I Wonder...

More than once I’ve awakened with tears running down my cheeks. I have had to think whether I was crying or whether it was involuntary, like drooling.

A Moment for the Monkey...

Naturally, big television executives know exactly what the end-viewer wants to watch more than we (the end-viewer) do. After only three episodes CBS has pulled Love Monkey from its programming lineup. I am typically not so passionate about a television show, but something about the Monkey just clicked within the first few minutes. It is well-written, well-acted, witty, intelligent and it makes you think. Wait, I might have just hit the nail on the head. The average viewer does not want to think when they watch TV (hell, most probably couldn’t think if they wanted to). Look at the garbage that is currently on the tube: Skating with the Has-Beens, Dancing with the Slightly-Famous, Survivor: Topeka, Spouse Swap, You Are a Troll and Need a Makeover, CSI, CSI, CSI, CSI. Now don’t get me wrong, I love the CSI shows but how many more reality/homicide/criminal investigation/hospital/lawyer shows do we really need? Love Monkey was a breath of fresh air change to the same old stuff. Not only did CBS pull it, they didn’t even give it a chance. They ran two episodes, promoted the hell out of the third, then delayed that a week for the State of the Union Address. To make matters worse, many stations in the East delayed broadcast to show an ACC basketball game. How does CBS really expect to find a following when they have not yet lead? CBS, you had a good thing going. You should have given it some nurture and time to grow like Northern Exposure, Seinfeld, Friends and Raymond. Ironically, CBS became the Goliath Records they portrayed in the show. You disappoint me and have lost a Tuesday night viewer. All hail the Monkey!

It's Valentine's Day...

*sigh*

Phil, the Rodent

Happy Groundhog’s Day! Since the first official day on February 2, 1887, locals and the eyes of the world have gathered in Punxsutawney, Pa. to watch a woodchuck stick his head out of a hole and determine if we need to switch our clothes from one closet to another. And to think so many go to college to learn these skills.

Punxsutawney Phil was the brainchild promotional creation of the owner of the Punxsutawney Spirit newspaper to help promote the town and region in hopes to increase business. Phil, whose full name is “The Sear of Sears, Sage of Sages, Prognosticator of Prognosticators and Weather Prophet Extraordinary,” is the official grand-poobah groundhog and has made appearances at the White House and on Oprah (I bet he didn’t jump and flail on her couch).

Well, it would appear that Phil popped from his hole this morning, saw his own shadow, was so startled by the series of events that he vacated his bowels and plunged back into his hovel. According to legend, we are now set for another six weeks of winter (it will probably take that long to get the mess off of his fur). Since his track record over the last 100+ years has only been about 40% accurate, I think I am going to pack up at least a few sweaters now!

Mmmm, BBQ!

Growing up in Kansas City and having a Southern Mom, I have been eating some sort BBQ since close to birth. I am pretty sure I was weaned on the zesty sauce! (You did know that you can mix the sauces, right?)

On my way to work this morning I saw a catering van that sparked a thought I have been pondering for years. Why is it that BBQ companies use cows and pigs on their logos and signs to promote their meat? They are typically illustrated dressed in a little chef’s hat and carting about a tray heaped full of succulent meats. They are very happy to serve you their product and want you eat it with finger-lickin’ fervor. Isn’t that endorsing cannibalism?

“Howdy! Try a hunk of Stella. She was a tough, old Mom, but she sure is tender now!”

“Baby back ribs? Not only that, but they were my baby brother, Reggie. Eat up! Mmmm!”

How would this concept translate to other marketing and advertising campaigns? A corpse as a spokesperson for a funeral home? Perhaps Jeffrey Dahmer representing Hamilton Beach kitchen appliances? Amelia Earhart for Garmin GPS? Oh, how about Natalie Wood for Ester Williams Swimming Pools? Some things just don’t seem to promote a positive picture of product endorsement.

Rather than slaughtered farm animals (which are damn tasty!), what about a fat and happy grinning family with BBQ sauce smeared from ear to ear? Seems a bit more realistic to me. Just a thought…oh, and hand me the hot sauce!