Cut the Shit

Why it Worked/Why it Didn’t

Rhianna’s single Unfaithful


Why It Worked: For the first time in a while comes a song about the ugly side of relationships. For those of us that have ever cheated on a spouse, boyfriend, fiancé, whatever, this song nails the emotion and the guilt that accompanies such an act. Having cheated myself, the song rips at my guts and reminds me that I’ve made some selfish and irreparable choices in the past. Rhianna’s voice is filled with angst and heartbreak while she sings the song. And to me, it’s this kind of voice that works most effectively considering the context. Forthcoming and honest, Rhianna has given us a song that reminds us how easy it is to destroy the love and trust that takes so long to build.
Why It Didn’t: If you’re not a pop music fan, the simple melody will grate on your nerves. Additionally, if you don’t identify with the lyrics, Rhianna’s pained voice will probably make you want to claw your eyes out.

The Lost Finale

WIW: Many of devoted Lost fans waited all year to see some action. There were numerous weeks of repeats and the storylines were dragging to the point of absurdity. We want blood! We want death! We want to be shocked and awed! The two hour finale provided all that and so much more. Secrets of the island’s origin became known and the cause of the initial flight was explained perfectly. On top of that, we finally got to see the “Others” in their habitat and it was very reminiscent of Lord of the Flies. The cliffhanger left the 4 main characters in peril and I was squealing with joy. When the “Others” put the burlap sacks over Kate and Jack’s head, their eyes connected and I felt actual emotion fill my stony heart.
WID: For those of you that are diehard fans, the episode didn’t cover nearly enough ground. With high expectations, especially after the frustration of repeated episodes all season, Lost didn’t reach far enough outside of the box. Details were few and far between and in actuality, there are now more questions to be answered than before the episode aired.

Transgender Television Programming

WIW: Both Transgeneration and The Surreal Life did a fantastic job in showcasing the life of Transgender persons. I was incredibly impressed by the sensitivity, but not placating attitude, that was used when dealing with this issue. I felt like I actually learned something new when viewing these programs. It is quite apparent and obvious to me that being a transgendered individual is not a choice that anyone makes. To be born in a body that you don’t identify with…that’s such a scary and hard thing to deal with. While I can’t fully identify with this struggle, I remember all too vividly how hard it was for me to accept my own homosexuality. I didn’t choose to be a homosexual, so why would they CHOOSE to go through the process of gender reassignment? These are people just like us, who go through trials and tribulations just like us. And the one thing we truly have in common? We all just want to live our life as comfortably and as happily as possible.
WID: In a society that is seemingly more conservative now than it was 10 years ago, is it even possible for the majority of people to accept and tolerate this kind of lifestyle? No matter how educational and positive the programming is, the world is just not ready to embrace this issue. Gay rights are on the upswing, but even when we are finally treated as equals, the transgender population will still have a long and hard road to overcome on the way to acceptance. We, as human beings, need a scapegoat to feel like we’re worth something. Sadly, I fear the transgender population will become that scapegoat.

The Sopranos Season Six

WIW: Over the weekend I was telling Rita about how much I detest the mafia/mob, whatever. Living in NYC, our newspapers are filled with stories about rackateering trials, murders, etc, all relating to these crime entrenched families. I find these people to be disgusting and a waste of the life that God has given us. How dare any of these lazy fuckers bully the hard-working communities into giving them money and other goods in return for self imposed favors? Get a fucking job, you losers. Considering that this is my opinion on the subject, I have always avoided The Sopranos knowing it was just going to infuriate me more. Well, when I got home from my weekend away, Paul and I watched 5 episodes of this season and I have to admit, I’m hooked. The writing and acting is phenomenal and the storylines are addictive. There is a lot of killing, a lot of swearing, and there isn’t one character that I’m bored by. I can’t wait to start watching all of the old seasons. If I can find a way to disassociate myself from the reality it portrays, I think I’ll become a rabid Sopranos fan.
WID: It is incredibly difficult to watch a show about people that make their living hurting other people – especially since it’s based on reality. Conjunctively, it is almost impossible to find the humanity in these characters. When I see these guys strutting through their small town Jersey neighborhoods, I get so angry inside. Paul and I were screaming at the TV “You fucking scumbag assholes. GO TO WORK LIKE THE REST OF US!” Even with Tony Soprano, I can’t stand his fat face. I LOVE James Gandolfini, but his character makes me want to vomit. When he gets shot at the end of the first episode of Season Six, Paul and I cheered. JUST DESSERTS! These douchebags act all tough and mighty, but when it comes down to it, the people these characters represent in real life will burn in hell for the shit they’ve done. And that my friends, is what I call justice.

Marijuana

WIW: A new study has proven that marijuana does not cause lung cancer. While cigarettes and marijuana do have a few similar properties, a new study claims that smoking the weed will not increase the chance of developing cancer later on in life. I’m sure that not smoking anything ever is probably the way to go, but if you flushed that idea down the toilet years ago, be happy to know that you might not be doing any excess damage to your lungs. Plus, being stoned is fantastic.
WID: While smoking pot makes you hungry and everything taste just that much better, you will find that your short term memory turns to shit. Personally, I can’t remember anything before 1995. When I take a huge hit and cough my brains out, I’ll say to my friends “There goes the memory of my high school graduation!” We all laugh and then I realize that we’re actually laughing at me turning into a mush brain.

Philips Surround Sound White Earbuds


WIW: The sound that comes out of these headphones is phenomenal. I’m hearing details in songs that I never knew existed. In fact, instead of watching TV last night, I sat on my couch with my Ipod and blasted some new music I downloaded. Lately, I’ve been walking around with one working ear piece and one dead ear piece, so the new, full sound is absolutely wonderful. Plus, they’re quite comfortable.
WID: When I first opened the package, I was mortified to find that the wire that connects the earpieces to the handset is all fucked up. One ear piece has a wire that is 19 inches long and the other ear piece has a wire that is 6 inches long. LITERALLY. How the fuck are you supposed to wear these things without looking like a crazy person? Rita and I tried wearing them all different ways and they STILL looked awkward. I’ve since given up trying to figure it out, but if any of you have an answer as to how to fix them, let me know. And for the record, they are not adjustable…I’ve tried that a million times.

And that is going to be all I’ve got for you today. It’s definitely time for me to masturbate. While wearing my new headphones, of course.