About: ‘Iron Man 3′ Joins Movie And TV Production Exodus To North Carolina

The action
“The rumors are true,” a North Carolina TV station announced when the governor flew to the hometown movie studio to break the news this past week. “Tony Stark and the third installment of the Iron Man movie franchise will fly into Wilmington.” Great news for North Carolina maybe but for the Los Angeles movie and TV community it felt like a punch in the gut. Thanks to the state’s generous 25% production credit, North Carolina’s EUE/Screen Gems Studios sealed the deal. Manhattan Beach-based Marvel Studios considered making the third movie in Los Angeles just like the first two, but the 25% credit proved too hard to resist. California has a 25% credit — which excludes big budget studio productions. Marvel also considered Michigan and New Mexico but North Carolina won out because of the size of the facility as well as the tax credit.

The reaction
People are saying:

1) I hope they will include the following characters in future Iron Man sequels:
Bethany Cabe, Force, Rumiko Fujikawa, Guardsman, Iron Man 2020.
I look forward to seeing the following villains in future Iron Man sequels:
Arsenal, Beetle (Abner Jenkins), Blizzard (Donnie Gill), Cobalt Man, Controller, Dreadknight, Edwin Cord, Ezekiel Stane, Fin Fang Foom, Firebrand, Firepower, Ghost, Grey Gargoyle, Hypnotia, Justine Hammer, Iron Patriot, Kearson DeWitt, Killer Shrike, Living Laser, Madame Masque, Mandarin, Mauler, Melter, MODOK, Morgan Stark/Gregory Stark, Raiders, Spymaster, Sunset Bain, Sunturion, Temugin, Titanium Man, Unicorn, Ultimo, Wong-Chu.

2) Alot of companys are leaving California, I wouldn’t be shocked if studios move out of the state and begin building huge lots in Hollywood Florida. *rimshot*

3) Already happening. “Rock of Ages” is filming at a studio in Miami, even though it takes place in LA. A huge Sunset Blvd set has been built – it’s quite an impressive and cool looking set.
Miami isn’t a threat right now, but can be – its already a large production center, especially for television (albeit mostly Spanish language) and offers most of the weather and glamor of Los Angeles in a tax-friendly red (or purple, if you must) state.

4) To quote Jack Warner When the Red Robin Comes bobbing, he impersonated himself and made his employees clap to his radio performance. I use this quote for a reason.
Life is too good in LA. They will never move their offices to NM, Vegas, Seattle, etc etc.
Once Cali bounces back and the want to be a producer, director, writer phase is shifted back to the great times of the 20′s 30′s etc. Cali will be the the greater movie maker until infinity.

5) This is just another attempt by studios to get California into a race to the bottom where even if we put some more skin in the game, the studios would still chose another more desperate region that’s putting it’s skin, heart, liver, and lungs into the game.
Interestingly enough the article fails to mention that the reason Michigan and New Mexico lost iron man is because they are either getting rid of or capping their own film subsidy programs. They are making investments in films that get up and leave right after the shoot is over. Jerry bruckheimer is already threatening new Mexico to take work to Louisiana if new Mexico does not INCREASE and match Louisiana’s 30% rebate. Don’t forget about Canada either.
So what should California do?
The us studios are all based here and will not and cannot leave. For every dollar a studio gets in subsidies, the state should charge a countervailing tax to negate that value. That immediately ends the race to the bottom. The studios will cry and threaten to leave but would you really believe that when they’ve been unable to stay in other states once the subsidy goes away. Play hardball.

6) The studios could actually leave the country. Doesn’t Woody Allen film in France a lot to cut costs? Another way to handle it would be to not tax business in America. After all, business don’t really pay taxes, people pay taxes.

7) Here’s the problem: despite the fact that the studios are based in Los Angeles, their parent companies (with the exception of Disney) are based elsewhere. More importantly, one isn’t even a US company (SONY) – and News Corp, despite being registered in the US is philosophically NOT a US company. So you start with a corporate culture that has no real attachment to LA. And these companies, not unlike most multinationals (and most US corporate giants) will always gravitate to the cheapest dollar (labor or otherwise). The states that have instituted the tax credits/rebates are being very smart about being attractive to this mindset. LA is quickly becoming non-competitive in this regard. Add to the mix that 70% of a movie’s box office is from international and it’s home base really doesn’t matter. All these things combine for a perfect storm for the film/TV business in LA. This is not all about tax credits, it is about massive media consolidation. Arguably Paramount (Viacom – based in NY and Boston) would make more money selling the studio for real estate than continue to cover the overhead of a massive chunk of land in LA while making movies everywhere but. It certainly makes economic sense (especially if you’re an accountant!).
One last note – don’t forget that in the 1910′s, CA offered many economic subsidies/economic realities that helped lure the business Westward. The old canard about the weather was not the main reason for the move (that’s just a popular myth – because the weather is nice…). The reality was that the state made it very attractive to the East Coast Exhibitors (who were starting to produce their own product) to relocate to LA. Further, because of the way copyright/trademark laws were handled on a state level at that time – and Edison controlled the trademark for the film cameras and projectors on the East Coast and was very litigious about it all – it made sense to get as far away from his control as possible. Interesting how it all comes around.

8) Wrong. There were two reasons for why Michigan lost out to NC. One was the fact that NC’s subsidy was already in place while the funds for Michigan’s subsidy were promised but still hadn’t been raised.
Additionally, the Wilmington area is much nicer… it’s a college town by the beach that offers more scenic locations, better looking extras and an impressive assemblage of competent crew members who have built years of experience working on everything from One Tree Hill and Eastbound and Down to Blue Velvet and The Hunger Games.

About: Ad for gun training bars Muslims and Obama voters

The action
A radio ad for a handgun training class that bars Muslims and Obama voters has sparked an investigation in Texas.
"We will attempt to teach you all the necessary information you need to obtain your [Concealed Handgun License]," the ad says. Then towards the end, it adds: "If you are a socialist liberal and/or voted for the current campaigner in chief, please do not take this class. You have already proven that you cannot make a knowledgeable and prudent decision under the law."
And then: "If you are a non-Christian Arab or Muslim, I will not teach you the class with no shame; I am Crockett Keller, thank you, and God bless America."

The reaction
People are saying:

1) Dear South, I wish we never would have took you back after the civil war, you have the more racism, obesity, illiteracy, low sat and act scores and opposition to science than the rest of the country. You put Reagan and Bush Jr in office and ruined this country. You claim to be true patriotic Americans but then wave Confederate flags which symbolize the desire to secede from the United States. Please secede again, we would be so much better without you. You might not all be able to read this because either you can't read or you are not interested in it because it is not covered in white country gravy.

2) As an American/Arab Muslim, Not that I need a gun but I might just get one and start my own class :) Freedom to bare arms with a smiley. And for the record, I will fight for this country the USA that is because I am an American now. Buy me a gun to protect my family from crazy uneducated Rednecks like this guy that watch Fox News and think all Arab Muslims are terrorist.

3) The koran says to kill all non-muslims. Islam is not a peaceful religion. It is evil. It has been evil going back to the 8th century, etc.

4) It used to be the Russians (Reagan) and the Jews (Senator McCarthy) - Now we are told we have to fear all Muslims (GOP, et al) A decade from now, it'll be some other group. It is the nature of this country to fear what we don't understand and no one will take the time to educate themselves on the subject. Read the Koran - it does not say what you've been told by the right.

5) Agree or not, this is freedom of speech.

6) Instead of fighting the Civil War, the North should have put up a fence...

7) In a muslim country christians have no rights whatsoever. Especially not the right to openly practice their religion.

8) Technically, a business has the right to refuse service to anyone. It's their call, they are a private enterprise.

About: MSNBC Lineup Changes: 'Ed Show' Moves To 8 PM, 'Last Word' Returns To 10 PM

The action
MSNBC announced Wednesday that it is making a major change to its lineup.
Starting Monday, "The Ed Show" will be moved to the prime 8 PM slot. Lawrence O'Donnell's "The Last Word" will be moved to 10 PM, where it began before it was shifted to 8 PM following Keith Olbermann's departure from the network.
Rachel Maddow, the network's highest-rated host, will stay where she is at 9 PM.

The reaction
People are saying:

1) O'donnell has one of the most credible voice in TV. he consistent­ly rises above the media hoopla and presents an intelligen­t and eloquent appraisal of the politics of the day.

2) Unfortunat­ely for msnbc, their demographi­c is from the 21st century, and are able to get their news from a great many sources. Whereas, fixed news viewers have to leave their tvs on the same channel or they'll forget where to find it.

3) What this really means is that Phil Griffin should be fired. It's safe to say that he let his personal feelings about Olbermann cloud his judgement and it's cost his network hundreds of thousands of viewers. His unprofessi­onal behavior translated directly into viewership loss.

4) Why does Phil Griffin still have a job?
Olberman brought Maddow to MSNBC

5) What's amusing in many of the conservati­ve comments here is that they equate ratings with quality. The fact that Fox has higher ratings than MSNBC just confirms that tv in general tends to attract, shall we say, not the brightest bulbs. No big surprise that tv watchers tend to gravitate to a network that dumbs things down.

6) Liberal commentary will never beat conservati­ve commentary on tv or radio. There's too much critical thinking involved with liberal commentary­. Conservati­ve commentary appeals to the lowest common denominato­rs: fear and h8.

7) Good for Ed. He may not have the poise or polish of some commentato­rs, but he is a truly good person, who spent maximum time in Madison, Wisconsin getting the real story.

About: 100-year-old marathoner finishes race

The action
TORONTO (AP) — A 100-year-old runner became the oldest person to complete a full-distance marathon when he finished the race in Toronto on Sunday.
Fauja Singh earned a spot in the Guinness World Records for his accomplishment.
It took Singh more than eight hours to cross the finish line — more than six hours after Kenya's Kenneth Mungara won the event for the fourth straight year — and he was the last competitor to complete the course.
Sunday's run was Singh's eighth marathon — he ran his first at age 89 — and wasn't the first time he set a record.

The reaction
People are saying:

1) This is actually kind of inspiring to me. I don't want to become old and frail and not be able to do anything. This guy is basically saying that I never have to become frail and completely dependent, even if I reach 100.

2) He doesn't look 100. Let's see a birth certificate.

3) Age is just a number!

4) I'd like to know about the diet and exercise also. He doesnt look 100, more like 70. If he's a vegetarian, how does he keep up his stamina without meat proteins? I feel enthused. Need to write his a note.

5) I totally expected to see some racist comments about his turban, very glad to see that's not the case! This is such an inspiring article that proves it's never too late to pursue your dreams.

6) And people less than half his age drive around the Wal-Mart parking lot five times to get a spot close to the entrance.

7) I give the guy a hell of a lot of credit. Nothing wrong with old age as long as you still have your mind and body. Keep it up.

About: Eric Bolling Mocks Occupy Wall Street With Tin Foil Hat

The action
Fox News host Eric Bolling found a new way to mock the Occupy Wall Street protesters on Friday's episode of "The Five."

Bolling wore a tin-foil hat and nerdy glasses, and held a sign reading "Occupy The Five." The gesture seemed to go down well with most of Bolling's colleagues, who chortled appreciatively at his lampoonery and played video of what they felt were stupid protesters in the movement. Co-host Andrea Tantaros chimed in, saying that the protesters never brushed their teeth. Greg Gutfeld added that he didn't see any point to Occupy Wall Street.

The reaction
People are saying:

1) I am a 61 year old grandmothe­­­­r, with a small business employing 11, a paid off house and health insurance.
I have been spending time at Occupy Austin because I don't believe my grandchild­­­­ren will know the America I did. The future is depressing­­­­. The Occupy Austin demands are simple and I believe in them wholeheart­­­­edly and I will be back out there at every opportunit­­­­y.
You folks who poo poo this movement are living in a fantasy world if you think you are the 1% or you should argue on their behalf.

2) I LOVE that Republican­s are coming out against this movement. I don't think there is any better news for PROgressiv­es than to have the GOP openly support corporatio­ns over people.
2012 is going to be a great year for PROgressiv­es.

3) "First they ignore you, then they mock you, then they fight you, then you win." M. Gandhi.

4) The funny thing about this clown is nobody had to mock the teabaggers because they willingly put teabags on the heads. Like most bullies they are upset that the rest of us are standing up to their nonsense and now the are whining and moaning like a bunch of spoiled brats which comes as no surprise.

5) Republican­s don't do/get humor.
Just look at what's become of Dennis Miller.

6) Bolling has it all wrong...yo­u wear a tin hat so that aliens won't be able to steal your brain. Since Bolling has proven over and over that he doesn't have a brain, he just wasted an entire box of Renoylds Wrap.

7) Just wait a bit. As the movement spreads and it becomes more 'mainstrea­m middle-Ame­rican' Fox will scramble to backtrack and claim they were supporters all along.
"Fair and Balanced" doesn't include the word "Truth" in it.

About: The story behind Kirk Cameron’s sad birthday photo

The action

Kirk Cameron, star of the popular '80s sitcom "Growing Pains," celebrated his 41st birthday earlier this week. Cameron, who is now pursuing a new television career as a Christian evangelist and co-host of an evangelical show called "The Way of the Master," spent his birthday at Living Waters Ministry in Bellflower, Calif. The ministry's staff threw him a small party, and ordered from Subway. Lane Chaplin, a student at nearby Trinity Law School and a guest at the party, snapped a photo of Cameron blowing out the candles on a cake in Living Waters' rather sparse conference room. Chaplin uploaded the photo to Twitter. It quickly went viral.
"See a Very Sad Photo From Kirk Cameron's Birthday Party" the headline on New York magazine's Vulture blared.

The reaction
People are saying:

1) I never understood why atheists spend their lives trying to disprove something that has no effect on them. If you don't believe in a God, so be it. Putting others down because they are spiritual? Does it make you happy?

2) Hey, leave the man alone, OK so he has chosen to live a Christian Life, isn't pierced, inked and drugged/drunk out of his mind, gee the poor man. Good news is looks like he has figured out what is really important in his life, looks like a lead many of our glorious hollywood and sports idols could and should follow, Good on ya Kirk for having morals and standards, wish more people in "Show Biz" did.

3) Why is this sad??? He got SubWay, cake and he has a job...sounds pretty good to me...

4) did this really need to be an article?

5) This is not sad, this is being normal!! I am so proud of Kirk! He has chosen to take the path less traveled and help lead others down the right path and is happy in what he is doing! There are stars in hollywood getting mixed up in dope, alcohol and end up losing their life at an early age. That is sad and obviously these in hollywood doing this are trying to fill a void with the wrong kind of things that only lead to death. So you tell me what's sad, life or death? I choose life and life more abundantly! Keep on keeping on Kirk for the Lord! Your reward is in heaven!

6) What they meant by sad is the fact that his devoutness tanked his career. It is one thing to believe and totally another to try and cram it down other peoples throats and talk about it 24/7. I've heard the guys religious talk before, and it just makes you want to burst out in laughter.

7) Subway sandwiches. That's pretty much what all us can afford now under the Obama Socialist Regime.

8) I would much have a quiet humble party with a few family and friends who know and love me that a lavish, expensive, drunken party with many superficial "Friends". Happy B-Day Kirk!

About: Ed Henry Clashes With Obama At White House Press Conference

The action

Fox News Chief White House Correspondent Ed Henry experienced a tense moment with President Obama during a Thursday press conference. The President held a joint press conference with Lee Myung-Bak, President of South Korea. Ed Henry had the first question of the conference and asked Obama if he considered the alleged Iranian assassination plot to be "an act of war."

Henry decided to quote a Mitt Romney statement from last week when asking for the President's plans to address Iran's alleged terror plot. Henry asked the President "what specific steps will you take to hold Iran accountable? Especially when Mitt Romney charged last week, quote, 'If you do not want America to be the strongest nation on Earth, I am not your President. You have that president today.'"

Obama paused and answered, "Well I did not know you were the spokesman for Romney," and smiled down at Henry.

The reaction
People are saying:

1) Henry's quote contained a slur on the President. Henry could have left the value judgement out, but he didn't. The questions was ENTIRELY inappropri­ate in a joint press conference with a foreign leader. Henry is an embarrassm­ent.

2) Never could stand the smug, too pleased with himself Ed Henry, he was biased on CNN and now he's found the perfect home at Fox News where he can regurgitat­e right wing talking points and get slapped down by President Obama - can't say I have a problem with that.

3) The White Press Corps should be reserved for press, not propagandi­sts.

4) And as Henry sat down, the Reporter next to him leaned over and whispered;
"You need any help getting his foot out of your butt?"

5) Why is an entertainm­ent organizati­on given a press pass to the White House. Fox News won a court case by successful­ly arguing that they are legally allowed to present known lies as news because they weren't a news company.

6) Now Folks THAT was a slap down from someone who has shown us MORE success in foreign policy in 3 years than Bush did in 8. LOL.

7) Why is a White House journalist taking a political comment from a Republican presidenti­al candidate and trying to embarass the president in front of a foreign leader? Ed Henry knows that Romney made that comment to appease the right wing base. It was not a factual statement. Fox News once again cements their position as a media joke.