R.I.P., Michael Jackson

This was truly a shock to all of us. This really hit home with me, because I grew up listening to "Thriller" and "Bad" on vinyl. I was at the age when I was really starting to enjoy and appreciate music when "Thriller" came out. MJ was the first singer I really became a fan of. I still think "Thriller" is the greatest album ever. Yes, even better than any Beatles album. (say what you will about the White Album, but Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da and Revolution #9 will always be there.)

We have truly lost one of the greats. He was a true game changer, and like Elvis and the Beatles, redefined music and the music industry as we know it. Like the Beatles, other artists will cite him as an influence for many decades to come. Listening to "Thriller" (the album, not just the song) again, I think it can't be defined in terms of a genre, because it uses bits and pieces of R&B, soul, rock, pop and funk, and blends it all into a musical masterwork. He does the same thing with "Bad," which is a notch below "Thriller," but still a classic. Quincy Jones, who produced both of these albums, also deserves a lot of props.

Also, who could forget the first time we saw him do the moonwalk? Look at 3:40 into this video. Also, the dancing and choreography on the Thriller video is perfect.

Yes, he was a bit on the eccentric side, especially in more recent years. However, I believe he will be remembered for his talents as a musician and a performer rather than the weird stuff he did.

Oscar finally does something right!

The Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences made the biggest change to the Oscars that I can remember in my lifetime... There will now be 10 Best Picture nominees. I think this is a good thing, although I wish thet would have done it last year.

The Academy realizes that they need to bring more commercially successful movies into the mix, especially after many vociferous complaints that "The Dark Knight" was snubbed. I wasn't exactly happy about it either.

So, the hope is that more commercial fare will be nominated, instead of the usual artsy-fartsy Masterpiece Theatre stuff. How many people actually watched "The Reader?" Or will the Academy refuse to pander to the masses and just nominate more of the same boring stuff?

As for what movies could be helped this year, I am not sure because I haven't seen too much. I am told that Pixar's "Up" is a possibility, and people are even talking up "Star Trek." Don't get me wrong, I am a fan, and "Star Trek" was a great movie, but I I don't know if I would call it Best Picture material. It pales in comparison to "TDK" which transcended its popcorn movie conventions and changed the game in so many ways. It is one of the best movies I have ever seen. Director Christopher Nolan says he probably won't continue the "Batman" franchise because it is virtually impossible to top "TDK," and I think Heath Ledger's untimely death may have something to do with it as well.

"Public Enemies" is also a contender now, because it is viewed as an epic movie with the potential for great performances, but appeals to the mainstream.

The studios are bitching about the new rule, and are complaining that the have to make more movies to target Oscar voters and how Oscar campaigns will cost money in these tough economic times. First of all, if times are so tough, why are A-list actors still being paid $25-$30 million? Secondly, why don't they just drop all of the Oscar baiting and campaigns and just make good movies? Look at "The Departed." Scorsese said he didn't care about awards, he and his cast and crew just wanted to make a great movie that people would enjoy, and it won several awards, including Best Picture. Also, After 10 years, Pixar has yet to make a bad movie, and I am pretty sure the main goal of John Lasseter and the gang is to entertain people, not to win awards. Look at how good "Iron Man" was. Also, maybe some good comedy movies may finally get their due respect. Some comedies with sharp writing like "Tropic Thunder," "Shaun of the Dead," and "Borat" could have benefitted under the new rules.

This is probably one of the few times I can say to Sid Ganis and the folks at the Academy, "Job well done."

2009 Audi Q5

This is Audi's newest crossover, meant to compete with the new Mercedes GLK, the BMW X3, and the Lexus RS. It is built on the A4's platform. This is one of the best looking SUVs out there, only surpassed by Cadillac's new SRX. The engine is a 270-hp direct injection V6. In Europe and other global markets, the 211-hp turbo 4 is offered, and with gas prices and the economy being what they are, it would be a good idea for Audi to offer the engine here in the U.S. The price is $37,200, and it is hitting showrooms right now.

2009 Audi A4

The 2009 Audi A4 is an all-new car, and one of my favorites, which explains all of the pictures. The A4 is significantly larger in almost all dimensions, and is now larger than its two major competitors, the BMW 3-series and the Mercedes C-Class. The 2.0 T's engine is more powerful than the 2008 model, and also more fuel-efficient. The reviews are not as enthusiastic about the '09 model because it is not as powerful as its German rivals, and, even though the car starts at $31,000, it can get really expensive really quickly when you start adding options. Overall, although this is an attractive car inside and out, it is no longer a standout when it comes to performance and value.

More cars for the insanely rich: Lamborghini Murcielago LP640

Holy good gravy! Yes, that lime green is a factory color. Pictures don't do this paint job (or this car) justice. Yes, the fuel mileage on this v-12 is 8 city/13 highway, making this the least fuel efficient car you can buy in the U.S. Yes, this guzzler of an engine produces 632 horsepower and propels this car from 0-60 in 3.3 seconds. Yes, this car is said to top 219 mph. It can be yours for $354,000. However, the Lambo folks need to look in the rear view mirror, because the Corvette ZR1 can almost match the Lamborghini's numbers, and do it for about 1/3 of the price. However, this car may stand out in a crowd a little more than a Corvette.

Cars for the filthy rich: Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead

As usual, Frank Kerbeck had his usual lineup of unbelievably expensive cars on display. Rappers, pro athletes and CEOs take notice! The latest from Rolls is the Drophead coupe. The 6.8 liter v12 puts out 453 hp and the nearly three-ton car gets 11 mpg in the city and 18 highway. Many cows and trees gave their lives to create the opulent interior. Base price is an unbelievable $420,000. Add the $3000 gas guzzler tax and the insurance for this car and the result is astronomical. Despite the economic slump, this car is selling well.

Infiniti G convertible

Infiniti answers Lexus with its own hardtop convertible, this one based on the RWD G-series. Power comes from a strong 325-hp V6. This will go on sale in the summer.