Sunday, August 13
Saturday, August 12
Here's Something To Think About
From AmericaBlog:
How can they give the confiscated airport items to the homeless if they don't know if they're explosives or not?
I'm talking about the new things they're confiscating at the airport. They say the products are unopened, but they're giving them to the homeless in Phoenix. Okay, then how do you know they're not explosives that you're handing to the homeless, since you haven't opened them? Apparently, the airport people, in Phoenix at least, know quite well that the stuff they took off of the passengers in line were not explosives. So why did they take it in the first place?
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport planned to give 11 boxes of surrendered items to the city's human services department, which will give the unopened bottles of shampoo, toothpaste and other items to homeless shelters, airport spokeswoman Lexie Van Haren said.
Same thing in Pennsylvania - seems YOU can't take it on the plane because it might be a bomb, but THEY can sell it on eBay without knowing if it's a bomb, or they're sure it's not a bomb, so then why did they take it in the first place?:
In Pennsylvania, state officials were considering pulling some discarded items for a state program that resells on eBay any items of value relinquished at airport security checkpoints, said Edward Myslewicz, spokesman for the General Services Department.
How can they give the confiscated airport items to the homeless if they don't know if they're explosives or not?
I'm talking about the new things they're confiscating at the airport. They say the products are unopened, but they're giving them to the homeless in Phoenix. Okay, then how do you know they're not explosives that you're handing to the homeless, since you haven't opened them? Apparently, the airport people, in Phoenix at least, know quite well that the stuff they took off of the passengers in line were not explosives. So why did they take it in the first place?
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport planned to give 11 boxes of surrendered items to the city's human services department, which will give the unopened bottles of shampoo, toothpaste and other items to homeless shelters, airport spokeswoman Lexie Van Haren said.
Same thing in Pennsylvania - seems YOU can't take it on the plane because it might be a bomb, but THEY can sell it on eBay without knowing if it's a bomb, or they're sure it's not a bomb, so then why did they take it in the first place?:
In Pennsylvania, state officials were considering pulling some discarded items for a state program that resells on eBay any items of value relinquished at airport security checkpoints, said Edward Myslewicz, spokesman for the General Services Department.
Thursday, August 10
I'm A Little Freaked Right Now
My boss and her family are in Europe right now, London specifically. And, it's just not her, her husband and their 2 kids, it's her sister, brother-in-law, two nieces and some other extended family members.
And, it's totally not funny that all of this terror shit is going on right now. Let's just hope the major hoopla is over by Monday and she and her entire family can get home without too many delays or, heaven forbid, terror incidents.
--And Dan... I totally "get" what you're saying about the RED ALERT thing. It's complete crap. But, I'm still like way freaked out about Stephanie, my boss.
And, it's totally not funny that all of this terror shit is going on right now. Let's just hope the major hoopla is over by Monday and she and her entire family can get home without too many delays or, heaven forbid, terror incidents.
--And Dan... I totally "get" what you're saying about the RED ALERT thing. It's complete crap. But, I'm still like way freaked out about Stephanie, my boss.
I feel like I'm in elementary school
And by that, I mean, we have a RED ALERT. It must mean a real Democrat beat Joe Leiberman. It must mean that the Democrats are about to take back the House and Georgie is scared. Seriously, when is the last time we had one of these. Oh wait, NEVER! This is the first one. (Update: I think our last alert, ORANGE, was immediately prior to the 2004 election - John Kerry was about to win.)
I'm all about taking this shit seriously, but come on. This is just so obvious. George Bush is scared that Democrats are going to impeach him. I'm calling it now. There will be a police state in 2008 due to threats (wonder if we'll be magenta by then) and they're too scared to leave the White House. They'll be forced to stay to protect us until... 2010? 2012? Will it be more like Fidel and be 2040?
Am I being cynical? Because I truly believe this is all bullshit.
I'm all about taking this shit seriously, but come on. This is just so obvious. George Bush is scared that Democrats are going to impeach him. I'm calling it now. There will be a police state in 2008 due to threats (wonder if we'll be magenta by then) and they're too scared to leave the White House. They'll be forced to stay to protect us until... 2010? 2012? Will it be more like Fidel and be 2040?
Am I being cynical? Because I truly believe this is all bullshit.
Wednesday, August 9
Rampant Rehab
It appears that the stars are taking pre-emptive strikes against possible bad behavior. It's been announced that Robin Williams has entered rehab for excessive drinking; which should significantly reduce his chances of having a "Mel Moment".
Whoa! Stop The Presses!!!!
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
Definitely can be used in conjunction with the item below... but still.... who thinks up this stuff?
Definitely can be used in conjunction with the item below... but still.... who thinks up this stuff?
Tuesday, August 8
Old News: Lance Bass is Dating Reichen
New News: Us Weekly asked which is hotter. 91% said Reichen. Ouch.
2006 Photo(Shop) Awards
In light of the recent acknowledgement that Reuters Photoshopped a few photos.....Click Here and see what else they've been doing.
Just Sayin'....
I know everyone thinks I'm a redneck for liking Nascar.....
"Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" opened at No. 1 at the box office over the weekend, bringing in an estimated $47 million.
"Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby" opened at No. 1 at the box office over the weekend, bringing in an estimated $47 million.
Amy Sedaris
She cracks me up. Just in general. Even her name makes me laugh. She'll be on Letterman tonight. I'll be Tivo'ing it.
Lost: Season 3 (Minor) Spoilers
From ABC:
Jack, Kate and Sawyer open the season in captivity as prisoners of "The Others." Just who these "Others" are and what they want are primary questions Season Three will explore. Michael Emerson joins the regular cast in his ongoing role as Henry Gale, leader of "The Others." Romance looms on the horizon as Jack's interests veer towards a mysterious new woman, whose motives may be questionable. Sun and Jin will continue to celebrate their pregnancy - but is the child really Jin's? Locke and Sayid will band together with some of the other survivors and journey across the island in an attempt to free Jack, Kate and Sawyer. Charlie will attempt to return into the good graces of Claire and her baby, Aaron, but can he be trusted to stay clean and sober? The fates of Locke, Desmond and Mr. Eko in the aftermath of the implosion of the hatch are answered. Will Penny Widmore find the island and her long, lost love, Desmond, and can the survivors find a way to interact with the outside world? The band of friends, family, enemies and strangers must continue to work together against the cruel weather and harsh terrain if they want to stay alive. But as they have discovered during their 60-plus days on the island, danger and mystery loom behind every corner, and those they thought could be trusted may turn against them. Even heroes have secrets. "Lost" stars Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as Mr. Eko, Naveen Andrews as Sayid, Henry Ian Cusick as Desmond, Emilie de Ravin as Claire, Michael Emerson as Henry Gale, Matthew Fox as Jack, Jorge Garcia as Hurley, Josh Holloway as Sawyer, Daniel Dae Kim as Jin, Yunjin Kim as Sun, Evangeline Lilly as Kate, Elizabeth Mitchell as Juliet, Dominic Monaghan as Charlie and Terry O'Quinn as Locke
Jack, Kate and Sawyer open the season in captivity as prisoners of "The Others." Just who these "Others" are and what they want are primary questions Season Three will explore. Michael Emerson joins the regular cast in his ongoing role as Henry Gale, leader of "The Others." Romance looms on the horizon as Jack's interests veer towards a mysterious new woman, whose motives may be questionable. Sun and Jin will continue to celebrate their pregnancy - but is the child really Jin's? Locke and Sayid will band together with some of the other survivors and journey across the island in an attempt to free Jack, Kate and Sawyer. Charlie will attempt to return into the good graces of Claire and her baby, Aaron, but can he be trusted to stay clean and sober? The fates of Locke, Desmond and Mr. Eko in the aftermath of the implosion of the hatch are answered. Will Penny Widmore find the island and her long, lost love, Desmond, and can the survivors find a way to interact with the outside world? The band of friends, family, enemies and strangers must continue to work together against the cruel weather and harsh terrain if they want to stay alive. But as they have discovered during their 60-plus days on the island, danger and mystery loom behind every corner, and those they thought could be trusted may turn against them. Even heroes have secrets. "Lost" stars Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje as Mr. Eko, Naveen Andrews as Sayid, Henry Ian Cusick as Desmond, Emilie de Ravin as Claire, Michael Emerson as Henry Gale, Matthew Fox as Jack, Jorge Garcia as Hurley, Josh Holloway as Sawyer, Daniel Dae Kim as Jin, Yunjin Kim as Sun, Evangeline Lilly as Kate, Elizabeth Mitchell as Juliet, Dominic Monaghan as Charlie and Terry O'Quinn as Locke
The OC
Scoop from E!:
From toliver63: Ryan gets a stripper job?
Yes! How did you hear!? Wait, were you not talking about Seacrest? Oh! Sorry, yes, Ryan from The O.C. (And by the way, Ryan's not the only major character on a TV show to be in a cage this season...think on that one!) Okay, are you ready? You sure? You sitting down? Here's what my mole just emailed me about The O.C. season premiere: (1) Julie Cooper develops substance abuse problem after losing Marisa, straining her and Dr. Robert's relationship. (2) Summer is at college, and becomes all Green Peacey. (3) Marisa's ex-boyfriend Luke is back on the show, and he has twin brothers who befriend Kaitlin Cooper. (4) And my favorite part, Ryan is so distraught by Marisa's death, he moves away and is cage fighting. He lets people kick the you-know-what out of him, because he doesn't give a damn anymore." To which I say: The O.C. might be the Best. Show. Ever.
From toliver63: Ryan gets a stripper job?
Yes! How did you hear!? Wait, were you not talking about Seacrest? Oh! Sorry, yes, Ryan from The O.C. (And by the way, Ryan's not the only major character on a TV show to be in a cage this season...think on that one!) Okay, are you ready? You sure? You sitting down? Here's what my mole just emailed me about The O.C. season premiere: (1) Julie Cooper develops substance abuse problem after losing Marisa, straining her and Dr. Robert's relationship. (2) Summer is at college, and becomes all Green Peacey. (3) Marisa's ex-boyfriend Luke is back on the show, and he has twin brothers who befriend Kaitlin Cooper. (4) And my favorite part, Ryan is so distraught by Marisa's death, he moves away and is cage fighting. He lets people kick the you-know-what out of him, because he doesn't give a damn anymore." To which I say: The O.C. might be the Best. Show. Ever.
Valerie Cherish
I just love Lisa Kudrow. Her Valerie Cherish is so pathetic. And funny. And annoying. Here's a YouTube video... which is a DVD extra. Check it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=la5LK5vLzS4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=la5LK5vLzS4
Entourage
Did I alread say this? Entourage is so good lately! (OK, the Vegas episode kinda stank.) Seth Green is hilarious... and more than a little annoying. I like when celebrities make fun of themselves. Speaking of... when is Extras back on?
Lieberman
If you haven't been paying attention, you should. We're witnessing an ENORMOUS shift in politics right before our eyes. And - after years of wondering what the fuck it would take Americans to wake up - we're watching a small state (Connecticut) start a nationwide movement. Lieberman will likely lose today because he supports the Iraq war, because he supports Bush way too often, and because he's been in the Senate for 18 years and has forgotten his principles. Did you know he is one of the largest recipients of lobbyist $$$$? I think his wife is even a lobbyist. They are DC-insiders. People want other people like them in Congress --- FINALLY!
The Democrats are going to take control of this country again in November. There is no doubt about it. People are fed up. Americans can be lazy motherf'ers, but once you piss them off, they are an angry bunch.
So pay attention. FireDogLake, AmericaBlog, DailyKos, etc all have great coverage. Here is what the WSJ says:
WASHINGTON -- Connecticut Sen. Joseph Lieberman's political fate will be decided Tuesday in the state's Democratic primary, but the race's focus on public opposition to the Iraq war and President Bush has put other incumbents on notice that a voter revolt could be in the making.
The 18-year incumbent's battle reflects a trend this year: An anti-incumbent mood is striking hardest against politicians aligned with the president, regardless of their party. One of challenger Ned Lamont's most potent weapons is a photo of Mr. Bush planting a kiss on Sen. Lieberman's cheek after the 2005 State of the Union speech. A poll released Monday shows Mr. Lieberman making up ground, but Mr. Lamont is still ahead 51% to 45%.
The Democrats are going to take control of this country again in November. There is no doubt about it. People are fed up. Americans can be lazy motherf'ers, but once you piss them off, they are an angry bunch.
So pay attention. FireDogLake, AmericaBlog, DailyKos, etc all have great coverage. Here is what the WSJ says:
WASHINGTON -- Connecticut Sen. Joseph Lieberman's political fate will be decided Tuesday in the state's Democratic primary, but the race's focus on public opposition to the Iraq war and President Bush has put other incumbents on notice that a voter revolt could be in the making.
The 18-year incumbent's battle reflects a trend this year: An anti-incumbent mood is striking hardest against politicians aligned with the president, regardless of their party. One of challenger Ned Lamont's most potent weapons is a photo of Mr. Bush planting a kiss on Sen. Lieberman's cheek after the 2005 State of the Union speech. A poll released Monday shows Mr. Lieberman making up ground, but Mr. Lamont is still ahead 51% to 45%.
Monday, August 7
Sarah Silverman: Jesus is Magic
What a let down.
She's funny for about 5 minutes, and it's because she's this cute little Jewish girl talkin' all dirty and using words I haven't heard since Andrew Dice Clay. It wears thin. Quickly.
Not recommended.
Same with Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. Just could not get into it! Next up: Memoirs of a Geisha, which I've had trouble watching for more than 5 minutes, but I'll give it another try.
What have you been watching recently that's worth your time?
She's funny for about 5 minutes, and it's because she's this cute little Jewish girl talkin' all dirty and using words I haven't heard since Andrew Dice Clay. It wears thin. Quickly.
Not recommended.
Same with Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. Just could not get into it! Next up: Memoirs of a Geisha, which I've had trouble watching for more than 5 minutes, but I'll give it another try.
What have you been watching recently that's worth your time?
God of War
Seriously, if any of you have a PS2, this is a must-play game. It is so addictive, and that is not usually the case with me and videogames.
Warning: there is language, nasty violence, and lots of boobies. In other words, this game is rated R.
Warning: there is language, nasty violence, and lots of boobies. In other words, this game is rated R.
Friday, August 4
The Eagles Have Landed
Word on the street is that Don Henley and crew are reuniting for their first new album in like 25 years. Woot! Woot! Supposedly due out in about a year.
Thursday, August 3
Direct TV Sucks
They totally suck ass. I hate them.
I get my bill. Sure enough, I've been charged a $70 service fee. Oh sure, the first service call was waived, but when that idiot failed to figure out the problem but simply TESTING the receiver ("oh, chop half your trees down, it'll work"), Direct dispatched another technician and promptly charged me to do so.
How is it MY responsibility to pay for their inability to troubleshoot a simple problem?
Well, after speaking with three operators, I finally get some chick who is "willing to file a dispute" and will "see what she can do." I would have liked to tell her what she could do, but instead I flat out told her there was no need to file a dispute because I WASN'T GOING TO PAY FOR THEIR STUPIDITY!
About 30 minutes later the fee was waived but not before she gave me the spiel on their "product guard" offer of $5.99 a month. Bitch.
God I hate them.
However, if anyone so desires to sign up for their service, let me know. I can get $100 bucks for it.
I get my bill. Sure enough, I've been charged a $70 service fee. Oh sure, the first service call was waived, but when that idiot failed to figure out the problem but simply TESTING the receiver ("oh, chop half your trees down, it'll work"), Direct dispatched another technician and promptly charged me to do so.
How is it MY responsibility to pay for their inability to troubleshoot a simple problem?
Well, after speaking with three operators, I finally get some chick who is "willing to file a dispute" and will "see what she can do." I would have liked to tell her what she could do, but instead I flat out told her there was no need to file a dispute because I WASN'T GOING TO PAY FOR THEIR STUPIDITY!
About 30 minutes later the fee was waived but not before she gave me the spiel on their "product guard" offer of $5.99 a month. Bitch.
God I hate them.
However, if anyone so desires to sign up for their service, let me know. I can get $100 bucks for it.
Speaking of bananas...
I happy to have a list of songs that have the word "banana" in them:
Hollaback: Gwen Stephani
Banana Boat song (Day O): Harry Belafante
I’m Going Bananas: Madonna (Dick Tracy Soundtrack)
Banana Wind: Jimmy Buffett
Banana: Miss TK & The Revenge
Banana Tree: Sergio Mendes
Lorna Banana: The Specials
Nana Banana: U-Roy
Banana Pancakes: Jack Johnson
Banana: Alpha Blondie
Banana Republic: Jimmy Buffett
Banana Joe: DJ Happy Vibes
Banana Baby: Space Monkey’s
Banana Splits: The Dickies
The tra la la song – Liz Phair
Bananas – Queen Latifa
Toast and Bananas – Blink 182
Bananas – Deep Purple
30000 pounds of bananas – Harry Chapin
Banana: Joe King Carrasco
Banana: Jolly Boys
Banana: Vieux Diop
Banana Man: Clifton Chenier
Yes, we have no bananas: Sabrina Soundtrack
Everybody Eats when they come to my house: Cab Calloway
Liberate (Bananas) – Slip Knot
Guru Banana – Kevin Ayers
The Name Game - Nancy Sinatra
Hollaback: Gwen Stephani
Banana Boat song (Day O): Harry Belafante
I’m Going Bananas: Madonna (Dick Tracy Soundtrack)
Banana Wind: Jimmy Buffett
Banana: Miss TK & The Revenge
Banana Tree: Sergio Mendes
Lorna Banana: The Specials
Nana Banana: U-Roy
Banana Pancakes: Jack Johnson
Banana: Alpha Blondie
Banana Republic: Jimmy Buffett
Banana Joe: DJ Happy Vibes
Banana Baby: Space Monkey’s
Banana Splits: The Dickies
The tra la la song – Liz Phair
Bananas – Queen Latifa
Toast and Bananas – Blink 182
Bananas – Deep Purple
30000 pounds of bananas – Harry Chapin
Banana: Joe King Carrasco
Banana: Jolly Boys
Banana: Vieux Diop
Banana Man: Clifton Chenier
Yes, we have no bananas: Sabrina Soundtrack
Everybody Eats when they come to my house: Cab Calloway
Liberate (Bananas) – Slip Knot
Guru Banana – Kevin Ayers
The Name Game - Nancy Sinatra
Wednesday, August 2
Ricky Bobby
I admit I'm a Nascar fan and I'll even admit I think Will Ferrell is funny.... in a goofy, ridiculous sort of way. So, it's not much of a stretch to say I'm actually looking forward to the movie, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, which premieres on Friday.
EW gives it a B. If anyone sees it, post your review!
EW gives it a B. If anyone sees it, post your review!
The Chicks on Mel
At their recent Madison Square Garden concert, here's what Natalie had to say:
"This next song is about how we live our lives, and how we make the excellent career decisions we make,” Maines smiled at the start of their album’s title track, “Taking the Long Way.” She dedicated “White Trash Wedding” to Mel Gibson, dropping deep into her Texas twang to giggle, “You know how it is when you’re drunk!” She explained that while the song doesn’t pertain to Mel, per se, she just wanted to send him a shout-out -- and (wisely) observed that “All of our controversy would have been over if I’d only checked myself into rehab...” That got a nice-sized cheer from the crowd."
"This next song is about how we live our lives, and how we make the excellent career decisions we make,” Maines smiled at the start of their album’s title track, “Taking the Long Way.” She dedicated “White Trash Wedding” to Mel Gibson, dropping deep into her Texas twang to giggle, “You know how it is when you’re drunk!” She explained that while the song doesn’t pertain to Mel, per se, she just wanted to send him a shout-out -- and (wisely) observed that “All of our controversy would have been over if I’d only checked myself into rehab...” That got a nice-sized cheer from the crowd."
Yes, We Have Bananas
I could say a lot of things here, but I'll just let the picture do the talking. Feel free to add your own snarky caption in the Comment section.
Blind Item
Which hunky actor who once picked up a young man and brought him back to the Mercer Hotel for oral sex is now hanging out with a top athlete? The two are said to be more than just workout buddies.
Jake? Matthew? Who could it be!?
Jake? Matthew? Who could it be!?
How does HBO do it?
Interesting industry article in MediaLife:
HBO’s “Entourage” seems to have everything going for it: good-looking actors, critical cachet and major buzz, with the media dubbing it this summer’s breakout hit.
The only thing the show does not have, oddly enough, is numbers. While "Entourage” is up 29 percent over last season, it still only averages 2.4 million viewers.
That’s compared to the 8.9 million that HBO’s “Sopranos” averaged in its most recent season, and that's down from the previous year. It’s not even half the more than 6 million that “Sex and the City” averaged in its final season two years ago. In fact, it’s far less than the 3.8 million the network’s “Rome” drew in its debut a year ago, and that show has been canceled following the upcoming second season.
Those 2.4 million viewers are hardly enough to justify the huge amounts of attention “Entourage” receives in the press. But that certainly is not an issue for HBO, and in some ways the show almost defines an HBO hit: cachet, cachet, cachet. Never mind the numbers.
HBO is in the business of attracting new, paying subscribers while holding onto existing subs, and that is driven by cachet. How many people are actually watching “Entourage,” or any other HBO show for that matter, lends nothing to that effort. Since the network carries no advertising, audience size in itself matters little.
What does matter is the perception of hipness.
“Entourage” is currently the one HBO show advancing that perception, but it's doing it in a big way. Already this summer, the “Entourage” boys have appeared on the cover of Entertainment Weekly and received writeups in TV Guide and Time, which referred to the show as a boutique hit.
Other media are less restrained. There are some 700 articles about “Entourage” available via Google News, and nearly a quarter refer to the show as a hit.
This is all helping HBO enormously, despite the flops of “Lucky Louie,” “Carnivale” and “K Street” over the past four years. Its subscriber base rose 2.6 percent during first-quarter 2006, to 28.2 million subscribers, according to Kagan Research.
And while HBO, a unit of Time Warner, does not give out money figures, some estimate that the network has seen profits of $1 billion over the past year. That's through subscriptions, which average $10 to $15 per month, but also DVD sales of “Sopranos,” “SATC” and other shows.
"Entourage" follows a rising Hollywood superstar and his three best friends from back home as they navigate the absurdities of the movie industry and encounter lots of celebrities along the way. It's executive produced by Mark Wahlberg.
HBO’s “Entourage” seems to have everything going for it: good-looking actors, critical cachet and major buzz, with the media dubbing it this summer’s breakout hit.
The only thing the show does not have, oddly enough, is numbers. While "Entourage” is up 29 percent over last season, it still only averages 2.4 million viewers.
That’s compared to the 8.9 million that HBO’s “Sopranos” averaged in its most recent season, and that's down from the previous year. It’s not even half the more than 6 million that “Sex and the City” averaged in its final season two years ago. In fact, it’s far less than the 3.8 million the network’s “Rome” drew in its debut a year ago, and that show has been canceled following the upcoming second season.
Those 2.4 million viewers are hardly enough to justify the huge amounts of attention “Entourage” receives in the press. But that certainly is not an issue for HBO, and in some ways the show almost defines an HBO hit: cachet, cachet, cachet. Never mind the numbers.
HBO is in the business of attracting new, paying subscribers while holding onto existing subs, and that is driven by cachet. How many people are actually watching “Entourage,” or any other HBO show for that matter, lends nothing to that effort. Since the network carries no advertising, audience size in itself matters little.
What does matter is the perception of hipness.
“Entourage” is currently the one HBO show advancing that perception, but it's doing it in a big way. Already this summer, the “Entourage” boys have appeared on the cover of Entertainment Weekly and received writeups in TV Guide and Time, which referred to the show as a boutique hit.
Other media are less restrained. There are some 700 articles about “Entourage” available via Google News, and nearly a quarter refer to the show as a hit.
This is all helping HBO enormously, despite the flops of “Lucky Louie,” “Carnivale” and “K Street” over the past four years. Its subscriber base rose 2.6 percent during first-quarter 2006, to 28.2 million subscribers, according to Kagan Research.
And while HBO, a unit of Time Warner, does not give out money figures, some estimate that the network has seen profits of $1 billion over the past year. That's through subscriptions, which average $10 to $15 per month, but also DVD sales of “Sopranos,” “SATC” and other shows.
"Entourage" follows a rising Hollywood superstar and his three best friends from back home as they navigate the absurdities of the movie industry and encounter lots of celebrities along the way. It's executive produced by Mark Wahlberg.
Tuesday, August 1
Another thought about MTV...
I remember when I was young, very uncool and listened to Raffi. My older cousin, Susan, would visit and spend hours watching MTV. God, she was cool! I think I was still at the age when I hid behind the couch when Thriller came on.
Monday, July 31
MTV Turns 25
Yahoo celebrates by compiling a list of the top 25 moments. Here are the top 10:
1. THE DEBUT: Aug. 1, 1981. The first video? The slyly prophetic "Video Killed the Radio Star" by the now-forgotten Buggles. Only a few thousand people on a single cable system in northern New Jersey could see it. Sometimes the screen would go black when someone at MTV inserted a tape into a VCR. Within a few years, millions of kids demanded their parents buy cable so they could see MTV. Along with CNN, it led TV's transition out of the three-channel world. "This was the fuse that lit the cable explosion," said Robert Thompson, professor of popular culture at Syracuse University.
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2. BEAT IT: March 31, 1983. Michael Jackson becomes the first black artist with a video on MTV. The segregation was MTV's early shame, ironic considering its later role in popularizing rap. And the early snub wasn't forgotten: "You don't have all of music television when you are leaving things out," says Los Lonely Boys singer Henry Garza.
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3. THRILLER: Dec. 2, 1983. Less a video than a 14-minute mini-movie with Vincent Price, ghouls and goblins, the premiere of Jackson's "Thriller" was an event. MTV gave it a set time on the schedule — several, even. It was the apotheosis of the idea of music videos as an art form. With director John Landis involved, it also was proof that Hollywood's finest weren't looking down upon what are essentially promo clips.
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4. MADONNA BUSTS OUT: Sept. 14, 1984. Performing "Like a Virgin" at the first Video Music Awards, Madonna popped out of a cake dressed in a wedding gown and writhed through her hit. At that moment, Madonna became a superstar, put the VMAs on the map and set an enduring tone. Who cares about those ugly "moon man" trophies? What matters is making the audience gasp.
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5. MONEY FOR NOTHING: 1985. The Dire Straits song was about MTV, mocked MTV and became the band's biggest hit because of MTV. It was one of the first videos to feature computer animation, and Sting made a clever cameo echoing his role in iconic "I want my MTV" ads. The rules for music stardom had changed. Being photogenic was now crucial; an eye-catching video made hits. "It was America's first national radio network," says record executive Phil Quartararo.
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6. BYE-BYE VJs: Original video jock J.J. Jackson's contract expired in 1985. Nina Blackwood followed him out the next year and so did Martha Quinn, breaking the hearts of countless teenage boys. Alan Hunter and Mark Goodman were next. Only Adam Curry lasted into the '90s. MTV refused to follow its aging first fans, courting teens instead. It also realized that airing videos was a dead end and began aggressively developing other programming. Those were probably the most important financial decisions MTV ever made.
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7. SPRING BREAK: March 21, 1985: College students who couldn't make it south in person could turn on MTV to catch the party. Each year it returns, a drunken bash with young, firm, scantily clad bodies oozing with sweat and undulating to the music. Stop us! We need a cold shower. "There were people who looked like they were having sex on the dance floor," VJ Suzie Castillo says about last year's festivities in Cancun. MTV's spring break coverage arguably gave rise to the "Girls Gone Wild" video series, where the breasts didn't need to be pixelated.
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8. RAP BLASTS OFF: Aug. 6, 1986. It's no coincidence that "Yo! MTV Raps!" premiered about the same time rap started becoming the dominant music form for young America. Hip white kids like Rick Rubin or the Beastie Boys may have loved rap before, but "Yo! MTV Raps!" brought it into every suburban living room. "Going from the network that was called on the carpet for not having blacks to this was a huge leap, and it was the right one for MTV," says Christina Norman, MTV's first black president.
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9. PEE-WEE'S RETURN: Sept. 5, 1991. It was a hard fall for Pee-wee Herman, from star of one of television's most popular kids' shows to a national punch line when an undercover officer saw him masturbating in an adult theater. Herman went undercover himself for more than a month until creeping out onstage at the opening of that year's VMAs. "Heard any good jokes lately?" Herman asked, to howls of laughter.
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10. ENTER GRUNGE: Sept. 29, 1991: Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" video killed the hair metal scene and signaled the ascendancy of grunge. The images themselves were an arresting accent, with the tattooed cheerleaders and what seemed like an underwater pep rally in a dank gymnasium. "The band, the sound and the imagery in the video was sort of a breath of fresh air — or a scream," said MTV series development guru Tony DiSanto
1. THE DEBUT: Aug. 1, 1981. The first video? The slyly prophetic "Video Killed the Radio Star" by the now-forgotten Buggles. Only a few thousand people on a single cable system in northern New Jersey could see it. Sometimes the screen would go black when someone at MTV inserted a tape into a VCR. Within a few years, millions of kids demanded their parents buy cable so they could see MTV. Along with CNN, it led TV's transition out of the three-channel world. "This was the fuse that lit the cable explosion," said Robert Thompson, professor of popular culture at Syracuse University.
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2. BEAT IT: March 31, 1983. Michael Jackson becomes the first black artist with a video on MTV. The segregation was MTV's early shame, ironic considering its later role in popularizing rap. And the early snub wasn't forgotten: "You don't have all of music television when you are leaving things out," says Los Lonely Boys singer Henry Garza.
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3. THRILLER: Dec. 2, 1983. Less a video than a 14-minute mini-movie with Vincent Price, ghouls and goblins, the premiere of Jackson's "Thriller" was an event. MTV gave it a set time on the schedule — several, even. It was the apotheosis of the idea of music videos as an art form. With director John Landis involved, it also was proof that Hollywood's finest weren't looking down upon what are essentially promo clips.
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4. MADONNA BUSTS OUT: Sept. 14, 1984. Performing "Like a Virgin" at the first Video Music Awards, Madonna popped out of a cake dressed in a wedding gown and writhed through her hit. At that moment, Madonna became a superstar, put the VMAs on the map and set an enduring tone. Who cares about those ugly "moon man" trophies? What matters is making the audience gasp.
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5. MONEY FOR NOTHING: 1985. The Dire Straits song was about MTV, mocked MTV and became the band's biggest hit because of MTV. It was one of the first videos to feature computer animation, and Sting made a clever cameo echoing his role in iconic "I want my MTV" ads. The rules for music stardom had changed. Being photogenic was now crucial; an eye-catching video made hits. "It was America's first national radio network," says record executive Phil Quartararo.
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6. BYE-BYE VJs: Original video jock J.J. Jackson's contract expired in 1985. Nina Blackwood followed him out the next year and so did Martha Quinn, breaking the hearts of countless teenage boys. Alan Hunter and Mark Goodman were next. Only Adam Curry lasted into the '90s. MTV refused to follow its aging first fans, courting teens instead. It also realized that airing videos was a dead end and began aggressively developing other programming. Those were probably the most important financial decisions MTV ever made.
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7. SPRING BREAK: March 21, 1985: College students who couldn't make it south in person could turn on MTV to catch the party. Each year it returns, a drunken bash with young, firm, scantily clad bodies oozing with sweat and undulating to the music. Stop us! We need a cold shower. "There were people who looked like they were having sex on the dance floor," VJ Suzie Castillo says about last year's festivities in Cancun. MTV's spring break coverage arguably gave rise to the "Girls Gone Wild" video series, where the breasts didn't need to be pixelated.
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8. RAP BLASTS OFF: Aug. 6, 1986. It's no coincidence that "Yo! MTV Raps!" premiered about the same time rap started becoming the dominant music form for young America. Hip white kids like Rick Rubin or the Beastie Boys may have loved rap before, but "Yo! MTV Raps!" brought it into every suburban living room. "Going from the network that was called on the carpet for not having blacks to this was a huge leap, and it was the right one for MTV," says Christina Norman, MTV's first black president.
___
9. PEE-WEE'S RETURN: Sept. 5, 1991. It was a hard fall for Pee-wee Herman, from star of one of television's most popular kids' shows to a national punch line when an undercover officer saw him masturbating in an adult theater. Herman went undercover himself for more than a month until creeping out onstage at the opening of that year's VMAs. "Heard any good jokes lately?" Herman asked, to howls of laughter.
___
10. ENTER GRUNGE: Sept. 29, 1991: Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" video killed the hair metal scene and signaled the ascendancy of grunge. The images themselves were an arresting accent, with the tattooed cheerleaders and what seemed like an underwater pep rally in a dank gymnasium. "The band, the sound and the imagery in the video was sort of a breath of fresh air — or a scream," said MTV series development guru Tony DiSanto
Mel Gibson Quotes: A Look Back In Time
Heartthrob actor Mel Gibson, asked by one of Spain's leading magazines what he thinks of homosexuals, launched into a tirade against gay men.
"They take it up the ass," Gibson told El Pais as he got out of his chair, bent over and pointed to his butt. "This is only for taking a shit," he said.
Reminded by the interviewer, Koro Castellano, that he worked with gays while studying at the School of Dramatic Arts, Gibson added: "They were good people, kind, I like them. But their thing is not my thing."
Castellano said, "But you were obsessed with the thought that if you were an actor, people would confuse you with one of them."
"Yes," Gibson admitted, "but I did it. I became an actor despite that. But with this look, who's going to think I'm gay? It would be hard to take me for someone like that.
"Do I sound like a homosexual?" he asked. "Do I talk like them? Do I move like them?
"They take it up the ass," Gibson told El Pais as he got out of his chair, bent over and pointed to his butt. "This is only for taking a shit," he said.
Reminded by the interviewer, Koro Castellano, that he worked with gays while studying at the School of Dramatic Arts, Gibson added: "They were good people, kind, I like them. But their thing is not my thing."
Castellano said, "But you were obsessed with the thought that if you were an actor, people would confuse you with one of them."
"Yes," Gibson admitted, "but I did it. I became an actor despite that. But with this look, who's going to think I'm gay? It would be hard to take me for someone like that.
"Do I sound like a homosexual?" he asked. "Do I talk like them? Do I move like them?
MTV Video Music Awards
VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Christina Aguilera: "Ain't No Other Man"
Madonna: "Hung Up"
Panic! at the Disco: "I Write Sins Not Tragedies"
Red Hot Chili Peppers: "Dani California"
Shakira f/ Wyclef Jean: "Hips Don't Lie"
BEST MALE VIDEO
Busta Rhymes f/ Mary J. Blige, Rah Digga, Missy Elliott, Lloyd Banks, Papoose & DMX: "Touch It Remix"
James Blunt: "You're Beautiful"
Kanye West f/ Jamie Foxx: "Gold Digger"
Nick Lachey: "What's Left Of Me"
T.I.: "What You Know"
BEST FEMALE VIDEO
Christina Aguilera: "Ain't No Other Man"
Kelly Clarkson: "Because of You"
Madonna: "Hung Up"
Nelly Furtado f/ Timbaland: "Promiscuous"
Shakira f/ Wyclef Jean: "Hips Don't Lie"
BEST GROUP VIDEO
The All-American Rejects: "Move Along"
Fall Out Boy: "Dance, Dance"
Gnarls Barkley: "Crazy"
Panic! at the Disco: "I Write Sins Not Tragedies"
Red Hot Chili Peppers: "Dani California"
BEST RAP VIDEO
50 Cent: "Window Shopper"
Busta Rhymes f/ Mary J. Blige, Rah Digga, Missy Elliott, Lloyd Banks, Papoose & DMX: "Touch It Remix"
Chamillionaire: "Ridin' "
T.I.: "What You Know"
Yung Joc f/ Nitty: "It's Goin' Down"
BEST R&B VIDEO
Beyoncé f/ Slim Thug: "Check on It"
Chris Brown: "Yo (Excuse Me Miss)"
Jamie Foxx f/ Ludacris: "Unpredictable"
Mariah Carey: "Shake It Off"
Mary J. Blige: "Be Without You"
BEST HIP-HOP VIDEO
Black Eyed Peas: "My Humps"
Common: "Testify"
Daddy Yankee: "Rompe"
Kanye West f/ Jamie Foxx: "Gold Digger"
Three 6 Mafia: "Stay Fly"
BEST DANCE VIDEO
Madonna: "Hung Up"
Nelly Furtado f/ Timbaland: "Promiscuous"
Pussycat Dolls f/ Snoop Dogg: "Buttons"
Sean Paul: "Temperature"
Shakira f/ Wyclef Jean: "Hips Don't Lie"
BEST ROCK VIDEO
30 Seconds To Mars: "The Kill"
AFI: "Miss Murder"
Green Day: "Wake Me Up When September Ends"
Panic! at the Disco: "I Write Sins Not Tragedies"
Red Hot Chili Peppers: "Dani California"
BEST POP VIDEO
Christina Aguilera: "Ain't No Other Man"
Madonna: "Hung Up"
Nelly Furtado f/ Timbaland: "Promiscuous"
Pink: "Stupid Girls"
Shakira f/ Wyclef Jean: "Hips Don't Lie"
BEST NEW ARTIST IN A VIDEO
Angels and Airwaves: "The Adventure"
Avenged Sevenfold: "Bat Country"
Chris Brown f/ Juelz Santana, "Run It!"
James Blunt: "You're Beautiful"
Panic! at the Disco: "I Write Sins Not Tragedies"
Rihanna: "S.O.S."
VIEWER'S CHOICE
Chris Brown f/ Juelz Santana: "Run It!"
Fall Out Boy: "Dance, Dance"
Kelly Clarkson: "Because of You"
Rihanna: "S.O.S."
Shakira f/ Wyclef Jean: "Hips Don't Lie"
Christina Aguilera: "Ain't No Other Man"
Madonna: "Hung Up"
Panic! at the Disco: "I Write Sins Not Tragedies"
Red Hot Chili Peppers: "Dani California"
Shakira f/ Wyclef Jean: "Hips Don't Lie"
BEST MALE VIDEO
Busta Rhymes f/ Mary J. Blige, Rah Digga, Missy Elliott, Lloyd Banks, Papoose & DMX: "Touch It Remix"
James Blunt: "You're Beautiful"
Kanye West f/ Jamie Foxx: "Gold Digger"
Nick Lachey: "What's Left Of Me"
T.I.: "What You Know"
BEST FEMALE VIDEO
Christina Aguilera: "Ain't No Other Man"
Kelly Clarkson: "Because of You"
Madonna: "Hung Up"
Nelly Furtado f/ Timbaland: "Promiscuous"
Shakira f/ Wyclef Jean: "Hips Don't Lie"
BEST GROUP VIDEO
The All-American Rejects: "Move Along"
Fall Out Boy: "Dance, Dance"
Gnarls Barkley: "Crazy"
Panic! at the Disco: "I Write Sins Not Tragedies"
Red Hot Chili Peppers: "Dani California"
BEST RAP VIDEO
50 Cent: "Window Shopper"
Busta Rhymes f/ Mary J. Blige, Rah Digga, Missy Elliott, Lloyd Banks, Papoose & DMX: "Touch It Remix"
Chamillionaire: "Ridin' "
T.I.: "What You Know"
Yung Joc f/ Nitty: "It's Goin' Down"
BEST R&B VIDEO
Beyoncé f/ Slim Thug: "Check on It"
Chris Brown: "Yo (Excuse Me Miss)"
Jamie Foxx f/ Ludacris: "Unpredictable"
Mariah Carey: "Shake It Off"
Mary J. Blige: "Be Without You"
BEST HIP-HOP VIDEO
Black Eyed Peas: "My Humps"
Common: "Testify"
Daddy Yankee: "Rompe"
Kanye West f/ Jamie Foxx: "Gold Digger"
Three 6 Mafia: "Stay Fly"
BEST DANCE VIDEO
Madonna: "Hung Up"
Nelly Furtado f/ Timbaland: "Promiscuous"
Pussycat Dolls f/ Snoop Dogg: "Buttons"
Sean Paul: "Temperature"
Shakira f/ Wyclef Jean: "Hips Don't Lie"
BEST ROCK VIDEO
30 Seconds To Mars: "The Kill"
AFI: "Miss Murder"
Green Day: "Wake Me Up When September Ends"
Panic! at the Disco: "I Write Sins Not Tragedies"
Red Hot Chili Peppers: "Dani California"
BEST POP VIDEO
Christina Aguilera: "Ain't No Other Man"
Madonna: "Hung Up"
Nelly Furtado f/ Timbaland: "Promiscuous"
Pink: "Stupid Girls"
Shakira f/ Wyclef Jean: "Hips Don't Lie"
BEST NEW ARTIST IN A VIDEO
Angels and Airwaves: "The Adventure"
Avenged Sevenfold: "Bat Country"
Chris Brown f/ Juelz Santana, "Run It!"
James Blunt: "You're Beautiful"
Panic! at the Disco: "I Write Sins Not Tragedies"
Rihanna: "S.O.S."
VIEWER'S CHOICE
Chris Brown f/ Juelz Santana: "Run It!"
Fall Out Boy: "Dance, Dance"
Kelly Clarkson: "Because of You"
Rihanna: "S.O.S."
Shakira f/ Wyclef Jean: "Hips Don't Lie"
Impeachment?
The Dems put a list together of the laws Bush may have broken. Is this setting us up for the new Congress (assuming Dems take control)? I bet Bush just shit his pants...
"The laws implicated by the Administration’s actions include federal laws against making false statements to congress [sic]; federal laws and international treaties prohibiting torture and cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment; federal laws concerning retaliating against witnesses and other government employees; Executive Orders concerning leaking and other misuse of intelligence; federal regulations and ethical requirements governing conflicts of interest; the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act; communications privacy laws; the National Security Act; and the Fourth Amendment."
"The laws implicated by the Administration’s actions include federal laws against making false statements to congress [sic]; federal laws and international treaties prohibiting torture and cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment; federal laws concerning retaliating against witnesses and other government employees; Executive Orders concerning leaking and other misuse of intelligence; federal regulations and ethical requirements governing conflicts of interest; the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act; communications privacy laws; the National Security Act; and the Fourth Amendment."
I Like Macy's
Only posting this cuz I like shopping at Macy's and reality tv and this combines both.
The Women’s Entertainment Network will air Unwrapping Macy’s in September, an eight-episode, 30-minute reality show about the department store. The New York Times reports that “[r]ather than featuring grumbling customers, as the A&E show ‘Airline’ did in its portrayal of Southwest Airlines, ‘Unwrapping Macy’s’ will, for the most part, depict the daily lives of employees.” It debuts Sept. 30 at 10 p.m. ET.
The Women’s Entertainment Network will air Unwrapping Macy’s in September, an eight-episode, 30-minute reality show about the department store. The New York Times reports that “[r]ather than featuring grumbling customers, as the A&E show ‘Airline’ did in its portrayal of Southwest Airlines, ‘Unwrapping Macy’s’ will, for the most part, depict the daily lives of employees.” It debuts Sept. 30 at 10 p.m. ET.
Mel Gibson
Well, well, well.... this story is certainly shaping up to be interesting. Did he or did he not escape arrest for previous drunk driving suspicion? Did he or did he not spout anti-Semite comments? Did he or did he not resist arrest? The Sheriff's department is denying they re-wrote the report on Mel's arrest, but it's all looking very fishy at the moment. Stay tuned.... I'm pretty sure this story ain't over.
Wednesday, July 26
Sam Hornish, Jr.
Big doin's in Sammy's hometown of Defiance, Ohio. A parade and festivities to honor the Indy 500 winner were held this evening. The mayor dedicated a granite marker, etched with Sam's likeness and commemmorating his Indy win and 2 IRL championships (plus room to add more wins and possible championships). Supposedly there was national media in attendance, but in case you don't see or read anything about it, here's a couple pix.
Tuesday, July 25
30 Days
Wednesday, 10pm, FX Channel. A new season of "30 Days" will premiere. If you didn't catch any episodes the last time around, I highly suggest adding this to your season pass. My teen stepdaughter (and even her friends) loved this show.
You can tell they've started filming Lost
More spoilers from E!:
Fan: The first season, it took place during 48 days, the second season 23. Do you guys have an idea of the whole series, how many days it's supposed to take place in?
D.L.: It's interesting you should ask about time, because, you know, uh, you're making a basic assumption, that, you know, that they've been there as long as they think they've been there. I would say, I would say by the end of season three that you might have a very different idea--
C.C.: Stop right there.
Fan: The first season, it took place during 48 days, the second season 23. Do you guys have an idea of the whole series, how many days it's supposed to take place in?
D.L.: It's interesting you should ask about time, because, you know, uh, you're making a basic assumption, that, you know, that they've been there as long as they think they've been there. I would say, I would say by the end of season three that you might have a very different idea--
C.C.: Stop right there.
Monday, July 24
Attention Losties!!!! I've Got Some Goodies For Ya!
SPOILERS
Among the revelations to come: Viewers will learn more about Desmond and Penny, why Locke was paralyzed, why Libby was in the asylum, and why the island has healing powers. (--was it just me, or were we supposed to find out why Locke was paralyzed LAST season?)
The smoke monster is definitely not made of nanobots. Kate will “make her choice” in the first six episodes of the season. Her choice is presumably between Sawyer and Jack. The word “clone” will never be heard on the show. The Powers That Be all but confirmed Libby will be appearing in flashbacks, most logically Desmond’s or Hurley’s. If you’re asking about daddy issues, you’re asking the right questions. Strong implication that an underwater hatch might exist and that it might be explored this season. The producers say the hieroglyphics on the timer translate to “underworld”.
During an interview Carlton Cuse revealed: We almost view the first six as a miniseries. And it’s going to answer what we left hanging at the end of the finale. Obviously, we’re going to explain what happened to Locke and Desmond and Eko, and sort of deal with the fact that Sawyer and Kate and Jack are in captivity. We would love to sort of finish up [Libby]’s story. We’re casting two female roles and one new male role. I can’t tell you where the characters are going to come from, but obviously, one of the things we’re doing this year on the show is... learning a lot more about the Others, and their society and their history. So it might be fair to say that you’re going to learn more about some other characters who are also Others. I wouldn’t call it the season of sex, but I will say that romance will play a much more active part of the show this year... We actually meant to get to it last year. We didn’t really get to the romance as fast as we thought we were going to. So this year that’s definitely on our agenda. I think actually one of these new female characters is going to be a romantic interest, possibly for Jack. There will be several new romances on the show this year... I think that this year we’re looking to make the show a little bit brighter, a little bit more vibrant, a little bit more on the action-adventure axis, a little bit more on the romance axis. I don’t think the show will be as dark and as intense this year [as it was last season]. And it will be, I think, even more on the character axis than on the mythological axis. John Locke will be a very different person in Season 3. All of his questions and his doubts and his uncertainty have been answered. In fact, the button did mean something. And there was something at stake. And I think that will bring about a change in that character. Penny is an important character in the overarching mythology of the show. The interrelationship between the outside world and the island will be something that will be a part of Season 3. The monster will be a part of Season 3, as will the polar bear. People are asking what happened to the polar bear, so we will be doing some polar-bear stories. The smoke creature and the monster are one and the same. I hope Cindy shows up at some point. Let’s just say we have many actors on our show; she is not at the top of the list of actors we’re servicing.
LOST will return in October for 6 episodes and then go in hiatus for 12 weeks and come back for 17 straight episodes.
Episode 3.01: A Tale of Two Cities Airdate: October 4, 2006
During an interview Carlton Cuse revealed: We pick up where we left off, but obviously there are different stories on different parts of the island, and, you know, we will get to all of them in the first few episodes. But like last year, we didn’t deal with the raft survivors in the first episode. Not everything is going to be answered in the first episode. But the captivity story [with Jack, Kate and Sawyer] will definitely be addressed.
Among the revelations to come: Viewers will learn more about Desmond and Penny, why Locke was paralyzed, why Libby was in the asylum, and why the island has healing powers. (--was it just me, or were we supposed to find out why Locke was paralyzed LAST season?)
The smoke monster is definitely not made of nanobots. Kate will “make her choice” in the first six episodes of the season. Her choice is presumably between Sawyer and Jack. The word “clone” will never be heard on the show. The Powers That Be all but confirmed Libby will be appearing in flashbacks, most logically Desmond’s or Hurley’s. If you’re asking about daddy issues, you’re asking the right questions. Strong implication that an underwater hatch might exist and that it might be explored this season. The producers say the hieroglyphics on the timer translate to “underworld”.
During an interview Carlton Cuse revealed: We almost view the first six as a miniseries. And it’s going to answer what we left hanging at the end of the finale. Obviously, we’re going to explain what happened to Locke and Desmond and Eko, and sort of deal with the fact that Sawyer and Kate and Jack are in captivity. We would love to sort of finish up [Libby]’s story. We’re casting two female roles and one new male role. I can’t tell you where the characters are going to come from, but obviously, one of the things we’re doing this year on the show is... learning a lot more about the Others, and their society and their history. So it might be fair to say that you’re going to learn more about some other characters who are also Others. I wouldn’t call it the season of sex, but I will say that romance will play a much more active part of the show this year... We actually meant to get to it last year. We didn’t really get to the romance as fast as we thought we were going to. So this year that’s definitely on our agenda. I think actually one of these new female characters is going to be a romantic interest, possibly for Jack. There will be several new romances on the show this year... I think that this year we’re looking to make the show a little bit brighter, a little bit more vibrant, a little bit more on the action-adventure axis, a little bit more on the romance axis. I don’t think the show will be as dark and as intense this year [as it was last season]. And it will be, I think, even more on the character axis than on the mythological axis. John Locke will be a very different person in Season 3. All of his questions and his doubts and his uncertainty have been answered. In fact, the button did mean something. And there was something at stake. And I think that will bring about a change in that character. Penny is an important character in the overarching mythology of the show. The interrelationship between the outside world and the island will be something that will be a part of Season 3. The monster will be a part of Season 3, as will the polar bear. People are asking what happened to the polar bear, so we will be doing some polar-bear stories. The smoke creature and the monster are one and the same. I hope Cindy shows up at some point. Let’s just say we have many actors on our show; she is not at the top of the list of actors we’re servicing.
LOST will return in October for 6 episodes and then go in hiatus for 12 weeks and come back for 17 straight episodes.
Episode 3.01: A Tale of Two Cities Airdate: October 4, 2006
During an interview Carlton Cuse revealed: We pick up where we left off, but obviously there are different stories on different parts of the island, and, you know, we will get to all of them in the first few episodes. But like last year, we didn’t deal with the raft survivors in the first episode. Not everything is going to be answered in the first episode. But the captivity story [with Jack, Kate and Sawyer] will definitely be addressed.
Tabloid Wars
Something to toss on the Tivo....
Premiering tonight on Bravo, 9pm.
"Tabloid Wars" is like visiting a tornado. Everyday is a deadline -- 365 days a year! Each episode of "Tabloid Wars" follows 4 - 5 characters, the journalists of the New York Daily News, as they track and pursue New York City's most exciting stories. Against the backdrop of a vicious war with the New York Post and the unrelenting deadlines that are a part of their world, we'll get to know each character as they battle for stories in areas of crime, disaster and celebrities.
Premiering tonight on Bravo, 9pm.
"Tabloid Wars" is like visiting a tornado. Everyday is a deadline -- 365 days a year! Each episode of "Tabloid Wars" follows 4 - 5 characters, the journalists of the New York Daily News, as they track and pursue New York City's most exciting stories. Against the backdrop of a vicious war with the New York Post and the unrelenting deadlines that are a part of their world, we'll get to know each character as they battle for stories in areas of crime, disaster and celebrities.
Project Runway
I've been slacking about providing commentary and snark on the new season of Runway. My apologies.
Is everyone else loving this season? Did anyone else think Angela should have been booted out the door instead of Malan? Did y'all watch the Miss Universe pageant to see Kayne's dress? In a bizarre twist of fate, I must answer yes to that question. I had just finished watching the last eppy of PR when I flipped to "live TV" and lo and behold, the spectacle was before me! I must admit, I liked the dress on PR and it was even more beautiful at the pageant.
What the hell was going on between Vincent and Angela? That was the most dysfunction I've seen since I was associated with my ex in-laws. I'm still in disbelief she proudly announced she "couldn't sketch" so she would just "ask questions" and proceeded to ask if an empire waist interested the beauty.... or perhaps a pair of gloves? What the hell was THAT?
My front-runner faves (subject to change, of course) are Michael, Uli, Laura & Robert.
Who are your faves? And, what do you think of the new season?
Is everyone else loving this season? Did anyone else think Angela should have been booted out the door instead of Malan? Did y'all watch the Miss Universe pageant to see Kayne's dress? In a bizarre twist of fate, I must answer yes to that question. I had just finished watching the last eppy of PR when I flipped to "live TV" and lo and behold, the spectacle was before me! I must admit, I liked the dress on PR and it was even more beautiful at the pageant.
What the hell was going on between Vincent and Angela? That was the most dysfunction I've seen since I was associated with my ex in-laws. I'm still in disbelief she proudly announced she "couldn't sketch" so she would just "ask questions" and proceeded to ask if an empire waist interested the beauty.... or perhaps a pair of gloves? What the hell was THAT?
My front-runner faves (subject to change, of course) are Michael, Uli, Laura & Robert.
Who are your faves? And, what do you think of the new season?
Saturday, July 22
Muse
Exhilarating.
With Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (and U2, of course), they are now among my favorite bands. I wasn't expecting anything remotely close to what I experienced. First of all, I thought Matthew Bellamy (lead singer) wouldn't sound as good as he does on the records, kind of like (I hate to say this, because I love him) Chris Cornell. But man, this guy has pipes. Not one note off key, and he can wail like a motherfucker. The guitarist must be some sort of god. I don't know who had a bigger impression on him: Led Zeppelin, Queen or Prince. His licks were amazing. And the drummer - I don't even know what to say. These guys are TIGHT. Their music is absolutely mesmorizing live.
I wasn't exactly sober, if you know what I mean, so here's what the Reuters had to say about the specifics:
"Progressive rock lives again, and Muse is carrying the torch for a new generation.
"The trio is certainly more beat-centered than old-school polyrhythmic, anchored by drummer Dominic Howard and ansty bassist Chris Wolstenholme, who kept hopping about. This allowed singer-guitarist-keyboardist Matthew Bellamy to freely play the flashy frontman, with guitar-hero moves and poses and classical flourishes at the piano.
"The group took the stage to the sequenced electro-loop of "Take a Bow," a slow-build burn that led into the surging "Hysteria," with its demand of "I want it now." In his pinched tenor, Bellamy cried out against a crushing world, seeking hope, change and -- most of all -- purpose and meaning.
"Numbers from the band's new top 10 album "Black Holes and Revelations" (Warner Bros.) included the glam-rock-goes-funk of "Supermassive Black Hole," carried by a Prince-styled falsetto and Gipsy King strumming on acoustic guitar, and "City of Delusion," which exploded into Led Zeppelin hammer-of-the-gods thunder.
"A trio of midset songs was riveting: The pulsing romanticism of "Starlight" gave way to the snake-dance guitar lines and near-chaotic dynamics of "Plug in Baby," followed by the grandly romantic orchestral ballad "Invincible," set to a rising martial beat and swathed in church organ.
"Beyond a few thank-yous, the band was hardly a chatty bunch, but there's something to be said for letting the music do all the talking. Some shtick was just that: Bellamy playing guitar slung around at the back of his neck, dropping to his knees or taking Pete Townshend-style windmill swipes.
"However, when everything worked -- and it did more often than not -- it truly was sweeping and powerful. This was especially so during an encore featuring the tension-wrought modern rock hit "Time Is Running Out," followed by the closing "Knights of Cydonia," where waves of crackling surf guitar crashed against the bluster of Queen-styled melodrama and ensemble vocals. In those moments, Muse achieved escape velocity from that black hole gravity to explore a galaxy of sonic revelation."
This is D again...
I have to say, Supermassive Black Hole was played much more as a rock song with an added guitar solo in there, and it brought new respect to that song - which many longtime Muse fans didn't like (at least until they hear it live!).
Invincible was another rocker. This is one hell of an anthem and really got the crowd pumping. This is probably what people thought of Bono during Live Aid in 1986.
But the song that blew me completely away was their last: Knights of Cydonia. Guys, Queen lives on. It was so overdramatic, had so much flair, I almost pissed myself. This is the new Bohemian Rhapsody.
Finally, I have said this about Bloc Party before, but I took it back after seeing their Coachella performance this year. MUSE IS GOING TO BE THE NEXT U2. Think about... they are a few albums into their careers. Nothing but quality, but they also keep getting better with time. The reason Radiohead will never be U2 is because they aren't as interested in entertaining. Coldplay won't be either, simply because they aren't as deep. Muse is... they write quality shit, but most importantly, they entertained the shit out of the crowd. They know how to make people almost piss their pants with excitement.
Side note, when we were leaving, we decided to go out. But it was funny because we were so drained from the show! That is the sign of a good band, if you ask me.
With Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (and U2, of course), they are now among my favorite bands. I wasn't expecting anything remotely close to what I experienced. First of all, I thought Matthew Bellamy (lead singer) wouldn't sound as good as he does on the records, kind of like (I hate to say this, because I love him) Chris Cornell. But man, this guy has pipes. Not one note off key, and he can wail like a motherfucker. The guitarist must be some sort of god. I don't know who had a bigger impression on him: Led Zeppelin, Queen or Prince. His licks were amazing. And the drummer - I don't even know what to say. These guys are TIGHT. Their music is absolutely mesmorizing live.
I wasn't exactly sober, if you know what I mean, so here's what the Reuters had to say about the specifics:
"Progressive rock lives again, and Muse is carrying the torch for a new generation.
"The trio is certainly more beat-centered than old-school polyrhythmic, anchored by drummer Dominic Howard and ansty bassist Chris Wolstenholme, who kept hopping about. This allowed singer-guitarist-keyboardist Matthew Bellamy to freely play the flashy frontman, with guitar-hero moves and poses and classical flourishes at the piano.
"The group took the stage to the sequenced electro-loop of "Take a Bow," a slow-build burn that led into the surging "Hysteria," with its demand of "I want it now." In his pinched tenor, Bellamy cried out against a crushing world, seeking hope, change and -- most of all -- purpose and meaning.
"Numbers from the band's new top 10 album "Black Holes and Revelations" (Warner Bros.) included the glam-rock-goes-funk of "Supermassive Black Hole," carried by a Prince-styled falsetto and Gipsy King strumming on acoustic guitar, and "City of Delusion," which exploded into Led Zeppelin hammer-of-the-gods thunder.
"A trio of midset songs was riveting: The pulsing romanticism of "Starlight" gave way to the snake-dance guitar lines and near-chaotic dynamics of "Plug in Baby," followed by the grandly romantic orchestral ballad "Invincible," set to a rising martial beat and swathed in church organ.
"Beyond a few thank-yous, the band was hardly a chatty bunch, but there's something to be said for letting the music do all the talking. Some shtick was just that: Bellamy playing guitar slung around at the back of his neck, dropping to his knees or taking Pete Townshend-style windmill swipes.
"However, when everything worked -- and it did more often than not -- it truly was sweeping and powerful. This was especially so during an encore featuring the tension-wrought modern rock hit "Time Is Running Out," followed by the closing "Knights of Cydonia," where waves of crackling surf guitar crashed against the bluster of Queen-styled melodrama and ensemble vocals. In those moments, Muse achieved escape velocity from that black hole gravity to explore a galaxy of sonic revelation."
This is D again...
I have to say, Supermassive Black Hole was played much more as a rock song with an added guitar solo in there, and it brought new respect to that song - which many longtime Muse fans didn't like (at least until they hear it live!).
Invincible was another rocker. This is one hell of an anthem and really got the crowd pumping. This is probably what people thought of Bono during Live Aid in 1986.
But the song that blew me completely away was their last: Knights of Cydonia. Guys, Queen lives on. It was so overdramatic, had so much flair, I almost pissed myself. This is the new Bohemian Rhapsody.
Finally, I have said this about Bloc Party before, but I took it back after seeing their Coachella performance this year. MUSE IS GOING TO BE THE NEXT U2. Think about... they are a few albums into their careers. Nothing but quality, but they also keep getting better with time. The reason Radiohead will never be U2 is because they aren't as interested in entertaining. Coldplay won't be either, simply because they aren't as deep. Muse is... they write quality shit, but most importantly, they entertained the shit out of the crowd. They know how to make people almost piss their pants with excitement.
Side note, when we were leaving, we decided to go out. But it was funny because we were so drained from the show! That is the sign of a good band, if you ask me.
Lance hearts Jake
Jake is goingt to play Lance in a biopic. And I thought they were hanging out together so often for OTHER reasons.... that would've been good!
Carol Channing
DListed has the best clip ever. It's Carol Channing singing "Jam Tomorrow, Jam Yesterday" from the TV Alice in Wonderland. I used to fucking LOVE this movie!
http://dlisted.blogspot.com/2006/07/carol-channing-is-nuts.html
http://dlisted.blogspot.com/2006/07/carol-channing-is-nuts.html
Devastating News
Tina Fey and Rachel Dratch are leaving SNL. They will focus on their new show, 30 Rock, which is also on NBC. This is sad, sad news. Amy Poehler is now the only cast member worth watching.
Friday, July 21
This Is Intriguing
So, this story is incredible. Is it the true kind of incredible? I’d like to think so, simply because it’s so friggin’ hilarious!
This one’s about a mega superstar we’ve come to refer to as John Travolta and a washed-up singer/rapper we've long since forgotten named Fred Durst.
Allegedly, John and Fred have recently grown to become quite the chummy pair. I’m not talking manicures and pillow fights, but close. One night, the Brit newsletter Popbitch reports , this friendship got a startle when John arrived at Fred’s place exclaiming: “Johnny wants mouthwash. Johnny loves mouthwash." So, Fred, being the solid buddy that he is, got his friend some mouthwash. And before he knew it, Johnny leaned in for a big, sloppy kiss. Fred stood there horrified. Was it because of the kiss or was it because John showed up without his wig on [as the story maintains]? My guess is a little bit of both.
--i feel a little nauseated now.....
This one’s about a mega superstar we’ve come to refer to as John Travolta and a washed-up singer/rapper we've long since forgotten named Fred Durst.
Allegedly, John and Fred have recently grown to become quite the chummy pair. I’m not talking manicures and pillow fights, but close. One night, the Brit newsletter Popbitch reports , this friendship got a startle when John arrived at Fred’s place exclaiming: “Johnny wants mouthwash. Johnny loves mouthwash." So, Fred, being the solid buddy that he is, got his friend some mouthwash. And before he knew it, Johnny leaned in for a big, sloppy kiss. Fred stood there horrified. Was it because of the kiss or was it because John showed up without his wig on [as the story maintains]? My guess is a little bit of both.
--i feel a little nauseated now.....
Top 10: Rock Diss Songs
Cool list!
10. "Go Your Own Way" - 1977 - Fleetwood Mac
9. "On The Other Hand" - 1997 - Sammy Hagar
8. "Hot Dog" - 2000 - Limp Bizkit
7. "New York" - 1977 - The Sex Pistols
6. "I'll Stick Around" - 1995 - Foo Fighters
5. "Double Talkin' Jive" - 1991 - Guns N' Roses
4. "You're So Vain" - 1972 - Carly Simon
3. "How Do You Sleep?" - 1971 - John Lennon
2. "You Oughta Know" - 1995 - Alanis Morissette
1. "Sweet Home Alabama" - 1974 - Lynyrd Skynyrd
Read the accompanying stories by clicking here
10. "Go Your Own Way" - 1977 - Fleetwood Mac
9. "On The Other Hand" - 1997 - Sammy Hagar
8. "Hot Dog" - 2000 - Limp Bizkit
7. "New York" - 1977 - The Sex Pistols
6. "I'll Stick Around" - 1995 - Foo Fighters
5. "Double Talkin' Jive" - 1991 - Guns N' Roses
4. "You're So Vain" - 1972 - Carly Simon
3. "How Do You Sleep?" - 1971 - John Lennon
2. "You Oughta Know" - 1995 - Alanis Morissette
1. "Sweet Home Alabama" - 1974 - Lynyrd Skynyrd
Read the accompanying stories by clicking here
Thursday, July 20
Finally, some Lost Spoilers!
Nothing too profound, certainly nothing to avoid reading here. But exciting to finally see some spoilers. These are lifted word for word from The Tail Section:
Well we are finally starting to see some new spoilers and should have some new ones next week as well. I've taken this summary from my site DarkUFO.
Please Digg this story to help spread the word about the Tailsection.
If you want to read this spoiler continue reading.
The latest Ausiello Report has been published and here are the highlights.
- Season is split into 6 Episode followed by 16
- Strong hints about Libby's past being told
- Season Premiere on October 4th
- The captivity story [with Jack, Kate and Sawyer] will definitely be addressed in the Premiere
- Announcment next week on the 3 new Roles
- This season we will learn a lot more about the Others, their society and their history.
- There will be several new romances on the show this year
- Locke will be a very different person in Season 3
- Penny will be an important character for Season 3
- The interrelationship between the outside world and the island will be something that will be a part of Season 3.
- The monster and the polar bear will be back in Season 3
- The smoke creature and the monster are one and the Same
- Are Walt and Michael gone forever? Not necessarily
- JJ is going to cowrite the premiere with Damon
How excited are you about Libby, The Others, Locke, Penny, the Monster/Polar Bear/Smoke Creature...?
Well we are finally starting to see some new spoilers and should have some new ones next week as well. I've taken this summary from my site DarkUFO.
Please Digg this story to help spread the word about the Tailsection.
If you want to read this spoiler continue reading.
The latest Ausiello Report has been published and here are the highlights.
- Season is split into 6 Episode followed by 16
- Strong hints about Libby's past being told
- Season Premiere on October 4th
- The captivity story [with Jack, Kate and Sawyer] will definitely be addressed in the Premiere
- Announcment next week on the 3 new Roles
- This season we will learn a lot more about the Others, their society and their history.
- There will be several new romances on the show this year
- Locke will be a very different person in Season 3
- Penny will be an important character for Season 3
- The interrelationship between the outside world and the island will be something that will be a part of Season 3.
- The monster and the polar bear will be back in Season 3
- The smoke creature and the monster are one and the Same
- Are Walt and Michael gone forever? Not necessarily
- JJ is going to cowrite the premiere with Damon
How excited are you about Libby, The Others, Locke, Penny, the Monster/Polar Bear/Smoke Creature...?
Romber Alert
More than a year after first teasing that reality viewers hadn't yet seen the last of them, former Survivor and The Amazing Race couple Rob Mariano and the former Amber Brkich have signed a deal to star in their own Newlyweds-like reality series.
Tentatively dubbed The Rob and Amber Project and scheduled to premiere in January 2007, the ten-episode series will air on the Fox Reality network. According to Fox Reality, the show will follow the couple as they embark on "the most challenging phase of their young marriage" -- Rob's plan to move to Las Vegas and become a professional gambler.
Deciding to shun more conventional investment options, Survivor's former "Robfather" has decided risk the couple's (and for the record, mostly Amber's) reality winnings in his efforts to become a professional poker player. Along the way, Amber -- who has doubts about the soundness of Rob's idea to parlay her their winnings into "millions more" -- will do her best to supportive of the risky venture.
--Summary: watch their marriage fall apart (or don't watch. i don't care. i won't be watching anyhow)
Tentatively dubbed The Rob and Amber Project and scheduled to premiere in January 2007, the ten-episode series will air on the Fox Reality network. According to Fox Reality, the show will follow the couple as they embark on "the most challenging phase of their young marriage" -- Rob's plan to move to Las Vegas and become a professional gambler.
Deciding to shun more conventional investment options, Survivor's former "Robfather" has decided risk the couple's (and for the record, mostly Amber's) reality winnings in his efforts to become a professional poker player. Along the way, Amber -- who has doubts about the soundness of Rob's idea to parlay her their winnings into "millions more" -- will do her best to supportive of the risky venture.
--Summary: watch their marriage fall apart (or don't watch. i don't care. i won't be watching anyhow)
Tomorrow Night
Going to see Muse in San Diego! Should be an awesome concert. Not only is their new album, Black Holes & Revelations, kick-ass, but they are known as one of the greatest live acts around.
Full report on Sunday or Monday.
Full report on Sunday or Monday.
Wednesday, July 19
Welcome to Iran
Folks, we're still in Iran. Now the U.S. Department of Homeland Security is putting the names of student protestors on documents used to track foreign terrorists. That is... COLLEGE STUDENTS who protested army recruitment at UC Berkeley and Santa Cruz are now TERRORISTS... simply because Bush thinks they are.
Yes, folks. Get out and vote. Get us out of Iran and back to the beautiful US of A where you can speak up without being labelled a terrorist.
link: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2006/07/19/BAGT6K1K621.DTL
Yes, folks. Get out and vote. Get us out of Iran and back to the beautiful US of A where you can speak up without being labelled a terrorist.
link: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2006/07/19/BAGT6K1K621.DTL
Lady in the Water
Good or bad? What do you think it will be?
All the word around town: it's a stinker.
All the word around town: it's a stinker.
Mercury Prize Short List
I only know four of these albums, so I guess I have some work to do! I have to say, Muse is my favorite of all of these. But I also like Arctic Monkeys and Thom Yorke. But not LOVE.
Arctic Monkeys Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan Ballad of the Broken Seas
Editors The Back Room
Guillemots Through the Windowpane
Richard Hawley Coles Corner
Hot Chip The Warning
Muse Black Holes and Revelations
Zoe Rahman Melting Pot
Lou Rhodes Beloved One
Scritti Politti White Bread, Black Beer
Sway This Is My Demo
Thom Yorke The Eraser
Arctic Monkeys Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan Ballad of the Broken Seas
Editors The Back Room
Guillemots Through the Windowpane
Richard Hawley Coles Corner
Hot Chip The Warning
Muse Black Holes and Revelations
Zoe Rahman Melting Pot
Lou Rhodes Beloved One
Scritti Politti White Bread, Black Beer
Sway This Is My Demo
Thom Yorke The Eraser
Tuesday, July 18
Monday, July 17
Last night
Last night around 9pm, my boss called to say I need to fly up to San Francisco to meet with the client. This is pretty typical.
I arrived at work at 7am to meet everyone else so we could drive to LAX together. However, the person in charge had us meet an hour early on accident! So I did a little work and prepared for our meeting.
Fly to SF, get in around 10:30, go to our client's headquarters, sit there for about 4 hours while NOTHING happens, get lunch, meeting gets cancelled after being delayed about 9 times, head back to the airport, get drunk, get on plane, get drunker, arrive in LA, have someone else drive my car because I am not okay, get home, play soccer, lose soccer ball in neighbor's yard, stub toe on driveway, and now i'm going to get dinner.
What a day.
I arrived at work at 7am to meet everyone else so we could drive to LAX together. However, the person in charge had us meet an hour early on accident! So I did a little work and prepared for our meeting.
Fly to SF, get in around 10:30, go to our client's headquarters, sit there for about 4 hours while NOTHING happens, get lunch, meeting gets cancelled after being delayed about 9 times, head back to the airport, get drunk, get on plane, get drunker, arrive in LA, have someone else drive my car because I am not okay, get home, play soccer, lose soccer ball in neighbor's yard, stub toe on driveway, and now i'm going to get dinner.
What a day.
My cousin, the journalist
She's smart, and it seems she's figured something out...
Bush Recommends Putin Create a Democracy "Like Iraq" -- Really
As a history buff, we humbly submit that this exchange might be remembered for a very long time:
During a joint news conference Saturday in St. Petersburg, Bush said he raised concerns about democracy in Russia during a frank discussion with the Russian leader.
"I talked about my desire to promote institutional change in parts of the world, like Iraq where there's a free press and free religion, and I told him that a lot of people in our country would hope that Russia would do the same," Bush said.
To that, Putin replied, "We certainly would not want to have the same kind of democracy that they have in Iraq, quite honestly."
OK, we'll put on our PR hat here:
The White House and its Big Media echo chamber have convinced a certain percentage of the American people that the Bush Administration's goal for Iraq is "democracy," rather than a base for long-term military and diplomatic influence in the Middle East.
Of course, it's patently obvious that any democratic government unfriendly to the U.S. would not be permitted in Iraq (just as we historically have worked to destabilize unfriendly democracies in Latin America and elsewhere). Can any serious person even debate this fact?
And given that the vast majority of any potential electorate in the Middle East is demonstrably unfriendly to the U.S., unfettered democracy in the region is clearly unacceptable to us strategically. Facts are facts, right?
That's realpolitik. And that's fine. While we, personally, didn't agree with the decision to go to war, we embrace the reality that protecting U.S. interests abroad is critical to U.S. foreign policy.
But -- back to the G8 summit -- Bush should know his audience, or at least his advisors should. People closely watching the summit are a bit more sophisticated than Bush's domestic base; they get their news from the Economist, not Sean Hannity. They have some gleaning of what's actually going on in the world.
So to hold Iraq up as a shining example of democracy to Putin -- who is doing some heavy-duty spinning himself these days -- is the height of hubris. If we were diplomats, we'd be extremely depressed right now. But since we're just sitting here in our boxers spouting off on a Saturday morning, we'll settle for bemused.
Oh well, time for some handyman work -- got to change a few light bulbs around the house. (Is Bush's head a screw-off? If so, we can replace that one while we're at it.)
Bush Recommends Putin Create a Democracy "Like Iraq" -- Really
As a history buff, we humbly submit that this exchange might be remembered for a very long time:
During a joint news conference Saturday in St. Petersburg, Bush said he raised concerns about democracy in Russia during a frank discussion with the Russian leader.
"I talked about my desire to promote institutional change in parts of the world, like Iraq where there's a free press and free religion, and I told him that a lot of people in our country would hope that Russia would do the same," Bush said.
To that, Putin replied, "We certainly would not want to have the same kind of democracy that they have in Iraq, quite honestly."
OK, we'll put on our PR hat here:
The White House and its Big Media echo chamber have convinced a certain percentage of the American people that the Bush Administration's goal for Iraq is "democracy," rather than a base for long-term military and diplomatic influence in the Middle East.
Of course, it's patently obvious that any democratic government unfriendly to the U.S. would not be permitted in Iraq (just as we historically have worked to destabilize unfriendly democracies in Latin America and elsewhere). Can any serious person even debate this fact?
And given that the vast majority of any potential electorate in the Middle East is demonstrably unfriendly to the U.S., unfettered democracy in the region is clearly unacceptable to us strategically. Facts are facts, right?
That's realpolitik. And that's fine. While we, personally, didn't agree with the decision to go to war, we embrace the reality that protecting U.S. interests abroad is critical to U.S. foreign policy.
But -- back to the G8 summit -- Bush should know his audience, or at least his advisors should. People closely watching the summit are a bit more sophisticated than Bush's domestic base; they get their news from the Economist, not Sean Hannity. They have some gleaning of what's actually going on in the world.
So to hold Iraq up as a shining example of democracy to Putin -- who is doing some heavy-duty spinning himself these days -- is the height of hubris. If we were diplomats, we'd be extremely depressed right now. But since we're just sitting here in our boxers spouting off on a Saturday morning, we'll settle for bemused.
Oh well, time for some handyman work -- got to change a few light bulbs around the house. (Is Bush's head a screw-off? If so, we can replace that one while we're at it.)
I'm Totally Avoiding Work Today....
This is certainly one way to get yourself noticed.....
Justin Timberlake insists that nobody will ever see him taking drugs or getting drunk - because he gets high in the privacy of his own home, away from the public eye. "I get plastered, I've done my fair share of drugs and I've been caught with my pants down. I just make sure there are no cameras around. I try to live my life in a well-rounded manner. Despite admitting to dabbling in drugs, Timberlake insists he indulges in moderation.He explains, "They always say too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. I try to live my life in a well-rounded manner. We all make mistakes.
Justin Timberlake insists that nobody will ever see him taking drugs or getting drunk - because he gets high in the privacy of his own home, away from the public eye. "I get plastered, I've done my fair share of drugs and I've been caught with my pants down. I just make sure there are no cameras around. I try to live my life in a well-rounded manner. Despite admitting to dabbling in drugs, Timberlake insists he indulges in moderation.He explains, "They always say too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. I try to live my life in a well-rounded manner. We all make mistakes.
And In Advertising News
I'm not sure how I feel about this but it's certainly unique.......
IN September, CBS plans to start using a new place to advertise its fall television lineup: your breakfast.
The network plans to announce today that it will place laser imprints of its trademark eye insignia, as well as logos for some of its shows, on eggs — 35 million of them in September and October. CBS’s copywriters are referring to the medium as “egg-vertising,” hinting at the wordplay they have in store. Some of their planned slogans: “CSI” (“Crack the Case on CBS”); “The Amazing Race” (“Scramble to Win on CBS”); and “Shark” (“Hard-Boiled Drama.”). Variations on the ad for its Monday night lineup of comedy shows include “Shelling Out Laughs,” “Funny Side Up” and “Leave the Yolks to Us.”
George Schweitzer, president of the CBS marketing group, said he was hoping to generate some laughter in American kitchens. “We’ve gone through every possible sad takeoff on shelling and scrambling and frying,” he said, adding, “It’s a great way to reach people in an unexpected form.”
IN September, CBS plans to start using a new place to advertise its fall television lineup: your breakfast.
The network plans to announce today that it will place laser imprints of its trademark eye insignia, as well as logos for some of its shows, on eggs — 35 million of them in September and October. CBS’s copywriters are referring to the medium as “egg-vertising,” hinting at the wordplay they have in store. Some of their planned slogans: “CSI” (“Crack the Case on CBS”); “The Amazing Race” (“Scramble to Win on CBS”); and “Shark” (“Hard-Boiled Drama.”). Variations on the ad for its Monday night lineup of comedy shows include “Shelling Out Laughs,” “Funny Side Up” and “Leave the Yolks to Us.”
George Schweitzer, president of the CBS marketing group, said he was hoping to generate some laughter in American kitchens. “We’ve gone through every possible sad takeoff on shelling and scrambling and frying,” he said, adding, “It’s a great way to reach people in an unexpected form.”
Be Rich & Famous
Pitch Your Own TV Show
I think this just goes to prove the networks suck and are admitting they need input from the viewers. Here's your chance!!!! You could be the next George Constanza & Jerry Seinfeld!!
I think this just goes to prove the networks suck and are admitting they need input from the viewers. Here's your chance!!!! You could be the next George Constanza & Jerry Seinfeld!!
Win The Next Karaoke Contest!
You're already showering at least once a day, right? So why not make the most of that time and use This to practice up for that big karaoke contest.
Sunday, July 16
Capote
Wow, I didn't expect to love this movie as much as I did. In fact, it has been sitting next to the TV for about a month now.
The acting, of course, is phenomenal. Catherine Keener is fabulous as Harper Lee. She is so funny. Part of the fun of this movie to me was how much better she and (especially) Truman Capote think they are than everyone else. I suppose it's true; they are hyper-intelligent. But they are almost bored with everything around them unless they are involved.
Very interesting movie. Definitely worth the $5 to rent.
The acting, of course, is phenomenal. Catherine Keener is fabulous as Harper Lee. She is so funny. Part of the fun of this movie to me was how much better she and (especially) Truman Capote think they are than everyone else. I suppose it's true; they are hyper-intelligent. But they are almost bored with everything around them unless they are involved.
Very interesting movie. Definitely worth the $5 to rent.
Friday, July 14
A Briefer History of Time
This is one hell of a book. Stephen Hawkin is brilliant, and sure knows how to get a dumb kid like me to wrap his head around some of the most complicated concepts there are.
I haven't been able to stop thinking about the universe and basic questions of existence since I finished. It raises wonderful questions like, Who is God? What is God? What is outside the universe? How did the universe begin? What existed before? What is a soul? Is there a soul? Does time travel exist? Are we travelling through time as we speak? (Yes!)
And did you know science CANNOT predict where the universe came from or what created it? It's just not possible to figure out. Which is why, presumebly, a lot of scientists believe in God.
Worth a read. It's like 120 pages long and written for people like you and me. Great to take to the pool, or the beach, or just read in bed or on the couch.
I haven't been able to stop thinking about the universe and basic questions of existence since I finished. It raises wonderful questions like, Who is God? What is God? What is outside the universe? How did the universe begin? What existed before? What is a soul? Is there a soul? Does time travel exist? Are we travelling through time as we speak? (Yes!)
And did you know science CANNOT predict where the universe came from or what created it? It's just not possible to figure out. Which is why, presumebly, a lot of scientists believe in God.
Worth a read. It's like 120 pages long and written for people like you and me. Great to take to the pool, or the beach, or just read in bed or on the couch.
"How High Are You Right Now?"
That's what Jon Stewart asked Owen Wilson on the Daily Show last night. Appropriate, I'm sure.
Little Man
If anyone sees this movie over the weekend, you are not welcome back to MediaSluts. Sorry, but it's just the way life is.
Bring On The Gifts!
Certainly This will ensure I get lots and lots of birthday presents.... right????
--for the uninformed and otherwise unknowing, my birthday is July 16th.
--for the uninformed and otherwise unknowing, my birthday is July 16th.
Thursday, July 13
DirecTV Rises From The Dead
We have a new receiver. We hooked it up. It works. That's about the most exciting thing I can say.
No free year of service, no free movie channels, no free month, no nothing. The only compensation for all the hassle is we get like $20 bucks knocked off cuz we lost a week of programming.
Assholes.
No free year of service, no free movie channels, no free month, no nothing. The only compensation for all the hassle is we get like $20 bucks knocked off cuz we lost a week of programming.
Assholes.
Wednesday, July 12
Project Runway 3
(DirecTV better hope to god that new receiver has arrived at my doorstep, along with a guarantee to work properly!)
The one-hour premiere debuts at 10 p.m. ET, and will be preceded by a Tim Gunn-hosted casting special, which starts at 9 p.m.
The one-hour premiere debuts at 10 p.m. ET, and will be preceded by a Tim Gunn-hosted casting special, which starts at 9 p.m.
SLAM
This is lifted off Americablog, but I thought it was absolutely brilliant.
Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) offers a few more lessons learned:
Mr. Speaker, yesterday the President said we continue to be wise about how we spend the people's money.
"Then why are we paying over $100,000 for a 'White House Director of Lessons Learned'?
"Maybe I can save the taxpayers $100,000 by running through a few of the lessons this White House should have learned by now.
"Lesson 1: When the Army Chief of Staff and the Secretary of State say you are going to war without enough troops, you're going to war without enough troops.
"Lesson 2: When 8.8 billion dollars of reconstruction funding disappears from Iraq, and 2 billion dollars disappears from Katrina relief, it's time to demand a little accountability.
"Lesson 3: When you've 'turned the corner' in Iraq more times than Danica Patrick at the Indy 500, it means you are going in circles.
"Lesson 4: When the national weather service tells you a category 5 hurricane is heading for New Orleans, a category 5 hurricane is heading to New Orleans.
"I would also ask the President why we're paying for two 'Ethics Advisors' and a 'Director of Fact Checking.'
"They must be the only people in Washington who get more vacation time than the President.
"Maybe the White House could consolidate these positions into a Director of Irony."
Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) offers a few more lessons learned:
Mr. Speaker, yesterday the President said we continue to be wise about how we spend the people's money.
"Then why are we paying over $100,000 for a 'White House Director of Lessons Learned'?
"Maybe I can save the taxpayers $100,000 by running through a few of the lessons this White House should have learned by now.
"Lesson 1: When the Army Chief of Staff and the Secretary of State say you are going to war without enough troops, you're going to war without enough troops.
"Lesson 2: When 8.8 billion dollars of reconstruction funding disappears from Iraq, and 2 billion dollars disappears from Katrina relief, it's time to demand a little accountability.
"Lesson 3: When you've 'turned the corner' in Iraq more times than Danica Patrick at the Indy 500, it means you are going in circles.
"Lesson 4: When the national weather service tells you a category 5 hurricane is heading for New Orleans, a category 5 hurricane is heading to New Orleans.
"I would also ask the President why we're paying for two 'Ethics Advisors' and a 'Director of Fact Checking.'
"They must be the only people in Washington who get more vacation time than the President.
"Maybe the White House could consolidate these positions into a Director of Irony."
Coincidence? I Think Not.....
TV has lowest-rated week ever
It was the least-watched week in recorded history for the four biggest broadcast networks.
---My DirecTV is STILL out.
It was the least-watched week in recorded history for the four biggest broadcast networks.
---My DirecTV is STILL out.
Tuesday, July 11
DirecTV Blows
Two service guys have come and gone. Still no service. Been 7 days now. The guy left yesterday with instructions for us to call Direct and order a new DVR. Can anyone explain to me why WE have to call? Why can't the tech guys bring new DVRs with them when they know a customer is having major issues? Not to mention when it's the SECOND tech to come out!
On top of it all, Direct wanted to charge us over $20 just to FedEx the new receiver to us. I flat-out refused to pay it and wouldn't talk about anything more until the guy on the other end of the phone finally relented.
All these years we've had this service and no problems. The first time we have major issues, we get no answers, shitty service and basically will end up fixing the problem ourselves.
On top of it all, Direct wanted to charge us over $20 just to FedEx the new receiver to us. I flat-out refused to pay it and wouldn't talk about anything more until the guy on the other end of the phone finally relented.
All these years we've had this service and no problems. The first time we have major issues, we get no answers, shitty service and basically will end up fixing the problem ourselves.
Monday, July 10
We're Talkin' Pee-Wee
Paul Reubens, aka Pee-wee Herman will be on Late Night With David Letterman tomorrow night (Tuesday, July 11, 11:35 p.m.) In public to promote the new rerunning of that great pop-art-work Pee-wee's Playhouse on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim, the reclusive, battered genius emerges, and here's hoping Dave doesn't just play it for laughs, and gives the great man his due.
And In Larry King News
Hysterical Gawker item:
Larry King Seen Suspiciously Close to Gas Explosion
NBC is reporting that the 62nd street townhouse explosion may have been caused by a gas leak; the building housed doctors' offices and investigators are looking into a possible suicide attempt. Until more details emerge, let's go to the man-on-the-street interview with a notorious gas expert:
CNN's Larry King was in a hotel nearby at the time of the explosion. He said it felt like an earthquake.
"I've never heard a sound like that," King said.
We sincerely doubt that.
Larry King Seen Suspiciously Close to Gas Explosion
NBC is reporting that the 62nd street townhouse explosion may have been caused by a gas leak; the building housed doctors' offices and investigators are looking into a possible suicide attempt. Until more details emerge, let's go to the man-on-the-street interview with a notorious gas expert:
CNN's Larry King was in a hotel nearby at the time of the explosion. He said it felt like an earthquake.
"I've never heard a sound like that," King said.
We sincerely doubt that.
Useless Link O' The Day
When Stirring Is Just Too Much Work
And if that weren't useless enough for you, Cuz Turning Your Wrist Is Such A Pain In The Ass
And if that weren't useless enough for you, Cuz Turning Your Wrist Is Such A Pain In The Ass
Friday, July 7
If it doesn't crash all the time, maybe this isn't such a bad idea...
This article is about Microsoft's iPod competitor from Gizmodo:
Two new tidbits we found from a tipster. One is a WiFi Proximity sensor that works similarly to how movie theatres are Bluetoothing ads to unwitting cellphone users. When you venture in range of an "Ad-Node", the node sends you a new message to your device, which may be in the form of a 15 second ad. A new message indicator will pop up and notify you, which will then give you say, a 10% off coupon if you watch the ad.
If you're on a bus or the subway with another user, you two can make an ad hoc network and share songs with each other. You can browse theirs and hide your own if you want. If you hear something you like, mark it for download and when you get home, the software will show you those songs in the music store. There's also probably going to be integration with the Xbox Live Anywhere.
The second bit of news is that Microsoft will scour your iTunes library and give you all the songs you already paid for, for free! This way you won't have to pay twice for your music, which is a huge barrier for Microsoft to attract users to their service. If you've got $1000 worth of music in your iPod, why would you change to something that required you to buy it all again? This move makes sense.
Two new tidbits we found from a tipster. One is a WiFi Proximity sensor that works similarly to how movie theatres are Bluetoothing ads to unwitting cellphone users. When you venture in range of an "Ad-Node", the node sends you a new message to your device, which may be in the form of a 15 second ad. A new message indicator will pop up and notify you, which will then give you say, a 10% off coupon if you watch the ad.
If you're on a bus or the subway with another user, you two can make an ad hoc network and share songs with each other. You can browse theirs and hide your own if you want. If you hear something you like, mark it for download and when you get home, the software will show you those songs in the music store. There's also probably going to be integration with the Xbox Live Anywhere.
The second bit of news is that Microsoft will scour your iTunes library and give you all the songs you already paid for, for free! This way you won't have to pay twice for your music, which is a huge barrier for Microsoft to attract users to their service. If you've got $1000 worth of music in your iPod, why would you change to something that required you to buy it all again? This move makes sense.
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