My thoughts…on stuff

As everyone knows, this year’s Oscars took place last night. I didn’t watch it, because, as with all Hollywood award shows, the movies nominated are movies that the average Joe doesn’t watch. Plus it was interrupting with my Family Guy, you know I couldn’t have that. Good thing too, as Ellen DeGeneres was the host, and frankly I don’t find her funny. Her humour is too bland and white bread for me. But today a shocking and welcome bit of news reached my ears, SCORSESE WON! I almost cried. I’ve been rooting for the guy for so much years. He’s made excellent, mostly gritty movies. Wonder if that why Hollywood didn’t recognize him? Because he made “real” movies and not any artsy-fartsy, touchy-feely crap that usually wins. The guy has been trying for 25 years, upstaged by actor-turned-directors, and worst of all, Three 6 Mafia. Ouch!

Most men would’ve been broken by now, but Scorsese pushed on, and finally won For The Departed, which won four Oscars. The award was presented to him by Steven Spielberg and George Lucas, proof that Hollywood has really accepted him. Apart from that, there was the usual. Political diatribes, celeb sightings, “fans” eager to get autographs to sell on EBay, extravagant parties and the brutal criticism of high-class fashionistas. So what will Scorsese do with his Oscar? Maybe he’ll stroke his phallic prize continuously in a very creepy fashion, or hunt down Three 6 Mafia and beat them for the indignity he suffered? The latter would make an intersting read. Enjoy your victory Scorsese! You deserve it!

As you all know, Britney Spears, former pop princess, has joined the ranks of Natalie Portman, Sinead O’Connor and Captain Jean-Luc Picard when she shaved her head on Friday. As expected, it made the front page of many newspapers and could be found in the pages of others. At least it was a welcome break from Annamania. They’ve probably interviewed her poodle Sugar Pie by now. And imagine, there are countless atrocities happening in places like Darfur, yet the tabloids are interested in Britney’s scalp. Good to see that the media still focuses on delivering the truth to the masses, instead of stooping to sensationalism just to sell papers. She hasn’t given a reason why she did it. Personally, I think this is yet another attempt to keep her in the public eye. I mean look at her. You can see the bones in her head.

I was afraid of what I’d find when I punched in “Britney shaved” into Google Images, as her crotch, seemingly jealous of her face, couldn’t help but get some attention itself. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but this move makes K-Fed look like the responsible one. And that’s not the worst of it. Britney’s shorn locks and a can of Red Bull she was drinking were posted on EBay, and the bidding reached $1 million! They are also auctioning Britney’s blue lighter.

How stupid can people get? Heh. Much stupider, as people are busy wasting their lives speculating why she did it. I’ve read pages of theories, including post partum depression, a desire for “rebirth,” temper tantrums, etc. Girl also got tattooed and attacked a car with an umbrella. People also say that she’s on the verge of a “hot new trend,” and knowing how stupid and self-conscious modern teens are it will catch on. She’s now back in rehab, which seems to be the hot new place for Hollywood’s young sluts. Hope she stays there until she sorts herself out, ’cause I’m tired of this. Then again, it’s kinda fun to watch someone descend into the depths of insanity. That’s why you read my blog. Right?

Disclaimer: Homosexuality is frowned upon in Jamaica. Not because were “homophobic” (surely we can’t be afraid of them), but because it is unlawful, as our law is based upon the Bible. Don’t post angry comments or fill my inbox with hate mail!

Good. Needed to do that as my posts concerning that controversial subject have been met with harsh criticism, mainly from Americans. Jamaica is in the midst of an anti-homosexual firestorm, ignited by four separate incidents that happened within a week. On Valentines Day, three alleged gay men were attacked by an angry mob of 2,000 people at Tropical Plaza in Half-Way-Tree. It was so bad that the police had to get involved, using teargas no less. In parliament, there was a debate about the definition of rape. It was proposed to be gender neutral, but the female (victim) and male (offender) definition remained as it was thought it would decriminalize buggery. Days later, a gay man was interviewed on Impact about his lifestyle as a gay man, face hidden of course. But that wasn’t enough. Members of his community recognized and threatened to kill him. He now wants to commit suicide. Nearly a week after the Valentine’s fiasco, three boys less than 11 years old were said to have been seen having sex in an abandoned house. You can pretty much guess the reaction of the residents. Lucky for them, they escaped a serious beating.

Many Jamaicans are shocked by these incidents, and fear that they can no longer keep a lid on homosexuality. I’m not surprised. It has been slowly building under the quiet. They frequent New Kingston and Montego Bay, where their money can shield them. I’ve heard many stories of young men being hit on by them. And knowing the opposition they face, they normally walk with backup. Lesbians are the boldest of all. Most men ignore the lesbians as according to them, “they can’t really have sex,” but have zero tolerance for the gay men, many believing that homosexuality is an affront to masculinity itself. Now it has erupted like a dormant volcano, and people simply don’t know what to do. It’s hard to stamp out a lifestyle, especially with the support from overseas. Good thing no one was hurt, as you’d read all over the BBC and other international newspapers that we’re a savage and backward people, reinforced by the belief that we all smoke weed and have advanced little since colonial times. One thing’s for sure. Homosexuality is here, and despite our greatest efforts, it won’t go away. So we’ll have to deal with it…somehow.

Daniel Radcliffe. We all know him as Harry Potter. The young wizard has made him quite the star. But Daniel’s aiming to take on another, more controversial role. How controversial you may ask? Well let’s say the next time you see his rod, it won’t be a broom. On the 27th, Daniel will be playing a nude role in the Tony-award winning drama “Equus,” in which he will simulate a sex scene while astride a horse. Radcliffe will play a “troubled young man with a religious-erotic obsession with horses.” Freaky.

Daniel’s psyched about playing the role. He’s doing it because he doesn’t want to be typecast as the boy wizard for the rest of his life, which could understandably limit his acting career. But parents are not as enthusiastic, and the people at Warner Bros. are steamed, possibly thinking that Daniel’s nude performance could affect the popularity of his most famous character.

Why are people making such a big deal out of this? Let him play the part nude. Let him grow as an actor. Why shouldn’t he do it? Just because some people are uncomfortable with him tarnishing his wholesome family image. It’s his to tarnish if he wants. Just hope there aren’t any pretty girls in the front row, as that would be embarrassing. I wonder if the other Harry Potter stars will do the same? How would that turn out? Emma Watson in Girls Gone Wild? Or perhaps Rupert Grint in a reality show about his recovery from drug addiction?

Sunday’s Grammy Awards weren’t the most hyped. I’m not much of an audiophile. Yet I still watch the Grammys, because its the thing everyone will be talking about tomorrow. Yet word of it slipped me, causing me to miss it. And as left out as I felt not watching it, no one seemed to care. The only Grammy talk was of Ziggy Marley’s win. Has the Grammys begun to lose its luster? Seems that way in the Caribbean. The biggest news was of course the Dixie Chicks’ win of five Grammys, after their criticism of Bush’s decision to invade Iraq. I can’t see why the chicks are so surprised. Everyone, including the incestuous, square dancing, bigoted rural folk that make up their core audience have jumped ship concerning Bush. Mary J. Blige won three Grammys for “The Breakthrough.” Nice to see that a woman doesn’t have to be young, white and blonde to be awarded for good music.

There was the usual fashion review. Who really cares? Some of those “God awful” designs could cover my tuition many times over. When I get to the level where I can buy that for my woman, then maybe I’ll care. Best Polka Album went to Jimmy Sturr and his orchestra. Doesn’t really matter to me. Just didn’t realize polka still existed. American Idol winner Carrie Underwood was also a winner that night for new artist and best female country vocal performance. Good to see that see didn’t endure all that humiliation at Simon’s hand for nothing. They also incorporated some Idol into the Grammy routine. Did you know that last year, American Idol beat the Grammys in terms of viewership? Seems that people prefer to see aspiring hopefuls rise to the top or crash and burn than seeing accomplished professionals get another award for their already filled cabinet. That’s my take. Later.

Aww hell. Here it comes again. Valentines Day, and with it comes the usual intolerable elements: the couples with that lovesick look on their faces, the red and white everywhere and oh yes, the commercialism. Every single commercial-minded person or entity is trying to cash off the holiday, all saying the same basic thing: “He doesn’t really love you until he gets you one of these.” I guess I shouldn’t really blame them. Today is the only little shower in the long drought following Christmas. And yes, HE, because this is a woman’s holiday. Men are supposed to splurge on this day, with absolutely not regard to their financial obligations. Women just buy the significant others small presents not to make it seem so one-sided. No wonder so many men say “I don’t believe in Valentine’s Day.” Translation: “I don’t wanna splurge on some meaningless trinkets just because society says so.” Ok, maybe not so many words.

I’ve never been a fan of the holiday, mostly I think because of the fact that I’ve never had a Valentine - until now. My girl is one of those lovey-dovey types. In fact, she gave me my present on Saturday (a not so-subtle hint that she wants her present soon). Fortunately, I was busy today, so I could stave off the mush until someday during the week. hopefully some of the presents will be marked down by then. And here’s the ironic thing, on the day when people are supposed to use their lips the most, mine are cracked. I mean really cracked. Stripping, discoloured, bleeding cracked. Ugh. V-day is just not my day.

HEEEERE’S LEON! I’m back guys. You may be angry at me for not posting last week as I promised, but I tried to post on Saturday, but Blogger was acting wonky. And yesterday, that was just plain laziness. It’s hard to get back into the routine of blogging after you now find yourself with so much free time on your hands. Anyway, back to the show. You all probably know about Anna Nicole Smith’s death right? And how couldn’t you? It has been on virtually every channel for the past couple days. Was she really that important? I don’t think if Dubya died, he’d get half as much love. In fact, I wonder if anyone besides his immediate family would miss his paasing.

I am saddened by her death. Sure, I hated that annoying little whining sound that she made. You know, that sound. And I didn’t like that she was yet another in a long ling of brainless beauties that Hollywood has produced. But she was a sight. I wouldn’t mind having spent a night with her. Anna Nicole’s rise to stardom was somewhat of a Cinderella story. Y’kno, if Cinderella was a stripper and the Prince was a fossilized oil baron. Then again the in-thing is to throw fairy tales in a blender.

And what’s with this junk linking her with Marilyn Monroe? Sure there are certain co-incidences, such as the fact that they both posed nude, married older men, had a powerfully seductive allure, and died from drug overdoses at around the same age. But Marilyn was a real actress, who starred in Academy Award winning films. Plus she had class. There is NO comparison! I guess her death is appropriate, as she always wanted to be like Marilyn. You’d think they’d let her rest in peace, wouldn’t you. No. They defaced her Wikipedia entry within an hour of her death. My favourite: “The bitch bought the farm.” Not cool. R.I.P Anna. Now if only those networks would kill the coverage of your death.

I would like to apologize for the lack of posting for the past few days. It’s just that I’ve been stressed out (more than usual). School, love life, home, have all had me down. So much so that the usual random thoughts that make up the content of my posts just aren’t coming. I’ll look at the computer screen and nothing comes to mind. So I’ve decided to take a little break from blogging to rest my head and collect my thoughts, as it seems I’m suffering from blogger burnout. In fact, taking a little break is advised by many professional bloggers, including Darren Rowse. Don’t worry, I’ll be back by next week. Just bear with me. In the meantime, you can entertain yourself by digging into my archives.