Well the book world is in a tizzy AGAIN. The whole James Frey debacle is barely a memory and now bestselling author Dan "The DaVinci Code" Brown is being hauled into court over his fictional book. The claim is that he borrowed heavily from a book called "The Holy Blood, and The Holy Grail" which was written back in 1982. Ironically, the non-fiction book is also published by Random House, the company which published Brown's book. Brown has already dodged one lawsuit, last year's claim by Lewis Perdue that Brown copied elements in the books "Daughter Of God" and "The DaVinci Legacy." Depending on the outcome, this could affect the release of the movie. The claim is not the Brown plagiarized the book "Holy Blood" but that he borrowed heavily from it. The authors should be flattered and no matter what it will draw interest in their book thanks to the publicity. It's not like non-fiction works are not allowed to be borrowed from and there are hundreds, possibly thousands of books out there that borrow from each other. Let's face it, there's no originality anymore. Everything's been done and written.
peace out,
paul
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
A couple of songs that I'm enjoying on the radio are Newsong's Life In My Day and Ray Scott's My Kind Of Music. Who says there is nothing good on the radio?
Michael Bay, director of such movies as The Rock and Armageddon, is planning on another installment of Friday the 13th. This would mark the 12th installment over the past 26years. How many times can they bring Jason back? How good can they make this one? After the last so- terrible -it- can't- even- be- considered- camp installment, they should just hang it up. When we last saw Jason he was carrying the head of Freddy (from the Nightmare on Elm Street movies) and where in the hell can they take him this time? He's already been in space (Jason X). Why, oh why, do they keep making the terrible sequels? Hang him already. Burn him, chop him into a million pieces and scatter his ashes on Mars.
peace out,
paul
Michael Bay, director of such movies as The Rock and Armageddon, is planning on another installment of Friday the 13th. This would mark the 12th installment over the past 26years. How many times can they bring Jason back? How good can they make this one? After the last so- terrible -it- can't- even- be- considered- camp installment, they should just hang it up. When we last saw Jason he was carrying the head of Freddy (from the Nightmare on Elm Street movies) and where in the hell can they take him this time? He's already been in space (Jason X). Why, oh why, do they keep making the terrible sequels? Hang him already. Burn him, chop him into a million pieces and scatter his ashes on Mars.
peace out,
paul
Sunday, February 26, 2006
Photo Op
Everyone wants their 15mins of fame. And some people should always wear clothes. This man, who ran out on the field during the men's curling Bronze medal match, was advertising his website. During the game between the U.S. and Great Britain, this fine specimen (yeah right) of a man ended up being taken away by security. It looks like the website is GoldenPalace.com When I went to that website, I saw that it was a website for a casino. And what in the hell is that thing between his legs? It looks like a dead cat or a rubber chicken.
Remember
A moment of silence for the passing of Don Knotts who died on Friday of pulmonary and respiratory complications at the age of 81. He won 5 emmys for playing Barney Fife on the tv show "The Andy Griffith Show."
Also a moment of silence for Darren McGavin who died at the age of 83. He died on Saturday of natural causes and had roles in the tv shows "Riverboat" and "Kolchak: The Night Stalker" (the original version). He also won an emmy in 1990 playing Murphy Brown's father. He may be most known, however, for his role as the grumpy dad who buys the lamp in the shape of a leg in the movie "A Christmas Story."
paul
Also a moment of silence for Darren McGavin who died at the age of 83. He died on Saturday of natural causes and had roles in the tv shows "Riverboat" and "Kolchak: The Night Stalker" (the original version). He also won an emmy in 1990 playing Murphy Brown's father. He may be most known, however, for his role as the grumpy dad who buys the lamp in the shape of a leg in the movie "A Christmas Story."
paul
Underpasses, toast, trees, and now a piece of sheet metal. The face of Jesus turns up in the weirdest places. A man in Connecticut was unloading supplies for his job at a place called Hardy's Hardware (now that's clever....not) when he saw the blurry oil stain which looks just like the face of Jesus. The man, Thomas Haley, is selling the piece of sheet metal on eBay (what a surprise) with a starting bid of $19.95 (Haley paid $15.49 for the piece). As of Saturday afternoon, however, no one had bid on the price. The auction is scheduled to end on 3/1/06. Some of Haley's friends have said the stain looks more like Jim (Morrison, that is) than Jesus. Haley himself is unsure of selling the sheet metal. According to him he "feels kind of bad just pawning off Christ." Then why is he selling Jesus? And on the internet no less.
paul
paul
New Orleans celebrated today with an all-day long parade marathon. Many people think that New Orleans is still struggling to recover from Hurricane Katrina and shouldn't be reveling in "sin and decadence" just yet. I think just the opposite; what better way to show that the city is trying to get better and pick up the pieces than by celebrating a tradition?
peace out,
paul
peace out,
paul
The Olympics are over and I don't feel like I missed a thing. Actually, I didn't watch any of them but I don't feel bad for missing them. The U.S. did not come away with the most medals, that honor belongs to Germany. The final tally was 29 for Germany, 25 for the U.S., 24 for Canada, 23 for Austria, and 22 for Russia. The U.S. didn't even have the most gold medals; again that honor went to Germany. Arrivederci!!!!!
This is cool. A group of more than 5,000 motorcyclists, who call themselves Patriot Guard Riders, ride around the country from military funeral to military funeral. They wear vests with military patches. At the funerals of soldiers who have died in Iraq, the cyclists shield the family members and chant patriotic with red, white, and blue flags. What are they shielding the families from and drowning out? Fred Phelps and his ilk who also attend the funerals and carry signs thanking God for IED's (the explosives that kill many of the soldiers). I didn't write the word Rev in front of that guy's name because even though he is a Rev, I don't feel it is appropriate to acknowledge. How can anyone so hateful and disgusting be a Rev? Phelps and his minions think that American deaths are divine justice for a country that harbors homosexuals. If he thinks it's so bad then why doesn't he move? Like, say, to another country.
peace out,
paul
This is cool. A group of more than 5,000 motorcyclists, who call themselves Patriot Guard Riders, ride around the country from military funeral to military funeral. They wear vests with military patches. At the funerals of soldiers who have died in Iraq, the cyclists shield the family members and chant patriotic with red, white, and blue flags. What are they shielding the families from and drowning out? Fred Phelps and his ilk who also attend the funerals and carry signs thanking God for IED's (the explosives that kill many of the soldiers). I didn't write the word Rev in front of that guy's name because even though he is a Rev, I don't feel it is appropriate to acknowledge. How can anyone so hateful and disgusting be a Rev? Phelps and his minions think that American deaths are divine justice for a country that harbors homosexuals. If he thinks it's so bad then why doesn't he move? Like, say, to another country.
peace out,
paul
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
I feel so un-American and no doubt our current President would call me unpatriotic but I just have had no interest in watching the Olympics. What's wrong with me? I have heard bits and pieces of what's been going on and I have to tell you it does sound like a soap opera. Forget Days Of Our Lives this is Days On The Ice or One Ski To Live. Feuding ice stars, outspoken skiers, flubbed routines, one would think that I would be riveted since I used to be a soap opera junkie. Oh well.
Something I did finally watch is the Italian epic movie The Best Of Youth. I had read some reviews of this near the end of last year and all of them were saying how good it was. I like reviews but I don't put a lot of stock into them because everyone is a critic. I don't recall seeing the film released theatrically in my area and had been looking in vain at the video stores but I did finally find it. I didn't find it at Blockbuster, Hollywood Video or another big name chain; I found it at a place called Video Barn (not the first hard to find movie I've found there).
Anyway, the film spans more than 30 years and follows two brothers, Nicola and Matteo from their days as youth at university to parenthood and middle age. The film has incredible character development and the acting and emotion is top notch. I've read reviews that compare this movie to The Godfather films and while I can see where the comparison comes from, I enjoyed this film more than all 3 Godfather movies put together. If you can get past the subtitles and the fact that it is 6 hours long, this film is incredible. I think I purposely took my time watching it because by the time the third hour rolled around I realized I did not want this movie to end. The only major criticism I have about the film is the plot development about four hours in to the film. I thought it was a mistake and it tainted the experience a little bit for me because I felt cheated out of one of the characters and the possibilities that were missed. This film is a must see and could teach many American directors a thing or ten about telling a story, developing characters, and infusing each scene with true emotion.
peace out,
paul
Something I did finally watch is the Italian epic movie The Best Of Youth. I had read some reviews of this near the end of last year and all of them were saying how good it was. I like reviews but I don't put a lot of stock into them because everyone is a critic. I don't recall seeing the film released theatrically in my area and had been looking in vain at the video stores but I did finally find it. I didn't find it at Blockbuster, Hollywood Video or another big name chain; I found it at a place called Video Barn (not the first hard to find movie I've found there).
Anyway, the film spans more than 30 years and follows two brothers, Nicola and Matteo from their days as youth at university to parenthood and middle age. The film has incredible character development and the acting and emotion is top notch. I've read reviews that compare this movie to The Godfather films and while I can see where the comparison comes from, I enjoyed this film more than all 3 Godfather movies put together. If you can get past the subtitles and the fact that it is 6 hours long, this film is incredible. I think I purposely took my time watching it because by the time the third hour rolled around I realized I did not want this movie to end. The only major criticism I have about the film is the plot development about four hours in to the film. I thought it was a mistake and it tainted the experience a little bit for me because I felt cheated out of one of the characters and the possibilities that were missed. This film is a must see and could teach many American directors a thing or ten about telling a story, developing characters, and infusing each scene with true emotion.
peace out,
paul
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Neil Entwistle, the man accused of killing his wife and 9-month-old daughter, has finally been arrested and will be arraigned on two counts of murder. Neil's DNA was found on the grip of the grip of the .22 handgun and his wife Rachel's DNA was found on the muzzle. Apparently he tried to return the gun to the home of his step-father-in-law. That sounds eerily like a scene out of Woody Allen's movie Match Point. In the movie Jonathan Rhys-Meyers's character shoots Scarlett Johansson's character with a gun from his father-in-law's gun cabinet and then secretly returns the gun to its place. Anyway, it's about time Entwistle was arrested because who, really, who finds their wife and daughter murdered and then hops a plane to England instead of calling 911?
In other news.....Damn Locke from the tv show Lost. Why did he have to put the numbers into the computer? As it is, we got to see, although briefly, what happened when the numbers weren't put in right away. A series of hieroglyphs came up and after doing a search (ok, my spouse did the search) of what the symbols mean we came up with the phrase "cause to die." What that is supposed to mean remains unclear but kudos to the writers and creators of Lost for concocting another head scratching/frustrating mystery. And we thought they would drop the ball in the second season.
I went to see the movie Date Movie just because Alyson "Willow from Buffy" Hannigan was in it (I like her) and because the trailer made me laugh out loud. During the movie I laughed out loud only twice (the same two scenes from the trailer? Are you kidding me?) and I chuckled about 5 or 6 times. Anyway, the film is a spoof of romantic comedy movies in the same vein as the Scary Movie films (those are spoofs of, duh, scary movies). Some of the movies that are spoofed are Pretty Woman, What Women Want, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Napoleon Dynamite, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and Hitch to name just a few. The sight gags, a few of them truly gross, hardly ever stop and I just kept asking myself, 'what's the point?' Anyway, this proves that I'm not a movie snob because if I was I would not even admit to seeing this movie.
peace out,
paul
In other news.....Damn Locke from the tv show Lost. Why did he have to put the numbers into the computer? As it is, we got to see, although briefly, what happened when the numbers weren't put in right away. A series of hieroglyphs came up and after doing a search (ok, my spouse did the search) of what the symbols mean we came up with the phrase "cause to die." What that is supposed to mean remains unclear but kudos to the writers and creators of Lost for concocting another head scratching/frustrating mystery. And we thought they would drop the ball in the second season.
I went to see the movie Date Movie just because Alyson "Willow from Buffy" Hannigan was in it (I like her) and because the trailer made me laugh out loud. During the movie I laughed out loud only twice (the same two scenes from the trailer? Are you kidding me?) and I chuckled about 5 or 6 times. Anyway, the film is a spoof of romantic comedy movies in the same vein as the Scary Movie films (those are spoofs of, duh, scary movies). Some of the movies that are spoofed are Pretty Woman, What Women Want, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Napoleon Dynamite, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, and Hitch to name just a few. The sight gags, a few of them truly gross, hardly ever stop and I just kept asking myself, 'what's the point?' Anyway, this proves that I'm not a movie snob because if I was I would not even admit to seeing this movie.
peace out,
paul
Friday, February 17, 2006
Who says there is nothing good on the radio? A couple of the songs I'm really enjoying are Rob Thomas's Ever The Same and Talk by Coldplay.
One song I cannot stand is the new song by Rihanna called S.O.S. (Rescue Me). This song is your typical R&B sounding single. In fact, I thought it was done by Destiny's Child when I first heard it. The reason this song is terrible is because it is filled with cacophony. Not only that but it samples two really good songs: Depeche Mode's Personal Jesus and Tainted Love by Soft Cell. First of all if you are going to sample one of those songs, or both as this song so boldly does, the song better be kick ass.
And in gay news, a Missouri, yes Missouri, court overturned a ruling that had denied a woman her application to become a foster parent because she is a lesbian. The Missouri Department of Social Services had originally denied Lisa Johnston and the new ruling is supposedly, based on a poll done by Peter D. Hart Research Associates, the favor of 58% of Missouri residents. That means that more than half the residents are opposed to banning gays/lesbians from adopting or becoming foster parents. I'm not sure how accurate the poll is but that's big news.
peace out,
paul
One song I cannot stand is the new song by Rihanna called S.O.S. (Rescue Me). This song is your typical R&B sounding single. In fact, I thought it was done by Destiny's Child when I first heard it. The reason this song is terrible is because it is filled with cacophony. Not only that but it samples two really good songs: Depeche Mode's Personal Jesus and Tainted Love by Soft Cell. First of all if you are going to sample one of those songs, or both as this song so boldly does, the song better be kick ass.
And in gay news, a Missouri, yes Missouri, court overturned a ruling that had denied a woman her application to become a foster parent because she is a lesbian. The Missouri Department of Social Services had originally denied Lisa Johnston and the new ruling is supposedly, based on a poll done by Peter D. Hart Research Associates, the favor of 58% of Missouri residents. That means that more than half the residents are opposed to banning gays/lesbians from adopting or becoming foster parents. I'm not sure how accurate the poll is but that's big news.
peace out,
paul
Thursday, February 16, 2006
The last two Oscar races to break down before taking the plunge and making my pics for the winners are Best Director and Best Picture.
The Best Director race this year is filled with newbies and has one veteran reigning over them all. First the snubs: Ron Howard for Cinderella Man, Woody Allen for Match Point, James Mangold for Walk The Line and my pick for biggest snub is Fernando (City Of God) Meirelles for The Constant Gardener.
The ones who did make it are Paul Haggis for Crash, his clever and volatile drama about race relations in LA, which features a who's who of actors giving some great performances.
George Clooney sailed in with his film Good Night, And Good Luck about the fall of Sen. Joseph McCarthy thanks in no small part to Edward Murrow. Next George can direct a cigarette commercial. Sorry, I couldn't resist. If you've seen the film you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't then never mind.
Ang Lee is the one to beat for his picturesque and quiet drama about two cowboys, um ranchhands, in love in the not so weepy (ok, I didn't weep or cry or get teary eyed, call me stone hearted, ok) drama Brokeback Mountain.
Bennett Miller got a surprise (in my book anyway) nod for his film about the infamous Truman Capote's quest for a book in the aptly titled Capote.
Steven Spielberg, who's no stranger to this race, scored a much deserved nod for his controversial and speculative thriller Munich.
Now for the feature attraction. First the snubs in the Best Pic race. Cinderella Man, The Constant Gardener, and The Chronicles Of Narnia (my pick for biggest snub) were all denied a shot at the gold.
Brokeback Mountain, the there's-not-going-to-be-a-dry-eye-in-the-house (except for mine) drama about homosexuality in them thar hills, got a nod.
Munich, the story of Israeli's dispatched to assassinate Arabs responsible for the massacre at the 1972 Olympics, received a nod.
Good Night, And Good Luck, a black-and-white pic about the infamous 50's showdown on the telly, scored a nod.
Capote, the story of creepy Capote in his desire to write a book that will sell, got a nod.
Crash, the ensemble drama with Matt Dillon, Brendan Fraser, Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Jennifer Esposito, Tony Danza, Thandie Newton, Terrence Howard, etc..etc..etc... got a nod. Not to be confused with the 1997 film, with Holly Hunter and James Spader, of the same name.
peace out,
paul
The Best Director race this year is filled with newbies and has one veteran reigning over them all. First the snubs: Ron Howard for Cinderella Man, Woody Allen for Match Point, James Mangold for Walk The Line and my pick for biggest snub is Fernando (City Of God) Meirelles for The Constant Gardener.
The ones who did make it are Paul Haggis for Crash, his clever and volatile drama about race relations in LA, which features a who's who of actors giving some great performances.
George Clooney sailed in with his film Good Night, And Good Luck about the fall of Sen. Joseph McCarthy thanks in no small part to Edward Murrow. Next George can direct a cigarette commercial. Sorry, I couldn't resist. If you've seen the film you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't then never mind.
Ang Lee is the one to beat for his picturesque and quiet drama about two cowboys, um ranchhands, in love in the not so weepy (ok, I didn't weep or cry or get teary eyed, call me stone hearted, ok) drama Brokeback Mountain.
Bennett Miller got a surprise (in my book anyway) nod for his film about the infamous Truman Capote's quest for a book in the aptly titled Capote.
Steven Spielberg, who's no stranger to this race, scored a much deserved nod for his controversial and speculative thriller Munich.
Now for the feature attraction. First the snubs in the Best Pic race. Cinderella Man, The Constant Gardener, and The Chronicles Of Narnia (my pick for biggest snub) were all denied a shot at the gold.
Brokeback Mountain, the there's-not-going-to-be-a-dry-eye-in-the-house (except for mine) drama about homosexuality in them thar hills, got a nod.
Munich, the story of Israeli's dispatched to assassinate Arabs responsible for the massacre at the 1972 Olympics, received a nod.
Good Night, And Good Luck, a black-and-white pic about the infamous 50's showdown on the telly, scored a nod.
Capote, the story of creepy Capote in his desire to write a book that will sell, got a nod.
Crash, the ensemble drama with Matt Dillon, Brendan Fraser, Sandra Bullock, Don Cheadle, Jennifer Esposito, Tony Danza, Thandie Newton, Terrence Howard, etc..etc..etc... got a nod. Not to be confused with the 1997 film, with Holly Hunter and James Spader, of the same name.
peace out,
paul
My thanks to my friend Sherri for sending this along to me.
The truth about dogs & cats revealed...Researchers are elated by recent efforts to decode diaries kept by our house pets and the truth is finally revealed!
AS SEEN IN A DOG'S DIARY:
7 am - Oh boy! A walk! My favorite!
8 am - Oh boy! Dog food! My favorite!
9 am - Oh boy! The kids! My favorite!
Noon - Oh boy! The yard! My favorite!
2 pm - Oh boy! A car ride! My favorite!
3 pm - Oh boy! The kids! My favorite!
4 pm - Oh boy! Playing ball! My favorite!
6 pm - Oh boy! Welcome home Mom! My favorite!
7 pm - Oh boy! Welcome home Dad! My favorite!
8 pm - Oh boy! Dog food! My favorite!
9 pm - Oh boy! Tummy rubs on the couch! My favorite!
11 pm - Oh boy! Sleeping in my people's bed! My favorite!
AS SEEN IN A CAT'S DIARY:
Day 183 of my captivity...My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.
They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while I am forced to eat dry cereal.
The only thing that keeps me going is the hope of escape, and the mild satisfaction I get from clawing their furniture.
Tomorrow I will eat another houseplant.
Today my attempt to kill my captors by weaving around their feet while they were walking almost succeeded - must try this at the top of the stairs.
In an attempt to disgust and repulse these vile oppressors, I once again induced myself to vomit on their favorite chair. I must remember to try this on their bed.
Decapitated a mouse and brought them the headless body in an attempt to make them aware of what I am capable of, and to try to strike fear in their hearts. They only cooed and condescended about what a good little cat I was. Hmmm, that did not work according to plan...
There was some sort of gathering of their accomplices. I was placed in solitary throughout the event. However, I could hear the noise and smell the food. More important, I overheard my confinement was due to my powers of inducing "allergies". I must learn what this is and how I may use it to my advantage.
I am convinced the other captives are flunkies and may be snitches.
The dog is routinely released and seems more than happy to return. He is obviously a half-wit.
The bird, on the other hand, has got to be an informant and speaks with them regularly. I am certain he reports my every move. Due to his current placement in the metal room, his safety is assured.
But I have patience. I can wait, it is only a matter of time....
The truth about dogs & cats revealed...Researchers are elated by recent efforts to decode diaries kept by our house pets and the truth is finally revealed!
AS SEEN IN A DOG'S DIARY:
7 am - Oh boy! A walk! My favorite!
8 am - Oh boy! Dog food! My favorite!
9 am - Oh boy! The kids! My favorite!
Noon - Oh boy! The yard! My favorite!
2 pm - Oh boy! A car ride! My favorite!
3 pm - Oh boy! The kids! My favorite!
4 pm - Oh boy! Playing ball! My favorite!
6 pm - Oh boy! Welcome home Mom! My favorite!
7 pm - Oh boy! Welcome home Dad! My favorite!
8 pm - Oh boy! Dog food! My favorite!
9 pm - Oh boy! Tummy rubs on the couch! My favorite!
11 pm - Oh boy! Sleeping in my people's bed! My favorite!
AS SEEN IN A CAT'S DIARY:
Day 183 of my captivity...My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects.
They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while I am forced to eat dry cereal.
The only thing that keeps me going is the hope of escape, and the mild satisfaction I get from clawing their furniture.
Tomorrow I will eat another houseplant.
Today my attempt to kill my captors by weaving around their feet while they were walking almost succeeded - must try this at the top of the stairs.
In an attempt to disgust and repulse these vile oppressors, I once again induced myself to vomit on their favorite chair. I must remember to try this on their bed.
Decapitated a mouse and brought them the headless body in an attempt to make them aware of what I am capable of, and to try to strike fear in their hearts. They only cooed and condescended about what a good little cat I was. Hmmm, that did not work according to plan...
There was some sort of gathering of their accomplices. I was placed in solitary throughout the event. However, I could hear the noise and smell the food. More important, I overheard my confinement was due to my powers of inducing "allergies". I must learn what this is and how I may use it to my advantage.
I am convinced the other captives are flunkies and may be snitches.
The dog is routinely released and seems more than happy to return. He is obviously a half-wit.
The bird, on the other hand, has got to be an informant and speaks with them regularly. I am certain he reports my every move. Due to his current placement in the metal room, his safety is assured.
But I have patience. I can wait, it is only a matter of time....
Brokeback Bandwagon
Willie Nelson has come out, sort of. A song that was written back in the 80's and recorded by Nelson was featured on Howard Stern's radio show this past Tuesday. The song, titled Cowboys Are Frequently, Secretly (Fond Of Each Other), contains lyrics such as, 'What did you think all them saddles and boots was about?' and 'Inside every cowboy there's a lady who'd love to slip out.' The song is available through itunes and while I have not yet heard the song, I do have to wonder why it couldn't have just been called Closet Cowboys or Closet Encounters of a Cowboy Kind?
I kind of like Kelly Clarkson and there's something about one of her songs, Because Of You, that I really like. Maybe it's the music, I don't know but I do know I don't like the words. Because Of You I'm crying. Because Of You I can't find a meaningful relationship. Because Of You I don't take chances and I never leave the house. Blah, Blah, Blah. I'm exaggerating (juuuuuuusssst a little bit) but that's the theme of the song. Yes, Kel, we've all got problems now why don't you just move on. Oooh, I'm so bitchy today.
paul
I kind of like Kelly Clarkson and there's something about one of her songs, Because Of You, that I really like. Maybe it's the music, I don't know but I do know I don't like the words. Because Of You I'm crying. Because Of You I can't find a meaningful relationship. Because Of You I don't take chances and I never leave the house. Blah, Blah, Blah. I'm exaggerating (juuuuuuusssst a little bit) but that's the theme of the song. Yes, Kel, we've all got problems now why don't you just move on. Oooh, I'm so bitchy today.
paul
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
Reality Junkie Strikes Again
Ok, I'm a fan of The Amazing Race (back for another season on 2/28 and thankfully they've left the families at home this time) and I'm one of the biggest Survivor junkies and now I've got another show that is quickly rivaling Survivor. I thought that once the American Idol auditions were over (horrible, anyone?) I'd lose interest. Not so. In fact, I'm enjoying it even more. I can't believe I never used to watch this show. I really liked it when Simon told off Derrell (hissy fit city) and yes, the Brokenote Mountain (Love is tone-deaf) trailer was a bit cheesy, however, it was touching especially when the three cowboys got voted off and Garet hugged Matthew and was reassured that he didn't let Matthew down. And is it just me or is Michael a dead ringer for Cuba Gooding Jr? At the very least he sounds just like Cuba. And kudos to AI for jumping on the Brokeback wagon. And I don't know about the rest of you but I really like Taylor. He's a combo of Michael McDonald, Joe Cocker and a titch of Ray Charles.
paul
paul
Apparently a sheriff's office in Virginia is taking the term undercover to heart. In an effort to close down massage parlors for prostitution, a number of detectives are getting their strokes on at the parlors. They've already shut down some parlors using this method and claim it's the only way to put the parlors out of business. In fact Spotsylvania County (sounds like Transylvania) Sheriff Howard Smith says they are only doing what kneads, oops, I mean needs to be done and he sees nothing illegal about it. I thought that prostitution was still illegal period.
wacky Wednesday
Ok, so by Dick Cheney not coming forward sooner and deciding to keep the shooting incident quiet, he's unwittingly created a storm. No one should be surprised, however, because it's very consistent with the legacy of the Bush presidency. "Let's be shrouded in secrecy," "Let's not tell the American people, let's pretend it doesn't exist." He better hope Whittington doesn't die.
Saddam is really starting to irritate me. How dare he be more of a drama queen than I am. And now he's on a hunger strike; who does he think he is: Gandhi?
And speaking of drama queens, Zacarias Moussaoui is another one. He is now barred from the courtroom during jury selection because of his many outbursts. He left the court reportedly saying, "God curse you (to the judge) and America." He's calling the proceedings a circus. It seems the only act in this circus is him. Please!!! Just take your punishment and shut up.
paul
p.s. Heart day is over and now we can all go back to being normal.
Saddam is really starting to irritate me. How dare he be more of a drama queen than I am. And now he's on a hunger strike; who does he think he is: Gandhi?
And speaking of drama queens, Zacarias Moussaoui is another one. He is now barred from the courtroom during jury selection because of his many outbursts. He left the court reportedly saying, "God curse you (to the judge) and America." He's calling the proceedings a circus. It seems the only act in this circus is him. Please!!! Just take your punishment and shut up.
paul
p.s. Heart day is over and now we can all go back to being normal.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
tube talk
Just watched Desperate Housewives and after weeks of being mediocre and bordering on boring, the last 10 minutes gave some oomph to the show. Most of the time I try to focus on the scene at hand whether it's a movie, tv show, etc...., however, sometimes I notice inconsistencies in the scene. The scene with Bree and Betty is one such scene. At the beginning of the scene Bree's wineglass is empty then it's got wine in it then it's empty again and then, yet again, it has wine in it. Did anyone else notice that? Watch it again I know I will. And Felicity Huffman is wonderful. I don't know what she was eating in the scene in which she eats the raw bacon but it certainly looked like raw bacon to me. She is such a versatile actress. I enjoy watching her.
I wanted to watch Grey's Anatomy while it aired but Jim pooh-poohed that idea and said, "You're supposed to watch it with me." He went to bed which is where I'm going now and will have wait to watch it in the morning. I'm only watching it to see what happens to Meredith.
paul
I wanted to watch Grey's Anatomy while it aired but Jim pooh-poohed that idea and said, "You're supposed to watch it with me." He went to bed which is where I'm going now and will have wait to watch it in the morning. I'm only watching it to see what happens to Meredith.
paul
weekly post-February 11, 2006
The "judge and jury" edition
Hello friends and loved ones,
I know this email is quite late and I must confess I wracked my brain to come up with something to write about; something meaningful and profound. A couple of things happened this past week and I reflected on those two things and realized that the topic was with me all along. I don't know about you but I find myself watching certain movies and thinking to myself, 'How can she do that?' or 'He deserves what he gets for what he's done.' Usually these movies involve characters who make moral decisions that don't agree with my morals. I find in real life, however, that there is a paradox between my thinking while watching those movies and my thinking in real life. Let's face it people that I know are going to do things that don't match up with my own moral code and I am going to have to decide how to continue that friendship/relationship. I don't believe I have any right to judge someone if they do something that I would not do because I think it's wrong. I can offer my opinion if asked and I can most definitely offer support. To me being a Christian doesn't mean that I can judge and cut someone out of my life if I don't agree with their actions. It's one thing to keep the children away from a convicted sex felon; it's another thing to crucify that person in the streets. I have friends who have done things that I have had to come to terms with and I did, in my own time and in my own way and not once did I bad mouth them or decide that I was better than they were because I wouldn't do what they did. Let's face it, life is much too difficult without the gossip, innuendos, and judgments. Besides, I know there are things that others can probably judge me on (and probably do). Everyone has good in them and just because someone does something that I may find morally wrong doesn't mean that person suddenly becomes bad. As a Christian, I need to understand and offer empathy. Not everyone grew up the same way I did, not everyone lives by the same moral code, not everyone is the same. Once the movie ends I need to make sure I'm practicing what I preach.
Hello friends and loved ones,
I know this email is quite late and I must confess I wracked my brain to come up with something to write about; something meaningful and profound. A couple of things happened this past week and I reflected on those two things and realized that the topic was with me all along. I don't know about you but I find myself watching certain movies and thinking to myself, 'How can she do that?' or 'He deserves what he gets for what he's done.' Usually these movies involve characters who make moral decisions that don't agree with my morals. I find in real life, however, that there is a paradox between my thinking while watching those movies and my thinking in real life. Let's face it people that I know are going to do things that don't match up with my own moral code and I am going to have to decide how to continue that friendship/relationship. I don't believe I have any right to judge someone if they do something that I would not do because I think it's wrong. I can offer my opinion if asked and I can most definitely offer support. To me being a Christian doesn't mean that I can judge and cut someone out of my life if I don't agree with their actions. It's one thing to keep the children away from a convicted sex felon; it's another thing to crucify that person in the streets. I have friends who have done things that I have had to come to terms with and I did, in my own time and in my own way and not once did I bad mouth them or decide that I was better than they were because I wouldn't do what they did. Let's face it, life is much too difficult without the gossip, innuendos, and judgments. Besides, I know there are things that others can probably judge me on (and probably do). Everyone has good in them and just because someone does something that I may find morally wrong doesn't mean that person suddenly becomes bad. As a Christian, I need to understand and offer empathy. Not everyone grew up the same way I did, not everyone lives by the same moral code, not everyone is the same. Once the movie ends I need to make sure I'm practicing what I preach.
Sunday snippets
The number one movie in America for the weekend was the ridiculous remake The Pink Panther. Starring Steve Martin, who makes the bumbling Inspector Clouseau look even more incompetent, the film looks absurd and unimaginative. I've no interest in seeing it as I cannot imagine anyone bringing something more to the role than the sublime Peter Sellers brought to it. This just goes to show that taste is subjective. I've no doubt that many people saw this film and laughed out loud. I've seen the trailer more than a few times and did not even chuckle once.
VP Dick Cheney has done it this time. During a hunting expedition on Saturday, he shot Harry Whittington, a millionaire from Austin, Texas, with shotgun pellets while hunting quail in South Texas. Whittington is doing fine despite being shot in the face and chest. Apparently Whittington shot one of the birds and went to look at it while at the same time Cheney and his group found a second covey of quail. Whittington came up from behind the VP and when the second covey flushed, Cheney followed one of the birds and shot. Unfortunately Whittington was in the line of fire.
Michelle Kwan pulled out of the Olympics after sustaining an injury to her groin on Sunday during her practice routine.
Another fire at a Baptist church in Birmingham, Alabama, brings the total to 10. Five of the churches had black congregations and five had white. Police are looking for suspects but don't believe that the fires are racially motivated. All of the fires were started at Baptist churches.
VP Dick Cheney has done it this time. During a hunting expedition on Saturday, he shot Harry Whittington, a millionaire from Austin, Texas, with shotgun pellets while hunting quail in South Texas. Whittington is doing fine despite being shot in the face and chest. Apparently Whittington shot one of the birds and went to look at it while at the same time Cheney and his group found a second covey of quail. Whittington came up from behind the VP and when the second covey flushed, Cheney followed one of the birds and shot. Unfortunately Whittington was in the line of fire.
Michelle Kwan pulled out of the Olympics after sustaining an injury to her groin on Sunday during her practice routine.
Another fire at a Baptist church in Birmingham, Alabama, brings the total to 10. Five of the churches had black congregations and five had white. Police are looking for suspects but don't believe that the fires are racially motivated. All of the fires were started at Baptist churches.
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