Okay. I get the seasons have a brief overlap. But I was always thinking late summer. His line of disgust about the Mets pitching staff seemed less about projection and more exasperation.  April in New York is not warm enough for a late night cruise on the Hudson. And didn't the husband take a job as a teacher again?…

I know next to nothing about the dynamics of creating a Broadway show (and I don't know how much Smash is helping continue my education of the industry) but I was surprised critics would publish the thoughts about the workshop. I remember reading how newspapers prematurely, at least by industry standards, panned…

About sports. And this is where the writing comes into play. In three episodes, he's referenced the Mets pitching staff. The Knicks. And "the Rangers game being on". And now the City was too hot in the building? What month are these people in exactly? It's very seasonally ambiguous.

What about Kelly Clarkson? Her "that show. . .I was on" comment was a low blow.

Maybe I'm being too optimistic, but the press said the same thing when How to Train Your Dragon stumbled out the boxoffice gate. I've never seen this movie. I know nothing about its backstory and have no desire to find out anything about it. But the media was too willing to wait with glee for it to flop. Which wasn't…

As a rule, when at all possible, avoid seeing a concert in New York City. The crowds are unenthusiastic. In general, people love being a part of the scene, but don't want to potentially make a scene. I just think people have too many options and feel entitled to the band's presence. Whereas people in nowhere North…

I genuinely love Snow Patrol's music. But after releasing a few dud albums, I've no real desire to see them in concert. Unlike their britpop counterparts, Keane, Coldplay, Elbow, who were amazing in concert, Gary Lightbody really isn't a strong singer. And no one in the band comes across like a great musician.…

This is my hypothesis, inspired by March Madness. American Idol is a lot like college basketball. The Voice is like the NBA. Contestants on the Voice are more technically sound and experienced but viewers don't feel any connection to the people emotionally. Whereas with Idol, contestants are more shaky and…

When this show was announced and subsequently panned, it just made me wonder how bad Colin Cowherd's pilot was.

I've actually never seen this show. And so I'm sorry for interrupting this conversation. But I just want to say Maya Rudolph looks like a sexy mouse. So I hope you all appreciate her.

It is as if Survivor screened potential contestants by asking, "Have you ever seen the show before?" and casting people who said emphatically no. In the all-male tribe, what is the use of an alliance of 4 in a team of 9? Why would it take 14 days for the last immunity idol to be found? Why would a tribe volunteer to…

I went to college in nowhere North Carolina. At first I was so lost. But I became friends with people like Phil. In a world full of plaid and pink, they'd play guitar, smoke some pot, take a philosophy class or two, and always offer me a beer. So I like him.

Shannon might not be your type of performer or share any of your values but that doesn't mean what she represents isn't worthy to be on a reality show. She speaks with poise and is talented and isn't wearing a "True Love Waits" bracelet or whatever. Yes, Don't Speak is a more interesting song but it doesn't suit her…

I watch Idol for the same reasons grandmothers in Alabama go to church on Sunday — it's just what we do. I agree with what you're saying. It's a corny show. Still, Idol has some qualities that, for me, keep it the superior singing competition. The Voice's main draw is not the talent. It's watching the judges interact…

I'm partial to the Crane Wife simply because it's the first Decemberists album I bought. But that collection had a sense of humor to it that their later releases lacked. The Perfect Crime and O Valencia are fun tunes. Sons and Daughters is triumphant, but still includes lines about filling our mouths with cinnamon.…

This is the second time in a month you've interviewed a star from "the Vow" and didn't mention it! Sam Neill had a career rejuvenating role in that move. And Tatum made a believer out of me, a former skeptic.

I love American Idol and am admittedly biased but the Voice is so weak. It boasts some sort of judging objectivity about how singing comes first but the pairings and song choices were so overly tailored to one singer. The better looking singer always sang first and was exclusively always chosen. Folk singer Sarah…

This is the type of show that I'd normally watch on Hulu. But I think I'm watching during its regularly scheduled time to symbolically show support for its future. It's an enjoyable show.

The most common conservative argument always starts, "But if a liberal did this______". Since when does Sarah Palin and co. get their cues on acceptable political discourse from the "lamestream media?" I'm glad voices from all political persuasions are taking this time to reexamine their rhetoric. But the fact these…

I liked yesterday's elimination format. Nearly half the cast got the taste of being in the "bottom 3". Hopefully, that anxiety lingers and keeps the singers from feeling too safe in the competition. Pia Toscano could have learned that lesson a season ago.