And then I woke up...

Something has been on my mind for a while now.  It deals with breakups and reunions.  I suppose this started when the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announced 5 of their inductees for 2016.  Of the 5, only Steve Miller is going in individually.  Albeit, this will be the first induction for Dr. Dre when the rap super group N.W.A. get inducted this year; Dr. Dre will likely go in on his own shortly after.  So that leaves us with three active bands that could reunite with past members.


Cheap Trick in its current incarnation (Robin Zander, Rick Nielsen, Tom Pettersson and Dax Nielsen) are probably going to reunite with an original member (Bun E. Carlos).  Of course, this will not be easy; Carlos' interview with Rolling Stone magazine explains why.

Chicago will be for this one time reuniting with Peter Cetera.  Indeed, Mr. Cetera has been willing to initiate the summit.

Deep Purple is the clear uncertainty.  I am not sure if they will perform, and obviously Ritchie Blackmore is someone that will make sure bridges stay burned.

With that in mind, a similar hypothetical reunion is taking place at Coachella in April.  This is to go with the actual LCD Soundsystem reunion James Murphy has decided.  I am speaking of course on the purported Guns N Roses reunion.  For any GNR fan that is anxiously waiting for Axl Rose and Slash to be on the same stage in 23 years: do not hold your breath.  We will know it when we see it.

Like minded people come together when it appears joining forces will be most beneficial to create magic.  And there are times when someone decides to get involved with a budding or established project, hoping to improve upon the concept and add their input.  And yet, it only lasts for so long.

I think back to the era of the great american songbook; when Broadway was the place to be to hear new standards in song craft along with acting.  It was also the time when movie musicals were the highest form of entertainment for the masses.  It was an era of songwriting partnerships, buoyed by the likes of Rodgers and Hart along with Kern and Hammerstein.  The partnership of Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart was one of the better songwriting tandems for some 24 years.  By all means, Rodgers' melodies and Hart's sophisticated lyricism were the standard for proper collaborative songwriting.  And yet, Lorenz Hart had some difficulties in his life: namely not freely revealing his sexuality and coupled with his chronic alcoholism.  Just before Hart died in 1943, the Rodgers and Hart partnership had ended due in no small part to Richard Rodgers no longer finding the nerve to put up with Lorenz Hart's increasing erratic behavior.  Sadly, the loss of the partnership and Hart's mother earlier in the year prompted Mr. Hart to go on a two day drinking binge which ended in his death on an operating table on November 22, 1943.

Though not having the same amount of years or even exclusivity, Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II were frequent collaborators for some 15 years.  By that point, Kern had the most impressive lyricist to work with and Hammerstein had the most interesting composer to be involved with.  That partnership ended at about the same time the Rodgers and Hart team disbanded, albeit Jerome Kern had other partnerships and interests to attend to. Thus in 1943, Oscar Hammerstein II became the lyricist for a project Richard Rodgers had started with Lorenz Hart but later needed to be changed.  The ensuing musical was Oklahoma.  For 17 years onward, Rodgers and Hammerstein held a partnership that eclipsed their other collaborations with other songwriters.  Several great musicals came from this tandem; not to mention a considerable amount of songs to add to the great songbook.

Rodgers and Hammerstein's partnership ended in 1960 when Hammerstein passed away from stomach cancer.  Throughout the remainder of his life, Richard Rodgers would collaborate with other noted lyricists.  And yet, while the songs were quite good, Rodgers never did reach the same heights as he did with Hart and Hammerstein.  Yet in a way, the fact that two well established and acclaimed songwriters teamed up and eclipsed their past partnerships was a better fit to combine their fine artistry.

I then think back to a band that formed in the late 1960's and were making inroads with an increasing popularity by the middle 1970's.  It was 1974-1975 and Genesis had completed a 2 LP concept album that is still considered their peak of creativity: The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway.  The making of the album was not an ideal setting to begin with, wrangling over the writing and creative process.  Yet in all fairness, The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway, like much of Genesis' output up till then, was pretty much Peter Gabriel's idea.  Indeed on The Lamb, Gabriel wrote the liner notes and story, wrote all lyrics except for one song which Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford wrote, wrote half of the title track with Banks, composed music for a few songs solely (namely The Carpet Crawlers), helped in producing the album and being credited with, along side singing, voices and flute "variations on the above and experiments with foreign sounds".  By that it meant, Peter Gabriel either overdubbed and/or played live every instrument and new soundscapes at any given point.

Starting around Thanksgiving and continuing through May 1975, Genesis went on tour with an elaborate stage show; which was fully functioning maybe 20% of all the shows.  They performed the whole album live and in sequence, buoyed by Gabriel's singing, costume changes and iconic stage presence.  This created a long simmering schism between Steve Hackett, Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford and Phil Collins on one end and Peter Gabriel on the other end.  That may not be entirely fair to say this: Gabriel and Hackett collaborated often enough and Banks, Rutherford and Gabriel began their music careers as schoolchildren.  And, despite what some may say, Gabriel and Collins were quite chummy with each other.  Still, the concerts and ensuing media attention focused on Peter Gabriel to the exclusion of the other Genesis members.  As well, a schism had emerged with respect to the band's approach of their songs and albums through 1975.  It still persists, with some of the Genesis members (namely Tony Banks) having clear reservations on the Lamb yet applauding everything else; while Peter Gabriel feels Supper's Ready and The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway (the whole album and tour) were the high watermarks of his Genesis years and not thinking as highly on the other songs and albums.

The tour ended in early May, and with that so did Peter Gabriel's tenure in Genesis.  Steve Hackett left in 1977 based on similar artistic differences approached regarding Wind And Wuthering.  In all honesty, the four man lineup and the three man lineup were more commercially rewarding and artistically interesting.  I happen to like all Genesis eras, including the Calling All Stations late 1990's period when Ray Wilson was in the band in place of Phil Collins.  Indeed, I think Genesis were able to last as long as they did due to averting a band implosion with Gabriel leaving when he did.  I also feel Steve Hackett was able to expand his horizons by leaving Genesis.

And then of course, there is Peter Gabriel.  It has been 41 years since Mr. Gabriel left Genesis, and not once has he felt the need to go back.  Indeed, since 1979, although it has been hinted at, Peter Gabriel when he performs live does not perform any Genesis song.  Honestly, he does not need to.  Peter Gabriel's influence and excellence has eclipsed the influence and excellence of Genesis, a feat that does not often happen.  Look at it this way: Peter Gabriel has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice; with Genesis in 2010, and on his own in 2014.  He did not attend the Genesis induction, yet accepted and performed at his own induction four years later.  In fact, the presenter, Chris Martin, mentioned Genesis a lot more than Peter Gabriel did (once in his speech, in passing.)  And that is quite alright, in part because a reunion of the classic lineup of Genesis involving Gabriel has no chance of ever happening.

Even when there are reunions of the five, as can be seen in the documentary Sum Of The Parts; everyone is quite nice and all, yet Banks, Rutherford and Collins pretty much have no intention of willingly allowing Gabriel and Hackett to be the lead figures in detailing the history.  Heck, Steve Hackett's post Genesis work was completely overlooked in the documentary.  And it felt like the interviewees were going over Peter Gabriel's individual works only because they really had to.  I can remember watching it on Showtime and the obvious realization that the Genesis that made The Lamb have no intention of ever reuniting in full probably sunk in more than any other time.

Those are just two examples.  In the end for both examples, the breakup of one partnership signaled the beginning of more fruitful experiences with either other partnerships or more often finding greater rewards and artistic merit as individuals.  I can understand that as well.  Not long ago, I became involved with groups and organizations that came at the right time for my growth and experience.  It went all so very well; this included some really great days and events to remember.  Everything went into an orderly and functioning process that involved budding friendships and a sense that the partnerships would last .

And then I woke up...

When I did, then and now,  newer options came about.  And it became clear that the partnerships and groupings had ended.  Reluctantly or with hope, we realize that we must change partners yet again

Do not worry, fellow readers.  I am still here and still blogging; perhaps that long-awaited video and multimedia output for future essays and commentaries will happen.  What I mentioned is relative to a a community involvement that has run its course.  This weblog has not and will never run its course!

Talk to you all sooner than later,

Robert

PS.  The Oscar nominations were announced two days ago.  And yesterday, I saw The Revenant.  I will have a lot more to say on these matters shortly.

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

Idol...Out!

I remember the day 13 years ago like it was yesterday.  A high school friend of mine, Danny Kean, was being interviewed on Fox and Friends in an early June day in 2002.  The previous May, Danny was in Hollywood auditioning as one of some 40 semi-finalists for a show on Fox premiering that night named American Idol.  Now, I knew Danny was pretty darn good at the craft, having written his own songs and being able to play the piano and sing quite well.  Of course, being interviewed in New York City where he resides to this day meant that he did not make it to the live finalist telecasts to be voted on by a viewing audience.  Fortunately, Danny Kean has done well for himself ever since.

So that night, I watched the premier of American Idol in the hopes that Danny would be featured.  He was not, either that week or the next week.  What was featured were for the most part rejects that first week.  They were being looked at by three record industry bigwigs, for which two I knew about (Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson) and one I had become aware of his reputation and his track record (Simon Cowell).  It was hosted by two Los Angeles radio and/or stand up guys that I had no idea whom they were; although one of them looked uncannily like MTV personality Rikki Rachtman.  In any case, the rejects were the highlight of the show.

There was the one female that was clueless of her rejection that she came back.
The kid named Derek that looked dejected and was told that he sucked by Simon and other people at the New York audition.
The one guy that wanted desperately to make it into the business; to as he put it "be somebody's product."
The African-American female that when rejected told off Simon.
The one guy who auditioned by singing Silent Night and forgetting the lyrics (Silent Night; I said a Silent Night)
The one young man that deadpanned American Pie that made Simon mention that the music (as it were) just died.

To their credit, it got serious as the weeks went on.  Indeed, numerous celebrities became fans of the show; enough to fill the Dolby Theater for the season finale.  More importantly, it was on Idol Season 1 that we were introduced to an artist that I think is perhaps the successor to Linda Ronstadt in her varied talents.  That of course would be Kelly Clarkson; who has done extremely well in the 13 years since winning the first American Idol. 

It was Season 2 which began in January 2003 and ended that May when American Idol hit its stride.  That year, the rejected weeks were extended and were possibly even funnier than the year before.  I mean, who could ever forget that one woman who tried to sing Unchained Melody as the seasons went by?:).  More notably, it was the first year that I felt torn between who should win, as did many fans.  Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken and Kimberly Locke were the top three that year; and any one of them could have won and there would not be an outcry.  In the end, all three got recording contracts, and Ruben Studdard won the title of American Idol.  This was also the first year when the non winners, namely Clay Aiken, made a greater impact than the winners.  In fact, it happened again the next year.  Fantasia won, and deservedly so.  Yet, Jennifer Hudson became the Oscar winning singer and actress that shined brightest. 

One year after that, American Idol introduced us to a highly successful artist in Country Music.  Arguably, Carrie Underwood has had along with Kelly Clarkson the greatest success of any Idol winner.  To do that while basically sticking to a field of music true to her core was and still is rather ballsy and brave.  That was in 2005.  2006 was I think the start of things getting rotten.  While that year brought artists such as Katherine McPhee and Daughtry to the forefront; the winner that year was Taylor Hicks.  Hicks basically copied Joe Cocker move for move; an idea which I was not personally interested in.  Taylor Hicks also became the first Idol winner to not entirely have that great of a success as the years went by. 

The next year, Jordin Sparks took home the title of Idol; and for that year, she was the best.  In 2008, American Idol had one of its best seasons; David Cook won that year in one of the more closely watched seasons for finalists.  I think 6 of the top 10 went on to get recording contracts and enjoy comparative success.  Personally, I felt David Archuleta was more deserving; yet I have no complaints. 

2009 I think was the last great year for American Idol.  I along with many others became impressed and instant fans of Adam Lambert; definitely one of the best performers and showmen to grace the stage of the series.  Much of the top 12 were pretty darn good themselves.  And while I was not too impressed with Kris Allen; he did alright for himself.  Sadly, I do not think much of America were ready to accept Adam Lambert's lifestyle and theatrics at the time. That of course has since changed.  This was also the year Paula Abdul left.  That was quite a loss; I had like the banter Paula, Simon, Randy and Ryan Seacrest had going at that point.

I was not impressed with the following year.  Many of the finalists seemed mediocre compared to past years.  Though I really liked Crystal Bowersox and had hoped she would win.  That of course did not happen.  Lee DeWyze was the winner that year; a good singer who has done okay, yet it could have been a lot better.  I knew Lee DeWyze would not live up to past winners when his ending signature song was a cover of the U2 anthem Beautiful Day.  More importantly, Simon Cowell left after that year to focus more attention on The X Factor; as well as developing an American equivalent, producing the Got Talent series, leading his production company Syco, and becoming an innovative and on demand producer and talent manager.  Artists like One Direction, Cher Lloyd, Susan Boyle, Leona Lewis, Jackie Evancho and Fifth Harmony got their starts from these Simon Cowell produced shows. 

Not only did Simon leave, so too did Kara Dioguardi; who I thought made a damn good fourth judge.  As well, Ellen DeGeneres left American Idol so as to not exhaust herself from her other programs.  When that happened, American Idol changed.  Probably not for the better. 

The next year felt more like American Country Music Idol than anything else towards the end.  Not a bad thing; I do like Lauren Alaina and Scotty McCreery, the latter of whom won that year.  Indeed, McCreery has become I think the successor to George Strait in the new traditionalist mold.  However, I am not much of a country music fan nowadays.  You all know how much I loathe bro-country, so I will leave it at that.  2012 though was better; the year we were introduced to the rather interesting singer songwriter Phillip Phillips.  He has done well for himself; indeed I think he was the first Idol winner to have his ending signature song be one he wrote, Home.  Much of the time then and now, Phillip Phillips reminds me quite a bit of Dave Matthews.  Yet, he is unique.  That year though saw the departure of Randy Jackson.  It was that departure that sank Idol into the abyss, I think.

So, the first 11 Idol winners and the many runners-up are well known.  Since 2013; admittedly, who the heck cares.  Not many in my family, myself included, were satisfied with Candace Glover winning.  Caleb Johnson has done virtually nothing.  And only time will tell if Nick Fradiani stands the test of time.  Which brings us to now.  Next year will be the 15th and last season of American Idol.  So much has happened particularly since 2012 that has caused Idol to end, to say nothing of losing its relevance.  This of course will need to require another weblog essay just to analyze why it is now ending. 

The follow-up will come by tomorrow, I hope.  Let me though say one thing: Kanye West and Arcade Fire, to name two different artists, broke through also around 2002-2003.  They did not need American Idol to become amongst the best artists of their time.  Heck, neither did this band.

And they sold out Madison Square Garden for their final concert before breaking up!

Talk to you tomorrow,

Robert

Regaining the public trust

In view of the recent killings and charges brought forth by police officers; a wide array of people are wondering what can be done to ensure protection and justice are measured out evenly.  Personally, I am not too certain.  We are now reaching a threshold in which African-Americans will privately and publically state an axiom that is similar to one used by right wing people when discussing purported terrorism. 

"Not all cops are murderers, but all murderers are cops."

What can be stated as a mere opinion today may well turn out to be a fact tomorrow.  In short, the burden of change and reform is and has always been on the side of the police.  They are clearly not helping matters with their obstinate behaviors we have been seeing. 

A few days ago, in the midst of the Baltimore riots, Sen. and Sec. Of State Hillary Rodham Clinton gave a speech at Columbia University as the keynote for a conference on racial matters under the guidance of Mayor David Dinkins.  Sen. Clinton, who I believe needs to be President of the United States post haste, brought forth a great deal of wisdom and truth on these police issues.  Sadly though, after her initial comments, all the news networks, including C-Span, stopped showing the rest of Sec. Of State Clinton's speech.  I consider this a very shameful act on the part of the media; a media too busy to work in concert with others in ending Sen. Clinton's ascension to the Presidency before it even begins.  Here on this weblog, though, is the full speech Sen. Clinton made.  Heed these words wisely. 

I would like to go one step further in saying I agree with what other commentators are saying in that the hierarchy of the police departments need to change.  For that to happen, I would like to see the police nationalized and under the leadership of the federal government.  Only then can centralization come into place that will let cops know who they need to report to.  I would also like for most cops to not carry a gun during their patrol hours.  As we all know, though we tend to not acknowledge it, when one carries a gun; that person could lose all control of rationality if not careful enough.  In the end, the gun becomes an extension of the end; not unlike James Woods at the end of Videodrome. 

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=videodrome+hand&id=1CC82535C4D402BF038939D837C0260BCE6CF0A7&FORM=IQFRBA

You know, it does not even matter that three of the six cops charged in the killing of Freddie Gray happen to be black.  They were taking their orders from white superiors; still making this a racial issue.  And one further thing; stop the canard of "I was in fear of my life"!  It rings hollow for me when one grouping of people have multiple weapons and another does not; yet the more armed section claims they are in danger.  It makes no sense and is patently wrong. 

Once again, the onus is on the cops to change and alter their approach.  It is on their end to be less violent and collectively be more tolerant of others. 

Talk to you again shortly,

Robert

PS.  To Michael Rivero:  Sen. and Sec. Of State Hillary Rodham Clinton did not ruin your life.  You ruined Your life.  I will explain more later. 

Choose your leader

Here is what I think of some though not all of the political figures that will want to jockey for the Presidency of the United States.  For some not aware, the Presidency has sharply fallen in relative prestige since the 1960-1980 era; the era that Arthur Schlesinger Jr. would call The Imperial Presidency.  In my opinion, only President Bill Clinton from 1992-2000 was able to revive The Imperial Presidency, the most optimal and economically sound of presidencies that the United States has.  I do not consider the Presidency of Ronald Reagan (1911-2004) a success at one bit.  But that is another essay for another time.

Pres. Barack Obama:  I believe he will run for a third term, considering Obama's need for a legacy which has been failing precipitously every year from a promising beginning.  At this point in time right now, the 44th President of the United States would outright lose a November election.  I say outright since the 2012 election had fraud occur on all political sides. 

Sen. and Sec. of State Hillary Rodham Clinton:  She is the best choice; frankly, Clinton is the only choice to have both a return to The Imperial Presidency, a clear Democrat leader and a far better future by reconciling with the recent 90s past.  I am concerned that Secretary of State Clinton will not get the Presidency due to her being a nearly 68 year old female with more testicular fortitude than certain male leaders.  Already political internet journalists like Michael Rivero are foaming at the mouth at the prospect of a Clinton Presidency, wanting to stop it at any price.  I thus ask Mr. Rivero of What Really Happened: what are you hiding? And why have you and the website lost what once made you great?

Sen. Rand Paul:  He talks well in approach; yet Sen. Paul is a fraudulent man.  Libertarianism is not a workable approach to anything.  Sen. Paul's father, Dr. Ron Paul, is even worse.  Yet, the internet world is in awe of the Paul family; a family leading their flock to the same cult like fate of their predecessors. 

Sen. Marco Rubio:  Not worth my time and paper.

Sen. Ted Cruz:  He will be a surprise to many, though I have no plans to vote for him.  Not many Senators can lay claim to altering political life in only 4 years; Sen. Cruz has, though not to my liking.

Gov. Scott Walker:  The only Republican talking about the need for ethanol and the near literal conservative in the field.  Gov. Walker might get the nomination if more people listen.  Provided of course people are willing to lend an ear. 

Jeb Bush:  This third Bush in line may very well steal the Republican nomination.  If so, GOP should thereby stand for Gluttons Of Punishment.

Gov. Sarah Palin:  A decent enough person, though decency has not gotten Gov. Palin the coveted nomination.  I think she may have sold out a while ago.

Carly Fiorina:  A non-starter.  She lost to Sen. Barbara Boxer 5 years ago; why would Fiorina do any better now?

Dr. Ben Carson: Being a Doctor does not make one a President.  A cut above the rest, but that is not saying much.

Sen. Bernie Sanders:  He will stay till the bitter end, running as an Independent.  I would be surprised and excited should Sen. Sanders lead a poll; though again, not my first choice.

Gov. Chris Christie:  A fat, egotistical, bullying, condescending piece of shit. 

George Pataki:  Why???????????? 

Martin O'Malley:  The prior Governor of Maryland would have been a formidable Democratic candidate; had a Democratic won the Governorship last year.  Now there is nothing to back O'Malley up.

Jim Webb:  A potential dark horse candidate; I am not sure what to expect from the former Senator.  Though Webb's track record is exemplary.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren:  She is running, let it be known.  While I like Sen. Warren, I do not think she or any other Democratic candidate not named Clinton can win a November election.  However, it seems we are heading to multiple primary challenges from many political fronts.  This, including a Sen. Warren candidacy, will cheapen the Presidency further still.

Vice President Joe Biden:  No; I am sorry, but no.

Mike Bloomberg:  Do not think the former NYC Mayor has Not considered a Presidential run.  An arrogant man who did little for New York as far as I am concerned.

Dr. Jill Stein:  A brilliant individual.  Dr. Stein however is not going to be President.

Al Gore:  A most important person, and a personal hero of mine.  Yet, the Nobel Peace Prize winner's time has passed to ever become President. 

Rep. Paul Ryan:  I am concerned about this well spoken yet politically obtuse Congress Member.  Rep. Ryan does not know economics like he thinks he does.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo:  I find it odd no one has taken Gov. Cuomo's imminent run into consideration.  This will alter everything; just like Gov. Cuomo's election in 2010 did in New York.  Not my choice though.

Pope Francis: This one is obviously a joke, yet it appears as if the Catholic Church is returning to its ways of being arbiter and ruler of all.  I am from the Church; yet I am greatly concerned about what has been done these last two years. 

David Miscavige:  Only if a Scientologist becomes a politician, and I do not ever see that happening.  Miscavige is still a most frightening, megalomaniacal and short man.

The Rothschilds:  Our rulers whom have decided all of this from the beginning.  Much like wars, the Rothschilds finance all political parties; thus even if the people win, they also win. 

I will obviously have more to say as the days go on.  Suffice to say, my first choice is Sen. and Sec. of State Hillary Rodham Clinton.  And yes, the way to move forward is to reconcile and follow the 1990s.  The fifteen years since Bill Clinton's Presidency ended have been times of growing up and becoming aware; yet we as a people have lost so much since then. 

One thing we have not lost is our imagination to tell a story.  And I am anxious to see how this story plays out ten years since the last story.

Talk to you again soon,

Robert

The 6 remaining Oscars and their implications

Well, much of the rest of the 87th annual Academy Awards are devoted to presenting an award and seeing an acceptance speech.  The sort of unique performance aspect has been tapped out.  And, unlike the Grammys were the awards producers seem not to give a worth about the awards themselves; the Oscars are valued immensely.

First we have Best Original Screenplay going to Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu and his collaborators winning for Birdman.  One of three of the remaining awards that I thought would go to Richard Linklater and Boyhood.  Now, Inarittu winning the award is interesting.  You do have to understand, though; a movie that looks at the movie industry, or in this acting on stage, will garner the awards being presented.  This being one of the better movies that look at our celebrity fixation, the awards given out are quite legitimate. 

Best Adapted Screenplay went to The Imitation Game: adapted for the screen by Graham Moore.  I did not put this movie amongst my best in 2014; yet I was immensely pleased with the movie itself.  I of course would have preferred Paul Thomas Anderson to win.  Yet, I think Graham Moore made more of a compelling acceptance speech; perhaps the best of the night.  I am not sure if Mr. Moore's younger insecurities were due to his orientation or his beliefs; yet I and quite a number of others have been down that road before.  I never attempted suicide, though I know the feeling of being different than others.  Yet, so be it; you and I are different.  So too was Alan Turing.  Sadly, Alan Turing ended his life feeling alienated.  It should be, and hopefully will be, different this time around.

I also want to point out the interesting choices of Eddie Murphy and Oprah Winfrey in presenting the screenwriting awards.  In some respects, it is an ingenious move.  Perhaps a way to showcase their importance to film and making up for not winning competitive Oscars.  And yes, I think Eddie Murphy deserved to win Best Supporting Actor in Dreamgirls; why the heck did Norbit need to be released weeks before the Oscars in 2006? 

This is a bit off; yet I want to discuss Best Actor and Best Actress first.

Best Actor did not go to Steve Carell or Michael Keaton.  In somewhat of a surprise, it went to Eddie Redmayne in The Theory Of Everything.  I have still not seen the movie, though I really should.  I will say, though; Mr. Redmayne is a genuinely nice and affable person.  He was one of the few elements in Les Miserables that I liked.  And Eddie seemed surprised and humbled to win the award.  Plus, I think the approval of Stephen and Jane Hawking to have this film be made convinced AMPAS members to vote for this performance.

Best Actress did not go to Marion Cottiald.  Though she did win as Edith Piaf in La Vie En Rose.  The Oscar went to Julianne Moore in Still Alice.  It is another movie I have not seen; though I might soon enough.  I like Julianne Moore, and think she is one of our better actresses and amongst the coolest celebrities.  I have to wonder if Ms. Moore receiving the Oscar now is to make up for not winning for better movies.  This has occurred over the years to people like Al Pacino, James Coburn, Shirley MacLaine, James Stewart, Sir John Gielgud, Sir Sean Connery, Denzel Washington and others . None the less, a win is a win. 

Best Director went to Alejandro Gonzalez Innaritu regarding Birdman.  Again, I thought Richard Linklater would win it; though Innaritu is quite a good choice.  A.G.I. is one of our better and more innovative filmmakers; this was a long time coming. 

And Best Picture of the Year went to Alejandro Gonzalez Innaritu and Birdman.  By this point, it would have been awkward for Boyhood and Richard Linklater to win only Best Picture.  Possibly emphasized when Ben Affleck presented Best Director; an award Mr. Affleck would have received had he been nominated.  Also a bit of a tell when Sean Penn presented Best Picture.  Mr. Penn teamed up with A.G.I. to make 21 Grams, one of the best films of 2003 and over the last 20 odd years. 

I do think, between Birdman winning four Oscars and from last year Alfonso Cuaron winning Best Director regarding Gravity (the film winning another 5 technical Oscars); the members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences are willing to accept and recognize the New Wave of Mexican Cinema.  I would regard the storytelling elements and visual innovations in that form of cinema to be amongst the most important in the current movie culture. 

Something else to note: Mr. Innaritu has only made 5 important movies: Amores Parros, 21 Grams, Babel, Biutiful and Birdman.  Each one of these movies is fantastic.  Babel I think is one of the best films in recent memory.  I do hope to see where these Oscar wins will lead A.G.I. in future projects.  And yes, the same goes for Michael Keaton; who gave a shorter thank you speech when the movie won Best Picture.  What is next is anyone's guess; yet a path has been made for better works to come.

Well, that is my look and live blogging for this year's Oscars.  I do have other ideas that I would like to make known and to discuss.  Maybe these will not take multiple posts, even though I do commit to finish what was started.  Because you may want to know what I'm thinking.  What indeed is on my mind?

I think you may know what I picked this video. 

Catch up with you soon,

Robert

The 15 Oscars we will be talking about next week

At long last, here is the second and more interesting section of this year's Oscar nominees.  As well, if I had a ballot or were a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, here is whom I would vote for.


Best Costume Design

Coleen Atwood - Into The Woods
The Grand Budapest Hotel - costumes designed by Milena Canonero
Inherent Vice - costumes designed by Mark Bridges
Maleficent - costumes designed by Anna B. Shepard
Mr. Turner - costumes designed by Jacqueline Durran

Although my preference would be for Canonero or Bridges to receive this award; I must admit it will be very difficult to topple Coleen Atwood.  Ms. Atwood, even with a not great yet still well made movie like Into the Woods, has become one of the most important designers in film.  This award is Coleen Atwood's for the taking.

Best Cinematography

Roger Deakins - Unbroken
Emmanuel Lubezki - Birdman
The Grand Budapest Hotel - Robert Yeoman, director of photography
Ida - Lukasz Zal & Ryszard Lenziewski, directors of photography
Mr. Turner - Dick Pope, director of photography

Even though Roger Deakins has his 12th nomination, he will not have his first win.  The clear winner is Emmanuel Lubezki; having shot and filmed a movie that for the most part seems as if it was shot in one take.  I was particularly impressed in the camera movements Birdman had achieved, and thus I think Mr. Lubezki is most deserving to win Best Cinematography.

Best Documentary Feature: the award going to the movie's primary filmmakers

Laura Poitras,  Mathilde Bonnefoy & Dirk Wilutsky - Citizen four
Wim Wenders,  Laila Wanick Salgado & David Rosier - The Salt Of The Earth
Finding Vivian Maier - directed by John Maloof  & Charlie Siskel
Last Days In Vietnam - directed by Rory Kennedy & Keven Mcalester
Virunga - directed by Orlando von Einseindel & Joanna Natasgera

Wim Wenders is one of the most important and influential filmmakers of our time.  Yet he has never won an Oscar.  Having seen The Salt Of The Earth a while back; I am hopeful Mr. Wenders will be able to finally receive his Oscar.  Perhaps as a way for AMPAS to compensate for not even considering Paris, Texas and Wings Of Desire all those years ago.  Citizen four could be an upset, though it is rather doubtful.

Best Song

Glen Campbell & Julian Raymond - I'm Not Gonna Miss You - Glen Campbell: I'll Be Me
Common and John Legend - Glory - Selma
Diane Warren - Grateful - Beyond The Lights
Everything Is Awesome - The Lego Movie - music and lyric by Shawn Patterson
Lost Stars - Begin Again - music and lyric by Gregg Alexander & Danielle Brisebois

This award is going to Common and John Legend, and rightly so.  Like many, I am still peeved that Selma only received 2 nominations; and not any for acting, director, or technical achievement.  It is cold comfort, yet it is much deserving. 

Best Original Score

Alexandre Desplat - The Grand Budapest Hotel
Alexandre Desplat - The Imitation Game
Hans Zimmer - Interstellar
Mr. Turner - music by Gary Yershon
The Theory Of Everything - music by Johan Johansson

I think Alexandre Desplat should be in the vicinity to win an Oscar, particularly with respect to The Grand Budapest Hotel.  Yet, Mr. Desplat being nominated twice might be a cancellation of ballots.  So, I would not be surprised to see Hans Zimmer win another Oscar for his interesting score for Interstellar.  Mr. Zimmer of course is much deserving of acclaim and appraisal. 

Best Animated Film: awarded to the primary filmmakers

Dean Deblois & Bonnie Arnold - How To Train Your Dragon 2
Isao Takahata & Yoshiaki Nishmura -  The Tale Of The Princess Kaguya
Big Hero 6 - directed by Don Hall,  Chris Williams & Roy Conti
The Boxtrolls - directed by Anthony Stacchi, Graham Annable & Travis Knight
Song Of The Sea - directed by Tomm Moore & Paul Young

Although I really liked How To Drain Your Dragon 2; I found the Isao Takahata movie The Tale Of The Princess Kaguya to be more interesting once I had gotten a chance to see it.  Bear in mind, I am quite a fan of anime and Studio Ghibli anime in particular.  Thus this cerebral film is of more qualification to receive this award.

Best Foreign Language Film: awarded to the directors

Pawel Powlikaski - Ida
Abderrahammne Sissako -  Timbuktu
Zaza Ushadze -  Tangerines
Leviathan - directed by Andrey  Zyginiftsev
Wild Tales - directed by Damian Szifron

Having seen recently the Pawel Polwlikakski film Ida; I am certain this will deservedly win Best Foreign Language Film.  I also feel it could have contended for many of the leading Oscar categories.  Ida was well made and quite moving.

Best Original Screenplay

Wes Anderson & Hugo Guinness - The Grand Budapest Hotel
Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Nicolás Giacobone, Alexander Dinelaris, Jr. and Armando Bo - Birdman
Richard Linklater - Boyhood
Foxcatcher - screenplay by E. Max Frye & Dan Futterman
Night crawler - screenplay by Dan Gilroy

Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu and his co writers might be able to win this Oscar; considering Birdman went through numerous ideas that would not be found in a conventional movie.  I would much more prefer Richard Linklater to receive this Oscar, however.  Once again, the uniqueness of Boyhood is quite prevalent for movies in 2014.  Wes Anderson may need to wait a bit longer.

Best Adapted Screenplay

Paul Thomas Anderson - Inherent Vice - from the Thomas Pynchon novel
Damian Chazelle - Whiplash - from Chazelle's initial short movie
Chris Kyle, Jim DeFelice & Scott McEwen - American Sniper - adapted for the screen by Jason Hall
The Imitation Game - screenplay by Graham Moore from the Andrew Hodges biography Alan Turing: The Enigma
The Theory Of Everything - screenplay by Anthony McCarten from the Jane Wilde Hawking memoir Traveling To Infinity: My Life With Stephen

As odd as it may seem, Paul Thomas Anderson has never won on Oscar.  Not for Sydney, Boogie Nights, Magnolia, Punch Drunk Love, There Will Be Blood or The Master.  If for adapting Thomas Pynchon to the big screen, Anderson would be deserving to win.  Yet, Damian Chazelle did expand upon his student film to detail the hard life of a jazz musician.  So I would not be surprised if Chazelle's expansion of Whiplash receives the Oscar.  My preference of course would be for Paul Thomas Anderson; clearly one of the best filmmakers alive today.

Best Supporting Actor

Robert Duvall - The Judge
Ethan Hawke - Boyhood
Edward Norton - Birdman
Mark Ruffalo - Foxcatcher
J.K. Simmons - Whiplash

As remarkable as Hawke, Norton & Ruffalo were in their respective films; J.K. Simmons damn well nailed it in Whiplash.  In point of fact, I think this role of Simmons' might be looked at by up and coming filmmakers and actors at how best to, as they say, chew the scenery. 

Best Supporting Actress

Patricia Arquette - Boyhood
Laura Dern - Wild
Keira Knightley - The Imitation Game
Emma Stone - Birdman
Meryl Streep - Into The Woods

This is a two person race between Patricia Arquette and Emma Stone.  In the end, I believe Ms. Arquette will deservedly receive her Oscar, in a role that while not physically transforming is an evolutionary role in ideas and stature.  I was amazed and continue to be awed at Ms. Arquette's talents.

Best Actor

Steve Carell - Foxcatcher
Bradley Cooper - American Sniper
Benedict Cumberbatch - The Imitation Game
Michael Keaton - Birdman
Eddie Redmayne - The Theory Of Everything

This is a two person race between Steve Carell and Michael Keaton.  I am guessing Mr. Keaton will win an Oscar for basically playing a highly exaggerated version of himself and his Batman character.  It is an award which will be much admired by his peers. 

Best Actress

Marion Cottiald - Two Days, One Night
Felicity Jones - The Theory Of Everything
Julianne Moore - Still Alice
Rosamund Pike - Gone Girl
Reese Witherspoon - Wild

This should, I hope, go to Marion Cottiald.  She has become one of the most interesting and versatile presences in film,  allowing a movie to be become far more interesting just by being in it.  Please do not be alarmed that the movie is in the French language.  It is a well made and excellent film in every way possible. 

Best Director

Wes Anderson - The Grand Budapest Hotel
Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu - Birdman
Richard Linklater - Boyhood
Bennett Miller - Foxcatcher
Morten Tyldum - The Imitation Game

Bennett Miller might not win considering Foxcatcher did not receive a best picture nod.  That leaves either Anderson, Gonzalez Inarritu, or Linklater.  I think and am confident Richard Linklater will receive Best Director.  And about damn time too.

Best Picture - awarded to the producers

Wes Anderson, Scott Rudin, Steven Raines & Jeremy Dawson - The Grand Budapest Hotel
Clint Eastwood, Robert Lorenz, Bradley Cooper, Andrew Lazar & Peter Morgan - American Sniper
Eric Fellner, Tim Bevan,  Lisa Bruce & Anthony McCarten - The Theory Of Everything
Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, John Lesher & James W. Skotchdople - Birdman
Richard Linklater & Cathleen Sutherland - Boyhood
Oprah Winfrey, Christian Colson, DeDe Gardner & Jeremy Kleiner - Selma
The Imitation Game - produced by Nora Grossman, Ido Ostrowsky & Teddy Schwartzman
Whiplash - produced by Jason Blum,  Helen Easterbrook & David Lancaster

While The Grand Budapest Hotel, Birdman, Selma and Whiplash were amongst the best movies in recent years; there can only be one Oscar winner.  And that movie is Boyhood.  In a way, Boyhood deserving to and likely winning Best Picture is a career achievement award for Richard Linklater; easily one of the most original and interesting filmmakers of his era.  To devote 12 years to tell a story of a young man from grade school to first year at the University of Texas is quite the feat. 

Another matter too: when he was alive, Roger Ebert had a series of essays devoted to what he deemed The Great Movies.  Were Ebert still alive, I have little doubt this would immediately go into the pantheon of Great Movies.  Waking Life was already on there, and it was possible Bernie might have made it too.  In short, this is not only of the best movies in recent years; Boyhood may well be amongst the best to be made.  Mr. Linklater should now be ranked up there with many of the great filmmakers in bringing this to life.  I cannot wait for his next film. 

Well, that is whom I hope and believe will and should win Oscars this year.  None the less, I do wonder what you might think of these movies and the nominees.  If you are able to, please leave a comment on this article; the interactivity would be of interest to many.  Do remember to have a Google or G Mail account to have all things be verified.

Talk to you all tomorrow,

Robert

PS.  Remember when Maroon 5/Adam Levine were considered edgy?  Remember the first time you heard anything off of Songs About Jane?

Do you remember those days?  Well, Pepperidge Farm remembers.

Something to share with others

I must apologize for not bringing forth the rest of my Oscar predictions for tonight.  The laptop needed software to be updated.  I did however do something in my next step in becoming more involved with social media.  Yes, it is true: I made a photo meme. 

And it is taken from a photo of Brian Williams.  I do know this is going against the grain in what I might find humorous.  However, I thought of something both funny and different to generate this idea.  I already posted this on my Facebook account.  I thus now share it with others on this blog.

I mentioned before that the only true judges Brian Williams will face is his family.  Perhaps with their standing by him, a corner will be turned.  That is A corner, not The corner.  If it must be done, I will explain the punch line later.

More Oscar predictions tomorrow, fingers crossed,

Robert

Channel Awesome forgetting to be Awesome (Part 2)

So, what pivoted Channel Awesome to where it is today?  In other words, how could the website go from awesome to wretched?  Well, I think there was a change every year after the anniversary specials that increasingly would show flaws and concerns about how its business and relationship with content producers was fraying.  Incidentally, every anniversary special began to be more elaborate than the one before.

2009: The One-Year Anniversary Brawl.  In this one, Doug Walker and James Rolfe end their feud once and for all at a Chicago conference center.  This turns in to a free for all with Channel Awesome critics against Channel Awesome gamers.  In the end, Ask That Guy presents to these people words denouncing senseless violence and ushers in the era of collaborations.  And darn if it is not one of the funniest works Walker did.  I and many others were completely surprised when this showed up without much warning one late May day. 

Now perhaps the family atmosphere had not yet taken shape.  After all, many of these web stars were meeting each other for the first time that weekend of filming.  None the less, a rather good time was had by all.  As I mentioned, this ended the Angry Video Game Nerd vs. Nostalgia Critic feud.  And it did provide a transition to have people new to the website look at many of their contributors.  Yet, changes started to come.  Not drastically, or even with a tinge of sadness. 

For one thing, there was one reviewer, Dan Rizzo (The Aussie Gamer) that many felt a pain in the rear end for numerous reasons valid and otherwise.  Rizzo was let go, or left depending on how one views it.  Also, a few of the brawl participants were mainly podcast people, such as Cat Thompson and Billy "Gonzo" Smith of Nerd to the Third.  Their contentment was to do their writings and podcasts in the future.  Also, there were many Channel Awesome people that could not make it to the filming; but were there in subsequent anniversaries.  So overall, nothing problematic on a overall level. 

2010: Kickassia.  A more lengthy movie like structure in which Doug Walker and others make attempts to overthrow the micro republic of Molassia.  It is located in Nevada, and is basically the living quarters of its President, Kevin Baugh and his family and his alter egos.  Without surprise, Walker turns into Raul Julia as M. Bison in Street Fighter and effectively loses the republic. 

This allowed quite a few Channel Awesome producers to show their alter egos, or some of them at least.  For instance, Noah Antwiler's Dr. Insano, Linkara's Ensign Munroe, Lindsay Ellis' exaggerated Gov. Sarah Palin, etc.  Also, the filmmaking improved and seemed more professional like.  Yet, many changes came afoot that started to affect the relationship of several producers and the Channel Awesome leadership.

The most immediate impact was when Lee Davidge of Lee and Dena aka Still Gaming became three dimensional.  I should explain.  Lee would do his reviews and public appearances as if he were a still photograph able to move and speak.  That was an important part of his trademark.  It would change after Kickassia, of course.  Interestingly, Lee would have to deal with health problems and later life changes.  While his girlfriend Dena Natali has done numerous web series for Channel Awesome since then; Lee Davidge has postponed Still Gaming indefinitely. 

Another change occurred with some producers not making it to Nevada for the shoot.  In one case, Sean Fausz had health problems.  In another, Kristina Diggs (That Chick With the Goggles) had her computer crashed; subsequently leading to a reevaluation of her web series work.  And then, although she appeared in one scene beginning Kickassia; this would be the last Channel Awesome project Lindsey Briggs would get involved with.  Soon afterwards, Briggs ended the Little Miss Gamer series and PBC Productions to focus on working in different entertainment fields with firms like The Jim Henson Company.  For a fair deal of people that were early viewers of the site, this was a huge blow.  There still has not been any program on the website that was quite like LMG. 

Then came the first noted executive departure.  That would be when Mike Ellis left Channel Awesome. It would also be the first departure to not be explained by anyone.  I would think some rumblings came into form regarding financial matters within the company, and with whom was getting what in finances. 

2011: Suburban Knights.  In this movie, William DuFresne (Suede) returned after two years of missionary work.  Plot wise, Doug Walker led many Channel Awesome producers doing cosplay work to search for a MacGuffin.  In the process, they fight the Harry Dresden inspired Malacite (Orlando Belisle Jr.) and eventually save the world. In the process though, in plot and in filming, a mythos was created that would later be an albatross on the Walker Brothers.

You see, Doug and Rob looked at Kickassia as we look at Star Trek: The Motion Picture.  Rather good, including its restored director's cut, yet with flaws.  Not surprisingly, they looked at Suburban Knights like we look at Star Trek II: The Wrath Of Khan.  A game changer in the universe and perhaps its best film.  In this case, the Walkers effectively made their own Wrath of Khan. 

In the movie, Ma-Ti destroys Malacite with the power of Heart (as in the Captain Planet ring).  Ma-Ti was killed in the process, leading to a complete Wrath of Khan recreation.  And yes, a hint at the end for Ma-Ti's return. 

So in effect, Doug and Rob Walker painted themselves into a corner with Suburban Knights.  By basically lifting from Star Trek II, the next anniversary would need to lift from Star Trek III: The Search for Spock.  Eventually, that is what would happen.  Several events would alter the original plans.

First, a noted personality from the website, Jason Mulara (LordKat) left Channel Awesome around the time Suburban Knights was filming.  Partly as a result of tiring from doing Until We Win, and yet also due to differences afoot with the Channel Awesome leadership (including the Walkers) in artistic and commercial expression, Mulara left not in the best of terms with the website.  Afterwards, Benzaie would limit his involvement with Channel Awesome while doing other films and projects.  His role in the next anniversary was filmed in France and was essentially a cameo role.

Another person to stop by that time was Game Heroes creator and producer Thomas Hanley.  Handsome Tom as he is called went from having an effective lead role in the Brawl to a smaller role in Kickassia to an even smaller role in Suburban Knights.  In that film, Hanley mostly only said "I'm Wiilow".  He would appear for perhaps 10 seconds in the next anniversary film reading in his office. 

And then a departure took place that I believed changed everything for Channel Awesome. Early in 2012, Bhargav Dronamaju left his leadership role at the website and with that ended his Coffee with Bhargav web series and his Ma-Ti character.  To this day, No One from Channel Awesome past or present will mention why he left, or for that matter really anything to do with Dronamaju.  I at the time found it to be of a most disturbing trend of departures that would create problems with trust and legacy within the company.

2012: To Boldly Flee.  The result of these events led to an interesting film that in and of itself altered Channel Awesome considerably.  In short, Doug Walker as the Nostalgia Critic gets messages from a manifestation of Ma-Ti (this time Rob Walker, who is also an expy of Palpatine from Star Wars) regarding matters of death, destiny and plot holes.  I am still not certain what it all means.  I do however know of the ending.

In the end, Nostalgia Critic enters a universe where he is a character created and effectively destroyed by Doug Walker writing an end for To Boldly Flee.  Helped out by Mathew Buck, Bennet White (Bennet the Sage), Brian Heinz (The Last Angry Geek) and James Rolfe, Walker says goodbye to Ma-Ti, enhances the plot hole (whatever that might be), and in short dies in sacrificing the Nostalgia Critic.

Now, at the time, a great deal of us thought this was a way to obscure and lessen the blow of another departure.  Sometime after filming To Boldly Flee, Noah Antwiler ended his association with Channel Awesome, while keeping his website The Spoony Experiment.  Whether he was let go, wanted to leave, had personal problems that only leaving Channel Awesome and relocating to Chicago would solve, or had gotten deteriorating relationships with other producers is a matter to discuss for another time.  Suffice to say, relations between Spoony and others in the TGWTG universe have improved.  Noah recently was interviewed for Doug Walker's web discussion series, Shut Up and Talk. 

In actuality, Doug Walker, Rob Walker and Mike Michaud had planned this for a quite some time.  Doug had wanted to end Nostalgia Critic in order to devote more time to other Channel Awesome series filmed or planned.  In particular, A series he planned on was Demo Reel; long in planning and now with the funds to do it. 

\The results were not pleasing.  You know that episode of Rocko's Modern Life when Ralph Bighead becomes the successful producer of Wacky Deli and does whatever possible to end the show?  That in a way was what I and others felt with the Nostalgia Critic ending and Demo Reel beginning.  Demo Reel was not that bad; it could have used some improvement.  Yet, actions that the Walker Brothers, Mike Michaud, and other leaders at Channel Awesome would take these last three years would prove an irreparable damage would occur.

I only thought this would go two posts.  Yet, this may need to go for three.  The post-To Boldly Flee and post Justin Carmical era of Channel Awesome has altered the website with unforeseen consequences.  I will get to mention what I think has occurred during that time.  Feel free to comment on what your thoughts are for Channel Awesome; or even what I write here. 

Thank you again for letting me be able to post these opinions.  There will surely be more to come.  Remember to get a Google+ account in order to comment.

Talk to you again later,

Robert

PS.  Junior Seau (1969-2012), Jerome Bettis, Will Shields, Charles Haley, Tim Brown, Ron Wolf, Bill Polian and Mick Tingelhoff are now Pro Football Hall of Famers.  I was right on 5 of the 8 inductees.  Kurt Warner should go in next year, along with Brett Favre.