Writing Practice

Ellen Is A Hoot

2011-11-22T10:30:00.000-08:00

Lost Rock Bands: Susan

2010-12-08T15:45:00.000-08:00

Christigau called this Boston band from the "Rat", "the professional rockers that the Sex Pistols warned us about." One album with Tommy Motola and pfffft. But somebody grabbed the vinyl and digitized it. The guitarist went on to play for a decade with Joan Jett. God bless the internet. I think this is around 1979 and features a homage to Marlene with the classic rock lyric, "...legs so long I had to write this song."

John Cazale: I Knew It Was You

2010-06-03T12:15:00.000-07:00

Click photograph for article.

Nobody Told Me There Would Be Days Like These

2010-06-01T21:16:00.000-07:00

Lennon's Green Card

Exhibition of Lennon memorabilia at the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame New York Annex opens.

Pawn Stars: Solid Gold Guilty Pleasure

2009-09-07T21:09:00.000-07:00

What do you get when you cross American Chopper with Antiques Roadshow...Pawn Stars! on History Channel.

thirtysomething

2009-08-21T23:33:00.000-07:00

Like Woodstock, maybe you had to be there. The series is now on DVD.

So what did this landmark television show have to teach us about age?

Television Not Just For Dummies Anymore

2009-08-13T14:28:00.001-07:00

The line between television and cinema film are slowly disappearing in the next wave of creative content on your Tivo, your IPhone, or your Cineplex. What's responsible?

Mary McNamara television critic and bestselling mystery novelist pens a Critic's Notebook in The Los Angeles Times that explains why television is no longer for dummies.

"People who write about television, who give out awards for television, who think and talk about television, love "Mad Men." Love it. Partly because it is smart, gorgeous and sexy and partly because it is proof positive that TV can do everything film can do, and once a week for a full season.

Jon Hamm's sleek-haired, square-jawed Don Draper squints through an artful squiggle of cigarette smoke at the golden head of wife Betty (January Jones) and nostalgia swells, for Cary Grant and Humphrey Bogart, for Grace Kelly and Ingrid Bergman, for all those beloved films in which men wore hats and women wore gloves and the removal of each could be more seductive and meaningful than any hard-R sex scene. With its perfectly stylized sets, awash in lights and shadows so rich they could be filtered through a half-full highball glass, "Mad Men" seems at times like a treasure trove of undiscovered film, unearthed from some studio vault. "

Robert Downey Jr. As Sherlock Holmes

2009-05-23T22:20:00.000-07:00

The newly freed Guy Richie and the bestest bad boy actor ever do: lock, stock and two smoking nostrils. Hard to say how the film will be but the trailer is magnificent.

Calvin Borel

2009-05-02T16:29:00.000-07:00

They call him Bo-Rail and he won the Derby a couple of years ago on a weaving ride off the rail on Street Sense. Yesterday he won the Kentucky Oaks and today the Kentucky Derby--on the rail. From near last to a commanding win aboard the $10,000 horse Mine That Bird (who has Belmont and Derby winners in his bloodline) but nobody thought the horse was much (he comes out of Canada for goodness sakes) and he went off at 50-1.

He bested million dollar horses owned by sheiks and the cream of the horse racing establishment.

How much does the jockey matter? A lot.

I Don't Like Heights

2009-04-29T21:38:00.000-07:00

Swine Flu Camus

2009-04-25T11:34:00.001-07:00

“Everybody knows that pestilences have a way of recurring in the world; yet somehow we find it hard to believe in ones that crash down on our heads from a blue sky.” --The Plague

Maurice Jarre's Epic Run

2009-04-24T06:06:00.000-07:00

Composer of some of the most known movie music died in Los Angeles at age 84. Best known for film scores such as Lawrence of Arabia and Dr. Zhivago, but his haunting and epic music for Is Paris Burning? and Grand Prix remain my favorites.

A green metal Lotus racer I played with on a rug for hours...falling asleep as a partisan liberating the grand city, whose name at the time, I didn't even know.

Accused

2009-04-20T07:28:00.000-07:00

Two different accused.

Grief

2009-03-23T13:15:00.001-07:00

Husband of and mother of Natasha Richardson at the funeral.

The Phrase "Financial Products" Was The Beginning Of The End

2009-03-18T10:44:00.000-07:00

Who coined the phrase "financial products"? I remember hearing that phrase a couple of years ago and thinking, "That doesn't sound right."

Old Man Almost Wins The British Open At Turnberry

2009-03-17T10:32:00.000-07:00

Is this really possible? Do old man smarts trump big hitting youngsters at Turnberry? Tom Watson is 59 years old. Official Leaderboard is here.

Tom Watson failed to par the 18th hole to insure his victory in the British Open and had a tough slog through the four-hole playoff with Stewart Cink. The second place finish was remarkable nonetheless but not what Tom Watson or most fans were looking for.

Tucker Carlson Comes Back From Wherever To Call Jon Stewart A Partisan Hack

2009-03-15T10:44:00.000-07:00

The Really: Tucker? Do you really miss Jon that much?

Tucker Carlson can't get enough of calling Jon Stewart names. It's a ratings bonanza!! So today Tucker calls Jon a "partisan hack" and will "end up like Lenny Bruce" (which of course means dead of a heroin overdose) for taking Jim Cramer to the woodshed--which we believe Jim Cramer liked.

Jon Stewart Eviscerates Jim Cramer And All Financial Monkey Pundits On CNBC

2009-03-12T22:18:00.000-07:00

The Really: It was one of television's great moments. Cramer seemed on the verge of tears. But he is a lawyer so he might have been playing possum. But he didn't have a leg to stand on against Stewart's argument that the CNBC shows and Cramer's show do a public disservice. Jon Stewart at his best.

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Intro - Brawl Street: Get Ready to Buy Low! And Sell Die

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things w/ Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Jim Cramer

Unedited Interview Jon Stewart/Jim Cramer Part 1 NSFW

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Jim Cramer Pt. 1

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things w/ Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Jim Cramer

Unedited Interview Jon Stewart/Jim Cramer Part 2 NSFW

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Jim Cramer Pt. 2

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things w/ Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Jim Cramer

Unedited Interview Jon Stewart/Jim Cramer Part 3 NSFW

The Daily Show With Jon StewartM - Th 11p / 10c

Jim Cramer Unedited Interview Pt. 3

Daily Show Full Episodes
Important Things w/ Demetri Martin

Political Humor
Jim Cramer

The funny thing is while we are waiting for the link to the Jim Cramer Daily Show Massacre we noticed Jon's videos have an ad at the beginning of them: FROM BANK OF AMERICA! Guess everybody has to earn a living.

New Presidential Computer Guy's Former Office Raided By FBI

2009-03-12T19:31:00.000-07:00

The Really: President's Obama's choice for technology chief had his former office raided by the FBI investigating a bribery case.

The new Secretary In Charge Of Computers, Twitters and Facebook Pages Vivek Kundra, has taken a leave of from his new job in government. But if this guy had nothing to do with the bribery scam, why does he need to take the leave? The FBI says he is not the target but a contractor that he was in charge of prior to his government job is.

Control + Alt + Del

You Know Things Are Bad When "Sam" From Cheers Loses His Job

2009-03-11T03:16:00.000-07:00

The Really: Eddie Doyle, the famous bartender at Boston pub Cheers -- the inspiration behind the hit show -- is losing his post after nearly 35 years due to the economy.

Kitchen Nightmare: "Oh, P* O!"

2009-03-10T08:05:00.000-07:00

The Really: Is Gordon Ramsay in the middle of his very own Hell's Kitchen?

The recent New Great Depression has taught us it is not always clear what the mechanics of financial agreements are. Apparently no one in the government, SEC or on the talking heads news stations like CNBC really knows either so we don't want to comment on the sale of Chef Gordon Ramsay's LA restaurant with the confusing name (Gordon Ramsay at the London West Hollywood).

Let's just say we didn't ask from comment from the old boy because we knew what the answer would be: "P*** O**!!!!"

John McCain Says Quit Bailing Out Banks

2009-03-09T08:37:00.000-07:00

The Really: Let them fail? Really? Why not just make them lend?

Senator John McCain went on a Fox talk show this weekend and has come to the conclusion that we need to stop bailing out GM, AIG or even the banks. Fine for a man with a big enough mattress to hide his money in but has anyone thought of the dislocations this would cause. And is this a suggestion for a national bank? Holy Constitution Batman!

Octo-Mom Blogs!

2009-03-06T19:39:00.000-08:00

The Really: We like the new masters of radaronline.com (the Enquirer folks) because the artsy fartsy former editors and writers at Radar made us laugh too much and made us think too much...which hurt our heads.

Rove To Testify, But Not In The Light

2009-03-04T18:32:00.000-08:00

The Really: Rove to finally be forced to answer questions under oath?

But before you get visions of Sweet Citizen Sam Ervin bumbling through a Watergate-like glare, just read the fine print over at The Caucus. It will be in deposition but not in public. He will be under oath and perjury would apply but you won't have to take off of work to watch it because it will not be televised...that is if you have a job.

DeNiro Gives Jimmy Fallon A Hard Time

2009-03-03T01:15:00.000-08:00

pic from videogum.com

The Really: This late night show hosting is easy!

Don't want to be too critical but Fallon's first show was sometimes a little uncomfortable to watch. DeNiro IS NOT an easy interview. Some highlights or lowlights here at Gawker.

Academy Gets It Right

2009-02-22T21:10:00.000-08:00

The Really: So much of the awards show got it right that it would be a shame to nitpick too much.

It felt like the pros were in charge. Jackman was great and his opening number was a hilariously complete instant classic.

But because Sean Penn deservedly won for Milk we did not get to hear a Mickey Rourke moment at the Oscars so here is his Independent Spirit Award speech (NSFW) for his win yesterday for Best Actor. And we like Eric Roberts too.

Your Oscar Viewing Begins Now

2009-02-22T10:51:00.000-08:00

The Really: Some of you are going to watch the Oscar stuff all day. You know you will. Really.

"Countdown to the Red Carpet" (E!, 2-6 p.m.), which psychs viewers up for the red carpet. Then, from 6-8 p.m., Ryan Seacrest and Giuliana Rancic cover celebrity arrivals on "Live From the Red Carpet."The TV Guide channel (not available on Cablevision Systems) also will be on the red carpet from 6 to 8 p.m., with "Live at the Academy Awards" with Lisa Rinna and Joey Fatone hosting.

Domer Comes Down With Swine Flu

2009-02-21T19:56:00.000-08:00

The Swine Flu has cast an ugly shadow over the picture of "touchdown" Jesus at the University of Notre Dame. Here is the university's press release about the student. Wonder if this will change the President's plan to attend the disputed appearance at the university or at least provide cover or an out.

Oscar Rehearsal Footage

2009-02-20T21:42:00.000-08:00

The Really: Nikki Finke says this is real...

Hugh Jackman is hosting the Oscars. Yeah, is a Wolverine but he is a Broadway type and has hosted the Tonys a couple of times. The top hat and cane stuff looks pretty old school but look at the guns on that guy.

And The Oscar Goes To...Matilda

2009-02-19T17:12:00.000-08:00

The Really: If Heath Ledger wins the posthumous award for his role as The Joker in Dark Knight, it will go to his daughter Matilda when she reaches 18.

The Academy has decided the proper line of succession for the almost certain Oscar for Heath Ledger would go to his family and to be given to his daughter Matilda when she is 18. The logic.

President Obama's First International Trip

2009-02-19T12:44:00.000-08:00

The Really: The President's first foreign trip is...Canada?

Don't get us wrong, we love the Canadians; we can see them from here! But they eat poutine and they are on the way to Alaska so... But that Ice Road Truckers is one cool show. Oh, and their national anthem is THE BEST, bar none.

Joey Ramone And Cher: Seperated At Birth

2009-02-17T13:11:00.000-08:00

The Really: Jes saying.

Seperated at birth.

Will Someone Kindly Say Something Nice About Hugh Jackman?

2009-02-17T09:55:00.000-08:00

The Really: What is all this hating on Hugh Jackman as host of the Academy Awards?

You know. Wolverine? Australia? --well, nevermind the Australia thing--Oklahoma? What did Hugh Jackman ever do to you? Well, we are solidly in the Hugh Jackman camp. We like him as a Tony host and we will like him just fine as the Oscar host.

Stuff Bumping Into Other Stuff

2009-02-16T08:31:00.000-08:00

The Really: Lost in the fear and desperation of the world economic crisis (and airplane crashes and such) comes little reported news of nuclear submarines running into each other and satellites smashing into each other. You would think space and the oceans would be too big for such stuff to happen.

Nuclear subs from Great Britain and France collide.

Russian and American satellites crash creating a debris field that could take out many more satellites.

Capt. Sully Versus Octo-Mom

2009-02-13T10:32:00.000-08:00

The Really: News outlets fight to meld the heroic Capt. Sully and the Octo-mom into a news cycle fraught with "recession" woes.

Click the link to see how the sausage gets made in this article from the television critic of the Los Angeles Times about Sully v. Suleman.

If You Believe They Put A Man On The Moon

2009-02-11T21:06:00.000-08:00

The Really: Where is Joaquin?

Mickey Rourke: The Comeback Is Complete

2009-02-11T20:37:00.000-08:00

The Really: What exactly is wrong with Mickey Rourke?

It is long way from Diner.

He won the BAFTA and the Golden Globe and will likely win the Oscar. The lifetime comeback award is all his. But what exactly is up with Mickey Rourke?

A New Political Patry: The Obstructionist Old Party

2009-02-09T20:35:00.000-08:00

The Really: The GOP has become so marginalized that it is no longer the GOP but the OOP.

The spiritual leaders are Rush Limbaugh and Anne Coulter and the National Chairman says work is not a job. The stimulus package is a spending bill (duh) and the real answer to the disaster that George W. Bush and his robber barons has wrought is to do NOTHING! What a corker!

OOP: You ruined the country and we are not going to take it anymore.

Why Are The BAFTA's More Interesting Than The Oscars?

2009-02-09T05:30:00.000-08:00

The Really: The Oscars could take a little schooling from the British Academy Awards (BAFTA).

The Orange British Academy Awards last night were as good as it gets. Funny, raunchy and poignant without being maudlin and where else is Terry Gilliam going to get a lifetime acheivement award?

Here is the award for the late Heath Ledger for his role as The Joker in The Dark Knight.

Once Upon A Time People Got All Excited About E-Books, Then, Not So Much. But Can The IPhone Make The Kindle Hip?

2009-02-08T10:48:00.000-08:00

The Really: Nobody is ever to going to make people read books electronically.

Well how about if they put the Kindle on your IPhone? Well that's a different story.

Many years ago publisher's got all excited about e-books...all those messy costs for paper and binding and the remainders, sheesh the remainders. The print to demand model looked perfect to reduce the costs of books but there was just one problem. Except for the pricing and royalty structure of books, the book is THE PERFECT technology. It is portable, can be read on a plane, a train, or under a tree, or in bed. It doesn't require electricity. Most don't weigh too much and they are solid things which can be placed on a shelf for easy access or thrown against a wall if they pique.

The Kindle promised to be a nice cross between the e-paper requirements for distribution of books but didn't electrify (pun) the reading public...what is left of it.

But what if you put the Kindle on an IPhone? Now you are talking. A hardware device as much beloved as a book itself. Now we are getting somewhere.

Two Big Events In Tech That Will Largely Go Unnoticed

2009-02-07T08:59:00.000-08:00

The Really: The best looking HD TV is leaving the market?

The Bad: Say it ain't so Gizmodo who reports that Pioneer (the sponsor of the endlessly beautiful Smithsonian Channel to which this writer is addicted) will be leaving the TV market.

The Good: A Delta Communications e-paper reader which is (get this Kindle!) readable. Just kidding Kindle you have come a long way --but why do you insist on looking so ugly? Call Mac for design tips.

DP May Be A DB Which Means Christian Bale Might Be OK

2009-02-05T11:32:00.000-08:00

The Really: Christian Bale's tirade was totally justified!

According to Radar Online: Bale became a hero to cast and crew after his tirade against Hurlbut, who was widely despised, sources tell RadarOnline.com exclusively. "Hurlbut was a condescending (bleep) to everyone," a source told us. His favorite line was "Why don't you go stab yourself in the head, you idiot." Maybe Bale's not such a bad guy after all.

What Does Kate Winslet Have To Do To Win An Oscar?

2009-02-04T16:56:00.000-08:00

The Really: Kate Winslet has been nominated 6 times for an Academy Award but she will not win again this year?

Why? Cause the Best Actress Golden Globe winner was not nominated for her role in Revolutionary Road. Instead she is nominated for her role as an unrepentent NAZI! Well, duh. How is the Academy going to give her an award for that!

Read the analysis in the Los Angeles Times via oscarseason.com.

Daschle Withdraws Name From Consideration: Democrats Having Trouble Finding Democrats Who Pay Taxes

2009-02-03T09:56:00.000-08:00

The Really: Democrats really can't find people without tax problems for positions in government?

Or is the reality that everyone --if you look hard enough--has tax problems. Even ones they do not know about.

In related believe it or not vetting mistakes the Chief Performance Officer (Nancy Killefer) has withdrawn her name from consideration due to some sort of tax problem...

Super Good Super Bowl: Super Bad Commercials

2009-02-01T19:02:00.000-08:00

The Really: This really was a great game; an epic back and forth battle but the commercials were Super Bad.

Singled out for worst was the Dorritos commercial were some guy crunches a chip and a women's clothes fly off revealing a teenage boy's underwear fantasy. Cheap.

But the best to my mind was the Hulu.com commercial. Witty, funny, delivered with 30 Rock precision by Alec Baldwin and by the way, the place were you can see all the Super Bowl commercials.

Oh yeah. Pittsburg won 27-23 but it was in doubt till the end.

Killer Flu Survivor Says, "It's Not So Bad"?!

2009-01-29T22:02:00.000-08:00

Yes, we know that people have died and we will likely be struck down with the killer swine flu for even writing this, but a young man from Loyola University in Chicago is now recovering from a bout with the killer virus and has this message for the fearful and scared: "Don't freak out!!"

"I could hardly move," Hairsine said by phone. "It was a chore to get out of bed. I felt absolutely terrible. I feel like it still is the flu, but it's not so terrible that people should be freaking out the way they are."

Leave it to a political science major to argue both sides of the issue.

The One Thing President Obama Is, More Than Anything Else...

2009-01-24T19:54:00.000-08:00

The Really: ...Is Cool.

Oscar Nominations: The Curious Case Of Benjamin Milk

2009-01-22T08:50:00.000-08:00

The Really: Benjamin Button got 13 nominations? (Click on the ballot to get your own official downloadable pdf for printing)

Here they are and one great surpise is the weakness of the film Revolutionary Road in favor of noms for The Reader. The battle of the Hollywood titans Weinstein and Rudin seems to have been won by Harvey Weinstein (again).

Could Milk slip in as Best picture with split votes for The Wrestler and Benjamin Button? Get out your ballots, have a party and watch February 22.

Obama's Pen

2009-01-21T18:23:00.000-08:00

The Really: Use wisely.

Oath Of Office Do Over

2009-01-21T18:02:00.000-08:00

The Really: Citing an abundance of caution the President took the oath of office again at the White House tonight with Chief Justice Roberts presiding. Faithfully.

But what happens to the executive orders the President signed today? Do Overs?

Joe Biden's quip about Roberts' flub got a disapproving look from Obama today as well.

Covers Of World Newspapers: Obama Inauguration.

2009-01-21T08:20:00.000-08:00

The Really: What if America elected a president the world actually was excited about?

This terrific graphic was put together at Gawker and is suitable for blowing up and framing. Many languages with the same sentiment. After watching Barack Obama yesterday we came away with the feeling, "This guy might actually be able to do it!" Whatever it is.

Click on graphic for original larger image.

44th President Of The United States

2009-01-20T09:30:00.000-08:00

The Really: 44.

The Era of Responsibility.

Top Chef Saves Life!

2009-01-19T11:28:00.000-08:00

The Really: Tom Colicchio, secret love of millions of men and woman, Top Chef Judge, Craft owner/chef and winner of five James Beard Medals can add one more thing to his resume.

Lifesaver!

You know who Tom is because you secretly watch Top Chef and know all about Leah and Hosea and all the crew just like we do. Hello Padma!!!

But Tom apparently saved the life of famous cookbook author Joan Nathan (The New American Cooking) last night at some thing involved with the inaugural cooking ball or something.

Some fresh ground pepper with your Heimlich?

Sully's Landing

2009-01-17T11:18:00.000-08:00

The Really: Just released video of Sully's landing of US Airways Jet on the Hudson. Watch left hand side of video at 2:01.

Brace For Impact

2009-01-17T08:48:00.000-08:00

The Really: Is 2009 the year we need to "brace for impact?"

Perhaps I am missing the good cheer that approaches Barack Obama's Inauguration Day . The sense of relief I feel at this milestone does not translate to any form of euphoria.

Having been through a few economic downturns in our lives we are astonished that no matter the evidence, people we will resort, out of all kinds of fear, to making amazingly horrible decisions.

It generally starts out with a class stratification:where those doing financially okay will look at those having a hard time as somehow morally and intellectually deficient. The sneers and catty comments work their ways into conversations of those not yet touched. They take solace that it couldn't happen to them and it must be these other people's problem. Like very sick patients the people caught in the first wave of pain also assume it is their fault and understand they will be shunned by those not wanting to catch the disease.

Of course the fact is that most people can't sustain the economic downturn for more than six months to a year is lost on some who insist that it must be THEIR OWN FAULT.

As the deep recession continues (or as we like to call it the NEW DEPRESSION) it widens to those who were not first touched and those begin to see their worth disappear. Suddenly real fear sets in and strange attempts at ostrich-like behavior appear. The bunker mentality takes over and people start hoarding prepared foods and in many parts of the country bullets.

The notion that we "all hang together or hang separately" is lost in all sorts of bad behavior and though the solution was there all along (let us struggle together to make it through) it is lost in the looks on the faces of the folk as they jockey for position.

In the terrific Spielberg movie Empire of the Sun the boy who has survived a Japanese concentration camp is asked what he has learned after he is freed: "People will do anything for a potato," he says.

I spoke recently with someone who lived through The Great Depression and asked them what it was like. They said, "It was sad."

Brace for impact.

Miracle On The Hudson

2009-01-15T13:48:00.000-08:00

The Really: Fox's Neil Cavuto says Canadian geese have an attitude.

Pilot of US Airways plane forced to ditch in Hudson after striking a flock of Canadian geese will be hailed as a hero for his water landing on the cold, very cold Hudson River today.

US Airways news conference: Everyone is off the plane and accounted for. "Please don't speculate," the spokesman said.

If you would like to know how really, really special this water landing was, please read the best writer on pilots and airlines working today: Patrick Smith of Salon. Yes, he is a commercial airline pilot who flies regularly.

By now everybody knows his name: Chesley (Sully) Sullenberger III. One-time USAF Fighter Pilot and Captain of US Airways 1549.

US Airways Jet Crashes In The Hudson River

2009-01-15T12:44:00.000-08:00

The Really: Breaking on US Airways commuter jet which is currently sitting half submerged in the Hudson River. Stay tuned for pictures and updates.

Tune to MSNBC for pictures.

Plane is Us Airways Flight 1549 New York to Charlotte. It was taking off from LaGuardia.

Plane is surrounded by rescue boats.

Pilot reported a possible bird strike at takeoff. Flock of geese.

Passengers are being rescued from the wings. Plane is intact.

146 passengers; 5 crew. Numerous rescue vessels surrounding the plane. River is calm.

Circle Line ferries are assisting with the rescue. Some passengers already very cold, wet and onshore.

Fox is reporting. All passengers are now off the plane. No reports of major injuries right now. Pilot is being hailed as a miracle worker. Many passengers are being taken to the hospital for hypothermia and some "car crash" like injuries.

Let's beat the Post to the punch: Miracle On The Hudson

You Can't Get Fired For Being Drunk On The Job

2009-01-14T22:58:00.000-08:00

The Really: ...in Lima, Peru.

That's right, if you were planning on sitting out the coming New Depression in a cloud of alcohol, we have found the place for you: Peru. Justices in Lima have decided you can't be fired for being drunk at work if you are not DOING ANYTHING. That is the key. As long as you don't hurt anyone or become offensive you are fine.

Barack Obama's College Journalism: What were you doing in 1983?

2009-01-13T14:13:00.000-08:00

The Really: What can we learn about our new President from his 1983 Columbia college article?

And don't say, "I wasn't even born yet!" Read it here and you will likely find it interesting (via Politico). After all, we are currently in what the Chinese proverb called "interesting times".

Darren Aronofsky's Finger Costs NBC $$$$$ ?

2009-01-12T00:18:00.000-08:00

The Really: Depending on how the Supreme Court rules on FCC v. Fox, that little lark between winner Mickey Rourke and Darren may have cost Jeff Zucker (who was in the room) about 1/2 million dollars.
UPDATE: The screen went to black for several seconds during this part on the West Coast telecast. I thought my cable was out.

“What kind of a dog are we getting, and when are we getting it?”

2009-01-11T22:03:00.000-08:00

The Really: The President-Elect's kids know how to get things done.

So they slipped the question to George Stephanopoulos on his political talk forum This Week and the President was FORCED to answer.

Some problems are easier to solve than others: and yes, the breed of the above The Portugeuse Water Hound is one of the finalists -- though maybe not this one.

The "Push Back": Jargon 2009

2009-01-10T08:33:00.000-08:00

The Really: New favorite code word for political pundits is "push back". Two words or one? It means "getting shit for something" or "backlash". Sometimes indicted people push back. Sometimes photographers push back too (at 0:13).

Equal Pay For Equal Work For Women Comes In A Whisper

2009-01-09T22:20:00.000-08:00

The Really: Equal pay for women passes House -- to become a reality in practice.

The Ledbetter legislation passed the House today and is poised to become law. Equal pay for equal work becomes a reality.

The Era Of Irresponsibility

2009-01-08T08:24:00.000-08:00

The Really: Was America's version of free markets just a clever ponzi scheme?

President-elect Barack Obama in a speech at George Mason University this morning laid the blame for the current economic disaster firmly at the feet of the unregulated markets touted by the Reagan, Greenspan, Bush doctrinaires.

In a crisp, clean speech outlining the huge problem facing Americans Obama outlined what will be necessary to come back from the hole the Gordon Gekkos have wrought.

Then in a speech writing blunder (somebody has to watch that kid) Obama said the Administration would even work weekends if necessary. Huh?

Clinton To Bush: "I really love this rug."

2009-01-07T13:12:00.000-08:00

The Really: I Love This Rug

A Kiss Is Just A Kiss

2009-01-05T09:23:00.000-08:00

The Really: A well-known website is saying that a picture of Travolta kissing the "Jett Travolta nanny" implies a homosexual relationship between the two.

So is the pic above proof that Kirk Douglas and John have been having an affair? Since dinosaurs roamed? The LA Times wants to know.

Mark Ebner has been following the CoS angle to this story through his Hollywood Interrupted site.

Sidebar: Kirk once played the rogue reporter in Billy Wilder's Ace In The Hole about a newspaperman who prolongs the rescue of a trapped mine worker to increase the circulation for the rescue story. Any similarity to the Blogosphere and MSM is purely intentional.

Franken Wins Minnesota Senate Seat: He Was Good Enough

2009-01-04T17:40:00.000-08:00

The Really:...according to the Minnesota Sec'y of State.

It is being widely reported that Franken will be named winner of the Minnesota Senate seat. Unlike Illinois, Franken will likely be seated even if there are legal challenges since there is no evidence he bribed the governor.

The Three Best Shows On Television

2009-01-04T10:49:00.000-08:00

The Really: In honor of the "listicle" --listicle n. an article (newspaper, magazine, web site, etc.) consisting primarily of a list--and the endless end-of-year lists, I have made up my own list of the best shows on television. The strange thing is it never changes from year to year.

As much as I like the Mad Men and various special event shows ( I especially liked Tin Man and True Blood this year) there are three shows which year in and year out never fail to amaze and always believe excellence is its own reward.

Click on the logos to go to the shows' websites.

Sam Shepard Arrested For DUI

2009-01-03T18:14:00.000-08:00

The Really: Sam was busted in Normal, Illinois (home of Illinois State University and former home of David Foster Wallace) and la-de-da-de-blah-de-blah; but we will just use it as an excuse to let you watch Sinise and Malkovich in True West one of theatre's great moments.

Obama Eats Sno-Cones With Children While World Falls Apart

2009-01-02T11:36:00.000-08:00

The Really: They are not sno-cones. It is called "shave" as in "shaved ice" which is a very different treat from a sno-cone.

Each part of our great land has its own fun food treat and each is as distinct as gelato is from ice cream. Here is the skinny on "shave" which as right wing pundits will point out, Obama is enjoying as the world falls into the flames of one of Nostrodamus' predictions.

Doorkeeper Of The Senate: Sergeant-At-Arms

2009-01-02T10:39:00.000-08:00

The Really: The drama of someone actually barring Roland Burris from entering the Senate will be handled quietly behind the scenes...maybe.

Did you know that as a sitting Governor, Rod Blago has complete access to the Senate floor!!!! Would he dare show? You never know with Blago but if Roland Burris attempts to take a seat next Tuesday as the junior Senator from Illinois, the barring duties would fall to the DOORKEEPER.

The really cool part is that the Sergeant-At-Arms of the Senate is a former Chicago cop!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T05:03:00.000-08:00

The Really: Hope won but the malaise remains for twenty more days.

This Is What Happens To Chinese Executives Who Commit Crimes...

2008-12-31T11:17:00.000-08:00

The Really: What happens to Wall Street moneymen who commited the greatest crime against the US in its history...namely the destruction of free market capitalism?

The Chinese will send executives to death for corporate malfeasance. What happens to American executives?

Oh, Blago! You've Done It Again!

2008-12-30T12:05:00.000-08:00

The Really: Yeah, well, I will appoint someone you like...so there.

The Governor appoints long time Illinois pol and pathfinder Roland Burris to fill Obama's Senate seat even though everyone TOLD HIM NOT TO!

Pau Gives Lakers A Merry Christmas

2008-12-25T18:14:00.000-08:00

The Really: Lakers break Celtics win streak and do it in a flurry: 92-83.

Merry Christmas LA.

Kobe was great but in the last few minutes Pau Gasol was amazing as the Lakers end the Celtics win streak at 19. Kobe takes full credit for telling Pau at half-time that Pau was one of the greatest players in the world. Armed with that knowledge Pau took over the game with two minutes to go and beat the Celtics (who were none to happy about it).

See ya in the Finals.

Barney's Christmas Windows 2008

2008-12-25T09:14:00.000-08:00

The Really: Most years Barney's New York has wonderful Christmas windows.

For the many years when Barney's was at 16th and 7th Avenue New York City the Christmas windows were some of the best in the city. Times have changed but they still do windows worth a trip.

The great Brian Dube site New York Daily Photo blog has a great selection of other New York City Christmas windows. Browse really!

Christmas Eve 1968

2008-12-24T13:36:00.000-08:00

The Really: This is the most famous picture ever taken.

Arguably the most famous photograph ever taken was made on Christmas Eve 1968 by the crew of Apollo 8 as they circled the moon in another arguably difficult year 1968.

Have a safe and thankful Christmas Eve and holidays. Really.

Late With Your Christmas Cards?

2008-12-23T21:37:00.000-08:00

The Really: The best things are the old things when it comes to family, friends and sometimes even lovers.

Google yourself "antique Christmas cards" (click on images) and download the beauty of Christmas as it was meant to be. Attach in or to an email and send to your beloveds.

Best wishes and Merry Christmas!

(or any other holiday you choose to honor or ignore).

Suicide: L'Affaire Madoff

2008-12-23T20:32:00.000-08:00

The Really: Rich people are as lousy with money as we all are?

The 50 billion dollar Madoff ponzi scheme and its disastrous fallout is reaching Jackie Collins proportions. Add a Madison Avenue banker's suicide and the richest people in the world to this amazing story.

The pot boils.

The rich are different Fitzgerald is said to have said but it looks like they can't handle money any better than we do.

Enough About Philip Seymour Hoffman; What About The Mother Of His Children?

2008-12-20T21:53:00.000-08:00

Click Mag Cover For New NYT

The Really: She is Mimi O'Donnell a distinquished costume designer and someone who is adept at doing her work, raising children and staying out of the spotlight.

Mimi costume design credits and articles:

At LAByrinth Theatre and Background and Other Credits

Franken Camp Declares Victory: For Now

2008-12-20T19:05:00.000-08:00

The Really: It is still a toss-up but Franken camp is feeling the love.

New York Times Caucus Blog reports on the declaration of the "victory" by the Franken camp; but Nate Silver (statistics guru) still calls it a toss-up though he reported he expected a 27 vote Franken victory a couple of weeks ago.

Legal Service Through Facebook?

2008-12-18T22:42:00.000-08:00

The Really: Service of legal documents or notice through Facebook is now legal?

Did Burger King Really Just Issue A C&D Through Twitter? Now that it's legal to serve papers to someone through Facebook, Burger King has apparently sent a cease and desist via Twitter to the user "whoppervirgins" for an unauthorized use of trademark. "Whopper Virgins"--from Tech Dirt

Well, yikes all, for many reasons, Facebook service is a bad idea: it is not your address; it is not able to be determined if the person who holds a named account is the same person displayed on the account; and many Facebook users never even check their accounts once they create them.

But whatever you think is best judge as long as you understand that I live on My Space.

I Am Blago's Hairbrush

2008-12-14T21:09:00.000-08:00

The Really: Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich calls his hairbrush "the football" according to the New York Times.

And yet, Mr. Blagojevich, 52, rarely turns up for work at his official state office in Chicago, former employees say, is unapologetically late to almost everything, and can treat employees with disdain, cursing and erupting in fury for failings as mundane as neglecting to have at hand at all times his preferred black Paul Mitchell hairbrush. He calls the brush “the football,” an allusion to the “nuclear football,” or the bomb codes never to be out of reach of a president.

As Rod's hairbrush might say: "Follicle You!"

Rezko Singing A Different Tune

2008-12-12T22:09:00.000-08:00

The Really: Does Rezko's delay in sentencing and a footnote in the Blago charges mean Rezko is singing?

Last summer, convicted operator Antoin Rezko (fundraiser, real estate developer, Chicagoan) wrote to his judge noting that the FEDS were trying to get him implicate the Governor of Illinois and the President-elect in some sort of wrongdoing. HE SAID HE COULDN'T AND WOULDN'T.

But several journalistic sources are putting together the pieces which include the "neglected" land deal between Obama and Rezko which ended with a bank employee's firing and some "missing" paperwork.

Of course given the chance to spend less time in jail one might say anything. Read the sleuthing at WSJ and at Slate: Bam Sandwich? Yikes. 1) Rezko's talking; 2) The FBI's been asking about the house deal (an Election Day story I'd missed). ... 1:44 A.M.

Kitten With A Whip Dead At Age 85

2008-12-11T20:46:00.000-08:00

The Really: The "notorious" Bettie Page died at age 85 today.

Illinois Governor Arrested For Selling Obama's Senate Seat?

2008-12-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

The Really: The Governor of Illinois Busted for selling Obama's seat? For extorting the Chicago Tribune? For dealings with Obama's friend Rezco? Blog*Goy*A*Vich Pronounciation Key

Arrested this morning along with his chief of staff, the long tradition of Illinois governors going to the slammer will be upheld once again. Obama's seat in the Senate may have been up for sale? The Chicago Tribune is involved?! Rezco? (perhaps the most damaging "association" of President-elect Obama?)

Is this Chicago politics at its worst? Or best? What other Illinois Governor's have gone to jail (recently)? Ryan supporters were trying to get Bush to commute the sentence of the last Illinois Governor still in the hoosecow, George Ryan: Ryan becomes the third Illinois governor in recent history to be convicted of white-collar crimes, following Dan Walker and Otto Kerner. Ryan becomes the second Illinois Secretary of State with evidence of an affinity for cash, following Paul Powell who upon his death was found to have $800,000 in shoe boxes in his hotel room.

How You Can Tell Things Have Really Gotten Bad

2008-12-08T22:10:00.000-08:00

The Really: The normally recession proof oldest profession is actually taken a hit from the recent international economic downturn. The New York Times wants you to know it is particularly bad in Prague.

What Will Happen To Three Of The Greatest Newspapers In America?

2008-12-08T01:03:00.000-08:00

The Really: The New York Times is junk? The LA Times and Chicago Tribune parent company is on the verge of bankruptcy?

The reports of the effect of the failing economy on the already fragile newspaper business is not good. The New York Times is trying to redo their big building project and stave off looks from unwanted down underers. The great Chicago Tribune and Los Angeles Times are caught in the crossfire mega loans of the Zell group.

We think the cities in question would be changed and not for the better if these journalistic pennants were removed from the scene. But who cares about an identity crisis when the goal is just to survive?

Is This The Next Senator From The State Of New York?

2008-12-05T12:45:00.000-08:00

The Really: The next junior Senator from the Great State of New York?

Hint: Her uncle was a Senator from New York.

Hint For The Truly Dense: The horse's name is Macaroni.

Inmates In Vegas Jail Heckle Goldman Family During Press Conference

2008-12-05T10:36:00.000-08:00

OJ Simpson Verdict: If This Was The Verdict, The Book Was Thrown At Him

2008-12-05T09:34:00.000-08:00

The Really: OJ will not speak at his sentencing hearing?

OJ Sentenced To Jail. 15 years (parole eligible in 9 years)

The LA Times reported OJ will not speak at his sentencing hearing because he is appealing the decision but RIGHT NOW the crocodile tears are flowing as OJ wanders through his reasons as to why this happened and how it is he and his family that are real the victims.

It was not convincing but OJ did say "he was confused" as to why the Las Vegas that he loves so much would do this to him.

Hecklers Interrupt Congressional Hearing With Auto Execs

2008-12-04T11:25:00.000-08:00

The Really: Very polite hecklers chant as slowly led from the chamber in well orchestrated protest.

Why does orderly protest have suck effect when disorderly protest is so compelling? Simple. There is no danger in orderly protest. It is like a kid you refuses to turn off the television and go to bed. As long as they are not screaming, it doesn't require much more than a gentle reminder to get them to act.

Top Online Blogger Fired For Writing About Literature; Resorts To Cheesecake To Elevate Pageviews

2008-12-04T09:28:00.000-08:00

The Really: Books and Publishing blogger finds the proper use of the internet in the final days online with Gawker.

Sheila McClear who has written for the New York Observer and other fine publications is an editor at the Gawker Media site (one of the most visited blogs on the internet). The powers that be there have decided no one wants to read about books and publishing (her beat) especially now that publishers are gagging on themselves.

Maybe the economic downturn will create a new model for publishers, these lumbering dinosaurs have been hit by the asteroid of falling bookstore sales, after the current depression is over (during the Great Depression the program of returnable books was born) or maybe it will become clear that like movies, there are really very few books of real lasting merit and a little down-sizing is in order.

Anyway Sheila got fired and the commentors on the site are doing what they can to increase her pageviews (she gets paid by the pageview against a draw.) But this morning Sheila (a serious writer of considerable talent) pulled out the internet big gun: CHEESECAKE!

Because unltimately what the internet really is, is videos of cats doing funny things and porn.

Sheila, look forward to reading you elsewhere.

Sonny Mehta Is Officially The Best Publisher In The World

2008-12-03T16:04:00.000-08:00

The Really: Alfred A. Knopf Publisher titles voted 7 of the top 10 books for 2008 by the New York Times.

Sonny Mehta (accused of still smoking in his office at headquarters) is arguably the finest publisher operating today. Here are the Top Ten.

And if you want to include corporate ties, the Random House conglomorate includes Doubleday and Pantheon (each has one title) so that makes it 9 out of 10. Who spoiled a clean sweep? Farrar, Straus & Giroux with the novel 2666.

But would founders Alfred and Blanche Knopf be turning over in their graves to hear that today the corporate masters (Bertlesmann) of Random House have decided to fold Doubleday and Bantam and Dell into various other divisions at Random? Lay-offs to follow.

How Could He Lose In The South With A Name Like Saxby?

2008-12-02T17:21:00.000-08:00

The Really: How could the Democrats believe they could stop the Power of the Palin!?!

We are certain the Palin people (and their sled dogs) will woof about how she helped Saxby Chambliss get re-elected to the Senate from Georgia but the fact is Saxby is southern to its core and Jim (as in Jim Martin) could be from anywhere.

Without the Presidential election voting pattern, Martin was doomed from the start. Turnout was reported to be low as the prize has already been eyed.

Drudge Story On Obama Ring Likely Made Up

2008-12-02T07:56:00.000-08:00

The Really: So Barack Obama is buying a 30K ring for the missus?

Drudge Report is leading with it as if it a major scandal. But it is likely a made up story by a British tab. Oh the haters must hate!

Good debunking here by Gawker.

Car Companies Finally Get It

2008-12-02T07:48:00.000-08:00

The Really: Do all the PR moves from the car companies really make a difference?

Well, the car executives apparently finally let the PR guys and gals into the room because they drove back to Congress in their own cars and most have agreed to work for peanuts this year. But you know it is all theatre. Congress was going to give them their bridge loan and since cars are tangible things that Americans make it seems more fair than giving money to the robber barons of the "financial markets".

Drives own car? Works for nothing? These are things the American consumer can relate to.

Franken May Appeal To Senate For Election

2008-12-02T00:23:00.000-08:00

The Really: If Al Franken chooses to, he can take his case for election to the Senate of US. And they can overule Minnesota's vote count if they want.

Martin in Georgia may have little chance against Saxby Chambliss (who does have a cooler name) but A lFranken in Minnesota --who does have a gripe regarding rejected ballots can actually appeal to --get ready for this-- the Senate itself. Yup, the Senate can overrule the state election results and elect Franken.

Chalk up 59 for the Dems.

Wal-Mart Death Iconic Of Everything Wrong With America According To New York Times

2008-12-01T08:18:00.000-08:00

The Really: David Carr of the New York Times explains consumer herd mentality led to death of Wal-Mart worker is proof of something.

In an interesting piece in today's Times, David Carr shows consumerism run amok in the death of a Long Island temp worker at a Wal-Mart trampled by bargain hunting mob. But why did he not take the hypothesis futher to include Italian soccer games, rock concerts and bull teasing?

Plaxico Misses Foot; Shoots Self In Leg Instead

2008-11-29T10:39:00.000-08:00

The Really: The march of the New York Giants back to the Super Bowl was lacking a little drama.

So someone had to shoot himself in the foot. But it will not be Eli who has his eyes on the prize.

Writing Practice

Ellen Is A Hoot

Lost Rock Bands: Susan

John Cazale: I Knew It Was You

Nobody Told Me There Would Be Days Like These

Pawn Stars: Solid Gold Guilty Pleasure

thirtysomething

Television Not Just For Dummies Anymore

Robert Downey Jr. As Sherlock Holmes

Calvin Borel

I Don't Like Heights

Swine Flu Camus

Maurice Jarre's Epic Run

Accused

Grief

The Phrase "Financial Products" Was The Beginning Of The End

Old Man Almost Wins The British Open At Turnberry

Tucker Carlson Comes Back From Wherever To Call Jon Stewart A Partisan Hack

Jon Stewart Eviscerates Jim Cramer And All Financial Monkey Pundits On CNBC

New Presidential Computer Guy's Former Office Raided By FBI

You Know Things Are Bad When "Sam" From Cheers Loses His Job

Kitchen Nightmare: "Oh, P*** O**!"

John McCain Says Quit Bailing Out Banks

Octo-Mom Blogs!

Rove To Testify, But Not In The Light

DeNiro Gives Jimmy Fallon A Hard Time

Academy Gets It Right

Your Oscar Viewing Begins Now

Domer Comes Down With Swine Flu

Oscar Rehearsal Footage

And The Oscar Goes To...Matilda

President Obama's First International Trip

Joey Ramone And Cher: Seperated At Birth

Will Someone Kindly Say Something Nice About Hugh Jackman?

Stuff Bumping Into Other Stuff

Capt. Sully Versus Octo-Mom

If You Believe They Put A Man On The Moon

Mickey Rourke: The Comeback Is Complete

A New Political Patry: The Obstructionist Old Party

Why Are The BAFTA's More Interesting Than The Oscars?

Once Upon A Time People Got All Excited About E-Books, Then, Not So Much. But Can The IPhone Make The Kindle Hip?

Two Big Events In Tech That Will Largely Go Unnoticed

DP May Be A DB Which Means Christian Bale Might Be OK

What Does Kate Winslet Have To Do To Win An Oscar?

Daschle Withdraws Name From Consideration: Democrats Having Trouble Finding Democrats Who Pay Taxes

Super Good Super Bowl: Super Bad Commercials

Killer Flu Survivor Says, "It's Not So Bad"?!

The One Thing President Obama Is, More Than Anything Else...

Oscar Nominations: The Curious Case Of Benjamin Milk

Obama's Pen

Oath Of Office Do Over

Covers Of World Newspapers: Obama Inauguration.

44th President Of The United States

Top Chef Saves Life!

Sully's Landing

Brace For Impact

Miracle On The Hudson

US Airways Jet Crashes In The Hudson River

You Can't Get Fired For Being Drunk On The Job

Barack Obama's College Journalism: What were you doing in 1983?

Darren Aronofsky's Finger Costs NBC $$$$$ ?

“What kind of a dog are we getting, and when are we getting it?”

The "Push Back": Jargon 2009

Equal Pay For Equal Work For Women Comes In A Whisper

The Era Of Irresponsibility

Clinton To Bush: "I really love this rug."

A Kiss Is Just A Kiss

Franken Wins Minnesota Senate Seat: He Was Good Enough

The Three Best Shows On Television

Sam Shepard Arrested For DUI

Obama Eats Sno-Cones With Children While World Falls Apart

Doorkeeper Of The Senate: Sergeant-At-Arms

Happy New Year!

This Is What Happens To Chinese Executives Who Commit Crimes...

Oh, Blago! You've Done It Again!

Pau Gives Lakers A Merry Christmas

Barney's Christmas Windows 2008

Christmas Eve 1968

Late With Your Christmas Cards?

Suicide: L'Affaire Madoff

Kitchen Nightmare: "Oh, P* O!"