Ben Stiller said he received an apology from Roger Ebert for his review of Zoolander.

The late film critic wasn’t exactly impressive with the flick when it arrived in theaters in 2001. However, Stiller explained that Ebert had a change of heart several years later.

Ben Stiller talked about his encounter with Roger Ebert during a Tribeca Film Festival panel on Sunday afternoon. The actor and director said the critic had become a fan of the comedy in the years following its theatrical release.

Still said of Ebert’s apology:

“I ran into him like five or six years later backstage at The Tonight Show, and he said, ‘Hey, I just want to apologize to you. I wrote that about Zoolander, and I [now] think it’s really funny. Everything was a little crazy [back then]. It was Sept. 11 and I went overboard.’”

Stiller said that reviews pretty much come with the territory in the movie business. If you believe the good ones, then you have to treat the bad ones just as seriously. In regards to the Zoolander write-up, the actor said Ebert’s words were particularly “harsh.”

He continued:

“I know people who like reading reviews, but, for me, you can always feel what’s getting good reviews or bad reviews. People will let you know. For me, that metric is one you can’t get wrapped up in. What do you do if they don’t like you? I guess you can learn from them.”

Roger Ebert’s review of Zoolander is pretty hardcore, especially for those folks who enjoy the movie immensely. The critic gave the film one lone star when he saw it for the very first time.

His write-up included this opening passage:

“There have been articles lately asking why the United States is so hated in some parts of the world. As this week’s Exhibit A from Hollywood, I offer ‘Zoolander,’ a comedy about a plot to assassinate the prime minister of Malaysia because of his opposition to child labor. You might want to read that sentence twice.”

Are you surprised that Ben Stiller received an apology from Roger Ebert?

[Top Image via Featureflash / Shutterstock.com - Bottom Image via Vinicius Tupinamba / Shutterstock.com]

Ben Stiller: Roger Ebert Issued Apology For ‘Zoolander’ Review is a post from: The Inquisitr

And they would have gotten away with it, if it weren’t for you meddling kids.

Villains In Scooby Doo [Chart] is a post from: The Inquisitr

A temple for human sacrifice was recently found in Mexico.

As previously reported by The Inquisitr, modern temples for human sacrifice still exist. Back in February, police found a human skull adorning a backyard altar at a home in California. The owner practiced Santeria and neighbors claim to have seen the bloody remains of animal sacrifices.

Today’s story about temples and human sacrifice is not so recent. The Valley of Oaxaca in Mexico reveals hints of human sacrifices that took place thousands of years ago.

Archaeologists date the 9,150-square-foot temple for human sacrifice back to between 300 BC and 60 BC depending on the method used to estimate. The temple is part of a larger palace complex complete with a plaza.

Uncovering the temple, researchers found the area scattered with artifacts, including shell, mica and alabaster ornaments. They also found ceramic vessels, whistles, and incense braziers.

Obsidian blades and lances suggest that the priests engaged in ritual bloodletting and animal sacrifice. They also found the skeletal remains of turkeys, doves and other animals. The temple hearth, which was used to burn the sacrifices to the gods, contained human tooth and possible human limb bones. Researchers can’t say for certain whether these finds indicate human sacrifice at the temple, but it seems a strong possibility.

Archaeologists were also puzzled by a hastily buried body found in a temple firebox. Researchers say the skeleton was found ”in a cramped position that resulted in the skull resting at the firebox’s southeast corner and a knee poking about its northwest corner.”

Do you think this Mexican temple was used for human sacrifice?

Temple For Human Sacrifice Found In Mexico is a post from: The Inquisitr

Let it never be said that J.J. Abrams fails to pay loving homage to what came before him. A teaser clip for the upcoming Star Trek Into Darkness shows the entire crew of the Enterprise in action, and reveals that a classic Spock line made the cut for the highly-anticipated sequel.

As many fans await the release of Star Trek Into Darkness, there has been a lot of online speculation as to how (or if) the new film will overlap with the classic Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan.

Early rumor held that producers were considering introducing a rebooted Khan into the film series continuity, but such talk was apparently laid to rest when it was announced that Benedict Cumberbatch would be a new character named John Harrison.

Still, a shot from the first trailer showed two hands against one another through a pane of glass, an apparent reference to a memorable Wrath of Khan scene between Kirk and Spock which set the tone for the next two films.

Today’s Star Trek Into Darkness clip is sure to stoke further Wrath of Khan speculation, as Zachary Quinto repeats one of Spock’s most famous lines: “The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few.”

Star Trek Into Darkness hits select IMAX theaters on May 15, and will open nationwide on May 17. You can watch a clip from the film below, but let us know what you think. Will this film somehow tie into Wrath of Khan, despite the rebooted continuity? Sound off!

[Image via: Official Star Trek Facebook page]

‘Star Trek Into Darkness’ Clip Teases Famous Spock Line [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

Porsha Stewart opened up today about her divorce from Kordell Stewart on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.

Porsha said that she was completely surprised to find out that her husband had filed for divorce. The reality star said that Kordell didn’t tell her about the divorce and that she had to find out about the end of her marriage via Twitter.

Porsha told Cohen: “When I found out about the divorce, it was absolutely a surprise. I was laying in the bed and I tweeted, ‘today is the first day of the rest of your life.’ I put the phone down and took a little nap and I looked back at my phone and my sister was calling me over and over. She said, ‘have you heard?’ and I’m like ‘heard what?’”

Porsha was reluctant to believe the news at first. Porsha said that she saw people tweeting about the divorce and thought that someone was playing a cruel joke on her.

But then she went to the other room where her husband Kordell was hanging out, and asked him something along the lines of: “Hey, are we divorced?”

Kordell and Porsha may be getting divorced but they are still, for the moment, living under the same roof.

Porsha said: “It’s a difficult, difficult situation right now. It’s something I did not want at all … I didn’t say we speak and I didn’t say I’m cookin’. Ain’t no eggs and bacon and ham hocks no mo.’ ”

Here’s a video of Porsha Stewart talking about her divorce on Watch What Happens Live.

Porsha Stewart Spills Divorce Details To Andy Cohen [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

A US soldier pleaded guilty to murdering his fellow servicemen while on deployment in Iraq. US Army Sergeant John Russell has been accused of killing two medical staff officers and three soldiers while stationed at Camp Liberty.

The plea was made at a hearing at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state. Along with five counts of intentional murder, Russell also pleaded guilty to one count of attempted murder and one count of assault.

It presiding Judge Army Colonel David Conn accepts the plea made by Russell, the Army veteran will avoid capital punishment. However, he will still face a trial before a judge to determine his guilt. A judge will also determine if Russell acted on impulse or with malice of forethought.

Military prosecutors allege that the US soldier planned the murders, while his defense lawyers claim he acted on impulse. From there, the choice would be either a verdict of premeditated murder or intentional murder, which was the offense Russell pleaded guilty to.

While his prison sentence will hinge on the finding, the plea deal takes the death penalty off the table. Russell’s civilian lawyer, James Culp, stated of the case last week:

“It’s at issue whether or not he pre-meditated the killings of these people or whether he snapped and killed these people out of rage that was linked to his own personal despair.”

The judge did not immediately accept the US soldiers plea deal. Despite this, Conn did grant his request to a trial in front of a judge alone. Russell, who was attached to the 54th Engineer Battalion based in Bamberg, Germany, suffered from several mental ailments after several combat tours, according to his defense attorneys.

They also claim that he was suicidal prior to the attack. Dr. Robert Sadoff, an independent forensic psychiatrist, also concluded that the US soldier suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and psychosis at the time of the murders. Sadoff added that Russell may have been provoked to kill by maltreatment at the hands of mental health personnel.

US Soldier Pleads Guilty To Murdering Servicemen In Iraq is a post from: The Inquisitr

Teen Mom star Farrah Abraham reportedly brought both her dad and her three-year-old daughter to her recent sex tape negotiations.

The reality TV star paid a visit to the offices of Vivid Entertainment to discuss the release of her sex tape on Sunday. Abraham is said to have brought her dad and her daughter Sophia along for moral support.

Although a porn distribution company seems like an odd place to bring your kid, apparently Abraham wasn’t too bothered by the idea. Even Vivid head Steve Hirsch thought the idea was a little peculiar. However, this didn’t prevent the parties from discussing business.

Farrah Abraham told the folks at TMZ that she is currently negotiating a deal between two porn distributors. She added that her father joined her at Vivid on Sunday for “support.” She didn’t offer an explanation as to why her three-year-old daughter had to join them.

She explained to the website:

“My dad’s just very supportive. And like any business person, I need to handle this situation the best way for my future. My dad’s just here helping me out, and I wanted to bring [Sophia] out here as well. I’m just getting a couple different offers for two other companies, and I think it’s just smart that I’m hearing what each company has to say and really hearing out everything so I can process it.”

Abraham’s father, who is clearly uncomfortable in the video released by the website, said his daughter was simply trying to “figure out what’s going on” with the deal. Any way you process the situation, it shakes out to be all sorts of awkward.

“I’ve only gotten great feedback about this. And that’s why maybe I’m looking into the option of releasing it. If I heard otherwise, I wouldn’t even be releasing it,” Abraham added.

What do you think about Farrah Abraham bringing her dad and her daughter to discuss the release of her sex tape?

Farrah Abraham Brings Dad, Daughter To Sex Tape Negotiations is a post from: The Inquisitr

Two bishops kidnapped by Syrian rebels were famous for warning of the threat to religious tolerance and diversity from the two-year civil war in Syria.

As previously reported by The Inquisitr, UN peacekeepers were kidnapped by Syrian rebels only to be released. A chemical attack in March had both sides in Syria blaming each other. But despite all the controversy, the United States is sending more aid to the Syrian rebels.

The two bishops kidnapped by Syrian rebels were Syriac Orthodox and Greek Orthodox Archbishops of Aleppo, Yohanna Ibrahim and Paul Yazigi. Witnesses claims ”a terrorist group” in the village of Kfar Dael kidnapped the two bishops as they were “carrying out humanitarian work”. Until now, kidnapping of high officials in the Church had not been heard of.

The Syrian conflict has killed more than 70,000 people across Syria. Christians make up less than 10 percent of Syria’s 23 million people and religious persecution runs rampant. Some fear that a democratic Syria dominated by Muslims may result in increased Christian persecution.

40 years of Assad dynastic rule has ensured religious freedom for Syria’s Christians, although the entire populace lacked political freedom. Hardline Syrian rebels like the Nusra Front even pledged their allegiance to al Aqeda recently. Seeing the two bishops kidnapped by Syrian rebels only make some wonder what the future for Syria holds for its Christian population.

Before being kidnapped, bishop Ibrahim spoke about the plight faced by Syrian Christians:

“In its modern history Aleppo has not seen such critical and painful times…Christians have been attacked and kidnapped in monstrous ways and their relatives have paid big sums for their release. Until a few months ago the idea of escaping had not crossed the minds of the Christians, but after the danger worsened it has become the main topic of conversation.”

Do you think the two bishops kidnapped by Syrian rebels indicate widespread Christian persecution or just an isolated incident?

Two Bishops Kidnapped By Syrian Rebels, Christian Persecution Feared is a post from: The Inquisitr

Manchester United have clinched the Premier League title after cruising to a 3-0 win against Aston Villa at Old Trafford.

United looked comfortable throughout the routine win, their 15th victory from 17 home games this season. Robin van Persie fired home a first-half hat-trick, effectively securing a win by half-time.

Just two minutes had passed at a packed Old Trafford when a superb crossfield pass from Wayne Rooney found Antonio Valencia on the right. A deep cross from the winger found Ryan Giggs at the far post, and the Welshman’s squared pass set Robin van Persie up for the simplest of tap-ins.

If the first goal was elementary for the Dutchman, the second (pictured above) showcased his quality. Rooney was again involved, delivering an inch-perfect pass from the center circle. As the ball dropped over van Persie’s right shoulder, the striker connected with a perfect left-foot volley, leaving Villa ‘keeper Brad Guzan with no chance.

With Manchester United 2-0 up after 13 minutes, Villa were on the ropes. Further goals felt inevitable, and van Persie completed his hat-trick after 33 minutes. Shinji Kagawa released Giggs down the left and the Welshman picked out Robin van Persie in the six-yard box for another simple finish.

The second half saw United relax, with the game often slowing to a pedestrian pace. They will have had few easier home games this season.

The result leaves Manchester United 16 points clear of rivals Manchester City. With only five games left for City to play, that means the Premier League title will return to United. It is United’s 20th championship in all, a total that sees them pull further ahead of Liverpool, who have won 18 titles.

Speaking after the game to BBC Sport, van Persie said:

“It doesn’t matter who scored, as long as we won the game. From the first minute, everyone played well and it was great to score so early and a great win for us. I am very happy but it is weird. I had to wait so long for my first title. It is a great feeling. It is a fantastic team and fantastic players. It is a championship for every single one of them. The staff, the managers, the physios.”

Wayne Rooney, who had a fine game from central midfield, added:

“We won this game in the first half and it is a fantastic night for us. When you lose the title, it is hard to take. It wasn’t a nice feeling last time. We have all dug in deep and done fantastic to put ourselves in this position.”

The title is manager Sir Alex Ferguson’s 49th trophy for Manchester United and, incredibly, his 13th Premier League title with the club. He told reporters:

“[The second] was goal of the century for me from Robin van Persie. It was marvellous – the technique with his head down, over the ball and just perfect timing. It was a magnificent strike. He has been unbelievable, his early form was fantastic. He had a dry spell, as most strikers do, but he has come back from that and he was unbelievable tonight.”"

Rival players and clubs also sent their congratulations to the new champions:

Congrats to Man United on winning the title

— Gareth Bale (@GarethBale11) April 22, 2013

Congratulations to Manchester United on winning the Barclays Premier League title for 2012-13

— Manchester City FC (@MCFC) April 22, 2013

Congratulations to Manchester United on winning the Premier league title, the best team so far this season. well done

— fabrice muamba (@fmuamba) April 22, 2013

Monday night’s result leaves Aston Villa hovering just above the relegation zone, three points ahead of Wigan Athletic. Villa and Wigan meet on the final day of the season for what could be a fight to stay up.

Manchester United Clinch Premier League Title With 3-0 Win Over Aston Villa is a post from: The Inquisitr

Deceased suspected Boston Marathon bomber Tamerlan Tsarnaev rapidly became one of the most hunted men in recent memory following the attack — but authorities in Boston have uncovered another crime with which the 26-year-old may be linked, involving a brutal triple homicide.

Tamerlan Tsarnaev did not survive a violent standoff at MIT Thursday night, in which a policeman was killed and his surviving brother, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, may have been gravely wounded. But back in 2011, a friend of Tsarnaev and two others were viciously slain, and a culprit never identified.

Stephanie Guyotte, a spokeswoman for the Middlesex County District Attorney, confirmed that police were indeed examining a link between the 26-year-old dead man and a Waltham, Massachusetts and the murders of Brendan Mess, 25, Raphael Teken, 37, and Eric Weissman, 31.

Mess and Tsarnaev were both boxers, and both men trained at the same gym. The murdered man was also known to occasionally “crash” at Tamerlan Tsarnaev’s home, which was in the neighborhood in which Mess lived.

The murders, in which the three men were found sprinkled with marijuana and with their throats slashed in what an investigator called ”the worst bloodbath I have ever seen in a long law enforcement career,” were not connected to Tamerlan Tsarnaev at the time.

The Waltham officer said of the possible link:

“There was no forced entry, it was clear that the victims had let the killer in. And their throats were slashed right out of an al Qaeda training video. The drugs and money on the bodies was very strange.”

One law enforcement source spoke of a possible motive for Tamerlan Tsarnaev in the 2011 triple homicide. Off the record, the investigator says that Mess may have been selling marijuana to the younger Tsarnaev, Dzhokhar, angering the elder and more strictly religious man:

“Given how religious the older brother was, and we have heard information from the college about how the younger brother was ‘a pot head’ is there a chance that Tsarnaev was angry that Brendan was selling his brother marijuana? We don’t know … But we are certainly interested in finding out.”

Guyotte confirms that police are “looking at a possible connection with the suspect in the marathon atrocity and this active and open homicide in Waltham.”

Tamerlan Tsarnaev Eyed In Unsolved 2011 Triple Homicide is a post from: The Inquisitr

Woodstock singer Richie Havens died on Monday at the age of 72. Havens, a folk musician, was well known for being an opening act at Woodstock in 1969.

The musician fashioned his career out of covering pop and folk tunes in a distinctively rhythmic style. He opened the watershed music festival wearing a dashiki and strumming on the open-tuned strings of his guitar.

Havens died Monday morning in his home of an apparent heart attack. The singer was born in Brooklyn in 1941 and moved to Greenwich Village in the early 1960s.

Once there, he released his first album, A Richie Havens Record, in 1965. Richie Havens often covered popular songs, remaking them with his gritty voice and unique strumming style. In doing so, he gave them an easily recognizable sound.

Havens signed with Albert Grossman, Bob Dylan’s manager, in 1967. He also landed a deal at that time with Verve Records. But his big break came at Woodstock when he played a lengthy opening set. His extrapolation of the spiritual Motherless Child was particularly memorable. The song became known as Freedom.

Richie Havens biggest radio hit came in 1970 with the release of a Beatles’ remake Here Comes the Sun. The song reached No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In all, Havens released over two dozen albums and compilations. The most successful records were 1969′s Richard P. Havens, 1983, and Alarm Clock, which was released in 1971.

Later on, Havens lent his voice to several television commercials. One such commercial was made for Cotton Incorporated. The folk singer performed the jingle The Fabric of Our Lives.

Richie Havens announced his retirement from live performing in 2012, citing health concerns as his reason. A statement from his publicist, Carrie Lombardi, read, ”While his family greatly appreciates that Richie’s many fans are also mourning this loss, they do ask for privacy during this difficult time.”

A public memorial for Richie Havens is planned at a later date.

[Image via Heinrich Klaffs]

Woodstock Singer Richie Havens Dies At 72 is a post from: The Inquisitr

Former actress Amanda Bynes is making headlines once again, but not over her intention to sue publications that speak negatively about her (though that is almost certain to follow). Word is, Bynes was booted from her New York gym for smoking weed this past weekend … on 4/20.

Now before we begin, we can’t stress enough that this is just a rumor (please don’t sue us, Amanda Bynes). The report comes from RumorFix, which I would love to confirm the authoritativeness of if I had ever heard of the publication before today.

Still, the rumor alleges that Bynes was kicked out of Planet Fitness in Harlem and had her membership revoked after she was found smoking weed in the women’s locker room.

An employee for Planet Fitness reportedly told the website that the gym ”does not allow lunks to workout here, and especially no weed smokers,” and added that Bynes stormed out after having her membership revoked.

The Huffington Post took the rumor hook, line and sinker, posting their rendition at the top of their celebrity section today. Their “pro” argument for the truth to the story is essentially “but she’s Amanda Bynes, she’s crazy, look at all the evidence.”

But that’s actually exactly the reason we sort of doubt this one is true. In recent weeks, Bynes has made a habit of singling out publications and threatening to sue them, but all she’s really doing is increasing their circulation.

RumorFix probably made it up. Honestly, who the hell has used the word “lunks” since the 40s?

Oh, and look what happened!

@rumorfix I emailed you asking you to choose a better photo. Also remove the story because I don’t smoke in the… twitpl.us/t/ZDT

— Amanda Bynes (@AmandaBynes) April 22, 2013

The rest of that reads “I also don’t smoke pot I smoke tabacco! There are always tons of photos to choose, you always pick the worst one!”

Well played, RumorFix.

What do you think of Amanda Bynes?

[Image via: s_bukley / Shutterstock.com]

Amanda Bynes Booted From Gym For Smoking Weed [Sketchy Report] is a post from: The Inquisitr

A 49ers trade up in the 2013 NFL draft pick would have the Super Bowl runner-up shifting their spot quite drastically.

As previously reported by The Inquisitr, the 49ers trade up happened right before Colt McCoy was traded to the San Francisco 49ers in a deal that will see the Cleveland Browns gain two draft picks. The 49ers also invited Nate Montana, 23 year old son of Joe Montana, to local pro day.

NFL Draft 2013 is only three days from now and football fans are eagerly awaiting the news of changes to their favorite teams. The 49ers are once again favored for going to the Superbowl , with San Francisco currently listed at 7/1 odds at the LV Hilton sports book, second only to the New England Patriots at 6/1.

49ers head coach Jim Harbaugh is hoping to swing a 2013 NFL Draft deal to move up ten selections or more. The 49ers trade up would see the San Francisco team trading some of their 13 picks in the 2013 NFL draft pick. Right now the 49ers draft pick position is number 31 overall.

Jason Cole explains why the 49ers trade up will happen:

“There is no way that the 49ers can keep more than five or six new draft picks with the way the team is structured right now. Expect GM Trent Baalke to either trade up or trade out for picks in the future. The talk around the league is that the 49ers would like to get a defensive lineman who can eventually step in for veteran Justin Smith. The team also needs a safety, No. 2 tight end and could use an impact corner. All of that is possible.”

Essentially, the 49ers don’t have enough room for rookies on their roasters. At the same time, other teams are looking at trading down. The 49ers mostly need to shore up their defensive line, filling in positions for a defensive end, a free safety, and a tight end. For these respective positions, the 49ers expected NFL draft picks are Margarus Hunt,  Kenny Vaccaro, and Zach Ertz.

What do you think about the 49ers trade up for the 2013 NFL Draft?

49ers Trade Up For 2013 NFL Draft Pick is a post from: The Inquisitr

Netflix has surpassed HBO for the very first time in the number of US subscribers, Variety reported Monday.

The website noted that the streaming and mail-order DVD and Blu-ray company’s first quarterly earnings reports showed a two million subscriber increase from the end of 2012 at 29.17 million.

HBO boasted 28.7 million US subscribers at the end of 2012. First quarter reports for premium channels will be released early next month from data analysts SNL Kagan.

HBO still wins in overall business thanks to a strong showing overseas.

Globally, it boasts 114 million subscriptions compared to just 36 million for Netflix, but today’s earnings report also reflected a one million subscriber jump internationally, so there is some positive momentum on which to build.

Netflix has grown significantly thanks to a combination of smart licensing deals and a small but strong foray into original programming.

House of Cards starring Kevin Spacey has earned strong critical praise and inspired a slate of original programming that includes the horror-drama Hemlock Grove and a fourth season of the beloved former Fox sitcom Arrested Development.

The company hasn’t been at this as long as HBO, so this could be a sign of things to come in the international market, though Home Box Office continues to score with series like Game of Thrones and Boardwalk Empire while also “getting” the digital revolution.

HBO is likely to remain a heavy hitter for years to come, especially if it acts on rumors to drop the cable or satellite requirement for subscribing through its HBO GO streaming brand.

Both companies are making strong television right now that really seems to be connecting with viewers.

Personally, we enjoy the fact that Netflix allows you to watch an entire series like Hemlock Grove, which just released on April 19 — check the video below — at your own pace rather than waiting for Sunday nights and releasing a little at a time.

In other news on Monday, Netflix announced it would allow its deal with Viacom to lapse, which means no more Nickelodeon, BET, and MTV products on streaming, SNL Kagan reported.

The company will also launch an $11.99 streaming plan for larger families.

“A few members with large families run into our 2-simultaneous-stream limit … To best serve these members, we’re shortly adding a 4-stream plan, at $11.99 in the U.S., and we expect fewer than 1 percent of members to take it,” wrote Netflix CEO Reed Hastings and CFO David Wells in a joint statement.

Which service do you enjoy more — Netflix or HBO?

[Image via s_bukley / Shutterstock.com]

Netflix Beats HBO On Number Of Subscribers In The US is a post from: The Inquisitr

The Lords of Salem, Rob Zombie’s latest horror film, hit theaters on April 19. See what the critics had to say.

Rob Zombie (born Rob Straker) is one of those guys you’ve probably heard of if you’re into hard rock and horror films, and for good reason. He’s rather accomplished at both. Originally starting out, he was in one of the hardest bands the radio would play, White Zombie. He was known for going onstage in full makeup as “the Zombie”, and the image sold Halloween costumes galore. After remaking “(I’m Your) Boogieman” for The Crow: City of Angels, he decided to direct the next film in the series, and from then on, he was both a musician and a film maker.

The Lords of Salem is about a radio DJ (Sheri Moon Zombie) who receives a gift from the “Lords” containing a record. The music on the record contains sounds that trigger memories of a violent past and she begins to wonder if the “Lords” are back to take revenge in the Massachusetts town.

Rob Zombie shows us with The Lords of Salem that what really scares us is not the jolts; it’s unforgettable imagery. He provides an aural-visual experience that rattles the nerves and sits in the back of your mind, much like The Shining. Where other films elicit a shock that might unnerve you for the moment, Rob Zombie’s scares are more on the unconscious level. His scares are most likely to give you the chills and occasional nightmares.

The Lords of Salem could be said to have a taunting nature toward those who say music can be evil. Like Rob Zombie and Ozzy Osbourne and so many other rock stars that have elicited lectures from pulpits, this film seems to confirm it. Rob Zombie delves into what can be evil in music, and uses the movie’s overall feel to convey a mind possibly torn by what it’s hearing.

Even Rob Zombie‘s own music tends to use audio queues driven from old movies as backdrops to add a creepy quality, so he knows what he’s doing after years of practice. The music the woman hears in The Lords of Salem seems to spark images naked old witches, demonic tentacled creatures, a defeathered and dancing turkey, a randy priest and some innovative torture, making her wonder if she’s slowly going mad.

What do you think of The Lords of Salem?

‘The Lords Of Salem’ Review Roundup is a post from: The Inquisitr

Apparently a two-pound joint doesn’t qualify for “personal use” in California. Cops monitoring the student 4/20 rally last weekend at USC confiscated a comically large marijuana cigarette.

In some places, being in possession of that much weed would be a felony offense. In California, however, it’s legal to use medical marijuana. Well, as long as its not rolled up in a two-pound joint.

The cop didn’t arrest the person in possession of the massive marijuana cigarette but he did confiscate it. That, however, was not an easy task. The officer was followed out of the park by the young man and was threatened with a lawsuit over the confiscated marijuana.

The kid says: “You lied to me, too. Dude you’re a liar. You’re a liar…. I can’t wait to see you in court.  I can show how you’re harassing me. We’re going to court, man. We’re totally going to court.”

It’s unclear what the officer lied about. One can only imagine that the officer asked to hold the joint and then promised that he would not bogart it.

That’s just nark 101.

The Daily Mail speculates that the two-pound joint is worth somewhere between $5,000 to $6,000.

Do you feel bad for the kid? Was the officer right to confiscate the two-pound joint?

The person who posted the video onto YouTube gave out some advice to anyone thinking about pulling a similar stunt. Rsaglizard writes: “This guy had a booth set up to unveil this guy, shouldn’t have drawn so much attention man!”

Two-Pound Joint Confiscated On 4/20 [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

The Democratic National Committee sparked some controversy on Monday when it launched a website for users to send emails thanking Boston’s first responders.

The site allows users to add their names, email addresses and an optional message, though the automatic note sent to Boston’s finest goes like this:

“Thank you for all you did last week — and for all you do every day.

“Your courage and compassion are inspiring, and Americans nationwide are grateful to live in a country where people like you commit your lives to protecting and serving your fellow citizens.”

It’s a sweet thought, giving people throughout the nation the opportunity to send their well-wishes to Boston’s “boots on the ground,” but it wasn’t the intention that got critics riled up.

The problem with the website is that it includes a form which collects email addresses you submit. This is known as “list building,” and it’s a common strategy used by political bodies that attempt to raise money for election season through email.

So basically, critics argued that the Democratic National Committee appeared to be engaging in early data collection under the guise of good will, and right after a national tragedy like what happened in Boston last week.

Very smooth, indeed.

.@thedemocrats are using the Boston 1st responders to build their e-fundraising list. Stay classy @woodhouseb @ggreeneva

— Tim Miller (@Timodc) April 22, 2013

Have @thedemocrats explained fundraising off Boston first responders yet or are they too busy plotting how to make $ off West, TX?

— Tim Miller (@Timodc) April 22, 2013

The Huffington Post reached out to the DNC for clarification, with DNC Communications Director Brad Woodhouse responding:

“Our supporters were looking for an outlet to express their gratitude and support for first responders in the wake of the tragedy in Boston, and collecting messages of thanks to deliver to them we concluded was the best outlet we could give them. It’s unfortunate that Republicans would stoop so low as to politicize the simple act of thanking the brave men and women who put their lives on the line to keep us safe.”

Point taken, but that’s also not really a denial.

What do you think? Is the DNC’s Boston “thank you” site a good idea, or a cheap political ploy?

DNC’s Boston ‘Thank You’ Site Wrinkles Brows, Draws Criticism is a post from: The Inquisitr

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2’s launch budget was reportedly raided for about $30,000 by one of the public relations professionals attached to Activision’s account.

Kathryn Kirton was actually the head of PR at Activision’s UK launch of the game when she decided that the money that was targeted for a Hollywood movie style premiere of the game would be better spent on her wedding engagement preparations.

Kirton apparently spent around $15,000 on a pair of shopping sprees, another $3,000 on a luxury hotel getaway for her and her then fiance, $1,500 for a huge bachelorette party, and more than $2,000 for an engagement party.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2‘s launch budget also apparently paid for another member of the PR team’s extravagant spending.

Jamie Kaye helped Kirton use the Activision credit accounts to make some of her purchases and also bought himself and his family a trip.

All of the purchases were claimed as essential to the publicity campaign for the game in the United Kingdom.

The presiding judge on the case seemed to believe that the profession that the two had chosen played a large part in corrupting the pair.

“In the world of PR you are surrounded by luxury items. That is reality for people working in that industry,” Judge John Hillen of Blackfriars Crown Court said.

The judge apparently believed that Kirton had suffered enough for her crimes and ordered a suspended sentence for the now married mother of a two-year old child.

Kirton reported that the court case had adversely affected her marriage and her health during the pregnancy and that the had her child two-months prematurely.

The judge ended up sentencing both Kirton and Kaye to suspended sentences. Kirton’s was an 18-month sentence that was suspended for two years.

Kaye’s sentence was for nine months that translated into a one-year suspended sentence.

This incident isn’t the only odd occurrence surrounding this game series. In January of this year, action in a Call of Duty game prompted neighbors of those playing the game to call police after they believed a real gun battle had broken out.

‘Call of Duty’ PR Manager Stole Thousands To Pay For Engagement Preparations is a post from: The Inquisitr

And yet nothing is said about tilting the controller to help your turns in Mario Kart.

Gamer Logic is a post from: The Inquisitr

The Internet does need a new meme.

Is Bruce Lee The New Chuck Norris? is a post from: The Inquisitr