Tuesday, July 31, 2007
New Haven radio ratings; WPLR, WWYZ up; WELI down
http://www.radio-info.com/content/arbitron.php?market=109
A radio observer commented this way:
"There were no shortage of things to talk about during the spring Arbitron ratings period here in New Haven. Immigration reform, the New Haven ID cards, all gave talk show hosts something to talk about.
And let’s not forget the April floods (still during the book) and I am sure I am forgetting something VERY important…
So why then do you think did New Haven’s news/talk station go down in the ratings? Could it have been a lack of unbiased local news? Could it have been a lack of any local news? "
Maybe behemoth Clear Channel should answer that for us. You shouldn't call yourself news/talk if you don't have local news.
A radio observer commented this way:
"There were no shortage of things to talk about during the spring Arbitron ratings period here in New Haven. Immigration reform, the New Haven ID cards, all gave talk show hosts something to talk about.
And let’s not forget the April floods (still during the book) and I am sure I am forgetting something VERY important…
So why then do you think did New Haven’s news/talk station go down in the ratings? Could it have been a lack of unbiased local news? Could it have been a lack of any local news? "
Maybe behemoth Clear Channel should answer that for us. You shouldn't call yourself news/talk if you don't have local news.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Extreme Makeover's Bridgeport plea
In Saturday's Register, we told you about printer Karen Brody Collett of Hamden and others donating to the Brown house project being built by "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition." Here's a just-in release from the builder, who needs help:
THE RACE TO THE FINISH:
We need your extreme help!
Bridgeport, Conn., July 30, 2007— In what seems like no time at all, the ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and Gulick Associates, LLC team have laid the foundation, completed the exterior frame, installed windows and doors, and put up the drywall and sheetrock for the Brown house. But the race against the clock continues!
The construction crews have been working tirelessly for the past three days and nights, and now, we need the community’s help. We have reached a critical point in construction, and in order to make up some time lost due to the weather, the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition design time and the Gulick Associates are calling on the Connecticut community to step in and help the building effort. The crews have been working relentlessly, and the lack of sleep and heavy heat is beginning to take its toll. We are currently seeking skilled laborers to provide relief so that our crews can get some much-deserved rest before forging on to the finish. Specifically, we are seeking the following skilled laborers:
Exterior and interior painters – Monday, July 30
Pavers - Monday, July 30
Siding installers: Monday, July 30
Landscapers – Monday, July 30 – any time
Finishing plumbers – Monday, July 30, 9pm
Driveway installation – Monday, July 30, 9pm
Licensed electricians - Monday, July 30 – 9pm
Hardwood floors, Tuesday, July 31, 4am
If you are able to come and volunteer, please call Gulick Associates office at 203-966-7868 and someone will get in touch with you as quickly as possible to confirm your participation. Volunteers are asked to bring their own tools. As always we appreciate your support!
Please Note: All times subject to change based on weather conditions.
Other immediate needs:
Please deliver the following items to the corner of Hollister and Stratford Avenues unless otherwise noted:
Energy drinks – can’t have enough!
Individually wrapped snacks
ICE ICE ICE!
White hard hats – please deliver directly to 315 Seaview Avenue, Bridgeport
Paint equipment: sprayers, 1 and 5 gallon buckets, brushes, rollers and tarps
Gardening and construction gloves
Towels and washcloths
Plastic buckets (for ice and cold beverages)
Donate to the Family Fund!
Gulick Associates, LLC has created the “Building a Family’s Extreme Dream Fund” that we hope you will support. We want to make sure that the ongoing expenses of the Brown family’s extreme dream home are provided for and that the costs of getting a college education are provided for. Every little bit helps; no donation is too large or too small.
Other volunteers as well as spectators are also welcome to join in on the action at the site. Directions and parking instructions can be found at http://www.gulickassociates.com/.
THE RACE TO THE FINISH:
We need your extreme help!
Bridgeport, Conn., July 30, 2007— In what seems like no time at all, the ABC’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and Gulick Associates, LLC team have laid the foundation, completed the exterior frame, installed windows and doors, and put up the drywall and sheetrock for the Brown house. But the race against the clock continues!
The construction crews have been working tirelessly for the past three days and nights, and now, we need the community’s help. We have reached a critical point in construction, and in order to make up some time lost due to the weather, the Extreme Makeover: Home Edition design time and the Gulick Associates are calling on the Connecticut community to step in and help the building effort. The crews have been working relentlessly, and the lack of sleep and heavy heat is beginning to take its toll. We are currently seeking skilled laborers to provide relief so that our crews can get some much-deserved rest before forging on to the finish. Specifically, we are seeking the following skilled laborers:
Exterior and interior painters – Monday, July 30
Pavers - Monday, July 30
Siding installers: Monday, July 30
Landscapers – Monday, July 30 – any time
Finishing plumbers – Monday, July 30, 9pm
Driveway installation – Monday, July 30, 9pm
Licensed electricians - Monday, July 30 – 9pm
Hardwood floors, Tuesday, July 31, 4am
If you are able to come and volunteer, please call Gulick Associates office at 203-966-7868 and someone will get in touch with you as quickly as possible to confirm your participation. Volunteers are asked to bring their own tools. As always we appreciate your support!
Please Note: All times subject to change based on weather conditions.
Other immediate needs:
Please deliver the following items to the corner of Hollister and Stratford Avenues unless otherwise noted:
Energy drinks – can’t have enough!
Individually wrapped snacks
ICE ICE ICE!
White hard hats – please deliver directly to 315 Seaview Avenue, Bridgeport
Paint equipment: sprayers, 1 and 5 gallon buckets, brushes, rollers and tarps
Gardening and construction gloves
Towels and washcloths
Plastic buckets (for ice and cold beverages)
Donate to the Family Fund!
Gulick Associates, LLC has created the “Building a Family’s Extreme Dream Fund” that we hope you will support. We want to make sure that the ongoing expenses of the Brown family’s extreme dream home are provided for and that the costs of getting a college education are provided for. Every little bit helps; no donation is too large or too small.
Other volunteers as well as spectators are also welcome to join in on the action at the site. Directions and parking instructions can be found at http://www.gulickassociates.com/.
Deaths, sharks and PTSD
Tom Snyder's passing will be marked by night owls (I was one once), who long-watched the talk-show host interview interesting people as he puffed away on cigarettes. (I think exec producer of "Letterman" and "Late Late Show" Peter Lassally said it best, "Tom was a true broadcaster, a rare thing. When he was on the air, he made the camera disappear. It was just you and him, in a room together, having a talk.)
Snyder and Hall-of Fame coach Bill Walsh died within a day of each other from leukemia. The combination of Walsh, Joe Montana and Jerry Rice was almost unstoppable. Brilliant.
Discovery Channel recorded its highest household rating ever for a SHARK WEEK premiere program. "Ocean of Fear," the story of U.S. sailors trying to survive in shark-thick waters, was watched by 3.9 million people. 2003’s "Anatomy of a Shark Bite" was seen by 3.2 million.
Sunday night's repeat "Law & Order" riffed artfully on the Walter Reed Medical Center scandal and the fact that we're sending youngsters off to get limbs blown off without proper protection or care when they get back. These stories are increasingly being mirrored in the culture, a sign that artists are beginning to cry out about the madness and dictatorial reign of Dick Cheney and the Dubya Dolt. "War on Terror": botched. Hunt of Osama: botched. Recognition of global-warming crisis: Botched and foiled. Iraq regime-change: Botched horribly. Economy: Not bad, except for the increasingly chasm between super rich and super poor. Innovative solutions to our social problems: Not even attempted. Forward-looking energy policy: A horrific joke, just as it was in Reagan and Clinton administrations.
Snyder and Hall-of Fame coach Bill Walsh died within a day of each other from leukemia. The combination of Walsh, Joe Montana and Jerry Rice was almost unstoppable. Brilliant.
Discovery Channel recorded its highest household rating ever for a SHARK WEEK premiere program. "Ocean of Fear," the story of U.S. sailors trying to survive in shark-thick waters, was watched by 3.9 million people. 2003’s "Anatomy of a Shark Bite" was seen by 3.2 million.
Sunday night's repeat "Law & Order" riffed artfully on the Walter Reed Medical Center scandal and the fact that we're sending youngsters off to get limbs blown off without proper protection or care when they get back. These stories are increasingly being mirrored in the culture, a sign that artists are beginning to cry out about the madness and dictatorial reign of Dick Cheney and the Dubya Dolt. "War on Terror": botched. Hunt of Osama: botched. Recognition of global-warming crisis: Botched and foiled. Iraq regime-change: Botched horribly. Economy: Not bad, except for the increasingly chasm between super rich and super poor. Innovative solutions to our social problems: Not even attempted. Forward-looking energy policy: A horrific joke, just as it was in Reagan and Clinton administrations.
Thursday, July 26, 2007
More on the Cheshire slayings
Turns out I've spoken to alleged killer Joshua Komisarjevsky's grandmother a few times. She (Ernestine Stodelle) was a dance reviewer and free-lancer for this very department at the Register, and I would say hello to her when she came in to file her stories in the 1980s. See the story:
http://www.nypost.com/seven/07252007/news/regionalnews/family_killer_has_rich_pedigree_regionalnews_jeane_macintosh.htm
http://www.nypost.com/seven/07252007/news/regionalnews/family_killer_has_rich_pedigree_regionalnews_jeane_macintosh.htm
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
news coverage of a tragedy
The murders that began the week in otherwise-sleepy Cheshire brought an understandable deluge of press coverage on the local channels, WCBS-AM and other outlets. WTNH had strong stories by Jamie Muro, Bob Wilson and Tricia Taskey.
WVIT had reports by Brad Drazen and Susan Goodman. Then, it had video of one of the suspects entering court and photos of the two suspects on the WVIT website fairly quickly Tuesday morning.
WFSB had reports from Jamie Roth and Diana Rocco but didn't seem to have video on its website later.
WTIC covered it Monday with solid reports from Laurie Perez and Eric Zager but typically scant followup coverage on Tuesday morning on the Web site.
The story received live coverage Tuesday on Connecticut news leader WTIC-AM and New York giant WCBS-AM (880) but one radio listener locally had harsh words for the coverage on Clear Channel-owned WELI-AM:
"The horrific home invasion and family murder in Cheshire should be the lead story on every local newscast today. What does WELI do at 8 this morning? They lead with a story that sounds more like a station promo, about the morning show being done live in front of New Haven City Hall to protest ID Cards for illegal aliens. Not only does this show a lack of news judgment, this show outright disrespect for the news product and the audience."
Not to knock another state paper, but the Connecticut Post didn't even put the Cheshire story on page one. Are you kidding me? This is the worst Connecticut crime in months. It was covered by the Guardian in London.
As per the comment to this post, "Inside Edition" also did something on the tragedy and WQUN-AM (1220) had good coverage; I'm sure CNN must have done something, too. I also saw the report on ABC's World News Tonight that was pretty good.
As for how journalists cover this story without bias, it's their training to get as many angles of the story as possible, present the many facts (in the old inverted pyramid fashion if you're writing a news story), and attribute the facts to police or eyewitnesses. Adrenalin and training take over. Opinions are for family, neighbors and viewers to express. If a larger issue comes out of the story down the road, then a columnist or newspaper editorial writer can weigh in with an opinion.
WVIT had reports by Brad Drazen and Susan Goodman. Then, it had video of one of the suspects entering court and photos of the two suspects on the WVIT website fairly quickly Tuesday morning.
WFSB had reports from Jamie Roth and Diana Rocco but didn't seem to have video on its website later.
WTIC covered it Monday with solid reports from Laurie Perez and Eric Zager but typically scant followup coverage on Tuesday morning on the Web site.
The story received live coverage Tuesday on Connecticut news leader WTIC-AM and New York giant WCBS-AM (880) but one radio listener locally had harsh words for the coverage on Clear Channel-owned WELI-AM:
"The horrific home invasion and family murder in Cheshire should be the lead story on every local newscast today. What does WELI do at 8 this morning? They lead with a story that sounds more like a station promo, about the morning show being done live in front of New Haven City Hall to protest ID Cards for illegal aliens. Not only does this show a lack of news judgment, this show outright disrespect for the news product and the audience."
Not to knock another state paper, but the Connecticut Post didn't even put the Cheshire story on page one. Are you kidding me? This is the worst Connecticut crime in months. It was covered by the Guardian in London.
As per the comment to this post, "Inside Edition" also did something on the tragedy and WQUN-AM (1220) had good coverage; I'm sure CNN must have done something, too. I also saw the report on ABC's World News Tonight that was pretty good.
As for how journalists cover this story without bias, it's their training to get as many angles of the story as possible, present the many facts (in the old inverted pyramid fashion if you're writing a news story), and attribute the facts to police or eyewitnesses. Adrenalin and training take over. Opinions are for family, neighbors and viewers to express. If a larger issue comes out of the story down the road, then a columnist or newspaper editorial writer can weigh in with an opinion.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Live comment on the Dem. debate
Tonight' s Democratic debate on CNN felt like a watershed moment in American politics, as the digital age melded with the money-choked American political process to offer hope of breaking the partisan gridlock and media manipulation perfected by the powerful in Washington.
Anderson Cooper did a good job of moderating, but the real advantage was from the YouTube videos by real people asking the questions.
The big screen was the star, offering real Americans asking important questions, instead of some stuffed-shirt journalist trying to politely paraphrase things for political correctness.
The only time it slowed down in the first portion was when one video questioner was allowed to ask a followup question from the audience. Bad move, but brief.
The voice of the people offered a bit of hope in the face of a horribly deformed political process. One can only wonder if this format is scaring the Republican spin-meisters, who didn't even allow a non-Bushie into any political rally during his entire last campaign. See the movie "Meet John Doe" and realize we've gone way beyond the fascist wannabe in that movie. We're living it.
And who is this guy Gravel? He's a major loon, although he makes a good point on Iraq.
Obama: He looks presidential to me, but the powers-that-be and the racist elements of this country will never allow him to be elected. He makes a good point about talking to your enemies, which George Bush hasn't done. "A disgrace," he says about not talking to some of them. He's way smarter than Bush, as his is approach. (Of course, it would be hard to be dumber than the Cheney-Lil' George administration).
Hillary: I don't care how important you sound, you had your chance in the White House. You're done. Step aside. We need some new blood in there, male or female.
Anderson Cooper did a good job of moderating, but the real advantage was from the YouTube videos by real people asking the questions.
The big screen was the star, offering real Americans asking important questions, instead of some stuffed-shirt journalist trying to politely paraphrase things for political correctness.
The only time it slowed down in the first portion was when one video questioner was allowed to ask a followup question from the audience. Bad move, but brief.
The voice of the people offered a bit of hope in the face of a horribly deformed political process. One can only wonder if this format is scaring the Republican spin-meisters, who didn't even allow a non-Bushie into any political rally during his entire last campaign. See the movie "Meet John Doe" and realize we've gone way beyond the fascist wannabe in that movie. We're living it.
And who is this guy Gravel? He's a major loon, although he makes a good point on Iraq.
Obama: He looks presidential to me, but the powers-that-be and the racist elements of this country will never allow him to be elected. He makes a good point about talking to your enemies, which George Bush hasn't done. "A disgrace," he says about not talking to some of them. He's way smarter than Bush, as his is approach. (Of course, it would be hard to be dumber than the Cheney-Lil' George administration).
Hillary: I don't care how important you sound, you had your chance in the White House. You're done. Step aside. We need some new blood in there, male or female.
Conan O'Brien's recent jokes
From NBC:
The National Hockey League announced it's going to kick-off next season with a game in London. It'll be the first time in league history that the people in the stands have worse teeth than the guys on the ice."
"In a recent speech, Fidel Castro said that the United States cannot successfully compete with Cuba. In fact, Castro's speech is now available on 8-track tape."
"This weekend a British explorer has endured sub-zero temperatures to become the first person to swim at the North Pole. Before going to the North Pole, the explorer said good-bye to his wife, children and testicles!"
"It was reported today that Paris Hilton's new boyfriend is a tee-shirt designer. In fact, he's the guy who designed the tee-shirt, 'I'm with Skanky'."
"In New York, a new bottled water called 'Bling' is being sold for $55 a bottle. The makers of "Bling" say they're hoping to reach the untapped 'thirsty A-hole" market.'"
"This week, President Bush announced that he's launching a new campaign to solve the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. When asked why, Bush said: 'It's fun to finally be working on a problem that I didn't cause.'"
"Nelson Mandela announced that he is starting a group called 'The Elders' that will be made up of retired global leaders who will tackle world problems. Mandela says The Elders will be like the Fantastic Four, but with bladder problems."
"Atlanta Falcons star Michael Vick has been indicted for reportedly holding dog fights on his property. After hearing about it, the commissioner of the NFL was furious and said, 'Why can't he just shoot up a strip club like everyone else?'"
"A couple who's scheduled to get married Friday night said they're going to leave their wedding reception early so they can be among the first people to buy the final 'Harry Potter' book. As a result, the back of the newlyweds' car will be decorated with a sign that says 'Just Losers.'"
"MTV has just announced that they are creating a cartoon series starring Paris Hilton. Not surprisingly, in the cartoon, Paris uses SpongeBob as a contraceptive."
The National Hockey League announced it's going to kick-off next season with a game in London. It'll be the first time in league history that the people in the stands have worse teeth than the guys on the ice."
"In a recent speech, Fidel Castro said that the United States cannot successfully compete with Cuba. In fact, Castro's speech is now available on 8-track tape."
"This weekend a British explorer has endured sub-zero temperatures to become the first person to swim at the North Pole. Before going to the North Pole, the explorer said good-bye to his wife, children and testicles!"
"It was reported today that Paris Hilton's new boyfriend is a tee-shirt designer. In fact, he's the guy who designed the tee-shirt, 'I'm with Skanky'."
"In New York, a new bottled water called 'Bling' is being sold for $55 a bottle. The makers of "Bling" say they're hoping to reach the untapped 'thirsty A-hole" market.'"
"This week, President Bush announced that he's launching a new campaign to solve the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians. When asked why, Bush said: 'It's fun to finally be working on a problem that I didn't cause.'"
"Nelson Mandela announced that he is starting a group called 'The Elders' that will be made up of retired global leaders who will tackle world problems. Mandela says The Elders will be like the Fantastic Four, but with bladder problems."
"Atlanta Falcons star Michael Vick has been indicted for reportedly holding dog fights on his property. After hearing about it, the commissioner of the NFL was furious and said, 'Why can't he just shoot up a strip club like everyone else?'"
"A couple who's scheduled to get married Friday night said they're going to leave their wedding reception early so they can be among the first people to buy the final 'Harry Potter' book. As a result, the back of the newlyweds' car will be decorated with a sign that says 'Just Losers.'"
"MTV has just announced that they are creating a cartoon series starring Paris Hilton. Not surprisingly, in the cartoon, Paris uses SpongeBob as a contraceptive."
Friday, July 20, 2007
Question is, will anyone notice?
from abc:
As of August 6, ABC announces the following schedule changes to the Monday and Tuesday night summer lineups. In addition, ABC has ordered 13 additional episodes of “Just for Laughs.”
The complete Monday night primetime lineup as of August 6 will now be (all times ET):
8:00-9:00 p.m. “Wife Swap”
9:00-10:00 p.m. “Fat March”
10:00-11:00 p.m. “Supernanny”
The Tuesday night primetime lineup as of August 7 will now be:
8:00-8:30 p.m. “Just for Laughs”
8:30-9:00 p.m. “Just for Laughs”
9:00-10:00 p.m. “Primetime: Crime”
10:00-11:00 p.m. “i-Caught”
As of August 6, ABC announces the following schedule changes to the Monday and Tuesday night summer lineups. In addition, ABC has ordered 13 additional episodes of “Just for Laughs.”
The complete Monday night primetime lineup as of August 6 will now be (all times ET):
8:00-9:00 p.m. “Wife Swap”
9:00-10:00 p.m. “Fat March”
10:00-11:00 p.m. “Supernanny”
The Tuesday night primetime lineup as of August 7 will now be:
8:00-8:30 p.m. “Just for Laughs”
8:30-9:00 p.m. “Just for Laughs”
9:00-10:00 p.m. “Primetime: Crime”
10:00-11:00 p.m. “i-Caught”
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
2 tidbits
A radio blog says Don Imus may be coming back to radio as early as September, with a black sidekick.
TV Guide says Danny Glover has been tapped for an eight to 10-episode arc on "Brothers and Sisters," as Sally Field's beau.
TV Guide says Danny Glover has been tapped for an eight to 10-episode arc on "Brothers and Sisters," as Sally Field's beau.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Mandy's done this before. Recall Chicago Hope
STATEMENTS FROM ABC STUDIOS AND CBS PARAMOUNT NETWORK TELEVISION, AND MANDY PATINKIN:
On behalf of ABC Studios and CBS Paramount Network Television:
Last week Mandy Patinkin asked to be released from his role on “Criminal Minds.” We have honored this request, which was not in any way connected to contract renegotiations or salary issues. His departure from the series will be explained to audiences in an episode to be filmed in the near future and broadcast early next season. ... A new character will be added to the series for next season.
On behalf of Mandy Patinkin:
Due to creative differences, Mandy has asked not to return to “Criminal Minds” this
season. Mandy would like to thank the studios and network for releasing him from the series and wishes the cast and crew continued success in all of their endeavors, and he looks forward to continuing to work with the Disney and CBS companies in other capacities in the future.
On behalf of ABC Studios and CBS Paramount Network Television:
Last week Mandy Patinkin asked to be released from his role on “Criminal Minds.” We have honored this request, which was not in any way connected to contract renegotiations or salary issues. His departure from the series will be explained to audiences in an episode to be filmed in the near future and broadcast early next season. ... A new character will be added to the series for next season.
On behalf of Mandy Patinkin:
Due to creative differences, Mandy has asked not to return to “Criminal Minds” this
season. Mandy would like to thank the studios and network for releasing him from the series and wishes the cast and crew continued success in all of their endeavors, and he looks forward to continuing to work with the Disney and CBS companies in other capacities in the future.TV news briefs
some tv releases over the last few days:
JERRY SEINFELD RETURNS TO NBC TO GUEST-STAR AS HIMSELF IN NBC'S '30 ROCK' DURING COMEDY'S SECOND-SEASON PREMIERE OCTOBER 4
NBC COMMITS TO A NEW CELEBRITY VERSION OF 'THE APPRENTICE' FEATURING DONALD TRUMP AS CELEBRITY CONTESTANTS VIE TO BE THE BEST BUSINESS BRAIN UNDER TRUMP'S tutelage. (Oh boy, this sounds awful.)
PBS GREENLIGHTS “CAR TALK” TELEVISION SERIES (Click and Clack!)
CMT returns for a second year to what is billed as the “world’s largest music festival” – CMT AT SUMMERFEST 2007 – for three, one-hour concert specials featuring country music favorites Sugarland, Sara Evans and Big & Rich, to premiere nightly Friday, August 3-5 at 10:00-11:00 p.m.,
ESPN will debut the primetime news magazine show ESPN Reports (working title) beginning Tuesday, October 16 at 7 p.m. ET. The premiere will be followed by three additional one-hour episodes airing on consecutive Tuesdays, and will return for five weeks in April 2008 and six weeks in June 2008. The series will provide 15 original episodes a year.
PLANET IN PERIL: CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta and Animal Planet host and wildlife biologist Jeff Corwin will focus on four main issues that threaten the planet and its inhabitants: climate change, deforestation, species loss and overpopulation. Planet in Peril, filmed across four continents and 13 countries, airs over two nights on Tuesday, Oct. 23, and Wednesday, Oct. 24, from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. (ET/PT).
GOD's WARRIORS: CNN will premiere a six-hour documentary next month on the impact of religious fundamentalism as a powerful political force around the world. Filmed over seven months in six countries and reported by chief international correspondent Christiane Amanpour, CNN Presents: God’s Warriors will debut over three nights from Tuesday, Aug. 21, to Thursday, Aug. 23, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT) on CNN Worldwide’s U.S. and international networks.
Premiering on Monday, July 30, and Monday, September 17, National Geographic Channel (NGC) presents a series of specials: Science of Dwarfism, Science of Gigantism, Science of Obesity and Science of Conjoined Twins. In each one-hour episode, NGC investigates the science behind these complex conditions and illuminates the compelling trials of those who live with unusual bodies.
JERRY SEINFELD RETURNS TO NBC TO GUEST-STAR AS HIMSELF IN NBC'S '30 ROCK' DURING COMEDY'S SECOND-SEASON PREMIERE OCTOBER 4
NBC COMMITS TO A NEW CELEBRITY VERSION OF 'THE APPRENTICE' FEATURING DONALD TRUMP AS CELEBRITY CONTESTANTS VIE TO BE THE BEST BUSINESS BRAIN UNDER TRUMP'S tutelage. (Oh boy, this sounds awful.)
PBS GREENLIGHTS “CAR TALK” TELEVISION SERIES (Click and Clack!)
CMT returns for a second year to what is billed as the “world’s largest music festival” – CMT AT SUMMERFEST 2007 – for three, one-hour concert specials featuring country music favorites Sugarland, Sara Evans and Big & Rich, to premiere nightly Friday, August 3-5 at 10:00-11:00 p.m.,
ESPN will debut the primetime news magazine show ESPN Reports (working title) beginning Tuesday, October 16 at 7 p.m. ET. The premiere will be followed by three additional one-hour episodes airing on consecutive Tuesdays, and will return for five weeks in April 2008 and six weeks in June 2008. The series will provide 15 original episodes a year.
PLANET IN PERIL: CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta and Animal Planet host and wildlife biologist Jeff Corwin will focus on four main issues that threaten the planet and its inhabitants: climate change, deforestation, species loss and overpopulation. Planet in Peril, filmed across four continents and 13 countries, airs over two nights on Tuesday, Oct. 23, and Wednesday, Oct. 24, from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. (ET/PT).
GOD's WARRIORS: CNN will premiere a six-hour documentary next month on the impact of religious fundamentalism as a powerful political force around the world. Filmed over seven months in six countries and reported by chief international correspondent Christiane Amanpour, CNN Presents: God’s Warriors will debut over three nights from Tuesday, Aug. 21, to Thursday, Aug. 23, at 9 p.m. (ET/PT) on CNN Worldwide’s U.S. and international networks.
Premiering on Monday, July 30, and Monday, September 17, National Geographic Channel (NGC) presents a series of specials: Science of Dwarfism, Science of Gigantism, Science of Obesity and Science of Conjoined Twins. In each one-hour episode, NGC investigates the science behind these complex conditions and illuminates the compelling trials of those who live with unusual bodies.
Friday, July 13, 2007
You've just stepped into ... The Andromeda Strain
I'm a big fan of "Andromeda Strain," the book and movie. Here's an update on the new version being made:
BENJAMIN BRATT, ERIC MCCORMACK, RICK SCHRODER,
ANDRE BRAUGHER, CHRISTA MILLER, DANIEL DAE KIM,
VIOLA DAVIS & TED WHITTALL TO STAR
IN THE A&E ORIGINAL MINISERIES THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN
PRODUCTION BEGAN JULY 3 IN VANCOUVER
Andre Braugher will play General George Mancheck (good name). The updated graphics, SFX and science should make this interesting.
BENJAMIN BRATT, ERIC MCCORMACK, RICK SCHRODER,
ANDRE BRAUGHER, CHRISTA MILLER, DANIEL DAE KIM,
VIOLA DAVIS & TED WHITTALL TO STAR
IN THE A&E ORIGINAL MINISERIES THE ANDROMEDA STRAIN
PRODUCTION BEGAN JULY 3 IN VANCOUVER
Andre Braugher will play General George Mancheck (good name). The updated graphics, SFX and science should make this interesting.
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
See New Haven-based show before it airs
friday I write in the register about a new Lifetime show. Here's where you can see it before it airs. New Haven angle.
http://tv.yahoo.com/state-of-mind/show/35338/videos/3271779
http://tv.yahoo.com/state-of-mind/show/35338/videos/3271779
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
24 plot scrapped; trouble at the Fox franchise
TV Guide says the "24" plans for the fall have been upended, as the plot included scenes in Africa that were going to be too expensive. Bedlam in the boardroom and writing rooms! I think Jack Bauer needs to burst in and threaten to torture Rupert Murdoch. And by "torture" I mean, make him watch Fox News for four hours straight.
Monday, July 09, 2007
White House: Dumber Than Dumb
What we've been saying from Day One of the Iraq war is that it doesn't seem to make any sense and is way too costly for what it would achieve. And that it was a Pandora's box.
Michael Moore said that and he was tarred and feathered by the right, pretty successfully considering Bush won re-election. Moore was correct. All the Bush-backers were wrong; the facts are clear now. So who was unpatriotic in reality? The Cheney-dominated administration, that's who.
With lockstep Republicans starting to acknowledge reality (but not Sen. Lieberman, who is more hawkish than anyone), the White House is finally starting to think about gradually pulling back troops from the bee's nest of chaos. They won't admit that, but that's what sources are telling the New York Times. Of course, in the Orwellian language these terrible leaders use to control the masses, they're calling it a “post-surge redeployment.” When will Americans wake up and begin to prosecute these clowns for gross negligence? THE ISLAMOFACISTS AND OSAMA WERE IN AFGHANISTAN (and maybe Pakistan), now we've brought Al Qaida to Iraq and wasted lives and billions of dollars. Someone please stop the madness of bad leadership.
Notice the comments here: Three diehard Bushies, two of whom want to do me harm for speaking out. That's Cheney's mindset. Control everything. No dissent. No thinking on the part of the people. WE the people should speak out more, a lot more. The problem began when the chicken hawks started throwing around the war metaphor. Once they did that, the terrorist knew they had made real progress. Because they knew we'd sink our national wealth down a deep hole by chasing shadows (Iraq). War is waged upon a country, and the terrorists hide behind civilians. Terror must be fought with more clever tools, and metaphors.
Michael Moore said that and he was tarred and feathered by the right, pretty successfully considering Bush won re-election. Moore was correct. All the Bush-backers were wrong; the facts are clear now. So who was unpatriotic in reality? The Cheney-dominated administration, that's who.
With lockstep Republicans starting to acknowledge reality (but not Sen. Lieberman, who is more hawkish than anyone), the White House is finally starting to think about gradually pulling back troops from the bee's nest of chaos. They won't admit that, but that's what sources are telling the New York Times. Of course, in the Orwellian language these terrible leaders use to control the masses, they're calling it a “post-surge redeployment.” When will Americans wake up and begin to prosecute these clowns for gross negligence? THE ISLAMOFACISTS AND OSAMA WERE IN AFGHANISTAN (and maybe Pakistan), now we've brought Al Qaida to Iraq and wasted lives and billions of dollars. Someone please stop the madness of bad leadership.
Notice the comments here: Three diehard Bushies, two of whom want to do me harm for speaking out. That's Cheney's mindset. Control everything. No dissent. No thinking on the part of the people. WE the people should speak out more, a lot more. The problem began when the chicken hawks started throwing around the war metaphor. Once they did that, the terrorist knew they had made real progress. Because they knew we'd sink our national wealth down a deep hole by chasing shadows (Iraq). War is waged upon a country, and the terrorists hide behind civilians. Terror must be fought with more clever tools, and metaphors.
Friday, July 06, 2007
So you think you can dance for a rating
From a TV source:
Here are the final national ratings for the week of June 25, 2007, followed by the top 30 ranked programs for the week in total viewers and adults 18-49.
-Households:CBS: 4.6 rating/9 share, NBC: 3.7/ 7, Fox: 3.5/ 6, ABC: 3.0/ 6, CW: 1.1/ 2
-Total Viewers:CBS: 6.83 million, NBC: 5.67, Fox: 5.55, ABC: 4.48, CW: 1.76
-Adults 18-49:Fox: 2.2 rating/7 share, NBC: 1.9/ 6, CBS: 1.6/ 5, ABC: 1.5/ 5, CW: 0.7/ 2
-Adults 25-54:Fox: 2.2/ 7, NBC: 2.2/ 6, CBS: 2.2/ 6, ABC: 1.7/ 5, CW: 0.7/ 2
-Adults 18-34:Fox: 2.2/ 8, NBC: 1.6/ 6, ABC: 1.1/ 4, CBS: 0.9/ 3, CW: 0.7/ 2
TOP 30 RATED PROGRAMS OF THE WEEKR = repeat -Total Viewers:America's Got Talent (NBC: 11.51 million), CSI R (CBS: 9.91), So You Think You Can Dance - Wednesday (Fox: 9.83), So You Think You Can Dance (LEFT PHOTO) - Thurs. 9 p.m. (Fox: 9.3
9), Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? (Fox: 9.32), Two and a Half Men R (CBS: 9.12), CSI: Miami R (CBS: 8.95), Princess Diana Tribute (NBC: 8.82), So You Think You Can Dance - Thurs. 8 p.m. (Fox: 8.65), Law & Order: SVU R (NBC: 8.65), NCIS R (CBS: 8.44), Cold Case R (CBS: 8.33), CSI: NY R (CBS: 8.17), Shark R (CBS: 7.73), Hell's Kitchen (Fox: 7.43), 60 Minutes R (CBS: 7.32), Without a Trace R (CBS: 7.28), The Next Best Thing (ABC: 7.23), How I Met Your Mother R (CBS: 7.08), Numb3rs R (CBS: 6.76), Criminal Minds R (CBS: 6.52), The New Adventures of Old Christine R (CBS: 6.51), American Inventor (ABC: 6.50), CBS Saturday Movie: Jesse Stone - Night Passage (6.41), America's Funniest Home Videos R (ABC: 6.32), House R (Fox: 6.29), 48 Hours Mystery - Tuesday (CBS: 6.20), 48 Hours Mystery - Saturday (CBS: 6.16), Extreme Makeover: Home Edition R (ABC: 6.02), Dateline - Wednesday (NBC: 5.82)
Monday, July 02, 2007
Update on the Vince McMahon limo blast
Well, as we suspected, the limo explosion (see below in this blog for a pic) of WWE showman Vince McMahon was a "story line" and not real. The WWE officially cut it short after another one of its popular performers, Chris Benoit (aka The Rabid Wolverine) killed his wife, young son and himself recently. We won't blame the roid rage, since there are plenty of too-jacked guys on the juice and they don't kill their families. But steroids and a culture of violence probably aren't ideal for an unstable person.
Farfur no more
According to Palestinian Media Watch:
Hamas TV Mickey Mouse beaten to death by Israeli - becomes Martyr in final episode
The Hamas satellite TV channel has responded to the international controversy over its hatred-spouting Mickey Mouse clone by having the character beaten to death by an Israeli and becoming a Shahid, martyr for Allah.
"Java Joe" comment: Good riddance to bad rodents. And I think you'll find the killer to be a radical Muslim instead of an Israeli.
Hamas TV Mickey Mouse beaten to death by Israeli - becomes Martyr in final episode
The Hamas satellite TV channel has responded to the international controversy over its hatred-spouting Mickey Mouse clone by having the character beaten to death by an Israeli and becoming a Shahid, martyr for Allah.
"Java Joe" comment: Good riddance to bad rodents. And I think you'll find the killer to be a radical Muslim instead of an Israeli.
Hitting for Fuddruckers: The diary
Just returned from a big girls softball tournament in Carlisle, Pa., and we saw some awesome hitting displays, not so much by our 16u team but certainly from a Delaware team and one or two Pa. teams. Parents of travel players have to enjoy a hearty adventure, because it is. Late games, early games, heat, sun, dust, cargo, warmups... But the growth in skills and the little personal victories are addicting. More importantly, we ate at Fuddruckers (New Haven County's motto should be: No great chain restaurants). Other places have top-rated chains, like this one. We also enjoyed an Applebee's, which CT. does at least have.
Stayed two nights in Chambersburg, which smelled funky when the horse trailer was parked near the front of the Comfort Inn and the weather was showery. I had to light a cigar to help. A parent from one of the other Ct. teams had a flat tire, two nights in a row if I'm not mistaken (either that or I was living "Groundhog Day"). We moved to a motel in Carlisle to be closer to the fields, with several families.
Overnight in Carlisle, apparently, some clowns got in a fight and one guy was shoved in front of a moving rig at the truck stop near the Holiday Inn, killing him. I slept through it. Our patchwork squad of central-Conn. Wildcats did pretty well. We were leading a couple of top teams into the 5th or 6th inning and we also rallied and won a few games before elimination Sunday. Our wide-ranging centerfielder suffered a knee injury in a go-kart accident Saturday night (don't get me started), so Sunday we stuck her in left where she made a limping-reaching grab of a line drive and turned a double play. The girl we stuck in center (my kid actually) played only one inning of outfield in high school but went on a tear out there, tracking balls 30 feet over her head into the gap and firing the ball in as if she knew what she was doing. That was chuckle-headed fun.
Gamesmanship? The team that knocked us out of nationals last year still likes to come up to home plate with their whole team instead of just captains. So I spotted that and quickly directed our whole squad into the left batter's box. Umps enjoyed it. It was one of the many fun moments for the girls, too.
The last coach we played from a New York state team didn't bother to come out with his two captains at home plate, which sort of ticked me off (it doesn't take much). So I enjoyed it very much when our lefty hitter pretended to be a slapper as she approached the batter's box to hit in the third inning. I even yelled out, "C'mon, slapper!" Their three outfielders moved in 20 feet and she hit a bomb over their heads. "Well that worked well!" I said too loud as she cruised into third. Youngest player Holli from Wallingford also hit a bomb past the team that took us for chumps (yeah, we had some errors). After they won, their coaches suddenly found the energy to be in line to shake hands. I think character is better measured when things don't go your way. "Should I go sit down and ignore them?" I asked fellow coach Joe C. "Nah, be a sport," he said. "Ohh-kay, I will, but I'm not looking them in the eye."
On the way back home we found a Panera bread eatery in central Pa. among the rolling hills and farmland beautifully lit by a late-afternoon sun. Tasty. I bought a loaf of semolina bread with sesame seeds that must weigh five pounds, too. It's going straight to my waistline. I should just skip eating it and tape it on. I fear other parents were caught in traffic at the Tappan Zee Bridge, where a watermelon truck crashed, caught fire and spilled cargo into oncoming lanes. Luckily I had decided to take the thruway to I-84 in Brewster. Both sides of the TPZ were closed down. Not what you need during a five-hour drive, when your own melon needs to hit a pillow at home.
Stayed two nights in Chambersburg, which smelled funky when the horse trailer was parked near the front of the Comfort Inn and the weather was showery. I had to light a cigar to help. A parent from one of the other Ct. teams had a flat tire, two nights in a row if I'm not mistaken (either that or I was living "Groundhog Day"). We moved to a motel in Carlisle to be closer to the fields, with several families.
Overnight in Carlisle, apparently, some clowns got in a fight and one guy was shoved in front of a moving rig at the truck stop near the Holiday Inn, killing him. I slept through it. Our patchwork squad of central-Conn. Wildcats did pretty well. We were leading a couple of top teams into the 5th or 6th inning and we also rallied and won a few games before elimination Sunday. Our wide-ranging centerfielder suffered a knee injury in a go-kart accident Saturday night (don't get me started), so Sunday we stuck her in left where she made a limping-reaching grab of a line drive and turned a double play. The girl we stuck in center (my kid actually) played only one inning of outfield in high school but went on a tear out there, tracking balls 30 feet over her head into the gap and firing the ball in as if she knew what she was doing. That was chuckle-headed fun.
Gamesmanship? The team that knocked us out of nationals last year still likes to come up to home plate with their whole team instead of just captains. So I spotted that and quickly directed our whole squad into the left batter's box. Umps enjoyed it. It was one of the many fun moments for the girls, too.
The last coach we played from a New York state team didn't bother to come out with his two captains at home plate, which sort of ticked me off (it doesn't take much). So I enjoyed it very much when our lefty hitter pretended to be a slapper as she approached the batter's box to hit in the third inning. I even yelled out, "C'mon, slapper!" Their three outfielders moved in 20 feet and she hit a bomb over their heads. "Well that worked well!" I said too loud as she cruised into third. Youngest player Holli from Wallingford also hit a bomb past the team that took us for chumps (yeah, we had some errors). After they won, their coaches suddenly found the energy to be in line to shake hands. I think character is better measured when things don't go your way. "Should I go sit down and ignore them?" I asked fellow coach Joe C. "Nah, be a sport," he said. "Ohh-kay, I will, but I'm not looking them in the eye."
On the way back home we found a Panera bread eatery in central Pa. among the rolling hills and farmland beautifully lit by a late-afternoon sun. Tasty. I bought a loaf of semolina bread with sesame seeds that must weigh five pounds, too. It's going straight to my waistline. I should just skip eating it and tape it on. I fear other parents were caught in traffic at the Tappan Zee Bridge, where a watermelon truck crashed, caught fire and spilled cargo into oncoming lanes. Luckily I had decided to take the thruway to I-84 in Brewster. Both sides of the TPZ were closed down. Not what you need during a five-hour drive, when your own melon needs to hit a pillow at home.
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