"Hannibal Rising" No Stars (out of four): Unforgivably awful prequel puts the final nail in the Hannibal Lecter series.

An origin story is an iffy prospect. When crafting a prequel, filmmakers are frequently tempted to do one of two things: (1) populate the story with characters from the later films (i.e., since when did Darth Vader build C-3PO?); or (2) use pop psychology to explain the character’s behavior (i.e., Anakin is really upset about Padme). In the first instance, it’s still possible to make a good movie with wit and humor, but the second case is almost always problematic. When it comes to the human mind, rarely does a plus b equal c. “Hannibal Rising”, the latest and, if there’s any justice, last installment in the Hannibal Lecter series traces the origins of everyone’s favorite lamb-silencer. And, wouldn’t you know it, he had a tough childhood.

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The origins of belly dancing, though unclear, can be traced to the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and Africa. Egyptian tomb paintings dating from as far back as the fourteenth century BC depict partially clad dancers whose callisthenic positions appear to be very similar to those used in belly dancing. Belly dancing is probably more popular today than ever, or at least more accessible to the masses. Classes are offered all over the US, as well as other parts of the world. If you ask a woman why she takes belly dancing classes, she will tell you either 1. for the exercise and fitness, or 2. to please her husband. She may SAY those things, but the real reason women want to belly dance is because it makes them feel beautiful and sexy. I have evidence, after the jump.

Great mashup from Wax Audio. Download it here.

If you have kids, you'll know that batteries are always in short supply, as it seems every new toy needs Ds or AAs. Plus those damn kids always forget to turn things off.

Well, here's a little time saver from Hong Kong - simply pop a AA into the plastic converter, and it works as a D. Do you get the feeling battery manufacturers have been working a con on us for the last 20 years?

Three hours before Anna Nicole died, Rosie was killing her on The View. Oops.

Getting a jump start on the day for our Lunch Hour Veg. Dig into that fish people, because today, it's Catholic Friday.

Viewing figures for Aqua Teen Hunger Force the week before the Boston incident: 380,000

Viewing figures for Aqua Teen Hunger Force the week AFTER the Boston incident?

380,000.

Nice lift. Just shows you what all those mentions in all those blogs can do for a brand.

Signs you are paying too much attention to Superbowl advertising. My first thought on seeing the ancient embracing skeletons that have been discovered was "I wonder if they were both poisoned by the same Snickers bar".

A theater in Atlantic Beach, Florida received complaints when they advertised The Vagina Monologues on their marquee. So they changed it to The Hooha Monologues. I hope that clears things up.

They did this after a driver who saw it complained to the theater, saying she was upset that her niece saw it.

"I'm on the phone and asked 'What did you tell her?' She's like, 'I'm offended I had to answer the question,'" Pfanenstiel said.