Showing posts with label television. Show all posts
Showing posts with label television. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Tonight is the Premiere of "Toughest Race On Earth: Iditarod"

Tonight is the premiere of the Discovery Channel series "Toughest Race On Earth: Iditarod".

The series will air at 10PM Eastern Time tonight, and repeat at 11PM ET, 2AM ET early Wednesday, Friday night at 10PM ET, early Saturday morning at 2AM ET, and Saturday morning at 11AM ET.

Tune in for coverage of the race start in Anchorage and Willow. Meet mushers and their dogs. Learn behind-the-scenes strategies and training methods. See exclusive interviews.

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Royal Viewing

This weekend we watched two movies about royalty:
Marie Antoinette (2006) was a modern look at the queen and her struggles to fulfill her duties to her family and her country. Written and directed by Sofia Coppola, it had a modern feel, used contemporary (primarily '80s) music, and modern English. Kirsten Dunst was an interesting choice as the star, who she played as rather clueless and manipulated. Harmless entertainment, but not exactly a historical, period piece.
Angie says this: The music at first look was so distracting, I could hardly contain myself. I thought I was sent back to the 1980's and was expecting Madonna dancing around with her off the shoulder shirt. But the movie developed somewhat. It was just a strange juxtaposition. If my last name was Coppola, do you think I would be able to getting funding for making a movie?

The great actress Dame Helen Mirren starred as The Queen (2006), an impressive look at Queen Elizabeth II, during the aftermath of the death of Diana. With the always enjoyable James Cromwell as Prince Phillip, and Michael Sheen as a convincing Tony Blair, this film portrayed the precarious position of the crown with regard to Diana's death. While it was an intriguing look at the inner workings, I have to wonder at the accuracy. It was billed, after all, as "Based on actual events." I would watch it again to enjoy the performances, as well as the scenery, presumably shot in Wales.
Angie says this: Loon, I thought we read credits that had listed shot on location in Scotland? Now I am confused. Great stag! Loon could barely sit there and watch without making all sorts of grunting noises. I was totally expecting some guy to start whispering, ...."oh, look at the size of that rack. We're about 100 yards away, the breeze is from the north, so the old stag can't smell us. Great time to get a shot off....BOOM!!!" This film showed a compassionate, human side of the royals. And it clearly defined the Queen's behavior to her bizarre reaction of NOT publicly reaction to Diana's death. Indeed, time for us to rid of the royal birthline and reward people who become servant's of the people by their "deeds." Long live volunteerism!

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

TOUGHEST RACE ON EARTH: IDITAROD

Discovery Channel has announced the premiere of TOUGHEST RACE ON EARTH: IDITAROD, on Tuesday, October 7 at 10 PM ET/PT.

Produced by Thom Beers, creator of Deadliest Catch and Ice Road Truckers, the six one-hour episodes will follow mushers and their dog teams as they take on the elements, the cold and the trail conditions – as they race each other over one thousand miles across Alaska in The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

View trailer:

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Labor Day Weekend Movies

We started Sunday morning with 2 French, subtitled movies, written and directed by François Truffaut.

Jules et Jim (1962) is a dizzying display of love and devotion. The title characters, two men, have a loving friendship that no woman can come between. Even Catherine, the "love anyone, anywhere, anytime" woman who blows into their lives. While the men value their friendship more than their love of Catherine, they do take turns being with her. And she uses poor Jules as a doormat, constantly cheating on him. All-in-all, I'm just not sure what they see in her. Ditch the skank!

Le Dernier Metro (1980) stars Catherine Deneuve as the wife of a Jewish theartre director, during the German occupation of France. She runs the theatre and stars in the production, while her husband lives in the basement and gives notes. Gérard Depardieu is her co-star and also part of the resistance. While the acting is first-rate, the story just watches the action, without really involving us. Not really a message, more of a documentary, almost.

Then we watched The Cars That Ate Paris (1974) from Australian Peter Weir. A weird and quirky film about teenagers in a small Australian town who use the tricked-out, Mad Max-styled cars to wreck hapless passer-bys. The entire town profits from scavenging the wrecks, even while the townspeople protest the "shiftless" teens. But, nothing is done to attempt to stop them, until the mayor "adopts" one of the innocent victims. Sound confusing? It was! However, it was dark and twisted, with the great "ball" scene at the end. This movie allowed Weir to direct his next film, Picnic at Hanging Rock. At least this one had an ending!

We then changed gears (double-pun!) and watched Transamerica (2005), starring the fantastic Felicity Huffman as a transgender woman ready to have surgery to complete the process. In a complicated, movie-only reason, she drives her unsuspecting and unknown son across the country. They of course get to know and respect each other, even though she never tells him she's his father. Some of the scenes are funny, and the concern seems genuine. The most moving scenes, perhaps, are when the grandparents, who are overly-critical of their "son" and his transformation, completely dote on their brand-new grandson. Classic! In the end, life isn't perfect but the two seem to come to grips with their relationship. More or less a Hollywood ending, but the great acting holds up throughout this interesting drama.

Keeping with the theme, we finished the day watching Boys Don't Cry (1999), with the Oscar-winning performance by Hilary Swank. Based on a true story, 20-year-old Teena Brandon masquerades as a boy, Brandon Teena. Dating girls and being one of the guys, drinking, partying and getting in trouble, she/he's heading for trouble. And trouble finds her in the form of the male friends she makes, as she gets serious with Lana, Chloë Sevigny in another star-turn performance. The man discover the truth about "Brandon" and the movie ends in a savage way. Sadly true, a very emotional story.

Monday night we watched You Kill Me (2007), a dark comedy starring Ben Kingsley as an alcoholic hitman. Sent to San Fransisco to dry out, he is "guided" by Bill Pullman (doing a great job, actually "acting" in a surprising role where he is not the ex-husband or nice-guy, but a rather dark and dangerous and unattractive loser) and helped by his AA sponsor Luke Wilson, in an unnecessary role, under-utilized and merely cast to add a younger "star", IMHO. Ben meets Tea Leoni (an executive producer and unsuspecting wife of sex-addict Fox Mulder) and guess what - they fall in love! Thanks to his new love, he cleans up his act and gets back to what he does best - killing people. While the great acting of Ben Kingsley (add him to the list of must-see actors) and Bill Pullman are fun to watch, the movie ends up with a fairly traditional (including the obligatory "twist") ending. A fun diversion, just don't hope for a deep message.

And that was the holiday viewing, down on the farm.

Friday, August 22, 2008

New Comedy Series

A new series is coming to IFC (Independent Film Channel):
"Z Rock"


Based on a real-life band from Brooklyn, it is the story of brothers Paul and David Zablidowsky and their good friend Joey Cassata, who play in the metal band "Z02", which has opened for Kiss.
However, to make ends meet, they also perform at children's birthday parties and bar mitzvahs as "The Z Brothers".

From the press release:

In the show the band members play fictionalized versions of themselves, exaggerating their actual experiences — including a pitched rivalry with other New York-based children's musicians — pursuing the recording contract that long eluded them.

Like the dialogue in "Curb Your Enthusiasm" and "This Is Spinal Tap," much of that in "Z Rock" is improvised, though with the players working off highly detailed outlines. Most of the situations in which their characters are placed by the show's writers and producers — who include Mark Farrell, a former producer of "Curb" — are adapted from tales the band told in hours spent sitting around a table.

For a supporting cast the producers surrounded the musicians with stand-up comedians and improv players, including Lynne Koplitz (who plays the band's dedicated if addled manager, Dina); Greg Giraldo (as a powerful record producer, who delivers an endlessly profane reprimand to Paulie Z after the band is late for his son's birthday party); and Jay Oakerson (as a club manager who repeatedly propositions Paulie, who is straight).

Among the many musicians playing fictionalized versions of themselves in cameos are John Popper of Blues Traveler (who agrees to sign the Z Brothers, not ZO2, to a recording contract, but only after Dina sleeps with him); Dee Snider of Twisted Sister; and Chris Barron of the Spin Doctors. Joan Rivers plays Joan Rivers, but reimagined as Dina's aunt.

"It seems on the show like we're reckless, but we're not in real life," Mr. Cassata said. "We never put the ZO2 career in jeopardy. That stuff is definitely artistic license."

"Z Rock" premieres this Sunday night, Aug. 24 at 11:30 p.m. ET.

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Movie Review

Click-Adam Sandler film. Cute and funny, teary moments to boot. Music from my era, so I tended to relate. Henry Winkler and Julie Kavner play his parents. It's one of those movies you can watch if you are having a hard time figuring out your life. It kind of reminds you that some of the treasures in ones life is not the money or job promotion, but those who stand beside you.
Nearing Grace-Set in 1978 New Jersey, a high school senior who falls for the rich spoiled girl who abuses him for her own selfish ways. Meanwhile, his one true friend watches without telling him how she feels about him. ANother movie with nostaglic music. Lots of dope smoking. I am not sure I remember high school like that. Loon says he's not ready to see this one right away. (Am I right, Loon?)
Six Feet Under-Season 2-Yeah, I know it's not a film, but for what it for is this is some of the best acting, writing, directing, photography ever on the small screen. We have been stringing ourselves with this series. Because it is so intense and deep, we watch one episode and think about it for a week or more. Now, we have just finished season 2 and it is like missing your best friend while away at college. Wow, is all I can say about the finale. Totally amazing. IF you have not seen this series, start. Let us know, it makes a great gift for the holidays.

Summer Olympics

What's been the best that you've seen? How about Michael Phelps and the rest of the US Men's Swim Team? Awesome. Inspiring. Unbelievable. Terrific. Record-setting.
We're waiting to watch US Women's Volleyball today.
Tell us WHO you are watching

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

What's Your Top 5 Movies

Ok Millions of Readers, Now is YOUR chance to shine....
Rank the TOP 5 MOVIES of ALL TIME

Angie's List
1. Schindler's List
2. Johnny Stechinno
3.Pulp Fiction
4. Braveheart
5.Easy Rider

Tell me all about your rankings..why you did it...what makes the film one of your fav's...and other impertinent info.
Angie

Sunday, August 10, 2008

Our Weekend Movie Review

Manic-A white knuckled, emotional rollercoaster ride. If you have ever thought of harming yourself, you NEED to watch this film. It's a great look into the mental institute and gives valuable insight into the mind of those people whom you may not understand. Watch the careers of the young actors, they gave intense performances.
The Wind in the Barley-Another intense film, this time 1920's Ireland. Authentic costumes, scenery, mannerisms, lanuage, a great look at what it was like during that particular turbulent time in Ireland's history.
Picnic at Hanging Rock-An Australian film adapted from a novel. What really got me is there wasn't the resolution in the film I needed. Quite frankly, I was very disappointed. Set during victorian times in Australia, lots of sexual undertones. Loon and I were again predicting what the next line would be. Kudos to the Loon, he won that round. Maybe the resolution would be in the novel?
Ed TV-Yeah, I liked this one. Directed by Ron Howard so right there you know it will be cute and funny. Ellen DeGeneres was great. She should have her own TV show:) If you need an uplifting funny comedy this is one to put in the machine. Matthew McCaughney and Jenna Elfman were cute together. Woody Harrelson plays Mac's brother. Would love to see those to in a Natural Born Killers sequel titled, "the Brothers" could be interesting.
Best in Show-This was a great funny comedic mock documentary. Written off kilter so to speak. Loved the characters and the dogs. Parker Posey played a great annoying dog owner. She is my least favorite actress by the way. Fred Willard, he was great an the play by play announcer a t the dog show. And Eugene Levy as the husband of Catherine O'Hara. The dog owner with a past of hundreds of lovers. Great film, worth the laughs.
Almost Famous-A great film about a young budding rock journalist following around the band on a tour. Stillwater is the band. Kate Hudson is the band date who the young journalist falls in love with. Great scenes. Good music. Set in 1973, I was a little young but I remember going to parties similiar to what the band was at. Especially the Topeka, Kansas party. Loved the guys in the band, loved the band dates, there is a purpose-to appreciate the music. If you ever wanted to be in a touring band, this is a must see film.

Saturday, August 9, 2008

DTV Primer

Or "What the heck is the deal with my TV?"

In February of 2009, all television broadcasters in the United States are required to stop broadcasting in standard format and only broadcast a Digital Signal.

If you have a traditional TV and you have cable service or satelite, you should NOT have to do anything. They should be making the transition themselves. Your old analog TV should be fine.

If you use an antenna to receive the local stations, you will need to do one of of the following:
Buy a "digital-to-analog converter box" available for $50 - $60. There is a $40 coupon available from the government website (thanks, Uncle Sam?) at http://www.dtv.gov/. It hooks in between the antenna and TV and allows you to view your local channels.

Or:

Purchase a "digital-ready" television set from a reputable dealer. Plug in antenna, watch your local stations.

Now HDTV (High Definition TeleVision) is a DIFFERENT issue!

While digital is the means of sending the signal, hi-def is a type of signal. It is a wide-screen (16X9 vs 4X3 standard def), high-resolution picture. True HD can only be viewed on a HD television set. On a standard set, the side edges will be cut off, the resolution average.

Currently, the broadcast networks are airing some of their programming in HD. The local stations pass it on. As time goes on, more programming will be produced in HD.

Cable companies and satellite distributors are putting out more and more HD channels - seeking to have upwards of 150 channels by the first of the year!

So, a converter box is fine for casual viewers of local stations.

An HDTV set will allow the viewing of high-quality images. Smaller HD sets are very reasonably priced. Good-sized (36" or so) flat-screen, LCD or plasma sets begin around $600. Large sreens can be had for around $1,000.

Now, you can view your old VHS and DVDs on any set. Recording HD programming is a different issue altogether!

And "Blu-ray" won the DVD format battle (HD-DVD meet Betamax) so to watch HD DVDs you'll need a new DVD player...

This will take years to work itself out!

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Movie Reviews: Hot Fuzz and Big Nothing

Or: I got you pegged

Babe and I watched two movies starring Simon Pegg (Shaun of the Dead): Hot Fuzz 2007 and Big Nothing 2006.

Hot Fuzz was a great movie, co-written by Pegg. Fast-paced action, hot editing made for a frenetic movie. Co-starring Pegg's friend Nick Frost, Hot Fuzz was a satirical look at cop movies, with a quirky twist. Super Cop Pegg is sent to a small English village where nothing ever happens - or so they claim. Even if the action was somewhat predictable, the two actor's charms always held your attention. And the twist of the plot was creative. Truly a classic British comedy.

Big Nothing is another story. Co-starring David Schwimmer, the one redeeming value of this film might just be the acting of Pegg, playing a scumbag as opposed to his usual turn as the hero. However, even with the constant twists to the plot, the writing didn't pull it off. Almost cartoon-ish in storyline, the "surprises" became predictable. Possibly a waste of an evening.

So, big thumbs up for Hot Fuzz, thumbs down for Big Nothing.

Oh, but my goodness did they look good on the plasma!

Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Plasma, Stat!

Paging Dr. Looney, Paging Dr. Looney.......



We've got a turned-over and pushed 27 inch regular old-fashion TV that is not working. Owner says he "accidentally" pushed it over by cleaning out the rat's nest of wires underneath....

No pulse....No brain waves....

WE need a Plasma TV, stat!

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Music Night

Friday Night means Music Night at the Looney Farm. This night was a little more subdued because of the daughter being home. It kinda felt like when you were a teenager and you had your parent at home. We didn't crank up the stereo as loud as we had wanted, but we listened to some incredible pieces of music. It always amazes me when we start out we don't really know the direction the night will take us and the last song and artist is the encore of the evening, no doubt. Without further adu here is the list:
Alejandro Escovedo (3) cuts from his new CD Real Animal. "Nuns Song" "Chip n' Tony" and "Hollywood Hills"
Nuns and Hollywood Hills are both really great Al songs. Nuns is more rocking with an incredible drum performance by Hector Munoz. The more I listen, the more I absorb it. Hollywood Hills really highlights the brillance of Al and his orchestra. The strings don't define his music, they provide the depth of the creative soul. Chip n Tony is a great rock n roll bar song, perhaps a bit predictable but it is what it is.
Neal Coty-Tim picked this and I was blown away that I had never heard of this guy. He played two cuts from Chance & Circumstance and Legacy. He'll have to fill you in on the actual song names, as I am not sure. To sum up this man, Neal Coty, great alt-country sound and feel to his music. Where has he been? I want to take these CD's and put them in my car and listen to them. Who cares if they are ten years old, they are new to me now!
The Replacements-CD Don't Tell a Soul cut "Achin' to Be"
I wanted to share some of my old music with Tim and I choose this song because if memory served me, it was one of my favorites and had some grittiness that I thought Tim would appreciate. After listening, I was right. Yes, it had some of that 80 polished punkness to it, but there is a great alt-country beat, harmonica, and that roughness that makes them one of the great bands from the 80's.
John Mellencamp-CD Human Wheels
Tim's Choice. Now, since I was totally blown away by this and unfamiliar with the CD, I'm not sure which cut he chose? Incredible. Tim really pulled this out of his basement of fine, fitting tunes. Mellencamp put together a great band and sound. I used to listen to him way, way back in the days when he was Cougar ya know. He was there in my car, in my bedroom singing to me everynight and morning (in that order) and I couldn't believe that I had left him like a used boyfriend who didn't have a car. Pleasantly pleased I was with this. Nice job Tim. You win Producer's Excellence this evening with 2 great picks. Tim Up by 2.
Keith Richards-Talk is Cheap "Struggle"
I wanted to surprise Tim with something he may have not heard before. And this was one. Not as brillant as Mellencamp or a catch as Neal Coty, but a surprise. If you have never heard Richards sing, you should at least give it a spin and make your own conclusion. Not everyone is a singer and there is a reason. Enough said.
Dido-No Angel
Tim's choice and again, I don't know which cut. However, it was cool. Great voice, good arrangement of instruments. It has that sound of the faintest of the vocal, strong sound but the effect makes it seem like the voice is far off. I'm sure there is a technical term for it but for now I'll just call it "spacey" because that seems to fit.
Sinead O'Connor-CD "I Don't Want WHat I Haven't Got" title cut
In keeping with the theme of spaciness, I pulled this one out of my collection. It had not been in the CD player for years and years but I was glad I did. This cut is over a 5 minute accapella piece that maintains perfect pitch throughout, we swear no edits. Incredible voice Sinead has and I wanted to play more cuts but will have to save them for next friday. I got Tim with this.
Kathleen Edwards-CD Asking for FLowers
You now by now the routine. Angie doesn't know the cut Tim provided however, what he played was amazing. Kathleen had violens, and other great instrument arrangements. If you are a fan, you should be pleased with the direction of this artist. She is taking huge strides in growing as an artist and songwriter. Deeper more emotional musicanship yet not being pretenous. (IS there spell check in this program?:)
Jason Castro-American Idol "Somewhere Over the Rainbow"
We had to see if this performance held up in time. It has only been six months, and I would conclude that it does indeed. He is cute and all, but has a style all his own that fits him. I would look forward to his own CD that I'm sure he'll release after all the Idol stuff is over.
Annie Lennox/Dave Stewart Unplugged "Here Comes the Rain, Again"
Everytime I see this, hear this I get chills. Chills of brillance, chills of emotions, chills of love lost. These two are masters of their profession. You can't top this.
Annie Lennox is the best female vocalist of all time. IF you are a vocalist, listen to her, watch her. Her phrasing, her vocal pitch, tone, emphasis is perfection of each and every note. Her whole body is her instrument.
Magnolia Electric Co. DVD
Tim played me some of the boxed set he borrowed from buddy and fellow 100 Dave Pedersen. Needless to say, Angie had her fill of friday night beer and after laying on the couch to relax and listen to tunes, ended up falling asleep during the DVD. NOw, I did watch for awhile so my review will be limited and short. Great pictures of the countryside of Canada. The songs (what I heard in limited viewing) were subdued yet peaceful and dark. Nothing rocked me awake is what I mean. That is ok. I didn't need to be shook awake. I need to give this another try, like say today while Tim is getting ready to perform tonight at Hoover fest. So, I am not putting this down, need more time to listen with an alert mind.
Overall night: Tim wins with the male vocalist the Neal Coty find. Angie wins female vocalist category with the Sinead O'Conner song.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

No ESPY for Lance

Champion musher Lance Mackey did not win an ESPY this year, for the second year in a row. Lance was nominated for "Best Outdoor Athlete of the Year". The winner was Army Captain Scott Smiley, blinded in Iraq, he climbed Mount Rainier in Washington state in July 2007.

Not to discredit Captain Smiley, but Lance's accomplishment deserved to win. It was as if Lance Armstrong won the Tour de France twice in the same year, two weeks apart, and then did that two years in a row! Talk about an "Iron Man" - the Incredible Lance Mackey!

Oh well, we'll keep mushing as an obscure sport.

It'll be our little secret!

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Un-bear-able

Just finished watching "Primetime: The Outsiders" on ABC, from last week, about Charlie Vandergaw, the retired schoolteacher who lives with bears in Alaska.
He's crazy. He needs to be eaten by a bear! He is training them to go to houses and get food from humans. It can't be good in the long run. The more they get socialized, the more dangerous it becomes.
He is similar to Timothy Treadwell, the guy who also lived with bears in Alaska. He got himself and his innocent girlfriend eaten.

I found myself cheering for the bears to eat Charlie!

It's arrogant and naive to to think he is not a "normal" human, but has a special relationship with bears. He said this was the way it was until humans mucked it up, but I don't think that humans lived with bears in prehistoric times! He is training them to be around humans, and that's dangerous.
Interesting and well done report. Hope to catch more of the series.


I do, however, have a special relationship with beers!

John Adams

We just finished all seven episodes of HBO's "John Adams" miniseries. It has been incredible! The story of the birth of a nation, from the perspective of a man for whom dedication to duty and service to his country comes before all - including, to his detriment, his family.
First of all, the amazing Paul Giamatti in the title role is a pleasure to watch. He is a great actor and the fact that he is not "Hollywood pretty" is all the better. He brings a dignity and a passion to the character. He can play any role, I'm convinced.
Laura Linney as Abigail Adams is another perfect casting choice. She is strong, loving , smart and influential. They are a great couple, on-screen as well as on script.
Stephen Dillane is great as a dapper Thomas Jefferson. Hero, philanthropist, womanizer, rebel? Complicated, to say the least. And yet still lovable.
The incomparable
Tom Wilkinson as Benjamin Franklin - brilliant, wacky, egotistical, sophisticated. A great actor playing a great man greatly! He is, as always, a joy to watch.
The minor characters are well cast as well, especially the Adams children, both the young and the older.
Historically accurate, yet still compelling and dramatic.
The costumes, makeup and sets all deserve recognition, as well.
Fantastic production!

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Groundbreaking Discovery Channel Series Chronicles One of the Toughest Races on Earth

- Premiering October 2008, IDITAROD (working title) Shows a Musher's Preparation is No Match for Mother Nature -


SILVER SPRING, Md., July 10, 2008 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Discovery Channel continues its exploration into and chronicling of the fascinating world around us with the groundbreaking series IDITAROD (wt). The world premiere of this original series is slated for October 2008. This historic 1,150 mile sled dog race over some of the world's most beautiful -- and most challenging -- terrain was documented from beginning to end through the eyes of the men and women who dared to take on the monumental challenge.
In this six-part series, viewers will get a rare look into one of the harshest races on the planet -- The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Across frozen rivers, barren tundra, mountains and thick forest in freezing temperatures, this grueling race from Anchorage to Nome puts mushers and their dog teams through the ultimate test of human and animal teamwork and endurance.
"This new series truly defines adventure programming," said John Ford, president and general manager of Discovery Channel. "Viewers will once again travel back to Alaska, one of the toughest places on earth, where they will see the sheer will and determination it takes for men and women to compete in and complete this 1,150 mile race. The stories of these competitors deserve to be told and we are proud to do it."
Mushers from around the world convene in Alaska each March to run the "Last Great Race on Earth." Some prepare all year for this legendary race while others fit in training around their full-time jobs. Some are carrying on a proud family tradition while others are first generation mushers. Discovery Channel will follow returning race veterans and rookies alike to see, through their eyes, what it takes to compete not only against each other but also Mother Nature.

Copyright (C) 2008 PR Newswire. All rights reserved

Wednesday, July 9, 2008

Hopkins Review by Angie

"Hopkins" This ABC summer series is a cross between the first seasons of ER and the artistic elements of the early Grey's Anatomy. It is more dramatic then the Trauma: LIfe in the ER reality show and it has just the right amount of medicine and doctor lingo for the audience like myself who loves to hear those big medicine-laced words. I would agree with the Loon on the Indy songs. As refreshing as the music is to this world of garbled pop stylized crap, I found it be annoying to the point of me wanting to throw my favorite pillow at the screen. Enough already I proclaim!!! Yeah, the producers did catch a break by finding a doctor who is going thru a divorce. Talk about an emotional roller coaster. As anyone who has gone thru a divorce knows, they ALL are like that. Some turn uglier than others but in the long run they are similiar. It is a death of a relationship and it is sad no matter what the outcome is. And when Tim needs a new brain, I will in fact take him to Johns Hopkins to have the doc work on him. So, in summing up, I loved the first episode of Hopkins and could hardly wait for the second. This is one reality/drama that I will watch and look forward to all the drama and hospital chaos on a weekly basis. I don't know how long they can produce a show of this caliber but I will enjoy it in the process.

Summer TV Fare

Here's some of the TV shows we're watching this summer:

John Adams - HBO
Hopkins - ABC
Arrested Development Season 1 (thanks Duncan!)
Six Feet Under Season 2 (possibly my favorite series of all time!)


And these are some of the "guy shows" that Tim watches when Angie falls asleep:

Ax Men (ended)
Ice Road Truckers
Reno 911
Tougher In Alaska
Extreme Alaska
The Universe
Modern Marvels
and coming this fall from the creators of
Ax Men, Ice Road Truckers and Deadliest Catch - Iditarod!