Finally Graduated!

I have reached a new milestone in my life and its the one I was trying to reach for many years. I passed my final semester coursework and therefore; graduated. The reality of the situation didn't sink in yet. But, its beginning to now as the graduation ceremony date is drawing near and me having to go picking up my graduation regalia just yesterday. Years ago when I started college, this day seemed like light-years away. I feel like I've climbed the mountain top and "I'm king of the world baby!". Maybe I could have been more excited if I didn't have to enrol in the post grad program right afterwards and above all in the summer semester, damn it! Well, at least this post grad endeavour will be all over in 8 weeks time.

The next thing to do after graduation would be to apply for immigration. I just can't believe that by the end of next year, I'll be an officially recognized immigrant. My residential status won't depend on me going to school and enrolling full-time. After this I can just take off, sit at home, and do nothing without having to worry about being deported out of the country to a homeland I never knew in the first place. Hell yeah! Heres sticking it to the man!

I feel like I'm ready to take on the world. I have had these ideas looming in my head for such a long time. Over the years, I have become more confident and reassured that it can be done. Look out world, here I come! I used to have a very narrow/local outlook about my future plans. Thanks to this fancy western education and exposure to the outside world. Now my sights are set on a more broad/global objective.

I like to take this opportunity to give out a loud FU to those totalitarian Saudi bastards for keeping me down all those years. It was tough enough being born and raised in a foreign country, but, that didn't mean they had to make it even tougher by destroying my future prospects. I might not have gone to a fancy school or spoke Arabic, or been one of those famous frustrated middle-eastern youths that the whole world seems to have come to know about, or I just didn't know any better, or had any real talent. But, that doesn't mean I deserved to be treated like a 2nd class citizen. Thank God I made it.

Then I like to give out another loud FU to America. I been to the belly of the beast and saw through the fake smiles. After living there for years I have come to know that the system is rigged and designed to suck the life out of the poor, minority, and the hopelessly stupid so that the elite can live the high life. Well, the tables are finally turning and you had a good run, and now through your own wicked ways you have destroyed yourselves. Good luck in Iraq, not that it will help.

Note: If I sound like an incoherent evil genius in this post then don't read too much into it. Its probably brought on by the much repressed excitement.

Play List: 8 December 2006

1. Stereophonics - Mr. Writer
2. Theory of a Deadman - Santa Monica
3. Breaking Benjamin - Forget It
4. Breaking Benjamin - Rain
5. Breaking Benjamin - Simple Design
6. Breaking Benjamin - So Cold
7. Tracy Chapman - Fast Car (White Label Club Remix)
8. Jem - 24
9. Lucky Ali - Jab Teri Yaad Ati Hai
10. Sandi Thom - I Wish I Was A Punk Rocker

Video: Braveheart Trailer

Video: Braveheart Funny Trailer

One hilarious Bravheart video. Watch the real Braveheart trailer before watching this.

Video: Evanescence - Anywhere (AMV)

Video: The Eagles - Hotel California(70s version)

Song: Hotel California

by The Eagles

On a dark desert highway
Cool wind in my hair
Warm smell of colitas
Rising up through the air
Up ahead in the distance
I saw a shimmering light
My head grew heavy and my sight grew dim
I had to stop for the night
There she stood in the doorway
I heard the mission bell
And I was thinking to myself
This could be Heaven or this could be Hell
Then she lit up a candle
And she showed me the way
There were voices down the corridor
I thought I heard them say

Welcome to the Hotel California
Such a lovely place
Such a lovely face
Plenty of room at the Hotel California
Any time of year
You can find it here

Her mind is Tiffany twisted
She's got the Mercedes Benz
She's got a lot of pretty, pretty boys
She calls friends
How they dance in the courtyard
Sweet summer sweat
Some dance to remember
Some dance to forget
So I called up the Captain
Please bring me my wine
He said, We haven't had that spirit here since 1969
And still those voices are calling from far away
Wake you up in the middle of the night
Just to hear them say

Welcome to the Hotel California
Such a lovely place
Such a lovely face
They're livin' it up at the Hotel California
What a nice surprise
Bring your alibies

Mirrors on the ceiling
Pink champaign on ice
And she said
We are all just prisoners here
Of our own device
And in the master's chambers
They gathered for the feast
They stab it with their steely knives
But they just can't kill the beast
Last thing I remember
I was running for the door
I had to find the passage back
To the place I was before
Relax said the nightman
We are programmed to receive
You can check out any time you like
But you can never leave

Video: Lucky Ali - O Sanam

Video: Luck Ali - Teri Yaad Jab Ati Hai

Song: Teri Yaad Jab Ati Hai

by Lucky Ali

Teri yaad jab aati hai
Meri ankh bhar jaati hai
Tum tou bichre youn mil mil ke
Khaab toote hain is dil ke
Yehi gham mujhe satai ga
Phir tu laut ke na aaye ga
Phir bhi tere aane ka intezar karta hoon
Pyar sirf tum se
Pyar sirf tum se, pyar karta hoon

Main ne wada tou nibhaya tha
Soncha kabhi na sataya tha
Phir bhi jane anjane mai kahein
Tera dil tou na dukhaya tha
Kaisa dastoor hai jana
Sabh kuch jaan ke hai sabh seh na
Pyar tujh pey jaan nisar karta hoon
Pyar sirf tum se
Pyar sirf tum se, pyar karta hoon

Sunle sada
Sunle sada
Sunle sada
Sunle sunle-o
Sunle sada

Sunle

Teri sehmi sehmi batoun mai
Khoya chund mulakaton mai
Aaye nazar woh sare makaam
Tera pata yaad hai na naam
Yeh dil tujhe na bhoolaiye ga
Kya tu phir se laut aaye ga

Mai tou kudh ko beykarar bar bar karta hoon
Pyar sirf tum se
Pyar sirf tum se, pyar karta hoon

Pyar sirf tum se
Pyar sirf tum se

Song: Tu Kaun Hai

by Lucky Ali

Kahan se tu aati hai
Kahan ko tu jaati hai
Sapnon ko sajati hai
Apnon ko ley jaati hai
Baaghon mein jab behti hai
Kaanon mein kuch kehti hai
Aati hai nazar nahin
Saanson mein par rehti hai
Hawaa hai pawan hai
Vayu hai, purvaaee hai
Jeevan hai, jaan hai, ya parchaayee hai
Lene aayi hai ya kuch mere liye laayi hai
Poochoon na mein kya tujhse
Kahan se tu aayi hai

Tu kaun hai
Tu kaun hai
Tu kaun hai
Tu kaun hai

Tu jab chalti chalti badal
Jhok jati tu girtey patte
Tu kehti to diye jalte
Tu rukhe, dil dil se milte
Sagar ki lehron mein lehraati hai tu tul-tul
Patton ke paayalon mein lati khen-khen
Khat-khat koi nahin aisa ek jhoka hai
Kuch hai, such hai, ya tu ek dhoka hai

Tu kaun hai
Tu kaun hai
Tu kaun hai
Tu kaun hai

Kahan se tu aati hai
Kahan ko tu jaati hai
Sapnon ko sajati hai
Apnon ko ley jaati hai
Baaghon mein jab behti hai
Kaanon mein kuch kehti hai
Aati hai nazar nahin
Saanson mein par rehti hai

Tu kaun hai
Tu kaun hai
Tu kaun hai
Tu kaun hai

Tu kaun hai
Tu kaun hai
Tu kaun hai
Tu kaun hai

Video: Curse of Monkey Island Opening Title

An Online Chat Session With Abdusalaam Al-Hindi

Abdusalaam: Mai row raha hoon

Knightmare: So how about them Red Socks?

Abdusalaam: Huh?

Abdusalaam: What Red Socks?

Knightmare: Did ya watch the game last night?

Abdusalaam: Did I ever?

Knightmare: Wha happen?

Knightmare: He he he

Abdusalaam: To Zidane you mean?

Knightmare: Yep

Abdusalaam: The Italians did their black magic on him. They've been known for that kind of stuff.

Abdusalaam: They turned him into a Billygoat

Knightmare: The Red Card didn't make any difference in the game. It’s anybody's luck in the PSO

Abdusalaam: That's what I’ve been saying.

Abdusalaam: But, Zidane ruined his legacy as a great player

Abdusalaam: People will only remember the last part

Knightmare: it's the Argentinean we should be blaming

Abdusalaam: How so?

Knightmare: He missed the kick

Abdusalaam: Oh you mean Trezeguet

Knightmare: Yeah him

Abdusalaam: Yeah, that's the thing. He misses the penalty kick and everybody is blaming Zidane

Abdusalaam: Blame Trezeguet or Barthez. But for god’s sake don’t blame Zidane

Knightmare: Maybe they all think that Zizou might have performed some miracle in the last minutes had he not been sent off

Knightmare: There are some serious rumours going around that Materazzi called him a "dirty terrorist" and that set him off.

Abdusalaam: Yeah I know. But, come on, if he couldn't do it in the first 100 minutes what you expect in the last 10. He's human after all

Abdusalaam: I heard something like that myself. I hear he said something about him being Algerian or something along that line

Knightmare: It would be great if it turns out to be true and Fifa takes the cup back from the Italians

Knightmare: ....as a punishment

Abdusalaam: But let's say if he did say the vilest of things to Zidane, he should understand by now after such a long career in football that it is only meant to get a rise out of him. They are trying to get his mind of the game. It’s a tactic.

Abdusalaam: No that is not going to happen

Abdusalaam: There is no way a cup would be taken back

Knightmare: Yeah, ok but, imagine that really happened after all the anti-racism campaign Fifa put up

Abdusalaam: Even then, there is no way that would happen

Knightmare: With the right combination of events and support anything could happen

Abdusalaam: It's wishful thinking

Abdusalaam: But I like the fact zidane got the player of the tournament award.

Knightmare: "wishfull thinking"? That’s just your slave-mentality talking

Abdusalaam: SHUT THE F UP

Knightmare: Only a house-slave thinks like that

Abdusalaam: And only a field rat thinks otherwise

Knightmare: Only a house-slave calls a field-slave that because he has got no spine

Abdusalaam: And only a wet-back field-rat would say something like that because of all that sun he gets during the day.

Abdusalaam: The heat has his brain fried

Knightmare: I'm out here in the trenches taking all the shit from the master, sleeping in the pest infested barn, eating from what I have grown with my own hands, while you eat the scraps from the master's table. have some dignity.

Abdusalaam: How about the master's foot up your ASS for dignity

Knightmare: "Dignity", thats just mere word to a gutless sell out like you.

Abdusalaam: Okay this insane tirade of yours is getting lame by the minute

Knightmare: What? couldn't find a comeback?

Abdusalaam: Yes Knightmare, I am speechless infront your genious. I surrender to you oh great one.

Abdusalaam: Have mercy and let me be

Knightmare: Confess your crimes heathen and seek refuge in the lord's favour!

Abdusalaam: Whatever massa

Knightmare: So, how those DVDs coming along?

Abdusalaam: Nothing there yet

Abdusalaam: It is going to take some time

Knightmare: When you gonna start?

Abdusalaam: It is not high on the priority list

Abdusalaam: So it's like whenever

Knightmare: So...what IS high on the list?

Abdusalaam: Ah, let's see... sleep, food and shit in that order.

Knightmare: That list is no different than of any animal’s list

Abdusalaam: And you're suggesting there should be a difference?

Abdusalaam: Knightmare, what are we if not mere animals.

Knightmare: Shut up, you’re a mere animal!

Abdusalaam: Aren't we all Knightmare, aren't we all

Knightmare: Abdu you just got served.

Abdusalaam: Served hot and sizzling. No what will I ever do. How would I face the world?

Abdusalaam: Woes me

Knightmare: You can always go back to your slave-mentality niche

Abdusalaam: Okay I'll go back into my house-slave hole and think everything will be alright.

Knightmare: ...and nibble on the master's scraps while you think about it

Knightmare: This time you got served charred

Abdusalaam: I'm reading somewhere that Zidane got his nipple twisted by Mazaratti and that is what pissed him off. You can see his hand on Zidane's chest but, it is hard to say for sure.

Knightmare: Maybe, but, Zizou gave a smirk right after the "alleged" nipple twisting and I don't think that’s what pissed him off.

Abdusalaam: Yeah that smirk might be in order to hide the pain. Not necessarily that he thought it was amusing

Knightmare: Man, just talking about it is amusing

Abdusalaam: For you it might be. But not for Zidane in the middle of the field in front of billions of people

Knightmare: ...getting his nipple twisted. Yeah, maybe you’re right.

Abdusalaam: So is there anything new on TV?

Knightmare: Nope, they only show the left over scum of all the American TV shows here in Aussieland

Knightmare: Moreover, after it has gone off-air in America

Abdusalaam: I was reading somewhere, that this time around; only 1.8 million people were watching the world cup in USA. And I bet half of those 1.8 million people were Mexicans.

Knightmare: I wouldn't be surprised.

Abdusalaam: I should mention that 1.8 million on ESPN

Abdusalaam: Because Telemundo was also airing the world cup

Knightmare: ESPN is a cable channel right?

Abdusalaam: Yeah

Abdusalaam: And if you compare that to the Super Bowl, it is 85 million

Knightmare: Ahhh, let them live in their bubble.

Knightmare: If it doesn't involve their uniformed boys and girls, they're not bothered

Abdusalaam: I hear ESPN will be showing the eurocup in 2008

Knightmare: Interesting...

Abdusalaam: Tell me about it

Knightmare: Funny how they refer to their killing machines as boys and girls. Did ya notice?

Abdusalaam: You mean the soldiers in Iraq?

Knightmare: Their Soldiers period.

Abdusalaam: That is an interesting observation

Abdusalaam: Jon Stewart had some A-hole soldier from Iraq on his show. This was the first time I did not like Stewart’s interview. He was too respectful of his guest.

Abdusalaam: On his show today

Knightmare: How could he? If he did not show his patriotism/nationalism there then, that would have been his last show.

Knightmare: America is not ready for that kind of reality TV

Knightmare: Of course they're perfectly alright with the carnage and suffering in Iraq but, a disrespectful comedian is where America draws the line.

The United States Of Fascist America

This is what I see whenever I look at the American Flag now a days.

Play List: 24 June, 2006

1. Audioslave - Like A Stone.
2. Audioslave - Be Yourself.
3. Falguni Pathak - Maine Payal Hai Chhankai.
4. Cher - This Is The Song For The Lonely.
5. Jojo - Baby It's You.
6. The Kids - We Will Rock You (Pub Evian Remix).
7. Utada Hikaru - Passion

Video: Matrix Trailer

The Matrix is my favorite movie after Braveheart. I had to watch the Matrix twice to fully appreciate it's various themes, motifs, and concepts. But, I never got to watch the trailer before I got to watch movie and since then I always wondered what the trailer would be like. So, last night I searched the trailer for the first matrix movie and uploaded on YouTube. And this is it. Nice trailer for such a complicated movie.

Deus Ex Machina

It has been a long time since I’ve blogged about anything. I wanted to blog but, there isn’t anything left to blog about. It’s not that I have nothing going on in my life, there is plenty in my life to blog about and that is the problem because it is about my life. For me to blog about my life, I would have to disclose personal details such as my true identity. Of all the blog entries I’ve posted, I spent a lot of time making sure that I can say the things that I want to without compromising my anonymity. And now, I feel as if that very reason has become a major intellectual block for my blogging. I’m beginning to think that disclosing my true self would be intellectually liberating.

Right when I started this blog, at the back of my head I knew that someday for one reason or another I would have to eventually reveal my true identity and I think that day is upon me now. I think Boz also might have gone through the same thing and later on decide to reveal himself as Charles Dickens. But, the problem now is that I have said and written things on my blog that I’m not sure I want people I see everyday at my work or any other place to know about. I’m very confused regarding this issue and would like other peoples’ thoughts on this, particularly those who know who I really am.

Video: We Will Rock You (Animated)

Queen's "We Will Rock You" "The Kids" version (AMV)

Poem: Once I Was Free... (Incomplete)

I was going through My Documents folder and deleting all the old documents that clutter it. I came across a poem that I started to write over a year ago and never finished it. I made many attempts to finish it and failed because I can't recall the train of thought that made me write it in the first place. So, I think this poem will always remain unfinished. It is a very rough draft. So rough that whenever I read it, I just can't help think how awful it is. I have a problem letting go of things unfinished, so I decided to publish it rather than to delete it. This is my way of letting go of my past projects.

By Knightmare

Once I was free
In the land of despair
Because I could not see
Any of hope's flare

Once I was free
Innocent and gay
Like a squirrel in the tree
That swiftly flinched away

Once I was free
In the chains of ignorance
......

Video: Beer Ad (Carlton Draught)

Carlton Draught Ad

Check out this beer ad. I couldn't stop laughing when I saw this for the first time. It's a very funny ad among other things.

Video: Johnny Quest Openning Theme

Johnny Quest Openning Theme

Man I used to love watching this cartoon back in 1996.

Video: Half-Life 2 - So Cold Music Video

Breaking Benjamin - So Cold (Half-Life 2 Music Video)

Rant: 9 March 2006

The last week of classes became so hectic by the end of the semester. I had two huge assignments due before Friday and I wasn't even half finished. I sat up 8 to 11 hours on the computer typing one huge report on the new Blu-Ray Disc and then one huge C++ program about a water tank cleaning business over the weekend. It was like this, my first exam was on Monday morning and here I was coding a thousand lines program on Sunday evening. I still can't believe how could I have messed up the first two simple exams so horribly. Shit! There goes my GPA all over again. Can't believe I screwed up my second chance at a 4.0 GPA. The last two exams went incredibly awesome though. Sometimes I think I have reached the limits of my intellect and that is why I can't get good grades in all the courses per semester. Nah! That can't be it. Anyway, never ever again Inshallah.

After exams, we made a trip to Geelong and Apollo Bay on the very next weekend. I have seen many beaches before, but the beach on Apollo Bay is AWESOME! Can't believe beaches like that existed outside of a National Geographic magazine picture. The landscape is unbelievable and there weren't many tourists over there, which was perfect. The weather was perfect, it wasn't neither too cold or warm. We stopped at the beach for just an hour then we had to leave before it got dark.

You know that nauseating salty sea air smell you smell at the beach? Well, it wasn't as much nauseating over there as it usually is on typical beaches. Probably the sea water was so clear and pure because it came from Antarctica or something.

On our way back, we decided to take a different route back home. We decided to take a very narrow and zigzag road through Beeac Forest. We drove deep into the forest, driving through a dense tall trees on the sides of cliffs and ravines. We got so deep into the forest that we lost all radio and cell phone reception for about half an hour. I rolled down the window and inhaled such a high oxygen content filled fresh air that I have never inhaled before. It was like one whiff and I the mind got so ever clear. Although, I didn't see any flowers, but there was this sweet smell all around. Must have been the smell of the greenery. And then I noticed something strange, I didn't here any sound of birds or animals all the while at Beeac Forrest.

I have been through such dense forest drives in America also, but there is always this hint of some toxic chemical smell in nature, at least around Mobile, Alabama. Probably because, the corporate polluters have sprayed those beautiful places with God knows what.

Winter's approaching soon, I think I'll go and spend at least two nights there next summer. I'll probably post some pictures and links about the place. If anyone wants to go on a vacation then I would recommend Australia, this place is unbelievable and I've only scratched the surface till now.

After the weekend, I had the following week off. I spent the whole week running errands, looking up courses to register next week when classes start. All in all, I think this past week went rather well. I did everything I planned out and didn't miss anything. Probably because, I made a "things to do" list on paper and checked off each item accordingly. I'm so proud of myself.

Now all I have to do is to go to the Uni on Monday and register for classes and hope I pass in all the courses on the 10 March grade results. It would be such a waste if I fail in any course. Oh God please don't fail me now.

I found this website www.youtube.com and its awesome. People can upload video clips on it of 100mb size. I have found many interesting clips on it. I think I'll post some of them on this blog. This gives me an idea to start a video blog.

Limks:

• Geelong
• Great Ocean Road
• Apollo Bay

Play List: 3 March 2006

1. AR Rahman & Naresh Iyeer - Roobaroo
2. Shannon Noll - Shine
3. Fort Minor - Believe Me

Song: Anywhere

by Evanescence

Dear my love, haven't you wanted to be with me
And dear my love, haven't you longed to be free
I can't keep pretending that I don't even know you
And at sweet night, you are my own
Take my hand

[Chorus]
We're leaving here tonight
There's no need to tell anyone
They'd only hold us down
So by the morning light
We'll be half way to anywhere
Where love is more than just your name

I have dreamt of a place for you and I
No one knows who we are there
All I want is to give my life only to you
I've dreamt so long I cannot dream anymore
Let's run away, I'll take you there

[Chorus]
Forget this life
Come with me
Don't look back you're safe now
Unlock your heart
Drop your guard
No one's left to stop you

Forget this life
Come with me
Don't look back you're safe now
Unlock your heart
Drop your guard
No one's left to stop you now

[Chorus]

Problem: Boolean Algebra

Can anyone please simplify this Boolean Expression for me: (x V y) (x' V y).

I've searched all over the Internet on how to simplify an expression that is similar to the one stated above and I couldn't find it.

Rant: 15 January 2006

• Holy Moly! Hubba Hubba! Worked on an assignment the whole weekend non-stop. Just finished and submitted it this morning. Damn that was one tiring weekend. I tell myself never again and then I end up doing it at the last minute all over again. I've got two short on-line quizzes due by tomorrow morning at 9:00 am and I don't have the slightest brain power to do them anytime soon. I've tried sleeping in order to be all refreshed up but, I'm still God Damn tired! Oh well, I think I'm going to watch a little TV and try to relax.
• I noticed something very strange here about Australians. What is up with Australians and their David Hasselhoff obsession? Australians are mad-crazy fans of Hasselhoff. Hasselhoff is actually a huge celebrity like what Brad Pitt is in America. I don't understand it. The guy hasn't done anything ratings worthy since Baywatch. Let me give you guys an idea how huge Hasselhoff is in Australia, like he is on all the latest Pepsi billboards. Worst yet, he knows that he is huge in the land down under. Whenever I get the chance, I'm going to ask one of his local fans the big question "why are Australians so crazy about that guy?".
• I met this guy at the "Uni" -yeah you heard right. That is what people call our University Campus because our campus is basically a 10 story building right in the middle of the city and you can't call it a campus exactly. So, about this guy, the guy knows a lot about programming, computers and, designing stuff. I asked him if he could redesign my blog template for me because I'm just too damn lazy to do it and he said he hasn't had much experience designing stuff, therefore he can't promise anything. But, he would like to work on it for the experience. So, I said yeah sure knock yourself out. Turns out he's also from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. From the brief chat I had with him, he unloaded his whole career vision on me and I was like "sounds good, let me know if I can help". So, he thought we'll work on something together, make the big money, start a systems design company, hire employees and I said stop! You had me at "money". Later I was like...man he's my kind of guy.
• I spent the whole of the last two days trying to configure my router settings to point to my local web server and it kept pointing towards the router administration login box. I don't understand it. I searched the Internet about fixing that problem and every link describes the exact method I've been doing all along. The last 50 times I did this it worked without any trouble, but that was on a LinkSys router. Now, I'm using a NetComm NB1300 router on ADSL. Somebody who knows how to configure a web server on a WAN with this particular router then please help me. Damn it I've even read the whole manual on that router and it says nothing about opening access for a local web server on a WAN. I've tried port forwarding and all that and it still won't budge.
• I've recently started to talk a little in third person. Some people look at me funny whenever I do. I'm like "Knightmare likes food" or "You think Knightmare would like a sandwich right about now?". Crazy, just insane.
• Damn these assignments! They are driving me crazy! Four more and then I'm done for the semester.
• I really like Melbourne, Australia. I really do. I've seen four very distinct parts of the world and Melbourne is the best. I've been to all over Saudi Arabia, seen India, been to Syria, Jordan, lived and seen all over USA for the past 5 years. I feel more happy and at peace here than anywhere I've been to in the past. When I was living in the US, it was the first western country I had been to. After canvassing the place, I thought maybe it doesn't get better than this even with all the crap that one finds in the US. Now, I know it actually does get a whole lot better than the US. After reaching Australia and mixing with the locals I have come to a conclusion that AMERICANS ARE ASSHOLES! They have always been Assholes, they are Assholes, and they will remain Assholes until their final demise. Now, that I look back on it, I'm glad I left America because I don't think I would have been able to bare another second of that ignorant southern drawl rant. Up till now, I thought all westerners were more or the same arrogant, narcissist, blood thirsty as the Americans. It turns out that is not true. Aussies are 10 folds better than any White American Bastard I have ever come across. For those of you who don't understand how someone like Bush become president of the most militarily powerful country in the world then allow me to explain. America is full of Gun-Toting-Redneck-Racist pigs and the country's leader reflects the people.

Eid-ul-Adha Greetings: January 10, 2006

Eid Mubarak Wa Kulli Aamm Wa Anthum Bekhair

News Update: Jon Stewart to Host 2006 Academy Awards

(Via Yahoo News)

By GREG RISLING, Associated Press Writer
Thu Jan 5, 5:49 PM ET

LOS ANGELES - First music. Now movies. Jon Stewart, who worked the Grammys in 2001 and 2002, was tapped Thursday to host the 2006 Oscars ".

As a performer, I'm truly honored to be hosting the show," Stewart said, then joked: "Although, as an avid watcher of the Oscars, I can't help but be a little disappointed with the choice. It appears to be another sad attempt to smoke out Billy Crystal.

"The 43-year-old star of Comedy Central's "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" follows a long line of standup comedians who have hosted the Oscars. Over the years, Bob Hope, Johnny Carson, Whoopi Goldberg and Crystal have held down the podium.

"I love a comic who can deal with the unexpected and has the ability to run the room," said Gil Cates, the producer of this year's Academy Awards, airing March 5 on ABC. "The speed of mind and fearlessness of a comic really adds to the show.

"Speculation swirled about a replacement for last year's host, Chris Rock, who said he would not be coming back. Frequently mentioned candidates included Goldberg, Steve Martin and late-night hosts Jay Leno and Conan O'Brien.Rock drew younger viewers, but his barbs skewering Jude Law, Tobey Maguire and others alienated some academy members. Rock is currently producing and narrating "Everybody Hates Chris," a UPN sitcom based on his life.

While Rock has been known to offend some people, Stewart also can stir the pot with his own caustic brand of humor. Stewart and his team of comedy writers often poke fun at mainstream politics and current events.

His efforts have obviously struck a chord. "The Daily Show" has earned seven Emmys and a Peabody award, while Stewart has won the 2005 Thurber Prize for American Humor for his book, "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Presents America (The Book): A Citizen's Guide to Democracy Inaction."

Cates said he wasn't worried about hiring Rock and doesn't believe that Stewart will have any problems.

"Jon knows the difference of being irreverent without being impolite," Cates said. "This is not a political show. I think he understands that."

One requirement to be the show's host is an appreciation for movies, Cates said. Although Stewart is mostly known for his TV show, he has appeared in several movies, including "The Faculty," "Death to Smoochy" and "Big Daddy."

"He's a very, very popular entertainer with a mind that is quick, and you need that on a show like this," said Sid Ganis, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

However, Stewart didn't enjoy his time spent on the other side of the red carpet. He once worked as a celebrity reporter covering the Oscars and said being cooped up with other journalists was like being in a zoo. In an interview with The Associated
Press in 2000, he called the job "the grandaddy of humiliation."

This is good news. I was hoping that the academy would choose either Conan O'Brien or Jon Stewart. Can't wait to watch the Award show this year.