The Couch Potato Report - September 26th, 2006
This week The Couch Potato Report shines the spotlight on Canada, our home and native land.
Douglas Coupland is a Canadian fiction writer, playwright and visual artist.
His first book, the 1991 novel “Generation X: Tales for an Accelerated Culture”, became an international bestseller and popularized the term ‘Generation X’.
Most of Coupland's work explores the unexpected cultural shifts created by the impact of new technologies on middle class North American culture.
“Souvenir of Canada” was a book Coupland wrote in 2002.
In the book's introduction, Coupland states his intention was to author a book about Canada “…that only Canadians would get.”
The book profiles bilingualism, beer bottles, cigarette warning labels, the Trans-Canada Highway, Terry Fox’s prosthetic leg, the Canadarm, stubby beer bottles, bilingual cereal boxes, Ookpik, and many other things that are uniquely Canadian.
In addition to being a book, SOUVENIR OF CANADA is now a documentary film as well.
In the film Coupland shows us some of the things that “only Canadians would get” as he puts together an interactive art exhibit called Canada House with Canadian content front and center.
As the author build’s his Canada House there are stories and features on some of the things that make Canadians, Canadians, and some of the things that were designed years ago to try and make us more Canadian.
For instance, he brings back the greeting “chimo”, an Inuit word that was supposed to become Canada's version of “Aloha”.
SOUVENIR OF CANADA is just that, a souvenir of a Canada full of memories that we all collectively share, and I really, really enjoyed the film.
The one negative thing that I have to say about SOUVENIR OF CANADA is the fact that at times there is too much of a focus put on Douglas Coupland and his family and thus the things that “only Canadians would get” take a back seat
However, as someone who has had his entire family on his show at one point or another, I guess I shouldn’t talk.
SOUVENIR OF CANADA is a wonderfully enjoyable trip down memory lane and if you are a Canadian who grew up in the sixties and seventies it is a must see.
And SOUVENIR OF CANADA is available now on DVD at a store near you.
Coming up on the next Couch Potato Report
CORNER GAS: SEASON THREE features all 19 episodes of the made-in-Saskatchewan series, including one of my favourites: “The Littlest Yarbo” where Hank is outwitted by a German Shepherd while trying to prove it’s the dog from the legendary TV show – The Littlest Hobo.
Also next week THANK YOU FOR SMOKING is a satirical comedy about a tobacco spokesman, who is trying to remain a role model for his twelve-year-old son; and the Disney classic THE LITTLE MERMAID is being released in a two-disc special edition with a wide array of special features!
I'm Dan Reynish. I'll have more on those, and some other releases, in seven days.
For now, that's this week's COUCH POTATO REPORT.
Enjoy the movies and I'll see you back here next time on The Couch!
New Muppet CD coming for Christmas
Disney is planning to release an all-new Muppet album just in time for Christmas. The album is entitled "A Green (and Red) Christmas" and is set for release on October 17, 2006.
The album will feature 12 newly recorded holiday songs (both old favorites and newly written songs) by all your favorite Muppets. The CD is already up for preorder at Amazon.com for the low price of $9.99.
So be sure to set your calendars because this year you'll be able to bring in the holidays with some special (and new) Muppet cheer.
"A Green and Red Christmas" Track Listing
'Zat You, Santa Claus? - The Electric Mayhem
A Red and Green Christmas - Kermit & Miss Piggy
The Christmas Party Sing-Along - Rowlf
Merry Christmas Baby - Pepe
The Man with the Bag - Floyd, Animal & Zoot
Santa Baby - Miss Piggy
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year - Gonzo & Rizzo
North Pole Comedy Club - Fozzie, Statler & Waldorf
Run, Run Rudolph - The Electric Mayhem
Christmas Smorgasbord - Swedish Chef
The Christmas Queen - Miss Piggy
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas - Kermit
This will be the third CD Disney has released since they bought the Muppets in February 2004. The Muppet Christmas Carol Soundtrack was reissued last Christmas while a Best of the Muppets/Muppets' Wizard of Oz CD was released in May 2005.
New Releases, Sept. 26: Janet Jackson, Tony Bennett, Jerry Lee Lewis
Janet Jackson "20 Y.O."
Twenty years ago, Janet Jackson kicked off her solo career with 1986's groundbreaking "Control." Since that point, it's been all platinum records, big radio hits and glitzy videos. Of course, there was also that famed "slip" at the Super Bowl.
Jackson celebrates the milestone anniversary with the release of "20 Y.O." The album features guest appearances by Khia (on "So Excited") and Nelly ("Call on Me").
* * *
Tony Bennett "Duets"
One of the greatest careers in music history just keeps right on rolling along, as Tony Bennett delivers yet another new album. The classy vocalist, who celebrated his 80th birthday last month, returns this time with the star-studded "Duets."
The album features the timeless crooner sharing the mic with such big-name celebs as Bono, Elvis Costello, Celine Dion, the Dixie Chicks, Billy Joel, Elton John, Diana Krall, Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney.
* * *
Jerry Lee Lewis "Last Man Standing"
The piano legend, who will mark his 71st birthday on Friday (9/29), returns with his own celeb-heavy affair, "Last Man Standing."
An amazing number of rock and country legends--more than 20 in all--have participated in this recording, making it, indeed, a true musical event. Notable names include Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, Bruce Springsteen, Willie Nelson, Toby Keith, Little Richard, Merle Haggard and Neil Young.
* * *
Alan Jackson "Like Red on a Rose"
The platinum-selling cowboy gets a helping hand on this new album from Alison Krauss, the angelic voiced bluegrass star who produced "Like Red on a Rose." Krauss also joins in on harmony vocals, as does Lee Ann Womack. The first single from the record is "Anywhere on Earth You Are."
* * *
Weird Al Yankovic "Straight Outta Lynwood"
The ultimate pop-music pundit is back with another collection of comedic songs. "Straight Outta Lynwood"--a reference to Weird Al's hometown of Lynwood, CA--features such humorously named songs as "Weasel Stomping Day," "Polkarama!" and "Do I Creep You Out."
* * *
More new releases:
Tori Amos, "A Piano: The Collection" (Atlantic)
Solomon Burke, "Nashville" (Shout Factory)
Depeche Mode, "Touring the Angel: Live in Milan" (Reprise)
Enigma, "A Posteriori" (Virgin)
Amy Grant, "Time Again: Amy Grant Live" (Word)
Ludacris, "Release Therapy" (Def Jam)
Vanessa Hudgens, "V" (Hollywood)
Boney James, "Shine" (Concord)
Keith Jarrett, "Carnegie Hall Concert" (ECM)
Lemonheads, "Lemonheads" (Vagrant)
Paul McCartney, "Ecce Cor Meum" (EMI)
Audra McDonald, "Build a Bridge" (Nonesuch)
Medeski Scofield Martin and Wood, "Out Louder" (Indirecto)
Andre Rieu, "The Homecoming" (Denon)
Scissor Sisters, "Ta Dah!" (Universal)
Chris Tomlin, "See the Morning" (Sparrow)
Soundtracks and scores:
"The U.S. vs. John Lennon" (Capitol)
Tenacious D Still Arguing As 'Destiny' Draws Near
It wouldn't be a conversation with Tenacious D if principal members Jack Black and Kyle Gass weren't arguing with one another about anything and everything.
For instance, still up for debate is just how many songs will be featured on the soundtrack to the group's film "Tenacious D in the Pick of Destiny," due Nov. 14 via Epic.
"I think it's around 12," Gass tells Billboard.com. "I think it's 18," Black replies. "Well, it depends on what you count as a song," Gass insists. "But tracks. How many numbers," Black says. "Yeah, I'm not counting numbers," Gass retorts. "Ten to 12 new songs."
The duo can agree on a few tracks sure to make the cut, including first single "Pick of Destiny," the video for which premieres today (Sept. 25) on MTV. "This is basically just a retelling of what you just saw," Gass says of the clip. "Jack and I go see our own movie but we ruin the movie for the people watching."
Fans can also look forward to "Master Exploder" ("Jack dreams how kick-ass we're going to be once we have the Pick of Destiny," Gass says), opener "Kickapoo" (which features Meat Loaf and Ronnie James Dio) and "Classico" ("It's about when Jack and I first meet at Venice Beach, and a spontaneous jam happens," Gass offers. "Jack starts singing along a classical riff to my classical guitar solo").
"Destiny," which opens Nov. 17, sports "one of the strongest openings and title sequences ever. I'm not even joking," Black says. "We kick it off with a kick-ass animation, actually. What is a better one, Kyle, that you can think of? 'North by Northwest' by Alfred Hitchcock. That's a good one, but is it better than the D?"
The question remains: with the movie and soundtrack about to be unleashed, is Tenacious D's "destiny" now fulfilled? "In terms of brass rings, or quests for power and validation, yeah, this was it, except for one little piece of the puzzle: the cover of Rolling Stone," Black says. "I think they're waiting for the first week's box office," Gass quips.
Still, the D has a couple of pet projects in line, should "Pick of Destiny" fail to cement the group as one of rock's all-time greats. "I'd love to make a sequel," Gass says. "I'd like to do a complete album of covers with no songs written after 1937. I'd like to do a concept album, with the concept being about me. I'd like to do a third part, which is actually part six of a nine-part nine-ogy." Says Black, alarmed, "A nine-part nine-ogy? I think that makes it an 81-ogy."
Tenacious D will hit the road in late November for a North American tour, followed by dates in the United Kingdom. More touring is planned for early next year, including shows in Australia, according to Black.
"Scrubs" Nurse Needs Doctoring
Unfortunately, Judy Reyes' latest trip to the ER wasn't as a guest-star.
Reyes, who plays feisty nurse Carla Espinosa on Scrubs, suffered a fractured pelvis last Wednesday after falling down at her home, NBC spokesman David Gardner confirmed to E! Online.
"She's going to be fine," the 37-year-old actress' rep, Monique Ward, told People magazine. "She had surgery to repair it on Thursday. She didn't realize it was as bad as it was and still went to work. Once there, she realized she needed medical treatment. She went to a hospital from the set." Reyes, who's also known for her work on HBO's prison drama, Oz, was expected to be released from the hospital Monday.
Scrubs' filming schedule has been reworked for the time being to accommodate Reyes' healing process, which is going to include about six weeks of hobbling around on crutches. In the meantime she'll shoot some of her less strenuous scenes.
Last season on Scrubs, Carla and her husband, Turk ( Donald Faison), learned that they would be having their first child together and embarked on your usual sitcom pregnancy--an announcement that didn't go according to plan, lots of misunderstandings and insecurities, and many thwarted sexual advances.
Season six will pick up with Carla a very uncomfortable nine and a half-months pregnant (so maybe some sitting-down scenes will do both Reyes and her character a world of good). Zach Braff's J.D. will be dealing with his own girlfriend's "I'm pregnant" announcement, while Dr. Cox ( John C. McGinley) and his beloved ex-wife Jordan ( Christa Miller) are expecting baby number two, as well.
Although Scrubs was renewed in May for another full season, the Emmy nominee for Outstanding Comedy won't show up on NBC's lineup until 2007, at a date to be announced.
Actor Crowe doesn't "do charity work" for studios
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Actor Russell Crowe said on Monday he quit an epic movie about the Australian outback co-starring Nicole Kidman because he doesn't do "charity work" for major studios.
The New Zealand-born Australian actor had been scheduled to star in the as-yet untitled film directed by Baz Luhrmann, but dropped out and was replaced by another Australian actor, Hugh Jackman, in June. At the time, no reason for the cast change was announced.
"I just didn't want to work on that movie in the type of environment that was being created because of the needs of the budget," Crowe told reporters while promoting his new movie, director Ridley Scott's "A Good Year," in New York.
"I do charity work, but I don't do charity work for major studios."
The Luhrmann movie was due to begin production this month, but has been pushed back to February because of scheduling conflicts and budget debates with 20th Century Fox, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
A spokesman for 20th Century Fox had no immediate comment.
Media reports have put the budget for the ambitious film at between $150 million and $175 million.
Luhrmann, director of the hit musical "Moulin Rouge," has described the film to Australian newspapers as a sweeping romance in the same vein as "Gone with the Wind" and on the scale of David Lean's "Lawrence of Arabia."
He said the film would be set in Australia from the mid-1930s leading up to the Japanese bombing of the tropical northern city of Darwin in World War Two.
Crowe and Kidman were scheduled to have starred together in another Australian movie, based on the novel "Eucalyptus," but the project collapsed last year because of difficulties with the script.
"It will come around when it's supposed to come around," Crowe said of filming a movie in Australia.
"The unfortunate thing about the way the media works these days, before the idea is even really solidified in people's heads it's already front page news. The film business is very complicated."
Saints march in as Superdome comes alive
NEW ORLEANS - As rock bands blasted and tailgate parties served up barbecue and brew, thousands of people poured into the streets Monday night, hoping to forget about Hurricane Katrina during a Mardi Gras-like celebration of the Saints' first home game since the storm.
Crowds swamped the area around the Louisiana Superdome in a human sea, creating a huge traffic jam for the team's emotional return and the reopening of the stadium, which underwent $185 million in repairs to erase damage done during and after Katrina.
"This is exactly what the city needs," said Saints season ticket holder Clara Donate, 58, who lost her home and all her possessions to Katrina's floodwaters. "We all need something else to think about."
The Saints and the Atlanta Falcons were both undefeated at 2-0 early in the NFL season, and the game received Super Bowl buildup. The Goo Goo Dolls played to the crowd outside the dome. Green Day and U2 performed for the crowd of more than 68,000 inside.
Harold Johnson couldn't get into the Superdome, but he planned to sit with his neighbors outside his government-issue trailer and watch the game on television.
"I don't want to talk about Katrina. I don't want to talk about insurance. I don't want to talk about anything but kicking Falcon butt," Johnson said as he stocked up on beer at a grocery store for the cookout with his neighbors.
Even with its gleaming new cover, the Superdome remained a symbol of Katrina's misery. Tens of thousands of storm victims suffered there in withering heat after last summer's hurricane filled the city with stinking floodwaters.
The Saints have not played a regular-season home game since 2004. They last played in the Superdome in a 2005 preseason game a few days before Katrina.
After the storm, the Saints became the NFL's traveling show, establishing a base in San Antonio and playing every game on the road amid speculation that owner Tom Benson might not bring them back to New Orleans.
Even now, a high-rise hotel, an office tower and an upscale shopping center stand empty just a few hundred feet from the stadium, with white boards covering blown-out windows. A few miles away, entire neighborhoods are wastelands of decaying houses.
Johnson and his neighbors were holding the party outdoors because none of them had room inside their trailers.
Amid the desolation, some residents could not bring themselves to celebrate the team's return.
Irma Warner, 71, and her husband, Pascal Warner, 80, live in an apartment in suburban Metairie while working six days a week to restore a home flooded by 7 feet of water in New Orleans' Lakeview neighborhood.
"We rode around through the Ninth Ward yesterday," Irma Warner said. "When I saw that, I thought, how can they spend $185 million on the Superdome. What about all these poor people?"
But she appeared to be in the minority. Downtown offices and City Hall shut down early in anticipation of crowds at the Superdome. Teachers promised to assign little Monday night homework so students could watch the game on television.
Tanyha Brown of Metairie said her husband was leaving work early so they could attend the festivities outside the Superdome. With no tickets to the game, they planned to watch from a nearby bar.
"This is the best holiday since Mardi Gras," Brown said.