+2: Veronica Mars for using the point game in Wednesday's episode.
-2: Veronica Mars for using the point game in a degrading unsavory manner.
+2: My Name Is Earl for finding Walt from Lost. Now if we can just find Michael and the French lady's daughter.
+37: Monk-E-Mail from CareerBuilder.com. Are you kidding me? Emails from talking monkeys! It's a dream come true for me but for Charleston Heston a nightmare. Check it out at http://www.careerbuilder.com/monk-e-mail
+2: Ricky Gervais on the Simpsons. Best Simpsons of the season so far and his animated performance was top notch.
-3: The Real World/ Road Rules Challenge Gauntlet II Reunion Show. Too soon. I've said it before and I'll say it again reality reunion shows can not take place before the show is over or immediately following (unless your Survivor, somehow they pull it off). Also a bonus negative point for the lack of Ruthie and Jo. I wanted to find out what's up with that crazy Brit?
Friday, March 31, 2006
Thursday, March 30, 2006
I Swear I’m Not Mike TV-Part 2
The College Years and How I Ended Up Here
When I started college my TV habit could be described as heavy viewing with occasional distractions. College opened up many doors to my future but the immediate impact upon my arrival was the discovery of an actual social life. This is not to say I was a shut in during high school but I stuck with a small group of friends and didn’t mingle much. I certainly didn’t enter the world of chemical dependency that many of my classmates did. College changed that in a day.
Soon I didn’t even mind that we didn’t have cable in our dorm room because I was out on the town 5 nights a week. There was also some pesky school work in those first years that kept me away from the TV. So while I was certainly watching less TV I was consuming massive amounts of alcohol and the balance in my life flipped the opposite way.
Approaching the second semester of my sophomore year my grades were in the toilet and I had been disenfranchised with my original major of journalism. (Turns out I did not like to interview people and that was kind of a road block.) I took an intro film and video production class and was smitten. I quickly switched majors and took theory classes as well as additional production classes. This resulted in a big increase in movie viewing and an uptake on my TV viewing when I moved off campus for my junior year.
I lived in a house with 2 other guys and 3 girls for my junior year and thankfully cable was in the house. With my new found major I was watching more TV but this time with the excuse that it was for school. Also living with a group of ladies led me to shows like Living Single and Friends that I probably wouldn’t have watched on my own. As such my taste, or lack there of, certainly expanded over the next two years.
Graduation came and went and I was out in the real world. I’ll call this the present because for the last 10 years my TV habit has been stuck in a wash, rinse repeat cycle. In that time I’ve become a devoted fan of shows like Buffy and Lost (less the conventions) and have found myself increasing aware of all things TV whether I watch them or not. The bottom line is that I al
Every spring I find myself giving this statement to a friend or loved one: “I watch way too much TV. I’m sad that ___ is getting cancelled and that it’s the last season of ___ but at least that’s two shows I won’t be watching next year”
Every fall I find myself giving this statement to a friend or loved one: “That new show from the creator of ___ (or starring ___) is getting great buzz, I’ll have to check it out.”
And now, thanks to mostly to MTV and the influx of reality you’re likely to hear me say the following every couple of months: “Did you see that idiot show where the ____ have to ____ by _____ to win the ___? It was sooooo bad….I think I’ll add it to my TIVO.”
So why do I watch a lot of TV? Here are my top 10 reasons/conclusions in no particular order.
1. It makes great blog fodder.
2. My upbringing.
3. My addictive personality, which certainly makes me an easy target for shows that have an ongoing mythology.
4. Thanks to a lot of shows, especially reality shows, having shorter seasons you don’t feel like you’re giving this big commitment.
5. TV on DVD. Now you can catch up on a show and if it’s still on the air you can pick up where the DVDs left off.
6. The Water Cooler Culture. Come on, do I really want to be guy at the office who doesn’t know who kissed who on Temptation Island.
7. My pseudo career path.
8. It allows me to sit up high and judge others for no apparent reason.
9. Without TV, how would I know what to consume/purchase?
10. Every now and then you come across a great moment of art that transcends the human experience.
When I started college my TV habit could be described as heavy viewing with occasional distractions. College opened up many doors to my future but the immediate impact upon my arrival was the discovery of an actual social life. This is not to say I was a shut in during high school but I stuck with a small group of friends and didn’t mingle much. I certainly didn’t enter the world of chemical dependency that many of my classmates did. College changed that in a day.
Soon I didn’t even mind that we didn’t have cable in our dorm room because I was out on the town 5 nights a week. There was also some pesky school work in those first years that kept me away from the TV. So while I was certainly watching less TV I was consuming massive amounts of alcohol and the balance in my life flipped the opposite way.
Approaching the second semester of my sophomore year my grades were in the toilet and I had been disenfranchised with my original major of journalism. (Turns out I did not like to interview people and that was kind of a road block.) I took an intro film and video production class and was smitten. I quickly switched majors and took theory classes as well as additional production classes. This resulted in a big increase in movie viewing and an uptake on my TV viewing when I moved off campus for my junior year.
I lived in a house with 2 other guys and 3 girls for my junior year and thankfully cable was in the house. With my new found major I was watching more TV but this time with the excuse that it was for school. Also living with a group of ladies led me to shows like Living Single and Friends that I probably wouldn’t have watched on my own. As such my taste, or lack there of, certainly expanded over the next two years.
Graduation came and went and I was out in the real world. I’ll call this the present because for the last 10 years my TV habit has been stuck in a wash, rinse repeat cycle. In that time I’ve become a devoted fan of shows like Buffy and Lost (less the conventions) and have found myself increasing aware of all things TV whether I watch them or not. The bottom line is that I al
Every spring I find myself giving this statement to a friend or loved one: “I watch way too much TV. I’m sad that ___ is getting cancelled and that it’s the last season of ___ but at least that’s two shows I won’t be watching next year”
Every fall I find myself giving this statement to a friend or loved one: “That new show from the creator of ___ (or starring ___) is getting great buzz, I’ll have to check it out.”
And now, thanks to mostly to MTV and the influx of reality you’re likely to hear me say the following every couple of months: “Did you see that idiot show where the ____ have to ____ by _____ to win the ___? It was sooooo bad….I think I’ll add it to my TIVO.”
So why do I watch a lot of TV? Here are my top 10 reasons/conclusions in no particular order.
1. It makes great blog fodder.
2. My upbringing.
3. My addictive personality, which certainly makes me an easy target for shows that have an ongoing mythology.
4. Thanks to a lot of shows, especially reality shows, having shorter seasons you don’t feel like you’re giving this big commitment.
5. TV on DVD. Now you can catch up on a show and if it’s still on the air you can pick up where the DVDs left off.
6. The Water Cooler Culture. Come on, do I really want to be guy at the office who doesn’t know who kissed who on Temptation Island.
7. My pseudo career path.
8. It allows me to sit up high and judge others for no apparent reason.
9. Without TV, how would I know what to consume/purchase?
10. Every now and then you come across a great moment of art that transcends the human experience.
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
I Swear I’m Not Mike TV- Part 1
If you haven’t figured out from other articles on this blog, I consume an obscene amount of entertainment media, especially on my beloved idiot box. How did this happen? How did the son of two very intelligent adults turn into a TV addict? Was it my upbringing, outside influences, or am I just a weak weak man. In the first of a 2 part series follow me as I take a look at my pre college years or as I like to refer to them; the filler years.
I honestly can’t place the first memory I have of TV. I lived in Milwaukee, WI until I was 8 and actually had a fairly busy social calendar. Sure I remember Mr. Rogers, Sesame Street and that scary ass Captain Kangaroo. I remember bits and pieces of my parents watching MASH but that’s about it.
As I grew older, it was off to Minneapolis for me. My daily planner took a hit as I was the only one at my immediate age in my neighborhood and with both parents working full time it was off to Latch Key. Now at the time I didn’t think my parents let me watch more TV then in Milwaukee but then again I do remember Hill Street Blues and Falcon Crest a lot better then other people my age. Perhaps my parents realized this, because I do remember them telling me not to watch “garbage” shows and was then encouraged to watch PBS. Of course PBS led me not to the land of Nova and Masterpiece Theater but to Monty Python and Dr. Who and thus my years of geekery began.
To those not in the know, Dr. Who is a poorly produced low budget British sci fi series that was one of many BBC imports shown by PBS. It had aliens, bad jokes, the occasional cute girl, and just enough of a continuing storyline to hook viewers. By the time I started watching the show had already achieved cult status and had its own conventions. I became an instant fan and in my first TV geek act, I asked my mother to knit me a 10’ scarf just like the Doctor. I also attended a couple of conventions including taking my 6th grade girlfriend to one of them. Even then I was a player.
It was around this time, 12 or so, that I gained TV independence. Except for late night weekend shows like Dr. Who, Python, and SNL, I was pretty limited to watching what my parents did in prime time. For some reason I was given more freedom and with that I discovered shows like Miami Vice, Knight Rider, and The A-Team. I’ll always marvel at the fact that I was allowed to watch a show about undercover cops in the world of cocaine but was told that Golden Girls was off limit because it’s just too gross. I was the first kid I knew who dressed up as Crockett for Halloween and unfortunately the first to buy Heartbeat by Don Johnson on cassette.
Junior high was more of the same but by the time high school rolled around a funny thing happened. I actually wanted my parents to watch TV with me again. This marked the first time I became a true arm chair TV critic. I began reading newspapers and magazines about upcoming shows and made sure to clue my folks in on what to watch. The high point came when I convinced my dad that he really needed to check out the pilot to Twin Peaks. I was in my embryonic stage in terms of becoming a David Lynch fan but I knew this show would be amazing and I knew my pops loved Blue Velvet. We got my mom to join us and here we were one happy family following the lives of our favorite coffee loving town. My love of TV hit a high point here as this was the first show my parents and I could really discuss where I felt not only like an adult but an equal.
At this time I was watching a lot of TV. Basic cable had blessed my house a few years earlier and I was already an MTV and ESPN diehard. As I got ready for college I worried about the lack of cable in the dorm rooms and finding a roommate who’d like the same shows as me. Much to my surprise my viewing habits and my love affair with TV were about to change.
I honestly can’t place the first memory I have of TV. I lived in Milwaukee, WI until I was 8 and actually had a fairly busy social calendar. Sure I remember Mr. Rogers, Sesame Street and that scary ass Captain Kangaroo. I remember bits and pieces of my parents watching MASH but that’s about it.
As I grew older, it was off to Minneapolis for me. My daily planner took a hit as I was the only one at my immediate age in my neighborhood and with both parents working full time it was off to Latch Key. Now at the time I didn’t think my parents let me watch more TV then in Milwaukee but then again I do remember Hill Street Blues and Falcon Crest a lot better then other people my age. Perhaps my parents realized this, because I do remember them telling me not to watch “garbage” shows and was then encouraged to watch PBS. Of course PBS led me not to the land of Nova and Masterpiece Theater but to Monty Python and Dr. Who and thus my years of geekery began.
To those not in the know, Dr. Who is a poorly produced low budget British sci fi series that was one of many BBC imports shown by PBS. It had aliens, bad jokes, the occasional cute girl, and just enough of a continuing storyline to hook viewers. By the time I started watching the show had already achieved cult status and had its own conventions. I became an instant fan and in my first TV geek act, I asked my mother to knit me a 10’ scarf just like the Doctor. I also attended a couple of conventions including taking my 6th grade girlfriend to one of them. Even then I was a player.
It was around this time, 12 or so, that I gained TV independence. Except for late night weekend shows like Dr. Who, Python, and SNL, I was pretty limited to watching what my parents did in prime time. For some reason I was given more freedom and with that I discovered shows like Miami Vice, Knight Rider, and The A-Team. I’ll always marvel at the fact that I was allowed to watch a show about undercover cops in the world of cocaine but was told that Golden Girls was off limit because it’s just too gross. I was the first kid I knew who dressed up as Crockett for Halloween and unfortunately the first to buy Heartbeat by Don Johnson on cassette.
Junior high was more of the same but by the time high school rolled around a funny thing happened. I actually wanted my parents to watch TV with me again. This marked the first time I became a true arm chair TV critic. I began reading newspapers and magazines about upcoming shows and made sure to clue my folks in on what to watch. The high point came when I convinced my dad that he really needed to check out the pilot to Twin Peaks. I was in my embryonic stage in terms of becoming a David Lynch fan but I knew this show would be amazing and I knew my pops loved Blue Velvet. We got my mom to join us and here we were one happy family following the lives of our favorite coffee loving town. My love of TV hit a high point here as this was the first show my parents and I could really discuss where I felt not only like an adult but an equal.
At this time I was watching a lot of TV. Basic cable had blessed my house a few years earlier and I was already an MTV and ESPN diehard. As I got ready for college I worried about the lack of cable in the dorm rooms and finding a roommate who’d like the same shows as me. Much to my surprise my viewing habits and my love affair with TV were about to change.
Tuesday, March 28, 2006
The Point Game: The Road Edition
So I was on the road this weekend to the Twin Cities for some NCAA basketball action and I saw a few things along the way that desrved praise while others left me fuming.
+3: The Metrodome- Yes it's an antiquated stadium that is not set up for basketball, however this is at least my 6th trip to see NCAA games at the Dome and they always do a wonderful job. The sight lines are good and the atmosphere is electric. Who knew there were so many b-ball fans in the State of Hockey.
-4: The NCAA- I know there are bylaws and regulations but there was no excuse on Friday night for not showing the end of the Washington/Connecticut games in the concourse as people left the Dome. They even took the live score off the scoreboard while people where exiting the floor.
-5: Spring/Summer Highway Construction- Spring has sprung and I'm not just talking about the equinox. I saw the true sign of spring when I was driving home on the interstate and found workers busily prepping single lanes of pavement as far as the eye could see.
-1: Michael Wilbon- The Washing Post columnist who also appears on ESPN's Pardon the Interruption was too for school when he refused to acknowledge a rather large group of college dudes litterally worship him as he walked to press row Friday night. Like it or not baldy you are a public figure, the least you could do was give a wave. Hell, 100 year old Boston Globe columnist Bob Ryan stopped and actually chatted with a few knuckleheads.
+1: Hotel Mini Bars- Sure they're overpriced but when you're not paying and its past bar time what else you gonna do.
+3: The Metrodome- Yes it's an antiquated stadium that is not set up for basketball, however this is at least my 6th trip to see NCAA games at the Dome and they always do a wonderful job. The sight lines are good and the atmosphere is electric. Who knew there were so many b-ball fans in the State of Hockey.
-4: The NCAA- I know there are bylaws and regulations but there was no excuse on Friday night for not showing the end of the Washington/Connecticut games in the concourse as people left the Dome. They even took the live score off the scoreboard while people where exiting the floor.
-5: Spring/Summer Highway Construction- Spring has sprung and I'm not just talking about the equinox. I saw the true sign of spring when I was driving home on the interstate and found workers busily prepping single lanes of pavement as far as the eye could see.
-1: Michael Wilbon- The Washing Post columnist who also appears on ESPN's Pardon the Interruption was too for school when he refused to acknowledge a rather large group of college dudes litterally worship him as he walked to press row Friday night. Like it or not baldy you are a public figure, the least you could do was give a wave. Hell, 100 year old Boston Globe columnist Bob Ryan stopped and actually chatted with a few knuckleheads.
+1: Hotel Mini Bars- Sure they're overpriced but when you're not paying and its past bar time what else you gonna do.
Thursday, March 23, 2006
When Fandom Goes Askew
Here's the part where I once again reveal that I am little more then a geeked up fanboy. I'm a huge Kevin Smith fan. Clerks was one of the films that inspired me to write and produce my own ill fated films. Mallrats was one of those films where I got on early (ie. 1 of 6 people in the theater opening day) and was able to spend the next 3 years turning people on to it. Chasing Amy is in my rotating top 20 films. Dogma got me fired up against the religous right and taught me how annoying I can be when I harp on sharing a DVD extra. Jay and Silent Bob Strikes Back was the opposite of Mallrats as I sat in a theater with a preview audience who got every joke. And Jersey Girl was actually quite good despite the aura of Bennifer version 1.0.
I've read Smith's comic books. (Some like Green Arrow have been quite good, while others like Spiderman/Black Cat are only marginal.) I've got two posters of his movies hanging in my home office with signed Silent Bob and Jay figures hanging between them. I've bought hockey jerserys, t shirts and inaction figures all showing my support for View Askew productions (and high fashion). And part of my daily web routine includes checking out newsaskew.com, silentbobspeaks.com, and the clerks2.com websites. Yesterday I added Kevin as on of my friends on the sex predator site known as MySpace.
I had a point here, really I did but after writing all that it seems like a cop out. I was going to write about the fact that even to the ardent fan there is a point where you get too much from the subject of your fandom. Kevin is a truly entertaining guy who has no problem sharing his flaws as a human being. On his blog the other day he told a story about his first threesome with a friend who was engaged at the time (the fiancee was not a participant) and the subsequent guilt he felt afterward. When I read that this morning I felt a little guilty myself. Guilty for reading such a private and personal tale and passing judgement one way or the other. I was going to write about the fact that maybe the comfort and community that Kev's created with his fans has its limits for both parties and that there are times to keep things to yourself. Then I wrote the previous three paragraphs and realized that's part of what makes this work. So keep up the dick and fart jokes and thanks for the MySpace ad.
I've read Smith's comic books. (Some like Green Arrow have been quite good, while others like Spiderman/Black Cat are only marginal.) I've got two posters of his movies hanging in my home office with signed Silent Bob and Jay figures hanging between them. I've bought hockey jerserys, t shirts and inaction figures all showing my support for View Askew productions (and high fashion). And part of my daily web routine includes checking out newsaskew.com, silentbobspeaks.com, and the clerks2.com websites. Yesterday I added Kevin as on of my friends on the sex predator site known as MySpace.
I had a point here, really I did but after writing all that it seems like a cop out. I was going to write about the fact that even to the ardent fan there is a point where you get too much from the subject of your fandom. Kevin is a truly entertaining guy who has no problem sharing his flaws as a human being. On his blog the other day he told a story about his first threesome with a friend who was engaged at the time (the fiancee was not a participant) and the subsequent guilt he felt afterward. When I read that this morning I felt a little guilty myself. Guilty for reading such a private and personal tale and passing judgement one way or the other. I was going to write about the fact that maybe the comfort and community that Kev's created with his fans has its limits for both parties and that there are times to keep things to yourself. Then I wrote the previous three paragraphs and realized that's part of what makes this work. So keep up the dick and fart jokes and thanks for the MySpace ad.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
The Karaoke Kid
This marks the second week in a row where Wednesday’s column features something from 8th and Ocean which is indeed a disturbing trend. In my defense I did start thinking about this well before our favorite aspiring models went on a girl’s night out at the karaoke bar. That being said, I think its all sorts of wrong to for models to go to a karaoke bar and that they actually find one in South Beach is even more worrisome.
The idea of karaoke as an all consuming aspect of pop culture came to me when I was flipping through my digital cable and found that I have 18 channels of pay-per-karaoke. Karaoke was hardly a craze when I was growing up. I was well aware of what the word meant but for me it wasn’t until college that I really saw legs this “fad” had. I went to school in Madison, Wisconsin and in 1994 I believe we had no less then 12 karaoke themed bars. Now the hay day of the karaoke bar may have passed but there is still a karaoke night at almost any type of bar you can think of. In truth, karaoke is now a national pastime like apple pie and football. American Idol, Rockstar, and The Ashley Simpson Show would not exist today without karaoke. Most aspiring singers get their start from behind a Mr. Microphone these days instead of the choirs and speakeasies of years past.
I propose that karaoke might also tie back into one of my early columns and the return of our musical culture. Now karaoke might be the seamy underside of the culture but I believe for every bad reality show it spans, karaoke also reminds of why we sing…and dance…and dance on chairs while singing to Brittney Spears.
The idea of karaoke as an all consuming aspect of pop culture came to me when I was flipping through my digital cable and found that I have 18 channels of pay-per-karaoke. Karaoke was hardly a craze when I was growing up. I was well aware of what the word meant but for me it wasn’t until college that I really saw legs this “fad” had. I went to school in Madison, Wisconsin and in 1994 I believe we had no less then 12 karaoke themed bars. Now the hay day of the karaoke bar may have passed but there is still a karaoke night at almost any type of bar you can think of. In truth, karaoke is now a national pastime like apple pie and football. American Idol, Rockstar, and The Ashley Simpson Show would not exist today without karaoke. Most aspiring singers get their start from behind a Mr. Microphone these days instead of the choirs and speakeasies of years past.
I propose that karaoke might also tie back into one of my early columns and the return of our musical culture. Now karaoke might be the seamy underside of the culture but I believe for every bad reality show it spans, karaoke also reminds of why we sing…and dance…and dance on chairs while singing to Brittney Spears.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
G for Geek
Every so often I wonder if I've gone over the geek edge; obsessing over Lost, 24, Kevin Smith movies, comic books etc. However during the year there are usually a few moments where I realize I'm actually quite reasonable. Often these moments occur when a comic book movie comes out. I realize that I couldn't care less if the Batmobile in Batman Begins looks nothing like previous incarnations or that Magneto's helmet doesn't have that right amount of points on it the X Men 3 trailer.
This weeks revelation came when I was reading articles about V for Vendetta. If I had a dime for every web post or blog where someone is railing against the description of V for Vendetta as a comic book film I'd have a hefty sum. Apparently the geek community is upset that V for Vendetta is being referred to as "adapted from a comic book" and not a graphic novel, in the mainstream press. Now I've used both terms and in truth V was published as a graphic novel but what's the big deal here people. A graphic novel uses the comic book format but in a longer format. Furthermore many graphic novels are mearly collections of issues gathered into one long volume. (Note to self apparently these are now called trade paperbacks.) More to the point, Joe and Jane Moviegoer could care less. If anything referring to V as a graphic novel could actually turn people off. Comic book is a known quality that means action, adventure and lots of pows and zoinks. V took the #1 spot at the box office this weekend and is well on its way to being a commercial success. Maybe hardcore geeks should spend less time railing against the media for inconsiquential shit like this and more time supporting quality films that bring classic stories from the page to the screen.
This weeks revelation came when I was reading articles about V for Vendetta. If I had a dime for every web post or blog where someone is railing against the description of V for Vendetta as a comic book film I'd have a hefty sum. Apparently the geek community is upset that V for Vendetta is being referred to as "adapted from a comic book" and not a graphic novel, in the mainstream press. Now I've used both terms and in truth V was published as a graphic novel but what's the big deal here people. A graphic novel uses the comic book format but in a longer format. Furthermore many graphic novels are mearly collections of issues gathered into one long volume. (Note to self apparently these are now called trade paperbacks.) More to the point, Joe and Jane Moviegoer could care less. If anything referring to V as a graphic novel could actually turn people off. Comic book is a known quality that means action, adventure and lots of pows and zoinks. V took the #1 spot at the box office this weekend and is well on its way to being a commercial success. Maybe hardcore geeks should spend less time railing against the media for inconsiquential shit like this and more time supporting quality films that bring classic stories from the page to the screen.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
The Point Game: Inanimate Object Edition
In honor of all the Curb Your Enthusiasm I've been watching this last week I thought I'd pay tribute by talking smack and praising some things we use everyday.
-3: Crepe Paper- Other than streamers what is crepe paper good for? It's so flimsy that I don't think it's even earned the right to be called paper.
-2: Glad Scented Oil Candles- Why make a candle that burns out in 3 hours? Sure it smells nice but I expect a candle to last many burnings not just one.
+2: Coat Hooks In Restaurants- Sure you might have to sit through your meal and worry someone might take your coat but at least you don't have to worry about people brushing up against it on your chair or a waiter spilling something on it.
-4: Internet Cookies- I'm not sure if I'm even assigning blame in the right place but I'm tired of always being recognized when I go back to web sites. On Friday a friend used my computer and all of a sudden I was entered into a NCAA Tourney Bracket with his coworkers and that's just awkard and uncomfortable.
+2: Lava Lamps- At 30something I just came into possession of my first lava lamp after a friend was going to throw it out. Now I'm not sure I see all of the appeal since I'm not hopped up on goof balls but I have discovered that its a great hand warmer as the central column gets quite hot. Check back in a few weeks when I subtract points from the lava lamp for the fire it's questionable wiring causes.
-3: Crepe Paper- Other than streamers what is crepe paper good for? It's so flimsy that I don't think it's even earned the right to be called paper.
-2: Glad Scented Oil Candles- Why make a candle that burns out in 3 hours? Sure it smells nice but I expect a candle to last many burnings not just one.
+2: Coat Hooks In Restaurants- Sure you might have to sit through your meal and worry someone might take your coat but at least you don't have to worry about people brushing up against it on your chair or a waiter spilling something on it.
-4: Internet Cookies- I'm not sure if I'm even assigning blame in the right place but I'm tired of always being recognized when I go back to web sites. On Friday a friend used my computer and all of a sudden I was entered into a NCAA Tourney Bracket with his coworkers and that's just awkard and uncomfortable.
+2: Lava Lamps- At 30something I just came into possession of my first lava lamp after a friend was going to throw it out. Now I'm not sure I see all of the appeal since I'm not hopped up on goof balls but I have discovered that its a great hand warmer as the central column gets quite hot. Check back in a few weeks when I subtract points from the lava lamp for the fire it's questionable wiring causes.
Friday, March 17, 2006
What I’m…
…Renting
Curb Your Enthusiasm: Season 1- Yet another show I’ve missed over the years that Netflix has finally brought into my home. I don’t think I can adequately describe my feelings towards the show. On one hand I love it because it’s consistently funny and the absurd coincidences that the “plots” revolve around are the types of devices that I love to see in my television. On the other hand the show is personally a little bit scary because I think a lot of us have a little Larry inside of us. A part of us that’s so cynical and so ready to distance ourselves from people that we sabotage opportunities and friendships through obsessing over small detail or by making completely inappropriate comments. For now I’m choosing to embrace both aspects.
…Renting but warning you to stay away from like the plague
Junebug- I like dark films and I like comedic films but what I don’t like are uncomfortable films. Now when I say uncomfortable I’m not talking about the feeling you get watching someone get stuck with a needle on the screen or uncomfortable pauses between characters, I’m talking about a film that seems uncomfortable with itself. Let me say that Amy Adams gives a wonderful performance but the other actors seem to have received no direction or are just plain bad. The dialogue is so stilted that instead of coming across as a group of family members having trouble communicating it comes across as a script that has no idea how people actually talk. Just a bad bad movie that got way too much praise because of one outstanding performance.
…Watching
NCAA Basketball Tourney- Just put this out here as an excuse/explanation for the lack of blogs lately.
…Listening To
Top Five on My iPod
1. Mercy Me- Alkaline Trio (I was pleasantly surprised that this song sounds more like their old stuff after receiving warnings that their latest album was darker.)
2. You’re Wrong- NOFX (Proving again you can put politics in punk)
3. I’m Going to Hell For This One- NOFX ( More of the Jeebus for me this week)
4. I Bet You Look Good On the Dance Floor- Artic Monkeys (Made the list 3 weeks and counting)
5. Sorry- Madonna (Still learning foreign languages after 2 weeks)
Curb Your Enthusiasm: Season 1- Yet another show I’ve missed over the years that Netflix has finally brought into my home. I don’t think I can adequately describe my feelings towards the show. On one hand I love it because it’s consistently funny and the absurd coincidences that the “plots” revolve around are the types of devices that I love to see in my television. On the other hand the show is personally a little bit scary because I think a lot of us have a little Larry inside of us. A part of us that’s so cynical and so ready to distance ourselves from people that we sabotage opportunities and friendships through obsessing over small detail or by making completely inappropriate comments. For now I’m choosing to embrace both aspects.
…Renting but warning you to stay away from like the plague
Junebug- I like dark films and I like comedic films but what I don’t like are uncomfortable films. Now when I say uncomfortable I’m not talking about the feeling you get watching someone get stuck with a needle on the screen or uncomfortable pauses between characters, I’m talking about a film that seems uncomfortable with itself. Let me say that Amy Adams gives a wonderful performance but the other actors seem to have received no direction or are just plain bad. The dialogue is so stilted that instead of coming across as a group of family members having trouble communicating it comes across as a script that has no idea how people actually talk. Just a bad bad movie that got way too much praise because of one outstanding performance.
…Watching
NCAA Basketball Tourney- Just put this out here as an excuse/explanation for the lack of blogs lately.
…Listening To
Top Five on My iPod
1. Mercy Me- Alkaline Trio (I was pleasantly surprised that this song sounds more like their old stuff after receiving warnings that their latest album was darker.)
2. You’re Wrong- NOFX (Proving again you can put politics in punk)
3. I’m Going to Hell For This One- NOFX ( More of the Jeebus for me this week)
4. I Bet You Look Good On the Dance Floor- Artic Monkeys (Made the list 3 weeks and counting)
5. Sorry- Madonna (Still learning foreign languages after 2 weeks)
Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Models For Christ
It seems I can't avoid the Jesus this week and no, its not because I've been watching the Big Lebowski. I'm referring to the Jesus from the Mel Gibson movie. Now I'm not a believer in any form of Christ or organized religion for that matter, but I do find the subject both fascinating and maddening. That said there are days in this America where one cannot avoid Jebus and his pals, whether it be in jest, in studies, or in the news. In the last 24 hours I've taken with a short walk with Christ.
First, against my better judgement, I watched my second episode of 8th and Ocean and was treated to a highly entertaining moment where the innocent midwest girl Britt, attends a Models for Christ meeting. You must see this for the high entertainment value, ( plus the show as I predicted improved a great deal this time around by focusing on Britt and MTV's newest reality star Vinci, the devilishly handsome male model who lives life his way) . Its always fun to see a model try to balance Jesus' role in her life (she say's he's her husband) as she poses sans bra on a chicken farm.
Anyway, I was later confronted by Jesus on the Daily Show. America's favorite Oscar host sat down with author Bart Ehrman to talk about his new book "Misquoting Jesus." I've never read the bible in full but I do find its history fascinating. Ehrman's book dissects the text and how parts of the bible were added centuries after Christ with no basis. I've read this before but when a born again Catholic writes a book on it one takes notice. Now a cynic like myself would use ideas like these to dismiss the Bible as pure propoganda and discount it completely but Jon Stewart once again showed why he's more evolved then keyboard thumpers like myself when he said, "That makes this book ever more spiritual. Its a living document." Well said Jon well said.
But the man with bleeding hands was not done with me. As I perused my Newsweek today I came across a review of yet another book on Jesus by Garry Wills called "What Jesus Meant." The book comes across as a rather frank portrayal of Jesus that will offend those in organized religion. Yet I must say after reading the review and an excerpt on line I can't think of a better pro Jesus book, in that it truly defines Jesus as a just and right man. Sadly I'm sure the book will face more criticsm than praise as it does question how organized religion has turned Christ into a mascot they bring out to get their social and political agendas advanced.
To top it off Jesus is on the cover of the new NOFX EP I just got off iTunes. Something tells me I won't be hearing a lot of preaching on this...at least not a lot of preaching about Christ. That's more than enough Christ for one day. I wonder if I turn on Comedy Central if the Buddy Christ is on...hmmmm.
First, against my better judgement, I watched my second episode of 8th and Ocean and was treated to a highly entertaining moment where the innocent midwest girl Britt, attends a Models for Christ meeting. You must see this for the high entertainment value, ( plus the show as I predicted improved a great deal this time around by focusing on Britt and MTV's newest reality star Vinci, the devilishly handsome male model who lives life his way) . Its always fun to see a model try to balance Jesus' role in her life (she say's he's her husband) as she poses sans bra on a chicken farm.
Anyway, I was later confronted by Jesus on the Daily Show. America's favorite Oscar host sat down with author Bart Ehrman to talk about his new book "Misquoting Jesus." I've never read the bible in full but I do find its history fascinating. Ehrman's book dissects the text and how parts of the bible were added centuries after Christ with no basis. I've read this before but when a born again Catholic writes a book on it one takes notice. Now a cynic like myself would use ideas like these to dismiss the Bible as pure propoganda and discount it completely but Jon Stewart once again showed why he's more evolved then keyboard thumpers like myself when he said, "That makes this book ever more spiritual. Its a living document." Well said Jon well said.
But the man with bleeding hands was not done with me. As I perused my Newsweek today I came across a review of yet another book on Jesus by Garry Wills called "What Jesus Meant." The book comes across as a rather frank portrayal of Jesus that will offend those in organized religion. Yet I must say after reading the review and an excerpt on line I can't think of a better pro Jesus book, in that it truly defines Jesus as a just and right man. Sadly I'm sure the book will face more criticsm than praise as it does question how organized religion has turned Christ into a mascot they bring out to get their social and political agendas advanced.
To top it off Jesus is on the cover of the new NOFX EP I just got off iTunes. Something tells me I won't be hearing a lot of preaching on this...at least not a lot of preaching about Christ. That's more than enough Christ for one day. I wonder if I turn on Comedy Central if the Buddy Christ is on...hmmmm.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Bracketology
Its one of the most wonderful times of the year, with spring coming, St Paddy’s day around the corner and the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tourney. Across the nation, men and women are filling out their brackets in the hopes of wining an office pool or an online contest or both. By the time you read this I’ll have already filled out 9 brackets; 2 for work, 1 head to head with my mom, 1 head to head with my buddy, and 5 online contests to win some cold hard cash. That sounds like a lot and it is. I’ve been filling out brackets since I was in junior high. Hell, I was running the pools back then.
Brackets appear to be the most innocent of sports gambling. The ups and downs of the tournament lend themselves to the basketball neophyte and the winners aren’t usually the ones who pour over stats and match ups. It’s a once a year event where people that don’t usually pay attention to sports can participate and unlike the Super Bowl it’s a multi day event.
Unfortuantely for sports fans, bracketology is not all fun and games. I propose that bracketology is a perpitrater of a greater trend in sportsfan culture; the confusion of the fan. Back in the 80’s you picked teams you wanted to cheer for and then you suffered in their defeats or basked in their glories. However with the widespread advent of bracketology and fantasy sports we have seen fan loyalty questioned. Now I’m not talking about fans turning their backs on their teams and cheering for another simply because a few bucks are riding on the outcome. No, I’m talking about the seed of doubt being planted in that fan’s mind. The idea that you might secretly want your team to blow a 5 point lead against Southwest Alabama St. or that your defense bends enough to allow Adam Vinateri to kick a 50 yard field goal. I've struggled with these questions and I know many that have. Perhaps this is nothing but perhaps its part of a growing trend where greed and personal acheivement outweigh fandom. Just something to hmm about this Monday night....now go fill out your brackets.
Brackets appear to be the most innocent of sports gambling. The ups and downs of the tournament lend themselves to the basketball neophyte and the winners aren’t usually the ones who pour over stats and match ups. It’s a once a year event where people that don’t usually pay attention to sports can participate and unlike the Super Bowl it’s a multi day event.
Unfortuantely for sports fans, bracketology is not all fun and games. I propose that bracketology is a perpitrater of a greater trend in sportsfan culture; the confusion of the fan. Back in the 80’s you picked teams you wanted to cheer for and then you suffered in their defeats or basked in their glories. However with the widespread advent of bracketology and fantasy sports we have seen fan loyalty questioned. Now I’m not talking about fans turning their backs on their teams and cheering for another simply because a few bucks are riding on the outcome. No, I’m talking about the seed of doubt being planted in that fan’s mind. The idea that you might secretly want your team to blow a 5 point lead against Southwest Alabama St. or that your defense bends enough to allow Adam Vinateri to kick a 50 yard field goal. I've struggled with these questions and I know many that have. Perhaps this is nothing but perhaps its part of a growing trend where greed and personal acheivement outweigh fandom. Just something to hmm about this Monday night....now go fill out your brackets.
Saturday, March 11, 2006
The Point Game
+5: Stephen Colbert for his perfect Oscar picks. It proves America, that you don’t have to see the movies to be correct.
-5: Stephen Colbert for not including bears in the week’s Threat Down. A couple of weeks ago I called out Mr. Colbert for a similar omission and as he well knows the next week a polar bear attacked a hockey mom. For shame, Stephen, for shame.
-2: The Associated Press for stooping to erroneous headlines. On Thursday Barry Bonds played in his first spring training game and was greeted by boos and cheers. Did the headline say “Bonds Greeted By Mixed Reaction” or “Bonds Jeered, Cheered at First Game”? No, it said “Bonds Booed, Strikes Out at First Game.” I might be a Bonds fan but this smacks of tabloid to me. Not only did he get cheers but he also hit a single. You can write headlines about his alleged steroid use but let’s stick to fair reporting on the field.
-2: The World Baseball Classic. No I’m not just subtracting points because the U.S. lost to America Jr. I’m subtracting points because this is a pointless exercise. Most stars are sitting out the Classic or worse playing in it and getting hurt before the season starts. Baseball is not like hockey, golf or even basketball, which have long traditions of international play. The baseball equivalent has always been the Little League World Series and that’s the way it should stay.
+3: Battlestar Galactica for a great season finale. Imagine if Lost answered some of its hanging plot points every couple of months, that’s what you get on Battlestar. A taught sci-fi show that’s light on the sci-fi and heavy on the drama. The show has found away to advance the mythology while answering questions and doing this mostly in stand alone episodes. Last nights cliffhanger might have been the best since Twin Peaks second season finale. Thankfully unlike Peaks, Battlestar is coming back for a 3rd season…just not until October, frack!
-5: Stephen Colbert for not including bears in the week’s Threat Down. A couple of weeks ago I called out Mr. Colbert for a similar omission and as he well knows the next week a polar bear attacked a hockey mom. For shame, Stephen, for shame.
-2: The Associated Press for stooping to erroneous headlines. On Thursday Barry Bonds played in his first spring training game and was greeted by boos and cheers. Did the headline say “Bonds Greeted By Mixed Reaction” or “Bonds Jeered, Cheered at First Game”? No, it said “Bonds Booed, Strikes Out at First Game.” I might be a Bonds fan but this smacks of tabloid to me. Not only did he get cheers but he also hit a single. You can write headlines about his alleged steroid use but let’s stick to fair reporting on the field.
-2: The World Baseball Classic. No I’m not just subtracting points because the U.S. lost to America Jr. I’m subtracting points because this is a pointless exercise. Most stars are sitting out the Classic or worse playing in it and getting hurt before the season starts. Baseball is not like hockey, golf or even basketball, which have long traditions of international play. The baseball equivalent has always been the Little League World Series and that’s the way it should stay.
+3: Battlestar Galactica for a great season finale. Imagine if Lost answered some of its hanging plot points every couple of months, that’s what you get on Battlestar. A taught sci-fi show that’s light on the sci-fi and heavy on the drama. The show has found away to advance the mythology while answering questions and doing this mostly in stand alone episodes. Last nights cliffhanger might have been the best since Twin Peaks second season finale. Thankfully unlike Peaks, Battlestar is coming back for a 3rd season…just not until October, frack!
Friday, March 10, 2006
What I’m…
…Buying
Newsradio: The Complete 3rd Season on DVD- Yet another cult comedy classic is finally getting its due on DVD. This was the season where the show really took off with things like the complaint box, Bill’s strange childhood and guest stars including Jimmy Caan, Jon Stewart, and Ben Stiller. The commentaries are entertaining especially the one’s with the cast discussing Andy Dick’s drug and alcohol problems with Dick in the room. Good times, good times.
…Renting
Action: The Complete Series- So here’s a TV show that I was sure died to young. It only lasted 13 episodes and I think FOX only aired 10. Jay Mohr stared as a movie producer that combined the bad taste of Jerry Bruckheimer with the chemical and sexual dependency of Don Simpson. I just got done watching it and I must say while it was pretty funny it was more of a chuckle funny then a laugh out loud funny. Still this was a groundbreaking show that paved the way for Arrested Development in the fact that it challenged censors and in the fact that it was cancelled before its time.
…Reading
Infinite Crisis- I’ve always been more of a Marvel Comics guy then a DC guy. However, in the last few years my comic buying has been limited to a graphic novel here and a trade paperback there, and I found myself reading more DC. When Infinite Crisis posters began popping up at comic book stores and articles popped up in the Times and Newsweek, my curiosity was peaked. I remember reading the original Crisis in the 80’s, which DC used to clean house and make their comics more accessible. I also remember being thoroughly confused. This new Crisis is almost as confusing but has featured solid writing, great artwork and several nice nods to the past. Maybe it’s another gimmick by a publisher trying to reinvigorate a dead market but it’s worth a read.
…Listening To
Top 5 on my iPod
1. I Bet That You Look Good on The Dance Floor- Artic Monkeys (Words cannot express my love for this song, can it make the list for 3 weeks in a row?)
2. I Want to Know What Love Is- Foreigner (Bad news: My recent obsession with 70s/80s ballads continues. Good news: There can’t be that many more I haven’t downloaded.)
3. Sorry-Madonna (I now know how to apologize in many different languages thanks to the Material Girl.)
4. Piano Duet- Danny Elfman (This is from Corpse Bride, a beautiful piece of piano work, only wish it was longer.)
5. Summertime- DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince (I’ll be honest as I write this it’s not on my iPod but the weather is beautiful today and when I get home its going right on there so I can cruise the streets tomorrow with it blaring.)
Newsradio: The Complete 3rd Season on DVD- Yet another cult comedy classic is finally getting its due on DVD. This was the season where the show really took off with things like the complaint box, Bill’s strange childhood and guest stars including Jimmy Caan, Jon Stewart, and Ben Stiller. The commentaries are entertaining especially the one’s with the cast discussing Andy Dick’s drug and alcohol problems with Dick in the room. Good times, good times.
…Renting
Action: The Complete Series- So here’s a TV show that I was sure died to young. It only lasted 13 episodes and I think FOX only aired 10. Jay Mohr stared as a movie producer that combined the bad taste of Jerry Bruckheimer with the chemical and sexual dependency of Don Simpson. I just got done watching it and I must say while it was pretty funny it was more of a chuckle funny then a laugh out loud funny. Still this was a groundbreaking show that paved the way for Arrested Development in the fact that it challenged censors and in the fact that it was cancelled before its time.
…Reading
Infinite Crisis- I’ve always been more of a Marvel Comics guy then a DC guy. However, in the last few years my comic buying has been limited to a graphic novel here and a trade paperback there, and I found myself reading more DC. When Infinite Crisis posters began popping up at comic book stores and articles popped up in the Times and Newsweek, my curiosity was peaked. I remember reading the original Crisis in the 80’s, which DC used to clean house and make their comics more accessible. I also remember being thoroughly confused. This new Crisis is almost as confusing but has featured solid writing, great artwork and several nice nods to the past. Maybe it’s another gimmick by a publisher trying to reinvigorate a dead market but it’s worth a read.
…Listening To
Top 5 on my iPod
1. I Bet That You Look Good on The Dance Floor- Artic Monkeys (Words cannot express my love for this song, can it make the list for 3 weeks in a row?)
2. I Want to Know What Love Is- Foreigner (Bad news: My recent obsession with 70s/80s ballads continues. Good news: There can’t be that many more I haven’t downloaded.)
3. Sorry-Madonna (I now know how to apologize in many different languages thanks to the Material Girl.)
4. Piano Duet- Danny Elfman (This is from Corpse Bride, a beautiful piece of piano work, only wish it was longer.)
5. Summertime- DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince (I’ll be honest as I write this it’s not on my iPod but the weather is beautiful today and when I get home its going right on there so I can cruise the streets tomorrow with it blaring.)
Thursday, March 09, 2006
RealityFly
I’m feeling a bit like a junkie today. Dirty, unwashed with the stench of reality TV hovering around me. Let me share the last 4 days and my Mickey Rourke like addiction.
Sunday 11am
Trying to recover from a night out with some friends from out of town, someone innocently turns on the TV. Before we had gone out the night before we watched a couple of episodes of Project Runway and sure enough the marathon continued. Now I’m not sure if it was the lack of will and strength all of us had at the time or the fact that the show is that damn good but we ended watching at least 5 hours. By the time it was done I knew two things; you can overdose on reality repeats and it’s a travesty that there was no Post Office uniform challenge this year.
Monday 9pm
Spent most of the day detxoing from the Oscars and Kirby but still find a way to sneak in The Real World/Road Rules Challenge. I get so frustrated watching reality shows built around teams especially when the team you’re pulling for fails. I always pull for the veterans mostly because I’ve grown old with many of them. I’ve read that the next challenge will feature cast members versus unknowns. After two battles of the sexes, a battle of the seasons, and a battle of veterans versus rookie looks like they’ve run dry. Perhaps this will prompt a new season of Road Rules otherwise it will be The Real World/Real World Challenge in future installments.
Tuesday 9pm
The Amazing Race is back. Up until the xenophobic family edition from last fall this was my favorite reality show. This season holds promise. I’m enjoying the friendship between the hippies and the jocks, the geek super couple, and the train wreck waiting to happen in the southern couple. Plus it seems like the embarrassing dumb American travelers we get every season were already eliminated in week two.
Tuesday 11pm
Because the Race is on at a new time I’m recording the new Real World. Looks like a pretty boring cast that could rival San Diego in its tedium. Then again I got hooked on Austin because of the film making job and I think I’ll be hooked here because I love the Keys. It’s always fun to see bars and restaurants you’ve been to pop up on TV. The sleazy reality voyeur in me wishes they had cuter women housemates though…which brings us to…
Wednesday 8:30pm
When I recorded Real World I also recorded 8th & Ocean. This is the new show from the creators of the guiltiest of all pleasures Laguna Beach. This time it’s a look inside the competitive world of modeling in Miami Beach. Like Laguna this show might take a couple of weeks to grow on me. The first episode certainly looked good but because these men and women are more coworkers then friends I didn’t get the same feeling of intimacy you’d get from watching the Beach. Still, while I have no plans to record it again I’m sure I’ll catch a marathon on MTV some afternoon and give it another try.
Wednesday 9pm
After the marathon on Sunday I admit my excitement level was pretty low for the season finale of Project Runway. That changed quickly. I must admit for being a fashion ignorant man I really liked parts of all the designers collections. I thought Daniel had the best and worst pieces of all the designers. Chloe had two dresses that stood out to me but the rest where boring but not ugly. I thought Santino had the best looking collection from front to back but there wasn’t one piece that stood out to me. I’m pretty surprised they went with Chloe. I thought Daniel had it in the bag because of his youth and “taste”. Chloe seems very set on staying in Houston and using Runway to help her already existing business. As for Santino I’m sure we’ll be able to catch a Project Santino special sometime in the future.
Whew, I feel so much better after debriefing myself. Now I can look forward to a weekend that’s reality TV free and focus on actual reality, at least once Survivor’s done tonight.
Sunday 11am
Trying to recover from a night out with some friends from out of town, someone innocently turns on the TV. Before we had gone out the night before we watched a couple of episodes of Project Runway and sure enough the marathon continued. Now I’m not sure if it was the lack of will and strength all of us had at the time or the fact that the show is that damn good but we ended watching at least 5 hours. By the time it was done I knew two things; you can overdose on reality repeats and it’s a travesty that there was no Post Office uniform challenge this year.
Monday 9pm
Spent most of the day detxoing from the Oscars and Kirby but still find a way to sneak in The Real World/Road Rules Challenge. I get so frustrated watching reality shows built around teams especially when the team you’re pulling for fails. I always pull for the veterans mostly because I’ve grown old with many of them. I’ve read that the next challenge will feature cast members versus unknowns. After two battles of the sexes, a battle of the seasons, and a battle of veterans versus rookie looks like they’ve run dry. Perhaps this will prompt a new season of Road Rules otherwise it will be The Real World/Real World Challenge in future installments.
Tuesday 9pm
The Amazing Race is back. Up until the xenophobic family edition from last fall this was my favorite reality show. This season holds promise. I’m enjoying the friendship between the hippies and the jocks, the geek super couple, and the train wreck waiting to happen in the southern couple. Plus it seems like the embarrassing dumb American travelers we get every season were already eliminated in week two.
Tuesday 11pm
Because the Race is on at a new time I’m recording the new Real World. Looks like a pretty boring cast that could rival San Diego in its tedium. Then again I got hooked on Austin because of the film making job and I think I’ll be hooked here because I love the Keys. It’s always fun to see bars and restaurants you’ve been to pop up on TV. The sleazy reality voyeur in me wishes they had cuter women housemates though…which brings us to…
Wednesday 8:30pm
When I recorded Real World I also recorded 8th & Ocean. This is the new show from the creators of the guiltiest of all pleasures Laguna Beach. This time it’s a look inside the competitive world of modeling in Miami Beach. Like Laguna this show might take a couple of weeks to grow on me. The first episode certainly looked good but because these men and women are more coworkers then friends I didn’t get the same feeling of intimacy you’d get from watching the Beach. Still, while I have no plans to record it again I’m sure I’ll catch a marathon on MTV some afternoon and give it another try.
Wednesday 9pm
After the marathon on Sunday I admit my excitement level was pretty low for the season finale of Project Runway. That changed quickly. I must admit for being a fashion ignorant man I really liked parts of all the designers collections. I thought Daniel had the best and worst pieces of all the designers. Chloe had two dresses that stood out to me but the rest where boring but not ugly. I thought Santino had the best looking collection from front to back but there wasn’t one piece that stood out to me. I’m pretty surprised they went with Chloe. I thought Daniel had it in the bag because of his youth and “taste”. Chloe seems very set on staying in Houston and using Runway to help her already existing business. As for Santino I’m sure we’ll be able to catch a Project Santino special sometime in the future.
Whew, I feel so much better after debriefing myself. Now I can look forward to a weekend that’s reality TV free and focus on actual reality, at least once Survivor’s done tonight.
Wednesday, March 08, 2006
9 Days of Oscar: Wrap Up and Look Ahead
Some random thoughts on Sunday’s ceremony:
* Enough with clip packages. I love film noir but I’m not sure why it needed a tribute this year.
* How did The Day After Tomorrow work its way into a clip package dedicated to “classics” about social issues? If that’s a classic, then Police Academy should have been in the noir package.
Please keep America’s treasure Lauren Bacall away from the cocktails before she presents. The woman had all the balance of Jennifer Garner.
* The interpretive dance performance during “It’s Hard Out Here For A Pimp” did more to objectify women then the movie itself.
* Loved the campaign ads. Even the actors seemed to have a good sense of humor about them. (Except for Sean Penn Jr. aka Joaquin Phoenix.)
* My blog picks were almost spot on except for cinematography and song, too bad I didn’t stick with them in my Oscar pool.
I don’t have the best fashion taste but for the most part the beautiful people looked great with exceptions going to Michele Williams and her “this is my Sun god dress from my grade school play”, and Charlize Theron’s “bow so big it’s got it own area code.”
* Where were the accountants?
* The low ratings will be unfairly blamed on Jon Stewart and the small box office nominees, but I think the real problem with the show was the lack of any real races. Except for Crash winning Best Picture and me losing my Oscar pool, there were no real upsets or tension.
* Jon Stewart did a very good job but I think we’ll be “treated” to a retread Whoopi or Steve next year.
So now that we’re done with Oscar 2006, what about Oscar 2007? Obviously there was a backlash against the lack of commercially successful films being nominated this year. The question is whether the voters will actually pay that any heed next year or whether it will simply be a media created non-story. Films that might have critical and commercial success next year include Oliver Stone’s 9/11 project and Clint Eastwood’s Iwo Jima film. Personally I’ll be happy if we have another year where the 5 best picture nominees all made my personal top 20 and let the box office stats fall where they may.
* Enough with clip packages. I love film noir but I’m not sure why it needed a tribute this year.
* How did The Day After Tomorrow work its way into a clip package dedicated to “classics” about social issues? If that’s a classic, then Police Academy should have been in the noir package.
Please keep America’s treasure Lauren Bacall away from the cocktails before she presents. The woman had all the balance of Jennifer Garner.
* The interpretive dance performance during “It’s Hard Out Here For A Pimp” did more to objectify women then the movie itself.
* Loved the campaign ads. Even the actors seemed to have a good sense of humor about them. (Except for Sean Penn Jr. aka Joaquin Phoenix.)
* My blog picks were almost spot on except for cinematography and song, too bad I didn’t stick with them in my Oscar pool.
I don’t have the best fashion taste but for the most part the beautiful people looked great with exceptions going to Michele Williams and her “this is my Sun god dress from my grade school play”, and Charlize Theron’s “bow so big it’s got it own area code.”
* Where were the accountants?
* The low ratings will be unfairly blamed on Jon Stewart and the small box office nominees, but I think the real problem with the show was the lack of any real races. Except for Crash winning Best Picture and me losing my Oscar pool, there were no real upsets or tension.
* Jon Stewart did a very good job but I think we’ll be “treated” to a retread Whoopi or Steve next year.
So now that we’re done with Oscar 2006, what about Oscar 2007? Obviously there was a backlash against the lack of commercially successful films being nominated this year. The question is whether the voters will actually pay that any heed next year or whether it will simply be a media created non-story. Films that might have critical and commercial success next year include Oliver Stone’s 9/11 project and Clint Eastwood’s Iwo Jima film. Personally I’ll be happy if we have another year where the 5 best picture nominees all made my personal top 20 and let the box office stats fall where they may.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
30 Seats Over, 1 Row Down
Apologies for those expecting my Oscar wrap up. I’ll have that posted later tonight or tomorrow but I wanted to spend today talking about the loss of baseball Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett. I woke up from my Oscar hangover to the news that Kirby had suffered a stroke Sunday and would probably not live through Monday. Sadly that news was correct.
I spent the majority of my youth in Minneapolis. Prior to moving there, baseball was not a huge part of my sports life. I was a Yankee fan and I had loosely followed my old hometown team the Milwaukee Brewers, but outside of the World Series I didn’t watch or listen to much baseball. When I arrived in Minneapolis the Minnesota Twins were the laughing stock of baseball, with their powder blue uniforms, a lineup of players who were great prospects at one point but never amounted to much and a new Dome stadium that had all the ambiance of a county jail. That began to change in the mid-80’s, new uniforms, prospects that actually panned out and a stadium that was beginning to gain an identity despite its lackluster appearance. All of these changes were epitomized in Kirby Puckett. You can read about his stats at ESPN.com but what Kirby meant to the Twins, Minnesota, and myself was immeasurable.
For the Twins, he was that talent they nurtured in the minor leagues that not only turned into a consistent All Star performer but also a leader on and off the field. When the Twins debuted their new uniforms, Kirby was at the press conference showing how the stylish threads hugged his pronounced belly. When someone wasn’t putting in an effort on the field Kirby was the quintessential locker room leader both with his words and his example. Kirby never took a play off. He always hustled. This is rare in any sport but especially in baseball where 162 games can certainly cause even the most competitive athlete to lose focus during the season.
That style of play led the entire state of Minnesota to fall in love with Kirby. This was and is no small feat in the Land of 10,000 Lakes for a couple of reasons. For one, Minnesota belongs to the Vikings. Despite being the State of Hockey, no sport is more embedded in Minnesotans then pro football. The Twins were easily third class citizens in the 80’s and its most popular players were from past eras like Harmon Killabrew. Secondly, for being a relatively progressive state, African American sports stars have faced an uphill battle in being embraced by the white majority. The slightest slip up on or off the field often has led to a significant fracture in the athlete’s support, just ask Rod Carew, Chuck Foreman, Willie Burton, Chris Doleman, etc. etc. Puckett never slipped up during his playing career. He was approachable to fans and media and his unique body and infectious laugh quickly endeared himself to fans and non fans.
For me, Kirby meant many things. Obviously I loved watching him play, but it was the personal memories that mean the most. As a kid I remembered trying to mimic his batting routine from his routine of adjusting his jersey to the way he wiggled his bat to the way stepped into the swing. I had never seen such a demonstrative step and it always seemed that he was going to make contact; unfortunately it didn’t work that way for me. I also will treasure the fact that during his playing days, I didn’t have to wonder about steroids, gambling, drunk driving or any of the common issues most of us associate with our athletic heroes today. Unfortunately, once Kirby was forced off the field due to glaucoma he went through a nasty divorce where his wife accused him of abuse and he also faced two sexual harassment allegations. I had a very tough time reconciling my love of Kirby the player with my worry and suspicions of Kirby the retiree. Perhaps Kirby lost himself when he lost the ability to play, I suppose we’ll never know for sure, and while these thoughts still occupy part of my mind, I’m choosing to remember Kirby the player today.
My greatest memory comes from Game 6 of the 1991 World Series. Obviously this is the game that most will remember Puck for. I was lucky enough to be in the stands that night. I was 17 and starting my senior year in high school and it was the very rare instance where my late father came to a game with me. My mom was the true sports fan but for some reason my dad came with me that night. We sat in the lower deck in left center field and greeted Kirby as he came out to take the field with our Homer Hankies. During the game I watched my dad go from being an interested spectator to a passionate fan. Everyone knows what happened in the end, Kirby saved the game with a defensive gem at the wall and then hit the game winning homerun to send the Twins to a game 7. I was also lucky enough to go to Game 7 with my mom and see them win it all but it was Game 6 that remains stuck in my head.
I’ll always remember Kirby’s home run ball landing 30 seats over and 1 row down and the joy my dad and I shared at that moment with each other, with 55,000 other fans, and with Kirby.
I spent the majority of my youth in Minneapolis. Prior to moving there, baseball was not a huge part of my sports life. I was a Yankee fan and I had loosely followed my old hometown team the Milwaukee Brewers, but outside of the World Series I didn’t watch or listen to much baseball. When I arrived in Minneapolis the Minnesota Twins were the laughing stock of baseball, with their powder blue uniforms, a lineup of players who were great prospects at one point but never amounted to much and a new Dome stadium that had all the ambiance of a county jail. That began to change in the mid-80’s, new uniforms, prospects that actually panned out and a stadium that was beginning to gain an identity despite its lackluster appearance. All of these changes were epitomized in Kirby Puckett. You can read about his stats at ESPN.com but what Kirby meant to the Twins, Minnesota, and myself was immeasurable.
For the Twins, he was that talent they nurtured in the minor leagues that not only turned into a consistent All Star performer but also a leader on and off the field. When the Twins debuted their new uniforms, Kirby was at the press conference showing how the stylish threads hugged his pronounced belly. When someone wasn’t putting in an effort on the field Kirby was the quintessential locker room leader both with his words and his example. Kirby never took a play off. He always hustled. This is rare in any sport but especially in baseball where 162 games can certainly cause even the most competitive athlete to lose focus during the season.
That style of play led the entire state of Minnesota to fall in love with Kirby. This was and is no small feat in the Land of 10,000 Lakes for a couple of reasons. For one, Minnesota belongs to the Vikings. Despite being the State of Hockey, no sport is more embedded in Minnesotans then pro football. The Twins were easily third class citizens in the 80’s and its most popular players were from past eras like Harmon Killabrew. Secondly, for being a relatively progressive state, African American sports stars have faced an uphill battle in being embraced by the white majority. The slightest slip up on or off the field often has led to a significant fracture in the athlete’s support, just ask Rod Carew, Chuck Foreman, Willie Burton, Chris Doleman, etc. etc. Puckett never slipped up during his playing career. He was approachable to fans and media and his unique body and infectious laugh quickly endeared himself to fans and non fans.
For me, Kirby meant many things. Obviously I loved watching him play, but it was the personal memories that mean the most. As a kid I remembered trying to mimic his batting routine from his routine of adjusting his jersey to the way he wiggled his bat to the way stepped into the swing. I had never seen such a demonstrative step and it always seemed that he was going to make contact; unfortunately it didn’t work that way for me. I also will treasure the fact that during his playing days, I didn’t have to wonder about steroids, gambling, drunk driving or any of the common issues most of us associate with our athletic heroes today. Unfortunately, once Kirby was forced off the field due to glaucoma he went through a nasty divorce where his wife accused him of abuse and he also faced two sexual harassment allegations. I had a very tough time reconciling my love of Kirby the player with my worry and suspicions of Kirby the retiree. Perhaps Kirby lost himself when he lost the ability to play, I suppose we’ll never know for sure, and while these thoughts still occupy part of my mind, I’m choosing to remember Kirby the player today.
My greatest memory comes from Game 6 of the 1991 World Series. Obviously this is the game that most will remember Puck for. I was lucky enough to be in the stands that night. I was 17 and starting my senior year in high school and it was the very rare instance where my late father came to a game with me. My mom was the true sports fan but for some reason my dad came with me that night. We sat in the lower deck in left center field and greeted Kirby as he came out to take the field with our Homer Hankies. During the game I watched my dad go from being an interested spectator to a passionate fan. Everyone knows what happened in the end, Kirby saved the game with a defensive gem at the wall and then hit the game winning homerun to send the Twins to a game 7. I was also lucky enough to go to Game 7 with my mom and see them win it all but it was Game 6 that remains stuck in my head.
I’ll always remember Kirby’s home run ball landing 30 seats over and 1 row down and the joy my dad and I shared at that moment with each other, with 55,000 other fans, and with Kirby.
Saturday, March 04, 2006
9 Days of Oscar 2006: Best Picture
Who’s nominated? Brokeback Mountain, Capote, Crash, Good Night, and Good Luck, Munich
Who should have been nominated? The 40 Year Old Virgin. I really enjoyed all the nominees but if I was allowed to pick a sixth it would be Virgin. I know comedies don’t get nominated for best picture but this should have been an exception. It’s silly, crass, and a little self indulgent. However, it’s good hearted, funny as hell, and a great example of an ensemble of actors working together to achieve a level of performance that exceeded any expectations. I’m not the only one who thinks so; Virgin appeared on many top ten lists including the National Board of Review. I can’t say that any of the nominees are less deserving but I would’ve loved to see Virgin nominated. (If I had another vote it would have to go to King Kong another flawless film.)
Who will win? Crash. That’s right I’m going with the upset special. Crash really seems to be picking up momentum and this seems like the kind of year where the voters will try to recognize two films. I expect Brokeback to clean up in most the technical categories, screenplay, and directing but I really think Crash will take the top prize. I’ll probably flip flop again before the show but my gut (and the pre-Oscar buzz) tells me Crash might pull the upset.
Who should win? Munich. Again I’m as shocked as you are that I’m picking a best picture that was directed by my nemesis (and by nemesis I mean if I was also a big time Hollywood player). Like I’ve mentioned in other columns I feel that this was a rare occasion of a screenplay getting an incredible rewrite, a director opening himself up to change and criticism, and a group of actors both big and small all giving strong performances. I’m a big fan of all the nominees and I’d be thrilled to see Good Night win but Munich was my favorite of the bunch.
Who should have been nominated? The 40 Year Old Virgin. I really enjoyed all the nominees but if I was allowed to pick a sixth it would be Virgin. I know comedies don’t get nominated for best picture but this should have been an exception. It’s silly, crass, and a little self indulgent. However, it’s good hearted, funny as hell, and a great example of an ensemble of actors working together to achieve a level of performance that exceeded any expectations. I’m not the only one who thinks so; Virgin appeared on many top ten lists including the National Board of Review. I can’t say that any of the nominees are less deserving but I would’ve loved to see Virgin nominated. (If I had another vote it would have to go to King Kong another flawless film.)
Who will win? Crash. That’s right I’m going with the upset special. Crash really seems to be picking up momentum and this seems like the kind of year where the voters will try to recognize two films. I expect Brokeback to clean up in most the technical categories, screenplay, and directing but I really think Crash will take the top prize. I’ll probably flip flop again before the show but my gut (and the pre-Oscar buzz) tells me Crash might pull the upset.
Who should win? Munich. Again I’m as shocked as you are that I’m picking a best picture that was directed by my nemesis (and by nemesis I mean if I was also a big time Hollywood player). Like I’ve mentioned in other columns I feel that this was a rare occasion of a screenplay getting an incredible rewrite, a director opening himself up to change and criticism, and a group of actors both big and small all giving strong performances. I’m a big fan of all the nominees and I’d be thrilled to see Good Night win but Munich was my favorite of the bunch.
Friday, March 03, 2006
9 Days of Oscar 2006: Director
Who’s nominated? Brokeback Mountain, Capote, Crash, Good Night, and Good Luck, Munich
Who should have been nominated? Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller- Sin City. There are a number of reasons this nomination didn’t happen. First and foremost was the fact that Rodriguez quit the Director’s Guild when they wouldn’t allow Miller to get a directing credit. Then there was the violence and the fact that it was a “comic book” movie. I think this is the best directed film of last year from the mind blowing visuals, to the amazing performances. I have a hard time deciding which was the greater miracle; Rodriguez and Miller getting a tolerable performance out of Brittany Murphy or Paul Haggis doing the same with Sandra Bullock.
Who will win? Brokeback Mountain. Ang Lee always does a good job. Heck I even thought he did the best he could on The Hulk. In a very competitive field I’ll pick the frontrunner but Crash seems to be sneaking up there….hmmm.
Who should win? Munich. I can’t believe I just typed that. I’m no fan of Steven Spielberg. Besides the Indiana Jones trilogy, Jaws, and the Color Purple his movies are usually bland, boring and borderline insulting. This year saw an example of that when War of the Worlds came out. Munich is an exception and an amazing one at that. To use the tools of a thriller to paint a picture of the Mideast problem is a daunting task. Spielberg really stays to true to the picture and paints both sides in a bad light. Obviously as a prominent Jewish man, I’m sure he felt pressure to tell one side of the story and to his credit he stayed as neutral as possible.
Who should have been nominated? Robert Rodriguez and Frank Miller- Sin City. There are a number of reasons this nomination didn’t happen. First and foremost was the fact that Rodriguez quit the Director’s Guild when they wouldn’t allow Miller to get a directing credit. Then there was the violence and the fact that it was a “comic book” movie. I think this is the best directed film of last year from the mind blowing visuals, to the amazing performances. I have a hard time deciding which was the greater miracle; Rodriguez and Miller getting a tolerable performance out of Brittany Murphy or Paul Haggis doing the same with Sandra Bullock.
Who will win? Brokeback Mountain. Ang Lee always does a good job. Heck I even thought he did the best he could on The Hulk. In a very competitive field I’ll pick the frontrunner but Crash seems to be sneaking up there….hmmm.
Who should win? Munich. I can’t believe I just typed that. I’m no fan of Steven Spielberg. Besides the Indiana Jones trilogy, Jaws, and the Color Purple his movies are usually bland, boring and borderline insulting. This year saw an example of that when War of the Worlds came out. Munich is an exception and an amazing one at that. To use the tools of a thriller to paint a picture of the Mideast problem is a daunting task. Spielberg really stays to true to the picture and paints both sides in a bad light. Obviously as a prominent Jewish man, I’m sure he felt pressure to tell one side of the story and to his credit he stayed as neutral as possible.
Thursday, March 02, 2006
9 Days of Oscar 2006: Screenplays
ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Who’s nominated? Crash, Good Night, and Good Luck, Match Point, The Squid and the Whale, Syriana
Who should have been nominated? The 40 Year Old Virgin. I know it’s a comedy. I know parts were adlibbed. However this is still a damn tight script that’s both funny and touching without going into crappy romantic comedy territory.
Who will win? Crash. I think Crash is going to come up short in most the other categories but look there’s no Brokeback in this one. Syriana had amazing pre award season buzz but that was quickly dispelled once the reviews started coming in. The Squid and the Whale seems like a potential underdog that could pull off the upset; however I know the Academy voters want to recognize Crash with a win and this is the safest bet.
Who should win? Crash. I love this script. It may be a little clichéd and I thought some of the sharks Haggis had to jump to tie the stories together my have been a bit much but honestly he pulls it off.
ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Who’s nominated? Brokeback Mountain, Capote, The Constant Gardener, A History of Violence, Munich
Who should have been nominated? Sin City. You might be sensing a trend on which two films I thought got the shaft this year. Sin City was the greatest adaptation of a comic book. Not only that but by taking the original stories and splitting them up Miller and Rodriguez came up with a new way to tell them.
Who will win? Brokeback Mountain. Have you seen the size of the original work? To take such a short piece and elaborate on it without missing any of the beauty of the original is a true accomplishment. This seems like a runaway winner.
Who should win? Munich. This is a tough call but I’m going with Munich over Brokeback. This script finds away to walk a difficult tightrope without taking flat out sides in the Palestinian conflict. Perhaps, it would be more accurate to say that it takes both sides and throws everything at the audience so you see the flaws in both arguments.
Who’s nominated? Crash, Good Night, and Good Luck, Match Point, The Squid and the Whale, Syriana
Who should have been nominated? The 40 Year Old Virgin. I know it’s a comedy. I know parts were adlibbed. However this is still a damn tight script that’s both funny and touching without going into crappy romantic comedy territory.
Who will win? Crash. I think Crash is going to come up short in most the other categories but look there’s no Brokeback in this one. Syriana had amazing pre award season buzz but that was quickly dispelled once the reviews started coming in. The Squid and the Whale seems like a potential underdog that could pull off the upset; however I know the Academy voters want to recognize Crash with a win and this is the safest bet.
Who should win? Crash. I love this script. It may be a little clichéd and I thought some of the sharks Haggis had to jump to tie the stories together my have been a bit much but honestly he pulls it off.
ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Who’s nominated? Brokeback Mountain, Capote, The Constant Gardener, A History of Violence, Munich
Who should have been nominated? Sin City. You might be sensing a trend on which two films I thought got the shaft this year. Sin City was the greatest adaptation of a comic book. Not only that but by taking the original stories and splitting them up Miller and Rodriguez came up with a new way to tell them.
Who will win? Brokeback Mountain. Have you seen the size of the original work? To take such a short piece and elaborate on it without missing any of the beauty of the original is a true accomplishment. This seems like a runaway winner.
Who should win? Munich. This is a tough call but I’m going with Munich over Brokeback. This script finds away to walk a difficult tightrope without taking flat out sides in the Palestinian conflict. Perhaps, it would be more accurate to say that it takes both sides and throws everything at the audience so you see the flaws in both arguments.
Wednesday, March 01, 2006
9 Days of Oscar 2006: Lead Actor
Who’s nominated? Philip Seymour Hoffman- Capote, Terrence Howard- Hustle & Flow, Heath Ledger- Brokeback Mountain, Joaquin Phoenix- Walk the Line, David Strathairn- Good Night, and Good Luck
Who should have been nominated? Eric Bana- Munich. I can’t argue against any of the nominees in this category but if one of them had to drop out I’d pick Bana. He gives the audience a character we can identify with. Hurt, angry, confused, regretful and eventually distant and disconnected, Bana takes on the many aspects of his supporting cast and funnels them through his performance.
Who will win? Philip Seymour Hoffman. This is the opposite of the Lead Actress race as I could see any one of these actor’s taking home the prize. Howard is the low man in the race despite giving an amazing performance and a new twist on the underdog role. Strathain and Phoenix both do proud tribute to the historical figures they portray. Ledger to me was a revelation. From his first moment on screen and his mumbled speech to the final scene of the flick, he gives one of the most tortured performance’s I’ve ever seen.
Capote is a movie where the entire weight of the film really rests on the lead’s performance. Ledger certainly has a chance to pull it off but I think the Globe and SAG awards are fairly good indicators that Hoffman’s taking this.
Who should win? Heath Ledger. After seeing Hustle, Brokeback and Capote I remember thinking to myself each actor was deserving of an Oscar. In the end I think Ledger was the best but I’ll be happy to see Hoffman win too.
Who should have been nominated? Eric Bana- Munich. I can’t argue against any of the nominees in this category but if one of them had to drop out I’d pick Bana. He gives the audience a character we can identify with. Hurt, angry, confused, regretful and eventually distant and disconnected, Bana takes on the many aspects of his supporting cast and funnels them through his performance.
Who will win? Philip Seymour Hoffman. This is the opposite of the Lead Actress race as I could see any one of these actor’s taking home the prize. Howard is the low man in the race despite giving an amazing performance and a new twist on the underdog role. Strathain and Phoenix both do proud tribute to the historical figures they portray. Ledger to me was a revelation. From his first moment on screen and his mumbled speech to the final scene of the flick, he gives one of the most tortured performance’s I’ve ever seen.
Capote is a movie where the entire weight of the film really rests on the lead’s performance. Ledger certainly has a chance to pull it off but I think the Globe and SAG awards are fairly good indicators that Hoffman’s taking this.
Who should win? Heath Ledger. After seeing Hustle, Brokeback and Capote I remember thinking to myself each actor was deserving of an Oscar. In the end I think Ledger was the best but I’ll be happy to see Hoffman win too.
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