Kayne-spiracy: Marketing 101

Kayne_Swift_LenoMusic lovers had nothing to be outraged about lately so wasn’t it fantastic when Kayne West jumped to the stage during MTV’s music awards on Sunday night. The hip-hop star interrupted country singer Taylor Swift’s acceptance of her award for Best Female Video. Shock, at Mr. West’s actions, were felt around the gossip-sphere. Music fans asked “How could he do that?” “Will he apologize?” Luckily Kayne West was scheduled for an interview on the premier episode of Jay Leno’s new show the following day.

I know it’s not an “aliens run the planet” conspiracy but was it all hoaxed? If only there was a connection between the parties involved. Oh wait a minute.

Big Machine Records is an American independent record label specializing in country music artists. Big Machine joined with Universal Republic in June 2009 to found a new label, Republic Records Nashville. It’s recording stars include the American country popstar Taylor Swift.

Roc-A-Fella Records is an American vanity record label founded by Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, Damon Dash, and Kareem “Biggs” Burke. A subsidiary of Universal Music Group. It’s recording stars include the award winner Kayne West

The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) is an American television network and is currently part of the media company NBC Universal.

A very interesting aspect, at least to me, is Kayne’s apology on Jay Leno. It seemed that the entire segment was contrived to not actually mention what had happened and who it involved. Approaching it in this way  would make people who didn’t know transpired want to find out. Kayne only says “Taylor” once during the interview and it’s 2 minutes and 30 seconds into an interview that is only 2 minutes and 50 seconds long. And, again. he never even says what happened that he is apologizing for. The “What would your mother say to you” question by Leno is so over dramatic it’s like watching a soap opera.

So Kayne will sell more records, since he will retain his “rebel” status. Taylor Swift will sell more records and become America’s darling because she was “shamed” on national TV, and people will watch Jay Leno’s show to see Kayne apologize. The question remains, “Who lost anything in this?” The answer, “No one”. America you’ve just been conned.

New poster artwork

Doomsday LectureHere is the new artwork for the upcoming “Doomsday” lecture. The date and venue are still not locked down but stay tuned for more info. If there are any doomsday scenarios or end of the world conspiracy theories you would like me to speak on at this upcoming event please email me with your ideas John@weirdlectures.com. Remember these lectures/discussions are not only supposed to be factual and thought-provoking but also fun and entertaining! Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Lecture for Halloween

I am in negotiation with 2 venues to do a large-scale lecture sometime before Halloween. Some of the details I can give you are as follows:
- The lecture will be based around Doomsday scenarios and End-of-the-world conspiracies
-The 3rd Alternative Orchestra will be performing

Hopefully I’ll find out which venue will be hosting the event within the next 2 weeks!

Stay tuned.

Big news: Information coming soon

There is the potential for a big announcement coming within the next few weeks. I will keep you posted on what it is as soon as I have specific information, sorry to be so cryptic about it.

The Final Curtain – A new lecture for 2009

A new lecture is now available for 2009.

The Final Curtain:
When is the “End of the world”? Millions of people worldwide believe that we live during Earth’s final days. What are the beliefs and motivations that drive the desire to witness the destruction of humankind? What, where and why have these stories continued and spread through every culture and society? Most importantly…when will the world end? A lecture not for the faint-hearted.

Thanks

Thanks to everyone that made the lectures, seminars, classes, etc. so fun and fascinating this year. As of right now no lectures are scheduled for 2009 but I’m sure that will change. If you are interested in booking a lecture visit the contact page and drop me a line. Also, in 2009, look for the first in my series of “weird” kids books.

Paranormal Investigation: A Primer

Paranormal Investigation: A Primer
Saturday, October 25, 2008Royal Oak Library4-5:30pm
Have you ever wondered if your house was haunted? Well now you can learn the tips and tricks to investigating paranormal phenomena. This lecture/discussion will cover all topics concerning the research of paranatural phenomena. Do you really need special expensive equipment to “detect” ghosts? Find out by attending this FREE lecture. A visual and audio presentation will also be a part of this event which is recommended for ages 13 to adult.
The Royal Oak Public Library
222 East 11 Mile Road
Click here for a map

2008 Most Haunted Cities in Michigan

Oct .1, 2008

ROYAL OAK, Mich. — Citizens who are easily scared or who are fascinated by the paranormal may be wondering where they can find — or hide from — the cities in Michigan where they’re most likely to encounter ghosts and paranormal phenomena. To help the communities enjoy their Halloween season, HauntedMichigan.org has once again identified Michigan’s Top 10 most haunted cities.

“The top 10 cities include places for the believers and skeptics, living or otherwise,” says John E.L. Tenney, founder of HauntedMichigan.org and WeirdLectures.com. Tenney’s organization collects and compiles e-mails, news stories, letters, and historical documents to create the list. “People are not only interested in understanding paranormal phenomena in their community,” he says, “but they use those experiences to connect with neighbors and other residents and share in a new kind of oral history.” The real excitement in these haunted cities, Tenney says, comes from exploring them in person and absorbing their essence.

All the cities on HauntedMichigan.org’s list have incredible histories to share. Self-guided walking tours are a fun, relaxing, and healthy way to see these communities. Every year, some citizens worry needlessly about the list, which has become a “rite” of the Halloween season. But not to fear, Tenney says. “The only thing some residents are really afraid of is if this list will effect the marketablity and value of the homes in their community. The reality of the situation is that researchers and scientists would pay anything to get their hands on a truly haunted house.”

The 2008 Top 10 Haunted Michigan Cities (2007 rankings in parentheses)

1. Troy (4)
2. Traverse City (1)
3. Kalamazoo (6)
4. Detroit (2)
5. Ann Arbor (3)
6. Flint (5)
7. Alpena (-)
8. Bay City (-)
9. Jackson (7)
10. Rochester Hills (9)

HauntedMichigan.org is dedicated to the mysterious places and events that have their home in Michigan. Information is compiled and collected from a vast number of resources, researchers, and writings. Every year, on October 1, HauntedMichigan.org releases, in association with WeirdLectures.com and the Great Lakes Ghost Society, a list of the 10 most haunted cities in Michigan. www.hauntedmichigan.org, www.weirdlectures.com, www.glghostsociety.com.

Site Updated

As you can see the site has been redesigned, it is up and running and aside from the posts, that will be coming on a regular basis, everything is good to go. Thanks for everyone’s patience while the site was reworked. Since October is coming look for a big announcement this week and upcoming events. Read the rest of this entry »