Archive for the 'Pop Culture' Category

07
Jul
09

Doppelgangers Can Solve Global Warming

Alex Loeb is an anchor at ESPN but because of a logjam of anchors has been relegated to doing recaps of baseball games for ESPN.com. He’s not bad when he’s on, but don’t get too used to it, after all, America would be so deprived without our Chris Berman viewings…Rahm Emanuel is one of the most powerful people in the world, serving as Chief of Staff to President Obama. Emanuel, who once trained to become a professional ballet dancer is also known for his wild temper and filthy mouth. He also served as the inspiration for Bradley Whitford’s character, Josh Lyman on The West Wing, which interestingly enough means the Emanuel family has served as the inspiration for 2 popular characters on big-time TV shows (Rahm’s brother Ari is who Jeremy Piven’s Ari Gold is based off on Entourage.) Most importantly, these two men look alike, are we sure Loeb isn’t a lost Emanuel brother?

LoebEmanuel

Producer of 5 straight 40+ HR seasons, Adam Dunn swings a big bat in the middle of the Washington Nationals lineup. He manages some of the biggest moonshots in the league thanks to his big frame and quick bat, although he also manages to strike out over 100 times a season. Once considered a future cornerstone of the Reds franchise, Dunn has subsequently been traded to the D-Backs last season and this year toils as one of the few bright spots on the mediocrity known as the Nationals. Hilarious on SNL, initially hilarious in his early non-Roxbury movies, Will Ferrell has entertained millions of people with his one-note characters. Still able to draw a crowd even though he’s essentially made the same m0vie 4-5 times in a row now, it’s a shame because he really is a funny guy, he just stopped trying. Hopefully Ferrell doesn’t go the “legitimate” actor route and start doing heavy dramas to show his acting “chops.” More importantly, these two men, as pointed out by Saint Dynamite share quite the resemblance.

DunnFerrell

06
Jul
09

Doppelgangers to Celebrate the Birth of America

Before the 2007 season, Homer Bailey was widely considered one of the top 3 prospects in all of minor league baseball; his major league debut was highly anticipated and it was expected that his knee-buckling curve ball and high 90s fastball would lead to years of success. Unfortunately for the Reds (and the multiple fantasy teams I picked him up on), Bailey is still searching for any major league success, although on Friday he pitched 7.1 innings of 3 hit, 2 run ball, so who knows, maybe he’s finally starting to figure it all out. Starting out his career working with Steven Spielberg’s Empire of the Sun, Christian Bale’s Hollywood career really took off after his critically acclaimed performance in The Machinist. Since then, he’s obviously moved onto even larger projects, including playing Batman and John Connors in the new Terminator vehicle. While Bale is British and grew up in Wales, and Bailey is a big-hatted Texan, the similarity in their names is clearly no coincidence, these two men share quite the resemblance, as loyal reader Saint Dynamite pointed out. BaileyBale

Entering rarefied territory, Dustin Pedroia is only the third player in MLB history to win the Rookie of the Year and follow it up the next season with an MVP. Add in his World Series Ring, Gold Glove, Silver Slugger and cover for Playstation’s 2009 MLB: The Show and you have quite a crowded trophy case for a player only in his third big league season. The heart of the Red Sox team these days, it won’t be surprising to see Pedroia be named captain when the Red Sox move on from Jason Varitek, despite his young age. Jason Mraz produces music of some sort that the kids and such like. I don’t listen to anything but sports radio and haven’t heard new music since the late 90s, so I have no idea. However, new reader Barnyard pointed out this doppelganger and I think it has legs. Make sure you vote in the poll below to voice YOUR opinion.

PedroiaMraz

04
Jul
09

Independence Day Has Many Secrets

Every year on the 4th of July the Slanch Report takes a look back at our very first blog entry, one that changed the entire landscape of the world as we unraveled the many many hidden messages within Roland Emmerich’s masterpiece, Independence Day. Join us once more and let’s hope we can learn.

________

Despite being panned by critics, audiences flocked to see Roland Emmerich’s newest opus, 10,000 BC, and I think I know why.

In 1996, Emmerich directed one of the finest action movies of all-time, Independence Day. More than just a movie, this film was a prognosticator of the future.

If only we had been listening.

Three different, very clear messages were placed in this movie. The first, seen here, is taken from the moment when Jeff Goldblum’s character explains to the President the idea of “line-of-sight” and how satellites work.

Notice the drawing that Goldblum does, look familiar? Maybe that’s because it looks awfully congruent to THIS!

Eerily similar no?
Now a random image in a movie is one thing, merely coincidence, but only moments later, after convincing the President that the time to leave is now, Goldblum and Pullman exit with others onboard Marine One. As they take off, Goldblum pulls out his handy mid-90’s Mac Powerbook and looks at the countdown timer…

Now its starting to get a little bit more real, you’re starting to feel that tingle up your spine…

Let’s not forget what these “aliens” do in this movie. With a carefully orchestrated attack, the aliens destroy the Capitol Records building, the Empire State Building and the White House instantly and simultaneously.

It is only when all of the world joins together, putting aside its squabbles, putting aside religious and cultural differences to fight a common enemy that there is success. Goldblum and Will Smith ride deep into space and into the alien mothership armed with a nuclear bomb. They set it off and it causes the protective shields to come down off the ships floating around Earth. Earth responds with attacks, Randy Quaid saves the day, flies his F-15 into the most vulnerable part of the alien ship and destroys it almost instantly. But it doesn’t just blow up, Roland Emmerich, that mad German throws one last message out there for those who know how to hear (see) it.

Who saves the world from aliens?

Of course! How could America (and the rest of the dirty world) defeat aliens? Because of Jesus (or Burning Man…)! It only makes sense, just ask the Mormons.

So what conclusions can we take from these messages?

  1. The Masons are involved in nefarious things, don’t believe me? Look here and here.
  2. Roland Emmerich was able to predict exactly the date that a building would be destroyed by people alien to America.
  3. If the President had listened in time, disaster could have been, if not completely avoided at least mitigated.
  4. Jeff Goldblum always knows the right answers.
  5. America can only be saved from aliens by Jesus
  6. The answer to the immigration issue is Jesus

So, these images, none of which have been doctored or photoshopped in any manner prove conclusively that Independence Day warned us, in advance that the Masons were going to be involved in something that would destroy a building. Not only that, but the movie tells us the exact date. The movie showed us the dangers in having a president not listen to those who know. But did President Bush listen? When Jeff Goldblum arrives out of nowhere to warn his President, that president listens, and many–well…some–lives are saved. Ultimately though, the whole world is saved, because one man was able to convince the most powerful, and because the powerful were willing to listen. We didn’t understand the message that Emmerich was presenting us in 1996. But it is not too late now!

The Day After Tomorrow showed us the effects that global warming will have upon us, and particularly New York City, are we heeding the message?

Independence Day warns us about the Masons, warns us about 9/11 and warns us continually about the dangers of aliens to America. These aliens expose their plan to Bill Pullman who realizes that “they’re like locusts. They travel from planet to planet, their whole civilization. After they’ve consumed every natural resource they move on. And we’re next.” Sounds awfully familiar to the refrains of alien workers draining resources from the government and stealing those awesome avocado picking jobs that everyone wants so badly.

In this election season there is no doubt that not only should you see 10,000 BC, but if you care about America and the world, that you need to see this film. Take your kids, your friends, your parents, anyone whom you want to live.

This might be the most important film in the history of the world.

You’ve heard of Cinéma Verité…If only our leaders will listen to the modern day Nostradamus, Roland Emmerich.

22
Jun
09

I Want My Own $40 Million TV

cowboysstadium06It was only a matter of time before someone utilized the brand-new $40 million, 180 by 72 foot HD screen at the new Dallas Cowboys stadium for something proper, like a rousing game of Gears of War. Of course, when you think of this kind of fun, you automatically go to those rabble rousers, The Jonas Brothers, or more accurately, Steve Fontane, who directs their videos. Either way, it seems like the perfect use for some downtime and such a gigantic screen. Also, it looks awfully fun.

[Engadget]

After the jump check out some video of Steve playing. Continue reading ‘I Want My Own $40 Million TV’

08
May
09

And Your Next American Idol IS…!

Mike Tyson, in Vegas, sings Phil Collins. Need I say more? The video below requires you to put your (or someone else’s) age in because of some swear words in the clip. But seriously, see that first sentence and tell me it isn’t worth it.

[Fan IQ]

05
May
09

Evil Empire Invades the Paw Sox

This past Sunday at McCoy Stadium, home to the Pawtucket Red Sox an epic battle between good and evil was held. No, I don’t mean the game itself between the Paw Sox and Gwinnett Braves, it was the team’s first ever Star Wars Day!

On hand to throw the first pitch was Darth Vader himself, which doesn’t to me portend a good thing, but the Paw Sox went on to win a 1-0 squeaker so what do I know…

There’s plenty more in this flickr set, so check it out!

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Hey kid, sure I'm not Harrison Ford, but I have seen Regarding Henry several times...

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Standing 7' 4" Chewbacca features a nasty slider, a fastball that runs in on you and a biting 2-seamer

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Those aren't the boys you're looking for.

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The first pitch wasn't a strike, but everyone left believing that it was

[Red Sox Monster]

04
May
09

Beam Him Up a Strikeout

SP_303414_BORC_rays_2When current Tampa Bay Ray Joe Nelson was in college his coach suggested he convert from being a shortstop/third baseman to becoming a pitcher; success was slow to come at first, until Nelson developed an effective split-fingered type pitch, inspired by his love of Star Trek. Gripping the ball in a “Vulcan”-style, Nelson has finally found success at the big league level.

Uncomfortable with the traditional grip between his index and middle fingers, Nelson one day moved the ball to between his middle and ring fingers — “I just jammed it in there one day” — and it worked. He began throwing it regularly at the University of San Francisco and never stopped.

Then, of course, he had to decide what to call it. “Old enough” at 34 to have watched Star Trek TV show reruns (and, apparently, lots of other questionable shows) in addition to several of the movies, he figured that was the way to go.

“It was either going to be Nanu Nanu from Mork & Mindy, or the Vulcan,” Nelson said. “And Spock just seemed like a cooler character than Mork did.”

[Tampa Bay]

27
Apr
09

Eckstein Scores

david-eckstein-ashley-drane-400a-103006If you were to walk into David Eckstein’s home in San Diego it wouldn’t be unreasonable to see the 5′ 6″ scrub baseball player and mistake him as an actor on children’s television. Alas, you’d be wrong, it’s actually Eckstein’s super cute wife, Ashley Eckstein who is the star in this household.

Commuting from San Diego to LA, Ashley has recently been recording new episodes of Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated show, for which she voices Ahsoka Tano, a Jedi in-training. Ashley has also been in several That’s So Raven episodes so David should move that World Series MVP award off the mantle for her, after all she has won a much MUCH more valuable prize; Ashley won SILVER on Nickelodeon’s Guts. Now THAT’S scrappy.

03
Mar
09

Becker Gives a Ring and then Jumps Through One

Former tennis star Boris Becker was a guest on the German game show “You Bet…?” along with his former girlfriend, Lilly Kersennberg and before being forced into stupid human tricks, announced he would marry the Dutch model in June. To top off the evening with a good note, Becker also jumped through a ring of fire, winning in a contest of who would humiliate themself more, beating out Jennifer Aniston and Owen Wilson. Only a few months ago Becker was engaged to jewelery designer Sandy Meyer-Woelden after he and Kersennberg broke up in 2007.

“Last summer I went a bit off track but she took me back. Now I don’t want to let her go,” Becker said on the show. The program’s presenter, Thomas Gottschalk, looked astonished and said: “No, not again?”

[Reuters]

26
Feb
09

Phelps’ Image is Bad, Bring in a Sheen!

You might have heard that Michael Phelps was captured in a picture smoking a bong, I recall hearing something about it, but it got mostly ignored by the mainstream media. Well, the aftershocks of that photo continue to reverberate, first he lost his Kellogg’s cereal sponsorship deal and now, he has been taken off three motivational speaking events, presumably because he is no longer inspirational as a one-time pot smoker.

The company organizing the seminars, “Power Within” seems to have conflicted thoughts about the whole thing seeing as Phelps is still on to be a part of an event called “Get Motivated!” He will be appearing via satellite with other luminaries such as Rudy Guiliani, Steve Forbes and Colin Powell.

However, Phelps has been asked to not appear at three other events, 2 in Canada and one at Radio City Music Hall in New York.

Don’t worry though, Phelps, who blazed his way to a record 8 Olympic gold medals this past summer was replaced for the Canadian events with a sober, responsible adult, Martin Sheen. Now, don’t get me wrong, if President Bartlett were to show up THAT is a big coup for the seminar, but Martin Sheen–who has been sober reportedly for about 19 years and is the proud papa of Charlie Sheen who is a womanizing, whore-visiting former addict who has OD’d before–may not be the most obvious about-face.

[CNBC]

26
Jan
09

A Goalie You Want to Score WITH

tara_wheeler_lshhThe Miss America pageant must have fallen on hard times, it was on this weekend, not that anyone would notice since it was only broadcast on TLC. Among the women competing was Tara Wheeler, 24, Miss Virginia, who did not place particularly well in the overall event but, as the girl’s all kept saying throughout the broadcast, “We’re all winners!” So she has that going for her.

Among the other things Wheeler has going is that she is a pretty damned good hockey goalie, formerly playing for the Penn State women’s hockey team. She hasn’t had time since becoming Miss Virginia to get back on the ice full-time, but she has taken part in some charity shoot-off events, including one with the Washington Capitals. Thanks to the charity events, there is this hilarious quote, which taken out of context makes me laugh very much.

The guys at Virginia Tech, they went all-out on me and that was a lot of fun. But I see that I put these guys in a really rough spot because if they try to score on me, then it looks like they’re trying to get less money raised for charity and they don’t to be the jerk that hurts Miss Virginia. But if they try really hard to score on me and I block it, then they’re going to be embarrassed. But they’ve all been really excited to get on the ice with me…

Sounds hot!

[Fox Sports]

tarawheelergoal

26
Jan
09

Canseco Can’t Beat up Bonaduce

6c3e04dd085c4153a15ebda02d133dffSaturday night featured one of the boxing events of the century, although, based on media coverage no one noticed. In a 3-round match in suburban Philadelpha, Jose Canseco fought former Partridge Family member Danny Bonaduce to a draw.

Bonaduce for one, thinks the outcome was a crock. “There’s no reason I should have done this well,” said Bonaduce, his nose bloodied. “Part of me says there’s a decent man right there that didn’t want to kill the little guy. I feel weird that we tied.”

Since we know that simply can’t be the case, let’s just assume that Canseco’s body is a giant marshmallow. “For a guy my size to hit him like that and he didn’t go down, wow,” Canseco said. “If he were my size, he probably would have knocked me out of the ring.” However, the crowd of 1,500 were none too impressed by what was supposed to be the big draw with many filing out before the judges even announced their decision.

The pre-match antics probably featured more excitement than the actual match, with Bonaduce coming out with 3 championship belts, which he bought himself, and Canseco coming out with an electronic cigarette and being introduced hilairously as the “greatest pure athlete to ever play the game of baseball.”

Then unfortunately, the match had to actually start. Fortunately neither boxer was drug-tested so at least they were able to stand up reasonably straight. “It’s a trainwreck,” said fan Butch Tressel. “Everyone likes to see a ridiculous trainwreck from time to time.”

Ultimately, after the 3 1-minute rounds, because apparently both men are giant candy-asses, the bout was over, one judge scored it 2-1 for Canseco while the other two judges ruled it 1-1 each with 1 round a draw. Don’t worry though, both men are attention-whores, and both men need the money so this probably won’t be the last time we’ll see such gladiators battling one another. After the match, promoter Damon Feldman had this to say, with a smile, “We’re going to do the rematch,” he said. “L.A. Soon.”

Stick around after the jump for photos from the event and Canseco doing his best impression of the Juggernaut. Also, when did he get all those crazy tattoos? I had no idea he had a full suit, that’s crazy! Also, to whet your appetite for the rest of the photos, here is Danny Bonaduce, true athlete, warming up just prior to the match.

[NBC Sports]

Canseco Boxes Boxing
Continue reading ‘Canseco Can’t Beat up Bonaduce’




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