Will Britney Stay In The Comeback Stage?

Britney Spears appeared on How I Met Your Mother as a guest appearance as a receptionist, and is now being opposed by one of the actors. Britney, after her troubles with the former husband after the divorce and losing her kids, have become a nationwide attention. She gained generally negative review for her comeback stage on a MTV Video Music Awards, and wonder if she would do another comeback. This appearance in the show again became a spotlight with the viewers wondering if she’ll stay in the show.

In this article, however, Neil Patrick Harris explicitly opposes Britney’s continuing appearance of the show. His claim is that her appearance would focus the show on her, out of the actual content. He says that “I worry that if they start `Will and Grace’-ing us too much, that the show will suffer. And we’re all really proud of the content of the show. I mean, viewership is not our game. It’s the network and the studio’s game, you know. It’s the promotion department’s game.”

This stance is actually agreeable. Yes, Britney may boost the rating of the show with her popularity, there is a negative side to her appearance. The show become dramatically less realistic. Even for a sitcom, it is important for the story, the setting, and the actors to be believable to the viewers. Britney’s appearance as an unrealistic “receptionist,” encourage this unrealistic setting. This will further lead to deterioration of the content, and dependent on Britney. I do like the show very much, but I do not want one minor character ruin the whole show because of these reasons.

So, even though I do not dislike Britney so much that I don’t even want to see her face, for the quality of the show, they should stop. I can absolutely agree with Neil Harris.

How a Celebrity Becomes a Target For Extortion

An article has been posted about a potential criminal activity by a well-known comedian, Chris Rock. He has testified at a court hearing about hiring a private detective to dig up information about a woman who claims she is pregnant. The woman had a one night stand with Rock during his separation with his wife, and the woman demanded large sums of money after claiming that she’s pregnant. The problem arises when the private investigator is suspected of using bribery and wiretapping. Rock testified that he had no knowledge about the tactics that he used.

This case, a male celebrity becoming a target for extortion by women, is not an unprecedented one. As everyone remember, an accusation made to Kobe Bryant became a huge highlight. The woman who had a one night stand with her sued for rape charges, which has been later dropped. There are other countless cases not only in America, but also in other countries. In cases like this, no matter what the outcome of the cases are, is usually critical to the reputation of the celebrity. So, is it justified to say that it is Rock’s fault that he had a one night stand, and hired an investigator?

In part, yes. He should not have had a one night stand while being married by an ethical side of view. It is “wrong,” but in America, it is not illegal. Further, Rock is probably aware of previous Kobe Bryant’s case, along with many others. He himself is a famous comedian, and should have been more careful. However, this is just a faulty mistake that he was in part of. When looking at the whole picture, he is actually the victim of extortion. The woman had a malicious plan whether before or after the night to demand money. She knew that Rock is a famous figure. She knew that he is rich. To this, he is a victim.

The woman cannot be charged with anything for this conspiracy. The only result is the negative reputation and possibility of punishment for Rock’s mistake. With all things considered, only if he was not a celebrity, this is less likely to happen. He has already been punished enough. I hope that it is the woman’s turn for punishment.

Death of Heath Ledge = Big Hit For the Film?

 

Heath Ledger’s death was certainly a tragic one, one that did not have to happen. While the fans were mourning with the news, how were the film producers feeling? Surely, they were probably shocked at the news in the beginning, but they can’t ignore the facts about the movie still in production with Ledger in such an important role. No matter what the cause is, the outcome of one of the actor’s inability to finish the role should be catastrophic. Image how much impact it would have on the whole set. Are they going to film the whole scenes with Heath Ledger again with a brand new actor? Are they going to change the scrip, and risk the film finishing awkward? Or, are they going to go on with the original setup whether he died or not? Without a doubt, Heath Ledger WILL be in the movie as the role of Joker this summer.

There are news articles already circulating that the actor’s death would bring more positive outcome for the movie. Many fans of Heath Ledger would watch the movie in “honor” of his death. Even the people would never knew the actor would be interested in what all the hype is about. So in turn, his death may have an effect of getting more audience for the movie. This is not unprecedented. Bruce Lee and James Dean are some of the examples of being the posthumous movie role. So, if the movie becomes a blockbuster hit in part because of his death, the film producers deep in their hearts would not think it so tragic.

Crisis Communication: Pregnancy of Jamie Lynn Spears

Last December, Jamie Lynn Spear, a sister of Britney Spears, announced that she became pregnant at the age of only 16. The father of the child is reported to be Casey Aldridge, a Jamie’s long time boyfriend for two years. The news of pregnancy was confirmed by Jamie herself on December 18, just passing a 12-week mark. This was supposedly a shock to her as she stated in OK! magazine, “I can’t say it was something I was planning to do right now.” However, she continued on to claim the responsibility of the situation by stating “But now that it’s in my lap and that it’s something I have to deal with, I’m looking forward to being the best mom I can be.” She plans to move to her child home of Louisiana, where she plans to raise the baby. Jamie was, until the recent incident, starring in the Nickelodeon television series Zoey 101

The coverage on this issue was fairly divided up between the entertainment magazine and general news. In entertainment-focused news, the issue was generally favorable to Jamie Lynn Spears, and in general news such as CNN and MSNBC, the issue was quite unfavorable. The coverage by OK! Magazine approach this issue most favorable by frequently quoting Jamie’s statements about taking responsibility, and her willingness to positively approach the issue. People’s magazine of the coverage was also lenient on the issue without much indications about social impacts and legal issues. On the other hand, CNN’s coverage was mostly negative, with the title “Jamie Lynn Pregnancy Raises Legal Questions.” The MSNBC was also quite negative by starting the article with “shock” and unwillingness of Jamie to reveal the issue in the beginning. Most of the photos did not indicate any favorable or unfavorable stance as the photo of the cover of OK! Magazine was mostly used.

The most used quotes were from Jamie herself except the coverage by CNN. In CNN’s coverage, since the approach was made in a legal perspective, prosecutors and lawmen were quoted the most. Other quotations were from her family and Nickelodeon’s statement saying “We respect Jamie Lynn’s decision to take responsibility in this sensitive and personal situation. We know this is a very difficult time for her and her family, and our primary concern right now is for Jamie Lynn’s well being.” In all of the coverages, there were no quotes from denouncing the celebrity’s action.

Most of the new coverage was favorable with CNN and MSNBC as exceptions, but even so, the unfavorable stances were not prevalently obvious. Some were neutral with succinct coverage of the story such as TMZ and Extra’s. The entertainment magazines generally portray this as a personal issue, but CNN and MSNBC portrayed this as more of a social issue.

Most of the blog posts were highly critical of the issue. There were many unfavorable views with name-calling and accusations as far as going to the whole spears family. The overwhelming comments were expectedly focusing on the issue of premature sex. Some of the blogs were rather neutral, and fewer are positive regarding the issue. In a blog in bestweekever.tv, the blog post was titled “An Argument In Support of Jamie Lynn Spears’ Pregnancy.” The photos associated were Jamie in her smiles with her sister Britney Spears giving her a hug.

Comparing the media coverages and blogs, most of the blogs were negative toward the child celebrity. Media coverages were mostly neutral or favorable. One thing similar is that the blogs and media coverages favorable are focused on the individual’s choice, and the negative perspective focus on the social issue.

In my opinion, the publicist did do a decent job of portraying Jamie. While reading many media coverages and blogs, I’ve been given the sense of empathy for her. Although I’ve always criticized teen pregnancy, Jamie’s responsible attitude  that’s outside the publicists’ control also help me to feel less critical. The publicists emphasized this point by quoting frequently of her willingness to undergo this issue. In this situation, I would have done the same thing that the publicists have done.

Consolidation of Video Gaming Industry?

There has been a lot of talks in the video gaming industry, with EA’s offer to Take Two for a bid that goes over $2 billion. EA is currently the largest video gaming publisher and maker of the popular Madden football and other sports games. Take Two has become a major player in the industry after the release of titles with controversies over the violence and sexual contents. Nevertheless, the titles such as Grand Theft Auto, Bully, and Manhunt all brough Take Two incredible fortune. And now, EA wants to merge with the company, once again attempting to claim the champion. Although the negotiation of the merge is in dispute with the upcoming release of a new Grand Theft Auto title, it is very foreseeable for them to merge. How would other companies react?

Some analysists predict that this would start the consolidation of the video game industry in order to compete with the large companies such as EA. The games are becoming more lucrative, and the businesses are pouring in. But is this trend of consolidation anything good to the consumers? I’d say no. Although large companies may offer greater technology and funding that the smaller companies, the obvious impact is the lack of creativity and increase in price. Games are becoming more and more similar, and the price is skyrocketing, each games costing as much as $60. For these reasons, the merge between EA and Take Two has to be looked over carefully. It could lead to a new age of the gaming industry or create a devastating staggers.

Britney Spears… Should we hate her or love her?

      

There was a time when Britney Spears was famous… not for being bald, not for being drunk or high, not for losing her kids and being in an institution, but for being a very attractive and talented singer. Now, it’s been widely known that she certainly is in a downfall that she may or may not rebound to get her glorious times back. So, what happened to her? Why had she become so desperate? And should we hate for what she has become, or have hope that one day, she will come to her senses?

I believe that the whole unfortunate events began when she married an unknown dancer named Kevin Federline. She stopped singing and dancing, which was and should be her passion, and chose her husband instead. Maybe she got tired of being so famous. Maybe she simply wanted a normal life with a husband and children. Whatever the reason is, it is very unfortunate for what she became after marriage. As time passed, it became worse and worse, until a symbolic period of her deciding to become bald. At this point, it is very easy to call her all sorts or nasty things, blaming on her mental problem. So then, should we love the “bald” Britney Spears? I cannot imagine it being easy.

I personally believe that it is entirely up to her for us to decide whether to love or hate her. Being sympathetic is not enough to forget all negative things that she has done. As a public figure, this is entirely justified. Trying to forgive, is not going to happen unless the she willing. I’d like to finally say that even though I feel very sorry for her, it is her responsibility as a public figure to become healthy again, and regain her reputation. I’d like to believe somehow, that she will eventually return to become an idol as she once was.

How Entertainment Can Be So Mighty

Many people do not believe that the world of entertainment could be so influential not only socially, but also politically. They may have to rethink their belief.

I was reading the article from CNN, and was amazed that a film directors could be used to be an artistic director for the Olympic games… Olympic games! This is not some local event that they’re hosting, neither is it some kind of a festival. It involves so many nations in the world, and it’s safe to say that it has become more than athletic competition. It’s become very political, with national pride in question. Simply, it is a huge prestige for China to be hosting the Olympic games. So, for Steven Spielberg to be part of the artistic adviser to China is a huge deal.

Even more shocking is how a film director, who doesn’t seem related to anything politics, can even attempt to have influence a country’s international policies. Spielberg simply refused to be an adviser for the Olympic because of China’s trade relation with Sudan. Now, China is not just a country with several thousands of population. It is a HUGE nation with recognizable power in the world. It would be very interesting to see how China will respond to this “refusal” from a lowly film director. Personally, if I was in Spielberg’s shoes, I would do the same. I wouldn’t be able to stand the fact that my employer is an unethical trader that sells weapons to third world countries so they can shoot innocent people to death. So, here is the case how an entertainment personnel can be a mighty influence in the world. Amazing…

Ironic Sacrifices

The world of the celebrities is full of promises of fame, fortune, and indulgence. These are the envy of many who pursue such glittering life of a star. What some do not realize, however, is the consequences of being in the spotlight, full of scrutiny and gossips. For my first post in this blog, I would like to express my opinions about the tragedies that brought the once promising lives to an irreversible demise.

At the age of 28, Heath Ledge died of a prescription-drug overdose in his apartment. When I first read the story that he died, I wasn’t so surprised to see a celebrity ending up dead. After all, many famous celebrities died by similar drug-related causes. Marilyn Monroe, Elvis, Anna Nicole Smith are only some of them that I know. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_drug-related_deaths> this link lists many of the famous people who died from drug-related causes. So, the question to ask is, why are there so many celebrities dying from drugs? They’re wealthy and famous with all the fun they could get. Aren’t they supposed to be happy? Getting high (although they shouldn’t) or taking some sleeping pills is completely understandable, but when so many of them die from it, there’s an indication that they weren’t so feeling good about their lives. This may seem like an over-generalization, but it seems to be the case.

The sad part is that I don’t think they deserved to die. They had everything that people envied for, yet they were so empty. Something empty that made them so desperate and anxious, that they turned to drugs. I don’t know exactly how the celebrity world would be like since I’ve never been in one, but I bet that they did not see it coming. How could they? The life of a celebrity is so tempting! To add to the misery are the response of the public. Being nasty to suffering celebrities are so normal and widespread that it became an subgroup of entertainment itself.

It seems justified to bash and humiliate the celebrities either dead or alive. Although I found it hilarious, I agree with the guy defending Britney on Youtube when he says, “She’s a human!” It is notable that even in the entertainment business and the world of the celebrity, no one deserves to die. We should look into ourselves again and ask, do I really find them going through misery an entertainment?