doych

Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto

I caught the newly edited version of the GM robot spot this weekend - can't remember what time slot - maybe during the Knicks' usual 4th quarter beating, but I'm sure it's now "safe" for kids to watch.

Most of us (ad peeps) have heard by now that the suicide ending depicted in the Super Bowl spot was criticized by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, which had demanded that the ad be pulled and that GM issue an apology.

I'm wondering if it's from the post-game uproar or simply crappy/depressing weather season - In the past few weeks, every time I've been in my car I've heard an ad or two for a suicide helpline. And I'm a chronic station changer since NY radio sucks.

I guess it's not at all politically correct for those ads to attempt some cheering up with "Need a Moment? Try a Snickers!"

Anticipating 300

I'm actually excited to see how Director Zack Snyder depicts the ferocious Battle of Thermopylae as channeled through the imagination of graphic novelist Frank Miller. I'm typically one to favor a drama over classic war scenes, but I should have known once I saw previews for 300, that the eerie, dark, beautiful Matt Mahurin-esque style was created from the same mind that created Sin City.

300 (at this writing) has a full 100% Critic's Tomatometer rating on Rotten Tomatoes - a rare review score within their extensive movie database.

The movie opens March 9 - and if all 300 Spartans are sporting the same abs as depicted here, I may have to see it on opening day.

Ladies, start your engines...

  ...But you may have to keep it idling for a while.

Harlequin (that familiar leading publisher of romance novels) has partnered with Nascar for some extra "brand building." Harlequin has already published three Nascar-theme books, including one in which the heroine, an ex-kindergarten teacher, falls in love with a Nascar driver after first being hit by his car and then driving his enormous motor coach from race to race.

Keeping in mind that Nascar is a "family" brand, Harlequin writers must abide by some rules: no drugs, no alcohol, and no... sex. These books are guaranteed to have hours of engine idling and zero climatic clutch-popping, therefor making it sound about as exciting as watching cars go around a track for 3 hours.

Calling all space hogs

How many Earth's are needed if everyone lived like you?

This quiz is based on national consumption averages and is meant to give you an idea of your Ecological Footprint relative to other people in the country you live in.

We'd need 5.3 planets for all to live like my wasteful ways. Shame on me.

Buddhism is their philosophy. Soccer is their religion.

Another weekend being sick for me is another weekend to catch up on some movies. I was lucky to catch a film called The Cup on one of the Sundance channels. It's about a group of monks obsessed with the World Cup soccer final.

The film, also known as Phörpa, brings a powerful look into the day to day lives of young, energetic monks, and demonstrates the challenges a spiritual leader faces in a modern world. The main character, Orgyen, leads the soccer enthusiasm as he rallies the monks to chip in and rent a TV for the late night live broadcast.

It is a beautiful, semi-autobiographical tale from director Khyentse Norbu.

Shot in a Tibetan refugee colony in the Himalayan foothills of northern India, The Cup was made with a cast and crew of mostly monks and novices. The average scene required only three takes, which Khyentse Norbu attributed to their powers of meditation.

While digging for more info on the director, I came across this tidbit - Khyentse Norbu is also known as His Eminence Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche, the reincarnation of a 19th century Tibetan saint and one of Himalayan Buddhism's most revered lamas. Besides being one of the most important incarnate lamas in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition, he is a member of one of Bhutan’s most noble families. Born in a remote area of eastern Bhutan in the Year of the Metal Ox (1961), he is the son of contemporary Buddhist master Thinley Norbu Rinpoche, and grandson of both tantric yogi Lama Sonam Zangpo and H.H. Dudjom Rinpoche.

Khyentse Norbu consulted mo, an ancient divination system involving dice and beads, to make decisions about casting and shooting schedules. 

He was also careful to assure his Tibetan actors that they wouldn't suffer karmic retribution if the script called for them to rough up a monk for making too much noise during France vs. Brazil.

Who needs Janet's boob when we have Prince's "symbol"

Prince, your Super Bowl half time show was brilliant, as expected. Perfect song list. Awesome set design. The marching band was slammin' to the beat, and the crowd - in person and at home - was genuinely in to it. We were all impressed that the Twinz didn't miss a step in 6 inch heels and pouring rain.

We were even more impressed with the size of your symbol... guitar.

Yeah, we saw you chuckle after your larger-than-life shadow display. There wasn't one adult not laughing. Austin Powers couldn't coach that any better.

Derriere Extraordinaire

Holy crap. Literally. ASSuming this is a joke or a lame attempt at viral marketing, although I'm afraid it's not, a woman in LA is claiming her dog's rear end - butthole included - resembles an image of Jesus Christ. How do I even finish writing about this. I'll just let you see for yourself.

That's right, Bill, this MUST make your list of weekly WTF.

What happens in Vegas sits, rolls over and stays in Vegas

For the first time in the 131-year history of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, odds have been made on the outcome and posted on the sports book in Las Vegas.

John Avello, director of race and sports book operations at the Wynn Las Vegas says “No money will change hands and it’s purely for entertainment.”

Uh, yeah right.

The English Springer spaniel is the favorite at 25-1. Forget betting on the dogs we're accustomed to - greyhounds have 1000-1 odds. Damn. Don't tell my boy Rocky.

Avello also has the odds on a dog from the terrier group winning the title listed at 2-1, with a dog ranked at 1-2 over a bitch at 9-5. He also believes that the odds favor a male handler being on the other end of the leash of the winning dog.

It kind of brings a new meaning to "Over-Under."