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| Dodge City #1 |
© The Weirding, 2018
A rambling melange of pop-culture.
Showing posts with label sports. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sports. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 04, 2018
Friday, May 20, 2016
The Yogi Bears
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| The Yogi Bears |
Hanna-Barbera was a huge cartoon empire many decades ago, and their characters and cartoons are still available in many markets. Some of their cartoons include the original Space Ghost, The Yogi Bear Show, and The Flintstones.
© The Weirding, 2016
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Mike Tyson Falls Apart on Huffington Post Live
Mike Tyson was an in-studio guest on Huffington Post Live earlier. I just happened to turn it on as he was being interviewed. I had company and they were talking, so I could not hear everything that was being said but, at some point, former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson began cursing and gesticulating wildly!
Now, I know how terrible it is to rubberneck but... I never liked Mike Tyson.
He was a mean guy, plain and simple - a street tough turned professional. He scared you just by looking at him and that was before he even got in the ring! In the box, he was so efficient that he was almost guaranteed a knockout - and a spectacular one at that. Most of his matches lasted under 30 seconds.
He was notoriously brutish. In a very real sense, everyone was afraid of Mike Tyson. This went a long ways up. Not to mention the fact that he was a huge moneymaker. He shoved cameramen around, hit women, and eventually was accused of rape. That charge landed him in prison for three years where it was rumored (though largely disproven) that he participated in illegal prison boxing matches. Or that's a sci-fi movie I want to make.
Anyway, he was later allowed back into boxing where he promptly bit off a piece of Evander Holyfield's ear! Even after this - and I would consider this a gross lack of judgment on Tyson's part - he was allowed back into boxing about a year later. He ended his career by taking a dive (allegedly).
Tyson went bankrupt, having spent all his money on face tattoos and exotic pets. Recently, he showed up in the blockbuster The Hangover and its sequel, The Hangover II. He did not appear in The Hangover III. I may be making it up but I seem to remember rumors that he was being overlooked due to increased pressure from the morally high-minded.
Now he has been dumped from a controversial role on the sex crimes drama Law & Order: SVU after activists at Change.org started a petition against his appearance. Tyson was set to play a murderer with a murky past but activists noted that although they were aware that he had served his time, they felt his role on the program was in extremely poor taste.
I didn't know that going in, so I heard Mike Tyson ranting and swearing, musing aloud if he now has to make porno films because mainstream media doesn't want him. He was partway between crying and beating the shit out of the nearest living thing. One statement in particular stood out but I only recall the gist of it, which was how hard he was trying to be "this non-aggressive black man."
I have frequently bemoaned Tyson's lionization over the years. His behavior was not a once in a while cycling of mania, it was a non-stop rollercoaster of violence and intimidation. I have tried to understand things from his point of view - growing up poor and disenfranchised, turning to boxing because it's something he's good at, striking it bigger than anyone could ever dream, and losing it all. That has got to be one tough ride but he was doing all these things the whole way through - he didn't start after his tragic fall from grace. In fact, all of these violent exploits were a part of his celebrity throughout his reign.
Still, it was hard to see a grown man breakdown that way. I agree that he was a poor choice for the role but I'm interested to see if the rest of the industry follows this lead or not. I have no real preference either way, I just don't want him to hit me.
© C Harris Lynn, 2012
Now, I know how terrible it is to rubberneck but... I never liked Mike Tyson.
He was a mean guy, plain and simple - a street tough turned professional. He scared you just by looking at him and that was before he even got in the ring! In the box, he was so efficient that he was almost guaranteed a knockout - and a spectacular one at that. Most of his matches lasted under 30 seconds.
He was notoriously brutish. In a very real sense, everyone was afraid of Mike Tyson. This went a long ways up. Not to mention the fact that he was a huge moneymaker. He shoved cameramen around, hit women, and eventually was accused of rape. That charge landed him in prison for three years where it was rumored (though largely disproven) that he participated in illegal prison boxing matches. Or that's a sci-fi movie I want to make.
Anyway, he was later allowed back into boxing where he promptly bit off a piece of Evander Holyfield's ear! Even after this - and I would consider this a gross lack of judgment on Tyson's part - he was allowed back into boxing about a year later. He ended his career by taking a dive (allegedly).
Tyson went bankrupt, having spent all his money on face tattoos and exotic pets. Recently, he showed up in the blockbuster The Hangover and its sequel, The Hangover II. He did not appear in The Hangover III. I may be making it up but I seem to remember rumors that he was being overlooked due to increased pressure from the morally high-minded.
Now he has been dumped from a controversial role on the sex crimes drama Law & Order: SVU after activists at Change.org started a petition against his appearance. Tyson was set to play a murderer with a murky past but activists noted that although they were aware that he had served his time, they felt his role on the program was in extremely poor taste.
I didn't know that going in, so I heard Mike Tyson ranting and swearing, musing aloud if he now has to make porno films because mainstream media doesn't want him. He was partway between crying and beating the shit out of the nearest living thing. One statement in particular stood out but I only recall the gist of it, which was how hard he was trying to be "this non-aggressive black man."
I have frequently bemoaned Tyson's lionization over the years. His behavior was not a once in a while cycling of mania, it was a non-stop rollercoaster of violence and intimidation. I have tried to understand things from his point of view - growing up poor and disenfranchised, turning to boxing because it's something he's good at, striking it bigger than anyone could ever dream, and losing it all. That has got to be one tough ride but he was doing all these things the whole way through - he didn't start after his tragic fall from grace. In fact, all of these violent exploits were a part of his celebrity throughout his reign.
Still, it was hard to see a grown man breakdown that way. I agree that he was a poor choice for the role but I'm interested to see if the rest of the industry follows this lead or not. I have no real preference either way, I just don't want him to hit me.
© C Harris Lynn, 2012
Friday, February 10, 2012
Super Bowl Most Watched TV Show in US History
A record 111 million viewers watched the 2011 Super Bowl, but 114 million watched Madonna's halftime performance, making it the most watched TV show in US history. Madonna also holds the title for the most watched halftime show.
Technicians blamed a failure in equipment for a shot of rapper M.I.A.'s middle finger that caused some controversy. The rapper blatantly flipped-off the camera and it was broadcast during the performance. M.I.A. has not commented on the gesture, though almost everyone else has.
© C Harris Lynn, 2012
Technicians blamed a failure in equipment for a shot of rapper M.I.A.'s middle finger that caused some controversy. The rapper blatantly flipped-off the camera and it was broadcast during the performance. M.I.A. has not commented on the gesture, though almost everyone else has.
© C Harris Lynn, 2012
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Is Serena Williams Not Fit for the Queen?
We rarely cover sports-related events here, because I know few of you, like myself, are all that interested in sports, but I wanted to share this story because it has to do with Americans' standing abroad. Maybe.
Greg Couch wonder aloud why it is that Serena Williams, arguably the best tennis player in the game today, is not playing center court where the Queen will be watching. Williams has been moved to a court farther out, where the Queen will not be able to see her, and Couch thinks that a "disservice."
In his article, Couch wonders first if race has anything to do with it, but dismisses the notion (rightly so, I would think), and settles on Serena Williams' profanity-laden outburst at Wimbledon last year. He then points-out that the BBC network admitted that looks factor into deciding who plays center court, which is why some virtual unknowns have played there the last few years. But it's not like the Williams are ugly!
We can't really fault the English for wanting to showcase homegrown talent, and I truly doubt race played any part in this decision, whatsoever, but it does reek of yet another American snub from the Europeans. Yes, I have frequently opined that we do, by and large, deserve some amount of the disdain we are often shown around the world, but in this case, Serena Williams, who was busy practicing her curtsy when she spoke to Couch for his article, does not deserve to be snubbed.
Nor does the Queen. While I'm sure she's there more for appearance than her love for the game, shouldn't she see the best the world has to offer? Shouldn't Wimbledon officials be more concerned with entertaining Her Majesty than they are in punishing the foul-mouthed American? What is really going on here?
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Greg Couch wonder aloud why it is that Serena Williams, arguably the best tennis player in the game today, is not playing center court where the Queen will be watching. Williams has been moved to a court farther out, where the Queen will not be able to see her, and Couch thinks that a "disservice."
In his article, Couch wonders first if race has anything to do with it, but dismisses the notion (rightly so, I would think), and settles on Serena Williams' profanity-laden outburst at Wimbledon last year. He then points-out that the BBC network admitted that looks factor into deciding who plays center court, which is why some virtual unknowns have played there the last few years. But it's not like the Williams are ugly!
We can't really fault the English for wanting to showcase homegrown talent, and I truly doubt race played any part in this decision, whatsoever, but it does reek of yet another American snub from the Europeans. Yes, I have frequently opined that we do, by and large, deserve some amount of the disdain we are often shown around the world, but in this case, Serena Williams, who was busy practicing her curtsy when she spoke to Couch for his article, does not deserve to be snubbed.
Nor does the Queen. While I'm sure she's there more for appearance than her love for the game, shouldn't she see the best the world has to offer? Shouldn't Wimbledon officials be more concerned with entertaining Her Majesty than they are in punishing the foul-mouthed American? What is really going on here?
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
Memphis' Bellevue Baptist Church Takes Page from Westboro Baptist Church's Bible
The coach of a women's softball team in Memphis, TN claims the Bellevue Baptist Church threw her team out of their league when they discovered she is a homosexual. Jana Jacobson said the officials from the Bellevue Baptist Church barred her team from playing because she leads a "deviant lifestyle."
Jacobson says both straight and gay athletes comprise her softball team, and they registered, paid the fees, and attended an orientation (ha!). Bellevue Baptist Church officials later called her for another meeting in which her sexuality was questioned. When she admitted she was gay, she was told her team would not be allowed to play in the Memphis, TN church league.
A Bellevue Baptist Church spokesperson refused to comment on the matter with a reporter from USA Today.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Jacobson says both straight and gay athletes comprise her softball team, and they registered, paid the fees, and attended an orientation (ha!). Bellevue Baptist Church officials later called her for another meeting in which her sexuality was questioned. When she admitted she was gay, she was told her team would not be allowed to play in the Memphis, TN church league.
A Bellevue Baptist Church spokesperson refused to comment on the matter with a reporter from USA Today.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Friday, June 11, 2010
Becks: Bluewater's Newest Biography
He may be the most famous soccer star in the world. He's married to a Spice Girl. He is, by any measure, an international sex symbol. And now, soccer player David Beckham has become a comic book hero! This September, Beckham will star in Fame: David Beckham from comic book publisher, Bluewater Productions.Writer Pete Rogers and artist Pablo Martinena bring Beckham's amazing career to life, from his earliest days on the soccer field, when he dreamed of playing for Manchester United, to the challenges of his soccer days in the United States.
“Working on the Beckham book was quite different from any other comic I've worked on to date,” Rogers said. “Telling someone's real life story was quite a challenge, and I tried to find as many ways as possible to ensure that it was visually interesting and not just a case of 'he did this then he did that'.”
Rogers wasn't content to simply read about Beckham and his life when researching his script. He spoke to a wide range of people about what Beckham means to them and the sport of soccer.
“One of the reasons I enjoyed working on the comic so much is that I got the chance to go down memory lane myself, not just to pivotal moments in David's life but also back to my own childhood, as some of the first comics I ever read were actually football comics,” Rogers said. “I used to pick up titles like Tiger (with Billy's Boots and Hotshot Hamish), Roy of the Rovers and, Football Picture Story Monthly without fail. When I wasn't reading comics, I was playing football, and I used to spend the school holidays training with local professional side 'AFC Bournemouth' at their Summer Soccer School. Getting the Beckham pages back from brilliant artist Pablo Martinena has taken me back to reading those comics on long hot journeys to Dean Court in the back of my Dad's car."
Fame: David Beckham is just the latest installment in Bluewater's popular series of biography comics tracing the lives of influential movie stars, sports heroes, and musical icons. Past issues have featured Lady GaGa, Twilight star Robert Pattinson, and pop sensation Taylor Swift.
Fame: David Beckham retails for $3.99 and can be found online at Amazon.com or in comic book shops across the country.
“David Beckham is the first sports star we've featured in a Bluewater comic,” said Darren Davis, president and founder of Bluewater Productions. “Of course, Beckham is much more than simply a sports star. He's also an international celebrity, as famous for his looks as he is for his soccer abilities, so he's a perfect fit for our Fame line.”
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Hulk Hogan Suing Post Cereal, Cementing Douchebaggery
Those douchebag Hogans are in the press again, this time it's because Hulk Hogan, aka Terry Bollea, claims Post cereal "humiliated" him by using his likeness in a Cocoa Puffs commercial. For real. (Cuz his, and his family's, own actions didn't humiliate him at all.)
The commercial, featured here, shows a character named Hulk Boulder entering the ring with Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble, whom he defeats handily before losing to Bam-Bam, Barney's son. Hulk Hogan claims the company used his likeness without permission and humiliated him by having said likeness lose to Bam-Bam. In the lawsuit, Hogan claims he used the stagename, "Hulk Boulder," early in his career, before changing it at Vince McMahon's behest. Hogan (Bollea) complained about the commercial in August of last year, but Post continued airing it.
Terry Bollea and his entire family are a complete joke. Every, single bit of respect this guy once commanded as an American legend - let's face it, Hulk Hogan almost single-handedly made professional wrestling something to watch - has been lost,
Hulk Hogan has his own food line, which is sold at Wal-Mart. The line consists of Hogan Energy drink and Hulkster Burgers - microwavable hamburgers.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
The commercial, featured here, shows a character named Hulk Boulder entering the ring with Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble, whom he defeats handily before losing to Bam-Bam, Barney's son. Hulk Hogan claims the company used his likeness without permission and humiliated him by having said likeness lose to Bam-Bam. In the lawsuit, Hogan claims he used the stagename, "Hulk Boulder," early in his career, before changing it at Vince McMahon's behest. Hogan (Bollea) complained about the commercial in August of last year, but Post continued airing it.
Terry Bollea and his entire family are a complete joke. Every, single bit of respect this guy once commanded as an American legend - let's face it, Hulk Hogan almost single-handedly made professional wrestling something to watch - has been lost,
Hulk Hogan has his own food line, which is sold at Wal-Mart. The line consists of Hogan Energy drink and Hulkster Burgers - microwavable hamburgers.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Sullivan's Sluggers
Berkeley CA - 12 May 2010 - Image Comics announces the release of SULLIVAN'S SLUGGERS, a powerful collaboration between writer Mark Andrew Smith and artist James Stokoe (ORC STAIN). Smith, winner of a Harvey Award for co-editing POPGUN 1, is also the writer behind the offbeat favorites AMAZING JOY BUZZARDS, AQUA LEUNG, and NEW BRIGHTON ARCHEOLOGICAL SOCIETY."Sullivan's Sluggers is a great blending of sports comics and horror," says Smith. "It was great to do a story about a baseball team while also, at the same time, working in the horror genre. I think this book will simultaneously resonate with sports and baseball fans, as well as horror fans, making it a perfect storm."
"The horror genre has played a hugely influential role in comics, so it's been really cool to dip my toes in that pool," adds Stokoe. "Mark's cranked out a really fun script that puts a lot of emphasis on stuff that can only be done in comics and has stuffed panels with crazy amounts of gore and action. Our unsung hero, Rodrigo Aviles, is laying down some really vivid and imaginative colors as well. Lots of red splatter and juicy monster gizzards!"
"From THE AMAZING JOY BUZZARDS to POPGUN, Mark Smith has long been one of Image's most imaginative and prolific writers," observes Image Publisher, Eric Stephenson. "He has a great eye for artistic talent, and a head full of ideas that in many ways are ahead of their time. Aided and abetted by the incredible James Stokoe, SULLIVAN'S SLUGGERS is easily one of his best projects yet. If you haven't been exposed to the madcap wonder of Mark's work, this is the place to start!"
SULLIVAN'S SLUGGERS: When Sullivan's bedraggled minor league sluggers accept an invitation to play an out-of-town game, they have no idea their small-town destination is cursed. When the sun goes down after the 7th inning stretch, the dysfunctional teammates find themselves fighting for their lives against a town crawling with flesh eating monsters.
SULLIVAN'S SLUGGERS, an all-new 176-page full-color trade written by Mark Andrew Smith and illustrated by James Stokoe and published by Image Comics, will be available in stores on August 11, 2010, for $16.99.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Chyna Beats Chick Down with a Wire Hanger
Joanie Laurer, aka Chyna, is at the center of an LAPD investigation in which one Gabriela Targos claims Laurer attacked her mercilessly, so that she feared for her life!
Targos says Laurer asked her to come to a motel room, and once she arrived, Laurer went all "Chyna" on her - without provocation, or apparent reason - pulling her hair, punching her in the face, and even beating her with a wire coathanger. Targos claims Laurer dragged her by the hair and threatened her life, and the altercation ended only when Targos escaped the room.
Chyna was a popular WWE wrestler in the 1990s, who has since appeared in several reality shows, including Surreal Life and Celebrity Rehab. Joanie Laurer refuses to admit she has a substance or steroid abuse problem - or any problems whatsoever, for that matter - though she appeared in a sex tape with a fellow wrestler, and was recently hospitalized for alcohol poisoning and self-mutilation, and has been recorded displaying bizarre behavior at inappropriate times and venues many times over.
Laurer could not be reached for comment.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Targos says Laurer asked her to come to a motel room, and once she arrived, Laurer went all "Chyna" on her - without provocation, or apparent reason - pulling her hair, punching her in the face, and even beating her with a wire coathanger. Targos claims Laurer dragged her by the hair and threatened her life, and the altercation ended only when Targos escaped the room.
Chyna was a popular WWE wrestler in the 1990s, who has since appeared in several reality shows, including Surreal Life and Celebrity Rehab. Joanie Laurer refuses to admit she has a substance or steroid abuse problem - or any problems whatsoever, for that matter - though she appeared in a sex tape with a fellow wrestler, and was recently hospitalized for alcohol poisoning and self-mutilation, and has been recorded displaying bizarre behavior at inappropriate times and venues many times over.
Laurer could not be reached for comment.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Saturday, February 06, 2010
Friday, January 22, 2010
Bernsen Seeks to Save Soap Box Derby
Corbin Bernsen is trying to find investors for a movie about the All-American Soap Box Derby entitled 25 Hill. Bernsen, who wrote the screenplay, said he needs about $1 million to fund the film and hopes to have it by this summer, so some scenes can be shot during the actual event.
The All-American Soap Box Derby is a 76-year old competition held annually in Akron, Ohio. The race draws some 600 competitors and their families and was first held in 1934. Its heyday was the 1950s; then, the All-American Soap Box Derby drew up to 70,000 people, including major celebrities like Jimmy Stewart, and was sponsored by Chevrolet.
In recent years however, the All-American Soap Box Derby has suffered financial problems. The Derby has taken place for the last two years without a sponsor. Now, a bank is suing the sporting organization for repayment of a $580,000 loan.
A portion of the profits from Bernsen's 25 Hill will go to the All-American Soap Box Derby.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
The All-American Soap Box Derby is a 76-year old competition held annually in Akron, Ohio. The race draws some 600 competitors and their families and was first held in 1934. Its heyday was the 1950s; then, the All-American Soap Box Derby drew up to 70,000 people, including major celebrities like Jimmy Stewart, and was sponsored by Chevrolet.
In recent years however, the All-American Soap Box Derby has suffered financial problems. The Derby has taken place for the last two years without a sponsor. Now, a bank is suing the sporting organization for repayment of a $580,000 loan.
A portion of the profits from Bernsen's 25 Hill will go to the All-American Soap Box Derby.
© C Harris Lynn, 2010
Friday, November 27, 2009
Golf Champion, Tiger Woods, "Seriously" Injured in Car Crash
I read this a couple hours ago, but the piece didn't seem to make sense; it said golfing champion, Tiger Woods, had been "critically injured" in a one-car crash and "charges were pending." I'm not sure if that means Woods is suspected of DUI, et.al., or what. Later reports, just now surfacing, don't mention anything about charges, and have downgraded injuries to "serious."
According to what I can make from several reports, Tiger Woods left his home early this morning and, before he even got off his own street, struck a fire hydrant then ran into a tree. Woods suffered injury, but was treated at a local hospital and released! Authorities said they consider injuries "serious" if hospitalization is necessary. Further, alcohol was not involved, but charges could be filed (failure to maintain is what I would guess).
That's why I don't rush to "break" news, even though it would be good for hits.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
According to what I can make from several reports, Tiger Woods left his home early this morning and, before he even got off his own street, struck a fire hydrant then ran into a tree. Woods suffered injury, but was treated at a local hospital and released! Authorities said they consider injuries "serious" if hospitalization is necessary. Further, alcohol was not involved, but charges could be filed (failure to maintain is what I would guess).
That's why I don't rush to "break" news, even though it would be good for hits.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Colbert, Fans to Sponsor 2010 Olympic Speedskating Team
Following the collapse of DSB Bank, U.S. Speedskating needed a new financial backer. Talk show host and mock newsman, Stephen Colbert, announced Monday that he and his fans, the "Colbert Nation," would back the team at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, just three months away.
Following the announcement, Stephen Colbert signed a document indicating the Colbert Nation was the new U.S. Speedskating backer. A picture of a speedskater wearing a "Colbert Nation" patch then appeared as the audience cheered.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Following the announcement, Stephen Colbert signed a document indicating the Colbert Nation was the new U.S. Speedskating backer. A picture of a speedskater wearing a "Colbert Nation" patch then appeared as the audience cheered.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Harlem Globetrotters Bouncing Back to TV
The Harlem Globetrotters are bounding back to TV! For the first time since the 1970s, the Harlem Globetrotters will star in their own animated TV series. Toronto-based Cookie Jar - known for Caillou and Inspector Gadget - signed the basketball-based entertainment team to a production deal. While Cookie Jar has not released any of the details, an animated show with licensing tie-ins is assured.
The Globetrotters last appeared on the small screen in 1979, when NBC repackaged their 1971-72 animated CBS series, The Harlem Globetrotters (Hanna-Barbera), as The Go-Go Globetrotters. That's kinda neat, when you consider that Cookie Jar's Inspector Gadget character's catch-phrase was "Go-go gadget [insert gadget here]." And that you probably know them from Scooby-Doo.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
The Globetrotters last appeared on the small screen in 1979, when NBC repackaged their 1971-72 animated CBS series, The Harlem Globetrotters (Hanna-Barbera), as The Go-Go Globetrotters. That's kinda neat, when you consider that Cookie Jar's Inspector Gadget character's catch-phrase was "Go-go gadget [insert gadget here]." And that you probably know them from Scooby-Doo.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Friday, October 02, 2009
Media's Latest Propaganda Campaign: IOC Hates America!
Chicago was the first contending city denied the right to host the 2016 Olympics and ABC broke-in on The View to announce the disappointing news. However, they weren't done. By the 5:30 broadcast, Charles Gibson and his cohorts had devised a propaganda campaign which accused the International Olympic Committee (IOC) of anti-American sentiment and raised questions as to whether or not the denial was a "poke in the eye" to President Obama's administration.
Wha-at?
Chicago was a last minute addition to the roster and before it threw its hat into the ring, Rio de Janeiro was the leading contender. As real experts noted prior to this - read: "Experts uninterested in stirring anti-Olympics sentiment through a baseless propaganda campaign spurred by greed and revenge" - the Olympic Games have never been hosted in South America and do not have much support there. Not only will this boost the country's economy, it will expand the Olympics' worldwide exposure and (hopefully) popularity and support.
Expanding the fanbase is a key concern for all businesses and events, and the Olympics are no different in this regard. Not only is it important to get more fans worldwide, with the recent bankruptcies of so many Olympics sponsors in America and Europe, it is important for the organization to attract sponsors from other countries. Even if their corporate support in these countries rebounds in future years (it will), attracting new sponsors and a wide array of financial backers is another key concern for the Olympic Games.
South America needs an economic boost, as well as a world reputation makeover, and the Olympic Games could go a long way toward providing this. Not only will the Games bring an influx of international visitors, Rio's handling of the events and the buildings and arena(s) constructed for the Games will continue to draw tourists and host events for years to come. This single opportunity is a huge step in the development of a country known largely for prostitution.
Lest we forget, the seas of empty seats at the last American-hosted Olympics was as hot a topic as the events themselves, and there were a lot of Chicagoans who were against hosting the Games there, as well - almost as many as were for it! Maybe there is some anti-American sentiment amongst the IOC - and Europeans (and the rest of the world), in general (why wouldn't there be and why shouldn't we expect it?!) - and maybe this did factor into the IOC's decision, but it sure as hell wasn't the primary motivation.
The IOC knew Chicago would only provide as much support as was necessary to get the job done, with an eye toward maximizing revenue and return for Chicago. The media would routinely feature "opposing viewpoints" of those who were against the idea in the first place, and when the Games failed to attract a larger audience, these same outlets would blame "anti-Americanism" in Europe, the threat of terrorist attacks from the Middle East, Communist opposition from the East, ad infinitum. And the temper tantrum thrown by ABC News proves this.
How can we expect the rest of the world to stop thinking of America as one big, collective asshole when the only representatives of our country with whom they are familiar are a bunch of assholes?
Rio needs the Olympic Games far more than Chicago and will support it much more fervently than America - something the Olympic Games need and the IOC surely knew; not only does Rio deserve this opportunity, its people will actually appreciate it. America was only interested in the tourism and revenues, where South America sees the Olympics as the great cultural event they are.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Wha-at?
Chicago was a last minute addition to the roster and before it threw its hat into the ring, Rio de Janeiro was the leading contender. As real experts noted prior to this - read: "Experts uninterested in stirring anti-Olympics sentiment through a baseless propaganda campaign spurred by greed and revenge" - the Olympic Games have never been hosted in South America and do not have much support there. Not only will this boost the country's economy, it will expand the Olympics' worldwide exposure and (hopefully) popularity and support.
Expanding the fanbase is a key concern for all businesses and events, and the Olympics are no different in this regard. Not only is it important to get more fans worldwide, with the recent bankruptcies of so many Olympics sponsors in America and Europe, it is important for the organization to attract sponsors from other countries. Even if their corporate support in these countries rebounds in future years (it will), attracting new sponsors and a wide array of financial backers is another key concern for the Olympic Games.
South America needs an economic boost, as well as a world reputation makeover, and the Olympic Games could go a long way toward providing this. Not only will the Games bring an influx of international visitors, Rio's handling of the events and the buildings and arena(s) constructed for the Games will continue to draw tourists and host events for years to come. This single opportunity is a huge step in the development of a country known largely for prostitution.
Lest we forget, the seas of empty seats at the last American-hosted Olympics was as hot a topic as the events themselves, and there were a lot of Chicagoans who were against hosting the Games there, as well - almost as many as were for it! Maybe there is some anti-American sentiment amongst the IOC - and Europeans (and the rest of the world), in general (why wouldn't there be and why shouldn't we expect it?!) - and maybe this did factor into the IOC's decision, but it sure as hell wasn't the primary motivation.
The IOC knew Chicago would only provide as much support as was necessary to get the job done, with an eye toward maximizing revenue and return for Chicago. The media would routinely feature "opposing viewpoints" of those who were against the idea in the first place, and when the Games failed to attract a larger audience, these same outlets would blame "anti-Americanism" in Europe, the threat of terrorist attacks from the Middle East, Communist opposition from the East, ad infinitum. And the temper tantrum thrown by ABC News proves this.
How can we expect the rest of the world to stop thinking of America as one big, collective asshole when the only representatives of our country with whom they are familiar are a bunch of assholes?
Rio needs the Olympic Games far more than Chicago and will support it much more fervently than America - something the Olympic Games need and the IOC surely knew; not only does Rio deserve this opportunity, its people will actually appreciate it. America was only interested in the tourism and revenues, where South America sees the Olympics as the great cultural event they are.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Art Theft Targets Warhol Sports Collection
An early September Los Angeles art theft included 10+ pieces of American sports icons by Andy Warhol. The silkscreen prints, a Warhol specialty, were commissioned by the owner of the home in the 1970s. The value of the collection is estimated at several million dollars.
Police say the house "was not ransacked" and the sports collection appears to have been the specific target of the theft. Further, there are no signs of forced entry. A $1 million reward is being offered for information leading to the recovery of the Warhol silkscreen prints of 1970s American sports icons.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Police say the house "was not ransacked" and the sports collection appears to have been the specific target of the theft. Further, there are no signs of forced entry. A $1 million reward is being offered for information leading to the recovery of the Warhol silkscreen prints of 1970s American sports icons.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Dark Horse Hits the Big Leagues
JULY 29, MILWAUKIE, OR – It’s no secret that Dark Horse loves comics, but perhaps lesser known is the fact that Dark Horse loves baseball, too!
In celebration of the summer season and America’s greatest pastime, Dark Horse Comics and Challenge Online Games have teamed up to create the greatest sports franchise ever. In a move that will have agents talking for weeks, Baseball Boss will now feature Dark Horse players, including Concrete, Hellboy, Abe Sapien (B.P.R.D.), X, Rumor and Kraken (The Umbrella Academy), the Mask, Conan, King Kull, Cal McDonald (Criminal Macabre), SpyBoy, Ghost, the Goon, Grendel Prime, the Occultist, Go Boy 7, and Heath Huston (Fear Agent).
The free-to-play, online, electronic trading card game combines the collectibility and trading aspects of collectible cards with the competitive excitement of multiplayer games. Harnessing Web 2.0 applications and asynchronous, short-form design, Baseball Boss and Dark Horse will set the bar for this emerging entertainment sector.
Plus, players can win a full set of virtual cards of the Dark Horse All-Stars team!
* First, players need to complete their free registration for the online game Baseball Boss and finish a quick account setup.
* Then, each time their team beats the Dark Horse All-Stars in a best-of-five game series, they can randomly win a card of the Dark Horse All-Stars for their collection.
* Players get three free packs of virtual baseball cards when they register for free for Baseball Boss.
Baseball Boss has been described by GameZone as "iTunes meets baseball cards." The addition of Dark Horse superstars will allow players to create the ultimate dream team to go head to head with other players in a way never before imagined.
Dark Horse President, Mike Richardson, has this to say about the new program: "Being a longtime baseball fan, it’s great to see so many Dark Horse characters taking part in an online version of our national pastime and playing alongside some of my favorite real-life players."
Jeff Petry, vice president of sports and licensed properties at Challenge Games, said, “Adding key characters from the Dark Horse universe creates a fun activity for our players. We hope that both sports fans and comic fans alike enjoy these highly collectible virtual cards. We’re looking forward to a great partnership with Dark Horse and to creating many more fun activities for all our players.”
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
In celebration of the summer season and America’s greatest pastime, Dark Horse Comics and Challenge Online Games have teamed up to create the greatest sports franchise ever. In a move that will have agents talking for weeks, Baseball Boss will now feature Dark Horse players, including Concrete, Hellboy, Abe Sapien (B.P.R.D.), X, Rumor and Kraken (The Umbrella Academy), the Mask, Conan, King Kull, Cal McDonald (Criminal Macabre), SpyBoy, Ghost, the Goon, Grendel Prime, the Occultist, Go Boy 7, and Heath Huston (Fear Agent).
The free-to-play, online, electronic trading card game combines the collectibility and trading aspects of collectible cards with the competitive excitement of multiplayer games. Harnessing Web 2.0 applications and asynchronous, short-form design, Baseball Boss and Dark Horse will set the bar for this emerging entertainment sector.
Plus, players can win a full set of virtual cards of the Dark Horse All-Stars team!
* First, players need to complete their free registration for the online game Baseball Boss and finish a quick account setup.
* Then, each time their team beats the Dark Horse All-Stars in a best-of-five game series, they can randomly win a card of the Dark Horse All-Stars for their collection.
* Players get three free packs of virtual baseball cards when they register for free for Baseball Boss.
Baseball Boss has been described by GameZone as "iTunes meets baseball cards." The addition of Dark Horse superstars will allow players to create the ultimate dream team to go head to head with other players in a way never before imagined.
Dark Horse President, Mike Richardson, has this to say about the new program: "Being a longtime baseball fan, it’s great to see so many Dark Horse characters taking part in an online version of our national pastime and playing alongside some of my favorite real-life players."
Jeff Petry, vice president of sports and licensed properties at Challenge Games, said, “Adding key characters from the Dark Horse universe creates a fun activity for our players. We hope that both sports fans and comic fans alike enjoy these highly collectible virtual cards. We’re looking forward to a great partnership with Dark Horse and to creating many more fun activities for all our players.”
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Chestnut Done Gone an Broke Them Hot Dog Records
25-year old Joey "Jaws" Chestnut put away 68 hot dogs in 10 minutes at the annual 4th of July Coney Island Hot Dog Eating Contest yesterday. Beating his own record of 66, Chestnut took the Mustard Belt and the $20,000 prize - the third competitive purse in a row for ol' Jaws.
Chestnut's arch-rival, Japan's own Takeru "Tsunami" Kobayashi, only got through 64. The six-time winner has been Jaws' main competition for over a decade now. California's Joey Chestnut not only rules in dogs, he also holds world records for eating 11 lbs. of macaroni and cheese in seven minutes, and 188 jalapeno peppers in 10 minutes! Some guy in South Park inexplicably maintains the record for largest stool.
The hot dog eating competition, a 4th of July tradition, was first held in 1916. The winner ate 13 hot dogs. This year's contest was broadcast live on ESPN.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Chestnut's arch-rival, Japan's own Takeru "Tsunami" Kobayashi, only got through 64. The six-time winner has been Jaws' main competition for over a decade now. California's Joey Chestnut not only rules in dogs, he also holds world records for eating 11 lbs. of macaroni and cheese in seven minutes, and 188 jalapeno peppers in 10 minutes! Some guy in South Park inexplicably maintains the record for largest stool.
The hot dog eating competition, a 4th of July tradition, was first held in 1916. The winner ate 13 hot dogs. This year's contest was broadcast live on ESPN.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
Sunday, May 10, 2009
La Crosse Team Names Mascot After Colbert
So the space station thing didn't quite work out for him; Stephen Colbert need not worry. The University of Wisconsin La Crosse team is honoring him by naming their mascot "Colbert." Over 3000 students voted, though there is one thing:
The students actually chose the name "Eddie," but had to change it because the NRA said it had trademarked the name for their mascot. On another note, the National Rifle Association has a mascot. Named Eddie.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
The students actually chose the name "Eddie," but had to change it because the NRA said it had trademarked the name for their mascot. On another note, the National Rifle Association has a mascot. Named Eddie.
© C Harris Lynn, 2009
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