Stephen King
Monday, November 30, 2009
By Claire
Are you a fan of all things Stephen King? The SyFy network just ordered 13 episodes of a drama series based on his novel, The Colorado Kid. The show will be called Haven and sounds quite intriguing.
Are you a fan of all things Stephen King? The SyFy network just ordered 13 episodes of a drama series based on his novel, The Colorado Kid. The show will be called Haven and sounds quite intriguing.
Big Bummer. The TNT show Raising the Bar, starring genx sensation Mark-Paul Gosselaar, has been canceled due to its ratings. While it did really well in its first season, the second season did not score with viewers. I really liked the show and was looking forward to a third season.
I know, I know - I'm a few episodes behind on House - my bad, but I have to comment on the "Known Unknowns" episode. In a word, "brilliant"! The show keeps getting better and better. From the antics at the medical conference, the interaction with Cuddy and Wilson to the team working to save the girl's life after a night out - everything was simply awesome - so well done. The last scene (which was only about 1 minute or so) with Cameron and Chase was so intense.
The amazingly talented musician Prince, and one of Bender's absolute favorites, is in Minnesota at the Chicago Bears / Minnesota Vikings game as I write. Who knew, among his many passions, he is a football fan?!
Are you a fan of all Apple electronics and Gwen Stefani? This is for you. It has been announced that Gwen Stefani is expanding her L.A.M.B. and Harajuku Lovers lines to include accessories specifically designed for Apple products. Sounds like quite a pairing.
First of all, Project Runway will be starting a new season on January 14. Yeah! Second, the winner of the most recent season, Irina, made a wedding dress for Kelly Ripa, who never wore won when she eloped several years ago. Check it out.
Despite the Thanksgiving day tallies, The New Moon once again was the number 1 movie this weekend, barely beating out The Blind Side which only trailed by about 1.5 M and actually had a higher per screen average. Precious is continuing to do very well, with a higher per screen average than New Moon, in much fewer theaters. Check out the weekend totals.
Do you ever wonder how decisions get made to cast certain people in specific roles? Check out this fascinating article detailing the work of casting directors and the many aspects that go into filling tough roles.
If you are a fan of classic genx movies, Beetlejuice and Edward Scissorhands, then this exhibit is for you. The MoMA in New York currently has a Tim Burton exhibit running through April. It sounds really cool. Click here to read all about it.
Interestingly, The Blind Side did better business on Thanksgiving day then the vampires of New Moon. I am guessing since the Blind Side is more family oriented and New Moon not so much. Check out the Thursday results.
Just saw Pirate Radio and liked it. Not great, but good. Cool group of actors including Philip Seymour Hoffman (not his best performance, but he's always solid) and Kenneth Branagh (who plays a great mean bureaucrat). The movie was not as fast paced as I thought it would be, but it had some great lines and very funny moments.
John Mayer's new CD, Battle Studies, entered the Billboard charts at number one!
Word on the street...
* Sade will FINALLY release a new album in February, 2010
* Blink-182 will enter the studio in January, 2010 to record a new album and then tour behind it
Check out this review of the New Moon soundtrack from a Gen X perspective.
Out Today...
Rihanna's Rated R
Adam Lambert's For Your Entertainment
Lady Gaga's Fame Monster
Shakira's She Wolf
Susan Boyle's I Dreamed A Dream
Out today on DVD...
Angels & Demons
Funny People
Gommorah on Blu-Ray
Imagine That
Genius as always. "Slapsgiving", "slapsolutely", "slapple" just a few of the gems in last night's show. Marshall was the star of the show last night from his orchestration of the slap to bringing Lily together with her father -- he was extremely funny and at the same time totally sweet. The videophone with his family holding fake hands around the table? Awesome.
I recorded the AMAs last night and fast forwarded through the whole thing in a few minutes, stopping only once in a while to hear a presenter (Jermaine Jackson accepting an award for Michael) or watch 20 seconds of a performance (Alicia Keys & Jay-Z).
The only performance I watched from beginning to end was Janet Jackson's opening number. I think it was a great performance (she's playing a medley of her hits). While she lip-synced the whole set her dancing was amazing! She looked in great shape and danced her butt off!
Actor Jason Segel, who plays hilariously quirky Marshall on How I Met Your Mother, and has starred in Forgetting Sarah Marshall and I Love You, Man, has been showcasing his musical talents in LA. He even sang a song with his phone number as the chorus. In addition he will be joining Maroon 5 for their New Year's Eve show in Las Vegas. Check it out.
Green Day recorded a new version of their song 21 Guns, off of their album 21st Century Breakdown, with the cast of the American Idiot Musical. It is expected to be on the radio and digital services by the end of November. I can't wait until the American Idiot Musical opens on Broadway!
The Twilight Saga: New Moon had an unbelievable opening weekend making $140 million, the third best weekend opening of all time behind only The Dark Knight and Spider-Man 3. This movie has had so much hype -what would be an equivalent 80s movie with this kind of anticipation? The Blind Side, the amazing true story starring Sandra Bullock, did very well in second place with $34 million. Check out all of the movie estimates this weekend.
They made it pretty close with this challenge but the final four is as most people predicted: Jennifer, Michael V, Brian and Kevin. Cool that the brothers are both in the final 4. Fascinating elimination challenge: Kevin went the simple route with this challenge and is the one who had the most successful dish while the other chefs challenged themselves but were lacking in execution. Do you think it was fair that Kevin won going the simple route?
Cirque du Soliel's new "vaudeville" style show premiered last night in Chicago and it was lackluster at best. The vaudeville skits were overly long and it was painful to sit through corny, dated and even offensive jokes.
The only redeeming factors were the handful of dancers and performers that appeared throughout the show. They were truly amazing.
This banana is rotten. Watch your step!
-- Post From My iPhone
I guess it was not a surprise ending after all. Irina, who had won the most competitions throughout the season, ended up winning it all last night. The judges really liked the line she put out, despite the lack of color. I thought Althea and Carol Hannah had really strong lines as well and it was really cool to see their months of hard work out on the runway. Even though she had been portrayed as one of the toughest competitors on the show, Irina's sensitive side came out at the end as she cried upon hearing that she won.
It has been announced that Oprah will be taping her last show September 9, 2011 after 25 seasons. Wow. Are you a fan of all things Oprah? Do you watch her show everyday?
Adrian Grenier, who plays movie star Vince on Entourage, and Leighton Meester who plays Blair Waldorf on Gossip Girl may have a music collaboration in their future. Check this out.
Stone Temple Pilots are working so hard on their new album, they are postponing the rest of their tour to stay in the studio and record. The album is due out in early spring. The band does plan to tour in support of the new album next year.
I just caught up on last week's episode of The Mentalist and had a very interesting surprise. Meredith Monroe, Andie McPhee of Dawson's Creek, and Vincent Ventresca, who played Fun Bobby on Friends, played husband and wife. Really random and interesting pairing.
How is it that just when you think Barney can't get even funnier - he tops himself? The playbook is unbelievably funny and the scuba diver was the absolute kicker. This episode was truly one of the classic ones.
Hilarious episode last night. The voice-overs with what each of the guys were thinking last night as they were in a conversation - too funny. And Tricia Helfer of Battlestar Galactica, Chuck and Burn Notice guest starred as Chelsea's friend who everyone -Charlie, Alan, Jake and Berta - was crushin' on. She was great and their interactions were highly comical as always.
Out Today...start your holiday wish list!!
The Fall by Norah Jones
Battle Studies by John Mayer
Good Evening New York City [2 CD/1 DVD Combo] [LIVE] by Paul McCartney
Them Crooked Vultures by Them Crooked Vultures
The Live Anthology (4 CD) [BOX SET] [LIVE] by Tom Petty
Number Ones by Janey Jackson
I Dreamed A Dream by Susan Boyle
For Your Entertainment by Adam Lambert
Out today on DVD...
Star Trek (2009)
It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia: Its A Very Sunny Christmas (2009)
Farscape: The Complete Series
Bruno
Remember the show and Ken?
Host of the show "Remote Control", Ken Ober, Dead At 52
If you are a fan of all things Gossip Girl, then you may be excited to know that tonight's episode features none other than Lady Gaga. Check it out!
Last night was an episode centering around the table read for the Seinfeld reunion show. So totally hilarious!!! So many wacky side stories and zany character situations going on. You can't believe the situations Larry David gets himself into on the show. Next week is the finale and the Seinfeld cast is back again (as are a lot of the Seinfeld sets).
The No. 1 movie this weekend domestically, was 2012 making $65 million. Worldwide, the movie made $225 surpassing its $200 million budget and 'This is It's worldwide total after 2 and half weeks out. Check out all the details.
Who do you think is going to win? I really don't know. Irina seemed to be the favorite going in based on how many competitions she won but now that Nina said the collections should have color, which Irina's doesn't have, it's going to be interesting to see what happens. Cool that they brought the former contestants back to help. It was also fun as always to see Tim hang out with the families and friends.
It finally happened. After many weeks in the bottom, Robin was eliminated from the competition. Cool idea for a competition based on Vegas hotels. Eli certainly was creative with his circus theme but it didn't sound too pretty, according to Padma and the other judges. Who do you think will make the top 4?
Great Springsteen show last night in Milwaukee! He (and the E Street Band) played 3 hours straight with no breaks whatsoever - Bruce puts to shame guys and gals half his age. Pulled out some cool covers and songs and even made fun of himself by saying "Hello Ohio" (referencing his mistake at his previous show) and then saying "I'm only f'ing with you". Great sense of humor and tremendous audience interaction - Bruce went into the crowd twice and even body surfed from the middle of the main floor back to the stage at one point.
Official Springsteen Site Set List Page
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Bradley Center
Cadillac Ranch
Badlands
Hungry Heart
Working On A Dream
Born To Run
Thunder Road
Tenth Avenue Freeze-Out
Night
Backstreets
Born To Run
She's The One
Meeting Across The River
Jungleland
Darlington County
Waiting On A Sunny Day
Santa Claus Is Comin' To Town
Loose Ends
Jole Blon
Growin' Up
Into The Fire
The Rising
No Surrender
Living Proof
Kitty's Back
American Land
Dancing In The Dark
Rosalita
Higher & Higher
I have to think of a snappier title than "New Movies Out This Weekend", but at least it's clear and to the point...
The one movie that catches my eye this weekend is the disaster pic, 2012 directed by Roland Emmerich and starring John Cusack, Amanda Peet, and Danny Glover.
The reviews I've seen have generally been good, but that the movie is totally over the top. That's O.K. by me! I saw the trailer in the theatre and was mesmerized by the effects of the world crumbling to the ground. It's very long at over 2-1/2 hours, but should be very entertaining - if disaster/apocalypse movies are your thing :)
Michael Jackson's dermatologist, Dr. Arnie Klein, recently gave an interview to TMZ (over an hour long!) about all things Michael and The Jacksons. Think what you want about him and his involvement with MJ, but I can't stop listening to his stories, musings, accusations, etc. Unlike most of Jackson's "inner circle" I find Dr. Klein intriguing- what's really going on here? Who IS this guy? What's his deal?
Dr. Arnie Klein's TMZ Interview
I like Courtney Cox and her new show Cougartown (which got renewed for a new season), but with all the shows on tv, cable, new movie releases (both in theater and on DVD) I had to let something go and Cougartown is the unfortunate victim. I have deleted the show from my Tivo Season Pass. Here's to seeing it one day on DVD...
With all the news about Steven Tyler leaving Aerosmith, Joe Perry looking for a new lead singer, etc. it just smacks of a publicity stunt to bring attention to a future album and tour and to keep them in the spotlight...just my 2 cents...
Check out Slash's remake of the classic Guns N'Roses song Paradise City featuring Fergie and Cypress Hill. Slash has an album coming out this March that features among others: Iggy Pop, Dave Grohl, Chris Cornell, Alice Cooper, Myles Kennedy, Flea, Kid Rock and every Gn’R member besides Axl. Slash has also contributed to Rihanna's upcoming album, Rated R. He has been busy.
In honor of the 20th anniversary year of Say Anything, check out this great article remembering the great movie and iconic "in your eyes" scene. How many times have you seen the movie? I am guessing I have seen it at least 20 times.
Green Day's "American Idiot" musical, which has been on a great run in San Francisco and was the top grossing show in Berkeley Repertory Theatre's history, will be coming to Broadway! Very cool! The dates and theatre location are to be determined. Click here for details on the show.
The nominations have been announced and all things vampire seems to be a big trend. Over 18 million votes were cast by fans online for the nominees and fans will also choose the winners in each category. For the full list of nominations, click here
Went to the Chicago Bulls game last night against the Denver Nuggets which turned out to be an extraordinarily wacky finish. In the 4th quarter the Bulls were down by about 7, then tied it up, took the lead and then were down by 1 with .3 seconds left on the clock. Brad Miller made an amazing shot at the buzzer to win the game for the Bulls. The crowd was going wild - everyone was on their feet the last 10 minutes of the game. Then the officials reviewed the shot (for about 10 minutes) and in a very controversial call said the buzzer went off before the shot left his hands and therefore it didn't count and the Bulls lost. Big bummer.
Out on DVD today...something for everyone!
Up (Single Disc Widescreen)
Watchmen: The Ultimate Cut [Blu-ray]
The Ugly Truth (Widescreen Edition)
Out Today...
Bon Jovi's The Circle
Green Day's Last Night on Earth (Live in Tokyo EP)
Jason Mraz's Beautiful Mess - Live on Earth
The Killers Live at Royal Albert Hall
Tori Amos' Midwinter Graces
AC/DC Backtracks (Box Set)
Just saw Don Henley last night - very good show overall. I could have done without the 4-5 songs that were either standards or holiday selections, but he rocked his hits and a handful of great Eagles songs.
One suprise selection of the night was a cover of Tears for Fears' "Everybody Wants to Rule the World"! It was a great version and it suited him very well.
One bummer: before he sang "Desperado" in one of his encores, a nut behind us blurted out "Des-per-blotto" in a drunken slobbing manner right before Henley's dramatic pause before he started the song - oh well - still a great song and a great delivery with Henley's voice in fine form.
Zach Gilford of Friday Night Lights (who we previously mentioned was at the Blackhawks game last weekend) was at the Bulls game Saturday night. Vince Vaughn was at the Bears game yesterday and Jeremy Piven was seen out and about in Chicago this weekend. Check it out.
Saw the show Million Dollar Quartet yesterday. It was awesome. The show is about December 4, 1956 a day when Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis all got together and jammed at Sun Records under the watchful eye of Sam Phillips who started many of their careers. The music was amazing, the harmony was incredible and as some audience members said as they left the theatre, it was the "birth of rock and roll". Definitely a show worth seeing.
Are you a fan of all things Beatles? Director Robert Zemeckis is re-imagining the 1968 animated film Yellow Submarine into a "performance capture 3D production". Should be very interesting. Check it out.
With the success of The Hangover, Bradley Cooper (who broke out in JJ Abrams' Alias back in 2000) is getting one role after another. Check out some if his upcoming films.
So, I have mentioned quite a few times how Christopher was in the bottom 2 and didn't get eliminated. Well, this week he wasn't in the bottom yet he was eliminated and will not be going to fashion week at Bryant Park. I thought since they kept keeping him he would for sure be going to fashion week. One never knows what is going to happen. Irina, Althea and Carol Hannah are all going to fashion week - should be quite a final competition.
Just watched the recent Nip/Tuck episode, "Jenny Juggs". All I can say is that Nip/Tuck is like a fine wine - it only gets better with age (AND when left out in the open it turns to vinegar). The show keeps getting more wild and crazy and last night's episode was funny and freaky at the same time!
The upcoming season of Damages will have lots of new characters to navigate through all the twists and turns that the amazing show stirs up. Martin Short and Campbell Scott will now be series regulars. Sarah Wynter and Reiko Ayelsworth, formerly of 24, will have recurring roles. Click here for all the details.
The Dave Matthews Band will be performing on Saturday Night Live on November 21, the night that Joseph Gordon-Levitt hosts. They are always incredible live so should be a great show.
Such 80s nostalgia. Do you remember tuning in for the weekly meetings to hear what was on the horizon? Check it out.
Green Day rocked out as the Foxboro Hot Tubs on Sunday night in a surprise gig in London. Sounds like it was an incredible show -- check it out.
Do you remember watching V in the 80s? I didn't watch it but remember that it was all the talk and theories were swirling. Well, this time around it has started off really well in the ratings with Party of Five's Scott Wolf as one of the stars. Read all about it here.
Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin will be co-hosting the Oscars this year, airing March 7. Should make for a very interesting show. It appears their very different styles are a reason for the match. Click here for all the details.
Just came back from the Chicago Bulls game tonight. Great game. They were losing almost the whole game and came back to win it. Loul Deng had a career high 24 rebounds - wild stuff. Had one of those situations with running commentary going on from the person behind me - always very comical.
Just saw Roger Daltrey last night in concert(lead singer of The Who).
He put on a decent show - gave a lot of energy even though his voice is no longer what it once was. He played a lot of obscure Who songs for the super fan and only a couple solo songs I believe, but I didn't really recognize most of the other songs on the setlist.
It was worth going to hear him perform I Can See For Miles, Behind Blue Eyes, Baba O'Reiley, and Who Are You, but he spoke between each and every song and he didn't need to.
Out Today on DVD...
G.I. Joe: The Rise of Cobra
Star Wars The Clone Wars: The Complete Season One (TV Series)
The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 (2009)
Out today....
Weezer's Raditude
Foo Fighters' Greatest Hits (Deluxe CD/DVD)
Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out! The Rolling Stones In Concert [40th Anniversary Deluxe Box Set]
Ultimate Bee Gees (2CD+DVD)
Nirvana's Live at Reading [CD/DVD]
Nirvana's Bleach (20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)
Slayer's World Painted Blood (CD & DVD)
I was remiss in blogging about the new 27" iMac that was recently released. Looks awesome - already saving up for it!!
New Apple iMac
Just saw Michael Jackson's "This Is It" and all I can say is, "Wow!"
From watching the film you could tell that the concert would have been incredible and even more amazing than the film and the film was amazing! It was great to see behind the scenes and watch the show coming to life. MJ danced and kept up with his backup dancers who were half as old as he. He didn't look sick or frail. MJ had a huge vision for the show and it would have been a huge success.
I don't believe MJ truly wanted to die - I believe he was addicted to drugs and was playing a deadly game of russian roulette. Very sad. Kenny Ortega did a great job putting the film together and it's a great final tribute to the King of Pop!
This Is It weekend numbers:
Top grossing film of the weekend $21M+
Worldwide gross $100M+
Born in the 70s, they grew up together. They are both fascinated by all things pop culture. They are into tv, movies and music from comedies to dramas to rock. She likes sports and he likes science fiction. He focuses on all things future while she harps on the past. Together they ponder it all on GenXReflects.com
