Simply Me

Now that's funny, I don't care who you are

I've been a Larry the Cable Guy fan for years. I first heard him when he did a weekly call-in segment on a local rock radio station. He says even now that 98 Rock helped to launch his career. Tom and I have seen him twice live at the First Mariner Arena in Baltimore. 

A few weeks ago, Larry came on the 98 Rock Morning Show to promote his new show on the History Channel:  Only in America with Larry the Cable Guy. I expected it might be amusing to watch a time or two. We added it to our weekly DVR recording schedule. I didn't expect I'd likely watch more than a couple of shows.

Boy howdy! I haven't enjoyed a show this much in years. There hasn't been a segment that has not only been funny, but *interesting*.  I've learned TONS of stuff about the neatest things. Watching Larry going to the home of the family of the Emily Post to learn about etiquette? I was in tears laughing at his antics. And they get one over on HIM during the rodeo segment.

If you're looking for something to watch on TV that will bring a smile to your face and maybe let you forget some of the ugly of the world out there for a time, you really need to check out this show. It airs on Tuesday nights on the History Channel.

West Wing Wednesday: Holy Night

Unlike the Thanksgiving episodes, the Christmas episodes on West Wing generally had a more serious tone. The episode "Noel", likely my favorite episode of the whole series, deals with Josh's post traumatic stress from the shooting that almost killed him at the end of Season 1. Going with a piece of "Noel" would be the easy call today. So, obviously, that's not what I'm going to share. :P

Today, I thought I'd share this scene from "Holy Night" which was the 11th episode from Season 4. In this episode, we learn about Toby's father who apparently was involved in criminal activity when Toby was born. As a result, Toby had long since distanced himself from anything to do with his father. Now that Toby is about to have twins, his father was desperate to reconnect with Toby in order to have a relationship with his new grandchildren. Toby is less than thrilled. Especially when he discovers that Josh is the one who got his father into the building. You'll have to watch for yourself to see how it ends.

For today's clip, I thought I'd share on of my favorite scenes with C.J. as played by Allison Janney. One of my happiest moments was during the final season when we learn that C.J. and Danny do end up together. After Donna and Josh, the C.J. and Danny relationship  will always be a favorite part of this series for me.

Enjoy! and Merry Christmas!

 

 

West Wing Wednesday: Happy Thanksgiving Day :)

 

West Wing Wednesday: Uh Oh

So, over the weekend I discovered that the powers that be at You Tube and Warner Brothers had "edited" my uploaded snippet of "Two Cathedrals" that I posted last week. They essentially killed the sound, so while you could watch the scene, you couldn't hear any of it.

I'm thinking the difference this time around was the length of the snippet. My previous snippets that I've uploaded were in the 3-5 minute range. The one I uploaded last week was for 10+ minutes. In an attempt to test this theory, I've uploaded and reposted only a portion of the scenes I originally uploaded. It's about 4 minutes total. If you found you were unable to see it last week, please try again and feel free to let me know what you find!

This week I thought I bring it full circle and introduce you to Mrs. Landingham's replacement. It took quite a while for President Bartlet to finally come to terms with his need for another good head assistant. The casting for this role was superb. I've loved Lily Tomlin for years and years and was tickled pink when she first appeared. I loved how they gave her such a quirky character to play while at the same leaving no doubt this woman was perfect for the position. 

 

West Wing Wednesday: Two Cathedrals Final Scenes

Note:  I have edited this post and added a newly uploaded video clip that hopefully won't be edited by YouTube.

I've feature Martin Sheen before, but couldn't help myself from doing it again. In this Season 2 finale episode, "Two Cathedrals," we watch as the President and his staff admit that the President has MS to the nation. We see him say goodbye to his friend, Mrs. Landingham, who was killed in a car crash. He is struggling with whether he should run for a second term as President. 

Using flashbacks, we learn how the friendship between the President and Landingham began during his years at the preparatory school his father was the dean at. During this scene late in the episode, we see the President reaching out to his now dead friend to help him through yet another difficult time. I love everything about this scene. Every single thing.

 

West Wing Wednesday: Six degrees of separation

As a completely way over the top fan of West Wing, I'm always on the lookout for my West Wingers on other shows. Forget Kevin Bacon...I look for how quickly I can connect a show or movie back to West Wing.

Over the summer, NBC started showing previews for the new show "Outlaw" starring Jimmy Smits. I loved him in LA Law and adored him in West Wing. This conservative *would* have voted for him!! :P

So, I knew I'd give it a chance simply because of his relationship on West Wing. Imagine my utter delight to see that Jesse Bradford, who played Josh's intern during Season 5, was playing a supporting character! And then my joy was almost complete when who should show up during an episode? My favorite red headed actor, Timothy Busfield!!  It was wonderful to see him again! I know he doesn't do much acting these days, preferring instead to stay behind the camera.

I think my favorite relationship, out of all of the ones on this show, would be the relationship of CJ and Danny. I was thrilled when during the season opener of Season 7, they show that the two of them are officially together and even have a baby! 

Seeing "Danny" gave me the perfect idea for today's WW entry. Once again, I'm indebted to another WW fan who put this great piece together.

Trivia Question:  Name another current show on the USA Network that stars one former WW actor, has another appearing regularly, and has had two others show up as special guests? I *love* that show too!

P.S. I'm enjoying "Outlaw"...if you love Jimmy Smits, check it out!

 

West Wing Wednesday: Today deserves a "funny"

NOTE:  The video should be viewable now!!!

When I watch the earlier seasons, after having cycled my way through to Season 7, I realize how much I miss Sam. 

 

Season 2:  "The Leadership Breakfast"

 

Buy Season 2 DVD set by clicking HERE

You can also buy and download individual episodes on iTunes.

West Wing Wednesday: There is no better acting anywhere

Yesterday on the 2peas NSBR message board, my fellow blogger Andy (Creative Junkie) asked a question about a story line from Season 7 of The West Wing. Unlike me, she hasn't watched each episode 225 times, nor does she own the entire collection of DVDs.  She was confused because she kept missing key episodes (on Bravo) that follow the top secret military space shuttle leak storyline. This lead to a great discussion about the show.

And it gave me the idea for the perfect clip to show you today. I know it's a bit late in being posted, but it'll be worth it, I promise!

In this episode from Season 7, "Here Today", Toby admits to C.J. that he is the source of the leak. The scene actually has little dialogue. And that's what makes it so special. Watch the conversation that takes place with just their eyes, their posture, their body language. I don't think I've ever seen a more well acted scene anywhere. I know I've said it before, but this is POWERFUL stuff. 

 

Where are my fellow Gleeks?

I have only one thing to say to you today:

 
 

 

My fellow Gleeks: The countdown begins!

It's been a long time since I enjoyed a show as much as I enjoy "Glee". I'm a closet singer myself. I used to have a fairly decent voice, but it's long gone now. I can do okay now and again, but I save it now to embarrass Sarah during those times when we have a friend of hers trapped riding in the van with us. 

"Glee" music gives me a treasure trove of choices. I will say that the "Funk" episode was my absolute least favorite of Season 1. I did not download any of the songs from the unfortunate episode. Anything with Kristen Chenoweth or Idina Menzel is a sure fire way to make it on my favorites playlist. When they did "One Less Bell to Answer"...I swooned. Magical!! I even fell in love with Lady Gaga songs, as sung by Glee cast members though. Sarah and I love to duet "Poker Face" along with Ms. Menzel and Ms. Michele. 

And those Journey remakes? Perfection :)

So, with the countdown to the new season upon us, I thought I'd share a little eye candy from my current favorite show:

 

 

Don't forget! The complete Season 1 DVD set available on Tuesday!!