Frank Arrigo: TV

Eurovision 2007

Sun, 13 May 2007 10:00:56 GMT

Tonight's the night. Wondeful kitschy entertainment

SMH: TV program delays 'turning viewers into pirates'

Thu, 22 Feb 2007 03:43:36 GMT

The SMH ran a story yesterday - TV program delays 'turning viewers into pirates', with a followup 'blog' Are you a TV show pirate?

The reader comments are pure gold.

"Are you a TV show pirate?"

Yes, yes I am.

Posted by: Hurley at February 21, 2007 3:45 PM

tv is dead. long live tv.

once you download you don't go back. i never watch australian tv.

i watch what i want, when i want on what i want.

I'd be happy to download from the networks as long as they guarantee simultaneous worldwide release. They could even include 5 minutes of ads (base their advertising revenue on the number of downloads for particular programs) as long as they guarantee high def content.

Until then i'm afraid i'm gonna have to be a pirate mate....

Posted by: Dude at February 21, 2007 4:33 PM

Could someone please point me to the exact point of law and valid precedents that show downloading episodes of television that have screened somewhere, but that may or may not ever be screened on free-to-air tv in my house, is in fact 'illegal'?

'Downloading' itself is NOT illegal behaviour.

Why, Asher, are you stereotyping all of the many, many people who downloads tv shows as 'lawbreakers'?

This 'illegality' is yet to be demonstrated, and personally I cannot believe that ordinary Australians agree that it could EVER BE illegal behaviour to do so.

Posted by: bob at February 21, 2007 3:35 PM

The Knights of Prosperity

Tue, 13 Feb 2007 05:12:04 GMT

Moira spotted on interview on ~~Conan~~ correction, Letterman with one of the stars from a show I hadn't heard about - The Knights of Prosperity

We tracked the show down, and you know, it just rocks.

The show follows a group of misfits—the titular Knights—who attempt to rob Mick Jagger's luxury apartment. Jagger appeared in a cameo in the first episode, kicking off the series' main storyline.

It's funny, and the kids all love it.

I doubt any network will pick it up locally

*update* The David Letterman connection makes sense, since he is an executive producer and the show is produced by Worldwide Pants. Do'h!

More games, more viewers : AFL TV Coverage is good news

Fri, 09 Feb 2007 00:08:27 GMT

I caught the news last night about the updated AFL Coverage

The best news for me - Friday night games are live into Sydney on Foxtel. w00t!! especiially since the Saints play so many friday night games.

The schedule for the first six rounds is out and the Saints are live each week!

Happy Days!!!!!

Foxtel kicks off Remote Record

Wed, 03 Jan 2007 11:59:43 GMT

I signed up for Foxtel's new service - Remote Record.

I can access the Foxtel EPG on my PC, search for programs I want to watch (up to 7 days in the future) and then send this to my Foxtel IQ system which will then queue the shows up for recording

Pity there is no information for Channel 10 and Channel 7 -- I guess we wont be watching anything on those networks this year (AGAIN)

Oh shit - all the AFL games are on Channel 10 and Channel 7 this year. I'm screwed

Free-to-air copping a download

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 05:10:45 GMT

Saw this article in The Australian today - Free-to-air copping a download.

AUSTRALIA'S $3.5 billion free-to-air commercial television industry is being threatened by the internet more quickly than expected, with a new online study showing 53 per cent of respondents regularly download TV shows from the internet, most of them illegally.

TV - these time's they are a changing!!

Heroes

Fri, 17 Nov 2006 11:56:36 GMT

I am loving Heroes. It's going to be big!

From wikipedia:

Heroes is an American drama television series, created by Tim Kring, premiered on NBC on September 25, 2006. It follows eleven otherwise-ordinary people who suddenly discover that they have superhuman abilities such as telepathy, time travel, and flight. The first four episodes were dubbed "Ordinary people discovering extraordinary abilities," and at the end of the fourth episode an event occurred which kicked off the current arc: "Save the cheerleader, save the world," which is a reference to the character Claire Bennet, a Texas high school cheerleader with the ability to rapidly heal from any injury, and the apocalyptic visions of New York artist Isaac Mendez. As the large ensemble cast slowly discovers their abilities and existence of others like them, they begin to realize the need to come together to prevent catastrophe.

Torchwood

Fri, 10 Nov 2006 02:06:44 GMT

Ive seen the first 3 episodes of the new BBC show Torchwood. It's fantastic - Dr Who meets The X Files, with a bit of "adult" thrown in for good measure

I'm loving it.

Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip

Tue, 07 Nov 2006 11:29:06 GMT

I love this show already.

It's so smart, well written, well acted.

It is quality all the way. From the Network like opening of the pilot episodes with the exec producer telling the audience to change channels, you are sucked into the world of Studio 60.

However 7 episodes in and it's already being talked about being cancelled.

Some dude has an Online petition to save Studio 60. I really hope the show continues and it gets show downunder.

New TV Series

Sat, 21 Oct 2006 12:56:12 GMT

The new shows and who will be showing them in Australia

Ugly Betty (7) Comedy. 16.1 million US viewers. In the superficial world of high fashion, image is everything. So how can an ordinary, slightly plump plain-Jane with braces fit in? Features Aussie Alan Dale (ex-Neighbours).

Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip (9) Drama. 13 million US viewers. Matthew Perry stars in this take on the drama behind producing a popular late-night comedy sketch show.

Six Degrees (7) Drama. 10.8 million US viewers. From the creators of Lost. Borrows from the old adage that anyone can be connected through a chain of six people.

Smith (9) Drama. 11 million US viewers. Ray Liotta stars as the chief of a criminal gang of sophisticated thieves (think Ocean's 11) after a final pay day. Aussie Simon Baker (The Guardian) also stars.

Brothers & Sisters (7) Drama. Debuted in the US with 15.6 million viewers. Ensemble cast of complicated siblings starring Calista Flockhart, Aussie Rachel Griffiths (Six Feet Under) and veterans Tom Skerrit and Sally Field.

Shark (7) Drama. 14.7 million US viewers. James Woods is a super-confident defence attorney who switches to LA's High Profile Crimes Unit as head prosecutor.

Heroes (7) Drama. 14.1 million US viewers. Sci-fi drama chronicles the lives of ordinary people who discover they possess extraordinary abilities.

Ugly Betty

Sat, 21 Oct 2006 12:46:22 GMT

All I can say this show is hilarous.

The word is that Channel 7 has the rights to the show for Australia.

Will they stuff it up like they did Arrested Development?

AFL looked at its own pay TV outlet

Sun, 01 Oct 2006 09:41:50 GMT

Rocket Scientists - that's all I can say

AFL looked at its own pay TV outlet
Ninemsn - 2 hours ago
The AFL considered setting up its own pay television channel to take over once Fox Footy closed. Fox Footy ended its five-year life on Saturday night after the grand final.
AFL kicks around starting own footy channel The Australian
Free Footy Campaign Is Fiction egoli.com.au
all 5 news articles

Amazon Delivers Again

Sun, 01 Oct 2006 07:19:55 GMT

Got my latest Amazon order just in time for the holidays

Straight Outta Lynwood
The Weird Al Show - The Complete Series
The Wild

Yup. we're big fans of Weird Al

The IT Crowd on ABC TV

Mon, 25 Sep 2006 10:06:37 GMT

I saw an ad on ABC TV tonight, The IT Crowd is coming to the big screen this week.

The IT Crowd
Yesterday's Jam

9:00pm Wednesday, September 27, 2006

From the writer of Father Ted and Black Books, get ready to delve into the off-the-wall world of an IT department, with the new six-part comedy series, The IT Crowd, starting Wednesday 27 September at 9pm.

Best friends Roy (Chris O'Dowd) and Moss (Richard Ayoade) spend their days working in the IT Department of Reynholm Industries, solving other people's computer dilemmas, or at least pretending to. But while their social betters work upstairs in fantastic surrounds with great views and unisex toilets, they are relegated to the horrible dark basement underneath it all.

Moss is highly intelligent but has the social skills of a serial killer. He can't communicate with anything that doesn't have a keyboard and he's still dressed by his mum.

Roy on the other hand, is someone whose spiky personality ensures that he will always be kept as far away from normal people as possible. Working in the basement, away from prying eyes, he's able to indulge his love of everything that is bad for him; fast food, comics and endless nonsensical arguments with Moss.

Their world is shattered when the highly ambitious Jen (Katherine Parkinson) joins the team as their new manager. Jen has dreamed of being a high-powered businesswoman all her life, or at least that's what she claims on her resume. With her imitation Armani suit and the ability to tell the most outrageous lies while keeping a straight face, she knows absolutely nothing about computers, but isn't about to admit it.

Bindi's Speech

Thu, 21 Sep 2006 01:22:18 GMT

What an awesome speech....

"My Daddy was my hero - he was always there for me when I needed him."

"He listened to me and taught me so many things but most of all he was fun.

"I know that Daddy had an important job. He was working to change the world so everyone would love wildlife like he did.

"He built a hospital to help animals and he bought lots of land to give animals a safe place to live.

"He took me and my brother and my mum with him all the time. We filmed together, caught crocodiles together and loved being in the bush together.

"I don't want Daddy's passion to ever end.

"I want to help endangered wildlife just like he did.

"I have the best Daddy in the whole world and I will miss him every day.

"When I see a crocodile I will always think of him and I know that Daddy made this zoo so everyone could come and learn to love all the animals.

"Daddy made this place his whole life and now it's our turn to help Daddy."

The Latest Amazon Order

Fri, 15 Sep 2006 07:40:05 GMT

It has been a while since I went shopping on Amazon.

My latest shipment arrived today.

The Office - Season One (US/NBC Version)

Arrested Development - Season 3

House, M.D. - Season Two

Lost - The Complete Second Season

The Office - Season Two

I feel this makes me clean again ;)

New Rockstar Crowned

Thu, 14 Sep 2006 08:19:25 GMT

What did I tell ya?

I called it!!!

And the news is out there!

Rock Star : Supernova Finale Coming Up

Sun, 10 Sep 2006 06:13:30 GMT

We've been hooked on Rock Star : Supernova

It's funny seeing some mainstream press covering the finale, but not surprising since there is an aussie in the mix.

We like (Toby), but we think (Lukas) is going to win

Here's a chart that summarises it all

Place	Contestant	Result
Week:		1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8		9	10
-	Magni Ásgeirsson			Encore			Encore	Btm 3	Btm 3			SP
-	Toby Rand		Encore						SP	B3	Encore	Encore
-	Dilana Robichaux	Encore						SP			Btm 3	Btm 3
-	Lukas Rossi						Encore				SP	Btm 3
5	Storm Large				Encore						Btm 3	Elim
6	Ryan Star					Encore	Btm 3	Encore			Elim
7	Patrice Pike				Btm 3	Btm 3		Btm 3	Elim
8	Zayra Alvarez		Btm 3		Btm 3			Elim
9	Jill Gioia		Btm 3			Btm 3	Elim
9	Josh Logan			Btm 3			Elim
11	Dana Andrews			Btm 3		Elim
12	Phil Ritchie	Btm 3			Elim
13	Jenny Galt			Elim
14	Chris Pierson	Btm 3	Elim
15	Matt Hoffer	Elim

Please Stand By

Fri, 08 Sep 2006 09:01:18 GMT

"This telecast is a
retransmission of
Channel Ten Adelaide
and may include
advertisments for goods
and services which are not
available in your local area"

OMG!!! FOXTEL has St Kilda v Melbourne live in NSW, ACT & QLD

Thu, 07 Sep 2006 11:28:14 GMT

I spotted this news items

FOXTEL will telecast tomorrow night's St Kilda v Melbourne elimination final live to NSW, the ACT and Queensland. Fans will be able to watch Ten's live feed of the game on Foxtel's Main Event channel (Channel 955) from 7pm.

I will stop being grumpy now.

FOX Footy Channel Program Listings 6th - 12th September 2006 NSW only

Wed, 06 Sep 2006 01:32:35 GMT

The Saints are up first on Friday night against the Demons. Sudden death. Loser gets eliminated, Winner heads interstate for the next final.

Since the game is on Friday, it was next to impossible for me to get down to Melbourne, so I am stuck in Sydney watching on the telly, and it's a delayed telecast as per usual. Grrrrr. Any other time over the weekend and I could have been down to see it.

The Saints record againts the Demons has been patchy at best. Our last final's meeting was in 1998 when the Demons eliminated the Saints. Painful memories

Since 1980	All Games	Last 5 Games	Highest Score	Lowest Score	Biggest Win
St Kilda	17	2	176	32	88
Melbourne	27	3	165	35	90

This week there will be plenty of chances to relive the victory.

Thursday 07/09/2006

2.00a Round 22 Brisbane Lions v St Kilda
3.30p Last Time They Met 2006 Rnd 10 Melbourne v St Kilda

Friday 08/09/2006

8.00a Last Time They Met 2006 Rnd 10 Melbourne v St Kilda
11.30p 2006 Finals 2nd EF St Kilda v Melbourne

Saturday 09/09/2006

6.30a 2006 Finals 2nd EF St Kilda v Melbourne
9.30a 2006 Finals 2nd EF St Kilda v Melbourne
3.30p 2006 Finals 2nd EF St Kilda v Melbourne
8.30p 2006 Finals 2nd EF St Kilda v Melbourne

Sunday 10/09/2006

12.00p 2006 Finals 2nd EF St Kilda v Melbourne

Monday 11/09/2006

11.00a 2006 Finals 2nd EF St Kilda v Melbourne

Tuesday 12/09/2006

3.00a 2006 Finals 2nd EF St Kilda v Melbourne
1.30p 2006 Finals 2nd EF St Kilda v Melbourne

BTW I will be cheering for the Swans to win againsts the Eagles, so that the Saints meet them in Sydney in two weeks time.

Flight 29 Down : Lost for Kids

Fri, 01 Sep 2006 08:49:45 GMT

The kids have been watching a show called Flight 29 Down.

It's kinda like LOST but for kids - minus the numbers. the hatch and the bad stuff.

The show is on Nickelodeon, Foxtel Digital Channel 701, at 7pm weeknights, with marathons on the weekend, covering all the episodes.

Fox Footy Finished

Sat, 26 Aug 2006 10:52:50 GMT

This bit of news coming out of Melbourne has been quite sad for me, as an AFL fan based in Sydney.

Kevin Taylor over at Footystats Diary says it all ;

AFL is out of touch, and out of step

AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou is quoted in an AAP report today in The Age and confirms just how out of touch he is with reality – "Everyone has got a free-to-air television set, and for us to be going into NSW and Queensland on a Friday night will be fantastic and we're looking forward to it."

Demetriou and his team may have gathered $780 million from the Seven-Ten consortium for a new TV broadcasting deal but are guilty of overseeing the death of the most important innovation for football – the Fox Footy channel.

The impact from the disappearance of the Fox Footy channel is incalculable and people in the south are simply not aware of what Fox has meant to the game and those who live north of the River Murray.

We were able to turn on at any time of any 24 hours and see our game being telecast, talked about, its history retold from vintage clips, but most of all it was its presence – which was not on the local radio, not in the local newspaper and not in the local TV newscast.

The AFL are guilty of lacking commercial savvy to have been party to all of this going under their noses.

And, to now come along with a proclamation befitting the great messiah of how wonderful it will be to see all eight games on free-to-air – WHEN ...

When will the shift workers in the early hours of the morning, or those in the rural areas – when will we see the replay of the Hawks-Kangaroo match?

Not bloody likely Mr Demetriou, ever again.

Farewell to Fox Footy and the dream that our game will ever be more than a curiosity piece outside of Melbourne.

More news on this story...

Border Mail

Fox Footy's demise is irrelevant: Ten
The Age, Australia - 4 hours ago
... all eight AFL games next year in a deal with Seven, but Ten was continuing to negotiate with Foxtel despite the imminent demise of the Fox Footy channel. ...
Footy channel axing piles pressure on broadcasters ABC Online
Fans left howling after Foxtel pulls plug The Age
Footy fans furious at Foxtel The Age
Sydney Morning Herald - The Australian
all 35 news articles »

Fox Footy channel set to be switched off
Sydney Morning Herald, Australia - 22 Aug 2006
While Foxtel is still trying to secure subscription rights beyond this year, it announced the Fox Footy channel would cease to exist. ...

Siren blows for Foxtel Footy
The Age, Australia - 23 Aug 2006
... Oh yeah, and go EAGLES for the '06 Flag!! We should not forget why Foxtel is closing the Fox footy channel. ... We need a channel like Fox Footy. ...

Ten and Seven shut Foxtel out of footy
Sydney Morning Herald, Australia - 23 Aug 2006
... new rights partners Seven and Ten and its pay TV provider reached a new low yesterday when Foxtel announced the closure of the Fox Footy Channel and partially ...

No more Fox Footy
sportal.com.au, Australia - 23 Aug 2006
Foxtel will close the its AFL-only Fox Footy Channel at the end of the season because of the uncertainty over pay-TV rights to televise AFL football from next ...

Our man at headquarters
RealFooty, Australia - 20 hours ago
Settled in for a quality night of television, with Channel Seven showing all these ... exasperated, then asked: "Do you realise the whole future of Fox Footy is at ...

Broadcasters brawl as Foxtel axes AFL
The Age, Australia - 23 Aug 2006
... The big initial losers were about 50 staff at the Fox Footy channel, whose working futures are now uncertain, and AFL fans, who will lose their 24-hour service ...

Coaches concerned over Fox demise
AFL, Australia - 23 Aug 2006
Western Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade and St Kilda coach Grant Thomas have both expressed their disappointment over the demise of Fox Footy Channel – Eade going ...

David Tench Tonight. It Stinks!

Fri, 18 Aug 2006 11:03:25 GMT

The viral marketing campaign should have been a warning.

David Tench - More like David Stench (sorry couldn't resist the terrible pun)

The show was a big disappointment, despite the talk of a world first. It wasn't funny. It was banal.

Too much like what has come before. A poor copy of orignal shows such as Max Headroom and Space Ghost.

And I reckon the man behind the voice of David Tench is infact Tim Ferguson - former member of Doug Anthony AllStars.

Mr Al Kyder and Mr Terry Wrist - you're flight is boarding

Fri, 18 Aug 2006 06:48:09 GMT

Those Chaser Boys are at it again.

Another week and another prank. This time on airport security.

The Chaser’s War on Everything is on tonight.

FOX Footy Channel Program Listings 15th – 21st August 2006 NSW only

Mon, 14 Aug 2006 07:26:57 GMT

Saints prevailed on the weekend. They are now back in 4th place on the ladder.

Tough game next week, againts the rampaging Dockers. The game is on the telly, but it will delayed on Fox Footy. I don't think Channel 10 will show it live into Sydney.

Our record against them has been interesting and the last 3 games controvertial!

Since 1995	All Games	Last 5 Games	Highest Score	Lowest Score	Biggest Win
Fremantle	9	2	131	58	71
St Kilda	7	3	118	56	39

Tuesday 15/08/2006

1.30p Round 19 Geelong v St Kilda

Wednesday 16/08/2006

6.00p Classic Quarters 2001 Rd 1 Western Bulldogs v St Kilda

Thursday 17/08/2006

3.30p Last Time They Met 2006 Rnd 5 St Kilda v Fremantle
9.30p Classic Quarters 2001 Rd 1 Western Bulldogs v St Kilda

Friday 18/08/2006

7.30a Classic Quarters 2001 Rd 1 Western Bulldogs v St Kilda

Saturday 19/08/2006

10.30p Round 20 Fremantle v St Kilda

Sunday 20/08/2006

3.30a Classic Quarters 2001 Rd 1 Western Bulldogs v St Kilda
11.30a Round 20 Fremantle v St Kilda

Dr Who

Sat, 12 Aug 2006 09:17:18 GMT

How good is the current Dr Who.?

We're loving it. It's actually better than the last one, which is hard to believe.

And this series just keeps getting better. However, I can't wait to see the next one with the new assistant.

FOX Footy Channel Program Listings 8th – 14th August 2006 NSW only

Mon, 07 Aug 2006 07:50:20 GMT

Disappointing Round 18, and it's not going to get any easier. The pundits are starting to write the team off

Next weekend we meet our nemesis, Geelong. They had a big win on the weekend and will be feeling pumped.

Our recent record has been average. Geelong has the upper hand. Plus, we lost to the Cats earlier this year for Robert Harvey's milestone game. Maybe this is what the team needs to lift them a grand win.

Since 1980	All Games	Last 5 Games	Highest Score	Lowest Score	Biggest Win
Geelong	33	3	228	55	122
St Kilda	14	2	177	27	71

Wednesday 09/08/2006

1.00p Round 18 St Kilda v West Coast Eagles

Friday 11/08/2006

12.30a Round 18 St Kilda v West Coast Eagles
10.30a Last Time They Met 2006 Rnd 7 St Kilda v Geelong

Sunday 13/08/2006

8.30p Round 19 Geelong v St Kilda

Monday 14/08/2006

5.00a Round 19 Geelong v St Kilda
6.30p Classic Quarters 2001 Rd 1 Western Bulldogs v St Kilda

Tuesday 15/08/2006

12.30a Round 19 Geelong v St Kilda

Æon Flux - Better than Expected

Sat, 05 Aug 2006 10:54:05 GMT

Rigo convinced us to get Æon Flux on DVD.

You know, it's not a bad movie.

Kinda like a cross between Dr Who and Star Trek TNG - a cerebral science fiction action film.

Or maybe we're just suckers for Charlize Theron in spandex.

Latest Amazon Order

Thu, 03 Aug 2006 12:02:12 GMT

I got my latest batch of Amazon Goodies.

Books

DVD

ABC to finally show Extras

Wed, 02 Aug 2006 11:51:31 GMT

While watching my regualr wednesday night shows on the ABC,

8:00	The New Inventors
8:30	Spicks & Specks
9:00	Absolute Power
9:35	The Glass House
10:05	At The Movies

there was an ad for Extras, which is 'coming soon'.

Finally.

Haven't heard about Extras? It's great. Here's what Wikipedia has to say about it

Extras is a sitcom about extras working on movie sets and in theatre. It is written and directed by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant. The series is filmed in a more traditional sitcom style than the mockumentary style used by Gervais and Merchant's previous award-winning series The Office. The series is a BBC/HBO co-production which first aired on July 21, 2005 on BBC Two in the UK and premiered on September 25, 2005 on HBO in the U.S.. The first series DVD was released in the UK on October 31, 2005.There were 6 episodes in the first series, all containing a different celebrity in each.

Boston Legal and the lawyer with Asperger's Syndrome

Tue, 01 Aug 2006 10:23:29 GMT

So I was watching Boston Legal on the telly last night (don't ask) and the particular episode had a story line with a lawyer who has been diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome.

Turns out it's a recurring character with an ongoing story line.

Jerry 'Hands' Espenson (Christian Clemenson) - a brilliant lawyer with Asperger's syndrome who earned his nickname by constantly placing his hands on his thighs. He was so irate over missing out on partner status that he pulled a knife on Shirley Schmidt, only backing down when Alan Shore agreed to be his lawyer. Shore convinced Schmidt to drop any charges against Jerry when his condition became known. He is currently working on his own, having left the firm after the incident.

Autism continues to move into the mainstream

BTW Boston Legal is a pretty good show. Anything with William Shantner is just pure gold.

Mozart and the Whale

Mon, 31 Jul 2006 10:19:51 GMT

We heard about Mozart and the Whale a while back and have been waiting for the movie.

It is the story of two people with Asperger's syndrome whose emotional dysfunction impacts their relationship.

Sounds good, and as parents of a child with Asperger's syndrome, we''ve been keen to see it

It didn't make it to the cinemas here in Australia and I had been watching Amazon for it's release.

Moira tracked it down to JB Hi-Fi today and we finally got it today.

We'll be watching it later this week.

And don't forget the program on SBS INSIGHT : Understanding Autism next week. Big week for autism awareness.

The Chaser’s War on Everything – now available everywhere

Sat, 29 Jul 2006 13:07:01 GMT

I found this email in my inbox. it's funny

The Chaser’s War on Everything – now available everywhere

ABC New Media & Digital Services have made The Chaser team’s dubious Friday night comedy show, The Chaser’s War on Everything, available for download each week via a video podcast (vodcast).

Combined with a portable video player (mp4 player), the new service, available from abc.net.au/chaser, allows viewers to watch and complain about the show anywhere.

“All year long, people have been telling us that they’d love to watch our show, really they would, but that their social life just doesn’t allow them to be watch TV on a Friday night,” Chaser Executive Producer Julian Morrow said.

“So we’ve come up with a way that they can watch it anytime they like. Now the only excuse is that they just don’t like it.”

Many rugby league fans have recently clarified for the team that it’s the latter.

One of the show’s stars, the Crazy Warehouse Clearance Guy, was typically excited by the new service.

“The Chaser team’s gone completely insane and they’re giving away content that other shows only flog off on DVD,” he said. “That’s right, this new video podcast is free, absolutely free. This price is never to be repeated. It’s free.”

“Bring your truck, bring your trailer, bring your mp4 player or just watch it on your computer,” he said.

But the Guy warned fans that they absolutely must download the video podcast “by midnight tonight”. However he later admitted that if they didn’t, they could also download the podcast by midnight on any subsequent night.

The Chaser’s War on Everything vodcast will be available at

abc.net.au/chaser from 10pm on Friday 28 July.

=====================================================

Catch the latest Chaser episode by clicking here: http://www.abc.net.au/tv/chaser/war/vodcast/

=====================================================

High School Musical : Grease for the Tweenies

Sat, 29 Jul 2006 09:31:25 GMT

For Tweenies, Disney's High School Musical is the new hotness.

As the parent of a Tween, High School Musical is on high rotation at our place. And the High School Musical Soundtrack is the only CD in the family car when we all head out together.

Haven't heard of High School Musical? Well this thing is big and it's going to get bigger.

Moira reckons it's going to be like Grease, and the story has parallels with that Travolta/Newton John classic - boy meets girl while on holodays, they then meet up at school but are from different gangs. There's songs and a happy ending.

High School Musical - it's the next big thing.

Chaser : Now Vodcasting

Fri, 28 Jul 2006 13:38:51 GMT

Gotta Love the boys from The Chaser

Now they are vodcasting.

Their latest episode is online and available to be downloaded

If you intend watching it only on your computer, the Windows Media WMV version might be the way to go. Copy-and-paste this link into your podcast software... http://abc.net.au/tv/chaser/war/vodcast/chaser_wmv.xml Otherwise, your new portable video player will love the MP4 version. Copy-and-paste this link into your podcast software... http://abc.net.au/tv/chaser/war/vodcast/chaser_mp4.xml

OR

Download the WMV video directly [WMV, 76MB]
(Right click, then 'Save As')
Download the MP4 video directly [MP4, 76MB]
(Right click, then 'Save As')

Go ABC!!! You guys get it!

BTW - if you watch this, pay attention towards to end of the program. It has something to do with my recent Brush with Fame.

"Arrested Development" Lives!

Fri, 28 Jul 2006 11:10:23 GMT

I saw this news doing the rounds today. I just cant get over the news than MSN has licensed the rights to broadcast Arrested Development. It was such a sad day for me when Arrested Development was canceled.

Anyways, let's hope this terrific show will find a new audience and we may see some new episodes.

Cinema Blend

"Arrested Development" Lives!
E! Online - 14 hours ago
The syndication rights of the critically acclaimed yet criminally unwatched Arrested Development have been simultaneously licensed by Microsoft's MSN.com and ...
Arrested Development in internet syndication deal CBC News
The Return of 'Arrested Development' ... Sort of andPOP
"Arrested Development" Licensed To Three Companies All Headline News
Deadbolt - Contactmusic.com - all 120 related

More on SBS: INSIGHT : Understanding Autism

Fri, 28 Jul 2006 10:33:58 GMT

Some more info about the upcoming program on SBS, which is to broadcast on TUESDAY 8st August at 7.30pm

INSIGHT – Understanding Autism

A staggering 100,000 Australian children are directly affected by autism and an even greater number of adults. The incidence has dramatically increased in the last decade and affects boys in three out of four cases. The traits include a lack of social skills, communication difficulties, and obsessive behaviour.

Often a diagnosis of autism is not given until the child is around two. Up until then families believe their child is normal – they reach all milestones like crawling, walking and first words. But then the child changes, leaving families shattered.

Many questions surround what has been dubbed the ‘silent epidemic’. Why is it on the increase? What causes autism? And is there a cure? Research is still in preliminary stages, and although a series of therapies have been tried – all of them are costly and controversial. Some families have been forced to shell out their life savings, sell their family home and dig into their superannuation, to fund these treatments.

And what happens to these children when they become adults? What sort of life can they expect to lead?

INSIGHT brings together desperate families searching for answers, autistic adults who can reflect on their struggle as well as leading experts and researchers.

“Understanding Autism” will be broadcast on TUESDAY 8st August at 7.30pm on SBS.

SBS: INSIGHT – Understanding Autism

Thu, 27 Jul 2006 23:25:43 GMT

SBS has an interesting show coming up next week. As a parent of 2 children diagnosed with Autism, I'm going to be watching.

INSIGHT – Understanding Autism

A staggering 100,000 Australian children are directly affected by autism and an even greater number of adults. It has been dubbed the ‘silent epidemic’. Why is it on the increase? What causes autism? Is there a cure?
And why are some families pushed over the edge in trying to deal with it?
Jenny Brockie speaks to Daniela Dawes about what drove her to suffocate her ten year old son two years ago. Former Deputy Prime Minster Tim Fischer reflects on his life with his autistic son Harrison.

“Understanding Autism” will be broadcast on TUESDAY 1st August at 7.30pm on SBS.

BTW Moria reckons I am an undiagnosed one too.

the Internet is a series of tubes

Wed, 26 Jul 2006 12:30:18 GMT

Senator Ted Stevens made a speech where he said the Internet is a series of tubes.

AlterNet has a DJ remix of the speech.

The Daily Show had Jon Stewart deconstruct the speech.

Amazingly. this had had no coverage that I have seen in the local media.

The Daily Show on TheComedyChannel

Tue, 25 Jul 2006 12:44:36 GMT

I'm loving The Daily Show on TheComedyChannel.

Finally we get to see this superb program on the telly "hot" off the wire.

What's odd is that it is only on 4 nights a week - Monday to Thursday, which causes a weird timewarp on the commentary.

For example

Last night (Monday) the show was from the previous Thursday, July 20, which featured the hilarious War on Terrorble Diseases
This evening (Tuesday) the show was from Monday July 25.

Anyways, it's good to see this downunder in almost realtime.

FWIW, there's a good summary of recents guests in Wikipedia

FOX Footy Channel Program Listings 25th – 31st July 2006 NSW only

Mon, 24 Jul 2006 07:28:51 GMT

The Saints got out of jail last round. The game this week is against the Tigers, who are fighting for a place in the final 8 and who will be keen to atone for their loss on the weekend. A real danger game.

The Saints have had a good run against the Tigers recently, which makes it such a danger game.

Since 1980	All Games	Last 5 Games	Highest Score	Lowest Score	Biggest Win
St Kilda	22	5	157	57	80
Richmond	22	0	222	37	152

Since it's on Saturday afternoon, this will be live on the telly on Channel 10.

Tuesday 25/07/2006

11.00a Round 16 St Kilda v Port Adelaide

Wednesday 26/07/2006

2.00a Round 16 St Kilda v Port Adelaide

Thursday 27/07/2006

8.00a Last Time They Met 2006 Rnd 2 Richmond v St Kilda

Sunday 30/07/2006

1.00a Round 17 St Kilda v Richmond
11.30a Round 17 St Kilda v Richmond

Monday 31/07/2006

11.00a Round 17 St Kilda v Richmond

Animaniacs soon on DVD

Fri, 21 Jul 2006 13:38:23 GMT

So So cool !!!

As listed on http://tvshowsondvd.com, the first 25 episodes are:

De-Zanitized, The Monkey Song, Nighty Night Toon
Yakko's World, Cookies For Einstein, Win Big
HMS Yakko, Slappy Goes Walnuts, Yakko's Universe Song
Hooked on a Ceiling, Good Feathers (pilot episode)
Taming of the Screwy
Flipper Parody, Temporary Insanity, Operation Lollipop, What are We?
Piano Rag, When Rita Met Runt
The Warner's Lot Song, The Big Candy Store, Bumbie's Mom
Wally Llama, Where Rodents Dare
King Yakko
No Pain, No Painting, Les Miseranimals
Garage Sale of the Century, West Side Pigeons
Hello Nice Warners, La Behemoth, Little Old Slappy From Pasadena
La La Law, Cat On a Hot Steel Beam
Space Probed, Battle For the Planet
Chalkboard Bungle, Hooray for Slappy, The Great Wakkoroti: The Master & His Music
Roll over Beethoven, The Cat and the Fiddle
Pavlov's Mice, Chicken Boo-Rhyshnikov, Nothing But the Tooth
Meatballs or Consequences, A Moving Experience
Hitchcock Opening, Hearts of Twilight; The Boids
The Flame, Wakko's America Song, Davey Omelette, Four Score and Seven Migraines Ago
Guardin' the Garden, Plane Pals
Be Careful What You Eat, Up the Crazy River, Ta Da Dump
Yakko's World of Baldness, Oppurtunity Knox, Wings Take Heart
Disasterpiece Theatre, Hercule Yakko, Home On The Nile, A Midsummer Night's Dream

Pre-ordered!

My Latest Cock and Bull Story

Thu, 20 Jul 2006 23:10:48 GMT

On the weekend, Moira and I wanted to go to see the movie, "Tristram Shandy: A Cock and Bull Story" which we had heard about. It had a nice review in The SMH, and the gang from "At The Movies" said nice things about it too.

A rollicking adaptation of the classic 18th Century comic novel THE LIFE AND OPINIONS OF TRISTRAM SHANDY, GENTLEMAN, by Laurence Sterne. Set on a modern film set complete with insecure actors, scandal-hunting reporters and balky investors, the story folows the fortunes of one blood and one professional family, revealing the calamities, crises and flirtations that transcend the centuries...

Margaret: David:

But when we were checking movies times, it was no longer playing in the cinemas. What The??

So, I did what any self respecting geek consumer would do, I went over to Amazon and ordered it on DVD. It arrived yesterday.

The Long Tail Rules!

Oh, while I was at Amazon, I got a bunch of other DVDS, as one does.

My order consisted of:

FOX Footy Channel Program Listings 18th - 24th July 2006 NSW only

Mon, 17 Jul 2006 04:54:53 GMT

The Saints meet Port Adelaide in Tassie this weekend. It's live on Channel 9 on Sunday at 1pm. I believe they have fixed the siren there too.

Will the Saints beat Port for the first time since 2000??. These guys have become our Hoodoo team recently.

Since 1997	All Games	Last 5 Games	Highest Score	Lowest Score	Biggest Win
St Kilda	5	0	126	47	65
Port Adelaide	9	5	139	45	83

Friday 21/07/2006

3.00a Round 15 Essendon v St Kilda
8.00a Last Time They Met 2006 Rnd 4 Port Adelaide v St Kilda

Sunday 23/07/2006

11.00p Round 16 St Kilda v Port Adelaide

Monday 24/07/2006

5.00a Round 16 St Kilda v Port Adelaide

Chaser in Hot Water for Prank

Mon, 17 Jul 2006 04:12:06 GMT

I am a big fan of the folks from The Chaser. Their TV show on the ABC is an absolute pisser, full of parady, pranks and general shenangans. Their logies stunt was a classic.

Last week, one of their pranks backfired. Chas got arrested

The Age

Readers' Comments Chaser knife prank backfires
Sunday Times.au, Australia - 23 hours ago
A COMEDIAN with ABC TV's The Chaser's War on Everything has been charged with ... Chas Licciardello was filming a prank at Friday night's NRL clash in Sydney ...
TV prank results in charges Melbourne Herald Sun
Cops make war on TV comedian Melbourne Herald Sun
TV prank backfires NEWS.com.au
Queensland Sunday Mail - all 24 related »

I can't wait to see what gets said on their show.

** Update ** Chas has his own section on Wikipedia, with news of this event!

I told you "My Name Is Earl" was good

Mon, 03 Jul 2006 12:56:43 GMT

Way back in November, I called it - My Name Is Earl rocks!

The show is finally on the telly in Australia and guess what, it rated well. Made it into to the top 10 for the week

I told you it was good! If only those in Willougby had listened to me back then

Shopping on Amazon : New DVDs

Thu, 29 Jun 2006 00:57:30 GMT

Moira allowed me to go shopping on Amazon.

So, what did I get??

Six Feet Under - The Complete Fifth Season
Six Feet Under - The Complete Fourth Season
The 4400 - The Complete Second Season
Hoodwinked (Widescreen Edition)
Transamerica (Widescreen Edition)

Weee.