Wednesday, December 13, 2006

'Amazing Race 10' 'Bama Mom's Home Burglarized

On The Amazing Race 10, we found out that Lyn Turk is a strong-willed woman who really didn't let much get in her way. Not as outspoken as her team member Karlyn, Lyn was easier for fans to enjoy.

After all, both women had a lot of gumption to make it as the first all-female team ever to be in the Final Three on the show. And, I didn't see too much going really easy for them. Despite any qualms about their outspoken and blunt ways, they ran a good race and went much farther than I ever thought they would go.

One of the aspects which drove the team is that both women are single mothers, making it on their own.

Now the fame of being on the show may have made things a bit tougher for Lyn and her family. According to their local CBS affiliate in Alabama, Lyn's house was burglarized and it looks like the thieves took everything they could get.

An excerpt from the WIAT TV article I read:

Last week, just days before traveling to New York for the finale weekend, she came home to find her house in shambles.

"The house was wide open. Someone had forced their way through the front door, everything was in the floor, nothing was untouched, even food out of the cabinets, and taken the plumbing from under the house," said Turk.

The burglars had busted through two sets of doors to enter the home, and pillaged nearly everything inside.

"They literally pulled out everything. I mean its stuff out the closet, stuff out the drawers, it was stuff in this cabinet and you can see where they dusted for prints over there," said Turk.

Numerous items were stolen, including her son's play-station, and valuable copper pipes under the home.

Sigh, how horrible is that just before the holidays? She didn't win a heck of a lot of money on the show coming in third. Yet, the bit of fame cost her so much.

Sneak Peek: TNT's Original Holiday Movie 'A Perfect Day'

TNT's Original Movie - A Perfect DayTNT's new original holiday movie A Perfect Day brings about one warning that's always nagged at the back of my mind - be careful what you wish for. Fame? Fortune? What changes might they bring about and what might be the ultimate cost?

The story is a bit reminiscent of both It's a Wonderful Life and A Christmas Carol wrapped up in modern day tidings with a twist or two along the way.

Rob Lowe plays Rob Harlan, recently fired from his job and suddenly a best-selling book author. His fame and fortune come at the cost of his family and friends. All through the story, he's "stalked" by Christopher Lloyd who plays a character named Michael. To me, Michael's both the Ghost of Christmas Past and what will be the Ghost of Christmas Future if Rob doesn't get his act together and realize what's important in life.

And, what's that? Well, of course, love. Not the love of money, but the love of family, the love of friends.

As a writer-type, I've always had those dreams of fantastic success with a huge book deal that would change my life. So, the character of Rob Harlan hit a particular chord with me. The whirlwind book tours, the movie deals, and the fame! What wouldn't be wonderful about all of those things? Well, they wouldn't be so wonderful if they changed who I am, such as they did to Rob Harlan.

It sounds a bit like the schmaltzy-holiday-family-love-returns films which proliferate during the holiday season and to an extent, it is one. However, I enjoyed watching this one. It's a bit of a different take on the theme, and presents a believable and touching story. There's nothing wrong with the genre during the holiday season, for sure. Perhaps when we view a film like this, we can think of our own lives and take inventory of what we think should be important.

A Perfect Day will premiere Monday, December 18, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on TNT. If you miss it, there are encores later that evening at 10 p.m. and midnight. It will also air on December 20, 22, and 24. Check your local listings and set that VCR, TIVO, or DVR. This is a rewarding and well-presented film which makes fine holiday fare.

Besides Rob Lowe and Christopher Lloyd, the cast includes Paget Brewster (Rob's wife, Allyson), Frances Conroy (his first agent), Rowena King (evil, evil Heather - watch and you'll see why I say that), and Meggie Geisland (daughter Carson). For more information about the movie, you can also check on TNT's website.

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

TV Newsy Bits - Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Did you know that on December 12, a certain Frank Sinatra was born onto us? Yes, he was born 12/12/15. I had to Google the year, but I knew the month and day as it's also my brother's birthday. He was born a heck of a lot of years after 1915, though.

Just a sidenote: Today Google's image atop the search is of Edvard Munch's "The Scream." I don't know why, maybe too much pressure during the holiday season. Oh, wait. I just peeked again. Happy birthday Frank, Edvard and bro' Bryan. Munch was born in 1863. A century later, my brother was born.

Enough of that. What's the scoop on television stuff? Here are the TV Newsy Bits I found while roaming the web today:

  • TV Tattler has posted an interview with James and Tyler, the latest Amazing Race millionaires. Or, I guess, half-millionaires as they split the winnings.
  • According to Celebrity Spider, the season finale of The Amazing Race was a ratings winner.
  • Is Zach (Claire's "save the cheerleader, save the world" friend) on Heroes gay? Is he no longer gay? Have the producers abandoned that part of the storyline? Maybe the Haitian wiped that part of his memory? It's all a brouhaha with the series creator chipping in over at the AfterElton website. Me? It doesn't really make a difference. Most teenagers are exploring who they are, after all.
  • Speaking of Heroes, I notice that Milo Ventimiglia, the actor who plays Peter Petrelli, is co-starring as the son in Rocky Balboa, the new Stallone movie. His hair is shorter and greasier, but it's still a bit odd.
  • Huh. The Netherlands is the first place to go completely digital and is retiring analog television (that which you receive with an antenna). I have basic cable here, but it's much more costly than $18.50 a month.
  • TVGuide.com has Survivor 13: Cook Islands finale shockers. Wowsers. I'm eagerly anticipating Thursday's show and the finale/reunion on Sunday. For a season which was supposed to be so racially-charged, it fell away from that controversy. I wouldn't call it the best season ever. In my mind, that honor goes to the first season when all was fresh and new. But I liked the diversity of peoples this season. It's so much easier to remember who everyone is when they don't all look like pale model-types.
  • I'm watching Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas right now as I write this. I haven't watched the show in a decade or so and tonight's ABC showing is an expanded hour for a special 40th anniversary. I also can't believe it's 40 years old. Eep. I recall a 7th grade English teacher giving bonus points if we correctly answered "Who carved the roast beast?" on our midterm. Most misread it and were thinking a Dickens tale. I knew it was the Grinch and that I had a slightly quirky English teacher.

Today's Personally Noted TV Quote of the Day: "Maybe it's French. Maybe it's Italian. Maybe it's Fritalian." - Dunkin Donuts commercial.

Monday, December 11, 2006

TV Newsy Bits - Monday, December 11, 2006

Sigh. TV viewing seemed so empty without Heroes tonight. Yes, I watched How I Met Your Mother (yet another good episode), The Class (a fair episode) and Two and 1/2 Men (a funny episode). But, but... I feel so, so bereft of Heroes. Yeah, that's it! Where have all the Heroes gone? Where have all the cowboys gone? Ah, well. I have 10 Items or Less on (TBS) and that show makes me smile.

Here are the TV Newsy Bits of the day:
  • Some folks in comments have been asking about the teams selected for the upcomng Amazing Race 11: All Stars. I made a few posts mentioning some of the teams a while ago - here and even here. From what I've found online, it looks like Romber and the Guidos are in, but no BJ/Tyler or Frat Boys (season one).
  • The CBS website has changed the guest listing for David Letterman this week. Despite what I previously posted (which I took from their site), now Bette Midler isn't mentioned and Clint Eastwood is in her place on the Friday show.
  • I got home from work today to find a FedEx slip on my door. I'm guessing another press kit/screener - I'll let you know. Hmmm, maybe someone is sending me a plasma television or something. (Yeah, right.)
  • Celebrity Spider is reporting that Sarah Ferguson (the ex-Duchess of York) has indeed signed up to be on the next Dancing With the Stars. I think she'll dance better than Jerry Springer did, don't you?
  • Media Fiends has up a transcript of James and Tyler on The Early Show this morning. It's a bit hard to read and filled with ampersands, but it's the only one I see out there right now. I missed the show.

Holiday Television Programming - This Week Monday to Friday (Dec. 11-15)

Remember back to your childhood when it took absolutely forever for Christmas to arrive? Ah, but that's not the way of the adult world, is it? We blink and the holiday is right around the corner, blink again and it's here. Without further ado, here are some of the television specials, holiday movies, and more that I found through to Friday, December 15. Keep in mind that my list isn't everything that's out and about on the tube -- I don't include premium cable programming, nor local programming outside of the NYC area. You may want to check your local listings in addition to checking this list.

Monday, December 11:
  • Although I won't be making specific entries for them, keep in mind that shopping networks such as QVC and HSN are full of gift ideas and marketing throughout the week.
  • Weekday shows Rachael Ray, Ellen DeGeneres, and Martha (amongst others) will have holiday content throughout the week.
  • Noon ET/PT - Lifetime - Call Me Claus (movie)
  • 2 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - A Different Kind of Christmas (movie)
  • 7 & 10 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Mary Poppins (movie)
  • 8 & 10:15 PM ET/PT - TNT - The Wizard of Oz (movie)
  • 8 PM ET/PT - CBS - How I Met Your Mother - "How Lily Stole Christmas"
  • 9 PM ET/PT - NBC - The Year Without a Santa Claus (movie)
  • 9 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - A Christmas Wedding (movie)
  • 9 PM ET/PT - TLC - Crazy Christmas Lights
  • 10 PM ET/PT - TVLand - 100 Greatest TV Quotes and Catchphrases - new episodes all this week.

Tuesday, December 12:

  • 11 AM ET/PT - AMC - Miracle on 34th Street (movie)
  • Noon ET/PT - Lifetime - Holiday in Your Heart (movie)
  • 2 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - Home for the Holidays (movie)
  • 7 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - The Life and Adventures of Santa Claus
  • 8 PM ET/PT - ABC - How the Grinch Stole Christmas: 40th Anniversary Special Edition (narrated by Boris Karloff)
  • 8 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Santa Baby (movie)
  • 9 PM ET/PT - USA - Elf (movie)
  • 10 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Pinocchio's Christmas

Wednesday, December 13:

  • Noon ET/PT - Lifetime - Christmas in My Hometown (movie)
  • 2 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - Santa Who? (movie)
  • 4 PM ET/PT - USA - Elf (movie)
  • 7 PM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer
  • 7 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Rudolph's Shiny New Year
  • 8 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus (movie)
  • 10 PM ET/PT - CBS - C.S.I. NY - "Silent Night"
  • 10 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Jack Frost
  • 10 & 11 PM ET/PT - TNT - Christmas in Washington 2006
  • 10 & 11 PM ET/PT - Bravo - Top Chef - "Holiday Spirit"

Thursday, December 14:

  • Noon ET/PT - Lifetime - If You Believe (movie)
  • 2 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - Stolen Miracle (movie)
  • 4 PM ET/PT - HGTV - Decorating Cents Home For the Holidays
  • 7 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Little Drummer Boy
  • 7:30 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Little Drummer Boy: Book II
  • 8 PM ET/PT - NBC - The Office - "A Benihana Christmas"
  • 8 & 10:30 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - The Polar Express (movie)
  • 8 PM ET/PT - Bravo - Christmas in Rockefeller Center
  • 9 PM ET/PT - TBS - Seinfeld - "The Strike" (Festivus episode)
  • 9 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - Crazy for Christmas (movie)
  • 9 PM ET/PT - Food Network - Sandra Lee's Semi-Homemade Holiday
  • 9 PM ET/PT - Bravo - A Clay Aiken Christmas
  • 10 PM ET/PT - TLC - Holiday Blunders
  • 10 PM ET/PT - Food Network - Nigella Bites Christmas Special

Friday, December 15:

  • 10 AM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - Charlotte's Web (animated movie)
  • Noon ET/PT - Lifetime - Like Father, Like Santa (movie)
  • Noon ET/PT - Cartoon Network - Charlotte's Web 2: Wilbur's Great Adventure (animated movie)
  • 2 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - Christmas on Chestnut Street (movie)
  • 7 PM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas
  • 7 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - The Year Without a Santa Claus
  • 8 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Santa Claus is Comin' to Town
  • 8:30 PM ET/PT - Cartoon Network - Bill and Mandy Save Christmas
  • 9 PM ET/PT - PAX - Christmas Eve (movie)
  • 9 PM ET/PT - Lifetime - Mr. St. Nick (movie)
  • 9 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer & the Island of the Misfit Toys
  • 10:30 PM ET/PT - ABC Family - 'Twas the Night Before Christmas