This year, watch it in WIDESCREEN!

I love this time of year.

A short work week. The anticipation of Thanksgiving. And the annual tradition of tens of thousands of families getting together to turn on thousands of lights on Monument Circle.

The 46th annual Circle of Lights presented by the Contractors of Quality Connection and the Electrical Workers of IBEW Local 481 is Friday night!

And as part of the tradition, RTV 6 is kicking off the holidays carrying the lighting festivities LIVE beginning at 7PM. But this year, the TV telecast is going to look a little different. And it’s all good. 

This year’s Circle of Lights will be bigger and better because this year, for the first time ever, the Circle of Lights will be presented in digital widescreen!

That means if you are watching on an HDTV, you’re going to see a lot more lights (and many more faces in the throngs of people downtown!)

Kurt Swadener, RTV 6’s Operations Manager, says the widescreen format will add a lot to the telecast. “I’m very excited that we are able to present the Circle of Lights in digital widescreen for the very first time,” Swadener says. ”The widescreen format enhances the experience of the audience by giving a more panoramic view of the event. It has always been a challenge to convey the size of the event to our television viewers. Digital widescreen gives us that opportunity and will take the beloved televised event to a whole new level.”

Of course, one thing that won’t be changing is the fantastic talent that will be performing at this year’s ceremony.

Auditions for this year’s show were held in September and October. Hundreds tried out for the chance to perform. And the talent is terrific.

Julia Watson from Indianapolis Downtown, Inc. confirms it’s going to be a good show:

“We have such a great group of performers this year! The thrill of national talent like “The Lion King” joining with talented people right here in Central Indiana is a great combination. We have everything from a high energy band to a very talented 9 year old! This is going to be a great show!”

Kevin Gregory, Todd Wallace and Trisha Shepherd will host LIVE from Downtown this Friday night starting at 7PM on RTV 6. And if you are going to be out of town, you can still watch the ceremony in a LIVE stream right here on TheIndyChannel.com.

Happy Holidays!

*****

Okay, confession time.

Gotta go with Brooke Burke!

In case you didn’t know, I’m a double blogger.

In addition to doing an entertainment blog, I also free-lance producing a “Dancing with the Stars” blog (available on the special Dancing with the Stars page here at TheIndyChannel.com.)  And this week, this season winds down to the finale. 

At the beginning of this season I had picked Misty May-Treanor to win. But she left the competition several weeks ago with a ruptured achilles tendon (it still hurts just writing that.)

So now it is down to model/host Brooke Burke, football great Warren Sapp and N’Sync’s Lance Bass.

Gotta go with Brooke and her partner Derek Hough. They’ve dominated all season and truly are the best couple in this competition though Warren and Lance are going to be good competition. Besides, Hough and his little sis Julianne are the most popular dancers on the show. (FYI - Julianne announced last week she’s leaving to concentrate on her singing career. I’m bummed she’s leaving…she’s certainly my favorite dancer.) 

Finally, Brooke, an amazing mother of FOUR has every mom in America rooting for her. So go with Brooke.

It’s Election Week!

A bi-partisian laugh

Finally.

On Sunday afternoon my wife and I along with our two sons decided to vote early. We live in Hamilton County. So we traveled to Noblesville to vote. We, along with several thousand others, stood in line OVER THREE HOURS to vote.

It was a long time to wait but the kids enjoyed learning about the process.

Like waiting in line, I’ve found this overall political season particularly trying due to the high level of emotional debate going on. Don’t get me wrong, I think it is incredibly healthy to see folks so passionate about their respective candidates. But I have found some people taking their passion too far.

If someone wants to disagree with your point of view, it’s okay…that is why we love America.

We can be on opposite sides of the political spectrum and hopefully agree to respect other folk’s opinions. I have seen this year’s political battles even putting old friendships to the test.

The title of the picture: Next season’s Celebrities on “Dancing with the Stars.”

***** 

My job here at RTV 6 is in the marketing area. So as a marketeer, I couldn’t help but give a shout out to The Indiana Pacers for the outstanding efforts to kick off this season to re-make/re-boot/re-launch Indy’s NBA squad.

The team has gotten rid of several problem players; they’ve gotten involved in the community with fun events like pumping heavily discounted gas for fans at a local gas station; and they put together a really fun and creative marketing campaign of “painting the town” to launch their home opener against the Champion Boston Celtics. (Cool part…signage on sidewalks downtown that simulate spilled paint!)

But the best part, and really the only thing that will make the overhaul a success…the Pacers WON their home opener. And they won convincingly!

A work ethic to admire!

And to bring the point home, Danny Granger, their new $65 million dollar star, broke his front teeth in a battle for the ball. Bloodied and hurt, the millionaire player re-entered the game and finished with 20 points!

I don’t know how you top that (I hope Granger doesn’t do that every game) but it establishes a get tough work ethic that everyone can admire.

We all admire a star that will play hurt. That is a quality that separates the best players from the superstars.

Look no further than Peyton Manning.

I hope this team has BIG success on and off the court this season.

*****

Finally, another media star retired this weekend. There it was, in full color on the front page of the comics section. Opus the Penguin retired for the third time.

Opus, has been a cult-like cartoon character in three different comics in newspapers over the years. Created by Berkley Breathed, the penguin was introduced in the excellent ”Bloom County” in the 1980s, as a replacement for “Doonesbury” when Garry Trudeau took a leave of absence. (I have very fond memories of reading “Bloom County” in college.)

Citing burnout, Breathed decided to reture in the late 80s. Then a couple years later brought Opus and Bill the Cat, the anti-Garfield, back to the funny pages with a Sunday only comic called “Outland.” This sometimes bizzare comic went away to ultimately be replaced by Opus.

And now for the third time, Opus is calling it quits.

Breathed’s comics were provacative, sometimes hilarious…and sometimes just strange. If you were not a faithful reader, it would be hard to enjoy his often different take on the Sunday funnies.

And in a final slap to all the struggling the newspapers that ultimately spawned the Opus the penguin character, Breathed didn’t put the final frames of “Opus” in the paper but instead directed readers to a Humane Society website that carried the final, sweet destination of the lovable penguin character.

It was entirely appropriate and a perfect ending. Goodnight moon…goodnight Opus.

I’ll miss the penguin.     

The Opus finale...on-line only.

Out Tuesday, Paramount Pictures is re-releasing “The Godfather” trilogy on a new special edition DVD and Blu-Ray collection.

Normally, I get a little peeved when studios keep releasing new “special” editions of movies. DVD collectors call it “double-dipping” as it is a clever way to get fans to purchase a favorite movie again because of some new feature.

George Lucas is particularly notorious for doing this, releasing slightly altered versions of the “Star Wars” movies, over and over again. That sucks.

But this time, it just might be worth it. ”The Godfather” and “The Godfather Part 2″ are arguably two of the finest films ever made. (While Part three pales to the others, it still has some remarkable scenes…and does finish the Michael Corlene story.)

I love “The Godfather.” It’s one of those movies I can watch over and over. And it’s so quotable! “I’m gonna make him and offer he can’t refuse.” “Leave the gun, take the canoli.” “Luca Braza sleeps with the fishes.”

The new version just out features a painstaking restoration of the entire movie. The movie has been digitized from a cleaned up and restored version of the original motion picture negative. It has never looked more perfect, just as the creators orginally envisioned it. The color and cinematography is amazing. Check out the promotional website here from Paramount about the restoration and re-release of these cinema classics.

Will I get this? Probably. This is a Blu-Ray leap.  

*****      

The new James Bond movie is coming.

A few years ago I had all but given up on James, James Bond. Each release seem to get sillier and sillier. Sorry, Roger Moore blew as Bond. Pierce Brosnan restored some of the luster. But when they re-booted the franchise with Daniel Craig and “Casino Royale” I finally found the worthy successor to Sean Connery. Did I say successor? In my opinion, Craig is the Best Bond ever.

The follow up to the superior “Casino Royale” is hitting theatres later this year. The follow up is called “Quantum of Solace.” Certainly not going to find another title like that.

The trailers look fantastic, picking up right after Bond’s girlfriend in “Royale” is murdered. And “Quantum” shows it looks like Bond is earning his license to kill. 

Check out the original trailer and the newly released trailer here at the official James Bond website.

*****

Is Toby Maguire worth $50 Million?
Maybe. He is reportedly close to signing on for “Spider Man 4″ and “Spider Man 5″ that will be shot back to back.

The UK’s Times Online says Maguire is expected to earn a record $50 million in salary and profit shares from starring in SPIDER-MAN 4 & 5, which will shoot back-to-back over six months next year.

The news source is also saying Maguire “has been granted ‘family time’ with his young daughter” as part of his deal. He would take early mornings and evenings off so he could play with his 22 month old daughter, Ruby Sweetheart.

Sony Pictures has not revealed yet whether Kirsten Dunst will be returning as Mary Jane Watson. The actress has recently stated she is struggling with clinical depression.

No official word yet from the studio on the above deal.

*****

Finally, with the new season of “Dancing with the Stars” now in full swing, I want to point out a special page here at TheIndyChannel.com full of “Dancing” pics, videos and other fun stuff. I’m doing double duty with a blog about “Dancing with the Stars,” too! Check it out here. Please?!

The Emmy Awards are this Sunday night airing at 8PM on ABC and RTV 6.

30 ROCK

I have a real love/hate thing for the Emmy Awards.

Sometimes I love the Emmys because they recognize what I think are terrific shows and performances. Then other times I hate the Emmys because once they discover a show or performance, they tend to recognize them year after year, often at the expense of truly outstanding shows and acting.

For example, I thought Dennis Franz of “NYPD Blue” turned in remarkable performances as Detective Andy Sipowitz. Problem is, the Emmy voters thought so too…THREE YEARS IN A ROW! Gimme a break!

The same for Best Supporting Actress Doris Roberts from “Everybody Loves Raymond.” They gave her the statue several years in a row. Same for Allison Janey from “The West Wing.” THey are all fine actors. But winning once is nice, twice is pushing it…more than that is doing a disservice to many other fine actors.

Recently, “Boston Legal,” a show I enjoy and really admire, has gotten more than its share of Emmy love than it really deserves. Shatner and Spader are great, but recognize other great characters and actors, will ya!

LOST

Yeesh!

Now that I got that off my chest, take a peek at the nominees…and my picks! 

COMEDY SERIES
Curb Your Enthusiasm
Entourage
The Office
30 Rock
Two and a Half Men

“Entourage” is alright, but I would have preferred to see ABC’s “Pushing Daisies” in this category. Part of the charm of the Emmy Awards to me, is showing some love to shows that may not have been discovered by a bigger audience yet. Thus a show like “Daisies,” one of last year’s more innovative and interesting shows could have gotten a boost here.

Glad to see ”Two and a Half Men” here as it deserves attention. It is certainly one of the funnier shows on the air. But I think “30 ROCK” deserves this year’s Emmy Award. Tina Fey and Alex Baldwin are soooooo good.  

MY PICK: 30 ROCK

ACTOR IN A COMEDY SERIES
Alec Baldwin, 30 Rock
Steve Carell, The Office
Lee Pace, Pushing Daisies
Tony Shalhoub, Monk
Charlie Sheen, Two and a Half Men

Tony Shalhoub in “Monk” SHOULD NOT BE NOMINATED ANYMORE!!! GIVE ME A BREAK!!! This is what drives me crazy about the Emmys. But they make up for it by nominating Lee Pace of “Pushing Daisies” But Alec Baldwin deserves this one…

MY PICK: ALEC BALDWIN

ACTRESS IN A COMEDY SERIES

Christina Applegate

Christina Applegate, Samantha Who?
America Ferrera, Ugly Betty
Tina Fey, 30 Rock
Julia Louis-Dreyfus, The New Adventures of Old Christine
Mary-Louise Parker, Weeds

America Ferrera is fine, but borders on Emmy love overkill. Christina Applegate deserves a shot because she is so good as a comedic actor. Plus, this character is so different from her Kelly Bundy from “Married with Children.” Her recent health scare may influence some voters, too.

But Tina Fey has come into her own not only as a writer and a producer, but as a performer as well. Think Sarah Palin can do it all? She’s got nothing on Tina Fey! And Tina Fey is way funnier (and does a better Palin than Palin does!)

MY PICK: TINA FEY

DRAMA SERIES

MAD MEN

Boston Legal
Damages
Dexter
House
Lost
Mad Men

Good entries in this catagory. I’m especially happy to see “Mad Men” make this cut. I’m even happier to see “Lost” here again. To me, “Lost” is the best show on TV. It won this catagory its first year. It’s back and better than ever this year. This is a tough one, but since I find LOST obsessive, I gotta go with my gut on this one…

MY PICK: LOST

ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Gabriel Byrne, In Treatment
Bryan Cranston, Breaking Bad
Michael C. Hall, Dexter
Jon Hamm, Mad Men
Hugh Laurie, House
James Spader, Boston Legal

Hugh Laurie deserves this one. Or Jon Hamm from “Mad Men.” The Academy may embrace “Mad Men” so if Jon Hamm wins, the best drama nod could go to “Mad Men,” too. Gonna toss it up and go with…

MY PICK: HUGH LAURIE

ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Glenn Close, Damages
Sally Field, Brothers & Sisters
Mariska Hargitay, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Holly Hunter, Saving Grace
Kyra Sedgwick, The Closer

Sally Field is an Academy favorite. So is Mariska Hargitay. Please, oh please Academy, surprise me with either Kyra Sedgwick or Glenn Close. But my gut tells me the thing I hate about the Emmys may come home with this catagory with Mariska winning again.

MY PICK: GLENN CLOSE

SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA SERIES
Ted Danson, Damages
Michael Emerson, Lost
Zeljko Ivanek, Damages
William Shatner, Boston Legal
John Slattery, Mad Men

I like John Slattery from “Mad Men.” He also had a good turn as the crooked Mayor on “Desperate Housewives” this season. If there is a “Mad Man” mania, he could get swept up in this…but as I felt “LOST” was so good this year, I have to go with Michael Emerson and his creepy factor. He’s so creepy…and good.

MY PICK: MICHAEL EMERSON

SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA SERIES
Candice Bergen, Boston Legal
Rachel Griffiths, Brothers & Sisters
Sandra Oh, Grey’s Anatomy
Dianne Wiest, In Treatment
Chandra Wilson, Grey’s Anatomy

I would love to see Chandra Wilson’s Bailey get this…but her character was neglected on a so-so “Grey’s” last season. So what about Rachael Griffiths? She is Australian and does a remarkable American accent. Why not?

MY PICK: RACHAEL GRIFFITHS 

REALITY COMPETITION PROGRAM
The Amazing Race
American Idol
Dancing With The Stars
Project Runway
Top Chef

I gotta go with the witty and popular “Dancing with the Stars.” It deserves it. Where else could you see Marie Osmond feint…and Helio win! Besides, I do a “Dancing” blog, too!

MY PICK: DANCING WITH THE STARS

HOST FOR A REALITY OR REALITY-COMPETITION PROGRAM
Tom Bergeron, Dancing With the Stars
Heidi Klum, Project Runway
Howie Mandel, Deal or No Deal
Jeff Probst, Survivor
Ryan Seacrest, American Idol

This is the first year for this catagory. I gotta go with the man, Tom Bergeron. The guy has a comeback for anything! Perfect for a live program!

MY PICK: TOM BERGERON

REALITY SERIES
Antiques Roadshow
Dirty Jobs
Extreme Makeover
Intervention
Kathy Griffin: My Life On The D-List

MY PICK: DIRTY JOBS (Love Mike Rowe…show wouldn’t work without him!)

 VARIETY, MUSIC, OR COMEDY SERIES

THE DAILY SHOW

The Colbert Report
The Daily Show With Jon Stewart
Late Show With David Letterman
Real Time With Bill Maher
Saturday Night Live

Four of the five are great…SNL is still pretty lame. I think “The Colbert Report” is a tougher show to write and pull off (which they do almost every night) but in an election year, gotta vote for Jon Stewart and “The Daily Show.”

MY PICK: THE DAILY SHOW

*****

There will be many, many more awards on Sunday night. But I am especially looking forward to seeing Josh Groban performing snippets of dozens of famous TV theme shows. From classics like “Cheers” and “The Andy Griffith Show” to the “Simpsons.” Should be a fun bit.

And hopefully the whole evening will be fun to watch. You can see it Sunday night at 8pm on ABC and RTV 6. BTW, Jimmy Kimmel is doing a special show leading into the awards from 7pm to 8pm.  

Groban works up a tribute to TV Theme songs!