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Jackson: Maybe Now He Can Rest in Peace

Can’t stop thinking about Michael Jackson today, like everybody else. Not much I can add, except for this. The second record album I ever owned was the Jackson Five’s ABC (the first was Alvin and the Chipmunks Sing the Beatles…

Jun 26, 2009

Let the Music Play: Why Songwriters are Hurting Their Own Cause

It’s a crime! Over the past 75 years or so, American culture has generated a breathless portfolio of extraordinary pop songs from Tin Pan Alley, to the Golden Age of Broadway, to Rock N’ Roll, Country, Rap, Jazz and on…

Jun 26, 2009

HBO’s Big Comedy Hope: ‘Hung’

With the economy tanking and pink slips becoming an ubiquitous confetti in cities across America, it’s no surprise that many creators are mining the potential death of the American dream for dramatic potential. Throughout his career, writer/executive producer Dmitry Lipkin…

Jun 26, 2009

‘The Daily Show’: Escape from Iran

“How did you make it out of there alive?,” I somewhat seriously and somewhat facetiously asked “Daily Show” senior investigative foreign correspondent Jason Jones and producer Tim Greenberg about their recent trip to Iran. Their mission, and they chose to…

Jun 24, 2009

Jon & Kate: Feeding Kids to the Media Lions

I gave into the hype and finally watched Monday’s episode of TLC’s "Jon & Kate Plus 8.” I was as curious as the rest of America as to their big announcement: If they are separating, how will it be revealed?…

Jun 23, 2009

Jon & Kate: Buckman’s Take

I have warned many people over the years: If you see a group of reality-show producers approaching you, run away. If they’re coming up your sidewalk preparing to ring your doorbell, draw the curtains, turn out the lights and remain…

Jun 23, 2009

Iran: In Times Like These, Journalists Matter

The current turmoil in Iran is a timely example of the challenges and opportunities facing news organizations in the multi-media world. There’s information from a breathtaking array of sources – a consequence of the connectedness of the internet age – which is…

Jun 22, 2009

Nielsen, Nets Need to Get Real When It Comes to Measuring Success

Forgive me for the gap between entries, but I’ve been busy with work, school, repairmen, veterinarians and life. The good news is that I’m all caught up on my favorite reality shows thanks to my trusty DVR and the best…

Jun 22, 2009

‘Housewives’: The Most Amazing. Fight. Ever.

OH. MY. GOODNESS. After weeks of anticipation, we finally got to see the epic brawl on The Real Housewives of New Jersey tonight, and it did not disappoint in the least. It was — as the kids say — O.O.C….

Jun 17, 2009

An Open Letter to Stephen Colbert

Dear Stephen Strong: Welcome home, soldier. Your week in Iraq is all over, but the war, of course, isn’t. At least your presence there reminded us that Americans troops are still there. I am sure your presence gave them something…

Jun 16, 2009