The Divine Mister D's Semi-Naked Truth

SUV = SUK?

The coming SUV wars

Is the tide of public opinion turning against these metal monstrosities?
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By Arianna Huffington

Nov. 25, 2002 | Once again, America is a nation divided.

I'm not talking about the irreparable, brother-against-brother split between those who think the Bachelor should have proposed to Brooke instead of Helene. I'm talking about a contentious clash that is just beginning to rage. Call it the SUV war. As you read this, the opposing camps are staking out their turf.

On one side sales of the gas-guzzling, pollution-spewing, downright dangerous behemoths continue to soar. And apparently, the more fuel-inefficient the better: Dealers are having a hard time keeping up with the demand for the Hummer H2, GM's new $50,000 barely domesticated spinoff of the Gulf War darling, which struggles to cover 10 miles for every gallon of gas it burns. The symbolism of these impractical machines' military roots is too delicious to ignore. We go to war to protect our supply of cheap oil in vehicles that would be prohibitively expensive to operate without it.

There seems to be no shortage of Americans who think that consuming 25 percent of the world's oil just isn't enough. Maybe the next model, the H3, will need to be connected to an intravenous gas-pump hose all the time. And there would still be people eager to buy it.

These are the same folks who don't give a whit (this being a family newspaper) that at an OPEC meeting last month, the oily group's secretary general announced that one of the few bright spots in an otherwise gloomy world was the U.S.'s seemingly unslakable thirst for its product. How nice it must feel for SUV owners, knowing that their swaggering imprudence is helping the world's anti-democratic oil sheiks sleep just a little better at night. Call this camp the Bigger Is Better crowd. Their motto: "Burn, baby, burn ... 30 percent more carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons and 75 percent more nitrogen oxides than passenger cars." How about this for a bumper sticker: "Honk if you hate the ozone layer!"

Lining up on the other side of the SUV DMZ are a disparate collection of groups and individuals whose aim is to win the hearts and minds -- and change the driving habits -- of the American public.

These include the Evangelical Environmental Network, which is promoting greater fuel efficiency through a provocative TV ad campaign that asks: "What would Jesus drive?" Hint: I don't think the answer is a Hummer. (Turning water into oil wasn't really his thing.) This comes at the same time that Americans for Fuel Efficient Cars, a group I co-founded with film producer Lawrence Bender, environmental activist Laurie David, and movie and TV agent Ari Emanuel, is producing ads parodying the drugs-equal-terror ads the administration is running. In this case, we're linking driving SUVs to our national security. When Hollywood progressives and the "WWJD?" crowd independently hit on the same idea, you know that something is up.

Even as SUVs continue to roll off the assembly line and out of car dealers' showrooms at a record pace, there is a growing sense that the tide of public opinion is turning against these metal monstrosities. A tipping point in the push to wean ourselves from foreign oil has finally been reached. The SUV makers have won a few battles, but they may be about to lose the war.

The new mood is very similar to the consciousness-raising that followed the efforts of Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the Designated Driver campaign. Before that, the prevailing attitude was, "Hey, what's the big deal?" The campaign hammered home a very compelling answer to that question, and the public's perception of drinking and driving was changed forever. Getting loaded and getting behind the wheel went from being cool to being antisocial. With luck, getting behind the wheel of a loaded gas-guzzler is about to undergo the same transformation.

To see how the SUV fight is going, take a look at the media, usually an excellent weather vane when it comes to these kinds of societal shifts. In the last week alone there has been an explosion in the amount of positive coverage given to the anti-SUV movement, including segments on all the networks' nightly news shows. This is no small thing when you consider the megamillions in advertising dollars the auto industry represents.

And in Washington, after steadfastly opposing any raise in fuel efficiency standards, the Bush administration let it be known last week that it is considering a proposal to increase the standard for light trucks and SUVs by 1.5 miles per gallon by 2007.

While Team Bush hailed the proposed boost as a major victory in the battle for energy independence, Sen. John Kerry, who along with Sen. John McCain last spring proposed raising the SUV standard by 50 percent, called the 7 percent increase "window dressing." Others labeled it "political theater" and "almost an insult in its modesty." A thousand dittos.

It does seem woefully inadequate -- especially when you consider how many loopholes have already been driven through by light trucks and SUVs, which are currently allowed to average 7 miles per gallon less than regular cars. And the ultimate absurdity is that if an SUV is massive enough, it is entirely exempt from federal fuel economy standards. That's right, build one with a gross vehicle weight of over 8,500 pounds -- like the Ford Excursion or the new Hummer -- and the leviathan's lousy gas mileage doesn't even have to be reported to the government.

Chew on that one and see if it doesn't rev your engine: Automakers are rewarded for being particularly inefficient. There's the Bush Free Market for you.

Even the muckety-mucks in Detroit are starting to get the message. Ford, for instance, whose executives met last week with representatives from the "What Would Jesus Drive?" campaign, has pledged to boost the overall fuel efficiency of its SUVs by 25 percent over the next three years, and plans to introduce a hybrid gas-electric model that will get around 40 mpg.

Of course, much of the industry's "we care" message is little more than a desperate attempt to forestall the inevitable and put a pretty P.R. bow on a very ugly reality. Their real message is: "We care about making money, and if doing that now means we have to make it seem like we care about the environment, then so be it." Take, for example, this "faux" socially conscious reminder offered in the new Hummer brochure: "With the power to cross any terrain comes the responsibility to protect that terrain and its potentially fragile ecosystems."

The war's not going the SUV makers' way, and they know it. So now they want to make it look like we're all on the same side. At the moment, they're trying to figure out just how far they have to go to quell the uprising. It's in all of our interests to let them know that a 1.5 mpg improvement is not enough. The consequences of our addiction to foreign oil are no longer an abstraction.

I'm Getting Friends in High Places!!!

Three of my friends just have it going on with products on-line and in real-life stores:-) I'm so proud of them for fulfilling their dreams. They are, Curt Bol, Bonnie Pike, and Rebecca Hosking.

Curt I have known the longest. He moved to Nashville approximately 3 years ago with his band Laurie Wheeler and Nash de Ville. If you like Lambert, Hendricks & Ross or Manhattan Transfer...you'll love this. Musicians include the great Larry Carlton and Kirk Whalum. Here are two blurbs from people you might recognize concerning the CD:

Laurie Wheeler and Nash deVille will blow you away. --Michael McDonald
Nash deVille puts the spang in my dang-a-lang! --Bruce Hornsby

And here's the CD:

Things Ain't What They Used to Be
Laurie Wheeler, Nash De Ville

My other 2 friends, I have mentioned before. I introduced them....Bonnie Pike is a poet and Rebecca Hosking is an illustrator...and together they produced the book, "Survive The Shadow Stalker; A Poetic Journey Through Abuse"

About the Book:

Survive the Shadow Stalker: A Poetic Journey Through Abuse, is the product of personal survival as well as over sixteen years of research, interviews, and support into the lives of others who have been victimized. Although the majority of the poems cover the terrible tragedy of child abuse, in all its forms, there are also poems regarding the abuse suffered from illness, disability, rape, war, and loneliness.

Bonnie Pike:

Bonnie Pike was born on June 8, 1956, in Westfield, New York. Four and a half years later, Edward and Mary Breuilly adopted her. The poems in this volume are first-hand accounts not only of others, but also of herself, since Bonnie is no stranger to abuse, in all its pernicious forms.

Bonnie Breuilly and Douglas Pike were married on August 10, 1974, in Albion, New York. Together they had three children and now have five grandchildren.

Bonnie often says of herself, “Not much special about this lady.” Despite this sincerely humble opinion of herself, she has made a life of striving to be more than a victim, and to bring peace and comfort to others with stories not unlike her own, especially children. While living in Pensacola, Florida, where her husband was stationed in the US Navy, Bonnie formed and ran the first successful Cub Scout Pack for mentally and emotionally challenged boys: Pack 645. She was also active in Campfire Kids with the Corry Can-Dos. The Corry Soaring Eagles, her 4-H group, gave her additional opportunity to work with children.

Starting in 1992, Bonnie also became an AIDS volunteer, working with those living with AIDS, their families, and their significant others. In this endeavor, she brought self-respect and love to those who would otherwise have been alone and ashamed. She helped the dying to find dignity within themselves.

Bonnie presently holds two degrees and is now working towards her third. She has attended Brockport State University, Troy State University, the University of Phoenix, and Chandler-Gilbert Community College.

In 1989 Bonnie began attending meetings of the Backdoor Poets in Pensacola, Florida, sponsored by the West Florida Literary Federation. Later she was published in the Backdoor Poets first chapbook and became an active member of the West Florida Literary Federation. In the mid 1990’s she became a Board Member of the WFLF and directed and produced the Reader’s Showcase for approximately one year.

She was first published in 1972 after winning a contest in a chapbook competition. The title of her small collection of works was “A Teenager’s Thoughts on Life.” Her works have since been featured in “The Emerald Coast Review,” “The Poet’s Voice,” “Amelia,” “Home Life,” and the Backdoor Poets.

Bonnie, widowed in 1998, now resides in the Southwest where she continues to write, pursue her education, and help the cause of abuse victims everywhere. All three of her children and their children live close by.

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR
Rebecca Hosking:

Rebecca Hosking was born in Blytheville, Arkansas, one of many military bases her family has occupied. From Arkansas to Iceland, Iceland to Florida and Florida to Alaska, growing up in the military environment afforded her a great opportunity to meet new people and see the world from many different perspectives. Rebecca became fond of the trend of not living in one place for too long and that carried on into her own adult life. She feels she is growing and learning the most when on the road. Always open to new homes and adventures she has traveled to many different countries covering North, Central and South America, South Asia, Europe, the Caribbean and the South Pacific. Rebecca draws on those same adventures and experiences to express her self and bring her artwork and music to life.

Over the years her work has been displayed and sold in galleries around New Orleans, Seattle, Nashville and Vancouver, Canada. While living in Nashville she participated on a compilation album of local artists called “New Faces” contributing two songs that she wrote both the lyrics and music for. Continuing to write and record music she released her own CD “A Long Way From Home” three years later. Most recently she was given the opportunity to do illustrations for “Survive The Shadow Stalker”. She hopes to open the world’s eyes to the horrors experienced by so many through her interpretations of the poetry.

Rebecca now resides in Atlanta, GA with her husband and Carlito – her Cockatiel bird. She is still pursuing her music and can be seen singing in local pubs of writing songs for her next CD.

Just a big congrats to all of you. I wish you all the best...Love Don

A Childhood Friend, Russell, Involved In A Project for the Homeless

Mister D: I thought this was so interesting and I'm glad my friend Russell sent it to me. Hope some of you find it just as fascinating:

Ovett Test Site for Cardboard House

Movie Industry Language For Those "In The Know"

A&R -- relating to the artists and repertoire department of a record company; "Capitol sent an A&R man to catch the new act at the Troubadour."

a.d. -- assistant director; "Alan Smithee's career began as the a.d. on Warners' 'Gypsy.' "

ACE -- America Cinema Editors.

ad-pub -- relating to the advertising and publicity department of a motion picture studio; "Alan Smithee has been elevated to ad-pub VP at Paramount."

ADG -- Art Directors Guild.

affil -- television network affiliated station; "Each broadcast network has an annual gathering of its affils."

Alphabet web -- the ABC television network; "The Alphabet web came in second in last week's Nielsens race."

AMPAS -- Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

ankle -- A classic (and enduring) Variety term meaning to quit or be dismissed from a job, without necessarily specifying which; instead, it suggests walking; "Alan Smithee has ankled his post as production prexy at U."

anni -- anniversary; "American Movie Classics scheduled a night of Elvis Presley pics in observance of the 20th anni of his death."

arthouse -- motion picture theater that shows foreign or non-mainstream independent films, often considered high-brow or "art" films; " 'La Cage Aux Folles' was one of the biggest hits ever on the arthouse circuit."

ASC -- American Society of Cinematographers.

aud -- audience; "Liza Minnelli has always had a special rapport with her aud."

Aussie -- Australian; "The Aussie government will vote next week on budget allocations for indigenous film production." (See also: Oz)

ayem -- A Variety coinage meaning morning (a.m.); "Barbara Walters is producing a new ayem skein for ABC."

b.f. -- an abbreviation for boyfriend, usually used in reviews (also g.f.-- girlfriend); "The story concerns a woman whose b.f. is on the lam."

B.O. -- box office or box office receipts; " 'Boogie Nights' did brisk biz at the B.O." or "The B.O. for 'Men in Black' is whammo overseas

BAFTA -- British Academy of Film and Television Arts.

Beantown -- Variety slanguage for Boston, Mass.; "The Cars were one of the biggest rock bands from Beantown." (See also: (the) Hub)

Beertown -- Variety slanguage for Milwaukee, Wisconsin; "Beertown is the final stop on the current 'Show Boat' tour."

BevHills -- Beverly Hills; "The Museum of Radio & Television held a gala fundraiser at its BevHills branch."

BFCA -- Broadcast Film Critics Association.

biopic -- A Variety coinage meaning biographical film; " 'Coal Miner's Daughter,' about Loretta Lynn, is one of the most successful biopics ever produced."

bird -- A Variety term for satellite; "The proposed channel would be carried by an Asian bird to be launched next spring."

biz -- shorthand for business or "the business" -- show business; "Alan Smithee started out in the biz as a grip" or "Alan Smithee was promoted to VP of biz affairs at Par."

Blighty -- Britain; " 'Bean' is one of the biggest hits to come out of Blighty."

blurb -- TV commercial; "Ridley Scott started his career directing blurbs."

boff (also boffo, boffola) -- outstanding (usually refers to box office performance); " 'My Best Friend's Wedding' has been boffo at the B.O." (See also, socko, whammo)

bow -- (n.) opening or premiere; (v.) to debut a production; "The pic's bow was in January"; "The Nederlander Organization will bow its revival of 'Wonderful Town' next year."

(the) Coast -- Hollywood, Los Angeles; "NBC's New York-based Robert Wright will fly to the Coast for meetings next week."

cabler -- cable network or cable system operator; "Cablers were up in arms over Rupert Murdoch's plans to launch a satellite channel."

CAS -- Cinema Audio Society.

CDG -- Costume Designers Guild.

certs -- recorded music album and single sales certifications issued by the Recording Industry Assn. of America; gold albums signify sales upwards of 500,000 copies, platinum is at least 1,000,000 copies. "In the latest round of certs, LeAnn Rimes' 'Blue' went platinum."

chantoosie -- female singer (chanteuse); "Chantoosie Barbra Streisand has a warm and sharp set of pipes." (See also, thrush)

Chi (also Chitown) -- Chicago; "The Goodman Theatre in Chi has spawned a number of today's more accomplished actors."

chirp -- to sing; "Cybill Shepherd chirped a few showtunes during her new nightclub act."

chopsocky -- a martial arts film; "Chopsocky star Chuck Norris will make a guest appearance on 'Seinfeld' this season."

Cincy -- Cincinnati; "The touring 'Phantom of the Opera' company did strong biz in Cincy before moving to Chi."

cleffer -- a songwriter; "Jay Livingston was the cleffer on many Bob Hope films." (See also, tunesmith)

click -- a hit; " Disney click 'The Lion King' is slated to air on ABC this season."

cliffhanger -- a melodramatic adventure or suspense film or TV show; usually a serial with a to-be-continued ending; "The 'Who Shot J.R.?' episode of 'Dallas' is one of the most famous cliffhangers of all time."

coin -- money, financing; "Coin for the production was raised through pre-sales to foreign territories."

Col (also Colpix) -- Columbia Pictures; "Alan Smithee had a three-pic deal at Col before he inked with Paramount."

commish -- commissioner, commission; "The director lauded the local film commish for helping find locations."

competish -- competition; " 'I Know What You Did Last Summer' outdistanced the competish at the weekend B.O."

confab -- convention or professional gathering; "TV programming execs gather annually at the NATPE confab."

conglom -- conglomerate; "Miramax was a privately owned company until it was acquired by the Disney conglom."

corny -- A term in common usage originally coined by Variety meaning sentimental, obvious or old-fashioned, out of it; "Critics dismissed Bob Hope's last special as corny and stale."

crix -- critics; "While the director's last film was a flop with auds, the crix were in his corner."

d.p. -- director of photography; "Alan Smithee was d.p. on the helmer's last two projects."

deejay (also d.j.) -- Commonly used term originally coined by Variety meaning disc jockey; "The station is changing its drivetime deejay."

DGA -- Directors Guild of America, the union of film and TV directors, assistant directors and unit production managers.

diskery -- record company; "George Michael filed suit against the diskery last year."

distrib -- distributor; "Paramount is the distrib on the project, which will begin lensing in May."

distribbery -- distribution company; "Two former studio execs are forming a new distribbery based in New York."

doc, docu -- documentary; "The new Neil Young doc has scored well with the critics."

ducats -- tickets; "Scalpers were selling Rolling Stones ducats for as much as $500 apiece."

emcee -- master of ceremonies; "Billy Crystal is being courted to emcee the Oscars again."

exec, exex -- executive, executives; "Fox execs declined to comment about the recent shakeup."

exhib -- exhibitor (movie theater owner); "Warner Bros. execs trimmed a half-hour from the picture after exhibs complained about the long running time."

Eye web -- the CBS television network; "The Eye web ranked third place in the most recent Nielsen ratings."

f/x -- special visual effects; "The film with have a big budget owing mainly to extensive f/x requirements."

fave -- favorite; "Johnny Carson was a longtime fave with latenight auds."

feature -- motion picture over an hour in length; "The director helmed TV commercials before getting into features."

feevee -- pay TV; "The film will play feevee before going to the broadcast webs."

fest -- film or TV festival; "Alan Smithee's new film will bow at the fest."

first-look -- a deal wherein a particular studio has the first option on a filmmaker's projects; "Alan Smithee has a first-look deal with Par."

flop (also floppola) -- failure at the box office; " 'Heaven's Gate' and 'Ishtar' were two of the biggest flops of the 1980s."

Gotham -- New York City; "Film production in Gotham has been on the rise for the past several years."

greenlight -- the go-ahead for a film to be made; "The Bruce Willis project was given the greenlight last week."

(the) Hub -- Boston, Massachusetts; "The production tired out in the Hub before moving to Broadway." (See also: Beantown)

H'w'd -- Hollywood; "France B.O. goes H'w'd"

hardtop -- indoor movie theater; "The film is playing in Tampa at seven hardtops and two ozoners." (See also: ozoner, passion pit)

headliner -- the top act or performer on a vaudeville or revue bill; "Judy Garland was the headliner at the Palace on three occasions."

helm -- (v.) to direct a film or TV program; helmer(n.) a director; "Alan Smithee is the DGA-approved pseudonym for a helmer who wants to remove his or her name from the project."

HFPA -- Hollywood Foreign Press Association (They present the Golden Globes.)

hike -- to increase, raise or promote; "CBS enjoyed a ratings hike Saturday night" or "Alan Smithee has be hiked to marketing VP at Par."

hoofer -- dancer; "Mary Tyler Moore was a hoofer before she got into acting."

horse opera -- Western film; "John Carradine appeared in a numerous horse operas throughout his career."

hotsy -- strong performance at the box office; "The Devil's Advocate" made a hotsy bow last weekend."

HQ -- headquarters; "The meeting was held at the network's HQ in New York."

huddle -- (v.) to have a meeting; (n.) a meeting; "CBS execs plan to huddle with their affiliates in May" or "The exec was in a huddle and was not available for comment."

HUT -- Homes Using Television, a common television industry term for households watching TV; "HUT levels are traditionally down during the summer."

hype -- manufactured promotional buzz; hyperbole; "The picture did not live up to the hype surrounding its bow."

hypo -- to increase or boost; "Producers are offering discounted tickets to hypo the show's word of mouth."

IATSE -- International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (union) (also referred to as just the IA); "Producers and IATSE reps are planning to meet on the issue."

icer -- ice show; "The arena has presented a variety of icers over the years."

IFP -- Independent Feature Project.

IMA -- Institue for the Musical Arts.

indie -- independent film, filmmaker, producer or TV station; "The new film festival will showcase indies."

infopike -- information superhighway (Internet); "The studio has formed a new division to develop projects for the infopike."

ink -- to sign a contract; "Alan Smithee inked a deal to produce and star in three pics for U."

INTV -- Association of Independent Television Stations; "The INTV is watching network ownership of syndicated programming very closely."

Italo -- Italian; " 'Fireworks' is a big click at the Italo B.O."

kidvid -- children's television; "New legislation in being considered that would increase the number of hours broadcasters devote to kidvid."

Kiwi -- New Zealander; "Kiwi director Jane Campion is in talks to helm the project."

Kudocast -- Variety term for an awards show; "The Academy Awards is typically the highest-rated kudocast of the year."

(the) Lion (also Leo) -- Variety-ese for Metro-Goldwyn Mayer (MGM) Studios, so referred to because of the company's legendary "Leo the Lion" logo; "A spokesman for the Lion declined to comment on the deal."

LAFCA -- Los Angeles Film Critics Association.

legit -- legitimate (live) theater. The term seeks to differentiate serious theater (think Shakespeare, think O'Neill) from vaudeville or burlesque; "Choreographer Michael Kidd distinguished himself in legit before working in pictures."

legs -- stamina at the box office; "The film opened big but rival distribs are dubious about its legs."

lense -- to film a motion picture; "The project will lense in Rome and New York."

longform, long-form -- TV programming that is longer than an hour in duration; a TV movie or miniseries; "The company specializes in longform production."

made-for -- a TV movie (made-for-television movie); "The producer has three feature films and two made-fors on his slate." (See also, telepic)

MAHG/MUAHS -- Make-up and Hair Stylists Guild.

major -- one of the eight major film studios (Disney, MGM, Paramount, Sony, 20th Century Fox, Dreamworks, Universal, Warner Brothers).

megaplex -- a movie theater with more than 16 screens; "Cineplex Odeon's Universal City megaplex has 18 screens." (See also: multiplex)

meller -- melodrama; "The company is in pre-production on a meller about a blind woman held hostage on a New York City subway."

mini -- A television miniseries; "John Adams mini is planned to span between 10 and 13 episodes."

mini-major -- Big film production companies that are supposedly smaller than the majors although such companies as Miramax, Polygram and New Line compete directly with the big studios; "The producers are in talks with several studios, including the mini-major New Line."

mitting -- applause; "Bob Dylan's surprise appearance at the benefit provoked heavy mitting from the crowd."

mogul -- the head of a major studio or communications company; from the title of the all-powerful emperors of India; "Media moguls Rupert Murdoch and Ted Turner have engaged in some heated verbal sparring of late."

moppet -- child, especially child actor; "Elizabeth Taylor is one of the few moppets who made the transition to adult star."

Mouse (also Mouse House) -- the Walt Disney Co. or any division thereof, a reference to the company's most famous animated character, Mickey Mouse; "The Mouse's music division is reuniting with talent manager Alan Smithee on a joint-venture label."

MPA -- Motion Picture Association (international arm of Motion Picture Association of America, MPAA, representing the interests of the Hollywood studios abroad); "The MPA regularly conducts raids on vid pirates around the world."

MPAA -- Motion Picture Association of America (represents the interests of the major motion picture studios); "The MPAA initiated its ratings system for motion pictures in 1968."

MPSE -- Motion Picture Sound Editors.

MSO -- multisystem cable operator, the powerful companies that own large local cable operations; "Tele-Communications Inc.and other large MSOs have signed on to carry the new cable channel."

multiplex -- A movie theater comprising more than two screens but less than 16; "AMC is planning to build four new multiplexes -- an eight-screener and three 12-plexes ï in the Dallas area next year." (See also: megaplex)

n.s.g. -- not so good; "While the film opened well, the outlook for long-term B.O. is n.s.g."

NAACP -- National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

nabe -- a neighborhood theater; "The film has had a long midnight run at the Vista, a Los Angeles nabe."

NABET -- National Association of Broadcast Engineers & Technicians (union); "The webs are due to begin new contract talks with NABET in February."

narrowcast -- network or programming aimed at a specialized audience; the opposite of a broadcast; "Speedvision, which narrowcasts automobile programming, is carried by most Media One systems."

NBR -- National Board of Review.

net -- network; "Many ABC stations were concerned about the viability of the net's fall schedule." (See also: Web)

netlet -- fledgling networks UPN and the WB; any network with less than a full weekly schedule of programming; "With the advent of cable and the netlets, the Big Three networks have seen their audience share erode." (See also, weblet)

niche programming -- TV programming or channels targeting particular demographics or interests; "The History Channel offers niche programming aimed at history buffs."

nitery -- a nightclub; "Burt Bacharach and Dionne Warwick recently reunited for a nitery gig in New York."

nix -- reject, say no to; as in the famous Variety headline "Sticks Nix Hick Pix," meaning that audiences in rural areas were not interested in attending films about rural life.

NSFC -- National Society of Film Critics.

nut -- operating expenses to be recovered; "On Broadway, most shows need to operate at 60% of audience capacity to cover their nuts."

NYFCC -- New York Film Critics Circle.

NYFCO -- New York Film Critics Online.

(the) o.o. -- the once-over; to examine something; "Sylvester Stallone gave the script the o.o. before passing on it."

O&O -- Network-owned and -operated TV stations; "KABC is the Alphabet web's O&O in Los Angeles."

o.t.t. -- over the top; "An o.t.t. performance by newcomer Alan Smithee marred the otherwise riveting film."

oater -- Western film, referring to the preferred meal of horses; "The Golden Boot Awards are presented annually in recognition of the work of oater stars."

OFCS -- Online Film Critics Society.

off-net -- network TV series repeats sold into syndication; " 'Seinfeld' is currently enjoying big success in its off-net run."

one-hander -- a play or movie with one character; "One-hander 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' is one of the defining films for children of the '70s." (See also: two-hander)

Oz -- Australia; "The film has performed well in Oz and New Zealand." (See also: Aussie)

ozoner -- drive-in movie theater; "The few ozoners that remain operational in the U.S. are in most cases doing double-duty as flea markets." (See also: hardtop, passion pit)

spec(s) (also spex) -- TV special(s); "The company specializes in awards shows and other specs."

P&A -- prints and advertising, the often-sizable expense that goes on a film's financial ledger after production is complete; "The film's budget has soared past $65 million, and P&A costs may add another $30 million."

p.a. -- personal appearance; "Harrison Ford will make a p.a. at the premiere to promote the pic."

pact -- (n.) a contract; (v.) to sign a contract; "The new pact calls for 6% pay raises across the board" or "The actress is expected to pact with the studio by the end of the week."

Par -- Paramount; "The director maintains offices on the Par lot."

passion pit -- drive-in theater, so called owing to their privacy factor and romantic allure for teenagers; "The pic is playing at two passion pits in Miami." (See also: ozoner)

payola -- bribery or under-the-table payments; "The proliferation of payola rocked the music industry in the 1950s."

Peacock web -- the NBC television network, named for its colorful mascot; "Must-See TV has been a highly successful promotional campaign for the Peacock web."

pen -- (v.) to write; "Alan Smithee has been inked to pen the biopic about Abraham Lincoln."

percenter (also tenpercenter) -- agent; "Mike Ovitz was a percenter before becoming a talent manager."

percentery (also tenpercentery) -- talent agency; "The director's previous percentery was the William Morris Agency."

perf -- performance; "Martin Landau was much lauded for his perf in 'Ed Wood.'"

PGA -- Producers Guild of America.

pic(s) (also pix) -- motion picture(s); "The studio plans to release four pics this summer."

pinkslip -- to lay off or fire from a job; "The company pinkslipped 60 staffers in its New York office Monday."

plex -- multiplex theater or cable channel; "The company plans to build three plexes comprising 30 screens in the Dallas area" or "HBO has plexed its programming for the convenience of subscribers."

post-production -- stage at which editing, scoring and effects are executed on a motion picture or TV production; "Post-production on 'Titanic' was escalated to meet the release date."

pour -- cocktail party; "Universal held a pour for the press in New York to promote its upcoming release."

powwow -- a meeting or gathering; "NBC held a powwow with its affiliates last month."

PPV -- pay-per-view; "The fight will be presented as a PPV event in the spring."

PR (also p.r.) -- public relations

praiser -- publicist; "A praiser for the star had no comment on the deal."

praisery -- public relations firm; "The studio is retaining an outside praisery to augment its p.r. chores on the film."

pre-production -- stage at which a motion picture or TV project is prepared to go into production; "The pic has been greenlighted and goes into pre-production Monday."

pre-sales -- Territorial sales of planned motion pictures to distributors worldwide; usually conducted to raise funding for lower budget, independent pictures; "The producers conducted pre-sales to Australia, the U.K. and the Far East at the recent film market."

preem -- (n.) an opening-night or premiere performance; (v.) to show a completed film for the first time; "Several of the pic's stars were on hand for the preem" or "The pic will preem Dec. 18."

prep -- to prepare; "The studio is prepping for the premiere of its new pic."

prexy (also prez) -- president; "The studio has no plans to fill the prexy post in the wake of the exec's resignation."

product -- completed film or TV productions; "TV series usually are not sold into syndication until the producers have at least three years' worth of product."

promo -- sales promotion; "The pic has promo tie-ins with Burger King and Nike."

pubcaster -- government-owned broadcaster; "The PBS exec declined to comment on the pubcaster's plans for fall."

put pilot -- A deal to produce a pilot that includes substantial penalties if the pilot is not aired; a virtual guarantee that a pilot will be picked up; "CBS is getting back into business with Jerry Bruckheimer, inking a blind put pilot deal with the mega-producer."

Q rating -- ad research rating that gauges how easily a celebrity is recognized -- and how well the celebrity is liked

R&B -- rhythm and blues; "R&B influences are clearly evident in the performer's work."

reissue (also re-release) -- a film released again by a studio after its initial release; "The reissue of 'Star Wars' catapulted the pic back to the top of Variety's All-Time Rental Champs chart."

rentals -- portion of film grosses that goes to film distributors; also refers to videocassette rentals; "The film has returned over $60 million in rentals to the studio" or "Video retailers report rentals on the title have been strong."

rep -- (n.) a representative; (v.) to represent; "A rep for the actress had no comment on the deal" or "The actress is repped by the William Morris Agency."

retro -- retrospective; "The film festival is unspooling a retro of Julie Andrews films."

reup -- to renew an employment contract; "The exec is not expected to reup when his contract expires in June."

RIAA -- Recording Industry Association of America; "The RIAA certifies the sales of compact disks and cassettes."

SAG -- the Screen Actors Guild, the union for film and TV actors.

scatter -- the TV network commercial time left over after upfront (before season) sales are made; "The network source said scatter sales have been so-so to this point."

scribbler -- writer; "Neil Simon was a TV scribbler before becoming a playwright." Also "scribe."

scripter -- screenwriter; "Joe Eszterhaus was the scripter on the project." Also "scribe."

SDMM -- Set Designers and Model-Makers Union.

SDSA -- Set Directors' Society of America.

seg -- segment or episode of a TV series; " 'ER' made its season debut with a live seg."

sell-through -- prerecorded videocassettes priced lower to be sold rather than rented; "The next batch of Disney releases will be priced for sell-through."

sellout -- sold-out performance; "The U2 tour was a sellout the day tickets went on sale."

sesh -- session or meeting; also a time frame, such as a weekend; "The convention will hold a sesh on film financing Tuesday afternoon" or "The film was down 36% at the B.O. this sesh."

sex appeal -- a term coined by Variety now in common usage meaning to be attractive to audiences owing to sexual aura; "Jean Harlow's sex appeal put the picture over."

shingle -- A small business, often set up by an actor or established player at a larger company; "Tom Green has launched production shingle Bob Green Films."

showbiz -- show business; "The annual Oscar ceremony is one of the biggest events on the showbiz calendar."

showrunner -- executive producer of a television series.

shutter -- to close a legitimate play or musical; "Moose Murders" shuttered on Broadway the night it opened."

sideman -- A member of a band or a session musician; "Virtually every member of the 'Tonight Show' bands --- from Conte Candoli to Kevin Eubanks --- has had his fair share of local gigs as a leader and sideman."

sitcom -- a term now in common usage originally coined by Variety, shorthand for situation comedy TV series; "A new Tom Selleck sitcom is in the works."

sked -- schedule; "Alan Smithee's new sitcom is expected to be added to NBC's fall sked."

skein -- a TV series; "It is not known whether ABC will renew the skein for next season."

sleeper -- a film or TV show that lacks pre-release buzz or critical praise, but turns into a success after it is released, usually due to good word-of-mouth, "Sixth Sense was the surprise sleeper of the summer of 1999."

soap opera -- radio (now TV) serial originally sponsored by soap companies; "The networks still rely heavily on soap operas to anchor their daytime schedules." (See also sudser)

sock (also socko) -- very good (usually refers to box office performance); " 'My Best Friend's Wedding' has done socko B.O." (See also, boff, whammo)

solon -- an authority; someone in the know; from the ancient Greek wise man, Solon; "Solons say the deal is likely to go down by the end of the week."

spec script -- a script shopped or sold on the open market, as opposed to one commissioned by a studio or production company; "Alan Smithee sold a spec script to Fox for a mid-six against high-six-figure sum."

spesh -- a television special; "HBO has pacted with Britney Spears to do a live concert spesh."

sprocket opera -- film festival; "The actor plans to attend the annual Sundance sprocket opera next year."

SRO -- standing room only; a sold out show; " 'Rent' has been SRO since it opened on Broadway."

strip -- a five- or six-day-per-week TV series, usually in syndication; "Roseanne will return to TV in a talkshow strip next fall."

sudser -- soap opera; "Sudser star Susan Lucci was nominated for an Emmy again this year."

suspenser -- suspense film; "The studio is planning a remake of the Audrey Hepburn suspenser 'Wait Until Dark.' "

syndie -- syndicated television programming, those sold to stations, rather than provided by one of the networks or netlets; " 'Xena: Warrior Princess' was at the top of the syndie ratings last week."

tabmag -- tabloid-style TV magazine show, e.g., "Hard Copy"; "George Clooney has come down hard on the tabmags over the past year."

tap -- to select or name; "Alan Smithee has been tapped senior VP of production for Warner Bros."

telefilm (also telepic, telepix) -- feature-length motion picture made for TV; "CBS' Cicely Tyson telefilm did well in the overnight ratings." (See also, made-for)

terp -- to dance (as in Terpsichore); "Suzanne Sommers' nitery act consists of some singing and a little terping."

terper -- dancer; "John Travolta was a terper on Broadway early in his career."

theatrical -- feature-length motion picture; "The actress has plans to make a theatrical while her TV series is on hiatus."

thrush -- female singer; "The cabaret scene in New York is dominated by thrushes Barbara Cook and Julie Wilson." (See also, chantoosie)

title role -- The lead part in a movie or other production for an actor or actress that is named after the title of the film. i.e. Angelina Jolie was in the title role in "Lara Croft: Tomb Raider."

tix -- tickets; "Tix for the new musical are priced at a $75 top."

toon -- cartoon; "CBS has ordered a toon version of 'Men in Black' for its Saturday-morning schedule."

topline -- to star; to be billed above the title of a show or film; "Julia Roberts will topline the director's next pic."

topliner -- a star of a particular show or film; "Harrison Ford is the topliner of 'Air Force One.'"

topper -- the head of a company or organization; "The company topper was unavailable for comment."

tubthump -- to promote or draw attention to; from the ancient show business custom of actors wandering the streets banging on tubs to drum up business; "Disney is planning a big parade to tubthump the opening of its new release."

tuner -- a legitimate musical; "David Merrick produced numerous Broadway tuners."

tunesmith -- songwriter; "Tunesmith Burt Bacharach will be given a special award at the ceremony." (See also, cleffer)

turnaround -- no longer active; a project put into "turnaround" has been abandoned by one studio and may be shopped to another.

two-hander -- a play or movie with two characters; " 'Love Letters' has been one of the most popular two-handers of the '90s." (See also: one-hander)

twofers -- coupons that discount admission price to "two for" the price of one; "The play has been on twofers for the past three months."

tyro -- in general, someone new to a field or activity; in Variety, a first-time director, writer, etc.; "Written by tyro scribes Dan Wilson and David Gilbreth, pic is the story of two genius brothers."

U -- Universal Pictures (compare to U., which refers to a university); "Barry Diller has just finalized a deal to acquire U's TV operations."

unspool -- to screen a film; "More than 30 films are set to unspool at the upcoming festival."

upfront -- commercial time sold in advance of the TV season; "A CBS source said the upfront market has been unusually strong this year." (See also, scatter)

veep (also veepee, VP) -- vice president; "Alan Smithee has been named marketing veep at TriStar."

VES -- Visual Effects Society.

vid -- video; "The film will not go to vid until it completes its overseas theatrical runs."

VOD -- video on demand; "Home Shopping Network has been developing a VOD division that will allow customers to order specific programming."

voiceover -- offscreen narration; "Tom Bosley provided voiceover for the animated production."

warble -- to sing; "Margaret Whiting warbled a pair of tunes at Tuesday night's fundraiser."

warbler -- singer; "Under its new policy, the nitery has booked a string of warblers."

web -- network; "The webs have instituted a policy of rating their own programming." (See also, net)

weblet -- fledgling networks UPN and the WB; any network with less than a full weekly schedule of programming; "The weblets are making inroads in the weekly ratings race." (See also, netlet)

WGA -- Writers Guild of America.

whammo -- a sensation (bigger than boffo); " 'Men in Black' has done whammo biz internationally." (See also, boffo, socko)

whodunit -- a mystery film (or show); "The director's next project will be a whodunit for Warner Bros."

wicket -- box office (usually foreign); "Queues are forming at the wickets for the new Andrew Lloyd Webber musical."

wrap -- to finish production; "The picture will wrap in the next two weeks."

yawner -- a boring show; "Despite a stellar cast, the play is a yawner and doesn't look to have a long run."

zitcom -- a television comedy aimed at teenagers.

Gotta Love This: Bitch Magazine

Bitch | Feminist Response to Pop Culture is a print magazine devoted to incisive commentary on our media-driven world. We feature critiques of TV, movies, magazines, advertising, and more—plus interviews with and profiles of cool, smart women in all areas of pop culture.

Bitch Magazine

A List of "Not Must-See Movies"

Mister D: A little list I thought was rather cute from Fametracker:

November 12, 2002
Fametracker's Ten Least Essential Holiday Films

The new Spike Jonze film, Adaptation, hits theatres on December 6. Steven Soderbergh's Solaris opens November 27. Scorsese's Gangs of New York drops December 20.

But enough about the films you want to see. What about the season's must-miss flicks? Sure, you have a general sense of which films to avoid. (Rob Schneider? Again?) But what about an itemized list, counting down from ten, of the season's most egregious wastes of celluloid? We hear and obey:

10. The Hot Chick

Release Date: December 13
The Plot: Witchy-looking goth teen turns out to be actual witch; puts spell on obnoxious cheerleader type, who then wakes up in body of Rob Schneider.
The Pitch: If you like Rob Schneider, you'll love Rob Schneider sausaged into little girl's halter tops!
Why It's Inessential: "Hi, I'm Rob Schneider. Can I put on your underwear? What? It's research!"

9. Narc

Release Date: December 20
The Plot: Ray Liotta plays a rogue cop who helps a narc (Jason Patric) solve a murder.
The Pitch: It's murder! It's drugs! It's two cost-effective co-stars!
Why It's Inessential: We love Ray Liotta and Jason Patric both. We do. But we worry that when a director says "They never make movies like The French Connection anymore" and "It's more about characters than explosions," what he really means is "They never make movies this boring anymore" and "Don't expect any big action sequences to distract you from the boring."

8. Blue Collar Comedy Tour

Release Date: January 10
The Plot: Four stand-up comics tour America, united by their white-trashiness.
The Pitch: It's like The Original Kings of Comedy, without all the black people!
Why It's Inessential: Because no one sat through The Original Kings of Comedy thinking, "You know, this would be better with more Jeff Foxworthy."

7. Maid in Manhattan

Release Date: December 13
The Plot: Dashing politician (Ralph Fiennes) falls for hotel chambermaid (Jennifer Lopez) in a modern-day Cinderella story.
The Pitch: (Pretty Woman + sheet-folding) - blowjobs
Why It's Inessential: Because no one sat through The English Patient thinking, "You know, this would be better with more J.Lo."

6. Kangaroo Jack

Release Date: January 17
The Plot: Jerry O'Connell and Anthony Anderson race across Australia chasing a kangaroo that's stolen money from the Mob. Yes, really.
The Pitch: My Big Fat Greek Wedding, except with Jerry O'Connell, Australia, no Greeks, and kangaroos.
Why It's Inessential: Because no one sat through Tomcats. Bonus reason: Kangaroos? Kangeriffic!

5. A Guy Thing

Release Date: January 17
The Plot: Man sleeps with his fiancée's cousin during his bachelor party, sort of.
The Pitch: Wait a second! My fiancée's a frigid bitch! Phew! Thanks, fiancée's cousin!
Why It's Inessential: Because, by being released in January, it becomes Jason Lee's first shitty comedy of 2003, rather than his sixty-third shitty comedy of 2002

4. Adam Sandler's 8 Crazy Nights

Release Date: November 27
The Plot: An animated Adam Sandler film -- with a special appearance by Hanukkah!
The Pitch: "I find the live-action Adam Sandler comedies too nuanced and confusing. Why can't they make a movie just for me?"
Why It's Inessential: Involves the word "poopsicle"

3. Extreme Ops

Release Date: November 27
The Plot: Some rad snowboarders and skiers end up in a remote ski lodge, where they run into bad terrorists, whom they proceed to stop by using their snowboards and skis.
The Pitch: There is a big market for films that show extreme snowboard tricks. Ergo, there must be an even bigger market for films that show extreme snowboard tricks, plus Rufus Sewell.
Why It's Inessential: Overheard in movie theatre, following film's trailer: "'Extreme Opes'?"

2. The Lion King

Release Date: December 25
The Plot: Hey, check out this crazy lion cub! And watch out for those hyenazis!
The Pitch: Hey kids, you know that video you have at home? The one that you've watched fifty-one times? Why not come see the same movie again, except in a theatre, for money!
Why It's Inessential: Who? What? Why? Are divorced dads really so hard up for things to do with their kids on the one afternoon of the week that they actually see them?

1. Pinocchio, starring Roberto Benigni

Release Date: December 25
The Plot: Benigni! Benigni! Benigni!
The Pitch: Benigni! Benigni! Benigni!
Why It's Inessential: Benigni! Benigni! Benigni!
- MFF

Top 100 Albums of the 80's

Mister D: This is according to Pitchfork.com...see if you have any or agree with them...it's time I jump-started this page:-)

Top 100 Albums of the 80's