Duckburg Gazette

It's that time of year again when we celebrate, remember and recognize a great man and pioneer in US History. Dr. King's vision of our future seems like it is finally coming to light although we still have a very long way to go. Tomorrow will start a new era in US History as the new President Elect is sworn in.

Weekly Update:
Kind of a slow week last week but that is fine by me. The heat sure picked up again and doesn't look like it will cool down anytime soon. I hear the rest of the country is getting hit hard with bad weather, especially the NorthEast where the temperatures are so slow they could kill if not properly prepared for it. And here I am in my t-shirt and shorts with the windows open ... give me some rain at least for a bit. Besides that, I should have my "Worst of and Best of 2008" out this week so to the handful of loyal readers, be on the look out for it. Should be fun to check out.

At the movies:
Semi-Funny takes the box office crown this holiday weekend as Paul Blart: Mall Cop earns a big 39 million for the 4-days. In at a very close #2 is "Gran Torino" with an additional 26.2 mil. New at #3 is the thriller My Bloody Valentine 3D with 24.2 mil. This title is a bit incorrect because apparently there were more standard 2D screens than 3D screens out there with this film. Not sure if it could have done better or not if the screens were out there. New at a close #4 spot is Notorious with 24 mil. Rounding off the top 5 is the family film Hotel For Dogs with 22.5 mil to open.

Quote of the week:
"Am I the only one who finds it strange that our government so often adopts a so-called solution that has absolutely nothing to do with the problem it is supposed to address?" - Al Gore

I have not seen "Gran Torino" but my friends say its "ok" and nothing to special. A few too slow moments but its a good movie, just not great.

Other News:
Two very sad moments this past week as two film/TV legends pass away. The first is Patrick McGoohan of "The Prisoner" fame died on Tuesday after a short illness. The name might not sound familiar but I remember him best as his role of King Edward Longshanks in the 1995 film "Braveheart" with Mel Gibson. McGoohan was only 80. On Wednesday morning, another great Film and TV actor died in his home. Mexican-born actor Ricardo Montalban of TV's "Fantasy Island" fame died with no given cause of death. Montalban was best known for two roles in my book; first being Mr. Roarke from the wish-fulling show "Fantasy Island" and as the genius villain Khan from both the Star Trek TV show and "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan." I often imitate William Shatner's words from that film when in moments of angst screaming, "KHHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaann!" Ricardo was only 88. These two great talents will be missed deeply.

Facts & Tips:
Penguins have an organ above their eyes that converts seawater to fresh water.

"Fighter planes are no place for little boys." - Richard Hatch as Captain Apollo in the TV Movie "Battlestar Galactica."