Thursday, May 24, 2007
5/23 Olbermann Special Comment
Olbermann rips Bush, Republican's and Dems for the recent Iraqi bill that will provide funding to continue the war that the American people have made clear they no longer want any part of. The tab is now at estimated to be $456 BILLION by end of the summer. What wonderful things could that money have done for the United States if not the world?
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Starcraft II Is Coming
Blizzard has announced in Korea at the World Wide Invitational that their next big game will be StarCraft II. Blizzard president Mike Morhaime says, "With StarCraft II, we'll be able to do everything we wanted to do with the original StarCraft and more ... We recognize that expectations are high following the long-running popularity of the original game, but we plan to meet those expectations and deliver an engaging, action-packed, competitive experience that StarCraft players and strategy gamers worldwide will enjoy." Meanwhile, IGN's man in Korea, Charles Onyett says, "SC2 looks, at least visually, strikingly similar to SC1 - both in unit and map designs."
Considering the first Starcraft came out nearly 15 years ago its about time. Based on the videos below not only does the game look like its been in development for a while but looks like will be alot of fun as employs lot of the elements and characters from the first game. There is always fear that in doing sequels studios want to re-invent the wheel and do a complete and sometimes unncessary redesign. Its doesn't look like the case here. Sadly no estimated release date was announced som it could come out anytime between now and never.
"Debut" Trailer
"Direct Feed" Gameplay Video #1
"Direct Feed" Gameplay Video #2
Considering the first Starcraft came out nearly 15 years ago its about time. Based on the videos below not only does the game look like its been in development for a while but looks like will be alot of fun as employs lot of the elements and characters from the first game. There is always fear that in doing sequels studios want to re-invent the wheel and do a complete and sometimes unncessary redesign. Its doesn't look like the case here. Sadly no estimated release date was announced som it could come out anytime between now and never.
"Direct Feed" Gameplay Video #1
"Direct Feed" Gameplay Video #2
Friday, May 18, 2007
CW 2007 Fall Schedule
The CW is the final channel presenting its up fronts for 2007. Sadly the joining of the WB and UPN didn't go well with having almost no difference on ratings and in some cases hurting ratings. As a result several shows are going the way of the Dido including Gilmore Girls, Veronica Mars (damn), 7th Heaven and "Reba". Renewals include Beauty and the Geek, Supernatural, and One Tree Hill (why?). Veronica Mars is rumored to come back as an FBI agent but I doubt that will happen. CW is hurting for solid programming now that its only flagship programs are America's Next Top Model and Smallville. Much like NBC, low ratings means tighter budgets, so not as many new shows in the pipeline.
Aliens in America is about the cultural clash during an high school exchange student program when a family takes on a Pakistani Muslim. Pass.
Gossip Girl is a drama about the effect a mysterious writer of a blog with same title of the show has on a privileged prep school. Its was created by OC creator Josh Schwartz who has proven to run hot for about a year before running out of ideas and starts the recycling. Considering this sounds a lot like the OC I am expecting many fist fights and trading of girlfriends.
Life is Wild is about a family that moves to South Africa and experiences the wild. Its kind of a life action Wild Thornberries without the talking animals. Pass.
Reaper is about a slacker who learns at 21 that his parents sold his soul to the devil. As a result he now must serve the devil by hunting down evil souls and returning them to hell. Basically Supernatural without all the angst. Will at least give the pilot a go.
CW Fall Schedule:
MONDAY
8pm: "Everybody Hates Chris"
8:30pm: "Aliens in America"
9pm: "Girlfriends"
9:30pm: "The Game"
TUESDAY
8pm: "Beauty and the Geek"
9pm: "Reaper"
WEDNESDAY
8pm: "America's Next Top Model"
9pm: "Gossip Girl"
THURSDAY
8pm: "Smallville"
9pm: "Supernatural"
FRIDAY
8pm: "WWE Friday Night Smackdown"
SUNDAY
7pm: "Online Nation"
7pm: "CW Now"
8pm: "Life is Wild"
9pm: "America's Next Top Model" (encore)
As a whole, this upcoming season just doesn't have any standout programs on the surface. That opinion will hopefully change once sample the new programming but currently I am "bleh" about the schedule.
Aliens in America is about the cultural clash during an high school exchange student program when a family takes on a Pakistani Muslim. Pass.
Gossip Girl is a drama about the effect a mysterious writer of a blog with same title of the show has on a privileged prep school. Its was created by OC creator Josh Schwartz who has proven to run hot for about a year before running out of ideas and starts the recycling. Considering this sounds a lot like the OC I am expecting many fist fights and trading of girlfriends.
Life is Wild is about a family that moves to South Africa and experiences the wild. Its kind of a life action Wild Thornberries without the talking animals. Pass.
Reaper is about a slacker who learns at 21 that his parents sold his soul to the devil. As a result he now must serve the devil by hunting down evil souls and returning them to hell. Basically Supernatural without all the angst. Will at least give the pilot a go.
CW Fall Schedule:
MONDAY
8pm: "Everybody Hates Chris"
8:30pm: "Aliens in America"
9pm: "Girlfriends"
9:30pm: "The Game"
TUESDAY
8pm: "Beauty and the Geek"
9pm: "Reaper"
WEDNESDAY
8pm: "America's Next Top Model"
9pm: "Gossip Girl"
THURSDAY
8pm: "Smallville"
9pm: "Supernatural"
FRIDAY
8pm: "WWE Friday Night Smackdown"
SUNDAY
7pm: "Online Nation"
7pm: "CW Now"
8pm: "Life is Wild"
9pm: "America's Next Top Model" (encore)
As a whole, this upcoming season just doesn't have any standout programs on the surface. That opinion will hopefully change once sample the new programming but currently I am "bleh" about the schedule.
Fox 2007 Fall Schedule
Yesterday was Fox's turn to announce its TV schedule. Now that NBC is in freefall, Fox is actually standing pretty strong in 3rd place in large part due to House and American Idol. None of Fox's 2006 new shows survived so the new season is once gain about filling in gaps from aging or gone shows. Cancellations include Justice, Drive (darn it), and The War at Home". Renewals include all the cartoons, Madtv, Prison Break, Bones and 5th Grader. On to the new shows.
Back to You is a new comedy with Kelsey Grammer and Patricia Heaton as a new team rejoined after an Internet fall from grace for the Kelsey character. The comedy is from the comings and goings from the various on-air talent for the Pittsburgh show. Sounds like could be an amusing comedy and with the talent involved it is probably at least worth checking out.
Canterbury's Law is drama covers the antics of a law firm as Canterbury attempts to move on from the death of her child. Basically typical law series with angst. To many of those already thanks.
K-Ville covers a precinct's attempt to manage to criminal element in New Orleans two years after Katrina. Laws get bent, people have secrets and crimes to be stopped. Typical cop drama with a little mix of the Shield tossed in. Currently not interested.
New Amsterdam is about a detective who is also an immortal. Using his 300 years of experience, he helps solve murders in New York, all the while trying to find his true love to break the curse of never being able to die. Interesting concept, execution will be key and as a bonus it has Zuleikha Robinson (The Lone Gunmen) in it so I am going to check it out.
The Return of Jezebel James stars Parker Posey in a series about a girl that despite having everything, can't have a child so asks her sister to move in and be a surrogate. The series was created by Amy Sherman-Palladino who created Gilmore Girls. On the fence with this one. Gilmore Girls was good for about three seasons but its basic idea didn't really stretch out for the long haul and this one has only one direction, the trials and tribulations of raising a baby. Something I am not interested in seeing. Wait and see I guess.
The Rules for Starting Over covers the trials of being single for 4 people in their 30s. Sounds like Friends to me. Pass.
The Sarah Connor Chronicles covers period between Terminator 2 and 3 when the Connor's where on the run and also decided to go on the offensive against a technological threat. John, of course, doesn't like nor believe in his destiny and fights it every step of the way. Assuming the story is in continuity then having seen the movie gives you the gist of how things work out. The journey in between might be good if executed well. I don't have high hopes though.
Kitchen Nightmares is a reality show with Gordon Ramsay as he helps a restaurant in crisis. Whatever, pass.
Nashville is another reality shows covering a cast that wants to make it in the country music scene. Yawn.
The Search for the Next Great American Band is American Idol only with bands. Needs a new title thought. This one doesn't roll off the tongue quite like Idol does.
Fox, broken in pre and post baseball, schedules:
AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2006:
MONDAY
8pm: "Prison Break"
9pm: "K-Ville"
TUESDAY
8pm: "New Amsterdam"
9pm: "House"
WEDNESDAY
8pm: "Back to You"
8:30pm: "'Til Death"
9pm: "Bones"
THURSDAY
8pm: "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?"
9pm: "Kitchen Nightmares"
FRIDAY
8pm: "The Search For The Next Great American Band"
9pm: "Nashville"
SATURDAY
8pm: "Cops"
9pm: "America's Most Wanted: America Strikes Back"
SUNDAY
7pm: "The OT" (NFL Post-Game)
8pm: "The Simpsons"
8:30pm: "King of the Hill"
9pm: "Family Guy"
9:30pm: "American Dad"
JANUARY TO MAY 2007:
MONDAY
8pm: "K-Ville"(Jan)/"Prison Break"(Mar)
9pm: "24"
TUESDAY
8pm: "American Idol"
9pm: "House"
WEDNESDAY
8pm: "Back to You"
8:30pm: "'Til Death"(Jan)/"The Return of Jezebel James"(Mar)
9pm: "American Idol"(Jan)/"American Idol Results Show"(Mar)
9:30pm: "American Idol"(Jan)/"'Til Death"(Mar)
THURSDAY
8pm: "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?"
9pm: "Canterbury's Law"
FRIDAY
8pm: "Bones"
9pm: "New Amsterdam"
SATURDAY
8pm: "Cops"
9pm: "America's Most Wanted: America Strikes Back"
SUNDAY
7pm: "King of the Hill"
7:30pm: "American Dad"
8pm: "The Simpsons"
8:30pm: "Family Guy"
9pm: "The Sarah Connor Chronicles"
Back to You is a new comedy with Kelsey Grammer and Patricia Heaton as a new team rejoined after an Internet fall from grace for the Kelsey character. The comedy is from the comings and goings from the various on-air talent for the Pittsburgh show. Sounds like could be an amusing comedy and with the talent involved it is probably at least worth checking out.
Canterbury's Law is drama covers the antics of a law firm as Canterbury attempts to move on from the death of her child. Basically typical law series with angst. To many of those already thanks.
K-Ville covers a precinct's attempt to manage to criminal element in New Orleans two years after Katrina. Laws get bent, people have secrets and crimes to be stopped. Typical cop drama with a little mix of the Shield tossed in. Currently not interested.
New Amsterdam is about a detective who is also an immortal. Using his 300 years of experience, he helps solve murders in New York, all the while trying to find his true love to break the curse of never being able to die. Interesting concept, execution will be key and as a bonus it has Zuleikha Robinson (The Lone Gunmen) in it so I am going to check it out.
The Return of Jezebel James stars Parker Posey in a series about a girl that despite having everything, can't have a child so asks her sister to move in and be a surrogate. The series was created by Amy Sherman-Palladino who created Gilmore Girls. On the fence with this one. Gilmore Girls was good for about three seasons but its basic idea didn't really stretch out for the long haul and this one has only one direction, the trials and tribulations of raising a baby. Something I am not interested in seeing. Wait and see I guess.
The Rules for Starting Over covers the trials of being single for 4 people in their 30s. Sounds like Friends to me. Pass.
The Sarah Connor Chronicles covers period between Terminator 2 and 3 when the Connor's where on the run and also decided to go on the offensive against a technological threat. John, of course, doesn't like nor believe in his destiny and fights it every step of the way. Assuming the story is in continuity then having seen the movie gives you the gist of how things work out. The journey in between might be good if executed well. I don't have high hopes though.
Kitchen Nightmares is a reality show with Gordon Ramsay as he helps a restaurant in crisis. Whatever, pass.
Nashville is another reality shows covering a cast that wants to make it in the country music scene. Yawn.
The Search for the Next Great American Band is American Idol only with bands. Needs a new title thought. This one doesn't roll off the tongue quite like Idol does.
Fox, broken in pre and post baseball, schedules:
AUGUST TO DECEMBER 2006:
MONDAY
8pm: "Prison Break"
9pm: "K-Ville"
TUESDAY
8pm: "New Amsterdam"
9pm: "House"
WEDNESDAY
8pm: "Back to You"
8:30pm: "'Til Death"
9pm: "Bones"
THURSDAY
8pm: "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?"
9pm: "Kitchen Nightmares"
FRIDAY
8pm: "The Search For The Next Great American Band"
9pm: "Nashville"
SATURDAY
8pm: "Cops"
9pm: "America's Most Wanted: America Strikes Back"
SUNDAY
7pm: "The OT" (NFL Post-Game)
8pm: "The Simpsons"
8:30pm: "King of the Hill"
9pm: "Family Guy"
9:30pm: "American Dad"
JANUARY TO MAY 2007:
MONDAY
8pm: "K-Ville"(Jan)/"Prison Break"(Mar)
9pm: "24"
TUESDAY
8pm: "American Idol"
9pm: "House"
WEDNESDAY
8pm: "Back to You"
8:30pm: "'Til Death"(Jan)/"The Return of Jezebel James"(Mar)
9pm: "American Idol"(Jan)/"American Idol Results Show"(Mar)
9:30pm: "American Idol"(Jan)/"'Til Death"(Mar)
THURSDAY
8pm: "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?"
9pm: "Canterbury's Law"
FRIDAY
8pm: "Bones"
9pm: "New Amsterdam"
SATURDAY
8pm: "Cops"
9pm: "America's Most Wanted: America Strikes Back"
SUNDAY
7pm: "King of the Hill"
7:30pm: "American Dad"
8pm: "The Simpsons"
8:30pm: "Family Guy"
9pm: "The Sarah Connor Chronicles"
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
CBS 2007 Fall Schedule TV
CBS announced its fall TV schedule today. Lots of renewals including the CSI's, Numbers, Unit and so forth. Cancellations include Jericho, Close to Home and Waterfront. Really though CBS has a rock solid schedule so really not many changes needed. Shame about Jericho though. I think they suffered from Lost fatigue. People just are not willing to put up with shows that dole out the revelations in a slow ponderous fashion. If you can't go at a "Heroes" post of providing answers while creating more questions, the audience isn't going to stick around. Lost simply killed people's patience for the 1 gas tank of story for a series mentality that Lost suffers from. If the tank can't be refilled, suggests a fundamental problem with the series. Anyway so not to many cancellations, lots of renewals, and 6 new shows, about the same as the hurting NBC who doesn't have the budget to turn things around.
The Big Bang Theory is about a bunch of nerds that are socially inept meeting the girl of their dreams via a new neighbor. Friendships are forged, romance triangles created and awkwardness is sure to abound. Pass.
Cane is a "Latino Drama", quite distinct from just a "drama" cause it has latinos in the cast including Jimmy Smits. Its about the problems of a cuban-american family running a sugar business in Florida. Smits and Hector Elizondo can make reading the phone book intriguing so its all on the writing and supporting cast to make it worth tuning into on a regular basis.
Kid Nation is a reality show that gives kids 8-15 40 days to building a "society" in a 19th Century ghost town. Basically they must care for themselves, supply the necessities and run businesses and town government. Basic idea is if ask kids to take adult responsibilities without adult supervision, what will win out, the desire to do right or play. Could be interesting depending on execution and casting. To many obnoxious kids could screw things up.
Moonlight is Blade without the weapons. Vampire does good for the living with help of various friends. Basically regular murder mysteries series with supernatural twist. Probably check it out.
Swingtown is set in the 70s and covers the sexual revolution of suburbia. Its basically Desperate Housewives set in the 70s with not as many uptight people. Has Molly Parker in it, so will at least catch the pilot.
Viva Laughlin is mystery musical drama. I stopped reading after that as can't stand musicals.
CBS Schedule:
MONDAY
8pm: "How I Met Your Mother"
8:30pm: "The Big Bang Theory"
9pm: "Two and a Half Men"
9:30pm: "Rules of Engagement"
10pm: "C.S.I.: Miami"
TUESDAY
8pm: "N.C.I.S."
9pm: "The Unit"
10pm: "Cane"
WEDNESDAY
8pm: "Kid Nation"
9pm: "Criminal Minds"
10pm: "C.S.I.: NY"
THURSDAY
8pm: "Survivor"
9pm: "C.S.I.: Crime Scene Investigation"
10pm: "Without a Trace"
FRIDAY
8pm: "Ghost Whisperer"
9pm: "Moonlight"
10pm: "Numb3rs"
SATURDAY
8pm: "Crime Time Saturday"
10pm: "48 Hours: Mystery"
SUNDAY
7pm: "60 Minutes"
8pm: "Viva Laughlin"
9pm: "Cold Case"
10pm: "Shark"
The Big Bang Theory is about a bunch of nerds that are socially inept meeting the girl of their dreams via a new neighbor. Friendships are forged, romance triangles created and awkwardness is sure to abound. Pass.
Cane is a "Latino Drama", quite distinct from just a "drama" cause it has latinos in the cast including Jimmy Smits. Its about the problems of a cuban-american family running a sugar business in Florida. Smits and Hector Elizondo can make reading the phone book intriguing so its all on the writing and supporting cast to make it worth tuning into on a regular basis.
Kid Nation is a reality show that gives kids 8-15 40 days to building a "society" in a 19th Century ghost town. Basically they must care for themselves, supply the necessities and run businesses and town government. Basic idea is if ask kids to take adult responsibilities without adult supervision, what will win out, the desire to do right or play. Could be interesting depending on execution and casting. To many obnoxious kids could screw things up.
Moonlight is Blade without the weapons. Vampire does good for the living with help of various friends. Basically regular murder mysteries series with supernatural twist. Probably check it out.
Swingtown is set in the 70s and covers the sexual revolution of suburbia. Its basically Desperate Housewives set in the 70s with not as many uptight people. Has Molly Parker in it, so will at least catch the pilot.
Viva Laughlin is mystery musical drama. I stopped reading after that as can't stand musicals.
CBS Schedule:
MONDAY
8pm: "How I Met Your Mother"
8:30pm: "The Big Bang Theory"
9pm: "Two and a Half Men"
9:30pm: "Rules of Engagement"
10pm: "C.S.I.: Miami"
TUESDAY
8pm: "N.C.I.S."
9pm: "The Unit"
10pm: "Cane"
WEDNESDAY
8pm: "Kid Nation"
9pm: "Criminal Minds"
10pm: "C.S.I.: NY"
THURSDAY
8pm: "Survivor"
9pm: "C.S.I.: Crime Scene Investigation"
10pm: "Without a Trace"
FRIDAY
8pm: "Ghost Whisperer"
9pm: "Moonlight"
10pm: "Numb3rs"
SATURDAY
8pm: "Crime Time Saturday"
10pm: "48 Hours: Mystery"
SUNDAY
7pm: "60 Minutes"
8pm: "Viva Laughlin"
9pm: "Cold Case"
10pm: "Shark"
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
ABC 2007 Fall Schedule
ABC has announced its '07 fall schedule today. Since ABC is number 1 nearly across the board, the schedule is more designed as a repair here and there then major overhaul. Lots of renewals including bubble shows such as Men in Trees, Notes from the Underbelly, and October Road. Major cancellations include According to Jim, George Lopez Show, and What About Brian. Several new shows, mostly dramas.
Big Shots is about 4 male CEO's and their various sexual conquests and problems. Basically Lipstick Jungle with men. It has Christopher Titus whose Fox show I was a fan of so I will at least sample it.
Carpoolers is a drama about the life and family problems of 4 guys who carpool together. Each represents a different aspect of the suburban lifestyle and sure much chaos will ensue for mostly silly moments.
Cashmere Mafia is another Sex and the City clone (what is up with all the clones this year?). Basically Lipstick Jungle or Big Shots with 4 women. Rich powerful women and the problems they have. Has the always hot Mirando Otto in the cast so I will sample it too.
Cavemen is based on the Geico commercials, only without the same actor, humor or situation. Its the usually case of taking an idea that works...and completely redoing it. Basically it will suck and be cancelled in a few weeks.
Dirty Sexy Money following the Darlings family and their various squabbles, ambitions and problems, one of whom is a presidential candidate. The family is royally screwed up but thankfully one of them is a do-gooder who tries to cover up and protect the family. Hilarity and many soliloquies for Donald Sutherland ensue. It has Zoe McLellan and Samaire Armstrong in the cast. Fan of those two hotties so will at least watch the pilot.
Next up is Eli Stone an attorney who discovers his conscience and starts working pro-bono cases all while apparently becoming more spiritual. Basically change for lots and lots of speeches and long winded heartfelt closing statements. Yawn. Been there, done that, tired of it.
Miss/Guided is a comedy about Becky and Lisa, rivals in high school and now rivals working on the faculty of the school. Hilarity ensues as the rivals learn to like each, try to find love and go after the same guy. Its has Becky Greer, an actress I like, but also has Brooke Burns, a hot women of minimal talent. Pass.
Oprah's Big Give is 8 episode "competition" where people can give stuff to change people's live. Grab a hanky, dab the tears. Pass.
Private Practice is that Grey's Anatomy spin-off where Addison goes to find lots of sex at a friends practice. Babies get saved, everyone whines and cries. And lots of sex and flirting. The pilot ep was boring so not so sure about this show.
Pushing Daisies is about a creepy ability to return people from the dead temporarily so can help a PI solve murder cases. The twist is he saves the women he loves and she stays alive, only he can't touch her again or dies. Sounds interesting, but the can't touch idea is going to get thin after a few episodes. Chi McBride is in it and I am a fan of the actor so will at least sample.
Sam I Am is about comedy about a women suffering amnesia about her entire life after a hit and run. She learns she was a vicious person and tries not to repeat past (or new to her) mistakes. Eh maybe.
Women's Murder Club is based on the book series from the James Patterson. Having read the series, which is very light quick read, its actually perfect for TV. Its about a cop, reporter, DA and medical examiner getting together to solve murders bypassing the red tape of their jobs. Oh yeah all female so sure lots of angst and relationship stuff will pop up. If the stories are strong and the cast interacts well, it could be a success. I will at least watch to find out. The key will be to avoid the clunky "voice" that the characters have in the books.
The ABC schedule:
MONDAY
8pm: "Dancing with the Stars"
9pm: "Sam I Am"
10pm: "The Bachelor"
TUESDAY
8pm: "Cavemen"
8:30pm: "Carpoolers"
9pm: "Dancing with the Stars Results"
10pm: "Boston Legal"
WEDNESDAY
8pm: "Pushing Daisies"
9pm: "Private Practice"
10pm: "Dirty Sexy Money"
THURSDAY
8pm: "Ugly Betty"
9pm: "Grey's Anatomy"
10pm: "Big Shots"
FRIDAY
8pm: "Men in Trees"
9pm: "Women's Murder Club"
10pm: "20/20"
SATURDAY
8pm: "Saturday Night College Football"
SUNDAY
7pm: "America's Funniest Home Videos"
8pm: "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"
9pm: "Desperate Housewives "
10pm: "Brothers and Sisters"
Big Shots is about 4 male CEO's and their various sexual conquests and problems. Basically Lipstick Jungle with men. It has Christopher Titus whose Fox show I was a fan of so I will at least sample it.
Carpoolers is a drama about the life and family problems of 4 guys who carpool together. Each represents a different aspect of the suburban lifestyle and sure much chaos will ensue for mostly silly moments.
Cashmere Mafia is another Sex and the City clone (what is up with all the clones this year?). Basically Lipstick Jungle or Big Shots with 4 women. Rich powerful women and the problems they have. Has the always hot Mirando Otto in the cast so I will sample it too.
Cavemen is based on the Geico commercials, only without the same actor, humor or situation. Its the usually case of taking an idea that works...and completely redoing it. Basically it will suck and be cancelled in a few weeks.
Dirty Sexy Money following the Darlings family and their various squabbles, ambitions and problems, one of whom is a presidential candidate. The family is royally screwed up but thankfully one of them is a do-gooder who tries to cover up and protect the family. Hilarity and many soliloquies for Donald Sutherland ensue. It has Zoe McLellan and Samaire Armstrong in the cast. Fan of those two hotties so will at least watch the pilot.
Next up is Eli Stone an attorney who discovers his conscience and starts working pro-bono cases all while apparently becoming more spiritual. Basically change for lots and lots of speeches and long winded heartfelt closing statements. Yawn. Been there, done that, tired of it.
Miss/Guided is a comedy about Becky and Lisa, rivals in high school and now rivals working on the faculty of the school. Hilarity ensues as the rivals learn to like each, try to find love and go after the same guy. Its has Becky Greer, an actress I like, but also has Brooke Burns, a hot women of minimal talent. Pass.
Oprah's Big Give is 8 episode "competition" where people can give stuff to change people's live. Grab a hanky, dab the tears. Pass.
Private Practice is that Grey's Anatomy spin-off where Addison goes to find lots of sex at a friends practice. Babies get saved, everyone whines and cries. And lots of sex and flirting. The pilot ep was boring so not so sure about this show.
Pushing Daisies is about a creepy ability to return people from the dead temporarily so can help a PI solve murder cases. The twist is he saves the women he loves and she stays alive, only he can't touch her again or dies. Sounds interesting, but the can't touch idea is going to get thin after a few episodes. Chi McBride is in it and I am a fan of the actor so will at least sample.
Sam I Am is about comedy about a women suffering amnesia about her entire life after a hit and run. She learns she was a vicious person and tries not to repeat past (or new to her) mistakes. Eh maybe.
Women's Murder Club is based on the book series from the James Patterson. Having read the series, which is very light quick read, its actually perfect for TV. Its about a cop, reporter, DA and medical examiner getting together to solve murders bypassing the red tape of their jobs. Oh yeah all female so sure lots of angst and relationship stuff will pop up. If the stories are strong and the cast interacts well, it could be a success. I will at least watch to find out. The key will be to avoid the clunky "voice" that the characters have in the books.
The ABC schedule:
MONDAY
8pm: "Dancing with the Stars"
9pm: "Sam I Am"
10pm: "The Bachelor"
TUESDAY
8pm: "Cavemen"
8:30pm: "Carpoolers"
9pm: "Dancing with the Stars Results"
10pm: "Boston Legal"
WEDNESDAY
8pm: "Pushing Daisies"
9pm: "Private Practice"
10pm: "Dirty Sexy Money"
THURSDAY
8pm: "Ugly Betty"
9pm: "Grey's Anatomy"
10pm: "Big Shots"
FRIDAY
8pm: "Men in Trees"
9pm: "Women's Murder Club"
10pm: "20/20"
SATURDAY
8pm: "Saturday Night College Football"
SUNDAY
7pm: "America's Funniest Home Videos"
8pm: "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition"
9pm: "Desperate Housewives "
10pm: "Brothers and Sisters"
Wierd Al - I'll Sue Ya Video
As a bit of commentary on the Sue culture currently live in where people can't get money for common sense things or just out rights acts of stupdity.
Monday, May 14, 2007
NBC 2007 Fall Schedule
NBC announced there 2007 fall TV schedule today. The currently airing casualties include Crossing Jordan which is now not going to get a proper send-off. Something that NBC doesn't seem to like to do unless the show is at least 7 years old. Studio 60 also failed to renew to the suprise of no one. Sucks to cause the show had a lot of potential, just needed time.
Renewals include a reduced schedule of Scrubs for its probable final season with only 18 eps. This is made up by 30 episodes of The Office for the season, five of which will be hour long. All three Law and Orders have been renewed but for some reason, probably budget related, Criminial Intent will air on the USA Network first, with NBC airing the episodes later. I am thinking the move is to shift some money expense to USA's budget while allowing NBC to use the show to fill schedule gaps when some of their new shows fail. As for those new shows, well I am thinking the NBC shall remain in 4th place. None of them seem particularily very good.
The Bionic Women, based off the 70s series and trying to ride the Heroes format, might actually be a good program. However, historically NBC has a short fuse for sci-fi related programs. I expect this one to get shoveled off to the Sci-Fi network at some point.
Chuck is a sci-fi/comedy where a guy gets the world's spy secrets downloaded to his brain. Hilarity ensues. I expect it to last 3 episodes before cancelled.
The I.T. Crowd is another where a women takes two nerds, removes their glasses, fixes their hairs and clothes and suddenly they are boff handsome guys that women want. I am sure a love triangle will be involved with the main characters to at some point. I am yawning just thinking about it.
Journeyman is basically Quantum Leap with a personal touch. Guy has a great life, suddenly in the past with the knowledge to fix people's lives, including his own if he so chooses. Drama and angst over what should or should not do ensues. Its not clear if he bounces back and forth in time to see the consequences of his changes, which might make for a more interesting show.
Life is about a cop that is out of jail after proved innocent and the effort to pick up the pieces of both his life and police career. In real life, innocent or not, his life would be screwed and his career over. In TV land, there is room for recovery once have sufficient drama and stares. I expect the required IA and partner who still believes he is guilty, the angry wife/gf, and the understanding but reluctant boss. Anyway, expecting it to be predictable and tiresome.
Lipstick Jungle is the last of the new Fall shows, based upon a Candace Bushnell book. Basically Sex and the City only the girls are more powerful and rich.
The schedule:
MONDAY
8pm: "Deal or No Deal"
9pm: "Heroes"
10pm: "Journeyman"
TUESDAY
8pm: "The Biggest Loser"
9pm: "Chuck"
10pm: "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit"
WEDNESDAY
8pm: "Deal or No Deal"
9pm: "Bionic Woman"
10pm: "Life"
THURSDAY
8pm: "My Name Is Earl"
8:30pm: "30 Rock"
9pm: "The Office"
9:30pm: "Scrubs"
10pm: "E.R."
FRIDAY
8pm: "1 vs. 100"
8:30pm: "The Singing Bee"
9pm: "Las Vegas"
10pm: "Friday Night Lights"
SATURDAY
8pm: "Dateline Saturday"
9pm: "Drama Series Encores"
SUNDAY
7pm: "Football Night In America" (Fall)
8pm: "Sunday Night Football" (Fall)
7pm: "Dateline NBC" (Spring)
8pm: "Law and Order" (Spring)
9pm: "Medium" (Spring)
10pm: "Lipstick Jungle" (Spring)
(source)
Renewals include a reduced schedule of Scrubs for its probable final season with only 18 eps. This is made up by 30 episodes of The Office for the season, five of which will be hour long. All three Law and Orders have been renewed but for some reason, probably budget related, Criminial Intent will air on the USA Network first, with NBC airing the episodes later. I am thinking the move is to shift some money expense to USA's budget while allowing NBC to use the show to fill schedule gaps when some of their new shows fail. As for those new shows, well I am thinking the NBC shall remain in 4th place. None of them seem particularily very good.
The Bionic Women, based off the 70s series and trying to ride the Heroes format, might actually be a good program. However, historically NBC has a short fuse for sci-fi related programs. I expect this one to get shoveled off to the Sci-Fi network at some point.
Chuck is a sci-fi/comedy where a guy gets the world's spy secrets downloaded to his brain. Hilarity ensues. I expect it to last 3 episodes before cancelled.
The I.T. Crowd is another where a women takes two nerds, removes their glasses, fixes their hairs and clothes and suddenly they are boff handsome guys that women want. I am sure a love triangle will be involved with the main characters to at some point. I am yawning just thinking about it.
Journeyman is basically Quantum Leap with a personal touch. Guy has a great life, suddenly in the past with the knowledge to fix people's lives, including his own if he so chooses. Drama and angst over what should or should not do ensues. Its not clear if he bounces back and forth in time to see the consequences of his changes, which might make for a more interesting show.
Life is about a cop that is out of jail after proved innocent and the effort to pick up the pieces of both his life and police career. In real life, innocent or not, his life would be screwed and his career over. In TV land, there is room for recovery once have sufficient drama and stares. I expect the required IA and partner who still believes he is guilty, the angry wife/gf, and the understanding but reluctant boss. Anyway, expecting it to be predictable and tiresome.
Lipstick Jungle is the last of the new Fall shows, based upon a Candace Bushnell book. Basically Sex and the City only the girls are more powerful and rich.
The schedule:
MONDAY
8pm: "Deal or No Deal"
9pm: "Heroes"
10pm: "Journeyman"
TUESDAY
8pm: "The Biggest Loser"
9pm: "Chuck"
10pm: "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit"
WEDNESDAY
8pm: "Deal or No Deal"
9pm: "Bionic Woman"
10pm: "Life"
THURSDAY
8pm: "My Name Is Earl"
8:30pm: "30 Rock"
9pm: "The Office"
9:30pm: "Scrubs"
10pm: "E.R."
FRIDAY
8pm: "1 vs. 100"
8:30pm: "The Singing Bee"
9pm: "Las Vegas"
10pm: "Friday Night Lights"
SATURDAY
8pm: "Dateline Saturday"
9pm: "Drama Series Encores"
SUNDAY
7pm: "Football Night In America" (Fall)
8pm: "Sunday Night Football" (Fall)
7pm: "Dateline NBC" (Spring)
8pm: "Law and Order" (Spring)
9pm: "Medium" (Spring)
10pm: "Lipstick Jungle" (Spring)
(source)
Friday, May 11, 2007
Daily Show: Definition of Iraqi "Success"
What is the definition of success or victory in Iraq? As the Daily Show illustrates with the President's own words, well its a murky confusion definition.
Video here.
Video here.
"Alan Shore" on Gitmo
Crooks and Liars website has a video of a great diatribe from the character Alan Shore on Boston Legal that does a concise job of explaining alot of the problems with that issue. Worth watching.
Click here to get to site with the video.
Click here to get to site with the video.
Monday, May 07, 2007
Computer Repair Fraud
The consumerist has a discovered an article from Daily Cup of Tech that highlights the new con artists of the moment - computer repair techs. Much like car mechanics, comp techs are starting to overcharge for labor, parts and "fix" things that don't need fixing.
From the site:
The lesson sadly is that "name brand" repairers don't ensure you will not get ripped off anymore then using a mom and pop operation. At the end of the day you can only trust your gut and the word of mouth of others. Or just have a tech head as a friend and reward him every now and then with a free dinner.
From the site:
KCAL did an undercover camera investigation to which computer repair places were incompetent/scammers. They took perfectly working computers and just disconnected the cable from the hard drive to the motherboard, then took the computers to different repair shops to see what they said.
The results were varied and shocking:
Best Buy: Said needed a new power supply
Circuit City: $59.99 "The jumper was set wrong"
COMPUsa: Charged $119.99, their minimum charge, but correctly diagnosed and fixed the problem
Fry's: $69.99, fixed all good
Torrence Computer Repair (local): Fixed, at no charge b/c it was so easy
BM (local)I: $275 due to "power short," as the "main board" and "hard drive" were "bad"
The lesson sadly is that "name brand" repairers don't ensure you will not get ripped off anymore then using a mom and pop operation. At the end of the day you can only trust your gut and the word of mouth of others. Or just have a tech head as a friend and reward him every now and then with a free dinner.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Bill Moyers Jon Stewart Interviews
As always Jon Stewart makes for an entertaining interview subject as these two videos from PBS site shows. Each is with Bill Moyers but from different years. Worth watching for any Stewart fan.
2007 Interview
2003 Interview
2007 Interview
2003 Interview
Friday, April 27, 2007
Daily Show and the Virginia Tech Massacre
The Daily Show took the press to task for its ineffective efforts to lay blame anywhere it could point by point by point. It was very effective and very well done. Really in their short segment they covered all the problems I have been having with what has been going on since the massacre. For me, there is only one person to blame, the killer.
The video of the segment can be found here.
The video of the segment can be found here.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Keith Olbermann Special Comment on Guiliani
Rudy Giulani, the "hero" of 9/11, has decided to fall back on the tactic of voting for Democrats = helping the terrorists. Actually he took it a step further and basically said people would die if they voted democrat. Something that Keith Olbermann didn't appreciate. Something I don't like and any American shouldn't like. Even if it was coming for a democrat about republicans, it wouldn't be acceptable and it shouldn't be here. So here is the leading republican candidate for President, Rudy Giuliani, Fearmonger. Heck of a title as leader of the free world.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
4/23 Daily Show
The Daily Show had a doosy of a show Tuesday night with an excellent ripping of "Now" Bush vs "Old" Bush where the words and beliefs of Bush went head to head often contradicting each other. Its shows how Bush pretty much feels the only good decisions are his.
Click here to get the video.
The other excellent segment was the interview with now official Presidential candidate John McCain. Someone that Jon Stewart use to support (like me) but now finds fightening. A little to much of a Bushie for my tastes when feel the country needs new ideas and direction, not more of the same. The interview, especially for Stewart, got quite contentious and worth a viewing.
Video here.
Click here to get the video.
The other excellent segment was the interview with now official Presidential candidate John McCain. Someone that Jon Stewart use to support (like me) but now finds fightening. A little to much of a Bushie for my tastes when feel the country needs new ideas and direction, not more of the same. The interview, especially for Stewart, got quite contentious and worth a viewing.
Video here.
DOW Hits 13000
For reasons I can't fathom, the Dow Jones hit a new record based on good news from various corporations. I am no economist, but I don't really understand the reason for the high value. The real estate market is suffering a hit for the first time in decades, the dollar is losing value worldwide, rather then 1:1 or greater ratio it used to enjoy. Customers are spending but not quite as crazy as use to. I don't know, it just seems there really isn't a solid foundation for the current boom that is occurring and thinking some correction is on the horizon. Hopefully the correction will be small.
RIAA Slapped Around By Judge
The RIAA's war against the consumer of its music suffered a setback as the judge rejected the RIAA's motions, rumors and propaganda that it one a case in which it was ordered to pay the defendants legal fees. Apparently in an effort to avoid payment, they tried to fudge the truth hoping the judge wouldn't look any deeper. However he did:
Long story short, the RIAA has to cough up some money to buy some expensive legal fees. The bonus of this story is there is no legal precedent for all future defendants from the RIAA to get back money for legal fees as a result of their war. Until the RIAA learns to embrace technology, work with instead of against consumers, I say don't buy their major studio labels stuff.
Click here for better analysis of the decision.
The plaintiffs stress that they "they are not aware of a single reported decision where a Court has found none of the Fogerty factors but still awarded fees ... ." See Plaintiffs' Reply in Further Support of Their Motion for Reconsideration of this Court's Feb. 6,2007 Order at p. 3, (emphasis in original). The Court has made no effort to canvass all such cases. Its cursory research has, however, uncovered a number of unpublished cases where courts granted record company plaintiffs, including several of the plaintiffs herein, awards of attorneys' fees without so much as a passing mention of Fogerty or its factors. See e.g, Capitol Records, Inc. v. Lyons, 2004 WL 1732324 (N.D. Tex.); Elektra Entertainment Group. Inc. v. Bryant, 2004 WL 783 123 (C.D. Cal.); UMG Recordings, Inc. v. Davito, 2005 WL 3776349 (N.D. Ind.).
Long story short, the RIAA has to cough up some money to buy some expensive legal fees. The bonus of this story is there is no legal precedent for all future defendants from the RIAA to get back money for legal fees as a result of their war. Until the RIAA learns to embrace technology, work with instead of against consumers, I say don't buy their major studio labels stuff.
Click here for better analysis of the decision.
God of War: Chains of Olympus for PSP Announced
Its been rumored, but now official, the PSP is getting God of War. If I didn't have the PSP already, I would probably buy it for this title. If your 18+, God of War I and II is a must have game for the PS2 and I am betting the PSP game will be a nice addition. However, wait until its out before buying the PSP, its library isn't worth the purchase just yet.
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Harry Potter Order of the Phoenix Trailer
The probable final trailer for the upcoming Harry Potter 5 is now online. The film looks fantastic and I am looking forward to it.
The HD version can be found here.
The HD version can be found here.
After 76 Years GM Falls to Toyota
For the first time in car history, Toyota sold more cars worldwide then General Motors, marking the first time a car company other then GM ruled the "world's largest automaker" title. A title that based on recent GM history is unlikely to change.
Full article here.
I can't really say I am surprised. GM reported record losses, has a history of so-so reliability, not so good quality, choosing to fire employees while protecting executive bonuses, its clear that for GM the decisions made are with one and only one concern: "How will this effect my bonus?". Toyota has made it clear with its long term planning (Hybrids, move away from SUVs etc) and by its history that the goal is truly quality and reliability. Nail those two and the rest will sort itself out. Basically Toyota has figured out that people are willing to pay and will follow a manufacture that has good cars versus a manufacturer that has cars made to break.
I am hoping that GM can turn things around. However to do that requires long term planning with a consistent goal of quality and reliability. A goal to turn the American car reputation around one customer at a time. A goal that simply will take a while to fruition. Sadly, the American CEO/Exec mindset is the opposite of that where the prize is simply to create a large yearly bonus and nothing else.
Full article here.
I can't really say I am surprised. GM reported record losses, has a history of so-so reliability, not so good quality, choosing to fire employees while protecting executive bonuses, its clear that for GM the decisions made are with one and only one concern: "How will this effect my bonus?". Toyota has made it clear with its long term planning (Hybrids, move away from SUVs etc) and by its history that the goal is truly quality and reliability. Nail those two and the rest will sort itself out. Basically Toyota has figured out that people are willing to pay and will follow a manufacture that has good cars versus a manufacturer that has cars made to break.
I am hoping that GM can turn things around. However to do that requires long term planning with a consistent goal of quality and reliability. A goal to turn the American car reputation around one customer at a time. A goal that simply will take a while to fruition. Sadly, the American CEO/Exec mindset is the opposite of that where the prize is simply to create a large yearly bonus and nothing else.
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