TV Shows that got a raw Deal

All the time  TV shows are given the green light, then either through poor ratings, poor reviews, poor advertising,  or the wrong timing they get the axe. Very oftten they aren’t even given the chance to wrap up properly leaving the faithful viewers left a little empty, bitter and unfulfilled.

Some of my favorite shows that I feel weren’t given a long enough shot are:

COMEDY

Andy Richter Controls the Universe- Some may know him as Conan O’Brien’s rotund sidekick, but Andy is a funny guy.  In this hilarious show Andy is living in Chicago as a writer for a faceless corporation , where he gets himself into a whole bunch of mishaps. The show ran for 19 episodes on FOX. Andy hasn’t had a really good show that has had longevity in several tries.

Stella- The bizarre day to day lives of three peculiar gentleman in suits ( Michael Ian Black, Michael Showalter, & David Wain).  It started out as a comedy sketch troupe, then moved on to online shorts before hitting Comedy Central.  The show only got 10 episodes, and if that wasn’t hard enough it was replaced by mind of mencia. Since Stella’s cancellation the guys have done okay, Black & Showalter have a new show Michael and Michael have issues, and David Wain had a web series called Wainy Days & directed two films; The Ten & Role Models.

Greg the Bunny- A very funny  sitcom where humans & puppets co exist. The show focuses on a little bunny puppet  Greg ,his best human  friend Jimmy ( Seth Green) who wind up working on a popular kids show sweetknuckle junction. The show was another shining star on the FOX quick pull trigger finger.

Clerks The animated Series- The beloved characters of the cult classic bring their quick wits to the small screen. This show ran on ABC for a brief period. This show was axed due to Kevin smith having problems with… well probably everyone.
Freaks & Geeks- Judd Apatow’s first big endeavor into TV. A coming of age comedy/drama about a family in 1980′s Michigan & the nerds and burnouts that revolve around them. It was a launching pad for a lot of young Hollywood’s big names in comedy. It got rave reviews but since it was an off beat show it wasn’t a mainstream success until DVD.

Undeclared  - Judd Apatow’s 2nd big kick at the can that is TV. A College based comedy/drama  set in the early  2000′s with Jay Baruchel playing the nerdy but lovable protagonist trying to find his way at college. After 17 episodes and poor ratings the show was canned. Apatow chalks it up to the fact that you can’t paint a full picture of college life on cable TV so it’s always a toned down version which doesn’t always win the kids over.

Clone High- An animated venture by ” scrubs” creator Bill Lawrence. Set in a high school all the characters are modern day teenage clones of important historical figures. The show was zany , goofy and off the wall but it was hilarious. Even though it had great voice talents and clever writing It was a show that  fell victim to being a cult favorite and really not taking off until after it’s hiatus/cancellation.

Undergrads- A cartoon show about four best friends and their lives together at college as freshman. It was also a hilarious one season wonder that grew after it was cancelled. However creator Pete Williams has tried to get it back on the air, and since he does all the voices and is a major creative hand it is possible but still a slim chance.

DRAMA

Veronica Mars- The spunky & crazy hot teenage wonder balanced life as a student and P.I. Where she faced spoiled rich kids, latin gangsters and a proverbial  melting pot of lowlifes in the town of Neptune, California just outside San Diego. The show was smart, funny, creative and well thought out. It’s signature was season long story arcs with huge twists at the end. The show altered its format in the third season, that combined with a changed time slot , a dip in ratings, & the writer’s guild strike brought a very good show to a screeching halt. There is talks of a spin off as V Mars working for the FBI but thats almost been dashed by Rob Thomas the show’s creator.

Black Donnelys-  a Crime drama about four Irish- American brothers living in Hell’s Kitchen, NY and their involvement in organized crime. It was a great show that ended in limbo and it was upsetting. Big wigs at NBC have kept a tight seal on the details of the shows cancellation, there may be sketchy details involved because it got great reviews, and average ratings. normally those types of shows get put on the bubble but this show got quickly ripped from the air after 13 episodes.. Tis was a shame, normally Paul Haggis= Gold  and this was no acception, just didn’t get the chance.

This is my personal opinion, and there will be an honorable mention coming soon, but if you feel I missed any gems or campy greatness feel free to comment.

Canada Womens team has Nothing to apologize for, They’re golden

Last Night, Feburary 25th 2010 Canada’s Womens team captured Gold by shutting out the United States 2-0. After the medals were handed out , an impromptu celebration took place with a bit of boozin’ and cigar smoking. One of them Marie- Philip- Poulin, just 18 and under age to drink in B.C.  Team Canada sent out their apologies this morning for their behaviour.

I feel the IOC (International Olympic Committee) Serious ly needs to get the sticks removed from their collective asses! It’s ametur sports which means little to no pay, it is all done for the love of the sport, competition and their country. If they want to party on their hom soil after winning a GOLD MEDAL who gives them the right to stop them. When in the moment things just happen and they wanted to party harty so what’s the big deal.

Poulin is a mere month away from turning 19 (march 28), not to mention she has dranken in her own province of Quebec, and she was under the supervision of teem mates and coachesm all over 19.

TheIOC plan to investigate the situation, which is lame because there are more pressing matters at hand like th DEATH of the luger and all the subsequent accidents.The IOC cant hand out any lame reasons like they have to set an example, Bull shit! They’re not on a pay roll and if it is its miniscule and in a few weeks  most of these ladies will slip back into obscurity so who the hell cares what they do.

Those hosers at the IOC need to realize we do things differently in the great white north and if they don’t like it they can take off!!

Congratulations to the Women’s team on the gold and celebrating their way

Ultimate Christmas Playlist

This month the same old christmas songs are played in every mall, radio station and department store. Well, here is a mix of alternative twists and new classics.

1) Sleigh Ride- Reliant K
2) Christmas In Hollis- Run DMC
3) I won’t be home for christmas- Blink 182

4) Merry christmas (I don’t want to fight) – The Ramones

5) Christmas Must be tonight- The Band

6) Merry Christmas Baby- Otis Redding

7)  Oi to the world – No Doubt ( Vandals Cover)

8 ) All I want for Christmas is you- My Chemical Romance

9) Little Saint Nick- The Beach boys

10) A Wicked Hardcore Christmas- Big D & The Kids Table

11) Sure doesn’t feel like Christmas Time- The Mighty Mighty Bosstones

12) This time of year- The Mighty Mighty Bosstones

13) Baby it’s cold outside- Dean Martin & Doris Day

14) Christmas ( Baby please come home)- Death Cab for cutie

15) God rest ye merry Gentlemen- The  barenaked Ladies

16) Christmas Day- MXPX

17)Happy Christmas ( The war is over) John Lennon

18) Last Christmas- Jimmy Eat World ( Wham Cover)

19) A great big sled- The killers

20) Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays-  N’Sync

21) Please come home for christmas- The Eagles

22) Run Run Rudolph- Chuck Berry

23) Santa Clause is coming to town- Bruce Springsteen

24) Santa Clause is back in town- Bryan Setzer Orchestra

25) White Christmas- Gold Finger

26) Don’t Shoot me Santa- The Killers

27) Grandma got runover by a reindeer- Less than Jake

28) Hanukkah song (s) – Adam Sandler

29) Mele Kalikimaka- Bing Crosby

30) You’re a mean one Mr. grinch- Rockapella

31) You’re a mean one Mr. grinch- Blue Meanies

32) Christmas in Hell- Pennywise

33) Ex Miss- New Found Glory

34) Joy To the world- the OC Supertones

35) Yule Shoot your eye out- Fall out boy

36) Happy birthday Guadeloupe- the Killers

37) Joseph, Better you than me- The Killers F) Elton John

38) Jingle Bell Rock- Brian Setzer

39) Christmas Celebration- Weezer

AND OF COURSE

40) FAIRYTALE OF NEW YORK- THE POGUES

You put this playlist  on All month it will be the most rockin  Christmas ever!!!

Surviving Christmas? Bah Humbug

We shouldn’t have to survive the holiday, we should embrace it. That being said the holidays can be a difficult and stressful time. Whether it be a financial issue or just always on the go people emotionally and physically drain themselves. So here are some of my own personal tips..

Surviving the Mall
1) No excuses, Get’r done!
I know you are busy, with school, work or what have you but unless you work every day you can’t say you don’t have one day to shop. Even if you give one day and knock it all out in one day, like a bandaid quick and painless.

2) The Earlier the better.

If you can get it done earlier you save yourself a lot of grief. No battles in the parking lot , no sell outs or not settling for second best, you  can get what you want on your schedule  then you can wrap em and kick back and relax.

3) Time of Day

As a man who has experience working in a mall, I can say by the end of  the day I am ready to kill someone.  Lots of people and the extended hours really take it’s toll and you are not feeling the whole “service with a smile” thing. If you want the best shopping experience go right when the mall first opens. The staff is fresh and you can get the best customer service, and a primo parking spot. Also you are more patient and not quite ready to fight someone.You leave the mall happy and with a pleasant experience and you are not jaded wanting this holiday  to end.

4) Don’t be a hero!! Take a break

The mall can be a whimsical but exhausting place. a lot of walking and talking can leave you tired. Take a break hit the food court or grab a cinnabon ( it is the cheating/ binging time of year anyway right?)  If you bring a water bottle  it will keep you hydrated and the energy up.

5) Shopping cyber style
If you wanna avoid the mall all together which isn’t a bad Idea, do it early so you don’t get burned on express rush shipping charges. It can be the easiest way to do it but if you wait too long you can come to Christmas empty handed looking like a shmuck.

Surviving the social side

1) Time and space
One of the biggest problems of the holidays is people cramming in all the parties and family functions in too close together. The end result is you are run down and exhausted. It’s a long month, space it out and you can enjoy it all.

2) Enjoy the little things
Egg nog, Christmas movies, caroling, church pageants, tree lighting ceremonies, Christmas music, and togetherness.. It may be hoakey or lame but it only comes once a year.

3) Giving
People are selfish by nature, and this is the only time of year people are giving and not thinking of one another. Take that to the next level give a little something to the less fortunate or donate your time, do something to help someone that’s not a family or friend.

** Sidenote** since money is flowing and being spent, spirits are high, if you owe someone money or are coming to collect a loan from a friend, now is as good a time as any, it sucks and some people lose a lot because of collectors but it is a part of life and business.

4) Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays?
Even though the majority of the people celebrate Christmas let us not forget there are others out there, take time to learn about other cultures; kwanza, tet, Hanukkah, ramadan, I’m sure there are others out there. It makes you appreciate your culture as well as others

5) Moderation
Most people cast December as a throw away month where they can party hardy and eat what they want and I am just as guilty. Remember moderation is key

Well As I write this at 9 pm on November 30, TOMORROW is December 1st take my tips to heart and get to shopping. Whatever you do be surrounded by family, friends and loved ones. Have a safe and happy Holiday