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April 27, 2007
Good Wii Hunting
On this rainy Friday morning, I have some sunshine to spray upon you: I pass along my video games column, "Game On," which ran in today's paper.
CAMBRIDGE — I’ve got a Nintendo Wii now and I can thank a stranger, a Red Sox cap and plain old-fashioned good luck for it.
My wife has been an absolute doll lately and I wanted to do something nice for her. She’s a big-time gamer and has wanted the Wii ever since Nintendo sent me one for a week to try out and review.
I called about a dozen electronics stores last Friday, including Best Buy at CambridgeSide Galleria where I learned that the store expected a new shipment to arrive Sunday morning. Show up early (about an hour before the store opens at 11 a.m.) and you’ll get lucky, I was told.
I slept in late on Sunday and didn’t get to Best Buy until 10:30 a.m. Boy, did I pay a cruel price: I was the 23rd person in line and only the first 22 people received ticket vouchers that would guarantee a Wii.
I stuck around, though, because rumors (there were at least 30 of us behind the first 22) started floating around that Best Buy may have more. The rumor mill was working overtime and I imagined this must be what it’s like to cover Major League Baseball’s winter meetings.
“There might be some at the Watertown store,” one person whispered. “Hey, try Circuit City or GameStop,” another said. Cell phones incessantly rang.
Mmmmm.
I waited until about 11 a.m. when a big dude in a blue polo shirt sporting that familiar yellow price tag logo emerged from the store and bellowed, “The Wii’s are sold out!”
Annoyed, most of us got out of line and lingered, heads down like sad donkeys.
I turned to my wife and said, “Hey, let’s hang around a little while longer — maybe someone with a ticket won’t show up — maybe someone’s credit card will be declined!”
Neither scenario happened and it appeared all was lost until a man in his 30s, sporting a shaved head and yellow backpack, approached me.
Man: “Are you looking to buy the Wii for yourself?”
Me: “Yes.”
Man: “You aren’t an investor?”
Me: “No, I have no plans to resell it. It’s for my wife.”
Man: “Take my ticket then. I have an extra one.”
The kind gentleman reached inside his pack and handed me a white piece of paper with the Best Buy logo, Wii price tag and written in red ink —Ticket# 8 out of 22 — on it.
“Wow,” I said. “What made you pick me?”
The man replied, “You look like a nice guy — a Red Sox fan.” He pointed to my Sox hat, a beaten-up black mesh number that read “2004 World Champions” (the one they wore in the locker room after Game 4 in St. Louis).
“But why do you have an extra ticket?” I asked, unable to fight a reporter’s instinct to pose every question under the sun.
“My son got a ticket, too,” he said. “So we don’t need two.”
With that, he just smiled at me and my wife and walked into the store. I thanked him a million times and followed him into Best Buy where I, and 21 others, slapped down $249 for the most coveted game system on the planet.
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 11:07 AM | Comments (0)
April 24, 2007
Tennis, anyone?
I played tennis in high school and taught it for a while so I’d be an idiot not to pass along details of Champions Cup Boston — where Pete Sampras returns to tournament action — that is set for May 2-6 at Agganis Arena in Boston.
The tourney will feature a slew of tennis legends including: John McEnroe, Jim Courier, Todd Martin, Mats Wilander, Pat Cash, Jimmy Arias and Petr Korda. Format for play is round-robin style and tickets (starting at $15) are still available by calling (866) 448-7849 or (617) 931-2000.
Click here for more info.
— Andy
Posted by Andy Ravens at 10:31 AM | Comments (0)
April 19, 2007
An Open Letter to HBO
Dear HBO,
I am a huge fan. I love "The Sopranos," "Curb Your Enthusiasm,” "Deadwood," "Big Love," and almost everything else sent my way.
I love Saturday night boxing in HD, comedy specials and original movies. HBO On Demand is also great, as it features plenty of movies and re-runs to keep me up for hours past my bedtime (or deadline).
BUT, I am growing concerned, very concerned, about those at the Home Box Office who feel we need to watch “The Lake House” more than once a week or any other crappy new movies that debut on Saturday nights. Simply put: Network programmers are re-airing the same bad movies way too often. Hello, "War of the Worlds."
“The Lake House,” which stars Sandra Bullock and Keanu Reeves, sent me over the edge. It’s on AGAIN tonight on HBO. Amazingly, TV guide gives it two stars. Wow. I am just amazed by that. This chick-flick is terrible, even my wife agrees.
Please change it up a bit. Dig up some quality movies from the 70s, 80s or 90s. Just because it’s a new movie, doesn’t make it any good or worth showing more than once a week.
A true fan and loyal subscriber,
Andy Ravens
Posted by Andy Ravens at 11:24 AM | Comments (1)
April 18, 2007
Virginia Tech
I had the chance to chip in to The Sun's coverage of the tragic Virginia Tech shootings. Check out my front page story here in today's edition of The Sun.
Posted by Andy Ravens at 2:24 PM | Comments (0)
April 17, 2007
Fixing "24"
This season of “24” jumped way over the shark. In fact, it’s still in the air, clearing entire continents. Enough of my complaining though — with exactly 251 days until Christmas — I offer an early gift to the show’s executives — here’s how to make next season a lot better:
1. Location, location, location. It’s time to switch all the action from Los Angeles to another major city. How about New York, Boston, Philly or Chicago?
2. Nix all of the love interest subplots. No one likes them and they drag the pace of the show.
3. Be a little bit more realistic. We know…we know. We know we have to suspend reality to enjoy the show, but how about making the plot more believable?
4. Bring back Elisha Cuthbert, who plays Jack’s daughter. Hey, she’s worth looking at. Don’t believe me? Check out the picture.
5. No more Palmers in office! Let’s leave the family alone. Whole new president. Whole new cabinet.
6. Enough of the leaks and double agents. Terrorists operate fine without them, and it’s hard to believe there are double-crossing officials so close to an American President or in the military.
7. New enemies. Why not try North Korea or Iran?
8. This is not “The West Wing,” so cut out most of the political babble.
9. Tinker with the timeframe. Instead of 24 hours (one hour per episode), make each episode one day long. “24 Days.” I like the sound of that.
10. Instead of terrorist attacks, how about a full-blown war? How does Jack operate in that environment?
Have a suggestion of your own? Leave a comment, dude.
— Andy
Posted by Andy Ravens at 9:41 AM | Comments (3)
April 16, 2007
Fletch is On (tonight!)
Chevy Chase is one of those comedic actors I’m truly sad to see fade away. Chase was at his all-time best in 1985’s “Fletch,” which airs tonight at 8 on AMC. The 1989 sequel, which isn’t as good, “Fletch Lives,” airs immediately after at 10.
Chase is probably more famous for his antics on “Saturday Night Live” and the “Vacation” movies, however, “Fletch” remains his best work.
Does he use the same clueless shtick over-and-over again as Fletch, the Los Angeles newspaper columnist bent on revealing a drug ring? Of course, but it’s still funny. I can’t say why it appeals to me, but it does. I think I’ll have a steak sandwich and a steak sandwich for lunch today. And you know whose tab I’ll put it on.
*EDIT: Forgot to mention the forthcoming "Fletch Won," a prequel that stars a young Fletch on his first major story. Chevy Chase should be involved (hopefully). Zach Braff is rumored to play Fletch.
Tonight’s TV tidbits:
“Drive,” 8 p.m., Fox — Wow. I watched the first 20 minutes of the pilot last night. Wow. That’s all there is to say. Wow, I give this show five episodes before it’s yanked.
“The New Adventures of Old Christine,” 8:30 p.m., CBS — “Seinfeld” curse? That’s an idea about nothing.
“24,” 9 p.m., Fox — The worst season continues…Audrey is alive? No way. Didn’t see that one coming. Here’s a wild guess: We haven’t seen the last of Jack’s dad either. They’ll have to revamp the format next year to win me back — that’s what you get for setting the bar so high.
“Baseball Tonight,” 10 p.m., ESPN — There’s no better baseball round-up show on TV. Worth mentioning, even though it’s only 40 degrees out and raining.
"The Riches," 10 p.m., FX — Love this new show. I'd love it even more if I could get it in HD. C'mon, FX.
Stay dry.
— Andy
Posted by Andy Ravens at 11:06 AM | Comments (0)
April 12, 2007
The Real "Jericho" Stands-up
“Jericho,” to my pleasant surprise, finally delivered last night some hard answers to the mystery behind dozens of nuclear attacks on U.S. cities.
Apparently, a bunch of terrorists who don’t get along — but all hate America — joined together to steal bombs and set them off quicker than the CIA expected. Of course, the man behind the devious plan appears to be a CIA executive.
While I applaud the show’s writers and producers for delivering some answers, the plot isn’t as shocking or original as I had hoped for. Still, there’s plenty of time to dress up the old conspiracy angle over the summer. It looks like “Jericho” is here to stay. CBS says there are three episodes left before the big season finale airs.
Tonight’s TV Notables:
“Survivor,” 8 p.m., CBS — Anyone still watching this?
“Ugly Betty,” 8 p.m., ABC — Can you believe ABC had this originally slated to air on Friday nights?
“My Name is Earl,” 8 p.m., NBC — Funny new episode.
“The Office,” 8:30 p.m., NBC — Tonight’s subject: Anger Management. Hehe.
“30 Rock,” 9 p.m., NBC — It took me too long to appreciate this show, but I am on board.
“Grey’s Anatomy,” 9 p.m., ABC — Billed as a new episode, this edition features only flashbacks to memorable moments from the past three seasons.
Have a hit, Red Sox. Have a hit, please.
— Andy
Posted by Andy Ravens at 11:39 AM | Comments (0)
April 10, 2007
Happy Days
Happy Red Sox Opening Day everyone! Now, if we can only get the weather to cooperate. I’d like to see temperatures soar into the 70s, a clear blue sky and a gentle southwesterly wind. I guess we’ll have to settle for a high of 47 degrees. Oh well, now I see snow outside!
Loyal readers may want to check out my Page One story about the less-than-talented Sanjaya Malakar’s unlikely rise to the final eight in tonight’s “American Idol,” which airs at 8 on Fox. Local viewers, you’ll find, aren’t too happy with some voters who are bent on voting in the worst singer. If this continues, it looks like Fox may have to tinker with the voting system for next year’s contest.
The TV pickings are a bit slim tonight, as I am not a big fan of “Idol” or “Dancing with the Stars,” which airs at 9 p.m. on ABC.
“House” plays doctor aboard an airplane in a new episode that airs tonight at 9 on Fox. Other than that, I’ll likely catch up on a bunch of saved movies and TV shows that are collecting cobwebs in my DVR cable box.
Cleaning out my digital closet,
Andy
Posted by Andy Ravens at 9:29 AM | Comments (1)
April 6, 2007
Still Alive?
Check out The Sun's big "Sopranos" preview in today's paper or online at LowellSun.com.
Posted by Andy Ravens at 1:53 PM | Comments (0)
Rigging "American Idol"
Portions of the American public are trying to rig Fox's talent show by voting in the worst singers. Thus far, it has worked as the less-than-talented Sanjaya Malakar recently found himself in the final eight.
Click here for more info and check out The Sun early next week for a story with local musicians commenting on the show.
Have a good weekend and enjoy The Masters on CBS. Goodbye, friends.
— Andy
Posted by Andy Ravens at 1:35 PM | Comments (0)
April 5, 2007
Haha, lol
Lowell Sun scribe Dennis Shaughnessey, who knows a thing or two about the Arts & Entertainment world, passes along on this joke from CBS late night talk show host Criag Ferguson:
"America’s pastime is back. It’s that season again. Big sweaty guys grabbing their crotches, yelling, swinging the baseball bats — that’s right, the new season of the "Sopranos” starts this weekend."
Posted by Andy Ravens at 2:32 PM | Comments (0)
April 4, 2007
Back to the Future
Although rumors have been everywhere, Pearl Jam officially announced it will headline Lollapalooza on Sunday, Aug. 5 in Chicago. Talk about a blast from the past. This is the band's only scheduled U.S. tour date in 2007.
In the local entertainment department: Peter Lavender just got a great review from Metronome Magazine (March edition) and did a page and a half interview in the April edition. Peter also has a new Web site.
He's next gig is at Brew'd Awakening from 8-9:30 p.m. on April 13.
Posted by Andy Ravens at 2:37 PM | Comments (0)
Dating Game
Just a few quick notes: The Sun's "Sopranos" preview will run this Friday. You can access it online (LowellSun.com) or buy the paper (what a concept!). Hope you enjoy today's poll and a big thanks to everyone who participated in the previous ones. We'll have more as Sunday's big premiere gets closer.
UPDATE: (minor spoiler) Tony will be arrested in this Sunday's episode, but the charges aren't what you think. Some are saying the first episode has already leaked online, and details about the first episode have already surfaced in some other newspapers. Some selected press were invited to screen the first epi.
UPDATE No. 2: Comcast confirms this is the first time it has ever offered "The Sopranos" re-runs in HD via On Demand.
Posted by Andy Ravens at 9:48 AM | Comments (0)
April 3, 2007
Comcastic Move
New Comcast PR man Jim Hughes reports re-runs of "The Sopranos" can be watched in high-definition the following day via the cable giant's On Demand feature. Comcast is the only carrier to provide this great service. Be sure to check out Comcast's On Demand feature for more original "Sopranos" programs that include season guides, show highlights and commentary from the cast and crew.
Latah,
Andy
Posted by Andy Ravens at 10:56 AM | Comments (0)