Studio 60, we hardly knew ye

Rumor has it that Studio 60 is about to be canceled.  And from a strictly business standpoint, it probably makes sense.  It went from ranking #22 the first week in the ratings to #50-something recently.  Not good for a show that costs $2-3MM per episode to produce.

Unfortunately, this is one of the few shows that have come out this season that I really look forward to.  Some of my previous mainstays-- Alias and The West Wing are finished.  Others, like Stargate SG-1 and Stargate: Atlantis are on hiatus, as is 24.  This season?  I've got Battlestar: Galactica, Heroes, and Studio 60.  

I really hope Studio 60 doesn't get canceled.  It's one of the smarter shows on right now, but it seems smart can't compete with the likes of America's Next Top Model and Beauty & The Geek (the latter I actually find entertaining).  That's what led to the cancellation of great shows like The Critic and Invader Zim.  

So everyone, let's keep watching Studio 60.  It's worth it.

The Areas of my Expertise

For some reason I've always wanted to be "well-read". Witness copies of Crime and Punishment, Pride and Prejudice, Origin of Species, and The Federalist Papers on my bookshelf.

Only Crime and Punishment has been opened, read as a requirement of a Russian literature class. More well-worn books include such titles as Source of Magic, Wizard's First Rule, The Essential Calvin and Hobbes, and 101 Knock-Knock Jokes: A Sure-fire Way to be the Life of the Party.

I watch a lot of TV. I'd like to think I watch "smart" television. You know, stuff like The West Wing. The more TV I watch, though, the more I realize that most of my cultural awareness comes from the bits that the writers of TV shows choose to work into their scripts. I find I have to do Google searches in order to understand what they're talking about on Studio 60 sometimes.

Maybe if I spent less time watching TV and more time reading...

The meaning of words

Rice vows 'full range' defense of Japan

"Full range"?  Of course we all know what that means.  It means that the U.S. will nuke North Korea into smithereens if it tries anything stupid.  

So why use the euphemism, when everyone knows what it means?  Does it really make a difference?  Would there be a different response if Rice simply said, "Yo, North Korea.  Don't you make us come up in there.  You know we'll nuke yo ass."

I find that people try to euphemize (is that a word?) the truth a lot.  We don't want to hurt people's feelings.  I think ambiguity is worse.  

But in this case, there is no ambiguity either way.  So why bother?

Addiction

I am so incredibly addicted to Pringles right now it's not funny.  

Is there such a thing as PA?

Colored lenses

What would you say if you were asked, "what are the four or five most memorable experiences, whether great or small?"

The first four things, well, first twenty things, for that matter, that came to my mind were all negative things.  Like the time I had a ski accident that left me injured for six months.  Or the car accident that nearly killed me.  

I racked my brain for more positive memories, but the negative ones are by far the most memorable.

They say, that which does not kill you only makes you stronger.  I must be pretty damn strong.