Just Because My President Is Black...

...doesn't mean racism is dead, and definitely doesn't mean you can name your company this.

All props to Nah Right for the link, and to Rap Radar for being so quick to get Jay-Z and Beyonce's response.

The Revolution Will Be Analyzed

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Reza Aslan on The Rachel Maddow Show. In addition to being one of my favorite authors, Aslan has been one of the most illuminating voices when it comes to the events surrounding the Iranian Election. Even for those possessing no prior knowledge with regard to the intricacies and nuance of Iranian politics, it's at 'must watch' status.

Related: Reza Aslan in a panel discussion on the Iranian Election on Fareed Zakaria GPS (6-14). [Sidebar: 'Fareed Zakaria GPS' is the ONLY thing I co-sign on CNN. *shots fired*]

Part I:


Part II:

The Multi Faceted Pau Gasol Pour Deux

"Pour Deux". That's just Spanish for "sequel".

Collected over the span of approximately 1 minute of game time, this magnificent mosaic of metamorphosis should put to rest all questions regarding Monsieur Gasol's thespian dexterity.


Pau Gasol: Philosopher


Pau Gasol: Porn Star


Pau Gasol: Skeptical Star Gazer


Pau Gasol: Neanderthal


Pau Gasol finds your lack of faith disturbing.


Pau Gasol: _______[Insert Caption Here]


Pau Gasol: Dog Whisperer

[Sidebar:] Anyone whose first name is an onomatopoeia immediately gains my respect/interest/laughter/first born child. (PAU!)

The potential for pose No. 6 was so vast that we alone could not decipher its meaning. Consider this your invitation to interpret the avant-garde being that is Pau Gasol.

And yes, this is what Zoop and I use the TiVo to replay over and over and over again. The man is just a savant.

I Know Lex Luthor, The Real Lex Luthor

The uncanny resemblance between Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi and Superman's arch nemesis makes me chuckle. Sitting atop $9.4 Billion in loose change, having engaged in numerous (alleged) extra-marital affairs, and considering the fact that his trials have their own Wikipedia page, Berlusconi's résumé for super villain-hood is strong. Oh, and he runs a European nation.

He arrives on the M-Theory radar this week as a result of his recent display of testicular fortitude. If you were an Italian Prime Minister (and who's to say you're not?) and your wife recently announced that she would be divorcing you (after fresh allegations of unfaithfulness), you might sit down and get your house in order, if only to avoid the political ramifications a public divorce trial might have on your re-election chances. Add to that the fact that you didn't sign a prenup, (putting you on the line for a potential $4.7 Billion settlement *dead*) you might decide to break your wife off with a Kobe diamond (See: No. 2), in exchange for public silence and a smile.

Not Silvio Berlusconi. In a deft example of PR jujitsu, he instead demanded that his wife apologize TO HIM saying, "Veronica will have to publicly apologize to me. And I don't know if that will be enough". *jaw on ground*. So Silvio, (can I call you Silvio? Good.) you perform the smash and dash, allow it to leak to the press, and then demand your wife apologize? How do you walk straight with coglione's that huge? With the outcome of this Italian drama still to be decided, M-Theory is your destination for all things Lex Luthor.

I'll just say this-- Europeans know how to have sex scandals, unlike us Puritans across the pond.

Timberlake x Samberg Strikes Again [Video]

"We're so cool and thoughtful..." = *dead xOne Hundred Thousand Trillion*

Both of these videos are continuations of classic SNL skits Mr. Timberlake has done. See below for part 1's of each.

Oh, and in case you didn't know it already-- Justin Timberlake is more talented than you.

The Multi-faceted Pau Gasol.

None of these things is not like the other.

Snapshot of the Day

Taken on a collegiate campus north of the Mason-Dixon. And you can't really see it, but at the bottom of the whiteboard is something in braille. I'll use context clues to conclude that it's the same request. This individual's preemptive denial game is at an all time high right now. Jehovah's Witnesses, your move.

Argue 吗？

"There was a feller here once by the name of Jim Smiley, ... he was the curiosest man about always betting on any thing that turned up you ever see, if he could get any body to bet on the other side; and if he couldn't, he'd change sides. Any way that suited the other man would suit him any way just so's he got a bet, he was satisfied. But still he was lucky, uncommon lucky; he most always come out winner. He was always ready and laying for a chance; there couldn't be no solittry thing mentioned but that feller'd offer to bet on it, and -take any side you please"        -MARK TWAIN

At times I feel like Jim Smiley, but not when it comes to betting, but arguing.
So, for your reading enjoyment (and self improvement) I have put together a few pointers and tips.

1) LISTEN to the other side of the argument. You can't argue properly if you donn't. You have the same agenda as the other person: to win the argument. Don't get caught up in your agenda, try to break down their argument as well as push your agenda, they go hand in hand. If you catch them doing this (not listening (which is pretty easy once it starts to get heated,)) call them out on it.
"You aren't even listening, you're just waiting for your turn to talk"
It usually catches them so off guard that they lose the argument.

2) Don't stray into arguments about other things. This is a very clever move, and not always intentional. Stay with the argument at hand! If you are arguing about subject A you will lose when you get to argument D. And it's not sudden either, it usually goes like this: arguing about A... then AB gets brought into it... then it's arguing about B and for maybe a second about BA, but then it goes to BC and so forth. Until you can't remember what the argument was about. Don't do it. You will lose.

3) Don't get emotional.
i.e. angry, sad, happy, insulin dependent, annoyed, etc...

4) Find holes in their logic when they get emotional.

5) Discredit their side of the argument.

6) Never call names. Unless they're being a baby about everything.

When you think you're going to lose, tell them:

Only the dark side deals in absolutes!

That's all I have to say about that.

The Coolest

Information FAIL.

Lupe sat down with the legendary Cornel West for an interview, down the street in Grand Rapids last week. How am I not notified of gatherings on this order of magnitude?

Haven't listened to it yet, but I can recommend it simply off the strength of the participants involved.

You can stream or download here.

Favourite Underrated

Hypothetical Action Hero Showdown

Bruce Lee v. Iron Man. But only because somebody made a video. In a close second, I'd have to go with Ozymandias v. Batman. And I'd say Ozymandias over the Knighted One in the end, but only because Bubastis could eat Robin.

[Sidebar:] Silver Surfer > Your favourite superhero.

Lifted from my new favorite blog, Disgrasian.

Definitely in my 'Top 5 Dead or Alive Asian Commentary Blogs'.

Where The Wild Things Are [Trailer]

80's babies stand up.

One of my favorite books growing up, directed by Spike Jonze? It's hard to overstate my level of excitement at present.

From MTV's Movies Blog: "Following reports that the movie was too intense for children, [it's] being re-edited and re-shot..."

If that's true, they better break the masses off with a true Director's Cut when DVD time comes around.

Releases 10/16. Until that time, you may only refer to me as Max.

Kick Knowledge

I just feel like the current economic cataclysm is a prime example of when a lack of knowledge regarding events around you leads to the forfeiting of your right to have a say in the conversation, much less your right to do anything about it. Ignorance makes you the slave of the knowledgeable. Break the chains.

"We played against each other like puppets, swearin' you got pull
when the only pull you got is the wool over your eyes..." -Talib Kweli

Check this article from the current issue of Rolling Stone. By far the most concise and easy to understand explanation of what's happening with the economy/bailout. Instead of reading that article about Chris Brown's new line of boxing gloves, or Rihanna's new line of bruise cover up, scan something that'll temporarily unplug you from the Matrix. I promise it'll still be there when you're done reading.

And as long as we're illuminating great political commentary, check the latest podcast from M-Theory affiliate (and by "affiliate" we mean "entity that influences and is in no way really associated with M-Theory") and fellow Martian, Dan Carlin. With so much fecal matter spewing forth from the mouths of the mainstream media, Common Sense With Dan Carlin is a wellspring of well, common sense. His current installment is entitled "Of Torches and Pitchforks" and speaks to the current outbreak of populism following the AIG debacle. In this Matrix analogy, Dan Carlin would be Morpheus. By listening, you'll even learn Kung Fu*.

*That may be incorrect.

NOTE: Just click where it says "Show 148- Of Torches and Pitchforks" in order to listen to an audio stream of the episode, without having to download anything. Conversely, you can download the episode on Itunes.

Ominous Development: Stop Breathing

Real gangsters boycott Oxygen-Nitrogen alliances.

Some news from the IHT:

"In the first known case of what may be transmission of the Ebola virus from a pig to a human, a pig handler in the Philippines has tested positive for a strain of the virus, world health officials and the Philippine government announced Friday."

Ebola Fact: "It has a case-fatality rate ranging from 50–89%, depending on viral subtype."

The Good News: "Due to the high fatality rate, the rapidity of demise, and the often remote areas where infections occur, the potential for widespread epidemic outbreaks is considered low."

Please continue IHT:

"The development is worrying because pigs are mixing vessels in which other viruses from humans and animals exchange genetic material, possibly creating strains that are more lethal or more infectious."

The Bad News: "The cause of death is usually due to hypovolemic shock or organ failure."

Any thoughts IHT?:

"By contrast, the Zaire, Sudan and Bundibugyo strains of Ebola, all found in African apes, cause fatal hemorrhagic fever in humans."

Ah.

The Badder News: "Ebola is potentially lethal, and, since no approved vaccine or treatment is available, it is classified as a biosafety level 4 agent, as well as a Category A bioterrorism agent by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It has the potential to be weaponized for use in biological warfare."

So why should you abstain from air based on Oxygen-Nitrogen collusion?: "Only the strain known as Ebola Reston (after the city of Reston, Virginia where it was first identified in Green Monkeys) is believed to be airborne."

Oh I forgot to ask IHT, what strain was found in the Philippines?:

"Ebola Reston, normally a monkey virus, was first found in pigs last year in the Philippines."

Ayo Zoop, when can we move to Mars?

All facts not in italics from Wikipedia.

Ominous Development: On Some Snake Ish

No AIG.

Your mans and 'em at the Daily Show drop knowledge on the impending Apocalypse:

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	M - Th 11p / 10c
Florida Pythons on the Loose
comedycentral.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Important Things w/ Demetri Martin Political Humor

Response from South Florida's Finest:

"Come on South Floridians, I know you’ve got military-grade caches of illegal weaponry stashed all over the place. It’s time to break out those goodies and take up arms against our reptilian oppressors".

Get it-- cuz psychopathic gun owners.

Get Brolic!

Science & Technology news makes me giddy.

Nanotube-Aerogel Muscle.

While they say this won't be primarily developed for artificial limbs, best believe that somebody in the military will push the R&D in that direction. As somebody whose had four broken ankles, and in the immortal words of Tupac, "I ain't mad at 'em".

Oh, and if this is your first time hearing about Nanotubes-- get familiar. They WILL revolutionize the world.

Pic swiped from here.

Music Briefs

No Calvin Klein. Just a couple of joints I felt warranted exclusion. Although, truth be told, I could do one of these damn near everyday. But alas, I stay on chill.

Consequence feat. Kid Cudi- "Buggin' Out '09"



Just Blaze Snippets featuring Mos Def, Jay Electronica. Yo, Mos has got some spit in these, and #4 sounds like part of verse 3 to "Exhibit A (Transformations)".

Jay Electronica= the evolution of Nas

Jacked from Nah Right and Rap Radar.

Ethereal Material V1.4

Ethereal Material V1.4

You know what time it is. That Ether was on a brief hiatus, however is back for your fiending pleasure.Enjoy.

*NOTE: No.8 takes a bit to build, but is probably my favorite joint on the list. Let that sh!t breathe right quick.

**NOTE: No. 9 is really called "Najee's Theme".

UPDATE: No.11 for some reason only comes up as a 30 clip.

Argentinian of the Week (1.3.09)

You get three guesses as to who this unabashedly bearded fellow is.

1. Karl Marx
2. Pancho Villa
3. Greg Popovich

I'm afraid that's three strikes, and quite frankly I'm a bit baffled by your second pick. But alas, the fellow with the phenomenal follicular fortitude before you is none other than super-producer Rick Rubin. Yes, your favourite producer's favourite producer, Mr. Rubin is responsible for albums from such diverse luminaries as Run DMC, Justin Timberlake, LL Cool J, Johnny Cash, Neil Diamond, U2, Metallica, The Dixie Chicks, Shakira and The Mars Volta. Owner of 10 Grammy Awards, Rubin could be euphemistically described as having the "Golden Touch", however cannot ACTUALLY be described as having said touch, for the ability was trademarked by one King Midas (the man was ahead of his time). While Comrade Rubin is a perpetual front runner for Argentinian of the Week, he wins this week in light of the revelation that he will be contributing a not insignificant amount to the Clipse forthcoming album 'Til The Casket Drops. We here at M-Theory cannot think of a better way to spend one's time.

And now for the inscrutably scientific phenomenon that is the S.H.A.T. ranking system (The Systematic Honoring of Argentinian Transcendence):

Facial Hair: 11/10 (If Buddha and/or Prince had a beard, it would look like that.)

[Sidebar:] Have you ever seen The Buddha and Prince in the same place at the same time? So we're in agreement that Prince is in all likelihood The Buddha, or that Siddhārtha Gautama was in fact responsible for the 1984 hit "When Doves Cry"? Thought so.[Close Sidebar]

Revolution: 9.5/10 (While he is one of the God Fathers of Hip-Hop and has reinvented the careers of countless artists, he was in fact NOT the first person in history to grow a beard, for which points must be taken off. Hey-- I don't make the rules, I just follow 'em.)

Points In The Clutch: 10/10 (While summering in Jakarta in 2002, Rubin once disarmed 3 bombs in the span of a single afternoon, just to prove to a friend that turkey sandwiches did not dull his mental acuity in the least.)

Miscellaneous: 8/Infinity (He receives an 8 for the number of times he has spoken in front of British Parliament. That may be inaccurate.)

Overall: 38.5/40

*No Karl Marx-es were harmed in the writing of this post.

Water on Mars?

You need to keep up with your science news...
My main man, Dr Kaku has some wisdom for you. Respect!

Got That Making Of A Legend Feel

So over and above all, I'm tryna introduce the people to that good music. This is that: So Far Gone, the latest mixtape/album from Toronto MC/Vocalist Drake. An affiliate of Lil Wayne's Young Money records, he's got spit worthy of that co-sign and has composed/written R&B for the likes of Lloyd, Omarion and Trey Songz. (All three of which appear on So Far Gone). Drake himself sings on the tape and is certified by the taste makers that are the M-Theory staff.

While it's technically a mixtape as it contains a couple high profile beats off of other dudes' albums (Ignorant Sh!t, Say What's Real, November 18th)and it's available for free download, it's constructed, flows and is the quality of, an album. I recently commented to Zoop that this was my album of the year pick, an audacious claim considering it's February, and the fact that the potential lineup for the year includes Dr. Dre, Eminem, Raekwon the Chef, Jay-Z, and the Clipse. So in light of that fact, I might have to reserve judgment at most.

Deftly balancing between singing and rhyming over minimalist beats, yet always maintaining a melodic undercurrent, So Far Gone meets my admittedly unreasonable standard for a Classic album. Namely, that you can throw it on and not hit [>>] once. In this era of landfill rap and R&B (it's all filler), So Far Gone stands out as quality not to be ignored.

For more info on Drake, here's a couple interviews he did with Complex and Eighty81.

So here's a stream of the entire joint, if I get enough interest in it I'll post a download link. Enjoy.

NOTE: No.9 doesn't have Mickey Factz on it for those familiar with that remix. This has another Drake verse instead.

So Far Gone