SIGHTED: Music Videos on MTV

It started in 1981, Music Television (MTV) began it's reign over 90 percent of what teenagers and twenty-somethings watched in the 80s and 90s. During the early 90s, MTV decided that they wanted to create a soap opera to break up all that music. The only problem was that they had no money. This endeavor spawned the reality television show (thanks MTV... I really appreciate the never-ending and torturous seasons of American Idol). The first in this virus-like genre was The Real World.

Soon every TV station was pumping out reality shows that didn't really depict reality. Instead they were game shows where the contestants were dropped off in a jungle, required to eat dead cockroaches, or excited about meeting some rich, bachelor who made out with 50 potential brides.

MTV then took out more time slots for videos and replaced them with The Hills and Real World II, III, IV, & V and the only time music fans could catch a video was in the wee hours of morning. In a late 90s/early 2000s brainchild, MTV decided to leave their reality shows on MTV but create MTV2, a station completely dedicated to videos 24/7. This lasted a few years.

MTV and MTV2 now both play endless reruns of reality shows and I cannot remember the last time I caught an actual music video... until now. I'm currently watching a video by the Sick Puppies. So not only is MTV playing videos they are playing rock videos. This is another anomaly. The last time I caught videos on MTV, it was a block of rap crap created after Kanye had permeated the music industry (insert gag noise here).

Strange stars aligning and weird coincidences that placed videos on MTV tonight aside, I am now a FUSE girl. Yep, FUSE is a channel that plays shows about music. They have 5 countdowns, 3-4 hours blocks of just videos, and a fun group of VJs that actually know about music (including Steven and his Untitled Rock Show). FUSE gives tips on must-see concerts, goes behind the scenes of music videos, interviews musicians and occasionally will air a movie inspired by music (think Mark Wahlberg in Rockstar). Almost every one of their shows has music videos in it and the others are about music, musicians, or the industry.

While I began my music days as an MTV fan, I have been converted and baptized into the FUSE fold. I am a true believer... and you should come over to the dark side, too.

Giant Fuzzy Dice and Other RSL Antics

Highlights from the Real Salt Lake vs Seattle Sounders game:

Getting whacked in the back of the head by the second giant die (that's the singular of dice) rolling down our section during half-time.

Robbie Findley's sweet goal from Goal Keeper Nick Rimando's volley kick pass.

Nick Rimando defending the net like his life depended on it.

Nat Borchers ability to block potential goals by swooping in to kick the ball out from under at least two Sounder's players.

The return of RSL's team captain, Kyle Beckerman.

Will Johnson's attempt at a goal followed by a face plan-slide and then sticking out his tongue after getting up.


The extremely loud fans in the nosebleed seats who tried to drowned out the cheers of the Sounders' fans.

Clint Mathis' and his irritation with the referee who seemed to not know how to issue a Yellow Card citation (at least until there was only 20 minutes left in the game).

The 70 degree temperatures after several games where fans practically melted in their seats.

The Killers' "Somebody Told Me" playing at the Rio Tinto.

See the game highlights at MLS.net

RIP John Hughes

While I do not know him personally, John Hughes had an impact on my life. I have fond memories of staying up late in my parent's living room in front of the glow of the TV to watch a Hughes film like "The Breakfast Club" or "Sixteen Candles".

Hughes movies spoke to a generation of teens, pre-teens and others who understood what it was like to be an outcast like the geek, Farmer Ted. Some might not understand why his death is a great loss to the film world. But those with memories of watching Jake Ryan, Blaine, or various Molly Ringwald characters painfully walking through high school or trying to find their way after college understand why John Hughes was a great storyteller.

My question to you is what are some of your favorite Hughes films or quotes?