Blacks behind the camera, porn on stage, Rush Limbaugh and Anna Nicole Smith

Just a couple of thoughts I was thinking about over the weekend. First off is that the abysmal show, Battlestar Galactica (the revisioned version on SciFi channel) is not only looking like it will continue, but that it is spawning a prequel. Now I have mentioned before how little I like this cable television show, due to the loss of its significant African American actors, the introduction of a female Starbuck character and weak storyline. I just don’t find it involving with the exception of the Baltar character in his interactions with the female cylon lead. If you don’t know what this means, you haven’t missed much. This is just another budget rate program from SciFi that copies a good idea and make a horrendous program out of it. Examples such as the movie on the world killing hurricane, or the generous remake of the failed movie Deep Core, or programs such as Black Scorpion, Lexx or Witch Hunters and Scare Tactics. But as I mentioned they are taking a step in a worse direction, with a prequel to Galactica. I can’t wait to see if they might find one or 2 more cast members that might be African American or Hispanic. It won’t help the writing or acting (with the exception of Mr. Edward Olmos, or the above mentioned actors of interest) but it might at least give the impression that the alien worlds they are speaking of have more than a handful of people other than white. This series is more isolated than virtually all of network television programs, so much for diversity and freedom from the confines of the regular programming that science fiction promises.

On a somewhat related note, it seems the government is looking into another issue that Hollywood pursues with vigor. That issue is one of equal opportunity initially behind the camera. It is common knowledge in the industry that while Black African Americans. Hispanics, Asians and other minorities are occasionally used in various programs and movies (I would bet that if a survey were done the percentage of actors of color would be so far out of proportion to the population as to be insulting) there are even fewer (I’ve heard estimates placing it around the low single digit percentage) behind the cameras doing the work that makes these movies and programs possible. While I am no fan of Affirmative Action and I feel employment should be based on capability, the fact that the disproportion of any minority group being represented needs to be addressed. I doubt that anyone can make a case that there aren’t enough directors, cameramen, grips and others out there. Mr. John Singleton, Mr. Spike Lee, Ms. Kim Fields and the few other names I can mention now are hardly the only ones capable in this nation.

Since I mentioned acting and unique ideas in entertainment, here is one I would probably watch at least once. This is, believe it or not, a reality show. It will take place in Britain though on the BBC. The concept is that a group of porn stars will be selected and they will have to perform a regular play for a normal London crowd. The show is to be named “My Bare Lady.” This could be quite entertaining, and it would be wonderful if there is true raw talent that becomes exposed. Like Ms. Traci Lords, who has moved into mainstream work and has had decent results. I believe that there may be others who are capable of more than just a few words of bad scripting and flexible moves. Not that I’ve ever seen porn, and I’m sure no reader of mine has either. That’s why the industry made more money than all the movies in Hollywood combined last year. LOL

Much like porn stars making a move up to the stage, Ms. Anna Nicole Smith continues her fight to move forward on help claim for part of the inheritance of her late husband. Helping her in that effort was the Supreme Court. It was a nice reminder that anyone has the right to appeal to the highest courts in a legal matter they feel has merit. While I am sure this particular battle is silly and should have been settled long ago (tens of millions are plenty to receive as a benefit derived from nothing more than marriage to someone who had attained roughly over a billion beforehand) the lawyers must be happy for the fees they will garner that will be highly profitable. Still this case has more merit that placing hot coffee between your exposed legs in a moving vehicle, and blaming someone else when it spills in your lap. Or blaming someone for your childs’ extreme obesity when you take them to eat fast foods for every meal, and ensure they get no exercise, not that that could be your own fault. But I digress.

Lastly, since I am discussing the law, Mr. Rush Limbaugh has reached a deal on his legal battle. This man, who was found to have gained 2000 painkillers from 4 doctors in six-months, has had his single charge for 40 pills worked out such that he gets random drug-tests (which he already is undergoing), continue undergoing treatment, and cannot own a gun. This is stated as the normal deal for a nonviolent offender on the first drug offense. Though how or why the counts were dropped from 2000 to 40 has not been explained. Mr. Limbaugh has stated that the case was not strong, thus his punishment, though he fails to mention that the limited charges were enough to gain him a conviction. And I find it interesting that this (former) drug using talk radio host, who had no problem making accusations and insults about a mother and alleged rape victim he does not know on her choice of legal profession, cannot make a more honest or sweeping statement on his own problems. If I were him I’d shut up before accusing an alleged rape victims of being a ‘ho’, as he shouldn’t throw rocks inside his own glass house.

This is what I think, what do you think.