From: tomalhe@aol.com
Date: Sun Jan 13, 2002 7:00pm
Subject: Re: "Passions" renewed

>> NBC RENEWS DAYTIME DRAMA "PASSIONS" FOR A FOURTH 
> >SEASON

And this week lecherous slug Julian Crane gets shot: AND  


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

From: Steven Schroeder  <BagHead@concentric.net>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 0:35am
Subject: Re: Re: "Passions" renewed

Tom,

I'm not whining about any show not getting attention; it's not a big deal to
me what shows critics pay attention to.  If you like Passions because you
like it, excellent.  I've seen about five minutes of the show total, so I
can't comment on its quality.  I don't have any interest in seeing more,
either.  I am merely answering the original question the way I think is
accurate: too many critics, as with too many of any group, establish a herd
mentality about shows.  One or two "leading" critics like a show on their
own, and larger numbers follow along with less thought.  Passions is clearly
popular with the critics it's popular with because of its over-the-top
campiness and ridiculous storylines.  I think 90% of that critical
popularity is bandwagon-hopping.  It's not a slam at criticism per se; it's
more of a slam at the bandwagon nature of everything in American society.

Steven Schroeder
Darwin's Bulldog
<http://www.darwinsbulldog.com/>

From: Jason Snell  <jsnell@intertext.com>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 0:37am
Subject: Re: Re: "Passions" renewed

Steven Schroeder wrote:

>I am merely answering the original question the way I think is
>accurate: too many critics, as with too many of any group, establish a herd
>mentality about shows.

I think this is wrong. Then again, I only know from my personal 
experience as an amateur critic. My guess is that there aren't many 
TV critics out there cribbing off of other critics' top 10 lists. 
Rather, I'd bet that the people who tend to become TV critics are 
people who tend to like the same sorts of things. Also, if you're a 
TV critic, you end up seeing everything -- which leads to an 
appreciation of the novel that probably goes beyond what a regular TV 
viewer would have.

I feel this way about movie critics, too. Sometimes I think movies 
get boosts because they're something different for that beaten down 
film critic at a 10 a.m. screening. That the novelty ends up paying 
off because the critics have seen so many standard romantic comedies 
and action pictures and the like that they're desperate for something 
different.

Oh, and then Tom said:
>        Why do critics like ER, Buffy, JAG, Iron Chef, Survivor, 
>Providence, Once and Again, Friends, Will & Grace, Sex and the City, 
>OZ, The West Wing, if you don't? Because they can.

Critics _like_ JAG? Where have I been?!

-jason
-- 
Jason Snell:  teevee.org - intertext.com - jsnell@i...
Visit TeeVee! http://www.teevee.org/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

From: Steven Schroeder  <BagHead@concentric.net>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 0:57am
Subject: Re: Re: "Passions" renewed

Again, there's a little misinterpretation here.  I'm not saying all or even
most critics decide what they like based solely or mainly on what another
person likes.  I am saying that if a critic says "I like x," another critic
who sees that could feel favorably or unfavorably disposed toward the
show/movie/book/whatever going in, and that can most definitely affect their
end review.  I'm also pretty sure that criticism, much like any subculture,
is very status-conscious, and some critics are certainly affected by their
desire to maintain a certain status among their peers; I have felt such
motivation in my own subcultures, so I'm not claiming to be above this,
either.  Criticism isn't medicine, and there's no Hippocratic Oath that you
have to be completely objective and unbiased in your reviews.  I don't think
there's anything morally wrong with being biased, actually; I just get a bit
irritated by people who think there is a major moral imperative in criticism
or that prevailing critical opinion is something pure.

> I think this is wrong. Then again, I only know from my personal
> experience as an amateur critic. My guess is that there aren't many
> TV critics out there cribbing off of other critics' top 10 lists.
> Rather, I'd bet that the people who tend to become TV critics are
> people who tend to like the same sorts of things. Also, if you're a
> TV critic, you end up seeing everything -- which leads to an
> appreciation of the novel that probably goes beyond what a regular TV
> viewer would have.

This is the flipside of the same coin.  Your side doesn't exist without
mine, and vice versa.

> Oh, and then Tom said:
> >        Why do critics like ER, Buffy, JAG, Iron Chef, Survivor,
> >Providence, Once and Again, Friends, Will & Grace, Sex and the City,
> >OZ, The West Wing, if you don't? Because they can.
>
> Critics _like_ JAG? Where have I been?!

Hahaha, indeed.  He should have said "the WWF" to make it really amusing.

Steve

From: tomalhe@aol.com
Date: Sun Jan 13, 2002 8:01pm
Subject: Re: Re: "Passions" renewed

>One or two "leading" critics like a show on their own, and larger numbers 
>follow along with less thought.  Passions is clearly > popular with the 
> critics 
> >it's popular with because of its over-the-top > campiness and ridiculous 
> storylines
> 
> I think "Passions" is a group-watching "water cooler" show and among those 
> groups are critics, college students and regular soap watchers. It's a 
> kooky new show without a 25-year history to have to learn. 

It's hopelessly complicated and intentionally funny, but is the sort of goofy 
show you can get others easily into just by telling them "You know the show 
with the centuries old > witch and the living doll that are being chased by 
> the psychotic hotel owner? Well, Theresa, the maids daughter went down to 
> Bermuda [where Julian her mom's boss (and her fiance's Ethan's ex father) 
> just had his sister Sheridan blown up on orders by their father Allistair] 
> to get Julian to adopt Ethan back into the family and Julian and Theresa 
> wound up getting drunk and married and Theresa's having his child...." 

"Port Charles" would seem to be easier to invest in with it's "books," 
"Passions" is a show that's just easy enough to say "you're not gonna believe 
what they did now, you gotta start watching too."

It's easy for anyone to lead others into it, critic or not. The two Tabitha's 
diary articles in TV Guide (which they obviously they cut a deal for 
promotional placement) were an easy way to get new viewers into it, as is the 
first (of 3-5) "Hidden Passions" book, now in paperback with the backstory to 
most of its adult character plots. And I'd say it was faddish enough to merit 
being an EW article.


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

From: Laurel Krahn  <laurel@windowseat.org>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 1:06am
Subject: Re: Chamber

On 1/14/2002 at 12:59 AM Sue Trowbridge wrote:

>My Sunday paper's TV guide listed the regular Futurama/KOTH/Simpsons/
>Malcolm lineup (with all new episodes! -- sob), so it must have been
>pretty late-breaking. I suspect that Fox figured that it would be enough
>for them to promote it via ads on the NFL -- there were endless
>commercials for it during today's 49ers-Packers game, just as yesterday,
>viewers of the Raiders-Jets game on ABC were "treated" to about a zillion
>promos for "The Chair," plus an interview with John McEnroe.

I was checking listings throughout the day online and all of 'em continued
to list Futurama / King of the Hill / Simpsons / Simpsons.  I went with
that lineup for tvpicks.net because I wanted it to be so, dangit.

The FOX website was showing their Saturday night lineup as today's lineup
as late as late this afternoon.

Finally, when my Tivo thought it was recording Futurama and it actually was
recording a Simpsons rerun, I forced a daily call on ye olde Tivo just out
of curiosity (where it calls in to get schedule data) and it completed that
partway through the Simpsons.  And it had an updated listing-- showing
Simpsons / Simpsons / Chamber.  Must've been a very late change to teh
schedule, but they did change it.  (The Tivo listings are connected to the
zap2it listings, I believe).

--
Laurel Krahn | www.windowseat.org | www.tvpicks.net

From: tomalhe@aol.com
Date: Sun Jan 13, 2002 8:24pm
Subject: Re: Chamber

>I hope someone here at TVBarn2 will be brave enough to watch both "The
>Chamber" and "The Chair" and report back to us on the differences! :)

"The Chamber" : after a "name as many as you can" 2 point playoff, the 
contestant heads down to the lower floor, gets strapped in, and before 
entering the giant box, signs a release form that says FOX has the right to 
kill them and their heirs can't sue. The unshaven lost Baldwin brother Rick 
Schwartz asks them if they're sure about this and offers some contestants a 
Monty Hall-ish $500 not to proceed. 

"The Chamber" has two start modes : hot or cold. Hot has low caliber "blazing 
fire" that "can" raise the temp to 150 degreees; Cold has snow and "freezing" 
temps with blowing snow. [Both have "hurricane" force winds, which would seem 
to lessen the effect of the flames, and the snow winds would actually raise 
the temp inside. Both seem to like stunts Davids Copperfield or blaien woule 
easily step into.] Both scenarios also rotate the contestants 90-360 degrees, 
poke them in the back and have blinding lights.

Meanwhile the contestant is answering  $200 to $400 WWTBAM questions worth 
$1000 each some multiple choice, others "answer now." Get 25 or more right 
(and last 7 minutes in the box) and your total is tripled.

Miss 2 questions in a row and you leave the box.

Beg to come out and you leave the box.

Obtain too high a combined heartrate, blood pressure, and stress level 
(predetermined before the show) and you leave the box. 

Leave the box and your total winnings get cut in half. 

So far as I've heard on ABC's "The Chair," you just face John MacEnroe and a 
pulserate monitor. 


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

From: Steve Rhodes  <srhodes@well.com>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 1:27am
Subject: Re: Chamber

The whole sordid story (which is almost as bad as The Chamber) is here

Shocking Behavior: ABC and Fox Sue Over Reality Shows 
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A34210-2002Jan11.html

 Even if I were home on Tuesday (I'm seeing Sleater-Kinney), I wouldn't
watch the Chair.  There is too many good shows on Tuesday to waste an hour
on it.

From: Laurel Krahn  <laurel@windowseat.org>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 1:17am
Subject: Re: Re: "Passions" renewed

On 1/13/2002 at 11:57 PM Steven Schroeder wrote:

>Again, there's a little misinterpretation here.  I'm not saying all or
even
>most critics decide what they like based solely or mainly on what another
>person likes.  I am saying that if a critic says "I like x," another
critic
>who sees that could feel favorably or unfavorably disposed toward the
>show/movie/book/whatever going in, and that can most definitely affect
>their end review. 

Speaking as yet another amateur critic, I'm not so sure this is true.  

Maybe I'm weird and a contrary sort of person, but the more critics praise
a show and the more hype a show gets from its network, the more I expect
from it when I watch it.  I try, of course, to just look at shows as shows,
without taking into account other peoples opinion.  Evaluate on my own.
But the more people praise something like, say, 24, to the high heavens,
the harder I am on it.

Though in some cases, I think it's just that I disagree with critics or
fans, apart from all of that.

> I'm also pretty sure that criticism, much like any subculture,
>is very status-conscious, and some critics are certainly affected by their
>desire to maintain a certain status among their peers

Really?  I'm no professional critic, but when I make recommendations at
tvpicks.net, I base these things on what i think.  Well, sometimes, since I
simply can't watch everything, I'll say "so-and-so says this show is great,
maybe they're right, I haven't had a chance to check it out."  Or "word on
the street is this is good, but I couldn't tell you."  

Oops, digressing.

Anyway.  I'll recommend what I like, nevermind it if other people aren't
recommending the stuff.  Heck, sometimes I haven't the time to read what
other critics are saying, so that makes it all moot.  If I'm just remarking
without reading what others have to say.

I mean, I've recommended JAG.  I know it's not cool to recommend it, but
when I've watched it I've enjoyed it and I know others who do, too.  I
haven't liked it enough to go out of my way to see it, but I don't think
it's a bad show.

I went out of my way to plug Thieves because I liked it, I don't think
there were a lot of people doing that.  Ditto with The Ellen Show, because
I saw a couple episodes that I thought were quite funny.

I remember posting how very much I didn't like The West Wing pilot episode,
but then later on praising the show to high heavens when it improved.  

On and on, I could give all sorts of examples.  


One thing that can happen, is if I notice someone whose opinion I respect
(be they a critic or a friend) saying that X show is great, I'll make a
point of trying to check it out if I haven't already.  I think this can
happen with critics at large, because not all of them can watch everything.
 So if it seems like others are talking a lot about X show at a certain
point during the season, that may prompt others to tune in.  And if they
agree with the others, that such and such show is on an upswing, they'll
probably write about it.  So then there may be a whole bunch of critics
writing about that same show within a span of a month or so.  But I don't
think it's about being Cool or THought Well Of, I would think it's about
Getting The Word Out About Good Television.  

At least, I hope that's the case.

ramblingly,

--
Laurel Krahn | www.windowseat.org | www.tvpicks.net

From: Jeff Metzner  <jeff@jmetzner.com>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 1:30am
Subject: RE: Chamber

> So far as I've heard on ABC's "The Chair," you just face John MacEnroe
and a 
> pulserate monitor.

It looks like it may be more than that -- the promo shown during "The
Practice" tonight showed what appeared to be a live alligator dangling
in front of the contestant.

From: tomalhe@aol.com
Date: Sun Jan 13, 2002 9:05pm
Subject: Re: "Passions" renewed

>NBC RENEWS DAYTIME DRAMA "PASSIONS" FOR A FOURTH 
>SEASON

This week's over-the-top plot: Who (will have) Murdered Julian Crane?

Keep in mind, thanks to the town witch Tabitha, they now all have guns. Oh 
and most main charcters on this show never ever die. :) 

Was it: 

Pilar : the maid, who just found out Julian knocked up her daughter?

Antonio / Brian : Pilar's oldest son, who just returned from Bermuda having 
been forced by Julian to leave his family and the town of Harmony to leave 
all those years ago?

Luis : Pilar's middle son, who suspects Julian killed his father, Martin, and 
doesn't know yet killed his fiancee, Julian's sister Sheridan, on orders from 
Julian's father Allistair.

Sheridan : Julian's sister, who it turns out isn't dead and just has amnesia, 
(and is now in love with Antonio / Brian) (My money's on her.)

Theresa : who accidentally got drunk and married Julian while trying to get 
him adopt her fiance Ethan back into the Crane money and legacy.

Ethan : The now penniless son it turns out Julian never had, who also just 
found out Julian knocked Theresa up. 

Ivy: Ethan's wheelchairbound mom, first ex-wife of Julian, who had Theresa 
try and blow up in the hospital ICU. 

Rebecca : Julain's current not-legally-married 3rd wife, sorta. Rebecca 
actually had a shotgun at their wedding, which was officiated by the Timmy 
the living doll dressed as a midget rabbi.

T.C. : Black ex-tennis pro who just learned and got proof from his (dead) 
father that Julian ruined his career in a hit and run accident 20 years ago.

or Eve : T.C.'s wife who had a child 20 years ago with Julian, who just found 
out she didn't miscarry, their baby was taken from the hospital?

From: Wesley McGee  <DavenportIAS@netscape.net>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 2:45am
Subject: Politically Incorrect in DC

It appears that our long national nightmare is over -- according to The 
Washington Post and my video recorder's program guide, PI will be 
returning to the airwaves. Well, I guess it really wasn't a national 
nightmare, since it was only pre-empted in Washington, DC by WJLA. 
Anyway, according to the Post's "TV Week" program guide & TiVo, PI will 
air at it's normal WJLA-delayed time of 12:36am. If you remember, PI 
host Bill Maher gave aide and comfort to the enemy by questioning 
whether suicide hijackers were really cowardly. For that egregious 
display of unpatriotism, WJLA pulled the show off the air in September.

From: Keith Privett  <Keith@PRIVETT.COM>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 2:58am
Subject: Mor on "The Chamber" (sic)(k)

Random additional thoughts...

In fact there other names from "The Chamber" that are Greed alumni-David Mirkin
for one. The question mode of business and industry lists in the preliminary
round is similar to some Greed questions hated by many gameshow fans. Again
they try to compete with an ABC show, by being more extreme and using an
industrial look. (I think the monitor casing may actually be recycled from the
Greed set).

(Prelims: man vs. woman, alternate naming answers on a list (e.g. "Name the ten
biggest car rental companines in the U.S."  If your opponent misses or takes
too long, you can name one more to earn a point. Two points wins the right to
proceed to the chamber with hack narration.

Ironically one of the two pre-empted Simpsons episodes (according to TiVo) was
from the "Treehouse of Terror" series.

I thought (and I could be wrong) that a medical or voluntary withdrawal would
not result in losing money. Meaning there would at least be a strategy to
bailing out if you had no clue after a wrong answer.

I think the wind obviating the heating cooling elements may be deliberate.
The water jets seemed aimed just enough away from the ribs to avoid a direct
hit. 

This is the first game show I've seen that pitted two massage therapists
against each other as contestants. (Others included a DJ and a personal
assistant- very LA.)

This is the first quiz show I've seen where a conestant competed in boxers
shorts. Carefully placed restraint straps kept women contestants from
inadvertently entering a wet t-shirt/jogbra contest.

If ABC hates the show so much then sue then sue all the way up to the man who's
name is on the production company, Dick Clark... who cares if he'll come back
next New Year's Eve? right?
---
There is some adrenalin kick watching the actor's rolodex numbers compete. The
show should get some sampling, but with only two modes, boring questions, no
wet-shirt contest and no real way to get to know the contestants, I don't see
the retention rate should be low.

But the silver lining is that the elderly amnesiatic X-files will get some bed
rest.

But next week, I'll be watching Alias suspend reality further when Quentin
Tarantino is credited as an actor - He plays a spy. The dad of the stammering
gadget guy... that I could believe.



=====
at the Theater Buliding - 1212 W. Belmont 
======= Salsation 2002 ==== www.salsation.net ==
"Crouching Wetback, Hidden Migra" at the Chicago SketchFest
Saturdays at 7pm Feb 9 - March 2  www.ticketmaster.com
======= Dean Dauw & Co. ========================
"Penis Responses to the Vagina Muse" 
Previews begin Jan. 16    www.ticketmaster.com

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Send FREE video emails in Yahoo! Mail!
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From: The KJB  <osiris@idir.net>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 4:37am
Subject: Re: Re: "Passions" renewed

At 10:37 PM 1/13/2002 -0800, you wrote:
>I feel this way about movie critics, too. Sometimes I think movies
>get boosts because they're something different for that beaten down
>film critic at a 10 a.m. screening. That the novelty ends up paying
>off because the critics have seen so many standard romantic comedies
>and action pictures and the like that they're desperate for something
>different.

I think Jason's got a good point.  Speaking as someone who is paid to be 
both a movie and television critic, I do tend to enjoy and recommend things 
that are a little different.  On another list, there has been a huge 
discussion of late over "The Blair Witch Project".  I know a lot of people 
who absolutely hated that movie.  Me, I liked what they tried to do and 
admired the fact that they did it on a budget that wouldn't stock the Green 
Room for the Tonight Show.

But trying to explain that to a lot of people who would just as soon sit 
through "Pearl Harbor" again was like explaining quantum physics to field 
mice.  I'm constantly asked why movie critics are so "out of touch" with 
what regular filmgoers like.  It's because we see too damn many of them. 
Mediocre films, which are fine for your average person who only sees a 
movie every week or couple of weeks, become awful while the oddballs like 
BWP or "Hedwig and the Angry Inch" get some play.  The same is true in 
television.  Critics have gotten behind shows like "The Sopranos" (a show I 
can recognize as being very well done but one I've never gotten into) or 
"Buffy" because they aren't run of the mill material.  Same thing with 
"Babylon 5" or any number of other series that thought outside the box, so 
to speak.  Sometimes it helps a show for the critics to get behind it, 
sometimes the audience just keep right on watching "Temptation Island".

As for Passions, I think I've seen a bit of it here and there.  If I had 
the time to get into a soap, I might watch it.  It looks incredibly silly, 
which is just fine with me.  I grew up having to watch my Mom's soap (Young 
& the Restless) then my college friend's soap (General Hospital) then my 
ex-wife's (Days of Our Lives).  But I still have fond memories of Dark 
Shadows so I might give Passions a shot anyway.

As for the mention of JAG - I actually like JAG.  No, it's not great 
television.  It's pretty much Law & Order in uniform but it's reasonably 
good entertainment and, much like L&O, you watch it and it's gone.  Nothing 
deep here, nothing you have to try and keep up with from week to week (for 
the most part).


KJB
Editor, Backstage Pass
http://www.backstage-pass.com
Film Writer, FilmForce.Net
http://filmforce.ign.com

"Aha!  You've just made the second biggest mistake!  The first is never get 
involved in a land war in Asia!"
      - Wallace Shawn, "The Princess Bride"

From: Roger Winston  <rwinston@tde.com>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 8:03am
Subject: Re: Chamber

At Monday 1/14/2002 01:06 AM -0600, Laurel Krahn wrote:

>I was checking listings throughout the day online and all of 'em continued
>to list Futurama / King of the Hill / Simpsons / Simpsons.  I went with
>that lineup for tvpicks.net because I wanted it to be so, dangit.

I've got a DishPlayer, and on Sat it was showing 
Futurama/KotH/Simpsons/Simpsons, so I went with that.  When it failed to 
switch on at 6pm Sunday and start recording, I checked the guide and it had 
changed to Simpsons/Simpsons/Chamber.  It must've been that way all day, 
since the guide is downloaded at 3am.  I guess all these services don't use 
the same guide service.

Later.   --Rog

From: sictransit415  <daniel@well.com>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 8:19am
Subject: Fox Sunday Night Switcheroo

I've noticed a number of occasions now when TV Guide lists new 
Futurama and King of the Hill episodes, but reruns (or Simpsons 
reruns) are aired in their place.  This wouldn't seem all that odd, 
except that the interstitial Fox promos all announce that a new 
Futurama or a new King of the Hill is coming up next.

I'm in San Francisco and my Fox affiliate is KTVU.  I'm wondering if 
this is some quirk with my affiliate, or if this is a West Coast 
thing, or...?

From: kenroberts@mindspring.com
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 8:29am
Subject: Re: Fox Sunday Night Switcheroo

sictransit415 wrote:
>
> I've noticed a number of occasions now when TV Guide lists new
> Futurama and King of the Hill episodes, but reruns (or Simpsons
> reruns) are aired in their place.
>
> I'm in San Francisco and my Fox affiliate is KTVU.  I'm wondering if 
> this is some quirk with my affiliate, or if this is a West Coast 
> thing, or...?

My guess is that it's due to football games going long (i.e. past 7:30pm (ET)) preempting King of the Hill in the Eastern and Central
time zones.

Guessingly,
ken

From: billvolio  <billpartsch@earthlink.net>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 9:06am
Subject: Re: Fox Sunday Night Switcheroo

--- In tvbarn2@y..., <kenroberts@m...> wrote:
> sictransit415 wrote:
> >
> > I've noticed a number of occasions now when TV Guide lists new
> > Futurama and King of the Hill episodes, but reruns (or Simpsons
> > reruns) are aired in their place.
> >
> > I'm in San Francisco and my Fox affiliate is KTVU.  I'm wondering if 
> > this is some quirk with my affiliate, or if this is a West Coast 
> > thing, or...?
> 
> My guess is that it's due to football games going long (i.e. past 7:30pm (ET)) 
preempting King of the Hill in the Eastern and Central
> time zones.
> 
> Guessingly,
> ken

I don't know what happened, but the switch wasn't football-related. Fox had 
the San Francisco-Green Bay game, the early game, which was over before 4 
pm eastern. CBS had the late game.

What I do know was that the switch totally eluded my DirecTV/TiVo receiver. If 
I hadn't checked in on (what should have been) "Futurama," I wouldn't have 
realized the switch took place. When I saw the promos for "The Chamber" at 8, 
I figured out what Fox had done, but I couldn't figure out why. Every resource I 
had (TV Guide, DirecTV guide onscreen, friends telling me) said an hour of 
"The Simpsons" would begin at 8. Did Fox think confused and duped 
"Simpsons" fans would be content settling for an hour of "Extreme Who Wants 
to be a Hundred-Thousandaire?"

--Bill

From: Jon Delfin  <jondelfin@nyc.rr.com>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 9:18am
Subject: Re: Mor on "The Chamber" (sic)(k)

<< Ironically one of the two pre-empted Simpsons episodes (according to
TiVo) was from the "Treehouse of Terror" series. >>

One point for Time Warner's digital cable service in NYC: when I checked
at noon on Sunday, the on-screen guide listed Simpsons reruns from 7 to
8 (Moe transforms his bar into "M's" and the most recent Halloween show
[those are the "Treehouse of Terror" series? didn't know that]) and
Chamber at 8.

I had cleverly managed to set the VCR on Saturday to record Chamber and
X-Files. Cleverly, except that I accidentally set it to record on the
wrong day. I don't suppose there's any chance that anything of note
happened on X-Files this week?

Jon, stubbornly continuing to watch, ever optimistic

From: Jon Delfin  <jondelfin@nyc.rr.com>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 9:22am
Subject: Re: Re: "Passions" renewed

Re critics: I've learned to be wary of reviews whose subtexts are "this
program is less disastrous than the others ones at that hour." Funny how
many TV reviews are predicated on the assumption that "you're going to
watch *something* so you might as well watch this," rather than "this
show is actually good."

Jon

From: Darren Glass  <glassd@math.upenn.edu>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 9:46am
Subject: ABC on Sunday night

...so I'm a bit confused.  Last Sunday I was in San Diego, and saw a brand
new episode of Alias.  My wife told me that it wasn't on here in Philly
due to local pre-emption. This week, here in Philly at least, we got the
same episode I was last Sunday in San Diego.  And the website lists it as
the episode before next week's Quentin Tarantino episode.  Did the entire
country get treated to the same episode again, or was there a different
rerun shown other places?  Or did I miss a new episode in some places?

darren

From: pmurray63  <pmurray@bigfoot.com>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 9:58am
Subject: ah, critics: Mark Twain

KC vs NYC? Optimism vs pessimism? Find your own subtext in these 
contrasting reviews of "Mark Twain," airing on PBS:


In this corner, Aaron Barnhart:

"While I thoroughly enjoyed it, my advice to all but hard-core public 
TV geeks is to take in tonight's first part and, instead of Tuesday's 
second part, watch "24" or else - dare we suggest it? - read an essay 
or two by the master himself... 

...Nothing catches the fancy of Ken Burns quite like a beautifully 
restored relic that can be photographed nine ways from Sunday, and 
toward the end of tonight's program his cameras give us the grand 
tour. 

After that, it's all downhill.

Tuesday's installment is a sad chronicle of Clemens' later years, 
when he suffered financial setbacks and heartbreaks. It's as 
different from Part 1 as "Tom Sawyer" is from "Letters From the 
Earth," the dark, cynical essays Clemens wrote in his twilight that 
weren't published until after his death."


And in the other corner, Caryn James:

"No writer was ever more sardonic about American culture than Twain, 
and no filmmaker is more earnest than Ken Burns. In "Mark Twain" that 
makes for a maddening collision between Twain's ironic sensibility 
and Mr. Burns's familiar, sentimental style. Twain is forced into the 
Burns cookie cutter here, complete with the unironic sound of "Sweet 
Betsy From Pike," fiddled relentlessly in the background. As Huck 
Finn once said: "I can't stand it. I been there before."

It is only when Twain's life falls apart — his wife and two of
his three grown daughters died in the last 14 years of his life —
that this uneven film truly suits its subject. Since Mr. Burns 
wouldn't adapt his style to Twain, the tragedies in Twain's life 
helpfully accommodate themselves to Mr. Burns's approach, giving the 
second half of the film the gifts of emotion and eloquence."

Paul Murray
http://www.paulmurray.net

From: greyaar  <greyaar@aol.com>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 10:21am
Subject: Re: Apatow reaches out to "Undeclared" audience again

> With all due respect to Mr. Apatow, and with the feeling that he 
just
> doesn't like game or "reality" shows as a genre with the possible 
exception
> of "Jeopardy!", I think he should actually watch what he's 
attacking before
> he makes judgment on it.

Oh, so was The Chamber really good? Better than Undeclared?

> The forces of scripted television have to realize
> that "reality" is not going away, Sept. 11 or no Sept. 11, are 
there are
> many financial reasons why.  Millions of those can be found on NBC 
Thursday
> nights at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET.

"Forces of scripted television"? If he's such a force, why do his 
shows keep getting cancelled? And just because millions of people 
watch that shit, he can't express his disgust for it?

From: greyaar  <greyaar@aol.com>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 10:24am
Subject: Re: Chamber

> When did Fox sneak this "preview" episode into the schedule? It 
> wasn't listed in any of the guides, nor was it programmed into 
TiVo. 
> Therefore, my TiVo really, truly believed it was taping "The 
Simpsons" when 
> it was actually taking up precious disk space with this steamin' 
piece of 
> refuse.

My ReplayTV had it listed...

From: greyaar  <greyaar@aol.com>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 10:39am
Subject: Re: Zahn promo

It was definitely the old record stylus sound. Which is so lame 
anyway. Every other commercial for some lame comedy uses it. "If you 
see only one movie this year--[SCRATCH]--you really should get out 
more!"

Having seen the ad, it's not the "sexy" part that offends me. What 
offends me is that they expect us to believe she's smart.

From: Jeffries, Mark  <mjeffries@krw.com>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 10:40am
Subject: RE: Re: Zahn promo

> Having seen the ad, it's not the "sexy" part that offends me. What 
> offends me is that they expect us to believe she's smart.

Do you really think that Paula Zahn is a bimbo?  Especially when compared to
say, Ahn-DRAY-uh or Jillian Barberie?

Mark Jeffries
mjeffries@k...
mjsaints@a...


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

From: Jeffries, Mark  <mjeffries@krw.com>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 10:50am
Subject: RE: Re: Apatow reaches out to "Undeclared" audience aga in

> > With all due respect to Mr. Apatow, and with the feeling that he 
> just
> > doesn't like game or "reality" shows as a genre with the possible 
> exception
> > of "Jeopardy!", I think he should actually watch what he's 
> attacking before
> > he makes judgment on it.
> 
> Oh, so was The Chamber really good? Better than Undeclared?

No, but why make kneejerk remarks about any television program unseen
because he doesn't like the genre?
 
> > The forces of scripted television have to realize
> > that "reality" is not going away, Sept. 11 or no Sept. 11, are 
> there are
> > many financial reasons why.  Millions of those can be found on NBC 
> Thursday
> > nights at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET.
> 
> "Forces of scripted television"? If he's such a force, why do his 
> shows keep getting cancelled? And just because millions of people 
> watch that shit, he can't express his disgust for it?

It is just that I find a certain arrogance in some people who do scripted
television that what they do is the *only* thing should be on prime time.
Years ago, prime time television had much more variety than it does today.
It's not just game shows I want to see in prime time--I want to see variety
shows, shetch comedy, full-length documentaries, music shows, nature shows,
science shows--and yes, I know they're on PBS and cable.  Instead, there
seems to be this unwritten rule that the only genres for prime time TV are
the half-hour sitcom and the full-hour franchise (cop, doctor, lawyer) drama
(unless you're Fox, UPN or WB--then you can do SF or fantasy shows, but they
have to have good-looking teeny-bops in them, with one or two newsmagazines
per network.  Before "Millionaire" and "Survivor" came along, we had 60
sitcoms on prime time television, of which at least 30 of them were lousy.
Is that variety in programming?

Mark Jeffries
mjeffries@k...
mjsaints@a...


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

From: greyaar  <greyaar@aol.com>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 10:56am
Subject: Re: Zahn promo

> Do you really think that Paula Zahn is a bimbo?  Especially when 
compared to
> say, Ahn-DRAY-uh or Jillian Barberie?

I don't know if she's as dumb as those two, but she's never really 
impressed me with her smarts. Here, this essay pretty much says it 
all:

http://www.simpleton.com/20011221.html

It's pretty tongue-in-cheek in places, but I agree with the jist of 
it.

From: greyaar  <greyaar@aol.com>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 11:03am
Subject: Re: Apatow reaches out to "Undeclared" audience aga in

> > Oh, so was The Chamber really good? Better than Undeclared?
> 
> No, but why make kneejerk remarks about any television program 
unseen
> because he doesn't like the genre?

Is that why, because he doesn't like the genre? I thought it was 
because the very idea of the show is completely disgusting. I mean, 
if FOX announced a new show where parents of newborns had a chance to 
feed their kids to a pack of rabid wolves for cash and prizes, would 
he need to watch it before he made "kneejerk remarks" about it?

Besides, the guy's got yet another terrific, critically acclaimed 
show that just might have been successful if the network hadn't 
postponed it and jerked it around the schedule, and then they 
announce utter garbage like The Chamber. I don't begrudge him a few 
prejudicial remarks.

> It is just that I find a certain arrogance in some people who do 
scripted
> television that what they do is the *only* thing should be on prime 
time.

I didn't see him say that. I think he'd settle for having some of 
both. As it is, it seems like FOX just wants one or the other. And 
since he's the other, I have no problem with him speaking up about it.

> Years ago, prime time television had much more variety than it does 
today.
> It's not just game shows I want to see in prime time--I want to see 
variety
> shows, shetch comedy, full-length documentaries, music shows, 
nature shows,
> science shows--and yes, I know they're on PBS and cable.  Instead, 
there
> seems to be this unwritten rule that the only genres for prime time 
TV are
> the half-hour sitcom and the full-hour franchise (cop, doctor, 
lawyer) drama
> (unless you're Fox, UPN or WB--then you can do SF or fantasy shows, 
but they
> have to have good-looking teeny-bops in them, with one or two 
newsmagazines
> per network.

None of which he said. He was talking about HIS show. He'd prefer it 
if HIS show weren't cancelled to make room for crap like The Chamber. 
He's not speaking for all sitcoms. Hell, just ask him what he thinks 
of That '70s Show these days...

From: Jeffries, Mark  <mjeffries@krw.com>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 11:11am
Subject: RE: Re: Apatow reaches out to "Undeclared" audience aga in

> Besides, the guy's got yet another terrific, critically acclaimed 
> show that just might have been successful if the network hadn't 
> postponed it and jerked it around the schedule, and then they 
> announce utter garbage like The Chamber. I don't begrudge him a few 
> prejudicial remarks.

Were "Undeclared"'s ratings good by *Fox* standards, especially considering
that it's against "JAG," "Buffy" and "Gilmore Girls" (and even "Spin City")?
Seems to me that if it couldn't beat "Three Sisters" (and Fox can and does
beat some Original Three programming consistently nowadays), quality show or
not, it sure couldn't beat anything else.  Was it retaining "70s Show"'s
lead-in at all?

<snip>
 
> None of which he said. He was talking about HIS show. He'd prefer it 
> if HIS show weren't cancelled to make room for crap like The Chamber. 
> He's not speaking for all sitcoms. Hell, just ask him what he thinks 
> of That '70s Show these days...

Chuck White should be the one complaining--"Pasadena" is what Fox is tossing
for "The Chamber" on Friday night.

Mark Jeffries
mjeffries@k...
mjsaints@a...


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

From: greyaar  <greyaar@aol.com>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 11:19am
Subject: Re: Apatow reaches out to "Undeclared" audience aga in

> Were "Undeclared"'s ratings good by *Fox* standards, especially 
considering
> that it's against "JAG," "Buffy" and "Gilmore Girls" (and 
even "Spin City")?
> Seems to me that if it couldn't beat "Three Sisters" (and Fox can 
and does
> beat some Original Three programming consistently nowadays), 
quality show or
> not, it sure couldn't beat anything else.  Was it retaining "70s 
Show"'s
> lead-in at all?

I have no idea. I just know it was a good show, and I think it was 
only shown on the same night at the same time maybe 3 times in a row. 
If JAG, Buffy, and Gilmore Girls had been jerked around like that, 
they might not fare so well either.

> Chuck White should be the one complaining--"Pasadena" is what Fox 
is tossing
> for "The Chamber" on Friday night.

I didn't mean they were putting it in the same time slot. I meant 
they were pulling good shows like Undeclared and The Tick and adding 
crap like this to the schedule. And it's Mike White.

From: Henry Nunes  <hwnunes@tdl.com>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 11:51am
Subject: Re: Apatow reaches out to "Undeclared" audience aga in

>Were "Undeclared"'s ratings good by *Fox* standards

>Was it retaining "70s Show"'s lead-in at all?

I believe it's been doing about 70% retention, doesn't skew as young as 
"That 70s Show," and is underperforming "Titus" year-to-year in the same slot.

What really killed "Undeclared" PR-wise is that it's not even the most 
critically acclaimed new comedy on Tuesday nights.




hwn.

From: Jon Delfin  <jondelfin@nyc.rr.com>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 11:58am
Subject: Re: Re: Apatow reaches out to "Undeclared" audience aga in

greyaar wonders, << I mean, if FOX announced a new show where parents of
newborns had a chance to feed their kids to a pack of rabid wolves for
cash and prizes, would he need to watch it before he made "kneejerk
remarks" about it? >>

You did register this concept already, I hope. Otherwise they might take
it from you....

Sidebar bravo to Bravo, for the coordination of their programming and
publicity departments. This weekend's NYTimes ran a review of The IT
Factor. Details about the episode ostensibly scheduled to run last night
were included. The episode described (#2 of the series) ran last week,
following #1. Last night they ran #3 and #4. TV Guide listed one IT at
9, followed by a movie for 2 hours and a "TBA" at 11:30. In actuality,
IT at 9 and 9:30, Bruce Vilanch at 10, some Shrek docu at 10:30, and the
midnight-listed second run of Actors Studio at 11. (They must have
edited out the parts where Will Smith discussed his acting technique,
which topic is, as we all know, the mandate of the program.)

Jon

From: Jeffries, Mark  <mjeffries@krw.com>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 0:01pm
Subject: RE: Re: Apatow reaches out to "Undeclared" audience aga in

> Sidebar bravo to Bravo, for the coordination of their programming and
> publicity departments. This weekend's NYTimes ran a review of The IT
> Factor. Details about the episode ostensibly scheduled to run 
> last night
> were included. The episode described (#2 of the series) ran last week,
> following #1. Last night they ran #3 and #4. TV Guide listed one IT at
> 9, followed by a movie for 2 hours and a "TBA" at 11:30. In actuality,
> IT at 9 and 9:30, Bruce Vilanch at 10, some Shrek docu at 
> 10:30, and the
> midnight-listed second run of Actors Studio at 11. (They must have
> edited out the parts where Will Smith discussed his acting technique,
> which topic is, as we all know, the mandate of the program.)

And TV Guide Interactive also had the wrong schedule on my digital cable
box.  I tuned in at 11:30 p.m. CT to watch the repeat cycle of "It Factor"
(thinking that they would repeat episode 2 and then air episode 3) and
almost turned back when I looked at the TV Guide box at the bottom of the
screen.  Thankfully, the "coming up next" promo came on immediately and I
sat back to watch.  It would have been nice not to have to see the recap at
the top of episode 4 to find out that Miranda lost her one-line "Third
Watch" part.

Mark Jeffries
mjeffries@k...
mjsaints@a... 


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

From: gjangelo  <gjangelo@yahoo.com>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 0:29pm
Subject: Re: Fox Sunday Night Switcheroo

The Simpsons gets repectable ratings even in (sunday night) reruns, 
and they didn't want to waste 2 new futurama/ king of the hills as a 
lead-in to "The Chamber", which was bumped up in the schedule to 
debut before ABC's equivalent show, "The Chair".

Online guides (yahoo, tvguide, fox.com) showed the 'correct' 
schedule, but dish/ directv/ digital cable/ tivo didn't have the 
correct info in time.

and the results were.... (from Berman's column):

"In series premiere news, the results were mixed with Fox reality 
game show The Chamber at a disappointing fourth place 6.8/10 from 8-9 
p.m. -- 12 percent below its Simpsons lead-in (7.7/11) and 18 
percent, on average, below the regularly scheduled Simpsons (8.6/12) 
and Malcolm in the Middle (8.0/11) last Sunday."

Hopefully it will move to Thursdays to die.

From: The KJB  <osiris@idir.net>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 0:49pm
Subject: RE: Re: Apatow reaches out to "Undeclared" audience aga in

At 10:50 AM 1/14/2002 -0600, you wrote:
>No, but why make kneejerk remarks about any television program unseen
>because he doesn't like the genre?

Just to play devil's advocate a bit:

1. Pilot tapes circulate to almost all of the agencies in LA and get into 
the hands of clients if they request them.  So it's not beyond the realm of 
possibility that Apatow *has* seen pilot.

2. Judging from the promos, I don't think anyone could fault him his 
opinion.  The show looks idiotic.  Not a knee jerk reaction to the genre, 
just making a viewing decision based on the promos, which is what they're 
there for.

re: Diversity in programming - nobody ever said there had to be diversity 
in commercial broadcasting.  I'm with you, I'd like to see more of it but 
every time it's tried, the audience turns the channel in droves.  I don't 
think it's some pre-conceived notion that prime time programming HAS to be 
scripted shows, it's just that those are the shows that viewers watch (BTW 
- the news magazines are scripted).  30 years ago, it had to be 
westerns.  Now, you couldn't get an audience to a western if you guaranteed 
that it would have live, uncensored sex scenes and was brought to you by 
the people behind "The Sopranos".

As for the variety show - I think a lot of that format's early success was 
among those who were familiar with seeing comedy acted out on the 
stage.  It's a format people are unfamiliar with these days (outside of 
SNL) and it's just hasn't proven it can fly in prime time any more.  I 
think I can hear the groans from here every time some comic gets a network 
development and pitches a variety show (anyone remember Dana Carvey's show?).


KJB
Editor, Backstage Pass
http://www.backstage-pass.com
Film Writer, FilmForce.Net
http://filmforce.ign.com

"Aha!  You've just made the second biggest mistake!  The first is never get 
involved in a land war in Asia!"
      - Wallace Shawn, "The Princess Bride"

From: Jon Delfin  <jondelfin@nyc.rr.com>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 1:06pm
Subject: new dimensions in time-savings techniques

Wow. Not only did I screw up setting the VCR and miss X-Files, but I
just discovered that I also screwed up setting the *other* VCR, and so
missed last night's episode of "Law & Order: Story Ideas That Were
Rejected by L&O and L&O:SVU." I guess I have no excuse not to do some
actual work this afternoon.

From: symposium1@aol.com
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 8:38am
Subject: Re: Re: Apatow reaches out to "Undeclared" audience again

In a message dated 1/14/02 11:25:08 AM Eastern Standard Time, greyaar@a... 
writes:


> 
> > The forces of scripted television have to realize
> > that "reality" is not going away, Sept. 11 or no Sept. 11, are there are
> > many financial reasons why.  Millions of those can be found on NBC 
> Thursday  nights at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. ET.
> 
> "Forces of scripted television"? If he's such a force, why do his 
> shows keep getting cancelled? And just because millions of people 
> watch that shit, he can't express his disgust for it?

Just my opinion: he can express his disgust,  but should he?  I'm wondering 
whether public venting (like Kevin Smith's on his website about "Clerks" the 
cartoon,  only minus the expletives in Apatow's case) build enough 
groundswell to counterbalance what the networks (if made aware) must think of 
as -- well, if not breaching confidences, at least unsportsmanlike.  

Apatow, and Joss Whedon, and their generation of producers seem to have a 
real special ability to connect with their shows' fans online. I am just 
wondering whether they are going too far by giving fans the peek "inside the 
board room" so to speak, of the networks.

Used to seem that in the old days,  WHO the producer was had a lot to do with 
a show's being picked up and being given prime real estate. Maybe that's 
diminishing, but if I were Apatow, I wouldn't want the networks to think I 
was a "troublemaker." Granted, the ratings are the main thing. But when a 
show is marginal like "Undeclared", which has seemed to lose its momentum 
somewhat, I don't know that I'd have gone as far as he did in public. Let him 
vent to a friend at home.

Again, just my comfort level.

--Ann


_________________________________________________
Ann Carrigan
symposium1@a...



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

From: The KJB  <osiris@idir.net>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 1:56pm
Subject: Re: Mor on "The Chamber" (sic)(k)

At 12:58 AM 1/14/2002 -0800, you wrote:
>But the silver lining is that the elderly amnesiatic X-files will get some bed
>rest.

Hey, now - I *liked* this week's X-Files.......


KJB
Editor, Backstage Pass
http://www.backstage-pass.com
Film Writer, FilmForce.Net
http://filmforce.ign.com

"Aha!  You've just made the second biggest mistake!  The first is never get 
involved in a land war in Asia!"
      - Wallace Shawn, "The Princess Bride"

From: thekid1955@aol.com
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 8:59am
Subject: Re: Fox Sunday Night Switcheroo

Wasn't the reason for the last minute switch a strategy move (done last 
minute so as to not be able to be countered) for Fox to get 'The Chamber' on 
air before ABC's premeir of 'The Chair' on Tuesday for competitive, legal (in 
re: the lawsuit) or other reasons?
 
Ron Casalotti
Wayne, NJ


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

From: Jeffries, Mark  <mjeffries@krw.com>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 1:59pm
Subject: RE: Re: Fox Sunday Night Switcheroo

> Wasn't the reason for the last minute switch a strategy move 
> (done last 
> minute so as to not be able to be countered) for Fox to get 
> 'The Chamber' on 
> air before ABC's premeir of 'The Chair' on Tuesday for 
> competitive, legal (in 
> re: the lawsuit) or other reasons?

Yes, it was.

Mark Jeffries
mjeffries@k...
mjsaints@a...


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

From: The KJB  <osiris@idir.net>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 2:01pm
Subject: Re: X-Files

At 10:18 AM 1/14/2002 -0500, you wrote:
>I had cleverly managed to set the VCR on Saturday to record Chamber and
>X-Files. Cleverly, except that I accidentally set it to record on the
>wrong day. I don't suppose there's any chance that anything of note
>happened on X-Files this week?

No, it was a pretty straight forward episode but you do get some insight on 
Doggett and his relationship with Reyes.  I thought it was pretty 
good.  Personally, I wish they'd just had it off to the new kids, let 
Gillian go do something else and phase out the Mulder story line.  I wish 
they'd clear out the writing staff while they're are it and bring in some 
fresh talent.  I see no reason that the series couldn't continue. It's not 
like they got all of the good spooky stories out of the way with Duchovny / 
Anderson.  Now, the alien story lines, that's another matter.


KJB
Editor, Backstage Pass
http://www.backstage-pass.com
Film Writer, FilmForce.Net
http://filmforce.ign.com

"Aha!  You've just made the second biggest mistake!  The first is never get 
involved in a land war in Asia!"
      - Wallace Shawn, "The Princess Bride"

From: Jason Snell  <jsnell@intertext.com>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 2:04pm
Subject: Re: Re: X-Files

>No, it was a pretty straight forward episode but you do get some insight on
>Doggett and his relationship with Reyes.  I thought it was pretty
>good.  Personally, I wish they'd just had it off to the new kids, let
>Gillian go do something else and phase out the Mulder story line.  I wish
>they'd clear out the writing staff while they're are it and bring in some
>fresh talent.  I see no reason that the series couldn't continue. It's not
>like they got all of the good spooky stories out of the way with Duchovny /
>Anderson.  Now, the alien story lines, that's another matter.

Agreed completely. Doggett and Reyes can and should carry the show, 
especially if it relieved it from the burden of the ludicrous 
mythology that's bogged down Mulder and Scully. This year's "X-Files" 
shows have generally been pretty good -- certainly better than the 
past couple of years. Unfortunately, the ratings appear to show that 
the last few years of neglect and the cast changes have effectively 
driven off the show's viewers.

They drove me off, that's for sure. But I peeked back in this year 
and was quite pleasantly surprised.

-jason
-- 
Jason Snell:  teevee.org - intertext.com - jsnell@i...
Visit TeeVee! http://www.teevee.org/

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

From: tomalhe@aol.com
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 9:31am
Subject: Re: Re: Apatow reaches out to "Undeclared" audience aga in

>I think I can hear the groans from here every time some comic gets a network 

>development and pitches a variety show (anyone remember Dana Carvey's 
show?).

"The Mountain Dew (looks like Urine) Dana Carvey Show"?

From: tomalhe@aol.com
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 9:31am
Subject: Re: Re: Fox Sunday Night Switcheroo

>Hopefully it will move to Thursdays to die.

Fridays actually. As I recall, the "24" rerun disappears, "Dark Angel" drops 
back an hour, and The Chamber moves into the 8 PM slot.

From: tomalhe@aol.com
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 9:57am
Subject: Re: Re: Zahn promo

> Having seen the ad, it's not the "sexy" part that offends me. What 
> offends me is that they expect us to believe she's smart.

The show "American Morning" is pretty sharp, I'd rather watch it than 
"Today," "GMA," or "CBS This Morning."

From: tomalhe@aol.com
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 9:57am
Subject: Re: Re: Apatow reaches out to "Undeclared" audience aga in

>Is that why, because he doesn't like the genre? I thought it was 
>because the very idea of the show is completely disgusting. 

I don't think any producer likes being "sideswiped" by reality shows. 

Except in the summer when they're earning ratings opposite reruns, these "Get 
Viewers Quick" shows would seem to easily tick off producers who've put a 
considerable amount of time into raising their "chilldren." "The Chair" and 
"Chamber" have officially been in the works two weeks?

From: tomalhe@aol.com
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 9:57am
Subject: Re: Re: Apatow reaches out to "Undeclared" audience aga in

>I didn't mean they were putting it in the same time slot. I meant 
>they were pulling good shows like Undeclared and The Tick and adding 
>crap like this to the schedule. And it's Mike White.

Who wrote Chuck and Buck.... just like "TV Nation" and "The Awful Truth" were 
hosted by that guy "Roger Moore." :)

From: Jeffries, Mark  <mjeffries@krw.com>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 4:01pm
Subject: RE: Re: NPR

>  the l was left off when it pasted the url for the paficifica memo
> 
> http://www.pacifica.org/info/releases/pacst22900.html

Giovannoni probably made the mistake of being too honest.  I don't blame the
people at Pacifica for not wanting things to change--a lot of public radio
audiences are resistant to change on their stations.  But Pacifica could be
more professional and still be radical.  And from all this  (and the
egomania of the national people) we got this ridiculous intercine war.

Mark Jeffries
mjeffries@k...
mjsaints@a...


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

From: Jeffries, Mark  <mjeffries@krw.com>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 4:03pm
Subject: RE: Re: "Passions" renewed

> >Why do critics like this show? 
> 
> Better question : 
> 
>        Why do critics like ER, Buffy, JAG, Iron Chef, 
> Survivor, Providence, 
> Once and Again, Friends, Will & Grace, Sex and the City, OZ, 
> The West Wing, 
> if you don't?
> 
>        Because they can.

If everyone here hasn't taken a look at Tom Shales' Electronic Media column
linked at tvbarn.com, do so now.  Brother Shales seems to be tired of being
lumped with all of the other critics.

Mark Jeffries
mjeffries@k...
mjsaints@a... 


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

From: Jeffries, Mark  <mjeffries@krw.com>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 4:08pm
Subject: RE: Chamber

> I hope someone here at TVBarn2 will be brave enough to watch both "The
> Chamber" and "The Chair" and report back to us on the differences! :)

Since Heald and I are the game show geeks around here, I assume one of us
will offer some commentary.

Meanwhile, this whole thing sounds like it could make a good HBO movie, with
Harry Shearer playing Dick Clark and Lucy Lawless as Julie Christie, the New
Zealand producer of "The Chair" (unless she is not statuesque like Lawless,
in which case Rachel Griffiths or Naomi Watts could play Christie).  Just
get Larry Gelbart on the screenplay and I think you'd have a winner.

Mark Jeffries
mjeffries@k...
mjsaints@a...


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

From: Jeffries, Mark  <mjeffries@krw.com>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 4:09pm
Subject: RE: Re: "Passions" renewed

> I'm not whining about any show not getting attention; it's 
> not a big deal to
> me what shows critics pay attention to.  If you like Passions 
> because you
> like it, excellent.  I've seen about five minutes of the show 
> total, so I
> can't comment on its quality.  I don't have any interest in 
> seeing more,
> either.  I am merely answering the original question the way 
> I think is
> accurate: too many critics, as with too many of any group, 
> establish a herd
> mentality about shows.  One or two "leading" critics like a 
> show on their
> own, and larger numbers follow along with less thought.  
> Passions is clearly
> popular with the critics it's popular with because of its over-the-top
> campiness and ridiculous storylines.  I think 90% of that critical
> popularity is bandwagon-hopping.  It's not a slam at 
> criticism per se; it's
> more of a slam at the bandwagon nature of everything in 
> American society.

Is the bandwagon effect also why almost every critic in the country hates
"Yes, Dear"?

Mark Jeffries
mjeffries@k...
mjsaints@a... 


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

From: Jeffries, Mark  <mjeffries@krw.com>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 4:20pm
Subject: RE: Mor on "The Chamber" (sic)(k)

> In fact there other names from "The Chamber" that are Greed 
> alumni-David Mirkin
> for one. 

*Jeffrey* Mirkin.  David Mirkin created "Get a Life," EPd "The Simpsons" for
a while, directed "Romy and Michelle's High School Reunion" and is married
to West Coast Julie Brown ("The Homecoming Queen's Got a Gun").

<snip>

> If ABC hates the show so much then sue then sue all the way 
> up to the man who's
> name is on the production company, Dick Clark... who cares if 
> he'll come back
> next New Year's Eve? right?

I believe that ABC isn't involved in the lawsuit--just Touchdown, the New
Zealand producer of "The Chair."  However, with Andrew Golder involved I
assume that we'll see the logos of one of the two game show dummy companies
at Disney and Buena Vista Television at the end.

BTW, Touchdown has a web site at www.touchdown.co.nz.  They seem to be
mostly a how-to show producer and licensor of British and U.S. formats,
including the NZ versions of "Weakest Link,"
"Ready...Set...Cook!/Ready...Steady...Cook!" and "Trading Places/Changing
Rooms."  Besides doing an NZ version of "Changing Rooms," they also have a
series called "Trading Places," where a statuesque actress you've seen on
"Hercules" and "Xena" does the old local news stunt of doing someone else's
job for a day.  Interestingly, "The Chair" is still not mentioned on their
site.
> 
> =====
> at the Theater Buliding - 1212 W. Belmont 
> ======= Salsation 2002 ==== www.salsation.net ==
> "Crouching Wetback, Hidden Migra" at the Chicago SketchFest
> Saturdays at 7pm Feb 9 - March 2  www.ticketmaster.com
> ======= Dean Dauw & Co. ========================
> "Penis Responses to the Vagina Muse" 
> Previews begin Jan. 16    www.ticketmaster.com

So *you're* the one behind the "Penis" show, huh?  Why I oughta...  :)

Mark Jeffries
mjeffries@k...
mjsaints@a... 


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

From: Laurel Krahn  <laurel@windowseat.org>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 4:15pm
Subject: Re: Mor on "The Chamber" (sic)(k)

On 1/14/2002 at 10:18 AM Jon Delfin wrote:

>I don't suppose there's any chance that anything of note
>happened on X-Files this week?
>
>Jon, stubbornly continuing to watch, ever optimistic

Was actually a pretty good Doggett-centric standalone episode written by
Vince Gilligan and directed by a woman whose name I don't recall seeing in
the X-Files credits before.  I liked it.

The previews for next week look awful though, someone skinning people alive
(ack, ick, ew).

--
Laurel Krahn | www.windowseat.org | www.tvpicks.net

From: tomalhe@aol.com
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 11:30am
Subject: "The Chamber"

I don't get it... this was nothing like the John Grisham book.

From: bsobel3pow  <bsobel@aol.com>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 4:34pm
Subject: NPR Article

Im trying to find the source of that original article about NPR 
talk/news...can anyone direct me to it?

Thanks,
Bill Sobel
bill@s...

From: Anthony Foglia  <afoglia@physics.ucsb.edu>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 5:16pm
Subject: Re: ABC on Sunday night

On Mon, 14 Jan 2002, Darren Glass wrote:

> ...so I'm a bit confused.  Last Sunday I was in San Diego, and saw a brand
> new episode of Alias.  My wife told me that it wasn't on here in Philly
> due to local pre-emption. This week, here in Philly at least, we got the
> same episode I was last Sunday in San Diego.  And the website lists it as
> the episode before next week's Quentin Tarantino episode.  Did the entire
> country get treated to the same episode again, or was there a different
> rerun shown other places?  Or did I miss a new episode in some places?

	IIRC, last week was a new episode to the entire country.  I was in 
NJ, but watching the NY station, so I don't remember if there was a 
pre-emption on WPVI-6 (the Philly station).  That episode began with the 
resolution to the cliffhanger where Sydney's father was told to shoot her, 
and ended with the booby-trapped room.

	This week's episode, in SB at least, was a rerun, picking up at 
the stadium where Sydney and the K-Directorate agent open up a suitcase 
with a dissolving sheet of paper with 1's and 0's on it.

	So it sounds like you're all caught up.

	Is Tarentino even old enough to be Marshall's father?

--Anthony

-------------------------------------------------------------------
A cynic is not merely one who reads bitter lessons from the past, he is
one who is prematurely disappointed in the future. 
-- Sydney J. Harris

From: Jeffries, Mark  <mjeffries@krw.com>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 5:20pm
Subject: RE: Re: Apatow reaches out to "Undeclared" audience aga in

> At 10:50 AM 1/14/2002 -0600, you wrote:
> >No, but why make kneejerk remarks about any television program unseen
> >because he doesn't like the genre?
> 
> Just to play devil's advocate a bit:
> 
> 1. Pilot tapes circulate to almost all of the agencies in LA 
> and get into 
> the hands of clients if they request them.  So it's not 
> beyond the realm of 
> possibility that Apatow *has* seen pilot.

As I understand it, there was *no* pilot--what we saw last night was taped
on Thursday night (until 3 a.m., so I've heard, with the producers of "The
Chair" kicked out of the studio).  So Apatow didn't have a chance to see the
show until last night along with the rest of the country.
 
> As for the variety show - I think a lot of that format's 
> early success was 
> among those who were familiar with seeing comedy acted out on the 
> stage.  It's a format people are unfamiliar with these days 
> (outside of 
> SNL) and it's just hasn't proven it can fly in prime time any 
> more.  I 
> think I can hear the groans from here every time some comic 
> gets a network 
> development and pitches a variety show (anyone remember Dana 
> Carvey's show?).

Well, ABC's sitting on those 13 episodes Wayne Brady taped this past fall of
his variety show, which did OK in August.  I assume they're going to get to
them before he starts his daytime syndicated show in the fall. 

Mark Jeffries
mjeffries@k...
mjsaints@a...


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

From: tomalhe  <tomalhe@aol.com>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 5:23pm
Subject: Remote Patrol: The Dead Horse!

In the last year critics were strapped to movie theater seats and
forced to endure several levels of torture (mostly teen films), and
even though the critics have already done their ten best lists, and
participated in the AFI Awards, they get to give away statuettes
tonight with E!'s Critics Choice Awards (7 PM). 

	Olympians continue their quest for charitable gold on ABC's "Who
Wants to Be A Millionaire" (8 PM). 

	On NBC's "Fear Factor," the kids ride bulls and eat brains. Yes,
this is the first time the word "brains" has been associated with the
show.

	Okay, so you watched last week's "Boston Public" (8 PM) on FOX and
bisexuality, homophobia, execution, Attention Deficit Disorder, and
gospel music weren't enough for you ... tonight, pornography and
pedophilia!

	Ken Burns straps himself to "Mark Twain" (8 PM) for the first two
hours of a PBS biography. It continues tomorrow night, check your
local listings.

	Jon Bon Jovi is strapped to a hellish FOX comedy and forced to
endure several levels of torture on several episodes of "The Ally
McBeal" (9 PM). As if that we're enough torture, "3rd Rock From The
Sun's" French Stewart is a legal client. 

	The History Channel straps an innocent president to a war for
several levels of torture each more hellish than the last in the two
hour "LBJ and Vietnam: In the Eye of the Storm" (9 PM). 

	Learn what happened when Americans strapped themselves to their
seats and subjected themselves to torture via one possibly two levels
of Howard Cosell in the TNT original movie "Monday Night Mayhem" (9
PM) with John Turturro, John Heard, Eli Wallach, Nicholas Turturro,
Patti LuPone, and Kevin Anderson.

	Instead of bringing back the "Mole 2," ABC offers a series of
B-level Monday Night Movies, starting with the Sandra Bullock
"romance" "Forces of Nature" (9 PM) 

	UPN's "Girlfriends" (9:30 PM) face several levels of torture by
guest star Kurt Loder.

	On The WB's "Angel," (9 PM) demons put Cordelia into some sort of
holodeck and she gets to be an actress, if only she'll forget about
her psychic powers and that vampire guy she's fond of. 
	
	A&E's "Investigative Reports" presents "Portrait of a Terrorist:
Mohamed Atta" (10 PM) 

	Jay has ABC stars Denis Leary and Jennifer Garner + Usher, Dave has
actor Josh Hartnett, "Survivor" winner Ethan Zohn and music from Remy
Zero.

From: Jeffries, Mark  <mjeffries@krw.com>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 5:27pm
Subject: RE: Remote Patrol: The Dead Horse!

> 	In the last year critics were strapped to movie theater 
> seats and
> forced to endure several levels of torture (mostly teen films), and
> even though the critics have already done their ten best lists, and
> participated in the AFI Awards, they get to give away statuettes
> tonight with E!'s Critics Choice Awards (7 PM). 

You forget, Tom, this is the Broadcast Film Critics Association we're
talking about here--it's quote whore time!  These people never met a movie
that a junket paid for by the studio wouldn't make them like.  Tonight, see
Shawn Edwards, Mike Cidoni, Susan Granger and Joey Berlin's puppet Jeff
Craig kiss the asses of Hollywood, only on E!, the entertainment authority!

Mark Jeffries
mjeffries@k...
mjsaints@a... 


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

From: tomalhe@aol.com
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 0:34pm
Subject: Re: Remote Patrol: The Dead Horse!

>Tonight, see Shawn Edwards, Mike Cidoni, Susan Granger and 
>Joey Berlin's puppet Jeff Craig kiss the asses of Hollywood, only 
>on E!, the > entertainment authority!
> 
Will Jeff Craig be receiving the "David Manning Lifetime Achievement Award"?


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

From: tomalhe@aol.com
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 0:44pm
Subject: Re: ABC on Sunday night

>    Is Tarentino even old enough to be Marshall's father?

Tarantino,Quentin -- b.3/27/1963

From: Steven Schroeder  <BagHead@concentric.net>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 6:00pm
Subject: Re: Re: "Passions" renewed

> Is the bandwagon effect also why almost every critic in the country hates
> "Yes, Dear"?

In all likelihood it sucks, though it's another one I haven't seen nor plan
on seeing.  But can piling on be indicative of a herd approach?  Yes, dear.

Steven Schroeder
Darwin's Bulldog
<http://www.darwinsbulldog.com/>

From: Jeff Metzner  <jeff@jmetzner.com>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 5:59pm
Subject: RE: ABC on Sunday night

Last Sunday, the Philly station showed an Eagles game in prime time.
They ran the Disney movie and "The Practice" before the game.  Both of
those were the same as whatever the rest of the country saw.  However,
since they couldn't run "Alias" until after the game (about 12:30AM)
they showed a rerun and saved the new episode that everyone else saw
last week for this Sunday.  As far as I know, the rest of the country
got a (different) rerun last night.

-----Original Message-----
From: Darren Glass [mailto:glassd@m...] 
Sent: Monday, January 14, 2002 10:46 AM
To: tvbarn2@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [tvbarn2] ABC on Sunday night



...so I'm a bit confused.  Last Sunday I was in San Diego, and saw a
brand
new episode of Alias.  My wife told me that it wasn't on here in Philly
due to local pre-emption. This week, here in Philly at least, we got the
same episode I was last Sunday in San Diego.  And the website lists it
as
the episode before next week's Quentin Tarantino episode.  Did the
entire
country get treated to the same episode again, or was there a different
rerun shown other places?  Or did I miss a new episode in some places?

darren

From: tomalhe@aol.com
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 1:04pm
Subject: Survivor : Outwit

http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1500911799

From: Sue Trowbridge  <trow@interbridge.com>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 6:28pm
Subject: Re: Survivor : Outwit

On Mon, 14 Jan 2002 tomalhe@a... wrote:

> http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1500911799

Someone is willing to pay $429.99 for EMPTY CANS ON A ROPE?! And the
auction still has 5 days left to go!

Other Survivor stuff up for sale:

http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1500920396 
A "Mountain Dew woven basket" - current bid $735

http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1500989122
"A bar of soap with woven holder actually used by survivors" (well,
probably not Big "Stinky" Tom) - current bid $660

http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1502396908
"Diane signed tank top" - current bid $6. Poor Diane.

http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1501292720
"Ethan's signed torch" - current bid $8,101

http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1500962642
"This thin green blanket was found in the emergency supply kit." - current
bid $355

OK, I know all the proceeds are going to charity, but I still think anyone
who would pay over $400 for empty cans on a rope is, well, nuts.

--Sue T.

From: tomalhe@aol.com
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 1:45pm
Subject: Congo!

January 14, 2002 
ABC Television Network
PRESS RELEASE - NEWS - NIGHTLINE "HEART OF DARKNESS" (1/21-25)

TED KOPPEL WILL ANCHOR FIVE-PART "NIGHTLINE" SERIES ON THE WAR IN CONGO  

In early September, "Nightline" aired the first program of what was expected 
to be a series of five programs examining the devastating war in Congo, a 
story largely unreported by network television. In the first broadcast of 
"Heart of Darkness", which aired Friday, September 7, Ted Koppel looked at 
the roots of the fighting that has involved as many as seven nations since 
1998, displaced thousands and killed millions. 

The series was scheduled to continue on Tuesday, September 11. "Nightline's" 
coverage of the terrorist attacks of September 11 continued without 
interruption for the next several months. 

"There are still 2,500 people dying every day in Congo. It is as though what 
happened to us in America on September 11th were to happen every day of the 
week, every week of the year, for the next three years. And it goes on," said 
Mr. Koppel. 

Beginning Monday, January 21, ABC News' "Nightline" plans to air the entire 
five-part series on Congo. Barring major breaking news, "Nightline" will 
broadcast "Heart of Darkness" MONDAY, JANUARY 21 - FRIDAY, JANUARY 25 (11:35 
p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network. 

"Heart of Darkness" looks at the conflict that has taken more than 2.5 
million lives over the past three years, a conflict that is being called "the 
first African World War." Mr. Koppel anchors and reports the series. ABC News 
correspondent Martin Seemungal also reports for "Heart of Darkness." 

"Heart of Darkness" is a story of murder, greed, violence, the quest for 
power and, ultimately, the strength of the human spirit. The series explores 
the largely unreported story of this conflict which has roots in the genocide 
in Rwanda, has been brutal and countrywide, and seen rebel groups and the 
government all fighting for power -- as well as control of Congo's immense 
natural resources. As a new administration in Congo shows signs that it may 
be more open to seeking a peace, "Nightline" used this slowdown in the 
fighting as an opportunity to examine the impact of a war that many 
journalists have considered too dangerous to cover. 

A carefully constructed study by the International Rescue Committee concluded 
that at least 2.5 million people have died as a consequence of the fighting 
that has, at various times, involved the governments of Rwanda, Uganda, 
Burundi, Angola, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and a range of rebel groups allied with 
those governments. The fighting has driven civilians away from their homes, 
and hundreds of thousands of those who fled to the rainforest have died. And 
yet the story of the war in Congo remains largely unfamiliar to the Western 
world. 

During the two weeks Mr. Koppel spent reporting in Congo last summer, he 
traveled with the first relief flight to reach the city of Shabunda in more 
than three months. One program will focus on how this city and its people 
have been ravaged by the war, and the efforts of one Catholic priest to 
protect the community from the brutality of the conflict. The story of rape 
as weapon in this war is played out across this community and the entire 
country: Nearly 200 women gathered in a Shabunda classroom to tell 
"Nightline" of their own horrifying experiences with rape. 

Later in the series "Nightline" reports from Kisangani, a city on the Congo 
River which was once an economic center. Now the war has choked off all river 
commerce. The conflict dried up all fuel supplies, forcing civilians to move 
supplies by bicycle and on foot. 

"Nightline" also spends a day in the life of a Congolese porter, an 
extraordinary woman who is supporting ten children as a roadside carrier. On 
a good day she will make the equivalent of one dollar by carrying loads of up 
to 200 pounds up and down a mountain. 

The series concludes with a look at how the quest for control of Congo's 
immense natural resources, including gold, copper, diamonds, and coltan, has 
been driving the war. Mr. Koppel reports from a coltan mine privately owned 
by a Congolese who has partnered with an American doctor from Baltimore. 
Coltan is currently one of the most sought-after minerals in the world, as it 
is essential to the production of cell phones.

From: calliaume  <calliaume@aol.com>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 8:15pm
Subject: Re: Chamber

--- In tvbarn2@y..., "Jeffries, Mark" <mjeffries@k...> wrote:
> > I hope someone here at TVBarn2 will be brave enough to watch 
both "The
> > Chamber" and "The Chair" and report back to us on the 
differences! :)
> 
> Since Heald and I are the game show geeks around here, I assume one 
of us
> will offer some commentary.

Actually, you've been joined by a third geek.  But seeing as I could 
only make it through the first 20 minutes of The Chamber, I'm not 
certain I'm the most qualified to respond.

-- Curt Alliaume

From: Tom Roche  <troche@mindspring.com>
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 8:22pm
Subject: Ye Olde Ole Opry

Maybe it's because it went in with lowered expectations. Maybe it's because I didn't have to pay for the seats, and they turned out to be very good seats. Maybe it's because we listened to everything from Napalm Death to Zaiko Langa Langa on the long drive up and hardly any country at all. 

Maybe it is the acoustics of the all-wood, church-like Ryman Auditorium. Maybe it was the odd electricity in the staid venue that particular night, with all the newspaper boxes up and down Broadway displaying that morning's Tennessean - featuring a photo of a vintage WSM microphone taking up 2/3 of the front page's space. 

Gotta admit: The Grand Ole Opry this weekend was great. Really really fine. I expected something much more reserved, maybe something so kitsch that the cynic in me would have to stifle snickers repeatedly. Instead it was a lot of laughs, a lot of footstompin, a totally at ease cast and crew, laughing, relaxed. And this bizarre marathon/telethon of act after act after act, 2 and a half hours of performers only doing one or at most two songs each, while the stage managers move each off and get the next set up all in just the time it takes for the radio host to read a live Goo-Goo Cluster commercial at his stage-right podium. Within the 150 minute broadcast, totally live - all songs, spots, and station ID's done right from the stage - were five distinct half hour shows, at the end of one the curtain would come down and 10 seconds later, bizarrely, the curtain opens again and the next sponsored half hour begins, albeit with a different host and sponsor. Even occasional comedic relief, with jokes that would have made Homer and Jethro moan.. material I however found stupefyingly funny.

So this isn't a time warp going back 25 years, its more like 60. It is a trip. Tickets are $25. Check it out sometime.

By the way, based on my own research here is the racial breakdown of the audience at the Ryman Satiddy night:

White	     	105%
Other		    0%

And then late this afternoon the good news carried live - WSM will not change their format. Tonite the station, which I have on right now, is subdued yet celebratory, a lot of phone calls, a lot of relief. The switch to all-sportstalk was supposedly a done deal, and big $ broadcasting chains lately  do whatever th' hell they want, mailroom be damned.

I'm not a country fan as much as I'm a diversified broadcasting fan. And today a victory.


tom roche
atlanta




Nashville Station to Stay Country
X-URL: http://library.northernlight.com/ED20020114400000014.html?cb=0&dx=2006&sc=0#doc


     AP Online
   ______________________________________________________________________

                     Nashville Station to Stay Country
   ______________________________________________________________________

   Story Filed: Monday, January 14, 2002 5:02 PM EST

   NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) -- After an outcry from country fans and music
   stars, the owners of WSM-AM announced Monday the historic station will
   continue to broadcast country music and the Grand Ole Opry rather than
   switch to an all-talk, all-sports format.

   The announcement by Colin Reed, president and chief executive of
   Gaylord Entertainment Co., ended two weeks of heated speculation after
   word leaked that the company was considering changes at the station
   where the Grand Ole Opry was born in 1925.

   Opry members Vince Gill, Marty Stuart and Bill Anderson joined Reed
   for the announcement. The stars, along with thousands of country music
   fans worldwide, were against the change, and Reed said he had been
   inundated with telephone calls and e-mails about the prospective
   changes.

   A protest held last week outside the WSM-AM offices drew about 100
   people, including country stars George Jones and Billy Walker.

   ``There has been an outpouring of support from country music fans and
   performers,'' Reed said.

   ``They were telling us what we knew all along, that the audience is
   there for country music; that the listeners of the Grand Ole Opry and
   WSM-AM are loyal and feel strongly,'' he said.

   Stuart said protests don't always work at changing corporate minds.
   ``Thank God that it did this time,'' he said.

   Gaylord bought WSM-AM in 1983, and Reed said the company was exploring
   ways to expand the Opry brand and listenership. He said the company
   discussed using the AM station for sports talk and franchising the
   Opry show to FM stations.

   He said while discussions continue about syndication, ``We do not plan
   to convert WSM-AM into an all-talk, all-sports station. The theme will
   stay country.''

   The station has had various formats since it was founded 76 years ago
   as one of the nation's original clear-channel stations -- radio
   stations that have exclusive nationwide rights to a given frequency.

   But the station is most famous for broadcasting the Opry every
   Saturday night for three-quarters of a century. The Opry is the
   longest continuously running radio show in the country. Hank Williams
   Sr. and Patsy Cline were once part of the Opry cast, and Garth Brooks
   and Gill are part of the show today.

   ``I think it's great to expand the Opry in every way we can, but not
   at the expense of this tradition, this station,'' Gill said.

   Music on major AM stations is now rare, and the fortunes of WSM have
   sagged. Gaylord said the station lost about $1.5 million last year.

   The 50,000-watt station is one of the only prominent stations left
   that plays older country music, mixed with newer Nashville songs. Its
   signal can be heard in more than 30 states at night.

   On the Net:

   WSM-AM Web site: http://www.wsmonline.com.

   Gaylord Entertainment Co. Web site:
   http://www.gaylordentertainment.com/

   Grand Ole Opry Web site: http://www.opry.com.



   Copyright © 2002 Associated Press

From: greyaar  <greyaar@aol.com>
Date: Tue Jan 15, 2002 0:10am
Subject: Re: Apatow reaches out to "Undeclared" audience aga in

> As I understand it, there was *no* pilot--what we saw last night 
was taped
> on Thursday night (until 3 a.m., so I've heard, with the producers 
of "The
> Chair" kicked out of the studio).  So Apatow didn't have a chance 
to see the
> show until last night along with the rest of the country.

So what? He's right.

From: tomalhe@aol.com
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 8:28pm
Subject: UPN will not be CBSjr

The Hollywood Reporter sez:
Moonves: UPN won't be eye clone
Jan. 15, 2002

PASADENA -- UPN isn't going to morph into CBS 2 anytime soon. That was the 
message CBS president and CEO Leslie Moonves sent to reporters Monday during 
his first public appearance as the new boss at UPN. UPN's future has been in 
question in recent weeks after a Viacom corporate shake-up that moved 
oversight of UPN from Paramount Television Group to the CBS fold under 
Moonves. UPN president and CEO Dean Valentine resigned last week after a 
four-year run, partly because his authority was eclipsed in the corporate 
shuffle. On Monday, Moonves sought to quell speculation that UPN will 
significantly scale down its spending on original programming and devote big 
chunks of its primetime slate to reruns of CBS series. "There's been some 
suggestion that UPN will become CBS 2," Moonves said. "While we're going to 
make the most of joint opportunities, it's safe to say that is absolutely not 
going to happen. It will continue to be an independent brand with a distinct 
personality and distinct target audiences. As far as we're concerned, it's a 
real strength and a real opportunity

From: tomalhe@aol.com
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 8:28pm
Subject: Reality check : The Chamber

The Hollywood Reporter
<
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hollywoodreporter/television/brief_display.js

p?vnu_content_id=1258001>
'Chamber' solid for Fox
Jan. 15, 2002
Fox's new game show "The Chamber" opened to respectable ratings Sunday...   

Mediaweek   : 
<
http://www.mediaweek.com/mediaweek/buzz/columnists/column_display.jsp?vnu_cont

ent_id=1256274>
In series premiere news, the results were mixed with Fox reality game show 
The Chamber at a disappointing fourth place...  
    
    




[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

From: HSWyman@AOL.COM
Date: Mon Jan 14, 2002 9:46pm
Subject: ARTICLE: MONDAY NIGHT MEMORIES

MONDAY NIGHT MEMORIES
BY HARRISON WYMAN

       Every enterprise that has ever succeeded finally comes down to two 
factors: innovation and risk.  The 50th anniversary of the "Today" show and 
Monday's TNT movie "Monday Night Mayhem," based on the book about ABC's 
"Monday Night Football" illustrate both principles.  It also illustrates how 
the qualities of innovation and risk are absent in so many ways from 
contemporary television.
    The risk factor was different in 1952: somebody was going to stretch the 
broadcast day from dawn to dusk and the man responsible for the stretching 
was NBC president Pat Weaver.  Weaver was responsible for both the "Today" 
and "Tonight" shows and knew that people expected information at the start of 
their day and entertainment at the end.  "Today" would fill the information 
part of Weaver's equation.  Weaver also had the sense that both shows would 
need a broadcaster in the host role (the term "anchorman" had not come into 
common use).  Weaver was lucky enough to find two men who were smart, could 
think on their feet and be comfortable on a new medium that was inventing 
itself.
    The two men were Dave Garroway and Steve Allen.  Allen's quick mind and 
agile imagination expressed itself in his comedy.  Garroway on the other 
hand, seemed to be born to do "Today."  MSNBC's "Time and Again" once did a 
show using long segments of that first "Today" broadcast in 1952 and his 
ability to project a calm, in fact a serenity, in the chaos of that first 
broadcast is still amazing.  
    There was a news ticker running across the bottom of the screen that kept 
malfunctioning. Cues to Garroway and his on-camera team were late.  And when 
the phone line for the weather report could not be heard in the studio or on 
the air, Garroway stepped to a chalkboard on the set and drew his own weather 
map with phone to one ear with an unwieldily microphone strapped to his 
chest.  Garroway moved through it all as though it was planned in advance.
    Keep in mind that NBC was a small part of an industrial giant: the Radio 
Corporation of America (RCA).  In a sense Weaver's programming bets were 
covered by a company that could afford to take a short term loss on a 
potentially successful long term venture.  That was not the case for ABC, 
which struggled with both profitability and respectability as a major network 
throughout the 1950s and 60s.  ABC was like Fox, a network that aggressively 
sought younger viewers with shows like "Mod Squad."
    In fact, ABC took "Monday Night Football" as an act of survival rather 
than programming.  NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle had put together a 
syndication plan for the Monday night games with a station lineup that 
contained enough ABC affiliates to put the network in danger.  ABC took the 
package and the next step was how to make the Monday night games different 
from their Sunday counterparts on CBS and NBC.  
    Roone Arledge in effect turned a football game into the Movie of the 
Week, using extra cameras, added audio and creative use of instant replay to 
give the games visual impact.  The announcing team became the regular cast, 
narrating a new weekly drama.  With Howard Cosell and Don Meridith in their 
roles as urbane New Yorker and down-home cowboy, the play by play announcer 
had to be part traffic cop.  With Keith Jackson reluctant to play that role, 
adding Frank Gifford in the second season made the chemistry complete.
        As the TNT movie makes clear, the trio could have used a traveling 
counselor as well as producers and technicians.  "Monday Night Football" made 
Cosell a major celebrity at the cost to some extent to his reputation as a 
journalist.  You can't be Ed Murrow and Ed Sullivan at the same time and to a 
certain extent that is what happened to Cosell.  Personal note: during a 
hospitalization I once met a nurse who only knew Cosell from his guest 
appearances on the "Odd Couple" sitcom.  I had to give her a crash course in 
Cosell''s more serious work.
       Fred Silverman is credited with creating the prime time schedule that 
launched ABC into prime-time leadership in the mid-1970's but "MNF" was one 
of the building blocks that was in place when he arrived.  The infusion of 
revenue from prime time gave ABC the resources to compete in news, where 
Arledge turned ABC from also ran to industry leader with programs like 
"Nightline."
    In both 1952 and 1970 broadcasting was much more hospitable to new ideas 
and creative risks.  It seemed more a gut business then, with people with 
passion and a willingness to stand behind new ideas and new faces.  In 
contrast it seems that the height of creative risk is to come up with a clone 
of another network's game show.  A gut business has become a big business, 
with financial cost calculated as closely as the chances of success. If a 
young Roone Arledge or Pat Weaver walked into ABC or NBC tomorrow could they 
succeed?

From: Aaron Barnhart  <aaron@tvbarn.com>
Date: Tue Jan 15, 2002 8:18am
Subject: Re: Re: "Passions" renewed

The whole reason I gathered up all those 10-best lists a couple of 
weeks ago is that I honestly have no idea what most of my fellow 
critics think are the best shows on TV.

That said, I wonder if a little-watched show like GILMORE GIRLS 
doesn't gather some moss from a few select critics swooning over it 
(although none in particular comes to mind).  I think GILMORE GIRLS 
is a cute show but hardly essential viewing.  But then, I say that 
about THE WEST WING, too.


>Steven Schroeder wrote:
>
>>I am merely answering the original question the way I think is
>>accurate: too many critics, as with too many of any group, establish a herd
>>mentality about shows.
>
>I think this is wrong. Then again, I only know from my personal
>experience as an amateur critic. My guess is that there aren't many
>TV critics out there cribbing off of other critics' top 10 lists.
>Rather, I'd bet that the people who tend to become TV critics are
>people who tend to like the same sorts of things. Also, if you're a
>TV critic, you end up seeing everything -- which leads to an
>appreciation of the novel that probably goes beyond what a regular TV
>viewer would have.
>
>I feel this way about movie critics, too. Sometimes I think movies
>get boosts because they're something different for that beaten down
>film critic at a 10 a.m. screening. That the novelty ends up paying
>off because the critics have seen so many standard romantic comedies
>and action pictures and the like that they're desperate for something
>different.
>
>Oh, and then Tom said:
>>         Why do critics like ER, Buffy, JAG, Iron Chef, Survivor,
>>Providence, Once and Again, Friends, Will & Grace, Sex and the City,
>>OZ, The West Wing, if you don't? Because they can.
>
>Critics _like_ JAG? Where have I been?!
>
>-jason
>--
>Jason Snell:  teevee.org - intertext.com - jsnell@i...
>Visit TeeVee! http://www.teevee.org/
>
>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>TVBarn2: America's funniest TV chat room.
>Goodbye: tvbarn2-unsubscribe@egroups.com
>
>
>
>Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

-- 
TV Barn: http://www.tvbarn.com

From: aaronbarnhart  <aaron@tvbarn.com>
Date: Tue Jan 15, 2002 9:41am
Subject: MTV raps with Colin Powell

MTV CHANNELS AROUND THE WORLD INCLUDING THE 
UNITED STATES, INDIA, THE MIDDLE EAST, ITALY, 
UK/IRELAND,  BRAZIL AND RUSSIA HOST GLOBAL FORUM 
WITH U.S. SECRETARY OF STATE COLIN POWELL

YOUNG PEOPLE FROM AROUND THE WORLD GET TO ASK 
SECRETARY POWELL QUESTIONS ABOUT WAR ON 
TERRORISM AND OTHER GLOBAL ISSUES


PASADENA, CA, January 14, 2002 - Judy McGrath, President, 
MTV Group and Chairman, Interactive Music, MTV: Music 
Television and Bill Roedy, President, MTV Networks 
International, announced today that U.S. Secretary of State Colin 
Powell will participate in an international Global Forum with 
young adults around the world, through MTV.  During the 
60-minute forum scheduled to air in February, young people 
from the United States, India, the Middle East, Italy, UK/Ireland, 
Brazil and Russia will have the opportunity to ask Secretary 
Powell hard-hitting and provocative questions about the war on 
terrorism and other world issues and events that are directly 
affecting them.

The Forum will be available globally to 164 territories with MTV 
channels reaching 374.7 million households.  Studio audiences 
will gather at respective MTV locations around the world, where 
local MTV News Correspondents and VJs will facilitate Q&A via 
satellite with Sec Powell. Online questions will also be taken 
from viewers around the world.  The audience will be comprised 
of a diverse cross-section of young adults representing a 
cross-section of religions, political ideologies and cultures.  MTV 
U.S. will serve as host location for Secretary Powell in 
Washington, DC where MTV News Anchors John Norris and 
Gideon Yago will moderate.

"Young people have long been one of my top priorities, and 
never more so than now," said secretary Powell.  "The world's 
youth are not only our future, but also our greatest hope for 
solving long-term problems and for building vitally needed 
understanding between peoples and cultures.   I look forward to 
speaking one-on-one with young people from across the world 
in this unique forum to discuss world affairs."

"From our post-September 11th programming, our forum with 
New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani to our Choose or Lose and 
Rock the Vote work, giving a voice to young people and access to 
world leaders, is something that we are very passionate about," 
says Judy McGrath.  "We look forward to a lively and open 
exchange about the issues that young people around the world 
are facing at this time in history."




Page 2:  Powell:  MTV


"Young people are very attuned to recent world events, and this 
MTV Global Forum will give them the opportunity to debate these 
issues in a frank, public multimedia environment, regardless of 
political ideology or religion," commented Bill Roedy.  "Through 
our localization strategy, MTV reflects the attitudes of viewers in 
each region, and this forum is an example of how our network of 
channels and Web sites facilitate the exchange of views and 
opinions among our diverse audiences."

United States: MTV: Music Television is the number one network 
with young adults 18-24, and the world's first 24-hour video 
music network.  Through its graphic look, VJs, music and news 
specials, documentaries, as well as its original programming, 
MTV has become an institution of pop culture and the best 
network to reach young people.  In addition to music, MTV has 
numerous on- and off- air public service initiatives covering 
topics from youth violence to voter registration to discrimination 
to HIV/AIDS.  MTV US is seen in 82 million households and 
reaches 80% of the nation's 12-34 year olds. Web site: 
www.mtv.com

India:  Launched on October 28, 1996, MTV India is a 24-hour 
Hindi and English language service delivered via satellite on 
PanAmSat 10 to Bangladesh, India, parts of the Middle East, 
Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. MTV India's programming 
consists of a unique mix of 70% Indian film and pop music with 
the balance made up of international music videos.  The channel 
has also been involved in numerous public service initiatives, 
ranging in topic from HIV/AIDS to discrimination against women.  
MTV India is seen in more than 27 million households.  Web 
site: www.mtvindia.com

Middle East Service: MTV's Middle Eastern service reaches 
everything between Iran to the East and Morocco to the West.   
During the Arabic show "Mashaweer" (means "little trips or 
journeys"), Arabic VJs present a mix of Arabic, southern 
European and Latin-oriented music.  VJ's are shot on location in 
Dubai, Cairo and Beirut primarily and cover concerts, new local 
artists, tours etc. in the region. MTV's Middle Eastern service is 
seen in 200,000 households on Viacom's Showtime platform.

Italy:  Launched on September 1, 1997, MTV Italia is a 24-hour 
Italian language channel and is seen via terrestrial distribution 
on TMC2.  Based in Milan, the network features round the clock 
music and entertainment programming.  Public service efforts 
include topics such as HIV/AIDS.  MTV Italia reaches nearly 16 
million households. Web site: www.mtv.it

UK & IRELAND: Launched on July 1, 1997, MTV UK & Ireland is 
an English language channel dedicated to music and youth 
entertainment programs featuring well-known local 
personalities.  The network is seen on cable and satellite 
television in nearly 11 million households.  Web site: 
www.mtv.co.uk



Page 3:  Powell:  MTV


Brazil: Launched on October 20, 1990, MTV Brasil is seen 24 
hours a day and is distributed from Sao Paulo to UHF stations 
and cable systems.  The Portuguese language network features 
video music by both Brazilian and international artists and is 
hosted by Brazilian VJs.  Public service efforts include tackling 
issues such as HIV/AIDS and discrimination.   MTV Brasil is 
seen in nearly 17 million households. Web site: www.mtv.com.br

Russia:  Launched on September 26, 1998, MTV Russia is a 
Russian language free-to-air service seen in Moscow, St. 
Petersburg, Omsk, Voronezh, Novosibirsk and Ekaterinburg, 
among other cities.  The first western television network 
customized specifically for Russian youth, the channel features 
music videos from Russian and international artists locally 
relevant programming.  Public service efforts include tackling 
HIV/AIDS and related issues.  MTV Russia is seen in more than 
20 million households.

MTV: Music Television is the world's leading multimedia brand 
for youth and can be seen in more than 374.7 million 
households in 164 countries via 33 channels in 18 languages.  
MTV's international channels are MTV: Music Television (US), 
MTV Asia (Southeast Asia, Mandarin, China, India, Philippines 
and Korea), MTV Australia, MTV Brasil, MTV Canada, MTV Europe 
(European, Central, Italia, Nordic, Polska, France, España, 
Netherlands and UK/Ireland), MTV Japan, MTV Latin America 
(North, Central & South) and MTV Russia.  MTV also has 
separately programmed "free form" music services in the US, 
Canada and Europe, MTV2, that feature videos from a wide 
variety of genres, along with MTV2 Pop in Germany.  Digital 
programming services MTV "X" and MTV Español are also 
available in the US as well as MTV Base, MTV Dance and MTV 
Hits in Europe. MTV Live, a PC broadband service, is available in 
Europe. MTV's holdings also include 19 locally operated Web 
sites worldwide as well as publishing, home video, radio, 
recorded music, licensing & merchandising and a feature film 
division, MTV Films.  MTV is a trademark of Viacom International 
Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B). 
g:2002:corp:mtv:powellannouncementfinal

From: rcasalotti  <thekid1955@aol.com>
Date: Tue Jan 15, 2002 0:34pm
Subject: tvbarn.com cited in NY Post WWTBAM Story

From today's New York Post:

"A network spokesman said the layoffs - first noted on the TV website 
tvbarn.com - were part of the "natural cycle" of a show on hiatus."

For full story: http://www.nypost.com/entertainment/38990.htm

Ron Casalotti
Wayne, NJ

From: Jeffries, Mark  <mjeffries@krw.com>
Date: Tue Jan 15, 2002 4:31pm
Subject: RE: Survivor : Outwit

> http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1500989122
> "A bar of soap with woven holder actually used by survivors" (well,
> probably not Big "Stinky" Tom) - current bid $660

That bid must've been bogus--it's back to $535.
 
> http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1502396908
> "Diane signed tank top" - current bid $6. Poor Diane.

A little better, now--it's up to $36.

As much as it's for a wonderful cause, it does take all kinds...

Mark Jeffries
mjeffries@k...
mjsaints@a...


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

From: aaronbarnhart  <aaron@tvbarn.com>
Date: Tue Jan 15, 2002 5:07pm
Subject: Re: tvbarn.com cited in NY Post WWTBAM Story

As always, a tip o' the hat to our friends at the Post, who never fail 
to cite the site.

I also agree wholeheartedly with what Susan Lyne is quoted 
saying at the end of the piece -- fewer episodes would not have 
prolonged MILLIONAIRE's lifespan.

--- In tvbarn2@y..., "rcasalotti" <thekid1955@a...> wrote:
> From today's New York Post:
> 
> "A network spokesman said the layoffs - first noted on the TV 
website 
> tvbarn.com - were part of the "natural cycle" of a show on 
hiatus."
> 
> For full story: http://www.nypost.com/entertainment/38990.htm
> 
> Ron Casalotti
> Wayne, NJ

From: Jeffries, Mark  <mjeffries@krw.com>
Date: Tue Jan 15, 2002 5:10pm
Subject: RE: Re: Apatow reaches out to "Undeclared" audience aga in

> > As I understand it, there was *no* pilot--what we saw last night 
> was taped
> > on Thursday night (until 3 a.m., so I've heard, with the producers 
> of "The
> > Chair" kicked out of the studio).  So Apatow didn't have a chance 
> to see the
> > show until last night along with the rest of the country.
> 
> So what? He's right.

And he's also digging his grave in the television business.  Apatow seems to
forget that he's not Steven Bochco or David Kelley and that his batting
average in the television business is 0-for-2.  When he got into television,
he should've realized that the odds are that you're not going to have a hit
show, no matter what the quality.  Therefore, he should just accept it and
move on rather than try to play the martyr.  Bochco did that with "Cop
Rock," Kelley with "Snoops."  Diane English was responsible for a lot of
stinkers before she hit it big with "Murphy Brown."  Perhaps Apatow should
just take his next project to HBO or Showtime--he won't become filthy rich
off of syndication (at least not if he goes to HBO, which now tightly
controls the afterlife of its shows), but he'll be happier.

Now call me a hopeless cynic, but these campaigns to save every series that
is threatened with cancellation have become real tiresome.  I was hoping
that people would finally figure it out and stop them, but thanks to the
Tabasco sauce campaign on "Roswell," it looks like that they just won't
stop.  (Even that wasn't successful, since the idea was to keep the show on
The WB.)  Campaigns may buy a show time but they won't keep a show on the
air for good, because if people don't want to watch a show they won't watch
it.  Fox promoted "Undeclared" up the wazoo on early season NFL games and on
all of its other sitcoms.  They bought movie theater ads for the show and
radio spots.  None of those things worked--and there isn't another good time
slot available.

And regarding "The Chamber" and "The Chair," this whole heart attack game
show mini-trend will die out in short order.  People will get tired of it
real fast and it'll be forgotten by summer.  "This, too, shall pass."

It's only a TV show--give it up.  Have Apatow go to one of the premium
channels instead.

Mark Jeffries
mjeffries@k...
mjsaints@a...


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

From: calliaume  <calliaume@aol.com>
Date: Tue Jan 15, 2002 5:16pm
Subject: Re: tvbarn.com cited in NY Post WWTBAM Story

--- In tvbarn2@y..., "aaronbarnhart" <aaron@t...> wrote:
> As always, a tip o' the hat to our friends at the Post, who never 
fail 
> to cite the site.
> 
> I also agree wholeheartedly with what Susan Lyne is quoted 
> saying at the end of the piece -- fewer episodes would not have 
> prolonged MILLIONAIRE's lifespan.

Too bad they got one part wrong (about Millionaire's audience 
dropping when it started airing three times a week).  The dropoff 
began when it climbed to four weekly airings -- and that was 
about a year after the show went thrice weekly.  The explanation 
the Post offers is an oversimplification of the issue.

Just as important as Lyne noting the proliferation of episodes 
wouldn't have made a difference, she agrees with most people 
I've heard from -- that the celebrity-ep-a-week schedule is way, 
way too much.

-- Curt Alliaume
Game Shows '75
http://www.geocities.com/calliaume/gameshow.html

From: clstamper  <clstamper@aol.com>
Date: Tue Jan 15, 2002 5:33pm
Subject: Re: tvbarn.com cited in NY Post WWTBAM Story

--- In tvbarn2@y..., "rcasalotti" <thekid1955@a...> wrote:
> From today's New York Post:
> 
> "A network spokesman said the layoffs - first noted on the TV 
> tvbarn.com - were part of the "natural cycle" of a show on hiatus."

Would ABC cancel the show yet? Isn't it really cheap programming?
What of the rumored plan to dump Regis and unveil a revamped version 
next year?

Chris

From: Jeffries, Mark  <mjeffries@krw.com>
Date: Tue Jan 15, 2002 5:36pm
Subject: RE: Re: tvbarn.com cited in NY Post WWTBAM Story

> --- In tvbarn2@y..., "rcasalotti" <thekid1955@a...> wrote:
> > From today's New York Post:
> > 
> > "A network spokesman said the layoffs - first noted on the TV 
> > tvbarn.com - were part of the "natural cycle" of a show on hiatus."
> 
> Would ABC cancel the show yet? Isn't it really cheap programming?
> What of the rumored plan to dump Regis and unveil a revamped version 
> next year?

I'm sensing--particularly in remarks from Michael Davies, the show's
producer--that they'll go back to the multi-night run several times a year
strategy that the show started with in the UK and here, besides the daily
syndicated version.  I think all concerned have realized that "Millionaire"
works best as an every-so-often event rather than as a regular series.

Mark Jeffries
mjeffries@k...
mjsaints@a...


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

From: Sue Trowbridge  <trow@interbridge.com>
Date: Tue Jan 15, 2002 6:03pm
Subject: RE: Re: tvbarn.com cited in NY Post WWTBAM Story

On Tue, 15 Jan 2002, Jeffries, Mark wrote:

> I'm sensing--particularly in remarks from Michael Davies, the show's
> producer--that they'll go back to the multi-night run several times a year
> strategy that the show started with in the UK and here, besides the daily
> syndicated version.  I think all concerned have realized that "Millionaire"
> works best as an every-so-often event rather than as a regular series.

I really hope that they go back to the telephone call-in instead of
auditioning prospective contestants. I think people have more emotionally
invested in the show if they think "anyone can get on and win," not just
the folks who happen to live near the major cities where auditions are
held, and who fit the contestant profile the producers are looking for. I
don't care if they have 10 blue-shirt-wearing computer programmers every
week, just as long as they're smart.

And, yes, the weekly celeb editions were a baaaad idea. I often tune in to
the Thursday edition, but haven't watched a single Monday show all season.
Leave that to "The Weakest Link." Though come to think of it, I *would*
watch "The Chamber" if I could see Carrot Top, David Arquette, Kathie Lee
Gifford, Hallie Eisenberg, Adam Sandler, Joan Rivers, Emeril Lagasse, or
any member of N'Sync strapped to the chair.

--Sue T.

From: greyaar  <greyaar@aol.com>
Date: Tue Jan 15, 2002 6:31pm
Subject: Re: Apatow reaches out to "Undeclared" audience aga in

--- In tvbarn2@y..., "Jeffries, Mark" <mjeffries@k...> wrote:

...quite a rant, although it didn't really have anything to do with 
what I said.

From: Paul Stephen  <pstephen@mb.sympatico.ca>
Date: Tue Jan 15, 2002 7:45pm
Subject: "The Chair"

Zzzzzzzzz....

This show put me to sleep. It will likely pull high ratings which
will subside rapidly.

Paul

From: calliaume  <calliaume@aol.com>
Date: Tue Jan 15, 2002 8:40pm
Subject: Re: tvbarn.com cited in NY Post WWTBAM Story

--- In tvbarn2@y..., Sue Trowbridge <trow@i...> wrote:

> And, yes, the weekly celeb editions were a baaaad idea. I often 
tune in to
> the Thursday edition, but haven't watched a single Monday show all 
season.
> Leave that to "The Weakest Link." Though come to think of it, I 
*would*
> watch "The Chamber" if I could see Carrot Top, David Arquette, 
Kathie Lee
> Gifford, Hallie Eisenberg, Adam Sandler, Joan Rivers, Emeril 
Lagasse, or
> any member of N'Sync strapped to the chair.

"Tonight, these eight celebrity contestants will enter The Chamber... 
but only seven will come out!"

-- Curt Alliaume

From: Aaron Barnhart  <aaron@tvbarn.com>
Date: Tue Jan 15, 2002 8:50pm
Subject: RE: Re: "Passions" renewed

The delicious part of it is that I wrote a column in that same issue 
of EM that reads like the editorial reply to his. (Or vice versa.) I 
don't usually post my EM columns but I will this one.


>
>If everyone here hasn't taken a look at Tom Shales' Electronic Media column
>linked at tvbarn.com, do so now.  Brother Shales seems to be tired of being
>lumped with all of the other critics.
>
>Mark Jeffries
>mjeffries@k...
>mjsaints@a...
>
>
>[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>TVBarn2: America's funniest TV chat room.
>Goodbye: tvbarn2-unsubscribe@egroups.com
>
>
>
>Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

-- 
TV Barn: http://www.tvbarn.com

From: Steve Rhodes  <srhodes@well.com>
Date: Wed Jan 16, 2002 2:17am
Subject: The Osbornes (as in Ozzy) on MTV starting March 5

Source: 2002 Punmaster's MusicWire  http://www.punmaster.com

MTV PRESENTS THE FIRST FAMILY OF ROCK-N-ROLL:
"THE OSBOURNES"

MTV's First Ever Situation Reality Series Set to Premiere
on March 5 at 10:30pm ET/PT

Pasadena, CA - January 14, 2002 - Brian Graden, President of Entertainment,
MTV today announced that "The Osbournes," MTV's new weekly situation reality
program, will premiere on March 5th at 10:30pm ET/PT, immediately following
"The Real World."  The new show follows the real-life drama of the first
family of rock-n-roll, the Osbournes, as they deal with everyday life in
southern California.  Father/rock-star/bat-eater OZZY, wife/mother/manager
SHARON, and the two of their three teenage kids JACK and KELLY, wrestle on
camera with typical familial issues such as school, allowance, moving, pets,
tattoos, adolescence, and life on the road.

"MTV has a tradition of creating innovative television forms and 'The
Osbournes' continues this tradition by showcasing musical talent in
unexpected ways and breaking the reality and sitcom genre molds," said
Graden.  "'The Osbournes' is also an excellent example of how MTV is
presenting three dimensional images of artists and musicians, giving our
audience a multi-layered look at the stars they love."

"'The Osbournes' is such compelling television because no one could write
the characters of Ozzy, Sharon, Jack, and Kelly, they're simply too real,"
said Lois Curren, SVP, Music Development, MTV.  "MTV has really created a
new form-it's part reality show, part sit-com, and there is nothing like it
on TV."

"The Osbournes" will be a glimpse into the real lives of a modern family,
well kind of.  One thing that consistently throws a monkey-wench into
everyone's lives is "dad".  As you probably would expect if "dad" were a
heavily tattooed, fun loving, obsessive-compulsive, king of rock.  Fans get
a front row seat to the family dramas including when Ozzy and Sharon are
disappointed with Kelly's new tattoo, or when Ozzy learns how to use the
remote control, or when the family cat is lost, and many more.

The Osbournes gave MTV nearly unlimited access into their personal and
professional lives throughout the taping.  MTV followed the family 24/7
almost six months to record and capture the family's daily lives.

Now let's meet the family:

OZZY (age: unknown) - funny, often vulgar, always outrageous, Ozzy is more
than happy to poke fun at his absurd reputation as a rock god and godfather
of metal.

SHARON (age: none of your damn business) - attentive wife, mother and
successful businesswoman, she gives her all to keep the family together,
while also managing Ozzy's career.

KELLY (age: 16) and JACK (age: 15) - typical teenagers trying to cope with
life in the heavy metal fishbowl and the hysterical antics of their father.

Plus an assortment of cats, dogs, fish, turtles, cable guys, movers, and
other random characters who move in and out of the Osbourne sphere of
influence.

Lois Curren is Senior Vice President, Music Development and executive in
charge of production for MTV, and Greg Johnston is the Executive Producer
for MTV.  Jeff Stilson (Andy Dick Show, Ellen, The Chris Rock Show, TV
Nation, Late Show with David Letterman) is Executive Producer.  Jonathan
Taylor (MTV's Tough Enough, MTV's Road Rules) is Supervising Producer.
Segment Producers include Sue Kolinsky (Sex in the City), and Henriette
Mantel (Michael Moore's The Awful Truth, Win Ben Stein's Money, The Downer
Channel).  Melanie Graham (Saturday Night Live, MTV's Road Rules, Big
Brother) is Supervising Story Editor.  Trish Baker (Malcolm & Eddie, Nick
Freno: Licensed Teacher, Buddies) and Shari Brooks (Caroline in the City,
MTV's The Real World) are Story Editors.

From: Aaron Barnhart  <aaron@tvbarn.com>
Date: Wed Jan 16, 2002 5:12am
Subject: Re: Re: "Passions" renewed

I thought YES, DEAR perfectly innocuous and an inspired placement 
between KING OF QUEENS and RAYMOND.

>>  Is the bandwagon effect also why almost every critic in the country hates
>>  "Yes, Dear"?
>
>In all likelihood it sucks, though it's another one I haven't seen nor plan
>on seeing.  But can piling on be indicative of a herd approach?  Yes, dear.
>
>Steven Schroeder
>Darwin's Bulldog
><http://www.darwinsbulldog.com/>
>
>
>
>TVBarn2: America's funniest TV chat room.
>Goodbye: tvbarn2-unsubscribe@egroups.com
>
>
>
>Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

-- 
TV Barn: http://www.tvbarn.com

From: jicarney  <jicarney@edge.net>
Date: Wed Jan 16, 2002 6:24am
Subject: Opryland vs. the Ryman

Aaron wrote:

>Make sure you read Tom Roche's terrific account of his visit this 
>weekend to Nashville and the live broadcast from Opryland. 

A minor quibble: the show Tom saw was not "from Opryland."

"Opryland" is the complex in the Pennington Bend area from which the 
Opry _normally_ originates, now consisting of the Grand Ole Opry 
House, the Opry Mills shopping mall, the Gaylord Opryland Resort and 
Convention Center, the former Nashville Network studios, a few 
smaller theaters and boarding docks for the General Jackson 
showboat.  The Opry moved to this location in the mid-1970s, I want 
to say 1974.  (At that time, the complex was based around the 
Opryland USA theme park.)  Richard Nixon, in the waning days of his 
presidency, attended the first show at the new Opry House, playing 
the piano and receiving yo-yo lessons from Roy Acuff.

The show Tom saw was broadcast live from the Opry's _former_ long-
time home, the church-like Ryman Auditorium, in downtown Nashville.  
Several years ago, Gaylord started moving the Opry back to the 
renovated Ryman during the months of January and February. It's a 
nice nostalgic touch, and it suits the smaller off-season crowds.  
This year, the "Opry at the Ryman" broadcasts were extended to 
include November and December as well, so that the Grand Ole Opry 
House could host a touring company of the Radio City Christmas 
Spectacular with the Rockettes.

John I. Carney  |  jicarney@e...  |  http://jicarney.cjb.net

From: Paul Stephen  <pstephen@mb.sympatico.ca>
Date: Wed Jan 16, 2002 9:59am
Subject: CBC Pilot -- An American in Canada....

TORONTO -- It may be the largest focus group ever. Except coffee won't be served. CBC 
plans to air pilot episodes of two possible new series on Friday night, and viewers are 
being invited to phone or e-mail their reactions to the public broadcaster. 

Up first will be An American in Canada, a romantic comedy about a blond, blow-dried but 
down-on-his-luck American TV personality who accepts a job at a snow-blown 
down-on-its-luck Calgary TV station. 

Not since those hosers, the Mackenzie Brothers, have stereotypes on both sides of the 
Canada-U.S. border been skewered so deftly. 

An ugly American meets some stupid Canadians as Rick Roberts (Traders) plays Jake Crewe, 
tanned, handsome star of the morning show on a top Phoenix TV station, until he punches 
out the station manager. Now effectively blacklisted across the Sun Belt, he is left to 
take a gig at the No. 3 station in the four-station market of Calgary, way up in Canada. 

Naturally he is naive enough to arrive in town without the required winter parka and, 
with teeth rattling, is nonplussed to find winter hasn't even arrived in full yet. The 
self-centred Crewe has some lessons to learn about humility and humanity, to say nothing 
of the funny-coloured money and the potent beer. 

--- Canadian Press....

From: jicarney  <jicarney@edge.net>
Date: Wed Jan 16, 2002 11:56am
Subject: I know some of you are sick of this, but I had to pass this along.

The absolute last word on the WSM-AM situation:

http://www.nashvillescene.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?
story=This_Week:Columns:The_Fabricator

"The Fabricator" is a regular column in the Scene, Nashville's alt-
news weekly.


John I. Carney  |  jicarney@e...  |  http://jicarney.cjb.net

From: nrq61  <nrq61@yahoo.com>
Date: Wed Jan 16, 2002 0:10pm
Subject: 1st moves by new ABC programming chief

Is to bump "Once and Again" from Friday and air blooper shows instead.

http://www.nydailynews.com/2002-01-16/New_York_Now/Television/a-138316
.asp

"Once and Again" will be on hiatus until March, when it will air on 
Monday nights.

Friday did seem to be a poor night for "Once and Again" and I hope it 
does better on Mondays--it is a good show.  Maybe ABC should go back 
to comedies, WWTBAM, and "20/20" on Fridays.

From: aaronbarnhart  <aaron@tvbarn.com>
Date: Wed Jan 16, 2002 1:46pm
Subject: Nightline: Heart of Darkness listings

SERIES TITLE:			"Heart of Darkness."

SERIES AIRDATE	Monday, January 21 – Friday, January 25 on 
ABC News' "Nightline" (11:35 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television 
Network.

SUMMARY	ABC News "Nightline" will devote five programs to the 
catastrophic war in the Democratic Republic of the Congo 
beginning Monday, January 21. "Heart of Darkness" looks at the 
conflict that has taken more than 2.5 million lives over the past 
three years, a conflict that is being called "the first African World 
War."

MONDAY, JAN. 21	Ted Koppel begins five nights of reports from 
Congo. The series explores a largely unreported story: The 
fighting in Congo that has involved as many as seven nations 
since 1998, has displaced hundreds of thousands of people 
and has killed millions more. The conflict, with roots in the 
genocide of Rwanda, has been brutal and countrywide, with 
rebel groups and the government all fighting for power as well 
as control of Congo's immense natural resources. Pillaging 
armies and starving refugees have killed all the elephants and 
most of the lowland gorillas in a national park designated by the 
United Nations as an international treasure.

TUESDAY, JAN. 22	"Nightline" travels with the first relief flight to 
reach the city of Shabunda in more than three months. The 
program focuses on how Shabunda and its people have been 
ravaged by the war, and the efforts of one Catholic priest to 
protect the community from the brutality of the conflict. The story 
of rape as a weapon in this war is played out across this 
community and the entire country: Nearly 200 women gathered 
in a Shabunda classroom to tell "Nightline" of their own horrifying 
experiences with rape.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 23	Mr. Koppel reports from Kisangani, a city 
on the Congo River, which was once an economic center where 
many of the country's diamonds were sold. Heavy fighting has 
killed many civilians. The war has choked off all river commerce 
for the community, drying up fuel supplies and forcing civilians to 
move supplies by bicycle and on foot. Kisangani is a city that is 
slowly dying.

THURSDAY, JAN. 24	"Nightline" spends a day in the life of a 
Congolese porter. She is an extraordinary woman who is 
supporting ten children as a roadside carrier. On a good day she 
will make the equivalent of one dollar by carrying loads of up to 
200 pounds up and down a mountain.



FRIDAY, JAN. 25	"Nightline" examines how the quest for control 
of Congo's immense natural resources, including gold, copper, 
diamonds, and coltan, has been driving the war. Mr. Koppel 
reports from a coltan mine privately owned by a Congolese from 
Goma who has partnered with an American doctor from 
Baltimore. Coltan has become one of the most sought-after 
minerals in the world, as it is essential to the production of cell 
phones.

From: anepithet  <anepithet@yahoo.com>
Date: Wed Jan 16, 2002 2:19pm
Subject: First Monday

I was surprised at what an amazing premiere First Monday had. If you 
figure that the show had almost no plot, little character development
(outside of an evil law clerk and a transgender lawyer) dialogue that 
went for laughs about a Supreme Court judge `wetting her
panties' and an appearance by a few real-life lawyers it was
amazing. 

I have sympathy for any critic who had to watch two episodes back to 
back.

Aaron, I know you dug the show but I just couldn't get past the
fact they felt it necessary to cut away from a man being led to his 
death with a couple salsa dancing just as the transgender lawyer 
reveals `her little secret.' Is there any reason to expect it
to get better or are there more bad jokes from the bench coming? (If 
they balanced the death penalty with transgender politics what do 
they balance the abortion issue with?) 

I will admit that they did a great job of making the Chief
Justice's clerk seem pretty evil. I think it was their subtle use
of the bow tie, the mark of pure evil that really pulled it off.

James Garner in prime Maverick form couldn't save the first script, 
who knows what else is to come?

From: tomalhe@aol.com
Date: Wed Jan 16, 2002 9:37am
Subject: Re: The Osbornes (as in Ozzy) on MTV starting March 5

>"'The Osbournes' is also an excellent example of how MTV is
>presenting three dimensional images of artists and musicians, giving our
>audience a multi-layered look at the stars they love."

Or of course, just ripping off The "Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet"

From: The KJB  <osiris@idir.net>
Date: Wed Jan 16, 2002 2:43pm
Subject: Re: First Monday

At 08:19 PM 1/16/2002 +0000, you wrote:
>James Garner in prime Maverick form couldn't save the first script,
>who knows what else is to come?

Wow, I kind of liked it.  Judging from the reviews, this is a "love it or 
hate it" show.   While I can't say that I love it outright, it's on my "to 
watch" list for the time being.  Okay, so Garner put it there already but 
I'm looking forward to the next episode.

And what's wrong with balancing transgender politics with the death 
penalty?  I think it perfectly shows just how diverse the cases are that 
come in front of the highest court in the land on a daily basis.


KJB
Editor, Backstage Pass
http://www.backstage-pass.com
Film Writer, FilmForce.Net
http://filmforce.ign.com

From: anepithet  <anepithet@yahoo.com>
Date: Wed Jan 16, 2002 3:05pm
Subject: Re: First Monday

> And what's wrong with balancing transgender politics with the death 
> penalty?  I think it perfectly shows just how diverse the cases are 
that 
> come in front of the highest court in the land on a daily basis.

There's nothing wrong with it at all. I did not clearly state my 
distaste for the punchline and jokes made at the close of the show, 
as opposed to the balancing of the politics. 

It was the balancing of the shots of a man being led to his execution 
with a bad transgender-based punchline of the two lawyers dancing 
(something along the lines of "No wonder you took the lead!") that 
came off so badly. 

I'm sure it was designed to inject some levity but IMHO it came off 
crass.

From: Aaron Barnhart/Star  <aaron@tvbarn.com>
Date: Wed Jan 16, 2002 3:23pm
Subject: Re: First Monday

Did I say I dug it?

Or did I say, "If you loved 'JAG' you'll like 'First Monday'"?

>I was surprised at what an amazing premiere First Monday had. If you
>figure that the show had almost no plot, little character development
>(outside of an evil law clerk and a transgender lawyer) dialogue that
>went for laughs about a Supreme Court judge `wetting her
>panties' and an appearance by a few real-life lawyers it was
>amazing.
>
>I have sympathy for any critic who had to watch two episodes back to
>back.
>
>Aaron, I know you dug the show but I just couldn't get past the
>fact they felt it necessary to cut away from a man being led to his
>death with a couple salsa dancing just as the transgender lawyer
>reveals `her little secret.' Is there any reason to expect it
>to get better or are there more bad jokes from the bench coming? (If
>they balanced the death penalty with transgender politics what do
>they balance the abortion issue with?)
>
>I will admit that they did a great job of making the Chief
>Justice's clerk seem pretty evil. I think it was their subtle use
>of the bow tie, the mark of pure evil that really pulled it off.
>
>James Garner in prime Maverick form couldn't save the first script,
>who knows what else is to come?
>
>
>
>TVBarn2: America's funniest TV chat room.
>Goodbye: tvbarn2-unsubscribe@egroups.com
>
>
>
>Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

-- 
TV Barn: http://www.tvbarn.com

From: jicarney  <jicarney@edge.net>
Date: Wed Jan 16, 2002 3:50pm
Subject: My game show column

The small rural daily where I work, the Shelbyville Times-Gazette, 
allows us to have columns on our weekly opinion page when we want 
them. This week, my column had to do with game shows, so I thought 
I'd pass it along, for whatever it's worth:

Regular readers of this irregular column will recall that I'm a bit 
of a game show fanatic. Here are three recent additions to the genre, 
with the best saved for last:
One game show that I got tired of rather quickly was "Weakest Link." 
It was fun at first, but host Anne Robinson's putdowns wore thin 
after a while, and the show became monotonous. It also relies too 
much on celebrity editions -- somehow, there's an awkwardness to 
Robinson slamming some nearly-forgotten sitcom star which makes that 
process even more unwatchable than when she slams some ordinary 
contestant.
That's why I was so surprised when I enjoyed the new, daily 
syndicated version of "Weakest Link," which airs at 6:30 p.m. Monday 
through Friday on WUXP-TV ("UPN 30," channel 13 on Charter 
Communications cable).
George Gray, who hosts the daily version, says the same awful things 
that Anne Robinson says, but he does it with more of a wink -- he 
seems less annoyed and more like he's enjoying himself. That makes 
the show much more watchable.
(Yes, I know Robinson winks at the camera at the end of her version, 
and I know that in interviews she's said to be funny and personable. 
But on the show, to me at least, her nasty-schoolmarm bit has gotten 
old.)
Even better, the daily version of "Weakest Link" lasts only half an 
hour. The prime time version seems to go on forever; the 30-minute 
model is much easier to take. The stakes are smaller, however, and 
the game starts with only six contestants instead of eight.
Unfortunately -- and this is what makes "Weakest Link" the weakest 
link of the three shows I'll mention here -- the contestants on the 
daily version are just as whiny and annoying as the ones on the 
network version. They should take a cue from Gray and lighten up a 
little.
Another game show that winks at its insult humor is "Beat The Geeks," 
Comedy Central's new variation on a format it pioneered with "Win Ben 
Stein's Money." The new game, hosted by J. Keith van Straaten, airs 
weeknights at 6:30 on Charter Communications channel 27.
In this case, contestants competing against each other for a prize 
package must match wits with a panel of four "geeks" --  which in 
this case means obsessively-knowledgeable pop culture experts. 
There's a "music geek," a "TV geek," a "movie geek" and a different 
guest "geek" each episode -- for example, a "Sopranos geek" or 
a "horror geek." 
In the pivotal rounds of the game, each contestant can challenge one 
of the four geeks to win points. The contestant is asked a general-
knowledge question about the geek's specialty, and then the geek is 
asked a super-tough question. If the contestant gets his or her 
question right and the geek falters, the contestant wins points (and 
gets to take the medal hanging around that geek's neck). 
The geeks boast of their own abilities and put down the contestants 
when they are challenged. But the putdowns are understood as being 
tongue-in-cheek, especially since the geeks themselves are also being 
mocked -- if only by the name "geek" and their outlandish pseudo-
academic robes. (Check out the TV geek's fat-Elvis muttonchops.)
But my favorite new game show, hands down, is "Smush," airing at 10 
p.m. most weeknights on the USA Network (Channel 65 on Charter). Some 
nights, the show is delayed by USA's prime-time movies.
The current wave of irreverent game shows owes a lot to MTV's late-
80s game "Remote Control," which was hosted by Ken Ober. Ober, 
puckish as ever, returns as the host of "Smush." While "Remote 
Control" was supposed to take place in Ober's basement, "Smush" is 
supposed to look like a cocktail party. There are no lecterns for the 
contestants to stand behind, no flashing lights to blink the score, 
no neon tubes forming a logo. The players sit at an oval-shaped table 
across from Ober, with bowls of snacks within arm's reach and the 
audience sitting all around as if they were party guests. Hostess 
Lisa Dergen keeps score by placing plastic numbers on little shelves, 
and the final big-money round features a word written on a mirror in 
lipstick.
The game itself is addictive. A "smush" is a combination of two or 
more words or phrases, where the last part of one overlaps with the 
first part of another. Given the clue "Shelbyville daily newspaper + 
Female blues singer in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame," the 
contestants must come up with "Times-GazEtta James." (They don't have 
to spell the answer, merely pronounce it.)
The most fun is the next-to-last round, a showdown between two 
contestants, in which new pieces keep getting added to a "smush" -- 
and a player must repeat the whole thing from memory when adding a 
new part to it: "Times-GazEtta James MadiSonny BoNo time like the 
Present and accounted Ford Motor Company."
The combination of genuinely fun game play with a healthy dose of 
humor and self-mockery makes this the best of the new crop. If only 
it weren't up against "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart," one of my 
favorite comedy programs.
--
John I. Carney is a Times-Gazette staff writer covering county 
government and other stories. His personal e-mail address is 
jicarney@e...; his home page is http://jicarney.cjb.net.