15. Thank You For Smoking
14. Inside Man
13. The Prestige
12. Jackass 2
11. The Last Kiss
10. The Descent
09. Superman Returns
08. V For Vendetta
07. Lucky Number Slevin
06. Apocalypto
05. Borat
04. The Departed
03. The Science Of Sleep
02. Little Miss Sunshine
01. Brick
Granted this is Memphis and there are several movies that I have been unable to see because they haven't released here or they were only here for one week. Once I have seen those movies I will update my list.
Those movies are:
Children of Men
Half Nelson
Pan's Labyrinth
The Good Shepherd
Sherrybaby
The Groomsmen
Little Children
Hope u enjoyed the top ten movies as much as I did!
Happy New Year.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Best TV Shows 2006
1. Battlestar Galactica- Consistently the best show on tv. The emotion and intensity is enough, but the show also manages to weave current affairs and politics into a futuristic space show.
2. Greys Anatomy- This is a must see appointment every week. A show written for women, but still finds a way to draw in the male crowd. I also love that spoilers for this show are either hard to find or great big red herrings.
3. Veronica Mars- Veronica grew up this year and moved on the solve college cases. The second season finale back in May was a bit overwritten otherwise Ms. Mars might be at the top of this list.
4. The Shield- The most intense, gritty show on tv. Forrest Whitaker even brought it up a level. I just wish we had more episodes each year to enjoy.
5. Lost- Those of you that know me already know that if I could put this show at number one I would in a heart beat. The second half of season 2 was amazing, but the first six episdofes of season 3 have been missing something. (like more original cast members) I love Ben and Juliet, but I need my losties fix too.
6. How I Met Your Mother- This show is the next Friends...minus one thing. The viewers! Why CBS is not giving the post superbowl slot to this super show is beyond me.
7. Medium- The writing on this show is so original. Too bad NBC is already treating the award winning ensemble like a step child (just like it does Scrubs).
8. The Office- I'm a late-comer to The Office. That doesn't make it any less brilliant. Jim is one of the best characters on tv and this show hits so close to, er, work.
9. Dexter- A sympathetic serial killer is the lead of this show. Believe it or not, it works. Dexter will be back for a second season. I suggest you make a call to your local Showtime provider.
10. Boston Legal- This year of Boston Legal has already given me a lifetime of saying to use with friends and family. Thank you Denny Crane.
Biggest Disappointments
1. The Sopranos- New episodes are so few and far between that I can't even remember the last time there was a good season.
2. The O.C.- I actually quit watching this show after last season. The Johnny, Marissa, Ryan triangle was too much. It actually made me miss the days of Oliver. I hear this season has been better, but I'm not falling for it. Too little too late.
3. 24- I know most people would disagree with me. But this show has fallen so far from its perfect first three seasons. Really, I will say it again, the show is called 24, not CTU, CTU L.A., or Jack and friends.
2. Greys Anatomy- This is a must see appointment every week. A show written for women, but still finds a way to draw in the male crowd. I also love that spoilers for this show are either hard to find or great big red herrings.
3. Veronica Mars- Veronica grew up this year and moved on the solve college cases. The second season finale back in May was a bit overwritten otherwise Ms. Mars might be at the top of this list.
4. The Shield- The most intense, gritty show on tv. Forrest Whitaker even brought it up a level. I just wish we had more episodes each year to enjoy.
5. Lost- Those of you that know me already know that if I could put this show at number one I would in a heart beat. The second half of season 2 was amazing, but the first six episdofes of season 3 have been missing something. (like more original cast members) I love Ben and Juliet, but I need my losties fix too.
6. How I Met Your Mother- This show is the next Friends...minus one thing. The viewers! Why CBS is not giving the post superbowl slot to this super show is beyond me.
7. Medium- The writing on this show is so original. Too bad NBC is already treating the award winning ensemble like a step child (just like it does Scrubs).
8. The Office- I'm a late-comer to The Office. That doesn't make it any less brilliant. Jim is one of the best characters on tv and this show hits so close to, er, work.
9. Dexter- A sympathetic serial killer is the lead of this show. Believe it or not, it works. Dexter will be back for a second season. I suggest you make a call to your local Showtime provider.
10. Boston Legal- This year of Boston Legal has already given me a lifetime of saying to use with friends and family. Thank you Denny Crane.
Biggest Disappointments
1. The Sopranos- New episodes are so few and far between that I can't even remember the last time there was a good season.
2. The O.C.- I actually quit watching this show after last season. The Johnny, Marissa, Ryan triangle was too much. It actually made me miss the days of Oliver. I hear this season has been better, but I'm not falling for it. Too little too late.
3. 24- I know most people would disagree with me. But this show has fallen so far from its perfect first three seasons. Really, I will say it again, the show is called 24, not CTU, CTU L.A., or Jack and friends.
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Is It Really?
Can it be that Christmas is just a few days away? I mean, my Christmas shopping is done, my gifts are wrapped, my tree is lit and yet it seems like Christmas is a long ways away. Maybe it's different if you have kids. I know when I was a child Christmas was all that I could talk about; Santa and his great journey to Snakey Lake Drive to deliver presents to the Carwile household. Where is that magic now? I miss feeling like every breath was one second closer to the best time of the year.
Is it possible to have that again? I don't know that it is.
It's like watching a magican performing a trick, but knowing how the whole thing works. It just isn't as special. You can't help but think, it's so simple, how could I have ever felt that THIS was ever something so amazing.
I want that feeling back. Maybe I need to create an annual holiday tradition with friends. You know, a party or dinner that would bring everyone together for a special evening. But would that make me feel any more celebratory towards the holidays? Or would it just feel like another burden to cross off the list before the end of the year.
I am not trying to be a humbug. Honestly. I am trying to do the exact opposite. Recapture that zest. Do you have any ideas? Let me hear them. I would love your comments.
THE BRIGHT SIDE
This has been a terrible year. Back surgery. Money problems. The passing of both grandparents. A good friend who discovered she has leukemia (her second non-curable disease). Yet all of the bad things that have happened have brought some good. I am so excited about seeing my family. I have been pretty open with them in the past, telling them that I really couldn't care less about being with them around the holidays. Shame on me. I now see the value in spending as much time with them as possible. They are all I have and they would be there with me no matter what. So, through all of the bad news I have gained some real perspective this year. And for that I am so grateful.
And in case I don't get to write again before Christmas. Please have a very Merry Christmas!!!
Is it possible to have that again? I don't know that it is.
It's like watching a magican performing a trick, but knowing how the whole thing works. It just isn't as special. You can't help but think, it's so simple, how could I have ever felt that THIS was ever something so amazing.
I want that feeling back. Maybe I need to create an annual holiday tradition with friends. You know, a party or dinner that would bring everyone together for a special evening. But would that make me feel any more celebratory towards the holidays? Or would it just feel like another burden to cross off the list before the end of the year.
I am not trying to be a humbug. Honestly. I am trying to do the exact opposite. Recapture that zest. Do you have any ideas? Let me hear them. I would love your comments.
THE BRIGHT SIDE
This has been a terrible year. Back surgery. Money problems. The passing of both grandparents. A good friend who discovered she has leukemia (her second non-curable disease). Yet all of the bad things that have happened have brought some good. I am so excited about seeing my family. I have been pretty open with them in the past, telling them that I really couldn't care less about being with them around the holidays. Shame on me. I now see the value in spending as much time with them as possible. They are all I have and they would be there with me no matter what. So, through all of the bad news I have gained some real perspective this year. And for that I am so grateful.
And in case I don't get to write again before Christmas. Please have a very Merry Christmas!!!
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Best Albums of 2006
20. Eyes Open by Snow Patrol
19. Ben Kweller by Ben Kweller
18. Return To Cookie Mountain by TV on the Radio
17. First Impressions of Earth by The Strokes
16. Magic Potion by The Black Keys
15. The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me by Brand New
14. Boys and Girls in America by The Hold Steady
13. Robbers and Cowards by Cold War Kids
12. Dog Problems by The Format
11. Rise and Fall of Butch Walker... by Butch Walker and the Let's Go Out Tonites
10. 10,000 Days by Tool
09. Happy Hollow by Cursive
08. Welcome To The Black Parade by My Chemical Romance
07. Whatever People Say I Am, I'm Not by Actic Monkeys
06. I'm Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass by Yo La Tengo
05. The Crane Wife by The Decemberists
04. Black Holes and Revelations by Muse
03. Broken Boy Soliders by The Raconteurs
02. St. Elsewhere by Gnarls Barkley
01. NightCrawler by Pete Yorn
19. Ben Kweller by Ben Kweller
18. Return To Cookie Mountain by TV on the Radio
17. First Impressions of Earth by The Strokes
16. Magic Potion by The Black Keys
15. The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me by Brand New
14. Boys and Girls in America by The Hold Steady
13. Robbers and Cowards by Cold War Kids
12. Dog Problems by The Format
11. Rise and Fall of Butch Walker... by Butch Walker and the Let's Go Out Tonites
10. 10,000 Days by Tool
09. Happy Hollow by Cursive
08. Welcome To The Black Parade by My Chemical Romance
07. Whatever People Say I Am, I'm Not by Actic Monkeys
06. I'm Not Afraid of You and I Will Beat Your Ass by Yo La Tengo
05. The Crane Wife by The Decemberists
04. Black Holes and Revelations by Muse
03. Broken Boy Soliders by The Raconteurs
02. St. Elsewhere by Gnarls Barkley
01. NightCrawler by Pete Yorn
Monday, December 18, 2006
A Weird Fetish
People are in to all kinds of weird things. The waiting list in Florida to see an execution is over 500 people long. I could never watch something like that. Hell I have a hard enough time watching people brush their teeth on tv. The squishy sounds and the foamy mouths make me gag. I can't imagine watching another human being die right in front of me, especially by choice.
I was reading an article in Rolling Stone last night about Colorado's state laws in regards to children serving adult sentences. It was extemely sad. Colorado has children as young as 12 serving life in prison without parole. One teenage kid was a life long victim of abuse and molestation. He finally put a fire poker upside his mom's head. He will never see the outside of a prison cell again. He was immediately sentenced to a maximum security adult prison where he was locked up with other murderers and child rapists.
The reason Colorado is so strict is because of two very conservative Christian organizations in the state. The two joined forces in some state elections a few years back and had their gigantic congregations only vote for certain "tough on crime" candidates. One of the ogranizations was the New Life Christian Church which was founded by Ted Haggard. Haggard is an ultra conservative, hate-fire-brimstone kind of guy. He just resigned from his position earlier this year b/c he was caught bangin' some guy in a seedy hotel. His "no-forgiveness" attitude sealed the deal for so many youngsters in prison.
In the last decade Colorado's prison population has gone up over 500 percent.
Okay, enough soap box. Just wanted to vent.
I was reading an article in Rolling Stone last night about Colorado's state laws in regards to children serving adult sentences. It was extemely sad. Colorado has children as young as 12 serving life in prison without parole. One teenage kid was a life long victim of abuse and molestation. He finally put a fire poker upside his mom's head. He will never see the outside of a prison cell again. He was immediately sentenced to a maximum security adult prison where he was locked up with other murderers and child rapists.
The reason Colorado is so strict is because of two very conservative Christian organizations in the state. The two joined forces in some state elections a few years back and had their gigantic congregations only vote for certain "tough on crime" candidates. One of the ogranizations was the New Life Christian Church which was founded by Ted Haggard. Haggard is an ultra conservative, hate-fire-brimstone kind of guy. He just resigned from his position earlier this year b/c he was caught bangin' some guy in a seedy hotel. His "no-forgiveness" attitude sealed the deal for so many youngsters in prison.
In the last decade Colorado's prison population has gone up over 500 percent.
Okay, enough soap box. Just wanted to vent.
Opening Lines of Books
Johanna gave me a gift a year or so ago. It's called "The Writer's Block." It is a small, thick, square, block of writing starters and ideas to get the pen moving on the paper.
One of the suggested exercises is to identify some of your favorite opening lines of books. And then you are told to write 5 of your own.
Well after giving this much thought I decided to share my favorites list with you. Here are my favorite opening lines:
1. Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.
-Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
2. It was a wrong number that started it, the telephone ringing three times in the dead of night, and the voice on the other end asking for someone he was not.
-City of Glass by Paul Auster
3. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.
-A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
4. Ships at a distance have every man's wish on board.
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
5. This is my favorite book in all the world, though I have never read it.
-The Princess Bride by William Golding
Some of my favorite more modern ones are:
1. I sat across the table from the man who had battered and tortured and brutalized me nearly thirty years ago.
Sleepers by Lorenzo Carcaterra
2. There's a guy like me in every state and federal prison in America, I guess - I'm the guy who can get it for you.
-Rita Hayworht and the Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King.
3. My name was Salmon, like the fish; first name Susie. I was fourteen when I was murdered on December 6, 1973.
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
4. When I stepped out into the bright sunlight from the darkness of the movie house I had only two things on my mind: Paul Newman and a ride home.
-The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
5. Until I began to build and launch rockets, I didn’t know that my hometown was at war with itself over its children and that my parents were lock in a kind of bloodless combat over how my brother and I would try to live our lives.
-Rocket Boys by Homer Hickam
One of the suggested exercises is to identify some of your favorite opening lines of books. And then you are told to write 5 of your own.
Well after giving this much thought I decided to share my favorites list with you. Here are my favorite opening lines:
1. Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.
-Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
2. It was a wrong number that started it, the telephone ringing three times in the dead of night, and the voice on the other end asking for someone he was not.
-City of Glass by Paul Auster
3. It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.
-A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
4. Ships at a distance have every man's wish on board.
Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
5. This is my favorite book in all the world, though I have never read it.
-The Princess Bride by William Golding
Some of my favorite more modern ones are:
1. I sat across the table from the man who had battered and tortured and brutalized me nearly thirty years ago.
Sleepers by Lorenzo Carcaterra
2. There's a guy like me in every state and federal prison in America, I guess - I'm the guy who can get it for you.
-Rita Hayworht and the Shawshank Redemption by Stephen King.
3. My name was Salmon, like the fish; first name Susie. I was fourteen when I was murdered on December 6, 1973.
The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
4. When I stepped out into the bright sunlight from the darkness of the movie house I had only two things on my mind: Paul Newman and a ride home.
-The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton
5. Until I began to build and launch rockets, I didn’t know that my hometown was at war with itself over its children and that my parents were lock in a kind of bloodless combat over how my brother and I would try to live our lives.
-Rocket Boys by Homer Hickam
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Awesome New Show
I watched the premiere of Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip last night. All I can say is WOW. The show was engaging, well written, fun, different, and perfectly acted. I felt like I was backstage spying on all of my favorite folks from Saturday Night Live. (SPOILERS AHEAD)
If you don't know what this show is about here is a brief re-cap: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip takes us behind the scenes of a show called Studio 60 On the Sunset.
The make-believe Strip is a live comedy sketch show(think: Saturday Night Live) on a fictional broadcast network called NBS. During the premeire of the show's new season an executive producer has a major melt down on camera and causes a media frenzy. Jordan (Amanda Peet) is the network's brand new president and she must work quickly to save face and save the show. With her first act as president she hires Matt and Danny to run the show. Matt (Matthew Perry) is a former writer for the show and Danny is the former director of the show. Both of them quit after a falling out with a network head-honcho (Steven Weber). Weber's character doesn't like the move, but backs it in an attempt to allow Jordan to hang herself.
It seems like the show's focus is going to be on Jordan, Matt, Danny, and the three main actors for the show. Studio is a program for people who like TV. It is a behind the scenes, guts and glory show that is targeting a very specific demographic. If the show fails it will be because of that and no other reason.
Studio 60 was created by Aaron sorkin who also did The West Wing. I was never a fan of The West Wing, but I always appreciated its high quality. That quality and high standard is present here as well.
Check it out. I think you would like it.
OUT.
If you don't know what this show is about here is a brief re-cap: Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip takes us behind the scenes of a show called Studio 60 On the Sunset.
The make-believe Strip is a live comedy sketch show(think: Saturday Night Live) on a fictional broadcast network called NBS. During the premeire of the show's new season an executive producer has a major melt down on camera and causes a media frenzy. Jordan (Amanda Peet) is the network's brand new president and she must work quickly to save face and save the show. With her first act as president she hires Matt and Danny to run the show. Matt (Matthew Perry) is a former writer for the show and Danny is the former director of the show. Both of them quit after a falling out with a network head-honcho (Steven Weber). Weber's character doesn't like the move, but backs it in an attempt to allow Jordan to hang herself.
It seems like the show's focus is going to be on Jordan, Matt, Danny, and the three main actors for the show. Studio is a program for people who like TV. It is a behind the scenes, guts and glory show that is targeting a very specific demographic. If the show fails it will be because of that and no other reason.
Studio 60 was created by Aaron sorkin who also did The West Wing. I was never a fan of The West Wing, but I always appreciated its high quality. That quality and high standard is present here as well.
Check it out. I think you would like it.
OUT.
Friday, September 15, 2006
5 For Friday
This week there are 5 things that you can put on the board now. Here they are:
1. Of the 7 top 25 match ups this Saturday 6 of the higher ranked teams will win. I know which lower ranked team will score a win, but I am not going to stick my neck out there that far.
well, the higher ranked teams went 5-2. My hidden pick to click was Oregon over Oklahoma and that did happen. No one saw the Michigan route of Notre Dame coming. But 5-2 is close to 6-1 so I will take the victory.
2. The 5 new movies out this weekend will gross 34 millions dollars all together. The movies are The Black Dahlia, Gridiron Gangs, The Last Kiss, and Everyone's Hero, and Trust The Man. (Give or take 2.5 million)
Looks like 35.7 million is going to be the total. We will know for sure by 5 this afternoon. I win!
3. www.cokermustgo.com will be one of the most popular sites on the net for hurrican fans come Sunday.
No doubt about this one!
4. Kyle Cockrum will win the mini-invitational poker tourney this weekend. (Its a mini b/c we are only inviting 9 players so that we all fit at one table).
well, I am sad to say that I was wrong here, but I was...because I won the 120 bucks...soI win anyway!
5. I'll take an easy one here. The Mets will clinch the NL EAST this weekend and secure the first playoff spot.
so far this hasn't happened. Damn the Pirates. But it will today. You can put it on the board
1. Of the 7 top 25 match ups this Saturday 6 of the higher ranked teams will win. I know which lower ranked team will score a win, but I am not going to stick my neck out there that far.
well, the higher ranked teams went 5-2. My hidden pick to click was Oregon over Oklahoma and that did happen. No one saw the Michigan route of Notre Dame coming. But 5-2 is close to 6-1 so I will take the victory.
2. The 5 new movies out this weekend will gross 34 millions dollars all together. The movies are The Black Dahlia, Gridiron Gangs, The Last Kiss, and Everyone's Hero, and Trust The Man. (Give or take 2.5 million)
Looks like 35.7 million is going to be the total. We will know for sure by 5 this afternoon. I win!
3. www.cokermustgo.com will be one of the most popular sites on the net for hurrican fans come Sunday.
No doubt about this one!
4. Kyle Cockrum will win the mini-invitational poker tourney this weekend. (Its a mini b/c we are only inviting 9 players so that we all fit at one table).
well, I am sad to say that I was wrong here, but I was...because I won the 120 bucks...soI win anyway!
5. I'll take an easy one here. The Mets will clinch the NL EAST this weekend and secure the first playoff spot.
so far this hasn't happened. Damn the Pirates. But it will today. You can put it on the board
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Fall TV
Ok, I admit it. My name is Chris and I am an addict. Just like Sara on Prison Break, just like Charlie on Lost, just like Bree on Housewives...I am an addcit. But my drug of choice isn't heroine or booze. It's television. I can't stand the wait any longer. Thank god for FOX and bringing back a few shows early.
Here is my list of MUST-SEE-TV for the fall. It is a list of every show that I plan on watching, tivoing, and taping. See, to get them all in I have to use all three means. Live tv, a vcr, and my three tivos. That's right, 3.
This is a night by night run down of the shows that I am looking forward to. Beside each show is a number. That number refers to the buzz I feel about watching each show. A 10 is a major jones, a 5 is a mild curiosity, and a 1 means I am only watching because there is a small aspect drawing me .
MONDAY
7:00 The Class (7) I saw a sneak preview and I liked what I saw. For fans of Friends and Frasier
7:00 Prison Break (5) So far it's off to a ho-hum start. And they killed my fave character.
7:30 How I Met Your Mother (8) I am ready to suit up. Barney alone is worth my time.
8:00 Two and a half Men (6) I love this show, but last season was a bit unbalanced at times
8:00 Vanished (6) I wasn't going to keep watching this show, but they have intrigued me.
8:00 Heroes (9) One of my most anticipated shows. The reviews have been stellar.
8:30 New Adventures of Old Christine (7) The Seinfeld curse really is over.
9:00 What About Brian (5) I heard from several people that the show is a must see, but will anyone watch it?
9:00 Studio 60 On Sunset Strip (6) The buzz around this Matthew Perry return is building.
TUESDAY
7:00 House (7) Never missing a beat House is at its best.
8:00 Veronica Mars (10) Three mysteries instead of one! I love it as much as LoVe.
9:00 Nip/Tuck (8) Last season was so bad...glad that season 4 is already kickin' its ass.
9:00 Smith (7) I love Ray Liotta, but I hear that Simon Baker is the reason to watch.
WEDNESDAY
7:00 Jericho (6) Skeet Ulrich? Well the idea is enough to make me give it a try, but a short leash.
7:00 Bones (7) I love this show I just wish that it wasn't a procedural.
7:00 30 Rock (6) I hear it's hilarious. I love Tina Fey. I am willing to pony up a half hour.
8:00 Lost (10) Need I say anything at all about this show???
8:00 One Tree Hill (5) Last year the show kinda of jumped the shark, and race car, and preg test
8:00 Justice (5) I didn't want to watch this show, but Victor Garber made me do it.
9:00 The Nine (9) The most hyped show of the season, its looks like Lost crossed with 6 Degrees
9:00 Kidnapped (3) I liked Jeremy Sisto on Six Feet Under. I have a quick trigger with this one.
THURSDAY
7:00 Ugly Betty (5) Not so sure about this one, but the reviews are A+.
7:00 Survivor (6) I wouldn't even watch if they hadn't caused such a fuss with the race thing.
7:00 Smallville (7) Lex and Clark are finally going to hate each other.
7:00 My Name Is Earl (7) Jaime Pressley is sooo worth your time. Watch this show!
7:30 Happy Hour (6) I may be the only person who like this show, but I don't care.
8:00 Grey's Anatomy (9) This is a chic show, but us guys love it too.
8:00 CSI (7) The best of the series. The only one I am watching now.
9:00 Six Degrees (7) Reviews have been mixed, but JJ has earned a 4 week trial.
FRIDAY
8:00 Battlestar Galactica (9) Give it a try. I know you will love it. Frak, just trust me.
SUNDAY
7:00 Desperate Housewives (6) I hear this season is much better. It had better be.
8:00 The War At Home (7) Another show that I love, but may be alone.
9:00 Without A Trace (5) Off of it's worst season I will have little patience with this one.
PREDICTIONS
The first show to get canned will be "Happy Hour" on Fox.
The most popular new show will be "The Nine"
CBS will cancel "Jericho" during or following season 1.
The best new sitcom will be "The Class"
CSI will average 21 million viewers and Grey's will average 17 million.
Ranking the best nights of TV
1. Wednesday
2. Tuesday
3. Thursday
4. Monday
5. Friday
6. Sunday
7. Saturday
I promise to keep you posted about what shows are good and which ones to take off the season pass immediately.
OUT
Here is my list of MUST-SEE-TV for the fall. It is a list of every show that I plan on watching, tivoing, and taping. See, to get them all in I have to use all three means. Live tv, a vcr, and my three tivos. That's right, 3.
This is a night by night run down of the shows that I am looking forward to. Beside each show is a number. That number refers to the buzz I feel about watching each show. A 10 is a major jones, a 5 is a mild curiosity, and a 1 means I am only watching because there is a small aspect drawing me .
MONDAY
7:00 The Class (7) I saw a sneak preview and I liked what I saw. For fans of Friends and Frasier
7:00 Prison Break (5) So far it's off to a ho-hum start. And they killed my fave character.
7:30 How I Met Your Mother (8) I am ready to suit up. Barney alone is worth my time.
8:00 Two and a half Men (6) I love this show, but last season was a bit unbalanced at times
8:00 Vanished (6) I wasn't going to keep watching this show, but they have intrigued me.
8:00 Heroes (9) One of my most anticipated shows. The reviews have been stellar.
8:30 New Adventures of Old Christine (7) The Seinfeld curse really is over.
9:00 What About Brian (5) I heard from several people that the show is a must see, but will anyone watch it?
9:00 Studio 60 On Sunset Strip (6) The buzz around this Matthew Perry return is building.
TUESDAY
7:00 House (7) Never missing a beat House is at its best.
8:00 Veronica Mars (10) Three mysteries instead of one! I love it as much as LoVe.
9:00 Nip/Tuck (8) Last season was so bad...glad that season 4 is already kickin' its ass.
9:00 Smith (7) I love Ray Liotta, but I hear that Simon Baker is the reason to watch.
WEDNESDAY
7:00 Jericho (6) Skeet Ulrich? Well the idea is enough to make me give it a try, but a short leash.
7:00 Bones (7) I love this show I just wish that it wasn't a procedural.
7:00 30 Rock (6) I hear it's hilarious. I love Tina Fey. I am willing to pony up a half hour.
8:00 Lost (10) Need I say anything at all about this show???
8:00 One Tree Hill (5) Last year the show kinda of jumped the shark, and race car, and preg test
8:00 Justice (5) I didn't want to watch this show, but Victor Garber made me do it.
9:00 The Nine (9) The most hyped show of the season, its looks like Lost crossed with 6 Degrees
9:00 Kidnapped (3) I liked Jeremy Sisto on Six Feet Under. I have a quick trigger with this one.
THURSDAY
7:00 Ugly Betty (5) Not so sure about this one, but the reviews are A+.
7:00 Survivor (6) I wouldn't even watch if they hadn't caused such a fuss with the race thing.
7:00 Smallville (7) Lex and Clark are finally going to hate each other.
7:00 My Name Is Earl (7) Jaime Pressley is sooo worth your time. Watch this show!
7:30 Happy Hour (6) I may be the only person who like this show, but I don't care.
8:00 Grey's Anatomy (9) This is a chic show, but us guys love it too.
8:00 CSI (7) The best of the series. The only one I am watching now.
9:00 Six Degrees (7) Reviews have been mixed, but JJ has earned a 4 week trial.
FRIDAY
8:00 Battlestar Galactica (9) Give it a try. I know you will love it. Frak, just trust me.
SUNDAY
7:00 Desperate Housewives (6) I hear this season is much better. It had better be.
8:00 The War At Home (7) Another show that I love, but may be alone.
9:00 Without A Trace (5) Off of it's worst season I will have little patience with this one.
PREDICTIONS
The first show to get canned will be "Happy Hour" on Fox.
The most popular new show will be "The Nine"
CBS will cancel "Jericho" during or following season 1.
The best new sitcom will be "The Class"
CSI will average 21 million viewers and Grey's will average 17 million.
Ranking the best nights of TV
1. Wednesday
2. Tuesday
3. Thursday
4. Monday
5. Friday
6. Sunday
7. Saturday
I promise to keep you posted about what shows are good and which ones to take off the season pass immediately.
OUT
Monday, September 11, 2006
And The "Learn To Take A Joke Award" Goes To:
British actor Jude Law is still seething over his Oscar night embarrassment last year - when host Chris Rock made fun of the prolific star's relentless screen appearances. Law was initially unfazed by Rock's quips, but he became infuriated when Rock sniped, "Who is Jude Law? Why's he in every movie I have seen for the last four years? He's in everything. Even in the movies he's not in, if you look in the credits he made cupcakes or something." All the King's Men star Law says, "At first I laughed because I didn't think he knew who I was. Then I got angry as his remarks became personal. My friends were livid. It's unfortunate I had five or six films come out at the same time." -from imdb.com
give me a break dude. have you ever watched the oscars? between all the boring stuff they usually make jokes at the actor's expense. It was your turn. get over it. Noone watched your movies before and it's not like you are going to lose business. right?
OUT!
give me a break dude. have you ever watched the oscars? between all the boring stuff they usually make jokes at the actor's expense. It was your turn. get over it. Noone watched your movies before and it's not like you are going to lose business. right?
OUT!
Friday, September 08, 2006
5 For Friday
5 Things to look for this week.
1. Ohio State Buckeyes to top Texas in the earliest 1 vs 2 match-up in college football history.
2. The Colts, Patriots, Bears, Eagles, and Seahawks to win this weekend.
3. Jessica Simpson and John Mayer to get back together again.
4. Mike Boogie to win Big Brother 7.
5. New movies Hollywoodland, The Covenant, and The Protector to make less than a combined 30 million bucks this weekend.
You can put it on the board!
OUT
1. Ohio State Buckeyes to top Texas in the earliest 1 vs 2 match-up in college football history.
2. The Colts, Patriots, Bears, Eagles, and Seahawks to win this weekend.
3. Jessica Simpson and John Mayer to get back together again.
4. Mike Boogie to win Big Brother 7.
5. New movies Hollywoodland, The Covenant, and The Protector to make less than a combined 30 million bucks this weekend.
You can put it on the board!
OUT
Wednesday, August 30, 2006
The Survivor Race
When I heard the latest gimmick CBS was pulling for this season's Survivor I have to admit that I was surprised. I knew immediately that every equal rights and equality group in the country would go crazy. I couldn't believe that CBS would make such a risky play and take the chance on offending so many people. For those of you who don't know, this season the show will feature 4 tribes divided by race; black, white, hispanic, and asian.
It took about three hours before I saw the first article pop up on CNN and another ten minutes before I saw a news report on another station. The battle had begun.
I spent all of ten seconds weighing the social implications before I decided that a mass-overreaction was about to take place. These activists and protesters were playing right into the hands of CBS. Suddenly the whole country is talking about Survivor again. A show that has fought against sagging ratings for the last three years is about to be the water cooler topic again.
Good for CBS for taking a chance. Shame on others for taking it so seriously. Survivor has always been a show about community, team work, and social experiments. They have divided the tribes be sex and age in the past so race was the next logical step. I personally am interested to see how it plays out. I don't think anyone is going to take such a small group of people (16-18 tribe members) and assume that they represent their entire race. This idea will not support stereotypes it will break them down. CBS is smart enough to make sure of that.
And let us not forget that in just 3 or 4 weeks the tribes will merge into two completely different mixed race groups and then a few weeks after that an amazing thing will happen and people of all races will join together as one tribe, one unit, and ultimately one family. See the happy ending? CBS does and it is filled with lots of money!
OUT
It took about three hours before I saw the first article pop up on CNN and another ten minutes before I saw a news report on another station. The battle had begun.
I spent all of ten seconds weighing the social implications before I decided that a mass-overreaction was about to take place. These activists and protesters were playing right into the hands of CBS. Suddenly the whole country is talking about Survivor again. A show that has fought against sagging ratings for the last three years is about to be the water cooler topic again.
Good for CBS for taking a chance. Shame on others for taking it so seriously. Survivor has always been a show about community, team work, and social experiments. They have divided the tribes be sex and age in the past so race was the next logical step. I personally am interested to see how it plays out. I don't think anyone is going to take such a small group of people (16-18 tribe members) and assume that they represent their entire race. This idea will not support stereotypes it will break them down. CBS is smart enough to make sure of that.
And let us not forget that in just 3 or 4 weeks the tribes will merge into two completely different mixed race groups and then a few weeks after that an amazing thing will happen and people of all races will join together as one tribe, one unit, and ultimately one family. See the happy ending? CBS does and it is filled with lots of money!
OUT
Thursday, August 24, 2006
Goodnight Sweetheart. Now Rock Star Gets Real
Now that the lightweights have all been booted it's time for this thing to get serious. Any of the remaining contestants have a legit shot at winning the title of Rock Star and the lead gig for SuperNova.
I have to be honest, I didn't care for the second 'Nova song nearly as much as the first. I don't know if that is because of Toby or because of the song itself. Either way I wasn't overly impressed.
Dilana's big mouth brought some harsh words her way for the first time. Honestly, I like the fact that she was balls out and willing to say what was onher mind. However, in a competition like this it probably was the wrong move. She has to keep in mind that the only criticism she has received was about that and never about her singing. She is still safe and that is why she is still at the top of this week's power rankings.
ROCK STAR POWER RANKINGS
1. Dilana- She needs to keep her mouth shut unless she is singing. If she remembers that rule then she is good to go. I am still waiting to see her change it up one time. She has played the "wicked witch" stage persona the whole season. I would like to see some variety.
2. Lukas- He continues to be the ideal lead singer for this band. He has the look, the gravel voice, and the cocky attitude. His short coming is in his thin skin. He doesn't seem to be able to let things roll off his back. If he ever gets the boot look for him to be the one person with a piss poor attitude about it.
3. Ryan- I can't believe that he has climbed all of the way to three, but week after week he has improved and his original song showed that he is the most pure and natural talent left in the competition. If I were SuperNova I would choose him to lead my band, but I'm not so that is why he is 3 and not 1.
4. Storm- Sizzlin' in the looks department, but faultering in the performance area. She hasn't opened up and rocked out since the 3rd week. She needs to give the band something new and a little more of those sexy eyes if she wants to avoid the bottom three this week.
5. Toby- I struggled over this choice here. Toby was in the bottom three this week, but he didn't deserve to be. And then he killed Plush on ejection night. It was amazing. I can't see him going home next, but I do think it will be between him and Magni.
6. Magni- I still think the guy has an amazing voice, but I can't stand his stage show. It is so tight and dry. He is your classic rocker: guitar and mic stand... and that is not what this band wants.
I have to be honest, I didn't care for the second 'Nova song nearly as much as the first. I don't know if that is because of Toby or because of the song itself. Either way I wasn't overly impressed.
Dilana's big mouth brought some harsh words her way for the first time. Honestly, I like the fact that she was balls out and willing to say what was onher mind. However, in a competition like this it probably was the wrong move. She has to keep in mind that the only criticism she has received was about that and never about her singing. She is still safe and that is why she is still at the top of this week's power rankings.
ROCK STAR POWER RANKINGS
1. Dilana- She needs to keep her mouth shut unless she is singing. If she remembers that rule then she is good to go. I am still waiting to see her change it up one time. She has played the "wicked witch" stage persona the whole season. I would like to see some variety.
2. Lukas- He continues to be the ideal lead singer for this band. He has the look, the gravel voice, and the cocky attitude. His short coming is in his thin skin. He doesn't seem to be able to let things roll off his back. If he ever gets the boot look for him to be the one person with a piss poor attitude about it.
3. Ryan- I can't believe that he has climbed all of the way to three, but week after week he has improved and his original song showed that he is the most pure and natural talent left in the competition. If I were SuperNova I would choose him to lead my band, but I'm not so that is why he is 3 and not 1.
4. Storm- Sizzlin' in the looks department, but faultering in the performance area. She hasn't opened up and rocked out since the 3rd week. She needs to give the band something new and a little more of those sexy eyes if she wants to avoid the bottom three this week.
5. Toby- I struggled over this choice here. Toby was in the bottom three this week, but he didn't deserve to be. And then he killed Plush on ejection night. It was amazing. I can't see him going home next, but I do think it will be between him and Magni.
6. Magni- I still think the guy has an amazing voice, but I can't stand his stage show. It is so tight and dry. He is your classic rocker: guitar and mic stand... and that is not what this band wants.
Tuesday, August 22, 2006
PB and V
A quick review of the two season premieres last night:
Prison Break: The show picked up right where it left off as promised. The show has the same break neck pace, witty dialogue, and road-block-a-minute twists. It is a fun show, no more and no less. Michael always seems to be a step ahead of the cops, but a new FBI Agent, played by the brilliant William Fitchner, is hot on his trail and figuring out more about the escape by the minute. The show will not win any awards for its acting or its writing, but it certainly deserves kudos for consistently putting viewers on the edge of their seats and for constantly keeping us guessing. The cheap thrills did grow old by the end of last season, but after a summer break the show is back into its rhythm. Episode Grade: B-
Vanished: This show is flashy and the visuals are stylish. Vanished kicked off with the same intensity as 24 and is certainly going to be patterned after its 200 mile per hour pace. I hope that the story lines remain believeable and keeps us moving forward at all times. I also hope viewers tune in.
I love a good mystery and this is shaping up to be one hell of a whodunit. Gale Harold from Queer As Folk fame plays the lead FBI investigator and seems to hold his own against the likes of Ming Na (ER) , John Allen Nelson (24), and Rebecca Gayheart (Nip/Tuck). He is a likeable guy with a gory past and a huge chip on his shoulder.
I hate to invest too much time and effort into the show until I see how many people are tuning in, but a head start on the competition and a lead in like Prison Break should help.
Episode Grade: B+
Prison Break: The show picked up right where it left off as promised. The show has the same break neck pace, witty dialogue, and road-block-a-minute twists. It is a fun show, no more and no less. Michael always seems to be a step ahead of the cops, but a new FBI Agent, played by the brilliant William Fitchner, is hot on his trail and figuring out more about the escape by the minute. The show will not win any awards for its acting or its writing, but it certainly deserves kudos for consistently putting viewers on the edge of their seats and for constantly keeping us guessing. The cheap thrills did grow old by the end of last season, but after a summer break the show is back into its rhythm. Episode Grade: B-
Vanished: This show is flashy and the visuals are stylish. Vanished kicked off with the same intensity as 24 and is certainly going to be patterned after its 200 mile per hour pace. I hope that the story lines remain believeable and keeps us moving forward at all times. I also hope viewers tune in.
I love a good mystery and this is shaping up to be one hell of a whodunit. Gale Harold from Queer As Folk fame plays the lead FBI investigator and seems to hold his own against the likes of Ming Na (ER) , John Allen Nelson (24), and Rebecca Gayheart (Nip/Tuck). He is a likeable guy with a gory past and a huge chip on his shoulder.
I hate to invest too much time and effort into the show until I see how many people are tuning in, but a head start on the competition and a lead in like Prison Break should help.
Episode Grade: B+
Monday, August 21, 2006
Fall TV Season Gets Crawling
FOX is the first network offering a slight scratch for that itch all of us tv junkies have been feeling since May. Tonight is the kick off for season 2 of Prison Break followed by the premiere of the show Vanished. We can thank baseball for the early starts as the network wanted to get the audience into the swing of things before the playoffs begin. I will take what I can get.
Unfortunately this is just a small taste of what's to come. No other fall tv shows premiere in August and some will not premiere until as late as the new year (24, Scrubs, Medium)
Prison Break picks up right where it left off; the gang is on the run, they are being chased by Billick, and they all have their own agendas. Each escapee has his own place he prefers to be, but there is the case of 5 million dollars in hidden treasure and they certainly won't completely be able to seperate from one another until the money is found.
Vanished is a FOX drama that centers on the search for Sara Collins. She's the wife of Senator Jeffrey Collins. Sara vanishes and the FBI lead by Agent Graham Kelton is on the job, but before they can find her they need to find out who she really is. The mystery surrounding the disappearance is seen through the eyes of the FBI, members of the family and a reporter trying to get the story of her career. The search for Sara will expose many secrets. Nothing is as it seems.
The story sounds pretty compelling, but if the audience isn't there I expect it to be pulled quickly. Vanished is one of two kidnapping shows this season, the other being the creatively named Kidnapped. I guess kidnapping and disappearance is this years alien show.
I will make sure to post a mini-review tonight after the shows go off the air. I know most of my friends tend to come in on shows pretty late and this will be a nice way to let you guys know whether a show is worth watching. And as you know I haven't steered you wrong before. (Lost, HELLO!)
Also in the coming weeks I will post my MUST WATCH GUIDE to fall TV. I will hold it until a little closer to the hard launch of the season.
OUT
Unfortunately this is just a small taste of what's to come. No other fall tv shows premiere in August and some will not premiere until as late as the new year (24, Scrubs, Medium)
Prison Break picks up right where it left off; the gang is on the run, they are being chased by Billick, and they all have their own agendas. Each escapee has his own place he prefers to be, but there is the case of 5 million dollars in hidden treasure and they certainly won't completely be able to seperate from one another until the money is found.
Vanished is a FOX drama that centers on the search for Sara Collins. She's the wife of Senator Jeffrey Collins. Sara vanishes and the FBI lead by Agent Graham Kelton is on the job, but before they can find her they need to find out who she really is. The mystery surrounding the disappearance is seen through the eyes of the FBI, members of the family and a reporter trying to get the story of her career. The search for Sara will expose many secrets. Nothing is as it seems.
The story sounds pretty compelling, but if the audience isn't there I expect it to be pulled quickly. Vanished is one of two kidnapping shows this season, the other being the creatively named Kidnapped. I guess kidnapping and disappearance is this years alien show.
I will make sure to post a mini-review tonight after the shows go off the air. I know most of my friends tend to come in on shows pretty late and this will be a nice way to let you guys know whether a show is worth watching. And as you know I haven't steered you wrong before. (Lost, HELLO!)
Also in the coming weeks I will post my MUST WATCH GUIDE to fall TV. I will hold it until a little closer to the hard launch of the season.
OUT
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Snake Bitten
Industry experts were expecting Snakes on a Plane to drop in about 25 million over the weekend. It didn't reach that mark, infact after all of the hype and buzz the movie is a bit of a disappointment. But let's not count Snakes out yet.
SoaP managed to teach us a few things about marketing movies and will likely be a benchmark for the way movies are advertised to audiences in the future. In a computer heavy world Snakes hit moviegoers where it counts...on their blogs, on their myspace accounts, and all over the web in general.
Look for movies in the future to try many similar tactics in the coming years...and expect it to work. Granted, the idea didn't work so well for this movie, but lest we forget this was a horror movie featuring snakes. When a good movie can build a 'net buzz like this then it will likely catapult it to another level.
So despite the cheese and the B level production Snakes is a winner for New Line Studios and for movie companys in general.
OUT
SoaP managed to teach us a few things about marketing movies and will likely be a benchmark for the way movies are advertised to audiences in the future. In a computer heavy world Snakes hit moviegoers where it counts...on their blogs, on their myspace accounts, and all over the web in general.
Look for movies in the future to try many similar tactics in the coming years...and expect it to work. Granted, the idea didn't work so well for this movie, but lest we forget this was a horror movie featuring snakes. When a good movie can build a 'net buzz like this then it will likely catapult it to another level.
So despite the cheese and the B level production Snakes is a winner for New Line Studios and for movie companys in general.
OUT
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Rock Star Power Rankings
1. Dilana: Is there any doubt she can front this band now? Her performance with SuperNova was great although she lost a little punch towards the end. Right now she is the odds on favorite to win.
2. Lukas: I moved Lukas up this week thanks to Storm's bad performance and the fact that Lukas is just that good. His version of Hero was really better than the original.
3. Storm: Don't think one bad performance is going to keep her down. She will be back next week, I have no doubt. She seemed like the best singing with SuperNova although they didn't agree.
4. Magni: How did he land in the bottom 3. His voice is amazing, he looks strong in front of the band, and he is clearly an entertainer. Come on guys throw this guys a vote.
5. Ryan: Ryan makes a leap up this week. He continues to improve and impress. 2 encores the last three weeks says it all.
6. Toby: I think Toby is great, but I am tired of his game plan. Change it up a little bit man.
7. Patrice: If Patrice goes home this week then my original prediciton for the final 6 will still be in tact. Bye Patrice!
2. Lukas: I moved Lukas up this week thanks to Storm's bad performance and the fact that Lukas is just that good. His version of Hero was really better than the original.
3. Storm: Don't think one bad performance is going to keep her down. She will be back next week, I have no doubt. She seemed like the best singing with SuperNova although they didn't agree.
4. Magni: How did he land in the bottom 3. His voice is amazing, he looks strong in front of the band, and he is clearly an entertainer. Come on guys throw this guys a vote.
5. Ryan: Ryan makes a leap up this week. He continues to improve and impress. 2 encores the last three weeks says it all.
6. Toby: I think Toby is great, but I am tired of his game plan. Change it up a little bit man.
7. Patrice: If Patrice goes home this week then my original prediciton for the final 6 will still be in tact. Bye Patrice!
Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Headlines
Here are my top 5 headlines from this week.
1. Andy Dick was at the Comedy Central Roast this week and went a little k-9. He began licking several participants on the arms, legs, and face, he bit a journalist, and offered cocaine to another. Sounds to me like Andy is out-of-control. Later that night I heard he tried to lick Matthew McConaughey's butt, but Owen Wilson had already laid claim to it.
2. James Woods has dumped his 20 year old girlfriend. Apparently they attended a funeral together and she was insensitive. I feel bad for the girl. The youngster obviously thought that it was just a practice run for Wood's impending death.
3. The preacher killer woman was released from prison this week. It seems that murdering your husband, running across the stateline to hide, and admitting to it all is not enough to keep the bitch in jail. She was released on a large bond. I said RUNNING TO ANOTHER STATE...guess that isn't enough to be considered a flight risk.
4. NFL wide reciever Koren Robinson was arrested for DWI and felony fleeing the scene today. The guy had been in rehab last summer. He liked it so much that he voluntarily went back last month to refreshen his committment. Apparently no one mentioned that they were serving gin and juice at the meetings.
5. Phonak, the team that biker Floyd Landis rode for has announced that they will shut down at the end of this year citing a lack of sponsorship for next season. What? Was Balco not available for solicitation?
OUT
1. Andy Dick was at the Comedy Central Roast this week and went a little k-9. He began licking several participants on the arms, legs, and face, he bit a journalist, and offered cocaine to another. Sounds to me like Andy is out-of-control. Later that night I heard he tried to lick Matthew McConaughey's butt, but Owen Wilson had already laid claim to it.
2. James Woods has dumped his 20 year old girlfriend. Apparently they attended a funeral together and she was insensitive. I feel bad for the girl. The youngster obviously thought that it was just a practice run for Wood's impending death.
3. The preacher killer woman was released from prison this week. It seems that murdering your husband, running across the stateline to hide, and admitting to it all is not enough to keep the bitch in jail. She was released on a large bond. I said RUNNING TO ANOTHER STATE...guess that isn't enough to be considered a flight risk.
4. NFL wide reciever Koren Robinson was arrested for DWI and felony fleeing the scene today. The guy had been in rehab last summer. He liked it so much that he voluntarily went back last month to refreshen his committment. Apparently no one mentioned that they were serving gin and juice at the meetings.
5. Phonak, the team that biker Floyd Landis rode for has announced that they will shut down at the end of this year citing a lack of sponsorship for next season. What? Was Balco not available for solicitation?
OUT
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