Lou Pickney's Online Commentary
PMA=OPM
Thursday
February 12, 2004
For those of you who listen to the Bubba The Love Sponge show, I'm scheduled to be on in the 7 AM hour tomorrow, along with Executive Producer Brent Hatley, from Malibu Rayz in Tampa. We're going to get the "Mystic Tan" spray-on tan procedure done, which should be an interesting experience. Brent may be the only person in Tampa with paler skin than mine, so it should be a fun before/after comparison (I'm bringing the digital camera, don't worry). I should be nice and fake tanned, just in time for the Big Easy.
|  | | This sign said it all to me at Mardi Gras 2000. |
And, ahh yes, New Orleans. The trip is set. I talked with James Maynor this afternoon, and we're locked in with everything. With the business of everything from the Bubba DVD to the new car, it has snuck up on me. But the Big Easy in Mardi Gras season is something I can have sneak up on me without worry. James and I, fueled by hurricanes and on the prowl on Bourbon Street? Good lord, hold onto your seat.
It will be a few days before we get to talk again (or, more accurately, before you get to read a new column from me again), so now's a good time to talk television. I've noticed some things that should be addressed:
-If you don't have a DVR (Digital Video Recorder) or TiVo, invest in it. It's like having a cell phone; it will make a major impact on your everyday life. Commercials are a thing of the past (though I did see a horrid
Channel 10 promo about Viagra by chance: more on that in a minute).
-Is there a way that I could get Bright House cable to hire me as a salesman for the DVR unit? I've converted at least three people I know of to using it, and they're all thrilled. I want a cut of the cable action!
-Speaking of DVR, that has allowed me to start watching the show The Apprentice, which is an interesting program. Donald Trump comes across to me as being a likeable person. His enthusiasm and love of great people and great accomplishments is admirable, and his stern nature in the boardroom is entertaining.
-If you haven't watched Fox's My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiancé, you're missing out on the best rib on television in years... possibly ever. It's the next step in the evolution of the "Reality TV" genre.
-It's only been a week, but I really miss Line Of Fire. And given ABC's track record of killing great shows before their time... well it scares me. Speaking of ABC, my friend Stacey Luckey from work (who I turned into a fan of the show) e-mailed ABC asking them to keep Line Of Fire on the air. She included a return receipt with the e-mail would be received. The receipt came back... saying the e-mail had been deleted without having been read. Nice audience relations there, ABC. And you wonder why you're in 4th place...
-Regarding that WTSP promo on Viagra, it went something to the effect of "Millions of tax dollars are spent every year on Viagra." Since when does TV news actually do a story about overspending by the government? "This could cost taxpayers XXX dollars" is typically reserved for stories that the newsroom doesn't like. Otherwise it's spun as "free prescription drug benefits" or "discounted housing loans" etc. And don't think I'm picking on WTSP here -- nearly every TV news outlet is guilty of this sort of thing. It's inherent to the business. Which is yet another reason why I'm glad to be free from it.
In case you were wondering, the title of this column stands for Positive Mental Attitude = Other People's Money. It's a good thing to keep in mind in business.
Not much else to say... except that I'm a fake suntan and a direct flight away from Mardi Gras 2004. It's like the Olympics, once every four years. And I'm going for multiple gold medals, if you know what I mean...
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