Relapse

Ken AshfordPopular CultureLeave a Comment

Maybe I just don’t get the concept of rehab.  Aren’t you supposed to, you know, stay there? Yup, first she’s in, then she’s out, then she’s in….

He’s Just Not Into You [UPDATE: Is It Real?]

Ken AshfordPopular CultureLeave a Comment

There’s something about this I find particularly cruel. Of course, there are times when you just have to end a relationship.  But it just shouldn’t be done this way. Ryan Burke is a UNC senior.  His girlfriend, Mindy Moorman, was a NC State sophomore.  He wanted to break up with her because she cheated on him (although, as it turns … Read More

Pinball Wizard In A Miracle Cure

Ken AshfordPopular Culture1 Comment

That must be one gooooood rehab center. Less than 24 hours after checking herself into a rehab center (following her self-delilahing behavior), Britney checks out. Is it me, or does it seem like Britney is intentionally trying to steal focus from the REAL news story: the Anna Nicole Smith death aftermath?

Britney’s Hair Is For Sale

Ken AshfordPopular CultureLeave a Comment

Not available on eBay.  Apparently, the owners of the salon where Britney had her head shaved have set up their own website, http://www.buybritneyshair.com, in an effort to sell Britney’s now-detached hair (as well as the Red Bull she was drinking). Starting price: $1,000,000.00 Oy.

What Does The House Non-Binding Resolution In Opposition To The Escalation In Iraq Have In Common With “Wicked”?

Ken AshfordIraq, Popular Culture1 Comment

54 percent. That’s the number of Americans who would vote to cut off funding for President Bush’s escalation plan if they were in Congress, according to a Fox News poll. So while most Americans simply want to STOP the escalation, the Senate cannot even engage in a debate about whether or not to pass a non-binding resolution voicing opposition to … Read More

Girl, You Know It’s True

Ken AshfordPopular CultureLeave a Comment

Well, we’ve had successful movies chronicling the lives of Richie Valens, Ray Charles, and Johnny Cash, to name a few. So what’s next? Yup, a biopic about Milli Vanilli. I wonder who will dub their voices.

Shuddup About The Dixie Chicks

Ken AshfordPopular CultureLeave a Comment

Speaking of Grammys, the right is all bent out of shape that them lubrul Dixie Chicks swept the awards. I have some sad news for them: the Grammys have been irrelevant for a loooong time.  Here’s when the final nail was put in the Grammy coffin: 1977, when Starland Vocal Band ("Afternoon Delight") beat our Elvis Costello for Best New … Read More

Catch That Train

Ken AshfordPopular CultureLeave a Comment

A belated congrats to my childhood friend, Dan Zanes, on his Grammy Award for Best Musical Album for Children ("Catch That Train"). Here’s Dan performing in a video from an earlier album ("All Around The Kitchen"): More videos of Dan at the Disney website.  I guess he has a show on Disney or something. Apparently, Dan has found his niche, … Read More

The Show “24” Endangers Our Troops

Ken AshfordPopular Culture, War on Terrorism/TortureLeave a Comment

If anyone has ventured into the conservative blogosphere, they’ll soon discover one thing: conservatives love the show "24".  To them, it’s not just a TV show — it reflects the gung-ho way that America should be fighting the war on terrorism.  In September, Laura Ingraham justified torture techniques by pointing to the show. Around the same time, Glenn Beck did … Read More

Original Star Trek Series Gets A New Look

Ken AshfordPopular CultureLeave a Comment

Paramount has gone back to the original Star Trek series, and updated the special effects with computer technology. Pretty cool.  Here, for example, is what the classic episode "The Doomsday Machine" looks like now: I like it.  I like it a lot. RELATED:  Enjoy this Star Trek/Monty Python & The Holy Grail mashup:

Grease: You’re The One That I Want (To Humiliate)

Ken AshfordPopular CultureLeave a Comment

Is it just me, or is the elimination portion of the reality show competition "Grease: You’re The One That I Want" just plain cruel? When they weeded down the attendees from Grease Academy to the final twelve, how did they do it?  They had all the contestents — several dozen — stand in an empty gymnasium and sing "Tears On … Read More