This Seems Unnecessarily Complicated

Ken AshfordPopular CultureLeave a Comment

Outsourcing McDonald’s Drive-Thru? At the McDonald’s drive-thru in Hermiston, Oregon (a small farming town in Eastern Oregon, we’re told), your order is taken by someone 1,300 miles away in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The order is then conveyed back to a computer screen in the McDonald’s kitchen in Hermiston, Oregon, who make your McMeal as only they can. Coming to … Read More

The Impact of Fahrenheit 9/11

Ken AshfordElection 2004, Popular CultureLeave a Comment

I was among the many who thought that, once you get past all the controversy and noise, "Fahrenheit 9/11" would simply be a movie that preached to the choir. It wasn’t going to sway many on the right (who wouldn’t see it because they were on the right). Nor was it going to sway many in the center (on the … Read More

“Amish In the City”

Ken AshfordPopular CultureLeave a Comment

In the right hands, this new reality show could be an interesting and educational social experiment about what happens when cultures collide. But it’s on UPN, so what are the chances of that? The show takes 5 young Amish people and places them in a Hollywood Hills mansion with six-non Amish roommates. Now, the Amish people taking part in this … Read More

Ruminations of ‘Fahrenheit 9/11’ – Part II of II

Ken AshfordBush & Co., Election 2004, Popular CultureLeave a Comment

Well, shit. Kevin Drum took my Part II point. Almost verbatim. [T]he thing that really struck me about the film was the almost poetic parallellism between its own slanders and cheap shots and the slanders and cheap shots of pro-war supporters themselves over the past couple of years. If Moore had done this deliberately, it would have been worthy of … Read More

Ruminations of ‘Fahrenheit 9/11’ – Part I of II

Ken AshfordBush & Co., Election 2004, Popular CultureLeave a Comment

Warning: “Fahrenheit 9/11” is a rich film jam-packed with facts, factoids, opinions, interviews, and messages. Unless one recounts every little moment, it is impossible for a review to “spoil” the entire film in a Rosebud-is-his-sled-type manner. Nevertheless, my essay below does reveal certain parts of the film — so if you plan on seeing it and don’t want anything revealed … Read More

Fahrenheit 9/11 Trailer

Ken AshfordPopular CultureLeave a Comment

Check out the trailer here. Oh. And here’s another good movie trailer — this movie is probably not coming to your area, but it’ll be out on DVD one of these days. It would make a good double bill with Fahrenheit 9/11, would it not?

“Pop” vs. “Soda”

Ken AshfordPopular CultureLeave a Comment

When people refer to "soft drinks" generically, what word do they use? Well, it depends. This map has the answer. (Note: Click on it to make it big). Anyone want to do one for hoagies/submarines/grinders?

Good Gramma!

Ken AshfordPopular CultureLeave a Comment

I’m an English snob. I admit it. When someone says they want to "axe" me a question, I want to plant my foot in their behind. So let’s take a moment out of our busy days to make sure we’re not butchering the English language, shall we? This is a good place for us to brush up: The 100 Most … Read More

Because Mickey Might Expose Himself?

Ken AshfordPopular Culture, Sex/Morality/Family ValuesLeave a Comment

Without comment, this: Disney Removes Statue Inspired By Janet Jackson ORLANDO, Fla. — The Walt Disney Co. has quietly shelved a life-size statue of Mickey Mouse inspired by singer Janet Jackson, who was roundly criticized for a risque Super Bowl halftime performance. The 6-foot, 700-pound statue was one of 75 unveiled at Walt Disney World in Orlando last fall to … Read More

Oscar 2004 Public Service

Ken AshfordPopular CultureLeave a Comment

Some people care — others don’t care at all — and still others care only to the extent that they might win the office pool. It is to this third group that I offer these predictions. I’ve won my office pool 3 out of the last 5 years, tied for second once, and a disturbing 6th in 2000 (roughly 25-30 … Read More

Something for the Tinfoil Hat Crowd . . .

Ken AshfordPopular CultureLeave a Comment

If I were still ten, I would be all over this story. Now I’m just amused. Especially at the idea that somewhere on this planet, as I type this, there is somebody gloating because his authoritative work — ""A History of Dwight D. Eisenhower’s Oral Health" — was referenced in today’s Washington Post. The Post story notes the 50th anniversary … Read More

On The Lighter Side . . .

Ken AshfordPopular CultureLeave a Comment

"Barbie and Ken splitting after 43 years; Mattel reports that dolls will remain friends" reports MSNBC After 43 years as one of the world’s prettiest pairs, the perfect plastic couple is breaking up. The couple’s “business manager,” Russell Arons, vice president of marketing at Mattel, said that Barbie and Ken “feel it’s time to spend some quality time — apart.” … Read More