A Kick-Ass R.E.M. Music Video

Who would have thought the nerdy kid behind the mask was actually a gorgeous 21 yr old by the name of Aaron Johnson.  You know him as "Kick-Ass," the nerdy Superhero from the movie of the same name.

R.E.M., on the verge of a major comeback, are set to release their first album in 3 years and have used Mr. Johnson to their advantage, along with his 50 year old fiancee as the director.  I have listened to the first single, "Überlin," from their album, "Collapse Into Now" and it clearly reminds me of the R.E.M. we all know and love, it truly takes you back to the 1990's. 
  
I have posted the video under "The Spotlight" section on my blog, it's on the right hand side and will automatically start playing or it's on this post if you wish to watch it at a later time.

The only thing happening in the video is Aaron dancing through the entire song (something I have no problem with). While goofy at times, I actually enjoyed watching him, and the music was spectacular.  Take a look and tell me what you think.  Yay or Nay?  And as always, you can enlarge the pictures.

Who's Who on Superman: Man of Steele?

We already know who will be playing Superman (Henry Cavill), but who will be playing his worldly parents?

Zack Snyder, the director of Superman: Man of Steele, along with Warner Brothers announced yesterday, that Diane Lane (Unfaithful, Secretariat) would be playing Martha Kent, "the only mother Clark Kent has ever known," and “This was a very important piece of casting for me because Martha Kent is the woman whose values helped shape the man we know as Superman. We are thrilled to have Diane in the role because she can convey the wisdom and the wonder of a woman whose son has powers beyond her imagination.”

The Hollywood Reporter also writes that Kevin Costner is a "person of interest" for the role of Superman's father, Jonathan Kent.

Other well-known actors possibly joining the cast are Viggo Mortensen as General Zod and Lindsay Lohan as Ursa, but we all know what kinda mess Lindsay is in.  And besides, a rumor is just that, a rumor.  Until Warner Bros. or Zack Snyder come out and say who's playing who, I'll leave it at that.
 

OMG Hilarious! - Divorce

WOAH OH OH OH OH OH WOAH OH OH OH...

Britney Spears' new song,"till the world ends" was released this morning and considering that the song was co-written by Ke$ha (a sorry excuse for a musician), I'd have to give her an 8 for effort and a 10 for making it a sure club-hit.  While the song does remind me a little of Ke$ha's style, it is by far a million times better than "Hold It Against Me."  

Can I say that again?  It's a MILLION TIMES BETTER! 

The new song only has two verses and the rest is chorus, chorus, chorus.   

Okay, this is off subject but what I just wrote reminded me of a  part in the movie, "Trick" where Perry gives Gabriel advice on removing a verse from a song Gabriel had written...

 

Perry - Honey, get it out of there. Just go to the chorus. That's the fun part

                  

Gabriel - But what about all the setup?

                 

Perry - Gabriel!   Songwriters have been doing the verse-chorus thing forever.  It's tired.  Be                a maverick.  What's the function of a verse?  To kill time till we get to the chorus.                    During the verse, we wait. We are waiting for the chorus. Just give us what we want.            Chorus, chorus, chorus! 

And it's true, Britney has given you what you've wanted.  The question is... can Britney bring on the style and energy this song delivers and make it into an amazing live performance and awesome music video?

Post Secret Fridays - Issue 049

PostSecret is an ongoing community art project where people mail in their secrets anonymously on one side of a postcard.

See More Secrets. Follow PostSecret on Twitter.

 

 

 

A Totally Awesome Born This Way Remix

Truly a magical gem, DJs from Mars has created a remix for the ages.  They took Amii Stewart's beats from the very popular 60's song, "Knock on Wood," and blended it with Lady Gaga's, "Born This Way."  

Who's knocking on who's door now?  Take that, and express your-f*king-self is what I have to say.

I'm Speechless...

I honestly don't know what to say...

I will say this...

I just started a new series titled, "I'm Speechless..."

He's Hot, He's Asian, He's Harry Shum Jr.

Since we're on the subject of Glee, we tend to forget that there are plenty of hotties on the show.  Like Harry Shum, Jr., for instance.  I don't know how many of you remember this, but he he made his first inroad into American's living rooms as the iconic silhouette dancer in the original iPod commercials several years ago. And you probably don't know that he was born of Chinese parents living in Costa Rica and his first language is Spanish.  He had to learn English and Chinese later on.

Today he is back in the living rooms of legions of devoted fans playing Mike Chang, on one of the nation's most popular shows.  Even though Harry's character stole the girlfriend of wheelchair-bound Artie, this actor is inescapably sweet, upstanding and fucking hot!  In fact, his aura is so bright and uplifting, you just want to go to bed with him.  I mean... well... dance with him. :-) 

Someone On Glee is Going To Die - It's a Done Deal

Yes, someone on Glee is going to kick the bucket!  According to Michael Ausiello, “the Grim Reaper, of all people, will be crashing Regionals.” Oh no, please don't let it be Principal Figgins, Ryan and I love his character.  

Ausiello went on to say that “Rumor has it someone will sing their swan song just prior to Regionals. And to say the tragedy has a significant impact on it is a big freakin’ understatement.” 

So now all we have to do is wait for the "Original Song" episode to air on March 15.  

On Tuesday, a preview for next week's episode, "Sexy" and "Original Song" was released.  While the majority of the video is focused on next Tuesday's episode, we do get a sneak peak at the Regional performances.  As the Warblers prepare to perform, Kurt is battling a case of stage fright. Standing with Blaine, Kurt asks, "Has anyone ever literally died on stage?"

Who Owns Facebook?

The Winning Lotto Number

Omg what would be better than winning the Lotto?

Nothing.

But just a word of advice...

I wouldn't do what this guy did after he won his Lotto millions.

OMG Hilarious! - Planet Poopiter

We Have The Coolest First Lady On Earth!

The USTA and First Lady Michelle Obama's "Let's Move!" campaign have teamed up to encourage young people across the country to get active, try tennis and lead healthy lifestyles.

"It's important for kids to get the hour of active play they need every day, and there are so many fun things that each of us can do to be healthier," said First Lady Michelle Obama. "Thanks to programs like the USTA's 10 and Under Tennis initiative, it's easier than ever for kids to get active and have fun. And that's a big part of what we're doing with Let's Move!, America's campaign to raise a healthier generation of kids."

Watch as the First Lady spends some time on the court with tennis legends Andre Agassi and Stefanie Graf, along with a couple of youth stars in the making.

For more information about the "Let's Move!" campaign, check out http://www.letsmove.gov

For more information about the USTA and 10 and Under Tennis, check out http://www.usta.com & http://www.10andundertennis.com

For exclusive recaps, photos and video from Tennis Night in America and the BNP Paribas Showdown at Madison Square Garden - featuring Andre Agassi - check out http://www.tennisnight.com

Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Tribute - Issue No. 1

Being that yesterday was the 1st day of  Houston's Livestock Show & Rodeo, and will be for the next 19 days, I thought I would pay a small tribute to all the cowboys out there.

Here's a couple of photos to start out with.

OMG Hilarious! - Ripping Paper Baby

This video has to be the cutest, darnest thing I've seen in a while.  Just watching the baby laugh, makes me laugh.  The joy of having a baby niece or nephew in my near future is beyond comprehension.  Hope this makes your day.

How Much Do You Mind Being Called Short?

click to enlarge

The Voice - A Major Fail or Success? You Be The Judge

Okay, really?  The Voice?  Really?  NBC doesn't get it.  American Idol is the number one singing show in America, it has been for 100 seasons!  The X-Factor is the number one singing show in the UK and Simon Cowell (it's creator) is bringing it to America this fall.  What is your their reasoning behind this?  Do they really think that bringing Adam Levine, Cee-Lo Green and Christina Aguilera to the show will help entice a whole new crop of singing sensations?  You can bet your life on it!

It was originally titled The Voice of America, but NBC later changed it to "The Voice."  I guess it sounds more catchy.  It premieres on April 26th; set your DVR.  

So here's the deal, four music coaches will bring in their experts of producers and song writers to work with their team of singers they selected during the blind auditions. Then America will decide which singer is going to win the grand prize of $100,000 and a recording contract.  Sound exciting?  Well... let's add to the fun, former MTV Jock Carson Daly will play the "Ryan Seacrest" of the show.  

What do you think? Do we need more of these singing shows?  Personally, sitting through two hours of an American Idol episode for 2 days in a row and then an hour on the third day, leaves no room for shows on mine and Ryan's DVR this spring; it will burst into flames.  And then you (NBC) air the show during and American Idol season, seriously?  

I don't know, you be the judge.

Get Out - You Have No Rights!

One day, homophobia such as what my partner posted the other day will no longer be acceptable in almost all parts of our culture, the way talking about blacks or jews just isn't right. Most straight people still aren't aware of all the different rights and privileges that they get but we still don't. Just in my real estate class today they talk about how the Fair Housing Act covers race, religion, sex, ethnicity, economic status, etc but when the teacher specifically says that sexual orientation isn't covered people still gasp and attempt to verify her comment with only, "really?". I look down in the book and in bold letters it reads "SEXUAL PREFERENCE IS NOT PROTECTED IN THE FAIR HOUSING ACT." The bastards don't even have the courtesy to say sexual orientation.

The teachers ask the class if a landlord could advertise his rental property with the phrase "NO GAYS" at the bottom of the listing. The class then reluctantly responds, "yes", as she reminds us that this could be a trick question on the test.

It is horrible knowing that something as simple as the right not to be kicked out of our own home because we're gay doesn't exist in our country, but at the same time it's encouraging to see a room full of older straight people be stunned and bothered to learn that we don't have this simple equal right. Times are a changing for the better and I honestly believe that if we have Obama for another term that we just might get laws like the fair housing act finally amended to include protection for the gays.

Unfortunately, if someone like Huckabee were to ever win, you can forget about further progress and pray that our most recent achievements don't get erased from existence. Having a religious President is one thing, being under the control and rule of a conservative preacher that could not possibly change his views on the separation of church and state creates a U.S.A. that I hope and pray I never have to see.

Queer As Folk: Where Are They Now?

In 2000 I was single and living the big life.  I remember sitting in my living room with my 6 month old Chihuahua Princess and a bowl of popcorn.  We were about to witness "Change" in America before change ever existed.   The most controversial show to ever air on American Television, Queer as Folk, became the talk of the town. Everyone knew about it, Gay or Straight, it didn't matter. 

Other than Star Trek Voyager, I was hooked for the next five seasons as Brian, Justin, Michael, Ted, Lindsay, Melanie, and Emmett threw all of their gay drama in our faces.  And not to mention all the other characters who touched our lives, like Debbie, Vick, Hunter, Ben, and countless others.  

When the show ended in the summer of 2005,  another relationship had met it's end - my 4 year relationship with David Mackey.  But...

My new one with Ryan Lopez started shortly thereafter!!!!!!

I was living in my new apartment alone, because Ryan hadn't moved in with me yet,  And even though a hurricane was in the forecast, it wasn't until the final episode came to an end, that reality finally hit me.

I was hooked on a show that would never come back!!!!

Flash forward 5 years and I'm sitting in mine and Ryan's living room with our friends, Michael and Renee watching the final episode of Queer As Folk, just like it was yesterday.  We started watching the entire series last April and continued through the Summer, Fall and Winter of 2010, finishing the series last week.
    

Queer As Folk's 10th Anniversary was on December 3rd, 2010 and tonight I'd like to introduce my friends, Michael and Renee to TV Squad, to share and let them know "where are they now."

To see where the cast all are now 

Click HERE for TV Squad Summary

OMG Hilarious! - Planting

OMG Hilarious! - Miss Ultimate Sexy Baby Nevada Pageant

Okay, I can't help it.  This is unbelievably funny!  Tom Hanks was on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Sunday, where he was later featured in a video of a reality show gone wrong.  According to Wikipedia, Toddlers & Tiaras is a reality television series that debuted on TLC in 2009.  The show follows the controversial world of child beauty pageants.  

Well, Tom and his six year-old "daughter", Sophie appear together in a video, "Toddlers & Tiaras with Tom Hanks," and it is hilarious!  Check it out here.

How Many Of You Knew?

I'm writing this post for the countless friends, family, schoolmates, co-workers, and acquaintances I've encountered in my life and will always be remembered in my heart and soul.

Imagine yourself being 16 years old and wanting to do something valuable for your country, but couldn't.  Well that's exactly how Frank Buckles felt when he lied to the United States Army, because he wanted to be a part of the Great War.  

Out of the 5 million Americans who served in the military during World War I, he was the only one left, until a week ago.  Buckles passed away 3 weeks after his 110th birthday at his farm in West Virginia.

"I knew there'd be only one survivor someday. I didn't think it would be me," he stated.
 
Buckles and two other veterans, a 109 Australian man and a 110 year old British woman were believed to be the only ones left of the 65 million who served.

I conclude that no matter what your political beliefs may be, our military have done an exemplary job of protecting our nation.  We owe them a debt of gratitude and respect; many don't seem to understand how important these men and women really are.

Mr Buckles, Thank you for your undying contribution.

I Quote That - The Person You Love

Born This Way Video Premiere Hits Internet

OMG Hilarious! - Working For Their Sweets

And you thought you had it bad when you were a kid.  Omg, this was so hilarious I had to share it with you guys.   

Not only, do these kids have to make their bed to get their reward, but they need to work for their candy as well.   

Just how parenting should be, LMAO!

The Most Vile Man In The Republican Party

Let's see...

You're against me and Ryan getting married,

You're against me and Ryan becoming parents,

You're against me and Ryan retaining our jobs,

and...

You're against mine and Ryan's friends joining the military.

Hmmm. what else would you expect from a man who has preached from the pulpit for over 30 years?  Who are you to judge us Mr. Huckabee?

Gay people having full equality has no impact what so ever on anyone who disagrees with the "homosexual lifestyle" as you often mention. It changes nothing in your home life, your family, or your church; your life will continue as it always has. You only have to deal with the fact that we exist and we are entitled to the same rights as everyone else. There is no personal toll or impact for you.

When people make moves to limit, remove, or block our equality it impacts our legal and financial standings, our families (especially if there are children involved), and wrongly implies that we are somehow less deserving of life, liberty, and equal protection under the law than our hetero counterparts. 

And lets get one thing very clear, the term "homosexual lifestyle" is a worthless statement that is used only as a scare tactic to ignite fear and anger. The reality is that all homosexuals have only two things in common, they are attracted to people of the same gender and they will face familial, societal, and legal discrimination because of it; the similarities stop there.

Just like heteros we all have vastly different beliefs and practices regarding work, family, children, religion, politics, sexual behaviors, morality, education, where we live, who we socialize with, and what we are willing to tolerate from others. We are not all "cut from the same cloth", and if in 2011 you believe that we are than your ignorance is beyond staggering. 

Differing opinions regarding homosexual relationships doesn't make anyone evil. It's when you attempt to block our rights, take away our children, forbid us from adopting children, align us with pedophiles and animal rapists, discredit our families, fire us, evict us, tell us we can be cured (as if we had a sickness), tell us that your imaginary friend's book says we should be put to death (even though you ignore everything else Leviticus said), beat us or actually murder us; that's when it becomes evil. 

How Faucets Should Be Made...

How many times have you turned on the shower and while you've set the perfect temperature, it took you a while?  There you are, moving the faucet right or left until you hit it just right.   Annoying isn't it.  Well here's a good idea...

Poster of the Week - Issue No. 4 - Arrogance

Continuing alphabetically, I bring you this week's poster, "Arrogance."

These are meant to be funny, and in no way meant to be taken seriously.

We Are Going To Be Uncles For The First Time!!!!!

On Thursday night, my partner and I learned that we are going to be Uncles for the first time!  Hell, my parents will be Grandparents for the first time!  Even though my step-daughters from a previous relationship call my parents Granny Trina & Pops, the informal words have a deeper purpose, because one of their own children is having a baby.  "Their baby girl" is having a baby.

There are no words to explain my excitement and the amount of joy I have in my heart for both my baby sister and her husband.  I only have one sibling, hence another reason this means so much to me.  I can't even describe the feeling I get when I talk about this or mention it to other people.  I also can't imagine my sister being pregnant or with a big belly.  Ahhhh, the joy of seeing her progression in the coming months, even if it is primarily through Facebook. LOL. She knows Ryan and I love her - she knows her nieces, Francesca and Jessica love her.  We are all happy for her and her husband.

Just to explain where I'm coming from, I'd like to share a little of what this means to all of us...

When I was with my previous partner of 4 years he had two beautiful baby girls, Francesca and Jesssica, whom he had with his ex-wife, Debbie.  I became an instant parent overnight, helping them with schoolwork, dance recitals, swim meets, and even coached their soccer teams; I continued to do so even after my relationship with David was over.  Then I met Ryan and the girls just kept getting older and older and before you knew it, they were both in High School.  The oldest, Francesca, just had her 16th birthday and got her driver's permit within the last 2 months.  Last month my parents drove up from Corpus Christi to Houston for Francesca's birthday party.  And even though they may not see Francesca and Jessica but twice a year, they know they are loved as Grandparents, and will forever be a part of their lives.   The girls are their first grandchildren through my relationship with David,  but baby Fasnacht (my brother in law's surname) will be their first grandchild by birth.

Ryan and I plan to have our own children someday, and soon there will be many more grandchildren, who knows, but one thing is certain... nothing can beat the joy of raising a child.  I've had my chance and now my sister will get hers.  What a blessing this is.

Ryan and I love you baby sister; may God watch over you and Luther in the coming months.   We pray He help guide you and keep you healthy as you bask in the joy of this beautiful pregnancy.


And thank God there will be no more "May" Babies!!! LOL