Books: Angels & Demons (Robert Langdon #1) By Dan Brown (2000)

So, I finally broke down and read a Dan Brown book. While a fairly densely plotted book of religious gobbly gook, it is well paced (I started it Saturday morning at Starbucks and finished it last night just before 11pm), but over all, it is a pulp novel that has very little lasting memory. Still, I can se why the Catholic are up in arms about what Dan Brown is writing about. As a catholic myself, I know the Vatican and their staff across the world, do not like people poking into their past. And while I would agree that science has a tendency to ignore moral issues with claims that these new break throughs will help the world, the Church is also afraid to admit that they use fear and guilt to control their flocks. For without fear the Church looses its grip. And while science can improve (almost) peoples lives who will be held accountable if they prove Jesus did not exist?

Harry Potter gets a July 2007 release date

Warner Bros. has announced that Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the fifth movie in the book series, will be released on July 13, 2007.

Now, depending on the time frame of book 7 -the final book in the series, you can bet that The Half-Blood Prince should be in theaters by Christmas 2008 followed by film seven the summer of 2010, maybe a few weeks shy of Daniel Radcliffe's 22nd birthday?

Of course that last films release date depends on when the book is released. I'm guess, that Rowling will release that book in 2007. Based on a few things in the past; while there was three years between book 4 and 5, there was only two years between five and six. Rowling claims that the final chapters are already written, all she has to do is fill in the beginning.

While she has a lot to wrap up, unless she expects this last book to be as long as 4, 5 and maybe 6, I still see a July 2007 release obtainable.

Of course, there is a draw back to this notion. With Warners already scheduled a release date for Order, would they (and Scholastic Books) want to be in competition with each other? It's only logical to assume that Book 7 would come out in June of July of 07 so kids would be out of school and could read it. But with a movie and a book out at the same time, could cause a conflict.

So, the other option is this: Rowling will wait until summer 2008 to release that final book, months before Warner releases the film version of book 6 (just like in 2005). But to finish the film franchise before Radcliffe is way too old (before his 23rd birthday), they would need to working on Book 7 ASAP to get out by 2010.

So, its a calculated risk to release a movie and the final book in July of next year, but that might just happen. As always, this is just speculation. If she releases book 7 in 2007, expect an announcemt around Christmas (just like in 2004). If we hear nothing, then is it's a safe bet 2008 will see that final book.

Do we need 9/11 films?

This Septemeber will be the 5th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

Since then, we seen specials on the attacks, some documentaries and books.

But are we ready for the movies about the attacks? One TV movie about United Flight 93 that crashed in Pennsylvania has already aired on cable. Now, Universal will release a motion picture, dramatizing those events.

United 93, which will center on the struggle between hijackers and passengers aboard the doomed plane, is being billed as a story of courage and sacrifice. But for some who saw the 2 minute trailer have expressed shock that a movie has been made so soon after the attacks that left nearly 3,000 people dead.

The question is: how soon is too soon? Some members (but not all) of the families who lost loved ones on that Tuesday, have expressed the desire that the film will honor those who died, while others have said that with only 4 1/2 years passed, a movie is not necessary .

True, many of many movies have been made about tragic, historical events: Pearl Harbor, Midway, Titanic (almost every war film) and let alone TV movies about true-life serial killers. Should their be a proper length of time before making films such as this? And who would want to see a film about a day that everyone in America will remember what they were doing until they shuttle off this mortal coil?

I remain ambivalent about it. I think there should be a movie about that tragic day in September, but I'm convinced that it should not be made until the nation can put a lot of water under a lot of bridges. Fifteen to 20 years seems a bit more realistic than 4 1/2 years, even if its about"courage and sacrifice."

The film opens on April 28.

Books of 2006, Part 4: A Dirty Job

A Dirty Job

by

Christopher Moore

After what I felt was a set back with The Stupidest Angel, Christopher Moore returns to fine form with a funny book about death. Well, how one Charlie Asher, after loosing his wife after the birth of their daughter, takes on the role of Death Merchant.

As with all of Moore's books, his humor is sharp, sarcastic and often cruel and sometimes a bit sick. Still, you can't be bored with his work, as the silly meets the macabe and everyone seems not to be generally playing with a full deck. And like his last few books, Moore brings back previous characters seen in Bloodsucking Fiends.

While Lamb remains my personal favorite, all of Moore's book are a treat to read, a like David Sedaris, they are more fun to read while surrounded by strangers. If only because you have to laugh out loud, and that makes people turn to you.

Now I'm off to (finally) read Dan Brown. I've put him off for the three years that Da Vinci Code came out. So now that Code is out in paperback, I'm finally going to read it (after Angels and Demons, of course).

Oh, and the Cubs beat the Reds 16-7, the fourth year in a row winning their opener. Of course, they don't have a chance in Hell of going to the World Series.

Still, I want to Believe.

Books of 2006, Part 3: The Great Influenza

The Great Influenza

by

John M. Barry

While not as scary as The Hot Zone, the book traces the history of the 1918 influenza outbreak that killed as many as 100 million people across the world.

The book could've benefitted from a timeline, but it was interesting. And like The Devil in the White City, I was more interested in the political climate, where the goverment in its over zealous attempt to keep things positive with WW1 going on, probably aided the virus spread by not informing the nation of its severity and not limiting troop movement until it was way too late.

No suprise here: FOX cancels Arrested Development

from the Futon Critic:

LOS ANGELES (thefutoncritic.com) -- 20th Century Fox Television has confirmed its Emmy-winning comedy "Arrested Development" won't be returning for a fourth season, for now anyway.

"While there are no plans to resume production at this time, we know all too well from our experience with 'Family Guy' -- another brilliant comedy which didn't find its audience in its first network run -- that anything is possible," the studio said in a statement to the press. "We'll always be a little hopeful that this is not quite the end for this amazing show."

The news comes just two days after creator Mitch Hurwitz told Daily Variety he'd passed on being involved with a potential revival at Showtime. "The fans have been so ardent in their devotion and in return... I've given everything I can to the show in order to try to live up to their expectations," he said to the trade paper on Monday. "I finally reached a point where I felt I couldn't continue to deliver that on a weekly basis... Of course, if there was enough money in it, I would have happily abandoned the fans' need for quality. But as it turns out, there wasn't."

The oft-mentioned Showtime offer had been contingent on Hurwitz remaining on board as showrunner.

The 20th statement confirmed the decision, saying he "expressed his desire to move on from 'Arrested Development,' and we accept his decision... [We're] grateful for the incredible passion which the fans and the critics have shown it from the beginning."

***********************************************************************************

This is a sad notice, indeed. But there is something the major networks don't understand, and refuse to even consider: that the viewers they seek, the 12 to 24, are not appointment bound TV viewers. They're playing video games. They don't care about what's on.

Dick Wolf, the creator of the Law & Order franchise is right: the networks have to create shows with content that the 25 and up are actually watching. These are the real viewers, the real appointment bound watcher.

While American Idol garners in high ratings, the only reason it does is because viewers vote for who goes and who stays. Take that away, and Idol would be a bore. The broadcast networks would rather develope a TV show featuring the Pussycat Dolls than keep a brilliant show that was Arrested Development.

And the broadcast networks will continue face an erosion in viewers until they realize this. As a big fan of TV, I've lost interest in it, if only because I can no longer feel there is anything worth watching, beyond just a handful of shows.

Keep thinking teenage boys are watching and buying the crap that is advertised. Sure, girls are watching, but they too are not beyond being bored with the crap the networks foist on us.

More meat to the stories and less Easter Peep shows. And, please, no more CSI or Law & Order. Something orginal, please. And something smart.

Like Arrested Development.

Brother's birthday

Today was my brothers 47th birthday!!!

It hit me when I was talking to him tonight how old we are all getting. My sister will be 45 this May while I'll be 44 this fall. Even my youngest sister will be 42 in October.

And Mom, dear sweet Mom will be 71 in June.

While its only a number, as my sister puts it, I still cannot believe how old everyone is getting. Time is marching on, I realize, but my brother is 3 years from getting his aarp card.

How bizzare.

Glactica's delay might be Doctor Who's gain?

With the announcment that the third season of Battlestar Galactica will not debut on Sci Fi until October has sent fans into a tizzy. However, there may be a reason, beyond Ronald D. Moore's comment at the Grand Slam convention this past weekend that "it was a network decision." NBC/Universal, which ownes Sci Fi, could be looking for a new hit. Speculation and rapid rumor suggests that NBC will want to show the revamped series this fall on the network, with second runnings on Sci Fi in October.

The Peacock network has fallen to third place behind CBS and ABC in all important 18-49 demographic and is need of hit. And while its a good bet Surface will be cancelled, NBC could stay in the sci fi game by bringing Galactica to the network. Plus, with a solid fan base and stories that feel current, the new BG could gain an even larger following.

Meanwhile, with this delay, another specualtion is who or what will fill BG's timeslot this July when both Stargate: SG1 and Stargate: Atlantis return. And who might just be the second season of the revamped Doctor Who. The first season of show debuts on this Friday, March 17, with a showing of two episodes. Now, following the show week to week over the next 13 weeks (which should include the Christmas episode), it would end on June 9.

The second season of Who begins airing in April in the UK, with the show ending in late June. If ratings for Who are strong enough here in the States (and my guess is that is a moot point; I'm betting Sci Fi already has an agreement to air that second season, but is waiting), we could see that season with only a minimal delay. In theory, Sci Fi could start that second season the same night as when both Stargate's return. Then, when Doctor Who's ends its second season they could go right into Battlestar's third season.

It's my guess, we'll see if it bares any fruit.

Grand Slam 2006

Went to my first sci fi convention in perhaps a decade or more. I stopped going to them for a few reasons, but most blame can be put on the fans. My best friend Marc once told me I have a healthy obsession with Star Trek, and know where to draw the line.

Still, I spent all day with the Hidden Frontier bunch, Jenn, Barbara, Rob and PK. Just talking, looking at the people and (at most times) keeping my opinion to myself. Bill and Tim were off getting their autographs and seeing the stars talk about their respective shows/movies.

Got to meet DS9's Leeta,Chase Masterson, whom Bill has had a friendship over the years, and talked a bit from Farscape actress Virginia Hey about her own homemade candle and soap line. Close by the HF table (in the very chilly "annex" area that resembled a parking garage) was Wil Wheaton(Wesley Crusher) and Suzie Plakson (TNG and VOY). Also there was Jay Laga'aia, who played Captain Typho in Star Wars: Episode II: Attack of the Clones (and who is hot). The annex was the area that the stars also had to through for the photo-op, where a professional photographer took pictures of you and the star. So, I saw Brent Spiner, Jared Padalecki (hot, also), and Naveen Andrews (hot, and shorter than I imagened, as are most of these stars).

Perhaps the highlight of the day, was going out to dinner with Bill, Tim and Don (a military guy whom Bill met a few years ago at a convention. Great voice and real personable). What Bill failed to mention was that joining us was Herb Jerfferson, Boomer on the old Battlestar Galactica TV series. It seems all of these guys share the same interest in space program, and I was amazed and a little surprised on what these guys knew, especially Don who whip smart.

It was cool, and I enjoyed myself.

But the fans who dressed their two dogs up in Starfleet uniforms need to be arrested. Animals should never be dressed up. Its just not right.

BC: If the Americans can have 3 CSI's and 3 Law & Order's why not another Doctor Who spin-off?

While the BBC is in decline mode, but Doctor Who is becoming a franchise. With Doctor Who about to debut season 2 in April -and with a third season already planned - and its first spin-off Torchwood set to begin airing this fall, it looks like Sarah Jane Smith and her trusty robot dog K9 are back in a new children's series.

Elizabeth Sladen as Sarah Jane and K9 will return to Doctor Who in the third episode of season two, called School Reunion. If this is true, this would be the second attempt by the BBC to launch a Sarah Jane show. She did a sort of one-off/potential pilot called K9 and Company back on 1980. But with the success of the new updated show, the BBC appears to to be striking while its hot.

Unlike the CSI franchise, the BBC seems to appealing to a large spectrum of Who fans. While the current series is for famlies and long-time fans, Torchwood will be more adult sci fi fair featuring Captain Jack actor John Barrowman. If this Sarah Jane spin-off is true, it will be designed for the younger audience.

Brokeback wins 3 Oscars but Hollywood still won't come out of the closet

While I wanted it to win, I knew Crash was going to take the Best Film at the Oscars tonight, if only because it was more social themed film than Brokeback. Still, as my roommate said, Hollywood supports gays from the closet. Critics and other have given Brokeback more awards than Crash (and which came out early in 2005), but are unwilling to go "all the way" and say its the Best Picture of the Year. Some have called it homophobia, which I'm sure plays apart.

But, I can also see through the smoke screen that comes out of Hollywood. Tha Oscars are still run by a bunch of old white people, who still (no matter what the Right says) plays it safe. I choose Giamatti because I wanted him to win, but Clooney won based on the fact he is Hollywood royalty and has paid his dues for over 25 plus years in the business. I just had hoped that maybe, they were changing. Giving the Oscar to the 3 6 Mafia was supposed to give the world the impression that the Oscars are hip.

Giving Crash Best Picture was suppose to be just like the song, showing that Hollywood is hip to racism. But no matter how you look at it, racism is still going strong, from here in LA or to my home town of Chicago, were people play the racism card for everything under the sun. Crash's win will change nothing, were Brokeback Mountain could've been a watershed in Oscar history. Sure, the movie was either ignored (I'm sure some members didn't even watch it) or made some of the uncomfortable. Which is, from my opinion, better than the racism at the heart of Crash. While most white folks deal fairly well with racism, by either avoiding it or ignoring it, others see homosexuality as a greater "sin" for lack of better term. For the Oscar voters, to them it was more conscious to give it to Crash, because they look socially responsible.

But it was the worst of two evils for them, maybe. Giving it to Brokeback might've caused some backlash -however doubtful, because the Right still likes the money these films make. But, then again, I could be wrong.

But, while I don't want to come off a victim, but after so many awards, so many accolades, so many changed minds, for Crash to win Best Picture just smacked of disingenuous attitude from the folks at the Oscars. Playing it safe, predictable and just mechanical are their motives. If the Oscars want the ratings to go up, they need to really show the world they are willing to give to the best deserving film instead of just being socially responsible.

So, Brokeback Mountain walked away with 3, Best Director, Adapted Screenplay and Original Score. I had hoped for a fourth, in Cineatography, but it was not meant to be. Crash also walked away with three awards, as did King Kong and Memoirs of a Geisha.


revised: 3/8/06

For the love of a dog

I have no idea who wrote this, but for any dog lover out there:

Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for that kindness than the loving heart of me.

Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you should have me learn.

Speak to me often, for your voice is the world’s sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when you footsteps falls upon my waiting ears.

Please take me inside when it is cold and wet, for I am a domesticated animal no longer accustomed to the bitter elements. I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.

Keep my pan filled with water, for I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food, so I can stay well; to romp and play and do your bidding; to walk by your side and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.

And, my friend, when I am very old, and I no longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having fun. Please see that my trusting life is taken gently. I shall leave this earth knowing with my last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands.

My Oscar Choices

Its the only award show I care about, folks (besides the Emmy's).

Best Actress: Reese Witherspoon
Best Actor: Philip Seymour Hoffman
Best Supporting Actress: Rachel Weisz
Best Supporting Actor: Paul Giamatti
Best Director: Ang Lee
Best Picture: Crash
Adapated Screenplay: Brokeback Mountain
Original Screenplay: Crash

I also predict that Brokeback Mountain will win 4 of the 8 they are nominated in.

My only possible misstep may be Best Supporting Actor. George Clooney could be the upset, as I still think the academy may give it to Giamatti just because they screwed him last year.

We'll see on Sunday.

Death for Hollywood stars comes in 3's

First Don Knotts on Friday.

Darren McGavin on Saturday

and finally

Dennis Weaver.

Hollywood oldsters must go on lockdown when someone dies. While Knotts was a talented actor and made The Andy Griffith Show the legend that it is, I was never to keen on him, even when he played the buffoon on Three's Company.

Darren McGavin, however, was for me the best character acter out there. I still remember watching the first two Kolchak TV movies and then the limited series. And who can ever forget him in perhaps his most classic role as the Dad in the best Christmas comedy ever made made, A Christmas Story. He'll be missed.

Dennis Weaver was always, to me, a strange actor. I first saw him in McCloud, the Texas cop who befuddled the big city police with his down home country style on those Mystery Movies that aired on NBC in the 1970s. Little did I know, until years later, that he had starred on Gunsmoke -the longest running primetime TV drama in history and something that shall never be surprassed {espcially with episode count} - and a little TV movie called Duel that introduced the world to Steven Spielberg.

Still, I never found him more than one dimensional in the roles he chose. Maybe, I forever cast him as McCloud?

So, there is relief in Hollywood tonight as a rain passes to the ground like a slow divorce. Three are gone, so at least for Andy Rooney, he can rest easy.

Will Toale out Justin Hartley in as Aquaman

Keeping secrets in Hollywood is tough. Just ask Amy Sherman-Palladino, creator of the WB series Gilmore Girls. She and the rest of the cast and crew of her show were caught off guard when it was announced back in January that the WB and UPN would fold in the fall and be merged into the CW. She thought that both network heads Les Moonves and Bruce Rosenblum should be running some sort of intelligence agency in Washington for keeping the lid on this story for so long (as both networks had begun discussion about this merger as early as Thanksgiving).

She also knows how fast things can change. While Gilmore Girls will be one of the shows to survive the merger, she is unsure of its future beyond the 2006-07 season, the shows seventh year. Before the breakup, she and her husband had been working on a new show to debut in the fall, but because of new changes, one the first things to get dropped was her new development deal with the WB.

Meanwhile, another show in development at the WB and should survive the tansistion to the CW will be Aquaman, from the Smallville creators Al Gough and Miles Millar. The series was pitched to the WB last fall when American Idol contestant Alan Ritchson played him on episode of Smallville. The ratings went up, and so it was thought a great spin-off could be launched.

Back on January 9, the WB announced that former Ambercromibe & Fitch model (which must be a prerequisite for working on the WB) Will Toale was cast as the fish guy.

But as quickly as the WB becomes the CW, Toale has been replaced by Passions hunk Justin Hartley, who will now play A.C. Curry/Aquaman.

CBS Corp. president and chief executive Leslie Moonves, who is known for his interest and savvy in pilot casting decisions, weighed in on the matter and recommended that they seek a new star, though Toale was still said to be in the running to keep the role as of last week. But after some testing, it became apparent that Hartley was going to move on up to the starring role.

And while the age old decision to replace Toale was "we wanted to take the role in a different direction" may be code for some one who has more experience. Hartley has more on-camera experience than Toale, having played Nicholas Foxworth Crane on Passions for three-plus years beginning in 2002. He earned a Soap Opera Digest Award nomination for his work last year. Toale's previous credits include cameo in the feature film Uptown Girls and the 2004 TV movie Tempting Adam.

Earlier this week, Ving Rhames (Mission: Impossible III) and former Miss Universe Denise Quinones were added to the pilot, which will follow a twentysomething Curry as he begins to discover his true heritage.

Secrets and Mystery cast changes.

Just another day in the wacky world of Hollywood.

"Your sister's not a cold-blooded murderer. She's never been a planner."

Actress Caroline Dhavernas -star of the brilliant, but short lived FOX series Wonderfalls - has said a potential movie might be in the works. The show has done fairly well on DVD and has now nearly achieved an almost cult status, gaining it a better chance that someone might help fund a movie version of this witty show created by Bryan Fuller (Star Trek) and Todd Holland (Malcolm in the Middle).

But Dhavernas says that is as far as it's gone so far. While she would return to play Jaye Tyler - a Brown University graduate who works in a Niagara Falls gift shop and discovers inanimate objects talking to her - she said it could be a few years before it happens.

Favorite quotes:

"So, how long have you been using the Republican Party as a lesbian dating service? "

Wonderfalls Security Guard: [after catching the little boy shoplifting] "You have choices, life choices. This was a bad life choice. That's why you're in an unpleasant situation. Unpleasant situations can be avoided by making good life choices."

Jaye:"I have to disagree. I make good life choices. Mostly because they're forced on me, but I make them. And I find myself in unpleasant situations all the time. You know why? Because even if you have a choice it can and will be taken away from you. We're all fate's bitch. You might as well go ahead and bend over for destiny now. "

Darrin Tyler: Sweetheart, when's the last time you had an orgasm.
[silence]
Sharon Tyler: That sound you hear is stunned silence.
Darrin Tyler: There's nothing to be ashamed of. Millions of people have orgasms every day.
Jaye: Not ashamed, mortified.

Doctor Who: A Review of the Show

Back in September of 2003, when on a weekend, the BBC announced that after 15 years, Doctor Who was returning -a day that I have been waiting for -it made me excited. Of course, I would be remiss to say it coud’ve come sooner, but its finally here.

Even though the show was announced on that late summer day, it would be a year and a half before it would be broadcast in the U.K. After all, a new Doctor had to be cast and Russell T Davies had to get the scripts together, as he was now the shows new runner.

Davies is one of Britains most respected writers for TV, and has proven again and again that he can produce the best TV on what ever budget he is given. But while he is not known here in the States, he was the creator of one of the most controversial shows to hit the British shores in years. And while the British are less parochial when it comes to sex and sexuality, it still came as a shock to many when Queer as Folk appeared in 1999. It became a hit, not because I think, of the openness of the gay characters and their bed hopping, but because it well written. People may have tuned in to see men getting it on with other men, but, like all good drama, it transcended the tawdriness and people saw that the characters were real, and the writing was crisp and electric (and also featured a character who loved Doctor Who).

The US cable network Showtime picked up the show, or I should say, adapted the show for America. Vince in the UK version who adored Doctor Who, was changed to Michael here, where his love a comic books was highlighted. The US version of QAF ended in 2005 after a five year run.

Anyway, back to Doctor Who. The BBC launched the new version in March of 2005, with Christopher Eccleston as the ninth Doctor and singer Billie Piper cast as new companion Rose. It was an instant hit. But where was it here, in the good old US of A?

For years the classic version of the show, 1963-89, had ben airing on PBS. This new show, more expensive with CGI effects and location filming in Cardiff, Wales, the show was not going to be sold to the usually financially strapped Public Broadcasting System. BBC wanted more money, so they started shopping it networks here in the US. But no one, it seemed, was biting. Perhaps -and they realized way too late - that while the BBC could bully other countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand and what not to purchase the classic series along with the new one, the America network executives just shut their doors.

And then waiting game began.

Meanwhile, only two days after the new Who premiered, the BBC announced that a second season was already being planned (with a Christmas special to air during the holidays in 2005), but new Doctor, Christopher Eccleston, was bowing out. At first, it appeared that the star was doing this because he was afraid of typecasting, which eventually turned out to be red herring on the BBC’s part. It appeared long before the show was broadcast, the BBC was aware that Eccleston only wanted to do one season, and that it was suppose to be a secret. But as history has proven, one person spoiled it. And even though it was an honest mistake, the BBC was forced to apologize to Eccleston.

To further fix the damage that was done, the BBC announced that David Tennant would now become the 10th Doctor and beyond the planned 2005 Christmas episode and second season (along with a 2006 Christmas episode), there would be a third season of 13 episodes (which will include another Christmas episode for 2007).

Then the BBC came to America in January 2006 to work out a deal to bring the show here. With the show already airing in Canada, and with the DVD announced for February 2006 in both Great White North and here in the States, they still wanted a US distributor. As late as 2004 or early 2005, NBC/Universal seemed to be interested in the show, but it did not want the classic show. Now, the BBC seemed to realize that to get the new show on a US network, they would need to pull the classic show off the table.

And a deal was struck. NBC/Universal agreed to air the first season on their sister cable channel, The Sci Fi Network starting March 17. Thus, while the DVD release in Canada would remain for February 14, the US release will be pushed to July 4. And while this is intended to get as many viewers in the US as possible, Americans could still obtain the season boxed set from Amazon.ca, the Canadian version of the popular American one. Same region and all.

And being impatient, I decided to order it. I just could not wait until July 4. It took a week to get here, but I finally saw all 13 episodes, and I tell you it is worth the expense.

The first two episodes -Rose and The End of the World - are somewhat awkward, I guess. As with most "pilots", Rose suffers from too much exposition and a monster -while the Autons are an odd choice to launch the new series -they’ret that menacing. But the acting is superb, with Eccleston’s version of the Doctor being very different from the previous, but still retaining much of the mystery that he should have. If there is a need of a comparison, Tom Baker’s style of goofy humor and Peter Davison’s unearthliness are close to what Eccleston is trying to achieve here.

As for Billie Piper, well, I’m surprised on how good she is; and that’s not meant as I thought she would be horrible. Like all things on the internet, you hear the nastiest things about people. All I knew she was some popular pop singer in Britain, and was now acting. So people must’ve thought she was a horrible singer and was even less talented as an actress. Whatever they said, seems to not have been borne out here. She is a marvel, with a bright smile, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes and probably the most equal of all the Doctors companions.

The End of the World has some of the same issues as Rose, in the sense that once again, much expounding goes on, but the episode seems static with no clear purpose (except maybe as analogy on how "alien" space travel is for Rose -who is hip 21st Century girl with a black boyfriend).

Also, in those two episodes, the show features Rose’s Mum and boyfriend, Mickey (who the Doctor takes an immediate dislike for, calling him Ricky and other names). Camillie Coduri as Jackie Tyler is annoying shrew of Mother who appears to not have her daughters best interest at heart - at least at first. Noel Clarke suffers the same fate, as he appears to be the buffoon the Doctor seems to think Mickey is.

But, it is a testament to Davies, as both come into their own as the season progresses. Atypical of the old series, this first season features many of the adventures on Earth or close by. The arc of the season is Rose traveling with the Doctor, and reactions of her very dedicated mother and boyfriend. Jackie Tyler becomes three-dimensional and Coduri settles in nicely. Noel Clarke easily shakes off the "silly" boyfriend and grows to understand that he really loves Rose (like her mother) but sees that she needs to do what she needs to do. Only do we in Boom Town how important Micky has become and his admittance that he’ll wait for Rose, no matter how long she decides to stay with the Doctor.

Then there’s John Barrowman. Introduced in The Empty Child, this Glasgow born actor who was raised in Joliet Illinois -my old home state - shines as 51st Century Time Agent Captain Jack Harkness. His squared jawed gee wiz attitude makes him a perfect foil for both Rose and the Doctor. And, for the first time in the Who universe, he plays a guy who likes both girls and boys, and doesn’t care that anyone thinks. Only Davies -who is gay - could create a great character as Harkness and only could Barrowman -who is also openly gay - bring such a gregarious character to life without tipping the scale into campiness and other gay stereotypes. Barrowman almost steals every scene he’s in and is close to outshining Rose (which may be the reason he’ll be taking the Jack Harkness character to his own show, as the spin-off Torchwood {an anagram of Doctor Who} will launch in the fall of 2006. I can’t help but wonder if an American TV executive would be brave enough to launch a new sci/fi adventure series featuring an openly gay actor in the lead?).

Emotional, fast, very funny and way ahead of the classic series, this new version clearly shows what a true fan can do when given the chance. While granted Davies has a proven track record, his love of Doctor Who shines through in every episode. He knows what he’s doing and its clear that the BBC understand this, by clearly giving him latitude to do it.

So, while I was not "enthused" so much with the first two episodes, the remaining 11 shattered all my doubts. I mean, anyone that can make the Daleks scary again deserves a fair chance. While improved visual effects have made the Daleks more maneuverable and real, it still comes down to the scripts.

Fantastic, as the Doctor number nine says often. Brilliant also.

Coming soon: Episode reviews.

Books of 2006, Part 2: Cell

Cell

by Stephen King

While not as bold and original as The Stand, King's return to the "end of the world" genre is still worth a read. As a long time fan, King has rarely disappointed me and Cell works on many creepy levels and from now on I will never look at my mobile phone in the same way.

While he said he wanted to retire, my guess is now that King meant retiring just from the many connections his novels were to the Dark Tower Universe. Free from that, I'm guessing he'll put out a book or two a year (whill have a new one out in October).

And then there's his articles in Entertainment Weekly, which are always interesting.

A Hidden Frontier Weekend

So, the weekend turned out better than I ever thought.

Spent all of Saturday at the first(?) official Star Trek: Hidden Frontier Convention. Not that it could really be called that, but still, for lack of a better term...

Anyway, got to meet some of the people that put this fan created web series together, and while I was not surprised on how many people showed up (Star Trek fans are like bees in search of nectar; they know damn well where to find it), it still seemed a bit strange to see people gathering in this small room at the Four Points Hotel.

It was a joy to meet the adorable J.T. Tepnapa and Adam Browne. John Whiting, who is a delight to talk to and who has a great wit and sparkle in his eye was someone I would've not missed. Then there is the equally adorable Rob Caves -the mastermind behind this series, and the beautiful women of HF, Risha Denny, Jennifer Cole, Barbara Clifford, Julie Gardner, Renee Huberstock and Rebecca Wood.

Then there was the very TALL David Dial, Commodore Ian Quincy Knapp himself. God, it was a blast.

Then, Rob asked the fans to drop by on Sunday as filming continues on the first episode of season seven. It was even cooler than Saturday, as we all got to see how these actors became the characters on HF.

Seeing how John and Adam put the make-up on Julie and Rebecca and seeing how all of this is done in front of a green screen, well, I was impressed.

Plus, I got to meet some new friends (beyond, I hope, the HF crew), like Dale, Tommy and Thomas (the mastermind behind Saturday's Excelsior Ball), Will and Matt.

Live strong, indeed.

Million Little Pieces author admits (in not so many words) that he lied. Adds new Author note to the book.

Despite recent revelations that Million Little Pieces author James Frey fabricated much of his addiction recovery “memoir”, the book continues to sell on both the brick and mortar level, as well as in the e-universe.

Which just goes to show you how Americans are still gullible lemmings, coming to the my book store like zombies from a George Romero film and plunking down their credit cards and purchasing the tome under the misguided notion that the “central message” of his recovery from drug and alcohol abuse is worth buying the book.

While that may be true, he still lied, which is what an alcoholic is: a master magician, conjuring stories to hide their prevarications. He has written a three page addendum to his book (and which was posted on Random House’s website) that will be added in subsequent reprints of the “memoir”.

As I wrote earlier, he now admits that the narrative flow was more important than journalistic truth. His lies included the invention of a three-month jail term, exaggerated other run-ins with law officials and distorted his role in a train crash that killed a high school classmate. He also acknowledges making himself appear “tougher and more daring and more aggressive than in reality I was, or I am.”

The book was shopped to publishers as both a fiction title and a memoir, but his literary agent, Kassie Evashevski, has said there was only brief discussion of shopping the book as fiction, out of respect for his family's privacy. But even as it was published in 2003, there were rumors that much of what Frey wrote was fiction.

In the new Authors Note, Frey defends his decision about how he wrote about his recovery, covering, saying “People cope with adversity in many different ways, ways that are deeply personal. My mistake, and it is one I deeply regret, is writing about the person I created in my mind to help me cope, and not the person who went through the experience.”

He also mentions that while he used medical records, therapists' notes and personal journals, he decided to use his memory in writing his tale. This should’ve been the publisher’s first indication that maybe what Frey was writing was coming from a fuzzy, drug addled recollections.

Like Mary Karr -author of two memoirs (The Liars Club and Cherry) - and one of his toughest critics, says that while “He keeps saying there's a great debate about fact and fiction in memoirs, but the only debate is in his mind. It's not really that hard; you just don't make stuff up.”

Amen.

Bored Tuesdays

Lifted from Naked Boy and also seen at Spider's:

The rules are as follows:

1. Grab the nearest book.
2. Open the book to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the text of the next 3 sentences (#5, 6 & 7) on your blog, along with these instructions.
5. Don't you dare dig for that "cool" or "intellectual" book in your closet!

Sharon pointed over Clay's shoulder and said, "Look! Telepaths!"But when he turned that way, he saw nothing but a flock of crows, one so huge it blotted out the sun. Then the tinkling began.

From: Stephen King's Cell

Richard Donner's Superman II to finally see the light of day; Superboy coming to DVD.

In what I guess is not a really a surprise move, Warner Bros. is getting ready to take advantage of the come back of the Superman franchise. With Superman Returns scheduled to open in late June, the studio is going back into the vaults to offer spiffed up editions of the four previous Superman films and now plans to release the Superboy TV series of the late 80s.

Much like last years Batman Anthology, original producer of the first three films, Ilya Salkind, is working with Warners on a boxed set that will offer up special editions of Superman, Superman II and Superman III (and one can guess, Superman IV will be included). While the studio did put out a “special directors edition” of 1978's Superman, which director Richard Donner added some footage to film that was incorporated when ABC aired the film on TV, I’m wondering if they are planning to add even more (as Donner did not include all the stuff that aired on ABC ).

Still, after a many years of bitterness between the Salkind’s and Donner, Warners has also appeared to finally approved Richard Donner to go back and give us his verison of Superman II. How can there be two versions, you ask? Well, due to the then cost of producing the first film, Warners decided to make two films simultaneously, this way the cost could be spread over two films. So, Richard Donner and his team made Superman and Superman II together. As production problems where adding up, and they were facing a possible delay release of the first film, the Salkind’s and Donner stopped working on Superman II (with about 80% or more of the film finished) and worked on getting the first film in theaters.

Donner and the Salkind’s were reported to have a very tenuous relationship, as both were seeking to bring the best possible film to the screen. After Superman was finished and Donner ready to head back and finish Superman II, he was abruptly fired by the Salkind’s. Director Richard Lester was brought in to complete the sequel. But since Donner had completed so much of the film, according to Directors Guild of America rules, no matter who finished the film, Donner would still need to be credited with it. So instead of doing that, the Salkind’s scrapped much of Donner’s work, reworked the script -adding some the cheesy humor that took over the film - and re-filmed others with Lester behind the camera.

Lester was credited as director, yet some of Donner’s work was present -which, while a good film, did give it an unevenness that -at times - was distracting. And add the fact that Gene Hackman refused to re-film any of his scenes with Lester added further to its problems.

Flash forward to 2003 when Donner was allowed to reincorporate the ABC footage into his version of the first film for its 25th anniversary. It was then that word began to get out even more that Richard Donner’s version of Superman II did exist, but because of all the animosity that existed between the Salkind’s, Donner. Lester and Warner Bros., the studio had no plans to allow that version to be released.

Yet, now that it appears that Superman Returns is the film of summer 2006, and that Bryan Singer’s new film is more or less a continuation of Superman II (which will include John Williams original score plus footage of the late Marlon Brando that was never used in the first two films), and that Singer has such high regards for Donner’s work, Warners seems to - along with Ilya Salkind - finally capitulated and will allow Donner to show his version of Superman II.

Also, the Salkind’s are also preparing a boxed set of Superboy: The Complete First Season. Unlike Smallville, this 1988-1992 syndicated series has Clark Kent donning the supersuit to save Lana Lang and the rest of Samllville from Lex Luthor and other evils. John Haymes Newton played Clark during season 1, and was replaced by Gerard Christopher for seasons 2 through 4. Stacy Haiduk -who would go onto to star in SeaQuest DSV - played Lana Lang and was only one of the main cast to survive all four seasons.

At this time, Warners has yet to announce when the special editions of the Superman films (including Donner’s new version of the second one) or when Superboy will be out, but June seems to be logical tie-in date.

A Million Little Lies; Oprah asks for the truth

Back after Oprah first announced that Million Little Pieces would be her next book for her revived club, I did a bad review of it on Amazon and got lambasted by people. First off, having worked for major booksellers over the last 18 years, this new genre -the memoir - has grown in leaps and bounds. And the drug recovery memoir seems to be one of better selling titles. I have a problem with these because at most, I know these people are embellishing their story.

James Frey has now admitted that he changed some events in his book, and now I don’t know what to believe. What I would like addressed, is why a 12 year-old started drinking in the first place. Of course, this goes with my theory that the richer and more influenced you are, the more dysfunctional you are. Its like the kids of preachers who turn out to be the more wilder of any kid anyone has ever known. Frey’s family has money, and he had no real reason to fall this way and not only his he at fault, but are his parents.

These memoirs -along with Koren Zailckas’ Smashed and Augusten Burroughs Running With Scissors - generally never come under a lot of scrutiny and publishers are more concerned aboutthe narrative flow than any sort of journalistic truth. Since Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil (the John Berendt bestseller that most reviews claimed read like a novel), most publishers only care about the story. Even Frey himself admitted on the a recent Larry King Live that he originally shopped the book as a novel and had been turned down (and to be fair, it was also turned down as nonfiction). Once it was finally purchased, the editors eventually decided to publish the book as a memoir.

And while Frey has now acknowledged that there were embellishments, that he changed things (the names and places changed to protect the innocent, blah, blah, blah) he made no mention of this in any part of the book (like he has now done with Pieces’s sequel, My Friend Leonard).

So how much of Pieces is truth? I mean he admitted on today’s Oprah show that the story of a girl who cuts her recovery program short, then relapses and eventually kills herself is not true. He lied about that. He misled people and that -no matter how great his recovery from drug abuse is - and that will bring into question everything he writes.

He and his publisher owe many people a good explanation, and please don’t blame it on the marketing people. Frey went forward with Million as a memoir when he knew that was not true and his publishers and editors should be fired for hoisting a work of bad fiction as a work of real life experiences.

While there have been many who’ve supported this book - and continue to do so on Amazon - all I ask the reading public, that now that we’ve seen an author unveiled for the liar, please take these “memoirs” a little more serious. I enjoyed Running with Scissors, but do I believe all that Burroughs writes in there truthful and real?

Not for a minute. At best, he was an alcoholic with an abnormal upbringing who created a fantasy world to cope with the boundaries he so needed. Obviously, so was Frey.

But next time try a disclaimer.

Actor Chris Penn, brother of Sean and singer Michael dies at 43

From the Hollywood Reporter:

Actor Chris Penn has died in a Santa Monica residence, with no signs of foul play, a local ABC television affiliate reported Tuesday. Penn, 43, was the brother of actor Sean Penn and starred in dozens of films. He played baby-faced criminal Nice Guy Eddie Cabot in director Quentin Tarantino's "Reservoir Dogs" and starred along with his brother in the 1986 film "At Close Range." He also played Willard Hewitt in "Footloose" in 1984. Recently, Penn voiced Officer Eddie Pulaski in the video game "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas." Santa Monica police and the Los Angeles County Coroner were not immediately available for comment. (Reuters)

UPN and The WB will fold in the fall; will become one network called The CW

After a decade and more of playing second fiddle to the big four networks, struggling mini-nets The WB and UPN will fold this fall and merge into one network called The CW. Both networks have never shown a profit and have struggled to reach masses the way ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC do. This merger will now have a network that will reach 98% of the total viewing audience, making them now a larger player in the broadcast network arena.

The new network will be a 50-50 partnership between Warner Bros. and CBS. It will be carried on the 16 stations owned by the Tribune Company and the 12 owned by CBS, and there is hope new affiliates will be added by the time the new CW launches in September. The Tribune Company -which has three stations in the biggest markets, WGN in Chicago (my home town), WPIX in New York and KTLA in Los Angeles (my new home), will diverge its minority ownership of The WB in return for a 10 year affiliation agreement with The CW. It is expected that The CW will broadcast 30 hours of programing seven days a week, with 2 hours in prime time Monday through Friday (8-10 EST/PST) and three hours on Sunday (7-10 EST/PST), along with a two-hour block on Sunday outside of prime time (5-7 EST/PST). The CW will also continue The WB’s Monday-Friday afternoon block (3-5 EST/PST) and a five-hour animation block on Saturday.

This will also doom shows on both networks, though expect UPN to get hit the most. The new network will now exclusively go after the demographic age of 18-34, making most of UPN’s ethnic programming a thing of the past. Expect the new team heading up this revamped fifth network -Dawn Ostroff from UPN and John Maatta from the WB - to cherry pick the best shows from the current crop on both networks. From UPN, expect Everyone Hates Chris and Veronica Mars to stay, along with (probably) America’s Next Top Model. The odds of anything else surviving is slim to none (say bye-bye to the Monday urban comedy line-up) though the WWE’s Smackdown has a chance because its been a linchpin in UPN’s schedule for a decade, but its contract is up this September, and there is a possibility it could move to USA. Meanwhile, expect Gilmore Girls to stay (even though next season will be its last), though genre shows like Smallville and Supernatural are hard to call. While Smallville has gained viewers this season in its tough Thursday timeslot, it is aging (along with star Tom Welling). I have speculated since last May that season five would be its last, especially since Warner Bros. is relaunching the film franchise this June with Superman Returns (which while a quasi sequel to Superman II, the production crew of Smallville will feature a ship in its season ender that is the same ship Superman uses to leave earth). And, if the already announced Aquaman does get picked up, this could doom it. Supernatural has done very well for The WB, but its future will remain muddled. Charmed is already expected to end this season after 8 years, along with 7th Heaven, ending after 10. Reality show Beauty and the Geek should also survive -and creator Ashton Kushtner is expected to do a spin-off of that show, featuring hunks and geeky women. The fates of One Tree Hill and Everwood is also nebulas at this point, but don’t expect The WB’s Friday comedy block of Twins, Reba or Life with Fran to survive.

Digging for the Truth

Okay, one of the reasons I like about the History Channel is this cute 34 year-old guy named Josh Bernstein. He's sexy, with perfect teeth, cheekbones and hair I would kill for; plus he's smart which makes him even hotter in my book.

The shows are always interesting and while the history has a tendency to be "light" -which might be for the audience -it still keeps me watching.

Plus, my fetish for guys in sandals/flipflops gets going even more. Josh wears sandals when he can, and I love it.

The genetic perfect. I hate them, I love them.

X Men 3

Movies are subjective. Obviously, what one calls a piece of crap, another loves. Movies such as Hostel, where in his own words, director Eli Roth said he wanted to “make the sickest, most disturbing film I can.” And there are many folks out there -but mostly men in their early 20s, who like films like Hostel, Underworld, Saw II and other films of the horror genre, because they feed into their secret fantasy of seeing people get killed in the most goriest sort of way. Plus these films have a tendency to be very misogynist, with women seen as only as subjects to torture and ogle at as objects of boys fucked up views of sexuality. This is why -despite what will be a bad script and pedantic direction from Brett Ratner - X Men 3 might actually be a success. Less we forget why Singer left this franchise, and it was mostly because Fox wanted more action, less story. Singer is a story orientated director, while Ratner -based on the two Rush Hour films and Red Dragon -just thinks violence, explosions and a plot (with Velveeta Cheesy dialogue) thinner than Lara Flynn Boyle is what makes a movie. I have no faith in this film what so ever, and after being a huge fan of comic books and the first two films, I’m sorry to say this rushed production -which was done by Fox because they were pissed at Singer’s defection - will smack of it. Still, it will be sad to realize, that the film will open big (but I’m thinking it will not be previewed by the critics before its release; just a feeling) but even the most idiotic film goer will eventually see its not worth jacking off to. As for quantity over quality, well, lets be realistic. The horror genre -much like the fantasy genre - will always be over looked by any major awards group (with the exception of Lord of the Rings, duh!). Besides, as it was pointed out by Panterarocks, the people behind Underworld spent 80% of their budget on visual effects. So, its what you have, or as Shakespeare wrote, “full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.” But, as cynical as I can be, there will be an Underworld 3, if only because if there is one thing certain in this world, is dumb, despicable, sick, women-hating films with their Easter Peep (full of nothing but air) type movies will make money and straight guys, full of masturbation fantasies of killing, will line up and see them.

Books of 2006, part 1: State of Fear

First book of 2006 finished. Actually, started it in December, but I won't talk about that.

Anyway, finished State of Fear by Michael Crichton.

Arrested Development's end of days

ABC Entertainment chief Steve McPherson said this Saturday that he does not "foresee" Arrested Development moving to his network when FOX officially cancels the show in the next few weeks. This is the third statement about the show coming out of the winter Television Critics Association press tour in LA. Earlier in the week, FOX head Peter Ligouri acknowledged that the shows return was "highly unlikely", which left ABC and the cable-network Showtime -who both expressed interest in picking up the show - its only saving grace.

Showtime's Robert Greenblatt said this past week that they are interested in the show and have had some discussions with 20th Century Fox, but they would only pick it up if series creator Mitch Hurwitz remains in charge, and according to reports, he's yet to make that decision.

I remain conflicted about the the future of the best comedy shows in years on broadcast TV. On one hand, I think the show should remain on TV, if only because TV is littered with so much anaemic, predictable slop. With reality TV still posting high ratings -the season opener of American Idol scored 35 million viewers on 1/17 - the fate of shows like Arrested, with its intelligent scripts that are not dumbed down, and that assume its viewers gets their jokes, seem to be all but doomed. While pulling an average of 4.2 million viewers, I realize the economic value between Idol and Arrested is great, it still seems logical to keep a show that may not pull in a huge audience, if only because it reflects an intelligence that is greatly missed on TV.

But, also, if the show was to remain on broadcast TV -such as ABC - it would need to lose some its large cast, plus Mitch Hurwitz would be forced even more to water down the humor, making the jokes more obvious and probably add a laugh track and make the show multi camera, i.e. cheaper to produce.

Anotherwords, Full House type show that is empty as unused diary.

Then, I would more pleased to see it go, than find it compromised like that.

Showtime has 20 million subscribers, meaning Development's broadcast average would make it a huge hit. And if the cable-net would pick up the show, while it would be expensive, it could help spur more subscriptions. It would also help the show, as it would no longer be restricted by language and other content that broadcast TV forces shows into. That does not mean that the F word would be used more (and which I always thought meant that the writer was poor; I mean its easy to swear). I just means the scripts could be more bold and not forced to pander to people who think TV Guide is the only "book" they read.

Former Doctor Who Production Manager Gary Downie dies

His name was Gary Downie, and for many newer fan of Doctor Who they don’t know who he is. For fans of conventions that he attended during the 80s and 90s, he became a huge staple and was well liked. He also a production manager on the classic series during the Davidson, Baker and McCoy era, along with his long time companion, the late classic series producer John Nathan-Turner. It’s being reported on Outpost Gallifrey’s web site that Downie passed away today after a long battle with cancer. I met him at a few conventions during the eighties (and never connected the dots that he and JNT were partners) and he had a great sense of humor.

Arrested Deveploment and King George's Oligarchy America.

Why is it such a crime to be even half intelligent?
According to some on the Right, the “intellectuals” are ruining the world, threatening such things as religion and freedom to let Bill O’Reilly tell them the real story, with no “spin.”
I’m no intellectual. I hold no degree, but I think for myself. I don’t need O’Reilly and his fascist and probably, racist network, to tell me a damn thing. Besides, what can you believe from good old Bill? Twice in the last month, O’Reilly has been caught short of the “truth.” Back in December, when O’Reilly was doing his War on Christmas (where retailers such as Wal Mart - a very Christian organization, requested that its workers refrain from saying “Merry Christmas” and just wish the patrons a “Happy Holiday”), O’Reilly sited Comedy Central (or as he called it, Secular Central) for making fun of this, and showed a clip from Jon Stewart’s The Daily Show. There, one of the shows performers gave a mock commentary on how Christmas is the only “religious holiday that is a Federal holiday. That way, Christians can go to their services and everyone else can stay home and reflect on the true meaning of separation of church and state.” The clip ended and went back to the smug SOB and he wished a Merry Christmas to Jon Stewart.
Not to be out done, Stewart fired back. He asked Samantha -the girl who gave the joke - to come out, as Stewart could not remember them putting out this. And suddenly it becomes clear where Stewart is going with this. The comedian is obviously pregnant and looks due almost any minute. Upon reflection, if anyone was paying attention to the clip that O’Reilly played, Samantha was not pregnant. So this clip was at least a year old, long before the Billster began his War on Christmas.
The a few weeks later, O’Reilly was on Late Night with David Letterman, where the the host of the CBS show confronted O’Reilly about his War on Christmas. O’Reilly sited a school in Wisconsin that changed the lyrics to the classic Christmas song, Silent Night. That they “knocked out the words and told the kids to sing...” and O’Reilly rattles off this song, which is very different to the song I grew up with. Letterman felt, while a stupid move on the school’s part, was just, essentially, nothing; that he felt there was no threat, that, at most, these were isolated incidents and that O’Reilly and his cohorts at Fox “try make us think it’s a threat.”
Of course, Bill said David was wrong. And while Letterman admits he can not debate O’Reilly point to point on all thing, such as the US involvement in Iraq, Letterman did get the best line by telling O’Reilly that he felt that “60% of what you say is crap.”
Later its learned, that the lyric change to Silent Night mentioned by O’Reilly had nothing to with “secularization” or political correctness. The author of the song, a church going Christian, said that he used the theme music of the song and changed to the lyrics because they were preforming a play that involved a lonely Christmas Tree. He used the familiar music to help the kids understand the plight of this last tree.
So, O’Reilly and Fox took something out of context -along with the Comedy Central bit - and tried to pass it off as some kind of War on Christmas. And Letterman - with his comment -just pointed out that you cannot have a debate with a person who has no respect for facts and who continues to take things out of context.
So, just how much is Fox altering the facts to make its news seem “real?” And why do people devour this like a Christmas turkey?
What galls me the most, is that many Americans watch and get their news from O’Reilly and the duplicitous Fox Network -and just for the record, I think CNN is just as bad - and brilliant shows like Arrested Development gets cancelled, which was what this article was really going to be about.
In some ways, it does dovetail.
FOX announced that they will air the final four episodes in a two-hour block on Friday, February 10. While the show has suffered low ratings, FOX, in their infinite wisdom, does not seem to put it in a slot where anyone can see it. For February 10 is also the opening ceremonies of the Winter Olympics, which is always high rated. This will, rest absurdly, make sure the ratings for Arrested Development to be even lower than the 4.2 million it’s been averaging.
Today, FOX Entertainment president Peter Ligouri articulated what fans have known for some time, that it’s "highly unlikely" the series will see another season on FOX. And while there seems no wiggle room in that “highly unlikely”, he regrets the series, which won the best comedy Emmy in 2004, never found "the audience it deserved.”
Still, the network has not officially cancelled the show and will not confirm anything until after the network finalizes its fall slate, and begins assigning pilots. But, as posted a few weeks ago, when FOX does officially cancel the show, expect 20th Century Fox to shop the show to both the cable network Showtime or the broadcast network ABC, who’ve expressed interest in picking up the show.
Ligouri says he's not involved with any discussion about relocating the show, but "it is in fact a studio property. If there's interest at other networks, it's the studio's right and [creator Mitch Hurwitz's] right to move that on and put that up to bid."
The demise of the show -and even sadder if no network does pick it up -is a sad comment on the state of TV in general. The show is smarter than the average TV show and does not dumb down its scripts and pander to lowest common denominator. It expects -much like Gene Roddenberry did with Star Trek - its audience to have brains.
But, as its been pointed out, this type of intellectual humor is bad. And -to some extreme - even bad for the US of A. Some how, being smart, understanding that what is printed in the papers, what’s broadcast on TV is not the complete truth. Its slanted to pander to American’s who cannot read for themselves and cannot find information that is out there.
I realize that America presidency was hijacked by religious zealots, also. That the Right -in what all I can say was a brilliant strategy - bussed these religious fanatics to the voting booths and basically let them pull the lever for the wrong man, wanting some kind of “good Christian,” I guess to a good president.
And with the recent wiretapping issue, President Bush -like Kenneth Lay who has convinced himself that stole no money from Eron or its investors - he thinks he’s done nothing illegal and the Republican controlled Congress backs him up.
And if someone steps up and calls him on his illegal maneuvers, he has the gall to say they are “helping the enemy.” I believe however, this hurts the enemies. It shows that America is still an honest democracy, that we are a people of honesty and that we will and can admit we make mistakes and are willing to correct them.
On one blog I read from New York, he said Bush is leading the country into a oligarchy -a small group of people who have control of the state. And that is something I can agree with.
I cannot say that nothing can be done, but I fear people like George Bush, Bill O’Reilly and Fox News will continue to manipulate the news to show the world how great they are and how Bush believes he has “divine right” to do what he does. And believing oneself to be perfect is often the sign of a delusional mind.
Anyway, in conclusion, watch the final episodes of Arrested Development on February 10 and pray to what ever TV God you believe in that someone half intelligence still works in Hollywood. Because while I know it’s a business and the networks are in it for the money, sometimes its more illogical to stick with a show that shows that not all Americans think American Idol is quality TV.

Sci Fi Channel will air the new Doctor Who

It took nearly a year, but the new Doctor Who TV series will finally be aired here in America. In a new deal, the Sci Fi Channel (a division of NBC/Universal) has picked up the first season of the new show that starred Christopher Eccleston as the ninth Doctor and Billie Piper as companion Rose. The cable net announced it will begin airing the show in March, most likely beginning on the 17th, after the March 10 season finales of Stargate: SG1, Stargate: Atlantis and Battlestar Galactica. The show then would air for 13 weeks leading into the summer premiers of all three shows.

This now explains why the DVD release here in the States was delayed from its original February 14th announcement . However, since the show has already aired in Canada, it appears the show will make that previous release date. So, fans here in the States still can get the show on Region 1 DVD, they’ll just have to order it from Amazon.ca, the Canadian version of the popular US retailer. Warner Bros. and BBC video have now moved the American DVD release of the show to July 4th.

One thing curious was the status of the TOS. My guess is one of the stumbling blocks that prevented the sale a year ago was that any network picking up the new version had to buy the TOS. And while there are many in America who have not seen every episode of the show, American’s still have a problem with black and white shows. The original series did not broadcast in color until John Pertwee -the third Doctor - debuted in 1970. And realistically, most Doctor Who fans in the States know of the show when Tom Baker was playing the famous Time Lord, and consider anything before him to be unwatchjable. So, it seems a good bet that to finally get a US distributor (and NBC/Universal was interested in at the time), the BBC most likely dropped that clause.

And what about the recent Christmas episode of the series and its impending second season launch this spring with 10th Doctor David Tennant? Well, Sci Fi does have the option of picking up those shows (and could air them between the fall finales of their hit Friday night line-up), but ratings will be the barometer.

But while we’ll have to wait until July for the American DVD release, I am pleased that the show is coming to broadcast TV. It’s just about time, though.

New Doctor Who delayed

So, I was kind of excited that the BBC was reversing their decision to release the new Doctor Who on DVD here in the States. They had already said that they were going to put the region 1 version on sale in Canada -because the CBC was also airing the show - on February 14. And after not finding a network -cable or broadcast - to air the show here, they said that they would also let Americans have it on that same day.

Now, for weeks, I've been watching and waiting for the Amazon.com to actually put the set on pre-order. But every time I went there, I saw this:

Availability: NOT YET RELEASED: The studio is currently not producing this title, but to be notified when it is available, enter your e-mail address at right. You'll also be voting for this release; we'll let the studio know how many customers are waiting for this title.

So, I went to the Canadian version of Amazon, but saw they didn't even post a thing about the release.

And now I know why. Thanks to tvshowsondvd.com, I discovered that the DVD release will be delayed here and most likely in Canada. No reason -as of yet - has been given for this delay, however there are two potential scenerios: 1), maybe that there is some manufacturing problem that is causing this change. 2), it is possible that a US sale of the show is near, and the release will be suspended as not to interfere with its sale.

I'm sure in the next few days, we'll have a clear picture. But, its still a disappointment.

The WB will launch Aquaman this fall.

His name is Will Toale. And if everything goes right -and why should it not with those looks - this new, brightly shiny guy with the new car smell will take on the role of Aquaman for the WB. And while the WB has a tendency to hire these way too beautiful men to play teenagers (hello, Tom Welling) Toale will play closer to his real age, which is 28.

Variety reported the news which is found via AquamanTV.com. "In the search for Aquaman, we saw over 400 people in England, Australia, Canada and several U.S. cities," series co-creator Alfred Gough told Variety. "We saw Will's tape over Christmas, and he was the only guy we took to the network. We call him 'the much-maligned Aquaman,' but when we first pitched Smallville, Superman was considered cheesy," Gough said. "In the comic, Aquaman's the lost king of Atlantis, but in our version, he is Arthur Curry, this twentysomething who owns a dive shop."

The writers sold the Aquaman pitch after a Smallville episode featuring the character -- played by one-time American Idol contestant Alan Ritchson -- drew strong ratings in October.

Little is known about Toale, but he was born in Florida, modeled (which must be a prerequisite for working on the WB) before landing a supporting role in A Streetcar Named Desire at Broadway's Roundabout Theater along with Natasha Richardson and John C. Reilly.

The pilot is expected to film this March in Miami, though there is no doubt the show will be picked up.

Daniel's book of TV problems

I guess the biggest problem that the Christians have with The Book of Daniel is that the Jesus portrayed here makes no judgment call on any of Daniel and his families sins, for a lack of a better word. This Jesus says nothing to Daniel about his pill popping habit, except "I thought you were cutting back." He says nothing about the gay son, the drug selling daughter or the hot to trot son who thinks with his dick. And not a peep about Mom’s need to have a martini at the drop of the hat.

But, that, is not what I would expect of Jesus, to be honest with you all. Sure, maybe a nudge here, a sly comment maybe, but Jesus - I’m assuming - is not going to judge me. That is -if there is something beyond this mortal coil - God’s territory.

I want to believe that there is something beyond this human existence. I remember back at the turn of the millennium, when a science guy was explaining in the grand scheme of the Earth’s existence, humans are a minor blimp on its course through the cosmos. It got me to thinking -and still does 6 years later - that I hope there is something - a heaven or a paradise - beyond here, and not like my brother who thinks this is it; that once you die, you become worm food. While there is some logical thought to it, that we are only here a short time and our only goal should be to reproduce and die out, like any other species on Earth.

However, through religion, we are told that there is a purpose for our existence, even beyond reproducing. Which is the heart of their argument about gays. Most gay men and women will not reproduce, which is an apparent sin in their eyes, vis through God. And their belief -and something they must cling to despite scientific evidence that supports it - that we gay people choose this "lifestyle."

The brain is a complex machine, and it will be decades or more before humans will fully map it, and in the end, it could still remain a mystery. This is not a liberal thought that persuades me that I did not choose this life. I know this is who I am. God, in His infinite wisdom, made me this way. How do I know? I don’t know, it’s just something that I feel with in every fiber of my being. It’s not like I convinced myself that this who I should be. My brain responds in a different way when dealing with men and females. Sure, I can appreciate the beauty of a woman, but they certainly don’t crank the engine.

Since they don’t, for some religious leaders, it is the evidence that I am sick, depraved, and given into the flesh. It’s like a Christian reviewer by the name of Jeffrey Oversteet gave his opinion on Brokeback Mountain on his site called closer look. Basically, while he liked the film from its technical style, his views on the subject matter became a cold, and calculated dissertation on sin.

"Brokeback Mountain" he writes, "is a film in which all kinds of people engage in all manner of wrongdoing. Yes, there are two men who hastily plunge into an intimate sexual bond, and as a result, their relationship narrows to become an unhealthy sexual obsession rather than a flourishing friendship and love — they become enslaved to their lust, and it disrupts the rest of their lives."

Which is true, from a perspective. And while even I can accept that - as he says in his personal beliefs -that "there is meaning in design, and that men and women were designed for each other in quite obvious ways, that the union of two fundamentally different sexes is the fulfillment of a purpose, and that the union of man and woman often bears fruit is a sign of that blessing."

I also -in my personal beliefs - that there is a randomness in everything and gay people are part of that randomness. That not everything is what its suppose to be. Humans are flawed creatures, and we do make choices that are not healthy for us. But while it would be nice to have a chorus of people to bounce issues of every time we need to make even a minor decision, we generally go with our first thoughts. Sometimes it works, other times it fails.

Of course, in the context of the film Brokeback Mountain, its time setting prevented these men from having a healthy life. They created a duplicitous world which is wrong. They ended up hurting themselves and their loved ones. But, again, the 60s was still a difficult time to be gay and as history has proven, it is thousands times more difficult in small towns and where religious activity drives people further into their own personal Hells.

Today, despite what religious leaders will lay claim to, being gay is more easy. Still, we have seen that these "leaders" can cause problems.

Such as Rev. Donald Wildmon, who is the chairman of the American Family Association. He did not sit through an episode of The Book of Daniel. Instead, just based on the promotional material and articles in trade magazines, he passed judgment on this show. It was attacking Christianity, and that would portray Jesus in "very unconventional"

But what I saw, while not Eric Camden of 7th Heaven, was a person caught up in all sorts of "TV problems." No family has this much going on, but that is what drama is all about. Most of 7th Heavens drama came from their kids - and outsiders - mistakes. Eric and his wife were -unlike a lot of parents I’ve known - so good and perfect. I posted earlier that the biggest problem with shows like 7th Heaven (and others like Highway to Heaven and Touched By an Angel) was that their stories became simplistic and were generally resolved by the end of the hour. It was as if they knew their metaphor was too complex, so they had to quickly resolve it, loess the viewing audience begins to think.

The Book of Daniel is not perfect, as I see no reason to continue to bring up Adam being Asian. Yeah, I understand that some exposition is needed in the pilot of a show, but I felt it was unnecessary, along with the mentioning he was adopted. It was obvious.

Is the show stereotypical? Yes, by goodness. Does that make it bad? No. I think all people have to realize that when the bright light of day is shown in all our hidden corners, we have things people don’t want to see. I can believe that there could be a pill popping priest out there, as much as I can accept that there could be a mother so overwhelmed by grief over the death of a son from leukemia that she needs a few dink to get through the day.

Still, while I guess its possible, I did find the female bishop, Beatrice Congreve (played by the impeccable Ellen Burysten) and the father of Daniel (Bishop Bertrum) a bit hypocritical -especially after the dinner sequence when the grandfather was quizzing Peter (the gay son) on why he was not seeing girls. I mean hey, his wife may have Alzheimer, but sleeping around with another women will seem just as bad as Peter being gay (at least in the context of Bible).

The other thing that bothered me was Grace’s passion for manga. I see no real good reason for her to do what she did, as having the talent to draw should not be considered a sin. Sure, historically, artists have always had a burden of no one understanding their passion. But as accepting as the family is of so many things -like no one realizes that Daniel is addicted to Vicodin or that nobody -including the maid - sees that Judith drinks too much, the gay son -that they would have problems with Grace drawing manga seems stupid.

And I won’t even touch the Catholic priest and the mob connection. Jebus, as Homer Simpson would say.

Still, we are a society divided not by important issues like food, environment, taxes, homelessness, health care and what not. No, what drives this United States is sexuality and abortion. Two important issues, in some respects, but ones that do not deserve the huge pie of problems we have.

Ronald Reagan helped dumb down America in the 80s with his blending of fact and fiction (and author Richard Reeves notes in his new biography of Reagan, that the former president "believed that a story repeated five times became truth", a dangerous idea that we still live with today). Religious leaders continue to do this today, going after "regular" Americans, as they call them, using fear, hatred and intimidation to accomplish goals that are in no way Christian. Entertainers like Pat Robertson and FOX News are shock jocks, just another form of Howard Stern they attack due to his ability to talk to people in a clear, no bullshit sort of way.

Wildmon attacked Daniel before he saw it, which just lessens my opinion of him. How many times have we been told not to judge things, people, until we "walk a mile in their shoes?" Sure, now that the show has aired, I expect him to condemn it even more.

But at least his opinion will mean something now.

The Book of Daniel does have flaws, but it also tries to show a more realistic look at a family. As I said, no family is that dysfunctional, but it also not far out of being impossible, either. TV is a great medium to explore these possible family situations. If they were perfect or if they resolved every thing in an hour, it does betray the non-fantasy aspect of the show.

To a certain point, I will try to ignore the more stereotypical aspects of the show, but underling the whole concept is that this is all a possibility. If life was like 7th Heaven, while that would be nice and all, it would also be boring.

Someday, I will talk about my sister-in-law. She is a sweet girl, but who was brought up so sheltered from the real world, that she sees everything in absolutes; all black and white. Even my dad, who was a hairs breath from becoming a priest, disagrees with her "moral" compass.
It will be a hoot.

Book of Daniel causes 2 NBC affiliates to drop show. Sigh.

Declaring he has never seen 7th Heaven or Joan of Arcadia (a drama that had God revealing himself to a high school girl in a variety of human visions), The Book of Daniel creator Jack Kenny insists his show isn't about religion."This is about a family," he told the Associated Press."The fact that Daniel is a (Episcopalian) priest is secondary. The church is the backdrop. This is no more about religion than Six Feet Under was about mortuaries."

However, burdening Daniel with a Vicodin habit, a gay son, a wife who drinks to hide her feelings about her dead son, another son who is bedding every girl he sees and a daughter who sells pot to make extra money is putting off some NBC affiliates."Daniel faces the same relatable problems that every father has to deal with," says Kenny. "And if the problems seem heightened because of what he does for a living, then that just raises the stakes. And that makes better drama."

So, once again, there are people on the Right are passing judgment on something they’ve yet to see. There is a man named Rev. Donald Wildmon, who is the chairman of the American Family Association who have been “attacking shows” that he disagrees with since the 1970s. He is using his web site to send e-mails to NBC Universal chairman Bob Wright complaining about The Book of Daniel. Wildmon is assailing NBC, also, for its very unconventional inclusion of Jesus himself, who is depicted in Daniel as having regular conversations with the priest.

Someone wrote that most Christian critic are quick to condemn a film or TV show because they object to certain “lifestyles” of its characters. But they also seem quick to judge anything that does not show a pious existence of Christianity. And to further show that people can be misguided, two NBC affiliates will pre-empt the Jan. 6 premiere of Daniel. KARK-TV of Little Rock, Ark., told TV Guide Online that it ordered the pre-emption after "careful consideration" of viewer feedback. But WTWO-TV in Terre Haute, Ind., said the decision has little to do with the series itself, according to The Hollywood Reporter. WTWO-TV said it would pre-empt Daniel to protest what the station views as the network's strong-arm approach to affiliates, as well inconsistent federal oversight of indecent content, the trade paper reported. Also, like the silly lambs they are, people have been calling and sending e-mails, at the AFA’s urging mind you, to NBC objecting to the series. But NBC stands by the show.

Again, beyond a few critics, no one has seen this show. So talk about judging a book by its cover.

"I think it's a pretty down-the-middle, wholesome show," says Aidan Quinn, in the AP article. ”I honestly don't think it's going to be nearly as controversial as some people may now be afraid of. It just has the courage to deal with some of the real issues that go in on people's lives."

"He is caught up in the modern malady of extreme busyness and stress," Quinn says. "But he can have moments of great lucidity and humor, and he cherishes his moments of quiet in the church, and in prayer.” Quinn adds that “ he’s a good man who wants to do right by his family and flock, keep up necessary appearances, and cleanse his soul." Communing with his inner self takes the form of those tete-a-tetes with Jesus -- a loving, good-humored comrade whose robes-and-beard style stands apart in the starchy, posh suburb just outside New York City.

The Book of Daniel is created by Jack Kenny, who was the executive producer of the sketch-comedy series Wanda at Large the creator of Titus, producer of Caroline in the City, and a staff writer on Dave's World. He wrote the pilot on spec, and according to him, “it took on a life of its own."

A gay man raised in the Catholic Church, Kenny says he drew on the WASP-y, emotionally guarded family of his life partner. "Michael," he says of his mate, "came from a world that is all about what is not said -- the hidden meaning in the words and sentences."

Meanwhile, WTWO's web site says it's pulling the show "due to e-mails and calls from viewers." In a statement, station general manager Duane Lammers says, "Our relationship with NBC always provided for the right to reject programming. I am reaffirming that right to let them know I will not allow them to make unilateral decisions affecting our viewers." He also takes a shot at the current regulatory climate in television: "I want to draw attention to the worst offenders of indecency on television -- the cable industry, which faces no decency regulations, nor a license renewal."

The affiliates' pulling of Daniel and the AFA's campaign against the show has not surprisingly drawn the fire of the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation. "It doesn't surprise me that the American Family Association would be afraid of this series -- it shows a family that's both deeply religious and loving and accepting of their gay son," says Damon Romine, entertainment media director for GLAAD.

It’s all about drama folks. 7th Heaven was more fantasy than anything, with all its problems wrapped up neat and tight. But it’s stories could never get really complex, if only because you could easily see the holes in their metaphors. Joan of Arcadia was great, because it did attempt to show a more realistic teenager with family problems. And even though the show had that same problem of neatly wrapping up everything in a so unrealistic way, it had it charms. The show did try to go in a different direction in season 2, only to find people wanted the same.

That was sad to see.

The Book of Daniel will use religion as a jumping board for other dramas in a family. While all might not be realistic, but no family is perfect including the family of Episcopalian priests.

Futurama to return?

In what could be only considered a late Christmas present, word has come from Variety that 20th Century Fox is in early discussions to bring back Futurama, the FOX animated show that ran from 1999 to 2003.

Like Family Guy, which was cancelled by FOX and then found a new life on DVD and The Cartoon Network so it was revived, the Matt Groening created series is seeing the same thing happening to it. Since its departure from FOX in 2003, the show has found a new life -and, more importantly - new fans, due to the DVD’s and repeated high-rated airings on CN (and to prove there is still life in those repeats, Comedy Central has stolen the show from CN and will begin airing them in 2008).

Despite winning three Emmy’s (including one for Best Animated Show in 2002), the show had a nomadic life on the network, with short seasons and late launches (the show ran five seasons, though technically only four were produced). With those long gaps between airings, the show never scored new fans beyond the ones who already adored the show.

In the meantime, the studio is interested in creating a “limited number” on new episodes, though at this early date, its too soon to know where they will air. Plus, they will have to negotiate with series voice stars Billy West (Fry), Katey Segal (Leela) and John DiMaggio (Bender) and the production team that produced the show.