http://blogcritics.org/ A sinister cabal of superior bloggers on music, books, film, popular culture, politics, and technology - updated continuously. en Copyright 2005-2007 by the authors Mon, 9 May 2005 19:28:21 EDT http://backend.userland.com/rss Blogcritics.org custom software http://blogcritics.org/ Phillip WinnSunday, August 26, 2007, marks the switch of all Blogcritics.org article feeds from full-content to short-content. This is the result of several converging factors, and is unfortunately a permanent decision (as permanent as any decision can be on the web, that is). We are aware of all of the reasons that this is a Bad Idea, and we are aware that some of you will be quite upset about having to click on something to read the free content, and we're sorry. Unfortunately, despite great effort, full-content feeds are not currently economically viable. 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Administration0@blogcritics.org Sun, 26 Aug 2007 12:00:00 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/05/09/192821.php ZMethosWhat do Jonathan Demme, Patti Smith and Lenny Kaye, Deborah Harry of Blondie, Juliette Lewis, Cyndi Lauper, Tommy Ramone, Charlotte Lesher (mother of the late Joey Ramone), Arturo Vega (artistic director for the Ramones), Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth of Talking Heads, Richard Lloyd of Television, Little Steven, Legs McNeill, Richard Hell, Fab 5 Freddy, Seymour Stein of Sire Records, Cheetah Chrome of the Dead Boys, Bob Gruen, the Bullys, Richard H.D. Manitoba, Dennis McNamara, Daniel Wolff, John Holstrom of Punk Magazine, John Foxworthy of Garage Radio, cultural sociologist Dr. Donna Gaines, Rockefeller University Professor Dr. Sanford Simon, an entrepreneur and survivor of spina bifida, and a teacher in Honolulu all have in common? They are supporting efforts currently underway to help CBGB & OMFUG stay on the Bowery (the club currently faces a rent dispute and lease expiration on August 31, 2005), and are backing a campaign to preserve the club's legacy with an official New York City landmark designation for 313-315 Bowery. CBGB's is already featured as a New York icon and destination location in ads by NYC2012, Continental Airlines, and real estate developments such as Avalon Chrystie Place; club t-shirts have been worn by television stars on shows such as ER and Gilmore Girls. "CBGB is a treasure of New York culture," says Tommy Ramone, "It was the original magnet that drew people from every corner of America to come to New York and participate in its rebirth." In a statement to Project Save CBGB, Seymour Stein of Sire Records says, "At all costs, CBGB's must be preserved. It is more than a landmark. CBGB is an international treasure!" CBGB's, launching bands since 1973, receives on average about 1,500 visitors a week who do not necessarily attend its shows but who just want to step inside and take a look. "With daily visitors from Japan, Argentina, Norway, to New Zealand among other countries, CBGB functions as an historic destination in New York as much as does the Dakota Building," says Athena of Project Save CBGB. Widely acknowledged by music critics as the birthplace of the Punk and Underground Rock movement, CBGB's is also credited with launching the careers of some of the most important artists in musical history --- including The Ramones, Talking Heads, Patti Smith Group, Television, and Blondie. More recently, CBGB's has become a shrine to punk's departed music heroes---the club resides adjacent to the street corner designated by the City of New York as Joey Ramone Place. "Project Save CBGB" organized with the intention to keep CBGB's on the Bowery, and to preserve it for future generations.Official Save CBGB Site CBGB Homepage Press release courtesy of Athena. Music29237@blogcritics.org Mon, 9 May 2005 19:28:21 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/04/19/223719.php ZMethosAn initial impression of Rob Thomas' solo outing is that it's a mixed bag, although one might suspect that (as with the second and third matchbox twenty albums) . . . Something to Be may be one of those albums that grows on you the more you listen to it.Thomas is best known as the lead singer of the hit band matchbox twenty--a polarizing band that people seem either to love or to hate, and it seems likely that Thomas' solo album will have a similar reception. Thomas already has one hit single from the album, the pulsating "Lonely No More," and there are at least two other hardy songs on the album: "This Is How A Heart Breaks" and "Streetcorner Symphony" are both immediately likeable in the same upbeat fashion as "Lonely No More."On the flip side, . . . Something to Be sports a number of snoozers, songs that encourages listeners to drift off to sleep. "All That I Am" is a Sting-ish lullabye type number that features some exotic instruments such as a shofar and a duduk; "My, My, My" is also slow, and the album ends with the touching but extremely slow "Now Comes the Night."Somewhere in the middle of this are songs like "I Am an Illusion," which is uneven and strange--although that may be the point. "When the Heartache Ends" is likeable, although for some reason it is vaguely reminiscent of "After the Thrill is Gone" by the Eagles.The title track isn't bad, nor is "Fallin' to Pieces," which may put some listeners off initially, but one can begin to dig it somewhere in the middle. Unfortunately this is not true of "Problem Girl," in which Thomas has some strange pronunciation when singing "you're no problem at all" that can become distracting.Finally, "Ever the Same," which I reviewed after hearing an acoustic version performed last August. While I like the mixing on the . . . Something to Be recording, it seems at odds with the sentiment of the song, which would be better conveyed by a simpler arrangement. But maybe it only seems that way to me, having heard it acoustically first.. . . Something to Be is a DualDisc, which means that it is a CD on one side and a DVD on the other. The DVD side includes a short documentary--mainly snippets of Thomas working in the studio with producer Matt Serletic, as well as his collaboration with John Mayer on "Streetcorner Symphony," and some behind-the-scenes at a photo shoot. Cutest moment: Thomas playing with his dog Tyler. The DVD also includes a photo gallery, lyrics (although these are printed in the liner notes), and the option to play the CD from the DVD side--which means if you have a good home theatre system you can hear the album in 5.1 Dolby Digital.Bottom line: Thomas has mixed it up a bit here and has begun to develop a slightly different sound for himself. But there's still enough familiar material for devoted matchbox twenty fans to follow him on this solo excursion without suffering too much culture shock. Although, at moments, they may find themselves feeling nostalgic for the band. Music28395@blogcritics.org Tue, 19 Apr 2005 22:37:19 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/04/03/170404.php ZMethosHaving been to Venice myself, I was able to appreciate Kanon's novel Alibi, in which the city acts as a both a backdrop and a character.Set in 1946, immediately after World War II, Alibi is the story of American soldier Adam Miller, whose widowed mother has relocated herself to Venice in an attempt to relive her golden years. Adam follows her there once his tour of duty is ended and falls in love with a Jewish woman named Claudia, who opens his eyes to a very different view of Venice than that populated by his mother--its darker side, its hidden corners where evil and fear lurk. Alibi is a beautifully written novel, both a love story and a murder mystery thriller that is seamlessly married by Kanon's perfect prose. He turns a lovely phrase without being overblown or high-handed, and Alibi is a joy to read.While having an understanding of Venice was helpful to me in reading and enjoying the novel, Kanon does a fine job of giving even an uninitiated reader a vivid picture of the city, far beyond what any travel guide could offer. Maps of the city printed on the book's endpapers are also a nice reference point.Anyone who has enjoyed Daniel Hecht's Cree Black novels would probably also enjoy Alibi. While this book does not offer the supernatural subtext of Hecht's series, Kanon's novel strikes a similar tone: dark and intriguing, pulling the reader in and not letting go until it's finished. Books27705@blogcritics.org Sun, 3 Apr 2005 17:04:04 EDT http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/03/21/224645.php ZMethosTonight Rob Thomas' video for his hit single "Lonely No More" debuted on VH1. I can only describe it as "the Rubik's Cube video." The conceit is that Rob is in a room that keeps changing. It's modular - things flip and twist around to become something else. Sometimes Rob is alone in a drab, monochromatic hotel-like space, and then things begin changing and he's in a rocking, brightly colored clubesque place that's teeming with people grinding to the music. Yet he's oddly untouched by it all. He's busy mugging at the camera in a way that becomes vaguely uncomfortable for the viewer. Well, for me anyway. I'm sure the teenaged girls were shrieking in delight.The video is fun and upbeat, if a little bit boring because even as everything changes, nothing really develops. There's no story here. It's nice to look at, but as the song lyric says, "Can you show me something else?"It's a good song and a good video. But both are going to become tiresome if they're played to death."Lonely No More" is the first single from Rob Thomas' upcoming solo album . . . Something To Be, due in stores on April 19. Thomas is best known as the vocalist for the band matchbox twenty, and for collaborating with Carlos Santana on the hit single "Smooth," for which Thomas also did the vocals.Thomas will begin a short tour of club venues across the U.S. in April to promote his album. Check his site for details. Music27078@blogcritics.org Mon, 21 Mar 2005 22:46:45 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/03/15/173600.php ZMethosRob Thomas will be making a handful of stops at clubs in major cities this April to promote his new album . . .Something To Be, which hits store shelves on April 19. The dates:04/15/05 San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore 04/16/05 Ventura, CA - Ventura Theater 04/19/05 Los Angeles, CA - Avalon 04/20/05 Las Vegas, NV - The Joint 04/22/05 St. Louis, MO - The Orpheum 04/23/05 Columbus, OH - Promowest Pavilion 04/24/05 Chicago, IL - The VIC 04/26/05 Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory 04/27/05 New York, NY - Irving Plaza 04/29/05 Boston, MA - Avalon Ballroom 04/30/05 Washington, D.C. - 9:30 Club Music26775@blogcritics.org Tue, 15 Mar 2005 17:36:00 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/03/14/175220.php ZMethosRobert Joseph Ahola's book The Return of the Hummingbird Wizard is a meditation that disguises itself as a novel--though not very convincingly. In fact, it almost reads like a memoir. For which Ahola could be praised, in that his main character Jonathan Vieren is so complete and complex that he seems to be real. Like Athena, Vieren may have sprung from Ahola's brow fully formed.The story in a nutshell is that Jonathan Vieren is a low-on-the-totem-pole screenwriter in Hollywood whose biggest quirk is a "connection" with animals that he inherited from his father. Vieren begins "conversing" with a hummingbird that appears in his backyard, and he dubs the bird "The Hummingbird Wizard." He believes the bird is a spiritual creature (think "angel" in the form of a bird) that has come to teach him life lessons. The stakes are upped when Vieren learns he has cancer, and again on September 11, 2001.In all this, the most interesting parts of the book come when Vieren is interacting not with the bird, but with other Hollywooders. The characters Vieren works with--the characters Ahola describes--are perhaps not as completely fleshed out as Vieren himself, but they are entertaining. Vieren is perhaps almost too human to be completely compelling on his own, even if he does talk to birds.The points at which Vieren does talk to The Hummingbird Wizard are overwritten and somewhat preachy. They are mostly too long, too stream-of-conscious. As a reader, I felt like I was slogging through the passages, almost as if I were reading to participate in a Bible Study discussion. Occasional inconsistencies with spelling or use of a person's name, along with some punctuation problems, also detract from the book.The Return of the Hummingbird Wizard isn't a total loss, but it does require a lot of work. One needs to be in the mood to sift through the prose for the nuggets of gold embedded therein. It is not the most relaxing read. Books26731@blogcritics.org Mon, 14 Mar 2005 17:52:20 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/03/07/224130.php ZMethosThe evening started with Simon Cowell being a bit contentious regarding some ex-Idol contestants who had challenged the system by suggesting they were eliminated because they had not received as much air time and attention as some of their rivals. Simon was only just getting up a head of steam before he was cut off so that the eight remaining male vocalists could begin with--Scott Savol, a Taurus (as tonight's mini-interviews focused on each singer's star sign), was looking pretty natty this week in slacks and a jacket dressed a bit down with a less dressy shirt. Maybe he's finally found his look, and with it some additional confidence; his sound during his take of "I Can't Help Myself" was stronger than ever. I think it'd be an honest shame to lose him at this point in the competition, and Randy and Paula seemed to agree, although Simon was less enthusiastic about Scott's choreography.Meanwhile, it turns out Bo Bice is a Scorpio. He took on Edwin McCain's "I'll Be," a markedly different kind of song from his earlier choices. Bo gets points for trying to branch out, but he was a little bit weaker this week. I don't think it'll slow down his momentum any, though, and I expect him to stick around for the final 12.Anthony Fedorov is one singer who upgraded tonight. He moved away from the 80's ballads he'd been singing the past couple weeks and went Latin. Perhaps Anthony is working to break out of the "Clay Jr." image that has been foisted upon him--although it didn't stop Simon from drawing the comparison once again. No matter; Anthony was more solid tonight than he has been in a while. (Oh, and he's a Taurus.)While all three judges seemed pleased with [Taurus] Nikko Smith's rendition of "Georgia On My Mind," he lacked the richness and fullness of tone usually associated with that song. Nikko was wobbly until the very end of the number, but that may not matter in the long run, since (as Simon pointed out) it's that last big note that people are going to remember. Still, I find it hard to see Nikko as a winner in this competition, even if he does make it a few more rounds.Travis Tucker (an Aries) came onstage dressed like a newsie, and his weird dancing didn't help to reduce the sensation. While it was clear he was having fun, his singing of Bobby Brown's "Every Little Step" was off-kilter. Randy gave Travis props for the stage performance, but a thumbs down on the pitch, and Simon called the whole thing "appalling," saying it looked like something from a theme park show. I have to agree, and I think Travis' time may finally be up.I think Gemini Mario Vazquez is mostly relying on what appears to be a solid fan base, as well as what Simon calls his "charm" to get by in this competition. While the past few weeks he's done upbeat, almost spastic, numbers, tonight Mario opted for something a little slower. He did all right, although I prefer the faster songs. Points for finally appearing without a hat.Although judges Randy and Paula were pleased with Constantine Maroulis' take on The Police's "Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic," I have to go with Simon tonight (much as it pains me, because I really like Constantine, who is a Virgo)--it wasn't very good. I'm guessing the sound in the studio must be very different from the sound that is broadcast, even with our high-end home theatre system. What I don't agree with Simon about is that Simon called Constantine's performance a "bad impersonation of Sting." It was nothing like Sting. It was some pseudo-rocked up version of the song that didn't work.Anwar Robinson, on the other hand, was one of the best singers of the night. This Taurus sang "What a Wonderful World," and the arrangement was particularly fine. While Anwar started out just a little shaky, he caught up to the music quickly and came through with a fantastic middle and finish.It's hard to say who will be dismissed on Wednesday. I do think Travis Tucker will finally be given his walking papers, and possibly Nikko Smith. I would say Constantine--just based on tonight's performances--but I think he's got enough fans to pull him through for another week. Video26415@blogcritics.org Mon, 7 Mar 2005 22:41:30 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/02/28/224325.php ZMethosThe guys punched up their game this week, making the final outcome much tougher to call. Overall, song choice was better, vocals were stronger, and the performances were all-around more powerful.The evening began with Mario Vazquez, who continued to showcase an extensive wardrobe of hats. While his song was upbeat and a crowd-pleaser, the lyrics lacked depth, and I just can't shake the sense that Mario is all show. He's a good enough singer, but he needs to display a bit more range.Music teacher Anwar Robinson opted for Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On." His vocals were as smooth as ever, and he exhibited good control of the song. He's been a consistently good performer, and tonight was no exception.I got distracted by Joseph Murena's mismatched outfit, which consisted of a striped suit coat, a white button-down shirt, and jeans. While I've seen blazers work with jeans, this one didn't for some reason. He also sang "Let's Stay Together," which wasn't the strongest choice. While he was decidedly better than last week, Simon compared Joseph's performance to something one might hear in a Portugese nightclub circa 1974.David Brown's number started out muted; he didn't hit his stride until about halfway through the song. I liked David a lot when we first saw him audition in New Orleans, but he hasn't been living up to the early promise he showed. All of the judges said something similar tonight - David can do much better, if he gets the chance.Rocker Constantine Maroulis continues to be a crowd favorite, and his take on "Hard to Handle" gave credit to his personal style. Constantine isn't afraid to work it - all of it: the microphone, the stage, the camera, and the crowd. While his voice might not be the best of all the guys, Constantine is clearly a showman, and his fans do love him.The talent versus appearance debate continues to rage around Scott Savol, who has an uncannily rich voice. Each week is less of a question of whether he'll sing well- - he always does (and did again tonight) - as whether he'll finally have found the "look" that'll work for him. Tonight he was closer, sporting slightly tinted specs that gave him a bit more edge, but not quite there yet.Travis Tucker also had an improved look tonight, and an improved sound to boot, although his cover of Lionel Richie's "All Night Long" was still a bit feeble. It seems to me that Travis was trying to mask his weaker sound with an upbeat and energetic song, coupled with some (slightly bizarre) dance moves.And speaking of looking good - Nikko Smith was looking slick in black. He sang another Marvin Gaye song, "Let's Get It On," and while the backup vocals did the heavy lifting during the chorus, Nikko had a strong sound in every other part of the song.Meanwhile, although Anthony Fedorov is repeatedly billed as "the next Clay Aiken," he really needs to steer himself away from those 80s ballads. Last week he did Richard Marx; this week it was Foreigner's "I Want to Know What Love Is." Anthony doesn't seem to have traveled much beyond last week as far as quality, and with so many of the other contestants getting better as they go, they may soon pass him up. Then again, if the girls who love(d) Clay take a shine to Anthony as well, Anthony's fortune cookies may be on the mark after all.Bo Bice is quickly becoming my favorite of the male contestants. Last week he was stellar doing "Drift Away" and tonight he was even better as he sang "Whipping Post." Bo seems to have a Southern rock streak in him, and it works for him: his voice, his look, he's got it all working for him. Like Constantine, Bo is comfortable on the stage and with the crowd. He's a little less show, but he's got the better voice. I'm not sure that he fits the American Idol mold, but I'd sure like to see him break it.So who's going to go?We're down to bare inches separating some of these guys, and anything could happen. The bottom two in my book are probably Joseph Murena and David Brown. I'd say Anthony Fedorov, but I think he's got more fans to sustain him. In any case, I think Joseph and David are good - but they're being passed up by the other contestants, and in this competition there's just not time to fall behind. Video26142@blogcritics.org Mon, 28 Feb 2005 22:43:25 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/02/28/003815.php ZMethosAs transcribed from my notes as I watched:We started out watching E! at 7:00: 7:02: Star Jones Reynolds is talking to Laura Linney. I don't like Laura Linney. She reminds me of Helen Hunt, who I don't like either. They're sort of the same person in my mind. And tonight Laura's hair is slicked back in a weird way that makes her look like she just got out of a swimming pool.7:05: Now Star is talking to Leo D. In college, people used to tell me that I looked like him. They'd call us "twins." Fraternal, of course. This idea was backed up by a sketch a street artist did of me in Rome. Sure enough, I looked liked a female Leonard DiCaprio.7:11: Hillary Swank has an ugly dress on. I mean, she has a good figure, but what's up with that neckline? It looks like she's in danger of choking.7:25: Drew Barrymore looks like a prostitute with all that makeup on. She says something about "getting rid of what doesn't work." What, like Tom Green? My husband Scott says she's probably on drugs again.7:27: A crowd sweep allows me to spot Morgan Freeman.Me: What the hell is Morgan Freeman wearing around his neck?Scott: A noose?7:28:When did Spike Lee become a Shriner?7:30: A better look at Morgan Freeman makes me think he's wearing a scarf.7:33: Kathy Griffin's cell phone schtick isn't any kind of funny. It's the kind of thing my friends and I did when we were nine. Christ.7:36: Renee Zellweger is drunk already! Again!7:41: If Star uses "Glamazon" one more time. . . I don't know what. But she sucks.7:53: Is Penelope Cruz getting uglier?7:54: I change the channel to ABC, just to get away from Star and Kathy.7:59: Am I supposed to know who this Wynn guy is? Or care about his hotel?8:00: Bad graphics time.Alan Alda has very yellow teeth.Montage time as well.Oh no! Billy Bush!!!8:06: Renee is definitely drunk. She refuses to tell Billy Bush which movies she likes.8:14: I'd pay to see Leo and Orlando in a movie together. Preferably fighting. Or making out.Someone is starving Kirsten Dunst. . . Kirsten and Christian? Their parents suck.8:15: Cate=best cheekbones in Hollywood. And she's looking great in a buttercup-colored gown.8:21: What is this stupid ad of all these women talking about movie stars? An Oil of Olay ad?! Am I really supposed to believe ... God, and it's still going?!8:26: Apparently the most beloved Oscar speech of all time is Tom Hanks accepting for Philadelphia. Funny, because I don't remember that speech at all.8:30: Showtime.Another montage, to remind us why we like movies. . . Because we were starting to wonder. Is that Dustin narrating?Cool stage, btw. Love the screens.8:34: Chris Rock emerges to wild applause. And an ovation. And he's funny off the bat. Hooray!8:43: Yes, let's give a round of applause for the troops ... While we sit here in our expensive clothes and jewels.8:44: Art Direction pageant time. While the Aviator people take the statue, the others do the walk of shame off the stage.8:49: Hooray for Morgan Freeman! No need for a noose now!8:51: Random Star Trek: The Next Generation music.The Spartakus Pepsi ad is pretty damn clever.8:54: Apparently Micky D's wants to advertise that it turns people against one another.8:55: Robin Williams comes out to make fun of old people. And do voices.8:58: Yay for Brad Bird, who beats out the ogre!9:07: The gas station MasterCard ad is also good.9:08: Andie MacDowell, however: not worth it.And horses should not be mean to one another.9:10: Who was that running off the stage as the broadcast feed came back?9:11: Chris Rock interviews "people of color" about their favorite movies of the year. Pretty telling. And very funny.9:13: Scarlett Johansson appears in a random balcony box to introduce the Sci/Tech awards. That apparently went to some European people. Oh, and an Asian.9:15: Pierce Brosnan gets the 007 music, even though he's no longer Bond. And he gets upstaged by an animated co-host.9:41: Adam Sandler and Chris Rock do a cute bit in which Rock is supposed to be reading lines written for Catherine Zeta-Jones [Douglas].9:49: Al Pacino rambles about Sidney Lumet before presenting him with an Honorary Oscar. I think Al's starting to be senile. Why else would he have done Simone?10:04: A million monkeys playing a million pianos would eventually come up with an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical.10:09: "Comedy superstar" Jeremy Irons is pleased to finally be noticed for his wry humor.10:16: Robert Richardson gives everyone a non-verbal "up yours" by not thanking a single entertainment person. But he does dedicate his award to his sick mother.10:18: Robin Williams voices a Bud Light bird that beats people up. I guess it's supposed to be funny, but it's still not as funny as Jeremy Irons.10:35: Why does John Stamos keep trying? Shouldn't he have killed himself by now?10:36: Natalie Portman said she applauded the Documentary Short Subject nominees, but then she didn't actually clap ... Maybe she's too sour about losing.10:43: Marty Scorsese's narcissitic streak shows as he applauds the humanitarian award winner for film restoration and perservation (as opposed to congratulating him on any actual humanitarian work he's done).10:46: I'm too nice to pick on the granddaughter, no matter how badly I want to.10:48: Time for the Death March Applause-o-Meter! I place my bet on Brando and win (as he gets the greatest amount of applause).11:02: Drexler clearly has issues about not having been able to sing his Oscar-nominated song himself (Antonio Banderas did it, accompanied by Carlos Santana). So instead of actually giving an acceptance speech, he sings some of his song when it wins.11:03: Sean Penn comes out to be an asshole by being snarky about Chris Rock's Jude Law jokes.11:06: Ugh. I haven't seen Million Dollar Baby, and I don't want to. I'm sure Hillary Swank is a perfectly nice person, but I don't find her to be anything special as an actress, and I don't want her defined as any kind of "definitive" actress for my generation. She sure is talky, too, and ends up shouting over the music, even after they gave her some extra time.11:13: Chris Rock meets Sean Penn's challenge. Meanwhile, Gwyneth loses the fashion challenge; I can't stand anything with a "bubble" hem."Quick, find a Spanish person in the audience!" - We get a shot of Antonio Banderas as The Sea Inside (Spain) wins for Foreign Language Film.11:19: In another McDonald's commercial, geeks lust after a "hot mama" who apparently is starting her child on a fast food diet at a very young age.11:22: Charlize Theron comes out looking like a frothy 50s prom throwback. (And that's not a good thing.)11:26: Jamie Foxx wins Best Actor for Ray. A Southern gentleman indeed.11:30: Diet Pepsi portrays Diet Coke as stuck-up, self-absorbed, and no fun - and, after thinking it over, I've decided it's kind of true.11:33: Marty is snubbed again as Clint takes the directing Oscar. (He sure was good in Space Cowboys. ...)11:36: And Clint beats Marty again for best picture. Video26098@blogcritics.org Mon, 28 Feb 2005 00:38:15 EST http://blogcritics.org/archives/2005/02/20/231846.php ZMethosSo I've been thinking about cereal. You know, the breakfast kind? Scott got me started on it, actually. I've decided Cap'n Crunch is about the only breakfast food mascot I have any real faith in. I don't trust Snap, Crackle or Pop or those chefs from Cinnamon Toast Crunch; these guys are all in league with the Keebler Elves, I'm pretty sure. . . Trix the Rabbit is clearly untrustworthy as well, by definition. Sonny, from Cocoa Puffs? He's cukoo, remember? He's the defining reason parents should not give their kids a sugared-up morning cereal. I also get the feeling Toucan Sam is up to something shady, especially since he brought those little nephews of his on the scene. . . Frankenberry? Count Chocula? Of course not. Who would be stupid enough to accept their morning meal from (1) a creature pieced together from old body parts (but evidently strawberry fresh!) or (2) a bloodsucker with a chocolate craving? You know CC just wants you to eat the chocolate so he can suck your blood and get his chocolate fix vicariously. . . And finally there's Lucky the Leprachaun. Ha! Trying to distract me with yellow moons, blue diamonds, purple horseshoes? Where's my pot of gold you little bastard?! This is why I don't eat breakfast. . . Tastes25766@blogcritics.org Sun, 20 Feb 2005 23:18:46 EST