5.31.2007

Evolution of Dance

This guy is stellar, he breaks down all the great dance crazes of the past 50 or so years into a 6 minute video!



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dMH0bHeiRNg

5.30.2007

Tim Hortons Controversy

I received this article today via e-mail from my step-mom, not sure if it was at the Tim Hortons I used to work at... but it's sure an interesting story:


Tim Hortons serves up some controversy
'No Drunken Indians Allowed' joke at Alberta outlet no laughing matter for surrounding aboriginal groups
DAWN WALTON

From Wednesday's Globe and Mail
May 30, 2007 at 4:44 AM EDT


CALGARY — — A boycott is brewing at Canada's iconic coffee and doughnuts chain after a sign that declared "No Drunken Indians Allowed" was taped to a drive-through window at a Tim Hortons [THI-T] outlet in Southern Alberta.

The company, which says the poster was an ill-conceived joke placed by a teenage staff member at a Lethbridge location last week, is fielding complaints from aboriginal people, who are now calling for a ban on the popular eateries.

"Please do not purchase from these stores," noted an e-mail that is circulating among members of native communities. "It might not make a big impact on their profits, but at least it will let them know that these [types] of discriminatory acts will not be tolerated."

The e-mail urges people to call the company's head office to complain about the "offensive" sign, which a number of people already have, and to forward the e-mail to as many other aboriginals as possible. It has also made its way - several times over - to corporate headquarters in Oakville, Ont.

"This is not something we tolerate and it is not reflective of Tim Hortons," Rachel Douglas, a company spokeswoman, said yesterday of the sign. "For any offence, I extend my sincerest apologies."

Ms. Douglas first heard about the controversy on Friday after receiving a complaint.

The teenage staff member has been suspended from a number of shifts and she was educated about the company's harassment policy. The teen, who is not aboriginal, apologized to two employees who are members of native bands, and the outlet's owner sent a letter of regret to the nearby Blood Tribe.

"I think it was one of those youthful things where she just didn't realize and she was made very aware of her actions and the consequences and was very remorseful," Ms. Douglas said. "We decided it was in her best interests - and a learning experience - that we didn't terminate, but she has been disciplined and reprimanded."



http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070530.wtimhortons30/BNStory/National/home

5.29.2007

New Coke Commercial

This is the best commercial I've seen in a long time. This is the extended one that they show at the movie theatres, not the shorter TV one.

Coca Cola "Give a Little Love"




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mbpi5YeBkCk

5.28.2007

Song of the Week

"Holy Diver" - Dio

You've been down too long in the midnight sea
Oh what's becoming of me

Ride the tiger
You can see his stripes but you know he's clean
Oh don't you see what I mean

Gotta get away
Holy Diver

Shiny diamonds
Like the eyes of a cat in the black and blue
Something is coming for you

Race for the morning
You can hide in the sun 'till you see the light
Oh we will pray it's all right

Gotta get away-get away

Between the velvet lies
There's a truth that's hard as steel
The vision never dies
Life's a never ending wheel

Holy Diver
You're the star of the masquerade
No need to look so afraid

Jump on the tiger
You can feel his heart but you know he's mean
Some light can never be seen

Repeat verse 1

5.27.2007

Word of the Day

(I didn't even know they did this!)

Urban Word of the Day
www.urbandictionary.com

May 27, 2007: newpeat

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=newpeat&defid=2317955

Repeats with new scenes. Originated from [The Office]: NBC wanted to spice things up a bit without creating more episodes, so they cut new scenes into their old episodes.

"Did you see that newpeat of Jim and Pam from the office last Thursday?"

5.26.2007

Word of the Day

(A bit too subtle for most conversation, but still funny)


Urban Word of the Day
www.urbandictionary.com

May 26, 2007: youniverse

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=youniverse&defid=2408644

The entirety of creation that relates to one specific, narcissistic individual. Used to indicate that a particular person has knowledge only of him or herself -- their universe consists only of them.

If you moved outside of your youniverse for five seconds you'd understand that people aren't homeless out of choice.

5.25.2007

Lily Allen "Alfie" video a la Sims

This is the original video of the song "Alfie" by Lily Allen, I think it's really neat:





http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZfx2WSr-l4

This one is a re-make of the video in Sims form:





http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUmo_eFDYqE

5.24.2007

How to Make a Shopping Cart Chair

This is a really cool tutorial on how to make a shopping cart chari from webshots "know how" series:



Know How: Shopping Cart Chair

5.23.2007

Project Gutenburg

This is a neat site, it's an online digital library or literary works, most of which have now exceeded the copyright parameters that previously prevented them from being re-printed free of charge.
http://www.gutenberg.org/wiki/Main_Page

Wiki def:

"Project Gutenberg, abbreviated as PG, is a volunteer effort to digitize, archive, and distribute cultural works. Founded in 1971 by Michael Hart, it is the oldest digital library. Most of the items in its collection are the full texts of public domain books. The project tries to make these as free as possible, in long-lasting, open formats that can be used on almost any computer. As of April 2007, Project Gutenberg claimed over 21,000 items in its collection. Project Gutenberg is affiliated with many projects that are independent organizations which share the same ideals, and have been given permission to use the Project Gutenberg trademark."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Project_Gutenberg

5.21.2007

Song of the Week

"How bizarre" - OMC

Brother Pele's in the back, sweet Zina's in the front
Cruisin' down the freeway in the hot, hot sun
Suddenly red-blue lights flash us from behind
Loud voice booming, "Please step out onto the line"
Pele preaches words of comfort, Zina just hides her eyes
Policeman taps his shades, "Is that a Chevy '69?"

How bizarre
How bizarre, how bizarre

Destination unknown, as we pull in for some gas
Freshly pasted poster reveals a smile from the past
Elephants and acrobats, lions snakes monkey
Pele speaks "righteous," Sister Zina says "funky"

How bizarre
How bizarre, how bizarre

Ooh, baby (Ooh, baby)
It's making me crazy (It's making me crazy)
Everytime I look around
Everytime I look around (Everytime I look around)
Everytime I look around
It's in my face

Ring master steps out and says "the elephants left town"
People jump and jive, but the clowns have stuck around
TV news and camera, there's choppers in the sky
Marines, police, reporters ask where, for and why
Pele yells, "We're outta here," Zina says, "Right on"
We're making moves and starting grooves before they knew we were gone
Jumped into the Chevy and headed for big lights
Wanna know the rest? Hey, buy the rights...

How bizarre
How bizarre, how bizarre

Ooh, baby (Ooh, baby)
It's making me crazy (It's making me crazy)
Everytime I look around
Everytime I look around (Everytime I look around)
Everytime I look around
It's in my face

Word of the Day

(heheh I'm so glad someone named it!)

Urban Word of the Day
www.urbandictionary.com

May 21, 2007: puzzle butt

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=puzzle+butt&defid=2394073

the crack in a monopoly board.

The dice landed right on the puzzle butt.

5.20.2007

Quote of the Day

"Don't regret anything because at one point it was exactly what you wanted" - annon

5.18.2007

Charles Dickens Theme Park

Soon in Britain a Charles Dickens Theme Park will be opening. I think this is a very cool thing to happen.

The article:

"Work starts on Dickens theme park

Work is due to start on a £60m theme park in Kent based on the life and work of Charles Dickens.

Dickens World is to be built on derelict dockland at Chatham, where the Victorian novelist lived as a boy.

A multiplex cinema with bars and restaurants is to open in October 2006 and the theme park in April 2007.

"We look forward to Dickens World becoming one of Medway's leading visitor attractions," said project director Jonathan Sadler.

Cobbled streets

The themed attraction will be based on the life, times and books of Dickens.

It will reproduce Victorian architecture, with cobbled streets and specialist lighting providing the background to rides and other entertainment.

Work is expected to begin in the next two months.

Chatham Maritime site is the flagship of the South East England Development Agency (Seeda).

"Rochester and Chatham make a natural location for a project based on Charles Dickens," said Mr Sadler.

"Dickens not only lived here, but it is where he originated many of his storylines.""

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/4414509.stm

5.17.2007

Teenagers

I was thinking the other day how odd it is in society how we pressure teenagers to make life altering decisions when the vast majority of them are not even a fifth through their lives yet. This phenomenon is particularly predominant in two areas, education & relationships.

Firstly relationships, many teenagers are expected by society (parents, guardians, peers) to get married upon graduation or at least be seriously thinking about it. They are expected to meet, fall in love with and marry someone from high school or college and be hitched and often bear children before they are even 25. If a person could live to be a hundred (which is completely possible nowadays) that means that before a quarter of their life is up they are expected to make a decision about a partner who they will (in theory) spend the next 3/4s of their life with. Similarly they are expected to bring offspring into this world when they are barely adults themselves.

Secondly education, as people of 17 or 18 years old teens are expected to decided on a career path they will supposedly pursue for another forty years until they can retire. This one is a bit more lax in society now as adults of my generation often have many "careers" in their lives, but the main point of schooling beyond post secondary is to decide on a path that will continue for the remainder of one's life.

I think it's so odd that we put so much pressure on teens to make these kinds of decisions when they are still growing & changing and coming into their own. I think a far more reasonable expectation would be for them to "figure things out" by the time they are 30 or 35... if life started 10 years later for people I think a lot of people would be a lot happier.

I won't even comment on societies that marry off their daughter's at 14 to men they've never met!...

5.16.2007

Windows Live Updated

This is kind of a lame post, but I got this e-mail a bit ago and found it kind of good and time wasting so I'll post it...

"Slackers wanted! Take a break from studying for finals and procrastinate here...

Check out a few of the cool new tools!

* Find what you want fast with Live Search
* Find useless trivia answers on Windows Live Messenger
* Fuel a school rivalry (or start one) – check out Campus Spaces on Windows Live Spaces

Plus, access offers for students! Create your personalized cards to flirt or network, and much more. We dare you www.liveu.ca"

5.15.2007

Word of the Day

(The only time I had ever heard this reference was in South Park and it was a brutal episode where Butter's goes to gay camp to get striaghtened out)

Urban Word of the Day
www.urbandictionary.com

May 15, 2007: accountabilabuddy

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=accountabilabuddy&defid=2383580

A friend, maybe a best friend, who you get into trouble with and who is somewhat responsible for your actions.

Dude, Kyle is totally my accountabilabuddy. [Good lookin out] Kyle.

South Park reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Butters_Stotch

5.14.2007

Song of the Week

"Lake of Fire" - Nirvana

Where do bad folks go when they die
They don't go to heaven where the angels fly
Go to a lake of fire and fry
see them again 'till the Fourth of July

I knew a lady who came from Duluth
Bitten by a dog with a rabid tooth
She went to her grave just a little too soon
Flew and lay down on the yellow moon

Where do bad folks go when they die
They don't go to heaven where the angels fly
Go to a lake of fire and fry
see them again 'till the Fourth of July

People cry and people moan
Look for a dry place to call their home
Try to find some place to rest their bones
While the angels and the devils try to make 'em their own

Where do bad folks go when they die
They don't go to heaven where the angels fly
Go to a lake of fire and fry
see them again 'till the Fourth of July

Originally by The Meat Puppets

Word of the Day

(ahahah it's so true!!! I have to say when I wanna get something done these are my favourite kinds of phone calls!)

Urban Word of the Day
www.urbandictionary.com

May 14, 2007: Testosterphone

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Testosterphone&defid=2394029

(Verb). To make a quick and to-the-point phone call that lasts under 30 seconds.

"Let me testosterphone James, it will only take a minute!"

5.13.2007

Word of the Day

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!!!!!
(oh and an aside... they need more greeting cards with Mum on them as opposed to Mom... LOL)

Urban Word of the Day
www.urbandictionary.com

May 13, 2007: Moms

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Moms&defid=1397842

An affectionate term for your mother.

"I was talking on the phone with my moms."

5.12.2007

Giant Games

Check out these games! They are giant versions of classic games, so fun!!! EEEEE :-D












(chess one is my favourite!)

http://www.flaghouse.ca/search.asp?category=Athletic&SKW=ggames

5.11.2007

Old Time Radio

Here are some Old Time Radio links from illwillpress.... (for something completely different! LOL)

Weekly Old Time Radio Show MP3 (Free Downloads):
http://www.otrcat.com/today.php

Live365 (Old Time Radio & Music):
http://www.live365.com/index.live

Old Time Radio In MP3 (Massive Links):
http://users2.ev1.net/~ey/audio.html

Cobalt Club (The Shadow):
http://testbox.cob.rit.edu/

5.10.2007

Cuddle Party

This is one of the oddest things I think I've ever seen...

"What a Cuddle Party Is: A structured, safe workshop on boundaries, communication, intimacy and affection. A drug and alcohol-free way to meet fascinating people in a relaxing environment. A laboratory where you can experiment with what makes you feel safe and feel good.

This playful, fun workshop has been a place for people to rediscover non-sexual touch and affection, a space to reframe assumptions about men and women, and a great networking event to meet new friends, roommates, business partners and significant others."

http://www.cuddleparty.com/

5.08.2007

Webby 2007 Award Winners

Webby 2007 Award Winners:
(to see the nominees & people’s choice winners visit the website http://www.webbyawards.com/)

ACTIVISM
Green my Apple http://www.greenpeace.org/apple Greenpeace International

ART
Electrolux Design Lab http://www.electrolux.com/designlab/ Great Works

ASSOCIATIONS
PoetryFoundation.org http://www.poetryfoundation.org/ PoetryFoundation.org

AUTOMOTIVE
Volvo C30 - A Product of Free Will http://www.prize-entry.com/c30/webbyawards/websites/ Euro RSCG 4D

BANKING/BILL PAYING
Zopa http://www.zopa.com/ POKE

BEAUTY AND COSMETICS
Philips Norelco Bodygroom http://www.shaveeverywhere.com/ Tribal DDB

BEST COPY/WRITING
HowStuffWorks http://www.howstuffworks.com/ HowStuffWorks

BEST HOME/WELCOME PAGE
Sony.com http://www.sony.com/ Sisu, Inc. / Sony Corporation of America

BEST NAVIGATION/STRUCTURE IKEA,
Dream Kitchen http://demo.fb.se/e/ikea/dreamkitchen/site/default.html FORSMAN & BODENFORS

BEST PRACTICES
Flickrhttp://www.flickr.com/ Yahoo!, Inc.

BEST USE OF ANIMATION OR MOTION GRAPHICS
Jonathan Yuen (2006) http://www.jonathanyuen.com/ Jonathan Yuen

BEST USE OF VIDEO OR MOVING IMAGE
Adobe CS2.3 - The Creative Mind http://www.goodbysilverstein.com/creative_mind/ Goodby, Silverstein & Partners

BEST VISUAL DESIGN - AESTHETIC
Jonathan Yuen (2006) http://www.jonathanyuen.com/ Jonathan Yuen

BEST VISUAL DESIGN - FUNCTION
Flickr http://www.flickr.com/ Yahoo!, Inc.

BLOG - BUSINESS
DealBook http://www.nytimes.com/dealbook NYTimes.com

BLOG - CULTURE/PERSONAL
we make money not art http://www.we-make-money-notart.com we make money not art

BLOG - POLITICAL
Truthdig http://www.truthdig.com/ Truthdig

BROADBAND
blip.tv http://www.blip.tv/ Shane & Peter, Inc.

CELEBRITY/FAN
Verizon Dave Matthews Band http://surround.verizon.net/presents/dmb Questus

CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS NONPROFIT
I spy with my little eye http://www.ikzieikziewatjijnietziet.nl/english ACHTUNG!

COMMUNITY
Flickr http://www.flickr.com/ Yahoo!, Inc.

CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
PlayB3yond http://www.playb3yond.com/ Sony Computer Entertainment America

CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS
MGM Grand Hotel & Casino http://www.mgmgrand.com/ Sid Lee (Diesel) / MGM Grand Hotel and Casino

CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS
Smithsonian Photography Initiative http://www.photography.si.edu/ Cabengo LLC

EDUCATION
HowStuffWorks http://www.howstuffworks.com/ HowStuffWorks

EMPLOYMENT
Army Strong Launch Site http://www.goarmy.com/strong MRM Worldwide

EVENTS
Mercedes-Benz E-Class Experience Paris-Beijing http://www.e-class-experience.com/start.html?lang=en Scholz & Volkmer GmbH

FAMILY/PARENTING
PBS KIDS Sprout--Sprout Diner http://www.sproutletsgrow.com/diner/index.php PBS KIDS Sprout

FASHION
ZOOZOOM 'The Original Online Glossy' http://www.zoozoom.com/ McEye Media Inc

FINANCIAL SERVICES
The Wall Street Journal Online http://www.wsj.com/ Dow Jones Online

FOOD AND BEVERAGE
Altoids.com http://www.altoids.com/index.do WDDG GAMES Samorost2 http://www.samorost.net/samorost2/ Amanita Design

GAMES-RELATED
Gamasutra.com http://www.gamasutra.com/ CMP Game Group

GOVERNMENT
MBTA.com Official Website for Greater Boston's Public Transportation System http://www.mbta.com/ RDVO, Inc.

GUIDES/RATINGS/REVIEWS
Yelp http://yelp.com/ Yelp, Inc.

HEALTH
That Guy http://www.thatguy.com/ Fleishman-Hillard

HUMOR
The Onion http://www.theonion.com/ The Onion

INSURANCE
eHealthInsurance http://www.ehealthinsurance.com/ eHealthInsurance

IT HARDWARE/SOFTWARE
CLEARIFICATION http://www.clearification.com/ McCann Worldgroup / Mekanism

LAW
LawHelp.org http://www.lawhelp.org/ Pro Bono Net

LIFESTYLE
BP Carbon Footprint Calculator http://www.bp.com/carbonfootprint Ogilvy and Mather Chicago

MAGAZINE
MediaStorm http://mediastorm.org/ MediaStorm

MOVIE AND FILM
Pan's Labyrinth http://www.panslabyrinth.com/ Picturehouse / Deep Focus

MUSIC
Last.fm http://www.last.fm/ Last.fm Ltd

NETART
The Dumpster http://www.tate.org.uk/netart/bvs/ Golan Levin / Tate Online /Whitney Artport

NEWS
BBC News http://www.bbc.co.uk/news BBC News

NEWSPAPER
guardian unlimited http://www.guardian.co.uk/ Guardian Unlimited

PERSONAL WEB SITE
Jonathan Yuen (2006) http://www.jonathanyuen.com/ Jonathan Yuen

PHARMACEUTICALS
Know Menopause http://www.knowmenopause.com/ Ogilvy

PODCASTS
NPR Podcasts http://www.npr.org/rss/podcast/podcast_directory.php NPR

POLITICS
OpenSecrets http://www.opensecrets.org/ Center for Responsive Politics

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Mindflood Seduction http://www.mindflood.com/ Mindflood

RADIO
BBC Radio 1 http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1 BBC

REAL ESTATE
Bankside 123 http://www.bankside123.co.uk/ Bounce Digital Ltd

RELIGION AND SPIRITUALITY
Religion & Ethics Newsweekly http://www.pbs.org/religion Thirteen/WNET New York

RESTAURANT
KFC’s Flavor Station: Choose Your Sauce http://clients.fcb.com/webby/kfc/ DRAFTFCB

RETAIL
Nike Women http://www.nike.com/nikewomen/us/index.jhtml R/GA

SCHOOL
10 Ways IU is Red Hot http://redhot.iu.edu/ Indiana University Office of Creative Services

SCIENCE
HubbleSite http://hubblesite.org/ Space Telescope Science Institute

SERVICES
LInkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/ Atomic PR

SOCIAL NETWORKING
LinkedIn http://www.linkedin.com/ LinkedIn

SPORTS
The Reggie Bush Project http://www.thereggiebushproject.com/ Tribal DDB

STUDENT
The Science of Sex http://www.scienceandsex.com/ Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism

TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Black Label Series No.1 Chocolate Micro http://chocolate.lgmobile.com/uk/en/product/blacklabel.html D.TRIBE Inc.

TELEVISION
Current TV http://www.current.tv/ Current TV

TOURISM
YellowstonePark.com http://www.yellowstonepark.com/ Yellowstone Journal Corporation

TRAVEL
Wikitrave lhttp://wikitravel.org/ Wikitravel

WEIRD
Cute Overload http://www.cuteoverload.com/ Cute Labs LLC

YOUTH
OwnYourC http://www.ownyourc.com/ AgencyNet

5.07.2007

Song of the Week

"Daytime Friends" - Kenny Rogers

And he'll tell her he's working late again
But she knows too well there's something going on
She's been neglected, and she needs a friend
So her trembling fingers dial the telephone

Lord, it hurts her doing this again
He's the best friend that her husband ever knew
When she's lonely, he's more than just a friend
He's the one she longs to give her body to

Daytime friends and nighttime lovers
Hoping no one else discovers
Where they go, what they do, in their secret hideaway
Daytime friends and nighttime lovers
They don't want to hurt the others
So they love in the nighttime
And shake hands in the light of day

When it's over, there's no peace of mind
Just a longing for the way things should have been
And she wonders why some men never find
That a woman needs a lover and a friend

Daytime friends and nighttime lovers
Hoping no one else discovers
Where they go, what they do, in their secret hideaway
Daytime friends and nighttime lovers
They don't want to hurt the others
So they love in the nighttime
And shake hands in the light of day

Daytime friends and nighttime lovers

5.06.2007

Webshots Know How

Webshots came out with a new e-how-to-show called "Know How".

"The creators of Wink! have teamed up with the folks at Instructables to create a how-to show we know you'll enjoy! From easy to build projects to down-right insane concoctions, Know How will peak your inner-hobbyist and wet your appetite to get out there and make something!
Check out the first episode, where we make noise-isolating headphones for $20 in under 30 seconds!

We’ll have new episodes of Know How every Wednesday, so sign up for a dedicated email alert so you’ll never miss a show!

Want to show us things you've built? Upload your videos to Webshots and tag them "knowhow" then embed them on Instructables where you can post your complete instructions!"

Check it out:
http://www.webshots.com/is/spotlight/?tag=nl.e203

5.05.2007

Become an M&M

This is a cute site that lets you design a custom M&M, kind of like a zwinky or an imvu character or a stardoll... except it's an M&M!!

Here's mine:



It's kinda dumb though 'cuz I can't figure out how to save my M&M to their website... LOL!

http://www.becomeanmm.com/

For more M&M fun check out their website:
http://us.mms.com/us/


**edit** Thankfully the M&Ms peopel fixed the site so when you click "save" there is actually an option to create an account and not just a "username","password" field. LOL

5.04.2007

Blockbuster Total Access

Here's one for you American readers...

Blockbuster now has a program called Total Access wherein you can get your movies delivered (like Netflix) to your door via snail mail, but now upon completion of the movie you can either mail it back, or exchange it at a blockbuster store for another DVD. The great part is the DVD next on your list to be delivered my mail will still be delivered.

$17.99 will get you 3 DVDs out at a time in a month (which is about the same as rental charge).

I think this is a great idea, especially for people (like my parents) who rent 20+ DVDs a month! I can't wait for it to come to Canada.

Check it out:
http://www.blockbuster.com/

5.03.2007

Brother Love

Today's post is on a bit of a relic wrestler from 90's (maybe 80's?) known as "Brother Love". Brother Love was one of WWE's stock characters, a "typical" southern baptist preacher, out to preach the word of love.

He came up recently in conversation wherein a friend quoted his famous catch-phrase "I LOOOOOOVE YEWWW". It was quite hilarious but at least one in our group looked on in a blank-stare obviously oblivious to the catch-phrase's origin. I dedicate this wiki explanation to that friend who shall remain nameless... LOL

"Bruce Prichard (born March 7, 1963) is a producer for the World Wrestling Entertainment's WWE SmackDown! brand. He is the brother of professional wrestler Tom Prichard.
Bruce Prichard is best known to television audiences as Brother Love, a red-faced smarmy, overly-charismatic "preacher" who claimed to preach not the word of God, but "the word of love." He was best known for his cheesy catchphrase of "I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE YEWWWWWWWWWWW!"

"Brother Love hosted a segment on World Wrestling Federation's syndicated and cable television programs (called "The Brother Love Show"), in which he would interview wrestlers. The segment debuted June 19, 1988 on Wrestling Challenge, and would be "promoted" to the WWF's "A-show," Superstars of Wrestling, by early that fall.

The segment was patterned largely after the legendary "Piper's Pit," where Love — dressed in a white suit and tie with a red shirt — would berate face wrestlers (especially Hulk Hogan and the Ultimate Warrior) and openly support such heels as "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase and Bobby "The Brain" Heenan. In fact, DiBiase was Brother Love's main "benefactor." More than once, a wrestling feud was set up because of what occurred on "The Brother Love Show" (including the Earthquake-Hulk Hogan feud of 1990 and the Jake "The Snake" Roberts-Rick Martel feuds).

Brother Love also featured prominently in WrestleMania V in 1989 where Roddy Piper "de-skirted" Brother Love of his "kilt" after taking over Piper's Pit. A year later, Sgt. Slaughter bestowed a medal upon Brother Love during SummerSlam 1990 for being the "greatest American." Brother Love was thrilled. The character of Brother Love was controversial, since he was introduced around the time of the late 1980s scandals involving televangelists including Jim Bakker and Jimmy Swaggart (upon both of whom Prichard's character was based). Several of his segments also bordered on the lines of taste; one particular segment involved Love playing the part of a charlatan "faith healer" (where he induced an actor, pretending to be blind and crippled, to "see" and "walk" on command). The actor would proclaim, "I can see!" and "I can walk!" after obeying Love's commands.

Prichard was released from the WWF shortly after the "I Can See!" segment aired (he was "offed" when the Ultimate Warrior attacked him and beat him nearly unconscious in March 1991), although his departure was due to personal problems Prichard was having at the time. Prichard eventually went to Dallas as a manager for the Global Wrestling Federation."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Prichard

5.02.2007

Snoop Dogg Denied

I was reading an article yesterday about Snoop Dogg the rapper. He did a concert a few months back in Lethbridge at the Enmax Centre (which our big concert venue) and he proceeded to "smoke up" on stage and encouraged members of the audience to do the same, which many of them did. Now whether the substance Snoop Dogg was inhaling was actually marijuanna is debateable but what many of the crowd members were smoking definately was.

Enmax Centre and the City of Lethbridge are now going to fine any artist for the use of or encouragement of illegal substances while on stage.

Although this is commendable, as the article points out, many artists will either choose not to come to Lethbridge because of the fees or pay them anyways as the money generated from concerts & merchandise sales would probably greatly out-weigh the cost of the fees, even if those fees were in the thousands of dollars.

I think it is very good of the Mayor to try to enforce morality while in Lethbridge, although his approach may be short-sighted and bad for tourism. I wonder though how Snoop Dogg was even able to get away with smoking the substance as last time I checked drugs were illegal and surely a few of Lethbridge's finest should have been on duty at the concert?

The article
"Lethbridge puts Snoop Dogg on short leash
Canadian Press

May 1, 2007 at 6:17 PM EDT

Lethbridge, Alta. — The onstage concert antics of rapper Snoop Dogg have prompted a southern Alberta city to put artists at future shows on a regulatory leash.

The phone lines at Lethbridge City Hall lit up with calls from angry concert-goers and parents after Snoop Dogg performed at the Enmax Centre last January.

“The entertainers were smoking marijuana on stage and encouraging the audience to do the same,” Mayor Bob Tarleck said Tuesday.

According to people at the concert, some audience members followed Snoop Dogg's lead and the air was soon thick with the smell of pot. Complaints were especially vocal because Lethbridge, a city of 79,000, had just passed a tough bylaw against smoking in any workplace.

Now the city and the arena managers have agreed to new rules that would hit entertainers in the wallet if they smoke, do drugs, drink or encourage illegal behaviour while on stage.

Artists such as Snoop Dogg could be forced to put up thousands of dollars before a concert as a guarantee of good behaviour, and could forfeit that money if they break the rules, said Ashley Matthews, general manager of Enmax Centre.

“It may affect Snoop Dogg from coming back into the community, so people may not be able to enjoy one of his concerts again. But it doesn't mean that rap music isn't allowed in our community,” he said.

Critics call the crackdown heavy-handed and and predict it won't prevent bad behaviour.

“Artists like Snoop Dogg or any other big name like that generates so much profit and revenue from concerts and touring, the amount of money they're going to request from him wont deter him from putting on the show he should put on,” said Jenn Prosser, 20, program director of CKXU, a community radio station at the University of Lethbridge.

Prosser said she believes in freedom of expression for all performers.

“When people go to concerts, they want to see artists as they portray themselves in their music, and that's what happened at the Snoop Dogg concert. I don't think the reaction is justified.”

Matthews, who attended the concert, wasn't surprised when Snoop Dogg, whose real name is Calvin Broadus, lit up what looked like a joint. While he's not so sure it was actually marijuana the artist was smoking, Matthews said there was no doubt that many in the audience were inhaling the real thing.

Tarleck says he thinks it's time to send a message to entertainers, athletes and models who routinely flout society's rules.

“As long as communities just accept that, it will go on,” the mayor said. “When communities take a stand on this, those entertainers will realize that their livelihoods are at stake and make the appropriate adjustments.”

Lethbridge, a mainly agricultural community about 300 kilometres south of Calgary, isn't the only place that's cracking down on Snoop Dogg.

Australia recently refused him entry to host the MTV Australia Video Music Awards because of a lengthy criminal record.

Last month, the rapper was sentenced to five years' probation and 800 hours of community service after he pleaded no contest to felony gun and drug charges in California.

During the 1990s, he pleaded guilty to drug and gun possession charges in exchange for three years' probation.

He was acquitted of murder in 1996 following the death of an alleged gang member who was killed by gunfire from a vehicle in which Snoop Dogg was travelling."

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070501.wsnoop-dogg0501/BNStory/Entertainment/)

5.01.2007

Girls' Only Blog Things

I found a "girl's only" section to blog things the other day, some interesting quizes on it.

"A Blogthing is a quiz, meme, or toy you can put in your blog or journal.

These Blogthings are especially for girls and women.

To get started, take one of the Blogthings below:

What's Your Signature Makeup Look?: Get a glam makeup look that's perfect for you
Are You Attractive?: Are you a total guy magnet? Or are you scaring guys away?
Are You Easy?: Do guys think you're a total tart? Or do you come off as a bit of a prude?"


http://ynr.blogthings.com/