I Read Something... Dec 25, 2009 - The Jewish Christmas Edition

Since I don't spend December 25th sitting around exchanging gifts or roasting chestnuts and playing with ornaments, I usually spend the day reading followed by Chinese food and a movie.

Here's some of my favorite articles I've read in the past few weeks. Sadly, my job takes a lot of my time during most of late November and December.



Elf Heads to Broadway (Paste) - Yes, the Elf with Will Ferrell.

Iphone Owners spend more money (Fast Company) - This one seems obvious but here's some proof.

A Brief History of Christmas Tree Lights (mental_floss)

Guy Ritchie is hardly the first director to get Sherlock Holmes wrong. (Slate)

Said The Gramophone's Best 75 Songs of 2009



Graphic designer re-imagines NFL Helmets (Fast Company) - This is what happens when artists get involved in sports...

McSweeney's 'Panorama' Oroves Print Isn't Dead (Time) - Hipsters reinvigorate the newspaper! My copy is on route as we speak.

http://www.myccsa.com/Lot.aspx?LotID=186257 - Would you like to own a piece of World Series history? How about an average Catchers cup (and I don't mean for drinking)?

Graphic Resumes (Fast Company) - Resumes are just for words anymore.


In the film arena (where my mind is always focused), the new Kevin Smith movie has a trailer. It is the first film by Jersey Chat fest king Silent Bob has not written himself and the first one that seems to have a real budget. Bruce Willis & Tracy Morgan star a detective partners with a bit of an attitude in Cop Out (originally titled A Couple of Dicks but changed due to an inability to market the movie under that fantastic title that probably made Smith want to make the movie in the first place). Here's a trailer. You should like it if you've enjoyed the 30 Rock incarnation of Morgan's career:

Did you know they are remaking Karate Kid? Probably not. Mr. Miyagi played by Jackie Chan is teaching Will Smith's kid the way. A trailer that may be considered required viewing (via Speakeasy):

Thursday Tidbits: Daily Show, 30 Rock, Radiohead, Darjeeling Limited

You know how Viacom sued for using Daily Show clips. Well they finally set it back up online. Basically, every clip since 1999 is on there. Check it out, thedailyshow.com or click The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.


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Did you miss Steve Buscemi as a shamus on "30 Rock"? You can watch it for free on NBC's website. Enjoy it.

My favorite sexist exchange of this week's episode is between Alec Baldwin as the boss Jack and Tina Fey as Liz Lemon:

Jack: Lemon I'm impressed. You're beginning to think like a businessman.

Liz: A businesswoman.

Jack: I don't think that's a word.

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And the big news, Radiohead will be touring. (Green Plastic)


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Lastly,I saw Darjeeling Limited last weekend. Even wrote my first review in a while...

Stop Messing with My TV Schedule You $&%ers

Like many people, I become attached to a strict television watching schedule. When a network decides to screw with that schedule I get upset. When the same network completely removes 2 of my favorite new shows from being recorded by my DVR, I get furious. I think they better have something up there sleeves and it better not be Supersized-episodes of Heroes.

If you don't know NBC has put Studio 60 and 30 Rock which are two shows that run on the same premise in 2 different formats with two completely different casts. Studio 60 is a slick dramedy by TV wunderkind Aaron Sorkin starring Matthew Perry, Amanda Peet, D.L. Hughley, Steven Weber and many more. 30 Rock is a half hour sitcom following the funny trials and tribulations of Tina Fey under the direction of her maniacal boss played by Alec Baldwin, who I must say is hysterical, even though he is the head of FAG. (see Team America: World Police) I didn't love either to start but they have grown on me.

At least NBC is replacing them with some interesting entries. 30 Rock is going on "hiatus" Andy Richter of Conan O' Brien's couch and Controls the Universe
fame, is trying his hand at an old classic plot line as a private dick. Andy Richter doing a Monk / Columbo could be useful.

Studio 60 is being replaced by the Black Donellys, written by the writer of Crash, Million Dollar Baby, and Casino Royale and starring a couple of those I know who face actors. This one has potential as well. But don't all these shows look good in the commercials.

TV.com desribesin the following very boring fashion:

"The Black Donnellys follows the exploits of four young, working-class Irish brothers. Their involvement in organized crime in New York City will put their life at risk and they will do anything to protect each other from the hostility between them and the others New York families who want their territory."

At least the new season of Extras is showing some promise. If you have to watch one episode may I recommend the one with the Harry Potter trying his luck with the ladies while carrying around and waving a unrolled condom. Sundays on HBO.

I'm also enjoying the ingenious premised yet decently executed The Knights of Prosperity starring Donal Logue from Grounded For Life and a personal favorite film The Tao of Steve leading a hodgepodge group in the anti-Ocean's 11 ragtag group developing a plan to rob Mick Jagger. Check it out Tonight on ABC, 9 or 9:30.

Also watching: Law and Order:SVU, David Mamet's excellent Army Special Ops series The Unit and the lackluster new season of 24, and my new favorite crazy show Futureweapons on The Discovery Channel about protype army weapons and exploding things, pictured above.

And as long as The Office stays on the air, I guess I can't be too angry at NBC but you better watch your back.

Links
NBC's Hiatus Briefing