When my friend got her puppy and told me her name was Piper my response was, “Like Rowdy Roddy?” She was less than amused. But there was never a moment when Rowdy Roddy Piper didn’t amuse those who watched him in the ring, in Piper’s Pit, or fighting off aliens. Piper was a beloved entertainer, I remember squealing a little when he showed up on It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and even watched an episode of Wife Swap because he was on it. He swapped wives with Ric Flair. It’s kind of awesome, sad, and exactly what you expect. I was very sad to hear the news of his passing last Friday. The WWE had this excellent tribute to him on Monday night’s Raw. The best I can do is dedicate this Happy Friday to him. It’s slightly better than nothing.
Now I came here to chew bubble gum and waste your Friday. And I’m all out of bubble gum!
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Last night was Jon Stewart’s last episode of The Daily Show. As I write this the episode hadn’t aired yet. I wasn’t a regular watcher of the show, but the times I would catch I was always amused and new I was watching a smart show. What Jon Stewart was able to turn that show into was nothing short of incredible. So here are a few links to serve as a send-off. First Jon Stewart in his own words about the show and himself. And we can’t forget the amazing talent The Daily Show has spawned, like John Oliver whose show I look forward to every week. And finally I want to commend Arby’s for having a sense of humor, I mean one that extends beyond their notion of food.
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The people of Philadelphia once bombarded Santa Clause with snowballs. Santa Clause! A man who brings joy to children was someone Philadelphians felt deserved to be pelted with snowballs. So I have no idea why the hitchBot people thought their hitchhiking robot would survive the wasteland known as the city of brotherly love. Germany, the villains of two world wars, treated the poor hitchhiking robot better than Philadelphia. What this ultimately means is our Skynet defense headquarters should be built in Philly.
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I have talked too much about endings so far. Let’s look at how to survive longer. If you’re looking to reduce the risks of several diseases and lower your mortality rate you might wanted to consider adding jalapenos to your nachos, or have and extra squeeze of sriracha. What am I saying is a new study is showing huge benefits of spicy foods. This is excellent news because I love jalapenos and use them often in my cooking. One tip though, not good on cereal, not even the Froot Loops.
If you don’t like spicy foods but still want to live longer then maybe you can mimic the habits of this 110 year old lady. She revealed her secret to longevity is whiskey and beer, specifically Johnnie Walker and Miller High Life. Even if you don’t live longer who cares? You’re living a life filled with whiskey and beer. But I think this is all best summed up by the redditor who said, “If I live to 110 I’m going to say my secret is eating 2 pinecones a day.” Basically it’s all horseshit and luck so just have fun.
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A 48 Hour Film Project:
Catastrophe!
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At some point this week I saw the latest installment to the Mission Impossible franchise. It was a fun movie. I have never watched a Mission Impossible movie and thought I wasted my time, nor have I ever walked away like my life has been changed. These are just fun action movies designed to entertain and in that aspect they are designed very well. Will Leitch has a better breakdown here. If you haven’t seen them you should. Or don’t. It’s your life, do what you want. I like them and plan on watching them again.
Part of the fun of Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation are the action scenes. To sound like a cliché, it’s a thrill ride. One scene (and it’s not that airplane scene) has even made it onto a list of the best action scenes of the year. Or as the article calls it, “The most bodaciously bad-ass action scenes of the year (so far).” Based on the 7 of 9 of these I have seen I agree with this list and am inclined to see those other 2 movies. Bonus game: guess which two I haven’t seen.
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While we’re talking about movies, and because I’m still on the promotional tour, I want to take this opportunity to reminder about the world premiere of Nebulus Visions’ newest release, part of the 48 Hour Film Project, Catastrophe! You can see it Sunday August 9th , 8 p.m. at the Oriental Theater. You’ll even have the opportunity to meet the director and the stars of the film! And of course, yours truly will be there. Look, I am really proud of this and I want to share it with everybody.
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As I type this there is a GOP debate happening. I’m not watching it, Birdman is on. But the social medias are blowing up, mainly with the ridiculousness that is Donald Trump. I have yet to meet anyone who is on board with this fool, but supposedly they are out there as this piece from GQ will show. Drew Magary traveled to Iowa for a Trump speech and rally. He talks with some of the folks who attended on purpose, and not just for the free food. It’s amazing to hear them talk about why they are so firmly planted in Trump’s corner. I try to keep my online presence, especially this site, politics free, but the cuckooness that is Trump is too big to ignore. And I just thought the GQ article was interesting.
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I’m not usually one to get caught up in the sappiness of two people meeting and falling in love. Usually I mock it. But there was something about this story that managed to hit me right in what the kids are calling the feels. It’s just so sweet. Like an American Love Actually. You have to read it to know what I’m talking about. But have the tissues on the ready.
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The word “class” isn’t often associated with black velvet paintings, at least not until now, or a year ago as this is an old link. Some artistic genius finally elevated the medium by using an amazing subject matter: wrestlers of the 80’s and 90’s. So if you’re ever looking for a house warming gift for me, I’m quite fond of the Curt Hennig portrait here. Go ahead and file that away, after you figure out which one is Curt Hennig.
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In honor of Rowdy Roddy, this week’s terrible tattoo is wrestling themed.
…and that’s the three count on the week.
For All The Unheard 