Barack's Great Weekend - Kent Ninomiya

Kent Ninomiya - So how was your weekend? As good as it might have been, Barack Obama's was better. He swept all the primaries and caucuses this weekend, making an already tight race for the democratic nomination even tighter. Obama won the Maine caucus Sunday after taking Louisiana, Nebraska and Washington on Saturday. He now has all the momentum going into the Maryland, Virginia and D.C. primaries on February 12. Clinton did her best to brush it off and appear like a front runner. She didn't directly address her losses instead attacking Republican front runner John McCain. There is no question Hillary's campaign is in trouble, but don't count her out just yet. Remember when everyone ... (more)

11 February 08 - 00:17 | No comments | No trackbacks

Who's Next? - Kent Ninomiya

Kent Ninomiya - Let me get this straight. Roger Clemens' former trainer Brian McNamee now says he injected Debbie Clemens with HGH. Roger Clemens' wife is now an alleged doping fiend? The story from McNamee seems to get stranger and stranger by the day. As far as I can tell it's just his word against everyone else. Unless, of course, those bloody syringes he supposedly hung on to for 7 years turn out to prove something. What I find off about the story is that it is trickling out. It's as if it is being made up along the way. First it's a legendary pitcher being accused, then his wife. Who's next? His kids, his dog, his ham sandwich? ... (more)

09 February 08 - 22:55 | No comments | No trackbacks

Getting Interesting - Kent Ninomiya

Kent Ninomiya - Who would have ever guessed we would be where we are now? A few months ago all the political experts predicted Hillary Clinton had a lock on the Democratic nomination. No problem. Then they pronounced her campaign dead before the New Hampshire primary. Now she is in a virtual dead heat with Barack Obama. A few months ago John McCain was running out of money. All the political experts predicted he would drop out soon. Now he's the presumptive Republican nominee. Predicting politics is like predicting the weather. People who claim they can do it are usually wrong. Just like the weatherman, the "politicalman" can be wrong most of the time and isn't held ... (more)

07 February 08 - 13:54 | No comments | No trackbacks

Super Showdown - Kent Ninomiya


Kent Ninomiya - The slugfest that was Super Bowl XLII attracted more viewers than any other Super Bowl in history. Nielsen Media Research says 97.5 million viewers tuned in. Likewise, I predict more voters will take part in this presidential election than any other in history. ... (more)
05 February 08 - 23:24 | No comments | No trackbacks

Super 2008 - Kent Ninomiya

Kent Ninomiya - It was as unlikely as the wife of a former president or a black first term senator becoming president of the United States. The New York Giants defeat the then undefeated New England Patriots by a mere 3 points in the closing minutes of Super Bowl XLII. This Super Bowl was indeed a "super" football game just as Super Tuesday promises to be a "super" political contest. History shows that both tend to disappoint. The Super Bowl is usually a blow out and Super Tuesday often is a coronation rather than a competition. However, 2008 is turning out to be a "super" year for head to head battles. That is very good news for the news business where conflict is king. ... (more)

04 February 08 - 12:59 | No comments | No trackbacks

Wesley Snipes - Kent Ninomiya

Kent Ninomiya - Action star Wesley Snipes is found not guilty of six felony tax charges but found guilty of three misdemeanor counts for failing to file a tax return.

Considering Snipes could have faced 16 years in prison, this has to be called a major legal victory. This is also a victory for those who object to our tax system. Snipes certainly isn't the only one who refuses to submit to our tax system, though he is perhaps the most prominent. Regardless of whether you agree with his views, you have to respect his courage. ... (more)

01 February 08 - 23:23 | No comments | No trackbacks

Media Attention - Kent Ninomiya

Kent Ninomiya - If you look at the top three people getting media coverage in the presidential election for the week of January 21-27, you find it goes Obama, Clinton, Clinton. A Project for Excellence in Journalism study shows that Bill Clinton is third in news coverage behind Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Obama got a leading 41% of coverage, but when you add Hillary's 40% to Bill's 18% they dominate the coverage race. Is this media bias or are journalists nostalgic for good ole Bill? Regardless of the reason the discrepancy is helping Hillary Clinton's campaign. It's an established fact that the more face time a candidate gets the more votes they're likely to get. The Clintons are ... (more)

30 January 08 - 14:13 | No comments | No trackbacks

Bond is Back - Kent Ninomiya

Kent Ninomiya - The name of the new James Bond film, "Quantum of Solace," has fans and critics everywhere scratching their heads. It's not just an opaque name. It marks a significant change in the direction of the James Bond character and franchise. Not since George Lazenby has there been a more unpopular choice of actor to portray Bond than Daniel Craig. His first Bond film, "Casino Royale," restarts the character from the beginning though it is set in modern times. The movie relied much more on story and character than the action and stunts Bond films are known for. "Quantum" continues right where "Casino" left off. Bond seeks revenge for the death of his love Vesper. ... (more)

26 January 08 - 00:31 | No comments | No trackbacks

Entertaining Truth - Kent Ninomiya

Kent Ninomiya - The Daily Show is always brilliant. Tonight they were especially inspired. They notched up their commentary on media responsibility showing anchor after anchor crowing on and on about outbursts and meltdowns on the presidential campaign trail. The anchors suggested Bill Clinton and Mitt Romney "lost it" on reporters. Jon Stewart then, in a way only he could, showed what really happened. Both men were calm and rational. Both discussed their point of views in a controlled manner. The Daily Show called the news industry on their tendency to exaggerate. It was funny and it made us look foolish. No wonder no one believes us anymore when we say the sky is falling. ... (more)

25 January 08 - 12:15 | No comments | No trackbacks

Word Police - Kent Ninomiya

Kent Ninomiya - Suspending TV talent for off hand remarks seems to be in vogue these days. Now it's ESPN's Dana Jacobson who is on the hot seat. The co-host of "First Take" on ESPN2 is reportedly serving a one-week suspension for comments made at a January 11 roast of ESPN Radio personalities Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic. Jacobsen is said to have made vulgar comments about Notre Dame as a joke. Jacobson is a Michigan graduate who often kids Notre Dame alumnus Golic about the rivalry between the schools. Apparently it went too far. Jacobson reportedly made a number of apologies the next day to Greenberg and Golic, and issued a statement saying, "I am sorry. ... (more)

24 January 08 - 00:02 | No comments | No trackbacks

Heath Ledger - Kent Ninomiya


Kent Ninomiya - Add Heath Ledger to the list of young Hollywood stars who died too young. His mysterious end at the age of 28 in a New York apartment, naked with a bottle of sleeping pills nearby, has all the ingredients of a posthumous legend in the making. Like James Dean and Marilyn Monroe before him, an early tragic death of an up and coming star has a way of immortalizing and exaggerating a personality, talent and accomplishments. It is unclear how Ledger died, but whatever the eventual explanation, it will be doubted and conspiracies suggested. Celebrities are bigger than life for the masses. When they die tragically we tend to claim a piece of them for ourselves. ... (more)
22 January 08 - 20:50 | No comments | No trackbacks

Republican Free for All - Kent Ninomiya


Kent Ninomiya - So who is the Republican front runner now? Romney won the mostly uncontested Nevada caucus Saturday but McCain picked up the coveted South Carolina primary. Since 1980, every Republican who won South Carolina got the party nomination. However, Romney still leads in delegates. To complicate the situation even more, Rudy Giuliani is betting ... (more)
20 January 08 - 15:54 | No comments | No trackbacks

Changing Media - Kent Ninomiya

Kent Ninomiya - The two month old Writers Guild of America strike threatens to change every aspect of our media. That includes TV, movies, Internet, and much more. All indications are that both sides are digging in for a long fight. The union would not give exemptions for awards shows like Peoples Choice and Golden Globes. They promise to take a hard line on the Academy Awards next month as well. The studios aren't blinking. They have canceled dozens of writers' contracts suggesting they are willing to concede the fall line up. Ordinarily networks are ordering new shows this month but nothing is happening now. ... (more)

19 January 08 - 19:43 | No comments | No trackbacks

Come back Indy - Kent Ninomiya


Kent Ninomiya - I am enjoying repeats of the Young Indiana Jones Chronicals on the History Channel. I was a fan of the series when it first ran from 1992 - 1996 but didn't see all the episodes back then. As I watch it now I find myself saddened that it wasn't allowed to continue its run. George Lucas mapped out the entire life of Indiana Jones and wove together an intricate tapestry of brushes with historical figures. It was landmark infotainment combined with historical fiction. As a fan of entertainment and history I call it pure genius. Fortunately there is another Indiana Jones movie coming out next year. ... (more)
19 January 08 - 00:30 | No comments | No trackbacks

Terminator Salvation - Kent Ninomiya

Kent Ninomiya - The new Terminator Sarah Connor Chronicles TV series has sparked my interest in the upcoming Terminator 4 movie. It's tentatively titled "Terminator Salvation: The Future Begins." It's expected in 2009. I'm not the only one interested. Internet searches are way up for everything Terminator. Information on the new film is limited and mostly rumor. The poster here is not official. It's from someone's imagination. This is what I was able to find on the internet: "After the drastic effects of Terminator 3, the story continues as John Connor and soon to be wife Kate Brewster begin the creation of a resistance organization with Earth's remaining survivors against the army of cyborgs ... (more)

17 January 08 - 02:07 | No comments | No trackbacks

Ryan Seacrest - Kent Ninomiya

Kent Ninomiya - Back in 2001 I did a rather silly dating feature story while working in Los Angeles. The producer arranged for me to follow a man and a woman on a blind date. I can't remember what the point of the story was. I can't remember who the lady was. I do remember the guy. He made quite an impression on me. It was a young deejay named Ryan Seacrest. I imagine he agreed to be set up on the blind date and do the story to get publicity for his blossoming career. At the time he had hosted a few television programs but was relatively unknown nationally. That would change soon. I remember being surprised by how soon. Seacrest got the American Idol gig a short time later. ... (more)

17 January 08 - 01:41 | No comments | No trackbacks

Terminator is Back - Kent Ninomiya

Kent Ninomiya - I must confess that I was skeptical as I watched the premier of the Terminator, The Sarah Connor Chronicles over the past two nights. After all, most movie franchises turned television series are pretty lame. I must also confess that my skepticism was unwarranted. I was a fan of the Terminator movies and I am now a fan of this new TV show. The writers obviously spent a lot of time pounding out the time line and plot line. They must know that hard core fans will tear them apart if they are not true to the original story. The writers did a fine job. This series is at first set two years after the second movie in 1999. ... (more)

15 January 08 - 01:25 | No comments | No trackbacks

The Power of Writers - Kent Ninomiya


Kent Ninomiya - Is the month old Writers Guild of America strike working? Anyone saying it hasn't had a significant impact on the industry is lying. It was sad watching Queen Latifah make a fool of herself with her fake canned enthusiasm during the People's Choice Awards "press conference" on Tuesday. The ratings were predictably sad. Only 6 million viewers tuned in compared to 11.3 million last year. We can expect more of the same at Sunday's Golden Globes "news conference." People tune in to these awards ceremonies to see the celebrities. They want to know what they're wearing and share the expressions of victory and defeat on their faces when the winners are announced. ... (more)
12 January 08 - 16:59 | No comments | No trackbacks

Unintentional Words - Kent Ninomiya

Kent Ninomiya - Should someone lose their job and career for saying the wrong thing? Is it right that years of unblemished service be wiped out by a single off hand comment? The answer is... it depends. Last Friday, Golf Channel anchor Kelly Tilghman said young pro golfers trying to catch up to Tiger Woods should "lynch him in a back alley." Naturally this comment sparked outrage since Tiger Woods is part African American. The anger further intensified as Tilghman was allowed to appear on the air all day Saturday as if nothing happened. She issued an on-air apology Sunday and said he apologized directly to Tiger Woods, however she remained on the air that day. The Golf Channel issued a statement saying "we regret if any viewers were offended by Kelly's choice of words."
Tiger Woods is apparently taking the high road and not making an issue out of it. Woods' agent is quotes as saying "It is a complete non-issue. Kelly and Tiger are friends. It might have been a poor choice of words, ... (more)

09 January 08 - 13:48 | No comments | No trackbacks

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09 January 08 - 02:54 | No comments | No trackbacks

Golden Globes no more - Kent Ninomiya

Kent Ninomiya - Who says writers don't have pull? The writers go out on strike and bring the mighty Golden Globes to their knees. It wasn't surprising to hear that politically active actors like George Clooney refused to cross picket lines and attend the awards show. However when enough selfish celebrities jumped on the bandwagon and it was enough of a boycott to call off the whole show... that was a shock. A lot of people are losing a lot of money without the Golden Globes. Remember, it's the warm up for the Academy Awards... the Superbowl for the movie industry. Is it too far fetched to imagine a canceled Academy Awards show due to the writers strike? I didn't think the Golden Globes would fall. If indeed the Golden Globes are a warm up for the Academy Awards then prepare yourself. There's a lot more money involved with the Oscars. If that's not a motivation to settle the strike then I don't know what is. Kent Ninomiya

08 January 08 - 23:16 | No comments | No trackbacks

double edged sword - Kent Ninomiya

Kent Ninomiya - What is an innocent man supposed to sound like? Do we know? If I asked what a guilty man sounds like I'm sure I would get all sorts of answers, but an innocent man is harder to identify. This is the no win situation facing Roger Clemens. No matter what he does he will look and sound guilty to many just because he was accused. This is the gross injustice inflicted by our media culture. While the courts are supposed to assume innocence until guilt is proven, it is the opposite in the media. Public perception is always to assume guilt. The tragedy is that even if a celebrity is later proved to be innocent, people generally don't remember that. Roger Clemens seems to realize that he is ruined no matter what he does. Still he is releasing statements, holding news conferences and suing his accuser. He is doing what he can to clear his name even though he realizes it will never be enough. Celebrity is an unforgiving double edged sword. It will slice you a path to the front of the line then cut ... (more)

08 January 08 - 01:06 | No comments | No trackbacks

Miss America reality - Kent Ninomiya

Kent Ninomiya - Miss America is now a reality series. That's right. The 87 year old standard by which all beauty pageants are judged has gone reality. From what I observe it's got the same format of every other reality series on TV. There are 52 contestants (one for each state plus Washington DC and the US Virgin Islands). They stand before a panel of unworthy judges who belittle and degrade them constantly. These once elegant women are reduced to performing "challenges" to prove their worthiness to wear the crown. I must admit that I was horrified at first glance. Miss America was special. Sure the women portrayed on unrealistic image, but that's what the pageant was all about. Are you fake by dressing up for your wedding? Of course not, and they are not fake for showing their best for a national beauty pageant. No one ever watched Miss America wishing the women showed what they were like in every day life. It's about seeing them at their unrealistic best. So why then tear them apart on national ... (more)

06 January 08 - 01:37 | No comments | No trackbacks

Spears mania - Kent Ninomiya

Kent Ninomiya - America's obsession with celebrity is proving to surpass the entire justification for celebrity in the first place. The news is filled with stories about Britney Spears and her personal troubles as well as her sister's teen pregnancy. The only justification for doing these stories is that they are famous. Their troubles are no different than troubles facing American families everywhere yet their troubles are front page news. Brittany became famous as an entertainer yet she hasn't done much entertaining lately. That is unless you consider her troubles entertaining. Indeed many Americans do. They look at people like Brittany Spears or Paris Hilton or Lindsay Lohan and take delight in their woes. They somehow feel better about themselves knowing that the rich, beautiful and famous are suffering. What does that say about us? Notice the news value of the following story on the AP. If you find any let me know.
(AP) Britney Spears was derailed yet again in her struggle to get ... (more)
04 January 08 - 16:56 | No comments | No trackbacks

Oprah - Obama - Kent Ninomiya

Kent Ninomiya - Barack Obama wins a convincing victory in the Iowa caucuses squashing his closest rival Hillary Clinton down to third behind John Edwards. So how did he do it? No Obama supporter has a higher profile than Oprah Winfrey. Oprah openly endorses Obama giving him valuable air time on her uber popular show. Considering Oprah can make a best seller out of any book she says she read, it's safe to assume she has the potential to make a president out of a guy she says voted for. It demonstrates the unprecedented power wielded by this media Goliath. Oprah started out as a news reporter, moved on to local talk show host, then syndicated goddess. If Obama wins the white house she can add "kingmaker" to the list. Is there any way to quantify the "Oprah factor?" I'm not sure, but there is little doubt that Oprah's support of Obama helped his numbers in Iowa. Let's see what she can do for him in New Hampshire. I will be curious to find out whether there is a direct correlation between Obama appearances on ... (more)

04 January 08 - 00:34 | No comments | No trackbacks

sports entertainment - Kent Ninomiya

Kent Ninomiya - Make no mistake. Sports is entertainment. It isn't just sports. It is entertainment. It is live entertainment. It is TV entertainment. It is the subject of movies and fictional programming. In many ways it is the purest of drama. It is more exciting than any script and more real than any reality show. It also offers us a wonderful variety of genres within every sport. Over the weekend I found myself watching several football games at the same time. I flipped back and forth from channel to channel after virtually every play. Some of the games were professional NFL match ups while some were college bowl games. When compared side by side the differences in the games are striking. The pro game is cleaner and streamlined. Defensive players make tackles, receivers run their routes, quarterbacks throw the ball where they intend to and kickers rarely miss. It's almost too sanitary and downright boring when compared to the free for all of a college game. ... (more)

02 January 08 - 23:55 | No comments | No trackbacks

Happy New Year - Kent Ninomiya

Kent Ninomiya - I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year! I hope your 2008 is fullfilling and fruitful. Let's all treat each other well and work toward peace and harmony. Kent Ninomiya

01 January 08 - 22:59 | No comments | No trackbacks
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