Dirty World News

Over the weekend, I got a chance to see Sicko, Michael Moore's new documentary on the state of healthcare and the insurance industry in the United States. With a particular focus on the numerous hurdles faced by Americans that actually have insurance, Moore proves once again that very few filmmakers can combine thought-provoking and heartbreaking subject matter and still have you laughing. It's probably his best film yet.

One of the more interesting bits from the film concerns Operation Coffee Cup, a 1961 campaign by the American Medical Association in which Hollywood actor Ronald Reagan was enlisted to record a vinyl LP about the dangers of "socializing" healthcare in the United States. Hundreds of copies of the record were produced and shipped around the country to the "Women's Auxiliary" of the AMA in an early attempt at viral marketing. It's perfect if you've ever wanted to have a coffee klatch and hear a younger Reagan rail against statism and "socialized medicine."

Ronald Reagan speaks out against Socialized Medicine [mp3]

Posted by Doug at 08:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (6)

Ever since I was a small child, I've enjoyed watching TV. As a tot, I would lie on the floor just a couple of feet from the television and gaze hypnotically into the cathode rays. Maybe it's strange, but nothing aroused my interest more than game shows. Whether it was an early favorite like Tic-Tac-Dough or, in later years, the Whammies on Press Your Luck, there was something about the bells, whistles and big prizes that was exciting.

But no program even came close to The Price Is Right in terms of its entertainment value and all-around good times. Though I haven't seen the program on a regular basis in a number of years, I've always enjoyed catching bits and pieces, even if it's just some funny clips from YouTube.
But an era has ended. Today, after 35 years hosting the program, Bob Barker stepped down. As an animal lover, Mr. Barker has ended the program since the late 1970s with a heartfelt pitch to "Help control the pet population; have your pet spayed or neutered." This goodbye was much like the rest, except that it was his last. I am not the least bit ashamed to say that I got teary-eyed watching the legend's departure:

A friend of mine works for the production company that makes TPIR and mentioned to me that they have already lined up a replacement for the program (though she would not tell me who it was). No matter how capable or charismatic, the new host will have some ridiculously big shoes to fill. It's hard to imagine anyone ever truly replacing Bob Barker. At the very least, let's pray it's not Alan Thicke.

And it goes without saying that no one (not even Dick Clark) could hold Bob Barker's famously skinny microphone, so it's fitting that he's auctioning it off on eBay, with the proceeds going to the United Activists for Animal Rights.

Here's to you, Bob. You will be missed.

Posted by Doug at 02:40 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

One of the cool things about working for the corporate overlords at MTV is that I get to do interesting work-related stuff every once in a while. The other night I went to Spike TV's first annual (keep your fingers crossed) Guys Choice awards...and I met Pee-wee!

He was making his first public appearance in 15 years and, even though he seemed a bit shy backstage, that didn't stop me from walking right up to him and shaking his hand. Making my childhood heroes uncomfortable -- that's just how I roll.

Posted by Doug at 03:38 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Posted by Doug at 01:07 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)