What's your resolution?

So, I wonder how many New Year's Resolutions you're going to break for 2008. I already know where I stand. With losing 30 pounds by Spring Break, eliminating debt, and selling a "golden" script under my belt, I'm sure I can add more to my "To-Do, still, List" for the New upcoming Year.

But seriously, there really needs to be a momentous change, some of which are imperative for us to ascend to a higher echelon as individuals and as a nation. Whether you're tuning into Hillary "the 1st" Clinton, following Ron Paul's true constitution-defending wisdom, or looking to Ba'rock the Vote - it's important that you know the issues and realize that we are in a time of great historical relevance. Deter from the daily distractions that help you to disassemble your resolution attempts and get involved in the next growing phase of our nation.

I believe America is reaching its young adult years as a nation and is in a state of re-definition, struggling to establish its identity. The United States is a rather unique form of residency. There's a mix of immigrants and the descendants of, people looking to start a new life and others seeking refuge until their home country regains its footing. One way to look at it is, I cannot actually see myself going to China and being accepted as Chinese, yet someone from China can come here and successfully be considered American, somewhat escaping confined labels, balancing old and new heritage with family. It's remarkable, and going abroad this spring will certainly help sharpen my perspectives.

But to those who keep abreast of important historical events, socio-economic and political, we all must do our part in re-educating the nation of their duty to keep the people informed by truth and not coercion, moved by natural law-not by tainted permit, and hold true the checks and balances of government by the people, for the people. Know the issues, because by the look of all the unfamiliar chunks off your paycheck(s), unfavorable health & general insurance policies, and dumbed-down masses, I'm sure they know you.

Incidentally, I almost led a list of probable movies, shows, and music LPs to look forward to-and-look away from for the 2008 year, but I truly feel that young adults (and teens alike) must see past the iPod Touch giveaways, discount Walmart TVs, and season finales and affirm a true position on taking this nation into the right direction. By learning history and tying certain points together with current events, I have learned to shed my apathy for anything political, and high-end financial/economic, and I know you can do the same.

My future film stars and crew, music makers and wanna-bees; embrace the new year with a new-found understanding. Make your New Year's resolution a task to help others keep theirs, and we just might accomplish them all. Maybe later I'll list some movies to look out for, but for now, take notice.

"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."
- Benjamin Franklin

Duty calls.

Hostages and Strikes

I would be remiss if I wrote this blog without discussing the recent violent situation in New Hampshire. I get "Politico Breaking News Updates" (and I highly recommend them to any other political junkies out there) to my gmail and I nearly fell out of my chair when news of the hostage situation popped up on my screen. I think NBC Nightly News correspondent Andrea Mitchell deftly covered the story, providing analysis on the possible political ramifications of the event without appearing callous to the ordeal the people of Rochester, NH endured. It seems this is a perpetual challenge in the news media: balancing humanity with journalistic responsibility. To simply overlook the possible political ramifications of this traumatic event would be irresponsible. As Mitchell said, this hostage situation could irrevocably alter the deep-seated "open door" retail politics that characterize the New Hampshire political milieu. However expressing this analysis without insulting those who went through the hostage situation (and an entire town put into lock down) is a formidable challenge. There was a fine line to walk in reporting that story.

On an entirely unrelated note the WGA strike continues, leaving millions adrift in a sea of lackluster reality TV entertainment where once there were legitimate sitcoms to enjoy. I suggest tuning into the Pats vs. Ravens game tonight at 8:30 on ESPN (one that challenges my loyalties, what with being a Maryland gal living in Boston) or the classic Charlie Brown Christmas (I love it!) on ABC at 8 pm rather than suffer through yet another E! True Hollywood story or, worse yet, the Surreal Life. All joking aside, the WGA strike has the potential to forever change the entertainment industry. Here's how it breaks down: writers (and other crew members) get residuals (money) every time a "re-run" of a show they were involved in airs. As Jenna Fischer, cast member of The Office, explains in her blog, "We all count on the extra income that residuals provide as it can help us through a slump in our career when we aren't working as regularly. It is our safety net. In 10 years I may need those residual checks to cover my electric bill. You never know. Hollywood is a fickle town." (Fischer, in her blog, offers great insight on life as a sitcom actor during the strike. I highly recommend taking a look.)

With the advent of online reruns--episodes of popular shows aired on network websites like NBC.com, ABC.com, etc.--the issue of residual pay has become tricky. Writers do not receive any cut of profits made from online reruns--and there is lots of money made. The distribution cost of submitting an online rerun is lower and the increased popularity of watching reruns online is ever-increasing, allowing network execs to bump up the cost of ads shown during the online runs. As internet media becomes increasingly important in the entertainment industry, residual pay for online reruns becomes a critical issue. For ongoing analysis, I suggest Slate's "Hollywoodland" blog. Let's hope for a swift and equitable solution to the strike.