1806: Dueling over a horse racing wager, future President Andrew Jackson takes a bullet in the chest from fellow lawyer Charles Dickinson. The slug shatters two ribs and buries itself near his heart. Then it is Jackson's turn to fire, which manages to sever an artery and kill his opponent.
Rumor has it that FOX Atomic, Fox's genre wing responsible for pictures such as "The Hills Have Eyes 2", "28 Weeks Later" and "Turistas", will be shut down next week. No word on how this may affect "Jennifer's Body", Diablo Cody's new film which was produced under the banner.
"True Blood" Season 2 teaser poster. And here I am continuing to report on it despite our readers telling me they're not interested. Yes, I am dense. It's also a slow news day, so bear with me.
Eli Roth's out talking more about "Thanksgiving" after the announcement last week that he would like to piggyback it onto a bigger budget film of his. This time he says he's writing it with his longtime friend Jeff Rendell, who will also play "The Pilgrim".
According to Patrick Lussier, there will be no "My Bloody Valentine 3D" sequel. That comes from Lions Gate, who were surprised at the film's BO success but not too jazzed about greenlighting a second go-round. The film is plenty open-ended for them to have done one, but apparently they're calling it a day with this potential franchise. "MBV3D" hits DVD and Blu-ray May 19th.
In Real People News:
9-year-old kid dies in Brooklyn after going up to the top of his roof with a plastic parachute, and taking a swan-dive off of it. His parents said he was imitating Jeff Hardy of the WWE, and that it was a "game he played all the time".
1979: President Jimmy Carter is attacked by a Killer Swamp Rabbit, while on vacation in Plains GA. The rabbit swam menacingly towards him, and he had to repel the ferocious creature with a paddle. There were no injuries. That's what happens when you elect a President from the South, folks.
It's not every Monday that we kick off the week with a round of "awesome indie movie title", but I'm feeling frisky so here it goes. Check out "Bong of the Dead". Aaah, an oldie but a goodie. Enjoy.
Here's an interesting little Japanese slasher called "Invitation Only". While digging through details I also discovered that it stars Japanese "actress" Maria Ozawa. Who is that you might ask? Let's just say if you're going to Google her, you may want to wait until you're in the privacy of your own home... with the lights off... and the door locked.
I was staying away from the rumor but today we have confirmation, Elizabeth Shue is confirmed for the remake of "Piranha 3D". The film, being shot in the newest 3D technology, is being written/directed by Alexandre Aja, of "Hills Have Eyes" and "Mirrors" fame. Shue will play the role of Sherriff Julie Forester, a "take-charge authority figure in the community of Lake Victoria". Sounds sassy!
Oregon bill successfully outlaws "facials", but not the actual practice they were aiming at, ie a gang ritual in which members were forced to throw their semen at people in public areas. Way to go, guys.
Woman develops "phantom" third arm, and tests have proven that her brain is literally "controlling" the limb and processing feedback. Really cool story you guys should check out.
On this day in history:
1984: Itinerant serial killer Henry Lee Lucas found guilty by a Texas jury for the murder of "Orange Socks", a hitchhiker whose name is not known. Lucas and his partner Ottis Toole are thought to have killed as many as 200 people.
