I am very disappointed that you chose not to take me seriously and to post my email in a mocking way.
The origin of "Piker" as a derogatory word stems from the influx of poor Missouri migrants from Pike County into California during the gold rush of the 1849. They were just trying to provide a better life for their families and were met with bigotry and derision.
While I have dedicated my life to rehabiliting the Piker name, you sit in California, no less the birth place of Piker ridicule and humiliation, and wallow in your self-loathing. I hope you choke on it.
Sincerely,
Johny Piker
Thursday, March 13, 2003
TO A SELF-LOATHING PIKER
Wednesday, March 12, 2003
FOR YOUR EYES ONLY
I have two measly days of employment left. I shouldn't complain though. Production ended when we filmed the sixth and final episode of the run on Friday night. The stellar wrap party was held in the Foundation Room at the House of Blues on Sunday night and featured an open bar from 7 to 11. Plus, I received a gift in the form of an extra week of work to close down the office. The entire six-week gig was a blessing, as I had not held a full-time job in a year. I've been pretty low-key about my work experience, purposely withholding the name of show to protect the innocent. I will now put you all out of your misery and end the suspense. The television show I am currently working on... at least for two more days... a sitcom... is... "Watching Ellie". A press release announced today that the show will be relaunched on April 15th. Its normal time slot will be Tuesdays at 9:30 on NBC, following "Frasier." In support of me and my career, all I ask is that you tune in once, and only keep watching if you like the show. I think it's pretty funny, but then again, I've been seeing it from the inside out, including rehearsals and live in front of a studio audience, and therefore I don't have much distance or perspective. However, Julia Loius-Dreyfus is undeniably one of the funniest and most talented ladies around. She's Ellie, and she alone is worth watching.
I have two measly days of employment left. I shouldn't complain though. Production ended when we filmed the sixth and final episode of the run on Friday night. The stellar wrap party was held in the Foundation Room at the House of Blues on Sunday night and featured an open bar from 7 to 11. Plus, I received a gift in the form of an extra week of work to close down the office. The entire six-week gig was a blessing, as I had not held a full-time job in a year. I've been pretty low-key about my work experience, purposely withholding the name of show to protect the innocent. I will now put you all out of your misery and end the suspense. The television show I am currently working on... at least for two more days... a sitcom... is... "Watching Ellie". A press release announced today that the show will be relaunched on April 15th. Its normal time slot will be Tuesdays at 9:30 on NBC, following "Frasier." In support of me and my career, all I ask is that you tune in once, and only keep watching if you like the show. I think it's pretty funny, but then again, I've been seeing it from the inside out, including rehearsals and live in front of a studio audience, and therefore I don't have much distance or perspective. However, Julia Loius-Dreyfus is undeniably one of the funniest and most talented ladies around. She's Ellie, and she alone is worth watching.
DAYDREAM BELIEVER
One of my all-time favorite short stories, "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" now looks like it finally has a strong chance of being remade. Producer Samuel Goldwyn Jr. beat New Line Cinema in a court battle to win back the film rights and quickly set up the project at Paramount, where it's likely that Steven Spielberg will direct Jim Carrey in the title role. I never saw the 1947 original, in which Danny Kaye played Walter Mitty, but this pair doing this story is exciting. It would mark the first collaboration between Spielberg and Carrey and, if all goes well, the movie should break the bank and go down as one of the great ones. Hey, a guy can dream, can't he?
One of my all-time favorite short stories, "The Secret Life of Walter Mitty" now looks like it finally has a strong chance of being remade. Producer Samuel Goldwyn Jr. beat New Line Cinema in a court battle to win back the film rights and quickly set up the project at Paramount, where it's likely that Steven Spielberg will direct Jim Carrey in the title role. I never saw the 1947 original, in which Danny Kaye played Walter Mitty, but this pair doing this story is exciting. It would mark the first collaboration between Spielberg and Carrey and, if all goes well, the movie should break the bank and go down as one of the great ones. Hey, a guy can dream, can't he?
Tuesday, March 11, 2003
THIS IS SPORTSCENTER, THIS IS BRILLIANT
I stumbled upon one of the greatest uses of the internet tonight. For quite some time, I've been wishing I had a tape consisting of all the ESPN commercials that have been made over the years. Finally, my pack-rat prayers have been answered. I don't know how long it's been up and running, but right there on the ESPN site, you'll find a video archive of almost a hundred hilarious "This Is SportsCenter" spots. Advertising comedy at its finest.
I stumbled upon one of the greatest uses of the internet tonight. For quite some time, I've been wishing I had a tape consisting of all the ESPN commercials that have been made over the years. Finally, my pack-rat prayers have been answered. I don't know how long it's been up and running, but right there on the ESPN site, you'll find a video archive of almost a hundred hilarious "This Is SportsCenter" spots. Advertising comedy at its finest.
TALKIN' TV
For the twentieth year in a row, The Museum of Television and Radio is holding their William S. Paley Television Festival. During the two-week period, the MoTaR puts on these great panel discussions, where they gather the writers, producers, and cast of a show for a screening and Q & A. Last night, that gorgeous TV critic at Salon must have worn her sexy boots and smooth-talked her way into a packed house at the DGA for "24", because she wrote about the event today. If you want to read about it, come with me, I'll show you where it is...
For the twentieth year in a row, The Museum of Television and Radio is holding their William S. Paley Television Festival. During the two-week period, the MoTaR puts on these great panel discussions, where they gather the writers, producers, and cast of a show for a screening and Q & A. Last night, that gorgeous TV critic at Salon must have worn her sexy boots and smooth-talked her way into a packed house at the DGA for "24", because she wrote about the event today. If you want to read about it, come with me, I'll show you where it is...
STRONG ARM TACTICS: TAKE TWO
HBO and the producers of "The Sopranos" are using some muscle on their main muscle-man. The premium cable network fired back at James Gandolfini today, filing a $100 million countersuit against the actor. They claim the nine figure amount represents their potential loss if Gandolfini succeeds in sabotaging the fifth season of the show. Clearly, with both sides going to the mattresses, this feud could get ugly. Hopefully, the heads of the families can have a sit-down and settle this war out of court. Best case scenario finds the off-screen conflict influencing the subtext of the show and adding another juicy layer of on-screen tension.
HBO and the producers of "The Sopranos" are using some muscle on their main muscle-man. The premium cable network fired back at James Gandolfini today, filing a $100 million countersuit against the actor. They claim the nine figure amount represents their potential loss if Gandolfini succeeds in sabotaging the fifth season of the show. Clearly, with both sides going to the mattresses, this feud could get ugly. Hopefully, the heads of the families can have a sit-down and settle this war out of court. Best case scenario finds the off-screen conflict influencing the subtext of the show and adding another juicy layer of on-screen tension.
Monday, March 10, 2003
"THE ELECTRIC KOOL AID ACID TEST ON TOFU"
I'm not sure I can find anyone to argue against the notion that Woody Harrelson is an eccentric. Now we have a documentary film to serve as proof. "Go Further" details Harrelson's 1,700 mile journey by hempseed oil-fueled bus from Seattle to Santa Barbara in the spring of 2001. During the THC trek, Harrelson spoke at several colleges on a range of environmental issues and brought along a support staff of stoners. In fact, Harrelson seems to play second fiddle to his elevated entourage in "Go Further."
One of the devotees on the bus is a former co-worker and acquiantence of mine named Steve Clark. Apparently, Clark eventually and inevitably takes a starring role in the dope documentary. If my experiences with him are any indication, this should prove to be a wilder ride than Mr. Toad's. Of the oodles of outrageous things I've heard him utter, the most quotable line remains: "Are you kidding? I'm doing great. A year ago, I came to town with a Bart Simpson backpack and a hit of acid. Now I have two cats and some furniture." Go as far as you need to go to see "Go Further."
I'm not sure I can find anyone to argue against the notion that Woody Harrelson is an eccentric. Now we have a documentary film to serve as proof. "Go Further" details Harrelson's 1,700 mile journey by hempseed oil-fueled bus from Seattle to Santa Barbara in the spring of 2001. During the THC trek, Harrelson spoke at several colleges on a range of environmental issues and brought along a support staff of stoners. In fact, Harrelson seems to play second fiddle to his elevated entourage in "Go Further."
One of the devotees on the bus is a former co-worker and acquiantence of mine named Steve Clark. Apparently, Clark eventually and inevitably takes a starring role in the dope documentary. If my experiences with him are any indication, this should prove to be a wilder ride than Mr. Toad's. Of the oodles of outrageous things I've heard him utter, the most quotable line remains: "Are you kidding? I'm doing great. A year ago, I came to town with a Bart Simpson backpack and a hit of acid. Now I have two cats and some furniture." Go as far as you need to go to see "Go Further."