100 Most Memorable TV Moments

I've been caught up watching this TVLand program all day, where they count down the top TV moments. (It's such a miserable day out so why not stay in and veg?) It's a pretty good show and I'm thinking maybe I'll work it into my Inside Pulse column this week. I'm pleased that most of the top moments are all history-related. I mean, people belittle television-watching all the time but it really is the place that has offered some amazing and memorable images. And when you think about the truly most memorable moments, they typically aren't scenes or episodes from shows but rather events or news stories seen live.

Speaking of Survivor...

Did anyone else see Colby on Joey last night? Yummy! Those guest star parts may be small but he's gotten some parts on some high-profile shows. Also, it took me about 22 minutes into the episode to remember that Lucy Liu and Matt LeBlanc were a couple in the Charlie's Angels movie.

Survivor - one more to go!

Well, I'm not sure why my recap is STILL not posted but someday it will be here. I was really rooting for Chris to vote out Twila, for some reason. I don't know why since I don't like Julie and had been rooting for Twila. Twila is getting on my nerves, though. Anyway, I definitely think it would have been MUCH smarter for Chris to keep Julie but I guess we'll see. What a wild final four, though, eh? I don't think there has ever been a more unbelievable final four in all the seasons of Survivor. All of these people were thisclose from getting booted many, many times and have been able to survive this long. Wow. I think Eliza is right that they are all deserving in some way. Except maybe Scout. To be able to keep yourself in the game when your alliances are turning on you and you end up outnumbered is amazing.

The Amazing Race

Speaking of Tuesday shows, I thought I'd chat a little about this week's Amazing Race since I watched it a couple hours ago. I was actually really wishing it was going to be an elimination round and the old fogies would go because, for some reason, they really annoy me. I simultaneously feel bad for them and admire them, but they still annoy me. I really like Kris & Jon so I'm glad that they were able to overcome their really stupid move in the beginning of the episode and end up in first place. They seem like such great people - especially comparing Kris to all those other whiny women like Hayden and Kendra. Ugh. Other than that, Jonathan and Victoria seemed more bearable this week - shockingly.

It should be interesting to see Don and Mary Jean try to gather money at the start of the next round, considering they are now broke and in a destitute country. Perhaps Don could get his hands on a cab and offer some rides - those drivers sure raked in the funds.

Other good news from the world of television...

According to The Futon Critic: "A whopping 7.0 million viewers tuned into Sunday's premiere of the telefilm, The Librarian, making it the most-watched original movie thus far in 2004 on basic cable." Heh. I should be so proud! Not that I've seen it - yet. I did tape it despite it looking rather hokey. I need to stand behind anything that promotes my future profession, though. And, wow, the most-watched original movie on basic cable in all of 2004? Pretty impressive.

Also from The Futon Critic: The new season of Celebrity Poker Showdown starts Jan. 25th! The first episode features: Brad Garrett, Catherine O'Hara, Curt Schilling, Ray Romano and Sara Rue. I'll be interested to see real-life interaction between Brad Garrett and Ray Romano. Somehow I'm guessing it isn't too different than TV-life. Anyway, I love this show. I'm not too happy about it airing on Tuesdays now, though, because I already have two Tuesday shows and there are many days where I have no shows. But I'll adapt. At least I don't have class on Tuesdays next semester...

The Late Late Show With...

Craig Ferguson!! That is supposed to be announced today and I'm pleased with the selection. He definitely was the best of the final four, and although I was secretly rooting for Michael Ian Black, I'm actually glad they went with Craig. Craig's week was good and got better, whereas Michael's week ended on a real down note. Also, Craig went first of the final four and theoretically had less time to prepare, also. Both ended their week of hosting with a gimmick - Craig started Formal Fridays and it was fun to watch and hopefully will continue. It would be great to see the guests dance formally every Friday - I'm sure those actors are looking for more opportunities to wear those fancy clothes sitting in their closet. Meanwhile, Black did a blood drive for the American Red Cross on his last night and collected a whopping four pints of blood. I'm not sure what the point was. Craig also had a hysterical bit where he tried out for an Elvis role. He was by far the best interviewer of the final four as well. If you remember, I was a big fan of Craig's from the first go-round - in a pleasantly surprised kind of way - and predicted him as a frontrunner even then. Kind of ironic that they are replacing a Craig with a Craig...

Is the VCR dead?

That's the question addressed in this New York Post column (via TV Tattle). I have to say that it really annoys me because the VCR is most definitely NOT dead - and I speak as someone with a Tivo-ish machine. I like both! I have to admit, though, that it does seem hard to find a regular old VCR anymore. They all seem to be those VCR-DVD combos and I already have a separate DVD player that works fine (although it is from like 1997 or 1998 and is the size of a microwave oven, practically). Anyway, as far as recording goes, VCRs definitely have some benefits over DVRs and when I'm just taping and retaping my soaps every day, I'm fine with the picture I get off of regular non-digital cable TV in my bedroom. One thing that really bothers me about the DVR is that there is no counter of any type. I like to know how much time is left in a program when I'm watching it and the only way to check that out on my DVR is to stop the program. DVD recorders are supposed to be nice, although most of them are still pretty pricey. However, Gateway's is only $150 and it seems to work well, according to my family members who have one. But, a package of VHS tapes is still a lot cheaper than a package of recordable DVDs right now. And I don't think you can record over and over on a DVD either.

The Apprentice episode 13

I DEFINITELY don't know which episode of The Apprentice it is, but I'm going by their Web site. Another less-than-surprising outcome, in my opinion. I was pretty sure that Kelly, Kevin and Jennifer were assured a final four spot but I wasn't sure which of the other two (Sandy or Ivana) would make it and after seeing the preview where Ivana takes her skirt off, I thought that was a goner move. And, of course, when they both became project managers, I knew whichever team lost would seal their fate. I wish the final four would have been Kelly, Kevin, Sandy and Ivana but Jennifer really seems to have them all snowed. I can't stand her, especially after the week where she couldn't figure out that jeans wheel. I have a feeling she is going to continue to snow people, though, and might actually make it to the final two. All I can hope then is that her teammates sabotage her just like Omarosa sabotaged Kwame last year. Anyway, only two more episodes!

Survivor episode 12

I'm not sure if I have that episode number correct but that's what I used for my recap so I'll stick with it. My recap should be up here sometime soon. Another pretty predictable episode for this season. Although there was talk about Eliza forcing a tie, I don't think that was really feasible. Maybe next week, there will be some re-shuffling with the use of Julie. Chris and Julie are friendly and Eliza and Julie are friendly so maybe they foresee bringing her to the final three instead and breaking up that Twila-Scout pair. Personally, I don't want to see Julie make it any farther than she has already, but I would be glad to see the Twila-Scout pair break up. I had been rooting for Twila but she seemed kind of cocky and obnoxious this episode now that she has the power and it seems to get only worse next episode. So I can't believe I'm actually rooting for Eliza to win right now. Hey, she is the person I go to school with... Oh, and also, what is up with everyone always making final four plans? The game doesn't end when there are four left.

Good news

When my DSL finally starting working again this afternoon, I was met with some great news: Butch Davis resigned! Yay! Good riddance. I have to say it would be kind of funny if the Browns won their remaining games without Butch. Of course, that isn't likely with the rash of injuries.

Inside Pulse

I got some articles to brag about. Well, maybe brag isn't the right word. This week's column provides some of my ideas as to how television could do more crossovers. I have to say that I don't think it is that bad of an article, considering I sat down and wrote it in about two hours. Usually, I take about eight hours or so. Seriously. If I could always churn something out that quickly, I wouldn't dread writing the column so much. It mostly has to do with ideas, though. And I did spend some time coming up with these ideas, I'll admit. Anyway, I also let last week's column pass unmentioned, but that is a damn fine collection of upcoming holiday programming. It's by no means complete, but it's pretty good. I love holiday programming!

Happy Anniversary Melanie and Nathan!

Two years - is that all? Hope your day was great :-)

No, I did not fall off the face of the Earth

Sorry I haven't been around in, oh, ten days. Had a busy couple of days in Syracuse last week and then headed home to Cleveland for the holidays and long weekend, where Internet access is minimal. I will try to be better during December since I only have TWO more days of class! Yay!

Go Buckeyes!!

Ohio State 37, Michigan 21. Enough said.

What a fight!

Did everyone see or hear about that fight at the Pacers/Pistons game Friday night? Wowza. It started with Piston Ben Wallace getting annoyed by a foul and shoving Pacer Ron Artest. And then it just exploded from there. The players were throwing punches and shoving each other for awhile. Artest, who actually tried to stay out of the melee on the court and laid down on the scorer's table to calm down, I suppose, got a couple drinks thrown on him by fans and that was it. Artest bolted into the stands to go after the schmuck-o who threw the drinks at him and really punched the daylights out of him. Some of his teammates' headed into the stands to go after other fans, too. It was way CRAZY! They ended up calling the game early (there was like 45 seconds left) and then as the Pacers were corralled into the locker room, they all got drenched by all these a-holes from the stands, who continued to throw drinks and bottles on them. It was seriously insane. Today, Commissioner David Stern issued indefinite suspensions for three of the Pacers and Ben Wallace of the Pistons. Indefinite suspensions! That's got to be a HUGE blow to the Pacers team, which started last night's game with only 10 players anyway. It's like their three best players who are suspended, too. But, come on. You don't go into the stands to start fighting with fans, no matter how big of an asshole they might be. Oh, and as Brent Musburger said, "Now Ron Artest will have all the time off he wants to promote his album."

Double whammy

And, how about that episode of The Apprentice? I knew from the moment that team got rid of Kelly that they were going to lose and I just knew it was finally going to be Maria's turn. There was no way she was winning this game and it would just be a matter of time before she got her due. So, no shocker there? But a double firing?! How exciting was that? I laughed when Wes said, "I would have at least liked my own cab" at the end. I can't wait to see the others' faces when they find out two people are gone.

Just as an aside, Jennifer really bugs me. I don't like how she is constantly sliding by, either. Or getting all the credit by the Levis guys. What was up with that? And, what is so difficult about understanding how a wheel works? Ugh. She sure did look pretty while posing for those pictures, though.

Survivor week 10

Well, another episode and another man is gone. Chad. I liked Chad but he really didn't have much of an impact on the game, when you think about it. He was just one of a crowd. As is typical at this point in the game, I wish somehow things would just get mixed up a little! Oy. At this point, I really see Leann winning. Not sure why. Because she's quiet and likable, I guess. Anyway, my recap should be up sometime tomorrow (well, later today), whenever they get to it. I feel like I added a lot more commentary than I usually do, but I know I was definitely a little goofy. That's what happens on four hours of sleep. So why am I not in bed, then? Good question!

In Communicado

Oh I've been so busy the last few days, all because I had a huge major project due in one of my classes. I basically spent the last five days working on it non-stop. I'm CIPA-ed out. Now I have to get caught up on all my television-watching from the last week. Plus, I have to catch up on sleep (four hours just doesn't cut it), write my Survivor recap tonight, and do something about my mess of an apartment! Oh yeah, and I might try to find a job, too.

One thing I did sneak in during a break was Dream Job. Congratulations to Dave Holmes! I'm happy for him. Grant really choked, didn't he?

The Amazing Race news...

Don't forget that the new season starts tomorrow night. At 9pm, EST. But, before that, two of the hosts from The Early Show are going to take part in the first leg of the race, too! Harry Smith and weatherman Dave Price participated in the first leg and, while they aren't an official team, of course, it's going to be a great way to see behind-the-scenes of the show. Here's the info about that (via Futon Critic), which starts airing tomorrow morning. And, of course, it begs the question: When are they going to have a celebrity version of that show? That would be awesome! Of course, maybe not fair because the celebrities might be recognized in the other countries.

Meet Brian...

I like this article (via MediaBistro) that sort of atttempts to introduce us to Brian Williams, who will be taking over the NBC Nightly News from Tom Brokaw on Dec. 2nd. I've always really liked Brian, for some reason, so I'm happy for him. Although slightly disturbed to find he's a NASCAR fan...