Author Archives: Sarah

Obama vs. Gunn: In politics, one day you’re in, and the next day, you’re out

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First off, I feel horrible saying this, but it must be done: America, why did you schedule a presidential debate for the same night and same time as the season finale of Project Runway? Do you hate me, America?

Yeah, I know, that’s what DVR is for, but chances are the debate won’t end until 10:30, and I can’t very well wait until Thursday night to watch. After all, I don’t want to be spoiled about who won when I check my entertainment blogs tomorrow.

Then again, I can’t NOT watch the debate…even if Obama and McCain say the same shit they said the last two debates. (God bless Obama, but if I hear about McCain voting with Bush 90% of the the time again, I’m gonna scream.) I can’t not watch because I actually care about the election this year; I want to be informed. Plus, if I don’t watch, then how will I get the jokes on The Daily Show, Colbert and SNL?  But no, really, I’d watch even if those shows weren’t on. It just wouldn’t be as fun. *Sigh* Damn you, election year! I mean, sure, this election is the most important one in my lifetime, but KENLEY MADE IT TO THE FINALS! I have to see her either go down in flames or upset the entire nation by pulling a win. (Either outcome will involve an immature, “I don’t give a fuck” whining attitude, that much I can tell you.)

Speaking of Project Runway, I have a confession to make. I’ve been watching past seasons, and am kind of addicted. Seriously, I can’t stop. This might be the most addicting show I’ve ever watched. And that’s saying a lot.

 I only started watching last year, and hadn’t seen seasons 1-3. This weekend, despite being very busy and not having a lot of time, I somehow managed to watch all of season one and about half of season two. Granted, it was a holiday weekend for me, but still. I am not sure how this happened. I do know it involved lots of late nights. Note to readers: Wendy Pepper is even more evil at 3 a.m.

Postcards from the Runway:

Austin Scarlett, call me. I know we are both into guys. But much like Tim Gunn, I just want you in my life for amusement and fashion advice. Also, you were robbed.

Santino, your Tim Gunn impressions are hilarious, but you suck as a fashion designer. I can’t believe you made it to the final 3! I actually don’t know who won season 2, but I have a sinking feeling it’s you. What the fuck, dude? What the fuck?

Wendy Pepper, You make Santino and Kenley look like angels. I’d take 10,000 of them over you. What happened to you when you were a child? You are, without a doubt, the nastiest, most unpleasant person I’ve ever encountered, in real life or on TV. I never, ever, ever use the C-word to describe people. I think I’ve done it twice in my entire life. But you are, without a doubt, a huge C. I am not surprised your husband dumped you after the show aired. Also? Don’t defend the shoe.

Daniel Franco, You’re weird, but it works on you. Keep it up.

Daniel V., I love you! You’re awesome!  I hope you win season 2.

Michael Kors, I really liked how you were more of a mentor in the earlier seasons, taking the designers to your office, coming to the parties, and really being more of a presence on the show. Why did you stop that? You’re awesome; please be more involved next season.

Barack Obama, please become our next president. If you lose, I will have to leave the US. I’d rather not do that. I like it here.

Video of the Day: Proving once again that Tim Gunn is awesome …

I love you, Tim. Carry on!

When I first discovered YouTube, I didn’t work for 5 days: Top 10 TV opening sequences

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Happy Friday, everybody! I don’t know about you all, but I’m ready to call it a day. This is due in part to it being Friday, in part to there being a lull in my work load (but don’t worry, it’ll come around again) and part to my leaving early today for a doctor appointment.

Thus, like Michael Scott, I am managing to spend my day surfing YouTube, looking for my favorite TV themes/opening sequences.

Why you ask? Well, a few weeks ago, I read an article listing the top 10 TV opening credits. Of course, this lead to me reading other critics top themes, which got me thinking, “Well, if they can do it, why can’t I?” After all, there is nothing I love more than a good pop culture list.

So what makes for awesome opening credits? Well, there are three things: 1.) A kick-ass, engaging, catchy and/or heart-wrenching song; 2.) An interesting, or clever, or magical opening sequence; or, if you’re really lucky, 3.) All of the above.

For me, the best ones are those that make me want to watch the show. I know you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but come on, how can you not watch credits for The West Wing or Friday Night Lights and not want to find out what happens next? (And those are basically based on the theme song alone, not the sequence!)

Unfortunately, opening credits have been getting the shaft lately. Pushing Daisies? None. Lost? None. Heroes? None. The Office? There, but often shortened for time. Desperate Housewives? Used to have a kick ass one, but it disappeared somewhere around the second season.

Therefore, in honor of the dying art form, I present to you my top 10 opening credit sequences.

(Note: This has proved a lot harder than I originally thought. I kept on changing things up whilst writing, but I think my final product is right. (For today, anyway.) That being said, I know I am leaving things out, so let me know what I missed, okay? Chances are: I know, I know, but I only had 10 slots. )

10.) Northern Exposure – Not the most exciting opening credits, but I love it because a.) In six years, it never changed (perhaps reflecting the town?) and b.) There is a moose. It wouldn’t really seem right to have the standard “clips from the show”, would it? Doesn’t fit the tone of this sleepy dramedy.

9.) Mad About You – Short and to the point, this is not the most exciting of opening themes, but it is among the sweetest. The whole sequence lasts about 30 seconds, and shows a series of pictures of Paul and Jamie Buchman roaming around the city. Before you even watch the show, it’s obvious from the pictures that these two are MFEO.

8.) The Drew Carey Show – Back in high school, I watched it, but stopped when I got to college, and, I think…Kate left? Probably to go be awesome on Scrubs? And I think Ryan Stiles did, too, though I could be wrong about that. All I know is that I tuned in one time, and hardly any of the original cast was left, and Drew was living with some farm chick. Despite that, no one can deny its awesome opening sequence back in its early days. No, I’m not talking about Cleveland Rocks. In fact, I distinctly remember being disappointed when they changed it to CR. You know what I’m talking about, right?  The one, the only…

I mean, you just can’t beat that. (Also, kudos to a network show for taking a more than 2 minutes for the credits. You wouldn’t get that now.)

7.) Six Feet Under – I debated over putting this in. On the one hand, it’s SO LONG (and doesn’t have fun dancing like Drew Carey). On the other hand…see below. It’s magnificent. I was hooked from the first shot – (Ping!) Peter Krause. (Ping!) Michael C. Hall. This is one of those time where the opening theme makes me want to watch the show.

6.) Angel – Yeah, that’s right. I’m putting Angel and not Buffy on this list. I know, I know, but something had to be bumped, and in the end, Angel’s theme is prettier and more engaging. Plus, Alexis Denisof. Hi, Alexis Denisof! Oddly enough though, this band, Darling Violetta? Sucks, except for this song. Weird, huh? Cause, listen to how pretty:

5.) How I Met Your Mother – Sort of an updated version of Mad About You, huh? Again, short and to the point, with photographs. And the theme is so darn catchy. I love it. Babapapa baba papapapa badadadadadada dada. (Don’t pretend you don’t sing along. You know you do.)

4.) The Wonder Years – I’m going to be honest with you. Spots 4-1? I wanted them all to be number 1, because they’re all amazing. So, you can consider these last 4 a tie. With that out of the way…come on. You’ve got Joe Cocker, you’ve got super 8 film from the ’60s, you’ve got cute little Kevin Arnold waving to the camera. The nostalgia is dripping from your TV screen, at this point. (Also: Why haven’t you come out on DVD yet, show? I know, music rights are expensive, and you don’t want to jeopardize the integrity of the show buy replacing it…I get that…but come ON! Suck it up and pay so I can own one of the best shows in TV history.)

3.) The West Wing – I’ve only seen up to season 3 (no spoilers!), but this, hands down, is one of the most stirring theme songs ever. Like I said up top, with that, plus the flag and the Kennedy-esque pictures, how can you not want to watch the show after the credits roll?  (Note to parents: Can we start watching this again, please?)

2.) Friday Night Lights – Theme song by Explosions in the Sky, one of my favorite musical discoveries of 2006, plus blurred images from the show…it’s golden. I tear up watching these credits. While I didn’t hate season 2 at all, unlike a lot of people, I have to say, I prefer the season 1 credits. They’re more magical, somehow. My personal favorite image are: Smash running in slow motion; Coach walking on to the field; Riggins shaking his legs, and everyone tapping the P as they leave the locker room. (BTW, I’m not going to spoil anyone, but I’ve seen the first two episodes of season 3, and…show’s back on track. DAMN, is the show back on track. Watch it when it comes back to NBC, America!)

1.) Dexter –  So funny yet creepy. So clever yet…creepy. So ingenious yet, well, creepy. And masterfully shot. Again, with FNL and The West Wing, these credits make me want to watch the show. Who is this guy?  Good job, Michael C. Hall – you managed to make it in to the blog twice.

Video of the Day: Classic TV Clip
I know this entire post is all video, but I have to add one more. While looking for credits, I came across this gem — the show was almost on my list. It’s too good not to pass up. I still remember seeing this for the first time, probably not more than 6 or 7, and almost choking on my pizza from laughing so hard. It makes me laugh just as much today.

Everyone needs a little Tim in their life

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Project Runway last night …

Ok, first of all, I disagree with the judge’s decision to kick off Jerell. His dress may not have been so hot (neither was Korto’s, hello!) but he won more challenges this year than any other contestant. I always thought that the judges consider the designer’s entire collection during the elimination process. Not so with Mr. Jerell. I’ll miss you, buddy. You were my favorite this year.

However, the best part of Project Runway last night was when Tim visited Leanne (now my pick to win). After meeting her adorable boyfriend, who, it seems, is Leanne in male form, Tim and Leanne take a little field trip. I think this picture says it all:

Tim! I love you! Please come visit me! I don’t have a bike, but we could hike around in the woods and go shopping, striking a deep bond before you meet my loving family and tell them how great and talented I am, and then I’ll show you some of my college films and wax poetic on how I always wanted to be an artist, and how my family supported me 100%, and never told me I couldn’t achieve my dreams.

Has anyone been checking out Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style? If not, set your DVRs immediately. The season two premier aired last week, and it’s the best thing ever. I am saying this as someone who is not at all into fashion. (But I did learn some fashion tips! Tip 1: If you are short, wear v-neck shirts. It makes you seem taller.) The premise is, Tim and his co host, Gretta Monahan, help some poor fashion victim discover their beauty (inner and outer) and become more confident. And oh yeah, dress better. Free clothes! (Tip 2: Don’t be afraid to mix and match suits. Always wearing the matching set is boring.)

I know it sounds lame, but it’s actually very sweet. It’s kind of like those home makeover shows, only for fashion. I watched the season two premier last Saturday evening after running around all day. I was dead tired, and just wanted to chill out and watch something that would make me feel good about the world.

I want to be friends with Tim Gunn. I’ve actually pondered submitting a video to Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style, so I could get a makeover and cool new clothes. But I never will. The segment where they go through your closet? They’re never mean about it, but I just know that would be humiliating. I am many things, but a hip, trendy dresser who is up on the latest fashion is not one of them. 

I’ll stick to watching Tim on TV. (COME TO WASHINGTON, TIM!)

Video of the Day: Tim Gunn visits The Daily Showto promote the 4th season (i.e. Christian Siriano)

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In the case of Palmer vs. Lewis …

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Ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, it’s time for Battle of the Music Broads
In one corner, we've got burlesque performer Amanda Palmer ...
Burlesque performer Amanda Palmer in one corner…
... soulful Jenny Lewis in the other

... soulful Jenny Lewis in the other

So picture this: For months, you’ve been hearing about the new solo projects from two of your favorite performers. You’ve waited patiently. You’ve read the blog updates, listened to their previous solo albums, anxiously anticipating their release dates.

They are released within weeks of each other, and you order them both at the same time to save money on shipping. They arrive. You rejoice! The next morning, you risk being late to work (and in fact, you are late to work) because you forgot to upload the albums to your iPod the night before, and have been looking forward to listening to the albums at work that day. They upload. You leave your apartment, and while walking to the train, you start listening the album from Artist 1. It’s magnificent, containing newer, crisper versions of a few live bootleg songs you’ve been listening to for months. The tracks you don’t know you like, and after a few listens, you love. It’s not quite a slam dunk, but it’s pretty darn close. You finish listening to the album by the time you get to work, and immediately want to listen to it again. But you don’t. You decide to listen to the Other Solo Album, by Artist 2.

Both artists are frontwomen for their bands. Artist 1 has toured solo, though this is her first solo album. Artist 2 has one solo album under her belt. Said album pretty much spent the fall of 2006 in your iPod on repeat. It is amazing. Her voice is rich and beautiful; the songs are both deep and clever. While the style of song is different from her band, the whimsy/seriousness of the lyrics remain the same. You love lyrics, so this is perfect for you.

You can’t WAIT to listen to Artist 2’s new solo album. You know that it might not be as good as her first solo album, but still, it’s gotta be good. The voice alone …

You get to work, settle in, and turn it on.

The hell? What the fuck is this? You check your iPod screen to make sure you are, in fact, listening to Artist 2. You are.

Except you aren’t. The voice is all wrong. The music is shit. And the lyrics? Psshh.

You listen to it in full once out of loyalty, but can’t bear to listen to it again. Friends tell you that, really, after a few listens, some of the songs kinda start to grow on you. A few weeks go by, and today, you try to give Artist 2 another chance. You get 30 seconds into the first track before you’ve gotta turn it off, and go back to Artist 1.

They say if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. They also say try new things and continue to grow. Artist 1 stuck with what works for her. Some of the music is different, but the heart of it – her voice, her piano – remain the same. Artist 2 took a big risk. She completely changed up her style. Taking a risk is good. But in the case of Artist 2, it did not pay off.

As a fan, a consumer, and a listener, Artist 2 delivered a big disappointment. You were SO excited. Is there anything more disappointing then having something you were anticipating for months not pay off? 

In the case of Amanda Palmer vs. Jenny Lewis, Palmer wins it. Big time. (Psst: She’s playing at the 9:30 Club in about a month. Any takers? Anyone?)

Jenny Lewis: We still love you. But what the hell were you thinking?
  

Video of the Day:
From Amanda Palmer’s rockin’ new solo album, Who Killed Amanda Palmer, here is the gorgeous “Ampersand.” Eat it, Lewis.

Don’t worry, it’ll come around again

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For the last two weeks, I’ve felt something on Monday evenings I haven’t felt since early season six of Gilmore Girls. I’ve felt excited to watch a TV show.

Now, I know those who know me are thinking, “Wait a sec. What about The Office? What about 30 Rock? Or Friday Night Lights?”

Well, that’s true, I love all those shows, and am always glad when a new episode comes around.

But when it comes to being genuinely excited, to having a little feeling of anticipation in my stomach all day, wondering what will happen this week, and knowing that, no matter what, I’ll be entertained and satisfied, well, no, I haven’t felt like that since the heyday of Gilmore.

Until now.

I came to the party a couple of years late, just catching up on the show over the summer, but Monday nights are now more exciting in my house because of a little show called How I Met Your Mother.

I was skeptical of the show at first. It was always entertaining, and at least somewhat funny, but didn’t truly win my heart until episode 14 of season 1, entitled “Zip, Zip, Zip.” To  HIMYM fans, this is the episode where, in a mere 22 minutes, Lily and Marshall break the pee barrier, Ted and Victoria finally consummate their relationship (and thus, the great line, “I want to know you. I want to like, know your SOUL”), and Robin and Barney become bros (which was the icing on top of the cupcake that was this episode. Get it? Cupcake?) and have a faux date of laser tag, cigar smoking, scotch swilling, freeze frame high fiving, and of course, Battleship.

And with that, I was hooked. And somehow, episodes 1 to 13 became a lot better. Funny how that happens.

How I Met Your Mother is the best half-hour comedy you’re not watching. (If we’re keeping score, this means Friday Night Lights is the best hour show you’re not watching. Or, didn’t bother to watch in the first place. If you had, you could still be watching now, instead of waiting for next year. See what you did??)

It takes a few episodes to get into the rhythm of the show – its frequent flashbacks, self-referencing (kind of like Arrested Development) and unique lingo. (i.e. “Lemon Law”, “Underpants Radius”, Slap Bet”, and “Hot-Crazy Scale”, to name a few.) However, once you know the characters, their relationships, quirks, and intricacies, there is really nothing funnier on TV right now.

When people hear about HIMYM, they pretty much only hear about Barney, played by TV Boyfriend Neil Patrick Harris. Now, I’m not gonna deny that he is fantastic on the show, because he is. He gives heart to a character that would otherwise be detestable. (Think Steve Carell on The Office.) He is absolutely my favorite character, not only on the show, but currently in prime time. However, I’m gonna put aside the NPH love, and give a shout out to Ms. Cobie Smulders, who plays Robin Scherbatsky.

Who?

Yeah I didn’t know who she was either, before this show. I think this actress has a bright future ahead of her. She’s got great comic timing (Five words from last week’s episode: “I will eat your hand!”), she’s beautiful, and has proved she can hold her own against the rest of the cast — all of whom have impressive and extensive resumes, in both film and theater.

Bottom line, any show that can think of this this is aces.

Makes me laugh every time.

How I Met Your Mother is currently airing its fourth season. It’s on Monday nights at 8:30 on CBS. Check it out. You won’t regret it.

Video of the Day:

While we’re on the HIMYM kick, here’s another one of my favorite scenes:

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