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What Happened in Israel

Hamas, a known terrorist organization, controls the Gaza Strip. Therefore, for security reasons, Israel must control what gets in there (keep in mind that Egypt does, as well). Hamas is hellbent on destroying Israel and Israel isn’t about to make it easy for them to maintain this land.

Meanwhile, some Turkish activists decide, with MUCH fanfare and media coverage, “Hey, let’s send a bunch of stuff there, with thousands of activists, and bypass security. Let’s undermine Israel and deliver goods to a territory run by terrorists.” Israel instructs them to go to a certain port for security reasons. They don’t. Israel takes control of the ship and people are killed.

Outrage, right?

These activists wanted this. Aiding the people of Gaza wasn’t their goal. They wanted to stir the pot, make a mess, and fan the flames. That sends a much louder message to the world than ‘being charitable.’

Let’s also keep in mind that Israel let in eight of these other ships… you know, the ones without the activists with ties to militant organizations.

If you hate Israel, that’s one thing. But Israel is going to defend itself, and isn’t going to take crap from Turkish activists who don’t want to play by the rules. Being outraged by what Israel did is drinking the kool aid. Everyone knew this would happen the moment that these activists decided to ignore security procedures.

Where are the Somalian pirates when you need them?

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Two New Martial Arts Websites

Yesterday I officially launched two martial arts websites, one for my club and one for a foundation to support the legacy of my club’s grandmaster.

Ive been attending Silver Spring Martial Arts for 16 years now, and finally got around to making a site:

www.silverspringmartialarts.com

The other site, about Grandmaster Ki Whang Kim, is called the Ki Whang Kim Traditional Martial Arts Association and is dedicated to preserving his legacy. He was my master’s master.

www.kiwhangkimtmaa.com

As you can probably see, these sites look quite a bit like ScreamingSquirrelsHockey.com. What can I say? I go with what works!

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Missing Gary Coleman

There are moments in all of our lives when we see an opportunity, perhaps the only opportunity we’ll ever have, and we miss it for some reason. One of those moments for me was to meet Gary Coleman, the actor I grew up watching on Diff’erent Strokes. Back in April 2009, the Gunaxin crew went to New York for the Midgets vs. Mascots premier at the Tribeca Film Festival. Gary and his wife came to the pre-party. Gary had a horrible scowl on his face and looked to be in pain. His wife, Shannon, was listening to her iPod. Gary put his head on the table and didn’t talk to anyone.

I approached them. I asked Shannon if Gary was okay. She nodded and asked if I wanted my photo taken with him. Seeing him squirming on the table, I said no because he didn’t look to be in any mood or condition for a photo.

I wish I had gotten my photo taken with him but at the same time, there was no way I would’ve even suggested that in that circumstance. He didn’t attend the movie and instead flew back to Utah.

Now, he’s dead. Rest in peace, Gary. You were a true talent.

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The Worst SNL Films

Until they stop making money, film studios will continue to put out horrible comedies. But one man should no longer have any credibility in Hollywood, and that’s Lorne Michaels. MacGruber hit theaters last weekend with its foot already in the grave, grossing only 4 million dollars.

Is anyone surprised? How did Michaels think this was a good idea? Then again, look at how many other awful flops he came out with: It’s Pat. Stuart Saves His Family. The Ladies’ Man. Rockstar. All of these movies were awful and I’m fairly certain they didn’t make much, if any, money.

Michaels had a hit with the Blues Brothers and Wayne’s World (and I believe that Wayne’s World is highly overrated, but he’s been hanging onto those for a few decades now.

Hollywood, Michaels is a man who had a good idea to make Saturday Night Live, drafted many talented people, but he, himself is no comic genius. Please revoke his movie-making card.

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Larry David Interview

Larry David is perhaps one of the most brilliant minds on television. Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm are classic shows. But what’s it like to talk to him?

I’ve gotta say, it’s not that exciting. Sure, he writes a good show, but he’s just as boring in real life as you’d think he’d be. He didn’t know the answers to lots of questions, didn’t seem interested in lots of things, had no opinions on pop culture. He was only moderately funny during the interview.

But that’s actually what I expected. He’s not exactly Robin Williams. I asked him when Curb is coming to syndication. He said, “I don’t know, September?” Who’s picking it up, Larry? “I’m not sure.”

Others asked him about movies, the late night show controversy, and television, and he had nothing interesting to say. He didn’t even say much interesting about his own show, actors he’s worked with, or odd stories from behind the scenes. He gets along with Susie Essman off-screen. Big surprise. I still got an article out of it.

Anyway, Larry is still a television hero of mine, but I did indeed curb my enthusiasm for this interview.