From This Litter Box.....
The Grammys Were Great!
As a music fanatic, I did watch this evening's Grammy Awards. I was anticipating some of the performances, and I simply wanted to see how some of the music stars were looking! It was an entertaining event! 
The 52nd Annual Grammy Awards were broadcast from The Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. As with every Grammy presentation, a host of music stars and various celebrities were on hand to witness the evening's festivities. It was quite entertaining to see the stars all in peaceful and pleasant celebration of the recent works that they have presented!
Of course, several artists received several different awards. I could not go through all of them, but some did catch my attention! I was very pleased with Beyonce, as she is doing a phenomenal job as a true musical superstar! The sensous songstress scored six Grammys, which tied her for the record for a female singer! She was on point, performing Halo during the show! 
Taylor Swift was great, winning for Grammys! Her album Fearless won the award for Album of the Year! We did get to hear the title song, Fearless.
Other Grammy highlights included Maxwell doing a duet with Roberta Flack. These artists of different generations came together to sing her classic song, Where Is the Love. It did sound nice, as each of them has a good sound with their individual songs. Their duet was accompanied by others, including one with Mary J. Blige and Andrea Bocelli. These superstars sang Bridge Over Troubled Water as part of a continued effort to raise funds for Haiti relief. 
A touching tribute was given to the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson. His children, Paris and Prince Michael, accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of their father. I believe that they received a rousing ovation that was meant to honor Michael. 
A tribute song to Michael Jackson was performed, also! Jennifer Hudson and Carrie Underwood sang a duet to honor him. These ladies were joined by Celine Dion, Smokey Robinson, and Usher. Together, they sang Jackson's Earth Song! 
It was an entertaining show! I really enjoy music, and it was good to see the various contemporary singers gathering for a celebration of their successes. Also, it was a true plus to see them putting some of their trememdous and collective wealth to a greater cause. Many of them will be donating, and spending time with charity programs for Haiti Relief.
SEE THESE SITES!!!
http://www.sawfnews.com/Entertainment/62526.aspx
http://www.aceshowbiz.com/news/view/00030434.html
http://mtv.com/news/articles/1630717/20100128/blige_mary_j.jhtml
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1630895/.../jackson_michael.jhtml
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1630915/20100201/flack_roberta.jhtml
One Up and One Down, This Week!
Our theater trip was a good one, this evening! We did our usual two-fer, yet each presented a very different mood. As our first film delivered an atmosphere of suspense, dismay, and revenge. The following flick was a tale from the average, everyday life, showing how business and pleasure often intermingle.
Edge of Darkness was film number one. This story starts in June of 1990, with a little girl named Emma (Gabrielle Popa), who is playing, and being videotaped by her father, Tom Craven (Mel Gibson). It flashes forward to when she is older, and Dad is picking her up, taking her to their suburban Boston home for the Christmas holidays. Yet, upon getting home, she gets sick, and needs to go to the hospital. As they open the front door to leave, Emma is shot to death by a hunting rifle! 
Police and investigating detectives arrive. Tom can not be directly involved with the investigation because he is a policeman, also. However, loopholes and friends within the force let Tom work to solve the case. He begins to realize that the shot was meant for him, as he gets hold of a gun that was left within Emma's apartment. Tom identifies the gun, then he goes to the apartment of a young suspect.
A fight ensues, as Tom subdues this suspect. He learns that this guy gave a gun to Emma, but he will not talk about her death for fear of being caught. So, Tom collects more of his daughter's items, then he proceeds to investigate. His findings reveal that someone stole Emma's computer, and her apartment now is laced with traces of radiation! 
Information is revealed about The Northmore Defense Contract Company, for whom Emma worked. It seems that the killers thought that Emma's address was Tom's address, and the shot was meant for him! So, Tom proceeds to this company's location, finding that it is a government-operated business, deeply immersed in nuclear research, and lead by a very shady man!
DNA details lead Tom to another brutal murder scene. Meanwhile, a strange man reaches him, giving details about Emma's killer. As Tom has a gun to this man's head, he listens to the information. Tom learns that his daughter was pegged as a terrorist threat, and that she was among a group of people from the same job who all were killed! 
Tom proceeds to another home; the residence of another target. He gets details, then he goes to the next location. Here, Tom finds that Emma never was exposed directly to radiation. The man refuses to leave with Tom, yet he accepts Tom's offer to keep a loaded gun for protection! 
He continues, following a speeding van along a nighttime highway. Tom ends up pulling over, and he has to escape. The driver and passengers of this van now are chasing him! Tom is able to speed toward a cop car driving ahead, to which he pulls aside, and points a gun at the driving officer. He does not shoot....
Tom learns more about his daughter's company, Northmore. He is interviewed by reporters, then he proceeds to an emptying court session. There, Tom questions an attorney who attempted to date his daughter, Emma. The guy knows something, but he will not release any details. A female friend of Emma's has some details also, and Tom has her to reveal that she lead corporate killers to his daughter! 
They are in a car, still speaking, when they are rear-ended, suddenly! The girl, Anna, is knocked out, yet Tom gets out, shooting! He kills that driver, yet the car hit Anna's car. She ends up comatose, and she loses her unborn baby! 
Tom learns that that the company for whom his daughter worked, Northmore, does undercover work to sell illegal nuclear arsenal. They are aligned with shady government agents, who now are trying to cover their tracks. Tom reaches another agent named Craven, punches him, and attempts getting more details!
Tom gets to the home of a United States Senator. He questions the government agent, getting details about Northmore, and about letters that Emma wrote for them. He leaves the senator's home, now with photos of Northmore workers involved in illegal activities. Yet, while being followed, Tom reverses his car to collide with the agents. Police arrive, and the details make public news!
The killers have this information as well, and now are after Tom! An alleged friend arrives at his home, telling Tom that he will be charged with the death of his daughter's boyfriend. The man turns out to be someone sent to kill Tom, yet he does not because of their friendship. However, others that were with this man arrive, shocking Tom, and taking him to a radioactive factory!
Tom is able to awaken and free himself before anyone sees him. A killer arrives, but Tom kills this man, first. Tom escapes in the car of other secret agents, now set on killing others involved. As he is showing signs of poisoning, Tom kills others that were involved in his daughter's death. He gets into a fight with one killer, but shoots and kills him after pouring radioactive milk down his throat!
Government officials get wind of what has been happening. They already know about the agents aligned with the corrupt Northmore company. A cover story is created, and a meeting is called. Here, three senators are killed by a government agent. At this point, Tom is now hospitalized due to extreme poisoning. He dies, and his spirit joins that of his daughter's! 
We saw Up In the Air, second! We got into the theater just as Ryan Bingham (George Clooney) is making out with a lady business associate (oh, great...). Afterward, they make plans for meeting again.
Ryan is shopping for ties when he gets a call from his sister. She is getting some details for an upcoming wedding from him. This sets Ryan for a trip home to Omaha, Nebraska.
Ryan has to get things organized at work. He leads a business meeting, disussing his company's chance to do better during the current recession. A new associate named Natalie Keener (Anna Kendrick) has plans that seem to be helpful, as well.
Brief glimpses of corporate America are shown as Ryan and Natalie are in an airport, preparing for a business trip. During the flight, she is preparing to fire some employees. Ryan coaches her on how to fire them with tact, as they reach their destination.
After heavy flirting with Natalie, Ryan proceeds to firing employees at his office. Some of them are bitter, and they shoot off foul retorts meant to expose Ryan while he remains employed, comfortably. He proceeds to give them motivational talk about pursuing their dreams! 
Now, and with an increasingly pompous demeanor, Ryan blatantly displays his status as a corporate higher-up for self-satisfaction! Though his business is not doing as well as he thinks, Ryan has lunch with Natalie. Then, he meets with son and business partner Alex (Vera Farmiga) to plan for a trip to St. Louis.
They proceed to The Gateway City to have a series of firing meetings. Several employees that were underperforming were let go. Ryan goes onto Kansas City, then to Tulsa, Des Moines, and Miami with Natalie. He gives a speech at the Miami meeting.
It is at a business meeting where Natalie is text messaging her boyfriend. She has fallen in love with him, with false hopes. They continue, as a lady advises Natalie about love issues. Also, she and Ryan tell her about plans to crash an upcoming corporate party! 
Natalie and Ryan arrive at this party, which is at a nice hotel, and they begin to dance. The party is thrown by their company, called Alpha Tech. They have Young M.C. to arrive as the guest entertainment!
It is later, as Natalie is listening to Sign Your Name, that she is given the key to Ryan's hotel room. The party winds down with terrible karaoke, with both of them standing beside a pool. Suddenly, the electricity goes out, and they are lead back to the hotel. Natalie plans to see Ryan again!
Both of them meet for lunch the next day. They are there, prepping for a later business meeting through e-chat. Natalie is given instructions to fire a fifty-seven year-old employee by serving him a severance package, then dismissing him without emotion.
Natalie learns that she will have to perform this firing ritual forty-nine more times! It is later that day when she and Ryan learn that the company is sending them to their home locations. He catches a flight to Las Vegas to take fake photos of a false trip to that city, then he asks Natalie to accompany him home to Wisconsin.
Before leaving, Ryan encounters his sister in the hotel. She is there to attend the wedding of Ryan's business partner, Alex. They all meet with family members, as Alex takes a moment to express her displeasure with her engagement ring....... 
Edge of Darkness was somewhat depressing, yet a good action and suspense film! I was not so pleased with Up In the Air, as I think about it. It was one of those films that I could have done without seeing, yet, dealing with movie addicts....
Of course, and to my delight, several good features are coming soon! Trailers for Shrek: The Final Chapter are looking great! The Wolfman is in two weeks!
I am looking forward to Steve Carell voicing the character for Despicable Me! Other features on the way include Alice in Wonderland, Babies, The Bounty Hunter, Death at a Funeral, Green Zone, Iron Man 2, The Losers, A Nightmare On Elm Street, Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief, Season of the Witch, Shutter Island, and Valentine's Day!
Children, Non-Communication, and Avoidable Tragedies
It is extremely depressing to learn that children are killing themselves, regularly, and due to some of the most asinine of reasons. I do understand that there is no reason why a child, or anyone, should be lead to commiting suicide. Yet, it seems that these horrific actions are occurring because the people around them are not paying attention to the warning signs, are letting them be placed into overly hostile settings, or, worst of all, really do not seem to give a damn!
I started reading this evening's online news clips, and I encountered several stories regarding the suicides of school-aged children. A first clip gave details about a nine year-old boy from Dallas. This child, named Montana Lance, attended the Stewart's Creek Elementary, a school located within a north Dallas suburb, The Colony.
Montana Lance, nine years old, was in the fourth grade. He had been dealing with regular taunting from other students, which apparently was not handled by teachers and staff. The young boy reached a point where the aggressive and abusive actions against him were more than he could handle. Montana hung himself in a restroom of the Lewisville I.S.D. elementary school. He was taken to a nearby hospital afterward, yet young Montana did not survive.
This was a recently sad incident involving child suicide. During 2009, there were many similar incidences that were centered around children. One boy from Chicago was found dead at a shopping center. He hung himself from the coat hook inside of a restroom stall!
Springfield, Massachussetts was where a deadly action happened with an eleven year-old. This young man faced taunting from fellow students at the New Leadership Charter School because of his sexuality. He often faced harsh, anti-gay harrassment at this Springfield, Massachussetts school, which lead him to choose an unfortunate outcome. This student, with much life ahead of him, committed suicide due to the consistent chiding.
An eleven year-old boy from Georgia was found dead after being choked to death. His parents reported that he often was a target of bullying by other students. This young man, Jaheem Herrera, was at a point of recognizing himself, and his sexual identity, while seeming not to have anywhere safe to which he could turn for assistance. The culmination of consistent chastising lead Jaheem to tie a belt around his neck, then to hang himself at home, as a result of his no longer being able to cope with the emotional and verbal abuse. 
It is very sad that these merely are some of the stories involving children and young people facing suicide. It does seem that these incidences all have similarly underlying themes. The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention reported that suicides have been at least ten annually, over the past ten years. This might seem minimal, yet these youths were like several people within our current social setting, unable to express themselves adequately due to dismay in anticipation of the outcomes, or to facing overly unpleasant life situations because of being situated in settings adverse to their expressions of personality.
Of course, there are several ways to prevent these kinds of horrific episodes from occurring. Friends and family members are encouraged to assist loved ones and associates dealing with possibly traumatic life settings. As well, anyone whom finds himself or herself dealing with days of difficulty is prompted to locate nearby sources of readily available assistance. Persons facing adversity due to issues of personality and sexuality are encouraged to seek help from programs like Mental Health America, The Gay and Lesbian Straight Education Network, The National Mental Health Association, and Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays. Please find help; there is always a better way!
SEE THESE SITES!!!
http://www.edgeboston.com/index.php?ch=news&sc=&sc2=news&sc3=&id=90214
http://www.southernet.edu/counseling/selfhelp/comingout
http://www.glccsf.org/community-programs/coming-out
http://www.rainbowvisions.org.au/ComingOutAlone.pdf
http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
http://www.shef.ac.uk/counseling/advice/sexuality
http://www.keithboykin.com/arch/2005/10/03/gay_teens_are_c
A Program Pushed Pondering The Great Beyond!
Falling back into my spaced-out mode, I found myself doing some more studies of outer space curiousities. I got started into a program last night, that discussed more details regarding exoplanets. It was a pretty good program, yet it was on later than I wanted to stay awake. So, I got some of the information, then I chose to look into the topic some more, this evening!
The program revealed that over 330 planets have been discovered that are outside of our solar system. I thought that was really cool, while chuckling, as I recalled that we are no longer claiming all of the planets within our own solar system! I remain irked about Pluto....
Anyhow. It went on to reveal details about those exoplanets which are considered to be the most extreme. Five of these planets were discussed, each of them located hundreds of light years away from our Earth. Information was revealed, giving the various sizes, orbital speeds, and alleged ages of these planets.
The planet labeled SWEEPS-10 stood out because it seems to be in a hurry! SWEEPS-10 orbits around it's host star at a rate of one time for every ten Earth hours! Think of that! As it takes our planet 365 days to get around our star, this one is racing around it's star once every 600 minutes! Imagining that it could be habitable, I do not think that anyone could stay on it without some really strong gravity in action!
Another planet that stood out is PSR B1620-26b (I do not know why it just does not have some kind of reasonable name...). This planet is one of the oldest that has been identified. It is a gas giant, and it happens to be within a curious orbital motion that involves two stars. This binary system consists of a white dwarf, and a rapidly-rotating pulsar.
As well, HD 149026 b was mentioned. This planet is HOT!!! Studies of it have shown that it's surface temperature can reach up to a searing 3,700 degrees, Fahrenheit! OUCH!!! Studying scientists believe that this heat is the result of HD 149026b absorbing the temperatures that are released by it's host star. It has been revealed to have a size a little less than Saturn, and to have a centralized weight that is roughly 80 % that of Earth.
I remain amazed by this type of information. I believe that the ideas of the universe are so fascinating, as there is so much out there, and so much that we just do not know. I do not know that we ever will have a full grasp of all that exists beyond our general realm of space, although there is so much scientific study occurring, regularly. It is fun to study along with what is revealed, as well as to imagine about the wonders that may be, deep into the great beyond!
SEE THESE SITES!!!
http://astronomyonline.org/Exoplanets/Exoplanets.asp
http://www.exoplanetology.com/home/home.html
http://www.spacetelescope.org/science/index.html
http://astronomyonline.org/Exoplanets/Introduction.asp?Cate=Exoplanets&SubCate=EP01
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=exoplanets-direct-imaging
http://www.swissworld.org/en/science/space_research/exoplanets
Something Scary, and A Slightly Funny Fairy!
It was a fair Friday for films. Indeed, we wound up with a tale of the supernatural, and a feature with a fairy. It was a rather big fairy, but I will get on that later....
The first movie was Legion! A young man named Kyle (Tyrese Gibson) is working with cars at a race track, and he receives a strange message. An accident occurs with a car, causing one man to be killed. More explosions and killings happen, then Kyle awakens! He realizes that he was hallucinating, and that he has been having visions. 
It is at a cafe called Death By Caffeine where Kyle discusses his visions with friends. They realize that his vision was real, and that the accident lead to the deaths of fifty-two people. As the memorial for this tragedy is planned, others want to know how Kyle knows about it!
Kyle goes home, and he begins to dig a hole. He places a wooden cross there to serve as a memorial. Then, heavy winds begin to blow, and Kyle is dragged away! He has more visions, as fires begin to blaze. Kyle realizes that these are premonitions.
It is at a hair salon where a woman is having her hair styled. An accident occurs, as a loose ceiling fan falls upon a child that slipped on spilled hair gel. This is followed by a lady outside being killed by a flying lawn mower blade!
A group of friends gathers to talk about the visions that they have had. They conclude that they are in immediate danger of being killed. As they talk, the friends realize that a chain of events is occurring that must be broken to save their lives!
Kyle is the main one who has been having visions. He and Percy (Forest Whitaker) go to the site of a foreseen racetrack accident. With the help of a security guard, Nick sees how a chain of events unfolded that lead to the killings. Nick and friends now approach a nearby security guard, trying to warn him before he is killed, as they are hoping to break the deadly chain of events.
One woman is killed during driving, as pigeons strike her windshield while she was on her cell phone. A boy gets sucked into the bottom of a pool when the drainage is turned on, accidentally. Then, a young lady named Janet finds herself tapped in her car while she is at a car wash. She barely escapes as the powerful washing blades rip off the top of her car, with the high-forced water almost causing her to drown!
Once free, friends come to Janet's aid. After seeing another guy falling down, then exploding, Janet begins to figure out what is happening. She sees a link in a chain of events that was broken, when she and friends saw a deforming man choking.
More accidents happen, as a nearby building is where a hot tub is overflowing, thus collpsing through it's upper floor. It smashes a man on the floor below, and an ambulance is called. It runs down a man on the way to the scene, as people at a neaby theater are burned to death when the projector and screen catch fire!
It is Nick who begins to see that Janet is caught in the midst of these weird occurrences. He envisions going to help her, going to the theater where she is at. Yet, the theater explodes, causing nails to fly about, killing Janet, and another nearby friend!
This premonition lets Nick get to Janet before she is caught in the fire, but he gets trapped by a nail gun. Nick is able to get free, and he starts the theater's sprinkler system. He and friends get away, believing that they are safe. Yet, as they are all relaxing at a coffee house, Nick has another vision, and they all are killed!
We got into The Tooth Fairy, afterward! There was excitement, comedy, et cetera, about seeing The Rock in tights, and with fairy wings attached to his back! Of course, there was some humor that could be equaled to mild silliness, yet there was something of a plot involved. Plus, Ashley Judd is in the movie!!!
Derrick Thompson (Dewayne Johnson) is a player in a minor-league hockey team, and he is accused of knocking the tooth out of a player's mouth. He is infamous for foul play during games, and he is cut down during a following media interview. The reporter calls Derrick and old-timer, which leads Derrick into a rage of down-talking teammates and others, nearby!
Derrick goes home to his wife, Tess (Destiny Whitlock), who is with their son and daughter. He gets into a spot where he is in their kid's bedroom, and Derrick steals money from the kid's piggy bank! It is filled with the childrens' tooth fairy money supply!
The Council of Imaginary Figures gets wind of this, and it is reported to The Tooth Fairy, Lily (Julie Andrews). A trial is held for Derrick, where he is accused of spoiling the dreams of children. He is found guilty, and sentenced to reform his actions by becoming the new Tooth Fairy!
He is made to make amends with Tess. It is at a make-up dinner with his wife where Derrick sprouts fairy wings! He is given a task, which he reluctantly follows. Derrick has to apply shrinking ointment to himself to fit into the first child's home.
Derrick is clumsy inside of this first home. He attempts putting a dollar under the child's pillow, yet he gets knocked off of an adjacent pillow by the sleeping boy. The boy awakens, sees the tiny-fairy Derrick, and the boy screams! As the boy's parents and cat come into the room, the cat stalks Derrick, then chases him out!
After having an argument at a hockey game, Derrick is called for his next task. The lead Tooth Fairy is there, and she tells him about his new task that coming night. He is sent home, where he has to face Tess, who is upset about their son, Randy (Chase Ellison), being bullied at school.
Derrick slowly begins to catch onto his new fairy assignments. Yet, it he learns that fairy land is in danger because children no longer are believing. As well, he finds out that other fairies want him to fail, which will force him to remain as The Tooth Fairy for more time!
It is in reality where Derrick ends up in jail. Tess has to bail him out, and he tries using magic dust on her so that she will forget the incident. It does not work, forcing him to be overly nice to Tess. Yet, these happenings have lead Derrick to choose doing his new and curious job by his own rules!
Derrick arrives at Randy's hockey game, and he is invisible. He gets into the area of the opposing team, punking a rival of Randy's by using fairy tricks. The rival winds up making a deal with Derrick.
His next task is to give encouragement to a wingless fairy named Tracy (Stephen Merchant). Derrick entrusts Tracy with the harder tasks of being a fairy while Derrick helps his son to improve with hockey. Tracy was having trouble succeeding as a fairy, but help from Derrick leads him to improve with his job!
Derrick is now at his own hockey game with his team, and is their championship game. Derrick is pumped up, and he gets selfish with the puck. This costs his team needed points, and Derrick gets an attitude after being chastised. He takes it out on the son of his friend, Carly (Ashley Judd), and he proceeds with a bad attitude!
The game continues, and Derrick is made to play when a teammate gets punked out of the game. He is hurt momentarily, yet he regroups as a rough player! Just when he is at his highest level of play, Derrick is called by the fairy council. He is assigned to a task dealing with Tess' daughter!
As he leaves the game with his wings spread, a giant amnesia gun is brought into the arena for crowd control! He gets to Tess' home, where her daughter sees him, and he is forced to reveal to her that he is The Tooth Fairy! Then, he goes into Randy's room, apologizing for prior rude behavior. He repairs Randy's broken guitar, and he encourages the boy to continue playing. Derrick reveals himself as The Tooth Fairy to both of Tess' children!
Tess enters, and she thinks that Derrick is wearing a costume. Yet, he flies away with the children, telling them the story of how he became the tooth fairy. They return in time for Derrick to get Randy to his school concert.
Derrick now believes in dreams. His newly found fervor for fantasy allowed the lead Tooth Fairy to relieve Derrick of his assignment. She magically forces him to forget all that has happened during his time as a Tooth Fairy, as those are the rules!
Of course, I am waiting to see several more exciting films! They really are pumping up Iron Man 2, as Tony Stark has his metallic messiah looking crunk and all kinda junk! The previews for The A-Team are bringing youthful flashbacks! Also, Johnny Depp is sure to turn out the silver screen once again, as he plays The Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland! Other features to anticipate include Clash of the Titans, The Crazies, Dear John, From Paris With Love, Kick Ass, A Nightmare On Elm Street, Shutter Island, The Wolfman, and Why Did I Get Married, Too!
Seein' Some Kitty-Cat Before Bed!
As far as my cats are concerned, worshipping them is the way that things are supposed to go! Yet, it is known that several ancient cultures did view the feline as a deified icon. Particularly, Ancient Egypt is known for being a realm infamous for relishing and revering the whiskered wonders.
The Nile River kingdoms of Ancient Egypt placed reverence upon their gods in the forms of many different animals. While ruled by dominating pharoahs, one of Ancient Egypt's most famous of their beloved beasts always has been the cat. It is believed that the feline was worshipped througout the greater times of Ancient Egyptian kingdoms.
Recently, archaeologists excavated an ancient temple located within the historic city of Alexandria. This was a religious site where rituals took place, worshipping the Egyptian goddess Bastet. She regularly was depicted as being a typical housecat, and sometimes as a lioness.
The discovery of information surrounding Bastet revealed further details about ancient Egyptian worship of felines. Details were uncovered about the goddess Mafdet. This supreme being was the Egyptian goddess of justice and execution. Mafdet often was shown in the image of three different cats. She may have had a cheetah head, or a lynx head. Mafdet may have been seen as a leopard, also.
Additionally, excavated discoveries uncovered facts about the goddess Sekhmet. This diety was featured with a lion's head. Sekhmet was the Egyptian goddess of war and destruction.
Ancient Egypt's reverence of the feline has been shown and told throughout many historical reviews. The people of the northern African and Mediterranean kingdom placed cats at levels of high esteem. Families often kept cats as members of their families, placing them at levels equal to their own children. Also, statues of cats were familiar throughout this society, serving as guardians against evil spirits.
I opted to do a little research of cats, as I watched my little majesties scurrying to and fro, in and out of my bedroom. I imagine them seeing that I have been blogging, focusing on cats, then asking me why I have nothing better to do! As I agree, while chuckling, I will log off, then watch a little late-night television.
SEE THESE SITES!!!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cats_in_ancient_Egypt
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8468803.stm
http://www.mnsu.edu/emuseum/prehistory/egypt/religion/cats.html
http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20100119/lf_afp/egyptarchaeologydiscovery_20100119172737
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20081220034055AAvrK0g
A Delightfully Detaining, Dramatic Double-Dose!!!
A thrilling, theatrical two-pack tantalized us tonight! I was ready to see both of these movies, and I was not disappointed! Action and high-drama was the mood for film number one, while the second film was set with suspense, seasoned with sadism and sadness!
Of course, selection number one was The Book of Eli! We were ready to see Denzel kickin' butt! The always dapper Mr. Washington stars as Eli, a man on a journey, living in a post-apocolyptic world. It begins with him arrow-shooting a hairless cat, then taking it for food (Denzel eatin' pussy....settle down ladies....)! He returns to his residence, having a nap, then taking the shoes off of a dead man hanging in his closet!
It is the next day when Eli begins his journey. He begins, surrounded by a group of hijackers. A fight begins, with Eli cutting off one attacker's hand, then killing the others. He continues west, passing ravaged roads, and encountering destitute people. After another brawl, Eli reaches an area near Meteor Crater, Arizona.
He arrives at a clan center, trying to have tools repaired. As he waits, a gang arrives. A man called Carnegie (Gary Oldman) enters, and he is told about an arriving road crew. Carnegie cons this crew for supplies. Eli is trying to get water, and he ends up head-shooting a con-man. Eli is not bothered, afterward!
A crowd approaches Eli, and he draws a sword. A fight ensues, with Eli defeating the attackers. Then, Carnegie arrives, stopping the brawl, and speaking with Eli. Carnegie offers Eli fresh water, and a place to reside. Eli insists that he must continue west, yet Carnagie insists he stay the night.
It is that evening when a woman named Zora attempts seducing Eli. She was sent by Carnegie to stay with Eli, or Carnegie will hurt her mother! It is there where Eli does not engage in lewd activity, yet he gets information from Zora about the world before "the flash".
Zora wants to see Eli's book, but he refuses! Zora tells Eli that she will not let him know where to find fresh water, if he does not show her the book. So, they make a deal....
The next day, Zora meets wiith Carnegie, and she is evasive. She does show him a taping of Eli praying with her mother. The mother is there, and Carnegie is harsh with her. He forces the girl to reveal information about Eli, and she reveals that Eli owns a King James Bible.
Carnegie and his clan reach Eli, and they want his Bible. Eli plans to return it to it's proper owner. Carnegie then has a man to shoot Eli, but the man misses! Others shoot at Eli, missing him, too. Then, Eli shoots and kills them all, one by one!
A single shooter reaches Eli, but he does not shoot. Others watch, shocked, as Eli walks away. A girl follows, saying that she knows where to find fresh water. She offers to take Eli there, and he leaves with her in the morning.
Carnegie assigns a man to find Eli. He wants Eli's Bible, so he gathers men to find Eli. When they reach Eli, a scuffle starts, and Eli kills one man. Carnegie gets to the scene, and he gives Eli fresh water. He joins with the girl, and they pray. Carnegie tells this girl that he owns the only surviving Bible! It is there that Carnegie, Eli, and this girl begin prayer for the start of a new world order.
Our second film was The Lovely Bones! This actually was a very suspenseful story and murder mystery. It begins with a father named Jack (Mark Wahlberg) holding a snowglobe. We flash to see Susie, a young and ambitious girl. She is ready to get her driver's license, and practices driving at The Connors' Farm.
We flash to details about Susie Salmon (Saoirse Ronan) being murdered on December 6, 1973, when she was fourteen years old. Yet, we return to teenaged Susie, at home with her father, Jack, and her Grandma Lynn (Susan Sarandon). We see a curious and suspicious neighbor named Mr. George Harvey (Stanley Tucci), who was digging a backyard hole.
It is a morning that Susie is preparing for school, and she is excited about wearing a new hat. She wants to impress a childhood crush named Ray (Reece Ritchie). The day goes well, and Susie prepares to walk home. She has written a love note for Ray, yet it blows away as Susie nears her home. Mr. Harvey intercepts the note.
Mr. Harvey then baits Susie near to an empty building. He lures her to a deep and empty hole. Susie tries to run away....
Jack was frantic to find his missing daughter! As Susie's being lost created trauma within the family, images are shown of her spirit attempting to reach her loved ones. Her afterlife state seems to be haunted with images of her killer and blood!
After Susie's hat is dug out of a field, police begin questioning neighbors. Mr. Harvey tried hiding evidence, as he was viewed by watching police. The officers questioned him; he was curiously oblivious and creepy.
Ray, the young schoolboy whom Susie liked, mourned her at the nearby lake. It is in this lake where Susie drowned, and her spirit seemed to be reaching out to Ray. At the same time, her spirit met a friend named Holly (Nikki SooHoo), who became a sort-of guide to Heaven, while trying to convince Susie of her death.
Susie was firm on having a final mission. Her spirit was able to communicate with her dad, saying that she was safe, "in her own, perfect world". It was Jack, and Susie's little brother that saw images of her, picking up clues. These clues lead Jack to begin an investigation.
Now paranoid, Jack goes into a rage, leaving Grandma Lynn unable to help. Yet, it was when Susie's little sister Lindsey (Rose McIver) saw Mr. Harvey walking a dog that she became curious about him. Lindsey wanted more information, as she knew that Susie was "in between"!
A local policeman arrives at The Salmons' home, saying that they had no more information. The search for any possible killers was going to end, yet Jack could not accept that. He had suspicions of Mr. Harvey, and Jack approaches who he thinks is Harvey one night with a baseball bat! Yet, it merely is a friend of Susie's, with her boyfriend, in the dark!
Lindsey decides to sneak into Mr. Harvey's house. She seems to find clues, yet has to stop searching when he returns home, suddenly. Harvey is aware that someone is in his home, and the mood is tense as Lindsey tries to remain quiet while he lurks about.
Mr. Harvey decides to leave the town. It is nearly a year later when the local police raze the cornfield where Susie was murdered, making room for additions to the local school. More time passes, as Lindsey gets engaged, and Jack has a heart attack! Mr. Harvey winds up coming back into town.
It is when Mr. Harvey drives by the spot where he buried Susie that a friend standing there has a sensation. Ruth, who was Susie's buddy, seems to feel something. It seems that Susie's spirit passed into Ruth, then was able to communicate with Ray, Susie's school crush! A semi-weird scene occurs, where Susie, within Ruth, has sex with this boy, fulfilling Susie's childhood fantasy!
Susie's spirit returns to Heaven, and time passes. Lindsey has a child, a daughter. It is Lindsey who sees Harvey later, as he tries to come onto another woman. The woman dismisses Harvey, as an icicle falls onto his head. It is a large and sharp ice-spear, which pierces Harvey's skull, and kills him!
Both of these films were very enjoyable! I was pleased to have seen both of them, and will recommend that those whom enjoy good movies to see these! Of course, more great movies are coming!
Someone had the nerve to do a film update of The A-Team!!! Do you remember Mr. T, and that hair?!?!? AAAAAHHHH!!!!
Many more movies are on the way! I am looking forward to the scary The Wolfman, opening next month! The Rock will be carnally comical, starring in The Tooth Fairy, opening January 22. Also, John Travolta will pump up the big screen in From Paris With Love, starting February 5.
Several movies are coming! Get ready for Alice in Wonderland, Clash of the Titans, Cop Out, The Crazies, Dear John, Edge of Darkness, Extraordinary Measures, Kick Ass, Shutter Island, Takers, and Why Did I Get Married, Too!
Haitians Heaved by Horrific Quake!
Grrrr! I am having computer issues, as the primary unit seems to have crashed! I do not know WHAT has happened, or why! Yet, I am able to use a nearby laptop in order to do a new entry.
Anyway! There is other distressing news happening, today. Right now, CNN is focusing on this earthquake that has placed Haiti in a state of shock. The Carribean nation, located on the island of Hispaniola, suffered the devastating effects of a powerful earthquake. It was earlier this day when a magnitude 7.0 tremor shook the island, causing specific damage to Haiti.
Major destruction occurred within the Haitian capital city of Port-au-Prince. Many buildings were collapsed, or they were destroyed totally. Several people were trapped within the rubble. Many dead bodies were scattered throughout the ruined streets of the nation, also.
It has been estimated that over 100,000 people may have died! These numbers are supported by disturbing reviews from Haitian Prime Minister Jean-Max Bellerive. Yet, the nation's President, Rene Preval, has reduced those numbers, saying that anywhere between 30,000 and 50,000 people were killed. Actual numbers can not be revealed until more thorough reviews of the devastation can be assessed, accurately.
This particular earthquake reached a magnitude of 7.0. Roger Seale, a geophysics professor from England's Durham University, expressed that this quake was equivalent to the detonation of several nuclear bombs! He stated that the strength of the tremors, combined with the low geographic positioning of the island, made the earthquake exceptionally harmful.
Over three million people faced the consequences of Tuesday's quake. Former President Bill Clinton, who now serves as a Special Envoy to Haiti, is appealing for public support. He has asked that assistance be provided to any organizations that can provide food, fresh water, shelter, and medical supplies. Clinton's requests for help are being backed by other nations that plan to offer assistance, including Brazil, China, Cuba, France, Iceland, Russia, and Spain.
Our nation's military organizations are working to assist Haiti. The coast guard and the navy, particularly, are preparing to send airplanes, helicopters, and sea vessels to provide assistance. President Obama has notified people whom may be attempting to find displaced Haitian relatives to contact The State Department (1-888-407-4747).
SEE THESE SITES!!!
http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2010/haiti.quake
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/01/13/haiti.earthquake/index.html
http://www.411mania.com/music/news/126811/Wyclef-Jean-Calls-For-Aid-For-Haiti.htm
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/01/12/AR2010011202764.html?wprss=rss_world
http://www.postcrescent.com/article/20100113/APC0101/100113114/1004&located=rss
http://secure.unicef.org/site/Donation2?df_id=6680&6680.donation=form1
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1629607/20100113/jean_wyclef.jhtml
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Letterman Stumbles Over Foot in Mouth!
I do like David Letterman. I have been a fan of his for many years. I watch his show regularly, often staying awake later than I should to catch his late-night antics. Due to being a regular follower, I will admit to some disappointment regarding this latest action.
Amanda Simpson recently was appointed to The United States Commerce Department by President Obama. Her exact place will be within this department's Bureau of Industry and Security. Simpson will serve as a senior technical advisor, where she will observe our nation's technological weapons exports.
The problem is Letterman's public take on Simpson. During a recent show, the late-night talk leader placed Simpson at the center of his opening comedy skit. She is the first transgender appointee to a position within the nation's Commerce Department. Letterman started by showing a photograph of Simpson to his audience, then proceeding into somewhat harsh-humorous actions.
He held up a photograph of Amanda Simpson, showing it to his audience. Then, he looked at it, and he made some statements about her being transgender. Letterman showed the picture to nearby staffer Alan Kalter, who shouted in psuedo-surprise about Simpson having been a man, previously. Kalter, a regular Late Night announcer, suddenly shouted, "Amanda used to be a dude? Oh my God"! After he said this, Kalter ran off of the stage, screaming!
It was funny, at the initial moment of the action. Alan Kalter did go out of his way to flail his arms wildly, appearing to be frightened, as he ran from the set. There was actual humor, seeing him as he looked clumsy and silly, then hurriedly leaving the stage. Yet, several people were offended by his antics!
When I was watching, I figured that there would be backlash to that particular skit. As gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people have been trying hard to find stability and equality within our often harsh society, I do see where having someone like David Letterman presenting acts that are contrary to the cause will present a problem. He did apologize for the incident afterward, yet the greater issue is that it was allowed, at first.
Several people and organizations are upset about the action. An associate director of Diversity For Transgender Issues wrote a letter to Letterman, relaying sentiments of disappointment. It was expressed that, although Simpson is well-qualified to begin her position within The Department of Commerce, high-profile persons have chosen to ignore the basis of her task at-hand. Letterman's skit made it seem as if the general focus on Simpson would be about her being transgender, not dealing with the importance of her position as a Presidential appointee into our government.
Albeit many people will remain unaware of this incident, those whom are informed about what happened may be offended. I have to think that this reflects a greater issue, dealing with the rights and sentiments of people. The skit from Letterman's show merely gave a minor glimpse into the overall sentiments of a larger society, which does not dispense discernible levels of actual equality to all people, on all levels.
David Letterman Amanda Simpson
SEE THESE SITES!!!
http://blog.ctnews.com/evans/2010/01/07/david-letterman-steps-in-it-again-this-time-over-trans-joke/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/07/lettermans-transgender-jo_n_414452.html
http://airamerica.com/entertainment/01-06-2010/watch-letterman-yuks-it-over-transgender-hate/
Say It Ain't So, Simon!!!
OOPS!!! Just when I opened my big mouth! I should be aware of the time-honored adage, never speak too soon! As I was saying that I was all-ready for this next season of Idol, the calamity comes!
The news today reported that Simon Cowell DOES NOT plan on returning after this season of American Idol! WHAT?!?! Love him, hate, him, or just don't give a damn, I thought that Simon was a basic backbone of that show! Now, he is NOT coming back???
I was reviewing online news articles, and I read the information regarding the quick-tempered judge. I think that information regarding this subject did circulate The Internet over the weekend. Yet, it was today when I got hold of any sure details. Simon ain't coming back!!!
Mr. Cowell is supposed to be taking a job as a judge with The X Factor. This is a hit contest-show within Great Britain. The show will air within The United States during 2010, and Simon Cowell is supposed to be a primary judge! He owns The X Factor, and he will make more money as the show's host (he ain't broke now.....)! His contract with Idol was dissolved during a recent meeting between him and producers from FOX.
The X Factor is a talent show that does not place such seemingly firm restrictions on contestants. Whereas Idol singers can not be over thirty, singers with The X Factor hve no age limitations. We have seen where the stars produced by the hit United States show are singers in their twenties. Those that compete on The X Factor can be at any age.
It was stated that Simon Cowell will be happier, working with The X Factor. He is more comfortable with the contest that does not impose age restrictions. It was recalled that Susan Boyle was one of the best singers that Cowell ever auditioned, yet she could not compete on Idol. She did break through, singing on Britain's Got Talent, where her age was not an issue.
American Idol certainly will be a different show, this season! Ellen De Generes will add some level of allure, as a new hostess-judge, replacing Paula Abdul. Yet, I remain curious, regarding her musical background. I have to repeat that American Idol is supposed to be a music/singing program, and I ain't heard Ellen sangin' or playin' any damned thang!!! We shall see....
CLICK ON THESE SITES!!!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100111/ap_on_en_tv/us_tv_fox_cowell_10
http://www.cnn.com/2010/SHOWBIZ/TV/01/11/cowell.leaving.idol/index.html
http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2010/01/simon-cowell-american-idol.html
Bring On Season Nine!!!
I can not speak for others, but I am so-ready for Idol, now! With all of the success of last season, and all of the hype that has been set with this approaching season, I expect that the hit show is going to be a blast! I do love to hear good singing, and I enjoy the fun of seeing the reject singers giving their failed attempts. I anticipate that this coming season is going to be a load of fun!
All of the hype of having Ellen DeGeneres to join American Idol has been like icing on a desired cake! The popular talk show hostess is going to be the fourth judge, joining Simon Cowell, Kara Dio Guardi, and Randy Jackson. Ryan Seacrest will be back as the show's announcer!
This will be the popular series' ninth season! There is a lot of fuss around having Ellen on the show. I hear that several people are unhappy due to her not being a singer, thus possibly not having legitimacy to her judgement on the auditioning singers. Yet, Ellen is very familiar with stage and screen, which should be of help while trying to select auditioners whom want to be prepared to give live performances.
The show begins this coming Tuesday! Auditions from Boston will be shown that night, with the same trials shown the following Wednesday night. Things will pick up next week, with Idol shows next Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Next Tuesday's show will be broadcast from Chicago, and the following Wednesday show will be from Orlando. I expect that there will be spectacular sounds, along with singers that suck from each location!
I think that it is going to be fun, seeing how Ellen and Simon interact! She is such a sweetheart, and Simon can be such an asshole (yes, I said it...)! Not that I mind Simon's rough reviews. The truth is that Simon probably is saying what some of those attempting singers need to hear! Shut 'em down before they get too deep into the game!
I just hope that the voting turns out alright! It will be great if the best singers are the ones that make it to the end of the season. I believe that has been the case, more or less, so far. I think that once the singers make it to the remaining four or five, they all have possibly successful music careers ahead of them. I guess that it depends on with which record companies they sign, what talent scouts pick them up, and so forth.
Well. I do want to tune in, this Tuesday evening! Surely some good singers will be displayed, and I expect that a whole bunch of crappy sounds will be heard. Some will be amusing, and some will simply suck! Let's get it started!!!
SEE THESE SITES!!!
http://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/american-idol/100036
http://www.americanidol.com/auditions
http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/237755/american-idol-season-9-most-starstudded-idol-ever
http://www.tvguide.com/tvshows/american-idol/100036?imw=Y
http://www.app.com/article/20100108/ENT/100108029/0/NEWS03&source=rss
http://www.american-idol-fan.com/area/judges/
Scary Sc-Fi and A Legendary Spy!
Friday, Friday! Mmm-hmm, mmm-hmm. It is a good way to wind down the week, seeing something exciting that does not exactly involve direct interaction. After a full week, it is good to get wrapped up in something that is entertaining. Movies always are entertaining!
Our choices this week were great! We began with Daybreakers, a film which I knew about due to a brief review of the synopsis, and a couple of ratings. I did find the film exciting, following along with the opening statement: "Humans were given a chance to assimilate"!
It begins in the year 2019, and the world is in a state of crisis due to a blood shortage. Human beings are outcasts, as they are being hunted by ruling vampire population that is in desperate need for blood. Charles Bromley (Sam Neill) is the leader of the vampires, who now rule the planet. The vampires are in crisis because their initial tests for new blood are fatal, causing the bloodsuckers to explode!
Ten years later, a vampire named Ed Dalton (Ethan Hawke) gets into an auto wreck with escaping humans. He is a hemotologist who works for a company that harvests humans for blood. The regular intake of human blood keeps the vampires at a "normal" state, not letting them become ravaging, blood-sucking monsters!
Ed is on the path to success at his job. He is favored by his boss, Charles Bromley. Ed and associates are sent to meet with humans during daylight, lead by his father, Elvis (Willem Dafoe)! The meeting is interrupted by Ed's vampire pal, then Ed and a female escape. Vampires chase them, driving in military SUVs. Ed remains with the humans.
Bromley is acting to have Ed returned. He recruits Ed's brother, Frankie (Michael Dorman) to help with the hunt. Meanwhile, Ed is with humans, who make sure that he has blood so that he will not hunt them! They all reach a meeting with humans who are building a resistance ("...being human in a world full of vampires is like bare-backing a $5.00 whore.").
As vampires are facing rising costs of blood supply, humans are preparing to restore their population. Elvis gets into a place where he is helping Ed to find a solution for the vampire's daylight survival. This continues, while a vampire resistance movement is growing. They get into a night auto wreck, call for help, yet are intercepted by vampires!
Ed and Elvis get to other vampire resistance members, and they test methods for vampires to survive sunlight. The test is meant as an attempt to re-humanize them, also. Ed seems to survive initial testing. Bromley has his brother, Frankie, recruited into the vampire clan, as Ed goes through a process of rehumanization. Now, Ed is a member of the vampire resistance!
Bromley's daughter is a member of the resistance. She survives on alternate blood so that she will not attack humans. The resistance is on the run, as they are labeled as "blood-deprived citizens" by the vampire military, and are seen as a general threat!
Also, so-called civilized vampires are collecting the savage vampires. They put the savages into the daylight, killing them to help salvage the blood supply! At this time, Ed is working with Elvis on a cure, yet get trapped by stalking vampires. They escape, and they encounter Frankie. Frankie bites Elvis!
Frankie takes Ed to Bromley, where Ed pleads for his life. Bromley bites Ed, yet he gets poisoned! Due to his drinking of vampire blood, Bromley is returned to human form. Then, Frankie and associates release Bromley to be ravaged by raiding vampires!
Ed leads a resistance into the vampire headquarters. There, Frankie is attacked, but the raiding vampires are returned to human form from his blood. A battle continues, yet the vampires, lead by Elvis, seem to be getting the edge! Stay tuned!
Our second film was Sherlock Holmes! The always entertaining Robert Downey, Junior plays the title role. He begins in a horse-drawn carriage, chasing a criminal whom has killed a man. Holmes gets to a site, meeting his partner, Dr. John Watson (Jude Law).
The two detectives prepare for stopping a crime that is being committed. It is some sort of ritual, where a young girl is about to be killed. Lord Henry Blackwood (Mark Strong) is leading the ceremony.
Holmes' home life is shown, where he is a terror to his neighbors. He regularly stays busy with work, often studying gunfire. The noise is disturbing, yet Holmes is trying to reduce the sound output. He has no cases at the moment, so he is studying gunfire.
After enjoying a dinner with Watson and his date, Holmes gets into a boxing match. He gets roughed up, yet he uses wits and rationale to defeat his opponent. As the other boxer is dropped, Holmes leaves with a bottle of wine!
Holmes is experimenting with flies as Watson arrives with details about Lord Blackwood. They proceed to a jail, trying to get information from a possibly psychotic criminal who may have been involved in their recent case. The criminal tells Holmes that they are bound together, and that he knows of three approaching deaths!
Lord Blackwood is sentenced to death for the crime of black magic. As he quotes "death is only the beginning", Blackwood prepares for his death. Meanwhile, a dark cohort is working with dark forces to catch Holmes.
Irene Adler (Rachel Mc Adams) is about to be mugged in the streets. She defends herself, and the criminal escapes. Holmes and Watson begin to surmise the details of her situation, as Lord Blackwood arrives. He is alleged to be dead, according to supposed witnesses at Scotland Yard!
Holmes and Watson examine Blackwood's gravesite, finding another corpse in his coffin. An alleged witness claimed to have seen Blackwood resurrected, leading Watson to suggest supernatural involvement. The detectives consider reaching a psychic, yet they proceed to investigate a suspicious apartment. There, details are found that link Blackwood to criminal activities!
As Holmes and Watson leave the apartment, men arrive to tear down the building's site. They fight the detectives, and Holmes got hold of an electric charger. He used it to shock away a large attacker. The man gets away, yet Holmes chases him!
After the fight, the detectives argue about extensive work. Watson finds himself getting arrested, and Holmes posts bail for him. At that point, they begin with the next case. Holmes proceeds secretly to a home where he gets leads on a case about a dark lord who is the spell-casting son of the leader of a secret society!
This criminal has murdered his own family, except for his father. As Holmes is preparing for this investigation, Irene drugs him, and has him taken to be drowned! Holmes regains lucidity, he finds that the tub he was in is the site of another man's drowning. He gathers clues to share with Watson.
A secret order meets, making plans to dominate England. One member opposes the plans, and he is killed! Holmes and Watson get leads on this order, and on Blackwood. They go by boat on The River Thames, reaching a laboratory. There, they find skinned pigs, and they hear an ominous voice!
The detectives find a woman who is set to be burned. They free her, then try to chase her trappers. Watson accidentally sets off a bomb, burning himself, yet he is saved by Holmes. All three of them survive the explosion, and police arrive.
A warrant is issued for Holmes' arrest! Meanwhile, Irene is aboard a train. She seems to be following a secret voice that has been leading her, mysteriously. The voice is that of a killer, who threatens to kill Irene if she does not do his bidding!
Lord Blackwood is revealed to be the constant criminal. Holmes gets clues to locate Blackwood, as it was told that he will kill at least three more people! However, Holmes finds that he is wanted for arrest by Scotland Yard!
Holmes, Watson, and Irene make plans to catch Blackwood. Holmes deciphered many of Blackwood's secret plots, and anticipated his next move. Yet, Holmes was arrested for making false accusations against this secret order!
While trapped, Holmes interprets more clues. He escapes before being shot, as he figures out Lord Blackwood's involvement in the secret society. He frees himself by leaping into The River Thames, where Watson rescues him. They go on, seeking clues, while under a time limit!
Irene begins shooting, and a gunfight erupts at the crime scene. Holmes and Watson have arrived, yet Lord Blackwood has gone to London. He plans to address Parliament with his plans for domination! Holmes, Watson, and Irene are handling another case, which keeps them from reaching London, immediately.
Upon reaching London, the three detectives have to reach Parliament. A bomb is being set to explode, yet Irene disarms it. She escapes, followed by Holmes, as they reunite to exchange details. Yet, Irene winds up knocked down by Blackwood, then he and Holmes fight! Irene has been knocked unconscious!
Holmes reveals that he has learned the secrets behind the magic with which Blackwood has been scheming. Scientific information lead Holmes to realize the actual mechanics behind Blackwood's so-called magic. As he and Holmes argue atop a faulty bridge, Blackwood is killed by loose building materials. Holmes saves Irene!
Watson does get married to his bride, Mary. They get home to find Holmes hanging from their ceiling! He is not dead, yet he is testing another theory on death! Holmes admits that he is studying the manner in which Blackwood was able to slow his own pulse to fake his death!
Of course, more fantastic films will follow! I am looking forward to several good features that will premiere as 2010 progresses. Those starting next week include The Book of Eli and The Spy Next Door. Films coming soon include Alice in Wonderland, A Couple of Dicks, The Crazies, Edge of Darkness, From Paris With Love, Iron Man 2, Legion, Shutter Island, The Tooth Fairy, and The Wolfman!
What Might Have Been Magic With Michael!
Well. Michael Jackson wanted to work with Lady Gaga. Hmm. Interesting. That is a thought that is curious, and probably evokes a shit-load of strange scenes. Hmm.
I will admit that I have not been an avid follower of The Lady's music. I have listened to some of her songs, and I did catch some good dance beats. Yet, I can not admit to being overly familiar with her work. I may try to change that.
Michael Jackson had something of a top list of performers with whom he would have liked to collaborate. I believe that meant that the late King of Pop wanted to create songs, or possibly even do performances with these other artists. Lady Gaga made his top list, yet there were others mentioned, as well.
Of course, Michael wanted to perform with lil' sis Janet! He has done fantastic work with her before. Recalling the mega-hit Scream, that showed the awesome power of performance that the siblings had together. That song, along with the video, lit up the airwaves and screens for months. The sound was awesome, and seeing the two of them in performance together almost was like magic! Can you name a better pair of dancers together?
Michael Jackson wanted to do a duet with Mariah Carey, also! Now, truth be told, Mariah would have had no trouble singing Michael into the ground! Yet, being the lady that she is, Miss Carey certainly would have put on a classy show, giving fantastic vocals that would have accented whatever Michael delivered. That song would have been wonderful!
Sting made Michael's list of desired duets, too! I do like to hear Sting's raspy voice, accompanied by guitar. He is so good with that instrument, and that adds such sensuality to his sound! I so love his hit-song Roxanne, his mega-hit with the group, The Police! Imagining the sound of Sting performing in duet with Michael Jackson is a thought that nearly becomes erotic!
Then, there is Usher. M.J. thought of doing a duel performance with this young artist. Usher almost seems to be something of a Michael Jackson protege. Michael likely would have coordinated a duet with Usher precisely, so that the young singer could be seen as a powerhouse in production! He was, and Usher is a great dancer, so they could have had a dazzling dance hit!
Back to Lady Gaga; I have not made myself totally familiar with all of her work. I have heard a couple of her tracks, and they did incite just the slightest of booty gigglings. I will admit to some subdued switching when I hear Poker Face! Yet, knowing that Michael Jackson had an interest in her, I will make a point to listen to more of Lady Gaga's work!
Certainly, there are several other artists whom would have sounded fantastic with Michael Jackson! I imagine him having done work with Prince, and that would have been off-the-chain!!! Think of Michael having done work with Macy Gray, or Madonna. Hmm??? The list could go on and on. I am sitting here, jammin' to some old school Patti now, and trying to imagine her with Michael. Nahhhh! Well???
SEE THESE SITES!!!
http://mog.com/blog-posts/1678649/mogbag
http://www.tmz.com/category/michael-jackson
http://wwww.michaeljacksonzone.com
http://www.michael-jackson-trader.com/collaborations/index.html
http://www.mtv.tv/article/227784_Michael_Jackson_Life_Legacy_The_Eccentric_King_Of_Pop_1986-1999.htm
http://www.michaeljackson.com/fr/content/new-album-duets
Hubble's New Photos Reveal Possible Age of Universe!
Again, I must repeat that viewing these images and e-articles about studies of astronomy are extremely fascinating! As I get caught in the hype of the intensely inspiring and awesome information, it is very enjoyable to learn about all of the related work being done. Currently, several teams of scientists from around the world are working to get all of the details that they can before it is too late!
The Hubble Space Telescope has done an exceptionally fantastic job with capturing shots from throughout outer space. This incredible machine has made it possible for humanity at large to have the capacity for seeing sights that never could have or would have been imagined, from the depths of our known universe. Fascinating photographs are available, showing us images of our home solar system, all the way to galaxies that are billions of light years away!
Hubble did have a recent breakdown, one of several during it's twenty-year lifespan. This last malfunction was patched during 2008. Yet, the space telescope did undergo repairs during 2002, 1999, 1997, and 1993. It was during 1993 when Hubble was launched into orbit.
This space telescope has captured images that appear to be from the earliest time possible. Examinations of it's photographs have helped scientists to deduce that our known universe is roughly 13.7 billion years old. Yet, eventhough the images captured are extremely fascinating, Hubble has not been able to view far enough backward to see the alleged first galactic structures.
Scientists have been devoting large amounts of time to study the images taken by Hubble. One astrophysicist, Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson, has examined several of the photographs, which possibly are revealing the true age of our universe. As Hubble's recent pictures have viewed back some 13.2 billion years, they have captured fascinating views from various distances of outer space, as well as back throughout the space-time continuum. Dr. Tyson believes that Hubble soon will be capable of recording images from the earliest times that can be viewed.
Recently, images taken by Hubble have revealed three previously unseen galaxies. It is believed that these galactic structures may have solidified their formations roughly 500 million years after The Big Bang. These images help to give evidence of an alleged reionization era, which astronomers believe occurred some 300,000 years after The Big Bang, and before any verifiable collection of substantial matter into actual structures.
SEE THESE SITES!!!
http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/astronomy/cosmic_light_010808.html
http://www.cnn.com/2010/TECH/space/01/05/hubble.new.galaxies/index.html?section=cnn_latest
http://news.yahoo.com/s/space/20100105/sc_space/hubblespiesmostdistantearlygalaxiesyet
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100106/ap_on_sc/us_sci_hubble_photo_12
http://hubblesite.org/newscenter/archive/releases/2010/01/
In Hawai'i, Less is Not the Best!
It would seem to be a sensation of Hallelujah for students from Hawai'i! Legislators from The Aloha State recently ratified a bill that will allow for a reduction of their school year. These changes will give the fiftieth state the shortest school calendar of the nation!
Budget cuts and the national recession are the main reasons behind the shortening of the school calendar for Hawai'i. A total of seventeen days will be taken from their academic year, a move that has outraged educational advocates of that state. As the standard throughout the nation seems to be an average of 180 school days, the public schools of Hawai'i merely will be held for 163 days. This will be reflected in a four-day school week, instead of the standard five-day week.
Administrators, parents, and teachers all have been outraged at the move to cut back on needed time for education. Hawai'i sits at the bottom of educational achievement ratings throughout the nation, and many see this as a terrible blow to an already depleted setting. The roughly 170,000 students of Hawai'i now will have seventeen class days less.
President Valerie Sonoda of The Hawai'i State Parent Teacher Student Association feels that students will not be allowed enough time for learning. Her sentiments are echoed by Wil Okabe, President of The Hawai'i State Teachers' Association. He believes that the state's teachers would not have voted for this measure, had they known that they would be receiving less pay!
The negative vibes regarding the calendar change also were denounced by parents. The tax payers, along with educational authorities, are troubled by having to find care services for their children during their time off, while the parents have to work. Also, single parents, and financially-depressed families, are angry that additional money will be needed for day care, as they will have to work while their children now will have more off-time.
Hawai'i is the only state in the union with a single, state-wide school district. Districts do not finance schools individually, due to there being only one school district. Funds come from the state government, directly.
At first, students were excited about the fact that they would spend less time at school. Yet, older students were interviewed, realizing that this change could lead to problems. One sixteen year-old junior was pleased about the reduced calendar, yet he believes that the end result of the time reduction will be regrettable!
Several states have four-day school weeks, already. School districts within Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Maine, Missouri, and Washington are having votes on whether or not their school systems will adopt the four-day a week school plan. The reductions to the calendar for Hawai'ian schools, compiled with financial problems, will give students from state number 50 the shortest school calendar of the nation!
SEE THESE SITES!!!
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/10/20/MN8C1A7OAF.DTL&type=printable
http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2009-10-19-hawaii-schools_N.htm
http://news.aol.com/article/in-hawaii-schools-out-for-recession/723168?icid=sphere_wpcom_tagsidebar
http://abcnews.go.com/WN/hawaii-day-school-week-ease-recession-woes/story?id=8894574
http://www.yakima-herald.com/stories/2009/12/17/three-school-districts-switch-to-4-day-weeks
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1832864,00.html
New Year NOT Starting on My Terms!!!
This was an unfortunate week where I did not make it to the local cinema! Not that much premiered, and I have seen pretty much everything. Yet, I did realize that there were two films on the screen this week that I would not have been upset about seeing!
Sherlock Holmes is in theaters! The joy of Johnny Depp on the big screen certainly would have been worthwhile, as I am sure that he did a terrific job with a portrayal of the legendary sleuth. He was joined by Jude Law, who was cast as Holmes' spying sidekick, Watson. They were out to catch the conniving criminal Blackbeard, played by Mark Strong.
Apparently, one side-trail of the film's basic plot involves dealings with the women in Sherlock Holmes' life. His wife is played by Marion Cotillard. He has a mistress, portrayed by the very lovely Penelope Cruz, and another romantic interest named Irene Adler (Rachel Mc Adams).
This latest version of Sherlock Holmes is supposed to be very enjoyable! A sequel is set already, with names for possible cast members afloat. There is talk that Brad Pitt may be in a part-two, yet nothing has been said about his role. Johnny Depp and Jude Law are supposed to be set for filming the sequel.
http://www.movies.nytimes.com/2009/12/25/movies/25sherlock.html?em
http://www.newkerala.com/news/fullnews_21796.html
http://www.sherlock-holmes.org.uk/
Also, there is the fantastic Nine! I enjoy good musicals, and I heard that this one was quite entertaining! It featured several stars, each of which surely brought some bang for the bucks spent! The story surrounds the life of a famous movie director named Guido Contini (Daniel Day-Lewis). Contini apparently has several relations with many different women, on various and different levels. These include interactions with his mother (Sofia Loren), his confidant (Judi Dench), a journalist (Katie Hudson), a movie star (Nicole Kidman), and a regularly visited slut (Fergie)!
Yes, I believe that I would have liked to have seen these films. Nine is the silver screen adaptation of a broadway musical, which I really would have enjoyed viewing! Surely, they will remain in local theaters for weeks ahead, so I hope that I can work them into the so-called schedule! These movies may need to be seen quickly, as other good films are on the way.
January will include The Book of Eli, Legion, The Spy Next Door, The Tooth Fairy, and Edge of Darkness. The chill of February will be heated by Dear John, The Wolfman, Shutter Island, A Couple of Dicks, and The Crazies! Good movies before the summer season arrives include Alice in Wonderland and Iron Man 2! I do plan to see these films!!!
Trouble For Mexico During 2010?
As the hype surrounding the approaching year 2012 is gaining steam, some people are worrying about this next year. It will be 2010 in a few hours, which is a time of celebration for the world, at large (it's 2010 already, in some places...)! Yet, the new year at hand has been a source of speculation for our neighbors to the south!
I was reading some online news, and I encountered an article about why Mexico has a slightly anxious sentiment about the year 2010. This approaching new year seems to be laced with ominous allusions regarding disasters of times passed. It seems that 1910 and 1810 were bad years for this southern, North American, nation. Many Mexicans fear that the link will continue into 2010, as well!
This new year marks the two-hundred year anniversary of the beginning of Mexico's independence from Spain. A war lasted for eleven years, from 1810 to 1821. Groups of guerrillas and insurgents fought violently, as settlers and native fought to overthrow the rule of King Ferdinand VII. It was by September of 1821 that Mexico declared itself as a free state, liberated from the domination of the Spanish monarchy.
It was in 1910 when a ten-year revolutionary battle began. Citizens of Mexico began a fight against the dictatorial regime of President Porfirio Diaz. Class divisions were prevelant, as those divided as middle class and upper class were dissatisfied with Diaz's leadership. As well, so-called lower class citizens no longer could tolerate poor housing, inadequate social services, low pay, and improper employment settings.
Due to these rough times beginning at prior decades starting with 1810 and 1910, there is obvious concern surrounding the onset of 2010. Currently, Mexico is dealing with an economic crisis. Also, the nation copes with the rampant spread of drug cartels, including the growths of infamous groups like The Popular Revolutionary Army and Los Zetas. These cartels have announced plans to strike during this season of holiday celebrations!
However, Mexican President Felipe Calderon believes that the ring of risk will be broken during the coming year. He has stated that Mexico will move toward a direction geared for development and progress! Calderon has made reform proposals, which include measures to re-elect many of the popularly elected officials. This will be meant to give a greater sense of power to voters, and hopefully, to allow the implementation of stronger policies to solidify a more progressive Mexico during 2010, and years to come!
SEE THESE SITES!!!
http://news.yahoo.com/s/time/20091231/wl_time/08599195005100
http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1950051,00.html
http://www.thetrumpet.com/index.php?q=5808.4159.0.0
http://www.topix.net/world/mexico
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/nov/15/zetas-drugs-mexico-us-gangs
http://thepage.time.com/2009/03/26/blair-seeks-to-calm-fear-over-mexico/?xid=rss-page
He Couldn't Even Blow HIMSELF Up!!!
Now, what level of madness is this? Imagine some idiot saying the following: "I am sick and tired of the world! I will kill myself, and everyone around me, when I blow my own ass up!" He had to have said something like that, albeit not as articulate (watch it...). Yet, really. Self detonation???
It does not seem uncommon for persons involved with terrorist activities to get involved in the most unusually heinous things. Individuals linked to incendiary collectives often are found to be set for committing some of the strangest, yet deadliest maneuvers. It is not unheard of, during this past decade, for persons whom have committed themselves to subversive assemblages to be observed in preparation for further movements of maddening mayhem.
It was in Romulus, Michigan where a man from Nigeria smuggled bombs onto an airplane. Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab, age 23, actually boarded a KLM Airlines flight in Lagos, Nigeria. He had the bombs within his luggage, as the aircraft stopped in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Then, he got off of that plane, and boarded the next flight, bombs still with him, to Detroit, Michigan!
The aircraft had 300 passengers aboard. Abdul Mutallab was one of them, whom should have been under much greater scrutiny. Apparently, his name is on a "watch list" of possible terrorist characters. Yet, he did not stand out among airline passengers, as he was not on any immediate warning lists, and he seemed normal!
However. Abdul Mutallab got onto the first airplane in Lagos, bombs with him. Then, he proceeded to Amsterdam, unchecked! He even went through an x-ray machine, and his bags were scanned! Abdul Mutallab proceeded into Amsterdam, where he allegedly was examined again, as part of so-called standard security procedures! None of them was of any good, as Abdul Mutallab progressed onto a flight headed for Detroit!
The twenty-three year-old had an explosive device with him, called PETN (pentaerythritol tetranitrite). It was strong enough to have ripped a hole in the hull of the aircraft when detonated! As the plane was making it's approach to Detroit, popping noises suddenly were heard. Abdul Mutallab's seat caught fire, yet he was the only one burned (ha-ha).
As the flight landed and uloaded, Abdul Mutallab was taken into custody, and to a hospital. His burns were treated, then Abdul Mutallab was lead to a secret location by U.S. Marshals. He was charged with carrying explosives onto an airplane, and with attempting to destroy the plane.
It is the fact that Abdu Mutallab endured so-called regular scanning procedures which is amazing. He got from Nigeria to Amsterdam, then he made it to Detroit! The explosives were with him the entire time, and they could have been set off at any given point of that trip. It was on the last leg of the Christmas Day trip, heading for Detroit, when Abdul Mutallab attempted to ignite the bomb. Yet, he failed due to do any significant damage, merely burning himself as the incendiaries began to blaze!
Abdul Mutallab was taken to a hospital, then into police custody. Charges were placed against him for smuggling destructive devices onto an airplane, and for attempting to destroy the airplane through explosive methods. The charges were dropped. Meanwhile, President Obama commented about the situation, while officials from The United States and Yemen have been working to find out whether or not Al Qaeda is linked to this terrorist attempt.
SEE THESE SITES!!!
http://www.startribune.com/politics/80233282.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/28/us/politics/w28talk?em
http://www.freep.com/article/20091228/NEWS02/912280318/-1/rss07
http://www.denverpost.com/ci_14078904?source=rss
http://www.freep.com/article/20091228/NEWS02/912280318/-1/rss07
Christmas With Complications!
Feliz Navidad! Believe it or not, I wound up at the movie theater today! It was part of the plan (not mine...), so a trip to the cinema was made. One film was enough on this delightful day, so that was all that was seen!
It's Complicated actually was very fun! It is the story of a love triangle, with some twists to it. Jake (Alec Baldwin) is married to Agnes (Lake Bell). Yet, while involved in a supposedly happy nuptial relationship, he encounters his former wife, Jane (Meryl Streep).
It is at the collegiate graduation of the former couple's son where Jane and Jake get friendly. Old memories emerge, encouraging them to begin spending more time together. This evolves into a heated romance, where Jane, amusingly, yet shockingly, finds herself as the other woman (the side ho...)!
The relations between Jane and Jake continue, to both of their surprised satisfaction. A gentleman named Adam (Steve Martin) begins getting to know Jane, and subsequently falls for her. Yet, though his emotions are growing stronger, Adam realizes that Jane still loves Jake. Unaware of the depth of her relations with her ex-husband, Adam does know that some levels of renewed adoration are afoot!
It is after reviewing their own, personal emotions, and individually speaking with their children, that Jake and Jane reach a somewhat stinging conclusion. They realize that they have been apart for years, with each of them pursuing new lives, and being involved in new relationships. Although Jake seems persistent about getting back with Jane, he comes to accept the fact that they will have to leave well enough alone!
Sherlock Holmes premiered today, yet we did not get to see it! It is on the to-see list, as Johnny Depp certainly delivers a diverting display, portraying the sensational sleuth. I do want to view the movie, hopefully within the next week, or two!
http://www.mtv.com/movies/news/articles/1628804/20091223/story.jhtml?rsspartner=rssYahooNewscrawler
Alvin and The Chipmunks, The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus, and Up In the Air came out this week, also. I am interested in two of those three films. Movies for the beginning of 2010 include The Book of Eli, Daybreakers, Edge of Darkness, Extraordinary Measures, Legion, The Spy Next Door, and The Wolfman!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
Possible Batman 3?
A Necessary Lesson Through An Unusual Method!
Now, this one is comical, yet possibly pathetic, all at once! As it is Christmas Time, I can not really say that there is so much fun that goes along with this story, as much as there are the senses of pity, shame, perhaps confusion. Anyway, read along, then you decide.
The story probably is familiar, by now. It is in the town of Carrollton, Ohio, where a young girl faced the fruits of her felonious feat. Six-year-old Shiane Lyons was at a Discount Drug Mart with her mother last Wednesday. As they were on a usual shopping trip, young Shiane made a common mistake for children, picking up something that did not belong to her!
It was a pack of stickers, costing a total of $3.11, which Shiane decided that she wanted. The stickers could be used to make tattoos, obviously an exciting attraction for a young child. So, Shiane took them for herself.
Well. Big sister, age 10, told Mom about what happened, and Mom decided that Shiane needed to be taught a lesson about stealing. The mother, Diane Lyons, age 31, opted to have the local police called to the shopping market. Officers arrived, then they took Shiane into custody for her criminal commission.
I do not know if Diane is that broke, or what. Yet, after having her daughter turned in for minor theft, she asked the police about a reward! All of $30 would be given to anyone that provided verifiable evidence for shoplifting. It was later that Diane decided not to collect the loot, saying that she felt bad for asking about it!
Discount Drug Mart has dealt with other issues, regarding child shoplifting. That store's Chief Financial Officer, Tom McConnell, remembered at least one prior incident where a parent requested police presence for dealing with a misappropriating minor. He did not know all of the details about this current case, yet McConnell did feel that such incidences should be dealt with by the parents, first.
A child psychologist familiar with such incidences was asked for his opinion. Dr. Stanley Goldstein felt that the immediate discipline from the parent would be more effective than having outside authorities to interact. He has written the book Troubled Children/Troubled Parents: The Way Out, which does mention that parents are the first levels of effectiveness in dealing with child discipline.
SEE THESE SITES!!!
http://www.kitv.com/news/22044750/detail.html
http://www.wpxi.com/video/22039333/index.html
http://www.dreamindemon.com/2009/12/23/mother-calls-police-after-catching-her-kid-shoplifting
http://www.kcra.com/news/2244750/detail.html
http://www.wto9.com/news/22044750/detail.html
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_14056001?source=rss
http://www.startribune.com/nation/79984177.html?elr=KArks:DCiUMEaPc:UiacyKUUr
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