music, media & other random musings

Books on Video

I haven't read the book - and probably wouldn't have even thought about putting it on my list. But after watching this, I absolutley want to. Sadly, not available for immediate download on the Kindle - and may forget about it by the time I walk into a bookstore. Either way, I think this little promo is what they call good advertising. John Hodgman, as always, is briliant. 

In all seriousness

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a huge fan of Jon Stewart and the Daily Show. After a long day "consuming" media online, then catching the cable news shows in the evening, I love to curl up in bed every night (or at least Monday -Thursday), to watch Stewart and his crew make a mockery of all I've seen, read and heard..  

His shock, awe and sometimes utter disbelief about Washington and those who cover it, is exactly how I see it - albeit with a much funnier delivery. He's the voice of my own reason. More than a few times, I've called out to Jon (or at least the one dimensional version of him on my screen) to say 'No shit, exactly! I'm right there with you."

In some ways he reports the news just as anyone else does. Because let's face it, watching Fox and/or MSNBC has its moments of hilarity as well. But what makes him different isn't that he's funny or sharp or adorable (Jewish NY girls unite in their Jon Stewart crushes), it is that he is what he says he is - he's a comedian. He also happens to be an amazing satirist. And that is what makes him different than the "pundits" - a group he latestly seems to be thrown in with, even by Barack Obama. Stewart knows all too well the topics he covers are serious - very serious - that's clearly his interest. But he can also see the absurdity of it all, turn it around, twist it about and provide the clarity the topic deserves. It's a true gift, a rare gift. One that most don't possess. Which leads me to the Rally to Restore Sanity.

The concept probably was hatched as a punch line in response to Glenn Beck's absurd March on Washington. And that's how the rally itself felt. The three hour rally (yes I watched it all minus a few cat naps) felt pretty much like that one joke gag. It just wasn't very funny, nor very musical. But that, I could live with - it's pretty much what I expected. My biggest criticism - and disapointment - is that somehow while trying not to be political, they tried instead to be somewhat sincere - especially in his last bit, his impassioned speech. The beauty of Stewart and the Daily Shows' cast of characters - aka correspondents & the Best Fucking News Team - lies in the fact that they don't have to tell me how they feel - because through their schtick, their point of view comes through loud and clear. Stewart doesn't have to BE sincere or even try to be sincere. His satire is his sincerity.

Not everyone has the gift of comedy, of satire, of universal likeability.That he is able to embody the voice in all our heads is, well, the reason he's got a television show. And the reason I turn in four nights a week is because I believe that he fundamentally sees the world as I do, that he speaks for me. And because his slant on our 24 hour news cycle and those politicians who feed that beast is downright hilarious and spot on. I don't turn in to see him be sincere. I already believe he is. 

Upon finishing watching the rally, it felt like i just saw my favorite movie star in a major flop. I wish I hadn't seen it, it's something I'd rather forget - but it's been done. So instead of looking back (now that this has been written), I'll go home tonight and turn on Stewart hoping he's back to his old self. That he's lost the sincerity and is back to just being serious. 

Don't Speak

To the surprise of many I know, some days I just don't feel like speaking - or sharing my opinions. As I have a blog, I try. But to write everyday, about something that matters to me, I care about, or even tickles some modicum of interest in me, I find is pretty damn difficult. I had a conversation on this subject, just this week with, my brother. He also blogs and mentioned his same struggle to find topics in a recent post. 

It isn't that there isn't at least one thing, everyday, I pause to think about, because I find it curious, shocking or worthy of deeper reflection. I do. And I almost always have an opinion on the topic - that won't surprise any I know. It's just a question of whether I care enough to write about it. Whether it deserves the time to write the post. Whether I have come to any thoughts or conclusions on the topic that are even remotely interesting to me, let alone what I think might be interesting, or valid, to anyone else. And some days, I find that the answer is, I don't. 

There is already so much noise out there - and I'm not talking about the traffic I'm currently listening to on W. 13th. With the overwhelming supply of bloggers blogging, pundits ranting, politicians pontificating, people just filling time and space because they like the sound of their own voice, or because they can or are required to, my thought is this. Those individuals (and media outlets) that have truly nothing of worth to add to the conversation, should heed the same call - and don't speak. 

(Note: The beginning of the classic & utterly delicious 'don't speak' scene starts at about 6:00.) 

Stewart & Springsteen

My brother sent me this clip today, with the note, 'if you haven't seen, you must.'  

If you're as big a fan of the Jon Stewart & Bruce as I am (and my brother), he is absolutely correct. Great stuff.

Let the "Best Of" Season Begin...

Not only can we live the year through lists, but this particular December we can also relive the last decade. And what a decade it was...

Here's AdWeekMedia's Best of the 2000's. Even if you aren't in the advertising business, it's a fun list to browse through. Some choices are most definitely obvious and well deserved...  Media Company of the Decade - Google, Marketer of the Decade - Steve Jobs, Product of the Decade - ipod. And my favorite (and less obvious to some), TV Show of the Decade - The Sopranos. Without a doubt, absolutely deserving. 

 

The Power of Advertising

As much of a media consumer as I am, generally, most commercials don't hold much sway over my decision making. I'm rarely so taken in by a spot (or product being pushed) that I feel the need to own it or to be part of the cool new thing. But sometimes... 

The Droid commercials are spot-on proof (no pun intended) that great advertising still works, persuades and sells - well, me. We all know that old saying, 50% of advertising works, we just don't know which 50%... I'm usually in the not-working camp, but not this time. As my blackberry isn't behaving like it used to - ever since I unlocked it - I've been thinking about making the leap to the iPhone. But now, I've got Droid on the brain. And in a few weeks, might just be switching sides, and a stat for the 50% of advertising that does work. 

Hugh MacLeod

Saw this Hugh MacLeod on my brother in law's tumblr.

Which led me to these.... all excellent!

Tina Fey's Palin

Tina Fey's impersonation is truly uncanny. I caught the latest installment on Saturday night and thought it was funny then. But now i just found out that part of the script wasn't even written by the SNL writers. The words came directly from Palin herself!!  One of her stellar answers from the Couric interview. Now it makes it all the more funny.... and sadder too.