Michael Jackson This is It..Yeah right

It's been three months since Michael Jackson, the so-called King of Pop, died. And it sure didn't take long for his family to start cashing in. Not only is there a concert film titled This is It forthcoming, but a new single of the same name is being released October 12. And this is just the beginning- Jacko is soon to join Tupac and Jimi Hendrix in the exclusive club of Artists who Released More Music Dead than Alive, as he has allegedly left behind over 300 unreleased songs.

Well, anyway, I have a feeling that sooner or later, the following album will appear on store shelves...


(ah the wonders of Photoshop and Microsoft Paint..)

Senator Ted

Hello again!

It's been a long time since I've visited with you, my loyal readers. I didn't intend to be on such a long hiatus, but between needing to recharge my writing battery, computer hassles (the entire month of May and half of June was lost due to the power source on my Compaq dying; also issues with the internet connection didn't help) and trying to spark said battery..I may not be posting daily, but I'll try to at least post a few times each week.

Anyway, last week was the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy from a year-long battle with brain cancer. And sure enough, the beautification towards Political Sainthood began. How come whenever a politician dies, the hero worship begins?

Kennedy did some good things as senator. No question there. But there will always be one colossal black cloud looming overhead: Chappaquiddick.

I was leafing through my MAD magazine collection and found this in an article titled "How Different Publications Slant the News"..it seems fitting.

AHHH!!! Poke my eyes out, Moe!

Say it isn't so, Moe..say it isn't so.

Both Variety and the Independent Film Guide report this morning that MGM has given the green light to a new Three Stooges feature film, set to start shooting in September of this year.

But this isn't a biopic..it's intended to be a feature length comedy featuring the characters of Moe, Larry and Curly. The Farrelly Brothers, who once upon a time actually made GOOD movies (Dumb and Dumber, Kingpin, There's Something About Mary) but have lately been responsible for such duds as Fever Pitch and The Heartbreak Kid, are set to write and direct.

The casting will really have you scratching your head. Jim Carrey will play Curly Howard. I suppose it couldwork (I doubt it, though) , but Sean Penn as Larry Fine? Benicio Del Toro as Moe Howard? Can I get a collective HUH? here? All three are fine actors, but Moe Howard, Larry Fine and Curly Howard (and let's include Shemp Howard in this too) are AMERICAN ORIGINALS. I'm hesitant to use the label genius, but they were indeed comic geniuses. Who else made lowbrow comedy so deliciously highbrow and with such skill and flair? The trio are IRREPLACEABLE. And are Penn and Del Toro renowned for comedic skill?

Besides, remember these bursts of remake creativity from Hollywood...

Whoever thought Cedric the Entertainer and Mike Epps were perfect replacements for Jackie Gleason and Art Carney can no longer read this blog.


Whoever thought Bronson Pinchot would be an adequate replacement for Stan Laurel deserves to be shot.

A Very Good Knight

My friend Lisa Draski has done it again..written a review that has given me pure goosebumps. As I mentioned before, she was working on a review of The Dark Knight- now I can say it is here at last!

Some people wonder why I plug reviews by someone other than myself on this blog. I only plug something I believe in. I believe in my friend. I believe in her talent. And I'll do whatever it takes to get others on the bandwagon.

It's a very heartfelt piece and so beautifully done. But don't just take my word for it..READ it for yourself!

For Pete's Sake

I have just learned that Peter Tork, member of the '60s pop group The Monkees, is recovering from cancer surgery that took place last Wednesday (that would be March 4, for those keeping track of such things..)

Tork was diagnosed with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma, an apparently rare form of cancer that slowly grows in the head and neck regions- particularly the salivary glands. The good news is that preliminary biopsy results show that the cancer hasn't spread further than the salivary glands, so the prognosis for recovery is good.

Again, I believe in the power of positive thinking, so let's keep Peter in our thoughts and wish him a speedy recovery!

Get Well Soon, Little Puppy

First, I'd like to say I'm sorry about the long wait between posts lately. I've been working on something the details of which I'll divulge soon. February was pretty much a wash, but here's hoping March will be more eventful.

Anyway, if you haven't read my friend Lisa's review of The Wrestler yet, do so immediately. It's such a great piece that you'd be foolish to miss out. I'm eagerly anticipating her take on The Dark Knight, so stay tuned!

Speaking of my dear friend, her puppy Mr. Burns is recovering from a neutering procedure. Normally I'd keep something like this to myself, but I'm a believer in positive thinking helping the healing process. So if it doesn't sound too corny, let's all take a moment and wish Mr. Burns a speedy recovery.

And to add to the good vibes headed towards Chicago right now, a little Nilsson ditty titled The Puppy Song wouldn't hurt either...

Just READ it!

My friend Lisa Draski has posted her review of The Wrestler on her supercalifragilisticexpialidocious (great is too weak a word to describe it) blog.

I have never been so excited about someone else's review before. When I first read it, it literally gave me goosebumps. It's intelligently written, entertaining, insightful,...

Just READ it!