It’s not often I go into heavy stuff like this but reading an article about a brewing scandal in Formula One got me thinking about trials. The article made note of the fact that the law says that all people are considered innocent until proven guilty. But I think that the idea that people are always considered innocent until a judge or jury of their peers says otherwise has become antiquated and no longer holds true in modern society. I think that TV crime dramas and the 24/7 news media obsession with crime stories means that most people think that a person must be guilty if the police have charged them. I think that means we should soon see the end of jury trials in our innocent until proven guilty society. Continue reading
TV
Entertainment Link-Off: Get A Room
I’ve drawn in for the entertainment links this week. Since Jackie likes to lead off with someone relevant in his links, here’s Minka Kelly who’s starring in The Roommate. Even the commercials make that movie look Razzie-worthy.
It seems that all TV shows now live and die by the Nielsen ratings. However, these really aren’t the most accurate way to measure the popularity of shows. Here’s a look at why the Nielsen numbers are outdated and why they won’t change. (Splitsider)
After the jump, David O. Russell continuing failure with Uncharted, Bieber fever hits the NBA, and a great CSI parody. Continue reading
Sunday Link-Off: Star Power
Apparently folks have just discovered Swedish model Mini Anden. We’ve known about her since she was one the fourth episode of Chuck in 2007.
The gang at Bloomberg have determined the most powerful athlete in the world on and off the field. Thanks to Tiger’s last year, there’s a new sheriff in town. (Business Week)
Speaking of power in sports, there’s a hell of a lot of star power at LA Lakers games. Want to know which seats let you rub elbows with Hollywood’s elite. Here’s the star map of the Staples Center. (Hollywood Reporter)
And speaking of LA, it was 15 years ago last week that the Kings unveiled their third jersey. It’s a day that will live in infamy for some hockey fans. Here’s the story behind those jerseys. (The Royal Half)
After the jump, more NHL links, Ridley Scott’s new TV project and the Dead Space hand cannon. Continue reading
The Humanoids: A Trainwreck Society
Amazingly, The Humanoids is back for the second week in a row. There’s a lot of really screwed up things in the world. With the exception of one subject this week, all of my targets are in the media/entertainment industry. That exception would be the BCS which has completely screwed up college football. Not only is the media an utter trainwreck but some of the people following them are trainwrecks as well. Since we’re a society that’s far too enthralled with the lives of celebrity, obsessive behaviour is really screwing up people’s minds. Continue reading
The Humanoids: Auld Lang Syne
It’s been about two months since I last wrote a Humanoids column. What better time that the end of the year to drop another set of ridiculous opinions about the year that was and some more recent events. This year may just go down as one of the more depressing years on record. Bad news seemed to dominate the world in 2010. Of all the top news stories of the year, the only one that you could actually classify as good or even neutral is the rescue of the Chilean miners. But let’s take a look back at the year that was and toss in a random story for the fun of it. Continue reading
Doctor Who: A Christmas Carol Review
The Doctor was back on Christmas Day (Boxing Day in Canada) with another Doctor Who Christmas Special. Last year’s Christmas special was the first special that wasn’t set at Christmas time. While the Russell T. Davies era Christmas specials were set at Christmas, they weren’t what one would call “Christmassy.” New Doctor Who head writer Steven Moffat set out to change that with an episode that put a Doctor Who twist on Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.
Was Moffat successful in his attempt to make a proper Christmas episode of Doctor Who? I review Doctor Who’s A Christmas Carol after the jump. Continue reading
Entertainment Link-Off: Swan Dive
Jackie’s got the day off for travel so I’ve drawn in to do the links today. To lead it off, here’s Natalie Portman who stars in the new movie Black Swan.
Speaking of which, here’s Roger Ebert’s review of Black Swan. He really likes it. Sadly, no mention of that sex scene between Portman and Mila Kunis in the review. (Roger Ebert)
It looks like the war between “old media” and “new media” is about to really heat up. Despite claims that one is dead and the other reckless, they’re basically neck and neck. (Business Insider)
And just for fun, here’s a look at some of the all-time great Simpsons episodes. (Split Sider)
After the jump, the best XBox Kinect hacks, famous fictional cars, and celebrities invade a Norwegian music video. Continue reading
Entertainment Link-Off: Gives You Hell
Let’s kick off my last go at the entertainment links for the next while with Aly Michalka who stars in some CW show that nobody watches.
Ever wonder where studios get all the cars they feature and/or wreck in their movies? There’s one man that Hollywood prefers for their vehicular mayhem who’s appropriately called Fireball Tim. (Wired)
After the jump, David Prowse ruins The Empire Strikes Back, the cast of Toronto’s Jersey Shore knockoff, a special unofficial X-Men game, and the latest TRON trailer. Continue reading
Entertainment Link-Off: The Backup Plan
I’m doing the entertainment links for next couple of weeks. So to hold you over until regular service resumes here’s Amber Tamblyn who stars in 127 Hours which premieres this weekend. She also starts her guest stint on House this Monday.
In our last podcast, we tried and failed to figure out who really is “America’s Sweetheart.” Fortunately, we’re not the only one wondering something along those lines. A British columnist wants to know what happened to the girl next door. (The Independent)
After the jump, The Daily Show whips everyone’s candy asses, the return of GoldenEye, and a classic cartoon theme medley. Continue reading
Wednesday Link-Off: Faking It
Glee was on last night according to Joe Buck. He didn’t mention that Lea Michele is one of the show’s few redeeming qualities.
Remember that Tiger Woods sex tape that no one believed was real? Turns out it’s not real. (Bob’s Blitz)
Suppose that fake Tiger Woods videos aren’t your thing. Maybe you’d rather watch this hilarious video of PGA golfer Ben Crane working out. (Sports By Brooks)
Fox Sports has done the world a favour by getting rid of their NASCAR theme. Unfortunately, they’ve also gotten rid of the baseball theme. (Fang’s Bites)
After the jump, the future of sports video games, the return of the GIF, and what Raps fans think of Hedo. Continue reading
The Lowdown 