Thursday, December 27, 2007

Thank you VH1

Season's Greetings true believers!

Hope everyone got what they wanted this holiday. I had an early holiday since I was working on the Christmas Day. So I was alone, and feeling a bit blue....but to the rescue was VH1.

I have been a big fan of I love the (name the decade) shows. Much in the same style, they had the top 100 songs of the 90's marathon. 5 hours of goodness....which when tivo'd, ends up being about 2 hrs of straight dope.

Hard to believe that the 90's constitutes nostalgia, but it was a major trip down memory lane.

Here's the list (from vh1.com), and my thoughts, and memories of the songs. THANKS AGAIN VH1 for another great show.

01. Nirvana "Smells Like Teen Spirit"
-I was attending the University of Washington when grunge hit in Seattle and the US. What a great time. My senior year, I was an intern at KIRO TV. My job was to tag along with a video photographer, and see what goes into news. About my third day, Kurt Cobain killed himself. And we staked out his house for 2 days straight waiting for Courtney Love to come out of the house. It was very surreal, and a sad end to a brilliant, troubled man.
02. U2 "One"
03. Backstreet Boys "I Want It That Way"
-I still love doing karaoke to this song. Yes its Cheesy...but it's cheesy goodness.
04. Whitney Houston "I Will Always Love You"
05. Madonna "Vogue"
06. Sir Mix-A-Lot "Baby Got Back"
-Me and some friends have made a couple of films in the Seattle area. Sir Mix-A-Lot was kind enough to cameo in one of our pictures. He was great....and the scene ended up on the cutting room floor. Baby got to get Back in the picture.
07. Britney Spears "...Baby One More Time"
08. TLC"Waterfalls"
09. R.E.M. "Losing My Religion"
10. Sinéad O'Connor "Nothing Compares 2 U"
-What a song. I will always remember listening to her album over and over. I dug it out recently, and its still outstanding
11. Pearl Jam "Jeremy"
-I've seen Pearl Jam five times. They are awesome live....and have never sold out. Time will be kind to them.
12. Alanis Morissette "You Oughta Know"
13. Dr. Dre (featuring Snoop Doggy Dogg) "Nuthin' but a "G" Thang"
14. Mariah Carey "Vision of Love"
15. Red Hot Chili Peppers "Under the Bridge"
16. MC Hammer "U Can't Touch This"
-You could not escape this song.
17. Destiny's Child "Say My Name"
18. Metallica "Enter Sandman"
19. Beastie Boys "Sabotage"
20. Hanson "MMMBop"
21. Celine Dion "My Heart Will Go On"
-First time I heard this song....I loved it. Still do.
22. Beck "Loser"
-I had the pleasure of helping open Paul Allens Experience Music Project in Seattle in 2000. Beck was one of the opening acts, and he was as weird as you'd imagine. Backstage....he and his girlfriend got quite intimate....in front of everyone!
23. Salt-N-Pepa with En Vogue "Whatta Man"
24. House of Pain "Jump Around"
25. Soundgarden "Black Hole Sun"
26. Eminem "My Name Is"
27. Counting Crows "Mr. Jones"
28. Ricky Martin "Livin' la Vida Loca"
29. Vanilla Ice "Ice Ice Baby"
30. *NSYNC "Tearin' Up My Heart"
31. Radiohead "Creep"
32. BLACKstreet "No Diggity"
33. Spice Girls "Wannabe"
34. Third Eye Blind "Semi-Charmed Life"
35. Oasis "Wonderwall"
36. C+C Music Factory "Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now)"
37. Green Day "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)"
38. Christina Aguilera "Genie In A Bottle"
39. Goo Goo Dolls "Iris"
40. Color Me Badd "I Wanna Sex You Up"
41. Spin Doctors "Two Princes"
42. Collective Soul "Shine"
43. En Vogue "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)"
44. The Fugees "Killing Me Softly With His Song"
45. Hootie & the Blowfish "Only Wanna Be With You"
46. Shania Twain "You're Still the One"
47. Marky Mark and The Funky Bunch "Good Vibrations"
48. Matchbox Twenty "3 AM"
49. Jewel "Who Will Save Your Soul"
50. Alice in Chains "Man in the Box"
51. Tupac (featuring Dr. Dre and Roger Troutman) "California Love"
52. Sugar Ray "Fly"
53. Naughty by Nature "O.P.P."
54. Joan Osborne "One of Us"
55. Fiona Apple "Criminal"
56. L.L. Cool J "Mama Said Knock You Out"
57. Jay-Z featuring Amil and Ja Rule "Can I Get A..."
58. Sophie B. Hawkins "Damn, I Wish I Was Your Lover"
59. Weezer "Buddy Holly"
60. Bell Biv DeVoe "Poison"
61. Sheryl Crow "All I Wanna Do"
62. Live "I Alone"
63. The Notorious B.I.G. featuring Mase & Puff Daddy "Mo Money Mo Problems"
64. The Presidents of the United States of America "Peaches"
65. Digital Underground "The Humpty Dance"
66. Edwin McCain "I'll Be"
67. Deee-Lite "Groove Is In The Heart"
68. Will Smith "Gettin' Jiggy Wit It"
69. Korn "Freak on a Leash"
70. Jamiroquai "Virtual Insanity"
71. Arrested Development "Tennessee"
72. Barenaked Ladies "One Week"
73. Marcy Playground "Sex and Candy"
74. Cher "Believe"
75. Kris Kross "Jump"
76. Blues Traveler "Run-Around"
77. Ice Cube "It Was a Good Day"
78. Lenny Kravitz "Are You Gonna Go My Way"
79. Meredith Brooks "Bitch"
80. Right Said Fred "I'm Too Sexy"
81. Paula Cole "I Don't Want to Wait"
82. Geto Boys "Mind Playing Tricks on Me"
83. The Breeders "Cannonball"
84. Snow "Informer"
85. Cypress Hill "Insane In The Brain"
86. The Cranberries "Linger"
87. Billy Ray Cyrus "Achy Breaky Heart"
88. Duncan Sheik "Barely Breathing"
89. Liz Phair "Never Said"
90. New Radicals "You Get What You Give"
91. Sarah McLachlan "Building a Mystery"
92. Public Enemy "911 Is A Joke"
93. Lisa Loeb & Nine Stories "Stay"
94. Fastball "The Way"
95. Montell Jordan "This is How We Do It"
96. Nelson "(Can't Live Without Your) Love and Affection"
97. Prince & The New Power Generation "Gett Off"
98. EMF"Unbelievable"
99. Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliott "The Rain (Supa Dupa Fly)"
100. Gerardo "Rico Suave"


What a great list, and what a great show!

Kudos, and Happy New Year everyone!

J

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Knight Rider Returns

Quick Post. Here's the new Car for Knight Rider. An NBC update for the francise. Not sure about a Mustang. No William Daniels as KITT either. KITT will be voiced by Job from Arrested Developement, Will Arnett. A bonus for all of you who knows what KITT stands for. Answer is below the photos.



KITT = Knight Industry's Two Thousand Two points for all of you who got it. KITT's arch-nemesis was KARR.....Not sure what that stands for.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Advent Calendars....and an early gift




I have always enjoyed advent calendars. I was the child who needed something else to focus on than counting the days...hours...and seconds until Christmas. The seed for this fever would be planted just after Halloween. There was many a November 1st when I would say to myself, 'Gee.....I wish it was December 1st" By December 1st, at least you had something tangable to help with Christmas Fever...the advent calendar. I had two that I can remember....and I saved them every year so I'd have a few.

The First known advent calendar was introduced by Gerhard Lang in 1908. Was simply 24 colored pictures....which was soon improved by adding doors.

The first 9 days were tough....but when you got to double digits....you atleast knew you were getting somewhere. When you got to the twentys....who boy....there was not much time left.

I still have the advent calendars.....alas I don't use them...but it is a part of Christmas past I'll always think fondly on.



Here it is. The teaser poster for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. It's good to see a weathered Indy, still ready to kick butt. I am very much anticipating this film. After a long stretch of no TV....bring on the good movies!

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

Monday Night Football....short end of the stick

Greetings true believers!

ESPN must be questioning the multi-million dollar deal they have with the NFL, with the games they have been saddled with for the end of the season. NBC, and their Sunday Night Football package was able to get Flex Scheduling for the remainder of the season....ensuring good match-ups for the rest of the season. So far with the Flex, it's been the Patriots show...and the ratings have been boffo. The close game last Sunday between Phil-NE kept rising in the ratings as the game went on. The only reason the Pats aren't on this week, is due to the Pats being on MNF.

But look at the schedule for MNF. Last week...two teams who most likely won't make the playoffs.....Den/Tenn. Last night....in arguably the worst game in MNF history, Pitt 3, and Mia 0. You can blame the turf....but it did feature an 0-10 team....in a game that NBC would never have had. The future has one team destined for the playoffs- New England.....and a bunch of teams that looked good at the start of the season....not any longer.

Monday Night Football still has the history....but not the mystique it once had. When ESPN renegotiates their contract....expect the Flex Schedule to be a part of it.

And a side note.....70% of the country is not getting the game of the week....Green Bay vs Dallas. It's Thursday night, and its on the NFL Network. The NFL is playing hard ball, trying to get paid a premium for their channel....with key games being their leverage. It hasn't worked so far....and they could be alienating their rabid fan base with this tactic. Just ask the NBA.....the NFL may be King....but nothing is guaranteed.

Monday, November 19, 2007

Good News w the Writers Strike....and SNL goes on

Greetings true believers.......

With our favorite shows running out of new shows....there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Talks are set to resume after Thanksgiving....so that will give hope that the break of new shows will be short.....and we should start seeing new shows by February sweeps at the latest.

The entertainment industry is going on during the strike. A good example of films being hurt by the strike...despite having a done script. JJ Abrams is currently shooting the new Star Trek film. He had a great idea for a line....but was unable to add it since they have to stick strictly with the words finished before the strike ended. It's wild they can't even riff ad libs during filming. Robin Williams must not have a project at the moment.

Lastly....Saturday Night Live goes on....not on the air. Over the weekend, they gave a benefit performance for their stage hands and background workers who are jobless during the strike. A really nice gesture. They even had guest host Micheal Cera....our favorite George Michael from Arrested Development.

Lastly....I'm on the search for things to watch since repeats will reign the day for a while. I'm watching Monster Quest on the History Channel.....and we just go HD Music Television in the Tri-Cities......music never sounded...or looked better!

Have a good week,

J

Friday, November 16, 2007

The Strike goes on.....

Greetings True Believers.

Here is a handy dandy guide (from ew.com) on how many new shows are left from your favorite programs. A quick prayer on this ending soon!

As of 11/16/07

0 NEW EPISODES LEFT
The Office (NBC)

2 NEW EPISODES LEFT
My Name Is Earl (NBC)
Private Practice (ABC)
The Unit (CBS)
Two and a Half Men (CBS)

3 NEW EPISODES LEFT
Back to You (Fox)
Desperate Housewives (ABC)
Grey's Anatomy (ABC)
Heroes (NBC)
How I Met Your Mother (CBS)
Pushing Daisies (ABC)

4 NEW EPISODES LEFT
Big Shots (ABC)
Brothers & Sisters (ABC)
Criminal Minds (CBS)
Dirty Sexy Money (ABC)
Shark (CBS)
The Game (The CW)
30 Rock (NBC)
'Til Death (Fox)
Women's Murder Club (ABC)

5 NEW EPISODES LEFT
Bones (Fox)
Chuck (NBC)
Gossip Girl (The CW)
House (Fox)
Journeyman (NBC)
Prison Break (Fox)
Reaper (The CW)
Supernatural (The CW)
Ugly Betty (ABC)

6 NEW EPISODES LEFT
Girlfriends (The CW)
Life Is Wild (The CW)

7 NEW EPISODES LEFT
Boston Legal (ABC)
Carpoolers (ABC)
Family Guy (Fox)
Samantha Who? (ABC)
Smallville (The CW)

8 NEW EPISODES LEFT
Cavemen (ABC)

10 NEW EPISODES LEFT
The Simpsons (Fox)

11 NEW EPISODES LEFT
Aliens in America (The CW)
K-Ville (Fox)
King of the Hill (Fox)

12 NEW EPISODES LEFT
Notes From the Underbelly (ABC)

13 NEW EPISODES LEFT
American Dad (Fox)
October Road (ABC)

14 NEW EPISODES LEFT
Men in Trees (ABC)

15 NEW EPISODES LEFT
Everybody Hates Chris (The CW)

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

My New Obsession- Guitar Hero


Greetings True Believers!

I have a new love....and it's Guitar Hero. I know I'm a little late with the love......it's now Guitar Hero 3 for goodness sake....but this game is fun! For the non-initiated...you can get the game for the PS2, PS3 and Xbox360. You get a guitar shape controller with a strum bar...whammy bar, and 5 color buttons which corresponds different notes. Then it's a huge game of pushing buttons, struming the bar.....and 'playing' lead guitar in a band to famous rock songs.

It's one of those things that you have to try to see how much fun it is. I brought it to a party last Friday, and we played it straight for over 5 hours.

You know a game gets big when it gets lampooned in South Park. Oddly enough, the day after I started playing it they did a great episode honoring the addictive quality of the game....and perhaps pointing out the hallow victory games like this provide.

If you like music and video games.....give Guitar Hero a try.....it is a blast.

J

Friday, November 9, 2007

To HD or not to HD? That is the question




Greetings True Believers.

A question I get alot is should I get into High Definition DVD's now....or wait.

I have to say wait until there is a winner in the format war. These kind of things are always annoying. Both are spectacular formats. HD movies is the way it's supposed to be. But you have to have a Blu-Ray player to watch Disney films.....or an HD-DVD to watch Transformers. So it's confusing...and you can't get all that you want on whatever format you choose....unless you're rich and have them both.

Back in the birth of the DVD.....I felt it was going to win the war over DIVX (remember that). DIVX was a DVD format, that allowed viewers to watch a film for two weeks, and then it couldn't play anymore. I knew that was doomed, and went headfirst into DVD. The choice was easy then...its not easy now.

My advice....stick with good 'ol DVD until a winner is declared between Blu-Ray and HD-DVD. Hopefully it will be over before the next NEW format comes along.


Jason

Monday, November 5, 2007

Strike 1...Late Night...Strike 2...Prime Time..Strike 3...Movies



Hello True Believers.......

Well here it is....the Writer's Guild has decided to strike. What does that mean for you?

Strike one....Late Night

The late night schedule takes an immediate hit. With no writers to work....the Daily Show, the Tonight Show, and Late Night with Conan O'brien all start repeating broadcasts tonight. Jimmy Kimmel and Letterman (who kept his show on during the last strike) are working out ways to keep them on. Also.....this is the important November sweeps....so who knows what havoc that will cause for advertisers. Hope you enjoy reality shows!

Strike two.....Prime Time

We're enjoying the new Prime Time schedule at the moment.....but all will stop with new episodes just after November! NBC's Heroes is currently filming a new ending to the short season, in case the strike continues well into next year. During the last strike...Star Trek the Next Generation took old scripts from the original series, and revamped them to the new show to get around the strike...so expect to see interesting solutions until the strike is settled.

Strike three.....Movies

If the strike continues for a LONG time....many projects will be effected....and long standing premiere dates will be moved. The biggest example I can think of is the Harry Potter series.....the actors are not getting any younger...and the longer the strike drags out....the more unconvincing their youth will be.

Join me in hoping the strike is concluded soon....or we'll be waiting until next fall...or beyond for new scripted entertainment.

J

Thursday, November 1, 2007

An Early Christmas Present



Greetings True Believers,

I'm a happy camper today. One of my favorite TV Producer/writers is coming back to TV....Joss Whedon.

If you're not familiar with my main man....he's the creator of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, and the woefully underated Firefly shows. They are all fun....heartbreaking....laugh out loud....interesting series. Something that is lacking in much of TV.

The new show is called "Dollhouse", and will star Eliza Dushku...formally Faith from Buffy and Angel. Eliza is a trained killer...who has her mind wiped after every mission. But she starts to get memories....and all heck breaks loose on supposes.

Look for this show on Fox next fall....and for goodness sake...Support it!!!!!!

J

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Halloween Viewings

Greetings True Believers.

Horror films have never been a favorite of mine. There's enough real scary things in the world. But...I do love the Universal Classic monster movies from the 30's and 40's. Dracula, Frankenstein, the Wolf Man, the Mummy....and the rest are all great films. The best of them, and I agree is Bride of Frankenstein....which with wicked wit, and atmosphere created the mother of all classic horror.

On Halloween...for about 10 years I have enjoyed two films faithfully on Halloween. Abbott and Costello meet Frankenstein....and Love at First Bite.

Way back in the 70's...before cable TV...Abbott and Costello movies were mainstays on Football-less Saturday afternoons. AC meet Frankenstein was far and away my favorite. Universal hit a master stroke putting the monsters....played by almost all the original actors......against Bud and Lou. The key is the monsters played it straight. It is a classic film that deserves to be watched. Vincent Price even makes a cameo apperence!

Now by the time cable graced my house, Love at First Bite was on HBO. I absolutely loved it then, and it still holds up. Count Dracula....oddly enough played by the eternally tanned George Hamilton, is forced to come to America...during the disco 70's. He has to adjust to life, as he courts his true love. It's a great film, that still makes me laugh.

Have a hauntingly good time this weekend, where the lion's share of Halloween Parties will commence. Make sure you don't Drink and Drive...and have a good one.

Jason

Monday, October 22, 2007

Spamalot in Seattle.....alot of fun.



Greetings True Believers.

I had the pleasure of heading over to Seattle this past weekend, and checking out the US tour of Monty Python's Spamalot. A hugely entertaining romp through the world of King Arthur and his court. Of course the basis is from the immortal movie, Monty Python and the Holy Grail......and much of the funnier bits survive to the musical. And alot of other new goodies is added as well. I honestly didn't know what to expect from this production....but it far exceeded any expectations I had.

For those who want to check it out....the US Tour is in Seattle until this Sunday. They then move to Boise for a one week run there. Afterthat...you have three places you can enjoy some Spam. It is still running on Broadway......London...and the Wynn Casino in Las Vegas.

If you have the chance, go see it!

Thursday, October 18, 2007

"A True End of an Era"



Joey Bishop....the last surviving member of the Rat Pack passed away today.

The Rat Pack was a phenomenon for the early 60's....pairing up the odd quintet of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford, and Joey Bishop. Whenever available, they would do a show at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas.....a show that was often described as frantic....and magical for that slice in time. To get an idea of what they were about, check out the great movie....appropriately called "The Rat Pack" from HBO films on DVD.

Joey Bishop was a successful comedian on his own. He had two network shows...which bombed. And was the only person who had a show opposite Johnny Carson......that Johnny didn't blackball after its demise. He is the person who guest hosted the Tonight Show for Johnny more than anyone else.

A true end of an era.......

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Star Trek's New Cast


Greetings True Believers.

Above...courtesy of the website Trekweb.com is your first look at most of the new cast for the BIG budget Star Trek film. I've talked to a number of Star Trek fans who are at best nervous....and at worst would rather not see this film come to be. I personally have extreme faith in JJ Abrams who is taking the reigns. Yes....this is a last swing at the Star Trek Francise. If it fails, it will die. But Paramount is putting a budget of 165 million bucks to make sure it works. JJ Abrams knows how to make things exciting and cool.....I personally can't wait. Time will tell.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

2008 Movie Season Preview












Hello True Believers........

I know the 2007 Movie Season is not over....and there are a few good films coming this holiday season....but I am jazzed about 2008. It is one of the best line-ups of long awaited genre films ever.

In May....we get Indiana Jones 4, and Iron Man. I'm salavating for both. With Iron Man, it's the first Marvel Comics film funded by Marvel Comics themselves. There's alot of pressure...but the casting of Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark is inspired. With Indy....I'm just happy to have the old gang back together....including the return of Karen Allen as Marion Ravenwood. May is going to be great.

In July.....The Dark Knight comes with the Joker. Batman Begins was a fantastic film...the first movie to get the Batman right. Director Christopher Nolan is back.....and it should be great. Above is Harvey Dent....the future Two-Face.....so Batman is going to be hip deep with baddies.

And the 2008 holiday season has the return of Harry and Star Trek.

Harry Potter 6 continues what will go down as the most profitable, and truly timeless series possibly ever. To have all the kids for all 7 movies makes it absolutely unique, and one for the ages.

Star Trek is brought to you by Lost mastermind JJ Abrams. This is going to be a major hit or miss, as he re-casts the original crew......Kirk, Spock and all....for a reboot of the series. I don't know if Trek has another life in her....but if anyone can do it....it's JJ Abrams.

Here's looking forward to a great 2008!!!!!

J

Monday, October 8, 2007

FOX is praying for NY.....Seth Rogan great SNL visit



Hello true believers.

The logos here are the fear of the FOX network. A meeting between two small market teams in the World Series will bring extremely low ratings, to already faltering ratings for baseball. FOX has always had trouble in the fall due to baseball reeking havoc with their new fall shows. And if Boston or New York doesn't make it to the fall classic, low ratings doom will knock FOX down a few notches. When the new baseball contract is up, don't expect any of the networks to want the World Series.....it sounds like sacrilege, but I think its true.

Seth Rogan is a funny man. Riding his success with Superbad and Knocked Up, he hosted Saturday Night Live last weekend, and helped with one of their best episodes in ages. I actually watched each skit.....which with my DVR I haven't done in years. My watching habit of SNL is to watch every digital short, the news...and watch the first minute of a skit...if I don't FWD!!!! Two years ago, Seth would have killed to have been a member of SNL.......Too bad he's a big star now and can't.

Monday, October 1, 2007

Miss Moneypenny RIP




Lois Maxwell, the original Miss Moneypenny from the James Bond series passed away over the weekend. She is only 2nd to Desmond LLewelyn who played Q with the most appearances in the James Bond Series with 14. She was 80, and died of Cancer near her home in Australia.

She played the secretary for the head of the MIS, M. She served two M's, and three James Bond's.

Lois won the most promising newcomer Golden Globe in 1947.

She will live on, either flirting with James forever, or compiling the biggest sexual harrassment suit ever.

My thanks to her.


Jason

Tuesday, September 25, 2007

The Clock Strikes 12:01AM on Halo 3

Yawn. I would like to be joining the masses calling in sick or taking the day of today. But alas, the advent of Halo 3 is here. Some retailers were open late last night, to sell the game at the stroke of midnight for gamers who don't seem to want to waste any hours of Halo 3 availability. This is the line I had to endure at the Kennewick Wal-Mart.


They were mostly men.....in their late 20's or early 30's. I was 40th in line after arriving at 11:45pm. The Wal-Mart employees were looking at us with a tad bit of fear. Adhering to the midnight release time, they couldn't have any product ready...so it took a few minutes for them to get organized, much to the chagrin of the huddled mass. I finally got mine at 12:15am, along with some Halo dog tags....a Wal-Mart perk and future eBay mainstay.

As I drove away, there is an EB Games on my way home, and there was a line 50 deep at 12:20am out the door. I'm guessing these are the folks who pre-bought the game and have to be concerned that they still don't have the game yet. Never pre-buy, when Wal-Mart will have it anyway.

So I get home, and let the games begin. On Xbox360Live, I have a list of friends from the online community, and 2 were still up. One from Detroit and one from Seattle. The three of us played the online content for a bit. I played the campaign, which is the main game 'til about three....and I'm back at work.

My first impressions are the game are great, but you wouldn't believe the massive amount of options available in the game. It will be deep into 2008 before I see the entirety of the game.



Monday, September 24, 2007

Marcel Marceau Silenced.....one great movie moment

If you're reading this blog, you may have a vague idea of who Marcel Marceau was. He was the world's greatest mime. That may not mean much to many, but he is well regarded as a genius internationally.

So why do I bring up Mr Marceau. He has a top notch movie moment. It happened in Mel Brooks' Silent Movie. A film that has endured like his Blazing Saddles or Young Frankenstein, but it is a hilarious movie....with no spoken dialouge.....except one. You can see the appearance on the right, but Marcel Marceau has the one line in the film......."NO!"

I just always found it a unbeliebably clever idea, and it was cool that Marcel decided to do it.

Have a good week,

Jason

Thursday, September 20, 2007

If You've Never Heard of Master Chief....you will


Next Tuesday, the 25th will be most likely the biggest day in entertainment history. Halo 3 is coming out for the Xbox 360....and is expected to generate around $200 million dollars in a 24 hour period. Wal-mart is setting up Halo 3 only check out stands to handle the volume.

For folks who aren't in the know. The original Halo came out around the time the original Xbox came around, and it was like nothing ever seen before. A true triumph in the medium, and became the 'killer app', or the reason people bought the Xbox.

Halo 2 came out a few years later, and ushered in the era of online gaming. This was the first title to bring people online with their xboxs in droves. To this day, it's one of the top online games of all time.

So the hype is huge for Halo 3. It's on a bigger system, and if it delivers, it will be a water shed moment in the history of video games. It should also lead the Xbox 360 to huge sales of its system.

I will be buying it Monday night at 12midnight, and will chronicle my thoughts on the most anticipated game in the history of the medium.

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Brett Somers....RIP



Match Game, is most likely my favorite TV show of all time. If you have never seen it....watch the magic daily on GSN. After the untimely death of Charles Nelson Reilly in May, we have lost another panelist from the show, Brett Somers.

She occupied the upper, center seat for almost every Match Game show. The only reason she started on the show, is the producers wanted Jack Klugman for the first week, and he said he'd do it if his wife, Brett Somers could appear. She was perfect for the show....and never left. She was seated next to Reilly, and they had a suburb comic relationship. True Magic.

She lived to be 83, and succumbed to cancer. I do think she knows how much joy she helped create.....and is still delivering today.



Monday, September 17, 2007

Heijal.....Heigl is a Star....and FSN stinks

What an Emmy broadcast last night. Some highs, some lows.....some censorship.

I wish this censorship was around when Jane Fonda accepted the Best Actor Oscar for her father in the early eighties. Sally Field and her anitwar rant was cut well short. Let her speak....because people like her...they really really like her.

Katherine Heigl though was the big winner of the night. Her name was mis-pronounced, and she corrected the announcer with a high amount of class and humor. And, when she won her best actress Emmy....she audilbly dropped an S-Bomb. During her speech....she had a little fun with the lack of hope her mother had in her chances....and looped around and thanked her at the end. What a great year for her.......and she may have become a huge star last night.

What was bad, was the horrible Frankie Valle tribute for the Sopranos. What a horrible tribute to possibly the greatest show ever on TV. They should have reunited Journey instead.

I was pleased 30 rock won Best Comedy....its a great show, and it should help the struggling series.

-FSN STINKS

Could FSN please invest in some better cameras. I'm not even talking HD....I'm talking about cameras that don't look like they have vasoline on them. The WSU/Idaho game last Saturday night was an embarassment on how bad it looked. FSN, get your act together....ESPN is outclassing you in every aspect possible.

Monday, September 10, 2007

MTV VMA's- I'm officially old

I have always felt I was hip with what was going on.....but if the MTV VMA's were any indication....I have no idea. There was not one point during the broadcast that I actually enjoyed. I was bored, and was Mr. Confused.

Britney looked scared as she lip-synced.....and all the "music" acts seemed forced and uninspired. But then again....I'm 36, and the VMA's are not directed for me.

The one neat announcement....is the new title of Indiana Jones. See the new Logo below.



Well.....I'm going to have to face it......I'm no longer part of the MTV generation.....and truthfully....I don't mind.

Friday, September 7, 2007

Set your Tivo's for Stunned

It's been announced that Britney Spears will be the opening act for MTV's Video Music Awards....or the VMA's as the kids call 'em.

Consider me there. She has been the trainwreck of trainwrecks....and this could be the last nail in her entertainment coffin. 10 years ago...Paula Abdul had an ill-conceived appearence in a see thru outfit, that summarily ended her career.

Yes....I am watching Sunday night at 9pm to see a hopeful disaster. MTV has got to be hoping for disaster as well. They'll get much more ink if she implodes, than if she harkens her comeback.

So set your Tivo's.....and get ready to watch at least something interesting.

J

Friday, August 31, 2007

Christopher Walken.....WHY!!!!!??????

Good day all, this is an open letter to Christoper Walken.

Mr. Walken,

I have enjoyed your work for your entire career. Deer Hunter....genious. King of New York....awesome. Pulp Fiction, True Romance......one scene masterworks. Why have you gone the William Shatner route. Yes, it will make you loads of cash....but what about the work! William Shatner....a true has been in the 90's, began to be a parody of himself, to great success. Just look at his travel website ads, Boston Public, Miss Congenialty, etc.

Sir....I have met William Shatner...and sir, you are no William Shatner....in a good way. I'm sure the loads of cash you got for Balls of Fury was wonderful. But this is true trash. Your gamble for the year was Hairspray...where you had a love song....with JOHN TRAVOLTA.

I ask you kindly...get a meeting with Quenton Taratino...have him write a movie for you....and regain your class.

Thank you,

Jason Valentine

Monday, August 27, 2007

Ebert Gives Disney Thumbs Down

Good Monday Morning.

-Roger Ebert has lowered the boom on his own show. He's been recovering from throat cancer for over a year, and hasn't appeared on his show for that time. He has pulled his trademarked thumbs from the show for the time being. Ebert, and the estate of Gene Siskel own the rights to the thumbs, and Disney, which owns their show, has opened negotiations to keep the thumbs during his absence. According to Ebert, the offer was very low....and until a monetary agreement occurs, the thumbs will be absent from Ebert and Roeper. Stay tuned on this one.

-It's official, the 2007 Summer Movie Season was the biggest in history, with over $4 billion in box office. Here's the deal though, aside from the money, what really memorable event occured in the movies this summer. There really was no standout performance or movie. Just alot of big studios churning out what the masses want. Hopefully next year there will be a few gee-whiz moments, along with the big grosses.

-The late Summer movie doldrums have hit. You know when Mr. Bean's Holiday gets a big release, things are slowing down. But, the studios release quirky movies that just might be OK. Look for Clive Owen's Shoot 'em Up, or Russell Crowe's 3:10 to Yuma to be those hidden gems.

Untill next time!

Jazzy

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

The NFL....and Bill Murray

-The NFL is back....albeit the preseason. It is nice to see the iconic colors of the team. But does ANYONE watch the entire game. I can understand if you are a rabid fan of one of the teams....wanting a look at players who are going to get cut....but otherwise, it can be deadly.

I do like the addition of Ron Jawarski into the booth at Monday Night Football. He is a bit of a dork, but I'll take a likable dork over the diva Joe Theisman anyday.

The NFL Network continues to roll along. I give it five years for them to take the draft away from ESPN. They'll most likely make the first round an evening affair for ratings. And I give 10 years, for there being 8 NFL Networks, and the only way to get the NFL, is through them. I hope not, but things are heading that way.

-Bill Murray is charged with a DUI.....in a golfcart. Wait...it gets better.....in Stockholm Sweden. He was driving the cart downtown, when he was pulled over! He promised the police officer he'd appear in court if he let him go....and has since fled back to the US. Caddyshack indeed.

Have a good one,

Jazzy

Sunday, August 19, 2007

Superbad..........Super Box Office

My goodness.....what a difference 2 years make. The R Rated comedy was dead and buried....but along comes Judd Apatow and they are back in a big way.

The $20 million dollar movie Superbad made $31 million in its first weekend. A rare film this summer that makes more than its budget right off the bat. Producer Judd Apatow has directed, or produced 40-year-old Virgin, Knocked Up, and now Superbad. Films that have or will all turn a major profit. What makes them work? Great writing, and they are all hilarious with a heart.

Judd Apatow cut his teeth with the Larry Sanders show. A landmark show that has career ripples that are still being felt today.

So get ready for a bunch of cruddy R-rated comedys to be on their way.....your only sign of quality is Judd Apatow's involvement.

Have a great week!

Jazzy

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Digital Domination

Folks, if people are mysteriously getting the 24 hour flu today, they may have caught it from one of the most recognizable people on TV, John Madden. His enormously popular video game comes out today, Madden '08. Some people feel today is tantamount to a national holiday, MADDENday.

The game started out innocently enough as a PC version in the early 90's. Once games systems started to get going, the Super Nintendo and the Sega Genesis, Madden found his way there and became an instant hit. His game has been released every year since, and has gained momentum and sales figures on the way. Last year, they sold over 2 million copies in the first week, generating over $100,000,000, worthy of a hollywood blockbuster.

EA Sports has the exclusive video game contract for the NFL, and the countries biggest sport draws its fan to this celebration every year. With the advent of the next generation consoles, the PS3 and the Xbox 360, you can now play it in HD. Happy Madden Day everyone!

Friday, August 10, 2007

Where I Spend My Time Online

Movies have been my thing for my entire life....and the advent of the internet has been a blessing for those who want to be in the know. Back in the stone ages, I got all my information from Entertainment Tonight, and Starlog....a Science Fiction media magazine. But that information was either months old, or through a corporate filter. The internet on the other hand gives you the straight stuff on upcoming movies and TV. The following is the list of websites I frequent on a daily basis.

www.aintitcool.com - The granddaddy of Movie sites. Aint it Cool is both famous, and infamous for what it has done to the movie industry. Always a great read.

www.darkhorizons.com - A site from down under, who gets great Film Scoops.

www.ew.com - The official site from Entertainment Weekly magazine. They always have a fun spin on what's going on with entertainment.

www.digitalbits.com - An outstanding site for the latest and greatest in DVD.

www.superherohype.com - As the name suggests, it is the authority on current and future Super Hero Films.

That's a quick list on places to up your Film IQ. Have fun surfing!


Jason

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

The Return of Gene Siskel...with Ebert of course

One of the reasons I love the movies, is because of two men, Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert. There have never been two men who personify the love for the medium of film in history. They started small enough, on PBS doing a small show called "Sneak Previews". That is where their legend began, as two wildly different people, who loved the movies, but not necessarily each other. They went on to syndication with At the Movies, and ended up with Siskel and Ebert and the Movies. These men taught me that laughing at bad films can be fun, and the evil of not having films in widescreen on video.

I am rejoicing this week, as they have unveiled a new website, with a treasure trove of their old reviews. It is nice seeing Gene living and breathing......and its good to hear Roger again, as he's been silenced for that last year and a half battling cancer. (He is recovering and should eventually return to TV) Check them out at www.atthemoviestv.com. I've spent the last few nights there, and I'm loving every review, and every verbal jab between the two giants of cinema.

Monday, July 30, 2007

RIP Tom Snyder and Bill Walsh.

Tom Snyder, seemed like one of the nicest men you could meet on camera. He was more apt to take a jab at himself than any of his guests. His show Tomorrow, which aired after Johnny's Tonight show, was as laid back of a show you could imagine. He tried different things....as is acceptable in his time slot. One historic night, he decided to introduce America to a new rock band he had taken a liking to. That band was U2. David Letterman was such a fan, he gave him the timeslot after him when he debuted on CBS.

Bill Walsh, brought a francise from the depths in the NFL, to the ultimate Zenith as the team of the 80's. He won 3 world championships with the San Francisco 49ers, and built the team that won the fourth. He had a very forgettable stint as Stanford head coach, but he'll always be remembered as the great architect, of a great dynasty.

Two visionaries, who will be sorely missed.

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

ViewTube- 7/24

Price is Right will "Carey" on/ My weekend with Harry

Drew Carey announced he had just accepted a contract to host the Price is Right. I think this is a good choice. He is quite different from Bob Barker, and should be able to make it his own...while keeping the charm (or cheese) of the original. Carey is a Midwesterner....much like Letterman and Carson, and should appeal to a wide range of folks. And if any indication of how excited Carey is....he couldn't sit still or extinguish his grin while talking to Dave last night. Good Stuff.

No, and I didn't head off to watch Beckham's MLS debut with Prince Harry....I enjoyed the final Harry Potter book, and in true me fashion, I felt it was my duty to finish it before the weekend ended. Harry Potter will always have a soft spot in my heart, and I'm sad I'll never have another Potter fix in the future, but alas all good things must come to and end. My original plan was to get the book at midnight....and read until a passed out, or finished. But fate intervened, and I had a wedding to attend the next day, 260 miles away. I did get the book at 12:01AM, at my local Albertson's. I avoided any lines or hubbub by going there. To have the book...and the answers to the Potter mysteries in my hand was hard to comprehend. I read 4 chapters....and went off to bed. I left for the wedding...in Port Orchand WA, and arrived in the sleepy town around 12:30pm. I found a nice diner, and hung out for 2 hours, and read 4 more chapters. The wedding lasted 'til 5pm...and I scurried off home to finish the book. Got home at 9:30, read a bit....and had to sleep. With two thirds left to go, I knew I had to get to work, so from 1pm, to 10:30pm, I learned all that is learnable in the land of Potter. What a great book it was....contrasting it with the Sopranos finale, this was indeed final, and satisfying. I will always be grateful to JK Rowling for giving me something to obsess about from time to time in the last 8 years. (I was a late convert) This final book, and the Goblet of Fire are my favorite of the series, because they both deviated from the formula. What a grand way to send Harry off, and I hope you are enjoying, or enjoyed it as well. What did you think?