Thoughts.....

....on Lindsey Lohan: Another teen star falling prey to drugs and bulemia. While some are suriprised, I can't figure out why. I agree that it's really sad, especially since she's an idol for some young girls, but I can't say that it's surprising. The culture of hedonism that permeates Hollywood is contagious and the sudden freedom to be able to do whatever you want is hard for a teenager to resist. Her mother says she is taking Lindsey back home to rural NY for a while. Good for her.

....on Ariel Sharon. The passing of this man, if it occurs, will be the falling of a giant who stands head and shoulders above his contemporaries, with only one or two exceptions (Peres comes to mind). The establishment of Kadima was a masterstroke --- it's very sad to see that he will unlikely be able to define that party as his legacy (as he clearly wanted to).

....on John Stewart hosting the Oscars. While I love John Stewart and think he's one of the funniest men on television, I'm not too sure I like this. The Oscars has a way of taking sharp comics and loading them with so many restrictions (due to the large audience - only behind the superbowl) that they lose their edge. I will say this -- they got John Stewart to help increase their ratings and viewership amoung young adults, and I think he'll do that for them. I just hope he does not hold back any punches. Hollywood egos need deflating on a regular basis.

....on the NFL Playoffs. My predictions for the winners this weekend are Washington, Pittsburgh, New England, and New York. Even though the Bengals beat the Steelers earlier, they're coming off a losing streak and Pittsburgh is on a winning streak. Plus the Steelers have found their running mojo again. Washington is my team - 'nuff said. Followed closely by New England. Plus, you should never bet against Tom Brady when he plays at home. And finally, though I don't like to admit it, Tiki Barber is darn good. The Pathers I don't think can stop him, and the Giants will run right over them.