Sunday, May 25, 2008

The Phoenix... A Feeling Well Founded...

The end of the hit HBO series, "From the Earth to the Moon" had actor and co-creator Tom Hanks asking "when will we be going back to the Moon?" While the answer to that question is still in flux, even with the Orion Mission brewing at full steam, there's some other fantastic stellar news that many probably weren't aware of.

The Phoenix Mission is all about the continued exploration of our brotherly planet, Mars. It's mission was to land on the martian icescape in an effort to continue to prove that there was once/is water on Mars which continues to extend the knowledge base of what is mans preliminary steps to the red planet.

Well - we did it again. We've had our nations best, along with cooperating staffs from other countries figure out the details and "thread the proverbial needle" to get another piece of equipment from here to there as was planned last August.

The feelings that projects and stories like this conjure are simply magical. The rising feeling in my heart, along with others that eventually follow or find out about this accomplishment is something that makes me wonder: When WILL we get back into the driver's seat of space exploration? I previously mentioned the Orion project that promises much, but has only the base structure at this point. So much was initiated, achieved, and of course, lost, when President Kenndy challenged the nation and our spirits to get to the Moon. When "on Earth" can we hope to have some of that spirit be initiated by the accomplishment achieved today? The future projects both on their way to Mars and those to come?

We are a nation that can and is able to achieve what is essentially "the impossible": This mission was describes as "hitting a ball from the home plate of Dodger Stadium, and having it land directly on home plate at Chicago's Wrigley Field. WE DID IT. We continue to achieve the impossible and as Tom Hanks tantalizes viewers in the last episode of "From the Earth to the Moon..." When will we be going back?

Thoughts?

Monday, May 05, 2008

Surrendering - What Happened on May 5th?

It's more than a giant party day at your local Mexican Restaurant.

While I was on my way home this evening, I saw a giant fiesta taking place at Chili's, one of the many mexican chain restaurants her in Missouri, and realized finally that today is "Cinco de Mayo" - the 5th of March. Does anyone else know what happened on this day in history?

While listening to the 10th supplemental bonus disc for "Band of Brothers" that I've talked about in my previous posts, I learned that today, May 5th, was the day that the ultimatum to surrender was put forth by the Allied armies. That made me think what other events of circumstance had occured on May 5th. I decided to search for some more information and found that there are a great many things that have happened on this day - May 5th - in history.

Sunday, May 04, 2008

Tell Them Your Favorite Indy Moment - Win $100!

Another Great Contest For You to Win

Tell Us Your Favorite Indy Moment!

It's a series of movies that continues to offer thrills, fun and memories that simply will not stop. The 2GuysTalking Podcast Network is offering fans yet another great chance to win in the form of their "Favorite Indy Moment" Contest. In tandem with their upcoming Indiana Jones Feature Film Reviews visiting all four great films, we're asking YOU - the fans - what is YOUR favorite Indiana Jones moment?

Use our contact form here and tell us today what YOUR favorite moment is from the current 3 films, and we'll enter your name into a drawing to win $100 cash, as well as - an Indiana Jones Harrison Raider hat from UniformalWarehouse.Com!

Your Favorite Indy Moment!
Use our contact form here to tell us what your favorite movie moment from your favorite Indiana Jones movie was and we'll collect them all and make a random drawing on June 31st, to coincide with the launch of our Musician's Corner Contest here at The 2GuysTalking Podcast Network.

Simple Rules to Follow
- One Entry Per Day Per User
- Tell someone else about the contest
- Got a Website/Blog? (Not Required)
Using a Banner pointing to our contest on your website/blog nets you 2 entries!

It's all part of being an Indiana Jones fan and reveling in what is truly a lost art - creating a definitive cinema experience and reveling in being a fan of something great and it's ONLY from The 2GuysTalking Podcast Network!

Saturday, May 03, 2008

A Band of Brothers - Revisited...

One of the best, and most influencial DVD experiences that comes to mind when I think of my collection is easily the award-winning HBO biopic of "Easy Company", "Band of Brothers." This evening I spoke to a friend of mine that had never seen it - any of them. That made me wonder if what many people on the History channel, and what many of the people that had "their parents serve in the war" have been saying isn't correct - are we forgetting not only the sacrifice, but the lore of what was the experience of WWII?

How many of YOU have seen something like "Band of Brothers" which while 10+ hours long, is still just a sliver of some of the best WWII visits I've ever seen or experienced? Tell me about your experiences and what you think of things like Band of Brothers, and other great television programs who provided us many years of blissful time without war.

"People so brave that it was unvelieveable..."

"One little part of the Big War - One little part, that makes me so proud that it makes me cry..."

"We were just hoping to stay alive...."

"Henry the 5th was talking to his men and was saying that "from this dayuntil the ending of the world, we in it shall be remembered. We lucky few - we Band of Brothers, for he who today sheds his blood with me, shall be my brother..."

"Do you remember the letter than a man wrote me? Do you remembe rhow I ended it? "I cherish the memories of a question my grandson asked me the other day when he said "Grandpa, were you a hero in the war?" Grandpa said "No... But I served in a company of heroes..."

It is passages like this, memories of people so brave and unassuming - experiences that shaped generations and population that make me feel proud to be a member of this country, but more importantly - one who shares these experiences with others so that they too can remember these "Band of Brothers..."

Thursday, May 01, 2008

A Hat That Everyone Should Have...

Ah, the sweet month of May - 2008. Unless you've been living under a rock, or are perhaps completely without redeeming social value, you'll note that this month - the 22nd to be exact, is the date when we herald the arrival of the 4th and last offering of the Indiana Jones movies - The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. One of the many hallmarks offered from these films is not only a character that the progenerator of one of the most impressive, memorable and recognizable silhouettes in movie history, but some great clothing that will never be forgotten.

My dad and bonus mom were in town recently and I had the pleasure of recording the review of the 3rd Indiana Jones film, "The Last Crusade" with my father, Fred Wilkerson, who not only provided his always one-of-a-kind perspective about the the film that features Indiana's father, but he wore something that caught my eye immediately - one outstanding replica Indiana Jones hat that he acquired online from a company I am hoping to start a cool relationship with. I too ordered one from the same outfit and hope to have it weathered and ready for action when the day comes to go to the theater to see what is this last and looking-very-tasty installment.

Look for more details about the silhouette that has launched 1000 imaginations and why it's not just a character trait but truly an institution for me as an entertainment critic and podcaster.

A Favorite to Share...

One of my all-time favorite annual lists was released today, May 1st, 2008 - It's the PC World Magazine listing of 101 Fantastic Freebies available on the web. It's a listing that helps to craft what are many wee hours when not in action doing a variety of things with my Podcast Network and I encourage you all to check out the listing to not only find some great entertainment, but some of the newest and greatest tools that the Internet has to offer to every walk of life. Whether you're a newbie to the Internet world like so many of my friends used to be, or a seasoned veteran blogger, web builder, programmer or YouTube Whore, there's something for everyone at The PC World Magazine's listing 101 Fantastic Freebies. I'll get on later this month and cross post some of the noteworthy items I find here and in the news section of 2GuysTalking.Com Enjoy!