Yacht Rocked

Well, it happened. The Yacht Rock Party was a complete success (inasmuch as you can call a themed episode of a TV show a success, let alone verify the completeness of its success).

A COMPLETE SUCCESS. And I was there with my captain's hat, double-breasted blazer, ascot champagne and pipe.

In case you missed it - and to miss it you'd have to be one of those people who would say, "Oohh, I didn't go to Woodstock because I had homework to do!" - but if you did miss it, here's the performance in its entirety. The performance was everything I ever thought a Christopher Cross performance could be and the special guest surprise was so awesome that I shot fire-breathing sharks out of my eyes.

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And a special web-only exclusive "Sailing".

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Conan V. Newark Round 2: FIGHT!

I must apologize, apparently my previous post criticizing the local news was incorrect. In his latest video (since when are mayors releasing videos?!) the mayor of Newark, really has banned Conan from the entire state of New Jersey!!! Imagine not being able to go to New Jersey! I would rather not.

Here Conan responds:

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House Rules

Rule: If you are watching "House" and they think they know how to cure the patient and there is 15 minutes or more left to go in the episode, they don't know how to cure the patient.

One of the best shows on TV though. Possibly THE best until "Lost" comes back.

1 Day until THE Yacht Rock Party. Blazers on the ready, everyone!

Lay The Plaque Down

When I first heard that Stephen Merchant was doing a film with The Rock called "Tooth Fairy", and that the title wasn't just a poetic flourish or even a metaphor - the Rock actually plays the Tooth Fairy - I thought, "WTF?". But now, after having a few months to think about it, I think, "WTF?".

As you may or may not know, Steve Merchant is the co-creator, co-writer, co-director of "The Office" and "Extras" together with Ricky Gervais and also co-presenter of the (amazing) Ricky Gervais Show radio programme (British spelling!) and (inconsistent) Ricky Gervais Podcasts. He's also a 6-foot-7 goggle-eyed, bespectacled bean pole.

The first trailer was just released and it is a Disney movie. There's no getting around that. And it'll probably be very average. However, I will have to see it, being such a huge Merchant fan. Here it is:

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Notice that in the trailer he doesn't get any billing or say a single line. Classic.

"The Invention of Lying" starring Merchant's writing partner Ricky Gervais opens today as well. From what I've seen, I'm not holding out much hope that that's going to be great either but, again, I'll at least see it.

Conan Banned, Letterman Blackmailed

The Tonight Show

After making a few jokes about Newark, New Jersey the mayor of that city, apparently drunk with power, took offense and actually banned him from the airport. There's a phrase that asks more questions than it answers. For a full video recap, see the following:

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A local news broadcast actually ran a story called "Conan Banned From New Jersey". Never mind that he was only "banned" from one specific airport within New Jersey, we want a headline! As if the whole state has turned against him, waiting at the turnpike to stab him in the heart. Factual accuracy is for suckers.

The Late Show
Dave Letterman announced that he is being blackmailed. Arriving one morning at his car, he found that there was a box and a note saying, in effect, "I Know What You Did". Apparently someone has written a "tell all" book and movie script about all the bad things Mr. Letterman has done and has threatened to release it unless he recieves 2 million dollars. Letterman contacted the authorities and said he spoke before a grand jury earlier today.

The long and short of the "allegations" is that David had sex with some women who work (or worked) on his show. When he said that it was true, I thought it was a joke and the audience laughed. But he was actually being serious.

Dave explained all of this at the top of his show. For a comedy show, it was very strange. The whole thing is just odd. News Story Link. Video Link.

Late Night
Only 3 days until The Christopher Cross & The Roots Yacht Rock Party. It's so exciting my eyes are shooting lasers that freeze stuff and then shooting fireballs that thaw the stuff that was just frozen. WHAT?!

Non-Worrying Headline

There are certain headlines that upon seeing them I would get an instant shot of adrenaline and despair in equal measures. "Nuclear War Declared", "Your House is On Fire", "Ronald Reagan Comes Back to Life... Dies Again", etc. I had the unfortunate experience to see one such headline for real.

Viewing the Information Superhighway one day I saw the following: "Thom Yorke Forms New Band, Announces Live Shows". I had my sword pressed against my stomach in preparation and read on...Turns out it's not that Radiohead are disbanded, but probably just that a temporary band was put together for a few shows and some laughs. I can put away my sword (where did I get a sword from anyway?!).

Interestingly, the band is to include Joey Waronker, Mauro Refosco, Nigel Godrich and Flea (YES, Flea!). They will be doing a few shows in LA and will be performing songs from The Eraser. I'm not a big fan of The Eraser myself so I'm not that interested, though Thom Yorke and Flea in the same band is an interesting concept. It's like watching Hall meet Oates probably.