HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GINA SCHOCK

Gina Schock from The Go-Go's turns 52 today. Enjoy this vintage video from a Baltimore television channel doing a story on their local hero. Happy Birthday, Gina!




Thanks, Stan.

DISNEY TO BUY MARVEL COMICS

Today Walt Disney Co announced their pending deal to buy Marvel Entertainment Inc for 4 billion dollars in hopes of beefing up their movie franchises. Try not to cry when reading the following:

The Walt Disney Co. is punching its way into the universe of superheroes and their male fans with a deal announced Monday to acquire Marvel Entertainment Inc. for $4 billion, bringing characters such as Iron Man and Spider-Man into the family of Mickey Mouse and "Toy Story."

The surprise cash-and-stock deal sent Spidey senses tingling in the comic book world. It could lead to new rides, movies, action figures and other outlets for Marvel's 5,000 characters, although Marvel already was aggressively licensing its properties for such uses.

The deal won't have benefits right away, and Disney stock sank on the news. Disney expects a short-term profit hit, and Marvel characters from X-Men to Daredevil are locked up in deals with other movie studios and theme parks. But Disney's CEO, Robert Iger, promised an action-packed future.

"`Sparks will fly' is the expression that comes to mind," Iger told analysts.

Stan Lee, the 86-year-old co-creator of "Spider-Man" and many more of Marvel's most famous characters, said he was thrilled to be informed of the marriage Monday morning.

"I love both companies," he said. "From every point of view, this is a great match."

The deal is expected to close by the end of the year and marks Disney's biggest acquisition since it purchased Pixar Animation Studios Inc., the maker of "Up" and "Cars," for $7.4 billion in stock in 2006.

Marvel would follow another storied comic book publisher into the arms of a media conglomerate. DC Comics, the home of Superman, Batman and Wonder Woman, was bought by Warner Bros. — now part of Time Warner Inc. — in 1969.

Buying Marvel is meant to improve Disney's following among men and boys. Disney acknowledges it lost some of its footing with guys as it poured resources into female favorites such as "Hannah Montana" and the Jonas Brothers.

"Disney will have something guys grew up with and can experience with their kids, especially their sons," said Gareb Shamus, whose company Wizard Entertainment Group runs several of the Comic-Con conventions around the nation.

Marvel TV shows already account for 20 hours per week of programming on Disney's recently rebranded, boy-focused cable network, Disney XD, and that looks likely to increase, Iger said. The shows are "right in the wheelhouse for boys," he said.

There will be some lag before Marvel's trove of characters are fully developed at Disney, because of licensing deals Marvel has with other studios.

For example, Sony Corp.'s Columbia Pictures is developing the next three "Spider-Man" sequels, starting with "Spider-Man 4" set for a May 2011 release. News Corp.'s 20th Century Fox has the long-term movie rights to the "X-Men," "Fantastic Four," "Silver Surfer" and "Daredevil" franchises.

Both studios maintain those rights in perpetuity unless they fail to make more movies.

Separately, Viacom Inc.'s Paramount Pictures has a five-picture distribution deal for Marvel-made movies, the first of which will be "Iron Man 2" set for release next May. Paramount said it expects to continue working with Marvel and Disney.

General Electric Co.'s Universal Studios has an attraction called Marvel Super Hero Island in Orlando, Fla., that will stay in existence as long as Universal wants to keep it there and follows the contract terms, Universal said.

Disney said it will honor and re-examine Marvel's licensing deals upon expiration and may extend the profitable ones. Iger noted that when it bought Pixar, that company also had third-party licensing agreements that eventually expired, allowing the companies to move forward together.

Despite beginning to make its own movies, starting with "Iron Man" last year, licensing remained a key driver of Marvel's $206 million in profit and $676 million in revenue last year. Iger said Disney could give Marvel broader global distribution and better relationships with retailers to sell Marvel products.

However, analyst David Joyce of Miller Tabak & Co. noted that the $4 billion offer was at "full price."

Marvel shareholders will receive $30 per share in cash, plus 0.745 Disney shares for every Marvel share they own. That values each Marvel share at $50, a 29 percent premium over Friday's closing stock price. The final ratio of cash and stock will be adjusted to ensure Disney stock makes up at least 40 percent of the final offer.

Marvel shares shot up $9.72, or 25 percent, to close at $48.37 on Monday. Disney shares fell 80 cents, or 3 percent, to $26.04.

Disney investors were probably unhappy that the deal will reduce earnings per share in the short term and might not turn positive until the company's 2012 fiscal year. Disney's earnings per share will drop partly because the company will issue 59 million new shares, and partly because Marvel plans to release two costly blockbusters, "Thor" and "The First Avenger: Captain America" in 2011. DVD sales of those films likely won't roll in until fiscal 2012.

Disney said the boards of both companies have approved the transaction, but it will require an antitrust review and the approval of Marvel shareholders.

If it works out, Marvel's chief executive, Isaac "Ike" Perlmutter, 66, will pocket a hefty payday. He snatched Marvel assets out of bankruptcy in 1998, in a deal that valued the company at around $450 million including debt, outmaneuvering investors Carl Icahn and Ronald Perelman. His 37 percent stake in Marvel is now worth about $1.5 billion.

"Sparks will fly" indeed. Disney has been acquiring companies and characters over the last few years like Pixar, Power Rangers and The Muppets because, quite simply, they can't come up with anything good on their own. Does anyone other than the people getting rich off this deal think this is a bad idea? DC Comics is owned by Warner Bros and look at how horrible their comic books are now. And do they really think Spider-Man readers are now going to watch Mulan? Sing along with me, M-I-C, see 'ya Marvel. K-E-Y, why? Because this sucks.

Thanks, Chris.

PIN-UP OF THE WEEK

Cute - Ain't It?

SNUFF HAPPENS

I was intrigued when I read the headline "Movies I Will Never See: Grotesque" over at Horror Squad. I usually reserve that title for movies like The Ugly Truth, Transformers 2 and anything directed by Rob Zombie. Obviously with a name like Grotesque, it seems like a perfect match for a site dedicated to horror films. Why would they choose not to watch it? After reading the review and watching the trailer (there's your warning), I'm almost inclined to agree. Grotesque is pure torture porn with little to no story and very graphic mutilations.

"Whereas Hostel was for kids, Grotesque is for adults. This is billed as the "cruelest Japanese splatter movie ever" and it truly lives up to that billing. It is no small relief that the film lives up to its movie title, a torture porn genre that has largely taken over the horror field. No CGI effects here, just sadistic violence that rarely flinches away, use of excellent makeup and prosthetics and shot very convincingly. Needless to say, in the finest tradition of Japanese gore cinema, the plot is minimal, with a young couple played by AV actress Nagasawa Tsugumi and Kawatsure Hiroaki (recently in "OneChanbara") being snatched off the street, only to wake up shackled in a grimy basement. Without even having the decency to explain why, a particularly sadistic madman (Osako Shigeo) proceeds to degrade, torture and mutilate them. This film is not for the faint of heart."

I love horror films but they have become endurance tests over the last few years. I own Hostel, Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Beginning and Eden Lake, all of them are all well done films but there are few surprises or scares in these movies. The violence is so extreme, watching the movie becomes torture for the audience. While I peek out from behind my fingers at the screen, I'm left to wonder where horror films can go from here.

CRIME FIGHTING SNACKS

Everybody knows you can't fight crime on a diet of pizza and donuts. That's why Batman and Robin drive to the country to buy healthy snacks. You won't see this Dynamic Duo on The Biggest Loser.

I HATE YOU AND MY MOM HATES YOU

We've all gotten a hate letter after a messy break-up. Wow, this guy not only has the ex-girlfriend hating him but her mom and 7 year-old brother join in on the hate. But reading it is not enough, this dramatic reading is the perfect way to enjoy a break-up letter.

JUST LISTEN: INGRID MICHAELSON (PT. 1)

Born to artist parents, Ingrid Michaelson began piano lessons at age 4. She met a vocal coach at the Jewish Community Center of Staten Island who helped her through high school. She received a degree in theater from Binghamton University and became a director until she decided to focus on a music career. She self-released her debut album, Slow the Rain, in 2005.

Her fourth album, Everybody, was released last week and features the single "Maybe".

You can learn more about Ingrid Michaelson on her official website and purchase her music here.

100 YEARS OF SPECIAL EFFECTS

Originally done for as a "5th-grader-friendly" lecture, YouTube's bengraphics created this collection of clips demonstrating the evolution of special effects in films. Here's a list of the films included:

1900 - The Enchanted Drawing
1903 - The Great Train Robbery
1923 - The Ten Commandments (Silent)
1927 - Sunrise
1933 - King Kong
1939 - The Wizard of Oz
1940 - The Thief of Bagdad
1954 - 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
1956 - Forbidden Planet
1963 - Jason and the Argonauts
1964 - Mary Poppins
1977 - Star Wars
1982 - Tron
1985 - Back to the Future
1988 - Who Framed Roger Rabbit
1989 - The Abyss
1991 - Terminator 2: Judgement Day
1992 - The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles
1993 - Jurassic Park
2004 - Spider-Man 2
2005 - King Kong
2006 - Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest
2007 - Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
2007 - The Golden Compass
2008 - The Spiderwick Chronicles
2008 - The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

SCOPITONES SATURDAY: "LOCOMOTION"

Sylvie Vartan was one of the first rock girls in France and the most productive singer of the yé-yé girls. Her shows often featured elaborate choreography and often performed with her husband, Johnny Hallyday. After taking a break from the record business, she began giving concerts of jazz ballads and recording again in 2004.

JUST LISTEN: JANE WIEDLIN (PT. 3)

Jane Wiedlin not only writes songs but also writes books and comic books. She spent three years in the jungles of Central America and wrote This Godforsaken Paradise about her adventures. Her comic book, Lady Robotika, premiered at this year's San Diego Comic-Con.

The photo above is a tribute to her two favorite Betties: her mother, Betty and her second hero, pin-up queen Bettie Page.

You can listen to more of Jane Wiedlin's music on her official website and, most importantly, support her music here.

JUST LISTEN: JANE WIEDLIN (PT. 2)

Jane Wiedlin wears a lot of hats. She's a singer, songwriter, musician, actress and ordained minister. That's right, Jane Wiedlin wants to marry you. "Reverend Sister Go-Go", as she calls herself, is a fully ordained, licensed and legal minister. Imagine a member from The Go-Go's as your minister telling you to kiss the bride.

Speaking of kisses, today's song is "Blue Kiss" from her debut self-titled album released in 1985. The song was featured in the 1988 film, Night of the Creeps, and can be heard during the frat house party scene. "Blue Kiss" was also used in the 2006 film, The iDol.

You can learn more about Jane Wiedlin on her official website as well as book her for your wedding.

COVER OF THE WEEK

Gotham City Sirens, #3, DC Comics

MARVEL 70TH ANNIVERSARY VARIANTS

Before I post the Cover of the Week, I'd thought I'd share these Marvel 70th Anniversary Frame Variants that were released today. Avengers the Initiative cover featuring Tigra is very nice and I like how her hands were drawn to look like paws. Nova looks as if he's flying out of the book straight at the reader but The New Avengers variant cover is my favorite. Luke Cage has become a lot of readers' favorite character over the last few years and on this cover he looks tough, confident and ready to kick some ass.

I YABBA-DABBA-DOO

What started off as a joke soon became a Yabba-Dabba-Doo wedding for two couples, Andrea and Simon Bean (Fred and Wilma Flintstone) and Richard and Jill Noble (Barney and Betty Rubble).

For their special day, two Norfolk couples decided to turn to the Stone Age for inspiration and recreated the children's cartoon show The Flintstones by dressing up its main characters.

With 165 guests dressed as cavemen and women, two best men dressed as dinosaurs, and a spectacular tiered wedding rock cake, both Wilma and Betty entered the ceremony to the traditional organ sound of Wagner's Bridal March.

However, this was quickly replaced by an organ version of The Flintstones theme tune.

Mrs Bean, nee Thurston, who lives in Grange Close, Hoveton, said: “It was a fantastic day and all the guests made such an effort.

“We had so much fun and the registrars were absolutely brilliant.

“We've all been married before so we didn't want the traditional white wedding.”

The couples are close, as the new Mrs Noble, of Starston in South Norfolk, is Mr Bean's sister, and the idea was borne out of a fun stay at Alton Towers theme park, when they joked about Mr Noble laughing like Barney Rubble and ended up calling each other by the names of the four main characters.

Mrs Bean, 36, said: “We have been criticised by some people as not taking the wedding seriously, but we did take our vows very seriously.

“Some people out there don't agree with it, but a lot of people enjoyed it and agreed with what we decided we wanted to do.”

What a great idea. I hope when they drove off for their honeymoon, they had to push the car with their feet.

Read the entire article here.

YOU'VE COME A LONG WAY, WONDER WOMAN

Okay, so she's not Wonder Woman but it's obviously implied in this vintage Virginia Slims advertisement. Let me get this straight... women are more resistant to starvation, fatigue, exposure, shock and illness than men are, as well as being less inclined to be bald (no new news there). So women should smoke slim cigarettes instead of those big fat manly coffin nails. Now there's some good advice. Funny how there's no mention in the ad that smoking is the most preventable cause of premature death in the United States. Smoke 'em if you got 'em, ladies, while you clog your arteries, increase your blood pressure, develop cancer and lung problems as well as coronary heart disease. Smoking may also cause eye problems. I hope Wonder Woman can still find her invisible jet with cataracts. You may have "come a long way, baby", but Virginia Slims wants to stop you dead in your tracks.

THAT 70'S SUPER FRIENDS

I don't get nearly enough time to watch TV. I have to rely on the internet to keep me updated on my favorite shows and miss lots of cool stuff like this episode of That 70's Show. Donna gives Eric an ugly ring causing Kelso to imagine what it would be like if they were all superheroes. Funny stuff. I gotta' start watching more TV.

FROM THE COLLECTION: COLE BROS CIRCUS GIRLS

Cole Bros Circus Girls, vintage photo, date unknown

SLAVE LEIA MINI BUST

Speaking of bikinis, Gentle Giant has a new Star Wars Slave Leia mini-bust coming out May 2010.

The release of 1983's Return of the Jedi saw Princess Leia Organa captured by Jabba the Hutt, and forced to wear the now famous "Metal Bikini" that has become a cultural icon, one that has inspired fan websites and seen numerous modern film and TV references. As it turns out, that bikini was the last thing Jabba the Hutt ever saw! Cast in high quality poly-stone resin no detail was over looked; from costume details, Leia's braids and the arduously fashioned Vibro Ax in our Princesse's hands. This strictly limited edition collectible comes hand numbered, complete with a matching certificate of authenticity.

Pre-order your very own here.

ONECHANBARA THE MOVIE

You've played the video game, now watch the movie. Onechanbara was released on DVD today and features women in bikinis killing zombies. Here's the official summary:

In the year 20XX, scientifically created zombies roam the world in record numbers. Despite this, Aya is determined to track down her father's killer, a person who was once close to her. With sword in hand and wearing nothing but her trademark bikini and cowboy hat, she sets off to settle the score. Aya is joined on her path to vengeance by the chubby Katsuji and the gun-toting Reika. Together, they hack, slash, and shoot their way through a sea of the undead to reach the final showdown with a mad scientist and the destined duel with Aya's own sister.

Sounds like way too much plot. The trailer has lots of blood, zombies and wire-fu but not nearly enough bikinis. You can pick up a copy here.

BATMAN: ARKHAM ASYLUM RELEASED TODAY

IGN reviews Batman: Arkham Asylum calling "the best comic book game of all time". It's released today, so go ahead and call in sick to work.

CHEWBACCA GETS TO SECOND BASE AND MORE

Damn Cool Pics has "cool, funny, crazy, weird pictures and videos updated daily". They recently featured these rare Star Wars photos. Looks like Chewbacca has been watching "Wookies Gone Wild" too many times.

MARSHMALLOW MURDER

A marshmallow has a short life span, especially if chocolate and graham crackers are near by. Check out this short film by Daneboe, who gives you a look into the horror only a marshmallow can know.

THE BLUE TORNADO

Meet Eva, a 14 year old hula hooper from Austria, or as she likes to call herself, the Blue Tornado. She picked up her first hula hoop a couple of years ago and taught herself the basics as well as some new tricks. Now she can't stop.

"When I first spinned that hoop around my waist, I felt like I never felt before. It was new for me to move without thinking about any other things. When I'm hooping, I just concentrate on the sport, I don't think about school or friends. When I'm stressed I just have to pick up my hoops, and after a few minutes I can think clear about everything.

From the first moment, hooping gave me a feeling of happiness and maybe of freedom. I built confidence, cause I knew that I was something "special" now - In Austria you can't find many other Hoopers. I lost weight, but that wasn't the most important thing. The most important thing is, that I've got a passion now - I know that Hula Hoop is the thing what I'm made for."

And she's not kidding. Just check out this video of her in action. You can learn more about the Blue Tornado on her website and see more of her hooping it up on YouTube.

PIN-UP OF THE WEEK

DIG IF U WILL THIS PICTURE

Artist Cliff Chiang does amazing work. He's worked with DC Comics, Dark Horse Comics and many others. Here we see his take on Purple Rain, replacing Prince with Batgirl.

"I had a lot of fun with this, especially since so many of the movie and tv show details lined up — the colors, the bike, the frilly lace. I’m also pretty sure Batman played Prince’s father in Purple Rain, but it’s been 24 years since I saw it and I did a lot of drugs that night. Then I crashed my dad’s Porsche before taking my best friend to the prom and winning the All-Valley Championship. That was quite a year, let me tell you."

Talented and funny. See more of his work here.

JUST LISTEN: JANE WIEDLIN (PT. 1)

Musician, singer-songwriter, actress and all-around fun girl Jane Wiedlin became a punk rock fan while attending design college. She began designing punk clothing and formed The Go-Go's with Belinda Carlisle in 1978. The Go-Go's caught on quick and were snatched up by IRS Records. Most of their songs were written by Wiedlin, including the classic "Our Lips Are Sealed". The Go-Go's became the first all-girl band to write their own songs and play their own instruments. They sold out Madison Square Garden, the Hollywood Bowl and were featured twice on Rolling Stone magazine.

Seven years later, The Go-Go's split up, all going their separate ways. Wiedlin started a solo career, releasing six albums and had hits with "Rush Hour", "Blue Kiss" and "Tangled". "Tangled" was featured in the movie Pretty Woman.

The Go-Go's reunited, releasing the critically acclaimed God Bless The Go-Go's in 2001.

Wiedlin has appeared in several movies, including Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure and Clue. She's done voice acting for King of the Hill, Pinky and the Brain and two Scooby Doo movies. She recently appeared on VH1's television series, The Surreal Life.

Her latest project is a comic book called Lady Robotica, which debuted at this year's San Diego Comic-Con. A companion CD is in the works to accompany the comic book.

You can learn more about Jane Wiedlin on her official website and purchase her music here.

AN OPEN LETTER TO AMANDA CONNER

This is what Power Girl should look like; curvy, voluptuous and pretty. Not a smirking tranvestite.

Thank you.

JUST LISTEN: ELVIS PRESLEY WEEK (PT. 7)

As Elvis Week draws to a close, I thought we'd take a look at the legacy of Elvis and how his music effected the lives of others. The Beatles were big Elvis fans and met The King in 1965. John Lennon said, "Nothing really effected me until I heard Elvis. If there hadn't been an Elvis, there wouldn't have been a Beatles." Rod Stewart declared, "Elvis was the King. No doubt about it. People like myself, Mick Jagger and all the others only followed in his footsteps." Bob Dylan said, "When I first heard Elvis' voice I just knew that I wasn't going to work for anybody; and nobody was going to be my boss. Hearing him for the first time was like busting out of jail." Roy Orbison said, “He was the finest and mostest.” US President Jimmy Carter stated, “Elvis Presley's death deprives our country of a part of itself. He was unique and irreplaceable. His music and his personality, fusing the styles of white country and black rhythm and blues, permanently changed the face of American popular culture. His following was immense and he was a symbol to people the world over, of the vitality, rebelliousness, and good humor of his country.” But James Brown put it best, "He taught white America to get down."

Elvis has been inducted into four music Halls of Fame: The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. He has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and his birthplace was honored by the Mississippi Blues Commission with a historical marker in recognition to his development of the blues in Mississippi.

The '68 Comeback Special is considered the forerunner and inspiration for MTV's "Unplugged" concerts.

Elvis starred in over 30 films and made history with his television appearances and specials. His concerts broke attendance records and he sold over one billion records, more than any other artist. He has more gold, platinum and multi-platinum awards than any other artist. He received 14 Grammy nominations with 3 wins and received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award at age 36. Let's also not forget his veteran status for honorably serving his country in the U.S. Army.

He is known the world over by his first name and is regarded as one of the most important figures of twentieth century popular culture. Long live The King.

SCOPITONES SATURDAY: "THE BIKE"

Alex Marco knows some happenin' dance moves as evidenced in this Scopitone for his song "The Bike". But somehow his dance for "The Bike" never caught on like "The Twist" or "The Batusi".

ELVIS FOR LIFE

Way back in 2008, I did a post on Google hosting nearly 10 million photos from the archives of Life magazine. Since it's Elvis Week here on DSTG!, I thought I'd check to see what photos they had of The King. Here are three of my favorites. I highly recommend looking through the archives, not just for photos of Elvis, but for all sorts of historical moments. Click for bigger.

8 PEOPLE YOU WON'T BELIEVE AREN'T PHOTOSHOPPED

Freaks are long gone from the circus. The sideshows are history and there's no longer any bright colored banners advertising the two-headed girl or the alligator skin man. The politically-correct nazis rallied against the freak shows, putting the disabled out of work and on the government tit. Now the only place to see freaks these days is on television or in this clip from Cracked. That's right, Cracked, the bastardized rip-off of Mad. Here they take a look at 8 People You Won't Believe Aren't Photoshopped. I've seen all of these people before, so for you hardcore lover of freaks, this'll be a rerun. But for all you uninitiated in the world of sideshows, click the video and give in to your morbid curiosity.

JUST LISTEN: ELVIS PRESLEY WEEK (PT. 6)

"In the Ghetto", written by Mac Davis, was originally titled "The Vicious Circle". RCA Records asked Davis permission to change the title before presenting it to Elvis. Initially, it was feared that the song was too political and could damage his reputation but Elvis loved the song and recorded it anyway. Released in 1969, it was Elvis's first Top 10 hit in four years and peaked at number 3.

JUST LISTEN: ELVIS PRESLEY WEEK (PT. 5)

Elvis hadn't been on television since The Frank Sinatra Timex Special in 1960. Colonel Parker struck a deal with NBC for a television special, as well secure financing for a future Elvis film. Originally Parker wanted Elvis just to sing an hour of Christmas carols. Director Steve Binder wisely convinced Parker that Elvis needed to reestablish his career after years of formulaic movies and a few poor records. The special was shot in June but wasn't aired until December 3, 1968 and was simply called Elvis. It wasn't until later the name was changed to the '68 Comeback Special by fans and critics. Parts of the show featured lavish stage productions while other songs were performed lived with a band in front of a small audience. This was Elvis's first live performance since 1961.

The song, "If I Can Dream" was written specifically for the special and reached the number 12 spot on the charts. The soundtrack broke into the Top 10. The program was a huge success, becoming the network's number one rated show for the season.

Elvis told the director, "Steve, it's the greatest thing I've ever done in my life. I give you my word I will never sing a song I don't believe in."

COVER OF THE WEEK

This week's Cover of the Week on DSTG! is Daredevil, #500, from Marvel Comics. My scanner isn't nearly big enough for the gate fold cover so I had to borrow this image from Marvel. This cover by Marko Djurdjevic is amazing and showcases some of the best characters and scenes from The Man Without Fear.

LEMONADE, THAT COOL REFRESHING DRINK

One of the first things that comes to mind when I think of any Elvis Presley movie is Eddie Murphy's stand-up from Delirious about how singers always get the women. His imitation of Elvis is funny by itself but add in the part about singing the dialogue and you've got comedy gold.

QUENTIN TARANTINO AND ELI ROTH YACK IT UP

MySpace has a video feature called Artist on Artist. The latest edition features filmmakers Quentin Tarantino and Eli Roth talking about working together on the new film, Inglourious Basterds.

MS. MARVEL IN MARVEL: ULTIMATE ALLIANCE 2

It's no secret I love Ms. Marvel. She's been a pilot, warrior, an Avenger and loves a good fight. Today Marvel announced she will now be a playable character in their upcoming video game, Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2. This game just got a lot more exciting. Pick up your copy of Marvel: Ultimate Alliance 2 September 15th, 2009.

JUST LISTEN: ELVIS PRESLEY WEEK (PT. 4)

Jailhouse Rock was Elvis's third film and also starred Judy Tyler and Mickey Shaughnessy. Elvis plays Vince Everett, a convict serving a one-year jail sentence for manslaughter. His cellmate, a former country singer, introduces him to music and how to play the guitar. Vince discovers he loves music and even decides to become a singer once he's released. After his release, he lands some gigs in night clubs but not as a singer. However, Vince is disillusioned by the music business and forms his own record label, becoming an overnight sensation. But fame comes with a heavy price changing Vince into a callous, uncaring and spoiled star. Vince humbled, sees the error of his ways and expresses his true feelings for Van Alden.

Besides the title track, Jailhouse Rock contained several hit songs for Elvis with "Treat Me Nice" and "(You're So Square) Baby, I Don't Care".

Elvis never saw the finished movie. Co-star Judy Tyler and her husband were killed in an automobile accident a few weeks after the film was completed. Elvis was so upset, he refused to ever watch the completed film. He broke down and cried when he heard the news of her death. "I remember the last night I saw them. They were leaving on a trip. All of us boys really loved that girl. She meant a lot to all of us. I don't believe I can stand to see the movie we made together now."

Jailhouse Rock was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry as being deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."

OUR LOVE WILL BE IN VIRTUAL SPACE

You may remember Felicia Day from Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog. She's a triple threat: cute, has red hair and talented. Hell, she can even sing. Her latest project is The Guild, "a web series about a group of online gamers". Enjoy this video for "Do You Want to Date My Avatar". If you dig the tune, you can purchase a copy at iTunes or Amazon.

Thanks, Stan!

SUSPICIOUS MINDS

Everyone loves the music of Elvis Presley. Hundreds of artists have done covers of Elvis's songs and today we take a look at No Doubt, Fine Young Cannibals and The Flaming Lips performing "Suspicious Minds".

FROM THE COLLECTION: 4 SYLPHIDS

I normally only pick up vintage photos of sideshow performers and circus freaks but this postcard of the 4 Sylphids was too beautiful to pass by. I know nothing of their act, there's no postmark and I couldn't find any information about them online but I believe they were indeed "A Sensation of Grace and Beauty".

JUST LISTEN: ELVIS PRESLEY WEEK (PT. 3)

After Elvis returned from active duty with the US Army, he appeared on The Frank Sinatra-Timex Special, aka "Welcome Home Elvis", on March 26, 1960. Colonel Parker secured a paycheck of $125,000.00 for Presley's 6 minute appearance on the show. Parker hoped the pairing with Frank Sinatra would make him more appealing to older audiences as well as reminding the teenagers Elvis was back from the Army. Colonel Parker stacked the deck in Elvis's favor by packing the studio audience with 400 members from an Elvis fan club. The ABC special drew a 41.5 share for the night and confirmed that America was glad to have The King back.

MAD ABOUT BELINDA

Belinda Carlisle turns 51 today. Happy birthday, Belinda!

Thanks, Stan!

DEM BONES

Apparently Batman hates this song. If you pre-order Batman: Arkham Asylum from GameStop, you get this Scarecrow Challenge Map. But you'd better hurry, Batman: Arkham Asylum is released August 25th.

KISS COMING TO WAL-MART

Kiss is releasing Sonic Boom, their first CD of new music in 11 years, exclusively at Wal-Mart. Paul Stanley says it's "the best new record we've done since 'Destroyer.' It is 'Rock and Roll Over' meets 'Love Gun' ... If you're a fan of our stuff from about 1977, you'll feel right at home."

Accompanying the new material will be a disc of Kiss greatest hits re-recorded by the original lineup and previously available in Japan, as well as a DVD filmed at a concert earlier this year in Buenos Aires. The cover was designed by artist Michael Doret, whose previous Kiss credit is 1976's "Rock and Roll Over."

Kiss plans to tour extensively to promote "Sonic Boom," but only two dates have been announced so far: September 25 at Detroit's Cobo Hall, where the group recorded its breakthrough "Kiss Alive!" album and portions of "Kiss Alive II"; and a Halloween show at the Voodoo Experience festival in New Orleans City Park.

Unfortunately Ace Frehley and Peter Criss aren't included in the line-up. Guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer will be filling in instead.

source

I'D FUCK ELVIS

Since it's Elvis Week on DSTG!, I thought I'd share one of my favorite scenes from True Romance. Clarence (Christian Slater) is obsessed with Elvis and even sees apparitions of The King throughout the film. Here he confesses if he had to fuck a guy, he'd fuck Elvis.

JUST LISTEN: ELVIS PRESLEY WEEK (PT. 2)

"Heartbreak Hotel", recorded in 1956, was Elvis Presley's first Number 1 on the Billboard Pop Singles Chart and the biggest selling song of the year.

When Elvis arrived at the studio to record the song, producer Steve Sholes and other executives at RCA Victor thought it was a mistake since it sounded nothing like his earlier work. But they trusted Elvis's instincts. "Heartbreak Hotel" is ranked #45 on Rolling Stone's list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time and is in the Grammy Hall of Fame.

QUENTIN TARANTINO'S FAVORITE MOVIES SINCE 1992

Quentin Tarantino lists his favorite top 20 movies since 1992. 1992 is significant to Tarantino since that's the year he became a filmmaker. Glad to hear Takashi Miike's Audition is on his list.

PIN-UP OF THE WEEK

Peek-A-Boo

THOSE ARE NO MOONS

Dolly Deathstar knows how to make the fanboys orbit around her.

Found here.

JUST LISTEN: ELVIS PRESLEY WEEK (PT. 1)

Today marks the 32nd anniversary of Elvis Presley's death. I was only ten years old when Elvis died but his music has been a big influence on my life. He was one of the few artists my family could all agree upon and listen to together. Today begins the first day of Just Listen: Elvis Presley Week here on DSTG! so stayed tuned all week for music, trivia and more.

Elvis began his career in 1954, becoming one of the most popular and controversial entertainers ever. On stage, he was uninhibited and with his versatile voice, he was successful in rock and roll, ballads, pop, gospel, country and blues.

His movies were critical panned but were financially successful. His live television performance in 1968, later named the '68 Comeback Special, was a major success. Elvis was the first performer to stage a global live concert via satellite with Aloha from Hawaii, which reached over one billion people.

He set records for concert attendance, record sales and television ratings and is regarded as one of the most important people of the twentieth century. There's a reason he's called "The King of Rock and Roll".

His career was cut short with his death on August 16th, 1977 at age 42.

You can learn more about Elvis Presley on his official website and purchase his music here.

Meanwhile, enjoy this clip of Elvis performing "Hound Dog" on The Milton Berle Show in 1956. This infamous performance, in which he gyrates his hips, caused nationwide controversy and was labeled vulgar and obscene. Elvis responded, "Rock and roll music, if you like it, and you feel it, you can't help but move to it. That's what happens to me. I have to move around. I can't stand still. I've tried it, and I can't do it."

THE BREAKFAST TITANS

“Dear Batman: We accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday in Bat-detention for whatever it is we did wrong, but we think you’re crazy for making us write an essay telling you who we think we are. You see us as you want to see us: in the simplest terms, in the most convenient definitions. But what we found out is that each one of us is an archer, and a speedster, and a swimmer, a princess, and an acrobat. Does that answer your question? Sincerely yours, The Teen Titans.”

Thank you, John Hughes. Rest in peace.

Artist Cliff Chiang posted this tribute to the late John Hughes.