Beardpocalypse - Will Ferrell on Conan

This is a tremendous appearance by a never-better Will Ferrell on the Conan O'Brien show from a few months ago.  The story goes that Will Ferrell has been on a (hilarious/deranged) mission to shave O'Brien's beard and will stop at nothing to “make things right”.  Cue the several outrageous clips that ignite ‘Beardpocalypse’ followed by the now-famous live appearance that rapidly gets out of hand and absolutely hysterical all at the same time. 

 

By now Ferrell can do things like this in his sleep but, still, how is he not laughing at the ridiculousness of the situation and what he says.  He channels his inner Ahab here, a man determined and obsessed…obsessed with shaving off another man’s beard.  Check out one of the best talk show entrances ever - Will defiantly walks right past Conan...classic!  The guy is made for shows like Conan’s, and this has to rank up there as one of his finest and most outlandish performances yet.  The whole thing is comedy gold, highly recommended!

The first clip is of the interview where Will quickly loses patience, even disregarding plugging his upcoming movie...Conan just sits back and watches the madness unfold...lol.

 

"By the way, Conan's daughter, Buddy the Elf's gonna go off on Daddy's face!"

This next clip makes up the segments leading up to Will's appearance, then the actual shaving event...

"Every time I look at your beard it's like God is urinating in my eyes!"
"Circle the date on your calendar because I am circling your face like a vulture who eats hair."
"I am serious...beardly serious.  It's comin' off...dick!"

American: The Bill Hicks Story Official Trailer

I have been anxiously waiting to see the Bill Hicks documentary feature for quite some time now.  It has been out in the UK (where he was immensely popular) since last year and now it is finally available in the US.

From what I've gathered from various reviews, this will be immensely satisfying to the legions of long-time Hicks fans as well as the younger generation who may have been recently turned on by his timeless comedy.  It could be described as a combination of his performances and a biography.  The best of... bits, his greatest rants and tirades about hypocrisy he made so famous will no doubt be included, as well as a host of extras that I'm looking forward to experiencing.

But the filmmakers clearly also wanted to explore the man behind the mic, what made him think the way he did, his relationships with his close friends and family, and even the tragic last months before he succumbed to pancreatic cancer in 1994.  It seems a fitting tribute to the comedian's comedian, a thinker and a legend whose life was far too short.

So, until I do get to actually sit down and take in American: The Bill Hicks Story and all of its content, here is the official trailer...

"I'm gonna share with you a vision that I had, cause I love you."

Badr Hari vs. Ruslan Karev, K-1 (2007)

I'm still a novice K-1 fan in terms of getting to know the fighters, watching the tournaments, etc.  But even being a relative newcomer of the sport, this next clip has to up there as one of the best K-1 fights you're likely to see!

Two of the top stand-up fighters in the world, Badr Hari from Morocco and Ruslan Karaev from Russia, absolutely go at one another, unloading bombs throughout the entire fight.  I'm really hoping promoter FEG (Fighting and Entertainment Group) continues to hold the K-1 events and GP (Grand Prix) tournaments, because they showcase the best strikers on the planet.

Bonus, as always with viewing K-1 bouts, is the always animated and incomparable play-by-play commentating of Michael "The Voice" Schiavello.

"He's taken more hits than a Cheech and Chong movie!"

Greatest Fedor Emelianenko drawing I've ever seen!

This is not only for the MMA fans out there, but also anyone who appreciates art in general.  This drawing of 'The Last Emperor' is absolutely stunning!  Nothing more to say, but being a such a fan of Fedor's, I had to post it.

Louis CK: Everything's Amazing & Nobody's Happy

Ok, back to the blog - will def. try and provide more frequent updates...

Here's a great clip from arguably the best living stand-up comedian, Louis CK.  It's from an appearance he did on the Conan O'Brien Show and it's short, but brilliant.  This is a guy on the top of his game - nothing is off limits regarding his content and here he rips people who take our technological advances for granted.  I gotta check out a live Louis CK set sometime...

"You're sitting in a chair, in the sky!"

Colonel Percy Fawcett, Writing of the City He Sought in the Mato Grosso, South America

In one of the letters Colonel Fawcett wrote to his son Brian, he describes the city he intended to find in the deepest jungles of the Amazon:

"I expect the ruins to be monolithic in character, more ancient than the oldest Egyptian discoveries. Judging by inscriptions found in many parts of Brazil, the inhabitants used an alphabetical writing allied to many ancient European and Asian scripts. There are rumors, too, of a strange source of light in the buildings, a phenomenon that filled with terror the Indians who claimed to have seen it.
The central place I call "Z" -- our main objective -- is in a valley surmounted by lofty mountains. The valley is about ten miles wide, and the city is on an eminence in the middle of it, approached by a barreled roadway of stone. The houses are low and windowless, and there is a pyramidal temple. The inhabitants of the place are fairly numerous, they keep domestic animals, and they have well-developed mines in the surrounding hills. Not far away is a second town, but the people living in it are of an inferior order to those of "Z." Farther to the south is another large city, half buried and completely destroyed."

Roberto Carlos' Now-Famous Corner Kick Goal

Here is a quick clip of an amazing goal.  Roberto Carlos, the legendary Brazilian and Real Madrid defender, now playing back in his home country for Corinthians, scores a goal you will rarely see - on any level.  Upon winning a corner kick, Carlos takes his place, lines it up...but then shoots instead of crossing...and scores!  It takes impeccable placement and accuracy to to do this - and maybe a little luck thrown in, such as the keeper not reacting in time or being too far from his line.  Either way, enjoy - the way he bends this is crazy!

Pelican - Final Breath Video

Pelican are an instrumental post-rock/post-metal band that hail from Chicago, Illinois.  Their sound is reminiscent of some of the genre's most influential bands, such as Isis, Neurosis, Red Sparowes and Russian Circles.  The band has released four full length albums and four EP's, with the well-received What We All Come To Need (2009) being their most recent work. 

Here is the video for "Final Breath", from What We All Come To Need - incidentally, it is the only Pelican track to date with lyrics - great song, great clip...

"'Til the seas run dry..."

Anthony Pettis' Amazing 'Matrix Flying Head Kick'

As commentator Stephan Bonnar mentions in the following clip, MMA fighter Anthony Pettis "ran off the wall like a ninja" with a flying head kick that looks something out of a Kung Fu film.  Pettis, a young but highly regarded lightweight, was fighting Benson Henderson at WEC 53 (World Extreme Cagefighting) for the WEC Lightweight Title on December 16, 2010. 

As in all MMA title fights, this contest would be five three-minute rounds - going to the judges scorecards if no result after the fifth round.  Also of importance was the recent UFC/WEC merger, which meant the winner of this fight would receive a future UFC Lightweight Title shot.  With so much on the line, it was no surprise that the two battled it out, back-and-forth, for all five rounds.  But it was one incredible move in that fifth round that would define this fight: after being taken down by Henderson (highly-ranked in the lightweight division), Pettis got the fight back standing and, out of nowhere, he jumps up and pushes off the cage with his feet, scales the cage and delivers a kick to Henderson's face!  It really is something that has to be seen to be believed.  It was no knockout as Henderson would survive the round, but the unanimous decision and lightweight belt would go to Anthony Pettis and his 'Showtime Kick Heard Round The World'.

Bill Hicks - On the Fall of Communism

"In the midst of all the elation over the fall of communism in the Soviet Union, one important fact has been overlooked - the United States has lost its 'Bogeyman'. Without the Soviet Union, who will fuel our latest paranoia? Who will the CIA spy on? Ok - its own citizens like it always has, but now how will they justify it? Saddam Hussein of Irag? I think not. Sure, he has the look of a first class villain. But if looks were all it took, every other month we could just kick the tar out of Jack Palance. No, we need a country that not only has its own nuclear weapons, but also represents a threat to democracy. In other words, we need The United States of America. That's right - our next Cold War ought to be with ourselves. We're the logical choice. After all, who possesses the biggest danger to the American environment - we do. Who's responsible for our venal and corrupt government - we are. Besides, we could save if we were our own worst enemy - for instance, the Hotline would become a local call. And if you thought McCarthyism in the 50's was irrational, think of the fun we could have asking Americans if they are now, or have ever been An American. Done right, we could blacklist seventy-five per cent of the people working in television and film. Just think, that's all but one of the Golden Girls. So turn those missiles around 180 degrees and remember - Better Dead Than Us."

(undated)

Oustanding goal...announcer goes ballistic!

Here is a quick clip from a recent Serie A soccer match between Napoli and Lecce. Napoli's Cavani gets a pass, makes a few nice moves and then unleashes an absolute laser of a shot into the top corner of the net. He seems excited judging by his own celebration...but that's nothing compared to the reaction by the game's commentator, Carlo Alvino, who then completely loses his shit!  This is good/funny stuff - but no doubt this guy is passionate about his job. I don't know if I've ever heard someone THIS elated during any  broadcast...certainly not during an American sports broadcast.  Try picturing Joe Buck pulling one of these off...

The Films of Stanley Kubrick

Stanley Kubrick (1928-1999) was an American film director, producer and writer who created some of the most memorable movies in his five decade career. He created a style of his own and his films have truly stood the test of time. Stanley is one of the most accomplished and innovative filmmakers in the history of cinema.  Although he took his time perfecting his craft, there is no doubt his body of work has had an unmatched influence on the industry.

There are so many details to pick out of each of Stanley's films, each viewing bringing out something new to pick apart and dissect.  His meticulous attention to detail, originality, working under no boundaries and visual style in each of his films are trademarks.  He brought out the best in every aspect of his productions, from the writing/producing and screenplays to the unforgettable acting and soundtracks.

Also of note, I can't think of another director who made so many great films in so many different genres - war, historical drama, science fiction, horror, and even comedy.  And then of course there are the films themselves, all classics in their own right - of note: Spartacus, Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb, 2001: A Space Odyssey, A Clockwork Orange, Barry Lyndon, Full Metal Jacket and The Shining.  Many of these mentioned are among my favorite films; Stanley was a true visionary, one of the greatest filmmakers of all time!  And so, here is a nice compilation of the films of the legendary Stanley Kubrick:

"One man writes a novel.  One man writes a symphony.  It is essential for one man to make a film."

Craig Gordon - Save of the Year Candidate

Ok, so maybe not the "save of the century" as mentioned in the clip, but Sunderland keeper Craig Gordon showed amazing reflexes and timing to make this save against Bolton in their English Premier League match.

Four of the Best Songs of 2010

These are four of my favorite songs of this year (alternative genre and probably overall): First is the stunning Helicopter by Deerhunter, off of their Halcyon Digest album. Incredible song, maybe THE best of the year!



Next is the title track from Band of Horses' newest release, Infinite Arms - great song and one of their best in my opinion.



Another solid release this year from Arcade Fire, The Suburbs had many great tracks to choose from. I'm going with Ready To Start...



And finally, another excellent album - this one came out of nowhere! Gorilla Manor by Local Natives is superb throughout. Again, tough to pick just one, but I have to go with Sticky Thread as the best of the bunch (no actual video for this one, but absolutely worth a listen anyway!)...

Mogwai - 2 Rights Make 1 Wrong (Live 11-8-01)

Here is an amazing live version of Mogwai's 2 Rights Make 1 Wrong, an instrumental track from their Rock Action CD (2001).

Mogwai are a five-piece post-rock band from Glasgow, Scotland. They have been around since the early nineties and have released six albums. Their compositions are normally lengthy instrumental pieces that incorporate many different contrasts, sound changes, distortion and effects. 2 Rights Make 1 Wrong is an nine-minute plus epic and most likely my favorite Mogwai song to date. The song features various instrumentation, including guitars, bass, drums, brass and banjo. Vocals are also included using a vocoder and chanting can be heard towards the end on the album version. It's truly a great achievement for the band and most certainly gets better with each listen.

I strongly suggest checking out their entire catalog, including the great-sounding live album Special Moves (2010). In my opinion they are at the very top of their genre and I am anticipating another strong effort when they release their forthcoming CD, Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will, on February 15, 2011.

2010 K-1 World Grand Prix Final - Trailer

Here is the official preview for tomorrow's K-1 World Grand Prix Final, which is being held this year at the Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo, Japan. Eight fighters have qualified for the Finals by winning various Regional Elimination Tournaments...only one will become World Champion on December 11.

K-1 is a global kickboxing organization that is based out of Tokyo, Japan that combines the stand-up techniques of martial arts such as Muay Thai, kickboxing, Karate, western-style boxing, Taekwondo, and others. It is quite similar to kickboxing except that in K-1 rules, knees are allowed; not so in International kickboxing rules.

This trailer takes a look at the finalists for this year's tournament - here are the 8 fighters vying to become K-1 World Champion:

Peter Aerts (The Netherlands)
"Mighty Mo" (USA)
Semmy Schilt (The Netherlands) (reigning champion)
Kyotaro (Japan)
Alistair Overeem (The Netherlands)
Tyrone Spong (The Netherlands)
Daniel Ghita (Romania)
Gokhan Saki (The Netherlands/Turkey)

A Few Random Lenny Bruce quotes...

Lenny Bruce was a legendary stand-up comedian and satirist. He was a pioneer in the industry and influenced countless comedians that followed him. Lenny also became well-known for his use of profanity during his acts, as well as his ramblings on a variety of themes that would become staples in his career, among them: politics, religion, freedom of speech, race, drugs and even his own troubles with the law.

Here are some of his most famous quotes...

“The kind of sickness I wish Time had written about, is that school teachers in Oklahoma get a top annual salary of $4000, while Sammy Davis, Jr. gets $10,000 a week in Vegas.”

“All my humor is based upon destruction and despair. If the whole world were tranquil, without disease and violence, I’d be standing on the breadline right in back of J. Edgar Hoover.”

“Communism is like one big phone company.”

“Every day people are straying away from the church and going back to God."

"In the Halls of Justice the only justice is in the halls."

PRIDE FC - Legendary

The atmosphere was always electric at every event, like nothing I've ever seen (still wish I would've had the chance to attend one in person). The crowd hanging on every move, whether the fight was standing or went to the ground. The immediately identifiable theme music that led off each event. The pageantry and introductions of the fighters at the beginning of their cards was truly captivating. The 90-minute (!) war between Royce Gracie and Kazushi Sakuraba. Fedor's rise and reign of dominance, as well as Wanderlei Silva's unmatched title defenses and newly discovered talent like Takanori Gomi and Mauricio 'Shogun' Rua. There are just too many memorable moments to mention.

This was THE MMA event every fan wanted to see. From devastating KO's and all-out wars/grudge matches, to incredible submissions never seen before, each PRIDE FC event delivered the goods and then some. Everything was an eye-opening experience for the viewer, from the extravagant entrances and intros done by outstanding ring announcer Lenne Hardt, to the informative and exciting fight commentary (including the legendary Bas Rutten), to its dedicated and rapid fan base, PRIDE events had it all.

PRIDE FC hosted its inaugural event in 1997 at the Tokyo Dome and would eventually hold over 60 MMA cards in Japan. They signed the most skilled and diverse fighters from every corner of the globe, whose expertise covered every discipline imaginable - including jiu-jitsu, muay thai, wrestling (freestyle, catch, greco), boxing, kickboxing, judo, sambo, etc.

Their PRIDE GP (Grand Prix) tournaments were legendary (and of course their traditional New Year's Eve cards, the Bushido series, and the numerous title fights!) and made superstars with each passing event. And then there were the fighters themselves, now household names in the world of mixed martial arts, who became legends during PRIDE's 10-year run: Fedor Emelianenko, the Gracies - Royce, Rickson, Royler, Ryan, Renzo, Rodrigo, 'Big Nog', 'Cro Cop, Wanderlei Silva, Igor Vovchanchyn, Kazushi Sakuraba, Mark Coleman, Josh Barnett, Dan Henderson, 'Rampage' Jackson, 'Shogun', 'Ninja', Ricardo Arona, Anderson Silva, Takanori Gomi, Murilo Bustamante, 'Minowa', Sergei Kharitonov, Aleksander Emelianenko, Gary Goodridge, Heath Herring, Mark Hunt, Hidehiko Yoshida, Semmy Schilt, Gegard Mousasi, Amar Suloev, Kevin Randleman, Kazuyuki Fujita, Fabricio Werdum, Alistair Overeem, Mark Kerr, Enson Inoue, Carlos Newton, 'Lil Nog', Akihiron Gono, Yuki Kondo, Hayato 'Mach' Sakurai, 'Hellboy' Hansen, Kazuo Misaki, Kazahiro Nakamura, Luiz Azeredo...and many more.

I'll be posting more of these fighters, their fights and PRIDE events in general, but for the time being here is an excellent retrospective of the greatest MMA organization in the history of the sport - long live PRIDE!

"The Madness of a Lost Society"

"...this, is what Americans care about..."

The Dyatlov Pass Incident - "A Compelling Unknown Force..."

In 1959, nine experienced cross-country skiers (all students) led by Igor Dyatlov head into Russia's northern Ural Mountains but never returned. After several months their bodies were finally found, under very mysterious circumstances to say the least.

In the middle of the night, in sub-zero temperatures, the skiers all suddenly fled their tents into a thick forest...no signs of struggle thought their tents were torn from within, and then the injuries: two victims with broken ribs, one with a fractured skull, and another who was missing her tongue! Their clothing also apparently contained high levels of radiation. At the time, Soviet investigators had determined that an "unknown compelling force" had caused their deaths, then closed the case and filed it as 'Top Secret'.

So what exactly was this "unknown force'? Were the Soviets conducting military experiments? After over fifty years, the case remains unsolved. This is one of the most interesting unsolved mysteries I have ever encountered, one that most certainly needs more investigating.