DISASTER WAITING TO HAPPEN
I will attempt to make this cake tomorrow. Expect some pictures of the spectacular failure.
Here’s the theme song I wrote and recorded for Zach Anner’s upcoming series “Rollin’ With Zach” on OWN. Incidentally, it was the last thing I sang before I went on the DL…
Rollin’ with Zach will premiere with back-to-back episodes beginning Monday, December 12 from 8:00 - 9:00 p.m. ET/PT
Click here to see a trailer for the show. It looks like it’s going to be great.
Which of the following statements is true?
1. Judy Blume is the pen name of one Eli Schmell, a divorced orthodontist from Stamford.
2. Huey Lewis and the News were originally called “Keeping Tabs on Negroes.”
3. If you pour boiling water on a dead person’s face within 2 minutes of their expiration, they will come back to life for 10-15 seconds.
˙ǝnɹʇ ǝɹɐ ǝǝɹɥʇ llɐ
Tim Burton’s first Batman film was released on June 23, 1989. Before typing this, I confirmed it on Google, but I already knew this date to be accurate.
It’s not because I’m some kind of savant for dates, it’s because the marketing for the film was inescapable in the months leading up to opening day.
Unless you were around for it, you can’t imagine how huge Batman was. In a time before social media, film trailers on Youtube or widespread use of the Internet, Warner Bros. used what is now called “old media” to make sure everyone knew this was the film event of the year.
Toys, t-shirts, posters, you name it… You couldn’t throw a stone without hitting a bat symbol. Black kids were getting it cut into their hair, White kids were trying to get it cut into their hair. Even “Batdance”—a song that could be charitably called one of Prince’s lesser works—was a hit based on its association with the movie.
The Summer of 1989, a season that also brought us Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade and Ghostbusters II, was undeniably the Summer of Batman.
Today’s generation doesn’t realize how much of an impact Batman had. They’re all hot and bothered about the new Twilight; while that film may, in its first two weeks, outgross what Burton’s made in its entire run, it will never capture the public’s attention the same way. Today’s young adults don’t understand, and probably don’t care.
This used to boggle my mind, and frankly it pissed me off a little bit. Then I put it into this context:
Batman was released over 22 years ago. In 1989, I knew that The Beatles had caused a sensation 25 years before when they played “The Ed Sullivan Show.” I knew, but didn’t particularly care. And some old fart was probably confused and angry about it.
I don’t know what the point of this post is, other than to say that I get it. I don’t understand the appeal of Jersey Shore, the Twilight films look boring and overblown and I don’t recognize most of the artists on the American Music Awards that I’m half-watching right now. I get it. At 35, I’m not truly old, but I’m too old for pop culture.
Rather than being a ranting old bastard about it, I’m going to ignore the new stuff I don’t care for, appreciate the rare new stuff that I do enjoy and spend the rest of the time listening to and watching the music and movies that I do like. You know, ancient stuff like Smashing Pumpkins, Pearl Jam and Nine Inch Nails.
I actually had this shirt. It was awesome.
Fucking crazy. Fucking funny.
FACT: Older Tom Hanks is also in Rush.
FACT: Sean Penn is in Rush.
My friend Dan sent me this clip from the old Sesame Street. It sounds like Henson and Oz are working some ad-libs into it and having a ball. Dan has a child and has started watching Sesame Street again; he tells me that the characters don’t get angry and yell anymore. That’s a bummer.
I hope they still show that segment where the baker falls down the stairs with a tray full of cakes and pies, though.
Looking at Michele Bachmann at the debate, all I can think is “Sometimes I doubt your commitment to Sparkle Motion.”
I like this.
I don’t care if it’s a spoiler. it’s been a week. If you haven’t already seen the episode, you’re not really a fan. I can’t remember a bigger Holy Shit moment on TV. Gustavo Fring R.I.P.
I’m not going to mince words. This is fucking awesome.
1) What a great time capsule… Windows 95!
2) It shows that Steve Jobs could be a dick. If you’re a genius, you’re allowed. Them’s the rules.
3) The host of this program should be beaten with an electrical cord and burned with an old-school car cigarette lighter.
