Tag Archives: tv

Tour de France

I’m actually watching a sporting event on TV right now … well, slightly time shifted, as it’s recording on the the TiVo.

I’m watching (as you might have guessed) the Tour de France.

I’m honestly not following most the technical details, but it’s kind of interesting.

Unfortunately, the detached perspective of watching on TV makes it hard to judge the significance of various aspects … like speed, climbs, head winds, etc.

Still, kind of interesting.  I’ll keep watching for a while.

Old SF TV

For some reason, Tivo has been recording a lot of old SF shows recently.

A lot of these shows I’ve been fans of in the past … Star Trek: The Next Generation, Highlander, Seven Days, etc.

As I watch these shows I’m amazed at how bad they are.   I’m truly amazed that I considered these shows good at one point.   I was actually a fan of many of them.

Now I find the acting wooden, the special effects primitive, and the plots flat.

Of course some of the shows I thought were bad initially are still just as bad … like Star Trek Voyager (then why do I still watch it on occasion?).

Maybe it’s old age?   I wonder if, as time goes by, I’ll start considering some of the shows I like now to be just as bad?

Freedom of Expression?

We’re watching TV right now and, as a bit of an anomaly, we’re actually watching a commercial … the commercial has a woman discussing that she loves “Freedom of Expression” … and then goes on to describe how she talked to her doctor about Botox treatment.

Um, correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t Botox actually paralyze the muscles in your face … thus freezing your expression?   It’s more like “Freedom FROM Expression”.

Regardless, shouldn’t any ‘cosmetic’ with the word “Toxin” in the official name raise just a tad bit of worry?

Barack Obama Costume

Ok, yeah, it’s Saturday Night Live … and, yup, it’s the election season … but I really enjoyed Barak Obama’s cameo on TV … [kml_flashembed movie=”http://www.youtube.com/v/ndQM0X5rhfE” width=”425″ height=”350″ wmode=”transparent” /]

And, yes, I still think that Clinton has absolutely no right to her current position in the Senate … and absolutely will not vote for her in the primary. If she happens to win the primary, I will do a write in vote for president.

Reality TV

next_iron_chef.jpgI’ve never been a big fan of reality TV … but I have to say, I’m really enjoying the show “The Next Iron Chef” on Food TV.   I’ve always enjoyed The Iron Chef (although I do admit to liking the American version better than the original, Japanese, version … maybe because it’s easier to follow).

It really seems to show the pressure that the chef’s are under and the extraordinary challenges they are presented with.

I also see a genuine camaraderie amoung the chefs … they clearly know each other, know each others cooking, and respect each other.   They are friendly rivals instead of being out and out combatants.

I like the fact that Alton Brown, acting as commentator & moderator, is able to participate in the evaluation … if not acting as a full judge.

The other judges I could take or leave … they are unimpressive at the very best.   Boring in some respects.   This last episode, in the Lufthansa’s catering facilities, they included the head chef from Lufthansa … who added a unique perspective.   I really liked his inclusion in the judging.   IMO, he was probably the only person qualified to really judge this competition.

(warning, spoiler ahead)

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