moreless

The coming of the Brothers Barbarian!

Here's the premiere episode of a web-series written by and co-starring a former co-worker of mine, Ken Whitman. It also features fantasy artist Larry Elmore in what I assume is his screen debut... in a role where he's dressed (and barely dressed) like many of the characters he's painted over the years.I'll have to see if I can get permission for a "ROLF!: The Rollplaying Game of Big Dumb Fighters" tie-in! :)

moreless

It's 65 years today....

... since the great H.G. Wells passed away. If you only know his work from "The Time Machine" and "War of the Worlds," I suggest you check out an eBook anthology I put together for NUELOW Games.

"From Dark Corners" contains a total of thirteen short stories, but the three by Wells are some of his best horror tales, with "Country of the Blind" probably being my favorite of everything by Wells that I've read. (The rest of the book is made up by stories from Arthur Conan Doyle, Robert E. Howard, Bram Stoker, and Clark Ashton Smith.)I posted a 50% discount offer at Terror Titans, but that offer will work just as well here. Click here to buy your copy of "From Dark Corners" for just $1.25, and start reading today! (The discount is good through the first week of September.)In order to get the book at a discounted rate (or at all), you'll need an account with one of Onebookshelf's websites--be it DrivethruHorror, DrivethruFantasy, or RPGNow.

moreless

'Day of the Daleks' is a classic Doctor Who adventure

Doctor Who: Day of the Daleks (1972)Starring: Jon Pertwee, Katy Manning, and Nicholas CourtneyDirector: Paul BernardRating: Seven of Ten StarsOn the eve of an international summit that hopes to stave off a war between China and the United States, time travelers arrive to assassinate the British delegate, claiming he is the cause of the inevitable war, and that it is his fault the evil Daleks enslave humanity in the future. With the TARDIS out of commission, the Doctor uses their primitive time travel technology to go forward in time to stop the Daleks from meddling in the present.

"The Day of the Daleks" is a film that was created by editing together four episodes of the long-running British television series. They combine seamlessly and present an interesting tale of cause and effect in time travel. It's a little more cerebral than most of the original "Doctor Who" storylines, but the pay-off is worth it. The Daleks--and other time travelers in play in this episode--are almost as sinister as they got during the original run of the series; this is one of those story-lines that makes it clear why the Doctor has the fearsome reputation they like to play on in the revival of the show. Even better, it features Katy Manning as Jo Grant, one of my favorite of the Doctor's Companions.

moreless

The kittens! Won't anyone save the kittens?!

A desperate cry sends a brave fireman plunging into a raging inferno where he comes face to face with a firewitch and her flaming minions, as the World of ROLF invades ours following a spell gone awry!

ROLF: The Fireman vs. The Firewitch is the latest supplement for L.L. Hundal & Steve Miller's comedy game ROLF!: The Rollplaying Game of Big Dumb Fighters. With the usual assortment of pre-generated characters and new game rules, it's just about the only fun you can have for 50 cents anymore. Download your copy today! (And if you don't know what ROLF! is, then you need to click here to get yourself a copy of the basic game. (It's the most fun you'll have for $1.50.)

moreless

Now back to the good part!

Michael Bolton gets a guest shot with The Lonely Island for some cutting-edge hip-hop and reveals his true love in the process..."Jack Sparrow" is included on The Lonely Island's second album of spectacularly goofy songs. Check it out. (And for more Jack Sparrow fun, come back on September 19 for our celebration of "Talk Like a Pirate Day"!)

"You complete me!"

moreless

Celebrate the U.S. deciding to honor its obligations by stimulating the economy!

Well, our so-called leaders here in the States kinda-sorta did something about addressing the economic issues facing the United States of American, and they FINALLY got around to doing their Constitutionally mandated duties and made sure that all of the financial obligations of the Federal government will be met.At least for a little while longer, since no serious effort was undertaken to address the more serious long-term problems.But, I suggest you all out there celebrate by stimulating the economy and buying an eBook from NUELOW Games... I'd REQUIRE you to do so, but then I'd have to be a President, a member of Congress, or perhaps a character in "Alice in Blunderland."

Although written over 100 years ago, the jokes in "Alice in Blunderland" are distressingly fresh. John Kendrick Bangs might as well have been poking fun at today's political leaders, right down to how they deal with debt and government spending in the perfect town created by the Mad Hatter.This PDF-format book--ideal for reading on laptops and iPads--is going to be on sale for $0.99 for the rest of this week. Check it out... you'll get a great read, and you'll help the U.S. economy by giving my distributor and I a few pennies!Click here to see all the currently available eBooks and roleplaying game products currently avaliable from NUELOW Games. (It amuses me to no end that our current best-seller is a Christmas release. :D )

moreless

'Cowboys and Aliens' is smart and lots of fun!

Cowboys & Aliens (2011)Starring: Daniel Craig, Olivia Wilde, Harrison Ford, Sam Rockwell, and Adam BeachDirector: Jon FavreauRating: Nine of Ten StarsWhen an aliens start terrorizing an isolated area of the American Southwest in the 1870s, outlaws, cattle-ranchers, settlers, and Apache Indians join together with a mysterious woman (Wilde) and an amnesiac who has somehow gotten his hands on one of the alien devices (Craig) to defeat them before they conquer Earth.

"Cowboys & Aliens" is an action-packed genre-bending mix of Western and Sci-Fi as a landscape populated with Western archetypes becomes the setting for an epic adventure tale told through one of the smartest scripts I've witnessed in years.Although this is a movie that's primarily about aliens blowing the hell out of cowboys and visa-versa, a lot of thought and care went into just about every character that appears on screen that's not just part of the background. Even minor supporting characters get little touches that give them more depth and life than some main characters in recent allegedly character-driven movies--including one of the alien invaders. And the actors all rise to the level of this superior material, with not a single bad performance among them.The most remarkable character and performance in the picture is given by Harrison Ford. His Colonel Dolarhyde starts out as the stereotypical, psychotically evil ex-Army officer cattle-rancher strong man, but by the time the film is over, he is completely transformed into a sympathetic character who is the most fully developed of all of them.Daniel Craig and Olivia Wilde are basically, well, Daniel Craig and Olivia Wilde. Both characters that they play are of such a nature that their physical appearances are very important, and both of them are perfectly cast in their roles... Craig for his craggy, weather-worn looks and Wilde for her ability to seem mysterious by just standing around. The fact that neither one of them was the first choice to play those parts is a sign that the Movie Gods were watching out for this film. They're both so perfect I can't imagine this film being as good if they hadn't been in it."Cowboys & Indians" deserves to be counted among this years best movies, whether measured by quality or box office receipts. I highly recommend going to see it, even if you're a stingy bastard like me who goes to matinee screenings. This is the kind of movie that Hollywood needs to make more of..

moreless

The Adventures of Captain Jack

I am depressed at being an American today, because it seems we have retards in charge of our nation.With our co-called leaders in Washington doing their level best to obliterate what's left of the American economy and our financial dealings with the rest of the world, I felt the need to postr some upbeat songs with equally bright and upbeat videos.There are some of the best songs and videos from the great Captain Jack, one of the 1990s premiere Euro-pop performers. I've arranged them so the videos tell a little story (well, in my mind anyway), but if you only watch one of them, check out the "Iko-Iko" cover.(Captain Jack could probably do a better job at leading this country than any of the chuckle-heads and empty suits currently wasting oxygen in Washington, D.C.)

Help us, Captain Jack. You're our only hope!

moreless

Linda Christian dead at 87

I just heard that actress Linda Christian, the true first Bond Girl, passed away last Friday, July 22, after a battle with cancer. (Christian appeared with Barry Nelson and Peter Lorre in the 1954 version of "Casino Royale," giving one of the best performances of her career.)

moreless

Gaza film-makers decry Hamas censorship

From Reuters....Four years into Islamist Hamas rule, cultural censors are fraying the already threadbare local movie industry. Culture Ministry director Mustafa al-Sawaf is quick to crack down on content that does not conform to Hamas edicts."It's hard to get outraged, because their friends and neighbors (and possibly even these filmmakers themselves) elected these Hamas freaks to be their oppressors. And Jimmy Carter says Hamas are great guys, so that's that.

(Yes... there is much sarcasm above. Jimmy Carter remains a prick of the highest order. And my guess is that many of the poor Palestinians were motivated to cast ballots for Hamas by the same impulse that drove many Americans to vote for Obama--they wanted anyone but the people that were in charge at the time. At least we didn't end up with a pack of psychopaths holding the reins of government.)

moreless

Even terrorists are suffering in the global economic downturn

Oh, the pain of the global economic crunch. Today, Jerusalem Post Online reports that the terrorist group chosen by election to lead the Palestinians haven't been making payroll.Hamas also faces financial crunch

In other news, the Guardian reports that al-Qaida In Iraq has dropped all pretenses of being anything but a collection of psychopathic criminal thugs as they launch a fund-raising drive to solve their need for cash and turn to their sick admirers. Gotta pay for those male prostitutes after all. (Actually, cutting back on male prostitutes might solve some of Hamas's financial woes, too.)Al-Qaida in Iraq explores new ventures in fundraising drive

Illo by Randy Pollack

moreless

Amy Winehouse dead at 27

I wouldn't know an Amy Winehouse song if it jumped up and bit me--I was only vaguely aware of her existence through entertainment feature headlines and Eminem mocking her in a song a year or two ago. But it's always a shame when someone young and apparently talented passes away... doubly so when it appears to be from something as avoidable as drug and alcohol abuse, something Winehouse did a lot of by all accounts.It might also be that she was hounded to death by the cruelty of "fans"--her deterioration was chronicled on the Internet with posted videos and pictures.A cause of death had not been announced at the time of this writing, but police stated she was pronounced dead at her home in Camden Square, having expired before the ambulance arrived on the scene.The 27-year-old Winehouse was a five-time Grammy winner whose second album, "Back to Black", rocketed her and her mix of pop and jazz to global fame. The drugs, the drink, and a range of health and personal problems, cut that fame short.

moreless

Completed Collection: Psychotic Connections

This set features three horror movies on a single disk. The films are united by a shared theme of psycho killers and psychic phenomenon (or, at least, the appearance of psychic phenomenon). The quality varies widely with "Gothic" being the only picture here that is truly worthwhile (and even it might not be to the liking of many dedicated horror fans).Click on the titles of the included movies to read reviews of each. Psychotic Connections: 4/10 Overall RatingChiller (1985) 3/10Gothic (1986) (7/10)Maniac (1934) 3/10When I got my copy of this set several years ago, I paid $3.95. That price is far closer to the right one than the present going rate. "Gothic" is the only worthwhile film here--aside from the curiosity value that "Maniac" has for those with an interest in the horror genre--and it's available in other, far more worthwhile collections.

moreless

Gosh... I can't imagine who might be behind it

Oslo explosion: seven dead, dozens injured after bomb blasts blast - TelegraphMaybe the Basques have moved northward to Norway. Or maybe some retired IRA guy decided to set off a few bombs for old times sake. Or maybe American neo-Nazis are upset because the Norwegians haven't been upholding the Viking traditions firmly enough.I mean.... it couldn't possibly be friends of these guys, could it?

After all, Islam is a peaceful religion.

moreless

Tennessee Thursday: Rep. G.A. Hardaway

In the "great" state of Tennessee, they enacted a law on July 1 that makes it a punishable offense to publish material online that might cause "emotional distress" in those who view it. In other words, if you're in Tennessee, putting up ANY picture that could cause ANYONE any upset can land you legal trouble. I hope you folks down there share the disdain of the 1st and 14th Amendments to the United States Constitution that your elected representatives and governor have. Only a tiny minority of the assembly voted against it.This series of posts is devoted to spotlighting the "lawmakers" who drafted and passed this outrageous law, as well as providing samples of things that may be illegal in the state where the leaders delude themselves into thinking they are "America At Its Best."I'm hoping the citizens of Tennessee will live up to its slogan and that enough of them become aware of what sort of ignorant clods they have in the legislature to vote them out of office.Postings That May Be Illegal in Tennessee #4

Jesus and Mo

If you are offended or otherwise emotionally distressed by the above cartoon and its portrayal of the Prophet Mohammad (may peas be upon him) as a videogame-playing, booze-guzzling ignoramus, please contact the subject of today's profile. I'm sure he'll be happy to offer assistance in soothing your hurt feelings. (Just don't ask him for legal advice.)Tennessee "Lawmaker" Profile #4: Rep. G.A. Hardaway

G.A. Hardaway is a real estate investor who has turned to politics as a Decomcrat, and he was elected to his seat in the Tennessee legislature in 2008 and he was re-appointed in 2010 when he "ran" unopposed. In addition to serving on the House Consumer & Employee Affairs Committee, House Commerce Committee, and the House General Sub-committee of Consumer & Employee Affairs, Hardaway hols leadership positions and/or is active in a number of community groups and organizations, including the Africa in April Festival, the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Herendon #10 Masonic Lodge, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the NAACP, the Shelby Council Juvenile Court Advisory Council, and many, many others.It's no surprise that one so busy as Rep. Hardaway can't be bothered with actually knowing the framework within which he should be making law.

moreless

Something cute for iPods to wear

Now, I'm of course much too manly to buy and use this or any of the other iPod/iPhone cozies or cases that Lyssa offers for sale through Zonderling Designs. But darnit if they aren't cuuuuuute! (Click here to see more of them.)

moreless

Completed Collection: Icons of Adventure

This four movie set presents two pirate movies and two "Yellow Peril"-type thrillers made by good old Hammer Films in the 1960s and distributed in the United States by Columbia Pictures. Each is a lot fun, with "The Stranglers of Bombay" and "The Devil-ship Pirates" being down-right excellent. Even the bonus features (previews, a funky animated short, and the first chapter of the "Adventures of Captain Kidd" matinee serial are worth checking out.)Christopher Lee fans will be particularly interested in this set, as he stars in three out of the four movies.Click on the titles to read full reviews at the Cinema Steve blogs, and click on the Amazon.com link at the bottom of this post for more information on the set in general.Icons of Adventure: 7/10 Stars Overall RatingThe Devil-ship Pirates: 7/10Pirates of Blood River: 7/10The Stranglers of Bombay: 7/10The Terror of the Tongs: 6/10

moreless

The Completed Collections

I tend to pick through the many DVD multi-packs I own the way others go through boxes of fancy chocolates: I watch a movie here, watch a movie there... but the end result is that sometimes it takes me forever to finish a given set. Sometimes I never do, because one or more discs go missing in the pit that is my office.This new series of posts will be a catalog of the DVD multi-packs I've actually managed to watch every movie in. It may not be much of an achievement, but I take my ego-boosts where I can find them! (Plus, it may save someone from buying a dog of a collection.)Eventually, this post will be an index the posts indexes the reviews in the completed set. Each link here will provide a rating for the set generated by averaging the films in it.The Completed Collections IndexIcons of Adventure (Adventure Period Films from Hammer in the 1960s): 7/10 StarsPsychotic Connections (Horror Films from the 1980s and 1930s): 4/10 Stars

moreless

Presenting: Icing Oetzi - A ROLF Historical Recreation!

Who killed Oetzi the Iceman? Was it the religious fanatic? Perhaps the angry cook? Or maybe Bigfoet, the Tyrolean Yeti?

On a Wednesday afternoon some 5,300 years ago, a shepherd headed into the Alps to tend his flock of goats. He would never see his home again. His mummified corpse and violent death have been the subject of study and speculation since a retreating glacier released him from his makeshift grave in 1991, A.D. (or C.E.... whatever.)In observance of the 20th anniverary of the discovery of the victim now known as "Oetzi the Iceman," and in support of NUELOW Games' goal of educating while entertaining, we proudly present Icing Oetzi: A ROLF! Historical Recreation. The result of all the research that can be expected for a $0.50 product from a company named NUELOW Games, the three combat scenarios and four pre-generated characters presented gives insight into a mystery that's more than 5,000 years old. Who killed Oetzi? The religions fanatic? The angry cook? Or the Tyrolean Yeti? Play the Recreations with friends, and decide which one rings true.Get your copy today from RPGNow by clicking here. Proceeds from ever copy sold contributes to keeping me in house and home, as well as off the streets and out of trouble. Do your part today!

moreless

The Best of Epic Rap Battles of History' Vol. 2

As we head for the weekend, here are three more of the greatest "Epic Rap Battles of History."Abe Lincoln vs. Chuck NorrisBieber vs. Beethoven Benjamin Franklin vs. Billy Mays

moreless

What they're saying about 'ROLF!: The Death of Osama bin Laden'(And a sale celebrating the great reviews!)

"Tacky.""Worse than tacky.""Steve's sense of humor is known to AD&D players as being something of an acquired taste but he's certainly a creative fellow.""I'm kinda interested in what a beer hat and metal slave bikini have to do with Seal Team Six. Also vaguely terrified."Those are comments made in response to a newsbrief at The Miniatures Page about "ROLF!: The Death of Osama bin Laden" from NUELOW Games. To let you experience what they're talking about--and to celebrate such great responses!--I'm offering a limited-time special for readers of Cinema Steve. By using the links in this post, you can order your very own copies of "ROLF!: The Rollplaying Game of Big Dumb Fighters" and "Rolf!: The Death of Osama bin Laden" at 50% off the normal price.BUY "ROLF!: The Rollplaying Game of Big Dumb Fighters" FOR ONLY $0.75 BY CLICKING HERE.BUY "ROLF!: The Death of Osama bin Laden" FOR ONLY $0.25 BY CLICKING HERE.To get the discounts, just click on the links. You'll have to click each one individually, and if you don't already have an account set up with RPGNow, you may have to make one. You can get one or both of the releases as you choose, but "ROLF!: The Rollplaying Game of Big Dumb Fighters" is required to gain full use of "The Death of Osama bin Laden.These discounts expire on 7/21/2011, so get your copies today!

moreless

John Nolte has another insightful commentary on the state of the film and television industries.

Sandra Bullock: Part of a dying breed?

A lot of what I see on Andrew Breitbart's websites annoys me, but I almost always find myself in agreement with John Nolte, the media critic who edits Big Hollywood for Breitbart. And he's got another good piece on what's wrong with big movies and big stars these days, partly written in refutation of a Daily Mirror piece. Click the link to read it.Big Hollywood -- Death of the Movie Star: Yes, It’s For Real: "The talent is out there. The movie industry just refuses to put it to work."

moreless

It's a funny thing about being funny....

With the re-release of ROLF!: The Rollplaying Game of Big Dumb Fighters, I received a pleasant surprise.Not only have some of you out there purchased the game, but you're playing it. Not only are you playing it, but you're making your own original characters. Some of you have even noticed a "flaw" in the character generation system and taken the time to come to the blog and find my email address and write me. I just want to say thank you playing the game... it's why we make them!

Now, the designers of ROLF! do NOT consider what you've found a flaw; we thought it was funny and knew exactly what we were doing. That said, I acknowledge that our senses of humor aren't universal. Furthermore, I also didn't think the character generation system would be put to much use and that you players out there would be using the pre-generated characters rather than making them from scratch.At the very least, your feedback is resulting in a couple of sentences worth of "optional character generation rules" in "Icing Otzi: A ROLF! Historical Recreation" (coming later this week) and if enough of you speak up in agreement over the "flaw," then a full-fledged Second Edition will have to be made. (Even if said "Second Edition" results from the addition of maybe ten more words at most... but they're very important words).What is this "flaw," you ask? Ah, but that would be telling. See if you can suss it out!

moreless

The Best of 'Epic Rap Battles of History' Vol. 1

A friend sent me a link to "Hitler vs. Vader" and I was so amused I took at look at the rest. So you don't have to waste the amount of time I did, I hereby offer the best of the "Epic Rap Battles of History." (I can't recommend watching these anywhere someone might take offense to strong language.)

Hitler vs. VaderAlbert Einstein vs. Stephen HawkingsSarah Palin vs. Lady Gaga

moreless

Tennessee Thursday: Rep. Vince Dean

As of July 1, it is illegal in the "great" state of Tennessee to post things on the Internet and websites that might cause anyone who views the material "emotional distress". Apparently, several of the pinheads who pass for "lawmakers" in Tennessee don't think the United States Constitution and its amendments don't apply to the citizens of Tennessee--not only was this bill drafted, but it passed the legislature AND was signed into law by the governor. The Tennessee Thursdays series is devoted to the "lawmakers" who drafted this awful law, as well as offering examples of postings that might be illegal in Tennessee.

Postings That May Be Illegal in Tennessee #3:

If you are offended by anything in this post, send an email about it to the subject of today's profile. I'm sure he'll be happy to help you recover from any "emotional distress" I have inflicted upon you.

Tennessee "Lawmaker" Profile #3: Rep. Vince Dean

Vince Dean is a retired police officer who began his political career as a city councilman and then mayor of East Ridge, Tennessee. He is a Republican, who entered state politics in 2005 when he was elected to the seat he currently occupies in the Tennessee House of Representatives. When not helping to write Unconstitutional dribble, Dean serves on the House State and Local Government Committee, the House Transportation Committee, the House State Government Subcommittee, and the House Public Transportation & Highways Subcommittee. To read more about evil clowns (and possibly experience more emotional distress, visit the Terror Titans blog.

moreless

If you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible warning

The famous Catherine Aird quote is very applicable to this fellow's demise. Somehow, I think he ended up making a very different point than what he was going for.NY motorcyclist in helmet protest hits head and diesThere are many who may or may not be following in his skid marks, however. Like these braniacs:

Please. Don't be "that guy." I like my motorcycle-riding readers to stay alive. If you don't order a helmet from Amazon.com with the links below, please get one from somewhere. (For what it's worth, I don't necessarily agree with helmet laws, but there's no question that there are some people so stupid they need to be protected from themselves.)

moreless

Repeating My Advice to Public Figures:NEVER Apologize! It Will Not Work.

A couple weeks ago, the not-terribly funny comedian Tracy Morgan came under fire for making some vicious jokes about murdering his son if he turned out to be a homosexual.

Tracy Morgan being unfunny (as usual).

Naturally, the "advocacy groups" and other self-righteous glory-hounds starting howling with mock outrage.As often happens, Morgan groveled for forgiveness--which got him nothing except being held out to ridicule and abuse by those he whose forgiveness he sought.Now, Morgan is in the exact same situation again, only this time it's not The Gays that are mad, but the advocates for the Retarded.Entertainment Weekly: Again? Tracy Morgan Under Fire for ‘Retarded’ JokesIf there's anything that comedians, actors, performers of every stripe--even politicians--and other people in the public eye can learn from Morgan and others who have been in his situation, it's that it NEVER does you any good to start apologizing for what you say and do when "advocacy groups" start assailing you with faux outrage and indignant histrionics. All that happens is that they and their fellow publicity-seeking parasites--sorry, concerned representatives of community groups and non-profit organizations--will sense weakness and will come after you even harder.Your best option--ONLY option, really--is to double-down and tell them to go screw themselves. And then make a few more jokes of the stripe that supposedly offended them.Apologize to your friends and loved ones if you hurt or anger them, but don't EVER let yourself be forced into asking forgiveness from those who are just waiting to pounce on you because the make a living taking offense and your humiliation becomes a line on their resume. Stand up for yourself. Don't let yourself be bullied. It will gain you nothing but more contempt. Think about it. Is there a single actor or politician who as gained ANYTHING from sucking up to the professionally over-sensitive "activists" who have infested American culture over the past 25 years? I can't think of a single person.

The response any public figure should issue whenthose who make a living taking offense demand apologies.

moreless

A little something to help you get through the long weekend

Earlier this week, I published my first of several eBooks featuring classic fiction re-edited to a lesser or greater degree by yours truly. I'm leading this new venture of mine with a long-time favorite--John Kendrick Bangs' "Houseboat on the River Styx".I've performed some editing and abridgments of Bangs' original book and combined it with an edited version of the sequel, "In Pursuit of the Houseboat". I hope my efforts have breathed new life into this neat fantasy classic that has the leading Shades of Hades creating a social club. Arguments about life, the afterlife, and why it's too bad that Noah didn't put dinosaurs on his ark ensue.For a special sales price of just $1.25, you can get a 94-page pdf-format book with chapter illustrations by famed fantasy artist Larry Elmore and others that you can enjoy on a number of platforms, the iBook in particular.All of my earnings on the book go to feed my hungry cats, so please buy a copy today! Archie and Edith will be ever so grateful.

(Also, be sure to keep a look-out for the tie-in with my recently released game "Rolf!: The Rollplaying Game of Big Dumb Fighters". It'll present several of the characters from "Houseboat on the Styx" through the prism of "Rolf!", battle ready for your imaginary mayhem enjoyment.)

moreless

I may ruin a festive atmosphere tonight....

I may be throwing a metaphorical "Molotov Cocktail" into a room this evening. And it will all be Madonna's fault.Why? Well, I'm glad you asked!It seems that Madonna is no better a director than she is an actor if the dirge-like "buzz" surrounding the 25 million dollar picture "W.E.", about a British royal scandal in the 1930s, is any indication.The Daily Mail Online presents a round-up of gossip regarding her troubled, will-be/might-be feature film debut that was pulled at the last minute from this year's Cannes festival due to supposed soundtrack problems, and distributor Harvey Weinstein is currently overseeing the re-cutting after it reportedly bombed with a test audience at a super-secret screening last week. The film, apparently, made no sense and was a stellar example of what happens when someone who emphasizes style of substance is also a lousy storyteller.If you are so inclined, you can read all about in Imperious, arrogant, stroppy: No, not Wallis Simpson but Madonna, but this is the following bit that really interested me:

"In an interview Madonna remarked: ‘I’ve found that if you bring up King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson at a dinner party or a social gathering, it’s like throwing a Molotov cocktail into the room. Everyone erupts into an argument about who they were. I mean, they were very controversial — and continue to be. So, of course, I’m very attracted to that.’"

Madonna, wearing her 'serious filmmaker' face

Is King Edward VIII of Great Britain and his love for an American divorcee a topic that comes up at parties you attend, dear reader? And when it does, does it lead to explosive arguments or just blank stares and polite smiles as those around think, "What the hell does that have to do with anything?"Would anyone even know who Wallis Simpson is?Perhaps it's a British thing?I'm going to ask at a gathering I'll be at tonight if anyone has an opinion about King Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson. I'll report what happened tomorrow, in the comments section below.If it turns out that I completely ruin the congenial atmosphere, I will be all apologies and explain that I was testing a claim by Madonna. They will understand; I am viewed as being insane anyway.Meanwhile, if anyone reading this wants to see what happens if bring up Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson to a group of your friends, acquaintances, co-workers, or whoever you happen to be in line with at the grocery store, I'd love to hear your report. (I won't provide your bail money if a riot breaks out at the Safeway. Not that I think that's going to happen.)(BTW, if the subject of Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson pisses people off, then why is the Material Girl bringing it up at parties? Does she do it when she wants to leave, when she doesn't like the hosts, or just because she's a bitch who likes to ruin a pleasant time? Me, I think it's none of the above, but that Madonna has a rich fantasy life. But, we will soon know!)

moreless

Gene Colan dead at 84

Legendary comic book artist Gene Colan has passed away from a broken hip and complication relating to liver disease. He was 84.

Colan had nearly 70 years of experience in the comic book industry and worked for nearly every noteworthy publisher. Achievements in his career include penciling every issue of "Tomb of Dracula" in the 1970s, as well as "The Curse of Dracula" and the "Tomb of Dracula" mini-series in the 1990s; multi-year, landmark stints on "Daredevil", "Iron Man", and "Doctor Strange" for Marvel Comics and "Detective Comics" and "Batman" for DC Comics. He also co-created the Falcon for Marvel, the first African-American superhero in mainstream comics, penciled most issues of the surreal humor title "Howard the Duck", and illustrated the landmark miniseries "Silver Blade".Another giant has left us, and there is no one working today that can even come close to filling his shoes.Colan's last published work appeared last year in "Captain America" #601. My personal favorite Colan work can be found in the first 60 or so issues of "Tomb of Dracula", his stint on the "Batman" titles and "Howard the Duck", and the obscure "Ragamuffins" series from Eclipse Comics.

For more samples of Colan's art, visit Joe Bloke's Grantbridge Street & Other Misadventures blog.

moreless

Tennessee Thursday: Rep. Charles Curtiss

On July 1, a law takes effect in Tennessee that makes it illegal to post anything that anyone might feel "emotional distress" over. Today, I offer another profile of the Tennessee "lawmakers" who seem to think the 1st and/or 14th Amendments to the United States Constitution doesn't apply in that "great state."But first... a little something that might soon be illegal in the state that claims to be "America at its best."Postings That May Be Illegal in Tennessee #2If that video upset you emotionally, morally, or constitutionally (in the stomach-turning sense), be sure to email Rep. Charles Curtiss. Curtiss is the main architect of a law so Unconstitutional one wonders if he slept through every single Civics class in grade school, or whether bricks were dropped on his head during his pre-political career.Tennessee "Lawmaker" Profile #2: Rep. Charles Curtiss

Representative Charles Curtiss lives with his wife and daughter on land that has been in his family since the time of his great-grandfather. Don't mistake him for landed gentry, however, as he has proudly spent the early part of his working life as a brick mason. In the early 1980s, he decided to give up honest work and entered politics. He was elected to the Tennessee Legislature in 1994 and is presently in his seventh term. He is Chairman of the House Commerce Committee, Chairman of the Joint Fiscal Review Committee and Co-chair of the Select Committee on Veteran's Affairs. He also sits on the Joint Committee on Worker's Compensation and the Joint Corrections Oversight Committee.While one hopes the Corrections Oversight Committee could do a little correcting in Tennessee state politics that is still something the citizens of that state must do at the ballot box. They must have som pretty sorry choices in elections if the quality of the ranking representatives is anything to go by.By the way, Curtiss is a Democrat. Someone help me out here... which political party is supposedly trying to deny Americans their Constitutional rights?

moreless

That which has been seen, cannot be unseen...

And you should keep that in mind before you watch Weird Al's latest video. It's a hilarious spoof of Lady Gaga, but I'm not sure I'll ever dare close my eyes again.... I might see. Urgh. I can't... I can't even type the words.Watch the video for "Perform This Way", if you dare!Best lyric: I'll be a troll, or evil queen/I'll be a human jelly bean/For everyday is Halloween (for me).Best moment: The commentary on Lady Gaga as a rip-off of Madonna.

moreless

Ryan Dunn dead at 34

"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.Both Dunn and his passenger were severely burned. The passenger was identified late Monday as 30-year-old Zachary Hartwell. Dunn had been more easily identified based on his hair and tattoos.Dunn's current series, "Proving Ground", had just debuted on the G4 network. The network has placed future episodes on hold while they determine the future of the series.Dunn's final movie role saw him playing a slacker who returns from the dead as a playful and perverted ghost in "Living Will...". The film was completed in 2010, but has yet to find its way into wide distribution. Now, he might have a chance to make life (or the after-life, I suppose) imitate art.

moreless

Maybe Goebbles did the world a favor

When the defeat of Hitler's Nazi regime by the Allies was a certainty, the Mustachioed One took the coward's way out and committed suicide. The same is true of his top propaganda minister Goebbles, but Goebbles did Hitler one better when he murdered all his children as well.I always thought that Goebbles act demonstrated as clearly as possible what kind of monster he really was, but then this article comes along to make me rethink that position.Nazi Grandma: Himmler’s Daughter Carries Her Father’s Flame To A New Generation of NazisMaybe Goebbles did the world a favor when he offed the foul demon children that sprang from the union of himself and the beast he was married to. His actions made certain there were fewer bitches like Gudrun Burwitz infesting Planet Earth.

Dramatic re-inactment of a typical evening for Gudrun Burwitz in 1944

moreless

Tennessee Thursday: Senator Bill Ketron

A little something Tenn. lawmakers don't care about.

On July 1, a law takes affect in Tennessee that makes it illegal to display images on the internet that "cause emotional distress." I am instituting the Tennessee Thursday series to spotlight the idiots passing themselves off as lawmakers in the "great state" of Tennessee who were key players in creating the outrageous bill--which is summarized here--and ultimately the retard in the governor's chair who signed it into law.Each entry will also feature an image that may or may not "cause emotional distress" in whoever sees it, and therefore I may end up facing charges in Tennessee at some point.If you are offended by the images and/or subject matter to the point of "emotional distress," please feel free to let me know. However, it's unlikely I will give a damn. I encourage you to submit any complaints you may have to the Tennessee state authorities.Postings that may be illegal in Tennessee #1

If that image upsets you emotionally, or if anything on this blog makes you feel intimidated, please email Senator Ketron. I'm sure he'll know how to help.Tennessee "Lawmaker" Profile #1: Senator Bill Ketron

Bill Ketron was born and raised in Tennessee. He holds a B.S. degree in political science and history from Middle Tennessee State University, and the school honored him as a "distinguished alumnus" in 1991; neither fact speaks very highly to the level of quality at MTSU. (Ketron's hobbies include boxing, so there is a remote chance he was smarter once.)Ketron was elected to state office in 2002, and his lawmaking-peers made him Republican Majority Caucus Chairman in December 2010. In addition, he is a member of the Finance, Ways, & Means Committee, State & Local Government Committee, Transportation Committee, and Ethics Committee. He is Chairman of the Fiscal Review Committee. Senator Ketron is also a member of the Long-Term Care Oversight.When not drafting laws that violate the United States Constitution, Ketron runs the insurance agency he founded by his father in 1969. Ketron is up for re-election in 2011.

moreless

For the parents with young children....

I'm sure you can all relate.(Samuel L. Jackson reads a foul-mouthed "children's good night story": "Go the F**k to Sleep")

moreless