd party developers into releasing poor games or making poor financial decisions. Maybe then, it’s best a company that’s last Star Wars game was entitled Kinect Star Wars is buried and laid to rest.
Branden Lee is a blogger, screenwriter, producer, and actor, currently residing in Boston, MA. Follow Branden on Twitter @Brandeness and check out his blog .
Gossip site Media Takeout has constantly been keeping tabs on Kim Kardashian’s seemingly inflating/deflating baby bump. Kim seems to have a pronounced belly every other time she’s photographed by the paparazzi. All the other times her belly is unnoticeable, and it’s not just because of her unflattering maternity wear. Is Kim Kardashian pulling a Beyonce and faking her pregnancy all together, or is their actual trickery afoot?
This past weekend Kim tweeted out a picture showing her pregnant belly, in what can be believed is an attempt to dispel rumors that she is in fact faking her pregnancy.
Media Takeout claims they’ve contacted a “photoshop expert” and they claim that these photos have been altered.
In the picture on the left there’s a strange white area beneath’s Kim’s boob, which looks like the photo could have been badly photoshopped.
In the picture on the left they claim there’s a bizarre triangle shape on Kim’s leg.
Is Kim’s pregnancy a publicity stunt? Did she hire a surrogate or is there a different ending for this possible ruse planned? Kim’s due in July so we’ll all find out then if this pregnancy is the real deal. When it comes to Kardashian’s anything is possible, especially for publicity.
Why are people so enamored with celebrities? I mean, really. Is it because of the lifestyle they live? The Fame? The Fortune? The Glitz? The Glamour? What is it? It can’t be said for 100% of celebrities in the world today but over 60% are in the news weekly, usually in negative connotations.
Since last summer, Lindsay Lohan single-handedly led the field of celebrities with news of courtroom dramas. She is continuing this year by staying in trouble, in the courtroom and in the limelight of tabloid heaven, thus in our living rooms weekly.
Justin Beiber, once the teenage heart-throb of millions of starry-eyed pre-teen girls, has also begun to find trouble. If it’s not with paparazzi, it’s nightclubs and his entourage muscling through crowds, and picture takers that, “were getting too close” to their superstar. And in his latest blow-up, Beiber got into an altercation with his neighbor who claimed Justin had spat in his face because the neighbor had complained about his noise from his home.
Chris Brown’s troubles continue. He’s been in the courtroom for a possible probation violation. Fights with Drake, a lawsuit pending and a feud with singer Frank Ocean has kept Brown in a negative spotlight. Now, claims are surfacing that the community service Brown was to perform from the domestic violence on girlfriend Rihanna – who has continued to show support for her troubled boyfriend – may have been fraudulent. As he stays in and out of courtroom and in and out of the tabloids, she remains loyal to his ‘badness’ and folks insist on showing their loyalty by following their every move.
Reality Shows. Why? The Hollywood Housewives, The Housewives of Atlanta, The Bachelor, The Bachelorette and OMG, the Kardashians are another form of Uck.
Why THESE shows are becoming more popular than true actors of the Big Screens or even musicians that have a God-Given gift, crafted, trained and skillfully honed daily, some taking years to perfect, is a mystery…to me anyway.
I’ve never been a Fan of ‘Reality’ T.V. because it’s not reality. At least not my reality. If anyone can explain the fascination with these no-names-getting-on-TV-to-argue-fight-cuss out-share their intimacies, while drawing millions of viewers weekly, I’d greatly appreciate it.
You see, I don’t see how it’s interesting to see how a Multi-Millionaire lives, dates, loves, hates, breaks up, makes up, gets engaged, gets divorced, then makes his personal saga a series. I would think that your life is so much more interesting and sophisticated than theirs, but with less… materially speaking.
We’ve often been warned, be careful for what you wish for, or the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. Both are true. Even the millionaires have issues but theirs are magnified by a million because of their status and because the World is following them 24/7. They are no different than us if you take away the bright lights, the glamour and all that loot. And if the truth be told, many would love to trade places with you or me just to live a more ‘normal’ life.
I’m not saying we shouldn’t appreciate the talent of these great artist (not Reality Shows), but we should be careful in getting caught up in their world…because we don’t live there. We’re just visiting, just passing through, innocent bystanders in a world of Non Reality. Until they walk a day in my shoes, they’re aliens as far as I’m concerned. Nope, I take that back. I’m more interested in Aliens.
Great comedy is very hard to come by these days, especially on TV. I’m not talking about some daytime show where you’ll have your eventual laughs or movies such as “The Hangover”. No, I’m talking about unscripted comedy where it’s going to be different every time you either go to see it or change the channel. Comedy that will make your sides hurt from laughing so much and make you wanting more once the show is over. Thankfully I’ve got great news to people like me who just want to laugh and laugh at great performers.
“Whose Line Is It Anyway” was originally a British improv show that soon got an American version on ABC and ABC Family channels from 1998-2007. The show consisted of three primary performers, Ryan Stiles, Wayne Brady, and Colin Mochrie, who were joined by a fourth special guest every show. They were given scenes that they would have to act out on the spot.
My favorite of these scenes would have to be entitled Weird Newscasters. Each performer was given a special personality and would have to act out their personality while also trying to report the news section they were given.
The return of easily one of the best comedy shows to ever grace television is amazing news to me. It’s time for people to see what real comedy is. It doesn’t need to involve someone getting hurt doing some stupid stunt or a long movie about a bunch of friends getting so hammered they can’t remember what happened on their Vegas night (or their time in Thailand if you watched part 2). I will tell you now that if you have never seen it before, go watch it. You will not regret it one bit. And if you have seen it then you’ll be like me and jumping out of your seat over the news of its return.
“Whose Line Is It Anyway” will premiere on The CW starting July 16,2013.
Actor Wesley Snipes has been released from a federal prison where he was serving a three-year sentence after being convicted on tax charges in February 2010.
The release to a supervised residential location in New York occurred Tuesday, the Federal Bureau of Prisons told CNN.
Snipes, 50, who starred in the “Blade” action movies and “White Men Can’t Jump,” had been serving time at a federal prison in Pennsylvania. A jury convicted him of willfully failing to file tax returns for 1999, 2000 and 2001. Snipes was acquitted of felony tax fraud and conspiracy charges.
In June 2011, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear an appeal of his sentence, which he had argued was too harsh for a misdemeanor conviction.
