June 30, 2006
Ms. Hathaway, are you trying to seduce me?
Film writer Glenn Whipp sat down with the beautiful and talented (and beautiful - did I already mention that?) Anne Hathaway in anticipation of her new film, "The Devil Wears Prada."
The interview makes her out to be a down-to-earth young woman, one who would probably feel right at home playing Playstation 2 with an online content producer.
She's not fashion obsessed, which also bodes well for me, since my idea of "dressing for the occasion" means something wrinkle-free with the faint scent of detergent.
I do find her quite delightful, and in all honesty, she could show up in a poorly tailored burlap sack and I'd probably still be swooning (do guys swoon?).
Something a bit unsettling in the interview, though. She says, "Yes, I'm very big among children and gay men. I don't think I've managed to cross the straight market yet." It's a good thing I'm a secure, macho guy, or I might take offense at that. I know some of the guys down at the gym would.
She also is dating an Italian real-estate developer. That may sound impressive, but remember, their most notable building leans heavily to one side. He builds structures out of cement and steel; I build comedy out of words and wit. In the end, Ms. Hathaway would have to choose which was more precious - another overpriced condo development, or a child's laughter.
I am in a relationship, so all this fussing is really just my pre-teen girl side revealing a celebrity crush (but remember, I'm macho). But Ms. Hathaway is welcome to stop by to watch all four seasons of "Family Guy" whenever she pleases. If I'm not home, then I'm probably doing crunches at the gym.
Posted by Greg Sidor at 02:29 AM | Comments (1)
June 29, 2006
The show(girl) must go on
Daily News reporter Brent Hopkins somehow managed to get paid to spend a day with a showgirl, which makes him my official Greg Sidor Hero of the Day.
The fruits of his labor are on display here, and there's also a nifty audio slideshow where you can hear what a Las Vegas showgirl sounds like, just in case a real one won't talk to you.
Hopefuls came out to try and get a spot in a Vegas revue. That has to be a tough audition, especially in a city like L.A., where there's a lot of talent and even more people who think they've got a lot of talent.
I don't understand the whole "sexy peacock" look the showgirls aspire to. Why add ornamentation to someone who's already attractive? It's kind of like putting a racing stripe on a Ferrari - redundant to the extreme.
It is one of the few professions where it's still acceptable to wear feathers as part of your attire - which is why I keep my toucan headdress deep inside my desk until the rest of the Daily News staff goes home. Shhh, it's our little secret.
Posted by Greg Sidor at 04:17 AM | Comments (0)
June 28, 2006
What a hoot
Today reporter Dana Bartholomew dives into the controversy surrounding the L.A. Department of Animal Services' plan to team up with a Hooters' bikini contest as a way to raise funds to spay and neuter stray cats and dogs.
As might be expected, once some city officials got wind of all this, they objected. There are many dirty jokes that could be made from this whole affair, but I'll try my best to abstain.
The benefit may have looked good on paper, and even better when executed, but having the Department of Animal Services team up with a restaurant in the business of objectifying women makes officials there look like complete boobs (sorry, forgive me this one!).
I confess that I've never been to Hooters (does that make me less of an American?), not because of any moral objections, but because I don't think my mind can handle the excitement of chicken wings and attractive women simultaneously.
It seems everything has been cleared up, with the city pulling out of the contest. Hooters plans to donate to another animal cause, which means all the controversy won't hurt our four-legged friends.
I have to admit, though, the Department of Animal Services will have a hell of a time trying to find an equally profitable fundraiser. Something tells me selling candy bars door to door just won't bring in the cash, unless they have some very beautiful dog catchers.
Posted by Greg Sidor at 03:46 AM | Comments (0)
June 27, 2006
Reaching across the aisle
The recent flag-burning epidemic that is so popular among today's youth has prompted the Senate to consider prohibiting desecration of the American flag. While it's a politically charged issue, I think it represents an opportunity for the two parties to come together.
Because flag burning is so prevalent, any ban would require massive amounts of funding to prosecute the offenders. Where would this money come from? Herein lies the beauty of my plan.
Congress should enact a "Patriot Tax" on the wealthiest 10% in order to bring all of the flag-burning hooligans to justice. It's well known that Republicans can't vote against anything with "patriot" in the title, and the Democrats can't turn away from a bill with "tax" in its name.
Everyone gets what they want - except for the flag burners, of course. But they've had their way long enough. It's time to turn the tide.
No word yet on the fate of the "Sarcasm Tax."
Posted by Greg Sidor at 02:48 AM | Comments (0)
June 24, 2006
Southwest to assign seats
It seems the mad run for the jetway door has inspired Southwest Airlines to experiment with assigned seating on some flights. I always thought it took some of the thrill out of flying to have first-come, first-serve seating - it made it feel like a bus. The Orange Line with wings, I guess. Just less chance of getting broadsided by someone on their cell phone.
Posted by Greg Sidor at 03:11 AM | Comments (0)
June 22, 2006
Whole lotta shakin' goin' on
Impending doom on the front page of the Daily News today - "Big One may hit as soon as today."
It's not quite the Rapture, but scary nonetheless.
Of course, while plenty of people can huff and puff about a massive quake, no one can offer any prediction of how far off that day is.
"It could be tomorrow or it could be 10 years or more from now," says researcher Yuri Fialko.
Well heck, I could've told you that.
Irregardless, it's a great reminder to keep some supplies around just in case your day is severly inconvenienced by a 7.0+ quake and the government goes "Katrina" on us.
I recommend canned foods, bottled water, and an acoustic guitar to help pass the time.
Of course, this could all be moot if the Rapture arrives before the San Andreas slips. In which case, all the canned goods in the world won't do me any good.
Posted by Greg Sidor at 03:09 AM | Comments (0)
June 21, 2006
Welcome to The Night Shift
Since this blog is entitled "The Night Shift," I thought I'd share the creature that will appear in my nightmares later this morning:
This is the featured critter from the "Photos of the Week: Animals" gallery on the DailyNews.com homepage. I find it very unsettling.
If I saw one of these run across the floor of my apartment, I wouldn't know whether to call an exterminator or a priest. His beady little eyes seem dishonest, and the wild orange hair is unlike anything I've seen.
In reality, the animal is called a golden lion tamarin and there are very few left in the world. That means I probably will never have to confront my fear of the little beasts.
The gallery is worth a click ... the rest of the animals are cute and cuddly and less "tamarin" looking.
No doubt I'll get messages from fans of the golden lion tamarin, but even its supporters have to acknowledge that something is just not right about this little guy.
Posted by Greg Sidor at 02:39 AM | Comments (0)