...rises a phoenix of another.
This is a rather dramatic way of saying that the disenchantment with Mark Ravenhill has been replaced with the discovery of Mark Steel, a Socialist comedian, whose book Vive La Revolution I've been reading.
Listen to him speak from the book at Marxism 2003 here. (Part 2 here.)
Friday, December 28, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
The Year That It Was (On Here): 2007
It wasn't as busy a year as last at this corner of the internet, but there were some moments.
January
January
- I drink myself sober on New Year's and turn all Pollyanna-like.
- Don't drink with the ex.
- There is a programme better than The Closet, and it is subsequently picked up by here!
- The Polish final which is surprisingly low on actual Poles.
- A forecast for life in the next century.
- 700 posts!
- I dissect Eurolaul and irk prissy Vanilla Ninja fans for merely mentioning the strange resemblance between the band members and Lindsay Lohan.
February
- Jump in the time machine, because it's Eurovision 1992.
- Atlanta is not fun...especially when it is colder than New York (in more ways than one).
- A poll to see which Melodifestivalen act was aiming for the gay vote.
- A moment of reflection.
- Praising Ms. Nanne.
- Fun with the Spanish Eurovision selection (part 1).
- Fight for your right...to pick up hustlers.
- Cocaine is a helluva a drug...to watch Spanish National Finals with.
March
- Matt Sanchez and his idiocy.
- Escape from the land of muscle worshippers.
- GLAAD slides toward irrelevance.
- Me vs. Tacky theatre.
April
- We are saved from the possibility of President Tommy Thompson.
- Yet another Russian Eurovision entry with catchy music and lyrics by Babelfish.
- Praising MISIA.
- Eurovision Preview Reviews galore!
- He speaks.
May
- We Love Bitchy Nordics
- I am bewildered by the Eurovision Qualifier, and indifferent to the Final.
- Inane questions run amok on New York local news.
- Like many others, I fall for the daft Endemol joke.
June
- Shut up, Bono & Bob.
- The Tonys slide towards irrelevance just a touch slower than GLAAD.
- Bloomie gets a partial clue
- Take That revival.
- I Love Elliot (Spitzer).
July
- Oh, to be on the wrong side of the housing boom.
- I try to get religion...and realise I am my own church.
- Nobody likes Dick
- Milwaukee: test market for terrorism.
August
- My name is Hikaru Krispy Kreme, how may I serve you?
- I'm getting old, people...old & crotchety.
- Siberian independence NOW.
September
- Just a sampling of the GOP idiots running for President.
- Sensenbrenner needs to get eliminated....again.
- The Loonie reaches parity and then surpasses it. (Perhaps we're the real Loonies.)
- Janet Jackson makes a true lapse in judgement.
- Guess what? The Closet is coming back!
October
November
- Writers' Strike!
- WTMJ thinks moral indignation is the key to ratings success.
- ...And Al Roker is on Court TV.
- NBC slides towards irrelevance, faster than the Tonys & GLAAD.
- How not to do an interview.
- The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade review...not for those incapable of comprehending context.
- Crap shows reopen.
- I hate Judd Apatow, but not as much as I despise La Perry.
December
- Perhaps we all really can't get along?
- Mourning a role model.
- Silver lining in Wisconsin's bigoted anti-SSM amendment.
- Edwards = JFK-meets-FDR and I'm all for it.
- Yes, MISIA has lost her mind, but it's catchy.
- Drunk Kiwis...awww.
Perhaps you've noticed something different this year, particularly a big drop in posts. I haven't mentioned it all this year, but there's been an underlying theme in my posts particularly in the second half of 2007: Cancer.
First, my aforementioned ex was diagnosed and treated for Prostate Cancer in July & August. The next month, my mother was diagnosed with Breast Cancer and is currently undergoing treatment. (Fortunately, it was caught very early.) Two weeks later, my great aunt died from Lung Cancer. (My extended family--like my immediate family--is very small, so this was quite a huge deal.)
As for myself, I've so far been declared healthy by several doctors, which is good, especially since this year, I seem to hear and see cancer everywhere. Yet, as a result of these medical issues, I've taken on some extra non-writing work in order to lighten the load of those recovering.
Although it's likely I'll post again before January: Good health to all who read this (even Jonathan Capehart) in 2008.
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
The Running of the Drunk Kiwi Santas
Several times a year, a story comes along that allows us to basically laugh at a certain nation ad its foibles.
This Christmas, I would nominate the running of a bunch of drunk Kiwi students in Santa Claus (or as the accent seems to suggest: "Center Klaus") outfits through a Christchurch movie theatre.
The coverage on TVNZ seems to be pleading for the world not to judge all of New Zealand as bored drunkards bent on terrorising young children.
This Christmas, I would nominate the running of a bunch of drunk Kiwi students in Santa Claus (or as the accent seems to suggest: "Center Klaus") outfits through a Christchurch movie theatre.
The coverage on TVNZ seems to be pleading for the world not to judge all of New Zealand as bored drunkards bent on terrorising young children.
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Modern Life Is Absurd (Part 100)...and touchng
The Daily News's David Hinckley goes all existential on disembodied voices.
And while several media outlets picked up the story of Lee Thomas, the black anchor whose skin is losing its pigmentation, I think the best and most poignant coverage (albeit solely on presentation...since it is an AP article) is on The Sydney Morning Herald.
And while several media outlets picked up the story of Lee Thomas, the black anchor whose skin is losing its pigmentation, I think the best and most poignant coverage (albeit solely on presentation...since it is an AP article) is on The Sydney Morning Herald.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Tuesday Jukebox Thinks MISIA has lost her mind
Damn catchy, and she's still in great voice, but what on god's green earth inspired that title?
Thursday, December 13, 2007
I'm Coming Out (Politically) Part 2
The other contender for my primary vote is John Edwards.
There, I said it...and god, am I shocked that I did...I mean, I was STAUNCHLY Clark in 2004.
Lest you think it's actually brought on by the recent uptick in Edwards's political fortune, it actually came after looking at The Washington Post's Candidate Selector.
Quite frankly, the man never really was on my radar, because he really never seemed to get the media's attention. So it was interesting actually reading what he does actually have to say.
First, quite honestly the man screams JFK revival, but since I was born 16 years after JFK was shot, that means social policies to me as opposed to pretty spouses and children all in a row.
I do like that he's basing his campaign on economic disparity, which is quite frankly running rampant and no one is really doing much more than paying lip service.
Secondly, he's improving his stance in respect to GLBT rights, and with him it seems to boil down to equal treatment under the law, which is a stance I can get behind. Now here's where I have to hold my nose a bit and hope that he gets some sense: he's against same-sex marriage personally, but is for civil unions and against a constitutional ban. On the plus side: it allows for wiggle room. On a down side: Does it mean that he would impede legislation against same-sex marriage? I honestly don't know.
Ultimately, the Edwards & Richardson decision came down to a process of elimination.
(NB: all these statements have an implied "at the moment" following them.)
Kucinich: Just no. Idealism without practicality
Biden: Milquetoast and in it "just because"
Obama: Pre-McClurkin: Too Green. Post-McClurkin: No. Way. In. Hell.
Gravel: Great policies, but he's not the right messenger because it comes through a bunch of babble that makes you wonder as to what he would actually do if elected. He came VERY close for my support.
Dodd: See Biden.
Clinton: I really wanted to like her, but she's too moderate and if Edwards (who seems just a little bit more left of HRC) is also in favour of health care, I don't see any reason to go with Hillary.
And I have yet to hear who the DSA is in favour of, they are probably as flummoxed as I am.
For what it's worth, SP-USA is putting up Brian Moore for president, like Gravel, I like the policies, but not the babble.
There, I said it...and god, am I shocked that I did...I mean, I was STAUNCHLY Clark in 2004.
Lest you think it's actually brought on by the recent uptick in Edwards's political fortune, it actually came after looking at The Washington Post's Candidate Selector.
Quite frankly, the man never really was on my radar, because he really never seemed to get the media's attention. So it was interesting actually reading what he does actually have to say.
First, quite honestly the man screams JFK revival, but since I was born 16 years after JFK was shot, that means social policies to me as opposed to pretty spouses and children all in a row.
I do like that he's basing his campaign on economic disparity, which is quite frankly running rampant and no one is really doing much more than paying lip service.
Secondly, he's improving his stance in respect to GLBT rights, and with him it seems to boil down to equal treatment under the law, which is a stance I can get behind. Now here's where I have to hold my nose a bit and hope that he gets some sense: he's against same-sex marriage personally, but is for civil unions and against a constitutional ban. On the plus side: it allows for wiggle room. On a down side: Does it mean that he would impede legislation against same-sex marriage? I honestly don't know.
Ultimately, the Edwards & Richardson decision came down to a process of elimination.
(NB: all these statements have an implied "at the moment" following them.)
Kucinich: Just no. Idealism without practicality
Biden: Milquetoast and in it "just because"
Obama: Pre-McClurkin: Too Green. Post-McClurkin: No. Way. In. Hell.
Gravel: Great policies, but he's not the right messenger because it comes through a bunch of babble that makes you wonder as to what he would actually do if elected. He came VERY close for my support.
Dodd: See Biden.
Clinton: I really wanted to like her, but she's too moderate and if Edwards (who seems just a little bit more left of HRC) is also in favour of health care, I don't see any reason to go with Hillary.
And I have yet to hear who the DSA is in favour of, they are probably as flummoxed as I am.
For what it's worth, SP-USA is putting up Brian Moore for president, like Gravel, I like the policies, but not the babble.
Skeptical Optimism in Wisconsin
According to The Advocate (has the Journal Sentinel dropped the ball on this one?), a straight political science professor is challenging Wisconsin's year-old ban on Same-sex marriage and civil unions.
And for all the right reasons.
Says the aforementioned professor, Bill McConkey: "If you don’t like gay people, who’s next? Short people? As a student of history and an educated person, I know the history and the implications of that mind-set."
And for all the right reasons.
Says the aforementioned professor, Bill McConkey: "If you don’t like gay people, who’s next? Short people? As a student of history and an educated person, I know the history and the implications of that mind-set."
All Hail Tim Cuprisin
For those of us who are cynical about the constant hyperbole coming out of television stations whenever there is a snowstorm on the way, take a gander at this video by The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Tim Cuprisin, who lightly pokes fun at the phenomenon.
And for a more sharper attack, read his blog posts from yesterday.
And for a more sharper attack, read his blog posts from yesterday.
I'm Coming Out (Politically) Part 1
So I figure it's time to get off the proverbial pot and fess up which candidate I'm voting for in the primary.
Well, it's now narrowed down to 2 main contenders.
MAJOR faux pas aside, I cannot completely discredit Bill Richardson, because I think he is the kind of statesman that this country would benefit from. I think that his verbal missteps, as Rod McCullom mentions in this article at Rod 2.0 are mere nerves.
Yet is that enough? More to come in Part 2.
Well, it's now narrowed down to 2 main contenders.
MAJOR faux pas aside, I cannot completely discredit Bill Richardson, because I think he is the kind of statesman that this country would benefit from. I think that his verbal missteps, as Rod McCullom mentions in this article at Rod 2.0 are mere nerves.
Yet is that enough? More to come in Part 2.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Puppies grow into dogs that get old and DIE!
The above is one of my favourite movie quotes, and I find it particularly insightful when applied to this article in The Guardian by my own playwright role model, Mark Ravenhill, whose play Shopping and Fucking convinced me of the power of writing for the stage and how subversive it could be.
Essentially, it's the standard "I'm too old for this shit" treatise that anyone in any profession is apt to echo, but it's interesting to see how Ravenhill claims that he is holding onto his rebel status by choosing to write heterosexual themes at the moment:
Something seem odd there to you? It does to me.
One of the major tenets of performance writing--especially for stage--is that character comes first. Personality, history, all the things about life experience are present whenever a character speaks. Now perhaps my naivete is showing, but one thing I remember very clearly being affected by is in how the playwright creates and reveals these aspects. If these characters were gay, then it was a part that informed them and also my own understanding. If they weren't, I didn't view it as a stumbling block.
I wonder whether Ravenhill--and his success--has lead him to distrust in his own abilities to create characters that are incidentally gay. As a fan, I've always read his characters that way, so I wonder why he feels they were always GAY with capital letters lit up like a rainbow.
Ravenhill's work for the most part has always been intimate in terms of setting--at least in my view. I always had the sense that he was using the insularity and self-obsessiveness of the characters to make a comment about society at large.
So why refocus on heterosexuals?
He claims they offer him more vision of a modern Britain, but do they?
I would say chances are likely not.
What I see hiding underneath the words of the article is well...a Don Quixote...or perhaps Stockholm Syndrome.
While I agree with his themes of the homogenised gay characters, I suspect that his statement is triggered more by fear of unemployment/relevance, rather than fatigue.
Another dead old puppy.
Essentially, it's the standard "I'm too old for this shit" treatise that anyone in any profession is apt to echo, but it's interesting to see how Ravenhill claims that he is holding onto his rebel status by choosing to write heterosexual themes at the moment:
Now, I'm surprised to say, I'm happy never to write another gay character
again. It feels as though every aspect of the gay experience has been narrated,
performed and picked over in the past 30 years. It has left us with some
brilliant work. Alongside all the bad generic gay work, artists such as Derek
Jarman, Alan Hollinghurst, Tony Kushner and others have left a body of work that is both gay and great. But that work seems over now.
Right now, I'm eager to explore the strange, twilight world of the
heterosexual - to expose its anguishes and mysteries and unconscious
comedies. Maybe one day there will be something to pull me back to the gay
experience, the sense of something new to be said about the gay world. But, for
the moment at least, my lavender quill is at rest.
Something seem odd there to you? It does to me.
One of the major tenets of performance writing--especially for stage--is that character comes first. Personality, history, all the things about life experience are present whenever a character speaks. Now perhaps my naivete is showing, but one thing I remember very clearly being affected by is in how the playwright creates and reveals these aspects. If these characters were gay, then it was a part that informed them and also my own understanding. If they weren't, I didn't view it as a stumbling block.
I wonder whether Ravenhill--and his success--has lead him to distrust in his own abilities to create characters that are incidentally gay. As a fan, I've always read his characters that way, so I wonder why he feels they were always GAY with capital letters lit up like a rainbow.
Ravenhill's work for the most part has always been intimate in terms of setting--at least in my view. I always had the sense that he was using the insularity and self-obsessiveness of the characters to make a comment about society at large.
So why refocus on heterosexuals?
He claims they offer him more vision of a modern Britain, but do they?
I would say chances are likely not.
What I see hiding underneath the words of the article is well...a Don Quixote...or perhaps Stockholm Syndrome.
While I agree with his themes of the homogenised gay characters, I suspect that his statement is triggered more by fear of unemployment/relevance, rather than fatigue.
Another dead old puppy.
Are The Oughties All About Rolling The Clock Back?
That was my thought when I read this article (admittedly from this past September) in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel about the rise of resegregation.
Monday, December 03, 2007
Just Because...
...December on here should start with some tattooed pretty boy cavorting around with a bunch of Santa Clauses half in the bag.
Don't you think?
L'Arc~en~Ciel - Hurry Xmas (HD)
Uploaded by aureliendu76
Don't you think?
L'Arc~en~Ciel - Hurry Xmas (HD)
Uploaded by aureliendu76
Saturday, December 01, 2007
Does Falling Upwards Equal Intelligence?
Others can debate the merits of Judd Apatow--since I find films and television shows geared towards stroking the ego of emotionally arrested critics boring.
Yet this same list puts Tyler Perry at #8.
Tyler "Closet Case" Perry.
Tyler "Lowest Common Denominator" Perry.
Tyler "My name is on every thing I do" Perry.
The Free Dictionary defines smart as so:
1. a. Characterized by sharp quick thought; bright. See Synonyms at intelligent.
(Nope. "Savvy" maybe, but La Perry doesn't fit this definition of smart.)
b. Amusingly clever; witty: a smart quip; a lively, smart conversation.
(Would doing an updated Mammy impression qualify under this? I don't think so.)
c. Impertinent; insolent
(I wouldn't be surprised if he's like that behind closed doors. The closet can give you rage like steroid abuse, but no. Doesn't apply.)
2. Energetic or quick in movement
(He paint himself as whatever Adonis he imagines himself to be, but that man is not fast even if Tiger Tyson was running buck naked slathered in butter in front of him.)
3. Canny and shrewd in dealings with others
(Possible, if you apply that famous quote from The Usual Suspects about "the greatest trick the devil ever played." And even then, there are those way "smarter" than Perry in that department who are below him in the list.)
4. Fashionable; elegant:
(Nope. If that was the case, where's his clothing line?)
5. a. Of, relating to, or being a highly automated device, especially one that imitates human intelligence: smart missiles.
(Well, only something artificial could live all of La Perry's contradictions without having a meltdown, but, no, not applicable.)
b. Manufactured to regulate the amount of light transmitted in response to varying light conditions or to an electronic sensor or control unit: smart windows.
(see above.)
6. New England & Southern U.S. Accomplished; talented: He's a right smart ball player.
(He is accomplished, but then so was Chester Arthur, and is he that accomplished to come ahead in front of Jerry Bruckheimer? George Clooney? Peter Jackson? No. Way. In. Hell.)
Yet this same list puts Tyler Perry at #8.
Tyler "Closet Case" Perry.
Tyler "Lowest Common Denominator" Perry.
Tyler "My name is on every thing I do" Perry.
The Free Dictionary defines smart as so:
1. a. Characterized by sharp quick thought; bright. See Synonyms at intelligent.
(Nope. "Savvy" maybe, but La Perry doesn't fit this definition of smart.)
b. Amusingly clever; witty: a smart quip; a lively, smart conversation.
(Would doing an updated Mammy impression qualify under this? I don't think so.)
c. Impertinent; insolent
(I wouldn't be surprised if he's like that behind closed doors. The closet can give you rage like steroid abuse, but no. Doesn't apply.)
2. Energetic or quick in movement
(He paint himself as whatever Adonis he imagines himself to be, but that man is not fast even if Tiger Tyson was running buck naked slathered in butter in front of him.)
3. Canny and shrewd in dealings with others
(Possible, if you apply that famous quote from The Usual Suspects about "the greatest trick the devil ever played." And even then, there are those way "smarter" than Perry in that department who are below him in the list.)
4. Fashionable; elegant:
(Nope. If that was the case, where's his clothing line?)
5. a. Of, relating to, or being a highly automated device, especially one that imitates human intelligence: smart missiles.
(Well, only something artificial could live all of La Perry's contradictions without having a meltdown, but, no, not applicable.)
b. Manufactured to regulate the amount of light transmitted in response to varying light conditions or to an electronic sensor or control unit: smart windows.
(see above.)
6. New England & Southern U.S. Accomplished; talented: He's a right smart ball player.
(He is accomplished, but then so was Chester Arthur, and is he that accomplished to come ahead in front of Jerry Bruckheimer? George Clooney? Peter Jackson? No. Way. In. Hell.)
Friday, November 30, 2007
Broadway: Now Fully Open
...and I'm feeling indifferent, to be honest.
I'm glad that the actual day-to-day workers both on and off the stage are able to resume their work, but....
It doesn't change the fact that the current slate of Broadway shows (as opposed to Off-Broadway, though they've got a fair amount of mind-numbing fare) are mostly moronic claptrap designed for those impressed by shining moving objects.
The producers need to stop underestimating the IQ of the majority of their audiences. To use a quote for Absolutely Fabulous (and likely many other sources): "We're not all stupid."
I'm glad that the actual day-to-day workers both on and off the stage are able to resume their work, but....
It doesn't change the fact that the current slate of Broadway shows (as opposed to Off-Broadway, though they've got a fair amount of mind-numbing fare) are mostly moronic claptrap designed for those impressed by shining moving objects.
The producers need to stop underestimating the IQ of the majority of their audiences. To use a quote for Absolutely Fabulous (and likely many other sources): "We're not all stupid."
Thursday Jukebox Loves Crystal Kay
A natural follow up to Insooni, is another talented singer of Black and Korean heritage, Crystal Kay from Japan.
First up, Shadows of Desire, released when she was 14.
Then 2001's Ex-Boyfriend, which kicked her career into higher gear.
The extremely addictive (although the video seems a little bit incoherent to me...what are all those women in green supposed to represent?) Can't Be Stopped.
Crystal Kay - Can't be Stopped
Uploaded by Linnouch
The Jam & Louis produced Kirakuni, which has an interesting and slight anti-commercialist bent to the lyrics. (Crystal is apparently a huge Janet Jackson fan.)
Crystal Kay - Kirakuni
Uploaded by Kitsuney
Her most recent m-flo collaboration Love Don't Cry.
Crystal's latest, Shining.
First up, Shadows of Desire, released when she was 14.
Then 2001's Ex-Boyfriend, which kicked her career into higher gear.
The extremely addictive (although the video seems a little bit incoherent to me...what are all those women in green supposed to represent?) Can't Be Stopped.
Crystal Kay - Can't be Stopped
Uploaded by Linnouch
The Jam & Louis produced Kirakuni, which has an interesting and slight anti-commercialist bent to the lyrics. (Crystal is apparently a huge Janet Jackson fan.)
Crystal Kay - Kirakuni
Uploaded by Kitsuney
Her most recent m-flo collaboration Love Don't Cry.
Crystal's latest, Shining.
I have also stumbled across a very interesting and informative blog called Where The Hell Am I? by Expat Jane who is at Ewha University in Seoul. Check it out.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Tuesday Jukebox Loves Insooni
Meet Insooni.
Experience Insooni.
(A rarity for me: a decent ballad...primarily because she knocks it out of the park and is not at all trying to be cute)
(And the obligatory cover of Proud Mary, but she's damn good at it.)
Experience Insooni.
(A rarity for me: a decent ballad...primarily because she knocks it out of the park and is not at all trying to be cute)
(And the obligatory cover of Proud Mary, but she's damn good at it.)
And she's 50!
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Too Hungry to Kill?
New York on the way to having the lowest number of homicides this year since the 1960s.
One in Six New Yorkers can't afford to eat.
One of these facts won't be mentioned on the Today.
One in Six New Yorkers can't afford to eat.
One of these facts won't be mentioned on the Today.
Friday, November 23, 2007
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2007 Post-Mortem
This ought to be a fun show.
The stagehands are on strike.
The writers are on strike.
Please let there be some agitprop!
Anyway, "Camp Broadway" has their annual saccharine tribute to god knows what, but look! It's kids with ribbons!
And Matt & Meredith are in the middle of the sugary sweetness all of a sudden. They toss to Al.
Al gives the standard send-off for the march. Surprisingly, the banter is not stilted. (Scabs?)
And it's let's have an ode to commercialism.
Deep-voiced announcer gives down the rundown of celebrities and shows and I sense that this might be the first evidence of the strike's effect: only 3 shows and half the celebrities, most of whom are NBC plugs for struggling shows. (Although let's be honest, only Howie Mandel and John Madden are the only people on NBC shows which aren't struggling.)
After commercial we have desperate network plug #1: Jane Krakowski begs us to watch 30 Rock.
Meanwhile, Matt & Meredith plug the first of only 3 musicals this year: Legally Blonde.
It's a minor improvement on Camp Broadway. Minor being the operative word, since they are doing the same amount of flinging about over inane lyrics.
Deep voiced announcer hypes Bob Saget, who will be doing the exact same thing as Martin Short last year, which is flying over the parade providing quips. I doubt they'll be full of swears, but we can hope.
As we come back from commercial: the aerial shot shows somebody dangling their child off the balcony!
NBC plug #2: Patti Labelle tries to interest us in the inanity that is Battle of the Choirs and her Christmas CD. Al Roker apparently did several lines because he's really animated in the plug.
Matt & Meredith drowsily attempt to interest us in Young Frankenstein.
Roger Bart is no Gene Wilder, and is quite honestly dialing it in. Sutton Foster, however, is apparently game enough to lift for both herself, him, and the man playing Igor.
This show is no Producers, people, and they ought to be glad that they aren't affected by the strike.
Matt & Meredith send a message of support to everyone affected by the [stagehands'] strike. They say nothing about the writers, which is very telling about who wrote their banter. (I hope that somebody sabotages their teleprompter.)
Bob Saget makes a good theatre strike joke preflight. He proceeds kick Martin Short's ass in terms of comedy during the parade route tour.
M&M hype Xanadu, which in all honesty, is the only decent show of this lot. As much as I hate Douglas Carter Beane, he did turn in an excellent satirical script.
Anyway: roller skates, Cheyenne Jackson, falsettos, and Andre Ward. Not too bad when combined. Fun fact: Jane Krakowski turned down the female lead in Xanadu in order to do 30 Rock. Oops.
My new favourite ad: US Cellular has an ad where a flower delivery man complains to a woman about his asthma.
NBC Desperation Plug #3: Al Roker talks to 2 of cast members from Heroes who must be on some sort of pharmaceutical (or just fear of cancellation) to be that perky. Al cuts them off to screech "It's Nikki Blonsky!" Burn!
After commercial, we have Christopher Meloni & daughter with NBC Desperation Plug #4. He does not look like he's drunk or high like that interview he had on Morning Blend. He is also drowned out by a marching band. Meloni is the only one so far to get out of these plugs with some shred of dignity, and he was assaulted by a band, clowns, and Al Roker.
Meredith makes a SVU/SUV reference to Al's flub. Matt rolls his eyes. They intro Mary Poppins.
I am beginning to think that Disney-on-Broadway execs have a bet going on to see what is the worst show they can keep running. Clearly MP is up there, but then again, I would've greenlit an Aristocats musical a long time before this.
Commercial for Battle of the Choirs, and yes, it looks like a big ol' Port Of Spain (POS).
M&M intro The Rockettes.
The Rockettes kick and march about Herald Square and I really don't get the connection between the number and "New York at Christmas," but I'm not a choreographer.
Perhaps it's me, but does it seem like there are twice the amount of ads so far this year?
And the parade makes it to Herald Square and M&M are plotzing.
(I am so happy not to be there this morning.)
Something called "The Great American Marching Band" performs "Swing Swing Swing" and the placement of stars is hilarious as blatant synergy.
Dolly Parton sings on a Showboat float, although she looks extremely nervous. It's rather funny that everybody on the float is desperately trying to cover up the fact that they are lip-syncing.
M&M give the standard "Pilgrims good, Native Americans who?" version of Thanksgiving in reference to the Turkey float.
Abby Cadabby balloon: Eh. M&M are looking for another gram to get through the next 2 hours.
Sesame Street float: The annual chance to see how many of those cast members are still alive. (My god, Bob is still on that show? Good god, man, retire!)
M&M have found their lines and I find myself missing Katie Couric and the fact that she was considerably more aware of the camp factor and didn't let Lauer overshadow.
Jonas Brothers/Build-A-Bear-Dammit float: Who are these people? Click 5 for 2007? They look like they need a flea bath. Mediocre song, but they cover up their lip-syncing better than Dolly Parton...sadly.
After commercial: Clowns and Barbie (buy my DVD!)
Perhaps it's me, but I'm a bit perplexed: after Barbie has encouraged millions of girls to go out be businesswomen, pilots, and political leaders, she is now encouraging girls to be bitchy overbearing princesses with extreme self-entitlement.
Utah marching band: As much soul as an Osmond Family TV special in Iceland.
Another reason to miss Katie Couric: she might've been able to make Hello Kitty seem interesting. Of course, the good writers are on strike, so I don't entirely blame M&M for making do with a poor script.
(By the way, La Couric is not fronting CBS's coverage, Hannah Storm & Dave Price are. Yikes.)
After commercial: Up With People sing some song that doesn't know if it wants to be dance or world, either way it's crap.
Animal Planet: Bindi Irwin & "The Crocmen" sing something about jumping and my jaw just drops. It's just so...mind-boggling and inane, like a blatant attempt to ride upon the Wiggles bandwagon combined with the "oh she's soldiering on without her dad" sentiment that the weak-minded would fall for. Dignity, what's that?
Some band of clowns does something, but I'm still recovering from The Irwins' slaughter on Herald Square.
Two random Broadway actors sing "Give My Regards to Broadway" on the M&M float. It's really not all that interesting except they are not lip syncing and it features a completely unnecessary electric guitar score.
NYC Parks Mounted Patrol ride into Herald Square and I wonder if those horses could sue for animal abuse.
The Virginia Tech band: M&M act all solemn because of THAT incident. The band does nothing of note except march back and forth again and again and again. But you know, we can't cut away early because of THAT incident.
Rant of the day: When did it become illegal for shit to happen? Let's be honest, anyone can find reasons for others to "feel their pain."
USPS float: Crap MOR band Lifehouse looks bored or just sultry. They also make no attempt to cover up their miming.
After commercial: An insurance company provides a Malt Shop inspired float. (Draw your own cynical conclusions.) Anyway, Nikki Blonsky (apparently she was in Hairspray) sings live and decently.
Al has now joined M&M which means there might very well be some life in the commentators' booth from here on in--if only because Al carries the good pure stuff and M&M have been running low.
Evidence: Matt actually sounds interested in a bunch of cheerleaders thrusting pom poms in the air to 1950s songs. As for me, not even a cigarette could give me seem remotely interested.
Some twink called Ne-Yo lip-syncs on the cheerleaders' float. He has a career why?
After commercial: A bunch of kids from New York clog dance. That's right, a bunch of kids from New York clog dance. MAM are as dumbfounded as I am. The kids are good, but again, a bunch of kids from New York clog dance.
New York Daily News float: Menudo (nuevo) give the first decent performance on the smallest performance space seen so far. All other acts should hold their heads in shame. MAM are impressed.
This is followed up by a band from Indiana murdering "Gee, Officer Krupke."
Fireman float and then Hess float with Good Charlotte proceeding to blow any cred they might have, even with a decent song like "Dancefloor Anthem"--since they are followed by the Energizer Bunny.
MAM start on the next baggie.
After commercial: Pirate float (complete with Al Roker doing a piss-poor pirate imitation). Sarah Brightman sings some trance-like song called "Journey Home" and I am tempted to say that the performances from Good Charlotte onwards are going to be better. Let's be honest though, all you have to do is lip-sync believably.
Some random band from Kentucky performs songs from the Nutcracker. The flag team are waving some flag that looks like a hybrid of the Maryland & Estonian flags. They're good, but I see no Nutcracker connection.
One possible reason why MAM are becoming more alert: They have to push those NBC Universal products! Represented at this particular instance by the Shrek balloon.
Cartoon Network float: I have never particularly cared for that song, but I never want to hear "You Make Me Live" sung like that again.
Jeff Koons's Rabbit: Damn impressive. MAM are impressed as well.
Some Alabama band performs "Oh Susannah." Maybe it's me, but I think it's a little bit in poor taste.
Rhino Mountain float: What the hell is that supposed to be for? Some High School Musical castoff lip-syncs "Last Christmas" relatively well, although she misses the point of the lyrics.
Commercial: Why not use your Citicard to get a haircut instead of a cheap suit? And NBC is so starved for ratings that they are reviving American Gladitors?
Horn of Plenty float: The Cherokee National Choir sings "Jingle Bells" in Cherokee. While this is quite a momentous occasion (think about it), but am I the only one who thinks this is also a bit wrong like using a $20 bill to an AIM supporter (and I'm not referring to an instant messenger).
OU band: Bigger is rarely better.
Pillsbury float: Jordin Sparks tries to justify her win by poorly lip-syncing her own song. I guess it was a bad year on American Idol.
After commercial: An acrobat hits his brother in the crotch. Yep, it's the good stuff now.
Space float: Another High School Musical castoff whines his way through his song with lyrics last heard on California Dreams's Christmas special.
After commercial: Willard Scott gestures wildly outside an antique car freaking out the Centarian Queen of the parade.
History Channel float: Michael Feinstein and Anika Noni Rose sing (live!) between showing off their teeth. Decent performance, but what I find interesting is that there is a sly plug for Terrance McNally's The Ritz.
NYPD Marching Band butchers Silver Bells. (Insert police brutality joke.)
American Greetings float: The Care Bears are back? And who is this Kay Hanley girl? She has no talent and sounds like a poor man's Lindsay Lohan. At least Vanilla Ninja have some talent and sing about heroin.
After commercial: Dancing trees. The drugs have kicked in for MAM, but since all I have is a Max menthol, I just see weirdness.
Weirdness that is enhanced by a marching band that is seeming composed of SWAT team members and women in pigtails. I am not kidding.
Gibson guitar float: Wynonna Judd (looking like Sandy Patty meets Greta Garbo) barely lip syncs "I'll Be Home for Christmas." If she thinks that waving an American flag will save her, she's so wrong. That has to be the most laziest rendition of that song I have ever heard.
After Commercial: A bunch of Rockette wannabes thrust cardboard cutouts of presents and candy canes up in the air, thus emphasising the low-rent cheapness that is this year's parade.
And we have Santa Claus and MAM actually manage to sound excited.
While I can sense that the march of time has done a number on me, but this year's effort has been subpar at best. If this is an indicator for the strikes to be settled, then I suggest GE & the League get their asses in gear.
When Menudo is the best thing on it, you have to wonder.
The stagehands are on strike.
The writers are on strike.
Please let there be some agitprop!
Anyway, "Camp Broadway" has their annual saccharine tribute to god knows what, but look! It's kids with ribbons!
And Matt & Meredith are in the middle of the sugary sweetness all of a sudden. They toss to Al.
Al gives the standard send-off for the march. Surprisingly, the banter is not stilted. (Scabs?)
And it's let's have an ode to commercialism.
Deep-voiced announcer gives down the rundown of celebrities and shows and I sense that this might be the first evidence of the strike's effect: only 3 shows and half the celebrities, most of whom are NBC plugs for struggling shows. (Although let's be honest, only Howie Mandel and John Madden are the only people on NBC shows which aren't struggling.)
After commercial we have desperate network plug #1: Jane Krakowski begs us to watch 30 Rock.
Meanwhile, Matt & Meredith plug the first of only 3 musicals this year: Legally Blonde.
It's a minor improvement on Camp Broadway. Minor being the operative word, since they are doing the same amount of flinging about over inane lyrics.
Deep voiced announcer hypes Bob Saget, who will be doing the exact same thing as Martin Short last year, which is flying over the parade providing quips. I doubt they'll be full of swears, but we can hope.
As we come back from commercial: the aerial shot shows somebody dangling their child off the balcony!
NBC plug #2: Patti Labelle tries to interest us in the inanity that is Battle of the Choirs and her Christmas CD. Al Roker apparently did several lines because he's really animated in the plug.
Matt & Meredith drowsily attempt to interest us in Young Frankenstein.
Roger Bart is no Gene Wilder, and is quite honestly dialing it in. Sutton Foster, however, is apparently game enough to lift for both herself, him, and the man playing Igor.
This show is no Producers, people, and they ought to be glad that they aren't affected by the strike.
Matt & Meredith send a message of support to everyone affected by the [stagehands'] strike. They say nothing about the writers, which is very telling about who wrote their banter. (I hope that somebody sabotages their teleprompter.)
Bob Saget makes a good theatre strike joke preflight. He proceeds kick Martin Short's ass in terms of comedy during the parade route tour.
M&M hype Xanadu, which in all honesty, is the only decent show of this lot. As much as I hate Douglas Carter Beane, he did turn in an excellent satirical script.
Anyway: roller skates, Cheyenne Jackson, falsettos, and Andre Ward. Not too bad when combined. Fun fact: Jane Krakowski turned down the female lead in Xanadu in order to do 30 Rock. Oops.
My new favourite ad: US Cellular has an ad where a flower delivery man complains to a woman about his asthma.
NBC Desperation Plug #3: Al Roker talks to 2 of cast members from Heroes who must be on some sort of pharmaceutical (or just fear of cancellation) to be that perky. Al cuts them off to screech "It's Nikki Blonsky!" Burn!
After commercial, we have Christopher Meloni & daughter with NBC Desperation Plug #4. He does not look like he's drunk or high like that interview he had on Morning Blend. He is also drowned out by a marching band. Meloni is the only one so far to get out of these plugs with some shred of dignity, and he was assaulted by a band, clowns, and Al Roker.
Meredith makes a SVU/SUV reference to Al's flub. Matt rolls his eyes. They intro Mary Poppins.
I am beginning to think that Disney-on-Broadway execs have a bet going on to see what is the worst show they can keep running. Clearly MP is up there, but then again, I would've greenlit an Aristocats musical a long time before this.
Commercial for Battle of the Choirs, and yes, it looks like a big ol' Port Of Spain (POS).
M&M intro The Rockettes.
The Rockettes kick and march about Herald Square and I really don't get the connection between the number and "New York at Christmas," but I'm not a choreographer.
Perhaps it's me, but does it seem like there are twice the amount of ads so far this year?
And the parade makes it to Herald Square and M&M are plotzing.
(I am so happy not to be there this morning.)
Something called "The Great American Marching Band" performs "Swing Swing Swing" and the placement of stars is hilarious as blatant synergy.
Dolly Parton sings on a Showboat float, although she looks extremely nervous. It's rather funny that everybody on the float is desperately trying to cover up the fact that they are lip-syncing.
M&M give the standard "Pilgrims good, Native Americans who?" version of Thanksgiving in reference to the Turkey float.
Abby Cadabby balloon: Eh. M&M are looking for another gram to get through the next 2 hours.
Sesame Street float: The annual chance to see how many of those cast members are still alive. (My god, Bob is still on that show? Good god, man, retire!)
M&M have found their lines and I find myself missing Katie Couric and the fact that she was considerably more aware of the camp factor and didn't let Lauer overshadow.
Jonas Brothers/Build-A-Bear-Dammit float: Who are these people? Click 5 for 2007? They look like they need a flea bath. Mediocre song, but they cover up their lip-syncing better than Dolly Parton...sadly.
After commercial: Clowns and Barbie (buy my DVD!)
Perhaps it's me, but I'm a bit perplexed: after Barbie has encouraged millions of girls to go out be businesswomen, pilots, and political leaders, she is now encouraging girls to be bitchy overbearing princesses with extreme self-entitlement.
Utah marching band: As much soul as an Osmond Family TV special in Iceland.
Another reason to miss Katie Couric: she might've been able to make Hello Kitty seem interesting. Of course, the good writers are on strike, so I don't entirely blame M&M for making do with a poor script.
(By the way, La Couric is not fronting CBS's coverage, Hannah Storm & Dave Price are. Yikes.)
After commercial: Up With People sing some song that doesn't know if it wants to be dance or world, either way it's crap.
Animal Planet: Bindi Irwin & "The Crocmen" sing something about jumping and my jaw just drops. It's just so...mind-boggling and inane, like a blatant attempt to ride upon the Wiggles bandwagon combined with the "oh she's soldiering on without her dad" sentiment that the weak-minded would fall for. Dignity, what's that?
Some band of clowns does something, but I'm still recovering from The Irwins' slaughter on Herald Square.
Two random Broadway actors sing "Give My Regards to Broadway" on the M&M float. It's really not all that interesting except they are not lip syncing and it features a completely unnecessary electric guitar score.
NYC Parks Mounted Patrol ride into Herald Square and I wonder if those horses could sue for animal abuse.
The Virginia Tech band: M&M act all solemn because of THAT incident. The band does nothing of note except march back and forth again and again and again. But you know, we can't cut away early because of THAT incident.
Rant of the day: When did it become illegal for shit to happen? Let's be honest, anyone can find reasons for others to "feel their pain."
USPS float: Crap MOR band Lifehouse looks bored or just sultry. They also make no attempt to cover up their miming.
After commercial: An insurance company provides a Malt Shop inspired float. (Draw your own cynical conclusions.) Anyway, Nikki Blonsky (apparently she was in Hairspray) sings live and decently.
Al has now joined M&M which means there might very well be some life in the commentators' booth from here on in--if only because Al carries the good pure stuff and M&M have been running low.
Evidence: Matt actually sounds interested in a bunch of cheerleaders thrusting pom poms in the air to 1950s songs. As for me, not even a cigarette could give me seem remotely interested.
Some twink called Ne-Yo lip-syncs on the cheerleaders' float. He has a career why?
After commercial: A bunch of kids from New York clog dance. That's right, a bunch of kids from New York clog dance. MAM are as dumbfounded as I am. The kids are good, but again, a bunch of kids from New York clog dance.
New York Daily News float: Menudo (nuevo) give the first decent performance on the smallest performance space seen so far. All other acts should hold their heads in shame. MAM are impressed.
This is followed up by a band from Indiana murdering "Gee, Officer Krupke."
Fireman float and then Hess float with Good Charlotte proceeding to blow any cred they might have, even with a decent song like "Dancefloor Anthem"--since they are followed by the Energizer Bunny.
MAM start on the next baggie.
After commercial: Pirate float (complete with Al Roker doing a piss-poor pirate imitation). Sarah Brightman sings some trance-like song called "Journey Home" and I am tempted to say that the performances from Good Charlotte onwards are going to be better. Let's be honest though, all you have to do is lip-sync believably.
Some random band from Kentucky performs songs from the Nutcracker. The flag team are waving some flag that looks like a hybrid of the Maryland & Estonian flags. They're good, but I see no Nutcracker connection.
One possible reason why MAM are becoming more alert: They have to push those NBC Universal products! Represented at this particular instance by the Shrek balloon.
Cartoon Network float: I have never particularly cared for that song, but I never want to hear "You Make Me Live" sung like that again.
Jeff Koons's Rabbit: Damn impressive. MAM are impressed as well.
Some Alabama band performs "Oh Susannah." Maybe it's me, but I think it's a little bit in poor taste.
Rhino Mountain float: What the hell is that supposed to be for? Some High School Musical castoff lip-syncs "Last Christmas" relatively well, although she misses the point of the lyrics.
Commercial: Why not use your Citicard to get a haircut instead of a cheap suit? And NBC is so starved for ratings that they are reviving American Gladitors?
Horn of Plenty float: The Cherokee National Choir sings "Jingle Bells" in Cherokee. While this is quite a momentous occasion (think about it), but am I the only one who thinks this is also a bit wrong like using a $20 bill to an AIM supporter (and I'm not referring to an instant messenger).
OU band: Bigger is rarely better.
Pillsbury float: Jordin Sparks tries to justify her win by poorly lip-syncing her own song. I guess it was a bad year on American Idol.
After commercial: An acrobat hits his brother in the crotch. Yep, it's the good stuff now.
Space float: Another High School Musical castoff whines his way through his song with lyrics last heard on California Dreams's Christmas special.
After commercial: Willard Scott gestures wildly outside an antique car freaking out the Centarian Queen of the parade.
History Channel float: Michael Feinstein and Anika Noni Rose sing (live!) between showing off their teeth. Decent performance, but what I find interesting is that there is a sly plug for Terrance McNally's The Ritz.
NYPD Marching Band butchers Silver Bells. (Insert police brutality joke.)
American Greetings float: The Care Bears are back? And who is this Kay Hanley girl? She has no talent and sounds like a poor man's Lindsay Lohan. At least Vanilla Ninja have some talent and sing about heroin.
After commercial: Dancing trees. The drugs have kicked in for MAM, but since all I have is a Max menthol, I just see weirdness.
Weirdness that is enhanced by a marching band that is seeming composed of SWAT team members and women in pigtails. I am not kidding.
Gibson guitar float: Wynonna Judd (looking like Sandy Patty meets Greta Garbo) barely lip syncs "I'll Be Home for Christmas." If she thinks that waving an American flag will save her, she's so wrong. That has to be the most laziest rendition of that song I have ever heard.
After Commercial: A bunch of Rockette wannabes thrust cardboard cutouts of presents and candy canes up in the air, thus emphasising the low-rent cheapness that is this year's parade.
And we have Santa Claus and MAM actually manage to sound excited.
While I can sense that the march of time has done a number on me, but this year's effort has been subpar at best. If this is an indicator for the strikes to be settled, then I suggest GE & the League get their asses in gear.
When Menudo is the best thing on it, you have to wonder.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Coming Up: Slaughter on Broadway
Yes, it's the return of one of my most favourite and vicious non-Eurovision events of the year: The annual critical deconstruction or just destruction of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Here is last year's review, which apparently pissed off someone because I just *dared* to poke fun at maudlin ballads with vague religious overtones.
Here is last year's review, which apparently pissed off someone because I just *dared* to poke fun at maudlin ballads with vague religious overtones.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
The Horrors of mid-morning television in Milwaukee
Having to sit through interviews like this, on a show which--for some bizarre reason--bifurcates the Today Show into normal and developmentally impaired parts.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Ratings Shutout!
NBC scripted programming (including fiction and "reality") effectively shutout of the top 20 programmes, according to Nielsen.
The only exception: football.
Start importing, Mr. Peacock.
The only exception: football.
Start importing, Mr. Peacock.
Friday, November 09, 2007
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Do You Get The News You Need or that You Want?
I've found myself back in Milwaukee due to a health situation with a family member, and it's very interesting looking at the world from the very isolated confines of Southeastern Wisconsin. It really is like being in another country, as I've mentioned on this corner of the internet from time to time.
Milwaukee has a horrendous crime rate and yet the majority of the time the news prefers to lead with stories related to the Packers or weather. It is truly local news as opposed to news provided locally. Not but a few days ago, a UWM student was shot (ostensibly in a drug deal, and not fatally--so far), but the lead story on one of the stations was how the wind knocked over a streetlamp.
The local NBC affiliate, which used to be the ratings juggernaut has mostly fallen to 2nd place in all areas, and for some reason believes that the key to restoring its glory will be in hiring twink reporters and presenting the remaining veterans as demi-gods protecting local interests. (Then there's the disingenuous nature of trying to come across as folksy while working on a set designed to be urban chic--a metaphor for the region itself.)
The local ABC station played ultra-coy during the 5 pm news with their teaser about a man arrested for indecent exposure, stating that they couldn't say what the nature of the crime was due to the hour, which personally suggests to me that they either have no thesaurus handy or hypersensitive viewers.
I am inclined to believe the former since this same station broadcasted the Dahmer trial live and uncensored in the middle of the day.
There's a problem in Milwaukee and one that I suspect is going on in many markets throughout the country: The public is being perceived as being too sensitive for the world, only because a vocal minority (frequently the ones whose disapproval masks their own culpability) wants to see a rose-coloured world.
How to change this? I don't know. You could argue that you can go and find alternative news sources, but to me that sounds like the flip side of the rose-coloured complainers. Personally, I believe that people are much more savvy and stronger than the ultra-sensitive types would have us assume. I hope that any possible employee for a news organisation (from intern all the way to owner) who reads this would remember that, and just as importantly that anyone who reads this realise that they are oftentimes smarter than the reports they are given. (Al Roker is on Court TV...think about it.)
Since I've been so serious in this post--and the keep up the quarterly "drool" factor--here is a link (with video) to a report CNN did with Hikaruland lust object Ken Hirai earlier this year.
Milwaukee has a horrendous crime rate and yet the majority of the time the news prefers to lead with stories related to the Packers or weather. It is truly local news as opposed to news provided locally. Not but a few days ago, a UWM student was shot (ostensibly in a drug deal, and not fatally--so far), but the lead story on one of the stations was how the wind knocked over a streetlamp.
The local NBC affiliate, which used to be the ratings juggernaut has mostly fallen to 2nd place in all areas, and for some reason believes that the key to restoring its glory will be in hiring twink reporters and presenting the remaining veterans as demi-gods protecting local interests. (Then there's the disingenuous nature of trying to come across as folksy while working on a set designed to be urban chic--a metaphor for the region itself.)
The local ABC station played ultra-coy during the 5 pm news with their teaser about a man arrested for indecent exposure, stating that they couldn't say what the nature of the crime was due to the hour, which personally suggests to me that they either have no thesaurus handy or hypersensitive viewers.
I am inclined to believe the former since this same station broadcasted the Dahmer trial live and uncensored in the middle of the day.
There's a problem in Milwaukee and one that I suspect is going on in many markets throughout the country: The public is being perceived as being too sensitive for the world, only because a vocal minority (frequently the ones whose disapproval masks their own culpability) wants to see a rose-coloured world.
How to change this? I don't know. You could argue that you can go and find alternative news sources, but to me that sounds like the flip side of the rose-coloured complainers. Personally, I believe that people are much more savvy and stronger than the ultra-sensitive types would have us assume. I hope that any possible employee for a news organisation (from intern all the way to owner) who reads this would remember that, and just as importantly that anyone who reads this realise that they are oftentimes smarter than the reports they are given. (Al Roker is on Court TV...think about it.)
Since I've been so serious in this post--and the keep up the quarterly "drool" factor--here is a link (with video) to a report CNN did with Hikaruland lust object Ken Hirai earlier this year.
Wednesday, November 07, 2007
From The "Wither Stockard Channing" Department
Now, I would be very surprised if the actress in the video really is Stockard Channing, but it is quite an entertaining thought to imagine her doing the "Dame" dance (and the possibly rude/lewd gesture it begins with) along with Tackey & Tsubasa (how appropriate are those names?)
By the way, for more information on the strike, check in with Deadline Hollywood Daily.
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Meanwhile in Milwaukee...
WTMJ-TV airs a report on how the internet is allowing people to meet their sugar daddies...and they are just S.H.O.C.K.E.D. at how blatant it is.
I am shocked too, because the local "sugar babies" seem to think they are that appealing, when in all honesty being a 10 in Milwaukee is at best a 5 in Chicago.*
* Those who are wise and ambitious--like these sugar babies claim to be--were smart enough to leave right after high school. Prime example: Kato Kaelin.
I am shocked too, because the local "sugar babies" seem to think they are that appealing, when in all honesty being a 10 in Milwaukee is at best a 5 in Chicago.*
* Those who are wise and ambitious--like these sugar babies claim to be--were smart enough to leave right after high school. Prime example: Kato Kaelin.
Writers' Strike: Day 1
Striking writers hit Manhattan...and Millie from Memphis clearly had no idea that negotiations went on for 11 HOURS and god-knows-how-many weeks prior to strike action being taken.
And if she did know, then she can go sunbathe at Indian Point.
Congrats to Winship (WGAe president) for the slogan: "When you get paid, we get paid."
And if she did know, then she can go sunbathe at Indian Point.
Congrats to Winship (WGAe president) for the slogan: "When you get paid, we get paid."
Monday, November 05, 2007
Thursday, November 01, 2007
The Annual Halloween "BAH HUMBUG" Post
First off, some greatest hits from the archive.
Some incompetence from Ozaukee County.
And finally, MELL, she of the terribly incomprehensible lyrics, but damn good voice:
Black Lagoon - Red fraction [MELL]
Uploaded by Megami_Yoruichi
Some incompetence from Ozaukee County.
And finally, MELL, she of the terribly incomprehensible lyrics, but damn good voice:
Black Lagoon - Red fraction [MELL]
Uploaded by Megami_Yoruichi
What? Me rip off Madonna? Surely, you jest?
And once again, Halloween: BAH HUMBUG.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
From the "Only in Washington County, Kids" Department
Courtesy of The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: A burglar dropped his pants while trying to flee the home of an "old, fat bartender." If that wasn't peculiar enough, the burglar also forgot the old rule that many of us were taught in school: "never go outside without clean underwear."
According to police, an officer found "a large quantity of fecal matter on the interior of the pants," according to the police report. On the threshold of the door, too. And on the porch.
And if any of you out there are aspiring porn directors, here's a scenario for you:
The burglar then rushed up the stairs and attempted to get past the 250-pound Rieger [the bartender]. The homeowner grabbed the intruder and pinned him against a wall, Rieger said. Rieger's wife, Lori, had been asleep upstairs and heard the struggle. She saw the two men near the front door and called 911.
Rieger got the intruder in a bear hug, a hold he has used as a bartender at the Knights of Columbus Hall in West Bend to stop patrons from fighting, he said. The two fell to the floor.
"I'm an old, fat bartender," the 5-foot, 8-inch Rieger said in explaining how he pinned the younger man to the floor. "I laid on top of him." Hoppe [The burglar] is described in reports as 6 foot 1, weighing 160 pounds.
Rieger is 55. Hoppe is 18.
Barely Legal Burglars will be hitting the shelves next month.
According to police, an officer found "a large quantity of fecal matter on the interior of the pants," according to the police report. On the threshold of the door, too. And on the porch.
And if any of you out there are aspiring porn directors, here's a scenario for you:
The burglar then rushed up the stairs and attempted to get past the 250-pound Rieger [the bartender]. The homeowner grabbed the intruder and pinned him against a wall, Rieger said. Rieger's wife, Lori, had been asleep upstairs and heard the struggle. She saw the two men near the front door and called 911.
Rieger got the intruder in a bear hug, a hold he has used as a bartender at the Knights of Columbus Hall in West Bend to stop patrons from fighting, he said. The two fell to the floor.
"I'm an old, fat bartender," the 5-foot, 8-inch Rieger said in explaining how he pinned the younger man to the floor. "I laid on top of him." Hoppe [The burglar] is described in reports as 6 foot 1, weighing 160 pounds.
Rieger is 55. Hoppe is 18.
Barely Legal Burglars will be hitting the shelves next month.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Do It Better
As you might wisely assume, the Democrat candidate reviews are being pushed back to next month--which in my view--is more appropriate. One candidate who is being dropped from being reviewed on this corner of the internet (as you also might wisely assume) is Barack Obama. Perhaps he's too green, perhaps he's being ill-advised, but he's robbing Peter (namely gays and especially black gays) to pay the Paul (bigots).
My Korean is far from fluent, but to quote Kim Hyun-Jung: Do It Better
My Korean is far from fluent, but to quote Kim Hyun-Jung: Do It Better
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Politics make for strange bedfellows
Jimmy's going down! (Article courtesy of FARB)
Why do I reckon so?
When you've irked the Republicans in Ozaukee County enough to the point that one of them is labelling you "corrupt," then you are truly SOL. When you've irked them to the point that they are running a tag-team front with a Democrat to get rid of you?
You are beyond SOL.
This is the Ozaukee County political equivalent of being sent to the gulag.
Cue Busby Berkeley dance sequence.
Why do I reckon so?
When you've irked the Republicans in Ozaukee County enough to the point that one of them is labelling you "corrupt," then you are truly SOL. When you've irked them to the point that they are running a tag-team front with a Democrat to get rid of you?
You are beyond SOL.
This is the Ozaukee County political equivalent of being sent to the gulag.
Cue Busby Berkeley dance sequence.
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
Monday Jukebox Welcomes October
Coming up this month: Reviews of the Democratic Candidates
Now, to get this very auspicious and interesting month off, here is the Akiko Wada (make sure to read her quotes) singing Golden Time.
WORK IT!
Now, to get this very auspicious and interesting month off, here is the Akiko Wada (make sure to read her quotes) singing Golden Time.
WORK IT!
Thursday, September 27, 2007
It's BAAAACK Again (slap!)
The little series that could is back again for another volume, and this part of the internet is frankly happy, because well...I like camp, and it certainly looks like it's getting progressively campier based on the volume 2 previews (kidnapping by rejects from Deliverance?)
Even more hilarious, I just received a (presumably mass) email from the creators suggesting that fans of The Closet petition several networks to air the show (again) : Amongst the suggestions: HBO, Showtime, FX, Bravo, or A&E. The rationale? The relative absence of masculine black gay male characters on television (uh huh).
Listen to that dialogue and decide for yourself.
I say be real gutsy and put it on TV One.
Even more hilarious, I just received a (presumably mass) email from the creators suggesting that fans of The Closet petition several networks to air the show (again) : Amongst the suggestions: HBO, Showtime, FX, Bravo, or A&E. The rationale? The relative absence of masculine black gay male characters on television (uh huh).
Listen to that dialogue and decide for yourself.
I say be real gutsy and put it on TV One.
Friday, September 21, 2007
Dammit Janet...and Jill too
Ok, Janet, understand that you've been surprising lucky in that despite never changing your name, no one has ever associated you with the wackiness that is your family.
Understand that many people thought the Justin Timberlake sold you out post "nipplegate."
Understand that a good chunk of your gay fanbase could even forgive you doing duets with such beacons of tolerance like Busta Rhymes and Beenie Man.
But now...NOW
You go and do a Tyler Perry movie?
A Tyler-opportunistic-closet-case-Perry movie? The man who sees nothing wrong with T.D. Jakes?
And even more than that, you and Jill Scott (who also should know better) allow this eejit to take TOP BILLING.
You're Janet Jackson for the love of god! Fuck the ensemble nature, you know you should have top billing.
Then again, you shouldn't have done the project in the first place.
Understand that many people thought the Justin Timberlake sold you out post "nipplegate."
Understand that a good chunk of your gay fanbase could even forgive you doing duets with such beacons of tolerance like Busta Rhymes and Beenie Man.
But now...NOW
You go and do a Tyler Perry movie?
A Tyler-opportunistic-closet-case-Perry movie? The man who sees nothing wrong with T.D. Jakes?
And even more than that, you and Jill Scott (who also should know better) allow this eejit to take TOP BILLING.
You're Janet Jackson for the love of god! Fuck the ensemble nature, you know you should have top billing.
Then again, you shouldn't have done the project in the first place.
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Election 2008: Metaphors for Prez
For the sake of brevity, I'm going to assume that anyone reading this is familar with NBC, if not, read this from NBC Television's Wikipedia entry, followed by this 1985 promo and this 2007 promo, and turn on TNT since they seem to have Law & Order on all the time until The Closer burns off more episodes.
"Fall" in New York is an interesting time, because apart from Los Angeles and Chicago, few other cities are awash in networks promoting their new lineups all over the place. (Penn Station itself is practically floor-to-ceiling full of CBS, the East side of Times Square is such for ABC, and Rockefeller Center goes without saying.) The funny thing about NBC's lineup is that it seems well...ignorant.
Now ignorant is a strong word, but here's why I chose it: NBC is at once the network of self-absorption and self-ignorance, which might explain why it did so well in the 1980s and 1990s, when as a country we first became entranced by our surroundings and subsquently ourselves. That would be fine now, if we still were equally interested in these things, but the fact of the matter is that the mean ol' nasty outside world went and decided that we needed to pay attention to it.
Many networks noticed this change and decided to try to incorporate programming that at least acknowledged that there was an outside world wherein the prototypical televisual American (a WASP aged 25-35) came to realisation that he/she was not ruler of the domain, and in fact was wearing nothing at all. Basically, we learned not just that we're alone, but "we" don't all look like how we thought we did, in fact, we're kind of shallow...seriously.
NBC didn't quite get this memo. It thought that it could encapsulate the zeitgeist by asking Dick Wolf to pick up a copy of The Daily News and email the top stories to a group of writers in LA (Yes, that is the sad truth about Law & Order), while still plugging along with its roster of shows that do nothing but tell us how despite appearances to the contrary, everything is still a-ok in the USA as long as you watch NBC, because on NBC, all the bad guys will get caught (presumably by Chris Hansen) within the hour and you can sleep well into the night knowing that America's First Family (TM) will be there to tell you that despite some minor nastiness, you are still free to resume obsessing over your weight, lack of sex life, and whether Brangelina are having marital problems.
Yet, despite all this Reagan-esque bravado, the fact of the matter is that the peacock's feel-good mantra isn't manifesting itself ratings-wise, when you look at the big picture. The self-absorbed network's facade is crumbling and the answer in their view is to retreat further inwards into where criticism and the blatantly obvious won't hurt. I'll be somewhat blunt here, NBC is Grey Gardens as a network, viewing its audience as Soylent Green.
If the preceding sounded appealing, not to mention logical, then: 1) Why are you reading the blog of an avowed and proud Socialist?, 2) You've most likely already donated to the Thompson and/or McCain campaigns.
And now in order to end things on an upbeat note (how very NBC), here is the legendary Momoe Yamaguchi performing Rock 'N' Roll Widow with a bunch of men doing very absurd choreography.
"Fall" in New York is an interesting time, because apart from Los Angeles and Chicago, few other cities are awash in networks promoting their new lineups all over the place. (Penn Station itself is practically floor-to-ceiling full of CBS, the East side of Times Square is such for ABC, and Rockefeller Center goes without saying.) The funny thing about NBC's lineup is that it seems well...ignorant.
Now ignorant is a strong word, but here's why I chose it: NBC is at once the network of self-absorption and self-ignorance, which might explain why it did so well in the 1980s and 1990s, when as a country we first became entranced by our surroundings and subsquently ourselves. That would be fine now, if we still were equally interested in these things, but the fact of the matter is that the mean ol' nasty outside world went and decided that we needed to pay attention to it.
Many networks noticed this change and decided to try to incorporate programming that at least acknowledged that there was an outside world wherein the prototypical televisual American (a WASP aged 25-35) came to realisation that he/she was not ruler of the domain, and in fact was wearing nothing at all. Basically, we learned not just that we're alone, but "we" don't all look like how we thought we did, in fact, we're kind of shallow...seriously.
NBC didn't quite get this memo. It thought that it could encapsulate the zeitgeist by asking Dick Wolf to pick up a copy of The Daily News and email the top stories to a group of writers in LA (Yes, that is the sad truth about Law & Order), while still plugging along with its roster of shows that do nothing but tell us how despite appearances to the contrary, everything is still a-ok in the USA as long as you watch NBC, because on NBC, all the bad guys will get caught (presumably by Chris Hansen) within the hour and you can sleep well into the night knowing that America's First Family (TM) will be there to tell you that despite some minor nastiness, you are still free to resume obsessing over your weight, lack of sex life, and whether Brangelina are having marital problems.
Yet, despite all this Reagan-esque bravado, the fact of the matter is that the peacock's feel-good mantra isn't manifesting itself ratings-wise, when you look at the big picture. The self-absorbed network's facade is crumbling and the answer in their view is to retreat further inwards into where criticism and the blatantly obvious won't hurt. I'll be somewhat blunt here, NBC is Grey Gardens as a network, viewing its audience as Soylent Green.
If the preceding sounded appealing, not to mention logical, then: 1) Why are you reading the blog of an avowed and proud Socialist?, 2) You've most likely already donated to the Thompson and/or McCain campaigns.
And now in order to end things on an upbeat note (how very NBC), here is the legendary Momoe Yamaguchi performing Rock 'N' Roll Widow with a bunch of men doing very absurd choreography.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Election 2008: I'm the Catcher!
Note from Fearless Leader: At the request of the Romney campaign, which is eager to show its youth appeal, today's post is by a "J. Smith,"* a college Freshman. Due to technical difficulties, the following is a combination of text messages, transcribed phone conversations, and emails from J.
* ahem.
The Romnster: Who is he?
idk who could not lk totally not vote for romney. he totally pwned the mass congress or sumthin. that's not easy, i mean lk mass was lk this effed up state and romney lk ruled...seriously.
(Ed.: Like the Bushes, the not entirely repugnant father didn't pass on those aspects to the offspring.)
Healthcare
dude, i lk totally dont think the govt knows what'll make u feel better and they totally will give you crap b/c it's like cheap. romney knows this. he roolz.
(Ed.: The Romney Healthcare plan = thinning the herd for more babies, ostensibly so family bands can have a rhythm section.)
Jihadists
idk who these ppl are but lk if they fuck with us, they get fucked under romney.
(Ed.: 1) I don't want to think about Romney doing anything sexual, 2) Jihadists are Muslim extremists who seek to turn the world to one totally governed by Sharia, or Islamic law. Kind of like Salt Lake City, when you think about it. 3) Romney gets a broken clock exception for wanting to support mainstream Muslims over Jihadists, even though it's mere common sense.)
China
they've got lk buckets of money these days and i'm jonesing for a position on wall street. romney is gonna lk keep it all cool b/w us and the chinese. i mean lk i'm not just taking mandarin 101 for nthing, man. we'll still be #1 no matter what!
(Ed.: Mattel. Lead Paint. No strategy from Mitt?)
Gay Marriage
dude, he's cool about that. i mean he ruled mass, man. rom's gots no probs with the gays.
(Ed.: Oh really? Then who was acting all bent out of shape because he couldn't overturn the MA Supreme Court ruling legalising marriage. He has no issue with "the gays" when it comes to votes, but as long as we accept our role as second class citizens. Even more morally bankrupt, he used Massachusetts's old bigoted law preventing out of state interracial marriages and applied to out-of-state gay couples. If he doesn't have a problem, he certainly has a noticeable issue.)
Immigration
secure the border, man. if you can't play by the rules, hasta la vista.
(Ed.: To expand on that point, Catcher wants to use technology to prove one's legal status via a system of biometric data. You don't have to be a Luddite to see the potential pitfalls there.)
Energy
dude, we've got oil! rom knows it and wants to use it.
(Ed.: And the wunderkind that "saved" the 2002 Winter Olympics can't find a way to solve our energy crisis without resorting to bleeding Alaska dry?)
Family Values
lk sarah's bf's roommate's bff/lab partner was lk totally ignored growing up and now she's lk a skank, but she wouldnt be a skank if lk she had decent parents. rom is gonna make it lk illegal to fuck up yr kidz.
(Ed.: Free lobotomies under a Catcher presidency. Okay, two things: 1) On a very shallow note: he's a Mormon!, 2) This is code for no abortions, no stem cells, no gay marriages (again!), and no differences...and I'm still waiting for a pro-lifer to say what he or she plans to do about the adoption system.)
Summary
romney rocks!
(Ed.: Romney is a duplicitous opportunist who through sheer dumb luck and circumstance won the governorship in a state that now nearly universally reviles him. He's the Protestant Giuliani.)
* ahem.
The Romnster: Who is he?
idk who could not lk totally not vote for romney. he totally pwned the mass congress or sumthin. that's not easy, i mean lk mass was lk this effed up state and romney lk ruled...seriously.
(Ed.: Like the Bushes, the not entirely repugnant father didn't pass on those aspects to the offspring.)
Healthcare
dude, i lk totally dont think the govt knows what'll make u feel better and they totally will give you crap b/c it's like cheap. romney knows this. he roolz.
(Ed.: The Romney Healthcare plan = thinning the herd for more babies, ostensibly so family bands can have a rhythm section.)
Jihadists
idk who these ppl are but lk if they fuck with us, they get fucked under romney.
(Ed.: 1) I don't want to think about Romney doing anything sexual, 2) Jihadists are Muslim extremists who seek to turn the world to one totally governed by Sharia, or Islamic law. Kind of like Salt Lake City, when you think about it. 3) Romney gets a broken clock exception for wanting to support mainstream Muslims over Jihadists, even though it's mere common sense.)
China
they've got lk buckets of money these days and i'm jonesing for a position on wall street. romney is gonna lk keep it all cool b/w us and the chinese. i mean lk i'm not just taking mandarin 101 for nthing, man. we'll still be #1 no matter what!
(Ed.: Mattel. Lead Paint. No strategy from Mitt?)
Gay Marriage
dude, he's cool about that. i mean he ruled mass, man. rom's gots no probs with the gays.
(Ed.: Oh really? Then who was acting all bent out of shape because he couldn't overturn the MA Supreme Court ruling legalising marriage. He has no issue with "the gays" when it comes to votes, but as long as we accept our role as second class citizens. Even more morally bankrupt, he used Massachusetts's old bigoted law preventing out of state interracial marriages and applied to out-of-state gay couples. If he doesn't have a problem, he certainly has a noticeable issue.)
Immigration
secure the border, man. if you can't play by the rules, hasta la vista.
(Ed.: To expand on that point, Catcher wants to use technology to prove one's legal status via a system of biometric data. You don't have to be a Luddite to see the potential pitfalls there.)
Energy
dude, we've got oil! rom knows it and wants to use it.
(Ed.: And the wunderkind that "saved" the 2002 Winter Olympics can't find a way to solve our energy crisis without resorting to bleeding Alaska dry?)
Family Values
lk sarah's bf's roommate's bff/lab partner was lk totally ignored growing up and now she's lk a skank, but she wouldnt be a skank if lk she had decent parents. rom is gonna make it lk illegal to fuck up yr kidz.
(Ed.: Free lobotomies under a Catcher presidency. Okay, two things: 1) On a very shallow note: he's a Mormon!, 2) This is code for no abortions, no stem cells, no gay marriages (again!), and no differences...and I'm still waiting for a pro-lifer to say what he or she plans to do about the adoption system.)
Summary
romney rocks!
(Ed.: Romney is a duplicitous opportunist who through sheer dumb luck and circumstance won the governorship in a state that now nearly universally reviles him. He's the Protestant Giuliani.)
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Election 2008: Coming Up Next
A man who believes that at some point in the 19th century some random man was picked by god to decipher some text that he wouldn't let anyone else see.
Which is why you totally should elect him for president.
Which is why you totally should elect him for president.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Election 2008: Bozo for Prez
(A nod to Al Sharpton--and many others' quote about Rudy on September 11th.)
A man that is married multiple times claims to be the bearer of family values.
A man whose own children don't support his campaign claims to be the bearer of family values.
A man who chose a con man as his police comissioner claims to have integrity.
A man who was taken in (post-divorce) by a gay couple, doesn't support gay marriage.
He is universally hated in New York, and no matter what the national media made it out to appear like, he was hated on both September 10th and September 12th, 2001.
Rudy did clean up New York, but you have to think about what cost:
A man that is married multiple times claims to be the bearer of family values.
A man whose own children don't support his campaign claims to be the bearer of family values.
A man who chose a con man as his police comissioner claims to have integrity.
A man who was taken in (post-divorce) by a gay couple, doesn't support gay marriage.
He is universally hated in New York, and no matter what the national media made it out to appear like, he was hated on both September 10th and September 12th, 2001.
Rudy did clean up New York, but you have to think about what cost:
- The malling of 6th Avenue.
- The Disneyfication of Times Square
- The eradication of affordable middle class housing
- The obsessive policing of "quality of life" crimes.
It's very interesting how few people wax romantically about how great New York was in the late Nineties.
Election 2008: The Miserly Pothead's Choice
One would think that the fact that strippers supporting Ron Paul would be a good thing, except you have to stop and think as to the reason why:
The adult entertainment industry is a multibillion dollar business (just look at your junk email folder), and the two things it needs most is a business climate for it to operate without restriction or regulation as well as (and this is the most important portion) the ability to hold onto those profits come hell or high water, because not that much separates the Heffners from the Murdochs when you get down to it.
The answer: Texas's Ron Paul.
Ron's big thing is a "free America," and he talks a very good game.
On NAFTA and other "Free Trade" agreements: "NAFTA’s superhighway is just one part of a plan to erase the borders between the U.S. and Mexico, called the North American Union. This spawn of powerful special interests, would create a single nation out of Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, with a new unelected bureaucracy and money system. Forget about controlling immigration under this scheme."
Tinhatty, but he has a point, however in that same section of his website (entitled "American Independence and Sovereignty") he opines: "So called free trade deals and world governmental organizations like the International Criminal Court (ICC), NAFTA, GATT, WTO, and CAFTA are a threat to our independence as a nation. They transfer power from our government to unelected foreign elites.
The ICC wants to try our soldiers as war criminals. Both the WTO and CAFTA could force Americans to get a doctor’s prescription to take herbs and vitamins. Alternative treatments could be banned.
The WTO has forced Congress to change our laws, yet we still face trade wars. Today, France is threatening to have U.S. goods taxed throughout Europe. If anything, the WTO makes trade relations worse by giving foreign competitors a new way to attack U.S. jobs."
I've got a problem with that. Y'see, Ronny thinks that independence means believing a la Tupac Shakur that "only God can judge me." (By the way, Reichen Lehmkuhl is now sporting that tattoo, so draw your own conclusions on that one.) Unfortunately, this belief tends to get you into even deeper trouble down the line, because if anything the US has acted and stated time and time again that troublemaking countries (Iraq, Grenada, Panama, North Korea, Cuba, and many more) get a beat down if they don't toe the line. A Paul presidency would likely lead to a dose of our own medicine and quite frankly, I don't want to live in that parallel universe.
Paul also doesn't buy his own rhetoric, since when he talks about war and foreign policy he says the following: "...we must not isolate ourselves. The generosity of the American people has been felt around the globe. Many have thanked God for it, in many languages. Let us have a strong America, conducting open trade, travel, communication, and diplomacy with other nations."
Oh really?
Ronny's big thing, however, is "privacy and personal liberty," or what I term the greedy pothead issue, greedy because any talk about liberty coming from a member of the GOP is based in one thing: laissez-faire economics, and pothead because they are only ones who seem to be blind to that aspect...plus there's a fair amount of pot-induced paranoia in seeing government conspiracies everywhere.
Now give Ronny some credit in that he said no against the Patriot Act (Ronny's Broken Clock exception), but his reasons why stem from some 1984-like fear, not the fact that it was unnecessary, but just because Ronny is afraid of big government.
I'm not.
I'm in favour of big government if it functions correctly. I'm not a fan of centralisation, but big government--one of which works with and for the people and not against them in some sort of hot-potato/pass-the-blame exercise--is fine with me. I pay my taxes and seeing positive results from them makes it worthwhile.
Paul (either consciously or subconsciously) wants us have a Jennifer Government-esque scenario, despite being anti-FTA, because that is where Libertarian-Republican style government leads towards. They all see taxes as these evil things, and the private sector as the saviour, but let's think about it: In the end, all they are saying is pay Peter.com instead of Paul.gov (pun intended) for the same services.
The adult entertainment industry is a multibillion dollar business (just look at your junk email folder), and the two things it needs most is a business climate for it to operate without restriction or regulation as well as (and this is the most important portion) the ability to hold onto those profits come hell or high water, because not that much separates the Heffners from the Murdochs when you get down to it.
The answer: Texas's Ron Paul.
Ron's big thing is a "free America," and he talks a very good game.
On NAFTA and other "Free Trade" agreements: "NAFTA’s superhighway is just one part of a plan to erase the borders between the U.S. and Mexico, called the North American Union. This spawn of powerful special interests, would create a single nation out of Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, with a new unelected bureaucracy and money system. Forget about controlling immigration under this scheme."
Tinhatty, but he has a point, however in that same section of his website (entitled "American Independence and Sovereignty") he opines: "So called free trade deals and world governmental organizations like the International Criminal Court (ICC), NAFTA, GATT, WTO, and CAFTA are a threat to our independence as a nation. They transfer power from our government to unelected foreign elites.
The ICC wants to try our soldiers as war criminals. Both the WTO and CAFTA could force Americans to get a doctor’s prescription to take herbs and vitamins. Alternative treatments could be banned.
The WTO has forced Congress to change our laws, yet we still face trade wars. Today, France is threatening to have U.S. goods taxed throughout Europe. If anything, the WTO makes trade relations worse by giving foreign competitors a new way to attack U.S. jobs."
I've got a problem with that. Y'see, Ronny thinks that independence means believing a la Tupac Shakur that "only God can judge me." (By the way, Reichen Lehmkuhl is now sporting that tattoo, so draw your own conclusions on that one.) Unfortunately, this belief tends to get you into even deeper trouble down the line, because if anything the US has acted and stated time and time again that troublemaking countries (Iraq, Grenada, Panama, North Korea, Cuba, and many more) get a beat down if they don't toe the line. A Paul presidency would likely lead to a dose of our own medicine and quite frankly, I don't want to live in that parallel universe.
Paul also doesn't buy his own rhetoric, since when he talks about war and foreign policy he says the following: "...we must not isolate ourselves. The generosity of the American people has been felt around the globe. Many have thanked God for it, in many languages. Let us have a strong America, conducting open trade, travel, communication, and diplomacy with other nations."
Oh really?
Ronny's big thing, however, is "privacy and personal liberty," or what I term the greedy pothead issue, greedy because any talk about liberty coming from a member of the GOP is based in one thing: laissez-faire economics, and pothead because they are only ones who seem to be blind to that aspect...plus there's a fair amount of pot-induced paranoia in seeing government conspiracies everywhere.
Now give Ronny some credit in that he said no against the Patriot Act (Ronny's Broken Clock exception), but his reasons why stem from some 1984-like fear, not the fact that it was unnecessary, but just because Ronny is afraid of big government.
I'm not.
I'm in favour of big government if it functions correctly. I'm not a fan of centralisation, but big government--one of which works with and for the people and not against them in some sort of hot-potato/pass-the-blame exercise--is fine with me. I pay my taxes and seeing positive results from them makes it worthwhile.
Paul (either consciously or subconsciously) wants us have a Jennifer Government-esque scenario, despite being anti-FTA, because that is where Libertarian-Republican style government leads towards. They all see taxes as these evil things, and the private sector as the saviour, but let's think about it: In the end, all they are saying is pay Peter.com instead of Paul.gov (pun intended) for the same services.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
ROT. IN. HELL. JIMMY.
My idiot representative isn't just an ignorant bigot...he's a rich ignorant bigot.
And I can't believe the DC Lottery paid him $250K!
The DC Lottery, people!
And I can't believe the DC Lottery paid him $250K!
The DC Lottery, people!
Election 2008: Meet Insanity for Prez!
Two years ago, the manga series Nana was turned into a live action movie to great success. It yielded two major hits for singer/actresses Mika Nakashima and Yuna Ito.
Logically, the producers decided to do a sequel last year with both Mika & Yuna reprising their roles and again providing two songs for the movie as well.
While not exactly a bomb, NANA 2 definitely underperformed compared to the first movie.
I mention this because the same sort of partly misguided logic that went into NANA 2 is the same thing that Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee is trying to foist upon the American public in his bid for president.
Y'see, since one of the most well-liked presidents in recent years was a former governor of Arkansas, then surely another one would be good...right? Right?
Wrong.
(And not just because the phrase "President Huckabee" sounds stupid.)
Mike wants you to know that:
Logically, the producers decided to do a sequel last year with both Mika & Yuna reprising their roles and again providing two songs for the movie as well.
While not exactly a bomb, NANA 2 definitely underperformed compared to the first movie.
I mention this because the same sort of partly misguided logic that went into NANA 2 is the same thing that Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee is trying to foist upon the American public in his bid for president.
Y'see, since one of the most well-liked presidents in recent years was a former governor of Arkansas, then surely another one would be good...right? Right?
Wrong.
(And not just because the phrase "President Huckabee" sounds stupid.)
Mike wants you to know that:
- He really wants to protect your 2nd Amendment (the right to carry killing machines in order to cover up one's sense of inadequacy) rights.
- He has a strong vested interest in keeping government subsidies for farmers (apparently Mike is under the delusion that it's still Mammy & Pappy Yokum running most farms in the US.)
- He'll be calm in a crisis, remove FEMA from Homeland Security and make them report directly to him. (His broken clock exception, in my view.)
- He'll support music and the arts in schools (Broken Clock #2), but you can school your kids at home without fear.
- He'll make us energy independent (but doesn't say exactly how).
- He takes the middle ground when it comes to faith and politics (which is to say, the status quo and quite a pointless statement when you get down to it, if Romney wasn't in the race).
- He loves Israel. (So?)
- The health care system is broken, but we don't need no stinkin' universal health care.
- He's as scurred of funny dark people crossing into the country as you are.
- No gays getting married on his watch. Only covenant marriages for heterosexuals, whatever they may be.
- No abortions either.
Mike, we know Bill Clinton, and you are no Bill Clinton.
Then there's Sam Brownback, who--I'm sorry--sounds like a specialised sexual act, and since he defines himself as "Principled. Conservative. Republican." it is likely that he may like this act practised upon him...often.
Brownback is really concerned about the dark people running across the border. It's his top priority. Now why are all these politicians from non-border states (Brownback is a senator from Kansas) all hopping mad about people crossing the border? Never mind the fact that illegal immigrants--especially in non-border states--are doing work for less money than legal citizens would be offered. Never mind that as senator he could've nipped this in the bud and told companies to start paying people a decent wage (even if that means curtailing their conglomerate dreams). Sam nonetheless is very concerned about keeping that border airtight.
Mr. Fetish ultimately says nothing new, but he's also all ripped up and hellfire about "culture and values." I have a problem with that. I absolutely think that young kids shouldn't be exposed to films, television shows, and computer games that they can't comprehend. That's why long before the V-chip and parental advisory guidelines on albums, my parents actually took time to watch and listen to things with me. Radical thought, spend time with your children and then you wouldn't need to have government regulation over the arts.
Another radical thought, spend time with your children and maybe there wouldn't be such a violent society for the entertainment industry to point out and/or exploit! (Fetish is on Myspace, by the way, so he can't have that much of a problem with those evil internet social networks.)
Fetish doesn't quite grasp either of those concepts, since his answer is regulation, regulation, and regulation...and keep having those babies whether they're wanted or not because he wants to protect life, but mentions nothing about improving the adoption and foster care systems.
I'd say stick a fork in him, but he probably would like that...kinky one that he is.
Next time: The biggies, starting out with the cover boy for pot-smoking, I-got-Mine, Republicans everywhere: Ron Paul.
Until then, let's leave with a "happy" thought: Mika Nakashima's All Hands Together, her (really belated, as it was released in June 2006) Hurricane Katrina tribute single...although it comes across as a tad bit unintentionally patronising in my view (there's a lot of things in those cotton fields, love isn't one of them).
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