television archives
May
5
2009
chart crazy
"Honey, this is the graphics department. We can make as many graphs and as many charts in as many colors on as many kinds of paper as you want." Last night's episode of How I Met Your Mother had a...
"Honey, this is the graphics department. We can make as many graphs and as many charts in as many colors on as many kinds of paper as you want." Last night's episode of How I Met Your Mother had a...
Oct
10
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
28
2008
national treasure
Earlier this month, The Colbert Report aired a multi-part mini-saga of Stephen Colbert's efforts to have his portrait hung in one of the Smithsonian museums. The end result was that the National Portrait Gallery agreed to display his portrait for...
Earlier this month, The Colbert Report aired a multi-part mini-saga of Stephen Colbert's efforts to have his portrait hung in one of the Smithsonian museums. The end result was that the National Portrait Gallery agreed to display his portrait for...
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
23
2007
meet the candidate
Stephen Colbert had a brilliant turn this past weekend on NBC's Meet the Press as he discussed his book and his presidential candidacy (in South Carolina only) with host Tim Russert. It started out a bit shaky, but the second...
Stephen Colbert had a brilliant turn this past weekend on NBC's Meet the Press as he discussed his book and his presidential candidacy (in South Carolina only) with host Tim Russert. It started out a bit shaky, but the second...
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
26
2007
on the telly
This afternoon I have tickets to a taping of The Daily Show here in New York. I've been super-psyched for about a month about this, and it's a bit weird that it's finally here. Since they overbook every show to...
This afternoon I have tickets to a taping of The Daily Show here in New York. I've been super-psyched for about a month about this, and it's a bit weird that it's finally here. Since they overbook every show to...
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,...
Jan
13
2007
steven in stereo
Damn you, Robert Schneider. In my weekly Ticketmaster concert alert e-mail, I saw a listing for an upcoming performance by Apples in Stereo, Schneider's band, at the Black Cat in D.C. Since then, I've had Schneider's maddening ode to Stephen...
Damn you, Robert Schneider. In my weekly Ticketmaster concert alert e-mail, I saw a listing for an upcoming performance by Apples in Stereo, Schneider's band, at the Black Cat in D.C. Since then, I've had Schneider's maddening ode to Stephen...
Jan
7
2007
quote of the day: making light
"I would say laughter is the best medicine. But it's more than that. It's an entire regime of antibiotics and steroids. Laughter brings the swelling down on our national psyche, and then applies an antibiotic cream. You gotta keep it...
"I would say laughter is the best medicine. But it's more than that. It's an entire regime of antibiotics and steroids. Laughter brings the swelling down on our national psyche, and then applies an antibiotic cream. You gotta keep it...
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
colberterists
Oh this is going to be fun! Reports TV Squad: It seems like indie group The Decemberists are looking to get a little green screen action too, through their new contest, Re-animate The Decemberists, in which fans download footage of...
Oh this is going to be fun! Reports TV Squad: It seems like indie group The Decemberists are looking to get a little green screen action too, through their new contest, Re-animate The Decemberists, in which fans download footage of...
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
28
2006
quote of the day: courage
"You have an obligation five nights a week to be serious and funny. I have an obligation five nights a week to be serious and boring. It takes a lot of courage to be boring five nights a week." -...
"You have an obligation five nights a week to be serious and funny. I have an obligation five nights a week to be serious and boring. It takes a lot of courage to be boring five nights a week." -...
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
9
2006
better know a district
The folks behind the Post's "Reliable Source" column point out today that while some politicians have looked really silly during their appearances on The Colbert Report (let's not forget the unopposed congressman who jokingly admitted to enjoying cocaine), it hasn't...
The folks behind the Post's "Reliable Source" column point out today that while some politicians have looked really silly during their appearances on The Colbert Report (let's not forget the unopposed congressman who jokingly admitted to enjoying cocaine), it hasn't...
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
21
2006
colbert on the brain
Today I've been plowing through a series of congressional district maps for our Campaign 2006 coverage. In a sure sign that I watch too much of The Colbert Report, every time I start a new map, I imagine Stephen Colbert...
Today I've been plowing through a series of congressional district maps for our Campaign 2006 coverage. In a sure sign that I watch too much of The Colbert Report, every time I start a new map, I imagine Stephen Colbert...
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
23
2006
quote of the day: truth
"Bring the truth ... or whatever you've got." - Stephen Colbert to Dan Senor, on The Colbert Report (Mar. 23, 2006)...
"Bring the truth ... or whatever you've got." - Stephen Colbert to Dan Senor, on The Colbert Report (Mar. 23, 2006)...
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
9
2006
all colbert, all the time
The "truthiness teller" is popping up all over the place these days. Stephen Colbert, host of Daily Show spin-off The Colbert Report, has been getting a ton of press lately, including a profile featured on the cover of this week's...
The "truthiness teller" is popping up all over the place these days. Stephen Colbert, host of Daily Show spin-off The Colbert Report, has been getting a ton of press lately, including a profile featured on the cover of this week's...
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
May
4
2005
the colbert report
Daily Show senior correspondent Stephen Colbert is getting his very own spin-off, reports today's New York Times. ("'Daily Show' Personality Gets His Own Platform" - 05/04/05) It sounds like they've turned the Colbert Report fake program teaser -- in which...
Daily Show senior correspondent Stephen Colbert is getting his very own spin-off, reports today's New York Times. ("'Daily Show' Personality Gets His Own Platform" - 05/04/05) It sounds like they've turned the Colbert Report fake program teaser -- in which...
Apr
18
2005
election
Big in the news today: The beginning of the papal conclave, in which all the cardinals (under 80 years old) sequester themselves inside the Sistine Chapel to vote on who becomes the next pope of the Roman Catholic church. Last...
Big in the news today: The beginning of the papal conclave, in which all the cardinals (under 80 years old) sequester themselves inside the Sistine Chapel to vote on who becomes the next pope of the Roman Catholic church. Last...
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...
Dec
27
2004
best of 2004
It's time again for those roundups of events and "bests" of the the past year... Arts & Culture New York Times: "Culture: Best of 2004"Salon.com: "When Comedy Drew Blood" Movies New York Times: "The Best Movies of 2004"Roger Ebert, Chicago...
It's time again for those roundups of events and "bests" of the the past year... Arts & Culture New York Times: "Culture: Best of 2004"Salon.com: "When Comedy Drew Blood" Movies New York Times: "The Best Movies of 2004"Roger Ebert, Chicago...
Dec
7
2004
voices carry
Talk about the power of a squeaky wheel... Mediaweek reported yesterday that 99.8 of all indecency complaints submitted to the FCC last year were filed by one group: the Parents Television Council. ("Activists Dominate Content Complaints" - 12/06/04) Through early...
Talk about the power of a squeaky wheel... Mediaweek reported yesterday that 99.8 of all indecency complaints submitted to the FCC last year were filed by one group: the Parents Television Council. ("Activists Dominate Content Complaints" - 12/06/04) Through early...
Nov
29
2004
red state, blue state
Ever since the election, there have been a ton of stories in the media about "red states vs. blue states," with regard to the results of the most recent presidential election and what the pundits and critics believe those results...
Ever since the election, there have been a ton of stories in the media about "red states vs. blue states," with regard to the results of the most recent presidential election and what the pundits and critics believe those results...
Nov
26
2004
this is sportscenter
I'm not a big fan of sports, but I do enjoy ESPN SportsCenter. In particular, I love the commercials that ESPN makes to promote the show. They're so funny and clever, if ESPN released a DVD of just the commercials,...
I'm not a big fan of sports, but I do enjoy ESPN SportsCenter. In particular, I love the commercials that ESPN makes to promote the show. They're so funny and clever, if ESPN released a DVD of just the commercials,...
Nov
24
2004
crabby ransom
Wire story seen today at azcentral.com: SpongeBob kidnappers seek ransom MINNESOTA - Police are looking for a a blow-up figure of SpongeBob SquarePants swiped from a Minnesota Burger King. They've found a ransom note which starts off: "We have SpongeBob."...
Wire story seen today at azcentral.com: SpongeBob kidnappers seek ransom MINNESOTA - Police are looking for a a blow-up figure of SpongeBob SquarePants swiped from a Minnesota Burger King. They've found a ransom note which starts off: "We have SpongeBob."...
Nov
5
2004
quote: political shame
"So tell me, how painful was it when the doctor removed your sense of shame?" - Triumph the Insult Comic Dog (QuickTime), in "Spin Alley" after the third presidential debate....
"So tell me, how painful was it when the doctor removed your sense of shame?" - Triumph the Insult Comic Dog (QuickTime), in "Spin Alley" after the third presidential debate....
Oct
20
2004
you know you're addicted to tivo when...
... you try to fast-forward through the commercials on the live baseball game you're watching on TV ... which only reinforces your TiVo-induced distaste for live television....
... you try to fast-forward through the commercials on the live baseball game you're watching on TV ... which only reinforces your TiVo-induced distaste for live television....
Oct
18
2004
deception lane
The Daily Show's Jon Stewart was a guest on CNN's Crossfire this past Friday, and instead of just telling jokes about politics and current events (although he did a bit of that, too), he spent most of his visit criticizing...
The Daily Show's Jon Stewart was a guest on CNN's Crossfire this past Friday, and instead of just telling jokes about politics and current events (although he did a bit of that, too), he spent most of his visit criticizing...
Sep
27
2004
the slacker zone
Daily Show viewers may be "slackers" -- but they're well-informed slackers, at least compared to their non-Daily Show-watching demographic counterparts. After Fox News personality Bill O'Reilly dismissed the Daily Show audience as a bunch of "stoned slackers" watching a "dopey...
Daily Show viewers may be "slackers" -- but they're well-informed slackers, at least compared to their non-Daily Show-watching demographic counterparts. After Fox News personality Bill O'Reilly dismissed the Daily Show audience as a bunch of "stoned slackers" watching a "dopey...
Sep
21
2004
modern classics
To my horror, I heard "Under the Bridge" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers on a local classic rock station. This is the same station I heard play some Joshua Tree-era U2 a couple days ago. It's disconcerting to hear...
To my horror, I heard "Under the Bridge" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers on a local classic rock station. This is the same station I heard play some Joshua Tree-era U2 a couple days ago. It's disconcerting to hear...
Sep
17
2004
jump the shark?
With all the attention lavished on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart in this election cycle, I'm beginning to wonder if (or when) the show is going to cross the line from subversive political satire to mainstream infotainment. If it...
With all the attention lavished on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart in this election cycle, I'm beginning to wonder if (or when) the show is going to cross the line from subversive political satire to mainstream infotainment. If it...
Sep
16
2004
quote of the day: irreconcilable differences
Lisa: Don't be so hard on yourself, Bart. It's not your fault Jessica doesn't like you. Bart: Is it my hair? My overbite? The fact that I've worn the same clothes day in, day out for the last four years?...
Lisa: Don't be so hard on yourself, Bart. It's not your fault Jessica doesn't like you. Bart: Is it my hair? My overbite? The fact that I've worn the same clothes day in, day out for the last four years?...
Sep
12
2004
heard: alternative music
I heard this station identification on a local radio station this evening: Z104. It's like your iPod, only without the work. The station followed it up with the latest single by Train ... which compelled me to pull out my...
I heard this station identification on a local radio station this evening: Z104. It's like your iPod, only without the work. The station followed it up with the latest single by Train ... which compelled me to pull out my...
Sep
10
2004
everywhere at once
He's "That Guy." And now he's in the New York Times. Rob Huebel, who will forever be Mr. "Inconsiderate Cellphone Man" to me, has been popping up in commercials all over the place, starring as everything from "Candidate Zero" for...
He's "That Guy." And now he's in the New York Times. Rob Huebel, who will forever be Mr. "Inconsiderate Cellphone Man" to me, has been popping up in commercials all over the place, starring as everything from "Candidate Zero" for...
hot dog
I have a new oddball mini-obsession with the television commercial (QuickTime movie) for the new Nintendo GameCube game "Pikmin 2." It's weird, vaguely disturbing and offbeat-funny, all at once. I caught it the other night at the tail end of...
I have a new oddball mini-obsession with the television commercial (QuickTime movie) for the new Nintendo GameCube game "Pikmin 2." It's weird, vaguely disturbing and offbeat-funny, all at once. I caught it the other night at the tail end of...
Sep
1
2004
Aug
24
2004
PSA
TV Public Service Announcement: Democratic presidential contender John Kerry is appearing tonight on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. While political figures certainly aren't strangers to the show (all of the Democratic hopefuls except Kerry appeared on the show this...
TV Public Service Announcement: Democratic presidential contender John Kerry is appearing tonight on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. While political figures certainly aren't strangers to the show (all of the Democratic hopefuls except Kerry appeared on the show this...
Aug
4
2004
straight talk
Continuing the apparent Bush parody tangent ... Comedian Will Ferrell reprises his role as President George W. Bush from SNL in the "Straight Talk from White House West" ad campaign from political advocacy group America Coming Together. The commercial is...
Continuing the apparent Bush parody tangent ... Comedian Will Ferrell reprises his role as President George W. Bush from SNL in the "Straight Talk from White House West" ad campaign from political advocacy group America Coming Together. The commercial is...
Jul
31
2004
programmed to serve
Saw the remake of The Manchurian Candidate, starring Denzel Washington, last night. Fairly good, and vaguely unsettling -- although I suppose that's the point. I've never seen the original; I TiVo'ed it earlier this week, though, so I'll try to...
Saw the remake of The Manchurian Candidate, starring Denzel Washington, last night. Fairly good, and vaguely unsettling -- although I suppose that's the point. I've never seen the original; I TiVo'ed it earlier this week, though, so I'll try to...
Jul
23
2004
contingency plan
An unfinished copy of the band U2's newest album, Vertigo, due out this fall, was stolen during a photo shoot in France recently. If the new songs show up online, the band plans to release the album via the iTunes...
An unfinished copy of the band U2's newest album, Vertigo, due out this fall, was stolen during a photo shoot in France recently. If the new songs show up online, the band plans to release the album via the iTunes...
Jul
19
2004
walking back
This month also marks an important anniversary. Twenty-five years ago, Sony introduced the Walkman music player. (Knight Ridder/Tribune News: "July 1979: Walkman spawned a revolution" - 07/16/04) Twenty-five years ago this month, America tuned out. A midnight-blue-and-silver brick with astonishing...
This month also marks an important anniversary. Twenty-five years ago, Sony introduced the Walkman music player. (Knight Ridder/Tribune News: "July 1979: Walkman spawned a revolution" - 07/16/04) Twenty-five years ago this month, America tuned out. A midnight-blue-and-silver brick with astonishing...
type geekery
I'm a lightweight type geek. I like to impress (or annoy) friends and relatives by pointing out typefaces I recognize on signs, menus, commercials and the like. (I do the same with movie scores that have been repurposed for other...
I'm a lightweight type geek. I like to impress (or annoy) friends and relatives by pointing out typefaces I recognize on signs, menus, commercials and the like. (I do the same with movie scores that have been repurposed for other...
ipod 4g
Newsweek appears to have the exclusive with details on the next generation of iPod music players. ("The New iPod" - 07/26/04) A cover story about Apple CEO Steve Jobs and the popular digital music player (a story and issue cover...
Newsweek appears to have the exclusive with details on the next generation of iPod music players. ("The New iPod" - 07/26/04) A cover story about Apple CEO Steve Jobs and the popular digital music player (a story and issue cover...
Jul
13
2004
jonesing
I think my iPod has developed a disturbing fixation on Norah Jones. Among the many playlists I've transferred to my iPod is a "smart playlist" of the songs in my library that feature Ms. Jones (both from her own albums...
I think my iPod has developed a disturbing fixation on Norah Jones. Among the many playlists I've transferred to my iPod is a "smart playlist" of the songs in my library that feature Ms. Jones (both from her own albums...
Jun
27
2004
(another) quote of the day: woefather
"The question arises: how did Robert Smith, this sobbing wraith, become the godfather of woe?" - From a New York Times story about the lasting influence of The Cure ("The Cure Returns to Face Its Progeny" - 06/27/04) (Thanks to...
"The question arises: how did Robert Smith, this sobbing wraith, become the godfather of woe?" - From a New York Times story about the lasting influence of The Cure ("The Cure Returns to Face Its Progeny" - 06/27/04) (Thanks to...
Jun
24
2004
turnabout?
A story in today's Washington Post included a curious observation about the new Michael Moore film Fahrenheit 9/11. ("'Fahrenheit 9/11' Is a Red-Hot Ticket" - 06/24/04) "I can't think of any precedent for it in a presidential campaign," says Frances...
A story in today's Washington Post included a curious observation about the new Michael Moore film Fahrenheit 9/11. ("'Fahrenheit 9/11' Is a Red-Hot Ticket" - 06/24/04) "I can't think of any precedent for it in a presidential campaign," says Frances...
Jun
10
2004
old, sweet song
AP reports that music legend Ray Charles died today, at the age of 73. It's a sad day. ("Musician Ray Charles Dies at 73" - 06/10/04) In public appearances, Charles always seemed like an upbeat, good-spirited guy, and I loved...
AP reports that music legend Ray Charles died today, at the age of 73. It's a sad day. ("Musician Ray Charles Dies at 73" - 06/10/04) In public appearances, Charles always seemed like an upbeat, good-spirited guy, and I loved...
Jun
6
2004
mmm ... cary grant
I'm catching up on back reading this afternoon, and found a review by Washington Post style columnist Tom Shales of a Cary Grant documentary that ran on Turner Classic Movies this past Tuesday. Now I'm wishing I'd set the TiVo...
I'm catching up on back reading this afternoon, and found a review by Washington Post style columnist Tom Shales of a Cary Grant documentary that ran on Turner Classic Movies this past Tuesday. Now I'm wishing I'd set the TiVo...
May
28
2004
office angst
Last night, Rob and I had an unintentional "office angst" movie night: an episode of the BBC "comedy" The Office, followed by the last hour of the film Clockwatchers (we'd started watching it a few weeks earlier). In both movies,...
Last night, Rob and I had an unintentional "office angst" movie night: an episode of the BBC "comedy" The Office, followed by the last hour of the film Clockwatchers (we'd started watching it a few weeks earlier). In both movies,...
Apr
3
2004
wtf?
Warren Ellis just blogged a British car commercial (MPEG) that's just so wrong that I had to watch it a couple times just to make sure I saw what I thought I saw. The ad is apparently for the Ford...
Warren Ellis just blogged a British car commercial (MPEG) that's just so wrong that I had to watch it a couple times just to make sure I saw what I thought I saw. The ad is apparently for the Ford...
Mar
16
2004
staggered start
I've had some problems of late with my DVR recording all but the very end of some television shows. I'd chalked it up to my TiVo clone just being flaky, until I read that the networks are doing it on...
I've had some problems of late with my DVR recording all but the very end of some television shows. I'd chalked it up to my TiVo clone just being flaky, until I read that the networks are doing it on...
geekery gone "cool"
Move over, metrosexuals. The "technosexual" may be the next hot thing. The technosexual is essentially the style-conscious metrosexual, but with a certain geeky obsessiveness about electronics and gadgetry. (AlterNet: "Enter the Technosexual" - 03/08/04) "With metrosexuality, it's about style, fashion,...
Move over, metrosexuals. The "technosexual" may be the next hot thing. The technosexual is essentially the style-conscious metrosexual, but with a certain geeky obsessiveness about electronics and gadgetry. (AlterNet: "Enter the Technosexual" - 03/08/04) "With metrosexuality, it's about style, fashion,...
Mar
5
2004
calling all survivor fans
One of my classmates is doing his thesis on Survivor and reality television, and, as part of his research, is conducting a survey of Survivor viewers about their responses to the show. I'm doing my thesis on the reality TV...
One of my classmates is doing his thesis on Survivor and reality television, and, as part of his research, is conducting a survey of Survivor viewers about their responses to the show. I'm doing my thesis on the reality TV...
Feb
15
2004
winding down ... and up
I'm getting way too emotionally involved in the final episodes of Sex and the City. I've been a fan of the show for the past few years, and through HBO airings, re-airings and DVDs, I've seen just about every episode....
I'm getting way too emotionally involved in the final episodes of Sex and the City. I've been a fan of the show for the past few years, and through HBO airings, re-airings and DVDs, I've seen just about every episode....
Feb
2
2004
society of the spectacle
For anyone who was living under a rock and missed all the hype and hoo-ra-ra, yesterday was Super Bowl Sunday. Everybody else has been talking about it. I might as well throw my two cents in, a day or so...
For anyone who was living under a rock and missed all the hype and hoo-ra-ra, yesterday was Super Bowl Sunday. Everybody else has been talking about it. I might as well throw my two cents in, a day or so...
Jan
24
2004
in passing
Yesterday marked another sad passing of a trademark children's television icon. Bob Keeshan, perhaps better known as "Captain Kangaroo," died yesterday at the age of 76 after a long illness. The television program ran for 30 years, from 1955 to...
Yesterday marked another sad passing of a trademark children's television icon. Bob Keeshan, perhaps better known as "Captain Kangaroo," died yesterday at the age of 76 after a long illness. The television program ran for 30 years, from 1955 to...
Nov
24
2003
recycled commercials
When agencies do work for their clients, be it a television spot or a Web site, they often create multiple concepts to present to the client. But once the client chooses a concept, the other concepts are often simply discarded....
When agencies do work for their clients, be it a television spot or a Web site, they often create multiple concepts to present to the client. But once the client chooses a concept, the other concepts are often simply discarded....
Nov
7
2003
life imitates art imitates life ... redux
Remember that episode of The Simpsons where Homer grows a cash crop of "tomacco," an addictive tomato/tobacco hybrid? An Oregon man grafted together a tomato plant with a tobacco plant and produced the real thing. (Wired: "'Simpsons' plant seeds of...
Remember that episode of The Simpsons where Homer grows a cash crop of "tomacco," an addictive tomato/tobacco hybrid? An Oregon man grafted together a tomato plant with a tobacco plant and produced the real thing. (Wired: "'Simpsons' plant seeds of...
Oct
31
2003
not quite 'anything goes'
The Simpsons the Fox cash cow that, for years, has gotten away with jokes and snide remarks at its corporate masters' expense, apparently isn't totally free to do as it wishes. The Associated Press reports that Fox wasn't very happy...
The Simpsons the Fox cash cow that, for years, has gotten away with jokes and snide remarks at its corporate masters' expense, apparently isn't totally free to do as it wishes. The Associated Press reports that Fox wasn't very happy...
Oct
26
2003
tivo substitute
I've been toying with the idea of purchasing a TiVo for some time. The device, which, like other DVRs, offers a user-friendly way to automatically record television programs, has had something of a cult-like following for a couple years now....
I've been toying with the idea of purchasing a TiVo for some time. The device, which, like other DVRs, offers a user-friendly way to automatically record television programs, has had something of a cult-like following for a couple years now....
Oct
21
2003
the show's the same ... but the soundtrack isn't
Wired reports that despite the runaway success of television shows being released in DVD format, television studios are running into an unexpected hurdle when preparing series for DVD release: music licensing costs. ("TV on DVD: What's the Difference?" - 10/19/03)...
Wired reports that despite the runaway success of television shows being released in DVD format, television studios are running into an unexpected hurdle when preparing series for DVD release: music licensing costs. ("TV on DVD: What's the Difference?" - 10/19/03)...
Oct
20
2003
fiscal state of public broadcasting
Last month, the Washington Post ran a story about the sad financial state of public television. ("Public TV Learns to Do Without" - 09/15/03) Locally, WHUT, the PBS affiliate run by Howard University, has suffered major troubles with aging equipment...
Last month, the Washington Post ran a story about the sad financial state of public television. ("Public TV Learns to Do Without" - 09/15/03) Locally, WHUT, the PBS affiliate run by Howard University, has suffered major troubles with aging equipment...
Oct
13
2003
broadcast tv: now with expletives
Will the f-word be creeping into more broadcast television programming soon? The FCC, which received several complaints after U2 singer Bono offhandedly used the f-word during the Golden Globe Awards, recently ruled that Bono's use of the word did not...
Will the f-word be creeping into more broadcast television programming soon? The FCC, which received several complaints after U2 singer Bono offhandedly used the f-word during the Golden Globe Awards, recently ruled that Bono's use of the word did not...
Sep
14
2003
double down
The end of this week brought a couple of notable entertainment deaths, those of actor John Ritter (on Thursday) and Johnny Cash (on Friday). (If you believe in the "rule of threes" when it comes to high-profile deaths, the trifecta...
The end of this week brought a couple of notable entertainment deaths, those of actor John Ritter (on Thursday) and Johnny Cash (on Friday). (If you believe in the "rule of threes" when it comes to high-profile deaths, the trifecta...
Sep
12
2003
ejected
The Washington Post reports that the new HBO reality show K Street, produced by George Clooney and Steven Soderbergh, has been banned from shooting in the U.S. Capitol and Senate office buildings. A memo recently circulated around the Senate reminding...
The Washington Post reports that the new HBO reality show K Street, produced by George Clooney and Steven Soderbergh, has been banned from shooting in the U.S. Capitol and Senate office buildings. A memo recently circulated around the Senate reminding...
Sep
9
2003
marital bliss
Salon's Heather Havrilesky has a fun assessment of the MTV show Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica, particularly glorying in the couple's constant bickering. ("Can this marriage be saved?" - 09/09/03) According to the reviewer, Simpson comes off like the spoiled, "me-me-me"...
Salon's Heather Havrilesky has a fun assessment of the MTV show Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica, particularly glorying in the couple's constant bickering. ("Can this marriage be saved?" - 09/09/03) According to the reviewer, Simpson comes off like the spoiled, "me-me-me"...
Sep
4
2003
fashion crimes
Last night, flipping through the channels, I happened upon Style Court, a new show on the Style Network. The show is part Judge Judy, part glam makeover, as people drag friends, significant others and family members into court to put...
Last night, flipping through the channels, I happened upon Style Court, a new show on the Style Network. The show is part Judge Judy, part glam makeover, as people drag friends, significant others and family members into court to put...
Jul
20
2003
spike on 'angel'
Spoiler Slayer reports that an apparently legit promo poster for next season's Angel has surfaced on eBay which gives Angel and Spike dual billing. While I normally won't link to auctions, this poster does give a hint that this season...
Spoiler Slayer reports that an apparently legit promo poster for next season's Angel has surfaced on eBay which gives Angel and Spike dual billing. While I normally won't link to auctions, this poster does give a hint that this season...
Jun
21
2003
casting call
Nadia, a classmate at Georgetown, posted this announcement to the CCT listerv: I'm working this Saturday for Bunim Murray, the producers of the Real World. They are looking for cast members for the next season... so forget tackling the job...
Nadia, a classmate at Georgetown, posted this announcement to the CCT listerv: I'm working this Saturday for Bunim Murray, the producers of the Real World. They are looking for cast members for the next season... so forget tackling the job...
Jun
18
2003
the art of punditry
Wayne Slater offers a few basic tips in this month's Texas Monthly on how to be a good television/radio political pundit. ("How to Sound Smart on TV" - July 2003) In short: Don't worry too much about what they're going...
Wayne Slater offers a few basic tips in this month's Texas Monthly on how to be a good television/radio political pundit. ("How to Sound Smart on TV" - July 2003) In short: Don't worry too much about what they're going...
Jun
13
2003
the p2p debate
The Online NewsHour (Web site of PBS's The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer) has an interesting "debate" of sorts about music piracy and peer-to-peer networks (like Kazaa) between Internet law expert Lawrence Lessig and RIAA lawyer Matt Oppenheim, with both men...
The Online NewsHour (Web site of PBS's The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer) has an interesting "debate" of sorts about music piracy and peer-to-peer networks (like Kazaa) between Internet law expert Lawrence Lessig and RIAA lawyer Matt Oppenheim, with both men...
Jun
7
2003
mini a-go-go
I saw The Italian Job last weekend with Rob and Shawn. Overall, a pretty predictable, by-the-books, brainless summer movie -- but surprisingly enjoyable all the same. I left the theatre with a powerful desire to purchase a MINI Cooper. The...
I saw The Italian Job last weekend with Rob and Shawn. Overall, a pretty predictable, by-the-books, brainless summer movie -- but surprisingly enjoyable all the same. I left the theatre with a powerful desire to purchase a MINI Cooper. The...
Jun
5
2003
uh-oh, tivo
Wired reports that TiVo plans to start selling information about user viewing habits -- including down-to-the-second data about programs and commercials viewed -- to advertisers and broadcasters. ("TiVo to Sell User Viewing Data" - 06/02/03) Although the company plans to...
Wired reports that TiVo plans to start selling information about user viewing habits -- including down-to-the-second data about programs and commercials viewed -- to advertisers and broadcasters. ("TiVo to Sell User Viewing Data" - 06/02/03) Although the company plans to...
May
28
2003
playlist
What I'm listening to: "Wise Up" by Aimee Mann (from the "Magnolia" soundtrack)"Wild Horses" by The Sundays (from the CD "Blind")"A Letter to Elise" by The Cure (from the CD "Wish")"Turn My Way" by New Order (from the CD "Get...
What I'm listening to: "Wise Up" by Aimee Mann (from the "Magnolia" soundtrack)"Wild Horses" by The Sundays (from the CD "Blind")"A Letter to Elise" by The Cure (from the CD "Wish")"Turn My Way" by New Order (from the CD "Get...
May
16
2003
hacker cred
Someone did their research. Unlike so many movies about computers and hackers, The Matrix Reloaded apparently offers a far more realistic version of how hackers do what they do. In the scene where Trinity hacks a power grid, she uses...
Someone did their research. Unlike so many movies about computers and hackers, The Matrix Reloaded apparently offers a far more realistic version of how hackers do what they do. In the scene where Trinity hacks a power grid, she uses...
May
14
2003
did spike ruin 'buffy'?
Writer Jaime J. Weinman at Salon blames the show's decline on Spike's full-time addition to the cast in Season 4, arguing that focusing so heavily on the "cool" guy in the group took the show away from one of its...
Writer Jaime J. Weinman at Salon blames the show's decline on Spike's full-time addition to the cast in Season 4, arguing that focusing so heavily on the "cool" guy in the group took the show away from one of its...
'buffy' gear
Fox is auctioning off various costumes and props used in the show Buffy: The Vampire Slayer on eBay. Step up right now, and you, too, can own the ensemble worn by Sarah Michelle Gellar in the episode Lies My Parents...
Fox is auctioning off various costumes and props used in the show Buffy: The Vampire Slayer on eBay. Step up right now, and you, too, can own the ensemble worn by Sarah Michelle Gellar in the episode Lies My Parents...
May
10
2003
compilations
I'm kind of a firm believer in the "what music you listen to says a lot about you" theory. It's especially come into play since the release of iTunes 4, which allows people to share their music libraries and playlists...
I'm kind of a firm believer in the "what music you listen to says a lot about you" theory. It's especially come into play since the release of iTunes 4, which allows people to share their music libraries and playlists...
May
9
2003
funnyman
mediabistro.com has a fun interview with Stephen Colbert, "senior correspondent" for The Daily Show, talking about his career (little-known fact: he had a brief stint as correspondent for Good Morning America) and the behind-the-scenes workings on The Daily Show. ("So...
mediabistro.com has a fun interview with Stephen Colbert, "senior correspondent" for The Daily Show, talking about his career (little-known fact: he had a brief stint as correspondent for Good Morning America) and the behind-the-scenes workings on The Daily Show. ("So...
May
8
2003
playlist
What I'm listening to: "Sad Sad World" by Sheryl Crow (from the "Everyday Is a Winding Road" single)"A Letter to Elise" by The Cure (from the CD Wish)"Brick" by Ben Folds Five (from the CD Whatever & Ever Amen)"It Doesn't...
What I'm listening to: "Sad Sad World" by Sheryl Crow (from the "Everyday Is a Winding Road" single)"A Letter to Elise" by The Cure (from the CD Wish)"Brick" by Ben Folds Five (from the CD Whatever & Ever Amen)"It Doesn't...
Apr
30
2003
another reality show
I've gotten hooked on the the British show Manor House airing this week on PBS. Call it a highfalutin' television reality show. In it, 20-odd Britons spend three months in an old English manor, living, working, dressing and behaving as...
I've gotten hooked on the the British show Manor House airing this week on PBS. Call it a highfalutin' television reality show. In it, 20-odd Britons spend three months in an old English manor, living, working, dressing and behaving as...
Apr
28
2003
remote controlled -- and increasingly fragmented
The Los Angeles Times ran a story two weeks ago about the cultural impact of the remote control, and the effect channel-surfing may have had on viewers' comprehension of the televised war coverage. ("Revolution by Remote" - 04/13/03) In its...
The Los Angeles Times ran a story two weeks ago about the cultural impact of the remote control, and the effect channel-surfing may have had on viewers' comprehension of the televised war coverage. ("Revolution by Remote" - 04/13/03) In its...
Apr
24
2003
jon stewart is my hero
Yes, I've said it before. And I'm saying it again, dammit. The Daily Show on Comedy Central is one of the smartest shows on television, and certainly one of the best late-night shows around. And, yes, Jon Stewart is my...
Yes, I've said it before. And I'm saying it again, dammit. The Daily Show on Comedy Central is one of the smartest shows on television, and certainly one of the best late-night shows around. And, yes, Jon Stewart is my...
Apr
19
2003
hitting the road
I'm off to South Carolina this weekend to visit family for the Easter holiday. Seven-hour drive, here I come! ;) I've burned a few CDs to keep me company on my way down. I have much love for Ben Folds,...
I'm off to South Carolina this weekend to visit family for the Easter holiday. Seven-hour drive, here I come! ;) I've burned a few CDs to keep me company on my way down. I have much love for Ben Folds,...
Apr
10
2003
what concert was she at?
The Richmond Times-Dispatch has a positive review of last Saturday's Ben Folds concert at the University of Richmond. ("Odd but true, Ben Folds charms college crowd" - 04/07/03) Melissa Ruggieri writes: This young, reverential and well-behaved crowd apparently felt so...
The Richmond Times-Dispatch has a positive review of last Saturday's Ben Folds concert at the University of Richmond. ("Odd but true, Ben Folds charms college crowd" - 04/07/03) Melissa Ruggieri writes: This young, reverential and well-behaved crowd apparently felt so...
Mar
17
2003
tv shows find new (profitable) life on dvd
The LA Times reported last week that television shows on DVD have become a surprising moneymaker for the entertainment industry. ("Studios Take TV on DVD and Rerun With It" - 03/13/03) Three years ago, fewer than a hundred shows were...
The LA Times reported last week that television shows on DVD have become a surprising moneymaker for the entertainment industry. ("Studios Take TV on DVD and Rerun With It" - 03/13/03) Three years ago, fewer than a hundred shows were...
Mar
13
2003
unböring
Back on Super Bowl Sunday, I complained about the lack of creative new TV ads, a la Spike Jonze's "Tainted Love" ad for Levi's a few years back. This afternoon, a friend pointed me toward a new Spike Jonze ad...
Back on Super Bowl Sunday, I complained about the lack of creative new TV ads, a la Spike Jonze's "Tainted Love" ad for Levi's a few years back. This afternoon, a friend pointed me toward a new Spike Jonze ad...
Feb
27
2003
'buffy' no more
E!Online reports that Buffy: The Vampire Slayer is officially over as of this season, its seventh. The series finale is May 20. ("'Buffy' Laid to Rest" - 02/27/03) Earlier this week, star Sarah Michelle Gellar confirmed that she would not...
E!Online reports that Buffy: The Vampire Slayer is officially over as of this season, its seventh. The series finale is May 20. ("'Buffy' Laid to Rest" - 02/27/03) Earlier this week, star Sarah Michelle Gellar confirmed that she would not...
sad news
Fred Rogers, better known as children's television personality "Mister Rogers," died today of stomach cancer at the age of 74. ("Fred Rogers, Host of TV's 'Mister Rogers' Dies at 74" - 02/26/03) News accounts of his death no doubt will...
Fred Rogers, better known as children's television personality "Mister Rogers," died today of stomach cancer at the age of 74. ("Fred Rogers, Host of TV's 'Mister Rogers' Dies at 74" - 02/26/03) News accounts of his death no doubt will...
Jan
27
2003
super bowl ad-meter
USAToday.com is running an online survey of people's favorite Super Bowl ads, complete with video clips of each ad. Check it out here. (USA Today's 15th Annual Ad Meter - 01/27/03) Edited 1/28/03 ... Slate's Rob Walker has a chatty...
USAToday.com is running an online survey of people's favorite Super Bowl ads, complete with video clips of each ad. Check it out here. (USA Today's 15th Annual Ad Meter - 01/27/03) Edited 1/28/03 ... Slate's Rob Walker has a chatty...
Jan
26
2003
super bowl sunday
The Super Bowl just started ... Don't care much about football, but I'm hoping the commercials will be at least somewhat memorable this year. Nothing especially memorable so far... Edited: 6:48 p.m. ... Pepsi Twist commercial featuring the Osbournes /...
The Super Bowl just started ... Don't care much about football, but I'm hoping the commercials will be at least somewhat memorable this year. Nothing especially memorable so far... Edited: 6:48 p.m. ... Pepsi Twist commercial featuring the Osbournes /...
Jan
14
2003
psychoanalyzing buffy: resurrection and rebirth
Part 4 of a series. Four months after Buffy's death, her friends resurrect her. Buffy's corpse comes back to life, inside her coffin, and the newly-awakened Buffy begins to panic as she realizes that she's buried alive.
Part 4 of a series. Four months after Buffy's death, her friends resurrect her. Buffy's corpse comes back to life, inside her coffin, and the newly-awakened Buffy begins to panic as she realizes that she's buried alive.
Jan
13
2003
psychoanalyzing buffy: suicide and sacrifice
Part 3 of a series. Season Five is a difficult emotional battleground for Buffy, one that ultimately leads to her self-sacrificing suicidal leap in the final episode.
Part 3 of a series. Season Five is a difficult emotional battleground for Buffy, one that ultimately leads to her self-sacrificing suicidal leap in the final episode.
Jan
12
2003
psychoanalyzing buffy: transference
Part 2 of a series. A recurring theme in Buffy: The Vampire Slayer is the bad or missing father, and the search for suitable replacement father-figures. For Buffy, Xander and Willow, Giles becomes a substitute father-figure.
Part 2 of a series. A recurring theme in Buffy: The Vampire Slayer is the bad or missing father, and the search for suitable replacement father-figures. For Buffy, Xander and Willow, Giles becomes a substitute father-figure.
Jan
11
2003
psychoanalyzing buffy, redux
Part 1 of a series. Sigmund Freud's theory of psychoanalysis can be applied liberally to the myriad themes and metaphors in Buffy: The Vampire Slayer, from the more obvious phallic symbolism of the stake to the psychic traumas of Buffy's recent suicide/self-sacrifice and resurrection.
Part 1 of a series. Sigmund Freud's theory of psychoanalysis can be applied liberally to the myriad themes and metaphors in Buffy: The Vampire Slayer, from the more obvious phallic symbolism of the stake to the psychic traumas of Buffy's recent suicide/self-sacrifice and resurrection.
Dec
30
2002
lotr: pervy hobbit fancier
There's a wonderfully silly bit of Lord of the Rings fan-fiction going on called "The Secret Diaries," written by Cassandra Claire in her LiveJournal. The series features a number of "very secret diaries" of various characters in "The Fellowship of...
There's a wonderfully silly bit of Lord of the Rings fan-fiction going on called "The Secret Diaries," written by Cassandra Claire in her LiveJournal. The series features a number of "very secret diaries" of various characters in "The Fellowship of...
Dec
18
2002
buffy 7x10 - don't believe the captions
In this week's episode of Buffy, "Bring on the Night," there were some interesting discrepancies between the closed captioning and the actual dialogue.
In this week's episode of Buffy, "Bring on the Night," there were some interesting discrepancies between the closed captioning and the actual dialogue.
Dec
8
2002
and they call it spuffy love...
The following is from a posting I made to the 'Buffy' boards at Television Without Pity, where there was a discussion about whether Spike really loved Buffy in Seasons 5 and 6, and whether Dru's "Spike loved Buffy all along" comment in Season 5 was a retcon.
The following is from a posting I made to the 'Buffy' boards at Television Without Pity, where there was a discussion about whether Spike really loved Buffy in Seasons 5 and 6, and whether Dru's "Spike loved Buffy all along" comment in Season 5 was a retcon.
Dec
4
2002
buffy 7x09 - "never leave me"
The cool thing about reading the shooting script for a particular episode is that you can get a glimpse of how the episode evolved from shooting to airing, and get a better idea of what the writer(s) intended to show in various scenes.
The cool thing about reading the shooting script for a particular episode is that you can get a glimpse of how the episode evolved from shooting to airing, and get a better idea of what the writer(s) intended to show in various scenes.
Nov
22
2002
a freudian take on 'buffy'
One of the conceits of Buffy: The Vampire Slayer is that it takes the ostensibly ditzy blond typically victimized in horror movies and makes her the empowered hero. The show's lore has California girl Buffy Summers chosen to be the Slayer, killing vampires with a pointy wooden stake. Buffy's stake is loaded with possible Freudian interpretations.
One of the conceits of Buffy: The Vampire Slayer is that it takes the ostensibly ditzy blond typically victimized in horror movies and makes her the empowered hero. The show's lore has California girl Buffy Summers chosen to be the Slayer, killing vampires with a pointy wooden stake. Buffy's stake is loaded with possible Freudian interpretations.
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