Blurgh
I hereby declare myself achy, cranky, foul-tempered, and sore-throated today. In short, I do not feel well. I have suspicions about why:
- Deadwood: I just finished Season 3 while exercising this morning, and found out that the cliffhanger will likely never be resolved, because there’s no season 4. That bit of nastiness should have been printed in big red letters right on the box: “Warning: upon finishing Season 3, you will want to watch Season 4, and there isn’t going to be one. Sorry.”
- Children: I have children. They go to school, where — against my advice — they interact with other children. Often, they don’t immediately afterward sanitize their hands, face and clothing as I have instructed them. So they have brought home disease.
- I Have angered the French. In comments in my BikeRadar article yesterday, as well as in comments in my own blog, I apparently upset some Frenchfolk (they used to be called “Frenchmen,” but this has recently found to be sexist), who felt I was being really mean by suggesting that one could successfully imitate a Frenchindividual (replacement for the now-out-of-vogue “Frenchman”) by watching Monty Python movies, eating french fries, acting haughty, and acting like winning the Bastille day stage mattered more than anything else in the Tour. In response, the Frenchfolk have compared me to people I have never heard of, used emoticons in an ironic manner, and have cursed me with a cold. Frenchfok, you have bested me and I apologize. Please give me back my health. And please, please, do not taunt me a second time.
- I am, quite simply, sick of Winter. I just want to go outside and ride. The last few months have been a great, snow-filled Winter wonderland, but I’ve had enough.
Still, I went ahead and exercised, for two hours, while watching the only series I could find on DVD at the moment: Tru Calling.
It was the longest two hours of my life. I confess that I was tempted to gouge out my eyes, but I did not.
Could someone please recommend a good TV series — and by good, I mean “action-packed” — to get me through the remainder of the winter?
Anyway, all I wanted to say is that I’m sick, which is why I’m writing this quick two-line post today. Which, obviously, has ballooned into a longish incoherent, rambling rant.
PS: I met my weight loss goal for the week — two pounds, bringing me to 170.4. I only barely made it, though. I probably shouldn’t, but I’m going to make another two-pound goal for next week, and the jackpot goes up to $150.
Comment by SYJ | 02.22.2008 | 12:12 pm
Wow…if this were slashdot, I’d be stoked. To answer your DVD conundrum, I did hear that the smurfs will be coming out on DVD shortly. Also, I’m riding a century in St. George tomorrow. Too bad you’re sick…(I have now guaranteed that I will be rained upon).
Feel better, Fatty!
SYJ
Comment by allan | 02.22.2008 | 12:14 pm
Ever tried The Shield?
Comment by Chris | 02.22.2008 | 12:15 pm
i’m watching heroes now. it only has a season out it think but it is good if you haven’t seen it.
Comment by mocougfan | 02.22.2008 | 12:19 pm
Heroes and Prison Break have gotten me thru the winter thus far (thanks a million Chris). I did a century on my spin bike 2 weeks ago. It sucked. But I watched all 3 Bourne’s. They are good to ride to. C’mon Spring!!!!
Comment by Josh | 02.22.2008 | 12:19 pm
If’n you like cop shows, any of the Law and Order series get me through just about any mind-numbing activity. I don’t ride indoors, though. Good news: there’s approximately 5.3 million hours of episodes.
Also, if’n you like sci-fi, Firefly is fantastic. Bad news: there’s only one season, and you’ll add Fox executives to the hatred you now have for HBO. Everything good gets canceled, while “dancing with the Stars” is held over for an eleventh season.
Comment by Big Bird | 02.22.2008 | 12:24 pm
There were loose ends, sure, but I was satisfied with the Deadwood finale. The show should have ended at Swearengen’s remarks to Johnny, though. Al deserved the last word more than Bullock did.
Comment by dante | 02.22.2008 | 12:25 pm
The shield is deffinately action packed, though if deadwood was your cup of tea, try Rome.
Comment by Chris | 02.22.2008 | 12:26 pm
dude am i drunk on friday morning and don’t know it? sorry ’bout my grammar. the show is heroes. it is good. that is all i had to say.
Comment by craig | 02.22.2008 | 12:29 pm
Ditto Heroes and Firefly. Numb3rs isn’t the most sophisticated TV, but it doesn’t insult your intelligence. If you like your drama depressing then you can’t beat Battlestar Galactica. And Scrubs has gotten me through this long, dark winter.
Comment by Buddah on a Bicycle | 02.22.2008 | 12:32 pm
You silly English kanigit. How dare you taunt the French. Don’t you know that taunting them is now taboo. Besides we’ve all officialy decided that it’s to easy to make fun of them, so pick on someone your own size.
p.s.
If you want to take revenge on them then somehow figure out a way to make sure they never watch Jerry Lewis again.
Comment by TIMK | 02.22.2008 | 12:33 pm
Second the Firefly recommendation – and it at least has a movie to kind of offer some closure. If you haven’t seen Carnivale it has two great seasons out of six (in typical HBO fashion – it got killed). I’ve started Deadwood and did not realize that it was a non-ender as well. I’ve learned some new words while watching it; words I might use to describe those that canceled it. I think I might scream now.
It’s a shame that you upset the French – according to WHO they have ze best Health Care system in ze world and might have helped you with your probl ems.
Comment by fatty | 02.22.2008 | 12:41 pm
firefly recommenders: i should probably have mentioned that susan is Josh Whedon’s biggest fan and we have everything he has ever made. interesting but not surprising that there’s a lot of alignment in our entertainment preferences.
Comment by Sprocketboy | 02.22.2008 | 12:46 pm
Fatty, you should get the Sharpe’s Rifles series on DVD. Netflix has it. Lots of action, and the French are the villains most of the time.
Comment by graisseux | 02.22.2008 | 12:49 pm
The PC term is actually “Frenchies.” Either that or “Cheese-Eating Surrender Monkeys.” I’d call off the viral troops but like I said yesterday, I’m only half French, so I don’t have the authority to undo whatever Frenchy voodoo you’ve been hexed with.
Comment by Sean | 02.22.2008 | 12:51 pm
Has anyone suggested Firefly yet? You should really watch that. Sports Night and both the BBC and US Office are a few of my old standards(Sports Night kind of leaves you hanging as well). My wife and I just got done with Studio 60 and I cannot reccomend it. Starts out very strong and loses it appeal after only a few episodes.
Comment by Kerri | 02.22.2008 | 1:01 pm
Have you tried Alias?
Comment by RubyBlue | 02.22.2008 | 1:04 pm
I am so there with you fatty. May I humbly recommend a tv series which I recently was hooked on. And with 5 exciting seasons to catch up on it should carry you through. Its a amazingly well done British Spy series called MI-5. It will hold your attention so well you will forget that you are riding to no place in particular.
Comment by Gillian | 02.22.2008 | 1:07 pm
I won’t say Firefly again, though that’s the first thing that popped into mind.
Hmm, I hear The Wire is supposed to be awesome? It’s on my list, but I haven’t started it so I can’t personally vouch. Also, Long Way Round (which isn’t going to take you very far . . .) is a neat show about a motorcycle trip around the world. I think you’ve previously mentioned 24 . . . CSI? Good, stupid fun?
Comment by RubyBlue | 02.22.2008 | 1:07 pm
May I also add that I’m in love with Netflix – it is so getting canceled when the sun shines again – but I love having thousands of options to choose from – most of which are not in my local video rental and many which I have never heard of.
Oh yeah – and in British shows they call the French Frogs – If you want to see a great series where the French are portrayed in a manner you would probably enjoy – go for Horatio Hornblower. You don’t even have to watch it in series. It takes place during the Napoleonic wars and they are always going on about how improper the french are. ;)
Comment by GenghisKhan | 02.22.2008 | 1:20 pm
If we are throwin’ in Sci-Fi options, try FarScape. If you like spec-ops, then perhaps The Unit. Or, just watch the Bourne’s back to back to back to back. You should also get the extended editions of the LOTR movies.
Comment by Clydesteve | 02.22.2008 | 1:27 pm
And if you like the Horatio Hornblower series, listen (can’t watch – but 1 movie, which I reccomend: Master & Commander – Far Side of the World), now where was I? Oh yeah – Listen (audio books) to the Aubrey / Matarin book series, Starting with “Master & Commander” by Patrick O’Brian. This series is 20 -1/2 books long, so it has some winter-burning legs. Like Hornblower, it deals with a British Royal Navy sailing ship officer and his friend over the course of some years, including the Napoleonic Wars, but it is far more accurate historical fiction than the Hornblower series, and far better written. I intend to reread the entire series every ten years or so forever!
And, I was going to say Firefly / Serenity, but I guess you already been there. My sons are very high on Heros, as well, but I have not tried it out.
Comment by ou812 | 02.22.2008 | 1:29 pm
The title of your post is “Blurgh”…a really funny series that uses a version of that curse is 30 Rock. They spell it “Blerg” and when Tina Fey says it, it drives my heart rate over my AT!
Anyway, I hate Alec Baldwin, but the show is funny and you can “Watch Instantly” on Netflix.
Comment by Ian | 02.22.2008 | 1:31 pm
You HAVE to watch The Wire. It’s the best TV drama ever, by far, in my opinion.
Comment by Boz | 02.22.2008 | 1:33 pm
Holmes on Homes is da bomb. Everytime he gets mad and calls some shaddy contrator a “dirty bugger”, I do an interval. He just cracks me up.
Also, I second the Bourne movies, along w/ the Mission Impossible series, for some entertaining viewing. Tonite though, it’s the rain soaked Tour of California stage 4 on the DVR.
Comment by Max | 02.22.2008 | 1:33 pm
Try “Numbers”
Comment by Mike Roadie | 02.22.2008 | 1:38 pm
did you see that highlight on SportsCenter the otherday of the college basketball game–that guy went “Blurgh” right there on the court!
Comment by eunicesara | 02.22.2008 | 1:39 pm
Bond, any Bond; any vintage, any haircut, any age. I would say just about any John Travolta musical, but I suddenly had a serious giggle attack thinking of you trying to imitate the infamous white-polyester-finger-pointing stance while on rollers. OOps! “Independence Day.” Randy Quaid has two of the best lines in the whole film.
Or did you want your mind to go as numb as your posterior with series television??
Comment by 331miles | 02.22.2008 | 1:44 pm
When Deadwood ended, there were rumors of an HBO movie that would follow. Don’t know if it was true then, or true now. Series recommendations that have helped me on the trainer: The Shield, Rescue Me, & The Wire (it’s the best).
Comment by GooneyRider | 02.22.2008 | 1:50 pm
Sopranos…though with kids in the house, the language may be a little rough. SNL – Best of Will Farrell.
Comment by Michael S | 02.22.2008 | 1:52 pm
West Wing is pretty enjoyable, although not so action packed.
Comment by Richard | 02.22.2008 | 2:04 pm
Red Dwarf
Comment by Eufemiano Fuentes | 02.22.2008 | 2:05 pm
Colds and the Flu can be a godsend for weightloss.
Right after new years I was sick for 4 days and lost my appetite and 5 pounds.
I took advantage of this stomach shrinking opportunity to eat smaller meals on the rebound and am still dropping the 1.5 # per week I had scheduled for my diet.
I am glass have full kinda guy.
Comment by Whedonfan | 02.22.2008 | 2:09 pm
Fatty, give Buffy the Vampire Slayer a chance. I know, I know..
It *is* well written and a good time. Season one was a little weak but the season long arcs pick up in season two and it’s worth it. Bonus: The series has an actual ending.
Comment by Bluenoser | 02.22.2008 | 2:13 pm
Almost two pounds in two days, really fatty, what did I say. And Hornblower is always at it with the Frenchy types.
And if the movies get boring run them backwards for the fun of it.
Comment by fatty | 02.22.2008 | 2:16 pm
whedonfan – i’ve got all the buffy, and all the angel. and firefly. and serenity.
i’m probably flattering myself undeservedly, but it really pleases me that people who read my blog also trend toward being joss whedon fans. i.e., people like both joss and me because we’re both brilliant, hilarious, and accessible.
Comment by chtrich | 02.22.2008 | 2:18 pm
I hear Alias is excellent.
Comment by JAT in Seattle | 02.22.2008 | 2:20 pm
I was going to recommend Firefly… So I’m now going to recommend Freaks and Geeks. It is not action packed, and there’s only one season, but I believe you’re in the demographic for whom it will be like a (very amusing) car wreck from which you won’t be able to turn away.
May I also recommend the Public Library. If yours is anything like ours it’s a little like NetFlix but with a longer lag time and less selection, but it’s free.
which can be good.
Comment by Lifesgreat | 02.22.2008 | 2:34 pm
I recommend the Horatio Hornblower series too. Dirty Jobs is fun to watch too. Don’t know if it is on DVD.
Spring is on its way, it is about 500 miles west of Utah. I saw it and it is a good thing.
I may have mentioned I am waiting for the possible visit of a stomach virus to hit my family because kiddo visited with and got autographs from a number the (now sick) riders at the Tour of California. At least it would be a famous flu in the cycling world. ;)
Comment by the greg | 02.22.2008 | 2:36 pm
try the “Venture Brothers”. its a cartoon, but it’s action/comedy, and not anime, good ol’ fashioned american toons. if you hate it, so do I. if you like it, i think it’s hilarious. keep it up fats!
Comment by FrenchDude | 02.22.2008 | 2:48 pm
You are forgiven…go to the drugstore and get some TheraFlu. And pick up some deodorant for me…
Comment by judi | 02.22.2008 | 2:57 pm
I assume you have watched all of the Soprano’s? If not, you will love that show. My Mom is watching Six Feet Under and loves it, she says it is funny.
I myself, LOVE The Office though it isn’t action packed.
Good job on the pounds lost Fatty – hope you are feeling better soon.
Comment by Vince | 02.22.2008 | 2:59 pm
Because I haven’t watched TV since Mulder was still on X-Files, I’m no good for modern recommendations. But if you’re into vintage TV, you can’t go wrong with Star Trek TNG (as with some of the other recommendations, there’s not much action) and of course M*A*S*H. I can’t say I’ve ever tried to watch M*A*S*H while riding a bike though, but the series is great no matter what, and I think the dialogue would easily keep you occupied.
Comment by SurlyCommuter | 02.22.2008 | 2:59 pm
Change your tactics. Now you may do all of this already so I apologize in advance if I’m preaching to the choir here. I cannot imagine spending two hours on my trainer – watching anything, listening to anything – so I opt to go brutal, go painful, go cyclo-core/cyclo-zen. The programs hurt like a good long ride, do it in amazing different ways and don’t require you to spend 2 hours at at time on your stationary mind eraser. I just finished several hours worth of suffering, but manage to pack it all into an hour of interval and static yoga work.
Comment by AT | 02.22.2008 | 3:03 pm
LOST. You’ll never be the same.
Comment by Dobovedo | 02.22.2008 | 3:21 pm
The L Word. May not be the kind of action you were thinking of, but there’s plenty of it.
I myself am so sick of winter and ice storms that I came home early and immediately strapped on a feed bag. This after having only removed the office feedbag a half hour earlier. I just don’t give a $@#^. Today is now officially a GARBAGE DAY. Brasstown is 8 weeks away… plenty of time to undo any damage. Pass me the gravy.
Comment by axel | 02.22.2008 | 3:30 pm
kill your television and go snowshoeing or XC skiing.
Comment by ephany | 02.22.2008 | 3:35 pm
I see no one has recommended Dexter. Season one is on DVD and it comes to a conlusion. Action packed? Depends on your definition. Suspensful, brilliantly acted and well written? Check. By the season finale, we were literally squirming on our couch, all stressed out while we waited to see what would happen. It probably would’ve been good to have something to pedal, come to think of it.
I’m going to second the Battlestar rec as well. And add Weeds for comedy I’m pretty sure you’ll relate to. (not work safe).
No kids allowed for any of these shows.
Comment by Robyn | 02.22.2008 | 3:38 pm
FC –
One series I watched this winter was Everest: Beyond the Limit (Discovery Channel). I started out watching with my sister, pausing every 45 seconds or so to discuss how nuts these guys are, but it was some compelling T.V. Have you watched any of the Battlestar Galactica seasons? This series will have a definite ending, a major bonus. I also love the MI-5 (Spooks) series from the UK.
Comment by Robyn | 02.22.2008 | 3:40 pm
I just read the ephany’s recommendations right above mine, and I’m thinking we should get together to watch T.V. The first season of Dexter was great, but the second season BLEW ME AWAY. And Weeds, how could I forget? There was even some action in there…
Comment by Primal | 02.22.2008 | 3:48 pm
Well I’d go with “Band of Brothers” DVD set, if action packed is what you’re after. Starts off a bit slow but when the action takes off it’ll keep you in hte saddle. Rest up and get over the cold, we need you on the keyboard.
Comment by Suzanne | 02.22.2008 | 3:52 pm
I lent my friend my Arrested Development seasons 1 and 2 to use while training indoors. This hilarious sitcom will get you through anything, but you might fall off of your bike laughing. If you like cop shows, there was a good noiresque one called Robbery Homicide Division with Tom Sizemore that was good.
Comment by dawn | 02.22.2008 | 4:14 pm
I’m to lazy to check to see if anyone else suggested it..”Firefly”. It got canceled then made into a movie (Serenity) because the fans complained and said they needed closure.
Comment by judi | 02.22.2008 | 4:16 pm
Oh Oh OH, I forgot to tell you….you should check out http://www.garthmarenghi.com/ it is the cheesiest show ever.
You can check a clip of it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNfQ0ORwSDM
I laugh my ass off when I watch this.
Comment by Dino | 02.22.2008 | 4:28 pm
I like The Deadliest Catch on Discovery. Fisherman in Alaska battle the elements. Its better reality T.V. than all of the made up junk. The Everest series on Discovery was good too. Battlestar Galactica but the best of it still isn’t on DVD (April release of Season 3).
Comment by bret | 02.22.2008 | 4:33 pm
ditto on ‘Spooks’ because it’s ‘24′ with brains.
check out ‘Hustle’ on BBC by the same producer.
Comment by tavis | 02.22.2008 | 4:34 pm
If you don’t mind the bad special effects and sometimes poor acting, Dr. Who is a favorite of mine. The newest 3 seasons are available on DVD, but since they are put out by the BBC, they are crazy expensive. Perhaps netflix has them.
Comment by Couch potato | 02.22.2008 | 4:38 pm
Best series in order:
Rome: Awesome, really a BBC prod with HBO $$$. Very authentic. I know I’ve been there
The Wire: Best EVER miniseries. Just so complicated and authentic. I know I’ve been there.
For the windtrainer: Any cycle racing DVD with Phil & Paul and or Bob Roll. Tours are the best.
I know I’ve met them and been at the Tour de France and the french were very nice to us Anglo Americans. It was the Dutch who were the smelliest, drunkest most obnoxious people in Europe.
If you ever go to the finale of the TdF email me and I’ll tell you which bar to go to for the best view and it sells Newcastle Brown.
Comment by Amit Behere | 02.22.2008 | 4:54 pm
May I go out on a total limb and recommend a real classic named “SledgeHammer” :) Netflix has it.
Comment by Jeremy | 02.22.2008 | 4:59 pm
The Wire is the BEST series on TV. Also try PRIME SUSPECT. Helen Mirron is a beauty.
Comment by BotchedExperiment | 02.22.2008 | 5:05 pm
someone probably already said it, but here goes anyway:
I fart in your general direction.
Comment by Rocky | 02.22.2008 | 5:08 pm
Winter Sucks.
Comment by aussie kev | 02.22.2008 | 5:29 pm
vicar of dibley,the “UK” version of the office and men behaving badly – very funny – you think you have problems with seasons we live in tropical queensland and have had so much rain recently it isnt funny one area had 600 mm in 4 hours !!!! – anyway now the rain has gone, surprise surprise its hot and humid – bring on the winter !!!!!
Comment by MonsieurM | 02.22.2008 | 5:29 pm
Wow, some people lack a sense of humor… I’m french speaking (well, from Canada, not from France so I don’t have a cure for curses) and I found your text funny… As for the series, I know a few good ones… but they’re in french. See my dilemma?
Comment by Duane | 02.22.2008 | 5:36 pm
Is Deadliest catch on DVD? Lots of fun. Those guys are nuts. Farscape, Fire Fly, Shield, Rescue Me all good choices. Can’t go wrong with Heros.
I just watched season one of Jericho. Not bad.
I’m getting ready to watch 21 Jump Street – I don’t know why.
Please stop upsetting the French. I don’t want their to be an international incident. I really don’t want to ever order Freedom Fries again.
Comment by Chris | 02.22.2008 | 5:41 pm
Television Shows: The Wire is great on the trainer. Arrested Development is the funniest television show I have ever seen (also canceled by Fox after only three seasons). Band of Brothers is an amazing WWII miniseries on HBO – VERY action packed. The Office is obviously very funny. If you haven’t seen Scrubs, I’d start from the first season – it’s very funny.
Movies: The Bourne trilogy is simply awesome. Layer Cake is a lesser-known movie with Daniel Craig, but is also awesome. Casino Royal will not disappoint. Live Free or Die Hard is a good action movie.
Comment by cyclingphun.blogspot.com | 02.22.2008 | 5:49 pm
Fatty: May I suggest Bret Michael’s Rock of Love!
OK, so that was just a very, very bad joke. I apologize, please do not get mad. Your not? GOOD! Anyway I am a HUGE fan of 24 (still… even after season 6 sucked, and 7 won’t be out until I’m 80 apparently). TV just sucks now, may I suggest music? Or food Network, yeah, Food Network! Especially ‘Everyday Italian’, Giada De Laurentis is soooo pretty, swoon.
Comment by Marrock | 02.22.2008 | 6:34 pm
Samurai Jack, four seasons on DVD, but, alas, it’s another series with no resolution since Cartoon Network canceled it.
If Akira Kurosawa ever made a cartoon it would be Samurai Jack.
Comment by Thom | 02.22.2008 | 6:50 pm
I’m not sure what’s funniest: your original column, the indignant responses, or your riposte here.
Nee!
Comment by roadrash | 02.22.2008 | 7:17 pm
Ditto the rec from Primal – - Band of Brothers will help the remainder of winter pass quickly. Especially the episodes set around Bastogne.
Comment by PittCheMBA | 02.22.2008 | 8:10 pm
Try watching one season of 24, but watch all 24 episodes in a row without going to sleep. You are allowed food and potty breaks.
Comment by Duane | 02.22.2008 | 9:55 pm
I like the idea of 24 straight through – but If Jack can go 24 hrs w/o eating or hitting the can – the viewer should do the same.
Think of it as training for an adventure race.
Comment by Dino | 02.22.2008 | 11:09 pm
You could watch last years TDF and scream obscenties anytime a French official is on, they mention doping, or bring up Floyd Landis. But then you have to stop watching when Rasmussen gets pulled from the race cause thats when the race really ended.
Comment by DOM | 02.23.2008 | 1:14 am
In case you’ve never seen this…
http://ivman.com/fp-frknife.html
Comment by Orbea Girl | 02.23.2008 | 2:22 am
I’m an Englishwoman who’s lived(and worked) in France for the past 3 years. Frankly, I find the French charming and absolutely adore living and cycling here. I’ve cashed in a few of my brownie points and asked them to lift the curse on you. In turn you have to promise not to make fun of the French – can you do that?
Comment by Anonymous | 02.23.2008 | 5:39 am
Try the series Jeremiah. Was on Showtime
Comment by barry1021 | 02.23.2008 | 5:58 am
well I was going to send you Firefly for free, but you have it. I only know Joss Whedon so I am no help. If you haven’t done the Buffy and Angel thing yet, it will suck you in, its great for the rollers.
And winter does suck. Please don’t tell me to take up skiing, I don’t wanna. I wanna ride my bike. Now i have to go out and clean my driveway again. Hey Fatman, here’s an idea. You have a jillion readers now. We have donated to good causes and bought stuff. WHy don’t we have a contest every year where we raise enough money to retire one reader each year? Pull the name out of a hat, and we all send the person enough money that they don’t have to work any more. Of course older people need less, so they should have more chance to win. And since its my idea, I should go first…..just to make sure it works OK, I mean.
b21
Comment by SteveKinAThens | 02.23.2008 | 7:01 am
Ever watch the Alias series?
Comment by scank | 02.23.2008 | 7:44 am
Whilst training, how about learning to speak another language on an interactive dvd? maybe French!
Comment by jarocco | 02.23.2008 | 7:59 am
Thanks for starting the “whats good to watch while training discussion”. I went to Netflix and added some of the suggested films and series. I would only concur with what others have said. The Wire (just finished rewatching 2nd season)has to be the best cop show ever. Six Feet Under is great too but not a whole lot action. Can be very funny.
Winter sucks. I live in Southern Wisconsin. We had a record season snowfall this year. I have snow and ice on my back patio that’s been there since December despite several puny efforts on my part to remove it. My Weber gas grill has a huge dent in the cast iron cover from a block of ice I forced off my roof during one of the brief thaw periods. Everytime I look out the window I want to hit somebody. Then I go down and get on the bike, turn on Sports Center or Tru TV and, at least for an hour, all is right with the world.
Viruses (Viri?): Just got over a cold. Took exactly 7 days. All I can say is you have my sympathy. I used Mucinex-D which controlled the symptoms but NOTHING will take away the 7 day process you must go through.
Comment by Megan Callahan | 02.23.2008 | 8:53 am
I second the Lost recommendation. My boyfriend rides and I got him into it last year. We both think it is completely addictive and now there are 3 seasons on DVD (each episode is 42 minutes so you can do 2 or 3 per ride).
Comment by FlatsMan | 02.23.2008 | 8:53 am
Fatty, don’t wanna rub it in but I’m a Brit who lives in SOUTH FLORIDA, there that did it. Made you feel better ?
Just got back from a 60 mile flat ride with an 80 + peleton on my new Ibis Silk. Great bike.
It’s going to hit 85+ this afternoon, but don’t worry we have the AC on.
Anyway U don’t have to raise money for me to move to a warm spot I am already here. So are about 2 mil Cubans and assorted S Americans, Jamaicans and other Carib. persons, who are the world’s worst drivers.
Every where has it’s good and bad aspects. We are flat, you have hills. We have heat and hurricanes you have spring, fall and snow for 4 months. You have awesome scenery we have the butt in front every ride.
We never stop pedalling you can coast down hills. You have climbs we have eternal wind always in your face. We can only understand what every third rider says, you can converse easily.
So stay safe, warm and dry on your windtrainer until spring.
Comment by DougG | 02.23.2008 | 9:04 am
For comedy…try Corner Gas if you can get it. I’m not sure if we’re allowed to export to the States from Canada though. May give away some of our country secrets about how we’re going to be taking over the U.S.A!
Comment by Roberta | 02.23.2008 | 10:14 am
Personally I like Dead Like Me, but there were only two seasons.
Comment by kenny | 02.23.2008 | 11:12 am
I have all three seasons of Lost, if you want to borrow them.
Comment by Kenny's neice | 02.23.2008 | 12:27 pm
Have you ever watched Lost? If you haven’t, watch it. It is amazing. I love it. I am addicted. I will never be quiet the same after watching this series. although it is confusing, it is the best.
then again, everyone has seen lost, or atleas heard of it. you are no one if you have not heard of lost.
I must fix the shift buttion on my keyboard.
*mumble mumble mumble*
Comment by Alaskan Dave Down Under | 02.23.2008 | 12:52 pm
Red Green! Either that, or you could get a winterized mtb and move to Fairbanks for a few months to train.
Comment by Boz | 02.23.2008 | 1:06 pm
Duane – 24 is fake. Kiefer Sutherland can’t go 24 hours without getting a DUI. How come he can stop terrorist but can’t escape jail time for drunk driving? I ain’t watchin’ anymore.
Comment by Tim D | 02.23.2008 | 1:49 pm
Topgear. If you like fast cars, daft challenges and gentle British humour, it can’t be bettered.
Comment by tobeistobex | 02.23.2008 | 2:09 pm
I went though all 9 seasons of the x-files, Futurama, and Twin Peaks this winter. Net-flix and the library (has all the x-files) saved me this winter.
Comment by BellasTrix | 02.23.2008 | 2:16 pm
Have you tried watching House on Fox? It’s not action packed, but it is pretty interesting sometimes, Hugh Laurie is great in it. I would tell you what I have been watching all winter, but I live in warm and toasty Las Vegas. I could go swimming right now if I wanted. Sorry, that wasn’t really helpful ;-)
Comment by bikefodder | 02.23.2008 | 2:28 pm
Second the Dexter recommendation, solid show. Band of Brothers also is very good stuff. It’s tough cause on the trainer you want action, but not a lot of talky stuff to slow you down, but tv always shows it’s budget in that it’s cheaper to talk than blow things up. Look for mindless action movies instead of TV
So when is Nerflix going to start carrying World Cycling Production DVDs? I have vcr tapes of 90’s racing and watched the ‘97 Giro. Those big tours are cool to watch because you can do sprints when they line up the sprint stages and on the climbs try to stand up and sit down in time to one of the riders up front. Hurts but makes it a lot easier to push yourself on the trainer. And the pre Lance ones are much more interesting since different people tend to win them each year. Actually check that they do have some of the tour and one of the giro, but they are the newer ones.
Comment by cyclingphun.blogspot.com | 02.23.2008 | 7:43 pm
How the heck did I forget Dr Who. Old Dr Who VERY good, new Dr Who good, the in between Dr Who from about 5 years or so ago… not so good. The original ones rule!
Comment by lt col tim | 02.23.2008 | 11:56 pm
mst2000!
Comment by Chris in Boulder | 02.24.2008 | 9:43 am
Previous post, you mean MST3000, Mystery Science Theatre 3000. Someone early mentioned French Language DVDs, I recommend ‘French in Action’. Time to get ready for the Tour!
We can ride outside in Boulder today so I’m off…
Comment by Monkeyontherun | 02.24.2008 | 2:03 pm
I’m going to agree with the others in recommending The Shield. It’s the first thing I thought of while reading this post.
Comment by SYJ | 02.24.2008 | 7:25 pm
OK, so I did jinx myself. I had to drive through a Blizzard on my way to St. George. The ride was cold and rainy and muddy – my riding buddies and I bailed after 50 miles. I just spent an hour cleaning my bike. And I flatted 3 times (while riding, not cleaning). I will never make fun of sick bloggers again.
SYJ
Comment by AndyS | 02.25.2008 | 1:46 am
The Wire. You must start with season 1. You will thank us when you finish.
Comment by calli | 02.25.2008 | 7:21 am
definitely try out Lost. i’ve gotten scores of friends addicted to it
Comment by Jen | 02.25.2008 | 10:46 am
A second on Red Dwarf (must start at beginning), Vicar of Dibley, Chef — all British shows I first saw on PBS. Chef you might like if you can find it, funny although it seemed to go off the tracks at the end.
I started LOST but am waiting to find out if it actually ends before I waste that much of my life on it. I really liked Battlestar Gallactica. (sniff for firefly, but the movie, wtf … the death really pissed me off)
ALIAS is definitely fun in the spy realm. Old James BOnd if you haven’t seen them recently.
Another vote for Layer Cake. Also, Hot Fuzz.
Comment by rachael | 02.25.2008 | 10:59 am
LOST… someone mentioned you will never be the same and you won’t. it’s highly addictive. ask brent about it.
Comment by KT | 02.26.2008 | 12:43 pm
I was gonna read all the comments– but it hit 100, and I got lazy.
Yes on Firefly and Serenity– as lots of other people have said.
Here’s something people probably haven’t suggested, though:
Find ALL SEASONS of the BBC’s Top Gear. Do not watch the “toned down for the Americans” version they show on BBC-A, go download the original versions. Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May are brilliant, and they get up to some seriously awesome hi-jinks.
:) My favorites are when they each have to purchase a car for a certain amount of money and then run “tests” on them to prove their suitability– like, running them into a concrete wall head-on. While driving them. At 35 mph, except Jeremy’s speedometer doesn’t work and he hits the barrier at 40+ and breaks his thumb.
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