Pop Culture & Current Events

Rest in Peace, Terry Pratchett

Back when I worked in retail, I didn’t have a lot of downtime. When I did have a rare day off or afternoon free, I spent it reading, and I devoured a big chunk of Terry Pratchett’s “Discworld” series during a particularly stressful time. Terry Pratchett passed away today; it’s a sad day for literature and fantasy in particular. 


How Up to Date Is “Goodnight iPad”?

My son loves (LOVES) the book “Goodnight iPad“. I’ve read it so many times I have it memorized, so I usually “read” it to him once it is lights-out. Half the time he’s asleep before I finish. Last night I realized some of the book’s technology references are already outdated, and it’s only four years old!



Join the National Day of Unplugging March 6 & 7!

Do you ever unplug – I mean REALLY unplug? I can’t think when I’ve gone more than ‘mostly unplugged’ since … long ago. But from tonight through Saturday night the National Day of Unplugging invites you to live with “No cell phones, no selfies, no technology that distracts us from each other: just people talking and enjoying each other’s company.”


‘Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron’ – Omaze Premiere Experience

Robert Downey Jr. (a.k.a. ‘Iron Man’) has become even more of a fan favorite with his recent announcement about a special event for the premiere of upcoming Marvel superhero sequel Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron with all entries benefiting a children’s hospice charity through the Omaze platform. A fan fantasy will come true for one lucky participant as Robert Downey Jr. hosts the winner who will be flown with lucky a friend to Los Angeles, California to experience a day in the life of Tony Stark. Participants can enter at www.omaze.com/RDJ by donating $10 to benefit Julia’s House, a children’s hospice center dedicated to helping improve the lives…


So What’s Up with ‘#TheDress’?

The recent #TheDress sensation has created a common thread (and a viral one) among worldwide citizens by posing an intriguing question – How can so many people view the same object in different ways? Color theorists everywhere debate is it black and blue?…or gold and white? …or brown and blue?!? First, the subject of this whole phenomenon is based on a photo, not a video, so there are immediate questions of lighting, overexposure, the device it’s being viewed on, etc. It was originally posted by 21-year-old singer Caitlin McNeill from the tiny Scottish island of Colonsay with the comment “guys please…


Parks & Recreation Ends…but the Laughs Continue

The comedy/satire television show Parks and Recreation shot in ‘mockumentary-style’ aired their final episode after seven seasons on NBC, but fans can get plenty more thanks to streaming media options and home video. This unique fan favorite piled on great comedy and community morals to create some memorable television, which lives on through diehard fans.


RIP Leonard Nimoy, AKA Mr Spock

Sad news in the world of science fiction-Leonard Nimoy has passed away at the age of 83. He was an icon as Mr Spock, the half-Vulcan science officer on Star Trek, as well as a fixture in various other science fiction shows (like Fringe). His contributions to pop culture cannot be understated, and he will be missed by fans everywhere!





Mike’s 2015 Oscar Picks and Analysis

This year’s Academy Awards (Oscars) have a satisfying eclectic mix without one clear front-runner. Check out my 2015 Oscar picks and some analysis so you succeed in your office Oscar pool…or have a better idea of what’s going on February 22.




2015 LEGO Game Announcements

LEGO Maniacs have a full slate of video game releases coming this year including a surprising LEGO set announcement decided by fans. Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, TT Games and The LEGO Group have set LEGO Jurassic World, LEGO Marvel’s Avengers, LEGO Ninjago: Shadow of Ronin plus  LEGO Batman: Beyond Gotham. The LEGO Movie Videogame iOS versions are available now. LEGO Jurassic World starts a new game series ahead of the upcoming film of the same name (June 12, 2015). This game will combine the storylines of Jurassic Park, The Lost World: Jurassic Park, Jurassic Park III, and Jurassic World. Available in June on Xbox One, Xbox 360, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, PlayStation…



The Ghostbusters Reboot Gets the Best Cast Ever!

I’m on the fence about constantly rebooting classic movies, but the more I hear about the new Ghostbusters reboot the more excited I get. The latest news from the AV Club is pointing to a dream cast; Kristin Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Leslie Jones, and Kate McKinnon!


Super Bowl XLIX Apps and Gear for the Big Game!

Don’t let “Deflategate” take the wind out of your Super Bowl XLIX (49) fun! Fans can get great experiences from various media, apps and more to celebrate the National Football League’s deciding game. Take a look at more “super” options and ways to get authentic gear.



Proof That All Country Songs Are the Same

Has it REALLY been more than 4 years since I posted this video showing how Ke$sha’s Tik Tok, Katy Perry’s California Gurls, and Miley Cyrus’ Permanent December were all basically the same song? Well, now Sir Mashalot has taken on country music, with a mashup of 6 popular songs including artists such as Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan.


Mike’s Oscar Nom Picks Before Thursday Jan. 15 Announcement

Get your Academy Award nomination (and win) picks ready for all those Oscar contests and office pools. Here are my picks for this year’s Oscars (a.k.a. Academy Awards) for films released in 2014. Look for prominent first-time nominees, possible double nominations, and a long-time cinematography nod. Nominations will officially announce all 24 categories live on Thursday, January, 15.