Evolution of Dance!!

It's a Transformer tribute to the popular Evolution of Dance youtube clip!

Indiana Jones and the Lego Video Game Empire

The people behind the highly successful Star Wars Lego video games have now adapted the Indiana Jones saga to the format and it looks great. Get a sneak peek here.

Friday Morning Funny

Father Ted sets out to prove he is not racist.

American Idol Top 10 Women

Between my hectic day and the horrible showing by the women last night, here is the quick version of the top and bottom 3.

Top 3 Women

1. Cary Smithson
2. Brook White
3. Kristy Lee Cook

Bottom 3 Women

1. Kady Malloy
2. Amanda Overmyer
3. Alaina Whitaker

Science is Fun for Everyone!!!!

They say the children are the future but if these students are the leaders of tomorrow we might be wishing for the days of Harper and Bush again. More great science projects here.

American Idol Top 10 Men

The search for the next American Idol continued last night with the men singing the hits of the 70's. I'm not a fan of theme nights during this section of the show. I'd rather get a cross section and let the singers pick their own song regardless of era. Anyway, enough of my blathering and time for the top and bottom 3 from last night.

TOP THREE (in no particular order)

1. David Archuleta - sweet, innocent David with a voice straight from heaven. Some are already anointing him. It's a tad early for that and besides this guy is no newcomer to performing (just enter his name on youtube) and his post-performance interviews feel a bit too Doolittleish for me.
2. David Hernandez - the voice, the looks, and the stage presence. A strong performance last night pushed him back into the frontrunner race.
3. David Cook - what is this...the year of David. Rocked out last night but his downfall could be that awful haircut and his attitude especially towards Simon. Simon may be the mean judge but he is the most popular thing about the show and his opinion is the one everybody wants to hear.

BOTTOM THREE (in no particular order)

1. Jason Yeager - Just plain gawd awful! They way he smiled throughout the song kinda freaked me out and his entire look and act was just dreadful! BTW, what was with that belt!
2. Luke Menard - His voice is just too weak to compete with the big boys.
3. Michael Johns - Even though the judges thought it was alright, it felt very strained to me. He'll need to do a love song next week to get the girls swooning and voting for him again.

New Music

The Black Crowes have a new album coming out next week. I wonder if their brand of southern blues rock has a place in today's music scene or are they irrelevant and destined for the bargain bin? Listen to a preview of the new album on their website and decide for yourself.

Pot of Stew

Every now and then I like to step onto the soapbox and ramble about different topics that are roaming around the cranium. So here comes the spew....

It's telling that after 30 years of service to St. John's, Andy Wells' proudest moment was when he raised the Tibetan flag and received attention from the international press. One would think it would be something that he has done for the greater good of the city like lowering crime rates, developing neighbourhoods, or innovative tax structures but with Andy it has always been about Andy. I think the PUB will be much to tame for him and he will be back sooner rather than later.... How come Tim Horton's don't have express lanes for coffee only orders....Hey want a good lunchtime meal deal. Quiznos is selling their new Sammie sandwich for $2 each or two for $3.99. I know I can hardly believe it myself!!! After 200 Sammies I will have saved enough for another one....What received more attention from the Canadian public today, the NHL trade deadline or the federal budget? Let's just say I don't think Peter Mansbridge was on the air @ 7:30 am EST talking about what could be in the budget....Who's more annoying on the airwaves Mark Roberts or Leanne Sharpe? By shear volume of airtime, the title would have to go to Mark Roberts. Can't OZ FM give part of his shift to anyone? How about Andy? He's never at loss for words!!!!

Photo Journalism Awards

It's the second annual Photography Masters Cup. Some terrific photos can be found here!!

Free Music Download of the Week

Here at Bigger Pants, we like to give back, so follow the link to this weeks's free music download, "To The Dogs or Whoever" by Josh Ritter (download link on Ritter's website on the left just below album cover). This song is from Ritter's latest album "The Historical Conquest of Josh Ritter". If you haven't listened to Josh Ritter before, you are in for a treat! A tremendous songwriter in the vain of Dylan or Neil Young. For more Josh Ritter songs follow this link.

Weekend Box Office Results

Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Media By Numbers LLC. Final figures will be released Monday.

1. "Vantage Point," $24 million.

2. "Jumper," $12.7 million.

3. "Spiderwick Chronicles," $12.6 million.

4. "Step Up 2 the Streets," $9.8 million.

5. "Fool's Gold," $6.3 million.

6. "Definitely, Maybe," $5.2 million.

7. "Juno," $4.1 million.

7. "Be Kind Rewind," $4.1 million.

9. "Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins," $4 million.

10. "There Will Be Blood," $2.6 million.

On the Net:
http://www.mediabynumbers.com

Jimmy Kimmel Moves On After Sarah Silverman

ULTIMATE MOVIE MONTAGE

Oscar Links

With the Oscar's coming up this Sunday, here are some links that may be of interest:

• Best Picture Movie Posters for the last 79 years.
• Top Ten Oscar snubs according to Ask Men
• Top Five Memorable Oscar Speeches from MSNBC
• Oscars Worst Dressed according to US Magazine
• Finally, the official home of this years Oscar telecast
  

Hey it's better than Sass

Paula Abdul is back with a new single off Randy Jackson's new album Music Club. That's right Randy has new album coming out!!??!!!
This song sounds like it belongs back in 1988 and I mean that in a good way. Pauls looks good in the video and the song sounds like it could come from the Forever Your Girl Album.
Hey if Sass Jordan can use Candian Idol to pimp her career, why can't Paula and Randy. Seriously....Randy Jackson now has a new show and a new album besides Idol!!??!!??!!!

Friday Morning Funny

Warning!!! Some language is NSFW!!

American Idol Top 12 Women

Last night it was the ladies turn to sing for their supper.

Here are the top 3 females as judged by Stew
1. Amanda Overmyer - she who rocked harder than any of the boys
2. Alexandrea Lushington - she who looked and sounded like star
3. Ramiele Malubay - she who will prove Simon Cowell wrong

Here are the bottom 3 females as judged by Stew
1. Kady Malloy - she of the killer Britney impression and evil eye for Simon and the judges who were not digging her. Don't get her mad!!!
2. Amy Davis - she who did nothing to stand out from the crowd
3. Joanne Borgella - she who also did nothing to stand out and was forgettable

What's That Stink....Oh, it's the 80's

Time for an 80's whack up side of the head.



The System consisted on Mic Murphy on vocals / guitar and David Frank on keyboards. Their biggest hit was "Don't Disturb the Groove". Murphy went on to a solo career but Frank has found success working as a producer/songwriter working with artists look Phil Collins, Eric Clapton, and Christina Aguilera on her breakout hit "Genie in a Bottle".

American Idol Top 12 Men

Last night the top 12 males as picked by Randy, Simon, and Paula performed for America's votes.

Here are the top 3 males by Stew:
1. David Archuleta - he of the puppy dog eyes and big dog's voice
2. Jason Castro - he of the Bob Marley hair and laid back style
3. David Hernandez - he of the good pipes and according to my wife good looks

Here are the bottom 3 males by Stew:
1. Chikezie - he of the great name, was kinda bland
2. Jason Yeager - he of the game show host smile and vanilla personality
3. Garrett Haley - he of the Rex Smith locks and voice as wimpy as Rex Smith himself

Also, I send a double snap out to Danny Noriega for his decent rendition of Jailhouse Rock and three snaps for his attitude. Danny's snap will make him or break him. I vote to break him!!!!

Elmo's Back...Who Needs Chuckie!!!!

Every year Elmo gets a little more creepier!!!

Music Download of the Week

Once a week I'll try to give you a music download that is free and legal. This week's download is "Into the Night" by Basia Bulat. This song is featured in the commercial for AMC's February Movies. The download can be found here.

New design for The Independent website

The Independent has updated their website. In my humble opinion, it looks pretty darn good. The typeface is easy to read and the pics look great. It is definitely an improvement over their old site, which is what you want to achieve when your overall your site.

Monday Morning Box Office

Following are the top 10 films at the North American boxoffice for the three-day weekend beginning Feb. 15, led by the new release "Jumper," according to studio estimates compiled on Sunday by Reuters.

1. "Jumper" ($27.2 million)
2. "Step Up 2 the Streets" ($19.7 million)
3. "The Spiderwick Chronicles" ($19.1 million)
4. "Fool's Gold" ($13.1 million)
5. "Definitely, Maybe" ($9.7 million)
6. "Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins" ($8.8 million)
7. "Juno" ($4.6 million)
8. "The Bucket List" ($4.1 million)
9. "Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert" ($3.3 million)
10. "27 Dresses" ($3.2 million)

OMG!!!!!

Ok, for those of you that don't follow basketball. I'm going to implore you to watch the following clip of Dwight Howard at the Slam Dunk competition last night. OMG!!!!

To be truly appreciated you must watch the slow motion replays!!!!

It's been a long week!

A Weighty Issue

OK, I'm flipping through my dripping wet copy of "The Telegram" last night and I come across the article where some people were shocked by the comments of our Deputy Mayor Denis O'Keefe towards Councillor Ron Ellsworth (a man of large stature) about his weight. My mind starts to race about what the Deputy Mayor could have said and have caused people to be shocked!!!! Did he call him Fatty or Jabba the Hut? And why did he say it within a public meeting?
But it turns out all he said was something along the lines of ...your a big man but not big enough to apologise. This was in reference to Ellsworth's claim that some councillors had been in contact with AHL about a new hockey team which he has since backtracked on.
So what is so shocking!!! I sure Councillor Ellsworth realizes he not Jared from Subway, and even if he was, he would still be a big man because of his height. So does O'Keefe has anything to be sorry about, I think not. And if he does have to apologise, does he also have to apologise for referring to Ellsworth as man and not a human being of a male gender!!!! I suppose next they won't be allowed to ask for a light to repositioned so the glare will stop shining on Coucillor Coombs head!!!! SHEESSSSSH!

Indiana Jones!!!

The teaser trailer for the new Indiana Jones has arrived!!! It looks great!! Check it out!!!

New Star Wars Movie

Thats right a new Star Wars movie is headed to theaters. It is a computer animated film that is meant to fill in the time between episode two and three. Check out ther trailer here.

It looks great and provides a prelude to the television series coming soon.

Nah Nah Bye Bye

Danny Williams has just asked Andy Wells to step down as mayor before assuming his role at the PUB. One controversy down...how long till Andy creates another one in his new role? I have a feeling it will be sooner rather than later!

More Valentine Movie Suggestions

Here a couple more suggestions for movie to watch get you into the romantic frame of mind

• "Jerry Maguire",1996. Starring Tom Cruise and Rene Zellweger. This movie is responsible for a few lines that have made it into our everyday conversations including "Show me the money!" and "You had me at hello." But it is also a sweet story about finding what you didn't know was missing...true love. Plus it has sports for the guys!!!


• "Bridges of Madison County", 1995. Clint Eastwood and Meryl Streep star in this tearjerker. I doubt anyone can keep from tearing up when Steep has her hand on the door handle on the truck during the rainstorm and is thinking about going to Eastwood. Keep the tissue box close for this one.

Tomorrow is the big day (if your in love, otherwise it just sucks!) so I'll try to put up a couple of more suggestions later.

Andy and Danny

Our good mayor, Andy Wells, is making waves yet again. His views on global warming are being brought into the debate about his appointment to the PUB. Wells has stated "I think there's a lot of junk science out there that's masquerading as true science,'' the Mayor told CanWest News Service, "and I think as a consequence public agencies and organizations such as municipal councils are making stupid decisions."

But on the other hand when the city rolled out their new hybrid vehicles the Mayor stated "While the initial purchase price of each vehicle may range from $5,000 to $8,000 more than a comparably equipped conventional gas vehicle, the returns from the fuel savings over the life of the vehicle should provide a cost neutral impact and, of course, we will be using a more environmentally friendly vehicle."

I guess if a photo opportunity is a photo opportunity!

Now last night on the evening news when Premier Williams was asked about Mayor Wells views on global warming he replied that he hadn't talked to Andy about his personal views on the subject. Whaaaa...????? One would think that would have come up in the interview process. Wait...was there an interview process? I think this is where the U.S. has it right (something they don't do often) and there should be a a review process for appointed officials.

The mission statement of the PUB states "Through our skilled staff and an investigative and monitoring process that invites full public participation, we ensure that the public of Newfoundland and Labrador are well served in a changing environment by achieving an equitable balance between the interests of consumers and service providers in the electric utility, automobile insurance and motor carrier industries". Seems to me appointing Andy Wells to the PUB is akin to appointing Charlton Heston to the Coalition for Gun Control.

Valentines Movies

Over the next few days I give you some Valentine Movie suggestions:

• "Crossing Delancey", 1988. Starring Amy Irving and Peter Riegert in a romantic comedy about two people falling in love in New York with the help of matchmaker. It is just a feel good movie.
• "Return to Me", 2000. Starring David Duchovny and Minnie Driver. Duchovny plays a widower who is mourning the loss of his wife and falls for Driver who has received a special gift from Duchovny's dead wife.

I'll be back with more suggestions tomorrow.

Monday News Update

Good morning...I hope you had a more restful weekend than I. A birthday party for my six year old and 24 of his closest friends, and a dog with a wonky stomach at 2 and 4 am Sunday morning does not make for a well-rested Stew.



The Grammys (click link for winners) were on last night and some highlights for me included Kayne West's performance and Tina Turner showing she has still got it at 68, performing Proud Mary with Beyonce. The Grammy's are famous for their WTF moments and last night was no exception. How about Rihanna and Prince sharing the same hairstyle or the fact that Herbie Hancock won album of the year. Hancock's win ranks up their with Jethro Tull winning for best Heavy Metal or 'Smells like Teen Spirit" (one of the must influential songs of all time) losing Best Rock Song to Eric Clapton acoustic version of Layla (a song that first came out twenty plus years earlier!!!).



Another music awards show took place last night, the ECMA's (click link for list of winners). I know that an awful lot of work goes into planning this event and it is always a top notch show but why would they put it up against the Grammy's!!! Why not have it the same weekend but put it off on Saturday or move it to another weekend all together. Any buzz that was generated is being swallowed up by the Grammy's. Add to the fact that this year's ECMA's was not televised you would have to call thsi years event a washout. This does not even take into account that Newfoundland (my home province) was shut out of the awards for the first time in a number of years!! Time for the ECMA's to get innovative and figure out a way to make their showcase event more than just a regional news story.



And some sad new this morning Roy Scheider died at the age of 75. The star of Jaws to me was one of the actors who I thought should have been a bigger star. Some of my favorite Scheider movies included Blue Thunder and All That Jazz.



Your weekend Box Office Results are:



1. "Fools Gold," $22 million.

2. "Welcome Home Roscoe Jenkins," $17.1 million.

3. "Hannah Montanna and Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds," $10.5 million.

4. "The Eye," $6.6 million.

5. "Juno," $5.73 million.

6. "27 Dresses," $5.7 million.

7. "The Bucket List," $5.3 million.

8. "Rambo," $4.1 million.

9. "Meet the Spartans," $4.075 million.

10. "There Will Be Blood," $4.073 million.

Friday Afternoon Shoot 'em Up!!!

Direct Hits...

• Lost. The new season has me on the edge of my seat. Conflict, mystery, answers and new questions, and action. What more can you want from a show!


• Online music site Finetune. This site lets up pick up to three songs from an artist and add them to a playlist. The only drawback is that playlists must have at least 45 songs before they play. But once you get into it, it's better than radio. I have setup six different playlists including movie songs, guitar rock, and the 80's. Better than radio.


• The trading of Shaq from the Heat to the Suns. Anytime a star of his magnitude gets traded it always makes for great fodder for the sports page.

Misses...

• Andy Wells using public opinion to justify staying in office. He didn't listen to public opinion when he was championing supermarkets or turning down crosswalks.
• Jonny Fairplay's quick exit from Survivor. I thought he was really going to stir up some trouble but babbled on about his daughter-to-be and how he wants to go home. Keep in mind even though he is kicked out of the tribe he cannot go home for the next 39 days anyway!

• Old man winter. I am so sick of this winter. I feel like I am living that Expedia commercial.