The Ranting Beaver

Let me say first that I actually like some "reality TV" - Ace of Cakes is one, Mythbusters is another - but by and large most of it is pure crap and more fake that a porn actress' chest. In fact, I often comment/joke that we love a train wreck so much (why else would these shows keep showing up?) that people simply aren't going to be satisfied until someone dies on live TV. I can't wait for the day that some TV exec thinks that actually making the The Running Man is a good idea. Good thing Jesse Ventura and Richard Dawson aren't doing anything, however they may have to wait for Arnold to stop being the Governor of California. It's coming. Just wait.

Think I'm wrong? Pay attention to how much CBS plays up the next time someone collapses on Survivor ...

This is not to even mention the lengths people are going to to get on these shows. If you're willing to break the law to get on a show, you're even more likely to do something worse to stay on it. There are no more boundaries at that point.

I was so glad to see I wasn't the only one that thinks things are getting out of hand, that I had to share. When I came across this today, it made me smile on a level that you may not understand. I am glad to know I am not the only sane person in a crazy world.

Good thing there is a sale on handbaskets, because we're all going to hell in a hurry. Some of us will just actually understand why.

If you are not already watching this show, shame on you. It's like G4's Ninja Warrior meets Spike's MXC meets Funniest Home Videos, plus a dash of bad humor (provided by John Henson, formerly of Talk Soup). See for yourself:



I like the parts where people have to cross the big red balls. Force + mud + bad judgement = funny.

I command you to add this one to the TiVo now. You won't be sorry.

- Ken

Who doesn't like an adult film? (I mean beside the Christian right, the state of Utah and other Puritans ...)

For me, it seems to be a bit more. The subject of the industry as a whole seems to hold my interest. Beyond the aspect of enjoying the imagery on the screen, some part of me realizes that these are indeed people and for some reason I am fascinated in their stories. Sure, there is the titillation factor (that's why we watch in the first place) but once you get beyond that, haven't you ever thought about what happens when the cameras stop rolling.

It might have something to do with seeing quite a bit of it as a teen, but I think some of it is purely my inquisitive nature. I want to know "why" someone would chose to make a living by having sex on film. The back story (even in a history class) has always been something I've sought out - it's always more interesting than what has been recorded for posterity. For me, I think the start of this was shows like 'Real Sex'. I mention this one in particular because to me it was always a show that insisted on showing sex as a natural thing, no matter how 'non-mainstream' others would consider some of the items presented. It was always a "naughty little treat" for me to watch. Ironically, I watched a new episode not too long ago (HBO hadn't shown a new one in years) and I felt it was boring and they had lost their touch. Perhaps this is a result of them opening some of the doors that were previously closed and now mainstream is a bit more broader than it used to be. Perhaps I am simply more informed than I used to be as a young adult. Also, it may be that reality shows like 'Family Business' that was on Showtime and 'Cathouse' on HBO have extended beyond what a 10 minute snippet on 'Real Sex' can show.

Not too long ago I read a book - The Other Hollywood: An Uncensored Oral History of the Adult Industry which was quite informative (from the mouths of those in the business, past and present) regarding the how and why the industry got started and has quickly become one of my personal favorites. This is a highly recommended read if you have any interesting in knowing the 'rest of the story'. Not all of it is a happy read and some of it is predictable (the Mafia was involved heavily in adult movie production ... who'da known? yeah right), but it is a good read. Some of the personalities also interest me - not really this weeks star, but more so some of the older stars. For example I recently was given (as a Valentine's day gift) Ron Jeremy's book - The Hardest (Working) Man in Showbiz. Gotta love that my wife gets me ... she knows I wanted that book for a while. He in particular is one that interests me because he is such the every man, but he's a legend when it comes to the Adult business. The sad part is that he so desperately wants to be accepted by mainstream Hollywood. I am looking forward to cracking that one open soon as well.

I am sure not many people share my interest in the subject, but I am hoping I've at least opened up some room for discussion. Had something on my mind and wanted to share.

Happy Monday!
- Ken