Tuesday, January 12, 2010

And in recent interesting news...

Some recent news that I found interesting...

With everything sad and depressing going on in the world today I decided to post some links to interesting news. 
 


New Sex Hormone Found—May Lead to Male Birth Control?

A new human sex hormone has been found, a new study says. The naturally occurring substance could lead to the long-sought male birth control pill, researchers cautiously speculate.

Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH)—first identified in birds about a decade ago—was recently discovered in the hypothalamus of the human brain. The hypothalamus produces hormones that regulate sleep, sex drive, body temperature, and more.
Read more at National Geographic News
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Police Officer, DUI Expert Gets Nabbed For...DUI
This Headline Writes Itself
Read more at AOL Autos News
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Husband Must Choose Between Wife and Orc
People always say that marriage is about sacrifice, but being forced to give away your 6-foot-tall Orc? That's asking a little much, don't you think?
Read more at: The Scottish Sun News
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And on the brighter side

Misprint leads to $128.6 million lottery jackpot
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - A central Kentucky autoworker is lucky he held on to the $128 million Powerball ticket he bought on Christmas Eve during some last-minute shopping — after all, it was printed by mistake. Read more at: MSNBC.com
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Just a link
Marry an ugly Millionaire
Having trouble finding Mr or Mrs Right? Always in debt? Massive overdraft?
Welcome to Marry an Ugly Millionaire - the online dating agency created for people like you. We provide a unique dating and marriage service. A service that you will not find elsewhere on the internet. For we are about to solve both your financial problems and your relationship problems with just a few clicks of the mouse! marry-an-ugly-millionaire-online-dating-agency


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Sunday, January 10, 2010

LEGOLAND Water Park?! And more news

LEGOLAND Water Park

The first looks at the world's first LEGO® water park were revealed recently at LEGOLAND California Resort. So far, it's only an artist's rendering of the new water park, but that's the first step toward getting drenched.

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This new initiative follows the park's successes with the new Bob the Builder™ 4-D movie and the presidential inauguration scene in Miniland U.S.A. These new developments come on the heels of a sixth consecutive year of growth for the California resort, with 2009 turning in a 6 percent increase ... and guest satisfaction ratings in the high 90s.

"2009 was a record year here at LEGOLAND California Resort," said the resort's general manager, Peter Ronchetti, during the press conference. This comes, he continues, as "Many theme parks across the country have reported difficult trading and necessary cost control actions as a result of the challenging economic climate over recent months. So we feel very fortunate with all of the expansion here at LEGOLAND California Resort, to be able to report that our attendance continues to grow."

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The trajectory is expected to run through 2010, with more than $15 million invested in the park. The LEGOLAND Water Park is set to open in June (behind Fun Town) and will be ideal for families with children aged 2 to 12. "LEGOLAND Water Park will be lots of fun, constructive play including slides, LEGO friends and, the feature I am personally the most excited about – the Build-a-Raft concept where kids customize their own raft made of soft LEGO bricks before floating down a lazy river," said Ronchetti.

For more information see LEGOLAND.com
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I'm still a kid at heart, too bad I'm too big for all the fun this has to offer!
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And in other amusement park news:

King Kong returns to Universal Studios Hollywood following the destruction of the attraction during the devastating 2008 backlot fire. The new Studio Tour attraction follows the storyline of the 2005 Peter Jackson blockbuster with a climactic battle between the 35-foot-tall ape and a pair of T-Rex dinosaurs. Opening summer 2010.

Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando: Fans of one of the most beloved series of books and films will be able to visit J.K. Rowling's fanciful lands and characters when The Wizarding World of Harry Potter comes to Universal Orlando in spring 2010.

SeaWorld San Diego blends Cirque du Soleil-style acrobats, aerialists and divers with dolphins, whales and exotic birds for a new show called “Blue Horizons.” Opening May 2010.

Disneyland brings back the Michael Jackson 3-D movie “Captain EO” in February for a “limited engagement” at the Anaheim theme park. Opening February 2010.

 Report: Michael Jackson’s family negotiating to open Neverland as a Graceland-like amusement park by Christmas. (New York Post)

Six Flags Magic Mountain adds its 17th coaster, bringing the Valencia amusement park into a tie for the coveted title of “roller coaster capital of the world.” It’s only a kiddie coaster — relocated from a defunct amusement park — but it still counts.

Intimidator 305 Coaster Debuting at Kings Dominion in Virginia. 5100 feet track, 300 feet drop, top speed of 90+mph "Giga-Coaster". Opening April 2010

Kennywood to open "Sky Rocket" by Spring of 2010. Feel the seismic surge of a launch that takes you from zero to 50 in under 3 seconds! Take a fulll-throttle, 95-ft. Vertical climb and say adios to gravity as you go over-the-top and plummet 90-degrees due south. Kennywood also plans to add an Old Mill theme to 108-year-old boat ride by 2011, removing outdated Garfield theme.

Adventure Park USA in Maryland to open water park in 2010 — if it raises $2 million from season pass sales.

Effort underway to restore a dilapidated Disneyland rail car, Walt’s favorite at the park. (MiceAge)

Disney’s California Adventure remakes the Orange Stinger swing ride as the Silly Symphony Swings with a theme based on “The Band Concert” 1935 cartoon short featuring the first colorized Mickey Mouse.

A new Star Trek The Experience will be back in May 2010 at Neonopolis in downtown Las Vegas.

Las Vegas Stratosphere to debut SkyJump, 855 free fall experience. Expected opening is April 2010.

New Navy Pier AeroBalloon takes riders 350 feet up in the air over Chicago and Houston.


Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk completely rebuilds the Haunted Castle from the ground up, doubling the size of the venerable dark ride.

California’s Great America in Santa Clara remakes the existing Nickelodeon Central and Kidzville kiddie lands with a Planet Snoopy theme, bringing in Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang. Opening in Spring 2010.

Auction for a new ride: Bidding has begun for the first public ride on Carowinds' $23-million Intimdator roller coaster. The new attraction inspired by racing legend Dale Earnhardt is the tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster in the Southeast. Opening Spring 2010.

Shoot the Rapids at Cedar Point, $10.5 million dollar, 2100 feet 3:00 minute long ride time, The Shoot the Rapids adventure features two unique lift hills that drop you into roaring river rapids. Opening

Raging Waters water park in San Dimas adds Dr. Von Dark’s Tunnel of Terror special-effects water slide, themed to a mad scientist obsessed with the dark.

Holiday World Takes the Plunge with World's Longest Water Coaster in 2010. The "Wildebeest Water Coaster" is a LIM magnetically launched (or "HydroMagentic") uphill water coaster, 1/3 mile 25mph water coaster. Opening May 14, 2010

Demon Drop - Dorney Park in  Allentown, PA will receive an Intamin AG first-generation freefall ride that had been operating at Cedar Point since 1983. Demon Drop has been on sale at Cedar Point since 2005, but has been taken off the market to be moved to Dorney.

Cedar Fair announced that the Starlight Experience would be coming to three new parks in 2010 in their 2009 Q3 Earnings report. Cedar Point installed the Starlight Experience in 2009 for 1 Million.

The world's number one wooden roller coaster is about to get a whole lot better, with The Gravity Group announcing that their Timberliner trains will be running on The Voyage located in Holiday World, an amusement park located in Santa Claus, Indiana starting in May. The Timberliner trains will provide an overall smoother ride for passengers, also resulting in less wear-and-tear on the track, thanks to the new steerable wheel design. The Voyage has been labeled as the world's best wooden roller coaster for the past three years by Amusement Today.

If you arent a fan of coasters...
Hershey’s Chocolate World will be adding a new attraction where guests can create their very own candy-bar. Groundbreaking has taken place this week to build a two-story, 1,800 sqft expansion area onto the building and will be ready to open by this Summer. In the news.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

The Best Movie Bets This Year

 Excited to see any of these?

Already saw 'Avatar'? You won't have to wait long for Hollywood to deliver the next big blockbuster smash.

That should come as early as March, with the release of Tim Burton's deliciously weird take on 'Alice in Wonderland' starring Johnny Depp. Until then we have potential hits like the family adventure 'Percy Jackson,' the star-studded rom-com 'Valentine's Day' and the Martin Scorsese-directed thriller 'Shutter Island.'

Then of course there's the blockbuster hotbed that is summer, with highly anticipated sequels to 'Iron Man,' 'Shrek,' 'Sex and the City,' 'Toy Story' and 'Twilight.'

Excited yet? Here's a list of the 50 biggest movies of 2010.

The Sure Things

'Alice in Wonderland'
Release Date: March 5
Starring: Johnny Depp, Mia Wasikowska, Helena Bonham Carter
Why It'll Be Big: Tim Burton's take on this beloved tale takes place when Alice (Wasikowska) is a teenager, meaning we'll get a whole new twisty adventure -- hosted of course by the wonderfully weird Mad Hatter (Depp as a Madonna lookalike?). Judging from its extraordinary trailer, this very Burton-esque trip will be a wonder in itself. | Trailer

'Iron Man 2'
Release Date: May 7
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Mickey Rourke, Scarlett Johansson
Why It'll Be Big: As if the promise of RDJ reprising his career-rejuvenating role as wisecracking billionaire playboy-turned-superhero Tony Stark weren't enough, this go-around adds Rourke as formidable Russian foe Whiplash and Johansson as sexy double agent (we think?) the Black Widow. This puppy is bulletproof. | Trailer

'Shrek Forever After'
Release Date: May 21
Starring: Mike Myers, Cameron Diaz, Eddie Murphy
Why It'll Be Big: Though 'The Third' was a disappointment, 'Shrek' remains one of the best animated franchises around, and really the only 'toon that can rival Pixar in side-splitting humor that's friendly to both kids and adults. As per tradition, this final installments packs some exciting new voice talent, including John Hamm and Craig Robinson. Trailer

'Sex and the City 2'
Release Date: May 28
Starring: Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon
Why It'll Be Big: The girls are back! Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte will "Carrie on" in this sequel to 'Sex and the City,' which assures fans they "haven't seen anything yet." Based on the trailer, this means a possible wedding (Samantha?), a Moroccan getaway and Carrie in a "J'adore Dior" t-shirt (OK, that we've seen before). | Trailer

'Toy Story 3'
Release Date: June 18
Starring: Tim Allen, Tom Hanks, Michael Keaton
Why It'll Be Big: The gang is back, and this time they're in 3-D. Newcomers Keaton (who plays a Ken doll) and Whoopi Goldberg (who's finally back in a movie!) join Hanks, Allen and the rest of the toys in their mission to escape a day care center -- to which they were donated by their college-bound owner. Expect another funny, heartfelt mega-hit (Pixar's 11th straight). | Trailer

'The Twilight Saga: Eclipse'

Release Date: June 30
Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert Pattinson, Taylor Lautner
Why It'll Be Big: Let's be honest, Bella's (Stewart) reunion with vamp love Edward's (Pattinson) is the #1 reason Twi-hards will head back to theaters for the insanely popular franchise's third installment. But more love triangle drama, sexy werewolves (led by breakout star Lautner) and Bella's "immortal" decision may also have something to do with it. (No trailer yet!)

'Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Pt 1'

Release Date: Nov. 19
Starring: Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint
Why It'll Be Big: If you have to wonder why it'll be big, then we'd like to escort you out of that cave where you've been living. David Yates returns to direct this penultimate film in the series, in which Harry, Hermione and Ron leave Hogwarts to find and destroy Voldemort's Horcruxes. Breaking J.K. Rowling's final book into two parts will allow the filmmakers to be even more faithful to the books than they've been previously -- so even die hard Potterheads should walk away happy.(No trailer yet!)

Fanboy Central

'The Losers'
Release Date: April 9
Starring: Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Chris Evans, Zoe Saldana
Why It'll Be Big: It's hard to say whether this spring actioner (about a group of mercenaries taking revenge against the corrupt government) is shooting to be this year's 'Watchmen' (minus the gargantuan expectations) or 'Wanted' (minus the Angelina Jolie). Based on a lesser known Vertigo comic, it'll be considered a success if it mirrors either in box office returns. (No trailer yet!)

'Kick-Ass'
Release Date: April 16
Starring: Aaron Johnson, Nicolas Cage, Chloe Grace Moretz
Why It'll Be Big: Forget 'Fanboys' -- this is the comedy for and about fanboys that fanboys have been waiting for. Teen Dave Lizewski (Johnson) transforms himself into an ass-kicking superhero (superpowers not included) in this buzzed about fantasy comedy. Oh, and we get to see McLovin' act like he's a superhero. Sold! | Trailer

'Jonah Hex'
Release Date: June 18
Starring: Josh Brolin, Megan Fox, John Malkovich
Why It'll Be Big: Fanboys have been drooling over the adaptation of this comic-book Western ever since it was announced, and it's not hard to see why: It's got Josh Brolin as a badass gunslinging bounty hunter, John Malkovich as his sinister nemesis and Megan Fox accentuating her acting talents in a bust-ballooning corset. Need we say more? (No trailer yet!)

'Tron: Legacy'
Release Date: Dec. 17
Starring: Jeff Bridges, Garrett Hedlund, Bruce Boxleitner
Why It'll Be Big: When the first footage from 'Tron: Legacy' was unveiled at Comic-Con in 2008, the crowd hushed ... then went crazy. This sequel to the 1982 film brings back Jeff Bridges as Kevin Flynn, except this time it's son Sam (Hedlund) who gets pulled into the weird universe of Tron where his dad's been living. And if you thought all that neon cyber-stuff looked cool in the '80s, just wait until you get a look at the upgrade. | Clip

'The Green Hornet'
Release Date: Dec. 22
Starring: Seth Rogen, Jay Chou, Christoph Waltz, Cameron Diaz
Why It'll Be Big: The Green Hornet strikes again! Seth Rogen and his 'Superbad' collaborator Evan Goldberg wrote this adaptation of the radio show and TV series, so that takes care of the funny; Michel Gondry (who wrote 'Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind' and directed 'The Science of Sleep') is directing, so that takes care of the visually inventive and wonderfully strange. As for Rogen as a superhero, well, he didn't lose all that weight for nothin'. (No trailer yet!)

The Funny Stuff

'Youth in Revolt'

Release Date: Jan. 8
Starring: Michael Cera, Portia Doubleday, Zach Galifianakis
Why It'll Be Big: It's been called 'Fight Club' meets 'Superbad' (a lot). Based on the novel by C.D. Payne, 'Youth' is a role-reversal of sorts for its star Michael Cera who plays Nick Twisp, a dorky, sex-obsessed teen who develops a bad boy alter ego (a mustached Frenchman named Francois) to help him get a girl. Cera fans will eat it up. | Trailer

'Valentine's Day'

Release Date: Feb. 12
Starring: Half of Hollywood, including Julia Roberts, Jessica Alba and Jessica Biel
Why It'll Be Big: Where did they cast this one, the SAG Awards? Also starring Ashton Kutcher, Taylor Lautner, Taylor Swift, Bradley Cooper, Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Garner, Jamie Foxx and more (many more), it follows several couples as they make or break their relationships leading up to the most hated/loved made-up holiday of the year. | Trailer

'Cop Out'
Release Date: Feb. 26
Starring: Bruce Willis, Tracy Morgan
Why It'll Be Big: Originally boasting the not-so-marquee-friendly title 'A Couple of Dicks,' Kevin Smith's buddy cop comedy may have underwent the most clever name change ever (get it, "cop out"?!). It also gives Morgan, the zaniest of '30 Rock' zanies, a long-awaited big-screen star vehicle ('G-Force' notwithstanding). (No trailer yet!)

'Hot Tub Time Machine'
Release Date: March 19
Starring: John Cusack, Rob Corddry, Craig Robinson
Why It'll Be Big: The timing couldn't be better for this time-travel comedy. Hot on the heels of that phenomenon 'The Hangover,' we get another R-rated laugher about man-children navigating hazy terrain and featuring highly respected comic actors on the cusp of breaking out (substitute Zach Galifianakis and Ed Helms with Corddry and Robinson). And lest we forget... John Cusack's being funny again! | Trailer

'Date Night'
Release Date: April 9
Starring: Steve Carell, Tina Fey, Mark Wahlberg, James Franco
Why It'll Be Big: NBC Must-See TV hits the big screen, with Carell ('The Office') and Fey ('30 Rock') starring as a married couple who try to keep the spark alive by going on a date night ... but end up just trying to stay alive when gun-toting thugs mistake them for James Franco and Mila Kunis. We see the resemblance. | Trailer

'Get Him to the Greek'
Release Date: June 11
Starring: Russell Brand, Rose Byrne, Jonah Hill
Why It'll Be Big: In this sequel of sorts to 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall,' the madcap Brit Brand gets the star vehicle he deserves, reprising his role as rocker Aldous Snow, who must rely on a record company intern (Hill, in a new role) to escort him to a high-profile gig at L.A.'s Greek Theater. One upside from the get-go: less naked Jason Segel. (No trailer yet!)

'Grown Ups'
Release Date: June 25
Starring: Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Kevin James
Why It'll Be Big: Hit machine Sandler recruits not only Rock and former fake onscreen lover James, but also Rob Schneider and David Spade (two funnymen seriously hurting for another movie hit); they play five old high school pals who reunite to honor the passing of the old coach. So yes, it's sort of like 'The Big Chill' ... with a lot more fart jokes. | Trailer

'Little Fockers'
Release Date: July 30
Starring: Ben Stiller, Teri Polo, Robert De Niro
Why It'll Be Big: 'Meet the Parents' raked in $166.2 million and its sequel 'Meet the Fockers' a staggering $279 million domestically. We can only assume that the third installment -- which finds Gaylord Focker (Stiller) and his wife (Polo) raising 5-year-old twins -- will do enough box office to rival 'Avatar.' Joking aside, 'Fockers' films are always a hoot, and this one adds Harvey Keitel, Jessica Alba and Laura Dern to the mix. (No trailer yet!)

'The Other Guys'
Release Date: Aug. 6
Starring: Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Michael Keaton
Why It'll Be Big: Action-comedies are hit-and-miss (Ferrell and Wahlberg are partners-in-crime-solving), but Ferrell-and-Adam McKay movies are nearly all hits ('Anchorman,' 'Talladega Nights' and 'Step Brothers'). Factor in Wahlberg's first comedic act since Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch (too easy!) and this makes a case worth investigating. (No trailer yet!)

'Your Highness'
Release Date: Oct. 1
Starring: James Franco, Danny McBride, Zooey Deschanel
Why It'll Be Big: Once one of the most cherished directors in Indiewood after films like 'All the Real Girls' and 'Undertow,' it seems David Gordon Green found a new calling after the success of 'Pineapple Express.' But the title leaves us a bit dazed and confused: Is this fantasy about a prince (Franco) and his lazy brother (McBride) saving their Medieval Kingdom another stoner comedy? (No trailer yet!)

'Due Date'
Release Date: Nov. 5
Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Zach Galifianakis
Why It'll Be Big: These days, audiences will watch RDJ in anything, so a raunchy road-trip comedy directed by 'Hangover' helmer Todd Phillips and co-starring that movie's breakout buffoon Zach Galifianakis isn't going to be a hard sell. Downey stars as a dad-to-be racing cross-country for the birth of his first child, while Galifianakis plays the offbeat traveling companion who's also the trip's heaviest baggage. Sounds like it could be this generation's 'Planes, Trains and Automobiles.' (No trailer yet!)

'Gulliver's Travels'
Release Date: Dec. 22
Starring: Jack Black, Emily Blunt, Jason Segel
Why It'll Be Big: Jack Black has always been larger than life ... and he'll appear even more so as the titular journalist shipwrecked on an island of miniature folk called Liliputians in this comedic reimagining of Jonathan Swift's classic novel. While the premise undoubtedly will provide bountiful cause for Black to showcase his slapstick strengths, we're hoping he'll tone the schtick down just a bit. After all, he'd crush half of Liliput with just one of his patented rooster dances. (No trailer yet!)

Pure Action

'Green Zone'
Release Date: March 12
Starring: Matt Damon, Greg Kinnear, Amy Ryan
Why It'll Be Big: Tired of waiting for the fourth installment in the 'Bourne' saga? This might as well be it, with director Paul Greengrass and star Matt Damon reuniting for the based-on-real-life tale of a badass CIA operative on the hunt for WMDs in Iraq. | Trailer

'Clash of the Titans'
Release Date: March 26
Starring: Sam Worthington, Gemma Arterton, Liam Neeson
Why It'll Be Big: The 1981 man-vs.-Greek-gods epic, beloved for its delightfully campy special effects, gets a modern makeover complete with rock music, eye-popping F/X and 'Avatar' star Sam Worthington as Perseus, a human forced to battle kings, snake-headed Gorgons, optically challenged witches and a gargantuan Kraken. And, yes, we dig the "Damn the Gods" tagline. | Trailer

'Robin Hood'
Release Date: May 14
Starring: Russell Crowe, Cate Blanchett, Mark Strong
Why It'll Be Big: Forget the green tights and feathered cap. The legendary tale of the man who stole from the rich and gave to the poor gets the gritty 'Gladiator' treatment courtesy of Crowe and director Ridley Scott. Judging by the trailer, they should scrap formality and rename the character Maximus Robinhoodimus Meridius. | Trailer

'Prince of Persia: The Sand of Time'
Release Date: May 28
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Gemma Arterton, Ben Kingsley
Why It'll Be Big: Most of the buzz around this epic adventure has surrounded Gyllenhaal 2.0's buffed-up physique (hey Jake, which way's the beach?), but Disney's adaptation of the popular videogame should be able to lure those rabid swashbuckling 'Pirates' fans as they anxiously await Captain Jack's fourth go-round. | Trailer

'The A-Team'
Release Date: June 11
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Jessica Biel, Sharlto Copley
Why It'll Be Big: The long-awaited big-screen version of the beloved '80s TV serial finally hits screens, updating the story so that the rabble crew of Vietnam vets-turned-mercenaries are now Iraq War vets. The casting is pitch-perfect (Neeson as Hannibal, Cooper as Faceman, Biel as a hot chick), and the nostalgia factor is high -- so as long as director Joe Carnahan and co. bring the action and the cheeky humor, this'll be a grade-'A' smash. (No trailer yet)

'Knight and Day'
Release Date: July 2
Starring: Tom Cruise, Cameron Diaz, Peter Sarsgaard
Why It'll Be Big: Smiling wide and kicking butt (just the way we like him), Cruise is in full-on 'Mission Impossible'-meets-'Tropic Thunder' mode as a secret agent out to save the world -- and make audiences laugh in the process. His 'Vanilla Sky' co-star Diaz ups the comedy quotient, and the trailer alone reminds us why these two are among the world's biggest stars. | Trailer

'Salt'
Release Date: July 23
Starring: Angelina Jolie, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Liev Schreiber
Why It'll Be Big: Angelina Jolie in an action thriller, as a CIA agent accused of being a Russian spy? Do you remember the last time we saw Jolie with a gun (ahem, 'Wanted')? There will be ass-kicking. Oh yes. There will be ass-kicking. | Trailer

'The Expendables'
Release Date: Aug. 13
Starring: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Jet Li
Why It'll Be Big: With a cast that spans four decades of old and new action stars (other players include Bruce Willis, Mickey Rourke, Arnold Schwarzenegger (!), Eric Roberts (!!) and Dolph Lundgren (!!!), we have two questions about this actioner about an all-star team of mercenaries in South America: A) How in the world could you not be curious? And B) Has there ever been too much "action hero" in one movie? (No trailer yet)

The Prestige Projects

'Shutter Island'
Release Date: Feb. 19
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo
Why It'll Be Big: Buzz was high for this Martin Scorsese thriller based on Dennis Lehane's novel ... when it was supposed to come out last fall. And then (for reasons unknown) it was moved to February, not usually the breeding ground of Oscar-caliber films. But that doesn't mean this film about U.S. Marshals hunting an escaped mental patient won't scare the bejeezus out of us, and possibly even scare up an award or two. | Trailer

'Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps'
Release Date: April 23
Starring: Michael Douglas, Shia LaBeouf, Carey Mulligan
Why It'll Be Big: Face it, Gordon Gekko can't be stopped. It's 20 years later and the ex-Wall Street bad boy has been released from prison (somewhat) reformed. But thanks to his beautiful young daughter (Oscar contender Mulligan, for 'An Education') and her go-getter fiance (LaBeouf) he's forced to face Wall St. and the oncoming economic doom he can be blamed for in this ever-so-topical sequel from Oliver Stone. (No trailer yet)

'Inception'
Release Date: July 16
Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Ellen Page, Joseph Gordon-Levitt
Why It'll Be Big: Have you seen the trailers? They're freaking amazing -- not that we expect anything less from 'The Dark Knight' auteur Christopher Nolan. Sure, we're still a bit hazy on the plot -- something about Leonardo DiCaprio stealing ideas from people's minds -- but the imagery and tantalizing teaser clips are 100% intriguing. | Trailer

'Eat, Pray, Love'
Release Date: Aug. 13
Starring: Julia Roberts, Javier Bardem, James Franco
Why It'll Be Big: The big-screen adaptation of Elizabeth Gilbert's best-selling memoir probably won't draw a huge male audience (unless they're dragged along for date night), but we challenge you to find a woman over 20 who isn't stoked for this tale of a soul-searching woman (Roberts) who -- you guessed it -- eats, prays, loves and travels her way to happiness. Think of it as a globetrotting, slightly more spiritual 'Julie & Julia.' (No trailer yet)

'The American'
Release Date: Sept. 1
Starring: George Clooney, Bruce Altman, Thekla Reuten
Why It'll Be Big: Coming off a red-hot year in which he may or may not win his second Oscar, Clooney won't be seen again in '10 until fall. But sounds like it'll be worth the wait. He plays an assassin in Italy completing one last job in this thriller from the arty hands of Anton Corbijn ('Control'). Is this Clooney's answer to his pals' Jason Bourne & Mr. Smith? (No trailer yet)

'The Social Network'
Release Date: Oct. 25
Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Justin Timberlake, Rashida Jones
Why It'll Be Big: Facebook will get a big-screen makeover in this new flick from David Fincher ('Zodiac'; 'Seven'), about the rise of the popular social networking site. Its current status update: Jesse Eisenberg will play co-founder Mark Zuckerberg, while Justin Timberlake is tagged to play Napster co-creator Sean Parker. (No trailer yet)

Family Fare

'Percy Jackson & The Olympians'
Release Date: Feb. 12
Starring: Logan Lerman, Rosario Dawson, Uma Thurman
Why It'll Be Big: Is 'Percy Jackson' the next 'Harry Potter'? The same, of course, was asked of 'Chronicles of Narnia' (sort of) and 'Golden Compass' (not at all). We'll make one not-so-bold guarantee: This family actioner about a teen (Lerman) who discovers he's the descendant of a Greek god will at least out-battle the latter. | Trailer

'How to Train Your Dragon'
Release Date: March 26
Starring: Jay Baruchel, America Ferrera, Jonah Hill
Why It'll Be Big: DreamWorks' new animated 3-D movie stars Baruchel as a teenager who believes it's his destiny to become a top dragon fighter -- until he befriends a dragon and starts to rethink everything he knew. If it sounds a little like the studio's massively successful 'Kung Fu Panda,' well, that's not really a bad thing, is it? | Trailer

'The Karate Kid'
Release Date: June 11
Starring: Jaden Smith, Jackie Chan, Taraji P. Henson
Why It'll Be Big?: Bring it on? Or sacrilege? '80s babies who will forever feel kinship with Ralph "Daniel Son" Macchio may resent it, but there's no stopping this retooling, which will be decidedly more family-friendly given it stars the 11-year-old son of Will Smith and Jada Pinkett (as a kid who's family relocates to China). As least Macchio was old enough for teen angst. (No trailer yet)

'Despicable Me'
Release Date: July 9
Starring: Steve Carell, Jason Segel, Kristen Wiig
Why It'll Be Big: This animated tale boasts a laundry list of the universe's funniest people (Russell Brand, Will Arnett, Danny McBride, Jemaine Clement and a slew of others join those above) AND an ingeniously fun premise: What happens when the planet's second biggest supervillain (Carell), who is plotting to steal the moon, becomes de facto dad to three orphan girls? Hilarity ensues, of course. | Trailer

'The Sorcerer's Apprentice'
Release Date: July 16
Starring: Nicolas Cage, Jay Baruchel, Monica Bellucci
Why It'll Be Big: Jerry Bruckheimer's second big summer release of '10 (he also produced 'Prince of Persia'), this one's like 'National Treasure' meets 'Harry Potter,' based on 'Fantasia.' Cage is the sorcerer and rising star Baruchel ('Tropic Thunder') is the apprentice who hops on a broomstick with a mind of its own. | Trailer

'Guardians of Ga'Hoole'
Release Date: Sept. 24
Starring: Jim Sturgess, Ryan Kwanten, Helen Mirren
Why It'll Be Big: Based on the book series by Kathryn Lasky and directed by Zack Snyder ('300,' 'Watchmen'), this high-flying animated adventure follows owls Soren (Sturgess) and Kludd (Kwanten) as they travel in search of the Great Tree, site of the Guardians of Ga'Hoole. The Guardians, we learn, are the owl kingdoms' last chance to fend off the evil Pure Ones. With Mirren, Sam Neill and Geoffrey Rush also lending their voices, this one should be a hoot and a half. (No trailer yet)

'Megamind'
Release Date: Nov. 5
Starring: Brad Pitt, Will Ferrell, Tina Fey
Why It'll Be Big: Finally, the Pitt-Ferrell collaboration we've been waiting for! Of course, the actors may not have even shared the same space; 'Megamind' is an animated adventure-comedy about superheroes. May sound like familiar ground, but if it's anything like 'The Incredibles,' we'll take it. (No trailer yet)

'Rapunzel'
Release Date: Nov. 24
Starring: Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi
Why It'll Be Big: How has it taken so long for Disney to turn the classic Grimm Brothers fairy tale into an animated feature? Regardless, the studio promises a modern take on the tale, with an independent heroine who does more than just pine away in her tower. Moore supplies the voice of the gal with the fabulously long locks, and Levi (best known for the NBC series 'Chuck') plays her earnest fellow with a hair fetish. (No trailer yet)

'The Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader'
Release Date: Dec. 10
Starring: Ben Barnes, Skandar Keynes, Georgie Henley
Why It'll Be Big: It's Lucy (Henley) and Edmund (Keynes) carrying the weight for the Pevensie clan as the siblings return to Narnia (along with Cousin Eustace, played by Will Poulter) for a swashbuckling adventure across the seas on the titular ship. Liam Neeson (Aslan) and Eddie Izzard (Reepicheep) return as voice talent. (No trailer yet)


The Chills and Thrills

'Edge of Darkness'
Release Date: Jan. 29
Starring: Mel Gibson, Danny Huston, Ray Winstone
Why It'll Be Big: 'Casino Royale' meets 'The Departed' meets 'Payback' with Martin Campbell directing from a script by William Monahan, and Mel Gibson starring as a detective on a vengeful hunt for his daughter's murderer. It's Gibson's first starring role since 2002's 'Signs' ... and that little DUI incident/rant that sullied his rep, so the big question is: Can Mel still put butts in movie theater seats? We're betting yes. | Trailer

'The Wolfman'
Release Date: Feb. 12
Starring: Benicio del Toro, Emily Blunt, Anthony Hopkins
Why It'll Be Big: Despite numerous release delays, hopes remain high for this rehash on the classic monster yarn. And unlike, say, the misfiring monster mash 'Van Helsing,' this 21st century update looks dark and brooding (and even scary!), with the versatile del Toro in a role he may just have been born to play. | Trailer

'Nightmare on Elm Street'

Release Date: April 30
Starring: Jackie Earle Haley, Thomas Dekker, Kellan Lutz
Why It'll Be Big: Is there a better actor to play the ultimate creep, Freddy Kruger, than Haley, who's already creeped us out (and the neighborhood) as a pedophile on the loose in his Oscar-nominated 'Little Children'? We hate to advocate classic horror remakes (damn you, 'Halloween' and 'Friday the 13th') but this one has promise. Trailer
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Remember you can always search for new and upcoming movies at imdb.
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Are you excited about anything that's coming out?

Friday, January 8, 2010

New Year, New Laws...

Welcome 2010

Welcome New Laws?

Rules from tanning to texting: More than 40,000 new laws go into effect in 2010.



Beginning Jan. 1, 2010, Texas college freshmen and transfer students will need to be vaccinated against bacterial meningitis before they can live on campus. Restaurants in California can no longer use oils, margarine, or shortenings with more than half a gram of trans fat per serving. And stores in Louisiana can no longer sell lighters that appeal to children. New Hampshire, Oregon and Illinois join 16 other states that prohibit motorists from sending text messages while driving.

More than 40,000 laws have been enacted by state legislatures in the past year, and at least 30 states have statutes that go into effect on New Year’s Day, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), which provides an annual round-up of such laws.

Among the more noteworthy:

• Payday borrowers in Kentucky will be restricted to two loans of no more than $500 at a time, and payday lenders facer tougher penalties if they lend to someone who has reached the maximum.

• Oregon will require children under age 16 to wear a seat belt on any ATV or vehicle on public property, and will increase the fine for people riding a motorcycle without a helmet to $720.

• In Texas, smoke detectors will need to be able to alert a hearing-impaired person if requested by a tenant.

• In Montana, insurance companies will be required to provide coverage for autism-spectrum disorders.

• In New Hampshire, physical therapists will be able to get certified to practice on animals.

• Also in New Hampshire, peeing in public has become costly. The new law makes public urination or defecation a violation punishable by up to a $1,000 fine.

•  In Michigan, residents will be able to use the internet to find out the locations of illegal methamphetamine laboratories.  Michigan law enforcement officials must work with the Department of Community Health to maintain the status of each lab and whether the property has been remediated or not.

Minimum wage laws

• Workers making minimum wage in North Carolina will get a pay raise.  Effective January 1, 2007, the minimum wage in North Carolina will be $6.15 per hour.

• Hawaii’s minimum wage will increase on January 1 to $7.25 per hour.

• Rhode Island’s minimum wage will increase on January 1 to $7.40 per hour.

• Massachusetts’ minimum wage will increase on January 1 to $7.50 per hour.

• Connecticut’s minimum wage will increase on January 1 to $7.65 per hour.

• Colorado plans to lower the minimum wage to $7.24 from $7.28 per hour.

Also see my post from last year titled Strange Laws for some amusement if any of these new laws have you feeling down.

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

G-spot may not exist :O

G-spot 'may not exist', say scientists

The G-spot, the erogenous zone that is said to be possessed by some women but not by others, may not exist at all, according to scientists.

Researchers at King’s College London claim there is no evidence for the existence of the G-spot – supposedly a cluster of internal nerve endings – beyond a woman’s imagination.

“Women may argue that having a G-spot is due to diet or exercise, but in fact it is virtually impossible to find real traits,” said Tim Spector, professor of genetic epidemiology, who coauthored the research.

“This is by far the biggest study ever carried out and it shows fairly conclusively that the idea of a G-spot is subjective.”

They reached their conclusions after a survey of more than 1,800 British women, all of whom were pairs of identical or non-identical twins.

Identical twins share all their genes, while non-identical pairs share 50 per cent of theirs. If one identical twin reported having a G-spot then her sister was more likely to give the same answer

But no such pattern emerged, suggesting the G-spot is a matter of the woman’s subjective opinion.

Andrea Burri, who led the research, said she was anxious to remove feelings of “inadequacy or underachievement” that might affect women who feared they lacked a G-spot.

“It is rather irresponsible to claim the existence of an entity that has never really been proven and pressurise women — and men, too,” she said.

Sources:
UK Times online

New York Post
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While 56% of women overall claimed to have a G-spot, they tended to be younger and more sexually active
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Just google "G-spot may not exist" and you will see page after page linking to this study and other studies of this kind as well ;)

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