Sex And The City 2...A rant

I saw the first one. Not in theaters though because back in those days it bothered me to spend over $10 on what I considered unnecessary bullsh*t. When I was in college and unemployed ("Student" is not a profession) I had to be careful with where I spent money. It usually took a "Dark Knight" type of film to drag me to theaters.

However, now that I am gainfully employed I find myself willing to take a chance on certain movies. For instance, Percy Jackson and Clash of The Titans (which are actually the same movie if you really think about it). With that said, I am not foolish optimistic enough to pay money to see this movie. In fact, I am probably better off seeing Prince of Persia (but this may just be the nerd in me talking since I own both "Sands of Time" and "The Two Thrones").

Don't get me wrong, it is not my "feminism" that is making me speak up against the blatant idiocy that makes up Sex and the City sometimes. Remember part 1? Who wouldn't love a movie where a woman takes back a man who not only jerked her around (on and off) for 6 years, but also left her at the altar. Yes, I can see how logical that is. If that were real life wouldn't you have told your girlfriend to leave the relationship a long a** time ago? But then this is only a movie. Some of you may be saying right now, "chill out EDJ, don't take it so serious..." I shouldn't. I do like how the characters are "bffs". However if you think the "bff-ness" is the point of SATC2, then you are sorely mistaken. In fact, based on reviews it appears their "camaraderie" only shows up in the last 30 minutes of the 2.5hr movie.

I am more upset at the fact that they are ruining the reputation of a perfectly fine TV series and making its fans look really bad. Real fans of the show should support me here. When "normal" people watch Sex and the City 2 they are going to believe that anyone who ever liked the show must be foolish. Is that the reputation you want? Because that is what this movie is doing to the show and its fans. I am also upset that a movie company wasted time and money for this madness--wasted money always hurts me.

Usually I don't pay attention to "the critics". I have seen movies despite their warnings (Transformers 2) and hated myself after. However there have been a few movies (Watchmen) that got mixed reviews and I absolutely loved. In the case of SATC2 I am in full support of "the critics". Here are some quotes from "the critics":

At this point it's virtually impossible to escape the cruel irony that Sex and the City, the show, ended when it did so that it wouldn't become what this movie is.

Amid the luxury of Abu Dhabi, the New Yorkers soon butt up against tradition, and their outrageous antics are no longer funny and harmless but offensive and dangerous.

Most dishearteningly, we start seeing the sexually free Samantha (Kim Cattrall) as utterly pathetic. In one scene, she seduces a millionaire businessman by simulating oral sex on a hookah pipe. Get real, folks...If a man wants a woman who'll behave in public like a 20-year-old prostitute, he'll find an actual 20-year-old prostitute.

Once the ladies arrive and spend a good chunk of time marveling at each and every luxury at their disposal (a $22,000-per-night suite, personal butlers, a fleet of cars), they are finally able to get down to the business at hand — complaining about their ridiculously privileged lives and, in Carrie’s case, creating problems out of absolutely nothing.

When the movie finally gets around to the women checking out the city, the film recaptures some of the spirited comedy and clever social commentary that sparked the TV show. This all happens in the final half-hour...

A fascination with the trappings of wealth - specifically, designer labels - has always been a "Sex and the City" hallmark. But here the franchise steps beyond wish fulfillment to prostrate itself before the golden calf of materialism. Consumption hasn't been so conspicuous since the court of Caligula. Future Bolsheviks will use "Sex and the City 2" as a recruiting film.

For a casual observer, there is absolutely nothing of value here. And even for fans, it seems little effort has been made to explore the characters or expand on their world. Why bother, when you can just put some outlandish clothes on the ladies, give them some dirty puns to say, and point the cameras at them?

Nearly as odious is the puerile sanctimony (false righteousness) expressed about the "plight" of the veiled Muslim women (Carrie and Co. don't let any actual human rights abuse trouble their feeble minds, they just care about how the women are forced to dress).

No scene made me seethe as much as one shared by the two characters I always liked best, Miranda and Charlotte. As they vacation half a world away from their families in a $22,000-a-night suite, these two women with full-time nannies moan about the hardships of motherhood. Realizing they might be alienating much of their audience, they acknowledge that some mothers can't afford nannies. In a patronizing gesture, they raise their glasses and say, "To them."...On behalf of my own mother and the millions of other women who raised children without servants, may the two of you choke on your cosmopolitans.

I think you get the point. 

If you are one of the unfortunate souls who bought "advance tickets" weeks ago (honestly no movie is worth that much trouble) then please do come back to this blog and tell me how satisfied you were with the movie on a scale of 1 to 10.

If you don't have your tickets yet, then there is still time for an escape. Don't take my opinion or "the critics" opinion. But do give it a weekend and see how it does. It is my fervent wish that Warner Bros will abandon this foolishness and make this movie the last one, but then we all know that movie execs aren't the brightest of people.

Nominated!

Thank you to everyone who voted for Ego Du Jour! I am so happy to announce that this blog has been nominated in two categories: Best New Blog and Best Designed Blog. Not bad for my first try, right?

But, the voting isn't over yet. I know people say it is an honor just to be nominated but that is utter bs. I would like to win! Now that the field has been narrowed down to 5 nominees per category, you still have to vote for the winners. Final voting for each category will begin on May 31st and end at 11:59pm (EST) on June 6th.

You can see the full list of nominees and categories at the Nigerian Blog Awards website: 

Let me know what I can do in order to get you to vote for this blog! Money? Food? Back rub? The campaign has begun. Please see my campaign speech below:

Dear Blogsville residents, the time has come to determine who will win Best New Blog and Best Designed Blog at the 2010 Nigerian Blog Awards. Our forefathers fought hard for this day. A day when bloggers could unite and have the right to vote for their favorites. A day when one female blogger named EDJ 6-pack (no relation to Joe 6-pack) can rise up, design her own blog--even though she could have used one of those downloadable blogger themes--and have her efforts recognized by the masses. A day when this same blogger is rewarded for the time she has spent writing blog posts that are interesting, provocative, personal, funny, and sometimes all of those things and more. A day when you can reward her efforts by making Ego Du Jour the Best Designed Blog and Best New Blog winner. 

Do not let this day pass you by. It is the day that the Lord has made and it is marvelous in our eyes (shameless pandering to the religious voters). Some of you may be wondering why you should vote for me. You should vote for me because it is the right thing to do. It is what Jesus would do. It is what Justin Beiber would do. Gosh darn it, it is what Obama would do. In fact, ask not why you should vote for EDJ, ask why you shouldn't!

A vote for me is a vote for excellence, a vote for awesomeness, in fact the most important vote you will make in coming weeks. Do not be swayed by the other blogs in these categories. The choice is clear--Ego Du Jour.

Campaign donations are welcome.

Hope you liked my speech, and don't forget to vote starting on Monday!

Upgrade

I was going to write about my promotion on Ego Du Jour, but I figured it is probably better suited to MBA or Bust.

So go over there and read about it.

But before you do, please vote in the poll on the right. Should the comments be arranged  newest on top, oldest at the bottom (the way they are now) or should it revert to the former style of oldest on top, newest at the bottom?

Finally, nominations for the Nigerian Blog Awards will end on Monday. Have you nominated Ego Du Jour?

Since The "Real TV" Season Is Over...

Every year I invest time and energy into new TV shows. Why? Because as much as I love my CSI, House, Grey's Anatomy, etc, man (woman) cannot survive on the same series. Every once in a while you must venture outside the box (into the box?) and try something new. So, every year, I check out the new Fall shows and sometimes I find shows that I can add to my list. In recent years I have discovered a few gems: Fringe, Gossip Girl, Brothers & Sisters, Dexter, True Blood, etc. This year I found some great additions: Community, Glee, Modern Family, and Vampire Diaries.

However, the question is always the same for me. How do I determine which shows are worth my attention? It is usually very easy to spot the "what the f*ck where they thinking" shows. But, I have been burned in the past by my inability to correctly judge the durability of a TV show. Actually, it is a bit like the stock market. How do we know that the stock price will go up and down? How do we know that after dedicating 22 weeks of our lives (sometimes less) to this TV show, the TV station wont screw us over and cancel it? Well, you can't always know but you can do some market research and "strategerize" based on trends. For example, Kings (which was on NBC last season) was a really great show but I knew it wouldn't and couldn't last. I felt the storyline was too complicated and intelligent for basic cable TV and I was right. After 13 episodes, it is now gone for good.

This year I bet big on FlashForward. I didn't even start watching this show until February/March because I didn't think it would last but once I did I followed it religiously. Guess what? ABC has screwed me over and canceled the show. You see these mfs?

However, I really like ABC. I think their execs are the least stupid of the TV networks. This is a big compliment for ABC as there are some networks that I believe MUST be run by foolish people (see BET). It is the only explanation for some of their shows. The way I see it, ABC tried to find a sci-fi/mystery replacement for Lost. It was a tough battle between FlashForward and V, but in the end V won and will be back next season. Then, for some crazy reason, ABC introduced yet another sci-fi/mystery series named Happy Town. So far only 4 episodes of Happy Town have aired and guess what? It too has been canceled. I feel bad for the now unemployed actors. Actually, I don't.

Now, an honorable mention for Melrose Place. It came, it tried, it failed woefully and now the show has been canceled. The CW didn't even have the decency to allow the show to finish one season. I didn't expect this to last and I knew the CW had way too much going on. I mean have you seen their schedule? They should rename themselves the Teen Drama Network.


One of the big names that fell this season, Heroes. I also knew this was coming. I followed all the prior seasons and for old times sake I tried to watch this season. However, I couldn't really get past my strong desire to choke Claire the Cheerleader. The storyline was so convoluted that a quarter of the way into this season I stopped watching it and I couldn't have cared less if the world had ended and Sylar ended up killing everyone.


It is with a heavy heart that I ask for a 21-gun salute to Lost. The show is finally winding down to its natural supernatural conclusion. Initially I thought the show was nonsensical and beyond ridiculous. But, 6 years later, as the final season winds to a close certain things are finally making sense. I understand that the show is actually pure genius. It jerks you around for SIX years and finally explains things to you. Isn't that the best show? For those of you who plan to try out the show after the finale this season--don't. Watching the entire series in a few days won't give you as much satisfaction as if you had followed it for years. I am sad to see it go, but it really couldn't have continued on any longer than it has.

But, weep not for the end of the Fall/Spring TV season because Summer is here! We all know that there is almost nothing to watch during the summer--almost. Two of my "favoritest" shows return in the summer: True Blood and Entourage. I will also be watching, Make It or Break It, and laughing my a** off at The Bachelorette. (apparently "Bachelorette" is not a real word according to my Blogger spell check, who knew?)


I think my dream job would be as a TV/movie studio exec. I bet I can spot a winner better than some of their current employees I tell you that. I already know I can do it for TV (years of research sitting in front of the TV) and don't get me started on some of the stupid movies out there. I mean Furry Vengeance? Come on who paid for that?!

My 3 Day Weekend (A Looong Post)

Friday
Was my actual birthday. We went to dinner at a rodizio style churrascaria in Manhattan where you can eat meat until you pass out. Nobody passed out but, the people who refused to pace themselves ended up regretting it. Dinner was great! I threatened my friends with certain death if anybody sang happy birthday to me in that restaurant. I am not a fan of "public" scenes (as you may already know after reading my Lagos School Daze series). Mogaji, knowing that I could never actually murder her for fear of having nobody to listen to me, decided to get me cake (with candles) and have the restaurant staff bring it out for dessert complete with singing waiters. Do you see her life? For my birthday presents I got: wine (alcohol is always welcome), Edible Arrangements (from Alpa Chino), cake (red velvet with strawberries), birthday cards, and cash munny (money). See what awesome friends I have?

After dinner we went to see Iron Man 2 in Times Square. I liked the movie. It is a little different from the first but its not a bad way to spend a couple of hours. After the movie, at about 1:30am, there was a little mix-up with train schedules and we couldn't get to Grand Central in time for our train home. My sister decided to wait in Grand Central for the next train (at 5am) while I decided to sleep over at either Mogaji's or Alpa Chino's (technically Alpa Chino's brother's place). Without telling me, my sister got on a train to Grand Central and left me in Times Square. I ended up calling our parents to tell them that she was a'courting a late night a'mugging and something should be done about that. Unsurprisingly they actually drove all the way to Grand Central to pick her up. Why do I say "unsurprisingly"? I have a little theory about "last child" syndrome which I will share later.

After getting annoyed that my sister had abandoned me in Times Square--and having yelled at various family members on the phone--I discovered that Alpa Chino's train had not yet arrived and he was waiting on the platform below where I was. So, I joined him on the platform and went home with him TO SLEEP.

Saturday
After the previous night's events I was very tired and did not wake up till 11am. Since I had not planned to sleep over, I was seriously lacking in sleepover supplies. So first thing in the morning we hightailed over to the nearest department store, morning breath and all, to buy clothing. Then a stop at Duane Reade for toiletries, etc. I ended up leaving some of my stuff with Alpa Chino in case there was another "emergency sleepover" incident. This has happened before. Last time it was because of heavy snowfall that I was "forced" to sleepover.

During the impromptu shopping I ended up purchasing a cute maxi dress that I will be wearing again this summer. Yay! After shopping, showering, and changing clothes, I began to feel like a human being again and it was time to look for food. We had brunch at a cafe near the apartment and then walked a couple of blocks to the World Financial Center Plaza. The World Financial Center Plaza looks very office-y and corporate on the outside. Inside, however, on the first 2 floors there is shopping and dining, and even a movie theater. Best of all, hiding behind the "officey" building is a part of Battery Park City which is home to the Manhattan Yacht Club. From there you get great views of the Hudson River and the Statue of Liberty. My favorite frozen dessert brand, Ciao Bella, also has a store there. The park is full of families, people walking all sorts of dogs, shirtless joggers, roller bladers, etc. Its not as much of a tourist trap as Central Park so I much prefer this part of Manhattan and its actually quiet (for Manhattan) on weekends. If I had enough money I would get an apartment there!

So, on Saturday I got to be one of those annoying couples walking down the street, holding hands, and sharing a laugh over inside jokes. We actually parked ourselves on a bench overlooking the Hudson River and I lay with my head on his lap while we talked. Actually, at first I talked and he "listened" while checking ESPN.com on his cell phone and occasionally responding. See his life? Eventually he did stop oppressing me with his new cell phone and it went back to being cute and romantic. Le sigh.

I ended up leaving the city around 9pm. I had to put an end to the cuteness and head home because the next day my parents were celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary with a renewal of vows.

Sunday
I debated whether or not to invite Alpa Chino to the church service and "after-party". In the end, I asked him to come mostly because I figured his "manly" lifting skills would come in handy when setting up for the after-party. Turns out I was right. Also, he looked quite spiffy in a white dress shirt with tie (his sleeves were rolled up to the elbow) and dress pants. I think he rolled up his sleeves on purpose knowing my weakness for "muscular veined arms". When he got to church he was miffed because it had taken him some time to find the church but I was busy imagining us playing "secretary and boss". See his life for wearing that?

My parents are not fans of Alpa Chino. Actually I am of the opinion that my mother could care less and my dad is the one who may have a problem with him. They don't know too much about him, but I am partly responsible for this because I believe it is best for everyone. The less they know, the better for all of us. Its funny because his mom is the opposite. She knows things about me and she even called to wish me happy birthday. Whenever I see his mom or talk to her on the phone she wants to know what I am up to like an aunt or something. If only my parents were that open. On Sunday I occasionally caught my dad glaring at Alpa Chino. At a point in the afternoon I turned around after helping Alpa Chino fix his tie to discover my father's "steely eyed stare" on both of us. I just had to laugh.

When we got back from the festivities, Alpa Chino wanted to go shopping but by the time we got back to the 'burbs--thanks to my dad's navigating skills--the stores were closed. Speaking of navigating, when we were heading out to church we took 2 cars. One driven by each parent. I left with my dad and my sister was with my mom. My dad and I actually left before my mom and sister but we still managed to get there after my mom and sister. My dad insisted he knew better than the Google Maps directions--he didn't--and he made us late. On our way back home we also left the church before my mom and sister and guess what? They still got home before us! Once again my dad insisted he knew a better route--he didn't. Both times I tried to point out the problem but of course he wouldn't listen. The lesson here, parents don't know as much as they like to think they do.

Since we couldn't go shopping, Alpa Chino and I got dinner and then went to see Robin Hood. Which was not a bad movie just way too long! The movie ended around 1am and then he went back to the city and I went home. However--being the dutiful girlfriend that I am--I didn't actually fall asleep until he sent a text to say he had gotten back home himself. See how awesome I am?

Monday
I hung out with Alpa Chino again for most of the day. We ended up re-watching one of the few movies we both like, Guy Ritchie's RocknRolla. Then we napped on the couch (still tired from Sunday). I left there in the evening and went to visit Mogaji who gave me REAL Indomie Noodles with fried plantain. She is a woman after my own heart! I haven't eaten Indomie in some time and I've missed that MSG goodness! After hanging out there I FINALLY made my way home. But did I go to sleep? Oh no. I just HAD to watch the season finale of Gossip Girl and all I can say is OMG.

There you have it. Told ya it was a long post.

Quick Update

Its my birthday today! Yes, the awesomeness that is yours truly was born on this momentous day x years ago in Lagos, Nigeria. No, I wont tell you my age but you can guess.

Birthday plans have been made, everything is in preparation for this evening's festivities and it is very likely said festivities will extend into the wee hours of tomorrow morning.

I am even taking Monday off so that I will have time to recover.

Isn't it great when a year goes by? This time last year I was getting ready for finals and preparing for graduation with both excitement and fear at my job prospects! Its amazing what can happen in a year. Things have been great and I am grateful for all the positive that has happened! Here's hoping for another 365 days of the same!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Nigerian Blog Awards 2010

Dear Readers,

I wasn't around last year for this but I have experienced a strange desire to win one of these awards. So, I need you all to nominate me for some of the categories. I know its a lot to expect you to take time out of your busy lives for this but, as I have been endlessly toiling on writing kicka** blog entries it is only fair that you repay me with an award. Now, I don't want to toot my own horn (actually I will) but I have highlighted some of the categories I feel that Ego Du Jour is best suited for. 

1. Nigerian Blog of the Year (because on the nomination form this is a necessary category)
   -Best overall blog
3. Best Daily Read (You know you check this blog for updates!)
   -Blog that is updated daily or that reader checks daily for updates
4. Best Designed Blog (I worked hard on this layout! I didn't just get it from a "theme" website!)
   -Blog with an appealing design or look
5. Best New Blog (This blog started in August/Sept 2009 so it clearly qualifies)
   -Blog must be less than one year old
6. Best Personal Blog (duh)
   -Blog that focuses on the writer’s life or experiences
7. Most Humorous Blog (Maybe?)
   -Blog that is funny, amusing or lighthearted
8. Most Inspiring Blog (for kicks)
   -Blog that regularly inspires the reader
9. Most Intellectual Blog (Do I not convey ideas in an intellectual manner? Don't argue).
   -Blog with a focus on matters that are intellectual in nature, or that conveys ideas in an intellectual manner
10. Most Unique Voice ('nuff said)
    -Blog that has a unique voice and/or style of writing

You can fill out a nomination form at the site for the Nigerian Blog Awards. There are other categories like Most Controversial, Best Use of Social Media, Best Beauty Blog, etc. and you can nominate other blogs for the other categories.

Since we're on the subject of blog nominations, I have a question...why don't more of you follow me? I know that I have a decent number of readers (some of whom don't comment for whatever reason) but this is not reflected in the number of followers I have. See your lives?.

Social Networking on Ego Du Jour (and a How To...)

It has come to my attention that some of the awesomeness of Ego Du Jour has flown way over some of your heads. So, this post is to help you understand how Ego Du Jour works.

The comment box is now on the bottom of each post. I think this makes it easier to read. Also, the most recent comment now shows up as the first comment on the chain not the last.

Many of you are not too familiar with the many uses and the "networking" aspect of the comment box. It isn't "just" a comment box, you should take it for a spin sometime. I have attached a handy diagram to help with this.





If you do sign in with your Facebook or Twitter account, your comments will be posted on this blog as well as on your Facebook wall or as a tweet (depending on what you chose). If you sign in with your Blogger account, your name will be linked to your blog so if somebody sees your comment and thinks you are extremely awesome, they can then visit your blog from this comment box. You can also sign in with all 3 at the same time (and whatever other social networking account you have).

Of course you can simply comment on this page alone without taking advantage of any of the social network integration, but that would be a pity since I have tried so hard to "integrate" the blog with other social sites. Don't you want to reward my efforts?

You can choose to Reply a comment directly and have your response posted below the original comment. This way we all know who your response was directed at. If you don't want to comment and simply want to give the person a "thumbs up", you can Like the comment.

I could have made this a simple comment box, but that would have been too easy.

Now that I have freed up the sidebar a bit, I am wondering what to put there. Ideas?

Yaradua Died

I am happy for him. Honestly. He is dead what is his own problem now? Nothing! Poor Turai has to begin packing her gwongwoni (I think that is an Hausa word) so that Patience and Goodluck (pun intended) can move in to Aso Rock. Walai!

Its sad that somebody had to die before an igbo man "accidentally" became president. For all you "people" saying he is not Igbo biko mechie onu. That is like the Barack Obama argument (i.e. he's only half black). His middle name is Ebele and that should be Igbo enough for all of you. At least, for the sake of the history books.

I don't understand some of the news I am hearing though. For instance President Goodluck (Hence-forthwith-rightoh-cherrio I will refer to him as P.G on this blog) said,

"Nigeria has lost the jewel on its crown and even the heavens mourn with our nation tonight,"

Who knew P.G had such a flair for overly dramatic declarations and flowery prose? I have called "the heavens" to comment on this and no such mourning is taking place. See? His first day on the job (officially) and P.G has already started lying. 

The part that amuses me about Nigerian news coverage is how they mentioned that Yaradua's death brings back memories of American presidents who died in office. I can see the similarities. Remember all those U.S presidents that were murdered in military coups by greedy soldiers hell bent on becoming dictators and stealing all of America's wealth? Yes, I see the similarities between the U.S and Nigeria.
Why does Nigeria have a constant need to draw similarities with the "cool guys"? This isn't high school! Nigerian news should PROUDLY claim the fact that modern Nigerian politics is similar to that of medieval England. Yes, the system is a few hundred years behind the "big guys" but its okay.

Now we can all prepare for the 2nd presidency of Ibrahim Babangida. Everyone in Nigeria, spend this time under P.G getting your visas and passports in order. This way, when IBB becomes president (again) you can easily use your visa to escape--if your application doesn't get denied. This is the best strategy at the moment.

I have told Mogaji that the upcoming election will be the true test of the online social advocacy/campaigning craze that is sweeping Nigeria. All you anti-IBB people that are tweeting, Facebooking, blogging, #lightupnigeria-ing, etc now is the time to see if this will work in a country without constant electricity.

Campaign your hardest! But, if IBB wins you all have to admit that I have been right all along and e-advocacy is a waste of time in Nigeria. Okay? Deal!