VirtualeReality

Survivor Somoa Week 1

2009-09-18T07:12:00.000-07:00

This week we got an inside look at Russell's strategy. The strategy is to be a dickhole. For example, as his tribe was getting ready to crash for the night, Russhole tells a story about him and his German shepard being stuck in Katrina. He also mentioned that he was a fireman. Soon after telling his tale he steps outside of the tent and proceeds to dump out all the canteens, except for the ones that he drank as he laughed. Alone with the camera, Russell reveals that it was all B.S. and that he is actually the wealthy owner of an oil company. Did I mention that he was a dick?
When Russell went about trying to create an alliance with anyone and everyone, Marissa questioned his sincerety. Calling out this type AHole personality was all it took for him to flip on Marissa and begin spreading B.S. about her behavior regarding the "confrontation". He insisted that Marissa should be voted out first, and unfortunately fooled enough people to make her the first person voted out this season.

Survivor Somoa Fall 2009 Season

2009-09-12T23:57:00.001-07:00

This seasons' Survivor will be played in Somoa, Not exactly a terrible place to be. This game will last 39 days. The players are:

1. KELLI - A "dreadlock blonde" with tatoos like "Caution", and "Trouble"

2. JOHN - A 25 year old Rocket Scientist who is very confident about his abilities to win the game.

3. NATALIE - A southern belle from Arkansas, very religious.

4. BRETT - A 23 year old kid with his own T-shirt company.

5. BETSY - A policewoman with experience with difficult circumstances. Will she be too bossy?

6. RUSSELL - A Type AHole personality. Says he will "play dirty.." Probst calls him "Evil..and Diabolical".

7. ERIC - A Cocky wanna-be self described "Con Man". Dick?

8. MONICA - A young brunette swimmer from San Diego..Hubba Hubba!

9. YASMIN - An African-American from Detroit. She says, "Hoods and woods are not the same..". May be a tough contender.

10. MIKE - A Senior citizen who purposely lost 50+ pounds just to be on Survivor. Unusual rat-tail goatee.

Survivor Somoa starts this Thursday at 7pm CST!

Get more at TVGuide.com or your TVGuide preview channel.

New Survivor Season!

2009-09-12T04:13:00.000-07:00

This week a new Survivor season will begin. Be prepared for an evil guy, a self-described genius, and more backstabbing fun from this new cast of Survivor!

Help us Celebrate World Toilet Day

2007-11-19T06:40:00.000-08:00

Our Tribute to World Toilet Day. We flushed smilin' Bob down our local gas station toilet as our way of joining the celebration. So here is to Jon Crapper, the potty, the can, the commode, De Latrine. Later, historians may revere this as the porceline throne of modern man.

Reality TV

2007-08-25T06:12:00.001-07:00

Reality Bites: The Cynical Underpinning of Reality TV by: Aldene Fredenburg
From "Survivor" to "The Amazing Race," from "The Apprentice" to "Runway," the ugly truth is that, far from being a competition in which the best contestant wins, Reality TV shows are rife with infighting, political cliques, backbiting, betrayal, and exclusion. Alliances are formed, individuals are targeted for expulsion, and participants often lie about each other in order to put themselves in a better light than their competitors. In a recent episode of "The Apprentice," one team discovered that the competing team had arranged to purchase every available megaphone from a store chain for an upcoming promotion. The team that made the discovery beat their competitors to the store carrying the equipment, misrepresented themselves to the store clerk, and made off with the other team's megaphones. Donald Trump's response? "Good for them!" All of which says what about American culture? Have we entered an era of social Darwinism in which "the survival of the fittest" rules? Is Reality TV redefining the values of the American people, or are they only reflecting a shift that had already taken place? Consider this: Over a million additional Americans fell below the poverty level in the year 2004. Over forty million Americans are without health insurance coverage. Huge spikes in oil and natural gas prices, even before Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, threatened the financial survival of the working poor as they faced a harsh winter and impossibly high heating fuel bills. And all the while, Congress and the Bush administration promoted tax cuts for the wealthy, okayed windfall profits and subsidies for the oil companies, and discussed cutting fuel assistance programs. Survival of the fittest. Now think about Katrina, and the woefully inadequate governmental response, and the circling of land speculators around the ruined neighborhoods of New Orleans only days after the hurricane. Substitute food and water for those purloined megaphones, and adequate health care, and decent affordable housing, and ask yourselves: Is the view of life expressed many times a week on these Reality TV shows what we truly want for this country? Do we want our government and private citizens to react to a disaster like Katrina by fighting for necessities, cutting the weak out of the loop when it comes to essential services, and turning our backs on the most vulnerable among us in favor of the strong, the healthy, the well-connected, and the rich? Because those are the values we're worshipping constantly in our support of the ubiquitous Reality TV programming. We need to take a good look at Reality TV and the morally bankrupt values it is promoting, and ask ourselves this: What do we as citizens want our relationship to be with each other? What do we want our government, which acts as our surrogate, to do to help the poorest and the weakest among us? Are we really committed to the "survival of the fittest" view as expressed by Reality TV, corporate interests, and current government officials, or do we want to create a community which provides a safety net for the vulnerable and help for each other in the event of unexpected misfortune? Fans may enjoy all the high drama of their favorite reality TV shows, and may laugh at any comparison to our larger social structure. But the grim fact is, Reality TV eerily reflects the cynicism and self-interest that permeates American society today, and the implications of that, should another widespread disaster strike, are not pretty.
About The Author
Aldene Fredenburg is a freelance writer living in southwestern New Hampshire and frequently contributes to Tips and Topics. She has published numerous articles in local and regional publications on a wide range of topics, including business, education, the arts, and local events. Her feature articles include an interview with independent documentary filmmaker Ken Burns and a feature on prisoners at the New Hampshire State Prison in Concord. She may be reached at amfredenburg@yahoo.com.

Final Survivor for the Season

2006-12-15T07:10:00.000-08:00

Don't forget, Sunday night is the final Survivor for this season. Now that Jonathon is gone, it's more boring. Yes, he is a dick, but it is more interesting with the antagonist-hole. Maybe the drama will intensify with this being the last of the challenges before the big vote. Come on Yule!

Reality Shows

2006-12-11T11:55:00.000-08:00

People Watch Reality TV Shows

2006-11-27T15:14:00.000-08:00

Reality Television – America Now Watches Reality TV and Admits It by: Janice A. Karp
When the first Reality TV Shows aired, like Survivor, American Idol, and Big Brother, viewers didn’t know what to make of it and were very critical of the participants. We thought, who would want to be stranded on an island without food and water and be eaten alive by mosquitoes? And after enduring that torture there was the chance of being ostracized during a ritual called tribal council. America saw millions of people waiting on very long lines in rainy, snowy, and cold conditions for a chance to audition for a singing competition called American Idol. Their challenge would be a man named Simon Cowell who would eat them alive like the mosquitoes on Survivor if they didn’t live up to his expectations. America’s Next Top Model was soon to follow which highlights beautiful young woman who have dreams to be models. They go through grueling days beginning at the crack of dawn filled with challenges. A panel of judges that includes Tyra Banks who developed the program, critiques their photos, speech and runway walks. Sometimes the comments are so harsh, the contestants begin to have self-doubt and lose their winning spirit. As time went on we started to embrace Reality television. We now understand that we are watching human beings who have dreams and goals, and want to challenge themselves to be stronger individuals. Criticizing actually validates what they are doing, because it’s easier to criticize others than to admit something is missing in your own life. Unfulfilled dreams and challenges are worse than TRYING and not winning. So as we own up to our insecurities we watch couples in The Amazing Race conquer the world and test their physical and mental limits. We fall in love with the young men and woman who sing so brilliantly on American Idol. We watch Survivor and root for the honest, hard working competitor who uses the power of their mind and strength in their soul to win a million dollars. The reality show If You Think You Can Dance shows us amazing talent beyond the years of young dancers. We can feel their passion while watching them glide, jump, tap, flip, and pirouette across the floor. And it’s difficult to not be moved by a young girl who lives in a bad neighborhood, and endures a rough life that is gorgeous and wins a modeling contract with the best agency in the world. Today we aren’t embarrassed to say we watch Reality TV. We should only be ashamed when we stay on the couch in the safety of our own home and don’t take chances to show the world what we have to offer.
About The Author
Janice A. Karp is 43 years old and lives in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida. Janice grew up in New York and earned her degree at LIU - Southampton College. Shortly after, she moved to Maryland for 11 years to pursue her interest in coaching gymnastics. She moved back to Long Beach, New York for a few years, but now resides in Florida where she is pursuing some Home Business opportunities. Some of her interests are writing and running. http://myweb.ecomplanet.com/KARP7448 http://myweb.ecomplanet.com/SANT8116 http://www.EarnEasily.net "All Glory Comes From Daring To Begin"

Reality TV Reality

2006-03-22T10:00:00.000-08:00

My Search For Reality in TV Revealed Satellite TV and Television's Future, Now. by: Danny Planet
I never dreamed of TV becoming amazing again – I was the guy with 12 o’clock blinking green on his VCR. Yes, I said VCR. So getting the hang of today’s TV was not a piece of cake.
Recently, during an emergency replace-ectomy of my dying Zenith behemoth, I realized I was in deep trouble. Never mind DVD. Who knew of progressive scan and digital convergence. Aspect ratios and digital comb filters. Anti-glare coatings and so many lines of resolution? I knew of the tv satellite dish, but...
This was a long way from the TV I was nurtured on?
I remember seeing Elvis on the Ed Sullivan Show gyrating inside a black & white-glass-globe-picture-tube about as small as the window on a front-load washer.
…Man did the warm glow of that box-at-the-end-of-a-wire get me excited.
Oh, I watched plenty alright! And you know what? I can’t remember ever complaining about getting up from the couch to change the channel… or to adjust the antenna.
Then, Wagon Train on a 19 inch “color set” was about as good as it got.
I lost track of television’s high technology after a while I suppose. I saw TVs getting bigger and I did get hip to cable and the remote control – but distracted by life and a million other things – today’s satellite TV and the whole awesome new experience almost passed me by.
It wasn’t until my first trip to a home-electronics super-store - to replace the dinosaur 25inch Zenith color console, in a polished-wood-cabinet that matched our living-room furniture long ago - that I realized I wasn’t in Kansas anymore… but rather, lost.
Lost in a new-world-unknown.
A world where I discovered satellite tv on flat screens square and wide, Where thin plasmas hung on the wall and flat-panel LCDs framed in silver sat upon slender, tilting pedestals.
I saw TVs that connect to your computer and one, giant-screen, rear-projector that eats digital camera memory sticks to show your photos of grandma on vacation in larger than life and surround sound.
Oh, TVs are still getting bigger, alright. But now they are amazing again and I’m excited. But with that “excitement and amazement”, comes downright confusion. How do they do that? What of “all that” is right for me?
Now, I like the idea of a tv satellite dish on my roof, but it’s a new-tech jungle out there my friend. Prepare if you too are from Kansas.
I'll help you get a clue about what's out there before you buy “what could become” the most incredible entertainment experience you and your living room - or Elvis, could ever dream-up. And for a lot less than you think, too.
Keep your eye on the Planet. I’ll fill you in soon about why I can’t leave my home anymore.
###
About The Author
Danny Planet is author of Danny’s Planet, "the hippest free zine out there", hundreds of articles, web pages, radio spots and celebrity ghost scrawling. Visit him at http://satellite--tv.blogspot.com/. Cut & paste this URL into your browser to read his most current articles and get your seat on Danny's Planet Ark.
dannysplanet@att.net

Start Your Own Reality Show

2006-02-24T08:50:00.000-08:00

Getting Your Reality TV Show Idea in Front of the People Who Make Them by: Matt Canham
More, more, more for less, less, less is what the networks are saying about reality television because the popularity has staying power that is here forever.
There will always be a new reality show coming out, with new ideas coming from every aspect of life and there are even television stations dedicated to reality TV 24 hours a day.
But how long can this golden run go on? The short answer is indefinitely, as there is something of a stand off in place. The viewers ask that question, and the producers also ask that question, and both sides continue to watch and create the programs.
Who will crack first? When will they crack? With the huge success of many shows, it is not going to be anytime soon. But what about this huge success?
In terms of the individual success of one show, it will have little to do with the overall popularity of the genre. The run away success of The Simpsons didn't stop others producing animation, just as the wild success of one Reality show won't stop others from being made.
The big attraction to Reality TV is the audience involvement. They are watching real people and invest in them emotionally. Anyone who invests their time emotionally, isn't going to just walk away, so they stay and keep watching to see the eventual outcome. And we already know there are no limits to the behaviour and emotions of human beings.
For this reason, I feel the next wave will be even wilder that the what we are seeing now. It's going to get kind of weird folks, which in turn makes for great television. Sorry to all my buddies in Hollywood that act or are so called real writers.
In my opinion reality TV show writers are just that; "writers" but they are also creators as well which is an interesting duality that is really unique to them. Everyone has got an idea but who is able to lay it out so a producer can envision their show idea, who knows the ins and out and which hoops to jump through. Who knows what will be a colossal waste of time and at the same time knows exactly the proper path to take? The path that can lift your idea from just an idea to a simple proper one page treatment across the right desk of the right person, in the right fashion, without smacking of desperation and looking as if it has been put together by someone lacking experience...
The big consideration these days is the potential market for advertising. If you can clearly identify the target age groups for your show and the companies who might want to advertise to that market, you will have a very powerful pitch. The Contender was a great example - Everlast and Toyota Tundra broadcast to an audience of millions. Reality shows are about Entertainment, but they are also new vehicles for advertising!
Instead of just being involved in the breaks between the show, Reality TV allows advertisers to become part of the show. And any adman worth his place on Madison Avenue will know that being in the mind of the consumer for the whole show, not just 30 seconds of it, is a very worthy exposure for his client.
For this reason, the role of potential advertisers in the show should be of paramount importance to writers. Reality TV is not just about entertainment - it is also about selling products to the shows target audience. Never forget that.
If your idea is good, you might want to move ahead with it NOW. There are 150 top production companies that do reality shows and are waiting for the next big idea.
There is only question left you need to ask yourself. Is it going to be yours?
Copyright 2006 Matt Canham
About The Author
Matt Canham Writer, Producer http://reality-tv-show-pitch.marinerblue.com/ "Reality TV is a different kind of animal": Donald Trump

Big Brother

2006-01-26T09:56:00.000-08:00

The Demise of Big Brother by: Jennifer Maskill
Way back in the year 2000 when Big Brother first exploded onto our screens, it was a brand new concept. An interesting Game show where all you had to do was live in a house with a bunch of strangers for 3 months and at the end of it you could win £70,000.
The whole country was gripped. Would Nasty Nick get caught? Would Mel and Andy get it together? How did Craig Phillips – The most boring man in the country ever end up the winner??
Right across Great Britain, from Schools to Offices; Supermarket queues and coffee shops, everyone had an opinion and everyone had their favourite for one reason or another. It was new and exciting TV. No script and no plotline just throw them all in together and give them challenges to complete and see what happens.
The winner – Craig Phillips – went on to be a TV Handyman and popped up everywhere. He even tried his hand at the music biz and brought out a cheesy Christmas song for which all the profits (Along with his winnings) went to charity.
Season 2 got a little bit more exciting with the outspoken Brian Dowling being the final winner only just pipping Hairdresser Helen Adams to the post. Helen also had her will they won’t they story with fellow housemate Paul Clarke. Amazingly now 4 years later they are still together so Big Brother was a fairy tale ending for them.
It was from season 3 that things started going downhill when BB started playing with the format and added the Heaven & Hell sections of the house. Those on one side had more luxuries and better food than those on the other. A weekly task, shown live on Saturday nights, determined which housemates lived on which side of the Heaven and Hell divide. This season also brought us Jade Goody who, aside from her dumb blonde personality, is the highest earning ex-housemate of all the BB series’. Kate Lawler the Winner of BB3 enjoyed success as a Breakfast TV presenter for a while.
The whole Big Brother idea has just gone downhill from there. It is no longer new and different and no matter how much the producers play with the format, it will never be as good as that first season. These days it is all about who will get their boobs out first and who will have sex first. Whoever wins it is not important anymore as everyone just wants their 15 minutes of Fame!
About The Author
Jennifer Maskill
I am a Single mum to 2 teenagers. I enjoy being a mother and spend my spare time working on my online business http://www.cafepress.com/jembiecreations

Johnny Carson

2006-01-23T13:52:00.000-08:00

Tonight show legend Johnny Carson died one year ago on today's date, Sunday Jan 23, 2005 of emphysema. Born in 1925, Johnny was
drawn to perform and entertain. He started out in Theatre and as a Magician.
Johnny had taken over the Jack Parr Show in New York City, NBC studio 6B before later moving to
California. Before the takeover, Johnny was talking to Ed McMahon backstage and told him, "When we take
over the Tonight Show, I'm taking you with me.." said Ed McMahon in an interview with Larry King in
December 2003.
Johnny and Ed always clicked when together. One night on the Tonight Show, Ed was doing an Alpo
commercial and the dog could have cared less about the Alpo. Ed was just getting that awkward look when
Johnny came out and played the dog while mimicking actually eating the Alpo. On another occasion, during
the taping of the show, it became obvious that the material was not going well, Ed set fire the the paper
that Johnny was reading. Without flinching, Johnny placed a trash can from behind his desk on top and held
the paper above it, at the same time Doc in the band began playing 'Taps'. Just another example of the
great combination of players on the Tonight Show working as a masterful comic team.
The show was actually taped even though all the clocks you saw would indicate 11:00pm. Ed would start
the show by warming up the audience. Ed needed a catch phrase so as not to become like woodwork on the
show. He thought all weekend before coming up with "Here's Johnny". This caught on like wildfire, everyone
was saying for about 6 months.
One of my favorite scenes from the show was when an elderly woman had brought her rather unusual
chip collection. Johnny had hidden a bowl of chips behind his desk and when she was looking away and
talking to Ed, Johnny went CRUNCH!. The look on the woman's face was priceless!
Johnny met Ed McMahon shortly after Ed came home from Korea. Ed had moved into an apartment building which
only happened to house Dick Clark as well. Dick had invited Ed to a party and asked him to tell some jokes and
generally entertain. Impressed with McMahon, NBC executives asked him to an interview. McMahon said he thought
he had blown the interview, but the executives were pleased with his talents. After taking work on the Jack Parr Tonight
Show, Ed met and clicked with Johnny.
Many entertainers made their careers on Carson's Tonight Show. Steve Martin, previously a writer, did a famous bit
where he asked if he could use Johnny's phone and just check his messages. The first message is from a woman who
tells Steve "don't worry about last night, it can happen to anyone, you're still a man to me..", then a second message,
"don't worry about last night, it can happen to anyone, you're still a man to me..", finally the third message sends Johnny
almost out of his chair laughing. A man leaves this message, "don't worry about last night, it can happen to anyone,
you're still a man to me..".
Politicians also made their mark on the world with an appearance on Johnny Carson. Bill Clinton was the butt of a
long joke when Carson spend over three minutes introducing him, flipping pages like it would never end. Clinton got
the joke, he had just given a speech at the Democratic convention that lasted 45 minutes. When Clinton said,
"in closing.." the applause was almost overwhelming.
We will miss Johnny, he will never be outdone.

Agents

2006-01-11T10:31:00.000-08:00

HOW TO GET AN AGENT: Basic Tips for Actors. by: Ronald K. Armstrong
It is not easy getting an agent but it is almost necessary if you want to work in this business. There are no easy methods to secure one; rather, it takes hard work and lot of tenacity. The irony of it all is that agents want established actors yet to really get established you may need the help of a talent agent. Although trade publications such as Backstage are a good source of job opportunities the real work comes through an agent. They usually keep a circle of clients to whom they channel out the work to first. If you are apart of that circle then it makes life a little easier for you.
Through the years I’ve seen young actors trying to achieve their goals make simple little errors which could have been avoided. Most don’t have a mentor to help them through the difficulties and thus have to feel around in the dark. Here are some basic tips to help you out. Firstly, treat your career like your own personal business. Understand that you are in a highly competitive industry that requires a lot of personal investment on your part. As such, the numbers game of sending out a ton of your headshots and resumes to talent agencies in hopes of landing one isn’t enough. Agents get hundreds of photos a day and your headshot is just one in a pile many. One of the things that a working actor must have in his or her arsenal is a good demo reel. You should have a number of copies that can be dispensed at will. A professional reel could cost anywhere from $50 to $250 to produce depending upon what you want. The duplication rate is somewhat modest. Next, you should be in some type of show or production. This gives you exposure and a chance to hone your skills.
Now with these things firmly in place begin the process of sending your photos and resumes out to talent agents. You can find a listing of them in The Ross Report or by going to www.rkacinemasociety.com. Make sure you understand the different unions and exactly which agent deals with a particular union. If you are not part of SAG and send your material to a SAG agent then you may have just wasted your money. As stated before since agents get a lot of headshots on a daily basis you’ll need to make follow-ups. Set aside some time each week specifically for this purpose. Some agents don’t like to receive phone calls but there are some that do. The key is to build a rapport with the agent. Most times you won’t get to speak with them directly only with their secretaries. Now listen up because this is important. Do not treat the secretary like a secretary! In fact make a conscious effort to get to know him or her while treating them with the utmost respect and courtesy. The reason for this is because that secretary is your immediate connection to the agent - a sort of gate keeper. Rest assured that if they do not like you, or consider you annoying, you may never get pass them. In soliciting representation you should invite the agent via phone call or by postcard to your show. If they are unwilling or unable to come send them a video copy of the performance highlighting your work. If possible, hand delivery it. Then make another follow-up call. Remember, the idea here is to make a lasting impression. Some actors have gone as far as to send an agent a headshot a week keeping them appraised of their progress. If you can afford this then by all means go for it.
Another important thing here is to be professional. Always seem enthusiastic and positive in the presence of an agent no matter if they are rude to you. If they are somewhat unpleasant don’t take it personal. There are more fish in the sea so there is no need to dwell on a bad meeting. Agents are not only looking for someone talented to work with but someone who has a great personality and is hungry. If you are lackluster in your approach to your craft then why should an agent take a chance with you. However, if you are highly motivated and good to work with then someone might take a chance. I’ve seen so many actors blow it because of an ego trip or lack of commitment. Agents can smell this a mile away. Unfortunately actors are notorious for being flaky and emotionally unstable. If this is you then, YOU DON’T NEED TO BE IN THIS INDUSTRY!
Keep in mind that not all agents deal with your particular type. Some deal strictly with young children, others specialize in ethnic actors and so forth. There are also agents who deal with commercials and/or feature films. Pay particular attention to this fact when sending out your material. And don’t feel bad if you are told you’re not the right type. Many of these agencies work with major studios that call for a particular look. Low and behold you may not have that look of the moment. This doesn’t mean that you should go out and get plastic surgery but rather find another agent who is handling your look. Trust me there are many that do.
Whatever happens don’t give up. Since agents are people too you must also understand that there are good and bad ones. I’ve personally come across a couple who are horrible and you’d be better off going it alone. On the other hand there are many who can get you in the door if you manage to get their attention. Industry networking events and parties are a great way to come in contact with them. If you have a talent for networking then I would suggest booking your schedule with as many of these functions as possible. The Internet has really been a boom for actors and you should find a wealth of networking events in your local area on line. If you apply just these few tips and don’t become discouraged I’m sure you’ll meet with much success!
For the latest industry information visit us at http://www.rkacinemasociety.com
About The Author
RONALD K. ARMSTRONG Writer/Director
Ronald K. Armstrong has been an author and screenwriter for over fifteen years. His credits include a wide variety of screenplays and books ranging in genres and subject matters. He began his film studies at the high school of Art and Design. Afterwards he went on to study film at Purchase Film School. Frustrated by the lack of attention paid to true art he left school to start the country's largest minority film organization the RKA Cinema Society.
Given the fact that the industry has demonstrated a level of inequality the RKA Cinema Society aggressively campaigns against racism, sexism, and issues of censorship while serving to protect and preserve the sovereign right of all artists. Because of this the organization is vehemently opposed to the wide spread practice of corporate monopolies and advertising dollars dictating artistic vision. It was during his operation of the organization that he produced two books: The Science of Acting and The Black Filmmaker’s Guide to the 21 Century. These books set new paradigms in thought for young artists. His previous screenplays include Alter Ego and Lost in Time.
In 1990 Mr. Armstrong wrote and directed Cuny Island, a short sci-fiction thriller dealing with racism on an interplanetary scale. The film went on to take second place in the Black American Cinema Society Grant Project. He was also featured on several television programs for his accomplishments. In 1996 he took things a step further by writing and producing his first feature length motion picture entitled Bugged. The film was produced in conjunction with Troma Studios and made its world premiere at the Cannes International Film Festival along with showing at the Prince Charles Theater in England. The film gained world attention propelling Mr. Armstrong into the light appearing on such stations as the BET, BBC and CNN.
Each screenplay is a work of passion and a spiritual journey for Mr. Armstrong. Through the medium of the thriller genre he challenges the conventional Western thought process and the template of modern values. “Hollywood has created a mental matrix system while not allowing audiences to develop their consciousness to a higher level. Stories are the key to the deepest recesses of the mind. With it you heal people, solve morale dilemmas, nurture a civilization and more! A good script can awaken fathoms of the mind more so than any great university. But we must take the art there.”
Mr. Armstrong has just completed his third screenplay entitled Master Killers. Writing is a long and arduous process from which he shows no signs of fatigue. As he states, “I feel that America and the world are ready to see the truth. Through the genre of sci-fiction I feel I can broaden the spectrum on social and political issues in a manner that is not only creditable, but necessary for all to see. My only wish is to have the backing to write films, films without any restriction or distortion of truth.”
ronkarmstrong@rkacinemasociety.com

Survivor

2006-01-04T17:41:00.000-08:00

Survivor Amazon is on OLN starting tonight!

How to Get on TV

2005-12-12T12:25:00.000-08:00

Tips for getting on TV and Radio Talk Shows! by: Matt Bacak
We’re all familiar with the litany of TV and radio talk shows. Perhaps you’ve watched or listen…maybe you thought – I would make a great guest! Well, if you think you would make a great TV and radio talk show guest…read on and learn how to get on TV and radio talk shows! A radio or TV talk show, can be a great publicity move. It takes some effort, but with a little research, and a lot of perseverance, you could be on your way to promoting your product, service or even yourself on a radio or TV talk show.
Step 1 - Groundwork
You need to think about your pitch to the radio or TV talk show. What do you have to say that's new, interesting, unique and different? What's your angle or story idea? Do you have a unique product? Are you an expert in a field?
Once you given some thought to about your pitch, prepare a one page backgrounder on yourself. This fact sheet is very important if you are just venturing into the talk show arena. Include a professional head shot picture and highlight all of your previous speaking engagements, published articles, books etc. You need to build credibility since you are an unknown entity to the radio or TV talk show producer.
Now that your backgrounder or fact sheet is complete, research the various talk shows where you would like to appear. No sense wasting your time or the producer's time if your topic idea is not appropriate for the genre of the talk show. When doing your research, find out what types of topics the show is looking for. Often, the talk show's website or the radio station website are good starting places.
Check out how the radio or TV talk show likes to receive topic ideas. Do they prefer phone calls, emails or is there an application form available? Try to determine whom you contact and what the best method for contact is.
Step 2- Practice
Often overlooked, it is always a good idea to practice your pitch and show your fact sheet to some respected colleagues before you try it out on the TV or radio producers. Ask your practice partner to throw out some tough and challenging questions so that you get practice rebutting any negative responses. The practice pitch will give you a chance to make any changes, streamline your narrative and to think about how you will answer the producer's questions.
Step 3 - Make Contact
Now that you've figured out what you want to say and where you want to say it, it's time to make contact.
There are a few methods of making contact. The first is to fax or email your backgrounder and then follow up with the radio or TV talk show producer a couple of days later. The second idea is to call the radio or TV talk show producer and sell them on your idea right away. A lively phone conversation will demonstrate that you are able to be engaging and interesting. If you get voice mail, persevere! Mention your idea on the voice mail, send your backgrounder and then follow up with a phone call again. A third, albeit more passive way to get on radio and TV talk shows is to register with one of the many online databanks or publications, which are directories of people available for radio and TV interviews. These sites and publications are designed for media professionals who need to quickly and easily find guests for various topics.
When you are pitching your ideas, strongly capitalize on your experience. If you have limited to no talk show experience, the producer may be scared off by that. Play up any and all experience you have. For instance, focusing on the broad range of presentations you've made to various audiences will show that you're adept at speaking. Even better is to have some references lined up who will provide testimonial to the producer that you were an informative, intelligent and engaging speaker.
Another idea is to link your idea with an event or issue in the news, if possible. If you can inject a 'little' controversy into a topic (say you represent the opposing side of an issue) you have a better chance of being signed on.
Here's a quick and easy tip, remember to boost the producers ego by mentioning something from a previous show topic or guest, producers love to know that people are watching.
Be excited! You have to believe in your idea, topic or whatever it is you have to say. The more enthused you are - the more likely you will get the radio and TV talk show producers to buy into inviting you to make an appearance on their show.
Step 4 - You're Booked!
O.k. you've gotten the call you were waiting for. You are booked on your favorite TV or radio talk show! It helps the producers and talk show host if you supply a list of relevant questions. Pick 10 or so questions that you would like to be asked. There is no guarantee that they will use them, but producers and hosts are notoriously busy people and anything you can do to make their job a little easier will be appreciated.
Once you've finished your radio or TV talk show appearance, be sure to update you backgrounder. Surprisingly, the more talk shows you do, the more you build your credibility as an 'expert'. As soon as you have a few appearances under your belt, you will likely find it easier to make that initial contact with the TV or radio talk show producer.
It cannot be stressed enough when you're looking for ways to get on TV or radio talk shows, perseverance and determination are the keys. You cannot give up. It will be difficult to make contact and eventually get booked, but the reward in free publicity is MORE than worth it! Good luck!
About The Author
Matt Bacak became "#1 Best Selling Author" in just a few short hours. Recent Entrepreneur Magazine’s e-Biz radio show host is turning Authors, Speakers, and Experts into Overnight Success Stories. Discover The Secrets http://promotingtips.com.

Jingle Bells Jingle Bells Jingle all the way
Christmas shop at my stores
so that I may get paid
Shop Shop Shop Shop Shopping all the way
Catalogs and Directory two thousand stores today
Jingle Bells and affiliate Malls
shopping all the way!

Survivor Winner!

2005-12-11T19:47:00.000-08:00

Dani beats Stephanie for the million dollars on the final episode of Survivor Guatemala!

Survivor

2005-12-04T13:00:00.000-08:00

This is the next to the last episode of this week's Survivor Guatemala. There are 6 Survivors left in the game.
This week the players' are allowed to buy food at a mock auction. Given $500, they can bid on items with
one catch, the auction can stop at anytime. Get what you can now. Beefy Jerky, milk and cookies,
Philly Steak etc., getting hungry? The surprise was that if you had plenty of cash after eating, you could
bid on a visit and overnight stay with a selected friend or relative that was brought to Guatemala just for you.
Judd wins the family visit with his wife. He can invite two others to see their family, leaving the other three
not in good humor with him of course. He picks Cindy and Stephanie.
Immunity Challenge: Human Chess, and Dani wins immunity.
At tribal council, Judd says that whoever gets voted out will just have to "get over it..". Judd is voted out..
He doesn't "get over it" right away. Judd says that he hopes that they all get bitten by crocodiles and
twice stated that he felt that they were all "scumbags..". At the exit interview, Judd states that he
is "pissed.." because they voted him out and repeated the claim that the remaining team members
were all "scumbags..". He also restates that he has never lied, except for the times that he did.
See the CBS Survivor 11 site Click Here

Innocense Lost

2005-11-27T16:29:00.000-08:00

Those Old TV Shows by: Mark Rigney
With a very few notable exceptions, TV programming in the last decade... or three... has been relatively lame. Huh? You disagree? Let's not forget "Supertrain," or "Meet the Parents," "Am I Hot," "When Animals Attack," or any of the brilliant sludge created and perpetrated by Fox.
But - ask any child of the 60's about Gilligan's Island, I Dream of Jeannie, The Andy Griffith Show, or any of the dozens of other programs we were weaned on, and you'll see an instant smile and wink of recognition.
Why doesn't today's TV programming bring out the best in us the way the classics do?
My belief? TV reflects the times, and those were far more innocent times. Much of it was before the Kennedy assasinations, all of it was before Watergate, and as a people, we still believed in fairy tales.
I know that may sound cynical to some, but TV now has a harsh, friendly and often mean edge to it, while TV-Land still celebrates an age of innocence that I think most of us might still yearn to return to. After all, what HONEST parent will admit to allowing their kids to watch anything in prime time any more?
About The Author
Mark Rigney is the webmaster of http://www.eclassictv.com/.
vidbidness@gmail.com

Reality TV and You

2005-11-25T12:10:00.000-08:00

Camcorder Enthusiasts! What Does Reality TV Really Mean? - Great News for the Camcorder User! by: Mark Sturge
Reality TV is experiencing an upsurge in popularity and its presence has conditioned the public's acceptance of a number of things:
-That lead actors being trained and polished 'performers' is no longer a necessity.
-Camcorder movement. As the use of 'dollies', 'jibs' and even 'steadycams' to obtain smooth motion/tracking shots are often at odds with site and time constraints.
-Reduction in production values of video, lighting and audio.
Whilst a 'reduction in production values' may not inspire confidence, it bodes as a positive to the small time camcorder operator in reduced production costs. And the savvy camcorder operator can make up any shortfall with a little imagination and a lot of ingenuity.
"Anyone can be a video producer", says Mark Sturge, of KMS Productions "technology has delivered the tools and there is an emerging group of people who know that (don't tell anyone this) video and even television production is easy, if you have the right plan.
"Desktop video is a huge opportunity." Mark goes on to explain "Everyday people are looking for special memories to be preserved on video tape or DVD. That family occasion/party/wedding or their children's sports events filmed with a camcorder. And now getting their favourite sport or hobby on TV is possible. Yes… possible. And you can be the video producer that does it for them!"
Most people think that it takes big bucks to produce video for television or commercial release. The inside secret is that you can produce quality video productions with a relatively small investment - and having the right plan that can take you step-by-step through the process is a crucial component. Here are the steps Mark suggests you should follow:
1. Get yourself a high resolution camcorder.
2. Learn how to use your camcorder to produce 'compelling' video (this sounds obvious, but it can be where the majority of operators 'drop the ball').
3. Engineer cost effective solutions to produce professional production values (in particular the areas of lighting and audio).
4. Polish your production with your desktop editing system.
5. Submit your production to program managers that accept public submissions, create a professional looking DVD series to sell, shoot family/TV/commercial video in your home studio etc..
So what are you waiting for? Pick up that camcorder, boot up your pc and 'Say It With Video'!
About The Author
Mark Sturge is the owner of KMS Productions and webmaster at http://www.video-production-mastery.com/, a site where visitors can find information, training videos and manuals that help people to better their camcorder techniques or discover ways to earn an income from their video taking hobby.

I was looking for gifts such as art, collectibles, crafts, books, baked gifts and I found them shopping online.

My wife always shops for clothes, shoes, makeup and jewelry online.

My kids said to go online for Christmas toys this year.

Most of the time I shop online for electronics such as audio, tvs, cell phones, wireless digital cameras and pdas.

I found all the furniture and hardware I needed online.

My friend the chef said to look online for kitchen supplies and recipes.

Survivor

2005-11-18T13:16:00.000-08:00

This week’s CBS Survivor starts out with Jamie arguing with everyone claiming that Gary had lied about something.
Challenge - obstace course. They divide into two teams. The reward is a shower, clothes and to spend the night
somewhere nice, away from camp. Coffee in the morning too! Dani, Steph, Gary and Judd win the reward challenge.
Back at camp: Jamie tries to get Rafe to from an alliance with him. Rafe is unsure and hesitates.
Away at the reward: Gary tries to form an alliance with Steph, Dani and Judd. A man enters the room with a
package and says it is a gift. They open it and it is video tapes from home. They watch the tapes, cry etc.
Back to camp and a nice surprise of coffee for all is brought back.
Immunity Challenge: Obstacle course, Steph, Rafe, Jamie, Cindy move on. Rafe wins immunity.
At tribal council Jamie is OUT OF THERE! Jamie is pissed! “NICE!” He exclaims, “That’s how you vote somebody out..”
Exit Interview with Jamie: “Good people go bad..” Jamie doesn’t know if he can ever forgive Lydia for voting
him out since he feels that he carried her this far.

I was looking for gifts such as art, collectibles, crafts, books, baked gifts and I found them shopping online.

My wife always shops for clothes, shoes, makeup and jewelry online.

My kids said to go online for Christmas toys this year.

Most of the time I shop online for electronics such as audio, tvs, cell phones, wireless digital cameras and pdas.

I found all the furniture and hardware I needed online.

My friend the chef said to look online for kitchen supplies and recipes.

Last night's Survivor

2005-11-11T07:46:00.000-08:00

Nov 10, 2005 Survivor Summary
Last episode, Brandon was voted out. This weeks' reward challenge was to throw an arrow towards a target using a weird slide thing to launch the arrow. Everyone will win food in this challenge, but the quality of the meal is directly associated with how well they do in the contest. Top prize: Steak and Lobster and a clue to the hidden immunity idol. Last prize: a school lunch..actually , it was nuts and river water..mmm good, what?, no stagnant water available. Judd wins. Other prizes included a hamburger, a slice of pizza, baked potato, fish and ham and cheese. Later, Judd throws up in the shelter, helter shelter (with free steak and lobster inside!).
Judd tells everyone that the idol is on the ground somewhere..according the the clue he was given. Later he is seen by Gary looking towards the treetops as he looks for the idol, unaware that he is being watched. Meanwhile, Jamie tells his group that Gary told him that he was going to vote him(Jamie) out. Gary really said that he would vote WITH Jamie.
The final immunity challenge is an obstacle course. Near the end of the challenge Jamie and Rafe are the last two left. Suddenly, Rafe looses balance and tips over, but realizes he isn't down. Just as he tries to pull up, he gets a carnival style head dunk as he spins upside down and into the water. Rafe and everyone laughs..Jamie wins.
At tribal council, Gary pulls out the idol that he found in the woods and is granted immunity. Bobby Jon is voted off of the island.

Reality Check?

2005-11-10T14:53:00.000-08:00

Another Reality TV Show or a Reality Check? by: Geela
Quote of the month: *The secret weapon for success is knowledge, so what you don*t know can hurt you. - Geela
These days there is a growing trend towards reality TV shows that are based on external shallow values. With the appeal of junk food, it has a powerful hypnotic effect even on the strongest minds. But while reality TV may seem like a harmless form of entertainment, the damage (which is done so subtly) is very powerful and therefore it deserves a closer look. So the question is *Do we really need another reality TV show or perhaps it*s time for a reality check?*
The popularity of reality TV shouldn*t come as a surprise considering the fact that we live in a culture that worships vanity, rather than virtue, and lives by the mantra of *He with the most toys lives,* rather than *He with the most joys lives.* It*s been said that circumstances don*t make a man, they only reveal him. Likewise, reality TV is merely a reflection of what our society has become - a materialistically driven society where the love of power and money overcomes the power of love. It*s a reflection of a society that is not only devoid of a solid wholesome value system, but is also separated from spiritual roots. It*s also a culture that thrives on living on the edge, characterized by thrill-seeking and addictions (including the addiction to stimulation).
So here is the true reality behind reality TV. Reality TV, which is in the business of making us feel good rather than be good, actually contributes to the growing problems in our society by celebrating human weakness rather than human excellence. Reality TV doesn*t empower us, but rather overpowers us by taking our innate power and inner knowing and spirituality away from us, leaving us feeling insecure, inadequate, less fulfilled, isolated and confused by virtue of the promotion of anti-social behavior, excessive self-indulgence, self-entitlement, greed, compromised integrity, obsession with winning at all costs, and erosion in morality.
When you consider the magnitude of the challenges that are facing America today, it becomes obvious that what we need is certainly not another mind-numbing reality TV show, but rather a good reality check. Whether we recognize it or not, America is in desperate need of healing and true revival. It needs a jump-start, not only in the economy, but most importantly a jump-start in the spirit. After all, we are only as strong as our spirit, because when the spirit is weak it*s easier to become overwhelmed by what life throws our way. But when the spirit is strong, no turbulences can effect us, much like a ship in the vast ocean that can sail smoothly as long as there are no holes in it to make it sink.
America could use a reality check if only to reexamine our value system, which is out of balance and has led to social ills and failing systems and institutions. In a conflicted state of uncertainty, doubt and fear, it*s only natural for people to feel overwhelmed, wishing to escape from reality. However, reality TV proves only an artificial relief. It*s obvious that we are looking for love (real joy, fulfillment, meaning and purpose) in all the wrong places. In a culture that demands instant gratification, and relief from everyday anxieties, a quick fix (for coping), seems to be the chosen drug of choice.
So now for that reality check. The reality is that the prevailing mentality in American society today is *more is better,* acquiring external riches as opposed to internal riches and that you can get something for nothing. There is a sense of entitlement and an expectation of wanting the good life without having to work hard for it. This is reinforced, glorified and perpetuated by the media with shows like *The Lifestyle of The Rich and Famous.* When all you see is glamour, but not the hard work and sacrifice that goes into achieving success, it only inspires more envy and the desire for a *get rich quick* scheme leading to the erosion of morality and integrity.
From environmental pollution to spiritual pollution, we can no longer ignore our failing systems and institutions. From an Enron economy with ballooning budget deficits (which is really a reflection of a deficit in integrity) and a vanishing social security system (which creates social insecurity) to politicians doing what*s politically correct instead of what*s in the best interest of the community, to a failing education system as reflected in poor test scores which lag behind those of other nations, to the break-down of the family system (where kids find themselves home alone growing up with their peers, gangs or TV without nurturing parents to instill in them solid wholesome values system), we are planning to fail by default.
Our spiritual bankruptcy is evident practically in every facet of our lives, resulting in social ills from perversion, to the phenomenon of people going from being heroes to zero. We can no longer ignore the senseless violence in our schools and crime on our streets, increased teen suicide (often due to hopelessness, low self-esteem, lack of direction and a solid, wholesome value system) and substance abuse. Americans are more stressed out today than ever before despite the fact that we have the highest standard of living in the entire world. The true reality is that America is going, slowly but surely, from being a nation of producers and innovators to a nation of insatiable consumers (even the holidays are too commercialized to enjoy) while drowning in debt just to support a lifestyle we can*t even afford. All of these problems can be traced to the pursuit of materialism, which is a by-product of the American Dream.
But rather then play the *blame game,* it*s far more productive to approach the reality TV issue in terms of what you can do to improve your own life. A reality check is a good starting point. Remember, the true spirit of the American Dream was all about perspiration, innovation, risk and reward with the focus on a wholesome values system, integrity, a strong work ethic, community and being of service. All of which creates total prosperity (from health to wealth) with purpose, meaning and real joy. Now that*s a reality worth striving for!
About The Author
Copyright © 2004, Geela Author of *The American Dream* http://www.Geela.com
Geela is an award winning singer/songwriter/composer, columnist, and author of the best-selling book *THE AMERICAN DREAM,* her true- life story of how she came to America as a young immigrant with nothing and overcame incredible obstacles to achieve mega-success. She founded ONE SPIRIT, ONE WORLD to help children and promote a culture of peace and harmony. Get a free sample of her music and her book at http://www.Geela.com

Reality of Free

2005-10-31T08:50:00.000-08:00

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Reality Now

2005-10-29T08:04:00.000-07:00

Survivor

2005-10-26T14:48:00.000-07:00

Reality TV Still Going Strong With Survivor by: Gary Mitchell
Survivor the show that started the reality TV craze is back with its latest installment, Survivor Season 11 the Maya Empire. CBS will be keeping with its tested and proven formula of abandoning contestants in remote locations where they will live, work, and compete together for 39 days to win the 1 million dollar prize.
For this season contestants will be sent to Yaxhá-Nakum-Naranjo National Park in the jungles of Guatemala. The site is an ancient Maya city complete with Mayan pyramids. Contestants will be split into two tribes the named Nakum and Yaxha who will compete against each other in weekly challenges. Producer Mark Burnett and SEG Entertainment will be returning along with popular host Jeff Probst. They have promised to keep the show interesting this season with not just one surprise but two.
The choice of the shows location was not without some controversy, originally set to be filmed in the South Pacific producers had to change the venue after the tsunami at the end of 2004. The producers eventually decided the offer from Guatemala was the best. The Guatemalan government and board of tourism are hoping for a boost in travel to for the country as result of the show.
Recently there has been a trend among reality TV shows to find ways to cast famous or popular celebrities, and Survivor is trying this as well. The most well known of all the contestants is ex Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Gary Hogeboom. Many fans wonder if his notoriety will work against him on the show. Another popular contestant is sports radio talk show host Danni Boatwright. In addition to being a broadcaster Ms. Boatwright is the ex-wife of Country Music Star Wade Hayes and was Miss USA Contestant and was Miss Kansas in 1996. Many longtime fans of the show are concerned that the shows popularity has attracted aspiring actors, actresses, and models to the cast who the show as way to help their careers.

About The Author
Gary Mitchell
To help you keep up with all the tribal council meetings, immunity idol winners, and latest news from Survivor Guatemala be sure to visit http://www.SurvivorScoop.com. This article was written by Gary Mitchell who runs SurvivorScoop and several other entertainment based websites.
NOTE: You’re welcome to “reprint” this article online as long as it remains complete and unaltered (including the "about the author" info at the end).