Alton Brown at Google

It's been around awhile, but while there are repeats running, why not catch up on some Authors@Google events. Finally saw Alton Brown's recent trip to the Google campus for his Good Eats: The Later Years book tour. Those Googlers sure have some interesting questions. 

Which reminds me, I only have the first Good Eats book - I got to add the others on the "to buy" list at some point.

The Closer leak... who could it be?

Just saw the winter finale of The Closer. Not a bad episode. Don't really remember how the FBI have a claim to the (literally) shot-calling rich guy that Fritz arrested. I probably should've seen that coming - that a) she wouldn't be so dumb to go by herself, and b) but also not with her team or at least Raydor (who seems to be on her side and also looking into the leak situation).

If you've been watching, you would know that Chief Johnson has a new nemesis this season in the form of skeezy lawyer Goldman, who's taking her down at first for the death of the gangbanger from the previous season to (now) the grey area confessions that we've all seen over the years in a federal suit.

I like how The Closer is going out with a bang, not with a whimper. Viewers are hit with the "leak in the division" and the "retribution" plot twists to keep us watching and speculating as to how it will all pan out. The long hiatus until NEXT summer for the last 6 episodes will kill fans (not literally, but you know what I mean) who are dying to find out who the leak is. When that happens and we watch the entire season again, it would probably make more sense then.

I know I'm not the first person to speculate about this on the Interwebs, but here's a summary of what I've read:

• Most to gain: Pope and Taylor, particularly Taylor as his career has gotten a little stagnant since she came in. Pope - to solidify his post as Chief of Police. But that's too easy and obvious, even as per Occam's Razor.
• Left field guesses: Fritz, Buzz and Gabriel - Fritz, in order to protect her as her husband; Buzz and Gabriel from their discomfort about the way she got those confessions over the years. 
• Rest of the squad (Tao, Sanchez, et al) - not likely, but you never know..

I'm not sure if anyone else had put this forward, but these would be my hats in that ring:

• Flovenza: Based on what they would do for a little more money on the side...
• Raydor: I know she's being all nice and supportive towards Brenda and all, but wouldn't it ruin Major Crimes, the spinoff?

Then there's the matter of how the show would end - if she survived the federal lawsuit, would she quit or retire to take care of her sick father (as she had mentioned already having plans to go back to Atlanta if that were to happen)? I don't know.

I hope that my mind is blown when they finally expose the leak, or I would be seriously disappointed that we've been kept in suspense for so many months for such a shitty payoff.

Theories in the comments section please, and thank you :)

Daniel Radcliffe on SNL? HOLY COW!

Daniel Radcliffe is hosting SNL! Holy shit!

It's already borderline creepy that I have a thing for the guy even though he's younger than yours truly (not that  much okay, 5 years is nothing compared to other celebrity age gaps). Him doing SNL after Potter is not a bad move to make... I'm pretty sure there has been Potter-related SNL sketches that I'm forgetting about.

While I usually don't sit through entire episodes of SNL (it depends on who's hosting) and would read the recaps afterwards, but I'll find a way to watch this one after January 14th. 

I'm hoping for at least ONE Potter joke in there somewhere, or I would be a little disappointed. Or a "surprise" appearance from one of the Potter castmates. I don't know. One can only guess. 

*Makes note in calendar*

Related articles

• Daniel Radcliffe to host 'SNL' (insidetv.ew.com)

Originals the Webseries (TRAILER)

[From the inbox] 

From a writer of “The Office” comes “Originals,” a new web series about two young, wannabe television producers who are struggling to think of an original comedy show concept. Created by Anthony Farrell (The Office) and Brett Heard (Fresh Baked) and sponsored by McDonald’s Canada, the mini-sitcom is fresh and definitely original.

Here's the trailer...

I can understand the struggle to come up with an original comedy sitcom concept - Why do you think there are so many crime busting shows on TV?

If there's one thing I know now is that Canada has McCafe. And the bespectacled guy sorta kinda reminds me of Michael Rosenbaum whenever he's not on Smallville.

New episodes are available every Tuesday and Thursday through December on the “Originals” Facebook Page: http://facebook.com/OriginalsTheSeries

Coldplay at The X Factor 2011 Live Final

I don't always remember to watch every single time Coldplay performs on TV (made much easier thanks to YouTube), but I try to when I remember. Once you've seen the first few, you pretty much have seen them all. And they've hit most of the major places on both sides of the Atlantic to plug their album - talk shows (Letterman, Kimmel...), SNL, Colbert Report, The Jonathan Ross Show, etc etc. Take your pick.

Here's a video of them doing both current singles (Paradise and Charlie Brown) from Mylo Xyloto on The X-Factor (UK)'s finale show. What I found mind blowing was all the lights in the audience blinking along to the music. 

Reminders to self:

1. At least learn the lyrics to Charlie Brown before I attempt to sing along like a maniac.
2. Bring HUGE garbage bag to collect as many of those paper butterflies as I possibly can next time I see them on tour.

A Krampus Carol by Anthony Bourdain

Apparently this little short did not make it on the No Reservations holiday special, which in the past would mean that we, the hoi polloi, would never see it unless it's a DVD extra or something like that. Thanks to the interwebs, it will be there until kingdom come. I won't be the first to say that it is a little creepy. Watch at your peril.

Apart from that, saw the rest of the holiday special. Worth watching, there's even a Samantha Brown (who I don't watch as she's too bubbly for my liking) appearance towards the end.

"Little Bad Guy" featuring Rubik's Cube

I've never solved a Rubik's Cube, like ever. It is not something I pick up to play with for any reason. I don't even understand why was it a hot thing back in its day. But I will give props to people who do it with ease. That said, here's a Funny or Die video featuring a Rubik's Cube, which I thought was stupid hilarious. Enjoy!

Detectives Tanner and McGloin have gotten themselves into big trouble with a little package. Will they be able to foil a puzzling scheme by their arch nemesis Little Bad Guy? “Little Bad Guy” by Funny or Die features the world famous Rubik's Cube, the world's top-selling puzzle game. Check out the video below:

Think you have what it takes to solve the Rubik’s Cube? join the Rubik’s community on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/YouCanDoTheRubiksCube

Kristen Schaal plays the Sony Xperia PLAY

While I don't hate Kristen Schaal, but I can't call myself a huge fan either. But I didn't know she has geek cred..

Kristen Schaal is back again to show you the new Sony Xperia PLAY! Last time she asked you to create a Minecraft shrine, and now she's here to show you Lady Cop Kristen, and thinks she can face off against Major League Gamer, Tsquared. Kristen also attempts to be a Sniper, which doesn't end so smoothly.. you'll just have to watch the videos to find out!

The Sony Xperia PLAY is a smartphone that offers a 1Ghz SnapDragon processor and gaming keypad optimized for all of your mobile gaming needs. Play Battlefield: Bad Company 2, 9mm, or any of the other 150+ games available on the go, from the tips of your thumbs. Check out the official Xperia PLAY site for more information: http://bit.ly/gZNmlE