31 August 2007

The Office Season Promo Clip

Hey, Dunderheads, do you know what the gang did last summer?

Isaiah dodges a Bionic Punch

To those missing Isaiah Washington on Grey's Anatomy...here he is, almost getting a beating from Michelle Ryan aka Jaime Sommers aka Bionic Woman:

Photo from TV Addict


The good news is, that is, the good news after viewing its disappointing pilot episode leakage, the improvements they have done to the show has been very positive. We are potentially in for a good show.

By the way, if you're curious as to what the old Bionic Woman series was like, here's a tip: Youtube is your new best friend. :)

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Ugly Betty Scene Photos - Season 2 Episode1

Oh, how I love these! It looks straight out of a Mexican telenovela, making the idea clever and definitely funny!





Wanna see more photos? Check SpoilerTV

Poll Results - Anticipated New Show and Returning Drama Series

I conducted a poll for more than a month on this blog and asked which new show you're anticipating the most and which returning drama series are you excited to watch again.

An astounding 66% is anticipating Private Practice. And 54% cannot wait to watch the Season 4 of Grey's Anatomy.

Click this to enlarge


Thanks to all who took part in the poll. :)

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Miss ya!

The hubby wants us to move. I mean, pack our belongings and start a new life in another place. He went to the south for a workshop he and his colleague were invited to conduct. He decided to stay behind for five more days, which surprised me since my husband isn't the type to do that.

Me: Are you serious?
Hubby: Yes! It's a golden opportunity...I want to tour the city some more.
Me: But you'll be all alone. In your hotel room. Do you not remember 1408?
Hubby: Ito naman kesa sa palakasin loob ko tatakutin pa ako! [Instead of making me comfortable, you had to scare me!]

:D

Yesterday, he went about the city all by himself. From time to time I'd get text messages from him:
  • Mommy, I'm going to try and do a Lonely Planet series.
  • I got so many beautiful pictures!
  • Ang babait ng mga tao dito! [The people here are so nice]
  • Ang mura ng pagkain dito! [Food is cheap] 60 pesos for everything including dessert and drinks!
  • Sobrang busog ako. [I'm so full.]
  • Ang itim ko na!!! [My skin has turned darker!]
  • Pahingi ng load! (Hehehe...)
That night, when we talked on the phone, the first thing he blurted out was we have to move there. He has fallen in love with the city, no doubt. If there's another reason for him to stay longer, I'd think he would. He has changed his return flight to Manila three times, actually.

Interestingly enough, while he's been gone this long, I would have hoped to be spending more of my time watching TV shows. But I have barely done that. I have also barely slept because I have been doing so many other things with my "temporary" independence....things I cannot squeeze into normally. I now realize that part of why I spend too much time watching TV is because of my husband. I conclude he drove me to the addiction. :D

Me: Please don't change your flight schedule anymore. You have to go home.
Hubby: Why? Have you been missing me?
Me: Because I have been not been able to watch what I should be watching on TV.
Hubby: How is that my fault?
Me: Coz if you're here and you incessantly pester me --- which is, like, all the time --- I can tune you out by retreating to TV-watching.

Actually, that? It's just my way of saying I miss his presence. :)

Thanks to the beautiful people of Iloilo for taking care of him while he's there.

30 August 2007

Australian Idol - Group 4 (Girls)

The second group of girls to compete for the 7th and 8th spot of Australian Idol's Top 12 performed last night. I don't remember a couple of them. They didn't have much airtime during the audition rounds.

Worth a look is Brianna Carpenter's number. Every year, Australian Idol brings in someone quirky, someone not necessarily fitting the "pop" mold an Idol winner is normally packaged as. And that's another reason why I love this one better than the American version...they embrace all kinds of music/talents.

Also worth mentioning is Rosie Robbins, who have done the whole Idol scene two or three years before, having won Top 6 in UK Idol. But I think she didn't do well with her song last night. In fact, Rosie oversang it.

Anyway, the video:


Song List:
Sarah Lloyde — "And I Am Telling You" (Jennifer Holliday)
Morgan Hosking — "You Learn" (Alanis Morissette)
Holly Weinert — "Easy" (The Commodores)
Madison Pritchett — "When You're Gone" (Avril Lavigne)
Brianna Carpenter — "Fidelity" (Regina Spektor)
Rosie Ribbons — "Everybody Hurts" (R.E.M.)

Results for this batch is tomorrow. And we're also going to find out who among the rejects will be given the second chance and compete during the Wildcard Round this Sunday evening.

Update...I was mistaken with the time (or day) the result is known. It happened just a few hours ago. Brianna and Holly are officially in the Top 12.




Australian Idol - Group 3 (Boys) & Results of Group 2 & 3

Previously on Australian Idol...

Tarasai, the girl with the power voice who also looks like the lady judge; and Lana, cute, sweet and so High-School-Musical-ish, both make it to Top 12.

What they sang:
Tarasai Vuche — "River Deep, Mountain High" (Tina Turner)
Lana Krost — "Big Girls Don't Cry" (Fergie)
Review the girl's performances



It's down to Round 3...Again this is a bit late because the results have already been casted. I haven't been able to watch this installment in its entirety but I think the feedback has been better than the first group of boys.

Here's a peek:



Song List:
Mark Da Costa — "Whole Lotta Love" (Led Zeppelin)
Ben McKenzie — "Mad World" (Gary Jules's version of the Tears for Fears original)
Jack Byrnes — "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" (U2)
Dave Andrews — "That's Freedom" (John Farnham)
Lyall Adonis — "Desperado" (Eagles)
Marty Simpson — "Over My Head" (The Fray)

Don't you just love their song choices? From the first group to this group, it has been very diversified. That's what I love about this Idol.

Who made it from this batch? These two, mainly because of the "youth" vote or something:



Group 4 & the Wildcard round up next!


29 August 2007

O, Juday!

My 9year old is into telenovelas these days, particularly the one starring Juday. He reasons the drama series lets him sleep faster. And on top of that, he's brushing up on his Tagalog, something he really needs to improve on since he's having a hard time coping with his Filipino and Sibika subjects.

I don't mean that to sound like he's growing up elitist. We speak Tagalog at home, of course. I even sometimes speak in my proudly Dabawenyo intonation when mindlessly talking with family members (bitaw!).

What Filipino household still make use of the words "maneho" or "barbero" --- evidently simple Tagalog words --- in everyday conversation these days? Hardly, na man no? We don't say "maneho" anymore. We say drive, or dribe, or drayb. We don't say barbero anymore. We say parlor, barber or haircut. It's the same thing, anyway. Who still calls their better half "irog"? I bet even your grandpa doesn't use that word anymore and has taken to calling your boyfriend as "boypren" or sige na nga, "nobyo".

But it's a different thing when my son has to answer homeworks, test papers and quizzes or write theme compositions in Tagalog at school. His books contain words our grandparents or great-grandparents have been accustomed to. And rightfully so. The young ones still need to learn our beautiful language as much as they need to learn and practice old Filipino values.

Anyway, back to my 9year old.... I was actually the one who pushed him to start watching something Tagalog to brush up on his vocabulary. And as much as I know 65%-75% of what is on local TV is trash, (I'm being generous here, my friends claim it's 100% bad, haha!) if I wanted my son to increase his Tagalog vocabulary, it's one way of helping him out. I just hope he doesn't grow up becoming hysterically distressed, which most telenovela characters become. :P

In time, I will try to divert his interest with good old black and white Tagalog movies from the 60's era (Nida Blanca!!!) that sometimes air in Cinema One. Now, those have some deep Tagalog words that even I might have the need to check a Pinoy dictionary myself.



Last night, Juday said "Tiyong" to address an Uncle in the TV Show Ysabella. I asked my son if he knows what that means and naturally he didn't. So I told him it means Uncle and "Tiyang" would have to be the female equivalent.

This morning, he started calling my brother, his uncle, Tiyong [my brother's petname]. And he would snicker every time he'd say it because my brother's petname rhymes with Tiyong. My 9year old found something very amusing in that.

Crazy kid.

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Australian Idol - Group 2 (Girls) & Results of Group 1

Previously on Australian Idol...

These boys make it to Top 12:
Matt Corby — "I Wish" (Stevie Wonder)
Jacob Butler — "Chasing Cars" (Snow Patrol)
Review the boys' performances



It's not surprising for Matt to be up there. He pretty much have the slot in the bag, what with his charming good-looks and promising talent. His being there poses a challenge for him. At 16, how flexible is he gonna be?

Jacob, on the other hand, has proven himself to be a seasoned performer. Many have appreciated his rendition of "Chasing Cars", which is probably why he is there instead of Matt's scarf-twin, Daniel (who I think will definitely be getting on board when he makes it to the wildcard round).

On to the next group, the first six girls...Still not blown away. But I give credit for their song choices. ;) I got these videos late so I know the results already but I'll leave that one out for the next entry.

Here are the girls:



Song List
Sally Van der Zwart — "Never Again" (Kelly Clarkson)
Natalie Gauci — "Hurt" (Christina Aguilera)
Cheray Doughty — "Tell Me About It" (Joss Stone)
Tarisai Vuche — "River Deep, Mountain High" (Tina Turner)
Jesse Curran — "One" (U2)
Lana Krost — "Big Girls Don't Cry" (Fergie)

Of all the girls, it's Jesse Curran who isn't getting any love from the public because of her involvement in this very recent scandal.

28 August 2007

Private Practice Set Photos

So why are these two dressed in just bathrobes?



1. The costume people forgot their outfits.
2. That's the fashion statement they are making. The wet look is back and a "bathrobe" is the new little black dress.
3. Him and her get it together, a secret rendezvous by the beach? (So very Grey's Anatomy, switching partners and all that!)
4. The scene calls for a "very casual get-together" at the beach?

More photos from Kate Walsh Uncut


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Twenty four seven

I interrupt the program for this minor ranting.

Some hour and 30 minutes ago, my cellphone rang. At 2:30 in the morning, sometimes that can spell something alarming. Is someone from my family having an emergency? My husband, who is out of town on business, was naturally the first one that came to mind. I looked at the cellphone and did not know the number. It could not have been my husband because it came from a Manila landline I didn't recognize.

So, at 2:30 in the morning, I ignored the call.

After 5 minutes, my cellphone rang again. And it rang a third time when I still ignored it. By then, my body was unwilling to nudge from the bed, but my mind was racing... It could be from a hospital, someone in my family must be calling my cellphone using a landline....But why would they do that, they have their cellphones with them all the time? Maybe they got into an accident and crushed their cellphone? Unlikely! Maybe it's a stalker? A prankster? It has happened before.... Did I just reveal too much on the internet this week?

From initially a feeling of detachment, to curiosity, to concern, to worry and finally, to grief, in briefly five minutes I was experiencing minor emotional torture.

At 2:30 in the morning.

While tossing and turning in bed, my landline suddenly rang. This time, I could not ignore it. It really must be an emergency!

I picked up the phone and tried to find my sleepy voice....

Me: (voice croaking) Hello.....
Guy on the phone: Uhm, good morning. Is this [business name]?
Me: ....Yes? (It sure doesn't sound like an emergency!)
Guy on the phone: Uhm, hi! I got your number from the email.... (noticeably perky voice at 2:30 in the morning, noticeable accent, the ESL accent). I called [husband's name] but he told me to call this number instead (You called my husband? At 2:30 in the morning? You woke him up? Oh, no! I feel so sorry for you now...Did he snarl at you? He must have snarled at you! You woke him up!)
Me: Uh-huh....
Guy on the Phone: I was wondering if you have [proceeds to talk business] ..... (You called me up at 2:30 in the morning for that? What kind of person are you?!) ...

He proceeded to ask me questions about products and service. And I was shaking my head in frustration. On a normal, godly hour, say between 8 am to 6 pm, I would have been a lot more accommodating. Sensing that I was in no mood to discuss business with him at that time and sensing that he had awful timing (Hah! Understatement!), he apologized and then said that if it works out, he was going to be a regular client or customer.

Is that supposed to make me feel okay about it? >:(

I asked him, in my most polite voice at the very least, to call back at the proper time and then I tried getting back to sleep, to no avail of course.

A similar incident happened over the weekend. It was from another one of my husband's clients. I think I should mention that yes, I do handle some of these "customer service" matters for him, especially when he's out of town. Anyway, the client sends a text inquiry on a Sunday morning, while I was doing groceries at a crowded mall, with my 9year old who kept wandering at the store, making the situation a bit more stressful than it already is (crowded malls, ugh!). Being a weekend, a holiday weekend at that, I decided to just lay low and address the inquiry later, as in --- on a proper business day.

To my annoyance, the same person sent an email a couple of hours later. His message went something like this: I sent a text message but did not receive any reply. I hope you're not closing business.

I wanted to email back: WTF?! You did not get a reply right away....and you conclude we're closing business? It's a Sunday!!! Tomorrow's a national holiday! Did it not occur to you that people do take advantage of this?

But instead I sent a courteous email, albeit with a similar message...I took out WTF. Haha.

These people should not get away with it.

In the advent of businesses taking it to the next level, with all these 24 hour services they offer and the fact that a slightly bigger percentage of the work force now keep jobs during graveyard shifts (thanks to a booming call center industry), it occurred to me that the term "business hours" is no longer applicable and is observed less and less. These two clients are from that industry and this is not meant to generalize people, please don't mistake that. But maybe some of those who work these shifts may have forgotten how it normally is. Or worse, they assume everyone else is on the same frequency.

I just find that rather insensitive. >:(

On the other hand, I do make the mistake of bothering clients who, I find out later, have worked the graveyard shift and are sound asleep at 9:00 AM. :P

Still, the two particular clients must have to be made aware ours isn't a 24-hour service, right?

To not be perceived as insensitive, who's gonna make the adjustments with whom? Am I supposed to understand when a client incessantly calls at 2 AM?

And so...here I am beginning my day with a rant.

I was all bent on starting this day right. My itinerary and to-do list was already carefully mapped in my head. The Virgo freak that I am, I even planned the time for my r & r today. It was gonna be smooth and perfect. I'm one of those who superstitiously believe that if I started the week right, it will extend for the whole week.

That call at 2:30 in the morning threw me off-track. Shit.

27 August 2007

Australian Idol - Group 1 (Boys)

Weak...that's the best way (worst way?) to describe Australian Idol's first group who performed last night. I have no idea what's going on, Australia. These boys were the favorites in the audition and I actually thought they bunched up the best ones in the first group. I'm totally wrong about that now.

The performances went from "meh" to "ho-hum".... so mediocre. And that's not the way Australian Idol is. It left me with very little good impressions.

But I give all of them plus points for image and presentation. The boys each had a specific look and style that sets them apart from each other. But they aren't judge for that, are they?



Give me something to clap about, a performance that will knock me off my feet!

Song List:
Matt Corby — "I Wish" (Stevie Wonder)
Junior Tu'o — "Dear Mr President" (Pink)
Carl Riseley — "Home" (Michael Bublé)
Daniel Mifsud — "Tip Of My Tongue" (Diesel)
Husny Thalib — "If You Can't Say No" (Lenny Kravitz)
Jacob Butler — "Chasing Cars" (Snow Patrol)

Accessory of Choice: the scarf (understandably since it's winter in Aus. It's that or their grannies are in the audience...)


26 August 2007

Par-teee, Par-teee!

Oh boy, TV premieres are such events right now, parties are hosted just for it!



The press release:
The Paley Center for Media Announces Public Previews of New Fall 2007 Television Shows

TV Preview Parties in New York and LA Offer First Look at New Pilots Before Broadcast Premieres

New York, NY and Los Angeles, CA —T he Paley Center for Media (formerly The Museum of Television & Radio) today announced the dates of its annual TV Preview Parties; a series of free public screenings that offer a sneak peek at the hottest new shows of the fall season before their broadcast premieres. This year’s roster includes: Pushing Daisies (ABC), Cane (CBS), Gossip Girl (The CW), Back to You (Fox), and Bionic Woman (NBC).

These highly popular parties reflect The Paley Center for Media’s continued commitment to television enthusiasts, and to exploring creativity in the media landscape.

In New York, TV Preview Parties kick off on Tuesday, September 4 with four new shows from the Fox network, followed by ABC on Thursday, September 6; NBC on Friday, September 7; CBS on Monday, September 10; and The CW on Tuesday, September 11.

In Los Angeles, TV Preview Parties begin on Friday, September 7 with Fox, followed by The CW on the afternoon of Saturday, September 8; NBC on the evening of Saturday, September 8; ABC on Monday, September 10; and CBS on Tuesday, September 11.

Each preview will be devoted to a single broadcast network and will include multiple pilot premieres in their entirety. Screenings are free in both cities with seats available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Both cities will host a TV Preview Party prior to each screening. In New York wines provided by Cycles Gladiator and catering provided by Ernest Klein & Company Gourmet Foods. In Los Angeles catering provided by Très L.A. and bars hosted by Heineken. Pepsi-Cola provided in both locations. For more information, please visit: www.paleycenter.org.


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25 August 2007

Spoiler: Grey's Anatomy Season 4 Bombshells and Premiere Video

These spoilers look very detailed. Really trying to not read everything. Whether it's true or not please READ AT YOUR OWN RISK!


CLICK IMAGES TO READ DETAILS

Thanks to the TV junkies at the Grey's Anatomy thread in TWoP.

And the first promo video they aired on TV (which some of us don't get to see since we're on the other side of the world!)



Heroes Season 2 Promo, Private Practice Cast Photo

Problematic superheroes and basket cases...take your pick!

Heroes Season 2 Video Promo

Private Practice Cast Photo

Chris Lowell: William "Dell" Parker, KaDee Strickland: Dr. Charlotte King, Amy Brenneman: Dr. Violet Turner, Tim Daly: Dr. Pete Wilder, Audra McDonald: Dr. Naomi Bennett (does her figure seem odd to you? It's as if she was just added to the photo, her lighting is different!), Kate Walsh: Addison Forbes Montgomery, Paul Adelstein: Dr. Cooper Freedman, Taye Diggs: Dr. Sam Bennett

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17 Minute Prison Break Preview

It's here!

View the 17 minute Season 3 Preview of Prison Break on AOL or Fox on Demand. Non-USA viewers can look for other sources, I found several on Youtube yesterday, but those are slowly being taken down, so you have this instead:
This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by Twentieth Century Fox
Nyehehe.

Anyway, BuddyTV has provided sneak peek recap, bless them!:
The episode opens with a scantily clad brunette getting undressed and touching up her makeup, in particular, covering up a nasty set of finger nail scratches run down her cheek. As she works, the sounds of a roiling prison yard raise in the background, and before we know it we cut into the Sona yard. Michael is amongst a mass of riled inmates as they clear a space in the middle of the yard. He spies Mahone across from him, they just look at each other. Before long, two random men enter the circle and fight to the death.

Lincoln visits the consulate and tries to get Michael released. The good news, for him, is that his charges have been dropped in the U.S. Also, Lincoln's report on the crime scene is starting to gain traction. It looks like the consulate is going to be able to get Michael transferred from Sona, Like that is going to happen. Michael will have his day in court, but not for 45 days.

Daytime in the yard, Michael watches Bellick stumble out in his underwear. Bellick is pretty thirsty and has a run in with some thugs who humiliate him. Another inmate shuttles Bellick off and tells him to get used to it, he hasn't even eaten for days.

Mahone has a bit of a life review, sitting inside Sona and remembering the events that led him into the hellhole. He fishes for his pills but finds he is fresh out. He stumbles around for a second, spots Michael, and approaches him. He wants to form an alliance. Michael tells him he is on his own.

The concept of Sona being a no man's land is sort of blown out of the water when Lincoln arrives to visit Michael. Since the prison supposedly has no guards and is controlled by the inmates, it is a bit bewildering how Michael is brought out into an empty yard to visit with Linc. Maybe we'll learn more about this later.

Back inside, Michael, Mahone, and a few other inmates are brought to meet the prison kingpin. He explains to them that problems there are solved in the yard, as was seen in the beginning. He also tells Michael he is aware of his history. Michael says he won't make any waves. Mr. Kingpin tells him he doesn't have the capacity. When Michael leaves, though, it is obvious that the Kingpin is quite concerned by Michael's street cred.

The overall feel of Sona was less gritty and dangerous than I thought it would be. Partly because of how Michael was fetched out to visit Lincoln, and partly because there seems to be some politics within the yard that have resulted in a sort of order. Michael is not yet thinking escape – in fact, he balks at the idea – so it appears for now his issue is going to be confronting this power struggle.
If you really need the visuals, then head to this site for lots of screen captures.

Enjoy!

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23 August 2007

Grey's Anatomy Season 4 Photos and a whole lot more!

Okay. I am hoping to slow down on the spoiler details. And it begins...right now.

Now that fall season premieres are nearly there, details of episodes are slowly leaking to the press and I would like to stay away from those already.

I'd still want to learn what happens to the plot and storyline, as I watch it on TV and not a moment before. So as not to completely spoil my viewing pleasure but at the same time, keep you happy, I'm gonna try and deliver photos instead and leave you to speculate on it.

GREY'S ANATOMY

Izzie with the New Interns and some sort of a .... cow?

One of the new interns, Leo.
I am so drawn to him. The guy looks smart. Let's hope his character is likeable.


HOUSE



Alright, just a few hints...(can't help it!!!)
The survivor thing plays out over 8 episodes. David Shore: "It's classic House sadistic behavior."

People get eliminated every week. Olivia Wilde: "we half expect Ryan Seacrest to pop out and say, 'If you like No. 13, text 13 to...'"

At one point House fires the entire back of the room, except one woman he thinks is hot.

PRISON BREAK





GA Photos from Spoilerbuzz
House Photos from a House LJ community
Prison Break Photos from Just Jared
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22 August 2007

Vampires on Moonlight

Here's the teaser running on CSB, for the series Moonlight, a story about an private investigator who is also a vampire.

Crime stories often times carry dark themes (re: CSI) and adding this vampire angle to the mix...I don't know... I was excited when I read the concept of the show before because I think vampire stories are fascinating.

But I am in a very happy and perky "Reese-Witherspoon-Legally Blonde" mood right now, watching the trailer just did not work for me.

21 August 2007

Kristen Bell on Heroes, Cast Photos - Ugly Bets & HIMYM

Ahh...no wonder Kristen Bell has not opted to join Lost. She has to clear her calendar for Heroes! From Variety: Kristin Bell throws curve to Heroes

Cast/Production Photos


How I Met Your Mother
(with guest, Mandy Moore)


Ugly Betty

from Spoiler TV
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20 August 2007

Bonding with the in-laws

My sisters-in-law and step-daughter visited our home today. Moments like this one seldom happens now because they're all quite busy growing up. So, when they called us to say they wanna come over and hang-out with us since school is still out, I was more than excited to roll out the red carpet for them.

We were supposed to go malling in the afternoon, but because the girls were gabbing about their favorite TV shows and movies upon their arrival at lunch, we all decided to cancel the original plan and instead headed to our bedroom clutching popcorns and peanuts...And then we watched, watched and watched:
  • bits and pieces of four seasons of Australian Idol, their first time to watch such a show. One of them had to literally jot down the names of the contestants we've highlighted for them because they loved it so much, they were gonna search for more videos on Youtube when they get home.
  • a clip of Brothers & Sisters, which I told them would probably remind them of their family, their mom in particular (they agreed with me!)
  • a peek at Prison Break, which they have asked to borrow...since they just began falling in love with Wenty.
  • a two-hour movie presenting Frank Miller's 300 on DVD, which my step-daughter probably found too gory.
I think the girls had too much TV for the day and must have been feeling overloaded. Hehe! But I am quite sure, they had a great time hanging out with my husband and I.

At around 11 PM, when I got ready to retire to bed and do this blog entry, I suddenly realized ---- I was not able to kiss nor hug my 9-year old son today! Because the boy could not relate to what we were watching and was pretty much restless staying at our room with the girls (you know how 9-year old kids are; my son just came in and out of the room just too see what's up), he did his own thing today, in the opposite room.

His absence. . . of not being able to even bond with my boy today suddenly overcomes me. I miss him. Tomorrow, I'll hug him real tight. First thing in the morning.

19 August 2007

Movies To Watch

Spent a great part of my early evening checking out movie trailers. Did not realize until tonight that there plenty of movies I should be very excited about. I am looking forward to those epic films (Beowulf, The Last Legion and 10,000BC) but I'm especially eager to watch these...look it:
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Watching Felicity on a damp weekend

If there was one thing I especially loved about watching Felicity it's that I had the right timing watching it on a damp weekend. The mood perfectly fits the current weather here in Manila.

For instance, the opening credits:

I say that ^ almost feels as good as having a very good book to read, with a warm cup of hot cocoa (with marshmallows!), on a rainy Sunday afternoon.

Felicity follows the life of a young woman in college. Free from the clutches of her parents who would have showered her with everything she needs, she now makes decisions for herself to shape her young adult life.

A defining moment, what this show centers on:

Felicity aired on The WB from 1998-2002 (4 years of college) and was a series created by JJ Abrams, who is the man behind Alias and Lost.

18 August 2007

Kid Nation on CBS: "Survivor" for Kids

For 40 days in April and May, CBS sent 40 children, ages 8 to 15, to a former ghost town in New Mexico to build a society from scratch. With no access to their parents, not even by telephone, the children set up their own government, laws and society in front of reality television cameras. --- LA Times

This upcoming show on CBS, Kid Nation, is earning the ire of the public. Because it depicts a seemingly Lord of the Flies scenario, people have began screaming "exploitation!" even before it has premiered (September 2007).

Parents are being blamed for allowing their children to join such a reality show. But the mothers and fathers of these kids claim that on the contrary, Kid Nation felt just like summer camp and that despite the concept of "no adults on the show" the set was, in fact, full of them, monitoring the kids round the clock.

CBS is being blamed for using kids for ratings and marketing deals. But while people are busy pointing fingers, CBS is wasting no time. They are already auditioning for Season 2...again, even before the pilot episode premieres (September 2007). To be fair though, there will be no devastating eliminations for this reality show. Kids instead are going to be given points if they do really well in the challenges and the one with the most points stands to win $20,000.

I'm holding judgment until I've actually seen Kid Nation. But one thing's for sure --- I hope no local channel ever attempts to franchise this because I can almost imagine what controversy it will bring.

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17 August 2007

Rainy Days and Fridays

There's a downside to all this rain that's been pouring on Metro Manila the last two weeks. Classes have been declared suspended four times now (two days last week, two days this week) and my 9 year old is especially enjoying that. As a parent though, I can't join in the fun. For one thing, laundry is piling up. :P And two, is my son learning anything in school at all?

The good thing about rainy days is --- camping indoors! Vegging in bed with my boys, with all TV you can watch, hot soup or champorado, cool music and snacks galore is a fine way to enjoy rainy Friday. So long as the rain does not affect power supply, that is (Pffft! Crossing my fingers...super typhoon coming today!).

So on this rainy Friday, here's what I have on my TV grid:

- finish watching the last few episodes of Battlestar Galactica - Season One
- continue with Brotherhood - The Complete First Season
- begin with Felicity - Freshman Year Collection (The Complete First Season)
- and because the little one is around for the great part of the day, watch SpongeBob SquarePants - The Complete 3rd Season

However, because today's weather is cold, I am pretty sure we won't be able to finish all that but instead, my boys and I might just end up sleeping all day.

Heh.

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Oh, my papa!

Big Brother USA scores with ratings this week. And Dick played a big part in that.

As his former allies all realized they could not stand his controlling and abusive behavior anymore, Dick was nominated for eviction against his daughter, Daniele, this week. He vowed to save his daughter from eviction no matter if this will cost his chances of winning the grand prize of $500k for himself.

His strategy is simple. He just have to make sure he would be behaving his worst by attacking the rest of the house guests. If Dick behaved liked a jerk before, when he was still actually chummy with everybody, this week, all hell broke lose. Dick became an even bigger jerk than he already is:



He did all that...
...So that the Dick takes the heat, not Daniele.
...So that the others will be driven to vote him out.
...So that his daughter, who manages to win almost every other competition, still remains in the house to win it all.

If I had been watching this show 2 or 3 years ago, I would have been easily appalled and affected by Dick's strategy. But as I sat and watched him bully nearly everybody this week, I was clapping and laughing at what I was seeing on TV. As sick as this may sound for some, Dick's strategy provided the entertainment.

What I find interesting is that while Dick does not look like an ideal father, and he certainly admits to making a lot of mistakes as a dad, he still shows genuine concern towards his daughter. As a parent myself, I see his heart in that. He plays with everybody in this house, but when it comes to his formerly estranged daughter? Dick melts like putty for Daniele.

Tonight would have to be live eviction and I'm pretty sure he is a goner. Although I made a mistake predicting Eric will go last week, I hope I'm wrong again because someone like Dick should remain inside the house and shake things up!

16 August 2007

Aus Idol 2007: Spot the talented ones

C'mon Australia, I still have to be impressed this year. Please tell me there's a good reason why I can only count a handful of good auditions? :( Make me happy!

To be fair though, she is good, very good:

But I'm not sure about the personality.

And he's good too, seems to know a lot about music:

But at 16(?), I'm not sure if he can take the pressure.

More at this link: Australian Idol Day 1 Audition Videos

We're almost there people...

I've got to kick my TV watching into high gear because the fall season is almost there and I still have filler shows to finish. The way things are going, with bed-weather and all, I sleep more often than usual. I might pretty soon abandon the filler shows for the newer episodes/shows come mid-September.

Anyhow, who wants TV spoilers? Grab them while it's hot!

Grey's Anatomy

So will Callie ever find out George was into Izzie? Ausiello says YES. And it could take place in either:

1) The first scene of the premiere
2) November Sweeps
3) Episode Three entitled "Let The Truth Sting."

Still on Callie, her new job function will cause a friction with The Nazi. That is expected, though don't you think?


Lost

Kristen Bell isn't joining, she passed. Bummer. But the show starts shooting Season 4 this month. Expect leakages.


Friday Night Lights

Lyla will find God. And find herself back with Riggins - from Isabella, BuddyTV


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15 August 2007

The best nights of my life

Tagged by Anonymous from yesterday's blog entry.

Rule: Name five of the Best Nights of your Life and then tag four people. And you are right, Anonymous, this should really be just a short list but I cannot come up with five right away!

Mine would have to be:

1. October 15, 1997 8:43 PM - my son's birth. I was awake during the whole ordeal (labored 28hours!) My first glimpse of my son was of him covered in white stuff, with a conehead and almost red from crying really loud. The nurses cleaned him for a few seconds before bringing over to me. I gave him a kiss on the forehead and then dropped on the bed, from exhaustion.

2. December 10, 1989 - A girl never forgets the time a boy tells her he likes her. This was also the first time I stayed up all night long, as if I was as buzzed, as if I had gazillion coffee cups. I did not get sleepy while everyone else in my group was already finding their best sleeping spots at friend's house during a sleep-over. That's how being on Cloud 9 feels. Sadly, the relationship which developed from this went nowhere. But still....a young girl at 16 never forgets the first time a boy tells her he likes her.

3. Food tripping with the hubby at midnight - Because this is the only time we can actually go on a date - after midnight, hopping on the car, driving wherever it takes us, or where our tastebuds dictate. And also because my hubby is most relaxed when the sun sets. He is Oscar the Grouch by day but an adorable Elmo at night. Har! Har!

4. College sleep-overs, early 90's - Even while we are forced to work and beat school deadlines, there is less pressure when you're in the company of classmates who are funnier than Tito, Vic & Joey.

5. TV Marathons - this happens often. This is my element. This is the one that completes me. (Haha, that is so sad!)

I want to know the best nights of Abbie, Honney, Raein and Chaucer

14 August 2007

Grey's Anatomy Season 4: Who are the new interns?

Who are the new interns on Seattle Grace? Let's meet them...


Claire is played by Tymberlee Chanel, who has very little TV experience yet. She is a threater actress, I think.

Graciella is played by Gloria Garayua, who has had numerous TV appearances as guest.

There is also a male intern. Apparently, one of these interns will also hook-up with one of the doctors. Oh, geez...not again. :P


Fall TV 2007: Wednesdays

So where will you tune to Wednesday Nights?

8-9 p.m.

No new series this fall has garnered more early critical acclaim than "Pushing Daisies," a forensic fairly tale that looks like nothing else on television. In a perfect world for ABC, this would become the procedural hit it's been seeking while also generating the kind of buzz that also accompanies its biggest hits.

Strongest competish for "Daisies" figures to come in the opening half-hour from Fox's "Back to You," the kind of traditional laffer that would really percolate in CBS' Monday lineup, but is asked to pull off yeoman's duty here for Fox. "Til Death," while not a great show, is a good choice for the 8:30 slot, and should be able to hold onto much of its lead-in.

At CBS, "Kid Nation" will garner some press for its premise of letting kids aged 8-15 take over a New Mexico town without adult supervision. It's tough watching 10-year-olds on television doing anything but enjoying themselves (see Fox's fun "Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?"), so this may prove uncomfortable for auds. It's also not your typical elimination-style reality contest, so it's tough to imagine that the show's best numbers won't come in week 1.

CW's "America's Next Top Model" should remain the hour's leader in adults 18-34 as it kicks off its ninth cycle, while the available remaining aud will go to Mandel's gamer "Deal or No Deal." Latter, which seemed to lose some steam as last season wore on, moves over from Monday night and could be formidable if the timeslot's new shows fail to catch on.

9-10 p.m.

This is one of fall's most interesting hours, with femme-fronted drama entries bowing on ABC ("Private Practice"), NBC ("Bionic Woman") and CW ("Gossip Girl"). Each also has name recognition with auds, but clearly all three can't work in the same hour.

CBS' mainstream "Criminal Minds," which does decently among men, could benefit in such a femme-focused hour. Same could hold true for Fox's unscripted "Kitchen Nightmares" (not available for review), a spinoff of its summer smash "Hell's Kitchen."

10-11 p.m.

"CSI: NY" is the last and least of the Eye's "CSI" franchise, but it should have enough to hold off a pair of shaky rookies in ABC's "Dirty Sexy Money" and NBC's "Life."

Bottom line

ABC and CBS should be in a tight battle for the night's 18-49 lead for fall, while NBC looks to be in for a rough ride.

Variety



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12 August 2007

TV Meme

Tagged from an e-group I belong to:

1. Earliest remembered television: Saturday Fun Machine... Cartoons like Superfriends every Saturday morning.
2. TV series you would want on a desert island: Comedies like Friends, Frasier, HIMYM, The Office, Scrubs, etcetera. To fight off boredom.
3. TV that made you really laugh this week: That show people call as a no-brainer, good for people with short-attention span --- Knights of Prosperity. I enjoy this one, regardless.
4. TV that made you really cry this week: Hmmmm....barely cried but Damages was compelling.
5. TV crap that you enjoy this week: Hands down --- BIG BROTHER USA; showing more and more of how ugly it is to be human. You make big mistakes, you lie, you backdoor someone, you sell your dignity...all to win $$$. Whoohoo!
6. TV you'll never forget: Friends. Definitely.
7. TV show you're meaning to watch: Plenty! But I particularly have Felicity queued on my watchlist next.


Name your top six TV show, before reading the questions.
  • 1. HOUSE
  • 2. FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
  • 3. BROTHERS & SISTERS
  • 4. LOST
  • 5. HEROES
  • 6. GREY's ANATOMY

01. Who is your favorite character from #2? Tami Taylor.
02. Who is your least favorite character from #4? Hard to choose...Desmond? Alex? Walt?
03. What would a crossover between #1 and #5 include? House diagnoses every one of those with "special abilities"...tells them they're all lying when they claim they're all superheroes. Oh, I won't make a good TV writer. I just do better watching.
04. Who is your favorite ship from #6? NONE. It's because they just pair up a lot, I don't care anymore.
05. If you were to set one person from #3 and one person from #6 on a blind date, who would they be? Gay brother Kevin with Addision or Christina. I don't plan this to be a romantic date, but I think that Kevin and Addison will hit it off and Christina will need some perk-me-ups after being left at the altar. She will get that from an intelligent guy like Kevin.
06. If you could meet one person from #4 and spend the day with them, who would it be, and what would you do? Ben/Henry. I would love to meet Ben/Henry and plot against the Losties. [evil laughter here].
07. If you could change one thing about #2's plot line, what would you change? Nothing. That's a perfect TV show, I don't wanna mess with it.
08. Explain a relationship between two people (not necessarily romantic) from show #5, and why you like the relationship between them. Hmmmm....Peter and Hiro. I just feel Hiro is Robin to Peter's Batman.
09. If the lead title characters (first name in the credits) from #1 and #3 were both drowning, and you could only save one, who would it be? House vs. Kitty Walker? House.
10. If you could change the title characters' order in the credits for #4, what order would you choose? Lost does theirs alphabetically...and I don't wanna mess that up too.
11. If you were able to add a new character, any kind of character you wanted, to the storyline for #6, what would the character be like, and what would their role be? They are already doing this! If anything, Grey's shouldn't add any more irrelevant characters!
12. What happens in your favorite episode of show #2? Ah...football action, coach leaves, characters get a bit of closure from the issues that they had to deal with.
13. If you could kill off one of the characters in #1, who would it be and how would you do it? A really annoying patient, maybe?
14. If you got the chance to visit the set for either show #3 or show #5, which would you choose? Brothers & Sisters! To experience and watch Sally Field and the rest of the cast deliver their lines, live. I think I will be very moved by it, I just might do a cheer-dance right there.
15. If you could date anyone from any of these shows, which show and which person? Dr. Gregory House *mwah*



Instructions
  • Bold/color the shows you've watched at least five complete episodes of
  • Put a + after the title if you have/had a particular fondness for it
  • If you add a series, mark it with an asterisk.
24
3rd Rock from the Sun
7th Heaven
Adam-12
Aeon Flux X
A.L.F
Alfred Hitchcock Presents
Alias
Alice
All in the Family
Allo Allo
American Dad
American Idol
America's Next Top Model
Angel
Are You Being Served?
Arrested Development +
As Time Goes By
Babylon 5 X
Babylon 5: Crusade X
Battlestar Galactica +
Baywatch
Beauty & the Beast
Beavis & Butthead
The Ben Stiller Show
Beverly Hills 90210
Bewitched
Bonanza
Bones
Bosom Buddies
Boston Legal
Boy Meets World
Brady Bunch
Buffy the Vampire Slayer
Bug Juice
Chappelle's Show
Charlie's Angels
Charmed
Cheers
China Beach
Columbo
Commander in Chief +
Cops
Coupling +
Cowboy Bebop
Crossing Jordan
CSI +
CSI: Miami
CSI: NY
Cupid
Curb Your Enthusiasm +
Dallas
Deadwood +
Deal Or No Deal
Degrassi: The Next Generation
Designing Women
Desperate Housewives
Dharma & Greg
Diff'rent Strokes
Doctor Who
Dragnet
Dragon Ball Z
Due South
Dungeons and Dragons
Dynasty
Earth 2
The Electric Company
Emergency
Entourage +
ER
Everwood
Everybody Loves Raymond +
Facts of Life
Falcon Crest
Family Guy
Family Ties
Fantasy Island
Farscape
Fawlty Towers
Felicity
Firefly +
Flamingo Road
Forensic Files
Frasier +
Friends +
Full House
Futurama
Get Smart
Gilligan's Island
Gilmore Girls
Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.
Green Wing
Grey's Anatomy +
Growing Pains
Gunsmoke
Happy Days
Head of the Class
Hercules
Highlander
Hill Street Blues
Hogan's Heroes
Home Improvement
Homicide: Life on the Street
Honeymooners
House +
How I Met Your Mother +
I Dream of Jeannie
I Love Lucy
Invader Zim
Invasion
Inside the NBA
Iron Chef
Ironside
JAG
Jackass
Jeopardy+
Joey
John Doe
Justice League
Kath and Kim
Knight Rider
Knots Landing
La Femme Nikita
LA Law
Laugh-In
Laverne and Shirley
Law & Order
Law & Order: Criminal Intent
Law & Order: SVU
Little House on the Prairie
Lizzie McGuire
Lois and Clark: The New Adventures of Superman
Lost +
Lost in Space
Love, American Style
MASH
MacGyver
Magnum P.I.
Malcolm in the Middle
Married With Children
Melrose Place
Miami Vice
Millennium
Mission Impossible
Monk
Moonlighting
Mork & Mindy
Mr. Show with Bob and David
Murphy Brown +
My Family
My Favorite Martian
My Life as a Dog
My Mother the Car
My So-Called Life
Mythbusters
My Three Sons
My Two Dads
Mysterious Cities of Gold
NCIS
Night Court
Nip/Tuck
Northern Exposure
Numbers
One Step Beyond
One Tree Hill
Oz
Parker Lewis Can't Lose +
Perfect Strangers +
Perry Mason +
Picket Fences
Pirates of Darkwater
Pokemon
Power Rangers
Prison Break
Profiler
Project Runway +
Psyche
Quantum Leap
Queer As Folk (US)
Queer as Folk (British)
Queer Eye For The Straight Guy
ReGenesis
Relativity
Remington Steele
Rescue Me
Road Rules
Rome
Roseanne
Roswell
Samurai Jack
Sanford & Son
Saved by the Bell
Scarecrow and Mrs. King
Scooby-Doo Where Are You?
Scrubs +
Seinfeld +
Sex and the City
Six Feet Under
Sliders
Slings and Arrows
Smallville
Small Wonder
Soap
So Weird
South Park
Spaced
Spongebob Squarepants
Sports Night +
Square Pegs
St. Elsewhere
Star Trek
Star Trek: The Next Generation
Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
Star Trek: Voyager
Star Trek: Enterprise
Stargate Atlantis
Stargate SG-1
Superman
Supernatural
Surface
Survivor
Taxi
Teen Titans
Teletubbies
That Girl
That 70's Show
That's So Raven
The 4400
The Addams Family
The Andy Griffith Show
The A-Team
The Avengers
The Amazing Race +
The Beverly Hillbillies
The Bob Newhart Show
The Book of Daniel
The Colbert Report
The Cosby Show
The Daily Show
The Dead Zone
The Dick Van Dyke Show
The Flintstones
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
The Golden Girls
The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy
The Jetsons
The L Word
The Love Boat
The Mary Tyler Moore Show
The Mighty Boosh
The Monkees
The Munsters
The O.C.
The Office (UK) +
The Office (US) +
The Pretender
The Prisoner
The Real World
The Shield +
The Simpsons +
The Six Million Dollar Man
The Sopranos +
The Suite Life of Zack and Cody
The Twilight Zone
The Waltons
The West Wing
The Wonder Years +
The X-Files +
Third Watch
Thirtysomething
Three's Company
Top Gear
Twin Peaks
Twitch City
Two and a Half Men
Upstairs, Downstairs
Ugly Betty +
Ultraviolet
Veronica Mars
Vicar of Dibley
Weeds
Wings
What Not To Wear (US)
What Not To Wear (UK)
Whose Line is it Anyway? (US)
Whose Line is it Anyway? (UK)
Witchblade
Will & Grace
Wonderfalls
Wonder Woman
Xena: Warrior Princess
Young Hercules


Passing this on to anyone else who'd like to answer these questions. :)