AP Fears Barack Obama is Suffering Burn Out

Progressives in the media begin circling the wagons. Because this president stuff is hard.

It looks like last night's debate in the comments to this post on Obama's poor vacation timing was not an accident. The idea Obama needs vacation time precisely because there are a lot of bad things going on is a progressive talking point.

I see three possible rationales. One, they have genuine concern for the president. Two, they are making excuses for his distant behavior. Three, they are bracing for the announcement he will not run again and will instead cash in on speaking fees and book sales. Take your pick.

AP Fears Barack Obama is Suffering Burn Out

Progressives in the media begin circling the wagons. Because this president stuff is hard.

It looks like last night's debate in the comments to this post on Obama's poor vacation timing was not an accident. The idea Obama needs vacation time precisely because there are a lot of bad things going on is a progressive talking point.

I see three possible rationales. One, they have genuine concern for the president. Two, they are making excuses for his distant behavior. Three, they are bracing for the announcement he will not run again and will instead cash in on speaking fees and book sales. Take your pick.

Thirty Days of Lost # 8--A Photo That Makes You Angry

Keamy shooting sixteen year old Alex execution style was the most shocking thing I have seen on television. How Lost got away with presenting such a brutal act of violence against a minor on network television during prime time hours is beyond me.

The above photo captures the moment perfectly.

Thirty Days of Lost # 8--A Photo That Makes You Angry

Keamy shooting sixteen year old Alex execution style was the most shocking thing I have seen on television. How Lost got away with presenting such a brutal act of violence against a minor on network television during prime time hours is beyond me.

The above photo captures the moment perfectly.

Deep Space Nine--"Children of Time"

I am the first one to admit DS9 uses the concept of time travel too much. “Children of Time” is the eighth such instance and the third of the fifth season alone. There is not much room to complain about it here, though. “Children of Time” is oe of the best episodes of the series.

The Defiant investigates strange energy readings over a planet in the Gamma Quadrant. They discover the planet is inhabited by their descendants and a two hundred years older Odo. . In two days time, there is going to bean accident which will send the ship back two hundred years in time, marooning them there in the process.

As they plan out a way to prevent the crash from happening, the crew bond with their descendents. Eventually, they come to realize they have to go through with the crash as originally occurred so that al these people can live. There is one catch--kira does not survive.

She decides to sacrifice herself so the rest may live. But when they go through all the proper motions to recreate the crash, it does not happen. Our odo comes to Kira’s quarters later to confess the other Odo sabotaged the plan so she would not have to die. He says he committed the act out of love, but kira is aghast 8,000 people were wiped out of existence in her name.

I have mixed feelings about it myself. I am still in the camp Odo loves Kira een though the writers have been shifting away from the idea since “Shakaar.” Odo is still profoundly lonely regardless, but he has always tried to fill that lonely void with the pursuit of justice. Somehow, sacrificing 8,000 people--an unjust act-- for a love he can never have does not seem like something Odo would do.

Perhaps the intervening two hundred years changed his attitude or seeing Kira again after all that time affected him deeply. Whichever the case, his decision is bitterly tragic. The emotional impact offers “Children of Time” a boost above most other episodes.

Ratings: **** (out of 5)

Deep Space Nine--"Children of Time"

I am the first one to admit DS9 uses the concept of time travel too much. “Children of Time” is the eighth such instance and the third of the fifth season alone. There is not much room to complain about it here, though. “Children of Time” is oe of the best episodes of the series.

The Defiant investigates strange energy readings over a planet in the Gamma Quadrant. They discover the planet is inhabited by their descendants and a two hundred years older Odo. . In two days time, there is going to bean accident which will send the ship back two hundred years in time, marooning them there in the process.

As they plan out a way to prevent the crash from happening, the crew bond with their descendents. Eventually, they come to realize they have to go through with the crash as originally occurred so that al these people can live. There is one catch--kira does not survive.

She decides to sacrifice herself so the rest may live. But when they go through all the proper motions to recreate the crash, it does not happen. Our odo comes to Kira’s quarters later to confess the other Odo sabotaged the plan so she would not have to die. He says he committed the act out of love, but kira is aghast 8,000 people were wiped out of existence in her name.

I have mixed feelings about it myself. I am still in the camp Odo loves Kira een though the writers have been shifting away from the idea since “Shakaar.” Odo is still profoundly lonely regardless, but he has always tried to fill that lonely void with the pursuit of justice. Somehow, sacrificing 8,000 people--an unjust act-- for a love he can never have does not seem like something Odo would do.

Perhaps the intervening two hundred years changed his attitude or seeing Kira again after all that time affected him deeply. Whichever the case, his decision is bitterly tragic. The emotional impact offers “Children of Time” a boost above most other episodes.

Ratings: **** (out of 5)

All Time Favorites # 1--Reese Witherspoon

Number one on my all time favorites list should come as no shock to anyone who has been paying attention. I am the one who made burnt offerings in the name of Abby Cornish when Ryan Philippe got caught having an affair, so yeah, I am emotionally invested.

I have been a fan since her role in the Man in the Moon television movie back in her early teen years. I have been a stalker since 1999’s Cruel Intentions. Since then, we have had a few ups and downs as she refuses to acknowledge the undying love for me that I know is buried deep within her heart, but I am a man of infinite patience.

But seriously, she is a fine actress and very attractive woman. She has been in a number of films that have resonated with me at just the right time. Election, for one, came after some absurd experiences working in political campaigns and Legally Blonde during my first year of law school. Speaking of, I faced no argument more brutal in law school than defending Pleasatville from the fundamentalist Christians who saw it as the epitome of all that is celluloid evil. Then again, a fair amount of Regent University’s student body see satanic messages in their alphabet soup, so it is best just to role with it.

There is no way I could have chosen anyone else as my all time favorite.

All Time Favorites # 1--Reese Witherspoon

Number one on my all time favorites list should come as no shock to anyone who has been paying attention. I am the one who made burnt offerings in the name of Abby Cornish when Ryan Philippe got caught having an affair, so yeah, I am emotionally invested.

I have been a fan since her role in the Man in the Moon television movie back in her early teen years. I have been a stalker since 1999’s Cruel Intentions. Since then, we have had a few ups and downs as she refuses to acknowledge the undying love for me that I know is buried deep within her heart, but I am a man of infinite patience.

But seriously, she is a fine actress and very attractive woman. She has been in a number of films that have resonated with me at just the right time. Election, for one, came after some absurd experiences working in political campaigns and Legally Blonde during my first year of law school. Speaking of, I faced no argument more brutal in law school than defending Pleasatville from the fundamentalist Christians who saw it as the epitome of all that is celluloid evil. Then again, a fair amount of Regent University’s student body see satanic messages in their alphabet soup, so it is best just to role with it.

There is no way I could have chosen anyone else as my all time favorite.

Memorial Day

Memorial Day

Someone Give Barack Obama a Fiddle-- Rome is Burning!

It is dismaying to think it takes the United Kingdom's Daily Telegraph to note Barack Obama's credibility has been shot over his ambivalent response to the Gulf oil spill and his passing the buck on the Joe Sestak scandal, not to mention the money supply is dwindling and the stock market just had its weakest month since 1940. the best the American press can do is point at Peggy Noonan's epiphany about his incompetence and laugh.

Obama is completely and utterly disconnected with reality. He does not recognize the importance of things. Even the most progressive of progressives is taking note, even if they are doing so reluctantly. Anyone who who is still trying to pin blame on Bush 43 or republicans looks foolish doing so.

Earlier this week, James Carville’s anger about the environmental impact of the oil spill on his home state of Louisiana got the better of him. Bill Maher’s frustration with Obama’s lack of “gangsta” attitude erupted on Real Time Friday night. Even Chris Matthews praised rush Limbaugh for attacking Bill Clinton over his rle in the Sestak business. The three of them formerly stauch obama allies, cannot help but see the truth.

What about Obama? He is on vacation and cannot be bothered to comment.

Someone Give Barack Obama a Fiddle-- Rome is Burning!

It is dismaying to think it takes the United Kingdom's Daily Telegraph to note Barack Obama's credibility has been shot over his ambivalent response to the Gulf oil spill and his passing the buck on the Joe Sestak scandal, not to mention the money supply is dwindling and the stock market just had its weakest month since 1940. the best the American press can do is point at Peggy Noonan's epiphany about his incompetence and laugh.

Obama is completely and utterly disconnected with reality. He does not recognize the importance of things. Even the most progressive of progressives is taking note, even if they are doing so reluctantly. Anyone who who is still trying to pin blame on Bush 43 or republicans looks foolish doing so.

Earlier this week, James Carville’s anger about the environmental impact of the oil spill on his home state of Louisiana got the better of him. Bill Maher’s frustration with Obama’s lack of “gangsta” attitude erupted on Real Time Friday night. Even Chris Matthews praised rush Limbaugh for attacking Bill Clinton over his rle in the Sestak business. The three of them formerly stauch obama allies, cannot help but see the truth.

What about Obama? He is on vacation and cannot be bothered to comment.

BP Needs a Plan B; Bill Maher Suggests Racist Stereotype Solution

Contrary to my earlier post, BP has not successfully stopped the Gulf oil leak and is moving on to plan B.

The "B" does not stand for Barack, in case you were wondering. But noted energy expert Bill Maher apparently thinks t is a good idea anyway:

HBO's Bill Maher: "I thought when we elected a black president, we were going to get a black president. You know, this [BP oil spill] is where I want a real black president. I want him in a meeting with the BP CEOs, you know, where he lifts up his shirt where you can see the gun in his pants. That's -- (in black man voice) 'we've got a motherfu**ing problem here?' Shoot somebody in the foot."

That is right, Bill. Let your enlightened liberal racist attitude run on a long leash. Your remarks shows everyone what you really are.

BP Needs a Plan B; Bill Maher Suggests Racist Stereotype Solution

Contrary to my earlier post, BP has not successfully stopped the Gulf oil leak and is moving on to plan B.

The "B" does not stand for Barack, in case you were wondering. But noted energy expert Bill Maher apparently thinks t is a good idea anyway:

HBO's Bill Maher: "I thought when we elected a black president, we were going to get a black president. You know, this [BP oil spill] is where I want a real black president. I want him in a meeting with the BP CEOs, you know, where he lifts up his shirt where you can see the gun in his pants. That's -- (in black man voice) 'we've got a motherfu**ing problem here?' Shoot somebody in the foot."

That is right, Bill. Let your enlightened liberal racist attitude run on a long leash. Your remarks shows everyone what you really are.

Blogroll Spotlight XLVI

It is time for the weekly round up of favorite posts from my blogroll. As usual, these are not ranked, but in alphabetical order by blog title.

American Digest--Memorial Day tribute.

Amusing Bunni's Musings--Another Week Over ad the Crisis Worsens.

Bedlam or Parnassus--The Physical Makes the Spiritual Real.

Big Feed--Indians Arrest Pigeon on Suspicion of Spying.

Camp of the Saints--I Had a Bad Trip, Maaannn!

Classic Liberal--I'm the Last of My Kind Still Standing.

Current--Failure to Lead.

Daley Gator--Faley Gator's Top 25 Babes of All Time. (Wonder where he got that idea from? Heh.)

In a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World--Callin's.

Jaded Haven--Great Writing.

Left Coast Rebel--How Does Frank Rich Get Paid for This?

MAinfo--Ronald Reagan Speaks at Memorial Day Observance.

Mind Numbed Robot--Westboro Baptist Church Give Douchebags a Bad Name.

Other McCain--The Palin Hater Next Door.

Proof Positive--Saturday Linkaround.

Self-Evident Truths--Private Pay Sinks at All Time Low While Public Pay Soars.

Take it away, ladies:Teresamerica--Useful Idiots for Sharia Law: Ground Zero Mosque Approved.

Troglopundit--A Lefty Reads the Constitution.

Washington Rebel--Freedom Reflections.

Blogroll Spotlight XLVI

It is time for the weekly round up of favorite posts from my blogroll. As usual, these are not ranked, but in alphabetical order by blog title.

American Digest--Memorial Day tribute.

Amusing Bunni's Musings--Another Week Over ad the Crisis Worsens.

Bedlam or Parnassus--The Physical Makes the Spiritual Real.

Big Feed--Indians Arrest Pigeon on Suspicion of Spying.

Camp of the Saints--I Had a Bad Trip, Maaannn!

Classic Liberal--I'm the Last of My Kind Still Standing.

Current--Failure to Lead.

Daley Gator--Faley Gator's Top 25 Babes of All Time. (Wonder where he got that idea from? Heh.)

In a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World--Callin's.

Jaded Haven--Great Writing.

Left Coast Rebel--How Does Frank Rich Get Paid for This?

MAinfo--Ronald Reagan Speaks at Memorial Day Observance.

Mind Numbed Robot--Westboro Baptist Church Give Douchebags a Bad Name.

Other McCain--The Palin Hater Next Door.

Proof Positive--Saturday Linkaround.

Self-Evident Truths--Private Pay Sinks at All Time Low While Public Pay Soars.

Take it away, ladies:Teresamerica--Useful Idiots for Sharia Law: Ground Zero Mosque Approved.

Troglopundit--A Lefty Reads the Constitution.

Washington Rebel--Freedom Reflections.

Thirty Days of Lost # 7--A Photo That Makes You Happy

This photo from "Cabin Fever" in which Hurley shares his candy bar with Ben is one of the best moments of the fourth season. Their semi-friendship here takes on a whole new meaning in the final episode when Hurley becomes the island's protector with Ben as his adviser.

Thirty Days of Lost # 7--A Photo That Makes You Happy

This photo from "Cabin Fever" in which Hurley shares his candy bar with Ben is one of the best moments of the fourth season. Their semi-friendship here takes on a whole new meaning in the final episode when Hurley becomes the island's protector with Ben as his adviser.

Deep Space Nine--"Soldiers of the Empire"

So what is Klingon therapy like? “Soldiers of the Empire” demonstrates.

Martok is given his first assignment since his imprisonment. He is given command of a ship ordered to find a missing Bird-of-Prey. Martok offers Worf the first officer role. Because the two made a ’warrior spirit’ connection while they were prisoners of the Jem Ha’Dar, Worf feels compelled to accept. Dax cannot resist being a tag along, so she signs up, too.

Unfortunately, the crew is demoralized because of a string of defeats they have suffered from the Jem Ha’Dar over the last seven months. Worse yet, Martok is gun shy about fighting battles since his capture. Even though the crew desperately needs a victory, Martok avoids the opportunity to strike, preferring instead to sneak round enemy ships.

The crew’s frustration collides with Martok’s timidity, erupting into a near mutiny. In order to build Martok up as a confident leader, Worf challenges him, but lets martok win the battle. With his fire restored, Martok defeats the Jem Ha’Dar in battle and rescues the crew of the missing Bird-of-Prey.

Later, worf admits he was not certain I Martok would kill him for issuing the challenge. Martok is grateful for Worf’s assistance in finding himself again. He offers Worf a chance to join his house. Worf readily accepts.

“Soldiers of the Empire” is pretty much a TNG episode set on a Klingon ship. It is as squishy and sensitive as Klingon-centric stories can get,. Therefore, it is a bit od, too. Not bad, but still strange.

Rating: *** (out of 5)

Deep Space Nine--"Soldiers of the Empire"

So what is Klingon therapy like? “Soldiers of the Empire” demonstrates.

Martok is given his first assignment since his imprisonment. He is given command of a ship ordered to find a missing Bird-of-Prey. Martok offers Worf the first officer role. Because the two made a ’warrior spirit’ connection while they were prisoners of the Jem Ha’Dar, Worf feels compelled to accept. Dax cannot resist being a tag along, so she signs up, too.

Unfortunately, the crew is demoralized because of a string of defeats they have suffered from the Jem Ha’Dar over the last seven months. Worse yet, Martok is gun shy about fighting battles since his capture. Even though the crew desperately needs a victory, Martok avoids the opportunity to strike, preferring instead to sneak round enemy ships.

The crew’s frustration collides with Martok’s timidity, erupting into a near mutiny. In order to build Martok up as a confident leader, Worf challenges him, but lets martok win the battle. With his fire restored, Martok defeats the Jem Ha’Dar in battle and rescues the crew of the missing Bird-of-Prey.

Later, worf admits he was not certain I Martok would kill him for issuing the challenge. Martok is grateful for Worf’s assistance in finding himself again. He offers Worf a chance to join his house. Worf readily accepts.

“Soldiers of the Empire” is pretty much a TNG episode set on a Klingon ship. It is as squishy and sensitive as Klingon-centric stories can get,. Therefore, it is a bit od, too. Not bad, but still strange.

Rating: *** (out of 5)

All Time Favorites # 2--Jennifer Aniston

Back in the late '90's, ou could not have a conversation with anyone on Friday morning if you had not watched Friends the night before. It was Jennifer Aiston's Emmy winning portrayal of Rachel Green that often made the show palatable. by the tenth and final season, she had become the highest paid actress on television at $ 1 million per episode.

More recently, her personal life has been tabloid fodder as the Hollywood rags have been more sympathetic to her adulterous ex-husband Brad Pitt and his new sweet thang, Angelina Jolie. I cannot say for certain whether her relationship issues are fair game for the media or even reported accurately, but i am Team Aniston regardless.

All Time Favorites # 2--Jennifer Aniston

Back in the late '90's, ou could not have a conversation with anyone on Friday morning if you had not watched Friends the night before. It was Jennifer Aiston's Emmy winning portrayal of Rachel Green that often made the show palatable. by the tenth and final season, she had become the highest paid actress on television at $ 1 million per episode.

More recently, her personal life has been tabloid fodder as the Hollywood rags have been more sympathetic to her adulterous ex-husband Brad Pitt and his new sweet thang, Angelina Jolie. I cannot say for certain whether her relationship issues are fair game for the media or even reported accurately, but i am Team Aniston regardless.

Doctor Who--"Cold Blood"

I will say one thing for “Cold Blood”-- my complaint that last week’s episode was derivative of several episodes from the Russell T. Davies era does not apply to the conclusion. It I, however, a rather preachy morality tale that reminds me of something Brannon Braga would have banged out for the final season of Enterprise.

Humanity is the villain of the story. It is the drilling that has threatened their underground city and caused a near military coup planning to attack the surface world. The Doctor arranges for negotiations between Amy--still looking hot in that miniskirt--and the civilian leadership to share the surface world.

I am sorry, but that strikes me as grossly hokey. The Doctor is facilitating the coexistence of humanity ad reptiles, separated by millennia, by letting a young stripper--that is what Amy is, folks-- serve as the catalyst? That would be hopelessly idealistic for Gene Roddenberry, much less the powers that be at Doctor Who.

The story is redeemed when the Silurian hostage is killed. The negotiations break off as the military coup goes into full swing. The civilian leadership decides to send all the Silurians back into a thousand year hibernation at the end of which mankind will certainly be ready to share the planet. Or the place will have bee taken over by d*mn dirty apes either way it will be a fresh start for the Silurians an grandpa and his wife, who opts to stay behind so he can have his injury treated.

In a bit that seems tacked on, the crack in the universe appears as they are escaping to the TARDIS. Rory is shot and killed by a Silurian. When his body gets washed by the light from the crack, ay forgets who he ever existed. I already know he is going to show up I the finale, plus he has already “died” twice before, so the scene does not pack as much of an emotional punch as when the Doctor pulls a charred piece of the TARDIS out of the crack.

Although I am glad Rory will return. I like the character.

Anyone else think the awkward voice over was a pointless addition? It served for unnecessary exposition and acknowledgment the thousand year hibernation ended positively. Did we really need that to figure out the outcome?

I do not hate “Cold Blood.” The premise is great. But so much about it is executed poorly. Amy is written as more vapid than ever before. She is a pickpocket, too. There is a nice touch. Evvviiiilll humanity is behind itall, but in a thousand years, we will be every bit as wonderful as the lizards who used to run the joint. Sorry, but that is a really annoying concept.

Rating: *** (out of 5)

Doctor Who--"Cold Blood"

I will say one thing for “Cold Blood”-- my complaint that last week’s episode was derivative of several episodes from the Russell T. Davies era does not apply to the conclusion. It I, however, a rather preachy morality tale that reminds me of something Brannon Braga would have banged out for the final season of Enterprise.

Humanity is the villain of the story. It is the drilling that has threatened their underground city and caused a near military coup planning to attack the surface world. The Doctor arranges for negotiations between Amy--still looking hot in that miniskirt--and the civilian leadership to share the surface world.

I am sorry, but that strikes me as grossly hokey. The Doctor is facilitating the coexistence of humanity ad reptiles, separated by millennia, by letting a young stripper--that is what Amy is, folks-- serve as the catalyst? That would be hopelessly idealistic for Gene Roddenberry, much less the powers that be at Doctor Who.

The story is redeemed when the Silurian hostage is killed. The negotiations break off as the military coup goes into full swing. The civilian leadership decides to send all the Silurians back into a thousand year hibernation at the end of which mankind will certainly be ready to share the planet. Or the place will have bee taken over by d*mn dirty apes either way it will be a fresh start for the Silurians an grandpa and his wife, who opts to stay behind so he can have his injury treated.

In a bit that seems tacked on, the crack in the universe appears as they are escaping to the TARDIS. Rory is shot and killed by a Silurian. When his body gets washed by the light from the crack, ay forgets who he ever existed. I already know he is going to show up I the finale, plus he has already “died” twice before, so the scene does not pack as much of an emotional punch as when the Doctor pulls a charred piece of the TARDIS out of the crack.

Although I am glad Rory will return. I like the character.

Anyone else think the awkward voice over was a pointless addition? It served for unnecessary exposition and acknowledgment the thousand year hibernation ended positively. Did we really need that to figure out the outcome?

I do not hate “Cold Blood.” The premise is great. But so much about it is executed poorly. Amy is written as more vapid than ever before. She is a pickpocket, too. There is a nice touch. Evvviiiilll humanity is behind itall, but in a thousand years, we will be every bit as wonderful as the lizards who used to run the joint. Sorry, but that is a really annoying concept.

Rating: *** (out of 5)

Dennis Hopper (1936-2010)

This one really stings, Death.Godspeed, Mr. Hopper.

Dennis Hopper (1936-2010)

This one really stings, Death.Godspeed, Mr. Hopper.

Full Metal Jacket Reach Around L

It is time once again to round up all the bloggers gracious enough to link to me this week.

The Other McCain links to Scarlett Johasson and my All Time Favorites list.

Classic Liberal links to Scarlett Johasson, and Lindsay Lohan's March to Irrelevance,

TARDIS Scanner links to my review of Doctor Who's "The Hungry Earth."

News Online added the Eye to his blogroll.

Camp of the saints links to my All Time Favorites list.

MeNn links to Will Folks v. Nikki Haley.

Yokawater links to my review of Star Trek: Generations.

No Sheeples Here! adds me to her Something 4 Mutton.

Daydream Believer likes my Deep Space Nine reviews.

Mind Numbed Robot shows the Robolove.

A sincere thank you to all who linked. If you linked to me in the last week, but I do not have you here, you unfortunately fell through the cracks of Technorati, Google Blog Search, and Sitemeter. Please drop me a note in the comments and I will update with your link.

Full Metal Jacket Reach Around L

It is time once again to round up all the bloggers gracious enough to link to me this week.

The Other McCain links to Scarlett Johasson and my All Time Favorites list.

Classic Liberal links to Scarlett Johasson, and Lindsay Lohan's March to Irrelevance,

TARDIS Scanner links to my review of Doctor Who's "The Hungry Earth."

News Online added the Eye to his blogroll.

Camp of the saints links to my All Time Favorites list.

MeNn links to Will Folks v. Nikki Haley.

Yokawater links to my review of Star Trek: Generations.

No Sheeples Here! adds me to her Something 4 Mutton.

Daydream Believer likes my Deep Space Nine reviews.

Mind Numbed Robot shows the Robolove.

A sincere thank you to all who linked. If you linked to me in the last week, but I do not have you here, you unfortunately fell through the cracks of Technorati, Google Blog Search, and Sitemeter. Please drop me a note in the comments and I will update with your link.

Thirty Days of Lost # 6--Favorite Scene

I have always liked the phone call scene in "The Constant" when Desmond and Penny reconnect. None of the YouTube clips are embeddable, but here is a link.

Thirty Days of Lost # 6--Favorite Scene

I have always liked the phone call scene in "The Constant" when Desmond and Penny reconnect. None of the YouTube clips are embeddable, but here is a link.

Deep Space Nine--"Ferengi Love Songs"

“Ferengi Love Songs” is another sitcom-style effort in Trek, but it is saved from being terribly embarrassing by featuring Quark’s family.

Quark is depressed about his lowly lot I life thanks to losing his business license, so he goes home to see his mother. He discovers she has not only been carrying on an affair with the Grand Nagus, but she has been supplying him with better financial advice than he could ever muster on his own. Quark’s archenemy, brut, discovers the affair and offers quark a new business license if he breaks them up. Quark does. Asa result, the economy is ruined as well the his mother’s heart is broken.

Feeling guilty, Quark admits what he has done and fixes it all. Things return to normal with Quark’s mother secretly managing the Ferengi economy.

I the B-story, Rom and Leeta decide to get married. I do not even want to think about it or blood will spurt out of my nose.

“Ferengi Love Songs” is frivolous fun unlike most anything else done in Trek. A nice change of pace, but only if one is partial to the tone of Ferengi-centric stories.

Rating: *** (out of 5)

Deep Space Nine--"Ferengi Love Songs"

“Ferengi Love Songs” is another sitcom-style effort in Trek, but it is saved from being terribly embarrassing by featuring Quark’s family.

Quark is depressed about his lowly lot I life thanks to losing his business license, so he goes home to see his mother. He discovers she has not only been carrying on an affair with the Grand Nagus, but she has been supplying him with better financial advice than he could ever muster on his own. Quark’s archenemy, brut, discovers the affair and offers quark a new business license if he breaks them up. Quark does. Asa result, the economy is ruined as well the his mother’s heart is broken.

Feeling guilty, Quark admits what he has done and fixes it all. Things return to normal with Quark’s mother secretly managing the Ferengi economy.

I the B-story, Rom and Leeta decide to get married. I do not even want to think about it or blood will spurt out of my nose.

“Ferengi Love Songs” is frivolous fun unlike most anything else done in Trek. A nice change of pace, but only if one is partial to the tone of Ferengi-centric stories.

Rating: *** (out of 5)

All Time Favorites # 3--Kristen Bell

The number three ranked Kristen Bell corresponds with this week's The Other McCain's Rule 5 Sunday. With her philosophy of "nerdy is the new cool" and cute looks, I can forgive her for beig a PETA activist who avidly campaigned for Barack Obama.

All Time Favorites # 3--Kristen Bell

The number three ranked Kristen Bell corresponds with this week's The Other McCain's Rule 5 Sunday. With her philosophy of "nerdy is the new cool" and cute looks, I can forgive her for beig a PETA activist who avidly campaigned for Barack Obama.

The Obama Disconnect

Barack Obama spent three hours touring the oil spill, but routinely spends five hours on the golf course.

(Via: Drudge Report via: American Digest)

The Obama Disconnect

Barack Obama spent three hours touring the oil spill, but routinely spends five hours on the golf course.

(Via: Drudge Report via: American Digest)

Gary Coleman (1968-2010)

Gary Coleman has passed away in a Provo, Utah hospital after a fall caused a severe ntercranial hemorrhage.

I am like everyone else my age. I watched Diff’rent Strokes, The Kid with the Broken Halo, and The Kid with the 200 IQ, and pretty much any other television movie or sitcom that called for a precious kid. Just to show I had poor taste in television growing up, I even remember Coleman as “The Cosmic Whiz Kid” in an episode of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.

Coleman had a pretty rough life. He was born with kidney disease which required frequent dialysis and eventually two transplants. He was cheated out of and had to sue his parents for millions in royalties from his acting career, which for over a decade now has consisted of mocking himself. Now is not the time to elaborate o his personal legal troubles in recent years.

He came in eighth place in the 2003 California recall election for governor when he was not even running. There is an accomplishment, no?

Something tells me his death is going to become a laugh line for comedians over the next few days, so I will lay off. I will give him credit for providing quite a bit of entertainment for me over the years.

Godspeed, Mr. Coleman.

Gary Coleman (1968-2010)

Gary Coleman has passed away in a Provo, Utah hospital after a fall caused a severe ntercranial hemorrhage.

I am like everyone else my age. I watched Diff’rent Strokes, The Kid with the Broken Halo, and The Kid with the 200 IQ, and pretty much any other television movie or sitcom that called for a precious kid. Just to show I had poor taste in television growing up, I even remember Coleman as “The Cosmic Whiz Kid” in an episode of Buck Rogers in the 25th Century.

Coleman had a pretty rough life. He was born with kidney disease which required frequent dialysis and eventually two transplants. He was cheated out of and had to sue his parents for millions in royalties from his acting career, which for over a decade now has consisted of mocking himself. Now is not the time to elaborate o his personal legal troubles in recent years.

He came in eighth place in the 2003 California recall election for governor when he was not even running. There is an accomplishment, no?

Something tells me his death is going to become a laugh line for comedians over the next few days, so I will lay off. I will give him credit for providing quite a bit of entertainment for me over the years.

Godspeed, Mr. Coleman.

White House Used Bill Clinton to Urge Joe Sestak to End Senate Race

I am as certain the White House statement on the matter is carefully worded to coverall important rear ends as I am nothing will come out of it even if it was not.

This sounds like the Chicago Way migrating to DC. Probably without any problems, considering ObamaCare was passed with the same underhanded tactics.

Barack Obama has just used Clinton as a buffer to keep his hands clean. Such is even better than claiming some low level staffer offered Sestak a job without knowing it was an ethical violation to do so. Plus, Obama gets back at Clinton for dismissing his primary win in South Carolina as appealing solely to blacks. You cannot tell me that is not the cherry on top the pass the blame sundae.

White House Used Bill Clinton to Urge Joe Sestak to End Senate Race

I am as certain the White House statement on the matter is carefully worded to coverall important rear ends as I am nothing will come out of it even if it was not.

This sounds like the Chicago Way migrating to DC. Probably without any problems, considering ObamaCare was passed with the same underhanded tactics.

Barack Obama has just used Clinton as a buffer to keep his hands clean. Such is even better than claiming some low level staffer offered Sestak a job without knowing it was an ethical violation to do so. Plus, Obama gets back at Clinton for dismissing his primary win in South Carolina as appealing solely to blacks. You cannot tell me that is not the cherry on top the pass the blame sundae.

SEX AND THE CITY 2 SUCKS

I've done my best not to bash Sex and the City 2 because I really just don't care.  I don't like the show but accepted long ago that that most chicks think it's the greatest of all time.  This is picture I've compiled and AWESOME REVIEW (by a woman) are just too funny to not pass on.  I would like any and all of my friends to admit that the new movie sucks and not just pretend you liked it because you had hyped it up so much for the past 2 years and feel dumb wasting all that time/effort.



Yep, Sex and the City 2 was worse than Judge Dredd, and this video has most of Judge Dredd's best parts.

Thirty Days of Lost # 5--Favorite Season

My favorite season is the third. The powers that be tried an experiment of running six episodes in the fall and then the remaining sixteen uninterrupted in the spring as a way of avoiding the frequent repeats that had plagued the first two. I thought the fall miniseries in which Jack was forced to perform surgery on Ben while Kate and Sawyer built the runway that would eventually be used by Ajira 316 was largely a diverting mess, the rest of the season well redeemed itself.

The highlight of the season is the journey of three characters: Locke, Juliet, and Desmond. Locke and Juliet go in polar opposite directions as he shifts from the Lostaways to the Others as her bond with Jack allows her to break free of Ben’s control. Desmond becomes a pivotal character as not only does his new abilities time shifting abilities thanks to his exposure to electromagnetism emerge, but so does the most mature romance on the show between penny and him.


I have already listed the season finale as my absolute favorite episode with the death of Charlie and the introduction of theflashforwards, but there are many highlights. Juliet’s back story in “Not in Portland,“ Desmond’s first time travel adventure in “Flashes Before Your Eyes,“ and the story of Locke’s paralyzing injury in “The Man from Tallahassee” among them. I am one of the few fans who does not despise the very existence of Nikki and Paulo, too.

The third season was masterful overall.

Thirty Days of Lost # 5--Favorite Season

My favorite season is the third. The powers that be tried an experiment of running six episodes in the fall and then the remaining sixteen uninterrupted in the spring as a way of avoiding the frequent repeats that had plagued the first two. I thought the fall miniseries in which Jack was forced to perform surgery on Ben while Kate and Sawyer built the runway that would eventually be used by Ajira 316 was largely a diverting mess, the rest of the season well redeemed itself.

The highlight of the season is the journey of three characters: Locke, Juliet, and Desmond. Locke and Juliet go in polar opposite directions as he shifts from the Lostaways to the Others as her bond with Jack allows her to break free of Ben’s control. Desmond becomes a pivotal character as not only does his new abilities time shifting abilities thanks to his exposure to electromagnetism emerge, but so does the most mature romance on the show between penny and him.


I have already listed the season finale as my absolute favorite episode with the death of Charlie and the introduction of theflashforwards, but there are many highlights. Juliet’s back story in “Not in Portland,“ Desmond’s first time travel adventure in “Flashes Before Your Eyes,“ and the story of Locke’s paralyzing injury in “The Man from Tallahassee” among them. I am one of the few fans who does not despise the very existence of Nikki and Paulo, too.

The third season was masterful overall.

Deep Space Nine--"Ties of Blood and Water"

“Ties of Blood and Water” is a sequel to the third season episode ‘Second Skin” in which Kira was genetically altered to become the long lost daughter of a prominent, Ghamor, in order to expose him as a member of the dissident movement. He and Kira bonded in the ordeal. Since then, they have served as surrogate family for one another.

In this episode, Kira brings him to DS9 in order to gather intelligence on the dissident movement since the Dominion takeover. Ghamor is dying, so he quickly has to impart all that he knows to Kira. As he does, Dukat and Weyoun arrive on DS9 to demand his extradition.

The story continues Dukat’s slide towards villainy after a long stretch of shades of grey in his morality. He and Kira have gone back to a personal animosity in which Dukat gets a perverse pleasure--words chosen deliberately, considering his physical attraction for her-- in tormenting her. Attempting to separate her from her surrogate father here is one of the most brutal.

He nearly succeeds by exposing Ghamor’s involvement in a monastery massacre during the occupation. Kira as appalled. She thought Ghamor was different than other Cardassians. Dax convinces her that no matter what he has done, he does not deserve to die aloe. Kira thinks back to how her father died alone because she was off on a terrorist raid and decides she cannot let Ghamor die without ’family’ present.

I suppose it is a sweet sentiment, but given the parallels between the nazis and Jews so often alluded to in the Cardassian/Bajoran relationship, I cannot help but think kira’s decision is like a Holocaust survivor befriended the Nazis who violently put down the Warsaw Ghetto uprising. Sometimes forgiveness seems like a betrayal to those who have been wronged. Perhaps that feeling is a moral failing, but I have doubts.

Ghamor dies. Kira buries him o Bajor next to her father to keep Dukat from gaining any political advantage from bringing the body back to Cardassia. Again, that is awkward. Kira’s father died because of his imprisonment by Cardassians. He is probably rolling over in his grave in consideration of his new neighbor.

Weyoun makes a return appearance. The writers decided the Vorta clone themselves as a means of bringing back Jeffrey Combs to play the role. We have to overlook the fact that multiple cloning degrades each additional copy, but I am willing to do so since Weyound is such a amusing character.

“Ties of Blood and Water’ is not a bad episode. I can appreciate what the writers were trying to do with it, but I find the continued relationship between Kira and Ghamor, considering his atrocity, too disturbing to appreciate the message that anyone can be forgiven. Like I said above, maybe it isa personal failure, but I think the concept was a misfire.

Rating: *** (out of 5)

Deep Space Nine--"Ties of Blood and Water"

“Ties of Blood and Water” is a sequel to the third season episode ‘Second Skin” in which Kira was genetically altered to become the long lost daughter of a prominent, Ghamor, in order to expose him as a member of the dissident movement. He and Kira bonded in the ordeal. Since then, they have served as surrogate family for one another.

In this episode, Kira brings him to DS9 in order to gather intelligence on the dissident movement since the Dominion takeover. Ghamor is dying, so he quickly has to impart all that he knows to Kira. As he does, Dukat and Weyoun arrive on DS9 to demand his extradition.

The story continues Dukat’s slide towards villainy after a long stretch of shades of grey in his morality. He and Kira have gone back to a personal animosity in which Dukat gets a perverse pleasure--words chosen deliberately, considering his physical attraction for her-- in tormenting her. Attempting to separate her from her surrogate father here is one of the most brutal.

He nearly succeeds by exposing Ghamor’s involvement in a monastery massacre during the occupation. Kira as appalled. She thought Ghamor was different than other Cardassians. Dax convinces her that no matter what he has done, he does not deserve to die aloe. Kira thinks back to how her father died alone because she was off on a terrorist raid and decides she cannot let Ghamor die without ’family’ present.

I suppose it is a sweet sentiment, but given the parallels between the nazis and Jews so often alluded to in the Cardassian/Bajoran relationship, I cannot help but think kira’s decision is like a Holocaust survivor befriended the Nazis who violently put down the Warsaw Ghetto uprising. Sometimes forgiveness seems like a betrayal to those who have been wronged. Perhaps that feeling is a moral failing, but I have doubts.

Ghamor dies. Kira buries him o Bajor next to her father to keep Dukat from gaining any political advantage from bringing the body back to Cardassia. Again, that is awkward. Kira’s father died because of his imprisonment by Cardassians. He is probably rolling over in his grave in consideration of his new neighbor.

Weyoun makes a return appearance. The writers decided the Vorta clone themselves as a means of bringing back Jeffrey Combs to play the role. We have to overlook the fact that multiple cloning degrades each additional copy, but I am willing to do so since Weyound is such a amusing character.

“Ties of Blood and Water’ is not a bad episode. I can appreciate what the writers were trying to do with it, but I find the continued relationship between Kira and Ghamor, considering his atrocity, too disturbing to appreciate the message that anyone can be forgiven. Like I said above, maybe it isa personal failure, but I think the concept was a misfire.

Rating: *** (out of 5)

All Time Favorites # 4--Jessica Simpson

I am going to let my shallow side run on a long leash here. Jessica Simpson is a baby doll. that is about it. she cannot sing. She cannot act. I often wonder how she uses a fork without hurting herself. She may have even cursed the Dallas Cowboys by making Tony Romo weak in the knees. But she is hot. down south, we tend to like them that way--hot and dumb.She did a passably acceptable cover of Berlin's "Take My Breath Away" a few years ago.

All Time Favorites # 4--Jessica Simpson

I am going to let my shallow side run on a long leash here. Jessica Simpson is a baby doll. that is about it. she cannot sing. She cannot act. I often wonder how she uses a fork without hurting herself. She may have even cursed the Dallas Cowboys by making Tony Romo weak in the knees. But she is hot. down south, we tend to like them that way--hot and dumb.She did a passably acceptable cover of Berlin's "Take My Breath Away" a few years ago.

Lee DeWyze Wins American Idol

Since I have mentioned the American Idol competition off and on over the last few weeks, should note Lee DeWyze pulled off what is being called an upset win even though he had received every boost imaginable short of the producers hiring armies of college students to text vote for him. I would not put that passed them, either.

I have been comparing DeWyze to Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi, but after watching his inspired pairing with Joe Cocker, their comparison is more apt. But if the notion DeWyze was favored because he is more commercial than hippie chick Crystal Bowersox, one has to ask exactly how viable is Cocker these days? The last song I recall from him was “When the Night Comes.” That was…when? 1988? He is on the verge of becoming a cheap touring act trying to relive forty year old glory like Paul McCartney.

I suppose that is why many fans have been down on this season’s contestants and why the judges kept harping on them to be more contemporary. Even the top two finalists do not fit well into today’s music scene.

Last night’s show was the lowest rated finale yet even though it had the bonus of serving as Simon Cowell’s swan song. Maybe they should not have kept Bret Michaels’ performance a secret. He has been on a tear lately. Perhaps he should have more medical emergencies in the future. It has done wonders for his career. Speaking of, he should be given serious consideration for replacing Cowell.

I imagine American Idol’s ratings are going to continue to erode without Cowell. If nothing else, his American version of X-Factor starting in the fall of 2011 is going to mean a singing competition on FOX all season log. That does not count NBC’s America’s Got Talent. Look for mediocre talent spread really thin over the next few years.