Monday, January 30, 2012

Kermit, the Liberal, and Miss Piggy, the BAD ASS, er TENDERLOIN...

Here is the amazing response to the Fox New allegations that The Muppet Movie promoted Terrorism and Occupy Wall Street Ideals...



That's one for a pig, not with a bad suit and wig...um, I'm going to shut up now, before she comes after me.



New Game of Thrones Trailer!


Thoughts?


I can't wait for The Peter Dinklage show to come back on;-)

Honestly, it could just be him on screen for an hour a week scratching his ass and it would be Emmy winning....

Downton Abbey Casts Shirley MacLaine as Lady Grantham's Mother

**It's ALWAYS a good day when I have Shirley MacLaine news:-)


TVLine



Maggie Smith’s acid-tongued Countess will no doubt have something delightfully bitchy to say about this: Oscar winner Shirley MacLaine is joining the cast of Downton Abbey as the mother of Elizabeth McGovern’s American-born Lady Grantham.
According to The Daily Beast, MacLaine will appear during the international phenom’s third season, which begins production next month (just as Season 2 winds down on PBS.)
“My late grandfather directed Shirley MacLaine in Gambit in 1966,” said executive producer Gareth Neame in a statement, “so it is a delight for me that she will be joining us on Downton Abbey.”

Sunday, January 29, 2012

Wisconsin GOP Votes To Break Native American Treaties

The Wisconsin GOP is attempting to pass a bill called Assembly Bill 426. Assembly Bill 426 is a bill that was introduced without an author, a bill that to this day cannot get a single person to claim ownership. What this bill does is peel back decades of legislation as it pertains to the mining industry. It allows mining companies to use land in Wisconsin with very little regulation.

Wisconsin GOP Votes To Break Native American Treaties

January 27, 2012
By Segway Jeremy Ryan
The Wisconsin GOP is attempting to pass a bill called Assembly Bill 426. Assembly Bill 426 is a bill that was introduced without an author, a bill that to this day cannot get a single person to claim ownership. What this bill does is peel back decades of legislation as it pertains to the mining industry. It allows mining companies to use land in Wisconsin with very little regulation. The reason for the bill is simple. The mining companies were upset that they needed to be regulated. In an attempt to counteract this they wrote a bill, without an author, and had it introduced. The Republicans then said that there was no need for a public hearing on this bill and would not allow public input. Wisconsin State Representative Janet Bewley disagreed and called a public hearing in West Allis, over fifteen hours round trip from the proposed site of the mine.
The locals showed up, despite the distance. It was then that a second public hearing was scheduled, at the request of the Democrats. This hearing took place at a small hotel in Hurley, Wisconsin, much closer to the proposed mine site than West Allis. At this hearing the people spoke at length and a local consensus was assumed. The consensus, however, was that while the locals would like to see mining, they do not want this bill. This bill is far too broad and allows for a $12 billion mine that would destroy Northern Wisconsin. Northern Wisconsin currently has a lot of natural beauty. There are also several tribes in this area, all of which have Federal peace treaties. Many of the tribes showed up today as the Assembly debated the bill. They worry for their land, their air, and their water. Smaller mines than this one have caused major issues. But rather than work with the tribes and local people, Republican Representative Jeff Stone said it was not his job to provide a seat at the table for tribes. They kept the bill as is.
Tribal land is considered its own sovereign nation. As with every sovereign nation, we have treaties so that we can keep the peace. It was agreed, by treaty, that these tribes would not have their resources infringed upon. This mine, however, would destroy their water and air, breaking the Federal treaty and declaring war on a sovereign nation. Treaties are not optional. The passage of this bill literally and legally declares war on the tribes of the north.
One day longer. One day stronger.
Jeremy Ryan
Executive Director
Defending Wisconsin PAC
jryan@defendingwisconsin.org
Note: Segway Jeremy Ryan has become a full-time member of the protests at the Wisconsin State Capitol. Formerly a businessman, he gave up his business to join the fight for the middle class in the State of Wisconsin. Through videos and writings he has informed hundreds of thousands of people about what was going on at the Wisconsin State Capitol once the mainstream media had mostly abandoned the protests. His full-time activism is completely funded by the people.
http://www.addictinginfo.org/2012/01/27/wisconsin-gop-votes-to-break-native-american-treaties/

Friday, January 27, 2012

Gingrich: Same-Sex Marriage Is ‘Pagan’ Behavior

Think Progress



Thrice-married Newt Gingrich, who has previously described same-sex marriage as “a temporary aberration that will dissipate,” told a right-wing radio show this afternoon that gay and lesbian unions are akin to “pagan” behaviors:
GINGRICH: It’s pretty simple: marriage is between a man and a woman. This is a historic doctrine driven deep into the Bible, both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament, and it’s a perfect example of what I mean by the rise of paganism. The effort to create alternatives to marriage between a man and a woman are perfectly natural pagan behaviors, but they are a fundamental violation of our civilization.

The former speaker is apparently unaware that many in the Christian faith support same-sex marriage, or at least unions, including: Evangelical LutheransEpiscopaliansPresbyterians(U.S.A), adherents of the United Church of Christ, and Unitarian Universalists. Polls also showthat a majority of Catholics and non-evangelical white Protestants back marriage rights for gay couples. (HT: Right Wing Watch)

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Thursday, January 26, 2012

Newt Gingrich Compares Gay Marriage To Paganism

Huffington Post




Newt Gingrich has three marriages and repeated infidelity under his belt, but that doesn't stop him from sounding off about the sanctity of male-female marriage.

On a conference call for Religious Right supporters Wednesday, Newt compared gay marriage to paganism. Right Wing Watch has excerpts from the conversation:
It's pretty simple: marriage is between a man and a woman. This is a historic doctrine driven deep into the Bible, both in the Old Testament and in the New Testament, and it's a perfect example of what I mean by the rise of paganism. The effort to create alternatives to marriage between a man and a woman are perfectly natural pagan behaviors, but they are a fundamental violation of our civilization.
Last month Newt submitted a lengthy signing statement to the Iowa Family Leader's controversial "Marriage Vow" pledge. Here is the part where he discusses his plans for marriage legislation:
Defending Marriage. As President, I will vigorously enforce the Defense of Marriage Act, which was enacted under my leadership as Speaker of the House, and ensure compliance with its provisions, especially in the military. I will also aggressively defend the constitutionality of DOMA in federal and state courts. I will support sending a federal constitutional amendment defining marriage as the union of one man and one woman to the states for ratification. I will also oppose any judicial, bureaucratic, or legislative effort to define marriage in any manner other than as between one man and one woman. I will support all efforts to reform promptly any uneconomic or anti-marriage aspects of welfare and tax policy. I also pledge to uphold the institution of marriage through personal fidelity to my spouse and respect for the marital bonds of others.
Newt's second wife, Marianne, unloaded a bombshell right before the South Carolina primary, claiming that Newt requested an open marriage so that he could continue his affair with Callista.
When asked about the allegations during a CNN debate in Charleston, Newt got into a heated exchange with John King and dismissed the story as a "despicable" lie.
"Every person in here knows personal pain," he said. "Every person in here has had someone close to them go through painful things. To take an ex-wife and make it two days before the primary, a significant question in a presidential campaign, is as close to despicable as anything I can imagine."

Nigeria witch children find refuge at center

Global Post 
EKET, Nigeria — More than 100 Nigerian children have been branded as "witches" by church ministers and have been cast out by their families and shunned by society.


Stella, a "child-witch," lived in the streets of the small fishing village Ibaka in the Niger Delta.
( Toby Binder / GlobalPost )
Some of the children pariahs have suffered violence from their families and from others. The campaign against the "witches" has been pursued by some zealous preachers associated with small Christian sects that also incorporate some animist Nigerian beliefs.


Those who identify the "witches" are encouraged by evangelical pastors, according to human-rights groups in the area. Drawing on the community's fears, preachers sometimes denounce specific children as witches, leading the young ones to be abused, abandoned and even murdered.


Now, one local group provides refuge for children who have been forced out of their communities. The Nigerian non-governmental group Child‘s Right And Rehabilitation Network, has taken in 160 children scorned as “witches."


“So many people here believe that children can be possessed by demons that there is rarely any action taken against those who claim to deliver the children in violent exorcisms,“ says Sam Itauma, of CRARN.


His organization looks after children who have been abandoned or abused after being accused of being witches. As one of a few in the community who supports the ostracized children, he is often verbally and physically attacked.


Sam Itauma is the founder of Child's Right and Rehabilitation Network (CRARN).
( Toby Binder / GlobalPost )


Stella is one of the children now at the center after she was accused of being a witch. Abandoned by her family, vulnerable and frightened, she wandered the streets in southeastern Nigeria, struggling to stay alive.


Stella was found by Jehu Tom, a network rescue officer who lives at the center with 160 other children who have been branded witches, blamed for all their family‘s woes, and abandoned. Before being pushed out of their homes, many were beaten or slashed with knives, thrown onto fires, or had acid poured over them as a punishment or in an attempt to make them “confess“ to being possessed.


In one case, a young girl called Uma had a three-inch nail driven into her skull.


So-called witches are identified by powerful religious leaders from local churches where Christianity and traditional beliefs combine to produce a deep-rooted belief in, and fear of, witchcraft. The ministers spread the message that child-witches bring destruction, disease and death to their families. And they say that, once possessed, children can cast spells and contaminate others.


The religious leaders offer help to the families whose children are named witches, but at a price. The churches hold evening exorcisms, where the pastors attempt to drive out the evil spirits. Only they have the power to cleanse the child of evil spirits, they say. The exorcism can cost the families up to a year‘s income.


But some children are thrown out of their homes.


By the time the children are found by the rehabilitation group, they often have come to believe that they are witches — even if they aren't sure what a witch is. “Can you fly at nights? Then fly!” Itauma tries to provoke the new arrivals at the children’s home.


At the refuge, they are safe and attend school. Many remain traumatized by their experiences.


At the center, they make first steps to become integrated back into “normal life,“ and with luck, they may be reunited with their families and communities. That is the network's aim.


“The children belong back to their families,” said Itauma, “but as long they are not safe there, we take care of them.”

Have you reserved your copy of Breaking Dawn yet?

Can Bilbo Save Santa?

Ain't It Cool News


Hello ladies and gentlemen, Muldoon here with a little casting tidbit straight from the fine folks at VARIETY. According to them, actors Martin Freeman (THE HOBBIT), Tim Curry (FERNGULLY), and Noel Clarke (DOGHOUSE) have all come onboard Gateway Films's first animated feature: SAVING SANTA. The film tells the story of an awkward elf who "must travel back in time to save Santa’s Kingdom from the evil Neville Baddington." The film is being overseen by long time animator, first time director, Leon Joosen, who's credits include THE LITTLE MERMAID, SPACE JAM, and THE SWAN PRINCESS among many others. Joan Collins, Pam Ferris, Chris Barrie and Craig Fairbrass make up the rest of the cast. SAVING SANTA is scheduled for a December 2012 release.
I can only assume Freeman will be taking on the role of the awkward little elf, but will audiences buy him as a halfing type creature? (Yes, that's was a joke.) He's got a unique voice and a certain spunk that might lend well to an animated character. And Tim Curry, the James Earl Jones meets Robin Leach of the voice over world looks to be playing the evil character of Neville Baddington. With millions of movies based on the fat jolly guy, this seems to have an interesting angle, but what do you fine folks think?

- Mike McCutchen
"Muldoon"
Mike@aintitcool.com

Vanessa Paradis: Rumors of Johnny Depp Split Are "False"

E!



Vanessa Paradis has a bone to pick with the media.

Johnny Depp's ladylove and mother of his two children smacked down tabloid stories that she and the Pirates of the Caribbean star have gone their separate ways after 12 years together.
And it's a much stronger denial than the last time she talked about it.


Making the publicity rounds for her new movie, Café de Flore, Paradis offered a clear statement to French television program Grand Journal on the subject after giving a vague response to the U.K.'s Daily Mail.

"Yes it's false! Of course it's false!" the 39-year-old singer-actress said when pressed about reports she had split with Depp, 48.

Paradis added that such rumors "can truly harm my family."

"When someone reports that we buy a house, they say we have 52 houses around France," she told the show.  "We separate in winter and we get married again in summer… I'm at this point at my 12th pregnancy."

According to Paradis, what she really takes issue with is when reporters write hurtful things that end up affecting their two kids, 11-year-old Lily and 9-year-old Jack.


"These rumors are the content of those magazines that end up in the fireplace or in the toilets and that's it," she said pointedly.
We're glad she cleared that up.

Depp has yet to comment either way on the rumors of their relationship's demise. 
Over to you, Johnny.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Lily Collins Drops Out Of Evil Dead Remake

Perez Hilton Filed under: Film Flickers
Lily Collins im out
Lily Colins has canceled her appointment with death.
The actress who was picked as the female lead in Sam Raimi's (produced, not directed) Evil Dead remake has reportedly had to drop out of the role because of scheduling conflicts.
We're guessing they decided to rush Abduction 2 into production. Ha! Just kidding. At least, we HOPE we're just kidding.
They've gotta scramble to find a replacement so the film can still be released by April 2013, but we don't think finding a hot young actress in Hollywood is too hard of a task.
Who do U think should replace Lily? And sadly, Bruce Campbell still isn't an option, so don't even bother. LOLz!
[Image via WENN.]

VANESSA PARADIS ADDRESSES JOHNNY DEPP BREAKUP RUMORS AT HER PREMIERE

Vanessa Paradis hit the red carpet solo last night for a screening of her movie Café de Flore. She first started premiering the film last year at various film festivals, and it is finally due to arrive in French theaters tomorrow. Vanessa posed for photos with Marin Gerrier and Jean-Marc Vallée, and later reported to the afterparty at Chez Castel nightclub. She did limited interviews, but in one conversation, spoke about her rumored split from Johnny Depp.Vanessa Paradis told France's Radio 1, "You know, when I eat three peas, I'm pregnant. When I visit a city, I'm buying a house. In the Winter I separate, in the Summer I marry. It's been 15 years since I've been getting married every year. In addition, I have to answer all these rumors!"

Vanessa and Johnny are said to have split after nearly 14 years together. However, the pair seem to be staying close for the benefit of their children, 12-year-old Lily-Rose and 9-year-old Jack. The family has traditionally split their time between LA and France. Vanessa and the children rang in 2012 from the West Coast, but she's been in France for the last week to promote her new big screen project and also enjoy some of the fun of Couture Fashion Week.

Oscars 2012: And the nominees are...

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the nominees for the 84th Academy Awards. This year’s most nominated film? Martin Scorsese’s Hugo, with 11 nominations, followed by Michel Hazanavicius’ The Artist, with 10.
Below are the rest of the nominees.
The Oscars will be televised on ABC on Sunday, Feb. 26.
Best Picture
The Artist
The Descendants
Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
The Help
Hugo 
Midnight in Paris
Moneyball
The Tree of Life
War Horse 
Best Director
Michel Hazanavicius, The Artist
Alexander Payne, The Descendants
Martin Scorsese, Hugo
Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris 
Terrence Malick, The Tree of Life 
Best Actor
Demián Bichir, A Better Life
George Clooney, The Descendants
Jean Dujardin, The Artist
Gary Oldman, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Brad Pitt, Moneyball
Best Actress
Glenn Close, Albert Nobbs
Viola Davis, The Help
Rooney Mara, The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Meryl Streep, The Iron Lady
Michelle Williams, My Week With Marilyn
Best Supporting Actor 
Kenneth Branagh, My Week With Marilyn
Jonah Hill, Moneyball
Nick Nolte, Warrior
Christopher Plummer, Beginners
Max von Sydow, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close
Best Supporting Actress
Bérénice Bejo, The Artist
Jessica Chastain, The Help
Melissa McCarthy, Bridesmaids
Janet McTeer, Albert Nobbs
Octavia Spencer, The Help 
Best Original Screenplay
Michel Hazanavicius, The Artist
Annie Mumolo and Kristen Wiig, Bridesmaids
J.C. Chandor, Margin Call
Woody Allen, Midnight in Paris
Asghar Farhadi, A Separation
Best Adapted Screenplay
Alexander Payne, Jim Rash, and Nat Faxon, The Descendants
John Logan, Hugo
George Clooney, Grant Heslov, and Beau Willimon, The Ides of March
Aaron Sorkin and Steven Zaillian, Moneyball
Peter Straughan and Bridget O’Connor, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy
Best Animated Film
A Cat in Paris
Chico & Rita
Kung Fu Panda 2
Puss in Boots
Rango 
Best Foreign Language Film
Bullhead (Belgium)
Monsieur Lazhar (Canada)
A Separation (Iran)
Footnote (Israel)
In Darkness (Poland)
Best Cinematography
The Artist
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Hugo
The Tree of Life
War Horse
Art DirectionThe Artist
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
Hugo
War Horse
Costume DesignAnonymous
The Artist
Hugo
Jane Eyre
W.E.
Documentary FeatureHell and Back Again
If a Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front
Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory
Pina
Undefeated
Documentary ShortThe Barber of Birmingham: Foot Soldier of the Civil Rights Movement
God Is the Bigger Elvis
Incident in New Baghdad
Saving Face
The Tsunami and the Cherry Blossom
Film EditingThe Artist, Anne-Sophie Bion and Michel Hazanavicius
The Descendants, Kevin Tent
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, Kirk Baxter and Angus Wall
Hugo, Thelma Schoonmaker 
Moneyball, Christopher Tellefsen
MakeupAlbert Nobbs, Martial Corneville, Lynn Johnston, and Matthew W. Mungle
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, Edouard F. Henriques, Gregory Funk, and Yolanda Toussieng 
The Iron Lady, Mark Coulier and J. Roy Helland
Music (Original Score)The Adventures of Tintin, John Williams
The Artist, Ludovic Bource
Hugo, Howard Shore
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, Alberto Iglesias
War Horse, John Williams
Music (Original Song)“Man or Muppet” from The Muppets, Bret McKenzie
“Real in Rio” from Rio, Sergio Mendes, Carlinhos Brown, and Siedah Garrett
Short Film (Animated)
Dimanche/Sunday
The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore
La Luna
A Morning Stroll
Wild Life
Short Film (Live Action)Pentecost
Raju
The Shore
Time Freak
Tuba Atlantic
Sound EditingDrive
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Hugo
Transformers: Dark of the Moon
War Horse
Sound Mixing
The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo
Hugo
Monyeball
Transformers: Dark of the Moon
War Horse
Visual Effects
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2
Hugo
Real Steel
Rise of the Planet of the Apes
Transformers: Dark of the Moon
Dave on Twitter: @davekarger