This just in (though hardly a bulletin): People who watch TV don't necessarily want to watch shows about TV. And the more self-important the show is, the less inclined we are to swallow it.
The world of TV provides the backdrop for four new shows this fall, mostly tiresome comedies. Before then, there's Breaking News, an earnest ensemble drama about I 24, a struggling all-news network.
TNT ordered 13 episodes a year ago but chose not to air them, most likely more for financial reasons than creative. Enter Bravo, which rescued the series (airing Wednesdays, 8 pm/ET). It's a mixed blessing -- especially considering it's being paired with Deadline, a horrible newspaper drama yanked by NBC in fall 2000 after five weeks.
Breaking News means well but strains credibility whenever the reporters are turned into crusading detectives or rescue workers. Worse yet is the pompous anchor (The West Wing's Tim Matheson), who quotes Shakespeare, George Santayana and Edward R. Murrow at the drop of a ratings point.
At I 24, the melodrama and soap opera -- yes, it's hard juggling a job and a personal life (yawn) -- seem like yesterday's news. More compelling are the ethical and budgetary woes of the news director (Clancy Brown) as he tries to placate egos, satisfy bottom-line bosses and make instant judgment calls.
The freshest story line involves a chirpy reporter (Myndy Crist) being groomed for stardom despite her background in fluffy features. Her rise to the top has an authenticity otherwise lacking in this newsroom of cliches.
Alicia has posted the following to
the official fan club
There are pics on the site too!
Michael Biehn is honored by the United States Navy SEALs for his participation with the UDT/SEAL Museum.
Michael Biehn's extraordinary talent has now been showcased in a new manner. Through the combined efforts of the United States Navy UDT/SEALs and Alicia Hinesley of the Official Michael Biehn Fan Club, Michael Biehn has been chosen to be the narrator for the UDT/SEAL Museum in Florida.
Michael Biehn narrates a new film that will run continuously showing the history and evolution of the finest small company combat group in the world, the United States Navy SEALs. The film is still in production but is tentatively set for release in November of 2002.
When this subject first came up, Alicia was told that the Navy SEALs were very excited about the prospect of Michael Biehn being their narrator. The SEALs, for a long while, have felt that Michael's depiction in "Navy SEALs" and "The Rock" were very accurate and well done.
Denny Chalker, one of the SEALs that worked with Michael on "The Rock" found him great to work with and felt strongly that Michael could have easily completed BUDS training if he had desired to do so. This is a combat group who does not dole out their praise easily and his opinion is therefore even more impressive and important!
"Awesome. I was honored to be chosen, I am very proud of it and proud to be a part of something so important. I feel like it is my contribution to our country after the tragedy of September 11, 2001." Michael stated as he did this performance for free and was proud to do so. After his part was finished, Michael received a very special honor from Rear Admiral E.T. Olsen who awarded him with a gorgeous plaque and named Michael Biehn "Honorary Frogman for Life".
According to the SEALs, this is a high honor as Rear Admiral Olsen has only awarded this a few times and rarely does he give such glowing compliments to anyone!
Gina Biehn, Michael's wife, stated: "Michael was so pleased and excited to be included in this project! It turned out so wonderfully, and the people were so fantastic to work with. The day that the plaque arrived, Michael looked at it, and I swear the most beautiful smile went across his face! We have it up in our home. The whole thing meant more to him than almost anything he has ever done. He was so proud, and felt like he had contributed in a small way to his country after 9/11."
As you can see, we also have been provided with photos of Michael during the narration and with the liaison Andre Dallau. Andre spoke of Michael in glowing terms, described him as totally professional, and said that many people are anxiously awaiting the finished product. He will also be supplying us with a full write up of his experience working with Michael Biehn and we will post that update when it is completed.
Enjoy the fan club exclusive photos and stay tuned to the Official Michael Biehn Fan Club site for further information on the opening of the film as it comes available.
Soon, you and your family will be able to visit the Navy SEAL Museum in Florida and listen to Michael's wonderful narration!
A special thanks to Alicia Hinesley of the Official Michael Biehn Fan Club who acted as the official liaison between the UDT/SEAL Museum and Michael Biehn.
*****
The Official Michael Biehn Fan Club is again taking Birthday greetings for Michael's birthday this year. They will be forwarded directly to Michael. Please send cards only (no packages) to:
Alicia Hinesley
Official Michael Biehn Fan Club
P.O. Box 937
Conway, AR 72033
Birthday greetings should arrive no later than July 24th, 2002.
Payless ShoeSource, Exclusive Carrier of the Official Spy Kids(TM) 2 Shoe, Announces Immediate Availability of the Actual Shoes Worn in Movie
Kids Everywhere Can Join Super Agents Carmen and Juni Cortez and Wear Identical Shoe to Upcoming Movie Sequel
TOPEKA, Kan., July 9 /PRNewswire/ -- It doesn't take a super spy to locate the official Spy Kids(TM) 2 shoe worn by the actors in the new movie, Spy Kids(TM) 2: The Island of Lost Dreams, due in theaters Aug. 7, starring Antonio Banderas, Carla Gugino, Alexa Vega and Daryl Sabara and directed by Robert Rodriguez. Available only at the nearly 5,000 Payless ShoeSource stores throughout North America, the official Spy Kids 2 (TM) shoe is ready for immediate purchase -- while supplies last -- for all top secret agents.
"The new Spy Kids(TM) 2 shoe is really out of this world," said Daryl Sabara, who plays Juni Cortez in the new movie. "It's got a cool techno style and the shoes are super comfortable. Alexa and I spent a lot of time working with the film's stunt coordinator and we appreciated having shoes that fit and performed well and still felt great after a long session."
The new Spy Kid(TM) 2 shoe, available for $14.99 (USD), is black with metallic grey detailing and a splash of red. It features a zipper closure for easy on/off -- a key styling feature for kids today -- and the movie logo prominently displayed on the tongue. The new shoe is part of Payless' SmartFit (TM) kids footwear line, which unites fun styles and cartoon characters kids love to wear with the high-quality features of Payless' patented SmartFit technology, engineered by a podiatrist specifically to address the critical needs of kids' growing feet. The SmartFit line offers proper arch support, advanced heel-to-toe cushioning, enhanced durability, and extra toe room -- all at a Payless value.
"Spy Kids (TM) 2 is an action-packed tale that is going to be enormously popular with kids," said John Haugh, chief marketing officer and senior vice president of business development, Payless ShoeSource. "We are thrilled to be the exclusive carrier of the footwear, and are excited to add the official Spy Kids(TM) 2 shoe to our industry-leading portfolio of character footwear and accessories for children."
Haugh said Payless is promoting the new Spy Kids(TM) 2 shoe in its national advertising campaign this summer and with co-marketing campaigns with McDonald's� and Thermos�. The official Spy Kids (TM) 2 shoe will be featured in an upcoming McDonald's Fun Times Activity book "Spying on Science" which is due in participating McDonald's restaurants in August 2002. And just in time for back-to-school season, with every Thermos Spy Kids 2 lunch kit purchase, customers will receive a $2-off coupon for the official shoe in Payless stores.
Payless is making the shoe available under an exclusive license from Dimension Films through Buster Brown & Co., the kids' division of Brown Shoe Company (NYSE: BWS - News), the company that designed and produced the shoe for Payless and the Spy Kids (TM) 2 actors.
Payless ShoeSource, Inc. is North America's largest family footwear retailer. The company operates a total of 4,985 stores offering quality footwear and accessories at affordable prices. In addition, customers can buy shoes over the Internet through Payless.com(SM) at http://www.payless.com .
SOURCE: Payless ShoeSource, Inc.
VH1 Marks 25th Anniversary of Elvis' Death With Special Programming All Day Long, Friday, August 16, Beginning at 2:30 P.M. (ET/PT*)
On the 25th anniversary of Elvis Presley's death in 1977, VH1 celebrates The King and his music with special programming all day long, Friday, August 16:
* 2:30 p.m. -- VH1 Classic presents an hour of Elvis music videos.
* 3:30 p.m. -- "Elvis: '68 Comeback Special," the original network TV special that captured The King at the peak of his musical powers -- as well as slicked up, slimmed down and poured into head-to-toe black leather. Ranging from early rockabilly hits to gospel songs to restrained ballads, Elvis's electrifying set showcases some of his greatest hits as well as a memorable, intimate reunion with his original bandmates, guitarist Scotty Moore and drummer D.J. Fontana.
* 5:00 p.m. -- "Viva Las Vegas" stars Elvis and Ann-Margret in this music-filled 1964 hit movie about living, loving and car-racing in the Nevada desert, featuring hip-shakers like the title track, plus "The Lady Loves Me," "I Need Somebody to Lean On" and "What'd I Say?"
* 7:00 p.m. -- "Elvis and Me" stars Dale Midkiff as The King and Susan Walters as his young bride Priscilla Beaulieu in this TV movie based on Priscilla Presley's book about their years together. The soundtrack features some of Elvis' biggest hits performed by country singer Ronnie McDowell (whose voice also subbed for The King in two other films based on Elvis' life.)