Nike T-Shirt Gun

Steven Jackson gets a surprise while visiting the Nike Campus when two Nike 6.0 snow shredders, Matt Ladley and Trevor Jacob, get a little out of control. While it may or may not be real, that doesn’t stop me from wanting my very own Nike T-Shirt Gun ($1,500). Each limited edition gun is individually numbered, and comes engraved with the signature of a Nike athlete.

Big Fan Trailer

For legions of people, sports teams are religion and their favorite players are their idols. This notion sparks the premise of Big Fan, the exhilarating directing debut from Robert Siegel, the screenwriter of The Wrestler. Paul Aufiero (Patton Oswalt), a 35-year-old parking-garage attendant from working-class Staten Island, is the self-described “world’s biggest New York Giants fan.” One night Paul and his best friend, Sal, spot star Giants linebacker Quantrell Bishop at a gas station in Staten Island. They impulsively follow his SUV into Manhattan to a strip club, where they finally muster up the courage to talk to their hero. The encounter starts out as a dream come true for the fan and then turns into a nightmare as a misunderstanding ignites into a violent confrontation, and Paul is sent down a path that will test his devotion to the extreme. Patton Oswalt is perfectly cast as Paul, infusing him with a humanity that renders him empathetic instead of pathetic. Big Fan resonates with truth and insight, and the result is a film that will make you laugh and wince at the same time—a very winning combination. The film stars Patton Oswalt, Michael Rapaport, Kevin Corrigan, Marcia Jean Kurtz, Matt Servitto and is due in theaters on August 28^th, 2009.

The Program From The Michael Jackson Memorial Service

Mourners at the Michael Jackson memorial service were handed full-color, glossy programs filled with triumphant photos and emotional tributes to the King of Pop.

The metallic gold program is filled with pictures of Jackson with his brothers and sisters, celebrities and world leaders. The program features testimonials from Jackson family members and opened with a full page by La Toya Jackson recalling a day in 1980 when Jackson watched the Grammy ceremony and was crying because he only won one Grammy.

He promised her that on his next album, he would win more Grammys than anyone in music history.

“I will be the biggest and the greatest entertainer of all time,” she quoted him as saying.

She added, “You’ve lived your dream, you’ve proven to us all that if you believe, you will achieve; you believed, and oh my, did you achieve!”

The statements include a common theme that Jackson would live forever in the hearts of those who loved him and many felt they would see him in heaven.

The final picture on the back cover is of Jackson rehearsing for his “This is It” comeback show on June 23. An acknowledgment says: “Without the love and devotion of Michael’s beloved mother, Mrs. Katherine Jackson, this program would not have been possible.” 

Please click HERE to view the entire program.

Who Is Michael Jackson Memorial Performer Shaheen Jafargholi?

He tackled a tough one, delivering a haunting performance of Smokey Robinson’s “Who’s Lovin’ You,” a song made famous by the Jackson 5, before a world stage of more than one billion viewers during this afternoon’s Michael Jackson memorial service at Los Angeles’ Staples Center. But who was that dapper-looking 12-year-old who thanked Jackson “for blessing me and every single individual on this Earth with his amazing music?”

It was Shaheen Jafargholi, a Welsh-Iranian singer from Swansea, Wales, who caught Jackson’s eye during the season three finals of the U.K. television hit Britain’s Got Talent. The young singer took the stage alongside big names like Stevie Wonder, Jennifer Hudson, Usher and Mariah Carey. His performance today was a repeat of one he gave during the TV show, and according to reports, Jackson caught a clip of Jafargholi’s cover on YouTube. Jackson later asked the young performer to join him during his 50-gig stint at London’s O2 Arena, slated to launch July 13th.

Jafargholi, who was defeated by a dance group and the now infamous Susan Boyle during the talent series, was personally approached by Jackson’s family to sing at the memorial service, according to reports, because they were aware of how impressed Jackson was with his performance.

Before his rise to prominence on Britain’s Got Talent, Jafargholi appeared in a couple of television shows on U.K. television, and even toured on stage as a young Michael Jackson in “Thriller – Live.”

Barnes & Noble iPhone App

The Barnes & Noble Bookstore iPhone app is the ideal store companion for book lovers who want quick and easy access to the world of books. You can search and shop for millions of books, DVDs, or music CDs – plus every other item offered in their online store. Use the store locator to find the Barnes & Noble superstore nearest you, see upcoming events, and get directions. Plus, explore amazing, exclusive Barnes & Noble content from your iPhone including the B&N Review, B&N Studio’s Emmy-winning video clips, interviews, and bookseller recommendations. The download is free and can be found HERE.

McSweeney’s Summer Garage Sale

McSweeney’s, my favorite book publisher has sifted through the deepest recesses of their storage unit and have unearthed quite a few gems–some books previously out of stock, like New Sins by David Byrne, and discounted favorites, like Marcel Dzama’s The Berliner Ensemble Thanks You All. Almost all of these recovered wonders are priced at just $5! Some of the books are in mint condition and others may be slightly dinged, or mildly bruised, or a little dirty. So please, head on over to the McSweeney’s store and check out the Summer Garage Sale. Almost all titles are just $5, a few are $3, and yet fewer are $10. But once these slightly damaged books are gone, they are gone forever.

Dan Brown Book Cover Revealed

The Lost Symbol, available wherever books are sold on September 15^th, 2009, once again features Dan Brown’s unforgettable protagonist, Robert Langdon. The book’s narrative takes place in a twelve-hour period, and from the first page, readers will feel the thrill of discovery as they follow Langdon through a masterful and unexpected landscape. Dan Brown’s prodigious talent for storytelling, infused with history, codes and intrigue, is on full display in this riveting new novel.

Gig Posters Volume I: Rock Show Art of the 21st Century

Since 2001 Gigposters.com has been the Internet’s first and best resource for rock-show poster art; their massive online database showcases more than 90,000 posters from 7,000 different designers including all of today’s top poster studios. Gig Posters Volume I ($40) highlights the 700+ best examples in their collection including 101 perforated and ready-to-hang posters for bands such as Radiohead Wilco the Decemberists the Shins Arcade Fire Sleater-Kinney and more. Among the many designers contributing to this collection are Rob Jones (of White Stripes fame) The Decoder Ring (house artists for Modest Mouse) Patent Pending Tara McPherson and more. Packaged in an oversized 11-by-14-inch paperback Gig Posters Volume I is a spectacular compilation of rock show art (and one hell of a cheap way to decorate a dorm room or apartment).

True Blood Season One DVD

The first season of True Blood was just released on DVD ($33 DVD; $45 Blu-ray). Based on the Sookie Stackhouse book series, the latest HBO masterpiece from Alan Ball is set in rural Louisiana in an alternate reality where vampires are tolerated and treated as second class citizens. With a gritty first season revolving around a telepathic waitress, a 170-year-old ex-Civil War soldier-vampire, shapeshifting man-dogs, lots of southern goth murders, and addiction to “V” (vampire blood), you’ve got a ripe recipe for one tasty, warm, irresistible show.

Automoblox

Automoblox is a fusion of heirloom craftsmanship and ultra-modern styling transformed into a mix-and-match design system that allows children to create their own unique car styles, while experiencing beneficial play with activities that provide limitless joy, imagination and creativity. In addition to being great cars Automoblox is a high-quality building system that will delight and inspire children while fostering the development of important skills and learning foundations. Starting with a stylish wooden body, kids add wheels, windows, and unique customizing details. Each car in the series has its own unique VIN number, just like a real car. All cars can mix and match with others in the series to create your own unique ride. Made of solid wood with real rubber tires, plus the cars roll like greased lightning!

Automoblox cares deeply about children with autism and wants to give back to the autistic community. During the months of July and August, for every car purchased on THIS SITE, Automoblox will donate a car to a school for children with autism. Please use the promo code: donate.

Red Band Trailer for Jennifer’s Body

Jennifer’s Body stars Megan Fox, Adam Brody and Amanda Seyfried in a tale of a possessed cheerleader with a habit for bumping off High School boys. The film, directed by Karyn Kusama and written by Diablo Cody will arrive theatrically on September 18th.

Comic Book Pick Of The Week: Wednesday Comics # 1

On July 8th, DC Comics gives a fresh twist to a grand comics tradition with Wednesday Comics, a new, weekly 12-issue series by some of the greatest names in comics today!

Wednesday Comics reinvents the classic weekly newspaper comics section. It is a 16 page weekly that unfolds to a sprawling 28″ x 20″ tabloid-sized reading experience bursting with mind-blowing color, action and excitement, with each feature on its own 14″ x 20″ page.

Issue # 1 features Kamandi, written by Dave Gibbons with art by Ryan Sook.

Please Add Me To Your Blog Roll And I’ll Add Your Site To Mine!

If have a blog or write for a website, please add THE FIRE WIRE to your blogroll and I’ll gladly add your site to mine.

10 Humor Sites Sure To Make You LOL

The Web is full of clever blogs and funny sites, including many that collect amusing gags from users and find comedy in real life. Click these 10 new or lesser-known humor sites.

50 Bands, 50 States

The Boston Phoenix has just unveiled its “50 Bands, 50 States” list, in which it names the 50 “best new bands in America.” The feature includes groups from a variety of genres, including indie, electronic, rap and metal, and lots of audio and video has been posted online. (From Pop Candy)

1.6 Million Register For 8,750 Michael Jackson Memorial Tickets

Some 1.6 million fans registered for a chance at fewer than 9,000 tickets to Michael Jackson’s memorial service next week, organizers said. Registration ended at 6 p.m. (9 p.m. ET) Saturday. The overwhelming response prompted organizers to open the lottery to non-U.S. residents as well, a Jackson family spokesman said.

Those who registered are hoping to be among the 8,750 people randomly selected by computer to receive a pair of tickets to attend the service at the Staples Center on Tuesday. Winners are to get an e-mail Sunday telling them to contact Ticketmaster for information on how to claim their tickets, said Tim Leiweke, president of AEG Live, which is putting on the event. Tickets will be handed out Monday at locations away from the Staples Center, he said. Ticketholders will also have wristbands to match their tickets, a precaution against people “trying to take advantage” of the system, he said.

The family has not yet decided whether Jackson’s body will be brought to the Staples Center arena — where the public ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. PT. While 11,000 seats are available for fans inside the Staples Center, another 6,500 can watch from the Nokia Theater site across the street, according to Leiweke. Police said they will close the area near the Staples Center to all those without a ticket. The family will provide a free live video feed to networks so it can be televised everywhere.

Ken Ehrlich, known for producing the Grammy Awards, is producing the memorial show, his company said. And Kenny Ortega, who was to have co-directed Jackson’s series of concerts in London, England, this summer, will direct it. Singer Jennifer Hudson will be among the performers taking the stage at the ceremony, CNN has confirmed.

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.