One of the reasons that I like U2 is because the four band members have stuck together for over twenty-five years. Contrast that to another band I listen to, The Cure, who seem to be up to their old tricks again.

Two veteran members of the Cure have exited the U.K. rock act, which has long featured a revolving door of musicians backing leader Robert Smith.

Update: An email conversation with Rob reminded me of a poem by Bono that appears on the back side of the exclusive poster that is included with the U2 Special Edition iPod.

the hardest thing to do is to stick together
mates, family, marriage, business, bands
Its like resisting gravity….its like King Canute
sitting in his chair trying to talk back the tide….
but you can, and we have, and we will, turn
the waves around…the alternative is too predictable..
you rid the room of argument…you empty your
life of the people you need the most. Bono 04

King Canute was an old English king who has an inspirational story attributed to him.

Speaking of Episode III, I have to mention something I found funny about the film. By virtue of real life technological advances, the Episodes I-III prequels have far better special effects than the original Star Wars trilogy. I am sure that one of the struggles Lucas and gang had when filming the new movies was maintaining a sense of history. That is, they had to be careful not to let their superior depiction of technology make it appear to be more advanced than what was shown in the earlier (but later) films.

Enter the death of Anakin Skywalker and the birth of Darth Vader. I am sure the costume designers were wishing they could bend the rules on this one. Here you have all of this advanced medical technology that rebuilds Anakin’s chopped and charred body. Then they stick him in this black space suit. The helmet is still cool, but what is that thing strapped to his chest? It looks like an Atari 64! Scary? I think not. All you need to do to defeat Darth is press the big red toggle switch on his chest.

I just came across this story about two Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith fans. They staged a mock light saber duel — Obi Wan vs. Anakin — that ended in disaster. It is not that funny as they were seriously hurt, but you have to admit that it is extremely ironic. Is this not the reason why Darth Vader had to wear a mask?

For many months I have tried to solicit friends and family to complete a trial marketing offer so that I could earn a free Apple iPod. I have officially given up and removed the image and link from this blog. Twelve people signed up. Two completed offers. I needed five to get the iPod. The last person who signed up used the email address of yomamma@yahooo.com. Clearly, it is time to quit. Besides, I already have a free iPod anyway.

“Well, I need to get going. Desperate Housewives comes on in less than an hour and someone is supposed to die tonight.”

“Hopefully the show will, too.”

With all of the controversy over ABC’s hit show, Desperate Housewives, I was not surprised to find myself placed in an awkward conversation this evening. Rather than risk asking the question, “Why do you think that,” I quickly changed the subject. I did not feel like getting into it. Maybe I should have?

There were not any surprises on tonight’s show. Most of what I wrote about a few weeks ago was validated. The main difference is that Deidre initially sold Dana/Zach to the Youngs instead of them kidnapping him. A few of my musings — like the exact events that triggered Mary Alice’s suicide — will have to wait until next season to be revealed. We did learn that Mary Alice is the one who killed Deidre, when all along I thought it was Paul.

It turns out that Rex is the one who died, which is a name that Willa and I brought up as a likely candidate. The obvious prediction for next season’s premiere is that Bree will be arrested and charged with her husband’s murder. We diehard DH fans know, of course, that it was the “Bree obsessed” pharmacist who has been poisoning Rex with potassium all along.

There were not any huge suprises concerning the sub-plots. The addition of a new and seemingly private family on Wisteria Lane will probably turn into something next season. As for the cliff hanger, we were left wondering whether or not Zach is going to shoot Mike before he finds out that he is his son. While it was still interesting, it was also a little predictable. However, when you add it all up there seems to be enough intrigue left to keep the audience going. The question will be whether or not the writers can keep the show going without repackaging the same material, or if it will soon jump the shark like Alias did after two seasons?