Random thoughts after last night's Lost season finale:

--One idea being kicked around is that the 4-toed statue is a reference to the Colossus of Rhodes. My favorite theory is that the statue was of the Egyptian God of the Underworld, Anubis. Why? Because in most artistic renderings he had 4 toes, plus it would explain the hieroglyphics when the counter reached zero.

--I am happy that we did learn quite a bit last night – the button really does have a purpose, we found out exactly was happened when Locke pounded on the hatch and the light went on, we learned who painted the invisible map, that the pneumatic tubes went nowhere, the outside world still exists, and why the plane crashed (although I doubt very greatly that’s the only reason the plane crashed).

--Gotta love the Odyssey connection - guy crashed his boat and spends years trying to get back to his true love, Pen(elope). If Pen has a son named Telemachus I’d say that seals the deal.

--I thought Walt said the button was bad and they shouldn’t push it during one of his appearances earlier this year (granted, he said it backwards, but still). He sure botched that call.

--No terribly funny Sawyer dialogue this week, at least nothing matching last week when he referred to Hurley as “Grape Ape.” GRAPE APE

--Locke saying “I was wrong” was sad but really funny at the same time, basically going “oops” as the world is ending.

--Of course, we have a million questions too: Who died at the end? Are Michael and Walt gone for good? What the frig is up with the statue? And the Portuguese guys in Antarctica? Desmond’s girlfriend? Did the hatch blow up? What happened when Desmond turned the key? Is the electromagnet thingee gone? And if so, are Locke and Rose screwed?

--I was very glad the voice of Mr. Krabs got so much screen time last night, even if he did end up getting his head smashed. I’d wager he’s still kicking around – he just has to meet Sayid.

--The bird that said Hurley’s name has to be a reincarnation of Libby. But if it was, it should have attacked Michael, or at least pooped on him.

--That part that killed me is that no one thought to go look at the hatch right the world almost ended. WTF was up with Charlie at the end – was he in shock or just being a dick? What the hell happened to Locke and Eko? I’m assuming Desmond’s gone but can’t fathom the other two being removed in such a manner.

--As for “reading Dickens as the last thing I do before I die” – what cruddy foreshadowing. That said, I really liked the Desmond character this week and I hope he wasn’t atomized.

--The lesson for this week: if you let strange women buy you coffee, you may end up with a boat.

I’ve been following Pearl Jam for 15 years, which is a record for a band that’s still active. There have been peaks and valleys of interest, but there has always been a decent level of interest for a decade and a half.

I’m surprised at all the PJ music I own: seven regular albums, the first official live album, 4 of the double CD “bootleg” albums, the double CD rarities collection, the Merkin Ball EP, and the “Last Kiss” and “Jeremy” singles. Well, there’s been rumbling’s that their new self titled album was their best in years, and a Green Day like comeback was a ‘brewin. I hope so – say what you want, but Pearl Jam is a sincere and heartfelt band, and I think the world’s a better place when bands like that find success (I apologize for the flowery language – it’s been a long week).

Anyway, it’s Pearl Jam day, as I try to listen to every proper PJ album I own. Thoughts:

Ten: This is one depressing album: songs about teenage suicide, homelessness, abortion, murder, and other fun. But that’s what makes it so great – no mainstream stuff in the early 90’s touched topics like this, and if they did it was clumsy at best. It’s weighty, but still accessible (there’s a reason it sold ten million copies), and while it peters out slightly at the end, this is almost flawless rock.

Vs.: Ah, the difficult second album. This one feels a bit rushed, and there are some outright turds here (“W.M.A.” was just a bad idea, sorry). But there’s a lot of great stuff (especially the first five tracks) that are as good as anything PJ has done.

Vitalogy: My favorite PJ album. Not only their strongest set of songs (including “Corduroy,” the best PJ song hands down), but also some goofy, fucked up shit. With rock so middle of the road these days, I can appreciate Eddie Vedder singing about bugs with his accordion.

No Code: Everyone gave up on PJ after Vitalogy. Their loss – this is by far the most underrated PJ album. It’s a bit of a mess, but it’s a lovely mess, plus it has one of their top three songs in “Smile.”

Yield: A supposed return to form, although a lot of the album is pretty mediocre. Still, “In Hiding,” “Faithful,” “Given to Fly,” and “Do the Evolution” make it worthwhile.

Binaural: I’m one of about 12 people who own this album – it is better than Yield, I’ll say that. “Breakerfall” is a great tune. People really slept on this one, too.

Riot Act: I just realized I don’t even own this – oops. Everyone says it’s pretty dreary.

Pearl Jam: It took a while for me to warm up to this one – it’s not as immediate as you may have heard. That said, after a few spins you realize this is definitely their best album since No Code (and it may be better than that). Eddie and pals sound more immediate and focuses than they have in a while. If you’ve been out of the loop for a while, it’s definitely recommended.

Oops, I missed the whole month of April. Sorry.

I may not update, but this guy does. Check out Dave's Long Box, where a guy named Dave reviews his old comics. It's fun and genuinely funny.

As for Lost, what is with sex and death? It seems if you're a women and get it on, you better have your last will and testament taken care of. Observe:

--Shannon scores with Sayid, that same episode gets blown away by Ana Lucia.
--Ana Lucia has a roll in the hay with Sawyer, and gets shot by Michael.
--Libby was going on a picnic with Hurley on the beach with some wine (and we know where that was going) and gets shot. Since she didn't bump uglies, I'm assuming she's still alive.

If I was Kate I'd take as many cold showers in the hatch as possible.

Men seem somewhat immune from the curse. Boone died, and he did have a creepy crush on Shannon, but I wouldn't count that. I don't think Arzt was gettin' it on with anyway. Let's hope that's a flashback we don't get.