PSA Fail

I want to show you some recent Public Service Announcements that were authorized by the New South Wales governmental premiership in Australia.  The first three are separate YouTube videos.

The next two are a bit difficult to embed, so here are the direct YouTube links.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoSudhJJE58

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NLUSDlUvcE

Now here is a compilation of all three videos.

Now, if you did not know any better, you would think the sloth ads espousing the need to cut sodium from your diet, recognizing the signs of crippling depression and telling people that it is okay to come out of the closet were the real ads.  Well, those ads were fake PSAs created with good intentions by YouTube user quolism.  The Actual three ads in the 2 minute compilation are the ones which, I think still. are being shown throughout Australia.

Let it be known; I do not use weed, nor any other drug for that matter.  None the less, weed is among the least problematic of drugs.  At worst, weed is basically a crutch with little purpose: apart from having a craving for foods, getting momentarily buzzed, aiding some medical issues and slowly but surely making someone feel odd.  I can think of far worse drugs and tranquilizers:

Tobacco one can find at a store, which causes cancers and health problems.
Alcohol, particularly if used daily.
Cocaine
Heroin
Meth
Quaaludes
Prescription medicines used beyond and above the needed amount; including over the counter medicines.
Crack cocaine

Indeed, the outdoor party commercial shows everyone except the sloth with an alcoholic drink of some kind.  You would think the ad would have showed the problems of drinking a bit much.

Clearly, the NSW government have little idea of how to do effective anti-drug messaging.  What should be sober ads are shown to be pretty damn funny.  As I said, the Stoner Sloth campaign dropped the ball on these messages.  And to think, the ads could have been more interesting and more worthy.

Do better next time should there be a next time,

Robert

An explanation for now

I do have a lot to tell regarding my ideas of a Joe Biden Presidential campaign, a Jim Webb run for the Presidency as an Independent, the growing new neo-conservative movement propping up, my thoughts on the Steven Spielberg new gem Bridge Of Spies, my definition of a Social Justice Warrior, and my plans for eventual video production.  However, I have been sidetracked by the New York Mets in the process of heading to the World Series; right now dashing fans of Back To The Future the hopes of a 2015 Cubs World Series win.  And this is coming from someone far more interested in Football, Soccer and individual sports.  Should the Mets go all the way, I think we may have a clear winner for Postseason MVP.

To note, while my family and I have been Yankee fans; we are more prone to being fans of a region when that region is still in the postseason running; especially New York.  So, no bitterness here.  And with that, hopefully this is not speaking too soon:

Let's Go Mets!

Robert

An (alleged) actor prepares for his next (alleged) role

I have been interested in the performing arts such as movies and theater for quite some time now.  Despite this interest and knowledge, I have yet to be considered an actor; much less any important person involved in film making and stagecraft.  However, in the past two years, I have been involved with an acting troupe that at least once every year puts on a show in front of an audience consisting of our families and others from the Town of Oyster Bay, New York.  It relates to the Town's Group Activities Program for the Disabled, for which I am considered due to having Asperger's Syndrome. 

Each Spring since 2013, I have been involved in acting in a play or musical of some sort.  In 2013, I was both Bill the candy store owner and a composite of the TV reporters in Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory.  The next year, we did something different in a number of us portrayed important singers over the past 60 years.  It was our take on a Legends in Concert performance you might see on a cruise ship.  For my part, I was John Belushi in his Blues Brothers alter ego.  This past May, I was the Chris Penn character Willard in an interesting hybrid staging of Footloose.  We took elements from both the film and the later Broadway musical.  So, I got to sing (gasp!) a couple different times, notably the Randy Newman sound alike Mama Says.  Now, try picturing me singing this.

Sadly, I did not get to do the full song.  Oh well, had to make it just under an hour and 10 minutes.

So, next month the GAP drama program gets back in business after having the summer off.  I am hoping we may be able to do something for the Christmas season, even though it might be at best a holiday themed Legends in Concert sort of occasion.  None the less, we are definitely going to put on a show sometime next year in either April or May.  I would like to believe that before the year is out, we will find out what play/musical act we are doing.

This is where you come in.  I have some ideas that I would hope receive the necessary traction and approval of the GAP leadership; though I am far from the only person jotting down ideas.  Here are quite a few that I have considered for what we could do.

Disney related.

Inside Out
Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs
Toy Story (any of the movies)
Wall-E
The Lion King

Jim Henson related.

The Muppet Movie
The Great Muppet Caper
The Muppet Show (a sort of best of sketches)
Sesame Street (perhaps some of the better sketches over the years)
Labyrinth
The Dark Crystal
The Cube
The Storyteller ( any of a number of episodes)
A number of different TV specials involving Jim Henson and/or the Muppets
Note:  There would be no need to use puppetry.  I would prefer those involved being ourselves, yet imitating our characters by wearing related costumes.  In the case of a character like Kermit The Frog, a sweater or onesie (jumpsuit pajama) will suffice.

All ages acceptable, musical or film based

The Last Unicorn
Fun Home
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time
Finding Neverland (possibly the movie version)
A Hard Day's Night
Help!
Yellow Submarine
Bye Bye Birdie
Star Wars (any of the movies; though I have not yet seen Episode VII yet)
The Sandlot
Wallace and Gromit
Shaun the Sheep
The Pirates
Fantastic Mr. Fox
E.T.

I like these, although opinions may vary

Company
West Side Story (no alterations to the ending)
Into The Woods
Starlight Express
Cats
My Dinner With Andre
Toys
The Wall
Me and Earl and The Dying Girl
The Land Before Time
The Odd Couple (preferably the Lemmon-Matthau film)
The Producers
Blazing Saddles
Monty Python's Flying Circus (any number of sketches)
Monty Python and the Holy Grail
Monty Python's Life of Brian
Spamalot


And a special section.  Should we be doing another Legends in Concert type show, I think we could do some of these artists.

Pink Floyd
Sir Paul McCartney
The Who
ABBA
Janet Jackson
Peter Gabriel
Joni Mitchell
The Temptations
Prince
George Harrison
Stevie Wonder
Billy Joel
The Pretenders
U2
Paul Simon
Kiss
Arcade Fire
Husker Du
The B-52's


Where you come in is as follows: I would like to know what you think of these suggestions.  I would also like to know if you have any ideas of what we could do for next year.  If you can, please either comment or post or like this essay either here or on Facebook.  I would like to hear from you.

Here is an added incentive:  you can give me a suggestion, and if anyone asks, I could post a video of me acting out a role from that particular character and/or play/musical/movie.  Think of it like a screen test, or rather one of those lip sync dubbing videos only it is me actually saying the lines.

If you want, I can post an idea for what sort of musical I might like, though others are not sure.  I really think we could do a play such as this; provided some material is altered.

Once again, let me know what all of you think about these ideas.  I would like to hear your ideas as well.

Surprisingly have not been to a Broadway show in quite a while,

Robert Kelly

Impressions on Show Me A Hero

In my previous essay, I gave a brief primer on what I think might be the most important miniseries of 2015.  That would be the David Simon & Paul Haggis 6 part miniseries Show Me A Hero.  Since I gave a synopsis and background on the events referenced in the miniseries, and mentioned some of the more noted actors and up-and-comers with great roles; I felt it best to mention some interesting aspects of what I saw that impressed me quite well.  Perhaps if you saw it, you may think the same.

Show Me A Hero begins with Nick Wasiscko (Oscar Isaac) getting out of his car and passing by the burial plot of his father.  Interspersed without much words is a cutaway shot of Wasiscko's beeper going off to remind him to call 911.  We see this scene two other times.  The second time is at the beginning of part 4, when we then see Nick looking at a person and thinking it is his father; although we do not see Nick regurgitating his Maalox.  The final time is at the end; which is the culmination of what would turn out to be his final day in life.  You see, on October 29, 1993, Nick Wasiscko killed himself right near his father's burial plot.  It was the culmination of a spiral which would have Mr. Wasiscko not be on a ballot on election day for the first time in 8 years.  By that point in his life, although married to a smart person and effectively free from the grind of Yonkers politics, Nick Wasiscko was despondent over a perceived investigation into finances accrued during his time as Mayor: although nothing relating to corruption was ever found. 

This reminded me of a technique Alejandro Gonzalez Innaritu has used in his movies.  In that, Innaritu begins his films with a scene or dream that may mean something.  It is repeated at the end, only this time in an alternate fashion under a different point of view and/or an added context.  I must say I was impressed with this storytelling technique; which I think is more of a Paul Haggis trademark than you would expect from David Simon.  Initially, I did not place the scenes at the graveyard as being flash forwards until the final 20 minutes or so for Part 6.  The giveaway for me was seeing Oscar Isaac wearing the same green turtleneck as you see when Show Me A Hero starts.  That is when I realized the initial scenes at the graveyard would be repeated and enhanced at the end.  And indeed it does, coupled with a David Simon trademark ending montage and where are the rest now texts interspersed. 

This brings me to another observance about Show Me A Hero that rather stunned me.  In past David Simon series such as Homicide, The Wire, Generation Kill and Treme; characters eventually move on, many living yet some having passed.  Yet, particularly regarding The Wire, we are left with the realization that while there are changes, nothing really has changed.  Think of it: the Baltimore Homicide unit still fights an uphill cause of righting the wrongs of the city; The Game still continues even though as Slim Charles says "It just got more fierce"; we are still in Iraq and in other military zones in the Middle East; and New Orleans is still in a lengthy process of recovering. 

It is rather different in Show Me A Hero.  That is because the public housing project in Yonkers works, even to this day with some 200 projects developed each year.  Those still alive are still living in Yonkers and/or Westchester County, yet there lives are a heck of a lot better than decades prior.  As well, the legal matters regarding the City of Yonkers were eventually settled....in 2007!  None the less, they are settled.  Possibly the one leading constant in the past 28 years has been Judge Leonard B. Sand still on the bench; albeit as a senior district court judge but still quite active. 

In part 1 of this essay, I alluded to the Clarke Peters character,  Robert Mayhawk, as plausibly being a fictional composite character of the many different community organizers and land developers that were involved in the early 1990s.  I suppose I am correct in this assessment, as can be witnessed in the final end credits montage of the actor and his/her real life counterpart.  There clearly is not one for Clarke Peters.  I do feel however that Mr. Peters' role is an important piece of the puzzle when examining the matters pertaining to the housing project.  As well, similar to Peters' roles as Lester Freamon in The Wire and Big Chief in Treme, there is a sense of moral clarity and realistic ideals that his character provides to others.  I think of a scene in part 6, where Mayhawk, Oscar Newman (Peter Riegert) and others are hosting a seminar for proper neighbor policy.  Clearly, many of the African-American homeowners are feeling belittled and/or insulted.  Yet, Mayhawk responds with what TV Tropes likes to call an armor-piercing question.  I'm paraphrasing here, but what is said is that in wanting a better life, most things would be different.  Not necessarily better, but different.  So with that in mind, is it better to be in a different environment with a promising future, or a bleak future with same results?  Well, as we see towards the end, the homeowners understand these matters and are able to make different yet better lives for themselves.  Obviously it is best shown with Doreen Henderson (Natalie Paul), who has indeed become an important figure in the community. 

Show Me A Hero utilizes songs from two distinct singer songwriters.  One is Bruce Springsteen, which at times seems like during the run of the miniseries we are hearing a greatest hits package.  It is quite meticulously done and fits the scenes these songs are placed in.  A more specific and yet important example is Steve Earle.  Mr. Earle has appeared in supporting roles in The Wire and Treme; and in Show Me A Hero a deep cut from his album The Hard Way is played at the end of every installment.  It is a song named When The People Find Out.  Here is the initial recording from 1990. 

In the last installment, a newer acoustic version is heard which is more somber.  I personally prefer the newer version, which is far more biting and attentive to Earle's lyrical wisdom.  Now, there is another song played on the last installment which I am not too sure what it is, though it sounds quite good.

One final impression Show Me A Hero had on me, and I think I am not alone in this regard.  I found this miniseries to be more promising and important than a film Paul Haggis did 10 years ago.  That movie of course was Crash, which I did like and still think was a surprise gem in 2005; I do not think it was worthy of a Best Picture Oscar, as I would have preferred Munich or Syriana as better movies that year.  None the less, this is one of Mr. Haggis' best projects he has done recently.  And one of two this year, the other being his involvement in the Alex Gibney documentary Going Clear; of which I mentioned in an earlier post.

Quite honestly, I am looking forward to what will be the next David Simon series or film he and his team at Blown Deadline have up their sleeve.  Understandably, initiating a newer series or film or even book will take time; yet I look forward when the time comes.  I feel the same way for Paul Haggis and his team at Pretty Pictures.  Indeed, on a different matter, I am glad to see Mr. Haggis not need Scientology to advance in his endeavors.

Oh, one final thing.  The person in elderly care in Part 1 of Show Me A Hero looked fairly familiar.  I have now found out the actor was Rene Auberjonois; quite a nice cameo from one of the more iconic Hey, It's That Guy actors out there.  Here is one of his more known roles.

In short, Show Me A Hero is on my shortlist for the best television in 2015; it is already for me the best miniseries.  If this were a movie, it would definitely be among the best of this year.  In fact, if Show Me A Hero cannot get Emmy nominations; I do not see why it should not receive Oscar nominations.  It is that good.

All The Pieces Matter,

Robert

PS.  Related to Scientology.  I am becoming convinced that the Church of Scientology had a role in the death of Philip Seymour Hoffman.  I will explain more soon.

Why have one when you can have at least two?

This is getting beyond ridiculous and is frankly becoming saddening and maddening.  Sen. and Sec. Of State Hillary Rodham Clinton should have been given the coronation she deserves, which I hope is still probable given the recent Quinnipiac poll indicating Mrs. Clinton leading all possible Republican Presidential contenders.  Here is the big problem: not only are the Republican and Independent candidates piling up, so are the Democrats. 

Earlier today, Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley threw his hat into the ring as another candidate running to the left of Sen. Clinton.  A proposition which is impossible given Sec. Of State Clinton is the most liberal candidate running in decades.  None the less, the clown car seems to be adding Democrats to the field when there should not be any other Democrats.  This includes President Barack Obama whom we know plans on running for a third term.  And to add another person, Sen. Lincoln Chafee who was initially a Republican that lost his senate seat to a Democrat (Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse) and two years ago became himself a registered Democrat; Sen. Chafee is also running for President. 

Holy shit.  Why cannot the political world and much of the real world accept the fact that for the last 23 years, we needed the Clinton family running us all?  When is it ever going to get to these opponents' head that nobody in any political and social ideal can ever return to a 1992 or earlier world mindset?  The 1980s era has ended.  The era where anyone that was not a conservative would be fucked over is never coming back.  What Ron Silver said during President Bill Clinton's inauguration ceremonies is true then as it true now.  The White House now belongs to us, the oppressed.  Look; people my age were never supposed to live this long.  If President Ronald Reagan and his people had their way; the world would have ended by 1983 or 1984 due to nuclear war.  Those that survived would be living in a Mad Max society, where people would ask "Who Killed The World?" 

President Clinton was able to end this madness if only a short while.  Sad to say, these last 15 years have been bad for the world and for us all.  We need Sen. Clinton to reclaim the throne and become the President she needs to be.  And yet, there is this sinking feeling that we will not be getting a Clinton return.  For anyone that relishes in the idea of sabotaging the much needed coronation; you should be shutting up before your problems get revealed.  I know I have mentioned Michael Rivero recently; the person who just will not get over his life being "ruined" in the aftermath of Vincent Foster's death.  To this I say to him: the check did not clear 22 years ago.  What makes you think you will get it now? 

For those not aware, when someone doth protest much, there is usually a hidden reason why.  If I am complaining about something that I might be doing in private; do not be surprised if when my secrets are revealed, I am looked down upon regarding my hypocrisy.  I may have more to say on this; though I do not think it is necessary. 

In any event, having too many candidates running for one office will negate the relevancy of being a President.  This may not end well. 

And just like the era of 80s excess has ended, the era of sitcom paint-by-numbers has ended.

Talk to you soon,

Robert

PS.  As I was finishing this essay, word came that Beau Biden, Delaware Attorney General and a potential Gubernatorial nominee, has died of brain cancer.  This is a very shocking event that I did not see coming. My condolences to the Biden family and his loved ones. 

UK Elections Day 2015

Here in the United States, May 7 is for many just a day.  However, halfway across the world in the United Kingdom, this is the day elections take place.  It encompasses Local Elections for Mayors, Town Council members and the like; along with General Elections, those being elected to the House of Commons from 630 constituencies. 

Now why is this important?  Well, in the UK, there have been a multitude of different political parties all jockeying to receive a plurality in Parliament.  In addition, those elected to the House of Commons effectively run the day-to-day governmental affairs of the country in a Westminster-like hierarchical format.  This effectively means that voters will go to the polls today voting mainly for party and not so much the MP. 

This year has the potential to change the leadership in Great Britain from a rather fragile Conservative/Liberal Democrats coalition to one that may still be a minority government; only this time it could be one lead by the Labor Party.  This year may likely see the potential for the UK Independence Party (UKIP) to gain somewhere up to 100 or so seats in Parliament; this may include its leader Nigel Farage.  UKIP, for those not aware, are effectively the most right wing of parties to emerge in the world the past 30 years.  And while this political organization has charisma and an economic populist message; their social and international policies are not pleasing to many. 

My preference for this year's General Election is the Labor Party; and subsequently for its leader, Ed Milliband, to become Prime Minister.  It appears that Labor is starting to tap into their commoner legacy that had gotten Labor into majority leadership in the first place.  I mention this because during the Premiership of Tony Blair, and to a lesser extant Gordon Brown, Labor acted little in difference from that of the US Republican Party; especially in foreign policy matters.  Mind you, Labor has far to go in reviving its Atlee and Wilson premierships, but a Milliband leadership will certainly help in changing matters. 

Later on tonight or tomorrow, once the election results come in, I will explain my reactions to any result that comes in.  As well, what the changes in leadership might mean for the rest of the world will be looked at.  As of now, I cannot predict which party will gain the plurality in the House of Commons; mainly due to a first-past-the-post system that eschews primaries.  We will learn more as the day goes on.  None the less, this is an important to vote. 

I first heard this latter day Woody Guthrie gem at the end of Tim Robbins' rather prophetic political satire Bob Roberts.  The message still matters today as it did in Mr. Guthrie's lifetime.

Talk to you all later,

Robert

Conned them all, of course

I can remember being a very young child, seeing commercials for a commemorative edition of a self book that was now in place to be sold in bookstores everywhere.  The commercial was pure 1980s: synthesized electronic music, early computer graphics, and vague quotes being shown on a black background. 

This, as you can see, was a paperback revised edition of Dianetics.  It was a public reintroduction to the writings and ideas of L. Ron Hubbard (1911-1986), incorporating more information that supplanted the initial 1950 publication.  Some time went on, and nothing significant came of Dianetics in my life; apart from reading the book at a library and being confused.  Sometime in the early 1990s, that changed.  In the golden age of informercials, Dianetics was given its own 30 minute spot on television.

This intrigued me, partly because among the interviews in that program was Nancy Cartwright.  I do remember the spot emphasizing the need for self help and letting go of the reactive mind.  The net result was to go clear; in the mind, the body, the soul and the self.  Now, I can understand those ideas.  Yet, I had been reading the source materials at my library and seemed quite confused at the noted contradictions and problems in obtaining "clear".  It might have made more sense to someone older than the age of 10, you might say.  Perhaps, yet I was a prodigious reader even then and knew a lot of terms and concepts most others my age were not familiar with. 

Years later I came across an interesting program on A&E named Investigative Reports, hosted and produced by Bill Kurtis, that had on one night a multi part look at the life and legacy of L. Ron Hubbard.  It was on that show that I became aware of Hubbard's crowning business, the Church of Scientology.  Now, this was odd: a church that was effectively founded by someone that had died only about 10 years before?  And one that was taken seriously by both celebrities, governments and common people alike? 

Well, it happened.  By now I suppose you all know what Scientology is.  You likely have seen or read Battlefield Earth; the absurdity presented there is quite similar to what Scientologists believe.  Still many like you and I have seen the Paul Thomas Anderson film The Master; pretty much convinced the self help solutions are stolen from better texts and philosophers.  Yet for myself, nothing prepared me for the truth to be revealed, in more ways than one, as I and others read the Lawrence Wright book Going Clear. 

I do not think a full synopsis is needed, though let me point out this fact.  Scientology is a cult that due to intimidation and financial tomfoolery has become amongst the most suppressive and abusive religions known to man.  How anyone can go this deep into effectively becoming mere trash for one man's whims (that man now being David Miscavige) is beyond my imagination.  I was and still am particularly disturbed with the idea of disconnection, to say nothing of The Hole. 

Two weeks ago, documentary filmmaker Alex Gibney premiered his 2015 adaptation of Going Clear on HBO. This was done with the full support of Lawrence Wright, and includes interviews with Wright, journalists, former Scientologists including Paul Haggis and family members.  What mostly is of interest are the stories coming from people who are not famous; people that can detail what they saw and what they felt.  The interviews are quite emotional and feel unscripted; unlike what the Church of Scientology have been doing to counteract the revelations being brought forth. 

There is one person in this religion that rules all, and he is David Miscavige.  Believe me when I say the book and documentary do not even go to explaining the more gorier events surrounding Miscavige.  For one thing, David Miscavige's own wife has been missing for 8 years.  At this point, Shelly Miscavige might be dead; yet no one in the church is investigating the disappearance, and neither are police and governments.  Still many others that are likely in The Hole are probably in that same fate too. 

If there was any justice in this world, David Miscavige would be sentenced to life imprisonment at least for really the last 29 years.  Yet, even though it is an HBO film coming off of the success of the miniseries The Jinx; it is sadly well known that this man:




will not be prosecuted and be continued to be revered unlike this man:



To let you know, the last photo is a picture of Robert Durst.  As I mentioned before, Durst will be brought to justice one day for what he did; mainly because Robert Durst matters little to us.  While David Miscavige is not an important figure in my life; yet he is the supreme being for any Scientologist.  Put it this way: Pope Francis will not personally attack me or my family because we do not go to Mass and have differences with Catholic dogma.  Go take a look at any Scientology response to the truth being made known and you will see a vast difference. 

I urge my fellow readers and passers by to see and read Going Clear.  This is another gem from Lawrence Wright and Alex Gibney that I think will garner attention and ideas in the years to come.  Perhaps in time, David Miscavige will one day reveal the truth, if only to himself.  It did occur with Robert Durst.

When that happens, what will the response be?  I am not sure, yet I am rather concerned none the less.  

Talk to you all sooner rather than later,

Robert

Short yet necessary

Are the rumors true?  Is this the restart after 6 years that we have waited for?  Let us hope so!

It has been a long time coming.  One of my next posts will be a look back at Homestar Runner, I would think the most important non-political website that has influenced myself and many others. 

Do you remember 13 years ago

Robert

Live Blogging the Oscars Part 2: The Tape Delayed Editon

Well thanks to the usage of On Demand software form Verizon, I am now able to give you my continued live blog of what went on during the 87th annual Academy Awards.  Mind you, we know what happened already.  So this is more an opinion piece than anything else. 

Here's what I initially missed while away from my laptop on Sunday night.

Not a time goes by that I think Liam Neeson was robbed of an Oscar in Schindler's List.  You see kids, before Neeson became the hard as nails grandfatherly action star; he was quite the great actor. 

Adam Levine is practically everywhere.  While it is not a bad thing; he may be overexposing himself.  I really would hope Maroon 5 would create another pathos led work like Songs About Jane.

So the award for Best Costume Design is being shown. 

The winner is not Coleen Atwood.  It goes to The Grand Budapest Hotel!  I am very pleased with the result. 

I was right about The Grand Budapest Hotel winning Best Make-Up and Hair Design.  Also well deserved. 

About an hour and a half later, we return to where we left off.  And it is a rousing Common and John Legend performance of Glory.  Brilliant all around.  I also am liking the social political concerns being made in the ceremony.  Frankly, more people in different fields need to speak up on what concerns them. 

Since the songs nominated have been performed, it is now time I think for another performance. 

And right we are; 50 years ago, the Robert Wise film The Sound Of Music was completed.  I must say, it is nice to see Dame Julie Andrews mentioning her ideas and memories on that time.

I am in awe every time Lady Gaga performs.  Every time!  Definitely one of the best singers to come out over the last 10 years.  And she did not need a TV talent show to do it. 

Now we go to Best Original Score.  And it looks like Alexandre Desplat does not cancel himself out.  He wins for his work in The Grand Budapest Hotel.  I like how Wes Anderson is starting to be treated quite seriously with AMPAS.

Idina Menzel is presenting Best Song.  And just to prove there are no hard feelings, here comes John Travolta.  He is starting to remind me of Senor Cardgage.  I do not know whether to laugh or feel scared.

Anyway, Glory won Best Song. Some important truths were mentioned by Common and John Legend on current human rights needed. 

Well, there is going to need to be a part 3.  I have quite a bit to say on who won the remaining 6 awards.  By the time you and I are reading this; we have known what happened.  So, in addition to my continuing running commentary on the ceremony; I will have more to say on these winners.

Kindest Regards,

Robert

PS.  By the way, this is whom I am referring to as Senor Cardgage.  For anyone that loved Homestar Runner, you will instantly know.


Now let us hope the next Homestar Runner cartoon is shown sooner rather than later.

Real Time

I mentioned in my most recent post the turn of the events surrounding the lives of Brian Williams and Jon Stewart.  A process which, I think, is beginning to resemble Freaky Friday, in one wants to be the other.  Yet, unlike those that we hear about recently; Bill Maher has not been like that.  Indeed, for Bill Maher, it has always been him using comedy as a form of political activism and commentary that has been tapped by only a select few of the comedy greats. 

And yes, this does extend to Maher's pre-Politically Incorrect and Real Time days.  This also, indeed, extends to some of the more lower budget comedies Bill Maher starred in during that time frame.  Perhaps Cannibal Women In The Avacado Jungle Of Death was not that explicit, or even that good.  Yet I do remember being a young kid and seeing every so often on Comedy Central Maher's 1991 horror/political comedy Pizza Man.  It is not readily available to view now, save some clips on YouTube.  Yet, Maher's political leanings were always there.

What made me want to follow Bill Maher was his courage and gumption to say important ideas at a time when most media were censoring themselves in order to catapult the war propaganda.  In that same 2001-2005 period I mentioned when NBC News and Brian Williams were no different than the Cheney-Bush people, Jon Stewart was a bit timid at best to go against the grain.  Bill Maher was not like that.  Indeed, in the immediate aftermath of 9/11, I can remember only two people in the television media that were aghast at the responses and jingoism that were afoot from an event which we all know was not what we were told.  Of course, Maher was the leading figure; the immediate result was the cancellation of Politically Incorrect.  The other I can remember was Rev. Fred McFeely Rogers; whom we all knew as Mr. Rogers.  You know, it has always been a quizzical coincidence to me that hostilities in Iraq by the US Military began After Mr. Rogers had died.  One wonders what would have been different had he been alive. 

Luckily for us, Bill Maher did not take the cancellation sitting down.  Indeed, in the 12 years it has been on, Real Time with Bill Maher has been immeasurably superior.  Personally, I prefer Real Time than The Daily Show due to a greater interest in interviewing iconoclasts and unique leaders.  For instance, you may not have ever seen Noam Chomsky, another hero of mine, on commercial television.  Yet Dr. Chomsky has been on Real Time.  There is also a sense of actually attempting to bring forth change in the political landscape with Maher's ideas, including expanding horizons by executive producing Vice. 

What also makes Real Time a more important show are the New Rules at the end.  They usually are quite funny, with some good uses of photo shop.  Maher usually ends the show with a New Rule extended commentary that is both funny and thoughtful on a medium that does not seem to do both.  In point of fact, just this past night, Maher's final New Rule says it all, I think, on the current Nightly News landscape.

In short, Bill Maher has been far more valuable in giving people the news along with even making the news.  There are often times when I am amazed that Maher has not become an overtly political candidate. 

Yet, this is where Bill Maher falls short.  They have not gone where Tom Dobbs went; seeking the office and winning the office of President.  For those who do not know, Tom Dobbs was a fictional television political commentator and humorist played by Robin Williams in the Barry Levinson film Man Of The Year.  Easily one of the better political satires in recent memory, alongside films like The Campaign, Man Of The Year does not get enough traction for its interesting plot and commentary.  Sadly, it was hardly mentioned at all after Robin Williams died. 

In a way, though, Robin Williams was more potent and politically influential than the three I mentioned.  More than half of Williams' stand up was social-political oriented.  Heck, go look at any of Robin Williams' stand-up and be amazed at the insight he had.   There is one point in his 2009 D.C. show that looks at the ten years prior as if someone was coming out of a drug haze.

A lot of truth in those nearly 4 minutes.  And perhaps a tough act and person to follow. 

So I look at it this way.  In speaking the truth, whichever it may be, and usually it is one's opinions and memories:

Brian Williams is a spokesperson and a guy just eager to get into the cool kids' club.
Jon Stewart is a humorist that would rather be a journalist.
Bill Maher is whom he has always been, and is one of the bravest people in the media.
Robin Williams was a brilliant man with a brilliant mind, and more of a leader than others think.

You see the differences?  Looking at Brian Williams alone, his suspension came during a week when New York Times media columnist David Carr died suddenly just a day after making his opinions known on the Brian Williams matter.  In that same time period, CBS News foreign and 60 Minutes correspondent Bob Simon died in a traffic accident .  Two newsmen and columnists that, foibles notwithstanding, remained newsmen and columnists.  And I know Stewart may fancy himself a newsman and columnist; quite the change from his non-essential MTV years (and yes I remember those years too!). 

So, knowing this sea of change, what will Brian Williams do next?  Would it be a surprise to anybody that he becomes someone who becomes the news for what he says than for what he does?  Would it be out of the ordinary for him to be involved in, say, the fake news division of the next Grand Theft Auto game?  I am not sure.  I do know that while news and entertainment can and do mix (infotainment); the need to be with the entertainment side can really hurt a person who is a newsman.  I do not blame Brian Williams for doing what he did.  Indeed, some of these stories could fit well in a book. 

Yet, just as Alison Williams has no desire to follow directly in her parents' footsteps in journalism; it does not mean Brian Williams could follow in a way the trajectory of Alison Williams.  Obviously what Alison does to entertain people is not what Brian does or would do to purportedly inform people; yet the allure is there.  Indeed, as Bill Maher mentioned, much of the news today described on a half hour program means little.  Is it any wonder people will look elsewhere for their news and information?  And is it not interesting that it takes a humorist like Maher or Robin Williams, or Jon Stewart, or going back some years George Carlin, Mort Sahl, Bill Hicks, Paul Mooney, Joy Behar or even Mark Russell to give people a more truthful interpretation of the news than most newsmen today? 

In the end, for me, when the news went full jingoistic in the months and years post-911, I lost my trust in the mainstream media.  That is collectively than on an individual basis.  Indeed, I happen to like Brian Williams at times.  Yet, somewhere along the way, he thought himself a celebrity only and not what his employment is; a newsman. 

In memoriam for two newsmen:  Bob Simon (1941-2015) and David Carr (1956-2015).  My thoughts and well wishes and prayers go out to their families and loved ones.

Well, that ends my spiel on the news today.  Though there are times when a news day is basically waking up, falling out of bed; dragging a comb across your head.

A final chord that can never be duplicated.

Catch up with you all soon,

Robert

PS.  Go see Kingsman: The Secret Service.  I will explain more later.

A bit of a note

Well, I just was about to complete my Channel Awesome dissertation when suddenly I accidentally pressed the backspace key.

I am terribly sorry for the problems to have arrived.  The fourth and I hope final post on Channel Awesome will come fairly soon.  In the meantime, here is a picture I think sums up my abject blundering. 

Cheers,

Robert 

Live blogging Super Bowl 49

Join me as you watch Super Bowl 49 while I every so often make comments during said game and it televised broadcast.

NBC is showing starters on both offense and defense for both Patriots and Seahawks.  Also the Special Teams players, which almost never happens.

Crazy Train for the Pats; Bittersweet Symphony for the Hawks.  How appropriate.

My apologies for missing most of everything before kickoff.  Now, though, on to the first half.

Patriots have the ball, and may throughout much of the night.

Both teams will need to throw the ball as much as possible.  Since the maxim to follow is defense wins championships, the forward pass will be needed.

First punt of the night.  Let us hope this does not turn into a blowout, again.

This also should be a game with some interceptions, if needed.

Marshawn Lynch got sacked twice before a first down.  Now the Seahawks punt.

And it is a fair catch.

Darn interesting BMW commercial.  I had no idea this was possible for retired newspeople to make an ad this interesting.

If it's 3rd down, it is time to throw the ball.  For both teams.

Except when it is 3rd and one, I suppose.

Bill Belicheik is wearing a blue hoodie.  Just in case you wanted to know.

First interception of the night.  And it is the Seahawks defense.

I am liking these new visors the players are wearing.

First period over.  The score, as is said in association football, is nil-all.  Not good. Although I have always wondered what it would be like if there is overtime in the Super Bowl.

I do not think Carnival Cruises entirely understood President John F. Kennedy's speech using the sea as a metaphor.  This may not help Carnival as they attempt to end their reputation for trips gone awry.

Pete Carroll is wearing a blue long sleeve shirt, in case you are wondering.

Not a great throw from Russell Wilson. 

Patriots have got the ball again.  Maybe these have been Inflated tonight for both teams.

What is the deal with beer commercials and dogs?  And would it have killed Anheiser Busch to actually get the license to use The Proclaimers' own recording of I'm Gonna Be?

Another Terminator movie?  Why?

Good 3rd down play from Tom Brady right there.

First Touchdown of the night.  And it is Brady to Brandon Lavell.  It is now 7-0 Patriots. 

Furious 7 seems interesting.  I do wonder what will become of Paul Walker's character. 

First QB sack of the night against Wilson.  Not a good sign.

The long throws tonight are not working as of yet.

Julian Edelman is quite a good return specialist.  He reminds me of a younger Tim Brown in that respect.

Cats In The Cradle is not a heartwarming song.  Nissan seems to forget the lines "my boy is just like me".  Harry Chapin would not be proud.

Another punt, a result of not a good drive.

Sir Paul McCartney is in the building. 

First penalty of the night.  This is against the Hawks.

A good long catch for once! 

Marshawn Lynch's first touchdown of the night.  The score is now tied 7-all.

The first quarter is usually the fastest played.  It will be the fourth quarter that will seem like an eternity. 

2nd penalty on the Seahawks.  Immediate first down.

First team time out of the night of 6.  Believe me, both teams will use their timeouts and challenges whenever possible.

2nd Brady touchdown, this time to Rob Gronkowski.  It is now Patriots 14-7.

Tom Brady now ties Joe Montana with 11 Touchdowns, tied for most in Super Bowls.

Russell Wilson cannot be stopped when he is running.

With 6 seconds to go, it will take 6 minutes to complete. 

Russell Wilson touchdown to Chris Matthews, the wide receiver.  It is again tied 14-all.

Thank you for watching the final run through of the dress rehearsal.  Stay tuned after half time for when the Real game begins.

Thankfully, it is a close game, and will be watched to the end.  At this point last year, the game was over.

And now, Pepsi presents the Pepsi Halftime Show starring Pepsi.  Did we mention Pepsi sponsored this?  Well, Pepsi sponsored this Pepsi event.  Oh, right; here is Katy Perry.

Lenny Kravitz is making I Kissed A Girl a whole heck of a lot more interesting.  I would like to hear a fuller version of that.

It must be an honor and an insult to be one of the life sized puppets on stage.

First audience participation in a Super Bowl.  Why did it need to be Katy Perry starting this?

Missy Elliott is in the building.  It has been a long time, has it not?  Watch and learn, Katy Perry. 

Please take over this halftime show, Missy. Please? 

Of course the big number is Firework.  It might still be Perry's most accomplished work. 

Nice subtle advertising for NBC's The More You Know campaign.

Now, on to the real Super Bowl game.  It is a restart, with a 14-all tie.

It is also night now in Arizona. 

That was The Voice reminding us of the least important Mad Max movie. 

Does a GEICO commercial ever emphasize their car insurance business?  Is a football filled with air?

Seahawks carry the ball to start this half.

It is clear NBC wants the Seahawks to win this game.

Steven Hauscka kicks the ball for a 17-14 Seahawks lead. 

Quite funny Sprint commercial, though obnoxious.

Bet you dollars to dollars Chris Mathews and Hardball will be linked at least once tonight.  Think of the publicity, NBC.

Good first down from the Patriots. 

Another interception for the Seahawks.

I told you Hardball would be mentioned. 

Wilson touchdown to Doug Baldwin.  It is Seahawks 24-14.

Well, I am calling it.  To me, this game is now over.  How will the Patriots be able to recover a 10 point deficit?  In addition, I am also calling who will be MVP: Chris Matthews.  Now to just watch a close game turn into another blowout. 

This is also the biggest point deficit Brady has had in any Super Bowl. 

You wonder if this is being scripted as a way to punish the Patriots for obvious cheating.

How many car commercials do you need?

Come back after the break for the interminably long fourth quarter. 

Can it be any more obvious that many want the Hawks to win it all again?  I'm not complaining.  Yet I would be if a New York Team was being rooted against .

Hardball is mentioned again. 

Here is a clear way to increase battery power on your smartphone.  Keep it charged at all times.

Well, that was a premature prediction.  Now a third Brady touchdown tonight, this one to Danny Amandola.  Seahawks still lead 24-21.  This now puts Tom Brady as the all time leader in Super Bowl touchdowns.

The Pats will need to get at least a field goal in order to tie, and preferably an interception to seal the deal. 

I would be up for real live Pac-Man.  Yet, I do not want a Bud Lite to get one. 

These next 7 minutes will last 7 hours.

The tortoise just cheated the hare with a Mercedes.  Not a fair idea.

Patriots got the ball back again for a chance to lead again.

Well, that was a good throw to erase a 10 yard penalty.

Brady's 4th touchdown to Julian Edelman.  My prediction has been discredited without question.  Patriots now lead 28-24.

The Patriots have now just lost the game.  With Another odd catch. 

Holy Shit!  An interception for the Patriots with 20 seconds to go! 

Now just to take a knee and it is all over. 

This game is ending badly, and very unsportsmanlike.

And now the knee has taken place.  The Patriots win 28-24.  Tom Brady now joins Montana and Terry Bradshaw as QBs with four rings.  Bill Belicheik now has four rings. Gronk, Edelman, Amandola etc.  get their rings.  And Brady can now go out on top if he wants to. 

None the less, I expect the Seahawks to win a couple more Super Bowls in the next few years.  They may be the team of this decade when all is said and done.

Well, thanks for reading this first live blog I did.  Feel free to comment and/or use my statements in a sort of EDM piece.  It might just rival Harlem Shake, or Selfie for most random statements without deep meaning. 

Good night to all,

Robert

PS.  The Patriots are going to get hit hard when the deflation penalties come.