This book is the story of a small destroyer escort, the USS Samuel B. Roberts (DE-413), known by a voice radio call sign as “Little Wolf”. The Roberts, together with three other destroyer escorts, three destroyers, and their brood of six little “jeep” carriers, collectively known as Task Unit 77.4.3 (Taffy 3), fought Vice Admiral Kurita’s mighty armada of four battleships, eight heavy cruisers, one light cruiser, and ten destroyers intent on wiping out General MacArthur’s forces which were then establishing their beach heads at nearby Leyte Island. During the ensuing battle, Kurita sank the Roberts, two of the destroyers, and one “jeep” carrier.
Available at Amazon.com here.
According to jas’s research, Salt Restaurant is supposedly the best new restaurant in town. It was a real pity we didnt manage to catch it while she was here. We actually made reservations, but couldnt find the place!
So when bei yi was here in january, i knew i had to take her there for dinner (for obvious reasons), on the pretext of a post-birthday celebration. Lucky thing i did! It was not exactly a “best best standard”, but it was really nice to have something different from the usual ??.
With a place like that, its hard not to like it!
Salt
This beautiful photo reminded me of one of the first pieces I ever published on the internet, an excerpt from the 1993 book It’s Raining Frogs and Fishes by Michigan author Jerry Dennis & illustrator Glenn Wolff titled Nature Baroque: Snowflakes & Crystals.
For my money, Jerry is one of the very best writers about the beauty and mystery of the natural world (and Glenn is a standout illustrator), and this chapter tells you all kinds of stuff you probably didn’t know about snowflakes, from the process that forms them to giant snowflakes to the snowflake photography of Wilson A. Bentley, the Snowflake Man and how you can photograph snowflakes as well. FYI, Aricee (the photographer of the above shot) explains how she took this right here.
You can possibly find a copy of the book at a used book store or on Amazon.com. If you have a curious child (or curious inner child) buy this book now. If you’d like to check out more wintery items from the Northern Michigan Journal (defunct but still online), please be my guest!
Somehow we’re still talking about the Emmys.
Darwin: Just like always, we talk about too many things…
Supporting actor in a miniseries or a movie
Thomas Haden Church as Tom Harte in Broken Trail ? AMC
Aidan Quinn as Senator Dawes in Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee ? HBO
August Schellenberg as Sitting Bull in Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee ? HBO
Edward Asner as Luke Spelman in The Christmas Card ? Hallmark
Joe Mantegna as Lou Manahan in The Starter Wife ? USA
Hilary: We all like Joe Mantegna, but come on.
Darwin: We all like Ed Asner too. Sorry, Edward Asner. When did we start that?
Supporting actress in a miniseries or a movie
Greta Scacchi, Greta Scacchi as Nola Johns in Broken Trail ? AMC
Anna Paquin as Elaine Goodale in Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee ? HBO
Samantha Morton as Myra Hindley in Longford ? HBO
Judy Davis as Joan McAllister in The Starter Wife ? USA
Toni Collette as Kathy Graham in Tsunami, The Aftermath ? HBO
Hilary: I don’t know who Greta Scacchi is, but this is a nice category of people, isn’t it?
Darwin: Greta Scacchi. The Player? Presumed Innocent? Shattered? Emma? Nothing?
Hilary: Well, sure. If I’d wanted to look her up. Emma gets me closest of course.
Guest actor in a comedy series
Martin Landau as Bob Ryan in Entourage ? HBO
Sir Ian McKellen as Himself in Extras ? HBO
Stanley Tucci as David Ruskin in Monk ? USA
Beau Bridges as Carl Hickey in My Name is Earl ? NBC
Giovanni Ribisi as Ralph Mariano in My Name Is Earl ? NBC
Darwin: This is my favorite category. Mostly because they usually get it right, which is obviously a rarity for this ceremony. But Ian McKellen of all The Extras guests? Way to find new ways to let me down, Emmys. Otherwise, except for Beau Bridges, the rest are the epitome of what this category is for. I would hope for Stanley Tucci since he elevated his episode more then the other two, but really, any of them would be fine.
Hilary: I think I somehow missed both Beau Bridges and Giovanni Ribisi on My Name Is Earl… and I only saw a bit of Stanley Tucci (when I walked into your apartment and you and Ryan just wouldn’t talk to me so I had no choice but to watch what you were watching). There is a part of me that wants Martin Landau to win to get back the Entourage guys, who treated his Bob Ryan so badly, which I know is blurring the lines of fiction and reality even more than usual for me.
Guest actor in a drama series
Christian Clemenson as Jerry “Hands” Espenson in Boston Legal ? ABC
Forest Whitaker as Curtis Ames in ER ? NBC
David Morse as Michael Tritter in House ? Fox
Eli Wallach as Eli Weintraub in Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip ? NBC
John Goodman as Judge Robert Bebe in Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip ? NBC
Tim Daly as J.T. Dolan in The Sopranos ? HBO
Darwin: Again, I guess I’m lobbying for more categories, because I don’t think someone who was only in one episode should have to contend with someone who spread their role out over a few. Because Eli Wallach was really amazing but I don’t think I could justify him beating David Morse because David Morse had five times more screen time. At least.
Hilary: Forest Whitaker was great as Curtis Ames, but like most e.r. guest spots it was so blatantly an Emmy role that it feels like cheating somehow. He got several episodes to work his magic though, and I’d still give it to him, I guess. The real goal of this category is to prevent John Goodman from winning. I love John Goodman, but nothing related to Parump can be celebrated in any way. It’s a rule.
Guest actress in a comedy series
Elaine Stritch as Colleen Donaghy in 30 Rock ? NBC
Dixie Carter as Gloria Hodge in Desperate Housewives ? ABC
Laurie Metcalf as Carolyn Bigsby in Desperate Housewives ? ABC
Judith Light as Claire Meade in Ugly Betty ? ABC
Salma Hayek as Sofia Reyes in Ugly Betty ? ABC
Darwin: Again, Elaine Stritch was great, but only on once, while Judith Light went through a lot of different things throughout the entire season of Ugly Betty. There needs to be Best Recurring Guest Actor/Actress in addition to this category.
Hilary: Laurie Metcalf was really good on that one episode of Grey’s Anatomy. That might’ve been last season, but I bet it was eligible, wait, as a drama. Never mind. And it’s not like I’m upset really about it getting one fewer nominations.
Darwin: At first I thought maybe she was getting nominated for My Boys. Which seemed like a terrible way to recognize that show.
Guest actress in a drama series
Jean Smart as Martha Logan in 24 ? Fox
Kate Burton as Ellis Grey in Grey’s Anatomy ? ABC
Elizabeth Reaser as Jane Doe in Grey’s Anatomy ? ABC
Leslie Caron as Lorraine Chalmers in Law & Order: SVU ? NBC
Marcia Gay Harden as Star Morrison in Law & Order: SVU ? NBC
Darwin: It’s very difficult for me to go against somebody who was in Big Trouble In Little China. Even more difficult because Kate Burton not only made her episodes watchable, but she made her otherwise bland daughter Meredith become a character you could actually believe was worth building a show around. But Elizabeth “Static-Mouth” Reaser trumps all that for me. Unfortunately, I get the feeling Jean Smart’s going to win and complete her Guest Actress Emmy set.
Hilary: I kind of want Elizabeth Reaser to win just because of Saved and Standoff; I barely saw her on Grey’s Anatomy. But yes, let’s give it to Kate Burton for all the reasons you mentioned, minus maybe Big Trouble in Little China.
Darwin: Watch it. Her pen is mightier than your sword.
Stunt coordination
24 ? 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ? Fox
CSI: Miami ? Rush ? CBS
CSI: NY ? Sleight Out Of Hand ? CBS
ER ? Bloodline ? NBC
Heroes ? Genesis ? NBC
Darwin: The Heroes episode nominated is the premiere, so I suppose its appearance is based mostly on Claire’s fall from the grain silo. Which seems like more a feat of visual effects. I can’t imagine a scenario in which I would say Heroes should or will win any category, but there were more impressive episodes to choose from as far as stunts go. I can’t imagine any episode of the lesser C.S.I.s are doing anything all that impressive. The ER season premiere did look pretty actiony, though I didn’t watch it. But none of it matters since at about 2:50 p.m. on this partictular day of 24, Milo put Marilyn Bauer in a van and drove like a crazy person amidst gun fire and then blew it up. A brief bright spot in (yet another) season of stupid.
Hilary: You did actual research to find out what happened on those episodes. Wow. I don’t remember the e.r. season premiere at all, unless it was when Sam shot Garrett Dillahunt and such. That was pretty good. But I’m fine with 24 winning. It’ll remind them why we used to like the show. It had nothing to do with helicopters.
Individual performance in a variety or music program
79th Annual Academy Awards ? ABC ? Ellen Degeneres, Host
Late Show With David Letterman ? CBS ? David Letterman, Host
The Colbert Report ? Comedy Central ? Stephen Colbert, Host
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart ? Comedy Central ? Jon Stewart, Host
Tony Bennett: An American Classic ? NBC ? Tony Bennett, Performer
Hilary: My TiVo records Conan a lot, and he’s always great. And I would like him to be nominated individually. Just saying.
Children’s program
Hannah Montana ? Disney Channel
Nick News With Linda Ellerbee: Private Worlds: Kids And Autism ? Nickelodeon
That’s So Raven ? Disney Channel
The Suite Life Of Zack & Cody ? Disney Channel
When Parents Are Deployed ? PBS
Darwin: When you read that list, what happens when you get to the last one? Weird, right? I kind of have to pretend it’s not there, even though I suppose it’s obvious that it will win. Which is fine, because this is such a poor sampling of kids shows. Granted, there’s no longer an Even Stevens out there. And there are worse things (Cake, The Naked Brothers). But they could do better than this. Suite Life is the best of the regular shows nominated, so that can stay. And Hannah Montana is a phenomenon right now, so I accept that the way I accept Grey’s Anatomy’s appearance in the regular categories. But That’s So Raven… just don’t encorage that crap, please. Please.
Hilary: I don’t know. The autism is kind of a tip-off that some of these shows are not like the others.
Darwin: It’s not strange to see Nick News involved. It kind of doesn’t matter what the subject is. Linda Ellerby could get anything nominated. Except The Wire.
Animated program (for programming less than one hour)
Avatar: The Last Airbender ? City Of Walls And Secrets ? Nickelodeon
Robot Chicken ? Lust For Puppets ? Cartoon Network
South Park ? Make Love, Not Warcraft ? Comedy Central
SpongeBob SquarePants ? Bummer Vacation / Wig Struck ? Nickelodeon
The Simpsons ? The Haw-Hawed Couple
Darwin: As with the relatively new Oscar category for Animated Movie, I wonder how this is judged. Is the emphasis on program or on animated? With the appearance of Robot Chicken, The Simpsons, South Park and SpongeBob, it seems a lot more clear here than with movies that the quality of the animation isn’t a concern. Avatar could be a show with just mediocre animation and still be light years ahead of its competition on that score. But as the only serialized program nominated, and with little chance of voters watching more than one (if that), it can’t possibly have a chance.
Hilary: I don’t know that I’ve seen an episode of any of these this year. And as such, I don’t know why I’m even bothering to type this.
Animated program (for programming one hour or more)
Good Wilt Hunting (Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends) ? Cartoon Network
Hellboy Animated: Sword Of Storms ? Starz
Secrets Of The Deep ? Discovery Channel
Where’s Lazlo? (Camp Lazlo) ? Cartoon Network
Darwin: I would imagine, since it couldn’t even make a fairly weak field of half-hour programs, that Foster’s Home For Imaginary Friends doesn’t really have a shot (though its chances have to be better than Camp Lazlo’s.) But I just can’t imagine that anyone watching “Good Wilt Hunting” isn’t going to want to watch more, whereas they could be satisfied with what they see of the others (even if somehow they liked them better as isolated hours.) It helps, I suppose, to know Wilt before following him on the search for his creator (who turns out to be basketball icon Jordan Michaels), else why would you care how he lost his arm or why his eyes are so messed up? Or why he’s such a push over and can’t stop saying “I’m sorry.” But because this is an oversized episode, there’s time to invest yourself in all of that (not to mention Bloo’s insane conspiracy theories as to Wilt’s whereabouts and Frankie’s completely amazing road rage) and so by the end there’s a lot more on the line than could ever be the case with Hellboy or Secrets Of The Deep.
Plus there’s that theme song. Have I ever mentioned that?
Hilary: Mentioning it isn’t as important to listening to it. The best is when it comes up on shuffle with someone who’s never heard it. First there’s a confused reaction, then wonder. I feel like they invented this category so Foster’s could win. Though I really don’t get why it wouldn’t be in the half-hour category too…
Art direction for a multicamera series
How I Met Your Mother ? CBS
The Class ? Pilot ? CBS
Darwin: Aw. What a sad little category. I really do not like the way this is going, but I have to go for How I Met Your Mother again. What production design was there in the pilot of The Class? An apartment full of people and a lackluster party. Plus that pilot was terrible. As much I ended up liking the The Class by the end, this does not make any sense.
It also doesn’t make any sense that nothing else could get nominated. Doug’s ice cream truck on King Of Queens alone should get that show on this (truly short) list.
Hilary: It kind of seems like only CBS Monday night before 9 p.m. could get it together to send in their tapes. (Also, this is a recurring question, but why are some shows listed with an episode and some not?)
Art direction for a single-camera series
Deadwood ? HBO
Heroes ? Genesis ? NBC
Rome ? HBO
Shark ? Teacher’s Pet ? CBS
The Tudors ? Episode 101 ? Showtime
Ugly Betty ? The Box And The Bunny ? ABC
Darwin: So Rome, Deadwood and The Tudors are obvious choices in this category. And again, Heroes had better episodes with which it could have displayed its prowess in this area (in fact wasn’t the point of the pilot to show us this was happening in the real world? The less art direction the better.) Which is why Ugly Betty has to win. The only inhibiting factor to great art direction in a period piece is money. Only Ugly Betty had to really create something.
Also, Shark is a weird choice. I’m trying to figure out if I missed something. Stark does have a fake courtroom in his basement. But that should only get him on some kind of HGTV special.
Hilary: I also feel like I should admit I’m not even sure what art direction is. You know I want Deadwood to win, just to win things, but I do love Ugly Betty for committing so spectacularly to making Mode and Betty’s world completely ridiculous all the time, no matter what.
Casting for a comedy series
30 Rock ? NBC
Desperate Housewives ? ABC
Entourage ? HBO ector
Ugly Betty ? ABC
Weeds ? Showtime
Hilary: I never understand the casting categories. I feel like a show should really only be eligible its first year, though I know that doesn’t account for guest stars… Still, 30 Rock notoriously screwed up its casting by signing Rachel Dratch, refusing to use her and also then not knowing what to do with Jane Krakowski for most of the season. And Entourage doesn’t really cast, I don’t think. It’s all publicists begging to have their clients on the show and the writers just working with whoever they get. So I give it to Ugly Betty too. For doing right by a lot of good people: Eric Mabius, America Ferrara and your dear Becki.
Darwin: It’s not just casting that seems that way. But that’s kind of an unavoidable problem of serialized television and the honoring of it. Still, they could be less annoying in a lot of ways if they were to have a separate section for new shows. I’m really in favor of this ceremony taking days, I think. Anyway, if a show casts its creator and her immediate previous cast members, it shouldn’t qualify. Not sure how many people are begging to get on Entourage, though I don’t think it’s difficult to get them if they aren’t going to play themselves too terribly. Haven’t seen the second season of Weeds yet, but it seems like they do the best with the most unknowns (or little knowns anyway.) C.S.I. consistently has the best guest stars (and they’re mostly nobody you’d know), but since they’ve never had to replace any major cast member I guess they get overlooked.
Casting for a drama series
Brothers & Sisters ? ABC
Friday Night Lights ? NBC
Grey’s Anatomy ? ABC
Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip ? NBC
The Tudors ? Showtime
Hilary: I just know Studio 60 is going to win this. Sucky. Friday Night Lights has a perfect cast.
Darwin: Brothers & Sisters doesn’t have to win this? All it has is its cast. Sure, I can’t stand all but one of them, but clearly that isn’t standing in Emmy’s way.
Choreography
Dancing With The Stars ? Episode Number: 303A ? ABC
So You Think You Can Dance ? Ramalama (Bang Bang) ? Fox
So You Think You Can Dance ? Calling You ? Fox
Tony Bennett: An American Classic ? NBC
Hilary: Has this seriously always been a category? And if so, who got bumped by the reality dancing show onslaught?
Darwin: It think it’s generally populated by specials you’ve never heard of. But like anything, if there aren’t enough qualifiers, it will take the year off. Seems like it should have done that this year.
Cinematography for a multicamera series
According To Jim ? Hoosier Daddy ? ABC
Rules Of Engagement ? Jeff’s Wooby ? CBS
Two And A Half Men ? Release The Dogs ? CBS
Darwin: And now no How I Met Your Mother or The Class. This might be the most pointless category there is. How do you distinguish your cinematography from other multi-camera programs without dispensing with the multi-camera format? Still, Rules Of Engagment should win for getting David Spade and Patrick Warburton in the same frame.
Hilary: Ha! But then they’re going to advertise Rules of Engagement as the “passable, Emmy-winning comedy America didn’t seem to mind that much.”
Cinematography for a single-camera series
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation ? Built To Kill ? CBS
Deadwood ? Catbird Seat ? HBO
Rome ? Passover ? HBO
Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip ? Pilot ? NBC
The Sopranos ? Soprano Home Movies ? HBO
Darwin: It’s a shame, of course, that Friday Night Lights is missing from most any category, but none more than this one. It’s different in a way none of these nominees are (even the cable ones), but also in a way that alienates voters and viewers alike.
Hilary: I bet Rome actually deserves this award. I also bet it won’t get it. “Soprano Home Movies” was a beautiful episode though, in a different way than their hallmark darkness.
Darwin: I suppose I can guess as to how that Sopranos episode is different, but all I can think of is the middle of Raging Bull. But then, that won for cinematography too. I think it’s worth noting that C.S.I., while unilaterally copied, continues to reinvent its look without abandoning it, so it shouldn’t be sloughed off.
Cinematography for Nonfiction programming
Deadliest Catch ? The Unforgiving Sea ? Discovery Channel
Meerkat Manor ? Family Affair ? Animal Planet
Planet Earth ? Pole To Pole ? Discovery Channel
This American Life ? God’s Close-Up ? Showtime
When The Levees Broke: A Requiem In Four Acts ? HBO
Darwin: I know Planet Earth pretty much has anything it’s nominated for wrapped up, but it’s worth noting that Deadliest Catch camerapeople are literally dying out there to get this stuff.
Actually, this is maybe the most satisfying category in contention this year. There’s not one I don’t think should be here.
Hilary: I only saw This American Life, of course. I can’t watch things where animals die. I was promised that the meerkats all make it in the manor, but I was lied to.
Commercial
Animals – American Express
Battle – Cingular
Happiness Factory – Coca Cola
Jar – GE
Pinball – Pepsi
Singing Cowboy – Truth
Snowball – Travelers
Darwin: I never saw this Snowball one. And what’s it for? Travelers? What is that?
Hilary: I think it’s insurance. Against my professional better judgement, I deleted all the agency information from these. The only two I can remember by their names are the Coke and Truth ones. And while I did like the Coke one… I am convinced these are not the best commercials of the year. I’d give it to Pedigree for actually making me cry in 30 seconds.
Darwin: What about your favorite Cingular campaign (of which “Battle” is not one)?
Hilary: I don’t think my favorite Cingular campaign had the intended effect on me. Memorable, sure. But not the way they wanted.
Costumes for a series
Deadwood ? Amateur Night ? HBO
Desperate Housewives ? Getting Married Today ? ABC
Rome ? De Patre Vostro (About Your Father) ? HBO
The Tudors ? Episode 103 ? Showtime
Ugly Betty ? I’m Coming Out ? ABC
Hilary: Bold prediction: Deadwood is actually going to win this one. As it probably should.
Darwin: Eh. Same thing that went for Art Direction kind of goes here too. Although I don’t think Ugly Betty is inventing a whole lot of stuff themselves. Except for Amanda’s silver “dress.”
Directing for a comedy series
30 Rock ? The Breakup ? NBC
Entourage ? One Day In The Valley ? HBO
Extras ? Episode 1 – Orlando Bloom ? HBO
Scrubs ? My Musical ? NBC
The Office ? Gay Witch Hunt ? NBC
Ugly Betty ? Pilot ? ABC
Hilary: I cut the directors names out, huh? Sorry about that. I really want who I believe is Ken Kwapis to win for The Office. There was so much about “Gay Witch Hunt” that really worked because of the direction. For serious. Oscar and Michael’s kiss wasn’t even scripted, and he knew enough not to say cut when it happened.
Darwin: If enough people mistake cinematography for direction, Ugly Betty will win. And while neither “Orlando Bloom” nor “One Day In The Valley” were perfect the way “Gay Witch Hunt” was, they’re very good choices from their respective shows. Sadly, people love them some dancing and singing.
Hilary: I don’t know why, but your calling “Gay Witch Hunt” “perfect” has just about made this all worthwhile to me.
Directing for a drama series
Battlestar Galactica ? Exodus, Part 2 ? Sci Fi Channel
Boston Legal ? Son of the Defender ? ABC
Friday Night Lights ? Pilot ? NBC
Heroes ? Genesis ? NBC
Lost ? Through the Looking Glass ? ABC
Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip ? Pilot ? NBC
The Sopranos ? Kennedy And Heidi ? HBO
Darwin: Pitting the first episode of Friday Night Lights against the last episode of Lost is pretty unfair. Though ultimately I suppose “Through The Looking Glass” is more a feat of writing whereas Friday Night Lights is a feat of not-writing.
Hilary: This is a really, really tight category, and not just because it has seven nominees. I mean, yeah, give it to Peter Berg and definitely not Tommy Schlamme, for doing the same thing he perfected lo so many moons ago (and yes, I know Peter Berg perfected it in the movie, but he was bold enough to keep it the same for TV!).
Directing for a miniseries, movie or a special
Broken Trail ? Part 1 & Part 2 ? AMC
Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee ? HBO
Jane Eyre (Masterpiece Theatre) ? PBS
Prime Suspect: The Final Act (Masterpiece Theatre) ? PBS
Tsunami, The Aftermath ? Part 1 & Part 2 ? HBO
Darwin: Walter Hill, please.
Directing for nonfiction programming
Ghosts Of Abu Ghraib ? HBO
Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed ? The History Channel
Thin ? HBO
This American Life ? #104 God’s Close-Up ? Showtime
When The Levees Broke: A Requiem In Four Acts ? HBO
Darwin: The showdown we’ve all waited for: Ken Burns vs. Spike Lee.
Hilary: I know! I’ve really been waiting for this!
Single-camera picture editing for a drama series
Dexter ? Dexter ? Showtime
Heroes ? Genesis ? NBC
Lost ? Through The Looking Glass ? ABC
The Sopranos ? Soprano Home Movies ? HBO
The Sopranos ? The Second Coming ? HBO
Darwin: Dexter could win for its opening credits alone. I know The Sopranos is the favorite no matter what category it’s in, multiple nominations or not, but editing was fairly important in “Through the Looking Glass,” don’t you think?
Hilary: Yeah. Kind of. Though I don’t know how it’s really any different from any Lost episode.
Single-camera picture editing for a comedy series
My Name Is Earl ? Guess Who’s Coming Out Of Joy ? NBC
My Name Is Earl ? The Trial ? NBC
The Office ? The Job ? NBC
Weeds ? Crush Girl Love Panic ? Showtime
Weeds ? Mrs. Botwin’s Neighborhood ? Showtime
Darwin: I suppose I’d nominate “Traveling Salesman” or “Branch Closing” before “The Job” for editing, but Emmy loves to deal in firsts and lasts. Good news The Office is the only one without multiple nominations.
Hilary: I second the “Traveling Salesman” nomination. “The Job” had a lot of story to piece together in just the right order and timing, but that’s true of every episode of The Office pretty much.
Main title design
Dexter ? Showtime
Hu$tle ? AMC
Standoff ? Fox
The Lost Room ? Sci Fi Channel
The Path To 9/11 ? ABC r
Ugly Betty ? ABC
Darwin: Ugly Betty? For serious? It’s purposely bad (not to mention 10 seconds long.) The Emmys aren’t being ironic, are they? That might seriously mess me up.
Also, let’s remember that this is for the opening credits, not the song that accompanies said credits. Or else I’d clearly be more baffled by Standoff’s appearance. Although those are some dumb opening credits, even when watched with one’s fingers in one’s ears. Trust me.
Hilary: I love the world for somehow noticing Standoff long enough to nominate it. Here’s where I mention The Wire again. Each season they have the luxury of building their credits around scenes shot through all the episodes (and using the same song, though different versions and artists each time). And slowly, as you watch episode by episode, you realize the significance of these otherwise disembodied shots as they’re put into context. When Lester finally puts his finger over that rusty nail in the board, it’s because of the credits that it means so damned much. Plus, there’s symbolism. The good kind.
Oh, and didn’t you get it? It’s about Ugly Betty’s credits’ inner beauty. God, you’re shallow, Darwin.
Music composition for a series (dramatic underscore)
24 ? Fox ? Sean Callery, Composer
CSI: Crime Scene Investigation ? Law Of Gravity ? CBS ? John Keane, Composer
Ghost Whisperer ? Love Never Dies ? CBS ? Mark Snow, Music and Theme by
Kidnapped ? Pilot ? NBC ? WG Snuffy, Composer / Music By
Planet Earth ? Pole To Pole ? Discovery Channel ? George Fenton, Composer
Rome ? Philippi ? HBO ? Jeff Beal, Music Composer
Hilary: Snuffy lives on, sigh. And Mark Snow is working on Ghost Whisperer now? That’s not right.
Darwin: Yes. Because Mark Snow has such a perfect resume up until now.
This is really strange, judging on specific pieces. Except for 24 apparently. George Fenton is the best composer nominated, and as I said, Planet Earth seems like an easy pick for anything for which it is nominated. And it’s amazing John M. Keane even bothers making new cues at this point, never mind great ones. But Sean Callery does the best work week to week. And with a vastly inferior show to work with.
Music and lyrics
Family Guy ? Peter’s Two Dads ? Fox
MADtv ? 1209 ? Fox
Saturday Night Live ? Host: Justin Timberlake – Song title: Dick In A Box ? NBC
Scrubs ? My Musical: Song Title: Everything Comes Down to Poo ? NBC
Scrubs ? My Musical – Song Title: Guy Love ? NBC
Hilary: We can’t let “Dick in a Box” go by unmentioned. Though the rest of the world is probably mentioning it enough without my contribution. Still, I’m glad it’s there. I’d give it to “Guy Love,” but I don’t want to risk Zach Braff deciding he wants to be in a band next.
Darwin: I suppose there isn’t a lot of choices, but seems like this is mostly a category for jokes. If Whose Line Is It Anyway? was still on could Wayne Brady get nominated? I’m fine as long as Family Guy doesn’t win. Anything. Ever.
Main title theme music
30 Rock ? Hard Ball ? NBC ? Jeff Richmond, Music By
Dexter ? Showtime ? Rolfe Kent, Main Title Theme By
Hu$tle ? 401 ? AMC ? Simon Rogers, Titles Music
On The Lot ? 102A ? Fox ? Jeff Lippencott, Music By and Mark T, Music By
The Tudors ? Episode 5 ? Showtime ? Trevor Morris, Main Title Theme Music By
Hilary: Isn’t this nice? Tina Fey and her husband both get nominations! And it’s unbelievable that On the Lot’s generic “movie theme” got nominated.
Darwin: The Dexter theme is by far the superior work here (in fact, Daniel Licht should have been nominated for score too.) But it doesn’t stand out like 30 Rock’s does. Maybe the fact that the title sequence as a whole is also the best will help it out a little.
Special visual effects for a series
Battlestar Galactica ? Exodus, Part 2
Eureka ? Pilot ? Sci Fi Channel
Grey’s Anatomy ? Walk On Water ? ABC
Heroes ? Five Years Gone ? NBC
Rome ? Philippi ? HBO
Darwin: I’m assuming Rome is the best one here because the ones I do know (even the ones from Eureka) are kind of bad. Heroes is probably the best of those too, so Rome better be better.
Hilary: Battlestar Galactica’s are pretty great. I wouldn’t discount it completely. But watch Grey’s Anatomy win for what I assume has to be the Meredith drowns episode.
Special visual effects for a miniseries, movie or a special
Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee ? HBO
Drive ? The Starting Line ? Fox.com
Nightmares & Dreamscapes: From The Stories Of Stephen King ? The End Of The Whole Mess ? TNT
Nightmares & Dreamscapes: From the Stories of Stephen King ? Battleground ? TNT
Secrets Of The Deep ? Discovery Channel
The Path To 9/11 ? Night 2 ? ABC
Darwin: Oh, Drive was a miniseries. Now I get it. Also, what the huh? Drive effects were horrendous and actually kind of pedestrian as far as difficulty level. No Lost Room? An actual miniseries?
Hilary: But a miniseries on where? Fox.com! Amazing! Why are they crediting it online and not the network? I think it might have something to do with not having enough episodes airing to be eligible. Unless they count Fox.com. Which kind of seems like cheating.
And “pedestrian” describing Drive? Now you’re starting to sound like me.
Writing for a comedy series
30 Rock ? Jack-Tor ? NBC ? Robert Carlock, Written by
30 Rock ? Tracy Does Conan ? NBC ? Tina Fey, Written by
Extras ? Daniel Radcliffe ? HBO ? Ricky Gervais, Writer and Stephen Merchant, Writer
The Office ? Gay Witch Hunt ? NBC ? Greg Daniels, Written by
The Office ? The Negotiation ? NBC ? Michael Schur, Written by
Hilary: At least this time I remembered to keep the writers names in. Really surprised “The Negotiation” is here. Less surprised about “Gay Witch Hunt.” Or any of the other nominees. I think biggest name recognition wins, so is that Tina Fey or Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant?
Darwin: Tina Fey is the bigger name. And this of course will be the worst thing she could win as far as I’m concerned. But I’m pretty much already resigned to it. But I have a little hope for Greg Daniels. You can’t be the best half hour of TV in a given year and go completely unnoticed, right?
Hilary: One would hope…
Writing for a drama series
Battlestar Galactica ? Occupation/Precipice ? Sci Fi Channel ? Ronald D, Written by
Lost ? Through The Looking Glass ? ABC ? Carlton Cuse, Written by and Damon Lindelof, Written by
The Sopranos ? Kennedy And Heidi ? HBO David Chase, Writer and Matthew Weiner, Writer
The Sopranos ? The Second Coming ? HBO ? Terence Winter, Writer
The Sopranos ? Made In America ? HBO ? David Chase, Writer
Hilary: Oy. Three Sopranos nominees. All deserved too. I think it’s really a question of which of those will win. No vote-splitting here or anything. They’re going to want to give it to David Chase, to say thanks. Which is the only way I can figure why “The Blue Comet” wasn’t nominated.
Darwin: Why bother naming the episode if you’re going to reward the writer for previous work? Obviously I realize that’s how it works, but doesn’t mean I shouldn’t still rail against it. Because it works the other way too, Daniel Lindelof won’t win not because “Through the Looking Glass” wasn’t great, but because the general consensus is he let his show get off track in the 21 episodes leading up to it.
Two and a half hours
- equals the time it took the jury to decide that there was not enough evidence to support a charge of assault and injury.
- equals the amount of time Ms. Osteen delayed the flight on which she caused a fuss over a small liquid spill which started this ball rolling.
Kind of fitting isn’t it?\xA0 If only the trial had lasted 2 1/2 hours!
The jury’s foreman, Gilles Labbe, said he and other jurors believed what happened on the plane was not an attack but a disagreement between a passenger and one or more flight attendants.\xA0 “This lawsuit in my opinion should not have been filed because nothing happened,” he said.
Joel Osteen had this to say:
“It’s a great vindication and shows us the faithfulness of God.”
I think it’s important to remember that indeed an incident took place.\xA0 I’ve read many comments of people who suggest that Ms. Osteen was completely innocent and justified for her behavior.\xA0 This jury concluded that she is innocent of the assault.\xA0 I believe she is guilty of making some pretty bad decisions and handling the aftermath of those decisions poorly.
We all make mistakes.\xA0 We all get ourselves pretty deep in situations where there doesn’t seem any way out.\xA0 Our ability to admit our mistakes and make some different decisions is called repentance.
The world was watching whether Ms. Osteen would display repentance or continue to behave badly.
We are still waiting.
Pondering Pastor
Last challenge in Vegas!\xA0 22 challenges later, we have 5 chefs remaining.\xA0 After one more elimination, our cheftestants are off
No trophy, but 30K
Season 6 of “Project Runway” was a waste of 14 Thursday nights.
The season finale Bryant Park show was a lackluster display of recycled looks, average street wear, and overworked gowns. Fashion forward? Not so much.
Did anyone notice the striking resemblance between Irina’s collection and that of season 4 winner, Christian Siriano? The all-black garments, the felt hats, the dramatic shoulders, the stilettos. We’d seen it all 2 seasons ago… but Christian was a showman. I still remember those stunning bolero jackets and high-neck blouses. His collection was like a series of Rembrandt portraits — dark and powerful, modern and immortal. Irina’s collection, while cohesive and certainly well-constructed, was not particularly memorable. It was perhaps the most tired of the three lines.
Althea just looked at what’s already going on in fashion — layers, boyfriend blazers, harem pants, 80s-shoulders, and cinch-waist belts — and made her own. It reeked of a high schooler on a limited budget who embarked on a DYI fashion project. Indeed, there were several individual pieces that would become staples in any woman’s wardrobe — a cardigan or pair of pants. But did it shake up your fashion world? Did it inspire you to redo your wardrobe? No. It was a snooozefest… albeit, one that would sell well in Macy’s.
Carol-Hannah had the most compelling, though most disjointed, collection of the three. Her first dress, a short, flowing champagne-colored cocktail number, was structured and draped in a way that echoed the lancet arches of Gothic cathedrals. It was a show-stopper. As was her “13th look” — a teal, floor-length gown that simultaneously screamed Grecian goddess and silver screen siren. But there were several metallic looks in the middle that looked like bad maternity wear, even with all the stunning embellishments. Also, her signature look (a gold, fish-tale gown) was remarkably similar to Rami’s (of season 4) signature look.
Throughout the season, Irina was the judge’s favorite. She won more challenges than the other designers and rarely received negative feedback. But she has a thing for fake fur, which to me means she has a taste problem. Fake fur always looks cheap. She also likes her dresses hip-hugging and skin-tight… which to me also indicates a taste problem.
Challenge after challenge, I questioned the judges’ decisions. Michael Kors was MIA for most of the season, and I feel as a result, some looks won and some looks were overlooked that shouldn’t have. Frankly, there was nothing particularly memorable about most of the winning looks… except maybe Chris’ first winning dress that was a cascade of ruffles that stopped just above the knee. I wish they had kept him for Bryant Park… at least he would have put on a show with 12 voluminous, over inflated gowns. Anything would have been better than all that black and beige.
And can I just say, what happened to all the sleeves on all the knitwear in that final runway show? Did they stretch out on the hangers and the models, or did Althea and Irina mean for the cuffs to hit the knees? I’m all for an oversize sweater, but at some point oversize looks ridiculous.
Considering Season 5’s dullsville finale (does anyone remember who won?), I was expecting Season 6 to be a knockout on par with seasons 1-4 (I wanted every one of those winners in my wardrobe). But after two lame seasons in a row, I have to say… I’m sorry, Project Runway, you’re out. Auf wiedersehen.
A celebrity is a famous person. A famous person is one who has a widespread reputation usually of a favorable nature. A star is a person who is celebrated or distinguished in some art, profession, or other field? So ? some may ask ? how is it that an increasing number of ?celebrities?, who possess no discernable talent, manage to obtain a lavish lifestyle of the rich and famous? Millions of people who are even vaguely familiar with pop culture are perplexed by the heightened celebrity status bestowed upon those whose fame stems from activities once considered obscure, vulgar, or unflinchingly trifling ? and completely devoid of what is commonly referred to as talent.
One wonders if 25 years ago or more, talent agencies would?ve considered taking on clients who offered no on-screen talent or training whatsoever, instead, relying on tawdry marketing strategies to ensure notoriety. For example, game shows contestants stayed in their respective lanes, and the only place you may find a former contestant was in your local mall or supermarket. Now, these contestants and other ?non-scripted? show participants seek to use their 15 minutes as a portal to create a whole freakin? hour.
Sex sells for men and women alike, but for 99% of female celebs, sex appeal has always been paramount. Upon reflection however, those whose roots originated in (and failed to deviate from) X-rated activities, thrived in their own genre. Nowadays, it appears as though the lines are blurred, and women who would?ve reigned freely within the confines of the adult entertainment world are able to carve out tenuous careers in the mainstream. On the other end of the spectrum exist ?the awkward? bunch who are willing to exploit their own eccentricities for the sake of prolonged media attention.
What fuels this phenomenon? Is it an insatiable need for attention? The media?s habit of nurturing the sensational rather than the substantive? The jury is still out on this convoluted debate. So we took a survey, which lists alleged ?no talent? notables that receive far too much air time. Each of the celebs listed below falls under one or more of the following categories: pornographic; general opportunist; nepotism; gimmick. Take a guess as to who?s who in each category:
Amber Rose
Karrine Steffans
The Kardashian Sisters
Paris Hilton
Nicole Richie
Kevin Federline
Most popular reality show contestants
All Flavor of Love contestants
Nick Cannon
Teyana Taylor
Rumer Willis
The findings of the survey were intended to uncover the perspectives of concerned readers, and are by no means presented as irrefutable facts. As an online magazine, we are aware that new media is a major factor in the rise of the 15 minute famous set. The bigger issue at hand is the long-term impact this new trend will have on our society. What happens when newscasts become gossip ? or scandal trumps talent and cheapness obliterates creativity? For starters, it may manifest in two media-crazed parents staging a hoax involving their missing son weather balloon?
No matter how you slice it, the fact is that a good deal of these so called ?skill-free? stars not only permeate the media, but have an avid fan base to boot. At the end of the day, that may be all it takes to be on top. Either that or one damn good publicist.
Well, well, well. \xA0The Cyclones finally decided to start playing basketball. \xA0After what seemed like the sloppiest 40 point wins I’ve ever seen, the Iowa State men’s basketball team made a big statement Tuesday night, beating the Drake Bulldogs 90-70 at the Knapp Center. \xA0After struggling early against their first two opponents this season, the Cyclones rolled in their first road win in nine tries. \xA0Junior Lucca Staiger led the way with 32 points, and Junior Craig Brackins awoke from an early season slump with 22 points and 10 rebounds. \xA0Here’s the rest of the box score.
Alright, here’s my take. \xA0The Cyclones have struggled early in games this year because Craig Brackins has not been himself. \xA0Maybe it’s his knee flaring up, which he tweaked in practice a few weeks ago. \xA0I think it has more to do with one man: \xA0Justin Hamilton. \xA0That’s right. \xA0The big man from Utah is on the court essentially take up space in the front court, and that’s exactly what he’s doing. \xA0Hamilton can’t score (I doubt if he can even dunk the ball), can’t rebound, and struggles mightily on defense. \xA0He’s\xA0the second coming of Luc Longley from the Bulls glory days.
Just look at the numbers. \xA0Against Idaho State and Chicago State, Hamilton played 17 and 18 minutes, respectively. \xA0In 29 and 27 minutes of the same games, Brackins scored 17 and 7 points, respectively. \xA0Now, take a look at last night’s game against Drake. \xA0Hamilton played only the first 5 minutes of the game. \xA0Brackins didn’t score in the first 7 minutes of the game. \xA0But as soon as Hamilton leaves, Brackins goes off for 22 points, looking unstoppable down low. \xA0Coincidence? \xA0I think not.
Consider this: \xA0Hamilton was replaced by Jamie Vanderbeken. \xA0Yes, he’s big, too, but he also loves to shoot the three. \xA0With Diante Garrett, Lucca, and Vanderbeken on the perimeter and Gilstrap cutting in and out of the lane, Brackins has room to operate. \xA0And when the defense drops down to double team him, there’s someone open on the perimeter. \xA0See how that works? \xA0When Hamilton is in, it’s 4-on-5 for the Cyclone offense. \xA0That’s the reason for the early struggles, and it’s the reason for Brackins’ slow start, too.
Do I have any suggestions for how to remedy this? \xA0Of course! \xA0The Cyclones have a pretty good guard in Scott Christopherson, a sophomore transfer from Marquette. \xA0Not only does he hustle on both sides of the ball, but he’s the only Cyclone to score in double figures in each of the team’s first three games. \xA0I suggest moving to a 3-guard lineup, with Garrett at the point, Christopherson, and Lucca. \xA0Put Brackins and Gilstrap in the frontcourt; they can more than hold their own against most teams. \xA0And once LeRon Dendy gets healthy, you can think about mixing him in as well.
Coach Mac, trust me. \xA0Brackins thrives down low, and with Hamilton sitting there posting up all the time, teams are going to leave him and double team Brackins every possession. \xA0Numbers don’t lie. \xA0Give Brackins some room to operate in the post, and you’ll see the Naismith Award hopeful turn into a contender. \xA0Your team will soar, too.
