I was very excited to watch Michigan St beat Kansas last night. My feelings for Bill Self and Kansas are well documented, plus it was nice to have a Big Ten team in the Elite 8.
Watched the Battlestar Galactica series finale last week--it was amazing. Definitely a show that not enough people watched--go out and get the dvds now people.
I really want to get back to my writing--the blog was supposed to help that. I had an idea a while back for a collection of short stories called "The End" - basically the last page of stories for those people who always read the end before the rest of the book. I think that will be my next step - sort of a step up from the old Flaming Pizza Pans, I'm hoping to start posting these to the blog soon.
Let's be honest, I need to do something on here...
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Gimme that Filet-O-Fish
So, how great is that commercial with the singing fish from McDonalds? I think my favorite part is the guy with the beard eating the sandwich nodding along. I don't want the sandwich but I want to sit with these guys and hang out with the singing fish.
And after I accept my award for segue of the year, here are my NCAA picks:
Final Four - Wake Forest, UCONN, Pitt and North Carolina
Pitt takes UCONN in the finals
My two wishes for the tournament - Illinois wins at least 1, although I'd gladly take 2
And Kansas....must....lose....I want to see Bill Self's toupee flapping around in frustration. Is that too much to ask?
And after I accept my award for segue of the year, here are my NCAA picks:
Final Four - Wake Forest, UCONN, Pitt and North Carolina
Pitt takes UCONN in the finals
My two wishes for the tournament - Illinois wins at least 1, although I'd gladly take 2
And Kansas....must....lose....I want to see Bill Self's toupee flapping around in frustration. Is that too much to ask?
Friday, March 13, 2009
The People Who Ride the 10:40pm Train
Last night, I stayed in the city late after work - Jordan and I went to see Watchmen, which was a good, but ridiculously long movie. In doing so, my train options were limited to the 10:40pm train, which I don't take that often. As I got on the train last night, it was definitely a case of the normal people being severely outnumbered by the weirdos. So, as I ate my McFlurry, I compiled a mental inventory of exactly who does ride the 10:40 train.
I couldn't start this list without the weirdo 20 year old couple on the level below me. These two decided that a public train was the perfect spot to make out for an hour. These two were pretty much all over each other and in the moments they weren't making out, they were texting each other. The girl was wearing a bizarrely low cut top and was literally pouring out of her shirt. And believe me, not in a good way.
Then you had weird quasi-terrorist guy. Sitting by himself and yet every so often I'd catch his eye and feel the icy chill of death. There was pathetic beard guy wearing leg warmers and I swear to God - tap shoes. Across the top row from me were Morlock guy and his friend Hobbit Boy discussing nerd things.
It was a strange night and I think it was topped off perfectly well when I was waiting to get off the train and heard a guy make a "One time at band camp..." joke reference. How old is that movie again?
Final reviews for the night:
Watchmen ***
10:40 train people watching ****
I couldn't start this list without the weirdo 20 year old couple on the level below me. These two decided that a public train was the perfect spot to make out for an hour. These two were pretty much all over each other and in the moments they weren't making out, they were texting each other. The girl was wearing a bizarrely low cut top and was literally pouring out of her shirt. And believe me, not in a good way.
Then you had weird quasi-terrorist guy. Sitting by himself and yet every so often I'd catch his eye and feel the icy chill of death. There was pathetic beard guy wearing leg warmers and I swear to God - tap shoes. Across the top row from me were Morlock guy and his friend Hobbit Boy discussing nerd things.
It was a strange night and I think it was topped off perfectly well when I was waiting to get off the train and heard a guy make a "One time at band camp..." joke reference. How old is that movie again?
Final reviews for the night:
Watchmen ***
10:40 train people watching ****
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
She's BAAAAACK!
So, I've been a train commuter every day for over 5 years now. I see a lot of funny things, a lot of very weird people. As a whole, train people are not an attractive lot. But, I definitely have special places in my heart for certain All-Star commuters. So, today, you can only imagine my excitement this morning when I looked across the train and who did I see but....
Crazy Chinese Lady!!! I haven't seen her for a couple of years, but I certainly missed watching her on the train. I don't think I've ever seen her without her gray hooded sweatshirt and ankle-length flowered skirt and white gym shoes. Plus a moustache to boot. It was so great to see her again.
She is a loud talker. The first time I ever saw her, she got to the train late just as it was about to leave the station, came up top and made a big show about sitting down. Finally sat down next to a guy reading the paper. She then literally spent the next 40 minutes reading over his shoulder and making conversation about the articles in the paper. Now, I could tell he didn't want to talk to her. Other people on the train could tell he didn't want to talk to her. But did that divert Crazy Chinese Lady? Hell no.
My personal anecdote with CCL goes back a few years. I was watching a movie on my dvd player and could feel eyes over my shoulder watching the movie. I understand that if you're bored and sitting around, you may glance over every so often. But, no, she was literally watching the movie (without sound, mind you) and laughing out loud. I think I was watching "The Mummy" - clearly a high point in film comedy. I paused the movie at this point and turned to look at her. I believe her reply was "That's a really neat machine." She then proceeded to pull her journal out and began writing in it. I paused my dvd player and began reading over her shoulder. She turned to me and said, "Excuse me but this is private" to which I replied, "Oh, I'm sorry, I thought we had a thing here....no?" That ended the dvd watching, but not her indomitable spirit to annoy her fellow passengers on the good ol' Milwaukee West line.
So to Crazy Chinese Lady - welcome back, we missed you.
Crazy Chinese Lady!!! I haven't seen her for a couple of years, but I certainly missed watching her on the train. I don't think I've ever seen her without her gray hooded sweatshirt and ankle-length flowered skirt and white gym shoes. Plus a moustache to boot. It was so great to see her again.
She is a loud talker. The first time I ever saw her, she got to the train late just as it was about to leave the station, came up top and made a big show about sitting down. Finally sat down next to a guy reading the paper. She then literally spent the next 40 minutes reading over his shoulder and making conversation about the articles in the paper. Now, I could tell he didn't want to talk to her. Other people on the train could tell he didn't want to talk to her. But did that divert Crazy Chinese Lady? Hell no.
My personal anecdote with CCL goes back a few years. I was watching a movie on my dvd player and could feel eyes over my shoulder watching the movie. I understand that if you're bored and sitting around, you may glance over every so often. But, no, she was literally watching the movie (without sound, mind you) and laughing out loud. I think I was watching "The Mummy" - clearly a high point in film comedy. I paused the movie at this point and turned to look at her. I believe her reply was "That's a really neat machine." She then proceeded to pull her journal out and began writing in it. I paused my dvd player and began reading over her shoulder. She turned to me and said, "Excuse me but this is private" to which I replied, "Oh, I'm sorry, I thought we had a thing here....no?" That ended the dvd watching, but not her indomitable spirit to annoy her fellow passengers on the good ol' Milwaukee West line.
So to Crazy Chinese Lady - welcome back, we missed you.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Top Ten Hourlong Drama/Action shows
As a follow up to my sure-to-be debated top 10 Comedies list, here is my top ten hourlong drama/action shows list. Be sure to check these out:
10. Grey's Anatomy - #10 and sliding. Seriously, Izzie and a dead guy having sex? This show is setting a record for most annoying characters that I seriously don't care about. The first couple of seasons were great, some great core characters left. In danger of falling out of the top 10 if another great show comes around.
9. Pushing Daisies - another masterpiece that ended way too soon. I want to see the last 3 episodes now. Great show - whimsical, fun and completely unique. At least we got 22 episodes.
8. Mad Men - Moving up the list fast. It really nailed that era. Two best things about the show - the secretary Joan and Don Draper - one of the greatest characters ever. Awesome.
7. The West Wing - probably the 2nd best ensemble cast of all time. If only real politics were as optimistic and hopeful as this show. Jeb Bartlett would have made a fine President. Plus, I always thought Bradley Whitford's career would be judged by his role in Billy Madison, but I was wrong - this was even better.
6. Battlestar Galactica - my definite nerd show on the list. But absolutely a phenomenal show with a great ensemble cast and plots that go way beyond typical sci-fi. Highly recommended if you haven't seen it yet - down to the last few episodes ever. GREAT show.
5. The Shield - I really wanted to put this higher on the list. It just ended its amazing run - completely changed television. Violent, gritty and well written and acted. Quite possibly the best series finale of all time. Plus it actually made me appreciate Michael Chiklis as an actor, which I never thought possible. God was he bad in the Fantastic Four...
4. MI-5 - I know most people have never seen this. It's a British BBC spy show called Spooks in England. Absolutely phenomenal show - basically the intensity and tension of 24 played out every week on a global stage. It showed very early on that nothing was off limits. Do yourself a favor and rent these now.
3. 24 - With the exception of the Season 6 clunker, an absolutely groundbreaking show. Sometimes a victim of the 24 hour gimmick, but clearly one of the most exciting and tense shows ever done. Plus, tell me who's a more kick ass character ever than Jack Bauer? Did you know that Jack Bauer's tears can cure cancer? Only we'll never know because Jack Bauer never cries.
2. The Sopranos - What can I say about this show that hasn't been said already? It was like a novel unfolding on screen on a weekly basis. Tony Soprano and his crew - what a great show. Ending still has me guessing - I'm thinking he's dead, but will we ever know?
1. Lost - an absolutely mind blowing show. 95% of it is over my head and while I'm dreading the fact that the end is coming next year, I can't wait to get some answers. The BEST ensemble show of all time.
There it is - feel free to disagree...
10. Grey's Anatomy - #10 and sliding. Seriously, Izzie and a dead guy having sex? This show is setting a record for most annoying characters that I seriously don't care about. The first couple of seasons were great, some great core characters left. In danger of falling out of the top 10 if another great show comes around.
9. Pushing Daisies - another masterpiece that ended way too soon. I want to see the last 3 episodes now. Great show - whimsical, fun and completely unique. At least we got 22 episodes.
8. Mad Men - Moving up the list fast. It really nailed that era. Two best things about the show - the secretary Joan and Don Draper - one of the greatest characters ever. Awesome.
7. The West Wing - probably the 2nd best ensemble cast of all time. If only real politics were as optimistic and hopeful as this show. Jeb Bartlett would have made a fine President. Plus, I always thought Bradley Whitford's career would be judged by his role in Billy Madison, but I was wrong - this was even better.
6. Battlestar Galactica - my definite nerd show on the list. But absolutely a phenomenal show with a great ensemble cast and plots that go way beyond typical sci-fi. Highly recommended if you haven't seen it yet - down to the last few episodes ever. GREAT show.
5. The Shield - I really wanted to put this higher on the list. It just ended its amazing run - completely changed television. Violent, gritty and well written and acted. Quite possibly the best series finale of all time. Plus it actually made me appreciate Michael Chiklis as an actor, which I never thought possible. God was he bad in the Fantastic Four...
4. MI-5 - I know most people have never seen this. It's a British BBC spy show called Spooks in England. Absolutely phenomenal show - basically the intensity and tension of 24 played out every week on a global stage. It showed very early on that nothing was off limits. Do yourself a favor and rent these now.
3. 24 - With the exception of the Season 6 clunker, an absolutely groundbreaking show. Sometimes a victim of the 24 hour gimmick, but clearly one of the most exciting and tense shows ever done. Plus, tell me who's a more kick ass character ever than Jack Bauer? Did you know that Jack Bauer's tears can cure cancer? Only we'll never know because Jack Bauer never cries.
2. The Sopranos - What can I say about this show that hasn't been said already? It was like a novel unfolding on screen on a weekly basis. Tony Soprano and his crew - what a great show. Ending still has me guessing - I'm thinking he's dead, but will we ever know?
1. Lost - an absolutely mind blowing show. 95% of it is over my head and while I'm dreading the fact that the end is coming next year, I can't wait to get some answers. The BEST ensemble show of all time.
There it is - feel free to disagree...
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
My Top 10 TV Comedies
Since I haven't figured out a real outlet for my blog yet and I'm not quite willing to get fired for doing my blog at work - they've been fewer and farther between than I originally anticipated. With that, everyone knows I love TV. One of the best things about Netflix and Hulu.com is that I've caught up on series after the fact. Without further adieu:
Jason's Top Ten TV Comedies
10. The Big Bang Theory - this show is hilarious. Jim Parsons who plays Sheldon is amazingly talented. This show will almost certainly be higher later on.
9. Curb Your Enthusiasm - almost went higher. For me, it's Seinfeld but even funnier and less cartoony.
8. 30 Rock - another one that is destined to go higher. I love Tina Fey.
7. Scrubs - So tempted to put this higher. Such a great mix of bizarrely stupid humor, great drama and emotion and bar none, the best bromance on TV - JD and Turk - we salute you.
6. Cheers - Seriously how can you rank these? Cliff Clavin is most certainly getting votes for best side character of all time. Kelly and Woody's wedding might be the single funniest TV episode of all time.
5. Friends - I'll always have a soft spot for Friends. Friends marathons got me through a lot of college. Even after watching each episode a million times, they're still funny.
4. The Office (UK) - As for pure genius, this would be at the top. Ricky Gervais is a God.
3. The Office (US) - I'm as suprised as you. I never thought I'd rank the US over the UK version. In a 13 episode snapshot, the UK version is still king. But the US version has been on for 5 seasons and it's still great. Plus, while uncomfortable to watch at times, infinitely more rewatchable than the UK.
2. Arrested Development - I've seen these each a million times and catch something new every time. The show that gave us "Like anyone would want to R her", "I blue myself", "Her?", etc. Maybe the funniest cast ever.
1. The Simpsons - ok, maybe it's not as great as it used to be any more. However, you still can catch genius far more consistently than nearly any other show. And it's been on for 20 seasons. Nothing can touch The Simpsons at its best - Homer as the beer baron, Mr. Burns' casino, Flaming Moes, the softball team. Homer Simpson - the greatest fictional character of all time.
Honorable mentions: King of Queens, Frasier, Psych, Chuck, I Love Lucy, Family Guy, Saved By the Bell, Seinfeld
I know I'll get crap for leaving out Seinfeld. While I don't deny it's place in TV history, as a whole it just never did it for me like the other shows. Some great episodes, but I definitely would choose Curb if I had to make the choice.
If you haven't seen any of these shows--check them out on Netflix or Hulu. Especially shows on now like Big Bang, Chuck, Psych, etc that not everyone watches.
Jason's Top Ten TV Comedies
10. The Big Bang Theory - this show is hilarious. Jim Parsons who plays Sheldon is amazingly talented. This show will almost certainly be higher later on.
9. Curb Your Enthusiasm - almost went higher. For me, it's Seinfeld but even funnier and less cartoony.
8. 30 Rock - another one that is destined to go higher. I love Tina Fey.
7. Scrubs - So tempted to put this higher. Such a great mix of bizarrely stupid humor, great drama and emotion and bar none, the best bromance on TV - JD and Turk - we salute you.
6. Cheers - Seriously how can you rank these? Cliff Clavin is most certainly getting votes for best side character of all time. Kelly and Woody's wedding might be the single funniest TV episode of all time.
5. Friends - I'll always have a soft spot for Friends. Friends marathons got me through a lot of college. Even after watching each episode a million times, they're still funny.
4. The Office (UK) - As for pure genius, this would be at the top. Ricky Gervais is a God.
3. The Office (US) - I'm as suprised as you. I never thought I'd rank the US over the UK version. In a 13 episode snapshot, the UK version is still king. But the US version has been on for 5 seasons and it's still great. Plus, while uncomfortable to watch at times, infinitely more rewatchable than the UK.
2. Arrested Development - I've seen these each a million times and catch something new every time. The show that gave us "Like anyone would want to R her", "I blue myself", "Her?", etc. Maybe the funniest cast ever.
1. The Simpsons - ok, maybe it's not as great as it used to be any more. However, you still can catch genius far more consistently than nearly any other show. And it's been on for 20 seasons. Nothing can touch The Simpsons at its best - Homer as the beer baron, Mr. Burns' casino, Flaming Moes, the softball team. Homer Simpson - the greatest fictional character of all time.
Honorable mentions: King of Queens, Frasier, Psych, Chuck, I Love Lucy, Family Guy, Saved By the Bell, Seinfeld
I know I'll get crap for leaving out Seinfeld. While I don't deny it's place in TV history, as a whole it just never did it for me like the other shows. Some great episodes, but I definitely would choose Curb if I had to make the choice.
If you haven't seen any of these shows--check them out on Netflix or Hulu. Especially shows on now like Big Bang, Chuck, Psych, etc that not everyone watches.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Thoughts from the day
Few things I felt the need to comment on:
1) My list of 5 people to be punched in the face needs to be updated. While Chris Brown is certainly deserving - that doesn't explain how I could forget Bill Self on the list. I love Bruce Weber, but I still hate Bill Self.
2) Speaking of the Illini - how about that win against Northwestern? I nearly gave up when they were down 15. Great win for the team - Meacham and McCamey were ridiculously clutch. Plus, I'm pretty sure that NU isn't thrilled that their team's intelligence down the stretch just knocked the overall school standing down a notch.
3) Went to the new Sonic Drive-In restaurant by our house. We've seen Sonic commercials for years with no restaurants near by, but one finally opened by our house. The kids loved having a picnic in the car. Plus, they serve breakfast all day long. I didn't catch this fact until it was too late, but you damn well know I'll be having the sausage, egg and cheese on texas toast the next time I go there. Finally a fast food chain that gets it. Are you listening McDonalds? I will eat egg mcmuffins all day, I don't want your stupid salads.
1) My list of 5 people to be punched in the face needs to be updated. While Chris Brown is certainly deserving - that doesn't explain how I could forget Bill Self on the list. I love Bruce Weber, but I still hate Bill Self.
2) Speaking of the Illini - how about that win against Northwestern? I nearly gave up when they were down 15. Great win for the team - Meacham and McCamey were ridiculously clutch. Plus, I'm pretty sure that NU isn't thrilled that their team's intelligence down the stretch just knocked the overall school standing down a notch.
3) Went to the new Sonic Drive-In restaurant by our house. We've seen Sonic commercials for years with no restaurants near by, but one finally opened by our house. The kids loved having a picnic in the car. Plus, they serve breakfast all day long. I didn't catch this fact until it was too late, but you damn well know I'll be having the sausage, egg and cheese on texas toast the next time I go there. Finally a fast food chain that gets it. Are you listening McDonalds? I will eat egg mcmuffins all day, I don't want your stupid salads.
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