Super-Fun

People who know me know I sometimes use the term "super-fun."

Such as, "Hey, guys, thanks for inviting me. This was super-fun."

But here's something that's really super-fun, especially in light of all the talk about superheroes these days.

The Hero Factory, where you can create your own hero.

Here is (one of) mine.


Please notice my weapon: the economy-lifting bag of consumerism. Or maybe I'm interpreting it wrong — I don't at all understand the title of my comic (it was chosen for me.) And yes, I also made myself a robot. Interpret as you will.

V-Day

Do me a favor:

When Valentine's Day rolls around next year, try to make it out to Rhodes' annual production of "The Vagina Monologues."

I went Friday night (I had something else to do Saturday) and the only thing I regret is not buying a "vaginista" T-shirt while I was there.

At times powerful, moving, and downright hysterical, the production is part of the V-Day College Campaign to raise awareness and funds for local organizations working to end violence against women and girls. This year's Vagina Monologues, performed by Rhodes students, faculty, and staff, included a short piece about sexual torture in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

It's not always an easy listen, but it's always a worthwhile one.

Friday morning odds and ends

— Don't Pet the Panda: A panda in Beijing bit his third tourist in two years, after a man jumped in the panda's pen to retrieve his son's toy. Despite their obvious cuteness, pandas have large molars and strong jaws and will attack if provoked.

— President-elect Barack Obama has asked Congress to push back the switch to digital television, citing problems with the converter coupon program (for one, it's out of money). If you use an antenna for your TV and already have a converter box, I would suggest hooking it up. If you don't, well, you might get a reprieve. From Obama's letter (via The Washington Post):

"Millions of consumers could now be forced to spend their own money to navigate this federally mandated transition," the letter says. "This economic climate is not the right time to ask consumers to dig deeper into their own pockets to pay for the miscalculation by the federal government. "

— Big Budget Bust? A study out of New Mexico says that film incentive programs don't pay off. From Governing.com:

"It would be easy to conclude that New Mexico's program of tax incentives for film and TV producers has been a big success. The state is hosting roughly 10 times as much film production as it did a decade ago. Albuquerque is now home to some of the largest soundstages in the world, and Sony Pictures Imageworks plans to move its special-effects operations to a new location there.

But a look at the numbers suggests that all this new activity has come at considerable cost. During the past fiscal year, according to a recent study, New Mexico granted $38.2 million in tax rebates for TV and movie production, but in return saw only enough increase in economic activity to generate $5.5 million in public revenue. 'For every one dollar in rebate,' the study concluded, 'the state only received 14.44 cents in return.'"

Not a very good rate of return. And the story notes that all but 10 states have created film-incentive programs over the last 5 years.

— And just for fun: The NYTimes says the mustache is back. I don't necessarily believe them (or maybe I don't want to) but that's what they say:


"It, like the beard, enjoyed its most widespread popularity between 1850 and 1900; John Wilkes Booth, it must be conceded, had a beaut. But today, the mustache cannot shake its ties to the sexy-yet-buffoonish machismo of the mid-1970s, epitomized by Burt Reynolds, Sam Elliott and the Village People, ’stache sporters all."

Just in Time for the Holidays

Those of you with kids might have already seen this, but it takes the holidays to get me thinking about toys. That said, look at this cute, little New Urbanist LEGO set.



One of LEGO's town-themed sets, the Green Grocer is three floors of mixed-used LEGO development.

The first floor is the grocery with shelves and cartons of food (and a stairway that leads to the apartment above) and it has a small frontage to the "street" outside. There's also a roof terrace, a blue and white striped awning, and a lampost and fire hydrant.

Two caveats: it's hard to find and a little expensive.

But, according to the reviews, it might be worth it. The town-themed sets also include Market Street (below) and Cafe Corner.

Pezz Dispenser

So this totally isn't a music blog — and let's face it, with my taste, it never will be — but I did want to mention Pezz's record release party at the Hi-Tone tonight.

Here's what Flyer music editor Chris Herrington had to say about it this week:

"Pezz, a Memphis music fixture for nearly 20 years, retains original members Marvin Stockwell and Ceylon Mooney, currently joined by now-longtime fixture Christian Walker and relatively recent addition Anthony Siracusa. Pezz's half of the 11-song split disc [with While I Breathe, I Hope] is inspired by Mooney's recent political activism, including trips with peace delegations to Palestine and Iraq. Some proceeds from sales of the record will go to the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center. The band plans on recording a new full-length album next spring."

The bill includes Pezz, While I Breathe, I Hope, and the Antique Curtains, as well as Streetside Symphony. Doors open at 9 p.m. Admission is $5.

For more info, visit www.makeshiftmusic.com or www.myspace.com/pezz69.

Barack the Night

Just wanted to share with you two Barack Obama parties for this evening:

There is an Obama Victory Party at The Brinson Lounge, 341 Madison. It starts at 9 p.m. and people who come with Obama gear will get in free until 10 p.m. It is $10 after 10 p.m., but people who bring five other people along will get in free. (I think this is that socialism thing that everyone is talking about ...)

There is also a "I am Barack Obama" celebration at the Hattiloo Theatre tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. (Seems to me you could hit this one first, have some dinner, and then head over to the Brinson Lounge.) Hattiloo is at 656 Marshall and the invite says that "McCain supporters are welcome ... in the spirit of bringing the nation together! You will not be forced to change, although we ask you bring a bit of hope."

After the Sugar Coma

Now, generally, on the weekends, I like to sit at home on my couch and watch Gossip Girl and Heroes on Netflix. But I may have to change my regular plans for this weekend, because there seems to be a lot going on. And that's not even counting all the Halloweenie revelry.

Memphis Rock-n-Romp's last show of the season is also happening Saturday at the National Ornamental Metal Museum. The line-up includes the Nellie Olesens (v. precious!), Harlan T. Bobo (even more precious!) and The Barbaras (also precious).

It goes from 2 - 6 p.m. Adults are $5; kids are free (but you need to have a kid with you to go!) Beer is provided, but you should bring a blanket and/or chairs and snacks to share.

UrbanArt's first "Show and Tell" will also be that night at The Cove from 6 - 8 p.m. Each presentation will be about seven minutes (20 slides at 20 seconds each) and though I don't know what kinds of things people will be showing and telling — it sounds like it could be anything! — it should be interesting. And sort of reminiscent of grade school, but with beer.

RiverArtsFest is also going on Saturday and Sunday on South Main. It's free and open to the public, with five stags of live entertainment, a juried artist market, and beer and wine sales.

Hmmm, seems like the common denominator here is beer.

For more (and there is definitely more, but my fingers are getting tired) visit the Flyer's website.

Oh, and happy halloween.