Inside Michael Jackson’s Neverland Ranch

The media was invited to tour the star’s fabled estate and HERE are some never before seen pictures of the property.

Victorinox Swiss Army SwissChamp Hardwood Knife

Swiss Army knifes are incredibly handy tools, but not everyone wants to own the traditional red model. The Victorinox Swiss Army SwissChamp Hardwood Knife ($100) is a great compromise, offering all the utility of the original — including large and small blades, a corkscrew, can opener, bottle opener, screwdrivers, and more — wrapped in a handsome exotic wood exterior.

There, I Fixed It

There, I Fixed It is a blog profiling the strange and imaginative ways people rig up what they need with what they have.  The pictures speak for themselves.

Jiffy Pop Fire Alarm

Hot Water Coming Right Up!

Toilet Paper Spool

The Statue of Liberty’s Crown Reopens

For more than a century, Lady Liberty has watched over New York Harbor. The seven sharp spikes on her crown represent the seven continents and seas. Her torch is a symbol of enlightenment. She’s the green lady recognized around the world. Today, her crown once again opens to the public. Visits to the crown and pedestal were suspended after September 11, 2001 as a security precaution. The pedestal re-opened to visitors in 2004.

President Obama Is Now Featured At Walt Disney World’s Hall Of Presidents

President-elect Barack Obama now stands among the 43 presidents who came before him in Walt Disney World’s Hall of Presidents show at the Magic Kingdom. The attraction will feature an animatronic Obama who will speak alongside Lincoln and Washington.

Happy July 4th From The Fire Wire

50 Movies For 50 States

For our nation’s birthday, Rotten Tomatoes took a look at how the good old U.S. of A. has been portrayed on the silver screen. To capture the vast and diverse peoples and places across the whole country, they decided to choose films that really showcase each state in the Union. Every one of the 50 films that they picked features something special about the geography, history, or people of a particular state.  See the list HERE.

Sarah Palin Resigning As Alaska Governor

Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin said Friday she is resigning from office at the end of the month, raising speculation that she would focus on a run for the White House in the 2012 race.

The former Republican vice presidential candidate made the surprise announcement from her home in suburban Wasilla on Friday morning. She said she would step down July 26 but didn’t announce her plans.

“Once I decided not to run for re-election, I also felt that to embrace the conventional Lame Duck status in this particular climate would just be another dose of politics as usual, something I campaigned against and will always oppose,” Palin said in a statement released by her office.

“It is my duty to always protect our great state. With that in mind, my family and I determined that it is best to make a difference this summer, and I am willing to change things, so that this administration, with its positive agenda, its accomplishments, and its successful road to an incredible future, can continue without interruption and with great administrative and legislative success,” she said.

Lt. Gov. Sean Parnell will be inaugurated at the governor’s picnic in Fairbanks at the end of the month, Palin spokesman Dave Murrow said.

Palin was first elected in 2006 on a populist platform. But her popularity has waned as she waged in partisan politics following her return from the presidential campaign. Her term would have ended in 2010.

How To Obtain Tickets To The Michael Jackson Public Memorial Service

The Michael Jackson Public Memorial Service will take place on Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles, California and simulcast inside to Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE across the street. A limited number of free tickets (8,750) to both venues will be made available for Michael Jackson’s fans to attend.

Due to the expected overwhelming demand, the following procedures have been set to accommodate registration for the tickets. Please note that by registering for tickets to attend the Public Memorial Service, it does not guarantee the registrant tickets.

The opportunity to register for tickets begins at 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time on Friday, July 3, 2009 and ends at 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time on Saturday, July 4, 2009.

Please enter your information HERE for your chance to receive two tickets that will be randomly distributed for either the Staples Center or Nokia Theatre to attend the Michael Jackson Public Memorial Service. Only one entry per individual will be accepted. Two tickets will be issued to each randomly selected attendee.

12 Television Characters We Never See (Even Though They Were On TV)

HERE are 12 TV characters you probably know, but have never even seen.

Michael Jackson: Rolling Stone Commemorative

Rolling Stone brings you the definitive tribute to the King of Pop, with a dazzling 96 page special issue ($9.99) chronicling the thrilling highs and chilling lows of Michael Jackson from Motown to Thriller to Neverland Ranch. The vast majority of the material here is new, thanks to essays from Will.i.am, Smokey Robinson, Quincy Jones, Sheryl Crow, Slash, Adam Lambert, Usher, L.A. Reid, Akon, Brooke Shields, Gamble and Huff, Wyclef Jean, Ne-Yo, Weird Al, Martin Scorsese, Glen Ballard, John Landis, plus the Rolling Stone staff. Also included are reprints of two classic Rolling Stone cover stories, one from 1973 by Ben Fong Torres, and a 1983 piece by Gerri Hershey. The issue can be pre-ordered HERE or purchased at newsstands on July 10^th.

I’m A Fan Of This Ad

The Haitong Building, a well known Shanghai landmark has a unique curved top. An outdoor advertisement is placed outside of the building, opposite to Shanghai Haitong. It appears that a powerful gust from a Midea electric fan has caused the wave design. The client had a limited budget for this campaign, but they wanted to create a huge effect. Firstell Communications, the ad agency in Shanghai created this non-traditional creative approach.

The 50 Greatest Movie Trailers of All Time

There are many ways to measure a trailer’s quality, from the persuasiveness of its salesmanship to the cleverness of its copywriting. Ultimately, IFC decided that the best trailers are those that most effectively combine art and commerce, and that sell and entertain with equal skill in span of two and a half minutes. HERE is IFC.com’s list of the 50 Greatest Trailers of All Time.    

Sears Tower Ledge

It’s a long way down, but the Sears Tower hopes that a new attraction will boost tourism. Today, the Sears Tower opened four glass enclosures, called the Ledge, on the Skydeck’s West side. The Ledge enclosures will extend more than four feet beyond the building, and will be retractable so they won’t interfere with window washers. Similar glass-floored views at the Grand Canyon and the CN Tower inspired the Ledge. The Skydeck hopes the new attraction will draw more visitors, particularly locals who may have given up on going to the top of the Sears Tower.  But not those with even the slightest fear of heights. The glass will be three layers thick and each layer will be a half-inch thick. The balconies will be able to hold about five tons. The Ledge will be part of regular Skydeck admission, which went up to $14.95 Friday. If you want to experience the Sears Tower’s Ledge, try to get it in before the building is renamed to the Willis Tower later this summer. 

The A-Hole Tastes Funny…

Did Stephen King And Michael Jackson Ever Collaborate Together?

The answer is yes. Ghosts is a short film starring Michael Jackson and directed by film director and special effects guru Stan Winston which could also be classified as a long-form music video. Stephen King worked with Jackson on the story and concept. It was filmed and first screened in 1996 and released along with select prints of the film Stephen King’s Thinner. It was released a year later internationally on VHS but has since gone out of print and is unavailable today.

The film tells the story of a scary Maestro with supernatural powers, who is being forced out of a small town by its mayor (also played by Michael Jackson). The movie includes a series of dance routines performed by Michael Jackson and his “family” of ghouls. Every song from the film was taken from Michael Jackson’s HIStory and Blood on the Dance Floor albums.

In the new issue of Entertainment Weekly – a special edition dedicated to Michael Jackson – Stephen King, who is a regular columnist for the magazine, remembers Michael:

Sixteen years ago, the King of Pop called the king of horror with an idea: What if they paired up to make the scariest music video ever?

“One day during preproduction, I was in on a conference call about the choreography, and Michael fell asleep. On another occasion, he called my wife, wanting the phone number for wherever I was that day. She gave it to him. Michael called back five minutes later, on the verge of tears. He hadn’t had a pencil, he said, so he’d tried to write the number on the carpet with his finger, and he couldn’t read it. My wife gave him the number again. Michael thanked her profusely…but never called me. The video contains some of the best, most inspired dancing of Jackson’s career. If you look at it, I think you’ll see why Fred Astaire called Jackson ‘a helluva mover.’ You’ll also see Jackson’s sadness and almost painful desire to please. Yes, I am strange, his eyes say, but I am doing the best I can, and I want to make you happy. Is that so bad? This is a sadness that’s all too common in people who possess talent in amounts so great it has become a burden instead of a blessing. Despite being extraordinarily beautiful (although he had probably already begun the elective surgeries that would ruin those amazing looks), Jackson was painfully shy, and difficult (sometimes impossible) to talk to, but watching that old video still makes me happy…and no, that’s not bad.It’s worth noting that he was never convicted of anything in criminal court, and when I asked Mick—who hung out with Michael occasionally— he was emphatic in his belief that Michael Jackson was indeed innocent of the abuse allegations. In the court of public opinion, however, he was found guilty of Weirdness in the First Degree, and ended up secluded in one haunted castle after another. Finally, he died in one. Strange man. Lost man. And not unique in his passing. Like James Dean, Elvis Presley, Kurt Cobain, Heath Ledger, and a dozen others we could name, he just left the building far too soon. Because, man oh man, that guy could dance.”

Here is the full video of “Ghosts” for your enjoyment.

Comic Book Pick Of The Week: Captain America Reborn # 1

The Star Spangled Avenger makes his triumphant return in Captain America Reborn #1 available today! After his untimely demise at the hands of friend and foe alike, Steve Rogers is back.

And to get you even more excited for the release, be sure to read the exclusive and Free Digital Comic: Captain America Reborn: Prelude from Eisner-winning writer Ed Brubaker and fan favorite artist Luke Ross!

50 Best Movie Robots

Rotten Tomatoes decided to countdown their top 50 movie robots. The website ranked this list by a very subjective measurement called “awesomeness,” which is combination of fame, utility, physical appearance, and how great it would be to have one of these ‘bots in your possession. So without further ado, HERE is the list.

Fancy Fast Food

THIS SITE shows extreme makeovers of actual fast food items purchased at popular fast food restaurants. No additional ingredients have been added except for an occasional simple garnish. 

Tacobellini (Fancy Burrito Supreme)

Chip Kidd Picks His Favorite Book Covers

Chip Kidd is the Associate Art Director at Alfred A. Knopf and he has designed some of the most iconic book covers of our generation.  Click HERE to see some of his favorite dust jacket designs created by his peers.

The Man Wall

Bring the sports bar experience home with The Man Wall ($14,900). This all-in-one chunk of awesomeness features room for four TVs — one 52″ and two 26″ units are included — a 1200-watt Panasonic home theater with integrated speakers and wireless surround units, two 25-cigar humidors with gauges, a 32-bottle wine rack, a microwave, a live 7-foot sports ticker at the top with built-in computer, a full-size kegerator with tap, an iPod docking station, DVD player, and the ability to control it all via a single remote control. (From Uncrate.com)

Couples Retreat Trailer

Universal Pictures has released the trailer for Couples Retreat, the upcoming comedy starring Vince Vaughn, Jason Bateman, Jon Favreau, Malin Akerman, Kristin Davis, Kristen Bell and Faizon Love.

The film is due out on October 9th, 2009.

Based on an original idea of Vaughn’s, the comedy follows four Midwestern couples who embark on a journey to a tropical island resort. While one of the couples is there to work on their marriage, the other three set out to jet ski, spa and enjoy some fun in the sun. They soon discover that participation in the resort’s couples therapy is not optional. Suddenly, their group-rate vacation comes at a price. What follows is a hilarious look at real world problems faced by all couples.

LEGO Arcade

Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour Coming This Fall To Southern California

In 1963, Bob Farrell opened the first Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour in Portland, Oregon. Farrell’s quickly became famous for its unique ice cream creations like the Gibson Girl, Nutty Nutty, Pig’s Trough and the famed 8-pound Farrell’s Zoo Sundae – and of course, the special server announcements, which were dramatic presentations of sweet treats through fun-filled, crowd-pleasing theatrics. After evolving into a popular American destination and growing to nearly 130 stores nationally, the company was sold twice and ultimately resulted in the closure of nearly all franchises by the early 1990s.

I have many fond memories of my family celebrating special occasions at Farrell’s.  Here are some retro videos that show what the experience was like.

The good news is that Farrell’s is going to reopen its doors in Southern California.

The Shops at Mission Viejo, Parlour Enterprises and the City of Mission Viejo recently announced plans to open a Farrell’s Ice Cream Parlour & Restaurant at the mall this fall, bringing back a nostalgic favorite from days past to delight a new generation with lasting memories. The new store will be Farrell’s second location – the other is in Santa Clarita – but will be the first of the company’s new, much-anticipated “original concept” stores, which will be largely reminiscent of the beloved 1960s-era Farrell’s shops.

The Shops at Mission Viejo location will maintain the heart and soul of Farrell’s but will incorporate some more modern menu items as well, including such highlights as “sugar-free” and “no sugar added” ice cream and topping options, as well as frozen yogurt. A diverse, bistro-style restaurant menu will also provide a wider selection of meal items, as well.

 In addition to an expanded selection and fresh menu items, the new concept will include updated announcements for every imaginable occasion – from the traditional birthday and anniversary cheers to songs about sports wins and other unique celebrations. High-tech features like a rotating spotlight and flat screen TVs framing original Farrell’s photos will create a contemporary ambiance against a backdrop of the old mainstays like the ice cream stretcher, bells and sirens – and of course, the iconic big bass drum. Farrell’s will occupy a 7,296-square-foot space, and will be located across from PF Chang’s in The Shops at Mission Viejo. The store’s grand opening is scheduled for early Fall 2009.

Michael Jackson Shot 3D Video Project Before Death

Two weeks before he died, Michael Jackson wrapped up work on an elaborate production dubbed the “Dome Project” that could be the final finished video piece overseen by the King of Pop, The Associated Press has learned.

Jackson was apparently preparing to dazzle concert audiences in London with a high-tech show in which 3D images — some inspired by his “Thriller” era — would flash behind him as he performed on stage.

“It was a groundbreaking effort,” said Vince Pace, whose company provided cameras for the shoot, a 3D system he created with filmmaker James Cameron.

“To think that Michael’s gone now, that’s probably the last documented footage of him to be shot in that manner,” Pace said.

Two people with knowledge of the secretive project confirmed its existence Monday to the AP on condition they not be identified because they signed confidentiality agreements.

They said it was a five-week project filmed at Culver Studios, which 70 years ago was the set for the classic film “Gone With the Wind.” Four sets were constructed for Jackson’s production, including a cemetery recalling his 1983 “Thriller” video.

With 3D technology “the audience would have felt like they were visiting the ‘Thriller’ experience, like they were there,” Pace said.

Shooting for the project lasted from June 1-9, with Jackson on the set most days. The project was in post-production, at the time of Jackson’s death, and had been expected to be completed next month. It was not immediately clear what would be made of the video footage now.

Producer Robb Wagner, founder of music-video company Stimulated Inc., did not immediately return a message seeking comment on the project.

Michael Roth, a spokesman for Jackson’s Los Angeles-based promoter AEG Live, said he hadn’t heard about the production but did not rule that it could be part of the company’s contract with the entertainer.

According to one of the people with knowledge of the project, a willow-thin, pallid Jackson left a memorable impression on the crew, arriving in a caravan of SUVs with hulking security guards in tow. The person said Jackson introduced himself to workers on the set and walked with a spring in his step but at one point needed assistance as he descended steps off a stage.

Besides the cemetery, one set was draped in black with an oversized portrait of Jackson in his “Thriller” werewolf costume. Another set was designed to simulate a lush jungle, and a fourth was built to replicate a construction site, with a screen in the back to allow projection of different backgrounds.

Taping took place in marathon sessions ending early in the morning. One scene filmed on the construction site set included scantily clad male dancers wearing carpenter’s belts.

According to Stimulated’s Web site, the company was hired to produce screen content for Jackson’s planned comeback concerts in London. Stimulated has worked with Def Leppard and the Pussycat Dolls, and produced content for the Academy Awards and the Emmys.