The Conchords Return Online!

I couldn't be more happier about this. We dont' have HBO, so I was lamenting the fact that I wouldn't be able to see the start of Season 2 of one of our favorite shows "Flight Of The Conchords". Luckily, Whiz Kid Dan Coulter alerted me to the fact that the season premiere can be found on Funny or Die. I hope they continue doing this, but since HBO is a money-grubbing machine, it's not bloody likely. Anyway, enjoy the show while you can!

Monkey Shines on ABC! Rare Promo Painting

Monkey Shines Promo Painting
Originally uploaded by jawboneradio.

For those of you who didn't know, Jonathan Coulton, Paul and Storm had a very short lived sitcom on ABC in the mid 80s called "Monkey Shines". The show was cancelled midway through the pilot and all parties involved thought that the show was erased from existence.

That was until last week, when the opening credit sequence surfaced on YouTube and renewed interest in the project.

I was a big fan of the show and tend to be a packrat with things I enjoy. So during a visit at my parents house this past weekend, I went to the basement and found this rare Monkey Shines Promo Painting that ABC had in their marketing for the show. The painting was to be used for an alternate opening credit sequence that was scrapped after Family Ties did a similar opening sequence. I've uploaded it to my Flickr account for all to see. It's great to be a part of this revival. Hopefully we'll see a reunion show soon?

The World Simpson-ified!

What a totally cool idea. This guy has decided to draw different characters in Simpsons format. Some of them have appeared on the show, but many haven't. He does an awesome job on all of them. Check em all out here. Thanks Knightwise!

One of Our Guests Gets His Own History Channel Show

Here's a pretty neat bit of information. Daniel Wilson, one time Jawbone Radio guest and author of the book, "How to Survive A Robot Uprising" will be hosting a new History Channel show called "The Works" starting tomorrow. Check it out if you and your friends are male and between age 25 and 55!

This Is Why I Love Local Commercials

Holy God. What were these people thinking?

Leno and Conan to Return in New Year - Sans Writers

This could prove to be interesting viewing.

"NBC HOSTS JAY LENO AND Conan O'Brien have agreed to bring new episodes of their respective late-night shows back to NBC starting Jan. 2--but without their writing staffs, the network said Monday.

"Unfortunately, now with the New Year upon us, I am left with a difficult decision," O'Brien said. "Either go back to work and keep my staff employed or stay dark and allow 80 people, many of whom have worked for me for 14 years, to lose their jobs. If my show were entirely scripted, I would have no choice. But the truth is that shows like mine are hybrids, with both written and non-written content. An unwritten version of "Late Night," though not desirable, is possible--and no one has to be fired."'

I know I'll be Tivoing Conan, just to see what happens. Read the full story here.

Anyone Else Into Ninja Warrior?

I know this is an old show, but it's new to me, since I've never gotten the G4 channel until recently. I am totally hooked on Ninja Warrior. Has anyone else checked out this show? (Please say yes).

Cinematic Titantic: An MST Battle Brewing?

Nora and I have been enjoying Rifftrax the past few months. For those of you not in the know, RIfftrax is the MST-like riffing on popular (and not so popular) films and shows by former MST3K frontmen, Mike Nelson (interviewed on this very podcast in 2006), Kevin Murphy and Bill Corbett. They are high-larious to be sure.

But now it would seem that the creator of MST, Joel Hodgson, is out to start his own riffing venture with original MST frontmen (and women) at the helm called Cinematic Titantic. From the site:

"It’s going to be powered by the original cast of MST3K! Trace Beaulieu, J. Elvis Weinstein and yours truly, along with some friends who came along later to make the show great: the beloved Frank Conniff and the scathingly brilliant Mary Jo Pehl."

Should prove to be interesting. Perhaps Joel would be willing to come on the show and chat? Anyway, thanks to Neil for this find.

Meet The Next Rodney Allen Ripple!

Ok, maybe it's a bit of a stretch that I would be able to claim such fame as Mr. Ripple. But I can say legitimately that I will be appearing on a TV near you before the end of the year. The two parodies I submitted into You Spoof Discovery were accepted and will appear on the Discovery Channel. You probably will not see full versions of either on the show, so you can check out the original unedited versions right here:



And here:



I'll keep you updated as I find out more. Woot!

Star Wars On The Small Screen?

Hmmm...this sounds like it might be a huge mistake. Remember the Star Wars Christmas Special?

"Filmmaker George Lucas said Tuesday that he has "just begun work" on a live-action television series rooted in the "Star Wars" universe, which is huge news not just for fans of the science-fiction epic but also for networks looking for a piece of the Lucas magic that has grossed $4.3 billion in theaters worldwide."

My favorite quote from the article is this:

They are having a hard time," Lucas said. "They're saying, 'This doesn't fit into our little square boxes,' and I say, 'Well, yeah, but it's "Star Wars." And "Star Wars" doesn't fit into that box.' "

Thanks Mark!

Azeroth Meets Toyota

I saw this commercial during the Browns game yesterday and I am a total loss. I guess this is clever. If there were a WOW Tacoma or something. But there's not. Maybe it would make sense if 16 year olds drove trucks. Moreover, perhaps the marketing would make sense if more "regular" people got the Leroy Jenkins reference. You know what? This makes no sense at all. Whatever Toyoya.

Heroes Premiere

Well, although the season finale last May left me a bit skeptical, I enjoyed the setup for this season's Heroes last night. With the possible exception of Nathan Petrelli turning into Zach Galifianakis, I thought it was very interesting and I'll be watching for the next few weeks to see what happens. Any thoughts from you?

Season Finale Wrap Up

Here's my take:

24 -sucked. Hard.
Heroes - Interesting. But still sucked.
American Idol - should have been only 5 minutes long.
Lost - Really, really really awesome.

Your thoughts?

Heroes Speculation

I don't know how many of you are watching "Heroes", but I have a question perhaps you can help me figure out.

WARNING FOR SPOILERS, for those who care about that kind of stuff...

Since Peter Petrelli can absorb powers of people around him, he can heal himself right? So why, on the last episode, did he have a huge scar across his face? Why did everything heal on him except for that?

Discuss.

Christmas Eve: 24 Style

Got this from Mr. X tonight. For those of you who are fans of 24, this should whet your appetite for the next season. I think this is perhaps the FOX Christmas card? Anyway, enjoy!

Yogi Bear's Dad Dies

Sad news from Cartoon Land:

Joe Barbera, half of the Hanna-Barbera animation team that produced such beloved cartoon characters as Tom and Jerry, Yogi Bear and the Flintstones, died Monday, a Warner Bros. spokesman said. He was 95.

See the whole story here.