Exploring the Web: Related Sites of the BdBent Blog

When exploring the World Wide Web, I came across ten more sites that readers may enjoy. Each one takes a different stance on entertainment news, relaying the best information in their given subject matter, and also fulfilling the Webby and IMSA criteria. The first of which is Ain't It Cool News, a witty, no holds barred review of film and movie happenings. Combined with it's comic book-style layout and breaking news stories (though some may be deterred by its excessive use of exclamation points), Ain't It Cool stands out above and beyond all the other movie sites. Similarly, there is CHUD (an acronym for Cinematic Happenings Under Development), which directs its focus toward more macabre films, but has seemingly endless reviews of myriad movies. They boast their extensive message board which, though daunting, is incredibly fun and interactive. Equally interesting, but much sleeker than CHUD is Switchblade Comb, a blog devoted to indie music, movies, and comedy. With its beautiful design and minimalist approach, Switchblade's short posts bring light to little known gems from the far corners of the entertainment industry. Also writing for the indie crowd, but with a touch of mainstream culture, is the Any Given Tuesday blog over at SenBaltimore.com. The articles exhibit excellence in journalism and provide readers with a full and complete analysis of the latest entertainment news, particularly music. On the other hand, Arjan Writes, an extremely popular blog, chooses to draw attention to new and emerging music acts, as opposed to the mostly established ones in Any Given Tuesday. Arjan has been at the forefront of the sonic revolution, prominently featuring acts that are not in the mainstream yet, but very well could be in the near future. Constantly and consistently updated, it revels in its ability to be focused, innovative, and refreshing.

Inverse is another music blog, showcasing rap and hip hop culture. The content is passionate, thought-provoking, and features hip hop that is not about cars and diamond grills, but about social movement and powerful messages. The blog posts may be short, but they always bring new ideas to the table. Speaking of substance in entertainment, the site andPop advertises just that. Featuring the very best in bubblegum culture, the online magazine seeks to find the heart (and humor) in its seemingly shallow content. It has so much information pertaining to music, entertainment, technology, and gaming that there is something for everybody. Marketing Pop Culture is another interesting take on the industry, weighing the successes and failures of pop culture peddlers. It is probably one of the most compelling and intelligent critiques of the entertainment industry that I've ever seen, and the author, thankfully, does not shy away from controversial topics such as the war in Iraq or illegal file sharing. Controversy is not a foe of Truthdig either, a political blog of which I am particular proud because it was started by my beloved and world-renowned professor, Robert Scheer. This 2007 Webby Award-winning blog does not just speak about politics; it speaks about life and the issues that are important to our everyday lives. With over thirty years of journalistic experience behind it, Truthdig provides an honest and eye-opening account of the world. Finally, there is my favorite website, Nylonguys.com. Starting as a supplement to Nylon Magazine in 2005, the web-based appendage to the printed bimonthly highlights progressive movement in fashion, technology, and the entertainment industry. Cool and colorful, its forward-thinking photography (see above) pops off the page showcasing the already stellar articles. Their ability to think differently, but act globally is what sets this entertainment magazine apart from the rest.

Linkroll Overview: Bridging Society and Entertainment

This week I chose to focus on various resource materials (compiled on the left) which will help you obtain a better understanding of what exactly I hope to accomplish with this blog. In searching the Web, I discovered other sites that promote entertainment and/or social issues in some way. When I am creating a new post I use their content, which most certainly fill the criteria of the Webby and IMSA guidelines, as jumping off points, hoping that they will inspire some sort of new and interesting idea that I can further explore. The first of which is Beat Magazine, an Australian-based online entertainment magazine that adds a little spunk to current events. The bright and aesthetically appealing site excels in adding a human element to pop culture news. Likewise, TV Squad is a fun, interactive musing of current television programs. It gives a great recap of shows while the authors add in their two cents. The Hollywood Reporter is the go-to guide for anything relating to the business of Hollywood. Would you like to know how much money a studio is investing in a new movie or how good (or bad) the ratings were for your favorite television show? Well then this is your source. While the site does not come off very warm, it is not intended to be an editorial, and therefore does a fantastic job of relaying the facts of the entertainment industry. The New York Times Movie Index is also a great resource for film news. While some may argue that it has a liberal slant, it is fantastically organized, often focusing on films strong in content, as opposed to generic Hollywood blockbusters. Karma Jungle is one of the most interesting concept blogs I have ever come across. The author ponders how exactly does our social and entertainment footprint on the world affect us spiritually. Simple and sleek, it is content-rich and always fascinating. Along those same lines, Muse Free is a socio-political blog, critiquing the American value system with witty, thought-provoking jabs along the way. What this site lacks in design more than makes up for it in content. The tellingly-named Good Magazine is another political commentary, also analyzing human actions, but focusing on ways in which people can make positive changes in our world. While I feel the web page itself is cluttered, it is jam-packed with information and constantly updated. Also promoting good deeds is the Daniel Pearl Foundation, in memory of the journalist (pictured at right) slain in Afghanistan, created to inspire charitable works through media and music. If it is simply music news you are looking for, then Pitchfork Media is a wonderfully comprehensive resource of current music. The site layout is both bold and subdued, creating a community atmosphere through its blog-style articles. Last but certainly not least is my favorite organization, The Norman Lear Center for Entertainment. The blog on the site continues to carry out the center's message of promoting and advancing tolerance, democracy, and social change through entertainment. It is scholarly, well designed, and above all else-passionate-which is the essence of every great blog.

Political Movies: The Emerging Trend of Politically Motivated Films

With the Academy Awards approaching this weekend, the whole world eagerly waits to see which pictures will be the nights big winners. This year is particularly notable, because never have the films been so richly colorful and politically charged. From Michael Moore's Sicko, a documentary on the United States' faulty health care system to Gone Baby Gone, a tale of corrupt police officers and the loose boundaries of morality, the films are direct responses to what is going on in today's society. One reason for the abundance of these films is most probably an inspiration from the current administration. As a society we are a safe enough distance from the September 11th attacks that we can begin to criticize exactly what truths we hold to be self-evident. There is a growing sentiment in the country that we can no longer blindly follow those that have been chosen to lead us. The films nominated this year ask audiences to think critically about the choices and decisions they make, because they are more important now then they ever have been.

Another reason for this boom is the growing shift between politics and entertainment. In the past, films about war and political conspiracy were controversial, but now filmmakers and activists realize that to spread their message, especially to the youth, they have to think creatively, and submerge these issues in creative mediums. The blog entry "Look On The Dark Side" by Ben Gold criticizes the lax attitude of the American people about torture in the Middle East while reviewing the new film, Taxi to the Dark Side. Also drumming up buzz is the new Sean Penn film, Milk, based on the life and times of Harvey Milk, San Francisco's first gay city supervisor. It was not a subject I knew much about, but in researching it, and reading the article "We Can't Wait for Milk" by Nathaniel R. including quotes from various bloggers and authors, I realized that is it one that is still very relevant to our socio-political climate today. I have left comments on those blogs, which I have provided below, trying to find answers in the film industry's quest for social change.

"Look On The Dark Side"
Comment:

Thank you, Mr. Gold, for your critique of the film "Taxi to the Dark Side of the Moon". I agree with Mr. Gibney in the sense that many of the issues facing our country are not just political issues, but personal issues as well. As American people we tend to have a superiority complex, and any sort of unjust treatment we practice is chalked up to "national security". We are so concerned with soldier US soldier deaths, but we never consider how many innocent Iraqis were killed at the hands of American soldiers. Those names and those faces never make the newspaper, and it is inspiring to see Gibney try to translate those stories onto film.

As of right now we are under such a dangerous leadership, and it makes you wonder who is the real terrorist in all of this. If we do not get the full story over here, I can only imagine what orders the soldiers must be getting. They enlisted in the armed forces to protect and defend, but on what scale? and to what cost?

It is interesting that the War in Iraq mirrors the Vietnam War in so many ways, but even over 30 years later, we still have not learned from our past mistakes.It is a war for nothing that affects everything. The only thing that I have some contention with is that it is almost unfair to expect so much from the American people, since we want to believe in our leadership so badly. We WANT to believe that they are fighting for life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness like it was established so many years ago. As citizens we must take an active role, but as people we want to believe that our appointed leaders are constantly fighting for good.

The film makes you wonder what exactly our reputation is in the rest of the world. I wonder if they fear death at the hands of a tyrannical government the same way we do. I can't help but notice the advertisement for "There Will Be Blood" further up on the page, because it seems almost apropos. There will be blood in this battle with Iraq, there HAS been blood, but at what cost? If anything, this film at the very least will make viewers think critically, and help paint a wider viewpoint of our current political climate. If it makes people ask questions, then it has done its job.

"We Can't Wait for Milk"

Comment:

I can say that after seeing Into The Wild, I am excited to see Sean Penn and Emile Hirsch working together again. The life of Harvey Milk is such a fascinating story, one that I feel today's generation (which includes myself) has missed out on.

So much attention has been paid to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1970s that it is a nice change of pace to hear about the history of gay rights, which is just as much a part of our American history and framework as is anything else. Milk's life eerily mirrors our current political situation, with people being quieted and stifled simply for speaking out against the current system.

It is also goes to show that a person of a different color, creed, or sexual orientation can hold political office just as well as any former leader. We are deep in a national debate between Obama and Clinton, but when it really comes down to it, the color or the gender or religion has nothing to do with how they will hold office. Sure, their individual experiences will aid in their decision-making, most likely making them more compassionate leaders, but it has nothing to do with their abilities. What we do know, is that their election will bring a positive change to this country, one that will hopefully be read about more in the history books than Milk is now. As Milk said himself, "If a bullet should enter my brain, let that bullet destroy every closet door." Hopefully, whoever wins this current election, will help open one more door.

It's a shame that Milk's assassin received the short sentence that he did, proving that then and even now, gays still have a lot of work to do to be considered equal citizens. There is still a lot of bigotry that exists, but as a straight man of color, I am just existed to see this movie so that it may open the gates of discussion and hopefully bring a more tolerant viewpoint to today's society. It is important to realize that this seemingly political story is deeply embedded in all of our personal histories, and it is time we finally get to see our past, so that we may grow and learn for our future.