Tikisoo
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Posts posted by Tikisoo
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JJG, I hope to bump into you someday, you seem like a cool guy.
There's already a thread about this in Hot Topics....Comcast did the same thing, put TCM on higher tier. And it's amazing there is NO less expensive alternative. It's as if all the cable "providers" agree to stay right in the same price range. Maybe that's the rock bottom prices, you never know.
>It's a free market and if you want something bad enough, you'll pay for it.
Exactly.
But I betcha if someone provided an a la carte cable system for half the price, they'd corner the market. The way things are now, I feel "owned" by the heelots. I simply can't afford cable in this economy.
I've noticed cel phone packages are all pretty expensive too. (maybe why people are constantly glued to them-get their money's worth) I've opted out of that too and only carry the most basic of models for emergency. (came in handy when I fell of my horse alone in a field)
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This argument reminds me of animator Nina Paley's fight for "Sita Sings The Blues". The soundtrack recordings were public domain, but the ancestors of those who wrote the songs came after her. She decided to "give the movie away free" rather than pay crazy fines for using the vintage songs.
We need to think creatively because these big companies are scrambling in the only way they know how... using money & force.
Read the "Comcast" thread to see how I'm standing up & opting out.
MY weekend seeing Cinematic Titanic (MST3K) has been cancelled in protest of SOPA/PIPA! I know it's really important to them, but hey! All the other shows are still on, just not the NY date. Wah!
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I understand the desire for a "big" TV despite the fact broadcast TV is garbage. I enjoy TCM, the occasional PBS show & all my DVDs on my big honkin' screen.
And I agree, 95% of broadcast TV is just unwatchable. What with insipid tattoo shows, crazy cat lady hoarders, mean competitions ALL littered with the most foul language they are constantly "bleep"-ing. You can't even find real news coverage anymore, it's all "entertainment" gossip. Disgraceful.
You're right, ALL the cable heelots are crooks and give substandard service at a premium price. I had tried calling someone for 2 days only receiving a fast busy signal. "Oh, I have a FIOS bundle that just went out-no phone, no internet, no TV. They credited me $5 for the two day interruption." What the heck is THAT about? No thank you.
>Resistance is futile, it's a lesson I learned too late.
Not if you're willing to stand up for what you believe in.
My focus is not to buy into the consumerism, and I'm much happier without it.
Hey, I know I'm just one tiny voice. But I feel good about myself not patronizing chain stores (especially Sprawl*Mart) I gave up YouTube and went back to affordable dial-up. I don't spend hours watching cats playing with toilet paper and my internet works just fine.
I really wish more people would follow, it's not difficult & it feels great not to be "owned".
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>My mother has the old lady converter box, and she was surprised to find she can get local news and more PBS stations that she ever had before with her aerial.
All I know is when I unhooked the cable wire from the wall to my TV, it showed "no signal" on every station, even local ones. I think it has something to do with the signal "going digital". Now the cable companies really do have you hostage!
>I liked the part where Carlin said you buy a house to put your stuff in, and then you collect more stuff, and then you need a bigger house!
And now "storage pods" are big business-a place where you can put your extra stuff when it no longer fits in your bigger house!
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I caught this movie while getting ready to go out & was drawn to the screen-excellent movie!-but I had to leave.
I spotted a used copy of the film on DVD for $5.99 at my local indie CD/DVD store.
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willbefree25:
>Ahhhhh, progress.
"They begin creeping up on you?trying to sell you something. First thing you know, you *own* things. A car, for instance. Now your whole life is messed up with more stuff?license fees?and number plates?and gas and oil?and taxes and insurance. . . and identification cards?and letters?and bills?and flat tires?and dents?and traffic tickets and motorcycle cops and court rooms?and lawyers?and fines?And a million and one other things.
And what happens?
You're not the free and happy guy you used to be. You gotta have *money* to pay for all those things?so you go after what the other feller's got?And there you are?you're a heelot yourself!"
(thanks imsdb.com)
That speech is eerily close to George Carlin's skit called "Stuff".
I've been told when I shut off my connection, I won't be able to tune in LOCAL news or PBS stations, I have to PAY for that too! The only good thing is that even local TV is lousy so that helps make THAT decision.
Amazing that movie companies were afraid of TV (free in their own homes!) and then TV was afraid of video/DVD home theaters taking their piece of the pie.
Once these companies feel like they are losing their hold on you, the reconfigure in a way to *force* you to BUY. And not just buy & own something, but only RENT the cash cow.
I'm sorry, although I very much value TCM, I refuse to be held hostage over it. Hallaluyah I'm A Bum!
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Last week OWN showed a fantastic interview with Jane Fonda. You can see excerpts online at:
http://www.oprah.com/own-master-class/Oprahs-Master-Class-Jane-Fonda
There were several points made that would interest any classic film fan; her years studying at the Actor Studio, a sweet memory of Garbo, her love of Ted Turner as well as memories of her father & another apology for "the" incident.
Check the schedule for more interviews, tonight is Goldie Hawn.
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I love this film, the writing, the acting, the sets, music, etc. but then again I'm a northern whitey gal who actually lived through this shameful time. I once traveled south with my business manager (a black man) and experienced first hand some of that backward thinking.
Thankfully, I think this time is over. And surprisingly, it happened within our lifetime!
TikiKid is 14 and befuddled by the entire idea of "prejudice". She just doesn't "get" this movie at all, nor Guess Who's Coming To Dinner. While great films, they have lost all impact to those who simply can't relate.
They are now "period" pieces to be used as illustration of what once was.
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You know what the cable companies are?
Hee-lots!!
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There is no easy way out of this dilemma...
I have many friends who watch movies via streaming on their computer and it's awful- it stops, stars, sputters, blech. Otherwise, I'd divert my cable money to a high speed connection, but it's not comparable.
Instead, I'll supplement my movie viewing at the li-berry who offers all kinds of great films not even shown on TCM (like all those Alice Faye Fox films) as well as Blu-Ray.
I'll spend time watching ALL those DVDs on my *own* library shelf and maybe do more reading, crafting and eghads, cleaning!
I doubt if I'll even sign up for Netflix, which I always thought would be a great supplement.
I'm kind of glad I'm opting out of cable. It's a crazy monthly fee (went up $250 this past year!) and mostly, I hate supporting all those awful demeaning, insulting reality shows that have infiltrated EVERY network, including all the Discovery channels (ANPL, HIST, FIT) and the otherwise classy OWN.
Call me an anarchist, but I also have never shopped at Wal*Mart or Dollar Store. I have never lived beyond my means, never taken out a loan or paid interest to anybody. I also try my best to buy US made products, you'd be surprised how often you can even buy European or Canadian made products too.
You don't HAVE to act like a sheep and follow what THEY want, YOU have the control. Disconnecting my cable is just my way of saying I won't pay for the only 1% quality cable TV offers.
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Well, it's finally happened.
My cable bill arrived yesterday and they have raised the rate another $11 to $70/month, too big a jump for my TV watching preferences. I pretty much only watch 2 channels.
Amazing in this awful economy with people working 2 jobs just to make ends meet that they'd be raising prices and losing customers.
I'm disconnecting cable. I JUST renewed my Now Playing guide too.
My DVD recorder will relocate to Mr Tiki's (we have 2 separate houses a block apart- how Woody Allenish) and recording choice TCM broadcasts for later viewing. He even has HBO, the full package. Why spend for 2 houses?
Most likely won't be around these message boards as much, as MY experience will be a week later than everyone else's.
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gagman wrote:
>What passes for entertainment today is disgusting.
Illustrated by LoveFilmNoir's list.
We ALL agree we hate this, none of us watch it. Obvious someone does, enough viewers to fuel the fire & keep them coming.
I was amazed by a commercial I saw on the HISTORY channel of some fisherman show. The promo spot had so many "bleeps" I couldn't even tell you what it was about-except bad behaviour.
That's history?
>What's more, almost every movie preview looks the same. Endless graphic violence, goofy looking CGI..... (snipped)
Agree 100%
>It's like no one has an original thought in their head, or can tell a decent story. Many young people can't follow a storyline. They are to busy Twitting their friends.
You are SO RIGHT. I am amazed when I treat 14 y/olds to a movie. They cannot follow a plot, as if they don't even LISTEN to the dialogue.
That said, they very much enjoy the thin plot & endless gag classic films like Fuller Brush Girl & Road pictures. Maybe "plot" is kind of beyond some kids, they have to mature into it.
And those same teens are completely bored & disgusted by the "reality" shows too - TikiKid says, "That lady is sick. She needs help, not being on TV."
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>I believe that clothing may play a part.
>It was also a distorted look at a social norm.
Good points, Sans.
I faint a LOT and it has to do with having low blood pressure and low blood sugar, NOT seeing/hearing anything devastating.
When I feel a faint coming on, I usually warn those around me & sit down, there's no time to excuse myself from the room before the black curtain drops.
So that said, I think Sans is correct in thinking of it as a lady's "excuse" to leave the room. Possibly clothing & malnutrition played a part in woozyness, but I'll bet most of the time it was a ruse.
I can think of several comedic scenes where a woman "faints" then peeks out of an eye.
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I dunno, but it seems to have some relevance here-we all are so into TV we write about it. And many of us have been "in the biz".
I've noticed soaps disappearing too and the replacement is a plethora of "reality" shows. Although the "reality" shows still employ writers, directors & actors (costumers?) as well as lighting & sound techhies, it just seems the end of "creative stories" to me.
A perfect example of shifts in taste is the often talked about "Director's Playhouse" recently shown on TCM.
And I remember when soaps were considered sordid, pretty tame by today's RS standards. It's as if "creative" stories have been replaced with "Jerry Springer" stories....the lowest trash possible.
I certainly do not find anger, immaturity or swearing entertaining, therefore, I barely watch network TV. And OWN is the only channel I watch with commercials.
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TikiSoo:
>Her size, vivaciousness and beauty are a great match for the great Chaplin
finance:
>What about her "size"? Could you elaborate?
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Look at Joan's big eyes! Lovely!
Heh ValentineX, you reminded me that I too have met Crispin Glover. I was working at my neighborhood movie theater when he brought his indie film there and was asked to "guard" him before he went up for Q&A. He was a squirrelly little man and we mainly talked about Syracuse and classic film since I know nothing about him. (a definite advantage when meeting a "star") I watched his film and was completely disgusted by it. Amazingly, the goth kids ate it up with a spoon and I had to "guard" him again for the roudy autograph line later.
My most exciting encounter was Gloria Swanson! When I was 16 in the mid 70's, she attended the grand opening of a classic film theater in my town. I rode my bike and waited in the lobby for her.
(I could NEVER have afforded to attend!)
She arrived in a cream Rolls Royce and was surprisingly left alone! I walked right up to her, grabbed a program and asked for her autograph. I got a great photo of her signing it seated under a vintage portrait of herself.
She was amazed that such a "young person" knew who she was or was even interested in her. She was very interested that I was brought up vegetarian, and we spoke a LOT about diet & natural foods, aging, staying healthy. I now follow the same diet regimen as she did.
She was amazing, beautiful, extremely tiny and so personable.
The autograph is faded but proudly displayed in my living room.
Sadly, these days something like that could never happen.
And also sadly, for several years I ate my lunch outside Louise Brook's apartment hoping to catch her, but never did.
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Beautiful post TomJH!
>I think she was Bob Hope's best leading lady (sorry, Dorothy Lamour) in Ghost Breakers and Cat and the Canary
Yeas! Two of my favorite actors in two very fun films!
Your comments on Paulette as Scarlett are dead on. I also really love Reap The Wild Wind; gorgeous Paulette sets costumes!
Last summer we attended a screening of Modern Times and MrTiki still comments on Paulette Goddard, her beauty is timeless.
Her size, vivaciousness and beauty are a great match for the great Chaplin, who I'm sure, coached her well so early in her career.
Their rapport in their movies together are amazing and she carried her "lessons" to every project, making her a very natural actress rather than over-the-top like Bette Davis or Katherine Hepburn.
What I remember about her biography (ISBN 0-312-59829-7) is that she tried very hard to be a successful actress but was often just treated as a gold digger.
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I was so excited when I spotted this in my guide!
On a side note, I wandered onto a Howard Morris web tribute many years ago, written by his son. He was grieving and had not disconnected his dad's phone. Morris's number was included in the article so I called him up. Very eerie to hear his real speaking voice on the answering machine. I left him a message saying how much laughter & joy his talent had brought me through the years.
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>Time Warner has been sending letters every two weeks begging me to bundle. The average person can't divide all the different bills to see if they really are getting a deal.
Naw, it's pretty easy: monthly phone bill $25, monthly internet: $10, monthly cable: $60. $95 per month for all.
TW cable charges $40 for phone and $50 for internet making their total $150 every month. (but of course, they lure you in with a limited time cheapie "offer")
And then, I'm locked in to their whims whenever they want to raise their prices which have nothing to do with how much you're using. THAT is the rip-off in my opinion.
The only advantage to having a high speed internet connection (vs dial up) is you can watch movies/YouTube/etc and I already have cable TV for that. And watching movies via your computer is often sketchy & jerky.
But I'm always thinking of ways to reconfigure my "media" to make it more affordable.
>I have had Dish Network for more than a decade. Never had a complaint.
I've considered going that route if TW cable becomes too crazy expensive for watching the few good channels. Does Dish routinely raise their subscription prices like TW cable? Like $5-10 increments per year? Does a dish work better in some areas than others?
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>Because...cable...companies...are...crooks.
Let's be fair here...the cable companies have to pay fees to receive the channels, pay their work crews, maintenance on all those trucks & tools, pay for their local building/employees, etc. And if they own their own satellites, launch & maintenance of those too.
That said, once all that is in place, running the services shouldn't be so expensive, especially with all the subscribers they have!
I hate Comcast. My brother who lives outside of Boston pays as much as I do for TW cable, about $60/month and gets basically nothing worth watching. I get TCM & OWN, the only 2 channels I watch.
If Comcast ever took over my area, I'd opt out of cable and upgrade my internet to watch movies through my computer and supplement with Netflix & the li-berry.
You DO have a choice. THEY want you to choose "bundles" so you pay them an exhorbitant amount every month. You don't have to BUY IT, you know.
As an artist, I'm on a severely limited budget which fluctuates all the time and cannot commit to these sorts of "pay plans". Yup, I bought both my house & car with cash saved up for years. It's amazing what you can do with just some creative thinking & budgeting.
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>That should have been a night of screwball comedies not death and destruction.
>Why? Are you suggesting there's only one appropriate kind of movie to show on New Year's Eve?
Maybe the TCM programmers felt "death & destruction" was an appropriate theme for 2012, since many feel it's the last year of our planet's existence.
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Thanks for your support on this subject, fxreyman. I can't agree with you MORE on this point you made:
>More and more people are talking while sitting in the theater. In the past two times I have gone to see films in the theater I must have had to tell people directly behind me or just in front of me to shut the heck up.
This awful trend spills over into concerts too. I've heard full conversations about WORK during a musical performance before!
My tween is guilty of talking but responds well to my "shush!" and absolutely understand why. I think people are just SO self absorbed these days because of those awful personal devices & home "theater" viewing, they just don't "get" the communal theater experience.
Rarely does a film "capture" a viewer these days as if in another world...remember THAT feeling? It doesn't happen quite as often these days.
thestick beautifully stated:
>A Bette Davis no matter what role she plays, she makes you believe it. No special effects, no millions of dollars worth of pyrotechnics, no anything. Just pure talent! The "stars" of today,(and I use the term loosely), make one film in five years and we are supposed to get excited
I bet that has a lot to do with it.
And I posted about the independent lens documentary shown this week (look for repeats on your local PBS station) about the National Film Registry. I was thoroughly surprised at HOW MANY post 1960 films are included on their list which includes ALL film-documentaries, home movies, as well as commercial films.
You wouldn't think these would need preservation attention yet. But it just goes to show there are a fair number of "modern" films deemed important.
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>for the evening I guess they figure everyone is out at a party, so what the heck, put on anything.
I complained in another thread that I hated this programming decision.
I usually host a New Years party and TCM is usually on all evening in the backround. The Marx Brothers and Astaire/Rodgers marathons were extremely popular and especially helpful when the odd kid or teen showed up.
This year, it was just music. I would have loved to had the Twilight Zone marathon on, but commercials ruin that idea.
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I posted a few weeks ago about this Independent Lens show broadcast last night on PBS. A very well done film about the National Film Registry and preservation.
The sentiments expressed by those interviewed were insightful & eloquent (Leonard Maltin, John Waters, Nina Paley to name a few celebs) along with academic points of view by those (less famous) who teach film. As a narrative it touches on all the things we all love about film as an art form.
Look in your local PBS listings for a possible rebroadcast if you missed it.
I did find it ironic however, that the catalyst for it's inception was uproar about Ted Turner colorizing film. Later when it shows an example of the "restoration" of film, it's eerily reminiscent of the primitive "colorization" process.
TCM Flix to Groove Hard To!!!! Jan 21st through Jan 29th!!!
in General Discussions
Posted
>But man, Sunday night!!!!! OMG, a tribute to the great Bela Lugosi!!! With 3 blockbusters,
I'm recording this as a "Classic Horror Triple Feature" for later viewing*
>HAXAN (1922)!
I have a copy of this in my DVD library... I'm really into witches from a historical perspective. I recommend this- a real oddity & interest to horror fans.
>We're talking about prisons and convicts on Friday daytime with an incredibly hot lineup!!!
MrTiki is super into classic prison movies and I've been waiting for this all month. An extra bonus with a pre-code & an overlap of my interest with WOMEN'S PRISON (55)
>Wednesday daytime grooves with musicals and shows!
I agree with you 100% I never miss a Cantor and Joan Davis is a definite bonus!
>Sunday evening is all about "Just the Facts, Ma'am" Jack Webb, in THE D.I. (1957), and 30 (1959)
Looking forward to this one....I have the poster for "30", bought just for the great graphic. Hope it turns out to be a fun flick.
*later viewing...Feb 1st I'm unsubscribing to cable