Led by the most decorated coach in NBA history, Phil Jackson, Kobe Bryant the giant and the rest of the Lakers won the title again, playing amazing Basketball. Kobe no longer has a chip on his shoulder, and I can say again what I’ve said before, Bryant is up there with Magic, Bird, and yes, Michael Jordan. If you watched the game, you know what I’m talking about, if you didn’t, take my word for it.
According to an article in this week’s Newsweek, Israeli TV is quickly becoming the hottest commodity to hit Hollywood since Ben Stiller did his Derelicte schtick in Zoolander. Not to nuke the fridge here, but with acts like Yael Naim picking up steam in MacAir commercials and shows like HBO’sIn Treatment (B’tipul) managing to muster a modest, but staunchly loyal cult following, it’s not at all surprising that TV and film execs are looking to Israel to provide them with some much needed fresh and original programming. Have you seen NBC’s and ABC’s Summer programming? There’s not one show among the bunch that’s not reality TV.
It’s telling of Israel’s rising popularity and perhaps indicative of its viability as a fixture in the entertainment industry that network TV had followed in the footsteps of HBO and chosen to add and adapt an Israeli show, Mythological X, (about love, nonetheless) to their Fall roster. (To sneak a preview of The Ex-List, click here)Loaded, a FOX-produced show about dot-com millionaires is also slated to air in the Fall.
But aside from the creative, engaging story lines that Israel seems to have the capacity to deliver, why has Hollywood looked to another country to fulfill what seems to be a gaping hole in the U.S. entertainment industry at present? To quote Joshua Alston, “Israeli shows are cheap”:
“In Treatment” premiered new episodes five days a week over nine weeks. “We’re used to doing 12 or 13 episodes per season,” says HBO executive Michael Lombardo. “The cost-effectiveness of the show is what enabled us to take on this huge commitment of 45 episodes.
“The relatively low cost will allow U.S. networks to try out Israeli formats and give them space to find an audience. “In Treatment” premiered to sluggish numbers that would spell trouble for a pricier show. But it built steam by the end of the season, and performed well enough relative to its cost that HBO will launch a second season this fall.
What may be considered “shoestring budgets” by U.S. standards is fueling the passion and stamina of Israel’s entertainment industry and in turn delivering a premium product at a bargain rate. And as long as this translates to the end result being more Gabriel Byrne, then I’m one happy gal.
The Justice Department just approved a merger between former satellite radio arch-nemeses, Sirius and XM radio. In short, Sirius bought XM out for $5 billion. Maybe it’s just me, but I kinda miss the whole healthy, clean days of competition a la Battle of the Network Stars. Then again, with Howard Stern and Martha Stewart doing the Sirius circuit, I’m not sure even Oprah (& “Her Friends”) stood much of a chance…
I’m actually looking forward to this season of Dancing with the Stars. There I said it.
There seems to be some decent female competitors to match, if not, exceed the skill and potential of their male counterparts. And while this doesn’t usually happen, the buzz around this season’s most toted female dancers (Kristi Yamaguchi, Marlee Matlin, and Priscilla Presley) is pretty accurate and worthy of the praise.
As for the other female dancers…
Maybe I’m just tired of seeing Shannon Elizabeth in every conceivable American Pie sequel and Celebrity Poker challenge, but I’m not that excited to watch her onscreen strutting her stuff. I know I’m most likely in the minority here. I could just be guilty of old refrain, “She reminds me of every overly perky and arrogant popular girl I ever went to school with,” (only I never went to school with a girl quite like that)
By her own admission, Marissa Winokur doesn’t have the typical lithe dancer frame, but she is “flexible” with her movements (per my husband) and she stands a good chance of going somewhere, possibly losing some weight, but ultimately being eliminated before the finals.
Whatever skills Monica Seles may have had as a tennis player, she unfortunately lacks as a dancer. Let’s put it this way: She makes Penn Gillette look agile and Billie Ray Cyrus as something more than just his daughter’s oozing appendage.
I’ll cover the guys in another post. No new updates other than middle-aged white dudes can’t and shouldn’t dance, but older peeps (including dudes) usually garner enough sympathy to last for a couple more rounds.
Oscar ratings were dramatically down this year. This despite all the George Clooney pimping, the red dresses, and Sean Penn’s new arm candy. While the writers’ strike is rumored to be the primary culprit of ABC’s bad fortune in a year that was ripe with downer nominees, some fault needs to be shifted to the downright lack of charisma of the show’s host, John Stewart. Considering I had to wait till 10:50 PM before there was one comment that made me chuckle and that it’s all but erased from my memory, it can’t bode well for Stewart’s wittiness. Yeah, yeah, writers’ strike and there were 5 writers that had pitch in to write the telecast this year and they had fast turnaround given time restrictions, but isn’t Stewart a comedian after all? If Tina Fey can pull off of the more memorable SNL episodes to hit the tube in a long time, can’t Stewart work some magic? I always thought Stewart was a little bit of a whiny sissy anyways, but maybe he lacks that bitch is the new black factor after all…
The Oscars air tonight and since I’ve seen at least some of the films nominated, I have more of a vested interest in who wins and who doesn’t. The SAG and Golden Globes are usually somewhat of an indicator as to who will sweep, but as past years have shown, it’s not always a fool-proof litmus test.
But what about the other awards show of late?
Besides the fact that the Spirit (Independent Spirit) awards are the “coolest”- people get to actually show up in birkenstocks/tevas and it takes place along the beach after all in Santa Monica, there are the Razzies aka the “crappiest” (as my nephew would say) films of the year which were handed out just yesterday. At the top of the list was Eddie Murphy for worst actor, supporting actress, and supporting actor for his multiple roles in the flop, Norbit. Perhaps the most telling award was Lindsay Lohan picking up “Word Actress” for her role in I know Who Killed Me which may as well be called, I Know Who/What Killed My Career!
But back to the Oscars because while they might not be the hippest or funniest awards show, they are still the most prestigious for now and the ones that get the most play on national TV. Below is my list of this year’s winners. I’m not clairvoyant or anything, but I’d love to be a betting woman on these since I think I could accumulate some serious dough here…In bold is my pick for winner and with accompanying asterisk is my pick for “who knew” (either about the movie or why this person was nominated).
It’s kind of corny to repeat the same thing over and over again, but every day that goes by brings with him situations that make you think about The Office. Those little moments that of course are not as amusing as when they happen in Scranton, but still you stop and say: Hey, this reminds me of something from The Office… This guy looks like Kevin Malone… She is like Jen…
There is not much hope that we will get to see The Office or any other show if you come to think about it returning in the next month or so, and it is sad. But hey, at least we have Eli Stone played by Johnny Lee Miller tonight at 10/9c on ABC. Eli Stone is probably the best thing that happened on TV during the writers strike.
During the recent writers strike, we’ve been bombarded with TV shows that on normal days would never even be considered for American prime time TV or for any time actually. Now that the strike is finally over, and the writers are back at their desks, writing like there is no Mañana, and just before we are going to watch their recent creations, here are the four lowest levels of TV entertainment. Counting from worst to better:
Level 4: Reality TV: I know people are addicted to reality TV, and I understand that the desire to peak into other people’s lives might cause resistance to this post by those people. Nevertheless, Reality TV has the same features as Porn. Like porn it is being semi- directed, the participant are semi- actors, using semi- script. And the most important thing is: The viewers are convinced that they are watching the real thing. Well they are not.
Exceptions: One, The Biggest Loser. This show actually encourages people to take positive steps in improving their lives.
Level 3: Season long contests: This level is dedicated to some of the most watched shoes in the country, and includes but not limited to: American Idol, Dancing With The Stars, The Apprentice, and more. These shows are rubbish. The joy of looking at 3 judges, so full of themselves, criticizing and slaughtering the poor contestants who should have probably known better then to participate in the first place. Recent revelations regarding the new season of American Idol only emphasis how these shows are handled, by who, and for what purpose.
Exceptions: None.
Level 2: Substitute Game Shows: These are horrible, the worst of the worst. These shows were rejected by the networks, but still managed to film a couple of episodes. And just because something happened (like a writer’s strike,) they are being aired. Last night’s My Dad Is Better Then YourDad was and amazing example, in normal times, this show will not pass as a substitute for an infomercial. And don’t you start talking to me about Seinfeld, who started as a substitute, it wasn’t a game show.
Exceptions: None.
Level 1: Game Shows: There are all sorts of game shows, so excuse me for gathering all of them under one roof. Game Shows are what we watch when there is nothing else on, or when we are waiting for one of our favorite shows to start. It is often extremely boring, and may cause you to fall asleep earlier then what you had planed. But there are good sides to the genre: A. No need to follow up. You don’t need to wait a whole season to see who won. B: After a hard day, when your brains can’t take any more information, it’s a guarantee these shows will not make it harder on you.
Exceptions: One, Moment Of Truth. This show should not have been produced at whole, absolutely terrible.
How dare I even ask… Of-course it’s on tonight, in fact, not one, but two episodes will air, one after the other. Now don’t get me wrong here, I like TV, and I like TV series. But there is something about Lost that I just can’t stand. Maybe it’s this collection of amazing people, who just happen to be together on the same plane when it crashes on that island, or maybe it’s just that the acting is not so good, or the story is boring, or all of the above, and then some more. I am aware of the fact that other Amaldo’s Blog writers absolutely adores the show, but every Thursday for two hours, I actually appreciate the fact that we have another TV set at home.
At least after Lost there is a new Eli Stone episode.
If you’re a Lost fan, it’s hard imagine what next after a season finale which featured never-before-seen previews of the life after the island (yes, they do manage to get off somehow); a climactic showdown between the show’s two bitter rivals/archenemies; the death of a beloved, yet flawed character who left us with a fateful message or one that’s construed as such anyways; and a possible pregnancy forcing the Jack/Sawyer/Kate love triangle storyline to its near breaking point.
With build-up in tension like that, it’s easy to see the rationale behind ABC waiting 8 mos to launch a new season of their most popular show and even more so why there was no way the premiere could hold a candle to the fireworks that ignited back in May.
Still, my biggest pet peeve about the Lost season premiere on Thursday was the lack of imagination and forethought into the characters’ development. And most of all, this overplay of the same 2-dimensional theme that the island holds some magical force which perpetuates good and that once you’re off the island you become dysfunctional and your entire sense of equilibrium gets shifted off-kilter to the brink of insanity.
Case-in-point: the anti-burly Hurley aka Hugo. Read More…
More proof that he writers’ strike is putting a serious dent on the availability of celebrities for late night appearances on talk shows: A guest on her longtime boyfriend, Jimmy Kimmel’s talk show last night, Sarah Silverman had a seriously scandalous confession to make to her honey.
I’ll give you a hint: While Jimmy Kimmel’s home drinking diet snapple, Sarah is [insert blog subject header] on the bed and on the floor.
Tonight marks the return of the only show on TV that can possibly make the writers’ strike feel a bit less painful for all of us. Where we left off last season, Through the Looking Glass, we saw a glimpse of what the future held for both Jack and Kate after they returned from the island and reclaimed at least a piece of their former lives. Notice, I conveniently left off the inclusion of “selves” in the previous sentence. That is because the future was not so bright for Jack as he seemed unable to reconcile his past with his present, or rather, future as the case may be.
SPOILER ALERT!
A preview of tonight’s episode, eerily titled, The Beginning of the End which starts at 8/9 PM picks up where last season ended with Jack and Kate rejoicing in their preeminent rescue (and the thought of seeing other people aside from the rest of the incestuous crew perhaps) and with others like Ben and Locke who are not quite so excited by the prospect of getting off the island and getting back to their former lives. To throw a wrench into all of this, Desmond rejoins the group and bears a dying message from Charlie that the rescuers might be up to no good.
Be sure to stay tuned for the Amaldo post-Lost show, er, um, blog post.
Last night’s new episodes of 30 Rock, and the one of My Name Is Earl, were the exception that proves the rule. There is nothing to see on TV. With the writers strike going nowhere, we are stuck with a bunch of crappy reality shows, and with Jay Leno who writes his own stuff…
One might think, that with the lack of good TV, we would embrace different activities such as poetry or at least go to the gym, but the fact is that we just keep on starring at the screen and as usual being stuffed with shit. Only this time, the shit stinks more. Please come back writers, we need you.
Text messaging can be deadly. Especially when mixed with deaf beauty queens, railroad tracks, and oncoming trains. [CNN]
“My daddy died in Iraq. What did yours do to win Hannah Montana tickets?” [CNN]
Mel Gibson’s drunken, xenophobic rant tirades were actually so last year. [The Smoking Gun]
We mourned Tony Soprano and the end of an era. And that song by Journey that helped revive Steve Perry’s career tenfold. [YouTube]
We are all sinners and going to Hell to hang out w/the homos (according to Mike Huckabee) and Anna Nicole. Besides, she’s already keeping the place warm for Howard K. Stern. [Wonkette]
The joke fodder that couldn’t die a proper death: Larry Craig’s public bathroom etiquette. Personally, I prefer using stalls with the disposable seat covers. [About.com]
I’m a lover scorned. A meerkat whose mother has been viciously killed by a snake leaving me to make my way thru the wild without any well-trained defenses or line of attack. I’m Rambo without any ammo and Schwarzenegger without the Kennedy connections and steroids that made him.
I’m also fed up with the writers’ strike and feeling pangs of loss that can best be expressed thru the myriad of metaphors above.
And how it could potentially affect my January, no wait my FEBRUARY? That’s right, Lost fans will have to wait till February now to see just where things left off post-Looking Glass. Given that the show’s executive producer is claiming that only 8 shows have been written out of the regular 16, and that the final 8 will tie up all the loose ends presented in the first 8 (and that I happen to LIVE for resolutions), you can understand why the writers’ strike is getting me down.
I can do without Leno and his glib comments to Halle Berry, grimace at Tina Fey as she takes to the picketing stands (she is an executive producer after all) and bands with her fellow starving artists (?), but seeing writer/creator/executive producer Damon Lindelof lament the plight of writers (and himself) not getting their/his share of the moola generated by all the new media around makes me wanna lose the one I’m with and start a new relationship.
We understand fame and new-found fortune is enough to even make a decent man turn to debauchery. But really, how long do the producers at Lost think that they can play with their fanbase before their numbers of viewers start to diminish?
“I don’t know how you measure levels of being deaf, but we couldn’t hear anything out there.” No, it’s not a part of a war veteran memoir, nor one of a demolition expert. This quote belongs to New England Patriots QB Tom Brady, talking about the crowd noise on the Sunday game in the RCA Dome Vs. the Colts. Yahoo! reports that The NFL is looking into allegations that the local team piped in noise during the game, to help distract opponents when the other team is on offense. From what I hear, it’s not the first time this is happening. If one rule fits all, the Colts should be punished the same way the Patriots were punished after the ridicules Spygate thing with the Jets.
I simply hate Dancing With The Stars! I know that I don’t reflect the mainstream- TV consuming average Joe, but it’s the truth. And now, not only that the show is getting even more attention after Marie Osmond was Fainting With The Stars on live TV before the eyes of an amazed nation, Uri Geller’s Phenomenon will premier tonight live on NBC. Between these two shows, I believe we would have a 100% of captive audience, if it wasn’t for Manny, Big Papi, Youk, and the rest of the Red Sox gang, who are playing in World Series tonight, and will be ranked the highest in the Boston area ratings. Let’s go Red Sox.
Now that Lindsey Lohan is out of the famous Utah rehab center, David Hasselhoff can check into the vacant space. The Hoff was hospitalized for detox. his representative, Judy Katz told Access Hollywood:”David had a brief relapse and immediately recognized the importance of addressing it with the assistance of his doctors. He is doing fine and will be back home in the morning.” Conclusion: If you are a has been Actor/Singer/ Any kind of celebrity known to the human race, get drunk or stoned, try to drive (works even better with your kids on board,) If it works out, get in jail/ rehab for a few days, and you will get your career back. If you choose not to do that, your only other option is to join the next season of Dancing With The Stars.
I’m actually looking forward to this season of Dancing with the Stars. There I said it.
Oscar ratings were 
The Oscars air tonight and since I’ve seen at least some of the films nominated, I have more of a vested interest in who wins and who doesn’t. The SAG and Golden Globes are usually somewhat of an indicator as to who will sweep, but as past years have shown, it’s not always a fool-proof litmus test.
It’s kind of corny to repeat the same thing over and over again, but every day that goes by brings with him situations that make you think about 
Level 3: Season long contests: This level is dedicated to some of the most watched shoes in the country, and includes but not limited to: 
Level 2: Substitute Game Shows: These are horrible, the worst of the worst. These shows were rejected by the networks, but still managed to film a couple of episodes. And just because something happened (like a writer’s strike,) they are being aired. Last night’s 
excuse me for gathering all of them under one roof. Game Shows are what we watch when there is nothing else on, or when we are waiting for one of our favorite shows to start. It is often extremely boring, and may cause you to fall asleep earlier then what you had planed. But there are good sides to the genre: A. No need to follow up. You don’t need to wait a whole season to see who won. B: After a hard day, when your brains can’t take any more information, it’s a guarantee these shows will not make it harder on you.
How dare I even ask… Of-course it’s on tonight, in fact, not one, but two episodes will air, one after the other. Now don’t get me wrong here, I like TV, and I like TV series. But there is something about Lost that I just can’t stand. Maybe it’s this collection of amazing people, who just happen to be together on the same plane when it crashes on that island, or maybe it’s just that the acting is not so good, or the story is boring, or all of the above, and then some more. I am aware of the fact that other Amaldo’s Blog writers absolutely adores the show, but every Thursday for two hours, I actually appreciate the fact that we have another TV set at home.
Last night’s new episodes of 30 Rock, and the one of My Name Is Earl, were the exception that proves the rule. There is nothing to see on TV. With the writers strike going nowhere, we are stuck with a bunch of crappy reality shows, and with Jay Leno who writes his own stuff…
Text messaging can be deadly. Especially when mixed with deaf beauty queens, railroad tracks, and oncoming trains. [
“I don’t know how you measure levels of being deaf, but we couldn’t hear anything out there.” No, it’s not a part of a war veteran memoir, nor one of a demolition expert. This quote belongs to New England Patriots QB Tom Brady, talking about the crowd noise on the Sunday game in the RCA Dome Vs. the Colts. 
I simply hate Dancing With The Stars! I know that I don’t reflect the mainstream- TV consuming average Joe, but it’s the truth. And now, not only that the show is getting even more attention after Marie Osmond was Fainting With The Stars on live TV before the eyes of an amazed nation, Uri Geller’s Phenomenon will premier tonight live on NBC. Between these two shows, I believe we would have a 100% of captive audience, if it wasn’t for Manny, Big Papi, Youk, and the rest of the Red Sox gang, who are playing in World Series tonight, and will be ranked the highest in the Boston area ratings.
Now that Lindsey Lohan is out of the famous Utah rehab center, David