Last weekend of peace before I travel down to Harrisburg to visit the family. I have to get stuff over the weekend for travel and buy some grey catnip mice from the local pet store for my mom's and sister's cats.
Do you every notice that when you are single, you have to buy two birthday cards for friends of yours that are a couple, but they only have to send you one and they both sign it? What a racket!
Burn Notice (USA) was very good last night, a A rating. Next week is the summer finale and USA just renewed this and Royal Pains for another season.
Oh well.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Thoughts: 30-July-2009
This has been a crazy week, I am going on vacation starting Aug. 6 and work has been very hectic. Trying to get my own studies run and my mid year evaluation written, and then finding out our intern has a poster session next Tuesday. I spent the morning first working with her and then meeting with our lab head to try and get a final draft done.
I will be traveling to visit my mom for her 80th birthday (Aug. 10) and visiting the rest of my family who all live in PA. No computer, No Internet, and basic cable only at Mom's house. I plan on spending some time with my sister in State College where she has upgraded cable and access to a computer. Also, I can relax at my sister's house as it is very difficult to relax at Mom's.
So, I will be breaking my daily streak of writing this blog. Maybe I can get an update in while down there, but I will be mostly ranting and raving how I miss my home and cable TV and computer.
Of course, maybe a break from TV would be welcome. HawthoRNe (TNT) had a dopey episode where a 18 year old pregnant mom to be has scammed two couples into thinking they are getting her baby. And of course she cons them out of money beyond what the adaptation agencies told them to pay. Then the Baby Daddy shows up and wants custody back, even though he signed his rights away. We get a happy ending where Baby Daddy with his parents are cooing over the newborn while Baby Mama is off in post care working out something with the people she screwed over and out of money. Hopefully she is get arrested for fraud, but no information presented to ruin the happy ending.
The subplot with the homeless woman who got pregnant and had a baby with spinal bifida more or less ended. Her baby went to foster parents who can provide adequate care, she quits her job and returns to the street, and when the one legged nurse offers to put her up for the night, she steals her titanium leg. Which would never have happen if the nurses on this show acted like real nurses, or at least the tough caretakers of Nurse Jackie. This show gets a C (I found it amusing that the leg got stolen), but really is a D for getting really annoying.
With some pretty good shows, Dark Blue (TNT), Royal Pains (USA), and Warehouse 13 (SyFy), showing up, it really makes HawthoRNe look even worst than it is.
Oh well.
I will be traveling to visit my mom for her 80th birthday (Aug. 10) and visiting the rest of my family who all live in PA. No computer, No Internet, and basic cable only at Mom's house. I plan on spending some time with my sister in State College where she has upgraded cable and access to a computer. Also, I can relax at my sister's house as it is very difficult to relax at Mom's.
So, I will be breaking my daily streak of writing this blog. Maybe I can get an update in while down there, but I will be mostly ranting and raving how I miss my home and cable TV and computer.
Of course, maybe a break from TV would be welcome. HawthoRNe (TNT) had a dopey episode where a 18 year old pregnant mom to be has scammed two couples into thinking they are getting her baby. And of course she cons them out of money beyond what the adaptation agencies told them to pay. Then the Baby Daddy shows up and wants custody back, even though he signed his rights away. We get a happy ending where Baby Daddy with his parents are cooing over the newborn while Baby Mama is off in post care working out something with the people she screwed over and out of money. Hopefully she is get arrested for fraud, but no information presented to ruin the happy ending.
The subplot with the homeless woman who got pregnant and had a baby with spinal bifida more or less ended. Her baby went to foster parents who can provide adequate care, she quits her job and returns to the street, and when the one legged nurse offers to put her up for the night, she steals her titanium leg. Which would never have happen if the nurses on this show acted like real nurses, or at least the tough caretakers of Nurse Jackie. This show gets a C (I found it amusing that the leg got stolen), but really is a D for getting really annoying.
With some pretty good shows, Dark Blue (TNT), Royal Pains (USA), and Warehouse 13 (SyFy), showing up, it really makes HawthoRNe look even worst than it is.
Oh well.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Thoughts: 29-July-2009
I watched Nurse Jackie (Showtime) last night and I have to say that we are getting a much more realistic portrayal of nurses than TNT's HawthoRNe. The CNO on Nurse Jackie yells at the nurses to work harder, spends her day in the office, and gleefully informed Jackie that she would be short four nurses on her shift. She did get her a temp, who was wasted out of his mind. Jackie boots him out and he says "It takes one to know one" which means that Jackie is not hiding her own drug habit very well.
Why Showtime can do this in 30 minutes and TNT is unable to with a 60 min time slot is a bit amazing. TNT has its first flop with HawthoRNE. Nurse Jackie gets a solid B for this weeks show.
Raising the Bar (TNT) was okay this week. The rich public defender giving three million (only the first installment from this trust fund) to the public defender's office to beef up its civil law arm. And the PD lose a case for a change. B is the rating.
Oh well.
Why Showtime can do this in 30 minutes and TNT is unable to with a 60 min time slot is a bit amazing. TNT has its first flop with HawthoRNE. Nurse Jackie gets a solid B for this weeks show.
Raising the Bar (TNT) was okay this week. The rich public defender giving three million (only the first installment from this trust fund) to the public defender's office to beef up its civil law arm. And the PD lose a case for a change. B is the rating.
Oh well.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Thoughts: 28-July-2009
While Crankshaft has gone back to normal, Funky Winkerbean is really pushing the button for ultimate gloom. Wally has been rescued and has been turned into a zombie like creature with amnesia. Remember when newspaper comics were fun to read?
The Closer (TNT) had another A episode where an ex-cop dying of cancer tries to close his big unsolved case. Really well done.
I also enjoyed watching from BBC America, Doctor Who: Planet of the Dead. David Tennant has become my favorite Doctor and it will be sad to see him leave. I also liked Michelle Ryan who played Lady Christine, she was very good and I would like to see her return in the series. A is the rating for this Easter special.
Oh well.
The Closer (TNT) had another A episode where an ex-cop dying of cancer tries to close his big unsolved case. Really well done.
I also enjoyed watching from BBC America, Doctor Who: Planet of the Dead. David Tennant has become my favorite Doctor and it will be sad to see him leave. I also liked Michelle Ryan who played Lady Christine, she was very good and I would like to see her return in the series. A is the rating for this Easter special.
Oh well.
Monday, July 27, 2009
Thoughts: 27-July-2009
Crankshaft, the comic strip, has gone back to its old format. Why Batiuk did this past week of Ed Crankshaft in his final days is not clear? His father passed away recently so that may have something to do with it.
Law & Order: Criminal Intent (USA) had a very nice episode where Nichols (Jeff Goldblum) teamed up with Eames (Kathyrn Erbe) to catch Dylan Baker's character who was the head of the crime lab and used his skill to try and cover up a murder he committed. Eames notices that Nichols' partner was standing in the office when her water broke and quickly takes charge to get her to the hospital. A great scene in a great episode, the rating is an A.
Merlin (NBC) is getting a big tiresome, I expected to see some character development by now, and there has been none. I wonder how many viewers knew when the little Druid kid that Arther saved, said his name was Modred, what that meant? I give the episode a B.
I watched Being Human (BBC America) last night via DVR. I have to say that it moved a tad too slow for me and where was the premise build up for this show? It just kind of started. How did the vampire meet the werewolf, and why are they trying to be human? I don't know about this show, I was a bit disappointed in it. I give it a C and if next week's episode does not pick up, I will say bye to this show.
Oh well.
Law & Order: Criminal Intent (USA) had a very nice episode where Nichols (Jeff Goldblum) teamed up with Eames (Kathyrn Erbe) to catch Dylan Baker's character who was the head of the crime lab and used his skill to try and cover up a murder he committed. Eames notices that Nichols' partner was standing in the office when her water broke and quickly takes charge to get her to the hospital. A great scene in a great episode, the rating is an A.
Merlin (NBC) is getting a big tiresome, I expected to see some character development by now, and there has been none. I wonder how many viewers knew when the little Druid kid that Arther saved, said his name was Modred, what that meant? I give the episode a B.
I watched Being Human (BBC America) last night via DVR. I have to say that it moved a tad too slow for me and where was the premise build up for this show? It just kind of started. How did the vampire meet the werewolf, and why are they trying to be human? I don't know about this show, I was a bit disappointed in it. I give it a C and if next week's episode does not pick up, I will say bye to this show.
Oh well.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Thoughts: 26-July-2009
I saw Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince today and it was as good as the previous film entries. The story is anti-climatic since I have read the books and know how it is going to end. And given that the film cannot show everything from the books, it feels a tad rushed.
The PD James novels about Adam Dalgliesh, were made into 6 hour miniseries, and that was a good way to show everything in the novels. Maybe what is needed is something along those lines. The movie is worth seeing, just a bit rushed when you have read the books.
Primeval had its series finale last night on BBC America, and it ended on a cliffhanger. Let's hope something will be done to resolve the show, overall it was an A show and deserves better.
Oh well.
The PD James novels about Adam Dalgliesh, were made into 6 hour miniseries, and that was a good way to show everything in the novels. Maybe what is needed is something along those lines. The movie is worth seeing, just a bit rushed when you have read the books.
Primeval had its series finale last night on BBC America, and it ended on a cliffhanger. Let's hope something will be done to resolve the show, overall it was an A show and deserves better.
Oh well.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Thoughts: 25-July-2009
Last night I watched the last two episodes of Torchwood: Children of Earth (BBC America). Excellent job and it gets an A rating. The way it ended could be a series finale if the ratings are bad. Let us hope that a Series 4 comes out.
I also watched HawthoRNe (TNT) on DVR last night. This show is getting a bit annoying. Any Chief Nursing Officer would have been fired a long time ago with her antics. And why do the doctors act so afraid of her, I have never known a doctor to be intimidated by a nurse the way they are. D rating and this show is sinking fast.
Crankshaft, Tom Batiuk's comic strip that he spun off from Funky Winkerbean, has taken a turn for the morose. Crankshaft has been bumped into the future where Ed is in a nursing home, stuck in a wheelchair, and barely alive. Granted the strip was a bit boring and repetitive, but Ed deserves a better fate than this. Of course, the current going ons over in Funky Winkerbean are not much better. Wally returning home from war after being a POW for several years, faces a wife who has remarried and looks to bring that strip to a new level of depression. I think Tom Batiuk needs to get some help, this constant focus on misery is not good at all.
Oh well.
I also watched HawthoRNe (TNT) on DVR last night. This show is getting a bit annoying. Any Chief Nursing Officer would have been fired a long time ago with her antics. And why do the doctors act so afraid of her, I have never known a doctor to be intimidated by a nurse the way they are. D rating and this show is sinking fast.
Crankshaft, Tom Batiuk's comic strip that he spun off from Funky Winkerbean, has taken a turn for the morose. Crankshaft has been bumped into the future where Ed is in a nursing home, stuck in a wheelchair, and barely alive. Granted the strip was a bit boring and repetitive, but Ed deserves a better fate than this. Of course, the current going ons over in Funky Winkerbean are not much better. Wally returning home from war after being a POW for several years, faces a wife who has remarried and looks to bring that strip to a new level of depression. I think Tom Batiuk needs to get some help, this constant focus on misery is not good at all.
Oh well.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Thoughts: 24-July-2009
I have watched the first three parts of Torchwood: Children of Earth (BBC America) and have to say that it is a pretty entertaining miniseries. I look forward to watching the last two parts tonight. One nice thing is that we are seeing a couple new members in this miniseries and it has been very good. A is the rating so far.
Monsterquest (History Channel) had an episode that focused on wild dog packs and covered some cases where people were attacked and killed. The dogs they chased were afraid of humans and it was clear from the cameras that the dogs only went near human habitation for food. They preferred to be in the woods away from people. B for some good science and realistic creatures but more of a C as it was kind of ho hum.
I have lots to watch this weekend, and the Harry Potter film to catch.
Oh well.
Monsterquest (History Channel) had an episode that focused on wild dog packs and covered some cases where people were attacked and killed. The dogs they chased were afraid of humans and it was clear from the cameras that the dogs only went near human habitation for food. They preferred to be in the woods away from people. B for some good science and realistic creatures but more of a C as it was kind of ho hum.
I have lots to watch this weekend, and the Harry Potter film to catch.
Oh well.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Thoughts: 23-July-2009
According to TV Guide, Season five of Ghost Whisperer will take a five year jump into the future and Melinda will have a five year old with unknown abilities. The first episode will do a flashback to the birth to show some ghostly happenings. Jim, having a new body and identity, was planning on going to medical school using his new credentials. So five years later, he should be an intern somewhere. That could be interesting.
BBC America has a new show premiering this Saturday called Being Human. A vampire, a werewolf, and a ghost share a flat in London. Almost sounds like the beginning of a joke. Given the high quality of BBC programming, I definitely will check it out.
Primeval has its series finale on BBC America this weekend and a Doctor Who special (the Easter special) will be on Sunday night. With the Torchwood miniseries this week, lots of good programming on BBC America.
Oh well.
BBC America has a new show premiering this Saturday called Being Human. A vampire, a werewolf, and a ghost share a flat in London. Almost sounds like the beginning of a joke. Given the high quality of BBC programming, I definitely will check it out.
Primeval has its series finale on BBC America this weekend and a Doctor Who special (the Easter special) will be on Sunday night. With the Torchwood miniseries this week, lots of good programming on BBC America.
Oh well.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Thoughts: 22-July-2009
Here is a rundown of what I watched the last couple of nights.
The Closer (TNT): Great episode, I give it an A. I liked the way Mary McDonnell's character is coming around, a very unsympathetic role that she makes work by showing why Internal Affairs is necessary. I like the way grudging respect between her and Brenda is growing.
Warehouse 13 (SyFy): B, not a bad episode, I like the subplot of the hacker finding the warehouse and next week we discover the who and why of it. The chemistry between the two agents is starting to show.
Raising the Bar (TNT): A, excellent episode that shows how the system screws people. Very nice and this show is really becoming a great watching experience.
Torchwood (BBC America): Watched Day One of this miniseries, very good one of the best shows on TV, fills a void left by Battlestar Glactica. A
With TNT, BBC America, USA, and SyFy, I am watching lots of great TV, the networks need to watch and learn.
Oh well.
The Closer (TNT): Great episode, I give it an A. I liked the way Mary McDonnell's character is coming around, a very unsympathetic role that she makes work by showing why Internal Affairs is necessary. I like the way grudging respect between her and Brenda is growing.
Warehouse 13 (SyFy): B, not a bad episode, I like the subplot of the hacker finding the warehouse and next week we discover the who and why of it. The chemistry between the two agents is starting to show.
Raising the Bar (TNT): A, excellent episode that shows how the system screws people. Very nice and this show is really becoming a great watching experience.
Torchwood (BBC America): Watched Day One of this miniseries, very good one of the best shows on TV, fills a void left by Battlestar Glactica. A
With TNT, BBC America, USA, and SyFy, I am watching lots of great TV, the networks need to watch and learn.
Oh well.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Thoughts: 21-July-2009
Favorite Sayings.
You Try, You Fail. You Try, You Fail. But the only real failure is when you stop trying.
No one can make you feel inferior without your permission.
The more things change the more they stay the same.
When you talk to God, it is called prayer. When God talks to you, it is called schizophrenia.
With great power, comes great responsibility.
Never refuse an offer that has not been made.
Oh well.
You Try, You Fail. You Try, You Fail. But the only real failure is when you stop trying.
No one can make you feel inferior without your permission.
The more things change the more they stay the same.
When you talk to God, it is called prayer. When God talks to you, it is called schizophrenia.
With great power, comes great responsibility.
Never refuse an offer that has not been made.
Oh well.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Thoughts: 20-July-2009
I watched Merlin, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, and In Plain Sight last night. Merlin is getting close to the end of its run on NBC and had a average episode, little too much repetition in the Merlin goes into the stocks and Arthur is taking some dumb pills with the dilemma he got into in this episode. A C rating.
L&O: Criminal Intent also gets a C rating, I think I prefer the Jeff Goldblum episodes. Next week he teams up with Goren's partner which should be interesting.
In Plain Sight, a solid A. We get to see Mary deal with her personal life, show some professional integrity, and Marshall gets to act with Martin Landau in a very nice episode.
Kitt Kittridge: An American Girl was a decent film to watch on DVD. Pretty good cast, Abigael Breslin, Chris O'Donnell, Glenne Headly, Julia Ormond, Stanley Tucci, and Joan Cusak. Much better cast than I would have predicted. The film was a cross between a Shirley Temple movie and a Nancy Drew book. Trust me, a better film than a lot of those that have come out this summer.
Oh well.
L&O: Criminal Intent also gets a C rating, I think I prefer the Jeff Goldblum episodes. Next week he teams up with Goren's partner which should be interesting.
In Plain Sight, a solid A. We get to see Mary deal with her personal life, show some professional integrity, and Marshall gets to act with Martin Landau in a very nice episode.
Kitt Kittridge: An American Girl was a decent film to watch on DVD. Pretty good cast, Abigael Breslin, Chris O'Donnell, Glenne Headly, Julia Ormond, Stanley Tucci, and Joan Cusak. Much better cast than I would have predicted. The film was a cross between a Shirley Temple movie and a Nancy Drew book. Trust me, a better film than a lot of those that have come out this summer.
Oh well.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Thoughts: 19-July-2009
I went to see The Proposal yesterday instead of the new Harry Potter film. There were a ton of people going to Potter and I figured that it would be around next week. There were only two other people at The Proposal.
The film was a likable ok comedy with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. The plot was pretty predictable and what made the film work was the chemistry between Bullock and Reynolds. Sweet Home Alabama with Reese Witherspoon and Josh Lucas was a film somewhat similar to the premise of this movie. The most interesting scene was when Bullock and Reynolds bump into each other while nude, the scene was filmed without showing anything, safe for PG-13. Worth a rent when it comes out on DVD.
Last night, I watched the first eight episodes of Touched by An Angel from the Season 1 set. I used to watch this show pretty regularly as I had a big time crush on Roma D0wney (similar to my crush on Jennifer Love Hewitt in Ghost Whisperer). I was surprised to see how much angel power used used in these shows, latter episodes seemed to downplay the supernatural abilities of the angels. The first four seasons are out on DVD, with five more to go. Hallmark Channel is showing two episodes each night Monday to Friday, so I guess the show is still popular.
Today I plan on watching Kitt Kittredge An American Girl to complete these sentimental journey.
Oh well.
The film was a likable ok comedy with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds. The plot was pretty predictable and what made the film work was the chemistry between Bullock and Reynolds. Sweet Home Alabama with Reese Witherspoon and Josh Lucas was a film somewhat similar to the premise of this movie. The most interesting scene was when Bullock and Reynolds bump into each other while nude, the scene was filmed without showing anything, safe for PG-13. Worth a rent when it comes out on DVD.
Last night, I watched the first eight episodes of Touched by An Angel from the Season 1 set. I used to watch this show pretty regularly as I had a big time crush on Roma D0wney (similar to my crush on Jennifer Love Hewitt in Ghost Whisperer). I was surprised to see how much angel power used used in these shows, latter episodes seemed to downplay the supernatural abilities of the angels. The first four seasons are out on DVD, with five more to go. Hallmark Channel is showing two episodes each night Monday to Friday, so I guess the show is still popular.
Today I plan on watching Kitt Kittredge An American Girl to complete these sentimental journey.
Oh well.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Thoughts: 18-July-2009
Walter Cronkite passed away today. I remember growing up and watching him on the CBS Evening News. He was a class act in all ways, honest and a very able news reporter. When he retired the network Evening News shows all started a downward spiral. His death should get more coverage than Michael Jackson as he truly touched the lives of others, but you know I doubt we will see much on him pass today. Rest in Peace, Mr. Cronkite.
I am planning on seeing the latest Harry Potter film today so I should have plenty to write about tomorrow. I would like to see The Proposal if I can get motivated after watching the Harry Potter film. We will see.
I watched The McLaughlin Group, Royal Pains, Eureka, and an episode of Perry Mason entitled "The Case of the Buried Clock". Here is some quite reviews
The McLaughlin Group: I am still amazed that John McLaughlin keeps Eleanor Clift on this show. She is so out of touch and has to constantly interrupt everyone else with her shrieking voice. Everyone except her say the Obama stimulus plan was not working and her big insight was Obama has not weighed in yet. What a stupid comment, this show gets a C entirely due to Clift, would be a B without her.
Royal Pains: Another A episode, excellent story with a nice medical mystery solved by Dr. Hank. Evan and Divya are starting to bond, but Divya is still a bit too hard on Evan. And Evan is really showing that he is much more than a comedy figure, gave some nice advice to the two young lovers and was willing to lend a sympathetic ear to Divya's upcoming woes in regards to an arranged marriage. I love this show.
Eureka: An A episode of this nice little show with very likable characters. Jo got to shine in this episode as Colin Ferguson was the director. You know, he does a nice job in this show as does Joe Morton, what a pleasure that even SyFy can get it right once in awhile.
The Case of the Buried Clock (Perry Mason): One of my favorite episodes, the murder victim is introduced to us as he robs the bank singing Big ones for me, Little one for you. This became a catchphrase in the Guanowsky household while I was growing up. I also remember reading the novel this show was based on and discovering how close the screenplay matched the book. I love Perry Mason. I also have to mention how our new Supreme Court Justice Sonya Sotomayer and Senator Al Franken from MN are both fans of this show.
Sotomayer and Franken were trying to recall an episode of the show where Burger makes a statement to Mason at the end of the episode. I believe the scene was Mason, Street, and Drake were enjoying a post court victory celebration when Burger comes over to congratulate Perry. Della wonders why and Perry quotes a recent law review article about justice occurs when the guilty are convicted and the innocent are set free and mentions that the author was Burger. Burger then joins them for the meal. A very nice moment.
Oh well.
I am planning on seeing the latest Harry Potter film today so I should have plenty to write about tomorrow. I would like to see The Proposal if I can get motivated after watching the Harry Potter film. We will see.
I watched The McLaughlin Group, Royal Pains, Eureka, and an episode of Perry Mason entitled "The Case of the Buried Clock". Here is some quite reviews
The McLaughlin Group: I am still amazed that John McLaughlin keeps Eleanor Clift on this show. She is so out of touch and has to constantly interrupt everyone else with her shrieking voice. Everyone except her say the Obama stimulus plan was not working and her big insight was Obama has not weighed in yet. What a stupid comment, this show gets a C entirely due to Clift, would be a B without her.
Royal Pains: Another A episode, excellent story with a nice medical mystery solved by Dr. Hank. Evan and Divya are starting to bond, but Divya is still a bit too hard on Evan. And Evan is really showing that he is much more than a comedy figure, gave some nice advice to the two young lovers and was willing to lend a sympathetic ear to Divya's upcoming woes in regards to an arranged marriage. I love this show.
Eureka: An A episode of this nice little show with very likable characters. Jo got to shine in this episode as Colin Ferguson was the director. You know, he does a nice job in this show as does Joe Morton, what a pleasure that even SyFy can get it right once in awhile.
The Case of the Buried Clock (Perry Mason): One of my favorite episodes, the murder victim is introduced to us as he robs the bank singing Big ones for me, Little one for you. This became a catchphrase in the Guanowsky household while I was growing up. I also remember reading the novel this show was based on and discovering how close the screenplay matched the book. I love Perry Mason. I also have to mention how our new Supreme Court Justice Sonya Sotomayer and Senator Al Franken from MN are both fans of this show.
Sotomayer and Franken were trying to recall an episode of the show where Burger makes a statement to Mason at the end of the episode. I believe the scene was Mason, Street, and Drake were enjoying a post court victory celebration when Burger comes over to congratulate Perry. Della wonders why and Perry quotes a recent law review article about justice occurs when the guilty are convicted and the innocent are set free and mentions that the author was Burger. Burger then joins them for the meal. A very nice moment.
Oh well.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Thoughts: 17-July-2009
I was reading a number of different message boards on the Internet today and found one where a discussion of the Perry Mason TV show was taking place. I love this show and can watch it over and over again. Most of the people in the discussion were in agreement with me. Then I read this comment about Raymond Burr being gay and how the poster could detect a hint of attraction between Mason and Paul Drake.
I found out a few years back that Burr was gay and it made no difference to me. Mason was written as a straight character by Erle Stanley Gardner and as far as I could tell Burr played him straight. Why people seem to think a gay actor cannot play a straight character is beyond my understanding? Jennifer Beals played a gay character on the L Word as did several other straight actresses. It is called acting people, your sexual orientation does not limit your ability to play a role. Hell, men used to play the female characters in Shakespeare's plays, does not mean they were gay.
I have a lot of respect for Raymond Burr as an actor, I have sought out his films and other TV appearances as I enjoy his work. Discovering that his was gay, makes no difference to me, I am happy that he was in a long term relationship and had the happiness in that relationship, that lots of people seek. And watching Perry Mason is the same regardless of his sexual orientation.
It is like the Dumbledore is gay bit. Where in the books would someone say hey Dumbledore is gay? If Rowlings had not announced that he was gay, we never would have known. And his sexual orientation never came into play anywhere in the books. You could say that most of the faculty was gay, Snape is the only one that we had any information about, he was in love with Lily Potter. The rest of them could all be gay as for as I would know.
And you know what, it does not matter if they are or not, the books and the movies are as enjoyable as ever.
Oh well.
I found out a few years back that Burr was gay and it made no difference to me. Mason was written as a straight character by Erle Stanley Gardner and as far as I could tell Burr played him straight. Why people seem to think a gay actor cannot play a straight character is beyond my understanding? Jennifer Beals played a gay character on the L Word as did several other straight actresses. It is called acting people, your sexual orientation does not limit your ability to play a role. Hell, men used to play the female characters in Shakespeare's plays, does not mean they were gay.
I have a lot of respect for Raymond Burr as an actor, I have sought out his films and other TV appearances as I enjoy his work. Discovering that his was gay, makes no difference to me, I am happy that he was in a long term relationship and had the happiness in that relationship, that lots of people seek. And watching Perry Mason is the same regardless of his sexual orientation.
It is like the Dumbledore is gay bit. Where in the books would someone say hey Dumbledore is gay? If Rowlings had not announced that he was gay, we never would have known. And his sexual orientation never came into play anywhere in the books. You could say that most of the faculty was gay, Snape is the only one that we had any information about, he was in love with Lily Potter. The rest of them could all be gay as for as I would know.
And you know what, it does not matter if they are or not, the books and the movies are as enjoyable as ever.
Oh well.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Thoughts: 16-July-2009
Tuesday night, the History Channel had a special called "Mysteries of the Bermuda Triangle". I thought that I would record it and if it was something I had already seen, I would just erase it. Not only was it new, it was one of the best documentaries on the History Channel.
First, it was well balanced, had both skeptics and paranormal theorists on the show. Larry Kusche who wrote the excellent book "Bermuda Triangle Mystery Solved" was a main feature, not the usually 30 second soundbite. Also had several other skeptics who were given more time than I have seen in other History Channel productions.
An example was the Flight 19 analysis. Several explanations were presented and the ones where the planes were thought to have gotten disoriented and ditched into the ocean were presented with plenty of evidence and no casual dismissal as these explanations are often given. One person presented evidence that because of the heavy fog covering the sea and ground, the planes could have ended up in Georgia and went they went to ditch in the ocean, ended up in the Okefenokee swamp. This theory was backed up with evidence from some US Naval ships that observed 5-6 planes going into land around the time Flight 19 disappeared.
All in all well worth watching, an A rating and this is the quality of programming the History Channel should get back to.
I also watched Season 2 premiere of Leverage on TNT. Good solid episode that was very well done, another A and this is a show people should be checking out. It is that good.
Oh well.
First, it was well balanced, had both skeptics and paranormal theorists on the show. Larry Kusche who wrote the excellent book "Bermuda Triangle Mystery Solved" was a main feature, not the usually 30 second soundbite. Also had several other skeptics who were given more time than I have seen in other History Channel productions.
An example was the Flight 19 analysis. Several explanations were presented and the ones where the planes were thought to have gotten disoriented and ditched into the ocean were presented with plenty of evidence and no casual dismissal as these explanations are often given. One person presented evidence that because of the heavy fog covering the sea and ground, the planes could have ended up in Georgia and went they went to ditch in the ocean, ended up in the Okefenokee swamp. This theory was backed up with evidence from some US Naval ships that observed 5-6 planes going into land around the time Flight 19 disappeared.
All in all well worth watching, an A rating and this is the quality of programming the History Channel should get back to.
I also watched Season 2 premiere of Leverage on TNT. Good solid episode that was very well done, another A and this is a show people should be checking out. It is that good.
Oh well.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Thoughts: 15-July-2009
22, one of the summer interns, complained to me about writing about her in this blog. I cannot remember the last time I mentioned them, they tend to work hard during the week and party hardy over the weekend. She must have been bored and decided to check this blog out. Her loss.
Weeds was an ok episode, I give it a C. Nancy is now 6 months pregnant and the drug lord baby daddy wants to marry her. Then a Mexican woman showed up and told him no. Wife or sister, I don't know. Weeds is a so-so series and I don't understand why it is popular or rated so high. I think that if it was longer than 30 minutes, I would stop watching it.
Nurse Jackie on the other hand was excellent, my rating is an A. Eddie Faco is so good in the role and how they handled the ex nurse dieing of cancer brought a tear to my eye. Far superior to HawthoRNe on TNT.
I also watched Raising the Bar, another good episode, I give it a B. The drug addict doctor who just got divorced from his PD wife ended up killing himself in her apartment just when she and Jerry were going to have sex. I am glad they ended that subplot, it was starting to get a bit soap opera like and the show has better stories to tell.
Warehouse 13 had a great second episode, a B rating. The two actors playing the Secret Service agents were much better and I am starting to see some chemistry. If the shows continue in this direction, I will be quite happy.
Oh well.
Weeds was an ok episode, I give it a C. Nancy is now 6 months pregnant and the drug lord baby daddy wants to marry her. Then a Mexican woman showed up and told him no. Wife or sister, I don't know. Weeds is a so-so series and I don't understand why it is popular or rated so high. I think that if it was longer than 30 minutes, I would stop watching it.
Nurse Jackie on the other hand was excellent, my rating is an A. Eddie Faco is so good in the role and how they handled the ex nurse dieing of cancer brought a tear to my eye. Far superior to HawthoRNe on TNT.
I also watched Raising the Bar, another good episode, I give it a B. The drug addict doctor who just got divorced from his PD wife ended up killing himself in her apartment just when she and Jerry were going to have sex. I am glad they ended that subplot, it was starting to get a bit soap opera like and the show has better stories to tell.
Warehouse 13 had a great second episode, a B rating. The two actors playing the Secret Service agents were much better and I am starting to see some chemistry. If the shows continue in this direction, I will be quite happy.
Oh well.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Thoughts: 14-July-2009
The Closer has a solid A episode last night. One of the comedy ones involving a guy pretending to be a cop and fooling members of the squad. The Closer has this great mix of being a suspenseful drama to outright comedy.
I also watched True Blood another great episode of this A show. Really well done and it really captures my attention, I cannot wait for the next episode.
On tap tonight is Warehouse 13 and last night's Weeds, Nurse Jackie, and Raising the Bar.
Oh well.
I also watched True Blood another great episode of this A show. Really well done and it really captures my attention, I cannot wait for the next episode.
On tap tonight is Warehouse 13 and last night's Weeds, Nurse Jackie, and Raising the Bar.
Oh well.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Thoughts: 13-July-2009
I watched the latest episode of Royal Pains this past weekend via DVR. What an excellent episode and what a great show this is turning out to be. Medical mysteries like we used to see on House before it got all about how wacky is House going to act this week. Solutions that are original and creative. And characters who walk that thin line where a lesser talent would really make them unlikeable and yet we start to really enjoy and care about them. A for this show.
I find out that Merlin is a BBC show and that it has been renewed. NBC currently has the broadcast rights in the USA but if they pass, we probably will get to see it on BBC America. It does make up for the cancellation of Primeval.
I also saw that that third and last season of Robin Hood is currently ending its run in the UK. BBC America should start showing this last season sometime in the fall. I peeked at the spoilers on Wikipedia and this show goes the same route as Robin of Sherwood which starred Michael Pare. I watched this show when it was on Showtime back in my graduate student days and loved it as I love the current Robin Hood series. Too bad an ending is coming.
Oh well.
I find out that Merlin is a BBC show and that it has been renewed. NBC currently has the broadcast rights in the USA but if they pass, we probably will get to see it on BBC America. It does make up for the cancellation of Primeval.
I also saw that that third and last season of Robin Hood is currently ending its run in the UK. BBC America should start showing this last season sometime in the fall. I peeked at the spoilers on Wikipedia and this show goes the same route as Robin of Sherwood which starred Michael Pare. I watched this show when it was on Showtime back in my graduate student days and loved it as I love the current Robin Hood series. Too bad an ending is coming.
Oh well.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Thoughts: 12-July-2009
Well, I watched the final two hours of Harper's Island last night on CBS. Here are my comments.
1. Henry, the bridegroom, turns out to be John Wakefield's son via Abby's mother. Wakefield trained him to be a serial killer in order to enact his master plan. The only people to survive were the kid named Madison and her mother (whose name escapes me), Jimmy, and Abby.
2. Wakefield's master plan was to have his son kill Abby. Why he needed to kill everyone else on the island was never explained? I guess when he saw how easy it was to create all those deathtraps and clean up the scene hiding the fact all these people were getting killed, he figured why not? Give him something to do there since he did not have wedding invitation and could not join in on that fun.
3. Henry, who turns out to be Abby's half brother, decides to go with his own plan, kills father Wakefield, fakes his and Abby's death which allows him to fulfill his fantasy of living with Abby for the rest of their lives on Harper's Island, and plans on framing Jimmy as Wakefield's accomplice since Madison and her mother know that somebody helped Wakefield to escape from jail.
Conclusion: The real mystery here is why did CBS green light this crap? I mean you have the plot of a 90 min classic 1980's slasher film stretched out for almost 600 min with no R rated sex and nudity, and they thought people would stick and watch this for 13 weeks? The plots were stupid, the acting was bad, and the only two characters I liked were killed (Charlie and Chloe). This whole series gets a D from me.
And what is really sad is that CBS cancel ls shows like Without a Trace and Eleventh Hour that got good ratings and had well written story lines and goes for shows like Harper's Island and reality TV crap like "There Goes the Neighborhood" that was getting a heavy rotation of promotion last night. What is the appeal of reality TV crap? I have not idea.
If this show was not going to end in 13 episodes I would have bagged it up the four episode, that is why it gets a D instead of a F, I actually watched it so I could rant about it here and spare you the misery of viewing it.
Oh well.
1. Henry, the bridegroom, turns out to be John Wakefield's son via Abby's mother. Wakefield trained him to be a serial killer in order to enact his master plan. The only people to survive were the kid named Madison and her mother (whose name escapes me), Jimmy, and Abby.
2. Wakefield's master plan was to have his son kill Abby. Why he needed to kill everyone else on the island was never explained? I guess when he saw how easy it was to create all those deathtraps and clean up the scene hiding the fact all these people were getting killed, he figured why not? Give him something to do there since he did not have wedding invitation and could not join in on that fun.
3. Henry, who turns out to be Abby's half brother, decides to go with his own plan, kills father Wakefield, fakes his and Abby's death which allows him to fulfill his fantasy of living with Abby for the rest of their lives on Harper's Island, and plans on framing Jimmy as Wakefield's accomplice since Madison and her mother know that somebody helped Wakefield to escape from jail.
Conclusion: The real mystery here is why did CBS green light this crap? I mean you have the plot of a 90 min classic 1980's slasher film stretched out for almost 600 min with no R rated sex and nudity, and they thought people would stick and watch this for 13 weeks? The plots were stupid, the acting was bad, and the only two characters I liked were killed (Charlie and Chloe). This whole series gets a D from me.
And what is really sad is that CBS cancel ls shows like Without a Trace and Eleventh Hour that got good ratings and had well written story lines and goes for shows like Harper's Island and reality TV crap like "There Goes the Neighborhood" that was getting a heavy rotation of promotion last night. What is the appeal of reality TV crap? I have not idea.
If this show was not going to end in 13 episodes I would have bagged it up the four episode, that is why it gets a D instead of a F, I actually watched it so I could rant about it here and spare you the misery of viewing it.
Oh well.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Thoughts: 11-July-2009
I came up with a rating scale for TV shows that I watch and since I don't have anything to say, thought I would share it with you.
A: Excellent show, worth watching, the best on TV. Some A shows will drop to a B with certain episodes, but the majority of shows for a season get an A. Example: Primeval (BBC America), True Blood (HBO), NCIS (CBS) NCIS get an A, because this season the shows really hit the mark and the scripts were able to make the annoying Tony less annoying than he has in the past.
B: Good show worth watching, but has some element that drops it to a B. An A show can have some B episodes, and vice versa. Example Monk (USA), In Plain Sight (USA)
C: Average, still watching but the show has seen better days Example House (FOX), Desperate Housewives (ABC), Grey's Anatomy (ABC) These ratings will be attached to shows that are starting to wear out their welcome.
D: Barely watchable, only watching so I have something to rant about in my blog. Also some of these shows tie into a better show or I have been watching them for a long time, or I can't believe that Joss Whedon is responsible for this. Example Dollhouse (FOX), Private Practice (ABC), Harper's Island (CBS) and American Chopper (TLC)
F: Could not stand this show for more than one episode and have never watched it again. Example Castle (ABC), Flash Gordon (SyFy), and 30 Rock (NBC)
Eureka last night gets a B, solid show where Carter gets his job back and we have a subplot starting to emerge. The only thing I don't like is the voice that they use for Sarah the computer, come on put in a sexy babe voice, that I what I would demand, Kathleen Turner for example.
Oh well.
A: Excellent show, worth watching, the best on TV. Some A shows will drop to a B with certain episodes, but the majority of shows for a season get an A. Example: Primeval (BBC America), True Blood (HBO), NCIS (CBS) NCIS get an A, because this season the shows really hit the mark and the scripts were able to make the annoying Tony less annoying than he has in the past.
B: Good show worth watching, but has some element that drops it to a B. An A show can have some B episodes, and vice versa. Example Monk (USA), In Plain Sight (USA)
C: Average, still watching but the show has seen better days Example House (FOX), Desperate Housewives (ABC), Grey's Anatomy (ABC) These ratings will be attached to shows that are starting to wear out their welcome.
D: Barely watchable, only watching so I have something to rant about in my blog. Also some of these shows tie into a better show or I have been watching them for a long time, or I can't believe that Joss Whedon is responsible for this. Example Dollhouse (FOX), Private Practice (ABC), Harper's Island (CBS) and American Chopper (TLC)
F: Could not stand this show for more than one episode and have never watched it again. Example Castle (ABC), Flash Gordon (SyFy), and 30 Rock (NBC)
Eureka last night gets a B, solid show where Carter gets his job back and we have a subplot starting to emerge. The only thing I don't like is the voice that they use for Sarah the computer, come on put in a sexy babe voice, that I what I would demand, Kathleen Turner for example.
Oh well.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Thoughts: 10-July-2009
Getting ready for the weekend. I am thinking of going to see the Proposal and Ice Age 3 tomorrow. I have zero interest in seeing Bruno.
Tomorrow night the two part conclusion to Harper's Island. I have to say that this 13 part series was a big disappointment, you are stretching out a 90 min premise for about 600 min, just does not work.
Saving Grace had a good episode this week, F. Murry Abraham played a rival angel named Michael who was ready to give Grace's friend Loretta $180 billion if Grace accepts God. Loretta tore the winning lottery ticket up saying she picks Earl. So, come on Earl, play Loretta a visit.
Oh well.
Tomorrow night the two part conclusion to Harper's Island. I have to say that this 13 part series was a big disappointment, you are stretching out a 90 min premise for about 600 min, just does not work.
Saving Grace had a good episode this week, F. Murry Abraham played a rival angel named Michael who was ready to give Grace's friend Loretta $180 billion if Grace accepts God. Loretta tore the winning lottery ticket up saying she picks Earl. So, come on Earl, play Loretta a visit.
Oh well.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Thoughts: 09-July-2009
I watched the premiere of SyFy's Warehouse 13 via DVR last night. The reviews for this show have been pretty bad, I don't know I have seen worst. The premise is that the US government has a secret warehouse where items that have strange powers can be safely put away. Same sort of premise as the Librarian series on TBS and Friday the 13th series where each episode they track down an objected cursed by the Devil and put it away for safe keeping.
The producers spent some bucks to get CCH Pounder (so great in The Shield, but really wasted in this role) and Saul Rubinek (who is the best thing about the series). I am not impressed with the two actors cast as Secret Service agents, Bruce Campbell would have been really good in the part. Right now kind of a so-so series which given SyFy's poor track record for original series is not a good sign.
Then I watched MonsterQuest (History Channel) which was about critical evidence for Bigfoot. Almost no skeptic commentary at all, and the evidence was presented as indisputable. A quick search on Google find plenty of rebuttal and plenty of people who could have added some perspective to the show.
The evidence, in no particular order.
1. Freeman video. This was shot by a park ranger who also was a Bigfoot enthusiast. While recording footprints, he hears a noise and records footage of a Bigfoot. The ranger service did an internal investigation of him and found nothing indicative of a hoax. Freeman is reported to be a nice guy. The video looks like a guy in a cheap costume and was not convincing at all. Not too much time was spent on this critical "evidence".
2. Density of sightings. They mapped out all the Bigfoot sightings in the USA. Highest concentration was the Pacific Northwest, and then they correlated this with rainfall and discovered that high levels of rainfall matched the areas where Bigfoot has been seen the most. This supports the idea that a population may exist. It was noted briefly that there were a lot more sightings in the Northeast than expected. Two points, I would love to see a plotting of black bear sightings made and then a correlation analysis between the two sets of sightings preformed. I bet that there would be a high correlation, i.e. Bigfoot tends to be seen in areas with lots of black bears. I also thought it was interesting how they did not touch on the fact that the second highest density of sightings was northeast Ohio. I lived there for four years and never heard anything about Bigfoot. Not too impressed with this "critical evidence".
3. Tarso Metatarsal Joint. This is a joint in the foot of primates that humans do not have. Humans tend to use their toes to balance and make footsteps. Primates have this joint that bisects across their foot. Analysis of a 3-D image of one of the Bigfoot footprints seems to indicate that Bigfoot has this joint and thus not human. Again this "critical evidence" was hurried over and the scientist did not discuss how many of the Bigfoot footprints has evidence of this joint or how common this is seen. They did not go into this at all, and on a website (www.bermuda-triangle.org) there was a interesting bit about the evolution of the Bigfoot footprints that went from very distinctive shapes over time with no comment as to why by the investigators.
4. Cripplefoot. This is a set of footprints from a Bigfoot who injured one of his feet and developed a club foot. Lots of folks have cited that this is proof positive and on the show, we were told that nobody could fake this. Back to the website that I cited above, we discover lots of doubt about the authenticity of this footprint and I have to say that con artists and hoaxers are some of the cleverest people around. Do not underestimate the intelligence of someone determined to get a hoax off.
5. The Patterson film. The best critical evidence was the famous 1967 Patterson-Gimlen film. This has been so debunked that you can find several citations on Wikipedia for this. They had a special effects guy who creates primate exhibits analyse the film, he claimed it was real. Rick Baker, Oscar winning effects artist, among others say the opposite. Read Wikipedia and check the reference for the book about the guy who came forward saying he wore the costume for 1000 bucks.
Real critical evidence would be a body, until then History Channel and MonsterQuest, your show belongs on Penn and Teller's Bullshit! (Showtime).
Oh well.
The producers spent some bucks to get CCH Pounder (so great in The Shield, but really wasted in this role) and Saul Rubinek (who is the best thing about the series). I am not impressed with the two actors cast as Secret Service agents, Bruce Campbell would have been really good in the part. Right now kind of a so-so series which given SyFy's poor track record for original series is not a good sign.
Then I watched MonsterQuest (History Channel) which was about critical evidence for Bigfoot. Almost no skeptic commentary at all, and the evidence was presented as indisputable. A quick search on Google find plenty of rebuttal and plenty of people who could have added some perspective to the show.
The evidence, in no particular order.
1. Freeman video. This was shot by a park ranger who also was a Bigfoot enthusiast. While recording footprints, he hears a noise and records footage of a Bigfoot. The ranger service did an internal investigation of him and found nothing indicative of a hoax. Freeman is reported to be a nice guy. The video looks like a guy in a cheap costume and was not convincing at all. Not too much time was spent on this critical "evidence".
2. Density of sightings. They mapped out all the Bigfoot sightings in the USA. Highest concentration was the Pacific Northwest, and then they correlated this with rainfall and discovered that high levels of rainfall matched the areas where Bigfoot has been seen the most. This supports the idea that a population may exist. It was noted briefly that there were a lot more sightings in the Northeast than expected. Two points, I would love to see a plotting of black bear sightings made and then a correlation analysis between the two sets of sightings preformed. I bet that there would be a high correlation, i.e. Bigfoot tends to be seen in areas with lots of black bears. I also thought it was interesting how they did not touch on the fact that the second highest density of sightings was northeast Ohio. I lived there for four years and never heard anything about Bigfoot. Not too impressed with this "critical evidence".
3. Tarso Metatarsal Joint. This is a joint in the foot of primates that humans do not have. Humans tend to use their toes to balance and make footsteps. Primates have this joint that bisects across their foot. Analysis of a 3-D image of one of the Bigfoot footprints seems to indicate that Bigfoot has this joint and thus not human. Again this "critical evidence" was hurried over and the scientist did not discuss how many of the Bigfoot footprints has evidence of this joint or how common this is seen. They did not go into this at all, and on a website (www.bermuda-triangle.org) there was a interesting bit about the evolution of the Bigfoot footprints that went from very distinctive shapes over time with no comment as to why by the investigators.
4. Cripplefoot. This is a set of footprints from a Bigfoot who injured one of his feet and developed a club foot. Lots of folks have cited that this is proof positive and on the show, we were told that nobody could fake this. Back to the website that I cited above, we discover lots of doubt about the authenticity of this footprint and I have to say that con artists and hoaxers are some of the cleverest people around. Do not underestimate the intelligence of someone determined to get a hoax off.
5. The Patterson film. The best critical evidence was the famous 1967 Patterson-Gimlen film. This has been so debunked that you can find several citations on Wikipedia for this. They had a special effects guy who creates primate exhibits analyse the film, he claimed it was real. Rick Baker, Oscar winning effects artist, among others say the opposite. Read Wikipedia and check the reference for the book about the guy who came forward saying he wore the costume for 1000 bucks.
Real critical evidence would be a body, until then History Channel and MonsterQuest, your show belongs on Penn and Teller's Bullshit! (Showtime).
Oh well.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Thoughts: 08-July-2009
I saw this in TV Guide and confirmed it via the Internet, Primeval, the great BBC America SF show, is being cancelled after this current season. The reason given for the cancellation, high cost of the show. Good ratings and well received but it costs too much.
And what sucks is the fact that series 3 is going to end on a cliffhanger which will remain unresolved for the near future. There is some discussion that a feature film may get made to tie up the loose ends. I think that the BBC owes us at least a miniseries to end the show properly, what bad form to cancel a show and leave it unresolved. SyFy did this to Farscape, at least they brought that show back as a miniseries to end it properly.
What bothers me is that good ratings are not enough to keep shows on the air. The production costs are playing a bigger and bigger role in what the networks are deciding to air. CBS cancelled Without a Trace and the Eleventh Hour (8 and 11 on the season ratings chart) due I believe to the costs associated with these shows. So what are we going to get now, cheap programming that draws high ratings? And you know what that is, reality TV crap! Yes, lets cancel Reaper and Primeval and have more crap like Wipeout, Big Brother, or the Bachelor/Bachelrette.
The other rant is the news that Claire, played by Hayden Panettiere, is going to have a girl-girl kiss with one of her college roommates on Heroes next season. Is the ratings that bad that they have to do this in order to get the fan boys to tune in for a thrill? Anybody who is that hard up that they need to see this, plenty of porn on the Internet that covers college girl experimentation. I just don't know why they have to add this gratuitous stuff to a show that used to be entertaining without that.
Oh well.
And what sucks is the fact that series 3 is going to end on a cliffhanger which will remain unresolved for the near future. There is some discussion that a feature film may get made to tie up the loose ends. I think that the BBC owes us at least a miniseries to end the show properly, what bad form to cancel a show and leave it unresolved. SyFy did this to Farscape, at least they brought that show back as a miniseries to end it properly.
What bothers me is that good ratings are not enough to keep shows on the air. The production costs are playing a bigger and bigger role in what the networks are deciding to air. CBS cancelled Without a Trace and the Eleventh Hour (8 and 11 on the season ratings chart) due I believe to the costs associated with these shows. So what are we going to get now, cheap programming that draws high ratings? And you know what that is, reality TV crap! Yes, lets cancel Reaper and Primeval and have more crap like Wipeout, Big Brother, or the Bachelor/Bachelrette.
The other rant is the news that Claire, played by Hayden Panettiere, is going to have a girl-girl kiss with one of her college roommates on Heroes next season. Is the ratings that bad that they have to do this in order to get the fan boys to tune in for a thrill? Anybody who is that hard up that they need to see this, plenty of porn on the Internet that covers college girl experimentation. I just don't know why they have to add this gratuitous stuff to a show that used to be entertaining without that.
Oh well.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Thoughts: 07-July-2009
Amazon.com came through for me replacing two items that the USPS claimed had been delivered to my home via their tracking system. And of course when I called them, it was a bunch of BS. And they wonder why they are losing money.
The Closer had a good thought provoking episode last night. That show can go from comedy to drama very easily and what a great cast.
Tonight I catch up on Nurse Jackie, Weeds, and Raising the Bar. I will then watch HawthoRNe and record Saving Grace and Warehouse 13 to view tomorrow.
Yesterday I started to watch Matlock Season 2 on DVD. I like Andy Griffith and never thought to watch this show when it was being broadcast. Not a bad show, I still like Perry Mason better, but Matlock makes the time go by just as well.
Oh well.
The Closer had a good thought provoking episode last night. That show can go from comedy to drama very easily and what a great cast.
Tonight I catch up on Nurse Jackie, Weeds, and Raising the Bar. I will then watch HawthoRNe and record Saving Grace and Warehouse 13 to view tomorrow.
Yesterday I started to watch Matlock Season 2 on DVD. I like Andy Griffith and never thought to watch this show when it was being broadcast. Not a bad show, I still like Perry Mason better, but Matlock makes the time go by just as well.
Oh well.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Thoughts: 06-July-2009
Lots of stuff happening in the news. Steve McNair is killed, Sarah Palin quits her job as governor of Alaska, and Robert McNamara dies. Seems like lots of famous people are dieing all at once, of course all we hear about is Michael Jackson.
I surfed the Internet to find out what is happening with Reaper. Tyler Labine in his facebook site stated that season 3 is not going to happen. Looks like Reaper will be going to a comic book and maybe a cartoon series. At least they will not be constrained by a special effects budget in that format.
Merlin, on NBC, has been pretty good. I do not know what the ratings are, hopefully it is doing well. Of course I like the show, so it will get cancelled.
Oh well.
I surfed the Internet to find out what is happening with Reaper. Tyler Labine in his facebook site stated that season 3 is not going to happen. Looks like Reaper will be going to a comic book and maybe a cartoon series. At least they will not be constrained by a special effects budget in that format.
Merlin, on NBC, has been pretty good. I do not know what the ratings are, hopefully it is doing well. Of course I like the show, so it will get cancelled.
Oh well.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Thoughts: 05-July-2009
Just came back from seeing Public Enemies starring Johnny Depp and Christan Bale, directed by Michael Mann. I thought it was a very good film, another great performance by Depp. Lots of Oscar talk associated with this movie. I have to say, the three best films that I have seen so far in 2009 are State of Play, Up, and this movie.
Two movies that I like a lot and that have gotten pretty bad reviews are Practical Magic and It Could Happen to You. There are so many scenes in each film that I love and these two movies are on my most favorite list.
Practical Magic (1998, directed by Griffin Dunn) stars Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as two sister witches suffering under a family curse that dooms their love affairs. I love how the young Sandra makes a love spell to find her true love that eventually brings forth an Arizona Ranger played by Aidan Quinn who is searching for a criminal that Kidman is dating. Bullock and Kidman end up killing this guy then try to bring him back with magic with disastrous results. I love the scenes where Kidman uses her magic to put Bullock at the head of the phone tree, the scene where a frog coughs up the ring of the bad guy, when Quinn uses his badge to ward off the evil spirit, and then the sisters using the family curse to not only vanquish the evil but cast the curse off forever. What a great film.
It Could Happen to You (1994, directed by Andrew Bergman) stars Nicolas Cage and Bridget Fonda who play two kindhearted folk who share a lottery fortune when Cage leaves it for a tip. Rosie Perez is at her nastiest as Cage's wife who wants all the money for herself. She reminds me of my brother first wife, a mean cold hearted bitch who gets her due. Lots of great scenes in this film, especially the end when the city of New York helps them out thanks to the photo journalism of Angel Dupree, a New York Post photographer played by Issac Hayes. Wonderful film that is done so tenderly it always brings a tear to my eye.
Oh well.
Two movies that I like a lot and that have gotten pretty bad reviews are Practical Magic and It Could Happen to You. There are so many scenes in each film that I love and these two movies are on my most favorite list.
Practical Magic (1998, directed by Griffin Dunn) stars Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman as two sister witches suffering under a family curse that dooms their love affairs. I love how the young Sandra makes a love spell to find her true love that eventually brings forth an Arizona Ranger played by Aidan Quinn who is searching for a criminal that Kidman is dating. Bullock and Kidman end up killing this guy then try to bring him back with magic with disastrous results. I love the scenes where Kidman uses her magic to put Bullock at the head of the phone tree, the scene where a frog coughs up the ring of the bad guy, when Quinn uses his badge to ward off the evil spirit, and then the sisters using the family curse to not only vanquish the evil but cast the curse off forever. What a great film.
It Could Happen to You (1994, directed by Andrew Bergman) stars Nicolas Cage and Bridget Fonda who play two kindhearted folk who share a lottery fortune when Cage leaves it for a tip. Rosie Perez is at her nastiest as Cage's wife who wants all the money for herself. She reminds me of my brother first wife, a mean cold hearted bitch who gets her due. Lots of great scenes in this film, especially the end when the city of New York helps them out thanks to the photo journalism of Angel Dupree, a New York Post photographer played by Issac Hayes. Wonderful film that is done so tenderly it always brings a tear to my eye.
Oh well.
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Thoughts: 04-July-2009
I am going to spend a lazy day here at Guanowsky Manor and wait until tomorrow to go see the films that I am interested in. I recorded Sink the Bismark! off AMC yesterday and will be watching that with pizza and beer.
I received the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly yesterday and it has a mega long tribute to Michael Jackson. Enough already about Michael Jackson, his death is all over the news and all over the Internet, was he really that popular?
I always thought the King of Pop label was a piece of PR BS. He made one good album, Thriller, I hated his other albums and could not stand the Jackson Five when I was growing up. I thought that they sucked and because I attended a predominately black school system, had to hear that crap over and over again.
Michael Jackson had a lot of psychological problems due to the years of abuse he suffered when growing up. He was never able to become an adult as he sought the comfort of a childhood denied to him. This outpouring of grief may be more like pity for his lost chance at life. I just don't get this obsession.
When Ronald Reagen passed away, he was out of public sight for ten years due to his Alzheimer's Disease. I could understand the grief for the death of an icon to lots of people, but the photos and videos of people crying their eyes out, I thought those were staged, I could not believe that people would be that emotional for a public figure.
Maybe in this world of the Internet we get too emotionally invested in celebrities and public figures as we are unable to bond with people that we actually know and have contact with. Who knows?
Oh well.
I received the latest issue of Entertainment Weekly yesterday and it has a mega long tribute to Michael Jackson. Enough already about Michael Jackson, his death is all over the news and all over the Internet, was he really that popular?
I always thought the King of Pop label was a piece of PR BS. He made one good album, Thriller, I hated his other albums and could not stand the Jackson Five when I was growing up. I thought that they sucked and because I attended a predominately black school system, had to hear that crap over and over again.
Michael Jackson had a lot of psychological problems due to the years of abuse he suffered when growing up. He was never able to become an adult as he sought the comfort of a childhood denied to him. This outpouring of grief may be more like pity for his lost chance at life. I just don't get this obsession.
When Ronald Reagen passed away, he was out of public sight for ten years due to his Alzheimer's Disease. I could understand the grief for the death of an icon to lots of people, but the photos and videos of people crying their eyes out, I thought those were staged, I could not believe that people would be that emotional for a public figure.
Maybe in this world of the Internet we get too emotionally invested in celebrities and public figures as we are unable to bond with people that we actually know and have contact with. Who knows?
Oh well.
Friday, July 3, 2009
Thoughts: 03-July-2009
Work week is over and now I get to play all weekend.
Public Enemies and Ice Age 3 will be in Groton this weekend, I want to see both films. I love Ray Romeno as Manny the Wooly Mammoth. I have always been a big fan of Johnny Depp and would like to see him in that movie.
I will be sending the weekend catching up on DVDs, no new shows are on for me this weekend.
Last night I watched The Wrestler starring Mickey Rourke. Very good film and realistic as to what pro wrestlers put themselves through. Almost felt like that documentary Beyond the Mat which took a sobering look at pro wrestling. Both films are must sees.
Oh well.
Public Enemies and Ice Age 3 will be in Groton this weekend, I want to see both films. I love Ray Romeno as Manny the Wooly Mammoth. I have always been a big fan of Johnny Depp and would like to see him in that movie.
I will be sending the weekend catching up on DVDs, no new shows are on for me this weekend.
Last night I watched The Wrestler starring Mickey Rourke. Very good film and realistic as to what pro wrestlers put themselves through. Almost felt like that documentary Beyond the Mat which took a sobering look at pro wrestling. Both films are must sees.
Oh well.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Thoughts: 02-July-2009
Woke up to big time thunderstorms and pouring rain in Groton, CT. On the radio, they were advising folks to beware of flooding. In the parking lot of the Mystic Aquarium, there was such much water, cars were partly submerged and stalled out when attempts were made to start them.
I am getting sick of the rain.
I watched the first episode of Penn and Teller's Bullshit for the new season. They spoofed all the help groups that were out there to help people achieve orgasm. They really are ruthless when they rip into some of these con artists who do these things. Not many are willing to do so.
Saving Grace has a good episode about a guy that Grace busted, who when he got out of prison decided to target Grace's family. I loved this joke about the Sooners "What does the Sooners and a bag of pot have in common? They both get smoked in bowls."
22 did not like this joke but tolerated me as she needed my assistance in statistics and getting some articles from our electronic library. 24 and I spent part of the day getting her graphs and stats up to snuff for my boss. Interns really make a lot of extra work.
Oh well.
I am getting sick of the rain.
I watched the first episode of Penn and Teller's Bullshit for the new season. They spoofed all the help groups that were out there to help people achieve orgasm. They really are ruthless when they rip into some of these con artists who do these things. Not many are willing to do so.
Saving Grace has a good episode about a guy that Grace busted, who when he got out of prison decided to target Grace's family. I loved this joke about the Sooners "What does the Sooners and a bag of pot have in common? They both get smoked in bowls."
22 did not like this joke but tolerated me as she needed my assistance in statistics and getting some articles from our electronic library. 24 and I spent part of the day getting her graphs and stats up to snuff for my boss. Interns really make a lot of extra work.
Oh well.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Thoughts: 01-July-2009
Miserable day in Groton, CT. Thunderstorms pour rain down on us, power kept on going out at work, and they keep making these annoying announcements over the public loud speaker which were preceded by this clanging noise. The power is back on they would say and then the power would go out again. Big time headache.
I helped 22 with a complicated ANOVA design and 24 with her statistical analysis of her data. And with a headache too. 22 said that she wishes I were her mentor, a statement she will retract when she sees me writing about her in this blog. She threatened to deface my face if I mention her again. She is starting to grow on me.
Watched HawthoRNe last night, I kind of doubt that nurses would go so far out on the limb for their patients and the way they put up with the really annoying ones, never happened to me.
Tonight I get to watch Nurse Jackie, Saving Grace, and True Blood.
I love Amazon.com. Why is their website so easy to use and their customer service so good? Why can't everyone be like them?
Oh well.
I helped 22 with a complicated ANOVA design and 24 with her statistical analysis of her data. And with a headache too. 22 said that she wishes I were her mentor, a statement she will retract when she sees me writing about her in this blog. She threatened to deface my face if I mention her again. She is starting to grow on me.
Watched HawthoRNe last night, I kind of doubt that nurses would go so far out on the limb for their patients and the way they put up with the really annoying ones, never happened to me.
Tonight I get to watch Nurse Jackie, Saving Grace, and True Blood.
I love Amazon.com. Why is their website so easy to use and their customer service so good? Why can't everyone be like them?
Oh well.
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