This is what I was talking about before

There is a truly awful ad for JCPenny running around about how men who give thoughtless presents to their wives/girlfriends (usually of the sexist stereotype sort, like vacuum cleaners, et al.) end up in "the dog house." The ad is a travesty first and foremost because it's about thirty years long. So, do yourself a favor and don't watch it:

The fact that it's sexist is not surprising to anyone viewing it. Where I disagreed with some is that it's just anti-male. Au contraire! It's equal opportunity in its ability to mock, offend, and belittle both sexes! Men are stupid! Women are shallow! Thank you, Sarah Haskins, for taking jewelry commercials apart:

Less angry, I promise

I nearly exploded last night. Instead, I sequestered myself until I could at least milk some humor out of a rant I then forced upon feiran and darkling1. Good decision. I watched me some Keith Olbermann, calmed down a bit. He said, verbatim, that the President was full of crap. Love you, Keith!

And then feiran and I watched Stardust which was thoroughly charming. Certainly better than the last Gaiman-related film I saw. We both enjoyed it loads, laughing a good deal and being just out-and-out charmed. feiran was, at once, ridiculous and cute over the character of Cpt. Shakespeare--she didn't recognize ROBERT DE NIRO, but she did squeal and call him a "drag queen sky pirate!" Forgiven, I suppose. Except, not, because when I then pointed out that the joy should be from Robert De Niro playing against type and she hadn't seen any of his character-actor movies, I tried to figure out where she'd have known him from. And she didn't even know him from his comedic renaissance films. (I said Meet the Parents and all I got was a very telling pause.)

But, yes, Stardust, ridiculously charming. I keep using that word because that's all I can really say. It's just sweet and light and, yes, predictable as hell, but that's pretty much the point. A bit busy, some times directionless, but fun. Oh, and feiran is still ready to muff dive Michelle Pfeiffer at her earliest convenience. I confess, I wouldn't say no either.