Its the end of the world as we know it. At least thats what R.E.M. has rightfully said. This is a particularly astute assumption considering all the wars and rising gas prices. Yet suprisingly Congress has had time to have hearings to determine who is to blame for all of this. Its not global warming or insurgent evil doers or 21st century American imperialism. No. They have determined that the culprit is VIDEO GAMES. (cue sinister music)
Older generations have always been quick to put fault on youth culture for all the problems of the world. Teens in partciular are unjustifyably panned for been lazy slackers with their transistor car radios, rock and roll, vhs videos and rap music. Whatever new comes around, no doubt it has been critiqued for taking American society away from some unknown golden age time when everything was much simpler. Afterall, video did kill the radio star.
And blaming video games is nothing new. For practically as long as they have been in existence, gaming has recieved countless attention for being the cause of nearly EVERY problem with culture. Obesity in America? Its probably because kids sit in front of their tellys all day playing FIFA World Cup instead of actually playing soccer outside. Falling grades at school? No dobut due to our deemphasis in reading with all of those other distractions of cable television, high speed internet connections and shockingly, videogames. Over the years, video games have been turned into the scapegoat for our short attention spans, lack of work ethic, apathy, low turn out at sporting events and falling box office turnouts.
A recent NPR story that aired on Morning Edition caught my attention when it reported about one more way video games have crushed our society's hopes and dreams: the low attendance at national parks. Supposedly there might be a correlation between attendance dipping around the same time that videogames began to seep into the mainstream. Nevermind, that such things as shorter summer vacations and rising gas prices might have something to do with it. But just because there is correlation, as the story points out, does not neccessarily mean that there is direct causality. But in the other NPR blog, Mixed Signals, Uri Berliner pointed out:
But wasn't it just a few years ago that the big concern for national parks was too many visitors? Self-proclaimed stewards of nature were complaining that RV-driving families with too much gear and noisy, logo-clad kids were clogging up the parks. Now it sounds like some of those same people are fretting that the kids aren't around.
However, this congressional videogame hearing has not suprisingly proven to be fairly ridiculous. Those on the panel criticized the gratuitous violence while also trying to prove their hipness on the videogame circuit. The most recent Press Start podcast, under the alt.NPR banner, discusses violence in video games with brilliant accuracy and fun analysis. They say the main greivance most people have had over the years is the violence of the video games being a cause of violence in real life. It seems that according to many, the games reality of violence without implied consequence will confuse and influence people to enact these fantasies in school shooting and street violence. It didnt help that the killers behind Columbine tragedy were known as fans of gaming and stylized violent films like The Matrix. Meanwhile incumbant Senator Joseph Lieberman is still fighting Hollywood for these things.
Ironically games such as Medal of Honor are left out of the limelight because they depict 'moral killing' for heroic wars against Germans while the obvious scapegoat, Grand Theft Auto inspire people to rape, maim and kill the nearest Bentley driver. So what is the difference? Why are people tipping over cars and throwing mail boxes through storefront windows? These blurred line between reality and fantasy might be confusing to underprivaledged and broken homes according to Rep Joseph Pitts (R- Pennsylvania). Sadly, by that he probably means poor black people. The Daily Show with Jon Stewart jumped all over this in this in amazing fashion, catching on to the racist undertones of the congressman's claims.
When it all comes down to it, the Press Start guys, Rob Holt, Kyle Orland & Ralph Cooper say it is really up to the parents to instill some semblance of 'parenting' when dealing with their children's gaming. That is, making sure they know which games their kids are playing, what the content of the game is before buying it for their children and how long they are playing. But more importantly, it should be up to the parents to bestow some wisdom about real life consequences of violence and crime and oh... I dont know, tell them not to kill people. But then we would have to explain why we are fighting wars in other countries and why that killing is okay. I think THAT might confuse them.
So while Congress and the videogame lobbyists (yes there are lobbyists for everything apparantly) argue over what games are best for the underprivaledged children (probably Tetris, but I'm old school) perhaps instead they should spend more time looking into what is the cause of the lower class. Sadly, though I think they might come to blame terrorists, tree-hugging pro-choice advocates and tornados. Its the end of the world as we know it. But, when it comes to video games, I feel fine.
tidbits of some stuff that I have listened to today while doing work...
Throughout the course of my day I have a wide soundtrack going through my head. Its filled with NPR stories, countless new music that I get in the mail, and of course these podcasts. Right now, NPR has a few types of podcasts that we create: one being an aggregated collection of stories heard on NPR based on a topic, such as books or economy. The other being a new wave of original content we are developing specific to podcast. Both have their benefits I think. One listener might only be interested in certain NPR coverage about technology and therefore doesnt need to hear stories about health. While another listener only wants stories about pop culture. On some level I think these work because of these weekly (or biweekly) 'mixtape' collections. As a musician and avid listener of music I am drawn to the NPR: Music podcast because of the way it weaves the many aspects of NPR's amazing music coverage into a relatively cohesive grouping. I am constantly seeking out new music, new genres and hear snippets of songs and records that I have yet to discover. As much as I get new music and find stuff, there is still stuff that somehow slips by my radar, or that I have heard the name but have yet to really listen. This podcast helps expose me to some new music by showing a diverse range of tastes and genres.
In a recent podcast episode I was treated to a review of the indie-pop sounds of Tilly and the Wall, a performance from upcoming band from the week's World Cafe: Next feature as well as interivews from bluesman Keb Mo and underground guitar hero Tom Verlaine(of the 80s post punk band Television). Each segment provides great chunks of new music, insightful interviews, thoughtful commentary. I am a huge fan of both Tom Verlaine and Tilly and the Wall, so it was nice to hear on the air. NPR is quickly shedding that image of stuffy jazz and classical music (both genres I love by the way). There are also those podcasts, which we have just started producing, that are specificly not on air. These shows or segments serve as a way to give the vast ranks of NPR reporters, commentators and analysts to create a show that might not surface on air. At least that is the idea. One of the recent shows that was long in development wasIt's All Politics, a political commentary show from NPR's Washington Editor Ron Elving and Political Editor Ken Rudin. But do not discount this podcast because it conjures crusty droll banter and discussion of politics. This is not Face the Nation, nor Charlie Rose (both of which I love by the way).
This week I watched a taping of the show in the studio and the energy was incredible. Rudin is known for his quick humour and might be the funniest person in the building. The way these two well known commentators volley back and forth is much like two high school boys discussing and vamping on which Beatles record is the best (Abbey Road probably just so you know). It moved so quickly through the various topics of immigration and the Mexican elections that it was at times hard to keep up. It is what I would imagine a show would be like if TWO Robin Williams talked politics. On acid. It was incredibly ADD and humourously tangential but still very insightful and informative. Just the type of political show I can actually relate to.
Thats it for today I think. Soon I think it would be nice to talk about an issue or topic actually WITHIN these podcasts but that can come later I suppose.
More music shows for today...I will get to others tomorrow. Another great music show I have discovered comes to us from WBEZ in Chicago. The show, Sound Opinionshosted by two quite well known music journalists and authors Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot. DeRogatis writes for the Chicago Sun Times and recently released a biography on the Oklahoma City psychedelic alt-rock band The Flaming Lips. Meanwhile, Kot writes for the Chicago Tribune, among other fine publications. A podcast from June 25th features an indepth interview with Radiohead members, Thom Yorke and Johnny Greenwood.
Here they talk about the current Radiohead US tour and the upcoming 'solo' record by Yorke. Its quite interesting to hear Thom Yorke so open and and conversational recently in interviews. For a guy who used to be so standoffish to the media, he has really come to terms with his fame and attention.
What I like about music talk shows like Sound Opinions and Soundcheck are that DeRogatis and Kot are able to find interesting ways to discuss the craft of creation and the music business. And hearing Radiohead talking so honestly and with such wit about their music is quite refreshing. Really pulls the mystique away from the band in a good way-- they are so much more relateable now.
The next few days I will be taking a stab at blogging about podcasts. Its strange to say that if only because a few years ago, neither word existed. Then, I guess the future is now, so lets bask in the blips and bloops of new media. But how does one blog about a podcast? What is there to say about those amateur fanboy conversations about videogames or comicbooks that we cant just rant about on some message board somewhere? What is there to say about those news segments and talk shows, now conveniently downloaded to our portable mp3 player?
(okay, so we all know everyone uses an iPod...no one calls these things RioCasts or Rivercasts... Here is the obligatory stock photo of an iPod. )
Anyway, I think a lot can be said. Hopefully this blog will shed some light about not the phenomenon OF podcasts and how great and new and exciting and futuristic they are, but about the issues, stories and conversations INSIDE them. As a member of the NPR podcasting group, I listen to a lot of these buggers. Most of my working day is set to a soundtrack of NPR and public radio podcast segments, but also a lot of outsider podcasts. I have my favourites and perhaps this will be a good place to introduce people to some of the better podcasts out there and talk about whats so great about a particular episode.
Today I will start things off with one of my favourite shows, Soundcheckfrom WNYC in New York City. This daily radio show is basically a music version of Talk of the Nation. Its host, John Shaefer invites guests and call in listeners to discuss a variety of topics about all things music. But while most music journalism borders on self congratulation and snarky criticism and hating, Shaefer is actually able to talk about the music, the musicians and history with a sense of reference and depth of analysis.
This morning on my commute, I listened to a podcast from June 26th, which features music journalistAshley Kahn as he discusses the topic of his new book, Impulse! Records. Its an interesting history of a once top tier jazz label, made most famous in the 1960s and 70s with masterpieces from legends Charles Mingus and John Coltrane. I am quite familiar with Impulse myself, as I own practically EVERY Coltrane record, including my favourite, A Love Supreme. This might be in my top 5 jazz records list of all time-- it is perfect.
Well I recommend you check out this podcast and I will write periodically about more that I come across. Feel free to let us know which podcasts you listen to.
Okay...GREAT NPR story from yesterday. And a chance for me to share some behind the scenes action...
So yesterday was a strange but amazing day at work. I had just gotten back from watching a Bob Boilen film about the 'Chairs of NPR' from 1989 that depicted the ergonomic plights of a low budget workplace. I think this brilliantly funny and quirky documentary depicting people's work chairs in the thriftier days of NPR put everyone in a cheerful mood around the building. Anyway, I get back to my desk and shortly Sue calls saying she has arrived. I gather a few things and go to the 5th floor elevator to meet her in Chinatown.
Im caught offguard when the door reopens on the 2nd floor to a camera carrying Bob accompanied by ATC host Michele Noris, Science desk correspondant David Kastenbaum and a few other ATC producers. Bob immediately starts questioning my knowledge of the web videos floating around of people putting mentos into 2 liter bottles of coke. Supposedly there is a chemical reaction that when adding a certain amount of mentos to a bottle of warm carbonated beverage (coca cola) causing a huge geyser. The weird thing is the mentos for the most part do not disintegrate completely. You can imagine what that is doing to your stomach. Though I'd seen it previously before that, I had just been forwarded one that morning by someone here at work. The videos are pretty cool actually.
People were abuzz with interest for this, from the webteam and blogteam all the way to All Things Considered In true-NPR fashion, they decided to see for themselves if it actually worked. Bob told me that I was needed to grab questions for Michele at the All Things desk. When I got back outside with copy in hand, I did my short interview on camera for Bob about my perceptions of the science and then along with a handful NPR-staff members from the various departments awaited the explosion on the grass lawn adjacent to the building.
This is when Sue rolls up with her luggage in tow, wondering no doubt 'what the hell is going on here?' Just as soon as I explained what was going on, the first 12-15 foot geyser erupted from the bottle. Admidst a fair amount of cheers and woots from the captive NPR audience and a few random bystanders wonder what this liberal media was doing this time, Michele interviewed David about what is happening. They tried it several times with various sodas and even M&Ms. This is HARD hitting news here folks. Anyway, I felt that was a great introduction for Sue to the NPR. This might be the best place to work EVER.
Well here is how the final news story turned out...
Like many people, I have a idealistic view of some Golden Age where everyone ate apple pie and left their doors unlocked at night while they gathered around the radio with their children. Too many sick days watching Leave it to Beaver I guess. Anyway I have developed a love for many a things retro including a new obsession: old radio plays.
While developing some ideas w\ Aryn & Greg (while killing time at work) I stumbled upon this resource.
Some of these are so bad they are amazing. It is an interesting form of entertainment. Sound effects and dialogue drive these mysteries and sci fi heroics and some of it is actually great story telling. If not overly quaint. We are thinking of developing a story that can be adapted to this awesome and oft forgotten format. If I had a radio and a fireplace I certainly would listen to this stuff all night.
So gather your surrogate family and friends, pop in a DVD of a fire on your 50 inch plasma telly, plug in your iPod full of classic radio play mp3s and listen to some great adventures.
A recent internet promotion for the Chevy Tahoe, lets the user create their own television ads by selecting from a small selections of stock scenes and music. It also lets you write your own text. While this is intended to be a contest for Chevy, and a positive one at that, its proving to be a way for people to both spoof and lambaste the GM-owned car company. People are growing quite political about their messages and the media has picked up on it.
I think its a great promo, even if its not exactly being used for what the intended purpose was. And honestly, GM had it coming.
Its the end of the world as we know it. At least thats what R.E.M. has rightfully said. This is a particularly astute assumption considering all the wars and rising gas prices. Yet suprisingly Congress has had time to have hearings to determine who is to blame for all of this. Its not global warming or insurgent evil doers or 21st century American imperialism. No. They have determined that the culprit is VIDEO GAMES. (cue sinister music)
The most recent Press Start podcast, under the alt.NPR banner, discusses violence in video games with brilliant accuracy and fun analysis. They say the main greivance most people have had over the years is the violence of the video games being a cause of violence in real life. It seems that according to many, the games reality of violence without implied consequence will confuse and influence people to enact these fantasies in school shooting and street violence. It didnt help that the killers behind Columbine tragedy were known as fans of gaming and stylized violent films like The Matrix. Meanwhile incumbant Senator Joseph Lieberman is still fighting Hollywood for these things.
Ironically games such as Medal of Honor are left out of the limelight because they depict 'moral killing' for heroic wars against Germans while the obvious scapegoat, Grand Theft Auto inspire people to rape, maim and kill the nearest Bentley driver. So what is the difference? Why are people tipping over cars and throwing mail boxes through storefront windows? These blurred line between reality and fantasy might be confusing to underprivaledged and broken homes according to Rep Joseph Pitts (R- Pennsylvania). Sadly, by that he probably means poor black people. The Daily Show with Jon Stewart jumped all over this in this in amazing fashion, catching on to the racist undertones of the congressman's claims.
