Inland Empire: Trailer

I couldn't help but put this out there - David Lynch's latest film. Not only am I a huge fan, but was born and raised in the area from which the film gets its name.

Update:
I'll be heading to LA on December 22nd - check back by the 27th to read my review of the movie. Also, I've created a list of Movies That Will Get you Laid that includes this and other movies that will...get you laid.
Enjoy!

The effects of MCOM 72: A change in Media Consumption

Within the past seven months, I've quit a nice paying job, kissed LA goodbye, been laid off and started a blog. The blog, not surprisingly, has been one of the highlights of my first semester at SJSU. I admit, I didn't expect much when I was enrolling for MCOM 72, or any of my other courses in the School of Journalism and Mass Communications, however, that is no longer the case. With the blog and the guidance of some really terrific professors, I can say that the media I now consume is much more rich and substantial.


In September, I told you that I consumed Craigslist, Paula Deen's Home Cooking, Flaunt and stolen music - and all with food. Most of that still holds true, especially the food part. However, I can say that in addition to those listed, I am now a huge fan of gossip blogs. Thanks to Lilly, who directed me to Pink Is the New Blog, I have been feasting on the tastiest of celebrity dish. Spurred on to find others like it, I came across Go Fug Yourself, The Defamer and Jossip (all listed under "Chisme" in my blogroll - Spanish slang for gossip for you gringos).


In addition to blogs, I have also become an avid reader. This is in part to Mitch Berman, creative writing professor at SJSU. He introduced myself and about 15 other students to Neil Gaiman and since then, I've been devouring his books left and right. If you were one of the fortunate ones to hear Neil read in November then you know of the spell this man has cast upon us - he's just fucking brilliant, and rather attractive, I might add.

One of the things that has changed since that initial blog, is that I no longer steal music. That's right, Limewire is no-longer a part of my routine. After the class discussions we had on the music industry, I felt a bit dirty for ripping music, particularly, from musicians who probably make far less money than I do. To compensate for this, I've started an account with Rhapsody where I can stream music, on my desktop and throughout my house. I was initially skeptical that they would not have many of the musicians that I love - The Rentals, Figurine, Peaches, Antony and the Johnsons, and Kraftwerk. To my surprise, they do - and so much more! Well worth the $9.99/month.

Another change in my consumption occured with my viewing habits. I underestimated the amount of time I would need to put into going to a university - and like most college students, found myself constantly unable to watch my favorite shows. Thankfully, I am now a subscriber to TiVo, which has changed my viewing habits so that the television now revolves around my schedule - I never have to miss Medium or Project Runway now!

My subscription to Netflix has also changed my consumption of movies. Growing up in LA, you take for granted all the opportunities to watch some really great films. It wasn't until I moved to San Jose that I felt completely out of the loop. This is where Netflix has really helped out, because now, I can just log onto Netflix.com, and place movies in my que, even before they're released.

Since enrolling in MCOM 72, I am beginning to understand the media machine. It is much more than just TV, Film and Radio - New Media is rapidly changing the way that we recieve and process information, and this course is a perfect example of how it is doing just that. As far as continuing to blog - I'll be playing with a few ideas in the next few weeks as to the direction I would like to take it in.

At this time I'd like to point out two classmates whose blogs I have really enjoyed reading. First, Kelley Lugea. Her insights are always enlightening and her writing fresh, clear and concise. Secondly, Amir Masood. He's got a knack for wit, dry humor and has a clever approach to writing. I've had an opportunity to work with both of these individuals on group projects - they have what it takes and I encourage them and the rest of you to keep on pushing your talents - GO SJSU!

Liam Sullivan is a god(dess)

If you don't know who Liam Sullivan is, then chances are you know him by his alter ego, Kelly - bad drag, shoes obsessed, txt message broke-up, muffin baking comedian from Los Angeles. When I first stumbled upon his/hers myspace profile several months ago, I wanted to quickly dismiss s(him) as another Jeffree Fecking Star. However, just when I thought that Kelly was on the outs, I hear the news that Liam Sullivan is actually filming a sitcom for VH1 called "I Hate My Thirties." Prompted by the news I quickly searched, and not hard nor long I might add, and came across a plethora of work done by Liam Sullivan. My favorites would include "Muffins," "Love Letters," and "Text Message Breakup" (if you don't mind cartoon children lip-synching, you can actually hear a new song/parody called "Let Me Borrow that Top").

So what makes Liam Sullivan so damn funny? For starters, he taps into the quarks about ourselves, people we know and people we want nothing to do with. His knack for poking fun at situations we've all been in make his work so accessible that even your grandmother can get a good laugh. Let me not forget his taste for the dramatic - I mean really, those wigs are pretty awesome.

What surprises me is that Liam Sullivan was virtually a nobody until the video for "Shoes" started to be passed around on YouTube and Myspace a little over a year ago. Well much has changed since then, his album, which was released in August 2006, has hovered in the Top Ten Comedy Songs amongst iTunes buyers and he has single handedly coined the word "Betch." Perhaps it's time for you and I got get on the YouTube band-wagon, that is if you haven't done so already - you never know, we might just be the next Kelly, Betch!

Connecting the CoCo Puffs

Two weeks ago, Ofcom, an independant regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries, announced that all junk food ads aired during TV programs targeted at children 16 years and under will be banned at the end of January 2007. It's estimated that the ban will reduce ad revenue by £39 Million annually. What might this have to do with American audiences you ask? Well, as millions starve in 3rd world countries, Western Nations have been fighting a losing battle against childhood obesity, and in response, the AAP, American Association of Pediatrics, demands cuts in children-targeted advertising, including junk food in their recent medical journal.
Though few believe that the AAP's demands will be met, it's something to consider. Some of my most fond memories of waking up on Saturday mornings involved quoting for verbatum "Leggo of my Eggo," "Don't push me, push a push pop," and my personal favorite, "I want a pop, pop, pop. Shhhhhhasta!". Could you imagine a world void of junk food ads? Heaven forbid! However, the chances of these ads disappearing in the near future are a reality we have to face as children continue to burst at the seams. Personally, I feel that targeting advertisers is a terrific ploy to scapegoat an industry already hated by many Americans, but fails to address the real problem of the ever evolving difficulties of parenting in a media saturated world.
So the next time you see your favorite Coco Puffs ad, I recommend you pull out a blank VHS (remember those) and record it, because it just may not be around tomorrow.

YouTube of the Day

Pope Benedict XVI is so L.A.

I love me a good movie. I love Jesus too, but the two don't really go hand-in-hand. So you could imagine how far my jaw dropped when I found out that The Nativity Story, New Line Cinema's depiction of the birth of Jesus Christ, was premiered at The Vatican last sunday. The 7,000 in attendance witnessed history as the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church sponsored the event, it's first ever movie premiere.
Now, there is just something wrong about the world's most powerful religious organization endorsing a movie, in particular, one that comes from a studio that produced such films as The Texas Chainsaw Masacre and The Wedding Crashers. Ever since Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ, Hollywood has been jumping on the religious bandwagon - simply put, because there be gold in dem' mines. Yet, what I can't understand, is how naive The Vatican is. Do they not realize how they are now a puppet for the Hollywood machine? True, the movie will undoubtedly stir up a religious fever and may draw viewers of the film into Catholic Churches, but the chances of the movie really saving a soul or even getting a patron to drop a dollar in the collection cup seems far reached. I do have to give it up to the marketing team over at New Line, however - because with this endorsement, they pretty much paid for the $65 million it took to give birth to baby Jesus on the silver screen.
I suppose it's only a matter of time before The Vatican puts out it's own movies and Pope Benedict XVI is up for an Oscar - all dolled up in Armani

Attention Poor Bohemians!

Frice by David Choe

South First Fridays is tomorrow evening (Nov. 3). Come check out San Jose's art scene FREE and then enjoy liquidy libations at the SoFA Lounge - if you're lucky, I'll give you smoochies and steal your cigarettes. See you there!

The Bestest!

When you give up one addiction, you usually need another to be marginally successful at the task at hand. My addiction, Myspace. I hate it. I love it. I want to get off of it. Fortunately for me, I found The Best of Craigslist. I've been a cruiser, oh, that sounds naughty, of Craigslist for quite some time now. For the most part I would look at the apartment listings and missed connections, not to mention the scores of everyday nudies in the m4m/w4w/m4w/w4m/mm4w/mw4mwwhtmd - you get the idea.
However, what I discovered was that some of the greatest short stories, particularly slice of life (which many of you know are some of my favorite) exist in the "Best Of" arena. Take for example the woman who urinated on her lover. With a quick lesson in dialogue, this would be a fabulous read - it already is and should be filmed.
Another, is the mystery car stall pooper. Trust me, I smell your pain. Excuse me, poop break...

Much better.
Now that my stomach is empty, lets hear from the waitress - Something about a Tori Amos song comes to mind.
So I urge you, dear reader, the next time you are in need of a shoulder to cry on, a story to lift your spirits or something to make you laugh entirely too loud on the 8th floor of the San Jose State libary, take a peek-see at the Best-Of, Craigslist that is.

P.S.
Here's my favorite one to date - it's the bestest.

A Star is Born in "A Face in the Crowd"

In his first role on the big screen, Andy Griffith resonates in the tall tale of a mans rise to glory playing Lonesome Rhodes in "A Face in the Crowd" which opened at the Globe last night. Brought to life by director Elia Kazan ("A Street Car Named Desire") and writer Budd Schulbeg ("On the Waterfront"), the duo blasts the notion of a demigod in a society thristy for it's next big star.

At first glance, the film appears to be another take on a country-boy done good, yet takes a detour into the core of what often times is the ugly side of fame. Indeed, Lonesome snake charms his way into the hearts of the town of Pickett, Arkanssas as well as Marsha Jeffries, played by Patricia Neal ("The Day the Earth Stood Still") who discovers Lonseome in a dilapidated country jail. Wielding his charisma like a a seasoned senator, Lonesome rises in popularity like only a southern boy can until he is at the top of his game. However, with such adoration comes the realization that with fame comes power, which his eccentricity only strengthens until it has become too much of a burden for Mr. Rhodes.

Though the performances of both Griffith and Neal are exceptional, the film, can at times, be a bit over-the-top. However, this further perpetuates the grandiose character of Lonesome Rhodes and the slippery machine he has fabricated. Despite this, "A Face in the Crowd" manages to please on many levels and is a worthy accomplishment of one promising actor, Mr. Griffith, a star in the making.

Instead of being a Prick...

I made a resource of some magazines that are noteworthy, controversial and will get you laid if you mention them to anyone with an ounce of good taste.

How I love me some BUTT

More Fagzine than Mag-azine, BUTT is perhaps one of my favorite naughty yet nice magazines. I stumbled upon BUTT at a friends apartment more than five years ago. I was instantly attracted to it's trademark Pepto-Bismol colored, thick, pungent, paper. What I found within was even more tantillizing than the chonie-clad euro on the cover. Articleles on tricky Tricks; interviews with the likes of Casey Spooner, Michael Stipe and John Waters; and photos of mens fannies in all their beastly glory.


AMEN! I said with each flip of the page. This was no Advocate, Genre, or XY bullshit. BUTT, pure and simple, is a magazine for and about homosexuals who don't give a fuck about waxing their buttcracks or vacationing in Palm Springs - screw the White Party!

Most of the articles are written by amateur writers, often down in Q & A format, however the Q's are usually questions that some never have the balls to ask which lead to some pretty interesting A's. Advertising you say? They've got that. From the likes of Marc Jacobs, American Apparel and various art galleries and theaters.

Now I know, some will be timid, but I will be carrying around a copy or two with me for the next several weeks if you care to take a gander. Don't be shy, you might even find yourself hunting it down and handing over the $8.95 on a quarterly basis - hopefully with a sly grin and impure thoughts. Cha-cha-cha!

The Kite Runner: Propaganda in a Post 9/11 World

Afghanistan. Home of the Taliban, Islamic Fundamentalists, Osama bin Laden, terrorist camps, mountains, caves and all things not so American. Or so I thought. These were my opinions of what Afghanistan was. A country that bred terrorists and that was bent on destroying America, two skyscrapers at a time. However, my perception of Afghanistan began to change after reading Khaled Hosseini’s The Kite Runner, an effective use of propaganda in a post 9/11 world. In his novel, Hosseini weaves a story of self-discovery, betrayal and redemption all the while, molding his readers’ preconceptions of what Afghanistan was and what it is today.
The power of propaganda is its ability to change the opinions previously held by an individual or group and shape them into something they had once believed to be untrue. At its onset, The Kite Runner did just that, however, it initially left a bad taste in my mouth. I found it hard to believe that Afghans drove Ford Mustangs, watched The Magnificent Seven, and had the money to pay for a plastic surgeon, or have a Schwinn bicycle. This was an Afghanistan I did not know, and like most people, I fear that which is unknown. Yet this was Hosseini’s way of teaching a historical lesson: Afghanistan was a country that had a prosperous past. The years prior to the Afghan Revolution and the manipulation by foreign governments were, according to Hosseini, times of happiness.
In contrast with its past, Hosseini paints a bleak picture of Afghanistan upon his return in June 2001 as a barren land inhabited by starving orphans, shells of once beautiful homes, and ruled mercilessly by the Taliban. This is the Afghanistan that the world, for the most part, knows. A country that is in constant turmoil, uncertainty and fear. Yet what was significant in Hosseini’s narrative is that Afghans were not in favor of Taliban rule, as I had once thought, but actually lived in fear that one cannot even begin to fathom unless experienced first hand. This is Hosseini’s way of telling the world, more so, telling the western world, that everything your government has said about this country has been misconstrued; misconstrued by Presidents, Prime Ministers, and the media.
One of the most effective allusions Hosseini illustrates is the description of the Afghan Dream: a large family, a house with large windows, and a white patio. The similarities between this and the American Dream are uncanny, and without a doubt, Hosseini’s way of saying Afghans are just like Americans, except instead of a white picket fence, Afghans prefer a white patio. What this does in the psyche of Americans is place Afghans on the same playing field, which is often hard for many to comprehend, especially in this country where many lead lives vastly different from the majority of the world. Yet the American Dream is not unique to just one country, and Hosseini’s attempt to demonstrate this is successful.
Furthermore, Hosseini avoids the cliché of new immigrants easily attaining the American Dream. Coming from a family of Mexican immigrants, I related to the struggles that Amir and his father experienced upon arriving in the United States: low paying jobs, culture shock, and assimilation. Those who experience prosperity within their first generation in this country are truly the fortunate ones, but typically despised by those who did not reach such success so quickly. Hosseini’s decision to end the prosperity of Amir and his father upon their arrival in the United States is a way of appealing to the majority of Americans who have yet to achieve the notion of the American Dream, even after generations of fruitless attempts
In addition to enlightening his readers of Afghan culture, Hosseini is also successful in portraying Islam in a positive light. Hosseini carefully describes the various factions within the religion and pays careful attention to educate those who may not know of the ethnic struggles within Islamic culture. Here too is another similarity to American history. As with the Civil Rights, Women’s Rights and Gay Rights Movements, Hosseini shows that even amongst the Islamic world, there are those that are treated less than human. By doing so, Hosseini is able to further perpetuate that Afghans are similar to Americans and that injustice reaches all corners of the globe.
Though the story is at times disturbing, I think that those that would be greatly impacted by Hosseini’s insight are American youth. As an adult experiencing the confusion, heartbreak, fear and anger in the aftermath of 9/11 it’s easy to forget that those feelings are undoubtedly magnified upon children who are rapidly growing up in a world never before experienced. The Kite Runner is in essence, Hosseini’s way of reminding Americans, particularly those cultivating their own ideas and philosophies of the world around them, that Afghans, and the Middle East as a whole, are not the enemy, but rather those who have manipulated the politics, economy and religion of the region. The novel could have been geared to a much older audience, but Hosseini’s decision to use the story of a boy, his best friend and their father is a fantastic tactic that lures not only children, but also adults who often reminisce of their childhood, therefore reaching a broader audience. The mass popularity of the novel further solidifies that Americans can relate and that Hosseini was successful in changing the opinions of his readers, many of which are influential mediums of information (if you don’t believe me, just read the reviews).
Afghanistan. Home of childhood memories, a vibrant history, culture; of turmoil and hope. This is the Afghanistan I have come to understand after reading The Kite Runner. Afghanistan, a country with people that have dreams and aspirations just like Americans and who have become the unfortunate epicenter of discord, chaos and hate. Hosseini, an Afghan, has successfully helped in the transformation of opinions of Afghanistan; planting the ideologies that may one day bring peace to his country, the Middle East, and the World.

Con-Dams are A O.K!!!

Do you remember the last good Public Service Announcement you saw? I for one can't remember one that didn't make me roll my eyes in disbelief. However, I recently came upon two advertisements directed by Wilfrid Brimo for AIDES.org, a Non-Profit Organization in France that made me go "Hmmmmmm?"

Before you read on, watch the videos, but be warned, the content is of adult nature, but nothing you don't already know about (Yes. Boys have a penis and girls have a vagina).

"Baby, Baby"
Directed by: Wilfrid Brimo
Agency: TBWA, Paris
2005



"Sugar Baby Love"
Directed by: Wilfrid Brimo
Agency: TBWA, Paris
2006



After watching these PSA's, I admit I was shocked. Not only had I just witnesed cartoon characters engaging in various acts of sexual behavior, but I had witnessed an approach to AIDS that was believable: "Live long enough to find the good one. Protect yourself."

In just under three minutes, I laughed, I said "I've been there," and above all, I felt empowered. These weren't the feelings I had during sex ed. Do you remember how embarassing it was to hear your P.E teacher talk about how to use contraceptives? Totally gag me with a spoon!

I think that's why I feel these PSA's are so effective, because they understand that we need to take a different approach to preventing the spread of AIDS.

So why do we not have PSA's like these in America? Are we truly that afraid to confront a disease that deserves the kind of frankness that the French have given it?

To Thine Own Books Be True

I love the smell of a used book!

In fact, I strongly suggest that you smell every book you come into contact with - notice the aromas of pulpy delight of decades past. For this, and other reasons, I object on a personal level to the use of eBooks. I must admit, they sound tempting - especially to my lower back. However, the thought of reading from a screen, like the one I am typing on, makes my eyes bleed. Isn't it enough that we go to work (most of us) and perform task after task on computers, then go home and browse, buy, flirt, and stalk on our personal computers? The days when my backpack lacks my laptop, which are becoming fewer by the week, are some of my favorite. Afternoons at the beach would not be the same if I had to read Jackie Collins in digital - think of all the sand in those hard to get places! Furthermore, eBooks lack the personality of a book. Every crease, tear, underline, asterisk in a book is its own. To eBook would be to strip the unique mark each book has earned.

I also would like to point out that without books, what would those of us with massive book collections do to get some smoochies? Use our looks? Please, those are fleeting fast - trust me, you should see the dark, puffy circles under my eyes that Preparation-H just does not get rid of in the morning! Books, like albums, tapes, and artwork are treasured items to be displayed prominently in ones home. To imagine a home without a bookshelf would be like shopping at H&M at Neiman Marcus prices.

Therefore, eBook is a bad word, right up there with tapered jeans. Vive la Book!

Desperately Seeking Multiple Partners

20 something male student is in need of 5 to 6 outgoing/witty/contagious/thoughtful/brilliant/creative group members for MCOM 72 Group Presentation. If you think we'd connect, E-mail Me. I Bite!

Enjoy the Silence: A Campaign to Stop the Illegal Downloading of Music

With record sales on the decline due to piracy and internet file-sharing, the record industry is in need of an effective ad campaign that would tug at the ear drums of even it's tiniest consumer. The following is an idea for an ad campaign that would tune into the core audience known to download music illegally (10 - 24 year olds, according to the RIAA).

"Enjoy the Silence"
Depeche Mode
Directed by: Anton Corbijn





* the music video is not a part of the ad campaign; it was not created by me - it is here for your visual & audio pleasure.



The Big Idea:
Music is the heartbeat of our lives. We walk to it, dance to it, drive with it, make love to it. It is everywhere. It is always. Or is it? Imagine a world without new music. A world where all music is old, dated, no longer fresh. This is The Silence we dread.

Client Brief:
In an attempt to stop the illegal downloading of music, the recording & music industry, which will include any and all media that provides and/or believes in the production of music will endeavor on a month long boycott of music distribution. On an undisclosed date, all radio stations will cease to play music; music channels such as MTV, VHI, and BET will stop playing music videos; live acts will come to a halt - all in a month long silent protest.

The Goal:
By suddenly muting the ways in which consumers listen to music, the recording industry hopes to show the masses what it would be like to live in a world without music. The goal would be to demonstrate the potential consequences that may result if illegal downloading continues at the rate it currently exists at.

The Ads:
Print - One month prior to The Silence, ads will appear in magazines/newspapers that read: Enjoy the Silence (White/Bold/San-sarif font against a black background).

Billboards - Beginning 10 days before the boycott, billboards will countdown the days until the silence. They would read as follows: 1st day of billboard campaign - 10 Days, 2nd day - 9 Days, and so on, until the day of silence, on that day: Enjoy the Silence (same typography/layout as print ads)

Radio - On the designated day, at the designated hour, all radio stations that play music will play Depeche Mode's "Enjoy the Silence." When the song concludes at those precise lyrics - Silence for 24 hours. When those 24 hours have elapsed. Radio stations will go back on the air, however, no music will be played, in essence, turning into Talk Radio.

Television - 30 days before The Silence, a commercial counting down the days: hours: minutes: seconds (think Donnie Darko) will appear for 30 seconds each day, to correspond with the moment when The Silence will begin. Once the countdown is complete, a commercial will air.
Scene opens up with the sun rising over Manhattan - cue in music: Depeche Mode's "Enjoy the Silence" in the background.
Cut to a young woman showering, singing along to the song. Fade out...
Cut to a car occupied with several teenagers, listening to the song. Fade out..
Several more scenes in which people are living their lives, engaged into the song are shown, each one more rapid than the one before
Final scene: The sun setting - - the song ends withe the words "Enjoy the Silence." At that moment, all channels with broadcast music related content will go off the air for 24 hours. When those 24 hours have elapsed, only shows that contain no musical content will be aired for the next 30 days.

Internet - 30 days before The Silence, banners will go on websites such as Myspace, Facebook, and Suicidegirls. A website will be dedicated to the campaign 30 days prior to The Silence. Just as in the TV commercials, a countdown will continually display until The Silence. At which time, Enjoy the Silence will display for 24 hours. For the remainding 29 days of the protest, information will be updated daily on the history of music and the impact illegal downloading has on the music industry.

Naturally, there are some flaws in this ad campaign, but I believe something similar would be quite effective. Feedback, insight, suggestions and diatribes are welcome.

Test Test Technorati

Technorati Profile

Consume This

I swallow my media with food. In my eyes, tortilla chips and salsa go great with PBS, Flannery O'Connor and Sean Cody; often, all at once. To me, my mouth is a natural extension of my curiosity. Take for example, the documentary I watched this evening on Osama Bin Laden while devouring four wedges of baklava. Such an appropriate combination of docudrama and buttery sweetness make me feel complete. So you can imagine my outrage that food was left out of the media consumption survey. For that reason, I add the following questions:

1. I do _ do not _ snack on foods while consuming media.
(If you do, proceed to question #2, if you do not, you're a sad, sad person and jesus/allah/buddah/etc. does not love you)

2. I enjoy the following foods while consuming media:


3. Estimate in ounces the amount of food you eat per week while:
- watching tv _
- reading a book/magazine/newspaper _
- watching a movie _
- listening to the radio _
- cruising the internet _

Multiply each by 52 then go HERE to convert into pounds. If you consume more snacky pounds per year than you
acutally weigh, then (in the words of Ms. Jackson) You're Alright With Me.

For those prying eyes, I consume Craigslist.com, Paula Deen's Home Cooking, Flaunt and stolen music entirely way too often - - And all with food.

V is for V

In a far, far away LAnd at a not so good noihsaF loohcS (hold mirror up - - you get the point) was a cafe that sold overpriced sandwiches to underfed girls. Too poor for bologna, this under-privileged boy from two valleys east found the treasure of a lifetime. Stuffed between Marie Claire and Harpers Bazaar was V, a glossy wafer of fashion, art and culture. At that moment, my 19-year old brain sashayed into magazine nirvana and never turned back.

It's true. I am addicted to ready-to-wear, music with a cashew twist, and naughty films - - all in two-dimensional form, of course. My passion for magazines, particularly V, along with Flaunt, Eye and Butt (yes, you in the knows, it is technically a zine - but tack on a "mag" and we can both be happy) started unexpectedly, as most things should. My fascination with magazines of this nature is that they capture the essence of "what can be,” those things we call trends. However, unlike many other fashion magazines, V profiles musicians, artists, typographers, art schools, writers, directors and wannabe models; all done with crisp layout and beautiful photography. Above all, V offers an imaginative prospective into an all too archaic industry that frequently ignores the Mr. & Ms. No Names.

Is caramel the new black?

Every wednesday night my roommate and I gather round the tube and watch the one show we insist on watching live, rather than having TiVo do the work: Project Runway. I admit, it's highly entertaing and Heidi Klum's accent Auf's me. Recently, we've noticed a "How To" ad repeatedly broadcast during the show. It concerns a Tresseme make-up artist applying foundation to a light-skinned black woman, or as I would call her, Caramel colored. Now my roommate brought up a very interesting question in the form of a joke. As the make-up artist instructs viewers to place a lighter concealer on before applying the foundation, my roommate responds "now why can't she go darker? Everything is always about light, light, light."

Now forget about what you know about applying foundation and concealer (don't ask me how I know this, but I do) but I felt he made a good social commentary within his witty candor. Last night he ventured further, saying how the media depicts light-skinned black women as more beautiful than their darker skinned counterparts. He used Beyonce Knowles, Halle Berry and the caramel colored model used in the ad as his examples. Naturally, being the house dissenter, I chimmed in that some of the most beautiful black women are darker in complexion, for example, Iman, Naomi Campbell, Alek Wek, C.C Pounder and Whoopi Goldberg (YES, I love Whoopi). Akward silence followed for the rest of the evening and today I found myself thinking, perhaps my roommate is right in saying that dark complexioned black women are not viewed to be as beautiful as lighter ones. Now, I am at a disadvantage in that I am not black nor am I a woman, but I had to admit, I see his point. I mean look at the women I used as my examples, three of the five are supermodels, and the other two are just my personal favorites but not typically viewed as beautiful women by the media.

So really, is caramel the new black?