Creative Education - The Electric Company - Spidey

Since we're talking about the friendly neighborhood web-slinger.....


The Electric Company really made the most of this character. Marvel Comics provided the Spiderman character to Children's Television Workshop/PBS free of charge.





Here's a longer clip. See if you can pick out a very young Morgan Freeman.

Spidey Goes to Jail! Spiderman in cuffs?

About two weeks ago I met with a friend in Hollywood. While it's true that I drive through Hollywood frequently, it's rare for me to find myself walking smack in the middle of all of the activity. It was a summerish kind of afternoon with temperatures approaching 90 degrees F and the streets were bustling with tourists. As I walked to my meeting place, I dodged scantily clad girls zooming by on roller blades. I bypassed a ten foot tall man on stilts. In between my side-steps, I marveled at the many different languages and dialects being spoken. Hollywood Boulevard was particularly alive that day. I joked out loud, "It must be a full moon."

As I strolled by Grauman's Chinese Theatre, I walked by a cluster of people speaking a strangely familiar language. Grauman's Theater is always a hot bed of tourist activity. There are usually 5 -10 impersonators walking around taking photos with the tourist and polishing up on their acting skills. I stopped and looked and listened. I couldn't quite make out the language right away but after a few seconds of watching and listening, I determined they were speaking Italian. It was now clear to me that a group of Italian tourist had surrounded "Spiderman" and several others were busy snapping photos as they all posed with the ever popular "homo-arachnid." I pondered the stories they would tell about the friendly neighborhood web-slinger when they returned to Italy.

Anyway, I walked on..... taking notice of Sylvester Stallone, Madonna, and Michael Jackson impersonators. I looked down at the many "STARS" that lined Hollywood Blvd. and briefly stepped back in time.


There were street performers singing, dancing, and playing a variety of instruments.


But I couldn't get that crazy Spiderman theme from the 60's cartoon out of my head.

"Spiderman, Spiderman, does whatever a spider can...... Spins a web...."

Oh, that was a great cartoon series. I still watch it occasionally; in between Sponge Bob episodes of course.



So imagine my dismay when I learned of the recent arrest of this web-dwelling wonder.




Apparently, Christopher Loomis, 39, was arrested and is being held on outstanding misdemeanor warrants in lieu of $5,500 bail on November 11, 2009. The details of the arrest are still a bit unclear but it seems that LAPD patrol officers received a radio call reporting a battery by a man in a Spider-Man costume. When they arrived, they encountered four different people dressed as the web-slinging crusader. (LA Times Hollywood Spiderman caught in legal web)

"They stopped one, it wasn't him," LAPD Lt. Beverly Lewis said. "They stopped the second, and it was the suspect."

The victim, who said he was hit in the face and arms, refused to press charges against the costumed impersonator. But Lewis said that when they discovered the warrants, he was booked. She said it appeared the suspect and victim knew each other.





All of a sudden, that story the Italian tourists are telling just got a little more interesting.

You just never know who is hiding behind those masks.....

Courageous or Dumb? "Lingerie Football League"

Are you ready for some football?

When I first heard about the Lingerie Football League, I thought it was a joke. As in, "there really can't be an entire league of women teams that compete in lingerie - it's all a facade! Right?


Wrong!

The Seattle Mist

The LFL is for real! The concept of the LFL originated from the Super Bowl halftime alternative television special called the Lingerie Bowl which draws millions of viewers worldwide. The event is a pay-per-view event which is shown annually directly opposite the Super Bowl halftime show. The show has become a staple for many and currently is broadcast in 85 countries. Sure, I remember the ads - But I wouldn't dare miss the halftime show to watch a "powder puff" game. At least that was my thinking back then. Now I know differently. It's more than a "powder puff" game.

The teams play full-contact football which is similar to other indoor football leagues. They play 7 on 7 players on a 50 yard field. Uniforms consist of helmets, shoulder pads, elbow pads, knee pads, bras, and panties. (I wonder if they'll be wearing sports bras or padded bras?) There are no field goals and no punts. There is a kickoff to start the game and the second half.

There are currently two Conferences.

The Eastern Conference:

1. Philadelphia Passion
2. Chicago Bliss
3. Miami Caliente
4. New York Majesty
5. Tampa Breeze

The Western Conference:

1. Dallas Desire
2. Denver Dream
3. Los Angeles Temptation
4. San Diego Seduction
5. Seattle Mist
   
   (In 2010, Charlotte, North Carolina will be getting a team called the Charlotte Crush)
   
   The league was founded by Mitchell Mortaza, a 35-year-old sports marketer from Los Angeles about six years ago. The league's administrative offices are in West Hollywood, California.
   
   
   

Without a doubt, this league adds a whole new dimension to fantasy football! The kind where grown men sit around and hope for an equipment malfunction of some sort and the kind where High Definition television makes all the difference in the world. I still don't think I'll miss the halftime show but the next time I see a game on television, I might tune in for a few ummm Downs!

Truly a Courageous Idea! Learn more about the LFL by clicking here

Creative Ads - What Happens In Vegas.....

A few years back, Las Vegas gave up on it's quest to make "Sin City" a family destination. Instead, they decided to pursue the "What Happens In Vegas, Stays In Vegas" theme. I think it's been a successful campaign.

Many people now see Las Vegas as an adult getaway spot where all is forgiven as long as you don't get caught. I think it adds to the mystique of the city and makes it more appealing to those who are looking for a scandalously good time.

To that end, someone came up with another bright idea to perpetuate the mystique.....

Taking flesh to the streets.

I wonder how these mobile exotic dance vans are affecting the flow of traffic...

Creative Minds! Hitler Finds Out Governor Palin Resigned

I know Sarah Palin resigned from office a few months ago, but I just saw this video and I howled! So After my "Sarah Palin and Tina Fey - Life Just Isn't Fair" post, I couldn't resist sharing this.......




Someone really has a whacked out sense of humor. But I like it!

Sesame Street Turns 40!

In five days, Sesame Street will be celebrating it's 40Th birthday. The show premiered on PBS on November 10, 1969. Sesame Street is well known for its Muppets characters created by Jim Henson. It is also the longest running children's program on US television. The show is produced in the United States by the non-profit organization Sesame Workshop, formerly known as the Children's Television Workshop (CTW), founded by Joan Ganz Cooney and Ralph Rogers.

CTW Original Logo

I think they've done a great job over the years combining entertainment and education and making learning fun for kids. In recognition of their 40 years of success, I'm streaming a few of my favorites.

Way to go Sesame Street! Many Happy returns!

Sarah Palin and Tina Fey - Life Just Isn't Fair!

A year ago today, Americans went to the polls in great numbers. Voter turnout for the 2008 election was the highest in at least 40 years. We all know the outcome of the election, but what happened to two of the prominent figures of those days? Sarah Palin? and Tina Fey?

Sarah Palin, a little known Governor from the state of Alaska jumped out of the "Alaskan Bush" and onto our television and computer screens, literally overnight. The selection of Sarah Palin as John McCain's running mate, made her face and name common in most households. Everything from her sexuality to her "hockey mom-isms" were questioned, discussed, critiqued, and blogged about.

Palin's new popularity and mannerisms also made her an enormously popular target among some comediennes... In particular, Saturday Night Live actress - Tina Fey.

What Tina Wants

Tina Fey's Saturday Night Live Sarah Palin impressions thrust her into the spotlight in an unorthodox and cult-ish sort of way. Her impersonations were truly uncanny.

But just where are Sarah Palin and Tina Fey today?

Are they being treated fairly?

Let's ask Vanity Fair.

According to VF, Tina Fey has now reached "Rock Star" status. She's snared a $5 million dollar book deal and ignited the ratings of her sitcom, 30 Rock, with her universal appeal. In January 2010, she'll grace the pages of Vanity Fair as she becomes the focus of a photo shoot with the legendary Annie Leibovitz.

(see - "What Tina Wants," by Maureen Dowd.)

On the other hand, Sarah Palin's political future is in question as she waffles along. According to a CNN/Opinion Research poll conducted Oct 16-18, 71 percent of the people polled don't think she's qualified to sit in the Oval Office. (Republicans believe she's qualified by 52 percent to 47 percent.)

After resigning from office this summer under suspicious circumstances to say the least, Palin's resignation speech was "assassinated" by most people who heard it. Vanity Fair obtained a copy of Sarah Palin's resignation speech and turned it over to one of their editors for review. The result was comical...... I had to go back and listen to some of her speech on YouTube just to verify that she actually said those things. Here's a brief look:

Wanna See More?
Palin's Resignation Speech - The edited version

So let's revisit that book deal discussion.....

Tina Fey had a book deal - but so did Sarah Palin..... Some reports indicate that Palin received as much as a $7 million advance on her book. Is that enough to make you retire from office??? Is that fair enough?


Going Rogue - An American Life went on pre-order a few weeks ago and soon hit the top of Amazon.com's Top 100 list as well as Barnes & Noble orders. No doubt it will be a huge hit.

The book is scheduled for release Nov. 17, 2009. The book seems to be crushing the nearest competition, including Dan Brown's The Lost Symbol. I'm sure it will be a popular Christmas gift this year among the "Hockey Mom" crowd. I actually hope Santa puts a copy in my stocking. I love reading gossipy, soap opera, scandalous stuff. Palin's 2008 run for the White House with John McCain was highlighted by reports of bickering, back-biting, criticism, and conflict. Sarah Palin has already revealed that she was writing the book to tell her "Fair" side of the story.

Latest reports indicate that McCain continues to be cautious in his assessment of what her book might unveil. I'm confident he will be fairly and accurately portrayed!

Don't you just wanna know how fair she'll be in her book?

My friend "Big AL' maintains that nothing is "Fair" and nothing is "Easy."

He goes on to say that both of those words are "Four Letter" words!

Perhaps he is right!

Life is not Fair!

Krispy Kreme Burger??? That's just sick!

Face it, Krispy Kreme Donuts are pretty good.

I like the glazed chocolate cake donuts slightly heated, with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. Dunking the donuts in the coffee is absolutely heavenly. Sometimes, it's even worth a second donut. Another one of my K.K. favorites is their Blueberry Fritter. Simply Delicious!



But this is absolutely disgusting!

Horrible! Shameless! and Contemptible!



I dare you to watch this.........

A Krispy Kreme Burger? with Bacon and Cheese?

That's Unbelievably Wrong!

Personally, I've never had one. But everyone knows it's wrong because

If you're gonna eat one of those.....

You'd better wash it down with one of these.......

Just makes sense. Forget the calorie count!

Here's the nutritional information for Krispy Kreme donuts: KKnutritionalinfo.

Beer, Beef Patties, bacon, and cheese are extra!

Really Scary Things! - Happy Halloween

The idea of spending any time at all in prison is pretty scary.

But this truly makes my skin crawl!




Byron Garcia was catapulted to international fame when he made 1,500 inmates of the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center (CPDRC) in the Philippines dance to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” - (How's that for punishment?)

Videos of the dance and exercise routines that he uploaded on YouTube have since had over 70 million hits.



Interested in more of the story? Click Here

So you want to play Tic Tac Toe?

I was bored and decided to goof off a bit.

A friend sent this to help me pass the time!

Be Careful - It's addictive!

Happy Halloween!

Cover your Mouth and Wash Your Hands! Here comes H1 N1 and other Viruses!

Next week I'll be hitting the road again. Traveling to Canada for a few days. I'm really not looking forward to security lines, possible flight delays, and much colder weather. I've been dusting off my overcoat, gloves, and scarf and psyching myself up for the change in temps. It's been unseasonably warm out here in Cali. Today it was in the 80's and that's just fine with me. I'll take the snow and cold at Christmas time and when I'm skiing, but the rest of the year - give me warm weather please! I know. I'm a wuss. All of you guys living in colder climates forgive me as I whine......

What further complicates my travel next week and gives me cause to whine, is the perceived onslaught of the H1N1 (Swine Flu) virus. At least that's what I'm hearing in the media coverage. I've had several friends who've been hit by H1N1 first hand. Fortunately, in all cases it hasn't been serious. A few days in bed and lots of rest and they were back at it. But listening to their reports, it does sound like it wipes you out pretty good when you get it.

Today I caught wind of an animation that shows what happens when you contract a virus. For all of you who loved high school or college Biology, this is going to make your mouth water. And for those of you who hated science, watch it anyway. There's no test afterwards and you can watch it as many times as you like until you understand it. (no one will know how many times you view it) The video was created by David Bolinsky and his team at XVIVO. It was nice to see that "David Bolinsky" actually has a sense of humor. See if you can catch his joke.

Follow the link to NPR

"It was interesting because we did it while he was sleeping"


A tad bit corny but he tried.

So anyway, wash your hands and cover your mouths when you sneeze. Try to keep your immune system strong by eating well and getting enough rest because you never know what's out there. And wish me luck..... I hate being sick more than I hate the cold!

Sponge Bob Square Pants! Totally Rocks!

Who lives in a pineapple under the sea? Sponge Bob Square Pants of course....

Are you hip to Sponge Bob?

Among other things, it is currently Nickelodeon's highest rated show and the most distributed property of MTV Networks.

Frankly, the concept of a sponge hanging out in the underwater fictitious town of Bikini Bottom just totally scrambles my brain. As if I don't have enough animated stuff going on up there - you know what I mean? But the truth is, I like the show. Now don't get me wrong. I've only seen about 10 - 15 episodes and a movie or two so it's not like I sit around and watch episode after episode religiously. I'll confess though - one morning in Sydney Australia, I woke up early and turned on the tube. After catching up on the latest world news, I was looking for something mindless and refreshing. Low and behold, I stumbled upon a channel playing Sponge Bob. I plowed through about an hours worth. And that was before I had a cup of coffee.

After you get past the fact that some of the characters exceed the reasonable and tolerable level of stupidity, it's actually a pleasant and somewhat redeeming show!

So hear me out please; It's difficult for me to walk around being an advocate for a geeky nerdy guy with buck teeth, blue eyes, brown square trousers, and a bow tie. But I like the guy! We've all got our flaws.... He's just got about 9 or 10 really obvious ones. But I think he's cool!

Unfortunatley, the sad thing for me is - People are starting to question my credibility.

So just to be on the safe side, I started asking around to get an idea of what some other well-known and respected people thought of the little spongy guy.

I started by asking the "Black Eye Peas."





Here's what they thought:





Then I thought I'd ask the original "Slim Shady." Mr. Eminem!

Here's what he had to say:

So there you have it:

Sponge Bob Rocks!

Creative Ads! See U2 In Concert.....

U2’s performing in Pasadena at the Rose Bowl this weekend; Sunday, October 25th, 2009. Tickets are selling fast. You know it's going to be a great show. The Rose Bowl stadium is the proud home of the Tournament of Roses Football Game and UCLA Bruin Football. It's a National Historic Landmark that was built in 1922 and is also known for hosting five NFL Super Bowl Games, and the 1984 Olympic Soccer Matches. This has the makings of a tremendous performance. So get your tickets to see U2 before they sell out.....

But if you can't make it - Guess what?

Someone has come up with the great idea of streaming the concert live on YouTube.

Watch This:





Did you see the creative advertising?

First Global Concert Webcast on "U2ube"

Nice going guys!

The link for the concert is:

http://www.youtube.com/u2 October 25, 2009 - 8:30 PM (Pacific Time)




But here's the kicker!

Unfortunately, the concert is not available in some territories. Only YouTube users in the US, UK, France, Canada, Italy, Spain, Japan, Brazil, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Mexico, India, Israel, South Korea, and the Netherlands will be able to see the live performance.

Unless of course, you're really - really - Creative!

Ring "Da Bell" - Debell Golf Course Burbank, CA

A few weeks ago I had the chance to "Ring Da Bell." In other words, I played golf at Debell Golf Course in Burbank, CA. For years, locals have murdered the name "Debell" and called it "Da Bell." Kinda like "Da Bears!" I'm not mad at them; I think it's added a bit of charm and mystique to the course - sort of a Cheers flavor. And over time, the act of ringing "Da Bell" has become symbolic with playing golf there and something I look forward to doing.

About a few years ago, the course began renovations on a badly deteriorated clubhouse. And my recent visit was the first time I've played there since the renovations began. The renovations were completed in December 2008 and I've been eager to stop by since, so when a relative called and said he was in town I quickly arranged for a tee time.



The course sits high in the hills just above Burbank and you can usually get a last minute tee time unless there's a tournament going on. I've even had luck with walking on without much of a wait. As you drive up the canyon just past the shorter par 3 course, you can't help but notice the new construction. They did a nice job on the clubhouse. I guess that's what 9 million clams can buy you these days.

In the past, I've enjoyed playing at Debell. Generally the course is in good condition and it's secluded enough from the big city to allow you to relax and enjoy the outdoors. It's not uncommon to see all sorts of wildlife on the course. Anything from deer to rattlesnakes. I've even seen a coyote or two. It's a break from the typical Los Angeles municipal golf courses in design. There are a lot more trees in play and a dry ravine that runs through part of the course makes Debell an unforgiving experience for some golfers. Some of the par 4 holes are chopped up into 300 -400 yard tracks which are not suitable for a a driver off the tee box. I find myself taking two iron shots to get to the green. Sometimes it's a 6/8 iron combination and sometimes it's a 5/9 iron combination to reach the green. The greens are generally small and fun. I once heard Debell referred to as a "thinkers'" course. I think that's an accurate handle. It's very much a finesse course. Leave your driver in the bag for most holes. A tip if you ever play here - most of the balls break towards downtown Burbank. You'll know what I mean if/when you play here.

The 12th hole which used to be the 3rd hole- they've switched the front nine with the back nine- is the signature hole. It features a par 3 with a partially blind shot to the green. You'll either like this hole or hate it. Some players view it as a circus hole, others enjoy the challenge. I generally try to hit a high draw. I can usually avoid the face of the hill that obstructs the green. The problem is guessing where the flag is. Over the years, I've learned to take a look at the flag when I'm playing the prior hole.





So now comes the treat..... After you've putted out you get to ring "Da Bell" to signal waiting golfers that you have cleared the green. Remember, they can't see you from the tee box.







See that white dot out there? I love it when my drive is in the fairway...... I think I hit my next ball a bit fat.

This is the view from the #10 green looking back towards Burbank. You can see the Hollywood hills in the background.

A nice treat for all visitors is a newly added bronze statue.

The piece is titled Impact and was created by artist Shiela Cavalluzzi. After doing some research on the web, I found this link:

Impact! bronze statue

Cruise through the link, it tells a great story with nice photos.

Hole #18 finishes at the club house delivering a subliminal invitation for a nice refreshing beverage.

DeBell Golf Club is located at

1500 Walnut Ave. in Burbank.

(818) 845-0022