Fantasy vs. Reality

Sometimes (ok maybe more than sometimes) I feel like I am the main character in a sitcom. That there is a studio audience to the right or left of me. That I need to get in the quick quip or a joke and the audience would laugh with me. The line between fantasy and reality is blurred, at least in my mind, and it comes out in my physical action.

Now, I bring this up, because in the last two decades or so, it seems that the line between fantasy and reality has blurred in our world in total. Think about it. We have had a supervillain carry out a comic book like plot to bring down two major buildings in New York. We have had secrets unearthed about people that make soap operas look like child's play. And now we have a president who not only never served in any form of government prior to his taking office, but a man who lashes out at people through social media and allegedly used the Russians to help him get elected.

What has happened to blur this line of fantasy and reality?

Personally, and I clearly don't speak for everybody, I feel it has to do with the simple fact that reality sucks.

Yes, people. Reality sucks. At least, what we hear most often about reality sucks. War, racism, violence, disasters, protests, terrorism etc. It sucks. And especially with social media, it is an echo chamber. So what's a way to do distract ourselves from this fact? By burrowing ourselves in fantasy. Where problems are mostly solved very neatly; the world is more black and white; and the end results are most of the time positive.

And when we are forced back into the grimy land of reality, we try to take a little bit of fantasy with us. This is what I was referring to in the beginning with my behavior. It is done in order to make existing in reality a bit more palatable.

One final note about this point. Actors, actresses and writers amongst others are interesting because their milieu is fantasy. I wonder if that's why some of them get screwed in the head.
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Now another way that reality could become more palatable is if the positive things in life are more represented. And that brings me to yesterday's solar eclipse, and the coverage of it. I feel back in the day, there used to be more of these specials for scientific discoveries and feats. Yesterday was a delight for me because it was the news showing some positivity and excitement. The last time I felt that type of positivity from the news was the "Miracle on the Hudson" coverage when Sully Sullenberger entered the consciousness.

It is a sad fact that negative news creates more buzz than positivity. It's always been that way. But with 24 hour news channels and the echo chamber of social media, the negative is exaggerated even more so than ever.  There needs to be more of a balance of negative and positive.

My first official post talked about losing the sense of wonder in us. Yesterday showed that that was not the case. We just need to see it more often. Then I think we could feel a little bit better about ourselves as a people and not have to burrow ourselves in fantasy.

Because the lines are starting to blur and fantasy is becoming all too real.

What do you think? Comment below.

TV Trivia II

It's another connection for this TV Trivia.

The same person who directed episodes of this:

Directed episodes of this:

His name is Lex Passaris

The Moonlighting Theory

The Moonlighting Theory, or curse as some people call it is a very interesting test in writing television. For those of you who don't know what this is, I will explain.

The theory: When a couple (man/woman usually) with sexual chemistry and tension finally get together in a program, the sexual tension is dissipated, and the show goes downhill because the writers have nothing to fill the gap with.

The theory stems from the 80s TV Series "Moonlighting" with Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis. As Maddie and David, they oozed chemistry on screen (despite hating each other's guts offscreen.). The ratings were through the roof. However, when they finally got together in the third season, I believe, the ratings sunk like a stone and the show was cancelled a couple of years later. Now Bruce Willis' rising career and tensions backstage might have been major factors in it as well, but the common belief is that when Maddie and David did the deed, there was nothing else for the characters to do.

This danger presents itself when the romance becomes front and center in the series. Two television series of note recently have had to combat this. Bones and Castle. One series did it pretty well, while the other floundered.

The series that did it well was Bones, mainly because the writers were not afraid of the theory. In fact, head writer Hart Hanson said in 2011 to Adam Bryant of TV Guide:

"I feel like it re-energized the series," "I think it breathes new life into the franchise — into the story engine of Booth (David Boreanaz) and Brenann (Emily Deschanel). The reason we put them together is that it's just been so long. It had to happen. We just could not put it off anymore."The trick, Hanson says, is finding drama to replace the sexual tension.

"We knew we did not want them getting together and breaking up. We didn't want misunderstandings," Hanson says. "So, they're contending with a brand new relationship. 'How together are they?' is a question that needs answering. And how are they going to deal with having a child together? As we started banging out this season, it just gave us so many places to go with story."

So they went about it by offering different challenges. It helped that star Emily Deschanel was pregnant at the time so it gave them an entry into baby land; thus creating a new line of drama. Bones viewers were apparently satisfied because their ratings were not affected, and the show lasted until March of this year.


Castle is a very different story. From almost the beginning, questions were asked about the star couple; Richard Castle (Nathan Fillion) and Kate Beckett (Stana Katic). And it seemed that they were wary of it. Fillion and series creator Andrew Marlowe seemed to mention Moonlighting in some interviews without the vim and vigor that Hanson did for Bones. What ended up happening is that when they did get together, after a lot of theatrics, the writers seemed to try and separate them by different ways and means (non commitment, a new job, lies etc.) The audience did not like that, yet ratings were still solid, as people were determined to root for the couple

But, like the original Moonlighting, behind the scenes tension was bubbling. It was rumored that Fillion and Katic did not get along at all in the later years of the show. Combine that with budget cuts and the last year of the show was marred by the surprise firing of Katic for a potential 9th season. The fans were angry and the show was cancelled at the last minute, leading to a lackluster finale.

When a romance becomes front and center in a show, the clock is started for many writers. Hart Hanson seemed to embrace the challenge, while Andrew Marlowe and company did not. And the results speak for themselves.

So will this "curse" go away? I don't think so because of the natural progression of drama in general. Other shows have handled it well (Psych, Ed) and other shows have fumbled with it a bit (Chuck, The X-Files) It will usually depend on the strength of the writing and the base concepts that each individual program is rooted in.

What are some of your favorite "will they won't they"s. PLease comment

Nice to watch him, to watch him nice.....

Imagine this resume in one person's television career:

-Hosted The Price is Right, Card Sharks and Dancing with the Stars
-Guest hosted The Muppet Show
-Went across the Atlantic Ocean to host a game show and cameoed in Magnum PI
-Hosted the number one variety show in the country and the top Saturday night program.
- A talented singer, musician, and dancer

If you are now thinking "Impossible/doesn't exist" You would be wrong.

The reason you may not know him is because he comes from the other side of the ocean.

The man in question is the late Sir Bruce Forsyth, who passed away a couple of days ago. All of those facts above are true. He hosted the UK Price is Right, Play Your Cards Right. and Strictly Come Dancing. He hosted Saturday Night at the London Palladium (the variety show) and The Generation Game ( the top Saturday night program). He was an all around great performer. He guest hosted the Muppet Show in the first season.

But that third fact to me is the most interesting. He came over to America and hosted Bruce Forsyth's Hot Streak on ABC from January to April of 1986. That was produced by Reg Grundy productions, the same people who did Scrabble and Sale of the Century. And Sale of the Century also relates, because Jim Perry was hosting that show when Mark Goodson decided to revive Card Sharks in the mid 80s. Perry was unavailable and Mark Goodson did consider Bruce Forsyth for the job. Ultimately it went to Bob Eubanks, but for a Brit to even be considered for hosting an American game show by the greatest game show producer ever is a statement to his talents.

The title of this post refers to one of Bruce's many catchphrases, this one perhaps is his most famous.
He shouts to the audience "NICE TO SEE YOU! TO SEE YOU..." and the audience responds in kind. A true showman. To try and come up with an American comparison, I would have to mix Milton Berle, Bill Cullen, and Monty Hall. He was a legend and his legacy will live on.

Please comment below.

Chariots of Ire.

As some of you know, I work at a wholesale store. And I have seen a disturbing trend going on at said store. I have seen a ton of parents push their kids in carts. Now these are not babies. These are kids 5-8 years old who should have the capacity to walk with their parents around the store. But no, they are being pushed around like little princes and princesses in chariots. That bothers me. No wonder kids aren't healthy today. Because their parents instead of actually letting them walk and move their legs, push them about the store. Not only does it hurt the kids but it limits the amount of stuff a person can put into said cart.

God our generation can be lazy sometimes. And I am guilty of it too. But not to this extent. What do you think? Talk to you next time.

God Save the Queen

Well the previous post, I was pretty angry about the YankeesBut I need to cleanse my soul a bit so I will go to a more pleasureful subject.

I never really got into music, rock or otherwise, until a few years ago. I like songs from many different bands and eras. But one band keeps me entertained more than any other.

Queen.

Freddie Mercury, Brian May, Roger Taylor and John Deacon

As I said before, I like certain songs from different places. But usually, per artist, it's one or two songs. With Queen, it's a whole catalog  of songs that I like.

They were a band that were able to play many different styles successfully, Each member was a great writer and wrote hit songs. They were a fantastic live act, accentuated by Mercury's control of the crowd (go see the Live Aid performance from 1985 for evidence of that),

I dont think I have listened to a Queen song that I don't like. It's amazing. There are songs that I like more than others, but there are none that I really hate. What band has the same effect on you? PLease comment. Thanks

The Yankees: A Rant.

(Warning: There is profanity)

So as I sit and watch the New York Yankees look helpless at the plate again, I keep hearing the talking heads discuss the Yankees problems ad nauseum. YET THEY OFFER NO FUCKING SOLUTIONS. I don't care if it's above their pay grade. OFFER SOME SOLUTIONS.

This is a rant because I am really angry at this Yankees team. They don't have any heart and guts, which might be indicative of their manager who if they miss the playoffs, should be shown the door. I like him as a guy, but this is too much.

You have Aaron Judge, a superstar in the first half of the season, yet in the second half of the season makes no adjustments to pitchers and doesn't seem to bring any emotion with him to the plate. And it really bothers me. It's almost as if he is kind of in denial about things. I'm actually starting to hate the guy, which is amazing to say.

The team doesn't play smart baseball. They swing for the fences all the fucking time. They don't know how to move runners over or get sacrifice hits. They don't know how to play proper fundamental baseball. And it PISSES ME OFF.

Jesus Christ, do I have to waste my fucking time watching or even THINKING about these people who have no heart and guts at all? They are a DISGRACE and they should not have the right to wear the pinstripes.

I would have thought I would have more to say but actually, yes I do have more to say. This team is so hard to root for because they raised the expectations so high in the first half only to come crashing down. The hopes and dreams of millions crashing with them. Might drive a weaker person to alcohol and even further suicide. Of course, this is completely ridiculous but it's what I feel right now, which when this piece of shit team loses goes into overdrive.

If anybody has any advice or encouragement please leave a comment. Thanks

James Earl Jones would be appalled!

So, I was at the gym today, walking on the treadmill and looking at the TVs. CNN was on. This is a network that at one point a long time ago, had a ton of gravitas. James Earl Jones did those magnificent bumpers and Larry King and others would cover news with class and decorum

Safe to say that it has gone downward for them in recent years in the decorum department, and two things that I saw today on that channel prove that. Keep in mind, this has nothing to do with political views of mine. These are general issues.

1. They had a person talking about a documentary premiering that night called "Why Trump Won" Do we really need a documentary on an election that not only was covered ad nauseum, but will probably have a motion picture made out of it within the next 8 years? Why should we care why Trump won? (unless illegal). This to me is just a waste of time that could be better dedicated to other more worthy causes and information.

2. I am not kidding you right now. This was the header for one of the stories talked about:

"SHIRTLESS IN SIBERIA, PUTIN GOES FISHING"

Yes. This is what CNN is reporting on now. The leader of Russia going on a fishing trip and not wearing his shirt. Wow. What breathtaking material. I know a 24-7 news cycles leaves networks like CNN scrambling to fill time, but come on, guys. You can do better than that.

And they had a video clip (which incidentally taught me that some of Siberia is actually green and not an ice prison as was thought before)

Shame on you CNN. James Earl Jones hangs his head in disgrace. I will leave my final impression to Bert.

Please comment below

Murderrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

Edgar Allen Poe, Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, CSI (Insert City Name Here), Gone Girl

Why are we so obsessed with murder stories? Is it the puzzles that they seem to produce? Is it the blood and guts? Is it the detectives?

I honestly think that it is a bit of all of that, plus a little bit of schadenfreude. Now for those who don't know what that is, it's getting pleasure from another person's misfortune. It's the reason America's Funniest Home Videos is still on the air(That show has been on every year since 1989 although not in full series). We get pleasure from seeing people hit in the crotch again and again and again, when it is not ourselves. And I think the same thing applies to murder stories. We love the thrill of the story just so long as it is not us.

And with all due deference to the Mickey Spillanes and Rex Stouts of America, nobody does murder quite like the British.

I watched a three part documentary sometime ago called A Very British Murder hosted by Dr. Lucy Worsley, who I have affectionately called the "Mousey Lady" Which will become evident by looking at this:

Seriously, if one were to look up the definition of "mouse turned to human" it would show a picture of her. And her voice, if you ever get a chance to hear it, makes it even more definite.

In this documentary, she basically says the same things I did, only she goes over the history of it. I have nothing against her. She's a very good historian and her shows are entertaining; she just.....looks like a mouse. I don't want to bore you guys by going into it. And perhaps I will do a separate blog post on why the British are so good at it later.

I just wanted to see what you guys thought about  the love of MURDERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

Please comment below. Talk to you next time.

TV Trivia I

I think that during my time here I shall post random things about television that I know, as it is my specialty. This one I found out today so I wanted to share it before it slipped my mine.

The man who composed this: (start at :34)

Is the same man who composed this:

                                       

His name is Bernard Hoffer.

The Power of Wonder

Being a member of the ADD community, my mind tends to jump around a lot. Last night it fell upon The Little Prince, the Antoine de Saint-Exupery novel which I believe is the biggest selling French book in history. I had never read the book; my only experience with it was watching the Japanese cartoon which was imported to the United States on tape. Well last night, I was really in a meh mood when I decided to look in on the book itself. I listened to an audio book version read by Peter Ustinov and I was surprised to discover that the book is very deep. The basic lesson of the book, as far as I can understand is not to let go of the inner child in oneself, in terms of wonder and whimsy, while growing into adulthood.

This brought me back to a person that I have mentioned before on Twitter and Facebook before: Fred Rogers. I can and probably will do a separate blog post on him in the future, but specifically it brought me back to an interview he did with Charlie Rose. The part specifically can be found here at 2:18

And there is that word again: Wonder. That seems to be one of the victims between adulthood and childhood. I hope to think that I've retained some sort of hold on wonder and whimsy (another word that Rogers used a lot), though at times I think it has escaped (cough CHRISTMAS cough). And if I haven't, how do I get it back? How to retain it? I don't know. Maybe you know and you want to comment below. I hope you do anyway, this being my maiden voyage in this blog. All I know is if two separate bastions of childhood are warning of losing wonder, it must dangerous to lose and it can be easily lost. 

Once again, I hope you liked my little musing. Please comment below. Thanks.

Welcome

After thinking about it, I decided to start a little blog concerning my thoughts and beliefs. I call it "Confessions of an ADD Mind", because they could be about anything and could be at anytime. They will probably not be systematically updated. I hope you enjoy them and my first true post will be coming shortly.