sherri's blog

For weeks now I have been anticipating the premier of the new reality game show Wipeout, which airs Tuesdays nights at 8:00 p.m. EST on the ABC Network. Unfortunately, I missed the the premiere as I was totally absorbed in watching another of my favorite shows, Deadliest Catch on the Discovery Channel.

It wasn't until the following day, Wednesday, when I saw a tv ad promoting Wipeout, that I realized I forgot to tune in to the ABC network for the season opener of this new mad-cap reality game show. To add even more insult to my forgetfullness, I totally forgot to set my DVR to record the show, for backup in the unlikely (likely it appears) event that I forgot about the shows premier . Fortunately for me ABC aired the season opener again on Sunday night so I was able to watch the show and satisfy my curiosity, which as I said before had been building for some time.

The contestants, their athletic ability or lack thereof and their comments during the competion made for worthwhile tv viewing. Unfortunately, I can't say the same about the hosts. Listening to their off camera commentary ZZZzzzzzzzz...... Huh? Must have dozed off there for a second (funny, the same thing happened last night) while I was writing this post. Guess just thinking about the boring and nondescript delivery of the lines (comments) from hosts John Anderson & John Henson was enough to make me lose, if only for a moment, conciousness. These two are definitely no Vic Romano and Kenny Blankenship, who as I'm sure most of you know were the hosts of the game show Most Xtreme Elimination Challenge, which aired on Spike TV.

In spite of the lackluster commentary during the competition, I can't wait to watch this show again. Now if I can just remember not to disremember (is that even a real word) to set my DVR before Tuesday night, I should be golden.

The Food Network seems to be on a tear this year as it continues to add new shows to it's line-up, while at the same time dropping those shows which have outlived their appeal with the home viewer.

One of the networks new and upcoming show which will be hosted by Sunny Anderson (who currently hosts "Cooking for Real") is titled "How'd That Get On My Plate". During each episode viewers will be able to follow the journey of the food being showcased that week as it goes from it's origin (be it land or sea) to it's final destinatio, which could include restaurants, supermarkets, and our own homes. The show will premiere on July 7 at 9:30 p.m. EST.

While this concept might seem new to some folks the fact is that several shows with this same idea have already been on tv. One such show, which I'm sure most people are familiar with is "Follow That Food" which was hosted by Gordon Elliott. The show took viewers globe trotting around the world as they followed various food from their origin until they finally landed in the kitchens of some of the best chefs in the country. Eerily similar wouldn't you say to the Food Network's latest offering, "How'd That Get on My Plate".

Another show whose concept is somewhat similar to "How'd That Get on My Plate" is "The Secret Life of... which was formerly hosted by Jim O'connor and then George Duran of "Ham on the Street". This show also highlighted the history and origins of food in addition to providing some tasty recipes, which used said food.

It would seem that Food Network execs. are able to understand and appreciate the value of a winning concept. Why else would they revamp old shows which had mass appeal. It's always easy to breathe new life into an old idea. In some cases, as with their latest offering "How'd That Get .....,you know the rest, it's as simple as adding a new host and tweaking things to appeal to today's home viewer and Voila! a new show is born.

Whether it's new, old or just I remake, I'll tune it to watch it anyway because A) I like Sunny Anderson and her "Cooking for Real" show and B) I'm a Food Network junkie. If the network is airing either a new show or episodes them I'm either watching or recording to watch when I have the time. Don't won't to miss any mouth-watering, scrumptious recipes. So "Bon Appetite" to all you food network junkie's like myself.

Fans of the wildly popular show American Gladiators will be seeing double when they tune in to watch tonights show. Competitors Clinessa Burch and Lillian Thomason who are from the Los Osos, Ca. region are actually fraternal twin sisters who will be going head to head in this physically grueling competition. Unfortunately, one of the women will not be continuing after tonight. Be sure to tune in and see which sister will be heading home and which will continue on in the long arduous journey to perhaps have the opportunity to compete in in the finale and become an American Gladiator. 

Who knew that John Travolta could look so fetching in a dress. This past weekend my family and I decided to watch "Hairspray" as there didn't seem to be anything else worth watching on tv. Now I will be the first to admit that when it comes to movie musicals I prefer the Hollywood ones of years past.  However, after watching this latest version of the movie I questioned why I hadn't tuned in to see it in weeks prior when it first started airing. The movie was that entertaining. For those of you who haven't seen it yet, I suggest you set aside some time and do so.

This movie, which is rated PG, is an absolute delight. Hollywood biggies, John Travolta (Edna Turnblad), Christopher Walken (Wilbur Turnblad) and Michelle Pfeiffer (Velma Von Tussle) did a remarkable job in portraying their individual characters. It was actress Nikki Blonsky however, with her effervescent personality and charm, in the lead role as Tracy Turnblad, who really steals the show. 

Have you seen this movie yet? I can't believe I'm saying this but if you haven't the you really have to check it out. Suffice it to say that I am not a "Transformers" type of gal but this movie really appealed to the creative side of me.

The dialogue, while somewhat witty at times, was really nothing to write home about (let's face it, what movie today really contains really thought provoking dialogue). The visual effects however are a whole nother matter. They were absolutely ingenious. I can't even begin to fathom the amount of time, work and creativity it took to make the transformers appear so life like. When the Transformers changed from robot form to a vehicle or vice versa I was absolutelty transfied by the whole process. I keep wondering what magic the visual effects crew used to pull if off. I can certainly see why they won 4 awards for their work.

If you haven't already seen this movie, then you don't know what you're missing. Those of you who have already seen it at the theatre and are captivated by the visual effects like myself, you know that the movie definitely merits a second and perhaps a third viewing.

If you're interested in either watching or recording this action packed sci-fi/thriller movie you'll be happy to note that Cinemax will be airing "Transformers" all this month. Be sure to check your Satellite TV viweing guide for the all the upcoming showings.

Just a final note. The movie is rated PG 13 due to some of it's language, brief sexual humor and it's sequences of sci-fi action violence(intense).

The season finale of Top Chef on the Bravo channel was something a nail biter for me last night. The 3 finalists definitely had their work cut out for them last night. The final challenge for these chefs was to prepare a four course dinner for nine diners. The menu had to include red meat, fish, poultry and a desert. Oh yeah it was also going to be a black tie affair.

The interesting twist to this test was that 3 of New York's premier chefs, April Bloomfield (The Spotted Pig), Dan Barber (Blue Hill) and Eric Ripert (Le Bernardin) in additon to being guest judges graciously agreed to act as sous chefs to Richard, Stephanie and Lisa the 3 finalists as they set about to prepare their dishes for the season finale.

While all of the finalists have proved over the course of the season that they have what it takes to be Top Chef, sadly only one of them could lay claim to the title of Top Chef. It was imperative that they bring their A-game to the kitchen when they prepared their last meal of the competition. This was the most crucial meal of the entire competition, as it would be the deciding factor in determining who would be the winner.

After all the sampling, critiquing and discussion about the chefs and their food was finished the judges came to their decision as to who the Top Chef was. While all the chefs did their best, it was Stepahnie Izard who brought the ultimate A-game to the finale last night. With her win last night, Ms. Izard became the first female chef to win the coveted title of Top Chef.

Last night I watched the 2nd episode of the Next Food Network Star which airs at 10 p.m E/T on the Food Newtork and I must say that while many of the competitiors are capable of preparing palatable food no one really stands out from the rest of the pack.

Outside of perhaps wanting to try one of the wannabe food stars recipes, not one of them has proven at least yet, that they have the charisma and star quality which would entice the home viewer to watch any cooking show which anyone of them might host.

While I realize that this experience is nerve wracking for the competitiors, they have to remember that in addition to creating exquisite mouth watering and eye pleasing meals they must also market themselves. Self confidence, creativity and the ability to stay calm under pressure are some of the traits which I'm sure the judges are looking for. After all, if you can't sell yourself how the heck can you sell your idea for a show based on your style of cooking.

Now last night 2 of the competitiors stood out and it wasn't because of their cooking ability. Nipa, exhibited somewhat childish behavior by leavng the room after being critiqued by the judges. Definitely not the actions, at least in my opinion, of someone who would be suited to handling the pressure of their own tv show. While I realize she is passionate about bringing her style of cooking to the rest of us, and that nobody like to be criticized, she needs to learn to accept the judges criticism for what it is. A learning tool and not a personal attack.

Lisa is the next one of my so called stand out competitiors and it isn't because of her cooking. While she was one of the winners in last nights challenge, watching her makes me feel as if I should be watching "Make Me A Supermodel" instead of watching a cooking competition. Last week she was dressed to the nines with high heels, an over abundance of jewelry and the perfect hair and makeup to complete the look.(what chef/cook actually dresses like that when  the're working in the kitchen) This week once again, she wasn't any less perfect in her appearance. While I'm sure she want's to look nice on camera and who doesn't I personally find her appearance to be somewhat off putting. To me her look just screams arrogance with a pinch of an "I'm better than you" attitude thrown in for good measure . Definitely not someone I would watch if they had their own cooking show.

Having said all that I can't wait to see what culinary challeges unfold in next weeks episode. 

When I first saw the trailers for this show called "Peter Perfect" on the Style Network, I was somewhat intrigued. I couldn't imagine what a fussy, British, Dudley Moore look-a-like stylist could possibly bring to the Style Network. Who would even bother to watch this show.

After viewing the premiere episode (and all subsequent ones) I can most definitely tell you who should be watching Peter Perfect - everybody. Celebrity stylist Peter Ishkhans, who has coiffed celebrity heads from rock legends to Tinseltown hotties is sooo... much fun to watch as he does what only he can. That is to create a "Style". The perfect look, so to speak for those who cannot, will not or are just plain style challenged.

In each episode Peter faces the daunting challenge of helping struggling business owners, who posess little or no flair for decorating. In other words, they lack the style skills necessary to improve the appearance of their business and make it more attractive and inviting to both current and would be new customers. In addition to giving the stores some much needed floor to ceiling pizazz (not wihout some opposition), Peter also transforms the owners and their employees with a more polished and professional look. This usually includes, hair, make-up, clothing and some points on selling their business products or services to the public.

You would not believe the before and after transformations of the business owners, their employees and their stores when Peter is finished. Totally unbelieveable.

I absolutely adore this show. It was a real treasure find on the Style Network. So listen to me when I say that "if you watch only one show on the Style Network, then "Peter Perfect" should be that one'.

What am I worth? Have you ever seriously contemplated this question and actually arrived at some sort of monetary value. I know I haven't, but evidently there are folks out there who have.

There was a section in our daily newspaper called what else but the "Press Box" that told the tale of a young ball player whose team knew exactly what he was worth. According to the article, low minor league player John Odom who was on the roster of the Calgary Vipers of the Golden Baseball League was traded to the Laredo Broncos of the United League for the incredible price of 10 baseball bats. I kid you not. This stuff is just to incredible to make up.

I should however point out that these are not just you run of the mill bats that you can purchase at any dime store. The bats are Prairie Sticks Maple Bats, double dipped black, 34 inch, C243 style. Should you feel inclined to visit the Prarie Sticks Web site you'll note that the retail price of each maple bat is $69 ($690) unless of course you're buying 6 to 11 bats the the price is discounted to $65.50 ($655).How humiliating to know that you're team feels your only worth the price of 10 bats. Discounted ones at that.

After reading this little piece in the paper it got me to thinking that even the Red Sox management would have at least thrown in a couple of Wilson A2000 Pro Stock gloves, which are in the $200 retail price range, to seal the deal. Better yet perhaps the Red Sox can take notice of this transaction and do some fancy haggling on their next trade. Perhaps and this is just a thought, they can trade Julio Lugo for the sum of, oh let's be fair and have the Sox ask for at least 23 bats and maybe 5 Wilson A2000 gloves. Do you think that's enough? Maybe it's too much. Just kidding?

With regard again to Mr. Odom, whether he becomes a superstar player or not, the actions of his former team has not only given him his 15 minutes of fame but have also ensured him a place in baseball lore.

Game show fans will be happy to know that ABC will be airing a new show. The show, which is apltly titled "Wipeout", will premiere on Tuesday, June 24 8/7c. The premise of the show is that each week a group of 24 contestants will compete in what is quite possibly the world's largest extreme obstacle course.

The contestants while varying in age, shape and size will all be trying to blaze their way through four rounds of extremely challenging obstacle courses in this new reality series. The course challenges and contestants will change weekly but the objective will remain the same. They are all vying to be declared the Wipeout champion and walk away with the $50,000 grand prize.

Some of the challenges which will be rife with hilarity, some sore spots and a few bruised egos as the contestants try to beat the course are, "Dizzy Dummy", "Dirty Balls" and "The Dreadmill", which has contestant jumping hurdles on a 40 foot treadmill, moving faster than the speed of light.

This game show reminds me of the wildly popular "Most Extreme Elimination Challenge" which aired for a time on Spike TV. This show had groups of contestants experiencing 4 and sometimes as may as 6 demanding physical challenges with such humurous names as "Sinkers & Floaters", "Wall Bangers" and my personal favorite, "Boulder Dash" to name a few. Each group was trying to gather enough points which would ensure victory for the team. This game show at least for me had to be one of the most hysterically funny shows I had even seen on tv.

While I don't know if the ABC show "Wipeout" is based on "Most Extreme Elimination Challenge", you gotta admit that the 2 shows are eerily similar. This certainly gives some creedence to the idea that "old game shows never fade away they just get revamped and recycled". In this case that's all right by me.