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sports, tv

next week 2/9

February 6, 2009 No Comments

New and notable in the week ahead… procrastinator picks are underlined.

Monday

Presidential News Conference (various, 5pm*) – Obama talks the talk.
Top Gear (BBCA, 8pm) Season Premiere – Looks like there is some truck and porsche driving.
Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show (USA & others mon & tues, check your local listings) – Doggies!
BET Honors (BET, 6pm) – Gabrielle Union hosts the latest honors.
The Girls of Hedsor Hall (MTV, 9pm) Series Premiere – Another chance for crass girls to turn sophisticated, but this time they ship them to England.

Tuesday

TI’s Road to Redemption (MTV, 9pm) Series Premiere – Awaiting his own sentencing on weapons charges TI is clearly the model citizen to try to help some at-risk teens.
From G’s to Gents (MTV, 10pm) Season Premiere – I think they keep these bad boys away from the Girls of Hedsor Hall as they try to make them more gentlemanly.

Wednesday

Important Things with Demetri Martin (Com, 10:30pm) Series Premiere – Sketch comedy and more.

Thursday

NAACP Image Awards (Fox, 8pm) – Halle Berry and Tyler Perry host this one.
Survivor (CBS, 8pm) Season Premiere – The eliminations start early when they hit the Brazilian highlands.
Millionaire Matchmaker (Brav, 10pm) Season Premiere – I only caught one ep of this last season but it looked like an annoying owner of an ill equipped dating service helping socially inept men meat their trophy wives.

Friday

Dollhouse (Fox, 9pm) Series Premiere – I do love Joss Whedon (Buffy, Angel, Firefly, Dr Horrible) and I’m willing to give any new series of his more than a few eps of devotion, this latest brings us Buffy’s Faith/Eliza Dushku as one of a set of operatives who get new identities implanted and then wiped clean for weekly missions.

Saturday

Tour of California (Vs, 2pm, various times through next week) – They start out in Sacramento…
My Valentine Charlie Brown/A Charlie Brown Valentine (ABC, 8pm, also on previous Tues) – Romantic problems start in your youth…

Sunday

The Amazing Race (CBS, 8pm) Season Premiere – This year we’re going to see among others… the show’s first hearing-impaired contestant, along with some oldsters, some youngsters…
Eastbound & Down (HBO, 10:30pm) Series Premiere – Washed up big league baseball guy returns to his hometown to do the PE thing.

* Times noted are PST, check your local listings.

Well you may have heard rumor that television is going digital. The folks are saying it’s better technology and frees up airwaves for emergency transmissions among other things. The scheduled transition date was February 17 (which was set in 2005), after which the current analog signal was to be shut down and viewers who wanted to watch television (and isn’t that everyone!) need to be on board.

Everyone who currently has cable or satellite is already good to go, but if you’re still fighting the man on throwing down $ for your tv signal you might need to throw down a little $ for your tv equipment. New televisions come digital good to go (anything after March 2007 had to be digital), but if you have an old tv and aren’t ready to upgrade (though isn’t this is a good excuse to finally get a nice big flat screen?) you can get a digital converter box. These boxes hook into your tv and cost around $40-70. They do admit that the digital signal isn’t as strong and some users who were getting the analog (or getting it fuzzy) don’t get it or may need to upgrade their antenna to be in the clear.

Looks like apparently 6.5 million households have still yet to take the necessary steps to receive the digital signal once the plug is pulled on the analog one. These households are mostly low income, rural, and elderly folks and there is a program that offers coupons for $40 off certain models in certain locations. Unfortunately they’re out of coupons, sort of. The coupons each have an expiration date and they can’t issue new coupons until the already issued coupons expire if unused so they know they’re not going over budget. Currently there are over 3.5 million households on the wait list.

So the Obama administration encouraged congress to extend the date ’til June 12 and they somewhat reluctantly did so. Around 200 million has already been spent to make folks aware of the change so moving the date would have some implications on additional public service announcements as well as the costs to continue to output two signals. Some of the stations are dropping the analog early because of the dual signal costs, PBS estimates their costs at about 22 million alone. Fortunately it looks like the latest stimulus package includes a chunk of change to help out with the coupons at least, though that may not be approved for weeks.

Other helpful sites:
http://www.dtvtransition.org/
http://www.dtv.gov/
https://www.dtv2009.gov/
http://www.antennaweb.org/aw/welcome.aspx

next week 2/2

January 31, 2009 1 Comment

New and notable in the week ahead… procrastinator picks are underlined.

Monday

Chuck (NBC, 8pm) – Chuck goes 3d and I’m sure gets into some trouble.
I Love Money (VH1, 9pm) Season Premiere – This is the show where reality contestants compete in a reality contest.
Medium (NBC, 10pm) Season Premiere – Allison’s got a case of the visions, or something.
For the Love of Ray J (VH1, 10:30pm) Series Premiere – By now you’re probably familiar with the ‘rock star’ dating shows even if you’re not familiar with Ray J.

Tuesday

The IT Crowd (IFC, 8pm) Season Premiere – There’s a crowd and they’re in IT.

Wednesday

Katie Couric “All Access” Grammy Special (CBS, 9pm) – Katie interviews the kids with the Grammys.
Monsterquest (Hist, 10pm) Season Premiere – This ep is titled ‘Death of Loch Ness’ but let me tell you if there was a Loch Ness, and I’m not saying there was, he’s gonna be pissed if people start saying he’s dead.
The Exterminators (A&E, 10:30pm) Series Premiere – Let’s head to Louisiana to get rid of some bees and some coons.

Thursday

Gangland (Hist, 9pm) Season Premiere – We see the land of gangs.
Street Customs (TLC, 9pm) Season Premiere – We customize a ’67 barracuda.
Heli-Loggers (TLC, 10pm) Series Premiere – It’s what it sounds like, logging with helicopters.

Friday

Most Haunted (Trav, 7pm) Season Premiere – Not just haunted, but the most haunted places.
Jockeys (AnPl, 9pm) Series Premiere – We check in on the jockeys and their horses down at Santa Anita during a 30 day meet.

Saturday

Tour of California (Vs, 2pm) – This preview show will take a look at the tour and I’m sure mention Lance.

Sunday

Grammy Awards (CBS, 8pm) – Lil Wayne has the most noms and you can tune in to see him perform along with other hot hitmakers.
HGTV Showdown (HGTV, 9pm) Season Premiere – It’s a family room makeover!
Rob Dyrdek’s Fantasy Factor/The College Humor Show/Nitro Circus/How’s Your News? (MTV, 9/9:30/10/10:30pm) Series Premieres – Pro skateboarder, the guys from collegehumor.com, FMX, and reporters with disabilities…
XIII (NBC, 9pm) – Can Stephen Dorff recall whether he was involved in the assassination of the first chick prez, if not tonight check back next sunday for part two of the miniseries.
Mark & Olly: Living With the Machigenga (Trav, 10pm) Series Premiere – They start by searching for the Machigenga tribe.

sports, tv

australian open

January 28, 2009 1 Comment

Well my vow not to watch the first week of this tennis tournament was thwarted by a cold, so here I am in week two totally engrossed. Three important things to note: 1) it’s all on ESPN2 so if you’re looking for network coverage you’re out of luck 2) it is in Australia so live tv is totally out of time zone whack 3) it’s been 100-120 degrees and they’ve only shut the roof (and turn the AC on to get it down to a balmy mid 70s) for a couple of the day matches, the night matches might still be in the 100s, let’s just say there’ve been some fried folks.

So what are we looking at:

Men’s Semifinals – Thurs 1/29, 12:30am, Roddick vs. Federer (replays at noon); Fri 1/30, 12:30am, Nadal vs. Verdasco (replays at noon)
Women’s Final – Saturday 1/31, 12:30am, S. Williams vs. Safina (replays at 6am and 5pm)
Men’s Final – Sunday 2/1, 12:30am, tbd (replays at noon)

* All times are PST, check your local listings

spin off

January 27, 2009 3 Comments

I am delighted with the news that they are making a Gossip Girl spinoff, particularly because we’re not losing any of the cast and that it will focus on Serena’s mom Lily van der Woodsen in her early years. She’s in the Valley (that’s LA) with her older bohemian sister in the 80s. Could I miss a show about flashy troubled teens in the 80s? We’ll get a taste of what’s to come during a May ep of the existing GG. Casting is apparently all the buzz right now.

In other spin off news NCIS, a spinoff itself of JAG (surprisingly maybe the only two network shows I’ve never seen an episode of). A new NCIS (whatever that stands for) unit working in a different location will be introduced later this season. Think CSI, hopefully they’ll do better than David Caruso.

And then there is The L Word which wraps its season this year and viewers will get a taste of what’s to come in the new series. Current character Alice played by Leisha Haley goes to prison!

And of course there’s The Office spinoff that turns out its not going to be a spinoff. Particularly since in addition to Amy Poehler the cast includes Rashida Jones in a different role than she played on The Office. Though rumor has it we’ll see her again as Karen on the after Super Bowl episode.

And if you’re not getting the spinoff that you’re looking for perhaps you should check the theaters. Deals are being finalized for an Arrested Developed flick, a Veronica Mars script is being penned as we speak, and the Sex and the City gals are signing on for another run. I won’t even count the movies based on original tv shows currently in development…

next week 1/26

January 24, 2009 No Comments

New and notable in the week ahead… procrastinator picks are underlined.

Monday

The Closer (TNT, 9pm) Season Premiere – Brenda returns with the gang to solve more crimes and maybe get married at some point.
One Way Out (Disc, 9/9:30pm) Series Premiere – Some dude deals with bees and then freezing.
Trust Me (TNT, 10pm) Series Premiere – Eric McCormack and Tom Cavanaugh star as two friends who may or may not be able to work together in their hip ad jobs.
Saving Grace (TNT, 11pm) – If you missed Grace the first time around here’s another chance to catch the pilot.

Tuesday

Last Restaurant Standing (BBCA, 8/9pm) Season Premiere – Couples compete to open a restaurant.
17 Kids & Counting (TLC, 9/9:30pm) Season Premiere – Lots of kids.
Baldwin Hills (BET, 10pm) Season Premiere – Some dude throws a party in this reality series opener.
Toddlers & Tiaras (TLC, 10pm) Series Premiere – The missing behind the scenes look at children’s beauty pageants.
The Whitest Kids U’Know (IFC, 10pm) Season Premiere – A fifteen minute skit show.

Wednesday

The Detonators (Disc, 8pm) Series Premiere – The latest documentary series starts with the demolition of two steel structures, this could probably top the tree trimmers.
Life on Mars (ABC, 10pm) – New time slot for this enjoyable but odd show where a detective finds himself in the 70s and running into aspects of his past.

Thursday

American Idol (Fox, 8pm) – In case you didn’t get enough Idol try it again in this extra time tonight for the final early audition round.
Hell’s Kitchen (Fox, 9pm) Season Premiere – Gordon Ramsay berates wannabe chefs again.
Toughest Cowboys (Spike, 11pm) Series Premiere – Cowboys compete.

Friday

Adrenaline Rush Hour (Disc, 9pm) Series Premiere – Some random crap happens with cars and craziness among other things.

Saturday

Australian Open (ESPN2, 5pm, and Sun 12:30am*) – Darn that time zone… after the second week of tennis we’ll see the women’s and men’s finals which repeat Sunday midday.
AKC/Eukanuba National Championship (AnPl, 8pm) – Lots of doggies.
Super Bowl’s Greatest Commercials (CBS, 8pm) – A show all about commercials… interrupted by commercials.
Real Estate Road Test/Deals on the Bus (TLC, 10/10:30) Series Premieres – These are both about houses but on one they take a bus.

Sunday

Super Bowl (NBC, 10/3pm*) – The pregame show kicks off early and then the game itself, go… go football team!
Nitro Circus (MTV, 10pm) Series Premiere – Freestyle Motocross anyone?
The Office (NBC, 7:30/8pm*) – In the coveted after super bowl time slot, whatever time that really is.

* Times noted are PST, check your local listings.

and the nominations are…

January 22, 2009 4 Comments

Well it’s that time of year. The time to see how many of the Academy Award nominated films you’ve seen. I just have The Reader to go on best pic, I expected The Dark Knight or Doubt to take that slot. I guess I can make time for one more movie…

BEST PICTURE
“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
“Frost/Nixon”
“Milk
“The Reader”
“Slumdog Millionaire”

BEST ACTRESS
Anne Hathaway, “Rachel Getting Married”
Angelina Jolie, “Changeling”
Melissa Leo, “Frozen River”
Meryl Streep, “Doubt”
Kate Winslet, “The Reader”

BEST ACTOR
Frank Langella, “Frost/Nixon”
Sean Penn, “Milk”
Brad Pitt, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
Mickey Rourke, “The Wrestler”
Richard Jenkins, “The Visitor”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Amy Adams, “Doubt”
Penelope Cruz, “Vicky Cristina Barcelona”
Viola Davis, “Doubt”
Taraji P. Henson, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
Marisa Tomei, “The Wrestler”

BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
Josh Brolin, “Milk”
Robert Downey Jr., “Tropic Thunder”
Philip Seymour Hoffman, “Doubt”
Heath Ledger, “The Dark Knight”
Michael Shannon, “Revolutionary Road”

BEST DIRECTOR
Danny Boyle, “Slumdog Millionaire”
Stephen Daldry, “The Reader”
David Fincher, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”
Ron Howard, “Frost/Nixon”
Gus Van Sant, “Milk”

BEST ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY
Dustin Lance Black, “Milk”
Courtney Hunt, “Frozen River”
Mike Leigh, “Happy-Go-Lucky”
Marttin McDonagh, “In Bruges”
Andrew Stanton, Jim Reardon, “WALL-E”

BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY
Simon Beaufoy, “Slumdog Millionaire”
David Hare, “The Reader”
Peter Morgan, “Frost/Nixon”
John Patrick Shanley, “Doubt”
Eric Roth, Robin Swicord, “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”

Check out the official Oscar site for a full list of nominations.

obamanos!

January 20, 2009 1 Comment

Well I not only hauled myself out of bed for the inauguration but I actually made it to another location for a brunch (I’m west coast of course). And though we may not have had the numbers that they did on the mall, we had no waiting for the bathrooms. I couldn’t bring myself to watch all the coverage from 7am to 2pm, or any of the additional specials, but we made sure to catch the arrivals and the swearing in and speech. Do many people watch the whole day?

I thought Obama’s speech overall was good. Not a lot of sugar coating on the state of things, but highlighting the qualities that make the country and people great, and being confident that we could ‘choose our better history,’ among other things. Though I couldn’t help but be a little dismayed that he wasn’t placing a ton of value in ‘those who prefer leisure over work’ and that he wanted the people to take responsibility. I thought we elected him to just fix everything. I hope he doesn’t expect me to get off my sofa… I did feel bad for the poet that had to go after him (not my favorite to start with).

And more importantly all of the hats and scarves were fun (it did look cold) though none could top Aretha Franklin’s awesome big bow hat. The Obama daughters are also pretty darned cute, apparently dressed in J. Crew. And Michelle’s golden yellow dress and slightly open coat by Isabel Toledo with green accessories was lovely. We’re thrilled to have some fashion forward options in office. Can’t wait to see the dress selected for the ball.

It is an incredible day, but I couldn’t help but be in wonderment about some of the logistics. So many people and surprisingly smooth movement in and out of the area with all the security, the sheer number of cameras to cover in DC and apparently around the world, intrigued by the new presidency taking effect at noon regardless of oath status, the chief justice mistaking the oath and nearly stumping Obama for a moment, the change of air force one to executive one, the way they finish moving old (Bush) out and new (Obama) in to the white house once they leave together…

But seriously does no business happen today? I suppose tomorrow they’ll get to work.

sports, tv

next week 1/19

January 16, 2009 2 Comments

New and notable in the week ahead… procrastinator picks are underlined.

Monday

Australian Open (ESPN2, 12:30am, through next week*) – The open continues!
Electric Company (PBS, 3:30pm*) – A new generation of whatever it was this show did.
House (Fox, 8pm) – If you’re not a season pass sort of person you should note the new time and rumor has it we will eventually see more of the original casties Cameron and Chase.
Will Work for Food (Food, 8:30pm) Series Premiere – Next Food Network star competitor Adam Gertler checks out food related jobs.
Momma’s Boys (NBC, 10pm) Season Finale – Will the mommas and the boys agree on their romantic choices?

Tuesday

Inauguration (Check Your Local Listings*) – This looks like it goes on all day and night but as I understand it the actual oath taking and inaugural address happen around noon DC time.
Tour Down Under (Vs, 1pm*) – Lance is back and you can check him out in this tour that runs through Sunday.

Wednesday

Lost (ABC, 8/9pm, repeats Saturday) Season Premiere – Recapping the previous seasons at 8 then the two hour premiere at 9, I’m kind of curious as to when we’ll be and whether we’ll be doing flash backs or forwards.
Lie to Me (Fox, 9pm) Series Premiere – If you’re down with The Mentalist, Monk, and/or Psych, this latest guy with great observational skills put Tim Roth in the lie detector seat.

Thursday

Winter X Games (ESPN, 6pm, ESPN2, ABC*) – The stars of snow compete in Aspen through Sunday.
Bones (Fox, 8/9pm) – New time slot for our crime solving duo and the squints.
Burn Notice (USA, 10pm) Season Premiere – Our ousted spy is still trying to get answers while helping people in this mostly cheesy but fun caper show.

Friday

Wolverine and the X-Men (Nicktoons, 8/8:30pm) Series Premiere – Nothing much going on a friday night so I have stooped to noting cartoons.

Saturday

Gone Country (CMT, 8pm) Season Premiere – Non country folks like Justin Guarini and Micky Dolenz try out their country chops.
Miss America Live (TLC, 8pm) – Being on The Learning Channel I might think Miss America would teach me something.
US Figure Skating Championship (NBC, 9pm) – If you’re down with the tiny girls spinning around…

Sunday

SAG Awards (TNT, 8pm) – Film and TV actors honor each other.
The Last Templar (NBC, 9pm) – The miniseries continues on Monday as Mira Sorvino and Scott Foley do the sort of find the secret museumy, archaeological kind of thing.

* Check your local times.

idol again

January 15, 2009 No Comments

I had given up American Idol for years but with the strike happening last year I figured it was a good way to kill some tv hours. And overall I guess it was. I’m least enamored with the early rounds of bad musical talent and start to get more engaged once they head to Hollywood for the narrowing down. Once we get to the final rounds there are weeks that I wish we could skip (you all know who most of the early eliminations will or should be) but it all adds to the moment where I find myself actually caring who is going to win. Yeah David Cook!

They discussed adjusting the format this year and focusing less on the early bad cattle call and more on the Hollywood days. And I did tune in to the first rounds for the one clear new thing, the fourth judge. Kara DioGuardi joins the gang and so we tuned in to see how drastic a difference this would make, and so far, not so drastic. She’s apparently qualified, written for and worked with tons of talent. She seems sane, knowledgeable, gets along with Paula (they’re apparently old friends), and is willing to stand up to Simon. But so far she just doesn’t add anything for me.

I’m out ’til Hollywood so we’ll see how things evolve. Though I was happy to catch the highlight of Ryan trying to high-five a blind contestant and then the moment he realized what he was doing.

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