Ryan's Blog

Night at the Museum 2

2008-12-19T11:27:00.001-08:00

This Is Frightening...

2008-11-18T11:57:00.000-08:00

Bond's Original Drink: Not A Martini!

2008-11-14T13:31:00.000-08:00

The crowds will surge. The popcorn will flow like water. Yes, tonight marks another blockbuster Bond opening. And all you eager movie buffs can take solace in more than just another epic trip to Double-O heaven. Be proud—James Bond’s original drink of choice was all-Canadian!

It was in the 1958 novel Dr. No that Bond took a short break from saving the world to pour himself a tall, ice-filled glass of Canadian Club whisky and soda. Ya, eat your heart out vodka martini! Dr. No went on to become Bond’s cinematic debut in 1963 starring the much-loved Sean Connery.

Watch the vid for Daniel Craig talking about the series' newest drink.

Of Pussycats and see-through panties

2008-11-14T13:29:00.000-08:00

Like it or not, the Pussycat Dolls aren’t going away. Their well proportioned rumps sit atop the throne of pop supremacy. Or, at least, isn’t that what a personal line of lingerie usually indicates?

E! News Weekend spoke with PCD ringleader Robin Antin at La Senza in Toronto where she let the pussycat out of the bag and revealed her new line of unmentionables, “Shhh… by Robin Antin.”

Have a look!

UPDATE: First look at Ed Norton in 'Leaves Of Grass'

2008-11-14T10:05:00.001-08:00

I first spoke with Edward Norton and Tim Blake Nelson about this project back in September, have a look. Here's what the peeps over at Aint It Cool have to say about the new movie. Can't wait!

If a picture is worth a thousand words...

2008-11-13T12:17:00.000-08:00

How is it possible Mickey Rourke looks crazier on his big return to mental stability than he did as a raving lunatic? Eccentric or bat-shit crazy? You decide.

Chocolate Fashion Show

2008-11-11T07:37:00.000-08:00

Kim Kardashian Splits The Atom

2008-11-09T21:45:00.001-08:00

Where's My Pump-Action Shot Gun?

2008-11-09T21:36:00.000-08:00

Max Payne is pretty sweet. I'm not sure why it got such bad reviews. Okay, so I kind of understand. Nonetheless, this movie was pretty solid. There were a few moments of ridiculousness, which managed to fit into the big picture somehow... There was also a bizarre cameo by Nelly Furtado.

Otherwise, the effects and tone of the film were awesome. It was a slight departure from the story told in the original games, but not so much so that it left a bad taste in my mouth. I'm also very happy to report the 'supernatural' twist that you'd think exists based on the trailers -- not the case, -- thank God.

Wow. What is wrong with people?

2008-11-04T09:14:00.001-08:00

My Interview with Finesse Mitchell

2008-10-28T10:06:00.000-07:00

Finesse Mitchell is funny. I have a knack for understatements. Also – I’m going to go out on a limb and say ‘Finesse’ isn’t his birth name (he looks like a Clancy to me).

Regardless, I recently caught up with the former Saturday Night Live cast member in Toronto to talk about Just For Laughs, his new role as a love guru and the subsequent book… and, most importantly, his ‘hands on’ experience with Tyra Banks’ booty. Check it out!

My Gemini Preview Thing...

2008-10-28T10:05:00.001-07:00

I heart Kristin Booth.

Megan Fox. Double Meow.

2008-10-24T14:13:00.002-07:00

!@#%^!~

Rihanna. Meow.

2008-10-24T14:13:00.001-07:00

OKAY. Now I see why Rihanna is hot. Wowowow.

Lindsay Lohan Quotes Me! (... sorta)

2008-10-24T13:51:00.000-07:00

In her blog on myspace LiLo quotes my Pam interview.

And in the words of Pamela Anderson, "She can suck it"..

ME on NBC's Morning Joe (... Ft. Pam Anderson)

2008-10-24T13:40:00.001-07:00

My Pam Clip On YouTube Hits 500,000!!!

2008-10-24T13:37:00.000-07:00

Tara Oram Is Pretty Alright

2008-10-24T12:39:00.001-07:00

My story from E! News Weekend

My Interview with Rides Again

2008-10-24T12:36:00.000-07:00

Fun.

Heart Attack, pfft

2008-10-24T12:31:00.000-07:00

Ian McDiarmid suffered a heart attack today. FOOLS. As if a mere heart attack could stop a Sith Lord.

My Interview w/ Lindsey Buckingham (Part 2)

2008-10-24T12:15:00.000-07:00

Is the first cut really the deepest? It appears as if Sheryl Crow and longtime gal pal Stevie Nicks might not be on the best of terms.

They’ve performed together on tour, appeared together in music videos, and Sheryl contributed towards Stevie’s 2001 solo album, ‘Trouble in Shangri-La.’ And although every day is a winding road, will the twosome ever get back on track?

Yup back with the Lindsey interview -- I talked to Stevie’s Fleetwood Mac bandmate and former love interest, Lindsey Buckingham, who gave me the scoop on the dueling divas.

Steven Page Returns!

2008-10-24T12:13:00.000-07:00

To say it’s been a tough year for Steven Page would be an understatement. The Barenaked Ladies frontman faced divorce and braved public embarrassment after being arrested for cocaine possession. Now, he’s back in the limelight and looking like his old self again!

I recently filmed Steven rocking a packed crowd at Canwest’s Cabaret Festival in Toronto’s distillery district. Along with the great music, it was nice to see Steven hasn’t lost his sense of humour…

My Interview w/ Lindsey Buckingham (Part 1)

2008-10-24T12:09:00.000-07:00

Rolling Stone once dubbed them ‘the lovingest, fightingest, druggingest band of the 70s.’ And although a lot has changed in the last 40 years, they’re still undisputed rock legends.

The group’s lead guitarist and male vocalist, Lindsey Buckingham, is the man behind such huge hits as ‘Go Your Own Way’ and ‘Big Love.’ Dream come true! I got to interview him and talk about the possibility of a new album and world-tour!

Fuck Ya!

Tight Club

2008-10-24T12:01:00.000-07:00

(Get it? Because he's tight. I hear that's lingo the kids were using not too long ago)

I love Edward Norton. He’s as unassuming and warm as he is talented.

I spoke with Ed and Tim Blake Nelson at Kultura in Toronto as they celebrated their upcoming project “Leaves of Grass.”

Ed pulls double duty in the film—as both an Ivy League professor and a small-time pot grower who’s planning to take down a local drug lord (I’m going to go out on a limb and say that he pulls off the dual-role acting better than Eddie Murphy). Rounding out the cast, Ed speaks to an early rumour and confirms Susan Sarandon is in the film. Joining Sarandon are Keri Russell and Richard Dreyfuss.

Ed was also in town for the TIFF premiere of Pride and Glory (also starring Colin Farrell and Jon Voight). Surprisingly, this was his first TIFF experience—and, unlike many of the other stars, he wasn’t really impressed. Not just with Toronto’s film fest, but film festivals in general. It seems he feels the chaos and hype that surrounds the celebrities in attendance drowns out the real message of the films being presented.

Waiting for Paris Hilton? Not so hot.

2008-10-24T11:58:00.000-07:00

Braving heavy rain and a cold Toronto evening, I was stationed outside of Ultra Supper Club waiting for Paris and bf Benji Madden to arrive for a scheduled interview. Paris was in town enjoying the Toronto International Film Festival and promoting Rich Prosecco.

Not only did the couple show up horribly late, but when they finally did grace the red carpet, they did so blanketed by an entourage that rivaled the Persian army from 300. In one fell swoop, Paris strutted onto the red carpet… and then continued through the doors of the club – snubbing, what must have been a dozen or more media outlets.

Much like the Prosecco itself, the experience left a bad taste in my mouth.

My Pam Anderson Interview!

2008-10-24T11:56:00.000-07:00

I caught up with Pamela Anderson, who had some choice words for U.S. Republican vice presidential nominee, Sarah Palin. She even rolls her eyes at the mention of Sarah's name! Watch the video for more!

The comments came after being asked about a recent photo in Newsweek where Palin is seated next to a large bear pelt. Pam was in Toronto speaking out against the abuse of animals in Hollywood.

This video went crazy viral... all over the world.

Perez, Just Jared, NY Daily News, Access Hollywood, Late Show w/ Craig Ferguson, NBC Morning Show... Bill O'Reilly and Tucker Carlson even trashed it on Fox News!

Check out the links!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kFCw_dkiPY

http://www.nydailynews.com/gossip/2008/09/12/2008-09-12_pamela_anderson_i_cant_stand_gop_vice_pr.html

http://perezhilton.com/2008-09-11-pams-message-to-palin

http://www.accesshollywood.com/article/11209/rosie-odonnell-takes-aim-at-sarah-palin-compares-her-to-views-elisabeth-hasselbeck/

http://justjared.buzznet.com/2008/09/11/pamela-anderson-sarah-palin/

http://ca.eonline.com/uberblog/b28195_pam_sarah_palin_can_suck_it.html

http://www.hotornotgossip.com/blog/2008/09/quote-of-the-da.html

http://omg.yahoo.com/news/rosie-o-donnell-takes-aim-at-sarah-palin-compares-her-to-views-elisabeth-hasselbeck/13011

http://vancouver-newspaper-97944.blogspot.com/2008/09/pamela-anderson-to-sarah-palin-suck-it.html

http://www.hotgossip.com/pamela-anderson-about-sarah-palin-she-can-suck-it/3379/

http://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/273586/pamela-anderson-and-matt-damon-slam-vice-presidential-candidate.html

http://www.fashion.ie/aggregator/gossip/105965-pamela-anderson-sarah-palin-suck-it

http://www.celebsarepeopletoo.com/2008/09/11/pamela-anderson-to-sarah-palin-suck-it/

http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2008/09/pamela-anderson-to-sarah-palin-suck-it/

http://showhype.com/video/pam_to_sarah_palin_suck_it/

http://blog.80millionmoviesfree.com/celebrity/pamela-anderson-to-sarah-palin-suck-it

http://digg.com/celebrity/Pam_Anderson_tells_Sarah_Palin_to_SUCK_IT

http://www.gymjox.com/hotty-of-the-day-pamela-anderson/

http://glosslip.com/2008/09/11/gop-vp-nominee-sarah-palin-gets-a-mixed-bag-of-reactions-from-hollywood/

http://www.fashion.ie/aggregator/gossip/106142-gina-gershon-does-sarah-palin

http://gabbybabble.celebuzz.com/2008/09/pamela-anderson-to-sarah-palin-suck-it.html

http://entertainment.oneindia.in/hollywood/top-stories/scoop/2008/pamela-damon-sarah-palin-120908.html

http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,24333997-5006003,00.html

http://www.ecorazzi.com/2008/09/11/pamela-anderson-on-sarah-palin-she-can-suck-it/

http://www.hecklerspray.com/pamela-anderson-tells-sarah-palin-to-suck-it-whatever-it-is/200816092.php

http://www.monstersandcritics.com/people/news/article_1430279.php/Pamela_Anderson_tells_Sarah_Palin_to_suck_it__-_VIDEO

http://www.monstersandcritics.com/people/news/article_1430279.php/Pamela_Anderson_tells_Sarah_Palin_to_suck_it__-_VIDEO

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/worldnews/article-1054712/Now-Pamela-Anderson-slams-Sarah-Palin-I-stand--suck-it.html

http://mespace.wordpress.com/2008/09/12/pam-anderson-sarah-palin-can-suck-it-video/

http://poponthepop.com/2008/09/11/sarah-palin-sucks-pam-anderson-and-matt-damon-weigh-in-on-that-btch/

http://www.gambling911.com/politics/pamela-anderson-tells-sarah-palin-%E2%80%9Csuck-it%E2%80%9D-091108.html

http://www.anorak.co.uk/celebrities/189856.html

http://www.starpulse.com/news/index.php/2008/09/12/pamela_anderson_slams_potential_u_s_vice

Even Her Candy Is Slutty

2008-08-28T13:49:00.000-07:00

Trend Watch: Pajama pants all the rage

2008-08-28T13:40:00.000-07:00

You know you have issues when everyone is talking about how 'normal' you look after being spotted wearing pajamas under your blazer.

What do Michael Jackson and Wal-Mart have in common? Boys underwear half-off.

Drinking With The Stars

2008-08-28T13:29:00.000-07:00

We all know celebrities are no strangers to excess. Whether it’s bling, cars or partying, the rich and famous are fast and furious with their spending habits. Just ask celebrity mixologist Shoana Jensen, who tends to some of Hollywood’s glitziest guzzlers.

“At one table I had Michael Douglas, Liam Neeson, Robin Williams and Harrison Ford,” she tells E! News Weekend at the launch of Absolut Mango in Toronto. “They all had vodka. They like it nice and simple.”

But with this year’s Toronto International Film Festival just around the corner – what’s hitting the ice in celeb shakers? Shona tells us that Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie share more than just a weakness for Brad Pitt. Both doting divas love a good shot of tequila! Jen likes hers with a margarita, but in typical Angie-fashion, Mrs. Jolie-Pitt likes hers straight up! We love you Angelina.

For TIFF and going forward, the larger trend seems to show old classics are getting new pop twists. Bourbon and tequila are making strong strides back into the limelight, while Champaign cocktails are a welcomed change for hip socialites.

And back on the vodka train, is Julianne Moore angling for a role in a future Sex and the City movie? Shona tells us the ageless redhead loves a good cosmopolitan—while the sweet and saucy Charlize Theron can’t get enough citron flavoured vodka.

Also on the upswing, mango flavoured drinks are all the rage as Hollywood North tries to hold on to what’s left of summer.

from eonline

Estelle's Canadian Boy?

2008-07-25T13:51:00.000-07:00

British hip-hop sensation Estelle might have to rename her hit song “American Boy” to “Canadian Boy” after her encounter with Canadian soccer star Jim Brennan this week.

Estelle performed at the MLS All-Star game on Thursday, and we thought it would be fun to get Jim to show her a few tricks of the trade. But being the good Brit girl she is, Estelle had a move or two already up her sleeve…or down her shirt…though she quickly realized the soccer chest-butt is a lot less painful when you’re a man.

After the brief soccer lesson, we thought we’d turn the tables on the Toronto FC All-Star.

On the fly, Estelle turned “American Boy” into “Canadian Boy”—a duet featuring Jim’s uncanny vocals and references to Queen St. and Ontario Place. Pretty impressive. Jim even beat-boxed briefly before Estelle put a stop to it…for his own good, really.

LINK

Young celebrities are annoying.

2008-07-25T09:57:00.000-07:00

What the hell is wrong with these people? It's bad enough to make something like this to begin with, but then to post it online? I know they're just 15 or whatever, but I certainly wasn't that ~~irritating~~ ~~obnoxious~~ stupid at that age.

Grr.

David Beckham is unfair.

2008-07-25T08:06:00.000-07:00

Many women (and some men) have asked themselves: could David Beckham be any more perfect? The answer is YES. British R&B sensation Estelle calls it the “Beckham aura.” And after spending some time this week downwind of his wafting aura, I can let you in on a secret... David Beckham is a helluva guy!

E! was on hand for the MLS All-Star festivities in Toronto this week – which gave me a chance to catch up with Estelle and Canada’s own Jim Brennan (of Toronto FC). But, of course, I made it my top priority to take in some Beckham ~~stalking~~ watching.

Like bird watching, the goal is clear: observe the specimen in his natural habitat (in this case: stretching, running, looking hot) while not drawing attention to yourself and risk scaring off the rare and exalted creature.

Mission accomplished.

Beneath the steely, chiseled exterior of Mr. Becks lies a warm family man (and you probably thought there were just more abs under those abs!).

All-Star Jim Brennan had this to say about the Armani Johnny. “Yeah, he’s cool. Very chilled out. He’s a family man, very down to earth and easy going.”

And amid applause for Victoria Beckham’s taste in husbands, Estelle added, “He’s lovely. David’s got a good shape to him, I’d say.” -- Which I believe is British for, *drooool*.

At D-Bizzle’s press conference I saw another shining example of his good nature. All questions were answered with candor and he even said good morning and thanked us for coming out (media grunts are not often greeted with… umm… what’s the opposite of hostility?). And at one point I believe the lights in the building went out, and David’s smile illuminated the room – this has yet to be officially confirmed.

And yes, I called him D-Bizzle… think it will catch on?

admitting that another man is attractive doesn't necessarily make you a homosexual. Not that there's anything wrong with that. -Seinfeld

eonline.com link

5d People

2008-07-13T19:06:00.000-07:00

- Jeff Goldblum
- Jeff Martin
- Joni Mitchell
- William Shatner
- k-os

People on the planet Earth are tired
In an effort to aid the great shift, myriads of light bodies incarnate - k-os

Tara Oram a newfywed in waiting?

2008-07-11T11:06:00.000-07:00

from my interview with Tara Oram...

LINK

Facebook existentialism

2008-07-09T19:05:00.000-07:00

"Joe Blow is."
"Joe Blow just is."

You're so esoteric... no one's ever thought of that before. Congrats.

TTC Death Trap

2008-07-09T16:06:00.000-07:00

The Terrible Transit Commission strikes again. Leslie Street at Overland Drive is a vehicular manslaughter waiting to happen. Cars fly by at all times of the day – in mass quantities. Meanwhile, transit riders on one side of the street (from Global Television, Canadian Tire and some accounting firm) play human-frogger as they attempt to juke and jive their way across … what basically amounts to a highway.

Just a few minutes down the street, there are cops stationed to help people cross the road and catch the bus – for those lucky enough to work for Wrigley or Holiday Inn – apparently these humans have been analyzed by the city of Toronto and the TTC and are found to be more valuable to society than the rest of us. We outcasts simply get a sign urging us to cross during breaks in traffic … … great policy when there are few breaks and the wait between buses can be 20 minutes or more.

Is it going to take a death at this intersection before a proper crosswalk or police is stationed? Hell, put an actual intersection with lights… there’s no reason Leslie has to be the fucking autobahn.

My interview with Wyclef Jean

2008-07-04T15:56:00.000-07:00

Check out the E! Online Blog Post here

Woofstock '08

2008-07-04T13:30:00.000-07:00

My piece for E! News Weekend on Woofstock in Toronto.

Listening > Talking

2008-07-04T13:20:00.000-07:00

It's hard to solidify one's self in a Teflon-slick culture based primarily on the concept that identity is not self-defined, but instead a product of your surface blessings, failures, handicaps, advantages… This, of course, is not the capitalist’s outward modus operandi – though through the implementation of socialization, this is clearly the statement being made.

“Sometimes I feel like I'm in a foreign land
And there's a mirror I'm looking through
Lost in the place where I was born
Without a hand to hold on to”

Even more destructive is the notion that this outward definition of one’s indefinable essence is a scale – useable for measuring that which we’re able to feel, and to what to degree we’re able to feel it. To say someone shouldn’t feel unhappy, or shouldn’t feel isolation based on their outward advantages is a condescending and evil statement.

Most often, listening and saying nothing is more consolation than words can provide.

A Man Without Things

2008-04-19T13:54:00.000-07:00

My short documentary on Michael Debrule who lost everything in the tragic fire on Queen St. West in Toronto.

Part 1

Part 2

If...

2008-04-19T12:15:00.000-07:00

If you can keep your head
While all about you
People are losing theirs and blaming you
If you can trust yourself
When everybody doubts you
And make allowance for their doubting too.

If you can wait
And not get tired of waiting
And when lied about
Stand tall
Don't deal in lies
And when hated
Don't give in to hating back
Don't need to look so good
Don't need to talk too wise.

If you can dream
And not make dreams your master
If you can think
And not make intellect your game
If you can meet
With triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same

If you can force your heart
And nerve and sinew
To serve you
After all of them are gone
And so hold on
When there is nothing in you
Nothing but the will
That's telling you to hold on!
Hold on!

If you can bear to hear
The truth you've spoken
Twisted and misconstrued
By some smug fool
Or watch your life''s work
Torn apart and broken down
And still stoop to build again
With worn out tools.

If you can draw a crowd
And keep your virtue
Or walk with Kings
And keep the common touch
If neither enemies nor loving friends
Can hurt you
If everybody counts with you
But none too much.

If you can fill the journey
Of a minute
With sixty seconds worth of wonder and delight
Then
The Earth is yours
And Everything that's in it
But more than that
I know
You'll be alright
You'll be alright.

Cause you've got the fight
You've got the insight
You've got the fight
You've got the insight

- Joni Mitchell/Rudyard Kipling

Deceptive Intention: The Means/End Simulacra

2008-04-19T12:09:00.000-07:00

The dichotomy of media ethics presents an interesting problem. By its very nature, the media is a reflection of society and therefore susceptible to the same evils and capable of the greatest of goods. Most reputable media outlets would believe their organization holds a higher ethical standard to the average person – despite, themselves, employing largely regular people. These organizations have guidelines and rules to keep their employees (creators of media – journalists, etc) ethically on-track. But again, isn’t it the very nature of man to at best misunderstand rules or find ways around them – at the worst, outright break them? It’s impossible for any media outlet to have 100% faith and certainty in its employees, but the message broadcast to its consumers is that of credibility and absolute ethicality. If a media outlet were to continuously break the public’s trust with egregious unethicality, there would be no discussion as to what would take place –another outlet would move in and seize the audience, promising higher credibility and assuring absolute trust in their guidelines and stringent ethical ideology. But are any of these outlets truly ethical?

One needn’t broadcast a massive lie or unethicality to do damage. I’d argue that the smaller, more subtle deception is equally, if not more so, harmful to the public at large. This “smaller” brand of deceit comes in the form of illusory intention, manipulation and using the public as a means to an end. It’s difficult to quantify the damage caused by these less visible infringements of ethicality, but for that very reason they are quite dangerous and lead to a hyperreal simulacra.

Using the public as a means to an end is almost always unethical. However, as journalists our primary goal is the collection and reportage of facts – also known as, the end result. And quite often the process, or means, to getting that end results is secondary in importance (so long as you’re not violating any numbingly obvious ethical standards). It’s a constant battle of speed and pressure versus accuracy and deliberation – two very conflicting paths. At what point is deceiving your interviewee and/or the public justified? If an attractive female reporter uses her sexuality and flirts with an interview subject, is she behaving unethically?

“I think it’s a help being a female, especially in sports or business writing, because you’re dealing with males and you can ask a dumb question, you can flirt and flatter and get information that way. Flirtation and flattery are two very important tools.” – Dianne Francis

Her intention is deceptive, and she has her end goal in mind – not the interview subject sitting in front of her. But her editors and colleagues will praise her ability to get juicy information. Which is more important – the process or the product? In the world of capitalistic media, perhaps the latter – but any discussion involving ethics would place the process on equal footing as the product. They share a completely symbiotic relationship. This kind of deceptive artillery can not only deceive an interview subject, but can also be seen as a violation of that interview subject.

“I think (interviewing) comes naturally to people who have spent a lot of time seducing women. It’s the same process. If you really want to know what a person’s like inside, you have to seduce them. You’ve got to really drill into them, first of all to get them to tell you who they are. You have to fulfill the role so that you can be the kind of person they release themselves with. And that’s the essence of seduction between the sexes. The problem is that afterward, some of them feel that they’ve been raped.” –David Lees.

The one-on-one relationship a reporter has with his or her interviewee is one thing. Violations of trust and deceptive intent can be written off as only affecting that particular person. The truth, however, is that it’s far more widespread. By creating a base of deceit, the entire piece and broadcast power it holds is affected by the same deceptive disease. Everyone who watches or consumes the media has now been manipulated.

Such is the world of manipulation. From birth we are socialized and indoctrinated with manipulation. It is the way we say things, the time at which things are best said, and the things we omit. Everyone manipulates. Everyone is conditioned to manipulate, and we are all conditioned to be manipulated.

For example, if you’re a low-level employee and your supervisor asks, “Is (X location) on your way to (where you’re going for your lunch break)? Would you mind dropping (a personal package) off on your way?” Your answer is likely, “Yes.” But if you were to analyze your feelings as you were being asked, quite often people would feel resentful and annoyed at the personal request that’s beyond the scope of their job, and resulting infringement of their own personal time. So why can’t you say, “No?” Any yes or no question – of this nature – where, “No.” isn’t a viable option for a rational-thinking person means you are being manipulated – due to the way your boss presents the question, their use of language (please, would you mind, etc) and their managerial position over you. You can't say no. That isn't an option. Not only is that your boss, but it was asked in such a seemingly friendly way. If you were to say no, you could be fired or, at least, the question could get re-positioned as its true form – an order.

This is just one of thousands of lies and manipulations that we experience every day. We’re active participants. “Hello, How are you?” an acquaintance asks passing you on the street. “I’m fine, how are you?” you reply. “I’m good, thanks.” they reply. The intent is harmless, but you’ve both likely just lied and manipulated each other numerous times. If the person cared how you are, they would have stopped to hear what you had to say, and not carried on. Morever, few people are ‘good,’ and even fewer still care how another is feeling, and so on. Is it social custom? Yes. Are they also lies and manipulation? Yes. And as I will explain later, it is no longer a real social custom, but a hyperreal social custom that no longer imitates the original – instead replaces it.

This is not to say all manipulation is negative in intent. Manipulation is itself a quaint word – having no hot or cold clarification. Famous has notorious, glory has infamy – but manipulation exists in a world by itself – a world which is perceived as being exclusively negative. I suggest not all manipulation is evil and cruel in intention. That being said, not having awareness to its consequences is no excuse to that which can occur as a result. I liken it to our legal system – ignorance to the law is no defense.

Furthermore, manipulating your acquaintances into thinking you’re interested in their day isn’t a negative thing. But when one is dealing with the power of the media, one must realize that every singular deception is amplified and recreated with each media consumer. This is where the most offensive of the means/end scenario takes shape.

As the root deception and manipulation proliferates through media consumers, it creates a dangerous simulacra. Which is to say – it’s not as much an imitation or replication of the true interview process or the true piece of media (and thus society, since media is a reflection of society) -- it is more a process of substituting the signs of the real for the real, substituting the interview of questionable intent for the interview with legitimate intent. It is the process of now recognizing the difference.

“To dissimulate is to pretend not to have what one has. To simulate is to feign to have what one doesn’t have. One implies a presence, the other an absence. But it is more complicated than that because simulating is not pretending: “Whoever fakes an illness can simply stay In bed and make everyone believe he is ill. Whoever simulates an illness produces in himself some of the symptoms” (Littre). Therefore, pretending, or dissimulating, leaves the principle of reality intact: the difference is always clear, it is simply masked, whereas simulation threatens the difference between the “true” and the “false,” the “real” and the “imaginary.” – Jean Baudrillard

Though these manipulations at the very beginning of the process seem miniscule, they add up – they gain strength – they delude the public. At this stage, the very reality of our reality has to come into question. It is for this reason that a reporter’s intention when conducting an interview or creating a piece of media is important. Using an attribute as a means to an end (playing your sex to coerce an interviewee), using an interview as a means to an end (to get a good story), using a piece of media as a means to an end (to further one’s career) -- are all unacceptable things. It is possible for the desired outcome of these scenarios to take place naturally – but the intention must always lie in the now – in the truth and integrity of the interview – in the truth and integrity of the piece of media – knowing the kind of power such a device holds.

To conclude this brief essay, I would just like to reiterate the power and importance of our word. Through broadcasting and print, or on a personal basis – it has an unimaginable power. Not just for one another, but to define the very reality we comprehend. Journalists face constant pressure and stress – but it is a position in our society that comes with immense responsibility. The solution is simple – not easy, but simple—. There are no white lies in journalism. Media creators – outlets and journalists alike— should not enter a story with illusory intention. Instead they should act as they are, be interested in that which interests them, and ask the questions they’re curious about. Don’t issue a story on the homeless if you feel you have to because it’s February and 20 below zero. Do it because you genuinely care. And will continue to care a week after the piece goes to air.

“The word is not just a sound or a written symbol. The word is a force; it is the power you have to express and communicate, to think, and thereby to create the events in your life. […] The word is the most powerful tool you have as a human.” – Don Miguel Ruiz

"A word after a word after a word is power." - Atwood

Self-Abuse

2008-03-15T19:28:00.000-07:00

In your whole life nobody has ever
abused you more than you have abused
yourself. And the limit of your
self-abuse is exactly the limit that
you will tolerate from someone else.
If someone abuses you more than you
abuse yourself, you will probably walk
away from that person-- But if someone
abuses you less than you abuse
yourself, you will probably stay in
the relationship and tolerate it
endlessly.

If you abuse yourself very badly, you
can even tolerate someone who beats
you up, humiliates you, and treats you
like dirt. Why? Because in your belief
system you say, “I deserve it. This
person is doing me a favor by being
with me. I’m not worthy of love and
respect. I’m not good enough.”
We have the need to be accepted and to
be loved by others, but we cannot
accept and love ourselves. The more
self-love we have, the less we will
experience self-abuse.

Self-abuse comes from self-rejection, and
self-rejection comes from giving an
image of what it means to be perfect
and never measuring up to that ideal.
Our image of perfection is the reason
we reject ourselves; it is why we
don’t accept ourselves the way we are,
and why we don’t accept others the way
they are.

The Four Agreements, Don Miguel Ruiz