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Degrassi Digest #154 ---- December 12, 2002

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Happy Holidays to everyone and good luck on exams and have a good winter vacation...Take and care and hope to have more postings in December and in 2003!!!

Regards,

Mark

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From: "Melissa Hannaford"

Date: Sun Oct 27, 2002 7:14pm

Subject: queen's interruption 

 

 

I am replying to lisa who asked about the first half of degrassi being cut

off to televise the queen stuff. i have digital cable with time shifting, so

i noticed that only the ctv west did that because it was live footage, so

degrassi had already aired on the east, ontario, and mountain ctvs. That's

all.

 

lissa

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From: Kimya Behpou

Date: Mon Oct 28, 2002 9:36am

Subject: Amazon.com videos of Degrassi 

 

 

Do you or does anyone know that the videos of Degrassi Junior High and

Degrassi High, sold on Amazon.com, are they the original uncut versions?  or

are they the "censored" versions?  It's a bit of money to shell out and I

don't want to pay that much for censored video!

Thanks,

Kimya

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From: michael goarley

Date: Fri Nov 1, 2002 1:13pm

Subject: Keep Posting Sightings 

 

 

Keep posting cast sightings, they are harmless fun.  Its not like the

addresses of the actors are being posted.  I have seen about a half dozen

cast members from degrassi jr to the next generation, I love telling my

friends about them and they call me right away if they ever see one.

Lighten up and have fun.

Michael Goarley

 

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From: "Bettina Spencer"

Date: Thu Nov 7, 2002 4:02pm

Subject: autumn leaves, dying leaves... 

 

 

I haven't posted in a really long time, and I think I've figured out

why.  I miss the discussions about the OLD Degrassi.  The ones that we

joined this group for originally.  I know it's important to talk about

the new episodes, but honestly, I don't find them nearly as interesting

as the old ones.  Of course I'm biased since Jr. High and High were on

television when I was in the right age group for the targeting.  I

realize that TNG isn't marketed towards 20 something graduate students.

And I know that now I love the old series for both the camp value and

their progressive take on societal issues.  Even though we have TNG now,

does that mean that we can no longer theorize about Wheels' descent to

the darkside, Snake's sexual confusion, and the power dynamics between

Melanie and Kathleen?  For example, during the fall season I think we

should talk about Claude and his ode to the leaves.  Is this more

important than posting about how TNG has ripped off yet another episode

of the original Degrassi?  I don't know.  But it's more fun. 

 

Degrassi purist,

Bettina

*Mark* I miss talking about the original Degrassi too....Keep posting...Welcome back!

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From: "Melissa Hannaford"

Date: Tue Nov 12, 2002 0:07am

Subject: wheel's dad 

 

 

I don't remember if anyone has mentioned this, so I am going to now. I

rented Men with Brooms this weekend (I recommend it highly), and my husband

and I figured out the lawyer, Marvin Feigler, was the actor who played

Wheel's dad on Degrassi. His name is Timm Zemanek, and has been in a lot of

movies. Men with Brooms was interesting to watch because it has so many

Canadian actors that you can recognize, but it is still difficult to figure

out who they are exactly.

 

*Mark* That's right!

 

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From: "George Gillam"

Date: Tue Nov 19, 2002 9:04am

Subject: ABC's decision not to screen degrassi 

 

 

Perhaps the fact that the Australian ABC is an advertisement free government funded network had something to do with the censorship!!?

 

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From: jazz thieves

Date: Tue Dec 3, 2002 10:40am

Subject: second-degree murder? 

 

 

WOW! Poor Tyson Talbot, AKA Jason Cox on Degrassi, Second-degree murder???

 

What is going on?????

 

My condolences to the Shelton family for the loss of their son, Christopher. May he rest in peace.

 

However, to our friend who tried to use Snake to win the Girls against the Boys swim challenge, what were you thinking?

 

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From: "shelliegurle"

Date: Wed Dec 4, 2002 2:50pm

Subject: the wedding 

 

 

I heard that in january there will be a wedding on the new degrassi

series.  i have a feeling i know who will be getting married but i was

wondering if they were going to have some of the old cast from the

original series come back for the wedding?

 

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From: "Clayton Self"

Date: Wed Dec 4, 2002 5:10pm

Subject: Tyson Talbot 

 

 

Hi again Mark,

1) It's been a while since I last posted to the Digest but I want to

thank you again for posting my last message in DD # 126 I believe it

was. Here you let Degassi fans know of my website called "The Forest

Rangers" TV Fan Site. My site has come a long way since then and now

I

have had over 14,000 visitors and guestbook sign-ins galore from all

over the world, as well as ex-actors from the show who have signed

in.

Here is the address again - www.geocities.com/forestrangers1965 if u

would like to see what's up there now. You will love the photo at the

bottom of the main page.

2) It's a real shame to see what Tyson Talbot has become- a real

menace to society I can say with assuredness. He beat some guy up

when

he was younger that made the news, and then last month he had a

similar investigation, and now he's gone and beaten a young man to

his

death. I wonder if his inner rage has something to do the fact that

the crew from DJH didn't find him worthy as an actor to stay on for

more episodes. Child stars can take things hard when they are left

out

in the cold. I am willing to bet that he looks back to his Kids of

Degrassi days with fondness though.

Clayton Self

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From: "MorbidAJ"

To: degrassidigest-owner@yahoogroups.com

Subject: Re: Degrassi Digest Digest Number 101

Date: Thu, 5 Dec 2002 10:23:46 -0500

      

 

 

 

And how about this, the Toronto sun along wiht many other news sources

stole

the picture they used for the papers and news stories from my site of

jason

cox!!

I have confirmed that I took the picture of him and that its exactly

the

same frame from the show..

since the quality of the picture they use is so bad, i assume they used

my

small picture and tried to enlarge it

weird huh?

aj

 

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Date: Sat, 30 Nov 2002 21:39:18 -0600

From: "Chaudhari, Papool S (UMKC-Student)" <psc3cc@umkc.edu> | This is Spam | Add to Address Book

To: degrassidigest-owner@yahoogroups.com

Subject: Message for degrassi digest    

 

Mark,

 

Hey everybody, I used to post here a while back, in the good ole days

of this digest. I'm an American viewer and I have to add my name to the

list of people extremely upset at the censorship of Degrassi: TNG.

 

Before I ramble on, I'd like to add my take on why Noggin does this.

It's not because it's Pay TV as opposed to network. If Degrassi: TNG

aired on US network television, it would likely be censored even more than

it is now.(You cited the first amendment, but you musn't forget the

puritan nature of the US. Why else do you see nudity on television so

freely in Europe, but not here?) Noggin hasn't been able to grasp the idea

of how to teach its audience. Frankly, it's scared that the "Degrassi"

way of teaching lessons won't fly to kids who watch under the age of

10. (Mind you that "The-N" is geared for 10-15 year olds, not 8 or 9 year

olds, but they nevertheless watch, especially when D:TNG follows shows

like Clarissa, etc.) In a way I get their point. The way "Drugs" are

present in "Jagged Little Pill" could throw off someone under 8 or 9, but

I seriously doubt it would throw off a 12 year old. I think Degrassi's

style (Even TNG) is a great way to get to kids, because it's realistic.

Of course J.T. would say the things he did, and Ashley would do what

she did. It's more real than what they want it to be, and they can't

handle it. Case in point: Noggin airs Ghostwriter, formerly a PBS series,

but doesn't include a string of episodes involving marijuana.

 

Now on to Noggin's actions, I can't stand them in particular. Since

most of you are in Canada, you don't realize exactly how this torture

went. First we were denied Jagged Little Pill, and in When Doves Cry, we

don't get why everyone hates Ashley. Then, because the storyline NEEDS

Jagged Little Pill, they air it and then Season 2, Ep. 3 right after it,

same night. The problem was that during the airing of Jagged Little

Pill, the guy who plays Sean would come on and add a bunch of sappy stuff

about drugs. It was pathetic, if I was a 12 year old I'd be sooo turned

off by now.

 

Now to add to my pain, I find out that When Doves Cry had a suicide

attempt and more of Craig's dad beating him???? Geez Noggin really cut out

stuff and it's truly sad, especially when you consider that what they

are cutting out is really hurting the teens who enjoy this show and

learn something.

 

Kids are already force-fed the bad things that happen to your body when

you do drugs (and killing yourself). Believe me, as a jr. high schooler

and high schooler in the 90's, I know. Jagged Little Pill was one of

the most realistic depictions I have seen of the drugs issue (well, maybe

not, considering I saw a censored US version)...it wasn't just "Wanna

get high?" It was more into why people would want to do drugs when they

KNOW they are bad. Ashley knew how bad they were, but she had emotional

problems that led her to it anyways. That is what needs to be taught to

our kids, but sadly they won't get it, unless of course, someone in

Canada is nice enough to start using their TV capture card to get D:TNG

episodes and make them available on KaZaA or an IRC chat server.

 

Papool Chaudhari

 

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From: "Audrey Birkner" <spaceace54@hotmail.com> | This is Spam | Add to Address Book

To: degrassidigest-owner@yahoogroups.com

Subject: Re: Degrassi Digest Degrassi News Part 2 for November 18, 2002

Date: Tue, 19 Nov 2002 16:56:12 +0000

      

 

 

 

 

From Australia:  It looks like they ARE censoring the show, but if the other episodes air, well the show has not been COMPLETELY censored.  As for the U.S. they did end up showing Jagged Little Pill, so again saying that the show has been censored is being a little critical.  Don't ya think?

 

When Degrassi:  The Next Generation came out they gave the age demographic as 8-12.  For the first couple episodes, I thought that the show was perfectly rated.  But then when Jimmy and Ashley were going to have sex, I thought that an 8 year old rating was just too young.

 

There are many things to compare and contrast from the original series to the "new" class.  The old series dealt with bi-racial dating Michelle and Blt.  The new show has Asley and Jimmy.  The old show dealt with teen pregnancy-hence Emma.  But the new show is more modern, they have the computer class, online web developing or whatever.  Would I let my 8 year old watch either of these shows (I don't have an 8 year old)?  The answer is yes if I monitored the t.v. and discussed a few topics with them.  For many parents though, I don't see them watching this kind of show with their children.  I was 12 when I saw Degrassi Jr. High and I am able to enjoy it well into my 20's.  Also, having seen every single episode in its original content was a nice feature (pbs censored parts at the abortion clinic from the early '90's). Then they showed up on the PBS editons of the tape.

 

Hopefully Epitome Pictures will continue the Degrassi series.  Not only is it entertaining, but the new series is more relevant to teenagers and pre-teens then past Degrassi shows.  For example:  every episode is not a serious drama.

 

Thanks Mark for keeping us updated all the time.  It really helps a lot.

 

 

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From: "Emily Brown"

To: degrassidigest-owner@yahoogroups.com

Subject: Re: Degrassi Digest News - no sightings don't worry

Date: Mon, 11 Nov 2002 08:52:34 -0500

      

About Degrassi in USA on Noggin---

 

Yes, they definitely did not show Jagged Little Pill last season.  In

fact, this season has been very jumbled around--it seems like they are not

showing episodes in order.  Our season opener here was "When Doves Cry."  Then

I think it was "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" or "Jagged Little Pill."  The

ecstasy episode ended up being a two parter (can't remember the name of

second episode--my Tivo described it as "Ashley apologizes for her

actions").  Felt disjointed having it in the middle of a new season,

since  it was obviously from last.

 

Also, Noggin did not show the one-hour premiere of Degrassi until the

end of the first season, which was annoying.

 

I honestly think, in general, the US is very quick to censor

things--maybe  not for violence, but always for sex.  Would make sense to me that they

are very touchy about drugs, too.  Funny to censor it from Degrassi when

the average kid with cable can turn on MTV at any time of the day and find

blatant references to constant pot smoking, irresponsible sex, and binge drinking.

 

Hope this helps.

 

Emily Brown Cavacini

 

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Date: Wed, 30 Oct 2002 14:33:54 -0500

From: "Kevin Kwan"

To: degrassidigest-owner@yahoogroups.com

CC: degrassidigest@yahoo.com

Subject: Re: Degrassi Digest #152

      

 

 

 

Hi Mark,

 

...just wondering is it proper for you to be encoding and/or hosting

these mpegs?  Just wondering cuz I know you got into trouble some whiles back with the

duplication/distribution of videos and your degrassi.ca site.  Like I'm

not against you or anything... just wanna give you a heads up of what Epitome Pictures

might say.

 

regards,

Kevin Kwan

 

*Mark* When I get a threatening letter from them, I'll take down the MPEGs and MP3.

Until then, I am not doing anything to "confuse" the public or "damaging" their goods and services.....All of the Degrassi web sites are helping with promotion.......My little page of Degrassi: TNG is very unofficial.

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From: "kate stewart"

To: degrassidigest-owner@yahoogroups.com

Subject: Re: Degrassi Digest #152

Date: Mon, 28 Oct 2002 01:36:39 +0000

      

 

 

 

Dear Mark,

you certainly didn't offend me and I didn't mean to imply

that you are some psycho with an arsenal of guns in the back shed. As I

said, I think the job you do with the website and the digest is awesome, and

you are always genuinely respectful of the people you talk about. My only

concern is the people who read it whose intentions aren't so pure. Still, I guess

that's the downside of the internet...the upside being that hundreds of

Degrassi fans the world over can share the passion!

Yours in admiration,

Kate Stewart

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From :    "Jim Turow"  

To :    <markaaronpolger@hotmail.com> 

Date :    Wed, 11 Dec 2002 23:10:46 -0500 

 

  

Mark,

 

I have been a degrassi fan since I was very young.  There is something about the show that really keeps me thinking about it, the characters, the storyline....it was just an excellent show.  I really would like to let you know how much I enjoyed your site.  Is there the possibility of bringing cast members back for a public meet and greet reunion?  I would love to participate in any way possible.  It's kind of funny how now I have a wife and child, but just remembering all of the degrassi episodes helps me look forward to my sons future years at school....those are the times in which when you are experiencing them you want them to end, but years down the road you wish you could relive them.

 

Sincerely,

 

Jim Turow

 

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From :    gordon

To :    markaaronpolger@hotmail.com 

Subject :    Tyson Talbot 

Date :    Tue, 3 Dec 2002 06:48:40 -0600 

 

 

 

I'm sure if you're Toronto area based, you've already heard about this, but just in case:

 

Actor charged with murder

Monday, December 02, 2002 -- Global news has learned tonight one of the stars of the Canadian TV series Degrassi Junior High is facing murder charges. Actor Tyson Talbot made a court appearance today in the weekend murder of 23-year-old Christopher Shelton. And it's not the first time he's been in trouble with the law. Watch Global's report

 

Do you suppose Linda Schluyer can get a prison episode written before the season ends? Now that this has happened, the NFB could do a documentary on "Degrassi". I think a post-prison episode on the new series could reunite Sara Ballingall/Melanie Brodie w/Tyson, and Tyson could be her bodyguard/love interest to keep alleged Australian long distance stalkers away from her. I can see the story on Global National now: "Why do Canadian child actors grow up and mimic their American counterparts? TYSON TALBOT: CANADA'S ANSWER TO TODD BRIDGES!" Sorry to be so cynical, but I guess it's my nature, especially early in the morning. Hopefully this will be a "heads-up" in case the media comes to you asking for an opinion. On the bright side, I suppose "E Television" might do a special show on Degrassi or something, who knows?

 

*Mark* This is all very sad and I only feel horrible for the Shelton family.  Tyson Talbot clearly had some emotional problems and could not deal with his anger and it is very tragic of the events that have occured over the past week. 

 

Gordon, you made some interesting comments regarding child actors who turn to crime......You have proposed a funny satirical outline with Linda Schuyler and Sara Ballingall as reuniting with Tyson Talbot......

I agree to be cynical.... When Linda Schuyler was interviewed, I could not help thinking, "What a great opportunity for Linda Schuyler and Stephen Stohn to take this opportunity to promote their show.  It seems that they did not acknowledge the tragic death of Mr. Christopher Shelton.    It seems that they were only concerned with mentioning the word "Degrassi" as many times as possible....Many people say "There is no such thing as bad publicity."   Any kind of publicity can be viewed as good and in the Toronto star article, there are two paragraphs plugging the Degrassi series.....How tasteless.....someone gets murdered and the person who was charged (Tyson Talbot) was not a major star of the series....

 

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From :    Xen

To :    markaaronpolger@hotmail.com 

Subject :    Terrific Website! 

Date :    Fri, 8 Nov 2002 11:37:42 -0800 (PST) 

 

  

Just wanted to say you have a great Degrassi website!

Look

forward to visiting again.  Do you update it often?

 

Thanks!

 

 

Xen

 

*Mark* Yes, at least three times per week!

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From :    "katrina rowell"

To :    <markaaronpolger@hotmail.com> 

Subject :    I have a question I'm wondering about degrassi 

Date :    Thu, 21 Nov 2002 00:51:26 -0600 

 

  

I am from the U.S. and watch Degrassi:The next generation.  They have been showing reruns here because they have to edit the shows for content.  Do you have any idea of what they are editing out and why?  If not, do you know where I could find it out?

 

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From :    "brianne barker"

To :    markaaronpolger@hotmail.com 

Subject :    Degrassi 

Date :    Sun, 24 Nov 2002 16:46:02 -0800 

 

  

On the Final Stills page in the degrassi.ca web site, can you post the names of the characters in the stills? My memory is failing me and I just can't remember everybody's name!!! It's driving me crazy because I know their faces, but not the character names. Thanks for your consideration. :)

 

 

*Mark* That is a project for 2003!!! Thanks for your suggestions!

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End of Degrassi Digest #154 for December 12, 2002

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