We on Award Tour - 2005 MTV Movie Awards Nominations

Much like the station’s other marquee awards show, the MTV Movie Awards has been in a creative downswing this decade. But unlike the VMA’s, it’s easy to pinpoint were the Movie Awards went wrong, that is when MTV started making movies of there own and the awards show became more of a promotional vehicle for them and nominating movies that don’t deserve it, case in point this year, Dukes of Hazzard. It was a critical and commercial flop yet it garnished multiple nods. The show can save itself with a good host (one hadn’t been named of this post) and a couple good Vince Vaughn skits, but I won’t be holding my breathe, yet I still be watching on June 8th like the MTV lapdog that I am. No musical guest announced yet, but you can vote here. Interestingly enough, there are no gender specific categories this year, which means fewer time spent on handing out awards, and that’s always a good thing. Now on to the nominees:


BEST MOVIE
The 40-Year Old Virgin
Batman Begins
King Kong
Sin City
Wedding Crashers

Who Will Win: King Kong
Who I Voted For: Wedding Crashers

This comes down to which group of nerds will spend the most time voting. The comic book nerds will split their vote between Batman and Sin City, but in the end the Peter Jackson nerd will overpower the lives with his parents nerd to win. Too bad there isn’t a write in vote for the Lucas nerd. As the agro-pseudo-frat boy, I went with the dumb comedy. Oddly enough no chick flicks considering MTV is now run by fourteen year old girls.


BEST PERFORMANCE
Joaquin Phoenix - Walk the Line
Jake Gyllenhaal - Brokeback Mountain
Rachel McAdams - Red Eye
Steve Carell - The 40-Year Old Virgin
Terrence Howard - Hustle and Flow
Reese Witherspoon - Walk the Line

Who Will Win: Jake Gyllenhall
Who I Voted For: Rachel McAdams

The hardest catergory and weirdest considering Gyllenhall got the nod over Heath Ledger while both Cash’s got one. McAdams is the dark horse because she did sweep the awards last year and her performance here was better than those movies.


BEST COMEDIC PERFORMANCE
Owen Wilson - Wedding Crashers
Adam Sandler - The Longest Yard
Steve Carell - The 40-Year Old Virgin
Tyler Perry - Tyler Perry's Madea's Family Reunion
Vince Vaughn - Wedding Crashers

Who Will Win: Steve Carell
Who I Voted For: Vince Vaughn

Sadly Wilson will steal Vaughn’s vote leaving the less funny Carell with the popcorn. Remember when only Sandler or Jim Carey won this award? Ah, the good ol’ days.


BEST ON-SCREEN TEAM
Steve Carell, Paul Rudd, Seth Rogen & Romany Malco - The 40-Year Old Virgin
Johnny Knoxville, Seann William Scott & Jessica Simpson - The Dukes of Hazzard
Jessica Alba, Ioan Gruffudd, Chris Evans & Michael Chiklis - Fantastic Four
Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson & Rupert Grint - Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Vince Vaughn & Owen Wilson - Wedding Crashers

Who Will Win: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Who I Voted For: Wedding Crashers

This category really need to be retired but won’t because it mean more nominations for real actors while better categories like Best Action Sequence and Best CGI Character get dumped.


BEST VILLAIN
Cillian Murphy - Batman Begins
Hayden Christensen - Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
Ralph Fiennes - Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Tilda Swinton - The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Tobin Bell - Saw II

Who Will Win: Tobin Bell
Who I Voted For: Cillian Murphy

They totally got this catergory messed up; they have the right actors, but wrong movies. Fiennes should have gotten the nod for Batman Begins because Murphy’s was basically just a bit role and was much scarier in Red Eye and my vote was more for that movie than Batman. Oh and this category is brought to you by The DaVinci Code. No seriously, it is. Almost as silly as he Neutrogena Best Hero Award


BREAKTHROUGH PERFORMANCE
Andre “3000” Benjamin - Four Brothers
Isla Fisher - Wedding Crashers
Nelly - The Longest Yard
Jennifer Carpenter - The Exorcism of Emily Rose
Romany Malco - The 40-Year Old Virgin
Taraji P. Henson - Hustle & Flow

Who Will Win: Andre “3000” Benjamin
Who I Voted For: Isla Fisher

Imagine how worst this category would have been if it was still two gender specific ones. As is, it’s still a toss up between people we will forget about by next year, that if you even know who they are now.


BEST HERO
Christian Bale - Batman Begins
Jessica Alba - Fantastic Four
Daniel Radcliffe - Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Kate Beckinsale - Underworld: Evolution
Ewan McGregor - Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith

Who Will Win: Christian Bale
Who I Voted For: Ewan McGregor

I still hold an outside theory that people will vote for Jessica Alba solely because she’s Jessica Alba, but Batman will be hard to beat no matter who’s under the mask.


SEXIEST PERFORMANCE
Beyoné Knowles - The Pink Panther
Jessica Alba - Sin City
Jessica Simpson - The Dukes of Hazzard
Ziyi Zhang - Memoirs of a Geisha
Rob Schneider - Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo

Who Will Win: Jessica Alba
Who I Voted For: Jessica Alba

This is basically a no contest. If Alba doesn’t win it meand this is fixed worse than a Don King fight.


BEST FIGHT
Kong vs. the Planes - King Kong
Stephen Chow vs. Axe Gang - Kung Fu Hustle
Angelina Jolie vs. Brad Pitt - Mr. and Mrs. Smith
Ewan McGregor vs. Hayden Christensen - Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith

Who Will Win: Revenge of the Sith
Who I Voted For: Revenge of the Sith

This is a toss up between Star Wars and Kong, but where Kong has already been done and the lava fight definitely live up to the hype and almost made up for the rest of the sequels.


BEST KISS
Jake Gyllenhaal & Heath Ledger - Brokeback Mountain
Taraji P. Henson & Terrence Howard - Hustle & Flow
Anna Faris & Chris Marquette - Just Friends
Angelina Jolie & Brad Pitt - Mr. & Mrs. Smith
Rosario Dawson & Clive Owen - Sin City

Who Will Win: Mr. & Mrs. Smith
Who I Voted For: Sin City

Nothing like tabloid fodder to help fuel a win, not that there is much competition in this field. The only real composition in here is the gay cowboy movie, but the comic book nerds that tend to rule the voting process probably aren’t that open minded.


BEST FRIGHTENED PERFORMANCE
Rachel Nichols - The Amityville Horror
Jennifer Carpenter - The Exorcism of Emily Rose
Derek Richardson - Hostel
Paris Hilton - House of Wax
Dakota Fanning - War of the Worlds

Who Will Win: Dakota Fanning
Who I Voted For: Rachel Nichols

This is really disturbing as I though Hilton was descending from the pop culture lexicon, yet here she is with an acting nomination. Unless it is for Best Inanimate Object, she should be nominated for anything. And since it’s expected of me, I’ll go ahead and say it, that Hilton girl gives me nightmare. There, happy? Not so coincidentally, I think House of Wax was produced by MTV. Anyways I think Fanning won last year, but I indeed went with the hottest chick here. Where is Rachel McAdams anyways?

California Rest in Peace

On May 9th the Red Hot Chili Peppers release their latest album, Stadium Arcadium, of which bassist Flea calls, “the best thing that we’ve ever done…. There’s this weird kind of sublime, subliminal undercurrent that is suggestive, in a spirited way, of our earliest records.” Granted I’m still waiting for something that even comes close to their classic Blood Sugar Sex Magic. And from the first single, Dani California, things look like this album won’t come close either. But Stadium Arcadium was recorded in the same house that BSSM was and Rick Rubin is back on board too.

Even though Dani California as a song doesn’t hold up to previous hits, the video is among their best (view it here, download it here). The band takes the stage and gives the audience a chance to play “Name the Influence.” Here’s my scorecard: Elvis Presley; The Beatles; The Jimi Hendrix Experience; Parliament Funkadelic; Ziggy Stardust; Sex Pistols; The Misfits; Mötley Crüe; Nirvana; and naturally it comes back to the RHCP’s themselves.

As for the album, there are plenty of ways to pre-order it. First, and most likely the coolest is through iTunes (click the above ad) where you can now pre-order the new album, Stadium Arcadium, and automatically receive the new single, Dani California. The pre-order also gives you access to pre-sale tickets for the group’s upcoming tour. And you will be automatically entered to win the band’s complete catalog and an engraved Red Hot Chili Peppers iPod. The money you spend on the album would be worth it solely for getting first dibs on the concert tickets if you are a diehard or just a novice fan.

Or if you are a person who likes to hold their music in their hands and read the CD inserts there is a cool limit edition version of Stadium Arcadium that you can buy through Amazon (see ads below). The Limited Edition includes a 3D-image shadow box containing a 28-page book, velvet bag with marbles, a wooden top, a matchbook notepad and four art notes, one by each band member. You also get an accoupaning DVD that includes the video for Dani California along with a making of documentary and track by track interviews with the band. RHCP fans choose your poison now.

Are You Ready for Some Football?

Every Saturday for the past month or so I have plopped down in front of the television at noon and turn on ESPN to watch the NFL draft only to find miniature golf and darts instead. For all the hype this years draft has had starting with the completion of the Rose Bowl, you’d think that it would have happened by now. Now I do have on good authority that next week the draft will finally happen even though my interest started to fade around the end of March. If the NFL was smart, they’d hold the draft between the Super Bowl and the start of March Madness to completely capitalize the sport page as there is nothing worth talking about. Now it has to compete with the start of the NBA and NHL playoff and the MLB is still starting and still has a newness to it. But anyways.

As for the Cleveland Browns, they may have had the best off-season of any team so far by picking up the number one free agent center LeCharles Bentley and one of the biggest names that won’t destroy your locker room, line backer Willie McGinest. But they still haven’t done anything about its biggest question mark, the quarterback position. Both Trent Dilfer and Charlie Frye are serviceable at the position but neither can get the team over the hump to make a dent in the playoffs. Apparently no one was listening to my advise earlier this off-season (see There’s Nothing Wrong with Ohio).

The big question for the upcoming draft is who going number one as to I answer, who cares? Unless you are a Texans fan or another fan of a team with a top five pick, it isn’t worth debating. So I will only concern myself with a team I actually root for. Early on I fully expect the Browns to sure up their front seven with more players more accustomed to their newly instituted 3-4 defense that Romeo Crennel put in next year. But when it comes down to it, I just hope they don’t pull another bonehead move by waiting their first and second round picks on more soldiers like Kellen Winslow Jr. Man, I really glad the Butch Davis era is over.

Who Knows Where the Time Goes

To the average fan, the pairing of Matthew Sweet, who introduced the non-geek American to anime with his video Girlfriend, and Susanna Hoffs, who taught us all how to walk like an Egyptian, seems a little odd. But they have actually been performing together ever since Mike Myers recruited them to be in Austin Powers backing band Ming Tea for all three of the movies. In fact if you look closely to their album, Under the Covers, vol. 1, you can see their character’s names from the films, Sid and Susie, on the cover.

The title refers to a collection of covers that the psychedelic 60’s Austin would be proud of including songs by major artists of that era’s pop like The Beatles (And Your Bird Can Sing), The Beach Boys (Warmth of the Sun), and Bob Dylan (It’s Over Now, Baby Blue) as well as more obscure tracks like I See the Rain by The Marmalade which Jimi Hendrix once declared the best song of that year. There are even two Neil Young and Crazy Horse tunes for good measure including one of the most recognizable songs on this collection, Cinnamon Girl.

The other song of note is The Mamas and the Papas Monday, Monday which shows exactly where this album falls flat, having two people try to harmonize on a song meant for a quartet. This is also the case for The Beach Boys song too. In fact, whenever they duet, the songs seem to fall flat except for I See the Rain and sound much better when they trade lines or verses like on Different Drum, made famous by The Stone Poneys featuring Linda Ronstadt, where Susanna shines reminding us what made The Bangles so big in the 80's. But in the end, unless you love the first three Austin Power’s soundtrack and can’t wait until the inevitable fourth, you would be better off just getting the original versions.

Song to Download - Different Drum

Under the Covers, vol. 1 gets a on my Terror Alert Scale.

Stand Up Girls and Dry Your Eyes

Ohio’s own Saving Jane has had a minor hit with the somewhat cheesy, yet catch Girl Next Door. The song is the female version of all the male dominated emo rock that has polluted Middle Schools everywhere, but the music is in a much more palatable form than the dudes moping counterparts. But the sad lyrics about a chick in the band jealous of the homecoming queen stays with the loner ethos of emo. Much more tales of alienation are found on their album, Girl Next Door.

The most depression of the lot is Happy, where the singer goes on about how she’s so happy she could die. Yeah, that song totally reminds me why I don’t miss the teenage years. And most the album sloshes along with the same recycled track of how much high school supposedly sucked with the exception of Reasons Why where the musicians in the band create one of the catchiest song in the set.

Then as the album continues in mediocrity, that album out of nowhere gets much better starting with The Pretender. The grandiose song reminded me of what a female would sound like if she tried to recreate something from the seventies stadium anthems of someone like Bob Seger with the band driving the song to somewhere you want to go highlighted by the enthused piano. And the album doesn’t let down from there continued with what the previous should have sounded like with Mary. It does hint on moody teenager theme, but the song is mired in the depressing wreck that brought down the earlier songs. Unfortunately the last couple songs aren’t enough to save the album as a whole, but hopefully it’s a sign of good things to come from the band.

Song to Download - Mary

Girl Next Door gets a on my Terror Alert Scale.

Toss Up: Lost vs Veronica Mars week 14 1/2

Thanks to no Lost tonight, I will be running a rare Wednesday Toss Up, although since no Lost it’s basically just a Veronica Mars analysis, and what a lot to analyze from last night. Interesting enough, with all the interesting facts learned about the bus crash this episode, the show starts off with Veronica’s deposition for the Aaron Echolls trial and end with the discovery of Aaron’s award buried in the back yard with both Lily and Duncan DNA on it. I have a feeling that the trail will be a big part of next season. As for this season, the suspect list kept on growing and growing, and for those keeping track at home, here’s a scorecard:

Suspect: Weevil
Why: To get revenge on Logan (I think this is the first time anyone mentioned Logan was supposed to be on the bus) for beating the rap for the murder of Felix.
How: Built a bomb with his cookbook and called to detonate it while following on his bike.

Suspect: Not-Kendall Casablancas
Why: Stood to gain millions from the death of Little Dick and Beaver.
How: With the Fighting Fitzpatrick’s owing her a favor, she had Liam call her when the bus was close to the edge and she would set off the bomb from poolside.

So with only two episodes since I created my Oddsmakers, it’s really looking like I need to make some updates. First Lucky, who was conspicuously absent last night, could be added and even though they could fit in other groups, Not Kendall and Weevil could get their own lines that would have significantly lower odds than The PCH’ers and the Casablancas Clan. Also with the current odds, The Gay Mafia’s extremely high odds would be a steal after last week’s revelations. But in a show like Veronica Mars, The Field might be the best bet as Aaron came out of no where, at least for me, to turn out to be Lily’s killer.

Elsewhere Veronica was being stalked by someone who only turned out to want her services to find out who killed his dog. And much like every criminal activity this season, the Fitzpatrick’s were behind the wheel. The reason was to send a message to the dude’s brother, a PCH member who looked decidedly non-Hispanic. Apparently Thumper let just about anyone in the gang after Weevil’s untimely departure. I was a little disappointed to see the fake deer utilized (at right) in this story and you can read about that on my sister site, Scooter McGavin Takes Pictures, as it is the picture of the day over there.

Then the mystery of the week collided with the season mystery when Veronica followed the car to a house where a shadowy figure came out saying there was someone inside. It turned out that the dude was Keith and the house belonged to Not-Kendall. And since see was set up with a computer and all, it seemed like she has been there for a while and it wasn’t a house that her and Beaver bought for their company. But the biggest reveal was that Not-Kendall was connected to the Fitzpatrick’s. While in the house, it came to light that Liam is not necessarily the brains of the operation as he was more than ready to kill Keith in Not-Kendall’s house, linking them together and bringing to light her secret pad. Knowing this, Not-Kendall called off the guards when Liam wanted to go after the Mars. But I’m not entirely sold that Kendall is the brains either and whoever is pulling their strings may be the real person behind the crash. Is it Big Dick, Officer Mahoney, or someone else on the growing suspects list? Only three episodes until we find out.

Elsewhere we were treated to great scenes with the Butters and Mac coupling. I loved how Veronica casually forgot to let Mac in on how she was able to get into Clemmons’ office. Although isn’t Butters only a sophomore? He should have to worry about a prom date. Then there is what seems to be the throwaway storyline of Jackie getting a job at Java the Hut. But her financial trouble, which is why she got the job in the first place, could explain why she will not be heading off to Paris after graduation, instead she will most likely sticking in Neptune next year.

If you have not checked it out yet, be sure to catch the only Veronica Mars podcast over at Neptune Pirate Radio. The latest episode has an interview with Sheriff Lamb, but I have to question their interview skill after not his new campaign slogan, “18 - It’s Legal!” I even got sort of a shout out when they crowned their name Woody’s nickname question when they gave my suggestion of Officer Mahoney an honorable mention, even though they didn’t mention me by name. For those who organize your podcast threw iTunes like I do, I quietly added a “Podcasts I Listen To” section on my sidebar so if you want to subscribe to Neptune Pirate Radio threw the service, you can just click that link and it will take you to it’s page on iTunes..

Next week things continue to stay good as someone will capture Veronica and Gia and hold hostage. Interesting as these two were the people I originally thought could be the targets of the bus crash. And it looks like there will be no formal Toss Up next week either as Lost will be running clips show next week.

And with no Lost tonight, there is nothing for me to watch tonight. I can’t even catch the repeat of Veronica Mars as the final Cavs game of the regular season is on tonight, so thankfully the show moved to Tuesday so I didn’t have to wait until Saturday to watch it. Unfortunately I actually wanted to catch America's Next Top Model to see if they really ruined the contestant I most wanted to have dirty, dirty sex with by transforming her teeth to look like Austin Powers. Hopefully this is all a rouse to get back out Tyra’s fake collapse a couple weeks ago, but sadly I don’t think that’s the case. It would bad to see Joanie Dodds get the ax because someone messed up her mouth.

All I Had Was Just a Vision, All I Had Was My Ambition

They say you can’t judge a book by its cover, but it’s is pretty easy to judge an album by its cover. If there are bright covers with smiling faces, it’s safe to say it that you will be hearing pop music, if it a bunch of disinterested dudes in muted colors, you more than likely in store for some emo. When I first saw the major label debut of Mat Kearney, Nothing Left to Lose, my assumption without listening to it was that it would be a country album, but I went ahead and gave it a listen anyways. And after listening to to I realize I was extremely wrong.

The album starts off with Undeniable, a typical singer-songwriter vide with a strumming guitar, then all of the sudden dude starts rapping. Okay calling what Mat does rapping is like calling what I do on a golf course golfing; it more like spoken word with a slight cadence. That’s not to say that the rapping takes away from any of the song yet helps builds layers to the songs here. This leads to instant comparisons to Everlast, formally of House of Pain who introduced rap-folk while rap-rock was rising, but Kearney has a much better singing voice that at time sound reminiscent of Chris Martin of Coldplay. In fact, this album could be what it may have sounded like had Martin grown up in the Pacific Northwest listening to hip-hop in fact the piano driven All I Need that builds up to a climax with a strings section sounds like a lost Coldplay track.

The surprise of the sound is almost trumped by finding out that Kearney is classified as a Christian artist. Don’t worry, the former youth pastor doesn’t utilize any preachy lyrics on the album, instead they are more personal and introspective and is much more similar to secular music. Sure you can find Christian themes if you look deep enough, but you can do the same for many other bands most notable U2. Kearney effortlessly blending pop, folk, rap, country, rock should captivate any real music fan.

Song to Download - In the Middle

Nothing Left to Lose gets a on my Terror Alert Scale.

You Sing a Sad Song Just to Turn it Around

It’s hard to get away from Daniel Powter these days as he battles with James Blunt for the most overplayed song this year. And even though Bad Day is a better song than You’re Beautiful, any song gets old after hearing it a thousand times over a month. So just time for the song to hit its tipping point, Powter has released his American, self-titled debut to give us something else to listen to.

What’s surprising at first listen to the album is how it sounds nothing like the morose, singer-songwriter on the piano vibe of his first hit. Instead, on most of the other songs on the album, starting with Song 6 (I assume that since he is Canadian, having the first song called Song 6 has something to do with some weird conversion with the Metric System) Powter goes into falsetto while channeling Stevie Wonder with a funky mix of soul and rock. The only problem with this is that Maroon 5 did a much better job doing the exact same thing a couple years ago on their first album.

That’s not to say that Powter doesn’t do a good job at it himself except when he gets overtly sexual on songs like Free Loop (And I will figure out that we can baby, we can do a one night stand) and Hollywood (you could be my star for weekends, do you like your Hollywood?) which come across as more creepy than romantic. But the biggest problem with this album is that, at just over a half an hour, it’s way too short. But of course the record company had no qualms of charging full price for it.

Song to Download - If you’re already sick of Bad Day, go with Lie to Me

Daniel Powter gets a on my Terror Alert Scale.

Lyrics Quiz - Tax Day

Hints Added

Its tax day today, I hope everyone has there stuff sent in already, although I don’t think they are due until Monday because of the Easter holiday. But I’ll still keep that as this month’s theme on the lyrics quiz so all songs will have to do with taxes, money, or lack there of. As always leave your guesses in the comment section, both song title and artist. If you are correct, I will un-bold the lyric and give you credit. Now on to the quiz:

Hints:
1. Mostly known for pop songs in the 60's, he became more socially conscience in the 70's after his brother came home from Vietnam.
4. Mostly know for his overtly sexually song and eccentric personality, some forget his many socially conscience songs like this one.
7. This one hit wonder's problem isn't a lack of money; it's not being able to use it as depicted in the extremely long title.


1. Natural fact is, honey, that I can’t pay my taxes.
2. You got the brawn, I got the brains. (Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots of Money) - Pet Shop Boys; guessed by The Catapiller)
3. People will steal from their mother. (For the Love of Money - The O'Jays; guessed by Doug)
4. One more card and its 22, unlucky 4 him again.
5. He makes his living off of the people’s taxes. (Take the Money and Run - The Steve Miller Band; guessed by Shelly)
6. No info for the DEA, federal agents mad cause I’m flagrant, tap my cell and the phone in the basement. (Mo Money Mo Problems - The Notorious B.I.G.; guessed by Shelly)
7. If I die before I learn to speak, did money pay for the days I lived awake but half asleep.
8. Cash rules everything around me. (C.R.E.A.M. - Wu-Tang Clan; Guessed by Doug)
9. You can call us Aaron Burr by the way we’re dropping Hamiltons. (Lazy Sunday - Andy Sanburg and Chris Parnell; guessed by Angie)
10. I see you’re out of aces, for a taste of your whisky I’ll give you some advise. (The Gambler - Kenny Rodgers; guessed by Shelly)
11. They passed a law in ’64 to give to those who ain’t got a little more, but it only goes so far. (The Way it Is - Bruce Hornsby and the Range; guessed by Angie)
12. I got a plan to get us out of here, been working at a convenient store, managed to save just a little bit of money. (Fast Car - Tracy Chapman; guessed by Doug)
13. But when the taxman comes threw the door, the house looks like a rummage sale. (Fortunate Son - Creedence Clearwater Revival; guessed by Scottage)
14. It was a brown wallet, it had props numbers, it had my jimmy hats. (I Left My Wallet in El Segundo - A Tribe Called Quest; guessed by Doug)
15. The bill collectors they ring my phone and scare my wife when I’m not home. Got a bum education, double digit inflation. (The Message - Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five; guessed by Doug)
16. He works his hands to the bone to give her money every payday. (Why Don't You get a Job? - The Offspring; guessed by Shelly)
17. I don’t have much money, but boy if I did, I’d buy a big house where we both could live. (Your Song - Elton John; guessed by Angie)
18. Get a job with good pay and you’re okay. (Money - Pink Floyd; guessed by Scottage)
19. You’re just a step on the bossman’s ladder but you got dreams he’ll never take away. (9 to 5 - Dolly Parton; guessed by Shelly)
20. Say money, money, won’t get you too far, get you too far. (Rich Girl - Hall and Oates; guessed by Jelly)
21. The best things in life are free, but you can keep 'em for the birds and bees. (Money (That's What I Want) - Barrett Strong; guessed by Doug)
22. We got 1000 Points of Light for the homeless man. (Rockin' in the Free World - Neil Young; guessed by Jelly)
23. Come back home to the refinery, hiring man says, “Son if it were up to me.” (Born in the U.S.A. - Bruce Springsteen; guessed by Angie)
24. I'd buy you some art a Picasso or a Garfunkel. (If I Had $1,000,000 - Barenaked Ladies; guessed by Angie)
25. His father works some days for fourteen hours and you can bet he barely makes a dollar. (Living for the City - Stevie Wonder; guessed by Scottage)

Toss Up: Lost vs Veronica Mars week 14

It’s the first non head to head Toss Up, well unless you count the repeat of Veronica Mars that aired opposite of Lost (download S.O.S.). Not that Veronica Mars was a distant memory in my mind like with Lost when I’m forced to wait until Saturdays when the Cavs games are on UPN because I watched it a couple times. Upon one of the watching I finally cracked open the partial script (I know there is a fancy work for it, but I’m not hip to the lingo) that I have avoided reading as not to be any more spoiled. But it just sat on my coffee table for over a month as I stared at it trying not to open it like a junkie trying to quit would stare at a bag of crack someone left lying out. It was also hard holding on to the picture to the right which was one of the few things we were forbidden from posting. But now that the episode has aired, it was free game. And now it asked the question, if eight people died on the bus, why only six pictures on the board? But anyways. On to this week’s Toss Up:


Failed Experiment
Lost - Bernard tries to get people to help him build a sign that planes could see but couldn’t even get half an “S” done.
Veronica Mars - Logan and Wallace try to beat Angie at the “It’s not me it’s Wu” egg drop.
Winner: Veronica Mars


Interracial Lovin’
Lost: Bernard has some jungle love while in the jungle.
Veronica Mars: Dead gay dude had yellow fever for Mr. Wu.
Winner: Lost


Flashbacks
Lost: Rose and Bernard have flashbacks to the day they met.
Veronica Mars: Logan flashes back to making out with Veronica, oh and the first time she met Lucky.
Winner: Veronica Mars


Surprised to See
Lost: The dude from Angel gets his own flashback.
Veronica Mars: The chick from Cupid is back after getting unceremoniously dumped by Keith.
Winner: Veronica Mars


Let Down Ending
Lost: It’s Michael coming out of the woods.
Veronica Mars: I Am God is a band.
Winner: Lost


Best Line
Lost: Sometimes you don’t need the prettiest horse, just one that lets you ride bareback. (Okay Lost didn’t have any good lines; I just wanted to post both of these.)
Veronica Mars: Just because you wiggle your finger doesn’t mean Dick’s gonna come.
Winner: No Contest


Abbreviation
Lost: Bernard tries to spell S.O.S. in hopes to get rescued.
Veronica Mars: Veronica hopes she’s more PYT than PWT.
Winner: Veronica Mars


Help a Brother Out
Lost: Charlie helps Eko build a church.
Veronica Mars: Logan helps Wallace when he wants to stick it to Angie.
Winner: Veronica Mars


Hook Up
Lost: Rose and Bernard after he helps her car gets stuck.
Veronica Mars: Keith goes on two unsuccessful blind dates and one that went very well.
Winner: Lost


Remember two weeks ago when Lost had its episode with five can’t miss moments and it actually delivered? Everyone, including me, said that was the point where the show breaks its sophomore slump. But then last week came the sluggish Hurley-centric episode. Then Lost this week hit an all time low with the most boring first run character-centric episode focusing on the courtship of Rose and Bernard. The major twist is that Rose had less than a year to live, but this wasn’t too shocking because in the end she was cured by the island just like Locke. And what was supposed to be the other big shocker (and when I say shocker, I’m giving the Scout’s Honor sign) is that Rose knows that Locke was in the wheelchair. But what’s really shocking to me, like I mentioned after last year’s finale, was how doesn’t anyone remember and old dude being carried onto an airplane?

And much like every episode since he arrived, Not-Henry Gale was much more interesting that that week’s character-centric storyline. Not-Henry continued to screw with Locke’s head by ignoring him when Locke once again tried to get Not-Henry to admit he punched in the numbers in between trying to sketch the blacklight image.

Then after realizing he has gotten all that he’s going to get out of Not-Henry, Jack decides to cross the line that shall not be crossed in hopes of making a trade of Not-Henry for Walt. Apparently Jack didn’t get the memo that Earl Hickey kidnapped him. Naturally Zeke and the Gang have no interest. And in a surprise that surprised no one, Michael was the rusting in the woods.


Now I must disclose that I’m not the biggest fan of dream sequences. Mostly because there are always have deeper meanings with Freudian psychobabble that goes over my head. And there was plenty of this happening with Veronica’s conversations with dead people on her new night Tuesday. First, it is hard to decide it was all just a magnification of Veronica’s subconscious or were the dead really giving her hints. That wouldn’t be the first time the dead helped her as Lily saved her from the bus crash and also had a habit of showing up in her dreams during the first season.

If it was indeed the ghosts were really talking to her, they left some interesting hints that would change some suspects’ odds on my Oddsmakers game (click to participate). A lot of signs pointed to the Casablancas Clan. First, did the PWT succeed in her attempt of creating a Littler Dick and Little Dick and/or Big Dick wanted to avoid the child support? Then back in the real world, the massive insurance policy makes the elders of the clan look even guiltier. Back on the bus, could the outing of all outings be referring to the youngest Casablancas whose sexuality was put into question when he wouldn’t scan Mac’s hard drive? Although with that comment, the sexuality of every dude on the bus is in question. We already know Marcus played for both teams, does Dick also line up on both sides of the ball? As part of his condition mean multi-personalities for Duncan, one of which is a gay homosexual? Why was gay dude on the bus; was it to be close to someone on the field trip? Then of course there were the people they met at Shark’s Field. Woody grabbing Logan’s arm last week was certainly homoerotic. Or was the argument Terrence had with Woody that day about his underage jungle lovin’ boy toy there? If that’s the case, Terrence is a beef roid away from the baseball no-no triple crown if you add in gambling. All I know is the closer we get to the finale, the less certain I’m know who crashed the bus. And who is Lucky and do I need to add him to my list of subject too.

For those keeping track at home, that would be two jabs at former guest star Paris Hilton. Can we expect shots at Laguna Beach next season? If so, count me in.

Next week, no Lost because there is a two hours episode of Alias. Wait, that show is still on the air? Is this going to be a Will and Grace situation where ever year the Emmy’s come out with a nomination for the show even though I was convinced it got canceled two years ago? But when Lost does come back, Michael gets his regulator to mount up in hopes to get Walt back. And naturally it will doubtfully end well.

As for Veronica Mars, the previews were pretty cryptic, but it looks like Weevil will be back and Veronica will be inquiring about Thumper. And I’m sure it will add another bus crash subject or two before the episode ends. I can’t believe there are only four episodes left. Be sure to turn in next Tuesday.

Tonight the Part of Denis Leary, Will be Played by Denis Leary

Okay, so last night I check my e-mail right after watching the Veronica Mars episode that they filmed while I was there, which already had me on a high and what do I see Live Chat with Denis Leary. Much like when I got the invite to visit the set of Veronica Mars, I sat there and stared at the letter for a while. I’m sure long time readers to the 9th Green know how much of a fan of Denis Leary I am as I quote him everyone and a while. Plus No Cure for Cancer was recently inducted into the Scooter Hall of Fame and Rescue Me was a winner at the inaugural Scooter Television Awards. Needless say, sleep didn’t come last night as I spent last night thinking up questions. One of the bad things about Rescue Me is that it has been so long since it last aired; it’s somewhat hard to remember what happened last. Some of my Veronica Mars Bloggers cohorts were also there and here are some of the highlights:

Give Me My Remote: When is Rescue Me coming back? I've heard May 30th?
Denis Leary: May 30th and the second season DVD comes out May 9th. The soundtrack comes out the third week in May.

Denis Leary: I have a new song coming out in the fall called "(Expletive Deleted) You"
Scooter McGavin: Denis is "(Expletive Deleted) You" going to be part of a new comedy album?
Denis Leary: "(Expletive Deleted) You” will be part of a new comedy album.

Denis Leary: "Traditional Irish Folk Song" is one of my favorites. We played it in front of 10,000 people at a gig I did in Dublin last fall.

Denis Leary: Some of the older members of the FDNY found it difficult to watch during the first season but a good friend of mine, Timmy Higgins, who was a member of the FDNY and died on 9/11, his brother Bobby and his brother Joey and his father are all firefighters. His father has put in 40 some odd years fighting fires in New York city and he loves the show. So, he's my touchstone.

About the criticism around movie Untied 93
Denis Leary: I think it's a knee- jerk reaction. You can't judge the book by its cover. Bruce Springsteen released a fantastic song called "The Rising" shortly after 9/11 and that song had a healing effect so it's like "Rescue Me". It depends on what the piece has to say.

Scooter McGavin: Denis, are we ever going to see a second season of the funniest two hours ever on TV - Contest Searchlight?
Denis Leary: No, Contest Searchlight was a one off.

tubetalkgirl: What has been your favorite character to play so far in your career?
Denis Leary: Tommy Gavin, no doubt. Although Diego has been very, very good to me.

About his charity
Denis Leary: We are building a high-rise simulator here in New York City for the FDNY. This will enable firefighters to work in conditions that simulate fires and terrorist attacks in skyscrapers. We break ground
next month.
Denis Leary: we are also trying to help the New Orleans fire department which was devastated by Katrina and you can make donations to help them through my foundation and the branch named the Jeremiah Lucey fund.
Denis Leary: www.learyfirefighters.org

About other projects he’s working on
Denis Leary: Yes, a couple of television pilots and a couple of film scripts.
Denis Leary: Plus my book, Kiss my Irish Ass, which is due out in 2007.

GiveMe_MyRemote: I think Rescue Me really pushes the envelope do you ever feel stifled by the network censors?
Denis Leary: No, FX is absolutely the best group of people I have ever worked with. All they do is ask us to push the envelope even further.

Comparing FX to ABC during The Job
Denis Leary: FX is so far and beyond ABC not just in terms of ideas but in terms of marketing that there is no comparison.

The show’s scheduling
Denis Leary: We like playing our stories out over the course of the summer. There is less competition and it allows us to shoot the show from February into August, which gives us three seasons of weather.

Scooter McGavin: I remember last year you were hocking Ryan Adams latest album at the time, what are you currently listening to?
Denis Leary: I am currently listening to Arctic Monkeys and Greg Dulli's brilliant new album called Powderburns.
Denis Leary: Best rock and roll album that I have heard in the last ten years.


tubetalkgirl: Are there any fun extras on the upcoming DVD i.e. bloopers, cast commentaries?
Denis Leary: Yes, there are all kinds of deleted scenes and behind the scenes extras.

Scooter McGavin: What other shows are you watching?
Denis Leary: Family Guy, 24, Deadwood, Huff, and I think it is a crime that Homer Simpson has never been nominated for best actor.
Denis Leary: Seeing The Simpsons movie 15 times.

His Oscars ballot
Denis Leary: Capote, Matt Dillon, Katherine Keener, King Kong.

Denis Leary: I think when People reaches the point when they have to have me in their sexiest man episode we are almost in the bottom of the barrel. Could be a sign of Armageddon.

Denis Leary: I started out as an actor. I studied acting and I got into comedy just to get some stage time and to meet girls.

TV on DVD he owns
Denis Leary: Colombo, 24, Lost, Dick Van Dyke show, Black Adder, the British Office, Fawlty Towers, The Simpsons, The Family Guy, too many to name.


Denis Leary: Thanks for your time too guys. Remember May 30th, FX, 10:00 pm and don't forget to drag your kids out to see Ice Age 2.
Denis Leary: Thank you, thank you, thank you. My mother thanks you, my father thanks you, my daughter's T Cup Chihuahua thanks you.


Rescue Me Spoiler Warning

Denis Leary: Lou is contemplating his retirement. The chief has a financial burden because they've raised the charges at the home where his wife is being taken care of. Sean falls in love with the wrong woman.

tubetalkgirl: Has Franco kicked the pill habit?
Denis Leary: Yes, Franco has kicked the pill habit and all the guys quit smoking in the first episode of the show.

Denis Leary: Lenny's character is prison this year and I told him nobody gets fat in prison. So he lost 110 lbs before we started shooting the third season and I have a project that I am developing for him that is very secret and under wraps.

Denis Leary: No, Sheila is not a lesbian, but down deep she still could be, but right now she's not.

tubetalkgirl: Will Jesus make any appearances this season, like last season?
Denis Leary: It's possible that Jesus may make an appearance before the season is over. He represents Tommy's doubts about his own faith and belief in God which will be sorely tested before the season is over.