Rationalista
Political and Other PonderingsTop 10 Reasons Americans, or Anyone Else for that Matter, Shouldn’t Watch the Royal Wedding
Posted on April 28, 2011Every once in a while an event comes along that makes me proud to be an American, a republican. In case you haven’t heard, Friday will be one of 
those times. From the over-blown, over-pompous parade, to the treacly comments on the bride’s shy and down to earth nature, everything will be broadcast live and in living (more or less color). So, my fellow Americans here are the Top 10 reasons you should be tuning out. But , if somehow you can’t avoid it, I also offer you the Official Royal Wedding Drinking Game:
10. A Rogues Gallery of Tyrants and Dictators – The Queen invited the Crown Prince of Bahrain, who is most certainly responsible for the deaths of dozens through various acts of state terror. However, at least he declined to attend. Other dignitaries from the despotic families of the Gulf Region will attend, including Saudi Arabia where de facto slavery is still practiced. King Mswati III of Swaziland will also be attending despite human rights abuses reported by Human Rights Watch.
9. The Big Dis – Not only were the Obamas not invited, neither were any of the former Labour Prime Ministers of the UK.
8. Camilla – Anyone bring an apple? Here we can find the first part of the Official Royal Wedding Drinking Game. Any time an announcer says the word, “horse” you have to say Camilla. If you say it, you are the winner (errr loser) and everyone else has to drink.
7. Who Are These People Anyway? – Have they ever done anything beyond just being born into wealth and privilege? Just why do they deserve 24/7 media coverage? Oh yeah, they’re getting married, right…
6. Diana – Isn’t her 15 minutes over yet? Her memory is also part of the Official Royal Wedding Drinking Game. Since she had the good sense to leave the zoo that is Buckingham Palace, every time an announcer says the word Diana, you are required to say, “Cheers!” and then drink. Trust me, it is one of the only ways you will manage to get through this.
5. Let’s Celebrate Imperialism – Why anyone would want to celebrate the memory of an empire that did-in more people than Nazi Germany is beyond me? The people of Ireland, India, South Africa, Kenya, Palestine, America, and many more should turn our backs on this travesty on mere principle. The world is still getting over the long-term hangover that is British Empire. It is certainly nothing to celebrate.
4. Because Tourists Are Money – A shout-out goes to John Lyden on this one. Our British cousins will beat us Americans over the head with this for the next 15 years to get us to visit grotty old country. In all seriousness, avoid this exploitation and go to Disneyland. The food is better!
3. Putting American Celebrities Back to Work – Britney, Lindsay, and Charlie Sheen… when was the last time you heard about these folks. In this economic downturn, America can’t afford to give all its precious coverage to foreigners (unless they move to Southern California). These are desperate times. Even Donald Trump had to resort to pretending to run for President just to get some press. What a world!
2. The Dress – This is the last part of the Official Royal Wedding Drinking Game. Every time an announcer says, “The Dress” everyone must drink and drink and drink and drink and…
1. The Bill – It has been estimated the Royal Wedding will cost British taxpayers a minimum of 20 million pounds. Somehow, I doubt if they will even bother to hand out even cake to the impoverished. Seriously, that’s not so funny.
Review of The Borgias – “Lucrezia’s Wedding”
Posted on April 20, 2011The Borgias seems to have found its footing in the kindred souls of Cesare and Lucrezia. You could even call it their miseducation. Cesare has been systematically turned into an evil minion of his father over the first three episodes. It might be important to remember the historic Cesare was only 18 when he became a cardinal. Lucrezia on the other hand enters the episode a child of 14 and leaves as something else. A victim (I doubt, she is Rodrigo’s daughter), or no doubt a newly empowered monster.
The wedding finds the various members of the family falling more and more into debauchery for debaucheries sake. Jeremy Irons is particularly good making the audience squirm as decked in popish garb he lecherously paws his young mistress, Giulia Farnese.
I think it also important to notice that the costuming in this series finally reached the level that was seen in the Tudors. Vanozza dei Cattanei’s dress was amazing. However, the centerpiece of any wedding is the wedding dress. Lucrezia’s gold and white dress was nothing short of amazing. As in The Tudors, the costuming means more than just simple dress. When the young Lucrezia runs to her father the Pope to plead for her mother’s attendance at her wedding, bits of the put-together dress fall off. Like leaves on a tree, she is shedding her innocence.
With five more episodes to go, The Borgias promises a lot before the probable death of Rodrigo later this season. Showtime may yet have a big hit out of this one. Oh yeah, and I am starting a pool to see how long it takes for Sforza to start pushing-up daisies.
