Hillary Clinton and Billy Ray Cyrus: Separated at birth?

Not only was tonight's Democratic Presidential debate sort of dull (as per usual), but it was also held at Drexel University instead of the more prestigious University of Pennsylvania, where I am a student (it's in the Ivy League, not that that's a big deal or anything...seriously though). Lame. In fact, the only highlight, as far as I'm concerned -- besides John Edwards' sexy ass laying the smack down -- was Hillary Clinton's finely sculpted mullet. It's hard not to admire the fact that the Senator from New York continues to rock the "business in the front, party in the back look" despite its not having been in style since the early 90's. Because nothing says "presidential" like Achy Breaky Heart...

American Gladiators: The Next Generation

I was pretty excited last year when ESPN Classic decided to start showing old episodes of "American Gladiators", so you can only imagine my reaction when I heard that NBC is gearing up to air a retooled incarnation of the show that, as far as I'm concerned, redefined the word "awesome" (hint: I may have peed myself a little).

According to Variety, the new "Gladiators" will be more like the original U.K. version, "which focused even more on the characters and the behind-the-scenes stories of common folk going up against the show's powerful stars." This time around, "players will be given the opportunity to train for their match -- and viewers will be given a glimpse of their personalities prior to the [competition]."

Now, I spent a good part of my childhood ducking behind couches in my buddy's basement while he chucked tennis balls at me (in an attempt to recreate our favorite event, "Assault"), so I have a certain emotional investment in the success of this show. That being said, it seems to me that NBC has the right idea in trying to find a new angle because there is no way that you could recapture the early-90's greatness of "American Gladiators." In fact, I'm pretty sure that show was proof of a higher power because only God could have created such a perfect confluence of mullets, nerf and disturbingly muscular women (except for Lace, who managed to be both a warrior and a lady).

No matter how good or bad the show is, though, there will always be a place on my TiVo for people beating the crap out of each other, and a place in my heart for "American Gladiators," so I'll be watching. Hell, I might even audition. Better break out the spandex...

Source: http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117970702.html?categoryid=14&cs=1

As a bonus, here's a video of one of my favorite gladiators, Malibu, talking about the restorative powers of the sun. Enjoy!