Poster of the Week - Issue No. 16 - Despair

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

The Greatest Story Ever Told?

After directing the Black Swan, which grossed $315 million worldwide, with a budget of about $12 million, Darren Aronofsky, is interested in making another movie.  And this time around, it's of gigantic proportions.

According to Deadline, he is pushing a script around that is currently being re-written by the guy who wrote Gladiator and The Last Samurai, John Rogan.  It is the story of Noah, and the Ark he built to save the world.  If you're not familiar with the story of Noah, you should definitely go back to church.  Just sayin'.  

Actually, it's the story of  a man who God called upon to build a boat big enough to hold 2 of each species of animal, and every human being who will take into account what Noah has to say - that God is going to cause a horrendous rainstorm, and they are all going to die. Of course, God knows there's no one in the world who will believe him, because at the time the whole world had gone to shit.  And sure enough, he destroyed the world by having it rain for 40 days and 40 nights.  What happened to all those bastards who didn't believe, even the mothers and children?  Well, they drowned.

Aronofsky's only issue is, the ark was a beast - it was huge.  He's asking for $130 million to make it.  Which you know will turn out to be $230 million by the time it's completed  Several studios have already had their eye on it; Now we wait, and see who caves in, or be damned in hell for eternity for not taking part.

No one has ever tried telling the story of Noah the way Aronofsky intends, so I'm kinda curious to see what transpires.  Growing up Christian, this was one of the stories that fascinated me the most.  Let's just hope we're around by the time their done building the Ark. :-)

The Joys of Being a Parent: 9 Year Old, Robert Jeffrey

Yesterday, I wrote a post about Daniel Joseph Baker, the adorable gay boy from Houston who sang one of Lady Gaga's songs on America's Got Talent.  Today I introduce you to 9-yr old, Robert Jeffrey in a video from 1991 that has gone viral over the internet.

My reasoning behind him being on "The Joys of Being a Parent," is that luckily for him, he had parents that didn't mind him being a "sissy".  When you compare this, to the show Ryan and I watched on AC360, you really tend to admire those parents who love their children unconditionally.

According to his Vimeo account, Robert states the following:

I performed to MADONNA's "VOGUE" in the Summer of 1991 when my parents took me to Hampton Beach Casino in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire. A business in the casino at the time gave tourists the chance to lip-synch to their favorite pop songs in front of a blue screen background, and I was lucky enough to partake that summer.

In honor of the twentieth anniversary of MADONNA's "TRUTH OR DARE" and in celebration of MADONNA's upcoming "W.E.", here is my nine year old self paying tribute to the woman who changed my life and continues to inspire me just as much today as twenty years ago.

Absolutely fabulous Robert! Loved every minute of it!

OMG Hilarious! - Transmorph

Land of the Lost: Inside the Heart of the Navy's Graveyard

I took Art as one of my subjects the 4 years I was in High School, and it was by far, one of my most favorite classes. So in no surprise to you, nothing fascinates me more than Art and Photography.  Better yet, if I could go back in time to capture images of history, I would.

Imagine waking into a building where it seemed like all the people disappeared, yet everything else in the building remained as it was. It sounds like a scary movie, doesn't it?  In my third issue of Land of the Lost, photographer, Scott Haefner takes us for an incredible adventure unlike any other - a warship graveyard.  At least until the government does away with it in 2017.  He and a group of fellow photographers managed to sneak onto these ships, and take photos that would capture anyone's imagination.  Over a 2 year period, they would spent "several days at a time, photographing, documenting, and even sleeping aboard them - often in the luxury of the Captain's quarters."














On his website, Scott describes in detail, their planning, the history, and the ships' environmental implications.  He also discusses their scouting mission, boarding the ships, and their final trip.

From his website:

For decades, dozens of forgotten Navy and merchant ships have been corroding in Suisun Bay, 30 miles northeast of San Francisco. These historic vessels—the Mothball Fleet—served their country in four wars: WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and Desert Storm. After a decade of impasse, the ghost fleet is slowly dwindling as the ships are towed out one-by-one for scrapping. About 15 retired ships are already gone; by 2017, the entire fleet will be just a memory.

Scott's website is truly amazing to view and read.  If you're a history buff, in the military, or a veteran, you'd definitely get a rise out of it.  Check it out here.

Cover Wars 3 - The Results

Sam Tsui has taken the crown once again, he won the rematch over Ben Chambers for his cover of "Jar of Hearts" by Christina Perri.  He was originally competing for the title against 15 other contestants last Thursday, but when the competition ended on Wednesday, the contest resulted in a tie.

After the rematch this week, and with only 13 votes, Sam Tsui took the Cover Wars Gold Album with 7 out of the 13 votes cast.  This is the first time I actually created an award for the winner; Before it was just winning the title.

Congratulations Sam!  If you ever "Google" your name or a cover to a particular song, and you somehow manage to stumble upon my blog, I wish you the very best on your endeavours.

Let's listen to the cover once more...

Meet Your Season 8, So You Think You Can Dance Top 20

I haven't been blogging about this year's So You Think You Can Dance, because I didn't feel the need to waste my time writing about the auditions.  Ryan and I saw them, and nothing's different.  Well, the hot tamale train a.k.a. Mary Murphy was back, but other than that it was the same routine, as it is year after year.  There were a few we had hoped would make it, but nothing too earth shattering.  Then again, I would have been pissed if little Jess Leprotto would not have made it through - he's adorable.

This year's top 20 were chosen a wee differently this year, instead of choosing them, and waiting to the following week to see them perform, they actually revealed the contestants a handful at a time, then cut to a live studio audience on their new stage.  It was pretty spectacular way of introducing the contestants - Kudos to the producers of the show!

The first four dancers to be chosen were Melanie Moore, Sasha Mallory, Miranda Maleski, and Ricky Jamie (The Contemporary Group).  They performed to a fabulous song I never heard before, "In This Shirt" by The Irrepressibles.  Choreographing this performance was Stacey Tookey.  I absolutely loved this piece!  I'm a big fan of contemporary dancing, so this, along with a couple others, was my favorite tonight.

Next up were Chris Cole, Tadd Gadduang, Robert Taylor Jr., and Wadi Jones (The Hip Hop Group).  They performed to, "Everyday (Coolin')" by Swizz Beatz feat. Eve.  Choreographing this performance was Dave Scott.  Another excellent performance, not to mention two of my favorite boys, Tadd and Wadi were in this bunch.

Another one of my favorites of the night, Iveta Lukosiute, who had auditioned before, but never made it, finally got her chance.  She performed a ballroom number with season 3 hottie, Pasha!  They danced to Ven a Bailar (On The Floor) by Jennifer Lopez feat. Pitbull.  I actually like this version better than the one currently playing on the radio.

Jordan Casanova, Marko Germar, Missy Morelli, and Clarice Ordaz (The Jazz Group), danced to, "Vanguardian" by Steed Lord.  Choreographing the performance was Sonya Tayeh.  This performance had Sonya written all over it, and rightly so - it was utterly amazing.

The next two contestants I'm in love with.  It's okay Ryan knows this. :))  Jess Leprotto (Broadway) and Nick Young (Tapper) were next to learn they made it to the top 20.  They performed to "Funkier Than a Mosquito's Tweeter" by Nina Simone - never heard of it.  This performance was choreographed by Christopher Scott.  While I love the two boys, I'm not a fan of broadway or tap, but they did make it really fun - Nick is a really good Tapper.

The final 5, Caitlyn Lawson, Ryan Ramirez, Mitchell Kelly, Ashley Rich, and Alexander Fost (Another Contemporary Group), took to the stage dancing to, "Moth's Wings" by Passion Pit.  The performance was choreographed by season 2 alumni, Travis Wall - he has truly made a name for himself with the extraordinary performances he creates.

You can catch 3 more performances after the jump...

Isn't This The Truth? The Box

LMAO!  Isn't this chart the truth? I think I've tried everyone of them, minus the infant.  C'mon, what do you take me for? LOL

Gay Power! Houston's Very Own Kurt Hummel Stuns Judges on America's Got Talent

Ryan and I have been a fan of America's Got Talent since it's inception, and while we haven't necessarily agreed with the champions each season, we throughly enjoy the show.  The things some of these people do are crazy.  And it isn't any easier if they're auditioning in your state, much less your city.

Last night's auditions were in Houston, Texas, and one performer stuck with us the most.  The performance by 19-year-old, Daniel Joseph Baker from Katy, a suburb of Houston.  When Ryan and I saw him in the previews to the show, we immediately knew he was family (gay slang for "He's a member of the family. He's gay.").  Sure enough, he let it be known that he was.  He was as flamboyant as anyone could ever be - reminiscent of GLEE's Kurt in some ways.  But it wasn't his personality that surprised us the most, it was his voice that was beyond-belief amazing!  When he started belting out the song to Lady Gaga's Bad Romance, the audience, and the judges went crazy.  They were all thrown off their rockers when they witnessed a young gay man taking it to town on his keyboard. He was "fierce!" (even more gay slang). Watch the outstanding performance from last night. He clearly puts American Idol's, Scotty to shame. Loved it!

Ryan and I were yelling, "Gay Power!" "Gay Power!", when he received a standing ovation from the audience.  This is something we usually do when we know there's "family" in reality shows.  This is our way of cheering for the few, and the proud.  We adore you Daniel, and we'll continuously cheer you on!

Must Watch: Where Have The Years Gone?

Let's take a look back and reflect on the movie saga of the decade. It been 10 years since the first Harry Potter movie, Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone, made it's way into our theaters, and into people's hearts.  For those who have read the entire series of books, this was a long-time hoping.  For those who never read the book, like myself, this was a long-time coming.

It's mind-baffling to me that 10 years ago today I hadn't even moved to Houston yet, 9/11 was still 3 months away, and the world was just coming to grips with the new millennium. Yet, people's minds were eager to watch a young wizard fight evil.  I can only imagine what you were doing when the first movie was released.

Warner Brothers has released footage of the cast when they were children leading up to their final film, in a teaser that will take you back in time to when we were 10 years younger.

 

Mind-Boggling News: Let's Play Russian Roulette With A Dog

Here's a mind-boggler for you.  You know I can never stop bitching about stupid people, but this cuts the cake.  Well.. maybe not.  I've posted some other mind-boggling news that were pretty outrageous.

Apparently drinking did little to help Russell Little with his depression Tuesday night.  Not only did the Indiana man take it upon himself to play Russian Roulette (you know - the game where 2 idiots take turns firing a gun at each other's heads with only 1 bullet in it), with his dog.  Let's see, how do I put this?

In simplest turns - The doggie won.

Of course the facts are in dispute, but this is what I grabbed from the article:

Little's wife told police he was sitting in the backyard depressed and drinking moonshine when he took a handgun and began playing Russian roulette with the pet dog at about 9 p.m.

After a couple of empty clicks aimed at the dogs head, "She said he got tired of that, then put the gun to his own head and pulled the trigger," said Capt. Jim Andrews of the South Bend Police Department.

Now the story is changing as I write this post. According to close family and friends of Little say,

Mr. Little was NOT playing Russian roulette with his dogs, he loved his dogs...nor was he drinking 'moonshine'. He was a loving and devoted father husband, friend, AND proud dog owner. He will be sorely missed and remembered fondly. - Nicole

Regardless of the outcome, this isn't good either way you look at it.  I can't imagine myself drinking and having a gun in my hand at the same time.  That's a No-No in my book.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words - Issue 4

This typographical self-portrait of sALuUm literally speaks volumes. He states that it took him over 8 hours to do the main drawing in Illustrator, plus an hour using Post-Work in Photoshop.  A lover of photography and web-related works, the amateur artist from Melbourne, Australia admits his favorite style of art is Vintage, Minimalist.

Back In The Day - Zac Efron

Go ahead, and admit it.  You can't get enough of Zac Efron.  So here's Zac Back In The Day, on the set of High School Musical in 2006. What a bicep stud. LOL.

Post Secret Fridays - Issue 063

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.

 Want to see more PSF posts? Go here.

OMG Hilarious! - Tall Justin 3

If you didn't get today's comic, its probably because you've missed my two previous posts on Tall Justin. I post a daily Cyanide and Happiness comic from the guys over at explosm.net and I'd have to say, some are downright hilarious.  Here are the two previous Tall Justin episodes, Tall Justin 1 & Tall Justin 2.

War of the Roses - Megan & Hershel

When you think of War of the Roses, the first thing that comes to mind is "that movie" with Kathleen Turner, Michael Douglas, and Danny Devito.   But this is not the case in Houston, Texas.  In our city, you think of Roula & Ryan's Roses. 

Roula & Ryan are currently Houston's #1 Morning Radio Show, which airs locally on KRBE 104.1.  They have hosted their show on this station for a little over 5 years.  The segment I'm speaking of is on every Thursday morning, and was actually called War of the Roses. when they worked together at another radio station.  Unfortunately for them, they were not allowed to to take the name with them.  Hence, Roula & Ryan's Roses.

The premise behind Roula & Ryan's Roses is...

You have a caller (male or female), who calls in to the radio station requesting assistance with their relationship or marriage.  They're not seeking advice, they're seeking a little "private investigating" on the part of Roula and Ryan.  They (Roula & Ryan) ask the caller about their relationship and what's been going on with it.  The caller proceeds to tell them that they have either found something online, seen their partner talking to someone, or they tell them about anything out of the ordinary. 

Now, this is when things get a little tricky...

Roula will take on the role of a flower shop sales person, or manager, and attempt to call the person in question (the spouse or partner).  She will then introduce herself to this person with a fictitious name and company.  After offering to ship a dozen "free" red roses to anyone they like, the caller will either accept, or deny the offer.  If he denies the offer, Roula does her best to keep him on the line - 99% of the time they take the offer. Roula then proceeds to ask for the name of the person they would like to have the flowers shipped to, and a greeting for the card.

Keep in mind, this is all going on while the spouse or partner are listening-in on another line.  Roula & Ryan always advise them to stay quiet during the entire conversation, so as not to botch the call.

Now, a couple of things can happen during the time the name, and greeting are revealed.  The spouse or partner loses it, and start yelling at the person on the phone, or they wait patiently for host, Ryan to chime in.  Ryan will usually come on the line, introduce himself and Roula as hosts of KRBE, and explain what is happening to the deceived, at which point the spouse or partner will come on the line and start accusing the deceived of lying and cheating.  The deceived party is usually taken aback, and either he/she confesses, or they lie their way out of it.

These conversations can get ugly or humorous at times, it all depends on the outcome.  Sometimes it doesn't work out as the concerned caller hoped it would.

In this morning's call, Roula took on the role of Kathryn from Plants & Flowers, Incorporated.  She spoke with Megan, who had found something questionable on her computer's internet history - a link to a hotel suite which was unknown to her.  She also stated that her husband, Hershel had been "kind of shady lately".  It's actually rather sad, because she says she's ready to have a baby after 4 years of marriage to him.

In what was a surprise turn of events on the Roula & Ryan show; Hershel asks Roula if he can have 2 dozen red roses for free, and he would be willing to buy a third from her. Could this possibly be three people he wants to send roses to?  Roula agrees, and the rest is history.

You can listen to all the drama down below.  I had to post it in 2 parts, but there are no commercials.

Part 1


Part 2

Make sure to stay tuned for next Thursday, as this will be a regular series on my blog, titled "War of the Roses".  And please feel free to share it with your friends on Facebook or email. There's a little Facebook button right underneath this post, under "This Post Written By".

Wonder Woman Releases CD

Still looking beautiful at 59, the lovely Lynda Carter made an appearance at a Barnes & Noble CD-signing event.  Yes, she still sings.  Who knew, right?  Well, I did. I've known since I was a teen, because she was every gay boy's superhero growing up.  Everyone wanted to be Wonder Woman, everyone wanted to dress like Wonder Woman.  Hell, when my sister and I went to play outside, we would get into a disagreement on who would play her part.  And being the drama queen that I was, I would win. Needless to say, I was older. :-)  I just wanted to do that 'spin'. LOL.

In either case, Carter has been singing since she was 13 or 14 years old, and she sang all over the country during her years as Wonder Woman.

On her music and her Wonder Woman role:

'It is an iconic character, and if the way to connect with people is the way they feel they can connect to me. In many ways, because they can connect to me, they will sample my music'

She also stated she was disappointed at the collapse of the new Wonder Woman series featuring Adrienne Palicki.

'I was really happy they were going to re-do it because the story is a great story and it needs to be re-told and go to another generation of people,' she said. 'I was really disappointed it didn't work out.'

Magical Fun 101: The Magical iPad

Since we're on the subject of magic this week, how about I let magician Simon Pierro give you a preview of the iOS5 for the iPad2, and who knows maybe he can pull a straw out of a hat. *coughs* I mean an iPad.  Check it out, it's really entertaining.

Doggone Fonts

I thought this was pic was really cute.  Each font is associated with it's particular type of dog.  Now, it actually makes sense. LOL.

Quoted - Lady Gaga

“When I was told I won this award, Anna Wintour sent me a text message. She text messages. So she sent me a text message, and it said, 'We’re so excited to tell you you won the CFDA Fashion Icon Award.' And I actually thought it was Anna Treblin, who was one of my very close friends and [my stylist] Nicola’s assistant. So I have a couple Annas in my phone, so my reply was, 'Yes, bitch, we did it.' So quite quickly I got a reply that said, 'How lovely, and we will all be waiting to see what you will wear.' And then I thought, 'Well won’t you be helping me choose what I will wear?' And then I said, 'Oh! It’s Anna Wintour.'" – Lady Gaga, as she accepted her Fashion Icon Award at Monday's CFDA Fashion Awards.

I guess it didn't matter that the Lady called Anna Wintour a bitch, since she's probably used to people calling her that already. LOL. Just sayin' :-)