I still watch TV; particularly those series about deadly jobs | June 25, 2008
Have you watched any of those deadly jobs shows? You know the ones: Deadliest Catch, Ice Road Truckers, Ax Men, and now Black Gold. Well, I have watched them all and wrote an article about them at MSNBC.com.
If you watch them (or even if you don't), I'd love to hear your take. On them, on the article, or ... on anything really.
(I'm also still writing at MWoP, especially at this blog.
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You'd think news anchors would know better | May 16, 2008
Fun video of the day: WNBC anchor Sue Simmons yells at a co-worker/crew member/herself (?) on the air. (Thanks to my in-the-know colleague, Grant, for alerting me to this.) She obviously thought she was no longer on the air, but you'd really think a news anchor would wait a little longer to start screaming, wouldn't you? (If you're offended by the f-word or if you're at work, you shouldn't watch; she does say it.)
Anyway, enjoy and happy Friday!
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Where have I been? | April 25, 2008
I have been very busy lately, hence not updating the blog. And by busy I mean:
1. Watching Big Brother. Obviously. Finale's on Sunday! Also: Bye, bye stupid Natalie:
2. Writing lots of stuff over at Movies Without Pity. Particularly, writing this blog and stuff for this blog and this blog.
3. Working at my regular job, which recently included editing this very cool interview with Bruce Campbell. Read it. It's awesome.
4. Planning my wedding. Which is sooner than I like to think about.
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Watch these four shows: All-women edition, apparently | March 10, 2008
I wasn't looking for a theme when I wrote these, but when I posted them to the blog, I found one. Anyway, go read my picks for what to watch this week. And, as always, I love your comments!
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On-again-off-again relationships | October 10, 2007
Relationships that aren't quite relationships (from Ross and Rachel to Meredith and Derek) are taking over my television, and I have something to say about it.
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Books! TV! Books! | September 24, 2007
I recently discovered three books that are related to TV. And I blogged about them for your benefit.
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I'm still alive | July 17, 2007
And I blogged about A Model Life With Petra Nemcova, Weeds, and Big Brother. Read it and enjoy! And, of course, comment if you feel inspired.
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In which I tell you what to watch | July 05, 2007
I'm sure you'll do as I say and watch all three items on my agenda.
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She has a crush on Obama | June 15, 2007
I find this very amusing. Strange, yes, but amusing.
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I blogged... | June 05, 2007
Summer is making it harder to come up with eloquent stuff to say about TV, but I tried. I blogged about The Shield, the wife/wives phenomenon, Jericho and Letterman. Enjoy it here!
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Being a nerd pays off ... sort of | May 22, 2007
So, some of you might know how much of a nerd I am for the amazing Joss Whedon show Firefly. Well, being a nerd for it when it aired and becoming a Browncoat and forcing all of my closest friends and family to watch it. Well, apparently, there are many, many people like me, because look at this.
For those unwilling or uninterested, that link is to Amazon's list of "DVD Sleepers & Keepers," which they describe as such:
No matter what hot new release hits the market, Amazon customers still have their favorites. Year in and year out, these are the all-time DVDs you've loved the most. You may be surprised which, of the hundreds of thousands out there, made the top 200, but it's a testament to their staying power. ...
* These DVDs are our perennial top-sellers, consistently selling the most, month after month, over the last several years. They're all keepers, of course--but some, like Firefly: The Complete Series and Love Actually, have been quiet hits, selling copy after copy since the day they were released without ever having made industry headlines--those are our "sleepers."
Yes, everyone, Firefly is No. 2 (after Star Wars Trilogy). How cool is that?! You don't have to answer. I already know: Extremely.
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My second home | April 16, 2007
So, I haven't mentioned this until now, but I'm also blogging (and also about TV) right here (starting today) for The Oregonian, my place of employment.
So, now you get two places to read my TV rants. And, at the other one, you also get the brilliant Peter Ames Carlin and his more intellectual take on TV (as opposed to my fangirl squeeing and ranting) over there (I've been linking to his blog in my links for awhile, but now I'll add it to my blog's sidebar for your clicking convenience).
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Simon is a woman | April 12, 2007
Very funny stuff if you like (or don't like) Simon Cowell and if you watch (or don't watch) American Idol:
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You think he's funny on 30 Rock? | March 30, 2007
If you liked Tracy Morgan on Saturday Night Live or enjoy him on 30 Rock, watch him on this El Paso station being quite ... high/stoned/drunk/crazy/hilarious:
(I found this link via Dooce's sidebar.)
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And they're Dancing ... Sort of. | March 20, 2007
So, who watched Dancing With the Stars last night? And what did you think?
I will admit I watched for Clyde. And I'll probably keep watching -- for awhile at least.
I find the hosts dull, but it is fun to watch not only the dancing, but also the interactions during practice between the "stars" and their professional dancers.
I'd put my early money on Joey Fatone or Apolo Ono. But I hope Clyde improves dramatically next week. I think he has it in him.
(I AM annoyed by the fact that there won't be a results show until next week, because it seems a long time to wait. But at least everyone gets a second chance after hearing from the judges.)
TV Guide has a thorough recap if mine isn't enough for you.
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My influence knows no bounds | February 23, 2007
So, you thought my love of TV was only passed on to humans. Well, you were wrong. My dog, Cash, is the latest victim. He covets my remote. Just look:
(I've also updated on my About page, if you're interested.)
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"Joan Collins is a bitch!" | January 23, 2007
Just ask Charlotte Rae (aka Mrs. Garrett from The Facts of Life).
Posted by deann in News| Other Stuff | permalink
In la-la land... | January 12, 2007
The writer of this blog is in Hawaii until further notice.
There may or may not be posts (from her or others) while she's gone. Don't cry. She's thinking of you. OK, probably not, but still don't cry. It makes you look weak.
I will be here, if that makes you feel better:
If you're bored while I'm gone, by the way, all episodes of Friday Night Lights are still available online for free!
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Where am I? | December 26, 2006
Today I was interviewed by this Ecuador-based radio show about TV -- my likes, dislikes, etc. (tell me if you speak Spanish and can find my interview on that site; I cannot). Anyway, one thing they asked me is how I get anything done other than watching TV. And, as I posted not too long ago, my TV list has gotten much shorter.
So, for those of you who think I'm nothing but a couch potato, here is what I've done for the past several days instead of watching TV (I think I've watched a total of an hour in the past week. Seriously.):
* Had Christmas with my family in Prineville.
* Listened to the latest TV Guide podcast (the last of 2006!).
* Listened to the latest Ricky Gervais podcast (the last until who knows when...).
* Played Scene It
* Ate WAY too much (who didn't?)!
* Got sick. Blech! (I'm fighting this cold, but it's winning.)
* Worked. (A little.)
That doesn't seem like a lot, but with all of the Christmas parties and gift exchanges, it's taken a lot of my time -- time that has kept me from catching up on those shows I'm behind on, such as Dexter.
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Excuses | December 19, 2006
There's nothing on TV, and I have Christmas shopping to do (and movies to watch, apparently; I have seen FIVE in the past four days).
Anyway, that's why I'm absent.
If I don't get back here all week, I hope everyone has a happy holiday!
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Finally! | October 31, 2006
My column's posted, for those interested. You can either scroll down the page to where it says "Viewing habits evolve with online offerings," or you can click here. Enjoy!
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Help me out here | August 02, 2006
I'm sure you all think I'm a huge blog slacker, but you tell me, is there anything to talk about in the world of TV that I haven't covered (to death) this summer?
I mean, there's reality TV (I now LOVE Janelle, by the way, for keeping Chill Town safe last night. On Big Brother, of course), and there's fall TV. I am not ready to talk about fall programming yet, so that leaves me with ... nothing.
Even the TV Guide podcast folks gave us a "best of" a couple of weeks ago. That has to tell you something about the state of summer TV, right?
So, let's play a new game. YOU tell ME something interesting about television that my readers might want to know. Thanks!
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Your suggestions | July 03, 2006
Thank you for all of the suggestions you gave me recently about what shows I should be watching. I figured I should let you know what I'm taking you up on -- and answer various other questions.
First, Lynne, YES, there are a million things I don't watch. For example: The Closer, Entourage, almost all summer reality programming, Monk ... And those are just a few of the big ones off the top of my head that I'm not watching this summer.
Now, about those suggestions. I already watch: The Office (which was practically unanimous), My Name Is Earl, Prison Break. And I have been TiVoing Rescue Me as I catch up with past seasons on DVD (just as I'm doing with Deadwood).
So, that means that everything else on your lists I don't currently watch. I have decided, at your suggestions, to TiVo the new season of Project Runway.
But, I'm sorry Earnest, I just HATED Lucky Louie and will not be watching.
And I can't take HollowSquirrel's advice and watch Hustle because I feel like I've missed too much already. Have I? I am not a huge Kathy Griffin fan, so I also won't be watching her show. I would like to catch up on Grey's Anatomy, though I won't be watching Medium or any of the CSIs.
Carrisa, I have taken your advice and added Big Brother to my TiVo. It will be my first time watching! EVER! I hated How to Get the Guy, though, so I won't be watching that one. Also, I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but The Evidence actually was canceled. They're just burning off the remaining episodes this summer. I would love to catch up with Nip/Tuck eventually, and I might tune in to Lovespring International, as it sounds fun. But, yes, you're crazy. No soaps for me! (Too much of a commitment.) I do like corn. I WON'T watch those MTV shows! Phew!
Sweety, I'm trying to catch up with Lost, even though I don't like it, because I know it's important for the TV Goddess to watch it!
And, Teri, I want to catch up with House. Will I be able to follow it if I don't catch up completely? In other words, can I just start watching now?
OK, that is all, except for this: Happy Fourth!!
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Your turn... | June 28, 2006
So, I am on vacation right now and won't be near a computer for the next couple of days. What I ask from you during that time is to tell me what shows I (and everyone reading) should be watching. So, what are your favorites? Should I catch up on DVD/reruns or just start watching the new season? And WHY do you love them?
Also, thank you for doing my work for me so I can take some time off. You're so kind.
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Aaron Spelling dies | June 26, 2006
My friend Jay told me on Friday that Aaron Spelling had died, but because my readers aren't important enough to me (I'm awful, I know!), I waited until today -- Monday! -- to post about it. What can I say? I'm on vacation.
At any rate, what I was really waiting for was for someone to be eloquent about it so that I could just link to them instead of writing about it my own self. Thank you, Matt Roush, for giving me something to link to: Aaron Spelling's TV Dynasty
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That's what I get for bragging | May 09, 2006
So, I had to do laundry yesterday and write my column ... and then the person I was supposed to go to The Daily Show with ended up having something else (he didn't realize it was so early), so I didn't get to go to the taping. I did get to see some old friends I probably wouldn't have been able to otherwise since I am going to a Yankees-Red Sox game tonight. So, it was worth missing it. But next time I'm in this city, I am going to a taping of The Daily Show and/or The Colbert Report, even if I have to go alone.
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About that list | March 30, 2006
So, my latest list didn't generate as much buzz/comments as the one I wrote last week, but it seemed more ... controversial.
So, I feel inclined to respond to and/or clarify a few things.
First of all, I would like to say that my top four (The Shield, Battlestar Galactica, Everwood, and Veronica Mars) are pretty fluid. In fact, after watching this week's Veronica, I'm ready to declare it No. 1. Or 2. The point being that my top few are great and I love them. After that, I LIKE the others, and sometimes love them, but they're not in the same league for me as the top few.
So, John, that puts 24 out of that league, obviously. But, for me, it's hard to drop 24 off of that list, despite some ridiculous plots simply because of the Kiefer factor and because of the originality of the concept from the beginning. Those first 13 episodes of the first season were fabulous -- on par with some of the best dramas on my list right now. It's just that it lost it a little after that. Unlike The Shield, for example.
That brings me to the anonymous/unnamed commenter: Bones made my list simply because I don't think there are 10 DRAMAS on TV that are better. I think there are nine. And maybe some new ones (The Unit, Heist or The Evidence have potential) will get to "great" before Bones does. But, yes, right now, the drama that I consider to be 10th-best is not yet "great." Can YOU name 10 "great" or better dramas? If so, well, I guess that just means our opinions differ. Which is kind of what makes them opinions. ;)
Katie, the reason I find Lost manipulative is because the showrunners make things up as they go along. I think the best mysteries (Veronica Mars and even Battlestar Galactica) so clearly have their complete stories planned in advance that you never get wacky, irrelevant plot holes or details. And, yes, the first season of Veronica IS on DVD. And I have been making three copies of all second-season episodes so that I can help people like you get caught up!!
And, Raj, I have no problems with violence, and I am talking about the gruesomeness of CRIME SCENES on CSI. I do NOT consider the violence on Battlestar Galactica -- which is MILITARY and set at a future time when women are so equal to men that there really is no difference between hitting a man and hitting a woman (I find it interesting you only mention the women getting hit in the face, and not the men; do you think that's because you're placing our own society's gender issues on this future military? Or do you think women are hit more in the series than men?) -- to be gratuitous. It all furthers the plot, and is essential to the story. But, please give me examples of how/when you think it's gratuitous, because I am very interested (always) in differing opinions on my shows -- or shows that I don't watch, even.
(And, M, I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but American Idol WAS on EW's list under reality shows. I only covered dramas in my post because ... well, it was long with just those 10 so I had to set a limit.)
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CBS finally goes online... | March 20, 2006
But not with iTunes:
Verizon and CBS today announced a comprehensive retransmission consent and video-on-demand (VOD) agreement, which includes analog, digital, multicast and high-definition rights to programming on CBS owned-and-operated television stations; local VOD content from those stations; and CBS Television Network VOD content, including such current popular network series as “CSI,” “NCIS” and “Survivor.”Verizon will offer the programming on Verizon FiOS TV, its new fiber-optic TV service, which is now available in parts of seven states. All FiOS TV subscribers with a set-top box will receive the CBS Television Network VOD content at no incremental cost, which will also be true for FiOS TV subscribers in CBS O&O markets with regard to the local VOD content.
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Education television | February 14, 2006
If it's not too late, you should try to catch Frontline's The Meth Epidemic on PBS tonight. (Check your local listings, though, since we are talking about PBS, and listings can vary depending on your local station.)
This documentary was a project between The Oregonian and Frontline, and it's definitely worth watching. And Virginia Heffernan agrees with me. So, try to catch it tonight, or on a repeat.
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When will CBS join the fray? | February 07, 2006
Showtime is making its shows available on iTunes. Which I think is weird for a premium channel, since that means people might not have to subscribe for, say, Arrested Development. Ah well, the more on iTunes, the better, I guess.
Although I have to strongly encourage everyone to subscribe to Showtime anyway, for the likes of Dexter, This American Life, Weeds and (fingers crossed) Arrested Development. I think it will be better than HBO in a few months. Thank goodness for Greenblatt!
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"Bad direction for entertainment" | February 02, 2006
So, Book of Daniel creator Jack Kenny has some pretty interesting things to say, including:
“I think pretty soon we're all going to have to be sitting in a room with these bigots and have to get their approval before a network will sign on to do anything,” he says.“Imagine if the AFA had been as powerful and felt as empowered in 1970. Would we ever have seen All in the Family or M*A*S*H or Mary Tyler Moore or Hill Street Blues? Any of those shows.”
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Viacom + iTunes | January 26, 2006
It looks like yet another network conglomerate has jumped aboard iTunes. But don't get your hopes up. It's only the MTV Networks portion of Viacom. No word on CBS, Showtime, et. al.
But Laguna Beach, SpongeBob and South Park are likely to have some appeal -- although maybe not all by the same consumers. And Comedy Central will premiere an episode of Drawn Together on iTunes, which is pretty cool -- and something I expect we'll be seeing more of in the near future.
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What's the opposite of "Slow News Day"? | January 24, 2006
As if the news that the WB and UPN are merging next season to form the unfortunately named CW network were not enough entertainment news for one day, there are these other morsels:
1. Scrubs might move to ABC (which makes sense, considering it's a Touchstone property).
3. IFC is going to follow the strategy of Steven Soderbergh's Bubble by releasing movies on DVD and TV the same time they are released in theaters.
4. Three more cancellations, including The Book of Daniel. Grrrr.
And, don't worry, I didn't forget the two biggest news items of the day:
5. Miss America shatters ratings records for CMT.
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Too much TV? | January 11, 2006
So, does anyone think that this could be me some day, found dead in front of the TV? I really hope not.
(To be fair, the fact that she was in front of the TV really isn't that relevant. The fact that family continued living with her? Now THAT means something.)
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No more WB? | January 03, 2006
While I was reading this entertaining roundup of what could change in the TV landscape in 2006, I read that the WB might cease to exist if things don't improve for it. I don't know if I believe this is true. And if it does happen, I might cry. I completely and inexplicably love the WB. OK, not totally inexplicably. It has had some excellent programming over the years, even though it also has kept "7th Heaven" and "Charmed" around long past their sell-by dates.
I just hope if this ever does happen that they sell "Everwood" and "Gilmore Girls" before they die. I'll also keep "Supernatural," thank you.
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Random bits | December 24, 2005
A few TV tidbits to get you through the holiday (since I know you can't make it without my pearls of wisdom. Yes, I said "wisdom." Try not to laugh.):
First, TV Guide had the same idea I did: last-minute gift ideas.
Also, Omar found this gem: Bob Loblaw's Law Blog (It's genius, people!)
And, of course, if you're bored today or tomorrow (you know, after the gifts are all exchanged), you can watch "A Christmas Story" on TBS for 24 hours!
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John Spencer dies | December 16, 2005
What sad and unexpected news. I actually don't watch "The West Wing" regularly, but I know many people who do, and this actor's work will definitely be missed.
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