In Sunshine or in Shadow

 Courtesy of Spoilerfix.com 

Lost airs on ABC on Wednesdays at 9 p.m. EST. The series was renewed for a 3rd season. It will return in September for 6 episodes and then go in hiatus for 12 weeks and come back for 17 straight episodes.

General Season 3 spoilers:

• 05/29 - Summary of spoilers given by Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse: Next season, we will understand the real ramifications of Desmond activating the failsafe and what that did. The central issue of season three will be what did happen. It sounds like Desmond's coming back. They said they want him back, we want to know why he was in prison, we want to know what happened when he turned that key that affected the entire island. That will become very important. The island was visible but only for an instant. It was also visible for an instant on 9/22/04 when the plane crashed. The foot statue represents the history and archeology of the island. Season three will explore what happened on the island before Dharma arrived in the late 70's and who was there. The smoke monster will definitely be back in Season three. There is a good chance we saw the monster this year and didn't realize we were looking at it. By the end of next year we will realize what it was and when we saw it. Why did the Others take Jack, Kate and Sawyer? Where is their home? That will be the story told over the first six episodes. Season 3 will also be about the main characters and their relationships. They want to service the relationships next year more than the mythology. How Locke got in the wheelchair, how Jack got his tattoos will be revealed in Season three. Source: Lost Podcast

Today is the day our Nation sets aside to honor those who have fallen while serving our Nation. 

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service. There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day. There is also evidence that organized women's groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War: a hymn published in 1867, "Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping" by Nella L. Sweet carried the dedication "To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead" (Source: Duke University's Historic American Sheet Music, 1850-1920). While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it's difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day. It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings; each of those towns and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860's tapped into the general human need to honor our dead, each contributed honorably to the growing movement that culminated in Gen Logan giving his official proclamation in 1868. It is not important who was the very first, what is important is that Memorial Day was established.

Memorial Day is not about division. It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.

Dear Scoobs,

 Skool is kool.

Love, irish

The second season of LOST concluded tonight with a bang--literally.  I liked the second season a lot--I was glued to the set each week it was on.  If you just tune in each episode and that's it, you are missing a lot.  I would suggest you go to abc.com and click on the LOST page.  From there, click on "inside the experience" and read up.  There is a lot behind the scenes going on.  The producers are making this an interactive experience over the summer, which should provide insight as to where this show is going.

Overall--kudos to a job well done.

Do people comment anymore?

SCANDAL AT COPACABANA--AUTHORITIES POINT FINGER AT MANILOW

Singer accused of causing a fuss over nothing.  Rico vows revenge.

Copacabana (AP) Her name was Lola and she was a showgirl.  She worked from eight till four while her boyfriend, Tony tended bar.  Then one day some guy named Rico strolled wearing a diamond and screwed it all up.  The details of this night have long since been told, but a re-investigation into the fight that took place has uncovered some major inconsistencies--causing authorities to wonder if Barry Manilow was telling the truth or just trying to sell more stupid records.

"This is the equivalent to yelling FIRE in a movie theater and running out, when all there really is, is a stupid movie with Brad Pitt in it", said Police Chief Neilin Bobb.  "Barry Manilow was way off.  First of all, Lola was a fat bitch who couldn't dance her way out of a shoebox.  She tried to be a star--in the porn industry.  But as soon as her tapes came out in Beta form, her career was screwed, so to speak."

Chief Neilin Bobb also pointed out that Rico was not "wearing a diamond" the night Tony sailed across the bar.  "Clearly he was wearing Cubic Zirconia".  So basically what we have here is a fat chick dancing because her pornos didn't sell, and some guy who hay or may not be gay wearing cubic zirconia and drinking chai lattes--in a BAR mind you.  Not much of a story if you ask me.

As more facts come out we will report them to you.

Congress Declares English Official Language

Next item up for vote: Is ketchup really red

Washington (AP)  Congress voted today on America's official language.  After weeks of stirring debate, members of Congress decided that English would become our National Language.

"Even though we have been speaking English on this continent since before the settlement of Jamestown, we still felt compelled to waste taxpayer time and money determining what our official language would be", said Senator Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania.

Some members of Congress were upset with the decision.

"I voted for Gaelic", said Senator Mike DeWine from Ohio.  "I am tired of the status-quo in this country.  We need to change things around a bit.  Gaelic would have done that.  Erin go Bragh."

Congress is working on a bi-partisan measure to make Boston Harbor a historical landmark, and to give the Statue of Liberty official US greeter status.

"I will rest easier tonight knowing that I can say goodnight to my wife, servants and dog in English, and not feel guilty that I didn't say it in French", said President George Bush.

Everyday, I get about 5 junk emails offering me discounts on Viagra.  I don't need it just yet.  I wonder though, should I stockpile in case the Chinese attack America and we all have to go underground for a few years?

LOST was great last night.  I am glued to this show like stink on a monkey.  The season finale is next week.  If you haven't watched this show, do yourself a favor and rent season one and two.  ABC is doing a cool thing now--they let you watch past episodes of LOST and a few of their other popular shows for free.  Go to www.abc.com and check it out.

We have had so much rain here even the ducks are sick of it.  I talked to two of them this morning just outside my door.  They said "we are sick of the rain."

Recently I sat down with 42 cents and conducted an interview. The following is a transcript of our conversation...

IR: Hi 42 cents!! Welcome!
42: Hello irish. Thank you for rescuing me from under that seat cushion.

[b]IR: No problemo senor. Before my couch, where had you been? I am fascinated by the path that money follows. You could have been in Ronald Reagan's pocket...or Lauren Graham's!!
42: Ok, calm yourself. Yeah I have been in a lot of places, but not as 42 cents. I was 31 cents in 1999, 25 cents in 1995 and once I was 3 pennies during the Great Depression.

IR: I bet you were very popular then!
42: Irish, I was da bomb when I was 3 cents during the great depression! The only thing that sucked was some lady spent me on a loaf of bread and some government cheese and I ended up in the backpocket of a german immigrant who farted a lot.

IR: Sausage eater?
42: With onions.

IR: ouch.....Ok, so right now you are a quarter, a nickle, a dime and two pennies. Are you all attached like a family, or are you hoping to be sprung loose?
42: Well to be honest and I am going out on a limb here...we have enjoyed staying in your couch. You watch an awful lot of porn. The dime especially likes your choices. Genital Hospital was a thrill a minute.
 

]IR: Thanks for that. I watch more than just porn. I like the Food network for example..
42: Yeah, we usually sleep when you watch that.

]IR: Have you made any friends in my couch cushions?
42: Well, last year a paper clip dropped by and we didn't get along too well. He cried every night, "Let me out of here, I want to be clipped on a piece of paper!" We just laughed and were like dude, chill out. Lint comes by a lot, but that's usually uneventful.

IR: How so?
42: Lint can't talk dumbass, it's lint.

IR: Oh. (Befuddled look). Well, 42 cents, I must say this has been great. Should I put you back in the seat cushions? I also have this big jar of change--you could be part of over 50 bucks!!
42: Size isn't everything irish, you should know that better than anyone. (lol).

IR: Or, better yet wise ass, I could drop you at the bottom of my laundry hamper. How would that be?
42: I have seen your boxer briefs. Let's go back to the couch...

Back in 1999, I remeber watching a brand new show that really caught my attention. 

The West Wing was a great concept and an even better show.  Last night, the series finale wrapped up a seven year run.  It was a great episode--the final one of what was an excellent season.

I can't say that for the last couple of seasons.  The show fell from grace faster than any I can remember.  The West Wing was a top 10 staple, and often the top rated show.  This year, it fell to 79th, which was really sad. 

They ended on a high note, with one President leaving and another taking over.  I was glad they chose to end with the Inauguration of the new President and President Bartlet walking out, and driving away.  True fans of the show are left to imagine how the next four years would have played out.

I will miss the show (I can count on one hand how many original episodes I missed in seven years), as it was one of the best dramas in television history.  It was time though for it to end. 

Recently I had the chance to interview stupidity.  The following is a transcript of our conversation.

IR: Welcome, stupidity!  It's great to see you again!

S: Yes, irish--you have a lot of experience with me don't you?

IR: Let's not get personal, Jackass!  So tell me what you have been up to lately!

S: Well, I have been doing some really dumb things.  Just last night I ate a whole box of bran flakes and drank some prune juice.  That was fun.  I spent the whole night on the can and ran out of toilet paper.

IR: What did you do then?

S: Nothing.  I just sat there.

IR: That's pretty stupid if you ask me.  So, have you been hanging out with anyone special lately?

S: I had my weekly visit with George W. Bush and I also spent some time with the creators of the Freddy Prince Jr. Show.

IR: You seem to have a rather strong effect on our President.  What are some things you do for fun, stupidity?

S: Well, I like to eat chalk and then try to write on the sidewalk with my tongue.  Then last night I rubbed Ben Gay all over my midsection.

IR: WHAT!!  That was dumb!  Why would you do that?

S: That's what I do, irish.  I do stupid things.  Sometimes I do them without thinking--like the time I drank 15 beers at a frat party in 30 minutes, then ate 25 chicken wings.  I wish I knew why I did some of these things. 

IR: What does your family think of all this?

S: Well, my mom voiced her concern, but I called her a bastard child and she got mad.  I guess that was stupid of me to say.

IR: Yes it was.  You should know better.  Speaking of stupid things, can you explain rice cakes?

S: (Laughs) yeah I created those as a joke one day just to see if people would eat them.  I even made some with sour cream and onion flavor, thinking they would be even more repulsive.  Then when people kept eating them, I made mini rice cakes and put "Low Carb" on the wrapper.  Sales skyrocketed.  Don't people realize these things taste like ass?

IR: Let's do a word association game.  I'll say a word and you tell me the first thing that comes to your mind.  Let's start with.....CSI Miami.

S: Stupid.

IR: Any show with Julia Louis Dreyfus.

S: Stupid.

IR: Wheat bread

S: stupid.

IR: Ashley Judd

S: She's hot.

IR: Mac computers.

S: extremely stupid.

IR: Creamed corn

S: Stupid.  WHy would you cream corn?  God that pisses me off.

IR: I would think it takes a lot to piss you off, stupidity.

S: Hell yes it does.  If anyone is tolerant, it's me.

IR: Well, we better wrap this up.  Thanks for talking to me! 

S: Anytime, Irish.  I have to run anyway.  USA network is running 5000 consecutive hours of Law and Order and I don't want to miss a minute of it.  I am going to tape every episode.

The worst Presidency since Warren G. Harding conitnues in full-stride today with reports the government has been secretly collecting records of ordinary Americans' phone calls in an effort to build a database of every call made within the country.

Presdient Bush said "We are not trolling your personal life".

Maybe not, but what continues to simply amaze me is how little this guy cares about how he is perceived.  Bush was responding to a USA Today report Thursday that three telecommunication firms provided the National Security Agency with domestic telephone call records from millions of Americans beginning shortly after the attacks on September 11, 2001.

I am not sure why this is necessary.  Bush continually talks about "having to protect our country", and I agree with him.  But these silly miscalculations--the scandals and spying and leaks and so on--it just continues to pile on.

2008 is just around the corner.  That's a damn good thing.

It's time for the first ever Wednesday, Did you know? 

 On May 10, 1503, Columbus discovered the Cayman Islands.

I wonder if he was riding in the Pinta.  I always liked that boat the best.  C'mon--admit it--you had a favorite too.  "If I was riding with Columbus I would be in the....."

I wonder if Columbus had a brother named Bob.  Bob Columbus.  I like that.

Actually this post is not about tea, it's about gasoline.  I was reading an article in the Sunday New York Times about gasoline prices across the globe and the perception of America's whining over $3.00 a gallon prices.  England, Germany, Norway and Japan all pay over $6.00 a gallon (US gallon conversion), and many other European countries pay around $5.00 a gallon. 

Why is it so expensive there?  How about a 50% gasoline tax that has lukewarm support in Europe.

And again, we whine about $3.00.  Look--it isn't going to get much better here.  The days of $2.00 or less gasoline are over.  As oil resources dwindle, the prices are only going to get worse.  Until we find a new source of powering vehicles and other motorized transportation, we are going to pay through the nose.

So I started thinking....if gasoline becomes $3.00 or more for good, how will it effect the average person.  I am not talking about family vacations or not running your yacht so much.  I mean the average person who lives paycheck to paycheck and has to budget money for gasoline.  How will it effect that person, the economy and really America in general? 

I think it will be a good thing.  This country is so fat with excess it's ridiculous.  America is one big crack addict when it comes to oil. (Also, fast food, SUV's, clothes, shoes, video games etc.)  Maybe we will drive less and bicycle more.  Maybe we will shread some of our overall American obesity.  (this can mean many things).  Maybe we will be forced to develop extensive public transportation systems everywhere.  Maybe the bus won't be so bad.  Maybe the Reds will win the world series again before I die.  Maybe Tom Cruise will lose his voice for good.  Maybe...oh, sorry.

America still has gas....it's just a lot more expensive to pump out.  Deal with it.

I'm sorry all you 15 year olds in Kansas.  You can't get married anymore.  I'm suprised this law happened in the year 2006.  I would have thought we needed another 50 years or so to get so "progressive".  Anyway, now you can all go back to being kids again.

Oh, and one more thing if you REALLY want to get married so badly at 15...just hang on for one more year.  Apparently you have a better chance of getting that marriage recognized.

 TOPEKA, Kansas (AP) -- Kansas may have seen the last of its child brides.

After a pregnant 14-year-old from Nebraska drove to Kansas last year to marry her 22-year-old boyfriend, now serving time for having sex with the minor, Kansas lawmakers decided it was time to set a minimum marriage age.

On Thursday, the Kansas House vote 119-0 to approve a bill that would prohibit anyone under the age of 15 from marrying in Kansas and would set strict limits for would-be brides or grooms under the age of 18. The Senate approved it a day earlier, 36-4.

Under the legislation, requested by Gov. Kathleen Sebelius, a 15-year-old could marry only if a district court judge decided it was in that person's best interest.

Those who are 16 or 17 could marry if they met one of three conditions: permission from a parent or legal guardian and judicial consent; permission from both parents and any legal guardian; or permission from judge if the parents are dead and there is no legal guardian.

Currently, Kansas has no minimum age for marriage if the minor has parental or judicial approval.

In the case of the Nebraska girl -- a person must be at least 17 to marry in that state -- the girl's mother gave permission for the couple to get married in Kansas last spring after learning that her daughter was pregnant. The couple's daughter was born a few months later, in August.

The groom, Matthew Koso, was charged with sexual assault and sentenced in February to 18 months to 30 months in prison for impregnating the girl.

Last month, Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue set 16 as that state's minimum marriage age after a 37-year-old woman married a 15-year-old boy, a friend of her teenage son. Lisa Lynnette Clark pleaded guilty in March to statutory rape and was sentenced to nine months in prison.

This is terrible!  I just can't seem to write!!  I think it's from exhaustion.

 Has anyone else noticed that the t-blog traffic seems to be going down?  I think I need to branch out more and start commenting on new blogs.  Honestly I haven't done much commenting on other blogs.  I will try harder to do so.

Have a great Monday everyone!