Fact-check Friday!

It's been a little while but they're back. The Annenberg Public Policy Center has returned with another installment of "Just the Facts". As a non-partisan group they do a great job of presenting the truth in a sea of fiction from all parties. 


Enjoy!

Today is the Day!

Today is the day many people have waited for. Tonight starts the sixth and final season of LOST. I will admit that I was not a viewer from the beginning. When LOST premiered I was well into an addiction with Alias. So I didn't want to get into something else. But once Alias ended LOST was there to fill the void. There has been a lot of coverage the past few weeks regarding LOST and I am not going to rehash it all here. But one thing that I want to chime in about is the genius of having a time-line for the show. In 2007 the producers of LOST and ABC decided that 2010 would be the final season. Why is that important? Because it allowed the creative team behind the show to develop things in their own way not dictated by ratings or a network executive. If there was an issue with the way Alias ended it was that it was too rushed. So I am relieved to see LOST go out on a high note.

So get out your flip flops and Hawaiian shirts... Tonight is LOST night!

Here is a story that captured much of what I think is great with LOST.

5 Ways 'Lost' Changed TV

"Lost"  began life as ABC's attempt to capture some of the magic of Mark Burnett's Darwinistic reality phenom "Survivor."  It's ending its run as something far grander.
Put plainly, "Lost" will go down as one of the most important scripted shows to emerge from the  millennium's first decade -- and a template for what broadcast networks need to do to survive the new world order of unlimited viewing options and decreased ad revenue.
With the final season of "Lost" kicking off Tuesday, TheWrap tallies up five ways  "Lost" changed the game:
-- IT MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR A TV SHOW TO DIE WITH DIGNITY
Letting  showrunners Damon Lindelof and Carlton Cuse (left) put an expiration date on the series back in 2007 was brash, ballsy -- and a complete paradigm shift for network TV.
Pre-"Lost," programmers in the network world operated under the Supreme Directive that longevity was the end all, be all. Change the cast, shift showrunners -- but damn it, once a show clicked with viewers, keep it on the air by any means necessary.
Lindelof and Cuse (known by Internet groupies simply as Darlton) knew that rule was a recipe for the creative implosion of "Lost." The storytelling had become too complicated, the entire premise of the series too narrow to support an open-ended run.
If "Lost" were to be a show for the ages, a series that lived on in other ways 20 years from now in the same way "Star Trek" has survived, it simply couldn't be allowed to linger on indefinitely, all of its mysteries hastily wrapped up six months after some future ABC suit declared it was time to move on.
And so producers began lobbying ABC to declare a date certain for the end of "Lost." The network agreed, wisely realizing that less of a great thing was better than more of an OK thing.
By limiting "Lost's" lifespan, Darlton gave fans a reason to stick by a show that was getting increasingly complex and in danger of losing all but its die-hard core. Ratings still fell, but like the Obama stimulus package, it's likely the decline would have been far worse had viewers not been given a reason to stay invested.
-- IT PROVED THAT SERIALIZED STORYTELLING CAN BE GOOD BUSINESS
TV cynics will insist that procedurals such as "CSI" and "Law & Order" should always be the goal for broadcasters, since they repeat better and generally make more money in syndication.
That's true -- but "Lost" has shown that there's also a very healthy 21st century business in high-quality dramas that require viewers to pay attention. Buzzworthy series such as "Lost" or "Heroes" or "Glee" help a network stand out amid the thousands of programming options out there for viewers, sparking online and mainstream media attention in a way the average procedural just can't.
What's more, syndication is no longer the slam-dunk payday it once was.  Serialized shows also offer more opportunities for ancillary profits and have demonstrated far more appeal via electronic sell-through services such as iTunes.
None of this is to suggest that networks don't need a base of broad appeal procedurals to thrive. But giving up on serialized shows just because they're tough to execute and offer less obvious financial upsides is equally foolish.

-- IT NEVER UNDERESTIMATED ITS AUDIENCE
For decades, programmers operated under the assumption that the least objectionable programming made for the biggest success stories. That may still be true (four letters: "NCIS"), but "Lost" has shown that challenging fare need not be limited to cable.
Sure, there's no doubt "Lost" gave back more than a few eyeballs when it began delving deeper into mythlogy and away from the grown-up "Lord of the Flies" the series could've easily become. But what was sacrificed in terms of tonnage was replaced by something even more valuable to advertisers: an engaged, passionate audience that felt compelled to tune in every week.
The current issue of Entertainment Weekly has Darlton noting that they've been writing the show they wanted to watch, rather than the show they (or ABC) thought viewers wanted to see. By staying true to an artistic vision, and giving audiences credit for being able to handle something a bit more complex, "Lost" proved that networks could be both smart and successful.
"The TV business has become more like the movie business," former Disney chief Michael Eisner told Fortune just a few months after "Lost" premiered. "It's no longer the least objectionable program that wins the day. The excellent program wins the day."
-- IT SET A NEW STANDARD FOR TV MARKETING
From the way ABC hyped the original pilot, to the carefully-orchestrated campaign for the final season, marketing has been crucial in ensuring the success of "Lost."
One of the first big moves ABC boss Steve McPherson made when taking over the network was deciding to devote virtually all of his fall 2004 launch effort to just two shows: "Lost" and "Desperate Housewives." Instead of giving other newcomers like "Rodney" and "Life As We Know It" equal time, McPherson ordered the network's marketing team to focus like a laser on the network's prettiest babies.
It worked: Both "Lost" and "DH" opened big and became lasting hits. But to keep up the momentum, McPherson and his marketing team realized they needed to treat every new season of "Lost" as almost a sequel -- complete with fresh ad themes and new hooks to lure in viewers.
Marketing also served a dual role in the case of "Lost." In addition to figuring out ways to let viewers know the show was on, ABC tried to make sure audiences kept up with what was going on -- helping viewers track the increasing layers of mythology producers erected around the series.
Stunts such as "Pop Up Video"-style "Lost" repeats, stick figure episode summaries and cell-phone webisodes kept viewers informed and engaged, even when the show wasn't on the air. And is some cases, they even generated revenue for the network.
-- IT PROVED THE VALUE OF DEVOTED, FOCUSED SHOWRUNNERS
During TV's first 50 years, success in TV for executive producers was often measured in how many shows they had on the air at any one time.
Norman Lear virtually owned CBS at one point. ABC became known as Aaron's Broadcasting Company during the 1970s, thanks to the prolific nature of the Aaron Spelling fluff factory. Ditto folks such as Steven Bochco, David E. Kelley and Jerry Bruckheimer during the last two decades.
Such producing promiscuity seems outdated, post-Darlton.
The two producers could have easily translated the early success of "Lost" into more pilots or series. Instead -- with the financial support of ABC -- they chose to stick with their baby throughout its entire life rather than go off and sire more offspring.
While there will always be non-writing producers such as Bruckheimer able to juggle multiple shows at one time,  Dartlon have proven the value of obsessive, almost geek-like showrunners willing to go cradle-to-grave with a concept.

Source URL: http://www.thewrap.com/ind-column/5-ways-lost-changed-television-13764

Questions Answered! #LOST

Get your Questions answered tonight!

The Captain has spoken...

The Captain has spoken. The man that a majority of our people deemed MOST CORRECT to lead us, has given his view of what has happened on this ship and how to proceed on the correct course. You may not agree with the captain. You may have hoped that another was our captain. That is not the reality. Could've, should've, would've... What is important that we have a captain on our ship. He is our captain, whether you chose him or not he is YOUR captain. By the simple act of being the CAPTAIN he deserves ALL our respect.

Last night was the State of the Union Address. It was President Obama's first. Whether or not you like or approve him. He is the President of The United States of America. The peacefully elected President should be given the chance to lead. Constant fighting between people and parties only makes it more difficult to really help people; OUR PEOPLE. AMERICANS.

Just like you can't complain about the elected officials if you don't vote- you can't complain about what was said in the State of the Union, unless YOU listened/ watched it. Sound bites from talking heads on TV news or talk radio does not absolve a person from actually reading/ listening to the address themselves. Media whores from both sides will take snips of what they like an dislike and use it to prove their point. Take the time to learn for yourself. Do your own homework, we demand that of our kids. Listen with an open mind, just like you would want to be listened to without prejudice.

You can watch it below. Then entire speech, not just a snippet!

What a way to sign off!

Friday night was Conan's last "Tonight Show". Whether or not you were a fan or watched the recent situation with Conan and NBC, he was very insightful and gracious on his last night. He took a few minutes to make a serious statement to those watching. I'll post the videos in it's entirety after this. The statement that meant the most to me was the following: "if you work really hard and you're kind, amazing things will happen".

I'll miss you Conan. See you in September!

Here is the text of the statement.

Source:http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/22/conan-obriens-heartfelt-f_n_433954.html

"Before we end this rodeo, a few things need to be said. There has been a lot of speculation in the press about what I legally can and can't say about NBC. To set the record straight, tonight I am allowed to say anything I want. And what I want to say is this: between my time at Saturday Night Live, The Late Night Show, and my brief run here on The Tonight Show, I have worked with NBC for over twenty years. Yes, we have our differences right now and yes, we're going to go our separate ways. But this company has been my home for most of my adult life. I am enormously proud of the work we have done together, and I want to thank NBC for making it all possible.
Walking away from The Tonight Show is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Making this choice has been enormously difficult. This is the best job in the world, I absolutely love doing it, and I have the best staff and crew in the history of the medium. But despite this sense of loss, I really feel this should be a happy moment. Every comedian dreams of hosting The Tonight Show and, for seven months, I got to. I did it my way, with people I love, and I do not regret a second. I've had more good fortune than anyone I know and if our next gig is doing a show in a 7-11 parking lot, we'll find a way to make it fun.
And finally, I have to say something to our fans. The massive outpouring of support and passion from so many people has been overwhelming. The rallies, the signs, all the goofy, outrageous creativity on the internet, and the fact that people have traveled long distances and camped out all night in the pouring rain to be in our audience, made a sad situation joyous and inspirational.
To all the people watching, I can never thank you enough for your kindness to me and I'll think about it for the rest of my life. All I ask of you is one thing: please don't be cynical. I hate cynicism -- it's my least favorite quality and it doesn't lead anywhere.
Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you're kind, amazing things will happen."

An opinion on the Tonight Show Battle

Much has been said on the Tonight Show battle. Today news about how it would all play out was released. Talking to a friend today this situation reminds me of how actors were slaves to the studio system, like Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland. Leno and O'Brien are by contract, slaves to NBC. At least Conan gets to leave. Leno has to stay and try to bring his show back after losing all his viewers.

Conan will be alright. He has built up a fan base that will follow him. NBC gets to try to figure out what to do next.

Go Team Conan!

Dont' you know... Have been on a deserted island? Or a LOST one!

Hard to believe that 2010 is here. The last season of LOST will start soon. If you haven't watched LOST before, you still have time. ABC and HULU are streaming ALL episodes for those who want to get completely caught up before season 6 begins. You might as well watch. You are going to hear so much about it before February 02, 2010 and after as the final season progresses. You'll hear about it at work from your coworkers or spouse. So here are a couple of clips to wet your whistle...



Have you seen this on the side of the blog?---> 
LOST is what it's all about!

Did you see what I saw? Did you see what I saw? An SNL Christmas...

Christmas is this week! It's hard to believe that it is here already, for me anyway. There are so many programs on with a Christmas or Holiday theme.  Last week SNL aired a Christmas special with clips from years past. Having watched SNL for most of my life, I thought I would post a few of my favorites.

I have to finish off with a classic from SNL when I was growing up!

Tonight's the "Tonight..."

Well it's here. A day that has taken thirteen years to arrive. Conan O'Brien will host The Tonight Show, tonight. Conan has been around for a while, from the SNL to The Simpsons to Late Night. I have always liked the quirkiness that he brings to his show. He seems like someone I would want to hang out with. I would to hear the stories and life experience he would share. He is a solid host, very funny and not easily flustered. And now he has the biggest flamethrower in the world to spew his comedy genius on us all. You better get ready... Or they might send Triumph, the Insult Comic Dog to get you and...well, "Poop on" you!

The following clip is from a few years back wen Conan went to visit his ancestral homeland, Ireland.

Good Luck Conan!






Here is a clip with Jay Leno on Jay's last night...

Damn it Jim I'm a doctor not a ...

If you recognize that quote then something happened this week that hasn't happened for a long time...There is a new Star Trek movie and Kirk, Spock , and Bones are in it! get your Trek on!



That's right, Star Trek was released on Thursday. With a few friends I attended the 10:00 PM showing. We DID NOT dress up! Heck I don't even own any Star Fleet uniforms. It was a lot of fun. Our showing was about 1/2 full (they had shows at 7,8,9,10,11,and midnight). It was a lot of action from start to finish. The filmmakers did a pretty good job of keeping continuity from the previous films to the prequel. Just as 007 has been reinvented with Daniel Craig, Star Trek is reborn with J.J. Abrams.








We got out about 12:20 AM and then we headed to Los Betos for burritos. Nothing says 1:00 AM like a carne asada or mixed breakfast burrito. It was a great time. Now if we an just get our wives to see it... I mean we watched "Twilight"...

UPDATE:
FYI- Some of us went again on Friday night! What a weekend!

Friday Funnies...

Friday Funnies....
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart is pretty funny. He calls them as he sees them. Here is a clip from last night's show that I thought was great. You have got to be sure that when you're a TV commentator that you don't contradict yourself eight years later. It's hard to keep credibility that way. Enjoy!

Coming Soon!!!

The Future...

Have you ever wondered what the future will be like? I don't mean in a year or two or even ten years from now. What about 500 years into the future? What will life be like? Will Earth still be inhabitable? Will the human race have ventured out other worlds? I was recently introduced to something that addresses those questions. Firefly.

Firefly is a television show created by Jos Whedon (Buffy, Angel). I was never really a fan of those shows and was not sure that I would like Firefly. I gave it a chance and really liked it. The show only lasted 14 episodes and only 11 were aired initially. The show aired on fox as was scheduled on Thursday nights opposite "Friends". So there was not much of a chance there. It is a Sci-fi Western motif that follows the lives of a Firefly-class transport ship and her crew.

Gina Torres plays Zoe and she also played Anna Espinosa in Alias so I thought that I should give it a chance.

After 14 episodes there are still questions that remain. So luckily the creators also made movie that answers many of those questions. Serenity.

Serenity is the name of the ship used in Firefly. I was glad that I watched the series and then the movie. But the movie stands well on it's own.

You can watch the entire series on Hulu. Here is a taste. Give it a try. You'll like it.

Flight of the Conchords... Thanks DG

Isn't interesting how you can get introduced to new things. For example, a new music group. A friend can suggest a group they think you might like and then you borrow the CD. Then BAM! You're a fan.

You go to the music store and look for the CDs or you go to iTunes or download some other way (never!) and get the songs. Back in the day I would borrow the tape and take it home and put it into my double cassette player and make my own copy. Until the copy became so wore out that I needed to buy a new one.



In the modern world that we live in you can get introduced to all kinds of media not just music. So a friend of mine introduced me to a little show called "Flight of the Conchords".

It is funny. It is the kind of dry and quirky comedy that I love. The show is on HBO, since I don't have that channel and there have been no free previews lately I have been viewing DVDs when I get the chance.
So if you get a chance to watch an episode or two take it. Then you can see what the 4th most popular folk parody duo in New Zealand sound like.

Funny Debate re-mix

If you are sick and tired of the election...watch this!

Get the latest news satire and funny videos at 236.com.

I want my MTV...

I read this morning on one of the Tech Blogs that I read regularly, Gizmodo that MTV has a new online offering. I grew up in the 1980's. I remember when the "M" in MTV stood for music. I remember rushing home from school and turning on Dial MTV with Adam Curry to see what video was on top for the day. MTV has returned to the music...(at least online). MTV has a new web offering http://www.mtvmusic.com/ you can watch all the videos you grew up with. MTV has made it's entire library of videos available. So you can watch that NKOTB video you have been longing for.


Here is a taste.

The All-American Rejects |MTV Music

The Smiths |MTV Music

The Cure |MTV Music

Pot...Kettle

If you have ever been frustrated by Fox News then Keith Olbermann is for you. Here is a clip from a recent show about the "robo-calls" from the presidential race.

Use your own mind to make decisions based on Fact and Truth...not fear and hatemongering

Be informed. Don't listen only to partisan rhetoric. Use your mind and intellect to investigate the truth. Use REAL sources not just the media. On this blog I have shared a lot if information that I received from Factcheck.org. This is a non-partisan group. They do not support any political candidate or party. Factcheck.org is a good resource for accurate information without any agenda. Do not be like some of the people in the following clip...

Third and Final Presidential Debate mis-speaks debunked

Here it is, time for Emi Kolawole and the crew from Factcheck.org to set the record straight;even about Joe the plumber.

FactChecking Debate No. 3

Time to sort out truth from fiction. Here is the truth from the non-partisan Factcheck.org.

Source:http://www.factcheck.org/elections-2008/factchecking_debate_no_3.html
FactChecking Debate No. 3

October 16, 2008

Sorting out fact and fiction in the presidential candidates' final debate.

Summary

Spin and hype were apparent, once again, at the third and final debate between McCain and Obama:

• McCain claimed the liberal group ACORN “is now on the verge of maybe perpetrating one of the greatest frauds in voter history ... maybe destroying the fabric of democracy.” In fact, a Republican prosecutor said of the first and biggest ACORN fraud case: “[T]his scheme was not intended to permit illegal voting.” He said $8-an-hour workers turned in made-up voter registration forms rather than doing what ACORN paid them to do.

• McCain said “Joe the plumber” faced “much higher taxes” under Obama’s tax plan and would pay a fine under Obama’s health care plan if he failed to provide coverage for his workers. But Ohio plumber Joe Wurzelbacher would pay higher taxes only if the business he says he wants to buy puts his income over $200,000 a year, and his small business would be exempt from Obama’s requirement to provide coverage for workers.

• Obama repeated a dubious claim that his health care plan will cut the average family’s premiums by $2,500 a year. Experts have found that figure to be overly optimistic.

• McCain claimed that Obama’s real “object” is a government-run, single-payer health insurance system like those in Canada or England. The McCain campaign points to a quote from five years ago, when Obama told a labor gathering that he was “a proponent of a single-payer health care program.” But Obama has since qualified his enthusiasm for Canadian-style health care, and his current proposal is nothing like that.

• Obama incorrectly claimed all of McCain’s ads had been “negative.” That was true for one recent week, but not over the entire campaign. And at times Obama has run a higher percentage of attack ads than McCain.
  
  
• McCain described Colombia as the "largest agricultural importer of our products." Actually, Canada imports the most U.S. farm products, and Colombia is far down the list.
  

• Obama strained to portray himself as willing to break ranks with fellow Democrats. His prime example was his vote for a bill that was supported by 18 Democrats and opposed by 26. Congressional Quarterly rates him as voting with his party 97 percent of the time since becoming a U.S. senator.

For details on these and other misleading claims, please read on to the Analysis section.