msockol 2.0

You could make a case that “reality-based” entertainment dates back to the Roman gladiators, but the pending mayoral campaign of Levi Johnston steps over the line.

Building a reality TV show around Johnston’s nascent foray into politics isn’t the second coming of Robert Drew, whose groundbreaking documentary of the 1960 Wisconsin presidential primary introduced this form of political cinema verite.  Of course, Drew’s motivation was to add to the historical record.  Johnston and his producer Scott Stone just want money.

Reuters says that Hollywood’s reaction so far to the idea is “lukewarm,” but for all the wrong reasons.
“I’m just incredibly … Continue Reading

I first watched football on a 19-inch black and white Zenith, the same set that broadcast Neil Armstrong walking on the moon.   The CBS affiliate faithfully broadcast the New York Giants games every Sunday, and I would watch Fran Tarkenton scramble for his life when I wasn’t watching Jim Plunkett scrambling for his life on the NBC affiliate.

I learned over time that the practice of adjusting the “rabbit ears” sometimes required zen-like qualities of patience and perseverance.  Be one with the antenna, and be ready to assume odd standing positions simply because they magically kept the TV signal from turning … Continue Reading

I was recently asked to write this Board of Education column which appeared in the August editions of the Holmdel Happenings and Holmdel Journal.

One summer while I was in college, I worked as a janitor in a local elementary school.  Spending eight hours a day scrubbing desks and scraping off dried bubble gum offered vivid evidence that a school district stays busy even during the hazy days of summer.

Summer is a time for taking stock, anticipating challenges, and setting goals to ensure our school district continues to provide one of the best public educational systems in the country.   It’s a … Continue Reading