Cruises (with Sasheer Zamata, Ali Ahn and Joe Mande)
In this episode of WikiHole with D'Arcy Carden, the panel delves into the world of cruises and the cruise industry. Learn about the growing popularity of cruises, fueled by shows like "The Love Boat" that depicted life aboard a cruise ship. The hosts also discuss notable aspects of cruise ships, including emergency protocols and unique themed experiences.
The discussion then takes an unexpected turn, exploring the career and personal life of acclaimed singer Dionne Warwick, who famously performed the theme song for "The Love Boat." From her collaboration with Burt Bacharach to her controversial stint with the Psychic Friends Network, Warwick's fascinating story is unpacked. The episode also touches on celebrity appearances on TV shows, offering an intriguing glimpse into the entertainment world.
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Cruises and the cruise industry
The cruise industry has seen notable growth, fueled by increased popularity after "The Love Boat" TV series depicted life aboard a cruise ship. Cruise ships have protocols like "Operation Bright Star" for medical emergencies and are mandated to have dedicated morgues. The industry offers unique themed cruises and experiences, from musical acts like Weezer to distinctive onboard entertainment, appealing to diverse passenger interests.
The TV show "The Love Boat"
"The Love Boat" pioneered TV shows set on a cruise ship, using the MS Pacific Princess as its backdrop. The show broke norms with a laugh track for its hour-long format and featured many Oscar-winning guest stars. Its iconic theme song, sung initially by Jack Jones and later Dionne Warwick, became instantly recognizable.
Dionne Warwick's career and personal life
Warwick achieved musical success through renowned collaborations with Burt Bacharach and Hal David. She controversially changed her name's spelling to "Warwicke" on astrological advice before reverting. Warwick notoriously lent her face to the Psychic Friends Network's infomercials, which were unmasked as deceptive by a former psychic employee. She also appeared as a contestant on "The Masked Singer."
Celebrity appearances on TV shows
Vivica A. Fox's acting career began with a small role in "Born on the Fourth of July," where she interacted with Tom Cruise in costume. Sasheer Zamata notes Cruise embraces improvisation on film sets like "Collateral," leading to scenes with a rougher, unscripted quality that he values.
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Counterarguments
- While "The Love Boat" may have contributed to the popularity of cruises, the growth of the cruise industry is multifaceted and can also be attributed to other factors such as advancements in ship technology, increased disposable income, and aggressive marketing strategies.
- The existence of protocols like "Operation Bright Star" and onboard morgues, while necessary, might not be seen as positive features by potential passengers and could be perceived as a reminder of the risks associated with cruising.
- Themed cruises, although appealing to a variety of interests, might not cater to everyone, and some passengers may prefer more traditional cruise experiences without specific themes.
- "The Love Boat" was indeed a pioneering show, but its impact on societal norms and television could be debated, as other shows at the time also contributed to the evolving landscape of TV entertainment.
- Dionne Warwick's endorsement of the Psychic Friends Network, while later criticized, was a common practice for celebrities at the time, and her involvement doesn't necessarily reflect her personal beliefs or the quality of her musical career.
- The mention of Vivica A. Fox and Tom Cruise's acting careers, while interesting, does not directly relate to the main discussion about the cruise industry and "The Love Boat," and could be seen as somewhat tangential to the main points of the text.
- Tom Cruise's preference for improvisation in films like "Collateral" is a specific artistic choice that may not be universally preferred or applicable across all film genres or acting styles.
Actionables
- You can explore the influence of pop culture on industries by creating a blog or vlog series that examines other industries transformed by television or film, similar to the cruise industry's growth post-"The Love Boat." Start by researching industries with notable growth or change after being featured in popular media, then share your findings and analysis through written or video content to engage with others interested in the intersection of pop culture and business trends.
- Dive into themed event planning by organizing a small-scale themed gathering for friends or community members, inspired by the variety of themed cruises available. Choose a theme that resonates with your group, plan activities and decorations that fit the theme, and gather feedback on the experience to refine your event planning skills and bring people together for unique, memorable occasions.
- Enhance your appreciation for artistic collaboration by curating a playlist or art collection that showcases the work of artists who have collaborated significantly, akin to the partnership between Dionne Warwick, Burt Bacharach, and Hal David. Select songs, paintings, or other art forms that result from notable collaborations, and share your collection with friends or online communities to spark discussions about the impact of creative partnerships.
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Cruises and the cruise industry
The cruise industry, recognizable by its oceanic voyages of relaxation and entertainment, has seen considerable flux and growth, often punctuated by unique challenges and evolving consumer experiences.
The cruise industry has experienced growth and change over time
Cruising as a vacation choice was not as prevalent in the public eye until the TV show "The Love Boat" brought increased attention to the leisure activity. The show's depiction of life aboard a cruise ship played a significant role in popularizing the industry.
Cruise ships can have medical emergencies and protocols for handling them
In the realm of cruise ship safety and emergency protocols, code names like "Operation Bright Star" signal a severe medical emergency requiring immediate action. In dire cases where a death occurs, "Operation Rising Star" may be broadcasted. Contrary to some rumors, contemporary cruise ships are mandated to have dedicated morgues, which are entirely separate from the areas where food, such as ice cream, is stored. These morgues are equipped with the capacity to hold six to ten bodies, complete with a reserve of body bags, ensuring dignity and compliance with regulations even at sea.
Themes and experiences are a major part of the cruise industry
Theme cruises have solidified their niche in the industry, offering passengers experiences centered around common interests or entertainment acts. Examples include cruises headlined by Weezer in 2012 and 2014, and Motorhead’s cruise known as "the loudest boat in the world."
Cruise activities and onboard entertainment can divide opinions. While some passengers revel in the unique experiences c ...
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Cruises and the cruise industry
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Counterarguments
- While "The Love Boat" may have popularized cruising, the industry's growth can also be attributed to other factors such as advancements in ship technology, increased accessibility, and diverse package offerings that cater to a wider range of demographics.
- The existence of medical protocols and morgues on cruise ships, while necessary, might not be a comforting thought for potential passengers and could deter some from choosing a cruise vacation.
- Theme cruises, though popular among certain groups, might not offer the variety or appeal to all passengers, potentially alienating those with different tastes or interests.
- The notion that cruise activities and entertainment can be divisive is subjective; what some passengers find unappealing, others may see as a highlight of their trip, indicating a wide range of preferences that the industry must cater to.
- The description of the cruise industry providing escapism, adventure, and extravagance may not capture t ...
Actionables
- You can create a themed gathering at home inspired by the concept of theme cruises, inviting friends who share a common interest for a more immersive experience. For example, if you and your friends enjoy jazz music, host a jazz night where everyone brings a favorite record, dresses in the style of a particular jazz era, and perhaps even participates in a jazz history trivia game.
- You can develop a personal safety and emergency plan for your home, taking inspiration from the protocols on cruise ships. Start by identifying potential risks and emergencies, then assign code names to each scenario. For instance, "Operation Cool Breeze" could be your code for a power outage, and you'd have flashlights, candles, and backup chargers ready to go.
- You can explore the concept of escapism in your d ...
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The TV show "The Love Boat"
"The Love Boat" was a pioneering television series that brought the allure of oceanic adventures into the living rooms of viewers across the world.
"The Love Boat" was a groundbreaking TV series set on a cruise ship
With the MS Pacific Princess as its setting, "The Love Boat" captivated audiences by exploring the humorous and romantic escapades of its captain, crew members, and a revolving cast of passengers.
The show utilized a laugh track, which was unusual for an hour-long program at the time
The series marked an unconventional break from TV norms by incorporating a laugh track, a feature rarely used in hour-long television formats during its time. This technique added a unique layer of immediate audience response to the mix of drama and comedy presented on the show.
The show featured many high-profile guest stars, including Oscar winners
"The Love Boat" was notable for its impressive roster of guest stars that included 32 actors who were Oscar recipients. The guest appearances by celebrated talents such as Cloris Leachman, who won an Academy Award for "The Last Picture Show," lent an air of prestige and glamour to the show’s episodes.
"The Love Boat" had a memorable theme song and opening sequence
One of the most iconic aspects of "The Love Boat" was its catchy theme song, which contributed significantly to the show's i ...
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The TV show "The Love Boat"
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Counterarguments
- While "The Love Boat" was indeed popular, the term "pioneering" could be debated, as it was not the first show to bring exotic or travel-related settings to television, nor did it necessarily innovate in terms of narrative structure or production techniques.
- The focus on the captain, crew, and passengers was a formulaic approach, and some might argue that the show didn't offer much depth in character development or plot complexity compared to other contemporary or later television series.
- The use of a laugh track, while unique for an hour-long show, is often criticized in modern times as being artificial and potentially detracting from the natural humor of a scene.
- The presence of high-profile guest stars, including Oscar winners, doesn't necessarily equate to quality storytelling or acting; some might argue that it was a g ...
Actionables
- You can create a themed watch party for classic shows, inviting friends to dress up as characters and enjoy episodes together. This taps into the nostalgia of shows like "The Love Boat" and can be a fun way to connect with others who enjoy classic television. For example, you could recreate the cruise ship setting in your living room with nautical decorations and serve themed snacks.
- Start a blog or social media account dedicated to reviewing and discussing classic TV show episodes. This allows you to explore your interest in shows like "The Love Boat" and engage with a community of like-minded fans. You could write about the impact of the laugh track, the guest stars, and the significance of the theme song, encouraging discussions and sharing your personal take on each episode.
- Organize a local talent show or karao ...
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Dionne Warwick's career and personal life
Dionne Warwick's illustrious career spans decades, and her personal life has included both intriguing decisions and controversial moves.
Warwick's Success and Musical Collaborations
Dionne Warwick's successful singing career is marked by her famous collaborations with renowned songwriters Burt Bacharach and Hal David. Known for her powerful voice and distinct style, Warwick's contributions to music have been widely recognized and celebrated.
Astrological Advice and Name Change
In an interesting twist, Warwick once altered the spelling of her last name from "WARWICK" to "WARWICKE" on the advice of a friend and astrologer who claimed it would bring her more success. Eventually, she returned to the original spelling.
Spokesperson for the Psychic Friends Network
During the 1990s, Warwick became the face of the Psychic Friends Network. She appeared in their infomercials, which were designed to resemble a talk show where she would interview a panel of psychics. These infomercials were some of the most successful of their time.
Controversy and Deception
However, this association was not without controversy. A former Psychic Friends Network psychic, Mark Edward, penned a tell-all book revealing the business as a sham. Edward disclosed unethical practices, including keeping a customer on the phone for exorbitant lengths ...
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Clarifications
- Dionne Warwick's decision to change the spelling of her last name to "WARWICKE" based on astrological advice was a unique attempt to enhance her success. The alteration was suggested by a friend and astrologer who believed the change would bring positive outcomes in her career. Despite the initial change, Warwick eventually reverted to her original spelling, "WARWICK," maintaining her established identity in the music industry.
- The Psychic Friends Network was a telephone hotline service offering psychic readings. Dionne Warwick was a prominent spokesperson for the network in the 1990s, appearing in infomercials where she interacted with a panel of psychics. The infomercials were designed to resemble a talk show format and were successful in attracting customers seeking psychic advice. However, the network faced controversy when unethical practices, such as keeping customers on the phone for extended periods to increase charges, were exposed by a former psychic associated with the network.
- The controversy surrounding the Psychic Friends Network stemmed from a former psychic, Mark Edward, who exposed unethical practices within the business, such as prolonging calls to increase charges. Edward's revelations in a tell-all book shed light on deceptive tactics used by the network, leading to public scrutiny and questions about the legitimacy of their services. This controversy tarnished the reputation of the Psychic Friends Network and raised concerns ab ...
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Celebrity appearances on TV shows
Vivica A. Fox and Tom Cruise’s experiences illustrate different aspects of working on film sets.
Vivica A. Fox's acting career began with a small role in the film "Born on the Fourth of July"
Vivica A. Fox's acting career included a brief role as a sex worker in the film "Born on the Fourth of July," in which she interacted closely with the film's star. Interestingly, she did not recognize her co-star Tom Cruise, who was in his Vietnam vet costume, and she spent most of the day on set right next to him.
Some actors, like Tom Cruise, have been known to encourage improvisation on set
Sasheer Zamata highlights Cruise’s penchant for improvisation during film shoots, specifically mentioning his movie "Coll ...
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Celebrity appearances on TV shows
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Vivica A. Fox had a brief role as a sex worker in the film "Born on the Fourth of July," where she worked closely with the film's star, Tom Cruise. During filming, she did not initially recognize Cruise in his Vietnam vet costume and spent most of the day on set next to him.
- Sasheer Zamata highlighted Tom Cruise's improvisation style during film shoots, particularly referencing their work together on the movie "Collateral." She mentioned that Cruise and Jamie Foxx rehearsed and improvised scenes, with some moments appearing rough due to the improvisational nature. This approach, where some scenes were not as polished as scripted ones, reflects Cruise's appreciation for spontaneity and creativity in acting.
- In film production, improvised scenes can sometimes appear rough compared to scripted ones because they may lack the polish and refinement that come with rehearsed d ...
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