I've written about several of the mini-movies that are offered up for free at the iTunes Store, including the Glamour Reel Moments Short Films. In fact, I've written positively about all of them. These little parables are billed as being "...by women and for women...", but I take exception to the "...for women..." part. These gems are well directed, well acted shorts that take a little view of some aspect of life, and life happens to everyone regardless of whether you have an innie or an outtie.

Little Black Dress is the latest addition to the Reel Moments offerings and in it a newly hired executive, Kristy, played by Rosario Dawson, is faced with a decision that many women have run up against at some time in life; dealing with perceptions. Many women will 'get' this movie, but I suspect a lot of men will too, because, believe it or not, guys deal with the same issues, albeit not in the guise of a little black dress (well, maybe some guys do, but if that's what you are into, mo' powr to ya). However, because this is a movie 'by women and for women' most men will likely pass it by, and that's a shame.

Guys will like it too

Maybe what we need are short movies made by guys for guys, but not a bunch of testosterone ladened, sex heavy jock movies that pander to our baser instincts. While I'm all for baser instincts pandering, I think we can use a bit of diversion every so often. I'm thinking that these male movies would do what Reel Moments does; take a look at certain aspects of life, but from a man's point of view.

For instance; in Little Black Dress, what would Cuba Gooding Jr. do in Ms. Dawson's place? Perhaps (hopefully) he'd be wearing a colorful tux instead of a little black dress. Change the dialog and setting to be a bit more real from a guy's point of view, and you have a nice little movie that guys might watch, enjoy and ultimately relate to. I'm winging it here, but I think you get the gist.

Maybe GQ (or Playboy?) could sponsor them. It's a good idea what Glamour is doing with Reel Moments, and I hope others make some attempt to imitate them.

As to Little Black Dress, watch it regardless of whether you shave your legs or your chin (or both), I think you'll like it.

If you are feeling politically motivated these days (for whatever reason), but you missed out on the State of the Union Address and the Democratic Response to the State of the Union Address, take heart, both are now available as free downloads at the iTunes Store.

After watching an hour (51 mins for the SotUA, 9 mins for the DRttSotUA) of political rhetoric your mind is bound to feel like mush. Lucky for you iTunes is offering a free demo of Vortex, one of the eleven games now available for your video iPod. I looked at Vortex a while ago and deemed it to be a great what to kill a few minutes; it's fast, furious, and fun, and now you can try out two levels for free.

Vortex Demo

I'm hoping Apple offers up more game demos. At five bucks a pop, the games are cheap enough, but, like anything else, you'd feel better about buying if you've had a chance to try it out first.

Lastly; there's a free episode of Beach Patrol available this week. Imagine the reality show, Cops, but with a lot more tanned skin and a lot less hard core criminal activity and you get the idea of the show. I guess it's tough robbing a seaside bank or hotdog stand dressed only in a Speedo and a mask.

Cops in Speedos

Beach Patrol kind of reminds me of a real live version of Reno 911. I'm not a fan of either show, but those who get a kick out of watching drunken boaters being arrested, overweight sunbathers complaining, and lost kids being searched for may well enjoy it. Then again you may enjoy getting a root canal too. Of course, those of you who are presently buried under snow may want to watch just for the assurance that someone somewhere is getting some sand and sun.

Other freebies this week at the iTunes Store: