Kiyoshi Hikawa has his appeal, but he's no match--in my opinion--for Jero, Japan's first black enka singer.
The video is a bit too cute in contrasting urban style with enka singing, but Jero definitely has got an amazing voice and it definitely doesn't hurt that he is hot as hell.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
It Sounds Admirable, but...
Two organisations are trying to increase the amount of gay black politicians, according to 365gay.
I'm all for it, although I think they have their work cut out for them. It certainly would be an improvement on the current situation. Just no Traynhams or Capeharts, please.
I'm all for it, although I think they have their work cut out for them. It certainly would be an improvement on the current situation. Just no Traynhams or Capeharts, please.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Monday Jukebox Goes Euro(Vision) as well
Ukraine goes disco again...this time with a woman. Now this is an entry which attacks the stage, and you know that is always welcome with me!
Ani Lorak's winning song is another Kirkorov production (he of Not Dima Bilan fame and de facto drag queen), but I have no trouble looking past that.
Ani Lorak's winning song is another Kirkorov production (he of Not Dima Bilan fame and de facto drag queen), but I have no trouble looking past that.
Sunday Jukebox Goes Euro(vision)
Do not adjust your computer, this is the Irish entry for this year...I kind of like it.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Wednesday Jukebox Just Won't Let It Go
The camptastic music video for Afro-Dite's Never Let It Go
And the 2002 performance at Eurovision
Can MF 2008 top that? I don't think so.
And the 2002 performance at Eurovision
Can MF 2008 top that? I don't think so.
There is No There There
So, I'm looking at his LGBT proposals and his African American appeal, and I feel nothing.
I feel no transformative experience.
I still see the man who will not and has not apologised for allying himself publicly with McClurkin.
I still see the man who tries to convince people that guilt can be taken away by a tick in the voting booth.
I still see a man that expects me to vote for him on the basis of shared pigmentation.
There is something missing, and all I see is a sepia McGovern at the moment.
I feel no transformative experience.
I still see the man who will not and has not apologised for allying himself publicly with McClurkin.
I still see the man who tries to convince people that guilt can be taken away by a tick in the voting booth.
I still see a man that expects me to vote for him on the basis of shared pigmentation.
There is something missing, and all I see is a sepia McGovern at the moment.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
I Thought We Answered The Exit Polls Question
2% reporting, polls shut for only 27 minutes and they're making calls?
Update: Obama appears to have won Ozaukee County.
Based on my many years living here, this was definitely not a vote for him as a candidate, but a vote for who they feel McCain can slaughter in November (open primary, remember), because the residents here do not believe in "change."
Update: Obama appears to have won Ozaukee County.
Based on my many years living here, this was definitely not a vote for him as a candidate, but a vote for who they feel McCain can slaughter in November (open primary, remember), because the residents here do not believe in "change."
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
In The Land of Milk and Primaries
That certain media darling is running ads nonstop here. He's been calling my house sounding like a Jehovah's Witness too.
And every time I hear his voice or see those ads this is the image I get in my head.
In case you're curious about the translation, Miyachannel has it...even more saccharine.
It will be quite awhile before I can start listening to DBSK again.
And every time I hear his voice or see those ads this is the image I get in my head.
In case you're curious about the translation, Miyachannel has it...even more saccharine.
It will be quite awhile before I can start listening to DBSK again.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Sunday Jukebox: Smoking, Sensuality, and Violence
I could go all arty and analytical and try to explain why this is a particularly amazing movie sequence, but in all honesty, I'll let it do the talking, gyrating, and menacing looks.
For more information on Omkara, here's the Wikipedia page, and I recommend Fantasies of a Bollywood Love Thief by Stephen Alter.
For more information on Omkara, here's the Wikipedia page, and I recommend Fantasies of a Bollywood Love Thief by Stephen Alter.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Thursday, February 14, 2008
From the "Sometimes The Obvious Needs To Be Restated" Department
Bigotry is hard to get rid of beyond the surface level.
How terribly mind-blowing, although I shouldn't really be that flip about it.
Yet, in all honesty, is this really that shocking to those of us outside the demographic majority?
How terribly mind-blowing, although I shouldn't really be that flip about it.
Yet, in all honesty, is this really that shocking to those of us outside the demographic majority?
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
For Those Interested...
Here is the AP's guess on how post-strike TV will get back on track.
My view: Extend the season until June, and begin production for 08-09 in August.
My view: Extend the season until June, and begin production for 08-09 in August.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
No More Happy Endings
Let me tell you a secret: I rarely cry.
Not so much that I'm devoid of a heart, but it's just that it is easy to see clear manipulation when you've studied writing and media theory for several years.
But it's the good and skilled writing that looks past those cliches (or at least manipulates the cliches themselves) to create something that is powerful and moving.
Here are some examples:
Torchwood: I like the occasional sci-fi, but I wouldn't say that it's a stalwart in my favourite genres. That said, this past Saturday's episode hit me hard. Although this is a common trait in UK and foreign television in general, it is very rare that Americans are exposed to endings that aren't happy, or at least happy with a bow wrapped on it. The Unit nearly went there this current season with the death of Hector (Demore Barnes) , but The Unit got their revenge and now Charles (Michael Irby, but I can't remember when they ever gave his character's name) is going to walk off towards a happy ending with Hector's girlfriend. Contrast that with the Pyrrhic victory in "To The Last Man", even if Tommy somehow comes back, it's hard to change the underlying tone that every single member of Torchwood is--for lack of a better term--fucked by their fate. A tone which Davies--as creator, and one must assume a relatively involved one, since this is UK television--has woven since the very first episode.
Orange Road: I Want To Return To That Day (aka the first movie) : Here's an interesting concept, going into the movie, the creators knew that the audience (at least the fans) had the ending figured out: Kyosuke breaks up with Hikaru. So the skill comes from how this transpires...and it is brutal. The eager-to-please Kyosuke has to act like a prick, and not just callous, but full-on, I-Don't-Care-About-Your-Feelings cold, and it makes you rethink everything that you read in the manga, saw on the TV show, and I just felt like I lost a bit of innocence. The scary thing is that is exactly the point of the film. (We just won't talk about how this brilliant ending is totally negated by the movie sequel.)
The last two episodes of Evangelion: I've already applauded Evangelion in terms of writing, but now I want to zoom in on the emotional impact of its final two episodes. Basically here you have a character in the throes of what appears to be an emotional meltdown (I'm not going to even begin to describe The Human Instrumentality Project save for calling it "everybody becomes one big gumbo") as he questions himself and his relationships. Quite honestly, The End of Evangelion confuses it more, but in the TV ending, we get the emotional connection as it is presented not in terms of what is literally happens, but what it feels like to Shinji, and for the vast majority of us who felt inadequate as preteens and teenagers it cut like a knife, even though it seems like the TV ending is relatively happy ("I Love Myself Unconditionally"), the real cruel fact is this: Just as Shinji comes to this realisation, he becomes nothing at all. (By the way, Evangelion episode 24 is highly recommended too.)
If indeed the strike is over, then those who are writing should take this as a chance to re-examine themselves and their relationship to their work. I'm a believer that all stories have already been told, but they have not been told from all perspectives. There is nothing truly ground-breaking in any of these examples at their core, but what makes them noteworthy in my mind is their presentation.
Trust that the public/network can weather the occasional sad ending if it is believable. We owe you that much.
Not so much that I'm devoid of a heart, but it's just that it is easy to see clear manipulation when you've studied writing and media theory for several years.
But it's the good and skilled writing that looks past those cliches (or at least manipulates the cliches themselves) to create something that is powerful and moving.
Here are some examples:
Torchwood: I like the occasional sci-fi, but I wouldn't say that it's a stalwart in my favourite genres. That said, this past Saturday's episode hit me hard. Although this is a common trait in UK and foreign television in general, it is very rare that Americans are exposed to endings that aren't happy, or at least happy with a bow wrapped on it. The Unit nearly went there this current season with the death of Hector (Demore Barnes) , but The Unit got their revenge and now Charles (Michael Irby, but I can't remember when they ever gave his character's name) is going to walk off towards a happy ending with Hector's girlfriend. Contrast that with the Pyrrhic victory in "To The Last Man", even if Tommy somehow comes back, it's hard to change the underlying tone that every single member of Torchwood is--for lack of a better term--fucked by their fate. A tone which Davies--as creator, and one must assume a relatively involved one, since this is UK television--has woven since the very first episode.
Orange Road: I Want To Return To That Day (aka the first movie) : Here's an interesting concept, going into the movie, the creators knew that the audience (at least the fans) had the ending figured out: Kyosuke breaks up with Hikaru. So the skill comes from how this transpires...and it is brutal. The eager-to-please Kyosuke has to act like a prick, and not just callous, but full-on, I-Don't-Care-About-Your-Feelings cold, and it makes you rethink everything that you read in the manga, saw on the TV show, and I just felt like I lost a bit of innocence. The scary thing is that is exactly the point of the film. (We just won't talk about how this brilliant ending is totally negated by the movie sequel.)
The last two episodes of Evangelion: I've already applauded Evangelion in terms of writing, but now I want to zoom in on the emotional impact of its final two episodes. Basically here you have a character in the throes of what appears to be an emotional meltdown (I'm not going to even begin to describe The Human Instrumentality Project save for calling it "everybody becomes one big gumbo") as he questions himself and his relationships. Quite honestly, The End of Evangelion confuses it more, but in the TV ending, we get the emotional connection as it is presented not in terms of what is literally happens, but what it feels like to Shinji, and for the vast majority of us who felt inadequate as preteens and teenagers it cut like a knife, even though it seems like the TV ending is relatively happy ("I Love Myself Unconditionally"), the real cruel fact is this: Just as Shinji comes to this realisation, he becomes nothing at all. (By the way, Evangelion episode 24 is highly recommended too.)
If indeed the strike is over, then those who are writing should take this as a chance to re-examine themselves and their relationship to their work. I'm a believer that all stories have already been told, but they have not been told from all perspectives. There is nothing truly ground-breaking in any of these examples at their core, but what makes them noteworthy in my mind is their presentation.
Trust that the public/network can weather the occasional sad ending if it is believable. We owe you that much.
Monday, February 11, 2008
With Supporters Like This...
...who needs enemies
The Shepard Fairey poster in support of Barack Obama:
And a classic (read: propaganda) poster of Josef Stalin:
Friday, February 08, 2008
In the land of Angels: They Paved Tomorrowland and put up God Knows What
No PeopleMover.
No Carousel of Progress. (Although I'm surprised that the Carousel got turfed in 1974 for "America Sings." I barely recall that, so I must remember the Disney World Carousel as opposed to the Disneyland one.)
No Adventure Through Inner Space.
Just blech.
Surprisingly few sponsors though, although the rides feel considerably shorter than ever.
Yet it was my birthday and I was in Los Angeles, so really: there was no choice but to go to Disneyland.
Of the rides I did go on, I have to admit I still feel a little bit uncomfortable on Splash Mountain...and if you are or have parents/relatives of a certain age, you can understand why. I'm not at all referring to the drop itself, but the ending with the Showboat? I thought it veered dangerously into insensitivity (but quite honestly, the second they built a ride based on Song of The South, Disney knew they weren't dealing with the most controversy-free property in the Disney "vault.")
And then there's The California Adventure, which is nice and all, but if I wanted to see the Santa Monica pier, I'd go to Santa Monica.
And what is Whoopi Goldberg doing as Queen of California?
Then again, maybe I'm just getting old...er.
(By the way, thanks to Yesterland for the links)
No Carousel of Progress. (Although I'm surprised that the Carousel got turfed in 1974 for "America Sings." I barely recall that, so I must remember the Disney World Carousel as opposed to the Disneyland one.)
No Adventure Through Inner Space.
Just blech.
Surprisingly few sponsors though, although the rides feel considerably shorter than ever.
Yet it was my birthday and I was in Los Angeles, so really: there was no choice but to go to Disneyland.
Of the rides I did go on, I have to admit I still feel a little bit uncomfortable on Splash Mountain...and if you are or have parents/relatives of a certain age, you can understand why. I'm not at all referring to the drop itself, but the ending with the Showboat? I thought it veered dangerously into insensitivity (but quite honestly, the second they built a ride based on Song of The South, Disney knew they weren't dealing with the most controversy-free property in the Disney "vault.")
And then there's The California Adventure, which is nice and all, but if I wanted to see the Santa Monica pier, I'd go to Santa Monica.
And what is Whoopi Goldberg doing as Queen of California?
Then again, maybe I'm just getting old...er.
(By the way, thanks to Yesterland for the links)
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
In the land of Angels: Wither Good Day LA
Straight People Are Just Not That Fun To Watch In the AM
When I moved to New York and started watching Good Day New York, I actually thought it was a well-meaning but somewhat anemic version of Good Day LA: You had the elderly anchorman (Jim Ryan, who always made me think of the expressway in Chicago), the straight-talking anchorwoman (believe it or not Lyn Brown filled this slot), and the wacky weather person (Dave Price, who I reckon is probably doing some bland version of the same schtick on whatever CBS's morning show is called now). Well, that team has long since left and even though the ratings are not excellent, the new gay-infused formula certainly is an improvement.
Good Day LA hasn't changed its formula and in my view the show is now s.t.a.l.e.
Jillian Reynolds continues to do everything but her actual job of meterologist and be impressed with herself. Today, she is busy trying to make us envious of the fact that she went to the Super Bowl and took a lot of photos with FOX celebrities and went to a slew of parties. (I don't know how we can be that impressed since they keep on running the EXACT SAME PACKAGE, twice every half-hour.) She's not even doing the weather today, yet she's on the show. Even Al Roker when he goes on one of his junkets does the forecast.
Steve Edwards just looks tired with it all.
Dorothy Lucey is practically a non-entity. This may very well not be her fault, since she is for some bizarre reason covering the snow out in the mountains. (She just happens to have a crew with her?) The woman does gossip, she needs to be talking to Harvey Levin about Britney Spears not urging us to postpone that trip to Palm Springs.
The only one who seems to maintain the right balance is Tony McEwing, who is the clear heir apparent. Poor Tony however is out somewhere in the Valley doing makeovers with Jose Eber.
And they do this from 7 to 10 every weekday?
Steve Kmetko is based in Los Angeles...I'm just saying.
When I moved to New York and started watching Good Day New York, I actually thought it was a well-meaning but somewhat anemic version of Good Day LA: You had the elderly anchorman (Jim Ryan, who always made me think of the expressway in Chicago), the straight-talking anchorwoman (believe it or not Lyn Brown filled this slot), and the wacky weather person (Dave Price, who I reckon is probably doing some bland version of the same schtick on whatever CBS's morning show is called now). Well, that team has long since left and even though the ratings are not excellent, the new gay-infused formula certainly is an improvement.
Good Day LA hasn't changed its formula and in my view the show is now s.t.a.l.e.
Jillian Reynolds continues to do everything but her actual job of meterologist and be impressed with herself. Today, she is busy trying to make us envious of the fact that she went to the Super Bowl and took a lot of photos with FOX celebrities and went to a slew of parties. (I don't know how we can be that impressed since they keep on running the EXACT SAME PACKAGE, twice every half-hour.) She's not even doing the weather today, yet she's on the show. Even Al Roker when he goes on one of his junkets does the forecast.
Steve Edwards just looks tired with it all.
Dorothy Lucey is practically a non-entity. This may very well not be her fault, since she is for some bizarre reason covering the snow out in the mountains. (She just happens to have a crew with her?) The woman does gossip, she needs to be talking to Harvey Levin about Britney Spears not urging us to postpone that trip to Palm Springs.
The only one who seems to maintain the right balance is Tony McEwing, who is the clear heir apparent. Poor Tony however is out somewhere in the Valley doing makeovers with Jose Eber.
And they do this from 7 to 10 every weekday?
Steve Kmetko is based in Los Angeles...I'm just saying.
Monday, February 04, 2008
In the land of Angels: Day 1
Through sheer optimism and curiosity, I find myself in Los Angeles this week.
It's been 8 years since I was here last and I also find myself pondering the same thing I thought back in 2000: What am I missing?
There seems to always be some sort of secret amongst the residents here as to what the appeal is.
Is it the sunshine and constant 70 degree weather? Can't be. It barely cracked 60 today and the nights are bitterly cold.
Is it the nightlife? Granted it's Superbowl Sunday, but the pickings don't seem to be that great, and I'm in the middle of West Hollywood. (Although in all fairness, I limited myself to places within walking distance, since I like a drink and I don't like waiting for cabs.)
What I reckon it is, is that Los Angeles is for dreamers. I don't mean that as an insult, but just that this is a place where people seem to come to in order to live their fantasy, no matter what steps in reality they have to do in order to acheive it.
As I type this, I'm looking at this week's Frontier Magazine and there are a plethora of adverts for personal trainers promising great results and physique--which they may very well be able to deliver on--but the choice in photos of these trainers suggest that if you want to look like them, then you'll have to become very friendly with a syringe, perhaps even moreso than any barbell.
The magazine itself opens with lavish full-page adverts of plastic surgeons offering liposuction in countless ways and the fantasy that with 4 figures and 0% financing, you too, can be in love with your outside.
Not that New York is better, it just handled in covert, ironic way. The fantasies are promised, but I would hazard a guess that the implication is that everyone would know that you are enhanced by a person who knows how to wield a blade.
In Los Angeles, because you really have to chose to see people on a daily basis, that conceit is hidden, and therefore rendered irrelevant: who cares about the journey as long as you reach your destination?
Indeed, is it a bad thing to leave a corpse that makes mourners consider necrophilia?
It's been 8 years since I was here last and I also find myself pondering the same thing I thought back in 2000: What am I missing?
There seems to always be some sort of secret amongst the residents here as to what the appeal is.
Is it the sunshine and constant 70 degree weather? Can't be. It barely cracked 60 today and the nights are bitterly cold.
Is it the nightlife? Granted it's Superbowl Sunday, but the pickings don't seem to be that great, and I'm in the middle of West Hollywood. (Although in all fairness, I limited myself to places within walking distance, since I like a drink and I don't like waiting for cabs.)
What I reckon it is, is that Los Angeles is for dreamers. I don't mean that as an insult, but just that this is a place where people seem to come to in order to live their fantasy, no matter what steps in reality they have to do in order to acheive it.
As I type this, I'm looking at this week's Frontier Magazine and there are a plethora of adverts for personal trainers promising great results and physique--which they may very well be able to deliver on--but the choice in photos of these trainers suggest that if you want to look like them, then you'll have to become very friendly with a syringe, perhaps even moreso than any barbell.
The magazine itself opens with lavish full-page adverts of plastic surgeons offering liposuction in countless ways and the fantasy that with 4 figures and 0% financing, you too, can be in love with your outside.
Not that New York is better, it just handled in covert, ironic way. The fantasies are promised, but I would hazard a guess that the implication is that everyone would know that you are enhanced by a person who knows how to wield a blade.
In Los Angeles, because you really have to chose to see people on a daily basis, that conceit is hidden, and therefore rendered irrelevant: who cares about the journey as long as you reach your destination?
Indeed, is it a bad thing to leave a corpse that makes mourners consider necrophilia?
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