The 168 Turnaround: Terminator, Zombies, and Tyson’s Tattoo

THIS WEEK: Apr 24 – Apr 30, 2011

ZOMBIE HOUSE: In the realm of Geekdom, pretending to prepare for a zombie apocalypse is a favourite pastime.  Blame whomever you want, but it’s a cultural phenomenon that won’t be ignored.  And now we’ve taken another step toward apocalyptic readiness with KWK Promes’ The Safe House.  That’s right, someone has designed and built a house that is completely zombie-proof.  When the security risk is high, the house is a solid, impenetrable block.  Indeed, there is only one entrance, which is located on the second floor, and accessed only by a drawbridge.  In times of peace, however, the walls can be moved and retracted, revealing a rather posh palace that few of us could afford.  Does this strike you as completely loony, paranoid, and unnecessary?  If so, then you will likely be among the first to die when the zombie apocalypse hits.  Destined to die or not, be sure to check out the pictures—the house is truly a wonder.

THE TERMINATOR: I’m of the unpopular opinion that Arnold Schwarzenegger should have called it quits after the first Terminator movie.  To my mind, Terminator 2: Judgement Day, while having many great moments, is the lesser of the two films, and one I’ll likely not watch again (I particularly loathe Edward Furlong’s grating portrayal of young John Connor).  And now comes news that a fifth Terminator movie is currently in the works, and one that will return Schwarzenegger to his iconic role of the Terminator.  Apparently, Fast Five director Justin Lin is set to direct, and now he and Schwarzenegger are looking for a studio to grease the wheels, so to speak.  Pull the plug, I say—our favourite bodybuilder is far too old (and looking it, too).

THE HANGOVER: PART II: Sometimes you just can’t catch a break.  Just ask the makers of The Hangover: Part II.  Last time, the film’s trailer was being pulled from theatre screens for not adhering to MPAA guidelines.  Now, however, the film has hit another speed bump, thanks to S. Victor Whitmill, otherwise known as the guy who tattooed Mike Tyson’s face.  According to THR, Whitmill is the original creator of the tattoo, and holds the copyright of the design.  Trouble is, in a direct comic reference to Tyson, one of the film’s characters gets an identical face tattoo, which (because Warner Bros. didn’t obtain permission) constitutes copyright infringement.  And now Whitmill has filed for an injunction to halt the release of the film.  In all likelihood, Warner Bors. will have to cough up some dough if they hope to put this problem behind them and make their memorial day release.  And to that I say, “Just pay the guy already.”

OSCAR WILDE: It’s an exciting week for fans of Oscar Wilde, what with news that an uncensored version of his only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, has finally been published.  It’s been over 120 years since the novel was first released, but—as the saying goes—better late than never.  Mind you, 120 years ago, the overt homoeroticism in the novel would have been deemed horribly suggestive and entirely inappropriate, hence the number of alterations Wilde’s editor made to the manuscript before submitting it to Lippincott’s Monthly Magazine in 1890.  Which version of the novel is better, however, is a question many literary critics are now debating.  To my mind, such questions are useless.  If you’re interested in Wilde’s tale of gothic horror, read one or the other, or—better yet—read both.  Click here to read more.

VIDEO OF THE WEEK: Full Auto: Gatling Slingshot Crossbow
When I was a kid, I used to play with my dad’s old slingshot, often shooting pebbles at tin cans.  Never in all my imaginings, however, did I ever envision such a creation as demonstrated here: the Gatling Slingshot Crossbow.  The entire concept is absurd, but equally hilarious.

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VOTW 2: Shooting Machetes with the Slingshot
And just because this German fellow tickles me pink, and really outdid himself with this invention, I’ve added a second Video Of The Week.

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The 168 Turnaround is a week-in-review column, a place for me to reflect on the week’s most interesting pop culture news items.  If it mattered to me or I think it might matter to you, then it will be here.  If I’ve overlooked an important news item, or if you have a comment or question, please leave a response below.  Thank you for reading.