News Round-Up!

Sorry for the lack of posts folks. The internet is down so I'm writing from the Student Union. I feel very collegiate.

Let's do a news round-up to get back in the swing of things shall we?

• Everyone is still reeling over the loss of Tim Russert. His empty chair during yesterday's Meet The Press spoke volumes. His son Luke spoke to Matt Lauer on The Today Show this morning. Luke's passion will be a fitting living tribute of his father's best work.
  

• Got an idea for a reality show? This is your chance to get it on the air...seriously!

• Gawker put together a collection of the best Family Guy news clips. These are the last vestiges of what used to be a very funny TV show.
  

• Angelina Jolie's papa, Jon Voight, was just cast as the villain on the next season of 24. Here's hoping he just reprises his role as Coach Kilmer from Varsity Blues.
  

• The Office spin-off is moving forward...for better or worse...and the first cast member was announced last week. Aziz Ansari is a great comedian best known for his work on MTV's Human Giant. You can check out Ansari's personal site here.
  

• And in case you missed this last week (sorry if edubTV is your only source of TV news), Tila Tequila thinks her ridiculous show garnered awareness for the LGBT community in California, thus pushing the civil-union decision forward. There are no words for just how ridiculous that is.
  

Cleveland Rocks!

I watched the trailer for the new Family Guy spin-off The Cleveland Show this afternoon. You can take a peak as well right here.

I can't really tell which characters are real and which were just Family Guy inspired jokes. Will Cleveland really live next door to a family of bears? Am I an idiot for asking? Am I supposed to understand how the Seth McFarland universe works or just accept it?

But you know what saved the whole thing? The little ditty Cleveland sang at the end. I don't know if it's the theme song, but if anything from this ridiculous trailer gets kept, that's it.

I'm cautiously optimistic. I will root for this show because:

1. That damn song is so catchy.
2. I always liked Cleveland.
3. I support shows with strong minority leads. If I have to take them animated form, then so be it.

How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying

Seth Macfarlane, the twisted brain behind Family Guy, American Dad and the new Family Guy Spinoff (The Cleveland Show), just signed a massive deal with 20th Century Fox. When I say massive, I'm not exaggerating. Seriously ridiculous. 

Macfarlane is set to make $100 Million between now and 2012  for writing and producing his current animated docket and an upcoming live-action show. 

Learn from this people: You too can make an excess of $25 Million a year for coming up with crass humor and weak plots...and this from a fan. 

Seth Macfarlane is now the highest paid writer-producer in television, and a lot of people would argue that he's not even very funny. 

Funny or not, the man is successful. If nothing else he is a master of raunchy jokes, timing, negotiation and luck.