Dictum Ridiculum - March 2002

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Dictum Ridiculum: March 2002

Archived rants and raves from the main page of the Colin Campbell Network.

Saturday, March 30, 2002
Maybe You Saw My Uncle Mike's Plane Crash?
Yepper, Boeing Test Pilot Michael Carriker, one of the four people on board who walked away without serious injury from that vintage plane crash up in Seattle is better known to me as "Uncle Mike," beloved baby brother to my mother.
It's been a busy two weeks for Mike. Last week, he was our family's media superstar, demonstrating all sorts of new bells and whistles to make flying safer, especially on 737 planes. Mike was on CNN, in the New York Times, all over the place. Mom kept sending me links to articles where Mike was mentioned.
Then came the crash of that very cool vintage passenger plane. I first found out about it via more e-mails from Mom. I thought it was simply more of the same -- Mike testing this system, Mike showing NBC how to avoid mountains, etc. But as I read further in to this latest batch of e-mail, I quickly discovered that wasn't the case! Fortunately, the phrase "no injuries to anyone onboard" was featured pretty prominently in the e-mail.
I'm told Mike was at the controls during the early parts of the emergency, but the other pilot onboard actually put the plane down in the water. And the best part of it, of course, is that everyone was just fine. But it sure is weird to be able to say to people, "Hey, did you see that plane crash the other day? My uncle was one of the pilots!"
Another moderately interesting, if somewhat self-centered observation: Ever since I left the TV news business, I find it very, very hard to watch local TV news. Too many car chases, too many deaths, etc. I read the LA Times, and listen to CBS Radio News at the top of the hour if I need a news update.
I'm sure this plane crash was all over the news. Every one of my "news friends" (those still in the business) I spoke with knew exactly what I was talking about. But I didn't see it on TV. Because I don't watch that much of the TV news! And I think another big part of the reason why is, with TiVo, I don't browse, and I certainly don't keep news on the background, like I used to do.
So has TiVo technology changed my life for the better? Or am I missing out, by not keeping the television constantly turned on? An ever-changing wallpaper of information now passes me by, unnoticed, and largely unmourned.
Here's some photos of my Uncle Mike, along with pictures from the tests he was running last week. Click to open 'em up in a new window.
"Hey Mike, what's on your checklist for later in the week? Taking the 307 out for a spin? Sounds like fun." (That's Mike on the right.)
Super duper fancy radar thingy. Coming soon to a jet near you. Uncle Mike knows what it is, and what it does.
The restored 307, flying high in happier times
In the event of a water landing ...
"Put away that ticket book, Vern. I know he can't legally park there, but c'mon, that was a hell of a landing ...
Heading off for repairs ...

Transmitted 10:31 PM PST | Link |

One of Two Things Needs To Happen
So it's Saturday night, and I'm ashamed to admit, I was just influenced by advertising I saw on a web page! (Yikes!)
It was an ad for Starbucks Coffee, of all things, and now, I'm jonesing for a Chai Tea Latte.
So, I need one of two things to happen.
1) Starbucks, which is located on just about every other block in the greater Los Angeles area, needs to open up a location within simple walking distance of my house. (The nearest ones are just on the outskirts of walking distance, and would actually be quite a hike, especially at night.)
2) The Segway Human Transporter needs to get approved and get really cheap, because while the two (actually, now that I think about it, three) nearest Starbucks are outside of easy walking distance, they are TOTALLY within Segway distance.
And no, I wasn't the guy bidding $160,000 for a Segway on Amazon.com. But boy, do I wish I had IT now.
Transmitted 08:48 PM PST | Link |

Friday, March 29, 2002
The Plight of Being Me
Sometimes, it's a thankless task ...
For example, today, on the subway, I had to deal with another USP©. ("Unusual Subway Person" is copyright Colin Campbell, 2002)
Now, it's fair to say that I have a pretty eclectic collection of T-shirts. From college radio stuff to sports items, with a good amount of sci-fi and fantasy things mixed in, my T-shirts are a wide and varied lot.
Today, on the way home from my workout (yes, really), I was wearing a Krypto the Super Dog T-shirt. Love Krypto. Always have. Loved the idea that Superboy had a super dog WHO WORE A CAPE, TOO! How great is that?
So I'm wearing my Krypto T-shirt, feeling a bit like Superboy himself after saving all of Smallville from disaster, and this USP© nudges by me and says, "Who's that on your shirt?"
"Krypto, the Super Dog," I say, proudly.
"Oh, I thought it was Felix the Cat. (Ouch!) I've never heard of Krypto the Super Dog."
And as she pushed past on the escalator to continue about her USP© way, I said quietly, "Well, he's never heard of you either."
Don't mess with Krypto. He's a Super Dog. He has all the powers of a regular dog ... but super.

Something Krypto would never say:

"I could make you my bitch, Lassie ..."
Transmitted 10:43 PM PST | Link |

Thursday, March 28, 2002
Celebrity Shopping
Don't you ever wonder about the "celebrated?" What is everyday life like for them, and how is it different than it is for us?
For example, if I'm out of milk, or need eggs, it's off to the store. But what if a CELEBRITY needs milk? Don't you think they have "people" to go get it for them? Or maybe there's some kind of Celebrity Pink Dot that exists only to provide staples directly to the homes of stars.
But what if you're not quite on the "A-list?" What if you're on that second tier of stars who are certainly recognizable, but not so much that they can't go out without being mobbed in public?
Well, if you're Wayne Knight, the beloved/reviled "Newman" from Seinfeld, you're shopping in the produce section at the world's coolest Ralph's on a Thursday afternoon, at about 3:30pm. Much like me.

"Hello, broccoli ..."

Transmitted 04:11 PM PST | Link |

Wednesday, March 27, 2002
The Perfect Girl
Well, judging by the incredibly high volume of solicitous e-mail I get on my AOL account, all with slight variations in the "subject" line, the perfect girl is 17, blonde, a cheerleader, and, wouldn't you know it, just set up her first web-cam!
Why on Earth do Spammers keep sending me these stupid e-mails? But the more important question: Why do I fall for them EVERY SINGLE TIME! (I mean, after all, sometime it's bound to really be a 17-year-old blonde cheerleader who just set up her first webcam.)
Now, if someone would just send me an e-mail explaining how I could add four to six ... oh, never mind.

Transmitted 11:30 PM PST | Link |

A New Title Holder
Well, a lot of you have written me over the last year or so, saying basically the same thing: "Colin, your website has to be the cheesiest place in cyberspace."
Not anymore.
That title now goes to http://www.thecheesiest.com, as I found out while I was (ahem) cooking dinner tonight.
So now you know!
Transmitted 09:38 PM PST | Link |

An Odd Oscar Follow-Up
So, while reviewing the Oscar telecast one last time before hitting "delete" on my TiVo, I noticed this strange musical choice. When Owen Wilson and Ben Stiller come out to present their short film, and eventually, the Oscar for Costume Design, the orchestra quite clearly plays "Relax" by Frankie Goes To Hollywood.
Hey, I love Frankie Goes To Hollywood just as much as the next guy. But really, what was that all about?
Transmitted 06:02 PM PST | Link |

Tuesday, March 26, 2002
The Weirdest Feud in the World
My contender is the dust-up between John Tesh and Bob Costas. According to this story, Tesh is still upset about Costas' comments regarding Tesh's commentary during the Olympic gymnastic competition ... in 1996! Tesh says Costas "needs a spanking." (I think I could have gone my whole life without using the words "Tesh" and "spanking" in the same sentence.)
Tesh? Get over it!
What's odd about this is that I know Tesh has a sense of humor. Maybe the writer of this story didn't get that. Tesh has been very funny on Conan O'Brien's show, among other places. He "gets" the jokes about himself, and seems to be pretty good natured about the whole thing. Then again, with the kind of bank he's raking in selling those CD's, he can afford to be a bit benevolent.
This seems as good a time as any to restate my theory that Connie Selleca is the Yoko Ono of John Tesh music. Tesh's music B.C. (Before Connie) was mainly uptempo rocking instrumentals; stuff like that NBA on NBC theme (that, come to think of it, will be retired next year when NBC games move to ABC/ESPN) and a bunch of driving rock numbers inspired by the Tour de France bicycle race. After Connie came in to the picture, well, cue up the sap, the pap, the pablum, the Jesus ... and a talented musician would never be the same.
Transmitted 12:22 PM PST | Link |

Is It Over Yet?
Well, the longest Academy Award show in history is finally just that � history. And it was history making, as well.

Nature has given Ranger Rick a fun-looking eye "mask."

What's Gwyneth Paltrow's excuse?
But what was right and what was wrong with the show? Glad you asked.
RIGHT: The Kodak Theatre at Hollywood and Highland. Loved the look of the inside. Loved that I have a pretty good mental picture of the venue, having been to Hollywood and Highland a bunch of times since it opened. It looked �right,� and as we all know, that�s the most important thing in Hollywood.
WRONG: Shrek winning for best animated feature. Ten years from now, Shrek�s victory over Monsters, Inc. in this category will be as head-scratching as Shakespeare In Love�s win over Saving Private Ryan. I�ve said it before, I�ll say it again: Shrek was a frighteningly unoriginal rehash of character voices, themes, ideas, and Disney jabs that we�ve seen done much better before. While Monsters, Inc. wasn�t as good as either of the Toy Story films (or even A Bug�s Life for that matter), giving Shrek this award was an injustice.
RIGHT: All of the small film segments (NYC Tribute, favorite films, Sidney Poitier, tribute to documentaries, and others) worked very, very well. A reminder of how movies can move us.
WRONG: Gwyneth Paltrow�s look. Honey, Ranger Rick called, he says stop infringing on his raccoon style. My goodness. Has there ever been such a shameful waste of a beautiful woman?
RIGHT: Hiring writers to provide clever and funny introductions to some of the rather dry technical categories. Buck Henry�s contribution, about makeup, and delivered gamely by Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe, especially stood out.
WRONG: A Beautiful Mind winning Best Picture. Although I reserve my right to change my mind after I actually see the film, from the extensive clips and coverage I�ve seen so far, it just doesn�t look better than Moulin Rouge or The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. It was such the safe choice � Russell Crowe, mental illness, directed by Opie. Blech.
RIGHT: Woody Allen�s surprise appearance. His very funny intro to the NYC tribute (and an equally amusing �set� backstage answering inane questions) almost made me forget all about his messed up personal life.
WRONG: Whoopi! I think it�s a sad commentary on the state of entertainment when the best we can do for Oscar host is the �Center Square� from Hollywood Squares. (On the other hand, the thought of the show being hosted by the late Paul Lynde put a smile on my face. How about letting his spiritual heir, Nathan Lane, take a shot at it?)
RIGHT: Spending the evening watching the show with my brother and sister-in-law. We had a lovely dinner and a TiVo-riffic show...
WRONG: ... but, watching the show with about an hour delay on the TiVo made for tough times for my best friend, Frank, who kept calling with comedy bits relating to the show, only to be continually frustrated that I was still an hour or so behind. This is a long standing Colin and Frank tradition, the series of phone calls during awards show (I think our record was 27 calls during the 1998 Golden Globe Awards, but I�d have to check to make sure), and as much fun as I had with Morgan and Lydia, I must confess that I really missed this part! Next time, buddy, I promise: I�ll watch �live� and suffer through the commercials (and Robert Redford�s well-meaning but slightly long remarks) in real time, just like the rest of y�all.

Transmitted 01:06 AM PST | Link |

Friday, March 22, 2002
A Lone Voice of Sanity
So there I am, sitting in my seat at the Kings game last night, a very exciting 3-1 trouncing of the Colorado Avalanche, when a very pleasant, slightly older woman approaches me, holding a clipboard.
"Excuse me," she says, "I'm taking a survey for the Kings fan club. We give an award at the end of the year to the most popular King, based on a vote of the fans. Who's your favorite King?"
"Mikko Eloranta!" I said, excitedly.
"Oh," she replied, with a look of genuine surprise. "Well, look at that. There's one vote for Mikko. Okay!"
As she marked my tally, I could see her clipboard covered with ticks and checks next every other players' name. Jason Allison -- IXXIIIIIIXXIIIIXI. Ziggy Palffy - IIIIIXXXIXIXI. Felix Potvin - IIIIIIIIXIXIIXIIIIXIX.
Mikko Eloranta - I.
That's okay. At the end of the year, when they add up all the votes, I think it's kind of cool that the group of Mikko voters could have their convention in a booth at Bob's Big Boy. A rather small booth, at that.
Go Kings!!

Transmitted 08:34 AM PST | Link |

Thursday, March 21, 2002
The Real Problem with Celebrity Boxing
As I continue to contemplate the contremps that surrounds Fox's Celebrity Boxing, it occurs to me that Fox really shouldn't be that embarrassed.
The people who should be embarrassed are the ones making the decisions at the so-called "legitimate" news media outlets, who, the next morning, reported on the "results" of these "fights," as if they were actual news! (Yes, Today Show, I'm talking about you. KCAL-9 here in L.A., you're guilty too. And I'm sure this is just the tip of the iceberg.)
So really, who's worse? Fox, for showing a trashy entertainment program during prime time? Or all of the news outlets who gave such undeserved legitimacy to the travesty by reporting the results as news?
Transmitted 02:03 PM PST | Link |

Did You Know???
Did you know that here at the Colin Campbell Network, we offer a timely (uh, okay, sometimes timely) summary of how we feel about all manner of things in the entertainment world? Yepper, it's called the Monkey-Plex, and if you haven't visited before, now would be a nice time to start.
But why, you ask? See, it's got new reviews of the hottest TV shows, such as Survivor: Marquesas, The Osbournes, and The Colin Quinn Show. What do I think about the blockbuster animated hit, Ice Age? Click and find out!
Oh, dear God, I can't keep hyping like that ...
Well, check out the review thing, if you wish. See if I care. If nothing else, you might enjoy our "one to five monkey" rating system. End of plug for the other part of this site.
Transmitted 12:46 AM PST | Link |

Friday, March 15, 2002
Hauska Tavata!
It was bound to happen sooner or later.
So at Thursday night�s hockey match, a fine Los Angeles Kings victory over the St. Louis Blues, I was proudly wearing my Team Finland Hockey jersey. It�s a good-looking jersey, with a cool logo, and is an exact replica of the jersey worn by Mikko, Teemu, and the boys at this year�s Winter Olympics.
As I�m heading back to my seat after the second intermission, I suddenly realize a rather blond gentleman appears to be speaking in tongues. At me.
After a moment, I realize he�s not possessed; he�s Finnish! And he�s speaking Finnish to me, thanks to the jersey. If only the jersey gave me the power to understand him ...
Instead, we settled for a brief conversation in English, with him asking me why the Kings weren�t dressing their other Finnish player, Jere Karalahti. (The admitted former smack-head is one of the players that are still with the team, but don�t suit up for games very often.) He also wanted to know where he could get a jersey like mine! We (briefly, and in broken English) discussed the amount of playing time Mikko Eloranta was getting for the Kings. Then, play was about to resume, so he was off on his Finnish way.
And that�s when it struck me: This is the true payoff for my Finland obsession. It�s all about bringing hockey fans together, through mutual admiration of skilled players who share a common and unique heritage.
That, and of course, the carp.
As for the title of this entry, it's Finnish. It means "Nice to meet you."

Transmitted 03:02 AM PST | Link |

Thursday, March 14, 2002
Completely Random Link
I have no idea what this is. But it's pretty damn cool.
Dare you check out Ansiktsburk???
Transmitted 01:31 PM PST | Link |

It's The End Of The World As We Know It
If the absolute, complete, and utter downfall of Western civilization was going to be televised, wouldn't you watch it?
It was with this attitude that I sat down to watch "Celebrity Boxing" on Fox.
I can hear you saying, "Oh no, you di'int!!!!" But let me assure you, yes, I did.
Oh. My. God.
It ruled.
I mean, yes, of course, it was a disaster. It set a new low in broadcast television. As far as "taste" goes, there was none to be found here. I mean, it was even below bad taste.
I loved it.
Perhaps it was simply because the show featured people who I always thought (with the exception of poor Greg Brady, Barry Williams) deserved to get hit. But I found myself laughing out loud and enjoying this travesty way too much.
For those of you scoring at home, or even if you're alone, the results of the bouts were as follows:
Danny Bonaduce ("The Partridge Family") def. Barry Williams ("The Brady Bunch")
--A fine match. Bonaduce actually knocked the crap out of Williams, sending the erstwhile "Greg" to the canvas several times. The mere sight of Danny's thundering right connecting with Williams' heavily padded head, and yet, still packing enough of a punch to daze him, convinced me that we were witnessing something special.
Todd Bridges ("Diff'rent Strokes") def. Rob Van Winkle (a.k.a. White rapper Vanilla Ice)
--Another sweet match. Ice went the distance (three rounds, in this case), but was no match for the pugilistic former child actor. After about the third knockdown, you got the feeling that Ice now knew exactly what Willis was talkin' about, and he was talking about delivering a severe beating. Really, come on now, no matter how stupid you think this idea was, admit it: You would love to see someone just kick the living bejeesus out of Vanilla Ice. This was more like "Fantasy Island" than "Celebrity Boxing," if you ask me.
Tonya Harding (Olympic skater/World-Class Skank) def. Paula Jones (Trailer park floozy)
--The much-hyped "main event." Jones landed one good shot early, but it was obvious that Harding was a better brawler. No need to hire Shane Stant here; Tonya then proceeded to apply a much-needed and well-deserved thrashing to the Arkansas ho'. The sight of Jones turning her back and running away several times was sad, and I thought it was completely appropriate that Harding smacked her in the back of the head with a nasty final punch as Jones was trying to retire. The announcers called it "controversial," and some called for the bout to go to Jones, due to the late hit by Harding. I couldn't agree less. The ref hadn't stopped the fight at that time, and really, you should never pass up an opportunity to give Jones a smack to the back of the head.
Other notes:
--I know it was a "boxing match," but somebody in the audience was wearing a tuxedo! Come on, now ...
--I'm not sure who is more disturbing in those new phone commercials: Terry Bradshaw, or A.L.F. I'm concerned that Bradshaw has apparently developed a functioning social relationship with an overgrown Muppet. Maybe nobody has the heart to tell him that A.L.F. isn't real?
--This may have been a key indicator, but all three of the winners sported body art on their backs, temporary tattoos for a particular on-line casino. Think about that the next time you're asked to be on "Celebrity Boxing."
--It was nice how Todd Bridges dedicated his fight to his 3-year-old son. I thought he should have dedicated it to all of us who were sick of Vanilla Ice's crap all these years, especially now in his "Call Me Rob Van Winkle" phase.
--Rob's boxing middle name for the bout: "Bi-Polar." That's right, at ringside you had Ray "Boom Boom" Mancini doing color commentary, but in the ring was Rob "Bi-Polar" Van Winkle. For that alone, he deserved a beating.
--In the Tonya Harding vs. Paula Jones match, it was tough to know who to root for. I mean, wasn�t this the wrestling equivalent of watching two �heels� go at it? Let�s hope Amy Fisher gets things worked out with her parole officer (really!), and can resume her place on the bill for the inevitable �Celebrity Boxing 2.�

Transmitted 10:50 AM PST | Link |

Wednesday, March 13, 2002
Things The Internet Is No Good For
It occurs to me that the Internet is good for many things. I love the fact that people from all over the world can (and, judging from my hit log, do) read this page. It�s also a fantastic place to foster the free flow of ideas.
But what it�s not good for is just as important, I think, in the long run. And I won�t use the Internet to buy things that I can get elsewhere for free.
Specifically here, I�m talking about content. And believe me, as a writer, this is an issue that is close to my heart.
For example, if I want to listen to the Jim Rome radio show, I have three choices. It�s on live from 9:00am to noon on one local radio station, or it�s rebroadcast from 1:00pm to 4:00pm on a San Diego station I can receive, or I can set up a tape in my stereo system to record one of those airings, and listen to it later, at my convenience.
What I can�t do is listen to it online, for free.
Now, understand, this is a product that is basically given away to me for free over the air. All I need is a radio, and I�m in business.
But if I can�t listen to the show when it�s on live, and I want to catch up with it later, on-line, well sir, forget about it. That�s going to cost me seven bucks a month.
Why on earth would I pay for something on-line, in terrible RealAudio quality (Does anyone, anywhere think that RealAudio is a good thing? Does it work for anyone, without constant rebuffering? Or is it just me?) that is available elsewhere in my house for free? I suppose what I�m paying for is the availability of the program; I�m supposed to pay for having the show available when I want it.
But that doesn�t have enough value to me.
I like Jim Rome. I like his radio show. Would I pay for it? Not on your life. He doesn�t need the money from me; he gets plenty from his employer, who makes even more from advertisers.
Another example: As a subscriber to Time, Newsweek, and the Los Angeles Times, I feel I�ve paid for the content they produce. On their various websites, they want me to pay again, for access to older articles � in many cases, articles that I�ve already paid for once. I could understand if they wanted to limit my archive privileges to just issues covered under the length of my subscription. But should the fact that I�ve already �bought� this material be taken in to account? I suppose I could save every issue of Time and Newsweek, and create my own personal archive, but wouldn�t access to the archives be a nice service to provide subscribers who have already paid once for this content?
Hmm. Maybe I should start charging for this site. Would YOU pay? And if so, how much? A dollar a year? A dollar a month? A dollar a day? How about a dollar a year? That�s not too much to ask, is it?
I look forward to your generous contributions.
Transmitted 03:58 PM PST | Link |

Clone-Tastic? Hardly ...

Well, the much-hyped trailer for Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones debuted.
Feh.
Here's the problem: I don't believe a single word of dialogue these people are saying. In the first Star Wars, Luke, when he talked, sounded like a teenager desperate to get away, to escape the burning hell-hole that was Tatooine. In all of the clips I've seen so far, Hayden Christensen sounds like the worst kind of pouty, dumb, moron teenager you could ever imagine. I'm not blaming Hayden (who, by all accounts, is a perfectly good actor) ... it's probably more the fault of the script and the director. George? What gives?
Also, it's tough for me to be impressed with the clearly fake vistas and battle scenes, if only because I think I've recently seen the same thing done much better, in The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring. I mean, there, you had a cast (often computer generated) of thousands, sprawling landscapes, fantastic creatures, and it all looked real. All of the clips from Episode II have a very distinct "Hey, look how great this CGI trickery is" look to them.
Oh, I'll still see Episode II on opening day, and, I am hopeful, at the Chinese Theatre. But I'm wary. How's the old saying go? "Fool me Episode Once, shame on you .... "
Transmitted 12:18 PM PST | Link |

Sunday, March 10, 2002
We've Got To Put A Stop To This
I mean, this whole naming rights thing for stadiums has gotten incredibly out of hand. Will these people stop at nothing? Apparently not, if there's money to be made.
Sports consultants talk about how teams aren't going to sacrifice this "important new revenue stream." Yeah, like that important new revenue stream really helped the Houston Astros over at ENRON FIELD. It doesn't take a lot of brains to realize that sooner or later, there's going to be more of these naming rights debacles.
My advice to you, the consumer? Refuse to be consumed! Speak out, and make your voice heard to the companies involved in these stupid moves. File a complaint. Or better, stop doing business with them.
For example, let AT&T know that, while you're very happy that AT&T has decided to "present" the Rose Bowl, you don't need them to provide that service, nor your phone service. Switch to a different carrier and make sure they know why you're switching. (Uh, I guess MCI is out, thanks to the MCI Center. Is there a Sprint something somewhere?)
Be especially brutal. Let the person on the other end of the phone know that their advertising ploy has backfired, and actually made you mad at their product. Only if people stop putting up with this crap do we have any chance of getting to go away.
Well, I can dream, can't I?
Transmitted 10:35 PM PST | Link |

Blocked by the Big Hair of Betty Thomas
It�s not every day that an answer to a trivia game you�re playing with a friend comes and sits down in front of you, but such was the case Saturday at the Directors Guild of America theatre.
My friend Amy (a DGA member) had invited me to accompany her to an annual event where the five DGA Feature Film nominees for Best Director sit around and talk about their craft. Most years, this panel is a carbon copy of the Academy Award nominees. But for some reason, this year, there are two differences in the lists. Instead of Robert Altman (Gosford Park) and David Lynch (Mulholland Drive), we were treated to hearing Baz Luhrmann (Moulin Rouge) and Christoper Nolan (Memento) on stage, with Ron Howard (A Beautiful Mind) and Ridley Scott (Black Hawk Down). Joining the proceedings via satellite uplink in New Zealand was Peter Jackson (The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring).
Anyhow, as the event was about to get underway, Amy and I were discussing the dearth of �name� female directors. We went through the usual suspects � Jane Campion, Allison Anders, Barbra Streisand, Penny Marshall, Amy Heckerling, Penelope Spheeris ... and were just about stumped, when Betty Thomas came in and took the seat in front of Amy. �Oh, and her,� Amy said with a nod.
Sadly, Betty�s rather big hair blocked Amy�s view of the stage. Amy squirmed in her seat, and found a better angle from which to view the panel.
And what a cool panel it was! Love Baz, love Moulin Rouge! Two of the panelists (Nolan and Jackson) both cited Star Wars as a key influence in their upbringing, while Howard talked about learning a lot from George Lucas on the set of American Graffiti. Hmm ... guess that Lucas guy is on to something. We�ll see how that Episode II trailer looks tonight.
So thanks, Amy, for a great day, with some great directors!
Transmitted 05:14 PM PST | Link |

Tuesday, March 5, 2002
Attention, 27% Of Drivers: Kill Yourselves Now
Here's what I don't get.
According to an Associated Press story in today's Los Angeles Times, seat belt use in the United States currently stands at 73%.
What are the other 27% of you waiting for? I mean, is there really some debate over the whole "seatbelts save lives" thing that you're still waiting to get resolved?
One other thing: Say "hi" to Princess Diana for me, will you?
Another interesting aspect of the story -- The Bush Administration toady now in charge of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has abandoned the Clinton-era goal of getting seat belt useage up to 90% by 2005. Instead, he set a goal of 78% by 2003. I'd love to see that press release ...
"Too many lives would be saved under the Clinton plan," said Jeffrey Runge. "It's unrealistic for the federal goverment to try to interfere in the natural life cycle of Americans. We also feel a higher mortality rate would actually help stimulate the economy..."
Morons, all.
Transmitted 02:24 PM PST | Link |

Monday, March 4, 2002
Can I Get a Tuppermonial?
If you ever get invited to a Tupperware party, I would say yes, definitely attend ... especially if that Tupperware party features an appearance by Phranc, the self-described All-American Jewish Lesbian Folk Singer. Yes, Phranc, an old college radio favorite, supplements her income these days by selling the venerable plastic kitchen staple. So thanks to former college radio pal Dawn Roznowski, I had the chance to attend an absolutely fantabulous and fun evening of snug-sealing containers and singing. Phranc knows how to work a room, moving merchandise with the passion of a preacher at a revival meeting, calling out for �Tuppermonials� from people who had in the past used the products.
The Tupperware I ordered arrived today, and was immediately put to good use. Thanks, Phranc! Why not support your favorite All-American Jewish Lesbian Folk Singer? If you�re so moved, you can order your Tupperware from Phranc�s website. Highly recommended.

Hey, it's a bunch of former KCPR DJ's, with our Tupperware Lady, Phranc!

Transmitted 05:33 PM PST | Link |

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