The 20 Greatest Charity Supergroups of All Time

In honor of one of the most charitable Super Bowls ever where the referees gave the championship to the Baltimore Ravens in the second most lopsidedly officiated Championship Game in my lifetime (the first being the Steelers over the Seahawks which gives me a little satisfactions that the refs love the AFC North so much if the Browns miraculously ever make a Super Bowl appearance in my lifetime). More on the game in my Best of the Week roundup on Saturday. As for the Greatest Charity Supergroups of All-Time, unfortunately there are not a lot of them; I found a little fewer than thirty. Seriously, why there are not more of them, there should be one after every tragedy in addition. And I am sure there is still plenty of famine still left in Africa, where half of these charities went to, a favorite cause in the eighties which kicked of the charity supergroup trend. Oh well, here is my list.

1. We Are the World – USA For Africa (1985)
Raised Money For: Famine relief in Ethiopia
Best Line: Bruce Springsteen singing the chorus
Weirdest Transition: Dionne Warwick to Willie Nelson
Who Invited: Dan Aykroyd


2. Do They Know It’s Christmas – Band Aid
Raised Money For: Famine relief in Ethiopia
Best Line: Well tonight thank God it’s them instead of you - Bono
Weirdest Transition: Sting and Simon LeBon
Who Invited: Spandau Ballet


3. Just Stand Up – Stand Up 2 Cancer
Raised Money For: Stand Up 2 Cancer (2008)
Best Line: You don’t gotta be a prisoner in your mind, you can live your life (yeah) let your heart be your guide – Mary J. Blige
Weirdest Transition: Beyonce to Carrie Underwood
Who Invited: Miley Cyrus


4. We’re All in the Same Gang – West Coast Rap All Stars
Raised Money For: Promoted an anti-violence message
Best Line: Don’t you know we got to put our heads together – Michel’le
Weirdest Transition: N.W.A. to Young MC
Who Invited: Humpty Hump


5. What’s Going On – Artists Against Aides Worldwide (2002)
Raised Money For: AIDS programs in Africa and other impoverished regions, 9/11 Relief
Best Line: Oh my father, father, we don’t need to escalate – Nora Gaye
Weirdest Transition: Gwen Stefani to Aaron Lewis
Who Invited: Fred Durst… rapping

6. Voices That Care – Voices That Care (1991)
Raised Money For: U.S. troops involved in Operation Desert Storm
Best Line: You are the voice and the guiding light. Feel in your heart how our love burns bright – Warren Wiebe
Weirdest Transition: Ralph Tresvant to Randy Travis
Who Invited: Mike Tyson (seriously, who put him next to Debbie Gibson)

7. Stars – Hear n Aid
Raised Money For: famine relief in Africa
Best Line: The epic guitar solos as a whole
Weirdest Transition: None, a very homogeneous group
Who Invited: Spinal Tap

8. Wavin’ Flag – Young Artists for Haiti (2010)
Raised Money For: People of Haiti after the 2010 earthquake
Best Line: If you weren't involved before it's never too late to start - Drake
Weirdest Transition: Drake to Nicki Yanofsky
Who Invited: Tom Cohrane

9. Self Destruction – The Stop the Violence Moment (1989)
Raised Money For: National Urban League
Best Line: I never ever ran from the Klu Klux Klan and I shouldn’t have to run from a black man – Kool Moe Dee
Weirdest Transition: Ms. Melodie to Doug E Fresh
Who Invited: Tone Loc

10. Give Peace a Chance – The Peace Choir (1991)
Raised Money For: In response to the imminent Gulf War
Best Line: Liberation ahhhhhhhhhh – Rev Run
Weirdest Transition: LL Cool J to Iggy Pop
Who Invited: Dweezil Zappa

11. Sun City – Artists United Against Apartheid (1985)
Raised Money For: protest apartheid in South Africa
Best Line: We’re stabbing our brothers and sisters in the back – Bruce Springsteen. Bono
Weirdest Transition: George Clinton to Joey Ramone
Who Invited: The Fat Boys (did one of them seriously get kissed by Bono?)

12. Across the Universe – 2005 Grammy’s
Raised Money For: Tsunami Relief
Best Line: Something’s gonna change my world – the choir
Weirdest Transition: Alicia Keys to Scott Weiland
Who Invited: Steven Tyler’s maracas

13. Give a Kidney – Kidney Now (2009)
Raised Money For: National Kidney Foundation
Best Line: Listen, when someone starts talking in the middle of a song, you know it’s serious – Elvis Costello
Weirdest Transition: Wyclef Jean, Steve Earle, and Michael McDonald
Who Invited: Clay Aiken

14. Do They Know it’s Hallowe’en – The North American Hallowe'en Prevention Initiative
Raised Money For: UNICEF
Best Line: Don’t know
Weirdest Transition: Take your pick
Who Invited: Elvira, Mistress of the Dark

15. Sing – Annie Lennox featuring Various Artists (2007)
Raised Money For: HIV/AIDS
Best Line: Sing my sister sing – Annie Lennox
Weirdest Transition: None because of only two lead vocals
Who Invited: Madonna

16. Tears Are Not Enough – Northern Lights (1985)
Raised Money For: famine relief in Ethiopia
Best Line: It’s the time to take our message everywhere, ya know! – Cory Hart
Weirdest Transition: Cory Hart and the French people
Who Invited: Eugene Levy

17. H.E.A.L. Yourself – Human Education Against Lies (1991)
Raised Money For: H.E.A.L. Project
Best Line: Before you’re a color, first you are a human – KRS-One
Weirdest Transition: None, a very homogeneous group
Who Invited: Freddie Foxxx

18. Perfect Day – BBC (1997)
Raised Money For: Children in Need
Best Line: Just a perfect day, drink sangria in the park – Lou Reed
Weirdest Transition: Tammy Wynette to Shane MacGowan
Who Invited: the dude from Fun Lovin’ Criminals

19. Beds Are Burning (TckTckTck) – Time for Climate Justice (2009)
Raised Money For: Climate Change
Best Line: Now this village lives and breathes in forty five degrees – the dude from the Scorpions
Weirdest Transition: pretty much everyone in the Hodge podge of world artists
Who Invited: Talia al Guil

20. What More Can I Give - Michael Jackson and Friends
Raised Money For: Victims of 9/11
Best Line: We should give over and over again - Michael Jackson
Weirdest Transition: Reba McEntire to Aaron Carter
Who Invited: Billy Gilman


Honorable Mention
Let It Be - Gylne Tider: This did not make the list on account that it is not an actual charity single, but some Norwegian television hosts that tricked a bunch of long forgotten stars into thinking they were recording a charity single. No “Who invited…” because I would just end up writing every name of everyone involved.


Dishonorable Mention
We Are the World 25 – Arists for Haiti: Just a complete abomination

57 Channels and Only This Is On - 9/9/12

Quote of the Week: Ask Osama bin Laden if he is better off than he was four years ago. (John Kerry, The Democratic National Convention)

Song of the Week: Ronan – Taylor Swift (Stand Up 2 Cancer; proceeds of the song go to cancer research)

Big News of the Week: The Democratic National Convention: It is weird to hear every talk about how great a president Bill Clinton was, even may conservative talking heads considering the guy was so toxic back in 2000 Democratic nominee Al Gore treated his boss like, well, like Mitt Romney treated George W. Bush at his convention. Seriously people, if you have forgotten, go Google Monica Lewinski, Paula Jones, Vince Foster, and / or Marc Rich.

I have a longstanding voting strategy to never vote for incumbents because the longer politicians stay in office, the more corrupt they become. But I would have totally voted for Barack Obama had his convention speech just been him walking up to the front of the stage, say, “I shot Osama bin Laden in the face.” Drop the mic and watch off the stage while Bob Marley’s I Shot the Sheriff played in the background.

Preview Picture of the Week:


Switched at Birth: I actually thought they were going to have Bay forgive Emmitt in less than one episode. That should be unforgiveable, especially for a teenage and ABC Family is not known for its eaklthy relationships (*cough*Aria/Ezra*cough*) so thankfully they have Bay a backbone (for at least one episode). But speaking of unhealthy relationship, that cannot possibly have Daphne hook up with her boss (who I swear is the Kennish’s lawyer with a haircut) can they? Ew.

Grimm: The episode featured a zombie virus that makes you horny. Awesome.
You can stream recent episodes on Hulu. You can also download Grimm on iTunes.

MTV Video Music Awards: This year has to rival the painfully bad Vegas year (the one where Britney Spears laughably started the show) as the worst VMA’s ever. Really the only thing worth talking about is how the botched the MCA tribute. C’mon, last year Amy Winehouse gets a ten minute tribute including a performance even though she released just one great album and no memorable videos and never received a VMA or even performed on the show. But the Beastie Boys were one of the top five video artists ever (arguable number two behind Michael Jackson), gave one of the most memorable VMA performances ever with Sabotage, and was one of only a handful of artists to win the Video Vanguard Award. But all MCA gets is about five seconds of No Sleep to Brooklyn played over the loud speaker. MTV should be ashamed.


Free Download of the Week: Everything Is Embarrassing – Sky Ferreira (Rcrd Lbl)

Deal of the Week: Big DVD and Blu Ray Sale: The Big Bang Theory, New Jack City, Gremlins 2

New Album Release of the Week: Away From The World (Super Deluxe Limited Edition CD/DVD) - Dave Matthews Band

New DVD Release of the Week: The Big Bang Theory: The Complete Fifth Season

Video of the Week: It seems like every couple months a new movie trailer pops up that makes me go, that has to be a fake Funny or Die trailer because no way anyone would actually make that. When I saw the title Hansel and Gretel: Witch Hunters I assumed it would be a trailer parody of Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, but then Jeremy Renner pops up and I realize this is an actually serious movie. Alrighty.


Next Week Pick of the Week: Parenthood, Tuesday at 10:00: NBC’s staggered start of the fall season with the debut of its Monday and Tuesday lineups (sans Revolution which gets its premiere next week so they can air The New Normal and Go On pilots which are both currently online if you cannot wait; same with Revolution and Animal Practice). And the best show premiering this week is easily Parenthood. If my memory is correct Crosby and Jasmine got married, Julia and Joel got a kid (but sadly they did not adopt the coffee girl and her baby like I hoped), and Adam thankfully did not fire the absurdly hot secretary even though she kissed him. I am most interested in which Friday Night Lights alum pops up this season following in the footsteps of Lyla Garrity and Vince Howard. What is Becky Sproles up to these days?

57 Channels and Only This Is On - 9/2/12

Quote of the Week: Things just went from worse to worser. (Hanna, Pretty Little Liars)

Song of the Week: In My Veins – Andrew Belle featuring Erin Mcarley (Pretty Little Liars)

Big News of the Week: Lying Liars and the Lies They Tell: I am a big fan of Pardon the Interruption and one aspect of the show I really like is at the end of the show, Statboy pops up and cleans up all the errors Tony and Mike make even though it is a silly sports show and who really cares if they are off by .005 on someone’s batting average? I watch a lot of political show and have always wished that after these shoutfests they would bring in their own Statboy to tell you what the talking heads got wrong.

I bring this up because Vice Presidential nominee Paul Ryan managed to tell only two true statements during his speech at the Republican National Convention according to professional fact checkers. In comparison, FactCheck.org found five flat out lies. Everything else was your run of the mill politicians stretching the truth or conjecture. Unfortunately with no Statboy, you have to wait until the next day to sort these things out. C’mon, it is 2012, how can we not have real time fact checks on screen Pop-Up Video style?

Of all of Ryan’s lies, his most egregious was his claim that an auto plant in his district that Obama promised would stay open. Except it turned out that the president did not make any promises and was not even the president when it closed, that happened under George W. Bush. You can read all about this particular lie on Politifact. To give Ryan some credit, he did back off a little on this lie by saying that maybe, kinda, it might be possible that it could be that jut maybe Barack Obama may not have, possible, not the reason the plant closed. Almost.

Please note I am not trying to pile on the GOP (I am a registered Republican, or as Rush Limbaugh would call me a RINO), and there will be plenty of lies and mistruths next week at the Democratic National Convention, so be sure to bookmark Politifact and FactCgeck.org to get the real truths. And please stop it with the “You didn’t build that” crap, that was also given a “false” by all the fact checkers and anyone who listened to Obama’s full speech with a least one full brain cell can tell the thing that you did not build were the roads and other infrastructures.

Oh yeah, and Clint Eastwood talked to a chair.

Preview Picture of the Week:


Leverage: When Sophie stood at the “real” DB Cooper’s grave who died during Vietnam, I thought, c’mon, dude totally Don Drapered somebody, just check who else was in his platoon. Apparently the writers thought the exact same thing.
You can download Leverage on iTunes.

Grimm: As I have started way too many time, amnesia is one of my three least favorite plot devises on television. The only thing worse is selective amnesia. So Juliet remembers some random dog from her office, even remembers Monroe as if he is some great friend even though she has only met him about three time, but does not remember her fiancé. Alrighty. Hopefully they whip up a potion soon because I really hate amnesia.
You can stream recent episodes on Hulu. You can also download Grimm on iTunes.

Perception: Just when I starting thinking out just how bad Eddie Furlong is looking these days, in walks Tom Sizemore.
You can download Perception on iTunes.


Free Download of the Week: Amber Waves – Erin McCarley (iTunes)

Deal of the Week: 100 Albums for $5: It looks like Amazon’s weekly $3.99 deals are being retired with summer so you will have to pay an extra dollar (and a penny) for the music deal, which this moth include Scooter Hall of Fame inductees from Eric Clapton and Pearl Jam, John Mayer’s latest, and Sam Cooke’s Greatest Hits.


New Album Release of the Week: Sun - Cat Power

New DVD Release of the Week: Safe

Video of the Week: I am not the biggest fan of medical dramas because I am not very good with blood especially the realistic kind (humorous excessive blood in horror movies do not bother me that much) so not surprisingly I did not make it very far into the reality show Chicago Medical premiering this Tuesday at 10:00 on the National Geographic Channel. It did not help that the first patient came in with bullet wounds to his thigh, scrotum and penis. Ouch. If you can make it through the clip below (it should go without saying, with a title like Penis Bullet Wound, viewer discretion is very advised), maybe you will enjoy Chicago Medical more than me.


Next Week Pick of the Week: Stand Up 2 Cancer, Friday at 8:00 on NBC, ABC, Fox, and CBS: One again this year, all the major networks and a couple cable channels will be devoting an hour to cancer awareness and telethon where you can donate to cancer research and maybe even talk to Julia Roberts, Samuel L. Jackson, Emma Stone and more if you call in to donate. There will also be performances by Alicia Keys, Taylor Swift, Coldplay, and Tim McGraw.

Lyrics Quiz: Water

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Today is Blog Action Day where thousands of Bloggers focus on one issue. This year we are focusing on water issues and the problems of scarce water across the globe. For more on the issue and support the UN’s Efforts to bring clean and safe water to millions, click the widget above.

Water is also the theme of this month’s lyrics quiz. Each song has something to do with some sort of liquid form. As always leave your guesses, both artist and song title, in the comment section or e-mail me. If you are correct I will un-bold the lyric. Please keep in mind the lyrics quiz is for entertainment purposes only so please only use your own meandering mind to guess them. Now onto the lyric quiz:


1. I walk down every evening and stand on the shore. I try to cross to the opposite side so I can finally find what I've been looking for. (The River of Dreams - Billy Joel; guessed by Angie)
2. And the bags are much too heavy in my insecure condition. My pregnant mind is fat full with envy again. (Bathwater - No Doubt; guesse by Angie)
3. We’re after the same rainbow’s end, waiting around the bend, my huckleberry friend. (Moon River - Andy Williams; guessed by Mac)
4. ‘Cause when hard work don’t pay off and I’m tired. There ain’t no room in my bed as far as I’m concerned.
5. We all came out to Montreux on the Lake Geneva shoreline to make records with a mobile.
6. I’d like to hear some funky Dixieland and dance a honky tonk. And I’ll be buying everybody drinks all around. (Black Water - The Doobie Brothers; guessed by Angie)
7. Don’t ya think that you need somebody? Don’t ya think that you need someone? Everybody needs somebody. You’re not the only one. (November Rain - Guns 'n' Roses; guessed by Angie)
8. Now, now they can see the tears in our eyes. But we deny the pain lies deep in our hearts. Well, maybe that’s a pain we can’t hide.
9. Step on the stone. Flesh becomes water, wood becomes bone. (Walk On the Ocean - Toad the Wet Sproket; guessed by Angie)
10. The sixteen candles burning on my wall turning me into the biggest fool of them all.
11. High in the sky, the song that I’m singing a sweet little lie. I cry wolf cry. Rabbit out of the hat. Yes that’s what I’m bringing. Tricks up my sleeve for noticing me.
12. I’ll build heaven and call it home. (Don't Drink the Water - Dave Matthews Band; guessed by Angie)
13. You know your culture from your trash. You know your plastic from your cash.
14. You know I’d like to keep my cheeks dry today. So stay with me and I’ll have it made. (No Rain - Blind Melon; guessed by Angie)
15. I never wanted to be your weekend lover. I only wanted to be some kind of friend. (Purple Rain - Prince; guessed by Angie)
16. I would be your only dream, your shining autumn, ocean crashing. And did you say she was pretty? And did you say that she loves you?
17. I went down to Virginia seeking shelter from the storm. Caught up in the fable, I watch the tower grow.
18. I want to walk in the open wind. I want to talk like lover do. Want to dive into your ocean. (Here Comes the Rain Again - Eurythmics; guessed by Angie)
19. We’re coming to the edge, running on the water, coming through the fog; your sons and daughters.
20. I love to hear the thunder, watch the lightning when it lights up the sky. You know it makes me feel good. (I Love a Rainy Night - Eddie Rabbit; guessed by Angie)
21. Storm came and went like the times we spent hiding out from the rain under the carnival tent. (Mandolin Rain - Bruce Hornsby and th Range; guessed by Angie)
22. I’ve seen sunny days that I thought would never end. I’ve seen lonely times when I could not find a friend but I always thought that I would see you again. (Fire and Rain - James Taylor; guessed by Angie)
23. Baby, when I met you there was peace unknown. I set out to get you with a fine tooth comb. (Islands In the Stream - Kenny Rodgers and Dolly Parton; guessed by Angie)
24. Though your hurt is gone, mines hanging on, inside. And I know it’s eating me through every night and day. I’m just waiting on your sign.
25. When You’re weary, feeling small, when tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all. (Bridge Over Troubled Water - Simon and Garfunkel; guessed by Angie)

57 Channels and Only This Is On vol. CXLVIII

Quote of the Week: Cruelty is the mother of all invention. (Miles, Rubicon)

Song of the Week: Wild One - Little Darlins (Terriers)

Big News of the Week: VMA's Still Living in 2009: It is not a good sign that the only thing worth talking about from your award show is what happened last year. And the two participants were more than eager to talk about it. Taylor Swift debuted a not so subtle ode to Kanye West (but has Taylor ever written a subtle song about a boy yet?) which was an odd mix of scolding and forgiveness of the guy who stole her spotlight. Then after apologizing for most of the last year, Kanye, in the same bright red color Taylor sported last year, jumped onstage to revel in his behavior, beginning his new song to toast the douchebag, jerkoffs and scumbags. Though he apologized for us having to put up with his (expletive deleted) since way too long. And sadly neither of them performed the song that Kanye wrote for Taylor. In the only other non I’mma let you finish news, did the show really open and close with Ellen DeGeneres and Cher? Biggest disappointment of the night is the only award winning video of the night that actually deserved an award, Tighten Up by the Black Keys for Breakthrough Video, was the only winner that wasn’t actually announced during the show. On a side note, does anyone know where I can get the Deadmau5 remix of the song?

Rubicon: When they cut to Tanya in the bathroom after the drug test I was really hoping it was going to reveal that she was using a Whizzinator. Which begs the question, is there a Whizzinator for women? You can download Rubicon on iTunes.

Parenthood: Isn’t it enough that Dax Sheppard has tainted Veronica Mars, is he really going to hook up with Lyla Garrity too? It sure looks that is the root they were going. But then again I thought Crosby would take the place of Jabbar in the sleep over. Surely would have made for the better sight gag in the bunk beds. And now I have to decide what will be the annoying catchphrase that I will be using ad nausea for the next couple months, “I hear you; I see you” or “Let’s have a toast for the douchebags.” You can stream recent episodes on Hulu. You can also download Parenthood on iTunes.

Covert Affairs: Holy Vada Sultenfuss sighting! I was actually hoping she would turn out to be one of the good guys because I liked her character much more than any of the tertiary characters on the show. You can stream recent episodes on Hulu. You can also download Covert Affairs on iTunes.


Free Download of the Week: Pilot - Terriers, Season 1 (iTunes): Missed what I called the best new show of the Fall? Here is your chance to give it a look.

Deal of the Week: DVD's $6.49 and Under (Blazing Saddles, The Wedding Crashers, Little Shop of Horror)

Video of the Week: If you missed last week’s Stand Up 2 Cancer, you missed the two funniest people on television, Eric Stonestreet of Modern Family and Jim Parsons of The Big Bang Theory, cross network lines to show us that lung cancer is no laughing matter, or is it. And if you missed the show, you can download Stand Up to Cancer on iTunes or the individual musical performances from the show with proceeds going to Stand Up 2 Cancer.

Laughing at Lung Cancer


Next Week Pick of the Week: The Big Bang Theory, Thursday at 8:00 on CBS: CBS has always been known as the network that plays it safe which is why we have multiple versions of CSI, NCIS and CM (Criminal Minds). But CBS took a big chance by moving The Big Bang Theory after its breakout ratings year to Thursday which was previously occupied for most of last decade by Survivor. And then paired the new show with the least amount of buzz, $#!% My Dad Says. Will this gamble pay off? We will find out Friday when the ratings come in. If it doesn’t pay off expect The Mentalist: Boise in the timeslot next year.

57 Channels and Only This Is On vol. CXLII

Quote of the Week: If you see your balls, pick ‘em up. When I get back I’ll staple them back on you. (Needles, Rescue Me)

Song of the Week: Goodbye – Steve Earl (Friday Night Lights)

Big News of the Week: MTV Video Music Awards Announced: Remember when the VMA’s were a cultural landmark, now, like most people that watch during the MTV heyday, I do not care. I haven’t even seen half nominated videos or even heard the songs. The only nominations of note are Broken Bells up for Best New Artist, though both James Mercer and Danger Mouse put out music for most of last decade, and Tighten Up - The Black Keys for Breakthrough Video, granted I do not remember anything groundbreaking about Tighten Up and both videos are better than anything in the Best Video category, but it is hard to complained because the VMA’s lost credibility about five years ago.

Leverage: Nice light fair after last week’s heavy political episode and Turner was nice enough to give Bill Engvall some work after canceling his show. I wonder if the network is regretting that decision after the daughter on the show has become a much buzzed about actress for her performance in Winter Bone and being cast in the X-Man reboot. You can stream recent episodes on TNT.tv. You can also download Leverage on iTunes.

Rubicon: I am always up for a good conspiracy theory and it is too soon to tell if this is one yet. It is moving a little too slow for my taste so far. You can stream recent episodes on AMC.com. You can also download Rubicon on iTunes.

Rescue Me: There have been some very bizarre moments throughout the history of the show, but handcuffing your daughter in church to baptize her ranks very high near the top. And it is strange that Lou broke out of the hospital and no one there seems to care. I really do not think that storyline is going to end well for him. You can stream recent episodes on Hulu. You can also download Rescue Me on iTunes.

Covert Affairs: Let me put out my prediction of who I think the leak is: the chick from Invasion. You can stream recent episodes on Hulu. You can also download Covert Affairs on iTunes.

Also check out my season wrap up of Friday Night Lights.



Free Download of the Week: For The Summer - Ray LaMontagne & The Pariah Dogs (Amazon MP3)

Deal of the Week: Over 1000 Albums for $5 Each (Huey Lewis and the News, A Tribe Called Quest, KT Tunstall, The Like)



Video of the Week: Two years ago there was a Stand Up 2 Cancer special that aired on all the major networks (except Fox who for some reason had something else to air) and there will be another one coming up September 10 at 8:00 on many networks (this time Fox is included). Here is a PSA featuring Kristen Bell (in a bathtub), Zach Levi, Olivia Munn, Clark Duke, Aubrey Plaza, Vanessa Hudgens and more to bring awareeness to the cause..

SU2C: Change The Odds PSA


Next Week Pick of the Week: Pretty Little Liars, Tuesday at 8:00 on ABC Family: Pretty Little Liars really didn’t catch my interest enough to actually write about it that often, but it has intrigued me enough during the summer doldrums to tune to find out who A is. My prediction: Aria (her name does start with A).

Recasting We Are the World

When Michael Jackson passed away, like most people I went back and listened to the music of his on my iPod which included We Are the World. That got me to thinking it that there was still plenty of poverty in Africa and it may be time to remake the song for a newer generation (especially considering Do They Know it's Christmas? is already on it'd third version). While doing research, I realized the twenty-fifth anniversary was this year so I sat on the suggestions I made at the time so I could release it to coincide with the anniversary. Then new came out last week that the co-writers of the song Lionel Richie and Quincy Jones (along with Jackson) were planning on doing so after the Grammy’s next week to benefit Haitian relief (so I guess they will be renaming the group USA for Haiti). So here are my suggestions next to those that did the original part. And as a point of reference, here is the original song:




Lionel Richie – Ne-Yo

Stevie Wonder – Maxwell

Paul Simon – John Mayer

Kenny Rogers – Taylor Swift

James Ingram – John Legend

Tina Turner - Beyoncé

Billy Joel – Norah Jones

Michael Jackson – Michael Jackson

Diana Ross – Christina Aguilera

Dionne Warwick – Alicia Keys

Willie Nelson – Keith Urban

Al Jarreau – Justin Timberlake

Bruce Springsteen – dude from Green Day

Kenny Loggins – dude from Fall Out Boy

Steve Perry – dude from Maroon 5

Daryl Hall – Robin Thicke

Michael Jackson – Michael Jackson

Huey Lewis – dude from The Fray

Cyndi Lauper – Lady Gaga

Kim Carnes – Kelly Clarkson

Bob Dylan – Dave Matthews

Ray Charles – Jamie Foxx

Stevie Wonder – Stevie Wonder

Bruce Springsteen – Bruce Springsteen

Dan Akroyd – Adam Sandler

Jackson Family Chorus – Jonas Brothers and other Disney stars Chorus


Naturally the hardest singer to recast was Michael Jackson himself and came I up with three alternatives; Bono, who technically is not American; Prince, who was actually supposed to duet with Jackson in the original but didn’t show up the first time; or have a chorus do all his part. But maybe it would be best to just pipe in his original vocals. And even though I recast their earlier parts, I still have to bring back Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Wonder to recreate their duet which was the highlight the orginal. Not bringing them back would have been like not asking Bono to sing "Tonight thank God it's them instead of you" for the new Do They Know it's Christmas? versions.

57 Channels and Only This Is On vol. CXIV

Hope for Haiti Now: Stevie Wonder singing Simon and Garfunkel, Taylor Swift covering Better Than Ezra, Jay-Z teaming up with Bono, The Edge, and Rihanna, Neil Young and Dave Matthews dueting, Chris Martin playing piano for Beyoncé, The Roots backing Shakira, Mary J. Blige, and Jennifer Hudson. It almost seems like a steal to buy all these performances, twenty in total, for $7.99, but you can download Hope for Haiti Now on iTunes and Amazon MP3 (see below) both of which also includes a studio version of the Jay-Z, U2, Rihanna song Stranded (Haiti Mon Amour). And you can also download the whole video in both places for $2.99. 100% of all purchases from either site will go to various Haitian relief charities such as Red Cross and the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund.



Chuck: We finally get to meet Shaw and no surprise it is Superman even though I still don’t see how he pulls rank on Beckman when, as Casey puts it, he has back issues of Guns and Ammo older than him. And it is not surprising dude is a tool either. And his big secret: he’s married? When he pulled out the ring I thought, Oh my, he’s part of THE Ring, then he put it on his ring finger and thought, that is an odd reveal. Could Superman’s wife possibly be the upcoming guest star Lana Lang? And the drunken Casey excuse: hilarious. You can stream recent episodes on Hulu. You can also download Castle on iTunes.

How I Met Your Mother: Nothing groundbreaking as we have all had the Settler vs. Reacher debate (well, at least I have) and created our own stupid drinking game (well, at least I have). It was a little odd that they would bring in Amanda Peet for such a thankless role, especially when I would put a good chunk of change on her in a real fight vs. Alyson Hannigan. You can stream recent episodes over at cbs.com. You can also download How I Met Your Mother on iTunes.

The Big Bang Theory: Of course Sheldon hates Windows 7 because it is more user friendly. But I am shocked that he didn’t have a contingency plan in case, or to keep someone from robbing him. Like he hasn’t put a GPS on his gaming systems. You can download The Big Bang Theory on iTunes.

Castle: I was just wondering when they were going to bring up Beckett’s mother’s death and here they do in a big way. And she kills the person who did it. Wow. But one thing that bugs me is who in the police force is signing up to be a decoy (sorry unlucky token Asian guy on the NYPD)? While putting on his bullet proof vest all I could think is the mark is a trained assassin, former marine and could probably easily take someone out with a headshot. Lucky for Token Asian Dude the plan itself was a decoy for the assassin. You can stream recent episodes on Hulu. You can also download Castle on iTunes. Also be sure to check out my chat with Stana Katic.

Mercy: Oh snap, Ronnie gets turned down because of a cat. I didn’t see that one coming. Although why was that Still Bill’s one premonition? Did I miss a scene wit Ronnie telling the comatose Still Bill she was? But I love how Dr. Sands’ inner circle consists of his drugged out sister, and the emotionally stunted bearded doctor. You can stream recent episodes on Hulu. You can also download Mercy on iTunes.

Modern Family: Holy Dylan sighting! The really need to get this guy involved more often. I miss him and the Rusty Zippers. But I wonder if the show is getting too stale already. Last week it was pretty easy to figure out it was Phil downloading porn and this week it didn’t take a detective to deduce that Manny’s date was going to overaged (and then come on to the gay Cameron). You can stream recent episodes on Hulu.



Also check out my First Impressions of The Deep End.

Best of the Week vol. XXIII

Quote of the Week: Truth is, I was an idiot back then. You saw the goatee. (Ted, How I Met Your Mother)

Song of the Week: Centuries – Stars of Track and Field (Greek)

Big News of the Week: The Olympics are Heading to Rio: It is probably a slow news week when the big news is something that won’t happen for another seven years. But the Olympics will be heading to South America for the first time ever beating out Chicago despite the presence of the Big O’s. I never really understood the Chicago nomination because as a resident of the Great Lakes, I cannot imagine anyone wanting to do any open water swimming in Lake Michigan and when I think summer, The Windy City never has ever crossed my mind. Instead the games will be heading to the sandy beaches of Ro de Janeiro which may be the most visually striking games since Barcelona. And as an added bonus, it is only one hour ahead EST so none of the silly tape delays that plague NBC whenever the Games are held in the other hemisphere.

Coalition Links of the Week:
Vance ranks the new shows he's checked out from best to worst. Where did you think he put Glee and Modern Family? (Tapeworthy)

In the wake of the much ballyhooed Jenny Slate controversy, Kyle examined indecency, SNL, the FCC and drew one conclusion -- who cares? (TiFaux)

As the third season of Mad Men rolls on, BuzzSugar's got the rundown on what other projects the talented ladies of the show have lined up. (BuzzSugar)

This week, we took a first look at Al Pacino in HBO's new original movie, You Don't Know Jack. (Daemon's TV)


Free Download of the Week: Trauma (iTunes): I was lukewarm on the premiere (see First Impressions: Trauma) and I cannot imagine the explosions and helicopter crashes will look better on an iPod, but for those interested you can download the episode for free.

Deal of the Week: Halloween Sale (Shaun of the Dead, Beetlejuice, Freddy vs. Jason, Ghostbusters)

Video of the Week: As a straight man, I am a huge fan of breasts and feel obligated to promote breast health every once in a while and have even participating in a few Relay for Life walks and the like. Being Breast Cancer Awareness Month here is a public service announcement featuring Minka Kelly, Alyson Hannigan, Emily Deschanel, Jamie King, and Katherine McPhee. The clip may be from Funny or Die, but early detection is no laughing matter.

THE BOOBY SCARE Featuring Alyson Hannigan, Emily Deschanel, Kat McPhee, Minka Kelly and Jaime King - watch more funny videos

Next Week Pick of the Week: 30 for 30, Tuesday at 8:00 on ESPN: No one does self congratulatory like ESPN, their 25th anniversary seemed to last five years. For thirty years on basic cable, the network is handing the reigns over to thirty directors to do a documentary on a story of the past three decades including Barry Levinson (Colts leaving Baltimore), Steve Nash (Terry Fox), John Singleton (Marion Jones) and Ice Cube (the Raiders in LA). The celebration kicks off Tuesday with Friday Night Lights creator Peter Berg looking into Wayne Gretzky’s trade to Los Angeles.

Best of the Week vol. XXI

Quote of the Week: What’s done is done. (Sawyer – Lost) or
If it’s meant to be it’s meant to be. (Jack – Lost)

Song of the Week: He Needs a Kidney – Kidney Now (30 Rock; note: profits from the video on iTunes benefit the National Kidney Foundation)

Big News of the Week: Scooter McGavin Does not Use Twitter: I have been asked about a couple times, so to clear up any confusions, I do not have a Twitter account. And I would also like to add an additional spaz courtesy of losers making fake Scooter McGavin Twitter accounts: I DON'T HAVE A (expletive deleted) TWITTER... WHY WOULD I USE TWITTER??? I ONLY BLOG 5 PERCENT OF WHAT I'M UP TO IN THE FIRST PLACE. I'M ACTUALLY SLOW DELIVERING CONTENT BECAUSE I'M TOO BUSY ACTUALLY BUSY BEING CREATIVE MOST OF THE TIME AND IF I'M NOT AND I'M JUST LAYING ON A BEACH I WOULDN'T TELL THE WORLD. EVERYTHING THAT TWITTER OFFERS I NEED LESS OF. THE PEOPLE AT TWITTER KNOW I DON'T HAVE A (explicative deleted) TWITTER SO FOR THEM TO ALLOW SOMEONE TO POSE AS ME AND ACCUMULATE OVER A MILLION NAMES IS IRRESPONSIBLE AND DECEITFUL TO THERE FAITHFUL USERS. REPEAT... THE HEADS OF TWITTER KNEW I DIDN'T HAVE A TWITTER AND THEY HAVE TO KNOW WHICH ACCOUNTS HAVE HIGH ACTIVITY ON THEM. IT'S A (expletive deleted) FARCE AND IT MAKES ME QUESTION WHAT OTHER SO CALLED CELEBRITY TWITTERS ARE ACTUALLY REAL OR FAKE. HEY TWITTER, TAKE THE SO CALLED SCOOTER MCGAVIN TWITTER DOWN NOW .... WHY? ... BECAUSE MY CAPS LOCK KEY IS LOUD!!!!!!!!! I hope that clears things up.

Coalition Links of the Week:
Buzz got pumped about the upcoming sneak peek of Glee and shared some tidbits she learned from the cast. (BuzzSugar)

Vance celebrated his 2000th post on the blog by remembering some of his favorites over the years, including Everwood, Lost and Friday Night Lights. (Tapeworthy)

This week, Jace was once again consumed with all things Lost, offering his in-depth thoughts and theories about the two-hour season finale (The Incident, Parts One and Two). He feels much better now that he knows what lies in the shadow of the statue. (Televisionary)

Dan watched the premiere of The Fashion Show and found a temporary filler for the Project Runway-sized hole left in his heart. He still misses Tim Gunn, though. (TiFaux)

It's (VERY) early, but Matt is already excited about the second season of Fringe. (TV Fanatic)

Kate was bemused and befuddled when Food Network renewed lying, cheating Robert Levine's show. (TV Filter)


Free Download of the Week: LeftRightLeftRightLeft – Coldplay (Coldplay.com): Here is a nine song live album for those that don’t have the money to actually see Coldplay in person this summer for the low price of free. For those that are interested in a physical CD of the album, everyone that buys a ticket to the summer tour will get one at the door of the show.

Deal of the Week: Up to 50% Off in Our Spring TV Event (Veronica Mars, Arrested Development, Married with Children)

Video of the Week: The latest The Office webisode features Creed back to blackmailing ways. Check out the video below to see who his latest victim is.



Next Week Pick of the Week: How I Met Your Mother, Monday at 8:30 on CBS: Two weeks ago Ted told an elaborate story about how he changed his regular routine that led to meeting his mother only for him to run into Stella. Last week: no mention of the mother, just Stella moving to the left coast. Will we finally learn why meeting Stella that day led to being introduced to said mother in the season finale? Hopefully it is the goat they have been teasing for awhile.

57 Channels and Only This Is On vol. XLV

Quote of the Week: The reporting of the past few days have proven tackier than a costume change at a Madonna concert. (Mike Huckabee, RNC)

Song of the Week: Just Stand Up! - Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Fergie, Sheryl Crow, Miley Cyrus, Melissa Etheridge, Ashanti, Natasha Bedingfield, Keyshia Cole, Ciara, Leona Lewis, LeAnn Rimes, and Carrie Underwood



Big New of the Week: Let the Fall Season Begin: A couple weeks ago Hey Nielson invited me and some television bloggers to help them with their fall preview. They had us rank each show on a one to five scale. Also be on the lookout for which of my quotes they used in their preview. Click the banner below for details and clips of over twenty new shows and a chance to win a HDTV.



Coalition Links of the Week:
Buzz launched a printable night-by-night TV calendar so you can know when your favorites are on. Pretty! (BuzzSugar)

With everyone complaining about how terrible the new 90210 is, Marcia made the point that the old one was pretty damn awful when it started, too. (Pop Vultures)

WWE Diva Mickie James makes a guest appearance as a derby girl on this week's Psych and we spent some time chatting with her about the experience. (RTVW)

Vance finally has time to start posting about the Fall TV Preview. (Tapeworthy)

This week, Jace found that he was less than thrilled with the CW's relaunch of 90210, complete with overplayed songs, one-dimensional characterization, and found it to be much less fun overall than Gossip Girl, The O.C., or Skins. (Televisionary)

TiFaux never got around to watching TNT's premiere of Raising the Bar, but Dan had some very important things to say about Mark-Paul Gosselaar's new shaggy mane. (TiFaux)

Never miss your favorite show this fall! Download and print theTVaddict.com's Ultimate Fall 2008 Season Premiere Calendar. (The TV Addict)

We gave you our take on summer's TV landscape -- and it wasn't pretty. (TV Filter)


I Love Money: Megan continues to amaze me week after week. Again escapes an elimination getting the Entertainer to get rid of hid only ally and keep her. How does this keep happening? You can download episodes of I Love Money on iTunes.


The Middleman: When Manservant Neville showed up I predicted that he would turn out to be the opposite of the Middleman, an archnemesis as you will, but I guess since they are an evil empire in the other dimension I am wrong with that prediction. I have to nick pick with that other dimension, specifically when Noser was quoting Shaft, should be have done something like Barry Manilow? But anyways. I saw next Monday ABC Family is running a Secret Life of the American Teenager marathon so we may have seen last of The Middleman. You can download episodes of The Middleman on iTunes.

Greek: I would like to thank the show for the greatest pick-up line ever. Ever. For dudes out there that missed it, if you are sitting around waiting somewhere and see a cute girl and say to her how about you save me from reading whatever is in you hands (in this case the pregnant man) and tell me your life story. Brilliant. You can download episodes of Greek on iTunes.

Stand Up 2 Cancer: I would like to thank NBC, ABC, CBS, and E! (as Brad Garrett said while receiving a prostate exam live on camera, I can’t believe Fox is counter programming this) for dedicating an hour of prime time programing to focus on raising funds for cancer. If you missed it, of course you can head over to SU2C.com to donate or to see Dana Delany get a breast exam and Charles Barkley get a colon cleaned out. Also check out the Song of the Week to download the charity single.

Free Downloads of the Week: Rain of Madness (iTunes): For those that could not get enough of Tropic Thunder here is a behind the scenes look at the movie.

Mr. Rock and Roll (Borders): Another week another free song by Amy MacDonald, at this week you may have the album free by Christmas.

Also if you missed any of the speeches from the DNC or RNC, you can download them all over at iTunes for free:



Promo of the Week: Aside from the Hey Nielson I have also be enlisted in Oprah digital network (no seriously) which may include giveaways (no word if you get a car and you get a car just yet). Monday sees the 23rd season premiere where Oprah will be welcoming home over 175 Olympic medalist (sorry women’s field hockey team, no car for you). Some technical difficulties are keeping me from posting the promo but if you check back later I hope to have it up soon.


Pick for Next Week: 102 Minutes that Changed the World, Thursday at 9:00 on History: The seventh anniversary honored by History (the channel) in this commercial-free retrospective on the time between when the first tower was hit and the second tower fell.