For A Beautiful Disaster

My Oscar Picks

Best Original Screenplay – Milk (Screenplay awards are always a good consolation prize)

Best Adapted Screenplay – Slumdog Millionaire (it is the movie's creative bent that sets it apart)

Actress in a Supporting Role – Penelope Cruz (definitely more than just a pretty face)

Actor in a Supporting Role – Heath Ledger (any doubt here?)

Director – Danny Boyle (his product is all the more masterful considering he never stepped foot in India prior to filming).

Actress – Kate Winslet (will be propelled not only by her Reader role but Revolutionary Road and fact that she is long overdue)

Actor – Mickey Rourke (Sean Penn is more popular with the Academy folk but how can they deny such a feel-good story)

Film – Slumdog Millionaire (suffering from front-runner backlash after a dominant winter on to the Awards circuit, but the lack of a clear-cut alternative should mean vote splitting between Milk, Curious Case, and The Reader).

That’s Colorado Weather For You

The Blog was on the verge of reinstituting his class action against Denver weatherpersons when he was surprised with a day nicer than expected. You see in Denver, meteorology may as well be astrology. The Rocky Mountains are like the island in Lost; they render all logic useless. So a small weather pattern may turn into a blizzard and vice versa. But the weather people in Denver will not admit this. They try and do an actual forecast and invariably they get the major weather events wrong. For instance, this past Thursday, after days of warm weather undermined by wind gusts, it was supposed to be a tranquil day. But it was anything but tranquil in the afternoon as the winds picked up. Because this has been a particularly windy winter, the promise of a tranquil day is like manna from heaven. When it does not materialize disappointment will abound as it did for yours truly. Then of Friday, the forecast was for the slightest of flurries after midnight. That afternoon I entered a high school to judge a debate tournament in the afternoon and it was 50+° and sunny. When I left at 9 pm, it was snowing and windy and around 20° and I only had a sports coat on. So needless to say, I was displeased. But the next morning, after navigating the icy spots, the sun did come out and the snow melted and it was a beautiful day. So the weather people have been spared, and for the record I would never include Kathy Sabine, Crystal Eggert, or Stacy Donaldson in the class action suit.

If only all news stations were like this . . .

Watch more Dance Party Friday - Rap videos on AOL Video

Shaq gets down with America's Best Dance Crew

M.I.A.'s baby has arrived

Message from M.I.A.'s MySpace page:

T O F A N S F R I E N D S O N F A M I L Y .
M Y B A B Y I S H E R E
HAPPY VALENTINES!
SUNDAY NITE I CA M E HOME FROM THE GRAMMY'S STILL IN THE MOOD TO PARTY , I COUDA EASILY GONE OUT BUT I WENT HOME INSEAD , LUCKY I DID!! COZ MY EARLY STAGE LABOUR KICKED IN AROUND 2 AM .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vfndz8pW9WY

MY BABY WAS BORN WEDNESDAY , HE IS HEALTHY , FINE , BEAUTIFUL AND THE MOST AMZING THING EVER ON THIS PLANET, OF COURSE IM HIS MUM!!! ME AND BABY ARE PUTTING OUR TOUR DATES FOR 2010 TOGETHER AND MAKING MIX TAPES AND FIGURING OUT A WAY TO BREAK OUT OF THE HOSPITAL ! HOPEFULLY THE WORLD IS BEEN TICKING ALONG AND I AINT MISSED MUCH!C U SOON , AND MY BABY BOY SAYZ HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

When “No” is not an answer

I thought things would be different. I thought the GOP had gotten the message from the electorate that a policy based on inertia is not a policy. I thought certain GOP leaders said they realized that they cannot be a party of naysayers and instead must offer constructive proposals. So what happens when perhaps the most crucial legislation of this era is debated? The GOP retreats en masse into a voluble sign of "no". Instead of proposals we get the tired call for additional tax cuts; instead of stimulus ideas we get the "no spend" ideology. Of course, the latter position is ironic given the record spend by the Bush II administration. I think we all agree that the economy needs to be stimulated in some way. Tax cuts alone are not the answer as the failed Bush II efforts showed. War is not the answer as the Iraq occupancy has only mired us in monumental debt for very little return. So then what? Adam Smith's invisible hand? The hand seemed to be asleep as the banking system imploded. That was free market capitalism purportedly in its most pure form; no regulation; incentives for entrepreneurs to forge value and wealth. But the model did not factor in exogenous factors such as greed nor did it address intrinsic flaws in the model, i.e., how does the market value something that is impossible to value, and still is impossible to value – the mortgage derivatives. So we are left with two simple options – do nothing or government spend. We all agree that the banks cutback of lending is stagnating the economy; how then will these banks react if we do nothing and endure a spate of bankruptcies. Is further devaluation of their assets going to increase their willingness to lend? It is patently obvious that there is only one viable option – government spend. Yes, it is a monumental risk. But so is the threat of a depression. People do not want to be laid off; they do not want to wonder when their unemployment benefits will run out. They want jobs and the Obama administration is trying to provide that while at the same time addressing crucial infrastructure needs. It is not as if this money is being thrown down a drain; it will be invested in roads and fiber; it will be invested in the American working class. GOP Governors, supporters of the need for stimulus, get it. They know their states will be bankrupt if no action is taken. There is no risk to inaction, just a guarantee of more regression. Inaction is a policy devoid of ideas and hope. Yes, the Obama Administration is rolling the dice, but it provides the best set of odds for our country.

No Umbrella for Chris

Chris Brown still does not seem to get it, clinging to a notion that the "facts" coming out will paint a different picture. Unless Rihanna had a gun or other weapon, and was poised to use it, there really are no other "facts" that could come close to explaining the beating he allegedly administered. People are incredulous that "sweet" Chris could perform such an act, but as some have noted, he is also very immature. Not surprising giving the fact that he is 19 and been thrust into a world of luxury and coddling. Stars begin to feel a sense of entitlement, including, apparently, an entitlement to treat your significant other as chattel.

The Blog's new ace reporter, Beautiful Disaster (who in a revolutionary new pay arrangement is actually paying the Blog for the privilege of being a reporter) reports that what pushed Rihanna over the edge was a texted booty call. Notwithstanding the amazing technological advancement that is the texted booty call (increasing the efficiency of our stars), one can understand why she was upset. Chris, who was so lovey-dovey the night before, was playin' her. And, of course, he felt that that gave him every right to hit her.

As for those who think this has ruined Chris' career, that is wishful thinking. After all, isn't Ike Turner in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? Chris is only 19, and has plenty of time to "rehab" his image. He claims to be getting counseling from his pastor and mother. I think he needs more than that – some type of aggression therapy at the very least. And, yes, a few years in jail.

Hottest Sri Lankan Women Part II

The top three:

No. 3

No. 2

No. 1

Hottest Sri Lankan Women Part I

By popular demand; ok, only Elvis actually demanded it, here are the Nine Hottest Sri Lankan Women courtesy of Complex Magazine:

No. 9

No. 8

No. 7

No. 6

No. 5

No. 4

Not only did these two ships not cross in the night . . .

. . . one never left the pier.

It's Hot in Herreeeeeee

A Real-Life Curious Case of Benjamin Button?

From AOL:

Edna and Simon were married in England back in 2005. They're not so much a May-December romance as a January-December one: At 73 and 35, Edna is nearly 40 years older than Simon. The couple met through their love of the organ. Simon is dyslexic and dyspraxic, which means he's a bit of a klutz. Despite these challenges, he's apparently a fabulous organ player. He had never had a girlfriend before he met and married Edna, who has three children, all older than Simon.

The burning question, of course, is: With a four-decade age gap, how are things in the bedroom? Apparently the answer is "hot, hot, hot." Edna tells England's Daily Mail that they share "the same passion as a pair of 25-year-olds. We kiss about 150 times a day." According to the article, she told the reporter this after licking Simon's nose. Ew. That's not the only kinky thing going on: Apparently Simon admits to being a cross-dresser. Edna told a British paper, "If he wants to dress up in a green caterpillar suit with pink flip-flops what does it matter? I don't give a monkey's." (We assume she would have added "bum," but she probably had to let the reporter borrow her bathroom for a long, cold shower.)

xoxo

As fans of the GG know, Dan and Serena broke up Monday night. Normally this would be a significant event, but this is like the 38th time they have broken up. Fittingly it was on Groundhog Day. And, of course, they said this time it was final, but as any expert on tv knows, the romantic break up of two leads is likely never final, particularly when their relationship has been a central theme of the show (see Brandon/Kelly/Dylan and Ross/Rachel). I am generally a strong proponent of these seminal relationships being ultimately resurrected prior to the end of the show, but at this point, with Dan and Serena, I have simply stopped caring. In fact, I may pull for Dan and Chuck hooking up more than Dan and Serena (and I find it surprising that they have not explored a Dan-Blair storyline).

I am glad Dan and the teacher hooked up. While I do not champion this in real life, in the tv world, I find it to be quite provocative much like two women engaging in a cat fight and/or relationship. Unfortunately this vindicates Blair’s nefarious actions, and Serena’s support thereof, and I am sure this will end badly for Dan and the teacher, but c’est la vie.

A Super Day

As some of you may know, the Law Blog’s fave team, the Steelers, were in the Super Bowl. After reveling in the two weeks of pre-game hype, I was anxious for the game to begin. A crucial decision was where to view the game. Beautiful Disaster kindly invited me to Brighton to watch the game, but since it was 100 miles away, I declined. I researched Steeler websites and identified two Steeler Bars in relatively close proximity. One was in LoDo and the other was near Capitol Hill. But I did not look forward to a long drive after the game, so I opted for LoDos in Highlands Ranch. Then I had to decide which jersey I would wear. I had a Big Ben one which I wore during the last Super Bowl. It did bring luck in terms of a win, but Ben had a horrendous game. So I opted for my Troy throwback jersey.

When I entered LoDos, I discovered to my dismay that there were only about 5 Steelers fans there. There were about 20 Cardinals fans and the rest were Broncos fans lamenting another failed season. But these Steeler fans were a lively bunch. One had a Troy jersey as well. The appearance of Miller Lite Women (note my disuse of the term “Girls” even though that is their official title) giving away free drinks and then bling justified my choice of this non-Steeler bar. For those who may think the MLW job is all glamour, one of the MLWs mentioned they have had to work 40 hours in the last three days (almost lawyer-esque hours). My Steelers dominated the game until the 4th Quarter but failed to deliver the proverbial knockout blow, and as a result, the Cards not only got back in it but also took the lead. But Big Ben came to the rescue as he did five other times during the season and 19 times during his career. After hugs with my fellow Steeler fans, I headed home to watch SportsCenter for five hours. Of course, just my luck, I had a status conference in my divorce case the next morning, and I did not have my Cure for the Hangover – so yes the Morning After was a bit of a challenge, but worth it, given the ascendancy of my Steelers to the top of the football world once more.

A Law After-Party?

Saturday night, I attended the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association Annual Banquet put on by the new Prez of the CHBA, Mary. Mary and her team faced many challenges this year. With the bad economy, Wells Fargo backed out at the last minute as a sponsor despite Mary asking them in November if they were still a go. So everyone please boycott WF for a year. Then law firms started ditching as well. But this did not stop 400 people from attending. And they got to experience an incredibly smooth-running and entertaining event. The Guv and the new Senator were there trying to cater to the lucrative Hispanic voting block. The Acme Law Department won a diversity award, and my colleague, RTD Chief, won an individual award and gave a tremendously inspiring speech. Joe Law Student for McCain was there with his very sweet and engaging (and thankfully not as conservative), fiancée, Florence Nightingale, as was CB, another intern from last summer.

After the great banquet, I got to meet Blondie. She was very engaging and friendly, which led me to suspect that Dagwood’s forays to the doghouse may be more self-inflicted. I passed on some of my pop culture nuggets; Dagwood can expect to be taking her to see Slumdog Millionaire soon. I then attended my first-ever, and perhaps the first-ever, law-related, after-party. This one was at the Purple Martini where I had the pleasure of paying $35 for a round of three drinks. CB, however, astutely managed to score free drinks all night. But I did get to see the CHBA representin’ including Mary, sporting some hip moves. The music was good at the start but grew increasingly hip-hop, but this clearly appealed to the jam-packed dance floor. I had to leave at 1am, because I was picking up my son at 8am that morning, but when I left the CHBA crew was still partyin’ away, the dance floor remained packed, and there was quite a line outside. Who knew the CHBA would be the avenue to such hipness?

The Creek

The Blog is experience a time warp a la Lost due to the breakdown of the hard drive on his home computer. So this posting shall commence my rundown of a very exciting past weekend. I start with perhaps the most momentous event of the weekend – my virgin visit to Cherry Creek High School. For those not in the know, Cherry Creek is “the” high school in the Denver area and the alma mater of Jenny from the GV. Yes, this is the school that helped imbue JFGV with her superior reasoning powers which she used to vanquish Joe Law Student for McCain in the Legal Intern Quiz. And let me just say, Dawson has nothing on this Creek. To say that CCHS is huge is an understatement. I went there to attend a diversity conference and I parked on the wrong side of the “campus”. Luckily, I happened upon one of the CCHS Student Guides (I wonder if they have them around 24-7). The guide directed me to one of the cafeterias (yes, multiple cafeterias), and then I walked with my group to the West Campus.

As I mentioned, I was there for a diversity conference, and I was on a team with other lawyers led by Mary (who was also organizing a banquet for 400 people that evening; but more on that later). We put on a skit which was designed to raise provocative legal issues and then we would lead a discussion with the attending high school students. I played the role of a 50 year old, gay, white, historian basketball coach who had six successful years of coaching but hit on lean times the last couple of years. I was fired and replaced by a young hot-shot Muslim coach, and the students had to discuss whether I had any discrimination claims. Needless to say, I put on a bravura thespian performance, and while this performance was very off-off-off Broadway (even off the Denver Broadway); I hope we take it to the real Great White Way so I can win a Tony. At the end of the two sessions, I tried reversing my path to find my car. Needless to say it took me nearly an hour as the guides were nowhere to be seen. Along the way, I saw a sign wishing the CCHS cheerleaders good luck at Nationals. JFGV was a member of this august group so this adds to her street cred.

STEELER NATION RULES!!!