This edition is sparked by what might be the most offensive thing The Onion has ever done. The redeeming value is it's almost not a spoof; it's almost like watching a real cable news channel (pick any of them) broadcast the latest cute missing co-ed.
Aquafina is simply tap water, and so is Dasani. This may not be surprising to you, but the labeling is finally starting to reflect this truth. It's just water in a bottle.
Seen the wordless "Nip/Tuck" season five promo? The song is Giant Drag's cover of Chris Isaak's "Wicked Game" -- the one with the black-and-white video with the naked model. The girl-sung, yet heavier Giant Drag version can be streamed here. There's also a live version from Coachella with a bizarre intro in which Annie Hardy jokes that Isaak stole the song from her -- among other things.
On the music kick, the Foo Fighters are back after a rather boring double album, and the first song, "The Pretender," is at their Myspace site. There's also this other new song (free download) from a radio session. And in a different vein of music, Rilo Kiley is always nice for free. And if you don't like the music, how can you not like her?
"Late Night With Conan O'Brien" is now streamed the next day on NBC.com. Full episodes. It's about damn time. Not everyone can stay up late to watch Quackers the shit-eating duck.
Labels: Conan, Midweeklinks
I went to one of those old-school baseball tourneys today, where they play underhanded according to 1864 rules (where one-bounce catches are outs, you can't run through first base and a walk moves baserunners up). There was also 1898 rules, much the same as today, except for no full windups, no big gloves and foul balls not being strikes. Then, there's a whole bunch of years in-between based on frequent rules changes.
It's fascinating baseball, and the teams get into it, with vintage-looking uniforms, umpires dressed in old-time garb (including a cane in the 1864 version) and address each other, most of the times, as "sir" or "gentlemen."
The only drawbacks? The games are interminably long, as it's difficult to catch barehanded, and even a 2-hour (or nine-inning) limit doesn't keep games from getting into the 20s. It's still exciting, and each version requires slightly different strategy. Most of the clubs there seemed to have a specialty. The underhanded game seems to benefit the older player a bit, as the 1890s rules are too allowing of power (pitching and hitting) for a team without some under-30 stars to do well.
Best of all, it allowed me to see in person what Conan O'Brien did. Much recommended for a day of surprisingly quality ball and nostalgia without the hassles.
First of all, he's wearing a yellow-mustard suit that reminds me of that Craig Sager guy on TNT.
Then, despite having no presence on the show tonight, Will Arnett shows up for "In the Year 2000." It's not the first time he's done an unadvertised spot. He makes me saddest that "Arrested Development" is off the air -- he does bits of the G.O.B. character just in his bravado. Plus, he reminds me of some of the most-arrogant parts of Phil Hartman's work on "Newsradio."
Arnett's best lines:
"M.C. Hammer will find $10 million, which he will immediately burn to keep warm."
"Paris Hilton will be returned to jail after it is discovered she smuggled out 15 other prisoners -- in her vagina."
Yeah, he said that. Granted, someone else wrote it, but who cares.
Check out the video at The Will Arnett Research Project. They were kind enough to link to this post, and I've enjoyed their work before. They've also got Arnett's first "In The Year 2000" bit covered.
Steve Carell is the first guest, followed by Conan favorite Jennifer Esposito of "Spin City" and "Crash." She's also one of the guests I've seen in person, about seven years ago when she followed Chris Rock.
Labels: Arrested-Development, Conan
