FX Does It Again

Thanks to my Tivo (I love my Tivo), I was able to catch a sneak preview today of the first episode of "Over There". It's a show that intends to show us the frontline of the war in Iraq. Now whether or not it is a true representation of the situation, I don't know...I haven't been there. I'm glad I don't have to be and that there are people a hell of a lot braver than me that are willing to do it. When the show actually premieres (Wednesday at 10 on FX) I highly suggest that everyone watch it.

This show is incredible. Absolutely incredible.

I don't care if you are for or against the war (and I am intentionally keeping my opinion out of it), but what I hope we can agree on is...the men and women who serve in our armed forces should be applauded for what they do. This show is not going to be about anyone's political beliefs, but the unbelievable situations that they find themselves in every minute of every day and how they deal with it.

Based on this first episode, this is not going to be an easy show to watch. If you're looking for a show where good always wins and everyone is happy, you may want to find another show. But if you wonder why we should support our troops, watch this show. See what they go through, see what they have to do, see what they sacrifice. Sure it's just television, but I can't help but believe that it's going on just like that somewhere in the desert.

Support our troops and God Bless America.

Lucky 7 For Lance

Yeah, I know. We've been hearing about Lance Armstrong for a long time now. When you hear Tour de France, you can't help but think Lance Armstrong. And he wasn't just a cyclist...he transcended sport and became an icon. But now his cycling career is over. Wearing the maillot jaune (yellow jersey) in Paris one last time...not a bad way to finish.

I'll let the talking heads of the sports world debate whether he's the "greatest athlete of all time" or if he simply rode a bike for a living. On the other hand, no one can deny that he's one of the most dominant athletes in sports history. Winning the most prolific bike race for SEVEN STRAIGHT YEARS is an almost impossible thing to comprehend. The Alps? The Pyreenes? I don't know if I'd want to drive a car up those mountains, never mind trying to ride a bike up those slopes. I mean, 8% grades for 15km? And that's just one stage...and there's 21 stages. Who can blame him for retiring.

Oh yeah, and then there was that whole cancer thing.

So the era of domination by Lance is over. Now he's planning on spending more time with his kids and girlfriend (anyone heard of this Sheryl Crow chick? I guess she's a musician). But that doesn't mean we'll never hear from him again. He will continue working with the Lance Armstrong Foundation working towards a cure for cancer and continuing to support those who battle it. If you're already wearing a "Livestrong" bracelet, don't take it off just because Lance's competetive biking days are over. If you don't have one, go here and buy some.

Congrats Lance on your seventh Tour victory. Thanks for being an inspiration, and not just to those with cancer.

photos courtesy of AP

Happy Birthday To Me

So my birthday was yesterday. Thanks to those who remembered...all 4 of you. Not that I care anymore. When did birthdays become just another day? I remember when birthdays were nothing but a full day of fun, games, presents, and other tom-foolery. Now, I go to work, get a cake, and go to bed. How the hell did I get so old?

Let's recap...

Anything before 10 you probably don't recall.
10 is double-digits.
13 is the first teen year.
16...well, sweet 16.
17, you should be driving by now.
18, no longer a minor.
20, no more teens.
21...beer...say no more.
25, quarter century.
30...just another round number.
Yesterday...32.

Now what? Seems to me every birthday from now on is just another year closer to death. Maybe I'll just start going backwards.

57 Channels and Nothing On

Usually during the hot, summer months, the television networks rehash the same old crap that they showed you during the "regular" television season. It's to be expected. With the nice weather, people tend to spend more time outside and away from the boob tube. But on a day when it's raining or when you just don't feel like venturing outdoors, what's that leave you to watch? One can watch only so many re-runs of Seinfeld or Law & Order. Well, this summer I have been pleasently suprised with the TV fare that has been presented.

FX continues to impress me with their original programming. I'm a huge fan of The Shield. Then I started hearing rave reviews of Rescue Me. Dennis Leary has always been a good actor who never got any respect (anyone remember "The Job"?), but I think he's finally found his groove with this one.

Another little diddy on FX is 30 Days. It's only running for 6 episodes, but well worth the time. Created by SuperSize Me's Morgan Spurlock, people immerse themselves in something they may have otherwise avoided and the madness ensues. Definately an experiment in human nature. If you're looking for smart TV, this'll give you something to wrap your head around.

A new show that I picked up on at the beginning of the summer is USA's The 4400. Partly sci-fi, but not enough to turn people off. It focuses mostly on personalities and acceptance of others. Maybe I'm just missing Lost, but this show is pretty good.

Also on USA is The Dead Zone. Remember Anthony Michael Hall from the Brat Pack movies? Well, he's been doing this show for a few years now and it still flies under the radar. He plays John Smith from Stephen King's book of the same name. If you haven't read it, go get it. I think it's his best book.

Lastly, Entourage on HBO is hilarious. Can Hollywood really be like this? This may be Jeremy Pivin's best role since he was in P.C.U. "Let's hug it out, bitch."

So if you're bored some night and you don't really want to watch CSI: Hoboken, try one of these shows. Satisfaction is guaranteed.

I Want These Guys on My Team

Documentaries seem to be a hot genre right now. Last year the big hit was "SuperSize Me". This year, all of the buzz is about "Murderball". The basic concept: rugby for guys in wheelchairs. The reality: these guys are TOUGH.

I first learned about the movie on HBO's "Real Sports" (a great show in it's own right, despite the fact that it's hosted by Bryant Gumbel). The segment on Real Sports had interviews with the directors and the players as well as clips from the movie. The scenes of them smashing each other is unreal...these guys take this game seriously. And why wouldn't they? It's guys playing sports!

Keep an eye out for this movie. It's gonna be a good one.

Reason #2 Why Dogs Will Never Rule the World

This is our dog Max. He got a cut on his shoulder that got infected and required a visit to the doggie ER. $200 later, he was given his new neck apperatus that he had to wear for a week so he wouldn't keep licking the cut.

I think he's funny looking with this thing on. Kinda like a sno-cone. What was funnier was him walking around the house bumping into walls, doors, and furniture.

And for those wondering what reason #1 is...no opposable thumbs.