Baron Dave Romm
Glee and Howlin' Houndog
By Baron Dave Romm
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Glee
Glee is the brightest spot in a generally sorry new season. The premise is clichéd: A group of outcast students get together to form a High School glee club. Everyone else, especially the more popular cheerleading squad (known as the Cherios), looks down on them and tries very hard to make them fail. They succeed against all odds because of the decidation and single-minded effort of one teacher.
Somewhere between Dead Poet's Society and Fame, the high school students and their teachers delve into philosophy; they sing, dance, have to deal with the soap opera that is High School and the day soap opera that comes with tv sitcoms.
Mostly, the attempt at pathos doesn't work. Will Schuester is McKinley High's Spanish teacher who becomes director of the Glee Club. He knows music and he's good with the kids, but he's just amazingly clueless. His wife Terri pushes will to take a second job because she's pregnant. Except she isn't. She fakes her pregnancy for months, not allowing Will to feel the baby kick, and blackmails a doctor to fake an ultrasound. Meanwhile, Quinn was the head of the Cherios and the celibacy club... who gets pregnant by one glee club member but lies about it to Finn, the former star quarterback, bullying him into paying for her ultrasound and convincing him he's the father (even though they never had sex) while secretly plotting to sell her baby to Terri and... well you get the idea. The show usually puts some light a cappella singing over the stupider parts, to show that you're supposed to be in on the joke even as the characters you have so much invested in behave like fools.
Indeed, the best non-singing moments are when they stop taking themselves even remotely seriously. Head of the Cherios is Sue Sylvester, who is pure evil and proud of it. Her cheerleaders were successful, so Sue gets to bully the principal (except when he fights back) and go on tv to spout her Ayn Randian win-at-any-cost philosophy (caning? She's in favor of it). Watching Sue can be painful, and it works much better when she goes over the top. Similarly, the relationship between Glee and the football squad: They're perennial losers, and finally give in to doing a dance routine on the field to confuse the opponents. Utterly unbelievable, but works within the show.
Some of the personalities are quite well drawn. Kurt is gay and comes out... to no one's surprise. His relationship with his straight football-loving father is great. Artie is a paraplegiac in a wheelchair, who refuses to be looked down on; sometimes this works better than others. Rachel is the unpopular but talented singer who knows she's the star and finds a place with friends in Glee as well as a place to shine. Mercedes is the reticent soul sister who can really belt out a song and feels more and more comfortable asserting herself as the group coheres.
But the main reason to watch Glee is for the singing and dancing. Loads of fun and usually very well done. Sometimes they have guest stars like Kristin Chenoweth and Victor Garber. If you like reality shows such as So You Think You Can Dance?, you'll probably like these numbers more. The songs work wonderfully as plot points or character development; the musical excellence is secondary and a pleasant surprise.
Many of the songs are available onCD, Glee: The Music, Vol. 1. These are fine covers but aren't anything special outside of the show. If you're a fan and want something to remind you of Glee on your iPod, this is great iPod worthy (iPw) stuff. I would not recommend the CD as an introduction to the broadcast show, or as a standalone compilation of music.Fox is holding clips of the show fairly close to its chest, as you might imagine. Full shows are available on the website above but independent videos were skimpy. Here's one of Don't Stop Believin', from early in the show (the first cut on the CD) that emphasises singing more than dancing, but you get the idea (if it's still up).
Glee had it's midseason finale (when did that start?) on Dec. 9, and will be back to air the remaining nine shows on April 13. That's what they claim now, anyway.
Quick tv takes
The series finale of Monk was a disappointment. Indeed, most of the last season's episodes were weak. One of my favorite shows left on a low note, but that is, alas, all too common.
"Why," one might ask, "remake The Prisoner? Are ye daft?" Presumably, money. The 17 episodes in the original were reimagined in only six for the AMC's attempt at The Prisoner. Like many, I thought the 1967 series was great, if confusing. Still, I resolved to give the new version a fair share. I'm glad I did. You can ignore the first four episodes, shown in two blocks of two episodes each. The last two, "Schizoid" and "Checkmate" (like all six, loosely based on earlier episodes) were okay. Not great, but an interesting take on the subject matter. Maybe they knew the weaknesses of the earlier episodes, since most everything you need to know is recapped.
With so many shows going into midseason hiatus (when did that start?) and Criminal Minds finally slipping into icky non-watchability, I'm able to record Modern Family. It takes a little bit to get into the characters and figure out the familial relationships, but it's pretty funny when it gets going.
Howlin' Houndog
Goin' To The Country doesn't seem to be available anywhere, yet, so let me link to the Vagrant Records site where the other Howlin' Houndog CDs can be found. Howlin' himself melds Country and Blues into what he calls porch music, "because it is what you play on the porch with your friends". As such, it's very personal. He sounds like Wolfman Jack attempting Bob Dylan's style, and it mostly works. His vocals are distinctive, and the music is crafted with love. mUch of it sounds like he recorded in the studio before polishing the act on the road; he's probably even better live.
Since I'm not sure how you can get this CD, as yet, I won't recommend it, but the other Howlin' Houndog CDs on the Vagrant Records site have a similar sound. If you like to listen to music while barbecuing or tooling around in your pickup, he's very iPod Worthy.
Also from Vagrant Records is the DVD and CD soundtrack for RetarDead film. I only have the CD: 42 curs of songs and incidental music. I've just dipped into it, and it seems fun. Despite the title, I might see the movie, then I might appreciate the soundtrack more.
Vikings vs. Cincinnati
I'm just as happy that last week's game was played in the evening, after the deadline for getting my Bartcop-E column in. Ick.
This week, it was very differe... *flag on the play*... five yards for interference on the typist. Anyway, the Bengals came out and... *flag on the play*... fifteen yards for watching Glenn Beck. Um, there were a staggering amount of penalties on both sides, but mainly on the visiting Cincinnati team that is almost certainly... *flag on the play*... ten yards for downloading a virus. Anyway, Cincinnati is probably headed towards the playoffs and is one of the few teams the Vikings beat with a winning record even thought the game was sloppy and... *flag on the play*... five yards inane sports commentators. Automatic eider down.
ahem The Vikes won fairly convincingly, Adrian Peterson was back on track, Percy Harvin didn't play because of migraines (I've never heard of that as a football excuse) and the Bengal's wide receiver Ochocinco scored their only touchdown but didn't celebrate in any amusing to us but fine-inducing to the NFL way.
Baron Dave Romm is a conceptual artist and a noble of Ladonia who produces Shockwave Radio Theater, writes in a Live Journal demi-blog maintains a Facebook Page, plays with a very weird CD collection and an ever growing list of political links. Dave Romm reviews things at random for obscure web sites. You can read all his music recommendations from Bartcop-E. Podcasts of Shockwave Radio Theater. Permanent archive. More radio programs, interviews and science fiction humor plays can be accessed on the Shockwave Radio audio page.
Thanks to everyone who has sent me music to play on the air.
Recommended Reading
from Bruce
Froma Harrop: "Socialized Medicine"? Whatever (creators.com)
So it's come down to this. Republicans and some Democrats wouldn't vote for a government-run health plan that competed with private insurers - though it would enjoy no special taxpayer subsidies. That's socialism. But as a compromise, they may agree to push aside the so-called public option and instead let people ages 55 to 64 buy into Medicare, which is both government-run and taxpayer-supported. That's not socialism. If you say so.
Susan Estrich: Tiger's Feet of Clay (creators.com)
Nine women. And counting. When did this guy find time to play golf? And taste? Shall we put this nicely? This was not about intellect. It was not about character. My favorite so far is the pancake waitress, who would go from her $8 an hour job to playing with Tiger. Tiger was democratic - and catholic - in his offers to the women who served him food and drink.
Clark D. Morphew: SAINTS ALIVE
Saints are okay. They bring no harm to the world, and therefore I have no quarrel with the process. But it seems to me the important people are those who minister in little ways, never asking for credit or praise, and always wondering how they can make the world better.
Marc D. Hauser: IT SEEMS BIOLOGY (NOT RELIGION) EQUALS MORALITY (edge.org)
If religion is not the source of our moral insights - and moral education has the demonstrated potential to teach partiality and, therefore, morally destructive behaviour - then what other sources of inspiration are on offer?
Jacob Heilbrunn: Why the 'Washington Post' Was Right to Publish Sarah Palin (huffingtonpost.com)
In allowing Palin to air her wacky views, the 'Post' isn't doing its readers a disservice. It's alerting them to what the radical right intends to accomplish if it's returned to office. The Post shouldn't be scapegoated for printing Palin's column, but congratulated for running it.
Bobbie Johnson: "Danah Boyd: 'People looked at me like I was an alien'" (guardian.co.uk)
Digital anthropologist Danah Boyd talks about research, young people and how the web is more private than your home.
George Varga: 'Lilith' a Family Affair; in this Family, You Start Young (creators.com)
Jonah Davis is only 12, but his parents don't bat an eye when he sings about shooting someone "in the head ... three times," a lyric from a song he has been practicing and honing for the past month at his family's home in San Diego.
Colin McGuire: "All Is Said and Done: An Interview with Vertical Horizon" (popmatters.com)
If there is any one person that a Rush fan should thank for reuniting the prog-rock giants after the band took a long hiatus in 1997, it's Vertical Horizon's frontman Matt Scannell.
ANN POWERS: Frank talk with Lady Gaga (latimes.com)
The pop sensation's bold stances on feminism, sexuality, fame and so much more have helped elevate her music to its own art form.
Carlos Ramirez: A Chat with Chester Bennington, Dead by Sunrise/Linkin Park singer (bullz-eye.com)
I'll go through a gallon of Jack Daniels and down some antidepressants in one night and keep on going. I hated my life at one point. I loved my band, career and friends, but when I got home from tour, I couldn't deal. I would just begin drinking.
Greg M. Schwartz: A Chat with Ace Frehley, Singer/songwriter, Kiss guitarist (bullz-eye.com)
I always say that if I knew I was going to be such an influential guitar player, I would've practiced more! Maybe since I play from my gut rather than my head, that's where that classic Ace tone comes from.
Marilyn Preston: Full Signal: Tune in to the Truth About Cells (creators.com)
Normally, I stay away from scary movies, but I couldn't resist going to the world premiere of a terrifying documentary called "Full Signal" last week at the Santa Fe Film Festival.
Hubert's Poetry Corner
The Texas Governor Who Tolled Christmas
wrote:
From The Creator of 'Avery Ant'
Purple Gene Reviews
"The Tonto Woman"
Purple Gene's review of the Oscar nominated live action short film (35 minutes) "The Tonto Woman" (2007).
Directed by Daniel Barber.
From the novel by Elmore Leonard.
From the biography "The Blue Tattoo: the Life of Olive Oatman" written by Rev. Royal B. Stratten.
While scrolling through my Comcast schedule I found this short film today playing on the "Sundance" channel….."The Tonto Woman"…I knew absolutely nothing about it at all. I did some research and found that the movie was based on a short story by Elmore Leonard…..based on a old biography by a Reverand Royal B. Stratton …..based on the true life story of Olive Oatman….a 13 year old white girl who was kidnapped in a raid on a wagon train in 1851 in Arizona by Tonto Apache's…..Olive was traded to the Mohave tribe where she was given a startling Blue Tattoo on her chin…she was marked for life….and was later found by her family…..she lived the rest of her life with these amazing markings on her face.
Ruben Vega (Francisco Quinn - son of Anthony) is a Mexican cattle rustler who is planning to steal 100 cows from the richest rancher in the region….but the first scene of the movie is Ruben in the confessional of the catholic church telling the priest he may have killed someone ….in self defense. The rest of the story is a flashback.
Ruben reminds me of Bogart's role in "Casablanca" (1942) how can he save the woman he loves from a life of shame and ridicule? Ruben decides to take Sarah into town and break the taboo that she is under by bringing her boldly into an upscale bar to dine…all the people refuse to look at her face and leave….then her husband strides in to shoot Ruben…but we have a twist happen where Ruben convinces her husband to look at his wife….he says "Sarah is the most beautiful woman in the world…if you don't want her, I will gladly take her with me…..in a surprise turn Mr Isham sits down next to Sarah and for the first time ever, in public, looks her in the eye and holds her hand….Ruben leaves the bar…..what happens next? Why does he end up in the confessional…wounded?
Selected Readings
from that Mad Cat, JD
Holiday Donation
Tabitha & Stephen King
Author Stephen King and his wife are donating money so 150 soldiers from the Maine Army National Guard can come home for the holidays.
King and his wife, Tabitha, who live in Bangor, are paying $13,000 toward the cost of two bus trips so that members of the 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry Unit can travel from Camp Atterbury in Indiana to Maine for Christmas. The soldiers left Maine last week for training at Camp Atterbury. They are scheduled to depart for Afghanistan in January.
Julie Eugley, one of King's personal assistants, told the Bangor Daily News that the Kings were approached about giving $13,000.
But Stephen King thought the number 13 was a bit unlucky, so the couple pitched in $12,999 instead. Eugley chipped in $1 to make for an even $13,000.
Tabitha & Stephen King
Big Comeback
Pee-wee Herman
The star may be Pee-wee, but his new live stage show is absolutely huge.
"The Pee-wee Herman Show," opening next month in downtown Los Angeles at Club Nokia theater, cost millions to mount. It boasts 11 actors, 20 puppets and marks the show's first production since 1982.
As with the original stage show, the new production spins around Pee-wee's desire to fly. The menagerie of "Playhouse" characters is back, as are some of the original cast members, including Lynne Stewart as Miss Yvonne, John Moody as Mailman Mike and John Paragon as Jambi the Genie.
"The Pee-wee Herman Show" is scheduled to run for a limited four-week engagement, Jan. 12- Feb. 7.
Pee-wee Herman
Misses Boutique Opening
Elizabeth Taylor
Hollywood film legend Elizabeth Taylor missed the grand opening of her Beverly Hills jewellery boutique because she is sick with flu, her spokesman said.
Taylor, 77, had been expected at the opening ceremony Saturday of Luxury Jewels, but guests waited three hours for her to turn up until her spokesman announced she had canceled the event because she fell ill with flu.
The two-time Oscar winner had not suggested anything was wrong on her online Twitter page, in her last message Friday.
Elizabeth Taylor
Directing "House" Episode
Hugh Laurie
Hugh Laurie, star of the hit Fox series "House," will step behind the show's camera for the first time to direct an episode.
"I am thrilled, daunted and honored -- with a 'u' -- by this new responsibility," British actor Laurie said. "'House' scripts are Faberge eggs, and I will try my very hardest not to drop this one on a stone floor."
Laurie directed the U.K. series "Fortysomething," in which he also starred.
Hugh Laurie
Poor Turned Away
Free Cancer Screenings
As the economy falters and more people go without health insurance, low-income women in at least 20 states are being turned away or put on long waiting lists for free cancer screenings, according to the American Cancer Society's Cancer Action Network.
In the unofficial survey of programs for July 2008 through April 2009, the organization found that state budget strains are forcing some programs to reject people who would otherwise qualify for free mammograms and Pap smears. Just how many are turned away isn't known; in some cases, the women are screened through other programs or referred to different providers.
The Cancer Society doesn't have an estimate for what percentage of breast cancer diagnoses come from mammogram screenings, but says women have a 98 percent survival rate when breast cancer is caught early, during stage I. That shrinks to about 84 percent during stages II and III, and just 27 percent at stage IV - when cancer has reached its most advanced point.
The Cancer Society has no way to count how many women are being turned away, and many providers don't keep track of how many are denied screening, or whether those women find another alternative. The cost of screening varies, but the average mammogram is about $100, while a Pap screen can range between $75 and $200, according to the society.
Free Cancer Screenings
Chimpy's Baby Bonanza
Africa
At age 45, after giving birth to 13 children in her village of thatch roofs and bare feet, Beatrice Adongo made a discovery that startled her: birth control.
On a continent where fewer than one in five married women use modern contraception, an explosion of unplanned pregnancies is threatening to bury Adongo's family and a generation of Africans under a mountain of poverty.
Promoting birth control in Africa faces a host of obstacles - patriarchal customs, religious taboos, ill-equipped public health systems - but experts also blame a powerful, more distant force: the U.S. government.
Under resident George W. Bush , the United States withdrew from its decades-long role as a global leader in supporting family planning, driven by a conservative ideology that favored abstinence and shied away from providing contraceptive devices in developing countries, even to married women.
Africa
Seed Business Role Revealed
Monsanto
Confidential contracts detailing Monsanto Co.'s business practices reveal how the world's biggest seed developer is squeezing competitors, controlling smaller seed companies and protecting its dominance over the multibillion-dollar market for genetically altered crops, an Associated Press investigation has found.
With Monsanto's patented genes being inserted into roughly 95 percent of all soybeans and 80 percent of all corn grown in the U.S., the company also is using its wide reach to control the ability of new biotech firms to get wide distribution for their products, according to a review of several Monsanto licensing agreements and dozens of interviews with seed industry participants, agriculture and legal experts.
Declining competition in the seed business could lead to price hikes that ripple out to every family's dinner table. That's because the corn flakes you had for breakfast, soda you drank at lunch and beef stew you ate for dinner likely were produced from crops grown with Monsanto's patented genes.
Monsanto's methods are spelled out in a series of confidential commercial licensing agreements obtained by the AP. The contracts, as long as 30 pages, include basic terms for the selling of engineered crops resistant to Monsanto's Roundup herbicide, along with shorter supplementary agreements that address new Monsanto traits or other contract amendments.
Monsanto
Image Ambassador In China
Mark Obama Ndesandjo
The half-brother of US President Barack Obama has been made an "image ambassador" for southern China's booming city of Shenzhen, state press reported Sunday.
Mark Obama Ndesandjo was named image ambassador on Friday by the Shenzhen Youth League for his volunteer work teaching piano to orphans in the city, where he lives, the Beijing News reported.
Since moving to Shenzhen in 2002, Ndesandjo has given lessons once a week to orphans at the Shenzhen Social Welfare Centre, the paper said.
The son of President Obama's late father and his third wife Ruth Nidesand, Ndesandjo reportedly runs a business consultancy in China.
Mark Obama Ndesandjo
Weekend Box Office
`Princess and the Frog'
"The Princess and the Frog" earned a big wet kiss from family audiences as the animated musical leaped to No. 1 with $25 million in its first weekend of nationwide release, according to studio estimates Sunday.
The Disney musical is the studio's first hand-drawn animated tale in five years, a contrast to the computer-animated films that now dominate the cartoon world.
"The Princess and the Frog" took over at No. 1 from the inspiring sports tale "The Blind Side," which slipped to second-place with $15.5 million. Released by Warner Bros., "The Blind Side" raised its total to $150.2 million.
Estimated ticket sales for Friday through Sunday at U.S. and Canadian theaters, according to Hollywood.com. Final figures will be released Monday.
1. "The Princess and the Frog," $25 million.
2. "The Blind Side," $15.5 million.
3. "Invictus," $9.1 million.
4. "The Twilight Saga: New Moon," $8 million.
5. "Disney's a Christmas Carol," $6.9 million.
6. "Brothers," $5 million.
7. "2012," $4.4 million.
8. "Old Dogs," $4.39 million.
9. "Armored," $3.5 million.
10. "Ninja Assassin," $2.7 million.
`Princess and the Frog'
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