300

After watching the trailer for 300 I know I want to see this movie. It's stylized like Sin City--no surprise since the film is based on a Frank Miller graphic novel. It looks like nothing Hollywood puts out. There's dramatic scenes but stretched to the limit with a mythic color palette.

[via GallyCat]

Screech Sex Tape

Is this Screech's latest way to "save his house?"

He may have played nerdy eighth-grader Samuel (Screech) Powers in the sitcom "Saved by the Bell." But former TV geek Dustin Diamond can now take his place with Colin Farrell, Tommy Lee and Kid Rock as the star of his very own sex tape.

Everyone who remembers Diamond as a lovable putz is in for a shock once they see a 40-minute video in which he engages in a kinky three-way with two women, sources tell us.

Screech's manager thinks the tape might help his career saying, "Dustin has been trying to escape the Screech typecast. So this may help me get more bookings."

We should have bought more t-shirts.

"Porn Star's Name May Ring a 'Bell'" [via Ace]

A Sad Instance of Depravity

I know any publicity is good publicity but it's sad so many have come to TAM by way of Google keywords, "crocodile hunter death video."

Please move along. Nothing like that to see here.

Battlestar Galactica Season Three Preview

To come back to Battlestar Galactica TV Squad got DVDs of the first four hours of season three. Keith McDuffee is happy:

Let me start by saying that you won't be disappointed. I admit I was afraid things were going to be pretty sketchy this season, with the show's creators taking a leap of faith by transplanting the series a year into the future. I'm extremely pleased at how well it's working, and there are lots of hints of promise for what's to come.

"Battlestar Galactica Season Three -- an Early Look" [via Netscape]

Battlestar Galactica "Webisodes"

Those cruel people at SciFi Channel are treating their Battlestar Galactica-addicted viewers like crack heads with ten "webisodes" leading to the 10.06 season premier.

[via PoliBlog]

"Funny" 9/11 Videos

You are a very debased individual to take Sep. 11 video, add the Benny Hill theme, speed up the tape to make it look like it something from the British comedy, and think that's funny.

Or how about making an episode of America's Funniest Home Videos with people jumping from the twin towers, planes crashing, people caked in dust, London terrorist attacks, and an audience laughing? Sick!

I suggest buying to renting a copy of United 93 and/or going to the bookstore and page through Joel Meyerowitz's Aftermath. Joel was the only photographer with unlimited access to Ground Zero.

Art Lovers "Scream" in Joy over Recovered Painting

Millions are relieved that Edvard Munch's The Scream can again be seen somewhere other than on a postcard at your nearest art museum gift shop.

"Oslo recovers its 'Scream'"

Sep. 11, 2001: A Photographic Rememberance

Vanity Fair has a photo essay of rare shots taken around New York City five years ago.

"Rare Scenes from 9/11"

Jennings' Jeopardy! Joke

Last week trivia king Ken Jennings wrote a humorous weblog post offering suggestions on how to improve Jeopardy!. The show should have catagories like "PlayStation," The Arby’s 5-for-$5.95 Value Menu," and Skanks from Reality TV Who Got Naked in Men’s Magazines." "Electric blue" should be replaced with "bright fire-engine red behind all the clues." And Jennings suggests the Alex Trebek cyborg should promoted legaized pot at the end of every show.

New York Post reporter Michael Starr took Jennings' bait hook, line, and sinker.

"Gift Horse, Meet Ken Jennings"

"Sense of Humor, Meet Michael Starr"

Battlestar Galactica Trailer

Here's Battlestar Galactica trailer for season 3. Wow! It's going to be good.

[via Ace of Spades]

Mainstream Totalitarian Chic

Michelle Malkin informs us that The North Face has taken totalitarian chic mainstream. For $65 your son, grandson, or nephew can have a CCCP (USSR in Cyrillic Russian) jacket complete with hammer and sickle. Just remember, communist fashion is chic (even progressive?) while Nazi gear makes you look as stupid as this man.

"Commie Chic"

Australian Prime Minister Wants Big Brother Canceled

Australian Prime Minister John Howard wants Big Brother off the air after two men held a woman down and gave her a "turkey slap."

YouTube doesn't let me down and has the video:

I wouldn't call it a sex attack. It looks like baudy horsing around. The fact that many derive entertainment from shows like this is discouraging enough.

"Australian PM Demands Big Brother Axe after 'Sex Attack' on Live TV" [via Drudge]

Spider-Man 3 Trailer

There's lots of comic book movie goodness in the latest Spider-Man 3 trailer. The black symbiant suit plays a starring role, and the Sandman and the Green Goblin, Jr./Hobgobblin will give Spidey fits. I'm worried the movie will have too many villians. My fear is it could wind up being Sam Raimi's version of Batman & Robin, an attrocious flick. I also fear Venom will make his appearance when his battle with Spider-Man deserves a movie all its own. But from what I've seen it looks pretty good.

[via OTB]

Fashionably "Stuck on Stupid"

In some parts of the world the swastika is the preferred form of totalitarian chic. It's right up there on the stupid scale with a moron wearing a Soviet hammer and sickle or a Che Guevera t-shirt.

"Ecurioso Estupido"

Other X-Men 3 Reviews

• Steven Taylor liked it: "I thought the plot was less, well, nuanced than I would have liked, but it was enjoyable."

• Will Collier: "one hell of a good movie."

• Frequent TAM commenter DJ who didn't like it and really hates Halle Berry as Storm.

X-Men Has Great Box Office Opening

I did my part in making X-Men 3 the second-highest opening movie of all time. It was fun with it being full of action and wild scenes that make a comic book movie good. There were some surprises along with more heart than what I would have expected from a summer blockbuster.

"X Men 3 Hits History Books" [via Drudge]

"Movie Review: X-Men: The Last Stand"

FBI Investigates Illegal Access to Gossip Mags' Computers

Paparazzi competition may have reached a new low. The FBI confiscated the computer of a former Us Weekly editor to see if she used it to illegally access the magazine's computer systems. The NY Post's Page Six tosses ex-madam Heidi Fleiss' name in for good measure.

"FBI Probes Hacking Incident at Us Weekly"

"Former Us Staffer Especially Didn't Steal Info on Charlie Sheen"

Desparate Housewives Reality Clone Set for CBS Summer

Somehow I don't think there will be much mention of books on CBS' summer reality show Tuesday Night Book Club. Kirin looks like Brie (and not 31) while Jamie is the show's version of Gabrielle.

It's sure to be "must-not-see-tv" for me.

"CBS Reveals the Identities of its Tuesday Night Book Club Women"

Getting My 24 Fix

The final two hours of 24 are safely on my computer. Yes, it's piracy but that's too bad. mininova is my friend. Thanks, Patrick.

BitTorrent has a long way to go to be a mainstream way to download content--even with a broadband connection it takes a while to download an entire show, but it got the job done.

Slightly Sad

My TiVo didn't talk very well with my cable box and failed to record the 24 season finale. I know it's sort of wrong but if anyone knows of a bittorrent for it I will give you a virtual peck on the cheek (a full smooch if you're female). Or else I just wait, buy it off iTunes and put up with the mediocre experience.

Assorted Hollywood Stuff

• The premier of the surefire blockbuster The Da Vinci Code is being held up by Indian officals because of Christian protests. One Catholic is on a hunger strike. At least they're not rioting. Albinos are also upset because a villian is quite pale. They aren't rioting either.

• Nicole Kidman is engaged. After seeing her in The Interpreter all I can say is "Keith Urban is a lucky kiwi." What what Tom Cruise thinking for leaving her?

• Hello, Fox and Apple. Why isn't the latest episode of 24 on iTunes? Some of us got screwed over by the President's immigration speech and only got part of the show recorded. We'd like to watch the whole thing before next week's season finale. Having it listed but unavailable to buy is just cruel.
  

How to Really Protest

Jay Tea thinks the Vatican should get with the times and really do something to protest The Da Vinci Code:

1) Issue a death sentence against Dan Brown, the book's author.

2) Hold massive riots against the book and movie.

3) Issue death threats against Tom Hanks and everyone else involved in the film.

4) Kill several people, such as book store employees who sold the novel, by beheading or some other gruesome manner.

5) Burn down book stores that stock the book.

Once they have created a suitable climate of fear around their wrath, THEN you have the authority to issue demands like those in these lawsuits. But those Catholics are just too dumb or too stubborn to recognize that Islam has proven the one true, sure-fire method for a religion to gain enough respect (or fear) to get its way around the world.

"Stupid Catholics"

Using the Word "Wetback"

If you're a Milwaukee radio talk yapper who calls Hispanics, "wetbacks" on-air you get suspended while protests outside the radio station call for your firing.

What will happen to Susana De Leon a University of Minnesota Mexican-American studies instructor? At a illegal immigration rally she said, "Yes, people from Europe are wet backs man... their backs so wet because they had to cross an ocean to get here."

"Calling White People 'Wetbacks?'"

Schools Sans Sodas

Soft drink companies have agreed to take their sugar-laden liquids out of public schools. Busy bodies will see this as the industry "taking responsiblity." It's just a way for Coca-Cola, Pepsi, et al to cover their rears for when some trial lawyer (or state attorney general) slaps a multi-billion dollar class action lawsuit on them for "targeting children" and making them get fat.

Deal is more symbolic than anything. "Financially, on the big companies, it will have virtually no impact," said John Sicher, editor and publisher of Beverage Digest.

For a little perspective I didn't encounter vending machines in school until high school (and I'm not that old). Some parents will be happy because their kids won't bug them more change for the soda machine. If kids really need their bubbly, cola fix the machines could start stocking Coke Zero. It's much better than Diet Coke.

Of all the people to talk about obesity President Bill Clinton, Mr. Krispy Kreme himself, isn't one of them. Self-control isn't his forte.

The impact on youth obesity will be minimal. Thirsty kids will wait until after school to get their high-calorie fix. But for Big Soda it's a defense against the inevitable lawsuit.

"Soda Distributors to End Most School Sales" [via Right off the Shore]

United 93 Review

Chaos. Uncertainty. Fear. On a cloudless day--at least in New York City and Southeast Wisconsin--on September 11, 2001 the nation was submersed in all three. The hijacking of four passenger planes threw air traffic controllers and the FAA for a loop. No one had violently taken over an American airliner in decades. When the first plane slammed into one of the Twin Towers news outlets thought it was a small aircraft not a jet filled with jet fuel that would burn through the tower's infrastructure causing its collapse. With a second plane crashing into the other Twin Tower, this time caught on live television, fears of a new war dropped on our souls. Only this war would play out on U.S. soil.

Imagine being on United flight 93. Because of a traffic delay at Newark Airport that flight's passengers learned what the end result would be of their hijacked flight. The movie United 93 tries to turn those awful events into a narrative that piques our emotions, patriotism, and intelligence. While taking artistic liberties the film shows us the power of individual initiative and self-sacrifice. It also shows a government ill-prepared on multiple levels.

For months teams of Islamist terrorists planned their attacks by gathering money, learning to fly commerical jets, and studying airport security weaknesses. They understood that in hijack situtations pilots and authorities assumed hijackers would offer demands for their hostages' release. Other than some novelists few envisioned terrorists would turn the planes into human-controlled cruise missles and crash into buildings. From the chatter of the air traffic controllers and the FAA staff the thought of a suicide mission never crossed their minds. Even when American Airlines 11 disappeared off radar and the first plane hit the north tower it took a while for both events to connect in people's minds. It was only then that the military began asking their superiors if fighter jets could shoot down other threatening planes. That there had not been an American hijacking in years made them slow to evaluate the situation, but there was also an understandable lack of imagination. No one person or organization has the mental capacity to plan and prepare for any situation. We were not in a war mindset.

The Cold War forced the United States to prepare for a large-scale world war on multiple fronts and/or a firey nuclear conflict. An age of triumphalism came with the death of the Soviet Union. Our leaders and the public did not see a major threat on the horizon. The Gulf War showed even regional powers were no match for the U.S. military. Terrorism was not on our radars. We tolerated hijackings and bombings as long as they were far away from the homeland. We even accepted an attack on the World Trade Center in 1993 and Timothy McVeigh's bombing in Oklahoma City as law enforcement cases. It took the coordinated hijackings of four airplanes to make us realize war was again upon us.

The passengers on United 93 became the first soldiers to strike back. Upon learning via air phones and mobile phones the fates of the other airplanes they knew what the conclusion of their journey would be. It is as this point where artistic license has to be applied. Only God knows if Todd Beamer and his band reached the cockpit or if the Islamist pilot knew he would not accomplish his mission and drove the plane into a field. We know they were planning to retake the plane. They evaluated the situation, planned a strategy, and acted. Someone said, "Let's roll." In the movie the passengers gathered any item they could find as weapons. They quickly mentioned their individual strengths and skills. One man knew judo and could quickly break the arm of a terrorist. Another man knew how to fly single-engine planes. If they took control of the cockpit he might be able to land it. The act of making something out of nothing is so entrepreneurial, so American. Those patriots did not accept the status quo because it meant death, not just for them but for any innocents caught in building United 93 was targeting.

United 93 does have a problem with its timing: it did not come out soon enough. We should not have had to wait four-and-a-half years for a movie expressing the most important event of our lives. The September 11 attacks changed our nation's path. It brought us to war. Two invasions have occured because of those attacks. We fear the spread of WMDs more than ever. Oil prices have increased. For good or ill many debates now contain a terrorism element. We worry about balancing security with civil liberties. Those attacks have deeply affected all of us. Only in an age of therapeutics and Oprah emoting can one really say it is "too soon" for such a movie. The September attacks are forever a part of who we are. That cannot change. We should be a little like the United 93 passengers and make due with what is at hand, and deal with the world as it is.

United 93 Takes Second at Box Office

Robin Williams' comedy RV beat United 93 this weekend at the box office. Some of that I understand. Most of us usually go to the movies to be entertained, to get away from the stress of the week. I also think some are too afraid to remember those horrible images and feelings of Sep. 11, 2001. It sounds a little crass, but they need to be reminded. Now, I'm not one of those who wishes all the news networks would every night show the video of the second plane crashing into the south twin tower. However, every citizen needs to be reminded we are at war. Without the Sep. 11 attacks there would have been no invasion of Afghanistan or Iraq. We wouldn't be arguing about the Patriot Act or NSA spying. Iran getting nukes would still be important but the issue wouldn't be as vibrantly displayed on our television and computer screens. An occasional reminder becomes necessary or we start getting side-tracked by calls for intervention in places with little U.S. interest like Darfur.

"'RV' Passes 'United 93' to Win Box Office"

Upcoming United 93 Review

I saw United 93 last night. It's too late for me to finish the full review I'm working on. I will tell you I lasted until the plane went down into that Pennsylvania field. Only then did the tears well up in my eyes. That was when I was reminded those freedom fighters were the first to knowingly sacrifice themselves in the Islamist War.

For RightGirl the movie brought up a powerful emotion: hate.

The understading of what we were up against did not suddenly come to me on September 11th. It took months - probably till around the time of Bali, before I truly realized the evil we faced, and the direction it came from. But once I did, the seed began to grow. Some days I wonder how I have the strength to stand, the will to smile, the ability to carry on - when the hatred inside me burns to hot and so strong. Hatred. Unlike any I have known before. Hating three people is nothing compared to loathing an entire culture, religion, way of life. I tried to stop it. I tried to center myself, bring myself back from the edge. But I can't. And now I no longer want to. If the hatred is what will keep me focused on the defeat of those who wish to destroy the life we know, then that hatred is more than necessary.

As I watched the images on the screen, the repetition of Allahu Akbar - over and over - I became angry. I wanted to cover my ears. I wanted to scream out how that is not God, it is the devil!!! But when it was over, and I had walked a few minutes in the chilly midnight air, I became glad of that repetitive praying. I hope everyone sees the film and hears the calls to Allah. I hope that it grates on their nerves, too. I hope that each person who sees and hears the film is reminded why 3000 people died. Not because of US foreign policy, not because of oil or the decadence of Brittney Spears.

Three thousand people were murdered because of Allah.

Hate makes one do crazy things like hijack a plane and crash it into a skyscraper. But then we have one of Christ's toughest commands: Love thy neighbor as thyself. I have no answers to that conundrum. Loving someone who is working to destroy you and your society is certain suicide. Yet hating someone simply for worshipping Allah can't be a way to win the Islamist War.

Battlestar Galactica Prequel

Ron Moore has done such a great job with Battlestar Galactica that I'm willing to give him a chance to win me over with a prequel series called Caprica:

Caprica would take place more than half a century before the events that play out in Battlestar Galactica. The people of the Twelve Colonies are at peace and living in a society not unlike our own, but where high technology has changed the lives of virtually everyone for the better.

But a startling breakthrough in robotics is about to occur, one that will bring to life the age-old dream of marrying artificial intelligence with a mechanical body to create the first living robot: a Cylon. Following the lives of two families, the Graystones and the Adamas (the family of William Adama, who will one day become the commander of the Battlestar Galactica), Caprica will weave together corporate intrigue, techno-action and sexual politics into television's first science fiction family saga, the channel announced.

"SCI FI Announces Caprica" [via Dean's World]

For 24 Fans...

I have it on good authority Defense Secretary Heller didn't survive driving his car into the drink.

Communist Chic

The Soviet Union as fashion statement is alive and well in Hollywood. This guy wouldn't be caught dead wearing a swastika,

"Soviet Communism as Fashion Statement"

The Sentinel

Go see The Sentinel. Keifer Sutherland plays an action hero that sounds and acts like Jack Bauer (except in a suit and tie), Eva Longoria looks really hot and doesn't have too many lines to ruin her role, and Michael Douglas does well as the improvising veteran. The story moves and there's plenty of action even though there are some plot holes. The flick is fun, and it should tie us 24 fans over until Jack Bauer hits the big screen.

Sep. 11 Film Reviewed

Steve Silver saw United 93 and calls it "a breathtaking film."

"United 93"

Spazzing Out Over Tiger

Tiger Woods has apologized for saying he was a "spaz" during his Masters play. In Britain spaz is considered a slur rather than the mildly negative word that it is in the U.S. Paralympian Tanni Grey Thompson said Woods was "a bit stupid saying something off the cuff in that way."

If anyone's spazzing out it's some hyper-sensitive Brits. The Telegraph went so far as to think U.S. newspapers covered up for Tiger.

So Tiger Woods has to be aware of every possible connotation anywhere on the planet for any word or phrase he utters? Give me a break! Start making the list so us insensitive, barbarian Americans can be politically correct even if we mean no offense. Cross off idiot, moron, maybe even goofball off the list.

Maybe after the violence from the Muhammed cartoons some Brits fear riots from those afflicted with cerebral palsy or paralysis. And don't tell the French some people call them "frogs." They might start rioting. Oh, wait...

"Woods Apologizes for 'Spaz' Comment"

Borders Underestimates Americans

Glenn Reynolds links to a newspaper editorial blasting Borders for giving into fear and not selling the issue of Free Inquiry that contains the Mohammed cartoons. The issue has been out for about a week. How many incidents have we seen? How many bookstores and news stands have burned to the ground by rampaging, angry Muslims? Zero. Zilch. Nada. At my bookstore there hasn't been an incident or even a concern by any customers. The issue sits on the stands just like any other magazine issue on any other month. Borders was beyond boneheaded. They failed to trust their customers and Americans (including Muslims) in general.

Today's Standards

Tonight, at the store I saw a teenager decked out in his CCCP hoodie (similar to this). It was sporting the Soviet Union's hammer and sickle along with the four letters. It's interesting how that's considered a fashion statement but wearing a Nazi swastika is considered offensive even though Communism killed more people and caused more suffering than National Socialism. One totalitarianism is chic while the other is abhorred. Me, I hate all of them.

Sean Penn's Coulter Hatred

Like Sean Penn I'm not a fan of Ann Coulter, but I don't possess an Ann Coulter doll where I burn her "some funny places." I'll leave that to the flaky actor.

"Penn has Torture Doll" [via RWN]

Dreaming and Polygamy

Ann Althouse has some questions about Sunday's episode of The Sopranos and Big Love. My concern is Tony's dream will go on and on. I liked the occasional episode where Tony dreams and it's filled with other characters and symbolism. In this dream the only familiar character is Carmela's voice. I don't want this to go on much longer. They should either wake him up or kill him--which they better not do. We need to get started with the mob war. From the preview for next Sunday's episode we see some of that. But without Tony playing his games and strategizing it won't be the same.

One more thing, I don't care if it's HBO, I don't want to see Tony's wound. Yuck!

I decided to watch an episode of Big Love to see if I'd like it. There's potential there. I immediately had a crush on wife #1, Barb. There's some interesting elements dealing with why Bill's religous beliefs require him to have multiple wives. Along with the voyerism is the mystery of Bill's past on a Mormon compound. Unfortunately that part feels like a Utah version of The Sopranos. Besides the curiosity of how a household can handle three wives I don't find much there to keep me watching Big Love.

"Questions after watching last night's Sopranos and Big Love."

No Choices for You

Soda sales are down across the United States. According to John Sicher of the "Beverage Digest" (what?) that is because, "people have a growing interest in beverages which are lighter and have actual or perceived functional benefit." Sure, maybe.

The key point here is that people are choosing not to drink soda.

Representative Chuck Benedict wants to take that choice out of your hands. (H/T Fraley)

State Rep. Chuck Benedict (D-Beloit) said today he is introducing a bill that would restrict sugary sodas in Wisconsin high schools and middle schools. Under the proposal from the retired doctor, drinks sold in vending machines couldn't have more than 15 grams of sugar per serving. Diet sodas, sports drinks and fruit and vegetable juices would be allowed. Benedict said excessive sugar in soft drinks is a serious contributing factor to the high rate of obesity among students. High-sugar soft drinks are already banned in elementary schools in Wisconsin.

The government is in your home, your gas tank, your paycheck, your television, your newspaper, (the list could go on) and now they want to be in your vending machine.

Where is the line? What will it take for the American people to stand up, refuse to be nannied any longer, and demand greater autonomy from our government? Is it going to take a complete Thoreau-esque revolution?

Oscar Night with Paglia

Skipping the Oscars will be more of a challenge this year. Camille Paglia will be doing online Oscar commentary at Salon.com. You know that won't be boring.

[via Drudge]

New Bond Girl

"French Actress Eva Green Is New Bond Girl"

Coretta Scott King Dead at 78

Coretta Scott King worked with her husband to demonstrate that all people were equal under law. That despite efforts by Martin Luther King, Jr.:

"Martin was a very strong person, and in many ways had very traditional ideas about women," she told The New York Times Magazine in 1982. She continued: "He'd say, "I have no choice, I have to do this, but you haven't been called,' " "And I said, "Can't you understand? You know I have an urge to serve just like you have.' " Still, he always described her as a partner in his mission, not just a supportive spouse. "I wish I could say, to satisfy my masculine ego, that I led her down this path," he said in a 1967 interview. "But I must say we went down together, because she was as actively involved and concerned when we met as she is now."

Instead, she mostly carved out her own niche, most prominently through more than 30 "Freedom Concerts" where she lectured, read poetry and sang to raise awareness of and money for the civil rights movement.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution writes,

For many, Coretta King was the closest thing possible to African-American royalty, from the regal way she carried herself to how others perceived her. Her image froze in the public's consciousness thanks to a Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph taken at her husband's funeral. Beneath her black veil, she seemed dignified and stoic even as she consoled a grief-stricken 5-year-old Bernice.

But for a public figure, she was an intensely private person. She picked her friends carefully and did not venture out in public without being swamped by admirers.

That, said some who didn't know her, made her appear aloof, but friends say Coretta King was warm, kind and considerate, someone who loved to laugh, never said a bad thing about anybody, and spent hours talking on the phone with friends and family late into the night .

Godspeed, Coretta.

"Coretta Scott King, 78, Widow of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Dies" [via PoliBlog]

"Coretta Scott King Dies at 78"

"Coretta Scott King, 1927-2006"

Belafonte Bellows Again

Harry "Banana Boat" Belafonte, we get it. You hate President Bush. Now, run off to the old washed up stars home and shut the hell up before someone shoves a banana up your posterior.

"Belafonte Continues Tirade Against Bush"

Claiming Criticism is Homophobia

If you don't like Brokeback Mountain you're a homophobe. At least that's what GLAAD thinks.

"GLAAD Mad at Shalit's Brokeback Breakdown" [via Right Off the Shore]

Doing Evil in God's Name

Fred Phelps and his band of fake Christians will be joyously celebrating the deaths of the Sago miners.

Disgusting!

"The Surest Sign There May Be No God"

Union Defends Teachers' Classroom Copulating

After reading about two teachers having sex in a school I wasn't shocked. Teachers having sex with students shocked me so why should I be surprised teachers are getting it on in the classroom. It certainly brings new meaning to "sex education." I guess hotel rooms are getting too expensive. I'm only mildly shocked the two Pennsylvania teachers had other teachers stand outside the room as look-outs.

No, what really shocked me is the reaction of the teachers' union to the school district considering (only considering!) firing the teachers:

Pennsylvania State Education Association lawyer Robert Abraham said McKeesport lacks grounds to fire the teachers. The union represented Collins.

"They sat on this for nine months, and now the only reason they are doing anything about it is because of the publicity it will cause," Abraham said. "It was a personal matter between two teachers that had no effect on students, that had no effect on their ability to teach."

Having sex in a classroom was merely a "personal matter between two teachers." The look-outs were there to make sure they didn't get caught and probably also to "protect" students. Why stop there? How about blocking off sections of school and hold teacher swinging parties or mass orgies. Hey, how about bringing in farm animals to really spice things up?

Absurd! Absolutely. Just as absurd as a teachers' union defending teacher-on-teacher sex in a classroom. This union obviously doesn't understand proper, professional behavior. Hump away where ever you want as long as you don't affect students.

"Teachers Put on Leave over Classroom Sex"

Sorkin's Studio 7

I noticed this blurb about new TV shows in 2006:

Yeah, September is a long way off, and a lot of things could go wrong between now and then. But no TV show scheduled to make its debut this year is getting the kind of attention generated by "Studio 7," the new creation of Aaron Sorkin, back in the TV saddle three years after leaving "The West Wing."

The script for the opening episode was so compelling that the networks got into a bidding war for the series, a comedy-drama set on a late-night comedy show (think "Saturday Night Live"). NBC ended up with it by agreeing to pay a near-record $2 million per episode and committing to show 13 episodes - sight unseen.

If the rest of the show proves to be as good as Sorkin's pilot script, "Studio 7" may be network television's Next Big Thing.

I'm thinking Sports Night, Sorkin's first show, but without any references to--you know--sports. Sorkin's always had a way of picking a great cast. The careers of Peter Krause and Felicity Huffman prove that. I just hope Studio 7 doesn't become like The West Wing where every character talked in the same whizbang, super clever, rat-tat-tat manner. When I gave up on the show a few years ago I noticed you could put any character's line into any other character's mouth and it still made sense. They were all clones to Sorkin's pen.

Richard Pryor, R.I.P.

Richard Pryor died today. As with many cultural icons who have passed away I can't appreciate Pryor because I was too young to watch him perform. What I remember are his corny roles in Brewster's Millions and as unbelievable computer hacker in Superman 3. That's a shame because he was so influential. Lucky for me, Reihl World View has some audio of Pryor doing stand up. It takes tremendous talent to make so many laugh so hard while living a hard life. Godspeed, Richard.

"Goodbye to Richard Pryor"

You Can Say "Merry Christmas" at Sears

Despite Bill O'Reilly's yapping saying, "Merry Christmas" is still kosher at Sears. Just ask Greg Ransom.

Hitchens on a Bad Day

Christopher Hitchens is great...usually. He was on Joe Scarborough's show (does anyone watch it?) to talk about Christmas trees. When Hitchens made his points he was eloquent and learned. He's an atheist and can defend that belief well. But Hitchens also showed off his bad side like when he wanted to turn the conversation into a Jerry Fallwell bitchfest. Sure, Hitchens' opposite guest works for him but tossing Fallwell's name in was just an ad hominem attack. Along with tossing in a rip on Intelligent Design, Fallwell's name didn't have anything to do with the topic at hand. Hitchens knows better.

"Scarborough v. Hitchens: Christmas (VIDEO)"

Ex-DH Actor Defends Himself

Last Sunday's Desparate Housewives finally got the second season revved up (tossing Gabrielle down the steps does that), but stuff going on outside the show is more juicy. Page Kennedy who played Caleb, a murderer locked in a basement, was taken off the show and replaced with another actor. Kennedy says the show's producer Touchstone "decided to go in a different direction, and they bought out my contract." Touchstone's official line is Kennedy was fired for "improper conduct." The National Inquirer claims Kennedy flashed two female co-workers. Neither were my obsession Teri Hatcher. Kennedy denies it and is working on clearing his name.

The challenge I have right now is trying to get the truth out as aggressively as they got the rumors out. That's the problem. If the truth isn't as juicy as the rumors, who cares?

He could always start a weblog.

"'Housewives' Actor Denies Rumors"

Robertson Hall of Shame

Kate at The Original Musings is as "pleased" with Pat Robertson's big mouth as I am. She goes on to make a Robertson Hall of Shame.

"Hey, Thanks Pat"

Big-Time Overkill

Here is the text some parents and the ACLU had problems with in Dover, PA school district:

The Pennsylvania Academic Standards require students to learn about Darwin’s theory of evolution and eventually to take a standardized test of which evolution is a part.

Because Darwin’s theory is a theory, it continues to be tested as new evidence is discovered. The theory is not a fact. Gaps in the theory exist for which there is no evidence. A theory is defined as a well-tested explanation that unifies a broad range of observations.

Intelligent design is an explanation of the origin of life that differs from Darwin’s view. The reference book, “Of Pandas and People,” is available for students who might be interested in gaining an understanding of what intelligent design actually involves.

With respect to any theory, students are encouraged to keep an open mind. The school leaves the discussion of the origins of life to individual students and their families. As a standards-driven district, class instruction focuses upon preparing students to achieve proficiency on standards-based assessments.

There wasn't an intelligent design curriculum. It was a four-paragraph statement. Yet the evolutionists went wild. The Scopes Trial II this wasn't. A town was torn apart and time and effort were wasted.

"‘Intelligent Design’ Faces First Big Court Test"

Pat, Cork It!

Dear Pat Robertson,

You're an idiot for telling Dover, PA citizens they shouldn't call on God if disaster strikes because anti-intelligent design school board candidates won election Tuesday. Saying, "If they have future problems in Dover, I recommend they call on Charles Darwin. Maybe he can help them," is quite unsympathetic, unloving, and, dare I say it, un-Christian.

Pat, your vision of God is stuck in the Old Testament where He went around destroying wicked cities. But even back then God sent His followers into those cities to give the people one last warning. I hope you don't think yourself on par with a prophet like Jonah.

It doesn't matter if intelligent design should or shouldn't be taught in public schools. It is certainly possible for a Christian to believe God uses evolution in the natural world and still accept the most important Christian tenet: salvation is only found through faith in Jesus Christ. The Catholic Church has created a big enough big tent to house both Darwinism and belief in an all-powerful God. Evolution has great explanatory and predictive power, and who's to say God didn't make the world appear to evolve from a Darwinian while still being around 10,000 years old? An all-powerful God can do anything including that. The point is not to be so short-sighted as to how God created us. However we got here we still should follow and love Him and love each other.

Whenever you run off at the mouth you insult the good image of millions of American evangelical Christians. You perpetuate the belief that all of them are wacked-out, stupid, loons. Such misperceptions have led to our current political polarization. Pat, you're not helping; you're hurting. Shut up!

"Pat Robertson Warns Pa. Town of Disaster"

Sweet!

Napoleon Dynamite Soundboard

[via digg]

Smokers' Endangered Habitat

When my grandchildren ask me about what life was like in 2005 one historical item I'll tell them is way back then you could still smoke outdoors. The kids will probably look at me dumbfounded. They'll assume I'm talking about grandma smoking her medcinal marijuana because of her arthritis. We'll soon live in a country where cigarettes will be legal to buy (no legislature has the guts to ban them) but illegal to light up. First, it was smoking bans in the workplace, then bars and resturants, now some want to ban smoking outdoors:

On Tuesday, Washington state voters will consider the first statewide ban on smoking within 25 feet of buildings that prohibit smoking. That would mean lighting up near offices, stores, theaters, restaurants and government buildings could bring a $100 fine.

This isn't about health, although the anti-smoking zealots will claim that. Breathing in some second-hand smoke while at an ATM for 30 seconds won't hurt anyone. They want to ban smoking outdoors because they don't want anyone smoking period. They don't like the smell (neither do I) or think smokers should be more healthy. Reason's Jacob Sullum is right that this creeping authoritarianism won't stop with beaches or office building entrances:

"If you ban smoking outside near a door or window, essentially you have no place to smoke except your own home - and maybe not even there," Sullum says. "What's next? Smoking in a house with children will be considered child abuse. Smoking around pets will be cruel to animals."

"Smoke-Free Zones Extend Outdoors"

A Sluggish Start

This season Desparate Housewives has been missing something. I thought it might be that its newness wore off. Marcia Cross might have it right that the characters' stories aren't as intertwined.

"I think it would be nice if we start spending a little more time together," said Cross, who plays Bree on the hit ABC series.

"I think in the first few episodes (of the second season) we weren't, but that wasn't anything sort of set in stone, it's just sometimes things just evolve," the 43-year-old actress told AP Radio recently.

Something will have to happen with the crazy guy in the basement. Maybe Susan will take a road trip to Utah to find Zack.

Did any Sports Night fans notice the music in the scene with Felicity Huffman dancing on the bar?

"'Housewives' Backlash Doesn't Worry Cross"

When Reviewers Go Wild

Zagat reviewers aren't always nice. Slashfood has some quotes that didn't get into their guides.

"Zagat Outtakes"

Stick with the Original Manchurian Candidate

Those who worked on the special edition of the original verison of The Manchurian Candidate did a great job with the film. The remastering of the video and audio were outstanding. The picture was crisp and sharp. No film flaws were noticed. The sound was clear with no noticable pops or background fuzz. The film looked much like someone making a black and white film today. Cleaning up all the oldness let me concentrate on the story and acting. With its McCarthyism and Cold War overtones the picture is a cultural artifact. Still Frank Sinatra did well as the dream-tormented hero Ben Marco. But it was Angela Lansbury who stole the show as the evil mother/Communist agent who tried to use her brainwashed son to leap to power. The original movie's twists and turns and fine acting made it a much better movie than the anti-conservative, boring remake of last year.

Hollywood's Retribution

At least in one instance political diversity isn't encouraged in Hollywood:

Actor Ron Silver says he has had fewer movie offers and dinner invitations since he parted political company with his Hollywood colleagues and spoke at the Republican National Convention last year.

But he is sinking his teeth into his new role: conservative activist. Silver released a documentary on DVD this week called "Broken Promises," a scathing criticism of what Silver considers the failures of the United Nations on its 60th anniversary. It follows on the heels of a DVD retort last year by Silver to Michael Moore called "Fahren-hype 911," carefully named so it would be placed on video store shelves right next to Moore's anti-Bush documentary, "Fahrenheit 9/11."

"Silver Pays for His Politics"

Zero Stars and Thumbs Down

You know it's a truly awful, wretched movie when Roger Ebert spends more time ripping on the whining lead actor than on the movie itself. [via RWN]

Jagger Jabs War Supporters

I'm shocked, SHOCKED! A rock star is an anti-war, anti-conservative lefty. Ho-hum. This is so 2004.

If Mick Jagger wants to call me a hypocrite for supporting the Iraq War he better offer a little more in than singing, "You call yourself a Christian, I call you a hypocrite/You call yourself a patriot, well I think you're full of shit."

Eric wonders if the song really is about President Bush or Jagger hyping the next Rolling Stones' tour. The Marshall Blog notes that the Stones will be on Monday Night Football (I hope someone told them it's on cable this year) and wonders if the NFL will drop them because of screaming from the "right wing blowhard consciousness." I like that phrase. It's more New Age than "Vast Right-Wing Conspiracy." Matt Welch points out the mixed record of Stones' political songs.

"Stones Target 'Hypocrite' Patriots in New Song"

Find Another Dress

Another in a long line of examples of celebrity idiocy:

Christina Ricci wearing a see thru dress to something called the Rape Foundation is like Dakota Fanning wearing nothing but roller skates and a thong to a pedophile convention. It just sort of seems sarcastic. Almost like a dare.

And check out the neanderthal Ricci went to the event with.

"Christina Ricci is a Fan of Irony"

Coach Has Player Wacked

There's a cold ring of hell for this man:

A T-ball coach allegedly paid one of his players $25 to hurt an 8-year-old mentally disabled teammate so he wouldn't have to put the boy in the game, police