Phew! Just got back from Disneyland! We spent Tuesday in Disneyland, Wednesday in California Adventure, and then Thursday going to both parks and hitting up any rides we'd missed earlier and repeating some rides again (like going on Pirates of the Caribbean like 5 times). So all in all, an awesome trip! I love Disneyland, just thinking about it makes me get all giddy. There were some minor annoyances, like the fact that I was basically a big gay fifth wheel with my parents and my sister and her boyfriend. Sooo that was kinda ":(" but oh well, not like I'm not used to it by now heh.
I think this is the first "family vacation" ever where there have been absolutely no arguments. I got pissed at my sister cuz she made some crack about "nerd magazines" and was a general bitch about it, but other than that everything went swimmingly. My sister and her boyfriend are still in California, they're driving up to San Francisco and stuff for a few extra days, so hopefully they won't get into any trouble heh.
Anyway! I've uploaded some pics already, to my LJ, with more coming soon. Soooo if you're someone who I know and would like to share the pics with, then you already know how to get to my LJ to see them. I'll put some up on Facebook too, eventually.
I think I got about four hours of sleep last night, so these might be interesting, and not in altogether good way, but rather a sleep-deprived, random, scattered way.
Anyway.
1. I'm watching Regis and Kelly, and they've got this 11-year-old math genius. I'm all about fostering intelligence in one's kids and encouraging advanced education, etc. That's precisely why, if I have kids, I'm going to homeschool them. (Well that, and the fact that I don't want the liberal-choked teacher's unions to warp their brains.) However, I think the parents of kids such as this 11-year-old math whiz are doing them a great disservice by not teaching them social skills. I'm not saying they should be all pop-culturally oriented or whatever. However, they should be able to carry on a freaking conversation and be able to, I don't know, emote. Seriously. This kid was a robot. Jimmy Kimmel (guest-hosting) and Kelly were being friendly and funny and asking him different questions, and he barely responded. Never cracked a smile or really even changed expression. It was kind of pathetic.
2. I watched Grey's Anatomy last night because I forgot to cancel my Season Pass and honestly, I can't believe that a couple weeks ago, I was absolutely raving about its post-strike return and yet last night was ridiculous and uneven and pandering and did I mention ridiculous? It's pretty sad when a show I used to revere for its characterization has painted normal, sweet, emotionally stable characters like Lexie and Rose as being somehow, I don't know, abnormal or, in Rose's case, almost villainous. Cristina behaved so out of character last night I almost didn't recognize her. Don't get me started on the stupid, unrealistic and insipid Callie-Hahn storyline. The writers ruined what was an awesome storyline -- and Emmy-worthy performance by Elizabeth Reaser -- when they took the Rebecca-Alex story down the ill-fated soap opera path it's on. I'm so glad Reaser is getting her own show in The Ex List next season, and am even more excited that she'll be playing Esme Cullen in Twilight come December. Steve Betz and I commiserated on the decline of Grey's recently and he made a point that I whole-heartedly agree with: the decline started as soon as the writers started trying to tell the stories of too many characters. Sloane, Callie, the despicable Hahn, even the Chief and Bailey -- they're minor, supporting characters. Frankly, I could care less about their personal lives. Perhaps Steve's best point was that Bailey was always the rock and I loved her unshakable, "at work" mentality and how she was such a stabilizing force for the interns/residents. Now that isn't the case. I don't want to see her fall apart. Anyway, I find I just don't care about this show anymore. At all. And though there are no details forthcoming, if ABC president Steve MacPherson's comments (and the analysis of those comments) are to be believed, Shonda's planning some drastically different directions for the show next season that nobody is all that enthused about. I'm glad to be getting off the train before it derails.
3. The Office finale was probably the best episode of its season, and maybe the best since "Casino Night." I loved it and didn't even notice that it was an hour -- and I'm one of those who believe super-sized episodes are too much of a good thing. The cold open was HILARIOUS, and my obsession love for Jim Halpert (and John Krasinski) has been heightened. If that is possible. (Is cloning really so immoral if it's used for good -- namely so that Cori and I can both have him?) I wasn't spoiled, but I figured that Jim and Pam wouldn't get engaged, only because we knew it was coming, and so how would it be a surprise or somehow shocking if it happened in the finale? I am so glad the writers have fixed Pam because as I've said before, my love for her has returned to Season 1 and 2 levels and I'm happy to forget Season 3 Pam. Also, how great is Amy Ryan as the very Michael-like Holly? I look forward to seeing more of her next season.
4. The penultimate episode of Bones was beyond awesome. Best this season, and that's saying a lot, because Bones is one of those shows that -- almost non-traditionally -- has gotten better with each season. I am regularly amazed at how frakking funny David Boreanaz is. His comic timing is unbelievable. And it goes without saying that his chemistry with Emily Deschanel is fantastic. I am so excited that John Francis Daley has been brought on as a regular cast member instead of just recurring. It's so weird to see him all grown up after watching him as the tiny, adorable Sam Weir on Freaks and Geeks, and I now have a ginormous crush on him. He's so very Acronym-y.
5. The first part of the House finale -- "House's Head" -- was phenomenal. As with Bones, best this season, even topping the awesome post-Super Bowl episode. Hugh Laurie is bound to get yet another Golden Globe and Emmy nomination for this performance alone, and gee, maybe he'll even win the Emmy this time. It's long past due. The man is brilliant. Also, as an unimportant aside, I can never call Thirteen by her real name. The first and last names don't go together. At all. And her first name is...weird. So yeah. Thirteen it is.
6. No, I haven't watched the first part of Lost's three-part finale, because there's just the little matter of the four previous episodes I still have to watch. And I know, as always, I'm setting myself up to be spoiled -- and I already know a couple of things -- but I'm looking forward to diving face-first into, like, five (what better be) spectacular hours of the best show on television.
7. If you didn't see my previous post, you must check out the bits of Fringe and Dollhouse that have leaked. They both look awesome -- especially Fringe -- and I expect Fringe alone to replace a woefully derailed Heroes as the sci-fi cult show of the moment. It could possibly reach Lost heights.
8. And because I wouldn't be my obsessive self without a mention, I thought I'd post a yummy Edward Cullen picture. Because last night in my four hours of sleep, I dreamed that he turned me into a vampire. It was...lovely, and I definitely didn't want to wake up. Would that any boy (especially one this dreamy) look at me like this...
FOX has released a three-minute trailer for Fringe -- also known as the show that has me almost as impatiently excited as the Lost pilot -- and you can bet that trumps any personal post from me.
I was freaking out while I watched it. The X-Files wishes it was ever this freaky.
And if that weren't enough, about 72 seconds of the Dollhouse pilot have surfaced.
I believe my exact reaction after watching both back-to-back was something along the lines of -- and I'm trying to get the exact wording and inflection -- HELLS YEAH!
(Also? Tahmoh Pinkett is HOT. I thought so all during my love affair with Battlestar Galactica and I'm just hoping we get to see him lose the suit.)
I met Barack Obama. In a dream last night....
And he was really nice. This really ticks me off. Not only has my dreamland become much more exciting than reality as of late(which is unfortunately[fortunately?!] not usually the case) but now my subconscious is trying to warm up to Obama???? Agh! I want out of my head! Maybe I feel that I'm not being fair to him... except that I really feel like people aren't being fair to Hillary.
I wish politics didn't exist. I wish I had a life this summer. I wish I were in Spain right now.
I wish I had a genie.
I am going to attempt a quasi-personal post, but my ability to blog has so diminished -- seriously, I used to blog fairly well and now I can barely come up with an adequate review -- so I can't promise how interesting it'll be.
Downloaded: Everything in Transit by Jack's Mannequin and Narrow Stairs by Death Cab for Cutie. I will always be indebted to Seth Cohen for introducing me to Death Cab. I heart them. And Seth Cohen. And Adam Brody, for that matter.
Finally: Achieved the correct dark brown shade for my hair. After, like, three tries.
New shape: To my eyebrows. I do not enjoy waxing and can't imagine how people have it done to other parts of their bodies. Especially...certain parts.
Newly obsessed: With Top Chef and am happy that I somehow get Bravo (even though I'm not supposed to) and that Bravo was running Top Chef marathon all day long.
Adoption: Process at the Boston Terrier rescue in Houston has begun and I expect to have a dog by the end of the month, or the first part of June at the latest.
Perfected: My 1170-calorie diet and may be the first person I know who actually lost weight on vacation. I'm currently in between sizes, which is annoying, but a good type of annoying.
Disney: Was fun but I'm glad I'm home.
Bored: To tears. By my own post. So I'll be returning to my regularly scheduled pop culture blogging.
Of course, I’m talking about the new Death Cab For Cutie album, Narrow Stairs, which was released this week – because nothing says cheerful like Death Cab.
By my analysis, the album breaks down like this:
Disillusionment: 3 songs
Empty relationships, settling: 4 songs
Stalking: 1 song (technically two, one radio-version, one long-version)
Life post-break-up/hitting rock-bottom: 2 songs
California wildfires: 1 song
Any yes, the wildfire song is the most uplifting of the bunch.
These songs in general seem more produced than on their last (fantastic) album “Plans”. Overall, it’s a good collection – incorporating the interesting musical twists and carefully wrought lyrics that fans have come to expect.
After my initial listenings, I think it falls a little short of “Plans” because this collection lacks enough examples of the wry-dark-humor so well captured in songs like “Someday (You Will Be Loved)” and “Crooked Teeth”.
My early favorites are the stalkerriffic song, “I Will Possess Your Heart” (which has been pre-releaesed for a little while) and a great song “Cath…” about a bride settling for an empty marriage.
Grab yourself a couple fingers of scotch and hope that you don’t recognize yourself in this album’s songs.
I took a trip back to 2000 and watched all of the 10th Kingdom again. I'll admit that I love the mini-series or whatever it is. If you haven't seen it, you should. It's pretty lame starting out but before you know it, you're hooked. Anyway, this "mini" series is sooooo long! So long..... I mean there's three discs and they're like 4 1/2 hours each. But anyway, I watched them all in two days and this has unfortunately crossed over into the realm of my dreams. The 10th Kingdom has influenced my subconscious. How pathetic am I?
So... I'm having a lovely dream where I finally bought a brand new shiny green car and was driving it around town. My very first car! Sometimes my dreams feel so real that I wake up heavily disappointed that so-and-so didn't happen. This was like one of those dreams, except that I didn't have to wake up to be disappointed. I see a friend of mine on the rode and get out to go talk to him. For some stupid reason I leave my car on and doors open as I walk about a BLOCK away from it to talk to him. We talk for a long time and I turn to walk home. Yes, WALK. In about three minutes I had forgotten about my car (because I've gotten used to walking everywhere my whole life?? I don't know...) and then realize what I did and turn to run to my car. Then the really weird crap starts to happen. Three trolls are stealing my car. They were the same trolls from the 10th Kingdom. It was so lame. I was willing to get run over to get my car back but they got away anyway. Next thing I know I was trapped in some strange troll castle where I scheme to get out. I remember trying to call 911 but not having a signal on my phone. I wasn't trying to call the cops to get out, just to get my car back!!! Like I said, LAME dream and I'm glad to say the 10th Kingdom has been shipped and mailed back to Netflix. I'm good for another decade.
How would you like it if this was haunting you??
What are your top five break-up songs?
Submitted by gt.
I don't really know about five, but this song is really one of my favorites -- full of snarky goodness. The Beloved says I like it so much because I used to treat women like this, but we all know that's not true.
Also notable because Death Cab just released their latest album, Narrow Stairs, yesterday -- so I've been all DCFC today.
ETA: Dollhouse paired with 24? House paired with Fringe? Almost enough to stop me from rolling my eyes at the return of the show that WILL NOT DIE. (That would be Prison Break, in case you hadn't guessed.)
I'm sure I'm the only one that bothers putting in the time to compile stuff like this -- or even cares about it -- but whatever. It's my blog, and I want it available for easy reference.
Without further adieu, the network schedule for the 2008-09 fall TV season. Obviously, FOX hasn't had its turn at the Upfront presentations yet, so I'll be updating this with their schedule announcements tomorrow.
(all times CST; * denotes new show; red highlights indicates guaranteed Season Passes; green indicates shows almost certain to gain SP status; purple indicates shows on a trial basis)
(Yes, you're reading right -- I'm done with Grey's.)
Monday
ABC: Dancing With the Stars (7-8:30); Samantha Who? (8:30-9); Boston Legal (9-10)
CBS: The Big Bang Theory (7-7:30); How I Met Your Mother (7:30-8); Two and a Half Men (8-8:30); Worst Week* (8:30-9); CSI: Miami (9-10)
NBC: Chuck (7-8); Heroes (8-9); My Own Worst Enemy* (9-10)
FOX: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (7-8); Prison Break (8-9)
[Midseason: Dollhouse (7-8); 24 (8-9)
CW: America's Next Top Model (7-8); Stylista* (8-9)
Tuesday
ABC: Opportunity Knocks* (7-8); Dancing With the Stars (8-9); Eli Stone (9-10)
CBS: NCIS (7-8); The Mentalist* (8-9); Without a Trace (9-10)
NBC: The Biggest Loser: Families (7-8:30); Kath & Kim* (8:30-9); Law & Order: SVU (9-10)
FOX: House (7-8); Fringe (8-9)
CW: 90210* (7-8); Surviving the Filthy Rich* (8-9)
Wednesday
ABC: Pushing Daisies (7-8); Private Practice (8-9); Dirty Sexy Money (9-10)
CBS: The New Adventures of Old Christine (7-7:30); Project Gary* (7:30-8); Criminal Minds (8-9); CSI: NY (9-10)
NBC: Knight Rider* (7-8); Deal or No Deal (8-9); Lipstick Jungle (9-10)
FOX: Bones (7-8); Til Death (8-8:30); Do Not Disturb* (8:30-9)
CW: America's Next Top Model (7-8); Stylista* (8-9)
Thursday
ABC: Ugly Betty (7-8); Grey's Anatomy (8-9); Life on Mars* (9-10)
CBS: Survivor (7-8); CSI (8-9); Eleventh Hour* (9-10)
NBC: My Name is Earl (7-7:30); 30 Rock (7:30-8); The Office (8-8:30); SNL: Thursday Night Live* (8:30-9); ER (9-10)
FOX: Moment of Truth (7-8); Kitchen Nightmares (8-9)
CW: Smallville (7-8); Supernatural (8-9)
Friday
ABC: Wife Swap (7-8); Supernanny (8-9); 20/20 (9-10)
CBS: Ghost Whisperer (7-8); The Ex List* (8-9); Numb3rs (9-10)
NBC: Crusoe* (7-8); Deal or No Deal (8-9); Life (9-10)
FOX: Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader (7-8); Don't Forget the Lyrics (8-9)
CW: Everybody Hates Chris (7-7:30); The Game (7:30-8); Top Model repeats (8-9)
Sunday
ABC: Extreme Home Makeover (7-8); Desperate Housewives (8-9); Brothers & Sisters (9-10)
CBS: The Amazing Race (7-8); Cold Case (8-9); The Unit (9-10)
NBC: Football
FOX: The OT (7-7:30); The Simpsons (7:30-8); Family Guy (8-8:30); American Dad (8:30-9)
CW: rented to Media Rights Capital
Winter/Midseason plans:
ABC: Lost; According to Jim; Scrubs; The Bachelor
CBS: Rules of Engagement; Harper's Island*
NBC: Law and Order; Friday Night Lights; Medium; Office spin-off; Merlin*; Kings*
FOX: Dollhouse; 24; American Idol; Hell's Kitchen; Secret Millionaire; Sit Down, Shut Up; The Cleveland Show
CW: Reaper
One of the things that the Beloved and I have really gotten hooked on in the past year has been cooking-competition shows – namely Top Chef and Iron Chef America. She insists we’re not “foodies” but I think we’re closer to being them than not.
One of our favorite additions to Iron Chef has been the newest IC – Michael Symon. He’s personable and cooks in a style that we really like – typically taking everyday comfort food and putting a high-end cuisine spin on it.
We had pretty easy travel and arrived in Ohio on Friday night early enough that we were able to enjoy dinner at his restaurant Lola in downtown Cleveland. Lola was hip and urbane with a small, but really interesting menu and wine list.
We split a couple of appetizers – a shredded beef pierogie that had mushrooms and horseradish (very good) and a slab of bacon (think small bacon-steak) served with pickled tomatoes and toasty cheese that was phenomenal. For entrees, the Beloved had a black bass that was very good and I had a fantastic venison loin that was grilled to perfection and served in a red-wine chile sauce. Yum!
Overall, the food was excellent and the prices reasonable by high-end restaurant standards. The service started out a little aggressive – as if they were trying to turn the table over pretty rapidly (it was busy). But after we made it clear we meant to take our time and linger, they really backed off and let us enjoy ourselves.
A great way to kick off our long weekend.
