FOX "News" Un-American?

Do you really think I could pass on a story with the following headline?

[Excerpt]

The O’Garbage Factor: Fox News isn't just bad. It's un-American.

Last week, when White House Communications Director Anita Dunn charged the Fox News Channel with right-wing bias, Fox responded the way it always does. It denied the accusation with a straight face while proceeding to confirm it with its coverage.

Consider Fox's Web story on the episode. It quotes five people. Two of them work for Fox. All of them assert that administration officials are either wrong in substance or politically foolish to criticize the network. No one is cited supporting Dunn's criticisms or saying that it could make sense for Obama to challenge the network's power. It's a textbook example of a biased journalism. . .

Read more at: Newsweek

More on Olbermann & Maddow Being Called "Sick Puppies" by George H.W. Bush

This is likely the wind-down to this particular story, but I really enjoyed Richard Wolf's analysis of George H. W. Bush's call to stop the name calling by calling Keith Olbermann and Rachel Maddow "sick puppies."

Frivolity Break: "Balloon Boy" Music Video

I couldn't resist. . .

Movies I CAN Wait to See: The Box

Image from io9

Back in the mid-1980s, there was a resurgence of interest in anthology horror and sci-fi programs. Among the offerings were programs like Amazing Stories (produced by Stephen Spielberg), Alfred Hitchcock Presents (a remake, using old footage of the late director, colorized), Tales from the Darkside (a cheapie) Monsters (another cheapie) and The Twilight Zone (another remake). And that was just a little before HBO's Tales from the Crypt. All had stellar episodes, and I was in geek heaven

I only recently tossed a couple dozen VHS tapes containing countless episodes from most of the above shows. I'd taped them when they originally aired. Watching them could be kind of fun, seeing the original commercials, news breaks, and the like. But the sound started getting choppy, the picture quality was never top notch in the first place, and, well who uses VCRs anymore?

One of the short stories from The Twilight Zone that still stands out in my mind is one from 1986, "Button, Button," starring Mare Winningham and Brad Davis. The story revolves around a couple given a box with a domed cover, and a red push button inside. The man who gives it to them says that they have 24 hours to decide whether or not to push the button. If they do, they get a million dollars. But there's a catch: if they push it someone will die. Someone they don't know, but someone. The rest of the story revolves around their choice. It's a higher stakes version of Indecent Proposal. And there's a neat little "a-ha!" stinger at the end that I'll never forget.

Well, somebody got it in their head to turn this neat little story into a full-fledged Hollywood feature, The Box. But unless they've grafted a whole B-story onto this puppy, there just isn't enough there there for a whole film. I like the cast though, Cameron Diaz, James Marsden, and Frank Langella, the latter two co-stars from Superman Returns. Still, since I already know the "twist" ending, I'm not sure what this film would have to offer.

Top 10 Conservative Idiots, October 19, 2009

Oh, this list is gooooood! Enjoy!

[Excerpt]

The Top 10 Conservative Idiots, No. 375

October 19, 2009

Hangin' With The Taliban Edition

This week the Hate America First Crowd (1) kicks it up a notch, Michael Steele (3) is living dangerously, and Neil Cavuto (6) explains the economy. . .

Read more at: Democratic Underground

"Balloon Boy" Story a Hoax, Dad to be Investigated

Well, I haven't had much to say today, between poking around on the internet, watching the Sunday political chat shows with one eye, and running errands. So that balloon boy thing seems to have actually been a hoax. . .surprise. And it's still getting too much coverage on the cable news channels. I'll admit to getting caught up in it when it was still happening live (and we thought the kid was in the thing). But my interest--beyond seeing Balloon Daddy getting fined and or jailed--has waned considerably since. This is what they've been saying. . .





That should be my last word on the subject. I think. I'm off to dinner with friends, so any more posting today is unlikely at best. See you Monday morning!

Dollhouse to Get 13 Episodes, Likely No More

Image from source, nj.com

I've been championing the Joss Whedon show, Dollhouse, for its entire existence. But the writing seems to be on the wall, and I'm going to have to face the reality that it will likely die an early death. Brilliant but cancelled, as they say. And it's a damned shame.

As brilliant as Whedon's shows are, they've never really had mass appeal. They're probably too smart, too different and too niche-y. Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel had an easier time of it due to the low expectations of the (now defunct) UPN and WB networks. Neither show ever got great ratings, though the number of people watching them then vastly outnumber those watching Dollhouse. Thank the splintering of media, the mainstreaming of the internet and the dumbing down of America for that one.

Firefly, Whedon's sci-fi/western hybrid from a few years ago is still lamented for its early cancellation. Firefly, like Dollhouse was also on FOX, but at a time when viewership hadn't eroded to the present abysmal levels. Both of these shows are densely plotted, and require a viewer's attention. Sometimes to the point of requiring multiple viewings to catch all of the layers. People just don't seem to want to invest so much brain wattage (or maybe most don't have it in the first place) to let a show like this grow. Or rather, they don't care to seek it out on a Friday night on FOX. Fortunately, shows like Lost, FlashForward, Fringe and Heroes (yes, I'm still hanging on to that one) have managed to have viewers show up in large enough numbers to keep those programs on the air.

The saddest thing about the likely cancellation of Dollhouse has more to do with its creator than the actual show. I fear after having two low-rated shows on a major network, either that Whedon won't try again, or that no one will let him. While I'm quite sure he'll continue to be creative in other venues, I think it would be sad if his big juicy brain didn't get the opportunity to create a real mainstream hit.

But I'm not ready to give up hope for what we already have. Dollhouse has had dismal first-run ratings, true. But it's doing big DVR numbers, I'd suspect decent Hulu numbers, and has a fervent--if small--fanbase. Maybe, just maybe, there's a way to keep this thing going.

[Excerpt]

Can DVRs save 'Dollhouse'? Probably not.

. . .First, the good news: Fox scheduling chief Preston Beckman said that, in light of this news, all 13 "Dollhouse" season two episodes will air. Though you'll note he didn't say when they would air, and admitted they might have to pull the show off the schedule for November sweeps. . .

Read more at: NJ.com

Halloween Horrors: Top 10 FUNNY Horror Movies

The last couple of Octobers, I've run a series of Top 10 lists of different types of horror movies for Halloween. This year, since blog traffic seems to change each year, I thought I'd re-post some of those lists for the people who likely missed them. So, if you're looking for some Halloween horror, but you'd like it tempered with a bit of humor, here are ten options for your movie night!

Image from Wikipedia.org

Yes, horror can make you scream and laugh. Some of these films are straight-ahead comedies with horror thrown in. Some are horror with comedy thrown in. And some may be unintentionally funny. But if you like your scary movies cut with a little bit of humor, these are the films for you.

Greenlee Gazette Top 10 Funny Horror Movies

1. Shaun of the Dead (2004) - This movie is a horror spoof, but it doesn't spare the shocks, or the gross-outs. It's probably the best horror spoof ever made (I don't count the fantastic Young Frankenstein, which is more spoof than horror). It helps if you like British humour. Apparently the new Woody Harrelson movie, Zombieland is even better, but I'll reserve judjment until I've actually seen it.

2. Fright Night (1986) - This film isn't quite a spoof, but it is surely an homage to the old "chiller theater" TV programs of years gone by. Excellent performances, lots of laughs, and a shock or two. It does suffer a bit for its obvious 80s fashions, though. Starring Chris Sarandon, Herman's Head's William Ragsdale, Married. . .with Children's Amanda Bearse, and of course the legendary Roddy MacDowell.

3. Army of Darkness (1992) - The third of the Evil Dead series was the most mainstream, and more straight-ahead comedy. I recommend getting Evil Dead 2 (which is sort of a higher-budget remake of part 1) in tandem with this one. A classic. And star Bruce Campbell is a genre legend.

4. Final Destination 2 (2003) - This horror film isn't exactly a comedy. But try not to laugh (maybe nervously) at the inventive and gory kills in this one. Better than parts 1 or 3 by a long shot. And some genuine thrills. I still haven't seen part 4, having missed it in theaters. Maybe it will make the list next year.

5. Critters (1986) - Riding the Gremlins and Ghoulies wave of the 80s, this New Line Cinema (A Nightmare on Elm Street) offering offers thrills and laughs--most intentional. Actually manages to be cute and scary. The cheap-o sequels have their moments, but the original is the best of the litter.

6. Psycho II (1983) - The sequel to the all time classic is not the fright-fest it could have been. Tony Perkins is clearly playing it for laughs. And he gets them. Avoid any further sequels and remakes.

7. April Fool's Day (1986) - One of my all time favorites. Every holiday got its horror movie in the 80s, and this one has a novel twist. Gamely played by actors a notch above the typical horror flick. I recently re-watched this one, and it still holds up. The 2000s remake (in name only) sucks, so look for the date on the box.

8. The Car (1978) - James Brolin fighting a car possessed by the devil. This one could have made my "BAD" horror list, but it does have some shocks. But, just try not to laugh when The Car kills the tuba player. . .

9. Freddy vs. Jason (2003) - The terror is long drained out of both of these series, so the kills are mostly for laughs. A good time anyway. But who really won?

10. The Blob (1986) - I've blogged about this one before, and it is one of my favorites. Funny mostly for Kevin Dillon's mullet, and the general 80s vibe. Still has a few shocks and is most enjoyable.

PREVIOUSLY:
Halloween Horrors: Psycho
Halloween Horrors: Top 10 FUNNY Horror Movies
Halloween Horrors: Top 10 SCARY Horror Movies
Halloween Horrors: Overlooked Horror Films
Halloween Horrors: A Nightmare on Elm Street
Halloween Horrors: Top 10 BAD Horror Movies
Halloween Horrors: Top 10 CLASSIC Horror Movies
Halloween Horrors: Top 10 Horror Movies to Avoid

Science is Cool: Lost Greek City Found

Image from source, Guardian.co.uk

I love this kind of stuff. Hat-tip to AmericaBlog.

[Excerpt]

Lost Greek city that may have inspired Atlantis myth gives up secrets

The secrets of a lost city that may have inspired one of the world's most enduring myths – the fable of Atlantis – have been brought to light from beneath the waters off southern Greece.

Explored by an Anglo-Greek team of archaeologists and marine geologists and known as Pavlopetri, the sunken settlement dates back some 5,000 years to the time of Homer's heroes and in terms of size and wealth of detail is unprecedented, experts say. . .

Read more at: Guardian.co.uk

FOX "News" is Not News

Sorry for the redundant and obvious headline. I just couldn't think of what else to title this piece. After watching my DVR recording of last night's Real Time with Bill Maher, I turned the cable box to 721, which is the HD version of FOX "News." Why? Oh, frack, I don't know.

What I got was FOX News Watch, which sounds like a "straight news" show, but I suppose if you parse the title, it comes down to watching FOX "News", right? That sort of navel gazing is exactly what I found. When the White House's Anita Dunn gave her smack down of FOX "News," the sting must've smarted for a good long time. Because for an entire segment, FOX News Watch talked about nothing else. And their panel discussion group--no different than if it was on Hannity or FOX "News" Sunday--defended FOX's reputation by. . .going after Rachel Maddow and Keith Olbermann, for one. And by claiming that FOX is news, bookended by opinion shows, and that people know the difference.

Really? OK then, is FOX News Watch a news show, or an opinion show? The segments following the "is FOX real news" bit included, "is Obama being transparent enough?" and then a "was Rush Limbaugh treated fairly by the NFL?" Juan Williams, a token in a couple of ways (sorry), gives a game effort to arguing against an obvious partisan bent, even if he has a blind spot as it pertains to FOX's coverage. The rest--all of them--were arguing from a right-wing standpoint. As on damned near every other FOX program.

As I've said before, if you have eyes, ears and brains, you can see FOX's right-wing bias at any hour of the day. Watch the news crawl at the bottom of the screen. Watch the in-house ads for other programming. Their gamest efforts at "straight news" are even tinged with right-wing bias by their story selection, and framing. Geraldo Rivera's show At Large you would think would be a left-slanting opinion show. But it isn't, not really. The subjects are chosen with a right-wing audience in mind. What's Geraldo covering this weekend? "Is the NFL being fair to Rush?"

Listen, if FOX "News" were really a straight-ahead news channel, with a few hours of "opinion," and was not an ideologically driven political entity, answer me this. Why is virtually every "defender" or "FOX Fan" a right-winger? Hmmm? And why is FOXNation, the internet offshoot practically a right supremacy, evangelical, tea bagging, birther, deather, tenther, wingnut meeting? Why?

The attempt to defend FOX "News" as a legitimate news gathering organization is laughable. Preposterous. And every "FOX Fan" knows it.

The "Balloon Boy"/X-Files Connection

Image from source, URLesque

Brilliant! I want to believe!

[Excerpt]

Balloon Boy - Quickest Meme Ever?

The web exploded today with the news of six-year-old Falcon Heene from Fort Collins, Colorado who was flying across the Centennial State while (alledgedly) trapped in a giant, mushroom-shaped helium balloon. Everyone was chained to online live streaming video to see how the story would unfold. To add to the bizarre story, the family, no stranger to the media spotlight, had been featured in an episode of ABC's 'Wife Swap'. . .

Read more at: URLesque

Maddow Clip #3: Rachel & Keith Olbermann Respond to George H.W. Bush

After this post, we'll put away The Rachel Maddow Show clips. Rachel's been under the weather, and needs the rest anyway. But as promised in an earlier post, here is Rachel and Keith Olbermann's response to being singled out by George H. W. Bush for being "divisive." Project much, Mr. ex-President?

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Maddow Clip #2: Rachel Responds to Criticism on Americans for Prosperity Coverage

In this clip, Rachel responds to criticisms of her reporting, and on her interview with Tim Phillips, head of the "grass roots-ish" group, Americans for Prosperity. Great stuff.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

George H.W. Bush Decries Incivility by Being Uncivil

Image from source, CBS News

Ah, hypocrisy, thy name is Bush. But not W, HW. Yeah, that one. Unwilling to acknowledge his own role in starting the incivility in politics snowball down the hill (Willie Horton, Lee Atwater, Roger Ailes). . .wouldn't be prudent. No, he points his finger at "the cables," apparently meaning FOX "News" and MSNBC. Then he names some names, Keith Olbermann and Rachel Maddow. What, no Glenn Beck, Michelle Malkin, Ann Coulter, Sean Hannity, Bill Kristol, Charles Krauthammer, Bill O'Reilly, Laura Ingraham, Neil Cavuto, Brit Hume or Chris Wallace? Picking two of the only left-leaning cablers (only leaving out Big Ed Schultz)?

I used to be a Republican--hey, I voted for H.W.--so I can see myself on the other side of the divide. From there, I can sort of see Olbermann as a rabble-rouser I'd decry. But Rachel? No way. Too honest, too earnest, too funny. Anyway, here first is the story. I'll have another Rachel Maddow Show clip when it becomes available.

[Excerpt]

Elder Bush Decries Lack of Civility in Politics

. . .Referring to the tone of national discourse he said, "I don't like it. The cables (TV) have a lot to do with it." In the radio interview, Mr. Bush said the volume of criticism aimed at him when he was president was not as "day in and day out. . ."

Read more at: CBS News

Maddow Clip #1: Rachel Takes on Americans for Prosperity Head

Rachel Maddow, long a fave of Greenlee Gazette was out sick for much of the last week or so, though I doubt it was the H1N1 swine flu, since she already had that once. Upon her return to The Rachel Maddow Show, she dove right in, croaky voice and all. In a contentious interview with faux grass roots organization "Americans for Prosperity" head, Tim Phillips, Rachel took the gloves off.

The thing I love about Rachel, and the thing that her detractors always get wrong, is that she's not simply the flip side to a Glenn Beck or a Bill O'Reilly. She doesn't turn all red and blustery, or scream ("Get off my phone!" anyone?). There's no Hannity-like ham-handedness or posturing. She's capable of keeping her composure, even when delivering a blistering dressing down of someone she feels deserves it. I believe she means what she says, and I don't ever get that from the FOX hen house. So score one point for the appearance of a non-like-minded guest. Score one more for conviction.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

If you can stomach it, take a gander at the right-wing world response to these clips at FreeRepublic. Ignore the sub-Jr. High School "humor" about Rachel being a lesbian, and see if any of their commentary comes anywhere near reality for you: FreeRepublic

Kid Asks Obama Why People Hate Him

Image from source, Politics Daily

OK, I know this kind of story can be a little too precious. But, I have to say, I'm impressed with the President's answer. He can't say in response, "because there's a lot of assholes out there." And he can't get too snarky, or say anything that will rile up the right wing too much. No, scotch that, no matter what Obama says, they'll find something to get outraged about, or to ridicule. But he didn't give them very much to work with, and he wasn't on a teleprompter.

[Excerpt]

Little Boy Asks Barack Obama, 'Why Do People Hate You?'

President Obama went to New Orleans for the first time as president Thursday to visit a charter school and to hold a town hall meeting. While there, he told the people of the city that he is committed to helping them continue to rebuild, more than four years after Hurricane Katrina devastated the region. . .

Read more at: Politics Daily

What's Bloom County Creator Berkeley Breathed up to Now?

1st image from source, CNN
2nd image found on Facebook

I've been a big fan of Berkeley Breathed's work (Bloom County, Opus, Outland) ever since I saw a clipping of one of his early cartoons on my Aunt Camille's fridge. She had a subscription to The Columbus Citizen-Journal, and we got The Columbus Dispatch, which had entirely different comics pages, so going to Camille's also introduced me to Garfield, which had a much less lasting effect.

Anyway, my later years as a paper carrier and then my interest in comics through early adulthood were a golden age for the comics page. Sure, there were some lame ones (many of which still inexplicably exist), but we're talking--in addition to Bloom County--The Far Side by Gary Larson and Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson. All were absolute classics, and all ended their runs in their prime. Only Breathed has come out of retirement for limited runs, only to leave us again. So what's he up to? I thought I'd find out, and strangely enough, he gave an interview only a couple of days ago.

[Excerpt]

Vick dog inspired 'Bloom County,' 'Opus' creator

Berkeley Breathed answers the door to his Santa Barbara home, a tall, slender figure in suede cowboy boots.

But before he can extend a hand in greeting, he's nudged aside by a canine companion eager to introduce herself. . .


Read more at: CNN

EDITOR'S NOTE: Through the wonders of the internets, I've actually found the first Bloom County cartoon I ever saw, on Aunt Camille's refrigerator. The warped sense of humor hit home the very first time.


Source: GoComics

Birther Queen Orly Taitz on Joy Behar's Show

I know this is a couple of days old, but I couldn't resist posting it. Any opportunity to show the lost Gabor sister spinning her crazy theories. The birthers have hitched their wagon to a loon.

Auto-Tune the News #9: Nobel. health care. United Nations.

Is it lazy blogging to post these things every time they come out? It would be, but I've skipped a couple! Anyway, they're always fun, so here you go.

Featured Site: PhotoShop Disasters

Given the recent splash made by Ralph Lauren, their terrible PhotoShopping of models, and the letigiousness that followed, it was kind of surprising to see another hideous 'shopped pic from the same fashion house. As an artist (and a human) I'm simply baffled how anyone could have thought this looked good (or human).

Ordinarily, I wouldn't be too sympathetic to those who say, "won't someone please think of the children?" In this case, I sort of have to agree with that sentiment. Think about all those anorexia after school-type specials, where no matter how skinny the girl gets, she still thinks she's fat. Well a girl like that looking at this shot? Thinking she could diet her way to a pelvis that small? Yikes. And a tip to girls like that: no guy is looking at you, wishing you had a tiny, tiny pelvis.

Oh, and I should mention that the site this comes from is a ton of fun. It isn't just fashion houses that tragically alter their models. And usually, it isn't with the plan to make them look impossibly skinny either. Have a look.

Source: PhotoShop Disasters