tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71256201710625755262011-11-27T15:25:09.722-08:00Doctor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779952473339069370noreply@blogger.comBlogger4591100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-29990413221779746472010-05-02T09:11:00.000-07:002010-05-02T11:30:37.644-07:00

This is the text, more or less verbatim, of the announcement I'm making at the end of the 2 May 2010 edition of Pop Culture America:In 1970 when the Beatles broke up, it was left to Paul McCartney to announce the split to the world. That onerous duty fell on Paul's shoulders because he was the last Beatle left standing. When asked about it later he said, "I never would have left the Beatles if

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-77005164069392864742010-04-29T08:18:00.000-07:002010-04-29T08:29:28.085-07:00

This Sunday, 2 May 2010, on Pop Culture America John and Returning Champion Michael are pleased to welcome Andrea Reiher to the program! Andrea blogs about "American Idol" over at zap2it.com and has all the insider info on the behind-the-scenes goings-on and the shocking departures. Poor li'l Siobhan! I'm going to miss her demure, subtle song stylings.Also, Michael and John will throw down

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-82882172138287338292010-04-28T08:11:00.000-07:002010-04-28T08:11:42.645-07:00

Last night, I watched American idol- With mentor Shania Twain and I was surprised on how much praise the judges were giving to everyone. (When clearly they didn't have to)Fortunately, the kids of Idol had the advantage of taking an unfamiliar Twain song and making it seem fresh and Poppy. (Which by the way is Mine and John's radio names) Lee Dewyze-"You're Still The One" Lee, you are in danger

Doctor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779952473339069370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-22661592945463858972010-04-27T14:07:00.000-07:002010-04-27T14:52:37.185-07:00

HBO's new film bears the curious title You Don't Know Jack. I thought it was going to be a documentary about the computer game from the 1990s and the short-lived television game show based on it. Pee Wee Herman hosted that show. It lasted six episodes. I guess HBO didn't think that was enough to craft a film around.But my confusion aside, it's a curious title because the actual subject of the

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-34397949751968470222010-04-24T04:46:00.000-07:002010-04-24T05:05:25.342-07:00

So yahoo put out this list of 100 Movies to See Before You Die, focusing on movies released in the last twenty years. I like that idea since lists like this tend to be heavy on the 1930s and 1940s. Nothing wrong with that, but it is refreshing to pay tribute to some greatness that's within living memory. Well, MY living memory, anyway.I'm old.Yesterday I ran through the list for the years from

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-20411700953587105842010-04-23T05:18:00.000-07:002010-04-23T05:36:24.562-07:00

We love lists here at Pop Culture America, so when yahoo put out its list of the 100 movies from the last twenty years that you must see before you die, it was like catnip for us. Cyber catnip.This is a big ol' list (100 strong!) and I want to present it in its entirety, so we'll do this on the installment plan: the 1990s today, the 2000s tomorrow. After the yahoo choices, I've included five

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-90825320939149522882010-04-22T20:06:00.000-07:002010-04-22T20:18:18.009-07:00

Pop Culture America is proud to welcome Alan Kistler of Alan Kistler's Universe and Crazy Sexy Geeks: The Series to this week's jam-packed episode. With Special Guest Host Michael along for the ride, we'll discuss the sartorial hits and misses of the superhero set, take an in-depth look at the new Doctor Who, let you know if The Losers is a winner, and punch all of your pop cultural buttons till

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-53299076069829758592010-04-20T04:25:00.000-07:002010-04-20T04:43:51.364-07:00

Esquire magazine just released its list of the most beautiful women in the world. Last year's winner was the undeniably attractive but vapid Megan Fox. This year is a victory for actual grown-ups. Allow me to present the evidence ...That is "Mad Men's" Christina Hendricks and I believe the proper response to her pulchritude is "Va-va-voom." I am nothing if not proper.Almost -- but not quite -

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-49339525707044143032010-04-19T07:59:00.000-07:002010-04-19T08:47:49.929-07:00

This is an open letter to Crystal Bowersox, the clear favorite (and my well-informed pick) to win this season's "American Idol" competition. Rumor has it that MamaSox came about yay close to packing up her acoustic guitar and her memorial hair decor and heading home, only to be coaxed back by Ryan Seacrest in the "Idol" studio parking lot. Reportedly he told her that the reason to stay on the

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-12330695367597889012010-04-13T20:52:00.000-07:002010-04-13T20:56:36.372-07:00

So I got a comment on one of my posts here, but it was in Chinese. This is inconvenient because I only speak the obscure Shaolin dialect lost to most during the fourth Lin Dynasty. But thanks to the googles, I have here a translation of just what the comment said. I think it expresses a sentiment we can all relate to. And I quote ...:Guo Jun said ...080 in the chat room chat room dream of

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-63527539838697852382010-04-13T19:12:00.000-07:002010-04-13T20:43:16.997-07:00

Tonight's "American Idol" -- with mentoring by longtime music legend Adam Lambert and songs by some old has-been named Elvis Something-Or-Other -- brought out most of what's good about this ninth season of the franchise, and just about all of what's not so good. With nine contestants left, nine weeks to go, and nine different flavors of fury on Siobhan Magnus's face, here are nine reviews of this

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-71303937724806952302010-04-06T08:39:00.000-07:002010-04-06T14:30:42.268-07:00

This is the article "The Trouble With Easy Listening" from the Los Angeles Times, 26 March 2010 edition, by Steve Almond. It's reprinted here without permission. That's the interwebs for you! I have a reaction at the end of Mr. Almond's column, but I thought he should have his full say before I tell you just how wrong he is. Take it away Steve-O -- ....When I first encountered iTunes, the wildly

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-75499977394741704102010-04-05T20:28:00.000-07:002010-04-05T21:19:14.641-07:00

Perhaps you watched Tiger Woods and his press conference this afternoon.Yeah. Me neither. I was too busy watching the Cubs get their posteriors punted.By all accounts, the conference was a lackluster affair described by various media outlets as "dull" and "un-newsworthy." Is that a word?Is now.Fortunately, we at Pop Culture America have managed (at considerable expense) to obtain a copy of a

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-28649624909870729482010-03-12T14:09:00.000-08:002010-03-12T14:09:24.756-08:00

Doctor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779952473339069370noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-3185838349335050972010-03-09T20:38:00.000-08:002010-03-09T21:08:06.561-08:00

Another Big Video Round-Up coming to Pop Culture America over at blogtalkradio.com this Sunday, 14 March 2010. Dave and I review ten vids and encourage you to take a look at them right here. My half of the selection process consists of the following:Noah and the Whale -- Love of an OrchestraSt. Vincent -- Laughing With a Mouth of BloodSharam featuring Kid Cudi -- She Came AlongShe & Him -- In

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-46760768610312672652010-01-27T20:04:00.001-08:002010-01-27T20:04:35.947-08:00

David Letterman looked like "either Dinty Moore or Paul Bunyan's son." Or so recalls Jay Leno from his 1996 book on his first meeting with Letterman in 1975. It was a fateful encounter that formed an initial partnership and friendship. But now, in retrospect, it's a tragic relationship in which the repercussions from the fallout between the two are still being felt 35 years later, changing late

Doctor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779952473339069370noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-24976141646221999922009-12-04T09:50:00.000-08:002009-12-04T09:50:02.492-08:00

You had the mixing of two pop cultuyre events- The new James Cameron blockbuster Avatar and the 2007 Documentary- The King of Kong-  Bones is full of geeks..

Doctor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779952473339069370noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-81726519754464499212009-11-22T12:53:00.000-08:002009-11-22T12:55:46.689-08:00

Doctor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779952473339069370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-65038785201314271142009-11-08T09:26:00.000-08:002009-11-11T09:14:04.067-08:00

1. taylor Swift- You belong with me-2. John Mayer- Who Says..-3. Marilyn Manson- Running to the End of The World-4. The Dead Weather- I Cut like a Buffalo- 5. Adam Lambert- Time for Miracles6. Kris Allen- Live like your dying"

Doctor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779952473339069370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-34006846854558639742009-11-06T19:16:00.000-08:002009-11-06T20:27:36.955-08:00

On the 11 November 2009 edition of Pop Culture America with John and Dave (Hey! That's Veteran's Day!), we'll be presenting another of our patented PCA Video Round-Ups, examining the not-quite-lost-yet art of the music video. Wouldn't it be awesome if there was a cable channel that played nothing but music videos around the clock? I wonder why no one has ever thought of that before ...If

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-35167051105662374382009-10-28T13:20:00.000-07:002009-10-28T13:21:07.817-07:00

Doctor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779952473339069370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-33786194879517097702009-10-24T18:49:00.000-07:002009-10-24T18:50:54.803-07:00

Ohio prof who pioneered study of pop culture diesBy JOHN SEEWER (AP) – 1 day agoTOLEDO, Ohio — Ray Browne, an Ohio university professor who was credited with coining the phrase "popular culture" and pioneering the study of things such as bumper stickers and cartoons, has died. He was 87.Browne died at his home Thursday, according to his family and officials at Bowling Green State university.He

Doctor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779952473339069370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-22446638869701235602009-10-21T19:26:00.000-07:002009-10-21T20:07:04.632-07:00

Peter, also suggested for your Halloween amusement, 1934's The Black Cat with Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff, Michael Powell's Peeping Tom from 1960, The "Original" Stepfather from 1987 and the original 1997 "Funny Games" and for vampire enthusiasts out there, "Let the Right One in". John and Peter, also mentioned "Halloween 3- Season of the Witch".and here is the commercial from your TV set.

Doctor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779952473339069370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-91415261402650035362009-10-21T11:36:00.000-07:002009-10-21T11:57:01.594-07:00

Tonight, we ask film critic Peter Sobczynski about the new movie, "A Serious Man" and his picks on the Scariest movies around for viewing on Halloween and more..

Doctor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779952473339069370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-3948410382679849502009-10-06T11:14:00.000-07:002009-10-06T14:58:18.468-07:00

Just as I suspected ...Beneath the red and blue(and yellow!)tights, Superman's heart is revealed as encrusted with hammers, sickles, and swastikas! And worst of all, upon closer inspection, it appears to be bleeding.In this public service ad run in DC comics dated June/July 1952, the hero who supposedly fights for truth, justice, and the American way teams up with the federal government to

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-30248219840809531452009-08-05T07:09:00.000-07:002009-08-05T07:12:47.472-07:00

By GEOFF WILLIAMS, AOL SMALL BUSINESSPosted: 2009-08-04 15:50:44Filed Under: Small Business, Marketing www.psycho-donuts.comEvery small business owner hopes to have a product that their customers are crazy for. They don't all want to drive them crazy.But Psycho Donuts apparently is happy with both.In the little town of Campbell, California, near San Jose, ever since Psycho Donuts opened up

Doctor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779952473339069370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-79351572714838523332009-07-31T07:56:00.001-07:002009-07-31T08:01:28.811-07:00

Mustard Museum taking tourists out of town By Judy Keen, USA TODAYMOUNT HOREB, Wis. — For the final time, people will gather here Saturday on two closed-off blocks of Main Street to celebrate National Mustard Day. There will be free hotdogs with mustard — there's a $10 surcharge for those who dare to request ketchup — mustard painting and music by the Poupon U Accordion Band.Mustard Day and its

Doctor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779952473339069370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-31241832509279157672009-07-02T12:06:00.000-07:002009-07-02T12:19:16.095-07:00

Big thanks this week to our special guest on Pop Culture America, comics legend Lively Len Wein. When asked about his least favorite comics work, Len identified a character Marvel once billed as the first Jewish superhero in comics, The Golem -- The Thing That Walks Like a Man!This was not strictly true. Marvel had debuted a Jewish superhero way back at the dawn of the Silver Age, though he was

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-55789955461302216252009-07-01T05:55:00.000-07:002009-07-01T06:10:30.539-07:00

The First song is the artis known as jessie James and the song is "Wanted" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keOV-m7zgWc the next video is Lady Gaga's Love Gamethe third video is The Noisettes and "Never Forget You" the fourth video is the Sounds and "No one sleeps when I'm awake" and the fifth video is MGMT and "Kids"

Doctor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779952473339069370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-38087049821225286252009-06-28T18:15:00.000-07:002009-06-28T18:16:21.898-07:00

Doctor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779952473339069370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-74583097321043790292009-06-26T12:30:00.000-07:002009-06-26T12:58:45.685-07:00

On the July 1st edition of Pop Culture America with John and Dave (heard each and every week on blogtalkradio.com), we'll be looking once again at the art form that most clearly defined -- and was defined by -- the recently deceased Michael Jackson: the music video. MTV may have given up on them, but we know that Pop Culture Americans still love them.As always on the Big Video Round-Up, I will

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-3564847090446533952009-06-04T20:33:00.000-07:002009-06-04T21:02:52.250-07:00

This past week saw the annual convention for all things bit-based and digitized: the 2009 E3 shebang. Senior Pop Culture America tech correspondent Michael filed the following report:The Big 3 at E3Well its time for the video game industry to bring out the big toys to show everyone that they aren’t just sitting around picking their collective noses. This year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo, or

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-47355909676645340532009-05-26T15:16:00.000-07:002009-05-26T15:43:02.721-07:00

Pop Culture America correspondent Michael has recently attended the Animazement convention in Raleigh/Durham, North Carolina and filed this report. You're on, Mike!ANIMAZEMENT 2009 Animazement, the local Anime, Manga and Japanese culture convention here in North Carolina. This is the 12th year that Animazement has been running. This is my third year attending the convention. Formerly the

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-38447077067679441812009-05-22T20:22:00.000-07:002009-05-22T20:42:35.733-07:00

We here at Pop Culture America HQ are eternally indebted to our friend Liz Langley for pinch-hitting as Special Guest Co-Host on this past Tuesday's show. You should totally head over to blogtalkradio.com and download the podcast (for free) and listen to her. Try to ignore the doofus on the other microphone.Also, check out Liz's super-cool blogsite. Here's a taste of her work, a vid where she

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-68075707426617083402009-05-22T13:05:00.000-07:002009-05-22T13:06:16.472-07:00

What Gilmore Girls character are you? Your Result: Christopher You have made many mistakes. But somehow you turn your life around. You mean to be responsible but it doesn't always turn out that way. Your life will completely turn around for the better because one mistake could actually turn into a blessing.Luke Sookie Lane Rory Lorelai What Gilmore Girls character are you?Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

Doctor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779952473339069370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-46733996844524119782009-04-10T21:39:00.000-07:002009-04-10T22:33:21.643-07:00

Yee. Haw.Cowboy talk.On the next Pop Culture America Primetime with John and Dave over at blogtalkradio.com, we bring back one of our favorite features; it's the Big Music Video Round-Up!We'll be viewing and reviewing ten new songs and their videos, running the gamut from pop to mainstream rock to alt-rock to rap to ... Well heck, why tell you when I can show you? Below you'll find almost all

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-69577631470876370752009-04-05T19:56:00.000-07:002009-04-07T19:50:18.388-07:00

New "Saturday Night Live," new review. Let us waste no time ..."Saturday Night Live" 4 April 2009. Host: Seth Rogen. Musical Guest: Phoenix.Cold Open -- President Obama (Fred Armisen) announces his government's plan to micromanage businesses and decide which lives, and which goes the way of ousted GM Prez Rick Wagoner. Everything from reclining chairs to frozen shrimp to plastic novelty vomit

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-8464904931174773072009-03-22T05:26:00.000-07:002009-03-22T06:34:30.138-07:00

We see the world as a two-dimensional image, a flat picture with height and width. Depth is an illusion (and not just in the world of optics), a trick of converging lines and spatial perspective. It's a useful illusion. It enables us to gauge distances and relationships. But it is an illusion nonetheless, easily fooled as artists and stage magicians know well.Looking at a normal

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-71149009281224444802009-03-17T14:44:00.000-07:002009-03-17T16:24:43.175-07:00

The review is a little late this week. But that's okay. I made up for its tardiness by ensuring that it wasn't very good. Quality, quantity, both, neither ...This week's "SNL" was hosted by a returning cast member, which always makes for an interesting program. Plus, the musical guest is someone who makes my guilty heart go pitter pat. So it's gonna be great, right? Right ...?"Saturday Night Live

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-51867224558422027442009-03-09T14:22:00.000-07:002009-03-09T14:44:23.381-07:00

For those unfamiliar with the characters and plotlines of Watchmen, the movie can be a bit obscure, and that's putting it mildly. Several of my non-geek friends (Yes, I have several) have asked me some clarifying questions after seeing the film and I thought it might be fruitful to share them here. Along with the answers, natch.1. Who's that arguing with Sally while Laurie remembers her childhood

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-50962115037614456282009-03-08T12:09:00.000-07:002009-03-08T13:47:59.908-07:00

After a two-week hiatus, "SNL" is back with an all-new show. And this time it really is all new, not padded out with old commercials like the last "new" one. Plus it features The People's Champ! How can it go wrong?"Saturday Night Live" 7 March 2009. Host: Dwayne Johnson. Musical Guest: Ray LaMontagne.Cold Open -- Secretary of the Treasury Timothy Geithner has a plan to rescue the failing

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-41636854208373878182009-03-06T05:08:00.000-08:002009-03-06T06:56:29.768-08:00

I'm just a few brief hours removed from a raucous midnight showing of one of the most hotly anticipated films of this still fairly young year. I know I've been all hot with the anticipating. Randy Jackson would call me "molten, steaming, french-fry hot!"And now I've watched it. But should you watch ...Watchmen (d. Zack Snyder)Unfilmable.That's been the conventional wisdom about Watchmen, the

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-62201338988720902922009-02-17T14:40:00.000-08:002009-02-17T16:54:18.950-08:00

No one has hosted "SNL" more often than Alec Baldwin (except for some banjo player). No one is hotter than the -- "Squeal" -- Jonas Brothers. No one reviews "SNL" better than me. All the pieces are in place."Saturday Night Live" February 14, 2009. Host: Alec Baldwin. Musical Guest: The Jonas Brothers.Cold Open -- The Congressional Republican leadership gathers together to celebrate their

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-87930678935893794822009-02-14T05:48:00.000-08:002009-02-14T07:09:03.445-08:00

It's the most hotly anticipated TV show of the year. For Nerds! Or, as I prefer to think of them, "My People." But does it deliver? You need but scroll down to discover the answer to that and other baffling questions."Dollhouse" (Pilot episode "Ghosts" Written and Directed by Joss Whedon)So Joss Whedon and the Fox network are together again. And why not? Everything worked out so well for them

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-71375054381425215862009-02-08T04:55:00.000-08:002009-02-08T07:21:52.924-08:00

A new "SNL" is always cause to celebrate here at Pop Culture America HQ. The latest edition features Bradley "Um Y'Know Um That Guy From 'Wedding Crashers' No Not Him The Other Guy No The Other Other Guy" Cooper (It's a long nickname, but I think it suits him) and rock critic faves TV on the Radio. And how did the gang fare? Let us discover the answer to that question together."Saturday Night

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-62674753525865696892009-02-04T14:39:00.000-08:002009-02-04T16:19:32.956-08:00

We're a little late on the "SNL" recap this week. Blame the Super Bowl. And Obama. Blame him too. What the hey?Anyway, the most prolific host in the history of "Saturday Night Live" appeared this past weekend. With a track record like he has, the show had to be great, right? Right?"Saturday Night Live" Host: Steve Martin. Musical Guest: Jason Mraz with Colbie Caillat.Cold Open -- Barack

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-61489589602612261872009-02-03T09:39:00.000-08:002009-02-03T11:55:21.350-08:00

We'll get to the scene-by-scene breakdown of this Saturday's new "SNL" shortly. But first ...Are you ready for some football advertising!?!Every year here at Pop Culture America, I post a minute-by-minute diary of my experience enjoying the Super Bowl, and more importantly, the Super Bowl commercials. This year IS an exception, but I'm gonna do it anyway. All times are Eastern.12PM to 6PM --

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-54956583266656125332009-01-31T20:18:00.000-08:002009-01-31T21:30:09.454-08:00

The Oscar noms are out (see elsewhere on this blog for the full list), so it's time to get caught up on any of the big award-season films you might have missed. For example, there's this one with a whole wheelbarrow full of acting nods. I believe it's called ...Doubt (d. John Patrick Shanley)I get a bit worried when I encounter people who are 100% sure of things that no one could possibly know.

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-25990815632281938352009-01-30T18:38:00.000-08:002009-01-30T20:11:20.704-08:00

On Tuesday's Pop Culture America with John and Dave, I unveiled my list of the Top Ten movies of 2008. For those of you keeping score at home, here they are again, in order and with a brief capsule review (click the links for rapid access to my full reviews of most of them, or if I didn't write a full review -- I'm lazy -- the film's wikipedia page).10. The Bank Job (d. Roger Donaldson) -- A

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-14723952558890649752009-01-22T08:04:00.000-08:002009-01-23T10:36:07.270-08:00

A few hours ago at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater, the nominations for the 81st Academy Awards were announced. And as I predicted, the contest here at Pop Culture America came down to a razor-thin margin. In the end, the official tally was John -- 24, Dave -- 23 (we said Kate Winslet would be up for Revolutionary Road instead of The Reader, but I'm counting it anyway). I planned my total as a tribute

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-12595602640605620052009-01-21T13:07:00.000-08:002009-01-21T13:17:20.999-08:00

John and I both have stated that Christopher Nolan and The Dark Knight will pick up nominations for best picture and best director, but what if Wall-E picks up the nod instead for picture and Mike Leigh for Happy Go Lucky or Darren Aronofsky for the Wrestler for director ..Wall-E was not the crowd pleaser for me that everyone else thought it was but , any robot who dreams of the movies version

Doctor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779952473339069370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-40407987501205535132009-01-21T05:22:00.000-08:002009-01-21T06:03:52.686-08:00

Every year at Pop Culture America, Dave and I predict who will be nominated in the six major Academy Awards categories (Picture, Director, Actor, Actress, Supporting Actor, Supporting Actress). Usually, we see the Oscar chances of the various hopefuls as a wide open field. This year, Dave and I think it's a pretty foregone conclusion in most instances.That means we're doomed.For the record, our

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-53851049395658349272009-01-21T05:13:00.001-08:002009-01-21T05:20:40.712-08:00

Our Pop Culture America guest last night, "Rascally" Roy Thomas, the long time writer of The Avengers, X-Men, and many others, mentioned a couple of websites that you should check out.Over at twomorrows.com, you can see issues of the latest incarnation of Alter Ego, Roy's legendary fan publication, featuring articles and interviews with great comic creators.Also The Hero Initiative at

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-53155755756735693232009-01-18T05:44:00.000-08:002009-01-18T08:05:52.222-08:00

I name today's post after my favorite Rosario Dawson character. Slog through Oliver Stone's Alexander to find her. It's rough going, but she's worth it.But how is she as an "SNL" host? We'll find out the only way I know how ..."Saturday Night Live" 17 Jan 2009. Host: Rosario Dawson. Musical Guest: Fleet Foxes.Cold Open -- Outgoing Vice President -- outgoing in the sense that he's about to

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-11959142727603899032009-01-17T20:22:00.000-08:002009-01-17T22:14:50.421-08:00

After taking a lengthy end-of-the-year break, the "SNL" crew returned last Saturday with their first show of 2009. It was a raucous and impactful 2008. Let's see how the second half of the 34th season of "Saturday Night Live" commenced ...By the by, this review is so late because I've had some internet connectivity issues here at Pop Culture America HQ, but our writer/technician Dougie, (age 9),

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-69696758797495783282009-01-16T05:17:00.000-08:002009-01-16T06:08:01.106-08:00

Yesterday we had a movie that made full use of its star's larger-than-life persona in The Wrestler. Today, by contrast we have a completely different kind of movie. And by "different," I mean, "the same." It's ...Gran Torino (d. Clint Eastwood)A Korean War vet, 30-year Ford employee, and recent widower, Walt Kowalski is old, cantankerous, and firmly set in his ways. Even after his Detroit

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-12838494163628003752009-01-15T16:34:00.000-08:002009-01-15T18:24:37.150-08:00

Had some internet connectivity issues for a time there, but I am back, baby. Just in time to share with you my review of ...The Wrestler (d. Darren Aronofsky)I guess I'm an on-again, off-again fan of Professional Wrestling. There have been times when I've been consumed by it (the last speeding ticket I was ever issued came a few years ago when I was rushing home from work to see The Rock on one

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-11255089720236992102009-01-14T19:46:00.000-08:002009-01-14T19:47:15.636-08:00

Doctor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779952473339069370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-55850612052753511122009-01-11T17:23:00.000-08:002009-01-11T20:06:24.981-08:00

Kate Winslet wins it for the reader-- no one had that..Tom Wilkinson won for John Adams- Thats was a John Win (Biggeee deal)Laura Dern won for Recount- John wins that one (im calling for a recount, myself)Gabriel Byrnes wins for In Treatment- neither John or I had this..Anna Paquin wins for True Blood- neither John or I had this..(they were still good performances)for best animated film- Wall-E (

Doctor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779952473339069370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-20434117085230985572009-01-10T12:53:00.000-08:002009-01-15T16:28:09.268-08:00

Another day, another Nazi. Today's film features the winning combination of National Socialism and literacy and it's called ...The Reader (d. Stephen Daldry)It's the summer of 1958 and young Michael Berg is enjoying a dream come true. He's a teenager being introduced to adulthood through an affair with Hanna, an earthy, sensual woman more than a decade his senior. Hanna helped Michael when he was

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-30725376215710995822009-01-09T05:18:00.000-08:002009-01-09T05:30:24.247-08:00

Our movie today has been out for awhile but I only just got to see it recently because movie studios don't seem to want my money. That's the only explanation I can think of for their brain-dead film release strategies. But I won't let executive numbskullery color my opinion of ...Happy-Go-Lucky (d. Mike Leigh)Poppy is happy. Real happy. She's the kind of happy that can't get three words into a

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-26165657143848095332009-01-08T06:04:00.000-08:002009-01-08T07:48:24.426-08:00

David Fincher once described directing a film as being akin to trying to paint a picture with a 500-yard-long paintbrush manipulated by 100 people who you attempt to control by standing off to one side and yelling things into a bullhorn like "3% more blue!" Sounds daunting. Let's see how he did with his lengthy paintbrush this time.The Curious Case of Banjamin Button (d. David Fincher)Benjamin

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-79448042035081869672009-01-07T10:50:00.000-08:002009-01-07T11:35:42.922-08:00

As promised on last night's humdinger of a Pop Culture America on blogtalkradio.com (thank you blogtalk), here are the Golden Globes predictions. Watch the big awards show on the 11th at 8PM Eastern and play along the John and Dave way!Movies first. The nominees are:Best Picture - Drama'The Curious Case of Benjamin Button''Frost/Nixon''The Reader''Revolutionary Road''Slumdog Millionaire'Davey

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-13150272791308640962009-01-05T14:59:00.000-08:002009-01-05T16:18:05.206-08:00

And we're back to the movies! Today's subject is ...Frost/Nixon (d. Ron Howard)The very first big time news story I ever followed was Watergate. It was not by choice. Back when I grew up in the late Cretaceous Period, the only time you could catch the good cartoons was Saturday morning, and I took my Saturday morning television very seriously, mapping out schedules so that I could maximize my

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-44602204800922304382009-01-03T15:52:00.000-08:002009-01-03T15:54:08.103-08:00

Worst of TV 2008 Poll Worst Boyfriend63.3% Spencer Pratt, The Hills 12.8% Chuck Bass, Gossip Girl 4.1% Esteban Reyes, Weeds 6.4% Dexter Morgan, Dexter 13.4% Renee Lenier, True Blood Worst Cancellation17.4% Dirty Sexy Money 17.1% Eli Stone 5.0% Ex List 15.7% Lipstick Jungle 44.7% Pushing Daisies Worst Chemistry13.1% Nate & Vanessa, Gossip Girl 28.8% Hahn & Callie, Grey's Anatomy 10.5%

Doctor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779952473339069370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-46732653605935565232009-01-03T13:20:00.000-08:002009-01-03T13:29:24.621-08:00

Everyone who's checked out Pop Culture America with John and Dave on blogtalkradio.com knows that my favorite TV show of all time is "Doctor Who."Yes, I am a nerd.So we have to take a moment here at the PCA blog to herald the latest from Pop Culture England and Lizzie Smith of the guardian.co.uk:Unknown stage actor Matt Smith will replace David Tennant in Doctor Who, it has been revealed. At 26

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-62669135683008064612008-12-30T09:02:00.000-08:002008-12-30T10:26:03.472-08:00

How come in the movies everybody's always out to kill poor Hitler? No wonder the guy was so bitter. Didn't anyone ever think that he might respond to a little kindness? Maybe if there had been a clandestine organization bent on giving Hitler a great big hug, history would have turned out differently. Or they could have all plotted to surprise him with a puppy. I'd go see that movie. Call it

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-70840739587698951202008-12-29T14:37:00.000-08:002008-12-29T15:40:57.411-08:00

Comics fans have a descriptive phrase for an artist who's talented with striking individual panels but weak at the more workmanlike skill of panel to panel storytelling: "All splash, no story." Splash refers to those initial full-page panels at the beginning of an issue that may or may not be directly connected to the story within, but whose main function is simply to catch the eye.You can

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-86134135987208297882008-12-27T18:01:00.000-08:002008-12-27T18:59:54.854-08:00

And away we go with one of the biggest holiday releases of the year! Topping the box office list this past week was ...Yes Man (d. Peyton Reed)In 1997, Jim Carrey starred in a film called Liar, Liar wherein he played a lawyer who was forced to always tell the truth. In this year's Yes Man, Jim Carrey plays a loan officer who chooses to always say "yes" to every request. In 2019, I fully expect

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-36909896632687852892008-12-25T05:19:00.000-08:002008-12-25T05:47:19.918-08:00

Have yourself a mighty little Christmas! Here, fresh from Pop Culture America Primetime, are our lists of favorite Christmas-time movies. Notice the lack of accepted classics like A Christmas Story and It's a Wonderful Life? Well, I can't speak for my buddy Davey, but they're not on my list because I don't much care for the former and see no need to champion the latter. If we missed any of

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-40731683316741913892008-12-22T11:38:00.000-08:002008-12-22T12:42:34.064-08:00

If you've had the opportunity to join Dave and myself on Pop Culture America over at blogtalkradio.com on any of the many occasions when we've discussed some of our favorite films, you know that I am a sucker for movies about bands. Today's review subject isn't a band movie, but it is about the acts that came together in the 1950s and 1960s in Chicago on the legendary Chess Records label. Close

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-52196624066691124122008-12-20T12:28:00.001-08:002008-12-20T13:44:33.791-08:00

Bzzz! Bzzzz! Bzzz!Do you hear that? It's the sound of of an Oscar Buzz in the wild. The Buzzes start issuing their distinctive mating calls every year around this time. But the question always remains: do the movies Oscar buzzes about merit the murmur? Or even a barely audible hum? Or just a long, groaning yawn?Only one way to find out. In the weeks to come you will see very little of me out in

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-44566073435777773762008-12-17T13:28:00.000-08:002008-12-17T13:51:43.115-08:00

On the most recent Pop Culture America with John and Dave on blogtalkradio.com -- which you can always access as a podcast either here or from iTunes -- Dave and I unveiled our list of the best TV shows of this past year. For those of you scoring at home -- and even for the ones striking out -- here are our two lists in their entirety:DAVE1. " The Big Bang Theory"2. "House"3. "Life"4. "

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-41961550127183857542008-12-16T16:43:00.000-08:002008-12-16T16:52:10.156-08:00

Allow me to indulge in my favorite pastime: quoting myself. This is from my review of the latest "Saturday Night Live" (the full review can be seen a little further down the page)."Fred (Armisen) takes on the comedy minefield of impersonating the legally blind Governor of New York, David Paterson ..."And it appears that he stepped on one of those mines. The following comes from Jeremy Peters in

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-35136677752890759992008-12-15T04:39:00.000-08:002008-12-15T06:02:54.314-08:00

It's been awhile since I posted regular movie reviews here at the Pop Culture America blogsite. There are so many big films due this Holiday season, the ninety minutes per week of Pop Culture America Primetime just won't suffice for me to weigh in on them all. Or even most of them.So look for more movie reviews in the weeks to come right here. We'll start with ...The Day The Earth Stood Still (d

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-60807269432385558462008-12-14T05:39:00.000-08:002008-12-14T07:20:32.189-08:00

And so we have the final new "Saturday Night Live" for the calendar year 2008. It seems like only yesterday it was twenty-four hours earlier.Time. Always a mystery.It's a historic episode for more reasons than that, as we shall see. Onward!Cold Open -- Illinois Governor Rod Balgovaj ... Rod Boljag ... Rod Balrogovich. Yes. I'm going with that. Illinois Governor Rob Flangenhocker appears before a

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-52083319894999081272008-12-13T14:26:00.001-08:002008-12-13T14:41:43.379-08:00

In the interest of paying some small lip service to fairness and balancedness (or whatever), Pop Culture America presents someone else's Top Ten Rock Albums of 2008. In this case it's Jake Coyle of the AP.Of the records he mentions below, I like Kings of Leon, The Hold Steady, Fleet Foxes, Vampire Weekend, Deerhunter and She and Him; I just didn't think their work this year rose to the level of

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-4158671625596454292008-12-10T06:11:00.000-08:002008-12-10T06:21:02.366-08:00

As promised, here's the Pop Culture America Top Ten Albums of 2008, as compiled with absolutely zero objectivity by yours truly. Listen to them all and post your thanks here. Or your opposite of thanks. What's that called again? Oh yeah. Hatred.1. Jenny Lewis -- Acid Tongue2. Los Campesinos! -- Hold On Now, Youngster3. Sam Phillips -- Don't Do Anything4. Elvis Costello and the Imposteres

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-76890698393193766352008-12-10T04:54:00.000-08:002008-12-10T06:10:37.518-08:00

It's time for Number One! This is it! Here it comes! Number One!Jenny Lewis -- Acid Tongue (p. Jenny Lewis, Johnathan Rice, Dave Scher, Jason Lader)It's a funny thing about proclaiming one's self a liar. Why should we believe it? Why wouldn't a liar be lying about that too? It's a conundrum that once helped Captain Kirk blow the microcircuited mind of one of Harry Mudd's robots. And it may be

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-11112875159662326042008-12-09T04:03:00.000-08:002008-12-09T05:01:00.725-08:00

We're up to Number Two on my list of the Top Ten Albums of 2008. Tune into Pop Culture America Primetime tonight at 8PM Eastern to be the first to hear the full Top Ten list, including the dramatic unveiling of the Best Album of the Year. Then check back at this blogsite tomorrow for a full review of Number One (I bet it's a favorable review!). I'll also list the complete Top Ten here.And stick

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-4815951787296376402008-12-08T03:45:00.000-08:002008-12-08T04:58:12.386-08:00

After a day off yesterday to assess the new "Saturday Night Live" (good!), the countdown of the Best Albums of 2008 continues today. Remember, it's all building up to Tuesday's edition of Pop Culture America Primetime at 8PM Eastern on blogtalkradio.com. On that very special broadcast, Dave and I will take an in-depth look at the year in music and I'll unveil my full Top Ten Best of '08 List.I

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-44048352733960473242008-12-07T08:34:00.000-08:002008-12-07T08:47:06.749-08:00

Harry Chapin - Cats In The Cradle1974My child arrived just the other day,He came to the world in the usual way.But there were planes to catch, and bills to pay.He learned to walk while I was away.And he was talking 'fore I knew it, and as he grew,He'd say, "I'm gonna be like you, dad.You know I'm gonna be like you."And the cat's in the cradle and the silver spoon,Little boy blue and the man in

Doctor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779952473339069370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-37734991723693554282008-12-07T08:15:00.000-08:002008-12-07T08:21:05.364-08:00

How's this for an offer you can't refuse: The Godfather Family Album - previously unseen candid pictures revealing how the finest gangster movies of them all were made...and a running commentary from author Mario Puzo how he came to write The Godfather in the first place (he needed the money)

Doctor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779952473339069370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-18125652809872344482008-12-07T08:00:00.000-08:002008-12-07T08:03:09.273-08:00

'Twilight' and teen stars take spotlight off sexBy Don Aucoin and Joan Anderman, Globe Staff | December 6, 2008"Twilight," the vampire romance taking the nation by storm, tells the story of Edward, a smoldering young bloodsucker who falls in love with Bella, his high school science partner. Sexual temptation abounds in the wildly popular book series and movie, but Edward, unlike most of his

Doctor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779952473339069370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-27489796067188835842008-12-07T05:46:00.000-08:002008-12-07T07:02:04.414-08:00

Quick personal indulgence: One of my favorite SNLs of all time was the January 21, 1989 edition hosted by John Malkovich. He did three characters on that episode that I continue to reference regularly to this day -- Len Tukwilla, Driftwood Sculptor; Lord Edmund ("I will not be mocked!"); and the always violent Johnny Canal. Brilliant.Last night's episode featured Malkovich again. Can it live

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-1018002699306339762008-12-06T04:14:00.000-08:002008-12-06T04:43:12.588-08:00

Continuing my wrap-up of the year's best music, here's Number Four on my list. This year's Elvis Costello album was recorded in a grand total of eight days. To put that in perspective, that's about 6000 fewer days than it took to release Chinese Democracy. I have to confess, this is a reprint of my review of the album that appeared on this blog back on May 14. So yes, I'm plagiarizing myself.

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-10328564027761865842008-12-05T14:02:00.000-08:002008-12-05T14:11:43.621-08:00

The unfortunate passage of Proposition 8 in California (and the similar Ballot Initiative #2 here in my home state of Florida) has become a cause celebre for those who have a problem with denying Americans basic rights that do no harm to anyone. What are those people called again? The ones who don't care for stripping Americans of basic rights? Oh yeah. Crazy liberal commies.One of the more

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-32126099393872559992008-12-05T06:25:00.000-08:002008-12-05T06:26:20.117-08:00

Doctor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779952473339069370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-60472221483106844772008-12-05T05:03:00.000-08:002008-12-05T06:27:40.226-08:00

A quick caveat or two before I delve into the best music of the year:Of all the artforms we track over at Pop Culture America, music is the most difficult to get a handle on. There's way more than any one person could possibly give a serious listen to. There are so many styles and niches, it's inevitable that not everything will be to any one particular person's taste, thus ensuring that not

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-25795428031926785522008-11-26T08:28:00.000-08:002008-11-26T08:37:04.163-08:00

'Bailout' Is Webster's 'Word of the Year' Tuesday, November 25, 2008 3:00 PMSPRINGFIELD, Mass. — Everyone seems to want one, but apparently a lot of Americans aren't sure what exactly a "bailout" is. The word, which shot to prominence amid the financial meltdown, was looked up so often at Merriam-Webster's online dictionary site that the publisher says "bailout" was an easy choice for its 2008

Doctor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779952473339069370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-61962829849337217342008-11-23T03:23:00.000-08:002008-11-23T05:13:21.754-08:00

It's a new era in America and in the spirit of putting aside our differences and joining together in an effort to move our nation forward, two diametrically opposed forces of music collaborated on Saturday night. The worlds of hip hop and country/western met for what might be the very first time when Tim McGraw welcomed his musical guests Ludacris and T-Pain to the latest edition of "Saturday

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-6475173325324772862008-11-17T15:12:00.001-08:002008-11-17T15:28:21.209-08:00

As promised, here's some video from last night's "SNL." NBC.com didn't deign to post the scenes I wanted to share -- quelle surprise -- so here's my favorite bit that they did bother to put up. It's Justin Timberlake. He's bringing funny back.And one other note: I said that the Beyonce video shoot scene from Saturday's "SNL" featured the first appearances of new cast members Michaela Watkins and

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-86473634762492741132008-11-16T04:15:00.000-08:002008-11-16T06:16:22.718-08:00

After taking a week off to recuperate from the feverish pace they set during the run-up to the Presidential Election, the kids over at "Saturday Night Live" are back for their first original episode since that historic 4th of November. Your host? Judd Apatow stock company second banana, Paul Rudd. Your musical guest? Child of destiny and dreamgirl, Beyonce. And maybe a certain President-Elect

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-64649562821034121842008-11-13T18:44:00.000-08:002008-11-13T18:55:16.191-08:00

My partner and pal over at Pop Culture America -- he trades under the unlikely moniker of "Dave" -- doesn't approve of my obsession with "Countdown with Keith Olbermann." Probably because the program is neither fair nor balanced and makes no phony-baloney pretext to either.But even Davey can enjoy this mash-up of Keith's Special Comments that comes to us courtesy of the good folks over at 23/6.

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-26129544715223551992008-11-10T07:24:00.000-08:002008-11-10T07:28:16.525-08:00

Joe Johnston will helm the comic adaptation from MarvelBy Borys KitNov 9, 2008, 10:00 PM ETCaptain America Joe Johnston has inked a deal to direct "First Avenger: Captain America," Marvel Studios' take on its classic comic book character. Marvel's Kevin Feige is producing. No writers are on board, but the studio, which is hearing pitches, expects to hire shortly. Johnston first met with Marvel

Doctor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779952473339069370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-2673231488244003402008-11-05T14:49:00.000-08:002008-11-05T15:24:09.996-08:00

Three tiny observations in the wake of last night's historic event:My father is 70 years old and a hardcore conservative. He served in the Navy for twenty years and was wounded twice in Viet Nam. His health is an ongoing concern and he receives regular treatment at the Veterans Administration Medical Center here in Central Florida. I accompany him on those visits.Over the entrance to the main

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-33999006126421425822008-11-02T05:10:00.000-08:002008-11-02T06:56:15.072-08:00

Oscar-winning screenwriter, former actor and big-time director (seriously; check out Gone Baby Gone) Ben Affleck hosts the sketch comedy this week with "American Idol" victor David Cook as musical guest. What could possibly be more maverick-y than the star of Daredevil teaming with the rocking winner of a pop artist competition? It doesn't get any more maverick-ish than that. Yep, they've

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-88949772767686235052008-11-01T17:58:00.000-07:002008-11-01T18:09:33.730-07:00

Talk shows, web videos alter campaignsBy TED JOHNSONOn "The Daily Show" last week, Jon Stewart spoke with self-satisfaction about his ability to land Barack Obama as a guest at a critical period just days before the presidential election. And then he ran a videotape that punctured his pride: Mario Lopez interviewing Obama days earlier for the showbiz show "Extra."As absurd as it seems, it speaks

Doctor Davehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13779952473339069370noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-16669505326230179932008-10-26T03:44:00.000-07:002008-10-26T05:55:30.770-07:00

We'll start with the important stuff this morning:-- NEW YORK (AP) - "Saturday Night Live" just won't be the same without Amy Poehler - who delivered a baby boy hours before the "Baby Mama" star was to appear on the NBC show.The live show's parody news anchor was missing from her spot alongside Seth Myers (sic) on "Weekend Update" because she gave birth earlier Saturday.On behalf of Poehler and

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7125620171062575526.post-11686759435930473722008-10-25T02:25:00.000-07:002008-10-25T03:10:54.124-07:00

I know this blog has become the "Saturday Night Live" all-recap all-the-time site -- and we'll get to some other stuff soon -- but in this political season, "SNL" has reasserted itself as the preeminent source of political satire in Pop Culture America today. No apologies for my microscopic focus on the doings over there at 30 Rock.Before I get to Thursday's "SNL" special, please indulge me in a

johnnypopculturehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06155253865769421859noreply@blogger.com0