Category Archives: cable tv
Wedding Party
American TV networks flocked to the Royal Wedding even though viewers had to rise at 4 am to see it live. The crowd outside Westminster Abbey was pegged at 1 million. Easy for them, they were on London Time. I settled for the replay.
Strange that royalty should be so popular here in the land of the Tea Party. It’s complicated.
Carnival Barker-in-Chief
The president accused the media of being carnival barkers who focused on silly distractions rather than serious issues like the budget. Then he flew off in Air Force One for an Oprah appearance. As it happens, according to Poynter, 39% of stories last week were about the economy while only 4% were about the birther thing. James Carville hopes this is a shrewd move by Obama to make Trump look good enough to win the Republican nomination.
Manic Depression is a Frustrating Mess
In a pop culture that absolves all sorts of bad behavior with a trip to the Betty Ford Clinic and a weepy Oprah appearance, Charlie Sheen is a breath of fresh air. At least that’s the generous way of looking at it. Here’s Brendan O’Neill quoted by Nick Gillespie in Reason:
“…Sheen is rebelling against the super-conformist modern narrative of weak individuals who need to be saved by psycho-priests.”
Or maybe he really is mentally ill. That seems to be the attraction to the major networks. Step right up and see the Crazy Man! They’ve broken the final TV taboo – exploiting the sick.
Stay tuned for the next reality show, Celebrity Pustules. Sick.
