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| Last night was the night that television celebrated its 60th Emmy awards show; nostalgia was the order of the evening. While nothing was as funny as the Family Guy’s opening for last year’s Emmys, it was certainly great to see actors mimicking trademark lines and gimmicks from revered television shows. Josh Grobin pulled off a fantastic and memorable performance of some the best-loved tv theme songs down through history. And different sets from landmark shows gave an almost homey feeling to the stage at the Nokia Theatre. All in all, the walk down memory lane was delightful and even touching at times. Sadly, it was the glimpses into history that were the highlights at this year’s Emmys. From disjointed hosting to forced lines to redundant wins, last night’s celebration of excellence in television fell flat. While Jimmy Kimmel managed a pretty entertaining prelude to the show, Oprah’s opening monologue set the tone for the night. She was tedious. It was fitting for someone who’s a trademark in modern television to introduce an Emmys that would relive the best moments in tv history, but Oprah was unable to deliver. She struggled to read the teleprompter and her delivery was awkward and unconvincing. The 5 hosts of last night’s events weren’t any better. In an attempt to remind everyone that the Emmys finally are catching up with trends in television, the 5 nominees for a brand-new award (Best Host for a Reality or a Reality-Competition Program) split the responsibilities of master-of-ceremonies. In their opening bit, Ryan Seacrest (American Idol and host of the 2007 Emmys), Jeff Probst (Survivor), and Howie Mandel (Deal or No Deal) spent a lot of time talking about how they had nothing to talk about- literally. Howie bravely tried to inject as much humor into the exchange as possible, but the whole episode was baffling, especially with co-hosts Tom Bergeron (Dancing With the Stars) and Heidi Klum (Project Runway) mutely watching the proceedings. Even the discovery that Heidi’s tux was a tear-away didn’t salvage the moment. With 5 different people hosting, there was no way to avoid an overwhelming sense of confusion and indifference in the event. But the poor hosting decision wasn’t the only thing that disappointed last night. Again and again political jokes and jabs were made by presenters and winners alike. Some of the jokes were entertaining (like Steven Colbert and Jon Stewart’s prune exchange), even if they were predictable, hackneyed, banal, and clichéd. The jabs had to be tolerated; after all, without freedom of speech, were would television be? And given the galvanized temperament of the country with the presidential election pending, the political commentary is to be expected. However, it’s hard to appreciate the political awareness of entertainers when it is so redundant. In addition to everything else that wasn’t that great, there were some confusing commendations. Once again, the outstanding ensemble cast and writers behind HBO’s Entourage missed out on the Best Series, Comedy Emmy. At the same time, how could The Amazing Race win again? 6 consecutive wins in the category of Best Reality-Competition Program is pathetic against shows like Top Chef, American Idol, and Project Runway. And the abrupt and almost throw-away presentation of the first award (Best Supporting Actor, Comedy Series) was odd even though there were no surprises, with Jeremy Piven (Entourage) repeating as winner. Television is in dire need of committed viewers (check out Tina Fey (30 Rock)’s acceptance speech for the Best Writing, Comedy Series Emmy). Even with quality programming like HBO’s Mad Men, NBC’s Heroes, and ABC’s Pushing Daisies, people are turning on their televisions less and relying more on reruns on the internet to keep up with their favorite shows. So when a show to award excellence in television is so poorly presented, why shouldn’t viewers turn off the tv and turn to the internet? | | |
| i never finished my short story. i've had one started for quite some time, but basically, it was just an idea with some awesome character names. in the news: - notre dame is setting records this season, but not the kind they want to. in an unexpected show of patriotism, the fighting irish have lost to navy and (barring an act of God) the air force in back-to-back games. goes to show those democrats, our armed forces CAN fight and win. - penn state beat temple, with nary a point for the owls. oh wait, this is the news section. - joel madden was recently spotted buying the new "guitar hero III" video game. this is news because nobody knew he plays an instrument, or even pretends to. - greenpeace's new propaganda book, Photoclima (out this week), is filled with fake pictures of Spanish landmarks under floodwaters. greenpeace is ok with the forgery if it means more people will buy hybrids. this news is brought to you by the toyota prius. moving forward. - in a small, backwater pennsylvania university this week, a student stated the need for american citizens to be watchful of the infringement of civil rights by the bush administration, declaring "look what hitler did to the jews." thankfully, the student escaped being cooked in an oven because the united states is not nazi germany. - john cusack's Martian Child is currently one of the top ten movies in the box office at #7. it's only right that this be recognized now, because Martian Child will undoubtedly be edged out in the next 36 hours. don't worry, john cusack will continue to make movies despite mediocre attendence and lukewarm reviews of his movies. - elections took place this week. - and finally, network television has been deeply impacted by a strike by tv writers everywhere. most networks have been re-airing their most-watched shows on the internet without finacial compensation for the writers. many tv-shows will not be able to air new episodes beyond next week, unless the writers' demands are met. when asked why the need for a strike, one writer stated his fear of having to get a real job, while others were concerned about what will happen to their kids if they have to go to public school. anyway, that's all for now. hope everybody has a great weekend, and everybody enjoys a tasty bite of tobias at the roast tonight. | | |
| for anybody who reads this, i'm impressed you still even look at my site. i'm gonna try and enter a short story contest, entries due by oct 1, i think. if you've got any ideas about a story, lemme know, and i'll prolly ignore it!! but i'll be impressed that you care. new in my life- i'm now the proud owner of an authentic rotary phone. YES. black and everything, with the real handset thing, not one of those cordless whosits that is ALWAYS uncomfortable. i'm very excited about it. i was tempted to get a typewriter, but suppressed the urge. also have a great "treasury of disney classics" hardcover book, with all the best in it! and a kinks record, one for the road, including the songs "where have all the good times gone", "lola", and of course "you really got me" (which remains unsullied despite sanjaya's best efforts). oh yeah, and i've got alot of homework. love to everyone. | | |
| Halle Berry is an Oscar-award winning actress.
Peter O'Toole has never won an Oscar.
what is wrong with this picture?
American Movie Classics (AMC) is currently running ads for the broadcast of Catwoman, an American classic. nothing says "classic" better than a leather-clad grade-B actress who reached the pinacle of her career when she kissed Adrien Brody at the Oscars 5 years ago.
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| I HATE HINDER
also, the fray.
this could all be blamed on the pathetically ridiculous show Gray's Anatomy. Blech, say i.
more later
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