I've been without my computer the past two weeks or so, so when I got it back, I found an e-mail from amazon.com that said it was offering a free Christmas-music song for download every day this month.
Haven't listened to them yet, and Christmas-music isn't really my thing, so I don't know what's all there, but, c'mon, they're free.
And when you download a few of the songs (they've kept all the freebies up since Dec. 1), you can link to the other free songs and sampler albums they have. I just downloaded all I could find-- 98 new songs.
Check 'em out at: http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=pe_32950_10911590_pe_18/?docId=1000314901
I'll also recommend downloading the Amazon MP3 Downloader if you start downloading these tunes. If you have the Downloader and have iTunes open when you download from Amazon, the Amazon MP3 Downloader also transfer the songs automatically to your iTunes library. No pain-in-the-ass file manual transfers.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Friday, December 19, 2008
"Novel Take"
I'm not tryin' to be a hater with two (true) Darth Bush posts in a row, but I like (Pulitzer Prize winner) Leonard Pitt Jr.'s work. He had a great editorial about the Bible a year or so ago-- and also brought my attention the diabolical censorship past of Sarah Palin.
This one grabbed my attention a few days ago where he calls out misguided stupidity:
'Novel take' on tenure of President Bush
Here's another, where he suggests how the Republicans could change strategy:
Don't let fear trump hope
Or another where he talks about the death penalty (and even though I was all for it a decade or so ago, viewpoints like Pitt's have swung me in the other direction since then):
Capital punishment is wrong, unfair
And, finally, a very mature explanation of why it's okay to believe in God:
Making sense of the meaning of life
You may not agree with him, but you have to admit he has a very nice, intelligent way about him that makes it difficult to disagree. And I find him refreshing that he doesn't resort to hatefulness when he's making his point. When one speaks of politics, race, and religion as he does, it's a tough-- but possible-- goal to not be overly mean.
Check out some of his other past columns at The Miami Herald
This one grabbed my attention a few days ago where he calls out misguided stupidity:
'Novel take' on tenure of President Bush
Here's another, where he suggests how the Republicans could change strategy:
Don't let fear trump hope
Or another where he talks about the death penalty (and even though I was all for it a decade or so ago, viewpoints like Pitt's have swung me in the other direction since then):
Capital punishment is wrong, unfair
And, finally, a very mature explanation of why it's okay to believe in God:
Making sense of the meaning of life
You may not agree with him, but you have to admit he has a very nice, intelligent way about him that makes it difficult to disagree. And I find him refreshing that he doesn't resort to hatefulness when he's making his point. When one speaks of politics, race, and religion as he does, it's a tough-- but possible-- goal to not be overly mean.
Check out some of his other past columns at The Miami Herald
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Premieres and Notables; December 15-21, 2008
Still no home computer, so this'll be another quick one without the usual wise-ass comments. (I know: boo hoo.)
Monday, 12/15
Cat Dancers; HBO. 7 pm. Special.
A documentary about the three tiger and leopard tamers that were mauled by one of their charges a decade ago.
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (FOX; 7 pm). Mid-season finale.
Intervention; A&E. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Tuesday, 12/16
Biggest Loser: Families (NBC; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Blush (Lifetime; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Momma's Boys; NBC. 9 pm. Series premiere.
Three sons look for love (or an easy lay) in this dating reality show. But wait! There's more: the three men's moms live with the ladies in the house.
Breaking the Huddle; HBO. 9 pm. Special.
A documentary about the civil rights movement on college football.
And a Tuesday note: I've finally started watching this season's Eli Stone, and I have to recommend it. It's not always the most comedic or dramatic, but I love the sense that this character is a "prophet" (which religion? doesn't matter). It's a crime a show this unique and with this wonderful belief that one man can change the world got the ax. Watch it while you can on ABC at 9 pm.
Wednesday, 12/17
A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa; NBC. 7 pm. Special.
Stylista (The CW; 8 pm). Season Finale.
Parking Wars (A&E; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Sunday, 12/21
Brotherhood (Showtime; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Skins (BBC America; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Monday, 12/15
Cat Dancers; HBO. 7 pm. Special.
A documentary about the three tiger and leopard tamers that were mauled by one of their charges a decade ago.
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (FOX; 7 pm). Mid-season finale.
Intervention; A&E. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
Tuesday, 12/16
Biggest Loser: Families (NBC; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Blush (Lifetime; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Momma's Boys; NBC. 9 pm. Series premiere.
Three sons look for love (or an easy lay) in this dating reality show. But wait! There's more: the three men's moms live with the ladies in the house.
Breaking the Huddle; HBO. 9 pm. Special.
A documentary about the civil rights movement on college football.
And a Tuesday note: I've finally started watching this season's Eli Stone, and I have to recommend it. It's not always the most comedic or dramatic, but I love the sense that this character is a "prophet" (which religion? doesn't matter). It's a crime a show this unique and with this wonderful belief that one man can change the world got the ax. Watch it while you can on ABC at 9 pm.
Wednesday, 12/17
A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa; NBC. 7 pm. Special.
Stylista (The CW; 8 pm). Season Finale.
Parking Wars (A&E; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Sunday, 12/21
Brotherhood (Showtime; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Skins (BBC America; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
NBC's Big Move
Probably old news for most of you-- but I'm trying to keep people up to date.
If you didn't know, Jay Leno was supposed to be "bumped" from The Tonight Show next year because Conan O'Brien was already promised the job. Then, when Jay's ratings stayed high, and he didn't show signs of being ready to leave, NBC had a problem on its hands. ABC and most other major and minor networks were all chomping at the bit to land him because Jay had nowhere to go on NBC. And NBC didn't want to lose the long-time king of late night.
So NBC thought outside the box and gave Jay a nightly TV show at the 10 pm (9 pm for us CST people).
It's a bold move for a network as they're taking out an entire five hours of "regular" programming from its prime time schedule, but NBC has been trying to think outside the block for the last two years (remember the "no scripted programming in the first hour of prime time" idea that seems to have been forgotten?).
Looks like NBC (and I'm sure Jay as well) made out well. NBC has big holes in its schedule, and they'll get worse once ER signs off. And now they've got a proven player (albeit a "late night" one) that will produce a show that will ultimately end up cheaper than what NBC was putting on before.
It remains to be seen if Letterman will gain some ground without Jay as competition or whether Conan will hold on to the viewers.
It also remains to be seen how long this "experiment" lasts. If ratings go south, will they pull back a night or three? What will NBC air when there aren't new episodes? How about when NBC makes a large block for original programming like the three-hour Heroes premiere this season?
I'm sure NBC has thought about it, but, as usual, they remain tight-lipped.
If you didn't know, Jay Leno was supposed to be "bumped" from The Tonight Show next year because Conan O'Brien was already promised the job. Then, when Jay's ratings stayed high, and he didn't show signs of being ready to leave, NBC had a problem on its hands. ABC and most other major and minor networks were all chomping at the bit to land him because Jay had nowhere to go on NBC. And NBC didn't want to lose the long-time king of late night.
So NBC thought outside the box and gave Jay a nightly TV show at the 10 pm (9 pm for us CST people).
It's a bold move for a network as they're taking out an entire five hours of "regular" programming from its prime time schedule, but NBC has been trying to think outside the block for the last two years (remember the "no scripted programming in the first hour of prime time" idea that seems to have been forgotten?).
Looks like NBC (and I'm sure Jay as well) made out well. NBC has big holes in its schedule, and they'll get worse once ER signs off. And now they've got a proven player (albeit a "late night" one) that will produce a show that will ultimately end up cheaper than what NBC was putting on before.
It remains to be seen if Letterman will gain some ground without Jay as competition or whether Conan will hold on to the viewers.
It also remains to be seen how long this "experiment" lasts. If ratings go south, will they pull back a night or three? What will NBC air when there aren't new episodes? How about when NBC makes a large block for original programming like the three-hour Heroes premiere this season?
I'm sure NBC has thought about it, but, as usual, they remain tight-lipped.
Monday, December 08, 2008
Premieres and Notables, December 8-14, 2008
Quick and dirty post this week (and probably the next few)... Computer took a dive, so I'm stuck on public computers-- yay!
Monday, 12/8
Boston Legal (ABC; 8 pm). Series Finale.
Top Gear; BBC America. 7 pm. Season Premiere.
Tuesday, 12/9
Manhunters: Fugitive Task Force; A&E. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Thursday, 12/10
Sarah Silverman Program (Comedy Central; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Friday, 12/12
Starter Wife (USA; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Saturday, 12/13
The Greatest Game Ever Played; ESPN. 8 pm. Special.
A special reairing of the classic 1958 matchup between the Colts and the football Giants.
Sunday, 12/14
Survivor: Gabon (CBS; 7 pm). Season Finale
Dexter (Showtime; 8 pm). Season Finale.
Californication (Showtime; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Monday, 12/8
Boston Legal (ABC; 8 pm). Series Finale.
Top Gear; BBC America. 7 pm. Season Premiere.
Tuesday, 12/9
Manhunters: Fugitive Task Force; A&E. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Thursday, 12/10
Sarah Silverman Program (Comedy Central; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Friday, 12/12
Starter Wife (USA; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Saturday, 12/13
The Greatest Game Ever Played; ESPN. 8 pm. Special.
A special reairing of the classic 1958 matchup between the Colts and the football Giants.
Sunday, 12/14
Survivor: Gabon (CBS; 7 pm). Season Finale
Dexter (Showtime; 8 pm). Season Finale.
Californication (Showtime; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Tuesday, December 02, 2008
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Premieres and Notables; December 1-7, 2008
Tuesday, 12/2
According to Jim; ABC. 8 & 8:30 pm CST. 8th Season Premiere.
Yep, you heard me...
Bad Girls Club; Oxygen. 9 pm. 3rd Season Premiere.
Party Monsters: Cabo; E! 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Party Planners compete to put on events for people like P Diddy (or is it just Diddy now?) and Carmen Electra.
Shatner's Raw Nerve; Bio. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Wild Bill Shatner gets his own chatfest. In the premiere, he grills Valerie Bertinelli. I'm not too excited, but I like Val-- and you never know if Shatner will "lose it" at some point.
Wednesday, 12/3
Secret Millionaire; ABC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
A British import/"reimagining" that finds one wealthy American every week sent to a struggling town to give money to deserving locals.
Spectacle: Elvis Costello With... Sundance. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Tonight he talks to Elton John. In the future, he talks to The Police, Bill Clinton, and Tony Bennett.
Wednesday, 12/3
Man v. Food; Travel. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Host Adam Richman pounds down 2-lb hamburgers and Reubens-- and describes the eateries he pounds them down in.
Tyler Perry's House of Payne; TBS. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Thursday, 12/4
On My Name is Earl (NBC; 7 pm), Earl and Randy host a children's story time at the library. The stories they choose come from the police blotter.
Barbara Walters Special; ABC. 9:01. Special
Once again, Ba-Ba reinvents the word "interesting". Someone get that woman a dictionary!
The list: Will Smith, Miley Cyrus, Tina Fey, Tom Cruise, Rush Limbaugh, Frank Langella, Michael Phelps, and Sarah Palin.
Friday, 12/5
Merry Christmas, Drake & Josh; Nickelodeon. 7 pm. Movie.
Sunday, 12/7
The Librarian: The Curse of the Judas Chalice; TNT. 7 pm. Movie.
That title actually sounds cool. I doubt the product holds a candle to it, though. Noah Wylie returns as the titular librarian; this time he goes on an adventure that combines Dracula and a chalice made from Judas' 30 pieces of silver.
House of Saddam; HBO. 8 pm. 2-part mini-series.
Two hours tonight and two hours next Sunday of this drama dives into the private and public life of the scumbag who doesn't even need a last name for us to know who he is.
Leverage; TNT. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Timothy Hutton stars in this show about some less-than-legal-method people who mess with high-falutin' rich people, Robin Hood style.
According to Jim; ABC. 8 & 8:30 pm CST. 8th Season Premiere.
Yep, you heard me...
Bad Girls Club; Oxygen. 9 pm. 3rd Season Premiere.
Party Monsters: Cabo; E! 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Party Planners compete to put on events for people like P Diddy (or is it just Diddy now?) and Carmen Electra.
Shatner's Raw Nerve; Bio. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Wild Bill Shatner gets his own chatfest. In the premiere, he grills Valerie Bertinelli. I'm not too excited, but I like Val-- and you never know if Shatner will "lose it" at some point.
Wednesday, 12/3
Secret Millionaire; ABC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
A British import/"reimagining" that finds one wealthy American every week sent to a struggling town to give money to deserving locals.
Spectacle: Elvis Costello With... Sundance. 8 pm. Series Premiere.
Tonight he talks to Elton John. In the future, he talks to The Police, Bill Clinton, and Tony Bennett.
Wednesday, 12/3
Man v. Food; Travel. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Host Adam Richman pounds down 2-lb hamburgers and Reubens-- and describes the eateries he pounds them down in.
Tyler Perry's House of Payne; TBS. 9 pm. Season Premiere.
Thursday, 12/4
On My Name is Earl (NBC; 7 pm), Earl and Randy host a children's story time at the library. The stories they choose come from the police blotter.
Barbara Walters Special; ABC. 9:01. Special
Once again, Ba-Ba reinvents the word "interesting". Someone get that woman a dictionary!
The list: Will Smith, Miley Cyrus, Tina Fey, Tom Cruise, Rush Limbaugh, Frank Langella, Michael Phelps, and Sarah Palin.
Friday, 12/5
Merry Christmas, Drake & Josh; Nickelodeon. 7 pm. Movie.
Sunday, 12/7
The Librarian: The Curse of the Judas Chalice; TNT. 7 pm. Movie.
That title actually sounds cool. I doubt the product holds a candle to it, though. Noah Wylie returns as the titular librarian; this time he goes on an adventure that combines Dracula and a chalice made from Judas' 30 pieces of silver.
House of Saddam; HBO. 8 pm. 2-part mini-series.
Two hours tonight and two hours next Sunday of this drama dives into the private and public life of the scumbag who doesn't even need a last name for us to know who he is.
Leverage; TNT. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Timothy Hutton stars in this show about some less-than-legal-method people who mess with high-falutin' rich people, Robin Hood style.
ONIONy Goodness
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
50 Reasons to Have Sex
If you watched last night's "The Naked Man" episode of How I Met Your Mother (and why wouldn't you have-- I only mention the show damn near every week), you experienced one possible reason to have sex: because the naked man in your house was there, and you were impressed by his confidence/humor or just thought "Why not?"
As you also saw, Lily and her friends tried to come up with 50 other reasons to have sex. Barney offered "Because your condoms are close to expiring," while Ted came up with "Wingman diving on the friend grenade."
But we only saw about a dozen of the reasons on the show.
If you want to Lily's complete list, check it out at this link:
http://www.tvguide.com/Includes/newsletter-images/blog-images/50_Reasons_1.gif
And for crying out loud, check out this show if you haven't yet. It gets better by the week.
As you also saw, Lily and her friends tried to come up with 50 other reasons to have sex. Barney offered "Because your condoms are close to expiring," while Ted came up with "Wingman diving on the friend grenade."
But we only saw about a dozen of the reasons on the show.
If you want to Lily's complete list, check it out at this link:
http://www.tvguide.com/Includes/newsletter-images/blog-images/50_Reasons_1.gif
And for crying out loud, check out this show if you haven't yet. It gets better by the week.
Almost a Heartbeat Away From the Presidency
There are so many things to dislike about Sarah Palin's politics, but you gotta give her some applause for the comedy she brings to situations.
Suffer through the blah blah blah of the first half-- but at the 2 minute 30 second mark, this gets pretty funny.
Suffer through the blah blah blah of the first half-- but at the 2 minute 30 second mark, this gets pretty funny.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Premieres and Notables; November 24-30, 2008
Before I get to the listings, let me mention that you should take the opportunity to catch the E! show The Soup from this past Friday. It was f-ing hilarious. It had a great fake interview with Miley Cyrus ("It's Miley!"), a kiss-ass shot at Madonna (been thinking the same thing for years), a brutal little The View rip, the usual blast at Tyra, Alec Baldwin calling out a stupid-ass reporter from a piece of shit TV show, a shout-out on The Price is Right, and the "Kick Ass Clip of the Week" made me say "Holy Shit!" in its awesomeness. All that and much, much more.
Because I liked it so much, I looked them up and here are the upcoming repeats; all on E!:
Sunday: 1 am, 9:30 am, 10 pm
Monday: 2:30 am, 8:30 am, 5 pm, 11:30 pm
Tuesday: 10 am
Do yourself a favor: laugh your ass off. And then on Thursday, when your family all goes around the table and says what they're thankful for, say "All the jackasses in the world that give Joel McHale so much to make fun of."
Okay; the listings:
Monday, 11/24
On How I Met Your Mother (CBS; 7:30 CST), something happens which involves sitting naked on a date's couch. It should be great.
I won't spoil it by saying what happens (I don't have details, but I know a plot point), but I will say to tune into Prison Break (FOX; 8 pm CST) where something big happens.
And Sam and Melanie finally get hitched on Worst Week (CBS; 8:30). Wouldn't be weird if everything went well?
Tuesday, 11/25
Dancing With the Stars (ABC; 8 pm). Season Finale.
The Real Housewives of Orange County; Bravo. 9 pm. 4th Season Premiere.
The Shield (FX; 9 pm). Series Finale.
The show that made FX what it is today bows out. And I've read it's a very good episode.
I've been pretty disappointed in the latest season of Moral Orel, but tonight [adult swim] (Cartoon Network) airs the best episode ever (and one of the funniest of any show I've ever seen) at 11:15-11:30 tonight. This first-season episode focuses on "Waste". I won't go into it because that would ruin the jaw-dropping realization of what Orel will do this episode. Not for people with weak stomachs; but if you can handle it, your stomach will hurt from laughing so hard..
Wednesday, 11/26
Rosie Live; NBC. 7 pm. Series Preview.
A sneak peek at Rosie O'Donnell's upcoming variety show.
Oh, the humanity...
World Magic Awards; MyNetworkTV. 7 pm. Special.
I normally wouldn't mention this type of thing, but this awards show is hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, so it might be worth recording and FFing through anything NPH is not onscreen for.
Sons of Anarchy (FX; 9 pm). Season Finale.
I only got through the pilot, so I hope FX has something waiting in the wings to pick up where The Shield left off. (Because SoA is not it.)
Sunday, 11/30
Snoop Dogg's Father Hood; E!. 9:30. Season Premiere.
Because I liked it so much, I looked them up and here are the upcoming repeats; all on E!:
Sunday: 1 am, 9:30 am, 10 pm
Monday: 2:30 am, 8:30 am, 5 pm, 11:30 pm
Tuesday: 10 am
Do yourself a favor: laugh your ass off. And then on Thursday, when your family all goes around the table and says what they're thankful for, say "All the jackasses in the world that give Joel McHale so much to make fun of."
Okay; the listings:
Monday, 11/24
On How I Met Your Mother (CBS; 7:30 CST), something happens which involves sitting naked on a date's couch. It should be great.
I won't spoil it by saying what happens (I don't have details, but I know a plot point), but I will say to tune into Prison Break (FOX; 8 pm CST) where something big happens.
And Sam and Melanie finally get hitched on Worst Week (CBS; 8:30). Wouldn't be weird if everything went well?
Tuesday, 11/25
Dancing With the Stars (ABC; 8 pm). Season Finale.
The Real Housewives of Orange County; Bravo. 9 pm. 4th Season Premiere.
The Shield (FX; 9 pm). Series Finale.
The show that made FX what it is today bows out. And I've read it's a very good episode.
I've been pretty disappointed in the latest season of Moral Orel, but tonight [adult swim] (Cartoon Network) airs the best episode ever (and one of the funniest of any show I've ever seen) at 11:15-11:30 tonight. This first-season episode focuses on "Waste". I won't go into it because that would ruin the jaw-dropping realization of what Orel will do this episode. Not for people with weak stomachs; but if you can handle it, your stomach will hurt from laughing so hard..
Wednesday, 11/26
Rosie Live; NBC. 7 pm. Series Preview.
A sneak peek at Rosie O'Donnell's upcoming variety show.
Oh, the humanity...
World Magic Awards; MyNetworkTV. 7 pm. Special.
I normally wouldn't mention this type of thing, but this awards show is hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, so it might be worth recording and FFing through anything NPH is not onscreen for.
Sons of Anarchy (FX; 9 pm). Season Finale.
I only got through the pilot, so I hope FX has something waiting in the wings to pick up where The Shield left off. (Because SoA is not it.)
Sunday, 11/30
Snoop Dogg's Father Hood; E!. 9:30. Season Premiere.
There Is No God
Proof?
NBC gives Knight Rider and Kath & Kim full-season orders, and ABC decides to not let Pushing Daisies, Dirty Sexy Money, and Eli Stone produce any more than the thirteen episodes they already ordered.
That doesn't mean you may as well stop watching any of the shows; but now you have to just enjoy what you'll get because they'll be done soon.
(Pushing Daisies will be looking to continue its adventures in comic book form if a deal can be struck.)
NBC gives Knight Rider and Kath & Kim full-season orders, and ABC decides to not let Pushing Daisies, Dirty Sexy Money, and Eli Stone produce any more than the thirteen episodes they already ordered.
That doesn't mean you may as well stop watching any of the shows; but now you have to just enjoy what you'll get because they'll be done soon.
(Pushing Daisies will be looking to continue its adventures in comic book form if a deal can be struck.)
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Premieres and Notables; November 17-23, 2008
Monday, 11/17
On How I Met Your Mother (CBS; 7: 30 pm CST), Robin joins a group of party girls led by Jamie-Lynn Sigler (who, I hope, doesn't have to perform any sexual favors in this guest role-- as opposed to her recent Entourage appearance. --Don't get excited, it was off-camera.)
CSI: Miami (CBS; 9 pm CST) airs its 150th episode.
Tuesday, 11/18
Brother to Brutha; BET. 9:30 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Five half-brothers from South Central L.A. try to break into the music biz.
Wednesday, 11/19
The IFC Media Project; IFC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Host Gideon Yago promises "the truth behind the news", but the review I read said he didn't do a very good job.
America's Next Top Model (CW; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Jason Alexander plays this week's killer on Criminal Minds (CBS; 8 pm).
CSI: NY (CBS; 9 pm) airs its 100th episode.
Thursday, 11/20
Chloe and Jimmy get married on Smallville (CW; 7 pm).
Someone made a mess in the microwave on The Office (NBC; 8 pm), which is good news to me as the worst-sounding plots end up with the greatest episodes of this show. (And this show needs to start having great episodes this year.)
Dean tells Sam what happened during his time in Hell on Supernatural (CW; 8 pm). [Sounds cool. I have to start watching that show. Time to break out the tapes I've recorded this show on...]
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Cool Tools; DIY. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
The Sarah Silverman Program (Comedy Central; 9:30). Season Finale.
Sunday, 11/23
24: Redemption; FOX. 7 pm. Movie.
A 2-hr movie that bridges Season 6 (which ended 18 months ago) and the upcoming Season 7.
True Blood (HBO; 8 pm). Season Finale.
Entourage (HBO; 9 pm). Season Finale.
The boys travel back to their hometown of NYC.
A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All; Comedy Central. 9 pm. Special.
Stephen Colbert welcomes Elvis Costello, Jon Stewart, and Willie Nelson in this Christmas spectacular.
The Drinky Crow Show; [adult swim]/Cartoon Network. 11:15 pm. Series Premiere.
Based on the Sock Monkey comic book series, but featuring Drinky, a crow that gets blitzed at all opportunities. I watched the pilot a year or so ago, and it would probably help to be drunk yourself when you watched this.
On How I Met Your Mother (CBS; 7: 30 pm CST), Robin joins a group of party girls led by Jamie-Lynn Sigler (who, I hope, doesn't have to perform any sexual favors in this guest role-- as opposed to her recent Entourage appearance. --Don't get excited, it was off-camera.)
CSI: Miami (CBS; 9 pm CST) airs its 150th episode.
Tuesday, 11/18
Brother to Brutha; BET. 9:30 pm CST. Series Premiere.
Five half-brothers from South Central L.A. try to break into the music biz.
Wednesday, 11/19
The IFC Media Project; IFC. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
Host Gideon Yago promises "the truth behind the news", but the review I read said he didn't do a very good job.
America's Next Top Model (CW; 7 pm). Season Finale.
Jason Alexander plays this week's killer on Criminal Minds (CBS; 8 pm).
CSI: NY (CBS; 9 pm) airs its 100th episode.
Thursday, 11/20
Chloe and Jimmy get married on Smallville (CW; 7 pm).
Someone made a mess in the microwave on The Office (NBC; 8 pm), which is good news to me as the worst-sounding plots end up with the greatest episodes of this show. (And this show needs to start having great episodes this year.)
Dean tells Sam what happened during his time in Hell on Supernatural (CW; 8 pm). [Sounds cool. I have to start watching that show. Time to break out the tapes I've recorded this show on...]
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Cool Tools; DIY. 8 pm. Season Premiere.
The Sarah Silverman Program (Comedy Central; 9:30). Season Finale.
Sunday, 11/23
24: Redemption; FOX. 7 pm. Movie.
A 2-hr movie that bridges Season 6 (which ended 18 months ago) and the upcoming Season 7.
True Blood (HBO; 8 pm). Season Finale.
Entourage (HBO; 9 pm). Season Finale.
The boys travel back to their hometown of NYC.
A Colbert Christmas: The Greatest Gift of All; Comedy Central. 9 pm. Special.
Stephen Colbert welcomes Elvis Costello, Jon Stewart, and Willie Nelson in this Christmas spectacular.
The Drinky Crow Show; [adult swim]/Cartoon Network. 11:15 pm. Series Premiere.
Based on the Sock Monkey comic book series, but featuring Drinky, a crow that gets blitzed at all opportunities. I watched the pilot a year or so ago, and it would probably help to be drunk yourself when you watched this.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Near Mid-Season TV Show Update
Well, we're at that time of year, just before the Holidays that the networks start maneuvering their schedules. Dropping some, ordering more scripts for others, moving timeslots.
So far, the causalities are: Do Not Disturb, The Ex List, and Opportunity Knocks.
Shows which have stopped production and may never air again: Valentine, Easy Money, My Own Worst Enemy, and Lipstick Jungle.
Shows which have been given a full-season order: 90210 (no big surprise), Fringe, Knight Rider (wow-- I've heard it was crap), Kath & Kim (for real! One of the worst shows I've ever sat through), Life, The Mentalist, Private Practice (although I haven't read a review or a viewer comment that likes this show), and Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles.
Shows TV Guide says are "on the bubble": Crusoe (although it was intended on being a close-ended, 13 ep series), Prison Break (my guess is they end it next spring), Dirty Sexy Money (I bet they give it a full season and then not bring it back next season), Eli Stone (the same, runs this season; doesn't come back), Gary Unmarried (I doubt it makes it until May), Privileged (I think they keep it this season), Pushing Daisies (as much of a crime as it would be, I don't think it lasts the whole season), and Worst Week (I think it makes it through the season, but I could see it moving into Gary's spot).
Current shows I'm giving shout-outs to: How I Met Your Mother (CBS Monday; 7:30 pm)-- brilliant and hilarious, Phineas and Ferb (Disney Channel; multiple times each day)-- amazingly creative and works for children and adults, Big Bang Theory (CBS Monday; 7 pm)-- Jim Parsons is amazing, Desperate Housewives (ABC Sunday; 8 pm)-- stale show given new life with a five-year time jump, Family Guy (FOX Sunday; 8 pm)-- still hardly any plot, but funny again, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX Thursday; 9 pm)-- a little spotty, but very very funny when it's "on", and The Soup (E! Friday; 9 pm)-- hilarious .
All the above get my highest recommendation.
So far, the causalities are: Do Not Disturb, The Ex List, and Opportunity Knocks.
Shows which have stopped production and may never air again: Valentine, Easy Money, My Own Worst Enemy, and Lipstick Jungle.
Shows which have been given a full-season order: 90210 (no big surprise), Fringe, Knight Rider (wow-- I've heard it was crap), Kath & Kim (for real! One of the worst shows I've ever sat through), Life, The Mentalist, Private Practice (although I haven't read a review or a viewer comment that likes this show), and Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles.
Shows TV Guide says are "on the bubble": Crusoe (although it was intended on being a close-ended, 13 ep series), Prison Break (my guess is they end it next spring), Dirty Sexy Money (I bet they give it a full season and then not bring it back next season), Eli Stone (the same, runs this season; doesn't come back), Gary Unmarried (I doubt it makes it until May), Privileged (I think they keep it this season), Pushing Daisies (as much of a crime as it would be, I don't think it lasts the whole season), and Worst Week (I think it makes it through the season, but I could see it moving into Gary's spot).
Current shows I'm giving shout-outs to: How I Met Your Mother (CBS Monday; 7:30 pm)-- brilliant and hilarious, Phineas and Ferb (Disney Channel; multiple times each day)-- amazingly creative and works for children and adults, Big Bang Theory (CBS Monday; 7 pm)-- Jim Parsons is amazing, Desperate Housewives (ABC Sunday; 8 pm)-- stale show given new life with a five-year time jump, Family Guy (FOX Sunday; 8 pm)-- still hardly any plot, but funny again, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia (FX Thursday; 9 pm)-- a little spotty, but very very funny when it's "on", and The Soup (E! Friday; 9 pm)-- hilarious .
All the above get my highest recommendation.
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Premieres and Notables; November 10-16, 2008
Monday, 11/10
We've had two team members perish the past two episodes of Prison Break (FOX; 8 pm CST). Are there more going to follow? Probably, but doesn't sound like it this ep as it focuses on Michael and his ever-worsening condition.
And How I Met Your Mother (CBS; 7:30 CST) has been fantastic of late. Now's a good jumping-on point. Stella just left Ted and ran back to her ex. Last week, Ted realized that she was happy, so he had to move on. Sounds serious, and it is. But this show can mine comedy from anything-- and it does.
We've had two team members perish the past two episodes of Prison Break (FOX; 8 pm CST). Are there more going to follow? Probably, but doesn't sound like it this ep as it focuses on Michael and his ever-worsening condition.
And How I Met Your Mother (CBS; 7:30 CST) has been fantastic of late. Now's a good jumping-on point. Stella just left Ted and ran back to her ex. Last week, Ted realized that she was happy, so he had to move on. Sounds serious, and it is. But this show can mine comedy from anything-- and it does.
Tuesday, 11/11
Lincoln Heights (ABC Family; 7 & 8 pm). Season Finale.
Cha$e; Sci Fi. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Reality competition where contestants try to avoid "hunters" with virtual weaponry.
Extreme Trains; History. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
A look at the world's largest engines.
Rick & Steve: The Happiest Gay Couple in the World; Logo. 9 pm. 2nd Season Premiere.
Deliver Me; Discovery Health. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
A show about pregnancy complications. Surely, it'll be the feel-good show of the year.
Blush: The Search for the Next Great Makeup Artist; Lifetime. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
I'd say "We may have hit the bottom of the barrel," but I'm sure something will go even lower next week.
espn.com premieres Kenny Mayne's new web show Mayne Street today. I don't watch espn, but I do make sure I tune in to Mayne's hilarious short "news pieces" on NFL Countdown. This cat is funny; whether you like sports or not.
Wednesday, 11/12
Top Chef: New York; Bravo. 9 pm. 5th Season Premiere.
Human Wrecking Balls; G4. 9:30. Series Premiere.
Two martial artist brothers break stuff. They dismantle a car with their bare hands in the premiere.
Thursday, 11/13
Did you notice how much funnier The Office (NBC; 8 pm) was last week than in previous weeks? That's because it was directed by co-creator Stephen Merchant.
30 Rock (NBC; 8:30) welcomes guest star Jennifer Aniston. I'm not all that excited, but everyone else in the world seems to be.
On It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, the gang decides to do an extreme home makeover for a new neighbor.
Anthony Edwards guest stars on ER (NBC; 9 pm). Isn't his character dead? Yes he is, but they found a good way to bring him back for this single episode.
Plastic Makes Perfect; Fine Living. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
Does cosmetic surgery make people happier and more successful? This show looks to answer that question.
Friday, 11/14
Batman: The Brave and the Bold; Cartoon Network. 7 pm. Series Premiere.
A "lighter", more kid-friendly, Batman teams up with another hero each week to defeat the villains (just as in the old Brave and the Bold comic book).
And I need to point out that last week's new episode of Phineas & Ferb (Disney Channel; 7:30 pm-- or three or four times throughout the day, every day) was hilarious and filled with all sorts of inside jokes for viewers who have seen a number of episodes. If you have kids, this is mandatory viewing. If you don't, it's still worth checking out.
Saturday, 11/15
TBS airs the classic How the Grinch Stole Christmas (6:30 pm)
Ricky Gervais: Out of England; HBO. 8 pm. Special.
The Office and Extras co-creator/star brings his stand-up show to HBO. I've heard some griping that his act is the same show to show, but I've never seen him do stand-up before, so it'll be new for me.
Arab Labor; Link TV. 9 pm. Series Premiere.
A sitcom about an Israeli-Palestinian journalist working in Israel.
Sunday, 11/16
Sound Revolution; Smithsonian. 7 pm. Mini-Series.
Six-part look at the birth of the blues hosted by Morgan Freeman.
Chef Jeff Project (Food Network; 9 pm). Season Finale.
Robot Chicken (adult swim/Cartoon Network; 10:30) does its second Star Wars special. The first was pretty good, and even got some voice work (and blessing) from George Lucas. This one has Billy Dee Williams pitching in.
Thursday, November 06, 2008
Post-Election Thoughts
First off, I'm shocked that Prop 8 passed-- although I'm not heartbroken because it was by a slim margin. I thought if any state had a more enlightened populace, it would be California's. Interestingly, the minorities that Obama's people pushed to "get out the vote" for him were the ones that helped Prop 8 pass.
It's times like this that make me wish I had pursued a sociology degree because I find it very interesting that white voters were split on the issue, but African Americans and Latinos were in favor of it. On first thought, you'd have to think those two minorities would be more sympathetic to those being prejudiced against. On the other, much more cynical, hand, I wonder if a small part was the fact that they may have wanted same-sex couples to be discriminated against to take some of the heat off them.
But the big excuse is probably stereotypical: Latinos are predominantly Catholic, and we all know how intolerant the high-level muckety-mucks in that organization are. As for African Americans; well, there have been some people who have proposed that they are more homophobic than other people. I know it's not true of all people, but there are enough that it's become a bit of a stereotype.
The good news is: we as a people are heading in the right direction. California had a similar proposition in 2000, and the vote passed with over 60% in favor.
And there's always the possibility that the courts will step in and declare a ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional again. I'm all for democracy, but if we learned anything in the 2000 & 2004 Presidential Elections, the people are not always right.
On to the other vote I was following: the Minnesota Senatoral race between Norm Coleman and Al Franken. Yes, that Al Franken; the guy from Saturday Night Live. I've read all of Franken's books, and they have increasingly become more political. I give him props for putting his money where his mouth is and running against a tough opponent. Sure, Franken's running in honor of Paul Wellstone-- and against Norm Coleman, who has become his nemesis the past few years-- but I also think he can bring some new ideas to the Senate.
Unfortunately, he's trailing. From somewhere between 500 and 1000 votes, depending on how many more votes have been counted that hour. Both candidates have 1.2 million votes and change. We are talking a difference of one-half of one-half percent. The closest major election in Minnesota history. Absolutely insane. A recount is in the works, and I've read that most players don't think this will end without the courts getting involved somehow.
One little tidbit more about the race: A big shout out to St. Louis County, who voted in favor of Franken more than any other county in the state (according to the stats compiled by the Star Tribune ). Being born and raised in that area, it makes my heart warm to see "my people" vote as I would have if I didn't live in Wisconsin now.
And finally, did you ever imagine that a person of color would be president five years ago? It's mind boggling. Part of it was because I knew there is still just too much prejudice out there and part of it was there's never really been a candidate of color that could talk without rhyming, which when used too much, is about as credible as a candidate rapping.
But the thing is, I think Obama was the best choice for someone who could lead the people and the country out of the mess that President Shitforbrains has gotten us into in his too-long tenure. You may not like Obama's politics, but I think he's qualified to inspire us as well as mend some fences our Nimrod-in-Chief has demolished in his eight years.
As for our current president: don't count him out yet. He's still got a solid two months where he can [f-bomb] up something bigtime. I think the odds he'll blow another opportunity is about even because I imagine his people will do everything they can to keep him away from dangerous things like Iran, South Korea, the economy, butter knives...
And the absolute best thing about the vote: we don't have to hear about a damn race anymore. Is it me, or is two freaking years a bit too long to run for a job you'll hold for only four years (maybe eight, but you've got to sell yourself again for a second term)?
It's times like this that make me wish I had pursued a sociology degree because I find it very interesting that white voters were split on the issue, but African Americans and Latinos were in favor of it. On first thought, you'd have to think those two minorities would be more sympathetic to those being prejudiced against. On the other, much more cynical, hand, I wonder if a small part was the fact that they may have wanted same-sex couples to be discriminated against to take some of the heat off them.
But the big excuse is probably stereotypical: Latinos are predominantly Catholic, and we all know how intolerant the high-level muckety-mucks in that organization are. As for African Americans; well, there have been some people who have proposed that they are more homophobic than other people. I know it's not true of all people, but there are enough that it's become a bit of a stereotype.
The good news is: we as a people are heading in the right direction. California had a similar proposition in 2000, and the vote passed with over 60% in favor.
And there's always the possibility that the courts will step in and declare a ban on same-sex marriage unconstitutional again. I'm all for democracy, but if we learned anything in the 2000 & 2004 Presidential Elections, the people are not always right.
On to the other vote I was following: the Minnesota Senatoral race between Norm Coleman and Al Franken. Yes, that Al Franken; the guy from Saturday Night Live. I've read all of Franken's books, and they have increasingly become more political. I give him props for putting his money where his mouth is and running against a tough opponent. Sure, Franken's running in honor of Paul Wellstone-- and against Norm Coleman, who has become his nemesis the past few years-- but I also think he can bring some new ideas to the Senate.
Unfortunately, he's trailing. From somewhere between 500 and 1000 votes, depending on how many more votes have been counted that hour. Both candidates have 1.2 million votes and change. We are talking a difference of one-half of one-half percent. The closest major election in Minnesota history. Absolutely insane. A recount is in the works, and I've read that most players don't think this will end without the courts getting involved somehow.
One little tidbit more about the race: A big shout out to St. Louis County, who voted in favor of Franken more than any other county in the state (according to the stats compiled by the Star Tribune ). Being born and raised in that area, it makes my heart warm to see "my people" vote as I would have if I didn't live in Wisconsin now.
And finally, did you ever imagine that a person of color would be president five years ago? It's mind boggling. Part of it was because I knew there is still just too much prejudice out there and part of it was there's never really been a candidate of color that could talk without rhyming, which when used too much, is about as credible as a candidate rapping.
But the thing is, I think Obama was the best choice for someone who could lead the people and the country out of the mess that President Shitforbrains has gotten us into in his too-long tenure. You may not like Obama's politics, but I think he's qualified to inspire us as well as mend some fences our Nimrod-in-Chief has demolished in his eight years.
As for our current president: don't count him out yet. He's still got a solid two months where he can [f-bomb] up something bigtime. I think the odds he'll blow another opportunity is about even because I imagine his people will do everything they can to keep him away from dangerous things like Iran, South Korea, the economy, butter knives...
And the absolute best thing about the vote: we don't have to hear about a damn race anymore. Is it me, or is two freaking years a bit too long to run for a job you'll hold for only four years (maybe eight, but you've got to sell yourself again for a second term)?
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Let the Bodies Hit the Floor
This is both one of the dumbest and one of the coolest things I've ever seen.
See more funny videos at Funny or Die
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