Fall will be here before any of us realize it. Chicago has a habit of switching seasons on you when you least expect it, and the leaves will be falling any day now when the cool breezes roll in. Air out your sweaters soon boys and girls, you'll need them.
Fall also means there will be lots of stuff to watch on television. However, since I'm a NetFlix junkie with no cable TV ( yes, it's true, there's NO cable in my place ) there are very few things that make me want to power up the tube and watch.
One of them is the debut of Rosie on The View. Starting September 5, Rosie will take Meredith Vieira's spot at the table. There has been quite a bit of speculation about who will permanently replace that alien life form known as Star, but I'm keeping close tabs on the internets and will let you know as soon as something pops up. I vote for Mo'nique.
The second show I'm keen to screen is, of course, America's Next Top Model, Cycle 7. ANTM, how I love thee, let me count the ways! There should be a two-hour debut episode coming to a television near you on September 20. I'd set my VCR to record, but I'm confused about this network merge coming down the pipe, so we'll all have to see how the WB and UPN merge goes.
On the serious side of things, PBS has some programming around the corner that shouldn't be missed. 'A Closer Walk' is a film by Robert Bilheimer about the global AIDS epidemic that has been narrated by Glenn Close and Will Smith, with lots of music by folks like Sade, Annie Lennox, and Eric Clapton, to name a few. Star power aside, 'A Closer Walk' is one of the most highly acclaimed films that not only speaks about the global problem, it has been broadcast in many countries around the world. It's US debut airing is scheduled for the August 31 on WTTW.
And in a phenomenal effort, many agencies have come together to fund the rebroadcast of 'Eyes On The Prize,' which will be aired every Monday from October 2 to October 16. Winner of several Emmy awards, this nearly twenty year old documentary tells the story of the Civil Rights movement through the eyes and experiences of regular people.
The rebroadcast couldn't come at a better time if you ask me. I've seen the six-hour series before and plan to watch it again. I encourage all of you to watch and reflect on how the legacy of the Civil Rights movement has made it possible for you to be who and what you are today.
Each of us in the queer community owes a debt to those who fought for what they believed in. They laid down a model for us to follow. I hope, in some way, this series will stimulate many of you to get out there and help continue to fight the good fight for all of us.
With you in 4/4,
Peter Mavrik
peter@windycitymediagroup.com
windycityqueercast.com
