7.30.2008
The Next Food Network Flop
Just a quick commentary on the finale of the Next Food Network Star that aired on Sunday. WHAT A RIP! I won't watch Aaron's show...he should've been kicked off weeks ago! I hate the phony forced smile that is him "showing personality." Sorry FN programming board - the entertaining personalities will bring you ratings, not the ones that do exactly what you decide is "the right kind of show." I'd have taken either Adam or Lisa's shows over Aaron's phony hospitality any day!
7.29.2008
Sigur Ros: Believe the Hype
Who is this band you keep hearing about from your friends in dark-rimmed glasses? Sigur Ros...hmmm...are they German?
No - they're from Iceland, where indie rock apparently grows really well. But to call Sigur Ros rock is a little bit of a stretch. They fall into my category of "fuckin' good" (to be super eloquent). They're one of those bands where language doesn't matter, in fact, this band takes it to the next level, often crossing the barrier to a nonsensical language referred to as "Vonlenska." So, no, don't be intimidated because they're not exclusively English (neither is Beyonce anymore). In fact, if you've seen The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, CSI, or Vanilla Sky (I long for the days when Tom Cruise was just insanely hot, not insane) you've probably heard them. They have an ethereal sound (not like Enya ethereal, I promise). Their latest release Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust is my latest morning music. I mean, don't go nuts and wear a scarf in July, but gorge on some indie sounds.
No - they're from Iceland, where indie rock apparently grows really well. But to call Sigur Ros rock is a little bit of a stretch. They fall into my category of "fuckin' good" (to be super eloquent). They're one of those bands where language doesn't matter, in fact, this band takes it to the next level, often crossing the barrier to a nonsensical language referred to as "Vonlenska." So, no, don't be intimidated because they're not exclusively English (neither is Beyonce anymore). In fact, if you've seen The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, CSI, or Vanilla Sky (I long for the days when Tom Cruise was just insanely hot, not insane) you've probably heard them. They have an ethereal sound (not like Enya ethereal, I promise). Their latest release Med Sud I Eyrum Vid Spilum Endalaust is my latest morning music. I mean, don't go nuts and wear a scarf in July, but gorge on some indie sounds.
7.25.2008
Achey-Breaky Baby
Yowzas! Kids love Miley Cirus - breaking news right? I chow on media, but am sans kids, so the tween trends are on the fringe. I dove into the High School Musical mania a few months back for a project my agency did with Ashely Tisdale (check it out...it's super cute), and I was a teenager during the NKOTB insanity, so I'm well aware of the younger set's tendency to latch on to things and scream loudly. Usually, the appeal is limited and kids move on, and the pattern repeats. Well, the teen queen crown has been passed from Gibson to Spears, and now...to Cirus.
Seeing her perform live on the Today Show today (to an extraordinary number of kids - they even had to close down 48th street) was impressive. I'm a pop cynic, and figure most "musicians" are produced pretty heavily. She actually sounded excellent live, given that many acts have difficulty on the Today stage (ugh...remember Debbie Harry last year). And her stage presence was really admirable.
But, will she make it past the screaming? She absolutely has the talent and training by Disney. Cirus has the tools, and even was smart enough to rock a decent stage name - if you didn't know, her real name is Destiny (who knew Billy Ray was a hippy). She's doing well now, and with smart management she should rocket through to at least 2010 (Hannah Montana the movie drops in 09). Then, she'll be a little overexposed to the non-tweeners. Then what? Drugs, suggestive pictures? Yes, she'll be in her late teens, it's inevitable, but she should keep it recreational, and not get caught!
Miley needs to look to her fellow Disney alum Christina Aguilera. No, she doesn't have the same powerhouse voice, but she can have a powerhouse career. Take your pan off the stove once it gets hot! Sit back, focus on the important thing - making good music. Xtina did some weird stuff, then took 4 years in between releases to collect herself. What happened? She set herself up for a lasting career with another new sound. Miley is already evolving her sound past the "school is so lame" songs - See You Again has even made it into my workout mix (and I'm a complete music snob). As long as she follows the patterns of those who've successfully become adults not just stars (yeah Spears, I'm talkin' 'bout you) I might just buy her next CD...and I won't be alone.
Oh...and that means keeping her shirt on for pics until she's at least 21.
Seeing her perform live on the Today Show today (to an extraordinary number of kids - they even had to close down 48th street) was impressive. I'm a pop cynic, and figure most "musicians" are produced pretty heavily. She actually sounded excellent live, given that many acts have difficulty on the Today stage (ugh...remember Debbie Harry last year). And her stage presence was really admirable.
But, will she make it past the screaming? She absolutely has the talent and training by Disney. Cirus has the tools, and even was smart enough to rock a decent stage name - if you didn't know, her real name is Destiny (who knew Billy Ray was a hippy). She's doing well now, and with smart management she should rocket through to at least 2010 (Hannah Montana the movie drops in 09). Then, she'll be a little overexposed to the non-tweeners. Then what? Drugs, suggestive pictures? Yes, she'll be in her late teens, it's inevitable, but she should keep it recreational, and not get caught!
Miley needs to look to her fellow Disney alum Christina Aguilera. No, she doesn't have the same powerhouse voice, but she can have a powerhouse career. Take your pan off the stove once it gets hot! Sit back, focus on the important thing - making good music. Xtina did some weird stuff, then took 4 years in between releases to collect herself. What happened? She set herself up for a lasting career with another new sound. Miley is already evolving her sound past the "school is so lame" songs - See You Again has even made it into my workout mix (and I'm a complete music snob). As long as she follows the patterns of those who've successfully become adults not just stars (yeah Spears, I'm talkin' 'bout you) I might just buy her next CD...and I won't be alone.
Oh...and that means keeping her shirt on for pics until she's at least 21.
7.24.2008
The Spark Just Ain't There
I, like most women, struggle with my weight. And, like most women, I could use to lose a pound or two. I'm pretty devout when it comes to my weight loss program of choice, but my attention span leaves something to be desired (hey - I'm media addict...what did you expect?).
So in the past few months, I've been exploring SparkPeople.com - a fitness site geared toward...everyone? I'm not really sure. While I've found some information and exercises intriguing, I never got hooked by Spark People. The site is tough to get used to...there's almost too much going on. I find the illustrations of the exercise moves limited.
On the flip side, the community seems pretty strong, up to date. Not quite as active as say, theknot.com, but active yes.
The part that really gets me, was Spark Points. It's designed to be another way to track progress (code for: "get off the scale, you're making yourself crazy"). However, there's no payoff in the points. I get virtual trophies? I'd rather have them converted to MyPoints so I can get some cold hard gift cards to buy clothes for my newly svelte ass.
So in the past few months, I've been exploring SparkPeople.com - a fitness site geared toward...everyone? I'm not really sure. While I've found some information and exercises intriguing, I never got hooked by Spark People. The site is tough to get used to...there's almost too much going on. I find the illustrations of the exercise moves limited.
On the flip side, the community seems pretty strong, up to date. Not quite as active as say, theknot.com, but active yes.
The part that really gets me, was Spark Points. It's designed to be another way to track progress (code for: "get off the scale, you're making yourself crazy"). However, there's no payoff in the points. I get virtual trophies? I'd rather have them converted to MyPoints so I can get some cold hard gift cards to buy clothes for my newly svelte ass.
7.18.2008
Project Runway - Will it work?
Season 5 of Project Runway premiered on Bravo last week. But is this basic cable hit losing its flair? I hope for truly original personalities to emerge, but so far we have the usual: flamboyant, catty, rocker, overconfident, wacky hair, takes-self-to-seriously, etc. etc...
On my early hateradar is Blayne, the self-tanning junkie who wishes to become the next Christian "Fierce" Siriano. My first impression of him is that he lacks the authenticity and personality of Siriano, who won season 4 (and a bonus of being impersonated on SNL). Blayne already turned me off by forcing his "licious" verbiage on everything. Is it really possible to come across as "trying to hard" on a reality show? I assume most reality TV participants to be a little over-the-top in order to get screen time, but lots gets edited out, and it makes for good watchin'.
However, is PR waning because of behind the scenes network squabbles? As of next season, PR will be moving from the increasingly hip, NBC-owned Bravo network, to the decidedly unfashionable, Movie of the Week graveyard that is Lifetime. (who, even though they're a media company, failed to secure the URL lifetime.com). The Weinstein Company seems to want to do this, presumably to fill his bathtub with jewels and wipe his ass with c-notes. Lifetime needs a hit so badly, I'm sure they give him carte blanche on the sponsorship angle. I expect to see contestants sporting brands like NASCAR cars come season 6.
On my early hateradar is Blayne, the self-tanning junkie who wishes to become the next Christian "Fierce" Siriano. My first impression of him is that he lacks the authenticity and personality of Siriano, who won season 4 (and a bonus of being impersonated on SNL). Blayne already turned me off by forcing his "licious" verbiage on everything. Is it really possible to come across as "trying to hard" on a reality show? I assume most reality TV participants to be a little over-the-top in order to get screen time, but lots gets edited out, and it makes for good watchin'.
However, is PR waning because of behind the scenes network squabbles? As of next season, PR will be moving from the increasingly hip, NBC-owned Bravo network, to the decidedly unfashionable, Movie of the Week graveyard that is Lifetime. (who, even though they're a media company, failed to secure the URL lifetime.com). The Weinstein Company seems to want to do this, presumably to fill his bathtub with jewels and wipe his ass with c-notes. Lifetime needs a hit so badly, I'm sure they give him carte blanche on the sponsorship angle. I expect to see contestants sporting brands like NASCAR cars come season 6.
7.15.2008
ABBAlanche!!
In 1972, the world became enamored with the Swedish pop stylings of ABBA. With irresistible little gems like Waterloo, Fernando, and of course Dancing Queen. Just try to go to a wedding, high school dance, or karaoke bar without being trapped by an ABBA song. Of course, their tasty little hooks will keep you elated, but you'll feel guilty in the morning.
We're in the middle of an ABBAlanch. We were treated with the indie hit Muriel's Wedding in 1994. Muriel (played by Toni Collette) has an insatiable desire to have a wedding - paired with an incurable ABBA obsession. It is awkward, funny, sweet...and fueled by ABBA.
Muriel's Wedding was a source of inspiration (per IMDB's trivia section) for the theater equivalent of The Titanic - Mama Mia. The plot was adapted from Buona Sera, Mrs. Campbell - set to the ABBA catalog - and needless to say - was a GIANT success. Worldwide obsession-level success. Successful enough to spur...yet another movie.
Opening tomorrow (July 18th) here in the US, the Meryl-Streep-led cast of beautiful people (Colin Firth....aw yeah) enjoy the ultimate Karaoke party in the movie adaptation of Mama Mia. Yes, we've come full circle. And, after watching the trailer to research this - it does look like a fun chick flick. Why? You already know the songs! If you were born between 1975 and 1982, there's a good chance these songs are implanted in your soul (you're not to blame...it's the media!). Plus, I have to trust that Ms. Streep would have the judgement (although, she did take part in She-Devil).
I expect this will be the "Batman was sold out, so we had to see this" movie. Remember Phenomenon with John Travolta (it's like Powder...but, ya know, with Scientology)? You probably only saw that in the theater because you couldn't find a parking place before your showing of Independence Day was full. But will it have the cult draw of Muriel's Wedding? Will it be the next great musical (Chicago) or the next overrated music video (Dreamgirls)?
But, ABBA keeps going strong. They're appearing on more movie soundtracks, including this summer's Get Smart remake, and I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry last year. I expect this trend to continue. Now that ABBA has past from the "This song takes me back to..." crowd to the kitsch-zone, it is on the way to becoming "classic." (I'll cover more about disco and other music becoming 'classic' in another post).
The bigger question: what will fall next in the ABBAlanche? I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a first person shooter...
We're in the middle of an ABBAlanch. We were treated with the indie hit Muriel's Wedding in 1994. Muriel (played by Toni Collette) has an insatiable desire to have a wedding - paired with an incurable ABBA obsession. It is awkward, funny, sweet...and fueled by ABBA.
Muriel's Wedding was a source of inspiration (per IMDB's trivia section) for the theater equivalent of The Titanic - Mama Mia. The plot was adapted from Buona Sera, Mrs. Campbell - set to the ABBA catalog - and needless to say - was a GIANT success. Worldwide obsession-level success. Successful enough to spur...yet another movie.
Opening tomorrow (July 18th) here in the US, the Meryl-Streep-led cast of beautiful people (Colin Firth....aw yeah) enjoy the ultimate Karaoke party in the movie adaptation of Mama Mia. Yes, we've come full circle. And, after watching the trailer to research this - it does look like a fun chick flick. Why? You already know the songs! If you were born between 1975 and 1982, there's a good chance these songs are implanted in your soul (you're not to blame...it's the media!). Plus, I have to trust that Ms. Streep would have the judgement (although, she did take part in She-Devil).
I expect this will be the "Batman was sold out, so we had to see this" movie. Remember Phenomenon with John Travolta (it's like Powder...but, ya know, with Scientology)? You probably only saw that in the theater because you couldn't find a parking place before your showing of Independence Day was full. But will it have the cult draw of Muriel's Wedding? Will it be the next great musical (Chicago) or the next overrated music video (Dreamgirls)?
But, ABBA keeps going strong. They're appearing on more movie soundtracks, including this summer's Get Smart remake, and I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry last year. I expect this trend to continue. Now that ABBA has past from the "This song takes me back to..." crowd to the kitsch-zone, it is on the way to becoming "classic." (I'll cover more about disco and other music becoming 'classic' in another post).
The bigger question: what will fall next in the ABBAlanche? I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a first person shooter...
7.11.2008
Keep it Light: Vote Spraychel
Yup, it's only August and I'm already exhausted of politics. However, we're in a bit of a political media slump thanks to Hillary finally saying 'uncle' and letting Obama do his thing (although the press due to the heated battle can't be beat). Since the Daily Show and Colbert Report is only on like 7 times a day, you probably have a few minutes to feed your brain with politically driven comedy.
Take a magical trip to VoteSpraychel.com and travel inside the refrigerator to watch your favorite fruits and vegetables try to choose between the fat slinging Maxwell Butterman (Butter) or the zero calorie sweetheart, Spraychel (the I Can't Believe It's Not Butter Spray). The animated webisodes are accompanied by fantabulously addictive games too. My fav way to binge an hour away.
Oh - did I mention there's fat cash associated with it - $400k (that's how much we pay the president every year - yet another reason I wish I could pull a Wesley Snipes and not pay taxes).
The clever agency behind this one? Story Worldwide*
*If I cooked it, I can still binge on it
Take a magical trip to VoteSpraychel.com and travel inside the refrigerator to watch your favorite fruits and vegetables try to choose between the fat slinging Maxwell Butterman (Butter) or the zero calorie sweetheart, Spraychel (the I Can't Believe It's Not Butter Spray). The animated webisodes are accompanied by fantabulously addictive games too. My fav way to binge an hour away.
Oh - did I mention there's fat cash associated with it - $400k (that's how much we pay the president every year - yet another reason I wish I could pull a Wesley Snipes and not pay taxes).
The clever agency behind this one? Story Worldwide*
*If I cooked it, I can still binge on it
Those Boys of Mine
My Boys TBS Thursdays @ 9:30
Thanks to my DVR, I've been able to enjoy My Boys on TBS. For some reason, cable series don't register in my head as being aired on regular days/times. I think it's a self-preservation thing since the 'seasons' are not in line with the major networks and there seems to be a "let's see how it does here...no here...no here!" programming mentality on cable. Not to mention the basic cable standard of replaying the prime time lineup again after midnight (an insomniac staple).
My Boys is a cable series I hate to miss, but love to at the same time. I like to store episodes for a few weeks and then gorge on them. It's one of those shows that speeds up time - like early-era ER or Sex and the City. The quick witted banter, the running jokes (throughout an episode - so you still get it if you miss one), and easy humor makes the 22 minutes go by in a flash.
The writing is extremely clever, and flawlessly natural. The genius lies in writing to the ensemble. Lines don't necessarily stand alone - but the exchanges between characters flows perfectly. Characters stay true to their quirks, the women are strong (without being overbearing bitches) and hold their own without wielding their knockers as weapons. As a girl who is "one of the guys" I appreciate the way they don't make too much out of PJ's issues as "girl things."
My Boys also benefits from great casting. The gal in the group is played by Jordana Spiro who pulls off Tom Boy perfectly (if you saw her in Must Love Dogs - you know ditzy blond ain't her strong suit) and is at home among the wise-assery of the likes of Jim Gaffigan, Jamie Kaler, and Michael Bunin (why does he look familiar? tons of TV bit parts and commercial - yay exposure). The writers are really featuring Gaffigan this year - his comedic style fits in very well with the tone of the show (if you haven't seen his stand up watch this immediately)
Check out full episodes online, or set your season pass to record it. My Boys gets a Media Binge rating of 'Gorge Yourself'.
Thanks to my DVR, I've been able to enjoy My Boys on TBS. For some reason, cable series don't register in my head as being aired on regular days/times. I think it's a self-preservation thing since the 'seasons' are not in line with the major networks and there seems to be a "let's see how it does here...no here...no here!" programming mentality on cable. Not to mention the basic cable standard of replaying the prime time lineup again after midnight (an insomniac staple).
My Boys is a cable series I hate to miss, but love to at the same time. I like to store episodes for a few weeks and then gorge on them. It's one of those shows that speeds up time - like early-era ER or Sex and the City. The quick witted banter, the running jokes (throughout an episode - so you still get it if you miss one), and easy humor makes the 22 minutes go by in a flash.
The writing is extremely clever, and flawlessly natural. The genius lies in writing to the ensemble. Lines don't necessarily stand alone - but the exchanges between characters flows perfectly. Characters stay true to their quirks, the women are strong (without being overbearing bitches) and hold their own without wielding their knockers as weapons. As a girl who is "one of the guys" I appreciate the way they don't make too much out of PJ's issues as "girl things."
My Boys also benefits from great casting. The gal in the group is played by Jordana Spiro who pulls off Tom Boy perfectly (if you saw her in Must Love Dogs - you know ditzy blond ain't her strong suit) and is at home among the wise-assery of the likes of Jim Gaffigan, Jamie Kaler, and Michael Bunin (why does he look familiar? tons of TV bit parts and commercial - yay exposure). The writers are really featuring Gaffigan this year - his comedic style fits in very well with the tone of the show (if you haven't seen his stand up watch this immediately)
Check out full episodes online, or set your season pass to record it. My Boys gets a Media Binge rating of 'Gorge Yourself'.
7.09.2008
Queen Latifah: Officially Bored with Premieres
Apparently it's SO good to be the Queen, you don't even need to try. Groundbreaking female rapper turned Hollywood fancy-pants forgot to call her stylist for the premiere of Hancock. She sported a sweat suit for the evening event! And not even a Sopranos-esque "going to the deli and/or nudie bar" sweat suit. She looked like a college student at an 8AM anthropology lecture! Her personal assistant and/or stylist should be banned from all Juicy Couture stores.
The Queen isn't in Hancock, and according to her IMDB profile she has no part in the production. Was she on her way home from the gym and said, "Hey is that Will Smith across the street?" and ran over only to find herself mistakenly in the midst of a blockbuster movie launch? How embarrassing!
The Queen isn't in Hancock, and according to her IMDB profile she has no part in the production. Was she on her way home from the gym and said, "Hey is that Will Smith across the street?" and ran over only to find herself mistakenly in the midst of a blockbuster movie launch? How embarrassing!
7.08.2008
Your Legal Matter is Entertainment to CNN
Sorry Christie Brinkley - your divorce proceedings are officially filed under "Entertainment" per CNN.com. Yup, your crumbling personal life is right there nestled on the same page as Madonna's second duet with Britney (cough-deflecting A-Rod news-cough) and TMZ's latest victory (if you call possessing a Mini-Me sex tape a win).
What's worse? A big feature on Billy Joel's breakthrough hit record. Ouch. But don't worry, Christie will be fine - as long as no one finds the picture of her aging in an attic somewhere.
What's worse? A big feature on Billy Joel's breakthrough hit record. Ouch. But don't worry, Christie will be fine - as long as no one finds the picture of her aging in an attic somewhere.
7.07.2008
Food Network - Kinda Tastes Like Chicken
Over the past five years or so - I've had a passionate affair with the Food Network. I fell head over heals one summer that I lived alone. Emeril seduced me with his flashy food antics, and Alton sealed the deal by feeding the trivia centers of my brain. Admittedly, the relationship started as a rebound romance - I was dieting hard in preparation for a beach vacation. The Food Network was there to provide hard core food porn that satisfied my needs (I love diet food, but I'm not in love with it).
Since I got hooked (in the heyday of Emeril) the network has churned out household name stars on the first-name-basis level: Rachel, Mario, Bobby, Giada.
Over the last couple years, I've become enamored with the show The Next Food Network Star. I'm a sucker for a cooking competition show, and this came perfectly timed at the heals of the Top Chef finale. However, I'm starting to question the wisdom of judges Susie Fogelson (VP Marketing) and Bob Tuschman (SVP Programming & Production). Why? Because only one of three TNFNS winners have graduated from their awarded six episode commitment to become FN stars. Guy Fieri now has a total of three hot FN series. AND, the entire Food Network lineup is starting to meld into one (more on that later).
This season, the judges seem intent on homogenizing the network. Telling contestants to both bring out their personalities, yet tone them down. Young Kelsey Nixon gets chastised for sparkling on air, while Aaron McCargo gets applauded for finally getting to her level of personality. It seems like they're looking for the contestants to meld into one person.
This homogenization process seems to be happening network-wide. All the new shows seem to be the same: well-coiffed woman, cooking at her kitchen island (almost always the 2nd stove in the room), telling stories about her kids/mom/holiday/last party, extreme closeup of food, a few tips on plating, then tasting her creation and loving it.
This year's TNFNS contestants are being forced into this mold as well. Not too exciting, not too boring, just enough to zonk out to during the day. The standouts have funky formats (Barfoot Contessa's tales from the Hamptons) good hooks (Sandra Lee promises that you too can cut corners to perfection) or giant personalities (I would hang with anyone on Ace of Cakes). I won't even get into the competition shows that are taking over (that's another post). Even the Neelys, with their food innuendos and constant flirtation, seem to be watered down for general consumption.
I just hope that whoever walks away with the title of Next Food Network Star is able to capitalize on it by getting a say in their show. They need to be allowed to carry a show on more than personality/culinary point of view. Don't Disnify the network - let the stars do their thing!
Since I got hooked (in the heyday of Emeril) the network has churned out household name stars on the first-name-basis level: Rachel, Mario, Bobby, Giada.
Over the last couple years, I've become enamored with the show The Next Food Network Star. I'm a sucker for a cooking competition show, and this came perfectly timed at the heals of the Top Chef finale. However, I'm starting to question the wisdom of judges Susie Fogelson (VP Marketing) and Bob Tuschman (SVP Programming & Production). Why? Because only one of three TNFNS winners have graduated from their awarded six episode commitment to become FN stars. Guy Fieri now has a total of three hot FN series. AND, the entire Food Network lineup is starting to meld into one (more on that later).
This season, the judges seem intent on homogenizing the network. Telling contestants to both bring out their personalities, yet tone them down. Young Kelsey Nixon gets chastised for sparkling on air, while Aaron McCargo gets applauded for finally getting to her level of personality. It seems like they're looking for the contestants to meld into one person.
This homogenization process seems to be happening network-wide. All the new shows seem to be the same: well-coiffed woman, cooking at her kitchen island (almost always the 2nd stove in the room), telling stories about her kids/mom/holiday/last party, extreme closeup of food, a few tips on plating, then tasting her creation and loving it.
This year's TNFNS contestants are being forced into this mold as well. Not too exciting, not too boring, just enough to zonk out to during the day. The standouts have funky formats (Barfoot Contessa's tales from the Hamptons) good hooks (Sandra Lee promises that you too can cut corners to perfection) or giant personalities (I would hang with anyone on Ace of Cakes). I won't even get into the competition shows that are taking over (that's another post). Even the Neelys, with their food innuendos and constant flirtation, seem to be watered down for general consumption.
I just hope that whoever walks away with the title of Next Food Network Star is able to capitalize on it by getting a say in their show. They need to be allowed to carry a show on more than personality/culinary point of view. Don't Disnify the network - let the stars do their thing!
7.03.2008
Samuel Israel Drama Fizzles
Samuel Israel, the hedge fund manager who was convicted of relieving his investors of $450 million, then defined the term “flight risk,” turned himself in today. His surrender was anti-climactic compared to his getaway; which included a faux suicide, indicated by the writing the words “suicide is painless” with his finger in the dirt on the windshield of his SUV (I prefer “wash me,” but then again, I’m not a financial super villain – or an avid fan of MASH). Right away, I was convinced it was fake. But then again, I thought he would be hiding out in a Vegas penthouse, a la Buddy Israel in Smokin’ Aces. Or at the very least getting a completely new face in Rio de Janeiro.
Not so. He was hiding out in the wilds of…Massachusetts?? Come on! It didn’t work on the Sopranos when Vito hid out in New Hampshire indulging in Johnny cakes and mustachioed restaurateurs! When Krusty faked his own death to live the gruff life of a fisherman, he was right back in Springfield the next week. I can’t imagine Israel not seeing these episodes. Did he learn nothing?!
“Suicide is Painless” is the title of the theme song from MASH (yep, that song will be stuck with you for a few hours, sorry), so this man was not immune to pop culture. Even if it wasn’t a TV reference (note: he could also be a Family Guy freak), the phrase is one that’s imbedded in media. The song has been covered many times over (Marilyn Manson, Matt Costa, even sampled by Kelis).
According to the New York Times, Israel surrendered by showing up at the police station in Southwick, MA. He was sporting a Billy Joel beard and riding a Yamaha scooter. After hiding out in an RV, not more than 150 miles from where he left his SUV at the Bear Mountain Bridge, he just gave up. In doing so, I think he demoted himself from future feature film (Stephen Glass probably already has a draft with a better ending) right down to ripped-from-the-headlines Law & Order.
Not so. He was hiding out in the wilds of…Massachusetts?? Come on! It didn’t work on the Sopranos when Vito hid out in New Hampshire indulging in Johnny cakes and mustachioed restaurateurs! When Krusty faked his own death to live the gruff life of a fisherman, he was right back in Springfield the next week. I can’t imagine Israel not seeing these episodes. Did he learn nothing?!
“Suicide is Painless” is the title of the theme song from MASH (yep, that song will be stuck with you for a few hours, sorry), so this man was not immune to pop culture. Even if it wasn’t a TV reference (note: he could also be a Family Guy freak), the phrase is one that’s imbedded in media. The song has been covered many times over (Marilyn Manson, Matt Costa, even sampled by Kelis).
According to the New York Times, Israel surrendered by showing up at the police station in Southwick, MA. He was sporting a Billy Joel beard and riding a Yamaha scooter. After hiding out in an RV, not more than 150 miles from where he left his SUV at the Bear Mountain Bridge, he just gave up. In doing so, I think he demoted himself from future feature film (Stephen Glass probably already has a draft with a better ending) right down to ripped-from-the-headlines Law & Order.
Just Let Go of Your Self Control
Welcome.
I'm not just an "avid consumer of media" - I'm an addict. Like all addicts, I binge on my drug of choice frequently and without abandon. Luckily for me, my family, friends, and employers, my drug is not a society-eroding chemical compound, but many forms of communication.
That's what media is, in its basic form: communication. That was the intent from the get-go. Luckily for me, the basics of communication were thrown out in favor of entertainment and advertising (if we were still just linking up universities and army bases, I'd be out of a job....and very, very bored).
Enter Media-Binge.
This blog will focus on all aspects of media. I'll relay my experiences, feelings, and deepest thoughts that occur during my lifelong binge.
Enjoy.
I'm not just an "avid consumer of media" - I'm an addict. Like all addicts, I binge on my drug of choice frequently and without abandon. Luckily for me, my family, friends, and employers, my drug is not a society-eroding chemical compound, but many forms of communication.
That's what media is, in its basic form: communication. That was the intent from the get-go. Luckily for me, the basics of communication were thrown out in favor of entertainment and advertising (if we were still just linking up universities and army bases, I'd be out of a job....and very, very bored).
Enter Media-Binge.
This blog will focus on all aspects of media. I'll relay my experiences, feelings, and deepest thoughts that occur during my lifelong binge.
Enjoy.
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