November 2007 Archives

Sure, you've probably read my rant about the new show "Frank TV," but there are worse out there.

But there are worse.

Three names to consider:

--"Desperate Housewives": Cliche-ridden, this show is a prime time soap that has strangely won awards/
--"Dancing with the Stars": Why do so many people think it's fascinating to see Marie Osmond twirl? Who the hell ball-room dances anyway?
--"Project Runway": I look at some of the marvelous and exciting new books that on shelves at retailers, and I realize that watching people sew is much more enlightening. Oh yeah, and they're sassy.

It's the time of year when people look back and reflect on the highs and lows of the calendar. This year was mostly a high note, particularly for the U.S. Box Office, which set records across the board.

EW has nominated this year's best performers, which includes "The Sopranos," George Clooney and Katherine Heigl.

What will you remember 2007 for? Who emerged as one of our biggest stars?

Has the world gone mad, goes the rhetoric.

We know the answer. But for as long as I observe human nature from the status of columnist, journalist, human, I'll never understand why people on the greatest day of the year--Thanksgiving--would want to cut it short by getting up or never going to bed and head to the local Wal-Mart or Best Buy at 2 a.m.

Why do this?

Books are thousands of years old and TV doesn't stretch more than a century, yet I figure the average Ralph (I mean't that, it just sounds like a plumber from Milwaukee) couldn't name 50 of the greatest novelists.

When it comes to the 50 greatest TV icons, that discussion could stretch into a realm that media pundits would envy.

This Friday, the Sun challenged readers to consider a modern generation of TV types. Frankly, we're not thrilled by the sounds of variety shows.

Well, keep in mind that TV quality is at an all time low, writers are on strike, taxes on cable in Illinois are at absurd levels and there is next to no competition throughout the state...so shouldn't our cable TV be cheaper?

The Illinois House discussed bringing more competition into the state because of average monthly costs hovering around $59 per household (not including Internet service)--it's a long way from when TV was free.

Comcast, the largest cable provider in the state, is essentially opposed to any competition. In fact, it is the only cable provider in many areas. Now that the bill was signed by Gov. Rod Blagojevich in July, more competitors will be allowed to come into the area.

EW.com has riddled the idea that Carell could be a front-runner for best actor for his subdued performance in "Dan In Real Life." The movie received mixed reviews; so did Carell's performance.

What the argument is really about, rather, is whether a comedic lead role should be recognized as fine art?

I think so. Even Will Ferrell once said that there should be a Best Comedic Performance at the Academy Awards.

Fact is, comedians in great roles are usually snubbed. (Though Johnny Depp got close for his pirate in "Pirates of the Caribbean" a few years back. Jack Lemon, Dustin Hoffman have been taken seriously as funnymen.) They have to take on serious roles to get the Academy's attention.

So consider the mass of great comedic roles that were overlooked come award time: Sacha Baron Cohen in "Borat;" Vince Vaughn in "Made" (see this movie I promise you won't be disapointed) or "Wedding Crashers;" John Candy in "The Great Outdoors;" John Belushi in "Animal House," Nicholas Cage in "The Weatherman;" and Ben Stiller in "There's Something About Mary."

And many more in the past.

This isn't the stupid MTV deathmatch. This is real stuff. Apparently Fabio, the long-haired model, called George Clooney a "diva" and the two nearly came to blows at a restaurant before waiters could break it up.

Yes, life can be pleasing--even rewarding at times.

Who wouldn't want to see Fabio in a headlock while he tries to punch Clooney's leg, in a feeble attempt to inflict pain?

Face it, TV executives will go cheap if they can keep ratings up.

Most businesses will sacrifice the quality of their product for more profits. So if the head honchos at CBS, ABC, NBC and FOX can get away with more reality TV programmingthen they probably will.

Goodbye for now "30 Rock." Goodbye "Friday Night Lights."

So I ask you, what show are you going to miss most? Rather what are the five best shows on television?

On a scale of most annoying and cruel, Rosie O'Donnell's celebrity ranks about a 9.5. Only former "The View" host Star Jones ranks ahead with a perfect 10.

The actress/comedian/host is in talks to have her own show on MSNBC. Hint: It's not called "Dancing with the Lard."

The show is slated for 8 p.m. CT, which means that more people will be exposed to angry politics, Madonna references and show tunes than ever before. If there were a person whom I most like to see abolished from TV, it's O'Donnell. Of course, people like Donald Trump, Mark Cuban, Paris Hilton and Tyra Banks are some who should also be eliminated from our air waves.

Imagine being among the most successful authors that ever lived, and yet, having a lifetime to savor it. J.K. Rowling, the mind of Harry Potter, is doing just that and has sworn that Harry is done.

But I don't believe it (think George Lucas). Now she is working on her newest book.

The book is a bunch of illustrations and stories, called "The Tales of Beedle the Bard." Only seven will be available; they're being printed to raise money for a children's charity.

But I wonder, why is the British author so public lately?