Sunday, December 28, 2008
Well This Is Encouraging
The United States has overtaken Germany to become the largest producer of wind energy in the world, generating enough capacity to eliminate the burning of 91 million barrels of oil per year.
According to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), US wind producers enjoyed another record year of growth in 2008—the third in a row. The country now has an installed wind power capacity well in excess of 21,000 megawatts (MW), enough to supply electricity to over 5.5 million American homes.
According to Randall Swisher, AWEA Executive DIrector, “Wind energy installations are well ahead of the curve for contributing 20% of the U.S. electric power supply by 2030 as envisioned by the U.S. Department of Energy.”
Amazingly, this rapid progress was achieved under a governing administration that to many seemed, at best, indifferent to the plight of the renewable energy industry. If the US wind power industry is capable of becoming a world-leader during such times, it seems quite likely that the picture could improve even further with a more sympathetic leader at the helm.
(from cleantechnica.com)
According to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), US wind producers enjoyed another record year of growth in 2008—the third in a row. The country now has an installed wind power capacity well in excess of 21,000 megawatts (MW), enough to supply electricity to over 5.5 million American homes.
According to Randall Swisher, AWEA Executive DIrector, “Wind energy installations are well ahead of the curve for contributing 20% of the U.S. electric power supply by 2030 as envisioned by the U.S. Department of Energy.”
Amazingly, this rapid progress was achieved under a governing administration that to many seemed, at best, indifferent to the plight of the renewable energy industry. If the US wind power industry is capable of becoming a world-leader during such times, it seems quite likely that the picture could improve even further with a more sympathetic leader at the helm.
(from cleantechnica.com)
Thursday, December 25, 2008
And In Other TV News...
USA Today's Top 10 Best TV Shows of 2008
Mad Men (AMC)
Lost (ABC)
Pushing Daisies (ABC)
The Big Bang Theory (CBS)
True Blood (HBO)
Fringe (FOX)
The New Adventures of Old Christine (CBS)
Dexter (Showtime)
Breaking Bad (AMC)
And their five runners-up:
30 Rock (NBC)
The Mentalist (CBS)
CSI (CBS)
Eli Stone (ABC)
Little Britian USA (HBO)
Various other superlatives:
"Gone Too Soon"
Pushing Daisies (ABC)
"Gone, Never To Be Forgotten"
The Wire (HBO)
"Gone Plain Nuts"
Grey's Anatomy (ABC)
"Odd Trend Of The Year"
Dating the dead.
"Worst Show Of The Year"
The Baby Borrowers (NBC)
"The Rest Of The Worst"
The Moment of Truth (FOX)
Knight Rider (NBC)
My Own Worst Enemy (NBC)
Kath & Kim (NBC)
Momma's Boys (NBC)
House of Payne (TBS)
Related Blogger's Note: Man, I'm glad I don't work with NBC.
"Best TV Special Not On TV"
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog
"TV Star Of The Year"
Tina Fey
Mad Men (AMC)
Lost (ABC)
Pushing Daisies (ABC)
The Big Bang Theory (CBS)
True Blood (HBO)
Fringe (FOX)
The New Adventures of Old Christine (CBS)
Dexter (Showtime)
Breaking Bad (AMC)
And their five runners-up:
30 Rock (NBC)
The Mentalist (CBS)
CSI (CBS)
Eli Stone (ABC)
Little Britian USA (HBO)
Various other superlatives:
"Gone Too Soon"
Pushing Daisies (ABC)
"Gone, Never To Be Forgotten"
The Wire (HBO)
"Gone Plain Nuts"
Grey's Anatomy (ABC)
"Odd Trend Of The Year"
Dating the dead.
"Worst Show Of The Year"
The Baby Borrowers (NBC)
"The Rest Of The Worst"
The Moment of Truth (FOX)
Knight Rider (NBC)
My Own Worst Enemy (NBC)
Kath & Kim (NBC)
Momma's Boys (NBC)
House of Payne (TBS)
Related Blogger's Note: Man, I'm glad I don't work with NBC.
"Best TV Special Not On TV"
Dr. Horrible's Sing-Along Blog
"TV Star Of The Year"
Tina Fey
Top 10 Most Pirated TV Shows of 2008
01) Lost
02) Heroes
03) Prison Break
04) Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
05) Desperate Housewives
06) Stargate Atlantis
07) Dexter
08) House
09) Grey's Anatomy
10) Smallville
(from torrentfreak)
Blogger's Note: I find it interesting that 8 of the 10 most pirated shows are aired on free network television.
02) Heroes
03) Prison Break
04) Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles
05) Desperate Housewives
06) Stargate Atlantis
07) Dexter
08) House
09) Grey's Anatomy
10) Smallville
(from torrentfreak)
Blogger's Note: I find it interesting that 8 of the 10 most pirated shows are aired on free network television.
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
But Who Will Choreograph The Oscars?
If you're still looking for a New Year's resolution, consider focusing your efforts on stopping the gays.
Pope Benedict said on Monday that saving humanity from homosexual or transsexual behavior was just as important as saving the rainforest from destruction.
(info from reuters)
Pope Benedict said on Monday that saving humanity from homosexual or transsexual behavior was just as important as saving the rainforest from destruction.
(info from reuters)
Happy Festivus!
How Festivus was born...
Frank Costanza: Many Christmases ago, I went to buy a doll for my son. I reached for the last one they had, but so did another man. As I rained blows upon him, I realized there had to be another way.
Cosmo Kramer: What happened to the doll?
Frank Costanza: It was destroyed. But out of that a new holiday was born … a Festivus for the rest of us!
Cosmo Kramer: That must've been some kind of doll.
Frank Costanza: She was.
Monday, December 22, 2008
"Star Wars" - An A Cappella Tribute To John Williams
Blogger's Note: I guess this has been around for a little while but it's the first I've seen of it.
Friday, December 19, 2008
O, meh
Here's what Ben Kuchera, Gaming Editor for Ars Technica, has to say about Sony's "Home" for the Playstation 3...
Imagine if all the sexist idiots from Xbox Live suddenly had 3D avatars and sat around a movie theater that looped the trailer for Twilight, hoping a woman walks in so they can compliment her breasts and then dance around her. Imagine a version of Second Life where you couldn't create anything, but you're welcome to buy a new Diesel shirt or wait in line to play chess. This is supposed to be Sony's answer to Xbox Live, a way for gamers to socialize and hang out. The problem is you don't actually want to know most of the gamers who play online, and you certainly don't want to be forced to spend time with them in any kind of physical space, even if it is virtual physical space. If that's even possible.He also shared the following comments from the site's forum:
"So I'm wondering, did Sony maybe remove voice chat because of how vulgar things were getting? I don't know if you all heard the same things I was, but it was getting bad. From the closed beta to what we have now, Home has become one ****ing hostile **** place," Onyx wrote. "Yeah, this was all to be expected, but from the closed Beta to now it's turned the Home experience closer to walking through the worst part of town. You can't walk far without finding people yelling obscene crap back and forth. So maybe they're tweaking the default voice settings, because Sony is going to have a real problem selling this world to families."
Another commenter described Home as "a corporate dystopia," saying "you're only able to express yourself if you're willing to pay."
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Best & Worst TV Moments of 2008
Warning: Some of these contain plot elements from shows that aired this year. If you're behind on your DVR or waiting for the DVD set, you may want to avert your eyes.
BEST: Sarah Silverman lands Matt Damon; Jimmy Kimmel retaliates
In late January, Sarah Silverman made a joke video for then-boyfriend Jimmy Kimmel, informing him (in no uncertain terms) that she was having an intimate relationship with actor Matt Damon. Funnyman Kimmel then shot back with a little video valentine of his own, in which he informed Silverman that he too was having an affair. With Ben Affleck.
WORST: All of 'Rosie Live!'
It's not you, Rosie. It was "Rosie Live!" Somewhere between the awkward opening with Liza Minelli, a pie-in-the-face bit with Conan O'Brien and a surprise appearance by Clay Aiken (in "Monty Python" garb), O'Donnell's plans to revive the weekly variety show as a viable format died a quick death.
BEST: The Michael Scott-Holly rap in ‘The Office’
Poor Michael Scott. He’s the boss of Dunder Mifflin, but he gets less than no respect from his inferiors; they don’t even laugh at his jokes. Well, Michael finally met his match in new employee Holly. Not only is she pretty, she also shares Michael’s, er, questionable sense of humor, as evidenced by this rap.
WORST: Denny's (latest) return on 'Grey's Anatomy'
The love story between Dr. Izzie Stevens and patient Denny Duquette was touching in season 2 and when he died it was downright heartbreaking. But now in season 5, seeing him as a figment of Izzie's hallucination is over the top and hard to watch. Times TV critic Mary McNamara says it best: "Even the most dedicated "Grey's" fan has had her ... faith rattled to the point of simple bone weariness." Sad, but true.
BEST: Tina Fey and Amy Poehler put on their best Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton
It was the first time we saw Fey as the Alaska governor who can see Russia from her house. It was kind of scary, to be honest. A little too close to the real thing. (Ditto the pair's later recreation of Palin's interview with Katie Couric.) But nothing on "Saturday Night Live" has made us laugh as hard since.
WORST: The sad demise of Michael on "Lost"
The fourth season of this increasingly complex puzzle box of a series was a triumph in many ways, from its ability to adapt to the strike-shortened schedule to its never-ending ability to surprise with narrative zig-zags. But one element left fans scratching their heads. After e left the island at the end of the second season, many speculated about the fate of Michael (Harold Perrineau). Did he reach the mainland? Did he live happily ever after with his son? The answer came this season, with Michael returning on a freighter as a spy for the series' evil mastermind, Ben. But just when it appeared his fuller role was coming to fruition, he got blown to kingdom come. Why did they bring him back only to kill him again so soon, fans wondered. Perrineau wondered the same thing in a widely distributed interview with TV Guide.
BEST: 'Desperate Housewives' make a five-year leap
It could have been a jump-the-shark moment, but instead, "Desperate Housewives" creator Marc Cherry's time jump reinvigorated a show that was already on a Dana Delaney-juiced high. It separated lovebirds Susan and Mike, made Bree into a Martha Stewart-esque mogul, gave Tom and Lynnette some problematic teenagers, and rounded out Gaby literally and figuratively.
WORST: ‘Real’ artists ragging on reality hosts
Things got very tense very fast at this year’s Emmy awards, when a group of reality TV hosts were tapped to emcee the festivities. Howie Mandell, Ryan Seacrest, Jeff Probst, Tom Bergeron and Heidi Klum starred in a flat and awkward opening sketch about having no script to read from. Emmy winner Jeremy Piven said of the bit, "I thought we were being punked." Oh, lighten up, Pivs.
BEST: Sylar sawing Claire’s head open on "Heroes"
In an otherwise meh season, the premiere of "Heroes" gave viewers hope. Gabriel Sylar, the killer, finally found Claire, the cheerleader, alone at home. He stalked her, trapped her, then finally got what he wanted -- her brain. Well, a piece anyway, and yeah, she can heal from anything so she was fine. But now Sylar can't be killed and has a smorgasbord of powered people to choose from. That put a whole new wrinkle in the program.
WORST: Britney Spears attempts Video Music Awards comeback No. 2....and that's it?
No surprise boas or striptease performances. No surprise smooches with fellow pop stars. Instead we got Britney in a lame opening sketch with otherwise funny actor Jonah Hill, and a welcome address that ran less than a minute long. Don't get us wrong, we're loving "Circus," but during the 2008 MTV VMAs we kind of missed crazy Britney.
BEST: David Letterman tears into John McCain for bailing on 'Late Show' appearance
Don't stand Dave up. And don't tell him you're on your way to D.C. to help with the financial bailout plan if you're really just prepping to talk instead to Katie Couric. Dave will bury you: “I was thinking about this – John, John, here’s how it works: You don’t come to see me … you don’t come to see me? Well, we might not see you on Inauguration Day. That’s how it works. You see?”
BEST: Finding Earth on ‘Battlestar Galactica’
It's always good to have a goal, and since the show started and the Cylons bombed the 12 Colonies, this has been the aim of the "Battlestar Galactica" and its surrounding vessels. Yay?Is it Earth? If it is, what the heck happened? What will the humans do about the Cylons? Frak, there's still more to learn.
BEST: Paula Abdul’s moment of confusion on ‘American Idol’
Paula Abdul’s wacky demeanor has long amused “American Idol” fans, but the petite judge outdid herself this season, when assessing dredlocked contestant Jason Castro's performance."First song, I loved hearing your lower register, which we never really hear,” Abdul told Castro. "The second song, I felt like your usual charm was missing for me. It kind of left me a little empty."There was just one problem: Castro had only performed one song. "Just on the first song, just the first one," Randy Jackson corrected, as the audience let out a collective “huh?”
WORST: Padma Lakshmi spits out dessert on 'Top Chef'
Look at that face. Do you want to see that face gagging up food? Up close? The producers of Bravo's culinary competition should have known better. Sure, it was priceless to see Ariane's too too sweet dessert trigger the former model's upchuck reflex, but did they really need to zoom in when she reached for the napkin? Probably not.
BEST: The final season of 'The Shield,' start to finish
It was like a 13-hour climax, watching Vic Mackey's world crumble around him, the tragic results of Shane's "family meeting," a shocked Ronnie getting comeuppance after blindly following for so long. And then the series' final moment where Vic's brave front finally relents and four lonesome minutes of guilt set in. Pure TV watching satisfaction.
BEST: The continued evolution of the relationship betwen Eric and Tami Taylor on 'Friday Night Lights.'
"Friday Night Lights" has always nailed the difficulty in maintaining an adult relationship. This season, as the show airs on DirecTV, has been no different. The promotion of Tami to principal has added a new dynamic to the very real marriage, as Eric has been forced to adjust to a new role. "You know who I miss? I miss the coach's wife," he said early in this season. Rather than get angry, Tami does him one better. "You know who I can't wait to meet? The principal's husband."
WORST: Former siblings Justin and Rebecca get romantic on 'Brothers & Sisters'
We know, we know. Rebecca was never technically Justin's sister. And yes, you could see the move coming from a mile away. (Both of them are young and hot. What else is a primetime soap opera to do?) Still, Justin and Rebecca operated as siblings for the better part of an entire season and the weirdness of seeing them jump each other, frankly, has never gone away.
BEST: Nene and Kim throw down during 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta' reunion
After would-be country star Kim revealed that her on-and-off mystery man, known on the show as "Big Papa," wasn't exactly single, former best friend Nene took aim: "Close your legs to married men, Kim. Close your legs to married men. Close your legs to married men." It was way, way, way better than anything that ever went down between Lauren and Heidi.
BEST: 'The Wire' says goodbye
For five seasons, you were told that "The Wire" was the best show on TV you weren't watching. Perhaps you caught up with the series on DVD midway through its run or perhaps you shunned it -- too complex, too dark, too heavy. Either way, the series conclusion in March was reason to rejoice. For the fans, it was that rare accomplishment of a great series that was able to go out on its own terms without descending into self-parody. Officer McNulty looking out over the Baltimore skyline while the fates of the diverse cast were played out in montage was stirring, appropriate and a little sad in its unflinching reality. For the non-fans, the burden of guilt had been lifted. Finally, you could TiVo "Rock of Love" without shame.
(from latimes.com)
BEST: Sarah Silverman lands Matt Damon; Jimmy Kimmel retaliates
In late January, Sarah Silverman made a joke video for then-boyfriend Jimmy Kimmel, informing him (in no uncertain terms) that she was having an intimate relationship with actor Matt Damon. Funnyman Kimmel then shot back with a little video valentine of his own, in which he informed Silverman that he too was having an affair. With Ben Affleck.
WORST: All of 'Rosie Live!'
It's not you, Rosie. It was "Rosie Live!" Somewhere between the awkward opening with Liza Minelli, a pie-in-the-face bit with Conan O'Brien and a surprise appearance by Clay Aiken (in "Monty Python" garb), O'Donnell's plans to revive the weekly variety show as a viable format died a quick death.
BEST: The Michael Scott-Holly rap in ‘The Office’
Poor Michael Scott. He’s the boss of Dunder Mifflin, but he gets less than no respect from his inferiors; they don’t even laugh at his jokes. Well, Michael finally met his match in new employee Holly. Not only is she pretty, she also shares Michael’s, er, questionable sense of humor, as evidenced by this rap.
WORST: Denny's (latest) return on 'Grey's Anatomy'
The love story between Dr. Izzie Stevens and patient Denny Duquette was touching in season 2 and when he died it was downright heartbreaking. But now in season 5, seeing him as a figment of Izzie's hallucination is over the top and hard to watch. Times TV critic Mary McNamara says it best: "Even the most dedicated "Grey's" fan has had her ... faith rattled to the point of simple bone weariness." Sad, but true.
BEST: Tina Fey and Amy Poehler put on their best Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton
It was the first time we saw Fey as the Alaska governor who can see Russia from her house. It was kind of scary, to be honest. A little too close to the real thing. (Ditto the pair's later recreation of Palin's interview with Katie Couric.) But nothing on "Saturday Night Live" has made us laugh as hard since.
WORST: The sad demise of Michael on "Lost"
The fourth season of this increasingly complex puzzle box of a series was a triumph in many ways, from its ability to adapt to the strike-shortened schedule to its never-ending ability to surprise with narrative zig-zags. But one element left fans scratching their heads. After e left the island at the end of the second season, many speculated about the fate of Michael (Harold Perrineau). Did he reach the mainland? Did he live happily ever after with his son? The answer came this season, with Michael returning on a freighter as a spy for the series' evil mastermind, Ben. But just when it appeared his fuller role was coming to fruition, he got blown to kingdom come. Why did they bring him back only to kill him again so soon, fans wondered. Perrineau wondered the same thing in a widely distributed interview with TV Guide.
BEST: 'Desperate Housewives' make a five-year leap
It could have been a jump-the-shark moment, but instead, "Desperate Housewives" creator Marc Cherry's time jump reinvigorated a show that was already on a Dana Delaney-juiced high. It separated lovebirds Susan and Mike, made Bree into a Martha Stewart-esque mogul, gave Tom and Lynnette some problematic teenagers, and rounded out Gaby literally and figuratively.
WORST: ‘Real’ artists ragging on reality hosts
Things got very tense very fast at this year’s Emmy awards, when a group of reality TV hosts were tapped to emcee the festivities. Howie Mandell, Ryan Seacrest, Jeff Probst, Tom Bergeron and Heidi Klum starred in a flat and awkward opening sketch about having no script to read from. Emmy winner Jeremy Piven said of the bit, "I thought we were being punked." Oh, lighten up, Pivs.
BEST: Sylar sawing Claire’s head open on "Heroes"
In an otherwise meh season, the premiere of "Heroes" gave viewers hope. Gabriel Sylar, the killer, finally found Claire, the cheerleader, alone at home. He stalked her, trapped her, then finally got what he wanted -- her brain. Well, a piece anyway, and yeah, she can heal from anything so she was fine. But now Sylar can't be killed and has a smorgasbord of powered people to choose from. That put a whole new wrinkle in the program.
WORST: Britney Spears attempts Video Music Awards comeback No. 2....and that's it?
No surprise boas or striptease performances. No surprise smooches with fellow pop stars. Instead we got Britney in a lame opening sketch with otherwise funny actor Jonah Hill, and a welcome address that ran less than a minute long. Don't get us wrong, we're loving "Circus," but during the 2008 MTV VMAs we kind of missed crazy Britney.
BEST: David Letterman tears into John McCain for bailing on 'Late Show' appearance
Don't stand Dave up. And don't tell him you're on your way to D.C. to help with the financial bailout plan if you're really just prepping to talk instead to Katie Couric. Dave will bury you: “I was thinking about this – John, John, here’s how it works: You don’t come to see me … you don’t come to see me? Well, we might not see you on Inauguration Day. That’s how it works. You see?”
BEST: Finding Earth on ‘Battlestar Galactica’
It's always good to have a goal, and since the show started and the Cylons bombed the 12 Colonies, this has been the aim of the "Battlestar Galactica" and its surrounding vessels. Yay?Is it Earth? If it is, what the heck happened? What will the humans do about the Cylons? Frak, there's still more to learn.
BEST: Paula Abdul’s moment of confusion on ‘American Idol’
Paula Abdul’s wacky demeanor has long amused “American Idol” fans, but the petite judge outdid herself this season, when assessing dredlocked contestant Jason Castro's performance."First song, I loved hearing your lower register, which we never really hear,” Abdul told Castro. "The second song, I felt like your usual charm was missing for me. It kind of left me a little empty."There was just one problem: Castro had only performed one song. "Just on the first song, just the first one," Randy Jackson corrected, as the audience let out a collective “huh?”
WORST: Padma Lakshmi spits out dessert on 'Top Chef'
Look at that face. Do you want to see that face gagging up food? Up close? The producers of Bravo's culinary competition should have known better. Sure, it was priceless to see Ariane's too too sweet dessert trigger the former model's upchuck reflex, but did they really need to zoom in when she reached for the napkin? Probably not.
BEST: The final season of 'The Shield,' start to finish
It was like a 13-hour climax, watching Vic Mackey's world crumble around him, the tragic results of Shane's "family meeting," a shocked Ronnie getting comeuppance after blindly following for so long. And then the series' final moment where Vic's brave front finally relents and four lonesome minutes of guilt set in. Pure TV watching satisfaction.
BEST: The continued evolution of the relationship betwen Eric and Tami Taylor on 'Friday Night Lights.'
"Friday Night Lights" has always nailed the difficulty in maintaining an adult relationship. This season, as the show airs on DirecTV, has been no different. The promotion of Tami to principal has added a new dynamic to the very real marriage, as Eric has been forced to adjust to a new role. "You know who I miss? I miss the coach's wife," he said early in this season. Rather than get angry, Tami does him one better. "You know who I can't wait to meet? The principal's husband."
WORST: Former siblings Justin and Rebecca get romantic on 'Brothers & Sisters'
We know, we know. Rebecca was never technically Justin's sister. And yes, you could see the move coming from a mile away. (Both of them are young and hot. What else is a primetime soap opera to do?) Still, Justin and Rebecca operated as siblings for the better part of an entire season and the weirdness of seeing them jump each other, frankly, has never gone away.
BEST: Nene and Kim throw down during 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta' reunion
After would-be country star Kim revealed that her on-and-off mystery man, known on the show as "Big Papa," wasn't exactly single, former best friend Nene took aim: "Close your legs to married men, Kim. Close your legs to married men. Close your legs to married men." It was way, way, way better than anything that ever went down between Lauren and Heidi.
BEST: 'The Wire' says goodbye
For five seasons, you were told that "The Wire" was the best show on TV you weren't watching. Perhaps you caught up with the series on DVD midway through its run or perhaps you shunned it -- too complex, too dark, too heavy. Either way, the series conclusion in March was reason to rejoice. For the fans, it was that rare accomplishment of a great series that was able to go out on its own terms without descending into self-parody. Officer McNulty looking out over the Baltimore skyline while the fates of the diverse cast were played out in montage was stirring, appropriate and a little sad in its unflinching reality. For the non-fans, the burden of guilt had been lifted. Finally, you could TiVo "Rock of Love" without shame.
(from latimes.com)
Sunday, December 14, 2008
It's For The Rest Of Us!
Festivus, the holiday celebration popularized by the television show Seinfeld, has been granted a display at the Washington state Capitol.
When atheists placed a competing display to the nativity scene at the Washington state Capitol, it made for an odd story. It is only the second state capitol with an atheist display. The Festivus display turns an odd story even odder.
Festivus was originally created by writer Dan O’Keefe and popularized by his son Daniel in a Seinfeld episode. Festivus is becoming something more a Seinfeld episode, however. Festivus is celebrated December 23 with an “Airing of Grievances,” “Feats of Strength” and a Festivus pole. Here are a few examples of its celebration:
In 2005, Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle was presented with a Festivus pole that he displayed in his living room that holiday season.
In 2007, a Festivus pole was put up at Green Bay’s City Hall in response to a Nativity scene.
On December 5 of this year, Five Points, a neighborhood in Columbia, South Carolina held a Festivus parade with a grand marshal, dogs decorated in Christmas lights, Airing of Grievances and plenty of Festivus poles.
According to Festivusbook.com, celebrations aren’t only in the U.S., but in Canada and Europe too.
(from foolocracy.com)
When atheists placed a competing display to the nativity scene at the Washington state Capitol, it made for an odd story. It is only the second state capitol with an atheist display. The Festivus display turns an odd story even odder.
Festivus was originally created by writer Dan O’Keefe and popularized by his son Daniel in a Seinfeld episode. Festivus is becoming something more a Seinfeld episode, however. Festivus is celebrated December 23 with an “Airing of Grievances,” “Feats of Strength” and a Festivus pole. Here are a few examples of its celebration:
In 2005, Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle was presented with a Festivus pole that he displayed in his living room that holiday season.
In 2007, a Festivus pole was put up at Green Bay’s City Hall in response to a Nativity scene.
On December 5 of this year, Five Points, a neighborhood in Columbia, South Carolina held a Festivus parade with a grand marshal, dogs decorated in Christmas lights, Airing of Grievances and plenty of Festivus poles.
According to Festivusbook.com, celebrations aren’t only in the U.S., but in Canada and Europe too.
(from foolocracy.com)
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
John Stewart Discusses Gay Marriage With Mike Huckabee
Fantastic Interview.
(thanks to Greg for the link)
(thanks to Greg for the link)
This One Is For The Straight Guys [updated]
10 Chick Flicks That Actually Don't Suck
10) The Craft
09) Love & Basketball
08) Mean Girls
07) Set It Off
06) Clueless
05) Shrek
04) Gia
03) Out Of Sight
02) Knocked Up
01) Bound
(from king-mag.com)
Blogger's Note: Mean Girls honestly does not suck!
[update] It seems appropriate to form our own list of "Chick Flicks That Don't Suck." As you can see, the person who created this list added many titles that simply feature scenes that a typical straight guy would find appealing. As Greg put it, in the case of Gia, "girl-on-girl does not = chick flick."
Here are the suggestions so far:
Mean Girls
When Harry Met Sally
Sleepless In Seattle
The Devil Wears Prada
You've Got Mail
Love Actually
Four Weddings And A Funeral
Notting Hill
The Princess Bride
Please leave more of your suggested titles in the comment section and I'll add them to the list. BTW, I realize I'm not a straight guy but I do own both The Rock and Con Air on Blu-Ray so suck it, I'm contributing.
10) The Craft
09) Love & Basketball
08) Mean Girls
07) Set It Off
06) Clueless
05) Shrek
04) Gia
03) Out Of Sight
02) Knocked Up
01) Bound
(from king-mag.com)
Blogger's Note: Mean Girls honestly does not suck!
[update] It seems appropriate to form our own list of "Chick Flicks That Don't Suck." As you can see, the person who created this list added many titles that simply feature scenes that a typical straight guy would find appealing. As Greg put it, in the case of Gia, "girl-on-girl does not = chick flick."
Here are the suggestions so far:
Mean Girls
When Harry Met Sally
Sleepless In Seattle
The Devil Wears Prada
You've Got Mail
Love Actually
Four Weddings And A Funeral
Notting Hill
The Princess Bride
Please leave more of your suggested titles in the comment section and I'll add them to the list. BTW, I realize I'm not a straight guy but I do own both The Rock and Con Air on Blu-Ray so suck it, I'm contributing.
Monday, December 08, 2008
The Top 10 Quotes Of 2008
1) "It's been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America."
—Barack Obama, U.S. President-elect, during his victory speech in Chicago's Grant Park after winning the 2008 Presidential election
2) "So you'll walk me down the aisle?"
—Ellen DeGeneres, talk-show host, to Republican presidential candidate John McCain, after he told her that while he opposes gay marriage, he wishes her every happiness. DeGeneres and partner Portia de Rossi wed in August in California, just two months before the state passed a referendum banning gay marriage
3) "Think of us like a coast guard."
—Sugule Ali, spokesman for a group of Somali pirates, rationalizing their seizure of a Ukrainian ship off the coast of Somalia on Sept. 24
4) "If I had perfect foresight, I would never have taken this job in the first place."
—Richard F. Syron, Freddie Mac's chief executive, dismissing claims that he ignored internal warnings that could have prevented the mortgage company's fiscal crisis
5) "Only God who appointed me will remove me."
—Robert Mugabe, President of Zimbabwe, refusing to cede power to opponent Morgan Tsvangirai regardless of the results of a June 27 runoff election
6) "It's the longest Hail Mary pass in the history of either football or Marys."
—Barney Frank, Democratic Massachusetts Senator, on John McCain's announcement that he would suspend his presidential campaign to rush back to Washington and focus on fixing America's ailing economy
7) "So?"
—Dick Cheney, when told that two-thirds of Americans did not support the war in Iraq, arguing that polling should not dictate the war's conduct
8) "I thought I'd host an end of the world party, but the media might take it seriously."
—Stephen Hawking, on the activation of the Large Hadron Collider, which some scientists speculated could inadvertently destroy the planet
9) "The path will be a little easier next time."
—Hillary Clinton, thanking her supporters after ending her bid to become the first female President of the United States
10) "They needed a small, victorious war."
—Vladimir Putin, Russian Prime Minister, claiming the U.S. engineered the Georgia conflict to boost support for the Republican party
(from time.com)
—Barack Obama, U.S. President-elect, during his victory speech in Chicago's Grant Park after winning the 2008 Presidential election
2) "So you'll walk me down the aisle?"
—Ellen DeGeneres, talk-show host, to Republican presidential candidate John McCain, after he told her that while he opposes gay marriage, he wishes her every happiness. DeGeneres and partner Portia de Rossi wed in August in California, just two months before the state passed a referendum banning gay marriage
3) "Think of us like a coast guard."
—Sugule Ali, spokesman for a group of Somali pirates, rationalizing their seizure of a Ukrainian ship off the coast of Somalia on Sept. 24
4) "If I had perfect foresight, I would never have taken this job in the first place."
—Richard F. Syron, Freddie Mac's chief executive, dismissing claims that he ignored internal warnings that could have prevented the mortgage company's fiscal crisis
5) "Only God who appointed me will remove me."
—Robert Mugabe, President of Zimbabwe, refusing to cede power to opponent Morgan Tsvangirai regardless of the results of a June 27 runoff election
6) "It's the longest Hail Mary pass in the history of either football or Marys."
—Barney Frank, Democratic Massachusetts Senator, on John McCain's announcement that he would suspend his presidential campaign to rush back to Washington and focus on fixing America's ailing economy
7) "So?"
—Dick Cheney, when told that two-thirds of Americans did not support the war in Iraq, arguing that polling should not dictate the war's conduct
8) "I thought I'd host an end of the world party, but the media might take it seriously."
—Stephen Hawking, on the activation of the Large Hadron Collider, which some scientists speculated could inadvertently destroy the planet
9) "The path will be a little easier next time."
—Hillary Clinton, thanking her supporters after ending her bid to become the first female President of the United States
10) "They needed a small, victorious war."
—Vladimir Putin, Russian Prime Minister, claiming the U.S. engineered the Georgia conflict to boost support for the Republican party
(from time.com)
Saturday, December 06, 2008
Master Blasters
Moviefone's Top 25 Sci-Fi Films Of All Time:
25) Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
24) Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan (1982)
23) It Came From Outer Space (1953)
22) Galaxy Quest (1999)
21) Robocop (1987)
20) Tron (1982)
19) 12 Monkeys (1995)
18) Soylent Green (1973)
17) Brazil (1985)
16) 2001: A Space Odessey (1968)
15) Planet of the Apes (1968)
14) Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
13) E.T. (1982)
12) Metropolis (1927)
11) Terminator (1984)
10) Forbidden Planet (1956)
09) Alien (1979)
08) The Thing (1982)
07) Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991)
06) The Matrix (1999)
05) The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
04) Star Wars: A New Hope (1977)
03) Aliens (1986)
02) Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
01) Blade Runner (1982)
25) Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977)
24) Star Trek II: Wrath of Khan (1982)
23) It Came From Outer Space (1953)
22) Galaxy Quest (1999)
21) Robocop (1987)
20) Tron (1982)
19) 12 Monkeys (1995)
18) Soylent Green (1973)
17) Brazil (1985)
16) 2001: A Space Odessey (1968)
15) Planet of the Apes (1968)
14) Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978)
13) E.T. (1982)
12) Metropolis (1927)
11) Terminator (1984)
10) Forbidden Planet (1956)
09) Alien (1979)
08) The Thing (1982)
07) Terminator 2: Judgement Day (1991)
06) The Matrix (1999)
05) The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
04) Star Wars: A New Hope (1977)
03) Aliens (1986)
02) Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
01) Blade Runner (1982)
Friday, December 05, 2008
5 Things I Learned From My Recent Nielsen Meeting
In 1950, the average number of channels available per household was 3.8. In 2008, the average is now 116 channels.
The average American household in 1980 viewed 6 hours 36 minutes of television per day. In 2008, the average household views 8 hours 43 minutes per day.
In the span of one year, DVR useage grew from 17.8% of TV households in May 07 to 24.4% of households in July 08.
Approximately 80% of DVR playback occurs within 24 hours of initial recording.
"Gossip Girl" is the most DVR'd show on television.
The average American household in 1980 viewed 6 hours 36 minutes of television per day. In 2008, the average household views 8 hours 43 minutes per day.
In the span of one year, DVR useage grew from 17.8% of TV households in May 07 to 24.4% of households in July 08.
Approximately 80% of DVR playback occurs within 24 hours of initial recording.
"Gossip Girl" is the most DVR'd show on television.
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