infamy

Today marks the 64th anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor, although you wouldn't know it by looking at the front sections of the papers or the homepages of various major news media websites. Apparently to some (CNN we're looking at you- ABC News is the exception today.) the Valerie Bertinelli - Eddie Van Halen divorce deserves more coverage. Valerie Who? Van who? Um- seriously who gives a damn? Two has beens getting a divorce takes precedent over a major event in U.S. History? I have often wondered why we are forgetting more and more of our past- apparently its hard to focus on stuff like that with E!, Oprah, Dr. Phil, and others blaring crap at us round the clock. Now before you say "Hey Loophole, that Pearl Harbor thing isn't news - its just history!" I would like to evoke the spirit of Lewis Black and tell you "Shut your pie hole!" Pearl Harbor has more lessons and relevence for us today than in previous times during the past 60 years. There was a little thing that we refer to as 9/11 that happened not too long ago - and a War that is happening now that might draw our attention. It wouldn't hurt to look at what happened 64 years ago, warts and all, and try and figure out what we have learned. And- there aren't too many survivors around any more- so if you have an opportunity - thank a veteran. (And thank you again to my Grandfather who served during WWII in Europe and Africa) We have much to learn from the Greatest Generation- I just wonder if we realize it.

Alright- let's take a moment to breathe and hit some less important, but very entertaining things happening in popculturedom:
Sometimes we just say things and the next morning they appear. Not the really important things like, "I want a million dollars" or "Chocolate and sweetarts are not only calorie free, they are good for you" but things like Kelsey Grammer being the Beast in X-men 3 might be funny, because of - you know the whole Frasier and Niles thing. (Roll over the picture in our previous post for our snide caption)
Well, of course it took the professional and always hilarious Penny-Arcade guys, Gabe and Tycho, to make it reality. If you have never visited PA - you not only are among the unwashed, you are indeed limited intellectually. Take the time to browse through the archives when the opportunity presents itself- it is worth it. Gabe's art style has evolved and sharpened over the years and, along with Scott Kurtz over at PVPonline, is among the best comic strip artists in webcomics today. (We are particular fans of the Cardboard Tube Samurai and anxiously await his further travels. )
Other stops along the superinformation highway:
X-Entertainment's annual Advent/Advert Calender is in full effect. If you know what I'm talking about you have been checking it out since December 1st. If you don't - it's not too late to catch up.


Peter Jackson's updated King Kong hits theaters soon. I am actually looking forward to this one. As a rule I am not always a huge fan of remakes. Sometimes they hit and many times they miss. This is one of those times where I think we can enjoy both. (by the by PA did a recent comic for those of you who have no idea what happens in the end.) Buy the newly released DVD set of the original and go see the new one in the theater. I think you'll enjoy it. Peter Jackson is such a fine film maker and a fanboy of the original - you know the story is in good hands. And while we're at it- let's just forget there ever was a 1984 (correction - 1976 Thanks to Number One at Cinerati for catching this. Can you believe Rene Auberjonois was in it as well? That's right - the original Father Mulcahy from MASH - the movie, Clayton from "Benson" and of course Odo from DS9 was in the '76 remake. Who knew? Well- you do now.) remake with Jessica Lange. I know there are some fans out there- but it just wasn't clicking. Can we move on now? Yes? Good.
And for the full Kong experience- check out the official game of the movie. I have heard from reliable sources that it is fine gaming indeed. When we check it out, Baravelli will have a review posted here at The Shelf.






The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today.