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December 29, 2006

Brian Bergeron

Lowell’s own, Brian Bergeron, 21, was recently nominated to participate in Boston’s Rice and Beanpot Battle of the Bands.

This battle is based on college hockey’s Beanpot Tournament and features representatives from Northeastern University, Boston College, Boston University and Harvard University.

Bergeron, who studies music at Northeastern, hopes to become one of four lucky finalists to compete at the Paradise Rock Club on Feb. 8 in Boston.

To vote for Bergeron, text message “Bergeron� to the number 22122. You can vote (which is free, but standard text messaging rates apply) until Jan. 23.

For more info on Bergeron check out this link.

Posted by Andy Ravens at 11:31 AM | Comments (2)

2007 TV Preview

Posting my TV preview (contains a few minor SPOILERS) that ran in today's paper:

By ANDREW RAVENS
Sun Staff
An anti-terrorist crime fighting machine and a group of mostly dreadful singers — an odd, yet formidable duo — highlight the second half of the 2006-07 television season.
"24" and "American Idol" come back just in time to the Fox network, which this fall struck out with low World Series ratings and stinkers like "Vanished" and "Happy Hour."
NBC’s "Heroes" was the only breakout hit from the fall season, although "Friday Night Lights," a drama about high school football in Texas, also shone brightly (even if no one watched). With so many new serial dramas failing, networks now turn to reality TV, prime-time game shows and (gasp!) sitcoms to bring audiences back. Here’s a list of some shows to keep an eye on in 2007:

"The Knights of Prosperity"
Premieres: 9 p.m., Jan. 3, ABC
The scoop: Promos look promising for Knights, which ABC decided to hold back for a winter premiere. The move may pay off big time because no one seemed interested in the slew of new mysterious dramas (Hello, NBC’s Kidnapped and ABC’s The Nine). A quirky, off-the-wall sitcom might be the perfect recipe for the season.
The premise sounds funny: A miserable guy gets together a group “average Joes� who decide it’s time to rob someone rich, like Mick Jagger. It was originally titled Let’s Rob Mick Jagger.

"Studio 60"
Continues: 10 p.m., Jan. 8, NBC
The Scoop: After a few disappointing episodes, lukewarm ratings and cancellation rumors galore, NBC surprisingly ordered a full season of Aaron Sorkin’s (The West Wing) latest TV venture. Matthew Perry and Bradley Whitford’s biting sarcasm keep me coming back for more.

"Friday Night Lights"
Continues: 8 p.m., Jan. 10, NBC
The scoop: Arguably one of the best shows on television, FNL has yet to establish a large following, but rave reviews in the press keeps this show where it belongs — on TV. NBC is in charge of when you’ll see it, so in 2007 FNL switches to Wednesday nights (from Tuesday) in an effort to jump-start ratings.

"24"
Premieres: 8-10 p.m. Jan. 14 and Jan. 15, Fox
The scoop: Jack Bauer is ready to begin the worst day of his life, 24 producers claim. That’s saying a lot when you consider Bauer (Kiefer Sutherland) has already suffered through five previous horrible days (seasons). When we last saw Jack, he had just exposed the U.S. president as a crook and was subsequently kidnapped and on a boat headed toward Asia.
China secretly trades Jack back to the U.S., where he is asked to help out after a wave of terrorist attacks strikes the country. Jean Smart, who played first lady Martha Logan in the fifth season, returns, as does National Security Advisor Karen Hayes (Jayne Atkinson) and the newly elected president, Wayne Palmer (D.B. Woodside).

"Rome"
Premieres: 9 p.m., Jan. 14, HBO
The scoop: When we last left Rome, Caesar was murdered, an act that has set off a vicious battle for power. Expect more blood, sex and violence as Rome turns from a republic into an empire.
The second season of Rome arrives a bit early because filming of The Sopranos’ final eight episodes was pushed back beause of James Gandolfini’s knee surgery. The Sopranos, originally slated to air in January, will now debut in April, according to HBO.

"American Idol"
Premieres: 8-10 p.m., Jan. 16, 17, Fox
The scoop: Those hideously funny auditions. Simon’s wisecracks. Paula’s questionable behavior. Yes, Fox thrusts its mega talent show upon us again and starts off with a big, four-hour, two-night debut. Get your earplugs ready, America. (Channeling Randy) Yeah, you go dawg.

"Heroes"
Continues: 9 p.m., Jan. 22, NBC
The scoop: The fall television season’s only bona fide breakout hit returns to the Peacock Network in about three weeks (dope!). The long break ensures NBC will have a stockpile of new episodes to air during the all important ratings sweeps in May.
Oddly enough, the biggest controversy that surrounds the series during its hiatus involves one of the show’s lesser-known characters. Most viewers (including myself) speculated that Zach, Claire’s (the cheerleader) best friend, was gay. Apparently, if you believe the rumors, those plans were scratched. Why so? Nobody knows for sure, but something smells fishy here. Regardless, this comic book adventure still kicks butt.

"Prison Break"
Continues: 8 p.m., Jan. 22, Fox
The scoop: Fox’s edge-of-your-seat, two-hour block returns in January with Prison Break and 24 airing back-to-back.
Soon, we’ll learn the consequences of Agent Kellerman’s dramatic double cross, which helped Lincoln and Michael escape for what seems like the millionth time. The show was a smidgen easier to predict this fall, but its fast-paced scenes are addictive and it continues to demand your attention.

"Lost"
Continues: 10 p.m., Feb. 7, ABC
The scoop: Despite its shortcomings, namely digging itself into a conspiracy hole it will never have time to explain, Lost is still a better show than CBS’ Criminal Minds. Way better. But, Minds continued to beat Lost in the ratings game on Wednesday nights, so ABC will move Lost to 10 p.m. — an unusual change for a show with such a large following.

"The Office"
Continues: 8:30 p.m. Thursdays, NBC
The scoop: The lowest rated show ever to be picked up for a second season, The Office is off to a fabulous third installment. Steve Carell is brilliant as the pathetic, dimwitted boss at Dunder-Mifflin, a paper supply company in Pennsylvania. If it took you a while to catch onto the series (you’re not alone!) check out seasons one and two on DVD.

Other shows to look our for in 2007: Dirt (Jan. 2, FX); Beauty and the Geek (Jan. 3, CW); In Case of Emergency (Jan. 3, ABC); The Apprentice: Los Angeles (Jan. 7, NBC); Grease: You’re the One That I Want (Jan. 7, NBC); Lincoln Heights (Jan. 8, ABC); Monk (Jan. 19, USA); Battlestar Galactica (Jan. 21, Sci-Fi), Veronica Mars (Jan. 23, CW); Jericho (Feb. 14, CBS); My Name is Earl (NBC); 30 Rock (NBC); Criminal Minds (CBS), Medium (NBC); Dancing with the Stars (March, ABC); The Sopranos (April, HBO).

Posted by Andy Ravens at 10:46 AM | Comments (0)

December 27, 2006

American Idol

The show, by the way, returns in mid-January on Fox. Check out my 2007 television preview in this Friday's paper or online at LowellSun.com.
-Andy

Posted by Andy Ravens at 2:59 PM | Comments (0)

December 23, 2006

Happy Days

Happy birthday to the best rock singer on the planet, Eddie Vedder, who turns 42 today. Vedder remains at the top of my list of "people I'd like to interview before I retire."
Also sending birthday wishes to my sister-in-law, Justine, who turns the BIG 21 two days after Christmas. Party on, Wayne! Party on, Garth!

Posted by Andy Ravens at 2:40 PM | Comments (2)

December 22, 2006

I wish, I wish

This, in all likelihood, will be my final entry until we return from the holiday break on Tuesday. In my absence, head over here. There’s always something funny on that site. If you don’t believe me, just type “funny� into the site’s search engine and see what pops up.
Here now, I offer my entertainment holiday wish list. I’ve been good, so I expect all of these dreams to come true. My wishes:

* More high-definition channels. Come on Comcast, DirectTV and TV networks! Let’s make this happen. I want all seven HBO’s in HD. I want Encore and FX in HD. I want the NFL Network in HD (this is already available in HD, but Comcast refuses to add it). I’d also like Comcast to add high-definition pay-per-view. When I order a $50 boxing match, I want to see it in high-def.

* A Chevy Chase comeback. Where is he? Guest spots on “ER?� He’s hilarious in “Christmas Vacation� and I refuse to believe the man is no longer funny. I know the talk show failed, but come on, John Travolta made a comeback in “Pulp Fiction.� Someone light a fire under Chase and get him some work.

* More movies like “Little Miss Sunshine.� If you don’t know what I’m talking about, go rent it.

* Fewer movies from M. Night Shyamalan, Again, if you don’t know what I’m talking about go rent “Lady in the Water.� Oh, wait, don’t do that. Just take my word for it.

* More episodes of “The Office,� “Heroes,� “24,� “Prison Break,� and “Ugly Betty.�

* A break from tabloid magazines. I’m not Brad, Angelina, Jennifer, Jessica, Lindsay, Paris or Britney, but I feel I’m somewhat equally annoyed by those magazines’ antics. They make the media look bad. We’re not all nosey jerks.

* A Nintendo Wii. After I reviewed the console, I had to give it back. Now I want one, but can’t find it anywhere. I’m told there will be plenty of them after the New Year.

* A point guard and center. The Celtics need both.

* Pitching. The Red Sox need more in the bullpen.

* More sitcoms and less reality TV. Cancel “Survivor.�

* A new R.E.M. album, which is in the works.

* “Deadwood� back on HBO.

* A really funny and enjoyable Academy Awards broadcast.

* Food. I’m kinda getting hungry right now.

* Another Pearl Jam tour.

Speaking of Pearl Jam, the band’s lead singer, Eddie Vedder, turns 42 tomorrow. How can that be? Wow. Time flies when you're making and listening to great music.

Merry Christmas,
Andy

Posted by Andy Ravens at 12:37 PM | Comments (1)

December 19, 2006

That's Not New to Me!

Friends, we find ourselves in a dark place today, tomorrow and for the foreseeable future: “Rerun Land.�

Sure, there are new episodes of the mildly entertaining “Big Day,� (ABC, 9 p.m., 9:30 p.m.) and NBC’s lame “Identity,� but the pickings are slim. Slimmer than….WAIT FOR IT….Nicole Richie. Oh you thought I’d write “Neil Patrick Harris,� didn’t you? Well, I guess that would work, too.

My Fellow Boob Tube Watchers, tonight might be the perfect time to hit the mall and dare I say it — shop for Christmas. It might also be the perfect time to spend an extra 30 minutes at the gym.

Oh, you’d like a question. Well, here ya go:

Posted by Andy Ravens at 11:35 AM | Comments (4)

December 15, 2006

More ads?

A few little bitz to ponder this weekend:

As if Comcast didn’t have enough money, power, cache — whatever — now the company is putting ads on its digital cable guide. Have you noticed them at the bottom of your screen? They are quite annoying. I don’t need to know that “Hope & Faith� can now be seen on the Women Entertainment channel.

Speaking of the cable giant, did anyone notice that one of the INHD channels recently disappeared and was replaced by the National Geographic channel in HD?

UPDATE: According to a Comcast spokesman, INHD itself decided not to offer a second channel so Comcast replaced it with NG in HD. Which begs the question: How many other HD channels does Comcast have up its sleeve?

One final HD item: With the television industry shoving cheap flatscreen high-def TV’s our way, isn’t it about time cable and satellite providers – along with networks – provide us with more than 25-30 channels in HD?

If you haven’t heard, Nintendo has to replace 3.2 million straps on those nifty controllers of theirs. Apparently, they are flying all over the place. I didn’t have any problems holding onto my controller, but I can see how some might struggle.

Is anyone else watching ABC “Primetime’s Basic Instinct� series? Pretty cool stuff. The newsmagazine keeps putting people in odd situations to see how they would react. Gotta love the hidden camera.

Catch a young and innocent Lindsay Lohan tonight in 1998’s “The Parent Trap,� which airs at 9 on the Disney Channel.

Now that Tom Brady is single, I bet you a million bucks rumors about him and Jessica Simpson begin soon. She’s the perfect rebound girl, Tom.

Have a good one and welcome to Boston, Dice-K.

Posted by Andy Ravens at 10:28 AM | Comments (2)

December 13, 2006

And.....I'm back

Sorry for the break folks. I've been wicked busy with a healthy amount of stories on my plate. No worries, though. The day goes by fast when you are working hard.

Here's what I'll be watching (or DVRing) tonight:

Bones, 8 p.m., Fox
Criminal Minds, 9 p.m., CBS

And for those who like video games: Spike TV's Video Game Awards, 10 p.m.

If you haven't, please remember to check out my poll below. It's fun. Hey, looks like Dice-K is on the plane with Theo and Larry. Good news. Take care.

-Andy

Posted by Andy Ravens at 2:45 PM | Comments (1)

December 11, 2006

Wishlist

Here's my Nintendo Wii review for those who didn't see it in Saturday's paper:

By ANDREW RAVENS
Sun Staff
Nintendo’s Wii is the best video game console to come online since Sony introduced the second PlayStation in 2000.
Hyperbole? No-tendo way, dude.
The Japanese gaming giant last week loaned me a Wii for a week to review and I’m having a very hard time saying good-bye. Reluctantly, I boxed up the tiny console (which is no bigger than a stack of three DVDs) and sent it back on its way to a PR firm in Los Angeles. Sayonara, Wii.
My little friend, which resembles a large iPod, arrived in The Sun lobby just as I was on my way home. Thankfully, a fellow scribe called and I immediately reversed my course back to 15 Kearney Square — I had been waiting a while to try it out.
It took only minutes to plug Wii into my television and about a half hour to learn how to play Wii Sports, the game that comes with the $249 console.
Players use the wireless Wii controller — which resembles a TV remote — to play Wii Sports’ boxing, tennis, baseball, bowling and golf. Gamers wildly swing the controller (which is strapped to your wrist) through the air, because it acts as a punching glove, tennis racquet, baseball bat, bowling arm and golf club.
Before every game is loaded, players are warned to stay clear of surrounding objects and people: Please take the advice. I initially did not and came close to smashing my wife across the chest while hitting a thunderous backhand in tennis. “You almost hit me!� she screamed. Phew, that was close!
Thanks to the revolutionary Wii wireless controller, Nintendo accomplished its goal of creating a system that caters to both casual and hard-core gamers.
You don’t need a subscription to Nintendo Power magazine, or the finger coordination of a college freshman to enjoy Wii. For the most part, play is simple and fun.
After a few exhausting tennis matches (your arm will tire), we tried bowling, which was equally entertaining.
Simply line up your player, which you can personally create to resemble your sex, hair color and physique, and start bowling like you would in real life. Play is incredibly realistic. Toss the ball too hard and you’ll likely end up nailing about one pin. Keep your stroke even and steady and a spare or strike is in your future.
Boxing was up next and so came the introduction to Wii’s other wireless remote, aptly named “nunchuck.�
With the nunchuck in my left hand and the TV remote shaped controller in the other, I threw a series of jabs and upper cuts at the screen as I demolished opponent after opponent. If I had played longer, the difficulty level would have increased, but I was too tempted to play a little baseball.
Holding the Wii like a real bat on my shoulder, it took me a while to hone my timing. I had some unpleasant Little League flashbacks. Eventually, I started cranking out some singles and a few doubles. Pitching was a bit harder, but there were plenty of weapons to choose from — fastball, slider and curveball.
Last up was golf, a game that I never really caught onto (although I only had a week). I’d still rank Tiger Woods PGA Tour over this one, but that’s like comparing apples, to well, you know …
I didn’t connect the Wii to the Internet, but I’m told for $5 to $10 you can download old-school games from previous Nintendo systems. This especially intrigues me, because I am a big fan of the original Super Mario Bros. and Super Tecmo Bowl — still the best football video game ever created. Here’s hoping Nintendo will expand the library of downloadable games available from the original Nintendo and Super Nintendo eras.
Some have criticized the Wii because it doesn’t sport high-definition graphics like its expensive competition, Sony’s PlayStation 3 and Microsoft’s Xbox 360. Rather than create the best graphics, Nintendo opted for creativity and attempted to change the way video games are played. Mission accomplished.
Be sure to check out The Sun’s entertainment blog at TheSunBlog.com/entertainment.
Andrew Ravens’ e-mail address is aravens@lowellsun.com.

Posted by Andy Ravens at 12:08 PM | Comments (3)

December 7, 2006

Good TV

I know there are dozens more, but I only had room for five shows and wanted to include both old and new programs. Feel free to write a comment if you don't like choosing from the above.

Nintendo Wii update: My review of the new video game system will appear in this Saturday's edition of The Sun.

Posted by Andy Ravens at 3:44 PM | Comments (0)

December 6, 2006

Lowell Unplugged

I just got a nice note from Lowell acoustic guitar master Brian Bergeron, who will headline a local show with Billerica duo Cahill and Haverhill’s Chad Perrone.

Lowell-based Danger Room Productions is sponsoring its first-ever “music night� on Dec. 15 at the 119 Gallery, located at 119 Chelmsford St. in Lowell. The festivities begin at 8 p.m. and admission is just $5. We’re told refreshments, including beer and wine, will be provided by Brew’d Awakening Coffeehouse in Lowell.

Bergeron’s younger brother, Tim will open the show. Those looking for more info should visit 911gallery.org or brianbergeron.net. This is a great opportunity to support the local music scene so get off your butts and check these guys out!

And don’t forget to scroll down and answer any of the poll questions from the past few days. We’ve had some interesting results.

Posted by Andy Ravens at 3:09 PM | Comments (0)

Question Time

Posted by Andy Ravens at 1:56 PM | Comments (0)

Oh no! Reruns!

Now that we are officially in the rerun season (for many shows) until 2007, here are a few program suggestions to fill your tube watching time:

* Check out the History Channel. You’ll learn odd, little known facts that you can bring up during dinner conversation. Your friends will be amazed, or they will make fun of you. Either way, you’ll be a more enlightened person. “Modern Marvels,� airs tonight at 7. Tonight’s episode explores materials that deflect bullets. Pretty cool stuff (just check out the picture I posted).

* Check out the Discovery Channel (or Discovery Theater if you have HD) for the same reason listed above. “Extreme Engineering,� tonight at 8 is always worth a look. The show introduces you to the USS George H.W. Bush supercarrier. You don’t have to be a Republican to be impressed by this ship!

* Check out TLC (The Learning Channel). Tonight’s “Untold Stories of the E.R.� at 9 tells the story of a child who was ejected from a vehicle during a car crash. Beware: Things can get a little graphic.

Finally, check out Encore, a commercial-free movie channel that comes with most cable and satellite TV packages (many people don’t realize they have it!). Tonight’s lineup includes: “Vegas Vacation,� “Mindhunters,� and “Hostage.�

Oops, almost forgot. “The King of Queens� premieres tonight at 8 on CBS. There are also new episodes of “Day Break� (9, ABC), “The Biggest Loser,� (8, NBC) and “Medium,� (10:01, NBC).

Posted by Andy Ravens at 11:02 AM | Comments (0)

December 5, 2006

Peet is Preggers

(Remember to scroll down to answer today’s poll question).
I saw the new Rocky movie yesterday and I wasn’t too impressed. The sixth (and final) installment in the series tries to recreate the first film, but falls flat and predictable. I’ll have a thorough review in The Sun before the film debuts (which, has been moved up, I’m told to Dec. 20). However, television ads still claim Christmas Day. Who knows?

“Heroes� rocked the house last night with just the right amount of surprise, questions and answers. It’s the No. 1 new show of the season and is ranked 16th among all TV shows. Saved the cheerleader, saved the network, NBC.

“Studio 60� keeps getting better. Watching a pregnant Amanda Peet stuff her face with noodles and sandwiches during last night’s episode was funny. She sort of reminds me of Jennifer Aniston, who combines beauty and comedy.

Here’s a look at tonight’s TV lineup:

* Please allow me to throw the following shameless plug to my Alma mater: The football team is a shell of its former self, but at least Syracuse University still has its basketball team. It comes off a disappointing loss, but looks to rebound tonight at 7 against Oklahoma State in the Jimmy V Classic on ESPN. Let’s go Orange(men). They should have never dropped the “men� or “women� from the team’s name.
* “Friday Night Lights,� 8, NBC.
* “The Grateful Dead in Concert,� 9 p.m., WGBH. Wicked cool: A concert from 1980 at Radio City Music Hall.

Movie of the Night:
“My Cousin Vinnie,� 10 p.m., Encore.

Late night taping/DVRing:
“Ulee’s Gold,� 3:20 a.m. (Wed.), Encore.

Posted by Andy Ravens at 4:36 PM | Comments (0)

New Faces

Posted by Andy Ravens at 3:49 PM | Comments (1)