03.01.05......   I am about 75% the next upgrade of the website so look for another improvement in a week or so.  In addition to being more attractive this format actually will allow me to offer a greater amount of information in a more condensed space.  It also should make updates quicker and easier. Later today I get to do something that I haven't done in a long time.  Go to the doctor to get a check up. They told me filling out the forms just to see the doctor will take an hour and the appointment will also take at least that time.  I have no idea what type of exams will take place but I doubt any of it will be pleasant. So why go to the doctor now?  Well, for years I just asked myself is what was worse.  Going to the doctor and facing a little unpleasantness - or going about life happily unaware of health issues that needed to be addressed?  The choice was easy.   Now, however, my choices have changed. Now my choices are going through life happily unaware or listening to my girlfriend plead with me to get a check up. Talk about unpleasantness! So now it seems that anything that goes on in that office seems less frightening than facing her wrath about not making an appointment.  Thanks honey! [girlfriend says to make sure I mention to the nice people reading that 'I know she is right and that is not a bitch'.] OK - She is (right) and she isn't (a bitch). I saw the Oscars on Sunday.  Including the Red Carpet shows, awards ceremony and post event wrap ups - 8 hours of my Sunday were taking up with the program. (Idea for Doctors - open up your offices on Oscar Sunday!)  It was pretty good.  The only nominated movies I saw were 'Sideways' and 'SuperSize Me'.  The first film was about wine and the second about food.   Coincidence?  I'm not sure.  Both were really good movies and I think Sideways did win an award. If you have never watched the Red Carpet show then you are really missing something.  What, I am not sure.  On one channel you have Star Jones who spends too much time dropping names when she should be dropping pounds.  On the other channel you have Joan and Melissa Rivers. Melissa is pretty much tasteless and silly and her mom is even worse.  I don't care who's dress anyone is wearing or where their jewelry came from.  I don't care who Star Jones know or when the last time Joan Rivers had plastic surgery.   But, it is fun to see a famous person getting microphones stuck in their face while the their unknown spouse stands awkwardly behind them. I laugh now but may just have to learn how to do that myself one day.  I hope Star and Joan don't read this. Goodbye to NYPD Blue. Tonight is the series Finale 10pm (preceded at 9pm by a 'look back' thing) on ABC.  It has become one of my favorite shows of all time.  Superb acting, great scripts and the best character development since All in the Family.  When it started 12 years ago many ABC stations wouldn't carry it because of bad language and shots of Dennis Franz' butt.  While I understand the reluctance to air the latter the ban soon faded and the show blossomed. But the battle lost by American censors then only helped to motivate them in the overall culture war.  Today, NYPD Blue would probably be far to edgy for ANY commercial station to risk adding to their line up.  So, goodbye to one of televisions greatest programs - and be careful out there.

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