2.328: Quick Blurbs 009

BLURB 1:  Blake Lively

In all honesty, who is seriously offended by her comments? And I mean seriously offended? Because we live in a society in which white police officers receive little to no punishment for gunning down young black men and this is what people choose to be offended by. GTFO!

BLURB 2:  Star Trek

I have always stated that I was more of a Trekkie than a Star Wars fan because Star Trek was far more accessible than Star Wars. So, I am looking forward to watching the new series (on Netflix or DVR).

BLURB 3:  Die Antwoord

I have never of Die Antwoord nor have I ever listen to any of their albums but I suppose anything related to Kanye West will earn a "trending" designation. Come on Facebook curators, you need to do better than this rubbish.

BLURB 4:  Blade, Ghost Rider and Moon Knight

I love the Marvel Cinematic universe and I have loved what I have seen from Netflix in regards to original Marvel series (though I have only seen the first two episodes of the first season of Daredevil--what can I say? I'm squeamish.) So, I should only expect good things to come out of these three series is they are made. Also, Marvel and Netflix will have the opportunity to introduce to new heroes of ethnic decent:  Blade, who is black, and the Robbie Reyes (Mexican-American) version of Ghost Rider (though they will likely opt for the Johnny Blaze version).

BLURB 5:  Sports Authority

Well, there isn't a Sports Authority within "reasonable" driving distance around my area so this is not relevant to me.

2.321: Quick Blurbs 008

BLURB 1:  Calvin Klein

Yes, I have seen the photograph and to be honest, I would not have never known about this photograph had it not been because of this "controversy". Again, being frank, I have seen far worse and yet, it is only now that we begin to hear about the problems such photography present. My stance on this situation is as follows: if the model was okay with the shot, then I am fine with the shot. Photography is a form of art and it appears as though the ones complaining most about such art are (1) simply looking for something to complain about and (2) too lazy to inform their children about the differences between right and wrong.

BLURB 2:  Harry Potter

In the interest of full disclosure, I am completely clueless about Harry Potter but these four names seem rather dumbed down or perhaps, less elegant? To be honest, I am uncertain of the exact term or phrase I wish to use in describing the supposed house names but they do have a very American vibe to them.

BLURB 3:  Gwyneth Paltrow

I suppose this is trending because "oh no, someone is talking about S-E-X". Look, people need to stop handling sex with kids gloves and realize that sex exists, it occurs, and if done right, is pleasant. Ignoring sex is not only stupid, it's dangerous.

BLURB 4:  George Zimmerman

GEORGE ZIMMERMAN IS GARBAGE! How this man continues to work freely amongst us is beyond comprehension and speaks loudly (and poorly) of the broken American justice system. I wish nothing but terrible things on this terrible person.

BLURB 5:  Voltron Legendary Defender

Finally, a topic I actually care about! For a person my age, Voltron was the sh-t! And I look forward to seeing Netflix's take on the series.

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NOTE:  Apparently, drafting a post and then posting it at approximately 00:01 EDT and then drafting another post and publishing that post at 23:59 EDT means you have posted two posts in one day as opposed to two posts in two days.  Anyways, I corrected the numbering on the two preceding posts to accurately reflect the day it was written on.

Also, I was iffy about using Facebook Trending Topics for awhile now but given the recent controversy surrounding Facebook's alleged suppression of conservative topics, I have determined that I will be sticking with Facebook as the source of topics for this column.

2.314: Quick Blurbs 007

BLURB 1: Jenna Dewan Tatum

It's great that she and her husband, Channing, have such a love-filled marriage but why is this trending in my news feed? Also, their Lip Sync Battle was amazing and you should go check it out.

BLURB 2: Spalding County, Georgia

It's not often when a "local" story appears in my Trending topics but when it does occur, it is typically over something absurd. It's funny how these individuals are blaming Snapchat for the irresponsibility of another individual but if I had to guess, these same individuals would are the sort that would say that "guns don't kill people, people kill people". (And yes, I took this topic in a whole other direction but given the location and the areas politics; I am inclined to make such a statement as an example of why I believe this lawsuit is frivolous and an indicator of the hypocrisy of certain people. Also, I know that I am well beyond my self-imposed 50-word limit but this is a local trend and it is not too often that this occurs.)

BLURB 3:  Caitlyn Jenner

NO! Simply no! Sports Illustrated needs to cease and desist with the continual promotion of Caitlyn Jenner as a spokesperson for the transgendered community, especially, given her continued support of the GOP and their stances that run counter to the stances of the LGBT community.

BLURB 4:  Interview with the Vampire

I personally don't care for vampire films of any sort and I have no interest in this film.

BLURB 5:  Sarah Jessica Parker

Fashion is one of the many things I don't care about and that hasn't changed.

2.293: Quick Blurbs 006

Spider-Man

Spider-Man:  Homecoming? I see that Sony is hell-bent on making sure audiences know that Spider-Man is a teenager. I cannot wait to see the crazy antics Peter Parker gets into as he struggles with the angst of trying to find a date while still learning to be a superpowered vigilante.

C-3PO

What a cheap yet clever ploy from Disney/Marvel? Want to know why an iconic droid suddenly has a new arm in the latest Star Wars film? Buy the comic! Honestly, I don’t care that much about it but I was always more of a Trekkie anyways.

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen

Not content with allowing their more talented younger sister, Elizabeth, take the spotlight, Mary-Kate and Ashley decided to get “trending” by posting a promotional “first public selfie” for Sephora. I guess that’s good for them and it’s nice to know that they are still around but do I really care? No.

Justin Bieber

OMG, the Biebs can color within the lines! I was half-expecting him to urinate on the page and then hurl it at an elderly couple as he sped by them in a residential neighborhood. Okay, that was mean spirited but come on now—a kindergartener could do better.

Rachel McAdams

Rachel McAdams is in the upcoming Doctor Strange film but I thought we knew that already. The big question is what character is she portraying. If you can answer that for me, then go for you. Anyways, the teaser looked good and I’m anxious to see the film.

2.286: Quick Blurbs 005

NOTE:  Before I begin today's Quick Blurbs, I want to apologize for my sudden reversal into my previous sporadic posting schedule but I have been forced to deal with issues at home (or more accurately, I have been forced to deal with the same persisting issue at home). I will attempt to maintain my daily posting schedule and I intend on elaborating on my recent issues in a future post but please understand that I have no intention of permanently reverting to my previous ways. I love to write and I love to share and while there may be no one else reading my posts, just having a means to express myself is good enough for me.

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Captured at 12:50 EDT on 07 April 2016

Seth MacFarland

This is going to sound sexist but what a pull for Seth MacFarland. Yes, he is funny, he can croon just as well as the next Las Vegas lounge singer, and he is the creator/producer of one of the most popular animated shows on TV but Emilia Clarke is magnificent.

The Mummy

I am thoroughly confused, are they rebooting the Brendan Fraser-led Mummy franchise with Tom Cruise? If so, that is a major coup for the movie studio producing the reboot.  Regardless, I probably won’t see it anyways though I wonder if it’ll launch the film career of another professional wrestler.

Brandon Barash

This was another instance in which I had to ask:  Who? Apparently, he’s an actor on a daytime soap opera not titled Days of Our Lives. Anyways, divorce sucks but one shouldn’t force love when love isn’t present. Hopefully, he remains active in the rearing of his daughter.

Warner Bros.

First, there was another Jungle Book film in production? Second, this is great news for longtime fans of Wonder Woman that have waited so long for a live-action, solo film. I’m personally looking forward to seeing what Gal Gadot can offer as the iconic DC female superhero.

Sherlock

OMG FINALLY! I am an immense fan of Sherlock and this is fantastic news! If you have not seen this iteration of Sherlock Holmes, then you simply must find it and watch it. Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman are remarkable as Holmes and Dr. John Watson.

2.279: Quick Blurbs 004

Wendi Deng

My initial reaction to this topic:  EW!  I am rather open-minded when it comes to sexual intercourse but the thought of sleeping with someone that has slept with Rupert Murdoch is repulsive.  Of course, I am a bleeding-heart liberal with an intense distaste for the man responsible for FOX News.

Emily Ratajkowski

(1) Who?  And (2) why?  Topless Kim Kardashian is a topic should have died weeks (if not, years) ago but the media thrives off this nonsense as evidenced by its perpetual rehashing of the topic.  Personally, I am done with it and will be skipping it in future columns.

Finding Dory

Will Finding Dory be as good as Finding Nemo? Who knows? But I am willing to find out when it hits Netflix in a year or two. Personally, I enjoyed Nemo and while I have some reservations about the necessity of Dory, I understand why it exists.

Wheel of Fortune

I cannot remember the last time I watched Wheel of Fortune but to answer a thirteen (?) letter puzzle is somewhat impressive. Though after watching the entire video, I sort of felt bad for the his opponents but I suppose the man wanted to get paid.

William Shatner

Paternity lawsuits are serious. For many, paternity lawsuits are the only means of ensuring both parents are accountable for the decision to conceive a child. There are legitimate issues surrounding such cases but simply because one party’s a celebrity or the amount being requested seems absurd doesn’t diminish the process.

2.272: Quick Blurbs 003

Malcolm in the Middle

To be honest, if you are talking about Malcolm in the Middle today and you are not talking about Bryan Cranston, then I do not care.

The Matrix

(1) I have never seen any of The Matrix trilogy and (2) enough with the fan theories!  Fan theories are nothing more than speculation conjured up by individuals with too much time on their hands.

The LEGO Batman Movie

The LEGO Movie was "AWESOME" and one of the most memorable characters from the movie was LEGO Batman so to see Will Arnett reprise the role for a spin-off movie is good news for fans; it should be a fun movie.

Wonder Woman

So Warner Bros. released a "women of Themyscira" teaser image for the upcoming Wonder Woman movie and it is what it is.  I am personally hyped at Wonder Woman finally receiving the big screen treatment.  By the way, Robin Wright looks like a total badass.

Shemar Moore

I have never watched Criminal Minds so I have no clue about who Shemar Moore is or who she portrayed in the series.  Regardless, good luck to her in her future endeavors.

2.265B: Quick Blurbs Extra

The problem with hot takes (or "Quick Blurbs") is that I am only able to give my take on things that are trending at the moment I start drafting the post meaning I miss out on things that occur throughout the day.  Of course, capturing my thoughts on hot-at-that-moment topics is the point of "Quick Blurbs" but there will be moments where I want to discuss something of importance that may occur after I publish my latest column.  Anyways, what I am trying to say is that I have one more topic I would like to discuss and I will try and do so in less than fifty words like usual.

Nike's New US Soccer Kits

SOURCE:  Nike (courtesy of Sports Illustrated)

The new design for the US Soccer kits is LAZY. Normally, I am a fan of simplicity, but the shirts look more like training shirts rather than what a national team should be wearing in a major international tournament.  Honestly, I am now elated that Manchester United switched to Adidas.

2.265A: Quick Blurbs 002

Captured at 14:40 EDT on 17 March 2016

First, Happy Saint Patrick's Day to those that "celebrate" this day!  And now, Quick Blurbs:

X-Men:  Apocalypse

Honestly, this should be part of my next “Drop a Like” column because there is too much to say and not nearly enough space to say here.  Still, I will say that I am still thrown off by the way the “teams” are aligned, but film rights, amirite?

Ben-Hur

How does the old adage go?  Why come up with a new and original idea when you can simply remake it or reboot it?  I never watched the original and I will most likely not watch the remake, but good luck to Paramount Pictures anyways.

Olivia Wilde

I have not seen The Wolf of Wall Street so I am uncertain of the character being referenced, but casting directors and movie producers are free to decide who is best for the character they are casting. I will say that Olivia Wilde probably would have done a good job.

Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Honestly, what respect I had for Mayweather dissipated long ago when it came out that he was a domestic abuser. This is just another example of an older, more powerful man seeking to exert his dominance by exhibiting his ability to “attract” a younger woman.

Taylor Swift and Calvin Harris

I have stumbled upon some their photos on Instagram and good for the couple.  I am sure they are enjoying a lovely vacation in a beautiful locale.  As to why this is trending news, who knows? I always thought the old joke was that people hated vacation pictures.

2.258: Quick Blurbs 001-A

Again?  Sorry for the odd numbering, but I am still working it out.  Meanwhile, it's time for some Quick Blurbs.  Five "trending" topics from Facebook because Twitter trends are not too accommodating for banter, Google search trends are similar to Twitter trends, and I still do not "get" Reddit.  Here we go, I screen capped this image at approximately 12:30 EST:

Suicide Squad:  Hell yeah, Suicide Squad!  Hell yeah, tattoos (though I would never get one myself because I’m a pansy)!  Umm…okay to character-inspired tattoo promotional posters?  To be honest, all these posters are going to lead to is a lot of regrettable decisions.

Sharon Osbourne:  Look, I am all for women being comfortable in their own skin and for wanting to share their bodies with others.  Nudity:  it’s not for everyone.  The only thing I find annoying about this topic is that everyone seems so quick to judge or are incredibly petty.

Matt Flynn:  A simple rule of thumb for professional athletes, especially, football players:  Don’t throw shade because a player got paid.  The careers of football players are incredibly short and the amount of damage one will incur is immense.  Players need to get what they can while they can.

Xbox Live:  One of the basic rules of good customer service is to ensure the customer receives the goods or services for which they have tendered payment.  If this is not possible, then offer the customer proper compensation.  Today’s all about simplicity.

Christian Bale:  My major pet peeve in regards to comics and comic-related mediums (i.e., movies) is the existence of multiple “universes” or, more accurately, the lack of a singular continuity.  I am fine with rebooting stories when things become stale, but to cast someone simply to demonstrate this point is absurd.