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Banksy and The Simpsons: Wow. [VIDEO]

Whoever claims ‘The Simpsons’ is just not as edgy as it used to be, well, must have not had them tuned in last night when the opening sequence smacked it’s Corporate owner, HARD.

Banksy, a popular British Graffiti Artist was tapped to create the opening sequence, like many celebs have done before. The opening sequence, which is known for it’s variety, started out pretty much the same, but you can already see a few sinister signs from the beginning. A black crow looking ominous flies by with a dead rat in it’s beak; Banksy’s name grafitti’d across the Krusty sign and at the school when Bart leaves. Otherwise, it proceeds as usual, with Bart and his standards, Homer causing yet another accident at the plant, the cars pulling in the drive. It’s once the characters reach the sofa that it truly begins.

We are taken from a still shot of the family to the TV, ominous music begins to play, and we are transported to a sweatshop, somewhere in Asia apparently, (No doubt South Korea, where Fox has recently outsourced most of the show’s production) where starving kids are drawing the cells for the cartoon amid toxic sludge and rats. Human bones scatter the floor. We proceed down in the basement of the building to find kittens being shredded alive to procure the stuffing for the Bart dolls, pulled away by a giant panda, to a worker sealing the boxes for shipment using a dead dolphin’s head to “lick” the boxes shut. We then move into yet another room where a chained up and dying unicorn punches the holes in ‘The Simpsons’ DVDs. We then are zoomed out onto the building, 20th Century Fox with barbed wire all around.

We assume Fox themselves weren’t given a copy of this intro before it hit air. As of this writing, it had already been banned on YouTube, however is still available at various websites.

Executive Producer Al Jean, stated that of course they don’t exploit children in sweatshops, and that she did have to think about it a bit before allowing Banksy’s piece to air. Even the animators who worked on the piece threatened to walk. (They didn’t.) I myself am happy to see ‘The Simpsons” return to the edgy. It was what made this show great.

So, watch while you can folks! This probably will not be up much longer!

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Harry Potter Loses his 3D

Harry Potter has lost it’s 3D, and no amount of magic is going to get it back, at least, according to his movie Headmaster Warner Bros.

Today, WB announced that it is scrapping it’s plan to release ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’ Part one 3D, and will only be releasing it in regular 2D and IMAX formats. WB said they weren’t able to convert the film in the “highest standards of quality” in time for the release, which is coming up next month, November 19, 2010.

Warner Bros. did say however that the second half of the finale of the films, ‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’ Part 2, will indeed open in 3D, 2D and IMAX formats, and is schedules to hit theaters on July 15, 2011.

Gonna watch? Looking forward to the movie? Let us know!

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Dave Grohl of Foo Fighters ‘Sues’ Scissor Sisters [Explicit]

Yeah, it’s a joke, and a funny one! Dave Grohl, the frontman for the Foo Fighters is “suing” the band Scissor Sisters after SS frontman Jake Shears exposed himself at a concert.

In this ‘must watch’ video, Grohl explains the torment he endures nightly after witnessing the incident. Grohl in tears says he felt “dizzy and sick” following the exposure at the concert, and cannot get the visions of said exposure out of his head since that night.  He is suing for $75 million, but admits that the money is not going to erase what he saw from his life.

You gotta love Dave Grohl. A great musician, and comedian.

Warning: The following video is explicit. Do not watch if easily offended.

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Justin Timberlake Loves Vinyl – He’s One Smart Cookie!

Justin Timberlake, speaking to German Newspaper ‘Frankfurter Rundscau’ says that he prefers vinyl, that it sounds better then it’s digital counterpart.

He told the newspaper that he likes to put on “oldies” records, from the Beach Boys to the early Beatles. Justin claims they “sound warmer and more vintage” than digital tunes. He does state that MP3s are handy for selling his songs online however.

Timberlake can be seen in the widely popular movie “The Social Network” starring, as of all things, the Napster founder Sean Parker.

This writer would like to say THANK YOU JUSTIN! I absolutely cannot live without my vinyl, and hope that vinyl makes a comeback for the current and upcoming generation to enjoy as well. There is something about vinyl… I don’t know exactly what it is, but it just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy, like sitting next to a crackling fire. Vinyl and it’s artwork is an experience that this digital age is missing out on.

Do you love your vinyl or are you a digital junkie? Let us know!

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Jon Stewart, Colbert – Rallies, Apologies and Donations

With the rallies coming up, the insult heard ’round the world, subsequent firing of CNN Host Rick Sanchez, the rousing of said “insultee,” apologies, and donations being sought to restore the National Mall in Washington, Jon Stewart has held his share of the News Media lately.

If you are somehow behind the times on the whole insult thing, apparently CNN Host Rick Sanchez, on a radio show, called Jon Stewart a bigot, and said that Hollywood, including the network he once worked for, are all “run by Jews.” CNN did not take very well to that comment, and within mere hours, Rick Sanchez was fired from his position at CNN (and a replacement show was immediately put in his show’s place, that we at the Yak have heard isn’t doing real well.)

It’s a dangerous game, insulting Stewart. By doing so, you MUST know what’s coming, and of course, it didn’t take long. Stewart, commenting on the whole fiasco, asks for a “cleaner” Sanchez, rather than a “dirty” one. (I must admit, I do get a kick out of anyone that tried to ruffle Jon Stewart’s feathers… it certainly makes for some interesting TV.)

Since, Sanchez has apologized to Stewart, and anyone else he offended, in what he calls “inartful comments” he had made during that radio show. His apology came 5 days after he was fired from CNN, stating that he had spoken with Stewart on Monday, and they had a “very good conversation.” Comedy Central would not confirm whether or not that conversation took place.  My guess is Rick Sanchez will most likely be a guest soon on the Daily Show.

On a more serious note, Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert are asking donors to help restore the National Mall in Washington.  On the “Rally to Restore Sanity” website, Stewart asks attendees to “pick up after themselves in the name of sanity and reasonableness” and that “We feel it’s important to preserve this historic site for future rallies and for future Americans to rally on! But just in case you accidentally, like, put a beverage down on the Mall’s coffee table without using a coaster, we figure that giving a little something back to the National Mall might, at least, soften the blow.”

Stephen Colbert is asking his attendees on his “Keep Fear Alive” website to donate to ‘Donors Choose’ which raises money for school supplies.

The National Mall in Washington has more visitor each year than Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon and Yosemite Parks combined, and has thousands of events held there every year. These events have impacted the area greatly. Sidewalks are crumbling, grass can no longer grow, and it’s reflecting pools are filled with stagnant water.  Stewart selected ‘Trust for the National Mall’ as his charity of choice.

To donate, click on the website links above. Both are excellent causes. Big thanks go out to Stewart and Colbert for throwing in the funny and the charity. Now, when is the bus coming to the Yak to pick us up for the rallies? Jon? Stephen? Arianna?  Anyone?

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Beloved Actor Tony Curtis, Dead at 85

Tony Curtis, the beloved actor from “Some Like it Hot,” “Sex and the Single Girl,” and “The Defiant Ones” has died at his Las Vegas home, he was 85.  County Coroners are reporting his death as cardiac arrest.

Tony Curtis was a mainstay in Hollywood, lifting himself from comedic hunk to serious actor, receiving an Oscar Nomination for “The Defiant Ones” in 1958. Curtis became one of the most sought after actors in Hollywood. He had the ability to pull off both drama and comedy, and was heavily praised in both. Curtis also was known for his art, spending his later years mainly focused there. He still appeared in many movies and television, but his art was his true love. Some of his paintings can easily fetch over $20,000, and can be seen in such museums as The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Tony Vanderploeg Gallery in Carmel California.

“He died peacefully here, surrounded by those who love him and have been caring for him,” his wife, Jill Curtis, told The Associated Press outside their home. “All Tony ever wanted to be was a movie star. He didn’t want to be the most dramatic actor. He wanted to be a movie star, ever since he was a little kid.”

His daughter with actress Janet Leigh, Jamie Lee Curtis, spoke in a prepared statement: “My father leaves behind a legacy of great performances in movies and in his paintings and assemblages. He leaves behind children and their families who loved him and respected him and a wife and in-laws who were devoted to him. He also leaves behind fans all over the world.”

We at YakkityYaks would like to extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the Actor’s family and friends. He will be missed.

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Sally Menke, Editor for Tarantino, Dead at 56

Sally Menke, 56, long time film editor to Quentin Tarantino, was found dead near Griffith Park in Los Angeles. According to law enforcement, Menke had gone for a hike with her dog and a hiking buddy around 9am on Monday. Her friend turned back about an hour later, Menke decided to trek on with her dog. Friends and family of Menke called authorities around 4pm when Menke did not return home.

Monday saw record breaking heat in Los Angeles, with the downtown National Weather Service’s thermometer hitting 113 degrees at about 12:15pm before it broke, giving no more readings, so the temperature, according to the NWS, could have even been higher. Law Enforcement Officials believe the heat could have played a factor in her death.

Menke’s body was found Tuesday morning at around 2am at the bottom of a ravine in Bronson Canyon. Her dog was found alive sitting next to her body. Sources close to the investigation believe the heat played a factor, that she may have become disorientated and collapsed. Ed Winter, Asst. Chief of the Los Angeles County Coroners Office, said the office is investigating whether the heat played a role in her death.

YakkityYaks would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Menke’s friends and family.

Sally J. Menke – 1953-2010

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Former Choreographer for ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ Pleads Not Guilty

[singlepic id=250 w=100 h=180 float=left]Former choreographer for ‘So You Think You Can Dance’, Alex Da Silva, pled not guilty on charges of raping multiple dancers between 2002-2009 in LA County Superior Court Tuesday.  He’ll be back in court on June 11.

His charges include:  4 charges of forcible rape, 2 charges of assault intent to commit rape, and 2 counts of sexual penetration with a foreign object.  The charges, according to TMZ, are all from four different women in his dance classes that said Da Silva would lure them to his home in North Hollywood to rape them.

Da Silva, known mostly as a recurring guest choreographer on SYTYCD claims through SalsaFreak.com that all said charges are false, and were based on people from a small town who were extorting money from him.  I have no idea when the above claim was written however, since in the claim he states “there is no case”… yet he still has a court date coming up.

So… what do you think?  Come tell us!

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Gary Coleman, Dead at 42.

[singlepic id=245 w=180 h=100 float=left]Just heard the horrible news that Gary Coleman has passed away at the age of 42 from a brain hemorrhage.

Coleman gained his stardom after playing younger brother “Arnold” on the hit series ‘Different Strokes’ in 1978 at the tender age of 10.  In his later years, he had been plagued with many legal issues and health problems relating to his kidney.

Coleman suffered a brain hemorrage at his home in Utah Wednesday, however was still responding up until midday Thursday according to his family.  At that time, he fell into unconsciousness and was put on life support.

Farewell Gary, we will miss you.