It's time to address the elephant in the room. Again.
I've blogged here about fan bullying ever since this blog started in 2008. Typical stuff, but if you'd like to review, I'll make it easy:
This Bears Repeating
Who's In Charge of the Manilow Network
The Right Love at the Wrong Time
The Golden Rule - The Hard Way
Every rainbow has to have an end (the source of all of the above)
Cue the "Twilight Zone" theme. "Imagine if you will...."
That those who engage in the bullying described above (and worse) were to engage in what is generally called "Real Person Fiction" of the pornographic persuasion?
It's not a hypothetical question.
Blogilow: Exploiting celebrities: Sexually-explicit fantasy by extreme celebrity worshipers
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Aging Groupies
Brett Michaels and his latest PR efforts are growing on me.
I liked the occasional Poison hit in the 80s - who didn't. But the hair rock bands all ran together. Their careers took off at the same time once they got that third chord straight.
In "Rock of Love", he had his head up his ass. I watched it only for my own self esteem. Whatever was going on in my life, or whatever faults I thought I had, at least I wasn't in this crowd of cows.
Then on "Celebrity Apprentice", he really showed how he had his act together as a creative businessman. I understand that and got some respect back for him. I thought he was a goner when the subarachnoid hemorrhage hit. Then he WALKED onstage for the Apprentice finale. Albeit slowly and dragging one leg. He had the chrome-plated, brass balls to do it. I hope that the latest VH1 "special" (that was supposed to be an entire series before his brain hemorrhage leveled him) gets picked up again. There's just something about that human side and he seems to be one of those parents who tries desperately to balance work and home and keep his kids normal. I know of 3 guys in the music industry who have their priorities set as "family first, music job second", and I've met two of them. Just someone's dad who plays an instrument. It's great.
Then the most classic of all was Michaels' guest spot on Don't Forget the Lyrics where he sails right through "Looks Like We Made It" without stopping to blink or take a breath. Then he crashes and burns on a Quiet Riot song. Priceless!
Brett's video humor has reached a new height. His spoof PDA for the "Do Something Awards" applies to damn near any over-the-top fan base of almost any successful act. So if you see someone you know in these images, or even yourself - don't blame the messenger! (link in case it doesn't appear below)
2010 Do Something Awards Videos and Photos Headlines
I liked the occasional Poison hit in the 80s - who didn't. But the hair rock bands all ran together. Their careers took off at the same time once they got that third chord straight.
In "Rock of Love", he had his head up his ass. I watched it only for my own self esteem. Whatever was going on in my life, or whatever faults I thought I had, at least I wasn't in this crowd of cows.
Then on "Celebrity Apprentice", he really showed how he had his act together as a creative businessman. I understand that and got some respect back for him. I thought he was a goner when the subarachnoid hemorrhage hit. Then he WALKED onstage for the Apprentice finale. Albeit slowly and dragging one leg. He had the chrome-plated, brass balls to do it. I hope that the latest VH1 "special" (that was supposed to be an entire series before his brain hemorrhage leveled him) gets picked up again. There's just something about that human side and he seems to be one of those parents who tries desperately to balance work and home and keep his kids normal. I know of 3 guys in the music industry who have their priorities set as "family first, music job second", and I've met two of them. Just someone's dad who plays an instrument. It's great.
Then the most classic of all was Michaels' guest spot on Don't Forget the Lyrics where he sails right through "Looks Like We Made It" without stopping to blink or take a breath. Then he crashes and burns on a Quiet Riot song. Priceless!
Brett's video humor has reached a new height. His spoof PDA for the "Do Something Awards" applies to damn near any over-the-top fan base of almost any successful act. So if you see someone you know in these images, or even yourself - don't blame the messenger! (link in case it doesn't appear below)
2010 Do Something Awards Videos and Photos Headlines
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Where Do I Begin
Moonstone found the following interview online and posted it on her blog. This is the best interview we've heard from Barry in a looooong time. Best = most open and most vulnerable.
http://luxurylv.com/2010/07/up-close-and-personal/6230
I didn't blow off the birthday wishes on June 17. Or forget. I always want to come up with something new and nice to say and every year I come up short.
I always go back to the first post I made for June 17.
http://youbeginagain.blogspot.com/2008/06/happy-birthday-barry.html
I've always enjoyed Barry's music, almost as long as I can remember. Whether it was a safe retreat, a daily break, or a major emotional renewal it was there to rely on. But the greatest moment of all was when my eldest child finally understood music for the first time - it was when she caught sight of the 1st TV special.
Variety specials in the '70s were one-shot deals, a passing fad. Everyone and their dog had at least one. And they really were "special" - you could count on seeing them only once. The idea of multiple reruns on dozens of networks via cable or satellite hadn't taken hold yet. The Betamax was on the market but they were huge and awkward and expensive and most people didn't have them - or use them to save their favorite shows.
A lot of good came out of these promo pieces years later.
My favorite line from the above interview as printed: "I’d like my tombstone to read: The only proof he needed for the existence of God was music."
Barry, you're in great company:
"He who sings, prays twice." --St. Augustine
http://luxurylv.com/2010/07/up-close-and-personal/6230
I didn't blow off the birthday wishes on June 17. Or forget. I always want to come up with something new and nice to say and every year I come up short.
I always go back to the first post I made for June 17.
http://youbeginagain.blogspot.com/2008/06/happy-birthday-barry.html
I've always enjoyed Barry's music, almost as long as I can remember. Whether it was a safe retreat, a daily break, or a major emotional renewal it was there to rely on. But the greatest moment of all was when my eldest child finally understood music for the first time - it was when she caught sight of the 1st TV special.
Variety specials in the '70s were one-shot deals, a passing fad. Everyone and their dog had at least one. And they really were "special" - you could count on seeing them only once. The idea of multiple reruns on dozens of networks via cable or satellite hadn't taken hold yet. The Betamax was on the market but they were huge and awkward and expensive and most people didn't have them - or use them to save their favorite shows.
A lot of good came out of these promo pieces years later.
My favorite line from the above interview as printed: "I’d like my tombstone to read: The only proof he needed for the existence of God was music."
Barry, you're in great company:
"He who sings, prays twice." --St. Augustine
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