Pod-a-licious

Good heavens! Well, since I got an unexpected mention on one of my favorite-est podcasts today, I figured that I should take the time to mention some of the queer-flavored podcasts that I've been listening to as of late:

• The Little Fatty Cast--Hosted by Mr. Larry Vader (the aforementioned fellow who gave me the shout-out today), LFC traces the travails of daily life in the coal mine in South Carolina. And if you're wondering, yes, being a Little Fatty is a good thing.
  
• Lucky Bitch Radio--Mix one part RuPaul, one part Stuart Smalley's Daily Affirmations, and one part Mary Tyler Moore, and you get this observational slice of life from Wanda Wisdom.
  
• ExtraSpecial--Chris and John spin together national news with southern flavor from Atlanta.

They're perfect listening for the car, for the exercise regimen, or anywhere else you can pack your iPod, so give them a listen!

#4

Just in case you're keeping track: tonight was week four in the Chili's count on The Office.

Yes, I'm obsessed.

Bring a pitcher of margaritas while you're at it

I have to admit that, for the most part, I've really enjoyed the American version of The Office. They've done a pretty good job at keeping the basic understated humor of the original British version, while not staying tied too closely to the same story lines or episode plots.

However, after seeing tonight's episode, did anyone else notice a disturbing trend? Namely, the mention of a certain chain restaurant? For the third episode this season? Tonight was particularly egregious, with the name checking of not only the restaurant, but the signature Awesome Blossom and baby back ribs (complete with the "I want my baby back baby back baby back..." jingle.) And I was just shocked--shocked!--to see that Chili's had a commercial in the second break!

This is the problem with the increasing (and increasingly ham-handed) product placements in TV shows, movies, etc. I understand the drive to find creative ways for advertisers to plug their products in the age of TiVo. But if the placement is so repetitive and so clunky as to stand out and draw negative attention to the advertiser, then is it worth it? Or is any attention good attention? Will enough idiots like me, who talk about the product placement, end up accomplishing the desired effect? Do you feel like going to get baby back ribs and an Awesome Blossom now that I've mentioned them?