Mad Men
I’ve finally gotten around to watching the first few episodes of the TV series “Mad Men.” I’d heard it was set in the early 60s—an era I remember well, although from a child’s eye view—and so I was predisposed to … Continue reading →
Category Archives: Theater and TV
I don’t quite know what I want to say about this…
…but I know I want to say something. This is about the marriage between 51-year-old actor Doug Hutchison and 16-year-old Courtney Stodden, about which a lot of people are up in arms. Her parents are not among them, however; they … Continue reading →
So, is it kabuki theater?
Yesterday I used the phrase “kabuki theater” to describe the debt ceiling machinations between the president and Congress. I didn’t exactly think I was making a unique observation, but apparently I was stepping into one of the most overused memes … Continue reading →
The Palin emails: the NY Times…
…tries to make a sow’s ear out of a silk purse, and fails abysmally. The Times, the WaPo, and many others opposed to Palin so believed their own fantasies about Palin that they were sure that the emails would validate … Continue reading →
RIP Leonard Stern, creator of Mad Libs
Leonard B. Stern, the creator of Mad Libs, has died. I never thought about the fact that Mad Libs even had a creator, although of course it did. The classic Mad Libs were an integral part of my childhood, and … Continue reading →
James Arness, RIP
Another icon from my youth gone. I’m not so sure I understood the plots of “Gunsmoke,” but I’m quite sure I enjoyed them, as well as characters Mr. Dillon, Chester, Miss Kitty, and Doc; the saloon, and all those storefronts. … Continue reading →
Ed Schultz channels Dan Ackroyd
There is no question in my mind that, whether Ed Schultz is aware of it or not, that’s what was happening when he called Laura Ingraham a “right-wing slut.” Part of the humor of the old SNL bit was that … Continue reading →
Each age gets the Tudors it deserves
During my recent bout with infirmity, I dusted off some old videotapes of the 1970 BBC series “The Six Wives of Henry VIII” and watched it. I had fond memories of it from my original viewing over forty years ago, … Continue reading →
A peep of chickens
From the inimitable Julia Child. Just a mite creepy (although peppy. And peepy.):
Continue reading →American Idol interlude
Okay, so sometimes I watch it. So sue me. And last night the results show—always milked for maximum drama—was more than usually dramatic because judge-favored songstress Pia got the boot from the viewers. Ah, America, ye of little judgment, according … Continue reading →
Dancing With the Stars: still a kid
Those of you who are not into frivolity, skip this one. But as for me, I welcome the chance to watch Ralph Macchio, the long-ago “Karate Kid,” do a credible jive on “Dancing With the Stars.” He’s fun to watch. … Continue reading →
Post-Oscar post
Those of you who are not interested in the topic, please avert your gaze. Here’s a slideshow of Oscar fashions, for those inclined to gaze. My summary: lots of feathers (a la “Black Swan?”), some of them very unfortunate. Lots … Continue reading →