Yesterday while shopping, I noticed that the first of the pro and college football annuals had hit the newsstands. Althon had both pro and college (their college annuals are done by region, so for CT, we had Eastern College football) and picked the Patriots to beat the Eagles in the Super Bowl. Beckett's has a pro football annual out which picked the Patriots to win the division but some other team to win the AFC. I cannot remember who they picked.
It is kind of silly when these annuals come out so early. Lots of factors cannot be taken into consideration as these annuals are written up post draft. I doubt the Jay Cutler trade to the Bears is covered and who knows what will happen in Training camp or the preseason. There are fewer and fewer of this annuals coming out. I used to buy Street and Smith every year, now they bought the Sporting News and come out as part of that line.
Pushing Daisies had a nice episode last night. Kristin Chenowith got to sing Hello until Ned (Lee Pace) interrupted her. They really need to take more advantage of Kristin and her gift for song. Hopefully she will be coming back to TV soon, I would like to see her host a variety show where she can make use of her talents.
Harper's Island goes on, the guy from Eureka got killed last night. He was burning the $250,000 that they found when the killer did away with him. That makes a total of 10 dead so far with six episodes to go. I am somewhat surprised that CBS is not doing double episodes on Sat night to finish it up faster. I guess they don't have anything better to show.
Cleveland Cavilers were eliminated by the Orlando Magic in the NBA playoffs. This were hurt the ratings as LeBron James was the big buildup with Cleveland finally getting a chance to win a championship. Cleveland once again is passed by for championship gold.
Pittsburgh lost game one to Detroit in the NHL finals. My sister is a big Penguins fan so I would like to see them win. Will be tough, the Red Wings are looking good.
The coming week we have Burn Notice starting up on USA and a new series, Royal Pains that I am interested in checking out. Why do the cable networks have so many interesting shows compared to the big four?
Oh well.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Thoughts: 30-May-2009
I went to see Terminator Salvation today. And it turned out to be a decent movie. One thing that I liked about it, is that the film ignores the two movie sequels and the TV series. So, if you just accept the first film and this film it makes plenty of sense and eliminates needless crap that went on in the other films/tv show.
Pretty good story and I have to say the McG whose previous work was the Charlie's Angels films did a nice job. I am glad I did see this movie and not Up. I figure that I like all the Pixar films so Up can be a treat for next weekend.
I watched the Unusuals last night, pretty good episode. It is a shame that ABC cancelled it, maybe a different time spot than the Wed 10pm Dead Zone where ABC sends series to die.
Tonight, Pushing Daises returns to ABC for the next three weeks. Another show that I liked that was cancelled. Thank God for DVD sets. I remember when the first complete DVD TV show set came out. It was the X-Files and all the episodes of season one were included. Previously only selected episodes appeared on VHS. Lots of people thought this would not sell, but it did . So now we have lots of complete seasons for lots of TV shows coming out.
I just saw that the complete series of The Guns of Will Sonnett is coming out in July. I remember watching this show as a kid and look forward to getting it.
Oh well.
Pretty good story and I have to say the McG whose previous work was the Charlie's Angels films did a nice job. I am glad I did see this movie and not Up. I figure that I like all the Pixar films so Up can be a treat for next weekend.
I watched the Unusuals last night, pretty good episode. It is a shame that ABC cancelled it, maybe a different time spot than the Wed 10pm Dead Zone where ABC sends series to die.
Tonight, Pushing Daises returns to ABC for the next three weeks. Another show that I liked that was cancelled. Thank God for DVD sets. I remember when the first complete DVD TV show set came out. It was the X-Files and all the episodes of season one were included. Previously only selected episodes appeared on VHS. Lots of people thought this would not sell, but it did . So now we have lots of complete seasons for lots of TV shows coming out.
I just saw that the complete series of The Guns of Will Sonnett is coming out in July. I remember watching this show as a kid and look forward to getting it.
Oh well.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thoughts: 29-May-2009
I watched the latest Teutels psychodrama last night on American Chopper. I also checked out the message boards on TLC Turbo and read some really dumb stuff about Sr. vs Jr. Jr. is now working as a consultant to OCC and dealing builds one at a time. He wants to earn some extra money while he is getting his girlfriend's boutique and his design company started.
So Sr. has a fit about him talking on the phone and not coming in at 7 am to start. He comes in at 8:15 am, comes up with a unique fabrication for the handlebars, and the bike is done on time for Howe's Cavern. As a consultant to OCC he wanted to set his own hours and be allowed to deal with his business ventures. So what is the problem, other than to create drama for the show?
Over on the TLC Turbo message boards, some folk were yabbing about Jr.'s work ethic. I don't know but I see him coming in and getting the job done. Sr. is MIA, and has no clue about doing anything new or unique. Sr. builds the same old school style bike over and over again. Jr. comes in with something unique and different in his designs. As for the time BS, what difference does it make if he comes in at 7 or 8 am, the bikes get build on time and I saw several episodes where Jr. was in past midnight, with no sign of Sr., getting the job done.
The past season, we were told Jr. owns 10 percent of the company, so he must be getting some profit share from that, plus money for tv and merchandising. If he wants to have his own design company, and Sr. does not want to pay him, buy him out. Jr. could design bikes and subcontract to Vinne and Cody (who more and more made the right decision to get the F out of OCC and go into business for themselves) at V Force.
I also have to laugh at Sr.'s book, with is his biography/business plan for success. OCC got successful thanks to the Discovery Channel making a show about them. This allowed them to sell bikes at inflated prices due to the demand created by fans of the show. Jr. did some nice designs which helped, but without the show making them famous, they would not be as successful as they have become.
I could rant about this on the message boards but as I have found out newcomers are never listened to.
Oh well.
So Sr. has a fit about him talking on the phone and not coming in at 7 am to start. He comes in at 8:15 am, comes up with a unique fabrication for the handlebars, and the bike is done on time for Howe's Cavern. As a consultant to OCC he wanted to set his own hours and be allowed to deal with his business ventures. So what is the problem, other than to create drama for the show?
Over on the TLC Turbo message boards, some folk were yabbing about Jr.'s work ethic. I don't know but I see him coming in and getting the job done. Sr. is MIA, and has no clue about doing anything new or unique. Sr. builds the same old school style bike over and over again. Jr. comes in with something unique and different in his designs. As for the time BS, what difference does it make if he comes in at 7 or 8 am, the bikes get build on time and I saw several episodes where Jr. was in past midnight, with no sign of Sr., getting the job done.
The past season, we were told Jr. owns 10 percent of the company, so he must be getting some profit share from that, plus money for tv and merchandising. If he wants to have his own design company, and Sr. does not want to pay him, buy him out. Jr. could design bikes and subcontract to Vinne and Cody (who more and more made the right decision to get the F out of OCC and go into business for themselves) at V Force.
I also have to laugh at Sr.'s book, with is his biography/business plan for success. OCC got successful thanks to the Discovery Channel making a show about them. This allowed them to sell bikes at inflated prices due to the demand created by fans of the show. Jr. did some nice designs which helped, but without the show making them famous, they would not be as successful as they have become.
I could rant about this on the message boards but as I have found out newcomers are never listened to.
Oh well.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Thoughts: 28-May-2009
Not much to say today, finishing watching shows like The Unusuals and Law & Order while waiting for new shows of The Closer, Burn Notice, and Royal Pains.
Monsterquest was its usual disappointment. After telling us about these killer jellyfish populations growing larger and more threatening, they then could not find any of these large populations when they went out filming.
Oh well.
Monsterquest was its usual disappointment. After telling us about these killer jellyfish populations growing larger and more threatening, they then could not find any of these large populations when they went out filming.
Oh well.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Thoughts: 27-May-2009
I watched the season finale of Reaper and it was one of the best shows they did. We have learned that demons aka fallen angels can be forgiven and return to the status of heavenly host, now we see that God wants Sam to stay in his deal with the Devil as some sort of masterplan. Andy expressed her love for Sam by putting her soul at risk, and now both she and Sam are in debt to the Devil.
Throughout the series I have noticed that the Devil is always trying to tempt Sam and he also resists. I wonder if there is more to that than meets the eye. I am reminded of It's a Wonderful Life where Clarence had the faith of a child and the brain of a turnip. Maybe there is something in that. I hope that we can see some more of Reaper either through a syndication deal, direct to DVDs (like Dead Like Me did) or maybe a comic book series like Buffy, Angel and Farscape currently have.
Tonight on Monsterquest, we have Killer Giant Jellyfish. At least we know that jellyfish exist, just have to wonder if we are going to see any really big ones.
Oh well.
Throughout the series I have noticed that the Devil is always trying to tempt Sam and he also resists. I wonder if there is more to that than meets the eye. I am reminded of It's a Wonderful Life where Clarence had the faith of a child and the brain of a turnip. Maybe there is something in that. I hope that we can see some more of Reaper either through a syndication deal, direct to DVDs (like Dead Like Me did) or maybe a comic book series like Buffy, Angel and Farscape currently have.
Tonight on Monsterquest, we have Killer Giant Jellyfish. At least we know that jellyfish exist, just have to wonder if we are going to see any really big ones.
Oh well.
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Thoughts: 26-May-2009
Tonight on the CW, the season finale of Reaper. Watch it and improve the ratings.
I just got the British version of Eleventh Hour, the series that inspired the cancelled American version on CBS. Strangely it lasted only four episodes and this version had Patrick Stewart as the star. Why no love or no outrage at the cancellation of Eleventh Hour?
I was watching the Millennium Godzilla series over the weekend, it amazes me how good these pictures looked. I will be watching Final Wars some time soon. I miss Godzilla. Maybe Sony can release some more films on DVD.
I also watched the Reader this weekend. Kate Winslet was very good and I am glad she got the Oscar for her performance. An interesting film.
Oh well.
I just got the British version of Eleventh Hour, the series that inspired the cancelled American version on CBS. Strangely it lasted only four episodes and this version had Patrick Stewart as the star. Why no love or no outrage at the cancellation of Eleventh Hour?
I was watching the Millennium Godzilla series over the weekend, it amazes me how good these pictures looked. I will be watching Final Wars some time soon. I miss Godzilla. Maybe Sony can release some more films on DVD.
I also watched the Reader this weekend. Kate Winslet was very good and I am glad she got the Oscar for her performance. An interesting film.
Oh well.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Thoughts: 25-May-2009
Today is Memorial Day where we honor those who gave their lives in service for our country. A salute to all those brave men and women who sacrificed their lives to allow us to live free here in the USA.
Hollywood Reporter has reported that ABC studios is trying to keep Reaper alive. One possibility is a syndication deal where they would pair the show with Legend of the Seeker. I have never seen this show and don't really know when it is telecast in my local area. Tyler Labine would be contractually obligated to star in Reaper if such a deal is negotiated. While hope exists, I really have my doubts this will happen.
I watched the McLaughlin Group yesterday. Eleanor Clift was doing her shrill squawking as usual. I note that she is not content to just interrupt Monica and Pat, but even her fellow liberal Mort Zuckerman. He was attempting to discuss the the recent meeting between the Israel Prime Minster and Obama, a subject that he knows 1000 times more than Clift, and she interrupts him to express her utterly stupid opinion. As soon as somebody says that Obama is doing a bad job or was out scored by someone, she starts her shrill squawking.
I also notice that Clift almost never misses a show. Why? Because outside of the show she is totally irrelevant, Newsweek who employs her is going down in circulation and no longer carries any weight, she does not have a syndicated news column, or appears on any other shows. Without the McLaughlin Group, she would be unknown. Why John McLaughlin puts up with her, I do not know.
Oh well.
Hollywood Reporter has reported that ABC studios is trying to keep Reaper alive. One possibility is a syndication deal where they would pair the show with Legend of the Seeker. I have never seen this show and don't really know when it is telecast in my local area. Tyler Labine would be contractually obligated to star in Reaper if such a deal is negotiated. While hope exists, I really have my doubts this will happen.
I watched the McLaughlin Group yesterday. Eleanor Clift was doing her shrill squawking as usual. I note that she is not content to just interrupt Monica and Pat, but even her fellow liberal Mort Zuckerman. He was attempting to discuss the the recent meeting between the Israel Prime Minster and Obama, a subject that he knows 1000 times more than Clift, and she interrupts him to express her utterly stupid opinion. As soon as somebody says that Obama is doing a bad job or was out scored by someone, she starts her shrill squawking.
I also notice that Clift almost never misses a show. Why? Because outside of the show she is totally irrelevant, Newsweek who employs her is going down in circulation and no longer carries any weight, she does not have a syndicated news column, or appears on any other shows. Without the McLaughlin Group, she would be unknown. Why John McLaughlin puts up with her, I do not know.
Oh well.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Thoughts: 24-May-2009
I am still getting comments to my blog about Reaper possibly getting picked up for another season. I just did a Google search and found nothing on that subject on any of the websites. While I am not going to discount the possibility totally, I have yet to see any reliable information that this will happen. Who knows, if Dollhouse can get another season, anything could happen.
If Reaper survives for another season, I will be happy to report that.
I ended up not going to see Terminator: Salvation yesterday. Too long a wait at Groton Cinemas after I saw Night at the Museum: Battle for the Smithsonian. I enjoyed this sequel very much, Amy Adams turns in another great performance. She portrays Amelia Earhart, (Adams is well more attractive than the real life character) and she shines. She is sure to get an Oscar one of these days as she turns in one good performance after another.
I also think that Robin Williams does a great job in bringing Teddy Roosevelt to life. If they ever make a Bio pic of TR, Williams would be a good choice for that part. Very fun film with lots of action and fast paced comedy. And it went along at a nice pace. If you liked the first film, you will like this sequel.
I did see in Entertainment Weekly a decent review for the fourth Terminator film, so I might check that out later. They cut a steamy nude scene out of the picture to get the PG-14 rating, guess we have the DVD to look forward to in order to see that.
Spiderman comics decided to end the Peter Parker-Mary Jane Watson marriage in a reboot of the series. I did not like that nor did I like they way they did it. The newspaper comic strip followed suit. Luckily the readers spoke out and the marriage is back on in the newspaper comic world, so I guess sometimes it works when enough fans speak up when their favorite comics do stupid plot lines.
Looks like the new Batman will be Dick Grayson who takes up the mantle following the death of Bruce Wayne in the Final Crisis series. Damion, the child Wayne had with Talia, is going to be the new Robin. I guess that means Tim Drake will be either Nightwing or maybe Red Robin. I see a ongoing series is starting up with the Red Robin character and I don't think Jason Todd would be it. Who knows? I am waiting for Bruce to come back as Batman, as I wait for Steve Rodgers to come back as Captain America.
Harper's Island is continuing on it merry little way killing off another character this past episode. CBS is not going to be doing any more Harper's Island after this run, but it was a 13 episode mini-series so I never accepted it to be renewed. At least the police starting to find some bodies. The killer should has a lot of time to make up all these deathtraps, I wonder if John Rambo trained him/her.
American Chopper is continuing the lame psychodrama of Jr. vs Sr. Sr. goes on a book tour and complains that Jr. and Mikey are not along. Jr. helps out at the shop with a bike build where we get to see them solve a fabrication problem and without Sr. there, the build goes smoothly and is done on time. So, why the frak doesn't Sr. stay out of the shop and let Jr. do his thing? I guess there would be less drama that way. I still say American Chopper is on its last legs.
Oh well.
If Reaper survives for another season, I will be happy to report that.
I ended up not going to see Terminator: Salvation yesterday. Too long a wait at Groton Cinemas after I saw Night at the Museum: Battle for the Smithsonian. I enjoyed this sequel very much, Amy Adams turns in another great performance. She portrays Amelia Earhart, (Adams is well more attractive than the real life character) and she shines. She is sure to get an Oscar one of these days as she turns in one good performance after another.
I also think that Robin Williams does a great job in bringing Teddy Roosevelt to life. If they ever make a Bio pic of TR, Williams would be a good choice for that part. Very fun film with lots of action and fast paced comedy. And it went along at a nice pace. If you liked the first film, you will like this sequel.
I did see in Entertainment Weekly a decent review for the fourth Terminator film, so I might check that out later. They cut a steamy nude scene out of the picture to get the PG-14 rating, guess we have the DVD to look forward to in order to see that.
Spiderman comics decided to end the Peter Parker-Mary Jane Watson marriage in a reboot of the series. I did not like that nor did I like they way they did it. The newspaper comic strip followed suit. Luckily the readers spoke out and the marriage is back on in the newspaper comic world, so I guess sometimes it works when enough fans speak up when their favorite comics do stupid plot lines.
Looks like the new Batman will be Dick Grayson who takes up the mantle following the death of Bruce Wayne in the Final Crisis series. Damion, the child Wayne had with Talia, is going to be the new Robin. I guess that means Tim Drake will be either Nightwing or maybe Red Robin. I see a ongoing series is starting up with the Red Robin character and I don't think Jason Todd would be it. Who knows? I am waiting for Bruce to come back as Batman, as I wait for Steve Rodgers to come back as Captain America.
Harper's Island is continuing on it merry little way killing off another character this past episode. CBS is not going to be doing any more Harper's Island after this run, but it was a 13 episode mini-series so I never accepted it to be renewed. At least the police starting to find some bodies. The killer should has a lot of time to make up all these deathtraps, I wonder if John Rambo trained him/her.
American Chopper is continuing the lame psychodrama of Jr. vs Sr. Sr. goes on a book tour and complains that Jr. and Mikey are not along. Jr. helps out at the shop with a bike build where we get to see them solve a fabrication problem and without Sr. there, the build goes smoothly and is done on time. So, why the frak doesn't Sr. stay out of the shop and let Jr. do his thing? I guess there would be less drama that way. I still say American Chopper is on its last legs.
Oh well.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
Thoughts: 23-May-2009
Good news for me, Groton Cinemas has Night at the Museum 2 along with Terminator: Salvation so I will be doing a double feature this afternoon. At least one of these films should be good.
Here is a rundown of my viewing list with commentary as to what was cancelled and saved. Cancelled shows appear in bold.
CBS: Ghost Whisperer, CSI, CSI: Miami, CSI: New York, Eleventh Hour, NCIS, and The Mentalist
Comments: Most of my shows that I watch on CBS were renewed with the exception of Eleventh Hour which I still do not get. I will be adding Cold Case to this list and the NCIS: Los Angeles for this upcoming season.
ABC: Pushing Daises, The Unusuals, Lost, Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, and Desperate Housewives
Comments: No big surprise as the cancellations, still in shock that Private Practice got renewed. Why you ask, will I continue to watch this crap, so I can complain about it and in case there will be any cross-overs with Grey's Anatomy.
NBC: Heroes, Crusoe, Friday Night Lights, Southland and Law & Order
Comments: I just saw the full season of Crusoe out on DVD. For a show about two guys stranded on a deserted island, they sure had a lot of people show up. Kind of like Gilligan's Island with the result of them not getting rescued. Friday Night Lights was saved thanks to Direct TV for two more seasons.
CW: Reaper, Smallville, and Supernatural
Comments: Reaper deserves a better fate especially with some of the crap that got renewed and will be on next season. CW is breaking up the Thursday night combo of Smallville and Supernatural which may not be a good idea. I have no desire to watch the Vampire Diaries. Entertainment Weekly had an article on Supernatural and stated that this may be the last season. I think the same may be true for Smallville. If these two shows end, I probably will not be watching this network anymore.
Fox: Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Dollhouse, House, 24, Bones, and Lie to Me.
Comments: T: SCC was terrible and deserves to be gone. I still do not understand the renewal of Dollhouse, Whedon must have sold his soul to Ray Wise, the Devil on Reaper. Again, I will watch that crappy show so I can rant about it.
Looking over this list, I have to thank God for cable networks like FX, TNT, and USA which are showing quality shows like Damages, The Closer, and Burn Notice.
Oh well.
Here is a rundown of my viewing list with commentary as to what was cancelled and saved. Cancelled shows appear in bold.
CBS: Ghost Whisperer, CSI, CSI: Miami, CSI: New York, Eleventh Hour, NCIS, and The Mentalist
Comments: Most of my shows that I watch on CBS were renewed with the exception of Eleventh Hour which I still do not get. I will be adding Cold Case to this list and the NCIS: Los Angeles for this upcoming season.
ABC: Pushing Daises, The Unusuals, Lost, Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice, and Desperate Housewives
Comments: No big surprise as the cancellations, still in shock that Private Practice got renewed. Why you ask, will I continue to watch this crap, so I can complain about it and in case there will be any cross-overs with Grey's Anatomy.
NBC: Heroes, Crusoe, Friday Night Lights, Southland and Law & Order
Comments: I just saw the full season of Crusoe out on DVD. For a show about two guys stranded on a deserted island, they sure had a lot of people show up. Kind of like Gilligan's Island with the result of them not getting rescued. Friday Night Lights was saved thanks to Direct TV for two more seasons.
CW: Reaper, Smallville, and Supernatural
Comments: Reaper deserves a better fate especially with some of the crap that got renewed and will be on next season. CW is breaking up the Thursday night combo of Smallville and Supernatural which may not be a good idea. I have no desire to watch the Vampire Diaries. Entertainment Weekly had an article on Supernatural and stated that this may be the last season. I think the same may be true for Smallville. If these two shows end, I probably will not be watching this network anymore.
Fox: Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Dollhouse, House, 24, Bones, and Lie to Me.
Comments: T: SCC was terrible and deserves to be gone. I still do not understand the renewal of Dollhouse, Whedon must have sold his soul to Ray Wise, the Devil on Reaper. Again, I will watch that crappy show so I can rant about it.
Looking over this list, I have to thank God for cable networks like FX, TNT, and USA which are showing quality shows like Damages, The Closer, and Burn Notice.
Oh well.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Thoughts: 22-May-2009
The Penn & Teller show last night at Foxwoods MGM Grand was fantastic. I had a really good time and enjoyed the show very much. One thing that bothered me was that there were tons of empty seats in the $40 and $30 dollar sections which were reserved for high rollers who did not used them. I would have loved getting a seat that close to the action.
After the show, Penn & Teller met with the fans outside the arena signing autographs and posing for photos. Class act all the way. One of my friends who I went with said that she knew how Teller did his pin trick, luckily she did not approach him to tell him so. Lots of funny bits. If you have a chance to see this show, go for it.
Debating whether or not to go see Terminator: Salvation. I have been reading terrible reviews and I hated the TV show that Fox just cancelled. I do like Christian Bale, so I don't know.
Oh well.
After the show, Penn & Teller met with the fans outside the arena signing autographs and posing for photos. Class act all the way. One of my friends who I went with said that she knew how Teller did his pin trick, luckily she did not approach him to tell him so. Lots of funny bits. If you have a chance to see this show, go for it.
Debating whether or not to go see Terminator: Salvation. I have been reading terrible reviews and I hated the TV show that Fox just cancelled. I do like Christian Bale, so I don't know.
Oh well.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Thoughts: 21-May-2009
I will be going to Foxwoods MGM Grand tonight to see Penn and Teller. Looking forward to it.
The CW put out its schedule, Reaper is not on it. Some Reaper fans commented on yesterday's blog. that the show is looking for a home either in syndication or on a cable network so I guess there is a chance it could be on next year. I wonder how this would affect Tyler Labine's contract as his pilot Sons of Tucson was picked up by Fox.
CW is splitting up Smallville and Supernatural. Smallville goes to Friday night and the new show Vampire Diaries will take its place on Thursday. I have not interest in seeing Vampire Diaries as it looks like a retread of Twilight. Now I have three shows on Friday night at 8 pm to watch, Law and Order, Ghost Whisperer, and Smallville. Hulu.com is going to be big for me this fall.
I watch the History Channel documentary, How Bruce Lee changed the World. Quite interesting, I never realized how much of a philosopher Lee was and how innovative were his training techniques and his nutrition regimen. One of the better documentaries on the History Channel.
Oh well.
The CW put out its schedule, Reaper is not on it. Some Reaper fans commented on yesterday's blog. that the show is looking for a home either in syndication or on a cable network so I guess there is a chance it could be on next year. I wonder how this would affect Tyler Labine's contract as his pilot Sons of Tucson was picked up by Fox.
CW is splitting up Smallville and Supernatural. Smallville goes to Friday night and the new show Vampire Diaries will take its place on Thursday. I have not interest in seeing Vampire Diaries as it looks like a retread of Twilight. Now I have three shows on Friday night at 8 pm to watch, Law and Order, Ghost Whisperer, and Smallville. Hulu.com is going to be big for me this fall.
I watch the History Channel documentary, How Bruce Lee changed the World. Quite interesting, I never realized how much of a philosopher Lee was and how innovative were his training techniques and his nutrition regimen. One of the better documentaries on the History Channel.
Oh well.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Thoughts: 21-May-2009
Still not happy about CBS cancelling the Eleventh Hour, a show that had it last three episodes in the top 20. I thought it a show gets good ratings, it gets renewed, bad ratings it gets cancelled. So how does Fox justify renewing Dollhouse whose ratings where in the toilet. Big mistake.
And to add insult to injury, CBS picked up a cancelled series from NBC, Medium to pair with Ghost Whisperer on Friday nights, so let me get this straight, the Eleventh Hour gets cancelled, but you save another show from another network.
Looks like Reaper, as reported by the FutonCritic, is getting cancelled by the CW. Show started out with a lot of promise, was hailed as one of the five best new shows by Entertainment Weekly, only to die after two seasons. While I think this fate was not deserved, I think that they went a little too heavy on the slacker personas and should have smarten up our trio. Tyler Labine will probably be on Fox TV with the Sons of Tucson show that he did the pilot for. Ray Wise should get picked up by another show, he is too good an actor not to be used.
ABC renews Scrubs, but most of the cast appears to be going to other shows. Wonder if this show gets a reboot treatment for the next season with new characters. I watch the show on DVD in marathon bouts.
A couple of weeks ago, I said that the American Conservative was folding. The readership spoke and sent money to save the magazine which is stay in print as a monthly ending its bi-weekly publication rate.
CSI: Miami had an ok season finale, kind of letdown from the previous episode. Eric is missing, I don't care really about his character. I would like to see some new blood and a cross-over with CSI: NY show, that was pretty good when they did that a few seasons back.
NCIS, great season finale, though I wonder why terrorists who captured Ziva would be asking her about NCIS instead of the Mossad. I really don't think terrorists would be that concerned about NCIS, Mossad is the really concern. And give Ziva is the director of Mossad's daughter, I would think she has a lot more value than her knowledge of NCIS. Also have to say that it is a tad unrealistic to assume she would not be sexually abused in that situation, I think NCIS may have crossed a line here.
Goofy Tony from NCIS did not get any respect from anybody for killing this Mossad big time assassin. They had to pull out a big time blood alcohol level to explain how Tony did it. I don't know, Tony is a cop from Baltimore, you are trained to shoot to kill when you discharge a weapon. I thought Ziva's BS rationalization did not work as she claimed Tony's could shoot to wound instead. I also don't think that this storyline is going to help the Tony-Ziva romance. Who knows.
The Mentalist had a nice season finale with another confrontation with Red John. There have been, I think, three episodes that dealt with Red John. A good number as you don't want to make it stale or solve it too fast. CBS is putting this show on Thursday at 10 pm, so let's see if the ratings hold up. Simon Baker has a charming way about him, so I think the show should do fine.
Oh well.
And to add insult to injury, CBS picked up a cancelled series from NBC, Medium to pair with Ghost Whisperer on Friday nights, so let me get this straight, the Eleventh Hour gets cancelled, but you save another show from another network.
Looks like Reaper, as reported by the FutonCritic, is getting cancelled by the CW. Show started out with a lot of promise, was hailed as one of the five best new shows by Entertainment Weekly, only to die after two seasons. While I think this fate was not deserved, I think that they went a little too heavy on the slacker personas and should have smarten up our trio. Tyler Labine will probably be on Fox TV with the Sons of Tucson show that he did the pilot for. Ray Wise should get picked up by another show, he is too good an actor not to be used.
ABC renews Scrubs, but most of the cast appears to be going to other shows. Wonder if this show gets a reboot treatment for the next season with new characters. I watch the show on DVD in marathon bouts.
A couple of weeks ago, I said that the American Conservative was folding. The readership spoke and sent money to save the magazine which is stay in print as a monthly ending its bi-weekly publication rate.
CSI: Miami had an ok season finale, kind of letdown from the previous episode. Eric is missing, I don't care really about his character. I would like to see some new blood and a cross-over with CSI: NY show, that was pretty good when they did that a few seasons back.
NCIS, great season finale, though I wonder why terrorists who captured Ziva would be asking her about NCIS instead of the Mossad. I really don't think terrorists would be that concerned about NCIS, Mossad is the really concern. And give Ziva is the director of Mossad's daughter, I would think she has a lot more value than her knowledge of NCIS. Also have to say that it is a tad unrealistic to assume she would not be sexually abused in that situation, I think NCIS may have crossed a line here.
Goofy Tony from NCIS did not get any respect from anybody for killing this Mossad big time assassin. They had to pull out a big time blood alcohol level to explain how Tony did it. I don't know, Tony is a cop from Baltimore, you are trained to shoot to kill when you discharge a weapon. I thought Ziva's BS rationalization did not work as she claimed Tony's could shoot to wound instead. I also don't think that this storyline is going to help the Tony-Ziva romance. Who knows.
The Mentalist had a nice season finale with another confrontation with Red John. There have been, I think, three episodes that dealt with Red John. A good number as you don't want to make it stale or solve it too fast. CBS is putting this show on Thursday at 10 pm, so let's see if the ratings hold up. Simon Baker has a charming way about him, so I think the show should do fine.
Oh well.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Thoughts: 19-May-2009
24 had a great finale last night. Tony is now officially good but doing bad to achieve his desire for revenge. Dim Kim survived and is going to get her stem cells to Jack to save him from dieing. An experimental treatment with a low chance for success, you know Jack will survive. I wish that they would did out the super soldier formula that the US used to create Captain America and give that to Jack.
The Unusuals fell to the Wed 10 pm death curse for ABC shows. It will not be renewed. I thought it was a good show, but not that great that I will miss. Still better than Dollhouse and Private Practice which did get renewed.
And it is official, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles will not be renewed, it is dead. Good riddance, a crappy show that just ruined any continuity that the movies established.
NBC has renewed Law & Order and will pair the show with Southland on Friday nights. Once again, Thursday will have Bones and Fringe on Fox, Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice on ABC. If CBS renews Eleventh Hours and keeps it on Thursday with CSI and CW keeps Smallville and Supernatural on that night also, it will be tough keeping up with my shows. Thank God for Hulu.com, that website will save me.
Oh well.
P.S. I just checked FutonCritic.com, and CBS cancelled Eleventh Hour, what the FRAK! One of the best shows on TV, and it last three episodes were in the Top 20 and it gets axed? And crap stays on like Dollhouse and Private Practice. There is no justice.
The Unusuals fell to the Wed 10 pm death curse for ABC shows. It will not be renewed. I thought it was a good show, but not that great that I will miss. Still better than Dollhouse and Private Practice which did get renewed.
And it is official, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles will not be renewed, it is dead. Good riddance, a crappy show that just ruined any continuity that the movies established.
NBC has renewed Law & Order and will pair the show with Southland on Friday nights. Once again, Thursday will have Bones and Fringe on Fox, Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice on ABC. If CBS renews Eleventh Hours and keeps it on Thursday with CSI and CW keeps Smallville and Supernatural on that night also, it will be tough keeping up with my shows. Thank God for Hulu.com, that website will save me.
Oh well.
P.S. I just checked FutonCritic.com, and CBS cancelled Eleventh Hour, what the FRAK! One of the best shows on TV, and it last three episodes were in the Top 20 and it gets axed? And crap stays on like Dollhouse and Private Practice. There is no justice.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Thoughts: 18-May-2009
CBS looks like it will be renewing Cold Case. While I have not been watching this show regularly, the couple of episodes I have seen look good. I will have to use the DVR this summer to catch up. This would be a great show for Comcast on Demand.
CBS gave a green light to the NCIS spinoff, which I am looking forward to seeing.
ABC is cancelling Samantha Who? While I am not a big sitcom fan and have not been watching this show, I do enjoy the work of Christina Applegate and hopes she connects with another series.
Desperate Housewives had a good two hour season finale. The David Dash storyline was resolved with nobody getting killed, well except for his psychiatrist. Now the big question is who did Mike marry at the end of the show, Susan or Katherine? I say it was Susan. And the only part that I did not like was Lynette getting pregnant and expecting twins.
CSI had a good season finale as did CSI: NY. I wonder if any more cast members got killed off in the final shoot out at the end of the NY show.
Looking forward to the 24 season finale tonight.
Oh well.
CBS gave a green light to the NCIS spinoff, which I am looking forward to seeing.
ABC is cancelling Samantha Who? While I am not a big sitcom fan and have not been watching this show, I do enjoy the work of Christina Applegate and hopes she connects with another series.
Desperate Housewives had a good two hour season finale. The David Dash storyline was resolved with nobody getting killed, well except for his psychiatrist. Now the big question is who did Mike marry at the end of the show, Susan or Katherine? I say it was Susan. And the only part that I did not like was Lynette getting pregnant and expecting twins.
CSI had a good season finale as did CSI: NY. I wonder if any more cast members got killed off in the final shoot out at the end of the NY show.
Looking forward to the 24 season finale tonight.
Oh well.
Sunday, May 17, 2009
Thoughts: 17-May-2009
It appears that Fox TV has renewed Dollhouse for another season. The ratings got progressively worse as the season went on, with the finale getting some of the lowest ratings ever. So they renew this piece of crap, their big concession was that they got production cost reduced. First ABC renews Private Practice, and now Dollhouse is saved. And a show like Reaper, which has its flaws but still is light years better than these two shows, will probably not get renewed.
I watched the Fringe season finale and I have to say that this show has been constantly good throughout its run and deserved its renewal. Bones and Lie to Me have both been renewed so some sanity still is at work with the networks.
Thank God for the DVR. Why do networks feel that they need to put all the good shows on one night? This past Thursday, I had 8 shows on between 8 and 11 pm that I wanted to watch. And thanks to my DVR, Comcast on Demand, and the fact that the cable networks rerun their prime time shows between 12 midnight and 4 am, I am able to watch everything. How about spreading the shows across the week or use Sat night to rerun popular shows that we cannot watch when they first come on.
Hopefully we will find out about Law and Order getting renewed this week, maybe they can take the show to USA network if NBC does not want to renew. Seems to be working for the Criminal Intent series. I have to say that I am more intrigued by the offerings on FX, TNT, and USA than I am on the major networks.
I also see that CW is going to be bringing a show called Vampire Dairies on this fall. Sounds like a Twilight clone where two vampire brothers, one good and one evil, compete for the affection of some poor teenage heroine. You know if vampires are hundreds of years old while looking like they are teenagers, wouldn't they be bored with the minds of 90% of teenage girls. Guys who experienced Beethoven or Mozart, have to listen to Britney Spears or Hannah Montana, I don't get it.
Oh well.
I watched the Fringe season finale and I have to say that this show has been constantly good throughout its run and deserved its renewal. Bones and Lie to Me have both been renewed so some sanity still is at work with the networks.
Thank God for the DVR. Why do networks feel that they need to put all the good shows on one night? This past Thursday, I had 8 shows on between 8 and 11 pm that I wanted to watch. And thanks to my DVR, Comcast on Demand, and the fact that the cable networks rerun their prime time shows between 12 midnight and 4 am, I am able to watch everything. How about spreading the shows across the week or use Sat night to rerun popular shows that we cannot watch when they first come on.
Hopefully we will find out about Law and Order getting renewed this week, maybe they can take the show to USA network if NBC does not want to renew. Seems to be working for the Criminal Intent series. I have to say that I am more intrigued by the offerings on FX, TNT, and USA than I am on the major networks.
I also see that CW is going to be bringing a show called Vampire Dairies on this fall. Sounds like a Twilight clone where two vampire brothers, one good and one evil, compete for the affection of some poor teenage heroine. You know if vampires are hundreds of years old while looking like they are teenagers, wouldn't they be bored with the minds of 90% of teenage girls. Guys who experienced Beethoven or Mozart, have to listen to Britney Spears or Hannah Montana, I don't get it.
Oh well.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Thoughts: 16-May-2009
I just have returned from seeing Angels & Demons, the new Ron Howard film based on Dan Brown's book. This was actually the first book in the Robert Langdon series. The Da Vinci Code is the second, with a third book due to come out soon. The Da Vinci Code was a mega bestseller, so that got made into a film first.
I read The Da Vinci Code and hated Brown's writing style. The film I thought was better than the book as Howard was able to cut through Brown's babble and tell the story. Angels & Demons has a similar plot and I thought was pretty entertaining. Glancing over the Wikipedia entry on the book, it looks like the film follows the book pretty well. Not the best movie I saw so far, but entertaining.
Grey's Anatomy season finale saw what appears to be the end of Izzie and George. I know that both actors wanted out of the series, and it appears that they got their wish. A big problem with shows like this is that you get a big ensemble cast and people get shortchanged. Let's see how it plays out next season.
Ghost Whisperer had a season finale that reminds me of one of my favorite shows, Charmed. I thought it was nice that Melinda is going to have a boy who will have more powers than her. And the Book of Changes is very similar to the Book of Shadows concept. I liked it.
Smallville left me unsatisfied with its season finale. Jimmy is dead, Clark is now bitter toward mankind, and Lois is off to the future, most likely to return and set things right. I kind of wonder why Clark cannot trust people with his secret. For the most part, people are pretty accepting and willing to protect him when they find out. Even Chloe, who Clark feared would want a big newspaper scoop.
Oh well.
I read The Da Vinci Code and hated Brown's writing style. The film I thought was better than the book as Howard was able to cut through Brown's babble and tell the story. Angels & Demons has a similar plot and I thought was pretty entertaining. Glancing over the Wikipedia entry on the book, it looks like the film follows the book pretty well. Not the best movie I saw so far, but entertaining.
Grey's Anatomy season finale saw what appears to be the end of Izzie and George. I know that both actors wanted out of the series, and it appears that they got their wish. A big problem with shows like this is that you get a big ensemble cast and people get shortchanged. Let's see how it plays out next season.
Ghost Whisperer had a season finale that reminds me of one of my favorite shows, Charmed. I thought it was nice that Melinda is going to have a boy who will have more powers than her. And the Book of Changes is very similar to the Book of Shadows concept. I liked it.
Smallville left me unsatisfied with its season finale. Jimmy is dead, Clark is now bitter toward mankind, and Lois is off to the future, most likely to return and set things right. I kind of wonder why Clark cannot trust people with his secret. For the most part, people are pretty accepting and willing to protect him when they find out. Even Chloe, who Clark feared would want a big newspaper scoop.
Oh well.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Thoughts: 15-May-2009
I watched some shows recently that I wanted to spend some in depth discussion time on.
Monsterquest: The recent episode that feature the Tasmanian Tiger or Thylacine was one of the best on the series. Here we have evidence that these creatures existed, clear photos and video, body remains, and tracks. They were thought to go extinct in 1936, but reports have come in of sightings. The Monsterquest team found a footprint that clearly could be identified as coming from one of these creatures. If the Bigfoot proponents had the kind of evidence show in this episode, I would be a believer. An excellent contrast to the Bigfoot shows, which really shows how weak the evidence for Bigfoot is.
Lost Season 5 Finale: I watched this two hour finale last night via DVR. As usual, for every question answered, ten more are raised. The opening sequence with Jacob and his nemesis (folks on the Internet are calling him Esau after the story in the Old Testament, I re-read that in the Bible and it fits) reminded me of the play JB which is based on Job from the Old Testament. I really wonder if the Lost creators can wrap this up next season without leaving unanswered questions.
Bones Season finale: If this was a mid-season episode, I would have loved it. For a season finale, it was not right. After telling us that Booth and Brennen were going to get together and it would not be a dream or fantasy sequence, they then proceeded to do just that. What a jip! And Booth at the end comes out of a 4 day coma and does not recognize Brennen? Like I have not seen that done this season, every frakking show has the amnesia bit. At least we were told over the closing credits, that Bone would return in the fall with new episodes. They better clear this up in the season premiere, we have enough crappy TV shows, don't turn Bones into one.
Oh well.
Monsterquest: The recent episode that feature the Tasmanian Tiger or Thylacine was one of the best on the series. Here we have evidence that these creatures existed, clear photos and video, body remains, and tracks. They were thought to go extinct in 1936, but reports have come in of sightings. The Monsterquest team found a footprint that clearly could be identified as coming from one of these creatures. If the Bigfoot proponents had the kind of evidence show in this episode, I would be a believer. An excellent contrast to the Bigfoot shows, which really shows how weak the evidence for Bigfoot is.
Lost Season 5 Finale: I watched this two hour finale last night via DVR. As usual, for every question answered, ten more are raised. The opening sequence with Jacob and his nemesis (folks on the Internet are calling him Esau after the story in the Old Testament, I re-read that in the Bible and it fits) reminded me of the play JB which is based on Job from the Old Testament. I really wonder if the Lost creators can wrap this up next season without leaving unanswered questions.
Bones Season finale: If this was a mid-season episode, I would have loved it. For a season finale, it was not right. After telling us that Booth and Brennen were going to get together and it would not be a dream or fantasy sequence, they then proceeded to do just that. What a jip! And Booth at the end comes out of a 4 day coma and does not recognize Brennen? Like I have not seen that done this season, every frakking show has the amnesia bit. At least we were told over the closing credits, that Bone would return in the fall with new episodes. They better clear this up in the season premiere, we have enough crappy TV shows, don't turn Bones into one.
Oh well.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Thoughts: 14-May-2009
Lie to Me was renewed by Fox TV and two new series was picked up by them. Human Target, based on a DC comic, and Sons of Tuscon, the comedy that Tyler Labine, currently starring in Reaper, was in the pilot for.
It would be funny if CW renews Reaper and prevents Labine from starring in this Fox series. Remember how NBC made Pierce Bronson honor his contract to Remington Steele and forgo starring as James Bond, much to Timothy Dalton's happiness. NBC made a couple of TV movies with Bronson and then cancelled the low rated series. At least Pierce got to star as Bond later.
Tom Selleck had to honor his Magnum PI contract and could not play Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark. Harrison Ford got that honor. Selleck did go on to star in High Road to China as a World War I ace who escorts a woman looking for her father in China. I thought it was a pretty good film, it was not a big enough hit but worth a rental sometime.
Human Target in DC comics was an investigator who would disguise himself as his clients who were potential murder victims, hence making himself a human target. He would find out who the murderer was and stop them. Pretty straightforward in the original series, he got a Vertigo (DC's mature adult comic book line) makeover and that storyline had him actually becoming the person and getting confused about his real identity. More psychological drama in his cases.
Lots of series finales tonight, I really want to see the Lost two hour finale, so I said adios amigos.
Oh well.
It would be funny if CW renews Reaper and prevents Labine from starring in this Fox series. Remember how NBC made Pierce Bronson honor his contract to Remington Steele and forgo starring as James Bond, much to Timothy Dalton's happiness. NBC made a couple of TV movies with Bronson and then cancelled the low rated series. At least Pierce got to star as Bond later.
Tom Selleck had to honor his Magnum PI contract and could not play Indiana Jones in Raiders of the Lost Ark. Harrison Ford got that honor. Selleck did go on to star in High Road to China as a World War I ace who escorts a woman looking for her father in China. I thought it was a pretty good film, it was not a big enough hit but worth a rental sometime.
Human Target in DC comics was an investigator who would disguise himself as his clients who were potential murder victims, hence making himself a human target. He would find out who the murderer was and stop them. Pretty straightforward in the original series, he got a Vertigo (DC's mature adult comic book line) makeover and that storyline had him actually becoming the person and getting confused about his real identity. More psychological drama in his cases.
Lots of series finales tonight, I really want to see the Lost two hour finale, so I said adios amigos.
Oh well.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Thoughts: 13-May-2009
Hat trick last night for Boston sports. Red Sox beat the Angels, Bruins took game 6 from Carolina to force a game 7, and the Celtics beat the Magic to take a three to two lead in that series. And the Yankees lost.
Lie To Me has been renewed by Fox TV, check out tonight's season finale with guest star Jennifer Beals as Lightman's ex. She is great in this role and I am happy that we will get to see more of this show for next season.
NCIS had a kick ass conclusion to last night's episode to lead to next week's season finale. Tony, goofy Tony who made my most irritating characters on TV list, killed David Rifkin in a cool fight. Rifkin, Ziva's lover and Mossad agent/killer, could not take down Tony in a fair fight. I guess that may put a cool down on the Ziva-Tony romance. NCIS has been so dead on this season and that spin off looks just as good. The Chris O'Donnell character is in critical condition as Gibbs updated the director, so he will be in the spin off. Great!
I saw some articles that the ratings are down on CSI and blame has been put on Lawrence Fishburne's character. Sorry totally disagree, he has been great, and I think the shows have been very good post William Peterson. Fishburne has been developing this character at a nice pace and other members of the team have been given a chance to shine. If the ratings are done, I would say that it is more likely to be do to all the networks putting good shows on at the same time.
Oh well.
Lie To Me has been renewed by Fox TV, check out tonight's season finale with guest star Jennifer Beals as Lightman's ex. She is great in this role and I am happy that we will get to see more of this show for next season.
NCIS had a kick ass conclusion to last night's episode to lead to next week's season finale. Tony, goofy Tony who made my most irritating characters on TV list, killed David Rifkin in a cool fight. Rifkin, Ziva's lover and Mossad agent/killer, could not take down Tony in a fair fight. I guess that may put a cool down on the Ziva-Tony romance. NCIS has been so dead on this season and that spin off looks just as good. The Chris O'Donnell character is in critical condition as Gibbs updated the director, so he will be in the spin off. Great!
I saw some articles that the ratings are down on CSI and blame has been put on Lawrence Fishburne's character. Sorry totally disagree, he has been great, and I think the shows have been very good post William Peterson. Fishburne has been developing this character at a nice pace and other members of the team have been given a chance to shine. If the ratings are done, I would say that it is more likely to be do to all the networks putting good shows on at the same time.
Oh well.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Thoughts: 12-May-2009
This Saturday, May 16, we have the return of Primeval on BBC American. This is a great show with dinosaurs coming to the present via time portals and the efforts to stop them from killing folks. I cannot wait.
House had its season finale last night and the good doctor is off to a psychiatric hospital as his hallucinations are starting to translate into delusions. Not too bad, the show ended with a bang and I am curious how they will resolve this plot line next season. Cameron and Chase got married so that was nice.
I cannot wait for the season finale of 24 next week. Last night Jack stops the last gas canister from exploding and saves the innocent guy who they were trying to frame. Then, can he just relax and die in peace, no Dim Kim gets in trouble and Jack has to bust Tony out of custody. What a great show.
Oh well.
House had its season finale last night and the good doctor is off to a psychiatric hospital as his hallucinations are starting to translate into delusions. Not too bad, the show ended with a bang and I am curious how they will resolve this plot line next season. Cameron and Chase got married so that was nice.
I cannot wait for the season finale of 24 next week. Last night Jack stops the last gas canister from exploding and saves the innocent guy who they were trying to frame. Then, can he just relax and die in peace, no Dim Kim gets in trouble and Jack has to bust Tony out of custody. What a great show.
Oh well.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Thoughts: 11-May-2009
I almost forgot to write my blog today.
I just finished reading the latest issue of Discover magazine. I started reading this publication when it first came out from Time-Warner. I remember how Time-Warner bought out the popular science magazine that the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) put out as well as the large format version of Science Digest in order to boost its subscriber's base. Then they sold the magazine to the Walt Disney company where I lost interest.
Now the magazine is published by the Discover Media group and is pretty well done. Vital Signs the column written by doctors and nurses about dealing with a real life medical case is still there and as interesting as always. Overall, nice look and very readable without dumbing down the science as was the case when the Disney company published it.
Harper's Island is going on hiatus for a week and just when the police chief discovers the dead body of the minister and the father of the bride gets killed at the wedding rehearsal with a booby trap in the chandler right in front of everybody. I think this show only has enough of a premise for 6 episodes not 13.
Kat Curtis from the Naked News really ripped into X-Men Origins: Wolverine. She did not like the fact so many liberties were taken with the comics. I think that it is easier for some stories to be told in comic book form and not that easy to translate into film. I thought that if you liked the previous X-Men films, you will like this one. Star Trek was far better.
Oh well.
I just finished reading the latest issue of Discover magazine. I started reading this publication when it first came out from Time-Warner. I remember how Time-Warner bought out the popular science magazine that the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) put out as well as the large format version of Science Digest in order to boost its subscriber's base. Then they sold the magazine to the Walt Disney company where I lost interest.
Now the magazine is published by the Discover Media group and is pretty well done. Vital Signs the column written by doctors and nurses about dealing with a real life medical case is still there and as interesting as always. Overall, nice look and very readable without dumbing down the science as was the case when the Disney company published it.
Harper's Island is going on hiatus for a week and just when the police chief discovers the dead body of the minister and the father of the bride gets killed at the wedding rehearsal with a booby trap in the chandler right in front of everybody. I think this show only has enough of a premise for 6 episodes not 13.
Kat Curtis from the Naked News really ripped into X-Men Origins: Wolverine. She did not like the fact so many liberties were taken with the comics. I think that it is easier for some stories to be told in comic book form and not that easy to translate into film. I thought that if you liked the previous X-Men films, you will like this one. Star Trek was far better.
Oh well.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Thoughts: 10-May-2009
I saw the new Star Trek movie yesterday. I thought it was great. Well done, good cast, and was a nice reboot setup for the series. Basically, this film takes place in a different reality created by the actions of the villains, so we will have a clean slate for new stories and possible remakes of some classic stories. So lame plots like Spock's Brain are gone and we have a whole new world to explore with Kirk and Spock.
Some fans may not like the turn, but I think this is a great way to keep a concept fresh. Hats off to JJ Abrams who did a great job with this film. And now, I blame Tom Cruise for Mission: Impossible 3 not working.
I think that ABC's series The Unusuals is starting to run out of steam. The last episode seemed kind of forced to me. I am guessing it will not be renewed.
Dollhouse came to a season's end with a terrible finale, yeah some questions were answered, but who cares? The FBI agent who was so gung ho to take the Dollhouse down, now is working for them? So he buys into the whole brainwashed sex objects for rich perverts deal? He did get them to release one of the dolls who got paid in full for his services, so I guess that makes it alright. There was a revelation about the Amy Acker character that she used to be one of their number one dolls, and when Alpha slashed her face up, she was no longer fit to be a sex doll. So they download a doctor's imprint into her and she works doing that. So Joss, when her five years are up, how the frak does she get compensated for her face being scarred up, assuming she gets her persona back? What a bunch of crap, this show does not deserve to be renewed.
American Chopper is still going with this lame Jr. does not want to work for OCC plot. When he is not there building bikes, everybody whines that they need him and how could he want to work a boutique with his girlfriend. But when he is there, Sr. picks fights with him over trivial crap. Sr gets upset about Jr. spending all day fabricating a pair of handle bars, then he takes all doing picking a seat out for the OCC 10th anniversary bike? Jr. puts some thought to design a something for a theme bike that looks good, Sr. screws around picking out seats. And that is a good use of time? American Chopper has definitely been on too long.
Oh well.
Some fans may not like the turn, but I think this is a great way to keep a concept fresh. Hats off to JJ Abrams who did a great job with this film. And now, I blame Tom Cruise for Mission: Impossible 3 not working.
I think that ABC's series The Unusuals is starting to run out of steam. The last episode seemed kind of forced to me. I am guessing it will not be renewed.
Dollhouse came to a season's end with a terrible finale, yeah some questions were answered, but who cares? The FBI agent who was so gung ho to take the Dollhouse down, now is working for them? So he buys into the whole brainwashed sex objects for rich perverts deal? He did get them to release one of the dolls who got paid in full for his services, so I guess that makes it alright. There was a revelation about the Amy Acker character that she used to be one of their number one dolls, and when Alpha slashed her face up, she was no longer fit to be a sex doll. So they download a doctor's imprint into her and she works doing that. So Joss, when her five years are up, how the frak does she get compensated for her face being scarred up, assuming she gets her persona back? What a bunch of crap, this show does not deserve to be renewed.
American Chopper is still going with this lame Jr. does not want to work for OCC plot. When he is not there building bikes, everybody whines that they need him and how could he want to work a boutique with his girlfriend. But when he is there, Sr. picks fights with him over trivial crap. Sr gets upset about Jr. spending all day fabricating a pair of handle bars, then he takes all doing picking a seat out for the OCC 10th anniversary bike? Jr. puts some thought to design a something for a theme bike that looks good, Sr. screws around picking out seats. And that is a good use of time? American Chopper has definitely been on too long.
Oh well.
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Thoughts: 09-May-2009
I was going to do laundry today but it is raining in Groton, CT, so I am putting it off a week. I have to go to a laundromat so it helps if the weather cooperates. In some ways, I don't mind going to the Laundromat as it gives me a chance to catch up with my mystery or sf magazine reading.
I am planning on seeing the new Star Trek film today. One comment I saw on the Scarlet Street forums, said that it looks like kids playing dress up. Yes, we are all curmudgeons.
Speaking of curmudgeons, one of the best blogs that I have ever read is the Comic Curmudgeon by Josh Fruhlinger. This is a very funny blog and has introduced me to comics I never would normally read. He wrote two extremely funny blogs about the comic strip, Pluggers, that I refer to whenever I feel blue. One of those features the Rhinoman taking his tv to the pawn shop and what Josh wrote about that seems makes me laugh. The latest was a joke about dial up where Josh wrote two ideas that not only could be a Pluggers comic but was better than the joke that was done. I have sung the praises for this site before, but praise for a great blog is always worth repeating.
Ghost Whisperer had a episode last night that dealt with a ghost pretending to be a vampire who tried to get a girl that he liked to kill herself so they could be reunited for all eternity. Yes, one of those teenage vampire soap operas. Oh, well at least Melinda and Jim are back together.
I just saw Part 2 of Illene Chaiken's interview on Showtime.com about her creation the L Word. She wants to make a film, but it will not be about Jenny's death. And she told us loyal fans that Alice is currently in prison for the murder of Jenny, but she claims she did not do it. I checked the message board on Showtime.com and saw a lot of complaints about this and the cavalier treatment of the show and its fans by Chaiken. I have to agree, how did Alice get fingered for this crime? Was it because she asked Sgt. Duffy what her questions had to do with finding out who killed Jenny? I mean, that was on the mind of all of us as we watched the interrogation tapes. Of all the series creators that I have read or seen interviews with, she seems to be the only one who does not seem to have pride in her creation and a desire to play fair with the fans.
Oh well.
I am planning on seeing the new Star Trek film today. One comment I saw on the Scarlet Street forums, said that it looks like kids playing dress up. Yes, we are all curmudgeons.
Speaking of curmudgeons, one of the best blogs that I have ever read is the Comic Curmudgeon by Josh Fruhlinger. This is a very funny blog and has introduced me to comics I never would normally read. He wrote two extremely funny blogs about the comic strip, Pluggers, that I refer to whenever I feel blue. One of those features the Rhinoman taking his tv to the pawn shop and what Josh wrote about that seems makes me laugh. The latest was a joke about dial up where Josh wrote two ideas that not only could be a Pluggers comic but was better than the joke that was done. I have sung the praises for this site before, but praise for a great blog is always worth repeating.
Ghost Whisperer had a episode last night that dealt with a ghost pretending to be a vampire who tried to get a girl that he liked to kill herself so they could be reunited for all eternity. Yes, one of those teenage vampire soap operas. Oh, well at least Melinda and Jim are back together.
I just saw Part 2 of Illene Chaiken's interview on Showtime.com about her creation the L Word. She wants to make a film, but it will not be about Jenny's death. And she told us loyal fans that Alice is currently in prison for the murder of Jenny, but she claims she did not do it. I checked the message board on Showtime.com and saw a lot of complaints about this and the cavalier treatment of the show and its fans by Chaiken. I have to agree, how did Alice get fingered for this crime? Was it because she asked Sgt. Duffy what her questions had to do with finding out who killed Jenny? I mean, that was on the mind of all of us as we watched the interrogation tapes. Of all the series creators that I have read or seen interviews with, she seems to be the only one who does not seem to have pride in her creation and a desire to play fair with the fans.
Oh well.
Friday, May 8, 2009
Thoughts: 08-May-2009
I watched the latest episode of Bones last night, and like Lie To Me from the previous day, this was the best episode of this show to date. Such great chemistry between the cast and unlike House, the shows have more character interplay without detracting from the story. House, is less and less about the medical mystery and more about what is House going to do next? The murder mysteries do not get shortchanged on Bones.
Tonight we have the season finale of Dollhouse, I for one will be glad this sad and horrible crap will be over and hopefully Fox TV does the right thing and not renew. When you have great shows like Lie to Me and Bones, you don't need Dollhouse.
Grey's Anatomy actually had a pretty good episode last night. Meredith and Derick gave their wedding to Izzie and Alex, after all is was Izzie's fantasy wedding. Alex as a character has really grown a lot this season. Maybe they need to send some of that creative juice to Private Practice.
Oh well.
Tonight we have the season finale of Dollhouse, I for one will be glad this sad and horrible crap will be over and hopefully Fox TV does the right thing and not renew. When you have great shows like Lie to Me and Bones, you don't need Dollhouse.
Grey's Anatomy actually had a pretty good episode last night. Meredith and Derick gave their wedding to Izzie and Alex, after all is was Izzie's fantasy wedding. Alex as a character has really grown a lot this season. Maybe they need to send some of that creative juice to Private Practice.
Oh well.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Thoughts: 07-May-2009
A friend of mine who reads this blog, told me that I should watch the film Twilight and expand my horizons. Whenever I see the trailer for this film, I am reminded of the glory day of the WB where shows like Dawson's Creek held check. I mean, just looking at that film reminds me of Dawson's Creek, a bunch of mopey teenagers.
Now True Blood on HBO is a vampire show I can get into. Tons of nudity and graphic sex, blood and death abound. I cannot wait to see Anna Paquin prancing around in that very short skirt she wears. You even have gays and full male frontal nudity, something for everybody.
Every time I watch a episode of Lost, I wonder if this show is going anywhere. Locke is leading the clan up to meet Jacob, who he wants to kill. Why, not really sure. And what about the new survivors who have that weird cult like question that ask folk? What is up with them? In Kevin Smith's film, Zack and Mira make a porno, one character asks another what happened on Lost. The reply, Who the F knows, one minute they are on the island, the next they are off. Pretty much sums up the show.
Lie to Me had the best episode of its run so far last night, Lightman going up against a serial rapist who blinded his victims and now has a copycat who he tutored. The way the episode unfolded makes this show one of the best on TV and needs to be renewed by Fox.
Oh well.
Now True Blood on HBO is a vampire show I can get into. Tons of nudity and graphic sex, blood and death abound. I cannot wait to see Anna Paquin prancing around in that very short skirt she wears. You even have gays and full male frontal nudity, something for everybody.
Every time I watch a episode of Lost, I wonder if this show is going anywhere. Locke is leading the clan up to meet Jacob, who he wants to kill. Why, not really sure. And what about the new survivors who have that weird cult like question that ask folk? What is up with them? In Kevin Smith's film, Zack and Mira make a porno, one character asks another what happened on Lost. The reply, Who the F knows, one minute they are on the island, the next they are off. Pretty much sums up the show.
Lie to Me had the best episode of its run so far last night, Lightman going up against a serial rapist who blinded his victims and now has a copycat who he tutored. The way the episode unfolded makes this show one of the best on TV and needs to be renewed by Fox.
Oh well.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Thoughts: 06-May-2009
I watched part 2 of the NCIS episode that introduced the Office of Special Projects team last night. I thought the show was good and that the OSP looks like a good spin off from NCIS. I did not like the fact that they shot up the Chris O'Donnell character at the end of the show. Will he be in the spin off or won't he? I guess we have to hope that CBS picks up the show for next season.
Lots of speculation about what will be kept and what will be cancelled, I will be glad when some decisions are made on this. I hate endless speculation.
Harper's Island is really starting to get into the goofy zone, which happens when you stretch out a 90 min movie into 13 45 min episodes. Its new home on Sat night is fitting since all those cheesy Sci Fi movies are on at that time over on the Sci Fi network.
And when is Eureka coming back?
Oh well.
Lots of speculation about what will be kept and what will be cancelled, I will be glad when some decisions are made on this. I hate endless speculation.
Harper's Island is really starting to get into the goofy zone, which happens when you stretch out a 90 min movie into 13 45 min episodes. Its new home on Sat night is fitting since all those cheesy Sci Fi movies are on at that time over on the Sci Fi network.
And when is Eureka coming back?
Oh well.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Thoughts: 05-May-2009
I have to say that setting this blog up was so easy but trying to verify it so I can get some stats on the site is impossible. And searching via Google on how to do something like uploading a HTML File on this site gives you no information that I can use. I know that I am very computer illiterate but it should be a lot easier to do that then it is.
I even asked an IT guy at work and he could not figure it out. So why is it so easy to create and write a blog but so hard to verify?
Lots of my TV shows are coming to an end for the season next week. That should free up some time for me to catch up on the current cinema and my DVD collection. Of course, we have Burn Notice on USA, True Blood on HBO, and The Close on TNT starting up in June. Also the final season of Monk on USA will be starting this summer. Psych also returns to USA along with a new series, Royal Pains, that has me interested.
Also on Showtime, Weeds returns and a new series Nurse Jackie starring Edie Falco from HBO's Oz and Sopranos. So I will have plenty to watch this summer, with enough time to watch other stuff.
Also, I am thinking of doing some DVD reviews of great movies that nobody ever hears about that are available to rent. I could really help lots of people out in video stores with great suggestions for films that did not get the audience that they deserve. So look for that when I run out of things to post in regards to TV shows.
Oh well.
I even asked an IT guy at work and he could not figure it out. So why is it so easy to create and write a blog but so hard to verify?
Lots of my TV shows are coming to an end for the season next week. That should free up some time for me to catch up on the current cinema and my DVD collection. Of course, we have Burn Notice on USA, True Blood on HBO, and The Close on TNT starting up in June. Also the final season of Monk on USA will be starting this summer. Psych also returns to USA along with a new series, Royal Pains, that has me interested.
Also on Showtime, Weeds returns and a new series Nurse Jackie starring Edie Falco from HBO's Oz and Sopranos. So I will have plenty to watch this summer, with enough time to watch other stuff.
Also, I am thinking of doing some DVD reviews of great movies that nobody ever hears about that are available to rent. I could really help lots of people out in video stores with great suggestions for films that did not get the audience that they deserve. So look for that when I run out of things to post in regards to TV shows.
Oh well.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Thoughts: 04-May-2009
FutonCritic.com had a report on NBC's new fall season. While Law and Order: SUV was renewed, no word yet on the original Law and Order coming back for Season 20. I have been watching this show on a regular basis and if NBC will not show new episodes maybe USA network can step in like they did for Law and Order: Criminal Intent.
The new shows on NBC's fall schedule really do not appeal to me. I may be down to Heroes and Friday Night Lights.
I also am waiting word from CBS if The Eleventh Hour is going to get renewed. I really liked that show and would like to see a season two.
And yes, I would like to see CW renew Reaper but it does not look too likely.
Oh well.
The new shows on NBC's fall schedule really do not appeal to me. I may be down to Heroes and Friday Night Lights.
I also am waiting word from CBS if The Eleventh Hour is going to get renewed. I really liked that show and would like to see a season two.
And yes, I would like to see CW renew Reaper but it does not look too likely.
Oh well.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Thoughts: 03-May-2009
NBC renewed Southland for a second season of thirteen episodes. My sister told me about this show and I was able to catch the repeat of the premiere on the Saturday after its debut on Thursday. Very interesting show from the creators of ER and deserves a renew. Thank God, that some quality shows are getting renewed.
A co-worker told me about this show on the History Channel called UFO Hunters, saying it provided a balanced look at the cases they were investigating. The main guy, who publishes UFO Magazine, takes so many wild leaps into unfounded theory and speculation that I have to wonder if he really believes all the stuff he is saying. And he also does the wrap up to the show, where he claims to have found proof to support his wild theories.
Same thing on History Channel's Monsterquest. They never find any real evidence and then claim proof was found when it was not. Passing a polygraph does not mean your story is true, it means that the person believes it is true, and even that is not solid enough to be admissible in a court of law. This past show about Bigfoot had a so called forensic podiatrist examine some casts. His conclusions, this prints are big and could not be a human. Oh, and he did not believe that they could have been faked, even though he offered nothing to back this conclusion up.
Oh well.
A co-worker told me about this show on the History Channel called UFO Hunters, saying it provided a balanced look at the cases they were investigating. The main guy, who publishes UFO Magazine, takes so many wild leaps into unfounded theory and speculation that I have to wonder if he really believes all the stuff he is saying. And he also does the wrap up to the show, where he claims to have found proof to support his wild theories.
Same thing on History Channel's Monsterquest. They never find any real evidence and then claim proof was found when it was not. Passing a polygraph does not mean your story is true, it means that the person believes it is true, and even that is not solid enough to be admissible in a court of law. This past show about Bigfoot had a so called forensic podiatrist examine some casts. His conclusions, this prints are big and could not be a human. Oh, and he did not believe that they could have been faked, even though he offered nothing to back this conclusion up.
Oh well.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Thoughts: 02-May-2009
Early on Saturday, I go forth to write my blog. Somebody asked me how many readers I have. Don't know how to find out and I kind of like the idea of pretending nobody reads this blog. It makes me feel more free to express myself.
I watched Private Practice last night. I am now convinced that the writers have a contest going to see how stupid and ridiculous this show can become before ABC cancels it. Or they hate Amy Brennerman. Her character, Violet, is a therapist. We met her stalking her ex boyfriend, involved in a needy and neurotic friend relationship with Cooper, getting involved in have unprotected sex multiple times with two different guys which then results in a pregnancy, and finally she refuses to be tested to find out who the father is.
So after stringing Pete and Sheldon along for most of the season, she picks Pete as her true love. Now she does not know who the biological father is, but she wants Pete, forget about Sheldon. Oh and before I forget, these two guys want her, Pete breaks up with a great woman, just so he can chase after Violet.
So while all these psychodrama is going on, Cooper is living with Violet taking care of her while neglecting his own girlfriend. So guess what the next twist is? A psycho patient of Violet, who thought she was still carrying a baby even though she had miscarried, decides that Violet has her baby. So she drugs Violet, (getting drugs and surgical supplies from the Internet) and is going to cut her open and remove the baby. Cooper is about to open the door, and potentially save Violet, when his girlfriend calls him and says she needs him, she just got fired. For the first time ever, he turns around to go to her, leaving this cliffhanger of Violet about to be ripped open by psycho patient.
Are you frakking kidding me? What a stupid frakking season end to a stupid frakking season show. Why did ABC renew this show? Do they even watch these implausible scenarios spin out week after week? I wonder if daytime soap operas are this bad?
The latest episode of American Chopper has Sr and Jr fighting as usual, the twist is that Jr decides to leave OCC on his own terms. Maybe he may come back to work on some special projects, his plan is to start a boutique with his girlfriend. I say hook up with Vinny and Cody at V-Force Custom Choppers and get back to making good bikes like he used to. American Chopper is no longer worth watching. We get nothing about bike builds and watching Sr make an ass of himself week after week in his supposed attempts to run a business is just getting boring.
Oh well.
I watched Private Practice last night. I am now convinced that the writers have a contest going to see how stupid and ridiculous this show can become before ABC cancels it. Or they hate Amy Brennerman. Her character, Violet, is a therapist. We met her stalking her ex boyfriend, involved in a needy and neurotic friend relationship with Cooper, getting involved in have unprotected sex multiple times with two different guys which then results in a pregnancy, and finally she refuses to be tested to find out who the father is.
So after stringing Pete and Sheldon along for most of the season, she picks Pete as her true love. Now she does not know who the biological father is, but she wants Pete, forget about Sheldon. Oh and before I forget, these two guys want her, Pete breaks up with a great woman, just so he can chase after Violet.
So while all these psychodrama is going on, Cooper is living with Violet taking care of her while neglecting his own girlfriend. So guess what the next twist is? A psycho patient of Violet, who thought she was still carrying a baby even though she had miscarried, decides that Violet has her baby. So she drugs Violet, (getting drugs and surgical supplies from the Internet) and is going to cut her open and remove the baby. Cooper is about to open the door, and potentially save Violet, when his girlfriend calls him and says she needs him, she just got fired. For the first time ever, he turns around to go to her, leaving this cliffhanger of Violet about to be ripped open by psycho patient.
Are you frakking kidding me? What a stupid frakking season end to a stupid frakking season show. Why did ABC renew this show? Do they even watch these implausible scenarios spin out week after week? I wonder if daytime soap operas are this bad?
The latest episode of American Chopper has Sr and Jr fighting as usual, the twist is that Jr decides to leave OCC on his own terms. Maybe he may come back to work on some special projects, his plan is to start a boutique with his girlfriend. I say hook up with Vinny and Cody at V-Force Custom Choppers and get back to making good bikes like he used to. American Chopper is no longer worth watching. We get nothing about bike builds and watching Sr make an ass of himself week after week in his supposed attempts to run a business is just getting boring.
Oh well.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Thoughts: 01-May-2009
One comment to my readership, spoilers will be presented in this blog at all and any times. I hate people who complain about reading spoilers, I on the other hand love reading spoilers and search for them. Sight and Sound, a British film magazine, gets full synopses of films with all the spoilers and surprises contained. So beware gentle readers, spoilers rule in the Life of VXG.
Thanks to my DVR, I caught up with a number of shows. The DVR and Tivo are some of the greatest inventions in TV history. I would be lost without my DVR and my Comcast on Demand.
Heroes Season Finale was on this past Monday. It finished up the season cliffhangers, wrapped up loose ends, and saw a tease for next season. It seems Heroes is going back to square one so maybe the show will pick up some with its creative juices.
Fox TV was the big big winner for 8 pm Wednesday with their decision to show Lie To Me instead of the Obama press conference. Maybe the networks will get a clue and stop pre emptying their programming every couple of weeks to show basically a lack of real information from Obama. Let CNN, Fox News, C-Span, and other news cable outlets cover this. The people want their shows and if Obama keeps preventing them from watching their shows, he will be affected in the polls.
Lost had an okay episode, kind of getting tired of them killing characters for what appears to be just for shock value.
Fringe has been constantly very good this season with with Leonard Nimoy scheduled to play William Bell, Walter's partner, this should be good. If I was a genius scientist, I would be just like Walter Bishop.
I have last night's season finale of Private Practice to watch. I will save that dubious pleasure for the weekend. I plan on going to see X-Men Origins: Wolverine tomorrow.
I wonder if Hugh Jackman is going to reprise his role in a film version of the Boy from Oz?
Oh well.
Thanks to my DVR, I caught up with a number of shows. The DVR and Tivo are some of the greatest inventions in TV history. I would be lost without my DVR and my Comcast on Demand.
Heroes Season Finale was on this past Monday. It finished up the season cliffhangers, wrapped up loose ends, and saw a tease for next season. It seems Heroes is going back to square one so maybe the show will pick up some with its creative juices.
Fox TV was the big big winner for 8 pm Wednesday with their decision to show Lie To Me instead of the Obama press conference. Maybe the networks will get a clue and stop pre emptying their programming every couple of weeks to show basically a lack of real information from Obama. Let CNN, Fox News, C-Span, and other news cable outlets cover this. The people want their shows and if Obama keeps preventing them from watching their shows, he will be affected in the polls.
Lost had an okay episode, kind of getting tired of them killing characters for what appears to be just for shock value.
Fringe has been constantly very good this season with with Leonard Nimoy scheduled to play William Bell, Walter's partner, this should be good. If I was a genius scientist, I would be just like Walter Bishop.
I have last night's season finale of Private Practice to watch. I will save that dubious pleasure for the weekend. I plan on going to see X-Men Origins: Wolverine tomorrow.
I wonder if Hugh Jackman is going to reprise his role in a film version of the Boy from Oz?
Oh well.
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