Do not watch the prime time Olympic coverage. Every two years the
networks dig out every sadness in the lives of every athlete to
drag out the pre-taped events, and hopefully build some energy in
the viewing audience. What we need is less sap and more honest coverage.
These athletes are not without their stories, but the coverage is
so one sided, and repetitive that the competition is rendered unnecessary.
I will watch the US Olympic Gymnastic and Track and Field squads.
You get great excitement and physical feats without the burden of
strategizing coaches or teammates not completing passes. The coverage
will be on at terrible hours, but good raw coverage is worth the
sleep depravation.
***
The upcoming season on Fox fills me with hatred once again. What
is with Futurama? Fox has a power three-some: The Simpsons,
Malcolm in the Middle and Futurama. Why can't the exec's put
that in order for all to enjoy. If Futurama was at 7:30 Sunday,
I would feel better, anything else is an insult to good writing.
***
The Presidential Race coverage is a great event if you know how
to watch it. Fox'News' gives a nice antidote to the C'N'N coverage,
but only in one short hour. The O'Reilly Factor is the best
news show on television that nobody watches. No questions. He is
very smart and not a rumor monger. Many of the Fox'News' coverage
is one sided, but Mr. Factor is never un-fair. Please do not fault
Fox'News' for leaning towards the right. The Lord knows that is
the kind of coverage millions of Americans have been praying for,
but that does not make it right. No TV news agency will ever be
entirely fair and balanced, but to strive towards it is always admirable.
Fox'News' is good in that regard.
***
Why did The West Wing win so many awards? Did I miss something,
or is that show boring and for red tape wielding suck-ups? Most
TV dramas are not that inviting to me, but many are palatable. ER
and Law and Order are the cream of the recent crop of sexy
hour long dramas, but adopting a phoney-baloney show about politics
as the new savior is mocking their success.
***
Remember to take some time and enjoy the upcoming National League
Playoffs. Think of it, we have Bonds, Piazza, Chipper and Andrew
Jones, and Big Mac in competition. The American League has some
nice match-ups, but the National League will be the better playoffs
by far. Do yourself a favor, watch the game on television with the
sound off (unless you are watching ESPN.) Invite some friends over,
and enjoy the magic. No kidding.
***
I am in love with Gap Jr.’s new ad campaign with girl and
guy bands rocking out in the name of fashion. While the older Gap
Kids are on hiatus, we can be pleased with the sounds of youth.
A great concept.
***
So won't the 220 million people who missed the Survivor
finale please stand up! Please stand up!
***
Big high five to ESPN for their recent interview with deposed jerk
Bobby Knight. The previous interview (after the zero-tolerance policy
was put in place) was a damn shame. It was bad for even pseudo-journalists
(such as they are.) This recent interview kicked Knight in the pants
and did not ask for his love and devotion. Sure, they kicked a man
while he was down, but was that not fitting? Jeremy Schapp deserves
tons of credit.
***
Top Five shows to watch this month (no specific order)
1. Mets vs. Braves for the National League Crown on TBS. The coverage
is very good and both teams want to send a message. No lead is safe
- no inning can be missed.
2. The O'Reilly Factor. Bush and Gore can spin their campaign
any way they want, but Mr. Factor will clear up the mess for all
y'all.
3. Fox and Friends. In the last two months the show has gained
new depth. Great show is greater. New shows with good talent always
get better. A thing of beauty is a joy all morning.
4. Olympic Girls Gymnastics (team and individual.) Seriously, every
four years the world sends talented young girls to fight for the
gold. Sure, the judging is subjective, but the individual achievement
is the best the Olympics has to offer.
5. Big Brother. I mean it. So what if the show it terrible
and ill conceived? I am excited to see Bryant Gumble interview the
winner.
