I Can't Help But Marvel VII

This particular character is one evil son of a gun and is, without a shadow of a doubt, my favourite Marvel villain. He lives to make Spiderman's life difficult in any way he can. He and his partner in crime, Carnage, are probably Marvel's creepiest duo. So last, but not least, it's...

7. Venom

Venom's human identity is Edward Charles Brock. Eddie worked as a journalist for the Daily Globe, the same paper that Peter Parker occasionally worked for. Poor guy got fired from said newspaper when Spiderman inadvertently revealed that Eddie couldn't report worth a damn. Eddie became a bitter and twisted man with a serious ax to grind with the Wall Crawler.

Eddie's "crazy" aura attracted the attention of the symbiote which had previously tried to bond with Spiderman. These two proved to be a perfect match. They joined physically and mentally. Eddie discovered that the symbiote gave him the same powers as Spiderman and then some. Venom's powers also include super strength, the ability to shoot webbing and a "spider sense" similar to that of  Spiderman's. Most importantly, Spiderman's spider sense can't pick up on Venom, which really works for Venom.

Venom made his first appearance in The Amazing Spiderman #299 in 1988. We can thank the following people at Marvel for Venom's creation: Dan Slott, David Michelinie, John Romita Jr, Todd McFarlane, Yanick Paquette and Zeb Wells.

Spiderman versus Venom

Topher Grace as Venom in the third Spidermen,
I'm sorry, all I see when I look at him is Eric Forman from That 70s Show.

That's it then. My descent into geekdom is over. Thank you so much for indulging me on this one. I promise my next couple of posts will be less nerdy.

I Can't Help But Marvel VI

This guy is probably one of the less well known Marvel Characters. In fact, he went pretty much under the radar until X-men Origins came out. But I have to tell you, I like this guy. A lot. It probably has more to do with the delish actor who portrays him in the movies than anything else. Plus, he is pretty hard core.

6. Deadpool

His real name is Wade Wilson and there isn't a whole lot known about his early life. Mr Wilson became an assassin in his early teens and would often use technology and plastic surgery to keep his identity a secret. Deadpool is Canadian, like another Marvel hero we all know and love. Like Wolverine, Deadpool is also a product of the Weapon X programme. These two have had quite a tumultuous relationship in the past. Basically, they kick the crap out of each other every time they come into contact.

Deadpool's powers include super fast healing (much like Wolverine's). This means that he can regrow organs and even limbs. This healing factor gives him an extended life span, enhanced physical attributes and increased stamina, strength and agility.

Deadpool is pretty much a new comer in the Marvel universe, only making his first appearance in New Mutants #98 in 1990.

Love you to death: Wolverine versus Deadpool

Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool in X-men  Origins.
I really wish that there had been more of him in that movie.

I Can't Help But Marvel V

This is another kick ass lady of the Marvel universe. She is truly one of my favourite Marvel people, male or female. I really wish that the X-men movies would give her her own movie or at least pay a little more attention to her. Plus, we get to see more of the lovely actress who portrays her and who wouldn't love that?

5. Storm

Her real name is Ororo Monroe and she is descended from a long line of African priestesses. Ororo's mother, N'dare, was a princess and her father, David, was a photojournalist. Sadly for everyone's favourite weather witch, her parents died in a plane crash that she managed to survive.

Storm has some pretty impressive powers. She has a pretty vast control over the weather. She can generate storms (as her name suggests), winds of varying degrees of intensity and lower the temperature in her immediate vicinity. Best of all she can direct lightning bolts with her hands. Storm is married to the Black Panther

Storm made her first appearance in Giant-Size X-men #1 which was issued in 1975. She was created by Dave Cockrum and Len Wein.

Halle Berry as Storm in the X-men movies

"Why Can't We All Just Get Along?"

Let it first be said that I love TUKS. That place has become a second home for me in the past two and a half years. But the one thing I do hate, is student politics. I have very little patience for these people who claim to "represent students' interests". I mostly see them as attention whores with little else to do with their time and try to ignore them.

Today I found myself unable to do so. TUKS has five main student political parties: the South African Students Congress (SASCO), Democratic Alliance Student Organisation (DASO), COPE@TUKS, AfriForum Jeug and the Vryheidsfront Plus Jeug (VF+ Jeug). Student elections were held recently. It was a choice between Mthokozisi Nkosi of DASO and Nikke Strydom of AfriForum for SRC President and Nkosi won. This appears to have made AfriForum extremely bitter. They passed these fliers around campus today, a parody of a previously released DASO poster. 

The DASO poster which was released this year.

This is the parody poster released by AfriForum depicting the student  leaders of DASO and SASCO.

 Maybe it's just me but AfriForum's poster just smacks of homophobia and racism. I just want to know what made them think this was a good idea? Why must they polarise our campus this way? Why did they feel the need to humiliate these people like this? Why must it ALWAYS become a race issue? These people are a living testament to everything this country needs to get away from. I find it horrifying that people my age can feel this way. How can people with such a backward mindset behave this way in an institution for higher learning?

It boggles my mind.
Sorry about this. I'll get back to Marvel tomorrow. Just needed to vent.

I Can't Help But Marvel IV

Long before Buffy moved to Sunnydale and before Angel, Stefan and Edward were doing their whole "tortured vampire" thing, there was this guy. Unlike the aforementioned powderpuffs, this guy is hardcore. He doesn't spend his time styling his hair and brooding, he spends his time brooding and kicking some serious ass.

4. Blade

Blade's real name is Eric Brooks and he had a pretty rough beginning. His mother was a prostitute who was going through some labour complications and looked for help from a "doctor" who was actually a vampire . This vampire ended up biting this poor lady and ended up transferring some enzymes that altered the baby. So, baby Blade was half human and half vampire.

The benefits of being half vampire mean that Blade has many of a vampire's powers but very few of their weaknesses. He is supernaturally strong, has superhuman senses and stamina. He also heals super fast. Blade's weapon of choice is a sword.

Blade made his first appearance in Tomb of Dracula Vol 1. # 10 in 1973. Blade was created by Marv Wolfman and Gene Colan.

Wesley Snipes as Blade

I Can't Help But Marvel III

Today is about the ladies. I don't think I'd be wrong in saying that the ladies of the Marvel universe have not gotten nearly as much attention as the guys. And when they do get the spotlight, it doesn't go so well (cough... Catwoman... cough). But I must give this kick ass heroine props. She translated very well on the big screen.

3. The Black Widow

Her real name is Natalia "Natasha" Alanovna Romanova and she was born in the U.S.S.R. This femme fatale first appears as a villan in Tales of Suspense #52 which was issued in 1964.The Black Widow underwent government  "treatment" that slowed down the aging process, strengthened her immune system and enhanced her physical durability. She has been romantically linked to Hawkeye, Daredevil and Captain America.

The Black Widow was created by Stan Lee, Don Rico and Don Heck.

This is the ridiculously beautiful Scarlett Johansson as the  Black Widow

I like the Black Widow. She is an excellent example of a woman kicking some serious ass.

I Can't Help But Marvel II

Today's Marvel character isn't technically a "hero" although he is one of my favourite people in the Marvel universe. I mean, who wouldn't love to have his powers for a day or two? I know if it were me, I'd be having all kinds of illegal fun...

2. Magneto

Magneto's real name is Max Eisenhardt and he made his first appearance in X-men #1 which was released in 1963. Magneto has the super cool ability to control all forms of magnetism. His powers are basically limitless and he can use his powers for different things simultaneously. He can erect a magnetic force field around himself that's almost completely impenetrable so he can protect himself. Hell, the guy can even use his powers to make himself fly!

Magneto was created by the legendary Stan Lee and Jack Kirby.

Ian McKellen plays Magneto in the X-men movies

And here is Michael Fassbender as a young Magneto.

I Can't Help But Marvel I

I declare this week Marvel week. I am a little bit of a comic book nerd and the movie adaptations of these comic books make me ridiculously happy. So, I'm going to share my seven favourite Marvel heroes with you. Everyday, I'll give you a quick rundown on their history, who came up with them and what they look like in the comic book world and how they were adapted for their respective movies.

So, here it goes:

1. Wolverine

His real name is James Howlett but he now goes by Logan. Wolverine made his first appearance in the Incredible Hulk #180. His superpowers include heightened senses, retractable bone claws (now covered by adamantium) and accelerated healing, which has given him an extended lifespan. Despite being hotter than Pretoria in the middle of December, Wolverine has not had a whole lot of luck with the ladies. In fact, romantic entanglements with Wolverine seem to be rather hazardous as most of his lady friends end up... dead. 

He was created by writer, Len Wein and Marvel art director, John Romita Sr. 

 I have to admit, Wolverine being my favourite Marvel hero has a little something to do with Hugh Jackman. I mean, the guy is FINE.

Happy Human Rights Day

Today is Human Rights Day in South Africa. We commemorate this day because on 21 March, 1960, the police opened fire on unarmed protesters, killing 69 and injuring another 180. The incident occurred in Sharpeville, near Vereeniging. This day marked the beginning if armed resistance in South Africa.

It doesn't look like it's a happy Human Rights Day today. The people over in Sharpeville are a little P.O'd that today's celebrations have been moved on over to Kliptown. The ANC leadership has responded to this by reminding us that "South Africans must accept that Sharpeville is a shared history" and that "South Africans lost fellow South Africans"

So, any of my fellow South Africans reading this, let us remember those who had sacrificed their own lives to make our country a better place. With luck, our leaders will do the same and have an attack of conscience.

Not just musicians but philosophers...

I'm a teeny tiny bit of an Incubus freak. You know how sometimes when you're listening to a song, and it speaks to you? That's what happens to me when I listen to Incubus. Not only does Brandon Boyd have the voice of an angel but his lyrics are so powerful.

Here are the lyrics of "Drive" from their album "make Yourself"

Sometimes, I feel the fear of uncertainty stinging clear

And I can't help but ask myself how much I let the fear

Take the wheel and steer

It's driven me before and seems to have a vague

Haunting mass appeal

But lately I'm beginning to find that I

Should be the one behind the wheel

Whatever tomorrow brings

I'll be there with open arms and open eyes yeah

Whatever tomorrow brings

I'll be there, I'll be there

So, if I decide to waiver my chance 

To be one of the hive

Will I choose water over wine

And hold my own and drive?

Aah ah oooh

It's driven me before and seems to be the way

That everyone else gets around

But lately I'm beginning to find that when

I drive myself my light is found

Whatever tomorrow brings

I'll be there with open arms and open eyes yeah

Whatever tomorrow brings

I'll be there, I'll be there

Would you choose water over wine?

Hold the wheel and drive

Whatever tomorrow brings

I'll be there with open arms and open eyes yeah

Whatever tomorrow brings

I'll be there, I'll be there

Happy Monday everybody!

Vroom Vroom

I like cars. A lot. But I will readily admit that I'm one of those people. You know the ones I'm talking about. They only care about what the car looks like and know nothing about what's under the hood. But I can't help it. There is so much to remember and quite frankly, who cares how fast it goes when it's so pretty. Seriously, I think it's better when it goes slower. That way everyone can see it.

Here are a few of the cars that I wouldn't mind getting my hands on (as soon as I get my driver's license).

The Maserati GranTurismo 

The Aston Martin V8 Vantage S

The Ferrari California

"You're much too pretty, you don't need your mind"

My little cousin's birthday is coming up soon, so my mom and I went looking for a present for her. I have to tell you, I was disgusted by what toys and things that are available for little girls. They all seem designed to turn little girls into domestic goddesses come beauty queens. What is up with this? There is so little out there that is actually meant to intellectually stimulate girls. Is this all that we want our daughters to aspire to? I don't think I'm being a femi-Nazi here. This disturbs me in a huge way. What grates my cheese the most is the freaking ironing boards and a bloody mop!!! Seriously?!?! Do we really need to enforce these gender stereotypes where the woman belongs at home cooking and cleaning?

\

  Sorry, I just needed to rant. It's been bothering me for a while now...

Happy Birthday, Doll!

I'm thinking that I'm going to do a "This Day In History" thing once a week, just for fun. On  March 9, 1959 Barbie made her debut. Barbie was the first doll to have adult features and be mass produced in the US. Ruth Handler, the woman behind the concept of Barbie, watched her daughter, Barbara, ignore her baby dolls to play with paper dolls of fully grown women. It was then that Handler realised there could be a market for a new type of doll.


The Barbie doll was originally based on the German Lilli doll. This doll had initially been sold in tabacco shops as a gag gift for adult men. However, it later became very popular with little girls. Handler's husband bought the rights to the Lilli doll and created the Barbie doll that we know and love (or hate) today.

Given Barbie's proportions, if she were an actual human woman, 36-18-38, some felt that she set an unrealistic and possibly unhealthy example to little girls. However, despite the controversy, Barbie remains as popular today as she was back in the day. 

TV Time

So, I've been home for the last two days and I've finally gotten the chance to watch some TV. I'm kinda sorry that I did because I just realised how out of touch I've been. Here are my favourite music videos of the past two days:

This is the official music video for Gotye - Somebody That I Used To Know. I hear this song has been doing the rounds, so no doubt you've heard it already but I love this song SO MUCH!

This is a song by Skrillex called First Of The Year. I'm not really too into this kind of music but this music video is boss. Kinda wish all little kids could deal with creepy pedophile types like this...

This is Mr Cat And The Jackal with The Devil Always Wants To Dance. These guys are a South African band and they are amazing. I've never actually seen them perform but I've heard that they really are something. Check them out if you get a chance.

Kudzanai Chiurai

I was going through this month's Rolling Stone (which is fabulous by the way) and I saw the feature on Zimbabwean artist Kudzanai Chiurai. His latest work State of the Nation is his personal commentary on Africa's history of violence. His work is a combination of photography, oil paintings, drawings, video and performance. This man is absolutely brilliant at what he does and is completely unafraid to ruffle a few feathers. Here is a look at some of his stuff

Revelations II, 2011

Untitled V, 2011

Untitled VII, 2011

If you want to see any more of Mr Chiurai's work go to http://www.goodman-gallery.com/artists/kudzanaichiurai

Shoes... Glorious Shoes

Now, I'm not generally a shoe person but these babies are enough to make me change my religion. These are shoes by Guess and... wow. I would land on my rear end trying to walk around on these things. But I don't know; they're too beautiful to actually wear. I think that I would frame them instead.

Greetings Earthlings!

Wow. This whole blogging thing is a whole lot more difficult than I thought. First I get registered as a dude. Then I forget my password. Then I don't know what happened. But, on the bright side, I'm here now and I'll do my best to be interesting. I'm not much of a party animal so I won't be posting things about parties and the like. But I love music and books and politics. I'll try not to be too serious and I'll try not to be too silly. With luck we'll all have fun together and you'll let me know if you like or don't like something I post.