The pick this week goes to a very special episode of America’s Favorite Answer and Question Game from 1990, Super Jeopardy!.
I’ve really gotten much more into the show than I ever have been for some reason this season. Unlike current episodes of its lead-in Wheel of Fortune these days, I find that I am watching Jeopardy! on much more of a regular basis. Jeopardy!’s evolved over the years as well, adding things like the Clue Crew. But in spite of any additions and changes being made on this show, it’s still much more about the contestants, questions, and answers, and it doesn’t rely itself on a high amount of gimmicks like Wheel often does.
And it’s crazy, because I am not what you would necessarily call good at this game but it’s still easy to get into. I’m not bad at some of the history, and I’m better at geography; but I can’t help but think how well I’d be at this show if I were competing in some sort of, all pop-culture tournament or something more my league. It’s pretty much why I like to call this game “the best game show I suck at.”
Now that season 25 has come to an end, I thought this would be a good time to find something online for at least myself if not other people who may be reading this, that’s somewhat fresh and new to me to bide my time a little bit that is also classic, and I stumbled upon Super Jeopardy!. It is a little odd seeing things like four podiums on set and the players playing for points instead of dollars, but when you get used to those changes it’s really still the same game of answers and questions.
Super Jeopardy!: my online pick of the week!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
ATWT: Crossed Signals
Tuesday, July 21st:
Luke meets Mason for the first time; what an awkward introduction. Just goes to show how well Van plays many different emotions, including awkwardness. It’s also interesting to note that Mason didn’t really go after his partner after he walked out. I loved the reassurance that Noah gave to Luke. It’s one of the many instances that show how much they care about each other.
Thursday, July 23rd:
Wow, scenes. SCENES that seem somewhat less reliant on plot! A rarity these days! I definitely see both sides to this whole issue. Though I definitely understand where Luke is coming from. He’s old enough to make his own decision. And I really don’t see how Holden is shocked that Luke does not want to go back to college. Recently he’s never been very gung ho about the idea at all. Also Holden again just wound up annoying me by the end of the show. It’s become too obvious that this has become a bit more about Damian. Also is it just me or could you cut the sexual tension between Damian and Lily with a knife?
The one thing I did think was lacking was that it would have been nice if he had this discussion with Noah. And shame on the writers for having Lily and Holden apparently find out off screen about Zoe forcing herself on him. Talk about storyline potential out the window.
Friday, July 24th:
I can really see why Noah was so upset with Luke not mentioning this decision about working for Damian with him, as I was myself. I agree that couples should work out big things like that together. I was glad to see this be easily worked out, and it just goes to show again that these two have more chemistry than a lot of the people on this show who actually get to have on-screen sex.
Not really much of an opinion on Mason yet still. I’m not in love with the character nor do I hate him.
Luke meets Mason for the first time; what an awkward introduction. Just goes to show how well Van plays many different emotions, including awkwardness. It’s also interesting to note that Mason didn’t really go after his partner after he walked out. I loved the reassurance that Noah gave to Luke. It’s one of the many instances that show how much they care about each other.
Thursday, July 23rd:
Wow, scenes. SCENES that seem somewhat less reliant on plot! A rarity these days! I definitely see both sides to this whole issue. Though I definitely understand where Luke is coming from. He’s old enough to make his own decision. And I really don’t see how Holden is shocked that Luke does not want to go back to college. Recently he’s never been very gung ho about the idea at all. Also Holden again just wound up annoying me by the end of the show. It’s become too obvious that this has become a bit more about Damian. Also is it just me or could you cut the sexual tension between Damian and Lily with a knife?
The one thing I did think was lacking was that it would have been nice if he had this discussion with Noah. And shame on the writers for having Lily and Holden apparently find out off screen about Zoe forcing herself on him. Talk about storyline potential out the window.
Friday, July 24th:
I can really see why Noah was so upset with Luke not mentioning this decision about working for Damian with him, as I was myself. I agree that couples should work out big things like that together. I was glad to see this be easily worked out, and it just goes to show again that these two have more chemistry than a lot of the people on this show who actually get to have on-screen sex.
Not really much of an opinion on Mason yet still. I’m not in love with the character nor do I hate him.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Remembering Walter Cronkite
Last night, CBS announced that their longtime former news anchor and reporter, Walter Cronkite, “the most trusted man in America,” had died at the age of 92.
Being someone who was born four years after Walter retired from the evening news desk, I was obviously not able to see firsthand what an impact the man had. But it’s really fun looking at older videos and listening to archived news footage and it makes me wonder what it would have been like to go through some of the events that he and the rest of the nation back then went through. The assassination of JFK, the civil rights movement and the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., Vietnam, the moon landing, Watergate, etc. That must have been one eventful and interesting ride.
These days when it comes to regular hard national newscasts without commentary, I don’t often watch the same anchor every night anymore. But after seeing the footage and knowing the style he used to present news stories, I’m pretty sure I would have watched him on a regular basis.
Being someone who was born four years after Walter retired from the evening news desk, I was obviously not able to see firsthand what an impact the man had. But it’s really fun looking at older videos and listening to archived news footage and it makes me wonder what it would have been like to go through some of the events that he and the rest of the nation back then went through. The assassination of JFK, the civil rights movement and the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr., Vietnam, the moon landing, Watergate, etc. That must have been one eventful and interesting ride.
These days when it comes to regular hard national newscasts without commentary, I don’t often watch the same anchor every night anymore. But after seeing the footage and knowing the style he used to present news stories, I’m pretty sure I would have watched him on a regular basis.
Online Pick of the Week (7/17): The Facts of Life
The pick this week goes to an episode of one of my favorite shows, The Facts of Life, which is the type of program that I’ve mentioned before. The type of show that I grew up watching in some form, in this case, reruns, that is as still as enjoyable today as it was when I saw it back then. And honestly, I’ve noticed something. Now as most sitcom fans know, The Facts of Life is a spin-off of the show Diff’rent Strokes. And after having the opportunity to see that show in reruns again after so many years I’ve come to the conclusion that this is a case I prefer the spin off much more than the parent show.
Over the years, both shows moved on into the decade of the 1980’s and both shows had their share of cheese and questionable hairstyles. But I think Facts aged much better. I’ve grown to dread a lot of the later episodes of Strokes, due to the overabundance of very special episodes and characters like Sam. Now, Facts of Life had their share of “episodes to remember” too and unlikable characters; for instance, I’m not really a fan of Roy. But looking at things, I really thought that this show in particular did a much better job overall at introducing new characters and starting new eras. Andy is one of the few young characters that are added to shows in later years that I actually liked. There were a few episodes where Andy was the focus, but he never really took over the show like Sam did. And I know it was a lot to take when Charlotte Rae left, but I think Cloris Leachman’s character Beverly Ann was very likable and I think it helped that a relationship was not forced on with her and the girls at the beginning. Also Facts wasn’t really much of a “lesson” show anymore by the later years. It was more about the girls living their lives.
The episode chosen is “Grand Opening,” the episode where the shop Over Our Heads is first open for business. I would have selected the first two parts to start season 7, but the first half is no longer online. It’s my online pick of the week!
Over the years, both shows moved on into the decade of the 1980’s and both shows had their share of cheese and questionable hairstyles. But I think Facts aged much better. I’ve grown to dread a lot of the later episodes of Strokes, due to the overabundance of very special episodes and characters like Sam. Now, Facts of Life had their share of “episodes to remember” too and unlikable characters; for instance, I’m not really a fan of Roy. But looking at things, I really thought that this show in particular did a much better job overall at introducing new characters and starting new eras. Andy is one of the few young characters that are added to shows in later years that I actually liked. There were a few episodes where Andy was the focus, but he never really took over the show like Sam did. And I know it was a lot to take when Charlotte Rae left, but I think Cloris Leachman’s character Beverly Ann was very likable and I think it helped that a relationship was not forced on with her and the girls at the beginning. Also Facts wasn’t really much of a “lesson” show anymore by the later years. It was more about the girls living their lives.
The episode chosen is “Grand Opening,” the episode where the shop Over Our Heads is first open for business. I would have selected the first two parts to start season 7, but the first half is no longer online. It’s my online pick of the week!
ATWT: Movin' On Up
Wednesday, July 15th:
Wow, how convenient that Luke just had a script around someplace.
I sympathize with Luke a bit because I know how much he was looking forward to working with Noah on this project, but at the same time I think he’s overreacting just a little bit. I mean, it seemed to hurt Noah just as much as it did Luke to break the news, and it’s not like this is a break-up or anything.
I don’t really have much of an opinion on Mason JARvis (wow, creative name, Jean) yet. As much as I’m worried about how this storyline is going to play out, there’s a little part of me that’s willing to be patient.
One gripe I do have is that I hope that we’ll actually SEE this new apartment that Luke and Noah are moving into someday.
Wow, how convenient that Luke just had a script around someplace.
I sympathize with Luke a bit because I know how much he was looking forward to working with Noah on this project, but at the same time I think he’s overreacting just a little bit. I mean, it seemed to hurt Noah just as much as it did Luke to break the news, and it’s not like this is a break-up or anything.
I don’t really have much of an opinion on Mason JARvis (wow, creative name, Jean) yet. As much as I’m worried about how this storyline is going to play out, there’s a little part of me that’s willing to be patient.
One gripe I do have is that I hope that we’ll actually SEE this new apartment that Luke and Noah are moving into someday.
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Online Pick of the Week (7/10): As The World (Stops) Turning
My pick this week is a little series that will be pretty enjoyable for those As The World Turns watchers who are not what you’d call fans of a lot of Christopher Goutman and Jean Passanante’s work on the show.
The person who made these clips, MileenaWins, is a pure genius, plain and simple. This is an absolute spot on parody on how the show’s been run lately. And I figure, if you’re not a fan of how things can be on this show, you’re in for some comic relief. As funny as it is, it’s kind of sad as well. There are too many instances where you know what’s going to happen way too early in the storyline (i.e. Hunter being Emily’s son). And it’s so true; the latest next storyline with Paul the cartoon looks like it was taken straight from Days of our Lives. It’s a big reason why I hardly watch any of the rest of the show.
It’s gotten to the point that if you’re like me, you’re watching much more because of either the actors or a few certain characters out of loyalty. Also, another true point is that there really are fans who think that Procter & Gamble/Telenext are out to purposely destroy these shows just to get out of the soap business. And quite honestly, it's really not that far fetched of a conclusion to reach to.
Be warned though, these clips do contain a few not work/family safe words. Though I’m pretty sure if you’re like me, the f-bomb has dropped out of your mouth, usually right after the words “what the” at least once or twice in seeing some things on this show anyway, so you probably won’t be fazed by it.
As The World (Stops) Turning, my online pick of the week!
The person who made these clips, MileenaWins, is a pure genius, plain and simple. This is an absolute spot on parody on how the show’s been run lately. And I figure, if you’re not a fan of how things can be on this show, you’re in for some comic relief. As funny as it is, it’s kind of sad as well. There are too many instances where you know what’s going to happen way too early in the storyline (i.e. Hunter being Emily’s son). And it’s so true; the latest next storyline with Paul the cartoon looks like it was taken straight from Days of our Lives. It’s a big reason why I hardly watch any of the rest of the show.
It’s gotten to the point that if you’re like me, you’re watching much more because of either the actors or a few certain characters out of loyalty. Also, another true point is that there really are fans who think that Procter & Gamble/Telenext are out to purposely destroy these shows just to get out of the soap business. And quite honestly, it's really not that far fetched of a conclusion to reach to.
Be warned though, these clips do contain a few not work/family safe words. Though I’m pretty sure if you’re like me, the f-bomb has dropped out of your mouth, usually right after the words “what the” at least once or twice in seeing some things on this show anyway, so you probably won’t be fazed by it.
As The World (Stops) Turning, my online pick of the week!
ATWT: Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust
Monday, July 6th:
And Margo continues to play favorites. It’s horrible, not just because a parent should not do that with their children, but also because Margo is pretty much supposed to be the town hero. And wow, Adam. I thought you were supposedly turning over a whole new leaf? Way to BS yourself through that story after practically getting caught by Tom, thanks to his information from Luke. Nice surprise by seeing Luke, by the way!
Thursday, July 9th:
FINALLY! About to move into the new apartment! We see the door of the dorm room that could have been. Just more potential on this show not taken advantage of. And Noah got to bond with Damian. You know, show, it would have been really nice to see something like this ON-SCREEN. And as much as it’s probably fun to watch four potentially hot movers move Luke and Noah’s belongings, how much stuff could they possibly have as of yet? When Luke asked Damian for the money for Noah’s film project, it seemed nobler to me than anything, but now I get the feeling this borrowing money bit is just a plot device. This show really needs to quit relying on plot so much.
The “ritual” with Noah burning his father’s things I actually had no problem with, but it really would have been nice to see more of Noah’s struggle with his father on-screen. Lack of screentime is the only thing that leaves it feeling a bit lacking.
And Margo continues to play favorites. It’s horrible, not just because a parent should not do that with their children, but also because Margo is pretty much supposed to be the town hero. And wow, Adam. I thought you were supposedly turning over a whole new leaf? Way to BS yourself through that story after practically getting caught by Tom, thanks to his information from Luke. Nice surprise by seeing Luke, by the way!
Thursday, July 9th:
FINALLY! About to move into the new apartment! We see the door of the dorm room that could have been. Just more potential on this show not taken advantage of. And Noah got to bond with Damian. You know, show, it would have been really nice to see something like this ON-SCREEN. And as much as it’s probably fun to watch four potentially hot movers move Luke and Noah’s belongings, how much stuff could they possibly have as of yet? When Luke asked Damian for the money for Noah’s film project, it seemed nobler to me than anything, but now I get the feeling this borrowing money bit is just a plot device. This show really needs to quit relying on plot so much.
The “ritual” with Noah burning his father’s things I actually had no problem with, but it really would have been nice to see more of Noah’s struggle with his father on-screen. Lack of screentime is the only thing that leaves it feeling a bit lacking.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Online Pick of the Week (7/3): Anything For Money
This week’s selection is in a tribute of sorts; to comedian, impressionist, and semi-regular game show personality Fred Travalena, who passed away earlier in the week of cancer at the age of 66.
I have to admit that it took time to start to like seeing him on several game shows, but eventually I found myself starting to look forward to his appearances. Not only was he a good impressionist but he was a very good game player on shows like Password and Match Game.
The pick is a game show that he hosted, called Anything for Money. My selection for the week.
I have to admit that it took time to start to like seeing him on several game shows, but eventually I found myself starting to look forward to his appearances. Not only was he a good impressionist but he was a very good game player on shows like Password and Match Game.
The pick is a game show that he hosted, called Anything for Money. My selection for the week.
Remembering Mollie Sugden
On July 1st, we said goodbye yet to another celebrity. Mollie Sugden, best known to fans of the long-running Britcom Are You Being Served? passed away at the age of 86.
I became a huge fan of Are You Being Served? very quickly, and she was one of the reasons why. Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Jennifer Abergavenny “Betty” Slocombe is hands down one of my favorite characters, thanks to things like her loudly colored hairdos and wigs, and quips about her pussy named Tiddles. And who can forget the classic phrase “And I am unanimous in that!” along with her hilarious banter with other characters on the show, including Miss Brahms, Captain Peacock, Mr. Mash, and Mr. Harman, and the conversations with boss Mr. Rumbold, who could never understand anything about the tiffs they have on the department floor.
All the interviews and documentaries suggest what a fun place it was to work behind the scenes, and hearing things like that always make me appreciate a show even more. One of the things she said that stood out to me was that you could never do comedy with someone you dislike… and it seems more and more true whenever I think about it.
Rest in peace, Mollie. You were a true talent.
I became a huge fan of Are You Being Served? very quickly, and she was one of the reasons why. Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Jennifer Abergavenny “Betty” Slocombe is hands down one of my favorite characters, thanks to things like her loudly colored hairdos and wigs, and quips about her pussy named Tiddles. And who can forget the classic phrase “And I am unanimous in that!” along with her hilarious banter with other characters on the show, including Miss Brahms, Captain Peacock, Mr. Mash, and Mr. Harman, and the conversations with boss Mr. Rumbold, who could never understand anything about the tiffs they have on the department floor.
All the interviews and documentaries suggest what a fun place it was to work behind the scenes, and hearing things like that always make me appreciate a show even more. One of the things she said that stood out to me was that you could never do comedy with someone you dislike… and it seems more and more true whenever I think about it.
Rest in peace, Mollie. You were a true talent.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
ATWT: Go, Jake Silbermann!
Monday, June 29th:
So there were some good things about today. First of all, it’s time for more Jake/Noah gushing. I was so amazed with Jake’s acting today. You could really tell Noah was hurting and struggling with what to do with Daddie Dearest. This honestly had to be one of Jake’s best days ever. Secondly, I really liked seeing Luke and Damian work together the way they did with trying to find Noah. So there was some good that came out of today.
However, as much as I truly enjoyed seeing Luke, Noah, and Damian… there were still some pretty big issues from my side. For one thing, this should have gone on at least for the course of three or four days. There’s so much information that could have been had. We could have found out more about Noah’s mother or other aspects of his life. Noah and his father could have really talked more. For the 2,356,724,698,456th time: The Nuke storylines on this show (as well as plenty of other ones too) move too fast. This “episodic” stuff along with making things more plot driven lessens the overall quality of the storylines.
Also the Riley is now Adam bit has much inconsistency. Casey called to find out about Riley/Adam, he could have easily found out the information about the mixed records over the phone. And one other thing… a dominant-type Luke I’m not going to complain much about, but you mean to tell me that Luke and Damian can easily take over that big army guy? Sorry, but that’s just way too surreal to be true. Also, it was surprising to me to see the Colonel lay his eyes on Luke and not go completely ballistic.
Tuesday, June 30th, and basically the rest of the week:
Damian mentions how Luke and Noah must feel right now after going through all that they went through. Noah just had his fugitive father hauled off to PRISON. If only we could SEE how they’re handling this. There’s no reason to wait days for their next appearance after a big day like Monday. Meg can drone on about Dusty and old time.
And I really hate Margo’s blatant favoritism towards Riley/Adam. Also her knowing the fact that Adam tried to rape Gwen just makes it worse. And insisting on keeping this secret from Tom will not go well at ALL in the end. And withholding information from the police; I seem to recall Jack losing his badge for that… hypocrite much, Margo?
So there were some good things about today. First of all, it’s time for more Jake/Noah gushing. I was so amazed with Jake’s acting today. You could really tell Noah was hurting and struggling with what to do with Daddie Dearest. This honestly had to be one of Jake’s best days ever. Secondly, I really liked seeing Luke and Damian work together the way they did with trying to find Noah. So there was some good that came out of today.
However, as much as I truly enjoyed seeing Luke, Noah, and Damian… there were still some pretty big issues from my side. For one thing, this should have gone on at least for the course of three or four days. There’s so much information that could have been had. We could have found out more about Noah’s mother or other aspects of his life. Noah and his father could have really talked more. For the 2,356,724,698,456th time: The Nuke storylines on this show (as well as plenty of other ones too) move too fast. This “episodic” stuff along with making things more plot driven lessens the overall quality of the storylines.
Also the Riley is now Adam bit has much inconsistency. Casey called to find out about Riley/Adam, he could have easily found out the information about the mixed records over the phone. And one other thing… a dominant-type Luke I’m not going to complain much about, but you mean to tell me that Luke and Damian can easily take over that big army guy? Sorry, but that’s just way too surreal to be true. Also, it was surprising to me to see the Colonel lay his eyes on Luke and not go completely ballistic.
Tuesday, June 30th, and basically the rest of the week:
Damian mentions how Luke and Noah must feel right now after going through all that they went through. Noah just had his fugitive father hauled off to PRISON. If only we could SEE how they’re handling this. There’s no reason to wait days for their next appearance after a big day like Monday. Meg can drone on about Dusty and old time.
And I really hate Margo’s blatant favoritism towards Riley/Adam. Also her knowing the fact that Adam tried to rape Gwen just makes it worse. And insisting on keeping this secret from Tom will not go well at ALL in the end. And withholding information from the police; I seem to recall Jack losing his badge for that… hypocrite much, Margo?
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