Awesome CM Punk Interview on GQ.com

GQ.com has posted a brilliant four-page interview with WWE Superstar CM Punk. It’s a long and excellent read that covers all sorts of topics. Obviously Punk has been getting a ton of attention for his current “I’m quitting!” angle, but the interview covers several “real” topics as well. I highly, highly recommend reading the whole thing. For now, here are four of my favorite clips.

On pro-wrestling being one of America’s biggest contributions to the world:

It’s truly, I believe, one of the only art forms that America has actually given to the world, besides jazz and comic books.

On a potential match with “Stone Cold” Steve Austin:

I think the biggest match any wrestling company can do right now is C.M. Punk vs. Stone Cold Steve Austin. I’ve thought that since I was 15. I’m straight edge. I don’t drink. I don’t do drugs. I don’t smoke. And that is the perfect protagonist or antagonist to Stone Cold Steve Austin, depending on how you want to spin it. It writes itself. You would have to try really, really hard to fuck that one up.

On underutilized talent in WWE:

There’s plenty of guys and girls in house that are super-talented that we don’t do enough with. A guy like Evan Bourne, who’s a fantastic high-flyer, does the most fantastic stuff on the roster. I could go on: Kofi Kingston, Dolph Ziggler, Beth Phoenix. There’s Nattie Neidhart, Tyson Kidd. Tyson Kidd is a fantastic wrestler, maybe not the greatest promo. So let’s help him. Let’s teach him to get better instead of signing someone from Europe who failed at Euro football.

On his close friend and former tag-team partner Colt Cabana (Scotty Goldman) getting fired from WWE:

I was really bummed when Cabana got fired. I didn’t feel like it was my fault, but maybe there was something that I could’ve or should’ve done to prevent it. He’s a super-talented guy. I’m brutally honest; he knows that. I can look at him and be like, “Maybe trim up, work out harder, do more cardio.” But when he’s in the ring, he’s the most entertaining guy. A company slogan is “We put smiles on people’s faces.” That’s what that guy does, and he does it with his wrestling style. It’s amazing. I was so bummed when he got fired because I want the best for my friends. If I could somehow trade places with him, I probably would, just so he could experience what I have. He deserves it.

Seriously, go read this interview now (please)!

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Netflix Hits Nintendo 3DS, 3D Content Coming Soon

Netflix has launched a client for the Nintendo 3DS portable gaming console. Considering that Netflix is already available on all sorts of platforms, that seems like a fairly ho-hum announcement. That said, there is one notable facet of the announcement — Nintendo announced 3D content on Netflix before Netflix did. Here’s a clip from the press release:

The new Netflix application for Nintendo 3DS displays movies and TV episodes in 2D on the system’s upper screen. Users will soon have access to an additional library of select movies that can be viewed in 3D without the need for special glasses.

For fans of 3D movies, the 3DS could be a compelling option for Netflix on-the-go. It will be interesting to see if other mobile 3D products, like the Android-powered LG G-Slate on T-Mobile, will be pulling from the same content pool as the 3DS or if Nintendo has some degree exclusivity.

I know that most of you aren’t into the 3Ds and that most of you aren’t into 3D movies, but I have to ask if 3D Netflix content on the Nintendo 3DS interests you. Would you use Netflix on your 3DS? Or are you satisfied with mobile Netflix on your Android or iOS device?

Three Awesome Game of Thrones Music Performances

Let’s celebrate the release of George R.R. Martin’s A Dance with Dragons by listening to these three awesome performances of the intro to Game of Thrones. First up is a slick acoustic mix. Next is a classical performance using acoustic and electric violin sounds. Capping it off is a rock version featuring heavy drums and electric guitar.

If you have a chance to listen to all three tracks, please let me know which one is your favorite. Thanks to Joey and Parisi for sharing these on Google+!

Kenny Powers: K-Swiss MFCEO!!!

I first watched it while I was still in Hawaii, but this K-Swiss viral marketing video starring Eastbound and Down’s Kenny Powers (Danny McBride) is too good not to discuss with y’all. This star-studded commercial features cameos by Michael Bay, Matt Cassel, Jillian Michaels, Jon Bones Jones, Rey Mysterio, Josh Cox, Mark Cuban, and Patrick Willis.

As a former tennis junkie, I’ve loved K-Swiss products since I was a teenager. However, the company always had this uppity Euro vibe. Using a character like Kenny Powers to make it cool and edgy is just awesome. What do you think of the video? What’s your favorite clip?

Today’s Poll: What Do You Think of Netflix’s New Pricing?

Netflix recently announced some upcoming changes to its subscription rates. The old $19.99 plan that included unlimited streaming and DVD rentals will die. Unlimited streaming will continue for $7.99 a month, while unlimited DVD rentals will cost $15.99 per month. If you currently enjoy streaming and renting discs then your monthly cost will rise to $23.98 starting September 1, 2011.

I know that most of you are Netflix subscribers, but I don’t know if you’re all about streaming or if you also rent physical media. What do you think of the new Netflix plans? Kindly take today’s poll and explain your choice in the comments section!

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Watch CM Punk Cut the Best Promo of 2011

I was amazed by CM Punk’s promo on last night’s episode of Monday Night Raw. He expertly blended real-life happenings with his current angle of “leaving” the WWE. Not only was it clearly the best promo of 2011, but it was also one of the best I’ve seen in years. Highlights include:

  • Emphasizing the word “wrestling” — a word WWE doesn’t like to use anymore
  • Mentioning not having a crappy show on the USA network
  • Saying that he’s a Paul Heyman guy, like Brock Lesnar
  • Talking about bringing the WWE Championship to Ring of Honor
  • Saying hello to his close friend Colt Cabana, a renowned indie wrestler that was horribly misused when he wrestled in the WWE as Scotty Goldman
  • Blasting WWE head of talent relations John Laurinaitis for being a nonsensical yes-man
  • Saying that WWE has no future after Vince McMahon dies because the company will be taken over by Vince’s idiotic daughter (Stephanie) and his doofus son-in-law (Triple H)

Punk created a ton of Internet buzz and sold people on his upcoming PPV match against John Cena with a fantastic promo. I know that a few of you are down on Punk because of his size, but he’s a superior technical wrestler and, as he showed last night, magic on the mic. Brilliant, brilliant stuff.

Scarlett Johansson, Jennifer Aniston Get Hollywood Stars

The Hollywood Walk of Fame has announced the latest entertainers to get their very own stars on the world famous Hollywood sidewalk. The list is lead by hotties Scarlett Johansson and Jennifer Aniston (in my head anyway). Naturally I saw this announcement as an opportunity to post sexy photos! Other honorees include the late, great Richard Burton, D&D fan Vin Diesel, Matt Groening, and Adam West. Here’s the full list from E!:

Movies

  • Jennifer Aniston
  • Vin Diesel
  • Scarlett Johansson
  • John Lasseter
  • Malcolm McDowell
  • Sumner Redstone
  • Kate Winslet
  • Richard Burton (posthumous)

TV

  • Valerie Bertinelli
  • Matt Groening
  • Mariska Hargitay
  • Patricia Heaton
  • Marg Helgenberger
  • Walter Koenig
  • Adam West

Music

  • Pepe Aguilar
  • AMERICA
  • Boyz II Men
  • Hal David
  • David Foster
  • Vince Gill
  • Jennifer Lopez
  • Ann and Nancy Wilson (Heart)
  • Barry White (posthumous)

Radio

  • Ellen K.

Now onto the photos!

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Game of Thrones Finale Discussion

What did you ladies and gents think of last night’s Game of Thrones season one finale? How about the season as a whole? As for me, I absolutely loved it. The show was the sweetest television surprise of 2011. For years I’ve been listening to several friends rave about the books. The series made me start reading them. Although there are significant changes and alterations in the TV adaptation, I still love the show.

Now here are some random thoughts on the finale and season one. Spoilers ahead!

– I keep watching the scene where Samwell gets clipped by the tree while chasing after Jon on a horse. His girlish scream cracks me up.

– My friend that has only watched two episodes came over for the finale last night. In the closing scene I commented on how cute the dragons looked. He was wondering why I was focusing on the dragons instead of naked Daenerys. She’s been naked so many times in the series that this bit of nudity was lost on me. She looked super cute though…but I want a baby dragon!

– The actor that plays Tywin Lannister is cool, but I keep seeing him as the villain in Last Action Hero. He will always be that guy to me, similar to how Bill Pullman will always be Lonestar and Lou Diamond Phillips will always be La Bamba.

– One thing I didn’t like was clearly stating that Renly and Loras were lovers. In the books it’s implied somewhat subtly. In the show the pair have a manscaping and fellatio scene. In some ways it reminded me of how heavy-handed the Watchmen movie was — as if the director thought viewers were too stupid to pick up the subtleties of the comics. I’d like to think that people are smarter than that…but I have been wrong before.

– For me, Tyrion Lannister was the star of season one. Peter Dinklage did a marvelous job conveying the complexities of the character. He’s funny, vulnerable, capable, unsure, wise, a drunk, and a whore monger all at the same time. He has so many of the best lines in the series. Explaining his fondness for “cripples, bastards, and broken things” and telling Shagga son of Dolf how he envisions dying are two examples of two very different ways Dinklage masterfully entertained.

– The relationship between Khal Drogo and Daenerys starts off very differently in the books. Part of me wants to think it was changed due to time constraints, but part of me believes it was changed because of that whole “director/writer thinks viewers are too stupid” thing. In the show it seemed like Dany went from being raped to being in love way too quickly.

– Kit Harrington is doing a good job playing Jon Snow, but in my head the character is better looking. Considering his true lineage — or the one that many readers are guessing — he should be studly.

– Grand Maester Pycelle’s calisthenics scene in the finale seemed completely unnecessary to me.

– Varys is probably the only character I’m really disappointed with. Conleth Hill is doing a great job portraying him as a shifty bastard with questionable allegiances, but I miss the whole master-of-disguise thing from the books.

Anyway, that’s enough random thoughts from me. Kindly share some of your own. I’d love to hear what you have to say about Game of Thrones season one.

Watch Cliffy B Talk Gears of War 3 on Jimmy Fallon!

Here’s a clip of Epic Games’ Cliff Bleszinski showing off Gears of War 3 on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. I’m so, so, so jazzed by this clip for several reasons. As some of you know, Cliff and I used to be tight back in the day and I’m so proud of his success. Secondly, my friend Gavin is a producer for Late Night. He’s one of the original G4 peeps and a super-nice guy. I’m proud of his success too.

Anyway, awesome gentlemen aside, the game rocks! Check out Fallon’s reactions as he plays Gears of War 3.

Ned Stark / Boromir (Sean Bean) Stabbed in a Bar Fight

Master thespian Sean Bean (Ned Stark in Game of Thrones, Boromir in The Lord of the Rings) was recently stabbed in a bar fight protecting the honor of his lady. According to Perez Hilton, Bean was out with Playboy bunny April Summers (hot photo below!) when a drunken patron insulted her. The ensuing scuffle led to Bean being stabbed in the arm with a shard of broken glass. Now here’s the completely cool part:

However, he ultimately REFUSED medical attention, and merely borrowed the bar’s first aid kit, and then ORDERED ANOTHER DRINK!

Ned Stark is my hero…for the reasons above and below.

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