Reality Television

I am fortunate to have grown up during the time of PBS - or the Public Broadcasting Service. I have to admit it; it is something that I often take for granted. You know, like during their pledge periods. I am impatient and will think, "yeah, yeah - just get on with the show already." But, they depend on support to stay on the air. Well, enough of my preaching.

I was thinking about reality television, and how PBS is sometimes the best example of actual reality television. Not the kind that we often think of - like Jeff Conway and Ruth Buzzi living in the same house for a month - but real reality tv. The good, the bad, and the ugly. Later today, some of the more ugly stuff is on. At 10pmEST tonight, on PBS, the story of "The People vs Leo Frank" is told. Leo Frank (picture on left) was a young Jewish man who managed a pencil factory in Georgia during the early 1900s. He was found guilty and eventually lynched for the murder of a 13 year old worker at the factory, named Mary Phagan. Most Atlantans celebrated the verdict, but observers around the country considered it a mockery of justice. Here is a link for the web site's summary of the show:

http://www.pbs.org/thepeoplevleofrank/

Ironically, also on the PBS website, is the announcement that they have updated the web page for the Mr. Rogers Show. I loved Mr. Rogers, and still sing his songs to my daughter at bedtime. He was a wonderful man, who spoke and sang of love, acceptance, and feelings. The web page now features video/audio clips of songs and highlights from the Mr. Rogers Show. Only PBS is consistently able to show such contrasting portions of life. Some is good, some is bad, and some is ugly - but they show it all. Oh - by the way - please forgive my loose use of the Clint Eastwood film title. Here is a little snippet of video from when Fred Rogers accepted the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 24th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards:

Retail Eternity

I know death is part of life - but this is just bizarre to me; I just learned that Walmart is selling caskets online. As if people didn't dislike Walmart enough. Just as an aside - I think that more people shop there then will admit. Anyway, that's right, you can choose from a selection of caskets on Walmart's website and have your choice delivered. The model that is displayed above is called, "Executive Privilege Steel Casket." It comes with a pinstriped interior and costs $1,699.00.

If I were going to go with any particular retailer whom I would choose to purchase my own casket from, I would probably pick Kmart. I know it sounds odd, but Kmart features the Martha Stewart selection. Anything from Martha, even a casket, would have to be classy. Maybe she could call them her, "I know it stinks to be dead but at least some part of it can be a good thing," collection.

Speaking of Martha and Kmart - here is a little snippet of an early comercial pairing the two:

Mad Men, Booze, and Cigarettes

I am a fan of Mad Men, the AMC original series that depicts the work and home lives of the employees of Sterling Cooper, a fictitious advertising agency in the early 1960s. Today, CNN's website features a story on Mad Men's set designs, entitled - Astonishing Detail in Time Gone Mad. It is a fascinating piece, that includes tours through many of the sets used on the show. I am attaching the link to the CNN video below:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/TV/10/26/mad.men.set/index.html

Although I have not watched the series from its start, I have watched all of the shows this season, and have become completely addicted. Speaking of addictions (talk about your subtle segways), the source of two major addictions that often take center stage in the series, are those of booze and cigarettes. I thought it would be interesting to share two commercials from this time period. I will include one for booze and one for cigarettes. Enjoy:

Oppsite Ends of the Spectrum

Ann Coulter was interviewed by Joyce Behar the other night, and it reminded me of the expression - you know the one - about "opposite ends of the spectrum." Okay, they are both women (although some of argued that in regard to Coulter, but I digress) and both media personalities; but, other than that, there ain't much there that is similar. I am including a snippet of the interview below:


This got me thinking about what other media events have included two personalities who seem to be on two different ends of a spectrum. I am including some of my top choices. Hope you like them:



OK, OK - I admit it - Donny and Marie are not exactly opposite sides of the spectrum. But, remember, she was a little bit country and he was a little bit rock and roll. That must count for something. Have a good weekend!!

Bernie Madoff and Santa Claus

Some additional information is coming out today regarding Bernie Madoff's workplace environment; I bet there is plenty more where that came from. Anyway, CNN is reporting the following:

A new lawsuit alleges that convicted swindler Bernie Madoff financed a cocaine-fueled work environment and a "culture of sexual deviance," and he diverted money to his London, England, office when he believed federal authorities were closing in at home.
The complaint alleges that some employees and investors were aware of the drug purchases, and that BMIS [Bernard Madoff Investment Services] was known by insiders as the "North Pole" in reference to the excessive amount of cocaine use in the work place.

Isn't that nice? - the North Pole. Can't get more in the holiday feeling than that. I grew up watching those 1960s and 1970s holiday specials. Even a Jewish kid from Northeast Philly loves a good cartoon. Back then, you could only see them once a year too. That was before the age of videos and DVDs. My favorites were Charlie Brown, the Grinch, and Frosty.

Several years ago, Saturday Night Live featured a satire of those old clay-mation classics, and something about Bernie Madoff running the "North Pole" reminded me of it. I hope you enjoy:

The Droid and the Pinto

Did you hear that Verizon is coming out with a new phone in November to compete with the iPhone? I guess that this means that the iPhone won't be going to Verizon anytime soon. Anyway, here is the commercial that is being shown for the "Droid" - the hopeful iPhone competitor:


I wondered how telling it is that the commercial is basically comparing the benefits of the Droid to the what the iPhone lacks. Is any form of comparison actually a compliment? It probably is, to some degree. I started to think about what other product had begun its commercial campaign by comparing itself to an already well-loved and successful product. Here is such an ad or, "blast from the past:"


OK, maybe the Droid will have a better run than the Pinto, but it is fun to wonder.

Who the Hell is Wolf?

No explanation needed. See video below: