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American TV Goes Japenese . . .

To paraphrase Barack Obama: "It's silly season on television."  It's the summer TV season . . .reality show after reality show after reality is on while we all wish longingly for the days when Izzy and George tried to go out (As If!) and when Sawyer was calling Freckles out for liking the Doc.  Well, this summer season might get a lot more bearable tonight when ABC introduces two new shows - "Wipeout" and "I Survived a Japanese Game Show".  Both shows take on the crazy world of Japanese gaming with it's impossible obstacle courses and laugh out loud moments when people crash during stunts.

If you haven't yet watched on of these Japanese creations - where have you been?  Adam and I first discovered the joy of TV on the other side of the world with MXC.  Contestants try to jump ravines, climb hills while avoiding boulders and a miriad of other stunts that lead to hilarious crash after hilarious dunk.  Here is a highlight reel to get you warmed up:

It will be interesting to see if ABC can deliver such side-splitting entertainment.  If the preview from "Wipeout" is any indication they may well have succeeded.

Grey's What?

An Ode to The West Wing and a Refresher Course on Why Obama "Baracks"

Adam sent this to me yesterday knowing - as I have mentioned here before - that I am a die hard West Wing fan. I'm still mourning the show's end, in fact. I own the first three seasons on DVD and if anyone is looking for a good birthday present (4/6) then any of the remaining seasons would absolutely rock my world.

That plug done, here is a fun video paralleling the similarities between the Matt Santos character from West Wing's final season and Barack Obama.  I remember watching Santos and thinking "God I wish someone like this would run for president."  Then I saw Obama at the convention four years ago and I thought "Holy Cow! This is the guy I've been waiting for." I started pitching Obama in 08 back then and so I'm beside myself with excitement about how things are looking now.

Obama is refreshing. He isn't the same old tired story, he isn't an establishment stuffed shirt (or skirt).  He's not perfect. But he doesn't act like he is or like he should be deferred to because he is an elected official. Above all else he is truly a public servant and these are just a few of the many reasons I support him.

The campaign commercial is done. I've made my daily pitch.  Now, sit back and enjoy the video. You're sure to be inspired as only the partnership of Obama and the greatest TV show ever can.

Golden Predictions

Here are a few of my early picks for the Golden Globes.  In the interest of full disclosure I have to admit I have not seen all of the nominees in every category but . . . here are my picks anyway!

Best Motion Picture -Drama: No Country for Old Men
This I have seen and it is FABULOUS!  If you haven't seen it, go now! It's the best suspense thriller I have seen in ages.  The acting is genius, as is the cinematography.

Best Actor - Musical or Comedy: Johnny Depp
I haven't seen this one - and have to admit I likely won't because Sweeney Todd scares me as a result of a freaky marching band routine from my geek days . . . But that aside, Johnny Depp is, in my opinion, one of the most under-appreciated, under-recognized actors in Hollywood.  His talent is far reaching and he takes risks.  Were it not for his A-one performances (and Orlando's good looks) the second and third Pirate movies would have been unbearable.

Best Supporting Actor - Drama: Javier Bardem
Javier played psychotic killer to a new level of perfection.  His character was freakier than a thousand Hannibal Lecters.  The first scene in the sheriff's office alone wins this award - I have goosebumps just thinking about it.

Best Animated Feature: Ratatouille
One of the best animated films EVER!

Best Director: The Coen Brothers
I truly can't say enough about this movie . . . Near perfect.

Best TV Series - Drama: Damages
Glenn Close was phenomenal.  This series left you guessing who was good, who was bad and what was going to happen right up until the last credit.  It's a shame more people didn't watch this tremendous effort.

Best TV Actress - Drama: Glenn Close
I know Falco is a sentimental choice for a lot of people missing The Sopranos but Close was miraculous.  She created a character that you loathed but couldn't quite hate, a character you who couldn't decide whether she was evil or misunderstood.  Close's finest hour.

Best TV Series - Musical or Comedy: Pushing Daisies
A quirky, completely new show, Daisies is a fabulous escape from the daily grind. Plus, as an avid Harry Potter book-tape fan, I love hearing Jim Dale's voice.

Best Supporting Actress - Drama: Rose Byrne
Again, Damages was fantastic - Byrne's performance was nothing but understated elegance.

Best Supporting Actor - Drama: Ted Danson
I've never seen Ted Danson so loathsome.