4 Entertainment Only

A Christmas Story and Home Alone are Must Haves This Holiday Season

2008-12-03T06:30:00.000-08:00

If you haven't seen them yet you should have your head examined. Both A Christmas Story and Home Alone are great films to enjoy during the holiday season.

I have long been a fan of A Christmas Story. It may very well be one of the best films ever made period. The cast is a great of not so popular character actors, all of whom are fantastic. It is without question a classic that will be shown for years to come. I guarantee you that it will be available to watch countless times during the holidays.

To miss this film would be to miss what the holidays are all about. A Christmas Story reminds you about what is to be a kid and what it is about the holidays that is so great. You will be laughing all the way to the school yard. But remember, stay away from those frozen poles, you could poke your eye out. I double dog dare ya! Come on guys, the thing is a classic. I know you may want to mention A Beautiful Life and Miracle on 33rd Street, but I don't think those films will have the same enduring quality as A Christmas Story. Not to mention, it will definitely have a broader appeal. So if you haven't seen it yet, get ready, you will definitely have plenty of opportunities.

As for Home Alone, it wasn't until this past weekend that I was reminded about how much fun that movie was. It is also another great one for the kids. I assure you that if you have young ones running around the house they will love this flick. It is also a great chance to catch the phenom Macaulay Caulkin before all the strangeness began to happen in his life.

If you catch the DVD version you will have a chance to see tons of great "making of" and backstage footage the has not been available previously. Do yourself and the family a favor and run out and check this film into your home and hearts this holiday season, you won't regret it.

Enjoy both A Christmas Story and Home Alone during the holidays.

Regis and Kelly In The Morning Snoozefest

2008-12-01T17:39:00.000-08:00

First there was Regis and Kathie Lee. They were entertaining. They definitely appealed to a given demographic. Stay at home moms and wives I'm sure found them to be a welcome addition to their mornings. I never got that much into the show. It just wasn't my cup of tea.

Now Kathie Lee is gone and we have Kelly Ripa. She has been on the show for a while now. I can only presume people like her. Every once and a while my wife tunes in to watch. Today I decided to watch little and see what the phenomenon was all about.

Without much surprise I found the show to be rather dull and slow moving. I don't really get what most people like about it. I understand that Regis Philbin is adored in the United States. He is, without question, likable and quite entertaining on his own. I suppose what I found most enjoyable was his insistence to talk football despite the fact I am sure 90% of his audience both in the studio and at home could care less.

Then there is Kelly. I couldn't be more honest when I say she could not be less entertaining. Perhaps older women who like their daytime talk simple, light and without anything all that interesting enjoy listening to her. However, I found her particularly painful to watch. There is endless attempts on her part to be funny. She just never really hits the mark. Instead, she spends most of the time laughing at herself, perhaps to get through the awkward silences more seamlessly.

Regis asked Kelly today what she did over the weekend and she explained that she and the family spent it in the Hamptons and then went on about how bad the weather was so that they were forced to do nothing. I'm sure most of their viewing audience could easily relate to a getaway weekend in the Hamptons with nothing to do. Yes, I'm being sarcastic.

Besides sounding condescending, she was so boring it was unbelievable. I truly couldn't believe how much time they spent with aimless boring banter that really went nowhere. What a sad commentary on where entertainment has gone. We possess this incredible invention that we call television and the best garbage anybody can come up with is Kelly Ripa.

There is a bright side. A while back Regis wasn't feeling too well and wife asked me to come watch because Howie Mandel was guest hosting with Kelly. He was hilarious and fun to watch. The best part, Kelly couldn't get a word in at all and if she tried, it was brief and over quickly. Perhaps it was overwhelming for her to be around somebody who is genuinely talented. I say if that is all it takes to get her to just sit there quietly, bring Howie back. There is always hope for the future.

Dexter Killer in Danger

2008-11-30T11:29:00.000-08:00

News has begun to spread that one of the best crime dramas on television could be in danger. The HBO mainstay Dexter, the story of a serial killer working as a blood spatter expert with the Miami Police Department, may be in trouble.

For my two cents, I just don't buy it. This show is great. If you haven't caught an episode just yet, go catch up. It is the kind of show that helps to watch from the beginning. Numerous previous story lines are constantly referred to throughout and knowing where they come from definitely helps in understanding the series. This may be a problem for newer viewers. However, it wouldn't take much to catch up.

The show is worth watching. It is completely original possessing both dramatic and comedic elements. I may have written a small piece about it earlier but it is worth your time if you enjoy the crime drama, cop shows, lawyer things or even if you just like to see the bad guys get what is coming for them. This show would be right for you. To top it all off it is a lot of fun.

It is great to know that these characters are not all perfect. The one thing that drives me crazy about the CSI shows is that they almost always get their guys. They always manage to figure things out and enough is always left behind for them to do it. Horatio or Miami CSI, is pretty much always right about everything. Come on, how about a little realism so we can buy it.

The great thing about Dexter is how flawed everybody happens to be. They are all real people with this extraordinary sociopath working amongst them. Best part is that fact that you end up cheering for the sociopath because except for his minor compulsion, he happens to be just like everyone else. Well, everyone else and skilled with a butcher knife.

Don't miss Dexter if you haven't seen it yet. I refuse to believe this show is in any immediate danger. With all the garbage on the boob tube these days, we have to rally to support the good stuff.

Robert De Niro Smacks Hollywood in What Just Happened

2008-11-29T12:46:00.000-08:00

What looks like a tremendously fun film, What Just Happened has Robert De Niro acting as a producer behind the scenes wrestling with Hollywood's elite.

It is based on Art Linson's book of the same name which chronicled the writer's stint as a producer. It is sure to be entertaining having snagged an all star cast including Sean Penn, John Turturro, Stanley Tucci and more.

It is interesting to note that Hollywood often doesn't like doing pictures or other types of production that put the entertainment world under scrutiny. It seemed for the longest time that the subject matter, though interesting in select circles, was shunned.

However times have changed. There seems to be more and more interest now to see the people working behind the curtain and manufacturing all the magic we see on the silver screen. Undoubtedly, comedy is a great vehicle to use in delivering this type of subject matter. It is important not to take this stuff too seriously. It is after all entertainment and something we have more than enough of today.

It will be interesting to see De Niro in this type of role alongside this cast as Robert DeNiro is usually quick to play the heavy, this time he is happy to be the target of the abuse. Robert DeNiro is always fun in a comedy and I am sure What Just Happened will be no exception.

Can't wait to see this one and I will let you know what it was like..maybe.

Push Play Rocks The Tween Scene

2008-11-27T09:04:00.000-08:00

It is remarkable to me how the face of pop music has changed. When I was a kid there was definitely those popular bands that most people were embarrassed to admit they enjoyed. A certain group that rhymes with Buran Buran comes to mind.

I seem to remember however, that while there were a few of these groups controlling the top spots on the pop chart there were still several great rock bands prominently appearing on the radio. Despite some synthesized group getting air play, you could still catch something from Aerosmith or the Stones during the same set. It would appear that kind of trend has disappeared considerably.

Enter Push Play. Now this group Push Play has followed in the foot steps of several kid bands to come before it. There was Miley Cyrus, The Jonas Brothers and now Push Play. All groups clearly drawing on young kids all of them are also managed by their parents. It is interesting to note the trend. It is almost as if these parents see their kids as a chance to grab the lime light. Maybe they always wished for something more. Like the words from a John Mayer song, "while in their memories tiny tragedies." Nothing against pop music for little kids. Hey, it is supposed to help with cognitive development. I would just like to hear some great bands again on the radio. I'm sure the average listener is still over the age of ten.

Hopefully these kids stay grounded. After listening to a few tracks off their latest album, Push Play has all the makings of a tween pop sensation. The music is simple. A lot of it actually sounds pre-recorded. It is almost like the tracks were made on a computer or something. It doesn't actually sound like instruments are being played although I'm sure they are. The tunes all sound similar and are definitely catchy. Their young audience of prepubescent girls are bound to adore them.

Where will Push Play be in a few years? Who knows. Perhaps they will go the way of so many other kid pop bands before them, a few hit singles with the little kids and then disappear. Perhaps they will go the way of Miley Cyrus, touring to sold out auditoriums of little girls and making a ton of money.

One thing is for sure. Even if they are not remembered as great musicians or anything at all, it is hoped that their moms know a thing or two about investing. When the time comes that Push Play becomes push stop, they had better have put their money somewhere smart because this party won't last forever. Everybody's voice changes eventually.

Nicole Kidman on The Late Show with David Letterman Hysterical

2008-11-26T09:30:00.000-08:00

There were news stories going across every major wire this morning that Nicole Kidman had a blowout on the Late Show with David Letterman the other night. They said that Kidman "lost it." There were suggestions that the interview between Kidman and Letterman was a complete train wreck and "difficult to watch" at times. These statements couldn't be further from the truth.

Nicole Kidman was appearing on the Late Show with David Letterman to promote her new movie Australia. Like many actors and actresses who appear with Letterman to promote their films, Kidman came in expecting possibly that the bulk of their discussion would be about the movie. What anybody who watches the Late Show with David Letterman would know is that the show is about comedy first and promotion later.

It would appear that people just don't seem to get it. What is really scary is that any major news medium would think that the appearance was news worthy. It was hysterical! It was about comedy. It was what David Letterman does best.

The Late Show with David Letterman is known for mining the moment to pull out the funniest things we can imagine. Nobody in the business is better at late night hilarity than Letterman. He's been doing it for many years and everything that was happening during that appearance was happening because David Letterman wanted it to happen. There may have been occasional moments like when Kidman asks if they could talk about the film that seemed odd, but it was hilarious. Every guest knows, even kidman, that appearing on the show means comedy is going to happen.

The kind of exchange that went back and forth between Kidman and Letterman has happened dozens of times. Once Letterman realizes there is a fun avenue to go with the interview, often about topics the guest was not anticipating, away it goes. That's what makes the interview worth doing. That's where the laughs are most natural. That's what the Late Show with David Letterman is all about. If you are interested in seeing a serious probing interview with an entertainer about thought provoking subject matter, go watch Charlie Rose, he is also great at what he does.

It is sad to think that people genuinely don't seem to get the joke any more. What has happened to every one's sense of humor? If you want to see an uncomfortable talk show moment, go check out old footage of Johnny Carson exposing Uri Geller as a fraud on the Tonight Show. That was great stuff.

With everything that is going on in the world it is so important to remember how to laugh. If you can't watch the Late Show with David Letterman without thinking that it is supposed to be a serious piece of broadcast journalism you are lost. Perhaps it's time to jump around in a clown suit or something. Go do something silly and kid in touch with your inner kid again. David Letterman has always been about not taking anything too seriously. Maybe you should too.

Review: Quantum of Solace's James Bond Gets Human

2008-11-25T15:42:00.000-08:00

James Bond has always been the coolest of the cool. He never seems to get rattled by the bad guys and he always gets the girl. Quantum of Solace seems to have taken James Bond to a new place. Perhaps, Bond is only human after all.

The new James Bond thriller Quantum of Solace has numerous elements that previous Bond flicks have shied away from. What becomes immediately evident is that Quantum of Solace picks up where the last James Bond film left off. Never before has there been a continuation of sorts with James Bond. Typically, he ties up all loose ends at the conclusion of every film and the viewer is left fully satisfied.

Quantum of Solace is a little different in that we join James Bond immediately after apprehending the bad guy at the end the last time we saw him. Without giving away too much, there are twists and turns that are thrown at the viewer immediately, leaving you questioning exactly what is going on. There is also the suggestion of a growing criminal enterprise that has permeated Mr. Bond's world and we may be hearing more from them in the future.

What is also tremendously different about this James Bond adventure is that he seems to be becoming a little more human. By that I mean, it doesn't appear that he has any fancy gadgets in this movie. A dearly missed element from the daily grind that Bond must endure is his good friend and colleague in arms M. For those true blue Bond fans out there, you will remember that M is the agent who comes up with all those great toys that James gets to use to get himself out of trouble.

Without M or any of his gadgets around this time, Quantum of Solace forces Bond to have to rely upon his own wits and brute force to get through the tough times. Don't worry though. The toys may have disappeared but James seems to be becoming somewhat more superhuman. He doesn't seem to ever lose a physical confrontation now and is capable of amazing feats of strength. In one scene he literally breaks off a stainless steel door handle to lock a foe in a room.

Craig's Bond is flawed in that he takes things very personal. That could be a good thing. He carries grudges and seems to be acting out of self interest rather than for Queen and country although he would say otherwise. The love interest doesn't seem to be as prevalent in this episode as in previous ones but is part of what drives Craig's Bond forward. The women are strong and beautiful but don't play as relevant a role anymore. In fact, what seems to be completely absent from Quantum of Solace is the enchanting female villain, who always seems to challenge Bond both in and out of bed.

There is no question that Quantum of Solace is a different kind of ride. It is that way because James Bond seems to be slowly becoming more like a common secret service agent. There are both good and bad things about that. The movie was indeed entertaining and I would still recommend it. Don't come with any preconceived notions about the James Bonds of the past and sit back and enjoy. It is both a different and exciting ride.

American Music Awards Were More Show Than Substance

2008-11-24T08:23:00.000-08:00

There used to be a time when music was incredible. You could turn on the radio or watch a music video and be assured to hear a number of musicians playing instruments and be a witness to truly gifted performers.

Watching the American Music Awards last night, it became apparent that things have really changed. There were performances from so many different kinds of acts and so many different styles of music. What seemed to be missing a lot of the time was anything meaningful or a display of genuine talent.

Don't get me wrong. This is not to say there were not a few incredible performances by some artists who I would argue are incredibly talented and are genuinely... artists. The rest just seemed to be a lot of hype and bubble gum. It didn't take much to separate the great acts from the junk. There always seemed to be an underlying element. For example, if you were watching an unmemorable performance, you were sure to see an elaborate stage set up with all kinds of ridiculous props and dancing and other distractions, to help you forget that you were watching something that belonged at a high school talent contest.

If you were watching an amazingly talented performer, that was all you would see. Basically, the great performances were given by somebody who stood still or sat, and delivered. That's right. Just the singer, a spotlight and an incredible performance. Those tended to be the best acts of the night. The great performances included appearances by Annie Lennox, Alicia Keys and Sarah McLoughlin.

Some of it was pretty hysterical to watch. One of my favorite moments was when Steve Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith came out to give the award for Artist of the Year and had looks and reactions as if they wanted to say "What in the world has happened to music?" Of course, they would have used slightly different language.

Twilight Vampire Movie Genre Comes Back With a Bite

2008-11-23T17:26:00.000-08:00

It was a huge weekend for the vampire thriller Twilight. Twilight the movie took in $70.6 million, pretty much blowing away the weekend competition.

The film set a new opening weekend record for a movie directed by a female, in this case, Catherine Hardwicke. The previous record holder was Deep Impact directed by Mimi Leder, that took in $41.1 million.

I have not seen the movie as of yet and to be honest, I will probably wait for DVD if I am to see it at all. It is understood that the film is based on a successful line of teenage vampire books that have done well with the female tween set.

This continues to be a hugely successful market to pursue. It would appear that Twilight is following in the footsteps of High School Musical, Miley Cyrus and the Olsen Twins. I don't imagine the film will rank with the likes of Interview With a Vampire or Bram Stoker's Dracula, both were great in their time, but I will reserve judgment until after I have seen it. I'm sure it could be great. We shall see.

Needless to say, Twilight had an incredibly successful opening weekend and it looks like a lot of teen age girls will be going out to get their fill of the dark anti hero as the vampire genre graces the silver screen once again.

Review: Chris Rock's Kill the Messenger

2008-11-17T08:23:00.000-08:00

Just got a chance to catch Chris Rock's Kill the Messenger this weekend. I had not seen Rock's stand-up for quite a while. The last concert of his that I was fortunate enough to see was his Never Scared.

Historically Chris Rock will put out a good HBO special. His previous works were edgy, cutting at the everyday social fabric that weaves its way through the modern world's presentation of such things as race relations and culture. His stuff has been really funny since he left SNL years ago. For the most part, a platform like HBO seems to allow Rock to really express his own personal style. It was the emergence of cable productions like the Chris Rock Show that helped Rock rise to prominence.

So I was excited to see the newest release in the continual Chris Rock onslaught. For the most part, Kill the Messenger wasn't much to talk about. He decided to try something a little different this time with the presentation. He went on a world tour that included South Africa, London and New York. What he decided to do was take video clippings from all three of those destinations and mash them together to make up the concert video. So, one moment you would see him telling a joke in New York, the next joke you would see being performed in South Africa and so on.

What made it odd from a production stand point was the timing. Sometimes the material didn't flow because you would see Rock repeat the set up over and over again from each destination. There was a lot of repetition and as far as comedy goes, that makes for some strange timing. What was unfortunate was that often times when they would play with Rock's performance that way, the joke didn't have much of a pay off.

Unfortunately it would seem that a lot of his premises had been done before. It was strange seeing Chris Rock do hack relationship material. At one point he actually says, "I'll bring it back," after losing the audience during a barrage of jokes about women in relationships.

There was another odd part to the show. What some people may not know is that when Chris Rock had the Chris Rock show one of his writers was Louis CK. Louis CK is a great stand up as well. CK recently released his own concert special entitled Shameless. The show is great. Here is the thing. They do a lot of similar material. They touch on very similar language issues and actually hit a lot of the same premises. It would seem that CK is still writing for Chris Rock and they released their specials around the same time. It just didn't do it for me.

I would have liked to see more from Chris Rock but hopefully in the future he will return to form and have the killer laughs happening again.

UFC 91: Lesnar Rocks Couture Becomes UFC Heavyweight Champ

2008-11-16T10:33:00.000-08:00

It was billed as the fight everyone was waiting for. It was the main event of the evening. Brock Lesnar was to fight Randy Couture for the UFC heavyweight championship of the world. The fans were going wild. The tension in the air could be cut with a knife. The two superstars of the sport, Lesnar and Couture intended to duke it out to the end.

The result was not surprising. Although Randy Couture is a tremendous fighter as a five time world champion, time was not on his side last night. It has been said in fighting that anybody can win on any given night. That is what makes the sport so exciting. It was said that Brock Lesnar's size would not be enough to take down the champion Couture. However, Lesnar came with more than sheer size.

It is true that in a fight, the big guy does not always have an advantage. If the smaller guy knows how to fight and possesses tremendous technical skill, the big guy is probably in a world of trouble. But what if the big guy knows how to fight too? What if the big guy is in the shape of his life and the smaller guy is not? There were a couple things that ticket buyers to last night's championship bout didn't want to think about.

There was no question that Randy Couture was the fan favorite going into the fight. Lesnar was the villain and he enjoyed playing that part. However, despite the fan fair and the hype, what most people refused to acknowledge was that Couture was going to fight at 45 years of age. The man has gotten older. He is still in great shape and put up a good fight. However, Lesnar is a monster. He appeared to tower over Couture and came in at 57 pounds heavier. Let me tell you, it was all muscle. Lesnar is a beast.

When you combine tremendous size with skill you have a devastating opponent. That was Lesnar last night. Although Couture is a great champion, he could not withstand the sheer power and developed skill of his younger opponent. The odds makers had Lesnar favored from the beginning and he made good. There were shots and take downs in the first round which had the crowd cheering for Couture mostly when he made good defensive maneuvers. It was a sign of what was to come.

In the second round, Lesnar smashed Couture with a punch that sent him to the canvas followed by a barrage of what seemed like endless hammer fist shots until the ref finally stopped the fight. It was as if the official wanted to see Couture make one more great escape and was giving him a chance. It was not to come.

Anyone with half a brain could have told you that this fight was about selling tickets and pay-per-view revenue. It wasn't much of a mystery who was going to win. It was more a question of how. Much like most of the big fights at the UFC these days, this fight was all about creating marquis value without much of a payoff. They have continued to struggle with putting together quality match ups at the championship levels and instead choose to hype up big names without much substance.

It was a good fight but didn't have much to it. I would never have paid to see it. The future match ups with Lesnar now will be interesting. It should be easier to find him an opponent than it has been for them to find Anderson Silva somebody to fight. Silva being another division champion whose fights are all dependent upon hype since he far outclasses any fighter the UFC has put in front of him. This is just another example of the UFC's difficulty to maintain a deep talent pool at championship levels.

Thank you Randy Couture for all you have given the sport, you are one of the greatest. The future should be interesting to watch indeed.

Satellite Radio Great Option To Discover New Talent

2008-11-15T09:13:00.000-08:00

With all the hubub lately about satellite radio it is often difficult to figure out what is exactly going on with the medium. First there wasn't any such thing as satellite radio. Then there were two competing satellite radio companies. Nobody was certain how different satellite radio would be from current entertainment mediums so people were running hot and cold about it. Then there was an announcement that Howard Stern was moving to satellite radio and it was buzzing again. Then the company that took Stern nearly lost everything with the deal and is being bought out by the other company. I think.

Whatever the deal is with satellite radio, one thing is for sure, it seems to be holding on and doing well. There have been deals made to put the receivers in most new cars and trucks manufactured during the past couple years and that may do big things for the industry. What is also a little known fact, is that satellite radio can give a tremendous boost to unknown artists.

Don't get me wrong. If you are a recording artist and your material gets picked up by a satellite radio show that only broadcasts to particular regions at particular times, which apparently they do, it may not be prime time for you in the near future. However, there is still opportunity available that doesn't exist on classic radio.

For example, to get some of your stuff played on traditional radio stations you may first have to demonstrate a hit, have a decent PR firm behind you or maybe even be owed a favour by that station. In any event, the point is it is not always easy.

With satellite radio however, you can walk in to a broadcast centre in your city that has a particular show that plays your type of material and hand it to them. It will then be up to that station as to whether to put it into their rotation. Most of the time, if the the material is good, you have a decent shot.

If your stuff then gets played on satellite radio, you never know who might be listening.

Take Randy Hauser for example. Randy who? Exactly. He is a county singer who had a single playing on Sirius satellite radio. Guess who heard it? David Letterman. Letterman really liked it and now has scheduled Hauser to appear on the show. There is no telling how long Hauser has been at it. What is clear is that satellite radio provided him a forum that was probably not available to him elsewhere and the upcoming appearances will probably boost his exposure considerably.

Don't rule out satellite radio as a possible outlet for exposure. You may be the next guest appearing on the Late Show.

Lindsay Lohan Might Have Said Something Stupid about Obama...Surprised?

2008-11-14T07:22:00.000-08:00

The news is buzzing about something that Lindsay Lohan may have said recently. This is so aggravating for so many reasons.

First off, it's Lindsay Lohan! Who really cares what Lindsay Lohan may have said. It was a comment related to the now President-Elect of the USA. This should immediately start raising red flags for anyone interested. Lindsay Lohan making statements related to anything political, no matter how basic, can't be taken too seriously. It's Lindsay Lohan remember.

When people start paying attention to what somebody like Lindsay Lohan has to say regarding anything political, things are going horribly wrong. More importantly, those people really have to find something more productive to do with their day.

Here is an easy way to think about it. If you hear or even get the slightest whiff that Lindsay Lohan may have said anything about anything, your brain should immediately shut down regarding that issue and focus on something much more important like a good bowel movement. Because after you are done with that, you will be left with something far move valuable than anything Lindsay Lohan has to share.

There is also the possibility that Lindsay's Lohan's comment was racist. Again, this is Lindsay Lohan. The question arises as to whether she even understands what being racist is. It is questionable as to whether she understands what is appropriate at any time. Whether she is racist or not it is clear that she is ignorant if she made the remark, and shouldn't be paid any attention. By promoting the incident it only serves to promote the ignorance. It's like saying "Hey look, here's another really stupid famous person." There's no reason for that to be news. We already know all about stupid people.

It would be astounding to me if she did make that remark and if she does harbour racist feelings towards Obama. More astounding however is that anyone would be surprised. She is a person just like everyone else and is entitled to be a complete imbecile. The bigger surprise is that anyone is paying attention to Lindsay Lohan.

Mad TV Cancelled by Fox

2008-11-13T11:52:00.000-08:00

This is an unfortunate day. Or is it?

Mad TV is being cancelled by Fox. That is an unfortunate thing. The show is hysterical with a different kind of twist to it. As a sketch/variety type show goes, it pushes the boundaries with edgier type characters and ideas than you will find on most network shows.

Mad TV has managed to find an audience for fourteen seasons and hopefully, will continue to do so. The producers of the show had been informed of this decision for some time and are currently working to find other outlets for it. The ideal situation would be to scale back production costs to a place where it can run on cable. It looks like it will be able to do it.

Unlike Saturday Night Live which is an iconic mainstay for NBC, Mad TV has actually been different and funny on a pretty consistent basis. That is not to say that SNL still doesn't have the occasional funny episode. They definitely do. More often than not however, the show is not that good and has managed to stick around as a result of its legendary status and reputation for launching superstars like Eddie Murphy and Adam Sandler.

Mad TV will launch its share of future comedy stars as well and has. Due to its late night appeal and niche demographic, the names may not be as well known but they are funny. Here is to hoping the show finds a new home in cable and continues to stand as a unique alternative to boring predictable repeats found elsewhere.

Jack Black and Kung Fu Panda Giving Back

2008-11-12T06:19:00.000-08:00

If you haven't seen Kung Fu Panda yet, go out to your neighbourhood video store and rent it. Of course, if you can find a theatre somewhere that miraculously still has it playing go see it there first. I doubt it's still around but you never know.

Kung Fu Panda is a great film for the whole family and Black is great in it. What I did not know was that funds from the film were going towards a conservation group concerned with maintaining pandas in the world. What most people don't realize is that supposedly there are only 1600 pandas left in the world and as such are considered an endangered species.

I am a big fan of the film and pandas because why not. The film is great and pandas don't really seem to hurt anyone. Except if you check out youtube, I think you might be able to find footage of a Panda in a Beijing zoo trying to eat somebody's jacket because they got a little too close to the cage. Sure pandas look cute and cuddly but they are still wild animals and who doesn't need a little spring jacket in their diet once and a while.

Apparently the pandas' endangered status is directly linked to our encroachment upon their habitat so get out there and fight for the pandas. If you can't fight for pandas wherever you live, go check out the movie anyway I guarantee you will have a fun time. A great cast of supporting characters are in there with Black including Jackie Chan, Angelina Jolie and Dustin Hoffman.

George Carlin Honoured With Mark Twain Prize

2008-11-11T06:36:00.000-08:00

He may very well have been the greatest writer/comedian ever. This week at the John F. Kennedy Centre for the Performing Arts, George Carlin was awarded the Mark Twain prize for American Humour. It is the first time the award has been given posthumously.

Carlin will forever go down in history as one of the best if not the best, stand up comedians of all time. His seven words you can't say on television made him a household name. If you want to see something amazing, check out FCC v. Pacifica, a case that went to the Supreme Court as a result of a radio station wanting to broadcast Carlin's legendary routine about those silly little words. The routine became hugely popular and memorable for its delivery and rhythm. What became nearly as famous was the comment given in the final decision on that case by one of the justices who said, and I'm paraphrasing at the moment, "I can't say what obscenity is, but I'll know it when I see it."

Carlin's message to the masses was often about language and words and their affect on the culture. There was nothing he wouldn't discuss and call peoples of the earth were viable targets for his criticism. Were it not for George Carlin, the art of stand-up comedy as it is recognized today would not exist. It was George's influence that would spawn the careers of Jerry Seinfeld, Garry Shandling, David Letterman and the like. He was the godfather of it all and loved by millions.

Very few will ever accomplish the body of work Carlin put out. With a record 23 comedy albums garnering 4 grammy awards and a dozen television specials for HBO he is without question the most prolific creator of comedy of his era. The Mark Twain Prize is supposedly the only award for comedy that Carlin respected and he would have been thrilled to receive it. I believe he knew it was coming. Other winners have included Lily Tomlin, who's work he loved, Billy Crystal and Steve Martin.

We miss you George and if you were right, we will all see you soon, or not.

AC/DC Black Ice Tour Rocks

2008-11-10T07:19:00.000-08:00

If you are a rock music fan and you are wondering what music event you should witness this year, go see AC/DC. If you aren't already a fan of the group, this show should get you there. These guys continue rock like very few in the business ever have.

If you claim to be a fan of booming rock music, but haven't checked out an AC/DC concert yet, you don't know what you are missing. The band has currently finished six dates of its Canadian portion of the Black Ice Tour, with one remaining date in Vancouver. If you are a canuck and want to catch them in the great white north, get out west and catch them before they are gone. If however you don't mind waiting until January, rumour has it that they will be appearing in Toronto again around that time.

This has to be one of the most remarkable bands ever. Considering most of their songs have become iconic rock ballads like 'Hells Bells', 'Highway To Hell', 'TNT', 'For Those About To Rock', just to name a few, it is not surprising they have survived the digital age and maintained a loyal following despite the onslaught of bubble gum pop garbage polluting mainstream radio and video. It is safe to say that most music being produced today will be quickly forgotten along with the artists who think they can sing and entertain.

AC/DC will always be around. After the band is gone and can tour and record no more, the band will still be around. Their music will live on forever. Just check out a show where they sing songs that are over twenty years old and listen to the tens of thousands in the audience screaming for more. You will probably not see anything like it again. There are only a couple of bands working today that have achieved the same kind of status. The Rolling Stones are one of them to give you an indication of calibre.

The members of AC/DC are all in their fifties except for Brian Johnston, their monster lead vocalist, who comes in at 61. Their fans of all ages love just as much as ever. If you need any indication of the band's staying power and appeal to a mass audience, take into consideration that once Barak Obama takes office, they will have been rocking it out for the duration of eight administrations. My guess is that you will not see that from many other artists in your lifetime.

Check these guys out if they are coming through your town. I bet you won't be able to keep up with them and who knows if they will be coming through again. I hope they will.

Myspace Mafia Wars Will Get You

2008-11-08T06:49:00.000-08:00

If you are already familiar with Myspace you might be aware of this. If you haven't been involved with the civilized world for very long and don't know about Myspace, I don't believe you.

However, as part of the social networking site's attempts to keep up with the ever growing popularity of Facebook, a little while back supposedly Myspace introduced a game called Mafia Wars.

Mafia Wars is tied into the site and anybody with an account can play. It allows you to become a mafia character and your success and ability to prosper in the game is linked to your ability to get other Myspace members to join your Mafia.

As a young inexperienced mafia member, you start off by doing small jobs like robberies and muggings to earn money and gain points so that you can invest in property and move up to higher levels. As your money takes increase and your levels go up, you will need more members in your mafia to defend your turf and make more money so you can continue to grow. You can also put contract hits out on other players who are "getting in the way."

The game is great fun and very strategy based in that there is some kind of consequence attached to every action and you must play your moves accordingly. Sometime, you may be surprised by what happens. I won't be specific, you'll have to try the game out to see what I mean.

It is great because the design of Mafia Wars will not allow you to sit and play it for hours on end without break because your character constantly needs time to regenerate after certain actions. This does help with the addiction factor. Although, I can see that potential is still there. When you start playing you'll see what I mean. I like that you can just check in for a little bit, play and then quickly get back to your life.

I was just recently introduced to it as I mentioned but I will be posting from time to time to let you know how it goes. We might even run into each other in the trenches

Prime Time Television for Women

2008-11-06T05:07:00.000-08:00

It doesn't take a genius to see what has happened to the landscape of prime time television. Women are clearly the prime demographic being targeted. It isn't easy as a guy to sit down a watch any kind of prime time programming on television without immediately being hit with the big choices these days.

It would appear that the networks are going after women with shows like Lipstick Jungle, Desperate Housewives, Grey's Anatomy, Ugly Betty and the like. If you are a guy reading this and you like any of the shows I just listed, trust me, you are one of the women being targeted by prime time television.

It is OK recognizing that you are a woman even if you are a guy. Remember, this is only as far as television is concerned. This is not a commentary on anything else. If you are a guy and enjoy watching television at prime time you really don't have much of a choice. Clearly the networks have come to believe that only women are watching prime time programming anymore and us guys are more interested in sports and things that blow up.

Truth be told, they are not that far off. If you are a guy and frustrated by the selections you have been left with at prime time, take a moment and check out HBO, the Movie Network or whatever service you subscribe to. There is some great programming out there for you. Personally, I'm a big fan of Entourage, Curb your enthusiasm and Dexter. If it wasn't for cable production I'd never watch.

Then again, if you are a guy and prefer TLC and Jon and Kate plus 8, you may want to run down to your local convenience store. I hear there's a special on sanitary napkins this week.

Daily Show Spoofs Election Results: Stewart and Colbert Hilarious

2008-11-05T06:17:00.000-08:00

As the county headed out to vote yesterday, two of the funniest guys took their places in an historical moment. John Stewart and Steven Colbert were hilarious last night. The mock news anchors came together to represent both the democrats and republicans. There was a moment of calling the election as the show delayed its sign off and Stewart had the chance to be the news anchor he could never be. With Colbert pretending to be hugely disappointed at McCain's loss, John Stewart stepped out of his satirical guise and called Obama the winner and next president of the United States.

Both Stewart and Colbert came over the top with fake election coverage, mocking one another's attempts at gaining support from the viewing audience. Throughout the coverage Stewart continued to call the evening a historic one while Colbert continued to correct him calling it "an" historic one.

This is a hugely significant moment for the duo. Both having hugely successful shows. In fact, the popularity of Colbert's show may have actually surpassed that of the Daily Show where he got his start. They are both obviously thrilled by the result.

One thing that will be interesting to see, will be how they will go after the new administration without the bumbling antics of the current president. In the circles of good comedic satire, a goofball like Bush will be sorely missed. The one unfortunate thing about Obama being elected, is that he seems too cool and collected to be torn apart in the future. Both Stewart and Colbert will have to be on their toes to catch Obama's slip ups. There will certainly be great opportunities now for Colbert to run his mock Republican criticisms, of course he will have to make most of them up, as he always does. It will be fun watching where Stewart and Colbert go next.

Three Stooges Movie Coming To Theatres

2008-11-04T06:14:00.000-08:00

Stop the presses! What could be bigger news one the eve of the United States electing a new leader of the free world? The Three Stooges will be coming to theatres soon, of course. What else could it be?!!

Perhaps one of the biggest and most popular classic comedy staples of all time, the Three Stooges are about to make their way back into the hearts and minds of the world at large. It turns out that the Farrelly brothers have been chosen to direct the project from a script that they have written. Who would have imagined that the Farrelly brothers would have been chosen to direct a Three Stooges movie. This is a match made in heaven. The comedic directors of physical defective mayhem get thrown into the pot with the most notorious slapstick trio of all time.

The Three Stooges just may be the most popular comedy team ever. It is hard to believe. Any fan would probably agree. You would be hard pressed to walk the streets of the free world and find somebody who didn't know who the Three Stooges were. They have been referenced in more film and television projects over the years that anybody or anything I can think of. That is saying quite a bit considering the types of comedy teams that have entertained us over the years such as Abbott and Costello, Laurel and Hardy, Lewis and Martin and Nichols and May.

The Three Stooges were a favorite of Sam on Cheers and referenced in countless episodes. Cheers was possibly one of the most successful television comedies ever. Sargent Riggs didn't miss an opportunity in each Lethal Weapon movie to pay homage to the Three Stooges and those movies seemed to have done alright if I remember correctly.

Currently MGM is negotiating with Warner Brothers for the rights. Hopefully it won't take too long. It would be a shame if The Three Stooges are delayed coming to the masses due to some bureaucracy but it would be appropriate if the cantankerous trio had to fight their way onto the big screen. To be honest, I was never the biggest fan of the Stooges. They did however, make me laugh and we can't get enough of that.

Rap Music Executive Found Dead

2008-11-03T06:02:00.000-08:00

The head of hip hop music label Def Jam Recordings was found dead over the weekend from a self-inflicted gun shot would to the head. Shakir Stewart, the executive who replaced Jay-Z, was found dead on Saturday. Just another unfortunate tragedy for the world of rap music. It of course has come as a huge shock to those in the community who knew and loved Stewart.

It is a shame that these kinds of events continue to haunt rap music. Rap music first really hit the scene hard a little over twenty years ago with groups like Grand Master Flash and Ice T. It is even widely believed that Debbie Harry made the first "rapping" single with Blondie.

Rap Music when it first began was about fun and expression. It connected with a broad youth based audience and likes of it had not been heard before. As time passed, it changed. Rap music became hard. Rap music became dark. It became angry.

Rap music itself wasn't angry. The people being represented as artists performing rap music were very angry. Many rap stars had criminal pasts. There were a number of rap music "artists" who were linked to street crime. A bunch of them were drug dealers and petty thieves. They had reputations for violence and had spent time in prison. Rap music had become an outlet for them.

I always believed it was great that rap music became available as a way to escape the streets, it has just been unfortunate how the streets will not leave them alone. There have been too many young rap music personalities found dead. There has been Tupac, Biggee Smalls, Jam Master J and a host of others. I am in no way suggesting that Stewart's death is linked in any way to similar activities. It is just a shame that a dark cloud seems to continue to follow this industry.

Perhaps it is time for rap music to start to return to it's roots. Rap music could once again become fun. It would be just as successful if the rap music executive who remain, could start dropping all the anger, violence and hostility that weaves it's way through rap music and start remembering again who is listening to it.

Stewart was only 34 years old. He will be missed.

Famous Actresses Feet

2008-11-02T07:44:00.000-08:00

The feet of an actress are the windows to the soul, or was it the eyes. Regardless of whether you are looking at a famous actresses feet or her eyes she was likely doing the same thing. That is what many famous actresses got started doing. They were modeling.

It has been recently brought to my attention that several celebrities that we know of today got their start as a pair of famous actress feet. That is not to say they were famous actress feet when we saw them, they were struggling actress feet at that time. I wouldn't say it is strange. It is rather interesting to think that perhaps somebody looked at the feet of a famous actress that we know today and thought "Hey, she is going to be a star!"

Actresses feet and hands

It would turn out that many actresses today got started as models but not in the conventional sense. Many actresses were parts models. That is, they would model their hands or feet or back or legs. Whatever was necessary for the advertisement. It is very interesting how they gain their experience. In a way it is quite humorous to think that the experience that leads to big television and movie roles, came from just showing hands or feet.

It must be crazy frustrating trying to get noticed initially as something more than a body part when that's all that is being requested of you. Imagine Meryl Streep, possibly one of the best actresses of the modern era trying to get discovered and not being listened to because at the time she might have very nice arches.

Famous actress feet walk on big screen

The audition process for anybody is grueling. The actor learns that there is tremendous rejection involved in their chosen profession. Going to hundreds of auditions is not unheard of before catching a break. It would be interesting to know if while going in to shoot a razor or shoe commercial, how many actresses were asked to read something and then it all grew from there.

Andie McDowel was and still is a beautiful model. She has long curly brown hair with fair skin, soft features and she is long through the body. She did well as a model and continues to be asked to do commercial work today. She then goes on to get into action. Imagine, how different Four Weddings and a Funeral would have been without her? I don't think of her as a great actress per se, but she was great in that.

It is good to know that some producers can stop looking at a famous actresses feet long enough to realize they might actually be in a room with an incredibly talented person.

Republican Video Tops Entertainment Search

2008-10-31T19:25:00.000-07:00

So it would appear that the Republican party are gluttons for punishment. Am I using that gluttons word properly there?

Anyway, they can't seem to get enough of making the wrong decisions. After Sarah Palin's disastrous pr decision to appear on SNL, it looks like John McCain is about to do the same thing. Rumour has it, the presidential hopeful is going to appear on Saturday Night Live.

I can't help but start to think that the Republicans have given up on the possibility of winning. It really seems as though they don't learn from past mistakes. When you are a public figure, and you choose to appear on SNL, you have to be prepared to be mocked. It is going to be a satirical look at your life. If you are already established and loved by the public, such as athletes and other entertainers, the sketches are seen as fun and self deprecating. If you are trying to win the support of a nation to be leader of the free world for the next four years, SNL is not a great place to start.

After Palin made her appearance, polls showed support for the Republican party to be slipping. More and more the people feel less confident in her ability to lead and it is becoming more obvious that she is not prepared. It is turning into a joke and it's a joke on McCain.

I really don't know what he is thinking but appearing on the show at this stage in the game will not make him appear to be a better choice than Obama. It is just one more step in a series of bad decisions made by that party during this campaign.

One thing is for sure, it will make for some entertaining highlights. It will be great when McCain looks back on the episode when it is rerun for the hundredth time and he thinks, "Wow! I must have been out of my mind!" Now that's comedy.

Joaquin Phoenix To Stop Acting

2008-10-30T06:44:00.000-07:00

Here is another sign of the times. It isn't bad enough that horrible displays of so-called "entertainment" continue to dominate the airwaves, but now quality entertainers are deciding to call it quits.

Joaquin Phoenix, one of the best actors working today in my opinion, had decided to give up acting all together. There isn't much news yet as to why, only that he is going to pursue a career in music.

You might recall, Phoenix was nominate for oscars in both "Walk the Line" where he portrayed the late and great Johnny Cash, and "Gladiator" for his supporting role as a psychotic dictator. He was great in both films. He is also a remarkable performer in smaller supporting roles, particularly when he gets to be a little twisted. You might recall a Nicholas Cage film called "8mm", about a detective who has to find out if a snuff film he was shown is genuine. Check out Phoenix's performance, he will freak you out.

I only hope this isn't going to be some kind of trend. I don't want to see more of Lindsay Lohan or anybody else for that matter who get to be in film because the papparazzi love them. Phoenix is a genuine performer. He and his late brother River, were born with talent. You can't manufacture that. You can't fake it. You just give a guy like that the role and you know something amazing is going to happen.

I know something else amazing that should happen. Phoenix should change his mind. Wait until he sees what his choices are going to be the next time he wants to go to the movies.

Marvel Comic Book Hero Movies Coming Again

2008-10-29T12:55:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid I wasn't a big comic book nut. However, I did have my share of them and was taught early on how to take care of them. I have absolutely no idea what they are worth or if somebody interested in collecting them would be honest with me about them.

What I can tell you is that I was a huge fan of the X Men. That includes all members and variations going back to early incarnations. I just thought they were cool and Wolverine would have made a good dad. Imagine having him show for up for show and tell. This is how he makes shish ka bobs. You guys may want to step back a bit.

Anyway, when the movies for the X Men were announced, I was worried they were going to be crap and end up ruining my childhood perspective on what these characters were all about. I had imagined epic battles and the coolest kinds of friendships between all of these characters. I thought about where they had come from and who they had become. I had their entire biographies in my head. Granted these were all constructed in the mind of a ten year old kid or so. I was pretty young.

The movies came out and I have to say for the most part, I thought they were great. There were elements of the characters that kind of disappeared. Wolverine wasn't quite as dirty or animalistic as I remembered and a couple of the characters who were major in the comics were very peripheral in the films. That was all OK. For what they chose to work with, the films were good. The actors were great.

So fast forward now to the Ironman series and other subsequent films. I saw Ironman and I'll be honest, I thought it was OK. I didn't think it was great. It was more interesting to watch moments of it than anything else. Otherwise, there were some plot aspects that were ridiculous and there was probably a lot more that they could have done. I will assume they are saving things for the sequel.

Robert Downey Jr. and Jon Favreau have signed with Marvel Studios to do The Avengers now. This will be another comic book super hero type film. Downey is great, maybe one of the best actors of our generation and were it not for his legal problems, would have been huge probably. He has also signed with Marvel to do not only part 2 of Ironman but also part 3. I am hoping that this glut of superhero films going into production will actually end up produce something worth watching. I always assume it is Hollywood looking to capitalize on a trend.

We'll have to wait and see if Marvel and Downey and Favreau can delivers and don't just fall back on the historic following these comic books have. Everybody remembers what happened with the Batman sequels.

Bono And Girls Just Hanging Out..That's Entertainment

2008-10-28T08:41:00.000-07:00

So here it is. You happen to be a super huge rock star. You have one of the most commercially successful bands in the history of modern music. You travel the world as an ambassador of peace and goodwill amongst nations. You hobnob with some of the most important people of the twenty-first century. You have been married to the same woman for twenty-six years. Just to relax, you decide to hang out with a buddy of yours and two nineteen year-old girls in St. Tropez. So what's the big deal?

Apparently it is news worthy. It is amazing how quickly all of somebody's accomplishments go flooding out the window, the moment there is the possibility of some kind of impropriety. There isn't even a single individual who is willing to say anything unseemly happened.

Bono took a break this past weekend from whatever his rock star music making life required of him, to relax with some friends. There happened to be two teen-aged girls who were part of that group. Probably the daughters of an extremely wealthy individual who Bono is friends with. There is nothing deviant being alleged and there are no sinister photographs. However, the Daily Mail can't wait to publish what pictures they do have and leave the insinuations up to the readers.

This isn't the first time the Mail has tried to embarrass Bono. They did have shots of him and Penelope Cruz on a beach in 2007. Nothing like trying to bring down a music icon. Really, who cares?! Most human beings, married or not, female or male, would love to take a stroll with Penelope on the beach. Most people are not perfect. This guy lives a very different life than most of us. It's amazing that this even makes news.

They should focus more on when Bono is speaking about ending world hunger or dropping the debt held against some third world nation. That stuff at least has some significance. The rest of this sneaky photography and innuendo is garbage. The guy is a superstar. Leave him be. If there is something there, it's for him and his wife to deal with. Nobody else really cares. If you think anybody really gives a flyer if Bono is stealing time with some bikini babe, try and get a ticket the next time U2 is having a concert in your town.

Fall Out Boy Team Up With Elvis Costello and Debbie Harry

2008-10-27T07:31:00.000-07:00

Imagine you had your own rock and roll band and you had a chance to team up with Elvis. No, not that one, the other rock legend. Don't know who I am talking about? Well, you should.

That is exactly what happened recently for pop group Fall Out Boy on their most recent album. Their fifth record, Folie a Deux, will be littered with collaborations although the band admits it did not start out that way but rather just came together. Apparently, it came together very nicely.

Blondie's Debbie Harry shares a track with the band. Lead singer Patrick Stump said that Debbie Harry's song came together very naturally. He claims she is amazing and added so much authority to the song. To say Debbie Harry is amazing is just the tip of the iceberg. She is one of the most revolutionary figures in the pop music business. Surprisingly, it is argued that she may have been the first to rap on a pop single.

Stump went on to say that he is hugely influenced by Elvis Costello and that having him on the album was an honour. Costello, it is safe to say, has become a living legend in the music business. He too has an exceptional ear for unique sound and melody craftsmanship. To say having Costello participate on the album with them is honour would be a tremendous understatement. I hope they offered to clean his house for the next year in conjunction with whatever they are paying him because whatever they are paying him, it isn't enough.

The band was originally planning on releasing the album in time for the November 4th elections but have decided to push the date back. They claim that Americans have more important things to be thinking about at that time. They also are hoping that young people will take the time to think seriously about the future of the country. Interesting that they think the release of their album could interfere with the way the people of the country will be thinking about the election. I think the reality is they were worried the album would get lost in the fervor that is the electoral process in the U.S. and end up taking a huge hit.

Smart move to push it back. In the end, the album will be released in December while the American people are doing their Christmas shopping and hoping they didn't make a huge mistake on election day.

Entertainment Rag Mags Have Remarkable Function

2008-10-26T12:04:00.000-07:00

Not too long ago I wrote an entry into this blog about how I feel about pseudo celebrity. In particular, it had to with people like Nicole Richie who don't have any actual talent but get to be celebrities because the garbage business of tabloid journalism believes that common folk like us want to read boring clips about them.

Well, the reason I knock them so much is because my wife does love those magazines. She must bring home one a week because they are cheap and quick reading. In a lot of ways they are junk food for the mind. I get it.

So I asked her the other day, why not just get one once a month or even once every few months since she really doesn't need them. She gave me a great answer and I didn't realize until recently the true function that these garbage magazines served. She said they are fun and they make for great reading on the toilet.

That was it! The actual purpose of these pseudo entertainment magazines were right in front of me and I was missing it all along. This kind of entertainment she be dubbed toilet entertainment. The reason for that is because it is entertaining while you are sitting on the toilet. Then I realized that wasn't completely accurate.

Sure you can read them while you are on the toilet but let's face it, they are not very entertaining. A lot of the stuff in there is actually pretty boring because it is about boring people. Then something remarkable happened. My wife brought one of these things home and showed me an article about somebody else I never heard of while I was sitting on our couch in the den. Immediately upon looking at the article I felt like I had to go to the bathroom. That's it!

Not only are these magazine toilet entertainment, they help you to go to the toilet! These magazines are more effective than ex lax. It was an amazing thing to realize that my body had so associated the looking at these magazines with the toilet, that the mere appearance of one would make me feel like I had to go. There it is. The true purpose of these publications. Since realizing this, I have been able to ease back on the amount of fibre I have in my diet. You should try it.

Nicole Richie Can Go Away

2008-10-26T11:42:00.000-07:00

It isn't fair to single out Nicole Richie for this kind of comment. To be perfectly honest, any number of people who have grown to become part of our cultural social consciousness could head up this article. The truth is Nicole Richie could be a very good person. She may have impeccable manners and be a vigorous supporter of worthy causes. If she is, I don't know about it.

I don't know about a lot of things about Nicole Richie because I am guessing there isn't much to tell. Her father is incredibly talented. He is one of the better recording artists of past generations and he was a true entertainer. He had talent.

Nicole Richie doesn't have any real talent. She appeared on reality television for a short while. I would say she appeared on TV only because of who her father happened to be. It became interesting and I would dare say it still is interesting for many people to see "things" about other people who happened to be related to famous people. It is an opportunity for them to become celebrities for no other reason other than the fact that they are related to a famous person.

To this day I still don't understand how Nicole Richie makes news. She is followed around by paparazzi and photographed doing the most mundane things. When that happens to somebody like Alicia Keys it is much easier to understand. Alicia Keys is an attractive woman who happens to be incredibly talented. Alicia Keys plays instruments, writes and performs her own music. That is amazing and documenting the life of an incredibly amazing and talented individual like Keys is understandable given the elevated status of celebrity in our culture.

So why the attention for Richie? I think I figured it out. She can't sing, she can't dance, she can't act, she can't do anything that would be considered contemporary entertainment. However, she can sell magazines. She sells magazines for no other reason than the fact that she appears in magazines. How do you like that! There are people all around the world practicing an instrument daily, taking classes, honing skills to one day hopefully become a great performer. Some of those people are remarkably gifted and have the opportunity to become great in the arts. However, we will never hear about most of them because people like Nicole Richie sell magazines. That my friends, is sad.

Think about it. The next time you see a picture or hear a news blip about Nicole Richie or some other pseudo-celebrity, ask yourself if you could do that. Then ask yourself if any number of people you know could do that. If the answer is yes, don't pay attention to the story. Change the channel, turn off the volume or just leave the room. If you see a magazine featuring stories about these people doing things that you do every day or that people you know do every day, don't buy that magazine. You see, these people are famous for no other reason than the fact that everyday people like us buy garbage magazines with stories about them. The paparazzi business of rag mags has become an entertainment forum onto itself.

Haven't you noticed that less and less stories are printed in these garbage publications about talented people? That happens because talented people have careers of showcasing their talent. They don't need stories about their trip to the grocery store to maintain their careers. When that starts to happen, you should know what is going on.

So now you know how to make a contribution to the arts. Support talented people. Stay away from the garbage because if you stop demonstrating a demand to see these people whom you could easily replace, the sooner they will go away and the sooner we could be reading cool things about you.

Borat Movie Business Too Slick for Villagers

2008-10-26T09:31:00.000-07:00

So imagine you lived in a small eastern European village and a film crew from Hollywood came and said they wanted to make a movie and feature your home in it. Now imagine that your village is kind of backwards in comparison to the industrial world. There is cable TV to be found but there is no running water. These people who are shooting the movie offer you three dollars to appear in the film. All sounds pretty fantastic doesn't it? Not really.

Apparently there is a dispute going on between the makers of Sacha Baron Cohen's hit comedy Borat and the residents of a small village that was used to represent the main character's home of Kazakhstan.

According to the production company, they showed up in the town of Glod which lies about 85 miles north west of Bucharest to shoot the film. It is a small town where the women are still encouraged to abandon education, get married, have babies and maybe work in the family business, if there is one. It is a poor village where the quality of life, as you can imagine isn't the greatest. The producers of the film loved the location and though it would do well to depict the backwards fictional village.

For those of you who have seen the film, Borat split opinions of many who watched it. Many people thought it was hysterical, others either didn't like it or thought it was offensive. It definitely upset the people who actually lived in Glod because of how they were depicted. The movie's producers insist that they were always clear with everyone as to what the film was going to be about and that they all signed waivers and agreements regarding their three dollar payments. Regardless of what you thought about the film, it ended up grossing nearly one hundred and fifty million dollars.

The people in the village claim that they were told Borat was going to be a documentary and that some of them were even interviewed and filmed showing what they do and discussing aspects of the village. Instead, they claim they were depicted as primitive and criminals. The production company disputes this of course and claim it was always made clear to them what Borat was about and everybody who participated was clear that it was a fictional movie, signed releases and received their three dollars.

The people of the town have since been convinced by two lawyers, one from Germany and one from the U.S., to sue Hollywood for the making of Borat and how things unfolded. They have been made to believe that they could earn as much as thirty million dollars from the suit.

I don't know what people think one way or the other on this issue. What seems obvious is that there was definitely some kind of misunderstanding. Or, what seems obvious, is that somebody has once again found a way to make some money at the expense of somebody else. It is obvious in a case like this, that somebody on one side of the equation is taking advantage of somebody else. I'm not going to say who it is. Eventually, with most cases like this, the story will disappear, an undisclosed settlement will be reached and the movie will remain for all time to be enjoyed by generations to come. It's unfortunate that for the making of a little comedy, there has to be so much greed.

Anyway, in my humble opinion the film had it's funny moments but overall it was just OK. I would understand the villagers being upset if they had spent their hard earned money to go see the film and were disappointed. In such a case, the lawsuit would actually make sense.

SNL and Ferrell Finally Get Funny

2008-10-25T09:30:00.000-07:00

Saturday Night Live has historically been disappointing to me. The show that I used to love has changed in so many ways. The most significant change over the years is the recruitment of cast members that just were not that talented and writing that was cheap and predictable.

Over the years there have been some great comedic performers to come off of the show even though the show itself has been horrible. There are several memorable characters that were created despite the fact that the sketch was weak or the rest of the show was really bad. A couple great characters that come to mind were Chris Farley's motivational speaker that lived down by the river and Will Ferrel's impersonation of a dead Harry Carey.

Usually you could count on one or two funny sketches but most of the time even the strong ones were weak and they went way too long. This weekend was a nice exception to the rule.

Will Ferrell revisited his old stomping grounds to reprise his impersonation of President Bush. He was hysterical. He gave a bumbling and severely flawed address to the nation and joked about how he didn't really care what happened anymore.

Ferrell was joined in the sketch by Tina Fey doing her spot on characterization of Sarah Palin. Ferrell as Bush explained how the office of the Vice President was most important and that all the big decisions are made by him and the President must do what the Vice President says because that's what Cheney explained to him when he first took office. It was a great joke and he had a few more.

The most memorable bit was when they chose to play on McCain's campaign promise to be completely different from Bush and to take the country in a whole new direction. Darrel Hammond came on as John McCain, Hammond is amazing by the way, appearing as though he really didn't want to be there. On several occasions he tried to break away from the shot, only to be dragged back in by Farrell. It was very funny. Farrell as Bush made statements reminding the country that a vote for McCain is a vote for George Bush and when they are voting to specifically think of Bush's face when they vote for McCain.

I have to say Farrell stole the show. It was the funniest sketch I had seen on SNL in ages. It was sharp, to the point and didn't go on too long. It was great to be reminded that with the right performer in there, the show can still do great things.

Hopefully they will realize what they did on Saturday and choose to do more of it more often.

Gerri Halliwell Wants Pitt and Clooney To Join Kid Story

2008-10-24T12:18:00.000-07:00

It is incredible how many celebrities decide at some point in their career to explore the children's book market. There are many who have gone at. The most notable of late is former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell.

The book that Halliwell has put out is actually a series of stories based upon a fictional character named Ugenia Lavender. The series was produced by Halliwell during the course of this year at a rate of one new book per month. The title character is a nine year old girl who is described as sassy and street smart and tackles the "injustices" of the world every day. At the end of every story, their is a message of inspiration for the reader from Ugenia.

Apparently, the book has been a significant success. It has generated mass appeal and who knows where it will go from here. What is amazing, is that somebody with very average talents but who was fortunate enough to achieve a certain degree of success, has been able to parlay that into something decent.

Let's face it, the Spice Girls were a phenomenon for little girls around the world. Yet, it was Halliwell's own ego that eventually led to the group's downfall. They probably could have continued to put out bubble gum albums that would hit the charts for several more years. However, that old familiar tale crept in. Geri had to have the spotlight all to herself. With the band going out without her, they were able to keep the flame alive for a little while, but it didn't last. Fans had come to accept the spicy ones as being a group of five. If you know anything about young kids, you know that when something looks off, they ask a lot of questions. Eventually, the kids just got tired of the questions and of the spices.

So how did Halliwell do on her own? Her solo attempt flopped. I wonder why? Clearly she was marketable as part of that classic girl band dynamic created by the Spice Girls but alone she would have had to demonstrate some talent and mass fan appeal. She didn't have either.

Now Gerri is back with her ego intact and it looks like she is making good. The children's book is doing well is she is gaining some credibility at something she apparently does well. That must feel good for a change. In consideration of the success of the book, she is now entering discussions about the possibility of animated features. She has mentioned that she would love Brad Pitt and George Clooney to voice characters in the series. Hey, if the books are doing well, anything is possible. Go girl power. We can only hope she doesn't decide to start singing and dancing again.

If she does start singing and dancing again, I hope it isn't like before. I would really prefer to see Gerri in more of a ballroom setting or maybe even ballet. I guess now with the books doing well, we might see her on Saturday morning television. Wait, she would probably have to wake up early in the morning for that. Scratch that idea. Stick to the books.

Movie Star's Son Busted For Marijuana

2008-10-24T10:46:00.000-07:00

This is the kind of story that irks me because again, as I have noted before, there is no point in printing it. It is actually kind of funny.

The son of a movie star got busted for having a couple duffel bags full of marijuana in his car. Well whoop dee doo. Do you know how many people get busted for marijuana possession in this country every day? Tons. Do you know how many people are doing marijuana right now while you are reading this? Even more. Consequently, there are probably many more interesting and possibly even more important stories to be told there.

Perhaps a story could be written about how many people are busted for possession of marijuana. I'm sure the public would love to know how many of their tax dollars go into arresting, prosecuting and processing people for possession of marijuana. That would probably be an interesting story. It might even provoke some response. How about a story demonstrating how many people in the world are using marijuana at this very moment. I think that would freak people out. It would especially freak out people who were smoking marijuana while watching the report.

Nope. Instead the news blip is about a movie star's son who got busted with drugs. Of course, somebody thinks it is news worthy because the person busted is related to a movie star. That to me is hysterical. The busted person is related to a movie star, so it is worthy of telling the story. I'm sure if we all go back far enough in our family trees you would discover that we are all related to some movie star somewhere. As such, we should be seeing a lot more bust stories in the news.

It gets better. This person is related to a movie star who is dead. Now that just opens up the flood gates as far as the rest of us doesn't it? Throughout history you must be related to somebody who was in show business at some time. Therefor, if you are related to a dead movie star and get busted with drugs, you can make the news. This movie star died in 1994. I guess in the grand scheme of history that is still pretty recent. The relative can't even escape public scrutiny after death. To me, that is really funny. This guy doesn't have anything to do with entertainment at all, but makes entertainment news because his long since dead relative was in the business. I'm not even going to tell you who the story was about because it isn't even worth a moment of your time.

Think of all the resources that went into producing that story. Think of how better spent those resources could have been. Think about all the different things you could have been doing instead of hearing about it. Think about all the different things you could have been learning at that moment. Maybe that's the problem. Maybe nobody cares to think anymore.

Star Trek The Movie... Again

2008-10-24T10:21:00.000-07:00

Enough already with the Star Trek movies. I get it. People like Star Trek. They enjoyed Star Trek when it was a television show and they enjoyed Star Trek when it was made into a movie that last six or seven times. Can't anybody come up with a new idea anymore? Hey, look at the success of the Harry Potter franchise. There is a great children's book series that was turned into a successful film. That was original. Apparently it can be done. Remember the Scream movies? A little modern horror film series with a new spin on a classic idea. Those pictures did pretty well.

Is it too much to ask for somebody to sit down and just write something original anymore? There are endless ideas available. Not to mention, new ideas or concepts are born every day. Remember a little film called Forrest Gump? Sure you do. His friends called him Forrest Gump. I don't mind if the movie is based on a book if it hasn't been done before, those usually make great movies. That is, if the book was good. Sometimes they make good movies even when the book isn't that good. At least it's the first time it was made into a movie. Why does the same movie have to be remade five, six, seven or eight times? Do you know what that is? That's a television series. That's where Star Trek belongs. It was a great original idea at the time.

The director of the film was recently interviewed and said that one of the reasons he was drawn to the project is that it sends a good message to show people from all different backgrounds working together hundreds of years in the future. Yeah, sure. Like people working together with blobs and things with antennae and green folks sends a good message. It is science fiction. The film isn't getting made to improve cultural relationships amongst the masses. The film is getting made because the studio figures it will make a lot of money off of it. That is all.

You want to hear a really cool story connected to the original Star Trek that does have cultural significance? While the original series was shooting, Nichelle Nichols who played Lt. Uhura, I think that was the character's name, wanted to quit. She was approached by Martin Luther King who asked her not to quit because it was important for black people at the time to see a black woman playing a role on television that was not stereotypical for the times. Her character was a strong, authoritative, independent woman and her color was secondary. However, she was cast as a black woman in the part. That is an amazing story! That was something that affected people at the time. King saw the importance of it and Nichols made the decision to stay on the show. Another Star Trek movie will not do anything to bring people closer together.

If they really wanted to make a film that would show people coming together, make one about a multi-cultural community in New York and how they rebuilt together after 911. How about a movie about a company that creates opportunities for people based on skill and ability which results in a multi-cultural assortment of individuals and show them flourishing by working together. Maybe even just a movie about a family who adopts a few kids from around the world how similar people are no matter where they come from.

Enough with the garbage remakes. If they are so desperate to keep reintroducing old ideas to film, just bring it back as a horrible television show and beat the idea into the ground. You know, just like the new piece of garbage remake of 90210 that shows all the best characteristics of human beings.

Pornstars Go Mainstream

2008-10-24T09:35:00.000-07:00

There is no denying that we are living in a visual age. As such, the various technological mediums have capitalized on our need for entertainment. There are more movies made today than ever before. That is not to say they are any good. These movies are studio quality, back lot quality, back yard generated and Internet uploads. They come in all shapes and sizes. Most of them are terrible.

Even Hollywood seems to be quick now to go low budget, low calibre and sometimes no talent whatsoever, if they believe there is a quick buck to be made. So what's new? Sure it seems like an old strategy with new things but come on. A lot of the stuff coming out now is pure garbage. Most of it goes straight to video or into the recycling bins. It is no wonder that a really good movie can stand to make a king's ransom today. My uncle who used to sell watches would bring them all out in a display case and purposely litter the case who junk watches to the good ones stood out. Today, Hollywood's junk case runneth over.

That being said, it would appear that any avenue of performance art stands as a good audition piece nowadays. Just recently another porn actress has been chosen for a mainstream film. Sasha Grey has been chosen by Steven Soderbergh to appear in his upcoming film The Girlfriend Experience.

It is far from the first time a porn actress has crossed over. You may have noticed I am calling them porn actresses not porn star. I don't understand how you can appear in a porn film and immediately be referred to as a star. You should have to appear in a certain number of films at least before you are a star. Mainstream actors are not immediately referred to as stars. They are actors. It should be the same for porn.

Anyways, Traci Lords is probably one of the most famous porn actresses who crossed over. She received a considerable amount of attention considering the controversy surrounding her porn career. Most of her time in adult film was while she was under age. Now Ms. Grey, I'm sure that's not her name, will have a shot. No pun intended. It is interesting that girls going into porn can honestly believe now that they could have a shot at becoming a legitimate actress if this crossover tendency continues. It doesn't seem as though acting ability seems to matter. This seems to be the new mantra of Hollywood. Who cares if somebody can act as long as they look the part on film.

This is unfortunate for so many reasons. For one, the quality of film drops tremendously. If anybody can do it now, I might as well just go over to family members' homes and watch them wash dishes. It really isn't that much different. The other concern is that it may encourage more people, specifically women, to enter porn as a stepping stone to what they think will be legitimate acting careers. I'm not much of a pornologist, but I do believe most girls who enter the field disappear quickly into anonymity. The same could be said about the "legitimate" film world but what you leave behind is just a little different.

This isn't to say that a film can't be good just because a porn actress is cast in it. It just means the doors seem to be opening wider to different calibres of film and the likelihood of it being good is probably a little smaller. I suppose this will make watching a really good movie, with really good actors that much more enjoyable. Especially since not to many really good movies seem to come around much anymore.

Hollywood's Sheen, Jolie and Pitt Having More Kids... Who Cares?

2008-10-24T07:06:00.000-07:00

So over the past week or so there have been some interesting family announcements from Hollywood. Charlie Sheen has announced that he is having twins with his current girlfriend. I won't even mention her name because he probably won't be with her in a few years. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have announced they are planning on having a sixth child. Or is it seventh?

What is the fascination with celebrities having kids? Everybody has kids. It doesn't take much talent to have kids. It is not news that somebody, even if they are a little famous, is having a child. Many of these so called "celebrities" have kids that they don't even know about. They have tons of kids with many different people and it makes the news. Nobody seems to care about the kids.

Some celebrities become celebrities just because they had kids with someone who was already a celebrity. That's ridiculous. That Kevin guy had kids with Britney Spears and then he became famous. He doesn't do anything else, but now he is a celebrity. I think he had kids with some other girl, and now she is famous for having had his kids because he had kids with Spears.

Nobody ever stops to think about the culture this is creating. Sheen is about to have five kids from three different women. Pit and Jolie are thinking about seven kids from five or six different countries and expect to maintain their whirlwind schedules as international superstars. Spears currently, doesn't even have the authority to have custody of her kids. Do you have any idea how in today's day and age a woman is denied custody of her children? It is almost unheard of. Look at the father figure in that case who got to have the kids instead! Those children are going to be a disaster. The best thing that could happen there is some family member who really cares about them will intervene and raise them.

Hollywood has become a literal breeding ground for the purposes of popularity. I don't even know how many celebrities make entertainment news now because they have kids, or are having kids or are thinking about kids. In the meantime, these people are not even entertaining us. Better yet, they don't have any talent to speak of. That's not entirely true. They are able to reproduce and pass along those talented genes to some poor unsuspecting innocent child who didn't have any say in the matter.

What would be news is if these people who just have kids for the sake of being famous, were to then give the kids up to caring parents who are unable to have children of their own. That would be fantastic and a story worth hearing. Imagine, some nobody who only exists in the popular consciousness because of tabloid journalism, decides they are going to have a child so Mrs. Jones who can't conceive, can have a child of her own. That would be brilliant. Now you have a no-talent wannabe making headlines because they are giving a remarkable gift to someone. I could handle that. Then you are setting a much better example than somebody who has five kids with four different partners that were mostly accidents and they hardly ever get to see any of them. Welcome to the new Hollywood!

When Louis CK Comes to Town Buy a Ticket

2008-10-22T12:09:00.000-07:00

When it comes to live entertainment there are few things that I really enjoy. The top of that list is great stand-up comedy. I'm not talking about stand-up comedy. I'm talking about great stand-up comedy. I say this because it is important to understand the difference.

In the early days of television people who were around then got to see the beginnings of great stand-up comedy. There were people like Bill Cosby, George Carlin, Mort Sahl, Nichols and May and more. These were masterful entertainers who were figuring out something amazing. They were able to convey humor through nothing more than their voices and paint hysterical pictures in the minds of their audiences. They were so good at it that people would fall over in hysterics from how great these individuals were.

The evolution of stand-up continued as time went by and eventually more and more people began to try it out. What ended up happening was that eventually everyone who ever told a joke or made a friend or family member laugh thought they were a comedian and they began to hit stages in clubs all across the English speaking world.

Born out of this rush to the stage by the masses who were hungry for attention, was the cable television era. It was there that we found countless shows like Caroline's and A&E's Evening at The Improv. were everyone and their mother were getting up and trying to be funny. Eventually, many of these cable shows disappeared. I like to believe it happened because most of the people showcased on those television programs were not comedians.

What has continued to happen to present day is the rush to the stage. Clubs exist all over the English speaking world and elsewhere, where people can jump up and try to make the masses laugh. Unfortunately, it makes it easier for those watching to not take stand-up too seriously. It becomes seen as a second class form of entertainment. It even seems to encourage disruption from the audiences a lot of the time.

Because there is so much garbage available today in the world of entertainment and stand-up comedy is no different, it is a real treat when a great performer comes around. Louis CK is one of those greats. He has had several television specials, he has appeared at numerous comedy festivals and he has written for many TV shows. Amongst his writing credits are some of the more unique television projects that have come along over the years including, The Chris Rock Show, The Late Late show with Conan O'Brien and his own Lucky Louis which aired for a short time.

CK has a no rules, no holds barred type of comedy. He explores all kinds of language and use of words. He attacks aspects of our culture that he considers ridiculous and leaves no stone unturned. In fact, there are times that he crawls down under that stone and rubs his face against it. I'm not completely sure what that means but his act is something to see.

Louis Ck is on tour now and if you have a chance, grab a ticket and go see him because he shouldn't be missed.

Regis and Kelly in The Morning are Half Way There

2008-10-22T07:25:00.000-07:00

Howard Moscowitz was a guru to the food service industry. He may still be. Moscowitz realized that people don't really know what they like because most of the time their choices don't include their favorites. Their choices may not even include something they would like a little. However, they still accept what they can because that is all that is available.

I believe that daytime entertainment, specifically Regis and Kelly play into Moscowitz's theory. Regis Philbin has been involved with the business for a long time. I believed he started out in radio years ago and made his way through the ranks in television to become the popular iconic figure that he is today. Philbin is funny and entertaining. It is safe to say that his viewing audience really enjoys him.

However, Kelly Ripa is not entertaining at all. She definitely tries. I give her top marks for effort. She does not have the talent to pull it off. Yet, this does not seem to matter. She has recently received a tremendous multi-million dollar contract from the show. She appears in several ads endorsing an assortment of products. Her being featured by corporate America has everything to do with her position on the show she shares with Philbin. She has been extremely fortunate that she came along when she did. This is because of the state of entertainment today. There are way too many people on television and in the business who profit based upon nothing more than celebrity.

Since celebrity is more important than talent, Kelly Ripa prospers. She is painful to watch. I was not a fan of Regis and Kathie Lee when Gifford was the co-host and I still had no inclination to watch when Ripa took over. Recently, I took a few moments to sit down and watch with my wife. It was ridiculous. I don't know how many times Ripa tried to make a joke but she virtually never received a laugh. What always makes it worse, is that she sits there laughing at herself while the rest of the studio is silent. As I mentioned already, it is painful.

When Gifford left the show the ratings did not suffer significantly. Although there was a bit of a dip while they were adjusting. I believe that plays to what I was mentioning earlier. Philbin is entertaining and in all honesty, could probably carry the show on his own now. He probably doesn't want to. What is entertaining is watching Regis's reactions every time one of Ripa's attempts at humor hits the toilet.

I did see a video of a guest host appearance on the show that demonstrated everything that I am talking about. Howie Mandel took over for a few shows while Regis took a break. He was great in the clips that I watched. Howie is hysterically entertaining and captivating. He makes watching everything that he does fun. While he was on, Ripa hardly ever said anything and when she did, it sure didn't come off as funny. She seemed out of place and uncomfortable. This just went to show, she has no business in the business. She is just the wrong person for the job.

However, she does well and people will say they like her because they don't know any better. She is where she is because some executive liked her for the job. If the viewing audience got to watch tape of several other possible hosts, she would never be selected. She gets the work because the viewing audience has no clue about what it is they really enjoy. They only get to experience glimpses of what they really like when a guest like Howie Mandel drops by.

I am certain that if Ripa were to leave the show, the ratings would hardly be affected. A new co-host would slip in there and Ripa would disappear into oblivion. It wouldn't matter because she has made a lot of money for doing very little and having no talent. That is one of the amazing things about the business of show. Even when your public doesn't realize that you are not what they would really enjoy, you get them as fans anyways. Lucky for Ripa, at least one or two of the right people liked her.

The Worst Kind of Movies Ever

2008-10-21T12:25:00.000-07:00

There are so many different kinds of movies made today. If you like action or adventure, you are in luck because every major studios sees that as a necessity with every season. If you like romantic comedies, they are almost as frequently made. There is a little something however that pops up in movie making every no and again that drives me crazy.

It isn't something that happens a lot of the time but in the spirit of the epic story telling type films that blew off box office doors for the past five to ten years, it is becoming a little more frequent in movie making and to be honest, I would really love it if it would disappear.

Most of you know what I am talking about. Let's say you are watching a film and it feels like it has been going for a considerable length of time. I'm not saying it is a bad movie necessarily but you just start to get the feeling that it has been on for a long time. So you check your watch. Upon discovering the time, you realize that you have been watching the movie for over two hours. What is perplexing, is that it doesn't even seem like it is close to resolving the central plot line. In fact, it would appear as though the central characters are still trying to put together a plan. You know what is coming... TO BE CONTINUED!!

I'm not saying that those words pop up on the screen the way they did at the end of television series in the 1970s. I'm referring to those multi chapter type productions that suck you in so you have to spend more money to come back and see what happens in the next installment. I hate it. Not too long ago I went to see The Golden Compass with my little girl. She loved it. I thought it was a pretty good movie. Except, I had no idea it was going to have one of these you-know-what kind of endings. Sorry to anyone who is reading this who hasn't seen the film.

Many years back I saw a great little action film called Remo Williams: The Adventure Begins. I really thought it was great. It was fun and comical and had a great cast of characters. If you are looking for a great weekend rental by the way, go check it out. Anyway, as the movie closed out, most of what went on in the film got resolved but it did leave you with the sense that there was more coming in subsequent movies. One thing though, those movies never happened! I was waiting for the next chapter and it never arrived. That drove me crazy.

I have been having the same creepy feeling about The Golden Compass. If somebody can confirm the next installment is on the way it would be greatly appreciated. To be honest, I would prefer that a movie begin and end in a single sitting. I don't see any reason why a story has to go beyond two or two and half hours. Sure there have been great series like Lord of The Rings and Harry Potter but they don't come along very often. Usually the subsequent films don't match the original. I usually feel like when a studio feels the need to create a continuing story line, they are just figuring out other ways to get us to spend money to see sequels or ridiculous prequels.

Regardless, it may just be me, but I prefer the story begin and end in a single sitting. I'd prefer they show some originality and come up with new and great films instead of sucking us is for epic journeys to movie theatres for films that may or may not be as good as the first.

Daniel Craig Has Done Even Better

2008-10-20T16:24:00.000-07:00

Come this November the next in a long string of James Bond films are due to be released. The Quantum of Solace promises to be full of the same kind of wit and action that has made the franchise famous. I have no idea what is up with the name. It's ridiculous. However, the title aside, I have seen the previews and it looks great.

Daniel Craig as reinvented the character, making Bond a little more off balance and unpredictable. He is definitely a little more flawed and "human" than the depictions cast by say Connery and Moore. The character remains intriguing and as always, smooth as silk with the ladies.

I was recently introduced to some of Daniel Craig's earlier work. I have to be honest, those films are even better than Bond. Craig is great as the agent who is licensed to kill, don't get me wrong, but his earlier work is really good. I would imagine largely due to better scripts and a more comprehensive character.

One film that I just say was Layer Cake. Craig plays the title role of a drug dealer in the UK who has been very successful with a tight circle of compatriots and is preparing to retire from the life. As his plans begin to unfold so does his world. He realizes that his primary business associate is planning to give him up to the authorities and he has to work fast to save his own skin from the police and rival drug factions. He is great in the film and his supporting cast is amazing. There are too many great names to mention but trust me it is a diamond in the rough and you got to check it out.

Another film that you may not even recognize Craig in right away is Road to Perdition. This is possibly one of the best mob movies ever made where Craig plays the heir to a crime empire but puts it all in jeopardy when he decides to kill the family of one of his own hitmen. I don't think I have to tell you much more about the plot but Craig plays the role of the spoiled American born underling to perfection. The supporting cast is like something out of a who's who of the best of Hollywood. Let's just say Tom Hanks, Paul Newman, Jude Law, Stanley Tucci and I don't think you need to know anymore. It is an incredibly underrated film and you owe it to Newman's memory to check it out.

If you are a James Bond fan I am sure you are going to go check out Quantum of Solace in November even if the name is ridiculous. If you are looking for other reasons to become a fan of Daniel Craig's work don't forget to pick up Layer Cake and Road to Perdition. Trust me, you will thank me for it.

Hogans Disappearing Would Be Heavyweight Happiness

2008-10-20T16:07:00.000-07:00

So there is some buzz going around as a result of words from Hulk Hogan's daughter that she is excited about her brother Nick getting released from prison. He was sentenced to 166 days back in 2007 for a reckless driving charge that nearly killed his good friend but instead left him in a vegetative state.

Sound bites were released from a visit that Hogan had with his son in jail several months back. During that meeting, Nick was telling his father that he hoped he would help him line up a reality show for when he was released. The basis of which would be a "celebrity" hits rock bottom and upon release from jail works on getting his life back together. The Hulk told him he would do all he could to line it up and he thought it was a good idea.

What was not discussed during that visit was how he was going to apologize to his friend's family. What was not discussed was how he was going to take responsibility for what he had done. What was never mentioned was how remorseful Nick was feeling. What was not discussed was how Nick Hogan was going to demonstrate to other young people how wrong he was and how to avoid making the same mistakes again. None of these things were discussed because Nick Hogan doesn't seem to care.

Nick Hogan doesn't care that he has destroyed the life of another human being completely. Nick Hogan doesn't care about anything except Nick Hogan. The fact that Hulk Hogan was only interested in making his son's reality show dreams come true goes to show that this non-remorseful attitude seems to run in the family. What is worse is that as a parent there doesn't seem to be any guidance or inclination to push his son towards making things right. Not that they ever could be made right.

It would seem that instead of doing right by his friend who is virtually brain dead, he is looking to capitalize on the situation. This stupid kid is looking to profit off of his actions that took the "life" of a friend. What kind of person would even think of doing such a thing? Definitely not a friend. Definitely not a human being. That is the kind of behavior you would expect to see from garbage because garbage doesn't know any better.

When Nick gets out of jail next week, I hope he and his whole family disappear. They are a train wreck and kids across the country should not be subjected to their example. None of them have any discernible talent and they make for the worst possible role models. If the Hogans are what entertainment has become, than best to start smashing all televisions, radios, computers and any other form of multimedia receiver because it is over.

Anybody who is thinking about working with the Hogans should be thrown out right along side of them. These are the worst kinds of people that there are. Here is hoping that the Hogans just up and disappear and we don't have to be subjected to having any more time wasted by their wannabe lives.

Palin Parody is not as Funny as the Real Thing

2008-10-19T14:58:00.000-07:00

As promised, Sarah Palin made an appearance on SNL this past weekend and I'm sure the ratings were higher than the show has seen in a long time.

Here's the thing. I believe Sarah Palin is way funnier than Tina Fey has ever been. Palin is hysterical and she doesn't even mean to be. By coming out and trying to do a parody of her, you actually take away from what makes her so attractive. Most of the stuff Fey has done on the show over the years has been boring and predictable. As expected, the jokes about Palin were the same and there wasn't even the smallest sign of anything new being tried.

What was great about the show were the appearances of other people who are really pretty funny. Mark Wahlberg, formerly Marky Mark showed up to do a mock confrontation with Andy Samberg, regarding a sketch Samberg did about Wahlberg in a previous week. It was pretty funny, with Wahlberg acting like the parody portrayed by Samberg. Wahlberg should continue to pursue comedy. He was great in Boogie Nights and Entourage is amazing. I don't know why he feels the need to keep hitting the dramas but I'm sure his people see him becoming a big star.

The funniest moments on the show had be with Alec Baldwin. There is a moment that appears to be backstage where Lorne Michaels is talking with the real Sarah Palin, getting ready to do a walk on when he mistakes her for Tina Fey. He talks to them, thinking Palin is Fey and starts to belittle Palin. When he realizes it is actually the Governor, he covers with "I must say you are way hotter in person."

Baldwin has to be one of the funniest guests the show has ever had on. I would rank him up there with Steve Martin and Christopher Walken as far as the funniest visitors they have ever had. Baldwin is definitely great at comedy and I would say he is a huge reason that 30 Rock is where it is. I just don't find Fey that funny. She definitely has her moments but I never thought she really had it.

Without question, this weekend's episode demonstrated what has been the case with SNL now for a long time. The show is way better with funny guest stars and visitors. The show's sketches still go way to long and the jokes just are not that good most of the time. It usually take the appearance of a Baldwin or a Martin to make it worth watching again. I'm sure once the election is over, it will go back to boring old SNL groan comedy once again.

New Jersey Nets' Devin Harris Gets Schooled by Amateur

2008-10-19T08:07:00.000-07:00

This is the kind of story that is really all about entertainment. Imagine you are hanging out in a public park somewhere, just having a relaxing good time. Over to your left a bunch of kids are playing hide and seek. Off to your right you can see some guy playing frisbee with his dog. You notice a bunch of people hanging out at a baseball diamond or soccer pitch or basketball court and out of nowhere a superstar athlete shows up.

You would have to get up a little closer to see if your were seeing things or not. Upon closer examination you realize that it really is a superstar player. Maybe he has decided to come out to practice or perhaps just enjoy a nice day outside. Whatever the reason, there he is.

This is exactly what happened in Stockwell, South London recently when New Jersey Nets superstar Devin Harris showed at a basketball court to give a few lessons. He was in town for a pre-season exhibition game. He was approached by amateur, Stuart Tanner and challenged to a friendly one on one match. Harris accepted.

It has already been already all over YouTube but Tanner apparently got the better of Harris. Harris took the first shot hitting the rim and Tanner picked up the rebound. He head faked Tanner for his first basket and followed it up with another move putting the ball between the guard's legs to score another basket. It isn't clear how much longer they played after that but it has managed to make news around the world.

It is interesting that a pro would agree to a pick up game with a stranger like that. Harris is a superstar player that the Nets have millions of dollars invested in. I am sure that if he were to review his contract, he probably is not supposed to be playing in street games with strangers. I wouldn't be surprised if when he got back to his team, that if once they found out about what happened, that he got lectured.

That is pretty irresponsible playing like he did considering accidents do happen and he could have gotten injured. That of course would have been the real news. Sure, Tanner got the better of him. However, watching the clip it is clear that Tanner has some chops but who knows how hard Harris was trying. He certainly must have some sense of responsibility and wasn't going to go all out against the guy.

More interestingly was the fact that it was being video taped and as a result, made the news. I'm sure Harris is going to take a little ribbing for it but the challenge appeared to be taken in good fun. There is a lot more to becoming a superstar calibre player than just a couple moves in a street game. Apparently Tanner has a pretty good reputation in that part of London as a player but it will remain to be seen whether he gets a call to take a shots at the big leagues.

It is great to think that a nobody could have a shot at something incredible like a professional sporting contract because a pro was willing to give him a little time in the lime light. Who knows, this could lead to challenges nation wide.

Mark Wahlberg is Calling Out Andy Samberg

2008-10-18T13:29:00.000-07:00

Whether it is intended to be a great little piece of publicity or not, it is definitely entertaining. Andy Samberg, one of the regular cast members on Saturday Night Live, recently did a sketch where he pretends to be Mark Wahlberg talking to farm animals. In the sketch he is seen approaching a chicken, it was a real chicken by the way, and he asks the chicken if it would like to do a movie with him. Of course he doesn't get an answer from the chicken and ends the discussion by saying "say hello to your mother for me."

Recently, Wahlberg appeared on the Jimmy Kimmel show. Kimmel showed a clip from the sketch to Wahlberg and asked him what he thought about it. Wahlberg said he wants to go find Samberg and punch him in his big f*&#% nose.

It was hysterical to watch for so many reasons. First of all, there are not a lot of people watching Saturday Night Live anymore. It's unfortunate that the show isn't nearly as good as it used to be, but that's the plain honest truth. Anybody who saw the sketch may or may not think anything of it and definitely will not affect Wahlberg's career.

Samberg does an OK impression but of course, the sketch is not funny. He is obviously trying to take a shot at Wahlberg but it really doesn't make a difference. As I mentioned, nobody cares that much about SNL anymore because of how far it has fallen. That being said, this weekend's episode is rumored to have an appearance by Vice Presidential hopeful Sarah Palin. Tina Fey has been doing a great impersonation of Palin for the past few weeks and is getting lots of press off of it. Again, a fun impression but really not that funny. That being said, Palin's appearance on SNL this weekend promises to bring the best ratings the show has seen in years. To be honest, I think it will be great because I find Palin much funnier than Fey.

As for Wahlberg, he created a great show, Entourage, if you haven't seen it yet, go get it. It is a great show with more great comedy in five minutes than SNL has had in five years. He has nothing to worry about with Samberg and hey, it would be hilarious if he really did find him and slap him around a little bit. It would be great if he said, " I'm gonna give you a beating now but not because you took a shot at me, I'm doing it because you're not funny. If it was funny, I wouldn't lay a finger on you. Now get over here and take your beating."

That would be great and if it were taped, it would be one of the most watched clips in television and internet history. Everybody loves a good scrap between entertainers. Hey, they way I see it, they wanted to get into the entertainment business, then step out into the street and entertain us.

Beyonce's New Single May Not Be Her Own

2008-10-18T08:14:00.000-07:00

There was a time when a great new group had burst onto the scene. The group was called Destiny's Child. Beyonce was the centre piece of this three piece all female singing group. In the spirit of the times there was no sign of any musicians when they would perform. As has become common with many performers in the music business today, there is no need for musicians or even a band. Typically, what will be done is a group of attractive girls or guys will be put together and they will sing songs collectively. As a group, it is usually difficult to tell how horrible each one is as a singer individually. It is a great marketing ploy.

However, Destiny's Child wasn't like that. These three young girls could really sing. I had the pleasure of hearing them do some accapella renditions of a couple songs that were fantastic. So, here in an ocean of low-grade performers were three incredibly talented young girls. It tends to happen once in a while in the business.

The girls were all pretty young and their egos must have been large because for whatever reason they couldn't hold the group together for very long. It started with them having to replace the third girl a couple of times and then eventually Beyonce decided she wanted to go solo. Unfortunate, but at the same time, they were talented and with the right marketing, could each have relatively successful careers.

As most people know, Beyonce went on to international success as a solo act and has even had a few turns in film. She is attractive, talented, young and has the drive and support to continue her run. Her family happens to manage her career.

One time I was watching an award ceremony. It must have been around January or February, I can't tell you exactly which one it was but what transpired was interesting. Beyonce won an award for something related to her singing. When she went up to accept the award she said "I am really happy to accept this as my first award for this year." I was wondering if I heard her correctly but apparently I did. She did say "my first award for this year." I couldn't help but think that this kid sure is arrogant. As if having a music career should guarantee her a certain number of awards every year. I'm sure all the musicians out there struggling to gain some kind of recognition for their art really appreciated her remarks.

Then I started thinking that perhaps it was something even more diabolical. Perhaps there isn't anything legitimate about the awards shows that we see. In reality, these are all predetermined and are simply part of the PR that these artists put together to boost themselves. It would be understandable. It wouldn't be the first time that I had heard of these kinds of things being more political than anything else. If so, I could forgive Beyonce for giving away the plans for that year. Perhaps she just wasn't thinking. Perhaps she truly believed that going to and accepting awards each year was indeed a part of what you do when your music is selling period.

Then the latest news hits. Beyonce is releasing her newest single 'If I were a boy.' It looks like the song is not even hers. This is disturbing. The song was supposedly recorded by a lesser known artist who is getting ready for her break with RCA. I know that it has been a long time practice for musicians to rip off other acts. There is an entire category of music that exists now based on ripping off, oh sorry I mean 'sampling' other musicians work. What I don't understand is how an artist like Beyonce feels the need to take an entire song from another artist without paying due consideration or worse, make her fans believe it was her own. Funny how in the movie Dreamgirls, she plays a character who exposes her manager/husband for ripping off a song from her friend and former band mate. Life imitates art once again.

Beyonce is a hugely successful recording artist. There is no need to be stealing songs from other recording artists trying to make a name for themselves. Hopefully, it isn't something she has been doing for a while. Hopefully, it isn't something that will continue. Hopefully it isn't something that she believes she is entitled to do as part of being a successful artist. Hopefully, we will get to see her and others like her, perform great original works in the future without the need to steal from other talented people.

Life on Mars is Worth The Ride

2008-10-17T10:34:00.000-07:00

A great new show that you should definitely check out is Life on Mars. It seems to be an incredibly original idea with the theme of the supernatural lurking in the background. The basic plot line is pretty straight forward. The lead character is a police detective. I know what you are going to say. "Oh, another police show, another crime drama, how original!" Hang on, don't get carried away. Yes, it is based around the expoits of a police officer however, here is the twist. He gets hit by a car while he is one the job and when he wakes up he is in 1973. Yup, it sounds crazy and I guess it kind of is. So far it looks great but I think it may end up being one of those kinds of shows that you will have to be following from the beginning.

When the police detective wakes up, he walks around realizing he is in 1973. He doesn't believe that it is real but everyone around him thinks he is insane when he tells them that he is actually from the future. The show takes place in New York so the back drop of characters and scenery is great to watch. The lead is played by Jason O'Mara who I am not that familiar with but he does a great job so far. The supporting cast is amazing. His Police Captain in 1973 is played by Harvey Keitel who takes the 'I do things my own way to get it done' philosophy to new heights. His character, often caught taking a shot of booze, is also hysterical. Gretchen Mol plays the department lady cop who tends mostly to issues of the psychological nature so of course the cop from the future is a major concern of hers. He is also joined in the precinct by Michael Imperioli who most people will remember from The Sopranos and who also happens to be one of the best actors of our generation in my opinion.

Another great part of the show is how it is left uncertain as to what kind of condition this cop is really in. Is he dead? Is he lying in a hospital bed in a coma? What exactly is going on? There is great interaction with him and the world he appears to have temporarily left behind. His girlfriend from the future is played by Lisa Bonet, who has't really taken a run at television since the Cosby Show and she looks and acts great. Looking at her today, she has definitely grown into a beautiful and talented woman. It will be interesting to see how her character and the 'other life' plays into each episode.

Life on Mars looks different and fun. With the kind of cast it has and the origianl story line, there is a good chance this show will hang around for a decent run. Keep your eyes open and check it out. It is worth it.

Dexter Third Season Off To A Killer Start

2008-10-16T18:04:00.000-07:00

The third season of Dexter is under way and I couldn't be happier. To be honest there really isn't much television out there worth watching right now and Dexter is a welcome change of pace.

For those of you who are not familiar with the show, let me get you up to speed. The idea of the show is simple. You have a Miami police unit. They are more like detectives. They are a different division of police officers from the uniformed type. In that way they are kind of like CSI. Only they are the cops. They are not the scene investigators. The one thing that makes them considerably different from the rest of the police units is Dexter Morgan. He is the central character of the show. He is their blood expert. He also happens to be a serial killer.

He isn't like your garden variety serial killer however, he is one of the good guys. Or is he? He sticks to a code of conduct. Although, he is haunted by the need to kill other human beings, he actually craves it, he tries to only kill bad guys. This draws you in. You will actually find yourself cheering for him most of the time. You also don't want him to get caught. This season has already taken on a couple great new twists and I can't wait to see how they turn our. I'm not going to get into too much detail as to what goes on because I don't want to spoil it for anyone just discovering the series or if you happen to be reading this in the future, I won't ruin the DVD experience. Let's just say, it should get very interesting.

All the episodes so far have been extremely interesting. The cast is great. They have David Zeyas and Lauren Velez, both of whom were on Oz and they were both great. I became even more interested in the show when I realized they were in the cast. The lead is played by Michael C. Hall. He is Dexter. He plays the role to perfection. The most interesting aspect of his character is how he is able to convey very little feeling whatsoever about anything. This is a significant part of his character that he struggles with throughout the series. You might remember Hall from Six Feet Under, another great series from HBO.

If you have the chance, get on board the Dexter band wagon. His family is outrageous, his sister is another foul-mouthed cop on the force who works along side of him and she is hysterical. His girlfriend is crazy hot. It is worth it to watch just for her. And his father, taught him everything he knows about being a killer and how to get away with it. By the way, his father was a cop too.

Don't miss the show. You'll be glad you watched Dexter. It is a million times better than most of the garbage on the tube these days.

Five Greatest Working Actors Today

2008-10-16T07:55:00.000-07:00

The Best Working Actors Today
This is definitely another one that is going to be subject to a tremendous amount of interpretation. It is a topic that is regularly debated in homes, offices and critics’ chairs the world over. It is without question a difficult call to make. There are so many things to take into consideration. I have often believed that many great actors go without the recognition that they deserve because they have yet to find the right vehicle to showcase their talents. There are many great actors who didn’t even receive consideration for that reason alone. Perhaps a tragic flaw but one that could be corrected over time.

For now, here are the top five greatest movie actors working today in no particular order.

1. Don Cheadle. The first time I took notice of this man’s ability was in the now classic Boogie Nights. He was completely believable whenever he spoke and he was clearly a disgruntled porno star who wanted to do something better with his life. The man has an uncanny ability to take on tremendously challenging roles that are not unique to his appearance or background. He can step inside the skin of his character and somehow convey to the audience not just who he is but exactly how he is feeling. I only hope he stays away from English accents in the future. I was never clear on why his Oceans’ character had to be a Brit.

2. Brad Pitt. It is easy for most men to look at Pitt and conclude that he is only successful in Hollywood because of the way he looks. It would be simple to conclude that he has box office prowess in due large part to how the women will flock to any project that he engages. However, to say that he is successful strictly due to his appearance would be a grave underestimation. One need only observe his performance in Kalifornia to see a remarkable talent. To put it simply, Brad Pitt disappeared in that role and all that remained was a deranged serial killer. It wasn’t a one-time thing either. This guy pulls it off time and time again.

3. Sean Penn. From Fast Times to Dead Man Walking there isn’t much this Hollywood veteran can’t do. He can deliver a performance so great that if the rest of the film isn’t up to standard, he will leave it behind. The film can suffer but he rarely does. This Academy award winner can undertake any emotion or personality at a drop of a hat and he makes it seem effortless. He is a classic performer who was deserving of recognition many years prior to when it finally arrived. If he doesn’t decide to start spending more time behind the camera, he will have more projects to choose from that he will ever know what to do with.

4. Daniel Day Lewis. After witnessing him in the film In The Name of The Father, I was convinced I was watching greatness. Lewis’s performances exemplify what it is to be an actor. It is difficult to discuss him and his accomplishments considering the fact that so much has already been written. He has won virtually every award that exists for entertainers. He is invited to participate in projects developed by individuals coming from every corner of the globe. He is a master. If his name is associated with the project, you need never worry if you will enjoy the film. You will.

5. Gary Oldman. Perhaps the greatest and most overlooked actor in the business. Simply put, in every film he does, he becomes a different person. With most actors, the casting director decides if the character can be that actor. With Oldman, he always becomes his character. Very few in the business can do it. He is a magical performer. The Professional, True Romance, Hannibal, Batman Begins, Dracula, JFK, Harry Potter, Air Force One, Murder in the First,.... Enough said.

That is the list of the five greatest movie actors working today and many others are deserving. I’m sure names like Philip Seymour Hoffman, Edward Norton, Anthony Hopkins, Ralph Fiennes and so on come to mind but there just isn’t enough space and time. If you have better ideas I’d be happy to hear them.

The Five Greatest Rock Vocalists of All Time

2008-10-16T07:52:00.001-07:00

GREATEST ROCK VOCALISTS EVER
Without question this topic will provoke debate. It is highly subjective. However, there are certain characteristics of great rock vocalists that are undeniable. They tend to have unyielding longevity. It is not uncommon for them to be tremendously successful in a group as well as with various solo projects. Their talent seems to transcend time with continuing appeal to successive generations. They are idolized during their prime and continue to influence new artists long after their exit from the limelight. This list could have been comprised of other individuals. However, this group will always hold a special place in music history and I believe the future will be hard pressed to produce a more innately talented collection of rock superstars.

These selections are in no particular order.

1. Robert Plant. He was and some may argue still is, the lead singer of one of the most successful bands in rock history, Led Zeppelin. He has a powerful style with tremendous range accented by heavy folk and blues influences. After the death of the band's drummer, he pursued a successful solo career. Despite numerous personal tragedies in his life, he continued to thrive musically. To this day he has enjoyed several successful joint projects with former band member, Jimmy Page. The band is enjoying a recent resurgence and tickets are rumoured to be selling for small fortunes.

2. Brian Johnson. He is the front man for one of rock's most legendary incarnations, AC/DC. Johnson enjoyed the success of a few hit singles with his band Geordie but longed for more. Superstardom visited him when he was chosen to replace the spectacular Bon Scott as lead singer for AC/DC. Immediately thereafter the band enjoyed their most successful album ever with Back In Black. Some may argue that Johnson isn't a vocalist but rather some kind of masochist. Screaming instead of singing. He screamed on key and co-wrote most of those hit singles. He can still do it today. He's a little dirtier and that's what rock and roll is all about.

3. Annie Lennox. A woman? Damn Straight! Not only is she one of the best rock vocalists of all time, she is vocally one of the most talented people ever. She has been praised by and performed with the likes of Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder. Both of whom are legends in their own rights. Her live performances blow most male singers out of the water. She possesses an incredible vocal range with influences ranging from classical to rhythm and blues. A request to sing a ballad for a film resulted in an Oscar nominated performance...and oh yeah, she won. Annie can do it all and she adds a great accent to the list.

4. Freddy Mercury. Vocally speaking, arguably the greatest. Performed with a crazy little band called Queen. He wrote and sang Bohemian Rhapsody which may arguably be one of the most popular rock songs of all time. He could play to a stadium of hundreds of thousands of screaming fans unlike anyone before him or since. He was influenced by all manner of music and live performance and a huge fan of Jimi Hendrix. Even near the end of his career while his health was rapidly failing him, he could still belt out classics better than most accomplished singers could do during their prime. Anyone who doesn't agree that he belongs on the list was either born without ears or lives under water.

5. Steven Tyler. Women love him. Men wish they could be with the women who love him. One of the most recognizable voices in rock music. Aerosmith continues to be a mega-selling touring sensation today because of their lead singer, Mr. Tyler. His range is exceptional and his vocal power is overwhelming. Anyone who can consume the volume of unique substances that this man has managed to do over the course of his career and still sound great live, deserves to be on the list. Arguably only a select few are capable of doing what Tyler can do with his voice. He is definitely one for the ages.

That's the list. I'm sure there will be a difference of opinion for some of the top spots and I would welcome the input. A few honourable mentions: Sammy Hagar, Joe Cocker, Roger Daltrey and Chris Cornell. All great and there are others. While music will introduce us to many performers, most of whom will come and go. This group of uniquely talented individuals will stand the test of time and be remembered for many years to come.

Halle Berry Is The Sexiest

2008-10-16T07:50:00.001-07:00

JENNIFER LOPEZ AND HALLE BERRY ALWAYS WORTH THE WEIGHT
Esquire has named the stunning 42 year-old actress the sexiest woman alive. That is pretty impressive. Considering that industry has such a morbid fascination with youth I would say this is one of Halle Berry’s greatest achievements. We won’t even mention Catwoman. It is good to see she is still being recognized as a looker. Halle was becoming a popular choice for chocolate lab dog names. Not that it was ever intended as a negative connotation. I am sure the owners would tell you their pooches are beautiful.

It is interesting that Esquire is able to nail down their selection to a single person. I have always believed that the selection of one person on the entire planet is incredibly presumptuous. I’m sure the title will carry with it tremendous endorsement opportunities. Her face will appear on the next high tech sports ankle braces. Wherever she lives will probably become the most visited city in world history. Old Barney Miller cast members will show up in the latest beauty ads gawking at Ms. Berry as she goes strolling by. Her face will show up on a list of monthly moon signs somewhere instructing other women how to conduct themselves and what astrological signs they are most likely to marry.

I would imagine the promotional opportunities behind the title are tremendous. It’s interesting to think how other big name starlets feel about it. Jennifer Lopez is a paparazzi favourite and probably fancies herself deserving of the title. Now she may not be able to tell you how many baseball teams are in the American league but I can assure you many a man wished he could have gotten to first base with her. Jennifer is sexy but not like Halle. Jennifer is lucky she has a career. She has a rump like she has enjoyed many big apple donuts and coffee. I say that not because it matters, only because the fascination with looks has gotten way out of hand.

Most of the young Hollywood starlets today are starving themselves and have ridiculous body images. The emphasis should be on talent. There is no denying that the industry thrives on looks. The beauty conglomerates have turned it into a billion dollar business. However, those girls should know there’s nothing wrong with dropping the celery stick and grilling beef tenderloin. Jennifer aint all that skinny and she really isn’t all that talented either. Doesn’t seem to matter. That’s why it’s nice that Halle grabbed the honour this year. Ms. Berry is more than just good looks. Truth be told I personally know at least fifty other women who are sexier. There’s something more important going on.

For anyone interested in looking closer, the award might actually mean something different this time. It means that people might find it sexy to be a good actress and not just good looking. It means that people should pay closer attention to afro American actresses and afro American dancers and afro American comedians. It means that although there are still a lot of problems when it comes to tolerance of all things that make us human, we have managed to move forward a little bit. It means the top 100 baby girl names will include Halle.

I’m not saying that the title carries with it nothing but a bed of roses. She is famous, she lives in Los Angeles and she may have her own Stacy Elizabeth Beshear to deal with in the future. Hopefully that experience isn’t in her view. By the way this Stacy Elizabeth Beshear person is not to be mistaken with the Elizabeth from The View. Granted they both have problems, but they are two very different people. That’s another story.

A good choice and hopefully one that means a little something extra because after the lights go out and the make-up comes off, Ms. Berry is still sexy ... for all the right reasons.

Forbes Lists Hottest Selling Celebrity Faces

2008-10-16T07:47:00.000-07:00

Hottest Selling Celebrity Faces...For Now
It isn’t a decision to take lightly for any magazine editor. Which famous face will grace the cover of their publication on any given week. It has to be a piece of meat so well tenderized and so remarkably groomed, that a person viewing an entire rack of magazines will be drawn to it almost immediately.

It has already been determined that most people make their decision about buying a particular magazine within three seconds or less of seeing that magazine’s cover. Therefore, if it is a celebrity face being used to sell that magazine, that face has to rank high on the meat cut chart or it is all over. There are many people I am sure you could imagine gracing the covers of some of the world’s most popular magazines that would make you buy them instantly. There are only a few this year however, that resulted in record sales for this multi-million dollar industry.

And so, without any unwanted hesitation, here are the top selling celebrity faces for this year.

Angelina Jolie. This shouldn’t come as a surprise to too many people. She is still young, beautiful and commands one of the highest salaries in Hollywood. She has an international brood which rivals both the volume and diversity of the United Nations themselves. When she isn’t being dazzling and daring on the big screen, she is traveling around the world to help those less fortunate in an attempt to help make the world a better place. Not to mention, she has people lining up in hopes that they will be the next to be adopted into the Jolie-Pitt clan. It is no wonder people can’t get enough of that face.

Jennifer Aniston. She is cuter than cute. She dates a bunch of people who also happen to be talented actors and musicians. Although, it is interesting how often a story breaks about somebody she is supposedly seeing but the two are not ever really seen together for any extended period of time except maybe for a photo op. Peculiar. Then again, that’s Hollywood baby. She was a vital part of one of the most memorable situation comedies of all time and probably ranks up there amongst one of the most likeable female celebrities ever. Granted she really hasn’t done much of anything in a long time and hasn’t really made a movie worth remembering, she is still a sweet face that scoops in the big bucks.

Heath Ledger. This is a rare occurrence indeed. Most of the top faces on magazine covers are usually women. This due in large part to the fact that women buy most of the magazines that are sold and a male subject on the cover generally does not hold the same relatability factor. Is relatability even a word? Regardless, his unfortunate passing brought out tremendous sympathy from around the world and women love a sad story. What is worse is that Ledger was coming into a time in his career where he had begun to do some of his best work. A young star at only 27 who appeared to have wisdom well beyond his years. He was a rare talent whose images are now all that remain.

Jamie Lynn Spears. As noted, women of all ages are the primary buyers of magazines and the sweet, almost innocent face of the junior Spears remains irresistible to most. She is a phenomenon that is born of a time that treasures celebrity for celebrity sake. She had a television show and a part that could have been performed by any girl her age. She hasn’t really done anything else of significance. Wait! I almost forgot. She got pregnant before her eighteenth birthday. In fact, she might have done it twice if the rumour mills are accurate. So for whatever reason be it her celebrity lineage or brief time on screen, little Jamie Lynn is a face that means big returns for the magazine machine.

Bigfoot. He is hairy. He is a beast. No, he is a man. No, he is part beast and part man. His bushy brow graces the cover of any magazine or newspaper and people go crazy. He has been around longer than most celebrities today and he attracts attention from around the world. However, nobody has ever really photographed, filmed, seen or hung out with him for any reasonable period of time. For such an elusive subject, he is one hot and smelly commodity in the world of photojournalism.

Beatles' Ringo Star Will Sign No More Autographs

2008-10-16T07:44:00.000-07:00

The Beatles' Ringo Says No
Ringo Starr, the former drummer of the Beatles has announced that he is done with signing his autograph on paper, rocks, scissors or anything for that matter. He is done. He is 68 and he has simply had enough.

It is hard to believe that the drummer of one of the greatest rock bands that ever existed has put a cap on his public relations. Most celebrities these days can’t get enough attention. The great thing about Ringo Starr is that you know exactly who he is and what he has done. Ringo Starr is a rock and roll musician. He is a drummer. He helped the Beatles become one of the greatest musical icons in history. All you have to do is see a picture of him and you immediately know who he is and what he has done. That is how in tuned your brain is to the popular culture surrounding Ringo Starr’s existence.

The same can not be said about most celebrities today. Take for example Nick Lachey. Who? Exactly. Here is a guy who was part of a boy band a long while ago. He had a reality show with an ex-wife of his who also has questionable talents. He has not done anything of any real significance to contribute to the popular culture tapestry except that he maintains celebrity status for the sake of celebrity. He gets photographed and quick stories are reported about him that have no meaning or consequence. Since he has no discernible talent, that is all that can be said. Yet, his mutated star shines on. For some reason people still want his autograph. Hardly comparable to the accomplishments of Ringo Starr.

The Beatles’ drummer helped create an elaborate musical catalogue that will be worshipped by legions of fans from countless generations for many years, probably decades, to come. Lachey did not. Ringo Starr is a notable talent who has contributed to other incredible work recognized for its quality and resilience. Lachey is not. In fact, I believe it is safe to say that Lachey will never again contribute anything meaningful to society. He will not be remembered for anything of significance as the years go by. As far as the arts are concerned, there will be nothing noted in the history books about him. However, the requests for appearances and autographs continue.

Now, Ringo Starr has declared that he will no longer sign anything. He has had and continues to have a remarkable existence. There is the chance that he could lose a few fans or upset various groups of people as a result of this recent decision. It reminds me a little bit of a Seinfeld episode where everybody in Jerry’s building had tacitly agreed to greet one another by kissing. Jerry decides that he doesn’t like the kissing and is put on the stinker list by his neighbours in the building. Ringo will likely be considered a bit of a stinker by a few admirers but for the most part it will pose minimal consequences to his daily life. Lachey could never make the same decision. He needs the attention. He needs people to believe that he is somebody. Were he to decide to stop with the autographs, by the next day he would be forgotten...forever.

Celebrity is a unique and magical thing. It is that mechanism that defies logic in that the more you hear or see somebody, the more you want to hear and see them. The answer to why that happens is the million dollar question. One thing is for certain, although Ringo is saying no, his Starr will shine for a long time to come.

Best Stand Up Comedy Clubs In The World

2008-10-16T07:41:00.000-07:00

BEST STAND UP COMEDY
There are so many places to choose from when it comes to quality entertainment that the choices can become overwhelming. You can go to the movies or you can catch a sporting event but for my money there is nothing like an outstanding evening of stand-up comedy. I would argue it is probably one of the toughest things in the world to do, let alone do well. Regardless of the calibre of entertainer, it will almost always be a memorable night.

If you are interested in an evening of stand-up comedy, these are without question some of the best rooms in the world. In the future I will be focusing on the best clubs in particular cities. For my money, these rooms are the best.

1. The Comedy Store in London, England. This place is without question the greatest place in the world to catch stand-up comedy. The room has been around for years and boasts some of the greatest names in stand-up appearing on its stage. They have been visited by Robin Williams, Dave Chappelle and Mike Myers as well as some of the biggest stars on the other side of the pond including Jimmy Carr, Ricky Gervais and Eddie Izzard. You get four headline performers every show. The room is set up with tiered theatre style seating that holds almost 500 with a club atmosphere. You have not experienced anything like it. Great staff, great experience and it is packed almost every night.

2. The Glee Club in Birmingham, England. This is another fantastic spot. Don't get me wrong, I'm not partial to the U.K., it is just that these venues really figured out how to put together a great show. The seating is packed in tight with enough room to maintain your personal space while simultaneously creating great energy. The mood is festive with some of the best theatrical lighting and music to welcome you upon your arrival. Once again the staff are great with fantastic service. They give you the feeling that they are really genuinely thrilled that you have chosen to spend the night with them. It has one of the most awe inspiring bars I've ever seen and if you have any energy after the show, the room converts to a disco. Everything you need in one stop.

3. Absolute Comedy in Ottawa, Canada. This is a great little room. The space has been open for a few years but already it has attracted a solid audience. The room holds just around 200 people and it sells out almost every night. The acts tend to be exclusively from Canada, the country which spawns some of the greatest comedic talent in the world, and they are super. You will usually be welcomed by a host for the evening who sets up how the show is going to go. After, you get a middle act followed by the headliner who tends to be the best act of the evening. A great show from beginning to end with staff who really know how to run a space to guarantee you a great night out.

4. The Improv in Los Angeles, California. I mention the improv but could have just as easily included The Laugh Factory and The Comedy Store. These rooms are all similar in that on any given night you are bound to see some of the best acts perform. Most evenings will include several performers doing short spots with the headliners closing out the show with a more substantial set. The weekends have fewer spots. The acts will range from amateurs to seasoned pros with the weekends being predominantly pro acts. One of the main reasons these clubs make the list is that you never know who is going to drop in. You are almost always likely to be entertained with a surprise visit from a comedy legend or present-day sit com superstar. They are all great venues to catch stand up comedy.

5. Gotham Comedy Club in New York City, NY. Again, there a few other clubs in the big apple that could be mentioned alongside Gotham but as far as great, unique and diversified stand-up comedy is concerned, Gotham is great. The club is well maintained, the staff are great and fun all at the same time and every night you are guaranteed to get something different both inside and out in front on the street. A great experience with a good mix, again super solid stand up pros mixed with a healthy serving of up and coming talent. For a great night out in the big city and for a stand-up comedy experience you won't soon forget, hit Gotham.

That is the list for now. Certainly there are many others that I could name but for now this is what you get. Check back soon and I'll give you the rundown of many more clubs when I do reviews city by city.

Victoria and David Beckham's Stuff Goes Missing

2008-10-16T07:35:00.000-07:00

VICTORIA AND DAVID BECKHAM MARRIAGE AS BORING AS THEIR STUFF
So Victoria and David Beckham have alleged that a couple of their former housekeepers have stolen things from their home in Hertfordshire. The two accused in the case, Eric Emmett and his wife June, have denied basically everything alleged in the complaint.

The case is interesting for so many reasons. Firstly, the two people accused of the theft had allegedly put these personal belongings of the Beckham couple up for sale on EBay. If the accusations are invalid, how did the items get there? Even more interesting is how they were identified as belonging to the Beckhams. Were they listed as theirs? If so, that would be an easy enough way to prove who they belonged to.

However, if they were listed as belonging to the Beckhams and the Emmets did not put them there, who did?Perhaps the Beckhams are not as well off as everyone had hoped. It is possible that Victoria Beckham is looking to acquire a few additional pounds to add to their account considering she has vanished from the world of entertainment. Although, she is supposedly doing quite well with clothing line deals and other endorsement contracts. This is good since she doesn't really do anything anyway.

Let us assume for the moment that the items in question do belong to the Beckhams and they were stolen and taken by some unknown party. What would you steal from the Beckhams? Victoria Beckham a.k.a. Posh Spice, has a bizarre clothing collection that mixes modern confusion with post-Stalin hypocrisy. She probably has a collection of costume jewellery that goes well with a subscription to popular mechanics. There just doesn't seem to be much of anything of value that somebody would pay for. Unless. No they couldn't have. Unless they took one of her sets of fake boobs. Those things I imagine would fetch a substantial price for any collector. They would probably also substitute well for ball bearings on any numerous manner of industrial machinery.

As for David Beckham, there isn't much that he could have that anyone could take. He has a few shirts from his playing days. When he was playing for real. He probably has a couple soccer balls lying around as well. Maybe some shoes and an idea for another tattoo. I can't really think of anything else. He probably has a collection of witty things to say when in conversation as it is obvious he isn't much of a talker as evidenced by countless exhausting minutes of interviews that he has conducted.

Who can even figure out why this is news. They have really become a boring couple. Victoria Beckham doesn't do anything interesting. Her business ventures are based entirely upon her candy coated celebrity. It is probably understood that she doesn't have much talent except for entertaining throngs of seven year-old girls. David Beckham plays soccer. Super.Now news breaks that some people have possibly taken some of their stuff and people hear about it all over the world. Hey, I don't think too many people care.

The Beckhams still have a lot of stuff and I'm sure if some of their stuff was really stolen they could probably go out and get some more of the exact same stuff. They made news when they got married. Now they make news over stuff. Nobody has dared say what stuff was taken, only that it was possibly their stuff. Big deal. More importantly, what were the Beckhams shopping on EBay for in the first place? You would think they would be the last people in the world to buy other people's stuff.

Madonna and Guy Ritchie Divorce?

2008-10-16T07:30:00.000-07:00

MADONNA AND RITCHIE'S MARRIAGE IN TROUBLE
The queen of pop and the British action director are at it again. Madonna and her husband Guy Ritchie are facing rumours again that their marriage is on the rocks. The couple has been married for just over seven years, they have children and the attention of the world media with every step they take.

The attention they are receiving now appears to be unwanted. Their marriage appears to be more strained than ever. Not the greatest place to be. Following appearances at numerous gala events of late, both parties have been putting on the brave face but the reality of their situation seems hard to mask. The deal in their marriage is to support one another in their careers, much like the classic wedding vow of for better or for worse, however the deal seems to be struggling in the face of divorce.

It wasn't long ago that Madonna could be seen jogging around Manhattan outside her palatial home pretending to avert the watchful eye of the paparazzi. She would run a circuit, careful not to go too quickly as to escape their ever-present lenses. Often she would appear as though she were ignoring their presence while carefully making sure they were close behind. Other times she would wave and assure them that all was well in the Madonna and Ritchie union while simultaneously giving them a breakdown of where she would be running that day.

Today, Madonna and Guy Ritchie seem to be running from a different sort of pest. Several months back rumours swirled that Madonna was having an affair with superstar baseball player Alex Rodriguez. They were seen out together a couple of times and it appeared questionable as to whether they were more than friends. Or were they? Neither seemed ready to address any questions in public. Since the rumours began, Rodriguez has had to deal with his wife filing for divorce. It would appear there had been problems on that front for a while.

Problems for Ritchie and Madonna have been coming in packages. The two have extremely busy schedules. Ritchie has been working on film development and promotion while she has been touring and promoting a documentary project. They don't get to see each other very often except for when they have their children all together. Supposedly, Madonna is known to call Ritchie repeatedly when she doesn't know where he is. Additionally, it has become increasingly difficult for Ritchie to promote upcoming projects when out on PR jaunts with his wife as she is known to demand the spotlight's attention. Finally, it is believed that Ritchie and Madonna have now resorted to texting one another at bed time, fuelling stories that they no longer share the same bedroom.

Despite whether the rumours are true, a Ritchie-Madonna divorce would have substantial ramifications. It is believed her fortune numbers well over three hundred million. That is dollars by the way. It is unclear at this time if there were any agreements signed that were legally binding that would affect the dispensation of this fortune, only time will tell. It is certain that a large chunk of change will be exchanged in the event of a divorce and proceedings will likely continue for some time.

A divorce will in all likelihood be more of an emotional strain than anything else. Ritchie has had a successful film career behind the camera and has in all likelihood socked away a few pounds. While Madonna will obviously continue to be Madonna. She has been around for a long time and if the courts decide that she has to give up a piece, which I'm sure she has done in the past, she will in all likelihood have plenty more of that pie left behind.

Jon and Kate Plus 8 Put Too Much Real into Reality Television

2008-10-15T16:19:00.000-07:00

Jon and Kate plus 8 is a unique television project. It follows a young couple who have eight children. That's right, Jon and Kate have eight children. Apparently, Kate, like many women today was having trouble conceiving so she turned to fertility drugs and other help. The first time she conceived they had twins. They wanted to have one more child but instead she gave birth to sextuplets. That is the background on the primary players. Oh, and the show is about... nothing.

When reality television hit hard, it came out with game shows. It wasn't like password or the fifty thousand dollar pyramid. They were shows like Survivor, The Bachelor and Big Brother. They were Reality game shows. Essentially, wannabe actors and models were auditioning for spots on these shows to compete for cash prizes. They would have to win by being the last person remaining essentially one way or another. The cameras would follow their every move, hear everything they would say and week to week the viewing audience would get a voyeuristic perspective on the outcome of each series. A bunch of these types of shows are still around, while many have also disappeared.

What seems to have sprung out of the reality television show genre is another kind of viewing experience. Jon and Kate plus 8 is just like one of these types of shows. There is no longer any kind of competition. There are no wannabes in the classic sense, vying for the eyes of television executives in hopes of being chosen for a television show of their own. There is no great cash prize at the end. All you see are people, walking around in their daily lives, doing what anybody else could be doing at that very moment. The shows are about essentially nothing. Each episode goes nowhere special and the people being shown could not be less interesting.

The network most responsible for hijacking our quality television time with this sleep fest is TLC. Jon and Kate epitomizes this fiasco. A typical episode starts with Kate getting up and getting all eight little kids ready for the day. She prepares a ton of pancakes. She pours out a couple gallons of apple juice and things begin. There is no denying the kids are cute. All little kids are cute. Ok, maybe some are not that cute but nobody ever tells them that. For the sake of argument however, these kids are cute. Jon is there too. He helps and always looks exhausted.

They talk to the camera periodically and try to seem enthralled about the topic for the day but it can't be done. An episode about going to the grocery store just doesn't have that cliff hanger feeling to it.What makes it worse is that neither Jon nor Kate are big on the personality scale either. To be honest, it doesn't surprise me. They wanted to have only three kids and instead they got eight. That would be a bit of a shock to anybody's system. They spend most of their day running around after toddlers. That is probably a little tiring and so it may be difficult to then stop and smile pretty for a camera. Truth is, it is not that interesting. This isn't entertainment.

This is simple voyeurism at its worst. There used to be shows like this on the internet but those sites realized that if you were just going to watch people in their homes all day, if you want it to be interesting, you better have them engaging in adult activities all day long. Nobody is going to sit and watch laundry being done for hours on end online.However, it would appear with Jon and Kate plus 8, that moving this concept to prime time television is working. If people don't want to watch others online just sitting around eating and doing laundry, they will obviously watch them do those things on television.

Jon and Kate will allow you to watch them do laundry for hours. Then you can see the kids all learning how to pee in the potties, for hours. Then you can watch Jon and Kate empty the potties, for hours. Afterwards, you can watch Jon and Kate get the kids ready for and prepare dinner, for hours. I get it. They have a lot of kids. I just don't believe it's prime time entertainment.The worst part is the message this network and others like it are sending. Basically, if you can have children, you can have your own show. However, if you have a whole bunch of kids, you have a great chance of that show being picked up for a bunch of episodes.

There are other shows now that feature families with a ton of kids. The premise is basically the same. Hey look at us. We couldn't stop having kids. We do our best to get by. All the kids live in hand me downs. Come with us to the grocery store and watch us by food by the ton. It's ridiculous and it's not entertainment.

What could be next. Hey, do you know how to sit in one place for hours on end? Maybe while you are sitting you can watch television. Then people will come and have a camera record you watching television for hours and hours. Then people can watch you on television watching television. That would be a great show. It's not too far away. David Blaine, the magician, realized he could captivate audiences and television networks by sitting or standing or hanging upside down in the same place for extraordinary periods of time. That's supposed to be entertaining? Hey people, I think it's time to wake up and realize the cream has sunk and the crumbs have risen to the top.