Culture Wars

It seems like everyone is freaking the fuck out over Sarah Palin as the VP nom, myself included. Looks like we've got ANOTHER tired culture war on our hands instead of an election focusing on policy issues. Being the liberal, provincial cosmopolitan I am I initially saw McCain's pick as a huge blunder, it came across as desperate, manipulative, and uninformed. But then again I also can't fathom how this receives 16 million youtube hits or how this artist has managed to sell over 25 million records.

I guess the point is, she does have appeal and we have to get over it. Obama is a smart savvy politician. He's a Clinton slayer who can up the ante and show the working class that he cares about them because he really does. We just have to take deep breaths and try not to worry about the ever approaching November 4th date.

What I Thought of Sarah Palin's Speech Last Night

Although I must say baby trig was extra cute and stylish in a midnight blue and black striped onesie.

My old roommate was famous!

The proof!

This explains the Norma Desmond antics

Roxanne's Brittish Behavior

The following plays out like a scene from a pitch black comedy.... but this is real! Youtube never ceases to fascinate me.

Food

I've been working on a show that involves food so its been on the mind lately. Here are a few choice clips on the theme.

Estonian commercial for beef from the soviet era, early 80's?


America's answer!


tasty stop motion to some groovy beats


fast food patron showcasing serious innovation

I'm obsessed

Nollywood

The Nigerian film industry aka Nollywood is experiencing an explosive growth and productivity rate thanks to the rise of digital cinema. In fact it ranks third, behind only America and India in terms of cinematic output often churning out 200 [!] titles a month. Its estimated worth is about 250 million US dollars and many Nollywood films deal with heavy subject matter; AIDS, corruption, women’s rights, etc etc. There are also apparently a huge number of blatant evangelical vids passed as entertainment. I NEEDED to quench my thirst for Nollywood with a youtube expedition immediately. Let me just say, thirst SATIATED.
The following two clips are trailers for Mama I Will Die For you and Alice My First lady. To call them visually assaultive and incoherent feels lazy. I heavily considered the possibility that someone had slipped acid into my afternoon tea or I was having a psychosomatic breakdown.
It seems the people who cut commercials for Truck Rallies or the crazy Used Car salesmen spots where everything must go had a hand in the making of these trailers. That being said I'd still rather watch either of these over half of what is currently playing in my local cineplex.
Caution: I do not recommend watching both trailers back to back as the experinece is somewhat exhausting. Also, It is now one of my goals in life to appear and/or participate in the making of a Nollywood feature.


So a little further investigation into Nollywood finds some similarities to our very own Hollywood. Here is Hassanat Akinwande, a popular actress who started her career in the 80's and has appeared in over 50 titles. However, in 2006 she was arrested for cocaine possession. Just like our stars! Here's hoping she beat those charges.