Razor, razor everywhere

Ever notice how frequently the word razor is used to brand everything these days? It's a phone, it's a scooter, it's a helmet, it's a big-wheel, it's a television- it's everything but a razor. And the razors: Mach3, Quattro, Venus... everything but razor.

On a different note, wouldn't it be funny if, on the last episode of "Will & Grace," Will told Grace he's not gay, but that he was just pretending, so he wouldn't have to date her. That'd be great.

On a different different note, Hawaii is upon us. The excitement is washing over me like a wave- a bright blue wave with no sharks, and plenty of blue-crush-ish surfers. But seriously, I'm very excited to see my family, to be with my bride and to see my friends... and to just relax for a while. I'm very excited. See you all soon.

Love,
Myke

Office Party

There is a pivotal point in the lifespan of a television show where it is either passed on to early syndication, or climbs above the din of regular sit-com bunk to become something the TV executives would kill their own mothers for: a successful TV show. But there is a third category of television show which transcends even this latter category- the kind of television show that steps outside the borders of acceptability and reminds us what quality is, through the simple act of not trying to follow that elusive path to success, and just doing their own thing. Shows like Seinfeld or M.A.S.H. almost seem destined, from the moment they first hit the airways, to make a lasting impact on the landscape of a generation.

The latest show that seems to be grasping at the finger of greatness is the NBC sitcom, The Office. I appreciate NBC for its willingness to develop new shows. Although it’s more likely by good luck than good management, NBC has helmed several great shows, such as Seinfeld, or even good ones like Cheers, neither of which would have gotten a second chance in any other network, after dry initial runs. So, too, with The Office, but with a weak September lineup, and a successful run (for star Steve Carrel) of the movie 40-Year-Old Virgin, NBC was willing to give the show a shot. And the world became a better place.

As we go along in the progression of the show, the motivation of each character becomes apparent. The office is populated with an uncouth office manager whose professional ineptitude is matched only by his inability to see said ineptitude. Michael Scott increasingly finds himself on the outside of the office bubble; more often than not, it’s a wall he’s built himself, though he always tries harder to gain acceptance, friends, love…. Michael often manifests his pressing need for acceptance in his devoted man-crush towards jaded temp, Ryan. When not harassing Ryan with phone calls, Michael is always running around, pressing his perceived comic abilities on his subordinates and fighting off the directives from ‘Corporate’ which so often pits him against his weary compatriots. Liked by everyone or not, Michael is the nucleus of the office environment. He is at the center of a trinity which has itself looking inward for inspiration.

At the bottom of the trinity: Dwight Schrute. Militant worker; obsessively loyal to the Dunder Mifflin Paper Company which pays everyone’s cheques, Dwight represents everything that Michael doesn’t want to be, and perhaps what he sees in himself. Dwight creates as many awkward situations as does Michael, but is unrepentant in his social clumsiness. He represents where Michael has been; where he doesn’t want to be. On the flip side is Jim Halpert; a smooth-talking, indifferent-to-his-workplace guy, who is universally liked, and always has the right thing to say. Jim is to Michael what Michael is to Dwight: an ideal. Someone to look up to.

Arguably more interesting than this trio, however, is the duet that plays out between Jim and Keds-wearing receptionist, Pam. The writers have been dangling the carrot that is their relationship since the pilot episode last year. My fiancee and I frequently, and lovingly, call the show “Jim and Pam,” because of our devotion to, and desperate hunger to see more of, their relationship. (I’ve considered a link to Jim Morrison and Pam Courson, but I think it's a small coincidence, nothing more.) Jim, the helplessly in-love, and equally charming guy distracts the misguided Pam from her relationship to warehouse warthog, Roy, as their relational closeness begins to match the proximity of their desks (they sit right across from each other). What a treat, then, when Jim finally laid out his feelings for Pam on this evening’s season finale. Seemingly immune to his affectionate advances, Pam balks at Jim’s offer of love (a love which contrasts so painfully to Roy’s indifferent, but selfish treatment of the lovely, plain-bagel-personality of Pam). At this point, I was yelling at the television, waiting for resolution. When I thought it was all over, Pam is confessing the situation to her mother, and the Jeopardy moment arrives. “Yes, I am,” Pam answers. I’ll take, “What is, are you in love with him?” for $500, Alex. Jim crosses the floor at that moment, coming out from the shadows to do what the watchers of the great NCB show, Jim and Pam have been waiting for him to do for two seasons: he plants one on Pam.

If ever the word vicarious applied to a situation, this would be the one. Watching those two fulfill (or seem to fulfill) the promise of a love only hinted at in the pilot last season, reminded me of falling in love with my soon-to-be wife, and made me smile like I haven’t in so long. And because of the show’s aforementioned brilliance, Jim kissing Pam won’t be a jump-the-shark moment like Ross kissing Rachel, or Niles kissing Daphne or even Tony kissing Angela. No, The Office has proved that it is unique; an animal unto itself with a veritable brain-trust of talent in writing and comedy. I think the Jim and Pam kiss will be one of many moments in a show full of great moments.

Pissed

What mechanical processes occur in someone's mind to make them think they can search through someone else's personal effects, take out their two favourite DVDs (let's say "Ali G" just for argument's sake), keep them, watch them and then scratch them beyond all use? At what point does your mind click and you think, "yeah, it's okay to disrespect someone else's property. I feel fine ruining these DVDs, even though I make far more money than the owner, and should really just replace the things." Somewhere, Borat is crying.

Here's how I know Iran's a bad place...

... if they weren't considered for the UN Human Rights Council, they must be bad. Word is, they're calling on the spirit of Stalin to chair the council. Hitler apparently turned it down. Bad mojo.

Here it comes...

I have had no time to blog lately, at all, but I just want to say, I'm very excited to see all my family and friends in Hawaii- and of course to get married! If I don't say anything else in the next two weeks, I have to say this: Hawaii, here I come!

Nicholas Cage Sucks

His boisterous remonstrations, sandwhiched between some evenly-timed, muted phrases, are so annoying... he's almost unwatchable. That's all I really want to say right now.