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05/17/2007: "Quick Shots"
The brain's a bit scattered today, so a couple of stream-of-consciousness thoughts:
- Whatever happened to government attracting men of honor? Over in the Congress, they're holding a vote of confidence for Attorney Alberto Gonzalez after he turned the Department of Justice into a political arm of the White House. Meanwhile, the clock is ticking on Paul Wolfowitz - another West Wing refugee - to resign as head of the World Bank. Apparently, he thought it was OK to use his position to get his girlfriend a new job and double her salary. What, that's the only way you could get laid? This is what happens when people stick around too long and don't have to get a real job. No worse thing to be called, in my mind, than a "career politician".
- What I thought was going to be my new favorite TV show is just another casualty. The fall schedules are out, and there's no sign on NBC's of the highly touted "Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip". I'll admit to being a huge fan of Aaron Sorkin's writing, all the way back to "A Few Good Men" and through "The West Wing". But there's a huge risk in writing a show that is basically autobiographical, since rejection by the audience is essentially a personal slap. Despite great casting and a killer pilot, the show struggled to find it's footing and finally jumped the shark by trying to become a romantic comedy (!). Better luck next time, Aaron - and let's hope that next time is soon!
- As a country music fan, one of the most anticipated shows of the year is the Academy of Country Music awards broadcast. Unlike most award shows, it's all about the performances, with a few awards sprinkled in between. All of the usual suspects were there in Monday's ceremony in Las Vegas, but the highlight for me was watching host Reba McEntire perform. Reba, who looks as hot at 51 as she did at 31, performed a duet with American Idol Kelly Clarkson. I like Kelly, but it was like watching a puppy play in traffic as Reba's talent blew her away, reducing her to little more than a backup singer. The ultimate irony? It was one of Kelly's songs they were singing - "Because Of You". Imagine being outperformed on your own song - oh, the horror! I think we know who the real Americal Idol is ... 
