Blockbuster Gets Bitch-Slapped

Blockbuster is finally getting it's just desserts for its ambiguous " no late fees" campaign. Devised as a counter-attack to the popularity of Netflix's keep-your- DVDs-as-long-as-you-want-to strategy, the fine print has finally been made legible. Turns out, if you don't return a film after 7 days, your credit card is charged for the entire price of the film. You then still have 30 days to return the film, which of course you will be inclined to do in order to get that nasty Blockbuster charge off your credit card. Upon returning the film, you will be charged a $1.75 "re-stocking fee". I don't know about you, but that sounds eerily like a "late fee" to me. I have been a huge fan of Netflix since August of 2001 and am fiercely loyal even in the face of Blockbuster's johnny-come-lately DVD subscription service. Yes, Blockbuster's service is cheaper, but there are several reasons I'll never cross over to the Dark Side:

• I believe in staying true to and rewarding those who had vision....namely Netflix. The only reason Blockbuster even has a new service is because of the pressure being placed on them by Netflix.
• Netflix's movie library boasts 35,000 titles, about 5,000 more than Blockbuster. Also, I think you'll find harder-to-find movies at Netflix which has great Independent, Gay & Lesbian and Documentary sections.
• Blockbuster is the Evil Empire. Sure, they used to be way cool; they basically perfected the idea of renting videos, that is until they got greedy. Not too long ago, almost 20% of Blockbuster's revenues came from--you guessed it--late fees. The very same late fees that prompted Netflix's CEO Reed Hastings to begin his venture. Thanks Blockbuster!! I'll gladly keep paying $3 more a month rather than give Blockbuster one dime of my Big Gay Disposable Income.

By the way, the term "Blockbuster" was coined in the 1920s to denote a movie whose long line of customers could not be contained on a single city block.

I Am Angry

This was from right after the election. I felt it should definitely be a part of my blog..............

I am an angry man this morning. I am angry because George W. Bush will sit in the White House for four more years. I am angry that my tax dollars will continue to support this insane war that Bush has gotten us into. I am angry that Kerry couldn't exploit the laundry list of unbelievably gross errors in judgment that this President seems proud of. But most of all, I am angry because I have lost faith in the American people. How could our nation have committed us to four more years of what has to be considered one of the most inept administrations ever to have wielded power? How could Americans vote for a man, who by all accounts, has deceived the American people to the tune of 1,000 dead American soldiers and counting? How could any intelligent, reasonably-informed person have let this happen? With 3 million votes between Dubya and Kerry, it's painfully obvious to me that the answer is simple--most Americans simply don't think. They bury their heads in the sand. They lack the necessary skills to make informed judgments, to actually exert the energy to uncover truth from fiction. They let blind faith supercede logic and reason. They tune in to CNN or Fox News, hear what the "pundits" have to say, or hear that day's headline ( Kerry discredited by Swiftboat Veterans for truth!!) and feel that they have been "informed". How truly sad this is. What a sad commentary.

With so much riding on this election, I'd hoped that people would look at the Big Picture. They would look at Bush's record: the spiralling deficit, an unjustified war, Bush's rejection of "bad science" concerning global warming, his lack of a REAL and meaningful energy policy designed to get us off Big Oil, his blatently transparent cronyism. If people had looked, they would've discovered Bush had no moral or rational leg to stand on. But they didn't......instead, all across middle-america, people bought into his fear-mongering, let their faith blind them to reality, and like a herd of cows, voted for him without ever critically thinking about the consequences. Then there are those who hold an equally distasteful place in my heart and soul; those people who go to the polls and vote for a candidate based on his stance concerning ONE issue. These people are the worst sort of voter-- people who ignore the larger issues at hand and vote in an unbelievably egotistical manner. How many gun lovers voted for Bush on the perceived notion that somehow, Kerry was going to take their guns away? How many people voted for Bush because he backs a constitutional amendment banning gay marriage? There were MUCH larger issues at stake in this election. To paraphrase Matt Stone and Trey Parker, " if you don't know the issues, stay at home ". ( Oh, and I also abhor gays who vote for a candidate based solely on his/her stance towards gay rights. )

There are so many reasons to hate George Bush and the GOP:

• Bush lied. Period. About Saddam. About the WMDs. About the "threat" to America. And yet, the "liberal" media has given him a free pass. When Clinton lied about his blowjob, the media and the GOP turned him into their whipping boy and called into question his ability to lead the country based on his "lack of morals". Apparently, lying to the nation about going to war is somehow OK. Apparently, losing American soldiers-- almost daily-- based on a lie is OK. Apparently, Bush's moral center has not been compromised.

• Bush's disdain for anyone who questions him. Cabinet-level appointees have described Bush as "woefully ignorant" of even the most basic of issues. BUSH-APPOINTED administration officials have resigned, citing Bush as impossible to work with as a reason for doing so. He does not engage in discussion and bases most of his decisions on " a gut feeling ", not logic or reason. Look where that has gotten us.........

• By diverting resources and money to an un-just war in Iraq, Afghanistan is back at Square One. The warlords are in charge, the Taliban is rearing it's head once again and human rights are in peril, once again. It's like we were never there.................

• Human rights here at home are in peril. Right-wing religious groups have hi-jacked the GOP, even to the dismay of some Republicans. In fact, it is telling that some Republicans have predicted a civil war within the GOP if Bush was to be re-elected. ( I personally hope it happens.....I'd love to watch the GOP implode under the weight of it's own ill-fated decisions. ) Division within your OWN party certainly does not bode well for being known as a "uniter". George Bush--in a word--is a divider. Never have I seen this nation so polarized.

• Bush has been quoted as saying he's "doing the Lord's work". Well, that's fine, but don't do it from the White House. I have nothing against people believing in a Higher Power, but when that faith so utterly infuses itself into politics, that rails against EVERYTHING this country stands for. For Bush to stand before Congress, and declare that the USA is going to embark on a Crusade against terrorists, belies the weight with which his faith plays a role in his day-to-day decision making. It also belies his ignorance of history; given the pretext in which the Crusades were set, it shows with shocking clarity how ignorant Bush is of even monumental historic events in world history. And this is the leader of the Free World............

• Those close to Bush have been quoted as saying that Bush "believes in what he is doing" to the exclusion of any other alternative. Alternatives are a nuisance to Bush, something to get out his way, something impeding his Grand Plan. One man cannot possibly run a modern nation without input from experts. Bush has obviously decided to try................

I am embarrassed to be an American. I am embarrassed for our nation. I loathe our standing in the world. America's promise was quenched today. My only consolation is that we have term limits, and that this simple, un-qualified man will never be able to shape our country's destiny again. As it stands, America will be digging itself out of the "Bush years" for years to come.................

More Terri Troubles

OK, this is the last time I'll address this issue; but I just couldn't help myself after reading this morning's stories on this increasingly bizarre case. The Supreme Court of the United States of America--which, by the way, leans quite far to the right of center--denied to hear Terri's case yet a 3rd time. Now Terri's parents are scrambling with the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals yet AGAIN. Barring the Keystone Cops imagery, this judicial maneuvering brings up a VERY interesting point that is brought up consistently by the Republicans: that of Activist Judges. What are Activist Judges? Well, as the Republicans will tell you, they are judges who thwart the will of the people and "make up law as they go" with little regard for the Constitution or judicial precedents. A Restrained judge--those apparently favored by the Republican Party--are judges who take the law as they "find it"; that is, they make no effort to amend the Law to fit with the times. In a Republican Universe, laws banning segregation, and those supporting a woman's right to vote and a woman's right to choose the fate of her fetus (within reason) would all be heresy. But here's the Republican conundrum. As Salon reported quite succinctly: All together........ 22 federal judges have had a hand in bringing the Schiavo case to where it is today. Thirteen of them were appointed by Republicans; just nine were appointed by Democrats. So, let's review: most of these Activist judges that are denying "life" to Terri are REPUBLICAN. This of course sits at odds with the Culture of Life movement sweeping the Republican party. They can't blame it on Democrats, who are always associated with Activism in the judicial system. So, what to make of the Congressional meddling? It shows quite clearly that The Republicans just plain hate any ruling that doesn't sit with their moral views. They are using Terri as a political pawn in the Culture War. And not only that! The ultimate, most delicious irony is that the Congressmen who voted for this insane law are inviting the judicial system to BE ACTIVIST!! To rail against precedent. To go against the will of the American people ( almost every poll has shown that Americans support Mr. Schiavo by a landslide ). To essentially invite something into their party that has heretofore been treated as a pus-oozing leper. I wrote in a prior missive written the day after the 2004 election that I was going to enjoy watching the Republican Party implode. God, don't you love it when you're right?

Friday Fives

1. What's your favorite sport (to watch or participate in)? How often do you have a ritual you participate in as you play it/watch it?

I don't really have a favorite sport. I enjoy a good competition, whatever the game may be. How often do I participate in sports? Ummmmmmmm...........never. Any sport I engage in is usually a solo effort ( i.e. weight lifting, running, chasing after men ). How often do I watch it? Almost never.

2. Do you feel that your favorite sport has a lot of negative influences on yourself or others?

I don't like this battery of questions. They're all about SPORTS!!

3. As a kid, did you have a sport/athlete idol?

See above...........

4. Which "extreme" sport would you like to try (or would have already tried) if you weren't afraid of doing it?

OK, I can answer this one. I've always wanted to try base jumping, but the relative short distance to the ground coupled with the very earth-centric clutches of gravity preclude me from ever trying this. I'd always wanted to try rock climbing and have now done it several times since moving to Colorado.

5. Are you caught up in "March Madness" (i.e., the NCAA basketball tournament)? Are you a basketball fan? Who will win?

March Madness? Is this some sort of biblical soap box derby? If so, I am SO in.

My Acronym

M	Misunderstood
A	Appealing
R	Radiant
K	Kind

Name / Username:

Name Acronym Generator
From Go-Quiz.com

Misunderstood: I can agree with that on some level. Most people think I'm stuck-up and rude when they first meet me. If I'm inebriated, well, that's a whole other Oprah.

Appealing: Without tooting my own horn too much, I think this is true. I'm relatively smart, dress well, have good hygiene, am somewhat cultured and can still enjoy myself in a smoke-filled, dive bar filled with miscreants........... provided there is enough booze. I'm rather adventurous as well. I love to travel and my favorite thing to do once I arrive somewhere is to toss my bags into my room ( OK, I neatly put everything away ) and then walk about for hours to learn the lay of the land.

Radiant: I'm not sure if I'm radiant. I'm no angel, that's for sure!

Kind: I think I am, although my tone and delivery can sometimes belie that. I am sometimes curt with people without really meaning to be and I think this comes from my insanely pragmatic mind.

OK, this is just weird........

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/03/22/health/psychology/22ampu.html

Devolution in IMAX

Check this out, the newest proof that this country is barreling headlong into an increasingly bizarre Culture War. It boggles my mind that in the 21st century, this country has school districts slapping disclaimer stickers on science text books that essentially brand the Theory of Evolution as bogus. Equally alarming is the rise of Creation Science, a pseudo-science if ever there was one, but one that is nevertheless being embraced by the Christian Right as a bonafide alternative to real science. First off, let's start with the basic argument of Creationists:

Evolution is "only a theory and cannot be proven."

However, as used in science, a theory is an explanation or model based on observation, experimentation, and reasoning, especially one that has been tested and confirmed as a general principle helping to explain and predict natural phenomena. In addition, these Theories need to be peer-reviewed. That is, published in a reputable journal and reviewed by the entire scientific community after which a consensus is met. And the jury--ladies and gentleman--has been in with the verdict since the mid-19th century. The Theory of Evolution is considered the most valid explanation for how man came to be in existence, with almost 150 years of amassed data to support it. Now, lest you brand me some left-wing, intellectual, heretic, let's compare a few of the critical differences between Evolution and Creationism.

The Theory of Evolution is just as the above definition states: an explanation or model based on observation and reasoning.......... And more importantly, one that is based on FACTS. Facts do not lie. And the facts, for the past 150 years, have overwhelmingly supported Darwin's landmark Theory. How many facts support the Creationist view that God created everything? None. How much of Creationism is predicated upon reason? None. How much of Creationism is based upon simple observation? None. Has Creationism ever been rigorously examined by true scientists? Well, in fact, yes it has. And it has been handily dismissed as VERY bad science.

It's amazing to me that amidst charges that our public schools are failing miserably, that US students are woefully unprepared for the new future that is the Information Age, and that US students consistently lag behind other industrialized nations concerning competence in math and science , we as a nation are even HAVING this debate. Are even entertaining that Creationism is legitimate. We teach Evolution not as an anti-religion, but as a Theory that has 150 years of facts, observations and research to its credit. Here's my simple answer as to Creationism's appeal. It's for folks who are either too dim-witted or lazy to understand evolution, or for folks who are so blinded by religion that they can't see the reality of scientific discovery happening around them. Which leads me to my final point about the difference between this Evolutionist and Creationists.

I, as an Evolutionist and as a scientist, am willing to concede that there IS some Higher Power out there, whether it be God, aliens or pure energy. After all, the Universe DID have to come from something. Even if you believe in that other radical, hokum Theory, The Big Bang, one still has to concede that the super-dense ball of matter that gave birth to the cosmos as we know it had to come from somewhere. So, as a rational being, I must say that I'm pretty clueless as to the true origins of the universe. But I can admit it. Creationists, on the other hand, never admit to the gaping holes in their "theory". GOD DID IT.........AND IN 6 DAYS TOO!!!! As if this is not enough of a mind-numbingly insane claim, it is made worse by the Creationists un-bending belief in the Bible as some sort of historically accurate document ( note the word--accurate ). The Bible thus fuels their subsequent dismissal of any scientific evidence that challenges their belief system. God did it and the hell with the mountains of data suggesting otherwise. Which is fine. If you want to believe in Creationism, fine............we live in a free country. But don't present it as some equally feasible alternative to Evolution. It's not even close.

Feeding Tube Frenzy

While we're all celebrating one historic resurrected life this weekend, make sure and raise your glass to Congress as well for making sure all us heathens celebrate Bush's Culture of Life and the resurrection of Terri Schiavo. As you've by now heard, the United States Congress has intervened and passed a law requiring that a feeding tube be put BACK into a woman who has been in a persistant vegetative state for 15 years. President Bush, who couldn't find time to be in Washington for truly world-altering decisions in the past, hot-footed it out to Washington on Sunday from his "ranch" to sign the bill. President Bush said in a statement just after 1 a.m.: "In cases like this one, where there are serious questions and substantial doubts, our society, our laws, and our courts should have a presumption in favor of life. This presumption is especially critical for those like Terri Schiavo, who live at the mercy of others." There are so many things wrong with that statement, I don't know where to begin. The interesting and polarizing word in that statement is the word "live". Terri Schiavo is not "living" at the mercy of anyone. I don't think being hooked up to life-sustaining machinery for 15 years like some non-ambulatory Darth Vader qualifies as "life". I don't think her husband is being irrational in wanting to end everyone's misery. After 15 years, I think he has given Terri and medical science every chance to right this horrible affliction. I think her parents are the most selfish people on this planet. They only want Terri alive for their own warped sense of moral rightness. But what I REALLY detest is Congress' supposed authority to invade our lives on a most personal level. To be sure, this whole thing could've been avoided had Terri left a directive. But even in those instances, legal battles can be waged. There is no guarantee that people will do what you ask of them. ( Robert, pull the plug. Pull it as soon as the docs say " persistant vegetative state". If you can't, get Matt to do it. ) I'm mad at Congress, Republicans and Democrats alike ( 47 Democrats voted for this abomination ). Were it not such a gruesome and horribly evil prospect, I would wish for every single one of the Congressmen who voted for this bill to have a similar tragedy visit their homes. And to deal with it for 15 years. And to then have their personal wishes thwarted by a law that was passed in the glory days of the Culture of Life. Not so fast senator, Congress knows best..................

Friday Fives

1. Would you consider yourself a good singer? How would you describe your singing voice?

Hell no. I sing only in the shower or when alone in the car. It is one of the Great Ironies in my life that I can pick out a wrong note while listening to a symphony but cannot carry a tune to save my life. A description of my singing voice would be simple: out of tune.

2. Do you sing in the shower? What about in your car? Do you sing along to the radio/CDs a lot? Do you prefer singing when you're alone, or do you belt out tunes at any time?

See above.

3. Who is your favorite singer at the moment, and why?

I don't really have a favorite singer. I listen to much more classical music than that fancy music with words. If I had to pick a voice off the top of my head, I would say Josh Grobin. Even though I don't like the cheese he sings, his voice is absolutely beautiful.

4. Do you ever watch the show "American Idol"? Who will win this year's competition?

Um, yes. American Idol is one of my guilty pleasures. It is a strange show, one which morphs from leering and jeering at the slew of raw non-talent on display for America's sadistic entertainment to one where you find yourself genuinely rooting for one of The Chosen Few. It is also an interesting lesson on what Americans deem to be good artistry. On more than one occasion, America has booted off someone with real talent while allowing some ego-bloated, should-have-never-been "talent" to advance. The show, in its simplest form ( once the American people take over ) is a glorified popularity contest. To that end, I am rooting for the Rockers Bo and Constantine. I'm inclined more towards Bo as I believe he has a better stage presence and I like his voice better.

5. Name a song that accurately reflects the way that you're feeling right now.

I'm a vulcan. I don't feel. The chorus to "Weird Science" keeps going through my head right now. Maybe that's a subliminal cue that I'm getting close to The Cure??

Return of the Good Star Wars Movie?

I know, I know. No one will ever trump The Empire Strikes Back, unequivocally the best of the 5 movies so far. The prequels have thus far paled in comparison to the original trilogy. The Phantom Menace was absolutely horrific. With the exception of the uber-cool lightsaber duel near the end of the film with new villian Darth Maul, it was a pretty boring film. Trade embargoes, Jar Jar and bad alien puppets with Chinaman accents? WTF? And the acting................funny how Jake Lloyd has dropped off the radar, isn't it? Attack of the Clones was a vast improvement over its predecessor. Very Machivellian in it's plot, and harkening back to the swashbuckling adventure of the first film, it's only drawback was the way in which the crucial Anakin-Padme relationship was portrayed. The acting was stilted which I believe was a direct consequence of the atrocious, unrealistic dialogue. All in all though, Attack of the Clones was a great Star Wars romp, with the best, kick-ass, all-out war sequence to date in the series. And more importantly, we got a glimpse of the fury within Anakin Skywalker, who will one day succumb to that anger and fall from grace, becoming the evil Darth Vader. And so now it rests with this 6th and final Star Wars film, Revenge of the Sith. Lucas has enough concrete drama here to make this the best and darkest film of the series: the wholesale slaughter of the vaunted Jedi Knights, the dissolution of the Republic and subsequent rise of the autocratic Empire, the birth of the twins Luke & Leia, the escape of Yoda, and of course, the fall of Anakin Skywalker to the dark side. Lucas has said that his film will take us to the bowels of Hell and it will be the first Star Wars film to be given a PG-13 rating, an indication that Lucas may finally abandon the kid-friendly schlock and give us what we've been wanting.............a Star Wars movie for adults. If you haven't seen the trailer, click on the link above. If this movie is half as good as the trailer implies, I think Lucas may have redeemed himself.

Friday Fives

Note: I'm sick of being limited by word caps at the actual Friday Five site, or whatever the hell it is. So, I'm just gonna do it on my blog from now on. So, here we go......

1. Early childhood discipline. Were you swatted? Grounded? Left on a desert island to contemplate your sins?

My dad had this leather belt with steel rings reinforcing the holes. He only used it 3 times during my childhood, and to be honest, I ( and my brothers ) probably deserved it. Funny how the words " pull your pants down" have gone from an association with pain to one of pleasure.

2. As a child, when was the first time you remember experiencing Them Cold Hard Facts of Life (real disappointment and realization that bad things can happen). (With apologies to Whisperin' Bill Anderson.)

I guess after my mother died ( I was 4 at the time ). The family dynamic that ensued after my father's re-marriage was like having a mastadon-sized skeleton hauled out of the closet. It was really fucked up. My natural mother's grandparents were openly hostile towards my New Mother, and my dad and New Mom used us kids as a way of venting their frustrations with the whole situation. To wit: if either Matt ( my biological brother ) or I got into trouble with New Mom, you can bet dad was going to find a way to come down on Brian ( my newly-acquired step-brother ). It was a really viscious cycle that was not lost on us. The ultimate irony was that at ages 4-6, we could've cared less about our new family dynamic. We were too busy being kids and stuffing things in our ears. It was our parents and Matt and I's maternal grandparents who were always reminding us that the three of us were something less than real brothers. That's a lot for a 6 year old to take in..............

3. At bed time, do you need a bed time story or do you fall fast asleep? Any routines that must happen before the slumber?

The only things that have to happen before I sleep are a good mouth-washing, tooth-scrubbing and removal of all clothes.

4. How old were you when you learned to ride a bike?

I can't really remember....maybe 6-8? What I CAN remember is my first bike. If my parents were clueless about my sexuality after I demanded--at age 8--to choose my first set of frames ( I started wearing glasses in the 3rd grade), they should have tuned in after I chose my first bike. It was purple, with a glittery, purple banana seat, sissy bars and streamers. Yes, you read that right...handlebar streamers. How gay is THAT?? To my credit though, I went everywhere my brothers did on their butch, motorcross-styled bikes and I jumped that ole' sissy bike off the school steps every chance I got. So, to answer Napolean Dynamite's question: " every take that sweet ride off any jumps?", I can answer....YES. Yes, I did.

5. As a teen learning to drive, any driving related altercations that you never told your parents about?

The only altercation I had was wrenching the driver's side mirror off the family car while backing into the garage. This was done in full view of the entire family and much to my chagrin, my parents found it rather amusing and I didn't really get into trouble. Go figure.

A Nation of Hypocrites

As a link on metafilter says " the chickens have come home to roost". The hypocrisy of this nation handing out human rights violations while conveniently ignoring its own is stunning. I'm saddened and angry because this sort of double-standard will do nothing other than to erode our already pitiful image amongt other world leaders. Yes, China is oppressive as is Russia and a host of others. And they continually deny these charges even though they are well-documented. What the US State Dept. should have done is acknowledge our own human rights' violations at Abu Ghraib and its intentions on how to prevent them from happening again. This would have set us apart from other nations who seem too have no outward intention of fixing their own humanitarian failings. That would have gone a long way to maintaining what shred of credibilty we have as the "democratic beacon of freedom". As it stands, I think that beacon just got a little dimmer................

Lights! Camera! Reaction!

So, the Oscars have come and gone........I say good riddance. Welllllllllllll.......not so fast. This was decidedly one of the strangest Academy Awards shows in recent memory. A train-wreck of a production un-folding in slo-motion, illicting thoughts of "did they just Do that? " If you missed out on all the wackiness , here's a brief synopsis of the on-stage and off-stage shenanigans:

This year, it was all about Being Black. Don't get me wrong, I think African-Americans have been shunned mercilessly in the past and I'm glad they're being recognized for their achievements in the motion picture arts. And besides, who *doesn't* like Morgan Freeman? It wasn't so much the increased numbers of the African-American community that attracted my attention ( although why P. Diddy got to present an award is beyond my comprehension. Prince has at least won an Oscar......) , but rather the overall tone that permeated the evening. It was a bit disconcerting to see Oprah Winfrey giving the black power salute when Jamie Foxx took home the Best Actor award. What the hell was that all about? Have the Oscars suddenly become some staging ground for radical activism? Jesus, I hope not. Combine radical activism with an overwhelming sense of self-importance and you get.........Tim Robbins! And who needs more of him??

Many of the technical and lesser awards ( like for say.......best short film ) were handed out either "Survivor" style, where the nominees were lined up on stage to await their fate, or even worse, handed out in some dark and shady corner, with the nominees trying to hide the fact that their shining moment was being relegated to the trash heap of Forgettable Non-Actor Awards. It was rather depressing to watch.................and all that was missing for the fortunate serfs that actually got to set foot on The Stage was Jeff Probst and some cheesy tribal music.

( Side note: The Cheesiest Music Moment Award goes to the playing of the Star Trek Theme as Morgan Freeman exits The Stage after winning his Best Supporting Actor award. WTF????? )

The Double Whammy: Over in Latino Corner, the composer of the winner of the Best Song from a Movie Award must have been shoving hot rods of steel up his ass. Only pain like that could overcome the agony he ( and we ) had to endure as Antonio Banderas sang--I use this term as loosely as convention will allow-- the Oscar-nominated song " The Other Side of the River " or as a stupid gringo would say.....The Otre Side of the Reever. First off, who decided Antonio Banderas could sing? A sick cow in labor would have sounded better!! Not even Carlos Santana could make this guy sound good. Then, there was Antonio himself. Not so hot anymore................period. His hair looked like he'd washed it in the muddy Rio Grande and used lard as a molding paste. And would it KILL him to take a cue from the wife and get some work done? ( Just don't use her nip/tuck guy Antonio. Those lips could carry refugees from Cuba. ) Now, here comes the double whammy.............To add about a five pound bag of crude rock salt to his gaping, oozing wound, not only does this composer guy have to listen to this horrible, first-episode-of -American-Idol rendition of his song, he does so because the producer of the Oscars deemed the composer too obscure to sing his OWN FUCKING SONG. WTF?? I'm speechless.........................

Nipplegate sure took it's toll. ABC decided to censor, and then cut completely, Robin Williams' planned ditty that poked fun at James Dobson and his assertion that Spongebob Squarepants is gay. To his credit, Williams did manage to improvise a schtick that poked fun at it all, but it was clearly under duress. It was the first time I saw Robin Williams actually squirm on stage, rather than own it. That, my friends, is a sad day----when a network terrified of being slapped with a fine, castrates one of the world's greatest comic geniuses. I'm sure the Family Television Council slept good though............. they can kiss my flaming gay ass.

And last but not least, we had the Which of These Songs Sucks Least Award!! First off, I have never thought that the Best Song category is worth the mental energy needed to produce the kind of trash it celebrates. These sappy, sugar-coated, largely forgettable tunes are the worst kind of schlok. Celine Dion anyone? Anyone remember that cheesy song from Lord of the Rings? It infuriates me that this drivel gets front-stage treatment, while the true musical hearts of these movies--their soundtracks-- are an afterthought. Who will remember ANY of these songs? I've already forgotten them. One was in French. And one was accompanied by The Purveyor of Cheese Himself, Andrew Lloyd Webber. Jesus, take me now!! ( the Rapture Shield is still under construction..............)

Until next year, beaker out.