Joseph Gordon-Levitt & HITRECORD ON TV Release 1st Episode
HITRECORD ON TV is an extension of Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s popular open-collaborative production company hitRECord. The show’s unique take on the variety show format puts the spotlight on the final product after Gordon-Levitt and his team culls these individual pieces from hundreds of contributors to create short films, live performances, music, animation and more.
From the words of Joseph Gordon-Levitt himself:
Ladies and gentlemen, I am beside myself with joy and anticipation 
D It is my sincere pleasure to present the very first episode of HITRECORD ON TV! Watch the entire first episode here before it premieres on television.
Everything you’re gonna see on this show was made collaboratively on our site — hitRECord.org — and the work of 426 Contributing Artists is featured in this particular episode. There’s gonna be 8 episodes this season, each revolving around a different theme, like RE: Space, RE: The Other Side, and RE: Money. And since this is our first ever episode, I figured the theme of this one would be RE: The Number One. HITRECORD ON TV will be coming out on January 18th on a new cable channel called Pivot.
I’m deeply proud of this show, and I think you’re realllllly gonna like it. Honestly, making this thing together with all the artists from around the world in our hitRECord community has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life so far. So, without any further ado, enjoy the show!
Thanks again
J
Jan 10th
adidas Releases Next Generation Springblade Razor
adidas launches Springblade Razor, the next generation of explosive energy under your feet. The new running shoe is available for pre-order on adidas.com this weekend starting Sunday, January 12.
Springblade, introduced last year, is the first running shoe with blade technology designed to help propel you forward. The Razor features a unique web design over sock-like Techfit technology that helps lock your feet in place and enhances breathability. The shoe’s 16 individually tuned blades instantaneously react to any environment, compressing and releasing energy. 
Springblade Razor goes on sale on adidas.com, at adidas Sport Performance stores and retailers nationwide including Finish Line on January 16.
The Razor launches in four colorways for men, including Solar Blue/Tech Grey Metallic/Black, Black/Tech Grey Metallic/ Light Scarlet, Metallic Silver/Black/Light Scarlet and Light Scarlett/Black/Metallic Silver, and three colorways for women including Solar Blue/Tech Grey Metallic/Black, Black/Black/Vivid Berry and Bahia Pink/Metallic Silver/Black.
Join the conversation on Twitter at #Springblade and @adidasUS and check out facebook.com/adidasrunning
Jan 10th
RX Action Mobile App
RX Action Mobile App is an app for everyone. Whether you are someone that recently signed up and “joined a gym” or you are a part of the movement that is shaping and redefining fitness. This app will allow you to be in tuned and up to date with the sport that is crossing boundaries and bringing people together. Rx Action Mobile App brings the most current news, videos, and information about competition at your fingertips.
Download it for your Apple or Android device.
Jan 8th
7 Things You Didn’t Know About The Cutting Edge
Who doesn’t love The Cutting Edge? Seriously, find me someone who won’t watch this movie whenever it’s on. You can’t. Don’t lie to me, you can’t. It’s an undisputed classic that totally dominates the genre of sports romance. It’s got everything: a love/skate relationship, social class inequity, toe picks and tequila shots and montage sequences that teleport you back to the grainy, guitar-heavy days of 1992.
So when I saw The Cutting Edge was on TV, there was little I could do but enjoy it from start to finish. As am I watching this thing I took to IMDB to scope out some trivia, see what Moira Kelly looks like now, you know, the usual. And I learned things. Interesting things. Things you may not have known about this classic movie. Here are 10 of them, in no particular order:
The Film Was Directed by the Original Starsky
Yep, The Cutting Edge was directed by Paul Manfred Glaser aka the OG Starsky. He directed five episodes of Starsky and Hutch back in the late 70s, three episodes of Miami Vice and followed that up with films like The Running Man, The Air Up There and Kazaam. He mostly sticks to the small screen now from what I can tell.
They Made Three Friggin Sequels
I missed out on 2006’s The Cutting Edge: Going for the Gold, aka The Cutting Edge 2. I also missed The Cutting Edge 3: Chasing the Dream, a TV movie from 2008. The Cutting Edge: Fire & Ice, another TV movie from 2010 slipped through the cracks as well. Yep, I missed all three sequels, and you know what? I’m totally okay with that.
The Guy Who Directed The Cutting Edge: Fire & Ice Made Some Awesome Movies 20+ Years Ago
Director Stephen Herek is the guy responsible for The Cutting Edge 4. That’s not really what he’s known for though. This guy had some pretty sweet hits in the late 80s/early 90s. Films like Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead and The Mighty Ducks. That’s an impressive resume, no doubt. But that’s before he got into the sequel/spinoff phase of his career. That dark period began in 2003 with Young MacGyver, a TV movie that was actually a pilot for a larger series. MacGyver’s young nephew Clay couldn’t capture the magic of his uncle though, so the show was never picked up.
The Guy Who Wrote The Cutting Edge Also Wrote All the Bourne Identity Films
That’s right, Rene Russo’s brother-in-law Tony Gilroy wrote all the four films in the Jason Bourne series (Identity, Supremacy, Ultimatum and Legacy), but his first screenplay was The Cutting Edge. His other writing credits include The Devil’s Advocate, Armageddon and Proof of Life. He also wrote and directed Michael Clayton and Duplicity. But it all start with a figure skating rom-com script back in 1992.
Moira Kelly Coulda Been in A League of Their Own
Moira Kelly shoulda been a bigger deal. She should be known for more than this film, Chaplin and being that cute chick from With Honors and West Wing. Instead she left it all on the ice. Kelly injured her ankle during shooting and had to be moved about on a porter’s truck in between scenes. She was cast to play Kit Keller in A League of Their Own in 1992, but the ankle injury she suffered forced her to pass it up. That role went to Lori Petty. Moira Kelly coulda been the next Tank Girl. Think about it.
Anton Pamchenko Was a British Fighter Pilot and WWII POW
Roy Dotrice, the guy who played the Russian figure skating coach who lent his name to the Pamchenko Twist, isn’t Russian at all. He’s a Brit. Not just any Brit, either. Dude joined the RAF when he was 16 and was shot down in 1942 and captured by the enemy. Guy spent three years in Germany as a prisoner of war. In an attempt to lift the collective spirits of his fellow POWs, he would stage performances. After the war he took up acting. He put together an impressive career and even appeared in a couple Game of Thrones episodes in 2012.
Moira Kelly and D.B. Sweeney Are Still Buddies
The two main stars of the film spent two months together training to be realistic figure skaters. They became good friends and they’re still homies if you believe IMDB. See folks, that figure skating chemistry was real!
Jan 8th
Keith David Interview
Keith David has had many memorable roles in film and on TV. From “Platoon” to “There’s Something About Mary” to “Men at Work,” Keith’s resume is always growing. He is now on the new show called “Enlisted” on FOX.
It is a comedy about three brothers on a small Florida Army post and their experience with a bunch of oddballs who work with them. David plays Command Sergeant Major Donald Cody, who served with the brothers’ late father. The Sergeant made a promise to look after his friend’s sons. The show airs on FOX on Fridays at 9:30/8:30 central.
I was able to chat with Keith about his role on “Enlisted,” acting, voice over work, and which roles he gets most remembered for from his fans.
Art Eddy: You star in the new hit comedy on FOX called “Enlisted.” You play Command Sergeant Major Donald Cody. Tell me a bit about your role and the show.
Keith David: I am the highest enlisted man on the base. I’m not an officer so don’t call me sir. I work for a living. We have a lot of fun. It is a workplace comedy. One of the things about a rear detachment unit is that the general perception is that it is for losers.
The truth of the matter is that the Army is a business. Somebody has got to run it. Not everybody can fight. We are the guys who run the business of the Army. We take care of cleaning the tanks. We take care of the families. We do the paperwork. We do all that kind of stuff.
That is another thing that separates us from other military shows. Most of the time when you see a military show it is either in the field fighting or getting ready to fight. We don’t do any fighting over there. All our stuff takes place at home. We fight for the rights of the families.
AE: What attracted you to this role and the show?
KD: One of the things that comes apparent in the course of the series is that I am sort of a surrogate father to these boys. I served with their father for more than half of my life. When their father died I made a promise that I would look after these boys.
Part of the job for the Command Sergeant Major is that he does look after the soldiers. In some ways they become like his children. You look after them and you care about them each individually. Everyone has different needs. We all have soldiering to do, but everyone is not to be soldiered in the same way. Yes, we have common responsibilities, but everyone needs to be handled differently. Just as the way a father would handle his children.
AE: Which other characters from the show did you enjoy watching as you were taping episodes?
KD: There is a little something there for everybody. All the members of the platoon get their moment to shine and let you know who they are. They all have their own special personality traits and quirks that you will come to enjoy. I certainly have enjoyed watching them as they unfold over the course of the series.
It was fun watching Geoff develop into a leader. Seeing the scenes as the brothers come together as a family and as a platoon. Again it is part of the journey of the series. It really has been a wonderful ride.
AE: How many shows have you guys taped already?
KD: We have 13 in the can. Hopefully you will get to see all 13 and you will ask to see 13 or 22 more.
AE: To say that you are a very accomplished actor would be an understatement. Not only are you known for you roles in “Platoon,” “Crash,” and “There’s Something About Mary,” but you do a lot of voice acting as well. How did you get involved into voice acting? 
KD: Wow. I have been doing voice over work for a very long time. When I first graduated from school I really wanted to do voice overs. I always wanted to do cartoons, animation, and especially documentaries.
It was a very exclusive club. There were very few brothers in it. It was the white boys club and very few brothers were invited. There were a few. I had a wonderful agent who was persistent. After a while I got to be invited to the party. I have been very happy. I have been attending the party ever since.
AE: Keeping with voice acting. I am a big fan of yours in Disney’s “Princess and The Frog.” Loved your work as Doctor Facilier. How fun was it to play that role?
KD: Oh! Well I am a singer. It wasn’t the first time that I sang in the movies. I sang on the soundtrack of “Platoon” actually. I sang on the soundtrack of a movie I did called “Johns.” I also sang on the soundtrack of another movie I did called “Flipping.”
This was the absolute biggest moment that I got to sing and act. It was wonderful. It was a Disney cartoon. One of my favorites growing up was “Snow White.” I loved “Mister Magoo’s Christmas.” You probably won’t remember Mr. Magoo, but it was a spin on “A Christmas Carol.” Mr. Magoo was Scrooge. It was one of the most wonderful films. I still love it today. Trying to get my kids to love it as much as I do, but they don’t. They just tolerate it. (Laughs).
AE: To this day one of my favorite parts in any film was your scene in the diner with Charlie Sheen and Emilio Estevez in “Men at Work.” Just want to let you know I never mess with another man’s fries.
KD: (Laughs). That’s a good thing because it is a dangerous thing to do.
AE: For you what role do you get recognized most for from fans?
KD: Funny enough “Men at Work” is one of them. “Something About Mary” is another. I absolutely love “Men at Work.” It was the first time in a movie that I got to play a little bit of comedy. I think I am a funny guy.
AE: (Laughs). Yep. I do too.
KD: My wife thinks that she is funnier, but she is wrong. (Both laugh).
Jan 7th
Win Runner Runner on Blu-ray
Justin Timberlake and Ben Affleck star in this high-stakes crime thriller where the lure of easy money is the riskiest bet of all. When Princeton grad student Richie Furst (Timberlake) believes he’s been swindled by an online poker site, he heads to Costa Rica to confront gambling tycoon Ivan Block (Affleck), the man he thinks is responsible. But Richie will soon face the ultimate power play as he finds himself caught between Block’s promises of unlimited wealth and the zealous FBI agent (Anthony Mackie) trying to bring him down.
The Blu-ray Combo Pack includes a bonus feature that reveals the true story behind the world of online poker, as well as never before seen bonus content.
The Runner Runner Blu-ray Combo Pack also includes a Digital HD copy of the film.
To win a copy follow MANjr on Twitter for your chance to win!
Jan 6th
USF’s Rocky the Bull Crowned 2013 Capital One Mascot
The stampede of support from Rocky the Bull’s rabid fans trampled Raider Red’s “Wreck ‘em” crew in the championship finale of the Capital One National Mascot of the Year competition. The newcomer claimed an improbable title in the 12th year of the storied program.
Rocky was projected to finish last in the competition in college football and mascot prognosticator Phil Steele’s Mascot Meter rankings, but the famed University of South Florida mascot lowered his head and plowed through the 15 other Mascot Challenge competitors to finish with a perfect record and forever claim his place in mascot lore. “The entire University of South Florida community is thrilled for Rocky,” President Genshaft said. “All of the mascots competing in this year’s challenge were a wonderful reflection of the pride and passion of their respective universities. Rocky has always been first in our hearts, and now the rest of the nation can see how wonderfully he represents our exuberant and unstoppable USF students and alumni.” With the win, Rocky received $20,000 from Capital One for his collegiate mascot program, and was honored at the Capital One Bowl game on January 1, 2014 in Orlando, Fla.
“The enthusiasm and dedication USF fans have sustained during this 16-week competition has been inspiring,” said Doug Woolard, University of South Florida Director of Athletics. “Rocky the Bull is truly loved, and we are thrilled with the fan support he received during this challenge that helped him be crowned the champion.”
This year, Capital One introduced a new element of voting in the competition that took fans to a whole new level of mascot fandom. The addition of 25 and 100-point social media challenges allowed fans to show their creative side and go all-out for their mascots. Fans were asked to upload unique content to their social media channels using a special hashtag for their mascot to earn additional points. The unique weekly challenges – from creating a cheerleader-style cheer to snapping a picture while eating their mascot’s favorite tailgate dish – showcased how far fans would go for their mascot.
“The outpouring support for Rocky the Bull in the Mascot Challenge was astonishing,” said Marc Mentry, Senior Vice President at Capital One. “Rocky’s fans bulled over the entire competition giving this rookie competitor an undefeated record in the challenge! We’re excited to add his name to the famed Capital One Mascot Challenge Winners list.”
The complete 2013 All-America Capital One Mascot Team included:
Rocky the Bull of The University of South Florida – 2013 Winner
Raider Red of Texas Tech University – 2012 Winner
Baldwin the Eagle of Boston College
Big Jay of The University of Kansas
Big Red of Western Kentucky University – Hall of Fame Inductee
Pee Dee the Pirate of East Carolina University
Rocky the Rocket of The University of Toledo – 2012 Write-In Winner
Bucky Badger of The University of Wisconsin–Madison
Cam the Ram of Colorado State University
HokieBird of Virginia Tech
Mike the Tiger of Louisiana State University
Monte of The University of Montana – 2002 & 2004 Winner
Smokey of The University of Tennessee
Sparty of Michigan State University
The Duck of The University of Oregon
Wilbur T. Wildcat of The University of Arizona
Jan 2nd
2014 Toyota Highlander Review
CARMEL- Sometimes being first just isn’t good enough. When Toyota pioneered the Mid Sized Crossover SUV segment in 2001 they were so far ahead of the curve the term “Crossover” had yet to exist. It was easier in those days; the masses clamored for an alternative to their gas guzzling SUV’s and minivan chariots of suburbia. The people were pleased with the Highlander and all was good in Toyota’s kingdom. Today the gates bulge with game rivals from Seoul to Detroit and memories of total dominance in the category are but a memory. Merely existing is no longer enough to stand out in the now crowded marketplace. The throngs have a taste for sport and design and not even the family SUV’s are safe. Toyota’s message is clear. The tall wagon is dead! The tall wagon is dead! Long live the manly crossover SUV!
2014 Toyota Highlander Look
Toyota embraces the styling accents of the day with a very pronounced grill and wide chiseled front. Viewed from the corners the Highlander stretches gracefully towards a pronounced back edge. The belt line is accented by concave panels at the bottom of the doors and depending on the viewing angle I see elements of the Lexus RX, Dodge Durango, and the BMW X5. The new look goes further and further away from the look of a tall wagon and more towards the styling of a truck based SUV.
2014 Toyota Highlander Interior
Inside the cabin is where you leave the truck behind. The Highlander may look like a tough guy on the outside but on the inside it remains a family car. This is where Toyota’s design team really connects with their customers. A simple shelf under the dashboard is covered in a soft material that keeps your phone from sliding around while you drive. The intuitive pass through for your USB and AUX cables prevents the irritating and sometimes unsafe tangling of wires around your gearshift. The center console is large enough to fit a small bag or large purse. Turning around to yell at back seat passengers will soon be extinct thanks to the brilliant Driver Easy Speak. The new feature amplifies the driver’s voice through the speaker system to the back of the vehicle. A sneaky convex mirror in the sunglasses caddy allows drivers to check on their rear seat passengers with a glance. It might be years before the kids figure out how you know exactly who started it and who’s seat belt isn’t buckled. These are hardly game changing innovations but they are the kind of features that simplify and improve a drivers daily life. The Entune App Suite incorporates apps like Yelp, OpenTable and Pandora into it’s native LCD infotainment display. The software needs some work and can be clunky at times but it’s effective enough once you get comfortable with it.
2014 Toyota Highlander Driving Impressions
The driving experience is surprisingly good for such a large family vehicle. The steering and suspension is relatively tight. The V6 engine feels powerful at times and the 6 speed transmission holds up well during rapid acceleration and braking. Acoustic glass and noise dampening insulation make for a quiet cabin even at highway speeds. I pushed the car pretty hard on the hairpin turns and winding roads overlooking Monterey Valley and came away, well… impressed. The suspension is firm enough to minimize body roll yet it maintains a soft ride. Although it will never be confused with a Porsche Cayenne or Infiniti FX, the 2014 Toyota Highlander does have some shreds of sport and fun in it’s DNA. Just make sure you drop the wife and kids off first.
2014 Toyota Highlander Safety
Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross Traffic Alert and rear view camera all join 8 airbags as standard features. The Star Safety System is a veritable alphabet soup of acronyms designed to help the driver maintain control of the vehicle while cornering and braking. Available features like Lane Departure Alert and Safety Connect fill out an impressive list.
Overall
The 2014 Toyota Highlander is bold where it’s older brothers were dull. Driving mechanics are more interesting and the car is loaded with personal touches and intuitive design. If you’re in the market for a family SUV the gestures made towards performance and aggressive style may be just enough to swing you their way. However, the Highlander does seem expensive at it’s higher end and it remains to be seen how many buyers will ante up close to $50,000 for a Crossover SUV without a luxury badge. The $29,000 base LE trim level comes reasonably well equipped but some of the more exciting features are only available in premium packages. Underneath the cosmetic changes and adjustments to the driving experience, the 2014 Toyota Highlander remains true to it’s roots as a safe and dependable family car. Everything else is just icing on the cake.
2014 Toyota Highlander Specs
$29,215 – $41,100
Hybrid $47,300
2.7L 16 Valve 4 cylinder engine on the LE with 185hp
Available 3.5L 24 Valve V6 with 270hp
V6 3.5L Hybrid Engine with combined 280hp
6 speed Automatic Transmission
2.7L MPG 20 / 25
3.5L MPG FWD 19 / 25
3.5L MPG AWD 18 / 24
Hybrid V6 3.5L 27/28
Available Tow Package
Dec 31st
Check out the #D1Bound Bowl at Cerritos College Tomorrow
Attention California prep football fans! Southern California football fans looking forward to the final week of the NFL regular season have the chance to see some future NFL stars in action at the inaugural #D1BoundBowl All-Star Classic at Cerritos College in Norwalk Saturday, December 28 at 6pm.
CollegeLevelAthletes.com (CLA) and #D1Bound are the title sponsors of the event and will have fresh #D1Bound gear available for purchase on-site. DJ Vick One from Power 106 will be providing musical entertainment. When hunger kicks in, there will be gourmet food trucks to gorge on.
At 2pm, there will be an all-star game featuring 8th graders. The #D1Bound Future Bowl will give many local football fans their first glimpse of future prep stars in the state. The weather should be perfect for an all-star double-header.
Several of the players participating are headed to big time college programs. Late great rapper Nate Dogg’s son, St. John Bosco defensive back Naijiel Hale, is headed to Arizona while teammate Jaleel Wadood just verbally committed to UCLA. The two standouts were instrumental in leading Bosco to an undefeated season and national championship. There are several other college level athletes featured in the #D1Bound Bowl.
It should be a great day of football at Cerritos College this Saturday. You can purchase tickets at the event or purchase tickets directly online.
So grab your friends and come out and support the top student athletes in the state competing in the first ever #D1Bound Bowl!
Dec 27th
Ronnie Lott #AmericasToughest Interview
Ronnie Lott knows a thing or two about toughness. A 10-time Pro Bowler and winner of four Super Bowls, Lott is a Hall of Fame player that obliterated the opposition for 14 NFL seasons. This is a guy who had his left pinky amputated after the 1985 season so that he could be ready to rock in 1986, without having to wait for some sissy bone graft surgery. So when Lott talks about toughness, people listen.
Lott is working with Hanes to promote their new line of ComfortBlend clothing, which feature the brand’s softest t-shirt ever. Hanes partnered up with Harris Interactive on a new survey that identified the top 10 toughest fan bases for NFL teams. Fans who tweet about their city’s NFL toughness or nominate a tough fan using the hashtag #AmericasToughest, can score free COmfortBlend t-shirts for their trouble.
We reviewed the top 10 toughest NFL fan bases with Ronnie and we also discussed the team he likes to win it all (spoiler alert: he’s biased), the toughest player in the game today, the toughest guy Ronnie ever had to tackle and the toughest places he had to play. Here’s the interview:
Dec 26th
