The Orpheum Goes Viral

I really like The Orpheum Theater in Hillsboro, IL. I've been there several times and they've got a great movie deal (admission includes popcorn and soda). In the past couple days, The Orpheum has gone viral with their recent marquee. Check it out on the Buzzfeed through the link below.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/ellievhall/illinois-movie-theater-posts-amazing-frozen-marquee

Life Is Short, So...

Freaks and The Elephant Man

Recently I had the opportunity to examine the book SINEMANIA! by Sophie Cossette. The book is kind of bizarre and very risqué, but it does contain some great illustrations, such as the ones below for the movies FREAKS and THE ELEPHANT MAN. It isn't a book that's for everyone; it kind of reminded me of a non-fiction movie-based version of LOVE AND ROCKETS. I liked the illustrations for these two movies and they are two of the movies mentioned in the book that I highly recommend.



Predictions for 2014

Every year, my friend, John Coleman makes end of the year predictions about the coming year. These are just too hilarious to keep to myself and with his permission, I've posted his predictions for 2014 below. Please read and enjoy (you won't be disappointed)!
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Remember last fall we had the federal shutdown where the government was closed for several weeks? Well, in 2014 the US will borrow an idea from Weekends Only Furniture and just be open on Friday, Saturday, and Su...nday. President Obama will film some public service announcements where he pulls on a light switch and says: "It's Monday, we're closed!"

Providing healthcare to the uninsured finally becomes a reality in 2014. Actually, Obamacare gets scrapped altogether and the President just claims 40 million dependents on his policy.

Speaking of President Obama, she's going to have a very busy schedule next year. Did I say she? Yes, that's right, Michelle Obama will be president for most of 2014. It comes as the result of a huge Oval Office fight that ends with the phrase, "we'll if you know so much, maybe you can do it better!"

Illinois is going to have a governor's election next year. This state will make history when it elects the first computer to be our next governor. His name will be Corrupto 3000. He'll institute many changes that'll save Illinois millions of dollars; such as allowing online payments of bribes, faster speed of calculating the bills it won't pay, and an I Phone app that allows dead people to register to vote.

You know 2013 will be remembered as the year of the George Zimmerman trial. Well, looks like 2014 is going to be remembered as the year of the George Zimmerman trial.

The hottest selling item next Christmas will be Oprahvision.

In sports, the NHL has been struggling lately with low attendance and little attention given to the sport in the media. Well in 2014 they finally turn a corner when they stop playing hockey and start playing "ice football."

Speaking of football, after much debate with the player's union, the NFL picks a new training camp location. They agree to put it somewhere convenient for their players... next door to the Federal Penitentiary at Leavenworth, Kansas.

We're going to loose several famous people in 2014: Micky Rooney, John Glenn, Florence Henderson, Dan Rather, Nancy Reagan, and Regis Philbin. Oh they don't die, we just can't remember where we left them. Don't worry, they'll all turn up again in 2015.

Here's some TV predictions: Honey Boo Boo will get another member of the family when she gains a baby sister. Of course it will also be her daughter, her aunt, her second and third cousin, and her new BFF.

Speaking of redneck reality tv, the hit new show next fall will be about a Hillbilly family from Arkansas with a father named "Bubba," a super bitchy mom, and an ugly daughter. It seems America just can't get enough of the Clintons.

Calvin and Hobbes Grow Up

I loved reading the comic strip "Calvin and Hobbes" when I was a kid. Next to the end of  "Peanuts", the end of "Calvin and Hobbes" was the saddest day for me in my over thirty years of reading the funny papers. Two weeks ago, Stephan Pastis took a look at Calvin and Hobbes and what they would look like today. It's only a four strip series, but it's a great one (I particular like the decal sign in the last panel of the first strip). Enjoy!

Monday, December 16, 2013

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Thursday, December 19, 2013

One Frank is Not the Other

Thanks to Inherit the Mirth.

Following the Wrong Star

Thanks to "Inherit the Mirth".

One of the White Witch's Problems

http://www.inheritthemirth.com/

Would You Like Some Wine With That Cheese?

A couple months ago I read the below article. I found it fascinating. I think it does a great job of articulating not only what the major problem with youth ministry is, but what the major problem facing Christianity in America is: a complete lack of authenticity.


http://ethikapolitika.org/2013/06/07/would-you-like-some-wine-with-that-cheese/

C3 Stingray: Providing support and parts for all Corvette enthusiasts!

Supporting a Business: C3Stingray

A little over a month ago, I helped a couple of guys film a video for a Corvette business they want to start. I had acted in a couple of plays with one of the guys a few years before and he emailed me and asked if I would be able to help them with their video. So, I did. The video we made is currently no longer available to see, but you can still support them. Below is the link to their crowdsourcing site on RocketHub.

http://www.rockethub.com/35488

You can also visit their Facebook page at:

https://www.facebook.com/C3Stingray

These are two great guys and I know they'll appreciate any help they can get at all. So, help them out!
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I just found out that you can view the original video through YouTube at this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mrzbhZtFTQ

2014 Graphic Novels Challenge

For the past several years, I participated in an online reading challenge. I signed up for it this year (2013), but due to a variety of reasons, I haven't read near as much this year as in year's past. Therefore, I don't think I'm going to end up meeting the challenge. That's ok and I've decided to give it another try and have signed up for the 2014 challenge. I'm going to try for the Modern Age level (12 books in a year). They've stretched the rules a bit, so now comic-strip collections count as well and since I read several of those, it is doable. Anyway, if you're interested, you can find out more info by going here.

Blockbuster Closes for Good

Just read this article a few minutes ago.

http://www.cinemablend.com/new/RIP-Blockbuster-All-Remaining-Stores-Now-Closing-Good-40180.html

Blockbuster Video is no more. Perhaps if they hadn't started charging $5 for a movie per night and hadn't put so many smaller mom and pop businesses out of business, there would still be some sort of Blockbuster still around. Thank goodness for Family Video.

Is Anyone Actually Here?

From the book Man V. Liver by Neil Hinson & Paul Friedrich.

The Price of Happiness

From the book Man V. Liver by Neil Hinson & Paul Friedrich.

A Google Doodle Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!

Remember the Video Store?

We still have some video stores around (thank you FAMILY VIDEO!), but many places do not. Remember what it was like when there were just VHS tapes and no DVDs or Bluray? I do. If you do, perhaps this video will bring back some memories and if you don't, watch it for it's education in cultural history.

The Original STAR WARS Trailer

Every wonder what STAR WARS was like before it became STAR WARS? Well, here's the original trailer for the movie.

What Do the Cards Have?

This is for all the St. Louis Cardinals fans out there.


What Do the Cards Have?

Short Animated Video Tribute to Superman

So, Superman turned 75 this year and just a couple weeks before MAN OF STEEL opened in cinemas all around the globe, Zach Snyder (director of MAN OF STEEL) showed this short video that shows Superman through the years and his different transitions. As a lifelong fan of Superman, I have to admit it's a pretty darn good video.