Rest In Peace: Ken Ober & MTV’s Remote Control

Ken Ober - Host of MTV's Remote Control 1980's Game Show
Ken Ober - Host of MTV's Remote Control 1980's Game Show

Well, another part of my childhood is gone. Ken Ober, host of the 1980’s MTV game show, Remote Control , died on Sunday, November 15th. He was 52. It was an awesome game show/party from back when MTV was awesome and original. Adam Sandler and Colin Quinn were regulars on the show. Anyways, I’ve gathered a collection of pictures of Ken Ober and all things Remote Control. It’s like a picture tribute to a man and a show that was the funniest of its day. I hope you enjoy them.

Ken Ober - MTV's Remote Control Game Show Host
Ken Ober - MTV's Remote Control Game Show Host
MTV Remote Control at Home Board Game
MTV Remote Control at Home Board Game
Bonus Round on MTV Remote Control
Bonus Round on MTV Remote Control
MTV Remote Control Needs Contestants Flier Ad
MTV Remote Control Needs Contestants Flier Ad
Ken Ober on set at MTV's Remote Control Game Show
Ken Ober on set at MTV's Remote Control Game Show
MTV Remote Control Logo
MTV Remote Control Logo
Nintendo Game: MTV's Remote Control
Nintendo Game: MTV's Remote Control
Nintendo Game Screenshot: MTV's Remote Control
Nintendo Game Screenshot: MTV's Remote Control
MTV Remote Control T-Shirt
MTV Remote Control T-Shirt
Ken Ober - Host of MTV's Remote Control 1980's Game Show
Ken Ober - Host of MTV's Remote Control 1980's Game Show
Ken Ober on MTV's Remote Control (Sing Along With...)
Ken Ober on MTV's Remote Control (Sing Along With...)
Ken Ober on MTV's Remote Control (Wheel of Jeopardy)
Ken Ober on MTV's Remote Control (Wheel of Jeopardy)

RIP, Ken. We’ll miss you. Thanks for all the great memories.

Eva Mendes & Calvin Klein Team Up for Sexy Billboard in SoHo, NYC

Controversy: Eva Mendes & Calvin Klein team up for this sexy billboard in SoHo, NYC
Controversy: Eva Mendes & Calvin Klein team up for this sexy billboard in SoHo, NYC

Remember this controversial, sexy Calvin Klein billboard? Well, it seems Calvin Klein is at it again in SoHo, NYC. Only this time the billboard ad features superhot Eva Mendes. And. She. Is. Hot. This billboard covers the entire side of a building at the corner of Houston Street and Lafayette Street in SoHo. I’m booking a flight right now. I’ve gotta go see this in real life. And what’s with the controversy? What’s wrong with beautiful people selling products? In fact, what’s wrong with half-naked people using their sexual energy and passion in a billboard advertisement to sell products for a company that makes sexy products? Isn’t that smart marketing and advertising? I guess that’s just the way it is. Like Tupac said.

BTW, this is not the first controversial CK ad featuring Eva Mendes. Previously, Eva was featured in a CK commercial for the Calvin Klein fragrance, Secret Obsession. The ad was pulled in the US, but you can see it here (thanks to the miracle of YouTube).

Balloon Boy Meme Hits the Interwebs!

I don’t know about you, but I like memes. Yesterday’s Balloon Boy news created a great scenario for a meme. And wouldn’t you know it, the Balloon Boy Meme is official. Falcon Henne of Fort Collins, Colorado is a star. And even though we know it was a hoax, the meme is still pretty funny. Enjoy!

I want to believe (Balloon Boy Meme)
I want to believe (Balloon Boy Meme)
Thank you! But your child is in another hot air balloon. (Balloon Boy Meme)
Thank you! But your child is in another hot air balloon. (Balloon Boy Meme)
To infinity and beyond! (Balloon Boy Meme)
To infinity and beyond! (Balloon Boy Meme)
Go Falcon, Go! (Balloon Boy Meme)
Go Falcon, Go! (Balloon Boy Meme)
Fresh Prince Theme Song (Balloon Boy Meme)
Fresh Prince Theme Song (Balloon Boy Meme)
Fresh Prince Theme Song (Balloon Boy Meme)
Fresh Prince Theme Song (Balloon Boy Meme)
Grounded (Balloon Boy Meme)
Grounded (Balloon Boy Meme)
I just wanted to do hoodrat stuff with my friends. (Balloon Boy Meme)
I just wanted to do hoodrat stuff with my friends. (Balloon Boy Meme)
Yo Balloon Kid, Imma let you finish, but Baby Jessica was the best... (Balloon Boy Meme)
Yo Balloon Kid, Imma let you finish, but Baby Jessica was the best... (Balloon Boy Meme)
Meghan McCain's boobs (Balloon Boy Meme)
Meghan McCain's boobs (Balloon Boy Meme)
Never Forget 10/15/2009 (Balloon Boy Meme)
Never Forget 10/15/2009 (Balloon Boy Meme)
Oh hai! (Balloon Boy Meme)
Oh hai! (Balloon Boy Meme)
You got punk'd! (Balloon Boy Meme)
You got punk'd! (Balloon Boy Meme)
Inquisitive Raptor (Balloon Boy Meme)
Inquisitive Raptor (Balloon Boy Meme)
Twitter Status Update (Balloon Boy Meme)
Twitter Status Update (Balloon Boy Meme)
Disney Pixar - Up (Balloon Boy Meme)
Disney Pixar - Up (Balloon Boy Meme)
I heard you like balloons, so.... (Balloon Boy Meme)
I heard you like balloons, so.... (Balloon Boy Meme)

How about that?!?!! Balloon Boy is a hit!

2009 Neiman Marcus Christmas Book Catalog Out Now!

Hey folks! It’s that time of year again. Yes, the Neiman Marcus Christmas Book is now available online. I have taken a look through the 160-page online Christmas catalog, and here are my favorite 3 items for sale.

1. One His & Hers ICON A5 Sports Aircraft and Pilot Training for Two ($250,000)

His & Hers ICON A5 Sports Aircraft and Pilot Training for Two ($250,000)
His & Hers ICON A5 Sports Aircraft and Pilot Training for Two ($250,000)

I’ve never seen anything quite like this. I want 2 of them. In fact, I want one of them for each of my 5 best friends, so we can race them! From the official ICON A5 page on the Neiman Marcus website, here are 10 WOW! factors for this aircraft:

  • An amphibious hull and landing gear to take off and land just as easily on water as on land.
  • The ability to run on automotive gasoline or aviation fuel.
  • A sexy, streamlined two-seat interior with intuitive controls, including
  • FAA-approved flight instrumentation and
  • a state-of-the-art GPS system, so you don’t get lost.
  • A range of 345 land miles or 300 nautical miles.
  • A next-generation lightweight carbon fiber frame.
  • Spy-movie wings that rotate up and fold back out of the way.
  • Removable side windows to dangle your arms out into the wind and sun.
  • A custom, high-tech trailer for fast and easy loading and unloading from land or water.
His & Hers ICON A5 Sports Aircraft and Pilot Training for Two ($250,000)
His & Hers ICON A5 Sports Aircraft and Pilot Training for Two ($250,000)

2. Customized Cupcake Car ($25,000)

Neiman Marcus Christmas Book: Customized Cupcake Car ($25,000)
Neiman Marcus Christmas Book: Customized Cupcake Car ($25,000)

The Customized Cupcake Car is #2 on my Christmas List by virtue of its WTF??!!?! nature. I mean, I would love to “…Bring it to work and buzz the breakroom. Crash parades! Putter about the ‘hood…” My only concern involves transporting this cupcake from point A to point B. I guess I’d have to purchase a truck. In fact, maybe I could get a matching truck. A boy can dream, right?

Neiman Marcus Christmas Book: Customized Cupcake Car ($25,000)
Neiman Marcus Christmas Book: Customized Cupcake Car ($25,000)

3. Neiman Marcus Metal Arts C.F. Martin Guitar and Case ($12,000)

Neiman Marcus Metal Arts C.F. Martin Acoustic Guitar and Case ($12,000)
Neiman Marcus Metal Arts C.F. Martin Acoustic Guitar and Case ($12,000)

Now this is what I’m talking about. I love guitars. And I love Martin acoustic guitars. Naturally, I would love to own the $12,000 Neiman Marcus “Metal Arts” Martin Guitar and Case. Actually, $12,000 is not too bad for a custom C.F. Martin acoustic guitar. Out of all the big items in the catalog, this one is probably the most logical for me. It’s a custom music instrument whose value will increase over time. Count me in!

Neiman Marcus Metal Arts C.F. Martin Acoustic Guitar and Case ($12,000)
Neiman Marcus Metal Arts C.F. Martin Acoustic Guitar and Case ($12,000)

Well, enjoy the upcoming Christmas holidays. And if you find some awesome gifts out there, send them to me. I’ll review them. And keep them.

Kanye West Meme Pictures Flood the Internet

The Kanye West interruption during Taylor Swift’s VMA acceptance speech was terrible. America is hating that guy right now, even after he went on Jay Leno and apologized. But what’s done is done. And here are some of the Kanye West meme pictures that are making their way around the internet right now.

Kanye West interrupts Abraham Lincoln at Gettysburg
Kanye West interrupts Abraham Lincoln at Gettysburg
Kanye West interrupts Kanye West
Kanye West interrupts Kanye West
Kanye West interrupts Liu Kang in Mortal Combat
Kanye West interrupts Liu Kang in Mortal Combat
Kanye West interrupts Neil Armstrong on the Moon
Kanye West interrupts Neil Armstrong on the Moon
Kanye West interrupts the Titanic as it sinks
Kanye West interrupts the Titanic as it sinks

Kanye West obviously doesn’t understand the concept of ‘too soon…’:

Kanye West interrupts Patrick Swayze
Kanye West interrupts Patrick Swayze

Oh no! It looks like Kanye’s interruption has influenced Mario, as he interrupts Toad:

Mario interrupts Toad
Mario interrupts Toad
Kanye West interrupts Anne Frank
Kanye West interrupts Anne Frank
Kanye West interrupts the Apple Mac guy
Kanye West interrupts the Apple Mac guy
Kanye West interrupts Coner Oberst (Bright Eyes)
Kanye West interrupts Coner Oberst (Bright Eyes)
Kanye West interrupts Edward Cullen from Twilight
Kanye West interrupts Edward Cullen from Twilight
Kanye West interrupts God during Genesis
Kanye West interrupts God during Genesis
Kanye West interrupts Hurricane Ike
Kanye West interrupts Hurricane Ike
Kanye West interrupts Martin Luther King, Jr
Kanye West interrupts Martin Luther King, Jr
Kanye West interrupts Pink during a trapeze act
Kanye West interrupts Pink during a trapeze act
Kanye West interrupts Rocky Balboa
Kanye West interrupts Rocky Balboa
Kanye West interrupts Spider-Man
Kanye West interrupts Spider-Man
Kanye West interrupts Hiroshima bomb
Kanye West interrupts Hiroshima bomb
Kanye West interrupts Nickelback
Kanye West interrupts Nickelback
Kanye West interrupts President Obama
Kanye West interrupts President Obama
Kanye West interrupts Battle of Iwo Jima
Kanye West interrupts Battle of Iwo Jima
Kanye West interrupts Lee Harvey Oswald
Kanye West interrupts Lee Harvey Oswald

More to come as I find them!

Taco Bell Chihuahua, Gidget, Dies at 15

Taco Bell Chihuahua - Gidget the Dog says "Yo quiero Taco Bell!"
Taco Bell Chihuahua - Gidget the Dog says "Yo quiero Taco Bell!"

Well, folks. It turns out that the 2009 Summer of Death is not slowing down. Gidget, the Chihuahua dog from the late-1990’s Taco Bell ad campaign Yo quiero Taco Bell, has died from a stroke at the age of 15. Obviously, this is a sad day for everyone. Famous for saying “Yo quiero Taco Bell!” and “Hey, Leezard!” – Gidget made everyone happy, and she will be missed.

Maybe it was a conspiracy. I mean, one day she’s fine, and the next day she’s dead. Sounds fishy to me. Maybe Taco Bueno or Taco Cabana is responsible for Gidget’s death. Just kidding! But I’m sure there are some conspiracy theorists out there who might think that foul play was involved here. In all seriousness, Gidget was 15-years-old and she was sleeping most of the day. That’s old for a dog. She had a great life and put smiles on everyone’s faces. We’ll miss her.

I remember the original Yo Quiero Taco Bell! commercial from 1997:

In my opinion, this ad campaign was one of the best marketing campaigns in my lifetime. RIP, Gidget the Chihuahua.

Video: Michael Jackson’s Hair Catches Fire in 1984 Pepsi Commercial

This is the never-before-seen video from the January 27, 1984 Pepsi Commercial where Michael Jackson’s hair caught on fire. This footage was released today, and I’m pretty sure it’s the first time anyone has seen the video footage of the horrific pyrotechnics accident that caused second and third degree burns on Michael Jackson’s head and scalp.

Sources close to Jackson have claimed he was never the same after the 1984 accident.

One said: “His personality totally changed after that incident as drugs began to influence his life.

“He was 25 and full of life before then but after that everything changed. (TheSun.co.uk)

Michael Jackson's Hair Caught Fire During the Filming of a 1984 Pepsi Commercial
Michael Jackson's Hair Caught Fire During the Filming of a 1984 Pepsi Commercial

Apparently this was the event that also led to Michael’s use of painkillers. Of course, after reading many of the news stories from the past few weeks, we all know that painkillers became an addiction for Michael. And that’s a shame. I wonder how the last 25 years would have gone for him if this accident had never happened.

The mystery surrounding Michael’s life, death and use of prescription drugs grows by the day. Here is a link to some exclusive pictures of Michael’s legs in 2002: ABC News. In these photos, you can see a terrible wound on Michael’s lower leg as well as multiple puncture points from IV needles. Jeez. This man had it rough. I’m glad he is in a better place and no longer in pain.

2009 Summer of Death Continues as Oscar Mayer Dies at 95

Well folks, the Summer of 2009 is turning into the Summer of Death. Here’s a list of notable deaths so far this summer:

  • Michael Jackson
  • Farrah Fawcett
  • Ed McMahon
  • Billy Mays
  • Steve McNair
  • Robert S. McNamara
  • Arturo Gatti
  • Karl Malden
  • Gale Storm
  • David Carradine
  • Oscar G. Mayer, Jr.
  • Gidget, the Taco Bell Chihuahua
  • Walter Cronkite
  • Lester William Polfuss (aka Les Paul)
Oscar G. Mayer Jr.
Oscar G. Mayer Jr.

And we can add another well-known figure to that list as retired Oscar Mayer Foods President and Chairman Oscar G. Mayer Jr. has died at the age of 95. He passed away on July 8, 2009 at Hospice Care in Fitchburg, Wisconsin. Mr. Mayer was the third Oscar Mayer to run the Oscar Mayer Foods company. He was the grandson of the original Oscar Mayer, and he had been named named company president in 1928.

Oscar Mayer Wienermobile
Oscar Mayer Wienermobile

Oscar G. Mayer retired from the company in 1977, after Oscar Mayer Foods had posted it’s first $1 billion dollar year. After his first wife passed away in 1998, he married Geraldine Fitzpatrick. And I’m not sure if this is true, but some reports claim that Geraldine was only 21-years-old when they married. He was 85. Again, I’m not sure if that’s true, but it would certainly add to his legacy.

According to TMZ, Oscar’s funeral wish was for the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile to not be present at his funeral. Now that would be a sight. Just imagine a processional led by the Wienermobile.

Oscar Mayer Wienermobile in 1936
Oscar Mayer Wienermobile in 1936

Video: Running of the Bulls Death in Pamplona, Spain (July 2009)

Caution: The video contains graphic images.

Daniel Jimeno Romero, 27, of Alcala de Henares (near Madrid) was gored in today’s Running of the Bulls in Pamplona, Spain. According to eye-witness accounts, Mr. Jimeno Romero was moving backwards, facing an oncoming bull named Cappuccino. This rogue bull had been separated from the herd. Daniel Jimeno Romero then tripped over some other runners, and he falls to the ground. While trying to retreat feet-first under the wooden fence, the bull gored him in the neck. The puncture extended to his lung, and the bleeding was immediately profuse.

It’s the first death at the event since 1995, when 22-year-old American Matthew Tassio was gored to death during the running of the bulls. Also, in 2003 Fermin Etxeberri, a 63-year-old Spaniard, was trampled by a bull during the running of the bulls. He was actually trampled in the head, and then he died later that year after spending months in a coma.

Since they began keeping records in 1924, there have been 15 deaths at the Running of the Bulls during the san Fermin Festival in Pamplona, Spain.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Daniel Jimeno Romero, his friends and family.

Update:

  • Picture of paramedics working on Daniel Jimeno Romero at LA Times (link)
  • July 12, 2009: Ten more hurt in Pamplona bull run (link)
Runner Survives Being Gored by Bull in Pamplona's Running of the Bulls 2009
Runner Survives Being Gored by Bull in Pamplona's Running of the Bulls 2009
  • Holy Shit! This guy was gored in the chest – and he survived! (link)

British Scientists Create Human Sperm Using Stem Cells, All Men Now Redundant

In an ironic turn of events that will eliminate the need for human males, British scientists claim that they have created human sperm using embryonic stem cells. This move makes all men redundant – even the male scientists who helped with the project! Forward-thinking Fail? Owned by the female researchers on the team? I dunno, but those dudes definitely had a fast one pulled on them. Imagine your boss asks you to create a computerized robot that does your job. And imagine that you do it. Do you know what happens next? You get a raise, right? Nope. Of course you never saw it coming, but you get the old “Smell ya later!” from your boss. So let’s all give a big hand to these British scientists. Nice work.

But seriously, according to an article at breitbart.com:

A team of British scientists claimed Wednesday to have created human sperm using embryonic stem cells, in a medical first that they say will lead to a better understanding of fertility.

The team of researchers, led by Professor Karim Nayernia, believe their work with in-vitro derived (IVD) sperm will ultimately help find a treatment for infertility in men. That’s pretty cool, right? Their angle is that they will be gaining a better idea of what causes infertility in men and why it happens. There are so many couples out there right now who cannot have kids because of infertility. This breakthrough will hopefully make infertility in men an issue no longer.

Well that post wrapped up nicely.

But wait a minute! Imagine if infertility was no longer an issue. By how much would the human population expand? And how quickly? Sometimes our little blue planet feels a little crowded as it is. Imagine if everyone could have kids. I wonder what that would do to the overall human population on Earth.

I once read a brief summary of Darwin’s Theory of Evolution. The part that interested me most was the part about reproduction. Agiweb.org sums it up nicely:

Organisms produce more offspring than the environment can support. All living things produce more individuals than can survive to maturity. Think of the thousands of acorns that one mature oak tree produces every year. A female salmon produces about 28,000,000 eggs when spawning. One oyster can produce 114,000,000 eggs in a single spawning. Darwin calculated that in elephants, which are among the slowest breeding land mammals, if all of the potential young of a single female survived and reproduced at the same rate, after 750 years the descendants of this single mother could number 19,000,000! Clearly, if all of these seeds, eggs, and young survived to become adults who also reproduced, the world would soon be overrun with oak trees, salmon, oysters, and elephants.

Is infertility a built-in form of population control across every life form on Earth? To put it another way, did God make it that way for a reason? What if every living organism could reproduce? Would 2 elephants turn into 19 million elephants within 750 years? What about humans? The whole Darwin/Evolution/God issue brings up strong political and religious emotions, so I’ll move on. I’m sure I have offended everyone with this post. But whether it’s offensive or not, it is still an interesting topic to ponder.