Curb Your Enthusiasm is the most unusual and spontaneously funny show on TV. It is so brutally honest and argumentative.
Background: I am a huge Seinfeld fan. I grew up with the show, not only the new episodes, but also the re-runs. My family dinners growing up included Seinfeld reruns. The show changed my life and shaped my adulthood. I was 13 when the show came on the air and 22 when it went off the air. It was the first show I truly connected with.
Curb is a natural evolution of the ideals of Seinfeld. It lacks the element of New York but it adds the elements of being quasi-documentary and Hollywood insider-ness (not to mention the element of being on HBO). The new season starts next month and reports have been rampant that the season will feature a Fab Four of Seinfeld reunion. Now it turns out that not only will all four appear together but the story line that brings them together is a Seinfeld reunion.
The idea is that on Curb, throughout the whole season, Larry and Jerry will be writing, planning, and filming a Seinfeld reunion. Jerry, Julia, Michael, and Jason will appear in four to five episodes of Curb this season. Click here to read E!'s story. I think this will be the definition of Must See TV.
The Game, the Michael Douglas movie, was on the other night and it got me thinking...how un-re-watchable is that movie? The whole movie is the surprise. It is a good, arguably great, movie, but its re-watchability is zero for me.
It got me thinking about what were the best movies that are un-rewatchable.
Here are three that came to me pretty quickly:
- The Game
- The Usual Suspects
- The Sixth Sense
Finally, HBO on demand finally added HD! What the hell could have took so long?
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Food Inc. and Me
I saw Food Inc. today and if I had to describe it in one word I would say - emotional. I have been on a voyage of food discovery for about two years but the machine of corporate food is something I haven't delved into very deeply. I think it was an intentional blind spot. I knew it was bad, in the same way I knew Big Papi cheated, but I didn't realize the level of manipulation and deceit there is in the food industry in this country.
Two and a half years ago, I gave up a 2 pack a day smoking habit after smoking for 15 years of smoking. I loved and hated smoking. I loved the mentality of smoking. Of being a smoker. An outsider. Blue collar all the way. A Non conformist. On the other hand smoking makes you feel powerless. And sick. And weak. Not to mention what it did to my body. To this day I still miss it.
Anyway, at that point in my life I had the food knowledge of a 3-year old. I knew nothing of nutrition and never made anything more complicated than mac 'n cheese. So I substituted food for smoking and gained 20 pounds. My cholesterol was literally a joke. I had just quit smoking in part because I didn't want to die only to find out I was killing myself with food.
Now when I say I knew nothing of nutrition, cooking, exercising, or anything involving healthy living, I mean I knew nothing. It was like learning a new language or more than that, like joining a new civilization. I was blind and now I can see. I learned a lot from magazines like Men's Health and Food and Wine and from the Food Network (especially Good Eats), but I also owe a lot of credit to my much-better-read brother. We share a desire to learn, a willingness to experiment, and a new found enjoyment in the creativity of cooking.
Two years later and I feel like I have a rudimentary knowledge both of art of cooking as well as nutrition and the role it can play on a person's quality of life. But there is so much more to learn and this movie offered me the next step.
This documentary shines a light on the amazing power the food industry wields in our country and how it all rests in a few companies. These companies are driven by the capitalistic goals of efficiency, profit, and market share. (And not in the health of the people it feeds.) Here are some of the tidbits that stuck with me most:
- the top 4 meat companies account for more than 80% of the meat we eat
- that the fast food chains and their business model is a huge contributing factor to the overall decline in quality of our food over the past 30 years
- how much genetically altered food products are in our diets (even including cloned meat)
- how unfairly the companies treat farmers and workers in meat processing plants
- how absurd the role corn plays in our diets (and the diets of our food)
- how utterly feeble the regulatory agencies are at protecting us
- how sad the lives are of the genetically mutated animals
...and lastly, how genuinely angry I was at seeing all of this laid out before me. Deep down, I feel like I knew all of these things. It was hidden from me partially because of the veil drawn by our society, our government, and by the influence of the corporations behind it all, but also because I wanted it that way. We all do.
1 in 3 children born after the year 2000 will suffer from diabetes. E coli outbreaks are more rampant every year. Soda is cheaper than water. School lunches are a joke. Maybe it's time we all pull the veil back a little bit.
Two and a half years ago, I gave up a 2 pack a day smoking habit after smoking for 15 years of smoking. I loved and hated smoking. I loved the mentality of smoking. Of being a smoker. An outsider. Blue collar all the way. A Non conformist. On the other hand smoking makes you feel powerless. And sick. And weak. Not to mention what it did to my body. To this day I still miss it.
Anyway, at that point in my life I had the food knowledge of a 3-year old. I knew nothing of nutrition and never made anything more complicated than mac 'n cheese. So I substituted food for smoking and gained 20 pounds. My cholesterol was literally a joke. I had just quit smoking in part because I didn't want to die only to find out I was killing myself with food.
Now when I say I knew nothing of nutrition, cooking, exercising, or anything involving healthy living, I mean I knew nothing. It was like learning a new language or more than that, like joining a new civilization. I was blind and now I can see. I learned a lot from magazines like Men's Health and Food and Wine and from the Food Network (especially Good Eats), but I also owe a lot of credit to my much-better-read brother. We share a desire to learn, a willingness to experiment, and a new found enjoyment in the creativity of cooking.
Two years later and I feel like I have a rudimentary knowledge both of art of cooking as well as nutrition and the role it can play on a person's quality of life. But there is so much more to learn and this movie offered me the next step.
This documentary shines a light on the amazing power the food industry wields in our country and how it all rests in a few companies. These companies are driven by the capitalistic goals of efficiency, profit, and market share. (And not in the health of the people it feeds.) Here are some of the tidbits that stuck with me most:
- the top 4 meat companies account for more than 80% of the meat we eat
- that the fast food chains and their business model is a huge contributing factor to the overall decline in quality of our food over the past 30 years
- how much genetically altered food products are in our diets (even including cloned meat)
- how unfairly the companies treat farmers and workers in meat processing plants
- how absurd the role corn plays in our diets (and the diets of our food)
- how utterly feeble the regulatory agencies are at protecting us
- how sad the lives are of the genetically mutated animals
...and lastly, how genuinely angry I was at seeing all of this laid out before me. Deep down, I feel like I knew all of these things. It was hidden from me partially because of the veil drawn by our society, our government, and by the influence of the corporations behind it all, but also because I wanted it that way. We all do.
1 in 3 children born after the year 2000 will suffer from diabetes. E coli outbreaks are more rampant every year. Soda is cheaper than water. School lunches are a joke. Maybe it's time we all pull the veil back a little bit.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
So You Think You Can Dance? (and the Yankees)
Honestly, one of the worst show titles of all time. How can you take yourself seriously with a title like that? Also, I don't think this show is fixed and here is why...1) the judges kick the dancers off until they get to the top 10, 2) there are no stars to be made on this show in the there is on Idol, and 3) there therefore is no big payday out there post-show.
Watching the episode tonight, I started thinking in terms of other TV shows and movies. When I saw the broadway routine, it made me want to watch 1941, the classic John Belushi comedy directed by a dude named Speilberg.
The disco routine made me want to watch Fez dance the disco. I miss That 70s Show. I still think Jeanine is the best.
On to a topic more in my wheelhouse, I was able to watch about 5 innings of the Yankee game tonight. I love that Joba has stepped up and had a handful of really good starts. With the news that the Wanger is out for the rest of the year and Aceves having shoulder issues, we need Joba to be more than a 5 inning guy. Speaking of pitching needs, what do I need to do to get Brian Bruney a 1-2-3 inning??
Anyone else get burned by the Bacholerette finale? I went to my DVR to watch Better Off Ted and found the final 30 minutes of the B-ette finale. I hate when there is a breakdown in the DVR system.
Watching the episode tonight, I started thinking in terms of other TV shows and movies. When I saw the broadway routine, it made me want to watch 1941, the classic John Belushi comedy directed by a dude named Speilberg.
The disco routine made me want to watch Fez dance the disco. I miss That 70s Show. I still think Jeanine is the best.
On to a topic more in my wheelhouse, I was able to watch about 5 innings of the Yankee game tonight. I love that Joba has stepped up and had a handful of really good starts. With the news that the Wanger is out for the rest of the year and Aceves having shoulder issues, we need Joba to be more than a 5 inning guy. Speaking of pitching needs, what do I need to do to get Brian Bruney a 1-2-3 inning??
Anyone else get burned by the Bacholerette finale? I went to my DVR to watch Better Off Ted and found the final 30 minutes of the B-ette finale. I hate when there is a breakdown in the DVR system.
Is American Idol Fixed?
Ju'Not Joyner, an ex-Idol almost ran, came right out and claimed Idol is fixed. He said it is a reality show, not a talent show. Maybe I am just cynical about this stuff, but I absolutely believe this. Check out the article here.
Roundabout logic
I saw this article, entitled "Estrada Returning to Film Making". Of course, I automatically thought of Eric Estrada and not the Filipino filmmaker. And thinking of Eric Estrada made me think of Sealab 2021, the old Adult Swim cartoon.
Sealab 2021 was the funniest and quirkiest 15 minute cartoon ever. In my opinion, it is the best Adult Swim cartoon ever. (Also in consideration is The Brak Show and Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law)
If you never saw Sealab 2021, please find a DVD or go to the website (there are at least 10 episodes you can watch online) and give a couple episodes a chance. Special recommendation for anyone with ADD...the story lines never last more than a few minutes...absurdity is the norm.
Sealab 2021 was the funniest and quirkiest 15 minute cartoon ever. In my opinion, it is the best Adult Swim cartoon ever. (Also in consideration is The Brak Show and Harvey Birdman, Attorney at Law)
If you never saw Sealab 2021, please find a DVD or go to the website (there are at least 10 episodes you can watch online) and give a couple episodes a chance. Special recommendation for anyone with ADD...the story lines never last more than a few minutes...absurdity is the norm.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
A few tidbits
No Reservations is the combination of Insomniac with Dave Attell and Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.
I watched 10 minutes of Hell's Kitchen and saw the best/worst moment of the season. Some guy flipped out when Ramsey asked who should be in the bottom two and why. Flipper out how? By leaving formation, ripping his coat off, getting a foot away from Ramsey, and calling him a bitch repeatedly. That's it for that show. No where to go but down.
I also watched 10 minutes of More To Love. I hate the Bachelor so this show isn't for me.
I finished Season 1 of Big Bang Theory. Awesome. Hilarious. Absolutely addicted. Sheldon is quickly moving up the list of all-time great characters. He makes every scene unpredictable and yet somehow familiar and accessible. Why doesn't season 2 come out until September??? I may break down and watch online.
Firefly is next. A show I feel obligated to watch to keep my fanboy membership card.
I watched 10 minutes of Hell's Kitchen and saw the best/worst moment of the season. Some guy flipped out when Ramsey asked who should be in the bottom two and why. Flipper out how? By leaving formation, ripping his coat off, getting a foot away from Ramsey, and calling him a bitch repeatedly. That's it for that show. No where to go but down.
I also watched 10 minutes of More To Love. I hate the Bachelor so this show isn't for me.
I finished Season 1 of Big Bang Theory. Awesome. Hilarious. Absolutely addicted. Sheldon is quickly moving up the list of all-time great characters. He makes every scene unpredictable and yet somehow familiar and accessible. Why doesn't season 2 come out until September??? I may break down and watch online.
Firefly is next. A show I feel obligated to watch to keep my fanboy membership card.
What to Watch tonight - 7/28/09
Season finale of Deadliest Catch at 9 on Discovery - Sig is the man.
Better Off Ted at 930 on ABC...
Rescue Me at 10 on FX - My dad tells me it is not as depressing these days. This show can be downright funny when it wants to be. The problem is that is also just about the most depressing show I ever watched. Suicide, dead children, cancer, Alzheimer's, alcoholism, depression, loneliness...all key themes of the show. Sad bastard TV isn't for me...so if my father is right that they are laying off the depressing stuff, maybe I will give it another chance.
Warehouse 13 at 9 on SyFy - I finally got through the 2 hour premiere. It was not great at all. It was slow and bordered on lame. But the premise is cool enough to give it another shot. Plus, it now has Number Six from Battlestar Galactica, Tricia Helfer.
Better Off Ted at 930 on ABC...
Rescue Me at 10 on FX - My dad tells me it is not as depressing these days. This show can be downright funny when it wants to be. The problem is that is also just about the most depressing show I ever watched. Suicide, dead children, cancer, Alzheimer's, alcoholism, depression, loneliness...all key themes of the show. Sad bastard TV isn't for me...so if my father is right that they are laying off the depressing stuff, maybe I will give it another chance.
Warehouse 13 at 9 on SyFy - I finally got through the 2 hour premiere. It was not great at all. It was slow and bordered on lame. But the premise is cool enough to give it another shot. Plus, it now has Number Six from Battlestar Galactica, Tricia Helfer.
The Wire and the Baltimore food scene...and a movie
I stumbled across No Reservations last night on the Travel channel. If you never saw the show, it is chef Anthony Bourdain traveling around and trying the true local cuisine of various regions of the world. He almost always has a guide with him. A local. In this episode, entitled "Rust Belt", he was the guide to his Russian friend.
Anyway, they first go to Baltimore where have two locals show them the ropes. First, a former cop named Jay Landsman, the basis for The Wire character of the same name. In addition, the real Landsman played Lt. Mello, the shift boss from the Western. He takes them to get some Pit Beef and talk about the city.
Next, and much more memorably, Bourdain meets up with Snoop Pearson, who played Snoop Pearson, the hit-woman on The Wire. If you ever saw or heard her, she can only play herself. Stephen King once described her as the most terrifying female villain in television history. Snoop mocks Bourdain's eating of oysters, talks about committing murder at age 14, and dishes on her upcoming line of sex toys. Classic.
The Wire is in the discussion for best show of all-time. The storytelling, the characters, the city...the best.
I also watched The International, a spy thriller with Clive Owen about a corrupt international bank. The story was a little convoluted and the movie was too long, but it had a really cool scene in the Guggenheim Museum. The trouble lies in the hour before and after that scene. I have a real soft spot for spy-type thrillers but this one was a little flat for me.
Anyway, they first go to Baltimore where have two locals show them the ropes. First, a former cop named Jay Landsman, the basis for The Wire character of the same name. In addition, the real Landsman played Lt. Mello, the shift boss from the Western. He takes them to get some Pit Beef and talk about the city.
Next, and much more memorably, Bourdain meets up with Snoop Pearson, who played Snoop Pearson, the hit-woman on The Wire. If you ever saw or heard her, she can only play herself. Stephen King once described her as the most terrifying female villain in television history. Snoop mocks Bourdain's eating of oysters, talks about committing murder at age 14, and dishes on her upcoming line of sex toys. Classic.
The Wire is in the discussion for best show of all-time. The storytelling, the characters, the city...the best.
I also watched The International, a spy thriller with Clive Owen about a corrupt international bank. The story was a little convoluted and the movie was too long, but it had a really cool scene in the Guggenheim Museum. The trouble lies in the hour before and after that scene. I have a real soft spot for spy-type thrillers but this one was a little flat for me.
Monday, July 27, 2009
1st time home buyer - Cable?
My wife and I are buying our first home. It is a roller coaster ride of an experience, of which I will share in the adventure from time to time. The first issue I have, one that is close to my heart, do I go with cable, satellite, or FiOs?
I have had cable for 98% of my life and there are good and bad points. I had satellite for a couple months and had mixed results. I have also heard mixed reviews of FiOs. So there is no perfect solution. No right answer.
Important factors are - number of HD channels and DVR quality, price and do I feel like I am getting a deal, does it have YES, reliability of signal, quality of service, and do I have to purchase equipment?
The investigation begins! (Move in date is the end of August)
I have had cable for 98% of my life and there are good and bad points. I had satellite for a couple months and had mixed results. I have also heard mixed reviews of FiOs. So there is no perfect solution. No right answer.
Important factors are - number of HD channels and DVR quality, price and do I feel like I am getting a deal, does it have YES, reliability of signal, quality of service, and do I have to purchase equipment?
The investigation begins! (Move in date is the end of August)
Entourage - Wake Up Calls
The twist, it seems, is that the early season drama won't involve the Chase boys. The first episode was kinda flat, with the dated reference of Tonight Show with Jay Leno. But in the first two episodes Vinny and Drama have been chill. All is well for both. No bad reviews. No money trouble. No nerves. No auditions.
E has had girl drama, with his blatant love of Sloan (remember the 3-some episode?) and his love-hate relationship with Ashley. Now in episode 2 he steps further into the role of Ari Jr. with career drama. Charlie stinks and E has to fight for his job in what turned out to be a very deja vu story that used to involve Vinny and Ari.
Speaking of deja vu, Turtle is sick of being a freeloader and is looking to stand on his own two feet but realizes it is a lot harder than he thought it would be. Didn't E have that story line already? Turtle gets 2 sweet cars, scolded by his mom, and an idea to get educated.
Ari and Mrs. Ari play way too small a role. Shawna is also a no show. Where are the parties? This show needs to be about pure adolescent testosterone. Boys being boys, but with the added element of getting whatever they want whenever they want without earning it. Remember the episode where all they did was search for a new source for weed? Or hitting golf balls off the roof? They were the party boys Hollywood.
I am on the fence about whether I like a drama-free Drama, a steady Vince, a fatherly Ari (he is now mentoring Lloyd, E, and Turtle?), a studious Turtle, and a workaday E. We need an earth shattering event to turn this world upside down...or is it right side up?
Best part of the show so far....Jamie Lynn Sigler. Love her version of herself. Very cool.
E has had girl drama, with his blatant love of Sloan (remember the 3-some episode?) and his love-hate relationship with Ashley. Now in episode 2 he steps further into the role of Ari Jr. with career drama. Charlie stinks and E has to fight for his job in what turned out to be a very deja vu story that used to involve Vinny and Ari.
Speaking of deja vu, Turtle is sick of being a freeloader and is looking to stand on his own two feet but realizes it is a lot harder than he thought it would be. Didn't E have that story line already? Turtle gets 2 sweet cars, scolded by his mom, and an idea to get educated.
Ari and Mrs. Ari play way too small a role. Shawna is also a no show. Where are the parties? This show needs to be about pure adolescent testosterone. Boys being boys, but with the added element of getting whatever they want whenever they want without earning it. Remember the episode where all they did was search for a new source for weed? Or hitting golf balls off the roof? They were the party boys Hollywood.
I am on the fence about whether I like a drama-free Drama, a steady Vince, a fatherly Ari (he is now mentoring Lloyd, E, and Turtle?), a studious Turtle, and a workaday E. We need an earth shattering event to turn this world upside down...or is it right side up?
Best part of the show so far....Jamie Lynn Sigler. Love her version of herself. Very cool.
What happened at ComicCon?
What once was a gathering for comic book nerds only has turned into the #1 showcase for TV shows and movies. ComicCon San Diego is a phenomenon. Every TV show that is worth its weight in republic credits was there. Here is what I learned.
Lost - Charlie will appear in season 6, Boone might, Richard Alpert will have a backstory and has been elevated to series regular, very little on Dharma, emphasis on closure and adventure. Click here for more.
Smallville - Zod is in, Metallo looks bad-ass but is only a definite for 2 episodes, Chloe still loves Clark, Clark loves Lois, Lois will be in 16-18 episodes, Clark will develope the S logo. Click here for more from my favorite Smallville podcast, Starkville's House of El.
Chuck - the poster looks awesome. Very underrated show.
There may be new Battlestar movie in the works.
Star Wars has a new video game in the works.
Click here for more on other TV shows at the Con.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Love the Drake
Last night my wife and I went to a party. It was a bohemian affair at a farmhouse courtyard with a pool, a band, great food, and a punch named "hop, skip, and go naked". The band, named Drake, was composed of a cello, a trumpet, a stand-up base, drums, and an MC who dished out spoken word rhymes and poetry. It was, to say the least, an interesting evening. It was like a scene out of one of Maryann's parties from True Blood...without the vibrating and the dirt eating.
Anyway, the band was very interesting...I would definitely listen to them again. Here is the link to their website. They have an EP available for download.
Anyway, the band was very interesting...I would definitely listen to them again. Here is the link to their website. They have an EP available for download.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Star Wars at Comic Con
Check out G4 at 2pm if you are a Star Wars nut, as I am. They are airing the Star Wars panel in its entirety. Going to the San Diego Comic Con is on my bucket list. As I am going to a pool party, it will be on my DVR when I get home.
Big Bang Theory - Season 1 Disc 1
Do you also object to the imposition of a new organizational paradigm?
Ahh, how many shows can get away with a line like that, let alone base a show around a crew of super nerds. This was my first foray into the show and I have to say I laughed out loud each of the 6 episodes I watched last night.
For those who don't know, the show follows Leonard and Sheldon, who are theoretical physicists, roommates, and extreme dorks. Penny is the hot, newly single, and less "enlightened" waitress from Kansas that moves in at the end of the hall. Howard and Rajesh are the friends/side kicks. Howard fancies himself a ladies man but is more like a cast member of the original Star Trek series. Rajesh literally can't talk when the ladies are around.
In the first six episodes, here are a few of my favorite moments, in no particular order:
- there was an argument regarding the plausibility of Superman catching Lois Lane in Superman I...not the flying part but the impossible physics of catching Lois with steel arms going over 120mph.
- the four guys sitting around playing a WoW-ish game, battling for a special sword...Sheldon wins the sword and teleports away leaving his friends to die only to sell the sword on ebay...to Howard. (a LAN party)
- the whole Halloween costume party
- the guest appearances of Roseanne alums Laurie Metcalf and Sara Gilbert
- breaking into Penny's apartment to clean...er organize, Penny's apartment
- the salt shaker and ketchup bottle "battle" in Penny's restaurant involving orcs, civil war troops, godzilla, and some Indian gods
- basically anything Sheldon says
I am at least 40% nerd and I feel an affinity and sense of brotherhood with these characters. I have had these arguments and loved these movies and played these games. I look forward to disc 2.
Ahh, how many shows can get away with a line like that, let alone base a show around a crew of super nerds. This was my first foray into the show and I have to say I laughed out loud each of the 6 episodes I watched last night.
For those who don't know, the show follows Leonard and Sheldon, who are theoretical physicists, roommates, and extreme dorks. Penny is the hot, newly single, and less "enlightened" waitress from Kansas that moves in at the end of the hall. Howard and Rajesh are the friends/side kicks. Howard fancies himself a ladies man but is more like a cast member of the original Star Trek series. Rajesh literally can't talk when the ladies are around.
In the first six episodes, here are a few of my favorite moments, in no particular order:
- there was an argument regarding the plausibility of Superman catching Lois Lane in Superman I...not the flying part but the impossible physics of catching Lois with steel arms going over 120mph.
- the four guys sitting around playing a WoW-ish game, battling for a special sword...Sheldon wins the sword and teleports away leaving his friends to die only to sell the sword on ebay...to Howard. (a LAN party)
- the whole Halloween costume party
- the guest appearances of Roseanne alums Laurie Metcalf and Sara Gilbert
- breaking into Penny's apartment to clean...er organize, Penny's apartment
- the salt shaker and ketchup bottle "battle" in Penny's restaurant involving orcs, civil war troops, godzilla, and some Indian gods
- basically anything Sheldon says
I am at least 40% nerd and I feel an affinity and sense of brotherhood with these characters. I have had these arguments and loved these movies and played these games. I look forward to disc 2.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Lost - The University
Lost and ABC have seemingly come up with their alternative reality game for this year. Lost University promises to offer some neat and interesting info on the mysteries underlying the show. I always suspected that the producers thought they were smarter than everyone else, now I guess they plan on showing us just how much. I will submitting my email into the database. The link is here if you plan on doing the same.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Staying up late with the Yanks
A 2 hour 43 minute rain delay has the Yankees game only now at 11:55 pm entering the bottom of the 6th. My wife got her shows in and I get to watch the Yanks. A rare treat indeed.
Meanwhile, Mark Buehrle threw a perfect game today. I saw that it was only the 18th in baseball history. He seems to be a good guy too. A real baseball player's baseball player if you know what I mean.
Also just saw Jeter is .434 against lefties. Has there been a more polished and universally respected athlete in the last 20 years? Have you ever heard a story where Jeter was the bad guy? I haven't.
Meanwhile, Mark Buehrle threw a perfect game today. I saw that it was only the 18th in baseball history. He seems to be a good guy too. A real baseball player's baseball player if you know what I mean.
Also just saw Jeter is .434 against lefties. Has there been a more polished and universally respected athlete in the last 20 years? Have you ever heard a story where Jeter was the bad guy? I haven't.
World of Warcraft - The Movie?
Warner Bros. has bought into the rights to the World of Warcraft franchise. WoW indeed. It is the kind of movie that needs a huge budget to be good. It also needs to be aimed for a more adult audience...think Lord of the Rings and not Harry Potter/Narnia/Twilight.
The signing of Sam Ramni helps. Check out the story here.
I have had two stints of playing the game. I got a character to level 50 the first time and 45 the second time. (Last I checked it went to 80) It is very addictive but not that much fun if that makes any sense. The graphics are only OK. It is very numbers oriented ala Dungeons and Dragons with Hit Points and Mana. Worst of all, I never got the sense that can be good or bad at the game. It seemed to be nothing more than a function of how long you were willing to play.
But, that being said, the environment is huge and interesting enough. The community atmosphere and marketplace is really very cool. And, it took a genre, MMORPG games, from a complete niche to mainstream banaza.
The signing of Sam Ramni helps. Check out the story here.
I have had two stints of playing the game. I got a character to level 50 the first time and 45 the second time. (Last I checked it went to 80) It is very addictive but not that much fun if that makes any sense. The graphics are only OK. It is very numbers oriented ala Dungeons and Dragons with Hit Points and Mana. Worst of all, I never got the sense that can be good or bad at the game. It seemed to be nothing more than a function of how long you were willing to play.
But, that being said, the environment is huge and interesting enough. The community atmosphere and marketplace is really very cool. And, it took a genre, MMORPG games, from a complete niche to mainstream banaza.
What to Watch tonight - 7/23/09 TAKE 2
Yanks-A's on MLBHD at 7pm...sweet!
and a couple movie picks...Weird Science on Retro at 8pm - another 80's classic!
...and She's All That on Encore at 10pm - I am a sucker for teeny bopper romantic comedies
and a couple movie picks...Weird Science on Retro at 8pm - another 80's classic!
...and She's All That on Encore at 10pm - I am a sucker for teeny bopper romantic comedies
What to Watch tonight - 7/23/09
The last 2 Samantha Who's ever on ABC at 8pm...I was one of the few fans of the show. I found it to be harmless fun that occasionally had some good episodes. To me, Christina Applegate's parents were the stars of the show.
The kick-off show of So You Think You Can Dance...It doesn't matter to me who goes home. Ellen's guest judging spot was a little uneven. There were some funny and spontaneous moments but she was at times out of place and a distraction on a show that can take itself a little too serious. (See, the breast cancer dance last night.)
I received the first disc of Big Bang Theory, a show that has been recommended to me many times as the best one I am not watching. I have a natural aversion to CBS shows and usually need to be coaxed into them (see How I Met Your Mother).
The kick-off show of So You Think You Can Dance...It doesn't matter to me who goes home. Ellen's guest judging spot was a little uneven. There were some funny and spontaneous moments but she was at times out of place and a distraction on a show that can take itself a little too serious. (See, the breast cancer dance last night.)
I received the first disc of Big Bang Theory, a show that has been recommended to me many times as the best one I am not watching. I have a natural aversion to CBS shows and usually need to be coaxed into them (see How I Met Your Mother).
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Lost - 6 months till the final season
My devotion to this show is not news to anyone who knows me. I have been in since day 1, defended it when people got inpatient, enjoyed it when it increased the pace, relished the crazy sci-fi meandering, and continue to be frustrated by the lingering questions.
I love Doc Jensen's articles about Lost on EW.com. It makes the experience of watching the show so much fuller, interesting, and quirky. His research and references are classic. To tide yo over until the Comic Con news comes out, here is his Season 5 final exam.
He also has compiled the 15 mysteries we need to have answered.
I love Doc Jensen's articles about Lost on EW.com. It makes the experience of watching the show so much fuller, interesting, and quirky. His research and references are classic. To tide yo over until the Comic Con news comes out, here is his Season 5 final exam.
He also has compiled the 15 mysteries we need to have answered.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Ahhh....TV! And tonight's dinner...
The past day and a half have been a whirlwind of sorts. Last night I went to a friend's house for dinner and drinks...mostly drinks. They have a great garden and were overgrown with herbs and were starting to get ripe tomatoes. So we had homemade fresh tomato and herb pizza, fresh mojitos, and messed around with Wii Music.
I came home with a goodie bag of herbs - flowering thyme, some sort of exotic basil variety, and oregano...but first,
Today, work featured a bunch of fires that needed to be put out and the main one was sitting in on some depositions. 6 hours of culverts and drainage talk from various engineers and PennDot workers. Yaaawwwnnn...
Anyway, dinner tonight. I minced the herbs fine, mixed with some panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. I pounded out some chicken breasts and coated with an egg wash and the herb mixture. Cooked in a little olive oil and served w a mixed green salad, sliced tomatoes, and ripped mozzarella, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
Now I am ready to hunker down to night of TV watching. So You Think You Can Dance (Fox refuses to be preempted by the president...classic Fox), Top Chef Masters, and catching up on some DVR backlog.
I came home with a goodie bag of herbs - flowering thyme, some sort of exotic basil variety, and oregano...but first,
Today, work featured a bunch of fires that needed to be put out and the main one was sitting in on some depositions. 6 hours of culverts and drainage talk from various engineers and PennDot workers. Yaaawwwnnn...
Anyway, dinner tonight. I minced the herbs fine, mixed with some panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. I pounded out some chicken breasts and coated with an egg wash and the herb mixture. Cooked in a little olive oil and served w a mixed green salad, sliced tomatoes, and ripped mozzarella, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
Now I am ready to hunker down to night of TV watching. So You Think You Can Dance (Fox refuses to be preempted by the president...classic Fox), Top Chef Masters, and catching up on some DVR backlog.
Erin Andrews videotaped through a Peephole
A couple weeks ago she got hit with a ball in the chin at a Mets game, as if being at a Mets game isn't punishment enough, and now this!!!
The pics and video have supposedly been removed from all sites and ESPN said they will sue anyone who publishes it.
The pics and video have supposedly been removed from all sites and ESPN said they will sue anyone who publishes it.
What to Watch tonight - 7/21/09
Better Off Ted on ABC at 9 - It is like Arrested Development mixed with Mad Men. Not really. But it does have Portia De Rossi and usually 2 or 3 good moments.
Season Premiere of Hell's Kitchen on Fox at 8 - a 2 hour premiere. This show was funny the first time I watched it but it kinda feels the same over and over again. It's not really a cooking show as they make the same food every time (Wellingtons and risottos), but it is a showcase of Gordon Ramsey and his bleeped out method of motivation. It seems more fake than most reality shows and at its best it is an ugly duckling into a swan story. That being said, the beginning episodes are great, when the really bad chefs take a verbal beating and may even cry.
Warehouse 13 on SyFy at 9 - I haven't actually watched any of these yet, but they have been granted space on my DVR. Is anyone watching this show?
Meanwhile, the Yankees are on a roll and tonight features the debut of Sergio Mitre in pinstripes. Peter Abraham, a Yankees beat writer, has the absolute best Yankees blog in the world...check it out here.
Speaking of pinstripes, Stripes is on AMC tonight continuing the Bill Murray love affair. The first half of this movie is fabulous...and then they invade the USSR in a winabago. Sgt. Hulka's big toe, John Candy and Judge Reinhold, and mud wrestling. It is up there with Spies Like Us for best 80's army comedy. Razzle Dazzle!!!
Season Premiere of Hell's Kitchen on Fox at 8 - a 2 hour premiere. This show was funny the first time I watched it but it kinda feels the same over and over again. It's not really a cooking show as they make the same food every time (Wellingtons and risottos), but it is a showcase of Gordon Ramsey and his bleeped out method of motivation. It seems more fake than most reality shows and at its best it is an ugly duckling into a swan story. That being said, the beginning episodes are great, when the really bad chefs take a verbal beating and may even cry.
Warehouse 13 on SyFy at 9 - I haven't actually watched any of these yet, but they have been granted space on my DVR. Is anyone watching this show?
Meanwhile, the Yankees are on a roll and tonight features the debut of Sergio Mitre in pinstripes. Peter Abraham, a Yankees beat writer, has the absolute best Yankees blog in the world...check it out here.
Speaking of pinstripes, Stripes is on AMC tonight continuing the Bill Murray love affair. The first half of this movie is fabulous...and then they invade the USSR in a winabago. Sgt. Hulka's big toe, John Candy and Judge Reinhold, and mud wrestling. It is up there with Spies Like Us for best 80's army comedy. Razzle Dazzle!!!
Cooking - Baked Summer Veg Pasta
My father-in-law has a remarkable garden. It is probably a quarter acre large and the veggies it produces are world class. There are so many that by the end of the summer our freezer is full and we enjoy the veg the whole year round.
For the first real meal using the garden veg, I had some garden grown red onions, a large zucchini, and some roma beans. I diced an onion and sweated it in some EV olive oil with a little salt. Added a couple cloves of garlic smashed and chopped. I cut the zucchini about the size of my penne and added them to the pan.
I sauteed it on medium until the squash started getting soft. About 8 minutes. Then added the cleaned and prepped beans and some cremeni mushrooms. A little more salt and some fresh pepper. Then a pinch of red pepper flakes and a heavy pinch of dried oregano and dried basil. After about 3-5 more minutes, I added a can of whole San Marzano tomatoes and a couple tbls. of balsamic vinegar. Bring to a simmer and cover for about 15-20 minutes.
Now I par baked some penne, drained, and laid out in a large casserole dish. Poured the veggie/sauce mixture over and combined. Then I placed dollops of riccotta cheese and fresh mozzerella in and around the casserole and baked uncovered for about 30 minutes at 350 until the cheese is bubbly and the whole thing is scalding hot.
Serve w a little parm cheese and some fresh garlic bread. It turned out great. So great in fact that we had the leftovers the next night, albeit it with a piece of swordfish on top (the fish was baked at 400 with olive oil, salt, and pepper surrounded by some garden onion, mushrooms, and garden carrots...finish under the broiler for 3-5 minutes).
For the first real meal using the garden veg, I had some garden grown red onions, a large zucchini, and some roma beans. I diced an onion and sweated it in some EV olive oil with a little salt. Added a couple cloves of garlic smashed and chopped. I cut the zucchini about the size of my penne and added them to the pan.
I sauteed it on medium until the squash started getting soft. About 8 minutes. Then added the cleaned and prepped beans and some cremeni mushrooms. A little more salt and some fresh pepper. Then a pinch of red pepper flakes and a heavy pinch of dried oregano and dried basil. After about 3-5 more minutes, I added a can of whole San Marzano tomatoes and a couple tbls. of balsamic vinegar. Bring to a simmer and cover for about 15-20 minutes.
Now I par baked some penne, drained, and laid out in a large casserole dish. Poured the veggie/sauce mixture over and combined. Then I placed dollops of riccotta cheese and fresh mozzerella in and around the casserole and baked uncovered for about 30 minutes at 350 until the cheese is bubbly and the whole thing is scalding hot.
Serve w a little parm cheese and some fresh garlic bread. It turned out great. So great in fact that we had the leftovers the next night, albeit it with a piece of swordfish on top (the fish was baked at 400 with olive oil, salt, and pepper surrounded by some garden onion, mushrooms, and garden carrots...finish under the broiler for 3-5 minutes).
Monday, July 20, 2009
Hung - We're all just pissing in a lake
This show has been kinda frustrating. Maybe not as frustrating as having to be a male prostitute so you can rebuild your parent's house next to your pretentious neighbor...but pretty frustrating. There is potential here in this show. There are glimmers of comedy and tinges of character. But it isn't there yet. I want more Anne Heche. More the kids. And more of the pimp-whore relationship.
This Sunday's episode featured a series of bummers ranging from annoying neighbors to stolen wallets to lost contractors to police citations. But there was also an underlying spirit of perseverance that began to show itself. There was the rebellion of flipping off the neighbor (and sowing the seeds of nailing his wife)...but more importantly there was the beginnings of a successful business, the beginnings of rebuilding a house and the beginnings of rebuilding a relationship between a mom and her kids. And maybe the beginnings of a relationship of a tv viewer and a fan.
Sometimes you have to be torn down before you can be built up again.
This Sunday's episode featured a series of bummers ranging from annoying neighbors to stolen wallets to lost contractors to police citations. But there was also an underlying spirit of perseverance that began to show itself. There was the rebellion of flipping off the neighbor (and sowing the seeds of nailing his wife)...but more importantly there was the beginnings of a successful business, the beginnings of rebuilding a house and the beginnings of rebuilding a relationship between a mom and her kids. And maybe the beginnings of a relationship of a tv viewer and a fan.
Sometimes you have to be torn down before you can be built up again.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
True Blood - A new addict
I have to say I wasn't a fan of True Blood when it started. I just wasn't getting it. But the buzz kept building and building and I could not ignore it anymore. So I caught up and rejoined the show for season 2 and have become 100% hooked. I love Alan Ball. Six Feet Under was a legendary and groundbreaking show with truly engrossing characters. This is what True Blood aspires to be, albeit with a Cajun supernatural vampire angle.
While the quasi-anti-religious angle is hardly original, the chemistry of Jason and the preacher's wife is mesmerizing. Against the backdrop of impending vampire genocide, the moments that Jason and Sarah share are so intense you almost forget about that they are training a militia. And you almost forget to wonder why they are so interested in Jason...
It is the perfect summer show. At least until Mad Men starts.
While the quasi-anti-religious angle is hardly original, the chemistry of Jason and the preacher's wife is mesmerizing. Against the backdrop of impending vampire genocide, the moments that Jason and Sarah share are so intense you almost forget about that they are training a militia. And you almost forget to wonder why they are so interested in Jason...
It is the perfect summer show. At least until Mad Men starts.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Set your alarm
59-year old Tom Watson is leading the British Open after 54 holes. When Tiger missed the cut my hopes for an engrossing must-see-TV tournament went to just about zero. Nobody believed his 18 hole would hold up. Or his 36 hole lead. What about his 54 hole lead? He can't, can he? He is 13 years older than Jack Nicklaus was when he won the Masters in '86, which was 13 years ago. Watson won the British at this very course in 1977, the year I was born. When I was about 7 years old, I would take my plastic golf club in my parents' TV room and play Tom Watson v. Jack Nicklaus v. Seve Ballesteros (Jack was the good guy).
Then Tiger came along and I forgot how to like golf when he isn't around. Tomorrow has the potential to be one of those moments in sports that, if you wrote it in a screenplay, nobody would believe it. Here's to hoping it's memorable...and the weather kicks up.
Then Tiger came along and I forgot how to like golf when he isn't around. Tomorrow has the potential to be one of those moments in sports that, if you wrote it in a screenplay, nobody would believe it. Here's to hoping it's memorable...and the weather kicks up.
Packing and The Office
My wife and I are buying our first house and we are in the process of packing. And by we I mean my wife. The Office is her favorite show this side of Seinfeld. She pretty much knows every episode by heart. So she likes to put the DVD's on while she works so she can half pay attention/ have some background noise. And since I am on the couch being useless I watch the episodes.
Here are some of my observations...
1. Steve Carrell is the hardest working man in TV. He is constantly busting his ass for the gag. The typical Office scene is Michael attempting to entertain/motivate/inspire the troops. Everyone else, except maybe Dwight, is literally sitting there trying not to laugh or peering at the camera disapprovingly. Michael is literally a one man show.
2. The more awkward the Michael moment, the better.
3. Jim gets the easiest laughs. He sits and makes great faces and his pranks are done off camera.
4. Pam's journey from super mousey to assertive to happy couple w/ Jim is very satisfying.
5. Top 3 side characters - Creed, Kevin, and Andy
6. Great Jim pranks on Dwight -
- Jim puts all of Dwight's desk items in the vending machine
- "Gay-dar"
- Everytime Dwight typed his name the computer spells diapers (a simple macro)
- Vampire Jim (Jim is on a path now...)
- The "alliance"
Here are some of my observations...
1. Steve Carrell is the hardest working man in TV. He is constantly busting his ass for the gag. The typical Office scene is Michael attempting to entertain/motivate/inspire the troops. Everyone else, except maybe Dwight, is literally sitting there trying not to laugh or peering at the camera disapprovingly. Michael is literally a one man show.
2. The more awkward the Michael moment, the better.
3. Jim gets the easiest laughs. He sits and makes great faces and his pranks are done off camera.
4. Pam's journey from super mousey to assertive to happy couple w/ Jim is very satisfying.
5. Top 3 side characters - Creed, Kevin, and Andy
6. Great Jim pranks on Dwight -
- Jim puts all of Dwight's desk items in the vending machine
- "Gay-dar"
- Everytime Dwight typed his name the computer spells diapers (a simple macro)
- Vampire Jim (Jim is on a path now...)
- The "alliance"
Calling All Disciples of AB
I am a huge fan, a zealot actually, of Good Eats and everything else Alton Brown. I have learned to cook predominately through his show. The combination of Mr. Wizard science, history, and self deprecating humor make his show the perfect tool for answering the question "why?" in all things cooking.
Good Eats is celebrating its 10th Anniversary with a contest where you submit a photo or video letting your AB freak flag fly. The top 6 get a paid trip to a special gala in Atlanta. If you don't win, you can also buy tickets. I am also sure it will be played on Food Network hundreds of times in the near future.
I love to cook and have developed a passion for it. I love the pace, the creativity, the learning, and the eating. From time to time I will share my favorite recipes and detail the results of my culinary adventures.
Good Eats is celebrating its 10th Anniversary with a contest where you submit a photo or video letting your AB freak flag fly. The top 6 get a paid trip to a special gala in Atlanta. If you don't win, you can also buy tickets. I am also sure it will be played on Food Network hundreds of times in the near future.
I love to cook and have developed a passion for it. I love the pace, the creativity, the learning, and the eating. From time to time I will share my favorite recipes and detail the results of my culinary adventures.
Friday, July 17, 2009
What to Watch tonight
First choice - 7pm Yankees v. Tigers on YES (Burnett is dealing these days)...
If you don't have YES, go see Harry Potter 6...
If wizards aren't your bag, go Back to the Future on Retro at 9:45pm...
If you want something newer, ride the Pineapple Express on Starz at 9...
No movies...Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives on Food Network at 9...
Still no??? Go out and drink yourself stupid.
If you don't have YES, go see Harry Potter 6...
If wizards aren't your bag, go Back to the Future on Retro at 9:45pm...
If you want something newer, ride the Pineapple Express on Starz at 9...
No movies...Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives on Food Network at 9...
Still no??? Go out and drink yourself stupid.
Tiger misses the cut at the British
Tiger Woods just missed the cut at the British Open, meaning he will not be playing this weekend. I really enjoy the British Open, or "the Open Championship", for two reasons - the very different courses and the time it is played.
British Open courses are usually links courses. It is usually really windy and rainy. There are almost no trees and the ground is very uneven. The courses are older than our country. And the tournament is played in the morning, which is great. It comes on in the early morning and is done by mid-afternoon. (I have a great memory of watching the Great Van De Veld Collapse of '99.)
I am sure the ratings will suffer without Tiger. I will still watch but I have to admit I am no longer excited about it.
In other news, I will see Harry Potter 6 this weekend. I have high hopes.
British Open courses are usually links courses. It is usually really windy and rainy. There are almost no trees and the ground is very uneven. The courses are older than our country. And the tournament is played in the morning, which is great. It comes on in the early morning and is done by mid-afternoon. (I have a great memory of watching the Great Van De Veld Collapse of '99.)
I am sure the ratings will suffer without Tiger. I will still watch but I have to admit I am no longer excited about it.
In other news, I will see Harry Potter 6 this weekend. I have high hopes.
Do you experience feelings of dread in your attic or basement?
I got sucked into Ghostbusters last night. It is one my all-time favorite comedies. It really reminds me of my youth. The smoking. The flaunting authority. The wise-ass, slacker, hound dogging of Bill Murray. The City. Sci-fi ghosts and gadgets.
I managed to sneak in a couple innings of the Phillies-Marlins and the Brewers-Reds. 87-year old Jamie Moyer went 7 strong throwing no more than 82.
I did my Conan scan and I gotta tell you...I am losing interest. I loved Conan and Andy in college. It was must watch for me (When I wasn't drinking of course). But he is too in love with LA and the studio. I like Conando. I don't like tram rides and sound stages. I will hang in there for a little while longer, but the lease is getting smaller.
Finally, So You Think You Can Dance gave the boot to the little married girl and the super flamboyant guy who made his own clothes. But the real stars of the night were the Black Eyed Peas, who I find so entertaining. They do little more than scream at you. There are no signs of instruments and they don't really dance. But they are intriguing and they command your attention. They are seemingly on the edge of being a train wreck but they pull it off. I could have done without the MJ tribute though.
I managed to sneak in a couple innings of the Phillies-Marlins and the Brewers-Reds. 87-year old Jamie Moyer went 7 strong throwing no more than 82.
I did my Conan scan and I gotta tell you...I am losing interest. I loved Conan and Andy in college. It was must watch for me (When I wasn't drinking of course). But he is too in love with LA and the studio. I like Conando. I don't like tram rides and sound stages. I will hang in there for a little while longer, but the lease is getting smaller.
Finally, So You Think You Can Dance gave the boot to the little married girl and the super flamboyant guy who made his own clothes. But the real stars of the night were the Black Eyed Peas, who I find so entertaining. They do little more than scream at you. There are no signs of instruments and they don't really dance. But they are intriguing and they command your attention. They are seemingly on the edge of being a train wreck but they pull it off. I could have done without the MJ tribute though.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
A Godfather Meeting and Tonight's Picks
I was stuck in a meeting that lasted so long that you could have watched The Godfather from start to finish - A Godfather meeting. When any event takes so long that I start looking at the clock every minute, I start a Godfather clock on it. The reason behind this is that I have sat through the 3-plus hour movie many times and thought, "Huh, that didn't seem so long", that the movie has become what 3 hours means to me. I mean the Godfather is on the Mt. Everest of movies. The sickest part is that the sequel might be even better although personally I give part 1 the slight edge for being set in NYC.
Tonight's TV is pretty weak -
So You Think You Can Dance - the little broadway guy could go
Ghostbusters I and II on AMC - The original is a fine wine movie...it gets better as it ages...which is rare for a comedy.
Jurassic Park 2 on SyFy - I hate the new name.
Me, I will do some flipping around. Find a baseball game. Watch the last 30 minutes of Ghostbusters (Let's show this prehistoric bitch how we do things downtown!). Is it wierd that I get an adrenaline rush from that?
And Dance too...
Tonight's TV is pretty weak -
So You Think You Can Dance - the little broadway guy could go
Ghostbusters I and II on AMC - The original is a fine wine movie...it gets better as it ages...which is rare for a comedy.
Jurassic Park 2 on SyFy - I hate the new name.
Me, I will do some flipping around. Find a baseball game. Watch the last 30 minutes of Ghostbusters (Let's show this prehistoric bitch how we do things downtown!). Is it wierd that I get an adrenaline rush from that?
And Dance too...
Last Night's TV Recap
I was able to catch a few minutes of PTI for the first time in a long time. Usually work prevents me from being home in time. (Yes, I am typing this from work.) I almost always listen to the audio of the show at work. Tony has been on vacation for what seems like forever. I loved his radio show on ESPN radio and hope that he is planning on starting up a radio show again, even if it is just a reboot of his 3WT show - a local DC station available online.
After that I messed around and played my inaugural game of NCAA 2010 on PS3. The game seems to be basically the same as last year with just the required amount of tweaking. I jumped right to Heisman and dropped 56 on Akron with Penn State. I love the NCAA series. I have two online dynasties I am in with some long distance friends and played close to 20 seasons between them last year. (With 4 national championships under my belt, I ranked in the top 3 of the two dozen or so gamers. Pretty impressive, I know.)
After that it was the usual scanning of last night's Tonight Show with Conan to check out the monologue and first skit. It was from a couple days ago actually...the one with the state quarters. Not that funny. It was an early delete.
My wife was on an Office marathon, Season 2 to be exact, and I gotta say that the show was much funnier back then. It is sweeter now, with a more aw-shucks kinda feel, but back in Season 2 it was meaner, darker, and funnier. I am not saying I don't like it now. It is still Must See TV. In fact this past season rebounded a little with the Michael Scott Paper Company. But I digress...
I watched about 5 Season 2 episodes and they were very re-watchable. The Booze Cruise was a classic (Amy Adams and Rob Riggle guest star). But what I noticed most was how much of an outsider Michael was. How alone he was. And so was Jim, with Roy in his way every time he tried to muster some courage. It made the show a little more awkward, for sure, but that lead to some very funny moments as well (Think Jim's BBQ where Michael wasn't invited).
Finally, I watched So You Think You Can Dance, a show my wife dragged me into kicking and screaming...I think as punishment for making her watch sports. The show isn't terrible. The women are generally hot and there are occasionally some unintentionally funny moments. In comparing it to Idol, it is much nicer. The dancers never talk back to the judges. In fact they dont speak unless directed to. It is encouraging in an outsider-trying-to-make-it-against-all-odds kinda way that you can only get b/c just about all the guys were surely picked on for being dancers. So I put my head down and take one for the team.
BTW I am rooting for Jeanine.
After that I messed around and played my inaugural game of NCAA 2010 on PS3. The game seems to be basically the same as last year with just the required amount of tweaking. I jumped right to Heisman and dropped 56 on Akron with Penn State. I love the NCAA series. I have two online dynasties I am in with some long distance friends and played close to 20 seasons between them last year. (With 4 national championships under my belt, I ranked in the top 3 of the two dozen or so gamers. Pretty impressive, I know.)
After that it was the usual scanning of last night's Tonight Show with Conan to check out the monologue and first skit. It was from a couple days ago actually...the one with the state quarters. Not that funny. It was an early delete.
My wife was on an Office marathon, Season 2 to be exact, and I gotta say that the show was much funnier back then. It is sweeter now, with a more aw-shucks kinda feel, but back in Season 2 it was meaner, darker, and funnier. I am not saying I don't like it now. It is still Must See TV. In fact this past season rebounded a little with the Michael Scott Paper Company. But I digress...
I watched about 5 Season 2 episodes and they were very re-watchable. The Booze Cruise was a classic (Amy Adams and Rob Riggle guest star). But what I noticed most was how much of an outsider Michael was. How alone he was. And so was Jim, with Roy in his way every time he tried to muster some courage. It made the show a little more awkward, for sure, but that lead to some very funny moments as well (Think Jim's BBQ where Michael wasn't invited).
Finally, I watched So You Think You Can Dance, a show my wife dragged me into kicking and screaming...I think as punishment for making her watch sports. The show isn't terrible. The women are generally hot and there are occasionally some unintentionally funny moments. In comparing it to Idol, it is much nicer. The dancers never talk back to the judges. In fact they dont speak unless directed to. It is encouraging in an outsider-trying-to-make-it-against-all-odds kinda way that you can only get b/c just about all the guys were surely picked on for being dancers. So I put my head down and take one for the team.
BTW I am rooting for Jeanine.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Insomniac Picks - Wed Night
If you can't sleep tonight, allow me to offer you the inaugural Insomniac Picks - a few selections of the best of what is out there to get you through the night as entertained as possible.
For those with HBO -
HBO2 at 1:40 a.m. (EST) - Dazed and Confused
This is an all-time cult classic. Actually, it probably passed the popularity point of being a cult classic. Great music. Kinda slooowly paced for your late night pleasure. Think Matthew
McConaughey saying that in his now legendary drawl. The Surfer Dude steals the show with lines like "That's what I love about these high school girls, man. I get older, they stay the same age".
For the basic cable viewer -
TVLand at 11:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. - A Roseanne marathon
I really love a marathon when i can' t sleep. Hell I love marathons all the time. Roseanne is a little dated and can be a after-school special, but it'll do in a pinch. It is 5 hours of TV in the middle of the night.
The standby - watch SportsCenter. I have fallen asleep and woken up to SC so many times over the years it has become one of the great comfort food TV shows for me. Albeit this is a terrible sports night. Pedro is a Phillie. It'll put me to sleep.
I will post what I watched and maybe a review tomorrow.
For those with HBO -
HBO2 at 1:40 a.m. (EST) - Dazed and Confused
This is an all-time cult classic. Actually, it probably passed the popularity point of being a cult classic. Great music. Kinda slooowly paced for your late night pleasure. Think Matthew
McConaughey saying that in his now legendary drawl. The Surfer Dude steals the show with lines like "That's what I love about these high school girls, man. I get older, they stay the same age".
For the basic cable viewer -
TVLand at 11:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. - A Roseanne marathon
I really love a marathon when i can' t sleep. Hell I love marathons all the time. Roseanne is a little dated and can be a after-school special, but it'll do in a pinch. It is 5 hours of TV in the middle of the night.
The standby - watch SportsCenter. I have fallen asleep and woken up to SC so many times over the years it has become one of the great comfort food TV shows for me. Albeit this is a terrible sports night. Pedro is a Phillie. It'll put me to sleep.
I will post what I watched and maybe a review tomorrow.
The slowest sports night of the year
There are two days a year where there are no major U.S. sports played. The day before and after the baseball All-Star Game, which was played yesterday. These are the dog days of summer.
Side note: ESPN takes advantage of the slow news day and the Espy's are taped today (They air until Sunday night on ESPN).
Maybe this is why I had the time to start my TV blog.
Side note: ESPN takes advantage of the slow news day and the Espy's are taped today (They air until Sunday night on ESPN).
Maybe this is why I had the time to start my TV blog.
First Post
There are hundreds of channels out there. Shows run their seasons at seemingly random times. And there are sports to watch.
I am a 31 year old TV addict. I use my DVR remote with the precision of a neurosurgeon. I love all types of sports, movies, comedies, dramas, actions, and even a little reality. Whether you are looking for a random movie pick, how to maximize your TV time, find your next obsession, looking for a place to rave or rip a show, or just having a hard time sleeping, this is the place for you.
Here we go.
I am a 31 year old TV addict. I use my DVR remote with the precision of a neurosurgeon. I love all types of sports, movies, comedies, dramas, actions, and even a little reality. Whether you are looking for a random movie pick, how to maximize your TV time, find your next obsession, looking for a place to rave or rip a show, or just having a hard time sleeping, this is the place for you.
Here we go.
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