Phil's American Life

First Post in Forever...Greek Review

noreply@blogger.com (Phil Wrighthouse) — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 14:38:00 +0000

So my lovely fiancee and I recently, to borrow the phrase, "cut the cord." We got rid of our cable and went to Netflix. Part of the benefit of Netflix is that you can watch tons of series from the beginning to the end. The first show we started this with was "Parks and Recreation." The next one, which we finished this weekend, was "Greek."

For those of you who don't know or remember "Greek," you probably aren't alone. The show was on ABC Family from 2006-2011. It lasted 74 episodes over six seasons. Shows that last this long usually get some sort of recognition. But, it's about college students in the Greek system at a Midwest university AND it was on ABC Family. So, you can do the math.

"Greek" centers on the Cartwrights. Rusty is a freshman nerd who wants to join the Greek system, an unprecedented move that irks his sorority president sister, Casey. She and her best friend, Ashleigh, are trying to navigate the success of their house with volatile but highly-sought new pledge Rebecca Logan, a senator's daughter. Casey also spends pretty much the entire series trying to choose between two suitors: Evan Chambers, the rich ambitious guy, and Cappie, the unambitious fun guy. Add Rusty's bible-thumbping roommate Dale and gay best friend Calvin into the fold, and you have a lot of plates spinning at once.

The biggest crime is that it all works. The writers keep all of these storylines moving (most of the time) and still manage to surprise while keeping the writing fresh. Rarely do lines feel unauthentic and cliche. The acting is sometimes clunky, but most of the time follows. After a while, you begin to truly care about these characters and the people that portray them.

For me, "Greek" is a certain addition to your Queue, on either disc or most certainly streaming.

www.twitter.com/philwrighthouse
www.facebook.com/philwrighthouse

Review: "Sherlock"

noreply@blogger.com (Phil Wrighthouse) — Thu, 05 May 2011 18:55:00 +0000

Today, I finally finished the three-part first "season" of Sherlock, the BBC's reboot of Sherlock Holmes set in modern times. Everything is set in modern London and, in this world, the character of Sherlock Holmes never existed.

Holmes is played to cold, cynical, brilliant perfection by Benedict Cumberbatch, who is the three-time champion of the "Most British Name" competition. Holmes, in this iteration of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's character, is a "special consultant" to the police. Basically, he's called in whenever Inspector Lestrade is stumped, which, luckily for us, happens often over these three 90-minute long episodes. Sherlock is joined by Iraq war vet John Holmes, played by Martin Freeman (The Office, Hitchhiker's Guide). The whole concept was created and masterminded by Steven Moffat, who rebooted Doctor Who a few years ago to amazing results, or so I'm told.

There are a lot of things that this show does so well. But, the decisions of what it doesn't do are even smarter. It doesn't turn Sherlock into this bumbling anti-social introvert who doesn't relate to the outside world and has to constantly be told that he doesn't understand people. It doesn't turn Watson into Sherlock's babysitter or his number one pal. It doesn't use gimmicks to make it's point. All of those things seem so organic and natural in the flow of the action that you don't notice that it's different than it should be and how, if it were done in America, it would be done SO poorly.

Sherlock is brilliant and deranged and awesome and pitiful. But they don't have to TELL you that because you see it in everything he does and in his general demeanor. Additionally, he is NEVER written or characterized as being irrational (in fact, he's always the opposite: the most rational, logical human who has ever walked the planet.) In a week or so, you'll probably see my review of season one of "The Big Bang Theory," but Sheldon is very similar to Sherlock: They're both wrong, but it's hard to convince them of that, because their logic is so airtight and sensical.

The team behind "Sherlock" has taken three classic stories and updated them, adding in elements that tie them all together in this season long arc that ends with, "The Great Game." All throughout, you watch all of the characters grow ever-so-slightly, and it never has a "Monster of the Week" mentality.

Sherlock is set to return in the fall of this year and all I can say is that I'm glad. I probably should have made the couple of episodes I had to watch last a little longer.

www.twitter.com/philwrighthouse
philwrighthouse.blogspot.com
philattheolympics.blogspot.com (I don't update it anymore, but it's awesome just the same)
www.givememyremote.com (search for "Philboy" to see all of my posts.)
www.facebook.com/philwrighthouse
www.reelcomix.com/authors/philboy

Haven't Done This in a While

noreply@blogger.com (Phil Wrighthouse) — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 15:19:00 +0000

So, I've been pretty absent from the blog lately, but I have an excuse. I started a retail job and between that, applying for better jobs and WEDDING PLANNING (pause to let the news set in) I've been without the blog time I used to set aside for myself. But, I have the day and a laptop so let's roll. I'm hoping to, this year, throw in some more commentary with the links I put out here.

TV

Kiefer Sutherland is going to star in a new web series called The Confession, about a hit man confessing all of his sins on Christmas Eve. This sounds fantastic. In the same article, he also says that the 24 film is "far from dead." Though I'm sad that Fox rejected Billy Ray's script, I'm still picturing Jack fleeing from many of his old enemies that he made during the eight seasons of the show. There's a gold mine there if someone can figure out how to do it effectively and profitably.

Can you call a musical duo a thing? If so, one of my favorite things in the world, comedy musical duo Garfunkel and Oates, are developing a comedy on HBO. If it works, I can GUARANTEE it will be awesome. They are hilarious.

Dana Carvey will be returning to host SNL. That should be hysterical.

Should we call Sarah Michelle Gellar a forgotten 90's heartthrob? Anyway, she's going to star in a new series on CBS that sounds, frankly, very confusing.

News

I, like everyone else, am fascinated and horrified by the Arizona shooting. I was so happy to hear the Westboro Baptist Church, the only organization that has ever made me not believe in free speech, backed down from protesting Christina Green's funeral. If I were in another place in life (aka still in college) I would've gone down to be with the Angels. If you don't know about the Angels, check out The Laramie Project from HBO. God, do I love that movie.

Anyway, The Daily Beast has a great piece on how difficult it would have been to get Jared Loughner into an institution, no matter how clear the warning signs were. Also in AZ shooting news...

Christina Green's organs were donated and have already saved the life of a child on the east coast.
Jared Loughner apparently took photos of himself in a G-string with his gun. Don't worry, they haven't been published...yet.
Two of Loughner's ex-girlfriend's have talked about their relationship with him. One says she's pretty sure he's not insane and that he planned the whole thing (I didn't realize they were mutually exclusive), while another thinks he was a PEACH of a guy. Seriously.

A high school in Memphis is boasting a pregnancy rate of 11%, rounding out to 90 pregnant teens. Well, I doubt their boasting but...you get the idea.

Don't read this if you don't want to cry. BWE passed on a story about a dog that won't leave his dead owner's grave site. Heartbreaking.

I'm glad in a world where madmen are around every corner and we are more divided as a nation than ever...in a world where disease runs rampant and so many have so little...a woman in Michigan has used her time and resources to recreate the Last Supper using lint from her dryer. I don't know whether to vomit or punch a baby in anger.

I hope my fiancee Liz doesn't get any ideas. Who throws a Wii? Honestly!

JFK's application to Harvard would have been thrown out into the circular file today. Also, the application was only THREE PAGES LONG! Ridiculous.

Well I'm glad they didn't spend TOO many resources before deciding a virtual fence between the US and Mexico was a bad idea.

Sports

The NFL playoffs continue this weekend and there's been a lot of trash talk that has bled onto the front page of many newspapers. The NFL is now warning against it. I don't have a problem with the public trash talk, but it just seems silly and unnecessary. Also, it seems that if you talk sh*t then perform horribly in the game, you make yourself seem like a complete buffoon. Of course, most of these athletes/coaches make a billion dollars and don't really care about buffoonery, do they.

Oh, New York Post. You rock.

I had no idea that the Department of Justice was investigating the US Postal Service and their sponsorship of Lance Armstrong. Apparently, it might have been a misappropriation of government funds.

Tech

It was awesome yet odd to see West Lafayette, Indiana, home of my Alma mater, Purdue University, as one of the first areas that will get Verizon's 4G LTE service.

People on Craigslist aren't even trying any more, are they?

A cybercrime blogger for ZDNet has gone missing. A mysterious source has told the publication that he's in deep trouble and what appears to be a government tracking device was found in his apartment. Frightening.

Movies

Pixar rules as usual. In this video, they created a Zoetrope with Toy Story characters. Amazing.

Ben Stiller has worked with Justin Thoreaux, the guy he co-wrote Tropic Thunder, and has finished a Zoolander sequel script. Man, I hope this can get made. The first film holds a special place in my heart as the first film I ever was paid to review (my church group paid my admission to go see it and talk about it) and the film that we watched constantly on the cruise my high school band took my freshman year of high school.

The Bootleg Cut of Almost Famous, my favorite movie of all time, will be released on Blu-Ray soon. I hope more people can check out this cut of the film, as it's really the only one I watch anymore. In fact, if the film is on TV, I miss some of the scenes that are cut out.

This book is going on my list.

And, finally, I love the lunacy that naturally comes from this Hangover 2 photo. What could ANY of this possibly mean? I feel like I want to dissect it like it's a Lost promo photo.

www.twitter.com/philwrighthouse
philwrighthouse.blogspot.com
philattheolympics.blogspot.com (I don't update it anymore, but it's awesome just the same)
www.facebook.com/philwrighthouse

The Linkiest Links of All!...For Today

noreply@blogger.com (Phil Wrighthouse) — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 11:12:00 +0000

Movies

I cannot wait to see The Pat Tillman Story after reading this review. Here's an interview with its director, Amir Bar-Lev.

Google is getting its own biopic, like The Social Network. (PS I wrote this story.)

This made me laugh unreasonably.

Best Week Ever did a better job than I ever could. "The Michael Cera-est Photo Ever"

TV

HBO is developing a series about the porn industry. It's going to be written by James Frey, the man behind A Million Little Pieces and its ensuing controversy.

Best. Captcha. Ever.

Music

Conan O'Brien is releasing not one but TWO albums next week.

This couldn't be more accurate.

www.twitter.com/philwrighthouse
philwrighthouse.blogspot.com
philattheolympics.blogspot.com (I don't update it anymore, but it's awesome just the same)
www.givememyremote.com (search for "Philboy" to see all of my posts.)
www.facebook.com/philwrighthouse
www.reelcomix.com/authors/philboy

LINKS!!

noreply@blogger.com (Phil Wrighthouse) — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 13:18:00 +0000

TV

Would you go to the Reality TV Convention?

Who else to play Sue Sylvester's mom on Glee than the one and only Carol Burnett?!

And speaking of America's favorite cheer coach, she is now immortalized in wax!

Movies

The Italian Film student in me really wants to see The Sicilian Girl.

Here's a pretty good review of The Other Guys.

I hope that Middle Men is better than this review.

I really need to read The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

Yes, Cher and Christina Aguilera will be in a movie together. I know you were wondering. It's called Burlesque and here's the trailer.

Other

If the Westboro Baptist Church people are ever near me again, I'm doing this.
I'm a big fan of Basil Marceaux and you should too. (And, yes, I know there's a typo. Take a joke and run with it, people!)

www.twitter.com/philwrighthouse
philwrighthouse.blogspot.com
philattheolympics.blogspot.com (I don't update it anymore, but it's awesome just the same)
www.givememyremote.com (search for "Philboy" to see all of my posts.)
www.facebook.com/philwrighthouse
www.reelcomix.com/authors/philboy

I Read Stuff, So You Should Too!

noreply@blogger.com (Phil Wrighthouse) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 20:59:00 +0000

Video Games

Here's a list of the 35 most boring videogames. The best part is that I remember seeing some of these in the rental aisles of Broadway Video, the video store in town. I was starved for entertainment and these didn't look fun, even then.

Some of my favorite games as a kid, however, are featured in this list. NBA Jam is going to be released again soon and I just hope it's good.

TV

I thought they were better than this, but I guess no one is above Jersey Shore pandering. Bones will be bringing The Situation in for an episode. Ooof.

I spent some time watching these Glee videos.

Sadness filled my soul when Brad was voted off Next Food Network Star on Sunday. Here's an interview with him.

Music

Lady Gaga insists that having sex depletes her creative energy. As in, if she sleeps with someone, the act of sex will force them to steal her creativity. In has-to-be-related news, she also admitted to doing cocaine, even though she doesn't want her fans to.

Food

I'm enough of a fatty...umm...I mean foodie...that I decided to start a Food section of links.

Here's the proper way to freeze fresh corn.

It's not exactly food, but here are the 12 supplements sold in stores that the FDA wants you to stay away from.

Books

The USO, the organization that sends entertainment to troops overseas, is going to start sending authors as well.

Red Hook Road is now on my reading list.

Sports

After LeBron came to Miami, he cost 30 people their jobs.

Other

Umm...uhh...holy moley, Batman!
Surprising holy moley, Batman?

Here's a shocker I've known for years: Catching up on sleep on weekends is a good thing.

Oh, NO! R2-D2 is in TROUBLE!

www.twitter.com/philwrighthous e
philwrighthouse.blogspot.com
philattheolympics.blogspot.com (I don't update it anymore, but it's awesome just the same)
www.givememyremote.com (search for "Philboy" to see all of my posts.)
www.facebook.com/philwrighthouse
www.reelcomix.com/authors/philboy

I'm Writing for a New Site!

noreply@blogger.com (Phil Wrighthouse) — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 19:41:00 +0000

So, as you can tell, I'm engrossed in all things geeky. That's why I'm so excited to be writing for ReelComix. It's an awesome, laid back site that is the home of all news and opinion about comics, movies, sci-fi and more. Head over here to see what I've written so far.

And, yes, I'm going to start working on posting more here as well. I already have some ideas in the works, so stay tuned!

www.twitter.com/philwrighthouse
philwrighthouse.blogspot.com
philattheolympics.blogspot.com (I don't update it anymore, but it's awesome just the same)
www.givememyremote.com (search for "Philboy" to see all of my posts.)
www.facebook.com/philwrighthouse
http://www.reelcomix.com/author/philboy/

Links!

noreply@blogger.com (Phil Wrighthouse) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 19:40:00 +0000

TV

Carnie Wilson is suing GSN. I guess we now know why she won't be hosting The Newlywed Show this season.

Here's a list of the top 10 sexiest trailer trash characters on TV.

I spent a lot of time with this collection of 80's sitcome opening sequences. My favorite, from Perfect Strangers is below. Classic.

Even though I have just recently discovered the hilarious Julie Klausner and have yet to read her book, I Don't Care About Your Band, I'm still excited about the prospect of an HBO series based on the book starring Lizzy Caplan from The Class and True Blood.

Today begins my crusade to defeat The Beiber for killing Jack Bauer.

Books

Apparently, Jesus isn't profitable enough for Anne Rice, as she's returned to her vampiric fiction.

Movies

Here's another glowing review of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World. NEED to see this...and Inception.

The guy behind the original Saw films, as well as Repo: The Genetic Opera is making a 90-minute film with 90 deaths in it. Sounds interesting...and bloody.

Instead of Selma, which was lining up a great cast, it looks like Precious director Lee Daniels might be heading up the story of a White House butler next. Even though this could be a great flick, I'm really looking forward to Selma based on story and cast alone.

Tech

Comcast will soon be releasing an Android app that will allow you to forward home calls to your cell and, most awesomely, record something to you DVR from your phone.

www.twitter.com/philwrighthouse
philwrighthouse.blogspot.com
philattheolympics.blogspot.com (I don't update it anymore, but it's awesome just the same)
www.givememyremote.com (search for "Philboy" to see all of my posts.)
www.facebook.com/philwrighthouse

New Layout and Links

noreply@blogger.com (Phil Wrighthouse) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 21:52:00 +0000

So, I realized that YouTube links were looking pretty janky when I tried to embed them, so I changed the layout. You like?

Here are the links I will read from now until I go to bed or get bored, whichever comes first.

Books

Even this review isn't all that glowing, I still want to read Olivia Munn's book, Suck it, Wonder Woman.

I can't decide whether I want to read this book about Warner Music or not. It sounds fascinating, though.

TV

Paul Giamatti is set to star as Khrushchev in an HBO film about the dictator's trip to America during the height of the Cold War. In related news, I really want to read the book that this movie is based on.

CBS is batting a thousand right now. They've offended homosexuals AND people over 40! Will CSI: Miami ever regain that crucial gay 45-year-old demographic? Only time will tell.

Here's a list of the five worst movie and TV recasts.

Great Jon Hamm picture OR GREATEST Jon Hamm picture? On a side note, Jon Hamm is hysterical and I hope that, at some point in his career, he gets to show off that gift.

Here's a preview of Showtime's two latest shows, both of which I'm looking forward to.

GLEE NEWS! GLEE NEWS!!

DEXTER NEWS! DEXTER NEWS!!

I always thought that Adam on Parenthood was self-employed, but apparently William Baldwin will be playing his boss.

As American Idol seems to be undergoing some major changes, Ellen DeGeneres has announced she is leaving the show. It's too bad, since I loved her as a judge this past season.

William Shatner has a new show on the Bio channel that actually sounds completely fascinating.

Here's a great article rating TV chefs on their ability to teach you how to cook. Shocking, I know.

Movies

Russel Brand is attempting to branch out with a Shakespeare role and by playing a real-life pirate, it seems.

I thought Charlie St. Cloud might be a quirky drama. Guess I was wrong.

I certainly don't mind silly, so I'm looking forward to Dinner for Schmucks.

Sad news: Maury Chaykin, the character actor who played Nero Wolfe and, my favorite role of his, Bailey Pruitt in Mystery, Alaska died. He was 61.

This review of the Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, Pt. 1 footage from Comic-Con has me excited.

Video Games

I can imagine this would be the conversation heard in the stands at a Wii Tennis match.

My favorite part of this? A-Health and A-You by Dr. Mario.

You know I was sitting around thinking about what the Wii was missing and, lo and behold, someone figured it out for me: A massage simulator. Just remember, it's games like this that make it the family's console.

This chart could NOT be more accurate.

Social Media

Sketches like this are why College Humor is genius.

The world's oldest tweeter has passed. She was 104.

Other

Here's a hilarious interview with Marc Maron.

I love Corona. Apparently, according to the thousands of intelligence documents that were leaked this week, that love could have killed me if I had been overseas.

If only Yelp! reviews were more like this.

I think the Captain Planet kids should have thought this through.

Best. Toaster. Ever.

I usually don't link to those slideshow presentations of lists that are really annoying and only engineered to generate ad dollars. However, this is a list of the fattiest foods from each of the 50 states. Hysterical.

What kind of geek would I be if I didn't post Chewbacca On a Squirrel Fighting Nazis.

For all of you puzzle solvers out there: put this puzzle together and create a GUN!

Apparently, Android phones use more data than iPhones. In related news, that's because they're awesomer.

Trying to move quickly through a crowd of people? Here are some tips.

Hey, kids! You know what would go great with those folders and pencils you're buying for the school year? JELL-O SHOT CUPS!

Be careful if you ask for an iced coffee drink without the ice. You just might get what you asked for.

My Nth Attempt to Finish a Blog Post

noreply@blogger.com (Phil Wrighthouse) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 18:58:00 +0000

So, I've tried, over the past few days, to post about four times. However, I always get caught up in something else and, next thing I know, it's bedtime. Hopefully, it's early enough in the day, I can squeeze out a couple of posts. Here's some linkies.

Music

Tom Jones put out a new album. And, apparently, it isn't bad. Might have to check it out.

Gwenyth Paltrow has released a country song. I'm not sure there's much more I can say about that.

Here are four rappers that should be banned from Twitter. It's also a list of four rappers I've never heard of. So, for those of you keeping track, that list has grown to about 6,301 names.

Here's Sugarland's new single, Stuck Like Glue. Yes, it's on radio right now, but this is the best video I could find.

TV

Here's a hilarious interview with Andy Daly. You might know him from MadTV or Eastbound and Down but you are doing yourself a disservice if you haven't heard his monologues CD, Nine Sweaters.

Here's a gallery of the females of G4 at Comic-Con, including one of my favorite people to ever grace a TV, Olivia Munn.

If you're a Dexter fan and haven't checked out the trailer for the latest season, please peruse it below. You won't regret it. Here's a list of five thoughts from Unreality. I have opinions on most of them, especially the fact that we'll never see John Lithgow on the show again.

Here are six underrated animated series. I definitely agree with The Critic, Daria, and, of course CLERKS being on this list.

I don't know why, but we're always surprised when child stars turn into attractive adults. Shouldn't Alyssa Milano be on this list too, though?

A religion episode, a Rocky Horror tribute, and a ton of new relationships are in the works for the latest season of Glee.

I've heard a lot of great stuff about The Event and the fan of The Class in me will watch Jason Ritter in pretty much anything.

Here's a Castle update from Comic-Con, including some brilliance from Nathan Fillion, Capt. Hammer himself.

The Iron Man anime will air on G4 next year. Warren Ellis, comic legend, help create them. To say the least, I am an excited panda.

Shawn Levy, of Night at the Museum and Date Night fame, is going to direct an adaptation of Alexander and the Horrible, No Good, Very Bad, Day. It was one of my favorite books when I was a kid. I even saw a pretty good stage production at Purdue a few years back.

Nigel Lythgoe, judge on So You Think You Can Dance? and one of the original producers is of American Idol is returning to Idol after a few seasons off. His return signals the tensions between the company that runs the TV side of things and the agency that handles the musical aspect, according to this NYT piece.

ABC head Stephen McPherson, who had ups and downs in his time there, is stepping down. He's responsible for hit shows such as Grey's Anatomy, Dancing with the Stars and Modern Family being on the network.

I love The Guild. First came last season's classic Date My Avatar and now it's this awesomeness.
&amp;amp;lt;a href="http://video.msn.com/?mkt=en-us&amp;amp;amp;brand=v5%5E544x306&amp;amp;amp;from=sp&amp;amp;amp;vid=8cb424dc-cbdb-40be-90c5-8fb450462d2f" target="_new" title="Season 4 - Music Video - "Game On""&amp;amp;gt;Video: Season 4 - Music Video - "Game On"&amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;gt;

Movies

Casey Affleck in a romantic comedy? Color me skeptical.

In other romantic comedy news, Zach Braff's directorial follow-up to Garden State will be Swingles about single thirty-somethings blah blah.

Here are some awesome Green Lantern posters. I've never been a big fan of the character, but I'm hoping Ryan Reynolds can change my mind.

Speaking of Green Lantern, here's a great clip of a very young fan at Comic-Con getting his amazing request for the Green Lantern oath fulfilled by Hal Jordan himself, Ryan Reynolds.

Looks like Scott Pilgrim was the winner of Comic-Con and the loser was...well...Comic-Con.

Speaking of Scott Pilgrim, here's the first full review I've seen. Spoiler alert: I need to see this movie.

Here's the trailer for Sucker Punch, the latest from Zack Snyder. It looks freaking fantastic...and totally weird.

The new movie This Means War sounds fun, even though I have a hard time two young-ish guys would fight over 2010 Reese Witherspoon. Now, if Legally Blonde Reese shows up, let's burn the whole damn city down.

I know it's tiny, but is this the new Godzilla?

A lot of fanboys were in a tizzy after seeing the Captain America: The First Avenger footage from Comic-Con. Apparently, his costume wasn't exactly right. Well, the Captain himself, Chris Evans, has assuaged everyone's fears.

Here's a fascinating list of 10 movie characters that you never knew were real.

Video Games

Looks like the Skate 3 city planner is in some trouble.

Poor Charmander.

Keep these Videogame Yellow Pages listings in mind next time a damn Italian plumber steps on your head or you need some more coins.

Yes, indeed, 1996 gamers. NBA Jam is returning. This might be my first XBOX Live purchase.

Books

Janet Evanovich and the Stephanie Plum novels, the latest of which I reviewed recently, are moving to a new publisher.

Remember those Choose Your Own Adventure books from when we were kiddies? Well, the author has made a few interactive iPhone/iPad versions. I'm not gonna lie: I'd be scared crapless if I was deep in this story and all of a sudden the "book" buzzed at me. Sounds awesome!

Tuesdays with Morrie author and sportswriter Mitch Albom won the AP's highest honor recently, even though he blatantly made up facts in a column in 2005.

I wasn't a huge fan of Absurdistan, but I'm interested in Gary Shteyngart's latest book, Super Sad True Love Story.
Other

Is VitaminWater good for you? Not really. But, is it delicious. Abso-freaking-lutely.

Don't want to spend all the dough on an iPad? KMart will be selling a $150 Android tablet. Being an Android lover, I'm hoping this is out by Christmas.

An idea in India is combining two of my favorite things: alcohol and reading!

If you were considering creating that website you dreamed of, but needed motivation, here it is: IP addresses will run out next year.

Apparently, Michael Lohan is trying to help Lindsay by getting RDJ to talk to her. Yeah. That's gonna happen.

I HAVE to make this epic breakfast sandwich.

Here's a guy moonwalking in Wal-Mart.

Morning Read for July 13

noreply@blogger.com (Phil Wrighthouse) — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 11:42:00 +0000

Let's get started, kids. Grab a cup of coffee and join in the fun!

TV

I really enjoyed the premiere of Rizzoli & Isles on TNT last night. It has a lot of promise as long as Angie Harmon drops the Bostonian accent. Here's a review that isn't quite as positive as mine.

Esquire has an incredible profile of the only person to EVER bid perfectly on a Price is Right Showcase Showdown. Here's the video.

We watched some f***ed up cartoons as kids, didn't we?

Peter Weller, from RoboCop and 24, will be on this latest season of Dexter.

Ed Norton has apparently been kicked out of The Avengers films. He wrote a letter addressing the issue. Has he seen The Incredible Hulk? It wouldn't fit with a Joss Whedon Avengers flick!

You know what's hilarious? The Hunchback of Notre Dame!

A Wicked film? I could roll with that, I suppose.

Video Games

Dorkly is CollegeHumor's video game-oriented spinoff. Here's a great list of weird tie-in videogames. I remember thinking, even at 7, when I had a Sega Genesis, that the Cool Spot video game, based on the 7-Up red dot, was stupid. Turns out I was right.

In sort of related news, here's the five most absurd video games starring rock stars. Are there not-absurd video games starring rock stars?

Movies

Mel Gibson has plopped himself in some hot water lately. Here are some changes that movie studios are making to their promotional items.

Betty White playing God? Yeah, I could roll with that.

Other

I want to do this to ever out of order sign I see ever again.

Morning Read for Thursday, July 8, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Phil Wrighthouse) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 14:50:00 +0000

I'm up, so I'm looking at stuff. Let's begin, shall we?

Movies

Here's the second trailer for The Social Network, the story of Facebook as told by Aaron Sorkin and David Fincher. Looks fantastic to me!

TV

The Emmy nominations came out this morning. Glee cleaned up with 18 nominations! Here's a complete list of the nominees, which most people seem to be happy about. Friday Night Lights finally got some well-deserved nominations. There will probably be a post later today about my full reaction.

Music

Katy Perry hates Miley Cyrus. In, other news, I love Katy Perry even more than I did yesterday. I will use this story as an excuse to post a picture of her.

Media

NPR is changing its name to...umm...NPR. Just ask KFC and FFA.

Other

Some joy-sucking organization is threatening to sue McDonald's if they don't get rid of toys in Happy Meals. If there are no toys in Happy Meals, what's the point in the Happy Meal? I predict that if they get rid of the toy, parents aren't going to buy smaller portions for their children, not solving the problem at all.

The Onion wouldn't be so freaking funny if it weren't so freaking true.

Here's a great guide on how to make your complacent chocolate chip cookies a little better.

Awesome Mario chess cake. My Yoshi just took your Koopa Troopa. And it was DEELISHOUS!

Book Review: Sizzling Sixteen by Janet Evanovich

noreply@blogger.com (Phil Wrighthouse) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 02:03:00 +0000

There are a few authors that I've been reading for nearly my entire reading career. (Does one call it a career? Who knows?!) Nick Hornby, James Patterson, Max Allan Collins and Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum novels. They come out pretty regularly every summer and for good reason. Stephanie is synonymous with light, summery fun.

The whole series centers on Stephanie Plum, a Trenton bounty hunter who is horrible at "bounty huntering." She works for her cousin Vinny, and, along with receptionist Connie and former hooker/file clerk Lula, catches the odd criminals of Trenton. In her personal life, she is constantly torn between Joe Morelli, Trenton detective and on again off again boyfriend; and mysterious Ranger, ex-Special Forces. Add in her crazy Grandma Mazur and hypochondriac mother, and each novel breezes by in a couple of days.

The plot of this 16th adventure follows Stephanie as she tries to save Vinnie, and the entire Bail Bonds Office, after he gets in deep with his bookie and the Trenton mob. The great thing about these novels is that rarely is there a lot that changes, but rarely is it that predictable either. Sure, we know certain things will happen: Steph will blow up at least one car, Lula will eat a lot of chicken, Steph will vacillate between Ranger and Morelli, her mom will bluster about getting a normal job, etc. It's perfect for summer, when the weather's so nice and there's so much going on that you don't have the mind capacity to follow a convoluted mystery.

The only thing that stops me from recommending 16 is that you should really jump back and start with the first book, "One for the Money." So, do that.

www.twitter.com/philwrighthouse
philwrighthouse.blogspot.com
philattheolympics.blogspot.com (I don't update it anymore, but it's awesome just the same)
www.givememyremote.com (search for "Philboy" to see all of my posts.)
www.facebook.com/philwrighthouse
www.linkedin.com/philwrighthouse

Morning Read for June 16, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Phil Wrighthouse) — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 14:14:00 +0000

Movies

Robert Downey Jr. might take over for Steve McQueen on the project he was working on when he died years ago.

TV

Can I handle an all Coldplay episode of Glee? I'm doubting it very seriously. It didn't work with Madonna and it didn't work with Lady Gaga, so why would it work with a shittier band?

I will certainly miss JJ on Criminal Minds and hope that they don't cut back on Emily Prentiss' screen time too much.

Are you ready for Home Shopping Network: THE DEUCE?!

The latest member of Eminem's posse? Vince, the Sham-Wow guy.

Tech

Twitter been giving you issues lately? Expect it to occur off and on for a while...PLUS, you can blame the World Cup, apparently.

Here's the awesome reason why we won't be hearing the trademark Mickey Mouse voice is in the serious Mickey action game, Epic Mickey.

1998 version of me is cheering for a new version of Twisted Metal, even though I won't play it.

Other

Walmart in California is testing out getting rid of all plastic bags. I can't imagine it would work in non-hippie places, like Indiana, but I like the effort.

A million 1990's children are weeping. Capri Sun was found to have mold in it. No recall, though. Mold is part of nature, people, deal with it!

New Jersey can add one more thing to its list of notable junk: The longest red light in the US.

www.twitter.com/philwrighthouse
philwrighthouse.blogspot.com
philattheolympics.blogspot.com (I don't update it anymore, but it's awesome just the same)
www.givememyremote.com (search for "Philboy" to see all of my posts.)
www.facebook.com/philwrighthouse

The Return of the Morning Read

noreply@blogger.com (Phil Wrighthouse) — Fri, 28 May 2010 11:39:00 +0000

I have the morning, so let's get some links up here, shall we?

Movies

Here's a list of the best 25 sports movie quotes.

I took a few minutes to play this viral game based on the movie Salt with Angelina Jolie.

TV

The folks behind Royal Pains are doing a shirt exchange for charity. They did this for White Collar as well.

In other USA-related news, Ron White will be in a new show on the network.

Would you watch a version of The $10,000/$25,000 Pyramid with Andy Richter hosting? I certainly would!

I totally agree with this list of things that American Idol could learn from Dancing with the Stars.

Social Media

An environmental non-profit is using 4Square to raise some cash for the oil spill.

In total failure related news, here's an interview with the person behind the fake BP PR Twitter account.

Books

Here's a great NYT piece about summer books and what excuses you might need to give to people when they see you reading them.

Other

Here are two examples of why Pearls Before Swine rules!

Feeling in a rut? Change your morning routine...that might help.

Have a kid that you can't stand? Just put him up for auction!

It's official: Target doesn't pay attention to what the hell it's doing.

www.twitter.com/philwrighthouse
philwrighthouse.blogspot.com
philattheolympics.blogspot.com (I don't update it anymore, but it's awesome just the same)
www.givememyremote.com (search for "Philboy" to see all of my posts.)
www.facebook.com/philwrighthouse

Morning Read for Friday, April 16, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Phil Wrighthouse) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 12:46:00 +0000

TV

So, apparently, Crystal Bowersox almost quit American Idol before Ryan Seacrest saved her.

The King of Boobs and Explosions, Michael Bay, will be producing a reality show.

Video Games

How long would you wait in line for an imaginary horse.

Here are the 10 weirdest educational video games. You can even play some of them.

Movies

The Weinstein brothers, who started Miramax pictures, have won the name back from Disney.

I have absolutely no desire to see a Mighty Mouse movie, I have to be honest.

Other

Here are 10 animals dressed as superheroes.

www.twitter.com/philwrighthouse
philwrighthouse.blogspot.com
philattheolympics.blogspot.com (I don't update it anymore, but it's awesome just the same)
www.givememyremote.com (search for "Philboy" to see all of my posts.)
www.facebook.com/philwrighthouse

Morning Read for Friday, April 9, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Phil Wrighthouse) — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 13:25:00 +0000

TV

Here's an interview with two of the guys behind Glee, which returns in...wait for it...FOUR DAYS!

Speaking of Glee (when am I NOT doing that?) Global radio up in Canada will become Glee Radio on Monday.

The President and First Lady will be on American Idol's charity special Idol Gives Back. I hope he makes the right song selection and that she doesn't get too pitchy.

Showtime has picked up Shameless, a show starring one of my must-see actors, William H. Macy.

Other than the stuff you see from me on this blog, I'm a huge fan of podcasting. Here's a list of five podcasts that should become TV shows.

Video Games

I had forgotten how shitty old video game box covers were. Then I realized that some of the boxes on this list are pretty new.

Politics

My favorite nutbars from West Virginia, Fred Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Church, are now saying that West Virginia, as a state, is too friendly to gays. So, what did God do to them? Blow up one of their mines!

A DA in Wisconsin is threatening to arrest teachers who teach comprehensive Sex Ed. in schools. Because, you know, he can do that.

Movies

Brad Bird, the guy who directed The Incredibles and Ratatouille might be directing Mission: Impossible 4. Why the hell not?

Here are six movie plots that are only possible due to understaffing.

Date Night seems to be pretty OK, but not great. I'm still looking forward to it this weekend!

Music

Musicians got paid more in royalties from satellite and online radio this year than ever before.

Shania Twain will be trying to make a comeback. The whole thing will be documented and aired on Oprah's TV network next year.

Books

Tom Clancy, in his latest book, will be bringing together all of his tentpole characters, like Jack Ryan and John Clark.

This has to be the saddest cookbook ever written. That being said, where can I get a copy?

Other

Here's an awesome story about a Florida couple defeating a traffic ticket with the wonders of math.

So, you know that annoying-ass Farmville game on Facebook? Some kid got his mom's credit card and spent $1,400 on fake plows and shit.

www.twitter.com/philwrighthouse
philwrighthouse.blogspot.com
philattheolympics.blogspot.com (I don't update it anymore, but it's awesome just the same)
www.givememyremote.com (search for "Philboy" to see all of my posts.)
www.facebook.com/philwrighthouse

Morning Read for Wednesday, April 7, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Phil Wrighthouse) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 13:46:00 +0000

Movies

Awesome director David Wain, who directed Wet Hot American Summer and the underrated Role Models, will be directing a graphic novel adaptation about a guy who gets hypnotized to quit smoking and is sent back to 1985. This sounds hysterical.

This could also go under a Books header. Here is the perfect template for making a Nicholas Sparks book/movie, even down to the marketing materials.

The latest movie from Helen Mirren, Joe Pesci, and the director of Ray will finally see a few theaters after a two year shelving due to money woes.

Even before it's come out, Disney is planning another sequel to Tron and Tron: Legacy. I really need to rewatch the first one soon, before the sequel comes out.

Media

On his first day on the job, Kevin Rose is being badass (as usual) in his role as CEO of Digg. He got rid of the DiggBar, which some are saying was jacking up the site's traffic.

A federal appeals court has ruled that web carriers could restrict access to content or charge more for heavy use of the internet. Even though it has a long way to go to become final, this is NOT a good sign.

There's a big kerfuffle right now about Apple trying to influence the hiring of a Newsweek tech reporter. I think it just sounds like silliness on everyone's side.

Here's a great piece on bias in veteran journalists who, in theory, should know how dangerous bias in journalism can be.

Other

You might not know about Food2, which is an awesome spin-off site from Food Network, geared to a younger crowd. Here is their handy dandy guide to measuring things without cups or spoons.

Of course this billboard would be here.

You know the best way to signify you're against killing people? Threaten to kill people!

Part of my day will be spent going through this list of 100 People Every Guy Should Follow on Twitter, though I bet some women could too.

www.twitter.com/philwrighthouse
philwrighthouse.blogspot.com
philattheolympics.blogspot.com (I don't update it anymore, but it's awesome just the same)
www.givememyremote.com (search for "Philboy" to see all of my posts.)
www.facebook.com/philwrighthouse

Morning Read for Tuesday, April 6, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Phil Wrighthouse) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 15:05:00 +0000

TV

MSNBC has suspended David Schuster after he taped a pilot with CNN, which is apparently against the rules.

I'm glad that everyone is on board with me in HATING the TRAVESTY that is the "One Shining Moment" remake. And, let it be noted, I have nothing against Jennifer Hudson. But you don't step through a Van Gogh...just let it be as awesome as it is.

SHAMELESS PLUG ALERT: Here's my review of last night's 24 doubleheader on Give Me My Remote.

Apparently, some people who get homes from Extreme Makeover: Home Edition are being forced into foreclosure. They take out too much equity on the homes to start their own businesses and you can figure out the rest from there.

E!'s Save Our Show campaign is down to its final five. My votes are for Life Unexpected and Chuck, since I'm 99% sure Parenthood will be picked up again by a desperate NBC.

Here's a great NYT piece on the writers' room of 24.

Sports

Even though I'm a dyed-in-the-wool Cubs fan, I could get on board with the Natinals. And, no, that isn't a typo. Apparently, it has a lot of perks.

Here's a list of Sports Occasions that should be declared national holidays.

Social Media

Would you use Facebook integrated into iTunes? I'm mostly off of the Facebook wagon, so I doubt I would, but I'm sure millions are in tune with this (no pun intended, I swear).

Video Games

I love the infographic craze that has been going around lately. Here's one about Nintendo that I guarantee will teach you something.

Movies

Cute Winona Ryder will join Vince Vaughn in Ron Howard's new comedy.

What first appeared to be an April Fools' Day joke is now looking more like a reality: Joss Whedon might direct Marvel's big Avengers film. Keep in mind that The Avengers is the lynchpin in Marvel Studio's business plan, so it will be very interesting to see how it all plays out with this.

Harrison Ford might join Jon Favreau in Cowboys vs. Aliens. Awesome!

Why must George Lucas continue to rape millions of childhoods? He is now planning an animated Star Wars sitcom. Seriously.

Even though it's a copycat of the much better The Cube, the enjoyable Minute to Win It has been renewed. Also, ABC is developing a skyscraper game show. Huh?

Other

If California legalizes marijuana, what will that do to the UCLA drug dealers in the world?

Could there be an actual Verizon iPhone? I doubt it. Even if there was, I love my Driod. Wouldn't give it up for anything.

Dairy Queen will now be offering a Mini Blizzard. Would you eat more ice cream if it was in a smaller size?

Will adding proper nouns to Scrabble tear this country apart?

www.twitter.com/philwrighthouse
philwrighthouse.blogspot.com
philattheolympics.blogspot.com (I don't update it anymore, but it's awesome just the same)
www.givememyremote.com (search for "Philboy" to see all of my posts.)
www.facebook.com/philwrighthouse

Morning Read for Friday, April 2, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Phil Wrighthouse) — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 13:20:00 +0000

I hope I have more later, but for now...THIS IS IT! OOH NOOOO!

Movies

Here is a hilarious poster for Despicable Me. I hope you've seen these adorable little creatures on some of their commercials. (/Film)

Other

Here's a list of the 50 Best Catchphrases of the Past Decade. (Brobible)

The geniuses at College Humor pulled an awesome April Fool's Day prank yesterday by making thousands of people believe that In-n-Out was coming to New York. Too bad In-n-Out doesn't have a sense of humor and had to ruin the whole thing. (College Humor)

I've always worshipped Mario as if he was Jesus. But, this list from McSweeney's points out the similarities between them all. (McSweeney's)

www.twitter.com/philwrighthouse
philwrighthouse.blogspot.com
philattheolympics.blogspot.com (I don't update it anymore, but it's awesome just the same)
www.givememyremote.com (search for "Philboy" to see all of my posts.)
www.facebook.com/philwrighthouse

Morning Read for Thursday, April 1, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Phil Wrighthouse) — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 17:19:00 +0000

You know what you're April Fools' Day prank is from me? You get the morning read in the afternoon. And, I put plastic wrap over your toilet.

Movies

Lady GaGa might perform the next James Bond theme. I would pay $.99 for that. (Gawker)

Even though a film version is about to hit the states, it's not in English so we'll remake The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo with the awesome David Fincher directing. Speak AMERICAN, damnit! (/Film)

Is a Look Who's Talking remake really need to exist in the world? I say nay! (/Film)

Also, a Baywatch remake is being written. Although, from the talent involved, I have a feeling it might be a bit more of a parody than Look Who's Talking. (JoBlo)

The Hangover sequel is a GO! I'm cautiously excited for this, depending on the plot and such. And, yes, it does matter to me. (JoBlo)

Your life's dream to see Leonardo DiCaprio in a dress could be fast approaching! He could be starring in a J. Edgar Hoover biopic. (CHUD)

Here's a look from Tim Blake Nelson at some of the roles he's played and movies he's made over the years. (A.V. Club)

Did I just want an excuse to post this awesome poster of Iron Man 2? I would have...but, it's my blog and I don't really need a reason! So there! (Movie Hotties)

My, my. Look at the racy, awesome Glee cover of Rolling Stone. (Best Week Ever)

Video Games

People who don't have lives or senses of humor who sued over the "hot coffee" sex scene in Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas will be getting their class action lawsuit settlement checks in the mail. (Yahoo! Games)

Other

I could have used this voodoo doll this morning. I'm glad to be back at my Apple with Firefox. (Geekologie)

Here is an excellent guide about how to make sure your letter to President Obama gets read AND gets a personal response. (Gawker)

Here's a perfect example of why College humor rules. (College Humor)

Here's an awesome video of a British guy getting very excited about winning a bet.

I love AwkwardFamilyPhotos.com

Anna Paquin is a bisexual. The world is a little better place today. (The Superficial)

I don't really want an iPad, but these cradles for it are fantastic. (Nerdist)

BarackObama.com is ACTUALLY SELLING a "Healthcare is a BFD" T-shirt. (Styleite via Mediaite)

Morning Read for Wednesday, March 31, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Phil Wrighthouse) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 13:37:00 +0000

TV

In what we have left of 24, we're going to see appearances by Michael Madsen and Eriq LaSalle. If anyone but me knows who these people are, you'll get a gold star for the day. (TV Squad)

If you're glued to American Idol this season like I am, you might want to know you can vote through Facebook. (Mashable)

Is there a show on this list you really love? Vote to save it! (Watch with Kristin)

Books

Here's an awesome interview with Carol Burnett. She has a memoir coming out with some awesome stories from 11 years on Carol Burnett & Friends. (New York Times Book Review)

I also need to add this book about the early days of Dreamworks to my list. (/Film)

Media

If you make a typo when searching on Digg, you'll get a chuckle-worthy ad from Burger King. (Mashable)

Music

Awesome story about Lady GaGa. Or is it Lady Gaga? Anyone? Bueller? (New York Magazine)

Movies

Would you watch a sequel to Independence Day? I love the first one, so I just might. (CHUD)

Here's a story about a viral site having to do with my most anticipated film of the year, Iron Man 2. (/Film)

Other

Really? What else can I say about this one? (WWTDD)

Spoiler Alert! Nicole Eggert does VERY WELL on Celebrity Fit Club. (TMZ)

I could have used this pitcher yesterday. Brilliant. (Geekologie)

I love these coat hooks! (Geekologie)

Jim Norton is one of the funniest comedians around. Here's a great interview. (College Humor)

Morning Read for Monday, March 30, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Phil Wrighthouse) — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:14:00 +0000

TV

I hated Mary McDonnell's character on The Closer when she first appeared, but her second appearance made me like her more. Looks like we'll be seeing her again. (TV Squad)

Even though I'm looking forward to the new season of True Blood for many reasons, but these pictures of Anna Paquin don't hurt.

Media

What would happen if an entire issue of Inc. magazine was put together without anyone coming into the office? They decided to find out. (New York Times)

Movies

The writer of Battlefield: Earth, the Scientology epic bomb, wrote an apology and story behind how the movie was never meant to be that bad. Incidentally, if you're on StumbleUpon, could you stumble the story for me? I'm the original submitter. (New York Post)

News/Politics

A little confused why everyone is up in arms about the Pope and the Catholic Church? Here's an excellent primer on the situation. (Gawker)

Other

Somebody got a case of the Mondays? Try some Hello Kitty wine, see if that helps. (LA Weekly Blog via Pop Candy)

This post on Lamebook made my day. I couldn't figure out a way to post it up here hi-res, but seriously...it's hysterical.

Like The Alamo, I never forgot. (Movie Hotties)

It's certainly my favorite brew. (/Film)

Morning Read for Sunday, March 29, 2010

noreply@blogger.com (Phil Wrighthouse) — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 13:23:00 +0000

The coffee is strong and I am ready to read through a TON of links after a couple days off. Here we go!

TV

Kevin Kline, a terrific actor who I love in almost everything he does, will be starring in an HBO series from the writer of Proof. (TV Squad)

What will the TV adaptation of @ShitMyDadSays on Twitter be called? How about, Everybody Loves Raymond, but with the Dad as the Star? (NYT Media Decoder)

Sarah Palin's Alaska, a travel show featuring...umm...that person...will be on TLC. (NYT Media Decoder)

Instead of another generic cooking competition, can we just get a version of Ramsay's The F Word here in America? (TV Squad) Here is a video of The F Word with Top Gear's James May.

Gaming

GameStop is being sued for being deceptive about their used games and what downloadable content is included on them. I see the guy's point, but shouldn't he have asked first? (Yahoo! Games)

Are you a single gamer looking for the love of your life? This combination of dating site/cyber-prostitution may be something for you to check out. (Mashable)

We might see some lesser-known Marvel characters coming from Disney Interactive via Disney-Marvel merger. (GameRant)

Movies

On Twitter, Tom Hanks revealed the cast of his new film, Larry Crowne. What's unclear, however, is who is playing whom. (/Film)

Who would Wonder Woman herself Lynda Carter want to play the Amazon Queen on film? The answer is a timely one. (TV Squad)

Media

I feel like if Facebook keeps revising their privacy rules, people might get fed up, or at least upset they don't know how secure their profile is at that particular moment. (Mashable)

Here are some sad facts about the newspaper industry. (Mashable)

Here are six ways to save money through social media. (Mashable)

Lady GaGa is the first music artist to reach a billion online video views. (Mashable)

Politics

Exhibit ZZ into evidence on why politicians a) shouldn't try to make jokes, b) know what's popular and c) not use Facebook unsupervised. (Geekosystem and Mediaite)

Books

The awesome Sherman Alexie has won the Faulkner Prize for his latest collection of short stories. (NYT ArtsBeat)

Other

Bored? Why not try out some Chatroulette Bingo?! (Mashable)

What's on Tiger Woods' cell phone? Apparently porn and cartoons. What more could one want in life? (TMZ)

Forget Lasik! Just take eat some LSD pickles, apparently. (Metro.co.uk via Fark)

www.twitter.com/philwrighthouse
philwrighthouse.blogspot.com
philattheolympics.blogspot.com (I don't update it anymore, but it's awesome just the same)
www.givememyremote.com (search for "Philboy" to see all of my posts.)
www.facebook.com/philwrighthouse

24: A Eulogy for a Friend Not Yet Gone

noreply@blogger.com (Phil Wrighthouse) — Sat, 27 Mar 2010 19:06:00 +0000

I thought that this would be a good idea for a Facebook photo. Needless to say, I was wrong.

Well, the news broke yesterday that "24," the show that has been such a big part of my life for eight seasons, will be ending soon. It's a bittersweet ending, seeing as true fans of the show that have stuck with it for its entire run know that it should have ended a while ago, but have been enjoying its death rattles for a couple season's now.

"24" debuted in 2001, extremely post-9/11. This was an edgy choice on many levels, not least of which was that it dealt with counter-terrorism on an extremely binary level (at least at the beginning). Jack Bauer, played to perfection by Kiefer Sutherland, was the epitome of the "good guy." He was a badass, plain and simple. He represented all that was right with government and the idea that defeating the bad guy was the highest good, something that should be pursued at all costs. He worked for CTU, which is the latest in the long line of government organizations that seem to have all of the best technology at their disposal to kick terrorist ass.

The first season of "24" was produced before 9/11, so it took it a full season to tap into the Islamic/Muslim confusion and fears that we were all feeling at the time. However, the parallels were uncanny. While this might have driven some people away, fans of the show, I believe, were enticed by the show's suspense and belief that, at the end of the day, the good guys would win and everything would be OK.

"24" was a gamechanger for me in many ways. I had fallen in love with the medium of TV a few years prior with "The West Wing." But, "24" was the first time that I was surprised by TV. As in shocked. As in, when Nina Meyers was revealed to be the mole in the second to last episode of the first season, I ran around the house screaming, flabbergasted at what had just occurred. I swore it couldn't be Nina! We had grown to trust Nina over the last 20 or so hours. How could she do this to me? To us? To America?!

Then, Teri Bauer died. And I realized that storytelling could do some damn cruel things to the characters that we love. We had watched Teri go through the wringer with her daughter, Kim, and while she may have done some stupid things, it was all in the name of love and country.

After the death of Teri had settled, I was still obsessed with "24." And, the obsession never waned, even when the show's quality might have. The memories I have of watching "24" with my friends and family will never be replaced. They include...

Chloe going out into the field with her M4 and killing some bad guys.
Edgar Stiles shutting down all but one of the nuclear reactors, saving millions and giving himself some self-confidence in the process.
Tony Almeida saving Jack when he cornered in a warehouse.
Kim Bauer getting chased by a cougar and shacking up with a survivalist nutball.
Kim Bauer coming back to CTU inexplicably as a computer genius.
Numerous Chloe scowls and moments of being right, even when everyone (except Jack) doubted her.
President David Palmer dying.
Michelle Desler dying.
Edgar Stiles dying in the most excruciating death scene EVER PUT TO FILM!
Jack killing a guy and beheading him, all in the name of freedom.
Jack biting a guy in the jugular vein, all in the name of freedom.
Audrey Rains taking a phone call, and never being the same again.
The bombing of CTU.
Jack being declared legally dead.
Jack actually dying then being brought back to life.
Michelle Dessler wearing the loudest high heels while trying to be covert.
Jack having to kill Curtis, all in the name of freedom.
George Mason crashing a plane in the desert to die nobly and save thousands.
Jack becoming some guy named Mike, who worked on an oil rig in Texas.
Jack's man purse and aviator sunglasses.
President David Palmer leaving Sherry Palmer.

The list could keep going. Hell, it probably went too long to begin with. But it just goes to show how powerful the show was and how my memories of it will never go away. And, while some have jumped off the bandwagon and will never return, I feel that the show is going out on top, the way it should. How it ends, however, has yet to be seen.

www.twitter.com/philwrighthouse
philwrighthouse.blogspot.com
philattheolympics.blogspot.com (I don't update it anymore, but it's awesome just the same)
www.givememyremote.com (search for "Philboy" to see all of my posts.)
www.facebook.com/philwrighthouse