Exposed And Buried

One of the reasons why I love "Lost" is the way it can surprise you with things you already know. For instance, Nikki and Paulo became immediately the show's most hated characters, even with minimal screen time. Everyone, including myself, was quick to assume that these characters were to play some important role and their awkward introduction was there to mislead the audience. Wrong! Nikki and Paulo's purpose was exactly that : be hated!

Their episode was a very fun flashback of life on the island from their perspective, and basically a tribute to the "extras"; all those other survivors we never hear anything from, and don't care about. The attitude of the show towards them is clear. It happened with poor Dr. Arzt (featured on this episode, as well as other dead characters like Shannon, Boone and Ethan), and now it has happened again in the most disturbing way. Nikki and Paulo end up being buried alive when they manage to paralyze each other over a handful of diamonds. One of the darkest episode finales, and another unusual episode overall. Sure, the main plot is ignored, but "Lost" is so much more than its main story. If you appreciate this fact, you will enjoy the show much more!

Nikki foreshadows their demise with her very ironic line "you know what happens to the extras". I hope Locke's line "things don't stay buried on this island for long" is not another foreshadow!

The Ghost Of The Opera

There are very few bands in today's power metal that still have my attention. Kamelot though have much more than mere attention; I can't wait to get new music from them! And the wait is almost over...the successor to the amazing "The Black Halo" will be released on June 4th and it is entitled "Ghost Opera".
As you can see, the artwork for the album is simply stunning! I know we're not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but my doubts about its high quality are very few indeed!

Abbey Road Wishes

In the picture, Tuomas Holopainen seems quite pleased with the progress of the new Nightwish album recording. The finnish band's keyboardist and songwriter has chosen the legendary Abbey Road studios for the recording, and the same orchestra that was used in the previous album, "Once". This is very good news; "Once" contained the band's two best songs (the phenomenal, outstanding, etc. "Creek Mary's Blood" and "Ghost Love Score") and Tuomas seems determined to surpass it. The fans of the band, though, have reasons to worry. This will be the band's first album without their trademark vocalist, the adored Tarja Turunen, and her replacement will have to fullfil the expectations of an army of fanatic fans.
Even though the new Nightwish front-woman has already been chosen (among 2000 contesters!), her identity will remain a secret until the release of the band's new single "Eva" on May 30th. It is very probable that she is a lady we never heard before, but if I had to bet on someone, that would be Epica's Simone Simons. I think she would be perfect for Nightwish.
The band's new album will be released on September 26th.

Unbelievable

Stephen Colbert is famous for the caustic satire of his show and the liberal views it supports. It seems though that some people at the White House can't distinguish between caustic satire and mere comedy. There's no other explanation for this video which is an excerpt of the annual White House Correspondents Association dinner. It is simply astonishing that Colbert is allowed to make such harsh criticism in the presence of the President, even under the comedian license. It is very rare that words like "insolent" and "audacious" acquire a positive color and this is one of these cases.
Click here for the video.