Category Archive

For the millionth time, I am so glad that The Office is back on my Thursday nights. Whew.

Also, that’s two episodes in a row where we have almost intolerable Michael antics. I was shocked, appaled and beside myself with frustration as he went out on the date with the very sweet and very lovely Brooke Dillman. (I bet he would be a lot nicer if her knew that on top of collecting the rent check, she was also a Home Economics teacher to Seth and Evan from Superbad!) I found it hilarious that Stanley “didn’t hate anyone enough” to give Michael their name and number. What the eff, we need a redeeming Michael moment. And fast.

I thought that Kevin and Andy were brilliant. The “Five Families” and Kevin’s threats to quit were cracking me up. I also adore Andy. Potential new favorite character.

But the Big Fish: Jim and Pam!!!

Nervewrecking, folks. Because I just don’t see this ending well at all. Pam loves Jim. She’s in love with Jim, no doubt. But she’s not ready to give up her independence and marry him yet. I was nervous when she lost her smile after he told her he’s going to propose to her, but I became terrified when he told us that he bought the ring a week after they started dating. And when they were walking outside of work, and he pulled the shoe tie line (which, by the way, I have been a personal recipient of by my friend Nick), I didn’t know what was going to happen. I know Pam loves Jim, but I don’t know if Pam wants to marry Jim right now. All I’m saying is that the season cliffhanger will be Pam’s response to the sweetest marraige proposal ever. That’s all I’m saying.

Gahhhh, how much longer until next Thursday!?

It’s Back! And of course, it’s one of those more serious than silly episodes, but that’s okay. We’ve missed out on a lot and I am sure that they want to get the story to a certain place before the season finale. I understand/respect/appreciate their efforts very much so. I tend to enjoy these episodes because the characters (with credit to the actors) do have these really deep and intricate sides that we don’t get to see when they’re busy chasing bats out of the office. While this episode was awkward and uncomfortable to the nth degree, I think it was a good and important one to give us a “Okay, this is where these characters are at now” storyline.
Angela and Andy: Did you know that the real Angela is pregnant? I was curious as to how they were going to film a baby bump, but they didn’t! Not once! All night! I find Andy to be one of the funniest characters on the show. And there is nothing that is “more wrong” than Andy and Angela dating. Okay, well, maybe Dwight dating his babysitter, but still. That being said, i am almost positive that “Monkey” is dating Andy in an effort to make Dwight upset and jealous. I don’t think she wants him back, but I don’t think she wants to really date someone as secular as he. Which is hilarious, because that’s only going to get crazier.

Jim and Pam: John, I’m not quite sure what you mean here, because I am utterly in love with the Jim and Pam were getting. Maybe it’s something I’m not seeing, but I thought they were hilariously sweet trying to power through this dinner party together. I love the way that Pam’s face lit up when Jim came out to let everyone know that his apartment was flooded. And Jim and Pam’s separate bathroom confessionals cracked me up. As far as I can tell, all is still good on that front. But have no fear, I am sure that they’re gearing up to throw a wrench in before the season finale. Though in my personal opinion, I’d rather the season not end on a Jim/Pam cliffhanger, though I know it will.

And, of course, Jan and Michael. Jan is absolutely, without a doubt 100% insane. She’s off her rocker nuts and it’s hilarious. As if we didn’t know that the dinner party was going to be uncomfortable, the obsessive pet name calling of “babe” and “honey” was just increasingly unnerving.  I love her “office” and “workspace” and how incredibly well Jim let us know just how terrible those candles smelled. And Michael’s “bed” was tragically awful. I think this is going to be our big story arc for the next 4 episodes and I am okay with that. I was never crazy about Jan, but I find crazy Jan absolutely terrifying. I think she loves Michael, and I think she cares about him and obviously is protective (believing Michael’s lie about dating Pam!) but I think also that she is in love with the idea of being home all the time and not doing anything except being an “artist.” I really want to see Michael’s life on the beet farm, but I know I must be patient. They can’t spoil us too bad too quickly.

What did you think, Kids?

No amount of sleep deprivation, illness, busy scheduling or whathaveyou will keep be from bringing back Scrantonicity IN FULL FORCE on the day that we get OFFICE BACK IN OUR LIVES!!!

I’ve missed it more than anything and need it back more than ever. It’s been too long and though we’ve only got a few episodes to go until the end of the season, I have a feeling they’re going to remind us each and every Thursday why they’re the best show on television.

I am very excited, Kids.

Dress up nice! We’re going to a Dinner Party at Michael’s!

(Don’t miss Earl and 30 Rock, too!!!)

Holy crap. This thing has really fallen off, hasn’t it.

 Well, I feel like today is as good a day as any to get it back in gear. For today is DAY ONE back at the filming of The Office. And if my good friends over at Dunder Mifflin Scranton are getting back to work, then I suppose I should, too. So, today is the beginning of a new with you, Blog. Everyday I’ll try and put up something. No matter how mundane or silly it may seem. Yippie!

 (On an Office side note, if you haven’t noticed, Angela Martin is VERY pregnant and VERY showing. So, I’m quite curious as to how this is going to play into our remainder season… hmm…)

The WGA Strike is OVA’.

Welcome back, TV.

We’re gonna be BLOWIN’ UP the Scrantonicity when this thing gets back on it’s steady Thursday night stance.

The Office is slated for another six episodes this season, which still makes me nervous, and slightly upset because we’re getting screwed out of our extended season… but they didn’t say that those six episodes weren’t… hour… long… epsiodes?…. I’m just sayin’.

I never get to watch that much superfluous TV.

But tonight I am tuned in to Vh1 to watch What Perez Sez. BUT! I love Vh1 because this January they’re starting Scott Baio is 46 and Pregnant! I TRULY, DEEPLY, PASSIONATELY do not like Scott Baio. But I got sick and odd pleasure from the few episodes of Scott Baio is 45 and Single that I did see. Mainly because he’s just a total jerk and it was massively entertaining.  Guys, if The Office isn’t back, we’re seriously going to dive head first into Scott Baio Reality Television. And it’s going to be evil, torturous, and spectacularly awful.

After Thursday night’s Countdown with Keith Olbermann, I was pretty sure that I was in love with Mr. Olbermann, again. Mainly because of the video contained in this link. I’m asking you, nay, begging you to watch it. Keith’s “Special Comments” are always intelligent, inspiring, passionate and everything we need to hear at that moment in time. This one is the best one I’ve ever seen, and that’s no lie.

But then, last night, as if it was some sort of signal to me that he and I are in fact meant to be, he did a “Special COME ON” about the return of my favorite family, The Bluths, not to my living room, but in fact to a movie theater near me. Seriously, watch this video. RIGHT NOW!

Keith! Baby! It’s meant to be! We’ll totally invite our friends, The Bluths.

COME ON!

Mose takes a break from raising beets and chasing cars to write this outstanding blog about the writers’ strike that’s  still taking place out in Hollywood and offers up a solution that a girl can get behind.

The big news up here in Cincinnati last week was the potential Kroger strike. That didn’t happen. Lots of hoopla and no chaos, no burning buildings and no fire sales on frozen turkeys. Pffft.

There will, however be chaos in Ol’ Number Fif-teen as your friend and humble narrator just might pitch a shit over the fact that there are only two new episodes of The Office left this season. That’s right, Kids, production of The Office shut down for the season on Tuesday and will remain shut down until the strike is over. Which is going to be sometime between next Wednesday and 2063. Desperate House*bleep*s and a few other sprinkling of shows have already shut down, and if you’re like me, you’ll notice your DV-R has stopped recording new episodes of The Report and The Daily Show. Quite simply because there aren’t any.  If the writers will strike, so will the DV-R. It’s a tragic ripple effect. I’m also terror-fied that the last episode of The Office that we see is going to be some sort of awful tragic cliffhanger that’s going to send me into a spiral of anxiety and depression.

In all seriousness though, I fully support the writers and hope that this all can get sorted out soon. If not, I’m going to have to bring in my 5 special negotiation tactics when I’m home for Christmas. Four of these involve baked good bribery.

Man, that Hollywood. She’s one tough town.

 (For more strike information, check out these links:

• Office-specific coverage has been handled beautifully by Tanster over at OfficeTally.
• Deadline Hollywood Daily is a pretty good round-up of all strike related news.
• And Ain’t It Cool News has a good article with lots of snippets about other involved parties in the strike.
• Also, writer/director James Gunn (and Jenna Fischer’s ex-husband) has written an extremely honest blog on the strike right here. )

When the last new episodes of our favorite shows have aired, we’re going to start a post where you’re going to recommend to me and your fellow interns TV shows that we should check out or catch up on via the magic of DVD. So start thinkin’ Lincoln!

If you’ve watched it, and only if you’ve watched it, meet us post-jump! Post-haste!

Read the rest of this entry »

Tell me you watched Phenomenon tonight on NBC.

YouTube, don’t fail me now.

Thank you, Access Hollywood. Check it out!

Sesame Street, that is.

Not too long ago, John sent me a photo of Anderson Cooper with a couple of Sesame Street Grouches (photo pending when I’m not at work.). Aside from being the best picture ever taken, it was photographic proof that Anderson Cooper was going to make a guest appearance on perhaps the most influential show of my life.  As if I couldn’t love him any more…

(There was a good quality video on YouTube, but it appears to have been taken down. So, here we have this one which someone filmed off their TV. Until I find another one, this will have to do, but you get the idea.)

Also, as I was watching this video I was snookered into some other GLORIOUS Anderson Cooper YouTube videos when he is at his funniest and most ferocious.

Also, this week his special with Sanjay Gupta is starting on CNN, “Planet in Peril.” It looks pretty interesting, so maybe we should check it out.

AND, have you read Cooper’s book yet? I really think you should.

Goodness gracious, Gremlins! Where have I gone?

In case you haven’t heard, I got a job working here. I still work for The Siren, so as you can imagine my work week is getting in the way of time to report back here on all things fun, wonderful and interesting. Though to be fair, there hasn’t been much.

So! Here’s a little FYI on all things blog-worthy

1. We’re going to talk about last week’s Office tonight. I’ve managed to get three hours of sleep in the last 48 hours, but I can’t let that sit there any longer.

2. Happy Birthday yesterday to John!

3. One week from tomorrow I’m leavin’ on a jet plane to attend The Office Convention in Scranton, PA with the lovely Tracy Kay! Pretty much, it’s going to be the most exciting week on the blog, ever. Can’t wait! See ya there!

4. I’ve got a crap ton of photos to get up on Flickr, so when they’re there, I’ll holler and you can check it out.

5. Garrison Starr’s new album. Seriously. Get on that. Discussion coming soon.

Get yo’ game face on!

Earl! Betty! Grey! Graham-Halpert!

Take notes!

Congratulations Dr. Gregory House! You have officially been drafted to Chelsea’s Fall TV Lineup.

Wow.  I want to kick myself for not getting into this sooner, but House seriously rocks. Funny, suspenseful and totally fascinating. Love it. Can’t wait for more and you should seriously watch it, too.  And before a bunch of you jump on me with “Oh, but such-and-such season was so much better,” don’t worry, I’ll get to it. Give it time. Let me just enjoy the bliss of a new-to-me show that I can really enjoy.

And Have Fork Will Travel? Wonderful! You were on the team from the moment I laid eyes on you.

Which brings me to my next point, when are we leaving for Jamaica and/or when are we building a great big fire pit in front of my apartment so we can make delicious jerk chicken?

All-in-all a very eventful TV Tuesday! Gotta save room, though. Nip/Tuck is right around the corner…

Tomorrow we’re trying out Pushing Daisies and Bionic Woman. Private Practice isn’t going to be anywhere near anything to write home about, but I’ve gotta have a peek, just to see how terrible it really is going to be. It’s a sacrifice, but I’ll do it so you don’t have to. You can thank me later. In the form of a trip to Jamaica.

The great Fall Television Premiere Week has begun!! 

First up on my agenda was Chuck, NBC’s hip, action/comedy show about a computer tech “nerd” who “accidentally” downloads all of the government’s secrets to his brain making him very confused and very delicate. I had mixed feelings going in and mixed feelings coming out, to be honest.

Let’s start with what I liked:

• Zachary Levi! As my buddy Fran put it this evening as we did our supermarketing “Yeah, I have a feeling I’d fall in love with him.” You said it, Sister. Awkward, goofy and absolutely adorable. Yeah, I’m pretty much in love with you, Mr. Levi. And it doesn’t hurt that he’s also hilarious and delivers his lines masterfully and with the dry wit that easily throws me in stitches.
• The quirky Geek Squad turned “Nerd Herd” humor. It was all really simply and silly, but nonetheless entertaining.
• The concept of a character called “Captain Awesome,” because “everything he does is awesome.” Yeah, that sounds lame, but if you saw it, it was funny and you know it.   

But sadly, it stops there. The entire show is based on the fact that you get over the absurd premise in the first place, and I just couldn’t. Granted I like a lot of shows that are based on absurd premises, like Interns and Doctors have nothing better to do than sleep with each other and make up McNicknames for their mates instead of saving lives and learning something But, when your absurd premise deals with something as “hot button” (That’s not what I was looking for, but whatever.) it’s just irritating. And Sarah (who was more like Jolie’s Jane Smith in Mr. and Mrs. Smith than a character of her own) is the sexy CIA agent that’s sent to protect Chuck. And let’s be real, this girl has to own clothing other than the ones she wears to go to the electronic store and on her date with Chuck. AKA the footage of her in her underwear in front of her wide open city apartment windows are totally unnecessary and worthy of many eye rolls.

The bottom line is that Chuck’s efforts to be hip, sexy, fast and fun might be enough for some viewers, it’s not quite enough to merit repeat business.

 And Joruneyman just totally sucked. I love Kevin McKidd and was really hoping he would have something to work with here to help showcase the talent he is, but not only is he clearly the most talented actor on this show, but his suffering through dialogue and crappy performances from his co-stars makes me want to call up Titus Pullo and get him out of there. I totally lost interest after the first seven minutes and spent the remainder of the show in a daze. Skip it, skip it, skip it.

So… let’s hear it. What did you guys watch? What did you love? What did you hate? I’m all ears.

Darryl Hannah*, Dr. Venkman** and I are ready to go for this week’s action packed TV premiere week.

Let’s talk about what we’re going to be watching this week and what we can expect to see from The Babble:

Monday:

Chuck (NBC 8:00)- I’ve found the previews for this show to be really hot and cold. Some days I’m really into it and can’t wait to see it, but others it just comes off as kind of silly and stupid. It’s about a computer geek who accidentally acquires a ton of government secrets as well as a price on his head for international terrorists and assassins. So, to keep the secrets safe, he falls under the protection of two CIA agents. I dunno, it looks harmless. We’ll see how it pans out.

Journeyman (NBC, 10:00)- Really, this show looks kind of cool, but mostly dumb. I’m only tuning in to get a Kevin McKidd (Rome) fix. I’m not expecting anything to write home about here.

Tuesday: 

House (Fox, 9:00)- My brother Iain loves this show and I can see why. It’s funny, fast-paced and edge-of-your-seat excitement. I’m excited to dive in and find a potential medical drama replacement for the ill-fated Grey’s Anatomy. I think you’ll really like it, too.

Have Fork, Will Travel (Food, 9:30)- This isn’t a new show, but it’s one I’ve been watching each week on Food Network and absolutely LOVING. The host, Zane Lamprey, travels around the world to a new destination each week and explores the whats, hows and whys of each location’s edible culture. It’s fascinating, funny and makes me want to travel and eat. This week he’s going to Jamaica. Jerk seasoning! Jerk seasoning!

 

Wednesday:

Private Practice (ABC 9:00)- You’re right, I do think that this is one of the worst ideas to ever come out of tragically fallen Seattle Grace Hospital, but I gotta check and make sure that all spark I had for Addison really is gone. While I’m not excited to see the previously composed, graceful and grown-up Addison get reduced to someone unrecognizable and unlikeable, I am going to watch at least the first episode or two so you all don’t have to. This is how much I love you and you can thank me later.

  Bionic Woman (NBC 9:00)- Though I really wish that this would be a good reason to watch more Egg on my TV, I am thoroughly excited and enthused for this show. It looks like it might be cheesy, but on the whole, I think it looks undoubtedly cool and interesting.  I’m not a fan of Heroes by any means, so I am hoping that this will be NBC’s action/sci-fi show that I can enjoy.

 Thursday (The busiest TV day EVER.)

This is definitely the day I’ve been waiting for for a long, long, long time. Let’s start with the rookies and work our way up to the big guns.

Ugly Betty (8:00 ABC)- If you don’t think that America Ferrera is absolutely adorable and lovely, then you’re a liar. And my new buddy Fran has been watching the season 1 DVDs and she’ll probably hurt me if I don’t watch and love this show. I’m looking forward to this one and will definitely report back on how badly I want to be friends with Betty and/or America.

My Name is Earl (NBC 8:00 *One Hour*)- Though Earl isn’t my favorite show on television, I can say that this show has a heart of solid gold. The show, while dealing with some off-beat and simply silly humor at times, always finds a way to be sweet and endearing in the end. Really, as far as I’m concerned, Earl is one of those shows that’s an easy laugh and a quick pick-me-up when needed.

Grey’s Anatomy (ABC 9:00)- This is gonna hurt, kids. Here’s where we left off. And here’s where we’re going. It doesn’t look promising, gang, and this may very well be the last few episodes of Grey’s for me. I’ve said it once and I’ll say it again, it’s an absolute shame that off-screen drama affected so much of the goodness we were used to on-screen, and now that Isaiah Washington’s gone, there’s hope. Right? Well, one would think that, except we’ve now got Derek, Meredith and Lexie Grey (who is hopefully not as awful as her half-sister), George, Izzie and Callie Continued, Alex and Ava, and newly ditched at the altar Christina. This is going to be an absolute mess and I can only hope that Shondra knows what she’s doing when she told us that she “had to burn it all down.” Oddly enough, the only character I am actually looking forward to checking back in with is Mark Sloane. It hurts bad, but we’ll just have to wait and see how this pans out.

The Office (NBC 9:00 *One Hour*)-  The show that knows how to deliver, blow for blow, scene by scene, joke by joke, is finally back in our life with a one hour season premiere titled “Fun Run.” I can’t wait. Not only can I not wait for my funny bone to be tickled to the Nth degree, I can’t wait to see what we’re coming back to. Corporate Ryan (Did you guys also get the e-mail?!), Dwight and Angela, Michael and Jan and of course, Jim and Pam. I know that my heart still has wings from the last scene of season 3. Those teary eyes and smile that lit up the Electric City?! So beautiful!  But I’m terrified, because really, nothing is every that easy over at DM Scranton. Karen’s still there, guys, and who knows how this is going to pan out. And let’s be real. Did you really think Kelly was going to give up on Ryan so easily? All-in-all, this is what I’m living for this week. I can’t wait and you can expect Scrantonicity to be back with a bang by Friday morning. It’s gonna rock. (PS- In case you haven’t heard, Mrs. Tracy Kay and I are headed to SCRANTON, PA next month to attend THE OFFICE CONVENTION. I’m not even making that up! I have a plane ticket and everything! Tickets go on sale this Tuesday! Get on it, gang. You know it’s gonna be totally worth it)

And I think that’s it. I’ll be sure to tune in to watch 30 Rock which starts next Thursday, but this week is definitely going to be busy and help me weed out the things worth weeding out. Can’t wait. I’ll be sure to report back here on what’s worth reporting back on and cannot wait to hear what you guys will be watching and what you thought!

So, what are you watching this week?

(*My pretty new HDTV)

(**My DV-R.)

More Spectacle! Glorious Britney Spectacle! And I didn’t really want to hop on the Britney Blogging Bandwagon. But I just cannot help myself.  “It’s like a really bad car accident, and you don’t wanna look, but your boss is making you.”

Here’s this response video from Chris Crocker, the most interesting YouTuber there ever was. (NSFW. If only because of volume control issues.)

The first time you watch it, it’s scary. I’ll admit it. But give it time.

And don’t forget to check out his response to Fox News.

Rosie was right.

(Nevermind, it got taken down.)

It’s a good day for The YouTubes.

I never watched too much television, so this might be old, but I was watching Extreme Makeover Home Edition and there was a commercial for Nike/US Women’s Soccer! Starring Rainn Wilson! I didn’t even really understand the commercial, but it was him!

Have you guys seen it? See it!

In other news, I just found Spider-Man on TBS, and while I did enjoy this movie immensely, it is reminding me of how much I really hated Spider-Man 3. And how I really hope they never make another one of those movies ever again.

On my way to the farm today, I was listening to NPR and caught a story about how starting this fall, we will no longer be able to buy shows produced by NBC on iTunes (namely, Heroes, Battleship Galaxy and The Office!).

The story continued to explain that this is because NBC wanted to charge $4.99 an episode!!!

And then Steve Jobs said, “Chyeah, right. And monkeys might fly out of my butt!”

And then Jeff Zucker said, ”All I have to say about that is, asphinctersayswhat.”  

And then Steve Jobs said, “What?”

And then Jeff Zucker said, “Exactly.”

I don’t know about you, but as much as I’d love to say that’s no big deal, it seems so steep! Apparently NBC is going to work on getting some other way to get their shows online, but I have no idea of the specifics on that. While in school, that whole buy it on iTunes thing was just so damn convenient! Oh, well.

So, it looks like I’m going to be making the possibly expensive jump to Tivo much sooner than expected, because, let’s be real, if I don’t blow kisses at Jim Halpert on my TV screen at least once a week, the terrorists win. 

Okay. So I shouldn’t be surprised. And really, I’m not. I guess the back of my mind saw this coming from 100 miles away, I just never accepted the possibility. Needless to say, when I first read this, my eyes popped out of my head just a wee bit.

Midgets?! The L-Word?! Julia!!

I wish I could tell you that I can wait another two months for the fifth season of Nip/Tuck to start, but really, I can’t.

Not being in school is weird. Like, you suddenly have *time* and you learn to fill that time with useless and mindless television watching and zoning out. It’s kind of nice, but leads to a whole lotta nothing and in my case, and acute sense of self-loathing.

Why the self-loathing? Well, mainly because I’ve gotten sucked into some absolutely terrible television. Fully aware of the fact that it’s terrible, I am head-over-heels addicted.

The most prominent player in this little scenario is that Vh1 CelebReality show, Scott Baio is 45 and Single, or as I’ve come to call it Scott Baio is 45 and a F’ing D-Bag. It’s one of those shows that I never really want to watch, but every time I sit down to zone out, it’s on and I, like a sucker, tune in.

The season finale is tonight and I’m getting ready to learn, once and for all, why Scott Baio is 45 and single (In the words of David Cross, “As if anyone really gives a shit.”) 

(Okay, I just saw a commercial for the long awaited Georgia Rule DVD release and there was not one clip of Lindsay Lohan in that whole commercial. Ha!)

UPDATE: Hahahahahahaha. Did anyone else actually watch this last night? No? Well! Shameless Spoiler: While Scott Baio will tell you he’s 45 and single because he’s “always looking for the next best thing,” I’ll tell you it’s because he’s probably 45 going on 19. His best friend is the kind of guy that haunts a young woman’s worst nightmares. And his other best friend, Jason Hervey (Wayne from The Wonder Years) is similarly a total jerk. Married, with kids, and a total jerk.  I love when Scott does the Rob Gordon and goes back to all of his ex-girlfriends to try and find out why they broke up, or why he’s 45 and single. And it’s the most retarded thing ever. Why? On the way over to the woman’s house, he’ll admit to the camera that he cheated on her. Nine times out of ten. Gee, Scott, I wonder.  Anyway, he ends up proposing to his girlfriend, Renee, at the end of the night and she tells him that she’s pregnant. And does 45 and not-so-single anymore Scott Baio love the idea and outwardly express excitement to his wife-to-be? No, of course not. In traditional D-Bag fashion, he stares like a deer in the headlights as I am sure everyone who was watching saw the title now, “Scott Baio is 45 and a Deadbeat Dad.” Can’t wait.

 (On a different note, I am constantly amazed at the words that make it into our daily lexicon. I’m constantly amazed when these words find their way into some of the most unexpected (sort of) places. As in 5 minutes ago on Headline News, Erica Hill used the word “nookie” to describe some of Britney Spears’ recent rehab romps.)

(First off, how friggin’ hot does she look?!)

I found this totally shocking, yet totally awesome at the same time.

I’m glad to see her back in action in something that is a) so wildly popular and b) so wildly un-her!

I’m lightyears behind on 24. I’m sure it’s a lot of fun, there’s just always been something in the way, but who knows, now that I actually *have* time, I might try and pick it up. Especially with one of my favorites playing a government agent! Awesome! This should definitely be interesting.

One of the best/worst shows on TV is FX’s “disturbingly perfect” drama, Nip/Tuck. It’s safe to say that I’m addicted to the damage that watching the show does to my soul, and I enjoy every single minute of it.

So, allow me to share with you some Old/New Nip/Tuck News/Snippets. That was a lot of ‘/’ ing. (Not only has Nip/Tuck chipped away at my soul, but apparently my control of the forward slash key. I’m all a mess, baby.)

• Old: At the end of Season 4 (which ended so incredibly wonderful and perfect, I want it on DVD now) we learned that the offices of McNamara/Troy would be relocating to Hollywood. Did you hear me? Oh, NEXT SEASON THE OFFICES OF MCNAMARA/TROY IS MOVING TO HOLLYWOOD! You should have heard Dr. Troy’s reaction. Or seen it. (I really should stop watching this show. Now.) If you’ve been watching FX, you might have caught the teaser, which is SUCH a tease, for Season 5… Or, the opening of the McNamara/Troy Hollywood office.  If you haven’t seen it, it’s here:

• Old: Creator of the series, Ryan Murphy, who is responsible for so much of what comes through to our TV sets is indeed returning for the 5th season. Which also is going to have 22 episodes. Which is 7 more than we got in Season 4. Which makes me pretty excited. From what I can see is that they are (thankfully) getting rid of Dirt by giving it a run of 4 or possibly 5 episodes at the beginning of FX’s Fall season and then letting the extended Nip/Tuck steal the Fall and carry it straight through to Spring.
• John reported on the lovely and talented Jolie Richardson returning to the series as Julia McNamara after some family issues that made her future with the show a bit cloudy. I’m glad to see her back, because that’s a story that’s going to be interesting to develop, especially given the new surroundings and the old drama that exists between Julia and Sean, played by the magnificent and tragically underrated Dylan Walsh (Who I have developed such a crush on. That photo up there? Yikes. Hot.). There’s also some mutterings of other guest stars there… and…
• Here! Oliver Platt!! Who is so totally hilarious and crazy and cool and awesome, I know he’s going to be perfect for everything that Nip/Tuck wants to bring his way. Especially given the character he’s playing. Excellent. Also, Portia De Rossi, who you should know as Lindsay Bluth from infinitely adored and missed, Arrested Development, will be playing a “manipulative lesbian mother”. I wonder if she’s going to get the “beak” fixed on her “bird” of a daugther.
• This is News to me: For those who watched Season 4, I highly doubt that you’ve so easily forgotten Rosie O’Donnell’s role as Dawn Budge, the crass, homely and tragically, well, tragic, character who goes from living in a trailer with her daughter and husband to winning the lottery and spending it on services at McNamara/Troy, both surgical and… er… otherwise. Well, Dawn is back in Season 5 and I can’t even begin to think of how it’s going to go down this time. Also, in the same article, you can read how there are “talks” of a Dawn Budge spinoff series. Which seems like a bit much to me, but I’m not thinking much of it. Everyone seems to be having “talks” of a spinoff these days. I doubt it happens.

And that brings us up to date. Roma Maffia (who I LOVE as Liz Cruz, the anaesthesiologist around the office) is also scheduled to make the move with The Boys, and early reports are saying that Matt (The… son.) will be making the move to Los Angeles, as well, to attend Med School, while his Baby’s Momma, Kimber, falls deeper into Scientology and porn. Faaaaantastic.

Hopefully by October 30, 2007 at 10 PM, I’m done praying for my salvation and can peacefully enjoy one of the best 22 episode seasons of television, ever. Can’t wait.

One of my favorite things on TV is Countdown with F.H. Keith Olbermann, and on his show one of the very best features is called “Worst Person in the World” where he runs down to the top three newsmakers who can most easily compete for the title of Worst Person in the World.

 Last night was excellent, check it out here.

I can’t say I’m surprised, but I must admit that I thought we were in the clear from all of this Washing-ton-o-Drama on Grey’s Anatomy.

And though this does offer some more explanation to the hackneyed “wedding” season finale we got, it has been confirmed, finally, that Isaiah Washington will not be returning to the cast of Grey’s Anatomy next season.

 In retrospect, I am sure this is going to be able to explain a lot of the crap we were served in the second half of this season, but it also makes me upset to know that the personal, off-screen drama is getting in the way of the used-to-be-excellent on-screen drama.

All in all, I think it’s for the best. Though Preston Burke was a consistently great character, Washington’s mouth got him in enough trouble to taint that character for many fans.

Happy Monday Morning, kids. Since it is “What the Hell” O’clock Sea Babble Standard time, we need some real laughs so we can stop trying to find the fact that we’re up so damn early… funny. Because it’s pretty unfunny.

So watch this video of FH Jon Stewart. Because it’s hilarious. And has a one second mention/photo of FH John Krasinski. And it’s hilarious.

Which brings us to this week, officially.

Well, officially I am done with classes when I decide to finish my Mesoamerican Archaeology final. Which has to be done by Thursday, officially. And then I am officially d-o-n-e. Officially, this rocks. Then it’s weekend and graduation next Wednesday the 30th. Faaaantastic.

I’ve got some posts I’ve been dancing around for the past few weeks that I will hopefully buckle down to sometime this week, so keep your eyes peeled.

Happy Monday, Unpaid Interns.

As many of you know, my TV grasp this year, as it is most years, was weak. But, the magic of all that is that I am getting a two-fer on my TV shows tonight!

(I know, I owe you a Grey’s post. But really, there’s good reason I’ve been neglectful. Besides school, if you saw last week’s episode, you’ll understand that it’s a difficult one to talk about on its own. Let’s see what happens this week. And gimme a break, I’m working on the optimisim here, kids.)

That’s right, Dunderheads and Hormone-Filled Interns! Don’t forget to tune into the HOUR LONG season finale of THE OFFICE followed by the season finale of GREY’S ANATOMY at 8 and 9 o’clock respectively!!!

(Remember that? Can your heart handle something of that caliber again? I know mine can’t.)

What’s going to happen with that job interview at corporate?! Is Jan preggers and that’s why everyone is interviewing for her job?! (Okay, I think the preggers thing might be a bit out there, but I do think it’s her job they’re interviewing for.)

Will Burke and Christina finally tie the knot!? Will Alex finally come clean about how he feels for Mrs. Jason Bourne!? I really wish tonight’s episode was guest starring Tony Danza. I’d totally call it “Who’s the Chief?” Sigh, someday…

There’s going to be loads to discuss on all fronts and I plan on gushing to you over The Office and making up for lost Chatnatomy time by midday Friday! Just you wait and see! I’m gonna rock it. Hopefully.

And don’t forget to check out Scrantonicity, kids!!! Thar be Dundies over there!

Stay tuned! Lot’s to come!

Was… AWESOME! She’s funny, smart and beautiful and had some interesting people calling in, especially since a lot of people had never even heard of her before.

I had very little trouble waking up at 2:45 this morning (thanks to my Starbucks days), and got cozied on the big comfy couch with some tea and a blanket and laughed my way into this morning’s sunrise.

One thing I am going to miss when I move is AirAmerica. They used to have it in Cincinnati (and Columbus, too) but after the last election AirAmerica got dropped from a lot of cities lineups. Hmm. Interesting. But that’s another blog for another day.

Anyway, if you want some laughs over well-known female impersonator Ann Coulter, Sean Hannity’s hair helmet or Bill O. the Perv-O., tune in. Or, if the morning doesn’t work out check out StepahnieMiller.com. It eases the pain.

Hope everyone’s weekend was lovely and filled with the most wonderful of adventures. Share them with me, would you?

ANYWAY, this post is to let you know that Sea Babble is currently under construction. We’re working on a new look for our girl and hopefully in a few days she’ll come out better than ever.

In the meantime, get to bed early so you can get up early with me tomorrow to watch Stephanie Miller on MSNBC at 6 AM Eastern Time (which sadly translates to 3 AM Pacific time, but totally worth it!)

This is my favorite photo I took this week:

Taken in traffic on the way home from a fantastic night filled with food, furniture and fun at:

IKEA with Silena and our good friend Shelley (right).

Happy weekend, loves!

Speaking of weekend… Kind of… this SUNDAY NIGHT yours truly plans on hitting the hay mighty early in order to wake up super duper early for personal hero STEPHANIE MILLER ON MSNBC MONDAY MORNING!!!!
That’s right! Monday through Wednesday of this week, the lovely, smart, hilarious, and ever fabulous Stephanie Miller will be filling in three days of the recently vacated Don Imus spot!

That being said, this mainly applies to my East Coast pals who might be up at 6-9 in the morning, or will remember to set their TIVOs. I, however, lacking TIVO technology and an apparent need for sleep… will be waking up at 3 and powering through at least a little bit of Momma on the TV Monday morning. Expect a fully groggy bloggy to follow.

Stephanie is part of the Air America line up (check your local listings) and offers the perfect balance of fact, opinion and humor that makes digesting some of the political goings on of our days so much easier.

I’m glad she’s getting this opportunity and hope that it may lead to bigger and better things for her! Rock on, Stephanie. We’re behind you 110%.

(Big thanks to Unpaid Intern John for the initial heads up on this one.)

In honor of the Fox News Store (you know, like The Disney Store but for Republican nut jobs.) I saw in Houston tonight, I present to you the most shocking/awesome/shocking thing I ever seen.

Geraldo Rivera, you’re my hero????

(Travel update: There really was a Fox News Store in the George Bush International Airport. I really did get a picture. And last night, when I got in and I was walking down the stairs to baggage claim and at the bottom of the stairs, did I see my mother? My brother? Steve Martin? No, but! I did see my very dear friend and fellow science center scientist, Robin!!!!!! Very small world. Very small world indeed. Then… when Iain and mom and I were waiting for my baggage we watched as the carousel ANNIHILATED not one, but TWO suitcases. One of the rolly ones with the pop up handle (the handle got stuck somewhere and COMPLETELY ripped clean of the suitcase, taking half the fabric with it) and a giant box that was taped shut and looked like it had lost half of it’s belongings on the rough ride down the slide. Iain called it “The Harrison Ford Luggage Carousel.”) Also, I’ve returned home to a computer that isn’t making sound. Any takers on helping to fix this little problemo?)

A) It’s snowing! Well, I call it snow. Everyone else in the Midwest would probably call it “flurries” but it’s kind of sticking! I think! I took more pictures of the less than one inch of snow than I have taken in my entire trip so far. I’m acting 5 years old and I am okay with that. Hopefully by next winter this whole “weather” thing is old news to me, otherwise I will probably have a lot less friends.

B) I would upload some of these snow pictures… if I weren’t using my Grandma’s computer. Which is brand spankin’ new. It’s very nice. Pretty. Filled with goodies. One of those data port thingers on the front that has a slot for 8 million different memory cards and the 2 USB cables. But running on dial-up. It just seems like such a terrible waste. And it has reminded me how I would imagine dial-up as a punishment for shoplifting in some countries. It’s also forced me to sign onto AOL which I do maybe, maybe, MAYBE once a year. My inbox has 389 e-mails in it. One day, when I’m bored, I may go through these. Maybe I’m sitting on a mountain of unopened e-mails that say I’ve won a bazillion dollars. Or maybe I’m missing out on some good perscription drug deals. The world may never know.

C) My cell phone charger was left in Cincinnati at Aunt Mary’s. So I’ve got dial up and no cell phone. Tonight it looks like we’re gonna party like its 1999. Yay?

D) Apparently I now “knit.” My grandma is teaching me and I am not really learning. It’s not as easy as it seems and I keep making these giant knots that make my grandma say “You know, Chhhhhhhhelsea… you keep making the same mistake.” (Note: I do not see this “mistake.”) My first scarf is going to be this pretty green color that is colored like good veggies, but smells much nicer.
Anyway, maybe my Christmas 2032 you will all have a scarf or mittens. Put in color requests now. First come, first serve!!!!

I think that’s all for now.
New Office tomorrow night!!! I hope Roy keeps his dirty hands off my man. But if he does handle my man, I hope Jim knows I’ll go out and stock up on frozen peas, vanilla ice cream and rent us the entire first season of Good Times or somesing.

Also, according to Aunt Lynn, cousins and Grandma, I need to start working on editing my vocabulary.
(Silena- You’ve earned a few points here. My Aunt called me out on saying “market,” like you always do. She says I have to start saying “store.” See, you’re already better adjusted than I am!)

Lavender! COME ON, PEOPLE!!!
I almost never ever watch, but when I do I usually get my butt kicked puh-rhetty darn bad. It’s refreshing when I get 10% of the questions right. I feel like I have some sort of greater purpose in life.

Anyway, no news to report so far. I really just wanted an excuse to post this picture somewhere.

It’s from a NYT article about facial yoga which is *kind of* interesting. I mostly just find that picture really funny.

And this:
A Darjeeling Limited Update, which has both old and new, somewhat interesting information. Like this:

But there are not that many laughs in The Darjeeling Limited, which in Anderson’s usual quirky style, features talking animals, lost parents and slightly deranged siblings. The brothers believe their father, played by Bill Murray-who went remarkably undiscovered in the two weeks he was shooting in Jodhpur-has been reborn as an albino leopard, and trace their mother to a convent where she teaches poor children.

Talking animals? Bill Murray as a talking animal? Bill Murray as Garfield in a Wes Anderson movie? Oh. Okay. This is the first I’ve heard of Murray, and it is yet to be confirmed on his imdb, but investigative reporting shall commence perhaps later or tomorrow. I’ll let you know. Or you can let me know. (So far my only confirmation is from a Livejournal post that contains the same article.)

Anyway, that’s all I have for you now. It’s time to watch The Guardian. Kevin Costner is bottom of the list for me and Ashton Kutcher is too goofy to be taken seriously sometimes. Should be excellent.

UPDATE: You know what was NOT excellent? The Guardian.

For those who missed it, last night was FX’s season premier of The Riches, a show about a family of traveling con artists who are very good at what they do, and for good reason. The best way I can describe it is that it’s almost like this romanticized idea we have of gypsies. Except think Southern U.S. (namely Louisiana) instead of Southeast Europe. You all live in these great big camps that can be moved if they need to, but there are generations of people living in this one area and you learned everything you know from all of them. There’s this whole mafia/Godfather side to it all too, and you learn that Minnie Driver’s character, Dahlia, is the daughter of the patriarch of this entire network. Her husband, Wayne (Eddie Izzard), is as witty as he is charming and gets himself into a sticky situation almost as fast as he can get himself out of it. They’ve got three children, Cael (Noel Fisher) who you can already tell is going to be the root of a lot of conflict, Di Di (Shannon Marie Woodward) who is showing early signs of being not only the beauty, but the brains behind a lot of their shenanigans, and Sam (Aidan Mitchell) who’s speaking volumes in unspoken dialogue.
Dahlia’s just been released from prison on parole and through a series of quick and a tough decisions, the Malloy family ends up moving into a swank, bubbled, guard-gated community (very Desperate Housewhore-y) under the identity of someone else (The Rich Family), more specifically a hot shot attorney and his wife who are new to the area (Literally, a rich family). And it becomes quite apparent that Wayne and Dahlia are new to this lifestyle, too.
The show is marketed as a “dramadey” and while the laughs are simple and chuckle worthy at best, what the show lacks in side-splitting wit, it makes up for in the fact that at the heart of this whole masquerade, it’s a tragic and sweet. The sadness and painfully brutal honesty about who these people are stings bad. And yet, Wayne’s devotion to his family and his wife who has barely got her feet on the ground, is ever present, and it’s probably the main thing that rescues this show from being a too far-fetched train wreck.
It’s got its faults, for sure, but I’ll keep coming back, because I like to believe that people can do extraordinary things and that they’re much better than we give them credit for most of the time. So I’ll stick around for a bit, see what kinds of riches we can dig up here.

Recently it seems that I almost always am either not home, sleeping, or forgetful of the fact that Future Husband Keith Olbermann has a TV show. So all the good Olbermann moments usually happen in the kitchen when my mother tries her best to re-tell a lot of the stories to me. It usually ends in me not getting it and her having to forward them to me.
So here are some of my recent favorites.
1) I don’t hate many people. But, boy, do I hate Glenn Beck.

2) The DMV one is my favorite. But they’re all pretty good.

I’ve had the great pleasure of enjoying some truly outstanding film and tv recently that I think it would be wise for you to consider.

Pan’s Labrynth: I had heard many good things about this movie before I saw it in theaters. Namely from my brother who wouldn’t stop talking about it until I saw it, so I did. And I was sure it was going to be fantastic, but I didn’t really know what to expect. It’s much bloodier than I thought it was going to be, so weak stomachs beware. But the images and the effects and the entire storyline of this little girls’ world is so fantastic and whimsical and beautiful that it becomes an escape just as much for you as it does for her. This is not to be missed.

Smokin’ Aces: Another one that I wasn’t quite sure of what I was going to get but came out totally pleased and entertained. The movie has all the fantastic elements of a very fun summer assassin movie but I can see how it would have totally drowned coming out in June. It has perfect timing and does exactly what it came to do. Smoke some asses. I mean, Aces. Jeremy Piven is phenomenal and wears his role so well and is supported by a cast that is sexy, funny, all around insane and more often than not, hilariously blowing each other away. Literally. My favorite characters in this movie are The Tremors. I can’t say much, but after you see it we will discuss.

The Illusionist: My elitist nature kept me from seeing this one in theaters. Partially because I am anything but a fan of Jessica Biel and also it had the worst timing of a movie coming out right alongsidethe unstoppable and incomparable Prestige. Being released weeks before The Prestige was probably a good move as to not get buried by it in rental and sales as well. Anyway, I must apologize to Edward Norton and Paul Giamatti (but still not Biel) for missing this outstanding film in theaters. The story is very interesting and the visuals, though sometimes oddly placed and not enough in your face, were over all very well done. Edward Norton will always hold a special place in my heart and in my eyes Paul Giamatti can do no wrong, though Iain will profusely disagree. So when you go to Blockbuster to pick up The Prestige and it is completely sold out, pick up The Illusionist. You shall not be disappointed.

Rome: This is the HBO series that started last year and has just started up its second season. I rented disc one out of curiosity the other day at Blockbuster and can definitely say that I have not been so pleased with a television show of this type in a very long time. The storyline is very involving as I can say that two episodes in I am hooked. Today I rented two more discs and am extremely anxious to get into those as well. Rome is sexy, bloody and intense (it’s HBO) and has left me wanting nothing but more. The show is on Sundays at 9, but I am trying to get caught up on season 1 before I delve into 2. Well done, HBO. Well done.