Posted by Cubicle QB

Every year I get excited for the NFL Draft, and every year it leaves me with a bit of a “blech” feeling about two hours into it. On Saturday, I got the feeling a little earlier than usual, thanks to Keyshawn Johnson in ESPN’s booth. [Update: It seems the Carolina Panthers felt the same.] It was a beautiful day here, so after I saw Wisconsin’s Joe Thomas taken at No. 3, I decided to let the DVR handle the rest of the first round for me. (A DVR makes the draft so much more tolerable.) I went to the zoo, and got back in time to see the Bears make their first pick. Two major impressions from the draft:

Everyone there in NYC was wearing Virginia Tech lapel pins, and I thought that was a classy tribute. But minutes before the first pick, they trotted out VT football coach Frank Beamer and a few former VT players, and Beamer gave some spiel that seemed so contrived and tacky. And bringing out Michael Vick — who managed to upset lots of people last week — really soured the whole tribute.

Brady Quinn’s slide through the first round was pretty amusing. Perhaps teams were confused by the QB’s somewhat androgynous appearance. Seriously, the dude looked like Jonathan Rhys Meyers in Velvet Goldmine.

Categories: Sports by Cubicle QB
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Posted by Cubicle QB

So perhaps you’ve heard that the NFL Draft is this weekend. Twenty years ago, people who watched the draft might have been called “dorks.” Now they’re called “guys.”

And thank you, Gary Thorne, for reminding everyone about Curt Schilling’s bloody sock, because we didn’t hear enough about it three years ago. Fortunately, Schilling likes to avoid confrontation and spectacle, so this matter should be quickly forgotten.* [Update: Like I was just sayin'.]

*May contain sarcasm

Stuff going down this weekend:

Tonight

NBA Playoffs: A trio of Game 3s — Toronto Raptors at New Jersey Nets (ESPN2), Chicago Bulls at Miami Heat (ESPN) and Dallas Mavericks at Golden State Warriors (ESPN). The Heat should probably start thinking about winning right about … now.

NHL Playoffs: N.Y. Rangers at Buffalo Sabres, Game 2 (Versus) and Vancouver Canucks at Anaheim Ducks, Game 2 (Versus). Canucks vs. Ducks inspires lots of dirty limericks.

Saturday

NFL Draft (ESPN, ESPN2 and NFL Network). You will wait patiently for three hours for your team to make its first pick, only to see it traded away. D’oh!

NASCAR Busch Series Aaron’s 312 at Talladega Superspeedway (ABC). NASCAR asked some guy named Aaron to pick a number between 1 and 500.

Sunday

NFL Draft, Day 2 (ESPN). Then it’s back to the basement with you, Mel Kiper!

NASCAR Nextel Cup Aaron’s 499 at Talladega Superspeedway (FOX). That Aaron guy sure does get around. Tony Stewart’s going to have to win this one — we suspect he’s going to be out some cash very soon.

Barbaro: A Nation’s Horse (NBC). This documentary special looks at last year’s Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro, who broke his leg at the Preakness, underwent months of rehabilitation, got thousands of interesting e-mails and went to horse heaven in January. Sunday also would have been Barbaro’s 4th birthday, so I’m going to pour out a mint julep on the curb for my dead horsey.

Photo: Credit: Rich Arden/ESPN

Categories: Sports by Cubicle QB
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Posted by TVita

When I heard the fantastic news about Scott Baio’s pending reality dating show Scott Baio Is 45 … And Single, a quick Google took me to an even more fantastic article from Radar Magazine. Chachi was promoting his 2005 stint on Arrested Development, but it’s his definitive answer to the “Would you ever be on The Surreal Life?” question that’s the real kicker.

“No. I just think it’s very indulgent, self-serving. It’s just not what I want to do with my life. I don’t want to be that guy. I don’t have to be that guy. I know this is a cyclical business, and I’m not going to do something that’s going to hurt my future work. Plus, I just hate those shows. I can’t comment on why anyone else would do it. I just don’t know.”

Oh, Charles. Bet you wish you would’ve been a little more in charge of your mouth on that one, huh?

It’s painfully obvious that the former teen heartthrob with the bawdry past is looking for a little VH1 “celebreality” buzz for the memoirs he’s been shopping around town. Why publishers haven’t picked up BaioWatch: How I Dated And Loved Hollywood’s Most Beautiful Women and Ended Up Alone (yes, that’s the real title) is a mystery. No word on how the new series will help Baio find the love of his life, but if any of you single ladies out there want a little preview of the sweet nothings coming your way, tuck this BaioWatch excerpt under your pillow: “Take it from me, when a woman says, ‘I need time to think,’ it’s over. You’re f***ed. That train has left the station. Cry for two days, then find someone else.”

Aw, such a softie.

© 2006 Kathy Hutchins/ZUMA KPA/Newscom

Categories: Reality TV by admin
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Posted by TVita

I didn’t want to watch Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll. I even blogged about the premiere and how awful it was, what with Robin Antin’s scary lips and the Dolls’ messed up message. Then, I watched it again. And again. And somewhere along the way, I fell in love with a little underdog named Chelsea. She used to be overweight! She’s “not a trained dancer!” She looks great with big, blunt bangs! As Asia, Melissa R. and even too-big-to-be-a-Doll* Anastacia danced circles around Chelsea, she worked her ass off, and I kept my fingers crossed that her superior vocals and “x-factor” would win out. And it did! At least, it did until last night, when Miss “Give Me A Cheeseburger” Asia was declared The Next Pussycat Doll. Shrieking in disbelief, I suddenly realized that … I was shrieking in disbelief because of the Pussycat Dolls reality show. First I fall for The Bachelor and now this?! Before you know it, I’ll be raving about My Super Sweet 16. While I ponder my imminent doom, visit The CW to audition for Season 2 of Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll, because I’m going to need something to watch when they send me off to the loony bin – and you might just be the next “sassy, but classy” underdog to win my heart.

*The most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard, btw.

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Posted by Rabbitears

Hey, all, I know I’m in the minority as a person who doesn’t watch American Idol, but I have to admit that they are finally doing something worthwhile. Tonight and tomorrow night FOX is airing Idol Gives Back, a fundraiser special to help children and young people in extreme poverty in America and Africa. On tonight’s performance show, the top six show finalists will sing “life anthem” songs of hope (can I predict a “We Are the World” cover?). On tomorrow’s two-hour results show, Ellen Degeneres hosts a star-studded evening with Celine Dion, Kelly Clarkson, Pink, Gwen Stefani, Earth, Wind & Fire, the Simon Cowell-manufactured classical boy band Il Divo, Keira Knightley (hopefully not there to pimp the new Pirates movie), Hugh Grant, Josh Groban with the African Children’s Choir, Jack Black, Helen Mirren, Rascal Flatts, Quincy Jones, Annie Lennox, Carrie Underwood and Bono. This special airs Wednesday, live at 8pm ET (tape delayed in Pacific Time).

Tonight CBS is airing an episode of Cold Case on a special night and time (10pm ET/PT). When the 1958 suicide of a radio personality is discovered to have been a murder, Lilly and the team must find the truth of his private life by decoding a message hidden in his final broadcast.

fuse is making it good to be bad with a new series debuting tonight at 10pm ET called Rad Girls. Darling Clementine, Munchie and Ramona Cash — described by the network as “sun-kissed hardbodies” — take risks and embark on wild stunts previously reserved for their male counterparts. Featuring antics with names like “Crane Wedgies,” “Elevator Farting Contest” and “Tabasco Sauce in the Eyes,” it may be unlikely that most men would have the guts to pull these off. I guess it’s just proof that some women can be as much of a Jackass as Johnny Knoxville.

I admit it. I sometimes watch kids’ stuff like cartoons. Wanna fight about it? One good show in particular is The CW’s The Batman, which airs Saturdays. Beginning this Saturday and continuing next weekend, the two-part season finale finds Batman facing Gotham’s most devastating threat ever — an alien invasion. At the same time, new detective John Jones (aka Martian Manhunter, who you may remember from the late, great series Justice League) arrives in town, hinting to Batman that he may know his secret. Lucius Fox also appears, perhaps setting up for next season a partnership with Batman like the one seen in the movie Batman Begins.

Just like most young women have a wide range of personalities, the daughters of U.S. presidents have ranged from good role models to partiers and Playboy Playmates. They’ve just done it in the public eye. This Saturday at 6pm ET/PT, E! looks at some of the most notable ones in First Daughters: The E! True Hollywood Story (though this episode’s connection to Hollywood may be a bit tenuous). From media-shy Chelsea Clinton to Playmate Patti Davis to the fun-loving Bush twins, most of the usual suspects are here. One memorable story from Susan Ford tells how she was able to “escape” the White House one night. What did she do with this freedom? She and a friend sat in a Safeway parking lot and drank a six-pack. Like mother like daughter?

More superhero news. The CW and Toyota have launched “Smallville Legends: Justice and Doom.” Now through the season finale of Smallville on May 19, fans will see on-air comic book interstitials driving them to an immersive online game at this website. The game presents players with five challenges related to the last five episodes of the season. This “integrated storytelling experience” offers answers to unexplained questions from the entire run of the series, details the backstory behind a major plot line, explains the secret history preceding the formation of Oliver Queen’s team, and reveals the perilous mission it has been tasked with. And of course, the Toyota Yaris, already a regular guest star on the series, will make appearances. Not even Superman can defeat the power of product placement.

Simon Cowell photo: Credit:  Gary Moyes/Comic Relief Ltd.

Categories: TV News & Program Updates by RabbitEars
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Posted by Cubicle QB

Hopefully you’ve had a chance to see the Gatorade “inner voice” commercial with Derek Jeter and Harvey Keitel, in which Keitel goads Jeter into stealing bases. It’s not online yet, but give it a few hours. [Update: Here's a link to the YouTube. And this isn't the first time I've misquoted Harvey Keitel. I've been misquoting Monkey Trouble for years.]

Alas, the Pittsburgh Penguins have been eliminated from the NHL playoffs. The guy who operates NBC’s “Crosby Cam” is hitting the bricks today.

Here’s what’s on this weekend:

Tonight

NASCAR Busch Series Bashas’ Supermarkets 200 at Phoenix International Raceway, ESPN2. How can we not root for Morgan Shepherd driving the No. 01 Racing With Jesus Chevy?

Major League Baseball: N.Y. Yankees at Boston Red Sox, ESPN. There’s going to be so much booing, A-Rod’s going to think it’s a home game.

Saturday

Possibly some NBA playoff action begins.

Major League Baseball: N.Y. Yankees at Boston Red Sox or St. Louis Cardinals at Chicago Cubs, FOX. There are no big rivalries to see here. Please disperse.

NASCAR Nextel Cup Subway Fresh Fit 500 at Phoenix International Raceway, FOX. Jeff Gordon gets the pole as he tries to win for the first time in Phoenix. As part of the sponsorship deal, Subway spokesman Jared Fogle will be Gordon’s gas man.

Sunday

NHL Conference Quarterfinals: New Jersey at Tampa Bay, Game 6 (NBC) and Detroit at Calgary, Game 6 (Versus). I thought the Wings were going to make it through this round. Now, I’m not so sure.

Champ Car World Series: Grand Prix of Houston, ESPN. Announcer Rick Benjamin says of the Houston course: “It was a very good track for racing last year. I was very surprised at how much passing went on with such a short circuit. There’s not a big straightaway but a lot of guys were willing to make bonsai moves under braking into corners.” Auto racing and small-tree pruning — together at last!

Major League Baseball: N.Y. Yankees at Boston Red Sox, ESPN. Hey, I thought I told you guys to disperse!

Photo: Credit: Paul J. Bereswill/Newsday/MCT

Categories: Sports by Cubicle QB
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Posted by Rabbitears

Hey, gang, the Rabbitears are up once again, and here’s what they’ve received:

AMC just announced its coverage of the 2007 Taurus World Stunt Awards on May 25 at 10:30pm ET. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, the 2005 host, returns to headline the festivities. This year, Jeanne Epper becomes the first woman honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Epper’s 50-year career as a stuntwoman includes work on TV series like Wonder Woman and Charlie’s Angels, and such films as Armageddon and Kill Bill: Vol. 2. Also receiving this award is Burt Reynolds, who’s done many of his own stunts in films like Smokey and the Bandit and Cannonball Run. On the more current front, 300’s Gerard Butler is awarded as The Action Movie Star of the Year.

PBS is working on African American Lives 2, the follow-up to the successful special that researched the histories of black celebrities such as Oprah Winfrey and Chris Tucker back to their family roots in Africa. This time, Harvard scholar Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr. is looking for one select “regular person” whose roots will be traced. The chosen African American will have his or her roots mapped through DNA analysis and genealogical research. To be considered, visit the show’s website and submit your application. Applications must be received by 6pm ET on May 4, or they will not be considered.

If you can’t get enough telenovelas, you’ll be happy to hear that Azteca America is debuting a new one this Monday. Se Busca un Hombre is about a successful businesswoman who appears to have it all, until she finds out that her husband is secretly seeing another woman. The soap will air weekdays at 9pm ET.

All you ballers out there might want to check out a new BET series premiering tomorrow night, appropriately called Ballers. The show is billed as “a night out with the boys” as it talks sports in a sexy club setting. John “Best Damn Sports Show” Salley hosts, and is joined by NFL Pro Bowler Hugh Douglas and comedian Guy Torry. Of course, a sexy club wouldn’t be complete without a lovely lady, and Deal or No Deal’s Claudia Jordan is on hand, for no real specified reason other than to “enhance the club’s party vibe.” DJ Rashida works the turntables. The only thing missing for the true club experience is Pacman Jones raining bills down upon the women.

Beginning today, America’s Most Wanted is giving you the chance to vote online for America’s Most Wanted All-Star. The final list comes from hundreds of nominations submitted by folks who want to give recognition to the first responders who help them every day. You can vote at the show’s website through May 8.

This Sunday at 7pm ET/PT on The CW, if you happen to notice a different style of direction of the episode of Seventh Heaven (if you ever happen to notice direction at all on the fairly vanilla series), it may be because the cast and crew was taking orders from none other than Jason Priestley, who was at the helm of the episode “Some Break-Ups and Some Get-Togethers.” Hmmm … almost sounds like it could have been an episode of Beverly Hills 90210.

Rabbitears down!

Categories: TV News & Program Updates by RabbitEars
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Posted by Cubicle QB

I owe the title of the NBA playoff preview post to TNT’s NBA analyst Reggie Miller. This is the same Reggie Miller who, during a pregame show, asked guest Stevie Wonder, “What do you expect to see in tonight’s game?” Keep up the good work, Reggie.

The playoff matchups are set and the first games get started on Saturday. Here’s the weekend’s schedule of Game 1s, along with our pick for the series winner:

Saturday (All times Eastern)

New Jersey at Toronto, 12:30pm, ESPN. Our Pick: Vince Carter will not get a nice welcome back in Toronto, and the Raptors will put up a fight. But Vince will have the last laugh in the series. Nets in seven.

Miami at Chicago, 3pm, ABC. Our Pick: The Heat dispatched the Bulls in the first round last season, but the Bulls will have the home court advantage and think they can win this time. It will be a close one. Heat in seven.

Orlando at Detroit, 7pm, ESPN. Our Pick: Detroit swept the season series vs. Orlando. They’ll probably sweep the playoff series, too. Pistons in four.

Utah at Houston, 9:30pm, ESPN. Our Pick: This should be a good, hard-fought physical series. When the dust clears, T-Mac will finally get beyond the first round. Rockets in seven.

Sunday

Washington at Cleveland, 12:30pm, TNT. Our Pick: LeBron vs. the Wizards without Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler? Pretty easy. The Wizards just hope Etan Thomas doesn’t slap Antawn Jamison during the game (see photo). Cavs in five.

L.A. Lakers at Phoenix, 3pm, ABC. Our Pick: The Suns took out the Lakers in the first round last year after being down 3 games to 1. We think it won’t be as hard this year. Suns in six.

Denver at San Antonio, 7pm, TNT. Our Pick: It will be fun to see what happens with Melo and Iverson together on the playoff stage. Tim Duncan won’t have to worry about official Joey Crawford anymore, and the Spurs won’t have to worry about being upset in the first round. Spurs in six.

Golden State at Dallas, 9:30pm, TNT. Our Pick: The Warriors will be happy just to win a game. We think they’ll be happy. Dallas in five.

Photo: Credit: Harry E. Walker/MCT

Categories: Sports by Cubicle QB
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Posted by TVita

Rest easy, America. Simon Cowell is not a heartless meanie! See? Even the children love him! In a FOX conference call today, executive producer Ken Warwick explained — and explained again … and again — that despite appearances in last night’s broadcast, the often blase judge did not (did you get that? DID NOT!) roll his eyes at a remark made by contestant Chris Richardson regarding this week’s tragedy at Virginia Tech University. “Simon didn’t hear him!” Warwick repeatedly exclaimed. Turns out, Simon was reacting to Richardson’s justification of his nasally performance as a conscious, recognizable singing style — a “style” that “Simon hates with a vengeance.” When Cowell learned of the unfortunate camera cut, the executive producer explained, “he was mortified after!”

Unlike some of Idol’s more eagle-eyed fans, Warwick missed the eye roll. “I was sitting next to the director, I’ve got the monitor in front of me,” he says. “And I didn’t even catch that he’d done an eye roll!”

The debacle will be addressed in tonight’s show, it seems, but not dwelled upon. Instead, the attention will focus on the all-important results and the show’s Idol Gives Back charity campaign. Explaining the campaign, Warwick said, “It’s something that’s done in Europe — this kind of charity entertainment show — which is mixed with music and comedy, and it’s very successful. The telethon way of doing these kind of shows is something a little bit that we don’t … we’ve moved on from there in Europe. So it was only a matter of time before it came over here.”

Yeah, um … we know that we’ve ripped off plenty of ideas from British TV, Ken (we haven’t forgotten The Office, Trading Spaces and of course, Idol), but do you have to rub it in?

Categories: Reality TV by admin
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Channel Guide Magazine: The Blog is on the air! (or, at least on your computer screen).

As you know, TV is changing so quickly that everything cannot be captured in a monthly print product like Channel Guide. That’s why we’ve launched this blog to keep you informed of updates to programs you’ve read about in the guide, news on upcoming programs, and otherwise cool info that we just did not have room for, but which we know you all would love to hear about. We’ll also keep you updated on the latest HD and multicultural news.

And away we go …

This Just In

Our first tidbit is for you Stargate: SG-1 fans, who I know are mourning the upcoming end to the series. The final 10 episodes began airing last Friday on SCI FI Channel, and the final episode will air June 22. But the network is offering a constructive way to begin your healing. With a visit to SCI FI’s Stargate website, you can enjoy weekly quizzes and top 10 lists, as well as video highlights of each characters memorable SG moments. You can also vote for the best episode of all time, which will also air on June 22. For you hands-on users, you can submit video tributes to the series, along with any of your prized SG photos.

Although telenovelas proved to be disastrous for MyNetworkTV, they are still going hot and heavy on Hispanic networks. Last night, Telemundo debuted its latest, Sin Verguenza (No Shame). It might be an appropriate title, since it’s at least partly set in a lingerie store co-owned by four very different women who share their lives, experiences, romances, adventures and heartaches. Like any good soap, it features hot affairs, an unexpected illness and more. The show airs Monday-Friday at 10pm ET, and you can find up-to-date info at a special website.

Telemundo has also announced more of the artists who will be performing at the 2007 Billboard Latin Music Awards, which airs live on the network April 26 at 7pm ET. Paulina Rubio, El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Wisin & Yandel, and Victor Manuelle are joining the lineup.

Are you “fired” up for the season finale of The Apprentice? Donald Trump, who unfortunately managed to keep his hair at WrestleMania, will be choosing his next Apprentice this Sunday in a live NBC broadcast from the Hollywood Bowl at 10pm ET.

Who wants to be a millionaire? Certainly most of us do, and CNBC is counting on that to cash in with viewers in a new special called The Millionaire Inside: Your Guide To Wealth, airing April 21 (my birthday, hint, hint!) at 9pm ET. Four self-made millionaires are sharing their tips to begin your road to personal wealth. I’m sure each of them would recommend sending me a nice B-day gift as a start.

Sometimes it seems as if the 51-year-old As the World Turns has been airing for almost as long as the real world has been turning. This Monday, CBS’ neverending story airs its 13,000th episode! Yet it’s just another day in soap land as Emily and Dusty realize the extent of Alison’s drug problem; and Jade’s nefarious plans regarding Gwen and Cleo (played by Jennifer Landon in a dual role, of course) are revealed. I suppose it’s hard to keep things totally fresh after half a century, but if a CBS show were to rack up 13 Gs worth of episodes, better this one than King of Queens.

The bilingual network mun2 is airing another original news special at 10pm ET on April 21 (and we all know what day that is, right???) called Spanglish: Mi Vida Remixed. A previous network special recently won a Peabody Award, and this one sounds equally fascinating. It’s about how new generations of Latino youth are forming their own unique form of language, culture, style and influence.

And yet another show premiering on that special April 21: E! is premiering Halle Berry: The E! True Hollywood Story at 6pm ET/PT.

On The Set

Hey, gang, our writer Ryan is going to be in glamorous Pittsburgh, PA, next Tuesday and Wednesday attending a set visit for the filming of the new Spike series Kill Point, with John Leguizamo and Donnie Wahlberg. Stay tuned for a special guest blog from Ryan updating us on what went down on the set. If you have anything you’d like Ryan to ask the stars, let me know and we’ll see if we can have him ask a few of the questions, with answers to be published in Channel Guide magazine!

Help Me Out!

Ol’ Rabbitears here is having trouble thinking up a cool and clever name for my blog. If you have any suggestions, I’d love to hear them!

Until next time, I’m putting the Rabbitears down; see you later!

Categories: TV News & Program Updates by RabbitEars
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