samo714's Blog

I think everyone has an opinion on who wore the mask best. So my question is, who do you think was the greatest Batman? I also want to know who are you hoping to see as the main villain in the next Batman film? Incase your have forgotten some of candidates credentials here they are.

Adam West

He played the role of Batman for 3 seasons from 65-68 with one film to its credit. He also reprised his role later in many different Batman animated series known as “the new adventures of Batman”, “super friends”, “the legendary super power show”, “the super power team”, and “galactic guardians”  and even co-starred in a film brick called “batman: new times” with mark hamil who played the joker in the 92 animated series. He had a cameo appearance in a 92 episode of “Batman the animated series” on Fox, but not as Batman. Instead, West voiced the part of Simon Trent, a washed-up actor who used to play a superhero in a TV series called "The Grey Ghost". He is typecast as the Gray Ghost and has difficulty finding work. I believe that West, even though he gave Batman  a campy feel to the character, it was not a far departure of what was going on in the comic books at the time. He also showed Batman as more of a thinker, a true decective that relies on his brain and not so much on his brute force or gadgets, but when he did need to rough up a villian he had no problem giving them a punch that followed with a POW!” or  a “Zonk”.

Micheal Keaton

He only starred in 2 films as Batman, “Batman” and “Batman Returns”,but that was all that needed to bring the cape hero back to rememberance, and to change the comic book world forever. The success of the 2 films spawned many more comic book movies like spiderman, iron man, x-men, dare devil, hellboy, and even the return of superman. Not only that but it spawned off a cartoon serires as well.

Many didn’t like the idea of Keaton taking up the role as Batman. They felt that he was too much of a comdian to be able to take the work seriously, but he changed everyone’s mind after the movie hit the theaters after it became the biggest blockbuster ever.  Personally from all the men that starred in the live movies, his potrayal was the best in my opinion. He envoked the dark brooding side of Batman, and gave Bruce Wayne a suave, yet uncomfortable corky side to him. 2 complete different personalities. He also didn’t say much as Batman, which is the way I picture him to be in real life. so Keaton believed in less is more. And I felt it was the right choice when acting as Batman.

Val Kilmer

Warner Bros. felt that “Batman Returns” was not as big as a hit as it could have been due to it’s dark overtones, so they wanted to revamp the series with a new director. Joel took over Burtons duties and began making his kid friendly version of Batman. Due to the change of tone and Burton being replaced, Keaton did not come back to star in “Batman Forever”. Instead Val took over. From all the actors that protrayed the Batman, Bob Kane felt that Val did the best job, but he died before being able to see Christians Bale’s perfromance. “Batman Forever” was a blockbuster hit, and the studio was pleased along with fans, especially the women who felt that Batman was the best looking one in the suit.  Unfortunatly this would be short lived. Val refused to come back as Batman due to what he saids “Batman was being marginalized in favor of the villains”. Val went on to do ”The Saint”. He also went on to say “he liked the characterization of Simon Templar better than Bruce Wayne.Simon is a literary character who uses his wit, and not violence. Batman is a real screwed-up guy who has hustled an entire city, and now he's running around in a cape. What's it all about?" Personally I felt he did a carbon copy of what Keaton did in the original films except that his potrayal as Batman and Bruce were almost the same instead of being to different identities.

George Clooney

Known to be one of the most popular actors, he took over the duty of playing Batman. Due to the horrible script, over use of puns, embarrassing costumes, and lack of direction the movie did poorly. Even though it was not a total financial lost, the studio felt it should have been a bigger blockbuster movie due to its budget.  George Clooney was embarrassed of his performance. He even went on to say that “I think we might have killed the franchise”.  He felt so bad that if he ever met a fan that watched that movie in the theater and still had the ticket stub, he would give that fan a refund. He also claimed to play the part of Batman gay to be able to identify to the character. Since this movie came out all plans to release any further movies has been stopped. I don’t have to say much about his performance, I think George said it all for me.

Christian Bale

An actor that been around the block for a while but wasn’t notice until he put the cape and cowl on was the man to revamp the Batman franchise. He originally was up for the role as Robin in “Batman Forever”. Bale performance brought back the role to its dark roots, and added to the role a much more real world gritty aspect to it, instead of Burton’s fantasy like world. Personally, I really love his acting as Bruce, but I don’t find his acting as Batman as menacing as Keaton. I think he pushes too hard to be dark instead of just letting it be as with Keaton. I also felt the costume (mostly the cowl doesn’t look right.) but that’s not Bale’s fault. Personally I enjoy his performance 2nd to Keatons, but that’s just my opinion.

Kevin Conroy/ Will Friedle

Conroy has played Batman for 15 years in the animated series, and has played Batman at different stages in his life. from a teenager learning his trades, to his first night out as the dark knight, to his early 30’s, and then as a old man unable to fulfill the duties as Batman due to his age, but still with the desire to do what he can with his mind. “Batman the animated series” was green lit in 92 after the success of the first 2 Batman films. It was produced, directed and written by Bruce Timm, Paul Dini, Allen Burnett, and Eric Radomski. The show lasted until 95. With it came 2 animated films known as “Mask of the Phantasm” and “Sub-Zero”. In the original series the show was inspired by the world Burton created, and builds upon those ideas. In the end they created a new art form known as dark deco by drawing all the scenes on black paper, and creating a world with future tech in a 40’s era environment. It was one of first cartoons to be made with more adult content, display firearms, and to have a prime time slot on a network. It only took the first episode “On Leather Wings” for the studio to be convinced that such risks would work.

 In the forth season of Batman, it was revamp to have a similar look to its spin off show “Superman”. It was also the final season of the Batman series due to the producers struggling to be able to create episodes for “superman”, “static shock” and the new “batman beyond” TV series. “Mystery of the Batwomen” was the last chapter of the new adventure saga.

Batman Beyond is the last chapter of the “Timm/ Dini universe saga”. The first episode showed why Batman retired from crime fighting. It also showed why he made his comeback as a mentor to the new batman that will be acted by Will Friedle. Will did an amazing job in creating his own distinct style of what Batman should be. He played it as a teenager with a chip on his shoulder, but with the understanding that sacrifices with have to be made and to look beyond his own happiness to fulfill the greater good.

 Like the original show, it was another success, and even though the creators tried to make it more of a lighter show, it ended up becoming just as dark if not darker then the original series due to its stories. It also spawned its own direct to DVD movie “Return of the Joker” which is the first animated film to receive a pg 13 rating due its violence. All I have to say is that it’s a def. must watch. It’s twisted on what the joker does to robin.

After “Batman Beyond” series was over Justice League was created only to be followed up with Justice League Unlimited which tied all the loose ends to all the Batman series, Superman series and Batman Beyond series as it had Batman team up with Superman, Wonder Women, The Flash, Martian Man hunter, and The Green Lantern plus the rest of the D.C. comic heroes together.

The last work that Conroy has done has been the new “Gotham Knights” DVD that was released 1 week before the new “The Dark Knight” film was released. It’s was created by 6 different directors, 6 different stories, 6 different interpretation of Batman all voiced by Conroy. It is more or less a prequel to “The Dark Knight”, but well able to stand on its own.  Personally for me, Kevin will always be the man I think of as Batman due to his bulk of work, true understanding of the character, and the brilliance that he brings to the character in all aspects. He took all the good points from all the other actors and rolled it in to one, and made it his own. Even critics has praised Conroy’s work and claim that he has done a superior job being Batman then most who have worn the cowl.  I know everyone will have a different opinion, and that’s fine, I’m eager to know your thoughts.

(Warning, if you do not want to know what happens in this film, do not read this blog.)

So I saw sex in the city the movie this weekend. My sister had a spare ticket, and no one to go with that would want to watch this movie. I saw a few episodes late at night when there is nothing better on, and it was ok. I don’t think it was the greatest show on earth, but it wasn’t totally bad. Just something I wouldn’t pick above wrestling or U.F.C. So I agreed to go with her, mostly because I wanted to hang out with her and get out of the house for a bit. I also wanted to see it to give a man’s opinion about the film. I tend to notice that Dorothy and Lisa B. tend to knock every film that I like (“Rambo”, “Rocky Balboa”) and really praise any and nearly all chick flicks like “The Devil’s Wears Prauda”. But I feel they tend to care more about what the characters are wearing then the actual story of the movie. Plus I’m not a fan of the show, but I don’t hate it either. So I think I’m pretty neutral in deciding if it’s good or not, and if it’s accessible to non fans of the show. I haven’t seen every episode, but enough to get a feel of each character.

Well in the first 5 minutes of the film I already knew what was going to happen in the entire film. The typical plot of nearly every romantic/comedy movie, guy loves girl, they are due to wed, they breakup (the cause of the break up was because the husband to be ended up getting last minute jitters) of course at the end of the movie they end up together, in what seems to be a very rushed happily ever after end. I mean they break up in the beginning of the film, and you see him for like 20 min’s at the end when they make up, have sex and get married.

 Side plots are pretty stale. Samantha isn’t happy living in California away from her friends, and putting her needs aside for her man, and his career. At the end of the film she discovers that she is too in love with herself to put her needs in second, and needs a man that will put her needs first. Just shows how shallow she is, and always been in the show. Plus she totally wants to bang the neighbor that is constantly screwing a different chick every day. It drives her nuts. so much that she gains 15 pounds by over eating to help comfort her for the lack of sex, and trying to stay faithful to her man.

 Then you have meranda, who is angry at her husband for cheating on her. So of course she makes a big fuss over it and doesn’t want to forgive him at all even though he explains that it was just once, and it meant nothing to him. He just needed sex. Meranda has been so “busy” with working, and being a mother that she hasn’t had sex with him in over 6 months, and when they did have sex, she was rushing him to finish. Of course I’m just wondering, how does she find time to have lunches with her friends, party nearly every night with her friends, and spends days and hours just helping her friend Carrie move out of her apartment and decide what to keep and throw away from her closet as they make a game out it and get drunk? Plus she has a nanny to take care of the child which she never let’s her have much of a break while she’s working even though she’s an old lady. Plus she is able to leave to Mexico all of a sudden to just chill with her friends for like a week. I’m just wondering, she said she doesn’t have anytime, but couldn’t she just stay in a day or two just to make time for her husband instead of spend so much time with her friends? She got what she deserved for being a bad wife. Of course the film doesn’t mention any of this and mostly puts it that it was his fault.

 Then you have what’s her name that I would consider the lame one. After years of not being able to get pregnant she does and has a baby. She’s totally happy with her life, and really nothing bad happens to her other then crapping her pants. That’s all that happens with her.

Then you have Carrie’s story which is the main plot. So she and her boyfriend decide to get married after moving in together. her friends advise her that it would be better to be married and have some legal entitlement to the apartment they just moved into if she and her boyfriend were to break up and because they were both ready to get married. Of course what was planned to be a simple marriage ended up being a huge circus. Carrie is so wrapped up in the whole wedding that she doesn’t seem to care about her fiancée feelings towards the wedding which causes them to become distant. Then meranda after having a fight with her husband tells Carrie’s fiancée that he’s crazy for getting married, and that getting married ruins everything. So that pushes him to have even more doubts and leaves Carrie at the alter. But after thinking about it, he decides to go through with it, and heads to the alter. Midway there he confronts his bride to be, and try’s to explain that he’s sorry for having doubts and midway though is apology he’s whacked in the head with flowers by his angry bride to be. Then her friends get out of the car all enraged looking much like a street gang. The lame one gets all crazed and make a big fuss screaming out “nooo!” like a total bit*h.  Carrie being the drama queen that she is depressed for the rest of the film. Not eating, and just sleeps for days. she is even fed by her friends like "i'm too weak to put up a spoon". OMG, what a drama queen. I say 2 weeks of being unhappy is more then enough time to get over it. But wow she takes over 6 months.

So what did I think of the movie? Well I thought it was predictable. Way too much product placement. The cloths were ugly as f**k. . I mean the first scene you see Carrie wearing a dress with a giant ugly tacky flower on it that is way huge. I would be embarrassed if I was a girl wearing their cloths. Just yuck. All the characters are total drama queens, and shallow. I mean all they do is drink, party, have sex, and dwell on drama. I just don’t know how people can relate to them. It seems that they have an unlimited account since they are buying 500 dollar shoes every other day. I don’t remember seeing any of them work at all for the whole movie. I also notice that the girls all aged a lot, and their wasn’t enough sex in the movie. The only ones shown somewhat nudes are the ones you wouldn’t really want to see naked. Plus Sarah Jessica parker looks pretty bad in the film, she aged a lot. One scene she just looks like a zombie. You can totally tell that they airbrushed her face during the wedding dress montage. Anyways, it had a few moments of being funny, but far and in-between. I felt that most of the funny things weren’t supposed to be funny at all, but I have a twisted sense of humor. Like Carrie reaction to being dumped. I was laughing pretty hard when everyone should be shedding tears. I think they tried way too hard to get you all crying. It didn’t work for me, and believe me I cry during films. Who isn’t able to shed a tear when you see Simba’s dad dies in the Lion King? I think the film wasn’t edgy. What used to be edgy when the show was on HBO isn’t anymore and they didn’t push the envelope as much as they could have. I think the only reason the movie was made was because they fans of the show wanted to see the big wedding that the show didn’t deliver. I also don’t think the characters grow much in the movie. It seems like they are going backwards then forwards. I also noticed that all of their boyfriends/husbands are really ugly too. It’s like wow, why did they pick these guys. The only one that got a decent looking guy was the oldest of the group. Very odd. I also felt that the male characters were way too stiff and lacked any human emotions. i mean it looked like they were slaves or servents. they would do everything that their girlfriends/wife asked of them without any hesistation at all, and yet they are still not good enough. what kind of crap is that? So I guess if you want to watch a movie where they male bash through out the entire film, make men seem like mindless zombies, show granny porn, and is pretty much a 2 hour run way show then watch this film. I’ll give this movie 3 out of 5 stars. It had its moments, they made it easy for non fans to understand who everyone is and what their back story is, but at the end I think its best left to wait for DVD as a rental.

well for all the years i have been watching the morning news all i can say is that i can count on it for 3 different things. one is that it's always a good tv programming, 2 it's always on at the same time no matter what, and 3 Tony will continue to never change and some how has figure out to stop the aging process. since his return i notice a difference on Tony. his face. his signature mustache is gone. i was like OMFG!!!! what did he do? so who would have thought a slight change would make such a difference. I know he's the same Tony, but it just feels different watching him now. kinda like a computer up grade from version 1.0 to version 2.0. it's nearly identical, but it's not. so i was just wondering what your thoughts on his new look? do you like it or should he go back to old school Tony?

P.S. when Steve made the change, i thought he looked better with facial hair, then without. So the chage was good. As for Tony, i'm still undecided. I liked it was back then, but i think his new look is alright too, but not sure which looks is better.

I have been a fan of Fox 11 News for many years. One of the main reasons why is because of all the familiar faces I see. It’s always comforting watching Christine and John on the 10 o’ clock news before I go to bed and knowing that Jean, Tony, and Steve will always be there in the morning to give me that extra boost to get out of bed and start my day. It’s something that is a routine, but a routine that I enjoy and never think it will end. Even though I have never met any of them, nor do I think I ever will get the chance too, I feel for them when tragedy happens in their lives.  I feel like they are part of my life, and when someone leaves the show, it’s like losing a friend.

Today I have to say good bye to my favorite reporter Elizabeth Espinosa. I always enjoy waking up to the sound of her voice, and having her being one of the first images to my eyes every morning. She helped make every morning much easier to wake up too, no matter how awful I feel. Now I know many of you think I have a crush on her, which I admit, yes she’s very cute. But that’s not the reason why I like her so much. I enjoy watching her because for me she was someone that I think I can relate to very easily. She was someone that I can picture being a next door neighbor, or a part of the family. She helped represent that there are many talented Latino Americans out there busting their butt to get where they are at. In my eyes she was a true voice for the Latino community on Good Day L.A. She also helped show how beautiful our culture is by our music, our food, and our festivals and our language. I don’t see many other reporters doing that. So that made her different, unique and special in the Fox family. I’m going to miss her corky sense of humor, the way she would try to get her shots and have the camera guy nearly missing  everyone and everything on sight just trying to catch up to her as she try’s to get a interview from a person on the street. One thing that i truly admire about her, was how she always made time for her fans. She would always take the time out of her busy day to let her fans know how much she cared about us, and would specifically respond and answer our questions no mater how dumb they were. Yeah, i wrote her alot of dumb questions, but she would always respond with smart and funny come backs.

I could talk about how she’s knows to speak many languages, or how she won a Women of the Year award or an Emmy, but those are just awards. It’s the struggle that she went through for such awards that should be remembered.

I’m sure whatever she decides to do with her life, she will do well, and I can only hope that I will see her again. I love Good Day L.A. but Elizabeth Espinosa was the icing on the cake, the sunshine of my day, and I’ll always be a adoring fan, and I wish her the best of luck, and I can only hope that she will read this and know that the struggles in your life was worth it because she inspired so many, and have brought love and joy in our hearts. Thank you, Lizzy.

"As long as you have your feet above ground,

The sky as your crown, coat tails made of breeze,

Come with me, come with me

May the demons bite your toes, the fairies kiss your nose

May you roll in the leaves, til they become your clothes

Come with me, come with me

Earth and sky don't you pass me by, don't you grow long

Come with me, come with me" by The Colour

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDLaoOZ8YTQ lizzy with big happy.

(lizzy's last message to us, here it is incase you missed it)

"Samo! and all of you my friends!!!

Happy 2008! I hope you had an amazing holiday...it blew right past me let me tell ya!!

Well, I gotta say you all are the best...I am a bit emotional so please allow me to express my love and appreciation to you all for your longstanding support and positive vibes!

I do expect to hear from you bloggers!! Please take care of yourselves and those around you...and remember, never let anyone get in your way when it comes to being of service and making your biggest dreams come true!!! All we have to do is keep believing, keep the faith! God Bless You!
See you soon...

Cheers-
Elizabeth Espinosa"

(I don't think we should give her up without a fight. please write in and tell fox that we want her back.)- samo714

HIM is another Finnish band that I really adore. They have a lot of similarities to The 69 Eyes, if you have read the last review that I wrote. They are also a Goth/metal band. Between the two bands they are more serious about their material rather then being tongue and cheek like The 69 Eyes. That’s one of the main difference other then they tend to focus their songs more on relationships, heartache, and sorrows that women bring in a man’s life. Their lyrics are all beautifully written, and often overlooked by critics and fans alike. I don’t really have much to say about them, because I would rather let their music do the talking.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MgWVE6bZCQ check out HIM's single "And Love Said No"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YzYOQGO4O4 "Preten
ding" one of my personal favorite songs. I especially enjoy the lyrics.

Love is a flame that can't be tamed
And though we are it's willing prey, my darling
We are not the ones to blame

Trust is a word all lovers know
The glorious art of staining souls, my darling
We are not the ones to blame
The more we have, the more we want
And the more it hurts our hearts, my baby
It always ends up in tears

So keep on pretending
Our heaven's worth the waiting
Keep on pretending, it's alright
So keep on pretending
It will be the end of our craving
Keep on pretending, it's alright

When doubts arise, the game begins
The one we will never win, my baby
It always ends up in tears

So keep on pretending
Our heaven"s worth the waiting
Keep on pretending, it's alright
So keep on pretending
It will be the end of our craving
Keep on pretending, it's alright

Repeat

Love is a flame that can't be tamed
And though we are it's willing prey,my darling
We are not the ones to blame

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTsgGGRb7-0  "beautiful"-this is not a music video of the band, but just something i found on the web that someone made. it displays the lyrics as they are sung. but i really love this song.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4M-dzGdkwF4 - "funeral of hearts" music video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VEh91PnOH7s - "heartache every moment" music video

check this band out, and let me know what you all think.

The 69 Eyes is a Finnish band from Helsinki that formed in 1989. They have just started to get some well deserved recognition here in the states and just finished their first U.S. tour in support of their new album “Angels”.  They started out as a garage rock/ sleaze band that has earned them the nickname of Helsinki sleaze, but has now evolved into a hybrid sleaze/gothic band which has earned them the new nickname of Helsinki vampires.

Many great bands have influenced them, and it’s noticeable. It’s almost as though they picked and choose great qualities from other bands and adapted it all into what you hear upon their music. From the deep bass vocals that are reminiscent to Elvis, Jim Morrison, and another Finnish native Ville Valo, to Jussi’s drumming style which is similar to Rikki Rockett from the band Poison. The guitar work has also changed in time from being very loud and bombastic in the early days, to taking the approach of less is more. Even though their sound came from many different styles from other artist, they still are able to remain fresh, unique, and able to distinguish themselves from other bands, and from the influences they drew upon.

I discovered this band less then a year ago, at a Cradle of Filth concert at the Anaheim House of Blues. The 69 Eyes and 3 Inches of Blood were the opening act for the night. Well I didn’t know what to expect from them. They had a punk/biker look to them, and with a name like The 69 Eyes, I expected them to be more of a punk band. But I was surprised that they sounded more like an 80’s sleaze band in the vein of L.A. Guns and Guns & Roses but with a gothic overtone. So I was just hooked on them from that day on.

One thing that I have notice about this band is that anyone can really enjoy this group. They aren’t hard on the ears, due to the lead singer not being much of a screamer, but an actual vocalist who lyrics are easily understandable.  The music itself can be very punky with songs like “Lost Boys” or “Los Angeles”, to sweet ballads like “Star of Fate”, “Only You Can Save Me” and “Still Waters Run Deep”.  It’s odd how their lyrics are just as random as their music. They mostly tend to write about their major influences from movies like the “The Crow” or “The Lost Boys”, to typical rocker subjects that deal with sex and drugs, and then they can write simple, elegant, poetic ballads.

“Every time I hear you breath, in the still night next to me, and your innocent heart to beat, I feel so complete, because let me listen to you gently breath, no words do we need, let your innocent heart to speak, still waters run deep”- Still Waters Run Deep

from left to right- Timo-Timo (guitar), Bazie (guitar), Jyrki 69 aka Jyriki Pekka Emil Linnankivi (vocalist), Jussi 69 (drums), and Archie (bass)

So I hope you check them out, and enjoy them as much as I have. here are a few links to youtube to check out some videos from the band.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5rh969E9oA for the video "devils"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4oRM6tC8PQ for the video "The Lost Boys"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lS17O9nKGk for the video "Perfect Skin"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wh0ZY_95smw for the video "never say die"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TLYDF00Jts for the video "Dance D' Amor"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TwnIbuSfOtw live performance of "Still Waters Run Deep"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hl3Z_VMnEJs live performance of "Los Angeles" bootleg, but captures the energy of the live show.

just as a fun fact- the lead singer has a master degree in analytical chemistry, and is also a UNICEF good will ambassador for Finland. He has started a campaign in trying to help stop child trafficking and sex explortation of children in west africa. so that's pretty amazing.

Over the years I have heard music from many extraordinary bands and I have been able to see many great bands perform live like Danzig, The 69 Eyes, Garbage, Audioslave, Velvet Revolver, Motley Crue, Sheryl Crow, John Mayer, L.A. Guns, The Foo Fighters, and Jane's Addiction to name a few. But for me the greatest band I have ever seen live, wasn't a band that made millions of dollars, nor have their album gone muliti platinum. They didn't have pyro's or big expensive stage set. All they had was their music, and their passion for music, and their high energy, and that was enough for me and many others to be hooked to a band called "The Colour".

The story of The Colour starts off 4 years ago where the band members all met up with each other in Biola University, a Christian college. Soon after they met they all dropped out of school and began working odd jobs to support their new career.  The band, Wyatt Hull (lead singer), Davey Quon (lead/rhythm guitar), Nathan Warkentin (drummer) and Luke McMaster (rhythm guitar) all lived in a small home in Whittier as they worked on material for a demo.  Soon after they started playing at small clubs in the local area until they were signed on to Monarchy Music record label. They began recording their first e.p. “Out and About”.  The e.p. spawned spectacular songs such as “Mirrorball” and “Down the Circus”. Pretty soon they were opening up for large festival with the Psychedelic Furs, and opening up for Kasabian’s first tour as well as Ok Go.

“Out & About” was filled with blues guitar licks, a gospel smacking tambourine, about every decade of sounds as they pour it in a bucket of ideas. The Colour is able to put all these ideas together in a way that makes sense, keeping it short, simple and sexy. Every song on the album just gets you in the mood to dance and embrace the music, as music was once embraced back in the days of Jimi Hendrix, and Janis Joplin in the 60’s.

I saw the band perform for the first time when they opened up for Kasabian. I had no idea of who they were, but I could tell their was something special about them. They stood out from the rest of the opening band. Judging by how the crowd reacted to them, I think the crowd knew what I knew too. I remember after the show ended going to the merchandise table asking the clerk what was the name of the 2nd band that went up. He told me that they were the colour, and I bought their first e.p. it took 3 days before I listened to it. I wanted my hearing to come back completely before I listened to it. I wanted to hear the full quality of the cd, and not judge them harshly because the music didn’t sound as good due to the ringing in my ear from the show. I remember liking what I heard, and pretty soon, I couldn’t go a day without listening to it. I was hooked on them.

The second time I saw them, was a few months later at chain reaction. By that time they were changing labels to RETHINK, and beginning work on their 2nd e.p. entitled “Devil’s Got a Holda Me” and a few tracks would later be called the cave session. Like before they were amazing live. The fans were going wild; Wyatt was stirring it up like he only knows how. His present on stage is a mix of Jim Morrison from The Doors, and had the pure octane of David Lee Roth on stage. Everyone in the club was singing along, dancing and cheering the entire time. After the show was over I was able to meet the drummer again, even though I didn’t know I met him the first time until I met him the 2nd time.  Again he was at the merchandise table selling items, but this time I was able to finger him out. We talked for a bit and laughed at how I didn’t recognize him the first time I met him. I wasn’t wearing my glasses the first time, so I couldn’t tell what they looked like since I was a bit far away from the stage.  Later on I met the rest of the band. They were all great guys, very nice, funny, and never too busy to pose for a picture, or sign an autograph. They even stuck around to talk to me for half an hour, then they left to eat, and head home.

After seeing them a few times and getting to know them, they actually remembered me, and we would talk about music that inspires them, and what inspires their lyrics. Some of Wyatt’s biggest influences were The Clash, and T. Rex. But you could tell that other bands like Led Zeppelin and The Cure was an influence as well on his vocal style on their full length album “Between Earth & Sky”. It’s a throwback to the classic rock sound and just taking what they did in “Out & About” and taking the next step.

The last show I saw them at, was in Fullerton at a small venue called The Alley. It was the second to last show they were playing, before they hung up their boots. They decided as a band, they have gone as far as they can creatively, and thought it was time to move on. I remember picking up my sisters for the show. They live 2 hours away from the o.c., but they were dying to see them live. They were also big fans. So my cousin and I drove for 4 hours, had no sleep almost and nearly got in a pile up accident just to see The Colour. The pile up accident was not our fault; it was some speed demon that kept changing lanes that ended up side swiping a SUV that flipped over 3 times. Don’t worry everyone was fine. I pulled over, and checked on them, as my sisters called 911.  So later on that same day we saw them in their final show. As we waited for the band to take the stage, I remember seeing Wyatt head over to the back stage. He waved at me, and I went up to him and wished him luck on the show.  Then 30 minutes later the show started and my family and I had a great time. It was everything I knew it was going to be, and more. It was one of the best shows I saw.  The show was just full of life and energy. After the show we got to say our goodbyes to the band, and well wishes, and just thanked them for all the great music, and memories.  They were surprised by what we went through to see them, and appreciated us taking the time and energy to see them.  Music has always meant a lot to me, but this band is one of the few that is always going to have a lasting impression on me, and I was glad to take part of that band journey.

(Left to right) Davey Quon(lead/rhythm guitar, piano),Wyatt Hull (lead singer), Derek (bass)Nathan Warkentin (drummer)

"Out & About"- 1.St. Micheal, 2. Mirrorball, 3. Down the Circus, 4. Open Up The Boulevards, 5. Building Situations, 6. Tambournie

"Devil's Got A Holda Me"- 1. Devil's Got A Holda Me, 2. Save Yourself, 3. Chariots of Gold, 4. Until We're High

"Between Earth & Sky"- 1.Can't You Hear It Call, 2. Devil's Got A Holda Me, 3. Save Yourself, 4. Silver Meadows, 5. Our Children Were the Stars 6. Black Summer, 7. Just A Taste, 8. You're A Treasure, 9. Kill The Lights, 10. Salt The Earth, 11. Bearded Lady, 12. Dirge to Earth & Sky

check out thier music video for "Devil's Got A Holda Me"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkDToTJ9g8s

live perfromance of "Kill The Lights". this video shows how well they play live.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-U5HCDXkjKc

watch them perfrom 2 songs live on the  jimmy kimmel show. it shows off their true live stage presences.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fb3uqm6pMQ

a very special live acoustic concert by the colour.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_XoWPMDT30

The Cult is back with a new album entitled "Born into this". As most Cult fans know, this album sounds nothing like their past work. The Cult is known to always be evolving as time goes by.  They first started out as a punk/Goth band, then turned into a hard rock Americana band by their “Electric” album, then became more of a glam/arena rock band, then changed to an alternative rock band, and on their last album ended up going to a more heavy metal/ hard rock sound. This time the change seems more of a comfortable one for the band. It’s not as harsh as with the last album “Beyond Good and Evil”. Their vibe is very similar to their “Electric” album. It’s raw, it’s stripped down, and it’s energetic. It’s The Cult going back to their roots and rediscovering themselves as artist.  I don’t think any of the songs stick out, since the whole album is very solid. It’s an album that I can listen to over and over again easily without having to skip a track. It’s that good.

The album starts off fast and furious with “Born Into This”, and follows up the energy from that song to the 4th track of the album “Dirty Little Rockstar” hits.  Then “Holy Mountain” brings the album to a mellow, surreal pace.

Ian Astbury - “Holy Mountain' is probably the pinnacle for me ... it involves my girlfriend and (a time) in life where I felt kind of like, I won't say washed up, but I definitely felt drained. I felt frustrated and I felt undynamic and went on this journey and ended up at Everest. So that song is literally the zenith, the high point, and everything sort of flows down from that song."

“I Assassin” brings the mood from “Holy Mountain” to a literal stop. Almost like waking up from a dream, and getting smacked in the face with reality. It follows up with the more uplifting “illuminated” and brings it back to a darker overtone with “Tiger In The Sun” and “Savages”.  The album ends with “Sound of Destruction”, a heavy bass rocker, that kind of makes you forget the darker overtones, and reminds you just to rock out.

So what does the lead singer hope that the listener get’s from the album? "A life-changing experience. Spiritual upliftment. Some kind of an awakening, hopefully. I think one thing about this record is, it has all the ingredients in it. The teeth and claws haven't been taken out of it. It's not a nice little domesticated indie house pet. A lot of stuff was written in wild places: (while) denizens of Paris, (while) stuck in lodges in the Himalayas and (during) white-out snow storms."

There is also a special edition version of the cd, with a bonus disk that contains 5 tracks. I think it’s more for a die hard fan, rather then a new listener. “Stand Alone” and “War Pony Destroyer” are two great tracks that I don’t understand why they weren’t put in the original album.  The rest are demos and a full version of “Savages”. They are great demos, not a whole lot different then the originals, but they are great to listen too.  “Born Into This” is a great short, in your face album. It’s worth checking out and great album for new comers to the band to learn what this band is all about, and find out why they have been able to exist till this day. I give it a 4 ½ out of 5 stars. I think the price of 25 bucks for 5 extra tracks and only 2 being originals isn’t a great buy, but the album delivers in every track and translate beautifully live. I can’t find a track that isn’t good on this album. Check out the band live on tour. You don't want to miss out. Belive me, i have seen them live on their current tour.

1. Born Into This 2. Citizens 3. Diamonds 4. Dirty Little Rockstar 5. Holy Mountain 6. I Assassin 7. Illuminated 8. Tiger In The Sun 9. Savages 10. Sound of Destruction

Bonus disk: 1. Stand Alone 2. War Pony Destroyer 3. I Assassin (demo) 4. Sound of Destruction (demo) 5. Savages (full length version)

Since I heard that The Smashing Pumpkins were going to reform I was really excited. I was hoping that the last album “Machina” wouldn’t be the last album I would hear from them. I still felt that they had a few more albums and years in them, but a break from touring was much needed. Then I found out that only the lead singer Billy Corgan and the drummer Jimmy Chainberlin were the only two members coming back. Neither James Iha, nor D’Arcy was coming back to the band. I was even more surprised that they didn’t even invite Melissa Auf Der Maur back. She even stated that she’s willing to come back if they asked her too. So I don’t really think it’s a true reunion. But for any educated pumpkin fan, they know that Billy was the mastermind in the studio. So maybe it doesn’t make a difference if James and D aren’t in the band. But I still think many fans feel like they were cheated out of a real reunion and that Billy only brought back the name to cash in on it and to get attention from the media.

When the pumpkins broke up in 2000, Billy made a new super group (featuring Billy and Jimmy) named Zwan. The band didn’t last very long, but the one and only album they made sold well, but was soon forgotten. After that Billy made a solo album called “The Future Embrace”. The album did poorly compare to his past work. So the only way for Billy to save his career was to do a reunion. So that’s what he did, and he mentioned it first on the Chicago Times news paper with a full page ad. This was news to all the former band members.  At the end no one other then Jimmy decided to join.  So here we are now with a half hearted reunion, and a new album.

“Zeitgeist” German for “The Spirit of the Age” is the first album made by the Pumpkins in 7 years. The album already hit #2 on the billboard charts with 145,000 + copies sold in America on the first week. I wasn’t sure what to expect from the album when I first bought it. The last 2 albums were softer, poetic albums. So since it’s been nearly a decade, I was expecting more of the same since they are older and have matured more over the years. Lyrically, the album is very political compare to there past work. It’s the first time the the pumpkins have ever really spoke about something in a non poetic sense. So that was a shocker to me. What also shocked me is that this is the most aggressive album made by them as well. The songs come in fast, furious, lot of distorted guitar layering and amazing drum work. Their aren’t too many moments in this album where they give you a breather from this musical assault, but when they do give you a chance to catch your breath their ballads will easily take your breath away.  Songs like “That’s the Way (My Love Is)”, “Neverlost”, and “Bring the Light” seem to be more memorable, and full of life then the heavy rocker songs that after a while all seem to just blur together due to lack of individuality.

This album came out in many different versions. Each album version has a different color cover containing different bonuses. The standard red version has the basic 12 tracks. The deluxe red cover version has a book that accompanies it. Then there is the best buy orange color version that has the extra bonus track “Death From Above”. The blue cover I-Tunes version has the extra track “Stellar”, and the purple cover Target version has the bonus song “Zeitgeist”. I really hate these different versions of albums. It seems like it’s the new way for the music corporation to cash in on us fans. They purposely make different versions just to trick us into buying each copy. It’s really annoying; I don’t see why they just can’t make 2 versions. One should be the standard version and the other one being the deluxe version. Why do we need more then 2 versions?

But overall it’s a good album. I doubt many will feel its better then there “Mellon Collie” album. But I think its worth picking up if you’re a Pumpkin fan, and if your not, then this wouldn’t be the first album from the Pumpkins that you would want to add to your collection. It doesn’t showcase the full potential that they have. So out of a 1 through 5 scale, I give it 4 out of 5 stars. I think the only crappy song on the album was “Pomp & Circumstance” and I felt that “United States” was too long of a song.

       1.        Doomsday Clock

       2.        7 Shades of Black

       3.        Bleeding the Orchid

       4.        That’s the Way (My Love Is)

       5.        Tarantula

       6.        Starz

       7.        United States

       8.        Neverlost

       9.        Bring the Light

      10.       (Come On) Let’s Go!

      11.       For God & Country

      12.       Pomp & Circumstance

Bonus Tracks

13.              Death From Above (Best Buy orange cover version)

14.              Stellar (I-Tunes Blue Cover version)

15.              Zeitgeist (Target purple cover version)

here is a link to see the first single off the album "Tarantula"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5V2m3E4VvA

here is the link to see the second single "That's the Way (My Love Is)"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rg-9rAOezeg

Would the world be a better place if a real life batman existed? Would a crime fighter like that cause crime to end, or would it make it worse? Would you think its ok that a vigilante is out taking down criminals and putting an end to there evil doing by death? Would you accept this? Let me know what you think.

 batman

the joker and harley quin.

I'm not gay, but I’m sick of hearing that beckham is cute. So I’m giving a the girls a chance to find some new eye candy, that I wont mind hearing about so much.

Let's face it, most girls aren't into sports. The few that are, are either real fans, or just in love with the players based on looks or popularity. I have notice that most girls haven't really checked out the great looking guys in both pro-wrestling or in mixed marital arts. Mostly they just think basketball, base ball, and foot ball players are cute. But if one man can bring it around, and bring the U.F.C. to new main stream heights, it's this man. Andrei Arlovski.

This man is from Minsk, Belarus. He's a former soccer goalie, a former police officer, and a sambo champion. He was also a former heavy weight champion in the U.F.C. he's 6'-3", 238 lbs and currently living in Chicago, and is currently single. Well somewhat single, he's not married but dating a playmate.  So girls let me know what you think about him.

Andrei Arlovski posing for with his ufc heavyweight title

Andrei game face

Andrei last fight in the ufc. yeah he win's by decision against one of the best ju jit su fighters in the world.

Andrei Arlovski happy after winning his first ufc title

showing off is other talents other then just beating people up

 and that's why they call him the "pit bull"

having fun with his current girlfriend. yeah she's hot.

he enjoys wearing suits too.

posing during a photo shoot

keeping it real with his far east style

i think he still want's to be a cop

taking a min for a fan

if you want to see more pic's of him, check out my pic's. i have his own file in my pic's file. so check them out.

well i saw elizabeth espinosa report on recycling plastic bags, a few months ago, and again recently. when she asked a shopper what she will do with the bag, once she takes it home, the shopper refused to answer. but that question made me think, what does a person do with the bag after it's used to take their good to the grocery???? will recycling plastic bags work? will we put the effort in recycling plastic bags? should they just stop producing plastic bags so we are forced to use our own bags from home? i want to know what you all have to say about this, but i'll let you know what i'll do about this in the most honest way that i can.

1. what do i do with the bag after i used it to transport my groceries.

well i mostly just use it as a trash bag. it fit's perfectly in my lil trash can.

2.will recycling plastic bags work/will we put the effort in recycling plastic bags?

 i don't think people will put the effort in recycling plastic bags. i'm assuming most use the bag as i do, and if they don't i doubt they will put the effort to take it to a local store for recycling.

3. should they just stop producing plastic bags so we are forced to use our own bags from home?

i think if they did, it would be the best way to force us to stop using them. it will also make it a hassle for us all to carry our food from the store to our homes. i wouldnt mind using my back packs for lil things, but what about a whole shopping cart full of food? it wont all fit in my backpack.

if your wondering how this all fits in to traffic, well i'll tell ya. plastic bags clog drains on the streets. when it rains it causes floods. when streets are flooded, cars aren't able to pass, or pass as quickly so it causes traffic. see how it effects traffic. lol. i'm kidding.

when i heard of the news about what happened to to chirs benoit, i was in shock and disbelief. i have watched him perform for over 10 years. he was one of the greatest wrestler of all time. time and time again, he performed in matches that would eventually be classic's. it's sad to know that his legacy in the ring will always be over shadowed by what he did. i just wish for the many wrestling fans out there, that they remember him for what he was inside the ring, for his charity work outside the ring, for being a hero to many in his homeland of canada, and for his great heart and passion he had for wrestling. 

i know as a fan, i'll always remember his work. in the ring, he was one tough s.o.b. his aggresivness was unmatched, his wrestling skills were amazing. the drive and force he would put into his snap suplexes, the way he dove off the top rope to perfrom his flying head butt with full blunt force. his incredible counters, escapes and from submissions only to put you in his own submission move "the crippler crossface" or "the sharpshooter". he was amazing. i'll miss seeing his triple german suplexes. no one but his greatest rival kurt angle can pull them off like he can.  i'll miss chris dearly. for more info on chris benoit, visit wwe website.

chris benoit with his late friend eddie gurrero at wrestlemania. the night he won his first world title.

chris showing his ruthless aggression. one of the reason why he is known as the rabid wolverine and the crippler.

chris benoit performing for our troop in iraq. showing his support for our country and giving the troops the much needed moral they need to succeed.

a picture of chris benoit, the man outside the ring.  if you want to see what kind of man he is, just watch the wwe hall of fame. where he along with rey mysterio, and chavo gurerro inducted his best friend eddie gurerro in the hall of fame a year after eddie's death.

Well since I wrote up who I thought was the toughest morning news reporter/anchor, I thought I should do the evening news too.  It took a while since it was really hard to tell who the best was. But I did my research, and tried to come up with the best possible results.

As before I wrote the ranking, the fighter, their strengths and at times their weaknesses. I also wrote what fighting style they would use due to their strengths and weaknesses. I also compare them to real fighters to give you an idea of what they would fight like in real life. Let me know what you all think.

1) (Champion) Christina Gonzalez: she's experienced, dangerous elbows, a long reach advantage and ruthless aggression. She fast with her hands and feet.

fighting style: muay boran (emphasizes the use of extremely powerful elbow and knee techniques, and combinations thereof, always thrown at full force and speed. its style is quite efficient, in that it maximizes the amount of damage that each blow can inflict, and effective, in that it can easily lead to the death or serious injury of the opponent.), capoeira (a fluid acrobatic play, feints, subterfuge, and extensive use of groundwork, as well as sweeps, kicks, and headbutts)

Fighter style: wanderlei silva

2) Christy Fajardo: she's stronger then appears heavy hands, strong in the clinch, but she lacks range due to her short limbs.

Fighting style: muay boran, Brazilian jiu-jitsu (grappling and especially ground fighting with the goal of gaining a dominant position and using joint locks and chokeholds to force an opponent to submit), 

Fighting style: matt Serra

3) Suzanne Marques: she's a rookie, so her lack of knowledge is what keeps her from being the best. But for a rookie she's amazing and only getting better. She has great spunk, good conditioning, and good all around on the ground game and standing.

Fighting style: kampfringen (a germen fighting style that employed all ranges of fighting, from striking to ground-fighting, and included joint-locks, leverage throws, pain compliance grips, and various striking techniques)

Fighter style: Quinton "rampage" Jackson

4) Christine Devine: she has an iron will, great strategist, good all around, good reach and very experienced. Her only weakness is the ability to pull the trigger when it comes to ending a fight which will cost her the match.