television archives
May
14
2008
this american life
In the interest of posting something other than regurgitated del.icio.us links, here’s a Chris Ware-animated segment from the most recent season of television’s This American Life. Ware also animated a segment for the show’s first season. (Link via The Beat,…
In the interest of posting something other than regurgitated del.icio.us links, here’s a Chris Ware-animated segment from the most recent season of television’s This American Life. Ware also animated a segment for the show’s first season. (Link via The Beat,…
Mar
6
2008
kitchen night off
I had written MasterCard’s “Priceless” ad campaign off as having lost all its charm through overuse, but this new ad is actually rather cleverly done: (I missed seeing it when it apparently first ran during the Oscars — I’d skipped…
I had written MasterCard’s “Priceless” ad campaign off as having lost all its charm through overuse, but this new ad is actually rather cleverly done: (I missed seeing it when it apparently first ran during the Oscars — I’d skipped…
Mar
5
2008
quote of the day: control
“I am so excited to follow [the Ohio and Texas primary election] returns that I am not following these returns. I am TiVoing CNN at home. I like to touch my TV screen whenever John King touches his TV screen….
“I am so excited to follow [the Ohio and Texas primary election] returns that I am not following these returns. I am TiVoing CNN at home. I like to touch my TV screen whenever John King touches his TV screen….
Jan
24
2008
don't shop when you're hungry, no no no
During my brief tenure in Okinawa (1988-89), the only English-language TV station was run by the American Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS). The television shows were typically a season or two behind the U.S., and in lieu of ads,…
During my brief tenure in Okinawa (1988-89), the only English-language TV station was run by the American Forces Radio and Television Service (AFRTS). The television shows were typically a season or two behind the U.S., and in lieu of ads,…
Dec
8
2007
who is andrew jackson?
Interesting bit of political trivia from yesterday’s episode of Jeopardy: The Democratic Party’s symbol dates back to 1828, when this man was called a jackass in his run for the presidency…
Interesting bit of political trivia from yesterday’s episode of Jeopardy: The Democratic Party’s symbol dates back to 1828, when this man was called a jackass in his run for the presidency…
Nov
21
2007
the great wakkorotti
(If you can’t see the video above, it’s available on YouTube.) It’s silly and juvenile, but it still makes me laugh this Thanksgiving Eve….
(If you can’t see the video above, it’s available on YouTube.) It’s silly and juvenile, but it still makes me laugh this Thanksgiving Eve….
Oct
1
2007
wonky nerdy
After a long hiatus, my TiVo suddenly started recording episodes of The West Wing again. The episodes in question were from those first few seasons when the show was especially good. But looking at the episode descriptions, the show sounds…
After a long hiatus, my TiVo suddenly started recording episodes of The West Wing again. The episodes in question were from those first few seasons when the show was especially good. But looking at the episode descriptions, the show sounds…
Sep
29
2007
more than that
By random chance, I happened upon a Web site to a vary similar domain name this this one earlier today — MoreThanThat.net (vs. MoreThanThis.net). The kicker: It’s a short-lived (Aug.-Nov. 2006) fansite for Jim and Pam of The Office. Granted,…
By random chance, I happened upon a Web site to a vary similar domain name this this one earlier today — MoreThanThat.net (vs. MoreThanThis.net). The kicker: It’s a short-lived (Aug.-Nov. 2006) fansite for Jim and Pam of The Office. Granted,…
Jul
21
2007
once more, with feeling
Last night, I went with some friends to the Buffy Singalong at the Avalon Theatre in DC. Yes, a singalong to the Buffy: The Vampire Slayer musical episode “Once More, With Feeling.” For some reason, in talking about this,…
Last night, I went with some friends to the Buffy Singalong at the Avalon Theatre in DC. Yes, a singalong to the Buffy: The Vampire Slayer musical episode “Once More, With Feeling.” For some reason, in talking about this,…
Jun
19
2007
random trivia of the day
From the “I’d never really given it much thought, but now that I’ve read it I can’t get rid of the mental image” files… Slate had an explainer yesterday explaining some of the child labor rules about the employment of…
From the “I’d never really given it much thought, but now that I’ve read it I can’t get rid of the mental image” files… Slate had an explainer yesterday explaining some of the child labor rules about the employment of…
Jun
5
2007
creature feature
It brought me great joy on Monday when I came across a certain television preview in the day’s paper. The big news: Aardman Animations, which apparently has bounced back from its tragic warehouse fire of 2005, has a new…
It brought me great joy on Monday when I came across a certain television preview in the day’s paper. The big news: Aardman Animations, which apparently has bounced back from its tragic warehouse fire of 2005, has a new…
May
17
2007
office games
I finally got to see last week’s episode of The Office tonight. Great episode, and, cliché as the “big speech” plot device is, I was so proud of Pam for walking over the coals — both literally and figuratively. Another…
I finally got to see last week’s episode of The Office tonight. Great episode, and, cliché as the “big speech” plot device is, I was so proud of Pam for walking over the coals — both literally and figuratively. Another…
Mar
20
2007
this american life
I’m a big fan of the radio program This American Life, and when I heard it was going to become a television series on Showtime, I was a bit wary. But between the trailer and this four-minute excerpt from the…
I’m a big fan of the radio program This American Life, and when I heard it was going to become a television series on Showtime, I was a bit wary. But between the trailer and this four-minute excerpt from the…
Mar
3
2007
song of the moment: diner
After hearing it on an otherwise forgettable episode of Scrubs last night, I can’t get “Diner” (iTunes), by Martin Sexton, out of my head. Happy and peppy, it was a perfect song to play over a montage of Scrubs dancing…
After hearing it on an otherwise forgettable episode of Scrubs last night, I can’t get “Diner” (iTunes), by Martin Sexton, out of my head. Happy and peppy, it was a perfect song to play over a montage of Scrubs dancing…
Feb
8
2007
quote of the day: tivo prayer
Oh, so true: MARSHALL: To make sure it records, maybe we should bow our heads and say a quiet prayer to the TiVo gods. (Ted nods, and the two hold onto either end of the TiVo remote.) TED: Almighty TiVo,…
Oh, so true: MARSHALL: To make sure it records, maybe we should bow our heads and say a quiet prayer to the TiVo gods. (Ted nods, and the two hold onto either end of the TiVo remote.) TED: Almighty TiVo,…
Dec
18
2006
joining the tivo herd
Rob and I got a TiVo last week. I’ve had a Comcast DVR for the past three years, and while I’ve certainly made use of it — it’s completely changed the way I watch television — I’ve been rather unhappy…
Rob and I got a TiVo last week. I’ve had a Comcast DVR for the past three years, and while I’ve certainly made use of it — it’s completely changed the way I watch television — I’ve been rather unhappy…
Dec
11
2006
a very scrubs christmas
Back in 2003, the cast of Scrubs lent its vocal talent to a new voice track for A Charlie Brown Christmas. It’s a little more off-color than a typical episode of Scrubs and not quite as cohesive, but if you’re…
Back in 2003, the cast of Scrubs lent its vocal talent to a new voice track for A Charlie Brown Christmas. It’s a little more off-color than a typical episode of Scrubs and not quite as cohesive, but if you’re…
Dec
1
2006
here it goes again ... and again
Thanks to its inclusion in last night’s season premiere of Scrubs, I have OK Go’s infectiously peppy song “Here It Goes Again” stuck in my head … again. Someone sent me a link to the video back in August, and…
Thanks to its inclusion in last night’s season premiere of Scrubs, I have OK Go’s infectiously peppy song “Here It Goes Again” stuck in my head … again. Someone sent me a link to the video back in August, and…
Nov
20
2006
dumbfounded, part 2
I’m happy to see that the Fox corporate empire isn’t completely soulless: After a firestorm of criticism, News. Corp. said Monday that it has canceled the O.J. Simpson book and TV special “If I Did It.” “I and senior management…
I’m happy to see that the Fox corporate empire isn’t completely soulless: After a firestorm of criticism, News. Corp. said Monday that it has canceled the O.J. Simpson book and TV special “If I Did It.” “I and senior management…
Nov
16
2006
dumbfounded
Tasteless and appalling don’t begin to describe this: Fox will slaughter the competition the final week of the November ratings sweeps when it airs a two-hour interview in which O.J. Simpson details how he would have murdered his wife, Nicole,…
Tasteless and appalling don’t begin to describe this: Fox will slaughter the competition the final week of the November ratings sweeps when it airs a two-hour interview in which O.J. Simpson details how he would have murdered his wife, Nicole,…
Nov
2
2006
apples and offices
Newsday had an interesting story yesterday about how the sudden success of The Office last year on iTunes went a long way toward saving the low-rated show from cancellation. (Newsday: “How iTunes Saved ‘The Office’” - 11/01/06) “I’m not sure…
Newsday had an interesting story yesterday about how the sudden success of The Office last year on iTunes went a long way toward saving the low-rated show from cancellation. (Newsday: “How iTunes Saved ‘The Office’” - 11/01/06) “I’m not sure…
clip show
There was a bit of a to-do earlier this week when Comedy Central asked YouTube to pull thousands of Daily Show and Colbert Report videos from its site. I finally found some clarification today: Comedy Central asked the video sharing…
There was a bit of a to-do earlier this week when Comedy Central asked YouTube to pull thousands of Daily Show and Colbert Report videos from its site. I finally found some clarification today: Comedy Central asked the video sharing…
Oct
30
2006
masked
In need of a last-minute Halloween costume? Forbes.com may have your answer. The business-oriented news site is offering print-and-clip masks featuring cartoons of various celebrities and world figures, from Lindsay Lohan to Hugo Chavez. My personal favorite, no surprise, is…
In need of a last-minute Halloween costume? Forbes.com may have your answer. The business-oriented news site is offering print-and-clip masks featuring cartoons of various celebrities and world figures, from Lindsay Lohan to Hugo Chavez. My personal favorite, no surprise, is…
Oct
27
2006
hodgmania
On Tuesday night, I went to a reading by humorist John Hodgman, perhaps best known these days as the nerdy P.C. guy in the recent Apple commercials. His book of made-up trivia, The Areas of My Expertise, just came out…
On Tuesday night, I went to a reading by humorist John Hodgman, perhaps best known these days as the nerdy P.C. guy in the recent Apple commercials. His book of made-up trivia, The Areas of My Expertise, just came out…
Sep
13
2006
one last look
One last Sept. 11 post and I’m done… The rawness of the video I linked to earlier for whatever reason made me want to seek out the first post-Sept. 11 episode of The Daily Show. There’s something heartbreaking about Jon…
One last Sept. 11 post and I’m done… The rawness of the video I linked to earlier for whatever reason made me want to seek out the first post-Sept. 11 episode of The Daily Show. There’s something heartbreaking about Jon…
Sep
9
2006
decoding the rambaldi dvd
Out of random interest (and a desire to distract myself from condo anxiety), I’ve been clicking around the promotional Web site for the Alias complete series DVD set. I like the graphics they’re using, though a bit surprised that they’re…
Out of random interest (and a desire to distract myself from condo anxiety), I’ve been clicking around the promotional Web site for the Alias complete series DVD set. I like the graphics they’re using, though a bit surprised that they’re…
Sep
4
2006
crikey
I’m still having trouble wrapping my head around this one: Steve Irwin, the “Crocodile Hunter,” died this weekend after a stingray attacked him while he was shooting a program near the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. The man put himself…
I’m still having trouble wrapping my head around this one: Steve Irwin, the “Crocodile Hunter,” died this weekend after a stingray attacked him while he was shooting a program near the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. The man put himself…
Aug
16
2006
office pal
A few months ago, I stumbled across the MySpace profile of Jenna Fischer, who plays Pam in NBC’s The Office. Instead of being a vacuous promotional piece, Jenna’s MySpace blog is a surprisingly engaging look at the life of a…
A few months ago, I stumbled across the MySpace profile of Jenna Fischer, who plays Pam in NBC’s The Office. Instead of being a vacuous promotional piece, Jenna’s MySpace blog is a surprisingly engaging look at the life of a…
Aug
14
2006
dancing fool
I was all set to swear off ABC’s fall season of Dancing with the Stars … until I read that Tucker Carlson, the pundit I love to hate, is slated to be one of the contestants. I’m going to be…
I was all set to swear off ABC’s fall season of Dancing with the Stars … until I read that Tucker Carlson, the pundit I love to hate, is slated to be one of the contestants. I’m going to be…
Aug
11
2006
a matter of timing
It’s funny how a single event can change how a given thing is perceived. Take, for instance, today’s London terror arrests and the travel restrictions that have been imposed as a result. Before all the excitement, that Sierra Mist soda…
It’s funny how a single event can change how a given thing is perceived. Take, for instance, today’s London terror arrests and the travel restrictions that have been imposed as a result. Before all the excitement, that Sierra Mist soda…
quote of the day: itty bitty nixons
Stephen Colbert made a surprise appearance on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart tonight, where the two argued about Geraldo Rivera’s recent criticism of their programs. What are you implying, Jon? That O’Reilly and Geraldo are narcissists enthralled of their…
Stephen Colbert made a surprise appearance on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart tonight, where the two argued about Geraldo Rivera’s recent criticism of their programs. What are you implying, Jon? That O’Reilly and Geraldo are narcissists enthralled of their…
Jul
25
2006
mideast mad libs
I meant to post this last week but didn’t get around to it: In its July 17 broadcast, The Daily Show offered a take on Middle East reporting that was sort of funny, in a tragic kind of way… Samantha…
I meant to post this last week but didn’t get around to it: In its July 17 broadcast, The Daily Show offered a take on Middle East reporting that was sort of funny, in a tragic kind of way… Samantha…
Jul
9
2006
songs of the moment: commercial edition
I’ve been watching more live TV than usual lately, thanks to the World Cup and the new season of The Venture Brothers, which also means I’ve been sitting through more commercials. Two recent commercials in particular, with their catchy songs,…
I’ve been watching more live TV than usual lately, thanks to the World Cup and the new season of The Venture Brothers, which also means I’ve been sitting through more commercials. Two recent commercials in particular, with their catchy songs,…
Jun
29
2006
song of the day: everybody's free
Before Sunday’s premiere of the second season of The Venture Brothers on Adult Swim, one of the “bumps” informed the audience that getting the rights to a particular song represented a significant portion of the entire episode’s budget. But it…
Before Sunday’s premiere of the second season of The Venture Brothers on Adult Swim, one of the “bumps” informed the audience that getting the rights to a particular song represented a significant portion of the entire episode’s budget. But it…
meta draft
Rob and I watched a little bit of the NBA Draft on ESPN last night, and it was a bit surreal. The Draft was taking place at Madison Square Garden in New York, with a lot of players and fans…
Rob and I watched a little bit of the NBA Draft on ESPN last night, and it was a bit surreal. The Draft was taking place at Madison Square Garden in New York, with a lot of players and fans…
Jun
23
2006
'free' makeover
I’ve always wondered what really goes on behind the scenes of those HGTV and TLC home makeover shows. A story in yesterday’s Washington Post offered an interesting glimpse into that world, as a local reporter had her living room made…
I’ve always wondered what really goes on behind the scenes of those HGTV and TLC home makeover shows. A story in yesterday’s Washington Post offered an interesting glimpse into that world, as a local reporter had her living room made…
Jun
21
2006
the tribe has spoken
My friend Chris just published his first book! Tribal Warfare: ‘Survivor’ and the Political Unconscious of Reality Television is an examination of the popular reality television series through the lens of class politics. Tribal Warfare thoroughly investigates a central element…
My friend Chris just published his first book! Tribal Warfare: ‘Survivor’ and the Political Unconscious of Reality Television is an examination of the popular reality television series through the lens of class politics. Tribal Warfare thoroughly investigates a central element…
May
27
2006
wigged out
In the wake of last week’s season finale of Alias, ABC is hosting an eBay auction of Alias costumes and props for charity, ending May 31. Some of the auction items — the Rambaldi artifacts especially — are going for…
In the wake of last week’s season finale of Alias, ABC is hosting an eBay auction of Alias costumes and props for charity, ending May 31. Some of the auction items — the Rambaldi artifacts especially — are going for…
May
25
2006
all the time in the world
So the Alias finale has come and gone. (It aired Monday night, though I’m only now getting around to posting about it.) It wasn’t perfect, but it was a fitting ending to the show. I teared up after the final…
So the Alias finale has come and gone. (It aired Monday night, though I’m only now getting around to posting about it.) It wasn’t perfect, but it was a fitting ending to the show. I teared up after the final…
May
24
2006
calling all 'buffy' fans...
Looks like the Slayer may be coming back — in comic book form. Buffy the Vampire Slayer creator Joss Whedon is writing a new six-issue Buffy mini-series for Dark Horse Comics. The first volume is due out in October. A…
Looks like the Slayer may be coming back — in comic book form. Buffy the Vampire Slayer creator Joss Whedon is writing a new six-issue Buffy mini-series for Dark Horse Comics. The first volume is due out in October. A…
May
17
2006
studio 60
I think I’ve found a new show to add to the DVR next season: Aaron Sorkin’s “behind the scenes of an SNL-like show” Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. NBC aired a 30-second preview during this weekend’s West Wing finale,…
I think I’ve found a new show to add to the DVR next season: Aaron Sorkin’s “behind the scenes of an SNL-like show” Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. NBC aired a 30-second preview during this weekend’s West Wing finale,…
May
11
2006
the office
Oh, how you tease me so. Tonight’s season finale was so good. FINALLY some real movement on the Jim/Pam front — Rob and Dari actually put their arms up, field-goal style, at the two critical moments — yet the show…
Oh, how you tease me so. Tonight’s season finale was so good. FINALLY some real movement on the Jim/Pam front — Rob and Dari actually put their arms up, field-goal style, at the two critical moments — yet the show…
Apr
11
2006
rest in peace, leo
Sunday’s episode of The West Wing was so painful to watch. After the sad death of John Spencer in December, I’ve been dreading this episode. In an eerie parallel of art and life, Spencer died of a heart attack —…
Sunday’s episode of The West Wing was so painful to watch. After the sad death of John Spencer in December, I’ve been dreading this episode. In an eerie parallel of art and life, Spencer died of a heart attack —…
Apr
9
2006
weekly roundup
Random things that have caught my eye in the past week, but which didn’t get their own blog entries: Before documentary filmmaker Robert Greenwald appeared on The Colbert Report on March 30, he asked his blog readers for advice on…
Random things that have caught my eye in the past week, but which didn’t get their own blog entries: Before documentary filmmaker Robert Greenwald appeared on The Colbert Report on March 30, he asked his blog readers for advice on…
Apr
3
2006
random things that bring me joy
In no particular order… Animated favorites due on DVD this year: The Venture Bros.: Season One (coming out May 30, according to Amazon.com), Animaniacs: Volume One and Pinky and the Brain (July 25) and maybe even (SPOON!) The Tick. 16…
In no particular order… Animated favorites due on DVD this year: The Venture Bros.: Season One (coming out May 30, according to Amazon.com), Animaniacs: Volume One and Pinky and the Brain (July 25) and maybe even (SPOON!) The Tick. 16…
the more you know
Despite my initial misgivings, I’ve become a full-fledged addict of the NBC version of The Office. Since about halfway through its short first season, the show has really come into its own, and every episode seems to top the one…
Despite my initial misgivings, I’ve become a full-fledged addict of the NBC version of The Office. Since about halfway through its short first season, the show has really come into its own, and every episode seems to top the one…
Mar
22
2006
digital stories
In my final semester of grad school, I chose not to do a master’s thesis and instead took two additional courses (and all the research papers that come with them). One of those classes was American Popular Culture, where the…
In my final semester of grad school, I chose not to do a master’s thesis and instead took two additional courses (and all the research papers that come with them). One of those classes was American Popular Culture, where the…
Mar
5
2006
how to watch an awards show
It’s all about digital cable. At the beginning of the program, tune to the right channel and press “pause” on your remote. Step away from the television. Go make a cup of tea, play a computer game, call your mother,…
It’s all about digital cable. At the beginning of the program, tune to the right channel and press “pause” on your remote. Step away from the television. Go make a cup of tea, play a computer game, call your mother,…
Feb
22
2006
life imitates art
A new contest announced in this week’s iTunes Music Store “New Music Tuesday” e-mail sounds like a certain Saturday Night Live sketch come to life: Win A Private Showby Prince at His Home Universal/Motown has the ultimate prize for the…
A new contest announced in this week’s iTunes Music Store “New Music Tuesday” e-mail sounds like a certain Saturday Night Live sketch come to life: Win A Private Showby Prince at His Home Universal/Motown has the ultimate prize for the…
Feb
17
2006
lazy no more
I guess it was only a matter of time before the lawyers came after YouTube. A hip-hopping “Saturday Night Live” skit that sparked a Web craze has been removed from a popular free video-sharing site at the request of NBC,…
I guess it was only a matter of time before the lawyers came after YouTube. A hip-hopping “Saturday Night Live” skit that sparked a Web craze has been removed from a popular free video-sharing site at the request of NBC,…
Feb
5
2006
super bowl sundae
Forget the game: For me, Super Bowl Sunday is all about the new commercials. Sadly, I wasn’t very impressed by the majority of the ads. (Disclaimer: I started watching at about 6:30 p.m., so I missed all the pre-game stuff.)…
Forget the game: For me, Super Bowl Sunday is all about the new commercials. Sadly, I wasn’t very impressed by the majority of the ads. (Disclaimer: I started watching at about 6:30 p.m., so I missed all the pre-game stuff.)…
saturday night blah
Anyone catch SNL last night? I forgot it was a new episode until just before “Weekend Update,” and my DVR didn’t record it for some reason. What I did see was pretty lame, with one exception: I’ve never really followed…
Anyone catch SNL last night? I forgot it was a new episode until just before “Weekend Update,” and my DVR didn’t record it for some reason. What I did see was pretty lame, with one exception: I’ve never really followed…
Jan
27
2006
personal jesus
This is so, incredibly weird that, two hours later, I’m still not entirely sure how to react to it. I’m vaguely intrigued, vaguely repulsed, vaguely befuddled by this story in The Guardian: The BBC plans to mark the crucifixion and…
This is so, incredibly weird that, two hours later, I’m still not entirely sure how to react to it. I’m vaguely intrigued, vaguely repulsed, vaguely befuddled by this story in The Guardian: The BBC plans to mark the crucifixion and…
Jan
23
2006
jacktracker
This is a level of television nerdity and Web geekery that I could only hope to aspire to: the Jacktracker, a Google Maps-meets-Flickr interactive map that follows the episode-by-episode adventures of 24’s Jack Bauer. Every season, I keep meaning to…
This is a level of television nerdity and Web geekery that I could only hope to aspire to: the Jacktracker, a Google Maps-meets-Flickr interactive map that follows the episode-by-episode adventures of 24’s Jack Bauer. Every season, I keep meaning to…
Jan
19
2006
going down to south park
If I was a South Park character, I’d probably look something like this… The South Park Studio is a fun little Flash app that lets you create — with a surprisingly impressive array of options — your very own South…
If I was a South Park character, I’d probably look something like this… The South Park Studio is a fun little Flash app that lets you create — with a surprisingly impressive array of options — your very own South…
Jan
4
2006
on the teevee
A project I worked on was made fun of on television tonight … and it totally made my week. Normally, I might take some offense to my work being mocked, but in this case, the television program in question was…
A project I worked on was made fun of on television tonight … and it totally made my week. Normally, I might take some offense to my work being mocked, but in this case, the television program in question was…
Dec
22
2005
the horizon
It’s been over a week, but I still can’t get over how truly awesome last week’s episode of Alias was. (Obsessive geek that I am, I watched it for probably the fourth time tonight.) Of course, it certainly helps that…
It’s been over a week, but I still can’t get over how truly awesome last week’s episode of Alias was. (Obsessive geek that I am, I watched it for probably the fourth time tonight.) Of course, it certainly helps that…
Dec
9
2005
seen: the pretty
I’m catching up on Season 4 of Alias via Netflix. (Long story short: by the time Season 4 started, I was still getting up to speed on seasons 1-3 on DVD, so I only came in on S4 midway through.)…
I’m catching up on Season 4 of Alias via Netflix. (Long story short: by the time Season 4 started, I was still getting up to speed on seasons 1-3 on DVD, so I only came in on S4 midway through.)…
seen: all i want for christmas
Spotted at TVSquad: All Bob wants for Festivus … A great ending for Alias. And by “great ending” I mean Michael Vartan returns, Vaughn isn’t dead, Will comes back, and the current storyline is wrapped up. Amen….
Spotted at TVSquad: All Bob wants for Festivus … A great ending for Alias. And by “great ending” I mean Michael Vartan returns, Vaughn isn’t dead, Will comes back, and the current storyline is wrapped up. Amen….
Nov
22
2005
media consumption
Music Fate Is the Hunter by Kate Earl - I first heard Kate Earl’s music last week on a back-episode of the KCRW Morning Becomes Eclectic podcast. I liked what I heard, so a week or two ago I bought…
Music Fate Is the Hunter by Kate Earl - I first heard Kate Earl’s music last week on a back-episode of the KCRW Morning Becomes Eclectic podcast. I liked what I heard, so a week or two ago I bought…
Nov
10
2005
col-bear ra-por
I’ve given it a month, but I have to admit that I’m not a huge fan of Daily Show spin-off The Colbert Report. That’s not to say that the show doesn’t have its moments (even now, I’ll generally watch through…
I’ve given it a month, but I have to admit that I’m not a huge fan of Daily Show spin-off The Colbert Report. That’s not to say that the show doesn’t have its moments (even now, I’ll generally watch through…
Nov
9
2005
bring me my graphics
Jon Stewart’s former “incredible exploding title graphics” have claimed another victim: CNN’s Anderson Cooper. Fishbowl NY observes: One interesting point: is it just me, or does the new 360 set look a lot like the Daily Show set? The funniest…
Jon Stewart’s former “incredible exploding title graphics” have claimed another victim: CNN’s Anderson Cooper. Fishbowl NY observes: One interesting point: is it just me, or does the new 360 set look a lot like the Daily Show set? The funniest…
Oct
24
2005
quick recovery
Fishbowl DC has a funny account from Jon Stewart’s appearance at George Washington University last weekend: One of the funnier moments came during the second show when a student asked Stewart for his thought’s on CNN’s “The Situation Room.” Stewart…
Fishbowl DC has a funny account from Jon Stewart’s appearance at George Washington University last weekend: One of the funnier moments came during the second show when a student asked Stewart for his thought’s on CNN’s “The Situation Room.” Stewart…
presentation is key
If you’re a fan of the Adult Swim show The Venture Brothers, you may understand… I made a blueberry crisp this weekend but grossly overestimated how many blueberries I needed, so I made blueberry muffins this morning and brought them…
If you’re a fan of the Adult Swim show The Venture Brothers, you may understand… I made a blueberry crisp this weekend but grossly overestimated how many blueberries I needed, so I made blueberry muffins this morning and brought them…
Oct
7
2005
stay at scully's
Rob and I decided recently that, since we liked Vancouver so much last time, we want to go back this spring for our honeymoon. Doing a little research online, I stumbled upon this little vacation rental gem in the city:…
Rob and I decided recently that, since we liked Vancouver so much last time, we want to go back this spring for our honeymoon. Doing a little research online, I stumbled upon this little vacation rental gem in the city:…
Oct
6
2005
spymommy
Interesting story in the New York Times today about Alias and the evolving depiction of pregnancy on television. (“On ‘Alias,’ the Star Is Now Spying for Two” - 10/06/05) (Warning: The article contains spoilers if you haven’t seen the premiere…
Interesting story in the New York Times today about Alias and the evolving depiction of pregnancy on television. (“On ‘Alias,’ the Star Is Now Spying for Two” - 10/06/05) (Warning: The article contains spoilers if you haven’t seen the premiere…
on the tube
The theme of the new additions to my television viewing schedule this season seems to be “support your Buffy alumni.” The ensemble cast of How I Met Your Mother includes Alyson Hannigan (formerly Willow Rosenberg) — although I think my…
The theme of the new additions to my television viewing schedule this season seems to be “support your Buffy alumni.” The ensemble cast of How I Met Your Mother includes Alyson Hannigan (formerly Willow Rosenberg) — although I think my…
Sep
24
2005
wilted dance-off
Happy as I am that John “Peterman Wuz Robbed” O’Hurley won the Dancing with the Stars Dance-Off, the whole thing left me feeling a bit cold. Though his performance was still better than Kelly “Shake and Shimmy” Monaco’s, both performers…
Happy as I am that John “Peterman Wuz Robbed” O’Hurley won the Dancing with the Stars Dance-Off, the whole thing left me feeling a bit cold. Though his performance was still better than Kelly “Shake and Shimmy” Monaco’s, both performers…
Aug
19
2005
dance-off on
It’s so on… ABC programming chief Steve McPherson is so talented he can come up with a great stunt-programming idea while simultaneously fending off a couple hundred rabid TV critics. The network announced yesterday that John O’Hurley and Kelly Monaco…
It’s so on… ABC programming chief Steve McPherson is so talented he can come up with a great stunt-programming idea while simultaneously fending off a couple hundred rabid TV critics. The network announced yesterday that John O’Hurley and Kelly Monaco…
Aug
17
2005
take on me
If you’re a fan of The Family Guy and 80s pop music, you might be as amused by this clip as I was. It’s so unexpected, it’s brilliant. (Note: Video clip requires Windows Media Player.) (Link found via TV Squad.)…
If you’re a fan of The Family Guy and 80s pop music, you might be as amused by this clip as I was. It’s so unexpected, it’s brilliant. (Note: Video clip requires Windows Media Player.) (Link found via TV Squad.)…
Jul
31
2005
creative process
I’ve run across a couple interesting blog entries about various points in the creative process from people whose work I enjoy: Jackson Publick offers a glimpse into the making of an episode of the animated series The Venture Brothers: So…
I’ve run across a couple interesting blog entries about various points in the creative process from people whose work I enjoy: Jackson Publick offers a glimpse into the making of an episode of the animated series The Venture Brothers: So…
Jul
20
2005
into the final frontier
Today brought the sad news that actor James Doohan, best known as “miracle worker” engineer Scotty on Star Trek, died this morning at the age of 85. His death was attributed to pnemonia and Alzheimer’s disease. (AP: “‘Star Trek’ Star…
Today brought the sad news that actor James Doohan, best known as “miracle worker” engineer Scotty on Star Trek, died this morning at the age of 85. His death was attributed to pnemonia and Alzheimer’s disease. (AP: “‘Star Trek’ Star…
Jul
14
2005
expressing myself
I’m quoted in the paper today! Unbeknownst to me, the morning commuter paper Express included a quote from this blog on page 29 of today’s edition (PDF). It came as a complete surprise to me when I got an e-mail…
I’m quoted in the paper today! Unbeknownst to me, the morning commuter paper Express included a quote from this blog on page 29 of today’s edition (PDF). It came as a complete surprise to me when I got an e-mail…
Jul
13
2005
new digs
Catching up on my TV, I watched Monday’s edition of The Daily Show last night. The show went on a brief hiatus last week in order to move to a new studio; Monday was the first taping on the new…
Catching up on my TV, I watched Monday’s edition of The Daily Show last night. The show went on a brief hiatus last week in order to move to a new studio; Monday was the first taping on the new…
Jul
11
2005
dance-off
The finale of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars was nearly a week ago, yet I’m still fuming a bit over the outcome. While I’ll concede that winner Kelly Monaco (of ABC’s General Hospital) was probably one of the hardest-working contestants,…
The finale of ABC’s Dancing with the Stars was nearly a week ago, yet I’m still fuming a bit over the outcome. While I’ll concede that winner Kelly Monaco (of ABC’s General Hospital) was probably one of the hardest-working contestants,…
Jun
28
2005
quote of the day: looking ahead
A recent edition NPR’s On the Media program featured a quote from President Lyndon Johnson’s 1967 speech announcing the creation of the Publication for Public Broadcasting. LBJ’s “vision” for the future seems eerily prophetic. So I think we must consider…
A recent edition NPR’s On the Media program featured a quote from President Lyndon Johnson’s 1967 speech announcing the creation of the Publication for Public Broadcasting. LBJ’s “vision” for the future seems eerily prophetic. So I think we must consider…
a sad day in the hundred acre wood
I was bummed this weekend to hear about the death of Paul Winchell, who was the voice of Tigger in all the Winnie the Pooh cartoons. I was even more stunned when I read last night that John Fiedler, the…
I was bummed this weekend to hear about the death of Paul Winchell, who was the voice of Tigger in all the Winnie the Pooh cartoons. I was even more stunned when I read last night that John Fiedler, the…
May
25
2005
Apr
12
2005
heard: shout out
Heard at the beginning of Monday night’s edition of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart: Welcome to another … intellectually stimulating Daily Show. Perhaps you could write a thesis on it … Or, perhaps you could try and pass your…
Heard at the beginning of Monday night’s edition of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart: Welcome to another … intellectually stimulating Daily Show. Perhaps you could write a thesis on it … Or, perhaps you could try and pass your…
Mar
22
2005
magic run
My new musical obsession of the moment is the dreamy song used in Adidas’s new ad campaign for its “Adidas-1” shoe. The Internet tells me that the song is “Hello Tomorrow,” featuring Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. I…
My new musical obsession of the moment is the dreamy song used in Adidas’s new ad campaign for its “Adidas-1” shoe. The Internet tells me that the song is “Hello Tomorrow,” featuring Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. I…
Mar
20
2005
fashion disaster
Lately I’ve been hooked on the fashion makeover show What Not to Wear (the original British version on BBC America). I need someone to tell me what works and what doesn’t, and point me in the right direction of specific…
Lately I’ve been hooked on the fashion makeover show What Not to Wear (the original British version on BBC America). I need someone to tell me what works and what doesn’t, and point me in the right direction of specific…
Mar
16
2005
press room
This reminds me of a plot point from an early episode of The West Wing, in which Sam suggests moving the press corps from the White House to the Old Executive Office Building, an idea that isn’t taken particularly well….
This reminds me of a plot point from an early episode of The West Wing, in which Sam suggests moving the press corps from the White House to the Old Executive Office Building, an idea that isn’t taken particularly well….
Mar
15
2005
tivo me
This makes me so happy. Maybe next year I’ll have a real TiVo instead of this generic DVR… :) TiVo Inc., the struggling pioneer of digital video recorders, will make a customized version for Comcast cable subscribers, the two companies…
This makes me so happy. Maybe next year I’ll have a real TiVo instead of this generic DVR… :) TiVo Inc., the struggling pioneer of digital video recorders, will make a customized version for Comcast cable subscribers, the two companies…
Mar
6
2005
superjobs
TPS: This Place Sucks: It’s Office Space, starring the Super Friends. Speaking of the Super Friends, I’ve been getting a kick out of the Adult Swim show Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law on the Cartoon Network, which consists of utterly…
TPS: This Place Sucks: It’s Office Space, starring the Super Friends. Speaking of the Super Friends, I’ve been getting a kick out of the Adult Swim show Harvey Birdman: Attorney at Law on the Cartoon Network, which consists of utterly…
no dvd for you
Ever wonder why some television shows have been released on DVD, while other classics (or not-so-classics) have yet to find their way onto store shelves? According to a story at Wired News, music may be partly to blame. (“Copyrights Keep…
Ever wonder why some television shows have been released on DVD, while other classics (or not-so-classics) have yet to find their way onto store shelves? According to a story at Wired News, music may be partly to blame. (“Copyrights Keep…
Mar
2
2005
on the job
Assorted jobs that I would have no interest in ever trying: (This is by no means a definitive list; it’s more “stuff I’ve read lately.”) White House social secretary. Yesterday, the Washington Post profiled Lea Berman, Laura Bush’s new right-hand…
Assorted jobs that I would have no interest in ever trying: (This is by no means a definitive list; it’s more “stuff I’ve read lately.”) White House social secretary. Yesterday, the Washington Post profiled Lea Berman, Laura Bush’s new right-hand…
Feb
27
2005
oscar-rific
TiVo: It’s really the only way to watch an awards show. Start watching about 45 minutes after the show’s begun, fast forward through the commercials and boring bits, and you’re good! I mean, I’m only really in it to find…
TiVo: It’s really the only way to watch an awards show. Start watching about 45 minutes after the show’s begun, fast forward through the commercials and boring bits, and you’re good! I mean, I’m only really in it to find…
Jan
29
2005
i've got a fever...
The Washington Post today has a story about the impact of the now-classic Saturday Night Live sketch (Windows Media player) lampooning VH1: Behind the Music and the song “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” (iTMS) by the band Blue Öyster Cult. (“Blue…
The Washington Post today has a story about the impact of the now-classic Saturday Night Live sketch (Windows Media player) lampooning VH1: Behind the Music and the song “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper” (iTMS) by the band Blue Öyster Cult. (“Blue…