...my obscession is not with Havrilesky. (At least as long as she seems to be doing her job, and I said that...didn't you notice?) It's with good television and good writing. What are you obsessed with?

And you'll notice I didn't insult The Sopranos. I didn't warm to it, but that doesn't make it bad. (That's the difference between a critic and a fake; judging the quality of something and knowing where your personal likes and dislikes apply, and not confusing the two.)

There isn't any problem with the people here being fanboys, either. It's just that many people hate fanboys for no good reason. Once they get over the psychic shock of realizing they're no different than the people who wear Spock ears or Griffindor robes, they may be far more understanding and tolerant.

It's clear that people see something important in The Sopranos. It means something more than "just a TV show" or "something to do while dinner cooks." For me, it's simply a stretched-out version of Rico Bandelli's rise and fall, with more sex, nudity and dramatic complexity than Warner Brothers or Edward G. Robinson were allowed in the 1930's. But that's the way it is with fandom of any kind. One man's Elvis is another man's fat drug addict with a momma complex.

I forget who did the parody, but it involved a "refreshing sparkling water naturally carbonated inside the bladders of American dogs."

The amusement of this stuff being portrayed as "food" would probably be lost on the people starving in Iraq, Africa and too many other places.

I was tempted to end this review saying "Bite me," but I'm afraid somebody would interpret that as an invitation.

...since it's so late in the thread. However...I do create. Just not here. Blogs are like warmup stretches for real writing, and I'm certain you feel the same way.

About Havrilesky, though, I am serious. She either needs to improve her writing and attitude tremendously, or go someplace more suited to her mental state - writing gay dating advice and tattoo suggestions for those "free" urban weekly newspapers.

And since we're talking obsessions, you never answered what yours were. Havrilesky and The Sopranos, I'm guessing?

On another post, Clockwork Smurf is being very judgmental about the Sopranos being "sociopaths." The definition of a sociopath is someone who cares more for his own goals than society's rules. That encompasses so many Americans, from Bush to Simon Cowell, that the term has practically lost its meaning and its ability to offend. In fact, being a sociopath is a sure way to get press and success. It's much like Eric Cartman on Maury Povich's talk show: "Ah don' care! Ah do what ah whuuunt!"

So why, Clockwork Smurf, do you complain about sociopaths? Do you hate America? Freedom in general? Or just Heather Havrilesky?

I went to Vegas once, for an NAB Broadcaster's convention. The most curious thing was what happened whenever I needed to go to the bathroom, find the showroom, find the restaurants. The standard phrase was, "It's just across the casino."

The point, of course, was to make sure we crossed the casino and got enticed into those games. Now, of course, there's not so much stuff to go to (the casinos can't afford big shows any more) but I'm sure the saying is still intact.

If I am ever forced to return there (it's a very dull town beyond the strip) I will bring and distribute a thousand buttons saying "It's just across the casino." So nobody will ever be lost.