HDR: High Dynamic NIGHTMARE

OOOk. I have recently been introduced to the world of HDR (high dynamic range). I'm going to take a vote right now and ask: WHO LIKES HDR??? Because I don't. I think it's a dated ugly look. But it's what's in right now and I have to learn it. Above is an example of HDR. Like I said...it's not very nice. Maybe some think it looks cool. I think it looks like I'm caught in a surreal nightmare. My most recent assignement was to create two HDR photos. So I did. I toned them down a little bit, but maybe that's missing the point. They are supposed to be a little outrageous. I think I did alright though. Below are my first two attempts at HDR. So, what do you think??? Do you like??? Or not???