Tuesday, December 29, 2015

The Dark Tenor: Symphony of Light


I don’t normally critique music but I recently came across an album that I thought was fantastic and wanted to share. The name of the album is Symphony of Light by The Dark Tenor which is available now. I bought it off after I saw him perform the Ukrainian and United Kingdom national anthems at a Klitschko/Fury. I was immediately struck by the performers signature dark mask and his band of musicians that wore similar attire. It was more operatic than anything else but once the music started, he had my full attention.

After hearing what a fantastic voice he had, I looked up the album and was immediately hooked after hearing the song River Flows on the Edge. Some albums are known to have its weak parts but that’s not the case with this album. Virtually every song keeps the listener wanted more, even the songs that aren’t in English. Not much is known about him because he’s still virtually new but he has a strong following on social media and is currently popular in Europe. Here is the run down on the performer and the album.

The Dark Tenor is a German performer but the album is in English for the most part and is sung extraordinarily well. The music itself is sort of a classical-modern age crossover with music from a wide range of well-known melodies. For a performer who wears a black mask and calls himself dark, the album is rich with emotion and religion. With a whole band of musicians behind him, the album delivers an uplifting experience for the listener from start to finish. Other songs that should be mentioned are Haunted Hearts, The Hunger, Heart of Gold and Miserere.

River Flows on the Edge is my personal favorite and is about a welcoming transition into the next phase of existence. Haunted Hearts comes in second by telling the story of someone who has the worst pain possible after carrying nothing but regret. The Hunger is the third describing the ambition of the performer that is not only personal but universal as well. If none of these three spark your interests, then this album isn’t for you. There are plenty of sites that can introduce you to samples of the album.

His work can be found on Youtube and other platforms where you can hear music, it’s well worth your time.  Right now he’s currently performing only in Europe but if a tour ever comes through the United States, then make sure you get a ticket because I know that I am. The Dark Tenor has a fantastic voice and this album ranks as one of my favorite albums of this year. I listen to a wide range of music from Dragonforce and Alicia Keys to Disturbed and Luke Bryan so to some, my ear may not be as tuned as others. This has been my opinion on the album and it’s a positive one, Symphony of Light is well worth your time and money.

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Star Wars: A New Beginning


Star Wars: The Force Awakens finally opens this weekend after the long wait of speculations and theories. Arriving on opening night for the 10 p.m. show, there was a line of people who had been there two hours early and yes, some of them were in costume. Ever since Disney bought the franchise from creator George Lucas for 4.4 billion dollars, fans were anxious to see how Disney would use it to their advantage. Last night it became clear that like Marvel Studios, Disney is creating a new chapter for the next generation of would be Star Wars fans while paying tribute to the previous films. For everyone who is a fan, this film was a sign of relief as the end of the film received a standing ovation from the audience.

Taking place decades after the events of Return of the Jedi, the remains of the galactic empire form a new faction that’s determined to bring back the control it once had over the galaxy. Lead by a new Dark Lord with his apprentice, Kylo Ren, they spread throughout the galaxy and attempt to regain control. Using what’s left of their power, they construct a weapon that surpasses the power of the infamous Death Star and use various methods to rebuild their army to combat the republic resistance. A storm trooper of one of those methods regains his humanity and devises a plan to escape the empire and try to regain a life of his choice. In his escape, he stumbles upon a mission that he believes could be his way out but only pulls him further into the conflict.

While the conflict is happening in the stars, on the planet Jakku, a scavenger meets an unlikely ally who helps to save a droid that contains information that’s critical to the survival of the republic and what remains of the Jedi order. The past returns as the present moves on and identities are revealed that seal the fates of characters. With the balance of the force in jeopardy, a new hero will rise after a mystery is solved that ends the newest chapter of the beloved saga. A chapter that foretells a prophecy that Kylo Ren can’t allow to happen as he himself is struggling to live up to his lineage.

Most fans were excited with the direction that J.J. Abrams was bringing because of the success he’s had with the Star Trek films. J.J. Abrams did justice with incredible action sequences, intense fighting and a gripping storyline filled with twists that drop jaws. At certain moments the film becomes predictable and in a way resembles Star Wars: A New Hope which is its downside. That’s not necessarily a bad thing because J.J. Abrams was able to use the formula to restart a franchise that needed a facelift. This is the film that Star Wars fans have been waiting for since Return of the Jedi.

Famous characters show up to make the audience laugh, new character to love and relics of the past show up to make the audience go “Aw.” With a running time of two hours and fifteen minutes or more like two hours and thirty if you count the commercials, it felt like it wasn’t enough. When the Star Wars film started out, it was created using models and trick photography to make it larger than life. Now fans get more than they ever could with the gift of modern technology and this film was great to watch in 3D. Star Wars: The Force Awakens gets a 9 out of 10 because while it’s using a similar plot, there is an original story around it and it’s a fantastic start.

Sunday, December 6, 2015

Personal Belief

When I was young I was always told that you needed to be born in a rich family to have it made. It's sad because these days you're lucky to be born into a family at all.

Saturday, November 28, 2015

Meet Jessica Jones

Marvel and Netflix recently released their newest show Jessica Jones, a virtual unknown to anyone who doesn’t read the comics. Everyone has heard of Daredevil, Wolverine, and other significant characters but now Marvel is starting to bring other unsung heroes into the light. One of them being this female anti-hero in what has to be Marvel’s most mature and dark show to date. This is the second show in Marvel’s lineup to their ongoing plans to bring the Defenders to the big screen which is like the Avengers only on a smaller scale. I digress back to Jessica Jones and coming from someone who hasn’t read a comic book since the death and return of Superman, this show was nothing short of a shock.

Daredevil introduced Marvel fans to a much darker side of the franchise which has only been seen by the likes of The Punisher and Blade but with Jessica Jones, Marvel and Netflix took a step further. Being played by Krysten Ritter (Breaking Bad), she brings the dark heroine to life while portraying the victim of a scarred childhood. The only light in her life comes from her sister Trish Walker played by Rachel Taylor (Transformers) who is a popular celebrity in the city and the only person Jessica has to go too. This is my way of saying that Jessica’s world is already portrayed as cold, lonely, and miserable in the beginning of the show. Taking place years after a tragic outcome as a result of her work as a superhero, Jessica took her powers of super strength and flight and used them to less progressive work.

Working as a private investigator, she takes on certain cases until she realizes there is something at play and it involves another meta-human. Once the arrival of the antagonist known as Kilgrave played by David Tennant (Dr. Who), things start to pick up and the blood starts to spill. With his arrival, Jessica must now reprise her role as a hero in order to save the people she cares about from arguably the most dangerous threat the city has had since the events of the first Avengers film. The only problem is who is the biggest threat to Jessica? Is it Kilgrave, her own personal demons, or the people she’s close to like Luke Cage?

Luke Cage is one character that many Marvel fans will be happy to see played by Mike Colter (Salt, Zero Dark Thirty) in this series before he eventually gets his own show which should be out later next year. Matching the comic character with both size and looks, Mike Colter brings the character to life as the popular hero for hire. There are other surprises in the series that hint the foreshadowing of more crossovers from other Marvel characters but there’s no doubt this show stands strong on its own. What’s really unique about this show is it shows a character with powers whose life isn’t all lights and glamour.

Unlike Daredevil who is human, Jessica is a meta-human who chooses to live life at the bottom of the pole so to speak. Someone who has the potential to be something on a grand scale but rather try having a normal life and in a way almost succeeded. Unfortunately, it also shows how some people don’t welcome people with gifts and rather they didn’t exist at all after the events of The Avengers. Jessica Jones gives a one of a kind perspective to the audience to show that not all people with powers want to spend their life fighting the cosmic beings or the meta-power dictators. The problem unfortunately is those who use their powers for the wrong reasons don’t care because that person is a threat regardless.

I give this show a solid 8 out of 10 because this show was slow starting out but after three episodes in then things start to get interesting. The other reason is some issues were dragged out and the awkward characters that leave the audience thinking, “What the hell?” Other than that, the casting is strong because of how they matched the characters and brought them to life for the first time. The story is attractive for fans of the dark or film noir style and David Tennant was a great choice to play the antagonist. Jessica Jones is a name Marvel fans will come to know as the series moves on and they get to know the woman behind the name.


Friday, November 27, 2015

Be Safe on Black Friday


Happy Holidays

4:00 a.m. open with special sales.

4:00 a.m. wake crazy consumers.

They wait in line giving no room for cuts,

yet they’re ready to cut throats to get in front of the others.



The doors open, and people stampede

over cigarette butts and peoples’ necks.

Because shoes at Footlocker are 75% off,

a woman now lies dead by a pair of New Balance.



A bottle of perfume by Chanel is only $50.

A woman takes a spray on the wrist to give it a try

then takes a shot in the eyes by another woman.

Now, that bottle is gone and she’s left dry.



Kids are grabbing used games at GameStop.

But what are they doing up at 4 in the morning?

Why are their parents letting them play games like Manhunt?

God forbid they fought over a book by Lord Byron.



Then there are the little 13 year old girls

walking around the lingerie section at Victoria Secret.

Only, I don’t think they’re shopping for their mothers.

Are they looking for something to wear at the beach?



Old hags even come and spread their dust.

It must be the one time of year I see new

life in them as they haul ass. Makes me wonder

what happened to “What would Jesus do?”



Finally, there are all the juvenile wannabes

walking around like they are so bad

with their pants below their waste.

I hope they like it later when their butts

are touched by Bubba’s special candy cane.



I feel sorry for the employees who have no choice,

as the customers yell and curse at them like slave masters.

For making them be there, they should be the ones

yelling at the customers saying, “Go to hell you stingy bastards!”



Brand new sales happen here

and there as the day goes by.

More and more bones are broken

while people on stretchers pray not to die.



People are running either to sales or to get out of the way.

What a great time and day to go to the mall

when people of all ages are spreading the holiday spirit

with fights, lacerations, and handcuffs for all.



Next time just go to the Wal-Mart where

they have the same prices all year round.

It’s better than your kids coming to see you on Christmas

when you’re buried 6 feet under the ground.

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Charlie Sheen


This morning on Today, Charlie Sheen revealed today that he is in fact HIV positive which has blown up social media. Some believe that this isn’t really a surprise but more of a punishment for his wild lifestyle that he’s lived for decades. The decades of doing drugs, sleeping with prostitutes and porn stars, etc. Others believe it was just something that was bound to happen but either way it’s an unfortunate event in the life of the former Two and Half Men star. Charlie Sheen has been no stranger to the public eye for his antics but now seems to be the time that he’s chosen to take a step back and reconsider what’s been going on with his life.

The first time I laid eyes on Charlie Sheen was when I saw him in the Hot Shots films, unaware of his lineage and the long history of the actor on and off the television. Starting out in such films such as Red Dawn, Charlie Sheen soon rose after staring in classics like Platoon, Major League, and Wall Street but in doing so shined spot life on his personal life. Unlike the rest of his family and many other celebrities; it became no secret that Charlie was a party boy and the black sheep of the family. Living a rock star kind of life of drug induced partying and spending time with call girls. Besides the drug addictions and prostitutes, Charlie Sheen has been seen with numerous porn stars in the past such as Ginger Lynn, Heather Hunter and recently Bree Olson.

While his father Martin Sheen and brother Emilio Estevez kept their life out of the public spotlight, Charlie practically launched flares attracting all the cameras. Charlie would eventually take a break and star in television which lead to one of his prized roles as Charlie Harper in Two and a Half Men. His public life would also take a break by moving on to marry actress Denis Richards who is mother to their two children. Charlie has fathered five children in total and has a grandchild from his first child, Cassandra. Things were going good but eventually all the years of his rock star life would catch up to him and due damage on his health both physical and mental.

Sheen had been in and out of rehab several times and suffered a stroke in 1998 after having a severe drug overdose involving cocaine. He’s been in court hearings for several offenses between drug, civil, and marital abuses. Then came the infamous meltdown during run with Two and a Half Men that caused him to be fired from show and sent him down a vortex of madness. He would try to do a one man show that nobody really went too even when they had free tickets. Now we come here to the present and Charlie Sheen is in the spotlight for arguably the most serious moment of his life.

I don’t think it’s fair that people are already assuming that he has one foot in the grave already but the fact is Charlie Sheen is in more trouble than he’s ever been. This isn’t something that he can just throw money at and it will go away like so many of his problems. Charlie Sheen has now become another celebrity affected by this disease like Magic Johnson, Rock Hudson and Freddie Mercury. Now his whole life style will have to change so he can be around for his family and his fans and now it’s non-negotiable. I like to offer my best wishes to the celebrity and hope that he uses this event to his advantage for the better.

Tuesday, October 27, 2015

WWE 2K16 Review


WWE 2K15 was 2K Games first attempt at the wrestling franchise and unfortunately for all its attempts, it was mediocre at best. WWE 2K16 is not the case and is a vast improvement from its predecessor. At first the faith wasn’t high even with the pre-order incentive of playing as The Terminator but there was hope with the news that this game would have the largest roster ever. Along with the addition of the roster, there would also be additional creative options and the graphics are sharper than ever before in any WWE Game. There are some issues that keep this game from being spectacular but let’s get to the new stuff.

The biggest appeal for this year’s game is of course the superstar featured on the cover. Stone Cold Steve Austin who was arguably the most controversial and popular superstar of the Attitude Era. One of the newest additions of WWE 2K15 was 2K Showcase which features the famous storylines that broke the ceiling for an individual superstar. Stone Cold Steve Austin’s rise is the main showcase from his early days to his place in destiny as the figurehead of the Attitude Era this year. Joining Austin from the Attitude Era are other wrestlers such as Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart, The Rock and of course Mr. McMahon who was Austin’s nemesis.

As far as The Terminator goes which was only obtainable by pre-ordering the game, it was all flash and nothing more. There are two options which is Arnold from the first and second films with different entrances and attires. The Terminator is more of a brawler instead of a grappler with a limited number of moves so if you want to play as him then I suggest changing the moves to make it more appealing. The likeness of Arnold is on point and the attires fit the character of each film to the last thread of clothing. The first downloadable character of this new game is nice and sharp but delivers very little enjoyment until you make the changes yourself in order to want to play him.

Joining the rest of the roster also are wrestlers from The Golden Age such as The Ultimate Warrior, SGT. Slaughter, Ricky Steamboat, Ric Flair and several more. Hulk Hogan was going to be in there but unfortunately because of his racist rant that went mainstream, he was taken out. The rest of the superstars featured in this game are part of the NXT and new generation era. Superstars like Finn Balor, Eva Marie, Kevin Owen, The Ascension, Tyler Breeze and others. There are also surprise managers added on like the first lady of WWE Mrs. Elizabeth along with Bobby “The Brain” Heenan, Jimmy Hart and others. Hats off to 2K Games because they put a lot of time into the detail of these characters and thank you.

Now there are some things in the gameplay that are good and some that could’ve been left out in this game. My biggest complaint is the return of the boring mini game being the chain-wrestling technique in which when both wrestlers are healthy they’ll start a sequence of moves. I really wish there was an option to have that removed because all it seems to do is slow down the action. The other complaint is the complicated new submission mode that has resemblance of UFC’s last game. When initiated, a small circle will appear with to curves of different color and you have to integrate your bar with the other in order to make the other submit.

It’s a very challenging new mode that will take time to get used to but the mini game to kick out of the pin is the same but it’s a circle instead of a bar. A highlight will go around the circle and you have to stop it in a certain area to kick out. Other things that are the same are the match types with better graphics such as the Steel Cage, Hell in the Cell, and Extreme Rules. That being said, there are improvements with use of the weapons and the reactions of the wrestlers being struck and the wear and tear on the weapons. One of the new features which is appealing is the ability to cut your opponents entrance by pressing X or A depending on what system you have.

I’m pretty sure that’s going to be a popular action when you’re playing with someone online that you don’t like. I’m going to give this game an 8.5 out 10 because this game is far better than was predicted and the roster is impressive. The reason for this game not being perfect is the boring or challenging mini-games that kill the buzz and irrelevant movements that occur for moves to happen. The problem with sports games is when you play one then you’ve played them all so it’s really hard to surpass the old one. Overall this game is worth the buy and stays true to what the Attitude Era was about from the view of Stone Cold Steve Austin so WWE should be very proud.  

Friday, October 23, 2015

Those Lips


Those Lips

By

Anthony Labson



Full both in form and emotion.

It’s an insult to cover them

with flavored additions

that just remove from their





Natural beauty.



If touching her

with my unworthy curves

meant carried the price

of losing breath.



I would gladly welcome asphyxia.



Why would a pair of curves

be worth a precious gift?

Because having life and living it

are two different things.



To have been blessed by them is a miracle.



There are a million others

so why are these above all?

The answer is quiet simple

and yet, very powerful.

These lips belong to the woman I love.

Wednesday, October 14, 2015

New Age Rebels Available for Free Today!

Nations rise and fall but it's the people who live in that time that decide whether a civilization becomes the phoenix or submits to the raven. This is a novel based on what one man can do when a culture gets so desperate after depending on a pattern that's done nothing but lead them to stray. With ideas so radical, he is willing to tear apart the fundamentals on which the United States was founded for his ambitions. He sells the dream for a new United States that is owned and not free but is once again strong. However the president soon finds nothing happens without resistance.

Men and women of the former United States military decide to stand against the president and his corrupt agenda. Branded as rebels by a bias media and seen as traitors by the government, they quickly assemble another army from fellow soldiers and officers. With the threat of another civil war rising, a new deal is formed that would keep the country united but only as a formality. The rebels are allowed to live in selected states and uphold the old traditions as long as obligations are met by both parties.

Everything went according to plan for a brief time and the country moved after the events of The Great Division. The country moved on while everyone in the Restricted Zones kept to themselves and moved on with their own ways. Now something threatens the peace and starts a chain of destruction that is leading the country to another civil war. Certain individuals from opposite sides realize the danger and decide to act to uncover a conspiracy. United by a common belief, they must rush to save lives and a country they both love.

http://www.amazon.com/New-Age-Rebels-Anthony-Labson-ebook/dp/B0152IQZAI/ref=sr_1_1_twi_kin_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1442940972&sr=8-1&keywords=New+age+rebels

Saturday, October 10, 2015

New Flash meets Green

The Flash and Arrow returned this weekend with much anticipation for the speedster’s second season and the archer’s fourth. Both started off in similar fashion with the seasons beginning months after the actions of their finales. Both shows have been advertising big returns and special appearances for weeks now and so far there hasn’t been any disappointments. The last season of Arrow left people with an “ehh” feeling and the cliffhanger of The Flash left people wanting the second season to hurry up. Now they're back and this is what's happening so far and what we know.
Quick follow up, Arrow ended with Oliver leaving the city with Felicity to start a new life while leaving his sister Thea and friends behind to care for the city. The season kicked off with the now retired Oliver Queen who is brought back due to overwhelming factions crippling the newly renovated Star City. A faction dedicated to the destruction of the city solely for the purpose of rebuilding it in the image of their leader. The only thing more dangerous than this faction is Oliver’s inner struggle to resist his desire to become what he feels he must be in order to protect the city and build bridges he burned in the last season. There is also the famous flashbacks that Oliver has that further explain how he acquired all of his skills and knowledge of warfare.

It was a welcomed sight when you see how all the characters have progressed especially with Thea assuming her role as Red Arrow or Speedy while fighting her own demons. The newest addition to the show is Neal McDonough who plays the antagonist Damien Darhk. A character introduced in the last season who has a more anarchist attitude and a methodical plan for the destruction of Star City. The show gives off a familiar excitement that was somewhat lacking in the previous season with the foreshadowing element introduced at the end of the premiere. It was a strong return for Arrow that made up for the weak ending of season three while The Flash kicked off in very morbid fashion.

Another quick follow up, The Flash found out who killed his mother and disrupted time in order to save her but instead chose to leave it alone and it created a black hole over Central City. The show starts off with Barry Allen alone and fighting crime on his own after the events of the finale and the sacrifices that were made to save Central City. With crime being at an all-time low and life is progressing for everyone else, Barry seems to be the only one scarred with pain. Pain that is soon amplified with the arrival of a new villain played by former WWE superstar, Edge. When Iris and everyone see that Barry is on a one way ticket to the grave, they struggle to get back into his life before he gets himself killed.

The ending left with Barry finding out about a new enemy that he knows nothing about and is surprised by a gift from an unlikely sender. It started out dark but quickly found its way back to the familiar elements that made this show a hit in its first season. There are more surprises coming along the way and coming from a wrestling fan’s point of view, it was great to see Edge back on the screen. It’s obvious from both shows that we’ll be seeing another team up sometime in the near future and there will be arrivals of beloved heroes and villains along the way. All leading up to CW’s next DC adaption Legends of Tomorrow, it’s clear that this is going to be a long season and both had a great send off.

Sunday, October 4, 2015

Poem Dedicated to Breast Cancer Awareness

What’s Worth Kneeling For?
By
Anthony Labson

I’m full of pride.
I can’t run from a fight
and I won’t shame my name.
I’ll stand ready to die.

I don’t flinch for a blade
and I don’t fear the sound of a bullet.
A knife is just a tool for use or trade
and a gun is nothing without a digit.

I’ve fought enemies
and I’ve even fought a friend.
The fighting never reached its end
and I would think at times I had an injury.
I’ve never really had a reason to fight
but I never could back down.
Now more than ever all I can wear is a frown
because my love is fading from my sight.
She is the best of me
but we didn’t catch her disease in time.
The other life in her heart is mine
So if she goes then I’ll cease to be. 
If finally bending my knees saves her
then I do it proudly with no dishonor.
My life without her would just be horror.
I never thought my greatest enemy would be cancer.

Thursday, October 1, 2015

How Much Will It Take?


I’m not against guns because one person’s sword is another person’s shield but I have one question to ask and it should be taken seriously. It’s a question that I’ve been wondering for the past couple of years now and that question is, “What is it going to take?” What is it going to take to make people in the United States realize that there is something wrong with our views on mental health? There was a mass shooting at Umpqua Community College located in Roseburg, Oregon. Several people are confirmed dead including the shooter while 20 others are wounded and currently hospitalized.



People are already talking about stricter gun control laws which is typical considering the situation and as usual, nothing is getting done. A couple of years ago, Gabrielle Giffords who was a member of Congress for Arizona was shot in the head by a deranged individual and survived. In Aurora, Colorado, a maniac armed to the teeth walked into a theater during a midnight show of The Dark Knight Rises and murdered over 20 people. On December 14th, 2012 at Sandy Hook Elementary School, a psychopath walked in and executed 20 innocent children and four adults. If the sight of dead children doesn’t make you think there’s something wrong with society then what will?



We’ve been talking about gun control for decades and nothing happens but that’s not the issue because if someone wants to commit murder, a gun isn’t the only option. There are several different ways that person can do it. I have no doubt that there are countless sites that can show you how to make whatever you’re looking for which is disturbing in itself if you really think about it. So why is the United States only focused on one method of killing? Certain people think it’s too easy to get guns in this country and others think the laws are strict enough but nobody is asking, “Why do people want these guns?”



Instead of focusing on the weapon, focus on the hand that controls that weapon and why it’s being used in the first place. We need to teach people to focus on the signs that someone may be a danger and report them in order to prevent these incidents. The shooter at Umpqua ranted about doing something terrible before it happened and we just found out about it. The shooter of the theater in Aurora claimed that he was “The Joker” from Batman. If you’re wondering why I’m not mentioning their names is because the last thing I’m going to do is recognize the madmen.



If someone goes into a store and is buying a rifle with a scope because they live in the country around a forest and animals then I’m going to go with the belief that it’s for hunting purposes. If someone is buying a small handgun to carry around because they live in a bad neighborhood then I’m going to believe it’s for protection. But if you walk into someone’s house and that person has a whole armory in a suburb then maybe that should raise a red flag right there. Now maybe that person just likes to collects guns or maybe he might be planning something. I don’t know and what’s worse is nobody seems to know what to do because unfortunately, this happens way too much.



This country has become accustomed to hearing about gun violence so much that we’ve become almost numb to it. Every day we hear about someone getting gunned down because of some reason but I don’t blame the gun any more then I would blame a truck because the driver was drunk. I blame the driver because just like the murderers mentioned above, they all weren’t in the right state of mind and someone should’ve paid attention to the signs. We need to start paying attention to the people around us because that one call could be the difference between help or homicide. Too much has been taken already.    

Sunday, September 27, 2015

A Murder For A Murder: September 11th 2026 Available Now!

A day of remembrance turns into a dark reminder as once again there is a terrorist attack on the 25th anniversary of September 11th. A group of civilians, including the Mayor of New York are being held hostage. Threatened by a group of terrorists that have been plotting the attack for years with deadly intentions in mind. Being held for a ransom, the President of the United States will be forced to make a choice. Will he give in to the demands of a murderer or do something so radical, it would change the very image of what America stands for.

The events of this date will bring back feelings from the first 9/11 attacks like anger and sorrow as well as desires for revenge and retribution. All eyes now focus on a president who decides to make a radical move that throws everyone into uncharted waters. How will the world respond to these actions and most importantly, will it strengthen or weaken the nation he’s sworn to protect? Who will rise with the sun on September 12th when the deadline is met? Policies will be challenged, people will be conflicted, and a nation will remember that terrorism only needs a time, a place, and the most important thing of all…casualties.

The attacks on 9/11/01 was the darkest day I ever had and I wrote this as a reminder that freedom will always have enemies. Thank you for your contribution and your support. This is my first book to start off a long and hopefully successful career so I sincerely hope that you enjoy reading this story as I have creating it. A special thank you to the military for keeping us safe and making sure that another 9/11 doesn't happen again. Until the next is written.

http://www.amazon.com/Murder-September-11th-2026-ebook/dp/B00C9QZ0NU/ref=sr_1_1_twi_2_kin?

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

New Age Rebels Available for Free

New Age Rebels will be available for Kindle users till Wednesday night. Here's the synopsis.

Nations rise and fall but it's the people who live in that time that decide whether a civilization becomes the phoenix or submits to the raven. This is a novel based on what one man can do when a culture gets so desperate after depending on a pattern that's done nothing but lead them to stray. With ideas so radical, he is willing to tear apart the fundamentals on which the United States was founded for his ambitions. He sells the dream for a new United States that is owned and not free but is once again strong. However the president soon finds nothing happens without resistance.

Men and women of the former United States military decide to stand against the president and his corrupt agenda. Branded as rebels by a bias media and seen as traitors by the government, they quickly assemble another army from fellow soldiers and officers. With the threat of another civil war rising, a new deal is formed that would keep the country united but only as a formality. The rebels are allowed to live in selected states and uphold the old traditions as long as obligations are met by both parties.

Everything went according to plan for a brief time and the country moved after the events of The Great Division. The country moved on while everyone in the Restricted Zones kept to themselves and moved on with their own ways. Now something threatens the peace and starts a chain of destruction that is leading the country to another civil war. Certain individuals from opposite sides realize the danger and decide to act to uncover a conspiracy. United by a common belief, they must rush to save lives and a country they both love.

http://www.amazon.com/New-Age-Rebels-Anthony-Labson-ebook/dp/B0152IQZAI/ref=sr_1_1_twi_kin_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1442940972&sr=8-1&keywords=New+age+rebels

Monday, September 21, 2015

Personal Belief

A person who fights for his government is a soldier. A person who fights for his country is a patriot.

Thursday, September 17, 2015

No Love for Jokers

What makes a Joker more of a man
Than a king?


A king has hundreds of people
that serve him, prepare his food,
clothes him, cleans him,
and gets everything he wants.


Covered with jewelry, surrounded
by stone walls and steel.
He can start wars with whomever
And take other people’s land.


The people he conquers become his slaves
and he uses glory to explain chaos.
For that his name will go into the record books
and generations will remember his name.


A king’s ambition for power and the
preservation of his legacy is his only concern
even at the expense of the people “He” serves.
A Joker doesn’t need all this.


All a joker asks for is a smile
and he is willing to get it by his own
expense if necessary.
For that, you call him a fool.

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

Personal Quote

The love of the whole world is meaningless compared to the love of the one.

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

How To Say I Love You

Don't say "I love you"
with a serpent's tongue.
Spreading your false energy
through my veins -- that's worse than
any venom and murders the heart the quickest.

Don't say "I love you"
like a child does a toy,
something that is to be enjoyed
for a short period time and then discarded
without a care for the one who is used
and will be left alone in dark misery.

Don't say "I love you"
at all.

Give that person a gift
at an unexpected time,
and give it for no reason.

Kiss that person,
not with lustful intentions
but with meaningful ones.

Do something for that person,
not because they asked
but because you want to for them.

Be there for that person
no matter what the reason,
even when they don't want you to.

Look each other in the eyes
and enjoy that moment of silence,
that moment where words have no purpose.

Finally, hold that hand.
That is always the first step
and will always be the most important one.

If you want to say "I love you"
and actually mean it.
Then don't say it at all.


Excerpt from Madness in a Recession, available in print and on Amazon.
Happy Valentine's Day!

Sunday, September 13, 2015

Those Lips (New poem from my next book).


Those Lips

By

Anthony Labson



Full both in form and emotion.

It’s an insult to cover them

with flavored additions

that just remove from their





Natural beauty.



If touching her

with my unworthy curves

meant carried the price

of losing breath.



I would gladly welcome asphyxia.



Why would a pair of curves

be worth a precious gift?

Because having life and living it

are two different things.



To have been blessed by them is a miracle.



There are a million others

so why are these above all?

The answer is quiet simple

and yet, very powerful.

These lips belong to the woman I love.


Monday, August 31, 2015

Goodbye Wes Craven

Everyone remembers their first horror film and for me, it was Clive Barker’s Hellraiser. I remember running to turn on the lights as soon as I knew that Pinhead and his demon allies known as the cenobites were going to appear. It was a good feeling only because I was introduced to a new genre and I have to admit that I liked being shocked every now and then. After that, I moved on to Halloween and wasn’t really into the whole slasher genre and the same goes for Friday the 13th. The one slasher/horror film franchise that did make me afraid to go to sleep was A Nightmare on Elm Street. Freddy Kruger was hands down the scariest thing I’ve ever seen and for good reason.

I dream a lot so a film about someone that could kill you in your dreams will really make you want a lot of caffeine. I can thank Wes Craven for giving me a lot of sleepless nights but also a sense of what it really means to be scared. Now he’s passed on at the age of 76 and that is a terrible loss for the horror genre. Today’s horror films are mediocre at best to be real honest. I can’t tell the last time that I went to a horror film and was actually scared to go to bed. To be fair, the bar is set high which is another credit we can give to Wes Craven, Clive Barker, and John Carpenter.

His career is marked with many memorable films and The Serpent and the Rainbow was his crowning achievement in my opinion. Like John Carpenter’s The Thing, that film was just one of those movies that gets to you no matter how many times you watch it. It’s a true gift to make a horror film when you know what’s coming and yet you can’t help but flinch. Now these days we’re so desperate to be scared we’re remaking classics like Poltergeist in order to bring back real horror but instead of great acting and a capturing story, we’re given cheap C.G.I. tricks that ruin it for the audience.

People say that the horror genre is dead and there is some truth to that. Back when I was young, we had monsters that were never seen and were creative with the way they looked and the way they scared people. Like I said before, the bar is set very high but there has been some progress with horror with hits like Paranormal Activity, Sinister, and The Conjuring. There’s some creativity flowing back but it’s slow and with our beloved Masters of Horror no longer at the wheel, it’s still up in the air. I would like to send my heartfelt condolences to Wes Craven’s family and his friends during this time.

I would also like to thank him for making some of the best films that I’ve seen. If you aren’t familiar with his work then please look him up and see what you can, especially The Serpent and the Rainbow. Wes Craven left behind a legacy that most film makers should aspire to achieve and hopefully surpass. I would like to try something different instead of just closing this and wishing everyone a good day. Let’s honor Wes Craven’s memory by sharing a memory of our own. I invite you to please share what was your first horror film, how old were you when you saw it and which horror film is your favorite.

Friday, August 7, 2015

Fox Fantastically Fails


When Man of Steel came out I said that if you’re a fan of the Christopher Reeve Superman then you weren’t going to like the new Superman which is based off the New 52 generation. Today I’m telling you that if you’re a fan of the Fantastic Four then don’t see this movie at all. Back in 1994, there a Fantastic Four movie that was made so poorly that it wasn’t even released in theaters. I truly feel this film should’ve gone down that same path because I’ve never seen so many people walk out of a theater before until this morning. I’m sorry to all involved with the movie because I’m sure they did the best they could to put together a blockbuster but the cold hard truth is this is a bust.

This film was problematic from the get go when it was revealed that this was going to be a different fantastic four with a completely new origin. At first I wasn’t opposed to it because as long as the story was good then I didn’t have a problem. The origin was altered in the 2005 version as well but there was still some elements that kept it traditional such as the cosmic storm and that it was the cause of their powers. The only part that ruined that series was a weak Dr. Doom that wasn’t a leader of a country, just a cheap Lex Luthor knockoff. The film also kept true to the internal struggles of the group and the traits of the characters such as Johnny Storm being cocky and Reed Richards being the over thinking egghead.

This isn’t the case of the newest version of the franchise because the new way they get their powers is nothing short of ridiculous. I saw the reaction of the crowd and the way it all occurred left the audience wondering, “Really?” The next problem occurs with the introduction of Victor Von Doom who again is no leader of a nation or even a wealthy business man like in the previous version. The only thing this film stays true with him is he’s the main villain, he has a desire for Sue Storm, and he wants to rule the world. It gets bad when has powers that he’s shouldn’t, he’s not as intelligent as he should be, and his signature look can only be described as weak like Ryan Reynold’s Green Lantern C.G.I uniform.

I respect how the whole film wanted to be taken seriously by appearing more real but it wasn’t properly executed for a comic movie. A lot of this film was more dialogue and debate instead of the fancy uniforms, the heroic music, and action. The only time this film got my attention was in the final fight scene between Doom and the group but by that time, I had seen at least thirteen people get up and leave. The ending left much opened for a possible sequel and one is scheduled for 2017 but considering how poor this movie was, I have no doubt it will be canceled. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if this film didn’t make it to number one this week.

Fox really dropped the ball when it comes to this franchise which is a shame for Michael B. Jordan, Miles Teller, Jamie Bell and Kate Mara. This film will remain a scar on their careers and if this had been their first film then it could’ve been their last. The director, Josh Trank has already came out saying that the studio is partially to blame but it doesn’t really matter at this point. The fact is this movie dared to be different from all the Marvel movies but it failed miserably. I give this film a 4 out of 10 simply because the actors did a good job but unfortunately the story didn’t make sense and the changes weren’t popular with the fans.

Do I think the Fantastic Four are cursed characters that should just be kept in the comics or cartoons as some believe? No but I do think as many do that Fox should just sell the rights back to Marvel because this is the 3rd time they’ve made a film and they just can’t deliver the fantastic. If you were really looking forward to this movie then I’m sorry to disappoint you when I say don’t bother. When this film was over I completely forgot to stay and look for something at the end of the movie because I simply wanted to get out of there. I had really high hopes for this movie because I liked how Fox was trying to be creative unlike so many other companies but the fact is Marvel is the only one that can save the Fantastic Four. 

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Tribute to Robin Williams


A Brilliant Robin

Ever since you and Mindy met,
I have never been able to keep my eyes off you.
When I saw you sail in with Olive
and flex your big forearms,
I knew you were a brilliant Robin.

I never needed toys
cause I watch you for amusement.
I never had to go fishing with grandpa
because I was watching a king on the screen.

The way you made us laugh with Comic Relief.
It was like watching poetry in motion,
like you were the leader of a dead society.
And you touched our hearts with more than comedy.

You’ve been everywhere from cold Moscow
to seeing a good morning in Vietnam.
Just to see you do what you can do
is a real awakening.

The way you can change colors
by turning into a big blue clown,
making dreams of a pauper come true
easier than saying Bibidy Bobidy Boo.

You’ve even changed sexes,
and proved that being an old lady
can be funny and lovable.
It’s almost like you have artificial intelligence.

Then, there is your voice
that hides so many others.
If I didn’t know any better Jack,
I’d say you were a machine covered in furry skin.

You can’t be real.
It’s like you popped out of Neverland
because you never get old in spirit.
There’s always a fresh joke for you to tell.

No birdcage can hold you.
I would have an easier time
trying to catch air with hands.
Your humor is what dreams can come.

You have done so much a man can do.
It’s almost like you have Insomnia
because you never seem to sleep.
You should be man of the year.

If there was a museum of you,
I’d wait all night there with happy feet.
I’d take a picture of you,
and rush it to one hour photo.

I hope somehow I get to meet you someday.
So, until then I will say thank you for everything.
You are a brilliant Robin, and, until there is another,
Good Hunting Mr. Williams.

Monday, July 20, 2015

Ant-Man Shrinks the Competition


Marvel and DC Comics have superheroes that are mirror images of each other minus certain character traits or purpose. Marvel for example has the assassin Deadpool who is known as the “Merc with the Mouth.” His mirror image is DC’s Deathstroke, the mercenary for hire. Virtually the same only Deadpool is a mutant and more of a comic relief and Deathstroke is the serious professional. Marvel has Tony Stark or Ironman who is a billionaire but is more fun-loving and easygoing while DC has Bruce Wayne a.k.a. Batman, another billionaire, only more dark and serious.

Another DC character that has a mirror image is Ray Palmer who is better known as The Atom who has the power to shrink to the size of a molecule. Marvel’s version of him is Hank Pym who is the first Ant-Man. Both men are well renowned scientists who dream of creating a world without illness and violence and are dragged into the action by various forces. The difference is Ant-Man has an additional talent which is his technology allows him to connect with ants and uses them to help him with his adventures. Now Marvel has taken the next step in introducing new fans by bringing Ant-Man to the big screen.

Ant-Man opened last weekend and while hopes for the movie were as minimal as could be due to delays and loss of its original director, the film has received gigantic applause. Out of all the superheroes and their amazing powers, the ability to shrink doesn’t sound appealing at first. In Marvel we’ve seen a man in an iron suit, a demi-god, a monster with incredible strength, and a super soldier so a hero that shrinks doesn’t sound so cool at first. Marvel though is blessed with better story telling than DC and that’s why this film doesn’t disappoint and is number one at the box office. Ant-Man is a two hour film that gives better understanding to why being able to shrink is an ability to take seriously.

It starts off in the early days of S.H.E.I.L.D. with surprise appearances by known Marvel characters and Michael Douglas staring as the intelligent scientist Hank Pym. After realizing what others want from Pym’s creation, he decides to do the one thing that he has to in order to keep it from falling into the wrong hands. After decades in seclusion he returns when he finds out that his former protégé has created a similar suit and plans to sell it to an unknown buyer. Now in fear that his nightmares are about to come to reality he turns to Scott Lang for help.

Played by Paul Rudd, Scott Lang is an intelligent man who made a poor decision that got him locked away and destroyed his life. Now given a second chance to make things right, he prepares to step into the smallest shadow ever created with the help of Hank Pym and a reluctant ally. During the course of the movie, Pym is forced to face old demons that have haunted him for years and in certain ways connect him with Scott on several levels. Paul Rudd’s debut into the action scene was well done and while this role required him to take a more serious turn he still portrayed some of his well-known comedy in the movie. Also in the movie are surprises during the film that will further connect Ant-Man to the rest of the universe and of course their signature post credit scene.

Ant-Man is scheduled to return in Marvel’s next film and arguably it’s most anticipated, Captain America: Civil War. What part Ant-Man will have in the movie is unclear but in a war that pits Captain America against Iron-Man, this film may have introduced us to the wildcard. No word yet on a sequel but considering the critic’s praise and the overwhelming acceptance of the Marvel fans, another one will most likely be coming. Big congrats to everyone involved because virtually nobody thought this film was going to be a success when it was announced. Ant-Man is great summer movie filled with action and comedy that can be enjoyed by every one of all sizes. 

Tuesday, July 14, 2015

Comic-Con 2015


Well another Comic-Con is in the books and from what I’ve read and heard from people who attended, it’s done nothing but add more anticipation to next year’s line-up of movies. The most popular comic convention of the year took place last weekend in San Diego, California. Fans came from all around to dress up or cosplay as they call it and have fun with others who share their love for DC or Marvel. Comic-Con is also the place to go to get great deals on memorabilia, meet famous celebrities and get a first class look at upcoming movies. The convention never fails to amaze and this year was no disappointment to the fans who were able to attend.

DC wowed the fans by displaying costumes, bringing in the new batmobile for fans to gaze over, and showed fans what to look forward to with new seasons like Arrow. Stephen Amell stopped by to show fans the new attire he’ll be dawning when the show returns October 7th. Marvel’s presence wasn’t as strong as it should be considering its dominance over DC. Fans were hoping to get a sneak peek at Captain America: Civil War or hear news about other heroes like Black Panther, Avengers: Infinity Wars or Thor: Ragnarok but nothing happened which stinks. Marvel was still able to grab the attention of the audiences with previews of their other two movies coming out this year.  

Marvel and DC pulled out everything they had for next year’s movies and fans got more than what they wanted with sneak peeks for Deadpool, Batman vs. Superman, X-Men Apocalypse, and Suicide Squad. For decades the cinemas have been conquered by Marvel with their ongoing success but now it seems like DC is catching up with their much anticipated Batman vs. Superman: Dawn. With the promise of a new trailer to show, fans were overwhelming pleased with the first look at Lex Luther and Wonder Woman. The new trailer also gives a wider explanation into why these two titans will collide and how Lex Luther’s is involved.

Another trailer revealed is Suicide Squad which features the return of the Joker now played by Jared Leto. Some haven’t agreed with the look of Jared Leto as the Joker which some have considered a colorful Marilyn Mason. After seeing the trailer though it’s clear that David Ayer is taking this film completely serious. Suicide Squad focuses on some of Gotham’s most dangerous criminals like the assassin Deadshot, Killer Croc, Captain Boomerang and the sexy psychopath Harley Quinn. They’re brought together by Amanda Waller who runs a government agency that recruits villains to commit operations that the public aren’t meant to know.

Think of them as a supervillain version of the dirty dozen but only difference is there’s no parole for these villains, just the promise to live another day only to die next time. Leading the group is Deadshot played by Will Smith who has received praise for his portrayal as the man that never misses. He’s had a run of bad luck with his movies since the release of After Earth so this film may be what he needs to rejuvenate his career. This film will also be the first time to see the ever popular Harley Quinn on screen played by Margot Robbie hot off her last film The Wolf of Wall Street. Another first timer making his big screen debut is Marvel’s Merc with the Mouth, Deadpool.

Deadpool is going to be the first movie coming out next year in February to set the bar with the burden of having to compete with Batman vs. Superman later on in March. Deadpool is a mutant armed with a variety of fighting skills, advance healing abilities and a filter free mouth full of witty things to say that leave the audience wondering, “What the hell?” Fans have been waiting to see the comedic anti-hero for the longest time. While one’s run is starting early next year, another run is finishing in May in the form of the X-Men.

X-Men Apocalypse will be coming out on and it will mark the end for two who will make their final appearance as their characters. This will be the final X-Men film we see Jennifer Lawrence as Mystique and Hugh Jackman will be done with Wolverine after this and Wolverine 3. This may not be a big deal for Jennifer Lawrence who has only been in two films but for Hugh Jackman, it’s the end of an era. He was the break out start when the franchise started and it sky-rocketed his career gaining him lead roles and A-list status. No rumors yet on who could possibly replace him in future films.

Whoever takes up the claws will have a huge shoes to fill but no matter who replaces Jackman, Marvel has lost an icon. Another icon that will be saying goodbye next year is popular film maker and comic fan in his own right, Kevin Smith. He has stated that after Clerks 3 he will be retiring from directing after the film is finished. It’s been a long run for Kevin Smith and to hear him not making films anymore is heartbreaking at best. Clerks 3 is scheduled to be released on August 1st 2016 but it’s early so things change.

It was a memorable event this year that was fueled by movies that fans have been waiting to see for the longest time and ended with heartfelt goodbyes. This was most likely DC’s year at Comic-Con as fans really seem to enjoy the darker, more adult version of their superhero films. For people like myself who grew up watching the red underwear and the star spangled bikini, it’s an adjustment. Some people still disagree with the direction DC has gone but in the end it’s about what sells and after this year’s Comic-Con it’s clear. People are ready to open the wallet next year when arguably the two most popular characters in comics finally go head to head. 

Wednesday, July 1, 2015

A Fallen Angel


A Fallen Angel
An angel is falling from the sky.
She is in a vortex, helplessly
going down a downward spiral,
screaming for help in mid air.

She looks so pure and innocent.
She is an angel, but she can’t fly.
And, as I look with a hawk’s eye, I see
her wings are broken.

I wonder why she has been sent to this realm,
a realm of my vision,
an endless forest were disruption meets oblivion
and lost souls meet renaissance.
She lands in the lake of my forest.

She is 5 foot 2 and about 130 pounds,
But, like a small stone, makes no splash,
just ripples in the water.
Yet, the impact sounds like that of an atom bomb.

I get on my stallion, the eternal mustang,
and ride to the lake where I see her
floating on her back like a flower.
I pull her out and go back to my cabin in the forest.

I put her in my bedroom
because there is no other.
I sleep in front of the fireplace
and wonder where to start.

The next day, she wakes up,
and I come in with breakfast.
She is startled, but I calm her down.
I tell her that I am a friend.

“I am one who cares for all.
I give comfort and shelter to those in need.
You may simple call me friend
because that’s all I’ll ever be.”
She eats the eggs I’ve made for her and
drinks the water that I’ve purified.

After a while, I finally ask her,
“Angel, why did you fall from the sky?”

She says, “I lost my way.
I just got bored with eternity,
so I wanted to leave.
I got my wish, and now I have nothing.
That’s why I guess I’m here,
to be forgotten.”

I say to her, “He doesn’t forget, and he does forgive.
Somebody so beautiful should express happiness, not fear.
In time, you will learn to smile again
and never again feel sorrow.”

With her wings wrapped and her body healed,
she begins to live with me here in the forest.
We take walks in the morning to see the sunrise and
have dinners in the front window of the cabin to see the sunset.

I cook her all my favorite recipes
from lasagna to baked ziti.
But when we get to the desert --
freshly made cherry pie -- her favorite.

Weeks after her arrival, she asks me,
“Why are you here?”

I tell her the truth.
“I was once lost like you were.
I fell just as you did, but found my way.
But unlike me, you still have a choice.” 

She asks, “What kind of choice?”
I say, “You’ll know it when you feel it.”
She gets confused, but, months later,
confusion turns into compassion.

Many times, she welcomed me to bed with her.
Every time I declined, not because of un-attraction.
It was just going to make it easier on me in the end
because I knew the day was approaching.

A year has passed. Her wings are healed.

She flaps them up and down
and gets herself off the floor.
I smile at her success, but she can see
my invisible frown.

The time has come, and I say, “Let’s go to the lake.”
But when we go, there is no lake,
just an open field with a ray of light in the middle.
She sees now the choice that must be made.



Leave or stay?

There is no turning back.
But, before she makes the choice,
she asks me with a heart-broken voice,
“Why did you stay?”

I say, “I wasn’t the first.
I knew I wasn’t going to be the last.
I made the choice to stay
and help other angels like you and I.”

She asks, “What if I stay with you?

Help other angels by your side?
I can’t image eternity alone.
I don’t want that to be your fate.”
I say, “That’s not your choice to make.

This realm is of my vision.
This is my eternity, and this is how I choose to spend it.
If you decide to stay, I will be the one that goes.
Either way, one of us is leaving, and it’s going to be you.”

She says, “How do you know?”

I say, “Because you’ve learned again what’s most important.
Eternity is what you make of it.

This is mine, and I do it with pride.
Now you can go and find something to take pride in.”
Angel says, “I will miss you.
You gave me back so much.”

I say, “You’re welcome.
That complement is why I do this.

Now, it’s time to fly.”
She hugs and kisses me goodbye
then slowly moving towards the light,
never taking her eyes off me.
With new wings, she heads back to paradise.

As she disappears into the light,
I say, “Lord,
your child has returned to you.
My love and wishes go with you angel.”

I turn back and head for my cabin.
My energy is now spent.
My body is weak.
My head is light as a feather.

I now go to bed and sleep
until the next is sent.


Sample from my book Madness in a Recession available now!
Enjoy and thanks for following.