Big Red F talent on the small screen

So last night was the start of the new season of Top Chef and what a joyous surprise to see there are two Big Red F chefs (albeit, from Boulder) in the competition. They didn't mention a connection between the two during last nights episode nor do I recall seeing them on screen together. He is from Jax Boulder. She is from Centro... on the same block in Boulder. Of course there were 17 chefs last night (now 15) including two culinary school buddies a group that has dubbed themselves "Team Rainbow" (what gays on Bravo... um, totally expected!) I love Top Chef anyway but having folks from my most favorite local restaurant group in the mix just makes it all the more appealing! For the un-cabled, I think you can catch up on line.

They are in NYC this season. Last night they had to draw knives and venture into the different neighborhoods and prepare a meal inspired by that neighborhood's signature culture. Hosea won his head to head with Russian fare. Both made the final cut to move onto next week.

War. What is it good for? Absolutely nothing.

Plan to watch on Wednesday: Medal of Honor


From the time the first speaker at September's screening took the floor until we left the street with busloads of some of the 103 living recipients of the Medal of Honor, tears streamed down my face back in September when we saw the premier of the upcoming PBS documentary, "Medal of Honor."

Out of Ken Burns' production company comes another poignant personalization of American history. For me, the unfathomable position of serving in the military, let alone going to unbelievably compassionate lengths at the risk of your own life, makes many of these men--and a Dr. Elizabeth Walter from the Civil War--other-worldly to me in a different sense than as heroes.

Perhaps with a true insight to pacifist views, the filmmakers relate the accounts of actual pacificists and conscientious objectors who ended up serving, and being among some of the recipients, 60 of whom live in Colorado. Anyone who watches with a keen mind and bit of patriotism will be indignant that the rage against immigration goes on after countless soldiers have gone on to forego their own country for the sake of ours. The film profiles three immigrants who fought despite being imprisoned for their heritage, entering the country illegally, or facing discrimination right up unto the circumstances that brought him into the line of fire.

I cannot imagine ever being in these shoes, or asking someone else to be in a situation where they would be faced with these choices, yet nor can I imagine in any way the benefits of killing another human, freedoms be damned. Really. There are other ways. The benefits cannot be greater than these costs.

Airs November 5 on a PBS station near you.

"Barack Obama will win: It's all in 'The West Wing'."

Remember how sweet the victory of Jimmy Smits' Matthew Santos was over Alan Alda's Arnold Vinnick in the wonderful fantasy world of West Wing?!

It's all true, as it turns out: NYT

Martha, Martha, Martha

I have been in bed for the last two days treating a cold with rest, plenty of fluids, and a humidifier. I can't recall the last time I took two days off work to be sick. I have had plenty of time to catch up on my Martha.

Fine Living Network has just launched Whatever Martha where Alexis Stewart and Jennifer Koppelman Hutt mock old video footage of early Martha Stewart programming. (IC- Alexis & Jennifer also have a radio show on the Sirius Martha channel.)

I also caught Martha's regular show (the same one that plays on broadcast tv but is re-run on FLN) on the topic of blogging.

Think with your BRAIN for a change!

Okay, men are evidently not only skeevy, but also IDIOTS. Please add to my presidential wish list "does not sleep around." If our misogynist society would elect a woman, we at least might not have to worry about this aspect as much.

While I'm on another harangue, the government, I am reminded $20 later, is also in collusion with television converter manufacturers. You see, only a certain number of the models are available, so once the lower-priced ones are gone, you'll just have to invest more money. I know I already complained about this, but I was reminded today during my purchasing event before my coupon made its untimely expiration.

Television

It really sucks in the summer and I am very thankful for basic cable ... especially Bravo. I recently discovered Kathy Griffin: My life on the D list and am completely addicted. She's kinda annoying but her mother if fucking hilarious. Actually, her complaining about her mother is pretty damned funny too. My favorite line from tonight goes like this:

Rachel: Who raised you people?
Kathy: You've met my mother. I was raised by a box of wine.

Love it.

TV Converter Coupon

Okay, I feel a little silly about posting this, but hopefully it will save some of you a few minutes. It does open up for discussion who actually has an old TV and no cable, so I guess I'm willing to step in front of the executioners here and fess up.


Households can request up to 2 $40 coupons from the government to convert old TVs (using an antenna) to the new digital reception which begins exclusive broadcasting February 19, 2009.

Flyer on accessing the coupon is downloadable and gives you lots of ways to access the coupons, including an online form.

Word to the time-constrained: The coupons are good for 90 days after mailing and must be used at time of purchase, so don't order until you're ready to shop.

Word to the frugal or of the government-conspiracy mindset: All of the converters I can find cost more than $40. Some $2.99 more, some LOTS more.

As you may surmise, instant-action InfoChef is now conflicted by these last two tidbits.

Home of the 20 minute wait/Smoke-free Hotels

We have just returned from Mead Street and have good news to report. They have acquired additional church pews and have re-arranged their dining space. They ripped out the useless floating bar and added more booths and tables. Perhaps now the wait really will be 20 minutes! They have also updated their menu recently to include many pear & blue cheese combos (damn their timing!) that sound delicious. (The online menu hasn't been updated yet.)

Also, on an unrelated note- David Sedaris was on Daily Show earlier this week. Damn, he is funny. He discusses how he recently quit smoking because all the good hotels have gone smoke free and he got sick of staying at Amerisuites on the highway during book tours.

Likely African American

Didn't catch PBS' People Like Us? Produced in 2001, it recently re-aired, but isn't currently scheduled for rebroadcast in town.

Check out their extras and resources, where you can do fun things like see your neighborhood marketing demographics (I must also be a low-income senior, too.) and view clips.

Bitch is the new black

Well, I'm now openly professing my love for Tina Fey. I missed SNL this weekend, but luckily someone passed along the clip of Tina Fey on Weekend Update. On the criticisms that Hillary would be co-presidents with Bill ... "Because that would be terrible. Having two intelligent qualified people working together to solve problems. Bleck."

Why I have cable ... today

Non-stop coverage of Heath Ledger's death.
America's Next Top Model marathons on MTV.
Celebrity Rehab
Reruns of The Jeffersons on TVLand
Food Network

Cable television is craptastic!!

Snow Days/Lazy Days

Martha Stewart show today is all about healthy living. I missed her exact score on the life expectancy calculator but I did hear Martha link her excellent health to not being married and having lots of animals. CD2E's life expectancy is 101. (Warning: The quiz is not nearly as lighthearted as others that have been posted on RCs.)

No Scheduled Recordings

The DVR schedule is almost empty so I can't even imagine how bleak things are getting for the un-cabled. I read somewhere that COPS was a result of the last writers strike. Granted December is often filled with re-runs and Rudolph's nose so bright but knowing that things will be going downhill quickly in the new year makes it all the more bitter.

For out of bed /off the couch viewing...

Across The Universe is now playing at Neighborhood Flix. We saw this one earlier in the year out in Texlahoma (burbs). Beatles-lovin' JeepBoy & I give it two thumbs up. I didn't include a link to IMDB or Wikipedia on this movie because I think some of the magic would be lost if you knew too much of what to expect.

For those building up a Netflix/Library list...

Last weekend we watched Year of the Dog (from Red Box at our neighborhood Safeway) and I want someone to eat cheese with (IFC On Demand). Both movies have potential. Both movies disappointed. They both get one Fudge Striped Cookie a piece. Beware.

If you like Pushing Daisies (and if you don't- seriously? how are we friends?), you may like Wonderfalls. Less beautiful. As Quirky.

I am not sure if Iconoclasts is available on DVD or only on iTunes. This is really an interesting series that I think you would really enjoy. I think even non-Pop culture IC would know at least 1/2 of each pairing. This series is an example of why al carte cable sounds like a better idea than it would work out to be; If channels were sold stand alone I am certain that ESPN would be like 25 cents and have a billion viewers and the Sundance Channel viewers would have to pay 1k. I always remind myself of that when I have to skip over the pages and pages of Sport TV that we don't watch to check out IFC or Sundance or BBC America.

This & That: Media Madness

Jaded? Cynical? Blame Sesame Street (This link is brought to you by the letter R- as in Ridiculous.)

Here are a few Writer Strike blogs that have some humorous bits:
lateshowwritersonstrike.com
unitedhollywood.blogspot.com

Those of us struggling with Daily Show withdrawal don't want to overlook: Not The Daily Show with Some Writer

Casting Call for InfoChef: People Call Me "Martha Stewart"
Do your friends and family say you are just like Martha? Are your recipes, crafts, and other creations award-worthy? If so, now is your chance to show off. Send us a videotape telling us why people call you Martha Stewart and display your very best decorations, recipes, crafts, Good Things, and anything else that is "so Martha," and we may broadcast your video on the show, or even invite you to be a guest.

The only bee in your bonnet

"And if you think this episode was good without a special appearance by the music of They Might Be Giants, just imagine how good it is with one." ~ Television without Pity on this week's Pushing Daisies.

Hopelessly devoted...

to Pushing Daisies.

Even more Premiere Recaps- III

Pushing Daisies- Jeepboy declares, "So much better than those other turds." Beyond beautiful footage of flowers and pies (yum), this show brings the Quirk. It is very hard to describe but Television without Pity tried. This one should get space on your recording schedule/high speed Internet viewing calendar. RW.

Big Bang Theory- Stereotypical geeks are in this year. I have now watched 2 episodes of this show and it makes me miss The Class. My theory on this one is NRW.

Aliens in America has one thing going for it: Luke Danes. If this is really "the best new show" then it must require a "grows on ya" investment -ala 30 Rock or Arrested Development. RW/NRW? Too soon to tell.


From start to finish... Last night was the finale of Top Chef on Bravo. Hung as Top Chef- Ick! Yet another freaking male top chef. boo! On a related note, I have decided I do not like the term "foodie". It has never been a word I used but I tolerated it until Bravo launched this Bravo for Foodies campaign. The term "Foodie" is now on notice to me.

TV Premiere Week(s)- Recap II

To follow up on Recap Part I, The highlight of TV-palooza to date has to be the Michael Scott's Dunder Mifflin Scranton Meredith Palmer Memorial Celebrity Rabies Awareness Pro-Am Fun Run Race for the Cure. So much to love and always bonus deleted scenes and other fun things on The Office website.

Michael: Guess what. I have faults. What are they? Oh I don't know. I sing in
the shower? Sometimes I volunteer too much time? Occasionally, I'll hit somebody
with my car. So sue me. No, wait - don't sue me. That's the opposite of the
point that I'm trying to make.

Phyllis: I'm a Lutheran and Bob is a
Unitarian. It keeps things spicy.

Creed: I've been involved in a number
of cults, both as a leader and a follower. You
have more fun as a follower,
but you make more money as a leader.

(And DHP's favorite quote of the episode...) Michael: You don't know me, Pam.
You've just seen my penis.

TV Premiere Week- Part I

Chuck: I wanted more Nerd Herd, JB wanted more realistic Sci-Fi. We both enjoyed the comment that Chuck was working on a 5 year plan just needed to pick a Font. In summary, no need to clear space on the tivo or purchase extra VHS tapes. This one is not-recording worthy (NRW)

Reaper: It was the Kevin Smith directing that sucked us in. It has been described as Buffy without feminism. Again, JB wanted more realistic Sci-Fi and Retail behavior. NRW.

Amy Sedaris on Martha. HILARIOUS! Not that you would expect anything else.

At this point in the week, our DVR died and had to be exchanged. I blame all the Robot Chicken and Family Guy that JB had stored. The damn cable person suggested we were turning it off. Lucky for him, JB was there. I would have screamed. It also took 3 calls to technical support until we finally found the guy in India named "Joe" who likes baseball & apple pie and could turn on the replacement DVR/cable box just in time for us to catch the re-run of Daily Show. Albeit with commercials. Daily Show- RW.

Private Practice Grey's spinoff with Judging Amy. Can it live up to the hype? Not sure yet but I am willing to give it some space on the DVR. I will just have to delete more Robot Chicken. RW.

The dual-DVR will be earning it's keep tonight with Ugly Betty, Grey's, My Name is Earl, and the return of The Office.

Stop preaching at me through my goddamn television!

Let me start by saying that I typically listen to NPR while working at home, but I could not stand the domination of General Petratus last week and Colorado Matters has been kind of boring lately. Plus, truth be told, I wanted to see how Whoopi Goldberg was going to work out on The View. She's ok. I enjoyed the week-long discussion about bras that occurred after the producers made her wear one on the show. Anyway, they added another host last week. Sheri Shepherd, a right-wing fundamentalist christian. She must be the perky blond's wet dream. The chat around the table has become a fundamentalist christian circle jerk and it is starting to piss me off.

This morning was the last straw. Whoopi asked Sherri if the earth is flat (in an attmept to get her to think critically), and the fucking genius said she had not really thought about it. She thought maybe the earth could be flat. I turned off my television and went back to NPR.
UPDATE: Huffington Post has the clip.

The earth is flat??!!! Come on. How much money does this woman earn on the show and she hasn't accepted that science might be right about the earth being round. People, this is how republicans get elected.

Also, I love this story. Nebraska State Senator Sues God.
UPDATE: God apparently responds to lawsuit