Mad Mad Media

So long, farewell, it was really nice to know ya

2008-04-24T16:29:00.003-05:00

So this is it for me, my last post on Mad Mad Media. Why am I leaving this behind? Honestly, when I started this two years ago, I had a lot to talk about. After two years, I pretty much ran out of things to say.
I have had fun blogging about entertainment things from my perspective here in Wisconsin, and I will still produce the Mad Mad Media Minute (which can be seen every Tuesday and Thursday on www.sheboyganpress.com), but I just can’t write about this stuff anymore.
Sure, American Idol is fun and all, but really, is it worth writing about for two years? Nope. How about international copyright law and how it is affected by global commerce? Yeah, that’s cool, but I don’t want to do that every day.
My interests have changed, my time availability has changed and this blog doesn’t suit me anymore. I’m sure I will do this again, probably on www.sheboyganpress.com, but for now I need a blog-hiatus.
So, thank you to everyone who has every checked out the Mad Mad Media blog. I invite you to click the link at the top of the screen and check out the rest of this crazy blogiverse.
So long, farewell, it was fun while it lasted.

Eric
Mad Mad Media

Watch this, the payoff is at the end.

2008-03-11T13:44:00.002-05:00

Thanks Hulu!

PS. Hulu opens it's doors for the public tomorrow. Find out more at www.hulu.com.

Indy 4, SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET

2008-03-03T16:46:00.000-06:00

Mad Mad Media is testing Hulu.com

2008-02-15T13:30:00.000-06:00

The date is really Feb. 5 and Mad Mad Media has been chosen to be one of the early beta testers of Hulu.com, the new video service offered by Fox and NBC-Universal. So, for the next week I will be blogging about my thoughts on Hulu.
For more info about Hulu.com, check them out at http://www.hulu.com/.

Hulu – Day One, Feb. 5, 2008

2008-02-05T13:32:00.000-06:00

It didn’t take long to realize how hulu.com will break away from the YouTube-esque pack – the video quality.
Now, with most Web video (including ours at the press) the video quality leaves something to be desired. Many times on YouTube, the picture is blurry or pixilated, the sound is muffled, and you can watch for only a couple of minutes before the crummy quality really starts to get to you.Hulu is starting off setting the bar really high. The picture and sound quality is out of this world. Episodes of The Office and Terminator are a crystal clear as you could get on any broadcast television, with no delay in delivery or video pausing.

Want to take a look? I know you do. Here's a sample from Hulu.com.

PC and Mac, you have met your match

2008-01-23T13:47:00.001-06:00

Cloverfield: Freaking awesome!

2008-01-22T16:36:00.000-06:00

I got a comment the other day that someone was looking for my review of Cloverfield, the hit J.J. Abrams film that opened nationwide (except in several Wisconsin theatres) on Friday.
Well, instead of writing my review, I reviewed Cloverfield on the latest episode of the Mad Mad Media Minute.
Click Here to check it out.
Now, if you don't feel like watching the show I can tell you this about Cloverfield. My wife and I had to drive to Milwaukee (130 miles round trip) to see this film, and it was worth the trip. Cloverfield is one of the most effective and mind-blowing sci-fi suspense films I have ever seen. My wife said it was kind of like Blair Witch meets Godzilla (she enjoyed it). I think it's probably one of the best monster movies I have ever seen, including Every godzilla, every horror film, even better than the Korean-made The Host.
It's just awesome!

Yeah, this guy's parents are going to be mad!

2008-01-21T12:53:00.001-06:00

Hillary Clinton Vs. Tracy Flick

2008-01-15T14:38:00.000-06:00

This is so awesome!

Writers strike kills Golden Globes

2008-01-08T16:03:00.000-06:00

The Golden Globes have been cancelled.

According to reports from IMDb and Reuters, the 3-hour 65th Annual Golden Globes ceremony, which was scheduled for Sunday, was cancelled after many agreed to skip it in support of the nearly three-month old writers strike. The Golden Globes are awarded by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association.

A one-hour news conference is scheduled to air in its place on Sunday at 8 p.m. central.

Want to read more? Click HERE.

Or, Click HERE.

AP photo

Best News Ever- Dead Like Me is coming back!!!!!!

2007-12-28T18:03:00.001-06:00

My favorite show of all time, Dead Like Me, is coming back. According to IMDb and Dead Like Me Online, the show — which stars Ellen Muth as a teenage Grim Reaper — is currently being brought back as a Dead Like Me movie. According to IMDb filming has already begun. And, according to Muth’s MySpace page, if the movie does well, the show could make a comeback (much like Family Guy).
Of course, since I had given up on the show, I haven’t really been keeping track of Dead Like Me news. So while I’m suddenly aware of this amazing development, it is probably old news for many of you.
But I’m excited nonetheless. What a great way to end the year!!!!

Oh, and I got an iPhone. More about that later.

Something to watch this Christmas

2007-12-24T12:39:00.000-06:00

Hey everyone,
Mad Mad Media and The Sheboygan Press present "Santa Claus Conquers the Martians" online Christmas Eve and Christmas Day ONLY.
Check it out by clicking HERE

Merry Christmas and Enjoy!

Eric
Mad Mad Media

Another cool song

2007-12-21T20:46:00.000-06:00

Found this on YouTube as well.

Minipop
"Like I Do"

Awesome Simpsons moment

2007-12-19T17:15:00.001-06:00

Big freaking huge announcement on M4 tomorrow

2007-12-19T17:12:00.000-06:00

Watch the Mad Mad Media Minute tomorrow (Thursday) for a freaking huge announcement. I know, I know. You don't want to have to wait. Well, I can't do anything about that. But trust me, this announcement is HUGE.

Check it out www.sheboyganpress.com after 11 a.m.

Eric

Another singer worth checking out

2007-12-18T16:27:00.000-06:00

This singer, who only goes by the name Ling86 on her YouTube page, has one amazing voice. This is her song Larkin Step. To see more of her work, visit www.youtube.com/ling86

Brandon - take it up a notch!

2007-12-18T12:07:00.000-06:00

I shot this video on my phone.

Dumbest kid in the world?

2007-12-17T10:33:00.000-06:00

Teenagers, there's a new reason why you shouldn't do drugs...your parents could sell your Christmas presents online - for fun and profit.
According to the AFP, a Montreal father who caught his 15-year-old son smoking pot, sold his son's Christmas present on eBay. Here's the catch, and be sure to read this part teens, the kid was going to get Guitar Hero III.
His dad ended up selling the $90 game for $9,000 in auction. At least his dad is going to have a Merry Christmas.

Read more by CLICKING HERE

PS. Damn the writers strike. I'm back baby!

Creepy!

2007-11-19T14:33:00.000-06:00

Check this video out!
Bat for Lashes
"What's a girl to do"

Here's another cool video

2007-11-19T14:32:00.000-06:00

Mark Ronson featuring Lily Allen
"Oh My God"

You’ve got it half right Gene

2007-11-14T15:06:00.000-06:00

In a recent interview with Billboard magazine, Gene Simmons of KISS said college kids killed the music business.
“The record industry is in such a mess,” he told the magazine. “I called for what it was when college kids first started download music for free -- that they were crooks. I told every record label I spoke with that they just lit the fuse to their own bomb that was going to explode from under them and put them on the street.
“The record industry doesn't have a f---ing clue how to make money. It's only their fault for letting foxes get into the henhouse and then wondering why there's no eggs or chickens. Every little college kid, every freshly-scrubbed little kid's face should have been sued off the face of the earth. They should have taken their houses and cars and nipped it right there in the beginning. Those kids are putting 100,000 to a million people out of work. How can you pick on them? They've got freckles. That's a crook.”
Well Gene, you’ve got that partially correct.
Several studies have concluded that those who share music (not ‘download music for free’ as you put it – there is a difference) have not had a significant influence on slumping record sales. Many studies point to the fact that these “freshly-scrubbed” law breakers did not plan on buying the music in the first place.
But you are correct, file sharing is stealing no matter how you slice it. (Downloading music is not illegal provided that the person who uploaded the music has gone through the proper channels to get permission to do so. There is legal and free music on the Web.) But, the biggest threat to the record industry is the record industry. It has failed to adopt a new business model, and you know the old business saying – evolve or die.
The record industry has robbed musicians and music fans alike for years. The industry has done it by charging musicians for demo cds, and giving away more than they could possibly sell. The industry has allowed advance copies of CDs to get out and find their way to the Internet. The industry is not protecting its investment.
The film industry, which is busily adopting models for digital distribution much like the music industry is, while also fighting worldwide piracy, is attacking piracy by going after the pirates.
Why make the fans bitter, when you can still get the sale.
The film industry is evolving. The music industry is not.
In the interview, Simmons eventually said illegal file sharing “Doesn't affect me. But imagine being a new band with dreams of getting on stage and putting out your own record. Forget it.”
It has never been cheaper and easier to record, release and distribute original music. But one of the biggest reasons these “new band(s) with dreams of getting on stage” can’t get signed to a record label is because dinosaurs like you won’t leave.
Oh, you’re promoting a collection of 150 unreleased songs that’s coming out soon? What’s your contract like? Did you get an eight-figure advance? Sure you did. And there’s more unreleased music on the way? Great! I’m sure some record exec said, ‘Well, we can sign 10 bands nobody has ever heard of, or we can pay the advance to KISS for the crap that wasn’t worth releasing 30 years ago. KISS wins.”

A world without writers

2007-11-14T08:28:00.000-06:00

What would a world without writers be like? This video tries to answer that.

Some companies just get it

2007-11-13T16:53:00.000-06:00

How do you fight piracy? Do you go after the fans of art? Or, do you go after the pirates themselves?
Last week, Warner Bros. and Paramount Pictures decided it was time to go after the pirates, and fight fire with fire.
According to an AP article: Paramount Pictures will sell DVDs through Warner Bros. outlets in China to fight rampant movie piracy by bringing low-cost legitimate goods quickly to market.
Warner, Paramount and Paramount's Dreamworks affiliate are selling new titles for $3 in China as little as two months after their U.S. theatrical release, the companies said. They said that will be the earliest release and lowest price in any market worldwide.
According to the article, China is the world's leading source for illegally copied movies, and pirates can get DVDs on the street less than a week after a title’s release abroad and months before a legitimate DVD is available. Pirated DVDs sell for as little as 68 cents.
What does this mean? Well, entertainment companies are starting to realize that their products are not, despite what some people thing, necessities. Therefore, as disposable income diminishes, the cost of unnecessary things has to come down as well.
The cost of pirated products drives the market. If you had a choice between a really great, and legal copy of a DVD, for $20, or a decent illegal copy of a DVD for $2, chances are you’ll choose the cheaper version – despite the fact that it was made illegally.
But, if the cost of a pirated DVD and a legitimate DVD are comparable, customers will always pick the higher-quality product for a slightly higher price.
These companies have the right idea. To put piracy out of business you have to treat it like a legitimate competitor – and beat it at its own game.
Will this ever come to the U.S.? Probably not anytime soon. We’re still willing to buy DVD’s for $20-$30. But once we make the conscious choice to cut our discretionary spending, these companies will probably change their tune.
Now if the music industry would take notes from the movie industry on how to deal with pirates, the world would be a much happier place.

Jane Jensen: Rocking the Rockabye

2007-11-01T17:57:00.000-05:00

It’s been a long time since Jane Jensen released her last CD, 2002’s Burner. Too long. In fact, I was beginning to think Burner was the last we were going to hear from the singer who rocketed onto the indie scene in the mid-90s with a role in the new Troma classic, Tromeo and Juliet, and a powerful major/minor-label release – Comic Book Whore.
She returned this week with My Rockabye. Fans of Jensen will be surprised with her latest effort, since it’s a complete departure from the industrial dance influenced sounds of Burner and Comic Book.
While some of Jensen’s harder influences remain on My Rockabye, for the most part she has pretty much left behind the Candy and Razorblades for a more organic, more cohesive sound, which she combines with some downright fun and introspective lyrics.
The disc kicks off with the fun, folktronic Bedtime Baby, a song about mom and dad wanting the kids to go to bed so they can have a little… um … alone time. And while many songs follow the same guidelines, track 8, New Love, breaks the mold wide open, with Spanish, lounge and jazz influences, and Jensen utilizing her bluesy voice to it’s fullest potential. It’s the disc’s definite WOW moment.
Now, I have just listened to the CD online (on CD Baby) and I haven’t ordered my copy yet, (after several hours in release, CD Baby is already sold out), but the second I have a chance to I’m getting this disc. As a longtime Jane Jensen fan, I am impressed, ecstatic and enamored by My Rockabye. It was well worth the wait.

Check the CD out HERE.

NBC ... You just don't get it, do you?

2007-10-30T20:10:00.000-05:00

For a media company, NBC Universal sure doesn’t get the importance of reaching an audience.
According to IMDb, NBC Universal President and CEO Jeff Zucker lashed out at Apple and its iTunes Store Monday, saying the service is “preventing media companies from selling online content at profitable rates.” Sale of individual episodes of NBC’s shows was recently halted after the company said it wanted to charge more than iTunes' download price of $1.99. Zucker, who was apparently dropped on his head as a child, said NBC only earned $15 million from episode sales through iTunes and complained the service would not let NBC raise it’s prices.
“We know that Apple has destroyed the music business - in terms of pricing -- and if we don’t take control, they'll do the same thing on the video side,” Zucker said.
This is about the dumbest thing I have ever heard.
It’s bad enough that NBC only has four or five good shows, the best being The Office and 30 Rock, but now they want to make more money off of shows, that will eventually be sold on DVD, HDDVD, BluRay, into syndication and whatever new formats come along in the next 10 years.
What the hell are you thinking? $15 million isn’t a lot of money, but how much were you making on new episode downloads before iTunes? NOTHING! NOTHING AT ALL! IT DIDN’T EXIST!
And as far as how Apple “destroyed the music business,” you are about a misinformed as the head of a major communications company could be. The music industry couldn’t charge any more for music downloads than it already is. In fact, if you look at the emusic factor, iTunes downloads cost three-times more than they should. THREE TIMES. In fact, the whole music industry should probably be investigated (again) for price fixing, since the cost of a physical CD that has actual worth is about the same as the download price – for a product that can’t be physically touched or resold.
The fact remains that no matter how much you think you should get for your shows, we can watch them – and record them – for free. Anytime you can get paid for something you give away for nothing, you should take the money and run. And while NBC and Fox have teamed up to maintain a Web presence with the video service Hulu, NBC Universal’s lack of understanding for programming sales through emerging media services is as short sighted as it is shocking stupid.

Hello, again, hello

2007-10-29T16:11:00.000-05:00

It has been a really long time since I've written anything on Mad Mad Media. My job duties here at the Press have changed, so I've been busy learning about a thousand new and exciting things. So, I'm sorry I haven't written anything in some time.

I have been thinking a lot lately about the entertainment industry. Every day it seems like there's a new crusade against file sharing, or some filmmaker/musician, whatever, complaining about how they are being robbed by people downloading their stuff for free on the Internet.

I feel for them.

A few months ago, I interviewed a musician named Mary Bue. She's an awesome indie artist who hits Sheboygan every once in a while. When I was researching her music, I typed in her name and "mp3" in a search engine to see if I could find any of her music online. What I found was a Russian Web site selling her latest CD, Boat With No Oars, for $2.

When I was interviewing her, I asked her how her CD ended up on that site. It was the first she had heard about it. A couple of weeks ago I emailed her on her MySpace page to see what she had found out. Here is her reply.

"I don't know what to do about it!! i mean, these sites are selling my music for two dollars and thirty four cents. my label really is hands off with whatever i'm doing. i have control of all my discs and their sales, etc. i doubt i'm selling enough to hire someone to prosecute for these sales, so basically i'm being ripped off."

It's the same thing with movies. This summer, filmmaker Eli Roth released Hostel: Part II, the follow-up to his 2005 gory spectacle Hostel. Many expected it to be a huge it...it wasn't. Hostel 2 became one of the most downloaded films ever.

In a recent interview with MTV, Roth said "And a copy of "Hostel 2" leaked out before its release and they had it, it was like millions and millions of hits. Not only was it downloaded, but in the countries it was downloaded — like Mexico and Brazil — there were copies on the street for practically a penny. You could buy "Hostel 2" for a quarter in Mexico City. As a result, in a lot of countries where the piracy was bad, they just didn't even release it."

Most recently, early versions of Britney Spears' latest CD, Blackout, were leaked on the Web, forcing Spears' record company, Jive, to release the disc early. It will hit stores tomorrow.

In a recent AP article, Jive record reps said, the company was "doing everything possible to prevent and avoid any further illegal distribution of songs," including the leaking of "unfinished material and demos represented as completed legitimate songs" to the internet."

This pisses me off.

It makes me angry because art is important. And while I'm seething with this animosity, I am having a hard time trying to figure out who to blame.

Obviously, any company that is selling something without the owner's permission is stealing. Russian law is still pretty lax (even after the closing of AllofMP3), as are copyright laws in other countries ... but, in my limited knowledge of the laws in these countries, these companies may be selling this material legally under their law.

My question is, how did they get these CDs in the first place? How did Britney Spears' demos hit the net before news of her last hit and run? How did an early version of Hostel 2 hit the web before it hit theaters? How did Mary Bue's CD, which is distributed by the tiny Cephalopod Records, find its way onto now several Russian online music sites?

No one seems to have answers. We need to find some.

It's 1980s Day!

2007-10-17T15:13:00.000-05:00

Why? Why not!
Apparently there’s a place in Plymouth that has ’80s Saturdays. People were talking about it here at work and then we got to talking about 1980s music … and here we are. It’s ‘80s Day! So put on your Izod shirts – collars up – and swing your arms up and down to the soothing sounds of the vacuous 1980s.

A-ha “Take On Me”

Taylor Dane “Tell It To My Heart”

Run DMC “Walk This Way”

ABC “The Look of Love”

Thompson Twins “Hold Me Now”

Rick Springfield “Celebrate Youth”

Stacey Q “Two Of Hearts”

Samantha Fox “Touch Me”

Jane Child “Don’t Want To Fall In Love”

Expose “Come Go With Me”

Def Leppard “Photograph”

TBS, Fox Cartoon Network, Syndication … you have ruined Family Guy

2007-10-16T15:58:00.000-05:00

I loved the Family Guy. I thought it was one of the most groundbreaking cartoons aimed at adults in years—comparable to the min-1990s seasons of The Simpsons. It did everything right. It pushed the enveloped, mildly offended and entertained. But now that it’s on regular rotation on four different networks — TBS, Fox Cartoon Network and syndicated locally on Channel 24 — the show has been ruined.
Now TBS and Cartoon Network have been running reruns of Family Guy for years, and those stations and DVD sales are the reason Family Guy was brought back to network television. But to continue running it in syndication on numerous networks is stupid. On some nights there is three hours of Family Guy on.
Come on. There are only five seasons in syndication. Law & Order isn’t on as much as Family Guy, and that show has been on the air for nearly 20 years and has had two successful spin-offs. Please, I’m begging you. Take Family Guy off of cable. You are ruining an awesome show.

Peter Griffin takes on the FCC. Contains questionable material. Viewer discretion is advised.

An honest review about the leaked Britney Spears CD

2007-10-13T16:42:00.000-05:00

For the last two years, Britney Spears has been recording her comeback CD. In that time she has gotten divorced, become a media train wreck and embarrassed herself with a horrific performance at MTV’s Video Music Awards. But her latest CD, Blackout, which is scheduled for release on Oct. 30 (early because several songs were leaked on the Web), should help out the pop singer’s profile a little.
Yes, I know that Britney isn’t doing so well, and the standard plan of action would be to kick her while she’s down, but to be honest her latest attempt at music isn’t horrible. At this time, all of Britney’s tracks have been leaked onto the net (including all of the CD’s 12 and more than a dozen songs that haven’t made it on the new CD).
This version of the disc, which I found on babble.com, has Brit’s disc kicking off with the upbeat “Break the Ice,” listed as “It’s been a while.” Nothing groundbreaking, but Spears delivers some interesting pop rhythms and reminds listeners of some of her better work before she was “In The Zone.”
“You Got Me High,” (which is probably called something else on the official release) is at least as good as anything Kylie Minogue has put out in the last couple of years and “Gimme More” the disc’s first single is, and I can’t believe I’m saying this, fairly infectious. Some blogs have reported that several songs are laced with profanity, I have found one (“Stupid Things”) but I have no idea if it will be on the finished disc.
The rest of the tracks are pretty much the same: Generic pop with sexual undertones and a danceable beat. But what else would anyone expect? This is Britney Spears, not Diana Krall.
But, if the leaked tracks are any indication of what Spears has in store for listeners, it may shine a better light on the pop princess. It won’t take all of the negative away, but it will make things slightly better.

NIN says bye bye to record label

2007-10-09T13:24:00.001-05:00

I got a text this morning that Nine Inch Nails and TVT have parted ways.
Nine Inch Nails frontman, Trent Reznor, wrote on the group's Web site that after 18 years with a record label, the group has finally achieved free-agent status.
“I have been under recording contracts for 18 years and have watched the business radically mutate from one thing to something inherently very different,” Reznor wrote on his site, “and it gives me great pleasure to be able to finally have a direct relationship with the audience as I see fit and appropriate.”
NIN recently released Year Zero, and shortly after Reznor made waves in the music industry for embracing file sharing.

Here are some Nine Inch Nails videos from YouTube.

Spears' CD leaked online?

2007-10-03T18:49:00.000-05:00

She bombs at the VMAs, she loses her kids and now Britney Spears may have another hurdle to overcome ... the Internet.
Spears yet-to-be-finished CD has apparently already been leaked online. The 13 track disc has made its way on a couple of blogs, including MP3 Mix.
There is no way to verify if the tracks are indeed Britney's, but from what I've heard, they sound darn close if they aren't her. And, to be honest, even if they aren't finished tracks - or not even Spears singing - they could definitely spark some interest in her new CD.
Now, if someone could leak directions on how to get a driver's license renewed, Spears might be OK.

Download movies from Google for free?

2007-09-28T07:58:00.000-05:00

Yeah, I thought it crap too, but it's not. Earlier this week, the National Legal and Policy Center complained that Google Video was giving viewers access to full-length movies that aren't available for home viewing. Movies like Shrek the Third and Oceans 13, but an independent firm couldn't find them anywhere.
Well, even though I spent 20 minutes complaining that the NLPC wasn't doing the world any good by making a false statement, turns out they were right. I went on Google Video and found uploaded versions of Knocked Up, No Reservations and Mr. Bean's Vacation, all by just typing in Oceans 13 and searching for videos over 20 minutes long.
It seems like there are only two or three companies uploading the movies, but they are there.
Good luck explaining that one Google!

Avoid Hollywoodland like the plague

2007-09-24T15:13:00.000-05:00

I finally checked out Hollywoodland last week. The movie, about the mystery surrounding the death of George Reeves — who played Superman and is portrayed in the film by Ben Affleck, seemed interesting when it hit theaters last fall, but boy oh boy, what a snoozefest!
Now, I’m not the biggest Ben Affleck fan to begin with, but he wasn’t the problem in this movie. For a film about sex, death and old Hollywood henchmen and private eyes, it seemed to lack any enthusiasm.
Reeves, an actor whose only break as landing the role of the man of steel, committed suicide in 1959 after (according to Hollywood lore) he ran into troubles finding work from being typecast as the tights-wearing superhero. In Hollywoodland, private eye Louis Simo (Adrien Brody) tries unsuccessfully to prove Reeves was murdered because of his relationship with a Hollywood honcho’s wife (played by Diane Lane).
Sounds interesting enough. There are a few exciting moments in the film, but for the most part, it’s dullsville. Brody’s character is as unlikable as they come, and Lane, who is usually pretty good, fails to connect with the script — though to be fair the script was filled with plot holes and historical inaccuracies, so Lane really isn’t to blame.
And, for a movie that sets out to solve a mystery, it sure doesn’t make a dent in any of the questions it raises about Reeves’ death.
So, while Reeves’ death was tragic, one could say this movie made it even more so.

Vanessa Peters on M4

2007-09-20T16:45:00.001-05:00

The Mad Mad Media Minute was proud to have Vanessa Peters stop by and perform her song, Little Films, today on the show.
Click HERE to check it out. Also, if you're in the area of Lakeland College tonight, Peters is peforming at The Pub.

I know I'm going to catch hell for this, and I don't care!

2007-09-19T16:26:00.000-05:00

It's no doubt that Britney Spears is a train wreck. Her performance on the VMAs was horrible and the recent allegations of drug use paint her as being less than Mother of the Year. But all of that said, how about her music career?

This is the point when all of you start chanting, 'Oh no, he isn't going there, is he?'

I've listened to Britney's latest song, Gimme More, about 20 times because of that horrid VMA performance, and after that ... I have to say, it's not that bad of a song.

"NNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" You scream. "Holy (something)! He didn't just say that, did he?"

Yes I did.

Now, I'm not saying it's a great song. I'm not going to compare her new song to anything by KT Tunstall or Terra Naomi or Rilo Kiley, but it's at least as good as anything Nelly Furtado has churned out lately, and a lot better then the stuff she released before she went on hiatus.

But, Gimme More is a solid pop song.

Don't believe me? Check it our for yourself by clicking HERE.

Go ahead. You know you want to.

50, you ain't no Kanye

2007-09-19T13:37:00.000-05:00

This really isn't a surprise, but Kanye West beat 50 Cent in sales last week. Both rappers released now cds last week and Mr. Cent said he would retire if West sold more. West sold 957,000 copies while 50 Cent sold 691,000.
So far there is no word on whether 50 Cent will actually retire, but I'm guessing second week sales of both artists will be in the toilet.
You gotta love da hype!

Peter Mulvey hitting Paradigm tomorrow night

2007-09-19T10:28:00.001-05:00

Peter Mulvey, who has been on his 'Look Ma, No Gasoline!' tour of Wisconsin this September, is hitting the Paradigm tomorrow night. The show is at 8 p.m. and has a $10 cover. Brianna Lane is opening the show.
Mulvey, from Milwaukee, has been riding his bicycle to gigs this month. For Thursday's show, Mulvey will travel from Oshkosh to Sheboygan on his bike, with his guitar in tow.

for more info check out www.petermulvey.com.

Barry Manilow 1, The View 0

2007-09-18T13:26:00.001-05:00

Barry Manilow bowed out of an appearance on The View because he dislikes one of the hosts. According to a report on IMDb, Manilow – who just released a new album of cover songs from the 1970s — was scheduled to make an appearance on the show today (Tuesday) but cancelled because he thinks co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck’s right-wing views are “dangerous and offensive” and he strongly disagrees with her “conservative views,” the site reported
Now, I’ve heard of people disliking Star Jones and Rosie O’Donnell, but Elisabeth Hasselbeck? That’s a first. So I say, This One’s For You Barry. It’s a Miracle (miracle) a true blue spectacle! Maybe someday Hasselbeck will realize that Even Now (you) Write the Songs that make the whole world sing and even she Can’t Smile Without You.

NEWSFLASH!!!! O.J. Arrested

2007-09-16T15:34:00.000-05:00

This just in, O.J. Simpson was arrested today.
According to an AP story: "O.J. Simpson was arrested Sunday and faces multiple felony charges in an alleged armed robbery of collectors involving the former football great’s sports memorabilia, authorities said. Simpson was arrested shortly after 11 a.m."
Police said charges against Simpson will include "robbery with a deadly weapon, conspiracy to commit robbery and burglary with a firearm," all of which are felonies.

No slow police chase this time though.

Simpson was charged with his killing his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman, in 1994, but was acquitted of the charges.

Simpson was found liable for their deaths in a 1997 civil court decision and was ordered to pay $33.5 million judgment.In August, after a lengthy court battle, Simpson’s book” If I Did It: Confessions of the Killer,” was released. According to a Wikipedia entry (take this with a grain of salt) “comments were added to the original manuscript by the Goldman family, Pablo Fenjves, and prominent investigative journalist Dominick Dunne” before the book’s release.

Simpson Photo: AP Photo; Book jacket, Amazon.com

The trainwreck continues!

2007-09-12T14:19:00.000-05:00

Britney at the VMA's
You wanted it...you got it

New Terra Naomi single and CD on the way!

2007-09-12T14:02:00.000-05:00

Terra Naomi has released her latest single, Not Sorry, and is preparing to release her first full-length CD, Under the Influence, Sept. 17. I am so excited to hear the whole CD. Really, this is the ONLY CD I am really excited about, and have been for a long time.
I can't wait!
Of course, for those of you who read the Mad Mad Media Blog, you know that Terra made a huge splash on YouTube in the summer of 2006 and has since moved to London to record her debut CD for Virgin Records.
Terra is still posting regularly on YouTube to keep in contact with her fans.
For those of you like me, here's some of Terra's latest offerings from YouTube, including the video for Not Sorry. Otherwise, more info about Terra can be found HERE.

Official video for Not Sorry

Performing Rihanna's Umbrella

Terra being funny

Terra at Live Earth

I can’t believe we’re still talking about this

2007-09-12T08:49:00.000-05:00

CBS is in court this week challenging a $550,000 fine levied on the network by the Federal Communications Commission after the 2004 Super Bowl halftime show where Janet Jackson accidentally exposed part of her breast during a routine with Justin Timberlake.
According to an AP article, the network accused the FCC of applying “mushy” and newly restrictive standards when it fined CBS for the half-second of partial nudity, while the agency called CBS indifferent to the risk that “a highly sexualized performance” might cross the line.
90 million people were watching the event when Timberlake ripped off part of Jackson’s bustier and appeared shocked when almost nothing was underneath it (pictured to your left - AP Photo).
But, I’ll tell you what wasn’t underneath it—a naked breast. Jackson was wearing some sort of metal thing over the nipple area (can I write that on the Internet?), preventing exposure of the one part that should have garnered the network a fine of some sort. I was one of those 90 million people watching the broadcast. I was talking to someone when half of the room gasped. I turned to look at the TV and saw and aerial shot of the stadium.
I’m assuming many of the 90 million people watching the broadcast were in the same boat, coming back from the kitchen or the bathroom moments later, asking, “Did I miss anything?”
I’m glad a governmental agency created to hand out broadcast licenses has become the agency that polices the airwaves for the small percent of Americans who get offended by a millisecond of forgettable partial nudity and sexual suggestion. You know what else has sexual suggestion? EVERYTHING! From Barker's Beauties to Ginger on The Real Estate Pros. Hell, half of the programming on PBS, which the last time I checked received governmental funding, has sexual suggestion — and our tax dollars pay for it. Has anyone ever complained about PBS?
It comes down to this. The FCC overstepped its boundaries. There was no nudity. Sorry, without that (or swearing —violence is OK), there is no reason to fine the network.

Should 50 Cent retire?

2007-09-11T11:43:00.000-05:00

50 cent threatened to retire if Kanye West outsells him with his latest CD. Both released their CDs today - 50 with Curtis and Kanye with Graduation. Reviews for both have been all right, though Kanye has so far edged out 50 with the critics.

I have heard Fiddy's latest effort (which had its release delayed by his record company at least twice) and it's not very good. It seems like he ran out of steam with his last CD. I haven't heard all of Kanye's latest effort, and the good things I've heard about it have only been in comparison to Mr. Cent's latest release.

So, will 50 Cent retire? My vote is no. This seems like a publicity stunt because 50's new disc wouldn't be going anywhere without it. Plus, because promo copies of the disc went out months ago, the CD has been swimming around the Internet for quite some time - so look for piracy to be blamed for 50's poor first-week sales.

In reality, there isn't a single on the CD (hence the reason why Interscope delayed its release to let controversy brew). And, in addition, 50's record company dropped the ball by allowing early copies of the CD to fall into the wrong hands. I mean seriously, this thing was all over the place. Don't believe me? Google "50 cent" "Before Curtis" (the original CD Name). This thing is all over the net, and has been for months.

That could be good for some musicians ... if the disc was any good (some smaller indie groups have enjoyed good first week sales because their works were "leaked" onto the net at a low quality). But 50's disc is ... not even close to the level of quality it should be at.

Kanye's single (Stronger) was leaked as well, (as was the disc) but it's not going to hit West as hard because Kanye's record company DIDN'T DELAY THE RELEASE OF THE CD NOR DID IT PROVIDE ANYONE WHO ASKED FOR IT COPIES OF THE DISC MONTHS BEFORE IT WAS RELEASED ALLOWING IT TO BE LEAKED ON TO THE INTERNET!

I mean, how stupid is that? It just ticks me off that all of these record companies use the whole "sales are being hurt by file sharing" argument when they are the ones who are primarily at fault. They are the reason CDs are hitting the net (sometimes six months) before the release date, and they are the reason sales are being hurt because they are packaging crap in a nice wrapper and expecting the public to eat it up. They need to do the same thing the film industry had to do -look at its current practices. Instead of trying to hurt the consumer (and in the process piss a lot of people off) record companies and the RIAA need to take a hard look at what they do - beginning with the policy of sending promo cds to everyone and anyone and their absolute failure to protect the artists and the consumer from their bad business practices.

OK. Rant is over. Sorry about that, but this is just getting rediculous.

Back to the 50 vs. Kanye thing, I kind of hope both retire. That doesn't mean they won't be around. Jay-Z retired and that lasted what, two years? And look at 2-Pac. He's dead and still releasing music. He hasn't retired yet.

But two rappers retiring at once... that would be something new. But don't retire because of sales. Retire for the right reason. Because your record companies are killing your industry, and getting out now is pretty much the only right choice.

P.S. Just in case you didn't believe me, here's a LINK to a post on the two discs, complete with downloads. The last time I checked, the downloads had been removed, but look at the date of posting. A little early, don't you think!

Apple: You magnificent bastard!

2007-09-05T14:12:00.000-05:00

Apple released its latest iPod today, complete with many of the features that made its iPhone the must have device of the summer. The iPod Touch is definitely drool-worthy.
The 8 and 16 gig models are audio and video ready, and are Wi Fi enabled. So you can surf the web, and buy music from the iTunes music store, wherever there is Wi-Fi access (which is just about every coffee shop in the world nowadays).
The iPod Nano also got an upgrade, with a smaller size and can now play video … d’oh!
I don’t have much on the tech specs on the Touch or new Nano, they were just announced a couple of hours ago, but man, I was thinking I need to get an iPhone, now iPod Touch seems to be the right thing for me. And I don’t think I’m going to be alone. So, lets all march to the Apple Store! The revolution will be podcast!

More including a guided tour HERE!

UPDATE! New iPod Touch will ship by Sept. 28 through the Apple Store. The 8 gig model sells for $299 and the 16 gig model sells for $399. AND, they will be available for both Mac and PC.

UPDATE2! Apple will also phase out the 4 gig iPhone and drop the price of the 8 gig iPhone to $399. Apple also announced a WiFi partnership with Starbucks. According to an AP article, "Starting in October, the Starbucks icon will light up on the iPod Touch whenever a user nears a Starbucks coffee shop that has Wi-Fi access. Users can then download the song that's playing overhead or get a list of the 10 most recent songs played. The Starbucks partnership — which executives at both companies have been working on for two years — begins at 600 stores in New York and Seattle on Oct. 2. In November, it will be available at 350 stores in the San Francisco Bay Area, and by the end of next year it will be in all Starbucks with Wi-Fi nationwide." Apple will also start selling ringtones for $0.99 later this month.

UPDATE3! The "Classic" iPod is being beefed up as well. The iPod will come in 80 gig ($249) and 160 gig ($349) versions. Double the sizes of some of its predecessors.

UPDATE4! Microsoft announced it would cut the cost of the Zune by $50 bucks. Just in case you didn't notice that new tidbit because you are currently running around the room screaming "Oh My God. Oh My God. The New iPod is soooooo sweeeeeet!"

5 reasons why the new Costco Rocks! (and stinks)

2007-09-04T10:30:00.000-05:00

It Rocks Because:
1. They have everything. They had a wall of Chuck Taylors, 21 bucks, awesome food, electronics galore and even furniture!
2. I got 200 blank CDs for $20 bucks. Woo Hoo!
3. Wide aisles. You know the biggest problem with shopping in a large store is aisles that are too narrow. Not at Costco. You can fit plenty of people in the aisles.
4. Buying in bulk. My personal belief is buying in bulk is better for the environment, so this is a good thing.
5. Big Parking lot. Plenty of places to park.

It Stinks Because:
1. While they had an entire wall of Chuck Taylors, not one pair was in my size. And they had Levis too, but they were 505s.
2. It's 50 bucks to join, and they don't take VISA. This is the 21st century. Even McDonalds takes VISA!
3. People. It doesn't matter how wide the aisles are, there are going to be people in them. Confused, awestruck people. People who walk at a normal rate and then just stop...for no reason, dead in their tracks, with you behind them going 'hey, goober, why'd ya stop? I got somewhere to go, and you're not helping.' Or something louder with more swears.
4. Buying in bulk. I love ketchup, but do you need 5 gallons of it? I'd need to get another fridge...but they do sell those at Costco, probably.
5. Big Parking lot. Where did I park? Crap, I'm pretty sure it was this way. No, that car only looks like my car...d'oh!

Seriously, Costco has just opened in Grafton. I took a tour, it was pretty cool. If you have a lot of money, and time, check it out!

New Office coming soon!!!

2007-08-30T23:38:00.001-05:00

And I can't wait!

Chickens? Dead? Alive?

2007-08-22T16:25:00.000-05:00

Looking for a reason to go down to Milwaukee this weekend? Want to see some dead chickens come back to life and terrorize a fast food restaurant? You do?
Well this weekend, you’re in luck!
The Times Cinema in Milwaukee will host an eggs-clusive U.S. premiere of the latest Troma film, Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead on Friday night, with more shows all weekend.
Lloyd Kaufman, who also brought the world the B-movie classics “Toxic Avenger,” “Sgt. Kabukiman” and “Tromeo and Juliet,” will be at the premiere in person to introduce the film and participate in the Q/A session along with Poultrygeist star Kate Graham.
According to Lloyd’s MySpace page, Poultrygeist: Night of the Chicken Dead is cinema’s first chicken-zombie horror-comedy… with musical numbers!
Really, can you pass something like that up?

The Times Cinema is located at 5906 West Vliet Street, in Milwaukee (I think it may actually be in the suburb of Wauwatosa).

For more info and directions go here.

For more info on Troma, check it out here.

AllofMP3-If it seems legit, you must acquit

2007-08-21T13:37:00.000-05:00

Not like I was expecting another outcome, but the guy behind one of the most popular online music sites - allofmp3.com - was acquitted of copyright infringement charges in Russian court last week.

According to an article in Information Week, the court acquitted Denis Kvasov and his company MediaServices of the charges Wednesday.

Another site, p2pnet.net, reported that the IFPI (International Federation of Phonographic Industry) botched their prosecution of Kvasov so badly, judge Yekaterina Sharapova reportedly said, “I want to draw particular attention to the sloppy job done by prosecutors in collecting and analyzing the facts."

The music site, which sold songs for as little as 10 cents a track, became the subject of international controversy after recording and publishing companies, as well as groups like the RIAA, said the site was selling tracks illegally and breached copyright law.

In fact, Russia was forced to go in and shut down the site to gain entry into the World Trade Organization. As of July 27, Russia had not been admitted to the WTO.

AllofMP3 maintained it was acting under Russian copyright law, which allowed Russian collection societies like the Russian Organization for Multimedia and Digital Systems (ROMS), to license music to companies without securing permission from the music’s copyright holder.

AllofMP3 paid ROMS a portion of each sale.

But music companies refused to collect from ROMS because it would have been an admission that they accepted the terms of Russian law.

The RIAA was reportedly "extremely disappointed" with the verdict, and the IFPI said it vowed to appeal the decision.

AllofMP3 vowed to reopen soon. More on that HERE.

emusic rules!

2007-08-20T17:19:00.000-05:00

Raise your hands if you find the iTunes music store needlessly complicated. That many of you?
I am a big fan of everything Mac, but I can’t say I have ever been a big fan of the iTunes music store. In fact, while I have used it, I have only used it once.
Why? I think it stinks that songs cost $.99, I don’t like that tunes come with DRM, the files are not mp3s (playable on all devices) and I think it’s getting harder and harder to find new music on the service because it’s constantly buried by other, crappier music. Now, must of that is out of Apple’s control, but be that as it may, it still sucks.
And because I’m not a huge fan of iTunes, I’m put off by most online music services – from the legalized Napster to everyone else that has tried to sell music online.
But recently I was introduced to emusic, an online music store that sells mp3s by indie artists, and I was officially blown away.
The service differs greatly from the iTunes music store. Instead of paying per song, e-music sells download packages – the cheapest is 10 bucks a month for 30 songs. The songs are delivered in mp3 format, DRM free and are compatible with iTunes and your iPod (and, as far as I know, every other mp3 device).
And the selection is great. I picked up the new Stars release (not available on disc until mid September-I’ll have a review later this week) and an older release from the Plain White T’s, and I still have an album’s worth of songs to burn through this month.
I would highly recommend checking emusic out. They give away 25 free downloads with new membership, and it’s totally worth it!

http://www.emusic.com/

Happy Birthday CD!

2007-08-17T21:48:00.000-05:00

The compact disc turns 25 this week. And while CDs have been the preferred format of sound recordings since 1988 when they first outsold records, it's hard to say whether or not they'll be around to see 30. It's strange to think that a metal disc, encased in plastic, that's read by a laser beam could be obsolete, but here we are.
So enjoy it while you can CD. Who knows if you'll get another chance at a milestone!

PHOTO: Pieter Kramer poses for photographers in Eindhoven, Netherlands on Monday Aug. 13, 2007. Kramer was a leading engineer on the team that developed the CD, which was launched 25 years ago this Friday, in a joint project by Royal Philips Electronics NV and Sony Inc. of Japan. Kramer is holding a show model of the Compact Disc player, which was introduced in August 1982. AP photo

New Computer Day!

2007-08-16T16:58:00.000-05:00

It's new computer day! New Computer Day! I got a new computer at work. Woo Hoo.
Unfortunately, it's a Dell (I <3 Mac) but beggars can't be choosers. And, for a PC, it's pretty sweet.
It's a heck of a lot faster than my old computer, which I yelled at quite regularly. So, yes!!!
Finally, a day that's better than cookie day. It's new computer day!!!!!

For those of you who also found this annoying on MySpace

2007-08-14T23:21:00.000-05:00

Ever seen those flash ads on MySpace where the young coed, usually in some sort of sleepwear, is trying to start a text message with you? If you have, or if you've ever seen a commercial on late night TV for a 1-900 chat line, then this video from Dawn Stacy is for you. Enjoy!!!!

Dawn Stacy in Myspace Spammer (Web Girl)

Add to My Profile | More Videos

Kanye West Versus 50 Cent

2007-08-14T17:33:00.000-05:00

And in this corner...

Over the weekend, Rapper 50 Cent said he would give up the rap game if his new CD, set for release on Sept. 11, didn't outsell Kanye West's new disc which is set to be released on the same day.

Interesting. But who will win this epic battle? Well, lets take a look at the facts.

Kanye West has a huge ego. He has made headlines for his antics at award shows where he threw obsenity-laced tantrums when he didn't win. But on the other hand, Kanye does have the talent to back up his high opinion of himself. His last two CDs, College Dropout and Late Registration have received great reviews and have sold well.
50 Cent also has a huge ego. Several reviews of his last CD, The Massacre said one of the things you had to get over to fully enjoy the disc was 50's egotistical rantings. 50 Cent has made some major waves in the entertainment world, including appearing as the lead in a movie based on his music, Get Rich or Die Trying, but some have said 50 has limited longterm appeal.
Both have released interesting singles from their forthcoming CDs. Kanye West released Stronger and 50 Cent has released Amusement Park. Kanye's song is quite good. The music is catchy with an old-school vibe, lyrics are ... well they won't inspire like Jesus Walk, but they'll do. 50 Cent's single is, well, bad. A terrifyingly bland retread of Candy Shop from his last CD.

So who will win? My money is on Kanye's new CD. Stronger is a stronger single. And while there is some alure to 50's music, the constant delays by his record company to release the disc for sale (the disc's release has been delayed twice) suggests that it is not going to be good.

Not to mention, someone close to 50 Cent's label leaked the disc on the Internet more than 2 months ago, and early reviews and blog chatter suggests speculation on the disc's lack of quality might be correct.

So, tune in the week of Sept. 11 to see if 50 Cent will beat out Kanye West, or if music listeners will be cashing in their loose change.

Goodbye Youth!

2007-08-08T16:08:00.000-05:00

I blog pretty often, and while I usually write about things that I like, I rarely talk about myself.
There's no real reason for that, it's just that I don't.
But tomorrow is a big day for me.
I turn 36.
This really shouldn't be that big of a deal, but it kind of is. Why? Because I am leaving the youthful 18-35 demographic group and entering more distinguished the 36-50/60-something demographic.
For some reason, I'm taking this a little hard. There's no pamphlet that comes with entering this group, so I'm not exactly sure how I'm supposed to react to it. Can I still watch MTV? Will my musical tastes remain relevant? Can I still Rock 'n' Roll all night and Par-te E-ver-ry Day?
I just don't know.
All I know is I remember hearing a comedian talking about the demographic group I'm entering, describing it as a group where 36-year-olds get lumped into the same category as old men who hike their pants up to their armpits.
Sh**.
Of course, I could go around saying 36 is the new 22, but that's bull and we all know it. 36 is 36 and I just have to deal with it.
Well, on my last night of relative youth, I'm not going to do anything spectacular. I'll probably have a beer, watch some TV and completely forget about getting older.
Hopefully tomorrow morning when I get out of bed, my joints won't crack too hard, I'll remember what day it is, and I won't have newfound need for Geritol Complete.

Gimme Gimme Gimme Gimme!

2007-08-07T15:57:00.000-05:00

Gimme Gimme Gimme Gimme Gimme Gimme Gimme!
Apple Inc. introduced their new iMacs today, and they are sweet!
And I want one sooooo bad. Just look at that beautiful thing. The plastic case is gone and replaced with an aluminum one ... and Apple says they have more power.
Wow.
And, get this, the models are $200-$300 less than the last iMac. That is so cool.
I want one now!
Gimme Gimme Gimme Gimme Gimme Gimme Gimme!

Huge Freaking Mad Mad Media News!!!!!!!

2007-08-07T11:01:00.000-05:00

I can't tell you about it here. I'd love to, but you really have to watch today's Mad Mad Media Minute to find out more. But it's really, really big news!!
CLICK HERE!

So, you want to get paid for this?

2007-08-06T15:32:00.000-05:00

Here’s something interesting. According to an AP article, a group of bloggers is trying to band together to form a labor union, hoping to “receive health insurance, conduct collective bargaining or even set professional standards.”
According to the article, “organizers hope a bloggers’ labor group will not only showcase the growing professionalism of the Web-based writers, but also the importance of their roles in candidates’ campaigns.”
Hmmm. That’s interesting. But...
Let’s face facts people. Most bloggers blog for the sheer enjoyment of blogging (here’s a sentence that wouldn’t have made any sense 10 years ago). Have you ever clicked the “next blog” link on the top of the page? While there are a handful of bloggers out there trying to shape the political landscape, or even trying to get paid to blog, most bloggers blog solely about crap they are interested in. From pottery to pot.
According to the article, 120,000 blogs are started everyday and there are at least 94 million blogs worldwide.
And the likelihood you could band all of these bloggers together to form a labor union, even a majority of them, is about as realistic as a fish-flavored soda winning the cola wars. Look. Blogs are pretty cool. Good blogs. And it’s great that bloggers are redefining niche marketing by offering plenty of choices for readers of all types, but it you want to earn a paycheck with benefits you’re probably going to have to do it the old fashioned way — get advertisers, get sponsors, win the lottery or get a haircut and get a real job.

Mad Mad Product Review: Uverse by AT&T

2007-08-02T08:16:00.000-05:00

Disclaimer: While writing an article on U-verse entering the Sheboygan market, I was invited to AT&T’s offices in Milwaukee to test drive its new product, U-verse. This is my review of the product, standing alone on its own. In an effort to remain unbiased and offer up full disclosure, I will tell you that I do not subscribe to Charter Cable, and this is not intended to be a point-by-point comparison of the two products. It is simply a review of U-verse, and U-verse alone.

Uverse: Coming to a television near you

Like many people, I spend a lot of time watching TV. Not as much as some people, but definitely more than others. Needless to say, I take television very seriously. So, when I was invited to check out U-verse - the IP television service offered by AT&T that recently became available in Sheboygan - firsthand at AT&T’s offices in Milwaukee, I jumped at the chance.
During the drive down to Milwaukee, I tried to imagine what the experience would be like. I thought about my experiences with cable and satellite products in the past (I have subscribed to Time Warner Cable and Dish Network) and I pondered what new technology AT&T would be peddling.
I arrived at AT&T with the expectation that U-verse would just be TV. And while on the surface it would really appear that way, I couldn’t have been further from the truth. The fact is, I was pretty much blown away by some of U-verse’s features.
Brian Van Hoof, director of U-verse, talked me through the product’s finer features.
“When you start talking about video, it’s probably one of the most personal things consumers have and use in their household,” Van Hoof said. “You have your gadgets and gizmos, but fundamentally, entertainment and television really surrounds a lot of people’s lives.”
To break it down to its simplest elements, U-verse is a television service, coupled with high-speed Internet. Just like cable, satellite or broadcast television, TV shows magically appear at your house. But instead of shows being broadcast to your set (via the airwaves or through cable) they arrive on your TV via the phone lines.
There is some technological stuff that makes this possible. If you care, go to the end of the review and read my brief “How It Works” summary.
U-verse offers a healthy dose of programming, much of which, by default, is comparable to the programming offered by cable and satellite systems. The top package (U400, $114 a month for TV and Internet) offers more than 320 channels, and you have access to 26 high definition (HD) channels, while the less-expensive U200 ($74 a month for TV and Internet) boasts 190 channels. But it’s the little extras that would make me consider U-verse.

Something to guide you

For one, the program guide is really cool. First, it gives you a clear and easy to read list of shows that are on — which is expandable to two weeks — and indicates which shows are being broadcast in HD, perfect for those of you who have ever recorded a show you thought was in HD only to find out you recorded it on the standard definition channel.
The guide also has a picture-in-picture function, whether or not your television has picture in picture.
Adding to the impressive feature, the guide is translucent. That doesn’t seem like a big deal, but while you’re looking at the guide to see what else is on, you don’t miss a second of the action of the show you’re watching.
Nice, especially if you watching a boring football game that all of a sudden gets exciting while you’re trying to find out what time the next “MythBusters” is on. The program descriptions are also fully interactive.
For instance, lets say you’re looking up which “Law & Order” is on TNT. With the click of a button, you can get a description of the episode. With another click you can get a list of cast members. Then, and this is truly awesome, by clicking on an individual cast member’s name, you can see what other programs that actor/actress is going to be in for the next two weeks. It’s like Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon, only with Jerry Orbach.
This is a particularly useful function for those of us who have left a show at the commercial to go into another room, get on the Internet and surf to the Internet Movie Database to find out where else you’ve seen a particular cast member. I’m guilty of doing this about once a week.

To record or not record

Another nice feature is the digital video recorder (DVR) you have the option of getting. (It’s included in the U200, U300 and U400 plans.) What makes it so cool? Well first of all, you can record up to four programs at once. Yes, at once. Second, you can program it directly from the program guide. While those features are cool, they are nothing compared to this one:
Let’s say you’re at work. You look at the clock and realize you’re going to miss the latest episode of “Scott Baio is 45 and Single.” But there is no way you can get out of work in time to see it. What do you do? Before you had to suck it up. With U-verse you can get online, using your SBC-Yahoo account, and tell your DVR to record it. You can also program your DVR from your AT&T Wireless phone.
And, though it has nothing to do with the product itself, AT&TS marketing behind U-verse intrigues me. They have teams of door-to-door salesmen hitting neighborhoods where U-verse is becoming available, and meeting potential customers face to face. In Milwaukee, AT&T also uses ice cream trucks to get people’s attention, giving out ice cream and telling people about U-verse.
AT&T has also tried to make their product as easy to use as possible, from the easy-to-read menus and a comfortable, easy-to-understand remote control, to home installations that also serve as a educational forum for customers to learn how to use U-verse to its fullest in their home.
“If our customers don’t understand how to use it, and the power of it, then they’re going to think it’s just TV, then who cares?” said Van Hoof during the demo.

To infinity and beyond

During my product test, Van Hoof stopped short of talking about AT&T’s future plans for U-verse, but he jokingly hinted that the product would get even more interactive.
“We’re really trying to give customers the ability to access information and content wherever they are,” Van Hoof said. “That’s where you can really see where we’re starting to blend the Internet and television together. That’s really what we’re trying to accomplish."
It will be interesting to see how this already impressive product evolves as more and more people welcome it into their homes.

For more information on U-verse or to see if it is in your area, visit uverse.att.com.

How it works
U-verse travels over AT&T’s network of fiber optic phone lines. To optimize quality, U-verse sets up all of its channels and receivers as individual IP (Internet Protocol) addresses, so when you tell the receiver you want to watch a certain show, it will go to that IP address and get it for you. With cable and broadcast all of the channels are beamed to you at once, and your television or cable box dictates what you are watching. Because the only signal that’s coming in to the residential gateway (the box) is just the single stream, using only the bandwidth the show needs, U-verse gives the viewer the ability to have more options. In addition, the residential gateway that operates at the brain of the operation also serves as the home’s WiFi router and home networking device for Internet usage.
Did you get all of that? Good.

iTunes no better than AllofMP3?

2007-08-01T09:28:00.000-05:00

According to rapper Eminem, yep. The rapper, famous for his in-your-face lyrics and shocking vulgarity, and his publishing company — Eight Mile Style — filed a lawsuit against iTunes this week, alleging the music download service owned by Apple was selling his music without permission.
According to an AP article, Eight Mile Style administrator Joel Martin says the suit involves 70 to 80 songs in which the music publisher owns copyrights or ownership interest in copyrights.
The company seeks more than $75,000 for copyright infringement, unfair competition and a violation of the Michigan consumer protection act. It also asks for damages of up to $150,000 for each time a song is downloaded, the article said.
Here’s how it boils down. Eminem is claiming he didn’t give his record company, Universal (and Interscope) permission to sell his songs as downloads. Martin told AP Universal Music distributes the songs through the Interscope recording company and Apple offers them for download.
“Apple is not accounting to us. They are accounting to Universal (Music),” Martin said to AP.
So, here’s my question: How is this Apple’s problem?
The fact of the matter is, while Apple may or may not have gone to Eminem and his company personally to ask for permission to sell his music, they got permission from somewhere — a company that probably had the right to do it.
Apple isn’t dumb. Unlike the rogue MP3 services from overseas companies that hid behind antiquated laws that allowed individual collection societies to broker music distribution deals for artists and record labels without their involvement/permission, Apple has to get permission. Otherwise they could be opening themselves up to more than 3 billion individual lawsuits.
So how did Eminem’s music fall through the cracks? My guess is a communication error on one of the companies that represent Slim Shady.
Music downloads are $0.99 on iTunes. Of that, Apple gets 29 cents and the artist receives about nine cents. The rest of the money is divided up for the performing rights companies (both the artist's and companies like ASCAP or BMI), the record labels (parent and sub labels) and assorted lawyers, techies and so on.
That’s a lot of hands in the pie.
Now, when it comes to the music publishing companies (the nice people who give permission to use music for performances, downloads, sync rights and so on that go out in the world and make sure the musician gets paid for the use of their song on the radio, in commercials, by cover bands, in clubs and so on) that is usually split between the artist’s company (in this case Eight Mile Style) and a larger company with the experience and resources to get the job done like BMI or ASCAP. Since I have no knowledge of Eminem’s actual publishing deal, I can’t comment on what went wrong in this case.
But I can say that in just about every case there is more than one company that can claim the right to give permission to allow the music to be sold via iTunes and other legal download services. How much of a right is dictated by the individual contract, though Eminem’s attorney said the artist did not give the record companies permission to allow his music to be downloaded.
Eminem’s beef should be with the publishing companies and his record company for failing to protect his music and live up to their end of the contract, not iTunes. While Eminem has sued iTunes in the past (for using his song in a commercial, which ended with a settlement agreement), iTunes appears to have covered its bases.
Unfortunately, even established and profitable artists such as Eminem aren’t immune to a major label’s buffoonery and the communications errors attributed to the quest for profits. The fact remains that no artist is.

The Simpsons Movie is AWESOME!!!!!

2007-07-27T14:42:00.000-05:00

It was a long day for me yesterday, but from the opening moments of the midnight showing of The Simpsons Movie at Sheboygan Marcus Theatres, I knew the lack of sleep was totally worth it.
The movie, nearly 20 years in the making if you count the first Simpsons shorts shown on the Tracey Ullman show in the late 1980s, explodes on the big screen with every bit of irreverence, political satire, sight gags, stupidity and side-splitting laughs you would have hoped for, and more, oh so much more.
Within the first five minutes of the film, the audience is treated to the most politically poignant and over-the-top violent Itchy and Scratchy cartoon, they kill the rock band Green Day, and throw insults at everything from God, to YouTube-esque video, Titanic, stupid Flanders and the gullibility of an audience willing to pay to watch something they can see every single day on TV for free.
Hell yeah!
From there it’s a farcical rollercoaster ride of sight gags, including Homer Simpson flipping off the entire Town of Springfield, and yellow comedy fever.
The environmental plot, which is at times a little preachy, involves Homer (in a move of wild negligence) single-handedly destroying the ecosystem of Lake Springfield that forces the Environmental Protection Agency to seal the city in a huge glass dome, and makes Homer and his family the target of a mob of angry Springfieldians.
I won’t tell you anything else, because I don’t want to be the one that ruins it for you. What I will tell you is that if you’re a big fan of The Simpsons, like I am, the movie won’t disappoint. Could it have done more? Sure. Like the television show it doesn’t always commit to following through on its satirical jabs, but it does plenty.
In fact, the writing returns the show and characters back to show’s heyday in the mid-1990s, though I still feel it’s one of the best shows on TV still to this day—even as it enters its 18th season.
For those of you who watch The Simpsons every once in a while, I can assure you it’s funny. Very, very funny, and you will laugh!
So get out there, pay your $20 bucks, get an oversized bucket of popcorn and mega-drink, sit back and watch America’s favorite animated family do what they do best — make you laugh.

Some of the first Simpsons shorts on the Tracey Ullman Show

What would you look like as a Simpsons character?

2007-07-26T15:24:00.000-05:00

Find out at http://www.simpsonizeme.com/

Here's what I would look like.

And here's the fullsize version

Pretty cool huh?

Mad Mad Media Minute-extras

2007-07-26T11:36:00.000-05:00

Hey everybody. Check out this video we did a while back with the Jetty Boys. (CLICK HERE)

The Jetty Boys are playing with Schmittys Kids and Haywire at K&D's Standard Hall on Indiana in Sheboygan on Saturday at 9:30 p.m. No Cover, but you guys know about this already because you watch the Mad Media Minute.

You don't watch the Mad Mad Media Minute? CLICK HERE to check it out!

AllofMP3, now a matter for the courts

2007-07-26T11:16:00.000-05:00

Denis Kvasov, the former owner of Russian music site AllofMP3.com, has been charged with violating intellectual property laws in a Russian court, and faces up to three years in prison and a hefty fine for operating the popular music download site.
The Russian government shut down AllofMP3 recently after receiving political pressure from the World Trade Organization over the site’s questionable copyright practices.
AllofMP3 sold individual music downloads for as little as 10 cents a song (90 cents less than companies like iTunes), to customers throughout the world, with no digital rights management. The company maintains it was acting under Russian copyright law, which allowed Russian collection societies like the Russian Organization for Multimedia and Digital Systems (ROMS), to license music to companies without securing permission from the music’s copyright holder.
AllofMP3 said it was paying 15-percent of its revenue to ROMS, but US and UK music companies refused to collect payment from ROMS, because collection would have ultimately led to a legal acceptance of the download site.
Russian law has since changed, again under political pressure, and Kvasov is being charged under a law that didn’t exist when he started the company. You have got to love Russia for that one.
Of course, this probably won’t end the intellectual property battles between the WTO and Russia. AllofMP3’s sister site, alltunes, is still operational (as is the strangely similar mp3sparks.com) and it recently won a major court battle with Visa where a Moscow court found that Visa acted illegally when it cut off transactions made to the store, as it also did to AllofMP3.
Not to mention, AllofMP3 was just one of the dozens of Russian music sites offering downloads of music from all over the world, for a fraction of what it would cost from American music download companies.
Really, I think this question needs to be asked.

Why does it cost $0.99 for a single song download?

I would like to see an investigation into that on American soil. The last time the U.S. government investigated the music industry on its pricing, it didn't work out so well for them. I'm guessing it will turn out the same again if somebody starts asking the right questions.

A Simpsons' clip for the late Dennis Getto

2007-07-25T09:58:00.000-05:00

When this episode of The Simpsons first aired, Dennis Getto was particularly amused by Homer Simpson's attempt to become a food critic. So Dennis, this one is for you.

Saying goodbye to an old friend

2007-07-24T16:05:00.000-05:00

Dennis Getto, the food critic for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and journalism teacher at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, died today at the age of 57, according to a brief on the Journal Sentinel’s Web site.
Getto has been the food critic at the paper since 1982.
This is particularly sad news for me, because I have often given Dennis credit for starting my career.
I took Dennis’ feature writing class at UWM. A year later he helped me get a job at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. We kept in touch, e-mailing each other every so often. Really, I would pretty much just e-mail him every now and then and thank him for the career.
I ran into him at a Starbucks earlier this year, and we chatted for a while.I'm glad I got to see him and let him know I was still moving forward.
And I know that I’m not the only one who he helped get into this field, which was one of the great things about Dennis. He cared about journalism, and those who wanted to take it on as a career.
So, thanks again Dennis. I owe you one.

Simpson’s Video-O-Rama

2007-07-24T15:06:00.000-05:00

As promised on the Mad Mad Media Minute, its Simpsons-O-Rama!

The Raven

Wiz Kids (Harry Potter spoof)

Homer gets ... Homier

Homer has a few too many

300 pound Homer

Homer Vs. Badger

Crazy Cat Lady

Bart Simpson tests megaphone

No TV, No Beer makes Homer something something

Simpsons Movie trailer

Harry Potter Dies!

2007-07-18T08:36:00.000-05:00

Or lives, I don’t know. But we’re all going to find out this weekend when the last of the Harry Potter books hits bookstores.
Now, while I have watched most of the Harry Potter movies - with the exception of the one currently in theaters and the last one - I cannot say that I am a big fan of the books, being that I have never read a single one.
So I am immune to Potter Fever. But that doesn’t make me any less curious about whether he lives or dies.
The fact of the matter is; I’m as fascinated as I would be with any other celebrity on TV that I would never have any chance of meeting in real life.
Though it does beg the question: What next?
Will another book series take its place? Will it be something on the Internet that inspires a nation of teens and young adults (and adults wishing they were young) to go crazy?
I can guarantee it will be something, and I’ll be waiting anxiously to find out what’s coming up next.
So, good luck Harry. Well, luck might not play a role in this one. It sounds as if your fate has already been sealed in neatly packed boxes that say, “Do Not Open Before July 21, 2007.”

P.S. Yes, I did choose the title of this post to attract attention. Sorry if you were looking for insight on the new Harry Potter book. I don’t have any and I wouldn’t spoil it for you if I did.

The news is a very dangerous business

2007-07-17T16:36:00.001-05:00

10,000 strong, and growing

2007-07-12T09:57:00.001-05:00

So last night at around 8:45 p.m. the Mad Mad Media blog got its 10,000 visitor. Because of this, I have the following public statement.

(cough)
All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players: They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts. My current role in this life is a blogger.
For a little over a year I have been writing about whatever comes to my mind. Sometimes I wrote about music, sometimes movies, sometimes about our antiquated copyright laws and sometimes (and I agree too many times) I wrote about American Idol.
And you have been reading. I don’t know who most of you are, but I would like to thank you. Without you, I wouldn’t have bothered to keep writing about this stuff. Without you Mad Mad Media would not exist.
So thank you, thank you, thank you. I hope this part continues for quite some time

Eric
Mad Mad Media

P.S. If you want to see a real sight, check out the front page of today's Sheboygan Press. The biggest picture of my big-old head is on the cover. Really big.

Now allofmp3 is dead...sort of

2007-07-11T08:49:00.000-05:00

So, one of the things I missed last week while I was working out at the U.S. Senior Open was the official death of allofmp3.com, the controversial Russian music download site that sold mp3s for as little as 10 cents a track.
According to reports, Russia shut down the service (which was once one of the most popular sites on the Internet) last week, in a move to gain entrance into the World Trade Organization.
My opinion on the global economy aside, I was not shocked to see it go. I do find it somewhat shocking that it was replaced by two services so quickly - two services that existed before.
Online reporters were quick to point out that the suspiciously similar mp3sparks.com and alltunes.com were up and running. Of course, alltunes.com is a service of allofmp3.com, and at one time was directly linked to the allofmp3 homepage.
As for mp3sparks, which now appears to be shut down, they appeared to have cut and pasted allofmp3’s user agreement and terms and conditions on its Web site, and had a layout that was incredibly similar to allofmp3. But again, that site has apparently been shut down as well, so nuff said about that.
So what now? It will be interesting to see if this one move will help Russia get into the World Trade Organization. And equally interesting to see what will happen after it is.
In the meantime, there are dozens of other Russian--based mp3 services online, none of which were as visible as allofmp3, but they are there. So, for those of you who are looking for inexpensive music sold by companies who screw musicians out of royalty payments (much like the publishing companies, record labels and unions representing American artists) there are options.
The best option is going out to see your favorite band play live. Then you know the band gets paid - after their manager, the club, the touring company and the pizza guy. Man, it’s not a good time to be a musician.

Sommore Great Simpsons moments

2007-07-11T08:34:00.000-05:00

The Simpsons Movie hits theaters really soon (yes, yes, YES!). If you can't wait, just like me, these Simpsons clips should keep you from resorting to some sort of craziness ... for about five minutes!!!

Enjoy!

Training for the Murder Horn

Trambampoline!

Yvan eht Noij!

We punish ignorance

Mr. Sparkle!

Cloverfield Trailer (better quality)

2007-07-10T22:21:00.000-05:00

Thanks Trailer Spy!!!

HD 1-18-08 (Cloverfield) Trailer - Watch more amazing videos here

Cloverfield trailer

2007-07-10T22:08:00.000-05:00

So, the blogosphere has been alive with talk about the trailer for the JJ Abrams film, Cloverfield, that hit theaters this weekend.
I just watched it, and it's amazing. I don't know how long this video will be up on Google, but here it is. I can't wait to see more!!!

Congratulations Vermont!

2007-07-10T19:43:00.000-05:00

I always thought Springfield – home of The Simpsons - was in Oregon, but this summer Homer and the family will make Vermont home.
The state’s Springfield beat out 13 other Springfields in the U.S. for the premiere of the anticipated Simpsons Movie.
According to a Reuters article, the city beat out the other Springfields by producing a video showing a Homer Simpson look-alike chasing a giant, pink doughnut through the town. It also boasted similarities to the cartoon Springfield, such as having a nuclear power plant nearby.
The New England town has a population of about 9,500.
The premier of “The Simpsons Movie,” will be held on July 21 in Vermont with the filmmakers on hand to walk the yellow carpet, the Reuters article said.
The other 13 Springfields will also be given small screenings on July 26, the night before the movie hits theaters nationwide.
And for you trivia buffs out there, there are 34 Springfields in the U.S.
So Congratulations Vermont. I’m sure Homer will love your maple syrup. Mmmmm, syrup.

Now, it's time to do the Bartman!

The Behind the Scenes Media Tent Tour

2007-07-08T18:37:00.000-05:00

I have no idea why some people can't watch The Sheboygan Press' tour of the media tent here at the U.S. Senior Open at Whistling Straits.
So, I have YouTubed it. Watch it here by clicking play below. Enjoy.

Whistling Straits: Day 7 - So much heat, so little time

2007-07-08T13:43:00.000-05:00

Holy crap it's been hot here today. I just stood on the tee for the 1st hole for two hours and I got baked.
But it was worth it. I perched myself up on top of a hill, just to the right of the tee. And I could see everyone close up.
Of course, one guy in a hat stood up as I was taping. But he looked like he felt pretty bad about it, so I let him slide. I was going to let him slide anyway, because I'm a nice guy, but in this heat...we all know that anything is possible.
Speaking of the heat, can you drink too much Gatorade Ice Punch? I drank like 12 of them yesterday, and I guess I'm wondering if that could be bad.
Also, Nhia came into the media tent two days ago, sweating like crazy, and said 'I bet I could drink this Gatorade faster that you guys (myself and Sam). So we said 'deal' and went outside so we didn't make fools out of ourselves in front of the other media people.
Long story short, Sam and I beat Nhia by a longshot ... apparently she didn't know we were going for speed.
So, it's been fun out here this week. I think it's going to be hard to go back to work at the office, but it's also time to get out of all of this fresh air and sunshine.

P.S. Does anyone know what day it is?

More notes from Whistling Straits

2007-07-07T13:25:00.000-05:00

Hey everybody!
Sorry that I've been a little light on blog entries this week, but they've kept us pretty busy here at the U.S. Senior Open.
What's it like here? Well, it's exhausting. For those of you who have seen me in person, you may not know this but I'm not really what you would call an exercize guy. Sure, I ride my bike around every once in a while, and my wife and I will take the occasional walk, but for the most part I don't really exercize.
So walking around on the course is proving to be quite a physical challenge. Add in the fact that it's blazing hot out here, and you've got one really tired reporter.
But it's been a blast. We've been putting like three videos up a day, and checking out some great golf action on the course. It's going to be hard to go back to the office next week.
I'll write some more when I have a chance. Until then, click on the link to check out a backstage tour of the media tent we're in here at Whistling Straits.

Click HERE.

UPDATE. Sorry for those of you who are having problems with the link. I don't know what's going on, but it's working on our end. Try it again.

http://sheboygan-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070707/VIDEO0703/307040055/1973

UPDATE AGAIN

It is now working. The file was ... in non-technical terms ... broken.

Mad Mad Media @ Whistling Straits: Day One

2007-07-03T13:44:00.001-05:00

Hey everyone, I'm out at Whistling Straits this week to cover the U.S. Senior Open, which is pretty cool so far.
I got in around 9 a.m. and hit the ground running with the Mad Mad Media Minute.
After that we went out in the rain (which almost immediately turned to sun) to shoot more video.
All of our stuff is going to be online throughout the day, and all week. You have to check it out.
Life inside the media tent is pretty cool. All of us are couped up in a room with big screen TVs and rows of computers.
Everybody is buzzing around with about a million things to do.
It's awesome.
Check back later and I'll have more. Until then, here's a pic from the Sheboygan Press compound at Whistling Straits I took on my cellphone.
Everyone, say hi to Jamie and Mike.

Spice Girls are coming back!

2007-06-29T17:17:00.000-05:00

It’s official, the Spice Girls are back.
The group officially announced Thursday that they would reform for a world tour at the end of 2007.
Of course, they are visiting only 11 cities, none of which are close to Sheboygan. So, a Spice Girls reunion is pretty pointless round these parts.
But it’s good to see the girls are getting back together. According to several articles, it appears that no new Spice Girls albums are on the horizon, but a Greatest Hits CD is set for release around the time of the tour.

The Top 10 Bands You’ve Probably Never Heard of: Boris The Sprinkler

2007-06-27T12:00:00.000-05:00

Boris the Sprinkler is the best damn punk band ever ... period. I know what you’re asking. What about the Sex Pistols? Rubbish. The Buzzcocks? Blah! The Ramones and The Descendents? Um ... Boris the Sprinkler is one of the three best punk bands ever!!!!!
Formed in 1992, in Green Bay of all places, BTS became known for its goofy pop-punk anthems that imitated, parodied and ultimately eclipsed some of the greatest punk rock groups of all time with their solidly written music and the psychotically comical jaw-dropping rants of lead singer Reverend Norb — who would often take the stage wearing a motorcycle helmet with deer antlers attached to it.
Add catchy songs with titles like “Kill the Ramones,” “Goddamn Rollerbladers” and “My Radio Is Telling Me To Kill (The Guys On My Radio)” and you’ve got one heck of a musical experience!
Though BTS never reached the huge audiences it should have, Boris released a handful of punk rock masterpieces on a variety of labels, from Rev. Norb’s Bulge Records to major-minor labels Go-Kart Records and Lookout Records.
I personally didn’t find out about Boris the Sprinkler until 1998. The first time I saw them, they were playing in the back room of a bowling alley in Riverwest, Milwaukee. The sound sucked, the opening band had this guy who I thought was wearing a shirt (but really he was very hairy), and I had no idea what kind of show I was in for. But dammit, they won me over. Now, I have six of their CDs loaded onto my iPod (and I’m looking for a copy of their last CD “Gay,” so if anyone knows where I can get one e-mail me).
That and I saw them play with the Lunachicks and the legendary Buzzcocks in 1999, and they made the Buzzcocks look like a bunch of chumps! CHUMPS!
Boris the Sprinkler broke up a couple of years ago, and I have heard rumors that a comeback has been discussed (from guitarist Paul #1—Hey Paul, when we going out for that beer?).
Maybe they need a little motivation.
Hey Boris the Sprinkler, the Spice Girls are getting back together. Do you guys really want to be sitting on your couch, watching TV and eating cheezy poofs with the Spice Girls running around again? It’s time for you to get out there and “Do The Sprinkler” one more time!

You can download two songs on Boris the Sprinkler's MySpace site CLICK HERE.

Also, here's a video I found on YouTube of Boris playing in Manitowoc. I can't tell what the song is. Still interesting to check out.

Pearl is back, for one last time

2007-06-27T10:56:00.000-05:00

She amazed internet audiences everywhere, now Pearl (the star of Will Farrell's "The Landlord") is back, and badder than ever.
After the video was released, Pearl issued a statement that she leaving acting behind to pursue was going to pursue "broader challenges as I approach my 26th month."
We'll miss you Pearl!

Good Cop, Baby Cop

Why is Kelly Clarkson so angry?

2007-06-25T14:56:00.000-05:00

CD Review
Kelly Clarkson
“My December”
RCA Records

Let’s see if I got this straight. Avril Lavigne got happy, while Kelly Clarkson got angry?
American Idol Alum Clarkson’s third CD, My December, hits stores tomorrow and much of it is a side of Clarkson most we haven’t seen before - her angry side.
Now, I have no idea what is going on in Clarkson’s personal life (after she won American Idol she stopped calling me ... actually she didn’t really start before she won ... let’s just say we don’t talk) and KC has managed to stay out of the tabloids, but listening to My December it appears that she was really screwed over by someone.
The first single off the CD, Never Again, (below) is an ode to being jerked around by someone. In it, Clarkson sings (and screams) about being done wrong by her cheating significant other. And she’s angry, so angry.
What’s disturbing is that Never Again is not Clarkson’s only livid rant on My December.
"Hole"(link) has Clarkson screaming lyrics “I’m so far from where I need to be/I’ve given up on faith on everything” and “There’s a hole, inside of me/It’s so cold, slowly killing me” like over gnarled guitars and thundering drums.
The grief-stricken “Haunting” has Clarkson exclaiming she’s “dying inside,” while “Judas” “Don’t Waste Your Time” are (once again) about being screwed over.
From there it gets depressing.
“Can I Have A Kiss” (Link) is pure desperation, “Maybe” is filled with somber introspective revelations and “Sober” isn’t a pretty picture either.
But in all of My December’s painful sadness, there are a few interesting gems that show Clarkson’s life isn’t so bleak. “How I Feel” is an interesting pop gem, much like her “Behind These Hazel Eyes,” and “Yeah” is a sultry jam - still dark, but with a sexy twist.
The highlight of the disc is “Irvine,” a heart-filled ballad that is way to artistic to ever be a single, and the bonus track “Chivas” (Link), a light-hearted tale of preferring the fit of a man’s jeans over his company. Both are excellent examples of what Clarkson does best, and should be doing more of.
But that doesn’t mean “My December” is without merit. Clarkson, who has been bubbly as all get out after winning the first season of Idol, can pull off anger; very well in fact. In my humble opinion, it’s not her strong suit.
But, with My December off of her chest, maybe Clarkson can cheer up and get back to being a singer.

Links courtesy of Mixtape Maestro.

I'm on vacation

2007-06-16T00:01:00.000-05:00

I'm on vacation for a week. I'll continue the list of groups you've probably never heard of when I get back on June 25.

The Top 10 Groups you’ve probably never heard of: Feist

2007-06-12T16:08:00.000-05:00

This Canadian singer/songwriter and member of the indie rock group Broken Social Scene, has the coolest video out right now. In what seems like one shot, Feist (aka Leslie Feist) partakes in an elaborate performance dance piece that is flawless, all to the beat of her amazing song, 1234.
Fiest has been in the music scene since the 1990s, but has pretty much stayed under the radar. A couple of years ago, her song Mushaboom off of her second solo album Let It Die was used in a Lacoste commercial, and remixes of the same song introduced her to new audiences worldwide.

Listen to the K-os Remix of Mushaboom by clicking HERE
(track courtesy of Dial 6-1-3)

Her latest album, The Reminder” features 1234 and the stellar My Moon My Man (both have been remixed by several producers with interesting results).

Listen to the Boyz Noise remix of My Moon My Man by clicking HERE
(track courtesy of Missing Hoof)

Some of the CD's tracks were leaked onto the net early, creating a lot of buzz for the new disc.
Feist seems to be on the verge of breaking out of the indie scene into the mainstream, so now is a good time to jump on board.

Feist Official Web site

Feist on MySpace

Remix of 1234 HERE

The Top 10 Groups you’ve probably never heard of: Terra Naomi

2007-06-11T21:25:00.000-05:00

If you’ve read this blog before, you have definitely heard of Terra Naomi — the Los Angeles singer/songwriter who took the world by storm on YouTube last summer.

The video to date has gotten more than 2 million hits.

If you haven’t, this is someone you have to check out ... NOW!

Terra is currently working on her new CD for Island Records, after completely selling out of her last indie disc, Virtually (which I have a copy of ... tee hee!)

Island released Terra’s latest single, a great version of the simple YouTube hit ‘Say It’s Possible,’ for download on its site.I highly recommend getting it HERE.
The single is also available on vinyl (cool). But it will set you back a couple of bucks to get it in the US.

If you need further proof of Terra’s awesome power, check out her YouTube videos below!

Terra Naomi Web site

Terra Naomi on MySpace

The Top 10 Groups you’ve probably never heard of: The Cardigans

2007-06-11T15:33:00.000-05:00

Wait, you're saying. I've heard of The Cardigans. They did that Lovefool song for Romeo and Juliet.
That's right, but have you heard them lately? No. Well they are still around and still making awesome music.
Formed in 1992 in Jonkoping, Sweden, and led by the cheery Nina Persson, The Cardigans had the reputation of putting out pleasant pop music with a disco flair. In 1997, they released Lovefool, their biggest U.S. single, on their First Band On The Moon CD, but their signature sound didn't benefit the group.
After releasing a hitless CD in 1998, they disappeared for 5 years and returned with Long Gone Before Night in 2003 and Super Extra Gravity in 2006.
The latter CD spawned "I Need Some Fine Wine and You, You Need to be Nicer," a fine departure from their Love Fool days. You can hear it by clicking play or watch the YouTube Video Below.

Either way, it's one of the best songs you've probably never heard, from a group that disappeared too fast.

The Cardigans Web Site

Update! Mad Mad Media changing focus

2007-06-11T15:32:00.000-05:00

Hey everyone. I got pretty wrapped up in work the last couple of days ... weeks ... so my blog has gotten little attention from me. Sorry about that, but in that time I started re-thinking what I was going to do with Mad Mad Media.
I’ve become disenfranchised with American Idol and the reality TV shows I watch. So, I don’t think I’m going to be writing about those anymore. The fact of the matter is, the reason I started doing this is because I wanted to show you some of the really cool stuff I’ve found.
Me writing about a television show I watched the night before doesn’t really do that.
So this week I’m going to launch a new project: The Top 10.
With this I will introduce you to the best new stuff I can find - animation, music, movies, Web sites and so on, that I find in easy to swallow doses.
The first will be The Top 10 Groups You’ve Probably Never Heard Of, which will begin shortly. Hope you enjoy, and if you have a suggestion for something I should check out, drop me an email at elarose@sheboygan-press.com.

This is the last time I will ever write about Paris Hilton

2007-06-08T15:23:00.001-05:00

Paris is going back to jail. Yes, one day after some starstruck fool let Paris Hilton serve out her sentence at home, a judge ordered Hilton to serve out her sentence in jail.

Fine, that's done. She screamed "it's not fair" and screamed for her mother...fine and good.

But, take a moment and watch this raw video from AP.

Click HERE.

Now that you're back - holy crap right?

Paris Hilton is not this important. She hasn't done anything (except get killed in that horrible remake of House of Wax). With the amount of money she has and the access she has to the elite, she could do some great things in this world, instead she's gotten a DUI and ended up in porn.

Good job Paris.

As far as I'm concerned, this fascination with Paris Hilton has to end.

To help, I'm going to stop my contribution to this media mayhem by never writing about her ever again.

She isn't worth oxygen, she isn't worth words.

So that's it. Paris, good luck, hope everything works out the way it supposed to, and goodbye.

FRAUD!!!

2007-06-07T10:39:00.000-05:00

Paris Hilton is out of jail. They let her go because of a "medical problem" and she has to serve the rest of her sentence on house arrest.

HOUSE ARREST! ARE YOU *****IN KIDDING ME!

Her house? If it's her house, that's so not cool. She probably has a Nintendo Wii, and a big TV, and a minibar, and a keg-fridge, and servents, and fresh air, and Boo Berry, and friends...all the things JAIL IS MEANT TO KEEP YOU FROM!

Wrong, this is just wrong.

Paris Hilton goes to jail

2007-06-04T20:53:00.000-05:00

Paris Hilton's evening started out grand last night as she attended the MTV Movie Awards, and ended with her going to jail.
Now, a lot of you said, 'She's never going to jail,' but you were wrong. Paris is in jail.
And, if I might ad, this is the nicest mug shot I have ever seen. A new standard for those entering the system. Bravo Paris, Bravo!
Of course, the inmates are already complaining. Paris is getting special meals prepared for her to comply with her strict eating habits (place bad joke here), she's in the special wing of prison which once housed O.J. Simpson and Robert Blake, and she got a special escort last night as she entered jail because of the media.
So, who cares? Raise your hand. Not many of you huh?
Well, I think it's funny, and it's about damn time.
So, in honor of Paris' incarceration, here's an oldie but goodie.
Was (Not Was) Hello Dad, I'm in Jail.

Enjoy

Do you know what time it is?

2007-05-31T15:42:00.001-05:00

It's peanut butter jelly time!

Simpsons-o-rama

2007-05-30T20:34:00.000-05:00

I've been neglecting my blogging this week because I have been super busy. Sorry 'bout that. So, here's some clips from The Simpsons, hopefully this will make everyone feel better!

And just in case you needed a laugh

2007-05-26T15:01:00.001-05:00

Who says the news can't be funny? Check this out.

The Pot Brownie

Add to My Profile | More Videos

Terra Naomi: The revolution starts June 11

2007-05-26T14:48:00.000-05:00

Terra Naomi will release her first official single from her anticipated Island Records Debut on June 11.
How excited am I. This excited!
WEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

Below is her new video for Say It's Possible and her first video for the same song, just days after it was written back last summer.

And, if you want to relive my interview with Terra before she got all big and famous, Click HERE.

Big show in Sheboygan this weekend

2007-05-25T22:30:00.000-05:00

Monument Music is hosting their first daylong concert event in Sheboygan on Saturday featuring seven rock bands and one rap act.
The show is free and the MM crew will be handing out free CDs. You can't go wrong with that.

Also, and this is actually pretty cool, one of the bands - Jetty Boys - agreed to let us film them when they were in the studio on Thursday. We set up in Monument Music's studio (where it was about a million degrees because of our halogen lights) and Jetty Boys rocked out ... hard.
They were amazing, and the raw footage we got was really cool.

If you want to check it out, click HERE.

Also we talked to Aaron Rossmiller from Monument Music about Saturday's concert. You can watch that interview by clicking HERE.

Or, for more about Monument Music and the bands, go to Monument's MySpace site HERE.

Notes from the American Idol finale

2007-05-24T08:32:00.000-05:00

First: Congrats to Jordin. I was confident you’d take American Idol. Blake is a great performer, but you are the better singer. And getting a record-setting 74 million votes (10 of which were mine) that's awesome.
Second: Welcome back Doug E. Fresh. The highlight of last night’s finale was a beatbox battle between Blake Lewis and Doug E. Fresh. I can’t even tell you how exciting that was. I saw Doug E. Fresh (and the Get Fresh Crew) back in like 1988 and it was the coolest concert I have ever seen. Fresh was an amazing performer, as he showed last night. Of course, I think Blake schooled the old schooler a little bit, but ... wow ... what a show.
Third: Now, just about everybody knows not to call me during American Idol. Not Dave Lubach, Sheboygan Press sports reporter. He had a computer question and decided to give me a call — at 8:30 p.m. Now, I didn’t miss any of the show, and I was more than happy to help him out, but I told him I was going to mention what he did on the blog today. So here we are.
Fouth: Props to American Idol for sponsoring a monkey from the Milwaukee County Zoo. Between that and bringing Doug E. Fresh back, it was a very exciting evening.
Fifth: More props to AI for seemingly beating out TiVo. By ending the show at 9:05 p.m., millions of people who TiVoed the finale missed Jordin’s win. Nice touch.

So, see you in January. Until then, I’ll be watching my new favorite reality show, On The Lot, and reruns of The Office.

And here's my favorite moment from last night's finale

What was up with Randy’s jacket? (And other questions from last night’s American Idol)

2007-05-23T08:43:00.000-05:00

* There was no doubt that Blake and Jordin gave it their all last night on American Idol, but whoever picked out Randy Jackson’s wardrobe was not on the ball last night. It looked like something a Prince impersonator would have worn to a Prince concert in the mid ‘80s. Randy, what’s up with that jacket? It’s a little pitchy for me.
* I know Paula Abdul broke her nose and her toe tripping over her dog, but one of her comments left me with a raised eyebrow. She referred to one of the performer’s singing as their “vocal voice.” What the hell is that? I guess it would have to be different than someone’s foot voice, but really couldn’t you have just said singing?
* Let Simon speak. He does have some good things to say, and I can’t hear them with the whole audience booing. So he didn’t like something. Big deal. Apparently, he doesn’t have a phone so his opinion doesn’t matter.
* “This Is My Now.” Worst song ever.
* Speaking that that, the final performance review was way wrong. It ended with Jordin hitting the last note of “This Is My Now” with a confident grin. But that’s not how it ended. She was fighting back the tears at the end of her performance. Obviously, that was taken from her rehearsal performance. I was wondering how they were editing those montages so fast. Votefortheworst.com. Can this website influence another vote? Apparently, the Web site that kept Sanjaya alive, endorsed Blake. Good for them. I wouldn’t feel bad if Blake wins. I’d feel better if Jordin does though.
* Speaking of Sanjaya, check this video out: HERE.

Who will win tonight?

2007-05-22T16:23:00.000-05:00

Blake vs. Jordin - who's got this thing locked up.

My opinion (before the performances of course) is that Jordin has it. Once Melinda was eliminated last week, Jordin is definitely the front runner. She has the voice, she's young, she seems nice.

I like Blake, I think he'll have a good career. But, the beatboxing thing is ... a novelty. Doug E. Fresh (and this really dates me) was a great beatboxer. He was the best. But where is he now? (OK, according to the Internet, he is still around... point taken Internet).

But I think Jordin has it. Unless she drops the ball tonight.

Blake vs. Jordin

2007-05-17T08:22:00.000-05:00

After months of shoddy predictions, I finally got one right. Melinda "awe shucks” Doolittle sang her swan song on American Idol last night, making way for a battle royale between the fresh-faced Jordin and beat-boxing Blake.
I’m excited. Really, really excited. I didn’t think much of Jordin at the beginning of the competition, but she has really grown as a musician. Blake was one of my early favorites, though I didn’t think he’d have a snowballs chance in hell of making the finale.
I liked Melinda, but after weeks of “I’m really that good?” looks, she got old. Great singer, but she didn’t have ‘it.’ Next week both Blake and Jordin will have to pull out all of the stops. No predictions yet, tune in on Tuesday.

So long, AllofMP3

2007-05-16T14:25:00.000-05:00

AllofMP3, the controversial Russian music download site that sold individual song downloads for 10 cents a song, appears to be down for the count.
Though no news reports confirm it, the site appears to no longer be in operation.
As you may have read on this site and elsewhere, Russia agreed to shut down the some time ago in order to gain entrance into the World Trade Organization. Several online blogs speculated the site would be shut down on June 1.
The Recording Industry Association of America and International Federation of the Phonographic Industry have maintained that AllofMP3 sold pirated music, while the site said it was licensed to sell music internationally under Russian law.
Two days ago, AllofMP3 disappeared for Virgin Media customers in the UK. The broadband provider said they had nothing to do with the site no longer being accessible.
Now, it has disappeared from the US as well.
Not that the piracy problem will go away with it. In fact, in a quick search of the Web I found at least a dozen sites from Russia and Ukraine that are selling mp3s "legally" under their country's laws, so if this is indeed the fight against piracy, it’s not over.
But, and I suspect this is true, that this is just an instance of US-based companies wanting preferential treatment in the global marketplace, then today is a sad, sad day.

UPDATE: AllofMP3's sister site, Alltunes, is still up and running. Wonder what's going on with that?

UPDATE: AllofMP3 is back online. Interesting.