May 07, 2008
Killing me
This just killed me. AND it got me to stop my FF-ing and rewind to watch the whole commercial. AND I got what product it was for. AND I now want to try their new flavor.
Wow. A successful broadcast TV commercial.
Posted by nikl at 07:37 PM | Comments (0)
April 30, 2008
Whoo hoo!
SO GLAD with the Idol results! Not so much because this season is exciting at all, but more because she annoyed me almost as much as HRC, and this means I'm still alive in my Idol pool!
"Thanks to you, child, we's all free!" (major points for naming that quote. More for the next line).
Posted by nikl at 09:05 PM | Comments (2)
April 29, 2008
American Idol
Why. Is. Brooke. Still. Around.
Posted by nikl at 07:59 PM | Comments (0)
February 28, 2008
You can always depend on the kindness of strangers - or friends
Yay! Ordinary Whirled and my friend Bryan are doing Idol recaps better that I could ever hope to! So here they are:
Boys
Bryan [Edit: I have since learned that notes aren't public. So sadly, you can't enjoy Bryan's 1st class snarky-ness]
OW
Girls
Bryan[Edit: see edit above]
OW
Posted by nikl at 10:09 AM | Comments (1)
February 11, 2008
American Idol, Season 7, Hollywood Week Ep 1
Ok, the amount of excitement that just went through me in response to finding out that the first Hollywood Week episode is 2 hours long probably means that I have issues.
Wow. What's with the plaid mini-skirt? Wasn't there a memo about that, like, 5 years ago?
David Hernandez - top 12. Those intros are the ones you always try, but never worked. He totally worked it. But he needs to stop the GROWLING.
Why is there a Mark Motley look alike every year?
Why, as humans, is it our nature to immediately cut down those around us as opposed to just accepting a situation at face value? Oh wait. I'm watching American Idol.
Ok. Yesterday, when I said the phrase "a whole new world," Karyn asked if I'd seen American Idol yet. I had not. She refused to speak. I now understand.
What has Asia done to her HAIR?
Posted by nikl at 03:49 PM | Comments (0)
January 24, 2008
American Idol, Season 7, Episode 4
Um, was that woman spraying her hair as she screamed?
The black Clay Aiken??? How'z about Tito. Cam says the black Richard Simmons.
Best. Monologue. About. Kellie. Pickler. Ever. Oh, but wait, now she's talkin' about the Sunday crowd. And THAT's why she spells her name with that capital "A."
Having been around the message board world since the mid 90s, this couple that met on the boards is killing me. I can't even write the layers going on here.
Posted by nikl at 07:46 PM | Comments (0)
January 22, 2008
American Idol, Season 7, Episode 3
These editors totally have a sense of humor. One I like. Old Man Opening: hilarious.
Do you think, at this point, that contestants know that having a marketable story is a huge help in getting seen? And/or can someone who knows speak to whether or not that's true or it just appears to be true?
Mariah girl, leave Mariah alone. And you know, she probably wasn't as bad as it came off, but damn. Randy spoke it out.
One of my favorite parts of the whole American Idol experience is being reminded of great songs I haven't heard in forever. Case in point "Until You Come Back to Me" - Aretha is simply the bomb.
Twice now, the editors have taken a clearly fake and not so funny segment and at the last second turned it into brilliance. Eagles. Fly.
Posted by nikl at 07:33 PM | Comments (0)
January 16, 2008
American Idol, Season 7, Episode 2
Please tell me that woman did not really name her baby Idol.
As Cameron says "who just 'tries' meth?" I guess she does.
More from Cameron: "A fondue restaurant? They got a lot goin' on there - the fondue and the singin'."
I am coveting Alaina's shirt. I've wanted to buy that shirt about 4 times. Unfortunately, my arms will never be small enough to rock that top. Sigh. Work is Alaina.
The editing award goes to the folks who worked on the Bruce segment. Best background music choice. Among other fabulousness. 3 yesses.
3 words: Kayla. Dawn. Hatfield.
Ok, I was saddened by the downturn in editing quality with the Kyle segment, until the last 4 seconds. LOL.
I think Simon throws yesses out just to taunt Paula and Randy. And every once and a while, they call his bluff: Kayla. Dawn. Hatfield.
I'm gonna go ahead and thrown down that Tammy is a fake. Her improv group is having a blast tonight. But love the elevator music.
I'm kinda surprised the "Over the Rainbow" drag queen didn't get through...
I. Heart. Drew.
Wow. Guyliner. "I haven't seen myself rock out but I've heard that I'm" PRETTY GAY. And then oh, as I was typing that, HE'S FROM EDWARDSVILLE. Nice. I will note that it looks like he's "from" Edwardsville b/c of SIUE... Ok. No. I google search shows he went to EHS... He was on the bowling team...
Posted by nikl at 10:06 PM | Comments (0)
January 15, 2008
American Idol, Season 7, Episode 1 (for real)
Ok, see, somehow discussing the Declaration of Independence on American Idol is unacceptable. But there they go.
Joey Catalano: I just lost 204 lbs, I'm going... to do hitch-kicks? It's still unfolding in front of me, but are they really going to kick off the season with a touching story ending in someone singing horribly?... Fake the funk?... Ok - whew. I was really scared. Awwwww - so sweet. Good first edit, AI.
HOW DID BORAT GET ON AI?
OK. I have paused the DVR at 12 minutes. I have put down the remote, and I have reclined on the couch b/c I am dead:
"Just because you ain't married you ain't got no kids?"
"no"
"Well, welcome to the new city baby, that's all that's all that's going on over here."
I think Yuka is faking. I think he's not really Borat.
Hmmm, let me think about what song I would never sing at an American Idol audition - oh, I don't know, the most overplayed song of all time? However, clearly her dirty window wasn't so dirty 'cause she made it to Hollywood.
"Don't let this fool you. Make me mad and I will break your bones." I can't. I can't. I... I... please don't let her be awful... 1 dog, 2 cats and 10 kittens.
Again. I have relinquished grasp of the remote, and fallen dead:
"I'm Not Goin' nowhere - " A. First of all. and B.
"by Jennifer Hudson."
And she's bad. No no no no way, indeed.
"I have two cats because I'm studying to be a vet." WHAT? And really? She's only 23? Good thing she's going for actressing. Aww, hell - now the mother's getting into it.
Ok - Angela can sing.
As can Chris Watson. I put him in the top 12 guys.
Posted by nikl at 07:33 PM | Comments (0)
American Idol, Season 7, Episode 1
I can't take the antici-ci-ci-PAtion, so I'm creating this entry NOW. Six hours early. I am mostly excited for OW's POV, as well as to what the layer of the Book that is Face will bring to the whole experience.
I. Am. A. Nerd.
And I love it.
Posted by nikl at 01:10 PM | Comments (1)
January 09, 2008
TV catch-up
I finally watched the finale of Kid Nation.
First of all, was anyone watching Kid Nation? I fear I'm on my own. I'm sad about that b/c there were definitely some moments not to be missed. Granted, they were few and far between, but gems nonetheless.
My favorite, perhaps, is when Taylor, the beauty queen brat who needs a lot more parenting, announces that ugly animals need to die:
Any scene with Alex or Jared. Brilliance.
The last episode, when the parents came to town, I admit, I cried. Then, when they awarded the $50K star to Morgan and her dad stood up and spoke, again I became verklempt.
I admit I only ever watched Kid Nation via DVR, usually weeks late, only after I'd watched everything else and mostly when I was also doing laundry, dishes and cooking dinner. But I'd go ahead and say it served a purpose even so. And if they manage to mount a season two I would venture to say I'd check it out in the same manner. Likely.
And then there's Friday Night Lights. All I really have to say about that is that Buddy Garrity is everything I love about west Texas all wrapped up in a man. Kinda like the beauty of the country wrapped up in a bird. Only different. While similar.
Posted by nikl at 08:24 PM | Comments (0)
January 07, 2008
Requiem Survivor?
I can only attribute the fact that I read 2 E-weeklies, listened to news radio the week before I left for vaca, read at least 8 crappy gossip magazines while I was on vaca and was STILL surprised when I finally got around to watching the finale just now to the sad reality that Survivor has jumped the shark.
Really?
I mean, I may be one of the few folks left watching, but even if I didn't watch, surely I couldn't go 3 weeks without having the winner revealed if anyone gave a rat's behind?
Posted by nikl at 05:18 PM | Comments (0)
November 30, 2007
Kid Nation
Sophia's parents must be so proud.
Taylor's parents must want to crawl under a rock. "Kill the ugly chickens! All the ugly chickens deserve to DIE!" WTF.
Actually, given how Taylor behaves, they probably don't know they should be embarrassed.
I'm glad they threw Lyla a bone by showing the outtake at the end of this week's episode when she calls out Taylor's breath - or the chicken. Nice work.
Posted by nikl at 11:48 PM | Comments (0)
October 07, 2007
The Office
Killing. Me.
Garbage the feral cat.
Posted by nikl at 12:43 AM | Comments (0)
September 28, 2007
Reaper
Wow. I heard tell that the Reaper season premiere had been described as "the best television pilot ever."
I'm going to have to agree. Completely.
I mean, I haven't seen every television pilot ever, but this is some funny, smart, well produced and directed stuff.
Awesome.
Posted by nikl at 09:46 PM | Comments (0)
September 23, 2007
Survivor China: Premiere
So, you've probably watched Survivor before (as awesome as Earl is, I'm sure he's an anomaly). Would you not consider, at any moment, that your stuff might be left behind and therefore not wear HEELS? I mean, please.
Posted by nikl at 05:24 PM | Comments (0)
September 02, 2007
Hot Ghetto Mess part IV
Would you rather put your money in the stock market or the lottery? "People die from investin' in the stock market. I don't know nobody who die from playin' the lottery - and at the end of the year - you can claim them old lottery tickets."
OMG. BUBB RUBB WAS JUST ON. ____________________
What was the last book you read? "Now, that's something I don't do."
Posted by nikl at 11:52 AM | Comments (0)
September 01, 2007
Hot Ghetto Mess part III
Streetwalking with Hot Ghetto Mess:
Mercedes Benz or a condo? - "Give me hoopdie and an apt and I'll be straight"
Can you recite some lines from Martin Luther King's "I have a dream" speech? - "I wasn't even boooorn when he die - when he die? 1968 or sumthin'? That's my momma's department."
What is Kwanzaa? "Kwanzaa - Kwanzaa is a Mexican holiday." (black man)
Who is the Secretary of State? "I'm in the military so I should know this... but I... I don't know!" "Which state?"
when were black men given the right to vote? "um, I think it was in the 80's - the late 80's"
Um, please tell me someone saw this show and the preacher clip where he street preached and then took a swig from a gallon jug of RED KOOL-AID. Brilliant in its simplicity.
Posted by nikl at 06:59 PM | Comments (0)
August 16, 2007
The Hills
Um, ok, yes, first of all, I admit I watch The Hills.
I'm a little afraid that Lauren has a small cat in this scene... wearing a sweater. I am really hoping that this is not a new trend.
And Spencer and Heidi... ugh. Spencer is Such. A. Mess.
And wtf is up with Audrina's EX? Hello, I'm freaky french painter guy with a hat GIVE ME SOME CANDY.
And why is Lo back.
Posted by nikl at 07:43 PM | Comments (1)
Hot Ghetto Mess part II
Hot Ghetto Mess goes street walkin' again - with Sidney, Charlie Murphy introduced him this time. Sidney, we love:
"What is the Emancipation Proclamation?" - 10 black folks on the street DO NOT KNOW.
"How many states in the United States?" - 54, 56, 51 next year?????
Help.
Posted by nikl at 07:19 PM | Comments (0)
August 14, 2007
Don't go blamin' the spoilers
As of late, I'm on a rant about personal responsibility. Oh wait, that's not new. So perhaps I should rephrase that.
As of late, I'm on a personal responsibility rant about information consumption. It is not someone else's fault if you read something. Last time I checked, you can't be forced to read something. Right? I mean, barring extreme circumstances, reading is a free will exercise. Even when you have an assignment in school, you can choose NOT to read it.
This is a rant that bubbles up for me every once and a while, but lately it's been exacerbated by the Harry Potter hubbub. Everyone's whining and complaining about spoilers. I, who consumes more media than most I know, bought the book the day after it came out, and was unable to finish it until last weekend. The end was not spoiled for me. Why? Because I avoided media where I might have it spoiled. SIMPLE.
Though, as I'm reading the E-Weekly dedicated to Harry Potter that I put aside until I'd finished the book b/c HELLO, there's a little insert with some guy ranting about people who posted spoilers. And I just don't GET IT. This seems to not be logical to me. Spoilers only spoil if people CHOOSE TO READ THEM. What are the odds that someone in a Harry Potter chat room or bbs is going to spout something to ruin the plot for me? What are the odds that if I hear a tease for a Harry Potter conversation on the radio that something will be slipped? What are the odds that the Entertainment Tonight coverage on Harry Potter might tell me something I don't want to know? HIGH HIGH HIGH! I don't need a "spoiler alert" message, I just need to know the subject matter to know that if I want to be sure not to have anything ruined, I need to NOT CONSUME THAT MEDIA.
Jeez.
Posted by nikl at 08:16 PM | Comments (0)
July 29, 2007
Hot Ghetto Mess is a hot ghetto mess
Having been to hotghettomess.com from time to time over the past however many years of existence, I understood the conversation about the purpose of the show was hopeful that it would scratch the surface.
After the first segment, I was sure that they had failed. However, after the first "street walking" installment, I changed my mind a little. A street team, led by a guy who I actually thought was very good, asks passersby of all ages, colors and socio-economic appearances questions like:
"Who's richer? Jay-Z or Bill Gates?" and the follow-up if they said Gates - "what if Jay-Z made like, one more hit album and followed it up with a world tour?"
"How many blacks are on the Supreme Court and what are their names?"
"What does NAACP stand for?"
"When did slavery end?"
"What's the unemployment rate amongst African-Americans?"
"Who is Barack Obama?"
You can imagine some of the answers. Actually, some of them you probably can't. After three black men old enough to have at least been in their teens or 20s during the civil rights movement had no idea what NAACP stands for, I kinda wanted to cry.
By the end, I've decided that I think the show speaks to exactly who it's aimed at. For me personally, I wanted a little more finesse, some statistics, maybe some study results. But they producers probably (hopefully probably), left such things out by choice. The host is Charlie Murphy, he's dressed in "tasteful" hip-hop, as is his language. In the end he included a comment about how we all should be watching less TV a reading more books - making every effort at every moment to better ourselves. Then the show closes on him reading aloud from, wait for it... an adult novel (or a racy scene from some novel).
So yeah.
I will be tuning in, if only to catch more of the street walking segments.
Posted by nikl at 03:28 PM | Comments (1)
July 19, 2007
Wesley kills me
Thanks to Spencer for forwarding this hilarity.
Years ago, Spence and Amy would have parties, and their friends Wesley and Chris would come. They were hilrious and awesome and so much fun. They lived up in Inwood, so once we went to their house after a party and there was much laughter. I haven't seen either of them until this morning when Spencer sent me this hilarious clip.
Posted by nikl at 11:57 AM | Comments (0)
June 10, 2007
Studio 60
I am so sad that America is so dumb and Nielson is so ineffectual that Studio 60 is canceled. It's the smartest best written TV offering in ages, and Big Brother is coming back for an 8th season. Where do we even start with that shiznett.
Posted by nikl at 02:09 PM | Comments (1)
May 28, 2007
When funny dies in the process
I just caught the new Alfac commercial with the goat. Some of you knowing how I feel about goats, this commercial was funny to me from get. But then then, as it played out and over-explained and over-joked itself, it became lame. I bet the original pitch was beyond hilarious and that the initial script had half the dialog and no goat head shaking. Or maybe I'm giving the writers too much credit.
Um, and why did I just notice that the black guy in the last frame is in multiple commercials? THAT is hilarious.
Posted by nikl at 08:58 PM | Comments (0)
May 15, 2007
The brilliance of How I Met Your Mother
For those who don't watch, I was just reminded about this story line which killed me a few weeks ago.
The set-up is in the first minute of this clip (but feel free to watch the whole thing):
This clip is the payoff, and why I love this show:
Posted by nikl at 04:42 PM | Comments (0)
May 14, 2007
Selective Commentary
I just posted the following on my friend Perry's wall:
OMG. Praise be to bougie black folks everywhere, a new hero has emerged. Earl Cole, originally from Kansas City, KS, University of Washington MBA frickin' brand manager at an ad agency in LA who plays chess and 5 instruments and composes not only WON, but was the first EVER to get ALL the votes from his teammates, NEVER won immunity (an easy way to not get voted out) and THEN GAVE HALF OF HIS MILLION TO HIS MOTHER. It was a sight to behold indeed. Long live Earl Cole.
Ok, let me back up.
SURVIVOR
For those who aren't familiar with Survivor, in short, a group of complete strangers are left in some remote place with limiter to no food or amenities for 40 days (I think). They start out split up into two teams who compete against each other for rewards and the right not to go to "tribal council" where the losing team votes someone off. At some point in the game they merge into one team, compete for individual rewards and immunity and vote off people within their own single tribe. When it gets down to a predetermined number, so far somewhere around 11 or 12, as people get voted off they become the jury. In the end, there are 2 (or in this case 3) people left, who have to convince the jury why they deserve 1 million dollars. The jury votes, a winner, or "Survivor" is chosen.
There's a lot of starving, dehydration, lack of sleep, weight loss and all the other things that go with being in a remote location left on your own for lodging, food, and drinkable water - not to mention entertainment. So it's basically a prime-time social petri dish, with a lot of artificial stimulants and, let us never forget, EDITING.
In season 13 (the most recently wrapped up was 14), reportedly in response to criticism that the castaways weren't diverse enough, they initially divided the teams into 4 teams by race. It created a lot of pre-premiere hubbub, but was ultimately lame. In season 14, there was no separating by race, but it was an equally as diverse group. (I'm almost convinced that they cast two sets that could go that way and ditched 14 after 13 fell flat - I'm pretty sure their filming schedules overlap.)
BOUGIE BLACK FOLKS
Do a google blog-search of the phrase and you'll find plenty of discussion on the topic. Here's the Urdan Dictionary definition. I personally think definition 4 is the most clear, and definition 1 is how it's mostly used. In this case, I mean that Earl was extremely well spoken, had a job in a mostly white industry, got his MBA in Seattle and lists "Curb Your Enthusiasm" as one of his favorite TV shows - see his full profile here. I've been called bougie for much less. But that's a whole other post.
MY POINT
So, Earl's win was exceptional on a number of levels.
1. All 9 of the jury members voted for him - never happened before
2. He ended up in the final three without ever winning ONE individual immunity challenge
3. He friggin' gave half of his money to his mother, on the spot
4. First black man, second black person to win
Additionally
1. His best friend and tightest alliance on the show was a much older 1st generation asian man
2. All of the final three were black
3. the other black male in the final three (Dreamz) pulled perhaps the biggest backstab in all of Survivor history
4. The other black guy's name was Dreamz
5. When asked by a jury member if Dreamz deserved the million more because Dreamz is formerly homeless, Earl replied that he too had a rough family background, and he worked hard to bring himself out of it to where he is today and that he didn't think he deserved it any less than Dreamz did because he happened to have achieved success (GO EARL)
6. He hadn't watched the show since like, season 1 and accepted the invite to participate on 2 days notice - so, he played it, literally, by ear and kicked that much ass.
So, all the beyatching about race that supposedly resulted in season 13's race tribes, all the Imus malarkey and Bobby Brown once again acting a fool, why has there been no chatter about any or all of the above (besides Dreamz' renig)? Have I missed it? I keep google-news and google-blog searching and I'm coming up with nothing. Someone, please point me to it.
I mean, I guess on one hand, what we're striving towards is for it not to be a big deal when a black person achieves something. But given all the ultimatums and demands for national conversations and complete insanity going on of late, doesn't it deserve a blip? I may be taking it personally, but it all seems to play into the hands of "well, it's not such a big deal b/c obviously, he manages new media strategy for major brands, he's not _really_ black."
i dunno. I just think that somewhere in it, there's a discussion that deserves just as much play as all the negative crap - if we're playing that game, which it has seemed lately we are.
Regardless, Earl Cole, may I say, on behalf of the accused bougie black folks everywhere: YOU GO BOY!
Posted by nikl at 10:06 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
May 04, 2007
Step to the left...
I think this is my favorite of them all...
on-air spot:
Posted by nikl at 10:05 AM | Comments (0)
May 03, 2007
And now I sing jingles too
Posted by nikl at 01:15 PM | Comments (0)
La la la la, la la la la
on-air spot
Posted by nikl at 12:58 PM | Comments (1)
May 02, 2007
One on wuh-uhhn, one on wuh-uuhn
on-air spot:
Posted by nikl at 09:39 AM | Comments (0)
May 01, 2007
G-Nap in the house, gonna bring it like a mouse
If you can stand it, listen to the Radio spots first.
Tuesday's radio spot
TV spot:
Posted by nikl at 09:24 AM | Comments (0)
April 30, 2007
What's goin' on, on One on One...
It's May sweeps, and we at my46 have lost our ever loving minds. This week, it's a new song every day promoting each night's episode of One on One.
The on-air spot:
Posted by nikl at 05:18 PM | Comments (1)
April 26, 2007
The most insane
I will preface this by saying this is exTREMELy graphic and that you should not listen to this at work unless you have headphones and not at home if there are children about. I'm going to go ahead and use Carlton's intro and for the first time, use the extended entry feature and not even put the whole of the subject matter on this main page. Yes, it's like that. Be prepared.
I will say that the 3rd one is the most insane, but if you have time, take the buildup and watch all three.
I will also say that the sidekick is her MOTHER.
From: Carlton J. Smith
Date: Apr 25, 2007 10:03 AM
Subject: THIS IS THE FUNNIEST THING ON YOUTUBE!!!!!! VERY GRAPHIC!!!!!!!!
PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!
YOU HAVE GOT TO CHECK THIS CRAZY LADY OUT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'VE NEVER LAUGHED SO HARD IN MY LIFE!!!!!!!!
GOD BLESS HER, SHE'S STARK RAVING MAD!!!!!!!!!! SOME BROTHER REALLY JERKED HER OVER AND SHE'S NOW LOST HER MIND - BUT SHE'S ON A CRUSADE.
On this one she's for the most part well behaved. Especially compared with what's coming up in the following episodes.
This one is entitled "D**K WILL MAKE YOU SLAP SOMEBODY". Please check out the little story that she tells, starting at 3:25 to 3:54 culminating in the tag line/title of the epsiode. SHE IS HILARIOUS!!!!!!!!!
This one is entitled "HALLOWEEN". IT IS THE COUP DE GRACE OF THIS ENTIRE THING!!!!
At 00:58 she tells you about "...PILOTING THE P***Y...." - at 1:45 to 2:05, she discusses "....THE N*T BRACKET.....". At 3:28 she explains to HER MOTHER WHO IS SITTING WITH HER THROUGHOUT ALL OF THESE (although on this one Mom looks like she finally realizes her daughters crazy), again at 3:28 she explains to her mother somewhat incredulously that ,"..the men are GIVING D**K AWAY!!...."
Finally in closing, at 5:54 t0 6:15 she discusses our "...N*Ts..." again.
This is the funniest thing since Richard Pryors heyday.
I hope I haven't offended any of you delicate souls!!!!
Posted by nikl at 10:22 AM | Comments (0)
April 15, 2007
Only indian actors from Northwestern
Apparently, only indian actors from Northwestern can play Dr.s on the Sopranos. Last season, Anjali, tonight, Maulik.
Rock on.
Posted by nikl at 11:51 PM | Comments (0)
March 27, 2007
It's good to know that some things never change
Due to a flat las night and the need for a check-up, this morning finds me in the waiting room of the Nissan service department. What do I find on the TV but the ever predictable "Today Show." Some of you may remember that I was once a loyal watcher until my despise for Katie outweighed my perpetual amusement by Al.
So this morning's unexpcted treat is like visiting old friends. Thankfully, Katie is no more, but Al's on vacation. Meredith, I can take or leave and it's not the top of the hour so Anne is nowhere to be seen. BUT, in the obligatory outside crowd pan as we head to commercial, there he is. That Guy. The thin black guy who is there EVERY DAY. And it's like he knows I'm out there, looking for him, because when the camera goes by he points and winks. And it's as though I never missed a day.
Posted by nikl at 07:32 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
March 24, 2007
The Riches
Eddie Izzard's first US performance (when he was just doing stand-up) was produced by the small production house I worked for in the Fall of 1996. I vaguely remember him being a nightmare to manage, but I was working on our other project, so all I did was watch him be HILARIOUS. He had a bit about standing in line that was hilarious, but I can't remember it to save my life...
Anyway, The Riches is a new series on FX starring Eddie Izzard and Minnie Driver as the heads of a gypsy/con-artist family. I'm about 20 minutes into the pilot (DVRed it two weeks ago), and so far, I'm likin' it.
Especially the fact that Minnie Driver's first scene involved her with cornrows.
Posted by nikl at 08:50 PM | Comments (0)
March 13, 2007
American Idol, Season 6, Top 12
Brandon Motown, especially The Supremes, is deceptively difficult to sing. Whenever possible, leave it alone. Case. In. Point.
Melinda Randy is right. Melinda needs to maybe lay off on being flabergasted and genuine. I hate to say it too. But, maybe. As much as many people know how much I love that song, it wasn't as amazing as I imagined it. (It could be the "Idol. Home. Dead." text message I received from Randy 4 hours ago and the fact that I've been building it up since then.)
Gina I'm not sure if it's the eternal "strings with a band" issue, but the strings sound just a tad bit flat. And it's driving me insane. And again, I repeat, LEAVE THE MOTOWN ALONE. ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S WRITTEN FOR DIANA ROSS.
Sanjaya WHY DID THEY TRY TO DO HIS HAIR LIKE DIANA'S????? OMG. Why did he let them do that? Everyone around the entire world is laughing hysterically at his hair. Does he not know this? "You're very brave." HHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA. Dead. And as Cameron says, "you have no personality either."
What do you think - that they had like 5 minutes with Diana?
Haley No words. Literally. A mess.
Phil Not so poor. Cameron thinks he looks like ET.
Lakisha Ok. This song has potential to slay us. And Diana got a nickname for her - Kiki. I liked her phrasing. Wondering if that's her or the music director... She sang it SO SO SO much better that that stoopid lame ass tramp who made me wuit watching two seasons ago.
Blake What's with the Axel F video in the background? Could Blake win it all?
Stephanie Cameron just broke it down: "She's got an advantage with this Motown thing, she's probably the most Motown of this group." I love my baby. Bustin' the knowledge. She also picked a really solid song. Go Girl. I wrote that before the the judge comments - I totally disagree! I think for those who don't know the song, it wasn't so disappointing...
Chris What the hell song is this?
Jordan I'm again and still convinced that what we hear at home and what they are hearing live is two totally different things. Tonight mostly because of the strings, but also b/c Jordan didn't seem THAT incredible to me and apparently the judges want to have her children.
OW's recap.
Posted by nikl at 11:48 PM | Comments (1)
February 13, 2007
Table Turning
Having gone through a situation today when I was sure someone was seeing racism where I believed there to be none, Cameron and I just watched last week's episode of Friday Night Lights which KSDK pre-empted and aired Sunday night at 11:30. It was all about racism, and I found myself starting to think, "in all the cities that should be watching this, nice how they chose THAT episode to pre-empt..."
It's just time for bed.
Posted by nikl at 10:43 PM | Comments (0)
Long Live Hollywood Week
That's all I have to say about that.
Posted by nikl at 08:10 PM | Comments (0)
February 11, 2007
Damn
I just wanna say that Eagles is now up to almost 21,000 views. Hella yeah.
On another note, Survivor rocks. I have to say it. They manage to keep it interested after nine gagillion seasons. Why they didn't let Yau-man solve the damn puzzle is insane.
Posted by nikl at 02:31 PM | Comments (1)
February 10, 2007
Mysteries of the World
Why, pray tell, is ICE T STILL ON TV? I mean, where can you find worse acting? Wait - is Tamara Tunie on this one too? Lord help.
Posted by nikl at 11:37 AM | Comments (0)
February 07, 2007
Eagles are Awesome
Can't. Stop. Watching. This.
Posted by nikl at 09:13 AM | Comments (2)
January 31, 2007
In Your Interest, December 17, 2006
I need to start doing this regularly...
Posted by nikl at 09:30 AM | Comments (0)
January 24, 2007
American Idol, Season 6, Episode 3
Somehow, this post disappeared last night, FEH.
I think that I told off Rosie O'Donnell b/c damn, people have had FIVE SEASONS to learn what they are signing up for and deserve all the reality that they get.
I think I made a comment about hoping that I, too, get a chance to misuse the word confidentiality on national television.
I definitely called the back-up singer girl as top 5. My second top 5 prediction, in writing. Bring it.
I don't think I had anything to say about the "Elvis" guy.
I am pretty sure I claimed last night as the funniest so far. I think that led into the rant on Rosie.
Posted by nikl at 11:43 AM | Comments (1)
January 17, 2007
American Idol, Season 6, Episode 2
The hotness? The hotMESS. Mariah Carey inDEED.
Why is is that they build up the worst ones - like really build them up. And give them unsupportive husbands and little sons who make them cry... and the eyebrows. Poor thing...
Ok. I love these editors. Darwin, putting her number on her number over her braless boobs while her VO says "I'm trying out for American Idol because I think it's a great way to show off my talents" A novella. Really. WOW. WOW.
What's with the bring your dog to AI auditions crap?
That, Melissa, is a LOT OF TIGHTS (sic).
Blake Lewis, or BEAKER? Truly? (What's the mistaken identity theme in my life lately?) But his dad is my new hero. LOVE his dad.
LOVE the indian bro.sis. My favorites.
OW doesn't think so, but I'm pretty sure Nicholas is one, long, successful improv.
Love how they carried the locked left door through to Seattle.
"his jaw's not dropped! Shoot!"
"...one of those things that lives in the jungle, with those massive eyes... what do they called them... BUSH BABIES?"
Let me just say that if Simon called a black person a bush baby, the NAACP would be all over that. Or, as Cameron says, they would have edited it out, and we never would have known about it. So thank goodness Kenneth isn't black.
Jordan in the top 5.
Posted by nikl at 08:22 PM | Comments (0)
January 16, 2007
American Idol, Season 6, Episode 1
The Prince - Minneapolis connection: weak.
Love how they picked THE most Minnesotan girl ever for the first audition highlight. Poor girl. The dilusions of grandier starting so early this year? This, is gonna be rough.
Urban Amish is a fake.
"Unique vocal range" should have been the first sign.
They totally locked the second door on purpose. But it's funny.
They are not bringing out the crack baby at 7:24.
Dude with sticks. Not ok. "Juggling's just my entertainment, not my life."
"Me and Idol, we're like BFF."
Posted by nikl at 07:35 PM | Comments (0)
December 19, 2006
Bring it on in to Omletteville!
Thanks to Beth for locating one of my favorite SNL skits EVAH
Omletteville
Add to My Profile | More Videos
Posted by nikl at 09:26 AM | Comments (0)
October 06, 2006
United 93
I've decided to watch United 93 tonight. Not saying that I'm ready or anything. I thought about randomly going to the theatre to see it while it was still in theatres, and just never made it. Since World Trade Center (w/ Nicholas Cage) came out, I've kind of been watching OnDemand for it, every once in a blue moon when I might have the 2 hours. Finally found it.
It's about 10 minutes in. I kinda feel like I'm going to puke.
Posted by nikl at 09:07 PM | Comments (0)
September 28, 2006
LOL
This commercial just killed me:
However, I am so mad at Yahoo blatantly copying youtube's world, that I tried to find it on YouTube to link to it there instead. To no avail
Posted by nikl at 11:09 PM | Comments (0)
For the Record
Let it be known that I SO CALLED that the whole "ethnicity" thing was basically a big publicity move and would last a MAX of 3 episodes of Survivor. End tally, TWO.
Posted by nikl at 10:05 PM | Comments (1)
August 14, 2006
We're Siamese Twins
Did the writers of Windfall purposely name Peter and Nina's children Daisy and Violet?
And why did it take me all season to notice?
Posted by nikl at 08:18 PM | Comments (3)
August 04, 2006
Some Fun From Work
Our interns did this spot all on their own!
The Becky Queen of Carpet of North City
Posted by nikl at 01:26 PM | Comments (0)
July 27, 2006
Meerkat Rumble Follow-up
I feel as though I need to elaborate for those who have never seen Meerkat Manor. Essentially, some researchers got, like, years of footage (why do people continue to use "like" in writing when it's annoying even in speech?) of a family of Meerkats in some desert somewhere, and someone came up with the brilliant idea of making a soap opera out of it. It's. Hilarious.
So the Whiskers are a family of Meerkats, and there's much fornicating, birthing, near death experience and conteplated murder. Exactly. A few episodes ago, the Whiskers got caught in a rainstorm and decided to take cover in a Lazuli burrow. The Lazuli's are a rival meerkat family. When the storm was over, Flower (the Whisker leader) decided they should stay. Well. When the Lazuli's came back, there was literally, a rumble.
Like in West Side Story.
The Whiskers won, btw.
Posted by nikl at 11:52 AM | Comments (0)
July 25, 2006
Not on Target
I'm very disappointed in Target's back to school on-air campaign. It's so not as good as well, almost every commercial they've produced since Lily Tomlin started with the Tar-jé - wasn't it Lilly Tomlin? Or did I make that up? How far the mightl have fallen.
It happens every year as fall approaches, but I'm pretty excited for the new season. But in addition to that, this time I'm also interested in seeing the launch campaigns. Congratulations, my new job has turned me into a new kind of dork.
Posted by nikl at 09:15 PM | Comments (0)
July 20, 2006
Meerkat Manor
Two words: MEERKAT RUMBLE.
Posted by nikl at 09:53 PM | Comments (0)
July 13, 2006
Meerkat Manor
I have about 7 episodes of Meerkat Manor on DVR and I just started the first one. It's already killing me. Just the way a meerkat stands makes me laugh. What is going on?
Posted by nikl at 08:27 PM | Comments (0)
July 07, 2006
Hex
Two words: Lesbian Ghosts.
Posted by nikl at 08:43 PM | Comments (0)
June 26, 2006
Hmm, well, maybe NOT.
My parents must watch the cbs 10pm news, because it's like coming home to experience that 10:35 moment where you think they're going to leave on Letterman, but sure enough they switch to nbc for Jay Leno. Jay Leno who I an barely stand to look at. Jay Leno whose jokes I feel guilty giving a laugh. Jay Leno whose show I always want to turn DOWN and as soon as my dad heads off to bed I turn off. Jay Leno who when I hear my parents howling with laughter from their bedroom at I cringe and think, "ugh."
There's always the glimmer of hope that my dad will remain asleep upright in his chair and let cbs continue to the masterpiece that is David Letterman. The quirky, the intelligent, the consistently random and hilarious, David Letterman.
But it's been years since I've laid eyes on Letterman. Always, it's Leno.
Well, tonight, the stars aligned. My dad stayed asleep upright in his chair and did not change the channel. And Letterman started. Like, fully. I kept glancing over to my dad, holding my breath, hoping he wouldn't awake. And Letterman started his monologue. And it was, well, completely lame. Not timely at all (well, maybe indirectly), hardly funny, and yes, I'll say it, NOT FUNNY. And then I was reminded how much I want to kick Paul Schaffer into the nearest fan. I thought maybe it was just a bad opening monologue. Then Paul did an annoying playoff to the desk. And Letterman was at the desk and still... not funny... I found myself wondering what Jay Leno was ribbing on in his monologue. How cute Kevin Eubanks looked tonight... What intelligent music reference he was going to chime in... if I was missing man on the street interviews...
I finished my I-so-didn't-need-it-but-it-was-a-sign-that-I-was-the-last-car-to-make-it-through-the-dairy-queen-drive-through-before-they-closed Peanut Buster Parfait (Cameron, shhhh!), I got up, and said "Goodnight" loud enough to wake my dad. I said "you must be really asleep to not have switched to Leno." He agreed.
What does this mean that I no longer think David Letterman is funny? And I don't know which is worse - to think Letterman unfunny, or to PREFER Leno???? ugh.
Posted by nikl at 11:25 PM | Comments (2)
June 11, 2006
Tony Running Commentary
Brodway has become a star whore.
Glen Close looks GREAT, Patti looks crazy as ever.
Was there ever a time when Broadway had its own stars? Or has it always been this way?
These graphics are kinf ok, but also kind of intrusive. Ok. Really intrusive.
Anna Paquin looks like she's terrified. Or bored. Bored as hell.
The Liberty Mutual "pay it forward" commercial should be a PSA. A good one. It's a really good message, but having it wrap up as an insurance commercial really kinda makes me go "ew."
Wait - wait! Mary Poppins is going into the New Am? What does this mean for Lion King?? A phone call later, Randy informs me that it's moving to the Minskoff.
The Drowsy Chaperon looks cute. And came off well on TV. Or maybe that's just because I haven't seen it?
Way to play it off the bad eyesight, Dreamy Paul Rudd.
I still hate Paul Schaffer.
I'm predicting that the Drowsy Chaperone is going to whoop up on the Color Purple.
Is Jersey Boys basically Movin' Out on steriods?
Tom Skerrit, what?
AAAAAAAAAHHHHH!!!! Molly Ringwald. HEEEEEEEELLPPPPP!!!! And why would they put her up there with Jamie-Lynn? Though she's strangley appropriate to introduce this mess of a thing called the Wedding Singer.
Poor Phylicia. Patricia Neal (go Cats!) done messed up her name.
Leslie Uggams indeed.
YAY LA CHANZE!!!
Posted by nikl at 07:03 PM | Comments (0)
AFHV
A. Why is America's Funniest Home Videos still on?
B. Why is it it still hilarious?
C. Why are all the videos from the early 90s? Are they still accepting videos? Are they just pulling never-rans out of the vault and making new shows with which to sell advertising? Will someone please break this down for me????
Posted by nikl at 05:50 PM | Comments (1)
Lightening Fast Construction
This morning on my way into town, suddenly there was a SONIC. It's like things spontaneously appear around here. WACKY.
Last night was the Moon annual BBQ. We had just enough outside time before crazy thunderstorms came through. Good food, good folks and good fun. Photos from the end of the evening, here.
Watched the HEX premiere yesterday afternoon w/ my mom. I'd go ahead and say that, for a pilot, it was good. Interesting characters, set up a lot of mystery, witty writting at points. I'm sticking with it for the moment. Windfall, on the other hand, was totally predictable on all counts. I'll stick with it, but it was exactly the safe, polished normal thing you'd expect from The Peacock.
Posted by nikl at 01:23 PM | Comments (0)
June 04, 2006
Summer Tivo
Just last week I was convinced that the summer would be a television void (which was not necessarily a bad thing) and then my EW subscription kicked in (I need to be up on the whole CW/MyNetwork battle for work!) complete with a Summer TV preview. Aie, yaie yaie. And so here's the rundown.
Windfall, NBC, Thursday nights at 9pm. A group of friends win the lottery together, drama ensues. A lot of interesting actors, NBC trying something new, in ER's time slot, gotta at least check it out. Though I'm still mad at them for cancelling Conviction. Bastards.
Entourage, HBO, Sunday nights at 9pm. By the end of last year, loved it. Hope that they can continue to get better.
The 4400, Sci Fi, Sundays at 8pm. I AM SO GLAD that this show is back. The production values were very Lifetime movie filmed in Vancouver circa 1985, but the concept and the drama were all good (much like those Lifetime movies). Apparently, a character that was 1 when we left off, is now a 22 year old hottie (only 2 years has passed between seasons). Huh? Still, I'm willing to forgive, b/c I love this show.
Ghost Hunters, Sci Fi, Wednesdays at 7pm. In the process of finding the web page for The 4400, I discovered that Ghost Hunters is back for a second season. HELL YES.
The Hills, MTV, Wednesdays at 9pm. Yeah, I'll admit I'm going to give this one a shot. Shout out to Liz for introducing me to this show last night as we were feeding babies. It seems as though it might fill the void forever left by Rich Girls. I'm still pretty confused as to what exactly it is, and just how much "reality" is happening, but if it can be 2/3rds as ridiculous as Rich Girls, I'm in.
Meerkat Manor, Animal Planet, Fridays at 7pm. I really have no words for this. I'm not sure if anyone ready quite knows how I feel about Meerkats. If you do, you get it, if you don't, ask me sometime in person. I may or may not be able to explain it to you.
Hex, Thursday nights at 9pm. I'm a sucker for the supernatural thing. And it's BBC. So I'll give it a shot.
Posted by nikl at 05:57 PM | Comments (1)
May 30, 2006
L. O. L.
My mom and i both just not only laughed out loud, but fell over at this Sprint (together with Nextel) commercial.
I think it was the chocolate cake that sent us over the edge.
um, Skippy from Family ties on Last Comic Standing? This is supposed to be COMEDY. And that, just made me want to cry.
Posted by nikl at 07:03 PM | Comments (1)
May 24, 2006
Idolriffic
Taylor is so the next American Idol. And to that I have to say "go America." It's good to live in a country where the grey-hair under 30 slightly dorky harmonica playing sounds like a blind black man guy can get more votes than the hot chick. Though the hot chick has an attitude problem. I interviewed Tim Sanders, Mr. Likeability, today, and he blantantly referend to Taylor as the winner of American Idol for that reason indeed. And gee, I hope he's right, b/c we can't edit that out for Sat if it's wrong...
While i like in a country where Taylor Hicks can be the Americal Idol (and the mailman won the lottery - name that musical!), I also like in a country where columns like this are necessary.
sigh.
Posted by nikl at 12:11 AM | Comments (0)
May 21, 2006
ER Season Finale
I feel as though I'm making some dirty confession about myself be merely typing that subject line. Yes, I am one of the few still watching and still caring about ER. HOWEVER (if there's anyone out there who also watches to agree or disagree), the finale was strangely reminiscent of the Carton/Lucy season finale of what - 3, 4 years ago? What gives?
Posted by nikl at 04:46 PM | Comments (1)
May 19, 2006
Ergh
Let me officially lodge my complaint, sadness and disappointment (to no one in particular) about the cancellation of yet anOTHER good show that has been cancelled. I'm not just saying this because I havea friend in it, but gosh DERNIT.
Tonight, I watched the season finale (though it's really the series finale) of NBC's latest Dick Wolfe installment, Conviction. Knowing it was cancelled, I was nearly in tears by the end. From the first five minutes, it demonstrated that it's better television that MOST of what's on today. Yet, KAIBOSHED.
Though you're are talking to the girl who cried at every episode of American Dreams. And is still secretly upset that Dawson's Creek isn't still on. You think Katie'd be so insane if DC was still in effect? I think not.
speaking of all of the above, we watched the CW upfront in its entirety and I was MAD psyched to see not one but TWO American Dreams cast members in new shows, and a new show by the Dawson's creator. But I'm now extra mad about black folks night b/c Everybody Hates Chris is now on at 6pm.
Posted by nikl at 11:44 PM | Comments (0)
May 18, 2006
CW
A. Completely PSYCHED that Supernatural made the cut - YAY!
B. Completely offended that they put the black folks on Sunday night in a little two hour block up against HBO. LAME.
Posted by nikl at 04:12 PM | Comments (1)
May 10, 2006
MAD at it
I am thoroughly insulted by the NBA playoffs. NOTHING NEEDS TO TAKE THIS LONG. YOU INSULT MY INTELLIGENCE BY MARKETING TO ME AND MAKING MONEY SO BLATANTLY.
Lame.
Posted by nikl at 03:39 PM | Comments (0)
April 22, 2006
American Idol Top 7 Results - LATE
Ok, this is how I start voting - CHRIS IN THE BOTTOM THREE? ARE YOU KIDDING??
Posted by nikl at 08:17 PM | Comments (1)
American Idol Top 7 - Late
Chris - Finally getting to hear him sing something besides ROCK, and he sounds like the American Idol he is. 'Nuff said.
Paris - STOP WITH THE HAIR PIECES. I'm kind of unexcited by this.
Taylor - Happy to see Taylor BEING STILL. STILL.
Elliott - here's hoping he leaves that happy happy happy face @ home. Not so much. And his voice is markedly not as good as Chris Daughtry's.
Notice I'm not talking about rod Stewart's hair matching his suit.
Kelly "I'm so friggin' aNNOYING" Pickler - WHY IS SHE STILL HERE? I'm mean. But I'm right. Though here, if she weren't opening her mouth, she'd seem pretty classy. Dude, the first class band is TRYING TO HELP YOU. SLOW DOWN. Gr. Go home. Why does Paula always have to find something positive to say? And why is it always either completely irrelevant, or an outright LIE.
Ace - Is that a BUN in the back of his head? That's all. Pun intended. Fully.
Katherine - rules. Though she didn't top many of the kick ass renditions I've heard in piano bars. For which I was thankful.
Posted by nikl at 06:08 PM | Comments (0)
April 15, 2006
Chocolate Dessert Skit
Yeah, so I laughed out loud at the chocolate dessert skit on SNL.
Though the laser cat skit is not unfunny.
Posted by nikl at 11:12 PM | Comments (0)
April 14, 2006
Lost
Two words: Rose and Bernard.
I LOVE THIS STORYLINE. Every time they have a moment - or even half of a moment, I am so crying. So sweet. So well written.
Posted by nikl at 06:35 PM | Comments (0)
April 11, 2006
American Idol Top 8
Bucky. WHY ARE YOU STILL IN THIS COMPETITION?? News flash. That's not singing. That's, like, growling.
PS - Paula, no one has that much hair. We know it's FAKE. thanks.
Ace - "when I met with Queen, i realized that I myself am a Queen." Look at Queen trying to say something nice about Ace. I feel as though I'm watching Karaoke Revolution, live.
What? No Mickey Dolenz.
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO NOOOOO KELLY PICKLER SINGING BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY LOOKING LIKE BONNI TYLER. No - nnnno - don't touch your head. this hurts. what's with the hot pants and cat stance? Out Tonight meets Idol on CRACK?
They are having a hard time getting Queen to say anything.
Chris - no need to say anything. Though I am kind of bored by this.
McPhee - this song hurts to listen to kind of. It's way too dramatic to NOT be part of a movie soundtrack. Keep it. And she's kind of yelling. and it's kind of loud. But she remains, kind of good. Maybe I'm just not a fan of Queen.
Why is the Queen logo on fire?
Elliott is looking more and more odd. Or maybe he really only does one style, so as he is "stretched" he seems more odd. I feel like he was "cooler" and more laid back toward the beginning, and now there's this "let me entertain you sort of film over his eyes.
No, Taylor. You don't "get" to dance, you AVOID DANCING AT ALL COSTS. Holy goodness. He just missed kicked the mic stand and that was maybe the funniest thing I've seen this whole season. He sho' did tear this up tho. I just clapped out loud in my family room.
What is with Paris' dominatrix outfit. And oh, look, they put a different wig on her - what an original choice. Is this song from one of the Bond movies?
I can't believe these are the eight we're left with, btw. Feh.
Posted by nikl at 09:05 PM | Comments (1)
Can't Say it Enough
I know I've said it a million times, and I may even have said that I know I've said it a million times, but WHY IS LOST SO GOOD? Seriously. I was two weeks behind, and last night I caught up big time. While I was sad to be two weeks behind, there is something to be said for not having to wait a week between episodes. I got a taste of watching it on DVD, which has to be just a little intense.
Locke makes me SO SAD. Four ridiculously sad and awful things have happened to him, and we still don't know how he lost use of his legs. Good GRACIOUS. That's all I'll say to keep from spoiling.
So. Tired.
Posted by nikl at 02:41 PM | Comments (2)
March 22, 2006
Black. White. 3/22
They are finally having the "creature" conversation... though I'm upset they waited a week.
It's gettin' ugly up in here. Everyone is SO in their respective corners. I have to keep reminding myself what I remind others - that this is edited. And that the editors are going for drama...
Um, if you'd asked me a year ago, I would have said I hadn't read the bible in years...
Ok. No. The woman Carmen chose as her "guide?" NO.
Posted by nikl at 09:35 PM | Comments (0)
!!!
Ryan Seacrest is SHORTER THAN KEVIN COVIAS.
Reality, out.
Posted by nikl at 09:32 PM | Comments (0)
American Idol Top 11
Mandisa - I already don't like this theme. And I'm really bored. Even though I know I will be fast forwarding. Though the song is boring, Mardisa is tearing it up.
Bucky Covington - Bucky and Barry in the same frame - kinda like Bucky and Stevie in the same frame. Ok, kinda like Bucky in any frame alone. I have a feeling that Simon is going to rip this and that this may be it for him... Thank you, Simon.
Paris - That's a lot of make-up. This song is so her - as is that outfit. (Was that Donald Trump on the isle just out of the frame snapping on the 1 and the 3?). She just made Bucky look even more ridic.
Chris - ok. Maybe I shouldn't be fast forwarding through the set-up scenes - b/c Barry is killing me right now, he so hates this choice at first. And now I'm getting why Barry is in with this theme, he is the ruler of all arrangers (except Dan Rieling). Thank goodness the first verse was the only one in the Cash range. This is so why he will be the next American Idol. That was smart AND good.
Katherine - I refuse to use McFever. Such a perfect song for her. Very BCM, very piano bar. How much hair do you think they added under there? People, we have a competition. The belting is on the top of where she belts, but those runs were ridiculously awesome.
Taylor - No meeting him with "Mandy." Only Taylor could get away with that - wait, maybe not even Taylor. (BTW, who's the Taye Diggs lookalike musical director guy who isn't saying anything in every shot?) Is he pulling the mic before he finishes phrases? And are his feet not moving in time? Ok, he's back to Steve Martin land here. Last note, no mic at all. Simon's gonna rip him one... Why does Simon have a lighter in his hand? Regardless, he's right.
Lisa - in mind, she's already gone. Like, really, I thought this was week 10 and that she was already gone. I think maybe the HD fees is a millisecond off, b/c this looks really weird. I'm being reminded of a tap concert, where maybe they let one of the 12 year olds sing the solo. Rip her up, Simon.
Kevin Covias - I love that he's still in this competition. I think he'd last longer than Bucky and Lisa even if he went up there and jumped rope for the next three weeks. It's all about the head shaking.
Elliott - backed off on the vibrato - kinda. He's better than he's performed that last few weeks. He'll be safe though.
Kellie - This make-up and hair is just atrocious. she looks really bored. I'm bored too. Can she please go home now?
Ace - I'm really afraid he's going to crash and burn here. At least Ace had Barry Manilow to help him perform a group song as a solo (5 of you know what I'm talking about). Wow. This starts out POOR. Don't wag your finger at me. What happened to the Ace from a month ago? Did he really just get through on looks? B/c these vocals are decidedly average.
Posted by nikl at 05:31 PM | Comments (0)
March 15, 2006
American Idol Top 12 Round 1
Ace - Steve and Wendy WHINER. Stevie Nasal
Kellie Pickler - Please get voted off. You singing Stevie only makes me want to break my TV. And DON'T TALK. EVER.
Elliott Yamin - He's going to tear this up by definition. Slow down on the vibrato, now... wow... what's happening... my - world... it's um, turning upside down... Elliott is singing off KEY!?
Mandisa - Too low. Wow. Did they sing all the easily sung Stevie songs prior to this round, and now they're really challenged and we have to pay for it? Though when she went up the octave - much better...
Bucky - Bucky and Stevie in the same room is completely UNACCEPTABLE. Very superstishins? What? English? Thought, we're glad the stylists got to him finally. They've probably been salivating this entire time.
Melissa - watch out now - this song'll get ya'. WHAT? WHAT? WHAT?
Lisa - Perhaps if Hello Kitty were on American Idol, it would go something like this. Though Hello Kitty doesn't have a mouth.
Kevin Covias - Is he walk pooping? Or holding off a dragon? Though that was a nice little run. (Watch out behind you!) I don't know what to think about it. I just want to clap and yell, but maybe not becuase it's great, but just because my body needs to react and I don't know what to do.
Katherine - Damn. She's good.
Taylor Hicks - It's like Steve Martin meets Ray Charles on Chuck Berry's knee. But he's unique, he's good, and I actually think he's starting to develop his very own "isms." Can't deny. This brothah's good.
Paris - I'm kinda sick of her. But I'm glad we dispensed of the weave. but she just did a damn good job.
Chris - need I say anything? Not as insanely interesting as some of the other performances, but he just rulz.
My final 4 - Taylor, Chris, Katherine and Mandisa
Aaron's top 2 - McFever (Katherin) and Rocker Boy (Chris)
Kira's seconds Aaron's and her final 4 - Taylor, Chris, Katherine and Elliott
Posted by nikl at 10:37 PM | Comments (0)
March 13, 2006
Black. White.
I've only watched 4 minutes of the pilot, and already, I know to tell you all to watch this show. Synopsis here.
Ok, does the (white) dad realize that he thinks he is giving a complement but really he's being just as derogatory as, oh, I dunno, Hitler? Ok, maybe that's a bit harsh. He just said "as a former basketball player, I'd just really love to jump, slam dunk like these guys. I mean, clearly, blacks are superior - hands down, they're faster, they jump higher, they're just superior."
HI.
I'm a little concerned about 2 families taking the torch for entire races.
I'm really impressed on how they bring in race relations professionals on the process. I hope they continue this throughout the series.
OK. This (white) Dad, I cannot WAIT for the first time he is called the "n" word. He's got this theory that he'll be able to just brush it off and won't bother him in the slightest. I think they're totally setting him up for it to happen and for him to loose it.
WATCH. THIS. SHOW. or don't. But this, is good television.
Posted by nikl at 07:21 PM | Comments (0)
March 08, 2006
American Idol, Season 5, Guys Round 3
Gideon McKinney - ok. The whole record makes the world go round thing just totally freaked me out. But damn can this boy sing. He needs to break out of his Motown thing tho.
Chris Daughtry - Not the most amazing, but he's still my American Idol
Kevin Covias - What a killer song choice. Like as in kill your chances.
Bucky Covington - I could have totally done without any of that. Ever.
Will Makar - for someone i hate for no apparent reason, that wasn't half bad.
Taylor Hicks - ok, THIS was a good idea. Is this Michael McDonald? He branched out, and I think he actually might be winning me over. DAMN. That was REALLY GOOD.
Elliott Yamin - Another great song choice. Thought this isn't his best performance.
Ace Young - nice stretch. and well done. this will seriously catapult his ass. Michael Jackson? I thought it sounded much more like the Floetry version. Who knew it was a cover?
Posted by nikl at 09:57 PM | Comments (0)
March 07, 2006
American Idol, Season 5, Girls Round 3
Paris Bennett - not so sure about this song choice, but good mixin' it up on the chorus
Lisa Tucker - She sounds a little like she's 16 - oh wait.
Melissa McGhee - A little karaoke
Kinnik Sky - oh, girl, honey. Don't sing an entire song just because you can sing 3 or four notes really well. Oh wait, NO NOTES WELL. Bieeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Katherine McPhee - damn. And go BCM!! Though, damn. BCM.
Alaya Brown - I'm a little uncomfortable watching this woman
Mandisa - The girl can just sing
Kellie Pickler - I thought she was already voted off... Too bad there were three people who did worse than she did this week. Ok. Her whole comment section, I can't even talk about.
Posted by nikl at 08:46 PM | Comments (0)
March 04, 2006
Belated Black History Moment
Please tell me that someone else witnessed this on SNL.
Posted by nikl at 11:11 PM | Comments (0)
March 03, 2006
American Idol, Season 5, Guys round 2
LATE.
Taylor Hicks - ok, don't mess with this song. though he did ok... It's like, one measure he can really sing, and then the next he's on a street corner in New Orleans
Elliott Yamin - DAMN DAMN DAMN. He so embodies that "late night in a random bar and OMG who IS this unknown vocalist who just WORKS EVERY NOTE." Born. To. Sing.
Ace Young - hmmm. that was pretty lame. No, Randy, that would not be "good lookin' out."
Gedeon McKeon - I'm still frightened. Very frightened. But that's one smooth voice.
Kevin Covais - warm fuzzy smiling giggly. Yet still kind of uncomfortable... (me when he sings, not him)
Sway Penala - I think it's now clear that last week was really worse than everyone seemed to think it was. Pitchy. And I don't know how many more times I'll say this during this competition, but if you can't do the Stevie, LEAVE THE STEVIE ALONE
Will Makor - Don't like him. Somthing about him... And again with one of my favorite songs. Josh Groban meets Kenny Rodgers. And nobody wins.
Bucky Covington - He does what he does VERY well. but he really looks like he just walked out of Vanzo's
David Radford - no more crooners.
Chris Daughtry - Love. Him. Again, can't we just dispense of this whole thing and crown him?
Posted by nikl at 07:07 PM | Comments (0)
February 28, 2006
American Idol, Season 5, Girls round 2
Katherine McPhee - LEAVE STEVIE ALONE
Kinnik Sky - Mad at the black girls singin' rock and country b/c that's supposed to be my niche. Someday. Hardly. I mean, even now when I do it in Karaoke bars, it will be less original. Posers.
Lisa Tucker - Again. I maintain. Little Michael sings little Michael. And ONLY Little Michael. Dammit. and dude, what is she wearing? Hello 1982.
Melissa McGhee - um, ok.
Heather Cox - NICE BELT. Karaoke. See Little Michael above.
Brenna Gethers - tonight she's black. What's going on. Or is she black? What? And get that dress off of her.
Paris Bennett - What happened in the wardrobe room. This is one of those songs that you think might be great to sing, but then in the end, just let Bette sing it. Or perhaps just keep it in the shower.
[Somebody put the Bucky away]
Ayla Brown - Totally what Simon said.
Kellie Pickler - watch the hair in the lipstick
Mandisa - that's a lot of yelling. But good yelling I suppose. ish.
Posted by nikl at 09:21 PM | Comments (0)
February 22, 2006
American Idol Top 12 Men
I missed the girls last night but caught the highlight replay on the boys show tonight. And luckily Whirled got 'em. I seriously can't watch these shows live. Being able to fast forward through 80% of the show is an absolute must. That said...
Patrick Hall - who are those "friends?"
David Radford - No more crooners. Why do they keep doing this to America? um, hi. It's called vibrato, not fast action gnawing.
Bucky Covington - ??? I don't even have anything to say here.
Will Makor - when will we EVER LEARN. NO ONE CAN SING LITTLE MICHAEL EXCEPT LITTLE MICHAEL. Leave that stuff alone.
Sway - Note to Sway's dad: 2 and the 4, honey, TWO AND THE FOUR
Chris Daughtry - YOU ARE MY AMERICAN IDOL. Give him the winnings now. Do not make us sit through this sham of a competition. I just threw my underwear at the television.
Kevin Covais - I was ready to rip on him before he even opened his mouth, but then - DAMN. Good try. No, really. There were some note sin there that made me want to throw my shoe (in a good way - but not my underwear. Just the shoe).
Gedeon McKinney - note that I said BEFORE Simen "what is up with that smile?? But he brought it indeed. Very polished.
Elliott Yamin - man, we got a COMP-O-TISH-SHYON. He's a little funny on the eyes, but this. boy. can. sing. And what a great song choice.
Bobby Bennett - oh, honey...
Taylor Hicks - I don't know how long this is going to go on. But I for one feel like he's almost in a minstrel show.
Ace - Ace
This is so the guys' competition. Though Randy maybe just needs to STOP TALKING.
Posted by nikl at 10:36 PM | Comments (0)
February 16, 2006
Kay Does Torino
Kay is tracking the commentary insanity going on in Torino and boy am I glad someone is.
I hope that Kay and Kristen and Michael and Czajka remember forever Lillihammer, and saying it so many times that it will never stop being funny.
Also, let's never forget what Hector Lugo says: "The women's long program is like the gay superbowl. Don't mess with that."
Posted by nikl at 04:00 PM | Comments (0)
February 11, 2006
How Many NU Grads...
How many NU grads do you count in Olympic commercial land?
So far I'm up to 3, and I've only been watching (halfway) for an hour. Jeremy Johnson in a Chevy sponsorship commercial, Ryan Radditz in a Visa commercial, and Stephanie March in commercials for her new show airing in March. Ok, I lie. I haven't seen Stephanie's in my hour watching, but this is NBC, and eventually, during Olympic coverage, it will air.
Posted by nikl at 04:55 PM | Comments (1)
January 18, 2006
American Idol, Season 5
Good gracious.
I forgot to write about this last night (yes, I am watching AI in Hawaii). Did we all see Crazy Dave? Have we all seen an episode of Space Ghost Coast to Coast? Was his entire segment in the audition room NOT timed and edited EXACTLY like a live action episode of Space Ghost? Insane.
And tonight, HI. Garret, the as-soon-as-I-get-to-LA-I-will-realize-I'm-gay.
Posted by nikl at 11:47 PM | Comments (1)
January 13, 2006
Let Us Not Forget
That Adam Sandler was on the Cosby Show. Often.
Posted by nikl at 04:41 PM | Comments (1)
November 24, 2005
Medium
Lifetime picks up Medium for syndication in 2009. Perfect fit.
Posted by nikl at 03:20 PM | Comments (0)
October 25, 2005
Still Love How I Met Your Mother
"Your ego's writen checks your body can't cash"
And the Princeton a capella group references are KILLING ME.
And Threshhold is getting better and better for sure.
Suit up!
Posted by nikl at 07:58 PM | Comments (0)
October 20, 2005
Strange Bedfellows
Pilsbury Doughboy and Barry White.
No words.
Posted by nikl at 10:33 PM | Comments (1)
October 18, 2005
How I Met Your Mother
STILL FUNNY
Hilarious even.
"Italics [holds hands up in parallel slant]: This night never happened."
brilliant.
Posted by nikl at 10:53 PM | Comments (1)
October 11, 2005
How I Met Your Mother
A - Anne Dudeck was on the show tonight - Go Cats!
B - NPH is hilarious on this show
C - The brunette totally has Britt's mouth (for the maybe 1 of you who both watches this show and knows Britt)
D - LOVE that they have this same brunette working for "Metro News 1" which is SO NY1 which is one of the few "things" I miss about NYC.
E - Overall this show gets a big ol' thumbs up.
LegenDARy.
Posted by nikl at 10:13 PM | Comments (1)
October 09, 2005
Catch up time
Trying to catch up on all the TV. Luckily FOX went into hiatus for October madness, which eliminates about 4 hours of television a week.
1. Go Invasion with the bald black woman character. Also with the character named Kira. Though that actress is perhaps, really bad.
2. Everybody Hates Chris _is_ the best show on television. Some of Chris Rock's voice over jokes fall flat (which is the case for his stand up as well), but it's a well put together show, with great characters and hilarious situations. Hilarious and poignant at the same time. Kinda reminds me of "Least Likely to Sing Gospel: The projects version"
3. This Astros/Braves game is CRAZY I tell you, CRAZY!
Posted by nikl at 04:40 PM | Comments (0)
September 24, 2005
Hey, Guess What? We're Not Fooled
Do they think we don't notice that Invasion, Threshold and Surface aren't all the same show?
Posted by nikl at 11:26 PM | Comments (1)
September 23, 2005
TV Time
ER - It's always so weird when they switch actors mid-story. I feel like it only happens on Soap Operas, but then it happens on ER and you're like, whoah.
Surivor - Dude, they are whooping some ass this season. Only the second episode and most of the men on one of the tribes are down for the count.
Supernatural - Why the black guy gotta die first?
Invasion - I'm in for the moment. and where do they they find acting cats? I mean, acting dogs I get, b/c they can be trained, but cats?
Lost - dude. Where this goes, I am interested to know. I agree with the skeptics though on CLEARLY, Hurley would have lost some weight by now.
Posted by nikl at 11:00 PM | Comments (5)
September 19, 2005
Prime Time Madness
It's premiere week kids, and I'm ready to rumble. The series manager at the Hudson household has a total of 17 shows, in the following priority order. We'll see how long they all last...
1. ER - clearly
2. Lost - even more clearly
3. Survivor: Guatemala - the pilot was ass kicking BRUTAL. Interested to see where they go from here
4. The Amazing Race 8 - Family style this year, can't wait!
5. Medium - SO glad to see PA win for this last night (or, hear about it - b/c clearly, who watches the Emmy's). I've been a fan of this one since "go."
6. Everybody Hates Chris - Apparently the funniest thing since sliced bread
7. Supernatural - GREAT pilot. Better than all of the teen slasher movies I've seen since the Scream series - and I keep coming back for more of them. This one only takes an hour of my life (50 min on replay) and it's FREE!
8. Reunion - thanks to officemate Christy for alerting me to this one. So far, I'm likin' it - and the 80s references are unrelenting
9. Bones - liked this pilot. And here's to more smart women lead characters. And I love how she's constantly NOT getting pop-culture references
10. Threshold - more hot smart female leads (I'm about 90% sure Hedy Burress got called back for all of these parts)
11. Invasion - Haven't seen anything on this one yet, but more spooky stuff
12. Surface - have heard this is horrid, but am givin it a shot b/c, clearly, more spooky stuff
13. Prison Break - not sure about this one. My parents are watching, so I'll hang on for a bit longer
14. How I Met Your Mother - reviews so good and cast so interesting, no other reason it's here
15. Ghost Whisperer - clearly, this is supposed to be horrible, horrid and awful. JLH is supposedly clawing at the scenery. But I'm a sucker for ghost stories.
16. Rome - higher priority in reality, but if it gets bumped, I can always use on Demand and I generally watch it in B'ville anyway. Took me a few episodes, but I'm hooked on this one.
17. Curb Your Enthusiasm - again, avail on on Demand and follows Rome if watched in B'ville. I was anti this show for the first few seasons, but I think I've been won over
I also set it to tape E-ring on its pilot night, but I'm not expecting to get hooked. Maybe when Ghost Whisperer goes by the wayside...
You might wonder when I might actually have time to watch all of this. I'll just say that it's ALL about the DVR and fast forwarding through commercials.
I'd also taped the Lifetime/Showtime Film original movie, Speak. Finally got around to watching (most of) it on Sunday. Good stuff.
Ordinary Whirled's Prime Time post here.
Posted by nikl at 01:54 PM | Comments (3)
September 03, 2005
VMAs
Who let this happen? Randy is doing my the pleasure (?) of showing me highlights from this attrrocious happening. Right this moment, it's KElly Clarkson sounding as though her volcal chords are committing suicide. Holy ew.
And who are the producers/directors and how was this whole thing approved. I mean, truly. The fire and water thing - what?? I don't need to see a soaking Kelly Clarkson, I don't need to see people run through fountains.
And what the hell is R. Kelly thinking?? Did anyone else see this??? I really don't have words for it yet. You really need to watch it, find out when it comes on next and catch this mess. It's about an hour and 15 minutes into the show. Chuck, Kathy (Mary), Roofus, Roofus and Roofus. Please. Please. Help. The VMA live version is priceless, but all five parts of Trapped in the Closet can be found on R. Kelly's mess of a website.
Dwayne. These people, I officially give to you.
Posted by nikl at 12:11 AM | Comments (1)
September 02, 2005
Lemiwinks
Last night, I realized that I, Nicole Hudson, have my very own copy of the Lemiwinks episode of South Park (it's South Park at its most wrong, so if you are easily offended, do not watch. No, really).
Brilliant wrongness at it's best.
Posted by nikl at 10:39 AM | Comments (0)
August 25, 2005
If The Ride is More Fly, Then You Must Buy
Riddle me why Snoop Dog's new Chrysler commercial is as funny as it is. The whole fashizzle thing is like, what &mdash at least 5 years old? Aren't advertising creative teams supposed to be up on the latest? Cutting edge? This commercial is so 2000 - no, I'm almost sure more like 1997 — yet my Dad is obsessed. I even laugh every time I see it. More support for the fact that things take about 5 years to hit the mainstream - though I could have sworn the whole "izzle" thing already hit the mainstream and gone the other way — is this a third wave? So I guess props to the creative team for knowing that something so 1997 that has already been played could still be funny and knowing how to make it so?
I'm still confused.
In other news, the wild animals outside are going insane. As I sit here, there are bird flying willy nilly and squirrels acting insane. Something wicked this way comes?
Posted by nikl at 07:01 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
August 23, 2005
Hi, my name is Larry...
I was just reminded of Larry, Darryl and Darryl.
That, my friends, was comedy.
Posted by nikl at 02:35 PM | Comments (0)
August 22, 2005
Holy Six Feet Under, Batman
**Potential Spoilers**
Wow.
A. I can't believe that the show is over. Really truly, on Saturday, I was thinkg, "I'd love to take the folks who write/produce/concept for HBO out for a drink." Not to be a hanger on and drool over them, but literally just buy them a drink and be like, "hey, thanks for making some damn good though provoking television and having the balls to air it." Because, I mean, damn.
B. I am still recovering. And at the same time, kinda hope I never do. The end of the show left me with such overwhelming emotion that I could barely stand it. I just kept saying (through tears) that it made me feel like it's all just so BIG. Everything that seems trivial, is not so much at all - like, it may be to an outsider, but to us and those close to us, it's what makes up a life. It's what goes between the Born - Died dates - and there's so much there. And so much we continuously take for granted. Everyday and all the time. Also things we hold onto - SO tightly. We spend so much energy trying to keep things the same, and they just can't be. Won't be. To have been so immersed in these characters for 6 (?) seasons, and seeing the "rest of their lives" go by at the end really hit home that there is always so much more ahead - until, of course, there's no more ahead. What has us in a ball on the floor for a week may be nothing more than a "blip" between the Born - Died, while, and at the same time, someone or something that we initially dismiss can end up being a major part of that journey.
C. or Summation. Do not fuck around. This is it. Learn and cherish, but don't hold on because as it was perfectly put "you cannot take a picture of this moment, it's already gone."
Ugh.
As Sally Sodaro once said "you guys, we have so much to do!"
So much indeed. Today, it is overwhelming me as much as it is inspiring me, but I know that soon it will turn into pure motivation, joy and love.
ps - good thing this is National Punctuation Day and I just stunk up the room.
pps - if the 6 Feet Under Finale did this to me, what will happen with the Rent movie comes out??? What I ask???
Posted by nikl at 09:13 AM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
August 17, 2005
So Confused
Farrah Fawcett is on Davis Letterman right now... and... didn't her face used to move? Did she used to interview as though she was actually in the room? Is she insane and I missed it (congrats to me)?
Posted by nikl at 10:55 PM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
August 13, 2005
Baby Girl from VA
Somebody please tell me they saw this. Amalia Crosby (I think that's what Mo'Nique just said) and 5 back-up girls who are all 10 just did a Missy style performance for the Apollo Jr. performance. I can't even really do it justice in writing, which is why I'm just hoping someone else saw this.
Especially Dwayne Mann.
Posted by nikl at 11:15 PM | Comments (0)
August 05, 2005
Girls Holdin' it Down
For those who know my friend Sharon Quinn and/or like Mo'nique, Sharon is a top ten finalist on Mo-nique's FAT Chance pageant for plus sized models airing on Oxygen! this weekend. GO SHARON!
I am so darn proud of her I could burst! I can't wait to see her tear up the runway.
Posted by nikl at 01:15 PM | Comments (1)
July 31, 2005
Late Night UPN
Thank goodness for my brother-in-law for many reasons, but most recently for introducing me to the late night UPN show Cheaters. From its host, Joey Graco (Dr. Phil wannabe meets Jerry Springer meets the Fab 5) to the positively sad couples it deals with, it is worth every moment of the DVR space/VHS tape it takes to capture it (b/c unless you're an onsomniac, odds are you will only catch it by setting a timer).
It's a "reality" show where people contact them with the suspicion that their mate is cheating. The show hires detectives to catch them in the act, then they stage a surprise confrontation that they catch live on film. And the fireworks fly.
Please please please visit the website linked above, find out when it comes on in your area and experience the magic that is, Cheaters.
Posted by nikl at 01:47 AM | Comments (2) | TrackBack
July 27, 2005
Arm Feels Numb Indeed
How brilliantly evil of the folks at 6 Feet Under to NOT show us scenes from next week. Cameron, in his true fashion, stopped the playback before the previews, and we fast forwarded through the entire episode only to discover that we have been DENIED.
My vote is that Nate is dead dead dead.
Posted by nikl at 10:17 AM | Comments (1) | TrackBack
June 17, 2005
Go Cats
Go Sharif Atkins who was @ NU with us, was the main 4400 on The 4400
Posted by nikl at 10:38 PM | Comments (0) | TrackBack
May 16, 2005
Nooooo!
How sad am I that American Dreams has been cancelled??? I loved that show. I definitely cried at least once every week. Dammit!
Posted by nikl at 12:51 PM | Comments (0)
May 15, 2005
Survivor Finale
Wanda had a second verse. That's all I have to say.
Posted by nikl at 09:33 PM | Comments (0)
March 22, 2005
Not That it's Not Mad Tired
But NBC has extended ER for 2 more years. I know. I'm lame. But I still like it!
Posted by nikl at 11:52 AM | Comments (0)
March 06, 2005
Their Eyes Were Watching God
I didn't mean to watch this tonight because I had way too much to do, in addition to getting to bed at a decent hour (which is passing