“Buying Warner Bros: The GoFundMe Heard ’Round the World”

November 14, 2025November 10, 2025BenjaminLeave a comment

2–3 minutes

by Benjamin Groff II – this is a fictional story. It was created by the space in my head. In this space, various ideas loom when I read news articles. This makes them more enjoyable.

**_{^{A GOFUNDME to buy Warner Brothers?}}**

It started as a joke. It was one of those offhand remarks tossed out online. You’ve had just enough coffee and cable-news frustration to believe you do better than a billion-dollar studio.

“Why don’t we just buy Warner Bros.?” I said. “We’ll start a GoFundMe.”

Within minutes, the idea took on a life of its own. A few shares, a few memes, and by nightfall, the campaign had raised $437.17 — most of it from people who thought they were donating to rescue Bugs Bunny.

Of course, the real Warner Bros. — now a corporate hydra known as Warner Bros. Discovery — is valued somewhere north of $20 billion, give or take a Batman sequel. That means we’d need approximately 500 million people donating $40 each to make an offer. A few folks online said that it was doable “if we all skipped Starbucks for a month.”

I’m not saying I was confident, but I did start designing logos: “People’s Pictures Presents…” and “A Groff–Swint Production.” I figured we’d restore Saturday morning cartoons. We would bring back The Bugs Bunny/Road Runner Show. We should stop rebooting the same superhero franchise every six months.

Within days, the comments on the GoFundMe page turned into a movement. Someone pledged $10 and demanded we greenlight Smokey and the Bandit 2: The Electric Pontiac. Another offered $25 “if y’all promise to fire whoever keeps canceling good shows after one season.”

The campaign hit $3,000. Then I got my first call from a lawyer. Apparently, corporate takeovers by crowdfunding are “not standard procedure.” I told him, “Neither is releasing Space Jam 2, but that didn’t stop you.”

Before long, our story went viral. CNN called it “the most optimistic hostile takeover in entertainment history.” One late-night host joked that Americans had finally united. They did not unite to choose a president. Instead, they united to save Looney Tunes.

We never got close to $20 billion. We didn’t even reach the amount needed for one Warner Bros. parking pass. But something magical happened. Fans from around the world flooded the comments. They shared memories of Saturday morning cereal and cartoons that made them laugh before school. For a moment, it wasn’t about money. It was about taking back a piece of joy that corporations can’t own.

So no, we didn’t buy Warner Bros. But in a way, we did something better. We reminded the world who really owns the stories. They are owned by the people who remember them.

As for me, I left the GoFundMe page up. In case Elon or Oprah feels nostalgic.

Still I have a question. If Fans Owned Hollywood — What Would Change First?

Riding The Lie Down The Elevator

October 2, 2025September 3, 2025BenjaminLeave a comment

1–2 minutes

The Lie in the Elevator

It began as nothing more than a joke. A character on television—smug, ridiculous—coasted down an elevator while declaring something so absurd that everyone laughed. It was too silly to be taken seriously, too exaggerated to live beyond the moment.

But no one challenged it. And why would they? It was just a laugh, a one-liner, a small puff of smoke that seemed harmless. Yet smoke drifts. It clings. The joke became a line repeated at dinner tables, then in office chatter, then across social media. What started as comedy grew like a weed, tangled and persistent.

You knew it was a lie. You knew from the very beginning. But saying something meant being the one to ruin the joke, the one to argue when everyone else was smiling. It was easier to let it go. Easier to think, Surely this will fade away.

Except it didn’t. The lie ballooned. It threaded itself into conversations, policies, schools, and pulpits. Suddenly your neighbors were quoting it as if it explained the world. Your family repeated it without hesitation. They did not repeat it because they believed it. They found it easier than fighting for the truth.

And now here you are. Watching as the lie isn’t just smoke anymore—it’s a fire, raging and indiscriminate, swallowing millions in its path. The streets fill with people repeating the words that started as a smirk on an elevator ride. And they look to you, because they trust you. Because they think you see what they see.

But you don’t. You know better.

The question is no longer whether the lie is funny. The question is whether you will stand against it now. It is late, but not too late. Otherwise, silence will make you part of it.

What would you do?

How a Talking Box Changed a Village Forever

September 10, 2025August 22, 2025BenjaminLeave a comment

2–3 minutes

The Man Who Brought the Talking Box

Long ago, in a village nestled between mountains and rivers, the people lived simple lives. They farmed, fished, and told stories by firelight. The outside world was a distant rumor; progress had passed them by like a river running around a stone.

One day, a man arrived carrying a strange box. He called it a television. The villagers had never heard such a word. When he told them it would show pictures that talked, they laughed and shook their heads. “You are a fool,” they said. “Only dreams speak, not boxes.”

But the man was prepared. He produced a car battery and some wires. With a flicker of static, light and sound filled the screen. A newsreader from a city hundreds of miles away appeared, his voice echoing across the quiet square. The villagers gasped. They fell to their knees. They did not see a machine—they saw a miracle. To them, this man had called forth visions from the air. He was no salesman. He was a god.

They showered him with gifts: food, gold, comforts he had never imagined. Women sang songs to him, elders bowed in reverence, and children followed him as though he were a prophet. The man, intoxicated by their devotion, stopped trying to sell televisions. Why would he? To share the secret would be to share his power. Instead, he worked to suppress progress, warning of curses should other machines arrive. If anyone else brought innovation to the village, his godhood would vanish.

But gods made of flesh will not stand forever. One day, another traveler arrived, carrying a radio. The villagers gathered again. They looked at the newcomer in awe. Their awe was just like when they revered their god of the television. Voices once poured from the box without wires or pictures. In that instant, the spell broke. The villagers realized the man was no deity, only a trickster who had hoarded knowledge.

The gifts stopped. The songs ended. He was left alone with his machine, just another man in a world where progress is not be-dammed forever.

Moral

Power built on ignorance never lasts. Sooner or later, truth finds a way to flicker into the light.

By Benjamin GroffMedia© | benandsteve.com | 2025

The Power of Actuality Reporting in Journalism

July 27, 2025July 7, 2025Benjamin2 Comments

1–2 minutes

I came across this news report and was genuinely impressed by its craftsmanship. The reporter doesn’t just tell the story. They show it. They use actuality reporting and a wraparound technique that gives the piece depth and authenticity. It’s the type of journalism that doesn’t just inform—it immerses you. This level of storytelling should be seen and appreciated by more people.

The Real Badge 714: Jack Webb’s Impact on Police Representation

April 14, 2025Benjamin1 Comment

Benjamin GroffMedia© | benandsteve.com | 2025 Truth Endures©

1–2 minutes

Earning the Badge: How Jack Webb Won the Respect of the L.A.P.D.

Gaining the gratitude of the Los Angeles Police Department is no small accomplishment, especially for a television creator. Yet, after nearly two decades of portraying law enforcement with integrity and realism, Jack Webb did just that.

Best known as the mind behind groundbreaking crime dramas Dragnet and Adam-12. Webb distinguished himself from other producers and directors. He excelled in an industry often criticized for sensationalism.

Rather than relying on over-the-top drama to capture ratings, he took a different approach: authenticity. Webb regularly consulted real-life officers, ensuring his shows reflected the true spirit and procedures of police work.

That commitment to realism earned him more than high ratings—it won him the deep admiration of the L.A.P.D. itself.

In 1968, the department honored Webb with a unique and heartfelt gesture. They presented him with the original Badge 714, famously worn by Sgt. Joe Friday in Dragnet. It was a symbolic gift that carried the full weight of the department’s appreciation.

“This is only a small token of our appreciation to you, Jack, and for all the things you have done for our department dating back to when Dragnet first went on the radio in 1949,”

Said then-L.A.P.D. Chief Thomas Reddin during the presentation.

“This badge has never been issued to anyone else; the entire force feels it belongs to you.”

The moment left Webb deeply moved.

“For one of the very few times in my life,” he said, “I’m at a loss for words. I can’t express my feelings.”

According to The Cumberland News, the L.A.P.D. viewed the gift as more than just a gesture of thanks. It was also a tribute to Webb’s enduring impact on the public image of police officers. This image is not defined by glamour or exaggeration. Instead, it is characterized by honesty and respect.

Reruns of the Dragnet Show can still be watched on television channels like MeTV.

Remembering Gordon Faith: A Legacy in Acting and Voice Coaching

April 3, 2025BenjaminLeave a comment

Benjamin GroffMedia© | benandsteve.com | 2025 Truth Endures©

1–2 minutes

Gordon Faith, a distinguished actor and voice coach, has passed away at 94 in Tyne, England. Gordon was born in 1931. His passion for the performing arts led him to a successful career on stage and screen. He also held a respected position as an educator in voice and speech.

Gordon’s acting career spanned several decades, with notable performances in London’s West End productions.

He appeared as a Neighbor in “Bye Bye Birdie” in 1961. He portrayed the Cantor in “Bar Mitzvah Boy” in 1978. His television credits were extensive. He took roles in “Doctor Who,” “The Liver Birds,” and “War and Peace.” He also acted in “When the Boat Comes In,” “Z Cars,” “Crossroads,” and “Colditz.”

Beyond his acting accomplishments, Gordon was deeply committed to the art of voice and speech. He studied under Cicely Berry. She was the esteemed voice coach for the Royal Shakespeare Company. He furthered his skills with phonetics specialist Greta Colson. Gordon shared his knowledge through teaching positions at several institutions. These included the Guildford School of Acting, the Webber Douglas Academy, Rose Bruford College, and Mountview Drama School. He was Head of Voice at the London Academy of Performing Arts and London’s Method Studio.

Gordon’s dedication to voice coaching extended to private clients. He offered guidance in interview techniques, vocal projection, elocution, and stage confidence. His students included aspiring actors, business professionals, and individuals seeking to enhance their communication skills.

Colleagues and students remember Gordon for his exceptional ability to convey the importance of bodily support in voice production. Actress and playwright Naomi Willis remarked,

“Gordon is brilliant at conveying how every part of the body must support the voice for it to be strong.”

Gordon Faith’s legacy in the performing arts is invaluable. Those who had the privilege of learning from him will cherish his influence in voice coaching communities. Those who worked with him will also hold his influence dear.

Lessons from Gene Hackman’s Powerful Characters

February 27, 2025BenjaminLeave a comment

GROFF MEDIA 2024© TRUTH ENDURES IMDBPRO

Presented by benandsteve.com By: Benjamin Groff II©s

2–3 minutes

Late-Night Lessons with Gene Hackman

Staying up late on a Saturday night was a rare privilege. My parents were strict about bedtime but sometimes let me stretch the rules on weekends. That night, I curled up on the living room carpet, my chin propped up on my hands. I stared wide-eyed at the glow of our old television. The movie was Bonnie and Clyde, and it was my first time seeing Gene Hackman.

_{^{Left – Gene Hackman as Buck Barrow. Right – Warren Beatty as Clyde.}}

He portrayed Buck Barrow, Clyde’s older brother—loud, reckless, and desperate. His movements and voice, cracked with both joy and fear, captivated me. He wasn’t just a character. He was a man caught between love and loyalty. He wavered between the thrill of rebellion and the weight of consequence. Despite the inevitable doom of the Barrow gang, Buck was more than a criminal. He was a flawed person yet strangely likable.

The film stuck with me. It made me wonder where the line between right and wrong sits. Was it drawn in law books or people’s choices when they had no good options? I didn’t have answers, but I knew I wanted to understand.

_{^{Right – Nathan Lane. Left – Gene Hackman}}

Years later, another late-night movie changed something in me. This time, I was older—long out of high school, I think—and the film was The Birdcage. The movie is a comedy about a gay couple who pretend to be straight for a conservative family. It challenged societal norms and expectations. I hadn’t planned to watch it but was hooked when I saw Robin Williams and Nathan Lane.

And then there he was again. Gene Hackman appeared this time as a conservative senator. He was trapped in the most absurd, hilarious, and strangely heartfelt situation.

I watched him stumble through a world he didn’t understand, forced to confront something outside his comfort zone. His discomfort was funny. Beneath it, there was something tangible. He clung to the rules he’d built his life around. He struggled with the idea that maybe, just maybe, he was wrong.

By the time the credits rolled, a profound shift had occurred within me. Bonnie and Clyde sparked my curiosity about the limits of the law—who writes the rules, follows them, and breaks them? The Birdcage had prompted a more personal question. It asked who I was and whether I dared live outside the expectations of others. These films, through the characters portrayed by Gene Hackman, ignited a journey of self-discovery and reflection.

In those movies, Gene Hackman embodied two distinct characters. Buck Barrow laughed in the face of fate, and Senator Keeley was trapped in his rigid beliefs. Yet, in both roles, he was undeniably human—flawed, confused, and trying. His characters were not just roles but mirrors reflecting the complexities of the human condition.

And maybe so was I.

The Evolution of Fun: From Classic TV to Modern Joys

February 5, 2025BenjaminLeave a comment

GROFF MEDIA 2024© TRUTH ENDURES IMDBPRO

2–4 minutes

GOOD TIMES REMEMBERED

For many, the good times meant youth spent without barriers. Kids rode bicycles freely around town or through the countryside. They explored wherever curiosity led. They just had to be home before dark or by 10 p.m. It was when running to a friend’s house, unannounced was safe. It felt just as natural for them to show up at yours. We all cherish that time of freedom and spontaneity.

Your version of the good times began when you got first place as a young adult. You also got hooked up to cable television. Gone were the days of only three channels. Now, there were forty or more. Channels like MTV, HBO, and SHOWTIME offered endless entertainment. Some kept their televisions locked on MTV 24/7, not wanting to miss the latest music video premiere. The phrase “I want my MTV” wasn’t just a slogan; it was a way of life.

Icons like Downtown Julie Brown, Max Headroom, Randy of the Redwoods, and JJ Jackson became daily companions. They guided audiences through interviews and music video countdowns. These shows entertained us and shaped our memories, creating connection and nostalgia.

Yet, while MTV rocked for many, others fondly recall Saturday mornings. They spent time with classic cartoon characters. They watched Bugs Bunny, Elmer Fudd, Daffy Duck, and Yosemite Sam. Or they enjoyed Speedy Gonzales, the Flintstones, or the Jetsons. These beloved characters live on today, often appearing in rebranded forms and often in commercials that spark nostalgia.

For earlier and later generations, laughter came from entertainers like Pinky Lee or Pee-wee Herman. In the 1950s, Pinky Lee brought his lively antics to television. He appeared first in a primetime variety show. Later, he starred in a children’s program sponsored by Tootsie Roll. His Emmy-nominated show paved the way for future quirky entertainers. Pee-wee Herman was one of them. His distinctive gray Glen plaid suit, red bow tie, and eccentric persona owed much to Lee’s energetic style.

Beyond television, the good times existed in life’s simple pleasures. One was the crackle of a baseball game on the radio during a warm summer evening. Another was the scent of fresh popcorn at a drive-in theater. The excitement of getting that first car was thrilling. Sheer will and a little duct tape held it together.

For some, the best times were spent playing Pac-Man and Donkey Kong in arcade halls. They also glided across the roller rink beneath spinning disco lights. Others made mixtapes from the radio. They hoped the DJ wouldn’t talk over the intro of a favorite song. Others remember cruising on a Saturday night, windows down, music blasting, with no destination—just the pure joy of freedom.
The good times were about more than the entertainment we consumed. They were about the people we shared them with. Families gathered around holiday meals. Friends packed into a car for a spur-of-the-moment road trip. Conversations under a star-filled sky became treasured late-night memories.

Each generation has its version of the good times. These moments shape us and leave lasting impressions. They bring smiles long after they’ve passed. No matter what era you look back on, one thing is sure. The good times do not last forever. But they always roll on in our hearts. They create a sense of continuity and belonging.

What is your favorite best-of-times recollection?

Star trek – Space The Final Frontier – A Five Year Mission – Bonds That Did And Didn’t Last A Lifetime

September 10, 2024BenjaminLeave a comment

This story originated from information found in a report found at RED SHIRTS ALWAYS DIE WEBSITE

In the storied annals of the Star Trek universe, what began as a television series in the 1960s blossomed into a cultural phenomenon, giving birth to a vision of a harmonious future that fans continue to embrace. Behind the scenes, however, the camaraderie portrayed on screen did not always extend to real life. The tensions between certain cast members, notably William Shatner (Captain Kirk) and George Takei (Hikaru Sulu), became a topic of public interest, casting a shadow over the show’s legacy.

Though these actors became involved in personal feuds for decades, their occasional joint appearances remain momentous for fans. Alongside Walter Koenig, who portrayed Pavel Chekov, these three actors are the last surviving members of the original cast, each representing a connection to the show’s storied past. Koenig, notably, has managed to stay above the fray, providing a calm contrast to his costars’ more public disagreements.

A particularly memorable gathering took place at the 2016 Destination: Star Trek Convention in Birmingham, England. Here, a faithful recreation of the Enterprise Bridge set the stage for a rare photo featuring Shatner, Takei, and Koenig. Unlike what some may have assumed, this gathering was going to be a gathering of friends celebrating their accomplished successes, which created such longevity. Instead, it was a simple yet significant moment—a testament to the enduring bond, however complicated, between them.

For fans, this image was a bittersweet reminder of a time when the entire cast of the original series still walked among us. With Nichelle Nichols (Uhura) still alive at the time, the photo symbolized the resilience of these iconic figures and the passage of time. It was a moment captured not as an epitaph but as a celebration of survival, legacy, and the stories that continue to bring joy to generations.

As the years pass and opportunities for such reunions grow less likely, this photograph—and the event it commemorates—becomes even more meaningful. While the on-screen unity may not always have reflected real-life relationships, the lasting impact of Star Trek remains undeniable. Even with its complexities, the shared history of these actors continues to evoke nostalgia and appreciation for the universe they helped to create.

IT WAS JUST ANOTHER DAY, UNTIL THE PHONE CALL!

April 30, 2024April 30, 2024BenjaminLeave a comment

Photo by Anthony ud83dude42 on Pexels.com

For all anyone knew, it was just another day. The sun was rising and appeared to be sunny, with average temperatures warming to 75 degrees by midafternoon, with a light wind from the south. That was the weather forecast everyone heard to start the day, as it echoed from speakers in the downtown square broadcasting from the local radio station KBAD. Topping the news from KBAD included a report concerning a house fire, two auto accidents, and a lost dog report. The station did not broadcast national news because the management felt it included more divisive material for the community and the station’s audience. KBAD’s motto promoted the station and its fans as * Kindhearted * Brilliant * Ambitious and * Devoted! It had a unique frequency on the AM Dial at 1000.0khz AM and 100.0mhz FM. The frequency identifier permitted those who wish to find it an easy way to remember its location on the radio dial. Operating by remote control authorization from the Federal Communications Commission, KBAD’s radio tower stood in two separate locations. The FM Broadcast Transmitter and Antenna broadcast on the same tower as many of the local television stations’ antenna services towers near the edge of town. The AM Broadcast Transmitter was with three directional towers west of the city on a hill that permitted the station to fluctuate power between sunrise – sunset – sunrise hours. The AM station reduced power during the daytime, and the signal with increased power would reach a different area than at night. The night signal could reach several states.

The day was unfolding as usual, with one of our regular radio programs in full swing. Suddenly, in the midst of a phone-in segment, a caller made a startling revelation –––

“Do you people know that there is a guy hanging from your radio tower west of town? He is just dangling there.”

The Host was surprised by the caller comment and replied

Sir, this is a live show. Please, this is not a time for pranks.

The caller shot back. – The caller’s voice was urgent, his words cutting through the airwaves.

‘This is not a joke,’ he insisted. ‘There’s a man, about three-fourths of the way up your middle tower, hanging upside down. You need to get him help.’

The Host, with urgency in his voice, told listeners

We take this seriously; our station manager and engineer are coming to the tower, and emergency responders are responding.

The Host then suggested that the caller should have notified 911 before calling the radio station first.

The man hanging upside down had been hired as a contractor to change the red blinking lights once a year to make sure that it met FCC requirements. On his way up, he experienced a fatal heart attack. He was tied off and had his safety gear on, which prevented him from falling when he could not continue climbing or descent. Due to how high he was, a specialized team of climbers had to be dispatched from over three hundred miles away to go to the scene and create a plan to lower him. It took over 24 hours to get the man to the ground safely.