Tuesday 29 November 2011

House, M.D. - S8 E8 - Perils of Paranoia

The team treats a prosecutor who hides an arsenal of weaponry in his house. Wilson goes on a hunt for House's own concealed firearms. Park fears she is not respected. Taub interferes in Foreman's business.


Spoilers after the jump.

Gossip Girl - S5 E9 - Rhodes to Perdition

Max takes aim at Ivy as the Rhodes family gathers for a function. Nate finds he has family problems of his own brewing. Blair makes a naked attempt to get closer to Chuck under the pretense of getting tips on making Louis a better man.


Spoilers after the jump.

Monday 28 November 2011

Dexter - S6 E9 - Get Gellar

Travis and Dexter join forces to take down Gellar. Deb finds she could use the help of her psychiatrist and Lewis disregards Batista's unfriendly advice.


Spoilers after the jump.

Sunday 27 November 2011

NFL Picks Week Twelve sponsored by Studio Yukupo

Other than pointing out how right I was a few weeks ago when I said older brother John had the beating of Jim, and how proud I was to go 3-0 with my Thanksgiving picks, I didn't really prepare anything to write this week about NFL stuff so here's a delicious starter/side dish recipe that serves four.

King Prawn Salad

Ingredients
  • 2 tbsp Sesame Oil
  • 225g/8oz Raw King Prawns (jumbo shrimps), peeled and deveined
  • 4 Spring Onions, thinly sliced on the diagonal
  • 10cm/4-inches Cucumber, cut into 5cm/2-inch julienne strips
  • 1 tbsp freshly chopped Coriander (cilantro), finely chopped
  • 1 teasp Fish Sauce
  • 2 fresh Red chillies, finely chopped
  • The juice of 1 Lemon
Directions

1. Heat the oil in a wok or frying pan and when very hot add the prawns and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes, until they turn pink.

2. Remove the prawns from the pan with a slotted spoon and cut into thin slices diagonally.

3. Place the prawn slices in a mixing bowl together with the remaining ingredients and toss to mix well. Serve immediately

Picks after the jump.

Friday 25 November 2011

NCAA College Football Picks Week 13

Despite all appearances to the contrary, there are people out there more insufferable than SEC homers. For example:

- Bill Maher
- Joy Behar
- Trent Dilfer
- Merrill Hoge
- Jason Whitlock
- All the other humps rooting for Tim Tebow to fail
- Everyone squatting at an Occupy movement event
- Environmentalists
- People who don't appreciate how awesome a public holiday in the middle of November is, I'd be a way better American than them.

The important thing to remember is that while the SEC is 1-2-3, 4 through 12 are no great shakes. If an SEC fan starts yapping about Georgia and the conference strength in depth, remind them that they got the crap kicked out of them by Boise State. How can we judge them when they're playing Furman? They're gonna finish 4-5 in their bowl games. We'll call it a moral victory.

Picks after the jump.

Up All Night - S1 E10 - Week Off

Reagan is forced to take a week off when the studio is flooded but can't stop fussing over every little detail back home.


Review after the jump.

Tuesday 22 November 2011

House, M.D. - S8 E7 - Dead & Buried

House is obsessed with the case a young boy who died under mysterious circumstances but Foreman tries to distract with a different patient.


Spoilers after the jump.

Gossip Girl - S5 E8 - All the Pretty Sources

Ivy and Max have a showdown over her identity. Nate hatches a plan to out Gossip Girl's anonymous tipsters but is dissuaded by Serena.


Spoilers after the jump.

2 Broke Girls - S1 E10 - And the Very Christmas Thanksgiving

Max is apathetic about the holiday season but Caroline is overly enthused and accidentally breaks Max's blender.


Very Brief Review after the jump.

How I Met Your Mother - S7 E11 - The Rebound Girl

Marshall and Lily reconsider their decision to stay in the heart of the city. Ted and Barney, depressed over lost loves, concoct a crazy scheme.


Spoilers after the jump.

Monday 21 November 2011

Dexter - S6 E8 - Sin of Omission

Travis tries to lead a normal life but continues to be hounded by Gellar. Deb is picking up his trail and also must deal with Dexter's unwillingness to open up.


Spoilers after the jump.

Thursday 17 November 2011

NFL Picks Week Eleven sponsored by Studio Yukupo

I meant to do this last week, but forgot, I have a question - with it all being assured that the Colts will end up with the first pick, select Andrew luck and trade Peyton Manning, where will he end up? No fear! I have the answer in ascending likelihood. He's not interested in being a mentor to some younger QB so we can rule out Jacksonville, etc and focus on teams without long-term solutions.

Seattle Seahawks: Highly unlikely, but a dude can dream, right?

Cleveland Browns: Again, highly unlikely but it is within driving distance of Indianapolis. I have a feeling he'd prefer to go somewhere where there's a chance of winning.

NY Jets: They have Mark Sanchez but reputedly, there's a rift between him and Rex and a general power struggle. He is a guy holding them back and I wonder if Manning were to appear on the block, don't you think the Jets would put in a speculative bid?

Kansas City Chiefs: This works on the premise that they continue to fall apart and Todd Haley gets the bullet. With him gone, you can safely bomb out Cassel without too many fears of reprisal, you get all your nice defensive pieces like Berry back, contend next year and give some more reflected glow to Pioli.

Miami Dolphins: With a high draft pick they might pick Barkley, but the defense is pretty good already. If they took Blackmon with their top pick instead and flipped the 2013 pick for Manning, couldn't you see them contending in the AFC East next year? Yes, this is all very short-term thinking but desperate teams make for desperate measures.

San Francisco 49ers: If Alex Smith continues to make strides this might be a moot point, but they're ready to win, have picks to spare and Harbaugh and Peyton may have a little of that Colts camaraderie. Kaepernick is not a factor because he was only a second round pick and he's not that good anyway.

Washington Redskins: I don't know why I even bothered considering the rest of these teams, there is no way Dan Snyder could resist this one. The guy never learns and I'm sure Shanahan would be eager to have on board the guy who destroyed him over and over.

Picks after the jump.

NCAA College Football Picks Week 12

With all the discombobulation this week, I didn't prepare anything to write as precursor to my college picks so instead we'll talk about women.

Women! I don't understand them. It's a cliche sure but I swear if they wouldn't lie so damn much about what they really want and how they really feel, things would be a damn sight easier. I don't consider myself for example to be a particularly evasive or choosy guy. For all the women out there waiting for that perfect match, c'mon it's probably not gonna happen. For all you women out there digging for better financial and living situations rather than being with someone who takes care of you and loves you and respects you and all that comes with you, sure I get it but you pretty much disgust me. For all the ones out there who stick a violent or otherwise lousy guy because you're addicted to him like a drug, I'm sorry for you and wish you would allow yourselves to be rescued.

I better end this before it gets labeled misogynistic and i get in even more trouble than a Penn State administrator. Too soon?

Picks after the jump.

Person of Interest - S1 E8 - Foe

Reese and Finch attempt to halt a former Stassi agent's revenge spree.


Review, minor spoilers after the jump.

Community - S3 E8 - Documentary Filmmaking: Redux

Dean Pelton is charged with making a brand-new recruitment video for Greendale but goes overboard in ensuring its perfection.


Very, very brief review after the jump.

Up All Night - S1 E9 - Hiring and Firing

Chris is desperate for some down time so he and Reagan attempt to find a regular babysitter. Reagan has problems of her own at work where she is accused of having lost her cutting edge.


Review after the jump.

Wednesday 16 November 2011

Ringer - S1 E9 - Shut Up and Eat Your Bologna

Malcolm begins to suspect something is not quite right about Charlie, and feels that Bridget is getting far too comfortable in her new life. Bridget visits Siobahn's therapist and is disturbed by her findings. Meanwhile, Andrew's business partner Olivia is eager to talk to Henry after he reveals his wealthy father-in-law is in very poor health.


Spoilers after the jump.

Glee - S3 E6 - Mash Off

Will and Shelby get together to announce a friendly competition between their respective glee clubs but the competition between their spiritual leaders Santana and Finn is in danger of tipping over into violence. Puck tries to get closer to Shelby and his daughter.


Spoilers after the jump.

Tuesday 15 November 2011

House, M.D. - S8 E6 - Parents

The case of a aspiring teenage circus clown who takes inspiration from his dead father has particular significance for Taub whose ex-wife is planning to move to Oregon with one of his daughters. Meanwhile, Wilson scores ringside tickets to a boxing match but is unable to take House due to the terms of his parole.


Spoilers after the jump.

Gossip Girl - S5 E7 - The Big Sleep No More

When Chuck appears to have turned a new leaf, Blair sets out to expose his true self. Nate feels pushed away by Diana and seeks solace in Charlie, but she has problems of her own after the reappearance of her ex-boyfriend who knows of her true identity.


Spoilers after the jump.

2 Broke Girls - S1 E9 - And the Really Petty Cash

After awkwardness ensues between Max and Johnny, herself and Caroline find themselves catering cupcakes at an event organized by his girlfriend Cassandra.


Review after the jump.

How i Met Your Mother - S7 E10 - Tick, Tick, Tick

Barney and Robin debate over whether to admit their misdeeds to their respective partners. Ted, Marshall and Lily attend a concert but Ted encourages Marshall to engage in some preparatory illicit behavior.


Spoilers after the jump.

Monday 14 November 2011

Dexter - S6 E7 - Nebraska

Dexter goes on a road-trip after hearing that Trinity has supposedly struck again. Meanwhile, Travis attempts to break free from Gellar's influence.


Spoilers after the jump.

Sunday 13 November 2011

Community - S3 E7 - Studies in Modern Movement

Annie is moving into Troy and Abed's apartment but finds it's not everything she had imagined. Jeff skipped out but is caught by Dean Pelton and blackmailed into spending the day with him.


Spoilers after the jump.

Up All Night - S1 E8 - First Night Away

Reagan and Chris are desperate to have a night alone together and are forced to enlist Ava as a babysitter.


Review after the jump.

Ringer - S1 E8 - Maybe We Can Get a Dog Instead

Bridget and Andrew deal with the aftermath of her supposed miscarriage. Malcolm attempts to contact Bridget but comes up against a wall of Siobahn instead. Juliet may like her teacher a little too much.


Spoilers after the jump.

Glee - S3 E5 - The First Time

On the eve of the West Side Story premiere, Artie criticizes Rachel and Blaine for being virgins, claiming their performances are lacking as a result. Coach Beiste also has a crush on someone but can't bring herself to accept love.


Spoilers after the jump.

Saturday 12 November 2011

House, M.D. - S8 E5 - The Confession

The local hero of a town is hospitalized and he decides now would be a good time to confess his numerous misdeeds. Taub and Chase return to the hospital, and Taub has two baby girls with him.


Spoilers after the jump.

NFL Picks Week Ten sponsored by Studio Yukupo

I was out of commission the whole week and didn't get to take in any NFL news so this seems like a good time to finally roll out my long-awaited hot Plate league picks.

Simmering: Leslie Frazier, Todd Haley
Both these coaches teams are doing OK performance and/or record wise, but I don't get the feeling the front offices are all the way behind them. They should be able to make it through the season unscathed, but their future will ride on a good start next year.

Char-Broiling: Andy Reid, Ken Whisenhunt
You don't hear a lot of buzz about these two guys getting fired but I think they both should be in danger. While Reid's record over the years is much better than Jeff Fisher's was, he has had a lot more talent and things might be getting similarly stale. Whisenhunt might get another year but his fate is tied to Kevin Kolb. If Kolb continues to flop, Whisenhunt will be gone.

Sizzling: Steve Spagnuolo, Jack Del Rio
Spagnuolo can point to injuries as an excuse, but it's such a regular problem for the Rams that at some point, as with Everton and Newcastle in the other football, you have to start pointing fingers at the training staff. New ownership might lack the patience to allow him to continue building the roster after this years pathetic performances. As for Del Rio, I listen to all the Jacksonville radio shows and get the feeling that general manager Gene Smith doesn't think a lot of him. Smith turned down a contract extension last week, and i think he is setting up a him or me situation. Smith is one of the smartest personnel men in the league, so it's an easy choice. Del Rio will go on to a long and fruitful TV career so we won't feel too bad for him.

Blazing: Norv Turner, Jim Caldwell
If the Chargers fail to make the play-offs, there is no way that Turner can keep his job and there is no reason whatsoever that A.J. Smith should keep his either. From 14-2 under Marty Schottenheimer with an as yet undeveloped Philip Rivers, they have gotten worse every year. Caldwell meanwhile, no one in that fanbase likes him as a coach. He doesn't seem to have a clue and only got the job because of nepotism, much like their current general manager. It's like a crumbling mafia family at this point.

It's Gonna Blow!!: Tony Sparano
He's ok, but he's not sexy enough for J-Lo.

Picks after the jump.

NCAA College Football Picks Week 11

Spoiler for The Wire ahead.

In the end, the board of trustees had no other option.

The picture to the side may be of the game of the century, but there was only one story worth talking about this week; the disgusting allegations against Joe Sandusky and the cover-up perpetuated by Joe Paterno and the Penn State Athletics Department. I would have liked to have linked to some of Colin Cowherd's thoughts on the subject but due to unforeseen circumstances am unable to provide those, but they are worth listening to because he nails it. There is no excuse good enough for what happened.

Back when Justin.tv was a fun site to be on, I was watching the Wire there and chatting with someone about the nature of Randy Wagstaff. They were insistent on calling him out for being a snitch, pretty much saying he deserved what he had coming to him. I noted, as you would, that he had information about a murder, a string of murders as it turned out to be, and wouldn't you just naturally inform the authorities? They then came back saying he was doing it for the wrong reasons, not to be noble, but to save his own ass after he was caught breaking school rules. So, I said, that made it OK for thugs to burn down his house and kill his foster mother?

This is the kind of attitude apparently that pervaded State College, the spirit of the corner. Rather than protect the kids (allegedly) being assaulted by Sandusky, they lined up behind their crony. Up there, they were more worried about their reputations, the sanctity of what Sandusky had done, and their own legacy as opposed to doing the right thing. Like they say, actions speak louder than words. I buy nothing that comes from Paterno's mouth, no statement of his, as Cowherd says, "Not Good Enough!". As for Sandusky, former Nittany Lion Sam Stellatella reportedly donated money to his defense and has urged others to do the same. Did this guy even read the grand jury report? I guess i do get why - but it doesn't make it any less sad.

Picks after the jump.

Wednesday 9 November 2011

Gossip Girl - S5 E6 - I Am Number Nine

Serena finds herself in deep water after pushing Dan to take a movie deal with her boss. Blair is holding tryouts for her bridesmaid position and Charlie aims to angle her way in. Chuck has a disturbing session with his therapist.


Spoilers after the jump.

Tuesday 8 November 2011

2 Broke Girls - S1 E8 - And Hoarder Culture

Caroline gets a day job clearing a hoarder's apartment and Max tags along to help. Max is invited out to tag buildings with her crush Johnny.


Spoilers after the jump.

How I Met Your Mother - S7 E9 - Disaster Averted

The gang recall the events of Hurricane Irene last year for the benefit of Kevin.Barney tries to cut a deal with marshall and lily to escape wearing the ducky tie.


Spoilers after the jump.

Monday 7 November 2011

Dexter - S6 E6 - Just Let Go

As Brother Sam's life hangs in the balance, Dexter attempts to track the shooter. Deb is finding it hard to adjust to life as a lieutenant and Quinn's unravelling does not help. Travis steels himself for the next phase of Gellar's plan.


Spoilers after the jump.

Saturday 5 November 2011

NFL Picks Week Nine sponsored by Studio Yukupo

Half Point Power Poll
This is a list based on who I think is better, regardless of record - although Bill Parcells did say of course, "You are what your record says you are."

1. Green Bay Packers
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
3. San Francisco 49ers
4. New England Patriots

Right now, unfortunately, we are headed for a repeat of last year's Super Bowl, a match-up of two of the most loathsome yet media beloved teams in the league. Neither is playing as well as you suspect they could if they shifted up a gear, but yet they win, the mark of champions as they say. On the other hand, you get the feeling the 49ers are playing as well as they possibly could, which may not bode well for a sustained run this season. Oddly, this leaves New England as the white hats, at least for me. They are a flawed team, but there's still a trust with them that does not necessarily exist with others.

5. Baltimore Ravens
6. New Orleans Saints
7. Detroit Lions
8. Atlanta Falcons

These are all teams can beat any team in the league at home but there's something about each that instrinsically can't be trusted. For Baltimore, the offense, for New Orleans, the defense and both units for Detroit and Atlanta. All of them have landmark games coming up in the next few weeks to put our fears at ease.

9. Cincinnati Bengals
10. New York Giants
11. Houston Texans
12. Buffalo Bills

The only thing keeping the Bengals lower is the fact that they are the Bengals. The Giants, the Texans and the Bills have good records and can't be ignored but none is consistent enough to have faith in. All three could lose at home to the Colts and I would think, well yeah, that's what you get with them.

More and picks after the jump.

Friday 4 November 2011

NCAA College Football Picks Week 10

I've been playing Dragon Age: Origins, and in this game they have an area called Orzammar, home of the dwarves who rather than worship any deities, instead worship their ancestors - during their life, some dwarves are appointed as Paragons, those who have contributed to dwarven society in some significant way and statues are then built of them and placed in the Hall of Heroes at the entrance to the city.

Approaching Bryant-Denney Stadium tomorrow for the most humongous regular season game since the '08 SEC Championship game and '06 Ohio State-Michigan, you'll see the same thing; a statue of the latest living Dwarven Paragon, National Championship winning head coach Nick Saban. Everyone thinks Bhelen is some kind of tyrant, but those Orzammar hicks have never seen the Nicktator at work. He has things locked down so tight over there that starting quarterback AJ McCarron doesn't even do any media at all. I doubt that kid is getting involved in a bar fight anytime soon.

The big talk already is of this being a rematch in the BCS Championship Game. Hold your horses! This is why we have a regular season! This is why the regular season is so awesome! It's like a Super Bowl in November, and if you start introducing nonsense like extended playoffs, a game like this would lose most of its meaning. Please, NCAA. I know you love TV money, but resist the urge.

Picks after the jump.

Person of Interest - S1 E7 - Witness

Reese bodyguards a teacher who witnessed a murder as they attempt to hide and escape from the Russian mob. Meanwhile, Carter and Fusco are working the same case on the trail of the killers.


Spoilers after the jump.

Community - S3 E6 - Advanced Gay

After discovering his moist towelettes are a huge hit with the gay community, Pierce endeavors to exploit the market for profit. Meanwhile Troy's mechanical skills are gaining him recognition from tradesmen.


Spoilers after the jump.

Thursday 3 November 2011

Up All Night - S1 E7 - Parents

Reagan's parents come to visit, her mother promoting a book about Reagan's youth and upbringing. A crew member on Ava's show passes away and Ava botches rememberance for him leading to resentment from other employees.


Review after the jump.

Wednesday 2 November 2011

Ringer - S1 E7 - Oh Gawd, There's Two of Them?

Shivette reveals the existence of Bridget to Andrew and Henry as all three are hauled in for questioning over Gemma's disappearance. Malcolm escapes Bodaway's crew and makes his way east while Juliet gets caught up in more trouble than she bargains for.


Spoilers after the jump.

Glee - S3 E4 - Pot O' Gold

Brittany believes the new Irish exchange student is a leprechaun for some reason. Mercedes attempts to recruit her and Santana to Shelby's glee club. Quinn is aggressive in her attempts to win back her baby, but Puckerman is not so eager to go along with it.


Spoilers after the jump.

Tuesday 1 November 2011

House, M.D. - S8 E4 - Risky Business

House treats a corporate magnate on the verge of moving his company's base of operations from America to China. Park is worried about her forthcoming disciplinary hearing and Adams appears to be holding a secret of some sort.


Spoilers after the jump.

2 Broke Girls - S1 E7 - And the Pretty Problem

After receiving (de)constructive criticism on the cupcakes, Caroline enrols herself and Max in a pastry decoration class.


Spoilers after the jump.

How I Met Your Mother - S7 E8 - The Slutty Pumpkin Returns

Ted stumbles across an old crush from a Halloween party several years prior. Lily's grandparents bequeath her their house in the suburbs and she and Marshall are faced with a tough decision. Barney receives some disturbing news.


Spoilers after the jump.