Pop Fodder

Great Television: Burn Notice

2007-07-07T13:47:11Z

Summer is a tough time for fans of serialized television. The landscape is pockmarked with cheapo reality shows ("America's Got Talent"? -- I think not) and uninteresting Lifetime fare ("Army Wives" doesn't float my boat).

But this summer, emerging from the murky mists of off-season TV, comes a new show: "Burn Notice."

Airing on USA, "Burn Notice" is a nouveau "Magnum, P.I." crossed with a Guy Ritchie flick. It follows Michael Westen (Jeffrey Donovan), a smart-assed spy who's just been blacklisted ("burned") by his government employer. Westen is dropped in Miami -- his hometown -- and given ambiguous orders to stay put. With no money, no job, no credit history and no prospects, he hooks up with an ex-girlfriend, Fiona (Gabrielle Anwar), and a retired spy buddy, Sam (the always awesome Bruce Campbell), to hack through private investigator jobs.

Westen's spy pedigree makes him overqualified for the meager investigations he's forced to run, but that's part of the fun. Run-ins with low-rent criminals and kingpins who overestimate their own intelligence set Westen up for Whedon-esque comebacks. Couple the sarcasm with Westen's inability to ignore the underdog, and you've got one of the best lead characters around.

New episodes of "Burn Notice" air Thursdays at 10 p.m. on USA.

Great Television: Life on Mars

2006-08-26T16:36:59Z

BBC America is currently airing a phenomenal new drama that deserves top billing on your TiVo's Season Pass list.

"Life on Mars" centers on a modern-day English police inspector, Sam Tyler (John Simm), who is involved in a wicked car accident (he gets creamed). Without explanation, Tyler wakes up in 1973. He knows who he is and he knows he's still a cop, but now he's a cop three decades in the past. As you can imagine, this perplexes Sam to no end.

The show's "cop out of water" concept is interesting (the '70s are marred by landlines, shoddy forensics, and absolutely no political correctness), but "Life on Mars" succeeds because the characters are dynamic. Simm is the anchor for the production, blending equal parts confusion and heroism. The scenes he shares with Philip Glenister (Gene Hunt) are layered with impressive degrees of anger, respect and humor. These two create a formidable acting duo that could succeed in any arena.

Liz White also shines as Annie Cartwright, an endearing, smart-assed love interest for Sam. The character of Annie is a kindred spirit to Willow on "Buffy" and Kaylee on "Firefly" -- she's not the lead, but she owns every scene she's in.

The eight-episode first season of "Life on Mars" concludes in mid-September, but BBC America often airs repeats. Check the schedule for upcoming broadcasts.

And just in case you're wondering, the show's title comes from the David Bowie song, which plays during Sam's accident in the pilot episode. -- Mac Slocum

Great Web Sites: Amazing Soccer Videos

2006-06-24T17:37:11Z

I can't play soccer to save my life. Oh sure, when I was a chunky 8th grader who wore "husky" jeans, I could drop an oncoming opponent with a swift kick to the shins. But when it came to dribbling, passing and scoring, I had (and have) no chops.

And that's why I sit in amazement at the unbelievable skills of World Cup players. It's as though these guys have an extra set of hands on their feet.

To illustrate, I present below three amazing soccer videos culled from Google Video and YouTube. There are hundreds more like this, so I suggest you dive into the many, many options available at the aforementioned sites. These clips will simply whet your appetite for more soccer goodness.

Video No. 1: A great compendium of soccer moments. Watch out for David Beckham's mid-field moon boot (around 57 seconds in).

Video No. 2: Ronaldhino juggles the ball ... and then intentionally boots it off the goalpost again ... and again ... and again ...

Video No. 3: And finally ... a move that may very well revolutionize soccer (or get people killed). Ladies and gentlemen, Kerlon's "Seal Dribble":

Know about other amazing soccer videos? Post your thoughts and links below. -- Mac Slocum

New Feature: Weekly Caption Collaboration

2006-06-20T01:31:39Z

The pop culture landscape tends to slow down during the summer, and that leads to all sorts of boredom here in Fodder land. But this summer we're trying something new, something exciting, something that's, dare we say, downright revolutionary.

Behold: The Weekly Caption Collaboration!

Each week (hence "weekly") we'll be posting a still from the previous week's top grossing movie. We will then ask you, our gracious readers, to concoct fitting captions. Be funny! Be witty! Be inappropriate! (Within reason ...)

Without further adieu, here's the first entry:

"Cars," © Walt Disney Pictures

Please use the comments mechanism to post your captions below.

Great Advertising: Miller Light Man Law Ads

2006-06-10T04:03:59Z

I crack up anytime "man" is used as a prefix ("manboob," "manfat," "manpurse," etc.), so you can imagine what happened when I first encountered the Miller Light "Man Law" ad campaign. Good ... Lord.

All of the ads are available at Men of the Square Table, but my favorite is the spot that discusses the proper amount of time that must transpire before making a play for your best friend's ex-girlfriend. Eddie Griffin, who often steals the show in these ads, has the best line:

"I was always taught you've gotta wait two Saturdays ... or a new hairdo. Whichever comes first."

Alas, the ads will never get me to drink Miller Light, but they sure are funny.

Man law! -- Mac Slocum

Great Television: Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje on "Lost"

2006-05-07T13:23:06Z

In limited screentime, Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje (hereto known as "AAA") has emerged as one of the most interesting, most charismatic, most undeniably engrossing performers in the "Lost" ensemble. AAA's low, calm voice and enormous eyes demand attention; and when he gets angry ... shoot, the Hulk himself would quiver in a puddle of pee.

AAA plays Mr. Eko, a former bad-ass drug runner who recently changed his stripes (and his shirt -- he's now a priest). Season 2 has been anchored by Eko's presence; even when he's not on screen, you hope he'll soon appear. Moreover, Eko's conversations with the equally enigmatic/charismatic John Locke (played with Emmy-caliber skill by Terry O'Quinn) have been a joy to watch. Alone, AAA and O'Quinn are phenomenal actors, but together, they're a drama supergroup. The "Lost" producers could spin off the "Locke and Eko Show" and easily have a hit on their hands.

There are only three episodes of "Lost" left in the second season, but you'll have plenty of time to see AAA in action in this week's Eko-centric installment. "Lost" airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on ABC.

SHAMELESS PLUG: "Lost" fans should check out our Lost Blog for reviews, news and tons of conversation.

Great Television: Ryan Seacrest on "American Idol"

2006-05-02T14:11:41Z

A great TV host is like a great backup catcher: You never know how important he or she is until they're gone.

People mock "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest for his frosted hair, vintage t-shirts and lame catchphrases, but these same people don't understand how hard this guy works. "Idol" is, by nature, chaotic. Amateur singers, snippy judges and a live broadcast are tough things to handle by themselves, yet Seacrest manages to keep the "Idol" circus humming along week in and week out.

He's also got a whip-smart retort for virtually any situation. When Simon Cowell lobs a gossip-laden bon mot (such as his recent quip about Seacrest and Paula Abdul not speaking), Seacrest always has a fitting response. The guy just doesn't get flustered.

Alas, Seacrest's skill won't be appreciated until he misses an "Idol" broadcast. Mark my words: The day Seacrest is absent is the day "Idol" has its worst episode ever.

Great Television: The Office

2006-04-29T00:53:01Z

Like many people, I was suspicious when NBC announced it was creating an "American" version of the hit BBC comedy "The Office." After all, they tried the same thing with "Coupling" and the results were disastrous.

Thankfully, my suspicions were proven incorrect. The new "Office" took over where "Arrested Development" left off: it's the funniest show on television.

Season two has been brilliant. The ensemble has gelled, which means Steve Carell can move into the background with the other performers. That's not a knock on Carell -- the guy is hilarious -- but the early shows rested squarely on his shoulders and there's just no way 23 episodes of Michael Scott could ever work.

The rise of the "Office" ensemble has allowed Dwight Shrute (played by Rainn Wilson) to emerge as TV's best supporting character. Violence will ensue if Wilson doesn't win an Emmy in the next two years. That's not a threat. Just a fact.

"The Office" airs Thursdays at 9:30 p.m. on NBC. And because I can't resist a BLATANT PLUG, you can keep up with the latest "Office" reviews and news on our sister site, TV Fodder.

Great Music: Old School Stevie Wonder

2006-04-28T17:33:15Z

Children of the '80s and '90s, hear my cry: Pay no heed to the Stevie Wonder of your youth. All that "I Just Called to Say I Love You" schmaltz need not cloud your minds to the genius of this man.

Case in point: '70s era Stevie. I challenge you to listen to anything he produced in the '70s and not fall into a deep, satisfying groove. Every note is absolutely glorious -- its as though he had a decade-long hot streak and we, the hungry listener, are the prime beneficiary.

A few suggestions to whet your '70s Stevie appetite:

"Superstition" -- One of the greatest song intros ever. EVER. I used to play this song on my college radio station all the time, much to my cooler-than-thou program director's chagrin (suck it PD!).
"Boogie On Reggae Woman" -- My entree to this song was through Phish (they did a killer live version), but Stevie's is still the standard against which all Boogying Reggae Ladies are judged. (Sidenote: How the hell do you spell boogying?)
"Sir Duke" -- The world needs more horn sections. Listen to this joyous song and you'll know exactly what I mean.
"I Wish" -- I wish I could wake up to this bassline every day.

This is just a taste. If you've got your own Stevie favorites, post 'em below!

Great Toy: Playskool Bulls-Eye Bounce & Roll

2006-04-09T00:57:56Z

Hasbro recommends this toy for children between the ages of 3 and 5.

Hasbro lies.

I challenge anyone to find a child under six who can truly appreciate this toy. Moreover, I challenge anyone to produce a kid who can score 179 on this bad boy! That's right. My high score on the Playskool Bulls-Eye Bounce & Roll, a toy built for very young children, is 179. I'm very proud.

Oh sure, little kids can bounce the colorful skee balls (or, God forbid, use the "roll-ball" option), but the genius behind this toy lies in the fact that ultra-competitive adults who fancy themselves "athletes" (that would be me) can challenge their equally competitive adversaries in hardcore contests. As far as I'm concerned, anything that makes your brow sweat and your mouth shout obscenities does not reside in the kiddie realm.

I'm not kidding about the swearing. When your glorious round is thwarted by a ball back-up (it's the bane of my existence), I guarantee you'll be summoning phrases that'll make sailors blush.

Incidentally, I'd love to know if someone has cracked 180. I've tried, but so far the barrier has remained painfully out of reach.

Great Web Site: Chris Bliss Beatles Juggling

2006-04-01T23:11:48Z

I learned how to juggle in 9th grade. This talent used to make me feel good about myself.

I say "used to" because I just ran across a video that puts my meager juggling skills to shame. The clip (see below) shows comedian/entertainer Chris Bliss exhibiting a stunning display of juggling by timing his act to the closing songs on the Beatle's Abbey Road album ("Golden Slumbers" --> "Carry that Weight" --> "The End"). Your jaw will drop when when he hits the "Carry that Weight" part.

Enjoy the video. I need to go practice.

Great Web Site: Famous Film Locations

2006-03-27T20:20:10Z

Google Maps and pop culture are wacky bedfellows, but their love child is pretty damn cool. Bestowed with the slightly clunky name Famous Film Locations and Movies About Real Places, this mash-up of Google Map technology and real-world set locations is a time-waster par excellence.

The map is hosted by Platial.com, which is a hub for user-generated maps detailing all sorts of interesting (and often, intimate) information. Now, I don't really care about the best hook-up spots in Djibouti or Saddam's favorite hiding places, but a map that shows me where "Lost" is filmed definitely piques my interest (if you look closely you can see a whispy smoke monster terrorizing castaways).

Great Movie: Harrison Ford in Wife Force One

2006-03-26T23:18:59Z

If you've ever been dazzled by the pointing-finger gravitas of Harrison Ford, then you're gonna love this: Harrison Ford in ... "Wife Force One."

Granted, it's a trailer for a movie that will never come to fruition, but the sheer editing skill behind this clip is reason enough to include it on Pop Fodder. Incidentally, if you want more information on the creative duo who crafted the trailer, drop a line to roningraffiti@yahoo.com.

Great Web Site: Pandora Music Discovery Service

2006-03-24T17:29:33Z

Every once in a while a friend will show me a site that absolutely blows my mind. The latest example is Pandora.

Don't be surprised if your first reaction to Pandora involves guffawing, swearing and general awestruckedness. It's that cool.

So what is this thing? In short, it's the world's greatest DJ. I'm not kidding. If you're constantly on the look-out for great songs and artists, Pandora is tailor made for you. In a few simple clicks you can enter artists and songs you like, and Pandora -- employing Web-based voodoo I can't begin to understand -- uses that data to serve up music that's similar to the stuff you love.

And here's the thing: IT WORKS!

I've seen other applications try this "suggestion" maneuver, but the songs that come up usually suck ... hard. But not this time. The wizards behind Pandora got it right, and they deserve some big-time credit for unleashing a truly amazing application. (They also deserve heaps of praise for creating one of the most usable interfaces I've ever seen -- finally, someone found a good use for Flash!)

To the folks at Pandora, I extend a huge congratulations for a job well done. I hope you make a billion dollars from this one!

Great TV: MythBusters

2006-03-22T04:25:18Z

I was fortunate to catch the very first episode of "MythBusters" and I've been hooked on the show's urban legend hijinks ever since.

I've always had a weird fascination with urban legends -- the viral nature of these dubious stories astounds me -- but "MythBusters" takes my urban legend interest to new levels by using actual science to disprove (and sometimes prove) the veracity of the stories.

Incidentally, my all-time favorite urban legend -- and one the show covered in its Pilot episode -- is the story of a guy who strapped a jet rocket to his Chevy Impala, then went for a joyride in the desert. He had the ride of his life for 2.1 seconds, but the excitement came to an abrupt and brutal halt when the Impala ran headlong into a mountain. The image of an Impala streaking across the sky always cracks me up.

But anyway ...

"MythBusters" earns extra credit for its cheeky sense of humor. Co-hosts Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman both seem to realize they've got awesome jobs (they get to blow stuff up -- how cool is that?), so their enthusiasm is always high. Moreover, the editing and voice-over work are both excellent.

"MythBusters" airs Wednesday at 9 p.m. on Discovery Channel. Repeats are often available, so set a season pass on your TiVo and load up!