Posted on September 20, 2009 at 8:00 am
Be sure to take a look at this hilarious compilation of “I’m not here to make friends” moments from reality shows compiled by Rich Juzwiak of VH1. Here’s a sample:
His terrific and very illuminating commentary is on the current “Frenemies” episode of “This American Life.” Highly recommended for fans of reality television — and friendship!
Posted on September 9, 2009 at 8:00 am
Parents and some grandparents will remember the old “Beany and Cecil” show about the boy with the propeller hat and his friend the sea-sick sea serpent and their adventures in outsmarting the dastardly Dishonest John.
I’m very pleased that these adorable old cartoons are now available on DVD, including this week’s release of Bob Clampett’s Beany And Cecil
Posted on August 30, 2009 at 8:00 am
Please watch this X Factor clip of Danyl Johnson singing “I Get By With a Little Help From My Friends” in what the notoriously critical Simon Cowell calls the best first audition he has seen since the show began. Johnson, a 27-year-old teacher, takes a song that already has been unforgettably performed by the Beatles and Joe Cocker and makes it his own with a dazzling, supremely confident performance with indefinable but unmistakable star quality. You will want to be a part of this talented singer’s career from the beginning. He will be getting by with the help of a lot of new friends.
Posted on August 28, 2009 at 8:00 am
I love this Slate article by Kim Gittleson on the best and worst uses of the classic jazz album, Kind of Blue
Posted on August 27, 2009 at 8:00 am
“Wiseguy” was a tough, smart 1980’s television series about a cop (Ken Wahl) who goes deep undercover, starting with 18 months in prison to establish his criminal credentials. In this first season, just out on DVD, he infiltrates the organization of a volatile crime boss played by Ray Sharkey. The second season co-starred a very young Kevin Spacey. Warning: the producers of the DVD set did not secure the original music rights, so the soundtrack does not include “Knights in White Satin” and some of the other striking songs that gave extra power to the original broadcast. But it is still a sharp crime drama with excellent performances. I hope the second season is released. It featured a mesmerizing performance from a very young Kevin Spacey.
