Stephen's Own Domain 2008

I hope everyone had a great Fourth of July. Mine was special. Well, maybe not that special! Friday night, I had the privilege to see one of favorite Hip Hop Groups at Summerfest, The Roots. Yes, it was a 10:00 pm show, despite of the crowds near the Miller Lite Oasis. And plus it was my first seeing a headliner at a side stage. The band came out one by one, with Damon Bryson also known as "Tuba Gooding, Jr". Yes, that's his stage name! He came out with his Tuba as if he was in a marching band out of college. Plus the other members came out to the stage like Frank Knuckles, Owen Biddle, Capt. Kirk Douglas, Kamal, Black Thought and Ahmir Thompson, or you can call him Questlove. The band spent the first part performing their current songs, such as Rising Up, Get Busy, which is from their current album, Rising Down. Plus they also performed hits such as Blackstar's "Definition" - this I remember from Dave Chappelle's Block Party movie. Also, they played Nas' "Hip Hop is Dead", Timbaland's single from last year, "The Way I Are", and concluded with Justin Timberlake's "Sexyback" as a two minute instrumental snippet.

Towards the peak of the performance, the Band went "Old School" such as Biz Markie's "Just a Friend"(you should know the chorus, by now!), plus two Wu-Tang Clan rap songs that featured ODB's classic hits of "Got Your Money" and "Shimmy Shimmy Ya". And "Act Two(Love of my Life) which was from their earlier albums. In addition they also performed three rock songs. One of the songs was a Bob Dylan classic called "Masters of War", which Questlove preluded after mentioning about the November election, and the Bush Administration. And by the way, Questlove was candid about it on the 4th of July.  Two of the rock songs which was blended almost sounded like Jimi Hendrix coming out of Capt. Kirk Douglas. Towards the end, The Roots played more of their earlier hits like "The Seed 2.0" , "Long Time", "Here I Come", "The Next Movement" - which is a classic in my opinion, and to top it off, with a blended song comprising of "Web" and "Melting Pot". All of that under two hours of playing time.


That was basically most of songs I remember hearing. They also did an R&B song which almost sounded like Erykah Badu's single hits. It was "You Got Me". Mostly it was Hip Hop, then blending in with Jazz, and Rock music. I have to say, as an avid listener of Hip Hop, I've enjoyed it! And plus this was my first time going to a "live" Hip Hop performance and just seeing and hearing the experience. Keep in mind, that The Roots play all their songs with live instruments of Drums, Keyboards, Guitars and yes even a Tuba. Just to think, Hip Hop started with two turntables and a microphone. Overall, that to me was special, especially on the 4th.

With some of the talk about Grand Theft Auto and any other "violent" video games out there in the market, I feel that I should put my thought on this matter. Straight up. Now about the Video Games, I'll have to put in my historical spin on this subject. Back in the day, when I was playing Nintendo, I used to play games that had titles from Hogan's Alley to Ninja Gaiden. And from Double Dragon to Ninja Turtles. Plus some shooting games like NARC and Doom. It didn't matter when my friends/relatives get together or on my own, I had fun playing the games without the use of violent behavior. It was just fun, period. No acting out and trying to make the other submit physically or violently. None of that. It was just fun out respect. After 1993, that I remember when Mortal Kombat came out on the game systems back then. Sega had the version in which the fatalities were wide open, except Nintendo. After a year passed, Mortal Kombat II had the fatalities wide open for all the game systems. And like before, I sat down and played the game, with fun, not violence. And plus, I was old enough back then to get Mortal Komabat! But shifing gears, now I know about Grand Theft Auto, Halo 3 and other games that are some considered violent and having some teens going amuck when they try to act out the character. And I know that not all teens don't go run amuck after scoring the highest points against their friends. When I was teen, I never had my friends nor relatives meet me outside and duke it out.

My questions to ponder are:

1)Why are some of the them under the age of 17 are playing the games in the first place, knowingly that they are for adults only?

2)Who's really buying the games in order to for them to play?

The second question really baffles me. It does. I think some adults, not all are not reading those labels on the boxes of what the game contains. That's almost like going to the movies and having children under six seeing a R-Rated or PG-13 movie. I went to the movies so many times and I can't count how many times I saw little children in the movies, that are well out of their age areas watching grown-folks movies. Those things, I will not understand.

That sort of thing reminds me of who's really buying explcit music for those who are under the mature age. I remember one time I was at a Sam Goody Music Store in the old Capitol Court Mall and I remember Bone Thugs-N-Harmony's new CD The Art of War was available. Along came a Mother and her son who also wanted the CD. I remember the son telling mother that he wanted the CD with everything on it. As in the Explicit Content. I felt like as a baffled individual listening to the son telling his mother that he wanted the Explicit Version of the CD. Moving forward, last week I went to a school talent show with my mother sponsored by the Hmong American Peace Academy. She was telling me that there was a student at the school wanted to play the Souja Boy Dance Song, but here's another extra hint. My mother went to the internet to download the lyrics and after reading them she pulled the song off the list because the song did contain Explicit Content. Keep in mind, this is a school talent show! But after that, the dancers were given another chance by getting a clean version of the song and it was approved by my mother and those in charge of the talent show.

Now, my second take is about Madonna's new CD Hard Candy. Before the day the CD came out, I went to Amazon.com a week before, I read some comments about how this CD wouldn't be good, or it's going to be a bad CD under Mariah Carey's Album. Keep in mind that this CD came out the same day as The Roots' Rising Down CD made it to the shelves. Later on Tuesday, I stopped by a Walmart store and bought the CD. I did. And I popped into my CD player (in my car mind you) and just listened to it. Only a few songs. And some of the songs  on the CD were really good! I have to admit, I like some of Madonna's Music. I do. From Like a Prayer to Rescue Me. And Hung Up. The only reason I bought it because rappers Timbaland and The Neptunes co-produced it, plus Kanye West made a guest appearance on the Album. I also think that those on Amazon would just lighten up, buy the CD, listen to it and then make their judgment call. Don't assume that a CD is going to be bad because of one Single. The 4 Minutes song Madonna did with Justin Timberlake and Timberland was real catchy, mainly because of the blending of music beats in the background by Timbaland. And by the way, some of the best songs I think to listen and dance besides 4 Minutes are "Heartbeat", "She's Not Me", "Dance 2Night" and "Beat Goes On". Since she's turing 50 year, I have read some comments that she should act her age in all. But how are people are supposed to act at the age they are now? I'm 31 years old. How are 31 year olds are supposed to act like anyway? To quote Aaliyah (God rest her soul) Age Ain't Nothing But A Number.

So to summarize my thoughts on this is simple. On the real, I think some adults need to watch what they buy for their kids, teens and younger relatives. I'm serious. And plus before making a judgment call about something, try it out first, then make a decision.

Last Monday night, I had the privilage to go to WWE Raw at the Bradley Center.  I like and still watch the show. Ok, I got that out of the way. And by the way, this is not my first time going to the show. Been there before, had a good time! Even if it was in High-Definition, and I had a good seat near ring side. But last night's Raw at the BC had to do with the weigh in between Floyd "Money" Mayweather and the Big Show. Imagine this being a boxer with a record of 30+ wins and no losses going into Wrestlemania XXIV against a 7'4' wrestler. I know. Special attractions! But this to me was the hype going into the event that probably would ask is the 20 Million Dollars that serious going into the event? I'm not going to answer that question. All in all, this "special attraction" between the two is part of hyping up the event which is the last sunday of the month. The last thing I saw that ended the confrontation when the Big Show grabbed Floyd Mayweather, hoisted him over his head and threw him out of the ring. But was caught by other wrestler superstars.

The theme of the show was Wrestlemania Rewind Night, which had several wrestlers compete from past wrestlemanias. For example: The first match was a Casket Match between Mark Henry and The Undertaker from Wrestlemania 22. Watching a casket match on TV was one thing, but in person, different story, but Undertaker won it. Another match was between Kane and Triple H from Wrestlemania 15, which the King of Kings the winner. Oh, here's a good one, Remember Wrestlemania I, when the Iron Sheik and Nikoli Volkoff competed against the U.S. Express? Apparantly that rematch was supposed to happen, but ended in a no-contest. Maybe it was Jillian's singing! And Shawn Michaels was declared the winner over John Cena by DQ in their rematch from Wrestlemania 23, which was last year!

Other matches included an Intercontinetial Title match, which Chris Jericho defeated Jeff Hardy. A Divas match when Melina defeated Maria. By the way, Candice Michelle, our own from Greenfield, appeared but wasn't in action. The match between Mr. Kennedy and Finlay was supposed to appear, but after cutting a "work shoot promo" against Brett Favre( he did folks), Mr. Kennedy was ambushed before the match started which earned him a win by disqualification. And the World Champion Edge defeated Chicago's own, CM Punk in their own Wrestlemania rematch from last year. Plus Umaga and Batista made their appearances for their upcoming match at Wrestlemania.

If you haven't attended a Monday Night Raw show in the past, it's very different from watching it on Television. During the breaks and before the show, you would see the set up crew organizing and setting up the Pyro-Technics cannons and flame throwers, banners, conference set ups, Lillian Garcia singing the National Anthem, Jim Ross and Jerry Lawler coming to their broadcast booths with their theme musics, the opening of show, with the music, videos, and pyro-technics. Plus some ring cleaning. During one of the breaks, one of the ring set up crews came to the ring to sweep out some debris from the canvass. As the individual was sweeping the ring, some in the crowd started chanting: "Let's Go Broom Man!" With 5 claps afterwards. Then they chanted "Sweep" several times and cheered. Talk about giving props to a cleaning man! As crazy as it was, it was fun, But the broom man didn't wrestle though!

Overall the show was good. Appearing in person is a great experience. Like I said, this wasn't my first time going to Raw in the Bradley Center. My first was in 2006 and I was blown away. This time, same thing, but a dash more interested.

In addition to my favorite shows and movies I like to watch around Christmas, the WWE had a show implemented to show support for our Armed Forces. The show is called "Tribute to The Troops: Christmas From Iraq". For the last 4 years, I have enjoyed watching it because not only it's wrestling, but to see the faces of our servicemen and women with joy and excitement. Yes those who were at the show, are wrestling fans that feed of that excitement and energy from the wrestlers and Vince McMahon. Despite of what Pro Wrestling has gone through this year, this show really settles in humbly. This year the programing has gone back between the matches, and the soilders who tell their stories of inspiration, safety, sacrifice, danger and most of all pride in serving America. That's right, during the segments of the show, the troops tell their stories of what is mostly positive, courageous, and not mostly talked about in the media!

 

 

If you're wondering what came of this about, WWE superstar John "Bradshaw" Layfield or "JBL" originated the idea of putting on a wrestling show for the troops who are stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. The first show was in 2003, and it was a breakthrough to make it happen between the WWE, Armed Forces Entertainment, and the Armed Forces Divisions themselves. Since after that show, the WWE has gone back four more times to give our troops something to smile about from their daily duties. Either it was Stone Cold Steve Austin giving Mr. McMahon a Stone Cold Stunner, The Undertaker making an impact on his opponents, D-X winning against Umaga and Mr. Kennedy, The WWE Divas passing out Christmas Gifts or Wrestling, Rey Mysterio giving "the 619" to Mark Henry, Mr.McMahon giving a "mockery" to Santa Claus - (which turns into Stone Cold, Mick Foley or John Cena), JBL giving Chris Masters his signature move at the end of the show, and many more. Even WWE Raw Ring Announcer Lillian Garcia singing the National Anthem while our Military stand and salute. By the way, this is what I didn't know, Lillian is an Army Brat, and she can blow!

Over the years, the wrestlers have visited areas of Camp Victory, Camp Speicher, Camp Anaconda in Iraq and Bagram Air Force Base in Afghanistan, to see and witness daily operations of what our troops go through. Such as flying around in the Black Hawk Helicopters for security purposes, shooting guns on the rifle range, touring areas where the troops are rebuilding schools and homes, riding in the Humvee into the cities like Tikrit for security patrol, practicing taking cover from bombs and mortar attacks, just a few. The wrestlers and production crew also got a chance to interact with the troops by setting up the ring and production areas. Similar like the WWE does each year in every arena, but they do it with 18 people and no pyrotechnics! They also display several flags of the world around the set to give that "global connection". And yes the American flag is displayed! In the past shows, the wrestlers gone on tours to visit other bases that were once palaces that Saddam Hussein owned. And they visit hospitals which some of the troops get treated from attacks, plus memorials that troops set up for those who lost their lives in action. Most of areas they visited, most of the media does not get to see at all, such as viewing the approval of the Iraqi people and Afghanis that come in and help them out of respect. How many of us seen that on the evening news? And on the fun side they give out autographs and take pictures like they do in the States. On the flip side, the troops are seen having fun like playing basketball, performing rap lyrics, and immolating and interacting with their favorite wrestlers. Plus, one important factor is that they do swearing in ceremonies for re-commitment  for their units and their branches of serving.

The show also gives an importance of our servicemen. They receive a "slice of Americana" from the WWE since most of them couldn't make it home for the holidays. And plus it gives them hope and support that keeps them going each time. "WWE Tribute to the Troops" is not just a wrestling show that shows up around Christmas. It's an important show for our troops that are serving, and gives us a chance to learn that they have or are boosting the spirit of the Wrestlers of the WWE, and America. Just my opinion. The only reason the WWE does this, is not about politics, not about money, not about publicity, or the war in general. Or whether what the news media thinks. It's about showing some love to those who are serving our country. That's it! Despite of what the critics thinks about the wrestlers, Vince McMahon in all in a negative sense, you have to give them a ounce of respect for doing this show, for our military. And they volunteer their time out of their schedules to do this. The WWE says that this show is right up there with their main event show, Wrestlemania.

Check out more of the photos, videos of the show at WWE.com. And read the cover story of the WWE's visit to Iraq from this year, from the Armed Forces Entertainment Website.

Here it is. The 12th month of the year. Christmas is coming and the halls are decked. For me the 12th month of putting up holiday decorations around the house and church is not just a hobby, but a tradition. A tradition that started in the 1980's when yours truly, was coming up in the city. And plus it gets me in the mood for my December Birthday, which is December 5th, and my Parents Anniversary. This week, my parents will mark their 38th Anniversary on December 20th. Had to put that out there!

Hanging of the Greens

The first part of tradition is the Church. Every November, the Saturday after Thanksgiving, my mother and I display the Christmas Decorations. This tradition was originally named as the "Hanging of the Greens" which came from my late Grandmother, Elsie E. Burton. Whom also was one of the founding charter members of my church - St. James United Methodist Church. It was her idea of the family to put up the Christmas decorations in order to get the church ready for the Advent Season. Our family did this every year. Including after her death in 1991. Since that year, my mother, aunts, and siblings took the reigns in the mid 90's,(I didn't like it that much) but when the 2000's came, I jumped aboard the family tradition. For seven years, I not only assisted my mother, but also became part of the leadership role of designing, decorating, and assistance of the annual project. This year we displayed Artificial Poinsettias around the Altar, with the Christmas Tree in the foreground. Also in the Sanctuary, my mother displayed mini-Christmas trees in the windows to display a different look, plus in the altar, a table centered with 5 candles wrapped around with green garland.

Now, the question is why the five candles? Each candle represents 5 Sundays in Advent and the big candle is the Christ candle that receives the flame last. Out in my church's Narthex, we displayed several churches with lights, two mini Christmas Trees, and cotton snow to give that decoration of winter in the season. Also, on our Credenza, a Nativity Scene is set up with a mechanical Angel lights up the Star of Bethlehem.

Plus, here's a throwback decoration:(since throwbacks are in style now!) I found four banners in our church that haven't been used in years. These four banners displayed: "Messiah", "Noel", "Wise Men Still Seek Him", and the most important banner, "Jesus is the reason, for the season". These banners have been around since 1985, for me about 9-10 years old. And these banners were around since my late pastor, Rev. Herbert McGuin was the minister at that time. Around 4 years ago, I dug up the old banners once again and redisplayed them in the sanctuary, in their original spots, and it gave the sanctuary a defining look of not only new messages, but an old saying of what Christmas is really about. Even the kids attending my Church now are getting the message of what I have witnessed at their ages.

Recognizing the Classics

Now, the home decorations. Like many of us, we probably had or have family members that put up Christmas Decoration year after year. My father is one of those people. Ever since I was a child, around this year my father would go to the storage boxes or displays and put up the Christmas Decorations. From Santa's Sleigh on the roof, lights on the garage, wreath in the center of the house, another Santa on the porch with Frosty, Spiral Trees on the Front Lawn, a garland around the lamppost, and some Reindeer near by. Inside the house, there would be a Christmas Tree, Garland, Nativity Scenes, stockings, lights, and at one time candles, the ones that you can plug in and not light up. After all those times that my dad decorated the house, I was all inspired that I could one day do the same thing. He stopped putting them up years ago because of some vandals would come over and just mess them up. That ain't right!

Now, it's my turn to deck the house. I have been decorating my sister's house for seven years. And every time I do this, usually 5 days after my birthday, I think about back in the day in getting ready for the Christmas Season. Usually following in my father's footsteps. So, all in all, this tradition is not just a fly by night hobby of talent. But a way of recognizing the old and blend in with the new. Now, I'm satisfied that I am able to keep the thing going, in a new, 21st Century way.

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When I get a break in mid-December, I pullout some of my favorite holiday movies and shows that take the pressure off of my Holiday-mode ideas. By the way some of these are out on DVD:

The Simpsons Christmas 1 and 2. Check the "Tis the Fifteenth Season" on the 2nd DVD!

SNL: The Christmas Episodes from years past like Church Chat, Matt Foley: Motivational Santa, and Garrett Morris singing Winter Wonderland. Some of you may remember these.

Bill Murrary's Scrooged

A Diva's Christmas Carol - Yes, there is a female version of the Dickens classic starring Vanessa Williams.

Die Hard 1 and 2 - Yes, I dig John McClaine at Christmas Time!

WWE Tribute to the Troops - Like wrestling or not, this is a good show to watch as the wrestlers perform for the troops stationed in the Middle East. Mostly Iraq and Afghanistan.They have done their 5th annual tradition by entertaining our servicemen which can be seen on Christmas Eve. If you have cable or satellite, check the USA Network. Why do they do this? To appreciate our Armed Forces. That's It.

Friday After Next - This movie had Katt Williams as Money Mike, and Terry Crews of Everybody Hates Chris, as Damon. This is Ice Cube's third "Friday" movie. If you saw the movie, you know what I'm talking about!

Home Alone 1 and 2 - That's right. The Original and the Second Movie. As far as the third and fourth, no comment.

And Christmas Episodes of Martin, In Living Color, Living Single, Married With Children, and Fresh Prince.

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One more thing. Back in day, my family used to go from one house to another to celebrate the holiday. Mostly my grandmother's house and then my grandfather's house on my mother's side. We also did that with my father's side in December of 1986, following the death of my late grandmother Carrie McClinton. I was getting used to being 10 years old back then. It would be my parents, sister, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends just to get together and celebrate. This was the 1980's and we had fun doing it. Some of us remember playing my grandmother's piano, but we didn't sing any Christmas Carols! We used to go to our stockings by the fireplace that my late grandmother prepared and we find either candy, toys, fruit, walnuts and more. After we had dinner, then came the presents. When that was done, we went over to my grandfather's house and did the same thing, and back home.

But things kind of slowed down for us after 1991 when my late grandmother Elsie Burton passed. Then the scene shifted to my late Grandfather's house between 1992-1999, after he passed. Once again, on my mother's side. In 1999, my parents house was a mainstay for the Holidays. One of my aunts had a mainstay of Christmas over at her house in 2001, which was my grandfather's house that belonged to Robert Burton, Sr. In the past couple of years, my sister's house has become the new mainstay for the family get together with Christmas. And I know that even though that wasn't like back then, but the spirit of the tradition was moving forward. That's all we have to do. Just keep moving forward, for my baby cousins and my sister's Godsons. Hopefully this year, would be a new start for us, now since my late Grandfather (my father's dad) is not going to be there in person. I don't know how it's going to be. Last Christmas there were signs that he didn't eat much. And that was about him not feeling well. And that lead to his death from Christmas Day of last year to March 26th of this year. I know that my grandfather wouldn't want us to stop. Like Ozzy Osbourne said in his song this year,"I don't wanna stop!" We'll have fun though.

To conclude: That's my holiday tradition in the family.

Merry Christmas Comment Graphics

NubianGraphics.com

Hope everyone's Thanksgiving was indeed "thankful". Now it's time to get on the exercise bikes indoors and pedal the pounds off! Or do some shopping by walking around. Now today, I know is the unofficial start of the Christmas Season, of "Black Friday".  I got to Walmart this morning around 10:30am this morning at the Midtown Center. No worries for parkning. I wanted to get some of the items that were missing from my november wishlist: 3 CD's of Alicia Keys, Angie Stone and Jay-Z; A pack of DVD-RW Discs, 64 Christmas Cards, (32 in a pack), a bottle of Deicer wash and Antifreeze for the car. Found them all! No worries. Was the store packed? Well let's just say that the store was 3/4 full around the time I got there. But hey, no problems. Plus the lanes were opening up as more people came in, and stood in the checkout lanes. I managed to get to a small checkout lane when it first opened. Suceeded! And since I had a few items under the 12 items list, I was straight, and went out after 30 minutes of looking and choosing. And previewing for the holiday wish list.

Next, after a little rest at the house, I went out to Best Buy out in Wauwatosa. Once again, the parking was no problem.  Best Buy was slighty more packed than Walmart.  And  I do mean slightly. I went in because I wanted to get two DVD's: Martin Season 3, and WWE's No Mercy. If you don't have Martin in your DVD collection, go get it! Especially the third season. Once again, like Wal-Mart, I found the DVD's with no hectic dilemma. None. And the checkout lane were not as packed as Walmart, but was available with one customer at a time.The rule of thumb: Get what you want and go! Bada-Bing-Bada-Boom!

I never had an early morning experience of getting up for a sale. I usually go later in the day when it's not so packed as was this morning. Funny thing occured that when I was leaving Wal-Mart this morning, the song "Welcome to the Jungle" by Guns-N-Roses came to mind. Both these stores were like a jungle to me. A survival of the fittest if you will. Keep in mind that this is the first day. And many more will come during the holiday season. While shopping for your brother, sister, mother, father, boyfriend, girlfriend, etc. Think about this. The season is about the birth of Jesus. Not the birth of GuitarHero! I didn't fear Black Friday at all. I took it as saying, just do it. Get it out of the way, and head back to the house. That's it.

This past weekend, I didn't check out the Bee Movie nor the other Santa Claus movie, Fred Claus.  Nope not these. I checked out American Gangster with Denzel Washington and Russell Crowe, and It was just as real as Scarface. Matter of fact, it was in my opinion, the "realist mobster/gangster/mafia" movies that came out in a while since New Jack City. In a nutshell, American Gangster is based from the story on how Frank Lucas rose to power as one of Harlem's toughest kingpins between the late 1960's to the 1970's. He utilized the shipment of drugs from southeast Asia in place of caskets that containing American Soldiers from the Vietnam War, to distribute in his turf. He got away with for a least a decade, but likewise, there was trails of deceit, treachery, anarchy, and of adding patterns of finding out who is the head distributor of bringing down the bosses and also the police officers whom seem to be working behind the scenes in order to capture Lucas.

Just as in real life, Frank Lucas did utilized his hustle and grasp his influence of power on his brothers, and nephew (played by Rap Artist T.I.) Other rap artists guest star on the movie: Common plays one of the Lucas' brothers, and RZA from the Wu-Tang Clan,who played as one of the police officers. But Frank's lifestyle of glamor and power had an negative effect on his Puerto Rican wife, and mother towards the end. He did serve his prison sentences, had been arrested for his off-shore bank accounts, and etc. Eventually after Officer Ritchie Roberts leads the assist of locking up Frank Lucas, he lightens his sentence up until 1991.

Overall, American Gangster is a powerful movie. And I do mean powerful! If you are a fan of Scarface, New Jack City, The Godfather, and other mobster/crime drama movies, then I highly you should checkout American Gangster. It will have you thinking one way, and another. My grade: A+

Check out the trailer of American Gangster on the net. If you are a fan of soundtracks, check out the American Gangster Soundtrack on DefJam.com. Plus, Jay-Z has his album of American Gangster coming out on November 6th. From what I have been reading, Jay-Z made the album after being inspired from the movie.

 

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Movie Preview for 2008:

BTW- when I was previewing the other movies, before American Gangster came on, Rambo comes back in January! Be on the lookout for that! Yes. You read it right. Rambo comes back around January 25th, 2008!

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I'm not a big fan of Christian movies, but there was a movie that I viewed earlier this year on DVD. Facing The Giants, is about a high school football coach that has a tough time finding a way to win with his football team. The team struggled for 6 seasons without a championship. After the almost fearing of being eliminated from his job, something changed him that he didn't explore while coaching: Faith. The principal once told him in the that "The Lord is not done with you yet". In another scene, the coach questioned his players asking the objective question: "What is the purpose of this team?" Most answered winning. But as the story goes, it was more than winning, it was an apporoach of using testimony, prayer, belief and opportunity that endured the team's victory. By comparison, Facing the Giants is more than a football movie, it is a movie that pales in comparison of overcoming the odds and getting to the spot where it's desirable. In the movie, the coach is focusing on winning the Lord's way, while his wife seeks an opportunity to become a mother. Another character, a High School Student focuses on playing soccer, but his father insisted on him playing football for his high school. It was at hard at him first, but he becomes more determined to be apart of team with new talent. Back to the coach, his luck for change also continues when he receives a bonus, and a new truck from one of the fathers of the high school football players.

The moral theme of the movie is "With God All Things Are Possible" based from scripture. And it does teach and show that whenever things are in the way, there is chance that negatives can turn into positives. Such as on this blog site where some of us were harassed and slandered because of different viewpoints. I on one hand included the "patience factor" in one of the blog responses of the Fox 6 staff not as blogging as much. Plus those whom do like slandering have no decency nor respect for others who want to share their views and give some insight, advice, or fun stuff that most people know and don't know. Keep this blog thing going. Don't let some individuals get in your way in a negative fashion. Just keep on going. That's a "Giant" that needs to be conquered every time.

But getting back to the movie, it is family flick that any church, school, business or activity function that can see. Now, I know that is a Christian movie. Make that a Football Christian Movie. It does have moments of grasping inspiration. The movie has a website for your viewing:

http://facingthegiants.com/

Form Feet and Legs!

Form Arms and Body!

And I will form the Head!

That phrase does not need any introduction. If you were alive back in the 1980's lets say...1984, that was the year that Voltron came on TV. If you haven't noticed, the DVD collection is out on the shelves now. Mostly, it's the four of the five lions are out on the collection - The Blue, Green, Yellow and Red. Just for the record, the fifth lion collection - Black Lion Collection, will be out on December 11th, 14 days before Christmas. For what's in store for the remaining 4 collections I'll run a quick summary just to refresh and review each collection. And for those who are younger and don't know about Voltron, take notes.

The Blue Lion collection is more of the beginning for the Lion Force. This was mostly how the Space Explorers left Planet Doom and first learned about Voltron - through the five lions, as they combated the evil King Zarkon and his army. Plus in shows later, the princess joins up with force in order to protect her planet. Also for evil guys, it was also a first of changing of the guards which involves Prince Lotor. For this, it is a starting point of the series.

The Yellow Lion Collection is like the rising action of the series. This is the collection that King Zarkon faces death, but keeps living, Robeasts are created more in an attempt to tame Voltron, and keep Princess Allura occupied with doubt and fear of operating the Blue Lion, Prince Lotor is still in the hunt of capturing the Princess in her own castle, and mostly more of the Voltron Force saving Planet Arus. What is a Robeast? It is a monster that is half Robot, half Beast. Just so you know.

The Green Lion collection is more of a climax. In this series the force trains harder in more of fighting Planet Doom. Also in this series, Voltron almost bites defeat, when the Witch Haggar decides to summon up a comet to trap him. But later on, the Force is given new life, and comes back stronger than before. Plus the Force is armed with new allies in order to strike back at Planet Doom. This also reunites Sven, who in the first collection was the original blue lion pilot, and attempts to guide the slaves from the evil planet. Even another Princess, Romelle who is Allura's cousin.

More recently, the Red Lion Collection came on the shelves on September 25th. It is more a falling action of the series. This collection involves more of King Zarkon acting upon himself as a Robeast. But he avoids the defeat of Voltron and tries to attempt to reclaim his throne. Meanwhile, Prince Lotor tries to run the empire by launching more of an extreme assault on the universe. Including Voltron. And capturing the Princess, yet again, plus making him "King". In contrast, the series features the Castle of Lions is transformed into a flying fortress in order to help Voltron to combat Planet Doom. Also, Coran, the elder leader of the Voltron force is somewhat reunited with his son, which later reveals is not the case. Overall, this collection is more of a determined push in order to have the good guys getting after Lotor and his crew.

As I indicated earlier, these are the 4 of the 5 collection series that are out now on DVD. Each of the sets contains the original episodes, plus extras of how the cartoon was made, the interviews of the actors and the "cleaning" of the each episode in which gave them new life on DVD, and some fun stuff which involves street interviews of trying to refresh memories of the Five Lions.

For staying ahead, the fifth Voltron Collection, the Black Lion set is scheduled to be released on December 11th. One week before the Simpsons Season 11 comes out. It is rumored that the final lion collection would involve more of the interviews, animation, plus a in depth look of the Voltron Vehicle Series. This had the Land, Sea, and Air teams. If you remember there were two Voltron series that aired back in the 80's. Go to tvshowsondvd.com for more information of the upcoming DVD collection.

Now comes the question. Would this collection look good for your DVD collection? Yes! For a good reason if you like 80's cartoons that you possibly remember as a child, and another is to enjoy the sound quality that has been revamped since it's reissue. If you didn't know, this was the first cartoon that had a component of Dolby Surround sound, which was new back then. And it is a good teaching tool. Now I am aware of Mighty Morphing Power Rangers. Without Voltron, there wouldn't be Power Rangers. Just my opinion.

So, to wrap it up, if you want to add more animation, or should I say old school robot animation to your DVD collection, I highly recommend Voltron. You will not regret it! Go to your Best Buy, Target, Walmart, or any store you know very well that sells the collection. And if you are younger, and want to know what was the thing about Voltron, go to the stores and buy any of the DVD sets, and watch it. You might learn something.

In speaking of the TV shows on DVD website, go to Voltron.com on the net to capture more of the news, stories, and yes, merchandise.

Sources: World Events Productions, Ltd. ; Website Sources: voltron.com; voltronondvd.com

For some of us who have been paying attention to the music sales in hip hop, there were two rivals that were going back and forth for a considered bout between two opposing forces. No, I'm not talking about the Chicago Bears vs Green Bay - although that is historic in sports. Nor Wisconsin vs Minnesota for Paul Bunyan's Axe another historic in sports. And not even Marquette vs Wisconsin in Basketball. Plus WCW vs the WWE back in the Monday Night Wars. I'm kidding myself! This is about Kanye West vs 50 Cent. Check this: both of their albums fell on the shelves in stores on 9/11/07, But before the sales launch, Kanye and 50 had a wager on hand: If Kanye wins the record sales bid against 50 Cent, Curtis Jackson will no longer rap any more, but produce music. Curtis Jackson is 50 Cent's real name if you didn't know.

Some would say that this is probably a silly thing because this all about selling records. That's how this East Coast and West Coast thing begun and what happened to Tupac and Biggie? Dead. However, this goes deeper than that. This "rivalry" between Kanye and 50 Cent goes back to the days I think is called "The Battle". For you non-rap fans, take notes. "The Battle" is plainly having two rappers poised to rank or impress the audience the notion of one group of rap lyrics than the other. The most points or response will get hip hop's respect as the winner. Most of the rappers that are out today, have never gone through this process. Also clearly this is how some rappers became famous through this project, like Eminem. Look where he is after the battle! Also this battle thing is also more reviving some friendly fire to hip hop. I mean really, friendly fire, in which does not involve rappers shooting rappers, but having positive reviews between the opposing forces. Get this LL Cool J, Hammer, Ice-T, Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, Sugar Hill Gang and others from Hip Hop's golden age have also "rivaled". Including Death Row and Bad Boy Records have rivaled with the birth of the Tupac/Biggie angle. Most of the hip hop music was fueled through their companies back in the '90's.

After reading the "Kayne Poised for Victory over 50 Cent" article through AP, It looks like now that after most prediction, Kanye is by far the victor, by 955,000 copies of "Graduation" over "Curtis". Now, I hate to jump ship here for a second, but what does Kenny Chesney have to do with this rivalry? With all do respect to country music, Kenny Chesney in all, this has nothing to do with him. This is about Kanye West vs 50 Cent settling their differences in a way they know how, through their music, and letting their fans know who has the upper hand in this rivalry of hip hop. I guess after getting shut out of the VMA's, Kanye has something to cheer and win about. Maybe Kanye has gained hip hop's respect. Only time will tell. Just my opinion.

By now, I hope we all have a breath of fresh air of Britney and the VMA's. (Hopefully). But there is another artist that needs to have a reality check on sportsmanship - Kanye West. Yes I'm sure by now that some of us know what happened behind the scenes at the VMA this past Sunday. Kanye throwing a temper tantrum just because he didn't win a MTV Moonman. Yes he said he's been making #1 hits for 2 years, and complaining that it's not going his way. Wait a second, does Kanye have a grammy award? I assume he does. Here he is this talented rapper from Chicago, no doubt he has lyrics that are meaningful, and the videos he produces mostly fit the songs well. And a side note he's not afraid to express it through his music. What I like about Kanye is his creativity. But this past incident involving not getting a MTV Moonman Award by complaining is not going to make things right. I remember that India.Arie a couple of years ago, was nominated for 7 Grammy Awards, and not won any of them. Not one. But she came back stronger on her second album and scored 2 Grammys. Maybe Kanye should learn from what India went through. Or maybe he should have a chat with Dr. Phil or a straight talk session with Steve Wilkos.

I look at it like this: Kayne is one of the conscious lyricists that is in the game right now. He is. There is no denying his craft. But crying over spilled milk is not going to get things done. This is not his first time throwing tempers. According to MTV.com, his outburst started at the 32nd AMA's in which he lost the "Best New Artist" award to Gretchen Wilson. What did Kayne do? Stormed out in protest, and claiming conspiriacy theories. In December of 2005, in the same year his "Late Registration" album came out, (this had singles like Golddigger and Touch The Sky), Kanye goes out and vocally demands: "If I don't win Album of the year, I'm gonna have a problem!" This was before the Grammy Awards, and the bad attitude continued. Get this infront of MTV's European Audience at their EMA's, Kanye goes out and interrupts the winners of the award, by stating that his "Touch the Sky" video costed him "a million dollars, and Pamela Anderson was in it". Plus after other rants of not getting his way, the European crowd booed Kanye! This was November of 2006. Just last year. And after these incidents he vows never to return to MTV, nor the AMA's ever again.

What Kanye needs to do is to chill out. Take the award losses like a man,  and work smarter not harder in his music. How is he going influence his young fans of being the best in life by crying out for attention? To me, he reminds me of scene out of Run's House when Russy throws a temper tantrum of his outburst at the bowling alley. And his father (Rev. Run) ordered him to write a report on "sportsmanship". Go get Run's House on DVD. Maybe Kanye needs to learn about being a good sport. I know he's talented, should have been on first, not Britney, leading 50 Cent in the album sales since 9/11/07, but he needs to conduct himself better that this. Kanye West is good, but his pain of outbursts needs to stop.

Check out the stories: "Heard Him Say! A Timeline Of Kanye West's Public Outbursts and "Kanye West Loses It Again, Says He'll 'Never Return To MTV': Report on MTV.com

Plus you may need to watch this clip from the Insider that has Kanye's temper tatrum from Youtube.com

This past Tuesday, MyNetwork TV showed two new shows that dealt with justice. The Academy, and Jail. For The Academy, this show is based on new recruits enduring the 18 week intentsive training to be a deputy for the LA County Sheriff department. The show does have drill sergeants that get into the minds of the recruits to give them orders, discipline in an endeavoring mission to law enforcement. When I looked at the show, the recruits were almost being placed like in a Marine Corps Boot Camp. The recruits were given a raw, in your face attitude in order to overcome their fears or in this case given a chance to be broken down. Plus, the viewers at home get to have a chance to vote for the recruit that could be passed to the next phase in the training.

In another show on MyNetwork TV, I also viewed two shows of "Jail". To me this is where Cops picks up after the arrests. When I watched this show, it serves as a reminder of me of never attending jail! On the show, it had almost every single person, that was arrested for everything from prositution, indecent exposure, a man hitting a woman with a coke bottle, and 2 brothers from a different country, that were arrested, and wanted to be in an a American Jail. - No joke! They wanted to be in jail. Oh, I did see the part where the cops arrested the person that quoted "I don't like jail!" Plus, another woman motorists was arrested after a road rage incident when her vehicle was involved in a shooting. Check out the clip.

One thing about the show also, and I don't know if it happens in police stations, that in the first show, the women were seated on one side of the room and the men on the other. But the thing is, the officers told the men not to look at the women! The officers go through inspections of going through purses and bags. They found most stuff from cigarettes to condoms. And the officers give those an earful to the individuals or groups of what they are in for. Some of the prostitutes from the first show were a trip because of money. Ranging from $500.00 to $7,000.00. And they get into a debate to the officers of how "their pay" is faster than theirs.

All in all, what I got out of the show is the fact that I know it on camera, and in a reality sense, but this should teach all of us that jail is no party spot. For the Academy, even thought the show is viewed as intense, but it also infuses discipline and will in the trainees. Both shows have interests for those who want to follow up on reality justice on TV. MyNetworkTV is part of the Fox Network, which is part of Newscorp, a higher company of Fox6.

Watch a preview of "The Academy" and "Jail" from Youtube.com

Before I begin this blog of My Madden Review, I was one of the winners of the WildHogs DVD's. I'm suprised that I was of the first few winners that actually was chosen randomly. It was my first time winning a prize from a TV station. Thank you, Fox6!

Ok.  Back to the matter at hand: Madden NFL 08.  Back to spending time at the game consoles to develop and play your favorite teams to win big. Just long time ago, this was one of my must haves along with school supplies for the fall. But anyway, the style of the gameplay in Madden 08 is almost the same as Madden 07, like trades, developing your own player to be in the Hall of Fame, but with a few changes and upgrades. An option of "Know your players" of speed, strength, on offense, and mostly defense. In speaking of the "D" if you have a hit stick on your controller, you can use it to program your defensive back to lay the hit on your opponent, or make a move with your running back on the offense. And like the previous Maddens, there is online game play if you have the system that uses it, a preseason, regular season, front office, post-season, Superbowl and Pro Bowl.  Another thing that's new for the tournament types, there is a "Create your Championship Ring" mode in which you can customize your ring with your favorite team and have a challenge for it. In skills mode, this is mostly interactive. It is not about facing practice squads of offense and defense, but it also has tackling dummies that move around when you are making the moves in the skills area.

What separates Madden 08 from the previous Maddens, in my opinion, is the more overall interaction of the gameplay. I know that the EA Sports organizations try each year to out develop and create the Madden game that comes out in August, around the same time as Preseason Football. But I think this one is most challenging. The enhanced gameplay is more upbeat and strategies are tested to determine how are you going to get the ball to your wide receiver, running back, and tackle with your defensive backs. And on the other hand it can be fun for any player, not just the Madden fans in general.

Yes, Madden 08 is out on all game systems, including the "now dying" Gamecube (unfourtunately, I got that one, but I'm thinking about the Wii!) If you want to enhance your gameplay for the fall, in a fun way, go get Madden 08.

Despite of the critics thinking that Rush Hour 3 is a cop-out, they need to take a look in the eyes of those who enjoyed the flick. This is the third series in the Rush Hour Trilogy in which Carter and Lee take the reigns again to France to battle the Triads. Chris Tucker is still hilarious in which I think carried most of the movie. And Jackie carried the movie well in his action skills and a little humor. But both took the movie a step a bit to make sure that it was the final rush hour to be humorous and a slice of action packed interests. This was my first time viewing a Rush Hour Movie in the theaters and the last two were on cable. Overall to me it was just as hilarious as the second sequel. Went to the same theater as watching the Simpsons Movie, Mayfair, got in my seat just in time, and started to laugh my rocks off.

The actions scenes from both heroes and villains were not bad. And the climax between Lee and Kenji (played by Hiroyuki Sanada) as brothers/enemies raised the bar in my view to tie in the leading factor of the movie. The character of Soo Young (played by Jingshu Zhang) is revised and 10 years grown up, and is in a triangle between her father, who is an important ambassador to the world, the Triads, who want Soo Young captured and her father eliminated, plus reuniting with Carter and Lee in order to convince them of promising of protecting her from harm.  In the mix of it all,  Carter and Lee are met with Genevieve (played by Noemie Lenoir) who gives them an insight of what the enemies are capable of gaining control of a new army.

The movie also has some more humor, in which I will not disclose now! But, despite of the the critics, this movie  in the fans eyes, does have decent positive points of and action points. Overall, it does have the capability to have you laughing in the entire 1hour and 30 minute movie.

If we are still from The Simpsons Movie hangover, prepare for a remedy. The Simpsons Season 10 DVD Set are in the stores now!  In case you're wondering it does have all the epidsodes from the 1998-1999 Season. And to me, this was the season that is worth buying, because some believe that this was the last of the "funny seasons". I don't know about that one. They are up what, 18 seasons? Right now it's on sale for about $30.00 at Best Buy, Target, Kmart, Circuit City, or any video store. So to dictate, what is in store for the 10th season? Here are following shows that are on the 4 DVD set:

Lard of the Dance - Homer starts a business selling excess grease while Lisa befriends a new student, played by Lisa Kudrow.

The Wizard of Evergreen Terrace - Homer tries to follow an example of invention by trying to be "edison like" - Thomas Edison that is.

Bart The Mother - A mistake by Bart by shooting a bird by using Nelson's BB Gun, and then taking care of the babies - which aren't bird related!

Treehouse of Horror IX - Three things: Homer receives a new hair-do from Snake(who is electricuted)  which takes over his mind, Bart and Lisa get trapped in a Itchy/Scratchy cartoon, and who can forget Kang and Kodos, or one of them claiming to be Maggie's Father? And Jerry Springer guest stars on this show along with Robert Englund, Ed McMahon, Regis Philbin, and Kathie Lee Gifford.

When You Dish Upon A Star - Homer, Kim Basinger and Alec Baldwin. All under one roof, and then chaos happens when Homer is hired as a Personal Assistant. Drat! Even Ron Howard is in this one!

D'-Oh-in in the Wind - Homer attempts to learn of his middle name, Jay that is. And attempts to get involved in the juice business. George Carlin guest stars.

Lisa Gets an "A" - Lisa almost receives a poor grade, and has to fix it by getting an good one, and does well for the school. But her conscience kicks in the real truth.

Homer Simpson in: "Kidney Trouble" - Grandpa Simpson is need of a kidney, while Homer attempts to make his getaway.

Mayored to the Mob - The town has a Science Fiction seminar, and Homer is enlisted as a bodyguard for Mayor Quimby while pulling a stunt against Fat Tony. Mark Hamill and Joe Mantegena are guest stars.

Viva Ned Flanders - Ned Flanders comes out of his "comfort zone" and tags along with Homer to Las Vegas. But they soon realize that their partying, ends up with two other "wives." Plus, The Moody Blues are guest stars on this one.

Wild Barts Can't Be Broken - Bart and his friends are blamed for a town riot (thanks to Homer & Company), so curfew is in effect. This also has "The Bloodening" skit!

Sunday, Cruddy Sunday - Homer and his crew go to the Super Bowl, and realized that the tickets they bought are fakes. What is the obvious? - Sneak in! Plus Marge and the Kids try to spend time looking at art pictures from Vincent Price. Lot of guest stars. Ex-NFL On Fox Football team John Madden and Pat Summerall, Football Legends Troy Aikman and Dan Marino, Fred Willard, Dolly Parton, Rosey Grier and the Kingpin of Newscorp, Rupert Murdoch.

Homer To The Max - The show that Homer Simpson changes his name to Max Power,after an aloof of his name and a clumsy character on televison.

I'm With Cupid - Apu and Manjula are celebrated with love for Valentines Day, which almost gets ruined by Homer and his friends. Sir Elton John guest stars.

Marge Simpson In: "Screamin Yellow Honkers" - Can anybody say Road Rage? That's what Marge experienced after driving the Canyonero, which she would use to rescue her family from a gang of rhinos. If you listen closely, Hank Willams, Jr. sings somewhere in this episode!

Make Room For Lisa - After Homer installs a phone transmitter for Lisa, first Bart becomes an unwanted roomate, then Homer and Lisa spend time with each other through a stress test.

 

Maximum Homerdrive - Homer becomes a truck driver in which he and Bart must complete truck route for a deceased driver. Back at home Marge and Lisa are trying to get used to their new door bell and Senor Ding-Dong.

Simpsons Bible Stories - This show should be on every list in Church, Sunday School, or Vacation Bible School. Anyway, this has three sides: One, Homer and Marge act as Adam and Eve, Ned as God and it dealt with forbidden fruit. Next Milhouse plays Moses in attempt to lead his people out of Egypt, and David vs. Goliath, Bart attempts to knock down Goliath in this case Nelson, to save his people, or does he?

Mom and Pop Art - After a poor job on assembling his barbecue grill, Homer uses it to get noticed on the art scene, and he gets noticed more after the town turns against him.

The Old Man and the "C" Student - Bart is punished after the town loses a bid for the Olympics. To make up for it, he must help the senior citizens. Plus, Homer tries to sell springies around town, which causes an accident for Lenny.

Monty Can't Buy Me Love - Monty Burns is not a typical billonare for Springfield. In his quest to gain respect, he and Homer insist on caputring the Loch Ness Monster.

They Saved Lisa's Brain - Lisa teams up with Mensa, in order to help out Springfield along with Principal Skinner, Comic Book Guy and other to change the town into a Utopia. But they soon realize that the genius work doesn't always try. And Stephen Hawking is a guest star.

Thirty Minutes Over Tokyo - The family uses short cuts in order to get a trip to Japan. While there, they lose their money and go on a game show to get back home. And George Takei from Star Trek is a guest star.

 

To ask the question, is this worth buying? Add this to your collection if you want to update your video library, or if you just like The Simpsons, or funny cartoons period!

 

Sources: courtesy of Twentieth Century Fox, Matt Groening, and The Simpsons Website: http://www.thesimpsons.com