Aspen is so cool and hip that it would be outrageously uncool and bodaciously unhip to admit that I really hate the X Games. To say so makes me feel like a traitor to my home base—and worse—because I find myself (again) in the position of insisting Aspen is not nearly so cool as it thinks.
Continue Reading 2 comments January 23rd, 2008
If you think about the epic moments in media that draw us together as a nation—and who doesn’t ponder such things—then you must be watching “The Sara Connor Chronicles” on Fox, the latest version of the “Terminator” movie series that not coincidentally starred the Governor of California as the bad-guy cyborg from the future who learned how to love.
The latest version of a dark future centers on Sarah Connor, the mother of John Connor, the teenager who will live on into the future to lead “the rebels” against “Skynet,” the computer network programmed to destroy all humanity. But there’s a twist: cyborgs are dispatched from the future by both the older John Connor and the faceless Skynet to either protect or destroy John Connor, depending on their persuasion. They are literally programmed to terminate his life, and nothing stops them.
The trope is terrific, a chronologic displacement even the novelist Milan Kundera could love. With time travel, robots, and Armageddon, it doesn’t get any better than this. But it’s not science fiction that makes the “Terminator” series indestructible in the good ole U.S.A.: it’s the rebel yell embedded in our DNA.
Continue Reading 4 comments January 17th, 2008
Pack journalism was packing it in on the night of the New Hampshire primary, with all of the hot-stove suits and skirts in a hurry to proclaim the reclamation of Hillary Clinton, all because women voters in the Granular State miraculously decided to vote for a woman.
Will wonders never cease?
You knew the Rod had it in the bag even before the punditry had the numbers for the final pontification, so I did what we Great Unwashed always do in the face of the obvious: I surfed by to the Cinemax porn channel. Of course, for reasons of probity, I would never watch such a thing in a million years because of its objectification of women, but if I had on election night I would have seen a manifestation of the sexual revolution far more profound that anything Hill or Bill had to say in the blush and flush of victory.
Continue Reading 2 comments January 10th, 2008
Though I was born in New York, I had managed to completely ignore the Macy's Day Parade, even when it was my next- door neighbor on the mezzanine of 30 Rock. But I had occasion to notice it today, Thanksgiving Day, when my pledge to never watch a pre-game show led me to the next best thing: the Macy's Day Parade on NBC.
When did it come to this?
Barbie and Disney and M and Ms and every float was nothing but one commercial message after another. And another. Except for the bands, of course. High school bands from everywhere USA broke up the paid advertisements, the actual entertainment between the product plugs.
Continue Reading 1 comment November 22nd, 2007
I thought it was important to get his side of the story, so the letter below is posted with permission from Steve Campbell.
To: Grassroots TV Board of Directors
From: Steve Campbell
Subject: My Reason For Supporting Grassroots TV and the airing of "Judea Declares War on Germany"
Continue Reading 44 comments October 14th, 2007
There are a lot of accusations being made about “Judea declares war on Germany” that reflect the fear of the accusers, but have little to do with the reality of the film or Steve Campbell’s motives for wanting to show it. While I’ve not heard one hateful statement from Steve Campbell, I’ve heard many hateful statements directed at him from the very people who say they’re trying to protect the public from hateful views.
Some have suggested that if Grassroots airs this film they might as well show child porn or snuff films. That is absurd, those activities are illegal. The film is not “Holocaust denial,” it’s historical revisionism, and that isn’t illegal in America, yet. The film doesn’t deny that Jews were imprisoned and died in the camps, it just presents a different perspective on how and why the Holocaust happened.
Continue Reading 11 comments October 11th, 2007
A big-time brouhaha is brewing at GrassRoots TV over the right of an incendiary conspiracy activist in the Roaring Fork Valley to broadcast a program that denies the Holocaust on the community television station.
At issue is the right of Steve Campbell of Glenwood Springs to show a movie that most everyone agrees is offensive and hateful. Campbell is also affiliated with the conspiracy group Citizens for 9/11 Truth.
The movie is "Judea Declares War on Germany: A Critical Look at World War II," and Campbell is well-known to those in the local Jewish community as a man unafraid to at best stir the pot, at worst to foment hate of the anti-Semitic kind.
Continue Reading 30 comments October 7th, 2007
Recent years have seen a boom in Reality TV shows, the concept being these television shows reflect real-life challenges and events going on in our lives “right now”, or to speak. Some of the shows are about dating (aka The Bachelor), some are about survival of the fittest (Survivor) some are about talent (American Idol)…and usually all include some kind of cash purse or prize to be won. Lately I’ve noticed a host of these relaity shows relating to weight loss and/or appearance. “The Swan” comes to mind, where women drastically changed their appearances over the course of 6 months with the help of a trainer, surgeon, dentist and make-up artist. Not to mention an emotional coach as well. (Read: a Shrink) Then there was the “Biggest Loser” and “Fat March.” While the Swan basically sent a message that you are not ok with how you look, these two shows motivate the candiadates to do something good for themselves, lose weight and become healthier in the process. While there is always a bit of ridicule in these shows, for example putting a 350 lb man on the scale for all the world to see, basically these shows were supportive and focused on each person’s goals and personality. Winning money was still a factor, as was teamwork and a smidge of cattiness, but in the end, the contestants ALL came out ahead, having lost pounds and inches and gaining new friendships, perspectives on life, and healthier eating habits. While I am usually not a fan of these reality shows, I found these two to be helpful and motivatinal to anyone trying to lose weight, or make a change in some way in their overall health.
Add comment September 20th, 2007
Be sure to check out the show this week. Our featured guest was Keri Bengs of the Aspen Club and Spa. Keri talked about the services offered in the Spa and Salon.
Continue Reading Add comment September 14th, 2007
Anyone who knows me well enough is fully aware of my serious interest in all things educational, political, and downright sexy. Combine all of these into one package and you have Mike Rowe, host of Discovery Channel's Dirty Jobs.
Today I was informed that I have received my 1:58 minutes of fame and recognition by Mike Rowe, in the form of a video that now appears on his website. It is under the category of Mike's Got Mail, where a little video box appears with that title. Along with Mike reading my letter and displaying the political campaign item I designed, produced and sent, he briefly acknowledges Woody Creek, albeit I have long since become an ex-patriated Woody Creature after sending the mail to Mike.
Patience has never been one of my virtues, but in this case, it was well worth the wait. Watch the video, get informed, become a political activist, and follow our lead. A new party is about to take formation, and it shall be known as the Poo Party. You can start by sporting the proper attire. Mike Rowe for President
2 comments August 15th, 2007
