Music You Should Be Listening To: Who Doesn't Love a Cover?

This week, I figure I'd include some cover songs (paired with the original, or at least the well known cover version) for you to groove with & hopefully explore deeper. But probably not, since nobody reads this. And what do you think? Which version do you find superior? Is the original always better?

The Rubberband Man:

Not to be confused with T.I.'s "Rubberband Man, "The Rubberband Man" was originally performed by The Spinners, and the song is probably one of the most well known & loved soul/funk songs of all time. In my mind, at least. Get your own blog if you want to make bold claims like this. In 2010, Electric Six released a cover of the song on their 2010 album, "Zodiac."

The Original -

The Cover -

Each version has it's own distinct feel, but I've found that the cover doesn't lose any of the fun funkiness that the original is full of. I'm really torn between which version I enjoy more, but, for posterity's sake, I'm going with the original. But whoever used the Spinners footage for the Electric Six version was genius.

Last Kiss:

"Last Kiss" was originally written by Wayne Cochran (and friends who are no longer credited) as a way to cash in on the "teenage tragedy song" fad in music that was happening during the late 50's/early 60's. Yes, that is a real thing. No, seriously, I'm not making this up. Anyway, the Cochran version is as forgettable now as it was then, though J. Frank Wilson & the Cavaliers covered it a few years later, hitting number 2 on the charts. But let's be honest, you know it because Pearl Jam covered it. Awesomely.

The "Original"-ish -

The Cover -

There is no contest here, right? Pearl Jam blows the Cavaliers' cover out of the water. PJ's is hauntingly beautiful & stoic, while the Cavalier version actually kind of makes me ill. You have these dark, dreary lyrics, yet it's set to a beat & tempo that would make Carlton Banks want to dance. No thanks.

Idioteque:

"Idioteque" was originally found on Radiohead's seminal album, Kid A. It was starkly different than their previous work, and for those that previously liked Radiohead, but find their current music (that is made up of a noticeable lack-of-music, but random tones & sounds) appalling, probably use this song as the tragic turning point. Then again, you have those die-hard Radiohead fans that love the new stuff & bring in new fans. Personally, I'm fine with only listening to "OK Computer" & "Kid A," but I'm not going to hate on you for your choice of music. Unless it really sucks. Anyways, Amanda "F***ing" Palmer (of the Dresden Dolls & being Neil Gaiman's wife) put out a cover album of all Radiohead songs, "Idioteque" was the first single from the album.

The Original -

The Cover -

This is closer to call than "The Rubberband Man." Thusly...cop out & call it a tie...?

Science Fiction/Double Feature:

"SF/DF" is the opening song to The Rocky Horror Picture Show. I'm assuming you already know that. It's an awesome song making a multitude of references to the awful/awesome B-movies of the 50's & 60's. And it's just a really great song. Once again, Amanda Palmer has covered it both with the Dresden Dolls & as a solo artist. But the version I'm choosing is from the Halloween 2011 episode of the Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, where Palmer and a strange supergroup consisting of husband Neil Gaiman, Moby, & Stephin Merritt (of The Magnetic Fields) play for Ferguson's audience.

The Original -

The Cover -

I'm definitely going with Amanda Palmer on this one. Nothing against the original film version, but come on: this is an awesome performance. And how about that mini-piano?

99 Problems:

You can't hate on Jay-Z. Well, unless your Nas (aka Esco, Escobar, Nastradamus). But I'm willing to bet dollars to doughnuts that you aren't. Jay-Z's version is great, even though it's basically been used to death in movies & adverts. In fact, I can't really listen to the original version anymore after the horrible censored version was used in commercials for Battlefield 3. *Note to marketing companies: if you have to blank/beep every third to fifth word, don't use the damn song in a national marketing campaign. It just sounds stupid. And shame on you.* The cover I found to this is by Hugo, and there's a chance that you've heard it in either the soundtracks to the Fright Night remake (which was awesome & not full of poofy vampires, but vampires you'd actually be afraid of) or (sigh) No Strings Attached. I only know that last part thanks to Wikipedia. But, I digress. Hugo's cover gives a very different version of the song, as it is not done in a hip-hop/R&B (what's the difference, nowadays?) fashion. Oh, no. Hugo's version is of a bluegrass/blues-rock sort. And it's awesome.

The Original -

The Cover -

I'm going with Hugo's version here. Sorry, Jiggaman.

What do you think? Agree? Disagree? Did I miss an even better cover? Let me know in the comments.

Oh, the Great Institution of Marriage

Go buy & read this. Quick, funny, & awesome.

Don't worry folks, I'm not going to get all preachy about the institution of marriage. That'd be silly, and it'd certainly not fit the tone. But before I get any more sidetracked, let me explain: this article is about the marriages in the comic book world, and while, yes, I more often favor DC over Marvel (why wouldn't you?), I'm going to be looking at marriages throughout the comic-verse: the good, the bad, the ends-in-misery.

Reed & Sue Richards (Marvel)

How come the X-Men didn't suit up?

I am not a big FF fan. Never have been, doubt I will be. But when one speaks on the subject of comic book marriages, Reed & Sue have to be at the forefront. They've been married for years (both in terms of publication dates & continuity), but, to be honest, they have one of the worst marriages in comics. Reed is an absentee husband/father, spending most of his time doing everything but his husbandly duties. Sue is (finally) a strong, independent woman, who will do everything in her power to protect the lives of her friends & family, including becoming estranged with Reed during Marvel's Civil War. Also, I'm fairly sure he caused her to have battered woman syndrome. And she probably bumped uglies with Namor. A lot. Status: still married, sometimes even happilly.

I'm telling you...Sue & Namor did the deed.

Clark Kent & Lois Lane (DC)

Thanks for the invite, but what do I wear?

While this is the ultimate superhero couple, the logistics are mind-boggling. Yes, Lois was THE original love interest in superhero stories, and she's also no slouch in the ass-kickery/resourcefulness category, there are some issues here, and, as always, it's Superman's fault. I actually just read a pretty great article over at Comic Vine that talks about the dangers of Superman's powers. They bring up the quandary of what would happen if Supes flails or tosses & turns in his sleep. No doubt that would lead to a bed full of Lois soup. Hell, if you've ever seen Mallrats, the idea of Superman's super seed is brought up. I'll let you paint your own mental images on that one. I, personally, like that Clark & Lois aren't a couple in The New 52. I'm not saying that they won't get together (that'd be blasphemy), but, if Superman is the rational hero he is always perceived to be, he would stay away from forming physical relationships, for the protection of his loved ones. Status: marriage negated.

What's going on behind closed doors? A-bang, bang, bangity-bang...

Oliver Queen & Dinah Lance (DC)

Dude...finally!

The ultimate in "will they/won't they." They've flirted for decades. They've loved, argued, reconciled, hated, and found redemption in one another over the years. If that sounds familiar to many of you, it's because, save for, you know, the super villains, Green Arrow & Black Canary's relationship is probably the most natural (subtext: flawed). Nobody is perfect, and this relationship proves it. It was only recently (November 2007) that the Ross & Rachel relationship came to a head in the Green Arrow/Black Canary Wedding Special. In a completely unsurprising turn of events, their case of the matrimonies ends almost as quickly as it begins (April 2010). The marriage fell apart due to Ollie being a douche, for the most part. I'd make a comment about how the man is always portrayed as the reason a couple breaks up, but in this relationship, Ollie has always been the problem. Status: divorced (unknown if there was a previous relationship in the DCnU).

Better get your crap off of the curb before the crackheads come 'round.

Peter Parker & Mary-Jane Watson (Marvel)

At least everybody's dressed for the occasion this time, Marvel.

Oh, the comic reader's dream pairing: the nerd & the supermodel. Pater & MJ have been a staple in comic relationships for years. They were the high school sweethearts that grew up, matured, learned together, & eventually got married in what was certainly the social event of the season. Unfortunately, because every good comic is based on tragedy, Pete & MJ had their problems, be it as mundane as money or as fantastic as super villains just ruining their sh*t...constantly. While there were (and still are) detractors of their relationship, it seems like a null argument at this point: to save Aunt May (who must be in her 120's by now), the Parkers made a deal with a demon, the cost, among other things, was the dissolution & retcon of their marriage. They've been broken up for a bit now, each having had relationships with others. Time will tell if they ever get back together. Status: mystical annulment brought on by crap storytelling/writing.

This, one giant "screw you" to the faithful, but not a "What if...?"

Wally & Linda West (DC)

With all the money at your disposal, you can't get a Bat-tux, Nightwing?

Wally West was the original Kid Flash/3rd Flash, succeeding his mentor (and uncle-in-law) Barry Allen. Linda Park was an up & coming reporter. Needless to say, their paths crossed quite often. Wally was always a bit of a cocky punk, and Linda was a strong woman who didn't take sass. While their beginnings as a couple had its rough patches, their love for one another was mutually beneficial, helping the other grow & mature, while being their to support & aide. Due to the intervention of a Crisis (and saved by the Speed Force), the "wild" Wests were sucked into an alternate dimension for a while, where their lives very much changed due to unexpected Speed Force-based side effects on their children. Upon their return, the Wests had financial hardships, but they never wavered, only becoming closer. As of The New 52, the Wests have been, sadly, M.I.A. Status: Comic Book Limbo.

All great dick jokes write themselves.

Rick & Lori Grimes (Image)

Rick & Lori, making a go of it in the zombpocalypse.

The Walking Dead is one of the most brutal, emotionally draining, and, at times, brutal to read books out today. And that is why it is a comic that everybody needs to read. It's the most realistic depiction of a zombpocalypse ever, and, as such, there is about a thumbnail full of happiness in the entire thing. Rick & Lori's marriage wasn't the happiest, but it was realistic, especially given the circumstances. Everybody should be reading this book, so I'm not going to go in depth about anything that goes on between the two. Read the book, but have some antidepressants handy, also. Status: Let's just say, happily ever after isn't in the cards.

Instead of ruining everybody's day with sadness, bask in the awesomeness that is Daryl.

Barry Allen & Iris West-Allen (DC)

The Silver Age was a wacky time, man.

If you want to talk about a love that spans years, here is your example. Barry & Iris courted each other for years before finally tying the knot. They were happy together and made it work, even with the constant interferences of the Rouges. It wasn't until Iris was murdered (well kind of...it was revealed that she was sent back to 30th Century eventually...It's all wibbly-wobbly, timey-whimey), and Barry got some murder-y vengeance/was acquitted/exiled himself in the future to be with Iris again, that things went downhill. Mainly because it wasn't long after where Barry died (see Crisis on Infinite Earths). Yet, their profound effect as a couple was felt for years after, as they had sired the Tornado Twins, which led to the birth of Bart Allen (Impulse/Kid Flash/Flash IV/Kid Flash, again). And that's just to name a few. When Barry finally came back from the Beyond, he & Iris were once again reunited. Sadly, their marriage was a victim of The New 52 restructure, though the door is always open for their (hopeful) reunion. Status: marriage negated.

Dammit, DC! Barry & Iris NEED to be together!

And, finally, Ralph & Sue Dibny (DC)

Just look at the love there, folks.

 The Dibny's are the benchmark that all comic book marriages try to be. He was a C-list hero that drank the fake soda Gingold, which granted him the powers to stretch his body. Like putty. She was a New York socialite who couldn't have been any different. What followed was a whirlwind romance & eventual marriage that saw the Elongated Man give up the usual, day-to-day super heroics to basically road trip around the US (and sometimes the world), solving mysteries with his wife. And they made it work. For decades. In fact, it wasn't until the events of Identity Crisis, in which Sue is tragically murdered, where the Dibny's are split apart.

Heartbreak, incarnate.

But "til death do us part" isn't always the end. Ralph spent the rest of his life trying to find answers & ways to bring Sue back, until he realized that death was the only answer, sacrificing himself to defeat a villain. And because sometimes there really is a happy ending, we are shown Ralph & Sue's spirits, watching over their friends. Pre-DCnU, the Dibny's were even an important part of Batman's Outsiders. Status: Unknown in The New 52, but still together, even after death! Finally, a true success!

Death, shmeath. I smell a mystery, my love.

In Defense of Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Cate Blanchett's hair makes me ill.

If anybody here follows me on Twitter (@jamesthorpey ...follow me, you know you want to) or Facebook, you may have noticed that I have been rewatching the Indiana Jones saga on the ol' DVD over the past week. I started "live-tweeting" the movies I watch (well, sometimes), attempting to make funny & witty remarks. But I noticed something while watching Kingdom of the Crystal Skull last night, at least compared to the other films in the series:

Whassat?

It isn't that bad.

Wait..what? Oh well, I still love you, Marion Ravenwood.

I know, I know. Blasphemy. But I think a lot of the complaints don't stem from the campiness, which is present in every film, nor Shia LaBeouf's Mutt Williams/Henry Jones, III (he was way more likeable than Willie in Temple of Doom). No, I think I speak for most when I say that most that the viewers and Indy fans cried bullshit at the aliens.

Was kind of hoping for this the entire time, though. I mean, John Hurt was involved.

But why? It isn't like any of the other Indy films were based in reality. Well, you know what I mean. In Raiders, you had the Ark of the Covenant, which melted/shrunk/blew up the heads of the Nazis (and Frenchman) through the vengeful wrath of God.

Don't feel bad. This dick was a Nazi.

In Temple of Doom, a guy rips the heart out of another man, the gaping hole magically heals, and the guy is still alive. Oh, and then when he's plunged into a swirling pool of lavafire (yup...lavafire), his (still beating) heart is engulfed in flames.

He's the most recent member of the Loyal Order of Water Buffaloes Lodge.

And then you have Last Crusade, which features not only a centuries old Templar knight (that is so old it seems he turned black & white), but the villain turns to bones & is magically thrown across the cavern by...I don't know. The Force?

Tell me that man is not in black & white.

So why is it that everybody went bananas over the aliens? It actually makes sense. Hell, Lucas & the screenwriters actually seem to have done some research and involved a myth that many actually believe. And, when George Lucas actually does something that doesn't involve putting a beak on something, you should take notice (overrated as he is). Go back, and rewatch the Indy story from the beginning. Immerse yourself in Raiders, Temple, Last Crusade, and, finally, Crystal Skull, and then tell me why it's awful. I dare you. Be objective. Don't watch them through the rose colored glasses of youthful memories, and you will see four well made adventure movies. And hey, I'm not saying that KotCS isn't the worst in the series. I'm just saying that it didn't suck.

Would you rather have this movie? I mean, I'd still see it, but still.

Who's Ready for an Apocalypse? - Part 2

Once again, I don't believe in this 2012 hullabaloo. Do I think that the zombies are going to rise & devour the populace? No, though you should always be weary of it. Are the robots going to gain sentience & rebel against their human masters? Definitely, but it'll probably be a while...or tomorrow...you never can tell with these kinds of things. But it never hurts to be prepared for such events.

Though there are some Apocalypses that you can't prepare for.

Housing:

There are many different thoughts on the proper housing for a post-apocalyptic world. Many people think you should seek out bunkers or castles, as they've stood the test of time. While that's nice in theory, it's highly doubtful that you know of a bunker or castle that you'd feasibly be able to get to after the bombs drop/zombies rise/machines take over/Rapture...raptures. So what is one supposed to do?

That's not at all a crazy person's idea.

One is supposed to have "The Safe House" built, natch. It's basically the world's first zombie-proof house. In other words, it's a giant rectangular house made of concrete that folds up into itself to form a solid block of "nothing's getting through here" in case of an emergency situation. But since there'll probably never be a reason to use a house like this (save for if you live in Vancouver the next time the Canucks lose in the Stanley Cup finals), having this house will definitely make you "that neighbor." Find out more about the batshit craziness that is The Safe House here.

Transportation:

Tanks. When I used to think about the perfect vehicle for traversing the roads of a world that's past, I used to think that tanks were the answer. Looking back, that'd be absolutely ridiculous (and yes, the fact that I said that in an article about being ready for some crazy, doubtful apocalyptic situation is not lost on me). Tanks are unwieldy beasts, and I, for one, have no clue how to drive one. Or where to buy one, for that matter. No, the average person would need a vehicle that's strong (like a tank), yet would still be able to be driven by an average Joe (like a car/truck/SUV). And I think I found it.

Rock, flag, and eagle!!!!

This is the Mercedes-Benz Zetros 6x6 Custom. Give yourself a second to take in the majesticness that is this vehicle. Take your time...I'll wait. Okay, so this beast not only has the heft & power to overcome most driving obstacles, but also has so many creature comforts that you won't be too worried about getting back to The Safe House right away. What do I mean by that? Well, check out this link.

Weapons:

The good part. There are many schools of thought about what the best weapon is during Armageddon. As such, I'll break it down into multiple sections, along with a runner-up for each.

Guns:

The debate on which gun is best for post-apocalyptia is one that my friends and I have had on multiple occasions. Sure, when you get right down to it, it all comes to personal preference, though there are a couple facts you're going to need to know:

1) Ammo will be limited. Factories are going to shut down, therefore your ammunition stock will be finite, save for the possibility of scavenging more. But let's face it...you won't be the only one.

2) If you think having a full automatic machine gun is a good idea, you are a big dumbhead. Once again, part of this comes down to ammo conservation. The other part is accuracy. You are going to be far less accurate & far more wasteful when using an automatic machine gun rather than a semi-automatic.

3) Keep those reload times down! Sure, we'd all like a Dirty Harry-esque S&W Model 29 .44 Magnum revolver, because who wouldn't want a hand cannon like that? Problem is that not only does it kick like a mule, but reloading a revolver takes time; time you probably won't have.

Though it is scary looking, even as a 3D computer animation.

My first choice for a gun as the optimum ranged weapon in the apocalypse is the M4 Carbine.

Ka-chow!

Weighing in at just under 7 lbs fully loaded, the M4 is a light, yet powerful weapon. Depending on the variant, you have the choice between either semi-automatic fire (yes!) & 3-round burst (eh)/fully automatic (no!). Another brilliant thing about the M4 is the range of customization you have with it.

Look at all the toys!

My runner-up is the SPAS-12 shotgun. Fully loaded, it's noticeably heavier than than the M4, & it doesn't have the same range, either. But, you know what? Sometimes you just need the pure devastating power of a shotgun. Plus, it's really pretty.

Ka-blam!

For sidearms, I'm going out on a limb & picking the Pistole Parabellum 1908 aka the Luger P08. Yes, I know what you're thinking: isn't that the Nazi gun? And to that, I say: No. It was A Nazi gun. It wasn't the only Nazi gun, but yeah...lots of Nazis used the Luger. But here's the thing: Germans make solid machines, be it cars or guns. Anywho, it's sleek, ergonomical design is very comfortable for the shooter, plus the damn things were really accurate, which, once again, is a fantastic thing when ammo is limited.

And it's so pretty.

But, here's the thing about the Luger: it hasn't been in production for like 65-70 years, and, thusly, the common man probably can't get his hands on one. Which is why my runner-up is the Colt M1911, .45 Caliber. This particular sidearm has been used (and is still currently being used) by the US Army for over a century. For no other reason than that, it makes the list.

There is such a thing as a classic.

Melee:

Melee weapons come down to personal preference, but the thing you have to remember is that you want a solid, heavy-ish weapon that won't break after one or two blows. I have a few choices for optimum melee weapons, so here we go:

A Louisville Slugger with a big nail through it may not sound elegant, but that's only because it isn't. But what it is is functional. In a zombpocalypse, the nail will scramble the zombrains as the bat caves in the skull. In a post-apocalyptic wasteland, the sight of this weapon will instill a level of pants-pooping terror into would-be attackers. The only drawback would be in a future where the machines gain sentience, but, to be honest, we're all screwed then anyway, so the weapons don't matter.

Maybe we'll try more than one nail...

Trench clubs are also awesome choices.

Words cannot describe...

The hand axe is also a quality melee weapon, depending on the model. I like one with a nice blade on one side & a blunt edge on the other, which is always good for smashing. The main drawback is that the axe head can get stuck. And will also do nothing for you against the robots.

A little rusty, but look at the potential!

Finally, there's a lot to be said for the trench knife. The long and short of it is that it's a (usually) long-bladed knife attached to brass knuckles, often with a rounded pommel (or "skullcracker") on the bottom. It's like three weapons in one, and, in a saying Alton Brown would love, it's always optimum to carry a multi-tool.

The stiletto blade makes for good stabbing.

Conclusion:

Yes, this article is way different than most here at the Awesome Blog, but thinking about these kind of things is always fun, and, to be honest, a little planning can go a long way. Now, in case any kind of apocalyptic scenario does actually go down, it's doubtful that you'd be able to get your hands on all, if any, of this stuff, but hey, one can dream, right? Safe hunting, folks.

Music You Should Be Listening To: January 16-January 23

Laura Jansen - Wicked World

Laura Jansen is a singer/songwriter originally from the Netherlands...making her Dutch (isn't that weird?). Currently based out of LA, she has seen moderate success in the US, her songs having been used in TV shows & movies, though she's yet to breakout in the mainstream as she has in her home country. Plus, this song is tight.

Cake - The Distance

Cake is one of the most lasting alt rockers in the music scene today. They've been together for over two decades and have consistently put out quality music. While their boom time was definitely the late-90's/early 2000's, it hasn't stopped them from continuing to put out solid albums & catchy, awesome songs. The Distance is the second off of their second album, and it's as good today as it was in 1996.

Adventures in Nerdcore aka If You've Heard One, You've Heard Them All

Nerdcore is a surprisingly growing subgroup of hip-hop. It usually deals with content based off of science fiction or pop culture, though it doesn't always have to be such. But usually. Basically what I'm saying is that the definition of nerdcore is confusing, but when you hear the music, you know what it is. Mostly. MC Frontalot is credited with coining the term, and since then, he's been joined by acts such as MC Lars & Optimus Rhyme in bring the genre to prominence. Most nerdcore artists are independent, recording & producing their own music at home. Which I really hope means their mom's basement. And even though this seems to be a style of music aimed solely at me & my ilk, that doesn't mean I don't have my issues with the form. My big problem with nerdcore is that it runs too much together, and there can be a lack of differentiation between artists. A perfect example is MC Lars & Adam WarRock:

MC Lar's True Player for Real

Adam WarRock's MAL

I will say this, though: I would highly suggest downloading WarRock's Browncoat Mixtape. It's free, it's awesome, and, if you're a Firefly/Serenity fan, it's REALLY awesome.

But seriously, I'm sadly starting to get sick of nerdcore.

The Road to Wrestlemania

If you've read my blog before, you probably know that I'm a fan of the WWE. I don't necessarily watch it every week, and, honestly, I'm not sure when the last time I watched an episode of Smackdown was. But I do try to keep up on the product, reading wrestling sites (or "dirt sheets," as they are known) for news & results.

Now, a group of my friends went down to Atlanta, GA for last year's Wrestlemania (XXVII) and I, sadly, did not attend. It was unfortunate that I missed what can only be described as an amazingly fun bonding experience. But a guy has to work, and sacrifices must be made.

But not this year. Oh no, no, no. This year, I will be joining my friends on the trip to Miami to see Wrestlemania XXVIII. And as such, from time to time leading up to the actual event, I will be posting different articles about Wrestlemanias of yesteryear. So be warned & be ready, because the Road to Wrestlemania starts here.

Who's Ready for an Apocalypse?

2012 is here, ladies & gentlemen, and that can only mean one thing: the alleged end of the world. The Mayan calendar has been used as a way to predict certain things before they've come to pass, and guess what? There are some nutjobs out there who actually believe that 12/21/12 (the last day of the Mayan calendar) will be the end of the world. To these people, I have only one thing to say: You couldn't be anymore wrong, you dumb, dumb, dumbheads.

To be fair, if the world does end, and there are people left, I hope it looks like this.

Now, sure, it makes a great story: this ancient civilization could predict the future and before getting wiped out by the syphilitic white men, they actively predicted that the world would end long after their great civilization had perished. Aww. Isn't that special? They're like The Little Human Sacrificers that could!

Sure, it's from Temple of Doom, set in India, but when you think human sacrifice...

Hogwash. You don't get poop-your-pants scared at the end of every year, thinking "oh no, my calendar's about to run out..." No, that'd be silly. What do you do in that situation? YOU GET A NEW CALENDAR! That's right, folks. That's the answer to the whole 12/21/12-Mayan Apocalypse hoopla. After thousands of years, the Mayan calendar is finally going to run out, but fear not! We can put our faith into a new calendar. Or not. It doesn't matter. We'll still be here on 12/22/12. And, if not, well, nobody'll be around to say "You were wrong, and you, sir, are the dumb, dumb, dumbhead." I'm way more worried about climate change, pole reversals, and the black holes that they're creating in labs in Europe that will totally tear the Earth apart to put much stock in hokey religions & ancient religions.

I bet equestrians are stoked to see the Horsemen.

Happy Belated, Good Sir

This past weekend (Sunday, to be exact...January 8th for those of you playing the home game), was the birthday of a great man. And no, I don't mean Stephen Hawking.

He's a P.I.M.P.

And, no, not Elvis.

I said, "look out man!"

Or the great person born in Heaven, Kim Jong-un, who is either 28 or 29...or 30. Seriously.

What an adorable, probably homicidaly incompetent dictator! Awww!

No, no, I am talking about the Starman. Mr. Ziggy Stardust. The Goblin King. Thursday's Child.

It's David Bowie whom I speak of...

Anybody who knows me, knows that I love Bowie. He's a wonder. And this is just me doing my part to wish the man who has inspired me & countless others a very happy, albeit late 65th birthday. Not that he'll ever read this. I'm at peace with that.

It's a Christmas Miracle!

So, that Buffy the Vampire Slayer movie reboot/remake that they were going to make? Not no mo'! Now, granted, there is a chance that it will get picked back up at some point, but for the moment, it's in Hollywood Purgatory.

If they're going to do anything with the property, just do the damn animated series!

Granted, this news officially broke a few days after Christmas, but I haven't gotten around to writing anything until now. Shut up.