Holiday Specials

This is the time of the year to curl up by the fire place (or television) with a warm mug of hot chocolate and homemade cookies and watch those nostalgic specials that remind us of when we were children. Here are a few holiday specials to keep your insides warm and fuzzy for the next few days:


December 23

Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas – ABC, 8:00 p.m.
The 10th Annual A Home for the Holidays with Faith Hill – CBS, 8:00 p.m.
White Christmas - ABC Family, 9:00 p.m.

December 24

Rudolph & Frosty’s Christmas in July - ABC Family, 1:00 p.m.
Frosty’s Winder Wonderland - ABC Family, 3:00 p.m.
Rudolph’s Shiny New Year - ABC Family, 4:00 p.m.
Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town - ABC Family, 5:00 p.m.
The Year without a Santa Claus - ABC Family, 6:00 p.m.
A Miser Brothers’ Christmas - ABC Family, 7:00 p.m.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas - Cartoon Network, 7:00 p.m.
It’s A Wonderful Life – NBC, 8:00 p.m.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas, starring Jim Carrey- ABC Family, 8:00 p.m.
A Christmas Story – TBS, 8 p.m.


December 25

Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade - ABC



Happy Holidays!

Con- (dead) Air

Last Saturday when watching Saturday Night Live, I was a little disappointed with the lack of creativity given to the John Malcovich sketches. When I saw the delightfully clever commercial featuring John and rapper TI in which they said they knew each other from "camp", I was excited. I didn't take Malcovich for much of an SNL ethusiast, to be quite honest, I didn't think the man had a sense of humor. Sure he's a brillian actor, but actor and comedian are NOT synonomous.

As I figured, he's not a comedian, there were some fun moments, but he was a little stiff, and at times, a bit judgmental of the characters he was playing. But he got through it, and so did I. My boyfriend however, fell asleep.

I did see this jewel. Its Fred Armisen playing in another Obama spoof. It thought it was brilliant, but you decide.

The Office

Here's a clip from last week's episode of The Office, one of my favorite shows. Pam is rallying to get new chairs for the office with the budget surplus, while the men (including her fiance Jim) are trying to persuade Michael to spend the money on a new copy machine.

The Office is still on top in my eyes.

Ben or Keith?

A funny SNL clip... sort of an "in case you missed it" flashback post for SNL/Keith Olbermann fans.

Bloody Hell

I'm a little upset. I had this GREAT review of HBO's True Blood, and when I went to publish it, the whole thing just... disappeared. I also had some clips to embed but everytime I try, it deletes my entry. So click the title for a link to youtube. I'll try to recreate it, though now, I don't really even feel like it.

True Blood is incredible. Alan Ball (creator of Six Feet Under) has done it again. He knows exactly how to gain and keep an audience. I'm not a big fan of the old vampire story: dark, myserious, sexy and historic, but I knew I had to give it the once over before dismissing it. I didn't think Ball could hit the target dead on two times in a row. I was wrong. I'm hooked. Its raunchy, controvercial, suspenseful, erotic, provokative, and perhaps a little cheesy and melodramatic. But fans are forgiving. Even the opening credits (below) are twisted and spooky.

The difference between TB and the regular daytime soap operas is that TB moves at lighning speed. While the soaps can harp on an issue, even a conversation for weeks on end, TB opens and closes new story lines when ever and where ever it sees fit. The characters are multi-faceted with deep and often dark histories that unfurl with every passing minute. It would behoove you to check this show out next season (or on youtube) if you have even the slightest curiosity.

A Little Nugget Between Shows

In my recent attempt to catch up on my television, I saw this incredibly funny commercial that I'm sure everyone has seen by now. Its the new Guitar Hero ad featuring Kobe Bryant, Michael Phelps, Tony Hawk and A-Rod. I think its absolutely ADORABLE!






Here's a look at some of the future entries you can look forward to:

Real Chance at Love (VH1)
Kitchen Nightmares (FOX)
Family Guy (FOX)
True Blood (HBO)

Please Forgive Me!

I know that I've been away for QUITE a while. I've been tied up performing in a play called Crumbs from the Table of Joy at Florida A&M University's Essential Theatre. I've been so busy that I honestly have not had time to even watch TV.

Above I've posted a link to some of the pictures from the production (I'm Alison) and I hope to be back in the blogging game very soon.

Funny Stuff

http://www.matthewfrancis.com/files/fatasiankid/fat_asian_kid.htm


I don't know who the hell did this, or where the hell this came from, but this is the funniest effing thing I've ever seen. So I had to post it.

I must admit that I watch "New York Goes to Hollywood" and actually enjoy it. Sure she's loud, self-centered and risque, but she keeps me in stitches. And from an actor's point of view, her quest for stardom isn't without merit, she actually isn't terrible.

But probably the thing I like most about her new show is the theme song. Its called "The World Should Revolve Around Me" by Little Jackie, a Brooklyn based rap duo. Imani is the fierce rapper/singer front woman and Adam is laid back DJ. Their album "The Stoop" is out right now, and I can't wait to pick up my copy.



Another song of theirs is the sultry, yet hilarious song entitled "Black Barbie" which... well... just listen for yourself.

Wat-CHO-mouth

Tonight, VH1 premiered its new Thursday line up. The show I was particularly interested in seeing, wass "The Cho Show", starring Margaret Cho.



Margaret Cho is one of the smartest, most groundbreaking comedian/activists out there. She is beautiful, funny, and has a great big heart. The show made me feel like I was a part of her family, or at least a part of her glam squad. I'm really looking forward to watching her journey through this show.

Tonight, I wasn't planning on watching "Glam God" with Vivica Fox, but after realizing that nothing else was on except "Amercia's Best Dance Crew", I decided I'd give it a try. It's sort of a younger person's version of Bravo's "Project Runway", except the contestants don't have to display any "real" talent. They don't have to sew or draw or know anything, they just have to be able to match things that other great designers have already created. But that's okay! I love it anyway, and while it will never replace "Project Runway" (which I love but of course can't watch because I don't have Bravo), I think it will be a nice stand it until I can watch the real thing.

So my Thursday nights (at least until the fall season starts up again) will be tuned into VH1.

Women Are the News

Sadly enough, I don't get MSNBC on my sad excuse for a satalite TV package here at school. BUT, when I heard that my favorite female news commentator Rachel Maddow would be headlining her very own show, I had to research. It will be airing on MSNBC on 9.8.08 at 9PM, just after Countdown with Keith Olbermann (my boyfriend's favorite show, next to Family Guy of course). I am all too excited, about this and I can't wait to piece together the clips I can find on the internet.

No Such Thing As the Real World

So the talented journalists over at TMZ stopped John Mayer in NYC the other day to question him about his recent break up with the lately tragic but forever fabulous Jennifer Aniston, to which he babbled on and on about God knows what. Frankly, I don't really care all that much about celeb relationships. I love the ones that manage to stay far from public scrutiny because no news is good news and I'm happy for happy people. But I digress. My point in all of this, is to ask... where in the living hell did the rest of John Mayer go? Did I miss something? It seems to me that he has dropped a good 43% of his body weight and no one has said a word.

Obama Is My Homeboy

I found this picture while I was surfing through the web reading blogs and I had to feature it here. This is the greatest picture I think I've ever seen. I've included a link in the blog title to give credit where credit is due.

Where Has Ricky Been?

Getting pregnant!! (He's the one in the black Speedo.)

Well, getting someone else pregnant.

Well... okay... having his sperm injected into a surrogate mother's eggs so that she might have his children. Whatever. That's right, Ricky Martin is a father. He (and Clay Aiken) have also pretty much comfirmed the rumors (if this picture hasn't been proof enough). You know which one's I'm talking about! Good for them.

According to Associated Press, the 36 year old singer/activist now has full care of the twin boys who are said to be healthy. Martin plans on remaining out of the public eye for the remainder of the year while caring for his babies. Congrats!!

Come on Lance... Neil... what the hell are ya'll waiting for?

My, What Big Feet You Have!

... The better to hoax you with my dear!!

That's right! The lovable but gullible myth hunters have been had again! 2 guys from Georgia claimed to have found the body of the giant, gorilla-esq being and sold it to Steve Kulls: Sasquatch Detective. Kulls stood next to the very couple that bamboozled him and claimed to have examined and prodded the animal. I guess he missed the big rubber foot.





Call me a cynic, but I just can't wrap my head around giant gorilla men and slithery water monsters. Everyone seems to be all up in arms about the fact that this was a hoax, but there was never a doubt in my mind that this was all fake. And when the flip-floppers come out and say they always had their doubts, I'll say, "I said it from the beginning. If you remember my stance on this issue from the beginning, I never supported the idea that Bigfoot was frozen in a freezer somewhere, or even existed for that matter."

I visited the website of the men who pulled off this shortlived but frickin' hilarious prank. Matthew Whitton and Ricky Dyer are the founders of a website called BIGFOOTTRACKER.com. I called their Bigfoot Tip Line but the voice "mailbox of 'Matthew Whitton' is full and cannot accept new messages at this time."

Oh well.

Real Life "Pineapple Express"

"The Office" co-star Craig Robinson who plays warehouse worker Darryl, was arrested on June 29 for drug possesion charges. And not just a little weed tucked in his pocket. After being pulled over for a traffic violation, police found meth and ecstacy in his car... Darryl, Darryl, Darryl. How could you?

Oh well, we still love Craig Robinson, I'm still seeing Pineapple Express, and I'll most definitely be tuned into "The Office" this fall!

"Diddy says"

So...

I've seen this commercial several times. It's a Burger King ad in which an "executive" and P. Diddy are trying to come up with a campaign to alert America's youth that BK is "open late" (which seems to be every one's new favorite phrase. Diddy decides that the most effective way to let people know was to simply say, "Tell 'em Diddy said BK is open late." They then show the overwhelming number of teenagers and young adults diving over cars and benches, scrambling to get to Burger King in the middle of the night.

Yeah, I don't want to say that media, music, movies, celebs and the like don't have some sort of influence on us youngin's, but I actually find it a little insulting that someone who relies so heavily on this specific age group, would insinuate that we are a bunch of zombies that can't make decisions for ourselves. He depends on our money, our support of him and his products, and our validation. Without us, he would be obsolete.

So watch out Mr. Diddy, you're portraying your target audience as a bunch mindless robots; and some of us aren't too happy about it.

Let's Catch Up

So here are some things I've missed this past week:
(in no specific order, just the order they pop into my head)

Obama and McCain at Saddlebrook Church in CA with Pastor Rick Warren
-very interesting, but no influence on my vote.

Ellen and Portia get hitched
-congratulations, its about time.

Trump saves Ed McMahon
-can't think of a good Publisher's Clearing House joke at the moment, check back later.

Pumkin makes a jaw dropping decision on "I Love Money"
-that was crazy! I say good for her for sticking up for herself and doing what she had to do; the tables are turning.

Actor/Comedian Bernie Mac passes
-an absolute shame. so unfortunate.

(I know its been a while but) George Carlin passes
- needs to be acknowledged. A tragedy.

Olympics...
- call me unpatriotic... but I just don't care. Phelps is doing his thing though.

Bob Saget gets roasted
- why? It was pretty funny but, of all people... Saget? Really? P.S. Norm MacDonald isn't funny.

Iliza Shlesinger wins "Last Comic Standing"
- cool beans?

Joel McHale and Keith Olbermann play tag on their respective shows
- frickin' hilarious.

Kesan gets the boot off of "From G's to Gents"
- I still swear I've seen the kid before

Big Brother is still on the air
- wait what? Who the hell authorized this? Big Brother 10... really? REALLY?

Wendy Williams gets a show
- she's so obnoxious. But the shit is funny.

Luke Campbell gets a show
- WTF? Why does the hype man from 2 Live Crew need a show? Why should I care?

Pam Anderson gets a show
- I guess 40 year old jugs aren't sexy anymore, so now we have to watch her...live?

George Foreman gets a grill... I mean show
- *pinches bridge of nose and shakes head*

Margaret Cho gets a...
- okay, this is ri-goddamn-diculous.

New York gets yet another show
- sadly... I find the show enjoyable.

"The Apprentice" torch gets passed to Puffy... Diddy... Papa Diddy Pop...
- "I Want to Work for Diddy" is the young (wo)man's version of Trump's "The Apprentice". Its quite entertaining even though last weeks elimination was a "producer move".

That's all I can think of at the moment. Let me know if I've forgotten anything. I'm sure I have... George Foreman... really?

Back in 5 Mins.

Due to an extremely annoying interuption in internet access, I've been on a forced vacation, but I'll be back with a vengance!

Shame On You

Let's take a minute to commend FoxNews for their shameless exploitation of the heartache that Caylee Anthony's family is going through at the moment. Tomorrow is the missing toddler's birthday and today, divers are searching a lake near the toddler's home in an attempt to find anything leading to the return of Caylee.

I understand that the people at FOX have a job to do, but the blatant desperation for a story and absolute disrespect for the grieving family is disgusting. Particularly that of reporter Orlando Salinas, who harrassed Gregory Anthony on his property, even after repeatedly asking to be left alone. I know it isn't a reporters job to be consoling, but FoxNews almost seemed boastful, as if they uncovered some great story about Mr. Anthony's uncontrolable rage. As though he had no right to be upset, annoyed, furious, and defensive. Now, I'm sure that FoxNews is not the only network staked out in front of the Anthony residence. But the way they flipped the story, making the distraught grandfather seem out of control and disrespectful was completely uncalled for.

I've been searching for this clip online and have yet to come across it, but hopefully FOX will post it soon so I can add a direct link. I can't imagine what's taking so long for them to upload this example of their fine journalism. Perhaps the old fogies over at FOXervative can't remember how to upload, or maybe they realized how unsympathetic this makes them appear...

... my guess is the former.

"... the envelope please..."

The 2008 Primetime Emmy Awards are coming up in September and I've definitely got some hopefuls. One of my favorites, The Office, is up for 7 Emmys and I'll be rooting for it all the way. I don't like to make predictions, but here are some of the outcomes I'd personally like to see:

Outstanding Animated Program (One Hour or More):
Family Guy, Blue Harvest (FOX)

Outstanding Comedy Series
The Office (NBC)

Outstanding Directing for a Comedy Series
The Office, Money (NBC)

Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series
Stanley Tucci, ER (NBC)

Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series
Diahann Carroll, Grey's Anatomy (FOX)

I didn't go through them all, and I left out most (all) of the technical categories; not because I don't think they matter. I know how much work and effort and sweat goes into the technical aspects. But I know next to nothing about most of that stuff, so I'd be picking shows based on which ones I like the best. I didn't think that would be fair. I do, however, know much about the world of thesbianism.

That being said, I had a lot of trouble with the following three as I think all of the actors in these categories are incredibly talented. So I'll just list my favorites.

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Steve Carrell, The Office (NBC)
Tony Shaloub, Monk (USA)
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock (NBC)

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
Tina Fey, 30 Rock (NBC)
America Ferrera, Ugly Betty (ABC)

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order: SVU (NBC)

Holly Hunter, Saving Grace (TNT)

I'm excited to see what the outcome is this year. Don't forget to watch Sunday September 21 at 8/7c on ABC.

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

I'm so desperately looking forward to fall TV. The summer just doesn't have that quality entertainment that keeps me interested for the long haul. Here are a few things I'm looking forward to:

The Office (NBC)
Law & Order (NBC)
Law & Order: SVU (NBC)
Kitchen Nightmares (FOX)
Family Guy (FOX)
The Ceveland Show (FOX)
Without a Trace (CBS)

I'm worried though that a few of my favorites will be running at the same time. I hope that isn't the case.

Also, I no longer get... TNT, I know, it's heartbreaking. I can no longer get my L&O fix. I guess I'm going cold turkey.

I... Almost... Died

Craziness. A huge thunder storm rolled through here about 7 hours ago and blew out the power... taking with it: my internet and my cable. I was pretty upset, but it did give me a chance to revisit the hundreds of DVDs I haven't watched in about a year. I'll have to catch up on what I missed this Sunday evening.

=(

That Would Be a Nightmare

I thought I'd stumbled upon a jewel. I thought "Kitchen Nightmares" was premiering tonight on Fox. Unfortunately, I was mistaken. It was an episode from last season; and even though it was still hilarious, I walked away feeling dissatisfied, as I'd gotten my hopes up all day. But that's alright. An ad came on saying that it would be returning this fall, on Thursdays. That makes me smile.

I did watch "From Gs to Gents", and I have a discovery! I'm pretty sure I went to high school with one of the contestants. Kesan, who claims to be from Atlanta, has a profile that says he waits tables in New Brunswick, NJ.
Pretty boy Mikey P and Zenel were sent home tonight; Mikey for being a rich snitch and Zenel for being... well, boring. I didn't think either of them had the G credentials anyway, so good ridance!

I'll be searching for something to watch tomorrow as TVGuide.com refuses to work anymore.

Happy surfing!!

Kinda Messy

I finally caught the series premier of A&E's "The Cleaner". How can I put this tactfully? It was... not what I expected. The hype surrounding this show was exciting, Benjamin Bratt is the star, and I was hoping that he would finally be part of a successful show since his departure from Law & Order. I was very, very sorely disappointed.

Apparently William Banks [Bratt] is a recovered drug addict who has made a pact with God that he will become His "dark angel" and help those suffering from serious drug problems. "He [Bratt's character] isn't a cop. He isn't a superhero." So what is he? It seems that he has formed some sort of club in which he and other recovered addicts (whom he has rescued) run around the city saving helpless druggies from their own devices. One of his "collegues" is a young woman with whom he slept with while he and his wife, Melissa [Amy Price-Francis] (and the mother of his two children) were seperated. Still with me? All of this we find out during one of his many one sided conversations with God, which were so scripted I might add, that they really just seemed to be side notes for the viewer. I suppose they couldn't cram all of this background information into the already confusing and slightly dull hour they were alotted. Another of his collegues is a "juicer" (think MLB) named Mick. He has been sleeping with none other than his own estranged wife and mother of his children. Three quarters of the way through the premier, Mick receives a voicemail that is wife will no longer meet with him for their secret rendevouz. This prompts Mick to return to using, either heroine or steroids (something in a needle) and he ultimately ODs.

My question is: who the hell cares? I haven't known this Mick character for 50 mins and all of a sudden I'm supposed to be in mourning? He wasn't even in the entire episode. Frankly, I don't care about any of the characters, with the possible exception of his wife. She clearly cares for her husband, but hoped he would kick his addiction and return to his spot at the head of their family, not turn into the Patron Saint of sting operations. During one of a few inappropriate conversations with his children, he admits to them that while Melissa was in labor, he was down the hall getting cracked out. Probably not the image his children wanted.

I'm confused. I'm going to give it one more week, and if things don't begin to tie together, and if there are still obscure and uncomfortable references to Banks' infidelity, I don't think I'll be returning. It feels as though the writers dove head first into the drama without ample time for a proper character introduction. They left no room for things to unfold, there's nothing left to discover. To use an analogy: watching this show was like being invited to dinner with your significant other's family for the first time and having a drunken uncle tell them about themselves one by one. Not only are you dealing with the discomfort of not knowing anyone at the table, but now you're forced to witness the airing of their filthy laundry. I felt extremely self aware the entire show.

On a scale of 1 to 10 clicks of the remote control: I give "The Cleaner" 3 clicks.

Summer Season Premiers

I've just recently started to watch USA's original series Monk. The new season is beginning tomorrow and I thought I'd give it a try. I'd never been terribly interested in the show before, but with the lack of quality television at 4PM, I had to find something. Its heading into its 7th season; Tony Shaloub plays the neurotic private detective who aids the San Fransico PD. He is also on an ongoing search for the killer of his wife, who died in a car bomb in NYC. I don't know why it took me this long to discover the show. I'm a die hard Law and Order fan, and while Monk is much lighter and more comedic, it has that wonderful whodunit feel. I'm looking foward to the season premier tomorrow at 9PM.

Another USA series that has me curious is Psych. I've never watched this show, but the commercials with stars Shawn (James Roday) and Gus (Dule Hill) singing "Ebony and Ivory" have me hypnotized! I'll post my about my first Psych experience over the weekend.

Also new tonight:

The Gong Show With Dave Attell on Comedy Central @ 10PM

Fear Itself on NBC @ 10PM

Swingtwon on CBS @ 10PM

Guidos, Gangstas, and Goons

Last Tuesday, MTV premiered their new show, From Gs to Gents, offering 14 "Gs" a spot in Fonzworth Bentley's Gentleman's Club. With an array of characters ranging from the short and sleazy, to the awkwardly greasy, we were introduced to these supposed gangstas. Some were a little suspect (The Truth, Mikey P) and I would have liked to see a resume, maybe a few references, perhaps a background check or two, just to make sure these Gs were as hardcore as they claimed to be.

I must admit, after years of being slightly embarassed by the umbrella toting assistant to the stars, I've gained a certain respect for the effort Mr. Bentley is putting into the recovery of these misguided individuals. He seems to have the seriousness of this show in perspective. His hilarious commentary and rather enlightening insight is what has me looking forward to the next episode. He had a pretty powerful moment with the Miami Gardens res Creepa who, took it upon himself to sleep off his booze in the middle of his one on one interview. But after his nap, he won me over with a heartfelt declaration of how he intended to turn his life around. Another one I'm curious to follow is Cee, the small and sneaky Jersey native who prides himself on his ability to network and "form alliances" with his fellow Gs. I'm not entirely buying into his street cred, but that's probably because I've seen the psuedo thugs Jersey can produce (I'm a Jersey Girl myself).

Overall there was a lot of that "getting to know you" stuff that comes with the introduction of new "characters". Hopefully next week we can skip the bull and get right to what's important: the fights.

On a scale of 1 to 10 clicks of the remote, I give From Gs to Gents: 8.5 clicks

I Love Money

So the last few Sundays have been spent watching VH1's "I Love Money". The show consists of a number of reality show contestants from "Rock of Love", "Flavor of Love", and "I Love New York". They are competing for a cash prize of $250,000, though I don't know if its worth sacrificing the last little bit of dignity they have. The premise is that instead of pretending the contestants are there to gain the love of a has-been celeb or of another (two time) reality show reject, they'll cut through the crap and get right to the point. They love money. And let's be honest, how many of the girls on "Flavor of Love" can name three songs by Public Enemy? Probably none. And that's okay, we know.

So, what do I think? I think this is one of the finest examples of money hungry, shallow, predictable and completely formulaic "reality" television shows I've ever seen. But I gaurantee, I'll be tuned in every Sunday. Even though I could care less about who goes home with the cash prize (that none of them deserve), its fascinating to see how quickly these people form "alliances" and then how quickly they turn right around and cram a stiletto into their friend's back. The challenges must come from discarded Fear Factor ideas and nothing has seemed terribly difficult thus far, but it's only two.

On a scale of 1 to 10 clicks of the remote, I give it 7.5 clicks, if you're into mindless dribble.