In 1999, the merger of CBS and Viacom was the largest media merger in history. At the time, it combined CBS (aka the old folks network) with Viacom's long list of youth oriented cable networks. The deal was described by CNN as move to get the "network of Dan Rather in touch with the MTV generation."
In December 2005, Paramount Pictures (a unit of Viacom Inc.) purchased Dreamworks SKG, increasing the catalogue of the media giant. Also in December of 2005 MTV announced , in what can only be called a flexing of synergistic media giant muscles, that it would be venturing into the digital download musical arena. But it appears that the recent activity partially helps to shore up Viacom after it decided to separate its businesses into two publically traded entities.
January 1, 2006 marked the first day that CBS and Viacom will become CBS Corporation and New Viacom Inc. While CBS will hold many of the former television properties of Viacom, it appears that MTV Networks will move on to the "New" Viacom.
I guess Dan Rather and the MTV generation didn't get along too well after all. Or maybe they did. After all, CBS brought in the New Year with a Dan Rather interview of Bill Clinton the sax playing star seen on MTV in 1992. Maybe CNN forgot that the MTV generation was voting in 1992 when they wrote their story in 1999.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
My Choice for the Rose Bowl!
It appears that some Marvel Golden Age Superheroes share my love of the USC Trojans.
Image copyright Hasbro, Characters Trademark Marvel Comics Group.
Monday, January 02, 2006
A Brief Comment
I have been researching for some time comments regarding the "fragmentation of the media" that the blogosphere will cause. Supposedly there will be a universe where we only read self-affirming political information, or putter around our own limited interests (RPGs, Comics, PC, Movies) without encountering any kind of larger shared community. I disagree with the thesis, primarily because the radio, television, cable, internet, explosion of newspapers, (insert other medium here), was supposed to do this in the past. None of them ever did.
Anyway, before I hint at what my longer post will discuss, let me just say that while they are "outside my interests" I visit Summer in Paris (a blog about fashion and handbags) relatively frequently now. Though I have to admit, it is not something I would expect I would read, I visited it because it linked to me and once I visited it I kept going back. My only criticism is that I wish the posts were longer. I also am a frequent reader of Tabloid Whore, who singlehandedly has made me a fan. Why? Because, though in colorful language, the blog makes me laugh.
I also use some "big name" portals, you know like Yahoo! and AOL. The "fearmongers" are too caught up to realize that people can become interested in new subjects, or that the market has already created "cultural centers."
Anyway, before I hint at what my longer post will discuss, let me just say that while they are "outside my interests" I visit Summer in Paris (a blog about fashion and handbags) relatively frequently now. Though I have to admit, it is not something I would expect I would read, I visited it because it linked to me and once I visited it I kept going back. My only criticism is that I wish the posts were longer. I also am a frequent reader of Tabloid Whore, who singlehandedly has made me a fan. Why? Because, though in colorful language, the blog makes me laugh.
I also use some "big name" portals, you know like Yahoo! and AOL. The "fearmongers" are too caught up to realize that people can become interested in new subjects, or that the market has already created "cultural centers."
Vote for Number One's Best of 2005
Happy New Year!
This year I am beginning a new tradition at Cinerati. I will post links to some, actually too many, of my favorite posts from this past year and you can tell me which ones you liked the best. This year there will be four categories: General, Comic Books, Movies, Games.
Without further ado, the nominees are:
There they are, the nominees for 2005. There are too many, even though I think I left out some interesting posts (like my Supernatural Spec post), but that's what happens when one nominates ones own work. I hope that other members of the Cinerati community will do similar posts.
Let me know what you think.
This year I am beginning a new tradition at Cinerati. I will post links to some, actually too many, of my favorite posts from this past year and you can tell me which ones you liked the best. This year there will be four categories: General, Comic Books, Movies, Games.
Without further ado, the nominees are:
General:
Comic Books:
Movies:
Games:
There they are, the nominees for 2005. There are too many, even though I think I left out some interesting posts (like my Supernatural Spec post), but that's what happens when one nominates ones own work. I hope that other members of the Cinerati community will do similar posts.
Let me know what you think.
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Spielberg to Hire World's Greatest Babysitter?
According to the Independent UK, Steven Spielberg may be looking at remaking the classic tale Mary Poppins.
There have been some snide comments made about the possibility of Spielberg making this film, Chuck Yarborough of Cleveland's Plain Dealer find the idea of remaking Mary Poppins so absurd he jokingly imagines a remake/sequel with ET starring in the title role. I, for one, look forward to seeing what a Spielberg version of Poppins would look like. I think Spielberg is at his best when he is making the "classic" Hollywood film. Catch Me if You Can and The Terminal were films that could have been made in any era of Hollywood, and been successful. His science fiction films can be hit or miss, the same is true for his "important" films, but when Steven decides he just wants to entertain us...well he does.
Neither The Hollywood Reporter or Variety have any more details on this story at the time I write this.
There have been some snide comments made about the possibility of Spielberg making this film, Chuck Yarborough of Cleveland's Plain Dealer find the idea of remaking Mary Poppins so absurd he jokingly imagines a remake/sequel with ET starring in the title role. I, for one, look forward to seeing what a Spielberg version of Poppins would look like. I think Spielberg is at his best when he is making the "classic" Hollywood film. Catch Me if You Can and The Terminal were films that could have been made in any era of Hollywood, and been successful. His science fiction films can be hit or miss, the same is true for his "important" films, but when Steven decides he just wants to entertain us...well he does.
Neither The Hollywood Reporter or Variety have any more details on this story at the time I write this.
Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Eventually Even I Catch A Meme.
Continuing the Meme trail I caught over at David E's Fablog.
Four jobs you’ve had in your life: movie theater assistant manager, video store clerk, grocery store courtesy clerk, director of a non-profit.
Four movies you could watch over and over: Amelie, Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, About a Boy, The Thin Man.
Four places you’ve lived: Castro Valley, CA; Baumholder, Germany; Reno, NV; Los Angeles, CA.
Four TV shows you love to watch: House, Supernatural, Grey's Anatomy, Judge Judy.
Four places you’ve been on vacation: Bayern; Anaheim, CA; Milwaukee, WI; Seattle, WA.
Four websites you visit daily: Google Entertainment, ICV2, Cathy's World, Los Angeles Times.
Four of your favorite foods: Porterhouse Steak, Black Pepper Chicken, Chicken Marsala, Cobb Salad.
Four places you’d rather be: London, Seattle, Montreal, Chicago. But only for vacation. What is it Randy Newman says..."I love LA!"
Four jobs you’ve had in your life: movie theater assistant manager, video store clerk, grocery store courtesy clerk, director of a non-profit.
Four movies you could watch over and over: Amelie, Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, About a Boy, The Thin Man.
Four places you’ve lived: Castro Valley, CA; Baumholder, Germany; Reno, NV; Los Angeles, CA.
Four TV shows you love to watch: House, Supernatural, Grey's Anatomy, Judge Judy.
Four places you’ve been on vacation: Bayern; Anaheim, CA; Milwaukee, WI; Seattle, WA.
Four websites you visit daily: Google Entertainment, ICV2, Cathy's World, Los Angeles Times.
Four of your favorite foods: Porterhouse Steak, Black Pepper Chicken, Chicken Marsala, Cobb Salad.
Four places you’d rather be: London, Seattle, Montreal, Chicago. But only for vacation. What is it Randy Newman says..."I love LA!"
Who Needs Medieval Times When You Can Hire Robin Hood?
Tim Pollard, a former Games Workshop employee no less, performs Robin Hood banquets regularly in locations across the UK. From time to time he has even performed in the United States. You can read about the adventures of the travelling "official Robin Hood of Nottingham" at his own blog, or you can watch a slideshow of him firebreating here.
Who knew that Robin Hood was a firebreather? And Maid Marion kisses that mouth?
Who knew that Robin Hood was a firebreather? And Maid Marion kisses that mouth?
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