I AM Casey: September 2009

New Shows, Returning Favorites and a Few Things That Didn't

Require a Remote Control That Made My September Super

1. Glee

Obsessed.

'Nuff said.

2. Modern Family

Not since my beloved Bluths, has a fictional family so instantly found a place in my heart (one episode to be exact)... and a spot in my crowded Must See TV line-up. The show centers around three families which are interrelated through Jay Pritchett, his son Mitchell Pritchett and his daughter Claire Dunphy. The acting and the writing is superb. The Pritchett clan puts the fun in dysfunctional! Families may or may not be forever, let's just hope this one stays around for seasons to come!

3. Michael C. Hall

as Dexter Morgan

I'd like to officially take back anything negative that I initially said about Season 3 of Dexter. Yes, it took a little longer than the previous two seasons to suck me in, but it eventually happened. This is one of the most addicting shows on television, thanks in no small part to it's amazing lead actor. Michael C. Hall is sooo bloody good as the serial killer you hate to love. I can't wait to see how will he balance his new family responsibilities and his 'extracurricular' activities in Season 4.
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4. Ride Aware

Billboard Campaign

I love this public service campaign and its billboards that are scattered throughout the valley. First and foremost the design is superb and very eye-catching. And of course bikers on motorcycles always catch my eye! Kudos to the design team that came up with it!

5. Wish-Bone Ranch

Salad Spritzer

The lunch of choice this month was my delicious (homemade) grilled chicken salads. (Yes, this is considered cooking in my house.) Throw in some green lettuce, a few extra veggies, some almonds, chicken and then spritz. This product made eating healthier that much easier at only 2 calories per pump. Bon Appetite!

6. Réalité

There are no two bigger pop-culture junkies than Michael Slezak and Kristen Baldwin. The Entertainment Weekly writers/on air personalities first won my heart with their Internet show Idolatry, where they hash all things American Idol. (Wildly entertaining, even if you're not an A.I. fan!) Well good news, their new show Réalité debuted this month, and will re-cap our favorite reality TV show guilty pleasures (See: #15). Tune in. I will be!

7. Frankmusik

Over the past year I've been spewing copious amounts of love to the British song birds, ala Adele, Kate Nash, Little Boots and Lily Allen-- it was by time that a chap got some attention too. (You know, to keep James Morrison company on the Love List). His latest electropop album "Complete Me" has been in heavy rotation on my i-Pod. (Thanks Nike, for turning me on to him, and thanks Frankmusik for just turning me on. Musically speaking, of course!) [My other favorite song: Here.]

8. The Office, The Office & The Office*

*Season 6 on NBC /

Season 5 on DVD /

Older Seasons Now in Syndication

America's favorite paper-pushers are taking over the world, one ream of paper at a time! Long live Michael, Dwight, Jim, Pam, Ryan, Stanley, Kevin, Angela, Phyllis, Meredith, Kelly, Creed, Oscar, Toby, Andy, Darryl, Jan, Holly, Bob Vance and company. Dunder Mifflin Forever!

9. Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

with Fresh Wheat Tortilla Chips

from Whole Foods

Go ahead admit it, your stomach is growling right now... or is that just mine?

10. Community

Love Lister alumni Joel McHale's new sitcom shows great promise and is a perfect fit with the other Thursday night NBC comedies that I love so much. If it weren't for that blasted Modern Family on ABC, it would have been my ranked as favorite non-musical-set-in-a-high-school-TV-show of the season. But come to think of it, this is my favorite sitcom set on a community college campus. Well done Mr. McHale!

11. Surya and Rosco‏

This video could be the cutest thing that I have ever posted. Who would have ever guessed that a orangutan and a hound dog would form such an instant bond. CLICK HERE to see the animal kingdom's BFF's in action! On the count of three..... Awwwwe!!! See the world IS a better place when we put aside our differences and just get along!
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12. He Wolf

I was on the fence with Shakira's new single She Wolf, but it definitely grew on me over time. The song is surprisingly catchy. Her video is fantastically over the top (I totally dig the twitchy dancing!) but it was 19-year-old Andrew Foster's exact shot-for-shot recreation that took it to a whole 'notha level, earning it Love List status. To fully appreciate watch Shakira's original version FIRST followed by Andrew's AFTER. [Slightly NSFW]

13. Season 3 of 30 Rock on DVD

I could include NBC's 30 Rock each and every month, but I should at least have a good reason. And this month I do! Three shiny discs of comedy gold as Season 3 came out on DVD. Ripe for repeat viewings until next month when the new season debuts. I have a feeling the folks of "T.G.S. with Tracy Jordan" will be back in October. Just a hunch. Consider it a sneak preview!

14. Emmy Host Extraordinaire

Neil Patrick Harris

The most charming and loveable actor in Hollywood rocked as Emmy host this year and he deserved all the praise he's received. What do you say Neil-- same time, same place next year?

15. ANTM Photo Shoots

This reality competition to be America's. Next. Top. Model. is and will will forever be my guiltiest pleasure. I don't know what it is that has me tuning in cycle after cycle. (Maybe Tyra cast a spell on me with her "Super Smize".) One thing I do know is I love the photo shoots. The hair, makeup, costumes and set design rock the creativity to the max. My favorite to date was the graveyard/seven deadly sins shoot a few years ago. So yes, I am an ANTM Junkie and proud. Plus I've created a drinking game that might just catch on. Take a shot every time Tyra (or anyone of Her minions) talk about herself. Liquor sales will go through the roof. The economy will soar. And Tyra Banks really will have saved the world. Bow down to Queen Tyra!

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

4 Generations...

Love List: September Edition...

Thursday, September 24, 2009

My 25 Favorite Childhood TV Shows...