It's The Real Deal

Blogging the National Spelling Bee

2010-06-05T00:34:00.002-04:00

I live-blogged the National Spelling Bee a few years ago, and why not do it again!! Here we go!!

8:01 - Oh the drama begins!!!

8:02 - I bet these kids love the host is the same as "The Bachelor." Yeah, that makes sense.

8:03 - Chris Harrison had the kids circle up and say "spell." We now know who's the stupidest person on stage.

8:05 - Way to nail the first word, Arvind Mahankall. Don't want to get up and spoil it in primetime.

8:07 - Ah, how cute! The Ohio girl says Lebron should stay in Cleveland...because they're the best team. She's obviously not a basketball fan...but her favorite word is "xat" because it's a "curveball." She must like baseball.

8:09 - They're talking about the Canadian in the competition. Ahem, NATIONAL Spelling Bee.

8:11 - We have our first hand spelling!!!! Way to be, Joanna Ye!

8:15 - I always love how they use "25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee" to explain the rules.

8:16 - Okay, this girl is from Puerto Rico. That's kosher because it's a part of the United States (unlike Canada).

8:18 - And down goes the first contestant. Miss Puerto Rico couldn't nail "gyokuro." Adios, Juliana Canabal-Rodriguez.

8:20 - Next up, Aditya Chemudupaty, from Nolan Ryan Junior High School. Sports tie-in!!

8:21 - His word, "engysseismology," was used in sentence with Dance, Dance Revolution. Boo!!!

8:22 - And there goes the second contestant. See ya next year, Aditya! "Obviously, Nolan Ryan would be proud." What color commentary!!

8:23 - Now we get to meet Andrew Grose, from Sheboygan, Wisc. I'm amazed at how hot his mom is.

8:24 - Andrew's a board writer!!! And he nails the word to end the round. Eight remain!

8:28 - NBA Finals promo! Another sports tie-in!

8:29 - Fun fact: 273 competitors started in Round 1.

8:30 - So we're meeting the Canadian now. She shall not be named. "The Canadian" she shall remain.

8:31 - It's a French word. And she's struggling. And she's from Canada. And she missed it. Au revoir! Now it's just 7 Americans!

8:34 - Fun fact: Ohio has won the most bees, at 8!

8:35 - Adrian Gunawan's style is to always stand with one hand behind his back, wears a lucky blue shirt and gray socks. He's a rebel! And he makes "netsuke" look easy.

8:36 - Now here's Erin Andrews to talk to the first contestant out. Riveting, Erin. Simply riveting.

8:37 - Oh, Lanson Tang walks up acting like he knows "leishmanic" is of German origin. He just got smacked down 'cause it's English. Booyah!

8:38 - And he missed it. There's a fine line between confidence and arrogance. And then there were 6!

8:42 - Marky Mark and Will Ferrell are doing a celebrity bee. The word is "supplementary." It's turn into a terrible promo for "The Other Guys." Yawn.

8:43 - Elizabeth Platz says her favorite book is the official dictionary of the bee. She's immediately become my pick to win!

8:44 - Come on. "Gnocchi?" That's like a softball! It's on many Italian menus across the country. Yeah, she scarfed that one down easily.

8:46 - Fun fact: North Dakota has never won the bee. With "infundibuliform," Shantanu keeps the great state's hopes alive!

8:48 - Haha! She asked if she could ask any more questions, which is, in fact a question. Helped her nail the word.

8:49 - Erin Andrews is interviewing the Canadian. She's making excuses. She said she misheard it. She said she knew the real word. If you knew the real word, then you would have realized it when you heard the definition. Liar!! Canadian liar!! Get off my screen!!!

8:55 - Oh, Chris Harrison just shamelessly plugged "The Bachelorette" on Monday nights. Pathetic. If he makes a rose reference, I may through something at my TV (good thing it's not mine!).

8:56 - Joanna Ye has quickly become my second favorite. Now, watch her get eliminated with "tailleur."You can do it!

8:57 - "She visualizes the words right in front of her and grabs the one that's right." And she grabbed the wrong one. Nuts!

8:58 - Now the Sheboygan kid's back. I just like typing Sheboygan, almost as much as I like saying it. Oh, no! "Aguinaldo" just made this kid its punta. Another shot of the hot mom as he sulks to his seat!

8:59 - Two eliminated to end the round. So then there were 4 heading into Round 8. They're dropping like flies. This could be a quick finish. This is making the presence of "gnocchi" here even more ridiculous.

9:03 - There's a promo for an upcoming concert special of Miley Cyrus. Apparently she's a superstar. Sigh....

9:04 - They just had the kids lip-synching to "Staplegunned" by the Spill Canvas. Let's not do that next year.

9:05 - I know what you've been thinking. "What are Adrian Gunawan's other interests?" Now we get to find out! When he's not spelling, he's doing homework or studying for tests. I NEVER would have guessed that.

9:06 - I can already tell he's not going to get "terribilita." But come on, that's an awesome word! It's an art term meaning "the sublime mixed with fear and awe." Use that in a sentence tomorrow!

9:08 - Cracking jokes don't spell words! And Adrian goes down, with his lucky blue shirt hanging out. Only 3 left.

9:10 - Elizabeth Platz always says hello to the pronouncer. They doesn't help you to spell. But it's good to see that all these kids aren't brats.

9:11 - She just said the word's definition is boring. And "rhytidome" struck back, knocking her out of the round. And then there were 2.

9:14 - I don't like that commercial that uses the song from "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory" because every time I hear it, I get excited and think the movie is on. Then I realize it's just a stupid commercial.

9:15 - I love how most of these bee words come up as spelling errors in blogger. Stupid Google!!

9:16 - A bit of firemen spelling. Yawn.

9:17 - The hosts remind us that if the final 2 spellers of this round both miss their words, the round starts all over with the 4 spellers. I don't think I've ever seen that before. Could make things interesting. But it also means that if someone does spell it right, this could be one quick finals!

9:18 - Erin Andrews is getting the skinny from Elizabeth Platz. I don't understand the sentences she's saying. It's nonsense to me.

9:19 - Can Shantanu hit a grand slam with "ochidore" to be the first to spell this round? We just got a shot of his spelling coach. That's like a batting coach, but waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay cooler.

9:20 - Uh, oh. He strikes out. That's 3 up and 3 down this round. Wow. There's 1 left that can take this thing. And, of course, they go to commercial break. Gotta make their money if this thing ends early!

9:23 - There is something poetic about all these "Wipeout" promotions during the spelling bee.

9:24 - I just realized that if Anamika gets this word, she'll expand Ohio's all-time wins lead to 9.

9:25 - For the round, she gets "juvia." I'll be honest, seems pretty easy to get with the two pronunciations.

9:27 - She nails it. But she has to spell one more word to take the championship. So why not have another commercial break? Ha! You could hear the crowd uproar with disapproval.

9:28 - We'll enter Round 9 with 1 speller. But if she misfires, her 3 adversaries are back in this thing. If not, she is the greatest speller in the land younger than 15 years of age.

9:29 - Commercial for a new spicy chicken sandwich debuting at Chick-Fil-A on Monday. Oh my God!! That's the best news all bee! Totally worth watching!!!

9:31 - They just had a replay of the kid that passed out years ago. Best bee moment ever!

9:32 - Anamika steps up to the mic. She gets "stromuhr" for the win. She asks for the definition. She asks for the language of origin. She asks for the word in sentence. She asks for the word to be repeated. Then she nails it.

9:33 - We have a winner! North Royalton of Cleveland, Ohio!

9:34 - Now ABC has to fill the last 26 minutes. And I'm not going to stick around to find out. Until next year!!

I don't buy Jacob's story

2010-05-19T12:43:00.001-04:00

Jacob said Kate was crossed off because she became a mother. I just
don't buy it. She became a surrogate, but not a real mother. And think
of the remaining candidates.

Jack's a father. Sawyer's a father. Sun and Jin became parents. In
fact, Hurley is the last man standing not to have parental obligations.

I don't think Jack is really taking over. Ben is. That would also
fulfill the supposed no parent clause since he lost his daughter.

Mark my words. It will be Ben.

Quick Thought on Lost

2010-04-07T13:07:00.001-04:00

Did the EMF chamber that Desmond was put in look like the interior to Jacob's house to anyone else? That lone chair in the middle. Boxed structure. I just felt that for some reason.

A Line for Addicts

2010-03-10T09:05:00.000-05:00

Woosh!

2010-02-10T11:26:00.002-05:00

While I stir on "What Kate Does" a little more, first a key point.

Have you noticed the change of sound effect when it shifts from the present to flash? I used to be a thundering airplane effect close by. Now it just sounds like an airplane passing by in the distance. Clearly an indication that these flashes are much different than the ones before.

I can't take credit for recognizing this one, but it's cool once you hear it.

NOLA Lives

2010-02-06T11:38:00.003-05:00

I have a t-shirt that reads “NOLA LIVES” on the front with the date “August 29, 2005” on the back.

Actually, I have two. I bought them to support the relief efforts in my hometown.

The date marks the worst day in the history of New Orleans, which actually says a lot since it is one of the oldest cities on this continent that has been battered by wars, crime and corruption.

It was the day the rains came that would break the levees from a hurricane rarely ever called by name by the residents of the city. It is simply known as “the storm.”

I cried that day and the days that followed. I shed tears for my hometown as the images of devastation and horror continued to flash across the 24-hour news coverage. I was nearly 1,000 miles away in my apartment in Chicago. But I wanted to be in New Orleans so I could help for I feared my city was dying.

New Orleans didn’t die. No, she has shown her resilience and bounced back. NOLA lives.

Now the city has a new date to remember: January 24, 2010. It is the greatest day in the city’s almost three centuries of existence. It’s the day the Saints became champions of the National Football Conference.

I cried that day too.

It is quite the dichotomy and almost amazing that these two dates occurred less than five years apart. And the Louisiana Superdome figures prominently in both.

I have never seen a community who cares so much about its football team like New Orleans. And I have a lot of experience with football-obsessed towns. I graduated from Jenks.

The apropos team for the fans devotion is “faith” — faith for those heavenly Saints. They often bring joy on Sundays and help us get through the week. They fight on the field to give the city hope for a better day. And the fans pray to them on a regular basis.

In a city tattered by a racial past, the Saints unite New Orleans in such a unique way. It’s no longer about black and white. It’s about black and gold.

The city has literally shut down during the Saints great run through the playoffs. There is nothing better to do except cheer on the hometown team.

The Saints have served as a great allegory for New Orleans. Founded in 1967, the team didn’t have its first winning season until two decades later. The answer to the Cajun-accented question “who dat say gonna beat dem Saints” was anyone and everyone.

It took another 13 years before the first playoff victory. Then nine more until the Saints were no longer on the shortlist of teams never to make the Super Bowl. The Saints, like the city, were always down but never out. The year of the storm, the Saints held the league’s second-worst record. Now they hold the second-best.

I often thought being a Saints fan was akin to being a Cubs fan. The Saints were the lovable losers of the NFL, with the unaffectionate moniker “the Aint’s.” As a kid, I attended games where fans regularly wore paper bags over their heads.

But at least the Cubs have won a world championship, though more than a century ago. Of course, that may soon change.

As Super Bowl XVIV looms, so does another chance for history to be made. If the Saints defeat the Indianapolis Colts, February 7, 2010, will become the greatest day in the history of the city.

I’m sure I’ll cry.

And not a single Saints fan will want to be in Miami, the site of the Super Bowl. Nope. They’d rather be three states west on the banks of the mighty Mississippi for the greatest celebration ever seen in Louisiana.

They’d rather be in the City that Care Forgot, but the Saints did not. They’d rather be in the shadow of the Superdome with its past of joys and sorrows. They’d rather be in the city the champions of the National Football League call home.

They’re rather be in New Orleans, for NOLA will be alive.

And we're back...

2010-02-03T16:59:00.003-05:00

First off, do you think Juliet's final words were "it worked?" Shame on you if you do! Shame on you! Shame on you! After all we've been through with Lost, how dare you accept Miles' declaration that Juliet's final words were "it worked" so easily? Sawyer was distraught at losing his love, desperate for condolence in his vulnerable time. He thought he could get that from Miles, which Miles initially said wasn't possible. But Sawyer persisted. Miles felt he had no choice and he produced the words "it worked," words that Sawyer could find comfort in that she did not die in vain. Any friend or loyal coworker would act no differently in a situation like that. Do I believe Miles really heard these words? Not for an instant.

Second, I initially thought Jacob had re-manifested himself in Sayid's body. But then I got to thinking more and that would be a little too obvious. That's when I realized it wasn't Jacob that Hurley was talking to beside the van. It was very clear to me that it was Smokey. Obviously he has the power to take the form of the dead, so Jacob would be fair game now. By the Others' response to the news that Jacob is dead, it seems like that Smokey might be coming to infiltrate the Temple. So, as Jacob, Smokey convinces Hurley to take a dying Sayid into the Temple, where Sayid in fact dies. Now, Smokey is free to take Sayid's form, thus infiltrating the Temple. The lingering question is to what endgame.

Now, to my biggest and boldest thought from last night. We seemingly have two points in time that we can accept as reality. Point A is 1977 and Point B is 2007. However, how we get from Point A to Point B is not definitive and there are many tracks that could have taken us there, just like you can take a different route to the grocery and back home. I think one course is the events we saw unfold in the first seasons of Lost. I believe another course will be shown during Season 6. These "flash-sideways" are taking place in 2004, but will eventually lead to Point B and the events we are seeing unfold on the Island.

To me, this is a grander scale of the course-correction that we saw unfold with Charlie. "Ya gonna die, Charlie." Though Desmond saw it happen in various flashes, it eventually did happen, something deemed inescapable. Perhaps what we are seeing in 2007 is fate, something that will happen. Now we are seeing how we are getting to that point, one way or another.

I think the seeds are in place for all the castaways to go back to Sydney on a plane together. Jack has to go back to find his father's body. Kate kidnaps Claire and they get on a plane together to escape the law. Hurley must go back to check on his chicken franchises. Jin and Sun are refused entrances in the U.S. And must fly back. Locke, perhaps emboldened by Jack's thought that "nothing is irreversible," flies to Australia to try the walkabout again.

And I think Charlie's suicide attempt might be the biggest wink to this possibility because, in fact, "Ya gonna die, Charlie." Death is already chasing him.

So maybe they all get on a plane again in the "flash-sideways" only to crash land on the island. Perhaps the crash occurs while Widmore is trying to raise the island from the bottom of the ocean, which sucks the plane to the ground with some sort of electromagnetic shenanigans. Whatever happens, I think the "flash-sideways" will simply show that "nothing is reversible" and that this would all happen one way or another. Thus, the original continuity man simply remain intact.

Food for thought. Here's to a great season!

How I feel about today's news...

2009-12-03T12:21:00.001-05:00

Peacocks Don’t Fly

A long, long time ago...

I can still remember

How that station used to make me smile.

And I knew if they had their chance

They could show good comedy and romance,

And, maybe, we’d be happy for a while.

But December made me shiver

With every posting they’d deliver.

Bad news on the web site;

I couldn’t take one more sight.

I know that I should have cried

When I read about the Peacock’s slide,

For something touched me deep inside

The day NBC died.

So bye-bye, Peacock’s don’t fly.

Turned my TV to NBC,

But NBC was dry.

And them GE boys were probably all getting’ high

Singin’, "this’ll be the day TV dies.

"this’ll be the day TV dies."

Do you watch the Jay Leno Show,

After he stepped out of the Tonight Show glow,

If the media tells you “no”?

Do you believe that Jimmy Fallon,

Can save “Late Night” with his “talent,”

And can you believe Carson Daly still has a show?

Well, I know that you’re not in love with him

`cause he doesn’t have a studio to film.

A hamster could host “Last Call.”.

Man, I don’t like him at all.

I was a lonely teenage broncin’ buck

When, on TRL, he first pushed his luck,

But even then I knew he’d suck.

Oh, man, I started to cry.

Now I’m singin’,

“Bye-bye, Peacock’s don’t fly.”

Turned my TV to NBC,

But NBC was dry.

And them GE boys were probably all getting’ high

Singin’, "this’ll be the day TV dies.

"this’ll be the day TV dies."

Now for ten years Fox’s been on a roll

Behind the strength of “American Idol”,

But that’s not how it used to be.

When “Seinfeld” was king of Thursday night,

Then “Friends” and “Frasier” followed in their own right

And it was declared “Must See TV”,

Oh, and how the ratings plummeted down,

The Peacock lost the network crown.

That caliber had sojourned;

No quality was returned.

And while CBS ran CSI,

A ratings triumph for the Eye,

They gave “Cupid” another try

The day NBC died.

We were singing,

“Bye-bye, Peacock’s don’t fly.”

Turned my TV to NBC,

But NBC was dry.

And them GE boys were probably all getting’ high

Singin’, "this’ll be the day TV dies.

"this’ll be the day TV dies."

“America’s Got Talent” in the summer season.

Keeps on airing for some reason,

Fourteen share and falling fast.

Perhaps my judgment is a little off.

I certainly don’t wish to hassle the Hoff,

But what talent does he bring to the cast?

Now the half-time air was sweet perfume

When the Super Bowl produced a boon.

The suits got up to dance,

Oh, but they never got the chance!

February sweeps, and they still reeled

‘cause Fox and CBS refused to yield.

Do you recall what was revealed

The day NBC died?

We started singing,

“Bye-bye, Peacock’s don’t fly.”

Turned my TV to NBC,

But NBC was dry.

And them GE boys were probably all getting’ high

Singin’, "this’ll be the day TV dies.

"this’ll be the day TV dies."

Oh, and they continued in last place,

Broadcast signals lost in space

With September to start again.

So come on: Jeff, be nimble, Jeff, be quick!

We can’t take much more of this shtick

Or you might be fired in the end.

Now I watch “30 Rock” and try to gauge

With Jack Donaghy and Kenneth the page.

I think to myself, “Hell,

At least they do one thing well.”

But as the ratings fell into the night

We know Emmy doesn’t make it all right,

I saw Comcast laughing with delight

The day NBC died.

They were singing,

“Bye-bye, Peacock’s don’t fly.”

Turned my TV to NBC,

But NBC was dry.

And them GE boys were probably all getting’ high

Singin’, "this’ll be the day TV dies.

"this’ll be the day TV dies."

I met a girl who sang the blues,

For she worked for NBC news,

‘Cause Tom and Katie went away.

Now on cable I can get some more

Hot air, analysis and pundits galore

And wonder how much Chris Matthews weighs.

And in the streets the children screened,

“To Catch A Predator” was on the scene.

But only this was spoken;

“I must have been mistaken.”

To the three men I admire most:

Robert, Les, and Pete, I toast.

They’re all laughing coast to coast

The day NBC died.

And they were singing,

“Bye-bye, Peacock’s don’t fly.”

Turned my TV to NBC,

But NBC was dry.

And them GE boys were probably all getting’ high

Singin’, "this’ll be the day TV dies.

"this’ll be the day TV dies."

They were singing,

“Bye-bye, Peacock’s don’t fly.”

Turned my TV to NBC,

But NBC was dry.

And them GE boys were probably all getting’ high

Singin’, "this’ll be the day TV dies.

"this’ll be the day TV dies."

The Party of Chris

2009-10-11T21:24:00.021-04:00

If anyone really knows me (or has read one of my screenplays), they know how much I despise Republican and Democrats. I hate what they have made governing in this country. They are both to blame, but they are busy blaming each other.

We've had politics riddle our government all the way back to Washington (George, not the district). He warned of the ills of party politics. Yet we haven't heeded this warning from his farewell address:

"All obstructions to the execution of the laws, all combinations and associations, under whatever plausible character, with the real design to direct, control, counteract, or awe the regular deliberation and action of the constituted authorities, are destructive of this fundamental principle, and of fatal tendency. They serve to organize faction, to give it an artificial and extraordinary force; to put, in the place of the delegated will of the nation the will of a party, often a small but artful and enterprising minority of the community; and, according to the alternate triumphs of different parties, to make the public administration the mirror of the ill-concerted and incongruous projects of faction, rather than the organ of consistent and wholesome plans digested by common counsels and modified by mutual interests."

Bush did this. Obama wants to do that. He said. She said. Finger pointing. For the love of all that is good in the world, STOP! Stop perpetuating a cycle that is leading to our destruction. All great republics in the past have never been conquered. Their demise came from within.

One of the main problems is that at the end of the day that no party defines the true identity of but a select few. People will say, "I am mostly conservative, but..." or "I am liberal except for this..." At the point you disagree with one aspect of an ideology, REJECT IT!

So though I am seven years removed from the qualifying age of 35, here is what I would do today if I were elected president. It represents me. It does not conform to any party or ideologies. It speaks for me. I encourage anyone reading this to make a similar document to discover what you really believe and profess. I think it would be much better than "25 things you don't know about me" or "state three things about..." These are the exercises we should be encouraging (Mere, Jax...this means you! Start the ball rolling! Let's make this thing happen! I think you can help create a phenomenon!)

* I would place a stay of execution for everyone on death row. Their penalties would be converted to life sentences with no chance of parole. Our judicial system is not flawless. It is run by fallible humans. If there is even the slightest chance of error, we should not be taking life. Dead is dead.

* I would call for legislation repealing crimes dubbed as "hate crimes." We are not thought police, nor should we be ever tempted to be that way. America is cherished on a rights of freedom of speech and expression. Penalties should already fit the crime. We should not force anyone to believe anything, though we may disagree with a person. That's why we love our freedom of religion.

* I would call for an end of all things barbaric: death penalty, torture, abortion. There is no way that any of these three things cannot be seen as anything but barbaric except by apologetics. How are we to judge who lives and dies? My Christian values have taught me to value every person. Their eternal judgement comes from God; do not deny them life that you can't give back. Torture me for 10 minutes and I'll tell you anything. What value does that express for America? And regardless of what side you fall on, you can't say abortion is not barbaric. It's either the killing of an innocent life or the mutilation of the female body. Either way, it's an act of barbarism.

* I would immediately end "don't ask, don't tell" and call for a equal rights for everyone, including allowing gays to marry. All it takes to end discrimination in the military ranks is an executive order. Truman integrated the military with one. I long for the day I find the girl of my dreams to make a lifelong commitment. God forbid anyone ever tell me I can't marry that woman! Why should we prevent anyone for doing such a thing?

* I would recall all troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. If asked what to do with any sort of equipment or structures that the military has put in place, I would offer this order: either bring it or burn it. If we are attacked on American soil for any reason because of this, I would accept full responsible and resign immediately. But I would continue to push the limits of the defense budget on American soil. This includes making streets safe everywhere for every person to walk down.

* I would call for a 15% reduction of the federal budget across the board and start repaying American foreign debt. What we spend now is wasteful. And it is getting out of control. We are literally screwing ourselves down the road. It can be more efficient. Those who cannot create efficiencies will be fired without remorse.

* I would assemble all 50 governors and say, "It's time you step up and quit relying on the federal government." The federal government has usurped too much power from the states government. In fact, the federal system works best when the state's have most of the power. I would tell them it's now on them to be held accountable. Limited federal government truly is what's best for this country.

* I would make education my number 1 priority. Without it, our future is lost. Education means our children, but also those that lose their jobs and need new skills to make a living. We must foster an environment to continue to better ourselves everyday in every way.

* I would end the embargo with Cuba. It's stupid and arrogant not to now. And the embargo did just as much harm to the United States as it did to Cuba. New Orleans's number one trading partner was Havana. Then the embargo kicked in, devastating the economy of New Orleans. The best thing that could save that city now is opening trade with Cuba.

* I would encourage free trade and stop protectionist practices. The United States has evolved into a tertiary economy. This means letting go of our agrarian past. We do farmers no good be subsidizing them at bay. We need to find ways to advance them with us. It benefits all citizens to do so. Free trade is capitalism at best. And regardless of what Michael Moore might think, free capitalism is a great thing.

* I would tell the Congress to start taking the reins. The presidency has become too much like a monarchy, which is what our founding fathers wanted to prevent. The protection one person receives above other citizens is frankly ridiculous. Let's be honest about this. We have lost many presidents in the past to illness, resignation and death. In none of these cases has the country fallen. We have a built in succession plan to ensure the future of this country. This country is not above any one person! We should not treat it as such. As president, I would be prepared to die for what I believed in, but would not want the country to shed one tear at my passing but press forward.

* Finally, I would act like I was not running for re-election. Politicians have one goal: to get elected. Either initially or to defend a seat, that is their goal. So they do not act as they should. They act so they get re-elected. To serve for four years at the chief executive of this country would be an honor above all. If I was not selected to continue, I would bear no thought of failure or remorse as long as I acted to my own beliefs and with integrity. A very, very, very select few politicians act this way today. Most of them care only about popularity and power.

This is what I profess. No one told me to believe this. I came to it on my own. We should all find our own beliefs and stand up for them. That's why this country was founded! For us. Not for what other people tell us.

Americans need to express more autonomy and not succumb to autocracy. It's okay to disagree as long as their is dialogue. Open your eyes, not follow others blindly.

Why was this is the men's restroom?

2009-09-24T21:23:00.001-04:00

God bless the South!

2009-09-12T12:41:00.000-04:00

This makes me laugh

2009-08-17T17:32:00.007-04:00

I can't discern if the locking in the trunk was intentional to test friendships, but it amuses me nonetheless.

Creepy

2009-06-16T17:06:00.001-04:00

Just for Mere

2009-05-31T22:56:00.004-04:00

Tag Rules...
1. Mention the person who tagged you.
2. Complete the list of 5's
3. Tag 5 of your wonderful blog friends!

5 things I look forward to:
1. Facilitating Horizons in a week
2. Being back in my apartment in Atlanta, even though it's just for another month
3. Finding a job
4. Seeing "Up"
5. Conan's debut on the "Tonight Show"

5 things I did yesterday:
1. Went to the wedding of my pledge son
2. Ate at Lambrusco'z for the first time
3. Smoked a Cuban cigar
4. Pre-gamed at White Owl
5. Saw friends I haven't seen in years

5 things I wish I could do:
1. Win the lottery
2. Travel to every country in the world
3. Meet David Letterman, Ricky Gervais and Larry David
4. Find out about my birth mom
5. Get a job (yes, I've mentioned this twice. Thanks.)

5 shows I watch:
1. 30 Rock
2. The Office
3. LOST
4. Family Guy
5. The Soup

O'yeah!

2009-05-16T17:59:00.002-04:00

I was absolutely giddy to see Flannery O'Connor make an appearance in the season finale of Lost, as she is one of my favorite writers. I thought I'd share a couple of passages from the short story "Everything that Rises Must Converge" that may hold some symbolism.

They are spoken by the main character Julian, who has accepted an integrated black and white world, to his mother, who is stuck in her old ways. These come from the end of the story.

"What all this means," he said, "is that the old world is gone. The old manners are obsolete and your graciousness is not worth a damn." He thought bitterly of the house that had been lost for him. "You aren't you who think you are," he said.

And two paragraphs later:

“You needn’t act as if the world had come to an end,” he said, “because it hasn’t. From now on you’ve got to live in a new world and face a few realities for a change. Buck up,” he said, “it won’t kill you.”

Foreshadowing of things to come? Does this show that the past had been changed? Had a new reality been set in? Is the world safe?

Lost...Quick Thoughts

2009-04-08T22:06:00.004-04:00

I think Ben wanted to die. I think he was hoping he would be judged and killed. At the end of tonight's episode he seemed sad. I think he was sad because the island made him live and because he is now forced to follow Locke's every order.

What a great performance tonight by Michael Emerson. It's certainly Emmy worthy. As as monster Ben sometimes is played out to be, tonight he was totally human. He has been racked with guilt for the death of Alex. He tried to avenge her death by killing Penelope, but didn't have the heart. I think when he saw little Charlie was the moment Ben realized he was responsible for Alex's death. I am really intrigued to see where the his character goes for the remainder of the series.

Ben episodes always seem to be the best in the series. "The Man Behind the Curtain" was absolutely one of the best, and I think this one was too. Two straight weeks of great episodes after a lackluster start. It looks like it might be a great spring to the finish.

We got to see inside the temple. It seemed clearly Egyptian to me, which backs all the Egyptian theories, like why Richard Alpert wears eyeliner. Obviously one of the hieroglyphics saw Smokey interacting with some god, and I think it is Anubis, a jackal-headed god associated with mummification and the afterlife in Egyptian mythology. So perhaps this means that Smokey can communicate with the dead, and thus brings shadows of them to the island.

I just really hope they don't end up going all Stargate on us in the end of all of this.

Next week, Miles gets to interact with the man I am certain is his father. And everyone knows he can talk to dead people. It seems like people are finally and fully recognizing all the weird stuff that this island causes.

LC Can Act...Maybe...

2009-04-08T20:28:00.002-04:00

Zac Efron's Pool Party from Zac Efron

This Makes Me Laugh

2009-04-08T12:23:00.000-04:00

Really, Google? Really?!?!?!?!

2009-02-12T08:57:00.002-05:00

This is what you have special on my birthday? I don't even know what the heck this is. Or what it's supposed to mean. Or why it's even up there. This is just stupid.

Stupid, Google! Stupid!!!

What about Locke and Alpert?

2009-02-11T09:07:00.002-05:00

So, we know Alpert lingered around Locke's birth and later had the "test
encounter" with him. Yet this season we learned that Locke told him
about his birth. It wasn't some Dali lama type search Alpert was
conducting, but rather something he was directly informed about
himself. This sets up a whole pre-destination paradox for Locke.

You can reason this away by two thoughts. 1) Since that scene was a
flashback, it stands out from the others. Or, 2) The encounters are
known, but the characters do not acknowledge it. Why? Perhaps those
who experience the time travel learn the dangers of it and don't speak
up because they feel they may disasterously alter the events of time.
There may be some code they adopt. Perhaps a new form of "the lie,"
albeit a silent one.

For the second one to be true, Rosseau sticks
out. But I won't discount the possibility that she's time travelled
before. She's been on the island awhile and there is more to how
Danielle got to be Ben's daughter too.

Overheard in ATL

2009-01-30T15:43:00.001-05:00

Listening in to convos is kinda fun.

"The national guard is the army retard."

...

"So get this, you know the woman that took me to the airport? Well she's going through this divorce and he's trying to accuse me of adultery."

...

"I know. Can you believe that?"

...

"I know. So what are you doing for the Super Bowl?"
...

"I know. We gonna smoke later."

...

"I know. Me too. I'm still a couple hours away."

Then like everyone around me started talking and I lost aural contact.

Sounded fun though.

Fun Fact About the Real Jeremy Bentham (Is It Fun???)

2009-01-28T09:39:00.005-05:00

Upon philosopher Jeremy Bentham's death, as requested in his will, his body was preserved and stored in a wooden cabinet, termed his "Auto-icon". Originally kept by his disciple Dr. Southwood Smith, it was acquired by University College London in 1850.

The Auto-icon is kept on public display at the end of the South Cloisters in the main building of the College. For the 100th and 150th anniversaries of the college, the Auto-icon was brought to the meeting of the College Council, where he was listed as "present but not voting." Tradition holds that if the council's vote on any motion is tied, the auto-icon always breaks the tie by voting in favour of the motion.

The Auto-icon has always had a wax head, as Bentham's head was badly damaged in the preservation process. The real head was displayed in the same case for many years, but became the target of repeated student pranks including being stolen on more than one occasion. It is now locked away securely.

In Lost, we have the body of a Jeremy Bentham that seems to figure in prominently in the future. The real Bentham wanted to keep his legacy alive. The Lost Bentham may have done just that as well. Are we facing some sort of vote down the rode, perhaps back at the island, that requires John Locke's vote??

Whispers in the Dark

2009-01-27T13:42:00.005-05:00

So how about those whispers in the forest on Lost? Well, now that we know we are doing with time travel, here's a theory. Those whispers are of people there...just slightly off time. Maybe those voices are of people who are just a few nanoseconds in the past or in the future. The space-time continuum makes it so those people can't be seen, but can be heard.

Maybe?

Big words...

CNN Just Had to Do It

2009-01-26T10:09:00.000-05:00

Journalism is dead.

Saving Claire

2009-01-22T19:00:00.005-05:00

I started to watch "Flashes Before Your Eyes" again from Lost, the episode that Ms. Hawking first appeared, because I felt it holds a lot of relevance to this season. And within the first few minutes I realized something really interesting.

Desmond saved Claire first.

Of course, we all remember quite well "ya gonna die, Charlie." We remember story after story of Desmond trying to save Charlie, but ultimately undone by "fate." The show drew us to Charlie being saved.

But Desmond saved Claire first.

At the beginning of "Flashed Before Your Eyes," Claire is drowning in the ocean and Desmond's intuition draws him to the water to save her. Now think of the other times Claire seemingly was in a situation that faced certain death when she was saved. It happened A LOT.

So if we go with the theory that time must unfold a certain way, that you can't beat fate, then Claire has been supposed to die for quite sometime. Her disappearance still remains a mystery. But maybe she's already been dead for quite sometime, like the other "dead" on the island. Perhaps she only came to terms with that fact when she saw Christian Shepherd, her dad.

I think Claire is dead. The question remains: when did she die?

Oh Goody Gum Drops!

2009-01-21T23:20:00.007-05:00

Remember her? The crazy lady that said Desmond had to go to the island and push the button? That it would be the only great thing he would ever do?

Here it is to jog your memory, from the episode when Desmond first had flashes after the hatch exploded.

Desmond goes to buy an engagement ring for Penny at a store where this Ms. Hawking works. When she shows him a ring and he tells her he'll take it, she seems upset and responds by telling Desmond he will not. After Desmond refuses to give the ring back she explains to Desmond that she knows his name, that he will break Penny's heart, he will not marry her, instead entering the sailing race to prove Penny's father wrong, and that he went to the Island and pressed the button for three years until he was forced to turn the failsafe key. She says that if he "doesn't do those things," that "every single one of us is dead."

Once Desmond refuses to give the ring back she decides to take a walk with him. While on their walk she draws Desmond's attention to a man wearing a suit and red shoes. As she and Desmond sit on a bench she tries to explain to Desmond that he must not ask Penny to marry him. She says that it is his "path" to go to the Island.

Then all of a sudden a large crash is heard behind them as the scaffolding from a construction job falls to the ground. As she and Desmond turn around, a pair of legs with red shoes is shown sticking out from under the pile of rubble. As Desmond realizes this is the man she pointed out earlier, she admits to knowing that he would die.

When confronted by Desmond as to why she did not warn the man she informs Desmond that he would have been hit by a taxi the next day, and if she had warned him about that he would have broken his neck in the shower. As Desmond stares blankly at her she explains that the universe has a way of "course correcting" (a phrase Desmond later recites to Charlie), and that death cannot be avoided. Her last words to Desmond are that pressing the button is the only great thing he will ever do in his life.

Remember? She's back!

Other thoughts from tonight.

You see the baby at the beginning with the Asian doctor from Dharma? Telling you, that's totally Miles. Think I got that one right.

And the last time shift? They were clearly on the island when it was controlled by Widmore, or at least when he is there. Those guards had British accents. I'd say there were there in the 1950s or 1960s, before Dharma came in.

I was convinced for a flash that Ben was just manipulating the Oceanic 6 to get back to the island so he could get back to the island and takeover again. But now we see he is at the mercy of someone else. Our dear Ms. Hawking.

What a season it shall be...

1809

2009-01-19T21:36:00.004-05:00

This year marks 2 centuries since 1809, but I think it is of some note what a year it was in terms of people born into this world. Not only was the president I share a birthday with born, but quite a large number of notable people who have made an impact on our world today. Here is just a few:

Louis Braille
Edgar Allan Poe (who's birthday is today!)
Felix Mendelssohn
Abraham Lincoln
Charles Darwin
Alfred Lord Tennyson
Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.
Kit Carson
William Gladstone

Question...

2009-01-07T09:35:00.000-05:00

How can water be velvety?

Really???

2008-12-27T18:07:00.000-05:00

Stop It!

2008-12-23T21:03:00.004-05:00

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????

2008-12-22T13:16:00.003-05:00

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??

2008-12-07T09:39:00.003-05:00

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

2008-11-27T10:15:00.004-05:00

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!!

2008-11-13T19:32:00.002-05:00

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

2008-11-13T10:13:00.008-05:00

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

2008-10-15T00:51:00.006-04:00

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

2008-10-03T15:53:00.003-04:00

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

2008-09-30T10:54:00.003-04:00

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

2008-09-29T00:31:00.003-04:00

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

2008-09-22T20:48:00.003-04:00

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...

2008-09-12T13:54:00.004-04:00

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?

2008-09-12T11:30:00.001-04:00

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????

2008-09-11T20:38:00.003-04:00

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

Seriously, CNN, Stop It!

2008-09-07T11:21:00.003-04:00

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

Way to Go CNN

2008-09-05T14:05:00.002-04:00

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

Stop It!

2008-08-14T10:10:00.006-04:00

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...

2008-08-12T01:18:00.005-04:00

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??

2008-08-12T01:02:00.004-04:00

Click here and sign up today!

Call Me Crazy...

2008-08-04T10:35:00.002-04:00

...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

2008-07-21T14:33:00.002-04:00

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

2008-07-18T12:14:00.002-04:00

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

2008-07-17T10:51:00.003-04:00

My "niece," Channing Nicole.

She's adorable.

And she's spoiled.

And a good a dancer.

Download This Now!

2008-07-08T11:46:00.006-04:00

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"...

2008-07-07T22:46:00.004-04:00

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

2008-07-05T11:19:00.010-04:00

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

2008-07-05T00:40:00.002-04:00

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

Stop It!

2008-07-02T11:54:00.006-04:00

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

2008-06-29T11:35:00.004-04:00

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!

2008-06-27T13:54:00.004-04:00

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

2008-06-25T12:06:00.006-04:00

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

2008-06-17T12:18:00.006-04:00

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

2008-05-29T09:01:00.006-04:00

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

2008-05-02T15:16:00.005-04:00

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

2008-05-01T14:23:00.006-04:00

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

2008-04-02T10:37:00.004-04:00

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

2008-03-14T09:51:00.005-04:00

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

2008-03-08T18:37:00.005-05:00

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

2008-03-05T10:34:00.003-05:00

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.

Jacob's Birthright

2008-03-04T08:12:00.002-05:00

Jacob, together with his older brother Esau, was born to Isaac and Rebecca after 20 years of marriage, at which time his father was 60 (Genesis 25:26), and Abraham was already 160 years old. He and his older brother Esau were markedly different in appearance and behavior. Esau was a ruddy hunter, while Jacob was a gentle man who "dwelled in tents," interpreted by many biblical commentators as a mark of his studiousness and reserved personality.

During Rebecca's pregnancy, "the children struggled together within her" (Genesis 25:22).

Esau was the firstborn. His brother Jacob was born immediately afterwards, and was grasping Esau's heel. His name, Ya'akov (יעקב), derives from the Hebrew root "עקב," "heel." Commentators explain that Jacob was trying to hold Esau back from being the firstborn, and in that way claim the Abrahamic legacy for his own self. According to the text, Jacob was favoured by his mother, while Esau was favoured by his father.

During their youth, the twins were raised in the same environment and exposed to the same teachings of their father Isaac and grandfather Abraham. One day, Esau returned from the field faint from hunger. Seizing an opportunity, Jacob informed Esau that he would sell him some lentil soup which he had just cooked, in exchange for the birthright which belonged to Esau as the older brother. Esau agreed, commenting, "I am going to die — what is this birthright to me?" The fact that Esau would sell his familial rights in exchange for soup indicates the disdain in which he held his fathers' traditions. In the words of the Bible, "Esau despised the birthright." (Genesis 25:29-34) However, there are many interpretations of this statement. Some believe he meant that if he were dead, then his brother would have the birthright anyway; why should he die? If Esau were not to sell his birthright, he may have died from starvation, giving Jacob the birthright either way.

The text further explains that since he referred to the soup as "red, red, stuff," he was given the name "Edom" (Hebrew: אדום, red one). The name Edom is thus seen as an eponym which gave rise to the national name of the Edomites.

The birthright included not only the traditional Biblical birthright, which granted superior rank in the family (Genesis 49:3), a double portion of the paternal inheritance (Deuteronomy 21:17), and the priestly office in the family (Numbers 8:17-19), but the Abrahamic blessing as well, which promised that his descendants would be a source of blessing for all the nations of the earth (Genesis 21:15-18). However, Esau, knowing that God had declared that Abraham's descendants would be enslaved for 400 years before returning to their own land (referring to the Hebrews' enslavement in Egypt) (Genesis 15:13-14), wanted to exclude himself from being part of God's chosen people.

According to the Midrash, the day on which Esau sold his birthright was the very same day that Abraham died; the lentil soup which Jacob had cooked was a food traditionally eaten at times of mourning. This sheds some light on Esau's comment that he "was going to die." The midrash further states that Esau had committed the three cardinal sins – murder, adultery and idolatry, which is why he was tired that day. Setting the scene at the time of Abraham's death would mean that Jacob and Esau were both 15 years old at that time.

"You Can't Change the Future"

2008-03-02T10:15:00.005-05:00

Woah...I've just been mindf*cked by Lost.

It's interesting that constants have been brought up because I've been in the midsts of constant and regression discussions in class.

So Desmond's constant is Penny. Daniel's constant is Desmond.

Now suppose for a moment that everyone on the island must develop a constant, something to hold on to if they ever start shifting time. Add on the pairs we've seen.

Kate's constant in Aaron.
Jack's constant is Kate.
Hurley's constant is Charlie.
Locke's constant is Walt (though I think Locke thinks his constant is Jacob).

And there are other "pairs" forming in the show. I think this adds up to the possibility of future jumping. For instance, Jack goes back to practice medicine. If he's in a hospital, he runs a good chance of running into radiation, which could trigger jumps. Maybe he's been jumping during the season finale of last season. He contacts his constant, Kate, and wants to go back because he thinks that's his cure.

And maybe Kate doesn't want to be separated from Aaron in case she jumps. She said "he needs me," but maybe it's the other way around. Maybe she needs him for her own sake.

Time jumping may be a key to the series, because step back and think of the series itself. The motif of each show is a time jump. It started with flashbacks. Now, they are mixed with flashforwards. The way the show itself is told is a key to the show itself.

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. Penny said she knew about the island for three years before Desmond called. It seems like the likely person she found out about it from is her father.

Ultimately, I think people stay on the island because that's the only way they can survive. So, the Oceanic 6 devise their lies to tell the world so the world will leave them alone and not find out the secrets of the island. When you think about it, no one really should have survived that plane crash. That many people to survive would be damn near impossible. The island must have saved them. Now, they are trying to save the island. Maybe that's why they can eventually leave. They brokered a deal with the island's keeper (Jacob?) that allowed them to leave. The island gave them life, now they are trying to protect it.

The Son's Revenge

2008-02-08T17:25:00.000-05:00

So this guy can talk to ghosts. He seems to be pretty good at it. I've been wondering where he got this skill. I think he got it from the island. I think he's been there before, maybe even born there. I think all of the people who have come to the island from the freighter have been to the island before. They all might have worked for the Dharma Initiative or been a part of it.

I think the drunk pilot used to fly for Dharma. That's why he might know the area so well to be able to fly. And the guy that looks like Luke Perry is a physicist expert in the field electromagnetism, which Dharma was studying on the island.

This guy in particular, Miles Straume, I think is the son of the doctor in all the Dharma orientation films. They look very much alike. One would have to think the casting was specific in that manner. Also, we've had a lot of story lines about sons being pissed off at their fathers. How about one about a son who looks to revenge the death of his father? That's why the four are there. To avenge the death of those they love that died in the purge.

As for the "man" Ben has on the boat...I thought Michael at first, but now I'm rethinking. Now I don't even think it's a man. I think it's a woman. The woman he shot, Charlotte. I think that's one reason he shot her because he knew she'd be donning a vest and not be fatally wounded. She also seemed to know where to dig for a Dharma polar bear in the Tunisian desert. Maybe she knew about their past experiments.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Next President and Vice President

2008-02-06T15:37:00.001-05:00

To me, Super Tuesday sealed the future. John McCain seems destined to become the Republican nominee. The Democratic race, however, looks like it will be a fight for many weeks to come. That fight will prompt Clinton and Obama to beat up on each other more to get ahead, despite the display of civility shown in the last debate. I'm sorry, but that just won't last.

As a result, it will be a shorter battle for the eventual Democratic nominee and the eventual winner may have to first overcome any hits taken during the primary campaign. There will be no Obama-Clinton or Clinton-Obama ticket. Neither candidate would agree to that. Plus, I don't think they have congruent philosophies to govern effectively. Clearly John Edwards wants to be the running mate once again since he didn't endorse a candidate once dropping out.

So why Joe Lieberman sitting next to John McCain? I believe that's how McCain will reach out for a running mate. There has been talk in the past of candidates reaching across the aisle to create a bipartisan ticket, but it's simply been deemed impossible. Well, McCain technically would not be reaching across the aisle. The Democrats pushed Lieberman into the world of Independent, so it's not a full party line crossing. Clearly he'd be up for the idea since he endorse McCain's candidacy in lieu of any of the Democratic candidates. Plus, Lieberman supports the war in Iraq and many conservative policies. Finally, it would be Lieberman's final shove in the face to the Democrats for what they did to them.

I think the American middle would jump at a moderate ticket that seems to have been craved by so many but never presented. Add the fact that the Dem nominee will be dirtied coming out of the primary and the ticket will be more to the left, a moderate ticket could win in the end.

There you have it. Our next VP and President of the United States.

The Oceanic Six

2008-02-01T07:22:00.000-05:00

So six people got off the island, supposedly. Who are they?

Jack, Hurley, Kate, Sun, Jin, Sayid

How were they chosen? By the numbers.

4, 8, 15, 16, 23, and 42

There were 71 original survivors of the crash. Assume for a moment they all were assigned a number 1-71. Out of those, numbers 4, 8, 15, 16, 23, and 42 were chosen to leave the island. Numbers 15 and 16 indicate a possible pairing. That leaves Sun and Jin or Bernard and Rose. Rule out Claire and her baby because the baby came later. Rule out Bernard and Rose because what if Rose leaves the island and her cancer comes back. Plus, Sun must leave the island in the hopes of actually surviving child birth.

Why Sayid? Well, my thought process here is far less scientific and deep. The third episode of this season deals with Sayid. So, it seems to me that the Oceanic Six would be the only ones doing the flash forwards for awhile, if the flashes are to be consistent with events occurring off the island.

Now, here are some burning questions I have read across the Internet:

Was that Christian Shepherd sitting in Jacob's chair in last night's episode? If so, is he Jacob? I sure hope not.

Why is the flight attendant Jack talked to in the pilot episode living among the Others? Was she one all along?

In "Through the Looking Glass," why does Ben tell Jack that "every living person on this island will die"? Is that to say there are non-living people on the island? It seems there might be.

Now...

2008-01-31T18:51:00.000-05:00

Get the party started.

I Went to the Grocery Store Today and There Was This...

2008-01-30T10:24:00.000-05:00

That's right. A mail-in rebate for Miller Lite beer. Utopia can't be too far away.

And, yes, I used at 41 cent stamp to get a $2 rebate. Crazy you say? Heck no. I just more than triple my investment!

(By the way, I'm excited my new printer/scanner/copier was able to help bring new life to this post.)

One Day...

2008-01-30T05:36:00.000-05:00

Listen to the island.

Key Dates to Keep in Mind

2008-01-28T06:31:00.000-05:00

Lost should be on around Dec. 23. So that means Christmas is coming on the island. Interesting that the new arrivals are coming at Christmas time, no? Also, Dec. 26 (known as Boxing Day) is the date of the earthquake and tsunami that ravaged through the Indian Ocean. Though the epicenter was just off the coast of Indonesia, the effects were felt all the way to the East African coast.

So riddle me this. What if these new arrivals come to the island and cause major disruption? What if the island is somewhere off Indonesia, that flight 815 was way off course, which is why no one was able to find it thus far? And what if the island is the epicenter of this earthquake? That the new arrivals and survivors leaving lead to an imbalance on the island, causing the tectonic shift? What if the guilt felt by Jack is the burden of thinking he's responsible for the death and destruction of the tsunami that marked one of the worst natural disaster in history?

Remember the Black Rock, the slave ship found on the island. Perhaps it had departed east Africa and was headed to India, Australia or another European colony in that area when it crashed. (A shipwreck, a plane crash, all on the same island? What's next? The alien spaceship Juliet joked about in the season finale?)

Incidentally, on a recent trip to Thailand, we visited some ancient ruins. At one point, a colleague pointed to the remnants of a statue and just said "Lost." It was just a foot. It was eerie and kinda fit. Maybe the island is near...

Three Days...

2008-01-28T04:32:00.001-05:00

Is he really the good guy?

Four Days...

2008-01-27T11:13:00.000-05:00

Are you ready to face the future?

If I Were A Hip Hop Album Released Now...

2007-12-28T23:31:00.000-05:00

I'd be called "The Return."

Prepare.

No. 40

2007-12-23T00:11:00.001-05:00

RIP PWO

This Is Getting Ridiculous

2007-12-11T12:58:00.000-05:00

So I went to Target today to buy some Carmex....you know, for chapped lips. Anyway, as I'm checking out in the Express Lane with my 89 cent tube of Carmex, I grab my receipt and head out when the cashier tells me to wait.

"What?"

"You have a receipt."

"I already have my receipt."

"You get another one."

"Another one?"

She hands me the second one and I'm wondering why Target is printing off two receipts for me. I look at it and it says "Gift Receipt." Now, I'm no wacko tree hugger, but this seems like a total waste of perfectly good trees.

First, who in their right mind would give Carmex as a gift? Second, who would give a gift receipt with said Carmex? Third, who does Target think is actually giving Carmex as a gift?

Seriously.

This is Why I Moved Down South

2007-12-10T12:29:00.000-05:00

I hear it's cold elsewhere in the world....

Is It Time For a Liquid Confidence Night?

2007-12-08T16:29:00.000-05:00

You know, I haven't had one since I was in college. Now I'm back in college. It almost seems right that they should return. Frankly, I've been having a hankering for one recently anyway.

To harken back to the good ol' days, I busted out my NASCAR mug on Thursday night. I missed the big guy. It was nice to bring him back. I only wish I had my Christmas one here too. Would really brighten up the holiday season.

Am I That Old?

2007-12-08T16:19:00.000-05:00

During our Section Feud, I was named one of the most likely to be on a reality tv show. I was too surprised because I've often thought about being on Survivor or something. I just don't get how other people see that in me. What about me screams reality tv show??

It also got me thinking of the true original reality show: The Real World. I am now so old, I am no longer eligible to be a housemate. How wack is that? I never thought I'd be that old. And yet, here I am. What's next after that? There is no more pinnacle of MTV reality, unless somehow I move to L.A. and start dating L.C. Better check out apartments at the Hillside Villas...

When You Think of "Saved By the Bell," What Do You Think Of?

2007-12-06T13:01:00.000-05:00

At business school, we are divided into sections. Tonight, to celebrate the last day of classes, we are having a huge party and a competition called Section Feud. Basically, it's just like Family Feud. Each section has a theme, and mine picked Saved By the Bell.

That got me thinking of the good ol' Bell viewing days. Life seemed so much simpler then. And everyone keeps bringing up the Jessie Spano addiction freak out moment. I guess that's the most memorable. Best acting ever. No wonder she landed that stellar Showgirls role.

Incidentally, I'm going as Jeff Hunter tonight. Don't know who that is? Then shame on you. You must have had a terrible childhood.

The New Season of "Lost" Kicks Off Monday!

2007-11-08T14:47:00.001-05:00

No, I'm not crazy. Seriously, the world gets new Lost Monday. How you may ask? Seriously....ask how. I'm waiting.....
.....
.....
Well, I'll tell you how! Every Monday a new "Webisode" will be available through ABC.com that are known as "Missing Pieces." First one is all about the whiney (or winey) Jack. At least something new will be coming out amidst the strike. Check them out here.

Better Know a D Bag: The F-ing D Bag

2007-08-09T23:06:00.000-04:00

Note: Better Know a D Bag gives you an inside look of the world of D Bags. Stories focus on how to identify them and tips to overcome their D Bag ways.

You know this D Bag well. Every other word is a curse word. It’s like their vocabulary is limited to only 77 words and phrases, and most of them start with the letters A, D, F and S.

He’s probably wearing glasses and sporting a sports jersey that is at least 10 sizes too big.

But why? Why? Why must you curse so much??? Does it make you feel like a better man? Does it compensate for lost masculinity elsewhere? Does it make daddy happy?

And it doesn’t matter the context, time or place. Those words keep on flying. In a restaurant: F-ing A S, man. At the day care center: get my F-ing child now, A-hole. In church: why the F won’t you answer my prayers, S-head?

I’m not one that minds cursing. In fact, I don’t understand why people make a big deal about language in general. God bless the Brits…they can curse all they want on the BBC. And show some skin too.

But I just don’t get why this guy has to curse so much. It makes no G-D, sense.

You can ask them to tone it down, but genuine D Bags reply with the “I don’t give an F” as a 7-year-old girl cries in the corner because she thinks she just got called a B. Like most D Bags, there’s no reasoning with them. Instead, get a manager or some sort of authority figure to deal with the situation. It avoids direct contact with the D Bag and often provides entertainment in the process. It’s best when you find some one taller and beefier than this D Bag, which shouldn’t be that hard.

Remember, avoid direct contact with D Bags at all cost. The CDC still has not found a cure and exposure could be contagious.

And that’s this edition of Better Know a D Bag.

Things that Make Me Puke a Little in My Mouth, Volume 1

2007-08-09T21:37:00.000-04:00

Carson Daly thinks he has a shot at replacing Conan O'Brien when Conan takes over for Leno on The Tonight Show.

Blaaaaaaahhhh.

Things You Need to Know About Lost, Part 5

2007-08-08T15:14:00.001-04:00

Why does this man not age? Do you even know who he is?

His name - apparently - is Dr. Richard Alpert. He is the man who recruited Juliet to the island for the front company called "Mittelos Bioscience." His appearance grew among the Others towards the end of Season 3. But his first appearance?? Well, it was when he told a young Ben to go home and be patient. In that almost 30 years, he doesn't appear to age at all.

Which brings us to this new orientation video recently released.

So there's another station out there called "The Orchid." Apparently it has bunnies that shouldn't see each other. Now remember also the bunny Ben "pretended" to kill in front of Sawyer? What does this all mean?

Simple.

Cloning. The Orchid is a major cloning hub on the island. Ben really did kill that bunny, but later had it cloned to replace it. Remember when Patchy was killed by the electric fence and later came back? Recall how Mrs. Clugh didn't really care about dying? That's because they could be cloned and replaced.

The reasons why babies can't be born on the island? Because cloned DNA is what's being replicated and it's not been perfected, so the offspring developing in the clones' bodies cannot fully develop. So the only way the Others can reproduce now is through cloning. So they need new babies and fresh DNA to continue their existence.

Maybe the reason why Dr. Richard Alpert hasn't aged is because he has simply been cloned over time to keep up his age.

And this brings us back to Ben. You know how Ben said he was from the island, but later it was shown he was born in the U.S? Perhaps both are true. Ben was born in the U.S., but his current body was a clone made on the island. So he really was created there, in a way.

So why is Ben afraid of dying? Perhaps you're only allowed a certain number of clones and Ben has had his fill. Or maybe Ben's clone keeps dying of this same development and he's trying to find a way to cure it. Either way, something seems to have gone wrong in The Orchid.

Incidentally, about 800 new orchid species are discovered every year because the orchid cross-pollinates and reproduces so much each year.

To the Batcave

2007-07-21T12:48:00.000-04:00

Holy 25th Amendment, Batman. The Pengiun's taken over the White House.

This Woman Used to be My Neighbor

2007-07-19T13:34:00.000-04:00

Though I worked in New York City, I lived in a small Jersey village called Kinnelon. While everyone seemed so simple, I recently found out there was so much more going on behind closed doors. Thank you Stephen Colbert for bringing out the truth of this American Difference Maker.

Now why did I never get to meet her???

Emmy Preview, In Review

2007-07-19T13:08:00.001-04:00

The Emmy nods were released early this morning, and you can catch the full list here. But if there's one thing we've learned is that I must be an expert on comedic acting, because I was a perfect 10 for 10 in the lead actor and actress in comedy categories. Yeah! Bring on the self-shout-out, 'cause that's about as good as it gets.

As I called it, Heroes got the outstanding drama nod, but with no major acting nods. Though I didn't call Grey's too, I was right about their acting. Only supporting roles got nominations for the ABC Seattle show. Lost got snubbed, but surprisingly Boston Legal got some love. That makes me happy, even thought last season was strong than this year. I went 3 for 5 here, not bad.

I was 3 for 5 too on comedy series. Two and a Half Men stole one away and is the only traditional live audience taped sitcom in the group. Entourage got one too, which like Boston Legal, was stronger in the past. Extras and Weeds got no love here, which is quite disheartening.

Outstanding drama actor boosted up to 4 for 5, with Kiefer Sutherland (last year's winner) getting the last spot even though 24 had a down year. Maybe James Woods can come on strong next year!

I was 4 for 5 again in oustanding drama actress, with Polly Walker getting no love for Rome (I don't think HBO is too upset about this year's crop), but the Academy suprised me and added a sixth nod to this category, so Oscar winners Minnie Driver and Sally Field got some Emmy love.

As for the supporters, Kevin Dillon did get that Emmy love, and Jeremy Piven did too. I was only 2 for 5 on supporting actor in comedy, but I took some risks too. As for supporting actress, the Academy gave 6 nods to screw with me again, but I only hit 1 of those.

Yep, 6 were given out again for supporting actress in a drama, and way too many went to Grey's women. It really should be just Chandra Wilson here. Katherine Heigl was way too whiny this year. I only got 1 here too, but hopefully the 1 that counts!

And, finally, those drama actors?? Surprise, 6! Well, I got 3 of them. I'm happy to see John Locke from Lost get some love here. I was tempted to add him, but wasn't sure if Emmy would head that way. Sadly, T.R. Knight should not be here. I must wonder if it's some sort of consolation prize for his past year. Then we have Heroes only acting nod to Masi Oka, a fan favorite...though I think this is a bit of a stretch.

Now, until September 16 until the little buggers are handed out!

Emmy Preview, Part Quatre

2007-07-16T19:51:00.000-04:00

And so it has come to this. Much ado about nothing for the big prizes. Who will get all the marbles, whatever those marbles might and whatever they might do with those marbles. Fact is, the best shows usually don't get the award. There are exceptions, of course, but they don't have a track record as good as the Oscars. That's why many consider the Emmy's a joke. Then again, there is so much television now. But excuses I shall not make. To the big board!

Outstanding Comedy Series

Extras
The Office
30 Rock
Weeds
Ugly Betty

Yeah, no Entourage. As much as I love it, it's suffered some as of late. That hurts it chances. And it hasn't gotten the nod before. Extras is new because of the much stronger second series put out by Gervais and company. All in all, lots of newcomers here.

Outstanding Drama Series

Lost
The Sopranos
House
Heroes
Rome

Frankly, that last drama spot was hard to pick. Not that there was tough competition, just that there wasn't much that stood out enough. Heroes gets some recognition here for all around good show. Lost should take it. It's just that great.

Of course, there are plenty of other categories, but those don't really count for much. Not that these do either. Much ado...

Emmy Preview, Part Trois

2007-07-16T01:35:00.000-04:00

Now for those you watch the show for…at least that’s what the networks think. To the bat cave!

Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series

America Ferrera for playing Betty Suarez on Ugly Betty
Felicity Huffman for playing Lynette Scavo on Desperate Housewives
Tina Fey for playing Liz Lemon on 30 Rock
Mary-Louise Parker for playing Nancy Botwin on Weeds
Julia Louis-Dreyfus for playing Christine Campbell on The New Adventures of Old Christine

I want Parker…so what?

Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series

Edie Falco for playing Carmela Soprano Soprano on The Sopranos
Kyra Sedgwick for playing Brenda Johnson on The Closer
Patricia Arquette for playing Allison DuBois in Medium
Polly Walker for playing Atia of the Julii on Rome
Mariska Hargitay for playing Olivia Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

Rome…delicious.

Outstanding Actor in a Comedy Series

Steve Carrell for playing Michael Scott on The Office
Alec Baldwin for playing Jack Donagy on 30 Rock
Tony Shaloub for playing Adrian Monk on Monk
Charlie Sheen for playing Charlie Harper on Two and a Half Men
Ricky Gervais for playing Andy Millman on Extras

Tough competition!

Outstanding Actor in a Drama Series

James Woods for playing Sebastian Stark on Shark
James Spader for playing Alan Shore on Boston Legal
James Gandolphini for playing Tony Soprano on The Sopranos
Denis Leary for playing Tommy Gavin on Rescue Me
Hugh Laurie for playing Gregory House in House

No, I did not try to squeeze as many Jameses in there as possible. It just happened.

Yep…no Heroes at all. Great writing. Not spectacular acting. No more Losties either. And the main characters of Grey’s Anatomy really can’t act. They just whine or speak monotone.

But really…what’s better than Woods bouncing around yelling at people??

Emmy Preview, Part Deux

2007-07-13T17:41:00.001-04:00

No Arrested Development. No Malcom in the Middle. No Will & Grace. And frankly, last year's winner (Jeremy Piven from Entourage) doesn't really deserve to get the nod again. That means newbies.

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series

Kevin Dillon for playing Johnny "Drama" Chase on Entourage
Stephen Merchant for playing Agent on Extras
Rainn Wilson for playing Dwight Schrute on The Office
Jack McBrayer for playing Kenneth Parcell on 30 Rock
Maz Jobrani for playing Gourishankar "Gary" Subramaniam on The Knights of Prosperity

For the record. Knights won't receive any nods at all, which is a shame because it was a great show. Too bad it didn't catch any sore of following. Props go to HBO and NBC for really keeping comedy alive on television. I think Dillon should really take this one home.

Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series

William Shatner for playing Denny Crane on Boston Legal
Gary Anthony Williams for playing Clarence Bell on Boston Legal
Michael Emerson for playing Ben Linus on Lost
James Pickens, Jr. for playing Dr. Richard Webber on Grey's Anatomy
Michael Imperioli for playing Christopher Moltisanti on The Sopranos

Let's go ABC! This one may be tough competition, but Emerson deserves it most for his portrayal of Lost's bad/good guy. This would be the only chance Williams would have for a nod before his character gets old. And with David E. Kelley's track record, he might not be around for too long.

Emmy Preview, Part Une

2007-07-11T19:01:00.000-04:00

Bright and early on July 19, the 59th Primetime Emmy Award nominations will be announced...but why wait? Emmy typically gets it wrong and will not doubt get it wrong again. It should be actually pretty simple. Great acting is hard to find on most television these days. So, over the next few blogs, let's examine who should be nominated so when they do come out, we can sit back and laugh...or something like that.

Lady's first!

Three of last year's nods, including the winner, weren't on the air this past year, so new blood is in the water. Only one repeat nod should be on the horizon. Here's how it should breakdown:

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series

Elizabeth Perkins for playing Celia Hodes on Weeds
Perrey Reeves for playing Mrs. Ari on Entourage
Angela Kinsey for playing Angela Martin on The Office
Nicollette Sheridan for playing Edie Britt on Desperate Housewives
Jane Krakowski for playing Jenna Maroney on 30 Rock

The last one is iffy. I'm not sure there were five stellar supporting performances at all the past year. But the list has to be three. Hopefully Reeves will bring Entourage recognition besides Jeremy Piven (who frankly wasn't as good this past year). Sheridan came on strong this season when Marcia Cross took a break from the "comedy" Desperate Housewives. And Martin is amazing on The Office, but she will likely not receive the nod.

Now to those that make you cry...

Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series

Chandra Wilson for playing Dr. Miranda Bailey on Grey's Anatomy
...
...
...
Kate Walsh for playing Dr. Addison F. Montgomery on Grey's Anatomy
Sarah Paulson for playing Harriet Hayes on Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Julie Bowen for playing Denise Bauer-Chase on Boston Legal
Sonja Sohn for playing Shakima Greggs on The Wire

Yes, those spaces were intentional. Wilson is hands down the best actress on television, so she deserves to be set apart. Maybe Walsh's addition is just my crush, but you gotta admit she's good.

That's right. No Heroes. No Lost. Though the shows were great, no women stood out enough. Paulson likely won't get a nod because of how lowsy Studio 60 turned out to be to the critics, but her performance was the only one that was consistent and heartfelt, which may be why she stood out.

More to come...

New Rule: No Attendant’s in the Restroom

2007-06-10T15:13:00.000-04:00

Seriously…what the hell? What is that guy doing hanging out in the restroom. First off, it’s freaky. Totally freaky. It’s like a babysitter to make sure I keep it in the urinal and wash my hands. But believe me, I know how to wash my hands. I can get my own soap. I can get my own paper towel. In fact, I know how to turn the faucet on and off. Yes, I’m over the age of 2.

Plus, they want a tip for this. Why? You made me uncomfortable and loaded on the awkwardness. You should be tipping me. Are you watching me? Did you get a peak? That’s definitely a single for me.

Does anyone enjoy this? Anybody clamoring for this? Anyone actually want to do this for a living? I bet that looks great on a resume:

New Age Grill – Restroom Attendant
2006-present

Assisted customers with their business; Committed to stellar customer service; Networked with a great diversity of clientele (mostly male)

I’ll allow this only if it’s a hot chick holding me while everything flows. Otherwise, get out! That’s a serious issues our government should be tackling.

What's Happening With Paris???

2007-06-08T13:47:00.000-04:00

Can someone tell me what’s happening with Paris Hilton? I haven’t heard. You think at least one of the news stations would cover. But I’ve heard nothing. Not a peep. And I must know. I must! It’s clearly the most important thing going on in the world today. It’s so upsetting. Poor Paris.

To put things in perspective, for every minute of Paris coverage, this is what’s happening in the world:

1 abandoned cat is put to sleep
2 people die from lung cancer
11 new people are infected with HIV
17.36 people die in Darfur
24.7 people die from hunger
47 people fall below the poverty line
The national debt rises by $122,820

Live Blogging the Spelling Bee Finals

2007-05-31T20:01:00.000-04:00

The finals are here!!!!!!!! This is gonna be a great night. I need some rum!

8:00 - I just realized that ABC is broadcasting in HD. How sweet is that. The Bee in HD!

8:02 - The kids just talked about how Peyton Manning wasn't flawless in the Super Bowl, but they have to be. Oh those sassy middle schoolers.

8:03 - First shot of Samir Patel, hiding his head in shame. That leaves Jonathan Horton as the favorite of the 15 remaining, with only six girls. But girls have won more of these than guys. Intense!

8:06 - Someone just gave bunny ears. Oh those crazy kids!

8:06 - Jonathan Horton steps up to the plate as the first speller of the night. The word being pitched is "girolle." A widely distributed edible mushroom that is rich yellow in color and has a pleasant apricotlike aroma.

8:08 - Jonathan just spent the past two minutes trying to pronounce it. "G-i-r-o-l." And he's out already?!?!? What? That's what's great about this bee. You never know what's going to happen next.

8:11 - The first backstory. Tia Thomas, one of the six girls left. This is her fourth national bee. And she needs some accutane.

8:13 - And now she's up. Good thing ABC got her some makeup. "Zacate." Forage of grassy plants; herbage. She's one of those that writes with her finger. These kids and their crazy kinks. The way this word is pronounced, it makes me want a Tecate. "Z-o-c-a-t-e." One girl down, five to go.

8:16 - Cody Wang, our first Canadian. Yep, don't really know why the Canadians are in the NATIONAL Spelling Bee, but maybe that's just me. "Apozem." And he missed it, spelling with "i" instead of "o". He also said "zed" for "z." Crazy, eh?

8:17 - Nate Gartke, Canadian number two. They better give him a hard word so he gets eliminated too. We can't let a Canadian win our bee. "Partitur." A full musical score showing each part on a separate staff. He got it. Oh, he happens to play the guitar and cello. Of course he knows it.

8:19 - Anqi Dong, the third Canadian. Yep, still bugs me. "Bouleuterion." An ancient Greek council chamber. We have another finger writer. I bet that works great on dates.

8:21 - Another Canadian bites the dust. Woo hoo!

8:22 - Our first commercial break. That was an intense start. More misses than hits. I wonder how long they will go. I also wonder what kind of company advertises on the bee. We've had Olive Garden, Cingular, Advil, Wal-Mart...no clever spelling-commercials yet. This is why the bee is different from the Super Bowl. One you watch for the commercials, one you watch for the drama.

8:25 - And we're back, with Stuart Scott doing the first post-misspell interview of the night. Aw, poor Jonathan is in tears. His favorite basketball player is Steve Nash. Too bad that's not the same of David Stern.

8:26 - Our first comedian of the night. Joseph Henares. Apparently he says "oh my God" after ever word is announced. "Punaise." A bedbug. He said he prefers "bedbug." Man, this kid is set for life. He'll be trying out for "Last Comic Standing" next week. And he got it, much to his surprise. He just became my new favorite to win.

8:28 - Mujer numero dos. Claire Zhang from Jupiter, Florida. "Urgrund." A primal cause or ultimate cosmic principle. Sounds German. Ah, she added a "t" to the end. She was so close. Another chica says adios.

8:31 - The second backstory. Kavya Shivashankar. Another girl. Um, equal opportunity please. Oh, but her cute little sister who wants to grow up to be in the bee just spelled my favorite word, "humuhumunukunukuapuaa." I'll be rooting for the little sister in a couple of years.

8:33 - Now our third girl gets her word. "Cilice." A shirt or undergarment made of rough animal hair worn next to the skin as a penance. This one's got some crazy pronunciation, so this could be difficult. "C-i-l-i-s." Another girl gone. They are dropping life flies. Six kids already eliminated. Intense!

8:36 - Commercial break number two. And while we step away, this live blogging was fueled by a number 6 at Wendy's. I was excited when they announced the 99-cent buffalo crispy chicken sandwich there. Then I had it. It's horrible. Really just bad. All they need to do was shrink their spicy chicken sandwich. Call in Wayne Szalinkski (spell that, punks!). But they didn't. Boo Wendy's.

8:40 - And we're back with Mike and Mike from ESPN. They look like they belong there like Richard Simmons looks like he belongs at Hooters (wait, they wear the same type of clothes...hmm...).

8:42 - Nithya Vijayakumar. If you can't tell, that's our fourth girl. "Pelorus." Etymology unknown. I love it when they stick them with one of those. And now she's the first person of this round to enter finish time. Drama. And she missed it. All the girls that have gone up have struck out this round. Can the last two keep the females alive??

8:45 - Connor Spencer. His word is German to Yiddish. Yikes, don't wanna know how that happened. "Helzel." And he conquers!

8:47 - Matt Evans with backstory number 3. This kid just spouted off "Hamlet." Not funny kid. I hope you study engineering. "To b-e-e or to not b-e-e. That is the question." Ugh. Let's hope he misses "genizah." No such luck....he advances.

8:49 - I just heard someone's cell phone go off in the spelling room. Show some class, people!

8:50 - Commercial break number 3. I really want to know how much 30 seconds of advertising time costs for this thing. It must be a bargain.

8:51 - An ad for the new "Fantastic Four" movie. Seriously, who is going to go see this? Well, probably someone sitting at home watching a spelling bee...but...um...I'm not going to go!

8:54 - Our first musical number from "The 25th Annual Putnam County Bee." Now we know the rules...54 minutes in. Don't you think that should have come sooner??

8:56 - The last girl steps up. Amy Chyao. Not to judge a book by its cover, but she looks capable. I'd bet she makes it. "Grognard." An old soldier. Oh, and she's a finger speller! She only does it when she's nervous. She knows all of...most of...some of...a few people of America are watching. And she takes bonus time. Don't let me down Chyao! And she does...only one girl can make it to the next round.

9:00 - Backstory number four. Guess what? It's a girl. Isabel Jacobson. Wow. Total slight to the guys left. And this chick has 25 bracelets on her arm as good luck charms. "Helodes." And she nails it. I bet it was the 25th bracelet that did it. Just 24 wouldn't have cut it.

9:02 - One girl left. And that's the end of this round. Seven remain.

9:03 - Commercial. I need a refill.

9:06 - Matt Evans was just called the favorite now by one of the commentators. Boo. Now the backstory on Evan O'Dorney. No more girls left to do. Now he's making some annoying sound. He's the youngest competitor at 13-years-old. Wow, I hope he loses soon. He loves math. He loves the numbers and the patterns. And he just admitted he doesn't like the spelling bee, that he just has to do it. Way to go mom and dad.

9:11 - And we start the next round. Evan O who sailed past "rascacio" in the last round gets "schuhplattler." The definition was a paragraph long. But he knew it.

9:12 - Nate the Canadian is back. Let's see if we can get rid of him with "abseil." He knew it was German. He must be on to us. They must teach German in Canada besides French 'cause he got it.

9:14 - Joseph the comedian is back. My favorite. He threw out the "oh my God." Didn't get the big laugh this time. He needs new material fast because he can't go out this round. "Triticale." He got it! Use that chair time to work on your routine.

9:16 - Commercial. Juicy Juice! Yeah, now we're talking.

9:21 - Connor Spencer just missed his word. Which brings us to Matt Evans. Please miss it. Miss it! He's sweating. And he missed it! Take that! Telling you, money is on Joseph the comedian.

9:25 - Prateek Kohli, facial hair and all, nails "randkluft."

9:26 - Isabel is up to keep the girls alive. "Epaulement." And she doesn't even flinch. Five make it to the next round. It's all about the bracelets, baby.

9:27 - After the commercial break we hear about the kids visit to the White House. You know the White House. Home to a great speller. Can anyone spell "nuclear?"

9:31 - Oh, they met Laura Bush. She made them spell government words. How cute! I bet they spent a long time thinking of that!

9:33 - Evan O up to start the next round. "Laquear." Bam! He's moving on.

9:34 - The Canadian's back. And they gave him a French word. "Rognon." He didn't waste anytime. Ridiculous. Maybe next round...give him some Armenian word. Bet he didn't study that!

9:38 - We get a visit from the "Mary Poppins" cast. Yeah, we all know there's a big word in that.

9:39 - Joseph the man's back (yep, he's the man now)! "Aniseikonia." A defect of binocular vision in which the two retinal images of the same object are of unequal size. If he nails this he really is the man. NOOOOOOO!!! He threw in some "c's". I don't want to watch anymore. This is like the Phoenix Suns going out of the NBA playoffs.

9:42 - Facial hair's turn. He gets a Polish word. "Oberek." And he can't handle the truth. So championship words will be used after this round no matter what happens with our sole lady.

9:43 - And speaking of, here she goes. Wow. If she nails this word, she's the man! "Cyanophycean." A blue-green alga. Use those bracelets, just like Wonder Woman. And it wasn't good enough. She's not the man.

9:46 - And then there were two. Evan O and the Canadian. If the moose wins this one, no more spelling bee for me. I'll dog it for years to come. I won't be able to bear it. I'm so good...championship words after the break.

9:48 - Another "Fantastic Four" commercial. I just puked a little in my mouth.

9:50 - Let's see if ABC can wrap this up in the 10 minutes left. Evan O looks like he's about to make out with his mom. Must be home-schooled.

9:51 - Evan O bats first. "Zoilus." And hits a homerun.

9:52 - The canuck "metaphorically picks the wings of the butterflies in his stomach when he's nervous." Get this kid in therapy stat! Perhaps after "vituline." Of, relating to, or like a calf or veal. Argh! He makes it.

9:55 - Commercial. This baby is going overtime.

9:56 - I have a sudden craving for gummy bears. Weird.

9:57 - Just grabbed a handful of gummy bears. Be prepared.

9:58 - Here we go Evan O! Yeah, put that on a t-shirt. "Pappardelle." He made that look easy. Championship word? "Oh please," says Evan O.

9:59 - Mountie..."videlicet." Too easy too. Come on!

10:00 - Another commercial. Wow. Milk it, ABC.

10:01 - Kelly Ripa in a commercial. The hottest thing on this channel in more than two hours!

10:04 - Time and temperature from Commerce Bank.

10:04 - Evan O, ready to kick "yosenabe" to the curb because he's a black belt. But even I could spell that one. Too easy.

10:05 - Eskimo must battle "coryza." He didn't take his time and....MISSES! (Another use of "zed"...crazy Canadians.)

10:06 - Evan O must nail this word to claim the prize and keep the Northerners down (or is it up?). "Serrefine." I hope he goes crazy when he spells this. He nails it and...nothing. Wow. Jump around a little bit kid.

10:07 - He's presented the trophy and can barely hold it up. Who cares! The Canadian got schooled. He back to across the border now before we sick Homeland Security on you. And even though Evan O doesn't like spelling bee, he likes it a little bit more now. Just a little bit. Way to protect the homeland. Hi-ya!

10:11 - And we're out. Wow...must we wait another year? They should start broadcasting regional play. Then really build up to this event. Now that would be sweet.