Really???

Stop It!

Okay, so I get the whole Santa tracker thing meteorologists do on Christmas Eve. It's cute, I guess. And it's a great way for parents to get their kids into bed. ("Hurry up and get to bed, Annie, or Santa's not going to stop.") Not like the kid is going to sleep. He or she is too excited because it was just announced that Santa is on his way. And what happens if the kid sees another TV report on another station that says something totally different? But I digress from my rant.

Tracking Santa is cool. The fact that NORAD tracks Santa starts to push it, when NORAD probably should be worrying about the Chinese or North Koreans. What's downright absurd is when I turn on the radio this morning and I hear about an upcoming report on the "news" station:

Coming up next, you know Santa flies all over the world to deliver presents to all the good boys and girls. But do you know how he gets his reindeer to fly so fast? Find out after these messages.

Are you serious?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

The economy's in shambles. The world's at war. The infrastructure of this country is falling apart. And somehow journalistic integrity dictates a story about the physics of the jolly fat man's mode of transportation.

Seriously!

Stop it!!!

Wha????

So I was out doing my last minute shopping today and say an ad in the mall for the upcoming Miss America 2009 pageant on TLC.

Wha????????

TLC?? TLC, as in The Learning Channel?? It's not tender, love and care. It's the Learning Channel. What the hell am I gonna learn from this?

Here are some thoughts:

1) What Miss Minnesota's platform is?
2) Is black really slimming? I'm looking at you, Miss Idaho. You may need to cut down on those potatoes.
3) How would Miss Michigan help the Big 3?
4) What are this spring's evening wear fashions?

Really?

I guess America just doesn't have a taste for pageants anymore, unless they are in child form.

I really don't know what's worse. That the pageant has fallen from ABC just a few years ago all the way down to TLC, or that TLC picked up a beauty pageant.

At least this gives me a chance to show off a pic of former Miss America Jennifer Berry, who I went to high school with back in the day.

Guess where I'm going??

Take a look at these temperatures and guess where I'm going in a couple of days. These number sure do make me look smart! The best part is I'll be outside for the majority of Thursday evening when the numbers are at their lowest! Nearly four degrees and what has it gotten me? Perhaps a bout with pneumonia!

Proof of Larry King's Nonsense

Here is printed proof that Larry King has simply gone into the realm of mumbling old man. CNN.com transcribed an interview last night to offer the insights of Deepak Chopra. At one point, the transcriber simply had to give up and acknowledge that King was just spouting out "inaudible" nonsense.

Old people...still able to offer a good laugh...

On another note, I don't get the oxymoron dig. "Peaceful war". That would be an oxymoron. I think Chopra is pushing it a bit.

Make It a Double!!

I love this headline. If you actually read the article it says paying more means having higher taxes on alcohol...but, if you just read it and take it out of context I love it even more. Best headline CNN.com has had in awhile.

Eclectic Eccentric

So one key aspect of my schooling is that one should create a brand that best describes oneself. Frankly, I don't like this idea a whole lot. I'm a person not a product. I don't need a brand. I have an identity. But it has prompted me to ponder what's the best way to describe my identity. And I have come up with "eclectic eccentric" and I am quite proud of that....and not just with the wonderful combo of alliteration and rhyming but with the words themselves.

For those unfamiliar with eclecticism, it's a "conceptual approach that does not hold rigidly to a single paradigm or set of assumptions, but instead draws upon multiple theories, styles, or ideas to gain complementary insights into a subject, or applies different theories in particular cases."

And eccentrics exhibit "unusual or odd behavior. This behavior would typically be perceived as unusual or unnecessary, without being demonstrably maladaptive."


Psychologists have described 14 characteristics of "healthy eccentrics":

Nonconforming attitude
Creative
Intense curiosity
Idealistic
Happy obsession with a hobby or hobbies
Known very early in his or her childhood they were different from others
Highly intelligent
Opinionated and outspoken
Noncompetitive
Unusual living or eating habits
Not interested in the opinions or company of others
Mischievous sense of humor
Single
Eldest or only child

It's like someone has been following me.

Overheard in LAX

If you sit next to me in the terminal, I reserve every right to overhear you and mock you on the Internet.


"What's up, ho?"
...
"You mind me calling you a ho?"
...
"I just playing."
...
"Yeah, we're going to North Carolina."
...
"You got what? Glasses?"
...
"I had to charge my phone."
...
"Alright bye."

Then he looked around wildly as a plane flew overhead.

Five minutes later.

"I love you too. But I'm getting a little impatient. You said you would call me back. It's been five minutes. I'm just charging my phone and eating my little MacFlurry. I love you, babe. Call me back."

Two minutes later.

"Mama. I'm looking at my boarding pass and it says my flight from Los Angeles departs at 11:45 tonight and it doesn't say whenever it lands. And it says my other boarding pass from Atlanta, Georgia to Raleigh-Durham departs at 7:30 am. It must be a big time difference, huh?"
...
"What, a 7-hour time difference?"
...
"I'm trying to figure out the time difference."
...
"You sound like you're sick."
...
"Well, if you're sleeping, I'll let you go." [Note: it's 1 am Eastern]
...
"I just hate fucking airports."
...
"You still there?"
...
"My phone keeps beeping."
...
"No, it ain't dead. Someone is trying to call."
...
"So what you doing tomorrow?"

Then his phone died. I don't know how this happened considering it was plugged into the wall, but it did.

Vote of Confidence of the Day

So I was listening to Nancy Pelosi talk this morning about the bailout bill. This is a direct quote:

"Will it work? We'll see."

Just Horrible

I know student newspapers aren't supposed to be the greatest, but there are something that should go without saying. There is one overly glaring error on this page that is just downright appalling. Seriously. How sad is it.

Also, there is a news item that is quite entertaining. But it doesn't make up for the ridiculousness.

Happy searching!

Post of Live Statusing

So one of my favorite places in the world closed down forever on Saturday night and I was there to live it up one last time. Instead of live blogging it, I live statused (I invented that phrase, please give me full credit) it, thanks to my handy dandy iPhone. I've copied it here to get a preservation of the record.

To read it chronologically, start at the bottom and go up.



Christopher misses it already . 9:38am - Comment

Christopher knows this goodbye is forever. 2:13am - Comment

Christopher made amends with Mary, eight years later. 2:06am - Comment

Christopher knows it's time to say goodbye to his favorite company. 1:01am - Comment

Christopher just saw a chunk of the crew that got him through 2000. 12:35am - Comment

Christopher thoroughly enjoyed the new years tribute. It really took him back. 12:09am - Comment

Christopher is 2 minutes 22 seconds from new years. 11:56pm - Comment

Christopher wishes he had a waitress. 11:48pm - Comment

Christopher thinks "Really? No stage?". 11:45pm - Comment

Christopher is 17 minutes from New Years. And he will see the last Comedy Wherehouse show ever. 11:44pm - Comment

Christopher may be in a long line for nothing. 11:34pm - Comment

Christopher is 30 minutes to new year's eve. 11:30pm - Comment

Christopher is now at 5 of 6. 10:41pm - Comment

Christopher is drinking one for the weird walker and his pledge son. He loves that pic. 10:25pm - Comment

Christopher needs a FASTPASS. 10:12pm - Comment

Christopher is reminiscing. What's the best way to jump start your double D's? 9:56pm - Comment

Christopher is gonna be standing in line for awhile now. 9:50pm - Comment

Christopher frankly is surprised places are packed and BET is just dead. 9:27pm - Comment

Christopher got a breakfast date in the morning. He's on a roll. And she's an archeologist. Who knew those were real? . 9:20pm - Comment

Christopher is basically live statusing the closing. 9:13pm - Comment

Christopher is playing touch 'em all and is at 4 of 6, but things don't look good for hitting all. 8:53pm - Comment

Christopher is closed to capacity. 8:41pm - Comment

Christopher is shutting her down. 7:16pm - Comment

The Only Good Thing About New Facebook

So, New Facebook pretty much blows. This is the biggest disaster since Coke released New Coke. Except this is worst because the idiots didn't learn from history. But it's also sad how much press it's getting too. What a sad state of affairs we live in today. I guess the bright side is that social networking sites have overtaken porn as the most visited on the Internet.

Still, there is a silver lining in New F-book, albeit a small one, but a cool one just a same. Under Settings, select "Account Settings." Then go over to "Language" and pull down the drop box. Select "English (Pirate)" for some good chuckles and will entertain you for a bit.

As the Refreshments Once Sang...

The world is full of stupid people. And here are three of them!!

I mean, where else would you like to be in a hurricane besides outside in the middle of it right next to a coast line where there is storm surges just splashing all around you.

At least where a swimsuit, people. No need to get your nice clothes all wet!

Isn't this a form of child abuse? Shouldn't social services step in here??

Why Can't CNN Get Hit by a Hurricane?

Yikes, it's coming! To bring certain death... I'm going to have CNN.com deliver all my bad news in the future.

Remeber? Remeber? Remeber????

This blog is turning into how awful CNN.com is. Not by intent. But they keep making their case.

Seriously, CNN, Stop It!

How cool did this headline writer think he/she is?

Way to Go CNN

Oddly enough, this headline is also the premise of a new sitcom this fall on the CW.

Stop It!

Stop calling Michael Phelps the:

Greatest.
Olympian.
Ever.

(Also, stop writing like that. What's the deal? Can you not write in complete sentences? I get you're trying to add emphasis on the words. But that's not how you do it. The ellipsis was created for a reason. That! So write it "Greatest...Olympian...Ever." Just, please, stop butchering our poor language. Back to the other rant...)

He's not! To say he's the greatest ever just because he's won more gold medals than anyone in history is asinine and stupid. That's like saying George W. Bush is the greatest president ever because he had the most votes ever.

Phelps has been lucky and opportunistic. For one, he chose a sport where there are a lot of events. 100m free. 200m free. 200m fly. Relays. When there are that many options for swimming, you have a lot better shot of winning a ton of medals. Meanwhile, if you're a basketball player, you get one shot at a medal. There's no 3-point competition, no dunk contest and round of HORSE. (But maybe there should be...)

Also, there are more events now, also giving the opportunity to compete in multiple events and win multiple medals. The 29th Olympiad has 302 events in 28 sports. In contrast, the 5th Olympiad in 1912 had 102 events in 14 sports.

Finally, he's benefitted from better technology. They somehow know how to make this super duper aerodynamic swimwear and whatnot that makes a person go faster. You best be breaking world records right now. Plus, there's supplements and studies on what to eat. People a hundred years ago didn't have this.

Look, here's how Jim Thorpe did in 1912 when he competed in the decathalon:

He could run the 100-yard dash in 10 seconds flat, the 220 in 21.8 seconds, the 440 in 51.8 seconds, the 880 in 1:57, the mile in 4:35, the 120-yard high hurdles in 15 seconds, and the 220-yard low hurdles in 24 seconds. He could long jump 23 ft 6 in and high-jump 6 ft 5 in. He could pole vault 11 feet, put the shot 47 ft 9 in, throw the javelin 163 feet, and throw the discus 136 feet.

He got one gold medal for doing all of that. ONE! Plus, he never heard of protein shake or energy drink.

So, this is not to discount what Phelps has accomplished, because he's definitely been impressive. But to say he's the greatest ever just because he has more medals is just ridiculous.

Stop it!

Time is Not of the Essence...

It is the essence.

First, head on over to the Lost page at ABC.com and check out the latest Dr. Candle video called Secret Candle.

Now some thoughts.

First, there's a baby crying off camera. Second, Dr. Candle (or whatever his real name is) knows about the future and that the purge is coming. So, he most likely would do anything he could do to save the child. Most likely the child is his son and he got his son off the island so he wouldn't be killed.

Who is the son? Well, months ago I said I thought it was none other than Miles Straume. I think this video reaffirms that thought. I guess we shall see as the season progresses.

Wanna Join the Dharma Initiative??

Click here and sign up today!

Call Me Crazy...

...but doesn't this passcode thingy that web sites use to verify that you're actually a person and not some software program look awfully like a real word?

Did it jump out to anyone else?

Or am I the only one?

Better Know a D-Bag: The Douchiest Phone Message In History

You must listen to this.

Seriously, wtf, dude???

It's just so sad that there are people like this in the world today.

Box Office Prediction

On Monday morning, The Dark Knight will officially have had the biggest box office weekend of all time. With all the buzz and circumstances, everybody who's somebody will buy a ticket this weekend. I mean, they were running shows all through the night. 12:01 am. 3:00 am. 6:00 am. And in not just the biggest cities, but cities all over the country.

The boys will want to go see Batman kick butt and girls will want to see Batman's cute butt. Mamma Mia! will get squashed like a bug, and let's not even mention Space Chimps. By the way, if I'm a studio executive and I see that my film Mamma Mia! is up against The Dark Knight opening weekend, I would do everything possible to make a change. Granted, it's not the easiest thing in the world, but you've known for quite some time when Batman would be returning to the big screen. That person should be fired on Monday.

For the record, the biggest opening of all time is Spider-Man 3, with $151 million it's first three days last year. My prediction for The Dark Knight: $166.6 million.

Mamma Mia! will be lucky to get $15 million and Space Chimps, which I think could fare better because of its kiddy appeal, will be close behind with $14 million.

She's a Door Bell

My "niece," Channing Nicole.

She's adorable.

And she's spoiled.

And a good a dancer.

Download This Now!

As I opened the iTunes store today to get the free download of the week, another free download there was also waiting. And I couldn't have been more excited.

The Alchemist!

If you haven't had the chance to read it, do download the audiobook (but also buy the book too!). It's a quick read, but a great one at that. Everyone I've recommended it to have ended up loving it. That's a testament to how great a book it is. And now it's a free download too. And these audiobooks don't come cheap either. They are usually around $20. I have debated downloading it recently but didn't want to pay that kind of price. Patience paid off!

Get it fast. It's only available until July 14.

Here are some quick facts about the book:

* Originally published in 1988, The Alchemist has been translated into 56 languages, and has sold more than 65 million copies in more than 150 countries, and is one of the best selling books in history.

* It is a symbolic story that urges its readers to follow their dreams.

* Some have also compared and contrasted this story and the journey of Santiago to the Biblical account of the Prodigal Son.

The More Things "Change"...

Just when you think some may be different, I learn that all politicians really are the same.

As reported in Newsweek recently, a law student wearing a headscarf was barred from sitting in camera view during a Barack Obama speech in Detroit. The student, Hebba Aref, was forcibly moved out of the area.

Oh, no! People might think she's muslim. And what happens if a muslim is seen near Obama. That could be bad for the polls. What if our numbers go down? Oh, no! Move the girl now. Screw what we stand for and everything we've said. They're just words anyway. We gotta worry about our image.

The girl later said, "I felt like I was discriminated against by the very person who was supposed to be bringing this change."

If a candidate really wants to bring about change, he or she would break off all affiliations with the Republican or Democratic parties and campaign as an independent. True change will only come once the two-party stranglehold on the country comes to an end.

Vote Nader. Vote Barr. Just don't go for the dumb Dems or the ragin' Repubs.

A Few of Other Ideas

So the Orange Stinger attraction at Disney's California Adventure is going to be re-done in a classic style as a part of the park's billion-dollar makeover. The orange peel will be removed and the attraction will be re-themed themed to the Silly Symphony "The Band Concert," complete with a conductor Mickey on top.

This will certainly add knew interest to the attraction, which has a basic rotating swings concept. You basically go around and around and around. Then you stop.

As long as we're updating that attraction, here are a few more ideas for the area. It could be come a classic Mickey area.

The Golden Zephyr can add wings to each of the ride cars. Then it can become a homage to "Plane Crazy," the first Mickey Mouse short to be drawn by Ub Iwerks. It shouldn't be much to add wings. Plus, all it does is go around and around and around too. You could pump in the classic music from the original cartoon.

Even the Jumpin' Jellyfish ride next to it could be re-themed with parachutes, as if there was sky diving going on from the planes. Maybe Minnie is jumping out of the plane. That didn't happen in the cartoon. But there also wasn't a giant spinning swing set in "The Band Concert," so deal!

Finally, there's Mulholland Madness nearby, which is a crazy Mouse ride that is supposed to simulate driving around LA that for some reason has a Fast Pass line, while other more deserving attractions do not. How about we give this Mouse ride a mouse?

The cars could be re-done to look like versions of the boat in the first Mickey cartoon release, "Steamboat Willie." Then you could add elements throughout the ride, which it is severally lacking in right now. Plus, the original soundtrack can be played throughout the ride, giving homage to the first cartoon ever released with synchronized sound.

There's been talk of a Goofy's Flite School attraction being put in the area, like a mini-coaster themed around a barn. I think these ideas would fit in just fine with the theme of the new area.

Some Things I Often Wonder

What song were fireworks synched too before Lee Greenwood came along?

Stop It!

Guess what? I don't care who you are voting for! I don't care who you support! I don't need to see beautiful lawns cluttered up with stupid campaign yard signs. I also don't need to see it on your car. Or in your e-mail.

Seriously, why do people do this? These people must think someone's going to be driving through the neighborhood, see an "Obama in '08" sign in Linda's front yard and think, "Hmm, Linda's voting for Obama. I think I will too. Because Linda is the authority in all things political. She sure knows what she's talking about. In fact, she probably could be on CNN. Obama it is!"

Come to think of it, I hate Linda. And the fact that she likes Obama makes me not like him. So because of the yard sign, I'm going to vote for someone other than Obama. Take that, Linda!

We've come to an age when slogans and marketing campaigns have overtaken political campaigns. It shouldn't be who is voting for whom and why. It should be what these candidates are standing for and why.

Shouldn't the neighborhood association do something about this? Granted, they don't do much good, besides take the residents money. But they regulate many things regarding lawns. Tell them to take them out!

"Oh, but you're infringing on my freedom of speech."

Can it, d-bag. You want to live in this neighborhood, you play by our rules, Linda.

It Will Contend

Mark my words.

Wall-E will become only the second animated film in history to be nominated for the Best Picture Academy Award. And it will seriously contend.

Its ability to bring a post-apocalyptic world to a family film and its overlying films will appeal in Hollywood. This may finally be Disney's first Oscar for one of it's feature-length animated films. And I'd say it's about time too.

Stop Questioning Genius!

So, before Disney-Pixar's Cars premiered, people questioned its success and wondered if people who aren't NASCAR fans would go see a movie about autos. Now a sequel is in the works and a themed land at Disney's California Adventure.

Then came last year's Ratatouille. People wondered if a movie about a rat chef would sell with the kids. It went on to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.

Now those people are wondering if a movie about a little robot can work. When will these stupid people realize everything Pixar touches turns to gold? When will these people be fired? When will they just shut up?

Wall-E will be a smash hit. Hands down. It will likely gross more than $500 million worldwide. Watch it score about $65 million this weekend.

An Election of Ideology

Regardless of who you vote for, change is most certainly in store following the 2008. And it may not be the change you think or what the candidates are campaigning for in the future.

A look at U.S. political history shows a cycle of power shifting back and forth between the executive and legislative branches. The executive branch has dominated the federal government since FDR and the legislative branch has slowly lost more and more power. Perhaps now, more than any other time in U.S. history, the office of the president is as strong as ever. (By the way, the judicial branch has steadily increased it's power since 1789.)

Regardless of who serves next as our president, Congress will almost certainly grasp power back. How much power depends on who wins and how you like your salsa.

Mild: Obama
Medium: McCain
Hot: Barr
Muy Caliente: Nader

Obama is almost certainly destined to be a the weakest executive of the four. With little federal service and even less executive experience, Obama will take about two years to learn the ropes. That will give the first Congress to serve with him time to take action. And with a platform promoting so much change, very little can actually be done. The world is naturally change adverse. By the start of the third year, Obama will have become a deal maker with Congress, and Congress will capitalize.

McCain's lack of executive experience will be initially offset by his many years in the Senate. He will be apt to work with Congress and just that act alone will cede power back to the legislature. His policies would require less changes from the status quo. Still, the Congress will likely see the chance to seize more control.

Of course, either candidate will be coming from the Senate. Naturally, they might favor legislative tendencies.

Barr would keep things very much the same as they are today. But increasing displeasure in the status quo would allow the Congress to finally take action to turn the ship. Barr would thus begin to lose power, but still hold on to much of it.

Nader...well, who knows really? He's been more of a lobbyist and crusader in the past 4 decades than anything else. There really is no telling what kind of government man he would be. His stubbornness on policy, though, would likely lead to Congress taking more action. But it remains a mystery.

A vote for Barr or Nader, too, is a vote for a different kind of ideology as well - one that fights against the ills of a two-party system.

Whichever way the election goes, I think the next president will only serve one term. The person elected will likely be ineffective for most of his term. Unless he can gain serious momentum into the 2012 election, it will be a new kid on the block, one who will likely set the stage for the presidency in the 21st century.

It's Never What It Seems

I just had a revelation. Just sitting here right now at work. A revelation. Penny is not Widmore's daughter.

Did I get you?

Here we go.

Penny is not Widmore's daughter. Charlotte is. Penny is in fact Ben's childhood friend Annie. They are both from the island. Have you noticed we've never really gotten much background on Penny? All we've gotten is that Desmond loves her. And we never heard what happened to Annie.

Let's say there was an old switch-a-roo of some kind. That's a minor detail in the whole scheme of things.

So Ben sends Sayid to track down and kill Penny. Ben never sees Penny, though he may not recognize her as Annie in her older age anyway. Sayid ends up killing Penny. Desmond's pissed. Then Ben finds out it's Annie and he goes in a tail spin. Desmond wants Ben dead. Ben wants Charlotte dead. Widmore probably wants them all dead. Bam! Season 5 and 6.

Meanwhile, Charlotte's alive and well and kicking it on the island. And maybe she's even helping daddy Widmore get the island back somehow. That's why she stayed.

Of course, that's still assuming Sayid can pull the trigger, which is still very much in doubt.

I guess it will be awhile until we see.

The Beginning of Act III

As we reach the end of Season 4, we enter the final third of the entire Lost series, or Act III as I'll call it.

Now, think back to the "Dalai Lama" test Ben was given as a young boy. One of the objects placed on the table was The Book of the Law by Aleister Crowley (Wikipedia him for more info...it's quite entertaining!). Crowley was in Cairo when he "received" the book from Aiwass, a messenger for the Egyptian god Horus. This book is divided into three chapters. So as we hit Act III, let's look at Chapter 3. Each line begins with its designated verse number. It starts:

1. Abrahadabra; the reward of Ra Hoor Khut.
2. There is division hither homeward; there is a word not known. Spelling is defunct; all is not aught. Beware! Hold! Raise the spell of Ra-Hoor-Khuit!
3. Now let it be first understood that I am a god of War and of Vengeance. I shall deal hardly with them.
4. Choose ye an island!
5. Fortify it!
6. Dung it about with enginery of war!
7. I will give you a war-engine.
8. With it ye shall smite the peoples; and none shall stand before you.
9. Lurk! Withdraw! Upon them! this is the Law of the Battle of Conquest: thus shall my worship be about my secret house.
10. Get the stele of revealing itself; set it in thy secret temple -- and that temple is already aright disposed -- & it shall be your Kiblah for ever. It shall not fade, but miraculous colour shall come back to it day after day. Close it in locked glass for a proof to the world.

I can't help but see things stand out.

First, what if Aiwass is like Christian Shepherd and Horus is like Jacob. One is the messenger for the other.

There is division hither homeward; there is a word not known.

I definitely feel we will see some conflict about people choosing to stay or go home, while others may have no choice. But there will be division about going home or not.

Now let it be first understood that I am a god of War and of Vengeance. I shall deal hardly with them.

Jacob? Vengeance has certainly been a recurring them on the island.

Choose ye an island! Fortify it!

Duh!

I will give you a war-engine. With it ye shall smite the peoples; and none shall stand before you.

Smokey?

Lurk! Withdraw! Upon them! this is the Law of the Battle of Conquest: thus shall my worship be about my secret house.

If anything, the Others "lurk". Secret house? Jacob's house?

Get the stele of revealing itself; set it in thy secret temple -- and that temple is already aright disposed -- & it shall be your Kiblah for ever. It shall not fade, but miraculous colour shall come back to it day after day. Close it in locked glass for a proof to the world.

The Others went to a secret temple. But could the temple be the island itself? And locked glass...they are entering the Orchid station, which is a greenhouse.

For the complete text, check it out here. Warning: you may be cursed for doing so.

When the Nightmares Started

Last week, Ben asked Widmore, "When did you start sleeping with a bottle of scotch next to your bed?"

His response: "When the nightmares started."

I think the "nightmares" Widmore spoke of is the same type of visions that haunt Jack, Hurley and others throughout Lost. And I think Ben knows they happen, which is why he asked the question. Ben must know that they are a sort of side effect of having contact with the island.

Perhaps everyone has these visions, but some are worse than others. Some of the castaways may be experiencing them and not even realize it. It's only the traumatic ones, like Jack seeing his dead father, that garner attention. Then flip that with Hurley, who seems to have embraced his visions of Charlie after first fearing them.

Clearly Jack fears his father and always has. I think the visions of dad will continue to haunt him until he embraces his father and comes to a reconciliation with him. Remember, Lost started off focusing on people's past, and many of the castaways have rectified their previous actions. Jack still has never done that. He never embraced his father. We only got a first glimpse of that last night when he talked about his father being a good storyteller. Yet, Jack ultimately divulged into pills and booze, just like Widmore last week.

Jack's haunting past is effecting his present, exemplified in his insecurities. He has loved Kate for so long and he finally has her, which we already know he will lose her. Jack's redemption is likely going to be saved for the series finale, so we will have two more seasons of a self-tormented, whiny Jack. Thank goodness there are more characters to enjoy.

Ultimately, Jack's desire to return to the island, as shown in the first flashforward at the end of last season, may be the same as Widmore's desire to find the island:

To make the nightmares stop.

A Taste of Things to Come

Ah, we got great look last week of the ongoing war between Ben and Charles Widmore. It seems that these two are locked in a battle, possibly good versus evil. But first, I want to reference a previous blog post of mine on March 2:

"On another note, Penny's dad bought a book once owned by a Hanso that was an artifact of the Black Rock. I think he may end up being the ultimate villain to this whole series. I think he may be the economist Sayid was trying to get to in the future. I think that's his freighter out there, which is why they know not to answer Penny's calls. He has had connection with Dharma in the past and now he wants Ben because he led the purge. He wants the secrets of the island for his own personal gain. Maybe even to be immortal. Maybe he's been to the island and now he's trying to get back. Maybe he was on the Black Rock when it set sail."

Now I bring this back up because there is a big theory circulating that Widmore is actually Magnus Hanso, the captain of the Black Rock and the ancestor of those that started the Hanso Foundation. I debated this idea in my head for awhile and concluded that they are not the same person. However, I do think Widmore does have a connection to the ship, with one of two possibilities.

1) He was the owner of the company that the Black Rock sailed for, which is partially how he accumulated his wealth. He may have even been searching for the island then, with this being his first freighter.

While this is a possibility, I favor my second idea, which is also why I don't believe Hanso and Widmore are the same person.

2) He was a member of the crew of the Black Rock, sailing under the command of Hanso. And I quite possibly think Widmore was the second in command of the Black Rock.

Think back to the auction scene in Desmond's flashback where Widmore purchased the journal of the first mate of the Black Rock. I think Widmore was buying what used to be his. The journal was auctioned by Tovard Hanso. So it wouldn't make sense that Widmore would have to buy something from the Hansos if he was a Hanso himself. There was a painting of ship next to Widmore's bed that I believe is of the Black Rock.

There may have been a history between Hanso and Widmore. Widmore may have led a mutiny against Hanso to take control of the island. I think there may have been a battle between the Hansos and Widmores for control of the island over the years. Then Ben stepped in and disrupted that battle and entered the war. Now I think Ben represents good and Widmore represents evil. Think back to the pilot episode where Locke and Walt play backgammon and Locke talks about what the colors represent. And yes, Ben does do some seemingly evil things. However, I'm reminded of the fortune cookie saying I keep in my wallet: "For a good cause, wrong doing may be virtuous."

Finally, Widmore seems to care greatly about Penelope. But I've yet to see any display of emotion or connection to the Hansos, which brings me to my final point.

Penny won't be killed. Ben won't be the one to go after and kill her. He will send his lackey Sayid. While Sayid may find some revenge in killing her, he ultimately won't because he will see her as innocent and does not want to hurt his friend Desmond. So it will probably come to a dramatic scene with Sayid pointing the gun and ultimately unable to pull the trigger. He will tell Penelope to go into hiding and tell Ben that she is dead. Ben will have the satisfaction of his revenge, though it never will have taken place.

Hot New TV Shows for the Fall

As this television season wraps up next month and many favorite televisions shows start coming back, the networks start announcing their new shows for the fall. Here's a preview of what may be coming to a TV near year.

*Follow all the crazy antics of the inhabitants in a mental institution in the new series "Mixed Nuts."

*A disgraced New York governor becomes an ornithologist who discovers a new bird species in "Spitzer Swallows."

*A young culinary artist opens up a restaurant in D.C. in "Hail to the Chef."

*The president of a dairy plant must juggle his life as a father at home in "The Big Cheese."

*The life of the plumber who's responsible for all the waterworks in the British monarchy's residences in "Royal Flush."

*The warden of a southern prison is the focus of the new sitcom "Alabama Slammer."

*Proprietor Alan B. Monty must deal with all the guests complaints of his ocean-side hotel in "Beached Wail."

*A woman leads a high profile life as Prague’s preeminent matchmaker in "Czech Mate."

*Prominent playground equipment salesman Walter Riley does his best in his fast-paced job in the new sitcom "It Don't Mean a Thing if it Ain't Got that Swing."

*What happened to Amerigo Vespucci after he drew a map of the world? Follow his zany adventures in "Out of Bounds."

*Dr. Jack Webb loses his arms and legs in a horrific go-kart accident, so he opens up his practice online in "Jack Webb, M.D."

*Richard Moll's bailiff character from "Night Court" moves to Vegas to start his new career in "Pit Bull."

*A group of fisherman off the coast of Maryland face hard times when they can no longer make big catches in "Nothing But Net."

*Environmentalist Robert T. Patterson faces the world's problems in "It's Not Easy Being Green."

It Was Michael After All

Or was it?

I've been intrigued by delicious speculation recently that it really is not Michael...but rather Walt grown up. Yet, the previews for next week said something about how far a father is willing to go to protect his son. Yet, that's just the kind of crazy thinking Lost has people going through these days.

I was sitting here trying to convince myself that last night's episode was not a combination flashback/flashforward. But, yeah, it really was. I remember at one point saying to myself, "Wow, Jin's phone looks really old." That was evidence number one. Then was the fact that it was the year of the dragon, or 2000. I'm not buying a time jump to the next year of the dragon, which is 2012. Finally, Jin said he was working for Mr. Paik, Sun's father. Now, I would have bought some conspiracy theory here. Perhaps Jin is off the island, working with Ben much in the same way as Sayid. Think about it. Sayid and Jin have very similar backgrounds and are capable of doing the same kind of work. So, as this might not ultimately been the case in this episode, I think it might be in the future.

Which brings me to...

Jin is not dead. I don't think so. The date of death on the grave was the date of the crash. So, we know that's not true. And we still don't know what the complete story devised by the Oceanic 6 is, but we know it includes saying a lot of people died in the crash.

So, yes, I think Jin is still alive and may be doing the same sort of work Sayid is doing. He has the experience and connections too. Mr. Paik may be involved with Widmore somehow.

I also think Jin may be alive because of a seemingly weird statement Hurley said. He asked if anyone else was coming, which Sun replied no. Then he said a creepy, "Good." But I think that "good" meant no one was coming out of the woodworks to possibly spoil the lie they have told. As evidenced when Sun rushed into the hospital, people know the Oceanic 6. So they must keep up appearances as much as possible.

Which brings us back to the Oceanic 6. I had Jin in. But Jin's now out. Is Aaron really the last piece of the puzzle? Or is there another one yet to be revealed? A part of me just doesn't want to accept it's Aaron. Mainly because I really don't care about Aaron. Also, he's never been called or identified as Oceanic 6, whereas Jack, Kate, Sayid, Hurley and now Sun all have been. I'm still trying to figure out who it might be.

Maybe Ben, assuming the identity of someone on the plane. He certainly has the means, and might be able to find someone on the flight who had little or no connections in the world. Or now, maybe Michael. I just don't want to call this case closed just yet.

The Dearly Departed

My dog died today.

It wasn't unexpected. He had health complications for awhile. He was the runt of the litter, so it goes with the territory. He wasn't put to sleep, but he also didn't suffer. He was just in the arms of my mother, took one last deep breath and his heart just stopped.

You see we always knew it would be his heart. He had a heart arrhythmia, caused by enlarged heart muscles for his size of a dog. He had to take regular medication for it, but never seemed to mind.

In his years of life, I never saw him growl or snap at anyone else. It wasn't his personality. He loved meeting new people and would literally try to "talk" with those he would see. He was quite social.

Maybe that's why I picked him. But in a way, he picked me. When we went out to Bristow, Oklahoma, to see the Mrs. McClendon's puppies, he was the first one to walk up to me. So I picked him up and didn't let him go until we got home. Back then, he didn't really look much like a dog, so much an ewok.

He had his favorite people too. His groomer in Tulsa. The neighbors in Houston. The squirrels.

I named him for the street I grew up on, Ramsey. In a way, he bridged my life from Louisiana to Oklahoma, through his name and his presence.

All in all, it was only fitting that he died in the arms of someone who loved him dearly, and he died of a big heart.

Jacob and His Father

When Isaac was aged and blind, he decided to bless his eldest son before he died. He sent Esau out in the fields to hunt down some meat and prepare him a meal, after which he would receive his blessing. (According to the Jewish commentators, since the blessing would be prophetic, and prophecy only rests on one who is in a joyful state of mind, Isaac desired to first eat meat and drink wine to arouse himself to happiness.)

Rebecca overheard this exchange. As Esau went out to the hunt, she instructed Jacob to fetch her two goats so that she could prepare a tasty meal for his father, and commanded him to bring the meal to Isaac to receive the blessing in his brother's stead. Jacob protested that his father might notice the substitution through touch, since Esau was hairy and he was smooth-skinned. Rebecca told him not to worry, and placed hairy goatskins over his neck and arms.

Thus disguised, Jacob went into his father's tent. Isaac was surprised that he had returned so soon from the "hunt." "Who are you, my son?" Isaac asked suspiciously. "I am Esau your firstborn," Jacob replied (the Hebrew words, however, can be divided into two statements: "I" and "Esau is your firstborn"). Isaac was still suspicious and asked to feel him, since Esau was hairy. The goatskins seemed to fool him, although he maintained, "The voice is the voice of Jacob, but the hands are the hands of Esau." Nevertheless, Isaac blessed him and sent him on his way.

As soon as Jacob left the tent, Esau arrived and exposed the deception. Isaac was shaken, but he affirmed that Jacob would indeed be blessed. To Esau's pathetic entreaties, he agreed to give Esau a lesser blessing. Esau exclaimed, "Is that why he is called Jacob (יעקב), because he has deceived me (ויעקבני) these two times?" (Genesis 27:35), another play on Jacob's name. Then Esau swore to himself that he would kill Jacob in revenge as soon as his father was dead.