u n i v e r s i t y d a i l y k a n s a n
6B
Entertainment
Friday, November 8, 1996
Media ethics hinder movie fun
COMMENTARY
Studios push critics to accept free trips
By Jeff Ruby
Kansan staff writer
Siskel and Ebert never had it this good.
Paramount Pictures has chosen to fly you to Hollywood, put you up for the weekend in the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown Los Angeles and happily give you $125 a day for "extra charges" such as laundry and room service.
That is a hell of a lot of Tide and fried cheesesticks, my friend. On second thought, maybe this explains Ebert's physique.
On Friday night, in between the obviously lousy food and beverages Paramount promises to provide at every turn, you will see an advance screening of the new Beavis and Butthead movie. Then you will interview an eager-to-talk Mike Judge, the voice of both characters and the creator of the show.
Nursing your martini hangover on Sunday — and before you can say thanks for $125 more in CD money — you are whisked off to interview Patrick Stewart and the rest of the Star Trek cast, courtesy of Paramount.
Photo illustration / KANSAN Original photo / AFP
On Saturday, when not struggling to make ends meet with yet another envelope full of cash, you will be asked to sit through Star Trek: First Contact, the newest Next Generation Trekkie flick.
You fly home — and not amongst those ruffians in coach — fat, happy and pockets full. Good old Paramount reimburses you of course for the speedy cab ride to the airport and the ten-spot you slip the stewardess for cooking your filet
"I was already highfiving my friends and imagining myself asking Jean-Luc Picard to hold my champagne glass while I gave his smooth head an enthusiastic noogie."
mignon just right.
Now open your eyes and clean the drool off your chin.
This was exactly the offer I received on Nov. 1 from the world-famous movie studio, in exchange for which they simply wanted me to write a feature article in the University Daily Kansan about the whirlwind weekend. Hard to believe it is true.
The most shocking twist of all: I had to say no.
Why in the name of all that's holy would anyone in his right mind turn down such an offer? As a normal human being, I was already high-fiving my friends and imagining myself asking Jean-Luc Picard to hold my champagne glass while I gave his smooth head an enthusiastic noogie. But as a journalist, there was no way I could accept this godsend.
You see, I was told by the powers-that-be at the Kansan that to accept money and gifts from a source in exchange for writing a news story is unethical. After all, how could I possibly write negative things about the movies and personalities when my skin is still prunish from soaking in the hot tub in my Four Seasons suite?
When a Paramount representative phoned me to attempt to book my travel arrangements, I hung my head and said I couldn't go because of those pesky ethics that always seem to get in the way of a good time. The representative was astonished, and it became obvious to me that I was the only reporter at any newspaper she had propositioned who was stupid enough to say no to the lucrative, heavenly-sounding press junket.
With journalists never questioning such a proposal, Hollywood knows it can get away with this type of funny business. And it will continue to get away with it because any rational reporter would be packing his suitcase and buying sun block before considering the morals involved.
It it sucks to have ethics, even if someone else imposes them upon you. My point here is that the movie industry is crooked, and it counts on the media to be the same.
Until next time, this reporter's balcony is closed.
Dance and music to highlight Diwali
By Liz Musser
Kansan staff writer
"Diwali is about doing away with whatever evil the world has and then inviting in the good," said Gopal Rajajogan, Madras, India graduate student.
While Americans take a day each November to remember the Pilgrims, members of the Indian culture take a day each fall to celebrate the triumph of good against evil. This holiday is called Diwali, or festival of lights.
On Saturday, Nov. 16, the KU Cultural Indian Club will celebrate Diwali with a free cultural show at the Kansas Union Ballroom. The show will include traditional Indian dances and instrumental music and will start at 6 p.m.
Preeti Balse, Bombay graduate student, said the show was for Indian and non-Indian students.
"It will give Indian students that nostalgic feeling," she said. "But it will also give American students and other international students a chance to get to know our culture."
Although there are many myths
that surround Diwali, they all involve the conquering of an evil force by a good force. In India, Diwali is an day-long celebration. Rajagovalan said the holiday was comparable to Christmas in the United States because it was a time when families got together and exchanged gifts.
People also fill their homes with decorated lamps and candles. This welcomes the good forces into the home.
Balse said that because Diwali always fell on the new moon the lights helped to brighten the night. People often use this day to clean out their homes and start new ventures.
The culmination of Diwali is a feast. The KU Cultural Indian Club will sponsor a traditional Indian dinner at the Ecumenical Christian Ministries, 1204 Oread, following the cultural show.
Tickets for members are $6 and $8 fornon-members.
"The dinner is about getting together and making friends," said Balse. "During the show people don't get a chance to talk, but the dinner gives everyone a chance to mix."
Today's Birthday (Nov. 8):
Stash your money where it will draw the most interest in November. Expect surprises in December. You'll be even smarter than usual in January, so learn a new skill. Change things for the better at home in February. An old friend can help you through a tough situation in April. Plan your vacation for June and travel by air. You'll have a great time. Ask questions of the right person and you'll get the inside scoop next October.
Scorpio (0ct.24-Nov.21)
Today is a 7:
carefully to find out what's really going on. In romance, you may have to be the one who makes the decision.
Somebody else's problem could work out to your benefit, if you're in the right place at the right time, you may get a real bargain. Listen to a loved one
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21)
Today is a 7;
HOROSCOPES
Take care of your obligations first, so you'll have plenty of time to party. You're so talented and good-looking, you'll get lots of delightful offers. If you miss a deadline, however, you may be a little short on cash.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19)
Today is an 8:
Make a little time for yourself If you include a companion, choose somebody who won't talk your ear off. Then go to a beautiful, tranquil spot where you can hide. You'll get the answer to a question that's been puzzling you for ages.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb.18)
Today is a 6:
If you know a friend who's going through a tough period, call to offer support. An authority figure you clash with today won't be in a very flexible mood. Don't reveal exactly how you feel; it would do more harm than good.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)
Today is a 7:
Don't spend too much on a gift for an older person. With that friend, it really is the thought that counts. The best partner for you is one who will help you bring more money in. Avoid a person who likes to bark orders and you'll have a better day.
Aries (March 21-April 19)
Today is a 4:
An opening argument will calm down by tomorrow or the next
day. To avoid the whole thing, grab your best friend and leave the rat race far behind. Don't go over budget, though. A debt could be hard to pay back.
Taurus (April 20-May 20)
Today is a 6:
Put off major decision-making. This is a better day for gathering information. Later, you'll be able to see your path more clearly. Work on a project tonight with someone who loves you. It'll be satisfying in several ways.
Gemini (May 21-June 21) Today is a 5:
Work on an upcoming writing assignment. It's not easy now, but it will be even more difficult later. Celebrate with a romantic luncheon rendezvous at a posh place. A bit of luxury is very
empowering every once in a while.
Cancer (June 22-July 22)
Today is a 6:
You may have had just about enough of a person who isn't pulling his or her weight. If it takes getting really mad to clear the air, do it. Action is required, and you get to initiate it. Spend tonight in a beautiful place with a beautiful person.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Today is a 5:
Be on the alert for a sneaky maneuver. Somebody may be planning something that involves you, without asking your permission first. Interrogate the person most likely to pull such a trick. A conversation with your favorite sibling will be good for you both.
Virgo (Aug. 22-Sept. 22)
Today is a 7:
A friend may need your advice about money. Tell him or her to put it in a safe place and leave it. Meanwhile, spend some of your own money on educational supplies. The right tools will make it easier for you to learn new skills.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23)
Today is a 6:
Don't choose sides. You'll do more good by keeping the communication channels open. Tonight, avoid a discussion about your own position. No need to defend it now; you may want to modify it slightly before your final decision.
NOTE: Horoscopes have no basis in scientific fact and should be read for entertainment only.
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