Kiss Your Television

Tivo LOVE

2008-12-04T16:47:00.000-08:00

I was canceling my AT&T long distance today…unfortunately after I did that the Customer Service Rep engaged me in a lengthy “survey about their services.” Amused…I played along. I was like, “No, not interested,” “No, that’s ok,” to every last thing. Then he said, “Well we have a DVR...” And I interrupted him and said, “Um, I have a Tivo and I love it.” And he said, “Well have you ever used any other DVR?” And I said, “Yes they are terrible.” And he says, “Wow, I’ve never heard anyone say that before.” I told him that I’ve had Tivo for 8 years and would not be able to live my TV life without it. Then I promptly said gotta go and good luck to you! And he kept me on the phone for about 5 more minutes selling stuff. I was like, “really sweetie, all the best to you, but gots to go!” I do feel bad though because AT&T let go 12,000 people today and I know he was trying to keep the numbers up!

That’s my TIVO love. I will go the ends of the earth for my Tivo. I will wait and wait for the Tivo HD to do down in price before I buy my lovely 47” Samsung 1080i HD TV. Oh yes people I waited 2 yrs. I can’t live without my Tivo and I’m willing to stand up for it.

Here are 10 reasons why I LOVE MY NEW HD TIVO:

1. IT RECORDS 2 PROGRAMS AT ONCE

2. There's no delay in clicking anything on the menu, it doesn't stall or whine just cuts right through the BS and responds quickly.

3. I can rent movies on Amazon Unbox in mere hours. Netflix is coming soon and I can barely contain myself.

4. I can play my own music library through my home computer.

5. I can display my personal photos through my home computer.

6. I can schedule recordings when I'm bored at work or on my iPhone.

7. I can download free video downloads from New York Times, CNET, The Onion, and Vogue.

8. Because it's beautiful.

9. Because it stopped recording Terminator.

10. Because I LOVE IT!

Water the Daisies!

2008-11-24T22:04:00.000-08:00

OK, so I must admit that I missed the last 3 episodes and I was just admitting that I was kind of bored with PD...but...really did ABC need to ax it! How sad! I will miss my Kristin Chenoweth and people breaking out in song. Or what about those sets and those colors. A tragedy!

I'm glad that Lipstick Jungle was cancelled though, I really needed to stop watching that trash and purge it.

I hope people in this economy can tune into some quality TV, please do! Here's a short list of shows you should be watching:

MONARCHY- Airs for the last time this Wed, 11/26
I've been watching the royal family since Di's wedding in the 80s. This is an inside look into the makings of royalty.

30 ROCK
If you aren't watching this show I don't know what to do with you. Just even for the guest stars please. This season alone- Oprah, Jennifer Aniston, The Night Court cast, Steve Martin. Who's next? Jon Hamm? Be still my beating MAD heart.

THE OFFICE
A classic, I've finally forgot about the British version. Although this one should end soon or I'll go back to that one on DVD. I think Pam might go back to art school and leave Jim. That better happen or I'll lose hope in sitcoms.

THREE SHEETS
This is on an HD network called MOJO HD. Baiscally if you've ever wanted a hilarious tour of all the wonderful spirits of the world- watch this show. I love learning about how to really go about Oktoberfest or where to find the Russian Vodka. Or what Chile is like, or how Munich rocks or if I should go to Puerto Rico next summer...also, this show is lovely for drinking games.

CHUCK
I love how this show dares to do the impossible- a spy comedy! I do still think the show is wrong to be a one hour format but I'll live with it. Good writing and story. Just needs a bit more $$ to get us better fighting scenes and spy gadgets.

THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE
My favorite. Christine's brother Matthew is too funny. The best ep to date was Self-Esteem Tempura. Did anyone notice that Matthew's girlfriend on the show is one of the newbies on SNL?

OK, anyone got anymore?

On the next Arrested Development

2008-11-12T21:12:00.000-08:00

So excited to hear that the Arrested Development movie is more than just a rumor!

This sitcom should have never died! On that note can you please watch 30 Rock? There's another rumor floating around that the critically acclaimed Emmy winner sitcom will be axed due to low ratings. Come on people! Stop watching Two and a Half Men and Scrubs!

Thank you!

30 ROCK - EARLY BIRD SPECIAL

2008-10-24T11:34:00.000-07:00

If you're really impatient like me and 30 Rock is your absolute favorite show...then catch it on hulu a week early.

Liz Lemon is my hero. My favorite is when her and Jack pretty much say in unison.. "We're not the best people...but we're not the worst." Magical! Isn't that what real life comes down too ;)

Again, completely free and legal. Enjoy!

Horror Tivo

2008-10-23T16:57:00.001-07:00

Has your Tivo ever crossed the line? Recording programs you didn't request? Freezing up during your favorite show? Watch this great short film, The Tivo, it might change your mind about cursing your favorite DVR.

Parallel Worlds, Parallel Lives NOVA

2008-10-20T08:33:00.001-07:00

Interesting doc on tomorrow night, Parallel Worlds, Parallel Lives, part of the NOVA series. Hopefully it won't be over my head as it deals with a little bit of quantum physics.

Here's a great review by famed SF TV critic Tim Goodman.

Jack Benny Comeback! Digital Conversion PSA

2008-10-17T17:44:00.001-07:00

This video is very timely. I'll be getting a brand new HD set this weekend so I won't have to follow these instructions ;)

I still remember when I was in college...oh so long ago...OK the year was 1995 (my first year). I still remember when my professor told us that the HD conversion was sure to happen in the year 2000! LOL

Glad it's finally happening just sorry to see poor hopeless souls like these struggling so much.

Political Cookies!

2008-10-14T19:11:00.000-07:00

If you are sick of the political world already (come on guys we still have 21 more days!) don't watch this ONN news report!

Precocious Youngster Sells Cookies To Buy Attack Ad

Christine Online!

2008-10-12T10:42:00.000-07:00

So I've been a derelict blogger. It's terrible. But just so you feel bad please know I'm trapped on the couch with a terrible flu/cold/allergy and my husband is at the store buying me soup and gatorade. And my voice is down to a whisper...

But I"m here to tell you that if you have the same problem as me ---Pushing Daisies (ABC, Wednesdays at 8pm) comes on at the SAME time as the lovely sitcom The New Adventures of Old Christine (CBS, Wednesdays at 8pm) there is hope my friends (McCainism)...
Last two episodes of Old Christine online at http://www.cbs.com/primetime/old_christine/video/

Completely legal and fun!

p.s. What do you think about the new season of PD? Don't you think it's a bit repetitive now the 2nd time around? But don't you love Olive at the nunnery? Did you know that Kristin Chenoweth is coming out with a Christmas album? Very exciting.

Tina Part II

2008-09-29T13:19:00.000-07:00

So sorry that I haven't been much of a critic lately. I need to catch up. I went to ACL again (Austin City Limits Fest) and will catch up soon with a full report.

I hope y'all caught Tina coming back as Palin on SNL. Tina is the only good thing about SNL right now. I'm thankful to Sarah Palin only for that, that she has given a breath of fresh air to a stalemate comedy skit series. Anyway, here's her reprisal and this time we get Amy Poehler as my favorite newswoman Katie Couric. I love that pink coat on Tina. And the recreation of the interview points breaks me. I laugh and then cry because it's so sad that most Americans value the charisma Palin has to offer over expertise and wisdom.

Enjoy!

Emmy Plight

2008-09-21T14:15:00.000-07:00

It feels like just the other day that the Emmy nods came out and I predicted big wins for my favorites. Let's see if I'm right!

I suppose I could watch the Emmys before I tune into Mad Men tonight but... I can't because I guess everyone needs to stop down to watch the awards show! I hope it's not too boring, this year they are having reality show hosts host the award show. Blah, blah, blah.

I guess we'll have to wait a whole week to see if Don will stick it to Betty or the other way around? And will Peggy crack? And what's with the priest? Too much fun!

Tina Wants Her Glasses Back!

2008-09-14T00:17:00.000-07:00

Tina,

You are genius. Can't wait for new 30 Rock episodes. And glad to see you'll be Palin for about 60 days!

THE DL ON FALL TV

2008-09-13T21:11:00.000-07:00

So the fall 2008 TV season started out slowly but it’ll be building some steam by late September.

Mad Men on AMC has been so dreamy. Of course this is not technically a fall TV season show but I can’t help but mention this beauty. I can’t believe we are 8 episodes in already, only one (Maidenform) was a bit dry. I’m completely mystified at the loveliness of this show, the writing, the set design, costumes, characters…I can’t get enough. I want to know more about Don and Pete is a maniac, really much more going on there than we think. And oh Betty is going to prove us wrong.

I digress, on to FALL TV…I caught the season 2 premiere of Gossip Girl on The CW. Oh, yes, I’m addicted to this glorious wonderful teen (but yet so adult) soap opera. It’s what happens when you’re in a Midwest hotel for a weekend with nothing better to do. You watch the entire 1st season of Gossip girl. I was floored by how complex (seriously) and frivolous (seriously) this show is. Now I’m chopping at the bit on Monday nights to get my next fix.

I watched and shook my head at the new 90210 on CW. What a terrible thing! Jennie Garth and Shannen Doherty are really making a go of it but it’s not enough to keep me around.

I missed Entourage on HBO, I’ve really got to make a decision on which premiere channel to get on Comcast. Thus I missed one of my favorite shows premiering. I’m really going to wait this one out. Not enough shows on HBO yet to make me pay the extra money.

I was half way interested in the J.J. Abrams new TV show, Fringe on Fox. Really not bad, except for the Lost music cues embedded everywhere. Makes me miss LOST big time, that won’t hit airwaves until top of ’09.

Ok, here’s what to look forward to in the coming weeks:

Heroes (NBC) on Monday, September 22nd. I did drown this show from my watching habits but I’ve decided to at least tune into the premiere.

Desperate Housewives (ABC) on Sunday, September 28th. We’re starting 5 years later, which I think will spice things up. I hope! And Gabby is fat now so that’s awesome ;)

Chuck (NBC) on Monday, September 29th. I really have a little thing for this show. I think it’s pretty clever and ambitious. I mean it’s literally a spy-thriller-comedy. Pretty hard to do and I think they pull it off almost 75% of the time.

My Own Worst Enemy (NBC) on Monday September 29th. Christian Slater is in this bad boy and it’s a must see.

Pushing Daisies (ABC) on Wednesday, October 1st. I hope they keep up the strange and don’t cow tow to the cute this season.

Alaskan Front

2008-09-13T18:34:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this is the best rumor ever! Shall we see Tina on SNL tonight? I hope so. She'll be so darn good at Palin I might just bust a gut.

We shall see!

CHO SHOW RAD!

2008-09-06T21:06:00.000-07:00

I'm currently watching the Cho Show on VH1 and it's so awesome that I'm going to marry it and have it's babies. Okay, I'm being silly but so is Margaret Cho.

Double Standard on the Daily Show

2008-09-06T09:18:00.001-07:00

The Daily Show is really at its finest during election season.

Here's some evidence!

Win a TV!

2008-09-05T14:47:00.000-07:00

Go to this contest on Gizmodo:

http://gizmodo.com/5046000/contest-win-a-37+inch-sharp-aquos-tv

And win a TV...if you answer all the TV trivia questions correctly and are selected randomly.

I know them all!

:)

Confessions of a Trash Collector

2008-09-02T22:35:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I tend to pick up a lot of trash on the TV. Actually I like to pick it up, scrunch up my nose and take a whiff. Why must I?!

90210 was lame. Really lame. And it's not because I'm old and I remember the very first episode of the real 90210. Or where Brenda and Brandon were from (answer= Minnesota NOT Kansas). Or when Luke Perry's eyebrow first made the scene. Or...well you get it...

So the new one just moved way too fast, I couldn't keep up. It was a bit embarrassing that it slowed down only for the Kelly and Brenda scenes where they're musing over their lives in the slow lane. Which must mean that they know that the "old" people are watching and they have to take it down a notch so we'll get it.

I read that some old writers from Freaks and Geeks were on assignment for the season but I couldn't really find their "'Freaks''-style quirky comedy"? I mean if you are a a former F&G writer why would you ever talk about it in that way? Weird and worrisome.

Makes me want to watch some Freaks and Geeks or just find old episodes of 90210 on VHS.

Divorce

2008-08-26T22:31:00.000-07:00

Things got serious on the new season of "Tim and Eric's Awesome show Great job" this week with a piece on divorce. Enjoy!

Wildfires Aglow

2008-08-21T21:37:00.000-07:00

I don't watch television news for 3 reasons...

They only report on

- CRIME

- SCANDAL

and

- FIRES

This Onion News Network report demonstrates my point perfectly!

Californians Gather To Celebrate Annual Wildfire Tradition

If you don't know about ONN, it's a beautiful thing. If you have Tivo you can set it up to download directly.

44-Pound Cat Found!

2008-08-15T19:26:00.001-07:00

Okay, so I'm really offended I mean FAT CATS have feeling too, okay? Also, this is a really stupid video. It's really boring. They should have put a kitten next to it, showing size comparison or made it to do an obstacle course. I mean, people,, if you're going to exploit fat cats go all the way!

geez...Signed a Proud Fat Cat Owner

Caution...Bad Show Crossing!

2008-08-09T13:28:00.000-07:00

Okay, so a bit ago I told you why I hated people who hate TV. Today I'll impart to you the TV shows I hate or that you should not watch at all cost. If you are watching one of these shows please turn it off!

Change the channel, the TOP 5 WORST SHOWS ON TV:

1. America's Got Talent on NBC. NO ONE has talent on this show, not the judges or the contestants. And you know what? It's not even funny that they don't have talent. American Idol is much better for humiliation and laughter.

2. Swingtown on CBS. Turn it off, no one's naked and no one's swinging and why do we care anyway?! This show is so bad I could smell it but I still wanted to watch 5 minutes to confirm.

3. Denise Richards: It's Complicated on E! Um, ok so Brooke Knows Best on VH1 is half way entertaining, even Tori & Dean Home Sweet Hollywood makes me slightly happy but this piece of crap is so sad it will burn your plasma. Seriously, Denise is not even a wreck. She seems perfectly fine and her life is in order. We don't care!

4. And on the note of Denise...her ex husband's show...Two and a Half Men on CBS is deplorable. I mean how has this show been on the air for 5 years. And I hear that Charlie makes over $800k each episode. The highest paid actor on TV, WHY??!

5. In Plain Sight on USA Network. I don't get this show. There's all these high profile actresses on cable TV making their own shows, Kyra on The Closer and Holly on Saving Grace, both on TNT Network. That is awesome but THIS SHOW is NOT! Stay away! Horrible writing and really bad acting!

OK, I've done my work. Got to get back to finding the good TV...

MAD this weekend!

2008-08-01T14:41:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the last hate post, I was feeling a bit crabby and had to take it out on some one!

Wasn’t MAD MEN lovely? I thought it was a subtle, dreamy and smart way to start the new season. Who is Don thinking about? Who did he send the book to? Don’t you think Betty is smarter than we think? And Peggy is still a woman in a man’s world.

Here’s a clip from this Sunday’s episode.

Don't Hate

2008-07-30T21:24:00.000-07:00

I really hate it when people hate TV. When they announce on their blogs, or in the office, or at church, or at the coffee shop, or to their friends..."i took out the boob tube." It's really hateful.

I think what I hate the most about it is how they insinuate that they won't be wasting time anymore. Um...excuse me...but is watching TV the only way to waste time? Last I checked I could do that by taking a nap, not going to work, or tuning out on life as we know it.

Hmmmm...how odd. You'd think in these modern times people would hate on the internet, I mean, that's really the new media instrument. I want people to be like, "hey I threw my computer out! Won't be wasting time on facebook, myspace, writing senseless emails, surfing senseless and useless websites..." What a stir that would cause.

I simply can't hate something that can be used to inform, educate, entertain and influence people. Yeah, there's bad things on TV but um, you're on the internet and don't you know what's on the internet?! Useless blogs like mine!

Bikini MY Butt

2008-07-27T14:05:00.000-07:00

So I'm just about to split my pants about Mad Men premiering tonight on AMC. Seriously, I'm so ready for some quality TV! In the meantime I'm watching reruns of Ashley Paige Bikini or Bust on TLC. I'm not about to put a bikini on but I love Ashley's mother and I think she's really talented. I'm just not getting into her clothes anytime soon.

Eat Cake and Drive!

2008-07-25T20:55:00.000-07:00

So just to formally say...I'm completely against the new California law that states you can not use a hand held cell phone while driving. I'll agree with it as soon as people stop...putting mascara on, sipping their Starbucks non fat vanilla latte, smoking their lungs out, eating their dinner, reading their book, watching a DVD, looking at directions, and eating cake...while driving.

This brilliant video demonstrates my point!

p.s. Evelyn, the cake is in your honor!

The Dark Knight Returns to 90210

2008-07-20T15:14:00.000-07:00

They got her! I wonder if this spin off is going to be a terrible mess. Probably since the great Aaron Spelling isn't her to supervise.

In any case, I will take a peek on Sept 2nd when 90210 premieres on the CW. I just can't help it. I actually remember the 1st time I laid my junior higher eyes on this show. I actually had to watch it in the basement and I kept running up the stairs to pretend I was doing my homework. I don't have homework now and my basement is unfinished and cold so I think I will watch this new mess in my living room.

16! It's Mad!

2008-07-17T20:49:00.000-07:00

What a good day for basic cable! Today, AMC's Mad Men (watched every minute) and FX's Damages (never heard of it!) became the first two basic cable series to EVER be nominated for the Emmy's drama series category. CONGRATS MAD MEN! Not only did you make history but you got 16 nods! So happy about your upcoming season 2 premiere on July 27th!

Emmy nods came out today and here's some of my predictions (not all my favorites but my predictions):

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Comedy Series
Alec Baldwin as Jack Donaghy, 30 Rock • NBC

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series
Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan, Dexter • Showtime

Outstanding Lead Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie
Kevin Spacey as Ron Klain, Recount • HBO

Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series
Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Christine Campbell, The New Adventures Of Old Christine • CBS

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series
Rainn Wilson as Dwight Schrute, The Office • NBC

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Drama Series
John Slattery as Roger Sterling, Mad Men • AMC

Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Miniseries Or A Movie
Denis Leary as Michael Whouley, Recount • HBO

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Comedy Series
Amy Poehler as Performer, Saturday Night Live • NBC

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Drama Series
Dianne Wiest as Dr. Gina Toll, In Treatment • HBO

Outstanding Supporting Actress In A Miniseries Or A Movie
Laura Dern as Katherine Harris, Recount • HBO

Outstanding Individual Performance In A Variety Or Music Program
Stephen Colbert, Host, The Colbert Report • Comedy Central

Outstanding Comedy Series
30 Rock • NBC

Outstanding Drama Series
Mad Men • AMC

Outstanding Miniseries
Tin Man • Sci Fi Channel

Outstanding Made For Television Movie
Recount • HBO

Outstanding Variety, Music Or Comedy Series
The Colbert Report • Comedy Central

Outstanding Nonfiction Series
This American Life • Showtime

Outstanding Reality Program
Dirty Jobs • Discovery Channel

Outstanding Reality-Competition Program
Project Runway • Bravo

Outstanding Writing For A Comedy Series
30 Rock • Rosemary’s Baby • NBC

Outstanding Writing For A Drama Series
Mad Men • The Wheel • AMC

Outstanding Writing For A Variety, Music Or Comedy Program
The Colbert Report • Comedy Central

Outstanding Writing For A Miniseries, Movie Or A Dramatic Special
Extras: The Extra Special Series Finale • HBO

Hearts and Minds

2008-07-16T19:34:00.000-07:00

Today on NPR's Market place, Showtime president, Matt Blank, talks about his network and its slow inevitable rise...above HBO. Listen here and I'll give you the best quote: "It's unique (talking about his business model. First of all, I've always said that unlike most traditional networks, we're not purely in the eyeballs business and we have the luxury of being a little bit more in the hearts and minds business. And if we can own peoples hearts and minds with shows like "Weeds" and "Dexter," and that buzz you were talking about, ultimately that accrues to benefit the benefits of the brand. But again, what I got to before, if you create a new hit show…just go back to "CSI." When CBS put "CSI" on the air and it did great, within a week, they're monetizing. That's success. In terms of the size of the audience, in terms of the demos that are delivering and the rates they can charge advertisers and how they sell out those shows. With us, it is a slow build. I don't think we have yet really seen the benefit of all this programming, I think we've got some great times ahead because it takes a while."

I like this guy, he speaks my language! I think I'm close to picking Showtime as my deluxe-supreme-highly expensive-Comcast upper tier channel..

High There!great free widgetsWidgetbox

p.s.
Tonight- The Gong Show with Dave Attell and the season 5 premiere of Project Runway! OMG, my guest bloggers better get their typewriters out!

The Late Night Dirty Man Goes Gong!

2008-07-07T19:53:00.000-07:00

Pretty excited about funny man Dave Attell hosting the new Gong Show on Comedy Central! I have my Tivo set for July 17th! How do I get on this thing? I have some variety acts up my sleeve like 80's break dancing and a whistle trick using a clever hand trick. There's going to be celebrity judges like Adam Carolla (yeah!), Andy Dick (boo, hiss!), and Dave Navarro (why?).

p.s.
Did anyone see this hilarious Cookie Monster segment on The Colbert Report? OMG, too funny!

Summer Break

2008-06-27T18:17:00.000-07:00

So I've been on summer break in the UK and haven't had much time in front of the tube. But of course I've been addicted to iTunes and have managed to finish off (almost) season one of The Tudors. The Tudors obsession is thanks to my lovely two friends who shall not be named that have a serious problem with the romanticism of the English monarchy. Other iTune addictions this summer have been Season 3 of Weeds and Season 2 of Dexter. Does someone like Showtime?

Anyway, I find that I'm probably spending just as much money downloading these programs as I would be back on my deluxe-supreme-highly expensive-Comcast upper tier plan. So I'm debating at this moment whether or not to go back to HBO or Showtime. I've always been a HBO girl but at some point- when you've got responsibilities like a mortgage, a cat and a husband- you've got to wager your cable spending. Do you like how I put my husband at the bottom of the list? And I probably won't be earning any brownie points as I put him as a "responsibility."

I'll keep you posted on my decision regarding upper tier cable. No rush though as I've missed the new season start of just about every returning program on Showtime. But I'm sure I can catch up with re-runs in one weekend. Oh and The Tudors are renewed for another season so here we come!

Also, please no spoilers! This is the first time I've ventured into the delayed programming zone. I'm constantly living in oblivion of what's happening right now during the current season. I'm soon to become one of those irritating people that puts their hands to their ears and scream "I haven't seen it yet, shut up!"

More later...

Father Knows Best

2008-06-13T21:15:00.000-07:00

On this Father's Day weekend...I'm wondering how far have we come? I love my father to bits. He was the unconventional father when he came home from work...cooking, cleaning and taking my mother's orders. And I hear from the latest studies that some men these days are following suit, helping more with parenting and housework...AND this makes for oh so happy homes. But I stop to wonder today how fathers are portrayed on TV? Can you tell me? I'm wondering if TV or movies portray fathers as equal partners in the house and in parenting. (By the way I'm really looking for people to disagree with me here...maybe tell me I've got it all wrong..). I've got some friends who are new parents who are streamlining parenting and their marriages with what we call shared partnerships...this comes with things like family friendly careers and shared chores. Do you see this on TV? I don't. Here's a list of TV and movies that portray fathers in not so conventional roles...(my list of negative portrayals could last about 5 pages).

1. Lars and the Real Girl...the father in this film, oh so the macho male, was shown washing dishes, doting on his wife and listening to his wife.

2. Jon and Kate Plus 8 (I know...I know...) But really Jon is a equal partner, making dinner, cleaning house, in tune with his household.

3. ...I'm all out...please share some with me?

Pork and Beans

2008-06-01T11:56:00.001-07:00

Sorry that I haven't been around. Traveling, working, flying, and generally NOT wathing TV. SO sad! Here's the latest video from Weezer. One of my great loves of high school was Weezer. I can't wait for their new album.

Pork and Beans is dedicated to viral video and pop culture. Take a looksie.

p.s.
I did get to watch RECOUNT on HBO. IT was good! Laura Dern was too much as Katherine Harris. This movie took me back to my MSNBC addiction days...watching the horror we call voting enfold with Tim Russert in my SF apt.

This Post Dedicated To...

2008-05-20T01:42:00.000-07:00

My husband! This is a bit late, I'm still trying to catch up on my US TV viewing.

International Complaint

2008-05-18T08:40:00.000-07:00

So I think it's really ridiculous that if you're traveling in a foreign country and you want to watch, say...the last episode of LOST or 30 Rock...abc.com and hulu.com do not let you! They say it's because you have to be in the U.S. on the internet. This doesn't make any sense, why not share the love across the world! Instead I've got to put money into my iTunes piggy bank to watch the dang episodes. So much for fair trade TV!

90210 is back!

2008-05-10T18:10:00.000-07:00

This is really the best news I've had all day...

Um...hello, everyone knows that you cast the principal as Andrea Zuckerman (Gabrielle Carteris). It's only so obvious, like really!

Sandwich Day

2008-05-03T07:53:00.000-07:00

I thought this was a great scene from this week's episode of 30 Rock. Though the show has it's weak moments, it's great to see intelligent comedy actually making it on television (rest in peace blessed Arrested Development). Being able to see Alec Baldwin in a recurring comedic roll is pure joy. In this scene, Alec's character is trying to wake his boss, The CEO of General Electric, from a coma. In previous episodes, the boss's closeted gay son-in-law (played expertly by will Arnett), had manipulated the board of directors to put his wife in power. Enjoy!

More Alec in "Schweddy Balls"

I Want My HBO!

2008-04-28T23:12:00.000-07:00

"It’s taken 10 years, but Bob (Odenkirk) and David (Cross) are finally have a new show of their own. They’re returning to HBO this fall with David’s Situation, a sitcom about a standup comic named David Cross (played by—wait for it—David Cross) who leaves Hollywood to live in the suburbs, where he writes for in-flight airline magazines and argues with his roommates, one of whom is a bleeding-heart liberal and the other a fire-breathing conservative."

This news may inspire me to start up my HBO subscription again after a 5 month break.

HBO shows to come back or air this year... Entourage this fall and...crap is there anything else airing? What about Big Love or another HBO classic series? What happened to my HBO?

At least Mad Men will be back in July on AMC!

Dancing hits the skids

2008-04-28T20:15:00.000-07:00

Um, so I'm going on record to say that Dancing with the Stars sucks. Or at least I believe it does. I was a bit pissy tonight and decided to watch NOTHING on TV. I watched about 5 minutes of stars that I do not know dance on TV. I don't understand why I would even care about this.

Can someone explain it to me? Right now, I'm watching Kristi Yamaguchi twirling around with an umbrella. Why is this needed? Didn't she twirl enough before? Oh and their band sucks too.

This Dancing with the Star Wars spoof makes me happy for a little bit.

I'm going back to my hole now...

LOST REVELATIONS

2008-04-27T20:50:00.001-07:00

"He's got frost on him, must have been somewhere cold." (mysterious tone)

"Kate is such a slut, she's taking her shirt off." (with disgust)

"HOLY CRAP!" (when gun shots fly)

"AHHHH! (screaming very loudly), RUN SAWYER, RUN!"

"I didn't know you liked Sawyer so much..." (amused, laughing)

"IS THIS when Claire dies? We know she dies right?" (confused on the Oceanic 6 plot line)

"Who is "they" again?" (growing tired of the Widmore storyline)

"Jack has an ulcer." (speaking as if gravely concerned)

"Was that shot in Hawaii?" (producer question)

"Probably on a volcano...?"(answering her own producer comment)

"Do you notice how Ben calls them by their real names? Hurley, Hugo? Sawyer, James? There's something to that." (astute observation)

"I knew he was going to say he would kill his daughter! (stating the obvious)

"Oh I hate that actress, the Penny woman, the fake smile lady, she's coming back? Oh man!" (petty jealousies)

THIS AND MORE REVEALED WHILE WATCHING THE LATEST EPISODE OF LOST ON A HOT BALMY NORTHERN CALIFORNIA FRIDAY NIGHT.

We can't ever go back to Arizona!

2008-04-26T08:05:00.001-07:00

Adult Swim on the Cartoon Network has long been a staple for the late night munchie-loving crowd. But while network lynchpins Aqua Teen Hunger Force and Sealab 2021 have slipped into absurdist mediocrity, Frisky Dingo is quietly assuming the throne as the smartest, funniest and downright most ridiculous cartoon on AS.

Frisky Dingo is brought to you by the creators of Sealab- Adam Reed and Matt Thompson. They are proving adept at tearing down the cliches and archetypes of cartoon plots and characters. But most of all, they produce some awfully funny programming.

Frisky Dingo tells the classic story of the diametrically opposed supervillian and superhero. The supervillain, Killface, is hell bent on destroying the Earth with his $20 billion Annihilatrix. But like so many supervillains he just can't seem to overcome the gross incompetence of his underlings. He's also got quite a few cost overruns.

Superhero Awesome-X is the crime fighting alter ego of billionaire playboy Xander Crews. Crews is a petulant, easily distracted, selfish version of Bruce Wayne. Unlike Batman, Awesome-X's secret identity is a poorly kept secret. In the second episode, he uses his secret identity to cover up a late night rendezvous with a prostitute from his reporter girlfriend. In doing so, he unwittingly exposes Awesome X to the hooker ("Xander Crews, you're Awesome-X!" "ooooh...Oh boy.").

Frisky Dingo's plot is pointedly convoluted. The show is not about the actual hero/villain showdown. It's about all the trials, tribulations and headaches that come with the behind the scenes world of the superhero and supervillain. Single father Killface desperately wants to destroy mankind. He also wants to provide a nurturing atmosphere for his emotionally troubled, mumbling son Simon. And here he's got a $20 billion dollar doomsday device, but no funding for TV advertising. He grudgingly resorts to a direct mail campaign, the "dry hump of marketing." One of the many headaches he must deal with is that the Annihilatrix just might be causing cancer, at least according to the lawsuit of his project manager Phil.

Xander Crews has to deal with the financial burden of his crime fighting force/fraternity, the Xtacles. When Awesome-X defeats all the bad guys in town, suddenly the Awesome-X brand of Crews Enterprises is not so profitable. He's got to find a villain quick so he can market his line of Awesome-X action figures. Killface is the logical choice, but tricking the villain into signing a licensing deal proves extremely difficult. Crews Enterprises Chairman of the Board, Stan, admonishes Xander for turning all of the company's production lines into toy factories - "250 years this company has been in your family, and from slaves and smallpox blankets to soft core porn and semiconductors, it's always made a profit! And in one fell idiotic swoop, you've ruined it!"

And from there the plot goes on dozens of tangents. Characters are introduced and killed off. Shots are taken at everything from live action role players to corporate health care to product tie-ins ("How about that new Scion TC!"). Killface's best laid plans for destruction are ruined by small twists of fate and the stupidity of the world around him. Xander Crews is hilariously immature and a great parody of the billionaire playboy character ("My murdered parents wanted me to be happy and this can make me happy, Stan- fiscal sales of Awesome-X dolls!"). All of it grows more ridiculous by the episode. Season 2 turns into a presidential campaign between the Democrat Killface and Republican Xander Crews. I won't give away any spoilers but the twist at the beginning of Season 2 is brilliant stab at the pet issues of politicians.

Adult Swim may have the image of only appealing to the college aged male, but Frisky Dingo is too good to ignore. Along with fellow late night show "The Venture Bros.," Frisky Dingo is worthwhile viewing for fans of smart, elaborate, absurdist humor. Season 1 is available on DVD, and Season 2 is available from iTunes.

Rock the Cradle

2008-04-24T22:10:00.000-07:00

My Thursday night guilty pleasure is MTV's "Rock the Cradle." Their irresistable premise: Take singing superstars like Bobby Brown, MC Hammer, and Eddie Money and pit their offspring against one another in a performing competition.

We're an audience that spent the last seven years watching "American Idol" and absorbing what makes a talent show works. Here's a new twist to a singing contest. Doesn't each generation want to outdo the generation that came before?

The ones with the least talent are sent packing pronto. Two were let go tonight -- Lil B. Sure, son of Al B. Sure, and Landon Brown, son of Bobby Brown. Both were good-looking guys, but they just didn't inherit that singing gene, unfortunately.

The judges call a spade a spade. "You don't have the star quality," "You still seem very awkward to me" and "That was painful!" are actual quotes. And the judges say this to their faces even with the hopeful's superstar parent in the audience.

In "Rock the Cradle," audience voting that makes sense! The contestant with the highest judges' scores has immunity. The audience votes for everyone else and the one with the lowest scores is eliminated. Tonight I'm voting for my two favorites:

Early frontrunner (and I predict runaway winner) is Jesse Blaze Snider (pictured above), son of Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider. I saw Dee Snider on MTV Cribs years ago and he was intelligent, likable, and obviously loved his family immensely. He's a savvy performer who raised his son to be just like him. Jesse Blaze is a 100% entertainer with star potential.

My other favorite is dark horse Olivia Newton-John's daughter, Chloe Lattanzi (above). She's unique, an artist, and will have a career despite what anyone says.

The remaining contenders include Crosby Loggins, the spitting image of his dad, Kenny Loggins. Crosby has his fans, but for me he (as Jesse Blaze puts it) "rocks the cradle to sleep."

Jon and Kate Plus 8

2008-04-23T20:04:00.000-07:00

I've been catching TLC's late night reruns of "Jon and Kate Plus 8". The series chronicles the hectic lives of a Pennsylvanian married couple who have twin girls AND a set of sextuplets (three boys, three girls). That's a lot of people in one room.

The first time I saw Jon and Kate Gosselin and their large family was in an hour-long documentary shot after they had the sextuplets. One of the main plotlines of that show was Kate receiving a free tummy tuck from a plastic surgeon and getting a makeover. As a series, the show is now more "slick." The show's open, bumps, and teases are heavily produced. Each episode tallies with on-screen graphics how much the family requires, for example, to take a trip or for a week's meals.

There are a couple of seasons of the series already on the air. The twins are 6 or 7 years old and the sextuplets are 2 or 3 years old. Episodes depict very ordinary family events that are huge challenges for Jon and Kate. Hosting a birthday party for the six young ones, taking a couple of the kids to the eye doctor, shopping for Christmas presents, buying groceries to feed a family of 10 for the week.

Honestly, the show is compelling. Watching Jon or Kate prepare eight plates of food as the children sit around a long dining table, or maneuver in the kitchen with three or four young ones underfoot is something to see. The kids are normal and well-behaved -- by this I mean they're NOT setting the house on fire or maiming one another -- but they're still kids. Someone will be crying, another will be shouting, all will be in motion at the same time.

As parents, Jon and Kate perform some really remarkably kind and loving gestures. At the sextuplets' birthday party, each of the six younger children was serenaded by "Happy Birthday to You." It meant doing it six times, but each kid felt special on a day that IS special even if it is shared with siblings.

In one memorable episode, Jon and Kate dared to bring all eight kids to Toys R Us to help the kids buy Christmas presents for one another. At one point Kate wanted Jon to distract half of the kids while she attempted to make a purchase. When she needed help, she yelled to her husband in the store using words like, "Hello! Stop playing with those toys and help me here!" Later in the parking lot, Jon, with his back to the camera and his voice low but still captured on the wireless mike, complained to Kate that her yelling at him made him feel like a dog.

It is not, by the way, the only episode where Kate bosses her husband around.

Lately I've been watching newer episodes that seem rather contrived. In one episode, the entire brood went shopping for new beds. In the chaos that ensued with eight restless kids in a store (one of the kids was constipated and crying), Jon said more than once that they should've left the children at home. Another episode had the whole clan on a road trip to Disneyworld. Most parents I know would not brave shopping expeditions and extended road trips with two young children, much less six three-year-olds and two six-year-olds. The Disneyworld episode was flat out product placement.

These outrageous outings strike me as scripted or this show's version of introducing conflict. In the last episode I saw, Jon and Kate flew to Utah for a ski vacation with all the kids and two grown-up friends to assist. The trip and new ski jackets for everyone were donated by some company (whose name I did not note). The flight was diverted due to bad weather and the family spent several additional hours trapped on the plane.

Allowing a documentary crew to follow your unusual family for one or two specials is reasonable. But have Jon and Kate really considered what it means to their young children to grow up in front of reality TV cameras? The Olsen Twins grew up while making television, yes, but re-runs of "Full House" show them delivering their lines, not throwing a tantrum like Mady Gosselin did when she wasn't allowed to wear her flip flops on a trip. Will Mady live that down as she enters puberty a mere five years from now?

I'm not sure I can fault the Gosselins for choosing to do a reality show whether its to share their knowledge of raising multiples with other parents, or to make some coin to raise such a large family. But maybe the best thing for me to do is simply turn away and give them the privacy that all families need.

Spencer & Heidi Plus Eight

2008-04-21T22:48:00.000-07:00

So I was (re)discovering TLC...I mean a TLC show my friend told me about called Jon & Kate Plus Eight tonight. Have you seen this thing? This monster of a family? Two seemingly normal adults with EEEEIIIGHHHT kids...a set of twins and a set of six-tuplets...wow. Makes my life look and feel so simple. As I'm watching this death defying show I start to wonder about The Hills...airing soon after. How would Spencer and Heidi do with plus 8? Wouldn't that be a good TV show? Man, it would be awesome. I'm really getting tired of these scenes where Spencer is waiting around on a couch and Heidi just wanders in and they have fake awkward moments. I'm real tired of it. And even more so, because I actually think the part about Spencer hanging out on a couch doing nothing is so not fake or staged. Don't you?

As I start to watch The Hills later I find that Audrina is rediscovering Justin Bobby (my favorite character on dirt reality). I start to go crazy and imagine "Justin Bobby & Audrina Plus Eight." Now that would be something. JB would be passed out and muttering and Audrina would be hopelessly lost and looking for photos of her with a top on. But they would have super secret communication with their kids where one would giggle and the other would mutter. And their kids would have really unruly hair, big eyes, and big teeth but somehow look half way decent.

Alter Eco on Martha Stewart!

2008-04-15T21:56:00.000-07:00

Big news...I know someone who's going to be on Martha Stewart! Okay, well my friend's wonderful French boyfriend will be on Martha Stewart...

He's responsible for a San Francisco company called Alter Eco that distributes organic fair trade products. If you haven't had the chance to devour their delectable tasty chocolate, sip their lovely tea or enjoy their purple jasmine rice YOU ARE MISSING OUT. Go to the store and buy it. I swear by their brown sugar in my chocolate chip cookies. And I'm telling you their Dark Cacao chocolate bar takes me away from all my troubles. I really do know about this because my friend gave me an entire box of these things last year and it seriously helped me through some harrowing times. The best part of this story is all their products are fair trade- you are investing in small farmers across the world plus reaping the benefits of their crops. As globalization hits us (or smacks us really) we need to strive to create sustainable and ethical relationships with small farmers who benefit from improved working conditions and economic self-sufficiency. Check out the process of fair trade on their website.

Okay, I got distracted with the yummy food and fair trade rants...here's the details:

Edouard Rollet and Mathieu Senard making some purple jasmine rice with Martha on The Martha Stewart Show.

Wednesday, April 16th at 10am eastern/ 1pm Pacific.

Please check out Alter Eco and their fabulous products on their website.

This link allows you to find what channel airs the show in your zip area.

Kenneth and Mariah

2008-04-15T07:13:00.001-07:00

So I know I'm a bit late on this...I'm old...I just watched the new (kind of weeks old) video of Mariah Carey's Touch My Body.

This video cracks me up for many reasons but mainly because

a.) My BFF Alicia and I would sing to Mariah on the local playground with a boom box in the early 90's and she looks much different than those days...and so do we??

b.) Kenneth is trying to act like his character on 30 Rock but you can tell he's having waaayyy tooooo much fun.

c.) I don't think he ever touches her body in the video.

Have a smashing day!

Normality

2008-04-12T20:53:00.000-07:00

Ok, so 30 Rock is back, The Office and DP tomorrow night! Things are sort of back to normal I guess. The dinner party at Michael and Jan's house was just too much. Very awkward especially with Hunter's CD evoking Jan's carnal dancing, Michael's "past relationship" with Pam, and then all the vasectomy talk. And wait, Dwight's dinner date? An Amish (babysitter?) from a bus stop? Wow. But Michael's plasma TV was all too much.

MILF Island on 30 Rock warmed my heart. What better way to make fun of Survivor yet also connect with Liz's inner lust of being #1! THE BEST LINE was Kenneth's "Miss Lemon your eyes look like my uncle's after he would drink from the air conditioner." OH MAN! Still can't get over that. And then the Cathy cartoon right after, "Chocolate!, Chocolate!, Chocolate Aack!" Too much.

I just wish this all would've happened sooner. I hold grudges and I'm not over this delayed TV season. I'm still pretty bummed about the wait out of LOST. And I'm now really officially bummed because I took this "what DP housewife are you" quiz and I it says that I'm Susan my most unfavorite character on the show (actually I pretty much just pretend she doesn't exist). I've got very mean things to say about Teri Hatcher and I won't devulge unless you ask me to.

Oh and lastly while watching TV today my TIVO tried to record The Terminator again! Whatever!

Tivo Hiccups

2008-04-08T19:23:00.000-07:00

I love my TIVO. I remember the cold and blustery night my husband bought his first Tivo. We were dating at the time and he dragged me into a Circuit City and haggled the sales manager for the floor model 1st gen Tivo recorder. This took about 30 minutes and resulted in a rock bottom price of $95. This was a real steal for 2000. We used that Tivo for awhile, it got us through 9/11, Sex and the City, Survivor, and all the shows on Adult Swim. We said goodbye to that Tivo recorder in 2005 and are currently still surviving on our 2nd gen. Now we have wireless hook up and can play all our music from our home computer, display photos from vacations for all our adoring friends, and buy TV and movies with Amazon unBox. Oh the glories! Hopefully someday (when we get our Tax rebate next month) we'll splurge for the HD set (finally!) with Tivo recorder. And I really regret passing up that lifetime membership in 2002.

So you can tell I love MY Tivo. Most of my shear moments of panic in life are when I lose my Tivo remote. For my husband it's when I routinely drop the remote on our hard wood floor every week.

ANYWAY, moving on, I'm here to tell you one thing that I don't like about my Tivo. After all these years it still records things we are NOT remotely interested in. Even programs that have 2 red thumbs down. We don't carry any wish lists for actors or directors and these aren't "Tivo suggestions" - this is real life choosing of shows. So really our Tivo has a mind of it's own. Tonight I came home to find CSI- Crime Scene Investigation recorded, this happens at least twice a month. I've NEVER watched this show and it's one of my most unfavorite shows on TV. Usually once a month it records The Terminator, one of my most unfavorite movies of all time. Before I know it it will be recording How I Met Your Mother or some other ridiculous sitcom. So something is amiss with my Tivo, it's not perfect. And I'm sure it's not my husband playing tricks on me.

Mama Tina

2008-04-07T20:53:00.000-07:00

I crack up every time I see this trailer on TV for Baby Mama. Unfortunately I can't post one of the shorter TV trailers that I saw tonight but I put the official trailer below. I'm hoping this movie has some good laughs in it, there's various trailer commercials and all have different scenes which are all HIGHlarious so let's hope that translates to a hit when I get into the movie theatre.

Glad my favorite TV actress, Tina Fey, is in such a stellar movie. Favorite lines are "sorry for farting in your purse" "there's something wrong with your toilet" "what if that had been poop?" "did you just stick your gum under my coffee table" "bit?! i don't know your life!"

side note: Did you know that Tina Fey's real name is Elizabeth Stamatina Fey? How ridiculous is that, she was destined for hilarity.

Wholphin Gets Me

2008-04-02T21:12:00.000-07:00

About 4 times a year a DVD comes to our door and makes us wonder. It's usually from some processing center that we don't know and we think..."did we order something from Amazon?" You'd think by now we would remember that we subscribe to an excellent DVD magazine called Wholphin by the makers of McSweeney's.

Wholphin is essentially a DVD with short films- animated, fiction, docs, scripted comedies, unscripted comedies, art installations, etc. Tonight when we plugged the latest into the DVD machine we were not disappointed. Every once in awhile the W will release a crazy thing I didn't know. Something so big I can't believe it arrived on my doorstep. AMERICAN OUTRAGE was one of those films.

Essentially this film follows two Shoshone Indian sisters, Mary and Carrie Dann, and their fight over their land with the US government, oh wait I mean US Mining Corporations. The Wholphin sums it up best..."In a nutshell, for the past 30 years the U.S. government has been quietly, illegally, re-claiming land it had previously ceded to Shoshone Indians and then selling it off to various mining interests. Did you know about this?"

Ok, so this is like my brother giving me his oldest hot wheels when I was 5 and then later realizing it had special powers and putting me in a choke hold and taking it way from me... right? I think so. This film was a riveting and beautiful tribute to these women and the Shoshone people. My husband and I couldn't get over the roughhousing the BLM officials inflicted on these women. Seriously it was astounding and outrageous. It's no wonder the United Nations condemned the actions of the US and their attempted seizure of Shoshone land in Nevada.

Right now on Wholphin's main page you can watch a clip of the doc.

Also, here's a mind boggling interview with the filmmakers Beth & George Gage.

(George F. Lee, Star Bulletin/AP Photo)

NY is Better

2008-04-02T00:12:00.000-07:00

There I said it. Real Housewives of NYC really kicks the behind of the OC. I mean seriously did I need to tell you that? I'm a California girl true and true but everyone knows NY women really know how to get things done and live life!

I was just gmail chatting with my dear friend Thanh and we both agreed that the women on this series make watching a real addiction. These women- Ramona, Alex, Jill, LuAnn and Bethenny- in the NY version are smart, tough, they say what they mean not what their clothes mean, and really teach their children really important stuff like being independent, how to think, when to think it, when to breathe... Okay, so you know they have some faults but the energy and flavor is way up on this reality gem.

It airs on Tuesday nights on Bravo at 10pm and you should catch it. The best part is watching Ramona try to be high class and act 10 years younger than her body. Jill is my best friend or maybe I am Jill?? (please don't tell me). I cringe at Alex and usually put my hand over my mouth and gag when she's around her sissy husband Simon. And who really is this Bethenny? I think she's hiding something. She's off, how did she make the cut!? BUT LuAnn is flawless...I want to be LuAnn- class, smarts, beauty and I want all her dresses.

p.s. Sorry to blog all Bravo lately but not much for the pickins'

Emerald Nuts are funny

2008-03-31T20:46:00.001-07:00

I saw this commercial tonight and it made me laugh. Remember to eat your nuts or they might come after you!

Over the Hill and Back Again

2008-03-27T20:18:00.000-07:00

I'm over it! I know I've proclaimed this before but The Hills just isn't doing it. Everything, I mean everything between Heidi and Spencer was staged and it was so obvious it made my brain hurt. Dare I not tape it tonight? I don't know if I'd go that far. It's still fun to watch the car accident.

So this weekend I just caught on to some Bravo trash...have you watched this show Millionaire Matchmaker? I'm a little late on this (season finale already aired) only because I didn't really think I had any interest in a high end call girl service. But then I've discovered that's not exactly what it is. I love the matchmaker Patti, she's tough, very likeable and smart. She's not a douchebag which is so nice. Usually these reality shows have main characters that you'd never want to speak to like Jackie on Workout or Jonathon on Blow Out but Patti seems genuine and really believes in what she's doing. It's not fake, it's not set up...okay it is but it doesn't fee like it.

Moving away from reality programming...please watch Miss Guided on ABC on Thursday nights. Support the sitcom people! So this show basically is about a former geek turned guidance teacher who returns to her alma mater and realizes that she's still a geek. It's a bit weak and a little contrived but the cast is solid- Judy Greer (you know her from her stint on Arrested Development), Chris Parnll (please don't tell me I need to tell you who this is) and Kristoffer Polaha (okay he's a newcomer but kind o cute).

I need to thank the TV gods (Ashton Kutcher specifically) for finally airing a show where teachers are funny and weird. Didn't you know any funny and weird teachers growing up? Teachers are always portrayed in a very serious light on TV and I think it's to their detriment. Teachers can be cool and geeky and that is a wonderful thing. Just a shout out to all my friends who are teachers and pretty cool but NOT weird of course...

I think I need to go now because I may have inadvertently offended someone?

Between the Crappiest Rock and a Fine Hard Place

2008-03-24T21:18:00.000-07:00

I still feel like I'm buried under this mess of TV programming.

Did you know Season 3 of The Hills starts up again tonight? I'm gleefully recording that 1 hour premiere! The girls are going to Pair-ree and Heidi is doing something with...what's his name? Oh gee I can't remember. If you don't truly appreciate the power of reality TV and what it does for your psyche well than you need to read Tim Goodman's (SF Chronicle TV Critic) column today.

Oh, and DON'T watch the Return of Jezebel James. It really sucked. I tried to watch the 2nd episode but kept thinking of my unfinished tax return and my laundry on the floor. TV is entertainment people and if it doesn't take you beyond your reality well than it's just bad.

And while I'm on a rant...I'm really pissed off that I have to wait several weeks for my next LOST fix. What about that last episode? Was it not mind boggling?! Michael...I mean...Kevin Johnson is the ship spy!? And why can't he kill himself? But the really big surprise was Rousseau and Karl's demise. Sad, very sad. But maybe Alex will toughen up a bit, she's such a freakin wimp. But I don't want her to get all rambo like Kate. Have you noticed that Kate's hair looks perfectly coifed and her makeup is bit over dressed. While we're still on rant...that is my only complaint about LOST this season- everyone is a little to done up. Shirts perfectly reveal the bulging muscles, hair curls are set in the right place, the breasts are a popping up...let's get it in perspective people- these people are LOST not on American Idol.

[Insert "Sigh" here]

2008-03-18T20:35:00.000-07:00

I'm exclaiming a long sigh here, the kind I do on a Friday at 5pm when I'm just about ready to pack it in at the office. You know why? Because this writer's strike really mucked everything up. I feel like I don't know what's on TV and when. All of a sudden I see that a perfectly good TV show just aired last week with Parkey Posey and Lauren Ambrose in it. It's called The Return of Jezebel James and it looks awesome. Hello?! How do I not know about this and how did I miss the pilot last week? Yes, I've been busy. But seriously I really think the TV season is out of whack and I'm watching crap on TV because of it. Oh, and now I'm angry because I just found out the show is from the creator of the Gilmore Girls. Ok, really? Man, I'm stumped that I don't know about this.

So I've made a list of TV shows (NON reality TV programming) that you should be watching NOW or soon (so you don't miss out):

- The Return of Jezebel James, airs on FOX on Fridays at 8pm (ok, the worst time in the world, I'm watching it on HULU and I'll get back to you if it really is to die for)

- The New Adventures of Old Christine, airs on CBS on Mondays at 9:30pm ( this is my new favorite show and I've raved about it before. I caught the last episode and I have to say I identify with Christine on the reefer issue.)

- In Treatment airs on HBO at 9:30pm (I've been catching this for FREE on Amazon Unbox, and if you don't know about this service, too bad for you!)

- Lipstick Jungle airs on ABC on Thursdays at 10pm (I somehow missed the last episode, not sure how this happened, I think the series finale airs this week!)

- LOST, I hope I don't have to tell you when this airs. I mean this is the only good thing on TV right now. Aren't we so sad that Jin doesn't make it to the "final 6!"

PAUSE, SIGH...AND NOW YOU'VE GOT TO WAIT A COUPLE MORE WEEKS:

The Office on NBC returns Thursday, April 10th!

Desperate Housewives on ABC comes back Sunday, April 13th!

AND THE ONES THAT AREN'T COMING BACK until FALL: (Slap on the TV gods, shame on you!)

Chuck
Pushing Daises

'I've Never Dated a Lesbian Before..."

2008-03-17T08:02:00.000-07:00

This is a soundbite coming from a D list series I'm watching called High School Reunion. Seriously people there's nothing on TV.

I've been watching In Treatment on HBO though which is oddly intriguing and I can't seem to get enough. I was really bad mouthing this one before I watched it. HBO has a real thing for therapy. But I've always liked Gabriel Byrne and the best story lines are Sophie and Laura. The couple and the vet I could do with out.

And just because it's St. Patty's Day, check out the famous redheads list on MSNBC because you know I am one. A redhead not famous that is...hahaha...And oh by the way, Debra Messing and Marcia Cross are not real redheads! But half of the people on the list are not, why isn't Tori Amos on it? Sad, she's the only redhead crooner there is.

Go Watch This Doc, Girls Rock!

2008-03-09T17:43:00.000-07:00

girlsrockmovie.com

Bush's Tap Dance- Terms of Endorsement

2008-03-06T23:08:00.000-08:00

The 'ole politics are invading this blog! Check out John Stewart's version of how Bush's McCain endorsement went down in the rose garden. And he also reflects on their love hate relationship.

The Wire: Predictions

2008-03-06T22:23:00.000-08:00

Three days to go before the series finale of The Wire and a co-worker (the one who loaned me Seasons 1-3 on DVD) challenges me to come up with at least three predictions. Come Monday we'll see who got what right. I'm no Dennis Lehane, so here are my ~~predictions~~ guesses.

The Red Ribbon Serial Killer
Greggs spills all to Daniels. Recall Season 1, when Prez blinded a kid in one eye during a misguided visit to the Projects, Daniels coached him, Herc, and Carver on what to say to IID. Daniels would also know what to do in this situation. McNulty plants evidence that would allow the Baltimore PD to conclude that the Red Ribbon killer is no longer a threat. Daniels informs Carcetti that McNulty is responsible for the successful $16M drug bust. He brokers a deal so that McNulty will be forced into a quiet retirement. McNulty gets drunk one last time and hangs himself. Following tradition, there's a wake for McNulty in the Irish bar.

The Sun
Fletcher finishes a lengthy, compelling piece on Bubbles. Gus arranges to have it run in a three-part series on the front pages of the Sun. Meanwhile, the London reporter goes through Templeton's bylined stories with fresh eyes. He confirms what Gus suspects: that quotes and characters were fabricated. But Templeton's stories on the homeless are nominated for a Pulitzer. Gus presents the tape recording of the Iraq vet to Whiting who, at this point, doesn't care. Gus quits on the spot. As he leaves the newsroom, he glares at Templeton. Klebanow, the managing editor, kills the story on Bubbles as a favor to Whiting.

Vendettas
Levy deduces that Herc fed Marlo's cell number to the police. He shares this theory with Marlo who orders a hit on Herc. Michael is given the responsibility. Michael's told that if he kills Herc, Marlo will not avenge Snoop's murder. Herc is gunned down.

Miscellaneous
Carcetti becomes more and more skilled at politicking and secures his destiny as the next governor of Maryland... Marla bitterly watches the ceremony where her ex-husband Daniels is named Police Commissioner with Rhonnie at his side... Chris Partlow cuts a deal and confesses about the vacant housing murders. Bunk gets the credit for closing these cases... Rawls gets a boyfriend...

In a world where Burrell can get a higher-paying job and Clay Davis can get acquitted, somehow Levy will get a new and wealthier drug dealer client to represent and The Greek will find another drug boss to buy his imports...

My wildest guess that I don't want to see:
Rhonnie prosecutes the case against Marlo, Monk, Cheese, et al with Judge Phelan presiding. The "source of information" isn't enough and the case is thrown out. In little time, Marlo is back on the streets and the drug trade continues.

It's Like So Totally High School

2008-03-06T21:39:00.000-08:00

Awesome! Like totally...This show on TV LAND, called High School Reunion it's so RAD! After 20 years, 14 classmates from the class of 1987 rage on Maui. It's so sweet. They're reunited at a gigantic Real World type house oceanside and not 5 minutes after seeing each other again everyone regresses to high school. The boys rase each other in a pack and the girls are in clusters and giggle. Did I tell you it was so awesome! There's serious drama in the house- one widower, one married guy who's got a raging temper, the blonde popular girl, the jock, the shy boy, a drama queen who cheated on her ex-husband who's there too and a lesbian who's bi curious. Awesome!

Seriously I laughed the entire episode. My high school reunion that never happened would've never been this tantalizing! Especially because I went to a very small religious high school where if you were bad you were kicked out. So not much really happened. So I'll be sure to catch it and you as well. If nothing else check out the "then" and "now" photos of the cast members.

Project Runway 4 - Christian wins!

2008-03-05T23:20:00.000-08:00

Just before Heidi announced the winner of Project Runway Season 4, Christian Siriano's eyes were spilling tears. After watching him all season carry himself with a charming brand of arrogance, I was surprised to see him vulnerable. Christian, at 21 the youngest Project Runway contestant, was up against Rami ("I'm passionate about draping") Kashou and I thought the judges were going to disappoint me for the third season in a row by giving the prize to the more established designer. "Christian," Heidi said, "you're the winner." Cheers, applause, and cries of joy broke out at my house.

Throughout the season Christian's excessive self-confidence rubbed more than one fellow designer the wrong way. Even I was put off by it in the early episodes. But he was fun and funny, and incredibly talented. A caliber of talent that warranted forgiveness for his attitude. Christian commanded a little more than his fair share of screen time. His signature adjective -- "Fierce!" -- became such a catchphrase that to hear anyone else use it, including Heidi and Tim Gunn, made it sound overused coming from their lips.

This is how self-assured Christian is:

When Tim Gunn visited Christian to check on how his collection was progressing, Christian took a pair of pants made of feathers off the rack. Tim Gunn, brow furrowed, said nothing as he looked at the feathers. Christian declared the pants "amazing." Tim Gunn still didn't reply. Christian said, "What's wrong (beat) with you?"

Notice he didn't say, What's wrong with the amazing pants I made? He said instead, What's wrong with you, Tim Gunn, for not seeing how amazing these pants are?

And that's how cocky Christian is, this petite guy who'll get to vote for President for the first time in his life this year.

He wanted to win so badly he was crying on the runway. I wanted him to win. Fifty percent of the audience who texted their vote wanted him to win. And there is justice on Project Runway because Christian Siriano is the winner!

I Have News for You!

2008-03-05T19:52:00.000-08:00

So Wella has taken up the torch blogging this week to her hearts content while I've been dazed, confused and entranced with the presidential primaries. My eyes have been glued to the screen...watching tickers of delegates and laughing at more magic fingers!

Here's some political funny business from Mr. Colbert for those of you who've got the addiction to!

The Wire: Nice little moments

2008-03-04T23:35:00.000-08:00

The payoff watching five seasons of The Wire isn't solely in seeing this Sunday's anticipated series finale. The payoffs were aplenty and they came in those nice little moments sprinkled throughout the show.

Some of my favorites:

Det. Jimmy McNulty puts on his best British accent to go undercover and bust a white slavery ring. For me the best part was not seeing McNulty get it on with two Eastern European call girls, but seeing Dominic West turn off his American accent and use his own natural English accent.

Two words: Fuzzy Dunlop.
Back in Season 1, when we all thought Lester Freamon was a dork who made doll furniture, back before we realized how cool he was, there was this one scene when he brings Shardene back to the basement office and closes the door from the envious eyes of the other police.
Bunk drunkenly explaining that he tried to burn his clothes because he'd slept with a woman who was not his wife and he was trying to get rid of all the trace evidence.
Pearlman and Daniels having a cozy moment in their bed at the end of the day. Both of them sitting up and reading, talking and laughing. I was skeptical when the storyline of the two as lovers was introduced. I couldn't see the chemistry, couldn't get the attraction. But over time, as with many other storylines in The Wire, the arc worked.

Stringer Bell holding a meeting with his drug crew and enforcing Robert's Rules of Orders. Poot pisses off Stringer, who charges from behind a podium to yell into Poot's face, while someone else says, "He had the floor!" Probably my favorite scene of all.
The first time New Hamsterdam came to life. Colvin first had the dealers go there, but there were no customers. So then the customers were routed to New Hamsterdam!
The ever changing names of the drugs depending on current events or time of year. A couple of memorable ones for me were "WMD" and "Mistletoe" (the latter during Christmas).
Any shot of the outdoor sign of a hotel that said, "Welcome New Day Co-op."
Bodie spitting as excellently as a Major League Baseball player.

Omar going out in his pajamas to buy Honey Nut Cheerios. He pauses to light a cigarette and someone from a second story window drops their stash to him and it lands near his feet. My second favorite scene of all.
Freamon telling Daniels they can arrest Marlo Stanfield and Bunk has DNA tying Chris Partlow to one of the vacant murders. Daniels's face trying to comprehend all the information he's receiving. I shed a tear of joy.
A glimpse of Rawls at a gay bar.
Cutty's womanizing explained away at least twice with the phrasing, "I was locked up for a looooong time..."
Speaking of Cutty, how he asked Avon Barksdale for money to open a boxing gym for youths. Barksdale asked how much he needed. When Cutty hesitantly said, "Ten thousand dollars," Barksdale laughed and upped it to 15.
Clay Davis's "Sheeeeeeeeeee-it."

The list goes on...

The Wire: What happens to McNulty?

2008-03-03T23:18:00.000-08:00

When McNulty hatched his plan to fabricate a serial killer in Baltimore on The Wire, I nearly lost faith in the critically acclaimed HBO series. The plot was so far-fetched, so absurd, so bizarre that it didn't appear to belong in The Wire universe.

The Wire creator David Simon has said that the McNulty's Red Ribbon plot is no more implausible than Colvin's New Hamsterdam scheme from Season 4. I'm sorry, Mr. Simon, you're brilliant for creating the best TV series I've ever watched, but I don't agree. The New Hamsterdam storyline was meaningful and provocative; it's the stuff of a national debate if only more people actually watched this show.

But now that McNulty has accomplished what he and Freamon had hoped for, and now that Greggs is ratting them out to Daniels, what will happen to McNulty?

Some of my wild McNulty theories:
a. He's killed in an angry mob, his body torn limb from limb.
b. He's threatened with jail (and beatings and rape, etc.) and must cooperate with the police and the mayor. Some already dead homeless guy is pinned as the killer, ending the investigation, and Carcetti and the brass can claim all the glory for saving Baltimore. McNulty goes quietly into a forced retirement.
c. He's executed by the mayor's office and his body is staged as a suicide complete with a planted note confessing that he's the Red Ribbon Killer.

David Simon and George Pelecanos are professional storytellers. They have only one more episode to wrap everything up, particularly this McNulty mess. I certainly hope they don't let me down.

Getting down to The Wire

2008-03-02T21:52:00.000-08:00

This TV blog wouldn't be complete without some posts about the acclaimed police drama, HBO's The Wire, the best show on television.

Yes, though I'm the Project Runway correspondent for Juls, I also spend an hour each week watching The Wire, David Simon's analysis of the crumbling of the American city by taking an unflinching yet empathetic look at Baltimore institutions -- its police, working class, politicians, drug trade, school system, and media.

Correction, I watched an hour of The Wire each week only for the last four weeks. I'm a latecomer to Wire fandom and I spent most of January 2008 catching up with the show. I watched about four to five episodes (about half a series) per sitting till I was in sync with HBO's schedule of the current season, its fifth and last.

The biggest buzz on The Wire this week is the anticipation of the series finale this Sunday, March 9. HBO usually releases the new episode a week in advance by making it available to Comcast On Demand customers on Mondays.

But not with the series finale.

Episode #60 of The Wire will be withheld from Comcast On Demand. The audience has to watch it - gasp! - the old-fashioned way, by tuning in to the broadcast. You know, the way television has worked since its inception in the 20th century.

I guess too many people complained about spoilers coming from gloating Comcast On Demand subscribers.

I watched the penultimate episode again tonight. (Again, I say, because I saw it On Demand last Monday of course.) I'm all worked up and I can barely wait till next Sunday when we all get to see how it ends.

Project Runway 4 - Rami vs. Chris

2008-02-27T21:56:00.000-08:00

I love the season's penultimate Project Runway episode for one primary reason: Tim Gunn visits each designer in their home environment and meets their families. Reality television does the meet-the-family gimmick well when it's down to the finalists and Project Runway has been touching and surprising in the past. (Another reality show that does this well is American Idol.)

This season around, Tim Gunn doesn't travel all that much. It's three stops in New York and one cross-country trip to L.A. The rundown:

Christian in NYC
Inspiration: romantic gothic look
Tim's comment: "It's a lot of look." Needs editing eye.
Family time: We don't get to meet Christian's family. Instead Christian points to photos of his sister, his parents. There's no explanation for this and this makes the segment disappointing. I disliked Christian at first, but he grew on me. Apparently I wasn't the only one because at last week's reunion episode, Christian won the $10,000 cash prize for being voted the Fan Favorite. But couldn't he get a posse together to introduce to Tim Gunn? Doesn't Christian have any friends?

Jillian in NYC
Inspiration: continuing with the museum idea by using 15th century armor, etc. for inspiration
Tim's comment: "Your palette is a cloudy day."
Family time: Tim Gunn is invited to the Long Island home where Jillian grew up. We meet her boyfriend, her mom and sisters; they are all good-looking. A sharp contrast to the disheveled man in a trucker cap and unkempt facial hair. It's not clear if this is Jillian's father or stepfather, but it's delightful to see that they've all rallied around Jillian with pride.

Rami in L.A.
Inspiration: Joan of Arc
Tim's comment: "Pull it back a bit." The heavy clothing looks put together with hammer and nails.
Family time: Rami introduces Tim to his best friends, an attractive young couple. Rami told a story about growing up with the compulsion to keep his designing talent a secret because he was in an Arabic culture and because it wasn't masculine, etc. But his brother, father, and stepmother supported him. "They've always known this is what I wanted to do."

Chris March in NYC
Inspiration: beauty with a quirk - 95% fashion and 5% costume
Tim's comment: Human hair doesn't work. "You've been living in the monkey house."
Family time: Chris takes Tim Gunn to a friend's home that is decorated in opulent Rococo and Baroque style where his "New York family" of friends have gathered. He mentions that his four brothers have relegated each of his achievements as yet "another thing Chris is doing." This includes dressing in drag, having a career in costume design, and getting on television via Project Runway. Chris didn't speak of any pride or support from his family. It struck me as sad.

In this season's gimmick of having a run-off between two designers for the chance to show at Fashion Week, Rami and Chris present their three strongest looks. All Rami had to do was make something that didn't look like a Grecian goddess. Chris created innovative designs, but the use of human hair made every judge cringe. Chris is out.

I preferred Chris's designs over Rami's, but a costume designer can't beat a red carpet designer. Certainly not on Project Runway.

Chris had already gone farther than he deserved. He was already eliminated once and if it wasn't for Jack's medical emergency and the judges' decision to bring Chris back, he would've been a footnote to Project Runway. Did they bring him back for entertainment purposes only?

So it's Jillian, Christian, and Rami as the final three. Having seen glimpses of their collections, I'm guessing the judges will give it to Christian. We'll know by next week.

Triple Homage

2008-02-25T20:14:00.000-08:00

SNL seriously rocked the other night, so much so it's said that the show scored the best ratings in 2 years. Congrats writers! The break worked! And Tina Fey helped a wee bit. Where do I start...

The homage to Obama and Hilary was too funny! And then the homage to Rock of Love with Bret Michaels was too much for my little dirty heart. Tina Fey is too much in this. And Kristen Wiig looked exactly like Peyton and sounded dead on, check it out, soooo freaking me out. I love it.

Next, an homage to There Will Be Blood's Daniel Plainview, ok this was really freaking me out and I don't know how Bill Hader kept a straight face through this one.

And the best homage was to the duty we all face as women, the dreaded PERIOD. Thank goodness we have Annuale!

p.s. Next week's episode:

Ellen Page (and WILCO!) on March 1st

Kate's Baby

2008-02-24T22:46:00.000-08:00

I've been running around LA lately...the Getty Center...Stage 2 @ Hollywood Studios...Hollywood Blvd...so I didn't get a chance to let y'all know how much I loved the last LOST episode. Gee whiz the LOST team has gone baby crazy with the latest episode Eggtown. Claire’s got the little one, Sun is preggers and NOW Kate in the FUTURE (I love these future flashbacks now) has a KID- like a 2 yr old and his name is Aaron. It's getting good folks. Whose baby is it? Jack's? Sawyer's? I'd like it to be someone else’s. But my guess it's Sawyer's but Jack is pissed about it in the future and won't see Kate because it's Sawyers. Right?

Correction- OOPS- Ok, I'm a big dummy and didn't get that Claire's baby is Aaron, although I still think it's weird. So there must be something special about Aaron and now we know that his mommy is dead?!! So just wanted to add that as I'm a big dork. This is what happens when you watch episodes online trying to catch up. :)

I also want to go on record as claiming Locke and Sayid as my favorite characters. They are easily underestimated continually...all the time and it makes for good story and character development. What is Locke to do now? He's getting nothing out of Ben and his dictatorship won't go far with Sawyer brooding and Jack plotting. Is Sayid lost now? He didn't make it to the ship. Or so we think...I hope he comes back! And it would be nice if his shirt were half falling off and displaying his toned muscles and broad shoulders like last time we saw him. (hee hee)

Idol Worship

2008-02-20T09:50:00.000-08:00

Blah blah blah Obama, blah blah blah Hillary. Yeah I know all that political stuff is important for our future, but you can’t vote for these people via unlimited text messaging! It’s prime idol season people, time for 12 on 12 boy girl action! The boys were first to take the stage last night, with girls to follow this evening. Here is a breakdown of some of my picks for best and worst:

David Archuleta – WTF?

I don’t see what is so great about this little castrate. Why Randy Jackson likes this boy so much is a mystery, Randy even spontaneously sang along with him at auditions, not acceptable! All the attention is always put on which contestant Paula is sleeping with, but I think we should set our sights on this NAMBLA worthy paring. Randy is definitely helping little Davey hit the high notes. Unfortunately I think this boy will be around in the final 10.

Jason Castro – Side Show Bob has some competition

This young man is pretty good except for the fact that he looks like the offspring of Bob Marley and Jeremy Sisto. Interesting looks and dreads will get this guy to the final 10, but he won’t win. Lose the guitar.

Jason Yeager – Osmond and the Omen

This guy is cruise ship scary and to make things worse he has a freaky little demon offspring cheering him on in the audience. Definitely Osmond inspired crooning, unfortunately he will be around for a bit. I swear that Seacrest introduces him as “Chasin’ Jaeger” which is good for a laugh. But seriously, someone needs to shave his kid's head and check for “the mark”, I think the Anti-Christ is among us.

Michael Johns – Pick of the night

This is my hands down favorite of the night. He’s from Georgia but moved there from Australia. Randy said he had a real “Michael Hutchence” thing going on. Hopefully this young lad doesn’t take that to heart and incorporate autoerotic asphyxiation into his next performance. Hang in there dude with two first names, take off that scarf before you hurt yourself!

My loser picks (not video worthy):

Chickezie – The name alone makes you a loser.
Peach colored suit was the nail in the coffin.

Luke Menard – How did you get on the show?
Picture a bad Kenny Loggins impersonation.

Make sure to tune in tonight for the ladies.

Oh Baby It's Knight Time!

2008-02-18T08:34:00.000-08:00

I was watching the return of Knight Rider last night on NBC when I realized about oh, 30 minutes in that I didn't really watch this when I was younger. I mean, I remember Hasselhoff, the talking car and the big rig that drove around to pick it up. But I found myself asking my husband, hey, what was Knight Rider about? Because I couldn't seem to figure out what the heck I was watching and why. I watched the A-Team, Dukes of Hazard, and The Great American Hero but I only remember seeing Kit at Universal Studios when I was twelve. And I remember my brother sitting in the car thinking he was all bad ass or something. I just remember the blinking lights and computerized voice and looking for Mr. T who was from the other show.

Anyway, we really wanted to see the return of the Hasselhoff last night. We forwarded through on our Tivo last night and it wasn't completed (2 hr show!) so to no avail I went to asleep without seeing the german superstar. I woke up this morning, tivoed it all the way thru...and there... at the very end at the cemetery greeting the next Knight Rider himself...in all his spent out glory...the Hasselhoff! Michael Mike! Who died? I don't know because I didn't watch it. But the art direction of the flowers on the coffin was primo. And Michael Mike's suit was nice. Oh wait I'm watching right now...it was his little Mike's mother who died. Very sad. His mom loved him from the "very first day." Isn't that normal? And wait, there's a legend, 25 years..."a man made a difference." Oh geeeezzz...and then he says, "Take care of yourself." This dialogue is wearing on me. Is this a mini-series? a one time TV movie? Hope so, I hope it goes nighty night. Goodbye.

p.s. Also, this was a really good Ford commercial for the Shelby Mustang. Way to go Ford. Nice beauty shots and good job getting Val Kilmer to do Kitt's voice. And I like the color change and spin outs.

In Good Taste

2008-02-14T20:50:00.001-08:00

Project Runway 4 - ep. 11 - The Met

2008-02-13T22:32:00.000-08:00

Project Runway taught me two lessons tonight: even if you have one look such as draping in your designs, you can still be in. And if you can bring the drama, you can be in even though you were already out in an early episode.

The elimination challenge: Design a look that showcases your vision as a designer using artwork from The Metropolitan Museum of Art as inspiration.

I envied the remaining five designers and Tim Gunn for having three rooms of the Met all to themselves. To document their inspiration, the designers took photos with provided digital cameras. How I'd love permission to take photos in a museum!

Rami chose a statue of Aphrodite and justified making yet another dress with draping.

Chris, inspired by a painting of a noblewoman, seemed more inspired by the avant garde dress he co-designed and co-executed with Christian a couple of weeks ago. Guest judge Roberto Cavalli never saw that dress so he didn't see the echo so obvious to the rest of the judges and to those of us in the audience.

Christian wins. Rami and Chris were in the bottom two, but the judges deem Rami and Chris good enough to stay in. Huh? Yes, once again, Project Runway changes its own rules for determining the final three. Once again, we don't even have a final three! Last season they weakly declared, "You're all good enough for Bryant Park so you're the final four!" This season it's: "We don't want to make a decision yet so you're the final four!"

Sweet P is the only one eliminated in this episode. It's a cruel move.

Jillian, Christian, Rami and Chris will take time off to design a collection. But before showing at Bryant Park, Rami and Chris need to show their three strongest pieces and the judges will eliminate one of them.

Favorite quotes:

"I'm passionate about draping." - Rami's defense for his design
"I sew fast. Get over it." - Christian while making several individual pieces for his look

My prediction for the big finale:

Rami to be eliminated, Chris to make the final three. Jillian to win, Christian to place.

Magic Fingers

2008-02-11T19:47:00.000-08:00

I'm so excited but I promise I won't piss my pants again! An old movie house- The Empress- circa 1911- less than a mile from my house opens next month! The plan for now is old movies, new movies and performing arts. I couldn't be happier about this. I'm going to convince them to host events like a live broadcast of the Oscars (like a movie house in El Cerrito and Oakland) and maybe have old runs of TV shows. Old movie houses make me happy, I don't care if they are old. This audience member is not fading! In fact, I've got a love of old things- old homes (my house is more than 85 years old), old furniture (all my furniture is antique except for 2 pieces), old books, old TV shows, old pictures, even (aghast) old people.

Anyway, speaking of old...old news...an old machine...CNN. I've been under the rock called CNN for the last few weeks. On its website, news alerts, on TV, all about one thing--- this presidential primary election. But I tell you this--the new (but really old) news game I can't stand. It's full of familiar story angles, gawdy baseless accusations, and vague, broad pontifications.

But I can't seem to stop watching. It hasn't been this bad since the 2000 election. And I keep reminding myself that - that CNN watching period ended badly. I went to sleep knowing that Gore was president and then woke up the next morning to Bush as president. WT!?!? Bad times... Tomorrow night is another big showdown and CNN will be playing hard in my house. And I'll keep on making funny faces at the monitor- chiding their news alerts of calling states, laughing at their “political” experts and rolling my eyes at the magic fingers that zero in on counties, cities and states on their magic wall. I want one of those boards in my house, where I've got a magic finger on my precious to do list and I just keep striking things out with red highlights and making green circles for my husband's to do list. A girl can dream...

Hallelujah!

2008-02-10T14:12:00.000-08:00

Writers to pick up their laptops tomorrow? Tuesday? I almost don't want to go on as I might jinx it...

Project Runway 4 - ep. 10 - WWE

2008-02-06T22:06:00.000-08:00

The most exposed busts and booty in a Project Runway episode ever!

What I thought was an overly gimmicky challenge -- create an outfit for a World Wrestling Entertainment diva to wear in the ring (can you feel my eyeballs rolling into the back of my head?) -- turns out to be an interesting way to weed the designers down to five.

For who would want to get sent home for failing this challenge? The closest similar challenge in Project Runway history was designing an outfit for an Olympic figure skater. But WWE? Instead of going to Mood for their fabrics, Tim Gunn took the designers to a place called Spandex House.

Rami seemed bewildered that he couldn't drape anything. Sweet P couldn't wrap her head around the entertainment value needed for the design. Chris and Christian easily adjusted to the costume aspect of the challenge. Jillian and Ricky had moments of self-doubt.

Fittingly, Chris wins the tackiest challenge this season, but his green leopard hoodie was truly a scene stealer. And finally, FINALLY Ricky is out! The judges criticized Ricky for designing an orange bathing suit. I'll miss Ricky's crying, but not really.

Favorite quotes:

"It's the classy sexpot, not the whore sexpot." - Candace describing her style to Sweet P
"It's like Eva Gabor in Green Acres!" - Tim's horrified reaction to Sweet P's design
"I feel like the Pope at a sex club." - Michael Kors on seeing all the WWE divas in their outfits

Tim Gunn with the Funny Man!

2008-02-06T10:15:00.000-08:00

Did you see Tim Gunn on The Daily Show the other day? He was so funny with the funny man. My friend Wella reviews Project Runway on here, check it out! Project Runway is great as Jon Stewart says here in this interview because people actually make something.

Growing out of MTV

2008-02-04T20:14:00.000-08:00

This is the worst thing ever!

I had to share it here, because MTV doesn't air videos anymore. No forum for the horrible and beautiful music videos anymore unless you've got MTV2 and well the internet. But seriously isn't it crazy that every Saturday for the last 6 months MTV has been airing marathons ALL DAY of America's Next Top Model. I mean, how much can you take. But I believe this is further evidence that I'm getting old and MTV can't deliver anything to me anymore. I was in the test market for it when I was a kid, we were in the cable market that got it so I was watching Van Halen videos starting at age 6. And I thought my love for MTV would last well into my late years but...lately I'm doubting my loyalty to Road Rules, Real World, etc. I think the old MTV left a long time ago and I've just been in denial.

Just a side note...the budget for Heidi's video must have been so sad, one location, two outfits, one handheld camera, plus factor in the fake boobs equals a HOT MESS.

Hopelessly LOST

2008-01-30T21:40:00.000-08:00

AREN'T YOU?

Make a Mason! Do Some Good Now- LJ URBAN

2008-01-29T20:25:00.000-08:00

I read this blog sometimes Journey Mama.

She is currently working on a project for LJ Urban an organization based out of Sacramento, CA that focuses on eco-urban development. Pretty interesting you say...what is that? Well, check it out for yourself. They are currently working on projects in Sacto- they employ energy-saving ideas and cut down on the chemical-laden materials in high density development. And if that wasn't enough they are building a eco urban community in Burkina Faso a West Africa nation. Check out some of their videos on the project.

IF YOU GO TO THEIR WEBSITE YOU CAN HELP- JUST BY CLICKING! BUILD A HOUSE!

From LJ Urban's Do Some Good website, "Here’s How it Works:
For every 100,000 visitors between now and July 1st, we’ll fund the complete training of a local Burkina Faso mason to build houses for families that need them. We’re going to fund up to 20 masons (for now)."

Pretty cool!

More Shameless Self Promotion...

2008-01-29T08:57:00.000-08:00

If you're interested

Let’s make a dance!

2008-01-28T22:54:00.000-08:00

My loving wife Julie, the creator of this wonderful blog, has been after me to post a review of some of my favorite television gems. While there are so many to choose from during this particularly prolific time for television, I thought I would focus in on one of the more “special” selections in my weekly viewing. “Tim and Eric’s Awesome Show: Great job” on Adult Swim is at the top of this list, combining sketch comedy with a great love of low budget public access and local television. I could actually go much deeper in describing this show, but I will let this clip with special guest, John C. Reilly, speak for itself. It’s for your Health!

Weeds are Growing and the Men Grow Angrier

2008-01-25T08:38:00.000-08:00

Thank goodness! Just when I thought TV was dying out Lionsgate has signed a deal with the WGA. So Weeds and Mad Men can actually write, film, edit and air their episodes this year! So happy about this.

The informal talks between the WGA and AMPTP meanwhile progress so let's hope for the best. Especially since I'm waning on my boycott on online programming, TV DVDs and iTunes. It's hard, Californication Season One is on there right now and I want to purchase to watch it all over again. I think there was a new episode of Chuck last night on TV but I've got to the check the Tivo to make sure. So that will give me at least one entertainment source while I wait. Hard times.

100,000

2008-01-23T22:49:00.000-08:00

I broke a 100,000 miles today on my car and it got me thinking...does a TV show need to be good if it lasts for 100 episodes or is it just plain good if it does? It used to be if a program reached 100 episodes you broke out in celebration and brought a cake on set. But do we really do that anymore? HBO has proved to bring us quality TV in about 1 season with 13 episodes. It seems as though longevity doesn't make a TV show anymore. Really... has Two and a Half Men really got any better? Really? Was it really any good to begin with? NO.

p.s.
What is hilarious as I pulled this show out of my a** and I looked up their website and lo and behold...IT'S THEIR 100TH EPISODE CELEBRATION! Wow. I couldn't have called it any better.

Project Runway 4 - ep. 9 - Levi's

2008-01-23T22:12:00.000-08:00

Down to seven designers, Project Runway gets interesting again. The conflicts are rising to the surface, although nothing like what we've seen in previous seasons where designers actually clashed.

This episode the product tie-in was Levi's. The designers were asked to design an iconic denim look using their selections of of 501 jeans and white cotton. Conflict #1: Victorya and Jillian both designed coats for this challenge. There were sly peeks at each other's work across the workroom and the remark, "It's just really annoying actually."

Ricky voiced how discouraged he was by being in the bottom so often. Christian badmouthed Ricky for not getting eliminated yet. This set the stage for Ricky to finally show off his experience working in lingerie. He won the challenge for his chic denim dress. And, of course, he shed tears throughout.

Victorya lost. Turned out both coat designs didn't impress the judges, but Victorya's was worse. Michael Kors observed that her design looked like a reconnoitered denim jacket with a party skirt added to the bottom.

My favorite designers to root for are Christian and Sweet P. And so far, they're still very much in the running.

Favorite quotes:

"If I had hair on my head, I'd want to tear it out." - Rami, on putting up with Christian's immaturity
"Very Joan Cusack in 'Working Girl.'" - Michael Kors on Chris's dress

TV, Interrupted

2008-01-23T08:33:00.000-08:00

Sorry about the shameless U2 promo from last post. I've got a weak spot for those guys. Something related to my brother handing me a tape of the Joshua Tree on a magical family road trip in 1987. And listening to it over and over in my yellow walkman And sleeping outside for concert tickets and getting #13 in the lottery and getting front row seats. Anyway, let's move on.

So the writers are talking to the producers again. I'm hoping this strike will come to a close and everyone will be satisfied with the end results. My biggest complaint about this whole thing is that we've had to endure a TV season that has been interrupted, halted, and mixed up. The shows are out of cohesion and it doesn't really work for me. How will they come back on the air? When? So many questions so little time.

Hope for the best!

BONO dimensional

2008-01-21T11:46:00.001-08:00

I pissed my pants

2008-01-18T17:22:00.000-08:00

I pissed my pants the other day when my friend Stephy posted this video on her blog.

And then my pants got wet again when I discovered that Kids in the Hall would be performing at the SF Sketchfest at the end of this month. I shouted out with glee when my husband bought tix to the performance on Sunday, January 27th (get tix here). What a nice valentines day gift! It is the real members coming out here for this rare performance.

And when I see Mark McKinney on stage I'll shout "Slings and Arrows!" just to see his reaction and then I can analyze if there's another season based on that.

Project Runway 4 - ep. 8 - Avant-Garde

2008-01-16T22:02:00.000-08:00

We're almost halfway through the fourth season of Project Runway and things are getting... well, boring.

This week's challenge -- making an avant-garde outfit. Twist? Teams of two. Stress twist? Make a second look.

Yawn!

The one saving grace is that every week there's a new runway show. This time around I was rooting so hard for Christian, the youngest designer among the lot. Also the most petite one as well. He was paired up with Chris and together they barely beat the elite team of Victorya and Jillian.

The irony of this episode's theme was that Elisa, the leading avant-garde designer in America, was kicked off last week.

I Own the World

2008-01-16T08:25:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you've already heard that Oprah is taking over the world.

I'm not really into the Oprah thing, you know I don't go around saying to people, "Oprah says..." Because really it's not all Oprah that comes up with all those ideas, reads the books, researches all the subject information that she presents on her show- it's her team of producers, researchers, etc. I guess that's why she bothers me a bit, she pretends to know everything and she just possibly can't. And what bothers me even more is people actually think that she knows everything. But in way I think I need to accept she is just a TV politician. Like she doesn't want to get into government and makes us pay less or more taxes or pass laws. She wants to makes us "live better lives", tell us what to read, what to watch, and what to think about. Think about it.

My Specialty is Anything that is Low

2008-01-15T20:13:00.000-08:00

Just a side note before I start with my usual rant. I already messed up on my New Years resolution last night at Raley's. I'm such a dissappointment to the green world around me.

Anyway, last night I tuned into a new-to-me program. My friend recently recommended the ABC sitcom Notes from the Underbelly. I have to say that watching this program was effortless and I will cue it up for Tivo record. I really liked how the program didn't pretend to be anything- its not a Friends, or a Seinfeld or a Sex and the City rip off. It's just what it is. How refreshing! It's got that lady from the Daily Show and the writing is a bit campy but in a good way. It's too soon to say anything more but you should definitely check out while there's nothing on the airwaves.

I'm watching the kick off episode of American Idol as I type. Oh, how the idol has fallen. I used to actually want to watch the final episodes and pick up my phone and vote in the 1st season. Now I just tune in to a few of the starter episodes to laugh my butt off at these poor souls who bare all for no reason but to embarrass themselves. I mean by now you can't feel sorry for these people- it's the 8th season they know what they are getting into. So I just tune in to laugh and I don't feel bad about it anymore (don't I sound guilty). And I do have a odd affection towards Simon. I can't explain it except that one night a very long time ago I had a romantic dream about him. And they say dreams explain reality so I really don't want to get that one analyzed (and my husband is wishing that I never speak about it again).

p.s. If you can figure out how my title is related to this post I owe you a coffee or drink next time you see me :)

Stephen Colbert is Bringing Sexy Back

2008-01-14T20:42:00.001-08:00

This is GOOD TV! I love you Mr. Colbert. Your moves are smooth.

How Bloody Painful...

2008-01-13T18:12:00.000-08:00

The Golden Globes news conference was a cringe fest. It took me about 4 minutes to find one channel on TV that was covering it live, good ole' CNN had it on - sound delay and everything.

I loved it when drippy "entertainment" CNN reporter Brooke Anderson reminded us that this was REALLY a huge event with lots of reporters and journalists covering it and everything, oh gee, gosh! I'm squealing with excitement here at this point- not really. If any woman could be a douche bag at this moment- Ms. Anderson would be it. Way to rub it in to everyone that no GG ceremony is happening and no one gets any type of celebratory night where everyone drinks to be merry and congratulates you on your noble TV or movie achievement. Way to go Brooke (sorry she really bothered me).

A lot of my hopeful award winners that I picked in December will not be able to pick up their award because well they didn't win. :( oh well. BUT DID YOU SEE THAT TINA FEY AND MAD MEN WON! At least I was right in two TV categories.

This whole "world event" news conference (along with live drums- did anyone hear that!?, oh and what about those heavy footsteps to the podium) really didn't match up much with the world premiere event of Ghostbusters airing on VH1 this afternoon. Nothing compares to the scene with Sigourney Weaver as Zuul on her bed acting as a demonic temptress to Bill Murray who she thinks is the gatekeeper. Seriously this was much more entertaining.

Can't wait to see this

2008-01-12T11:31:00.000-08:00

This GG news conference should be interesting. Although I don't know were to watch it on air, online or where to Tivo it :) How ironic really.

Project Runway 4 - ep. 7 - prom dresses

2008-01-09T22:32:00.000-08:00

Project Runway goes back to its senses. Tonight's challenge was to design a dress... for a teenager to wear to her prom. Throughout the episode, the designers mentioned what their own prom experience was like and a photograph from their prom night was also shown. Sadly, Rami had no prom growing up in Israel. Sadder even was Chris who said he didn't go to prom. Instead he stayed at home, watching old movies, and getting drunk.

This challenge, unlike last week's Hershey's silliness, provided these benefits: the designers were forced to work with and please a client; the regular models weren't used; everyone had to make a dress; and best of all, the girls picked their designer based on seeing their portfolios.

This episode showed Christian struggling to work with his outspoken client who also fancied herself a designer.

While it was interesting to see Christian spooked by someone who sassed back at him at every turn, he got so discouraged, he was ready to get eliminated.

Victorya won -- I personally didn't like the dress, but I'm no longer in high school either -- and Kevin got kicked off for the cheap-looking red silk dress he designed for a Filipina.

My favorite quotes:

"I was voted off." - Chris's statement ending a debate about who among the current contestants have fared the worst in judging to date

"When I had a girlfriend, I made her prom dress. That should've been a clue there, right?" - Ricky Lizalde

Project Runway 4 - ep. 6 - Hershey's

2008-01-09T22:08:00.000-08:00

I was sick in bed and couldn't blog when this episode premiered last week. And this episode was so dull and boring, it's not worth of a season 4 episode.

The designers were brought to a Hershey's flagship store in Times Square and given 30 minutes to grab their source materials to create a new dress. Ugh!

It's not the blatant product placement I disagree with, it's Hershey's itself. The brand has nothing to do with chocolate. And (my pet peeve) Hershey's isn't very good chocolate!

So most of the designers grabbed kitschy junk like stuffed toys shaped like Hershey's kisses and pillows shaped like Hershey bars. Only Jillian made the effort to design a dress made of edible items (she made a red dress out of Twizzlers).

Anyway Elisa, the avant garde designer, gets eliminated while Rami wins. Snore, snore.

As my co-worker Catherine said, they could have at least designed uniforms for the staff of Hershey's!

My Shades of Green

2008-01-09T08:36:00.000-08:00

I’m not really into New Years resolutions. Maybe it’s because I’m not a pack follower but a leader. I tend to not to like going with the flow and holidays that force people into giving up bad habits or take on better ones scare me. I’ve got the same problem with Lent.

So I usually come up with a NY’s resolution late so as not to seem like I’m doing it out of coercion. In 2006 I started composting, last year I gave up the use of paper towels and this year I’m wholly committed to giving up those pesky plastic bags. San Francisco did it – EVEN CHINA! Now I just need to get disciplined.

My inspiration? A show airing on the Sundance Channel called It’s Not Easy Being Green. BBC originally produced this lovely documentary series that follows an English family that has sworn off city life for a life in the country- but one hitch- they go all green! Yes, everything built from the ground up is green. They have pigs, hydro-electricity by way of a waterwheel and electric generator, a solar greenhouse and a wood burning stove. As I watch I just sit there and dream about my own “off the grid” house. Someday…

Albeit I’m not a huge proponent of environmentalism (in the fundamentalist /lobbyist way) but I do strongly believe in living simply and being a good steward of the Earth. I fail constantly but I do relish in making my own soil from my icky food waste and reducing my trash with no paper towels. Now if I could only stop swearing at inappropriate times and give up alcohol I would be a better citizen.

p.s. Anyone have any ideas for my old plastic bags?

No Sh!? Sherlock!

2008-01-08T13:36:00.000-08:00

Of course the Golden Globes award show was cancelled. This should have happened a month ago. First NBC confirms they are airing it during the strike, then the very next week SAG tells the media that no one is coming. It’s more than obvious that a communication breakdown has happened in Hollywood. It’s unfortunate that the show won’t go on but not a tragedy. If anything it will bring more attention to the plight of the writers. The real tragedy is that I can’t see George Clooney once again in his Armani suit or hear him make some political remark or baseless joke. I can’t wait for this scheduled news conference. I wonder who will announce the winners.

I watched “A Daily Show with Jon Stewart” (that’s what it’s called during the WGA strike) and “The Colbert Report” last night. These men do a wonderful job of ad libbing and looking cute without their staff of writers. But how long can this really last?! Colbert was much cuter ad libbing though and funnier. I wonder if they can do any campaign stories on the road? I heard that they can still do field producing stories but they didn’t feature anything last night.

On a side, side note-- I saw that ABC is airing the pilot episode of Cashmere Mafia again tonight. And then tomorrow night the 2nd episode. I love this new world of TV where anything can air at any time. It's so humiliating and thrilling at the same time.

Cashmere Mafia Sucks!

2008-01-07T19:47:00.000-08:00

Sorry I didn't want to waste my time on a better title. What is the point of ripping off Sex and the City with this silly dreadful one hour show about "successful" drippy women?! Didn't we do this before? I loved the real thing on HBO and I don't need to see it patronized with formulaic story lines and characters using not so subtle ridiculous dialogue. What is with the comment about the "ID" generation? And talking if at 35 you created women's lib? Um, excuse me that happened with my mother's generation and she's 60 years old! And why does TV perpetuate the idea that successful aggressive women deserve to be alone? It is simply not reality.

I'll turn off the TV and go see four beautiful wonderfully smart classy women on May 30th at the movies. Here's the trailer.

Keynote - Bill Gates' Last Day - January 6, 2008

2008-01-07T18:47:00.001-08:00

My darling nerd husband made me watch this tonight and I was so glad. Best parts are Bono, Jon Stewart and Guitar Hero!

David Lynch on iPhone

2008-01-04T19:02:00.001-08:00

I love this commentary by David Lynch about watching movies on the iPhone. I've lusted after this phone for months but I'm glad Mr. Lynch has set me straight.