Inner-tainment...

cool rants
Last night we all witnessed the tragedy that is the Academy Awards. Every year since I was a kid, I always looked forward to the show, even if I hadn't had the opportunity to see all of the films nominated. In past years, Johnny Carson always made us laugh, Billy and Whoopi were memorable, but casting Chris Rock as host was by far one of Hollywoods biggest faux-pas to date. His usual edgy observations work in his stand up routine...no one does it better as far as I am concerned (well, maybe Louis Black). This time round his bland and obviously mean spirited commentary was completely inappropriate and lost on most of the audience. You could actually hear the groans and see the winces on people faces as the cameras zoomed in. In a telling moment during the telecast, Sean Penn voiced the great offence he took to Chris's "dissing" of Jude Law. I think Chris tried to redeem himself during his rant by taking pot-shots at his own Hollywood ranking and shortcomings, stating "if you want Denzel, and all you can get is me, wait!"...I thought this attempt at a "save" was at best, lame. It's been reported that Chris himself has said publicly that he doesn't actually watch the Academy Awards when they are on and that he truly believes that "awards for art sake is completely idiotic". Even if there is no truth to his having made these statements, it was fairly clear from last nights fiasco that his affections for Hollywood in general are not exactly held in the highest regard.

Point, counter point...

cool rants

Ok, so I am working out, watching my requisite Sunday political programming...first a half hour of Tucker, bow tie in tact and sarcasm in tow, then it's off to the races with an additional half hour of the oh so hilarious McLaughlin Group. Today they were discussing Bush's first European tour of his second term in office. The last bit of commentary centered on his private meeting with a Belgian journalist in a hotel room (this footage likely aired in Europe only). At the end of the interview, the pretty journalist leans in to get closer to the junior Bush, gets out of her chair, shakes his hand and thanks him. He gets up, says off camera mind you "it was my honor.......great eyes...he, he!".....It was both hi-larious and extremely creepy.
After which, the group gave their commentary:
Pat Buchanan: "Clinton is back!"
Priceless!