Career RIP: Tucker Carlson

Both on and off Dowd is Worthless, I've been praising MSNBC. High octane without negativity. Well, Keith Olbermann can be overbearing but he's trying to conjure the spirit of Edward R. Murrow. I forgive him just because he's trying to be someone else. Besides, I think for the ladies (at least for Marge Simpson) he's easy on the eyes.



But what happened to the young Republican upstart Tucker Carlson? This link suggests that the future is uncertain if not finished for Tucker. Now it's back-to-back Olbermann and Maddow with no relief.

Part of the problem with Olbermann and Maddow's format is that they're accustomed to lengthy talks (some might say diatribes I didn't say diatribes) that scare off the opposition on their show. But 'skewering' and bringing out guests to argue with them is one of the highlights of TV News. It encourages spontaneity, for one. Who's going to take on Olbermann with his You Sirs and Maddow with her preplanned "Prove me Wrong" segments? Tucker loved to bandy about with Rachel Maddow, it was really funny to watch, and you might of learned something about both sides. Though, admittedly, it would frequently go off on tangents.

Also, the bowtie. The bowtie is the only GOP accoutrement worth anything. The straw hat is just too barbershop.



In Memoriam: 2005-2008

People, US, watch what you pay for

The NYT ran a story today (thank you contributor Jess) about Angelina Jolie putting editorial requirements on the exclusive interview after the Twins were born. Essentially, they had to focus on the good Angelina and not, say, the Hollywood Angelina (whatever that is).

While they got a big payout, I can't help but think that People could get smeared a bit. The magazines are 'fun reading,' that is, Bill Gates and Sec. Gen. of the UN Ban Ki Moon don't grab it while waiting for a flight. (I do, if someone left it on a bench). But, it's not as much fun if they're going to double stuff their fluff with personality-saving stories. I want to hear about crazy stuff and the expensive purses, not charity.

I, Wellsmus, citizen of the world, pointed back to the Bono + Angelina + Jeffrey Sachs "End of Poverty" ideas when they came out in 2004-5. After throwing money (rather carelessly) at problems for decades, their solution was to throw a huge amount of money at the same problems, but this time it would work because the amounts would just be enormous.

Not only can we call Angelina to the floor on something like this, but I can't get up on her shoe collection, or amounts of platinum vs. gold. Maybe she doesn't wear jewelry at all.

Most critically, I need this information to feed friends of mine who filter out the interesting stuff and tell it to me, which has been a rich part of my life.

I need dirt, I want it all over her! C'mon magazines! Gimme what I really want.

Oh, and as far as a dirty actor who hasn't done as well with his image, Mr. Tom Cruise, at least his movies this year have been or will be more interesting.

Maury is the People

I felt like Rip Van Winkle when people told me about Maury a few years ago. I had last checked out of the talk shows when they had more bodyguards than audience members on Jerry Springer. Kinda ruined the real-life aspect of it. Maury, though, has a heart that shines through, while Springer always seemed to be an agitator (where none was necessary).



Thanks to Literating, we have this revealing episode of Maury, which shows how in touch with people he is. One of the young prostitutes on the show laughed when asked about having sex for a cheeseburger. I don't think he got very far with her, or any of them, but I learned a lot about people today, and I have Maury to thank.

Maureen Dowd could learn a thing or two from Maury, as could most of the staff at the NYT. He's judging people, but he's understanding too. There were a couple parts where I almost cried.

This guy is with all kinds of people, he gets with everyone. I hope to attend this show and witness him in action.

Morning Joe on the Rise

TV NEWSER, a superhighway of a blog about Television News, reports that Morning Joe has bested American Morning this week for ratings. But it's still below Fox & Friends.

Three reasons:

Sensible talk: with all-stars on all points of the partisan spectrum
Erin Burnett: smart, funny, easy on the eyes
Mika and Joe: Chemistry folks!

One more reason: The show moves pretty fast. Besides, CNN is too authoritative for me. I feel like more variety and opinion might pop up in Joe's show.

CONGRATULATIONS MORNING JOE CREW!!! CONGRATULATIONS MSNBC IN GENERAL.

New Reality Show Ideas

I think we can all get into some new Reality TV:

"Get with the people idea"

HOBOS - A Reality show about hobos. When they're voted off, they have to HIT THE ROAD, JACK.


SUGAR PLANTATION - It doesn't have to take place in the U.S. I'm thinking foremen vs. cane cutters.

"Rich people"

DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES OF MEXICO CITY - Again, it doesn't have to take place in the U.S.

NASCAR WIVES - More sugar in your tea of strife?

"huh?"

COFFEE/CHOCOLATE COCOA BUYERS - Travel to exotic parts of the world to purchase, essentially, legalized drugs. And maybe real drugs too.

REAL LIFE VAMPIRES - Apparently, some people take the fantasy of vampires as something they can act out in real life.

If you have an idea, feel free to comment (also anonymous commenting)!