Final Post: Binge Watching

Let’s be honest here. What sounds better? Going outside, maybe getting a little job, hanging out with some friends, and maybe, just maybe, having a social life? OR staying home watching re-runs of Sex and the City on E! (guilty)?

Binge watching is the new plague, I like to say; except, nobody’s limbs are falling off (unless your foot starts to fall asleep after 10 years of being on the couch with the remote in your hand).

I could stay home all day, maybe even two, and watch a bunch of re-runs of my favorite shows. It’s great because we live in a world in which we are able to have easy access to so many movies and shows, both old and new. Sometimes, we are even able to see what happens next week. Like, why is NeNe Leakes crying? Just go on the internet and see why!

Although, in some ways, it spoils the fun. It’s not as great as one may think it is. I actually watch a lot of reality shows on Bravo TV and E!, so, I’m not really the right person to go to when it comes to shows on HBO and Netflix. That hasn’t hit me yet. My friend keeps telling me to get Netflix, but I’m usually the last person to get with the times. I’m actually not sure if I’m ready to stay home for more than two days…

Binge watching, I feel, has sort of drifted us away from enjoying actual media. I know a lot of people who would rather stay home than go to the movies and look up the latest news on Twitter rather than turning on CNN or NBC (not Fox, unless you’re forced to watch it). We have everything at the palm of our hands-literally. I’m talking about everything from television, computers, phones, tablets, and even Snooki’s blog (I still think it’s funny).

Stop, I actually really like Snooki…

Anyway…

I honestly feel like we are losing touch with reality. There’s no doubt about it. I’m guilty of it, too. Like I said, I would rather stay home and watch TV than go out (sometimes). I see it all the time. When I’m out to dinner, I see people on their phones. I even see people at the movies who are on their phones. We can’t enjoy anything anymore!

I used to hear so many stories from my parents and grandparents and how they had only a few television channels (with no remote, I may add), and they didn’t mind. They were happy with what they had because they also went outside and actually interacted. Fortunately now, they can watch The Honeymooners back-to-back. That’s right, all 39 episodes.

But, you know what it is, too? There’s no excitement anymore, especially in the media. Since everything is given to us, and since we have such easy access to these things, this idea of “waiting” has gone out the window. Nobody wants to wait for the next episode. Nobody wants to wait for the squeal of the next, big film. Heck, nobody even wants to wait in line to order food anymore. We can just order it on Grubhub or Seamless instead.

I enjoy listening to the radio, especially Elvis Duran and the Morning Show. I love the anticipation for the next episode of my favorite show. After a while, it gets boring watching everything, especially new shows, all at once because it’s like, well, what’s next? I look forward to coming home from work and/or school and watching a new episode of, oh, I don’t know, Married at First Sight (I’m hooked), for example. It gives me something to look forward to. I don’t feel like I’m rushing my life away. In all honesty, it actually relieves some stress.

Married at First Sight, Season 2

I LOVE WATCHING SHOWS AS IT AIRS. There, I said it!

Yeah, sure, I’ve mentioned before that I love watching re-runs of certain shows; but, most of the non-reality TV shows I watch have already ended ten years ago or so. This just goes to show you how short our attention spans are. We would rather watch a new episode right away rather than waiting seven days. Scary, isn’t it?

Of course, binge watching is great if you have a TV and/or computer. You can’t “binge-read” certain books, unless you’re one of those people who read the same book more than once (how?). And, you can’t binge watch, or, I guess, “binge-hear,” with the radio. That’s why I love the radio. I love listening to what people have to say. There’s always something new and interesting. Am I right? I feel more in-touch with reality with the radio rather than with television.

Then again, there are some things you can’t watch over and over on TV, like the news for instance because why watch old news? What’s next?

If you’re into The Daily Show, I feel like that’s something you can watch again, but you can’t exactly binge watch (unless you’re on YouTube or something). Jon Stewart and the producers are all geniuses because the show keeps up with the times, it focuses on the things people want to know and hear about, and, obviously, it’s hilarious. But, most importantly, people continue to watch it because it’s a satirical show. As long as there’s politics, there will be satire. I feel like people enjoy making fun of politicians rather than actually talk about them.

I do, too, Barack. Don’t worry.

I wouldn’t necessarily call it a news show, but more of a commentary show. It’s probably one of the few shows out there that could be considered a great source of entertainment. I mean, he’s been on the show for like 20+ years. He’s doing something right. Look, I get it, the news can sometimes be depressing, but Jon provides us with a little humor, which keeps our attention spans in check. People are more open-minded to a little humor these days. Not only that, but it keeps our concentration on the show. Just imagine listening to some boring newscaster/host for 30-minutes. I guarantee you everybody would either change the channel or fall asleep.

Jon Stewart…

I’m just going to put it out there and say that he’s extremely good looking. Man, I wish he didn’t have to retire.

Now, if you want to talk about what real anticipation feels like, let us talk about Richard Linklater’s Before trilogy. Okay, so, how often does a sequel come out? Every year or two years? Yeah, well, try nine years with this one. The first film of the trilogy, Before Sunrise, came out in 1995, the year I was born (Before Jamie). Imagine waiting another nine years just to see the sequel. I would’ve probably forgotten the movie by then. I’m actually trying to forget the movie and I watched it about two months ago (not really my favorite).

Linklater has successfully made a lot of people feel aggravated, I’m sure, especially those who love his films. Then again, he also made it all the more exciting. It gave people something to look forward to. He continues to create this sense of nostalgia we all crave. I’m actually not a fan of his films, however, I will give it to him for creativity: twelve years to make Boyhood, c’mon!

So, people, it is important to know that it is not the end of the world missing out on any shows. Go out! Have fun! Life goes on after McDreamy’s death.

Woops! Minor error(s) alert!

In my last post about SNL and the American presidency, there is a typo.

In the part in which I introduce a few videos, I wrote, “Here’s a few clips!”

What it should say is: “Here are a few clips!”

I guess it’s a slang thing, but I’m really (sort of) anal about those little errors…

But anyway, that’s mainly it!

Today’s class got me thinking about a lot of things…

I tend to think about a lot of things, one being my future, for obvious reasons.

This is just a general post. I know it won’t count (and it shouldn’t because it’s really just a random post), but I feel like I should just get it out there.

I really don’t want to sound like a suck-up or anything like that, but, today, I really liked the advice my professor gave us. He said that “your name” should be the most important thing to you when it comes to working hard and achieving your dreams. I feel like I’m making it sound more like a Disney movie, but that was pretty much the idea of it.

That’s what college is all about: working hard and responsibility. And it feels good being awarded for something you’ve worked so hard for, right?

I would call myself a hard worker– at school, work, etc. I worked my butt off trying to transfer to the college I’m in now. Trust me, how annoying is the whole transferring process? Long story short: I needed a math class in order to transfer, and I am terrible at math. I couldn’t even tell you about probability, honestly– that’s how bad I am. Anyway, I took statistics, right, OF ALL THINGS, but I got a B. A B! That’s like, what, an 85-89? Ask me how many times I’ve received a grade like that in math…

And now I’m here, taking courses that I love. I finally declared a double major in TV Radio and Journalism. It took me about a year-and-a-half to do it, but I did it.And that’s what I look forward to during my time in college: creating a name for myself.

Hey, the weather is beautiful outside, so I’m feeling extremely happy about everything right now. We have about a week/two weeks left of classes, and I thought that was a good way to end the semester.

So, thank you Professor Dunphy for your advice!

Isn’t it hilarious when presidents become the center of jokes, family arguments, and other forms of comedy? It’s been done on SNL many times, and it’ll probably never go out of style. Of course, there’s always that one president who doesn’t need much help being made fun of because he does it all on his own (Bush) *coughs*.

The art of satire is here to stay, and, as Dunphy puts it in Satire’s Brew, it, “holds the mirror to society and makes us laugh at what were are as a culture and society.” And I’m not only talking about presidents here. I’m talking about politicians and American culture itself.

It’s amazing because, as a culture, it’s easier to listen to something funny than something serious. What I mean is: It’s much more honest when you can laugh at someone and still like them (or even dislike them). In a time of tragedy and fear, we look to laugh. Let me give you an example real quick. So, some of my relatives happen to be Republicans, and they love it when SNL picks on Obama- love it! Within a five-minute clip, some of that Democratic hate goes away, and, even if SNL can sometimes come off as a less-conservative outlet, it’s still allowing people of all different political views come together and laugh. That’s why I love comedy so much. Hey, I’d rather listen to what these comedians have to say over a politician any day. I feel they’re more informative, anyway.

In Satire’s Brew, Dunphy makes a connection between Shakespeare’s Henry V and and the parallel realities surrounding the satirical representation of American presidency. So, I’ve never actually read Henry V (I’m more of a Twelfth Night kind of girl), but I did see the connection.

Dunphy defines parallel realities as “an exploration of alter egos and impersonations, and how they present an alternate reality to the audience.” This kind of ties into what I’ve mentioned before about what comedy does for us. At SNL, comedians dress up and impersonate many celebrities and politicians. In Henry V, King Henry disguises himself as one of the soldiers in his army, and he comes across many who doubt his rule. Yet, he learned to grow with his people, leading him to becoming an honorable king.

The fact of the matter is: Those in power, more or less, should be educated BY the people and learn to experience what WE experience. Satire is great because it opens many eyes. In order for one to govern over a group of people, shouldn’t he or she take what the people want into consideration?

In both scenarios, Shakespeare shows his audience his views on how a king should be, and with SNL, the comedians show us just how stupid politicians can be. The general public definitely could out-smart the many politicians we have- let me tell you!

Here’s a few clips!

How a Bill Does Not Become a Law

http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/capitol-hill-cold-open/2830152

My favorite part: “I’m an executive order, and I pretty much just happen.”

How’s He Doing with Chris Rock

http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/hows-he-doing-with-chris-rock/2823749

My favorite part: “Shut up, bitch! We’re watching Scandal!”

“Mistaken for Strangers”

So, Mistaken for Strangers is a documentary based on The National. I know, even I stopped and thought to myself, “Wait, there’s a movie about them?” The lead singer, Matt, the one who sounds like he has marbles in his mouth, and his band were followed around by his brother, Tom, who was filming a documentary based on the band, their relationships, and all of that stuff that every fan wants to see. But, I’m clearly not a fan.

I feel as though the documentary is based on Matt and Tom’s rocky relationship rather than the band itself. Matt is this famous “rock-star” who gets to tour all over the world while Tom jumps from one hobby to another, not really knowing what he wants in life. These two could not be anymore different. Here you have a “coffee-house” singer and a Metal-head; you know, your typical Mid-Western sibling dynamic. There are many emotional parts to the film, and it’s pretty relevant to any kind of sibling relationship. However, I feel like this could sort of work with The Bee Gees, but The National?

From a PR standpoint, I’m actually not sure if it helped them in any way. Sure, they met Obama (I was shocked), but, I’m sure if I ask most of the people if I know The National, they would probably be like, “Does it have something to do with America?” It’s certainly a film for the fans, I’m not sure if it’s a film for the masses.

The film actually made me dislike the band more so than I ever did before. Honestly what personalities… I would actually rather watch a fly crawl up a curtain.

The only interesting band member was the John Lennon look-alike.

This whole idea of public relations is to establish and promote a person, group, organization, etc. to the public. Don’t forget, this isn’t really a mainstream band, so how far will their base reach? You know what I mean? The lead singer even mentioned that he’s not a “celebrity.” You don’t see this band on the covers of OK! and Us Weekly. You’re more likely to see Dave Grohl (from Nirvana and The Foo Fighters) on the cover, and he’s pretty much a Metal kind-of-guy himself.

Although, they have landed the cover of Rolling Stones, which is an incredible feat, I may add.

But, what I’m saying is: there’s nothing mainstream about them. The word “mainstream” had to get thrown in here at some point. I said it like three times, and I’m sure their fans would agree (well, their fans probably wouldn’t want them to go mainstream anyway).

Not only that, but his brother was the one who filmed it. Tom even messed up at one of their screenings. What a way to promote the band.

It’s not even about the band. This is basically a documentary about Tom living in the shadow of his brother. If I wanted to watch something about siblings living in the shadows of one another, I would watch Keeping up with the Kardashians.

I wanted to see more of the other band members. Why did I watch Tom (who really isn’t even famous) basically complain the whole time because his brother didn’t want to spend time with him? I mean, he is touring; he is focusing on the band (but he could lighten up a little). And why did Matt run off the stage and start singing in the lobby? Now this is just me ranting…

Anyway…

I hate to sound shallow, but, when it comes to PR, the big stars is where it’s at; the huge promotions is where it’s at. Not this. This was all wrong. Like I said: great for the fans, but do the rest of us even care? No. I’m serious. Even Matt told his brother that he needs to have an idea for how he wants to portray the film and the band.

It’s a good start for Tom, not going to lie. I mean, at the time, The National reached their peak, and Tom’s lucky enough to have a connection with them. It definitely gave him an advantage and a topic for his film, of course.

I felt bad for Tom, but, at the end of the day, he should’ve focused solely on them: the touring, the music, the band members, the fans, and so forth.

Aside from me not liking the band, I didn’t like the film either. Now, if an event were to be held for them, and if Robert Downey Jr. decides to show up, maybe I’ll reconsider.

Head on down to South Park…with your copy of Satire’s Brew?

“South Park is calling out those Americans who profess that free speech is the most important thing in the world but the moment they’re challenged, they bury their heads in the sand.”

Oh, man, I love South Park. I used to watch it all the time when I was younger–not even now– which is weird, right? Who in their right mind would let a ten-year-old watch South Park? Besides the racial stereotypes, vulgarity, indecency towards handicaps, Cartman and, oh, Mr. Slave, it’s really not all that bad…

I really love this show.

I love how it’s a cartoon, one; I love its humor; and, most of all, I love how the creators, Trey Parker and Matt Stone, of this show do not care about what they’re putting out. Or so I used to think…

That not-giving-a-crap attitude has been a cover-up all these years. Sure, in some countries half of the stuff they show would be considered taboo; and, sure, some of their material leaves you with that “Oh-I-don’t-mean-to-laugh” front we all put on just so the person next to us won’t feel bad. But, they actually cover some real stuff. I’m talking about everyday issues and not the typical satirical stuff (which is covered as well)– I mean families, friendships, relationships, and growing up (even though these characters have been the same age for more than a decade). They tackle different controversies while actually providing us with controversy.

Are you kidding me? We love controversy! We are a nation that’s built on freedom, the pursuit of happiness and the Kardashians *cringes*. If you don’t believe me, turn to page six of your newspaper just to check out the latest info on why Bruce Jenner borrowed Kim’s clothes without asking.

I could not agree more with what the character (hmm, maybe Brian Dunphy?) in Satire’s Brew is saying. On page 173, he states, “South Park‘s lesson is vices are expected and acceptable as long as there’s a limit to them.” This sort of brings out a more realistic aspect to the show because it touches upon life in general. Also, getting back to the whole controversy theme: This show is known for that. When something happens, take Jersey Shore for example, next week there will be an episode about that. And there is. Remember the Snooki one?

What makes this show so great is that they insult everyone. I mean everyone. As the character says, “No topic or celebrity is safe in the South Park world.” It goes from being liberal to conservative real quick (0-100).

Let me show you two episodes while I’m at it…

“Make Love, Not Warcraft” (Episode 8, Season 10)

http://southpark.cc.com/full-episodes/s10e08-make-love-not-warcraft

“Gentlemen, we are dealing with someone who has absolutely no life.”

I’m so done. This episode is about someone who kills a bunch of “innocent” players on World of Warcraft, hence the title. The boys are upset, and it actually gets to the creators of the game as well. If you really think about it, it’s a dig at the NRA. Guns are legal, and, unfortunately, look at how many people have been killed by people with access to guns. Now with new technology, everybody has become obsessed. People are more focused on the Internet, games, social media, etc.; so much, that they forget the more important stuff in life. This episode pokes fun at both of those topics, I believe. This episode is hilarious, too.

“Eek, a Penis!” (Episode 5, Season 12)

“How do I reach these ‘keeds’?”

http://southpark.cc.com/full-episodes/s12e05-eek-a-penis#source=fba639b0-ae4d-49b0-9d5d-addb27823f4b:25eebeec-ed8e-11e0-aca6-0026b9414f30&position=5&sort=!airdate

This episode deals with Mrs. Garrison’s second sex-change operation and Cartman’s temporary teaching position. Mrs. Garrison is distraught over the fact that she can’t become a man again. In short: She contacts a group of scientists asking them if they can genetically create a penis using a mouse. Can you imagine, though? The mouse runs away. So, there’s a mouse with a penis on top if its head running around town.

Within the 22-minutes of this episode, it covers transgenders, abortion, cheating in America, and the educational system.

I can’t get over Cartman’s Mexican accent. For him to teach at an inner-city school, he believes that he “should look the part.” Well, the reason they appoint him as a temporary teacher is because he covered for Mrs. Garrison’s class while she was having a meltdown. Turns out the class received high scores, but it was because they cheated. “Mr. Cartmenez” introduces the class to “The White People Method,” and brings up the whole cheating scandal involving New England Patriots’ head coach, Bill Belichick.

I feel like they could get away with it because the show is that funny. And the reason it lasted all these years is that they cover every topic, no matter how “touchy” or “sensitive.”

Film Review: Before Midnight

"See, I'm that guy..."

Before Midnight, the third in the trilogy, follows Jessie (Hawke) and Celine (Delpy) as they proceed to embark on a whole new journey– this time in Greece (yay) and as a couple. Finally, right? I mean, it’s only been another nine years…

I’m not good at math and all, but that’s eighteen years from the day they first met. That’s eighteen years of this back-and-forth love affair. Lets see, Celine was twenty-three when they first met; nine years after, that makes her, what, 32? Then add another nine years, that makes her 41, and, yet, they’re still having these little arguments. She’s still nagging. I feel like Linklater should’ve called this movie Before Menopause.

The title is pretty interesting, though. It’s almost like it’s the end of their “honeymoon stage” if you will. They’ve grown together and have loved one another since their first encounter, and they now have kids to prove it; but it also shows the other side of relationships. In the beginning, it’s all a fairytale, really.

By the way, in every fairytale, something always has to happen before midnight– or am I only thinking of Cinderella?

But, of course, fairytales aren’t real. Jesse deals with his relationship with his son from a previous marriage, and his relationship with Celine. Every couple deals with something like this, right?

"How's my French ass?"

One thing I liked about this movie is how Linklater introduces us to new characters: the blonde with the American accent and the shaggy-haired guy with the deep voice. No? Wait that’s Celine and Jesse. Am I the only one who noticed how her French accent suddenly disappeared and his voice became sooooooooooo much deeper?

No, but we do get to see new characters. I’m happy about that. I wanted to see new faces, you know?

Before Midnight– “Couple’s Discussion at Table”

I’m happy I found this scene online. Celine and Jesse are having a dinner party with friends, and things get a little vulgar. It’s weird actually because there’s a young couple at the table, and you have the “amateur anthropologist,” old, taxi-driver looking guy over here asking them if they have sex over Skype. What? That’s not even a little creepy. That’s like your uncle asking you that.

Other than that, though, this scene is fun, emotional (Natalia, though, oh my God), and, again, realistic.

It hit me when Natalia was talking about her late husband and how she’s slowing forgetting about him. It’s that sad truth that almost every couple has to deal with when one of them dies. It sort of ties the whole movie together. “Time passes by…” (18 years to be exact)

So, we now approach the final scene…
Before Midnight– Final Scene

Stop, I actually love Celine here. She’s sarcastic, funny, and does not give a crap. I mean, I still think she’s wrapped up in this crazed, insecure, childish world, but Jesse sort of opens her eyes by telling her that this is what love is really all about.

That was a pretty mean thing, though, when she told Jesse she doesn’t love him anymore. I definitely don’t think she means it. Listen to Natalia, Celine.

By the way, he mentions fairytales here. Notice the reoccurring theme? Anyway… Just watch and you’ll see.

Okay, so from watching the trilogy, I can tell you one thing: That’s it? Like, there isn’t anything else? The final scene is of Celine having a fit and Jesse has to remind her about their love for each other? Sure, I like her new attitude, but really? You’re 41, Celine. Enjoy your daughters, your man, your house in Greece, your friends… Wait, why is she complaining again? Okay, so her career path isn’t as clear as she had hoped. Just keep pushing forward, girl. She’s all about feminism (so am I, of course), so just push forward and work hard! Like, damn, don’t take it out on everyone.

Yet, here I am talking to a fictional character and giving an award-winning director tips on what to do… Yeah, hello!

My overall rating of the film: 7/10

Film Review: Before Sunset

Before Sunset is the second film to the Before trilogy. I know what you’re probably thinking because I’m thinking the same thing, too: Fidler on the Roof, right? Now I have the song stuck in my head…

I was not anticipating the second film due to my feelings about the first movie, but, judging by the trailer, it felt somewhat more engaging. And the new scenery is kind of nice.

So, fast-forward to nine years after Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy) meet on a train in Europe, venture off in Vienna, and fall in love (because we didn’t see that one coming). Jesse is on his European book tour. I’m so shocked. For someone who sounds like he steals everything from a book, who would’ve thought he’d become an author?

Well, that’s not actually how I view Jesse now. After becoming a father, there’s a whole new side to him. I definitely noticed it.

Yet again, Richard Linklater has successfully put me at odds with this one. I do, however, enjoy this movie more than I did the first– not going to lie. This one seems more sincere in my opinion. It’s exciting, bold, and more realistic– if you consider running into an old flame nine years later in Europe during a time when your marriage is plummeting as being realistic, then yeah, it’s pretty realistic. Bat-dropping crazy, but still.

I was extremely fascinated by one scene in particular. You know, they one where they’re in a car– they’re always in a car, I know. Anyway, they’re in a car and Jesse starts talking about his failed marriage, his son who he adores, and he really starts to open up. If you compare his character now to the one in Before Sunrise, he totally changed. I mean, in the first one, he talked about how much his parents screwed him and his sister up (basically). But then, of course, in the first film he also talks about how he wants a family of his own. He kind of grew out of his “John Hughes” stage.

Here is the scene I’m talking about:

Before Sunset – “I Have These Dreams…”

I love it when parents talk about how much they love their kids. It’s so not pretentious, you know? Rather than the usual making their kid seem like a job they hate. He’s so vulnerable here. Not only that, it’s one of the most romantic scenes throughout the whole movie. He’s telling Celine that he dreams about her and that he often thinks about her. It’s fate. That’s it. And that’s why they made a third one. *Spoiler alert: They end up together.*

I probably mentioned this before in my first review, but, I want to see if you notice this as well…

See how she reaches her hand over him, almost touching his hair and quickly pulls away? Remember when Jesse did the same thing in Before Sunrise? That time when they were in the car (always the car, I know)? I love this reoccurring element. This whole thing about pushing one’s hair to the side, and this whole embracing one another is probably the best thing about the movie(s).

I actually don’t (sorta) find Celine that annoying anymore. Yeah, she has her moments. But this time I feel like every young girl and woman could relate to her now. Every girl has been through what she’s been through. I feel like she, too, is more original. I’m talking about the last scene when she sings him a song, which is, of course, about their first encounter. I never knew she could sing. I’ll tell you that. She has a sweet voice, and it totally goes with the movie unlike that soundtrack they played in the first movie when they’re at the record store. Something about an original songs makes it all-the-more sincere. I love it because you usually see the guy singing, but not this time.

 

Before Sunset– “A Waltz for a Night”

“Let me sing you a waltz about this one night stand…”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhRkUhY8MlQ

My rating of the film: 8.5/10

Serial: The Alibi

Serial is a podcast that focuses on non-fictional stories which take place over a series of episodes. Season 1: Episode 1, entited The Alibi, discusses the mysterious disappearance of a popular, well-loved high school senior, Hae Min Lee.

I know I tend to get a little sarcastic at times, and I know I tend to joke around a lot; but there are some cases in which humor shouldn’t be allowed. This happens to be one of the cases.

Hae Min Lee disappeared on January 13, 1999.

Her body was found a month later at Leakin Park.

The cause of her death: Manual strangulation.

There has been some speculation circulating Adnan Syed, her classmate and ex-boyfriend, on whether or not he murdered her.

He did…

Adnan Sayed (left) and Hae Min Lee (right)

It’s terrible. It’s absolutely terrible. To actually hear these police reports and recordings…It’s disturbing, really. However, it’s hard news. This podcast, which was released in 2014, brought light to the 1999 case. As I was listening to it, I actually became more and more interested–interested in what might have happened, I mean. It’s unfortunate, of course, but it’s also important to know what is happening in our world.

“I’ve talked to Adnan regularly, and he just doesn’t seem like a murderer.”

In one of the police reports, we listen in on one of Sayed’s friends who goes into detail about what was said to him. Mind you, it’s crazy. “I’m gonna kill that bitch,” is embedded in my head. His friend didn’t pay mind to it because, who would, right?  Who believes that someone would take it to a whole other level? It’s different when you hear something like that coming from a close, personal friend, you know?

I did listen in on something interesting, though…

This podcast is a little persuasive in some ways. As Sarah Koenig, the host, introduces us to the cultural neighborhoods, she sort of makes us think about people in general. She takes us to predominantly Muslim neighborhood. For lack of better words, she refers to a Hijabi as a “badass” (1). (2) She further explains Sayed’s family as a strict Pakistani family. (3) She also implies that he is a teenager, and that teenagers are bound to break the rules and rebel against their families. As if racial tensions/stereotypes amongst Muslims in America aren’t bad enough, you may think.

But, in a way, I’m sort of glad she mentions it. I mean, just because a woman wears a Hijabi, it doesn’t mean she is weak or submissive. Who knows, “badass” could be a compliment. I mean, I’m not sure if I would say that because it may offend a lot of people who are of that religion. But, most importantly, this goes beyond race and religion. The bottom line is: The murderer could’ve been anyone. Anyone. It just so happens to be a Muslim guy, in this case.

I’ve noticed something else as well…

She tends to curse more than once in this podcast. To me, it sort of creates another element to the podcast that isn’t needed. It’s inappropriate– bottom line. She’s sarcastic, somewhat emotionless, and extremely mono-tone. It almost made me forget about the main focus: How a young girl was murdered by her ex-boyfriend, and how her family and his family are now suffering from the consequences. I don’t like that. I feel as though there should be some form of respect here especially when it involves an innocent person’s life being taken away from him/her.

Of course, this shows the other side of the media: The less-emotional side. Compared to The War of the Worlds segment, this is straight-forward news. There is no relationship between the viewers/listeners and the broadcaster. We are, however, able to form our own opinions and emotions. This is all open to interpretation.

This whole idea of being emotionless and “not choosing a side” may or may not work. I wish I could say that she is not choosing a side, but I can’t. I just can’t. I know I’ve mentioned this before with the racial tension and everything, and how I said I was glad she mentioned it, but you have to watch what you say, because it could sound like you are taking a side. For instance, I think she mentioned something like how Sayed was the only Pakistani student in his class, which consisted of mostly black students, and she said something along the lines of, “Who else could it have been?” I mean… Really? I don’t like her. She doesn’t make sense to me. If you’re going to sound like a sarcastic, “think-you’re-funny” type, covering this case and all, and try to make it serious, you’ve got it all wrong. Sure, it makes it an easy-listen (if that’s even what it’s called), but it just doesn’t make sense. It doesn’t. I would honestly respect her more if she had chosen a side rather than to pretend she doesn’t.

She’s the type of broadcaster I would not trust.

It’s reporters like these who make me angry. I hope there are others out there who do show respect for Hae Min and other victims of murder.

To listen to the full podcast, click the link below.

http://serialpodcast.org/

Orson Welles’s The War of the Worlds (October 23, 1938)

“Within a span of 45 minutes, the Martians had blasted off from their planet, landed in New Jersey, defeated the Earth’s armies, and occupied whole sections of the country.”

The War of the Worlds radio-drama series– in case you didn’t know– became famous for the cause of a national panic in the 1930s and the 1940s, suggesting that an alien invasion by Martians was in commence.Orson Welles’s, the man who exudes charm, drama, and luxuriance, narrated these “out-of-this-world” episodes along with other cast-members of The Mercury Theatre on the Air. This, of course, was an adaptation of H.G Wells’s novel, War of the Worlds, which also caused quite the stir.

WAIT!

Hold on. I mean, I doubt people actually believed that Martians were going to invade Earth. Yes, we are truly a strange breed, but we had to have known this was just a play, right?

Then again, forget what I said. Considering all the stuff we say and do, I feel like we would just make it easier for an aliens to take over, if you want to know the truth.

Okay, so, back to The War of the Worlds…

Did you know that six million people tuned in to listen to this network?

This was such a defining moment in radio history–huge! The power of broadcasting is truly unbelievable (again, people actually believed in this phenomena). I’m sure it was predominantly for Orson Welles’s voice. But that’s the beauty of radio. Since there are no visuals, most broadcasters are able to open up to viewers because any form of judgment based on appearance goes straight out the door. And, I mean, Orson Welles has some voice.

We tend to really listen to broadcasters who are engaging and unique. We can only judge based on personality, and if a broadcaster has a great personality and he, and, of course, she is able to connect to the viewers on many different levels, a great deal of these viewers will be persuaded by them and the network. Which, in this case, is proven.

However, this could also alter the trust viewers have with the broadcaster especially if it’s all just a ploy. Radio and other forms of media take advantage of human emotions and beliefs. This so-called “panic” The War of the Worlds created led to many Americans losing interest and relationships with the media. It’s interesting, though, because so many of us still listen to the radio and watch the news even though we know we are often being misconstrued.

It’s all entertainment, and sometimes we are looking for that instead of the typical straight-forward news. The War of the Worlds is purely entertainment. It involves a soundtrack, a script, and marvelous acting. This makes me wonder if this actually qualifies as news.

If you look at Howard Stern, though, he often plays these weird, random soundtracks that do not necessarily make sense, but it works. So, is there a medium?

________________________________________________________________________________

“We know now that in the early years of the twentieth century this world was being watched closely by intelligences greater than man’s and yet as mortal as his own…”

Orson Welles

I personally enjoyed listening to this one-hour segment. I love the feel of it. It’s engaging, [somewhat] understandably believable now that I think about it (you could’ve fooled me, Welles), and artistically and beautifully constructed. I’m no “sci-fi nerd,” but I think I might be now for the next day or so.

The “explosion on Mars” is definitely one of the highlights of this segment. Here’s how it was done: The funky, dance music playing is suddenly “interrupted” by a special bullet announcement brought to you by a professor (who else?).

Another fantastic– well, what I think is fantastic– part of the radio segment is when Welles “informs” us on these extraterrestrial occurrences happening in all different neighborhoods and avenues in Manhattan. Only in New York, right?

Now, do I feel as though this specific radio segment shouldn’t deteriorate the trust between the viewers and the broadcaster? No. However, you have to remember something. Back in the ’30s, radio became the source of news, entertainment, and family bonding. Families would often gather around the radio, and this was before television, of course. It’s easy to laugh at this now, but when this one media source is the center of your life, pretty much, it would be kind of hard to let out a little chuckle. I’m sure I’m over-thinking this, though.

Why don’t you give it a listen?

The War of the Worlds

*** Note: In my post “Song Review: Radiohead’s ‘The Daily Mail,'” I’ve written ’60s and ’70s as 60’s and 70’s. I do apologize for the editing. The correct format should be ’60s and ’70s.***