Mad Men: Public Relations Vs. The Dangerously Dapper Don

What was Don thinking when he eluded a reporter’s  “Who is Don Draper?” – question, I’m guessing, he still does not like talking about himself.  Perhaps just this once, he should have.  During the premier episode of the fourth season for AMC’s “Mad Men”, Don Draper’s aloofness comes close to costing his newly formed company some business, business they can’t afford to lose.   To top it off, The partners are informed by Pete that his buddy, Ho-Ho is pulling the Jai Alai account because Don didn’t mention them in the interview.  And his partners aren’t too happy.  Don is unimpressed.

One of many interesting highlights of the new episode was the  Jantzen swimwear execs that Pete snagged into a meeting as potential clients. 

Although Don presented the Jantzen execs with a great layout showing a black bar that covered the model's breasts along with a catchy slogan, "So well built, we can't show you the second floor".  The execs objected, insisting they want to remain a wholesome company and their two-piece swimsuits should be presented as such.  Don gets fed up with prudish restrictions.  He snaps, “You’re too scared of the skin your two-piece was designed to show off.”  He stalks out; only to return and kick them out of the office, literally.  Priceless.

Don wasn’t the only one  causing mayhem  in Sunday’s episode…

After Pete loses the Sugarberry Ham account – Peggy comes up with the idea to hire actresses to fight over the ham at a grocery store.   They neglect to consult with Don.  Who later has to provide Peggy with bail and hush money for the women.

During Thanksgiving dinner at Henry’s mother’s house.  It’s clear that the writers are continuing to develop Sally’s defiant and strong-willed behavior from last season.  Right at the dining table with all guests present, she spits out the sweet potatoes that her mother crammed into her mouth after she clearly refused to eat them - perhaps she should have been named Don Jr.  

Henry’s mother pulled no punches when later letting Henry know she does not care for his new wife.  Telling him, not only did she think Betty was silly and beneath him, but that he could have gotten what he wanted from Betty without marrying her.  Doubt if she’s campaigning for mother-in-law of the year.

Betty, Henry and the kids are still living in the Ossining home past the date stipulated in the divorce settlement.   And to throw salt into his already impatient wounds,  Henry and Betty kept Don waiting the evening following Thanksgiving.  Betty is so openly inconsiderate and flip about it, that Don requests that they move out or start paying rent. "It's temporary," says Henry.  "Trust me, everybody thinks this is temporary," Don snaps.  Yet exits mannerly.

Betty is steamed, but Henry thinks they should move, and points out to Betty that she hasn’t even been looking.  Of course, Betty claims she wants to spare the kids further upheaval.  Perhaps its because she’s being  spiteful toward Don, not to mention attempting to play both ends against the middle,  for the attention she so hungrily curves.

The episode concludes with Dapper Don Draper meeting with a Wall Street Journal reporter.  And with charm and finest abandoning all modesty, Don tells the reporter.  "Last year, our agency was being swallowed whole," The reporter is on the edge of his seat intrigue while trying to capture every word.  Don lifts his glass & says. "I could die of boredom or holster up my guns.  So I walked into Lane Pryce's office and I said, 'Fire us.' Within a year, we'd taken over two floors of the Time-Life Building."

And that’s how MM starts its fourth season – so worth the wait.

THE GOLDEN GLOBES – PROVE TO BE GOLDEN

According to the Nielsen numbers released today, NBC's Golden Globes broadcast sparkled a little brighter in the ratings this year.

"The 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards" had 14 percent more viewers than last year's show. The three-hour event drew 16.9 million viewers, surpassing the 14.9 million viewers accounted for in 2009.

The event was aired live by NBC in all time zones, rather than delayed for prime-time broadcast in the West, as in past years.

Hosted this year by British actor-comedian Ricky Gervais, who displaced his marketing skills shamelessly promoting himself and his products.

Robert Downey Jr. prove to be one of the big winners of the evening, not only as a recipient of the Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical award, but for his memorable speech as well.

To be continued…

Oh Where oh Where Is Scripted TV, Oh Where oh Where Can It Be?

With reality television shows springing forth at the speed of sound – and multiplying as fast as rabbits in heat - the list is  endless with titles from A-Z: A Dating Game to zBlow Out.   It is very difficult to select a favorite television show these days, unless its label as a “reality show".  It seems every week a new reality show springs forth designed around someone trying to make a come back or remain in the limelight: Flavor Flav,  Flavor Of Love or Denise Richards, It's Complicated; or some unheard of trying to make a name for themselves: Jon & Kate, The Bachelor, or Wife Swap.   Apparently those that can’t act, do reality shows.   Either way, it is becoming all to familiarly boring.   Most of these shows are just cookie-cutters of one another, basically if you’ve seen one you’ve seen the other.   Ironically, knowingly being followed around by a camera crew, isn’t reality – its really just people performing for a camera at their own home or in a selected setting, footage which is clearly edited for television.  

Someone mention that the reason the boob-tube is bombarded with the screaming hollering foolishness of reality TV is because it is cheaper to produce than scripted television.   What the heck?!  Just because some producers are too cheap to open their wallets does that mean viewers must subscribe to cable or satellite just to see a television series, which is only there in re-run syndication?  Although there seems to be an unbelievable market for the annoyance of  fist fights, hair pulling, cursing, and name calling; Why can’t they air series that speak to the remaining viewing audience in ways that have an entertaining engaging plot or storyline instead of being  reminiscence of a Jerry Springer smack-down episode.   There are a few scripted-series on the air, but clearly reality shows outnumber them hands down.  Its as though the Writers are still on strike, and they’re throwing anything at the viewers.   And what’s being pitched isn’t worth the 30-60 minutes it fills the screen on a weekly basis;  just 5 to 10 minutes into one of these reality shows gives one a great appreciation for books.   Reading is fundamental and an easy way to escape reality,  reality TV that is.
Stay-tuned for additional installments.

Mad Men’s Betty Draper’s Ordeal - Depression or Selfishness?

You do not have to be a television couch-potato, to become a die-hard fan of Mad Men (aka MM) all it seems to take is your undivided attention to an episode – and you could very well become hooked.  Most baby-boomers can appreciate how well the series’ managers to capture the ambiance of the 60s era.  And everyone else can just appreciate the opportunity to be transported back in time and experience what they weren’t able to first-hand.

Writer, Susan Weissman’s recent (11 November 2009) article in The Huffington Post, posed a question that ask, if the alluring Betty Draper  character would smile before next season’s final episode,   Well, since the third season finale aired Sunday 8 November 2009, and it was a tantalizing cliff-hanging finale, with the promise of a phenomenal fourth season; it’s probably safe to say that MM fans are more interested in the start of the fourth season next year, as oppose to the final episode.

As for Betts (as her husband Don refers to her as), she's what some refer to as spoiled and self-centered.  Most women like Betty who were so use to having the spotlight shone on them that they can't bare to have anyone else upstage them in the attention category, including their own children - so they create a dramatic/depressed atmosphere, starring none other than themselves.  It appears that Betty doesn't smile often because she wants someone to ask her what they can do for her or give to her to make her smile.  Perhaps she is frustrated with her life, because she's not doing much to contribute to her own happiness.

Anyway,  Betts appears to be going from one open-wallet to another  with her latest human-ATM, Hunter, the only thing is, she's not really taking much to the table is she? No, she's a pampered brat who does not work outside the home, but has the nerve to drink and smoke while watching her housekeeper cook, clean, & care for her children.  Yet, she still can't seem to find a way to accomplish any goal she may have had or find anything meaningful to do with her endless free time.

BEING RICH/WEATLHY DOES NOT GRANT YOU ABSOLUTION NOR DOES IT NEGATE YOU FROM RESPONSIBILITY

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There are far too many hunger, homeless, and unemployment people in America. So when I read articles as those written on: Cage, Rajaratnam, and Lohan; I must admit that to some degree it unnerves me a bit, to think that for some insane reason these individuals somehow think (or behave in a matter) that being rich grants them absolution or negates them from being responsible for their actions, deeds, or affairs. And by no means do I think all rich or wealthy people behave or think along these lines. But there are a number of them that seem to think it’s their God-given right to do so.

First, although I was once a loyal fan of Nicolas Cage I find it

disturbing that someone of his supposedly intelligence could whine publicly about not being smart enough to keep an eye on his own assets. I also find it difficult to support the “I’m broke” pity-party of someone pulling down 38 million dollars on one movie. Geez! He could feed a small country on that salary.

Among other things one of the statements in the article that really stands out for me is,

“The lawsuit said the advisor had also failed to alert Cage to the fact that his money was running out, and had over-extended his lines of credit with banks.”

Again, I must point out to those like Cage who don’t seem to know it, but being rich does not negate you from being responsible for your own finances. If you think you are too important, busy, or wealthy to keep an eye on your own money, than clearly you don’t really deserve to complain when it’s gone. How is it that there are some so-called stars who can’t seem to be able to handle their own lives without an entourage of assistants, advisors, housekeepers, and what-nots? When there are so many others who don’t seem to have an issue with handling their own affairs, or keeping an eye on those they’ve hired to do it for them. Take a page from the book(s) of Oprah, who has stated on numerous occasions, “You must keep an eye on your own money.” Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, and others also follow this philosophy; I’m almost certain the aforementioned are much busier than Nick Cage.

“Cage claimed that his recently-fired business manager had failed to pay taxes when they were due and had placed him in speculative and risky real estate investments "resulting in (the actor) suffering catastrophic losses."

Are Cage and others like him so special they aren’t required to sign a tax return? If not, then it should have occurred to Cage that if he hadn’t signed a return, one had not been filed. I realize for some it is easier to blame others for any and everything that may have gone wrong within your life; but how do you justify blaming or suing someone else for your neglect and foolishness – the police will tell you, that “ignorance is no excuse” for not obeying a law. Granted if someone within your trusted entourage of advisors steals from you, they should be sued and made to repay, but if its bad advice and you accept it, then that’s on you.

As much confidence as I have in my extremely knowledgeable financial advisor, J. Williams; if he were to suggest that I invest in the failed Circuit City stores, I’d be a fool to do so.

In August 2007, Lindsay Lohan was ordered to complete an 18-month alcohol education program, serve 24 hours in jail and perform 10 days of community service while on 36 months probation for drunk driving, reckless driving and driving under the influence of cocaine. You know the story.

However, because of Lohan’s lack of responsibility, Judge Revel added one year to Lohan's sentence so she could finish the program and suggested the actress complete it as soon as possible. The 23-year-old actress's attorney, Shawn Chapman Holley, told the judge that Lohan's absences stemmed from a miscommunication between her and program administrators. Again, although she’s rich and has the funds to hire an expensive attorney, stylish, etc. she still has to be held responsible and accountable for her own affairs and actions.

Finally, we come to Rajaratnam 52, considered the richest Sri Lankan in the world, was arrested for conspiring with Intel Capital treasury department managing director Rajiv Goel and Anil Kumar, a director of McKinsey & Co. The alleged offenses took place over three years

starting in January 2006. The scheme made more than $20 million in illegal profits over several years.

Rajaratnam was released on a $100 million personal recognizance bond secured by $20 million in cash and property. Clearly he’s not hurting for money, but for some bizarre reason he seems to think he’s above following the rules regarding “insider trading” because foolishness and greed will make you ignore the rules as well as the obvious.

All six were charged with securities fraud and conspiracy in two criminal complaints filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan. Kumar was permitted to be released on a $5 million bond, Kurland on a $3 million bond, and Moffat and Chiesi on a $2 million bond. In California, Goel posted $300,000 cash for bail. The six were also charged in a separate civil complaint by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The SEC said the accused traded on insider information from 10 companies.

Interesting to note, was the prosecutor’s warning shot for the rest of Wall Street, "Today, tomorrow, next week, the week after, privileged Wall Street insiders who are considering breaking the law will have to ask themselves one important question: Is law enforcement listening?" he said. But how effective it will be for the other privileged-law-breakers, is yet to be seen.

In conclusion, a child is a responsibility to its parents. As is being responsible is a requirement of an adult. Responsibility, as defined is an instance of being responsible (accountable): as such, there has to be some degree of accountability for one’s own affairs. Therefore, Cage, Lohan, and Rajaratnam the responsibility for this mess is ultimately yours!

Chrystal Tags: celebrity, celebrities, Lindsay Lohan, Nicolas Cage, money, law, lawsuit, finances, criminals, millions, responsibility, absolution

Mad Men Is On Point

When Mad Men debuted on AMC in 2007 it quickly became one of the most talked about series on television. The show set in 1960ish New York, focuses on the men and women of Madison Avenue Advertising. The show even made history as the first series to win an Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series; it also won Golden Globe’s Best Television Series – Drama.

One interesting element of the show is that there is a tremendous amount of cigarette smoking throughout each episode, depicting how rampant cigarette smoking was during that era; in the boardroom, the bedroom, and shall we gasp?, even pregnant women; which makes you wonder how/why everyone growing up in the 60s isn’t dead or suffering from cigarette-related cancer of some sorts. The series’ recreation is so on point you can almost feel the burning sensation in your eyes that takes you back to the days of smoked-filled rooms clouded with Camels and Kools.

The show has developed in to such a pop-cultural phenomenon with such a passionate fan base Mad Men continues to surpass everyone’s expectations with each new episode. And the record 4.5 Maddicts viewers tuning into the premiere Season 3, were delighted to learn that the show has been picked up just three episodes into the current season. The captivating world of Sterling Cooper will be back on AMC again next year." said Charlie Collier, president and general manager of AMC. And just in case you’re new to this television sensation -- Mad Men currently airs Sunday nights on AMC at 10pm | 9c.

Even if you’ve not yet become a Maddict fan you may still wish to tune in to catch a glimpse of priceless moments such as the one aired in last night’s episode. The scene begins innocently enough, with an older man walking out of the house carrying three large phone books, chatting with his two grandchildren who are on their way to school; but it’s the look on nine year old Sally’s Draper face as Grandpa Gene presses down on her foot to increase her driving speed from 5 mph to a whopping 25 - 30 mph is one of sheer delightful devilment; as she expertly maneuvers the family’s black Lincoln through the Suburban NY streets during another of her Grandpa’s many escapades; to drop she and her younger brother off at their Grammar school. And if by chance you miss it the first go round at 10pm, the show immediately re-airs in its entirely at 11pm. But the Mad Men Maddicts already know that; so select a time, tune in, and be a Maddict that's on point too.