November is barely a week old, and there is already
a treasure trove of minutia that will not matter this time next year. Here are
the top five pop culture tidbits of the past week:
1. Oscar Hosts Named - Oscar Telecast Producer Adam
Shankman announces the 82nd Academy Awards will be co-hosted by Steve
Martin and Alec Baldwin. This is fantastic decision, as both Martin and Baldwin
can play deadpan and over-the-top with equal aplomb. And for all who bristle at
Baldwin's political leftism, Martin should balance it out nicely with his
approach to philosophical absurdity. For a primer, watch them vie for Meryl
Streep's affections when "It's Complicated" opens Christmas Day. The Oscar
telecast airs on ABC Television March 7, 2010.
2. "Mad Men" season finale. Never has such misery
been so riveting to watch. Season Three has unfolded like the message verse in
a parable, delivering ramification upon ramification to the previous bad
behavior of our beloved Advertising Executives. The irony: it is the penalties
of the sin itself that finally scrubs off that shiny veneer façade. Is it
possible that Don Draper is becoming real? And how long until Season Four?
3. "V" Debuts. As does the brouhaha over whether or
not the attractive African-American alien leader who promises peace and
universal health care (while secretly wanting to eat your cat) is a veiled
criticism of President Obama. I can see why the media is so upset. None of them
criticized our last President.
4. Michael Jackson's "This Is It" crosses $100
million - album debuts at #1. Now, he'll finally get some media attention.
5. Steven Tyler leaves Aerosmith - I am assuming
he'll be taking the bandana collection tied to his microphone with him. Tyler's
departure will leave a gaping hole in the rock world: the desperately
unattractive front man who females feel obligated to say is attractive. Now,
when Mick Jagger retires, he'll be forced to pass the baton to the guy from
Rascal Flatts. If history warns us of a trend, Tyler will be replaced by some
washed-up Christian vocalist - which means we'll finally get to hear "Dude Looks
Like a Lady" belted out by Michael English. Farewell, Steven Tyler. I suppose
you decided you did want to miss a thing after all.
