North Carolina wins the NCAA tournament, which means that Penn State did the Big Ten proud by winning the NIT. I doubt many of the other Big Ten schools will be acknowledging that.
Latest L Word Interrogation Tape is with Max who reveals that when Jenny broke up with him, he/she used her toothbrush to scrub the bathroom. Looks like Sgt Duffy to back to being a therapist, will we ever get a fraking answer as to who killed Jenny?
On House last night, Cutler killed himself is a surprise move. Nobody saw it and at one point House thought he was murdered since he did not detect any suicidal behaviors from Cutler. I like his character, and he was murdered by the fraking writers.
TV.com has a list of ten shows in danger of cancellation. Too no surprise, Fox Friday Night bore made the list (Terminator: Sarah Connor Chronicles and Dollhouse). Reaper was also on the list. I was surprised to see Law and Order not on the list.
Oh well.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Monday, April 6, 2009
Magazines: The Left, the Right, and the Libertarian
I am a magazine junkie, having about 70 magazine subscriptions on all different topics. Today, I thought I would survey the political spectrum of magazines for you. You can find them on the web if you want to subscribe to any.
The Left
The Nation: Founded in 1865, this is the oldest liberal magazine around, tends to be pretty far left/socialist. I remember that there was a big scandal when the published some excerpts of Gerald Ford's autobiography which covered his pardon of Nixon. Bit too far to the left for me.
The Progressive: Founded in 1909 by Senator Robert M LaFollette Sr., pretty far to the left also. A big news item with this publication is that they tried to publish an article on how to make an atomic bomb based on research done in the public library. Finally got to publish the article, now you can get the same information on the Internet. A little too far to the left for me.
The New Republic: Founded in 1914, the magazine tends to be center to left in orientation. This depends on the editor, Michael Kinsley was the editor, tended to be liberal, then Andrew Sullivan became the editor and moved more to the right. I had subscriptions previously to this magazine, and since John Stossel was recommending it in Reason, I decided to give it another try.
The Washington Monthly: Founded in 1969 by Charles Peter, a New Deal Democrat, this is a magazine for neoliberals and was the starting group for a lot of liberal political commentators. Peter tends to worship JFK and Camelot, and still tends to use that view to evaluate the current political scene. I find this magazine to be a tad out of touch.
Mother Jones: Founded in 1976 this is the most popular of the liberal publications based on circulation. I remember their big article on the tendency of Ford Pintos to exploded when rear ended that put them on the map. Also, I remember them hiring Michael Moore to be their editor and when he was fired, he sued and got a settlement which he used to finance Roger and Me. This is not a bad publication for the liberal view point.
In These Times: Also founded in 1976 is this socialist/liberal publication that comes out of Chicago. Again, a tad too far left for me.
The American Prospect: Founded in 1990, this magazine focuses on intellectual liberalism to counter a similar tide of conservatism that came out in the 1990's. Stossel also recommended this publication in Reason, so I will be checking it out once again. I used to read it years ago, cannot remember why I stopped.
Liberal Opinion Week: I do not know when this publication started, it is a weekly reprint of the liberal editorial writers that appear in the newspapers. Its sister publication is Conservative Chronicle. It is useful to get a diverse collection of opinions in one spot.
The Right
Human Events: Founded in 1944, this is the oldest conservative publication. Ronald Reagan was a regular reader and would sometimes based his decisions on what this publication was promoting. Never read this.
National Review: Founded by Willaim F. Buckley Jr. in 1955, this is the magazine of conservatism that inspired a lot of people. I like its balance in presenting its views and found it very useful to read. Another publication recommended by Stossel.
The American Spectator: Founded in 1967 by R. Emmett Tyrell Jr., this is an irrelevant and very funny magazine that pokes at liberals and their views. Clinton's Troopergate scandal was presented here, which lead to Paula Jones' 15 minutes of fame. A lot of folks hate this publication, I like it.
The Weekly Standard: This was started in 1995 and I never have read a copy of it. I know that Fred Barnes is published in this magazine, and it loses money.
The American Conservative: Founded in 2002 by Pat Buchanan, Scott McConnell, and Taki Theodoracopulos. Buchanan has articles published but no longer runs the editorial side. I find the point of view to be too isolationist for my tastes.
Conservative Chronicle: Similar to Liberal Opinion Week, in that the leading conservative editorial writers are gathered together.
The Libertarian
Reason: Founded in 1968, this is the leading journal of libertarian thought and I as a libertarian find it very valuable. A great publication with lots of thought provoking articles.
Liberty: Founded in 1987, tends to be a tad too radical for my tastes but has some interesting libertarian perspectives.
These publications should be easy to find at Borders, Barnes and Noble, or in NYC, the UNS shops. Also, you can find websites for them all.
Oh well.
The Left
The Nation: Founded in 1865, this is the oldest liberal magazine around, tends to be pretty far left/socialist. I remember that there was a big scandal when the published some excerpts of Gerald Ford's autobiography which covered his pardon of Nixon. Bit too far to the left for me.
The Progressive: Founded in 1909 by Senator Robert M LaFollette Sr., pretty far to the left also. A big news item with this publication is that they tried to publish an article on how to make an atomic bomb based on research done in the public library. Finally got to publish the article, now you can get the same information on the Internet. A little too far to the left for me.
The New Republic: Founded in 1914, the magazine tends to be center to left in orientation. This depends on the editor, Michael Kinsley was the editor, tended to be liberal, then Andrew Sullivan became the editor and moved more to the right. I had subscriptions previously to this magazine, and since John Stossel was recommending it in Reason, I decided to give it another try.
The Washington Monthly: Founded in 1969 by Charles Peter, a New Deal Democrat, this is a magazine for neoliberals and was the starting group for a lot of liberal political commentators. Peter tends to worship JFK and Camelot, and still tends to use that view to evaluate the current political scene. I find this magazine to be a tad out of touch.
Mother Jones: Founded in 1976 this is the most popular of the liberal publications based on circulation. I remember their big article on the tendency of Ford Pintos to exploded when rear ended that put them on the map. Also, I remember them hiring Michael Moore to be their editor and when he was fired, he sued and got a settlement which he used to finance Roger and Me. This is not a bad publication for the liberal view point.
In These Times: Also founded in 1976 is this socialist/liberal publication that comes out of Chicago. Again, a tad too far left for me.
The American Prospect: Founded in 1990, this magazine focuses on intellectual liberalism to counter a similar tide of conservatism that came out in the 1990's. Stossel also recommended this publication in Reason, so I will be checking it out once again. I used to read it years ago, cannot remember why I stopped.
Liberal Opinion Week: I do not know when this publication started, it is a weekly reprint of the liberal editorial writers that appear in the newspapers. Its sister publication is Conservative Chronicle. It is useful to get a diverse collection of opinions in one spot.
The Right
Human Events: Founded in 1944, this is the oldest conservative publication. Ronald Reagan was a regular reader and would sometimes based his decisions on what this publication was promoting. Never read this.
National Review: Founded by Willaim F. Buckley Jr. in 1955, this is the magazine of conservatism that inspired a lot of people. I like its balance in presenting its views and found it very useful to read. Another publication recommended by Stossel.
The American Spectator: Founded in 1967 by R. Emmett Tyrell Jr., this is an irrelevant and very funny magazine that pokes at liberals and their views. Clinton's Troopergate scandal was presented here, which lead to Paula Jones' 15 minutes of fame. A lot of folks hate this publication, I like it.
The Weekly Standard: This was started in 1995 and I never have read a copy of it. I know that Fred Barnes is published in this magazine, and it loses money.
The American Conservative: Founded in 2002 by Pat Buchanan, Scott McConnell, and Taki Theodoracopulos. Buchanan has articles published but no longer runs the editorial side. I find the point of view to be too isolationist for my tastes.
Conservative Chronicle: Similar to Liberal Opinion Week, in that the leading conservative editorial writers are gathered together.
The Libertarian
Reason: Founded in 1968, this is the leading journal of libertarian thought and I as a libertarian find it very valuable. A great publication with lots of thought provoking articles.
Liberty: Founded in 1987, tends to be a tad too radical for my tastes but has some interesting libertarian perspectives.
These publications should be easy to find at Borders, Barnes and Noble, or in NYC, the UNS shops. Also, you can find websites for them all.
Oh well.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Thoughts: 05-April-2009
UConn lost to Michigan State yesterday. No double NCAA championships for UConn this year. I guess we will be seeing the bumper stickers again which state UConn where men are men and women are champions.
My mother watches two soap operas, As the World Turns and Guiding Light. GL is ending on Sept 18 after 72 years as a radio and TV show. I never understood the appeal of soap operas, the stories are pretty dopey, and the characters exhibit so much passion for each other, only to find a few months later that they are now into someone else. I had a roommate in college who scheduled his classes around General Hospital, the storyline at that time was everyone was trying to get hold of a statue named the Ice Princess.
The latest issue of Entertainment Weekly had a two page article on Supernatural. Finally, they are publishing stuff on shows that I watch. It appears that the actors and producers only want to do one more season. This show has been so on target since the first episode, that it may be a good idea to go out on top and then maybe do a movie later.
I watched Friday Night Lights last night via DVR, what a heart breaker that they lost the state championship game. Next week is the season finale, I had thought it was this week. Should be interesting the set up for the next season, especially with the creation of East Dillon High. That school will need a football coach, I wonder who that might be.
Eleventh Hour had a great season finale, I loved how Hood stared down that ass wipe deputy director at the end as he got arrested. Did that idiot really think he could outwit Hood? The final scene with Hood and his partner Rachel was very nice end to the season. This show needs to be renewed.
Oh well.
My mother watches two soap operas, As the World Turns and Guiding Light. GL is ending on Sept 18 after 72 years as a radio and TV show. I never understood the appeal of soap operas, the stories are pretty dopey, and the characters exhibit so much passion for each other, only to find a few months later that they are now into someone else. I had a roommate in college who scheduled his classes around General Hospital, the storyline at that time was everyone was trying to get hold of a statue named the Ice Princess.
The latest issue of Entertainment Weekly had a two page article on Supernatural. Finally, they are publishing stuff on shows that I watch. It appears that the actors and producers only want to do one more season. This show has been so on target since the first episode, that it may be a good idea to go out on top and then maybe do a movie later.
I watched Friday Night Lights last night via DVR, what a heart breaker that they lost the state championship game. Next week is the season finale, I had thought it was this week. Should be interesting the set up for the next season, especially with the creation of East Dillon High. That school will need a football coach, I wonder who that might be.
Eleventh Hour had a great season finale, I loved how Hood stared down that ass wipe deputy director at the end as he got arrested. Did that idiot really think he could outwit Hood? The final scene with Hood and his partner Rachel was very nice end to the season. This show needs to be renewed.
Oh well.
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, Dollhouse, and Reaper
Three shows that I would like to comment on after watching them last night, thanks to my DVR.
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (SCC) is near the end of its run with the season finale to be aired next Friday. Brian Austin Green who plays Derek Reese, John Connor's uncle, gets killed by a terminator when turning a corner in a house. Just like that he is dead. Last week Charley Dixon, played by Dean Winter (who is such a good actor in shows like Oz, Sex and the City, CSI: Miami) got killed fending off an attack in order to give John time to get away. At least his death has some meaning.
Why kill Derek? Was it to show that anything can happen on SCC and that anybody can get killed? At least on shows like Lost, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Angel, death occurred that meant something, not just a throw away like in SCC. And the characters that are getting killed in SCC are the interesting ones, not the bland boring characters that stay alive. Next week is the last episode for this season and I am betting the last in the series.
The first Terminator movie made sense, a last ditch effort by the machines to win stopped by the man who is to become John's father. If no other movies were made, John would grow up and lead the Resistance to victory and the time traveling bit would have ended after they sent Kyle Reese back to the past. Perfect film that now has been ruined by movie sequels and the TV series.
Though I did read in the latest issue of The Philosopher's Magazine that the first film could not have happened the way it did because the Terminator having gone first would have succeeded because no matter how soon Kyle Reese was sent back, logically would not be able to stop the Terminator since he was the first to travel back in time.
Last night's Dollhouse showed what is wrong with Whedon's series. Echo recovers her memory to a point where she tries to break the other dolls out. She confronts the head scientist (who is very unconvincing in the role) and demands an explanation for how they could do this to people. He claims that they are the good guys, that they do lots of good with the Dollhouse, and that when her contract is up, she will leave with tons of money and memories of all the fun she had.
Huh? Dude, you are running a high priced cat house for pervert rich guys who want to have their way with compliant women. What fraking good are you doing? There was an episode of Buffy which took place during Season 6, where the Terrible Trio had an ex girlfriend brainwashed to be their sex slave. She comes out of it right when they are arranging a tryst with her in a sexy French maid's outfit. She screams at them that they are perverted rapists and should go to jail.
This is what is going on in Dollhouse, brainwashed women who go out as high priced call girls made to do whatever the buyer wants and it is okay since they get mind wiped and will have a bunch of cash waiting for them when their contract is over. This is Whedon's idea of a great series? If this crap gets renewed, there is no fraking justice in the world.
So after watching two hours of crap, I watched Reaper on my DVR. This show is starting to get better and better. Tyler Labine as Sock had a very funny bit with his Asian stepsister (who is very sexy indeed). And Ben is the unsung brains of the group, last night he comes up with the idea of baptising the baby to keep her out of the Devil's hands. And Morgan, the Devil's other son, is revealing that there is more to him then what we thought.
It was like a breath of fresh air. This show needs to get renewed after the major improvement over the last couple of episodes. You really appreciate this show after watching two hours of Fox Friday night crap.
Oh well.
Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (SCC) is near the end of its run with the season finale to be aired next Friday. Brian Austin Green who plays Derek Reese, John Connor's uncle, gets killed by a terminator when turning a corner in a house. Just like that he is dead. Last week Charley Dixon, played by Dean Winter (who is such a good actor in shows like Oz, Sex and the City, CSI: Miami) got killed fending off an attack in order to give John time to get away. At least his death has some meaning.
Why kill Derek? Was it to show that anything can happen on SCC and that anybody can get killed? At least on shows like Lost, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Angel, death occurred that meant something, not just a throw away like in SCC. And the characters that are getting killed in SCC are the interesting ones, not the bland boring characters that stay alive. Next week is the last episode for this season and I am betting the last in the series.
The first Terminator movie made sense, a last ditch effort by the machines to win stopped by the man who is to become John's father. If no other movies were made, John would grow up and lead the Resistance to victory and the time traveling bit would have ended after they sent Kyle Reese back to the past. Perfect film that now has been ruined by movie sequels and the TV series.
Though I did read in the latest issue of The Philosopher's Magazine that the first film could not have happened the way it did because the Terminator having gone first would have succeeded because no matter how soon Kyle Reese was sent back, logically would not be able to stop the Terminator since he was the first to travel back in time.
Last night's Dollhouse showed what is wrong with Whedon's series. Echo recovers her memory to a point where she tries to break the other dolls out. She confronts the head scientist (who is very unconvincing in the role) and demands an explanation for how they could do this to people. He claims that they are the good guys, that they do lots of good with the Dollhouse, and that when her contract is up, she will leave with tons of money and memories of all the fun she had.
Huh? Dude, you are running a high priced cat house for pervert rich guys who want to have their way with compliant women. What fraking good are you doing? There was an episode of Buffy which took place during Season 6, where the Terrible Trio had an ex girlfriend brainwashed to be their sex slave. She comes out of it right when they are arranging a tryst with her in a sexy French maid's outfit. She screams at them that they are perverted rapists and should go to jail.
This is what is going on in Dollhouse, brainwashed women who go out as high priced call girls made to do whatever the buyer wants and it is okay since they get mind wiped and will have a bunch of cash waiting for them when their contract is over. This is Whedon's idea of a great series? If this crap gets renewed, there is no fraking justice in the world.
So after watching two hours of crap, I watched Reaper on my DVR. This show is starting to get better and better. Tyler Labine as Sock had a very funny bit with his Asian stepsister (who is very sexy indeed). And Ben is the unsung brains of the group, last night he comes up with the idea of baptising the baby to keep her out of the Devil's hands. And Morgan, the Devil's other son, is revealing that there is more to him then what we thought.
It was like a breath of fresh air. This show needs to get renewed after the major improvement over the last couple of episodes. You really appreciate this show after watching two hours of Fox Friday night crap.
Oh well.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Thoughts: 03-April-2009
Penn State beat Baylor last night to win the NIT. Great job and kudos to the men's basketball
team.
While watching Smallville and Supernatural on the CW last night, I was informed that the next new episodes will not be until April 23. Why? Ratings sweep or do they just want to piss off their fan base? I never understand how and why the networks schedule things.
Pushing Daisies Season 2 is coming to DVD in July. I guess that ABC will be telecasting the last three episodes before then. Another great show that never found its audience.
Oh well.
team.
While watching Smallville and Supernatural on the CW last night, I was informed that the next new episodes will not be until April 23. Why? Ratings sweep or do they just want to piss off their fan base? I never understand how and why the networks schedule things.
Pushing Daisies Season 2 is coming to DVD in July. I guess that ABC will be telecasting the last three episodes before then. Another great show that never found its audience.
Oh well.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Thoughts: 02-April-2009
I forgot until last night to check Showtime.com for the latest L Word Interrogation Tape. This week we have Niki who reveals that she stole the copy of Les Girls because it is a terrible film and will kill her career if released. She hid it in Jenny's attic figuring nobody would find it there and if they do, they will blame Jenny and she would get payback on her. Finally, the police get some real information that sheds some light on what happened the night Jenny was killed. Maybe future tapes will follow this trend.
Lost had a good episode last night that sheds some light on why Ben is the evilest man on earth. Maybe Locke will kill him next week. Lost is the kind of show that will live forever in DVD and reruns as new generations find it.
Lie to Me was also good too, Tim Roth is really very good in that role. Let's up Fox renews this show.
Like the last issue of The Sporting News, this week's Sports Illustrated has become the New York Yankee Monthly. There MLB preview picks the Yankees to win it all. What a bunch of bias BS, it is going to be some much more satisfying when the Red Sox win it all this year.
Oh well.
Lost had a good episode last night that sheds some light on why Ben is the evilest man on earth. Maybe Locke will kill him next week. Lost is the kind of show that will live forever in DVD and reruns as new generations find it.
Lie to Me was also good too, Tim Roth is really very good in that role. Let's up Fox renews this show.
Like the last issue of The Sporting News, this week's Sports Illustrated has become the New York Yankee Monthly. There MLB preview picks the Yankees to win it all. What a bunch of bias BS, it is going to be some much more satisfying when the Red Sox win it all this year.
Oh well.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Thought: 01-April-2009
Everyday is April Fool's Day for me.
Penn State beat Notre Dame last night and will get to play Baylor on Thursday for the NIT championship. This is a big boost to Penn State's program and to Head Coach Ed DeChellis who seems to have this program on the right track. Now, we need to spread the word about what a great place State College is, in order to get the recruiting needed to take the next step.
In the comic strip Pickles, the joke this week is that the main characters are wearing Snuggies. I saw the ad for these during the Christmas holiday, my mom was complaining how they are open in the back and that would make her cold. I actually order one, the deluxe edition with 50% more fleece and pockets. I have to say, they are pretty warm and my back did not get cold.
The Eleventh Hour season finale is on Thursday night. The last two episodes made it into the top 20 list, so if this episode does, I am hoping that the show gets renewed for another season.
I hate reality TV crap (RTC). Besides seeing commercials constantly for these shows, the only time I watch any of it, is usually the last five minutes before the show I want to see comes on. I remember this show that Richard Branson did where people were competing to for something to do with him. Two people were picked at the end, one to go home. They interview the two, and this guy was saying how all he wanted was for Richard to know him and what he was all about, that was the goal he wanted to accomplish. I was thinking, Branson is going to forget all about you five seconds after you get booted off, what a frakking moron.
Oh well.
Penn State beat Notre Dame last night and will get to play Baylor on Thursday for the NIT championship. This is a big boost to Penn State's program and to Head Coach Ed DeChellis who seems to have this program on the right track. Now, we need to spread the word about what a great place State College is, in order to get the recruiting needed to take the next step.
In the comic strip Pickles, the joke this week is that the main characters are wearing Snuggies. I saw the ad for these during the Christmas holiday, my mom was complaining how they are open in the back and that would make her cold. I actually order one, the deluxe edition with 50% more fleece and pockets. I have to say, they are pretty warm and my back did not get cold.
The Eleventh Hour season finale is on Thursday night. The last two episodes made it into the top 20 list, so if this episode does, I am hoping that the show gets renewed for another season.
I hate reality TV crap (RTC). Besides seeing commercials constantly for these shows, the only time I watch any of it, is usually the last five minutes before the show I want to see comes on. I remember this show that Richard Branson did where people were competing to for something to do with him. Two people were picked at the end, one to go home. They interview the two, and this guy was saying how all he wanted was for Richard to know him and what he was all about, that was the goal he wanted to accomplish. I was thinking, Branson is going to forget all about you five seconds after you get booted off, what a frakking moron.
Oh well.
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