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Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Thunder Buddies podcast: Previewing Game 7 of the Thunder-Warriors series

Golden State Warriors vs Oklahoma City Thunder - Game 3 - Full Highlights | 2016 NBA Playoffs

Welcome to the home of our Thunder Buddies podcast, named, in part, from Universal Studio"s highly-acclaimed comedy "Ted", but inspired by our continued hope for wall-to-wall coverage of the Thunder.

Below is our list of episodes (click the link to listen). If you prefer iTunes for your podcast listening experience, click here and subscribe. Hope you enjoy:

Thunder Buddies -- Game 7 Thunder-Warriors preview(<Click Here)-A winner-take-all Game 7 looms on Monday night in Oracle Arena. What"s at stake? How will Game 6"s collapse affect the Thunder? What are OKC"s realistic chances? We discuss.

"Roots" 2016 Cast, Airdate Schedule: Four-Part Miniseries Retells Kunta Kinte Story

2016 CONSCIOUS ROOTS ROCK REGGAE MIX (Chronixx, Sizzla, Vybz Kartel, Konshens, Mavado)

"Roots" 2016 miniseries, a remake of the iconic 1977 "Roots," has been released by A&E Network. LeVar Burton, part of the original "Roots" cast as Kunta Kinte, is back in the 2016 remake but as a co-executive producer this time, ensuring that the remake delivers the same message as the original.

Just like the original "Roots," the new "Roots 2016 miniseries follows the life of Kunta Kinte, the young Mandinka warrior who comes from Zambia, West Africa. The story is based on a 1976 novel by Alex Haley titled "Root: The Saga of an American Family," according to Wikipedia. Set in 1750 when slave trading is rampant, Kunta Kinte is abducted from his Africa homeland and sold as a slave in America.

"Roots" 2016 Cast - Meet Malachi Kirby

The new "Roots" 2016 casts Malachi Kirby as the new Kunta Kinte reports NBC News. For Kirby, taking on the iconic role of Kunta Kinte borders on the spiritual. Kirby says that on the set he prayed to G*d to help him tell the truth, referring to the film"s message.

Filming the "Roots" 2016 miniseries is likewise demanding, not only physically, but mentally as well especially the whipping scenes, according to Malachi Kirby. The actor says that he was into the role so much that he could feel the pain of every ancestor before him, hear their screams and wails. He reveals it was a strange experience that almost broke him.

Other members of the "Roots" 2016 cast include Anna Pacquin, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Laurence Fishburne, Forest Whitaker, Anika Noni Rose, Chad Coleman, T.I., Rege-Jean Page, Matthew Goode, Derek Luke, Emayatzy Corinealdi, James Purefoy, Clarkia Grant, G. Hannelius, Mekhi Phifer, Erica Tazel, Denise Milfort and Sam Malone.

Critics of the "Roots" Remake

The remake was not without its detractors though. But for executive producer Mark Wolper, the criticisms are to be expected because even he had doubts while doing the "Roots" 2016 miniseries, reports Daily Beast.

In fact, one of the leading groups who were against the new miniseries were composed of former "Roots" cast. Indeed, this is understandable because the old "Roots" was critically acclaimed, having been nominated for 37 Emmys and winning 9 of them. The film is a legend and it might be hard to top such a high standard set by the original "Roots"

Recently, Snoop Dogg expressed his disapproval via social media on the new "Roots" remake, reports NY Daily News. He posted an Instagram video blaming the entertainment industry for coming up with movies that portray "the abuse that we took hundreds and hundreds of years ago." Aside from the "Roots" 2016 miniseries, he also mentioned his disapproval on two other films, "12 Years a Slave" and "Underground."

But the actor who played Kunta in the original "Roots" defended the remake. LeVar Burton, who was Kunta in the 1977 film and now executive producer of the new "Roots" 2016 miniseries, explained that for Americans, the story of slavery will always be relevant because it has shaped the country to what it is now today.

"Roots" 2016 Air Date And Schedule

"Roots" air date started last Monday, May 30 scheduled for the 9PM slot ET/PT. The remaining episodes of the four-part "Roots" 2016 miniseries are scheduled to air on consecutive nights after the first episode and will be simultaneously shown on History, A&E, Lifetime Move Network and Lifetime. The miniseries may also be viewed online via the respective websites of the four networks.

TagsRoots, Roots 2016 miniseries, Kunta Kinte

Source: http://www.gamenguide.com/articles/27452/20160531/roots-2016-cast-schedule-airdate-four-part-miniseries-retells-kunta.htm

USAFE band member discovers family history on Memorial Day

WWE opens Raw with a Memorial Day 10-bell salute: Raw, May 30, 2016
NORTH AFRICA AMERICAN CEMETERY, Tunisia (AFNS) -- "My entire family always wondered what happened to him, said Senior Airman Colby Fahrenbacher, referring to his great-uncle who went missing during World War II. I always looked for his name whenever I played a memorial.

Fahrenbacher, a tuba player in the U.S. Air Forces in Europe Band, grew up hearing stories about his great-uncle Merle Noffsinger, who served with the Army Air Force. The bands smaller brass quintet, including Fahrenbacher, performed during a Memorial Day ceremony to honor the 2,800 fallen Americans buried in Tunisia and recognized more than 3,000 missing in action. The Memorial Day ceremony served to remember the Allies liberation and reaffirm America"s continued commitment to a free, prosperous and secure Tunisia.

I checked the wall of the missing in action here at Africa"s only American cemetery, and there it was. His name was right there staring back at me. I couldn"t believe it, Fahrenbacher said.

Finding his great-uncles name provided some answers for Fahrenbachers family.

Noffsinger was born March 18, 1921, in Bond County, Illinois. He enlisted with his brother Herschel on the same day, Nov. 24, 1941, as an airplane mechanic and later became a gunner and bombardier on the B-24 Liberator. Noffsinger had flown more than 100 missions and received the Air Medal and Distinguished Flying Cross. He was shot down on a mission over the Mediterranean Sea May 1, 1943. He had just written a letter to his mother April 23, 1943, informing her had had been promoted to the rank of technical sergeant, and that he would be returning home soon.

When Fahrenbacher found his great-uncles name on the wall of the missing, he was excited to be able to share the news with Noffsingers sister-in-law Alvena Noffsinger, who is 92 years old and resides in Vandalia, Illinois.

"My family visited her a lot while I was growing up, and my mother talks to her often," Fahrenbacher said. "She always believed that Merle would return someday. Not knowing for certain what happened to him was tough on her. This will be a very special Memorial Day for her."

Finding Noffsingers name had an impact on the band members as well.

"It was a very emotional moment for Colby and for all of us in the band," said Staff Sgt. Matthew Kirkpatrick, the music director of the USAFE Band"s Five Star Brass quintet. "Having something tangible right there in front of you really serves to memorialize the sacrifices these heroes made so that we may all enjoy the freedoms we celebrate every day."

For Fahrenbacher, honoring fallen military members is a typical part of any Memorial Day ceremony, but learning about his great-uncle created a personal connection.

"This is a Memorial Day I will never forget," Fahrenbacher said. "My great-uncle Merle paid the ultimate sacrifice. He gave his own life for a bigger cause. His memory will stay with me forever."

Source: http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDisplay/tabid/223/Article/784983/usafe-band-member-discovers-family-history-on-memorial-day.aspx

Stephen Hawking Admits He Can"t Understand "Demagogue" Trump"s Popularity

Demagogue Ted Cruz Smacked Down By Moderator

British astrophysicist Stephen Hawking has helped to unlock some of the deepest mysteries of the universe, but admits that he cant understand how a demagogue who seems to appeal to the lowest common denominator is leading the Republican party going into the U.S. general election.

Speaking in an interview Monday morning, Hawking expressed his bafflement that Donald Trump was as popular as he is.

The AP reports:

Hawking also appealed to British voters to vote to keep the United Kingdom inside the European Union in a June 23 referendum. He said remaining within the EU provided essential support for British scientific research as well as its economy and security.

He said: Gone are the days we could stand on our own against the world. We need to be part of a larger group of nations, both for our security and our trade.

Source: http://www.mediaite.com/election-2016/stephen-hawking-admits-he-cant-understand-demagogue-trumps-popularity/

The First SUPER MAN: Get To Know DOC SAVAGE

Doc Savage, The Man of Bronze: DETARNISHED! - Trailer #4 - "The Main Event"

The news that Dwayne "The ROCK" Johnson recently broke that he will play the role of superhero Doc Savage in a live action film has got fans of the Action Movie Star excited. Yet, most fans of the younger generation as well as some Gen X"ers are probably wondering who this legendary character is. Heck, even I wasn"t as familiar with Doc Savage, other than the fact that there was once a movie released in 1975 and a Batman crossover written by Brian Azzarello.

Yet, as I dove into this character, I found that Doc Savage was extremely popular back in the day, as he was considered the original "Superman" since Doc Savage made his debut in 1933, whereas the Man of Steel was originally released by Action Comics in 1938 . Created by the trio of Henry W. Ralston, John L. Nanovic, and Lester Dent and first published by Street & Smith in 1933, Clark Savage Jr, known all over the world as The Man of Bronze had absolutely no superpowers whatsoever. Yet, the man had a skill set that would classify him as the baddest black ops guy ever!

So who is Doc Savage?

Doc Savage was an actual Doctor, as well as a scientist. In his origin story, a team of scientists brought together by his father trained Savage"s mind and body to near-superhuman abilities from the moment he was born.Doc Savage had above average strength and pro-athlete level endurance. He developed a photographic memory, and has extensive knowledge of the sciences. Doc Savage is also a master at hand to hand combat.

He works out of a secret office on the 86th floor of what would be the Empire State building, has a secret hangar under the Hudson River where he keeps a private fleet of planes, boats, and cars-all funded by a constant flood of gold from a Central American mine given to Doc Savage by Mayan Descendants. He even had his own "Fortress of Solitude" way before Superman did.

We can even thank Doc Savage for out modern technology. All of his futuristic tech will seem very familiar to you, and mind this fact- this was pre-WWII when these concepts came out:

The flying wing, or what we know as The Glider.
The answering machine,
The Television,
Automatic transmission,
Night vision goggles,
A hand-held automatic weapon, known variously as the machine pistol, the super-machine pistol, or the rapid-firer.

Doc Savage main writer Lester Dent, said the following about his beloved character:

"He rights wrongs and punishes evildoers. He has Sherlock Holmes" deductive abilities, Tarzan"s outstanding physical abilities, Craig Kennedy"s scientific education, and Abraham Lincoln"s goodness.

Lester Dent even went on to create a "code" for the good doctor:

"Let me strive every moment of my life to make myself better and better, to the best of my ability, that all may profit by it. Let me think of the right and lend all my assistance to those who need it, with no regard for anything but justice. Let me take what comes with a smile, without loss of courage. Let me be considerate of my country, of my fellow citizens and my associates in everything I say and do. Let me do right to all, and wrong no man."

Video content description.

Meet Doc"s TEAM! The Fabulous Five

Doc Savage had his own team of heroes to help him with his mission to save the world and punish evildoers.

Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Blodgett "Monk" Mayfair, a chemist who got his nickname from his "monkey" like features of long arms, and red body hair.
Brigadier General Theodore Marley "Ham" Brooks, a Lawyer who loves his fine suits and carried a sword cane whose blade is dipped in a fast-acting anesthetic.
Colonel John "Renny" Renwick, a construction engineer who was a big man, with big hands who loved to use brute force. His character also loved the phrase "Holy Cow" so much that it became a thing.
Major Thomas J. "Long Tom" Roberts, an electrical engineer who is described as "sickly looking". Yet, Long Tom was a fierce fighter.
William Harper "Johnny" Littlejohn, an archaeologist and geologist. Johnny was a man who loved to use "big words" in his everyday vocabulary. His favorite saying was "I"ll be superamalgamated!"

Meet his cousin PAT!

Doc"s 2nd cousin Patricia "Pat" Savage, who has his bronze skin, golden eyes, and bronze hair, also was along for the ride, even though Doc really wanted to keep her away from danger. She was a firecracker of a woman, feisty, and flirtatious who didn"t just stand back because a man told her so.

Meet his Greatest Villain

Of course, no hero is complete without his own arch-nemesis. Russian born John Sunlight, a criminal mastermind who is more of a wicked idealist. He hates the evils of the world, and the condition of human suffering (famine, sickness, crime) so much that he wants to fix it. How you ask? Simply by conquering the world and making everyone kneel to his way of life.

WIKIPEDIA FACT: Researcher Thomas Fortenberry has proposed that John Sunlight, combined with the actions in the Doc Savage adventure "The King Maker", form the origin of the Marvel Universe supervillain Doctor Doom. Calbia is the basis of Dr. Doom"s nation, Latveria, while the character of John Sunlight as an anti-Doc Savage, a twisted genius using his skills to bring world peace through personal domination, is the basis for Doom (an anti-genius opposite of Reed Richards). Dr. Doom is the answer to the dilemma posed to Doc Savage in The King Maker, what if he were to use his power to rule a nation?

There is no doubt that if you are going to bring to life a modern Doc Savage, the combination of Jason Bourne, Robert Langdon, Indiana Jones, Bruce Wayne, Sherlock Holmes with Watson, and Houston Texans Defensive End JJ WATT- you will need the right actor to pull it off and Dwayne Johnson is most definitely that man. Director and Writer Shane Black has a really cool character to play with, with tons of history. Get ready fans, DOC SAVAGE is going to BRING IT!

No release date has been set for DOC SAVAGE, so stay tuned folks.

Comment below on your thoughts of DOC SAVAGE!

Source: http://moviepilot.com/posts/3944708

TNT"s "Animal Kingdom" is a crime-family drama with a particularly tough matriarch

AC/DC - T.N.T.

When John Wells and Jonathan Lisco set out to create a television drama inspired by the critically acclaimed 2010 Australian movie Animal Kingdom, which chronicles the dramas of a working-class crime family, they had to update the story and make it more palatable for American viewers.

Quite frankly, half the characters were dead at the end of the movie and that makes it a little more difficult to do an ongoing television series if everyone is being killed, said Wells, whose credits include Shameless, Southland and ER.

The series, which premieres on TNT June 14 at 9 p.m., shares the same premise as the film: following the deadly overdose of his mother, teenager Josh (Finn Cole, Peaky Blinders) is drawn into the family from which she tried to shield him.

FULL COVERAGE:See our complete Summer TV preview

They include his crime-boss grandmother Janine Smurf Cody (Ellen Barkin) and her four nefarious sons: Baz (Scott Speedman, Felicity), the newly released from prison Pope (Shawn Hatosy, Fear the Walking Dead), mercurial third child Craig (Ben Robson), and youngest, Deran (Jake Weary).

Instead of Melbourne, the story now takes place in Oceanside, with surfing, sand and the Mexican border setting the stage.

But Wells and Lisco also take creative license, shaking up the casting and chronology, which helps differentiate the TNT Cody brood from the film version.

For instance, Jacki Weaver cast a large shadow with her Oscar-nominated performance as the monstrous Cody matriarch.

Jacki Weavers performance was so extraordinary, the very first thing I had to do was find my way into the character that was as far away from her way as possible, said Barkin, who anchors the shows solid ensemble cast. Her surprise was actually how hard she really was. She starts off a little benign, but when the cops pose a threat, you see who she really is. I thought Id flip it. I start hard and then maybe well see some softness. Maybe not.

Trying to figure out when to reveal Smurfs softer side was a topic of discussion during a recent taping in an Episode 7 scene between Barkin and Speedman. The writers wanted Smurf to cry but Barkin wondered if it was too soon. As a compromise, Barkin became teary in one take and stayed dry-eyed in another.

The writers are very open and you can talk to them and thats a John Wells thing, Barkin said. Its a collaboration. Hes our boss, obviously, but he wants everyone to speak up. If I play a scene, I dont know whats going to happen after that scene. So it couldve had a quiet, gentle ending or an angry ending. But I have to figure out the ending. It has to feel organic.

Barkins thoughtfulness for the characters and each episode is one of the reasons Speedman loves working with her, he said. Shes a player who comes ready to go.

The actress is also fiercely protective of her character and doesnt want the writers six total, evenly split between men and women to shortchange Smurf because shes a woman.

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour >>

Every time you have a bad woman in a movie or a show, theres always something in her that has you forgive all the badness and you feel sorry for her, said Barkin. I dont want her to be sympathetic. Smurf mightve had a very tough life, but I just think shes bad.

Which everyone hopes will make for good drama.

We want our characters to fear threats from outside the family the cops and criminal rivals but also we want them to fear threats from inside the family and even from inside themselves, said Lisco, the show creator who doubles as a writer and executive producer. Its really a study of a complicated woman and her children.

This story is part of The Times" special summer television issue. Read more here.

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calendar@latimes.com

Source: http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/la-et-st-animal-kingdom-tnt-20160529-snap-story.html

Wrong costume, but you get the idea (Photo: Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)

Doc Savage, The Man of Bronze: DETARNISHED! - Trailer #4 - "The Main Event"

In between meals and food comas this weekend, you might have come across the news that Dwayne The Rock Johnson had finally decided on the facial hair and accoutrements for his Fast 8 character Luke Hobbs. Johnson provided that exclusive first look himselfbecause he is his own best cheerleader/PR hackwhich included a stream-of-consciousness caption in which he pondered the future of his character, be it a spin-off or just his final ride. And in the midst of all that conjecture was the hashtag #1Savage, which seemed to be unrelated to the rest of Johnsons disruptive spiel, but did recall this earlier Instagram post from Johnson, in which he teased a 2017 collaboration with Shane Black, whom we know is directing Doc Savage.

Now the cats fully out of the gym bag, as Variety reports that Johnson will play the pulp hero and non-Kryptonian superman. While stumping for The Nice Guys, Black declared his intentions to cast the Central Intelligence star as the Man Of Bronze in the feature film, an offer that Johnson has enthusiastically accepted, and already shared a new Instagram post about:

The actor appears flattered (if not surprised) that hes been asked to play a perfect human specimen. But the character of Clark Savage Jr., a brilliant scientist and inventor with considerable athletic prowess and many other skills, was certainly that, thanks to the experiments conducted by a team of scientists led by his father. Johnson said he and Black worked out some of the story details over the weekend, though he failed to mention whether his iteration of Doc Savage would wear a wallet chain, or whether hed also have a mother named Martha.

Send your Newswire tips to tips@avclub.com

Source: http://www.avclub.com/article/dwayne-johnson-play-perfect-human-specimen-doc-sav-237501