Whatever happened to TVGuide?
For those old enough to remember when TVs came encased in big wooden cases, weighed 200#, and a 27″ television was considered a “home theater”, you probably remember that every American home either had a subscription to, or regularly picked up a weekly copy of TVGuide.
Now, in the digital age with 200+ channels and on-screen guides, the ubiquitous magazine of the 60′s, 70′s and 80′s has seemingly disappeared without a trace.
This week, I’m trying an experiment which entails falling back to basic cable which — in my case — doesn’t seem to include an on-screen guide, so I’ve spent the last two days scouring 12 different grocery, book, and other stores to no avail.
In the digital world, I’m just as guilty as the next guy for forgetting about TVGuide, but can it possibly be that a true television landmark publication has disappeared from the face of the planet without so much as a whimper?
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The “new” Dominos Pizza..
Today was one of those days. I haven’t been feeling well at all. Migraine headache that I suspect is brought on by lack of food, which is, in turn brought on by the fact that I was generally not hungry. Alas, I fell prey to Domino’s new marketing blitz about how they’ve “re-invented themselves” with a completely new recipe. Having been a former expert on delivery pizza, I was intrigued enough to order their “2 2-topping pizzas for $5.99 each” specials.
So how did it fare?
Not so very long ago, when I was 327 pounds, I was — to say the least — a huge fan of pizza. If not local, then certainly delivery pizza. Domino’s was third on my quick dial, and was eaten probably once a week when I didn’t feel like bothering to get dressed and go out for Big Ed’s.
On the list of delivery or take out pizza, it was third:
- Papa John’s
- Little Caesar’s
- Domino’s
In short, the “original” Dominos pizza was always bland. It was doughy, and it tasted vaguely of cardboard. Indeed, the only thing Domino’s pizza had going for it was that it was usually fast, most of the time hot, and usually — with the right coupons — it was cheap.
The delivery process
I *hate* having to try to explain my order over the phone. It isn’t that people aren’t nice. It’s just that I’m anti-social that way and find it much easier to click a mouse and have stuff delivered without any chance of “human mis-communication”. Alas, Domino’s online ordering system was down today, as it often seems to be. Today’s order, of which I’ve eaten two pieces (and will probably waste the rest), was indeed fast, taking about 17 minutes from order to door. It was literally piping hot, because of the delivery time, which was great as well.
As for taste…
The two pizzas I ordered were fairly standard. One sausage and pepperoni. One ham and bacon. The toppings and cheese were better than what I remember and definitely had more taste and spices. I’m not saying that’s a great thing, but it is definitely an improvement. The sauce itself actually has flavor now, but there’s simply not enough of it to cover the crust in my opinion.
On the failed side of the coin is the fact that it the crust still tastes of cardboard, and it’s still very, very doughy. It’s a buttery flavored cardboard, but the taste remains.
Why? In Dominos defense, I honestly think it’s a matter of the packaging rather than the product. The new “buttery” crust is supposed to isolate the packaging from the pizza, but with the piping hot pizza shoved in the cardboard box, my belief is that the steam/heat from the pizza causes a reaction which in turn, absorbs the cardboard into the crust. Maybe — if you’re listening Dominos — you can try using a piece of wax paper or something to isolate crust from cardboard.
On the subject of price..
What lead me to bite off on the deal like the sucker that I am, was the published price of 2 pizzas for $5.99 each, or presumably $11.98. When read the total however, I was greeted with $15.10, which is $11.98 PLUS a “$2.00 delivery fee” (which I am not at all sure goes to the driver) *plus* tax on that $13.98. So, by the time 2 pizzas hit your door, you can expect to be out about $17.10 including tip to make yourself feel like less of a bastard for jipping the driver.
$17.10 divided by 2 is $8.55. A full $3 more per pizza than the best home baked frozen pizza from the store, which — again, IMHO — is a hell of a lot better pizza than Dominos.
“Cheap” definitely no longer applies.
In the end…
So. My considered recommendation as a fat bastard with a pizza craving is…. “Don’t bite”. While the “new improved” Dominos Pizza is at least a baby step in the right direction, save your money and buy yourself a Digiorno’s, Red Baron, or even a Tombstone.
Or… if you want something even better, try a REAL local pie shop like Big Ed’s Pizza in Huntsville, or the best in your own area. You’ll be MUCH happier for it.
Wayne Hunt
segwayne.com
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Movie Review: Sherlock Holmes (2009)
The Sunday following Christmas, a few friends and I got the chance to join what seemed to be approximately a million other folks crammed in the sold out theater to see the new Sherlock Holmes movie starring Robert Downey Jr, Jude Law, and Rachel McAdams.
After several hours of reflection, I find myself at a loss for many words.
See? At the heart of my issue, like any fan of the genre, I had grown up on the TV and movie versions of the mid-twentieth century played by heavyweights such as Christopher Plummer in 1979′s “Murder By Decree” and most famously by Basil Rathbone in almost a dozen movies throughout the 1930′s, and 40′s.
In each of these earlier incarnations of Holmes was a puzzle solver who solidly preferred the “brain over brawn” approach. Enter this brilliantly done “reimagination” for the 21′st century and we find a Sherlock who’s just at home in a boxing ring as he seems to be in solving crimes.
… an action hero if you will, since that’s all the kids of today seem to be willing to pay for in the theater.
Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock Holmes (right) with director Guy Ritchie (left)
Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock Holmes (right) with director Guy Ritchie (left)
A story of many turns.
As anyone who’s ever watched a Sherlock Holmes movie — or even a Charlie Chan movie — can tell you, the plots and storyline are pretty deep and heavy, requiring the watcher to actually pay attention. This in stark contrast to most fluff movies of today and in my opinion, some of the best writing comes out of whodunnits.
2009′s Sherlock Holmes flick, directed by Guy Ritchie of “Snatch” and “RocknRolla” fame doesn’t disappoint. While you have the sneaking suspicion that you’ve figured it all out, there are still moments throughout the film with enough twists to keep it interesting.
At 2 hours and 14 minutes long, there are scenes which feel a little drawn out, but in the end, you’ll discover that each moment seems to be very much a part of the big reveal, which VERY reminiscent of the exact formula used quite successfully throughout the Basil Rathbone years.
Character Play…
Simply stated, Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, and Rachel McAdams were almost perfectly cast in their respective roles.
Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law struck a perfect chord as the somewhat arrogant Holmes and the begrudging brother-in-arms, Dr. Watson. You could easily feel both the near disdain and absolute reliance between the characters on screen.
McAdams came along and helped to complete the set, lending both a “double cross” and quasi-love-interest into the mix.
If I were to have one little quibble, it would be that there were moments where Robert Downey Jr. seemed to mumble his way through lines, but as others in my group pointed out, it was more than likely his interpretation of Holmes, as a brilliant strategist on the verge of insanity.
Either that, or I’m getting old…
In the end…
Even with all the “reimagination” going on to update the character to what we — as an American society — would accept in the theater, I really, really enjoyed this movie..
Much of the objections I expected going into the theater — such as it being more action movie than mystery whodunnit — were addressed, much the same way that 2009′s Star Trek presented us with acceptable reimagined versions of Spock and McCoy.
On a scale of 10, I could easily give this movie an 8. Subtracting 1 point for mumbling, and another for its sometimes lengthy scenes.
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Cashing in on Michael Jackson
October 6th, 1979 is one of those days that — for some odd reason — I will probably remember forever. Why? Because after a month of scraping together pennies, dimes, and quarters, along with copious amounts of begging to my parents, I finally held a ticket in my hand to the first live concert that I’d ever witnessed. That concert? The Jackson 5 at the Von Braun Civic Center in Huntsville, Alabama, fronted by L.T.D.
I was 13.
Almost 30 years later, June 25, 2009, I turned on CNN to see beginning of the massive media circus that Michael Jackson’s death was to become.
Whether or not you liked Michael Jackson. Whether or not you liked his music. Whether or not you believed all the media driven stories about reported allegations of child molestation, Michael Jackson has been virtually deified — if not sainted — by the media. About the only person who isn’t aware of the public hysteria surrounding Michael’s death is probably the same type person who lives in a shack in Wyoming writing diatribes to the New York Post about the end of the world…
What really gets me is that as I sat there tonight preparing to see a movie (Did you hear about the Morgans?), there was a 2 minute commercial about a new TV reality series starring “The Jackson 5″ which is clearly absolutely no more than a blatant attempt to exploit Michael Jackson’s death in the pursuit of the all mighty dollar.
For thirty years, we’ve barely heard a peep out of the brothers, and aside from a moderately successful music career and an infamous “wardrobe malfunction”, we haven’t heard anything out of Janet Jackson. Even less out of Latoya Jackson…
Trying to be as politically correct as I can, I find myself at a loss for words, but the one thought that comes to mind is “Jesus Christ people. Michael Jackson is dead. He was a great musician, and like so many famous people, a questionable person.. He’s gone. Get over it, and for God’s sake, PLEASE stop trying to squeeze more money out of his name…”
I don’t however know why I’m surprised. The world is still praising “Saint John” (Lennon), and there are still younger people than I crying over Kurt Cobain, and older people than I still sojourning to see the grave of Jim Morrison.. It’s all a pop-culture sheeple thing I guess.
Nevermind that the world actually lost Brittany Murphy, a fantastic and promising actress yesterday at 32 with barely a peep from the media.
If I could make a wish here, it would be that we all take a moment of silence for Brittany Murphy, that we could all wrap up the exaggerated mourning for Michael, and that we answer the A&E network (the network for said new “Jackson 5″ show) with a resounding and deafening silence in response to the fleecing of Michael’s memory.
Michael was a musician. He was, by some accounts, a phenomenally talented musician. That’s all folks. Move along. Nothing more to see here.
Wayne Hunt
segwayne.com
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Movie Review: Avatar
I saw the film this weekend and thought I would share my thoughts on the latest epic by James Cameron.
THE QUICK
The latest CGI meets “Dances With Wolves”. It won’t be a memorable film for me in terms of story but the visuals set a new standard for everything that follows. This film is worth a view if only for the visuals (in 3D).
PLOT SUMMARY
Our hero, Jake Solly, a former marine who has lost the use of his legs in combat, has replaced his dead brother in an effort to use his “Avatar” (a genetically grown alien which combines human an Na’bi DNA) to learn about the local population on an alien world called Pandora. His goal is to influence the locals to leave their home so that a very valuable (on Earth) mineral can be strip mined from beneath their land. In the process, Jake goes native as he learns more about them and ultimately helps the Na’bi defeat the evil corporate types and return Pandora to “the people”.
THE GOOD
Visually, this film is quite simply stunning in its scope. Cameron and his team have created an alien environment from the ground up and remade the Amazon on steroids. For this, I have to say “thank you” to everyone involved. The variety of wildlife, flora and people (the Na’bi) restores my faith that at least someone in Hollywood is still capable of creating something new. Cameron has also (for the first time as far as I can tell) seamlessly integrated live action and the 3D world of cinema in a perfect way. If this film does not win all of the technical Oscars this coming year then that award is obsolete and useless.
THE BAD
Unless you are a tree hugger or an anti-corporate / anti-capitalist type, the visuals is where the magic of this film ends. There is nothing new in the story of this sci-fi epic. As I stated earlier, this film’s plot is basically an updated version of “Dances With Wolves”.
Had this film been released before the Costner blockbuster, I wouldn’t be writing this part of my review but it didn’t so let me simply sum it up… “civilized” man (broken and battered) needs to start over, winds up at a distant post, meets the “noble savage”, learns the savage’s ways, becomes one of them and ultimately helps the “noble savage” defeat the “civilized” man.
Actually, now that I think about it, were I to place Avatar and Dances With Wolves beside each other for comparison of story and related plot devices, I would prefer Dances With Wolves. It really is that simple.
Don’t get me wrong, Cameron’s use of sci-fi tech and the brilliant visuals are up to his usual first rate standards but even this rock solid portion of Cameron’s skill set cannot overcome the tired and well known cowboy and indian theme. In fairness, this isn’t the first film to use the classic literary tale as plot but it ultimately falls flat (IMO). It also doesn’t help that this plot is easy to spot, early on in the film. While the visuals easily draw the viewer into the movie, the plot does not.
THE UGLY
This film is so heavy handed in its (unhidden) messages about corporate greed, protecting natural resources and (IMO) thinly veiled anti-war sentiment that the viewer should expect constant (virtual) slaps in the face. I was unaware of Cameron’s personal / political views and really don’t care but the media critics were absolute correct on this accord. It’s too bad because in my opinion, these heavy handed messages only further drag down the already tired plot.
THE VERDICT
Were it not for the BAD and UGLY portions mentioned previously, I would easily and readily give this film a 9.5 out of 10. But, since I did mention the BAD and UGLY, my final score drops to a 6.5. This film is worth going to see (for the visuals) but I won’t see it again (gee wiz effects only work once) and it won’t be on my Blu-Ray list since I don’t have a 3D TV. I’d also add that even if I did have a 3D home theater, you have to see the 3D version of this film on the big screen to really appreciate what you are looking at.
Your mileage may vary.
Regards,
Ltstanfo
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Soul Burger is back!!!
Long lamented and missed by hundreds of my friends, who’ve been missing a bit of the “love” in your life, I have four fantastic words for you… “SOUL BURGER IS BACK!”
You can grab the best burger in Huntsville in the new location which can be found INSIDE the Huntsville Athletic Club on Leeman Ferry in Huntsville.
*PLEASE* stop by and let Cathy and crew know how much we’ve missed them, and in return leave with an incredibly full belly and lotsa “love”…
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Dexter: “The Getaway”
Just watched the final season closer of Showtime’s “Dexter” titled “The Getaway” and just like last week’s episode, I’m virtually speechless.
Last week, I laid 10:1 odds that Debra Morgan wouldn’t survive. Up until the very end of this episode, the writing was so phenomenal that I still believed it based on the lengthy scenes with Deb learning about Dexter’s past, and the whole touching brother/sister scene.
I simply chose the wrong Morgan to die.
Now, we have to wait at least three months for the next fix, and I for one can’t wait. I never thought I’d ever cheer for a serial killer, but nonetheless, I do. Not only that, but I have sympathy for the guy….
My next guess is that next season will deal with the aftermath of Rita’s death, and I’m sure that for some time period, the cops will even be looking at Dexter because of the fighting with Quinn, the hit and run, the fight with the Sheriff, and the missing hours between work then finding/reporting Rita’s death.
If you’ve read this blog over the years, you’ll know that I continually chide Hollywood for its complete lack of originality. I’m willing to admit that I’m wrong — at least to a small degree — because right now, I feel just like the giddy kid who just left the theater after watching the original (and only) Star Wars on the big screen in 1977.
Massive kudos to the writers of Dexter on a season well done. Now adding one copy on Blu Ray to my Amazon Wishlist…
Wayne Hunt
segwayne.com
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Dexter: “Hello, Dexter Morgan”
10:1 odds that Debra Morgan dies next Sunday night…
Just watched the “pre-season ender” episode for season 4 of Showtime’s “Dexter”, titled “Hello, Dexter Morgan.”
All I can say is “wow”. This season has been so well done that I’m almost completely speechless EXCEPT for the nagging suspicion that I know how it’s going to turn out.
In this episode, Arthur figured out who Dexter is and confronted him in the squad room of Miami Metro. Major cahones, and a really huge “holy crap moment” with Arthur staring Dexter in the eyes and saying “Hello, Dexter Morgan”, clip to black.. We had seen this in the previews last week, but I had NO idea how absolutely amazingly powerful and creepy it was going to be in the context of the episode.
Here’s why I’m afraid I’m headed for a major letdown, but I can’t avoid watching…
In the previews for next week which closes the season, we see Arthur looking Dexter’s address up. The preview flashes to Dexter’s old house, then to Debra in her new apartment, which happens to be Dexter’s old bachelor pad.. We see cops storming in, but it’s obviously not the apartment.
My bet is that Dexter realizes Arthur will be coming for his family then says “oh no, Trinity is Arthur Mitchell, Arthur killed trucker dude and planted all that DNA to get away with it!” and the cops believe him, then get Rita and the kids out of the apartment then storm it.
Trouble is, the address Arthur found was Dexter’s old apartment.
What I’m hoping for…
Dexter realizes his public address is the old apartment, then sends everyone (including Deb) to get out Rita and the kids. Then he concentrates on intercepting Arthur at his old pad… It would be SO cool to see Trinity get his ass handed to him in Dexter’s lair…
Why I hope I’m wrong.
As I swooned earlier, this season of Dexter has been on, or at par with every other season, and the setup for the cliffhanger has been very, very well done to lead us where we are today. Lots of back stories involving others to build the story as well.
Whether I’m right, or whether I’m wrong, I can’t wait to see it, but the only fear I have is that the long awaited season closer may be predictable. It hasn’t so far, so as I say, I hope I’m wrong.
What do you think?
Wayne Hunt
segwayne.com
Showtime:
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Network TV, ADHD, and You.
Been thinking about this a lot lately and thought I’d pass it by you to see what you think.
Has anyone else noticed that network television seems to be developing a severe case of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) over the last few years? For the first, I dunno, 35 years of my life, network television was simple. 9 months on, 3 months off during the summer so that kids could stay outside and play.
- Image via Wikipedia
Now, certain networks — if not all of them — seem to be going to what I refer to as a “3 and 3″ schedule where they show 3 months of new episodes or programming, then 3 months of reruns. Sometimes even worse. For example, the TV series Chuck (NBC) “season 2″ wrapped up on April 27, 2009 and will be off the air until January of 2010. A seven month hiatus during which most of the ardent followers will have long-since forgotten all about it, leaving little chance for it to get picked up for a fourth UNLESS the third season is absolutely outstanding.
My point is, I understand that it’s cheaper for a network to pay its stars for 6 months a year as opposed to 9. They also get the added benefit of being able to pimp 3 months worth of video (12 episodes) as a DVD “season” assuring them of potentially more money from DVD sales, but what suffers in the end is good programming.
Literally, I can think of at least a dozen hit TV series which didn’t really hit its stride until the second full season. This list could easily include 
“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”, “Angel”, “How I Met Your Mother”, and well, just trust me, the list is endless.
On this new 3 and 3 season layout however, they’ll end up letting slide potentially GREAT TV shows such as “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip”, Dollhouse, and Eastwick which have, or at least had phenomenal potential but will never get their chance to shine because they didn’t premier with the ratings at episode one as to be “the next Seinfeld” or “the next Friends”.
Just imagine what Firefly, one of my personal favorites of all time, could have done with a second season and you’ll begin to get the picture.
Go ahead. Tell me I’m wrong.
Wayne Hunt
Segwayne.com
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NCIS: Los Angeles, the axe awaits.
Since the very first episode of the original NCIS series, I’ve been a sincere fan. The original series has an inate chemistry between each of the characters which truly seems to feel “real” and like some sort of dysfunctional professional family.
Unfortunately the same cannot be said for hopefully the last of the spinoff series, “NCIS: Los Angeles”, hereinafter referred to as simply “LA”..
About 3 months ago now, “LA” premiered as a back-to-back with the original series on Tuesday nights starting Chris O’Donnell, LL Cool J, Linda Hunt, and a seemingly great cast which should be perfect… Right? Instead we end up with a show that is so far detached from the original with such a “wanna be cool surfer vibe” that — despite having seen every episode — I can’t imagine has long until the network axe falls.
The original show, based (on screen at least) out of Quantico has a lot of the qualities of Bellisario‘s earlier work on JAG. Everything about the original is based around the military and it can’t be confused with other shows. “LA” on the other hand, takes place in a converted “uber-hip” (I guess) water works facility and is replete with one white guy, one black guy, and a 2010 Dodge Challenger. I suppose it’s better than white polyester without socks and a Ferrari driving cop, but the inevitable comparisons to Miami Vice *must* be made. I constantly refer to “LA” as “Miami Vice 2.0″. As if the obvious comparisons weren’t enough, they even throw in the snarky boss cliche just to complete the box set.
Instead of a serious investigations unit based on a naval base, “LA” is a “special ops” unit that seemingly has nothing whatsoever to do with investigating crime. Instead, focusing on hunting terrorists and stuff like that.
I don’t know about you, but I get enough terrorist fear mongering in real life. Despite my admiration of Linda Hunt and even my like of her character on “LA”. Despite the fact that I’ve liked 99% of the work that both O’Donnell and LL Cool J have done, there is simply very little “NCIS” about the supposed successor.
In the end, I’m sure lots of people like the show, but for me, it’s so far off the mark, I’ll have to pass. If you want proof positive that it won’t survive more than another season, they’re half way through this one and haven’t been able to stand on their own without gratuitous crossovers and severe leaning on the original show in the form of the time slot as well as repeat appearances from Vance (current NCIS Director from the original show) and even — as of last night — Abby Sciuto (my favorite forensic scientist).
Like I said, love the actors. I’ve been watching it since the premiere episode, but unless it gets a total retool, I’ll have to pass on the show itself from now on..
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