Indecision 2008

Indecision 2008. Yes, yes, I stole my posting title from Comedy Central. So sue me. No, actually, please don't. I'm not worth anything. While my bank account is not negative, my student loans and car loan make my worth negative, so please don't, and besides, I don't make any money at all from this blog. Anyway, this election year is turning out to be quite exciting. Who would have though a year ago, when faced with a field of 20 candidates, none of whom stood out to me, we'd be left with three good ones?
First, we have John McCain. Lambasted by conservatives, McCain may be arguably be NOT the most Republican of the trio, which is funny, since he's their nominee. I actually like this man because he reaches across the aisle, wants to unite the country and acts likes it, not just says it, and he seems like he really cares. I can get behind his passion. On the negative side, even throwing out his endorsement by idiot-worst president ever-George W. Bush, he doesn't want to pull out of Iraq. I understand why. That place will go to hell even more than it already is if we leave, but after being falsely led over there, it's time to end it.
Second up, there's Barack Obama. The first guy this year I actually got behind, he is the leading Democrat. Who can resist his message of hope and change? After reading his last book, I saw him as too Mr. Smith goes to Washington, too naive to get anything done. Watching him in the debates, I changed my mind. He's not just cool and passionate, he sounds like he would actually do a great job. So let's all get behind him and vote for him in November.
No, wait, I'm leaving someone out. Hillary Clinton was all but counted out by her resurgence this week. Now I'm feeling sorry for her, and wondering whether I was too hasty to toss her away. After all, her and her husband led this country through eight golden years, economically speaking. And we all know the economy could use a boost. Plus SNL's seeming-endorsement and Tina Fey speaking up for her made me start to like her again. Should we be looking for a Hillary White House? I just don't know. IS bitch the new black?
Either way this goes, we're going to have someone good. Let's just hope they become great.

Qop!
"She is a bitch. So what? So am I. Bitches get stuff done. That's why Catholic Schools use nuns instead of priests... At the end of the year you hated those bitches, but you knew the capital of Vermont." ~ Tina Fey on Hillary Clinton, Saturday Night Live

I Broke My Pledge

Yeah, sorry. I let it go another two weeks and didn't do my Tip of the Hat, Wag of the Finger. I've decided not to make any more promises about posting until student teaching is over, because as much as I'd like to keep them, I'm not sure I can. And now for some brief random thoughts that should have been on our podcast, The Good, The Bad, & The Geeky, but wasn't.
Did anyone watch Saturday Night Live this past weekend? Chevy Chase on freakin' Weekend Update! How cool was that!!!!
When did Heroes become Star Trek? I mean, yes, shows have had lots of ST people before, from the tv movie Roots: The Gift which featured many ST actors before they were ST actors, and Boston Legal, which starred two major ST alumni, but Heroes got crazy! First they had George Takei (Sulu), whom they recently killed off. And then the villain, Sylar, was cast to play Spock in the new movie. Then last night, Nichelle Nichols (Uhura) showed up, and she will surely be seen again, and Dominic Keeting (Reed from Enterprise) was there, too! It's getting crazy up in here!

Qop!
"I'm still...and you're still not." ~ Chevy Chase, SNL

SNL Sweeps Sweeps

Last night's Saturday Night Live, the first one of sweeps, certainly delivered in star power, even if every skit didn't deliver the laughs. The monologue of Kristen Wiig (who is getting a deserved huge amount of screen time lately) as Nancy Pelosi was funny, and so was the weekend update interview with Rumsfeld. But the guest star parade began in the monologue when Alec Baldwin, who was hosting a record tying 13 times, brought on his co-stars of his new show, 30 Rock, Tina Fey and Tracy Morgan. The new show is by SNL alumni and produced by the SNL producer, Lorna Michael. Morgan did it in character, and with Fey, it was hard to tell. Then the Platinum Lounge encounter with Steve Martin rocked, as did the wordless appearnaces of Martin Short as their waiter, followed by Paul McCartney. So did Martin host 14 times? I didn't get that. But The Tony Bennet show skit where Baldwin played Bennet and Bennet came on as an impersonator was hilarious, and their duet was good. Christina Arguliera was the musical guest, which of course I didn't watch, except her third segment, which was a duet with the real Bennet, and that was really entertaining. Anyway, I just wanted to comment on the huge amount of guest star power present. The curtain call was impressive. It was great!

Qop! (SNL Weekend Update 11/11/06)
"In an ironic twist Tuesday, Iraw brought about a regime change to the United States."

Wag of the Finger, Tip of the Hat #1

In keeping with my Stephen Colbert hero worship, I present my very first weekly Wag of the Finger, Tip of the Hat. Tune in every week for my latest six comments about the world. I promise they won't all be out tv.

WAG OF MY FINGER to Saturday Night Live's Season Premiere. I wasn't impressed. It wasn't terrible. The pre-Weekend Update skit was good, and the end of the water jug skit was good, but I expected better. I really wanted to see Lorne come out and copy Wes from the beginning of the Studio 60 pilot. Please do better next week.

TIP OF THE HAT to Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip's second episode. The musical number at the end was inspired. Can't wait to see what's next. Also, Smith really raised the bar in its second week. Go you. And Heroes. Nice.

WAG OF MY FINGER to The Megan Mullally Show. Sorry. You already lost my interest. Justice, if you were more important, you'd be On Notice.

TIP OF THE HAT to Andy Borowitz for the hilarious commentary he continues to deliver every week, some of which is reprinted in the Columbus Dispatch's life section.

WAG OF MY FINGER to Terrell Owens. Come on! Get a life, dude! So you killed yourself, but then you didn't, but we all know you did. Jerk.

TIP OF THE HAT to Stephen Colbert for putting up an actual working Jew apology line. You will get bonus tips is you air one of my apologies. Please. :)

Qop! (Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip "Pilot")
Matt Albie (Matthew Perry): There's gonna be a press conference at noon on Monday announcing that you two are running Studio 60. I know I can count on you to answer questions in a way that doesn't embarrass the National Broadcasting System. Will that be hard for you?
Jack Rudolph (Steven Weber): I wouldn't think it would be hard for anybody. 'Cause if you pointed a camera at two people masturbating it'd be among the least embarrassing things on the National Broadcasting System. I'll tell Blair to start working on the deal.

(Wes Mendell's (Judd Hirsch) rant)
It's not going to be a very good show tonight. I think you should change the channel, change the channel right now or better yet turn off the TV. Now, I know it seems like this is supposed to be funny, but, uh, tomorrow you're gonna find out that it wasn't and by that time I'll have been fired. No, this is not a sketch. This show used to be cutting edge political and social satire, but it's gotten lobotomized by a candy ass broadcast network. Hellbent on doing nothing that might challenge their audience. We're about to do a sketch that everyone's seen like 500 times. No, no one's gonna confuse George Bush and George Plimpton, yeah we get it. We're all being lobotomized by this countries most influential industry. It just throws in the towel on any endeavor to do anything that doesn't involve the courting of 12 year old boys. Not even the smart 12 year olds, the stupid ones, the idiots of which there are plenty thanks to no small mention of this network. So why don't you just change the channel? Turn off the TV do it right now. The struggle between art and commerce. Well, there's always been a struggle between art and commerce and now I'm telling you art is getting it's ass kicked and it's making us mean and it's making us bitchy. It's making us cheap punks and that's not who we are! People are having contests to see how much they can be like Donald Trump. We're eating worms for money. "Who wants to screw my sister." Guys are getting killed in a war that has theme music and a logo. That remote in your hands is a crack pipe, oh yeah sure every once in a while we pretend to be appalled. We're becoming Pornographers! It's not even good pornography. It's just a side of snuff films and friends that's what's next because that's all there is left. And the two things that make them scared gutless of the FCC is and every psycho religious cult that gets positively horny at the mention of a boycott... (CUT OFF THE AIR)

The Book! Buy It Now!

It's been a busy couple of weeks. Sorry I haven't posted. I have been seeking employment, part time for now, full time for summer. I still need to pay my rent after school lets out, unfortunately. These extremely high gas prices have not helped one bit. Sigh. Two and a half more years until we get the idiot out of office. But today's topic is not current events. Jon Stewart and Saturday Night Live said everything this week that needed to be said. No, today's topic is my book.
Book One continues to meet with favorable reviews. The discussion with the Otterbein Alumni Book Club went fantastic. I sent copies of Book Two around to my brave volunteer proofreaders, so Book Two will be completed soon. The current estimated deadline is it will be ready to go to press by the end of July. I also have a couple of people considering cover ideas, so hopefully it'll be nice and snazzy. I have also wrote six chapters for Book Three, so it will be fast on the heels of Book Two. I am considering another project or two in between Book Three and Four, but I haven't decided yet. I will of course keep you posted. But the bottom line is, if you haven't bought An Actor's Nightmare Book One yet, go buy it! Now! Seriously! Please?

Qops! (courtesy of Veronia Mars, which promises to have one hell of a Season Two finale this week)
Keith Mars: [happy] Who's your Daddy?
Veronica Mars: I hate it when you say that.
Keith: This is important, you remember this, I used to be cool.
Veronica: When?
Keith: '77. Trans-Am, Blue Oyster Cult in the 8-track, foxy, stacked blond riding shotgun, racing for pink slips. Wait a minute, I'm thinking of a Springsteen song. Scratch everything. I was never cool.
Veronica: I don't know which bothers me more, "foxy" or "stacked".

Van Clemmons: Mr. Echolls, I was wondering if I could have a word?
Logan: Anthropomorphic. All yours, big guy.

Cliff McCormack: [to Logan] My name is Cliff, and I'll be your, "If you cannot afford an attorney" attorney.

Premiere Season Part Two of Two

FOR VERY IMPORTANT AND GREAT WEST WING NEWS, READ IMMEDIATELY!
I have to take a quick break and talk about The West Wing (Sunday, 8pm, NBC) before anything else. I miss Joshua Malina, I miss Stockard Channing, and I especially miss Janel Maloney as Donna, who has to come back before the end! This season will kind of be like a series finale for the cast we know and love, as evidenced by the great opening. I think they've already given away the new president, but I'll live. What's really cool and exciting is that November 6th's epsiode will be LIVE!!! Not only that, it will only feature two cast members: Alan Alda and Jimmy Smits. Why, you may ask? They are actually going to do a full out debate in character! It will be great fun. Don't miss it. No word on who the moderator will be yet, but we should only see the 3 of them.

And now the long awaited finale of my premiere season 2005 (minus 24 and The Cobert Report, which won't premiere for awhile)... DISCLAIMER: I did not yet watch tonight's shows so all shows are current through yesterday. From here on out through the rest of the season I will only mention spectacular things about shows.
Commander in Chief (Tuesday, 9pm, ABC)~ Gena Davis stars in this great concept of a woman thrust into presidentcy when the president dies, although it has a weak script. She looks a bit too plastic, still it is enjoyable, and has some great moment. I think I'll give it a fair chance this year. Donald Sutherland also stars as next in line after Davis, and wanting the job.
Boston Legal (Tuesday, 10pm, ABC)~ The opening two parter was enough to satisfy anyone missing the amazing series. Heather Locklear added some fun, the new interns were great (well, the guy was), and Rupert Everett completed the fantastic shows. He even translater 'cello' in court and brought a band to perform for another judge. He will be stealing Rhona Mitra away, who has dropped from the ending credits. And ending with Betty White killing the short guy (a.k.a. Beverly Leslie from Will & Grace) was a nice touch.
Close to Home (Tuesday, 10pm, CBS) ~ I like it. Nice, warm, friendly, and still mysterious. The main character, formerly star of Committed, was great, and I enjoy Christian Kane (Lindsay from Angel) as her husband. Not break out hit, but good.
Night Stalker (Thursday, 9pm, ABC) ~ Bad special affects, bad writing. Stuart Townsend and Gabrielle Union will keep me coming back until it sucks even worse, but it's not great.
Veronice Mars (Wednesday, 9pm, UPN) ~ Great strong start with more murder! Veronica should have died, but I'm glad she didn't! Kevin Smith's guest apperance as a clerk in Week Two was fun, and I look forward to Joss Whedon's car dealership in Week Six. Steve Guttenberg is fun, and Charisma Carpenter is out and out sexy. "Can Beaver and Dick come out and play?" Can't wait for Alyson Hannigan and Charisma to do a scene together.
Alias (Thursday, 8pm, ABC) ~ Strong start. I will miss Michael Vartan, but his death was very emotional. Lisa swears he's not dead, but I don't believe her. I think she's grasping straws. We'll see. I'll also miss Nadia and Weiss, but I look forward to Amy Acker's new role. Now they need Lena Olin and Amanda Foreman back and the show may survive. Here's hoping it doesn't jump the shark.
Will & Grace (Thursday, 8:30, NBC) ~ We all knew the live opening would result in goofs, but it was still cool. I look forward to Harry Connick's return. This final season will probably be all right, although don't look for the best episodes of the series.
Ghost Whisperer (Friday, 8pm, CBS) ~ The surprise breakout hit of the season! It's great! I love it! Only watched it for the eye candy of Jennifer Love Hewitt, but oh so glad I did. I highly recomment to everyone. Every episode will make you cry!
Desperate Housewives (Sunday, 8pm, ABC) ~ In the words of Michael my roommate, we returned to an old friend. Still edgy, still fabulous, still amazing. Bree is definitely shining for me this season, and so if Alfre. Go DW!
Grey's Anatomy (Sunday, 9pm, ABC) ~ Entering it's sophomore year, I can finally enjoy this show. The first season was rough and hard to get into, but it's finding it's groove. I like.
Saturday Night Live (Saturday, 11:30pm, NBC) ~ Steve Carrel hosted, and was not breakout amazing. The best bit was the animation of the plane crashing and everyone running, although second place goes to the impression off between the new guys, and third goes to Mike Myer's appearance. I miss Tina Fey. Horatio was funny despite his best efforts to screw up his lines. We need Tina back! She's had the baby like almost two weeks ago! Get back to work! Sadly, Maya will be joining her soon.
America's Next Top Model ~ Nothing to report. Not great. Not good. I'll watch it cause others are and I'm in the room. Plus reality television, despite sucking, is addicting.
Apprentice: Martha Stewart ~ I didn't watch last night because they moved it to compete with Lost (and Veronica Mars), which is it's death wish. The show is pretty much canelled, which is too bad because for once reality tv was good.

Qop!
"Been more'n a year since I had anything twixt my nethers didn't run on batteries!" ~ Kaylee, Serenity, Awesome Movie! GO SEE!

Good News For People Who Love Bad New

I stole today's title from the Modest Mouse album of the same name which is, by the way, an amazing album. Anyway, the bad news is that J-Lo wants to runs for president. Jennifer Anthony (as she now wants to be called) wants to run for president and, if elected, plans to redecorate the White House. God help us all. Also for those of you who hate the former Bennifer, Ben Afflek's new fiance, Jennifer Garner, is being heavily rumored to be pregnant and due late this year. Hmm. Wonder how they would work that into Alias? All they need on that show is another member of that dysfunction family!

And now some good news for people who love good news:
Will Ferrel is slated to host Saturday Night Live this weekend. Yes, you heard me correctly. Will Ferrel. Hell yeah!
And starting this coming fall, The Daily Show will be expanded to one hour. Sort of. Comedy Central plans to start a new half hour show airing directly after Jon Stewart's power house entitled The Cobert Report which will of course star Stephen Cobert. Current plans call for the shows to transfer seemlessly, like real news shows, making it seem like one hour-long show. Cobert is equally as funny as Stewart, in my opinion, and I am greatly looking forward to this expanded format. And for those of you who still tell me I am lying, I will state this one last time. My friend JonATHAN Stewart is NOT Jon Stewart! There, I've said my piece. It didn't help that a month or so ago Jon Stewart said something on the air to his friend Jimmy watching at home. I have been unable to shake the rumors since, but I swear I'm telling the truth. What's sad is that I am not making any of the above up.

Qop!
"You have the best show on television." ~ Martin Short to Jon Stewart on a recent episode of The Daily Show

Top 100 Actors of Star Trek - Part One

As part of my ongoing attempt to memoralize Star Trek (there will be other ways before the finale in May), I was thinking about the actors involved. I plan on doing a series of entries that briefly discuss the Top 100 Actors - as judged by me. Not necessarily the big names, but those actors that appeared many times throughout the shows or who played characters essential to Star Trek lore in some way. This first entry will look at the 10 most famous captains of the Enterprise (and crewmen who served on the Enterprise and became captains).

The Enterprise Captains
Jeffrey Hunter (Captain Christopher Pike - TOS "The Cage"). Jeffrey Hunter was originally cast as the lead for the original show. He filmed the pilot "The Cage" and his character (but not the actor) returned badly mutilated in the two part episode "The Menagerie" which featured many clips from "The Cage". Hunter's real name was Henry Herman McKinnies Jr. Hunter was a movie actor, appearing in about 50 films, perhaps best known for his portrayal of Jesus Christ in the movie King of Kings. He also guested on numerous television series including The Green Hornet, Bob Hope Presents, The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, Disneyland, and This is Your Life. Hunter died on May 27, 1969 at the age of 42.
William Shatner (Captain / Admiral James T. Kirk in all 3 seasons of Star Trek, The Animated Series, Phase II and the first seven movies). Shatner was brought into replace Hunter when the cast was revamped. He portrayed Kirk in all 3 seasons for the first five year mission, was promoted to admiral for the first four movies, then demoted to captain for the next three. His character died in Star Trek: Generations and hasn't been seen on screen since. Shatner writes a series of books where his character lives on. When Shatner was first cast he was trying to be a rock star although he had several screen credits including starring roles in Howdy Doody, The Brothers Karamazov, and Marc Anthony in Julius Caesar. He went on to star in the television series TJ Hooker, Tekwar, and is currently on Boston Legal. He has been in numerous movies including Miss Congeniality, Dodgeball, Free Enterprise, Osmosis Jones and National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon. He is also the author of numerous books including The Ashes of Eden, Star Trek: Memories, and Get a Life! He will be 74 next month.
Leonard Nimoy (Lieutenant / Commander / Captain / Amabassador Spock in all 3 seasons of Star Trek, the animated series, the first six movies, and the TNG two parter Unification). Nimoy's Spock was the only character not cut after the original pilot "The Cage". In the 1970's Nimoy seeked to distance himself from that role by writing a book called I Am Not Spock and refusing to do the animated series and initially the first movie. He later did do the first six movies, although he turned down a role in Generations. He tried to leave the franchise again by insisting that he be killed in Star Trek II, the movie in which it was revealed that he was now captain of the Enterprise, but due to his popularity, his character was resurrected. He directed Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home, TJ Hooker, and Three Men and a Little Baby. He was a producer for Star Trek VI. He later wrote a second book in the 90's called I Am Spock and came to terms with his character. Other than a stint on General Hospital his career is unspectacular before Star Trek but immediately after it he starred in the series Mission Impossible and went on to appear in Invasion of the Body Snatchers and lent his voice to Transformers: The Movie and Atlantis. He has guest starred in Becker, Futurama, Duckman, The Simpsons, TJ Hooker, Gunsmoke, The Man From U.N.C.L.E., The Outer Limits, and Bonanza. He currently runs an audio book company with John deLancie called "Alien Voice" in which actors renact classic sci-fi and fantasy books. He will be 74 next month on my birthday.
DeForrest Kelley (Dr. / Admiral Leonard "Bones" McCoy in Star Trek, the animated series, Phase II, the first six movies, and the pilot of TNG) - Kelley was a classic western star, but brought on to play the cranky doctor. He was added to the theme song in the second and third seasons, the only one in the theme song besides Shatner and Nimoy. His early credits include Taxi and Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. He turned down a role in Generations. He didn't have much of a career post-Star Trek, although his voice did appear in The Brave Little Toaster Goes to Mars. His guest apperances include Bonanza, The Donna Reed Show, The Fugitive, Have Gun - Will Travel, Zane Grey Theatre, Gunsmoke, and The Lone Ranger. Kelley was so excited when the Star Trek actors cemented their names on the Hollywood Walk of Fame that he misspelled his! He kept in touch with his fellow ST actors and always wanted to bring Kirk, Spock, and McCoy back to the screen. He died in 1999 at the age of 79.
James Doohan (Lieutenant / Commander / Captain Montgomery "Scotty" Scott in The Original Series, the animated series, Phase II, the first seven movies and the TNG epsidoes "Relics"). Doohan was the king of accents and asked to do Scottish for Star Trek. Pre-Star Trek he did a few guest star roles including on Gunsmoke, Bonanza, The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits, The Fugitive, Bewitched, and The Man From U.N.C.L.E. Post Star Trek he appeared in Fantasy Island, Magnum PI, MacGyer, Knightrider, The Bold and the Beautiful, The Ben Stiller Show, and Duckman. Doohan was also in National Lampoon's Loaded Weapon. His character currently heads Starfleet's Corps of Engineers. He recently retired from showbuiness and turned 85 today.
Alan Ruck (Captain John Harriman in Star Trek: Generations). Ruck played the captain of the Enterprise-B. His film credits include Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Bad Boys, Speed, Twister, and Cheaper By The Dozen. He also starred in the television series Spin City. He also guest starred in Scrubs, Mad About You, The Outer Limits, Tales From the Crypt, and Picket Fences. Ruck is 48.
Tricia O'Neil (Captain Rachel Garret on the TNG episode "Yesterday's Enterprise"). O'Neil was the captain of the Enterprise-C. Her other film credits include Titanic, Brave New World, Police Story and guest appearances on JAG, Beverly Hills 90210, Babylon 5, Matlock, Murder She Wrote, Dallas, LA Law, Dynasty, MacGyver, The A Team, Charlie's Angels, Barney Miller, and Hawaii 5-O. She will be 60 next week.
Patrick Stewart (Captain Jean-Luc Picard on TNG and the last four films, as well as in the pilot of DS9). Stewart has had a very busy career. Before doing Star Trek, his credits included North and South, Hamlet Prince of Denmark, and Excalibur. His credits since then include X-Men, X2, X3, A Christmas Carol, Moby Dick, LA Story, Robin Hood: Men in Tights, The Pagemaster, Jeffrey, Jimmy Neurtron: Boy Genius, and Animal Farm. Stewart sang for the film The Prince of Egypt. Stewart has also guest starred on Ellen, Fraiser, The Simpsons, Reading Rainbow, and Saturday Night Live. Stewart is 64.
Jonathan Frakes (Commander / Captain William Riker on TNG and the last four movies, as well as guest starring on DS9, and Voyager and an upcoming apperance on Enterprise). Frakes's character served as first office for the Enterprises-D and E and is now captain of the USS Trident. His other credits include Camp Nowhere, Gargoyles, Clockstoppers, North and South, Futurama, Roswell, Third Rock From The Sun, Lois & Clark, Wings, Cybill, The Twilight Zone, Hill Street Blues, The Waltons, Dukes of Hazard, Fantasy Island, Charlie's Angels and a recurring role on Falcon Crest. He has directed several films including The Thunderbirds, Clockstoppers, First Contant, Insurrection, and episodes of Deep Space 9, Voyager, Roswell, and Diagnosis Murder. He is 52.
Scott Bakula (Captain Jonathan Archer on Enterprise). Bakula was best known for his starring role on Quantam Leap. Other film credits include Life As a House, American Beauty, Major League III, and guest apperances on Murphey Brown, Matlock, Designing Women, and Dream On. Bakula is 50.

Qop!
"Don't let them promote you...don't let them transfer you...don't let them do anything that takes you off the bridge of that ship...Because while you're there...you can make a difference."
~William Shatner to Patrick Stewart, Star Trek: Generations

Randomness

First, let me start out by saying that while I did not hit my magic 15 posts this month, I did more than my minimum 10 from last month, so I'm proud of myself. Hopefully it'll stay up.

As I was walking back from class I saw a slip of paper on the ground that said 'Wear White On Monday to Support Academic Intergrity at Otterbein College'. What if I don't support Academic Integrity? What if I like cheating? Ok, so it's a strategy I don't run arond employing, but if the oppurtunity presented itself, I would memorize multiple choice answers. I am a busy man! If it saves me time and doesn't seem too big a deal, I may do it! I wouldn't put effort into cheating or try to sneak answers into a test or anything the least bit risky, but still... Cheating has been around since the beginning of time. I submit it isn't always bad.

My job and my bosses at this moment suck my ass. Does anyone have a job I can work at close to my present salary and will be flexible with me until school lets out and then let me have my week off in July for vacation? If you know a job, please let me know!

I was watching Yesterday's Enterprise last night and it occured to me that the ulta-military version of the Enterprise-D reminded me of the bridge of the Enterprise-E especially in color scheme and station positions (especially Riker's), which was built during the Dominion War. The first two shows and seven movies always threatened war, the last three shows and three movies carried on with it. What does that say about our culture today versus the sixties or even the eighties and early nineties?

I watched the first ever episode of SNL today (Jonathan - I put it on your tape). Some trivia: It was hosted by George Carlin. He did numerous monologues throughout, but acted in no skits. He sounds totally different today. It had two musical guests, both of whom performed twice. It had 'commercials', a Weekend Update with Chevy Chase, and a film by Albert Brooks. In the opening instead of saying "The Not Ready For Prime Time Players", the announced said "The Not For Ready Prime Time Players". The first skit was the famous John Belushi wolverine skit. It also featured some Bees. They liked those bee costumes in the early days.

My name is Jim and I am an alcoholic (not really).

I have not had a girlfriend since I got addicted to tv. As much as I love tv, and as much as I know I would never let tv interfere with a girlfriend, I'm beginning to think I can't wait until I'm with someone to ditch the tv addiction. I am contemplating doing it soon. If I go through with it, it will be painful.

I also watched a great episode of The Practice where Alan Shore hired Denny Crane to represent him against the firm. Yay!

Qop!
"God isn't perfect... Everything he has created so far has died!"
~George Carlin, SNL

Project Runway

So yesterday I felt like total crap and laid on my couch for hours. This gave me the chance to watch the Project Runway marathon that Lisa told me I should watch. The marathon started with eight contestants left so I missed the first few shows. Oh, well. After twenty minutes I noticed that Runway backwards started to spell Yawn, which is what I was thinking of. Forty minutes into it, I started to get involved. Two hours into it and I was liking it more. By the time I got to the last few episodes, I was hooked. I didn't get a chance to watch the finale yet, but that's all I have left. Probably watch it today. Definitely glad they paraodied it on SNL or I may never have wanted to watch it. I hate that bitch Wendy and she needs to go down!!! I think Kara should win, and I so miss Andrew. Jay is my favorite, though. He reminded me so much of Scott Henning I had to tell him. We ended up talking for awhile and that was fun, and he confirmed that others have told him Jay is just like him. Now I gotta see how it turns out. After I go to the doctor and get drugs. :)

Weekend Update

So SNL's Weekend Update this week? Hilarious as usual! The Gates thing was funny, and so was Amy Poehler's stupidity. It was great! Now a quick update of my weekend. Warning, it is not that interesting.

Friday I hung out with Kristen, Amanda, and Jenn playing cards and games. It was a blast! And I drank, but I've been doing that less and less to save money and lose weight, so I guess it's ok. Then right as I was going to bed, Michael called and so I got Laura and went to hang out with him and Lisa and Cindy and Evan until like 2:30. It was a lot of fun, but then I had to get up the next morning and work a 15 hour shift. Work is getting to be a huge drag and I hate it. Saturday night I came home, did laundry, and by the time that was done, I was exhausted and it was late again. I got up early Sunday to work. Sunday night was probably the highlight of my weekend, though. A friend came over and we watched a movie and then hung out really late (I know, sleep is important, blah blah blah :)). It was great. Except even after 10 hours of sleep yesterday, I am still bone tired and have class and another 8 hours of work today. I really don't want to go. Oh, and Monday was Lisa's birthday so her and Michael and I hung out and had Outback. It was also fun. Now I have to go shower and start my marathon day. I'll try to update again soon. I really had nothing to say today, but I'm dangerously close to not getting my 10 postings this month so I had to write.

Qop! (from the Buffy episode "Older and Far Away")
RICHARD: You have weird friends.
XANDER: News from the file marked 'duh.'

Miscellaneous

I really don't have anything to write about, but it's been five days, and this is only my fifth post this month. I have to do five more in the next two weeks. I guess I could give you a few television updates. For instance, Armin Shimmerman (Quark on Deep Space 9 and Principal Snyder on Buffy the Vampire Slayer) made an appearance on Committed last week as the building's super. Sadly, he died in the episode. Oh, and William Shatner, because of the popularity and success he has had on Boston Legal, will not be appearing on Enterprise this season as previosuly announced by Paramount. Instead, they have signed Marina Sirtis and Jonathan Frakes (Troi and Riker fomThe Next Generation) to reprise their roles for the series finale. Brent Spiner is also expected to be back before the end of the season as the villian. So they are bringing half the cast of TNG in to finish off the show. I guess that gives it it's big send off, but it's a bit disappointing.

Also, Howard Dean was elected Chairman of the Democratic National Committee. I heard this news with mixed feelings. I am excited for him that he is in such a high profle job for the Democrats. Although as SNL said, if he's the head, who's going to be the neck? But this also means he cannot run for president in 2008, which saddens me. I wanted him to win in 2004 and am still unhappy about that scream taken totally out of context and ruining his chances. With Dean out of commission, I don't see any other choice for the Democrats but to run their leading candidate, Hilary Clinton. Don't get me wrong. I'm not a huge Hilary fan, and as SNL said, it's a nice, fresh new way for them o get their asses handed to them on a platter. However, who else stands a chance of winning? I mean, if they put Hilary out I think they only chance the Republicans have of beating her is to get the law changed and run Arnold. Those debates could be on Pay-Per-View! Talk about a circus! Anyway, the Clintons did ok for 8 years and other than my man Dean (and admittedly Arnold), I don't know who else might be a good president, so we'll just wait and see.

Qop!
"Laughter really is the best medicine and that story just cleared up my hepatitus." ~ Bobbie, Joey's agent on Joey played by Jennifer Coolidge (Stifler's mom) in last week's episode.

November 2, 2004

Sorry, couldn't think of a more creative title. About Jenn's comment to my last post, I'm sorry if my bringing up politics this fall has offended you, but I only bring issues I feel very, very strongly about. To Jonathan's new headline in his blog about winning my award, thanks for mentioning it! That's cool. I already got back from the voting booth. West Jeff's wait was nothing. I was in and out in 5 minutes. Of course, since I forget to change my registration to Franklin County, I didn't get to vote on Issue 106 or 12 or anything cool like that. Sorry Erin. I did get to put in my vote for John Kerry (Nadar made the ballot. Interesting.), a solid no on Issue 1, and yes on keeping the good ol' WJ post office (why is that even an issue?). Other than that, there were a bunch of minor Madison County office to vote for with only one candidate. Now, tell me if I'm just stupid, but why even be on the ballot if there isn't a choice? Anyway, the best part of last night was watching the SNL Presidential Debate Bash (and it was a bash!). I loved when Clinton let us all know that he felt our pain and sadness that he was not on the ballot this year, Kerry's refusal to quit speaking because he can't, Bush's three step program (Phase 2: lull the terrorists into a false sense of security and confidentthey are winning. Phase 3: Um, work hard. Work Saturdays if we have to. We will beat the terrorists by coming on on Saturdays. We're still working on it.) Then that was followed by Jon Stewart and the Daily Show's coverage. Did you know Florida reinstated slavery last night in a deseparte attempt to be the worst state in this year's election ("From a state worse than Ohio...") Of course, the Ohio reporter did plenty to muck it up themselves. Anyway, now to sit back and watch Kerry win...I hope.

Etc.

So after scanning through everyone's blogs and catching up, instead of going to class, I found I had much more to write about it. I did the Presidential Match thing and got a 66% on Kerry and a 16% on Bush. Tell you what, all you Bush fans. I'll save us both some trouble. Since our votes are going to cancel out each other anyway, you tell me that you're voting for Bush and we'll both stay home. Deal? :) Hey, if you're voting for Bush and only have the brain power he had, you'd fall for that. :) Anyway, I attended the Circleville Pumpkin Show on Friday night and forgot to write about it. Otterbein Marching Band was the featured band this year. We did a concert and basically led the parade. Big whoop. They want us back in 2 years for their big 200th anniversary. We'll see.

Now, onto my geeky things. Lisa put hers out there, so I feel it is only fair.

Shows I am obsessed with: all 5 Star Trek's, especially Deep Space 9. Buffy, Angel, Alias, hopefully soon 24, Lost, & Desperate Houswives. I hate reality television, but am strangely drawn to watching it. I love Joey, Friends, Will & Grace, M*A*S*H, Sports Night, the West Wing, Wonder Years, South Park, Saturday Night Live, Futrama, Family Guy, Dawson's Creek, Boy Meets World, Full House, and I'm sure there are more, including some flops like Cybill, Once & Again, and It's Like, You Know...

Counting each TV Season as one DVD, I own about 400 and they are all categorized and then alphabetized, plus I keep a computer list of title, rating, genra, and major actors as well as photos to prove I own them all for insurance purposes. I have two TVs (one flatscreen), two DVD players, one VCR, and one surround sound system. I am technology obsessed.

I actually identify with Dawson, a fact I am often not proud to admit.

I am anal. Just about myself though, not about others.

I think books are sacred and probably own almost a thousand of them. I want to have a library in my house someday.

I own many, many, many Star Trek collectibles and action figures, including a set of 3 worth several thousand dollars and two big cardboard cutouts of Kirk & Spock from Star Trek V. These are almost all at my parent's house, but I want a Star Trek room in my house too.

I have three large Buffy posters on my apartment bedroom wall, an Enterprise poster in the dining room, and the actual posters that hung in Monica's apartment on Friends in my living room.

I have an almost photographic memory for details, numbers, etc. but I don't remember what I did an hour ago.

I hate drugs. I don't even take Tylenol unless I desperately desperately need it.

I am afraid of becoming an alcoholic because I love it so much. The only other thing I am afraid of is the supernatural. I can handle murders, but keep the ghosts away.

I would never go to war, even if I had to go to Canada.

I have a strange urge to live in the UK for awhile.

When I am in a relationship, I never look at any other girl. This includes celebrities, few of which I find attractive anyway. Plastic is disgusting. Go for the real thing.

A lot of times, I like to isolate myself and feel upset. I do this willingly from time to time because I want to.

Money scares me too. I am getting better about saving, but paying rent and college loans and still buying stuff is scary.

I don't see myself with a bright future. I'm beginning to think my only hope is if people will actually buy the books I am writing.

I am twisted and take great fascination with killing my characters because I know they're fictional. I have drowned people in Roller Coaster Tycoon for fun. Life isn't so meaningless in reality to me. I love people and death makes me very sad.

I am afraid of becoming numb. Sometimes I don't think I feel enough. Perhaps this explain why I willingly isolate myself and make myself upset.

And The End because I am too embarassed to continue.

Weekend Update

Ok, ok, so I totally stole that title from SNL. Sue me. Jane you. Never mind, now I'm just way off topic. The point of this was to give you a quick rundown of the last couple of days, so I'll get on with it. Thursday Man Market kinda sucked. I mean, it was fun. Good drinks, good music, decent atmosphere. But after 3 hours of watching girls glance at me and then not even look my number up in their catalog let alone talk to me, I began to get a tad bored. Nick and I even tried the splitting up thing. Sorry I guilt tripped you Nick, but I really didn't want to go alone. Anyway, after several hours I was just tipsy and bored, albiet still in a pretty good mood, so when a friend offered to come pick me up and I could go hang out with people that would talk to me, I jumped for it. I was hoping you'd come too Nick. I invited you, but I wasn't gonna make you leave. What if I threw off your mojo? Anyway, I don't regret going and I may try it again next year, but this year it seemed to be a waste of time.

So I got picked up by Jason, went back and hung out with Tim's usual gang that think my apartment is theirs. (Just kidding guys. You know I love having you over). Then yesterday Jason and I watched TEN EPISODES OF ANGEL STRAIGHT (with a slight break for band). We finished Season 5. Honestly, I liked Angel okay up until then, but Season 5 kicked ass and totally changed my opinion (positively) of the whole show. I was so disappointed at the ending. If you haven't seen it, don't read the rest of this paragraph. My initial feeling was that they all died in that alley, but then I began to really think about it. I think Gunn likely died. He was already really injured. But the other three? I dunno. I mean it would be kind of lame if Angel died there and we never got to see it. Alieria I think both ways. I could see her living and dying. After finishing the show and seeing that Angel signed away his prophecy claim, I am assuming Spike lived because now Spike is the only cantidate to become human again and fulfill the prophecy. Opinions anyway? Someone know better than me or think differently, or even just agree? Let me know. Also, I can't imagine Buffy or someone not coming to their rescue and helping out. Hence they all could ahve survived. That would make a kick ass movie.

Next up on the DVD menu: Alias Season 2! Also, I am know I can't get anyone really into Smallville, so I am preparing a small list of the few episodes of Season 1 you have to see, and then I want you to watch just those and head straight for Season 2. I honestly believe you all would love it. Plus you guys need to watch Deep Space 9! I have the whole series. Now, OC Marching Band time, probably more partying tonight, and working a sixteen hour shift tomorrow. Ciao.