Ralph Nader announced Sunday on “Meet the Press” that he will be giving his third presidential bid in 2008 as an Independent.Most experts think he will have even less of an affect this year than he did four years ago. In 2004 he garnered only 0.3% of the vote. Nader is 74 this week.
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Hilary Clinton comically mocked Barack Obama at a campaign rally in Rhode Island on Sunday afternoon. See the video below.
Straight from Hollywood the weekend of February 15th
Jumper
One day, Davey (Hayden Christensen) discovers he has an amazing ability. He can teleport himself to any location at will. Using his newfound power to find the man who killed his mother, Davey unwittingly becomes a target of National Security Agency officers and another person with the same exact power. Based on the popular young adult novel by Steven Gould.
As a father (Ryan Reynolds) goes through a difficult divorce, his young daughter (Abigail Breslin) starts questioning him on his entire romantic history. So, he tells her the tale of the three great loves of his life and she must guess which woman eventually became her mother. Is it the sweet-as-pie girl-next-door Emily (Elizabeth Banks)? His best friend (Isla Fisher)? Or the flaky journalist (Rachel Weisz)?
Jared Grace (Freddie Highmore) moves into an old house with his family, including his twin brother Simon (also Highmore) and sister Mallory (Sarah Bolger), that they’ve inherited from their great uncle Arthur Spiderwick. When bizarre things start happening on the estate, Jared finds a book that holds the secret to the mystery, which includes several strange creatures who lurk in the shadows. Based on the bestselling series of books.
Coming from a lower-class background, Andie (Briana Evigan) tries desperately to fit in at the elite Maryland School of the Arts. While there, she hooks up with a flashy dancer named Chase (Robert Hoffman) who gets her involved in a down-and-dirty dancing competition that may get her kicked out of school.
Guitar Hero and Rock Band are cultural phenomenons. The video games that are available on virtually every platform have become as popular as going to the movies. But why? The games are entertainment to some, and to others agents of “brain drain.”
I have played and watched both games, and they just don’t suit my fancy. Being involved in arts & entertainment I know musicians who play guitar (the real kind), they can attest to the fact that the simulation in the game is nothing like the real thing. In fact, playing Guitar Hero is more like playing the piano, and those who have experience with a real piano tend to be better (in my unofficial observance) at the game. Those who have experience on a REAL guitar, find themselves lost.
I am not claiming to be an expert at the game. But I am claiming that there is a significant “brain drain” that occurs with the game play especially by younger audiences. Before Guitar Hero, young kids would ask for a REAL guitar, they would learn the skill and become great musicians. Now, instead of being productive they vegetate in front of the TV with a guitar simulation learning nothing except lyrics to a song. There is nothing wrong with playing the game from time to time for sheer entertainment, but those who have made it a lifestyle are in real trouble. I can see it now appearing on their resume when they apply for their next job, “Skilled in Activision’s Guitar Hero, 1, 2, and 3.” It would only be worse if they followed it up with an “lol”, “omg”, or similar acronym.
In addition to the effect it has on our young kids minds; the game itself is one of the most annoying games I have ever been privy to. Too much of anything is a bad. So watch your kids and let them know that the real thing, a real guitar or drum set, is much cooler, and might even get them a fun career someday.
Valentines day is in 5 days, if you are in procrastination mode, and haven’t bought your sweetheart something for cupids holiday, good news! Flowers could be your answer. The tried and true bouquet of flowers delivered by yourself or by a florist, is popular, but not too cliche.
According to surveys by the Society of American Florists, 63% of floral purchases on Valentines day are made by men, and 37% by women.
Flower colors can be important, so before you buy, check the meaning. Here they are:
Red - Passion, love, and admiration
Violet - Accomplishment and admiration.
Yellow - Happiness, enthusiasm and friendship.
Pink - Delicate, and grace.
White - Purity and sincerity.
Orange - Satisfaction, energy and success.
Green - Joy and optimism.
Blue - Tranquility and harmony.
Lilac - Sincere love.
So there you have it folks, get out there and make your sweetheart happy!
Among the myriad of great Superbowl ads, three, one minute ads specifically stuck out to me. Coincidentally, two were from Pepsi, and one from Coke. After reviewing all the big game’s advertisements (you can find all the ads that were aired during Superbowl here), the following three made the biggest impression on me.
There is no “science” involved in these, as I have no marketing experience or expertise, they are simply my favorites!
The Colts and Eagles almost did in November. The Ravens and Giants almost did in December. The Jaguars almost did in January. For months no one could find the winning formula against the undefeated New England Patriots.
Then February came. Superbowl 42. The New York Giants defeated the New England Patriots 17 - 14.
All three of us (Mark DePrez, our guest, Big Bol, and me) were wrong on Wednesdays podcast picking the Patriots to win, and I am HAPPY to admit the error of my ways. The game was amazing in that it came down to the last minute.
BUT…
The best part was seeing Tom Brady get sacked 5 times.
