To those who don’t watch the Colbert Report, this game may be something new. But if you’re part of the Colbert Nation, you should be familiar with this popular segment by now! Here is PUBLIC’s version of “Tip of the Hat, Wag of the Finger”—enjoy!!
Tip of the Hat: HBO Hard Knocks
Now entering its 10th season, the highly acclaimed HBO sports series is back again–this time with the NY Jets. Although, I despise the Jets; one cannot take away from the ever charming rants of Head Coach Rex Ryan, and the colorful cast of personalities that layer the locker room of the NY Jets. The show’s uncensored access it offers audiences is unmatched by any football program and essentially invites viewers into the long days of their favorite NFL training camps.
Wag of the Finger: Ben Stiller
On Saturday, I spent a relaxing evening indoors and elected to treat myself to a pay-per-view movie–and unfortunately selected ‘Greenberg’. After viewing the preview, I was expecting a deep themed, and carefully constructed script to bring Stiller’s rare indie performance to the next level. Instead, I was ambushed by a long winded, witless, romantic comedy hybrid; that left me feeling like I wasted a good portion of my evening waiting…and waiting…and waiting. The movie dragged on forever, and instead of delving into the psyche of our lovable Greenberg, it proceeds by being dry and insanely anti-climatic. Every time the viewer is set to hear the movie’s real conflict, the writers steer away or dismiss the issue; leaving the main point of conflict the health of his brother’s ill dog. Ben Stiller, I’m a big fan; but I want my money back for this one!
Tip of the Hat: Twitter Movie Spoof
While the buzz surrounding Oliver Stone’s Facebook inspired movie; in this day and age, it is only a matter of time before a spoof on youtube surfaces. While many spoofs are ‘hit or miss’, this spoof is a direct hit! The viral video manages to stick to the flow of it’s original preview, while not using any over the top humor. The clip is stuffed to the gills with witty and creative one-liners; taking aim at Stone’s movie idea as well as Twitter in general. This video is a definite must see, as the release date of this film nears!
Wag of the Finger: Stevie Slater
I call you Stevie, because I feel like I know you personally after you soaked up more media coverage than Lohan, Tiger, and Mel Gibson combined! This is the 3rd straight blog post Mr. Slater has appeared in for PUBLIC, and I’m finally hear to burst his bubble. Late last week, stories surfaced that Slater has had numerous issues he had been struggling with over the last few months and that this flight was his breaking point. However, while I don’t applaud the actions of the woman, reports have said that Slater was obviously disturbed hours before the altercation. Personally, that takes away from the overall ‘cool factor’ of the story. No one likes bad service, and if you’re having a bad day their are better ways to deal with your anger than making snooty comments while you complete the flight’s beverage service. Though issues in his personal life have him in a state of emotional distress; Slater’s consistent rudeness and his lack of spontaneous hostility towards a rude passenger kills the story for me. Now my feelings reflect a popular tweeters when he says, “ Hey Steven Slater, shut the @#$% up and bring me my coffee”.
Tip of the Hat: Entourage
The entire office knows that Entourage is one of my favorite shows of all time, and as of late the office discussion has been reserved to criticize HBO’s hit show and poke fun at the diminishing entertainment value. Well consider that discussion topic OLD NEWS; this past Sunday Entourage came roaring back with more interesting story lines than fans can handle. Billie is back and has found peace with himself, Amanda is still a wench, Vince channels his inner Lindsay Lohan, Turtle is hustling tequilla, Drama is dying for a new hit show, and Ari’s reputation in Hollywood is deteriorating; I mean what is not to like? Those who previously thought the show was going down the tubes, should tune in ASAP–because the boys are finally back!!
Wag of the Finger: Dr. Laura
I will try to keep my opinion of Dr. Laura’s rant concise, let me first address the obvious. Was it really necessary to use the N-word, 11 times in one interview? The short answer is no. But is anyone else disturbed how easily that word rolled off the tip of her tongue? When I replay the tape, Dr. Laura almost seems like she is starved for anything to keep her relevant. She even comes to the conclusion that if interracial couples marry, they should expect and accept racial jokes that will be made at their expense. Are you telling me someone with a P.h.d logically came to that conclusion? Anyway, I digress. My real issue comes with her attempt to make a ‘philosophical point’ that many have failed miserably in doing so in the past. While she struggled to grasp HBO comedy specials starring African Americans as her primary reference basically claiming that they say it, so why can’t I? Well here is my question, why do you feel so passionately about the n-word being taboo for races outside of the black community? Is it relevant why some black comedians insist on using the word, or does the constant usage by black comedians in a comedic context take away some of the harshness of the word’s origin? The short answer is no. For such an educated person you truly are a moron and should make reference to a preschool rule we have ALL heard before: a few wrongs, don’t make it right!
-Aaron
Tags: Mr. Colbert, New York Notes
