A double feature of ugliness for your viewing pleasure, courtesy of Countdown with Keith Olbermann.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22425001/vp/23566968#23566968
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Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder
3 Mar
There was nothing good on TV Sunday night, so I scanned through my old DVR recordings and decided to re-watch an episode of Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip called “The Long Lead Story,” one of three episodes of the show I saved (the others being the pilot and the instant-classic Xmas episode). I knew I liked this show when it was on (mostly, anyway — it could be hit and miss), but man, was this a great episode. That Aaron Sorkin, when he’s on his game, there’s no one better. Christine Lahti was a very good guest star, the dialogue crackled, Sting played the lute, the show within a show was actually kinda funny, and Nate Corddry spends a chunk of the episode in a lobster costume. So yeah, nearly a year and a half after this episode aired, it’s still impressive — although I started to wonder: whatever happened to that long lead story Lahti’s character was working on? If I’m correct, that plot thread was completely dropped and the story never appeared. Anyway, I miss Studio 60. Or at least I miss the good episodes of the show. Maybe I’ll buy the complete series on DVD so I can re-watch the entire thing — and I can see if that story did ever run.
Jimmy’s "Revenge"
25 FebYou may recall a couple weeks ago that Sarah Silverman announced on her boyfriend Jimmy Kimmel’s show that she was, ahem, sleeping with Matt Damon. Well, last night on his post-Oscars show, Jimmy got his revenge with the help of guest — and Matt’s best bud — Ben Affleck, not to mention a boatload of big names (watch for the cameos by Brad Pitt and Harrison Ford). Check it out.
Not to state the obvious, but if this has any shread of truth (and yes, yes, I know it’s a big joke), then that certainly paves the way for me and Ms. Garner.
Good Show!
25 Feb
What can I say about this year’s Oscars? It was the best, most enjoyable show in quite some time. The winners were spread out across a few films (even The Bourne Ultimatum won three), and most of the winners spoke very well. Of course, I was very happy about Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova winning Best Song for “Falling Slowly,” the song from Once (and I loved what Glen and Marketa had to say — and that Marketa got a second chance to speak), and I liked that There Will Be Blood won not only for Best Actor but also for Best Cinematography. I liked the “surprise” of Tilda Swinton winning Best Supporting Actress for Michael Clayton too; that category could have gone any one of four ways, with all four deserving of the award. But really, my favorite part of the show was not Jennifer Garner (surprise!) or even Keri Russell but Jon Stewart, who simply rocked as the host. He had so many great lines, he had a lot of confidence, he was hip and cool, and he just did a really nice job. I loved when he came back from a commercial break and was playing Wii Tennis. (Here’s a link to the text of his very funny monologue.) The show felt like it moved very quickly, even if it did last about 3:17, and I just had a great time watching. I even enjoyed the montages — especially the Bee one (me! me! me!). Props to Jonah Hill and Seth Rogen for their presenting. And on the subject of Jen Garner, no one knows what was up with that Gary Busey ambush, but here’s how he defended himself. So, another year over. Now onto a new year of movies.
Great with Social Cues
24 FebThis is from Saturday’s back-from-the-strike, Tina-Fey-hosted episode of Saturday Night Live:
Have I Got a Show for You
19 Feb
Just a quick TV PSA: A filmed version of the recent Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim’s Company, which I saw and loved, will be making its television debut Wednesday night on your local PBS station.
Check the local listings for the station and time in your city.
Here’s a link to an excerpt from the opening number.
If you can’t watch the show Wednesday, don’t worry: it’s going to be repeated a few times over the next couple weeks.
Or just set your DVR. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Quick Thoughts
19 FebAfter the rain stopped, Monday was a really nice day.
Teflon-coated pots are excellent. One of the best inventions ever.
I wish I had given Gossip Girl more of a chance and hadn’t given up on it after the first episode.
We’re negotiating, and I should have a decision on the apartment on Tuesday. I’m now feeling more 65-35 as far as excitement and nervousness go.
Ben & Jerry’s Crème Brûlée ice cream is so so so good.
I’m rooting for a There Will Be Blood Best Picture upset on Sunday.
There’s something about seeing baseball players practicing down in Florida, smiling, happy, with the sun shining, that makes everything all right.
Are you on Facebook? Why not? Sign on and let’s be friends.
Days off would be more enjoyable if there was something good on TV in the morning. At least on Saturdays there’s three hours of repeats of 90210 and two of The O.C.
Which is the more annoying instrument to listen to: violin or the flute?
I don’t think there’s any movie in theaters right now that I haven’t seen that I want to see.
My early American Idol favorites are Amanda Overmyer, a.k.a.: the rocker nurse, and Michael Johns. Kristy Lee Cook is cute, but she won’t get past the top 8. And David Archuleta is overrated. And anyone who sings “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” will never win, much less make it to the top 12.
Sometimes when scrolling through the names and numbers in my cell phone I’ll come across Bubby and I’ll be tempted to call. I wish I could.
Next week, March 1 to be exact, marks the 11th anniversary of the day I moved to Boston. Still the best decision I’ve ever made.
I own way way way too many books, CDs, and DVDs.
Can’t believe I still haven’t finished The Year of Living Biblically.
Kupels went and raised their prices, and in so doing went from being a great deal to a total rip-off.
When I move, I think I’m going to hire a cleaning person to come regularly.
Some movies I can watch over and over and never get tired of them. The Shawshank Redemption is one of them.
Long weekends are great … until you have to go back to work the next morning.
Yes, Yes, Yes …
11 FebCongrats to Amy Winehouse for winning five very well deserved Grammy Awards and basically making the 3.5-hour show worth watching (or at least 10 minutes of it). If you missed the show, I’ve posted her performance of “You Know I’m No Good” and “Rehab.” Enjoy.
No, No, No …
7 Feb
Amy Winehouse will not be attending the Grammy Awards this Sunday. This is terrible, terrible news for folks like myself who were rooting for her to be there and win all kinds of awards. Hopefully she’ll still take home a few trophies, despite her recent troubles and her absence from the ceremony itself. Continue reading
How Do You Like Them Apples?
4 FebIf you don’t already know, Jimmy Kimmel and Sarah Silverman have been dating for more than five years now. Sarah was on Jimmy’s show last week to present him with this video she made for his 40th birthday. Check it out. Good, good comedy, but it’s NSFW so watch with headphones on.
(And thanks to EW.com for the tip.)
Martin's Musings 
