I know, this commentary is late, but look, you probably could have guessed that I love Ricky Gervais, and I thought that his performance at the Golden Globes was so fantastic, I thought it was the best awards show I have seen in years. And, in case you are feeling bad for the poor hurt feelings of the vulnerable and sensitive Hollywood entertainment industry people, let me assure you that everyone in that room has a) heard, seen, and done much worse even to be there in the first place, and b) needed to be knocked down a peg anyway, because no one ever talks to them like that. OMG, the squirming and the lack of laughter…priceless. Later that evening we watched the second episode of Episodes, which could not have been more perfect. Are you watching that show? I did not expect to like it, but it is actually really smart and funny. OK, maybe I'm biased because Stephan (the Voice of God) is doing the promos for Showtime's Sunday lineup, but this show is much funnier than I thought, really. Here's one of Steph's promos– awesome!
While we're on the subject of the Golden Globes and some of the references contained therein, can I just mention the People magazine cover story of John Travolta and Kelly Preston's new baby? How can I say this without sounding like a jerk? I thought that article focused way too much on their religion.
Just so we're clear, I am totally happy for the Travolta family. They suffered a terrible loss when their oldest son died two years ago, and it is a complete miracle (of science, maybe) that they had this new baby. I just wish that, in the People magazine story, they didn't talk so damn much about Scientology. Is that ok to say?
It's not that I don't respect their right to practice whatever religion they want, no matter how weird it seems to me. Maybe Scientologists think other religions are weird– who knows? I just didn't want to hear about their practices, or their "Silent Birth policy," or any of that stuff. Too much information, man. Did not need or want to know about these things.
I actually have trouble with alot of what's in the public discourse lately– I was raised to not discuss people's politics, or religion, or money, and it really bothers me to read what I would consider to be personal details about someone's beliefs, especially in an entertainment-based publication. Plus, I feel like the Travolta family has all these secrets, and that's fine, but then they cover the secrets with a smokescreen of Scientology? Geez, maybe just tell us the secrets– we would probably look upon whatever they're hiding more readily than "I took a Scientology class on how to have a better pregnancy.". I'm sorry, the whole thing just rubbed me the wrong way.
For the record (again), I know a wide range of people, have lived alot of places, have friends of probably every religion, political belief system, and even a variety of alternative lifestyles and ways of coping with problems, and I can still always find something to talk to people about other than their belief systems. If an ideology helps you keep ahold of yourself and lead a good life, then good for you– seriously. I just don't want to hear about it unless i ask.
If that makes me sound like a jerk, then so be it i guess. I just continue to wish society (and public discourse) was more polite I guess. I also don't care for people making important life announcements on Twitter. Pick up the phone, man! Send a note! Use your publicist to send out an official announcement! Seriously– your life is more important than 140 characters.
In other news, how awesome was Shohreh Aghdashloo on Law and Order: SVU last night? Is it possible that this woman gets more beautiful every year? Sheesh. I also LOVED Gwyneth Paltrow on Saturday Night Live. Actually, I love Gwyneth Paltrow again. Let's watch an SNL clip, shall we?
