Monday, July 28, 2008
Double-Issue : - (
Last week's New York Magazine was a double-issue; therefore, there isn't a new Approval Matrix this week. Please browse our years worth of posts, and we'll be back next Monday. (I don't know why I'm using the royal "we," because, I'm the only one here.)
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Heidi Montag and Meghan McCain Do Lunch
4th\SW Quadrant: The Approval Matrix
Heidi Montag and her Hermes bag were spotted having lunch with John and Cindy McCain’s twenty-three year old daughter Meghan on Tuesday. The MTV reality star even pecked the Nation’s potential next First Daughter on the cheek before leaving the Ivy on the Shore Restaurant in Santa Monica yesterday afternoon [July 15, 2008].
-- Popcrunch
Back in April, Heidi publicly declared, "I'm voting for John McCain. I'm a Republican and McCain has a lot of experience." Since then, McCain shared that he never misses an episode of The Hills.
-- Huffington Post
Heidi Montag and her Hermes bag were spotted having lunch with John and Cindy McCain’s twenty-three year old daughter Meghan on Tuesday. The MTV reality star even pecked the Nation’s potential next First Daughter on the cheek before leaving the Ivy on the Shore Restaurant in Santa Monica yesterday afternoon [July 15, 2008].-- Popcrunch
Back in April, Heidi publicly declared, "I'm voting for John McCain. I'm a Republican and McCain has a lot of experience." Since then, McCain shared that he never misses an episode of The Hills.
-- Huffington Post
Jimmy Kimmel and Sarah Silverman Split
4th\SW Quadrant: The Approval Matrix
Jimmy Kimmel and Sarah Silverman have decided to part ways after 5 years. Kimmel’s rep Lewis Kay and Silverman’s rep Amy Zvi both confirmed the split and added that, “Jimmy and Sarah have and will have no further comment.” -- Hollyscoop
No word on what caused the split.
Jimmy Kimmel and Sarah Silverman have decided to part ways after 5 years. Kimmel’s rep Lewis Kay and Silverman’s rep Amy Zvi both confirmed the split and added that, “Jimmy and Sarah have and will have no further comment.” -- HollyscoopNo word on what caused the split.
"Meet Dave"
4th\NW Quadrant: The Approval Matrix
Plot from IMDb: A crew of miniature aliens operate a spaceship that has a human form. While trying to save their planet, the aliens encounter a new problem, as their ship becomes smitten with an Earth woman.
TRAILER
Plot from IMDb: A crew of miniature aliens operate a spaceship that has a human form. While trying to save their planet, the aliens encounter a new problem, as their ship becomes smitten with an Earth woman.
TRAILER
"From G's to Gents"
4th\SW Quadrant: The Approval Matrix
From G's to Gents rounds up 14 rough-around-the-edges young men from across the country and gives them the opportunity of a lifetime -- the chance to go from G to gent and walk away with some cold, hard cash!
From executive producer Jamie Foxx, From G's to Gents schools diamonds in the rough on how to lose the front, learn self-respect, realize their self-worth and market themselves accordingly. The wannabe gentlemen learn everything from style and grace to etiquette and chivalry. The G's discover that with the right tools, they can become true gents. -- MTV
TRAILER
From G's to Gents rounds up 14 rough-around-the-edges young men from across the country and gives them the opportunity of a lifetime -- the chance to go from G to gent and walk away with some cold, hard cash!
From executive producer Jamie Foxx, From G's to Gents schools diamonds in the rough on how to lose the front, learn self-respect, realize their self-worth and market themselves accordingly. The wannabe gentlemen learn everything from style and grace to etiquette and chivalry. The G's discover that with the right tools, they can become true gents. -- MTV
TRAILER
Saturday, July 26, 2008
This Billboard
4th\SW Quadrant: The Approval Matrix
[A] series of billboards [are] popping up in Central Florida. They carry a political message, but the image is one that some find offensive, and one that recalls one of our nation's darkest moments.
The three identical billboards show the World Trade Center shortly after the 9/11 attacks and the message reads: "Please don't vote for a Democrat."It also directs people to a Web site where a music video titled: "The Republican Song" plays.
Mike Meehan of St. Cloud is the musician behind the Web site, and the designer and buyer of the billboard. He said it means that our nation's security is weak, and Democratic presidents and lawmakers are to blame.
Both major political parties are offended, and are condemning the billboards. -- WESH
Lyrics
The Democrat secular progressive move,
political correctness is killing us too.
They want to take the money from the hard workin' man,
and give it to the lazy folks that don't give a damn.
Chorus
Democrats and Liberals, shame on you,
don't punish us all just to please a few,
You're holdin people back while we're pickin' up the slack,
and that's why we can't vote for a Democrat.
Oh no, a no, no, no, no, no, no...
Oh no, a no, no, no, no, no, nooo...
Yeah, you're holdin people back, while we're pickin' up the tax,
Oh no, no please don't vote for a Democrat.
Now we're trying to win a war and wipe out the terrorists,
We're not fightin' for oil we got plenty if we drill it.
But the liberals and the media are spreading their lies,
Get the hell out of our way and let our soldiers fight. Chorus Democrats and Liberals shame on you, Don't punish us all just to please a few.
No we can't afford to have another attack,
and that's why we can't vote for a Democrat.
Oh no, a no, no, no, no, no ,no...
Oh no, a no, no, no, no, no, no..
No we can't afford to have another attack,
Oh no, please don't vote for a Democrat. Republicans, we're not perfect but we know the truth
We uphold the Constitution and the Golden Rule.
We believe a man's freedom is a God given right,
the USA is the beacon to the whole world in sight.
Chorus
Democrats and Liberals shame on you,
Don't punish us all just to please a few.
Our Constitution, Nation and God are under attack,
and that's why we can't vote for a Democrat.
Oh no, oh no, no, no, no, no, no...
Oh no, oh no, no, no, no, no, no...
Our Constitution, Nation and God are under attack,
Oh no, please, oh no please, don't vote for a Democrat.
Our Constitution, Nation and God are under attack,
[A] series of billboards [are] popping up in Central Florida. They carry a political message, but the image is one that some find offensive, and one that recalls one of our nation's darkest moments.The three identical billboards show the World Trade Center shortly after the 9/11 attacks and the message reads: "Please don't vote for a Democrat."It also directs people to a Web site where a music video titled: "The Republican Song" plays.
Mike Meehan of St. Cloud is the musician behind the Web site, and the designer and buyer of the billboard. He said it means that our nation's security is weak, and Democratic presidents and lawmakers are to blame.
Both major political parties are offended, and are condemning the billboards. -- WESH
Lyrics
The Democrat secular progressive move,
political correctness is killing us too.
They want to take the money from the hard workin' man,
and give it to the lazy folks that don't give a damn.
Chorus
Democrats and Liberals, shame on you,
don't punish us all just to please a few,
You're holdin people back while we're pickin' up the slack,
and that's why we can't vote for a Democrat.
Oh no, a no, no, no, no, no, no...
Oh no, a no, no, no, no, no, nooo...
Yeah, you're holdin people back, while we're pickin' up the tax,
Oh no, no please don't vote for a Democrat.
Now we're trying to win a war and wipe out the terrorists,
We're not fightin' for oil we got plenty if we drill it.
But the liberals and the media are spreading their lies,
Get the hell out of our way and let our soldiers fight. Chorus Democrats and Liberals shame on you, Don't punish us all just to please a few.
No we can't afford to have another attack,
and that's why we can't vote for a Democrat.
Oh no, a no, no, no, no, no ,no...
Oh no, a no, no, no, no, no, no..
No we can't afford to have another attack,
Oh no, please don't vote for a Democrat. Republicans, we're not perfect but we know the truth
We uphold the Constitution and the Golden Rule.
We believe a man's freedom is a God given right,
the USA is the beacon to the whole world in sight.
Chorus
Democrats and Liberals shame on you,
Don't punish us all just to please a few.
Our Constitution, Nation and God are under attack,
and that's why we can't vote for a Democrat.
Oh no, oh no, no, no, no, no, no...
Oh no, oh no, no, no, no, no, no...
Our Constitution, Nation and God are under attack,
Oh no, please, oh no please, don't vote for a Democrat.
Our Constitution, Nation and God are under attack,
"Worlds Greatest Dad" in Child Sex Sting
4th\Quadrant: The Approval Matrix
A Michigan man wore a T-shirt that said "World's Greatest Dad" when he went to have sex with someone he thought was a 14-year-old girl, officials tell the Detroit Free Press.
Daniel Allen Everett "allegedly engaged in graphic sexual conversation with an undercover agent and propositioned the agent, who was posing as a 14-year-old girl, to meet him for sex," prosecutors say in a statement issued Tuesday. "This afternoon, Everett was arrested in Novi where he is alleged to have appeared to meet the minor for sex. He was arrested wearing a T-shirt with the words, 'Worlds Greatest Dad' on the front... -- USA Today
A Michigan man wore a T-shirt that said "World's Greatest Dad" when he went to have sex with someone he thought was a 14-year-old girl, officials tell the Detroit Free Press.Daniel Allen Everett "allegedly engaged in graphic sexual conversation with an undercover agent and propositioned the agent, who was posing as a 14-year-old girl, to meet him for sex," prosecutors say in a statement issued Tuesday. "This afternoon, Everett was arrested in Novi where he is alleged to have appeared to meet the minor for sex. He was arrested wearing a T-shirt with the words, 'Worlds Greatest Dad' on the front... -- USA Today
NFL Hires Gang Experts
4th\SW Quadrant: The Approval Matrix
Suspicious hand gestures during celebratory touchdown dances have NFL officials going to the videotape.
The league has hired experts to review various game tapes and identify any hand signals of street gangs, The Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday. While the league has always dissuaded players against the use of such symbols, warnings were strengthened by the recent shooting death of Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams involving known gang members.
On April 28, Paul Pierce of the NBA’s Boston Celtics was fined $25,000 for his use of “menacing gestures” toward the Atlanta Hawks bench during a game in April. Pierce denied that he was using gang signs, telling the Associated Press that his foundation is committed to keeping kids away from gangs. Nonetheless, the episode raised concerns in the NFL. -- Fox News
Suspicious hand gestures during celebratory touchdown dances have NFL officials going to the videotape. The league has hired experts to review various game tapes and identify any hand signals of street gangs, The Los Angeles Times reported Wednesday. While the league has always dissuaded players against the use of such symbols, warnings were strengthened by the recent shooting death of Denver Broncos cornerback Darrent Williams involving known gang members.
On April 28, Paul Pierce of the NBA’s Boston Celtics was fined $25,000 for his use of “menacing gestures” toward the Atlanta Hawks bench during a game in April. Pierce denied that he was using gang signs, telling the Associated Press that his foundation is committed to keeping kids away from gangs. Nonetheless, the episode raised concerns in the NFL. -- Fox News
Hellboy - Abe Sapien Duet in "Hellboy II"
3rd\SE Quadrant: The Approval Matrix
By Cole Smithey\Film Critic 1963
Abe Sapien and Hellboy join in a [drunken] duet of Barry Manilow’s "I Can't Smile Without You." The moment comes after a love-struck Sapien pines for Prince Nuada’s alter-opposite twin, Princess Nuada (Anna Walton).
By Cole Smithey\Film Critic 1963Abe Sapien and Hellboy join in a [drunken] duet of Barry Manilow’s "I Can't Smile Without You." The moment comes after a love-struck Sapien pines for Prince Nuada’s alter-opposite twin, Princess Nuada (Anna Walton).
Ronnie Wood Wants to Keep His Wife and Mistress
3rd\SW Quadrant: The Approval Matrix
The 61-year-old Rolling Stones guitarist - who has been having an affair with 20-year-old Russian waitress Ekaterina Ivanova - reportedly confessed his feelings for wife Jo, 52, and his young mistress to fellow patients at a rehab facility.
The 61-year-old Rolling Stones guitarist - who has been having an affair with 20-year-old Russian waitress Ekaterina Ivanova - reportedly confessed his feelings for wife Jo, 52, and his young mistress to fellow patients at a rehab facility.He said: "I love my wife - but I have a girlfriend and I love her too."
The ageing rocker is being treated at a countryside retreat for alcohol, drug and sex addiction.
Staff told Ronnie he must complete a six-week treatment programme after hearing of his vodka binges, his 20-year-old lover and previous drug problems.
The source added to Britain’s The Sun newspaper: "He thinks the whole affair scenario has been blown out of proportion - but that’s part of his problem."-- Stuff
Thursday, July 24, 2008
77-Year-Old Woman Fends Off Rabid Fox
3rd\NW Quadrant: The Approval Matrix
By The Associated Press
A 77-year-old grandmother is recovering at home after she pinned down a rabid fox that bit her and held it until help arrived.
Avis Blakeslee was attacked as she tended to her petunias outside her Stroudsburg farmhouse.
She said she pushed the animal to the ground after it bit her, and held its jaws shut with one arm as she flagged down a passing driver with the other.
Blakeslee lost a large amount of blood. She underwent surgery to clean out her seven leg wounds and arm wound, and spent four days in the hospital after the Monday attack.
Cory Bentzoni, a wildlife conservation officer for the Pennsylvania Game Commission, said tests confirmed that the fox was rabid.
By The Associated PressA 77-year-old grandmother is recovering at home after she pinned down a rabid fox that bit her and held it until help arrived.
Avis Blakeslee was attacked as she tended to her petunias outside her Stroudsburg farmhouse.
She said she pushed the animal to the ground after it bit her, and held its jaws shut with one arm as she flagged down a passing driver with the other.
Blakeslee lost a large amount of blood. She underwent surgery to clean out her seven leg wounds and arm wound, and spent four days in the hospital after the Monday attack.
Cory Bentzoni, a wildlife conservation officer for the Pennsylvania Game Commission, said tests confirmed that the fox was rabid.
"The Ridiculous Race"
3rd\SE Quadrant: The Approval Matrix
Product Description from Amazon
The most absurd, hilarious, and ridiculous travelogue ever told, by two hit-TV comedy writers who raced each other around the world—for bragging rights and a very expensive bottle of Scotch
It started as a friendly wager: two old friends from The Harvard Lampoon, now hotshot Hollywood scribes, challenged each other to a race around the globe in opposite directions. There was only one rule: no airplanes. The first man to cross every line of longitude and arrive back in L.A. would win Scotch and infamy. But little did one racer know that the other planned to cheat him out of the big prize by way of a ride on a quarter-million-dollar jet pack.
What follows is a pair of hilarious, hazardous, and eye-opening journeys into the farthest corners of the world. From the West Bank to the Aleutian Islands, the slums of Rio to the steppes of Mongolia, traveling by ocean freighter and the Trans-Siberian Railway (pranking each other mercilessly along the way), Vali and Steve plunge eagerly and ill-prepared into global adventure.
The Ridiculous Race is a comic travelogue unlike any other, an outrageous tale of two gentlemen travelers who can’t wait to don baggy cardigan sweaters, clench corncob pipes between their teeth, and yell at their sons, “You lazy bums! When we were your age, we raced around the world without airplanes!”
Product Description from AmazonThe most absurd, hilarious, and ridiculous travelogue ever told, by two hit-TV comedy writers who raced each other around the world—for bragging rights and a very expensive bottle of Scotch
It started as a friendly wager: two old friends from The Harvard Lampoon, now hotshot Hollywood scribes, challenged each other to a race around the globe in opposite directions. There was only one rule: no airplanes. The first man to cross every line of longitude and arrive back in L.A. would win Scotch and infamy. But little did one racer know that the other planned to cheat him out of the big prize by way of a ride on a quarter-million-dollar jet pack.
What follows is a pair of hilarious, hazardous, and eye-opening journeys into the farthest corners of the world. From the West Bank to the Aleutian Islands, the slums of Rio to the steppes of Mongolia, traveling by ocean freighter and the Trans-Siberian Railway (pranking each other mercilessly along the way), Vali and Steve plunge eagerly and ill-prepared into global adventure.
The Ridiculous Race is a comic travelogue unlike any other, an outrageous tale of two gentlemen travelers who can’t wait to don baggy cardigan sweaters, clench corncob pipes between their teeth, and yell at their sons, “You lazy bums! When we were your age, we raced around the world without airplanes!”
Updates Will Continue Through the Weekend
Don't forget that I'll be updating the blog on Saturday, and Sunday to complete The Approval Matrix.
"Generation Kill"
2ND\NW Quadrant: The Approval Matrix
David Simon (writer) and Ed Burns ("The Wire") have adapted Rolling Stone journalist Evan Wright's book “Generation Kill.” The HBO show recounts in seven parts the seven weeks Wright spent with the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion on the front lines of what prematurely came to be known as Operation Iraqi Freedom. It is a straightforward and remarkably thorough adaptation of the book.. -- LA Times
TRAILER
David Simon (writer) and Ed Burns ("The Wire") have adapted Rolling Stone journalist Evan Wright's book “Generation Kill.” The HBO show recounts in seven parts the seven weeks Wright spent with the 1st Reconnaissance Battalion on the front lines of what prematurely came to be known as Operation Iraqi Freedom. It is a straightforward and remarkably thorough adaptation of the book.. -- LA Times
TRAILER
Victoria Clark in "The Marriage of Bette and Boo"
2nd\NW Quadrant: The Approval Matrix
The Marriage of Bette and Boo is a dark comedy that takes a look at the complex marriage of Bette and Boo. Three decades of marriage, divorce, alcoholism, nervous breakdowns and death - all blended in a unique mix of irony, humor and farce - are played out in 33 quick scenes.
-- RoundAboutTheatreCompany
A conversation about THE MARRIAGE OF BETTE AND BOO with platwright Christopher Durang and Roundabout's Artistic Director Todd Haimes.
The Marriage of Bette and Boo
June 12 - September 7, 2008
Harold and Miriam Steinberg
Center for Theatre
111 West 46th St (6th & 7th Aves)
Ticket Services: 212.719.1300
The Marriage of Bette and Boo is a dark comedy that takes a look at the complex marriage of Bette and Boo. Three decades of marriage, divorce, alcoholism, nervous breakdowns and death - all blended in a unique mix of irony, humor and farce - are played out in 33 quick scenes.
-- RoundAboutTheatreCompany
DAVID ROONEY wrote in his review of the play for Variety, "Taking a wry, absurdist view of life's unfathomable cruelties is a specialty of Christopher Durang, but even by the playwright's own standards, the characters in "The Marriage of Bette and Boo" have little to laugh about. Since the play premiered at the Public Theater in 1985, the appetite for dark-hued irony has grown steadily, making themes like marital misery, family dysfunction, alcoholism, emotional instability, religion and death into standard fodder for comedy. So it's all the more surprising that, whether in giddy or melancholy mode, the play remains sharp, funny and affecting more than 20 years later."
A conversation about THE MARRIAGE OF BETTE AND BOO with platwright Christopher Durang and Roundabout's Artistic Director Todd Haimes.
The Marriage of Bette and Boo
June 12 - September 7, 2008
Harold and Miriam Steinberg
Center for Theatre
111 West 46th St (6th & 7th Aves)
Ticket Services: 212.719.1300
Vogue's All-Black-Models Issue
2nd\NE Quadrant: The Approval Matrix
By Stephanie D. Smith\WWD
While tech heads on Friday lined up at the Apple store to buy the latest iPhone, fashionistas evidently hurried to newsstands across New York City to get their hands on the July Italian Vogue featuring all black models.
Condé Nast prepped accordingly for the increased consumer curiosity surrounding the themed issue, where Steven Meisel shot the likes of Naomi Campbell, Alek Wek, Jourdan Dunn, Liya Kebede, Veronica Webb and upcoming names like Sessilee Lopez and Toccara Jones.
A spokeswoman for Condé said the company increased newsstand distribution of the special issue by 40 percent in the U.S., and will reallocate Italian copies earmarked for returns to the U.S. The company will also print another 10,000 copies to meet the demand for the issue.
"Franca Sozzani is a brilliant editor whose courage and originality never cease to astonish. Working in collaboration with Steven Meisel she has produced a groundbreaking issue, which in a small way, changes the world. I am very proud of it," said Jonathan Newhouse, chairman of Condé Nast International.
Jezebel has a ton of scanned images from the issue.
By Stephanie D. Smith\WWDWhile tech heads on Friday lined up at the Apple store to buy the latest iPhone, fashionistas evidently hurried to newsstands across New York City to get their hands on the July Italian Vogue featuring all black models.
Condé Nast prepped accordingly for the increased consumer curiosity surrounding the themed issue, where Steven Meisel shot the likes of Naomi Campbell, Alek Wek, Jourdan Dunn, Liya Kebede, Veronica Webb and upcoming names like Sessilee Lopez and Toccara Jones.
A spokeswoman for Condé said the company increased newsstand distribution of the special issue by 40 percent in the U.S., and will reallocate Italian copies earmarked for returns to the U.S. The company will also print another 10,000 copies to meet the demand for the issue.
"Franca Sozzani is a brilliant editor whose courage and originality never cease to astonish. Working in collaboration with Steven Meisel she has produced a groundbreaking issue, which in a small way, changes the world. I am very proud of it," said Jonathan Newhouse, chairman of Condé Nast International.
Jezebel has a ton of scanned images from the issue.
iPhone MotionX Poker Game
2nd/NE Quadrant: The Approval Matrix
By Brian Lam\Gizmodo
This Dice game is by far the coolest game I've seen, and it's got amazing tech inside which takes advantage of the iPhone's sensors like no other app. Here's how it works: You shake the iPhone and it rolls the dice inside, which you use to play poker. But instead of using some dumb random number generator, it captures your hand's motion and rolls simulated collisions between the virtual dice.
Fullpower is, at its heart, an advanced sensor data processing company. This game is using Fullpower's Motion X tech, which is used to simulate physics, predict motion patterns, and process sensor data. To put it pretty simply, it does "for motion what speech recognition does for voice."
By Brian Lam\Gizmodo
This Dice game is by far the coolest game I've seen, and it's got amazing tech inside which takes advantage of the iPhone's sensors like no other app. Here's how it works: You shake the iPhone and it rolls the dice inside, which you use to play poker. But instead of using some dumb random number generator, it captures your hand's motion and rolls simulated collisions between the virtual dice.
Fullpower is, at its heart, an advanced sensor data processing company. This game is using Fullpower's Motion X tech, which is used to simulate physics, predict motion patterns, and process sensor data. To put it pretty simply, it does "for motion what speech recognition does for voice."
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
"After Nature" at The New Museum
2nd\NW Quadrant: The Approval Matrix
By Jen Carlson\Gothamist
The New Museum unveiled its new exhibit, "After Nature," yesterday. Running through September 21st, they say it's a departure from "the fictional documentaries of Werner Herzog" and instead draws inspiration (and its title) from W.G. Sebald's book...though rapture, ruins and environmental disasters also acted as muses. Bringing together 26 international artists on three gallery floors, expect to take in paintings, photographs, installations, films, writings, and living sculptures. Perhaps the most jarring piece is the headless horse emerging from the wall (created out of taxidermied horse skin).
By Jen Carlson\GothamistThe New Museum unveiled its new exhibit, "After Nature," yesterday. Running through September 21st, they say it's a departure from "the fictional documentaries of Werner Herzog" and instead draws inspiration (and its title) from W.G. Sebald's book...though rapture, ruins and environmental disasters also acted as muses. Bringing together 26 international artists on three gallery floors, expect to take in paintings, photographs, installations, films, writings, and living sculptures. Perhaps the most jarring piece is the headless horse emerging from the wall (created out of taxidermied horse skin).
Alan Wolfe's Economic Essay in The New Republic
2nd\NE Quadrant: The Approval Matrix
Alan Wolfe's exhaustive essay on behavioral economics, Hedonic Man The new economics and the pursuit of happiness, in which he reviews the following books can be read here:
.
HAPPINESS: A REVOLUTION IN ECONOMICS (MUNICH LECTURES IN ECONOMICS)
By Bruno S. Frey
(MIT Press, 240 pp., $35)
PREDICTABLY IRRATIONAL: THE HIDDEN FORCES THAT SHAPE OUR DECISIONS
By Dan Ariely
(HarperCollins, 280 pp., $25.95)
Alan Wolfe's exhaustive essay on behavioral economics, Hedonic Man The new economics and the pursuit of happiness, in which he reviews the following books can be read here:
.
HAPPINESS: A REVOLUTION IN ECONOMICS (MUNICH LECTURES IN ECONOMICS)
By Bruno S. Frey
(MIT Press, 240 pp., $35)
PREDICTABLY IRRATIONAL: THE HIDDEN FORCES THAT SHAPE OUR DECISIONS
By Dan Ariely
(HarperCollins, 280 pp., $25.95)
Monday, July 21, 2008
"Tell No One"
1st\NW Quadrant: The Approval Matrix
Plot Summary: Eight years ago, Margot Beck was murdered by a serial killer. Though the killer has confessed to eight of these murders, he has always denied to be responsible for Margot's death. However, the specific mutilations found on her body seem to remove all doubts over his guilt. Today, Alexandre Beck, her husband, is still deeply psychologically injured by the loss of Margot. He temporarily escapes his memories during the day by immersing himself completely in his work as a pediatrician. Outside of that, only the friendship he has formed with Hélène Perkins saves him from total isolation from the rest of the world. But when two new bodies are uncovered near where Margot's body was discovered, Margot's case is reopened. At the same time, Alexandre receives a strange e-mail with a link to a video-surveillance web-cam and a time at which to watch it... Written by Chevalier Bayard\IMDb
"Tell No One" Trailer NSFW
Plot Summary: Eight years ago, Margot Beck was murdered by a serial killer. Though the killer has confessed to eight of these murders, he has always denied to be responsible for Margot's death. However, the specific mutilations found on her body seem to remove all doubts over his guilt. Today, Alexandre Beck, her husband, is still deeply psychologically injured by the loss of Margot. He temporarily escapes his memories during the day by immersing himself completely in his work as a pediatrician. Outside of that, only the friendship he has formed with Hélène Perkins saves him from total isolation from the rest of the world. But when two new bodies are uncovered near where Margot's body was discovered, Margot's case is reopened. At the same time, Alexandre receives a strange e-mail with a link to a video-surveillance web-cam and a time at which to watch it... Written by Chevalier Bayard\IMDb"Tell No One" Trailer NSFW
Spike Jonze and Dave Eggers' "Where The Wild Things Are" Shelved?
1st\NW Quadrant: The Approval Matrix
"Where The Wild Things Are" is the newest film from Academy Award nominated director Spike Jonze (Being John Malcovich, Adaptation). The film is based on Maurice Sendak's classic children's book, and was adapted for the screen by Spike Jonze and writer Dave Eggers (Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, You Shall Know Our Velocity!).
Reports have recently emerged that Warner Bros. may be considering an entire re-shoot of the film, and perhaps without Jonze. Apparently, the version that Jonze turned in was a more mature, adult adaptation than Warner Bros. had originally anticipated, and they've pushed the release date WAY back. (The films release was originally set for May 2008, and it's now set for October 2009.) -- Save "Where The Wild Things Are"
"Where The Wild Things Are" is the newest film from Academy Award nominated director Spike Jonze (Being John Malcovich, Adaptation). The film is based on Maurice Sendak's classic children's book, and was adapted for the screen by Spike Jonze and writer Dave Eggers (Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, You Shall Know Our Velocity!).Reports have recently emerged that Warner Bros. may be considering an entire re-shoot of the film, and perhaps without Jonze. Apparently, the version that Jonze turned in was a more mature, adult adaptation than Warner Bros. had originally anticipated, and they've pushed the release date WAY back. (The films release was originally set for May 2008, and it's now set for October 2009.) -- Save "Where The Wild Things Are"
Burgers Turn Chic In Paris
1st\NW Quadrant: The Approval Matrix
A shrimp and squid burger at Le Relais du Parc. (Ed Alcock for The New York Times)
By JANE SIGAL\The New York Times
Beginning a few years ago but picking up momentum in the past nine months, hamburgers and cheeseburgers have invaded the city. Anywhere tourists are likely to go this summer — in St.-Germain cafes, in fashion-world hangouts, even in restaurants run by three-star chefs — they are likely to find a juicy beef patty, almost invariably on a sesame seed bun.
It is a startling turnaround in a country where a chef once sued McDonald’s for $2.7 million in damages over a poster that suggested he was dreaming of a Big Mac. Hamburgers were everything that French dining is not: informal, messy, fast and foreign.
But as French chefs have embraced the quintessentially American food, they have also made it their own, incorporating Gallic flourishes like cornichons, fleur de sel and fresh thyme. These attempts to translate the burger, or maybe even improve it, strongly suggest that it is here to stay.
A shrimp and squid burger at Le Relais du Parc. (Ed Alcock for The New York Times)By JANE SIGAL\The New York Times
Beginning a few years ago but picking up momentum in the past nine months, hamburgers and cheeseburgers have invaded the city. Anywhere tourists are likely to go this summer — in St.-Germain cafes, in fashion-world hangouts, even in restaurants run by three-star chefs — they are likely to find a juicy beef patty, almost invariably on a sesame seed bun.
It is a startling turnaround in a country where a chef once sued McDonald’s for $2.7 million in damages over a poster that suggested he was dreaming of a Big Mac. Hamburgers were everything that French dining is not: informal, messy, fast and foreign.
But as French chefs have embraced the quintessentially American food, they have also made it their own, incorporating Gallic flourishes like cornichons, fleur de sel and fresh thyme. These attempts to translate the burger, or maybe even improve it, strongly suggest that it is here to stay.
Orchids Trick Wasps into Sex
1st\NW Quadrant: The Approval Matrix
WHILE few can resist the allure of a beautiful orchid, some wasps outdo the most ardent flower lover. Male orchid dupe wasps become so enamoured with Australian tongue orchids, which give off the scent of female wasps, that they ejaculate. But what price does the wasp pay for this misdirected mating?
Many insects are sexually deceived into liaisons with flowers, but few go as far as Lissopimpla excelsa, says Anne Gaskett of Macquarie University in Sydney, Australia, who led the study (The American Naturalist, DOI: 10.1086/587532) testing the wasp's behaviour towards Cryptostylis.
Gaskett noticed that some wasps in the bush outside Sydney left a visible blob on tongue orchid flowers following their visits. "We decided to check if they were wasting their sperm on the flowers," she says, which closer examination confirmed.
Field experiments also showed nearly three-quarters of the male wasps ejaculated on the flowers...
No Broker Fees for Charlie Rangle?
1st\NW Quadrant: The Approval Matrix
By DAVID KOCIENIEWSKI\New York Times
Representative Charles B. Rangel on Friday angrily defended the unusual housing bargain he has been granted by a major real estate developer, saying that he did not believe he was being allowed four rent-stabilized apartments [on 135th Street between Lenox and Fifth Avenues] because of his status as a congressman.
Responding to an article in Friday’s New York Times, Mr. Rangel said there was nothing illegal or unethical about his relationship with the Olnick Organization, his landlord at the Lenox Terrace complex in Harlem. He also said that he did not believe it was unfair to avail himself of the multiple rent-stabilized apartments at a time of soaring rents in Manhattan and evictions of many rent-regulated tenants.
Mr. Rangel said he did not believe it excessive to have three adjacent apartments on the building’s 16th floor, where he and his wife live. But he said he would consider giving up the fourth apartment, which he uses as a campaign office, if his staff concludes that it violates the state and city requirement that rent-regulated apartments be used only as primary residences.
By DAVID KOCIENIEWSKI\New York TimesRepresentative Charles B. Rangel on Friday angrily defended the unusual housing bargain he has been granted by a major real estate developer, saying that he did not believe he was being allowed four rent-stabilized apartments [on 135th Street between Lenox and Fifth Avenues] because of his status as a congressman.
Responding to an article in Friday’s New York Times, Mr. Rangel said there was nothing illegal or unethical about his relationship with the Olnick Organization, his landlord at the Lenox Terrace complex in Harlem. He also said that he did not believe it was unfair to avail himself of the multiple rent-stabilized apartments at a time of soaring rents in Manhattan and evictions of many rent-regulated tenants.
Mr. Rangel said he did not believe it excessive to have three adjacent apartments on the building’s 16th floor, where he and his wife live. But he said he would consider giving up the fourth apartment, which he uses as a campaign office, if his staff concludes that it violates the state and city requirement that rent-regulated apartments be used only as primary residences.
Bush Admin. Memo Defines Birth-Control as Abortion
1st\NW Quadrant: The Approval Matrix
By Maggie Fox\ABC News
Family planning groups and at least one member of Congress objected on Tuesday [July 15, 2008] to a Bush administration memo that defines several widely used contraception methods as abortion and protects the right of medical providers to refuse to offer them.
The proposal would cut off federal funds to hospitals and states that attempt to compel medical providers to offer legal abortion and contraception services to women.
The proposal circulated to media defines abortion broadly to include many types of contraception, including birth control pills and intrauterine devices.
By Maggie Fox\ABC NewsFamily planning groups and at least one member of Congress objected on Tuesday [July 15, 2008] to a Bush administration memo that defines several widely used contraception methods as abortion and protects the right of medical providers to refuse to offer them.
The proposal would cut off federal funds to hospitals and states that attempt to compel medical providers to offer legal abortion and contraception services to women.
The proposal circulated to media defines abortion broadly to include many types of contraception, including birth control pills and intrauterine devices.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Stimulus Checks Cause "Upswing in Sales" of Porn
4th\SW Quadrant: The Approval Matrix
An unforeseen and surprising beneficiary of the Economic Stimulus Plan [which includes a check for up to $600 for individuals and $1200 for married couples (among other benefits)], a plan that George Bush contends will "boost our economy and encourage job creation," has surfaced this week. An independent market-research firm, AIMRCo (Adult Internet Market Research Company), has discovered that many websites focused on adult or erotic material have experienced an upswing in sales in the recent weeks since checks have appeared in millions of Americans' mailboxes across the country.
According to Kirk Mishkin, Head Research Consultant for AIMRCo, "Many of the sites we surveyed have reported 20-30% growth in membership rates since mid-May when the checks were first sent out, and typically the summer is a slow period for this market."
Jillian Fox, spokeswoman for one of the sites reporting figures to AIMRCo, added, "In a June 15, 2008 survey to our members, thirty two percent of respondents referenced the recent stimulus package as part of their decision to either become a new member, or renew an existing membership."-- Yahoo! News
An unforeseen and surprising beneficiary of the Economic Stimulus Plan [which includes a check for up to $600 for individuals and $1200 for married couples (among other benefits)], a plan that George Bush contends will "boost our economy and encourage job creation," has surfaced this week. An independent market-research firm, AIMRCo (Adult Internet Market Research Company), has discovered that many websites focused on adult or erotic material have experienced an upswing in sales in the recent weeks since checks have appeared in millions of Americans' mailboxes across the country. According to Kirk Mishkin, Head Research Consultant for AIMRCo, "Many of the sites we surveyed have reported 20-30% growth in membership rates since mid-May when the checks were first sent out, and typically the summer is a slow period for this market."
Jillian Fox, spokeswoman for one of the sites reporting figures to AIMRCo, added, "In a June 15, 2008 survey to our members, thirty two percent of respondents referenced the recent stimulus package as part of their decision to either become a new member, or renew an existing membership."-- Yahoo! News
Man Bitten by Poisonous Snake at Wal-Mart
4th\SW Quadrant: The Approval Matrix
A man is recovering after authorities say he was bitten by a snake inside a garden center at a Wal-Mart Supercenter in Pembroke Pines.
Authorities say the 42-year-old man was taken to the hospital Sunday for treatment, where he received antivenom for the pygmy rattlesnake bite. His name has not been released.
Miami-Dade Fire Capt. Ernie Jillson, who leads the agency's Venom Response Team, said the snake bit the man on the right hand. He said the team was contacted about the bite and responded.
Pygmy rattlers are one of six venomous snakes in Florida. Officials say bites from pygmy rattlers are painful, but are rarely fatal. -- Naples News
A man is recovering after authorities say he was bitten by a snake inside a garden center at a Wal-Mart Supercenter in Pembroke Pines.Authorities say the 42-year-old man was taken to the hospital Sunday for treatment, where he received antivenom for the pygmy rattlesnake bite. His name has not been released.
Miami-Dade Fire Capt. Ernie Jillson, who leads the agency's Venom Response Team, said the snake bit the man on the right hand. He said the team was contacted about the bite and responded.
Pygmy rattlers are one of six venomous snakes in Florida. Officials say bites from pygmy rattlers are painful, but are rarely fatal. -- Naples News
Rugby Broadcast Interrupted by Porn
4th\SW Quadrant: The Approval Matrix
Rugby fans who tuned into a mid-afternoon highlights show got more than they bargained for Sunday when they were treated to four minutes of hardcore pornography.
A spokesman for Prime Television on Monday blamed a mixup in "distribution processes" for the error which inserted the hardcore segment in the regular program "Grassroots Rugby."
The segment was intended to air on an adult pay-per-view channel. -- Metro
Rugby fans who tuned into a mid-afternoon highlights show got more than they bargained for Sunday when they were treated to four minutes of hardcore pornography.A spokesman for Prime Television on Monday blamed a mixup in "distribution processes" for the error which inserted the hardcore segment in the regular program "Grassroots Rugby."
The segment was intended to air on an adult pay-per-view channel. -- Metro
Friday, July 18, 2008
Spanish Retailer Mango Opening Iraq
4th\SW Quadrant: The Approval Matrix
By Alexandra Marshall\The Moment
The Spanish fast fashion chain Mango, best known in the U.S. as the purveyor of discount duds “designed by” Penelope Cruz, has just announced its latest retail expansion.
Per WWD, Mango is setting up shop in Iraq! Specifically, the city of Abril in the northern Kurdish region. Designer Zuhair Murad, who creates Middle East-specific collections for Mango, hopes to peddle more of his ruffled tunics and flowy long shapes
By Alexandra Marshall\The MomentThe Spanish fast fashion chain Mango, best known in the U.S. as the purveyor of discount duds “designed by” Penelope Cruz, has just announced its latest retail expansion.
Per WWD, Mango is setting up shop in Iraq! Specifically, the city of Abril in the northern Kurdish region. Designer Zuhair Murad, who creates Middle East-specific collections for Mango, hopes to peddle more of his ruffled tunics and flowy long shapes
Album Sales Fall 11%
3rd\SE Quadrant: The Approval Matrix
Album sales are down 11% from the midpoint of 2007, while digital sales continue to grow at a steady pace.
Physical and digital album sales reached 204.6 million units in the 26 sales weeks between Dec. 31 and June 29, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
CD sales have been a prime culprit in the sales dip, as they are off more than 16% from 2007 levels, which were significantly down from the year prior. Sales of CDs have been hit hard by the closure of musicstores such as Virgin and the reduction of shelf space at big-box stores such as Best Buy and Target.
As much as album sales are slumping, they took an even bigger pounding in the first half last year. The January-July total in 2007 was 229.8 million units, down significantly from the fairly comparable first-half numbers of 2006 (298.7 million) and 2005 (298.4 million).
By PHIL GALLO\Variety
Album sales are down 11% from the midpoint of 2007, while digital sales continue to grow at a steady pace.
Physical and digital album sales reached 204.6 million units in the 26 sales weeks between Dec. 31 and June 29, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
CD sales have been a prime culprit in the sales dip, as they are off more than 16% from 2007 levels, which were significantly down from the year prior. Sales of CDs have been hit hard by the closure of musicstores such as Virgin and the reduction of shelf space at big-box stores such as Best Buy and Target.
As much as album sales are slumping, they took an even bigger pounding in the first half last year. The January-July total in 2007 was 229.8 million units, down significantly from the fairly comparable first-half numbers of 2006 (298.7 million) and 2005 (298.4 million).
French "Public Enemy No. 1" Coming to America
3rd\SE Quadrant: The Approval Matrix
by Eugene Novikov\Cinematical
I had never heard of Jacques Mesrine before today, but I should have. Take a look at this Wikipedia entry, which matter-of-factly details the dozens of murders, bank robberies and prison escapes pulled off by the legendary French criminal over a 20-year "career." The best part is that he once fled from a sentencing hearing by taking the judge hostage.
Anyway, the story's obviously well-known in France, and it has finally made its way to the screen in a two-part biopic called Public Enemy No. 1, starring (who else?) Vincent Cassel as Mesrine. Budgeted at $80 million, it's one of the biggest French productions ever. At least the first of the films is slated to get an October release in France, and the American rights have gone to Senator Entertainment...hoping to have the first film in American theaters by the end of the year.
by Eugene Novikov\CinematicalI had never heard of Jacques Mesrine before today, but I should have. Take a look at this Wikipedia entry, which matter-of-factly details the dozens of murders, bank robberies and prison escapes pulled off by the legendary French criminal over a 20-year "career." The best part is that he once fled from a sentencing hearing by taking the judge hostage.
Anyway, the story's obviously well-known in France, and it has finally made its way to the screen in a two-part biopic called Public Enemy No. 1, starring (who else?) Vincent Cassel as Mesrine. Budgeted at $80 million, it's one of the biggest French productions ever. At least the first of the films is slated to get an October release in France, and the American rights have gone to Senator Entertainment...hoping to have the first film in American theaters by the end of the year.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Southwest Airines Kicks Family Off Flight
3rd\SE Quadrant: The Approval Matrix
By Meg Marco\Consumerist
Wendy Slaughter, her four children and her sister are too unruly for Southwest Airlines! The airline says that the children were so out of control that the airline decided to deny boarding for their connecting flight from Phoenix to Seattle — stranding them in Phoenix for the night while they tried to arrange other travel plans.
When Ms. Slaughter's flight from Detroit to Phoenix landed, she was met by police who escorted her and her family from the plane. Police detained the family, and explained that they were simply too unruly to board their connecting flight to Seattle.
Ms. Slaughter admits her kids were out of control on the plane, getting up and wandering around, but says that two of them have disabilities (one is autistic and another has cerebral palsy) and that "they are kids."
By Meg Marco\ConsumeristWendy Slaughter, her four children and her sister are too unruly for Southwest Airlines! The airline says that the children were so out of control that the airline decided to deny boarding for their connecting flight from Phoenix to Seattle — stranding them in Phoenix for the night while they tried to arrange other travel plans.
When Ms. Slaughter's flight from Detroit to Phoenix landed, she was met by police who escorted her and her family from the plane. Police detained the family, and explained that they were simply too unruly to board their connecting flight to Seattle.
Ms. Slaughter admits her kids were out of control on the plane, getting up and wandering around, but says that two of them have disabilities (one is autistic and another has cerebral palsy) and that "they are kids."