Trying to Erase the Hate

 A new show will debut tonight on the CW. It's called H8R. This show is created in a Punk'd like format for those who don't like a certain celebrity and that celebrity randomly confronts them to dispel rumors and misconceptions. I think this is a great idea, whether or not I agree with the choice of celebrity. There's too many anonymous commenters online, snarky bloggers with too much attitude, and people who feel that because of the internet you can say whatever about whoever and not be accountable.
 I disagree. Whatever you write, rather you are bold enough to sign your name to it or not, you should be accountable. I recently heard about a woman who posed for provocative photos or videos (I don't remember) in her past and they were online. When she went to check YouTube, there were snarky comments made by random users about her appearance. She filed a complaint to find out about these people's real names and whereabouts and won. It just goes to show that because of the internet and the lack of accountability, people feel the need to say whatever and then get offended when people demand their rights to the truth.
 This show is created by a woman with a gay relative, who although not famous, has dealt with alot of judgment and chastisement. So she can see how the internet age has turned many people in our society into judgmental, close-minded, venom-spewing cowards. I say cowards because anyone who doesn't put their real name or identity online for people to find out. That's why I'm not afraid to sign my real name to my work, because it's my opinion, my research, or my thoughts and anyone who wants to challenge that respectfully has that right. Just like I think these bloggers who truly get a rise out of us by being negative and demeaning to public figures feel like they have that right.
 Yes celebrities can be irritating because they don't understand the everyday person's struggles, they are out of touch with reality, they feel a sense of entitlement that extends to the law and beyond, or they just do stupid stuff. Who doesn't? I don't feel this culture of negativity and judgment does anything but create a society of people who will say anything online, but face to face will not own up to what they really think. If you don't like someone's behavior say so. But how can you hate someone you've only learned about through blogs, interviews, and appearances? I think people can appreciate and admire from a far, just like they can judge from the shadows. We'll never know the truth unless we see that person and see who they are beyond the speculation. That goes for anyone in our lives rather they're on tv or not.
 I hope this show does succeed in opening people's eyes to see beyond what's fed to us through blogs, gossip shows, and such. I think we owe it to ourselves to face the truth rather than just try to blog about it.

H8R NY Times

Changing of the Guard

With Oprah's departure this past May, there are now several new players in the talk show game. I've decided to analyze a couple of these new forays into the talk show genre.

Anderson, Anderson Cooper
 As if AC 360 wasn't enough. Anderson Cooper is seeking to take over daytime as the host of his own show. He's been successful as a fill-in for Regis Philbin on Live with Regis and Kelly, but hosting a show day in and day out is different. He's going to have to be quick on his feet with hot topics and have valuable information on the people he's interviewing. And obviously since it's daytime he has to be more open and friendly than he is at night. I think it could work if he just goes with the flow and tries to not to be someone else.

Rosie, Rosie O' Donnell
 Rosie O' Donnell is actually having a second chance at talk show success. She had a syndicated show that ran for several years, ending about ten years ago after Rosie's coming out and controversial behavior. Rosie is now heading to the OWN Network, headed by Oprah herself. Rosie obviously has a long track record, including her stint on The View which went down in flames. I just hope Rosie can be interesting and not irritating.

Katie, Katie Couric
 I guess you're noticing a trend. Every person I've mentioned so far is naming the show after themselves. I would like to think Katie Couric would turn the tide after her much maligned stint at CBS News. She appeared on The View, trying to clarify her style on the ABC produced show. Time will only tell if she can be current, edgy, and interesting. Her show doesn't premiere until Fall 2012.

Lopez, Not Tonight

I feel bad for George Lopez, today officially marks the second time he's been unceremoniously cancelled by network brass. He's funny. He's kooky. And he's probably expensive too. But I digress.
 Lopez Tonight was a great idea and was one of the ways late-night was becoming flavorful and diverse. However, with the cancellation of Lopez Tonight and The Mo'Nique Show, it's getting back to old hat. But it's not necessarily the color of the host holding things back.
 Conan O'Brien is suffering from low-ratings despite a groundswell of internet support after last year's fiasco with Leno. However, it's proving not to be enough. Late night is cruel and if you don't hold the attention of the audience, they'll go to sleep on you. Literally.
 I've seen Lopez Tonight a couple of times and it's funny. But I think the problem was Lopez's attention for the wrong thing. Instead of the funny videos and skits he composed, it focused on his jabs at Kirstie Alley and Jay Leno. I also think people get so used to looking at late night on network that they forget about cable.
 We still have Jimmy Fallon. I just wish he didn't come on so late. Slow Jamming the news, Beer Pong with Betty White, and History of Rap with JT (pts. 1 and 2), are all instant classics. Not to mention he has the best band ever in The Roots as his house band.
 But back to George Lopez. I hope the next time he gets a show and they decide to cancel it, he gets fair warning as well as a proper finale.
 In the meantime, I guess I'll just have to wait for History of Rap part 3.

http://insidetv.ew.com/2011/08/10/lopez-tonight-cancelled/

It's Always Kanye, Kanye, Kanye

 Kanye West talks too much. He's an egomaniac. His music's brilliant, but does that give him the excuse to rant like he does? These are probably things you have heard at some point over the past few years. This attention has increased since his mother's death, but it seems like he's acting out.
 This weekend at the Big Chill Music Festival he went on a rant about how people don't understand him. In turn he compared himself to Hitler. He thinks that as time passes, people'll understand. He also went on to say how he wants to change things like Michael Jordan. I think what Kanye needs to do is be him.
 That's when we like him. It's like the cousin who always comes to the party and then gets too comfortable and blabbing about himself. Kanye has his place in pop culture. It might be an annoying place, but such is life. I think if he wasn't the way he was, he wouldn't be himself.
 Which is probably why Jay-Z knows how to work with him. The trailer for their epic Watch the Throne EP was released and despite rumors of disagreements, it's obvious that Kanye knows Jay is his boss and without that, he wouldn't be where he is.
 But is Jay-Z to blame for giving us the Don of Louis Vuitton? No. For all of Kanye's craziness, he is talented. And for that he probably will be crazy as long as we give him a space on our blog, newspaper, or assorted source of information. But hey, it's all entertainment right?
http://www.thegrio.com/entertainment/kanye-west-says-people-look-at-him-like-hitler.php

As Long as She Never Sings, I'm Ok or Roseanne for President?

If you watched Jay Leno last night, you probably got one of the biggest laughs since Bridesmaids. Roseanne, yeah that Roseanne of the yelling and cackling variety from the 1990s said she's running for president on the Green Tea Party. Not the Tea Party or the Green Party, but the Green Tea Party. A party she decidedly created because she, like many of us are fed up with the antics of the Frick and Frack Parties or the Elephants and Donkeys as they're still called in some circles. Is this ok?
 I know many of us like celebrities as politicians and some see politicians as celebrities. But for every Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton there are several more Governators in the mix.  I mean really? Roseanne isn't actually a politician. She has no experience and I really would not like to think of her ever dismembering the national anthem again.
 Ok so in her defense, she's an outsider to the Washington club and she has a lot of favor with the electorate. I mean, she wants to legalize marijuana so she has good standing with a sizable populace. Roseanne has never taken any junk from her husbands or co-stars so I don't think Boehner and Reid would scare her. She can make you laugh if you don't agree with everything she says, but most of all her best weapon would be her version of the national anthem. I mean we could probably keep bedbugs out of hotels with that thing.
 In all seriousness, is our country in such shape we need a 90s sitcom icon to run the world? I mean is nobody  good enough that we need a celebrity to take a stab at things. I would hope not, but then again there are scarier things.
http://marquee.blogs.cnn.com/2011/08/05/roseanne-barr-palins-inspiring-me-to-run-for-prez/

Blame It On The.. ?

 Kings of Leon is quickly becoming the most irritating story of the week. They abruptly canceled the tour because of lead singer Caleb Followill's exhaustion issues. It was later revealed that the culprit was alcohol. With cryptic tweets from Nathan Followill appearing to confirm this, it can only go one of two ways: good or bad. Now I must be honest, I'd never heard of Kings of Leon until their hit "Use Somebody." One part southern rock, one part arena rock, it seemed there was a new horizon for rock lovers. They followed that with other hits such as "Sex on Fire" and "Radioactive." As mainstream as they were becoming, they still wanted to be underground.
 In trying to remain cool, they rejected Glee creator Ryan Murphy's request to use their music in an episode of the hit musical comedy. They considered themselves rock stars and unabashedly talked about their use of alcohol and drugs. And in the tradition of Mick Jagger and others, dated hot models. Caleb Followill even married one, Lily Aldridge this past May. However, that wasn't enough to save them from themselves.
 Caleb reminds me of someone I went to school with. The kid who possibly could have everything they wanted but blew it because they rather get drunk or hang out. Being a rock star isn't so much a measure in showing up on time and looking neat but just making a valid attempt to prove you take what you do seriously.
 Now we all know that rock stars aren't role models or heroes to the general public, but at a time when people are struggling to find a job they need, someone not doing a job they want is just stupid. I don't care if he doesn't want to be famous, he made a commitment and people are paying for his lack of it. Lloyd's of London, the famous insurance company may have to pay up to fifteen million dollars for Caleb not singing.
 If this is the case and Caleb can't do it. I will. How hard is it to halfway sing and slur words in southern accent? Besides, the pay's good.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/kings-of-leons-cancelled-tour-could-be-very-expensive-20110802
http://www.vh1.com/news/articles/1656723/20110126/index.jhtml
http://www.usmagazine.com/celebritynews/news/lily-aldridges-wedding-to-kings-of-leon-rocker-was-amazing-2011147

The Popstar is Political

 Miley Cyrus has recently tweeted a picture of her latest tattoo on her index finger. It is an equal sign that in her words represents how all love is equal to her. This is a permanent mark indicating her support for marriage equality. If you recall Cyrus' earlier tweet about how she believed Casey Anthony got away with murder, but marriage is not guaranteed to all, you won't be surprised by this latest move. Miley seems to care less about her public persona as much as being herself. While this seems refreshing, it also seems highly choreographed.
 Pop stars who have entered the public consciousness as a young teen will do anything to break the image of being manufactured, saccharine, and phony. Some succeed and some end up on a VH1 reality show, but nonetheless there have been several ways of young artists trying to make it as credible adult acts. Ten years ago, there was a string of artists who made an effort to grow up. Like Miley, some were part of the Disney Channel elite, but unlike Miley there's had more to do with music and less with politics.
 Take Christina Aguilera who released her Stripped album to rave reviews. However, in promoting the album she strove to break free from her bubblegum image by making one of the raunchiest music videos, Dirrty.  She said she wanted to evolve as an artist and push the boundaries of women's sexuality. For the most part, critics saw it as a way to generate interest from adults by exploiting her sexuality, but fans appreciated her doing something different. Looking back, it probably helped her more than hurt her because that honesty has helped her career in being accepted as a serious artist and helped to push her in the right direction. While her remarks on sexuality were somewhat political, it wasn't so much table talk as a way to keep her active in pop culture.
 Another example would be Usher, who didn't grow up so much on the Disney Channel but his initial innocence (and appearance on Star Search) was similar to those who were. In 2001, he released 8701, the title reflecting his evolution from 1987-2001. The album had mature themes and his videos were reflective of a young man taking charge, but there was never any debate that he was growing up too fast. It seemed like part of a greater process that he wanted to reflect rather than talk about. Obviously, it was a step to who he is now as an artist but his personal politics weren't so much important as his music.
  Back to Miley. Every move she's seemed to make has been about stirring a debate than her music. Even though she tries at times to say she's growing up, it has been more about showing it. Her choice of clothing and her onstage antics have reflected this, but now she seems to have gone one step further in getting this tattoo. In becoming an adult artist, there is freedom, but I think what Cyrus fails to realize is that most of her fans aren't adults. The difference between Miley and the other artists I addressed was that these artists were long off the Disney Channel and Star Search when they decided to mature. Another difference was that Christina and Usher were in the early twenties. Not to say that these things count against Miley, but the point is the audience for these artists naturally grew up, they weren't still in the process of growing up.
  Miley, in many ways, is still making decisions and forming opinions in concrete ways like many eighteen-year-olds. Who is to say she may change her mind about her personal beliefs over time and regret that tattoo? What about not liking her tattoos in general? Strong sentiments are lasting, but the impact from being a politician rather than a popstar might hurt more.
 If I were Miley's agent, manager, or dad I would tell her to be careful. People want their young popstars to sing for their supper, not ask if it was made in a cage-free environment. Miley's fans especially have expressed outrage because many of them don't support gay marriage or in some cases don't fully understand. Their parents would also be more inclined to not let them buy her music or watch her movies. I think if you want to be political you should urge your fans to vote or volunteer for something they support but being brash about what you think doesn't always work. But I guess that's why she said she Can't Be Tamed.

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1668195/miley-cyrus-gay-rights-tattoo.jhtml

Smells Like Trouble

 In this week's news, we've been bombarded with information about Amy Winehouse, the latest member of the infamous 27 club. Well imagine the confusion and dismay when the tragic inductee before Amy, Kurt Cobain is in the center of a new controversy. The city council of Aberdeen, Washington, Cobain's oft mentioned hometown voted against dedicating the Young Street Bridge in his honor. Several members were said to have opposed it because of Kurt's muddled legacy as a drug addict and suicide victim. There was also mention of how his music showed his disdain for his music. But the city council did vote to name a small piece of land that is an offshoot of the Wishkah River Cobain Landing. All this aside, it just shows how controversial honoring anyone, especially a deceased rock star can be.
 Earlier this week, Amy Winehouse's father, Mitch announced that he plans to start a foundation in his late daughter's honor to help people struggling with drugs and alcohol. While this is well intentioned, the real question is how will this work? Not to say Mr. Winehouse's intentions are wrong, but how effective will it be and who will  help run the organization? Anything in honor of someone, usually provides a basis for further discussion of their legacy, their impact, and their cultural status. I'm not sure how this will play out but it is a start in providing help and resources for those who really need it.
 Back to the Aberdeen issue and Kurt Cobain; in the articles I have read there is an obvious tension between people in the town. Some see him as a hero and an icon and others see him as a tragic figure who burned out too soon. Each side has a legitimate argument, but I can see from the side of those opposing the bridge. It's one thing when your town is known for having a famous face, it's another when that person was a controversial figure who is divisive even in death.
 I would even argue that Kurt Cobain had he lived would not even want this. As anti-establishment as he seemed in interviews and in song, the last thing he would want is a conventional landmark named after him. However, had he lived he could have mellowed and came to see what some of the residents of Aberdeen saw. Even though his life was hard and fraught with difficulty, he made it. He lived a small part of his dream which is more than many can say. But I guess we'll never know.

http://www.nme.com/news/nirvana/58334

The Mo'Nique Show, Gone Already?

 It was November 2009 when I first heard that BET was presenting a new talk show featuring Mo'Nique. Now my first reaction was surprised. Number one, how could BET present a credible, yet enjoyable talk show? Number two, what kind of guests will she have? Number three, will Mo'Nique step on any toes in the process. The answers to all of these questions for the past 20 months were seemingly positive until late yesterday when it was revealed that show is on "indefinite hiatus."  I was shocked because the ratings seemed to indicate the show was a success. But there were other factors not known to the viewer that curtailed the project.
 I've watched the show quite a few times and I thought it was a quality program. The guests weren't people you typically see on late night and Mo'Nique's background as a comedian and actress gave her insight to life in the entertainment industry. Now sure, she was loud and outspoken but most late night hosts are. George Lopez pulls no punches and Chelsea Handler is only in it for the laughs. I think that's what give late night it's edge. Hosts who are too friendly or afraid to ask the real questions usually get glossed over. While Jay Leno has lasted this long, he has not had the same impact as David Letterman or his predecessor Johnny Carson. Even Jimmy Fallon who is not necessarily mean, commands a different element by infusing his show with hip-hop culture and having a real recording artist (The Roots) as a band. And I believe that's what's needed.
 I think that's how BET was thinking, but it proved too much in the end. Honestly, The Mo'Nique Show didn't seem to fit the rest of the network. It was mostly catered to an older audience with guests who were famous in the 80's and 90's. Also, it didn't feature music videos or the same kind of cultural references as the network's highest rated show 106 & Park.
 According to several reports, there were also supposed issues with Mo'Nique. But those haven't been confirmed. Mo'Nique has yet to comment and BET is still trying to dodge the bullet. But now with that out of the way, how about we start a petition to get Arsenio a new show?

News Source:http://blogs.ajc.com/radio-tv-talk/2011/07/27/atlanta-based-the-monique-show-canceled/

Please Check: Yes, No, or Maybe, But Do It For Your Country

 In the past few weeks, several celebs have been asked out to military balls by various members of the armed forces. It all started with Mila Kunis, then Justin Timberlake, then Betty White, somehow Linda Hamilton, flash to Miley Cyrus and now Scarlett Johansson. Now this was cute the first and maybe the second, but by the time it got to the lady from Terminator, I was like please stop.
 I believe that supporting the military is just as important as voting and paying taxes. But does doing the electric slide qualify as support or something else? I honestly believe that the military makes a huge commitment to do their best and protect us, but does that give them free reign to say hey, you better dance with me. This reminds me of the fabled rite of passage and immense awkwardness of the middle school dance. You get asked out and you want to go, but not alone but not with Joe who drools in the middle of third period. Everyone can relate. However, with the military, the pressure intensifies.
 I think the reason several of the celebrities have accepted is because of the fact that it would look unpatriotic if you didn't. But let's be honest. If you have made a commitment months in advance, decided to take time off or just plain can't shouldn't be held against you. I mean if people can  get out of weddings, graduations, and other special events of close family members, I believe we can cut some slack to Betty White for having to shoot an episode of Hot in Cleveland.
 Also, the level of attention that will automatically be garnered because of a certain star showing up causes the need for more security. The actual event may not even be as enjoyable because of this. It's like when the popular kid joins the AV Club and now everyone wants to join. The whole culture changes because a different person enters the mix and the environment changes.
 Finally, how come there's only one female officer asking out a male celebrity. If I was in the Militia, I'd definitely have a long list of guys to ask, but since I'm not, I'll just have to imagine it.

Let's Hear it for the Boys

 A recent Ask Men survey, asked which celebrity is most irritating. The magazine broke it up by celebrities' respective genders. But the winner (or loser) of the females is Lady Gaga and the victor for male celebs is none other than the Biebs. Rounding out the top three for the women are Alaska's favorite former governor, Sarah Palin and Kim Kardashian. The other two in the top three for men are Charlie Sheen and the commander-in-chief. I agree wholeheartedly except with the fact that Ask Men considers are president a celebrity. While agree that Obama has had a strong amount of pop culture exposure, I don't consider him a celebrity. Anyone who can press a red button to is more than a celebrity, but I digress.
 I can see why men are irritated by Lady Gaga. And don't Twitter hate me little monsters, I have to agree. How many more meat dresses can we stand? I understand that she likes to express herself differently and I do like some of her songs, but every award show appearance has become more than theater, it has become a campaign of shock and awe. While every pop star does this to a certain extent, the fact that Lady Gaga does this every time she comes on a stage gets to be too much. I appreciate her creativity in music, but being boring  and posing for Rolling Stone in your underoos isn't always bad.
 Justin Bieber is also highly understandable. Any guy who can get every woman's attention by just walking by is a source of envy. But more than that, I think it's the fact that Justin Bieber doesn't even sound like he went through puberty and attracts more girls than a wet puddle draws mosquitoes is quite nauseating. Also, most male pop stars seem inaccessible to men because of them saying girl or baby every other five seconds in a song. It can get rather old.
 Now I know I just wrote in agreement to a survey of a men's magazine about two major Twitter celebrities, but someone has to be honest. One thing I can appreciate is that guys don't hold back. Just because someone is popular doesn't mean everyone has to appreciate what they contribute. I think it's also refreshing that in our celebrity obsessed culture than people can put things in perspective and say what they think. But I will admit, Somebody to Love gets me everytime.
News Source: http://omg.yahoo.com/blogs/now/askmen-com-survey-reveals-that-men-do-not-have-bieber-fever/171

Upgrade Who?

Dancing with the Stars is a source of entertainment for many people. Namely those of us with a fascination of those whose status is mostly faded. Now comes word that Dancing with the Stars is trying to up the ante by adding more high profile celebrities to the show. The plan on doing this by offering no required practices as well as stars having a say in costumes. On the surface it sounds like it is a good way for people to become more interested in the show, but I like to believe otherwise.
 Number one, which actual A-lister would be on Dancing with the Stars? I can't see someone like say Denzel clamoring to be on. A-listers have something that most people on Dancing with Stars don't have, a steady string of projects to work on. I can't believe ABC would actually try and think that someone who is actually known for doing something in the present would attempt dancing next to Maks or Karina just for funzies. I just don't see it happening.
  Number two, the C-listers of past and present would have something to legitimately be mad at. The idea that ABC is adding extra perks for certain celebrities is like in gym class when coach always gave the position of team selector for dodgeball to the most athletic kid and class. It's not the best thing for anyone, it just gives the idea labeling who is more important than who when there are enough ways to do that already.
 Number three, this wouldn't necessarily increase viewership because it minimizes the initial appeal of DWTS. Alot of people watch to see has-beens and reality starlets Monday and Tuesday nights and then giggle the rest of the week that these people have less rhythm than my washing machine. Real stars who might happen to be good at something else only become targets of more gossip and envy.
  Number four haven't y'all heard of the rule: "If it ain't broke don't fix it?!"

News Sources:http://theclicker.today.com/_news/2011/07/25/7161792-is-dancing-finally-kissing-d-listers-goodbye

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/entertainment/post/2011/07/dancing-with-the-stars-season-13-casting-buzz-builds/1

Ice Ice Meanie!

All right stop! Really Rob "Vanilla Ice" Van Winkle stop! Do we really need a has been saying the latest teen sensation will be a has been. In an interview with the Huffington Post, the former rapper claims that Justin Bieber will have a long weekend of success like he enjoyed in the early nineties and then fade into obscurity. No this wasn't a quote from ten years ago when some musicians and critics decried the end of the teen pop era or one of the members of New Edition getting mad when their former manager left to helm the New Kids two decades before. This is someone whose celebrity is based on one song and way too many outbursts, reality shows, and outbursts via reality shows. I'm not saying Vanilla Ice is wrong, but the kid is seventeen.
 Justin Bieber is really just beginning to grow up. The real test I believe will come in about 3 years when he approaches twenty one. Why twenty one you say? There is an extensive pop culture history of teen idols who became legitimate adult stars. The first example of this would be Michael Jackson who at twenty one released one of the greatest debut albums ever while eschewing the success he had achieved with his brothers as a tween and teen. Another example would be the Biebs' own mentor, Usher who at twenty one began to stamp his place in R&B with a more mature album and look. However, the key ingredient is timing and approach. For every Michael and Usher, there's two dozen Nick Carters (sorry BSB fans) who have to remain in a group in order to sustain visibility let alone a paycheck.
 As for Vanilla Ice, well he still gets played once every couple of hours in somebody's karaoke bar. Now that's lasting impact.