Hello Kitty Turns 35

WTF? So I dream about making a movie with this old cougar? Though there does seem to be a built-in fan base.

El Gato

I am sort of a zealot when it comes to my hatred of people who dress up their pets in clothing on a regular basis. Now I know the little rat dogs have no fur and about a thimble worth of blood flowing through them so you have to put a sweater on them when you go out into the tundra. But does its sweater have to match yours? Does your little 'Boobookins' need an outfit for each day of the week or worse yet each mood they are feeling? The one day of the year that I cut these sad and lonely people some slack is Halloween. Everything living thing should be able to dress up in costumes on Halloween. Even if they are bad costumes but that is a post for another time. Usually Admiral Fluffy goes as a cat if he goes anywhere but I can see him pulling off this look. Now I just need a Musketeer costume of my own. Porthos was one of the Three Musketeers and he was the fat one so don't give me that look. I could cut a dashing swath across that dance floor. OOOOOOO high boots, pantaloons, a feather in my hat and a sword. They knew how to dress back then.

Parallel Universes

http://superpunch.blogspot.com/

Octopus's Graveyard

Okay frogs. You get us the location of the enemy stronghold then radio it back to headquarters. From there we can begin pulse blasting their base. A definitive strike and catch all our rotten eggs in the one basket. I also thing we can take care of your little 'pig' problem while we are at it.



http://samuraifrog.tumblr.com/

Five For Caturday and I Extra Special Kitty

The article below is about Tizzy the cat who could be world's oldest. We had a cat named Stinky who lived to be 24 years old. This is her. She was a good kitty.



"A BURNLEY family trying to find out if their cat could be the oldest in the world have been left stunned after their pet appeared in national newspapers. According to the Cowell family, of Ightenhill Park Lane, Tizzie the black and white feline is 36-years-old. Unfortunately vet records which would have officially recorded her age have been lost, but the family has a photograph of the cat believed to have been taken in 1975 with owner Jim Cowell's mother. Tizzie was found on a railway line close to Rosehill in 1973 by two young girls, who gave the cat to Mr Cowell’s mother Winifred. He is hoping to trace the two girls to verify the cat’s age. Mr Cowell said he never wanted all the publicity that Tizzie has received. “I only wanted to try and trace the two girls who found Tizzie on the railway line back in 1973”, he said. “I didn't expect Tizzie to become a national sensation. “We are really shocked at what has happened now, we didn't expect this, or really want it. Because the vet’s records were lost when the vet moved premises we can't prove Tizzie's age, so we don't want to end up with egg on our face.” According to Guinness World Records the oldest living cat is a Burmese called Kataleena Lady from Melbourne, Australia, which was born on March 11, 1977. The oldest cat ever is believed to be Puss, who was born in Devon in 1903 and passed away one day after his 36th birthday."

It Could Have Been Me

OMG..I just had a thought. A terrible thought. You know how everyone sorta collects something. It can be shoes or bracelets or action figure or elephant figurines. I know a girl who collects penguins. Now its not that she particularily likes Penguins (and as we all learned from Looney Tunes, "Penguins are practically chickens"). but but did mention her love for them for about one week as a child. Now everyone in her extended family are always on the lookout for penguin themed items. I would estimate that 2/3rds of her gifts for birthdays or Christmas are of that theme. She has most everything you can mold or cook with, or carve, or knit or paint that is penguin related. She can't very well tell her relatives after all these years that she got over the whole penguin thing when she was 12 because by that time her collection was so large that she had a room in the house just for that. Over the years it has become an oppressive burden as everyone else keeps adding to this horror room more than she ever does or did. I used to laugh before I realized that if I had been more vocal about my hatred of the cephalopod as a kid that my jokey relatives would have found it hilarious to inundate me with all manner of octopi or squids. Well, I am here to say that it wouldn't have been funny at all. Thankfully I dodged the bullet but had to leave cousin Penguin behind. HEY! It was her or me. You don't know. Its a jungle out there! (Though I did steal pretty cool 'Chilly Willy' and 'Opus' figures from her because 'Chilly' and 'Opus' are the bomb.) This cartoon with Bugs, Humphrey Bogart and the Hobokan Penguin is still pretty sweet after all these years.

Images From the Tentacle Wars

I had the worst dream last night. Suffice it to say it involved a leaky boat and a whale harpoon that was too heavy for me to throw let alone lift. Everyone around me was getting pulled into the sea by the tentacles of the Kraken which appeared all over the ship. For every appendage we chopped off another one grew. Got to be quite redundant and annoying after a time. Then we saw Skull Island in the distance and took a small boat there after watching the Kraken pull our large pirate ship under the water. Kong seemed sympathetic to our plight but just when he was on the beach ready to confront the Kraken and bitch slap it so hard that it would get a speeding ticket going past Hawaii, Godzilla sucker punched him from behind and Kong got pulled down by the aforementioned tentacles. Well at that point I was pissed at Godzilla's betrayal and pretty much sat on the stump of a pineapple tree waiting for the end. I kept asking Godzilla, "What's your damage? What's your damage, mate?" He just did that roar thing he does and made little motions with those stumpy arms of his. What a jerk! Never was I more happy to have Selfish the Cat wake me up for his noms. That's what you get for eating half a loaf of raisin toast before bed and watching old Godzilla movies on CBC Late Night. Now I am all bitchy and cranky like you get when you feel your dreams were alot of work and you never really got a chance to be rested. Even in my dreams I struggle against evil. That has to make ONE of you out there feel good.

Great White Hope

What a terrific movie. I had always heard it was one of the roles for which James Earl Jones was nominated for an academy award in 1970 after winning a Tony for the same role he originated on Broadway. Based on a Pulitzer and Tony winning play by Howard Sackler it basically tells the story of Jack Johnson, the first black heavyweight champion of the world (1910)but focusses more on his struggles outside of the boxing ring. He was a larger than life figure who refused to have the world tell him what he could say or do and especially that he had to stay away from certain places or people. His antics, especially with white women, was the ammunition they used to bring him down since the white establishment could never find any white fighter (the Great White Hope) capable enough to defeat Johnson in the boxy ring. You have to remember that in America blacks were expected to know their inferior place in the larger white society. Men and boys could be lynched for even looking the wrong way at a white girl. And the greatest title in the whole sporting world, the heavyweight boxing champion of the world, was ONLY to be held by a white man. I mentioned earlier the terrific Ken Burns documentary, 'Unforgivable Blackness: The story of Jack Johnson' as THE source of the story about Johnson and his life. It emphasizes how fear and racism were used to try to put blacks back in their place and to destroy any ambitious talk or dreams that were a result of Johnson's 13 year reign as heavyweight champ. He was the first shot in a larger racial struggle that isn't over to this day, even with the election of Barack Obama to the Presidency.


After seeing the Burns documentary I was pretty well versed in the story and the principle players and it was a bit disorientating at first to realize that this was a more fictionalized account of Johnson's life as a boxer. The people he fought have had their names changed as are several other details removed from the true story. I see no need for that. Sticking straight to the truth and the facts are interesting all on their own. The changes here seem arbitrary.


The movie is brilliant in its costumes and set design that really take you back to the early 1900s when jazz and drink populated the whore houses and saloons that Johnson so loved to frequent. Even the liberal use of the 'N' word didn't seem out of place even to our modern ears. Much of the movie deal with the many authorities who tried to bring down the champ not for being a great fighter but for being a flawed man who flaunted the conventions of his day. Johnson dressed better than most and drove fast sports cars. He also slept with and travelled with many different white women. This was more than either race could stand and many from both sides worked tirelessly to see him stripped of his title as world's champion. Its an interesting study of how fear of change can motivate some to do anything to keep the status quo. Johnson showed blacks, that for the first time, they could challenge white beliefs about their inherent worth as humans. The goals to which they could aspire to were not beyond their reach. He very much believed that talent will win out in the end and that white people must be SHOWN this talent so that it could be acknowledged. Johnson was always his own man. Now blacks could look to him and try to be their own men too. It took a trick of lawyers that finally brought the champ down. He was charged and convicted of moving women across state lines for the purpose of prostitution. Now while some of the women he had met in brothels. They were travelling companions (with benefits) and he in no way was their pimp. But such accusations were enough to get him stripped of a title that no man ever beat him for in the boxing ring. I also enjoy how we get to see the (fictionalized) reactions the character of the champ has to the events going around him since few of the real Johnson's interviews or words survive.

Gentlemen Broncos and Shark Vs Eagle

This seems to be a night for showcasing trailers of movies I think I would want to see in the new future. Wandering Coyote turned me on to this gem - 'Gentleman Broncos'. It stars the same guy (Jemaine Clement) from the comedy group 'Flight of the Concords' who also starred in the great indie romantic comedy, 'Shark vs Eagle'.

The Men Who Stare At Goats

The other day when I was filling out a pop culture meme I was asked what upcoming movies I was excited about. I added that I was excited by something that I did not know about yet because the trailer hadn't been released. I had faith that something would strike my fancy but I am surprised it happen so quickly. I have not read the book or heard about this production but it stars four of my favorite actors in what is sure to be a great goofy ride. In my opinion George Clooney is a born comedian and a smart actor. When he does comedy ('Brother Where Art Thou?') there is no one that can match him in evoking real belly laughs from me. Comedy is tough even with great material. I laugh in ANTICIPATION of the punch line to come with Clooney because you have faith in his delivery and the character he creates before you. Just hearing him say he is a 'Jedi' in this trailer was enough to get me jazzed about this production.

Cool Time Travel Quote

"I am sure we will figure out how to time travel. Then we will able to go back in time and fix the things that are messed up. Unless, of course, people from the future have already time travelled back and fixed everything which means that this is the best its ever gonna get". - Craig Ferguson

Kris Kuksi's Insane Art

I really like the insanely detailed art of Kris Kuksi. The line between genius and madness gets a bit blurred here.

Real Life Zorro?

Now concidering the source (Cracked.com) I am prepared to take this at face value but I have seen this story before. There was real Captain Love who did display the head of one of the Murietta brothers in a water jar.

"As we have previously pointed out, before there was Batman, there was Zorro. Zorro was first introduced to the world in 1919, by Johnston McCulley. Cracked first deemed Zorro culturally significant in 1998, when Catherine Zeta-Jones appeared in The Mask of Zorro. By day, Zorro is Diego de la Vega, a wealthy but boring, self-centered loser with no ambition or interests. However, by night, Master Bru- excuse us, Diego, dons his signature costume, emerges from his underground hideout and enforces justice throughout California, punishing the criminals and evading the authorities. Zorro is athletic and sly, sly like a fox ('cause that's what his name means).

The Real Guy: Joaquin Murrieta"


"In the 19th century, Joaquin Murrieta was the leader of an outlaw group known as "The Five Joaquins," consisting of--and we're serious here--himself and four other dudes name Joaquin. The gang allegedly committed numerous thefts throughout Sierra Nevada; legend has it that the group used the money to provide the impoverished people of California with assistance. Sadly, this didn't go over too well with the governor, and he created a posse to catch Murrieta and his companions. The posse claimed to confront Murrieta, killing him, and, in the old-school style of law and order, severing his head to prove that they did the deed. Strangely, this scene was never included in the Disney television series of Zorro, though Hollywood did give a shout-out to Murrieta by including a character by that name in The Mask of Zorro (who does in fact get killed and beheaded)."


"Murrieta quickly became a legend and folk hero, developing a reputation as an outlaw vigilante who fought for justice. Some stories claim that his quest started when his wife was attacked, but that the white-bread establishment of the time wouldn't let him testify against her attackers. The writers of Zorro had their inspiration, and we don't blame them. That sounds like a superhero origin story to us, too."

http://www.cracked.com/article/99_5-badass-movie-characters-you-didnt-know-were-real-people/

Museum Steampunk

THIS has been a long time in coming. As both art and faux artifacts, Steampunk seems to be a design style nicely suited to a museum setting. The Museum of the History of Science at Oxford University has brought together some of the great Steampunk artists working today for a the first show of its kind highlighting the best in this genre. Curator Art Donavan said the following:

"It is my singular honor to have been asked to curate the first museum exhibition of Steampunk design. The Museum of the History of Science is located at Oxford University in the original Ashmolean Building. This building housed the oldest museum in the western world. It was eminently appropriate that Steampunk would have it's first, bona fide museum premier at this prestigious location."

I was pleased to see Kris Kuksi have his work on display. He is one of my all time favorite artists. The beauty and complexity of his work is beyond measure and he uses action figures in his work for that extra Cal pleasing touch. Check out the following addy for more information and examples of some of the art work to be displayed. Very cool. I wish I could see this but hopefully the net will carry pictures as we get closer to the actual date of opening.







http://www.steampunkmuseumexhibition.blogspot.com/

So, What Really Is The Problem Here?

"SAINT PAUL, Minn. - A St. Paul police officer is under investigation after entering Como Zoo, after hours, to feed gorillas a snack. Surveillance video captured the incident last January, around 2 a.m., when two zoo security guards snuck four to eight people into the zoo. Among the unauthorized visitors, was an off-duty St. Paul Cop. The Como Zoo isn't sure if the gorillas actually ate the Pop-Tarts or not. Regardless, the gorillas appear to be doing just fine. The three gorillas are named Schroeder, Gordy and Togo. The Zoo says zoo-goers are not allowed to feed the animals."

What is the point of being a gorilla in captivity if you can't have a delicious Pop Tart once in awhile? If I was the Pop Tart people I would be all over this story and gear a whole campaign towards gorillas who love Pop Tarts. You got Kong, and Mighty Joe Young, and that other gorilla guy. Get yourself some footage of gorillas in the wild enjoying the Pop Tarts you air dropped over their habitat days earlier. You could even use Planet of the Apes footage to make the link between the fall of human civilization and the gorilla's love for Pop Tarts. Too bad Charlton Heston is not living. You could have him find a box of Pop Tarts half buried ih the sand while crying "You bastards, you really toasted them! Damn you to hell!" What? Too much?

How great is the marriage between Pop Tarts and Hello Kitty? I gotta tell you I smell cross promotion potential with my upcoming Hello Kitty feature starring one Mr Tom Cruise.

Project Runway Update

Is there any better show than Project Runway? More drama and personality than any ten scripted shows out there. After all these seasons you find you can cringe at a certain design choice or a runway excuse just like the veterans of the fashion game do. That is the fun of this show. They have you playing along until the very last moment. What you think is a great look isn't necessarily something the judges like. Fashion is so subjective but generally you start to just know what is good and what is a 'hot mess'. This week my hated 'Malvin' (again..WTF? is up with that name?) did his best to kill his chances with his crappy 'chicken and egg' inspired maternity wear. Mitchell is such a poser and he avoided elimination last week by the thinnest of margins. He is full of excuses and there is no room for that on Project Runway. Own your design and own your mistakes. Whining like a little bitch gets you no sympathy here. Now leave and grow up. The person who won this maternity challenge deserved to win. Her dress was very well constructed and its all about the construction.

FAIL of the Month

I would ask you to poke out my eyes but you can't unring the bell. I have seen this already and will only have it re-appear in my nightmares. You know how I said there was nothing that could be worse than BIBLE Archies? I was wrong for I have seen BABY Archies.

http://www.progressiveruin.com/

Stephanie Miller Show

They say that people listen to talk radio just to have their views validated. I just like to hear the human voices. For the same reason I keep the TV on 24/7. Makes the space seem less empty at times. I have listened to the hate radio of the right but after awhile I just want to go out and punch a puppy. I can only imagine what goes through the mind of their regular listeners and disciples who are bathes in this balloon juice every day, day after day. Its dangerous. Like raw meat to an attack dog. Since Obama's election they have only got more vile and they are the majority of voices heard on talk radio stations. Sure we all agree that free speech is necessary but there are times when the Glen Beck's and Bill O'Rielly's of this world need a good backhand just to get them to dial it down a bit. Don't tell me you are 'fair and balanced' on one hand and lie about the facts with the other. I am not an idiot. Thankfully, most of us 'progressives' (since liberal is such an evil term) are not prone to violence and not generally gun or pipe bomb owners. We respect a person's right to say whatever crap comes from their tiny peanut minds or bodies would be dropping all over the place. Our superior educations also tend to mitigate our more violent tendencies. A perfect example of two radio shows that GET it right are the Stepanie Miller Show and the Alan Colmes show. I have mentioned Colmes before. He takes more calls from the other side of the aisle in one night than most right radio hosts take from the left in a month. Miller has one of the best, most informative and funny morning shows of all time. The genius is that she combines a political point of view with biting sarcasm about the hypocrisy of the right. Did I mention it was funny and generally spot on? The wackiest of every wacky morning zoo crew but for smart people if that makes any sense. One of her co-hosts, Jim Ward, is a genius with voices and the kind of 'pythonesque' political satire that is so absent these days. The above picture is with her and other host Chris Lavoy. Great guests like Hal Sparks or The Rude Pundit make three hours in the morning just fly by. More than a couple of times she had talked me off the water tower by reminding me of the stupidity of the other side's positions and the rightness in our own. Good on ya girl.

Adam Hughes Superheroines

These are in black and white but I think it really shows off the style of Adam Hughes more than if you had the color added. I love the way he draws women. Some people say he lacks variety in his portraits but I think what you have here is a man who loves superhero women and gives them a larger than life look and near mythic beauty that perfectly captures their appeal to us fanboys. Terrific stuff.