If you haven't noticed the little radio widget to the right, you clearly don't explore enough when you come here to be told what to think. MediaMaster offers free storage for your music online and then lets you play your whole collection from anywhere you have an internet connection. Right now there is no charge for uploading your music, but there will be eventually, and everything you have uploaded before then will be grandfathered in. The widget doesn't let you skip songs or give you too much control, but the main site allows you to listen to your songs the way you want.
Listen to the music.
"Girl the first time I saw you..." I won't spoil the rest for you, enjoy some Hot Chocolate
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Saturday, December 08, 2007
Zeppelin
If you are not aware that Led Zeppelin is getting back together, you must not be a rocker.
Led Zeppelin (with a refocused Jason Bonham filling in for his dad) is getting together to do a full concert as part of a tribute to Ahmet Ertegun this Monday the 10th. Rehearsals have been taking place for almost 6 months and the band is taking this show 100% seriously. This is possibly the biggest rock show ever (unless there is a tour, in which case it will be the biggest tour of all time!), and from the excitement the band is showing, it should be able to live up to the hype.
I'm kind of surprised that there isn't a little more hype. Some people still don't know its happening, even though there are many articles about the reunion and concert. There is even a 24/7 Led Zeppelin station on XM (conveniently just 1 channel down from Soul Street). I knew about XMLed for awhile but really just discovered it Thursday afternoon (I was excited to tell you all about it Thursday night, then the Bears lost and took the wind from my creativity sails). But then I listened to the channel all day on Friday and there were far too many repeats, I am hoping that this was some sort of fluke, but it was almost as if they had a 40 song group that they were shuffling. I really like the "Song retain the name" bit they do for covers, and there are some cool Page/Plant side project songs, but if the station is really going to be around until May they need to do a better job of mixing it up.
Now I would like to address Jimmy Page on what I think could be the easiest way to guarantee that the legacy of Zeppelin will live on, while adding a whole new generation of fans.
A Led Zeppelin version of Rock Band.
If you don't know what rock band is, you may not know what Guitar Hero is either.
I admit I have a problem with Guitar Hero, I both hate and love it (and can assure you that if you ever had images of Tetris run through your head, this game will haunt you). Guitar hero typically looks like this, its a great party game where you play a guitar controller and rock out to some sweet songs, and it is extremely entertaining (especially if there is a cape involved). If you've played but never seen someone play on expert it is mind blowing to watch, check out this article with video of some perfect expert playing.
Rock Band is the next step of Guitar Hero (and Singstar), it comes with a guitar (you can hook up 2 guitars and play guitar and bass), microphone (that's right you sing too) and a drum kit with 4 drum pads and a kick drum pedal. You then rock it together, and it looks like a lot of fun.
So anyway, Jimmy, talk to the Rock Band people about a Led Zeppelin only version of Rock Band, and see if you can work out some guarantee that it would be the last version of Rock Band until 2009 (this would make sure that everyone gets the Zeppelin version even if they're not fans, because they will need new songs) .
Rock Band is going to be huge (I dare you to try and avoid it). And who hasn't air guitar/bass/drummed to a Zeppelin song? There is a huge range of songs, many of which could be the most difficult songs on any game (on every instrument), and they will also be some of the most fun to play.
And besides, if you are going to try and be a rock band why not try to be THE ROCK BAND.
Led Zeppelin (with a refocused Jason Bonham filling in for his dad) is getting together to do a full concert as part of a tribute to Ahmet Ertegun this Monday the 10th. Rehearsals have been taking place for almost 6 months and the band is taking this show 100% seriously. This is possibly the biggest rock show ever (unless there is a tour, in which case it will be the biggest tour of all time!), and from the excitement the band is showing, it should be able to live up to the hype.
I'm kind of surprised that there isn't a little more hype. Some people still don't know its happening, even though there are many articles about the reunion and concert. There is even a 24/7 Led Zeppelin station on XM (conveniently just 1 channel down from Soul Street). I knew about XMLed for awhile but really just discovered it Thursday afternoon (I was excited to tell you all about it Thursday night, then the Bears lost and took the wind from my creativity sails). But then I listened to the channel all day on Friday and there were far too many repeats, I am hoping that this was some sort of fluke, but it was almost as if they had a 40 song group that they were shuffling. I really like the "Song retain the name" bit they do for covers, and there are some cool Page/Plant side project songs, but if the station is really going to be around until May they need to do a better job of mixing it up.
Now I would like to address Jimmy Page on what I think could be the easiest way to guarantee that the legacy of Zeppelin will live on, while adding a whole new generation of fans.
A Led Zeppelin version of Rock Band.
If you don't know what rock band is, you may not know what Guitar Hero is either.
I admit I have a problem with Guitar Hero, I both hate and love it (and can assure you that if you ever had images of Tetris run through your head, this game will haunt you). Guitar hero typically looks like this, its a great party game where you play a guitar controller and rock out to some sweet songs, and it is extremely entertaining (especially if there is a cape involved). If you've played but never seen someone play on expert it is mind blowing to watch, check out this article with video of some perfect expert playing.
Rock Band is the next step of Guitar Hero (and Singstar), it comes with a guitar (you can hook up 2 guitars and play guitar and bass), microphone (that's right you sing too) and a drum kit with 4 drum pads and a kick drum pedal. You then rock it together, and it looks like a lot of fun.
So anyway, Jimmy, talk to the Rock Band people about a Led Zeppelin only version of Rock Band, and see if you can work out some guarantee that it would be the last version of Rock Band until 2009 (this would make sure that everyone gets the Zeppelin version even if they're not fans, because they will need new songs) .
Rock Band is going to be huge (I dare you to try and avoid it). And who hasn't air guitar/bass/drummed to a Zeppelin song? There is a huge range of songs, many of which could be the most difficult songs on any game (on every instrument), and they will also be some of the most fun to play.
And besides, if you are going to try and be a rock band why not try to be THE ROCK BAND.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Battlestar Galactica
I'm aware that many people are scared of any show on the Sci-Fi channel, and even more so with a show based in space. But, if you have ever given this show a chance, you know that this is much more than a sci-fi remake of a show from the 70's.
The current "Battlestar Galactica"(Sci-Fi) is a much darker show, which actually adds a lot of realism to a show based on a spaceship, but still most of the characters and situations are easy to identify with.
On Saturday at 8 there will be a 2-Hour flashback episode called "Razor" which Starbuck is featured in, and supposedly steals the show, big surprise. There are also 2-3 minute flashbacks available to watch online which establish more of a back story for the Razor episode. The flashbacks and the full episode both establish a new conflict for the forth season which will start in February.
The current "Battlestar Galactica"(Sci-Fi) is a much darker show, which actually adds a lot of realism to a show based on a spaceship, but still most of the characters and situations are easy to identify with.
On Saturday at 8 there will be a 2-Hour flashback episode called "Razor" which Starbuck is featured in, and supposedly steals the show, big surprise. There are also 2-3 minute flashbacks available to watch online which establish more of a back story for the Razor episode. The flashbacks and the full episode both establish a new conflict for the forth season which will start in February.
I know most of my loyal and dedicated readers will be checking out the blog today, even if for nothing else than to get their Happy Thanksgiving wishes.
Happy Thanksgiving, go eat some stuffing.
"October Road"(Monday ABC 9) returns to TV tonight for a sneak preview at 9. Last season I think the writers of the show stole key elements of my life to make this show, but at least they were inventive in trying to hide it from everyone but me. All 6 episodes from the first season are available online to easily catch up. But here's a quick recap, Nick (played by Bryan Greenberg-Jake from "One Tree Hill") returns home after staying away for 10 years after writing a book about his friends. He left his girlfriend (Laura Prepon-"That 70's Show") behind and now she has a 10 year old son that Nick thinks may be his. Its a very heavy show in terms of the themes it addresses, but it is also very funny and positive.
After tonights episode the show switches to Monday at 9.
Happy Thanksgiving, go eat some stuffing.
"October Road"(Monday ABC 9) returns to TV tonight for a sneak preview at 9. Last season I think the writers of the show stole key elements of my life to make this show, but at least they were inventive in trying to hide it from everyone but me. All 6 episodes from the first season are available online to easily catch up. But here's a quick recap, Nick (played by Bryan Greenberg-Jake from "One Tree Hill") returns home after staying away for 10 years after writing a book about his friends. He left his girlfriend (Laura Prepon-"That 70's Show") behind and now she has a 10 year old son that Nick thinks may be his. Its a very heavy show in terms of the themes it addresses, but it is also very funny and positive.
After tonights episode the show switches to Monday at 9.
Friday, November 16, 2007
It can't really happen can it?
I have been in denial lately.
You may have seen it in my eye, like I was hiding something.
Well its time to break the news to you.
The strike could end this TV season early.
I have known about the looming writers strike and was aware of the possibility that my TV could be taken from me. But much like the MLB strike in 1994 (When the White Sox were the most dominant team in baseball and a lock for the world series!), I never thought it would last long enough to effect me.
But it now seems real. There are no talks scheduled before the new year and no one seems in a hurry to come to a resolution. There is a very serious chance that the strike will last long enough to end this whole season.
Luckily many episodes for most shows have already been filmed or written, and can be aired this year.
Here is a list from TV Guide showing how many episodes are left of your favorite shows before the strike effects them.
The Good news?
9 episodes of "Friday Night Lights" are left, 7 episodes of "Jericho", 8 of "Lost" and 12 "One Tree Hill".
The Bad?
3 episodes of "My Name is Earl", "Pushing Daisies" and "Heroes", 2 episodes of "Reaper" and "Bionic Woman"
The Worst?
0 new episodes of "The Office" remain unaired.
The knowledge that we will get more episodes of some very good shows has helped me stopped crying uncontrollably in the corner, but I still tear up when I think that the Office may be done for the year. Luckily the first 3 seasons are on DVD, and I am looking forward to rewatching last season starting this week.
That's got to be a good thing for the writers to know, people aren't going to have new episodes to watch so they will be forced to watch old episodes on DVD or the internet. So even though the writers aren't currently writing, people at home can still enjoy their work, and they still won't be getting paid enough for it.
Update 11/17: Talks have been scheduled for the 26th. There may be a little bit of hope. And damn I didn't realize I had such an impact, just hours after my post both sides decided to meet, that can not be a coincidence.
You may have seen it in my eye, like I was hiding something.
Well its time to break the news to you.
The strike could end this TV season early.
I have known about the looming writers strike and was aware of the possibility that my TV could be taken from me. But much like the MLB strike in 1994 (When the White Sox were the most dominant team in baseball and a lock for the world series!), I never thought it would last long enough to effect me.
But it now seems real. There are no talks scheduled before the new year and no one seems in a hurry to come to a resolution. There is a very serious chance that the strike will last long enough to end this whole season.
Luckily many episodes for most shows have already been filmed or written, and can be aired this year.
Here is a list from TV Guide showing how many episodes are left of your favorite shows before the strike effects them.
The Good news?
9 episodes of "Friday Night Lights" are left, 7 episodes of "Jericho", 8 of "Lost" and 12 "One Tree Hill".
The Bad?
3 episodes of "My Name is Earl", "Pushing Daisies" and "Heroes", 2 episodes of "Reaper" and "Bionic Woman"
The Worst?
0 new episodes of "The Office" remain unaired.
The knowledge that we will get more episodes of some very good shows has helped me stopped crying uncontrollably in the corner, but I still tear up when I think that the Office may be done for the year. Luckily the first 3 seasons are on DVD, and I am looking forward to rewatching last season starting this week.
That's got to be a good thing for the writers to know, people aren't going to have new episodes to watch so they will be forced to watch old episodes on DVD or the internet. So even though the writers aren't currently writing, people at home can still enjoy their work, and they still won't be getting paid enough for it.
Update 11/17: Talks have been scheduled for the 26th. There may be a little bit of hope. And damn I didn't realize I had such an impact, just hours after my post both sides decided to meet, that can not be a coincidence.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Just Temporary
Right now I am working on an update to last years "What I'm Watching" post which could take me awhile, but you can at least take a look at what I was watching last year and laugh at my naivete. Just for the fun of it, here is my "Why I'm not watching that" and "What do I think of television?" posts (just in case you haven't gone back to the beginning of my blog like any good reader should have) to give you a deeper look at my process for not only why I watch what I do, but also why some shows aren't mentioned.
I've really been enjoying "Heroes"(Monday 8 NBC) this year (even if I have been delaying my viewing slightly to accommodate someone else's schedule) but I guess it has been slow and many have complained. Heroes creator Tim Kring has apologized to the fans for the pacing and storylines of Season 2 (for the record I really like Hiro in Japan and I am willing to give new characters a lot of leeway knowing that once they are incorporated into the main story, the character development will be worth the delay). But the scariest thing is the mention of retooling the Dec 3rd episode in case it is the season finale due to the writers strike (I am in huge denial of the whole strike, I don't want my TV to go away)
If you are looking for a present for my nephew (or I guess any other run of the mill kid), check out Progressive Kid for some unique, planet-friendly products that support the development of progressive kids.
Cut down on your paper consumption by subscribing to magazines online at Zinio. They have some magazines at great prices (Computer Shopper $9.95, Home Theater $12.97, Mountain Bike Action $14.99(Don't know if it's good, but I think I may know a few people who may have interest), Sound & Vision $9.99, Playboy $19.97(If you like looking at boobies) and US News $15.00 just to name a few).
Amazon has a new Earth friendly products section including paper towels, toilet paper and all sorts of cleaners. They also have a large selection of Seventh Generation products including baby wipes, diapers, toilet paper, paper towels, tissue paper, garbage bags and a full line of feminine products.
Do you dream of seeing the moon in HD? Well thanks to the Aaron (the world's most famous librarian) here is a story about just such a thing. There is a story of who filmed it and how they did it, along with pictures and a link to the video. I really hope this comes to Discovery HD or some other channel where I can truly appreciate it on my TV.
I've really been enjoying "Heroes"(Monday 8 NBC) this year (even if I have been delaying my viewing slightly to accommodate someone else's schedule) but I guess it has been slow and many have complained. Heroes creator Tim Kring has apologized to the fans for the pacing and storylines of Season 2 (for the record I really like Hiro in Japan and I am willing to give new characters a lot of leeway knowing that once they are incorporated into the main story, the character development will be worth the delay). But the scariest thing is the mention of retooling the Dec 3rd episode in case it is the season finale due to the writers strike (I am in huge denial of the whole strike, I don't want my TV to go away)
If you are looking for a present for my nephew (or I guess any other run of the mill kid), check out Progressive Kid for some unique, planet-friendly products that support the development of progressive kids.
Cut down on your paper consumption by subscribing to magazines online at Zinio. They have some magazines at great prices (Computer Shopper $9.95, Home Theater $12.97, Mountain Bike Action $14.99(Don't know if it's good, but I think I may know a few people who may have interest), Sound & Vision $9.99, Playboy $19.97(If you like looking at boobies) and US News $15.00 just to name a few).
Amazon has a new Earth friendly products section including paper towels, toilet paper and all sorts of cleaners. They also have a large selection of Seventh Generation products including baby wipes, diapers, toilet paper, paper towels, tissue paper, garbage bags and a full line of feminine products.
Do you dream of seeing the moon in HD? Well thanks to the Aaron (the world's most famous librarian) here is a story about just such a thing. There is a story of who filmed it and how they did it, along with pictures and a link to the video. I really hope this comes to Discovery HD or some other channel where I can truly appreciate it on my TV.
I always try to maintain a no spoiler rule on this wonderful site, but today I ask for you to not spoil anything for me. I am out of town and will not be watching any of my shows from Wednesday through Friday until I can enjoy them in the comfort of my own home in their full HD glory.
But bare with me, and soon all the mysteries of television will be revealed to you.
And Tim, while I would have liked to alert everyone to the "green" episode of "30 Rock"(Thursday 7:30 NBC), I much prefer to look to the past instead of the future (I have seen too many time travel shows to know that what I do can too easily change the future for the worse), but I really should have been on the whole NBC Green Week thing, sorry(especially since Green is Universal).
But bare with me, and soon all the mysteries of television will be revealed to you.
And Tim, while I would have liked to alert everyone to the "green" episode of "30 Rock"(Thursday 7:30 NBC), I much prefer to look to the past instead of the future (I have seen too many time travel shows to know that what I do can too easily change the future for the worse), but I really should have been on the whole NBC Green Week thing, sorry(especially since Green is Universal).
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
Seriously? Thanksgiving is in Two weeks?
How did that happen, it seems like Halloween was just a week ago, and it actually was. Silly forth Thursday of November rule. At least we have 2 weekends to rock out a Friendsgiving.
Speaking of Halloween, already planning your next Halloween party in your head?
Check out buycostumes.com for some serious deals, save an additional 35% on all clearance and blowout items. For example, this creepy skeleton guy which was $100 is $32.50 and still creepy.
A new X-Files movie will be coming out July 25, 2008. And I can't wait. Its not going to be a "mythology" episode, but will instead will be more like a stand alone monster episode. I want to find out more about the whole alien conspiracy, but I think this is a positive sign that there will be more X-Files movies. Otherwise why bother making a "X-Files" movie that doesn't continue the major storyline throughout the series? (While Scully and Mulder's relationship was a big part of the show, its not the draw for most fans of the series) You don't green light this movie without hoping that you can build a bigger audience for the next couple X-Files movies if it does well.
I have a serious backlog of TV viewing tonight, but I hope to be able to do some more substantial posting over the next couple days.
How did that happen, it seems like Halloween was just a week ago, and it actually was. Silly forth Thursday of November rule. At least we have 2 weekends to rock out a Friendsgiving.
Speaking of Halloween, already planning your next Halloween party in your head?
Check out buycostumes.com for some serious deals, save an additional 35% on all clearance and blowout items. For example, this creepy skeleton guy which was $100 is $32.50 and still creepy.
A new X-Files movie will be coming out July 25, 2008. And I can't wait. Its not going to be a "mythology" episode, but will instead will be more like a stand alone monster episode. I want to find out more about the whole alien conspiracy, but I think this is a positive sign that there will be more X-Files movies. Otherwise why bother making a "X-Files" movie that doesn't continue the major storyline throughout the series? (While Scully and Mulder's relationship was a big part of the show, its not the draw for most fans of the series) You don't green light this movie without hoping that you can build a bigger audience for the next couple X-Files movies if it does well.
I have a serious backlog of TV viewing tonight, but I hope to be able to do some more substantial posting over the next couple days.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Tonight's Earl
One of my favorite episodes of "My Name Is Earl"(Thursday 7 NBC) is 'Our COPS is on' where the whole town watches the episode of COPS that was filmed in Camden County and everyone who was on TV is a hero.
Well tonight not only is there another COPS episode to watch, but it's an hour long episode of Earl, could be classic. Speaking of classic, NBC put up a better quality version of Crabman's "Respect the Meat".
How did this scene (where Michael makes Jim the producer for the Dunder Mifflin commercial) not make it into last weeks "The Office"(Thursday 8 NBC)? The way Jim is able to so completely screw with Michael kind of makes me want to go get an office job, it seems so fun.
Well tonight not only is there another COPS episode to watch, but it's an hour long episode of Earl, could be classic. Speaking of classic, NBC put up a better quality version of Crabman's "Respect the Meat".
How did this scene (where Michael makes Jim the producer for the Dunder Mifflin commercial) not make it into last weeks "The Office"(Thursday 8 NBC)? The way Jim is able to so completely screw with Michael kind of makes me want to go get an office job, it seems so fun.
Its Novemeber and you know what that means
Normally I would say its time to start focusing on Friendsgiving (check out the history of this glorious holiday here), but I personally have had some trouble solidifying my Friendsgiving plans, so I have created a little leeway for all of us to enjoy this special day.
Normally Friendsgiving is held during the first 3 weekends of November, but I was not able to coordinate my annual trip to Cape May during this time so I am officially allowing Friendsgiving to be slightly postponed. I am pretty disappointed that the tradition has to be changed, but that is a much better alternative to not celebrating it (seriously once you learn the joy of this day you will need to do it every year). To make up for the delay, I am hoping to somehow participate in multiple Friendsgiving celebrations during the "official season" (I just need to make 2 or 3 new friends and I may be able to pull it off).
If you don't really understand Friendsgiving yet, here is a quick recap.
Friendsgiving was originally the Pilgrims test run for the actual Thanksgiving, but it was also a celebration that they could enjoy with their friends (before the Indians came and made the whole event much more formal and small talk uncomfortable). The Friendsgiving tradition has lived on with only minor changes, a turkey fryer is almost a must (for both the speed of cooking and the danger that lurks when open flames and alcohol are combined). But the idea is the same, you get to have your own Thanksgiving dinner with friends that you normally can't share this holiday with. Friendsgiving dinner includes most of the food you would see at Thanksgiving; Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, some sort of string bean dish, corn, lots of liquor, cranberry sauce, and some delicious deserts that hopefully includes pumpkin pie.
So start planning now
Normally Friendsgiving is held during the first 3 weekends of November, but I was not able to coordinate my annual trip to Cape May during this time so I am officially allowing Friendsgiving to be slightly postponed. I am pretty disappointed that the tradition has to be changed, but that is a much better alternative to not celebrating it (seriously once you learn the joy of this day you will need to do it every year). To make up for the delay, I am hoping to somehow participate in multiple Friendsgiving celebrations during the "official season" (I just need to make 2 or 3 new friends and I may be able to pull it off).
If you don't really understand Friendsgiving yet, here is a quick recap.
Friendsgiving was originally the Pilgrims test run for the actual Thanksgiving, but it was also a celebration that they could enjoy with their friends (before the Indians came and made the whole event much more formal and small talk uncomfortable). The Friendsgiving tradition has lived on with only minor changes, a turkey fryer is almost a must (for both the speed of cooking and the danger that lurks when open flames and alcohol are combined). But the idea is the same, you get to have your own Thanksgiving dinner with friends that you normally can't share this holiday with. Friendsgiving dinner includes most of the food you would see at Thanksgiving; Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, some sort of string bean dish, corn, lots of liquor, cranberry sauce, and some delicious deserts that hopefully includes pumpkin pie.
So start planning now
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Your online viewing options
It happens to the best of us, whether there is some sort of DVR related issue or it just slips your mind, it's a bad feeling when you realize that you didn't record a show you thought you did. But now most shows are available online and many of them for free (although if you are dealing with an HD DVR, it still hurts just because it won't be in HD). There are shows available on iTunes, but I just think $2 for an episode is too much (especially for the quality) so I don't really recommend it unless you are downloading for your iPod. Here is what is available for free
CBS has full episodes of "How I Met Your Mother", "The Unit", "Cane", "Moonlight", "Shark" and "The Price Is Right" (so you can check out how Drew Carey is doing). They also have all CSIs, NCIS, Numbers, all their reality shows and some soaps available on their innertube viewer.
NBC is offering full episodes of nearly all their shows, and the rumor is they may make free downloads available due to the dispute with iTunes. Check out all of these series: "30 Rock", "Bionic Woman", "Chuck", "Friday Night Lights"(The entire first season is still available), "Heroes", "Journeyman", "Las Vegas", "Life", "My Name Is Earl", "The Office" and "Scrubs". As you may remember, last year many of these shows were iTunes exclusives (along with the $2 charge), but this year they will be available for free at NBC.com. There are 5 episodes available of each of these shows except for "Journeyman" and "Chuck" which only have the last 4 episodes available which means both pilots aren't available. I hoped that they would follow the same system as last year with every episode of all new shows being available throughout the season, maybe they still will with the other shows though theres no real standout among them.
ABC has "Lost", "Pushing Daisies", "Brothers & Sisters", "Dirty Sexy Money", "October Road", "Desperate Housewives", "Big Shots" and "Carpoolers" and many other shows available through their episode viewer. All of the shows have at least the last 2 episodes available, most have the last 4 or more. You can also stream the latest episode of "Pushing Daisies", "Private Practice", "Dirty Sexy Money", "Ugly Betty", "Grey's Anatomy" and "Desperate Housewives" in HD which does make for a better online viewing experience.
Fox now has many shows available with the new Fox on Demand, "Bones", "Family Guy", "Prison Break", "Simpsons", "Back To You", "House" and "K-Ville". Most of these shows have the last 4 or 5 episodes available.
The CW has the last 4 epsiodes of "Supernatural", "Reaper", "Gossip Girl", and "Everybody Loves Chris" available.
CBS has full episodes of "How I Met Your Mother", "The Unit", "Cane", "Moonlight", "Shark" and "The Price Is Right" (so you can check out how Drew Carey is doing). They also have all CSIs, NCIS, Numbers, all their reality shows and some soaps available on their innertube viewer.
NBC is offering full episodes of nearly all their shows, and the rumor is they may make free downloads available due to the dispute with iTunes. Check out all of these series: "30 Rock", "Bionic Woman", "Chuck", "Friday Night Lights"(The entire first season is still available), "Heroes", "Journeyman", "Las Vegas", "Life", "My Name Is Earl", "The Office" and "Scrubs". As you may remember, last year many of these shows were iTunes exclusives (along with the $2 charge), but this year they will be available for free at NBC.com. There are 5 episodes available of each of these shows except for "Journeyman" and "Chuck" which only have the last 4 episodes available which means both pilots aren't available. I hoped that they would follow the same system as last year with every episode of all new shows being available throughout the season, maybe they still will with the other shows though theres no real standout among them.
ABC has "Lost", "Pushing Daisies", "Brothers & Sisters", "Dirty Sexy Money", "October Road", "Desperate Housewives", "Big Shots" and "Carpoolers" and many other shows available through their episode viewer. All of the shows have at least the last 2 episodes available, most have the last 4 or more. You can also stream the latest episode of "Pushing Daisies", "Private Practice", "Dirty Sexy Money", "Ugly Betty", "Grey's Anatomy" and "Desperate Housewives" in HD which does make for a better online viewing experience.
Fox now has many shows available with the new Fox on Demand, "Bones", "Family Guy", "Prison Break", "Simpsons", "Back To You", "House" and "K-Ville". Most of these shows have the last 4 or 5 episodes available.
The CW has the last 4 epsiodes of "Supernatural", "Reaper", "Gossip Girl", and "Everybody Loves Chris" available.
Happy Halloween
"Ghost Hunters"(Sci Fi) is having a live 6 hour Halloween broadcast tonight at 8.
If you haven't seen Ghost Hunters before, the title should pretty much fill you in, but it's a group (TAPS) that investigates Ghost sightings and hauntings. Its a cool show and the team is actually pretty serious and they have some cool ghost detecting equipment, but I always feel like most of the drama comes from the production of the show rather than what happens on their hunt. I am not saying that the show manufactures all of the drama because it is pretty creepy at times and there is plenty of tension anytime someone hears a noise in a dark area. But, if there was an episode that showed 100% documented proof that ghosts exist, it wouldn't be shown on Sci Fi, it would be a huge news story. This live episode can change all that with the return to the Waverly Hills Sanatorium (which is definitely haunted and was pretty active on their first visit).
Luckily the 8 o'clock start time for Ghost Hunters gives you the 7 o'clock hour to fully focus on "Pushing Daisies"(Wednesday 7 ABC). If you're not watching this show yet I have no choice but to take it as a personal attack against myself, quality television and America. It really is a great show, its a quirky fairy tale that is easily the best looking show on TV in years. But aside from being visually stunning, the show also has a fun premise (Ned can bring back the dead with some additional restrictions) and a love story where the characters can never touch each other (one of those restrictions). Tonight's Halloween episode promises to be spooky, creepy and scary (really the trifecta for any Halloween description) and looks very funny. The entire series is streaming for free at ABC.com, so if you happened to have missed an episode you can easily catch up.
If you haven't seen Ghost Hunters before, the title should pretty much fill you in, but it's a group (TAPS) that investigates Ghost sightings and hauntings. Its a cool show and the team is actually pretty serious and they have some cool ghost detecting equipment, but I always feel like most of the drama comes from the production of the show rather than what happens on their hunt. I am not saying that the show manufactures all of the drama because it is pretty creepy at times and there is plenty of tension anytime someone hears a noise in a dark area. But, if there was an episode that showed 100% documented proof that ghosts exist, it wouldn't be shown on Sci Fi, it would be a huge news story. This live episode can change all that with the return to the Waverly Hills Sanatorium (which is definitely haunted and was pretty active on their first visit).
Luckily the 8 o'clock start time for Ghost Hunters gives you the 7 o'clock hour to fully focus on "Pushing Daisies"(Wednesday 7 ABC). If you're not watching this show yet I have no choice but to take it as a personal attack against myself, quality television and America. It really is a great show, its a quirky fairy tale that is easily the best looking show on TV in years. But aside from being visually stunning, the show also has a fun premise (Ned can bring back the dead with some additional restrictions) and a love story where the characters can never touch each other (one of those restrictions). Tonight's Halloween episode promises to be spooky, creepy and scary (really the trifecta for any Halloween description) and looks very funny. The entire series is streaming for free at ABC.com, so if you happened to have missed an episode you can easily catch up.
Monday, October 29, 2007
Get your free Taco tomorrow from 2-5 at Taco Bell.
Do you feel the need to hide your Star Wars obsession? I personally have a podracer hanging under my rear view mirror, that's right in plain view. And I think that you too can start to show just how into Star Wars you really are. An easy first step is to visit the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago for the very legitimate Star Wars exhibit. I am very excited to sit in the Millennium Falcon.
Do you feel the need to hide your Star Wars obsession? I personally have a podracer hanging under my rear view mirror, that's right in plain view. And I think that you too can start to show just how into Star Wars you really are. An easy first step is to visit the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago for the very legitimate Star Wars exhibit. I am very excited to sit in the Millennium Falcon.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Alyssa Milano is going to be on "My Name is Earl"(Thursday 7 NBC) tonight, and I just love it when TV combines 2 of my favorite things.
The creative writing episode last week was another hilarious idea from the show and another way to focus on each character and give them their own outlet. As great as Randy's story was, I have to say my favorite was Crabman's ode to the crab (it was very "Flight of the Conchords", but it's okay if you follow the template of something as offbeat and funny as that show) followed by Randy, Joy, Catalina and Earl.
Last weeks "The Office"(Thursday 8 NBC) was one of my favorites in awhile, it was also the last of the 4 hour long episodes to start the year. "You wouldn't understand Jim, it a secret" and "You're talking about Jim and Pam aren't you, if their having sex and what it looks like" are hilarious lines that only add to the episode where we see Michael working as a telemarketer, Jim and Pam stay at Dwight's beet farm B&B and some serious bonding between Jim and Dwight as Dwight breaks down when Angela accepts a date with another man.
Watch these 2 shows. While you're at it, check out "30 Rock"(Thursday 7:30 NBC) and the season premiere of "Scrubs"(Thursday 8:30 NBC) which is starting its final season.
The creative writing episode last week was another hilarious idea from the show and another way to focus on each character and give them their own outlet. As great as Randy's story was, I have to say my favorite was Crabman's ode to the crab (it was very "Flight of the Conchords", but it's okay if you follow the template of something as offbeat and funny as that show) followed by Randy, Joy, Catalina and Earl.
Last weeks "The Office"(Thursday 8 NBC) was one of my favorites in awhile, it was also the last of the 4 hour long episodes to start the year. "You wouldn't understand Jim, it a secret" and "You're talking about Jim and Pam aren't you, if their having sex and what it looks like" are hilarious lines that only add to the episode where we see Michael working as a telemarketer, Jim and Pam stay at Dwight's beet farm B&B and some serious bonding between Jim and Dwight as Dwight breaks down when Angela accepts a date with another man.
Watch these 2 shows. While you're at it, check out "30 Rock"(Thursday 7:30 NBC) and the season premiere of "Scrubs"(Thursday 8:30 NBC) which is starting its final season.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Wha Happened?
I think I am back, I think.
I am sorry that I left you during this crucial time in your TV lives, I hope you haven't taken extreme measures, like reading or something dangerous like that.
I have been busy, (and have recently chosen sleep over posting, seriously its nothing personal I will still be your guide in this thing called life) but I will do my best to resume sacrificing both my health and social life for the good of TV. I hope to work less, watch just the same amount of TV (I think I am down to only about 27 hours a week of primetime network shows) and bring you my delightful commentary on all of my favorite shows now that I am working closer to home and putting the finishing touches on a Halloween party that promises to be the best ever (and not in name alone).
Some of the topics that I hope to touch on over the next lets call it 96 hours:
I am sorry that I left you during this crucial time in your TV lives, I hope you haven't taken extreme measures, like reading or something dangerous like that.
I have been busy, (and have recently chosen sleep over posting, seriously its nothing personal I will still be your guide in this thing called life) but I will do my best to resume sacrificing both my health and social life for the good of TV. I hope to work less, watch just the same amount of TV (I think I am down to only about 27 hours a week of primetime network shows) and bring you my delightful commentary on all of my favorite shows now that I am working closer to home and putting the finishing touches on a Halloween party that promises to be the best ever (and not in name alone).
Some of the topics that I hope to touch on over the next lets call it 96 hours:
- What the Chuck?-There are many characters named Chuck on TV this year, what's the deal with that?
- Which new shows are my favorites-"Pushing Daisies"(Wednesday 7 ABC) and "Reaper"(Tuesday 8 The CW) are currently leading the pack
- How and where to catch up on all the essential shows that may have slipped through the cracks or not recorded due to DVR mishaps.
- Roger Feely is in the house!
- Who would have thought that we would see a B-Boy revival
- And finally I want to find out how you're doing. Are you okay? Did you miss me? I know that's a silly question (of course you did), but hopefully I can make it up to you. You want to throw the ball around and catch up?
Monday, October 08, 2007
Monday's New Show Updates
Monday
Chuck(NBC 7)-I've kind of cooled on this one, but only because I had extremely high hopes from the very funny pilot. The thing I have to remember is how Josh Schwartz writes, "The O.C." didn't really have a true sense of direction until the 3rd or 4th episode, with the first couple setting up the real storylines for the series. This is a smart show that doesn't take itself too seriously, and has already made reference to "Lost" as part of the government secrets that Chuck knows. Watch all episodes this season free(I am assuming).
Big Bang Theory(CBS 7:30)-I don't really remember much from the second episode, and I don't think I even came close to laughing.
K-Ville(Fox 8)-So far this show hasn't done anything to make itself unique, and right now its just a mediocre cop show.
Journeyman(NBC 9)-This show looks like it will be able to deliver some mystery and a bigger mythology and backstory to the time traveling story. Its not just why is he going back in time, but who is behind it and how did his ex-finance get involved and where is she in her "real time" world? Only 2 shows in, but I really like the direction the show has taken and suggest checking this one out, you can watch the first 2 episodes for free.
Chuck(NBC 7)-I've kind of cooled on this one, but only because I had extremely high hopes from the very funny pilot. The thing I have to remember is how Josh Schwartz writes, "The O.C." didn't really have a true sense of direction until the 3rd or 4th episode, with the first couple setting up the real storylines for the series. This is a smart show that doesn't take itself too seriously, and has already made reference to "Lost" as part of the government secrets that Chuck knows. Watch all episodes this season free(I am assuming).
Big Bang Theory(CBS 7:30)-I don't really remember much from the second episode, and I don't think I even came close to laughing.
K-Ville(Fox 8)-So far this show hasn't done anything to make itself unique, and right now its just a mediocre cop show.
Journeyman(NBC 9)-This show looks like it will be able to deliver some mystery and a bigger mythology and backstory to the time traveling story. Its not just why is he going back in time, but who is behind it and how did his ex-finance get involved and where is she in her "real time" world? Only 2 shows in, but I really like the direction the show has taken and suggest checking this one out, you can watch the first 2 episodes for free.
Friday, October 05, 2007
Friday Night Lights
Just a little reminder that tonight is the night for the "Friday Night Lights"(Friday 8 NBC) premiere.
watch it
watch it
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
I almost don't know what to do with myself, its 12:15 and I am done watching all the TV I have for tonight. Its refreshing to think that I can actually get a good nights sleep tonight.
While thinking about how much sleep I may get, I noticed the SNL on my DVR and I felt the need to comment on it.
If you didn't see it LeBron James and Kanye West were host and musical guest.
Both did bad. LeBron was not comfortable, or believable, or prepared it was scary. His monologue reminded me of my performance as Sweetness in the Super Bowl Shuffle, he didn't know what to do with his hands so he just kept on moving them back and forth (but my dancing was better). Kanye forgot the lyrics to his song then tried to freestyle for a few minutes, bad.
The whole show was pretty weak, but there were a couple funny moments.
The best by far was the new Digital Short, and big surprise, its another song by Andy Samberg (Lazy Sunday, Dick in a box and the Natalie Portman rap).
"Iran so far" could be a popular song, its made for the radio and features Adam Levine from Maroon 5, but its also about how and why Andy loves Mahmoud Ahmandinejad (yeah, the president of Iran).
Hilarious
While thinking about how much sleep I may get, I noticed the SNL on my DVR and I felt the need to comment on it.
If you didn't see it LeBron James and Kanye West were host and musical guest.
Both did bad. LeBron was not comfortable, or believable, or prepared it was scary. His monologue reminded me of my performance as Sweetness in the Super Bowl Shuffle, he didn't know what to do with his hands so he just kept on moving them back and forth (but my dancing was better). Kanye forgot the lyrics to his song then tried to freestyle for a few minutes, bad.
The whole show was pretty weak, but there were a couple funny moments.
The best by far was the new Digital Short, and big surprise, its another song by Andy Samberg (Lazy Sunday, Dick in a box and the Natalie Portman rap).
"Iran so far" could be a popular song, its made for the radio and features Adam Levine from Maroon 5, but its also about how and why Andy loves Mahmoud Ahmandinejad (yeah, the president of Iran).
Hilarious
Tuesday, October 02, 2007
The Tuesday
Get ready for "Cavemen"(Tuesday ABC 7) and "Carpoolers"(Tuesday ABC 7:30) tonight, because there is a good chance that neither will make it past week 2. Both shows are said to be the worst of the season.
I saw the original pilot for Cavemen (which will be reshot and shown as the 3rd or 4th episode) and I thought it was actually funny. But they have since recast some of the cavemen and have "changed the direction" of the show. The idea is stupid, take a mildly funny TV ad and stretch it out into a show, but the pilot had some very funny moments. I don't have much faith that this show will be able to be entertaining long term. I have even less faith in Carpoolers, watch "Bones"(Tuesday 7 FOX) instead. ABC will redeem themselves tomorrow night with the best new show of the season "Pushing Daisies"(Wednesday 7 ABC). The creativity of this show is on display in every shot, the whole show has a quirky fairy tale feeling to it (this show is even more amazing in HD).
Tonight is episode 2 of both "Reaper"(Tuesday 8 The CW) and "Cane"(Tuesday 9 CBS). Reaper looks like it could be one of the better new shows, while Cane looks like it could get boring pretty quickly.
I saw the original pilot for Cavemen (which will be reshot and shown as the 3rd or 4th episode) and I thought it was actually funny. But they have since recast some of the cavemen and have "changed the direction" of the show. The idea is stupid, take a mildly funny TV ad and stretch it out into a show, but the pilot had some very funny moments. I don't have much faith that this show will be able to be entertaining long term. I have even less faith in Carpoolers, watch "Bones"(Tuesday 7 FOX) instead. ABC will redeem themselves tomorrow night with the best new show of the season "Pushing Daisies"(Wednesday 7 ABC). The creativity of this show is on display in every shot, the whole show has a quirky fairy tale feeling to it (this show is even more amazing in HD).
Tonight is episode 2 of both "Reaper"(Tuesday 8 The CW) and "Cane"(Tuesday 9 CBS). Reaper looks like it could be one of the better new shows, while Cane looks like it could get boring pretty quickly.
Monday, October 01, 2007
Tonight both "Everybody Hates Chris"(Monday 7 The CW) and "Aliens In America"(Monday 7:30 The CW) have their premieres. Unfortunately these 2 shows are on at a very busy time, and I know that few will be able to watch these. Chris is a very funny show, and Aliens has Luke from "Gilmore Girls" and the pilot was good, but I can't realistically recommend either of these shows to you.
Monday's at 7 are brutal. One of my top 8 is on "How I Met Your Mother"(CBS), one of the best new shows is on "Chuck"(NBC) and there still is a possibility that "Prison Break"(FOX) will have a fun and exciting season.
I am watching 7 1/2 hours of TV tonight, and 4 of those are from 7-8. Tonight may be the last night I watch "K-Ville"(FOX 8), so far it hasn't worked for me, though the last episode did a better job of focusing on Anthony Anderson and Cole Hauser.
"Heroes"(NBC 8) is the one show that I never worry about where the story is going, so far they have done a flawless job by unfolding the story in new and creative ways.
I'm very excited to see the direction the second episode of "Journeyman"(NBC 9) takes. I know that each episode will involve flashbacks into a person's life so that Dan can help them, but how long will he do this without a reason or extra motivation? I like the actors (and no the lead is not Anthony Michael Hall) and I like the mystery surrounding his time travelling.
Monday's at 7 are brutal. One of my top 8 is on "How I Met Your Mother"(CBS), one of the best new shows is on "Chuck"(NBC) and there still is a possibility that "Prison Break"(FOX) will have a fun and exciting season.
I am watching 7 1/2 hours of TV tonight, and 4 of those are from 7-8. Tonight may be the last night I watch "K-Ville"(FOX 8), so far it hasn't worked for me, though the last episode did a better job of focusing on Anthony Anderson and Cole Hauser.
"Heroes"(NBC 8) is the one show that I never worry about where the story is going, so far they have done a flawless job by unfolding the story in new and creative ways.
I'm very excited to see the direction the second episode of "Journeyman"(NBC 9) takes. I know that each episode will involve flashbacks into a person's life so that Dan can help them, but how long will he do this without a reason or extra motivation? I like the actors (and no the lead is not Anthony Michael Hall) and I like the mystery surrounding his time travelling.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Hate to backtrack
But I feel the need to alert you to a cool Live Earth special on MyNetworkTV Friday night at 7.
I don't know why this concert footage hasn't been used more often. It would be incredibly easy for NBC to take that footage and come up with a weekly Live Earth show. They could play entire concerts of some of the bigger acts and a song or two from a couple other acts, they have hours of PSAs and short documentaries from the original broadcast that could fill time. Best of all they could bill it as a "Live Earth event" which would draw in some more green companies to fill ad time. This concert was a big thing, but its almost forgotten, if showing some popular band is a way to get peoples attention back on saving the world I am all for it.
While showing this on a little known "network" isn't going to get much attention, at least they are trying. I am interested to see how they package this, a music event that hapens to be about the environment, or a environmental event with artists that support the cause and are using their fame to draw attention to their cause.
I don't know why this concert footage hasn't been used more often. It would be incredibly easy for NBC to take that footage and come up with a weekly Live Earth show. They could play entire concerts of some of the bigger acts and a song or two from a couple other acts, they have hours of PSAs and short documentaries from the original broadcast that could fill time. Best of all they could bill it as a "Live Earth event" which would draw in some more green companies to fill ad time. This concert was a big thing, but its almost forgotten, if showing some popular band is a way to get peoples attention back on saving the world I am all for it.
While showing this on a little known "network" isn't going to get much attention, at least they are trying. I am interested to see how they package this, a music event that hapens to be about the environment, or a environmental event with artists that support the cause and are using their fame to draw attention to their cause.
The weekend
There's not too much to watch over the weekend, and even if there were, I need some sleep.
Here are a couple shows to check out.
Friday
"Moonlight"(Friday 8 CBS) has an "Angel" setup, with a vampire working as a private detective in LA. The main character, Mick, wants to be a better vampire and help humans with his abilities. This show follows Jennifer Love Hewitt's chest and show "Ghost Whisperer" which may setup a supernatural night for CBS, but a vampire detective isn't going to be an easy sell, and Angel fans may be upset with the blatant use of the premise.
There is also the 2 hour season premiere of "Las Vegas"(Friday 8 NBC-next week switches to 9 to make room for Friday Night Lights), I have given this show several chances, but at this point I've missed too much to warrant adding another show, especially on Friday night.
Saturday
CBS and NBC are both using the worthless Saturday night primetime slots to replay some of their shows.
CBS will reair 2 new series, with Friday's "Moonlight" at 7 and Tuesday's "Cane" at 8.
NBC is choosing to go for short term ratings (and advertiser's money), rather than being concerned with boosting the audience for their many new shows. At 7 they will replay the season premiere of "Heroes", at 8 the series premiere of "Chuck" followed by the "Law & Order: SVU" season premiere.
Sunday
The CW is using Sunday to reair "Gossip Girl" at 7 and then you can try to figure out if Tyra really said "assburgers" at 8.
On FOX there are new episodes of "The Simpsons"(Sunday 7 FOX) and "Family Guy"(Sunday 8 FOX) and really who can't use a little more animation in their lives (especially if its as funny as these two shows)
ABC has the premieres of "Desperate Housewives"(Sunday 8 ABC) and "Brothers & Sisters"(Sunday 9 ABC), and while I have almost given up on Desperate Housewives, Brothers & Sisters could be one of the best dramas on TV. It isn't going to take much for me to drop Housewives, and even a decent beginning may not be enough to turn it around. Brothers & Sisters has grown on me, it has enough drama to be interesting, plenty of secrets that need to be revealed and a great cast (including Amy VanCamp)
Finally we have "Shark"(Sunday 9 CBS) this is a good, but not great show that I am hooked on. James Woods and Jeri Ryan make a good team, and this year they will working together more often. The show has been able to balance a good supporting cast with the star power of Woods, and the cases have been very interesting and usually keep you guessing.
As of Sunday we will be 1 week into the official TV season which can only mean one thing, its time to start planning Friendsgiving. I have mentioned this great holiday several times, but I think this is an important holiday for everyone to recognize.
So before you get too wrapped up in throwing the Best Halloween Party Ever, take some time to think about your Friendsgiving plans, you'll thank me later (if you follow all of my advise, you don't have to thank me everytime just hit the highpoints for me).
Here are a couple shows to check out.
Friday
"Moonlight"(Friday 8 CBS) has an "Angel" setup, with a vampire working as a private detective in LA. The main character, Mick, wants to be a better vampire and help humans with his abilities. This show follows Jennifer Love Hewitt's chest and show "Ghost Whisperer" which may setup a supernatural night for CBS, but a vampire detective isn't going to be an easy sell, and Angel fans may be upset with the blatant use of the premise.
There is also the 2 hour season premiere of "Las Vegas"(Friday 8 NBC-next week switches to 9 to make room for Friday Night Lights), I have given this show several chances, but at this point I've missed too much to warrant adding another show, especially on Friday night.
Saturday
CBS and NBC are both using the worthless Saturday night primetime slots to replay some of their shows.
CBS will reair 2 new series, with Friday's "Moonlight" at 7 and Tuesday's "Cane" at 8.
NBC is choosing to go for short term ratings (and advertiser's money), rather than being concerned with boosting the audience for their many new shows. At 7 they will replay the season premiere of "Heroes", at 8 the series premiere of "Chuck" followed by the "Law & Order: SVU" season premiere.
Sunday
The CW is using Sunday to reair "Gossip Girl" at 7 and then you can try to figure out if Tyra really said "assburgers" at 8.
On FOX there are new episodes of "The Simpsons"(Sunday 7 FOX) and "Family Guy"(Sunday 8 FOX) and really who can't use a little more animation in their lives (especially if its as funny as these two shows)
ABC has the premieres of "Desperate Housewives"(Sunday 8 ABC) and "Brothers & Sisters"(Sunday 9 ABC), and while I have almost given up on Desperate Housewives, Brothers & Sisters could be one of the best dramas on TV. It isn't going to take much for me to drop Housewives, and even a decent beginning may not be enough to turn it around. Brothers & Sisters has grown on me, it has enough drama to be interesting, plenty of secrets that need to be revealed and a great cast (including Amy VanCamp)
Finally we have "Shark"(Sunday 9 CBS) this is a good, but not great show that I am hooked on. James Woods and Jeri Ryan make a good team, and this year they will working together more often. The show has been able to balance a good supporting cast with the star power of Woods, and the cases have been very interesting and usually keep you guessing.
As of Sunday we will be 1 week into the official TV season which can only mean one thing, its time to start planning Friendsgiving. I have mentioned this great holiday several times, but I think this is an important holiday for everyone to recognize.
So before you get too wrapped up in throwing the Best Halloween Party Ever, take some time to think about your Friendsgiving plans, you'll thank me later (if you follow all of my advise, you don't have to thank me everytime just hit the highpoints for me).
Tonight's Highlights
You should already know about, and be excited about, NBC's lineup for tonight, but in case you have denied my suggestions, here you go.
"My Name Is Earl"(7 NBC)(1 Hour Premiere), "The Office"(8 NBC)(1 Hour Premiere) and "ER"(9 NBC) make it very easy on your remote if you are a 1 show at a time person. Back to back hour episodes of Earl and Office easily combine for the best 2 hours of comedy on TV, and ER seems to find a way to still be relevant (even with some silly storylines).
If you like using your DVR to broaden your horizons and take in mass amounts of TV, here are some other alternatives.
"Smallville"(7 The CW) kicks off the season with the introduction of Supergirl.
"Reaper"(8 The CW) the pilot replays tonight, so if you missed it Tuesday, check out this fun show.
"Big Shots"(9 ABC) looks like it could be pretty awful. It seemed like a good idea, make a male version of "Desperate Housewives", throw in some good actors (Dylan McDermott, Josh Malina, Michael Vartan and Christopher Titus) and cover with drama. The problem is the guys seem like assholes and their drama is pretty boring.
Some other stuff that's on, the rest of the ABC lineup, Ugly Betty and Grey's Anatomy, and CBS's lineup, Survivor, CSI and Without a Trace. Don't tune to either channel tonight, its just not worth it.
"My Name Is Earl"(7 NBC)(1 Hour Premiere), "The Office"(8 NBC)(1 Hour Premiere) and "ER"(9 NBC) make it very easy on your remote if you are a 1 show at a time person. Back to back hour episodes of Earl and Office easily combine for the best 2 hours of comedy on TV, and ER seems to find a way to still be relevant (even with some silly storylines).
If you like using your DVR to broaden your horizons and take in mass amounts of TV, here are some other alternatives.
"Smallville"(7 The CW) kicks off the season with the introduction of Supergirl.
"Reaper"(8 The CW) the pilot replays tonight, so if you missed it Tuesday, check out this fun show.
"Big Shots"(9 ABC) looks like it could be pretty awful. It seemed like a good idea, make a male version of "Desperate Housewives", throw in some good actors (Dylan McDermott, Josh Malina, Michael Vartan and Christopher Titus) and cover with drama. The problem is the guys seem like assholes and their drama is pretty boring.
Some other stuff that's on, the rest of the ABC lineup, Ugly Betty and Grey's Anatomy, and CBS's lineup, Survivor, CSI and Without a Trace. Don't tune to either channel tonight, its just not worth it.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Wedneday's lineup
"Back To You"(Fox 7)- possibly a fun twist to a standard sitcom premise
"Kid Nation"(CBS 7)- I watched this show accidentally and feel dirty just admitting that. I feel bad for the kids, and can only see bad things (entertaining and audience pleasing bad things) ahead for these kids, could get ugly, there will be no further updates or mentions of this show unless someone dies or gets pregnant
"Bionic Woman"(NBC 8)-The pilot is kind of uneven, but it looks like an interesting and dark series
"Gossip Girl"(The CW 8)-Episode #2 will be key. Can Kristen Bell's narration keep my interest, will the dorky loser guy loose the girl, will the obnoxious spoiled rich kids be funny or annoying? Those three questions could determine the fate of the show
"Dirty Sexy Money"(ABC 9)-Peter Krause is hired as the lawyer for the same wealthy family that his father represented, he tries to do it without losing himself and his family as his father did. Donald Sutherland and William Baldwin are just a part of this family that will do their best to cause trouble for our lawyer hero.
"Life"(NBC 9)-Don't know much about this show, the main character is a detective that spent time in prison for a crime he didn't commit. He gets out, returns to the police force and tries to figure out how and why he was sent to prison in the first place.
"Kid Nation"(CBS 7)- I watched this show accidentally and feel dirty just admitting that. I feel bad for the kids, and can only see bad things (entertaining and audience pleasing bad things) ahead for these kids, could get ugly, there will be no further updates or mentions of this show unless someone dies or gets pregnant
"Bionic Woman"(NBC 8)-The pilot is kind of uneven, but it looks like an interesting and dark series
"Gossip Girl"(The CW 8)-Episode #2 will be key. Can Kristen Bell's narration keep my interest, will the dorky loser guy loose the girl, will the obnoxious spoiled rich kids be funny or annoying? Those three questions could determine the fate of the show
"Dirty Sexy Money"(ABC 9)-Peter Krause is hired as the lawyer for the same wealthy family that his father represented, he tries to do it without losing himself and his family as his father did. Donald Sutherland and William Baldwin are just a part of this family that will do their best to cause trouble for our lawyer hero.
"Life"(NBC 9)-Don't know much about this show, the main character is a detective that spent time in prison for a crime he didn't commit. He gets out, returns to the police force and tries to figure out how and why he was sent to prison in the first place.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Check out "Chuck"(Monday NBC 7) , "Heroes"(Monday NBC 8) and "Journeyman"(Monday NBC 9) which are all streaming for free on the NBC website. Catch up with Enrique Iglesias and Mandy Moore as they both guest star on "How I Met Your Mother"(Monday CBS 7), watch the season premiere at CBS.com.
Trying to find a convienent place to meet friends? You need to consult A place between us. Enter in your starting address and what sort of location you are looking to meet at, then enter as many other addresses as you like and this site will find a location in the middle. Great way to find a random meeting point in an area you may not be familiar with.
Windmill power.
Trying to find a convienent place to meet friends? You need to consult A place between us. Enter in your starting address and what sort of location you are looking to meet at, then enter as many other addresses as you like and this site will find a location in the middle. Great way to find a random meeting point in an area you may not be familiar with.
Windmill power.
Monday, September 24, 2007
What to look forward to for Tuesday
Tuesdays are looking like my mid-week breather, even if I watch both "Cavemen" and "Carpoolers" on ABC, I will have at most 5 hours to watch.
This week is even easier, I only have "Bones"(FOX 7), "Reaper"(The CW 8), "The Unit"(CBS 8) and "Cane"(CBS 9). The shows you may be watching include "NCIS", "Biggest Loser" and "Beauty and the Geek" at 7, "Dancing with the Stars" and "House" at 8 and "Boston Legal" and "SVU" at 9. So for some of you, you may be watching more TV than me (wow you must not have a life).
"Cane" is Jimmy Smits's new show, it is set in south Florida and centers around a Cuban-American family that owns a rum and sugar cane business. There are power struggles in the company and throughout the family as they deal with new levels of success in the business as the father/owner contemplates stepping down and turning the business over to his son. The cast is great and includes Hector Elizondo and Rita Moreno.
"Reaper" is a very creative new comedy series involving a 21 year old slacker who finds out that before he was born his parents sold his sole to the devil. Now he works for the devil and must send escaped demons back to hell. The pilot was directed by Kevin Smith, and may push the dark side a little too often
"The Unit" is a very slick military show that is always entertaining. This is the sort of show that you can pick up without having to know too much about the characters, the missions and the action are the focus of the show.
"Bones" is top 8, that should be enough.
This week is even easier, I only have "Bones"(FOX 7), "Reaper"(The CW 8), "The Unit"(CBS 8) and "Cane"(CBS 9). The shows you may be watching include "NCIS", "Biggest Loser" and "Beauty and the Geek" at 7, "Dancing with the Stars" and "House" at 8 and "Boston Legal" and "SVU" at 9. So for some of you, you may be watching more TV than me (wow you must not have a life).
"Cane" is Jimmy Smits's new show, it is set in south Florida and centers around a Cuban-American family that owns a rum and sugar cane business. There are power struggles in the company and throughout the family as they deal with new levels of success in the business as the father/owner contemplates stepping down and turning the business over to his son. The cast is great and includes Hector Elizondo and Rita Moreno.
"Reaper" is a very creative new comedy series involving a 21 year old slacker who finds out that before he was born his parents sold his sole to the devil. Now he works for the devil and must send escaped demons back to hell. The pilot was directed by Kevin Smith, and may push the dark side a little too often
"The Unit" is a very slick military show that is always entertaining. This is the sort of show that you can pick up without having to know too much about the characters, the missions and the action are the focus of the show.
"Bones" is top 8, that should be enough.
What I'm watching tonight.
It's actually a pretty easy night.
At 7 I am watching "How I Met Your Mother"(CBS),"Chuck"(NBC) and "Prison Break"(FOX) which I recommend in that order. At 7:30 I am going to give "Big Bang Theory"(CBS) another chance, I watched the pilot and thought it was a little too over the top. Maybe in HD I will like it more, but I don't recommend trying at this point.
At 8 I am watching "Heroes"(NBC), "Two and a Half Men"(CBS) and "K-Ville"(FOX). Heroes is one of my favorites, and I am extremely excited about it. 2 and 1/2 Men is constantly funny but only occasionally hilarious, most of the jokes are small but some of the storylines are great. I am giving K-Ville another chance because I usually give a show a few episodes before dropping it, but this will really have to impress me over the next couple weeks. I will probably not bother watching "Rules of Engagement"(CBS) at 8:30 even though I like most of the actors and Bianca Kajlich is pretty hot. The show just wasn't funny enough last year.
At 9 I only have "Journeyman"(NBC), I watched the pilot on Demand so I really don't have to watch this, but I think the show may warrant a second viewing to see what I missed. Some people have called the show bland, but I think as we figure out more about this time traveling thing, the main character and the audience will be less confused. Right now a lot of the why and how this is happening to him isn't even being acknowledged, much less answered, which doesn't give the story that necessary extra level of purpose.
Chuck is one of the new series that I am looking forward to the most, you should definitely check it out tonight if you can. This is Josh Schwartz's other new series he created this year (in addition to "Gossip Girl") and the pilot is directed by McG, so the team behind "The O.C." pilot is back together. The main character, Chuck, is a combination of Seth from O.C. and Jim from the Office and unwillingly becomes a superagent. Captain Awesome is awesome!(you''l have to find out for yourself) Plus theres a ninja in the pilot, that's right a ninja, you have to watch for that. If you miss the premiere, the pilot will re air Saturday at 8, and I am sure it will be available online all week.
So 6 1/2 hours of television to watch tonight, after only 2 1/2 last night (Simpsons, Family Guy and Shark), it almost feels like another vacation.
It is time to get serious though, for all of us, make sure you are taking full advantage of your DVR
At 7 I am watching "How I Met Your Mother"(CBS),"Chuck"(NBC) and "Prison Break"(FOX) which I recommend in that order. At 7:30 I am going to give "Big Bang Theory"(CBS) another chance, I watched the pilot and thought it was a little too over the top. Maybe in HD I will like it more, but I don't recommend trying at this point.
At 8 I am watching "Heroes"(NBC), "Two and a Half Men"(CBS) and "K-Ville"(FOX). Heroes is one of my favorites, and I am extremely excited about it. 2 and 1/2 Men is constantly funny but only occasionally hilarious, most of the jokes are small but some of the storylines are great. I am giving K-Ville another chance because I usually give a show a few episodes before dropping it, but this will really have to impress me over the next couple weeks. I will probably not bother watching "Rules of Engagement"(CBS) at 8:30 even though I like most of the actors and Bianca Kajlich is pretty hot. The show just wasn't funny enough last year.
At 9 I only have "Journeyman"(NBC), I watched the pilot on Demand so I really don't have to watch this, but I think the show may warrant a second viewing to see what I missed. Some people have called the show bland, but I think as we figure out more about this time traveling thing, the main character and the audience will be less confused. Right now a lot of the why and how this is happening to him isn't even being acknowledged, much less answered, which doesn't give the story that necessary extra level of purpose.
Chuck is one of the new series that I am looking forward to the most, you should definitely check it out tonight if you can. This is Josh Schwartz's other new series he created this year (in addition to "Gossip Girl") and the pilot is directed by McG, so the team behind "The O.C." pilot is back together. The main character, Chuck, is a combination of Seth from O.C. and Jim from the Office and unwillingly becomes a superagent. Captain Awesome is awesome!(you''l have to find out for yourself) Plus theres a ninja in the pilot, that's right a ninja, you have to watch for that. If you miss the premiere, the pilot will re air Saturday at 8, and I am sure it will be available online all week.
So 6 1/2 hours of television to watch tonight, after only 2 1/2 last night (Simpsons, Family Guy and Shark), it almost feels like another vacation.
It is time to get serious though, for all of us, make sure you are taking full advantage of your DVR
Friday, September 21, 2007
The only reason I watched "Gossip Girl" (Wednesday The CW 8) is because Kristen Bell is the narrator (and me and Veronica have something special). But I actually kind of liked it. I could have done without some of the over the top spoiled teen drama, but New York will be a good environment and Kristen's narration as the unknown Gossip girl blogger adds some extra tension to this teeny bopper drama. I have to admit, the fact that the nice quiet guy gets the hot girl in the first episode has me liking it more than I would have thought. The show is created by Josh Schwartz, the creator of "The O.C." (and the new show "Chuck") and while there is no "welcome to the OC bitch" line, there is a similar standoff and definition of character that sets the series in motion.
The pilot will re air Sunday at 7
The pilot will re air Sunday at 7
Thursday, September 20, 2007
Top 8 going into the Fall Season
My current Top 8. There is no "Lost" because it isn't on until February, no "24" because it sucks and no "Flight of The Concords" because the season is over.
- The Office (Thursday NBC 8) (September 27th 1 Hour Premiere) I would like to quote a very wise man, "This is the best show on TV. This show keeps getting better, if you aren't watching you need to start immediately." that wise person would be me, so you had better be watching this by now, or go to Netflix and get it.
- Heroes (Monday NBC 8) (September 24th) I really love this show, and the fact that although its a comic book it is actually quite a smart show. You can easily get lost if you don't pay attention and it sometimes takes multiple viewings to catch everything. This show really has endless possibilities for characters, and I have confidence that the writers are going to be able to keep the show fresh and original.
- Friday Night Lights (Friday NBC 8) (October 5th) I rewatched the first season recently, and I like the show even more now. It really has something for everyone, its a teeny-bopper sports drama that has plenty of laughs, it offers inspiration with the rapid recovery of Jason and the turn around of Riggins, the flat out hilarious ackwardness of Landry, the cute romance of Matt and Julie, the realistic parents with actual storylines, a look at the inner workings of a big time high school football team and cheerleaders. I am a little worried about season 2 and where the stories are going to go without Coach Taylor. I don't see a way he could come back unless he turned down the job in the offseason to stay with the team.
- My Name Is Earl (Thursday NBC 7) (Sept 27th 1 Hour Premiere) Yes its another NBC show, but look this ones on at 7, not 8, its completely different. Actually this show is pretty different too, but in a good way. Back in January I said that the show had hit its stride and the unevenness of the first season was long gone, and that was before we even got "oh chasquido!". The entire second season was very strong and from the looks of the "Free Earl" video the third season will continue to be hilarious.
- How I Met Your Mother (Monday CBS 7) (Sept 24th) I may be biased by "Doogie Howser M.D." and "Buffy" but this really is a great show that has been able to build a world that is hilarious when you know the characters. The whole cast is perfect and the characters have become some of my favorites on TV.
- 30 Rock (Thursday NBC 7:30) ( Oct 4th) This show could have been #5, but I would feel weird about a top 5 of all NBC shows, and it just won the emmy so it doesn't need my help. Again great cast, hilarious show and they have developed a world that is funny by default (which isn't an easy thing to achieve).
- Bones (Tuesday FOX 7) (Sept 25th) This is the only "autopsy" type show that I watch, but I think this show does a good job of being creative and having a good balance of personal stories and cases. Part of why I gave this show a longer look is the fact that I like "Buffy" a little too much, and just like with my commitment to the cast of "Party of 5", I have to watch David Boreanaz (and he has done a great job of creating a "new" character rather than playing Angel again).
- Pushing Daisies (Wednesday ABC 7) (Oct 3rd) It may be pushing it to put this in the top 8 after seeing only 1 episode, but the pilot is excellent (and "Lost" leaves a big hole that I don't think any other show could fill). Watch this clip for a quick intro to the premise of the show and get a look at the beautiful cinematography of the inventive quirky show. Right from the beginning of the show we know that the main characters will never have the romance that is building. The show has a magical look and feel to it like a Tim Burton movie, it reminded me of Big Fish.
Alright, time to get Serious
So this week has seen the premieres of multiple FOX shows, Prison Break (season 3), K-Ville (series premiere), Back To You (series premiere) and some other crap.
I was pleasantly surprised by the "Prison Break" (Monday FOX 7) premiere, it set up a season that should be exciting and action packed, and gives Michael a reason to break out of prison again. The premiere is currently streaming for free here.
I wanted to like "K-Ville" (Monday FOX 8) because I have liked both Anthony Anderson and Cole Hauser in almost everything they've been in since Romeo Must Die and Higher Learning, but this show just doesn't cut it. I like the fact that they are showing that New Orleans is still a long way from being back, but so far the show is just another generic cop show. Unless it brings something new to the formula in episode 2, I can't see this lasting very long. The premiere is streaming at FOX.com
I didn't really even want to watch "Back To You" (Wednesday FOX 7) (I have issues with Fraiser), but I did because, well thats what I do (yes very sad, I know). I actually thought the show was cute and sweet (and I think just describing a show that way makes me a little gay). There is a twist to the story that turns the standard "return to your roots" plot line into a revelation for Fraiser. The cast is actually quite good, Fred Willard and Ty Burrell should easily be able to hold their own against the big head of Kelsey Grammer. I really liked Patricia Heaton on "Raymond" and its good to see her back on TV and this could be a great role for her. Again the premiere is streaming.
Fox is also insisting on airing 'til Death and Kitchen Nightmares despite my multiple letters pleading for them to attempt to become a real network and challenge the big 3 with a full schedule of quality programs.
I have been working on my current top 8 going into this season since Friday, I've been lazy, but my vacation is over.
I have a lot of work to do.
In addition to finishing my top 8, I am also going to be giving you a top 8(or so?) list of what new shows to check out. I have seen several of the pilots, and can already strongly suggest "Pushing Daises" (Wednesday Oct 3rd ABC 7) and "Chuck" (Monday Sept 24th NBC 7) both could be top 8 caliber. "Reaper" (Tuesday Sept 25th The CW 8) will be funny, sacreligious and a little bit silly, add in the devil and Brett Harrison (I still think "The Loop" is a hilarious show and this has a similar tone) and it will be a very fun show, "Cane" (Tuesday Sept 25th CBS 9) has Jimmy Smits, "Journeyman" (Monday Sept 24th NBC 9) looks very interesting and not nearly as confusing as many reviewers are making it out to be and "Bionic Woman" (Wednesday Sept26th NBC 8) has a "Battlestar" feel, a very cool dark setup and it has Starbuck.
Next week most of the shows start, mentally prepare yourself.
You have a lot of work to do, I will do my best to help.
I was pleasantly surprised by the "Prison Break" (Monday FOX 7) premiere, it set up a season that should be exciting and action packed, and gives Michael a reason to break out of prison again. The premiere is currently streaming for free here.
I wanted to like "K-Ville" (Monday FOX 8) because I have liked both Anthony Anderson and Cole Hauser in almost everything they've been in since Romeo Must Die and Higher Learning, but this show just doesn't cut it. I like the fact that they are showing that New Orleans is still a long way from being back, but so far the show is just another generic cop show. Unless it brings something new to the formula in episode 2, I can't see this lasting very long. The premiere is streaming at FOX.com
I didn't really even want to watch "Back To You" (Wednesday FOX 7) (I have issues with Fraiser), but I did because, well thats what I do (yes very sad, I know). I actually thought the show was cute and sweet (and I think just describing a show that way makes me a little gay). There is a twist to the story that turns the standard "return to your roots" plot line into a revelation for Fraiser. The cast is actually quite good, Fred Willard and Ty Burrell should easily be able to hold their own against the big head of Kelsey Grammer. I really liked Patricia Heaton on "Raymond" and its good to see her back on TV and this could be a great role for her. Again the premiere is streaming.
Fox is also insisting on airing 'til Death and Kitchen Nightmares despite my multiple letters pleading for them to attempt to become a real network and challenge the big 3 with a full schedule of quality programs.
I have been working on my current top 8 going into this season since Friday, I've been lazy, but my vacation is over.
I have a lot of work to do.
In addition to finishing my top 8, I am also going to be giving you a top 8(or so?) list of what new shows to check out. I have seen several of the pilots, and can already strongly suggest "Pushing Daises" (Wednesday Oct 3rd ABC 7) and "Chuck" (Monday Sept 24th NBC 7) both could be top 8 caliber. "Reaper" (Tuesday Sept 25th The CW 8) will be funny, sacreligious and a little bit silly, add in the devil and Brett Harrison (I still think "The Loop" is a hilarious show and this has a similar tone) and it will be a very fun show, "Cane" (Tuesday Sept 25th CBS 9) has Jimmy Smits, "Journeyman" (Monday Sept 24th NBC 9) looks very interesting and not nearly as confusing as many reviewers are making it out to be and "Bionic Woman" (Wednesday Sept26th NBC 8) has a "Battlestar" feel, a very cool dark setup and it has Starbuck.
Next week most of the shows start, mentally prepare yourself.
You have a lot of work to do, I will do my best to help.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
100th Post
Being that I like to self congratulate, let me be the first to say "Great job so far! But could you post a little more often?" I guess that was more of a simultaneous congratulation and insult, but that's just the way I do it.
So for my 100th post I want to thank everyone who has checked out the blog so far. Thanks to my fan club of 5, you make me feel special as my counter continues to climb (almost at 2500 hits since January) and under appreciated with each post that goes commentless . But really thanks, I hope to be able to guide you through this TV season AND actually get some sleep this fall, so wish me luck.
Right now is a great time to get caught up on some shows from last year. I have already told you that "Friday Night Lights"(Friday NBC 8) and "Heroes"(Monday NBC 8) are available, but several new series have been released this week.
First on the list, "The Office" (Thursday NBC 8) season 3 is now available. This show is very addicting and its easy to watch a whole disc in one sitting, so get to it (you could easily watch all 3 seasons in 3 weeks and be caught up for the premiere on Sept. 27, but it will take some commitment and discipline). Check out what the office has been up to on their summer vacation (thanks to Tim for the link).
Next up is "30 Rock"(Thursday NBC 7:30) this show took some time to really figure out what it was (and to win me over), but by midseason it was one of my favorites and I still have a couple episodes on my DVR that I can't delete.
"Prison Break"(Monday FOX 7) season 2 is out, but I don't highly recommend it. I like the show, but it is stretching a little thin, they are going back to prison and I don't have a lot of optimism for this season which starts Sept 17th (but I will probably watch the whole season anyway).
Speaking of shows I don't highly recommend, season 3 of "Desperate Housewives"(Sunday ABC 8) is available, but you really only need to see 1 episode on Disc 2, "Bang" was the only episode all year that I thought was good, the rest makes me question my manhood and this whole silly commitment to TV.
Next Tuesday (which is going to be weird and freaky, I can still remember going to Best Buy to buy DVDs (Tuesday is release day and I was wasn't going to let the world ending stop me from accumulating more DVDs) and listening to Dave Matthews Band – When the World Ends while driving in a daze on the way there and back), sorry for that bummer, but on the 11th, season 2 of "Bones"(Wednesday Fox 8) and "Supernatural"(Thursday The CW 8) both come out and I recommend trying out both of these shows.
"Grey's Anatomy"(Thursday ABC 8) season 3 also comes out, but seriously if Nicole has given up on the show (and she absolutely loved it before she became my little sis-and I didn't even have to talk sense into her, she learned on her own) what are you still doing watching it?
Here are a couple TV grids for you until I figure mine out. The TV addict has a list of all premieres (you could also get that from my Google calendar
) and the futon critic has a fall grid complete with premiere dates. I will try to keep at least 1 week ahead on all my recommendations, but at least with these 2 sheets you can start making a mental plan of what you are going to watch.
When you have time I highly suggest checking out the very enjoyable, underappreciated, underwatched and cancelled series "The Black Donnellys".
Also if you notice, all the links for these shows take you right to the Netflix page for the DVDs. It is almost a crime if you don't have Netflix at this point, and I highly recommend it for renting TV shows. If you don't have it yet, click on the ad on the right, sign up and make me some money. Thanks
So for my 100th post I want to thank everyone who has checked out the blog so far. Thanks to my fan club of 5, you make me feel special as my counter continues to climb (almost at 2500 hits since January) and under appreciated with each post that goes commentless . But really thanks, I hope to be able to guide you through this TV season AND actually get some sleep this fall, so wish me luck.
Right now is a great time to get caught up on some shows from last year. I have already told you that "Friday Night Lights"(Friday NBC 8) and "Heroes"(Monday NBC 8) are available, but several new series have been released this week.
First on the list, "The Office" (Thursday NBC 8) season 3 is now available. This show is very addicting and its easy to watch a whole disc in one sitting, so get to it (you could easily watch all 3 seasons in 3 weeks and be caught up for the premiere on Sept. 27, but it will take some commitment and discipline). Check out what the office has been up to on their summer vacation (thanks to Tim for the link).
Next up is "30 Rock"(Thursday NBC 7:30) this show took some time to really figure out what it was (and to win me over), but by midseason it was one of my favorites and I still have a couple episodes on my DVR that I can't delete.
"Prison Break"(Monday FOX 7) season 2 is out, but I don't highly recommend it. I like the show, but it is stretching a little thin, they are going back to prison and I don't have a lot of optimism for this season which starts Sept 17th (but I will probably watch the whole season anyway).
Speaking of shows I don't highly recommend, season 3 of "Desperate Housewives"(Sunday ABC 8) is available, but you really only need to see 1 episode on Disc 2, "Bang" was the only episode all year that I thought was good, the rest makes me question my manhood and this whole silly commitment to TV.
Next Tuesday (which is going to be weird and freaky, I can still remember going to Best Buy to buy DVDs (Tuesday is release day and I was wasn't going to let the world ending stop me from accumulating more DVDs) and listening to Dave Matthews Band – When the World Ends while driving in a daze on the way there and back), sorry for that bummer, but on the 11th, season 2 of "Bones"(Wednesday Fox 8) and "Supernatural"(Thursday The CW 8) both come out and I recommend trying out both of these shows.
"Grey's Anatomy"(Thursday ABC 8) season 3 also comes out, but seriously if Nicole has given up on the show (and she absolutely loved it before she became my little sis-and I didn't even have to talk sense into her, she learned on her own) what are you still doing watching it?
Here are a couple TV grids for you until I figure mine out. The TV addict has a list of all premieres (you could also get that from my Google calendar
) and the futon critic has a fall grid complete with premiere dates. I will try to keep at least 1 week ahead on all my recommendations, but at least with these 2 sheets you can start making a mental plan of what you are going to watch.When you have time I highly suggest checking out the very enjoyable, underappreciated, underwatched and cancelled series "The Black Donnellys".
Also if you notice, all the links for these shows take you right to the Netflix page for the DVDs. It is almost a crime if you don't have Netflix at this point, and I highly recommend it for renting TV shows. If you don't have it yet, click on the ad on the right, sign up and make me some money. Thanks
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Friday Night House Party 5
Friday, August 24, 2007
Bears Fan?
This will get you ready for this season.
I guess this is the extended version of a great 2006 highlight reel.
So Good.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Eventually they will get it right
This season NBC will be offering 4 of their pilots on demand for about 2 weeks before the actual premiere. The pilots for "Chuck", "Bionic Woman", "Journeyman", and "Life" will be available Sept 10th on "virtually every major cable and satellite system in the country".
This (along with being the lead-in for "Heroes") will give Chuck a head start on the 10 other new shows premiering the week of the 23rd. There will be 35 hours (not including reality/game shows) of new television airing from Sept 23-28. This makes it nearly impossible to catch all of the new shows with out dropping some favorites.
Its a stupid system.
Hopefully all the new shows will streaming for free on the network sites, this would let you watch at least the pilot for every new show you have interest in. But otherwise there are going to be some good and smart TV shows canceled because of scheduling conflicts.
I highly recommend trying to catch up on the first season of "Friday Night Lights" before the season premiere Friday Oct. 5th at 8. You can still stream all episodes on the NBC website, or you can wait for the DVD release on Aug 28th. Right now you can preorder it at Amazon for only $20 (serious no brainer for that one), or if you're not sure you'll like it, you should at least get Disc 1 at the top of your Queue now.
The same goes for "Heroes". Well, except Heroes isn't still streaming on NBC.com and I'm assuming you have already seen it. But if you want a refresher for the premiere on Sept 24th, it will also be released on DVD Aug 28th, and is available for $40 at Amazon and at Netflix.
I don't know if anyone else watched "The Nine" last fall, but you will be able to watch the final episodes online. The Nine was about the 9 hostages in a bank robbery, with scenes from the robbery being shown in flashbacks as the robbery gets pieced together and Scott Wolf was one of the stars (I always have to support Bailey). It was pulled back in November but ABC announced they were going to air the final episodes during August, only to pull it again. Now the final episodes will be released online, with 2 new episodes already available.
This (along with being the lead-in for "Heroes") will give Chuck a head start on the 10 other new shows premiering the week of the 23rd. There will be 35 hours (not including reality/game shows) of new television airing from Sept 23-28. This makes it nearly impossible to catch all of the new shows with out dropping some favorites.
Its a stupid system.
Hopefully all the new shows will streaming for free on the network sites, this would let you watch at least the pilot for every new show you have interest in. But otherwise there are going to be some good and smart TV shows canceled because of scheduling conflicts.
I highly recommend trying to catch up on the first season of "Friday Night Lights" before the season premiere Friday Oct. 5th at 8. You can still stream all episodes on the NBC website, or you can wait for the DVD release on Aug 28th. Right now you can preorder it at Amazon for only $20 (serious no brainer for that one), or if you're not sure you'll like it, you should at least get Disc 1 at the top of your Queue now.
The same goes for "Heroes". Well, except Heroes isn't still streaming on NBC.com and I'm assuming you have already seen it. But if you want a refresher for the premiere on Sept 24th, it will also be released on DVD Aug 28th, and is available for $40 at Amazon and at Netflix.
I don't know if anyone else watched "The Nine" last fall, but you will be able to watch the final episodes online. The Nine was about the 9 hostages in a bank robbery, with scenes from the robbery being shown in flashbacks as the robbery gets pieced together and Scott Wolf was one of the stars (I always have to support Bailey). It was pulled back in November but ABC announced they were going to air the final episodes during August, only to pull it again. Now the final episodes will be released online, with 2 new episodes already available.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Music is fun
I have a few quick music recommendations for you
Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds "Live at Radio City", is a near perfect sounding live album. Granted its not extremely hard to mix 2 guitars and 1 vocal, but this really sounds great.
Check out their myspace page for a couple song clips and a video of a new song "Eh Hee"
I recommended The Feeling awhile ago, but I feel the need to draw your attention to them again. "Twelve Stops and Home" is a "soft rock" album that could very easily be from the 70's, except its really good. You can listen to the whole album on soundpedia. The album really doesn't have a weak song, if you like one of them you're going to like them all. I can't stop listening to this CD in my car, even with the temptation of Soul Street on XM trying to pull me away.
Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals new album "Lifeline" has a very cool laid back groove to it that Ben calls "acoustic soul". Check out these solo acoustic hotel room performances of some of the new songs, as well as the official videos.
I just gave a listen to the new Josh Ritter album and I don't know if it is "the best album of the year", but it is pretty good and I am already liking it more on a second listen. The album is sort of a folky pop rock combo that deserves the Dylan and Springsteen comparisons. It has a very loose feel to it (almost accidental) but pulls it of with a nonchalance that Ryan Adams wishes could achieve regularly. Check out the album on his site, and the rave review on Amazon.
If you've been counting the hours until the big showdown between 50 and Kanye (I'm much more excited for Kanye) you probably have a jones for some rap.
Kanye has 2 videos for "Can't Tell me Nothing" and another for "Stronger", and listen to the John Mayer collaboration on "Bittersweet".
Check out what 50 Cent is up to and see a video for "AYO Technology"(which really is more of Justin's song than 50's) and "Amusement Park".
You should also check out this hilarious, somewhat vulgar video from Mike O'Connell featuring Yoshido(who really steals the show). The video for this last call love song is all done in one shot and is a really well done rap parody song.
Also check out the new link in my link section for some indie hip hop from Drok.
Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds "Live at Radio City", is a near perfect sounding live album. Granted its not extremely hard to mix 2 guitars and 1 vocal, but this really sounds great.
Check out their myspace page for a couple song clips and a video of a new song "Eh Hee"
I recommended The Feeling awhile ago, but I feel the need to draw your attention to them again. "Twelve Stops and Home" is a "soft rock" album that could very easily be from the 70's, except its really good. You can listen to the whole album on soundpedia. The album really doesn't have a weak song, if you like one of them you're going to like them all. I can't stop listening to this CD in my car, even with the temptation of Soul Street on XM trying to pull me away.
Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals new album "Lifeline" has a very cool laid back groove to it that Ben calls "acoustic soul". Check out these solo acoustic hotel room performances of some of the new songs, as well as the official videos.
I just gave a listen to the new Josh Ritter album and I don't know if it is "the best album of the year", but it is pretty good and I am already liking it more on a second listen. The album is sort of a folky pop rock combo that deserves the Dylan and Springsteen comparisons. It has a very loose feel to it (almost accidental) but pulls it of with a nonchalance that Ryan Adams wishes could achieve regularly. Check out the album on his site, and the rave review on Amazon.
If you've been counting the hours until the big showdown between 50 and Kanye (I'm much more excited for Kanye) you probably have a jones for some rap.
Kanye has 2 videos for "Can't Tell me Nothing" and another for "Stronger", and listen to the John Mayer collaboration on "Bittersweet".
Check out what 50 Cent is up to and see a video for "AYO Technology"(which really is more of Justin's song than 50's) and "Amusement Park".
You should also check out this hilarious, somewhat vulgar video from Mike O'Connell featuring Yoshido(who really steals the show). The video for this last call love song is all done in one shot and is a really well done rap parody song.
Also check out the new link in my link section for some indie hip hop from Drok.
Sunday, August 05, 2007
I am getting very excited for the upcoming TV season, and I promise that as we get closer I will make my posts much more regular.
I am still working on a grid for my suggestions on what to watch this season, but there is still plenty of time, the first premiere is "Prison Break" on September 17th. My current estimate is that I have 17 1/2 hours of TV that I will be watching every week with about 13 more hours of shows I am at least trying out. That's over 30 hours of programming every week, so I am mentally preparing myself to once again have no life.
Click on this button and you can add my Fall 2007 premiere schedule calendar to your Google calendars.
This lists the date for the premiere of every show (it will not include any reality show because I WILL NOT BE AN ENABLER!)
If you don't have a Google calendar yet, you can check out my calendar here.
I am still working on a grid for my suggestions on what to watch this season, but there is still plenty of time, the first premiere is "Prison Break" on September 17th. My current estimate is that I have 17 1/2 hours of TV that I will be watching every week with about 13 more hours of shows I am at least trying out. That's over 30 hours of programming every week, so I am mentally preparing myself to once again have no life.
Click on this button and you can add my Fall 2007 premiere schedule calendar to your Google calendars.
This lists the date for the premiere of every show (it will not include any reality show because I WILL NOT BE AN ENABLER!)
If you don't have a Google calendar yet, you can check out my calendar here.
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Save the World, or something
I got a little inspiration while grocery shopping tonight.
I am still waiting for my damn Zorbeez to show up, so unfortunately I am still buying paper towels. But tonight I found Seventh Generation brand paper towels (as well as paper plates, napkins, facial tissue and toilet paper) and right under the brand name it says "Saves Natural Resources, Reduces Pollution" so I obviously checked it out. The back of the packaging told me that if every household in the U.S. replaced just one triple pack of virgin paper towels with 100% recycled ones we could save:
Now that I have preached and hopefully inspired, I have 2 funny videos for you to check out.
First is the hilarious video starring Zach Galifianakas on a farm. The video is for Kayne West's "Can't Tell Me Nothing" which also just happens to also be a good song.
Then check out this very interesting commercial, the less you know the better it is. But the dude is really freaky looking and obviously just needs purpose in life.
I am still waiting for my damn Zorbeez to show up, so unfortunately I am still buying paper towels. But tonight I found Seventh Generation brand paper towels (as well as paper plates, napkins, facial tissue and toilet paper) and right under the brand name it says "Saves Natural Resources, Reduces Pollution" so I obviously checked it out. The back of the packaging told me that if every household in the U.S. replaced just one triple pack of virgin paper towels with 100% recycled ones we could save:
- 1,660,000 trees
- 4.2 million cubic feet of landfill space, equal to 6,600 full garbage trucks
- 590 million gallons of water, a year's supply for 4,700 families of four
- and avoid 101,000 pounds of pollution
Now that I have preached and hopefully inspired, I have 2 funny videos for you to check out.
First is the hilarious video starring Zach Galifianakas on a farm. The video is for Kayne West's "Can't Tell Me Nothing" which also just happens to also be a good song.
Then check out this very interesting commercial, the less you know the better it is. But the dude is really freaky looking and obviously just needs purpose in life.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
What more could you ask for?
Taste of Westmont this weekend then Poison tonight!
Mullets, leather, an "Eye of The Tiger" sing-along, pyrotechnics, big hair and "Every Rose".
Sounds like a good run to me. (good meaning-funny, funny, hilarious, awesome, funny and life affirming)
Want to hear some live music? go to here to watch every song from Live Earth. (a couple suggestions-Yusuf, Jack Johnson, Joss Stone, Spinal Tap, Katie Melua, Foo Fighters, Corrine Bailey Rae)
Looking for new music? Check out Paolo Nutini on SoundPedia (sign up for the free account and get tons of free music), he's the next James Blunt, if you're into that sort of thing. Then check out his version of "What a Wonderful World" at Live Earth.
I am working on a playlist for you for both Live Earth and Soundpedia.
more later
Mullets, leather, an "Eye of The Tiger" sing-along, pyrotechnics, big hair and "Every Rose".
Sounds like a good run to me. (good meaning-funny, funny, hilarious, awesome, funny and life affirming)
Want to hear some live music? go to here to watch every song from Live Earth. (a couple suggestions-Yusuf, Jack Johnson, Joss Stone, Spinal Tap, Katie Melua, Foo Fighters, Corrine Bailey Rae)
Looking for new music? Check out Paolo Nutini on SoundPedia (sign up for the free account and get tons of free music), he's the next James Blunt, if you're into that sort of thing. Then check out his version of "What a Wonderful World" at Live Earth.
I am working on a playlist for you for both Live Earth and Soundpedia.
more later
Friday, July 06, 2007
Live Earth
Seriously how hard can it really be to solve the climate crisis if EVERYONE is aware of it?
Do Something, even if it just educating yourself and signing the pledge.
Live Earth is bigger than you can imagine, and will make a difference. And if I said it it must be true.
Watch the concert online.
or on tv. on several NBC channels.
Or listen on XM. or Sirius. You can listen to every concert in its entirety or catch a best of broadcast.
The concert starts tonight at 7 Central time in Australia ("Its the future there") and concludes tomorrow night in New York.
What do I want from you?
For you to enjoy a wide selection of good music, and with over 100 artists there are several bands that you are going to like (I am going to try my best to see or hear as much as possible of about 30 different bands). I also want you to learn something (I already have just researching it), be positive and make a difference.
Not too much to ask.
There are 60 short films, 30 PSAs and an unprecedented(my claim, but I think it will hold true) number of celebrities worldwide all for your edutainment.
Check out the Climate Crisis Tools & News.
Learn what you can do.
Find out if there is a local event that you can attend, meet other people who share your concerns and commit to changing the world.
Make sure your mayor is involved in the solution, if not make sure your next mayor actually loves you and the earth.
Go watch and learn.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
The current issue of Rolling Stone (with the Police on the cover) has a special report on the climate crisis. There are 3 great articles, the first is an interview with Al Gore about the movement he has started and the importance of Live Earth. The second gives us a look at exactly how evil the Bush administration is and shows how they have tried to deny global warming from day 1. The third is a fantastic article by Robert F Kennedy Jr. where he lays out exactly what we can do to make a difference and explains why there have been difficulties (Big Oil has far too much power). Right now Rolling Stone is becoming a strong political and social voice that reflects many of my personal feelings (disgust with the Bush administration and importance of the climate crisis), and hopefully will continue to bring our attention to these serious flaws in our country and world.
On a lighter note, I got a reminder from Tim that the Robot Chicken Star Wars episode is reairing on Sunday on the Cartoon Network at 10PM. Learn about the episode and you may be surprised that George Lucas not only approved the special episode but was involved in it
Here are some clips to check out
On a lighter note, I got a reminder from Tim that the Robot Chicken Star Wars episode is reairing on Sunday on the Cartoon Network at 10PM. Learn about the episode and you may be surprised that George Lucas not only approved the special episode but was involved in it
Here are some clips to check out
Chicago Sports
First of all the Chicago White Sox are starting what will be the greatest comeback in Baseball History!
I know it is just 4 games against Tampa Bay, and they got swept by the lowly Cubs the series before, but it is the first time in awhile that I am even acknowledging the existence of baseball, so give me a break.
Also congratulations to Big Frank on his 500th Home Run. I don't care what people say about him, I always liked him and really that's all that matters.
The Bulls drafted Joakim Noah in the first round of the NBA draft, and while it still doesn't give them a scoring threat down low that requires a double team, I think it will be a great pick for the team. He has supposedly been working on his offense, but his defense and shot blocking will be his forte for at least the first year. He is quite a character and should be exciting to watch both on and off the court.
I have been meaning to talk about Tank Johnson, but this article has me pissed off. I think Tank deserves another chance, and I have thought so all along. His problem was who he was associating with rather than who he is as a person and the Bears listened to the idiots who just don't get it. He was pulled over at 3 AM for speeding and suspicion of being "slightly intoxicated"(what the hell is that any way, isn't there a legal limit, shouldn't it be clear cut?) and the thing people keep saying is that he should know better than to be out that late. What does it matter when he went home? I go home after 3 all the time, all the fun stuff happens late and I am not going to ask Tank to miss that. Now if he was drunk then yes the Bears should cut him because that will be the only way to make it absolutely clear to him that he needs to change. But if he wasn't drunk, then the Bears are absolute idiots for listening to the media who has lumped him in with Pacman Jones and the Bengals.
I know it is just 4 games against Tampa Bay, and they got swept by the lowly Cubs the series before, but it is the first time in awhile that I am even acknowledging the existence of baseball, so give me a break.
Also congratulations to Big Frank on his 500th Home Run. I don't care what people say about him, I always liked him and really that's all that matters.
The Bulls drafted Joakim Noah in the first round of the NBA draft, and while it still doesn't give them a scoring threat down low that requires a double team, I think it will be a great pick for the team. He has supposedly been working on his offense, but his defense and shot blocking will be his forte for at least the first year. He is quite a character and should be exciting to watch both on and off the court.
I have been meaning to talk about Tank Johnson, but this article has me pissed off. I think Tank deserves another chance, and I have thought so all along. His problem was who he was associating with rather than who he is as a person and the Bears listened to the idiots who just don't get it. He was pulled over at 3 AM for speeding and suspicion of being "slightly intoxicated"(what the hell is that any way, isn't there a legal limit, shouldn't it be clear cut?) and the thing people keep saying is that he should know better than to be out that late. What does it matter when he went home? I go home after 3 all the time, all the fun stuff happens late and I am not going to ask Tank to miss that. Now if he was drunk then yes the Bears should cut him because that will be the only way to make it absolutely clear to him that he needs to change. But if he wasn't drunk, then the Bears are absolute idiots for listening to the media who has lumped him in with Pacman Jones and the Bengals.
Quick Update
It is summer, I am really only watching 4 shows ("The Loop" Sunday FOX, "Entourage" Sunday HBO, "Rescue Me" Wednesday FX and "Studio 60" Thursday NBC) and trying to not spend too much time on the computer.
But I still feel like I should offer you some sort of entertainment on a more regular basis.
So I am going to steal from Pop Candy, which is a great blog that actually posts daily.
Here are some things that you need to check out.
1. Sound Pedia - this is a very cool music site where you can stream entire albums (though some newer albums only offer a 30 second clip) for free. I have only been playing with it for a day, but so far I am amazed by what they offer. There are full albums (with lyrics) and videos from just about every artist you can imagine, but here are a couple suggestions- Brandi Carlile, Atmosphere's "You can't imagine how much fun we're having" (check out "Pour Me Another" and "Angelface"), Joss Stone and then have fun exploring.
2. Clark and Michael - Was George Michael your favorite? Then you are going to like this online series, starring and created by Michael Cera and his friend Clark Duke.
Go have fun and I will try and give you some summertime tips a little more often, and try not to so blatantly steal from Whitney (I will borrow, or steal from someone else if need be)
But I still feel like I should offer you some sort of entertainment on a more regular basis.
So I am going to steal from Pop Candy, which is a great blog that actually posts daily.
Here are some things that you need to check out.
1. Sound Pedia - this is a very cool music site where you can stream entire albums (though some newer albums only offer a 30 second clip) for free. I have only been playing with it for a day, but so far I am amazed by what they offer. There are full albums (with lyrics) and videos from just about every artist you can imagine, but here are a couple suggestions- Brandi Carlile, Atmosphere's "You can't imagine how much fun we're having" (check out "Pour Me Another" and "Angelface"), Joss Stone and then have fun exploring.
2. Clark and Michael - Was George Michael your favorite? Then you are going to like this online series, starring and created by Michael Cera and his friend Clark Duke.
Go have fun and I will try and give you some summertime tips a little more often, and try not to so blatantly steal from Whitney (I will borrow, or steal from someone else if need be)
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Learn Listen Watch
Damien Rice wanted me to tell you to stop global warming, so go here to read his funny reasons for getting behind the Stop Global Warming movement.
Then you need to check out Brandi Carlile here and listen to the first 3 songs. Somehow she is relatively unknown, but she is fantastic and if you like folk music that rocks out from time to time you will love her. She says she can't get the Patsy Kline (that she listened to as a child) out of her voice, and she does have a country sound but she is very unique. You may have heard of her if you are a "Grey's Anatomy" fan, a couple of her songs have been played during the show and the video for "The Story" was shown at the end of a clip show, it was a special cut with clips from the show integrated into the video. AT&T's Blue Room has 3 songs with just her and the twins(they kind of freak me out)from here, go to live performances and then Brandi. Here is a performance from December '05 where she has a young girl come up and sing with her.
If you are feeling the need for a little TV, check out the top 10 moments from "30 Rock".
Then you need to check out Brandi Carlile here and listen to the first 3 songs. Somehow she is relatively unknown, but she is fantastic and if you like folk music that rocks out from time to time you will love her. She says she can't get the Patsy Kline (that she listened to as a child) out of her voice, and she does have a country sound but she is very unique. You may have heard of her if you are a "Grey's Anatomy" fan, a couple of her songs have been played during the show and the video for "The Story" was shown at the end of a clip show, it was a special cut with clips from the show integrated into the video. AT&T's Blue Room has 3 songs with just her and the twins(they kind of freak me out)from here, go to live performances and then Brandi. Here is a performance from December '05 where she has a young girl come up and sing with her.
If you are feeling the need for a little TV, check out the top 10 moments from "30 Rock".
Monday, June 11, 2007
Welcome back
I am going to need a slow ramp up before I start complaining about Sopranos.
The new season of "Rescue Me"(Wednesday FX 8) starts this week. This is the fourth season of this great show, all three seasons are available on DVD, and with only 13 episodes a season you could catch up in no time.
I am a little bit scared by The Polyphonic Spree's new military outfits, but their new disc is great. Get a sample of the album here.
I have many homework assignments for you this summer, the first is to watch the Slap Bet episode of "How I Met Your Mother". This is a great entry point to a great show, if you get to the line "No, you're going to cry" you will be a fan of the show, and it only gets better. Hopefully the slap bet will be a recurring theme for some time to come.
Check out the trailer for Paprkia, a trippy new Japanese animated movie.
I no longer will acknowledge the existence of The Sopranos (it doesn't even get quotes to signify that it is a TV show).
Someone should tell David Chase that being clever is not nearly as entertaining as actually telling a story. Worthless. Why have a full season of crap and then not actually wrap up anything? Remember how interesting it was when Tony was obsessed with the ducks, it showed a side of him that we wouldn't normally see. It was a stark contrast to the action of the mobster world that we were being introduced to.
I feel like David Chase thought it was the actual ducks that were interesting, and gave us 3 seasons of watching those damn ducks. Last weeks episode should have been the second episode of the final season with a build up to a finale fitting for the once groundbreaking series. Instead most of the season was wasted with pointless storylines that seemed to drag on forever and accomplished little. I know that Tony's life is filled with monotony, but I don't want to see that. I didn't need to know that Meadow can't parallel park, I don't care about AJ's depression at all and I care about Melfi's dilemmas even less. I also don't care if everyone in the diner had a reason to kill Tony, it was a horrible final season.
The new season of "Rescue Me"(Wednesday FX 8) starts this week. This is the fourth season of this great show, all three seasons are available on DVD, and with only 13 episodes a season you could catch up in no time.
I am a little bit scared by The Polyphonic Spree's new military outfits, but their new disc is great. Get a sample of the album here.
I have many homework assignments for you this summer, the first is to watch the Slap Bet episode of "How I Met Your Mother". This is a great entry point to a great show, if you get to the line "No, you're going to cry" you will be a fan of the show, and it only gets better. Hopefully the slap bet will be a recurring theme for some time to come.
Check out the trailer for Paprkia, a trippy new Japanese animated movie.
I no longer will acknowledge the existence of The Sopranos (it doesn't even get quotes to signify that it is a TV show).
Someone should tell David Chase that being clever is not nearly as entertaining as actually telling a story. Worthless. Why have a full season of crap and then not actually wrap up anything? Remember how interesting it was when Tony was obsessed with the ducks, it showed a side of him that we wouldn't normally see. It was a stark contrast to the action of the mobster world that we were being introduced to.
I feel like David Chase thought it was the actual ducks that were interesting, and gave us 3 seasons of watching those damn ducks. Last weeks episode should have been the second episode of the final season with a build up to a finale fitting for the once groundbreaking series. Instead most of the season was wasted with pointless storylines that seemed to drag on forever and accomplished little. I know that Tony's life is filled with monotony, but I don't want to see that. I didn't need to know that Meadow can't parallel park, I don't care about AJ's depression at all and I care about Melfi's dilemmas even less. I also don't care if everyone in the diner had a reason to kill Tony, it was a horrible final season.
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
I hope you all had a good M and M Triple B.
I was checking out Truveo, a new video search engine where I found a couple cool "Office" video montages that are a little cheesy but really well done.
TVshowsonDVD.com is a great place to get all the info you could want about any TV series, including availability of most series and news on future releases. But here they share their High Def TV shows on DVD thoughts as it concerns the HD-DVD and Blu Ray format battle. I think that "Heroes" will be a huge gain for HD-DVD, but in the end I think Blu Ray wins out with both "Lost" and "24" probably coming out in December on Blu Ray exclusively.
My brain is still decompressing for the end of the TV season, I will have more later
I was checking out Truveo, a new video search engine where I found a couple cool "Office" video montages that are a little cheesy but really well done.
TVshowsonDVD.com is a great place to get all the info you could want about any TV series, including availability of most series and news on future releases. But here they share their High Def TV shows on DVD thoughts as it concerns the HD-DVD and Blu Ray format battle. I think that "Heroes" will be a huge gain for HD-DVD, but in the end I think Blu Ray wins out with both "Lost" and "24" probably coming out in December on Blu Ray exclusively.
My brain is still decompressing for the end of the TV season, I will have more later
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Lost thoughts, then lost in thoughts
I have watched the season finale for "Lost" twice so far, and I am totally fascinated by the episode.
Lost just hit the reset button to perfection. We know there are 48 episodes left and that the show creators will be allowed to complete their story and end the show they want to.
If you are haven't seen the finale, you may not want to read this: We now have a brand new group on the island that could be there to save them (there are 3 years left, are they really going to be saved now?) or they could be an enemy to "every living thing on the island". We also know for sure at least Kate and Jack got off the island which dramatically changes they way the show needs to end (getting off the island isn't the end of the show, we at least have to see how they got home, why they aren't together, how long they have been home, how many were brought back, is Jack's dad alive or is that just how messed up Future Jack is and whose funeral was it). So now the show will be able to play with flashbacks, and they will also be able to flashforward to show how the survivors deal with being off the island but now at any point they could be rescued and then we may actually get Island flashbacks to fill in the island questions (What is the island, why did Ben kill all his people, how did the Others get there).
So Yeah, I'm a little excited for the final episodes of "Lost" to start, unfortunately we have to wait until February for new episodes.
One of my soft addictions is "As Seen On TV" products, I don't know why but they amaze me with their magical powers. It was always fun to throw an ice cube on the Miracle Thaw and watch how fast it melts, my Sobakawa pillow lasted for a long time and I couldn't live without my Little Giant. But I have just witnessed the 2 newest marvels from Billy Mays, the man who brought us Oxiclean. The Hercules Hook could revolutionize the way we hang everything. But these Zorbeez could render paper towels useless and actually help the environment. I have just ordered both because, well its a sickness, but i will update you on the true power of these 2 new wonder products once I am able to test them fully.
I guess if I have gone from "Lost" to "as seen on TV", the only logical next step is to talk about what may be the greatest concert of all time. This summer get ready for the Poison'd tour with obviously Poison as the headliner but just as important to the greatest concert moniker is White Lion. Just the thought of "When the Children Cry" "Wait" "Tell Me" plus all of the Poison greats "Every Rose" "Something to Believe In" "Nothin' But A Good Time" "Talk Dirty To Me" "I Won't Forget You" and "Fallen Angel" makes me think that this is the sort of event that could reverse the rotation of the earth (although without Vito Bratta playing guitar for White Lion, I think we should be safe for now). Ratt is also on the bill, and Great White may still join them, but that really only adds "Round and Round" and "Once bitten Twice Shy". If you are in the Chicago area the show at the World has tickets available for $3.79.
Lost just hit the reset button to perfection. We know there are 48 episodes left and that the show creators will be allowed to complete their story and end the show they want to.
If you are haven't seen the finale, you may not want to read this: We now have a brand new group on the island that could be there to save them (there are 3 years left, are they really going to be saved now?) or they could be an enemy to "every living thing on the island". We also know for sure at least Kate and Jack got off the island which dramatically changes they way the show needs to end (getting off the island isn't the end of the show, we at least have to see how they got home, why they aren't together, how long they have been home, how many were brought back, is Jack's dad alive or is that just how messed up Future Jack is and whose funeral was it). So now the show will be able to play with flashbacks, and they will also be able to flashforward to show how the survivors deal with being off the island but now at any point they could be rescued and then we may actually get Island flashbacks to fill in the island questions (What is the island, why did Ben kill all his people, how did the Others get there).
So Yeah, I'm a little excited for the final episodes of "Lost" to start, unfortunately we have to wait until February for new episodes.
One of my soft addictions is "As Seen On TV" products, I don't know why but they amaze me with their magical powers. It was always fun to throw an ice cube on the Miracle Thaw and watch how fast it melts, my Sobakawa pillow lasted for a long time and I couldn't live without my Little Giant. But I have just witnessed the 2 newest marvels from Billy Mays, the man who brought us Oxiclean. The Hercules Hook could revolutionize the way we hang everything. But these Zorbeez could render paper towels useless and actually help the environment. I have just ordered both because, well its a sickness, but i will update you on the true power of these 2 new wonder products once I am able to test them fully.
I guess if I have gone from "Lost" to "as seen on TV", the only logical next step is to talk about what may be the greatest concert of all time. This summer get ready for the Poison'd tour with obviously Poison as the headliner but just as important to the greatest concert moniker is White Lion. Just the thought of "When the Children Cry" "Wait" "Tell Me" plus all of the Poison greats "Every Rose" "Something to Believe In" "Nothin' But A Good Time" "Talk Dirty To Me" "I Won't Forget You" and "Fallen Angel" makes me think that this is the sort of event that could reverse the rotation of the earth (although without Vito Bratta playing guitar for White Lion, I think we should be safe for now). Ratt is also on the bill, and Great White may still join them, but that really only adds "Round and Round" and "Once bitten Twice Shy". If you are in the Chicago area the show at the World has tickets available for $3.79.
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
In the words of Ricky "It Blew", the "24" finale that is. How could a season that started with a nuclear detonation end like that? It was still entertaining, but it was really silly.
I was really excited to tell you to check out the Must Replay TV lineup for this Thursday, but it has changed slightly. NBC has put together a good selection of reruns as a lead-in to the start of their burn off of the final episodes of "Studio 60". The night starts with the the "Earl" where Catalina helps Earl with the list. Next is "30 Rock" and originally it was going to be the hilarious "Black Tie" episode featuring Pee Wee, but now it is one of the earlier episodes where Jack set up Liz on a blind date. Then we have the convention episode of "The Office" which was when Jim first heard that Pam canceled her wedding. Then comes the musical episode of "Scrubs" one of the best episodes from a great show that few seems to still watch. Then comes the first of the final 6 episodes of "Studio 60", you can catch up if you missed some episodes here.
I like to think that at some point I can put all of my TV knowledge to good use. Lately I seem to have a screenplay running in my head, its almost like I can see it fold out in real life. It scares and amazes me at the same time.
I have shared several of the possible story lines with friends and an excellent title for my show was just suggested "Livin' the Dream".
It is going to be a dark comedy with a large ensemble cast full of truly unique characters, and could best be described as taking place in a live action Beavis and Butthead world. It will shock you
Look for it on FX in 2009
Update 5/27 2:30 PM: It looks like there is now some interest coming from HBO (or somebody just suggested it, I don't remember), but they want to take it to some dark places that I don't think America is ready to witness. I think it could be a fascinating, but funny look into a reality that you will hardly believe could exist. By slowly introducing you to the world of depravity, my hope is that you root for the characters but yet can't wait to see what they do next. They want to shock you from the beginning, but I don't think they really understand what they are asking for.
I was really excited to tell you to check out the Must Replay TV lineup for this Thursday, but it has changed slightly. NBC has put together a good selection of reruns as a lead-in to the start of their burn off of the final episodes of "Studio 60". The night starts with the the "Earl" where Catalina helps Earl with the list. Next is "30 Rock" and originally it was going to be the hilarious "Black Tie" episode featuring Pee Wee, but now it is one of the earlier episodes where Jack set up Liz on a blind date. Then we have the convention episode of "The Office" which was when Jim first heard that Pam canceled her wedding. Then comes the musical episode of "Scrubs" one of the best episodes from a great show that few seems to still watch. Then comes the first of the final 6 episodes of "Studio 60", you can catch up if you missed some episodes here.
I like to think that at some point I can put all of my TV knowledge to good use. Lately I seem to have a screenplay running in my head, its almost like I can see it fold out in real life. It scares and amazes me at the same time.
I have shared several of the possible story lines with friends and an excellent title for my show was just suggested "Livin' the Dream".
It is going to be a dark comedy with a large ensemble cast full of truly unique characters, and could best be described as taking place in a live action Beavis and Butthead world. It will shock you
Look for it on FX in 2009
Update 5/27 2:30 PM: It looks like there is now some interest coming from HBO (or somebody just suggested it, I don't remember), but they want to take it to some dark places that I don't think America is ready to witness. I think it could be a fascinating, but funny look into a reality that you will hardly believe could exist. By slowly introducing you to the world of depravity, my hope is that you root for the characters but yet can't wait to see what they do next. They want to shock you from the beginning, but I don't think they really understand what they are asking for.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)