Athias

I watched the first episode of NETFLIX's sequel to "That 70's Show" with the intention of just watching the first episode since Topher Grace, Laura Prepon,  Ashton Kutcher, and Mila Kunis were slated to make cameo appearances in just the first episode. I loved the first episode not as a kick-start to "That 90's Show" but as a bit of closure and homage to the events of "That 70's Show." Eric naming his daughter "Leia [Tatooine] Forman" was absolutely hilarious. I also loved that Eric maintained his quick and dry wit, as well as his nerdy demeanor. I loved the running joke of having Donna carry all the luggage, and Eric's obliviousness to his lack of manliness. One of the best parts was in Eric's "foot-in-ass" threat to his daughter while his father Red stands witness, exclaiming "I have never been prouder." I also liked Kelso's and Jackie's cameos, especially that they've been married and divorced several times--alluding to their on-and-off relationship during "That 70's Show." Overall, a really well done episode. But I don't have any intention to watch the rest of the season.

Thoughts?

So on Tuesday/Wednesday (depending on which coast you live) LeBron James reached a milestone in his career: He broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's 38 year record of 38,387 cumulative points scored in an NBA career. In a span of 20 years, LeBron has amassed championships, all-star appearances, regular season MVPs and Finals MVPs. And now he adds the all-time scoring to what has already been an illustrious career. Congratulations LeBron James, you're almost the greatest of all time.

Thoughts?

Since you're preoccupied with your ranking, I thought I'd challenge you to an informal rap battle, here, where you can operate in a "safe space." I understand that you're not ready for all that smoke, and it takes a grown man to admit that. And since you've already admitted that I would win in spite of my "simple flow"--knowing full well that you "won" our last contest because armoredcat was in his feelings about the subject we argued the night before--this venue should suit you perfectly, since there are little to no consequences once you lose to me. Or will you continue to hide behind the delusion of your underappreciated esoteric lyrics?

How's that for conjuring up your hatred? If you agree, simply post a response confirming your participation. We can also select a group of informal judges if you'd like.

Who are your picks? Who do you think will win? Who do you want to win? How does this affect LeBron James? All answers are welcome.

I'm not sure what is allowed or how much I'm supposed to say in these nominations, but I'd like to nominate 3RU7AL for DebateArt President. I've spoken with and informed 3RU7AL of my intentions to throw his hat in this race. And to be frank, I normally wouldn't get involved in these sort of procedures as it relates to site management, but I sincerely couldn't imagine a better candidate for the job. 3RU7AL has actively tried to make this forum a better place whether it be his suggestions on the modification of voting rules, his suggestions on Civil Debates, but most prominently the example he sets through his own decorum, which have not only garnered my respect but that of many others. Not to mention, 3RU7AL has experience with site administration. 3RU7AL would be the only candidate (currently?) whose intentions with the office wouldn't be a residual of an effort to "seek authority" after failed attempts, or an expression of some nihilistic fervor to watch the site's rules burn. 3RU7AL in his time here has unfailingly shown respect not only to this site's moderation staff, but also to this site's members. And even when there's a disagreement with some of the measures taken by the moderation, 3RU7AL seeks an open forum to discuss them, not just poo-pooing on their authority. If the DebateArt Presidency is meant to be a serious position, then DebateArt could do no better than 3RU7AL.

Well, I recently got through NETFLIX's live action interpretation of the acclaimed 1998 series "Cowboy Bebop." Cowboy Bebop is my all-time favorite anime, and I'd been anticipating the live-action portrayal since it was announced several years ago. I have some mixed feelings about this now that I've seen it for myself, so I'll start off with some Pro's:

1. The setting, lighting, colors, and tone of the live action are gorgeous. If there was any justice done to this series, it would be to the aforementioned. Whether it was the Church that made its illustrious appearance at the end of the season, or New Tijuana in the beginning of the season, the theme park that served as setting for Spike and Mad Pierrot's showdown, or the inside of the Bebop, all were gorgeous. I even liked how they did the intro, the one accompanied by "Tank." I have absolutely no complaints.

2. The Music, Style, and Pacing were quite good. As I understand it, Yoko Kanno reprised her role as composer for this live-action adaptation which explains the reason the music was on point, and quite timely. Stylistically, I really liked it as well. I've loved the film-noir genre since I was a kid (e.g. "Detour," "the Killers," "Touch of Evil," etc.) And admittedly I have a bias for it. I also liked how the series was competent  in its capacity to alternate between comedic, dark, and poignant moods.

3. Mustafa Shakir. Now, I understand that as always, especially as it concerns live-action adaptations of beloved anime, there's an an issue of "-washing." Whether it was "Asian-washing" Spike Spiegel, or "Mexican-washing" Faye Valentine, or "white-washing" Edward, or even "Black-washing" Jet. (Thank goodness, Ein was spared.) And to some extent, I understand given that washing the characters come off more as pandering than anything integral or organic. With that said however, I never understood the online controversy with Jet's "Black-washing." Aficionados of the 1998 anime, especially the English Dub, with a bit of research would know that Jet was voiced by a so-called "Black" man. And Mustafa Shakir does a great job not only mimicking Jet's mannerisms, but his voice as well--even the inflections. Shakir's rendition of Jet's character is probably my favorite portrayal of the whole adaptation (second would be Edward in spite of her brief appearance.)

Now for the con's:

Vicious: No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, nononononononononononononononononononononononononono! NO! No, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, no, NO! What the hell were they thinking with this? Rather than the stoic, enigmatic, soft-spoken, serpent-like character of his anime incarnation, the live-action decides to flip the script, and portray Vicious as an overly-talkative, overly emotional, Wal-Mart version of Hugh Grant who's preoccupied with his father's approval. No, NO! This is one of the most egregious faux-pas of the live-action. I wanted to laugh, but I was so annoyed with this portrayal, I couldn't.

To be continued... (and trust me there's more!)

You can see the young girl recoil right after he does it. The video shows it several times at varying close-ups and speeds. And believe me, she wasn't his only target that evening. Yet another demonstration on how farcical the endorsement of politicians are, and the inconsistent moral economy the government allegedly represents. I mean, the mainstream media would rather cover Trump's "twitter fingers" than Biden's "toddler fingers."