I didn't have a lot of time to watch TV this past week, and whatever I did watch was mostly a couple minutes of cable news here and there. With primaries only...9 months away, the poll frenzy has begun for which candidates the public can tolerate a little bit more. Barack Obama (or Barack Osama as FOX news prefers to call him) was on Larry King over the weekend. Now I have a lot of respect for Larry King, but the fact is he is getting crazy old and his game is beginning to slip just a little bit. I remember a particular interview last year with James Frey after the "Million Little Pieces" fiasco, during which is was obvious Larry King had not read more than the sleeve of the book and asked Frey repeatedly if this experience would drive him back to drug use.
Anyway, In the spirit of polling, here is my own questionnaire for the masses of people who I am sure read this blog. Enjoy. (Give it a few seconds to load).
Monday, March 26, 2007
Monday, March 19, 2007
Schadenfreude
Schadenfreude \SHOD-n-froy-duh\, noun:
A malicious satisfaction obtained from the misfortunes of others.
pardon me if this blog entry seems a little more scholarly than usual, but I have been thinking of something for a while in relation to why we watch certain programs on TV, or why these shows even exist.
Every Sunday, my roommate sits down to watch two episodes of the A&E show "Intervention." Each week, the show follows the life of an addict (alcohol, crack, heroin, gambling, etc.) painfully close and then organizes an intervention and rehabilitation program for the subject. The show often shows with explicit detail the process of drug use and addiction, complete with scenes of inserting heroin needles. Why would we want to watch this?
Of course the argument may be that this is not exploitation, but is a documentary display of reality that exposes the public to the harsh truths of addiction yada yada yada.
I think producers, advertisers, and viewers know it is much more than that. Why are other types of shows so popular? Survivor, American Idol, Elimidate...is it because we like to see the winner succeed or are we equally, if not more so, interested in seeing the failure and embarrassment of others?
I'm not trying to judge anybody here, the only parts of American Idol I watch are the early episodes where the dreams of so many untalented hopefuls are extinguished in front of Ryan Seacrest and millions of viewers at home.
Our culture is based on merit, individual success and overcoming obstacles. Yet the reality is not everyone is successful. Shows that portray the misfortune of others offer an interlude in our own lives and a chance for us to feel good about ourselves because 'hey, at least my life doesn't suck as much as theirs."
I'll get off my soapbox now, MTV's "Juvies" is starting....
A malicious satisfaction obtained from the misfortunes of others.
pardon me if this blog entry seems a little more scholarly than usual, but I have been thinking of something for a while in relation to why we watch certain programs on TV, or why these shows even exist.
Every Sunday, my roommate sits down to watch two episodes of the A&E show "Intervention." Each week, the show follows the life of an addict (alcohol, crack, heroin, gambling, etc.) painfully close and then organizes an intervention and rehabilitation program for the subject. The show often shows with explicit detail the process of drug use and addiction, complete with scenes of inserting heroin needles. Why would we want to watch this?
Of course the argument may be that this is not exploitation, but is a documentary display of reality that exposes the public to the harsh truths of addiction yada yada yada.
I think producers, advertisers, and viewers know it is much more than that. Why are other types of shows so popular? Survivor, American Idol, Elimidate...is it because we like to see the winner succeed or are we equally, if not more so, interested in seeing the failure and embarrassment of others?
I'm not trying to judge anybody here, the only parts of American Idol I watch are the early episodes where the dreams of so many untalented hopefuls are extinguished in front of Ryan Seacrest and millions of viewers at home.
Our culture is based on merit, individual success and overcoming obstacles. Yet the reality is not everyone is successful. Shows that portray the misfortune of others offer an interlude in our own lives and a chance for us to feel good about ourselves because 'hey, at least my life doesn't suck as much as theirs."
I'll get off my soapbox now, MTV's "Juvies" is starting....
Monday, March 12, 2007
Top 10 TV Shows Cancelled Too Soon
There is a LOT of crap on TV. If you don't believe me, check out my previous post that covers 24 hours of TV programming. With so many shows out there, it is hard to believe, and often very disappointing when networks decide to cancel your favorite show. These are my picks for the top 10 shows that were cancelled before their time. This does not include shows that ran their course and producers decided to end gracefully, but consists of shows that for one reason or another, were shunned by the network and taken off the air.
1. Arrested Development, FOX 2003-'06: By far the most original and humorous sitcom since Seinfeld. The show lasted three seasons, and they were at least informed midway through the last season that they would not be renewed, so they could tie up the show at least somewhat. The show had a strong fan following and won multiple Emmy Awards, but for some reason FOX shuffled it around their weekly schedule and viewers had a hard time keeping up. The show also featured no laugh-track, was a smarter breed of comedy than most, and did require viewers to watch weekly to keep up with running plot lines. This combination unfortunately sealed the shows fate. Seasons 1-3 can all be obtained on DVD for a reasonable price.
2. Freaks and Geeks, FOX 1999-'00: Another huge mistake by FOX to cancel this show after just 18 episodes. The show follows the life of a handful of high school students during the 80's. While it was a great show that integrated comedy with a touch of nostalgic, sentimental drama, FOX could not find a demographic to cater to with the show and didn't give it enough of a chance to pick up viewer support. The show is not yet being shown in syndication, but the full series DVD is available.
3. NewsRadio, NBC 1995-1999: When Phil Hartman was killed in 1998, NewsRadio tried to carry on, but the comedic heart behind the show had been lost. Though ratings were never all that high for NewsRadio, it's awesome cast of Dave Foley, Andy Dick, Joe Rogan and Maura Tierny provided enough laughs for it to stay on the air. I don't think this show got enough credit while it was on, and I don't think it gets enough credit now for being one of the best comedies of the 90's. The show is being released gradually on DVD, and re-runs can be seen frequently on TBS.
4. Dead Like Me, Showtime 2003-2004: Even though I think this show is great, it's not surprising that it would get canned. First, it was shown on a premium cable channel, which puts a big limit on the viewers it can attract. It did not feature any well known actors, and it's plot concept walked a fine line between dark comedy and drama. The show features a young woman who is killed by a falling airplane toilet seat and becomes a grim reaper In writing it might sound lame, but it really is a good show and the acting is fantastic. DVDs for both seasons are a little pricey, but can be found at great prices on ebay.
5. Carnivale, HBO 2003-2005. Carnivale is a perfect example of why I don't like about HBO. They have a handful of shows that they pump so much money into, that profits cannot possibly keep up with production costs. They seem to constantly be looking for the next "Sopranos" and don't give their shows enough of chance. Carnivale in two seasons won 5 Emmy's and was nominated for dozens of other awards. Yet, at the end of the second season, just when the drama was peaking in suspense, HBO decided not to renew. The show takes place in depression-era America and follows a traveling circus, as an epic battle good and evil is emerging. Imagine X-files with more likable characters, a more compelling story, amazing production & sets, and you have carnivale. HBO also charges ridiculous amounts for its DVDs. So while both seasons are available for purchase, I would recommend spending much less and renting them at your local independent video store (For those in Tucson, try Casa Video, with two-for-one rentals on Tues. and Wed.)
The others:
6. Wonderfalls
7. Mystery Science Theater 3000
8. Family Guy (Though it was brought back from cancellation 3 years later)
9. Dog bites man
10. VH1 Pop-up video
(some informational material from this post was found at IMDB.)
1. Arrested Development, FOX 2003-'06: By far the most original and humorous sitcom since Seinfeld. The show lasted three seasons, and they were at least informed midway through the last season that they would not be renewed, so they could tie up the show at least somewhat. The show had a strong fan following and won multiple Emmy Awards, but for some reason FOX shuffled it around their weekly schedule and viewers had a hard time keeping up. The show also featured no laugh-track, was a smarter breed of comedy than most, and did require viewers to watch weekly to keep up with running plot lines. This combination unfortunately sealed the shows fate. Seasons 1-3 can all be obtained on DVD for a reasonable price.
2. Freaks and Geeks, FOX 1999-'00: Another huge mistake by FOX to cancel this show after just 18 episodes. The show follows the life of a handful of high school students during the 80's. While it was a great show that integrated comedy with a touch of nostalgic, sentimental drama, FOX could not find a demographic to cater to with the show and didn't give it enough of a chance to pick up viewer support. The show is not yet being shown in syndication, but the full series DVD is available.
3. NewsRadio, NBC 1995-1999: When Phil Hartman was killed in 1998, NewsRadio tried to carry on, but the comedic heart behind the show had been lost. Though ratings were never all that high for NewsRadio, it's awesome cast of Dave Foley, Andy Dick, Joe Rogan and Maura Tierny provided enough laughs for it to stay on the air. I don't think this show got enough credit while it was on, and I don't think it gets enough credit now for being one of the best comedies of the 90's. The show is being released gradually on DVD, and re-runs can be seen frequently on TBS.
4. Dead Like Me, Showtime 2003-2004: Even though I think this show is great, it's not surprising that it would get canned. First, it was shown on a premium cable channel, which puts a big limit on the viewers it can attract. It did not feature any well known actors, and it's plot concept walked a fine line between dark comedy and drama. The show features a young woman who is killed by a falling airplane toilet seat and becomes a grim reaper In writing it might sound lame, but it really is a good show and the acting is fantastic. DVDs for both seasons are a little pricey, but can be found at great prices on ebay.
5. Carnivale, HBO 2003-2005. Carnivale is a perfect example of why I don't like about HBO. They have a handful of shows that they pump so much money into, that profits cannot possibly keep up with production costs. They seem to constantly be looking for the next "Sopranos" and don't give their shows enough of chance. Carnivale in two seasons won 5 Emmy's and was nominated for dozens of other awards. Yet, at the end of the second season, just when the drama was peaking in suspense, HBO decided not to renew. The show takes place in depression-era America and follows a traveling circus, as an epic battle good and evil is emerging. Imagine X-files with more likable characters, a more compelling story, amazing production & sets, and you have carnivale. HBO also charges ridiculous amounts for its DVDs. So while both seasons are available for purchase, I would recommend spending much less and renting them at your local independent video store (For those in Tucson, try Casa Video, with two-for-one rentals on Tues. and Wed.)
The others:
6. Wonderfalls
7. Mystery Science Theater 3000
8. Family Guy (Though it was brought back from cancellation 3 years later)
9. Dog bites man
10. VH1 Pop-up video
(some informational material from this post was found at IMDB.)
Monday, March 5, 2007
How to improve your candidacy as a boyfriend by watching Food Network
Read any "womens" magazine (not that I do, but The Girlfriend leaves them lying around) or look around the web and you will discover that women want guys who are talented in fields beyond beer pong. One of qualities deemed attractive by the --pardon the ridiculous phrase-- modern woman, is a man who knows how to cook.
I can't help the fact that I am a good cook. In my family, the men always did most of the cooking, or were just better at it. Of course, being in college and living off of student loans and bar tips, I have eaten my fair share of easy-mac, but I try to do actual cooking as often as possible, especially since The Girlfriend has a hard time making scrambled eggs (I finally convinced her to scramble the BEFORE putting them in the pan).
"If you didn't know how to cook, I would probably starve to death, or just dump you"- The Girlfriend. She apparently isn't alone.
Learning to cook may be difficult for the spatula-impaired, but that's where The Food Network comes into play. I would estimate that at least a quarter of my TV watching is dedicated to The Food Network . Not only does the cable channel have shows that are fun to watch, like Iron Chef and Dinner:Impossible, but it also has shows that offer great, and relatively practical dishes that anyone can make. Often, the Food Network website includes recipes featured on certain shows so that you can take a closer look and replicate them.
So then, I now present you with my 3 choices for shows that guys should watch to pick up some tips on how to graduate beyond ramen and instant mashed potatoes:
Boy Meets Grill with Bobby Flay
Ignore the stupid title. This show features Chef Bobby Flay cooking pretty simple meals almost entirely on the grill. For those who still think a woman's place is in the kitchen, and aren't ready to make that move, the grill is the best place to start. Some of his meals are a little complicated and over-ambitious, but you can always simplify the recipe and make it your own. Here is an easy recipe for skirt steak tacos.
Tyler's Ultimate
Okay, Tyler Florence is a little bit goofy and sometimes irritating, but it is well worth sitting through a 30 minute show if it is going to greatly improve your skills. The basis behind the show is that the cook takes a well known, and often simple meal and improves upon that to create the "ultimate" version. Still the recipes are fairly easy to make. What Tyler does that a lot of cooking shows don't is explain with greater detail what he is doing as he is cooking to make it easier to follow. Here is Tylers recipe for the ultimate shrimp scampi.
Everyday Italian
Ahh, Giada De Laurentiis...Just because the host of this show is an extremely attractive woman, it does not make you any less of a man to follow her cooking instruction. Italian food is some of my favorite to make because the ingredients are relatively cheap and it is deceptively simple.
(A good rule of thumb for Italian cooking is if doesn't taste great, just add more cheese.) Here is an example of the awesome but easy dishes featured on the show.
Now man up and put on an apron!
I can't help the fact that I am a good cook. In my family, the men always did most of the cooking, or were just better at it. Of course, being in college and living off of student loans and bar tips, I have eaten my fair share of easy-mac, but I try to do actual cooking as often as possible, especially since The Girlfriend has a hard time making scrambled eggs (I finally convinced her to scramble the BEFORE putting them in the pan).
"If you didn't know how to cook, I would probably starve to death, or just dump you"- The Girlfriend. She apparently isn't alone.
Learning to cook may be difficult for the spatula-impaired, but that's where The Food Network comes into play. I would estimate that at least a quarter of my TV watching is dedicated to The Food Network . Not only does the cable channel have shows that are fun to watch, like Iron Chef and Dinner:Impossible, but it also has shows that offer great, and relatively practical dishes that anyone can make. Often, the Food Network website includes recipes featured on certain shows so that you can take a closer look and replicate them.
So then, I now present you with my 3 choices for shows that guys should watch to pick up some tips on how to graduate beyond ramen and instant mashed potatoes:
Boy Meets Grill with Bobby FlayIgnore the stupid title. This show features Chef Bobby Flay cooking pretty simple meals almost entirely on the grill. For those who still think a woman's place is in the kitchen, and aren't ready to make that move, the grill is the best place to start. Some of his meals are a little complicated and over-ambitious, but you can always simplify the recipe and make it your own. Here is an easy recipe for skirt steak tacos.
Tyler's UltimateOkay, Tyler Florence is a little bit goofy and sometimes irritating, but it is well worth sitting through a 30 minute show if it is going to greatly improve your skills. The basis behind the show is that the cook takes a well known, and often simple meal and improves upon that to create the "ultimate" version. Still the recipes are fairly easy to make. What Tyler does that a lot of cooking shows don't is explain with greater detail what he is doing as he is cooking to make it easier to follow. Here is Tylers recipe for the ultimate shrimp scampi.
Everyday ItalianAhh, Giada De Laurentiis...Just because the host of this show is an extremely attractive woman, it does not make you any less of a man to follow her cooking instruction. Italian food is some of my favorite to make because the ingredients are relatively cheap and it is deceptively simple.
(A good rule of thumb for Italian cooking is if doesn't taste great, just add more cheese.) Here is an example of the awesome but easy dishes featured on the show.
Now man up and put on an apron!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
