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Media/TV/Film Archive

Dream Derby Premieres Tonight

“American Dream Derby” premieres tonight on the Game Show Network at 9 p.m. The New York Times declares the show “less idiotic than many examples of the reality genre,” yet the challenges involved — contestants dig through manure with their bare hands, dunk their heads in a molasses and oat-filled trough, and race around the track with 120lbs on their backs — suggest it’s not that much less idiotic. No matter. It’s about racing, and that’ll be enough to get me in front of the TV tonight.
Related: The Baltimore Sun profiles contestant Jewel Savage, racetrack novice and devoted Christian, the Times-Picayune interviews Dean Pellegrin, self-described “funny guy,” and back in December, Ocala resident Susan Bosso talked about her experience filming the show with the Star-Banner.

Posted in Media/TV/Film on January 10, 2005

A Favorite for Eviction

Legendary British racing pundit John McCririck is one of eight cast members on the new season of the reality series “Big Brother.” Locked up in a house with former actress/model Brigitte Nielsen, feminist Germaine Greer, and a gaggle of minor celebrities, the “self-confessed sexist” has wasted no time offending his housemates. (ThisIsLondon)

Posted in Media/TV/Film on January 7, 2005

Stronach Hops on Reality Bandwagon

First Donald Trump, then Richard Branson, and now, Frank Stronach. The Canadian billionaire and racing mogul is reported to be in talks with the producers of such fine TV fare as “For Love or Money” for his own reality show. “Details are not being released because once an idea gets out there, rivals try to copy it and get it on the air first, 3 Ball executive producer Todd Nelson said yesterday.” (Globe and Mail)

Posted in Media/TV/Film on December 16, 2004

Only in the Movies

Stripes: The little zebra that could. I give this film a week in theaters. (Warner Bros.)

Posted in Media/TV/Film on December 11, 2004