The Bachelor: Puerto Rico

Last night's Bachelor was quite entertaining to say the least. It had love, sports, and more Crazy Courtney. Nicki and Ben's date was very cute. Them getting caught in the rain and sharing the movie-esque kiss was nice, but the kiss was a little too expected. Their time on the bench outside of the wedding was very sweet. You can totally tell that Nicki is falling head over heels for Ben, but I don't think Ben is quite there yet.

The baseball game date was pretty hot, and it probably looked really good on paper. The game, however, almost got uncomfortable to watch because it was so competitive. It also had a couple "game" flaws. 1) It was totally unfair to have Lindzi play for both teams. I know Ben picked her, but Vegas would not be happy with this. Shady business I tell you. 2) Ben being the all time pitcher and having a stake in the winner was a questionable rule as well. The highlight of the game was Courtney saying, "Who knew that strippers could play baseball?" I think Courtney is a total nut-job, but this was totally hilarious! I was rolling on the couch laughing. Blakeley's pep-talk after the game made me want to jump out on the field and practice harder for next time. I truly felt bad for the losing blue team. I mean look at that disappointment.

The fact that Courtney recognizes Kacie B. as a threat speaks volumes to what a good chance Kacie B. has at "winning" this whole thing. It was pretty obvious on Ben and Elyse's date that Elyse was going to go home. She was just talking to herself, and there was definitely no spark. But the true spark came when Courtney threw herself at Ben later that night. Ben knew what was going to happen...and boy-o-boy did it happen!!!! I was shocked that Jennifer was sent home. I really thought there was something there. I was hoping that I called Nicki's move into the Top 3 in my previous Bachelor entry, but after watching the outtakes at the end of the show, I just can't do it. I saw them interacting with one another, and I didn't like what I saw. Unfortunately, I have to put Crazy Courtney into the Top 3. Her little stunt has moved her up. Let's face it...sex sells! I also can't believe that Emily was not sent home after her talk with Ben. He basically gave her an ultimatum! She is on some thin ice. I mean THIN.

Optimus Primetime

Detroit Tigers: Lots of TV Time

The amount of time the Detroit Tigers have been on TV lately is incredible. I am pretty sure it has a lot to do with the recent acquisition of Prince Fielder. It is clear that Mike Ilitch is getting a little antsy for a World Series win in his old age. We have all heard the jokes that the $5 Hot-N-Ready's are going to be $20 now, but this was a seriously expensive deal. I don't remember a time when the city of Detroit has been so excited. This deal came out of nowhere, and everyone in the city had a flabbergasted, "WOW" look on their face. This feeling of shock immediately turned into a feeling of pure excitement! Detroit is a city that often gets crapped on by the national media, so the constant discussions about the outlook for the Detroit Tigers is welcomed by everyone that calls themselves a Detroiter. The latest MGM odds shown on tonight's Sportscenter now have the Tigers as the favorites to win the World Series. Thanks for signing in Detroit Prince. I suppose we should have seen it coming....

Optimus Primetime

Bachelor: More Courtney Craziness

The Bachelor offered some really good parts tonight, but the one and only, Crazy Courtney, stole the show once again. She continues to do off the wall things and act like a total nut-job. She quoted the Charlie Sheen "winning" three times that I remembered. This was about three times too many. Some people can pull of the surprise rose trick. Some people can't. Courtney is one of those people that can't. Samantha getting the boot from the show brought about this response: "Who's Samantha?". The date that Jennifer and Ben had was very fun, and there is definitely a bit of a spark between them. Kacie B. continues to hold a place in Ben's heart. This was apparent in their one-on-one time together. Not much happened between Ben and Lindzi, but we all know she is still a front runner. Nothing has changed with The Top 3 for this week...just the design. Look out for Nicki. She appears to be ready to crack The Top 3. Could next week be her time?!?!

Optimus Primetime

PTI: Marketing Genius

It's Sunday night, and I have been sitting and watching a fair amount of TV today. I watched the Patriots-Ravens game. I feel awful for the Raven's kicker, but I was rooting for the Patriots. Hopefully they get a chance to redeem themselves against the Giants. I got caught in the middle of the typical Dateline murder mystery. I also watched various other segments of programs that caught my eye as I was channel surfing. I have seen bits and pieces of various commercials, but none of the ones that are actually on the program that were "intended" for me. I am no marketing genius, but I do know that companies choose to have their commercials air during special shows to have the commercials reach their respective audience demographic. My constant channel surfing throws a proverbial wrench in this marketing plan. When I should be watching the commercials of my show, I am trying to find other things that will keep my attention until my show returns. There is one show, however, that has been able to beat my tendencies and keep my attention throughout the commercial break. This show would be Pardon the Interruption (PTI) on ESPN. The camaraderie that Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon share is fantastic. The camaraderie that these two share with their sidekick, Tony Reali (aka. "Stat Boy") is also like no other show on television. Their ramblings about the hottest sports stories are intense, passionate, and funny. The show is very intriguing, and I find myself waiting everyday for 5:30PM EST to arrive so that I can see what will be said. Following a recent change to the way they film the show, I am also finding myself on the edge of my seat during commercial breaks. Half-way through the commercial break, there is an in-show break-in. In other words, they cut from the commercials to go back into the studio. Tony and Mike must know that they are being filmed, but this time offers the viewer a live look into the show during the "break." The viewer gets a glimpse of what happens during the break, and there are often hilarious conversations that ensue. This calculated change is marketing genius. It keeps viewers on the channel and with their attention on the TV. Not only are they waiting to see what Tony and Mike are doing during the break, but they are actually seeing the commercials that play in this break, as well. This is good for the viewers. They get to see Tony and Mike take part in more friendly banter. This is great for the organizations running the commercials. They get an attentive and engaged audience paying attention to their commercials. It's a win-win. The following clip shows what I am referring to: PTI Commercial Break-in. The break-in occurs at the 1:20 mark. You can see the break away from the Sony commercial. This clip happened to focus on Kornheiser's misunderstanding of the soccer offsides rule. He was actually kind of right, but his explanation didn't have enough ammunition to back himself up. I felt Mr. Anthony Reali's frustration on this day, but let's be honest....segments like this make the show the entertainment juggernaut that it is.

Optimus Primetime

American Idol: Is that Dave Matthews?!?!

So, I wasn't planning on posting anything tonight about my TV viewing, but I was struck at the end of American Idol. Phillip Phillips. Yes, he claims that is his real name. He sings his first song, which is okay, then he grabs his guitar...and there it is...the second coming of Dave Matthews himself. Let me step in here and offer the disclaimer on the rest of my post. DISCLAIMER: "I have been a fan of DMB since 1996. I've been a member of the Warehouse since 1999 (see card below). No one is as good or will ever be quite like Dave. The upcoming album with Lillywhite as the producer will be epic. Or at least there is epic build up for it. If you don't know, please go to the following site to hear all about it: http://www.antsmarching.org/  I have been to over 40 shows and know that there is no other Dave."

With all of that being said and my official membership card as proof, let's get to the point. Phillip Phillips starts his second song, Thriller, and sounds amazing. He starts off sounding a little like Ray LaMontagne. I am thinking..."Nice, this is going to be good." And then, Phillip starts playing the guitar, dancing, and getting into the music. There he is...a young Dave Matthews. J. Lo even makes a comment about liking the way that he moves his feet. Does the crowd go any crazier than when Dave starts dancing at a concert during one of Boyd's solos?!?! His facial expressions and mannerisms aren't painful like John Mayer's. They are exactly like one person's....Mr. Dave Matthews himself. Youtube this guy, and tell me if I am wrong. I was honestly stunned. The pictures below don't do it justice, but take a look. It is a young Dave Matthews. I am looking forward to what this guy has to offer. I am hoping he makes it long enough to get some good publicity, but short enough so that he can get a record deal and stay true to his own style.

Optimus Primetime

MSU-UM Basketball: Great TV!

My night started (post workout) with the MSU-UM basketball game on ESPN. Michigan got off to a really fast start, but MSU knows how to hang around. Tom Izzo is quite the coach, and he won't let his guys fall too far behind or quit in a big game like this. MSU pulled it to within a point with about a minute and a half left, but fouling the three point shooter and the turnover to Hardaway late hurt the Spartans. Izzo is not going to be happy with the way they finished the half. That three pointer from Green would have helped.

I am going to watch the DVR'd "How I Met Your Mother" (46 Minutes) during halftime of the game. Barney with the glitter on his face in the strip club was pretty funny. I also liked the "Rounders" reference in the Russian poker scene. Anyone else catch it?!?! I got a little sad when they showed the empty booth at the end of the show, but my happiness was restored with the sappy quote and the gang sitting in a booth at Lily and Marshall's new home.

Back to the game. Can I start by saying, what is going on with Denard Robinson's hair?!?! That was some crazy stuff!!! Check out the picture below to get an idea of what I am talking about. U of M took an 11 point lead with about 12 minutes to go, but it was quickly silenced by Thornton! Yes Thornton! Great finish to the game. The game went back and forth, but the Wolverines came out on top 60-59. Top 25 shake up!

I am going to catch up on Two and a Half Men (DVR) and then maybe Teen Mom later tonight.

Optimus Primetime

The Bachelor: Whats-her-butt

Tonight's show was filled with fun!!! Courtney, "The Model", has cemented herself as a Case-1-Whacko! Emily said it right when she said that Courtney has some mental issues. She definitely does! Courtney had the balls to call the surprise guest (Shawntel) "Whats-her-butt" as Ben was giving her the rose. Shawntel may not have been the most liked person for pulling this stunt, but Courtney acting like a whacko as she is getting a rose was insane. Ben should have pulled that rose back and kicked her to the curb right then and there. Another classic quote from the rose ceremony was when one of the girls said, "On a scale of 1 to 10, I think I am going to throw up." I was rolling on the floor with laughter when I heard this one. Overall, tonight was a great show. I think Lindzi and Kacie B. are still in the top 3. Blakeley has moved out, and Jennifer, the best kisser in the house, has moved herself in. Looking forward to next week's show.

Optimus Primetime

Kevin Hart: Laugh at My Pain

I am currently finishing up watching the Golden Globes while I am writing this post. I watched some football and basketball earlier in the day. I had no real vested interest in the Ravens-Texans game. It tried very hard to get interesting at the end of the game, but the Texans couldn't do enough to "really" make it into a game. The Giants keep finding a way to beat teams that should win on paper. At least I will only be seeing Aaron Rodgers on the "discount double-check" commercials. For some reason, he rubs me the wrong way. I think Brett Favre only taught him how to be arrogant. And Indiana University (I am talking men's basketball here) looked awful. You'd think after the wins they pulled off at home that they could muster up a greater effort on the road. There I go thinking again. I watched the Golden Globes during the commercials of the Kevin Hart special on Comedy Central. The Golden Globes offered some entertaining parts that I caught. It was great seeing George Clooney walk in on Brad Pitt's cane, and Morgan Freeman's acceptance speech was great. He is truly a class act. I've been catching some of the Kevin Hart stand-up this week leading up to the premiere of "Laugh at My Pain." He continues to make me laugh. Cracks me up actually. There is something about his facial expressions and the way he carries himself on stage. If you are looking to watch a funny stand-up performance, I highly recommend this show. There are some clips of the show on Comedy Central's website.

Optimus Primetime

Gold Rush: Eros, Here I come

I just caught the new episode of "Gold Rush" (Twenty Four Seven). As always, it was intriguing and I learned some new things. The Discovery Channel has some great reality shows on this season. Below are some of my feelings about the show tonight based on each of the different mines that the show follows.

Quartz Creek
This mine is the most professional crew of the three, and it obviously has the most assets. Judging from what that water was looking like where they are digging now, I am pretty sure they are going to have a good season. This dirty water is just a minor setback to add some drama to the show. They are going to make some major moolah! The filming of this crew got a little dramatic at the end of the show, but it was entertaining none the less.

Big Nugget
Parker getting shut down by MSHA was sort of sad to see. I feel bad for that kid. I wonder if the Discovery Channel cameras weren't there if there would be an MSHA sighting. Something tells me the answer to that question is NO. Parker has quite the work ethic, but he needs to realize that the bureaucratic garbage that he has to go through with the inspector and safety trainer are a vital part of his business and future. This is just a fact of life and price of doing his business. You have to respect how quickly he handled the situation and got the mine back up and running.

Porcupine Creek
Looks like Dakota Fred didn't fair too well with the MSHA inspector either. I think I am going to become a mine safety trainer. There sure does seem to be some good money in it. I think Fred could have used some lessons from Parker on how to handle this situation.

Before one of the commercial breaks, they stated the fact that Eros, one of the closest asteroids to Earth, may have way more gold than is found on Earth. There may be a thousand billion dollars worth of gold there! A thousand billion, eh? I thought this sort of number was only talked about with 1st graders and how much money they wanted to make when they grew up. Regardless, I'd like to make a plea to Richard Branson for a flight to Eros once Virgin Galactic adds this site to the flight schedule.

Optimus Primetime

Whitney: You-Know-Whatserbating

My TV watching started with TMZ and then moved to a little CNN/ESPN. Nothing too eventful or noteworthy on any of the shows. My favorite new comedy of the season is "Whitney". I like the format that they are using to tape this sitcom. It seems very natural, fresh and real. I like when they end the scenes, and it is almost like the actors come out of character. It's very refreshing. Today's episode had some pretty funny parts.Whitney walking in on Alex "you-know-whatserbating" and the conversations that followed were great. Lily learning to live with Neal also had some funny topics. The retainer thing and her trying to poop were funny. On a side note, poop is one of the funniest words in the English language in my opinion. Just say it, and the let the laughing begin.

If you are unfamiliar with this show, let me suggest that you take a look at this video clip from a recent show. Black and yellow...black and yellow....black and yellow...

I am going to give this "Are You There, Chelsea?" show a shot. I am not expecting much. I like her talk show, but I am not expecting this one to be around for too long. Then it is "Modern Family" time!! Woohoo!

Optimus Primetime

PTI

There is nothing better than coming home and watching PTI on ESPN. It is the ultra "veg-out" show for the after work period. I think TMZ would be number one if it was on in the 5:00 PM EST time slot, but PTI is hands down one of my favorite shows. Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wilbon have an unbelievable rapport with one another. Being a giant sports fan, this show has it all! It talks about all the hot topic sports issues and it is funny and entertaining at the same time. I love the commercial break-ins that they do. Hilarious! Some highlights from today's show:

• A possible BCS playoff on the horizon? - I'll believe it when I see it.
• Floyd/Manny - Floyd is crazy and lying on Twitter. This fight is never going to happen. 
• They have to get Tebow in there somehow. We can't go a day without him.
• I wish I could watch Kornheiser lose to the PBA bowler. I would even pay to watch. 

Optimus Primetime

Bachelor v. The BCS Championship Game

The girly Bachelor v. The BCS Championship game? This can't be a real question, right? I am a man, and I know the right answer...watch both! I am going to write this blog as the night unfolds. It is 8:00 PM and the night has begun. It starts on the Bachelor. The first one-on-one date goes to Kacie B.

She seems like a sweet girl, and there seems to be some chemistry between the two of them. And, of course, within 3 minutes she is head over heels in love. He gives her the rose, and they share in a nice date watching videos of them as kids. I really liked the date. You have to put her as an early front runner. Ben also seems more likable than some of the past bachelors.

(BCS) Heading to the game for the commercial, and we are still entrenched in the same pre-game we have seen the past week. I'd like to add that I think Kirk Herbstreit is really growing on me as an analyst.


(Bachelor) Back to the Bachelor. This group dates are hit or miss. "Can you do your sexy dance?" That and the sprinkler to follow were pretty funny. Woah!!! What is Blakeley wearing? Well, a quick internet search (Blakeley Shea if you are interested) shows that she is not afraid to wear much less. The girls aren't big fans of her, but Ben will be for a while. There's always a girl like her that stays around for a large portion of the show.

(BCS) 0-0 on the game. Alabama gets the ball first. Are we in store for another 6-3 game? Alabama can't make it back to the 50 on their opening possession. This could be another long night.


(Bachelor) Well, the roles are established. Courtney is the crazy one. Blakeley is the slutty one. Jenna is the crier. Monica is the lesbian. Everyone has a role, and these are the ones that have already been established. Get use to some of these characters. A few may be around for a while. I am guessing that Courtney will be kept on for at least two more shows, and Blakeley is going to have to stick around until there are around 5 ladies left. She is a lightning rod, and ABC would do whatever they need to to keep her on the show. We all know they put things in Ben's ear. The Courtney date is getting boring since Scotch isn't doing anything fun. Back to the game.

(BCS) Allstate commercial...and back....

(Bachelor) Back to see them kiss and see Scotch ruin it. You go Scotch! I am not a fan of Courtney.

(BCS) I can see we have ourselves another offensive juggernaut. 3-0. LSU's defense looks solid after that series leading to the blocked field goal, but it is going to have to be the Bachelor until it ends. There will be plenty of game left after it ends in 45 minutes.

(Bachelor) Back to this Courtney date. Courtney is very BLAH, and she seems to be hiding something. No surprise there...she gets the rose. NEXT! Oh Lindzi...you were my favorite until you said you drove a truck. Why do girls drive trucks? I know that country boys find it attractive, but it seems like such a manly thing to me. She's still a front runner, though. These are the top three front runners after this week. Even though I am not a Blakeley fan, you can't deny that she is a favorite to make a long run in this. Ben likes her!

Back to the Game...That's all for tonight from Optimus Primetime.

Kardashians Take Dubai

The night cap consisted of some channel surfing in preparation for the two new shows of Kourtney & Kim Take New York. I caught the tail end of the repeat intro show talking about Jonathan's sexuality (of course he is gay) and Kourtney's couponing. It is my third time catching some of this episode and it brings up an important point. Scott is not the jerk that he once was. I don't know if this is due to the addition of the unlikable Hump or the fact that Scott has actually changed and become more likable. I am going with the latter. I truly believe Scott has become an alright guy. Him talking about Kourtney going crazy with couponing was pretty funny.

Episode 1 - "Cats Away, Mice Play"


I am going to comment on this show as I watch. First of all, Kim's eyes look like she has been crying for days at the beginning of this episode. It must be a sign of bad things to come. I can't stand what a big deal Kim is making about Hump going to "another country". It's only Canada! It might as well be New Hampshire or Maine. I understand the fact that their relationship is on rocky ground, but there is no need to emphasize the fact that they went to another country...like that just puts it over the edge. Hump and Scott drunk in the back seat of their SUV was pretty funny. Scott continues to be real and entertaining. After watching both Scott and Hump get their spankings, it is obvious why there is a difference between the two couples' relationships. Scott and Kourtney have a very likable aspect to them and their relationship is fun. I don't know if I'd be enjoying the show at all without these two.


Episode 2 - "Kim Takes Dubai"


"Oh yeah, Oh yeah, Oh yeah" - Hilarious start to the show! I was literally laughing out loud (that's lol for you old timers). The places in Dubai are just crazy. I can't believe that was actually Kim's room. Judging from the number of people at that "mall" appearance, I think the Kardashians are going to be taking over the Middle East next. The empire is growing!

Scott's response, "Did they pee on your bed or something?" was also a highlight for me. I am curious how much of Hump's stand-off-ish-ness is due to editing and how much is really him. I mean, he can't really be that bad, can he?...I guess he probably can be that bad, but I was hoping he wasn't...for his sake and the sake of all human-kind. I am also skeptical of the back seat mom-daughter discussion. It seems very produced and almost fake. It is almost like this was shot after the fact to help the story line. There are no scenes of the landscape around the car...hmm...skeptical.

Trouble is brewing...

Overall, the episodes were okay...they weren't anything crazy. Scott and Kourtney drove the shows!

Tebow Time!

The afternoon watch consisted of watching the Broncos-Steelers football game and flipping in the commercials to America's Funniest Home videos. People getting electrocuted and falling never gets old. My attention could not be pulled away from the one they call Tebow! He was actually able to string together some nice passes. You can't help but root for this guy. His work ethic is sick! We witnessed the first new NFL OT rules, and they seemed to work pretty well. Tebow and the Broncos like them, at least. The game had me on the edge of my seat. I wonder if we'll hear anything about Tebow v. the Patriots this week on ESPN?!?! Specifics on the game can be found here.

Opening Post: TV Transforms Us

There are people out there in the world that think TV is evil  and rots the brains of those that watch it. I am not one of those people. I would fall at the opposite end of this spectrum. I believe TV not only can add value to our lives, but it offers an escape from the typical headaches and curveballs life often throws our way. The majority of people have a day that looks like this; wake up, eat, go to work, eat, do more work, go home, eat, ESCAPE, go to sleep, and repeat. This escape can come in the form of many things. People may run, work out, paint, hunt, ride a bike, write a blog, check their social media, watch a movie, visit with family, take their children to practice, or watch TV. TV is just one of the ways many people escape the stresses of the day-to-day grind. TV allows us to laugh, learn, and sometimes realize how much more screwed up someone else's life is. TV offers this escape for me. I am an engineer by day, but by night (after I have finished my daily exercising) I transform myself into a TV junky. The TV shows that I watch vary from one extreme to the next and can be drastically different from one night to the next. The remote control is a sacred device and there is no telling where it will lead. Many people prefer to DVR their favorite shows. I prefer to use the remote control to guide my night and flash back and forth from one program to the next. Let the best show win! Commercials are the great equalizer that allow me to watch multiple shows at once. This blog will follow my TV watching habits: the good, bad, and ugly. I was going to use this time to list some of the shows that I am currently intrigued with and entrenched in, but let's just let this blog grow and breathe and see where it takes us.