TV

Grey's Anatomy (Season 4 Promo and Spoilers)

The promo looks really good. I can't wait till September for this. Let's just hope the show doesn't get a controversial season like the previous one. For all you Gizzie lovers, don't be worried cause rumor has it that at the end of the first episode George finally says, "I love you, too". Gizzie is, in my opinion, season 3's best storyline, and the best since Denny and Izzie. Cristina is hilarious as the new NAZI and Meredith's line "I'm the girl at the bar" was so cute. Watch the promo here: Official Season 4 Promo.

Friday Night Lights (Season 1)

I finally finished watching season 1 of this show, and I seriously think all of you have to watch this! It's one of TV's best-written and most realistic shows. Get the DVD, and if you haven't heard, if you don't like the first season after purchasing it, you can take it back and get all your money. Yup, NBC is so confident that you'll all love this. My favorite storyline of the season has to go to the Miss Garridy/Jason/ and Timmy love triangle. Great show, 5/5.

Movies

Music and Lyrics

I never thought that I could be so satisfied, every time that I look in your angel eyes. I liked the movie. Nothing special, but the PoP! video alone is worth watching. Hugh Grant is hilarious and the song "Pop Goes My Heart" is amazingly funny and addictive! Watch the music video and let me know what you think: "Pop Goes My Heart".Good movie, 3.5/5, but great video, 5/5.

Little Children

Yup, it's so good that I have to remind you to watch this movie in three different blogs this summer. 2006's best movie and one of my all-time favorites. Great movie, 5/5.

Music

Rooney's "Calling the World"

I'm currently downloading this album. The CD's first single "When Did Your Heart Go Missing" was incredible, and so was the band's self-titled debut.

Must Downloads

"Relax, Take it Easy" Mika
"Umbrella" Rihanna (Seamus Haji Remix)
"Rise Up" Yves LaRock
"Storm" (Acoustic) Lifehouse
"Patience" Take That
"Beautiful World" Take That
"Let Me Take You" Plain White T's

TV

Brothers & Sisters (Season 1)

I'm finally going to catch up with this ABC hit. I watched the first three episodes and thought it was quite realistic and addictive, but I didn't have the time to watch it. I'm currently downloading the first season (yup, iPod format!). Can't wait!

Movies

"O"

Better than I thought. Some of the cast gave us some fine performances. An unorthodox, controversialteen drama centered around the main theme of jealousy and greed. One of the scenes was too hard to watch (when the black guy chokes his girlfriend) and that sex scene was very disturbing. Overall, worth watching! Good movie, 4.5/5.

Lonely Hearts

Not too special, but still a very good movie. Jared Leto and Salma Hayek's chemistry is worth watching the movie for. John Travolta gave an 'ok' performance. The plot is quite good and will pull you in. 4.5/5.

The Best Movie I've Watched This Summer.....

"Little Children" (2006)

An addictive movie! I know it's almost impossible to call a movie that, but this pulls you in like a magnet from beginning to end. Great performances. Great drama. Great humor. Great movie, and up there with "Little Miss Sunshine" and "Pan's Labyrinth" for the best of 2006. Great Movie.

I Hate...

David Letterman

He's not funny. Just annoying. And he's no Jay Leno or Conan O'Brien.

TV

Will & Grace (Season 7)

I can honestly say that season 6 of this show is my least favorite. That's probably because a lot of the episodes were Grace-less, and she's my favorite character! The J.Lo season finale was hilarious though, and it was shocking to find out Leo cheated on Grace. I'm 8 episodes into season 7 (yup, I got three seasons this summer instead of just one), and I'm impressed. The show's quality went up after a weak season, and the episodes are hilarious. Will is getting a bit annoying though. Other than that, the flaws that filled the sixth season (Leo, Karen's fiancee, and the Grace-less episodes as well as the 'let's try and hide the fact Debra's pregnant' thingy) are gone. Janet Jackson is the only thing I didn't enjoy this season so far. Next summer, I'm getting the final season, but stay tuned for a more detailed review of this one after I'm done watching it. Great show.

Friday Night Lights (Season 1)

I couldn't watch the rest of the first season while I was gone, but I'm definately returning to this excellent football drama very soon.

Other

iPod Help!

Okay, I got the AV cable for my video iPod, but I wanted to ask you guys if:

1) The torrents for episodes come out in iPod format as fast as the regular ones do.
2) If any of you guys could recommend a high-quality iPod video converter.

I Hate..

For fun, I wanted to make a list of things(or people) I hate that would be updated every now and then.

-Michael Jackson-

One word: pedophile. "Doesn't really matter if you're black or white", but then why did you have that operation?

TV

Spoilers in Red

Will & Grace (Season 6)

Yup, I did it! For the first time ever, I got two seasons of this show in one summer. I have two discs (out of six) to go, and I'm lovin' it! The fifth season is so much better though, and I hated the Grace-less episodes since she's my favorite character. Also, it's pretty obvious Debra's pregnant this season and the director failed to hide that belly of her even if she always hides it under a table or below a pillow! The second episode of this season is one of the best I've ever seen! It's the one where Grace meets Leo's ex, the girl who is also the only one Will ever slept with! Some of the characters this season are too annoying, like Karen's fiancee and Leo, Grace's husband. Great show, good season; 4/5.

Movies

Wicker Park

What a great movie! I loved almost everything about it. The performances were good, the storylines were fresh, and the soundtrack was amazing! Songs like "Maybe Tomorrow", "The Scientist", and "Strange and Beautiful" never fail. I just got this on DVD two days ago, and I think it's one of the better and smarter thrillers on DVD. Get it! 5/5.

Little Children

Definately the best movie I've seen this summer so far. Great drama, great humor, and great performances from all the cast! Fans of "American Beauty" will love this! After seeing "The Departed", I can bash the Oscars for not even nominating this, and giving the statue for "The Departed". One of the best movies I've ever seen! Great movie.

I know I haven''t blogged in quite a while. It's cause I'm in London baby! Anyhoo, I've had so much time to watch TV and movies, and here are some mini-reviews:

My ratings system:

1 star- Seriously? Too bad to be true.
2 stars- Meh, don't bother.
3 stars- Good. Watch it if you're bored to death.
4 stars- Good entertainment.
5 stars- Very good. Get it!
Great- Excellent entertainment. Just stop reading and watch it now!

TV

Friday Night Lights (Season 1)

This is one well-written, addictive football drama! I've watched the first 7 or 8 episodes, and I'm loving it! It's one of the best TV dramas on air, and I can't wait to watch the rest of the season. Humor, drama, racism, football, and more drama. One of TV's most realistic shows (and you gotta admit, we don't have much of those these days). Great show.

Will and Grace (Season 5)

The season started off a bit slow with some 'ok' episodes, but then quicklybecame one of my favorite seasons of the show. I still have the last four episodes to watch, and I can't wait! I loved the Will and Grace fallout storyline, and I think it's the show's saddest till now. Very funny and extremely addictive. Looks like I'll be picking up season 6 this summer as well. Great show.

Movies

State of Grace

Good movie. I didn't think I would like it, but I did. Great performances from Ed and Sean. Predictable at times, but worth the watch. Fans of "The Departed" will enjoy this one! 4 stars.

A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints

Probably the best movie I've seen this summer so far! Excellent storylines. All the characters are round and flawed. Brings the street, corrupt genre back with impressive performances. Get it, now! Great movie.

The Departed

Very good movie with an excellent cast. The ideas are fresh and new, and like no other you've seen before. I don't think it deserves the Best Picture Award though, and I'm sure that if Scorcese did not direct this, it would not even get a nomination. "Little Miss Sunshine" is more Best Picture material. Don't get me wrong, this is a fine picture with impressive writing and storytelling, but not the year's best. 5 stars.

Hot Fuzz

One of the funniest movies I've ever seen, and definately up there with my all-time favorite comedies. Fans of British humor and "Shaun of the Dead" will be very impressed. Buy it! Great movie.

Rear Window

Very good Hitchcock thriller with amazing direction. The whole movie is set in an injuredjournalist's room, and you won't believe the things you can see the neighbors do from that window. From lonely neighbors to murderous ones, this will put you on the edge of your seat! 5 stars.

Recommend Some!

Last blog a lot of you recommended some great TV shows, and I'll be looking into them as soon as I can, but now, it's movie time! Recommend some movies you think I will love. Here are some of my all-time favorites:

"Misery" (starring Kathy Bates)
"Monster" (starring Charlize Theron)
"The Sixth Sense" (starring Bruce Willis)
"Pulp Fiction" (starring John Travolta)
"Kill Bill Vol. 1" (starring Uma Thurman)
"One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest" (starring Jack Nicholson)
"The Shining" (starring Jack Nicholson)

Thank you in advance, and talk to you later!

Recommend Me Anything!

I'll be in London in a few days, and I'm wondering if you guys have anything to recommend. If you know any good CDs, Books, TV Shows, and Movies that you think are worth buying, let me know!

Here are some of the stuff I like:

TV

My all-time favorite drama is Grey's Anatomy, and my all-time favorite comedy is Friends. What do these two have in common? Lovable characters, humor, drama, comedy, and storylines that will never bore the viewer. I'm not looking for new comedies to get on DVD because I'm already getting Will & Grace and I already have My Name is Earl and How I Met Your Mother to catch up with. I'm interested in well written, addictive dramas, like medical shows. Is House any good? I like shows which have a storyline for the whole season, and I don't really like shows with different plots in every episode, ala CSI and Law & Order, but if the show has both a one-season storyline as well as subplots like Veronica Mars, Supernatural, Nip/Tuck and Grey's Anatomy, that'll do. No teen dramas. No comedies (unless they're too good to be true). No crime shows (except maybe The Wire, any good?). No Buffy. Oh, and something that is already out on DVD in either the US or the UK. So, any thoughts so far?

Friday Night Lights

I downloaded the complete first season, and I'll be watching this very soon.

Coming Up: Movie, Music, and Books you recommend. For now, just recommend some good dramas for me to get when I'm in London.

TV

Friends

This summer I've been watching Friends every single day! I've watched seasons 8, 9, 10, 2, and some of 4 so far, and it's feels good to re-watch some of the best seasons on TV. I have barely watched this show all year long, and I'm glad I'm re-watching one of my all-time favorite shows.

News (Isaiah Strikes Again)

From TELEVISIONISTA!

The day will come when shamed "Grey's Anatomy" star Isaiah Washington will stop being entertaining and I will ignore his rants. Today is not that day. Oh, no. In his new interview, Washington calls his rehab "crap put out by ABC".

You have to hand it to this guy - he sure knows how to spark up controversy. Too bad the most dramatic moment of his acting career may actually take place off-screen.

In a new interview with "Newsweek" magazine, Isaiah claims he was fired because of racism. He also says there is no rehab for homophobia - it was just "crap" put out by the network.

"I went into an executive counseling program which many people in this industry know about and go to. They knew what the program was but chose to call it what they wanted to fit their agenda. And more importantly, I volunteered for it because I wanted to understand my fight with Patrick and how it got out of hand like that. I thought [ABC] sending me meant they actually wanted me to succeed and come out on the other end."

Washington then attacked ABC saying race played a significant role in the decision to let him go:

"Someone heard the booming voice of a black man and got really scared and that was the beginning of the end for me. It didn't help me on the set that I was a black man who wasn't a mush-mouth Negro walking around with his head in his hands all the time. ... I had a person in human resources tell me after this thing played out that 'some people' were afraid of me around the studio. I asked her why, because I'm a 6'1" black man with dark skin and who doesn't go around saying 'Yessah, massa sir' and 'No sir, massa' to everyone?'"

Interestingly enough Washington acknowledges his on-set temper troubles (which, in addition to homophobic-slur-fiasco, appeared to have played a significant part in the decision to terminate his employment) with the following statement:

"I have a mind of my own and I do speak it when I feel it's right. In this business that's considered being difficult and hard to deal with."

Although Washington did not mention his last week's theory about the conspiracy created by T.R. Knight and Katherine Heigl, he does seem detemined to take everyone down with him as he descends into a PR-grave he has dug out for himself.

Meanwhile, ABC has declined to comment.

Movies

Ocean's Thirteen

No, I didn't like it. I saw "Ocean's Eleven" a while back and thought it was a good movie, but then "Ocean's Twelve" came and I didn't go see it. And last week my friends insisted we go see this one. We went in late and missed half the movie. Although I was confused throughout the second half, I could still say that the movie is nothing special. 2.5/5.

Blades of Glory

Dumb. Predictable. Weird. But still funny. I'm not a huge fan of the actors, but the movie was entertaining. It did kill off my boredom, and that's why I appreciate it, but other than that, it's nothing special at all. 3/5.

Books

I have 30 pages to go, and this book is one of the best I've ever read. Like "The Kite Runner", it tells the story of two citizens in Afghanistan, but this time they're females. Khaled Hosseini covers everything (death, love, redemption, war, sex, friendship, etc.). His writing is poetic, and I never read any book in just one week, but with this one, I literally couldn't stop reading it, and I stayed up till 7 a.m. reading it every day. One of the best books ever. I just hope the author writes more of these! Great book, 5/5. Perfection.

From TELEVISIONISTA:

Every time I write a post about this story I say to myself - that's it, this is really the last one. But, how can you leave a story like this, when every time it only gets juicier and crazier? In an interview with gay activist Keith Boykin, Isaiah Washington claims T.R. Knight, who allegedly couldn't care less about the gay community, conspired with Katherine Heigl to have him and Patrick Dempsey (!) removed from "Grey's Anatomy."

On Thursday evening, Washington said to Boykin he stood by everything he had said in his local newspaper Houston Chronicle and went on to further describe the situation on the set by revealing an alleged clash between T.R. Knight and Patrick Dempsey who, according to Washington, are not on the speaking terms. In fact, Washington now claims Patrick Dempsey thinks T.R. Knight should have been fired, too.

Here is now, word for word, what Isaiah said to Keith:


"I'm not firing back at anybody else in the cast but T.R. Knight and Katie Heigl because they both know as well as Chandra Wilson knows that T.R. Knight was very tactical in trying to remove me from the show because he knows that I know, and I was gagged, that he has been working on a conspiracy to get Patrick Dempsey and myself off the show for the last year and a half."

"The only reason I used his name, T.R., in the argument was because he had led me to believe that Patrick Dempsey was so abusive and so horrible to people in a two and a half hour conversation on the plane. For two and a half hours, this boy talked my ear off, Keith, about how horrible Patrick Dempsey is and how he needs to be removed from the show. And in my argument, the irony of it is that Patrick happened to show some behavior that was very in line with what T.R. was telling me on the plane and I challenged T.R. to deny it or say this isn't true."

"All the dirty macking that he gave me about Patrick Dempsey led me to believe that Patrick was trying to treat me in a disrespectful manner, in the same kind of manner apparently accorded to T.R. that Patrick had treated him. And even to this day, when I went back to the set Patrick Dempsey and T.R. still have a rift and are still not on speaking terms. They do not talk to each other..."

"I know Patrick Dempsey has supported me by stating that if there is anyone that needs to be fired it is T.R. Knight because he has created such a negative environment on that set because he felt like he has not been treated and given the same leading man kinds of story lines that have been given to Patrick and Isaiah. He felt like his character was being treated very caricatureish and dopey and he wanted a change. That's why you see his character changing so significantly into being all of a sudden this really dopey guy into being this uber he-man that's sleeping with everyone."

"This is something that T.R. Knight has been trying to do and using the incident of the so-called F-word that was targeted at him, which is a flat out lie, to blackmail the writers into doing his bidding, and it's not working. The producers are not happy about it, and quite frankly, they all think that something has gone awfully awry with the stability of T.R. Knight. And I can freely say this now because I am no longer a Disney employee and I am no longer gagged. But everyone there, including the producers, all the way up to Touchstone, are very disappointed in the behavior of T.R. Knight."

"And let me be clear Keith. All of this I'm saying to you has absolutely nothing to do with the fact that he's gay He came out October 19 as purely a tactical move to do exactly what it did, get public opinion in an outrage to lead them to believe that he is being picked on because he is gay He could care less about the gay community."


So, let's see if I got this straight...


#1 Patrick Dempsey and the producers and everyone at Touchstone is disappointed in T.R. Knight. Why did they fire Isaiah Washington then?

#2 T.R. Knight led Isaiah Washington to believe (prior to the original October incident) that Patrick Dempsey was "horrible." And that is the reason why Isaiah said to Patrick (during that incident): "I am not your little f***** like T.R."?! Doesn't Isaiah's use of the homophobic slur in that outburst actually indicate that he thought Patrick and T.R. were close friends?

#3 T.R. Knight conspired to have Isaiah and Patrick removed from the show so he could become more of a leading man. So, in essence, T.R. was stupid enough to think he could have the show's #1 male star Dempsey removed?

Well, this guy certainly doesn't know how to lose with dignity, does he now? In fact, by ranting in all these places (he will appear on CNN's Larry King LIVE next Friday) it appears he is revealing that very temper that got him into trouble in the first place.

I would love to hear from Patrick Dempsey, though. Whether there is even a glimmer of truth in what Isaiah is saying in the media or whether he is a delusional man with a serious anger management problem, Dempsey is the one who could finally set the record straight.

From TELEVISIONISTA:

Fired "Grey's Anatomy" star Isaiah Washington is not going away without a fight. In an interview with Houston Chronicle, the actor claims "there is no way in his heart he could be homophobic" and says T.R. Knight should have been fired because he manipulated the entire incident to "get himself a raise and stop being perceived as a dopey character and become the leading man."

Washington also claims that when T.R. Knight said on the Ellen show in January of this year that he called him a f***** - he lied. He are the actor's words taken from a telephone interview with the publication:

"I used the word during a disagreement with Patrick. I apologized for that. We shook hands and went back to work."

"I am considering a lawsuit. My livelihood, my honor and dignity and my name have been so challenged."

"I did everything I said I would do. I offered to go to counseling, to do a public service announcement. I wanted everyone to know I was remorseful."

"My use of the word at the [Golden Globes] awards ceremony was taken out of context. I was responding to a reporter's question about whether I had used the slur."

"That was a shock. I did everything they told me to do, including not saying anything, and then they didn't renew my contract. That's not fair."

"I'm not angry. I'm disappointed."

Books

This book is now among my all-time favorites along with Khaled Hosseini's "The Kite Runner" and Cormac McCarthy's "The Road". It's an autobiography about how little Antoinette used to get physically abused and raped by her father. Her mother betrayed her. "I felt secure in my mother's love. She would tell him to stop. She didn't." This story of a young girl who tried to commit suicide more than once, got raped and rejected starting at the age of six is one of the best and most heartbreaking true stories you will ever read. Toni Maguire has some courage to share her story with the world.

Great Book, 5/5.

Next Book I'm Reading:

I can't wait to pick this up tomorrow. Khaled Hosseini's debut, "The Kite Runner" is a masterpiece! I heard that this one is even better!

Music

Thirteen Senses is a great band and fans of Snow Patrol, Keane, and Coldplay won't be dissapointed! Here are the highlights from their album, "The Invitation":

"Gone"
"History"
"Last Forever"
"Lead Us"
"The Salt Wound Routine"
"Saving"
"Undivided"
"Do No Wrong"
"Thru the Glass"

Highlights from Kate Havnevik's "Melankton" include:

Kate Havnevik:

"Grace"
"So:Lo"
"Timeless"
"Unlike Me"
"Nowhere Warm"
"New Day"
"Kleidoscope"
"Sleepless"
"Someday"

Other Must-Downloads:

"Say It Ain't So" Mozella
"Light Years Away" Mozella
"They'll Never Know" Ross Copperman
"Lightning Crashes" Live
"Closer" Travis
"One Headlight" The Wallflowers

That'll be all for now! Any recommendations will be great!