RJR Tobacco is marketing flavored Camel Cigarettes.

The flavors are sweet and the packaging is rather fanciful. Yet RJR insists that they aren't being marketed toward kids.

Many teens seem to like them, and the manufacturers said the brand is in demand.

The cigarettes come in flavors like lime, berry, pineapple and coconut.

"They're kind of tasty. It sounds like a gimmick for kids, you know. I walk in there, I see the bright colors and I'm, like, 'I need that cigarette,'" said Kenny Silver, 18, a high school senior.

"It's all colorful and really cool and groovy and they look nice and, of course, people automatically think, 'Oh, nice, I want to smoke these now,'" said Hedi Lowe, 18, also a high school senior.

But R.J. Reynolds, the manufacturer of Camel, said:

"We don't, under any circumstance, market our product to youth. Our adult consumers asked us and told us they like differentiated products. That is why we offer flavored cigarettes."

So you judge for yourself. Are they geared toward kids or not?

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Monty Python's Spamalot, the musical based on Monty Python and the Holy Grail opens for a five-week preview engagement in Chicago on 12/23.

Spamalot stars David Hyde Pierce, Tim Curry & Hank Azaria.

Hmmmm. Let's see. Going home for Christmas; tickets starting at $25; I wonder...

Spamalot opens on Broadway on February 14.

If you get a chance, take a look at the home page for Spamalot, it's laden (African or European?) with tons of Pythonesque noises and animations.

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1 Being a diehard comicbook collector (Luke Cage, X-Men and Spidey are my favorites) This new Batman movie has sparked my interest. I enjoy the first one especially with Jack playing the Joker but I find that those movies were awfully dark and gloomy and an eye sore to watch (especially now) I will also go check out Blade... Demond S

Posted by: Demond S. Hunter at December 04, 2004 03:45 PM (YNclO)

2 Can't Hollywood wait more than 10 years before recycling another film idea?

Posted by: Michael Gallaugher at December 04, 2004 06:41 PM (IO9Rv)

3 Yeah, that looks good. I agree with Demond, Blade is also a must-see. And since the name came up, when is John Singleton going to get the Luke Cage movie together?

Posted by: Gib at December 06, 2004 04:55 AM (PsC2M)

4 From what I understand, Singleton's Cage is on the 2006 slate -- mind you, Marvel's really pulling out all the stops: We've got Elektra next month, FF in July, then word just came out that Chris Columbus (Director of the first Harry Potter flick) will be directing Sub-Mariner in 2006, plus an Iron Man movie is set to come from the "house of ideas." That doesn't even count Spider-Man 3 (2007), X-Men 3 (2006 or 2007), Hulk 2 (2006), Daredevil 2 (2006 or 2007), Man-Thing (Direct to video, 2005), Ghost Rider (still w/ Nicholas Cage in 2005), and possibly Silver Surfer (2007 or 200 .

Posted by: Michael at December 06, 2004 05:06 AM (CO/Uo)

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A new piece by David C. Atkins on WorldNetDaily takes the Untouchables tactic to get the Islamic terrorists to back off.

The name of the tactic is taken from a memorable line in the 1980s movie version of The Untouchables with Kevin Costner and Sean Connery: "You wanna know how you do it? Here's how, they pull a knife, you pull a gun. He sends one of yours to the hospital, you send on of his to the morgue! That's the Chicago way, and that's how you get Capone!"

Atkins' take uses that notion along with the Cold War concept of "Mutually Assured Destruction."

I propose that the U.S. immediately adopt and publish the following nuclear doctrine:

In the event of a WMD attack by terrorists on the U.S. homeland or U.S. military facilities overseas, the U.S will immediately and without discussion use its immense nuclear weapons capabilities to destroy the 100 largest Islamic cities on earth, regardless of state, and destroy all of the military facilities of Islamic-dominated states. This will include all of the capitals and at least the 10 largest cities of all Islamic-dominated states and the "holy" cities of Mecca and Medina. In addition, North Korean cities and military installations will be destroyed.

Now suddenly everybody from Casablanca, Cairo, Damascus, Riyadh, Tehran, Islamabad, Pyongyang and Jakarta have skin in the game. The last thing they want would be a WMD attack on the U.S. It would mean certain destruction of their societies. They might even be motivated to actually and feverishly work against Islamic terrorism instead of the tepid lip service they currently give. Those "freedom fighters" currently being cheered in the streets would be transformed to deadly threats in the very societies that spawned them.

Meet our two-by-four: a promise, not a threat, but a promise.

Guess what. We all of a sudden would have their undivided attention, whine-fest from the United Nations notwithstanding.

Notice how we are predicated to "follow the rules" while the bad guys don't. This follows the rules, but take 'em up a notch.

And if they don't think we're serious, they can always try us. And while I'm using movie metaphors, let me quote the esteemed Inspector Callahan:

"'Did he fire six shots or only five?' Well, to tell you the truth, I've forgotten myself in all this excitement. But being as this is a .44 Magnum, the most powerful handgun in the world, and would blow your head clean off, you've got to ask yourself a question: Do I feel lucky? Well, do ya?"

My question to the Islamists and the Islamic world is simple. "Do you feel lucky?"

Well do ya? Do ya?

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OK, I'm falling into the shameless promotion department here.

I'm up for the category of Best Conservative Blog in this year's 2004 Weblog Awards (which is primarily sponsored by Wizbang).

So I'm blushingly asking for your support and your vote. And I'm up against some solid competition (and some of the blogs on my blogroll, as well as some of my personal favorites!) so I'll let everyone know that it's an uphill battle for me.

You can vote once per day each day from now until December 12, so the notion of "Vote Early & Vote Often" works here.

"And we thank you for your support."

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Denver's holiday traditions include a Christmas Parade and the lighting of the City and County Building in downtown Denver.

Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper recently announced that the phrase "MERRY CHRISTMAS" on the outside of the building will be changed to "HAPPY HOLIDAYS," in yet another politically correct attack on the institution of Christmas. And while they're at it, the city is stopping a church group from participating in the annual "Parade of Lights", and singing Christmas Carols.

Parade organizers claim that Christmas Carols may be offensive to some people.

...a church group who wants to march in the Parade of Lights and sing Christmas carols will not be allowed to participate in the parade. Organizers say the parade is about the holidays, not Christmas, but leaders of the Faith Bible Chapel say that's ridiculous.

"We can't pretend that Christ didn't exist and Christmas wasn't about his birthday, so we felt we could sing it and apparently that is not in social vogue anymore," said Pastor Gary Beasley, with the Faith Bible Chapel.

"This event is not one that has ever intended to have a religious message or a political message," said Susan Rogers, with the Downtown Denver Partnership.

She said no overtly religious symbols is allowed in the parade and that means participants can't carry "Merry Christmas" signs and can't sing traditional Christmas hymns.

If you want to participate, the address is:

Mayor John W. Hickenlooper
Denver City and County Building
1437 Bannock Street, Suite 350
Denver, CO 80202

This overall practice of trying to minimize Christmas and the birth of Christ is completely off-base and out of line.

It seems that Christianity -- which is the religion of the majority of Americans -- is under attack as never before, mostly by PC-types who want to plow it under a wave of politically correct sayings and propaganda. We have a rogue court who has ruled that the phrase "Under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance is wrong, an elementary school principal who prohibits a teacher from using the Declaration of Independance in class because it mentions God (and of course, since the teacher is a Christian, the principal is "afraid" he might use the opportunity to preach in class, right?), and now we've got people insisting that Christmas Carols are wrong because they might "offend" people.

Well, quite frankly, in that instance, I don't mind offending people. Christmas is the celebration of the birth of my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, and I continue to sing and celebrate that fact from the rooftops. You are welcome to agree or not agree with me, but don't tell me that I can't celebrate that fact!

Oh. And the Faith Bible Chapel in Denver? Since they aren't being allowed to participate in Denver's Christmas Parade, they will walk the route an hour prior to the parade, singing Christmas Carols and passing out hot chocolate. God bless them!

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Idiot propaganda filmmaker Michael Moore, sans beard, dirty baseball cap and grungy clothes, showed up on NBC's Tonight Show with Jay Leno this week, and pretty much admitted defeat in the political game.

Moore told Leno that there was a reason President Bush was re-elected November 2, "He got more votes."

"The Republicans - I'll give them this - they had a story to tell," Moore continued. "The Democrats, often times, aren't very good at telling a story. And the [Bush] story was: Out of the ashes of Sept. 11 rose one man. And he stood on the rubble of lower Manhattan with a bullhorn and he said, 'I will protect you.' "

Don't worry though. Lest you think Ol' Chunky turned in his official moonbat decoder ring and joined the GOP, he also said that he would be back in four years to try again.

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WGCL (CBS 46) reporter Fred Powers seems to like his role as "stunt reporter" for the perennial ratings bottom-dweller in the local news race 'round these parts.

Powers has been set on fire, bitten by attack dogs, tasered, "rescued" from a building as part of a firefighter training exercise, and most recently, shot while wearing a bulletproof vest by local police as a part of a training exercise -- all in the line of duty, and usually as part of "sweeps month" stunts.

No wonder he's being dubbed the "human piñata" by TV wags.

Not coincidentally, his biggest stories tend to pop up during the sweeps months of February, May and November. (The current sweeps period ends today.) Because advertisers base what they pay partly on viewership during those three months, a shift of a ratings point here and there can mean millions of dollars for each station.

With such high stakes, it's not surprising that WGCL promotes Powers as the man who will do anything for a story, showing snippets of his escapades accompanied by a rotating 360-degree shot of the reporter, bionic man style.

"I have to admit I don't feel comfortable with that," said Powers, who often has an urgent, swashbuckling attitude on air. "I don't want to be promoted as the story. The story should be the focus."

Last month, Powers aired a live SWAT demonstration at a police training facility in Douglas County. He played a suspect holding a cop hostage. The police stormed the house on live TV and shot Powers, wearing a bulletproof vest, three times in the chest.

Powers' most infamous live demonstration aired in February, when police jolted him with a Taser stun gun.

The Georgia State Patrol was about to equip its officers with stun guns, so he approached Forest Park's police department, which already used them.

"I want to be Tasered," he told Chris Matson, the administrative captain.

"It was," Matson said, "an unusual request."

Powers convinced him that the goal of the segment was to show stun guns were not as dangerous as they appeared.

"We granted his wishes: We gave him 50,000 volts," Matson said.

When the dramatic moment arrived, Powers screamed and fell to the floor, immobilized for several moments. "You just freeze up, but five seconds later, I was fine," he said.

Powers was one of the first reporters to be "Tasered." Not surprisingly, dozens of TV stations nationwide copied WGCL in subsequent weeks.

Now. Tell the truth. How many of you watch reporter stunts like that to see if the reporter will REALLY hurt him/herself trying? Go ahead. Raise your hands.

I thought so. Me too.

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The best comic you're not reading, Chris Muir's Day By Day is back with new strips.

Chris is doing a book or three in 2005, so look for it at a bookstore near you!

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Seattle-based blog sister Ambra notes the convergence of the "signs of the apocalypse" that are coming together within the near past, and wonders whether something "is about to go down" in this country.

George W. Bush is re-elected.

Yasar Arafat Dies

Colin Powell, John Ashcroft, and Tom Ridge resign

A black Conservative woman is appointed as secretary of state

Dan Rather steps down

Kwiesi Mfume leaves post as President of NAACP

Tavis Smiley ends his NPR talk show citing lack of diversity

All 11 states seeking to allow homosexual marriage failed miserably

Mount Saint Helens erupted (Biblically, the natural is an indication of the spiritual, last time Helens erupted was 1980, also an election year.)

Ken Jennings finally lost on Jeopardy..ha.

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Chris Muir ends his long hiatus tomorrow, and brings Zed, Sam, Jan and (my main man) Damon back to our screens.

Welcome home, Chris!

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First it was Jesse "The Gypsy" Jackson. Then it was Green Party presidential candidate David Cobb and Libertarian Party presidential candidate Michael Badnarik (both of the "Hey, look at me! I'm a candidate with a snowball's chance in Hell of winning" crowd).

Now the Kerry-Edwards campaign has officially joined the growing din of whining liberals demanding a recount of votes in Ohio, according to a statement released by Cobb.

Today, attorneys representing the Kerry-Edwards campaign filed papers in Delaware County, Ohio to intervene in legal proceedings in defense of Green Party presidential candidate David Cobb, Libertarian Michael Badnarik and their legal counsel, the National Voting Rights Institute, who are seeking a recount of all votes cast for president in the Ohio 2004 general election.

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According to reports from the Baltimore Sun & USA Today, NAACP head Kweisi Mfume is expected to announce his resignation from the post today.

Mfume, 56, has said he would like time off to spend with his six sons, the youngest of whom is 14. He also reportedly is looking forward to a break from the punishing schedule of leading the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the nation's oldest and largest civil rights group.

Mfume will soon conclude his ninth year as NAACP president. He took over the organization amid financial problems and turmoil under the leadership of Benjamin Chavis.

After keeping a schedule that includes 65 trips a year on NAACP business, the source said, Mfume will likely take a vacation after his departure.

Mfume reportedly will serve as a consultant with the NAACP until the end of the year. The organization is expected to begin a nationwide search and have a new president by its next national convention in July 2005. According to NAACP rules, officers in the group cannot seek or hold public office.

Political allies said Mfume is eyeing a run for the U.S. Senate seat held by Paul S. Sarbanes, whose current term ends in 2006. Sarbanes is 71 and has not said publicly what his intentions are.

The group claims to be non-partisan, but past experience and practice have shown otherwise. I wouldn't be surprised if another Democratic politician (or former politican) gets the nod to replace Mfume. I wonder what Bill Clinton is doing with his time.... (he said with his tongue only HALF stuck in his cheek)

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Butch Davis finally figured out that scoring 48 points is not a cause for celebration, when your arch-rivals (the Cincinnati "Bagels") score 58 points.

After saying he wouldn't be fired this season as recently as last week, Davis quit today.

And there was much rejoycing in the Dawg Pound.

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I've been absent from the Komissar's "Show Trials" feature for awhile now....'tis more than time for me to make up for lost ground.

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According to published reports, Sex and the City and Law & Order alum Chris Noth may reprise his role as Detective Mike Logan in the lead for Law & Order: Criminal Intent to replace lead Vincent D'Onofrio -- at least temporarily.

D'Onofrio has been suffering from a mystery illness that has left him with fainting spells -- though these things initially were attributed to D'Onofrio's support for John Kerry, and Kerry's November election loss.

Noth is set for a January episode reprising the Det. Mike Logan character he played from 1990-95 on the original L&O.

Erratic behavior of CI star Vincent DÂ’Onofrio has NBC Universal executives considering Noth as an emergency backup in the lead detective role, according to industry sources.

The New York PostÂ’s Page Six column has chronicled DÂ’OnofrioÂ’s instability, reporting that he passed out on the set, was starting fistfights and was an overall nightmare to work with.

He was hospitalized briefly after the first fainting spell, then returned to the hospital when he keeled over a week later at home. An NBC spokeswoman confirms NothÂ’s planned guest spot, but says she knows of no discussions of any cast changes on the show.

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1 Well, this will make my wife happy. She likes Edgar the Bug (as we call him), but Noth was another favorite of hers.

Posted by: Laurence Simon at November 29, 2004 05:21 AM (uBCxH)

2 Following the post on the Transformer car, the post on Edgar the Bug vs. Mr. Big. I love this blog!

Posted by: Fausta at November 29, 2004 05:38 AM (SXxna)

3 Well .. . now, I just may have to tune in to see him in L&O. Haven't watched an episode this season because hubby has the remote most of the time . . .

Posted by: Lola at November 29, 2004 07:58 AM (V1eTE)

4 Note to Lola: Get your own remote! Try 2 tv sets! Viva Noth! RIP Mooonbat!

Posted by: Indigo at November 29, 2004 04:32 PM (XtZZG)

5 Noth is in the latest Amazon.com video. Nice!

Posted by: Fausta at December 01, 2004 11:39 AM (SXxna)

6 I loved Chris Noth as Mike Logan....but his time was on the original L&O. Mr. D'Onofrio and only Mr. D'Onofrio makes the Goren character who he is and that character's interaction to the rest of the great cast is what makes the show....it should be interesting to say the least.

Posted by: J-Mac at December 03, 2004 11:51 AM (JMGFQ)

7 Replace Goren? Are they MAD??? If there's no Goren, there's no LOCI. Simple.

Posted by: Vicki at December 08, 2004 08:00 PM (kxGg2)

8 That's nauseating....the star had a breakdown. So what. Just looking at his face, you know he lives hard. Vinnie D'Onofrio IS Goren. He goes, I go. Chris Noth is a bore.

Posted by: Frankie at December 13, 2004 09:59 PM (6krEN)

9 This is a crock! "Vinnie" needs to get over it. The election, his "stardom", his failed marriage, whatever. Get over it, get back to work, and remember that others need their paychecks too. He's too old to be starting fistfights. Let's see some better TV.

Posted by: Deena at December 20, 2004 03:49 PM (6krEN)

10 second the motion, without vincent d'onofrio law and order criminal intent is a bust. vincent is the show.

Posted by: sonny at December 26, 2004 09:15 AM (ywZa8)

11 NBC Universal Studios would be mad to let Vincent D'Onofrio leave the series.....he is Criminal Intent. It is the quality and intensity of his performance that makes the programme stand out from the other Law and Order series. Perhaps they should consider a less punishing schedule so that quality actors like Vincent can sustain such brilliant performances. If he's ill or just plain 'sick and tired' then let him have a break from the series to recharge his creative juices. Perhaps he can make a movie, I miss seeing him on the big screen: I saw The whole wide world and my world has never been the same since.......A truly touching performance with the greatest screen kiss ever!

Posted by: Dee in New Zealand at January 12, 2005 02:09 PM (9iRX/)

12 Vincent is Criminal intent and I need to see him every day sometimes thanks to dvd I do have respect for Noth no one can downplay those begining year of law and order and with Jerry Orbach gone may an apperance will do some good but they can never replace Donofrio ever he adds a magnificent element to the show and the connection to his partner we all noticed durning her short leave this show is irreplacable!

Posted by: Mary Ann at February 09, 2005 07:50 PM (GFdTd)

13 Criminal Intent IS Vincent D'onofrio. I really enjoyed Chris Noth's performances in Law & Order but he is so different from Goren. Still, if it's a choice between not having Vincent at all as opposed to having him for half the time, it's worth it I suppose.

Posted by: frances at February 09, 2005 11:55 PM (5IM+k)

14 Just read that Vincent and North will each do 11 episodes in season 5. I won't be watching the ones with Vincent in them. He totally makes the show.

Posted by: stacey at February 10, 2005 06:39 PM (4YX94)

15 Let me fixed what I just typed - I will ONLY watch the ones with Vincent in them! This is one of the best shows on tv. It is said to see it changing.

Posted by: stacey at February 10, 2005 06:41 PM (4YX94)

16 I wouldn't mind seeing C.N. return. Even if the show would change. I can't help wondering if it "exaustion" or something else. I've read that the shooting schedule is NOT overtaxing. They don't film as many episodes per season. Why's he fainting? Are the doctors checking everything? What about long term stress? Something is not right.

Posted by: Deena at February 13, 2005 06:09 AM (ywZa8)

17 Vincent D'Onofrio is the best and LOCI wouldn't be the same without him. I loved Chris Noth in Sex and the City, but he is looking a little pasty-faced right now. I am very concerned about Vincent. I think I may have missed some news -- didn't hear about fist fighting. I think he obviously has some health and other issues. I won't be as interested in the show if he leaves, even part of the time.

Posted by: Kris at February 14, 2005 02:42 PM (ywZa8)

18 Vincent's acting seems just psycho enough to make him believable. He acts like his job as a cop is getting to him enough to put him in the hospital. And that is what the show is about. He teeters and drags out the bizarre physical hand and head motions. He seems to be on the edge all the time. You have to wonder which way he'll fall. It's fascinating and frightening to watch. His persons of interest almost always seem to be unnerved by the way he acts. I love it! Noth? Nah. Maggie

Posted by: Maggie E at March 17, 2005 06:41 PM (oFsWN)

19 No one can take the place of vincent. I will not be watching any of the episodes he isn't in, he makes the show.

Posted by: carol at March 18, 2005 06:53 AM (uwzOE)

20 NO WAY REPLACE VINCE, I WILL NOT BE WATCHING L&O CI

Posted by: Laurel at March 25, 2005 02:22 PM (+7VNs)

21 It will be great to see Chris Noth back!

Posted by: susan at April 03, 2005 04:35 PM (1s/79)

22 I'll watch ANYTHING Chris is in! He's got a great smile!! Love Ya Chris!! Hope to meet you someday!!

Posted by: Dee at April 27, 2005 05:00 PM (s+/km)

23 Chris Noth was fine in the originl L&O. However, Vince IS L&O:CI. The chemistry between him and Katherine Erbe can not duplicated with Noth. Just like the character who replaced Eames when she was on maternity leave. It was like nails on a chalkboard. I was very happy when Katherine came back. If Vince needs a rest. No problem. As long as he comes back. He is the reason to love Sunday nights. Even if that means I have to go to work the next day. I can even overlook the fact that he wanted Kerry in the White House. But, not have him as Detective Goren...NOPE. Can't vision that. Won't vision that. Refuse to vision that! I would be more than happy to catch him if he feels faint again!! I know CPR. ...

Posted by: Geri at May 08, 2005 11:52 AM (OzDza)

24 i LIKE VINCENT AND I LOVE CHRIS NOTH. SO WHEN IS CHRIS COMING ON THE SHOW. IF NOT CAN YOU HAVE CHRIS GO BACK TO THE ORIGINAL LAW AND ORDER WHERE HE BELONGS OR MAYBE PUT HIM ON LAW AND ORDER SVU. CHRIS DEFINETLY BELONGS ON A LAW AND ORDER SERIES. COME ON BRING HIM BACK THE GUY THAT REPLACED THE CHARACTER OF LENNY BRISCOE LEAVES SOMETHING TO BE DESIRED. I'VE STOPPED WATCHING THE SHOW AT NIGHT BECAUSE HE SEEMS LIKE A SHOW OFF.

Posted by: CHRISTINE at May 08, 2005 01:45 PM (3JJ25)

25 They can't do that, so many people like Vincent D'onofrio who the fuck wants Chris, he needs to get his own fucking show. And so what if Vincent is always passing out. Sorry but I can't see Chris playing this strong part. I mean did yall see Law an order he is like the cool guy he did not play a strong person

Posted by: Adriana at May 12, 2005 06:52 PM (9IcYW)

26 criminal intent will not be as good as it is now without vincent d'onofrio i say keep him

Posted by: susan at May 16, 2005 04:02 PM (QuHl0)

27 I LOVE Vincent Donofrio! I won't watch the show without him.

Posted by: diana at May 16, 2005 08:13 PM (JsVG0)

28 I'm actually more of a fan of SVU and the Original Law and Order than I am of Criminal Intent but I agree that Vincent does make the show with his character. If it wasn't for him the show probably wouldn't have that much viewership. See, but I always like Chris Noth, and he is not a bore(whoever said that). They never should've taken him off the Law and Order, that was a big mistake. I'm not sure if he could replace Vincent's character because it's so different from who Mike Logan is. IF Vincent's health is suffering badly then he probably shouldn't be doing as many episodes.

Posted by: Lynn at May 18, 2005 06:26 PM (Cnla2)

29 I'd love to see Chris Noth again. Couldn't believe it when they got rid of Mikey in the first place.

Posted by: Jay at May 26, 2005 11:18 AM (S9nnG)

30 I Love Chris Noth, but the actor has changed in ways that the character would not have (because of SATC) I love d'onofrio, I wonder if he (heavan forbbid) has a brain tumor...that kind of stuff can happen

Posted by: Fan at May 28, 2005 09:07 AM (yaYie)

31 I am a consummate L&O nut! Chris Noth is hot, hot, hot! He can replace D'onofrio any time; D'onofrio just doesn't have it, and never has! Can't wait to see you, Chris!

Posted by: Sharon Goldman at May 31, 2005 10:27 AM (07CH3)

32 I am so sick of coming across articles like this--There was just a thing on Rush Limbaugh where they were talking about him too after that Tom Delay comment. The whole thing about Kerry and Bush and not getting along with people on the set was a rumor by some actor who had been hired as a semipermanent addition to the show but felt threatened by Vincent. He was ultimately let go and his response was to make up this rumor. I remember the show producer being interviewed and commenting about how sad it was that people were so eager to believe this kind of stuff without anything to back it up. When he had those two fainting spells it was due to exhaustion. It is due to exhaustion that they are putting Chris Noth in next year but only in every other episode, so one week it will be GOren and Eames and then the next week Chris NOth and whoever they find to work with him and then back and forth. They said they were doing this because doing an hour long weekly tv show is grueling work, especially when you are pretty much the show as VIncent is. He was working 14 hours a day 6-7 days a week. They said they were doing this because they don't want to kill him. That is all. They know he is their show. I think all these rumors have kept going around because for one thing he supported Kerry although he never talked publicly about the election at all that I know of, and I think Hollywood types are jealous of him because he is such a great actor and he doesn't try to promote himself or do the "fame" thing because he doesn't need to for one thing, and he doesn't care about all that which they probably don't understand. I think Vincent is totally awsome and it drives me crazy to read stuff that is not true about him. Anyway, not to worry, Goren fans, he is not going anywhere.

Posted by: Fan at June 02, 2005 11:32 PM (9p1oT)

33 I don't know if Chris can be tough Mike Logan in CI if he has to be like the eccentric character D'Onofrio plays (Sherlock Holmes on steroids). I do welcome him back as he took a hosing from Dick Wolf when his contract wasn't picked up after his first 5 yrs on L&O. (Wolf wasn't ready to give raises until his own pockets were lined with rerun money).

Posted by: Charlie at June 08, 2005 02:48 PM (rU8GB)

34 FYI: Chris Noth will be playing Teach in American Buffalo at the Berkshire Theatre Festival. The show opens July 29 in Stockbridge, MA. For more information, www.berkshiretheatre.org or call the box office at 413-298-5576.

Posted by: Megan at June 17, 2005 11:43 AM (P361i)

35 Chris Noth, who we fell in love with in the original Law & Order and as Mr. Big in Sex and the City is coming to Stockbridge, MA. We can see him in a bitter, hardcore play by David Mamet called American Buffalo at the Berkshire Theatre Festival. It’s about three small-time crooks plotting a big heist that’s doomed to fail. He plays Teach, the obscene, know-it-all bully trying to get the other two lowlifes to see the difference between friendship and business. It plays July 26-August 13. Their website is www.berkshiretheatre.org. Call their box office to find out about cheap tickets.

Posted by: Rebecca at July 26, 2005 09:00 AM (6AAFb)

36 I just read about the 11 shows split with Vincent and Noth. My teen son and I are big fans of all of LO...I esp. love LOCI because of Vincent and the way he plays his character. I was never a big fan of Noth and am sorry that he will be coming back to split the season. I'll be watching LOIC whenever Vincent and Katherine are on but not when Noth replaces them. Vincent and Katherine make LOCI what it is. If the rumors are true, I pray Vincent is not seriously ill.

Posted by: Peggy at July 30, 2005 06:55 PM (f6hIn)

37 We in the UK are just about to get the 3rd series of LOCI. I have every one of the first 2 series on tape and watch them over and over again just to see Vincent! Without him the programme would die as far as I am concerned. As everyone else has said he does make the show, not just because of his acting but because he's so damned gorgeous!

Posted by: veronica sullivan at September 11, 2005 06:45 AM (wLF2G)

38 Just watched Chris Noth in c.i., loved it. He was as usual great. Think Vincent is to over bearing. Be great to see Chris every other week

Posted by: Barb at October 02, 2005 07:47 PM (KdhXw)

39 I WILL NEVER WATCH LAW AND ORDER, CI UNTIL BOBBY D'ONOFRIO COMES BACK AS GOREN. HIS QUIRKINESS AND WIT MADE THE SHOW, BESIDES CHRIS NOTH IS JUST ANOTHER RUN OF THE MILL ACTORS. THE INTELLIGENCE AND WEIRDNESS OF D'ONOFRIO'S CHARACTER IS WHAT MADE THE SHOW. IF HE IS STRANGE IN REAL LIFE I'M NOT SURPRISED-I DON'T CARE ABOUT HIS PERSONAL LIFE- BRING HIM BACK!!! WHATEVER HIS ILLNESS I HOPE HE GETS BETTER AND RETURNS

Posted by: Janice at October 06, 2005 12:12 PM (6krEN)

40 Vincent is fab.He is sooooo good looking and seems like a really genuine guy. I dont believe Criminal Intent would ever work without him and the talented(and largely overlooked)Kate Erbe. I hope Vincent realises how much he enriches the lives of his many fans. We have all fallen a little bit in love with the character of Bobby and this would not be possible without the qualities Vincent instils in him. I hope that his new schedule will give him more time to chill and enjoy his life outside of acting....Love you V

Posted by: kc at October 09, 2005 01:43 PM (VRMJ/)

41 I truly hope Vincent is okay and will get help for whatever may be going on with him healthwise. I concur with others who wrote that Vin is the show, and Kathryn Erbe also does an excellent job as Eames. No way can these two ever be replaced. Together, they both rock! I also won't be watching the episodes with Noth and Sciorra, either. I did notice while watching Sunday's episode that something was definitely off more with Vin. It appears he's put on weight, and he seemed to be more subdued than usual...until the end of the episode. Come on back to us, Vin! We love ya! Get well soon. VLM

Posted by: VLM at October 10, 2005 03:23 PM (87bHr)

42 Oh, yes, let's not forget to mention that he is one good-looking maaaannnnn...... Tall, dark, handsome and disturbed...just how I like 'em.

Posted by: VLM at October 10, 2005 03:24 PM (87bHr)

43 God please KILL chris noths character!!!!

Posted by: dee Hay at October 11, 2005 11:48 AM (ivIzd)

44 Chris Noth is BORING in LOCI!!!!! Trying not to watch the blah episode tonight.

Posted by: Annie at October 15, 2005 09:52 PM (6mUkl)

45 Noth and his tipsy-sounding sidekick are sad substitutes for Donofrio (and *his* washed-out sidekick, whose name escapes me for understandable reasons). The story lines are complicated and Donofrio's considerable skill as an actor helps us all "get it." Noth's phoned-in performances do nothing for anyone. I don't watch his episodes--they're real snooz-fests.

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French auto maker Citroën stopped selling cars in the United States in the 1970s, but they have continued unabated overseas.

Citroën has a new ad campaign for their C4 model based on the old Transformers series that is simply fantastic.

When I pulled it up on my screen, both my teenaged daughter (who's already bugging me for a car) and my pre-teen son (who soon will be) exclaimed, "I want one!"

Alas, though this spot was shot in Vancouver, they're only available in Europe, which means I'm stuck with my kids driving my car.

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US Congresscritter Mel Watt (D-NC) has been elected the new head of the Congressional Black Caucus. Watt, a Charlotte-area Democrat was apparently the only candidate for the chairman's seat of the organization, and will hold the seat for a two-year term.

Watt says that one of his primary goals will be to heal the ongoing rift with the Bush Administration. In addition, Watt says that the group will continue to work toward improving education, health care and employment opportunities for blacks.

"That's been a consistent agenda, and we never vary that agenda," Watt said in an interview last week. "It doesn't change from chairman to chairman. Closing and trying to eliminate the disparities in every element of our society between African Americans and white Americans."

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California school teacher Steven Williams has filed suit in Federal Court over the banning from his classroom of the Declaration of Independance, due to it's religious content.

The court documents are available for you to view courtesy of The Smoking Gun.

In the below federal discrimination lawsuit, filed Monday in U.S. District Court, Steven Williams contends that brass at Cupertino's Stevens Creek School have recently rejected his use of "curriculum-related handouts" like the Declaration, various state constitutions, George Washington's journal, John Adams's diary, and writings by William Penn. Williams alleges that the San Francisco-area school's principal, Patricia Vidmar, banned the use of these handouts because "many original source documents from the founding era contain references to God and Christianity." Williams alleges that Vidmar cracked down on his lesson plans in May, shortly after he distributed an example of a presidential proclamation. The document he chose was one issued by President George W. Bush dealing with a National Day of Prayer.

But to insist that Williams not use historic documents key in the formation and development of this nation is unconscionable. So because of "political correctness" we are supposed to ignore our nation's history?

Just damn.

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The first Thanksgiving in the United States of America did not mention the Pilgrims or Indians or turkey or football.

Contrary to popular belief, Thanksgiving was initially set aside in the United States for it's citizens to give thanks to Almighty God, and for prayer.

Of course, that isn't politically correct in today's day and age, after all, everyone is so concerned with a "separation" of church and state. But in 1789, and at the behest of President George Washington, America gave thanks and praise to God; much as my family, along with countless other families regardless of faith, will do tomorrow.

By the President of the United States of America, a Proclamation.

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor-- and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness.

Now therefore I do recommend and assign Thursday the 26th day of November next to be devoted by the People of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being, who is the beneficent Author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be-- That we may then all unite in rendering unto him our sincere and humble thanks--for his kind care and protection of the People of this Country previous to their becoming a Nation--for the signal and manifold mercies, and the favorable interpositions of his Providence which we experienced in the course and conclusion of the late war--for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty, which we have since enjoyed--for the peaceable and rational manner, in which we have been enabled to establish constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national One now lately instituted--for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed; and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge; and in general for all the great and various favors which he hath been pleased to confer upon us.

and also that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech him to pardon our national and other transgressions-- to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually--to render our national government a blessing to all the people, by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed--to protect and guide all Sovereigns and Nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us) and to bless them with good government, peace, and concord--To promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the encrease of science among them and us--and generally to grant unto all Mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

Given under my hand at the City of New York the third day of October in the year of our Lord 1789.

Geo. Washington

Thank you, and God bless you.

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