Just creating some pre-release buzz for The Passion of the Christ, Mel "men and women are not equal" Gibson's biblical extravaganza that's hitting cinemas soon. It's fun watching the publicity they're spinning over this. It's the same as for any other blockbuster, it just involves God. Like how there were miracles on set and how Jim Caviezel got "hit by lightening". Instead of leaks about romantic liaisons in the studio lot, we hear whispers that the movie was definitely "blessed by God" (and the Pope, although that claim was retracted I think). Just saw a little piece on US ABC news about how all the community-based Christian organisations over there (i'm inferring the more fundamentalist ones) are in over-drive trying to publicise the film, as this is seen as the biggest bit of publicity for God in "2000 years". Explicit mixing of commercialism and religion always creeps me out (naive that I am), and I'm very much looking forward to watching this while eating popcorn in a multiplex, just to feel the weirdness of the whole endeavour. In general, Mel Gibson thoroughly creeps me out, mostly because he seems kinda nuts (yet cause he's a "committed Christian" nobody seems to notice). I mean he's always seemed unhinged, but now that he's found God and stuff the whole thing's been turned up a notch. And then there's the woman hating, the homophobia blah blah blah which seems to top it all off and confirm my distaste for the man (not having met him, of course). Nonetheless, I'm looking forward to... The Passion of the Christ...

In other news, this week's episode of The Simple Life was a classic, especially when Paris and Nicole changed the fast food joint's sign so as to say "1/2 Price Anal Salty wiener Burgers". That is inspired. Although what was equally funny/scary/odd was that previously the sign read "United We Stand", suggesting that patriotism knows no bounds these days. I have to say I'm growing to like these guys. They are just such ABSOLUTE brats, and while they're the kinda kids I would have resented and hated in school, I just appreciate that people are living with such little self-awareness. It's fun to watch. And I'm still yet to be convinced that Paris Hilton is not an inspired comedic genius, although lately Nicole Richie has been out-shining her, especially when she asked two guys driving a pick-up "do you guys take baths together?". Classic.