Friday, September 29, 2006

TV Picks

I must say, I am extremely impressed with network tv's lineup. Broadcast television definitely brought it this season. Although they are certainly taking their sweet time starting the fall season. At any rate, I'll be spending a lot of time in front of the television this year.

Old Shows:
L&O: Each of them are stupendous as usual. Although I have never been keen on the Mr. Big episodes of CI. So I just skip those and watch something else those weeks. Lately it's been Dancing with the Stars. SVU appears to be giving Mariska some time off. I'm not big on this either, but I'll reserve my opinion until after a few weeks. Otherwise, the general public is providing plenty of fodder to keep you entertained for 3 hours a week.

House: The only medical drama on television that I can stand watching. He's the Matlock of medicine, the Bobby of the hospital. And I LOVE it. Although this year they're tending to get a bit graphic. My recommendation, pull up a chair Tuesday at 7 after the MLB season (finally) ends, and just be prepared to close your eyes really tight when it gets too gross.

Dancing with the Stars: Laugh if you want, but I've been into ballroom dancing since I was little. I used to watch it on PBS when the competitions were televised. And I even read the memoir Kiss & Tango because it was about a woman who left corporate america to pursue a career in Tango in Argentina. I highly recommend that book. But this is not a literary review, it's about television, so I"ll comment on ABC's show. Not only is ballroom dancing sexy (often in a dignified way), but the B-list stars they've got this season are exceptionally entertaining and/or hot. Hello? Jerry Springer doing a Bond version of the tango? Hysterical. Mario Lopez doing an impassioned tango. I was salivating. And, the surprisingly hot forerunner is Joey Lawrence. I had zero interest in him in his "Blossom" years, but the addition of a few years and getting rid of that ridiculous long hair may I just say "whoa!".

New Shows:
Justice: Needless to say, I heart the courtroom dramas. Finally there is a show that less about police work, and more about Matlock with glamour. Whereas Andy Griffith was a charming southern gentlemen in a seersucker suit. The attorneys in Justice are slick, sly and of course, very fashionable. And might I add, that I am impressed with the writers' ability to use the imposing stature and intimidating demeanor of Eamonn Walker without typecasting him as the Big Black Man. I would also like to add that they haven't yet shamelessly used Rebecca Mader as a sex symbol. Furthermore, bless them for showing how the murder actually happened. The other shows NEVER let us in on what the defendant may or may not have done.

'Til Death: I never really watched Raymond, so I don't know exactly how entertaining Brad Garrett is. But he is definitely hi-larious in this show comparing newlyweds to decades-old marriages. I am also impressed with Eddie Kaye Thomas' ability to shed his Finch persona. (Something not that easy to do given American Pie's infamy). And although I am bound to want to smack Kat Foster's character around a bit, she plays the newlywed idealistic wife beautifully.

Happy Hour
: I love that it's in the midwest. I love that one of the main characters is from MO. And I love how ignorant the Big City characters are regarding anything outside of Chicago. It's so true to life. This country mouse/city mouse comedy is hi-larious. Although it may have more appeal to midwesterners who realize there is life outside of NY and LA. Others may be shocked to realize there are 47 other states. (I assume they already know about Hawaii). Moreover, the show makes a good point. Why don't we make martinis everyday at 5pm anymore?

Studio 60: Wow. What more can I say about this show? It's so good it makes my head hurt. It's like eating a Lindt truffle and washing it down with a white chocolate mocha. The characters showed themselves to be lovable or loathable within the first 15 minutes of the show. Each actor is perfect for his or her role. And the thinly veiled allusions to SNL makes it all the more scandalous. Watch this show, and watch it every week -- twice if NBC deems it necessary to show an encore.

Six Degrees: Ok people. Tell me what is going on with this show. I'm so hot and cold on it I can't take it anymore. I may stop watching it merely because it isn't consistently fantastic. The idea behind the show is fabulous. The actual writing is annoying, using predictable stereotypes and ploys. Somebody get these people their thinking caps and take this shows potential and use it. Oh wait, this was supposed to be my picks. Well, somebody watch this show for a couple weeks and let me know if it's actually worth watching.

Ugly Betty: Another show I'm a bit iffy on. The idea is awesome. But it's only been one show. I reserve judgment until later.

For the record, I do do things other than watch t.v. But, let's be honest, I keep the t.v. on when I'm doing those other things. And anyway, nightlife doesn't start until well after primetime. So despite appearances, I do have a life. Moreover, if I didn't watch these things, how would you know what was on?!

Friday, September 22, 2006

Getting your mrs

Ok, so I'm not actually out shopping for an "mrs". But as I am currently suffering from insomnia and watching SATC I figured it was an appropriate train of thought. As many people who know me are well aware, I have a particularly strict code of sexual conduct. (Essentially, if you wouldn't do it in front of Old CC's King Chapel, you shouldn't be doing it without diamonds.) But, here's a question: does that including (actual) sleeping together?

Let's be real here. I happen to enjoy 8 consecutive hours of sleep every night. Without all 8, I can be even more crabby than normal. So, what if my beloved and I are not compatible to sleep together? For instance, snoring. To be honest, there are people who are related to me who snore profusely. Spending the night at their homes, or sharing hotel rooms on road trips leads to sleepless nights and crabby days. I realize that everyone snores at some point, including when you're stuffed up. I mean, even I snore sometimes, although I prefer to think that rather than sounding like I'm calling hogs, I'm more prone to the slight neighing of a cute filly that's soundly sleeping. (That's my story and I'm sticking to it).

So, is it unacceptable to end a torrid love affair turned lasting love due to incompatible sleeping? Alternatively, will me and my beloved be forced to maintain an extra bedroom so that I can get a decent 8 hours? Or, alternatively, can I (actually) sleep with these people early in the relationship, before it becomes torrid or loving and break up with him if he snores (or hogs the covers, or kicks in his sleep, or tosses a lot in bed)?

Perhaps these are questions I should worry about later...you know. After I meet a man who is intelligent, cute, funny, and without children. Meh, details. It's better to plan ahead. :}

Sunday, September 17, 2006

Falling

I never thought I'd be here to watch the leaves change. (By here I mean this location, not the planet and living). Anyway, I feel as if this change of season is awfully premature. It is only mid September. Shouldn't there be a couple more weeks of greenery left?

Although, I do feel that it's just one tree on my block, and therefore the fall season hasn't completely begun. This, is good. What is sad is that the tree that is beginning to change here spits its leaves in just one spot. Usually it's onto my car. No matter where it's parked. I think this tree has a vendetta out to get my car. It really isn't fair, you know. Especially after a rain. Honestly, have you ever attempted to get a wet leaf that is stuck on your windshield off of said windshield? It's impossible! First, you just hope that the leaf will commit leaficide and jump ship. Of course it doesn't. Then you try the windshield wiper, and all that happens is that it gets stuck under the windshield wiper. So you're stuck with the wet leaf trail directly in your line of vision, like a sucker. And the leaf is securely latched to your car, buckled in by the security of the wiper blade. It's so unfair. *Sigh.* Circle of life, I guess.

Wednesday, September 13, 2006

Missing

That's it, I'm taking out an APB on a few articles of clothing, and issuing a warrant for the search and arrest of local washing machines and dryers. I have lost 2 pairs of underwear. Both are brown, BBV, and will cost a mint to replace now that I no longer possess an employee discount. I have also lost my workout bandana. It is pink, faded, and has been permanently stretched out since I always tied the same corners together.

How crazy and/or scatterbrained does one have to be to lose whole articles of clothing (socks notwithstanding). The biggest problem is that I have no where to look. As for the underwear, they have been missing for quite some time, but I always thought they were here, and when I couldn't find them here, I thought they were back at school. Turns out they were in neither place. Which begs the question where in the bejeebies are they? Did I have a couple rampant, illicit affairs that I don't remember? If so, does my partner read this blog? Has he saved these underwear? And can he return them? On second thought, don't return them. Just send me $20 to replace them. Thanks.

Likewise, did he steal my bandana? Because I'm really close to using it as an excuse not to go to the gym....Ok, not really. Having a lot of time on my hands + nothing on daytime television has turned out to be an excellent weight loss program. I'm but a few pounds away from fitting into my skinny jeans again. I guess I'd just better find a suitable bandana replacement.

Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Schedule an appointment

How do you know when it's time to go to the psych doctor? Seriously, sign me up. Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh.

Monday, September 11, 2006

Dining Alone

Whenever I think about moving to Chicago, I wonder how I will experience the city. Grant it, I do know people there, who are either from there, or have lived there for a while. But when it's the middle of the week, and everyone is busy, what will I do with myself then? Which leads to the question, why is it so hard to eat alone in a restaurant?

I am not above ordering food to go at a restaurant, some restaurants are even offering a to go service that doesn't even require you to get out of your car. But, sometimes, you just want to go out right? But, when you do take that plunge, you feel especially conspicuous -- as though everyone is staring at you. Oddly enough, when you are out to dinner, you never give someone sitting alone a 2nd thought. Why is it that when you're dining alone, it feels slightly pathetic?

Obviously, there's nothing wrong with eating alone. It's no different than sitting in a coffee shop alone. But for some reason, it feels different. On the other hand, maybe it's just me. And it's only because I like to talk so much. No chatterbox is complete without someone listening to your inane chatter. :)

Sunday, September 10, 2006

Blogger's Block

Today I was feeling in a literati kinda mood, so I thought that I'd post something. Unfortunately, I have nothing exciting to write about. Nor do I have any witty observations to make. I'm blocked! If this continues for too long, I may have to delete the blog altogether. On the other hand, I'm sure the 3 people that read it probably won't mind too much. I mean, they already hear about whatever I've written 1400 times anyway right? :)

Saturday, September 02, 2006

Like a child...

Wow, am I naive. I always fancied myself somewhat street savvy. I mean I am from one of the bigger cities in the States. And I have been to the shadier parts of town a few times. I know when to keep my doors locked (always), which areas are completely exempt from crime (no where in the world where there are people), and how to conduct myself in a large city (carefully). I've seen a joint (never tried it -- complete lack of opportunity), I've had a drink of alcohol, I've even smoked a cigar (ok, I had one puff, but still). And yet, apparently, when it comes to drug references, I am completely naive and out of the loop.

I realized this just a few days ago, when an old Ashanti feat. Fat Joe song came on. In that song, there is a part of the lyrics which say "we be freakin' all nite like we was on E". So, the thought in my head is about E! -- as in Entertainment Television. I convinced myself that it made sense, thanks to that show "Wild on..." hosted by Brooke Burke. Unfortunately, I was wrong wrong wrong. Fat Joe is, in fact, referring to Ecstasy. The common rave drug. I find it hilarious that I didn't discover this until I was listening to the song, and they blocked out the word "e". It was at that point, not 4 years ago when the song came out, that I made the connection. Whoa, sad. I think I lose a few savvy points on that one.