Newlyweds

I don't ususally watch reality shows. But today Lifetime's Sunday line-up of trashy movies was not as compelling as it was advertised to be. So, between running the sweeper and flipping channels I happened upon MTV's Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica. The show follows Nick Lachey (of the boy group 98 degrees) and Jessica Simpson, teen pop sensation. The two stars married recently--I'm not sure when.

Anyway, the show chronicles their lives as solo recording artists and newlyweds trying to adjust to each other. I have seen snippets of the series before, but never a whole episode until today. I really hate to say this, but Jessica Simpson needs to grow up! Yes, reality shows are edited so that the moments of conflict predominate. Yes, the producers like to make their subjects fit into stereotypes--Jessica is the naive new wife; Nick is her reasonable, mostly patient husband. But after watching a few episodes today, I find it hard to believe that what viewers are seeing is not at least somewhat true to life.

Jessica appears to be unable to do anything. She can't open the garage door; she can't go camping without whining the whole time; she can't get used to the demands of her husband's career; she can't even pick up her clothes. She and Nick have a beautiful home that is always a mess. Okay, so maybe Jessica never had to do anything when she lived with her parents, but you'd think that she and her hubby would either learn to clean up after themselves or get a maid. To be fair to Nick, it appears that the majority of the mess is Jessica's. I honestly don't know how he puts up with this.

I am really not sure why the duo agreed to make this series. Jessica looks like a twit, and I'm not sure how long Nick is going to be able to contain his anger toward her. This show cannot be doing anything to enhance their images, unless you buy into the idea that there is no such thing as bad publicity. Perhaps people will buy Nick's records out of sympathy for what he has to put up with at home. But Jessica's previous image as sweet and innocent has been shot to heck.

Weather Sites

I am a weather buff--not a scientist at all, however. There are some pretty cool weather sites on the net. One site I used to frequent is Weather Underground (Wunderground). I don't go by there as much anymore because the people who run it now want users to pay to see radar. Since radar is available without charge from other sites, why would anyone pay Wunderground?

Other sites worth checking out are: The Tornado Project, the various sites listed under NOAA,
The National Weather Service (NWS) and the Storm Prediction Center. Earthwatch is a nice complement to the NWS site. It provides forecasts, warnings, and lots of weather-related graphics. Weatherwise, a magazine you may have seen in your local library, has a good web site, also. Although, honestly, I prefer to read magazines while holding them, rather than from a computer monitor. Skywarn is a site devoted to weather spotting. It is run by the NWS.

If you visit any of the NOAA sites, you may notice that they refer to services, web sites, etc. as "products." I think this must be because NOAA (and all of its subordinate agencies) operate under the rubric of the Department of Commerce. What does that say about our government's reasons for monitoring weather, climate, and the oceans? Although I find it a little disheartening that our gov's reasons may have more to do with commercial and business interests than with wonder and awe at natural phenomena, I have to say the revamped NWS sites are really fun to play around with. If there is any fault, it could be that there is too much information.

If you have any interest in tornadoes, even if only for a school project, you have to check out the Tornado Project Online. (See the link above.) Just about everything you could possibly want or need to know about tornadoes can be found there. On my last visit, I noticed that the site has won lots of awards, so this praise must not be too far from the mark. Significant Tornadoes, the magnum opus of site creator Tom Grazulis, will be updated in 2004. I am both proud and a little ashamed to say that I have read the combined volume, including most of the graphs and maps, more than one time. It is an encyclopedic tome that one can dip into for tidbits of information or read straight through. Definitely worth the money--or you can maybe go halfsies with someone. Better yet, try to persuade your local library's reference department to purchase a copy.

Blogging Stuff

Just some random thoughts on blogging. Nothing particularly insightful. It occurs to me, however, that this blog is not typical. Pila Posts does not have a mile-long list on the sidebar of cool blogs by friends and internet acquaintances. The facts that I have few friends and no internet acquaintances, as well as no friends with blogs (that I am aware of) would account for that. Yet I could have a list of cool blogs by people I don't know, right? Only I don't, not so far, anyway.

Y'see my plan--I always have a plan--is to spend one leisurely Saturday morning exploring the blogosphere and all its delights. (Okay, some of its delights, as it is just too big to explore everything in one morning.) Anyway, then I would make a nice sidebar with links directing all four of my faithful readers to the blogs I think are worth checking out. Yes, I have found some already, but have just been too pressed for time to start that section of the sidebar.

The Recent Updates: so far, that section is blank. I haven't the foggiest idea about how to make permalinks. No that's not true. I have a foggy idea. Unfortunately, that is not enough to actually make the links. So yes, several things have been updated. You'll just have to check out the June, July, and August archives to figure out what, for now. Bloggers are supposed to be HTML proficient, or at least semi-proficient. I am neither, so until Blogger's instructions become clearer or some kind person takes enough pity on me to walk me through the process step by step in very dumbed down terms, the recent updates will remain blank.

The paragraph above probably ensures that Pila Posts will never be listed in the "Blogs of Note" section of Blogger's home page. That's okay, I just hope that I don't get kicked off Blogger/Blogspot entirely, as I find them pretty easy to use in most instances.

I do have a serious case of blog envy. Everyone else's blog is so fresh and funny. Biting. Witty. Full of cool links and pictures. Clean, creative templates. This one is just so blah by comparison. I won't go into my attempts to get a new template, as that topic was covered in a recent post. But I am despairing of ever finding one I like that is going to also be relatively easy to upload.

Oh, to be a real blogger's blog. A site that people check on daily just to see what new posts are there; a site that is linked back to from other blogs; a site that new bloggers would be envious of. It was not my original intention to be widely read. But now that I know other blogs are
widely read, I want that for Pila Posts, too. Instead, this pitiful lil blog will probably end up on one of those sites that lists dead and dying blogs. Something such as theseblogssuck.com. And there would be Pila Posts atop the list with no explanatory comments.

NOAA - National Weather Service

NOAA - National Weather Service

I am trying out BlogThis for the first time. One of my favorite sites is the National Weather Service's Home Page. I am an amateur weather buff. I can look up forecasts for other parts of the country as well as for my local area. And there are seemingly endless links to other neat weather info.

Brief Comments on ATWT and PC

ATWT is getting good, although I have some concerns about Dusty. He started out as shady, but supposedly was trying to go legit, to prove himself to Rose He promptly got into illegal bookmaking and was arrested because Craig squealed about it. Just yesterday he started bashing women. He told Craig that women are always trying to get into things that aren't any of their concern--or words to that effect. Well, how Neanderthal of him. I would think my husband's or boyfriend's business dealings, whether illegal or legal, would be of concern to me. And yes, I would be upset if he were into illegal gambling or drugs or whatever. If Dusty is going to be a viable leading man, the writer's need to adjust his attitude, pretty darn quick. He's going from being swaggering and sexy to being sexist.

I have to adjust my initial opinion of Jennifer Ferrin. She's something else, in a good way. She slinks around like (almost) no one since Marilyn Monroe. She's a firecracker, that's for sure. Although I'd hate to see Dusty hurt Rose, he and Jennifer would make one hot couple.

I continue to like Roger Howarth's version of Paul. He and Rosanna are getting closer. I like that they are becoming friends. Paul wants more, but it is nice to see him smiling and being considerate around her--relief from all that scheming and scowling. And it is also refreshing to see Cady McClain do more than bicker with her screen partners. Although McClain is one of the best with snappy dialogue, Rosanna was not winning any sympathy points with her previous attitude--at least not from me. I am glad that she has made peace with Carly and is becoming friends with Paul. She and Craig will always be at odds (and always be interesting to watch), but I like that she is becoming well-rounded.

I am not too hip on the Mike and Katie storyline. Nothing against the actors, but I just don't care much for their Australian adventure. They should be more interesting once they are back in Oakdale, and Katie realizes that Simon is out of her life. She is getting on my nerves now with her screaming and whining. She's supposed to be such an independent young woman, yet she has to have a man rescue her. I'm hoping that Margo will save her, so at least there would be one strong woman in the story.

The whole Bonnie/Jessica/Sara/Marshall story is a mess. Bonnie is just not very sympathetic, no matter what Marshall has done. I am tired of her telling everyone that she is the only person who has ever loved Sara. Marshall has been separated from the girl for her whole life--so he hasn't had the chance to build a relationship with her. As stated before, I think the story would have been better had Marshall been made to pay for his crimes--or better yet, not raped Jessica. I must not be too far off base, as the actor is going to be leaving the show. An anonymous source from the show admitted that the character had indeed been written into a corner.

As for Port Charles, the big news this week is that Alison and Caleb had sex while "under the influence" of Caleb's ring, which grants wishes. Livvie had stolen the ring and wished that her vampire man would have the most passionate night of his life. The ring granted the wish. However, Livvie was not specific about whom Caleb would share his passionate night with. Unfortunately, he and Alison were together when Livvie made the wish. After their night of passion, Alison was devastated at having betrayed Rafe. Caleb seemed at most mildly concerned. After Alison left, Caleb said that he was always in control, an indication that perhaps he took advantage of Alison and even might have--shall I say it--raped her.

Naturally, the message board posters have been going wild about this latest twist, but not in a good way. Alison and Rafe (Rali) and Caleb and Livvie have pretty vocal fan bases. Few PC fans, if any, wanted to have the couples play musical chairs. With just a few weeks to go before PC airs its final episode, this was a real slap in the face to fans who are already reeling from the cancellation. If there were another arc or two left so that the situation could be resolved, the Cali sex scenes might have been easier to accept. As things stand, PC's few remaining loyal fans may turn off the show before its final air date. Some ABC affiliates are going to do that for them, they won't air PC from September 15th through October 3rd so that they can carry Who Wants To Be a Millionaire? PC seems to be going out with a whimper rather than a bang. How sad.

Random Thoughts

Not a particularly creative title, I know. Today's entry is another departure, more of a personal entry. I am writing this in the computer lab of my local library. It is interesting that the library's quiet rules fall all to pieces in the computer lab. People talk--sometimes loudly. Of course, as I write this, everyone has pretty much shut up. Even the library staff do not feelcompelled to whisper when helping patrons. I find that it is easy to ignore other people's keying. But chatting and giving advice become annoying.

I am still trying to talk my sister into starting a team blog--we could call it something silly like "Sister, Sister" or some such. Of course, we'd have to come up with something other than that or else risk having the Disney Channel after us. (And after I wrote that nice review of Even Stevens, too)! She has the bizarre idea that having a blog means constant updating. She could not have gotten that impression from reading Pila Posts!! Her HTML skills are about like mine--almost nonexistent. So maybe two heads are not better than one.

I am starting to get blog envy as I look at other blogs. Eventually, the sidebar will feature links to blogs I find interesting. I have not had much time to bop around the blogosphere yet, but have found some good stuff out there. Mostly, though, I am finding that almost everyone else has a blog that looks better than mine. (That is not a slam against Blogger). It is just the truth. Many blogs have such a clean look, with interesting color combinations that are at once eye-catching and soothing. I am a little bit nervous about trying any of the free templates that are out there, for fear that something will go horribly wrong. And quite frankly, most of the templates that are available are not quite what I want. They tend to be either too masculine or too cutesy. (At least the ones I've seen). I suspect that the templates I like are designed by the bloggers themselves or by their friends. Will keep fiddling with this one as much as possible with my horrible HTML skills....

But really what is on my mind is Canada Dry. I love ginger ale. Occasionally I will spring for the really flavorul stuff that is found in natural food stores. But Canada Dry has been my stand-by pop for years. Alas, it is no longer a Coca-Cola product and has almost disappeared from the store shelves here. Canada Dry is now owned by Dr. Pepper/7-Up, which also owns Vernor's and Schweppe's ginger ales. Vernor's has a distinctive taste--much more gingery than the CD or Scheppe's. It comes on strong at first, then fades fast. An open bottle or can of Vernor's does not hold its fizz the way Canada Dry does. It is also a bit too sweet. Schweppe's (not sure of the spelling) seems weaker than CD. I have not done a blind taste test with the two, but I believe that CD is a little stronger and pleasingly dry--somewhere in between Vernor's and Schweppe's.

The stores here no longer carry CD two-liters. Some still carry the one-liters and 12-packs of cans. But even those are hard to come by. There is something to be said for being owned by Coca-Cola--at least Canada Dry had guaranteed shelf space at the grocery stores. Now, it is being relegated to third place by a company that already owns two other ginger ale brands. I hope there are some other die-hard fans out there who will let Dr. Pepper/7-Up know that Canada Dry is still a viable, well-liked product.

A Modest Proposal (Meant in All Seriousness)

This blog seems to be--no actually is--focusing on soap operas right now. I guess the blog reveals one of my not-so-secret pop culture obsessions. I do wish that soaps were taken more seriously in the media, including in the magazines that are supposed to be devoted to them.

Soap Opera Digest and its newer sister publication Soap Opera Weekly are fine for gossip, puff interviews, casting changes, previews, and "news" about what the stars wear, do, cook, etc. But without the columns by Carolyn Hinsey and Mimi Torchin and fan letters, there would be nothing even approaching serious criticism of the shows in the two major publications that purport to provide in-depth coverage of the medium. Unfortunately, tight deadlines and space limitations prevent both Hinsey and Torchin from writing much more than thumbs up or down commentary on current storylines, actors, and TPTB. Fan letters are too short and (sorry to say) usually too simplistic to treat soaps with seriousness. Sure, both SOD and SOW occasionally have "special reports" on topics such as diversity, violence, rape, etc. And they do very rarely allow fans to write columns on particular shows. But those things are not enough.

There is the internet, of course. I think that the internet is actually helping to keep soaps on the air. Fans are still watching and taping and communicating with each other via websites, Yahoo groups, message boards, and the like. IMVHO, the internet is vital for the future of soaps. Without somewhere to vent and people to vent to, fans may just say forget it. But now they have reason to watch, even if they are displeased with the shows. The only way to keep up on the message boards and fan groups is to watch the soap(s) in question regularly. Soap ratings have been going down for at least a decade. I wonder what they would be without the internet. I believe that Port Charles would not be the only show going off the air if the internet were not around.

Message boards and fan groups are fine. But what I would like to see is a soap 'zine. Something portable that does not require access to a computer. Something I can read on my lunch hour, in bed, or on a rainy day. Something that I can look forward to receiving in the mail every month (or every other month), and spend hours (or 15 minutes) reading if I choose to. And the 'zine would not be focused on stars and casting changes, SOD and SOW can cover that sort of thing. I can get make up, cooking, and fashion tips from any woman's magazine, so those would not be included. I want something that is focused on soaps only--not primetime, not reality shows, just the good, old-fashioned daytime dramas that our mothers and grandmothers have watched for years.

The soap 'zine should focus on soaps as a (pop) cultural phenomenon. What do the shows say about our culture? Are soaps in tune with the times, behind them, ahead, or some sort of mixture? Detailed histories of the shows, great storylines of the past, production and writing regimes that propelled soaps forward or brought something unique to the genre, a section on defunct shows, would all be included. But the 'zine would not have to emphasize the past. Current storylines and trends could be evaluated. Taboo subjects. Critics such as Hinsey and Torchin would be given all the space they wanted to write commentary on the current state of soaps. One interesting topic would be why so many shows had incest-type storylines this year--with a nod to the near incestuous relationships that are a staple of the genre.

The 'zine should be heavy on print, with few, if any photos. SOD and SOW are laden with pictures and huge headlines. In fact, a recent cover of SOW crowed about being bigger with more pictures. (This, in a publication that is mostly pictures!) The 'zine should emphasize print over glamour shots. And of course it would come out sporadically, whenever the people who published it could get enough material together, scrape up funds to print and mail it. But best of all it would be beholden to no one, other than its creators and fans. There would be need to worry if some soap exec doesn't agree with what a reviewer has written, because the 'zine would not be dependent upon favors from soaps to survive. Nor would it feel the need to be faithful to advertisers or have to promote expensive products that most fans can't afford.

If there is already a soap 'zine out there, I'd love to find it. If not, I wish someone would start one.

Concert Review

The following is a departure from the norm for this blog. My sister, who refuses to create a team blog, wanted me to post this review of a recent Justin/Christina concert in Indianapolis.
So here goes.

Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera did not simply come to entertain when they brought their "Justified and Stripped" tour to Indianapolis last Sunday night (August 31, 2003). The two former Mouseketeers were on a mission to shake free of their teen-pop roots.

Timberlake and Aguilera chose decidedly different strategies to accomplish their shared goal. During her set, Aguilera relied on suggestive choreography, skimpy costumes, and a girl-power theme to prove she's all grown up. However, all that confident posturing was betrayed by her unsure stage presence. Aguilera was most comfortable when singing the soul classics "At Last" and "I Prefer You," made famous by Etta James. As a respite from proving her own material, those numbers allowed her to simply sing. And boy, did she ever. Aguilera tore into those tunes with a ferocity and passion that assured she has indeed shed her mouse ears.

Unlike Aguilerea, Timberlake emphasized music over spectacle. Backed by a stellar fourteen-piece funk band , he treated the capacity crowd to a 45-minute set of songs from his solo album, "Justified." He proved his musical chops by gliding through new arrangements of his hits, the highlight of which was a thundering rendition of "Cry Me A River." Stripped of its slickly-produced studio beats, the live version's driving drumline gave the song an urgency that is lacking on the original album track. Timberlake used a mix of boyish Southern charm and steamy sensuality to pull in the audience of mostly teenaged girls and was awarded with deafening shrieks of adoration. The only down side to his performance was a bloated sound mix that at times drowned out his soulful vocals.

In order to stay artistically and commercially relevant, Timberlake and Aguilera must show that they've grown up with their fans. Judging by Sunday's performances, mission accomplished.