Opening Stuff:
The networks spend millions developing, researching and producing new shows. They are experts and draw upon vast experience and scientifically authenticated knowledge to predict the winners for each new TV season. And then most of the new shows routinely fail. Drop like the Red Sox in September. I think they are the same guys who recommend stock picks. Or, free agents for the Red Sox.
Some of the new TV shows barely started. Revenge fell off after the first week, but not as much as the two just cancelled shows Playboy Club and Charlies Angels. The soapish Revenge has captured an audience and will stay. Like wise Person of interest, Prime Suspect (Boring) and Unforgettable, which seem to have some life. X-Factor is doing well, but frankly I have found it irritable. Among the sit-coms, 2 Broke Girls and Whitney (So far) are getting some support. But "How to be a Gentleman" is heading towards the not so gentile ax! One thing I have noticed personally, is that while I love mysteries and crime shows, there all of a sudden seems to be a sameness among them all. This is the kind of trend which usually signals paradigm shifts. Lets hope it isn't to more reality shows, which are really becoming tedious.
Amorality department:
What's this...the Supreme Court is going to waste money and time determining whether lying is protected under "Freedom of Speech"? But then, like the word "Illegal" i guess lying has also lost its meaning in this new "anything-goes-as-long-as-you-can-say-kumbaya-in-the-end" world. Think of the legal fees and court time already spent getting this case about a man lying about his receiving wartime medals all the way up to The Nine. But then, I guess it is significant. If lying isn't deemed protected under Freedom of Speech, then we would have cease all political campaigning!
The Question:
Double Doozies. 1. Name five great Chicago criminals of lore not including politicians. 2. Name ten characters from the TV show Cheers.The Headlines:
--Stocks Edging Up Early.--Goldman Reports Deeper Than Expected 3Q Loss; BoA Posts Profit..
--New Poll: Cain Tops In Likeability; Romney Tops In Electability; Independents And Conservatives Say Cain Also Matches Their Views Best.
--S&P Downgrades 24 Italian Banks.
--Hillary Arrives In Libya As Daffy Forces Counter Attack.
--As Palestinians and Israel Exchange Prisoners, Israel Approves 2000 Unit Complex in Disputed Settlement"; Peace Hopes Dimmed.
--GOP Heading Towards nevada For Latest Round Of Debates.
I think pitcher John Lester hit a home run, when in response to the incessant media babbling about beer and chicken, he said, "All the media hysteria regarding clubhouse antics is overblown and unnecessary." The sports pages and radio talkers have latched on to the sensational (And I don't think eating chicken with gravy is sensational) and never, I mean never talk about whether or not the players weren't good enough to compete. It is symptomatic of all news these days where filling too much time and holding audiences is more important than reporting honest, real news.
Typically of today's culture of uninformed hysteria, people are comparing the WS occupiers with the Tea Party. Just because they are there and because they are groups of angry people. At keast the Tea Party went to the den where the problems lie. The same problems that the WS'ers are protesting (If that indeed is what they are protesting) all eminate in Washingtron DC. Nothing ihn this country really happend unless the the 545 out of 300,000,000 extend their will. As columnist Charlie Reece of the Orlando Sentinel said at the conclusion of last his well written, thoroughly documented piece before retiring: "(The 545) are directly, legally, morally and individually responsible for the domestic problems that plague this country."
And remember all of the hysterical hoopla about the Palestinian and Isabel presence at The UN? Well, it's back to business as usual with Israel approving exactly what the Palestinians don't want -- more construction in Gaza.
As I walk around a golf course I am constantly perplexed why people can't put garbage and cans in their carts or bag and dispose of it all when get finished. The same goes for tourists who seem to think it's a good idea to unload in the streets or parking lots.
A good and knowledgeable reader had some objections to my long term use of the name "Clueless Lane" for Wall Street. So, let's just call them irresponsible and leave it that.
Uh Oh! Somebody stole Obama's teleprompters! Yikes! Will the markets crash without Presidential cheerleading from the podium? Yes, it appears that a big truck full of presidential stuff follows the "Non-Campaign" ObamaBus everywhere. Among other things like signs, seals and sound systems, it contains the teleprompters. A couple of opportunistic thieves saw the truck parked at a Court in Virginia, and snagged it! How easy was that.
When the going gets rough, sing about Pizza!
Have you heard Herman Cain sing his Pizza song? He's actually quite a decent singer. To the tune of Lennons "Imagine" he sings: "Imagine there's no pizza, I couldn't if I tried, Eating only Tacos, Or Kentucky fried. Imagine only burgers It's frightening and sad. / You're lichky you have pizza, to feed your kids for you, Only frosting or cookies, and no dishes you muyst do. Imagine eating pizza, Each and evry day." Sometimes you just have to escape the BS.
Almost Near: Chapter 44 continues. --"I'm up in Maine, just sitting on a bench by the sea south of Portland. It's really quite beautiful up here Tucker. Maybe some day you and I should come back for a weekend together. It would be a beautiful time. Don't you think?" She waited for his answer. Something inside was telling her that she should not reveal anything to Tucker. She should try to sound disoriented but not of the raving sort. All of sudden she was thinking rationally, and it made her feel good, confident.
"I'm glad you are safe." His voice sounded kind, gentle. "You sacred me."
"Didn't mean to do that. I just had this massive panic attack. You know me." And then she laughed. When Tucker continued she could tell there was a smile on his face.
"Now I feel better, much better." Why was he feeling better she thought. "How did you get up there?"
"Oh, I just stole a car!" Then she really laughed. "No, no...Tucker. I'm just kidding. I hitchhiked to Portsmouth and then took a bus. It was really quite easy."
"You really do sound great. When are you coming back. Oh, where did you say you were again?"
"On a bench. On a beautiful bench. All alone. Nothing but me and the shorebirds, and the waves crashing of on the shore. See you soon." She hung up.
I think the world would be a better place if everybody read the daily and Sunday comics.
The Answer:
1. Al Capone and Frank Nitti are the best known of a long, long list of Chicago mobsters as is Tony Accardo. Then we have run of the mill Public Enemy #1's John Dillinger and Baby Face Nelson. Funny thing though, every time I read the name of a well known criminal I think he/she must be from Chicago. And Chicago is such a wonderful place. Just shows you the power of TV and movies. 2. The original players, Sam, Carla, Coach, Norm, Cliff, Diane was a great cast that got me into the program. I never thought Woody Harrelson as Woody (after Coach's actor Nicholas Colasanto died) added much, but i did like the addition of Frazier Crane and Lilith. Kritie Alley as Rebecca actually starred in more episodes than Diane Chambers as the Sam Malone foil, but I thought the show was better with Shelly Long.
And the soon to be born 7th Billion earthling should remind us that the biggest problem in the world is the vanishing stuff that sustains life. Think if the ramification of that potential ingredient to rampant world anguish and anger far outweighs the daily ills of the Kardashians.
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