Holiday Television Programming This Weekend - Dec. 23 - 24

'Twas the weekend before Christmas and all through the house... there were holiday television movies, specials, and cartoons! Of course, you're through with your shopping, wrapping, and baking. It's time for some family time, or even some me time relaxing in front of the TV set, right?

These listings aren't all-inclusive - premium cable stations and local programming aren't included. But, they're representative of the major happenings on broadcast and cable television.

Late Friday night, December 22:

• 11:00 PM ET/PT - TNT - A Perfect Day (movie)
• 11:35 PM ET/PT - CBS - Late Night with David Letterman, Christmas show
• 11:30 PM ET/PT - TBS - The Nightmare Before Christmas (movie)

Saturday, December 23:

• 2 AM ET/PT - F/X - Miracle on 34th Street (movie)
• 4 AM ET/PT - USA - 12 Days of Christmas Eve (movie)
• 7 AM ET/PT - ABC Family - Blizzard (movie)
• 9 AM ET/PT - ABC Family - Snow (movie)
• 11 AM ET/PT - Lifetime - Mr.St. Nick (movie)
• 11 AM ET/PT - ABC Family - Christmas Do-Over (movie)
• 11:15 AM ET/PT - TNT - Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King (movie)
• Noon ET/PT - CW - All I Want for Christmas (movie)
• 1 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - Call Me Claus (movie)
• 1 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - A Mom for Christmas (movie)
• 3 PM ET/PT - TBS - Hook (movie)
• 3 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - Under the Mistletoe (movie)
• 3 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - A Christmas Romance (movie)
• 4 PM Et/PT - Food Network - All Star Holiday Party
• 5 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - Crazy for Christmas (movie)
• 5 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Mary Poppins (movie)
• 5 PM ET/PT - Food Network - Christmas in America
• 7 PM ET/PT - ABC - The Sound of Music (movie)
• 7 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - His and Her Christmas (movie)
• 8 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Eloise at Christmastime (movie)
• 8 PM ET/PT - Food Network - Italian Christmas
• 9 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - Eve's Christmas (movie)
• 10 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Home Alone 3 (movie)
• 10:30 PM ET/PT - TBS - National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (movie)

Sunday, December 24:

• Midnight ET/PT - Lifetime - Stolen Miracle (movie)
• 12:30 AM ET/PT - TBS - The Nightmare Before Christmas (movie)
• 1 AM ET/PT - Comedy Central - Bad Santa (movie)
• 2 AM ET/PT - TBS - Snow Day (movie)
• 3 AM ET/PT - USA - Three Wise Guys (movie)
• 3:30 AM ET/PT - AMC - Prancer (movie)
• 5 AM ET/PT - TNT - A Christmas Carol (movie)
• 6 AM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - 12 Tiny Christmas Tales
• 6:30 AM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - Mr. Magoo's Christmas
• 7 AM ET/PT - ABC Family - The Stingiest Man in Town
• 7:30 AM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - Nine Dog Christmas
• 8 AM ET/PT - TBS - Hook (movie)
• 9 AM ET/PT - TNT - A Perfect Day (movie)
• 9:30 ET/PT - Cartoon Network - A Johnny Bravo Christmas
• 10 AM ET/PT - WNET (PBS) - Arthur's Perfect Christmas
• 10 AM ET/PT - A&E - Karroll's Christmas (movie)
• 10 AM ET/PT - ABC Family - Eloise at Christmastime (movie)
• 10:55 AM ET/PT - TBS - The Nightmare Before Christmas (movie)
• 10:30 AM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - The Night B4 Christmas
• 11 AM ET/PT - Lifetime - Santa Who? (movie)
• 11 AM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - Bah-Humduck! A Looney Tunes Christmas
• Noon ET/PT - CW - A Christmas Wish (movie)
• Noon ET/PT - Cartoon Network - Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas
• Noon ET/PT - ABC Family - Little Drummer Boy
• Noon & 2 PM ET/PT - AMC - Miracle on 34th Street (movie)
• 12:30 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - The Leprauchauns' Christmas Gold
• 12:30 PM ET/PT - TBS - National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (movie)
• 1 PM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - Bill and Mandy Save Christmas
• 1 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Rudolph and Frosty's Christmas in July (movie)
• 2 PM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - Casper's Haunted Christmas (movie)
• 2 PM ET/PT - F/X - Miracle on 34th Street (movie)
• 3 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - Christmas at Water's Edge (movie)
• 3 PM ET/PT - TLC - Crazy Christmas Lights
• 3 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus
• 4 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - The Story of the First Christmas Snow
• 4:30 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Nestor, the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey
• 5 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - A Christmas Wedding (movie)
• 5 PM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - The Legend of Frosty the Snowman
• 5 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Pinocchio's Christmas
• 6 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Jack Frost
• 6 PM ET/PT - History Channel - The Real King Herod
• 6 & 8 PM ET/PT - AMC - Miracle on 34th Street (movie)
• 6 PM ET/PT - Food Network - Al Roker's Christmas in New York
• 7 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - All She Wants for Christmas (movie)
• 7 PM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer
• 7 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Frosty's Winter Wonderland
• 7 PM ET/PT - History Channel - The Spear of Christ
• 7 PM ET/PT - Food Network - All Star Holiday Party
• 7:30 PM ET/PT - TBS - Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas
• 7:30 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - 'Twas the Night Before Christmas
• 8 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Santa Claus is Comin' to Town
• 8 PM ET/PT - NBC - It's a Wonderful Life (movie)
• 8 & 10 PM ET/PT - TBS - A Christmas Story (movie)
• 8 PM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - A Lost Claus
• 8 PM ET/PT - Food Network - Emeril Live: Hilda's Holiday Classics
• 9 PM ET/PT - CBS - A Very Married Christmas (movie)
• 9 PM ET/PT - WNET (PBS) - The Nutcracker With Mikhail Baryshnikov
• 9 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - Holiday Wishes (movie)
• 9 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - A Year Without Santa Claus
• 9 PM ET/PT - Comedy Central - Bad Santa (movie)
• 9 PM ET/PT - HGTV - White House Christmas 2006
• 10 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Rudolph's Shiny New Year
• 10 PM ET/PT - AMC - Miracle on 34th Street (movie)
• 10 PM ET/PT - HGTV - Holiday Windows
• 10:30 PM ET/PT - WNET (PBS) - Christmas With the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Featuring Renée Fleming and Claire Bloom
• 11 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Little Drummer Boy
• 11 PM ET/PT - HGTV - What's With That Christmas House?
• 11:30 PM ET/PT - ABC - A Dream for Christmas (movie)

TV Newsy Bits - Thursday, December 21, 2006

Well, this may be a bit more "schtuff" than actual Newsy Bits tonight. You've been warned!

Okay, who's following the Rosie O'Donnell and Donald Trump brouhaha? (You know how I love to use the word "brouhaha" in a sentence, right? A perfect excuse to do it!) I simply can't believe these two wealthy celebrity adults, can you? And, what's getting me is that I think Donald sunk lower than Rosie. I would have thought it would be the other way around. I'm a huge The Apprentice fan, but he's disappointed me with his behavior in this matter. To sink to calling someone "ugly" and "fat" is schoolyard stuff. Not that I'm defending Rosie, mind you. But...!

Did anyone see the brief Lost promo during Ugly Betty tonight? Jack and Kate have the walkie-talkies and Jack's trying to get Kate a way off the island. Yes, more proof there are indeed two islands. Heck, if giant polar bears run amok, they can go around an island and never see another right nearby. Kate and Sawyer are attacked by the others and someone gets shot.

It seems tonight is the meatball-and-pizza-on-the-tree night for the Late Show with David Letterman judging by the promos. And, tomorrow night is the Christmas show with the Annual Christmas Tree Football Toss.

Ho ho...

TV Newsy Bits - Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Uh-oh, winter starts tomorrow. Do you have your hats and gloves? Oh, sure... I'm certain some folks live in warm winter states, but I'm not one of them. However, the forecast for this area is not including a white Christmas this year. I'm sure we'll have a white Groundhog's Day and be ready for spring anyway.

Here at the TV Newsy Bits I found while poking about the Internet today:

• The TV Tattler has an interview with Yul Kwon, recent Survivor winner (as if you'd forget).
• Taylor Hicks First Album Enters Chart at #2 in First Week - I saw Taylor Hicks singing "White Christmas" this morning on The Early Show. It was a rather unusual version, but enjoyable. I can't help but wonder what new talents we'll see next month when American Idol returns.
• Speaking of American Idol, previous winner Ruben Studdard has shed 100 pounds and has his sights set on helping others in Alabama lose weight.
• Evangeline Lilly, Kate on Lost, lost her Hawaii rental home to a fire early today. Thankfully, she and her roommate(s) weren't home at the time, so they're fine.

I'm currently watching Criminal Minds. I know it's a repeat, but remember... this is a show I haven't been watching, so it's new to me. Y'know, I may end up getting hooked on this show.

Are you all out catching up on shopping or did you get some TV watching done today?

Today's Lyrical Non Sequitur:

Seasons change with the scenery,
weaving time in a tapestry,
won't you stop and remember me at any convenient time?
Funny how my memory skips while looking over manuscripts of unpublished rhyme,
drinking my vodka and lime,
I look around, leaves are brown and the sky is a hazy shade of winter.
Look around, leaves are brown there's a patch of snow on the ground.
-- "Hazy Shade of Winter" by Paul Simon, recorded by Simon and Garfunkel

TV Newsy Bits - Tuesday, December 19, 2006

Get yer bits here. Fresh TV Newsy Bits hot off the press... er, keyboard.

Now, bear with me a moment here. Last week, the CBS website for The Late Show with David Letterman had Bette Midler listed as the Friday night headline guest. Instead, it was Clint Eastwood. They never updated the page to reflect the change. I made a correction to my weekly Late Show guest listings article when I saw the promos.

Being the huge Letterman fan that I am, I know it's always Jay Thomas who does the Annual Christmas Tree Football Toss. He's listed on the website to do it this Friday. But I swear my ears are hearing Dave Price (from The Early Show). Say what? Am I going strangely hearing deficient? Has anyone else heard Dave Price? I'll listen more closely tonight, I guess.

Right now I have the new NBC show Identity on in the background as I write this. I like the premise of the show, but I'm not sure it will hold my interest. So far my impression is that the old What's My Line? married the stage (and music) of The Weakest Link and the wedding was ordained by Penn of Penn and Teller.

The good folks at TBS sent me some more screeners for new My Boys episodes which I'll be watching over the next few days and report back on. They also sent me the news that they've ordered nine new episodes in addition to the five new ones which will air December 26th - 28th starting at 10 p.m. ET/PT. If you liked Friends and Sex and the City, My Boys attracts the same sort of audience while not really being much like either. Have I confused you yet? Check out the show!

In other TV Newsy Bits:

• Reality News Online (RNO rocks) has a transcript of the Yul and Ozzy (Survivor) interviews from The Early Show. The RNO interview with Ozzy sheds makes me like the guy even more. Yul explained his strategy in his interview with them.
• RNO rocked on with a Sundra interview, an Adam interview and a Becky interview.
• Have you had enough Survivor yet? If not, more details about next season have been reported by Reality TV World. Celebrity Spider has news about the ratings (very good) and about show memorabilia up for auction.
• What? More Survivor? AOL has a peachy-keen "Where Are They Now?" feature (not limited to just AOL members). Well, we probably all know where Richard Hatch is...!
• In non-Survivor news, Former 'N Sync Star Joey Fatone Set for Dancing With the Stars

This Week's Holiday Television Programming - December 18 - 22

Oh, no! Time is running out! Chanuka has already begun; Christmas will be here soon. But you can still shop for Christmas gifts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. And, there are plenty of specials and holiday shows for you to enjoy during quiet times. This list isn't totally inclusive -- premium cable and local programming are noticeably asbsent. But it gives the skinny on specials, holiday movies, and more during the week.

Graphic artist Zoetawny made me a rockin' reindeer for the holiday, so let's all dance!

Thump.

Or not. Thanks, Zoetawny! It's spiffy!


Monday, December 18:

• Daytime television shows such as Rachael Ray and Martha will be featuring holiday content throughout the week. Ellen DeGeneres is reruns this week.
• 7 PM ET/PT - HGTV - The White House Christmas 2006
• 7 PM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer
• 7 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Santa Claus is Comin' to Town
• 8 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (movie)
• 8 & 10 PM ET/PT - TNT - A Perfect Day (movie)
• 9 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - All She Wants for Christmas (movie)

Tuesday, December 19:

• Midnight ET/PT - TNT - A Perfect Day (movie)
• 8 AM ET/PT - Comedy Central - The Hebrew Hammer (movie)
• Noon ET/PT - Lifetime - Christmas on Chestnut Street (movie)
• 2 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - Recipe for a Perfect Christmas (movie)
• 6 PM ET/PT - HGTV - Holiday Windows 2006
• 7 PM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - Mr. Magoo's Christmas
• 7 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Frosty's Winter Wonderland
• 7:30 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Nestor, the Long-Eared Christmas Donkey
• 8 PM ET/PT - ABC - I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown!
• 8 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (movie)
• 8 PM ET/PT - AMC - Prancer (movie)
• 9 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - Christmas at Water's Edge (movie)

Wednesday, December 20:

• 8 AM ET/PT - ABC Family - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (movie)
• 10 AM ET/PT - TBS - Beethoven (movie)
• 11 AM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - A Lost Claus
• 11:30 AM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - Tom and Jerry: Shiver Me Whiskers (animated movie)
• Noon ET/PT - Lifetime - The Secret of Giving (movie)
• 2 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - Borrowed Hearts (movie)
• 3:15 PM ET/PT - AMC - Prancer (movie)
• 6 PM ET/PT - HGTV - What's With That Christmas House?
• 7 PM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - The Legend of Frosty the Snowman
• 7 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - The Year Without a Santa Claus
• 8 PM ET - WNET (PBS - NYC) - Christmas With the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Featuring Renée Fleming and Claire Bloom
• 8 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Christmas Do-Over (movie)
• 8 PM ET/PT - TNT - A Christmas Carol (movie)
• 9 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - Home for the Holidays (movie)
• 10 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - The Year Without a Santa Claus
• 10 PM ET/PT - TNT - A Perfect Day (movie)

Thursday, December 21:

• Midnight ET/PT - TNT - A Perfect Day (movie)
• 8 AM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - The Night B4 Christmas
• 8:30 AM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas
• 9 AM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - Casper's Haunted Christmas (animated movie)
• 10 AM ET/PT - TBS - Christmas Rush (movie)
• 11 AM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer
• Noon ET/PT - Lifetime - The Angel Doll (movie)
• Noon ET/PT - History Channel - The Christmas Truce
• 2 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - Christmas in My Hometown (movie)
• 2 PM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - The Legend of Frosty the Snowman
• 6 PM ET/PT - HGTV - Outta Control Christmas
• 7 PM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - Bill and Mandy Save Christmas
• 7 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Cat in the Hat
• 7:30 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Seuss on the Loose
• 8 PM ET/PT - CBS - Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
• 8 & 10:30 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - How the Grinch Stole Christmas (movie)
• 9 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - A Town Without Christmas (movie)
• 9 PM ET/PT - HGTV - Over the Top Holiday

Friday, December 22:

• 7 AM ET/PT - ABC Family - Once Upon a Christmas (movie)
• 8 AM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - Olive, the Other Reindeer
• 9 AM ET/PT - ABC Family - Twice Upon a Christmas (movie)
• 9 AM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - The Legend of Frosty the Snowman
• 10 AM ET/PT - TBS - National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (movie)
• 10 AM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - Bah! Humduck! A Looney Tunes Christmas
• 11 AM ET/PT - F/X - Miracle on 34th Street (movie)
• Noon ET/PT - USA - A Christmas Carol: The Musical (movie)
• Noon ET/PT - Lifetime - The Road to Christmas (movie)
• 12:30 PM ET/PT - NIK - I'll Be Home for Christmas
• 1 PM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - Casper's Haunted Christmas (movie)
• 2 PM ET/PT - USA - Three Wise Guys (movie)
• 2 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - A Town Without Christmas (movie)
• 4 PM ET/PT - USA - The 12 Days of Christmas Eve (movie)
• 7 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Rudolph's Shiny New Year
• 8 PM ET/PT - CBS - The 8th Annual A Home for the Holidays with Rod Stewart
• 8 PM ET/PT - BET - Holiday Heart (movie)
• 8 PM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer
• 8 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Mary Poppins (movie)
• 8 PM ET/PT - AMC - Prancer (movie)
• 9 PM ET/PT - PAX - It Happened One Christmas (movie)
• 9 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - Christmas Child (movie)
• 9 PM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - A Lost Claus
• 9:30 PM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - Bravo Christmas

'Survivor 13: Cook Islands' - Season Finale -or- "They can't light a fire when given matches?"

I'm much more satisfied with the finale of Survivor compared to the most recent Amazing Race. I had not just one, but two contestants I really thought played the game well and, gosh, I liked them! I was ambivalent about the final group on The Amazing Race once the numbers got down. At least Survivor didn't fail me!

Five remain. Who will outlast the others to be the final Survivor?

After a fairly brief (compared to some) season recap, the show opened on Day 37 with Adam contemplating his fate. He knew that unless he wins Immunity, he's sure to be a goner at the next Tribal Council. No one would sleep with him; he's all alone - a dead man walking, so to speak. He tried to plant the seeds of betrayal in Ozzy, pointing out what a huge target Ozzy carries due to his performance in challenges. Yeah, it worried Ozzy some, but was it enough to sway him?

When treemail came, it indicated a spider web and the chance to slither, run, balance, and know directions. Okay, it sure did. Jeff Probst said it was one of the toughest puzzles ever in this often much too puzzling puzzler of a season. Okay, I said the last part - Jeff just said toughest puzzle ever. I just feel there have been way too many puzzle challenges this season.

This one had them going through a heck of an obstacle course to retrieve eight bags of puzzle parts, one at a time. Once all the bags were retrieved, they had to correctly make an eight-point compass rose. For a while I thought Yul would get it as he seems very intelligent and possibly a Puzzlemaster. But, no. Ozzy won Immunity once again. He's unbelievable!

Adam tried to kick his plan to get the hidden Immunity Idol out of Yul's hands into high gear. He pleaded his case with Ozzy. He pleaded with the girls, Sundra and Becky. In confession, he said that if he can't get Yul to use the idol, he knows he'll be voted off.

And, at Tribal Council, Aitu once again stuck together and voted Adam out. They had a dream of being the Final Four and it came to fruition despite Adam's calling Becky and Sundra out for riding coat-tails. He was a gentleman as he left, though. As some might have said on Big Brother 7: All Stars, a true class act as he left.

Aitu celebrated, then treemail arrived informing them that all four will participate in the final Immunity Challenge. They all embarked on the inevitable Rites of Passage tour, gathering markers of the previous castoffs, saying the obligatory nice things about them. Yawn. They then stood on a mountain top and cast the markers onto a fire. Double yawn. About the only interesting tidbit I heard was that Jonathan had lost 30 pounds in the time he was on the island. It seemed that the Survivors had more food than ever before this season, but perhaps the editing misled us a bit.

The final Immunity Challenge had the ex-Aitu folks standing on small platforms in water. In 15-minute intervals, parts of the platforms were removed. The platforms were made according to the foot size of each so that no one had an advantage. As the platforms dwindled, my own feet hurt just watching them. The final platform was a half the size of a postcard. Yipes!

Becky was the first to fall, followed much later by Yul. Then it was between Sundra and Ozzy on the teensiest platform. Sundra put up a good fight, but Ozzy outlasted her and won the final Immunity. Woohoo! (Yes, he's one of my two favorites I've been cheering on each week.)

Ozzy was pumped over his victory, but was also impressed that Sundra held out so long. But, back at camp, the tightly-knit group knew they were going to face a dilemma - they'd have to vote one of their own off. Ozzy thought it best that they deliberately vote a tie with Becky and Sundra heading to a tiebreaker. That would be the most fair thing to do.

Yul, as owner of the hidden Exile Island Immunity Idol, was as immune as Ozzy, so it had to be one of the women. As he came through the whole game close to Becky, Yul offered her the idol. She seemed to consider it, but did she really? Would she?

At Tribal Council the idol went unused and, sure enough, it went to a tiebreaker. Now, this was amazing. After trying to do the fire-making challenge with a flint, machete, and flammable kindling for 90 minutes, Jeff gave them matches. And they still couldn't light a fire! Really! As the jury napped, rolled their eyes, and giggled and Yul and Ozzy cringed, Sundra finally ran out of matches. Becky eventually got a fire going and won. Buh-bye, Sundra.

Back at camp, Yul and Ozzy were together when a boat arrived with a feast for them. Becky was nowhere around. Ozzy thought it symbolic - it should be Yul and himself as he felt Becky did nothing to be there. Prophet Ozzy also predicted Becky wouldn't get any votes from the jury.

At the final Tribal Council, the jury wasn't anywhere near as rough as in previous years. For the most part, the constestants this season basically liked and respected each other. Yul and Ozzy were both such superb players that no one begrudged them being there. Becky, on the other hand, seemed a bit of a nonentity to the jury.

The speeches the three gave were pretty much what I expected. Yul said he was loyal to those loyal to him, brought his whole team forward, and felt he had affected the game. Ozzy talked about being the underdog and working so hard to provide food and win challenges. Becky tried to defend her actions and claimed to be working with Yul all along, not following him. She was playing a social game strategy. Um, okay.

Although I'm contemplating breaking down the questions by the jury in a separate article, a few things need to be mentioned. First, Becky made a point of telling the jury that Yul had offered her the Immunity Idol and she turned him down. Second, Brad told Ozzy he didn't think he talked 15 seconds to him while on the island. He asked him to tell him something about himself. What Ozzy told was a tearjerker - the story of a boy abandoned by his father. Tears came to his eyes, the eyes of his fellow castaways, and to my own. Jonathan was the only one a bit rough on the three and he was no Sue Hawk. He was more like Alan Alda picking on Major Winchester III.

With no cheesy (and I do miss the cheese) jet-skis or anything, Jeff ended up in Hollywood for the tally of the votes. Hey, no NYC this year? In a close vote, with no votes for Becky, it ended up going to Yul five votes to four. Since my favorites all season have been Yul and Ozzy, I was satisfied. I personally would have voted for Ozzy, but at least he won the SUV voted on by the show's fans as well as his $100,000 for second place. And, that kept the Survivor Car Curse intact, too. Even though they didn't give a car away during the season, one was won. And, no one winning the Survivor car has ever won the million. Becky, if web rumors are correct as CBS doesn't tell, won $85,000 for third place.

Overall, even though this season started up hyped with the possibilities of racial tension, I think it had one of the best casts ever. I've always been a fan of diversity and it was great to see that race didn't play as much of a role as the hype wanted us to believe. Yes, Yul and Ozzy said they both wanted to fight stereotypes, so race played a bit of a part. But at the end of the season, it didn't really matter who started out on what tribe unless you were one of the four remaining Aitu after the merge.

Jeff gave a few hints about Survivor 14: Fiji. Nineteen castaways, one tribe will have it easy, one will not, there will be an Exile Island with two hidden Immunity Idols, and something about a shocking decision one person will make. Again, it looks like the cast is diverse. Cool, I say.

'Survivor 13: Cook Islands' - East Coast Finale Update - Winner

Yul won the million by a vote of 5 to 4. Becky didn't get any votes.

'Survivor 13: Cook Islands' - East Coast Finale Update - Second Boot

It was a tie between Becky and Sundra at the second Tribal Council. Yul did not use the Idol to save Becky. A tiebreaker proved neither Becky or Sundra can make fire.

Eventually, Becky won. Sundra is out and the Final Three are Ozzy, Yul, and Becky.

'Survivor 13: Cook Islands' - East Coast Finale Update - Final Immunity Challenge

Ozzy wins AGAIN. He's guaranteed a place in the Final Three. And, as mentioned in the promos, the Final Three have a chance at the million this season, not just the Final Two.

'Survivor 13: Cook Islands' - East Coast Finale Update - First Boot

Not surprisingly, Adam was voted out at the first TC of the evening.

'Survivor 13: Cook Islands' - East Coast Finale Update - Immunity

Ozzy did it again. He won Immunity and is guaranteed a spot in the Final Four.

'Survivor 13: Cook Islands' 12/17 Finale Blogging

The finale has started on time here on the East Coast. I'll post East Coast Updates for important events as they air. If you don't think you're seeing the most recent post, use the December 2006 Archive link located in the right sidebar of the main page.

Survivors ready?

Jingle Pants, This Week's 'Late Show with David Letterman' - Dec. 18 - 22

Well, I don't think Dave can beat last week's Clint Eastwood appearance on the show. Dang, that guy is holding up so well and he's on shows too infrequently to really get to "know" him. It was neat to see him as himself, not a movie character. He joked about a Dirty Harry sequel and fancied himself chasing criminals in his walker, although he looks like he's in great shape. The Late Show website has a clip of that bit if you wish to take a gander.

Set to guest this week on the Holiday Pants:

• Monday, Dec. 18: Frank Caliendo, Ben Stiller (promoting Night at the Museum), musical guest Rodrigo y Gabriela.
• Tuesday, Dec. 19: Beyonce (promoting Dreamgirls), Marv Albert and comedian Marc Maron. I've never heard of the comedian, but Marv Albert and Beyonce are a rather scary combination. I guess it's good they won't sit together. If we're talking Dreamgirls, I'd rather see the American Idol finalist Jennifer Hudson in an interview as she's also starring in the movie. Beyonce never really rocked my world. Um, neither did Marv Albert, but I do like his sports bloopers clips.
• Wednesday, Dec. 20: Holiday Toy Demo and Renee Zellweger (Miss Potter). That's it? Hey! Now the Toy Demo is always a fun bit, but there's got to be more to the show!
• Thursday, Dec. 21: Tom Brokaw (Tom Brokaw Reports: In the Shadow of the American Dream) and musical guests Cold War Kids (Robbers & Cowards). Speaking of yet another man who is aging well...
• Friday, Dec. 22: Cate Blanchett (Notes On a Scandal), Annual Christmas Tree Football Toss with Jay Thomas and Darlene Love in her Annual Christmas appearance. Oh, no! This is the holiday show and, unless my mind has gone a'fishing, the tree isn't even up yet! It's a show not to be missed, but have I gone batty? Did I miss the tree set-up somehow? Is it going to be put up this week? It seems it went up earlier in past seasons! Maybe the meatball and pizza go bad. I guess we'll see.

Oh, and just in case you're interested -- The Late Show is accepting applicants for both Stupid Pet and Stupid Human tricks. The information is up on the website. Me? Well, I could just go and say "my life" as a Stupid Human Trick, but I doubt they'd accept that. I have a cat who meows at each and every glance, but he wouldn't fare well with an audience, so that's out. I guess I'll just have to watch other stupid humans and stupid pets, eh?

TV Newsy Bits - Saturday, December 16, 2006

The Amazing Race wrapped up last week; Survivor's big finale is tomorrow. Heroes, Lost, and Jericho are all sitting dormant. Whatever will a TV fan do?

Well, there are a lot of holiday doings and holiday television out there for the watching. American Idol and our favorite shows will return soon. We can make it!

Here are the TV Newsy Bits I found out there this morning:

• Reality News Online has a transcript of Parvati's (recent Survivor boot) The Early Show appearance, as well as a separate interview with her. I think she comes across better in the interview than she did with me in the show. (But I'm still glad she got the boot. Go Ozzy or Yul!)
• Jack Osbourne as a cop? Say it ain't so! The rather bizarre concept for a new CBS reality show Armed & Famous is explained in this Celebrity Spider article.
• AOL Television News is reporting that Oprah and ABC will be producing two new reality television shows. Oprah, eh? Hmmm... the tentative titles are The Big Give and Your Money or Your Life. Um, what money, I ask? Oprah's or mine?

Today's Lyrical Non Sequitur of the Day:

"Could we have kippers for breakfast
Mummy dear, Mummy dear
They got to have 'em in Texas
'Cause everyone's a millionaire." -- "Breakfast in America" - Supertramp

Happy Chanukah!

Holiday Televison Programming - This Weekend - December 16 - 17

Are you done with your holiday shopping? Or, perhaps you just want to relax a few hours watching a holiday movie on television? Maybe you want to shop from home - shopping networks QVC and HSN (amongst others) are all holiday gifts all the time throughout the weekend.

This list isn't all of the holiday programs; I don't list premium cable or local shows. So you may wish to check your local listings.

Saturday, December 16:

• 7 AM ET/PT - ABC Family - Dear Santa
• 8 AM ET/PT - ABC Family - Chasing Christmas (movie)
• 10 AM ET/PT - ABC Family - Scrooged (movie)
• 10 AM ET/PT - History Channel - The Christmas Truce
• 12 Noon ET/PT - ABC Family - Mr. St. Nick (movie)
• 12 Noon ET/PT - Cartoon Network - The Legend of Frosty the Snowman
• 1 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - A Dad For Christmas (movie)
• 1 PM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - The Night Before Christmas: A Mouse Tale
• 2 PM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - A Lost Claus
• 2 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Santa Baby (movie)
• 2:30 PM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - Bravo Christmas
• 3 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - I'll Be Home For Christmas (movie)
• 4 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Christmas in Boston (movie)
• 5 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - Borrowed Hearts (movie)
• 5 PM ET/PT - HGTV - A White House Christmas 2006
• 5 PM ET/PT - Food Network - Sandra Lee's Semi-Homemade Holiday
• 5:30 PM ET/PT - AMC - Jurassic Park (movie)
• 6 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Three Days (movie)
• 7 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - A Christmas Wedding (movie)
• 8 PM ET/PT - CBS - Elf (movie)
• 8 PM ET/PT - NBC - It's a Wonderful Life (movie)
• 8 PM ET/PT - ABC - Finding Nemo (movie)
• 8 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Christmas Do-Over (movie)
• 8 & 10:30 PM ET/PT - AMC - Prancer (movie)
• 8 PM ET/PT - TNT - Lord of the Rings: Return of the King (movie)
• 9 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - The Christmas Wish (movie)

Sunday, December 17:

• Midnight ET/PT - Lifetime - The Man Who Saved Christmas (movie)
• 2 AM ET/PT - TBS - Richie Rich (movie)
• 8:15 AM ET/PT - AMC - Prancer (movie)
• 9:30 AM ET/PT - ABC Family - Richie Rich's Christmas Wish (movie)
• 10 AM ET/PT - Bravo - Madonna: The Confessions Tour, Live From London
• 10:30 AM ET/PT - TNT - The Wizard of Oz (movie)
• 11 AM ET/PT - Lifetime - Ebbie (movie)
• 11:30 AM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer
• 11:30 AM ET/PT - ABC Family - I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus (movie)
• Noon ET/PT - CW - Christmas Parade
• Noon ET/PT - Bravo - A Clay Aiken Christmas
• 1 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - Holiday Affair (movie)
• 1:30 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Once Upon a Christmas (movie)
• 2 PM ET/PT - CW - Mouse Hunt (movie)
• 3 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - Comfort and Joy (movie)
• 3:30 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Twice Upon a Christmas (movie)
• 4 PM ET/PT - TBS - Home Alone (movie)
• 4 PM ET/PT - Food Network - Wintertime Treats Unwrapped
• 5 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - Recipe for a Perfect Christmas (movie)
• 5 PM ET/PT - HGTV - What's With That Christmas House?
• 5 PM ET/PT - Food Network - The Secret Life of Christmas
• 5:30 & 8 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - How the Grinch Stole Christmas (movie)
• 6 PM ET/PT - Food Network - A Barefoot Contessa Holiday
• 7 PM ET/PT - ABC - A Charlie Brown Christmas
• 7 PM ET/PT - PAX - The Santa Trap (movie)
• 7 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - Under the Mistletoe (movie)
• 7 PM ET/PT - Food Network - Nigella Bites Christmas Special
• 8 PM ET/PT - CBS - Survivor 13: Cook Islands Season Finale
• 8 PM ET/PT - ABC - The Santa Clause 2 (movie)
• 8 PM ET/PT - TBS - National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (movie)
• 8 PM ET/PT - Food Network - Emeril's Happy Happy Holidays
• 9 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - The Road to Christmas (movie)
• 10:30 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer & the Island of the Misfit Toys

'Survivor 13: Cook Islands' - Ep. 13 -or- "Adam Can't Hold His Mud"

Don't forget... the big Survivor 13: Cook Islands finale starts Sunday night at 8 p.m. ET/PT in most viewing areas. It's a two-hour finale followed by an hour long reunion show.

But what about tonight? Can Ozzy be stopped? Is Yul really a puppetmaster? How about that Becky - is she really sneaky? Is Parvati really Shallow? (Yes, that's her last name, so she is.)

Six remain. Who will be voted out tonight?

Well, the show didn't dilly-dally too long and pretty much jumped right into action (after a brief recap, that is) with treemail. Yes, it was the Reward Challenge and from the verse within the treemail, the castaways guessed mud wrestling - a fun sport indeed.

They were sort of close. It was mud. They had to go into a mudpit, gather as much mud as they could on their bodies, then go through a wooden fence and dump it into their designated buckets. They couldn't use their hands to carry the mud. Ozzy got inventive and gathered a pile in his hair and on the back of his neck. He was driven. Adam really didn't look as muddy as the rest. For the longest time he was the only one not using his hair to gather mud. Yul was gathering the mud on the small of his back and walking hunched over.

Ozzy, in his typical Ozzy fashion, worked it. He easily won with 45 pounds of mud in his bucket after the ten minutes they were allowed. That's about twice as much as anyone else had. Second was Parvati with 24 pounds, third Yul with 22½ pounds. Adam gathered 22 pounds while Sundra and Becky only got 20 pounds each. The funniest part of the challenge was when they all stopped competing and actually looked at each other - Revenge of the Mud Thing!

The reward? The winner and the two highest mud-packers won an overnight trip to a luxury spa, a feast which included alcohol, and lots of festivities. As the winner, Ozzy also chose someone to go to Exhile Island. Since his likely choices would be non-ex-Aitu tribe members, it was a given he'd choose Adam as Parvati was going on Reward. And, so he did.

Becky and Sundra went back to camp, mud and all. While there Becky couldn't get over how much Ozzy beat them by with the mud. She went on another "better get him out sooner rather than later" diatribe. Sundra seemed to agree. They all like Ozzy, but he's unstoppable. He throws himself into each challenge like some kind of winning machine.

Adam thought he'd spend his time in Exile just resting up for the Immunity Challenge, but the weather had another plan. A storm rolled in and he spent most of the night awake, wet, and cold. But, before the storm, at least he ate something. "Who needs fire when you can eat food raw?" Blech, I think it was a crab he was eating.

At the luxury spa, they showered off the mud - Ozzy had "I "heart" it" carved in the drying mud on his chest. He "hearted" a shower a lot more, though. They feasted and partied, then the power went out in the storm. But did it stop the party? Nope! Native dancers danced by candlelight and the good times went on. Then Yul, Ozzy, and Parvati went skinnydipping in the hot tub. Parvati and Ozzy flirted a lot, much to Yul's dismay. He observed it and said in confessional that he was worried she was trying to use Ozzy.

Reunited back at camp, Yul and Becky discussed their concerns about Ozzy. Both are very wary, but Yul doesn't seem to want to take the leap to actively get him out. Yul said in a confessional that no one has a chance against Ozzy with the jury. I think he's right. I had some qualms about Ozzy's attitude in the beginning of the show - he had a chip on his shoulder. But, dang... he's giving it his all. If he wins it all, he deserves it.

Off to the Immunity Challenge! This one should have been easier for the women as it included a balance beam, but that wasn't the case. The castaways had to walk across multi-level balance beams, retrieve four bundles of puzzle parts one at a time, then build a table with their puzzle parts, and guide two cannonballs through a groove to the corner pockets. This been a very puzzling season. Too puzzling at times!

Of course, Ozzy just zipped through the retrievals and his only opposition was Yul. Yul wasn't as quick on the balance beams, but at least he was making his puzzle table at the same time as Ozzy. Parvati was in running for third while Becky took one really painful-looking fall, but kept at it. Sundra and Adam looked like comedy routines falling all over the place. Both were totally off the map as far as winning goes.

So Ozzy won Immunity once again. Can he be stopped? I don't know. Back at the camp, both Adam and Parvati tried to get in his good graces. They want to vote Sundra or Becky (preferably the former) out and tried to get Ozzy to vote with them. He wouldn't commit.

Adam then approached Yul, the Survivor Godfather Puppetmaster Dude. pleading his case. Yul assured him that he "thought" he'd be okay. When talking to Parvati, Yul told her that he personally thought Adam was a bigger threat while "the others" may consider her the biggest threat. He "thought" she'd be okay. I guess he's the Diplomatic Survivor Godfather Puppetmaster Dude.

When Sundra, Yul, and Becky noticed that Parvati and Adam were working on Ozzy, they put an end to that by casually joining them. They thought Ozzy was still with them, but were worried.

As it turned out, no need to worry. There was no rat or weasel calling at Tribal Council, although many (including Jeff) questioned Yul's motives for returning Jonathan's hat. But the vote went by Aitu clockwork. Adam and Parvati voted for Sundra while all of the ex-Aitu voted for Parvati. Buh-bye, Parvati.

Jeff mentioned that on the finale there would be three Tribal Councils and a surprise. Too bad the twists have hit the fan already, or something to that effect.

'Survivor 13: Cook Islands' East Coast Update - 12/14 - Boot

Along old Aitu lines, Parvati was voted off. She and Adam voted for Sundra.

A full review/recap will be posted late tonight - c'mon back and chat about the show!

'Survivor 13: Cook Islands' East Coast Update - 12/14 - Immunity

Ozzy won Immunity once again.

Don't tell me you're surprised.

'Survivor 13: Cook Islands' East Coast Update - 12/14 - Reward/Exile

Ozzy won Reward, but 2nd and 3rd place winners, Parvati and Yul, go with him to an overnight luxury spa/feast/alcohol. Ozzy chose to send Adam to Exile Island.

It was muddy!

Tonight's 'Survivor 13: Cook Islands' Blogging

Survivors ready?

I'll be posting major events in East Coast Update entries as they air here in the NYC area. If you think you're not seeing the most recent post, try hitting the December 2006 link in the Archives in the right sidebar.

A full review/recap will be posted late tonight.