In today's post, I have decided to write random comments about random events, rather than just one dedicated subject. Believe me, I would love to write extensively in what I hope are witty escapes of each topic, however there is simply more than enough 'stuff' happening to dedicate full thought to just one subject.
Second, I am currently barraged with emails and phone calls from various outlets for quotes/comments about a few specific events of this week.
So, here are my 'half-thoughts' on the most discussed happenings (Related to television, not in the world of entertainment). Okay, I will state the known facts of each case and then relate comment, as follows:
Item #1 "The Strike"
Who: The Writers Strike.What: Monday writers in Hollywood will be on strike (As of this writing).
Where: Hollywood.
Why: Writers contend they are not receiving fair compensation of ancillary and digital profits (Currently making 4 Cents, asking for increase).
How: Negotiations between the union (Representing the writers) and the studios/networks have come to a stand still.
(My) Comments: They say it has been 20 years since the last Writer's Strike (1988) and it cost the industry an estimated $500 million in losses and thousands were out of work for months. Should there be a strike within the next few hours, the financial impact could be close to $1 Billion this time around - it's a lose-lose situation for everyone.
While on the surface, most will not immediate see the initial impact as many writers and union employees may be on strike, the creative and financial long-term consequences could be undoubtedly devastating.
From a creative position, studios/networks will exhaust their current inventory of scripts, stories and shows. However if the strike continues or is prolonged, it could mean that you may see repeated broadcasts (re-runs) of your favorite shows, indefinitely until the conclusion of the strike.
On the production side of this equation, as I write this Blog multi-million dollar features are in development/production, we are 3/4 of the way through the fall TV schedule, and the holidays are around the corner - it's just not a good time.
The above may seem like a dramatic statement, however there is just too much money at stake and we all stand to lose and yes reality shows are also vulnerable as well, not just your scripted favorites. In conclusion, all are hopeful that a resolution can be made within the last few hours, otherwise we all hope the strike ends as quickly as it began.
Item #2 "Dog Dirty Mouth"
Who: Duane "Dog" Chapman, star of A&E's Dog The Bounty Hunter.What: Controversial phone conversation.
Where: Hawaii.
Why: In question.
How: Chapman's phone conversation (Laced with racial epithets) was released to the press (National Enquirer).
(My)Comments: Quite frankly, I stand behind A&E network and their pro-active decision to "Shelve" the show for a while not just because of reported advertiser withdrawal, but as well to avoid inevitable public consequences and negative publicity.
Personally, I have never seen the show. However, I find the personal choice of a public figure rather disappointing, regardless of whether or not it is public or private conversation. Further, I could say more, however I think most of you have already expressed your disgust (One reader commented that Dog needs to have his mouth washed out with soap! - my thoughts exactly...) and I need not further spend my time on discussing the senseless matter.
Item #3 "Brouhaha on NBC's Phenomenon"
Item #3 "Brouhaha on NBC's Phenomenon"
Who: Criss Angel and contestant.What: On air scuttle.
Where: NBC.
Why: Host disagreed with contestant's alleged ability.
(My) Comments: The event was unfortunate, however the title of the show is called "Phenomenon", meaning something is impressive or extraordinary (According to the dictionary). It does not necessarily mean REAL.
If you have not seen the show, NBC describes the show as the search for the next great mentalist where illusions and intrigue can lead to a top prize of $250,000.
Each week, the contestants demonstrate their mystifying talents on a panel of celebrity guests who experience the spellbinding illusions live, along with the studio audience. In each competition, the experts (Criss Angel (Mindfreak) and Uri Geller) will assess and then offer their unfiltered opinions as 10 carefully selected contestants compete...
So you see, all of this is a great "Much a do about nothing". In favor, Criss (Who is one of my friends through MySpace) is a master illusionist and quite convincing, it is going to be difficult to fake him out on the show and the contestants should be aware of this fact. For this reason, Producers have hired Criss to purposefully provide an honest professional assessment of each contestant's abilities.
My final thought after last week's turmoil: "Let's all just kiss and make up."
(The A&E Logo is the respective property of it's owner. The photo Phenomenon starring Criss Angel and Uri Geller is compliments of NBC).
The Random Daily is an extension of Val St. John's News Blog, StJohnDaily.com. 
