4.12.2006

It's Official

Musky's long stated observation of my TV viewing habits is correct. I was watching TLC (the channel) the other night. First show on was "Honey, we're killing the kids." A nutritionist looking like a meaner version of Lorraine Bracco shows parents that if they continue to let kids eat ice cream and fried foods ALL DAY LONG, they're probably not going to turn out well. And by the way, if you want to see something scary, check out Lorraine Bracco in "The Graduate" if that ghastly combination ever reappears.

But I digress. The truly interesting thing is that they'll apparently be fashion challenged and (I swear they put this in) have their glasses held together by tape a la "Revenge of the Nerds." The entertainment value was provided by the 12 year old son. His trauma at not having a TV in his room, not eating the sushi he wanted, etc. etc. was really funny. "I'm NEVER TALKING TO MOM AGAIN." "THIS ISN'T FAIR." "AS SOON AS I AM 18 I AM SO OUT OF HERE."

Next up? "Shalom in the Home." I have to tell you, this was a great show. This was the premiere and it was full of drama, emotion, reconciliation and goofiness. The premise is that a rabbi treks around the country counseling people. This episode surrounded a family ruined when the husband cheated on the wife and they divorced. There was a moment early on when the former husband and wife were sitting in Rabbi Shmuley's trailer talking about the aggressiveness in their kids, and the fact that one of their daughters was having sex. You could see how pained the parents were. And you could tell how much they still cared for each other.

As I was telling DearWife how incredible the show was, she started to object. "How is this different than Dr. Phil?" Well, those are fighting words. I consider Dr. Phil to be the spawn of satan. Excuse my hyperbole here, but I hate Dr. Phil and his media mentor with a passion. Dr. Phil busted out of private practice and moved on where he could get cash money - advising large clients on how to stack the jury in their favor. He then hooked up with the evil overlord when she was sued by the Texas beef coalition (whatever the hell they're called).

I consider Dr. Phil to be significantly worse than Springer or anyone else. He has the gall to go on stage and talk about how he wants to help people, when it seems to me that he is only motivated my cash money.

So when DearWife challenged me, I had to think. First of all, Shmuley spends a week with each family. So he is actually there interacting with the family for an extended period of time. Second, it appears to me that (at least based on this one show) he is truly motivated by morality and helping people, and not just a cold lust for money.

After reading up on him, I find him pretty fascinating. He's a pretty complex guy. I really enjoyed his interview with Jewish playmate Lindsey Vuolo. He spends the time debating her into a corner where she seems to be almost obligated to answering his questions in a way that subverts Playboy and her decision to model for it. He also isn't afraid to self promote his books and ask for money supporting his blog.

Anyway, "Shalom in the Home" is now on my season pass list. I just hope Shmuley doesn't disappoint me and turn into just another spawn of satan.


*Note - Why doesn't blogger's spell check recognize the word 'blog'?

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I totally agree with you about Dr. Phil and Oprah.

Anonymous said...

I just found the piece on Shelby. She was the sweetest, gentlest and most regal looking dog I've ever seen. I loved her and will miss her.

Anonymous said...

Hmm, no cable. But skimmed the link you provided on Shalom.

Doink! Now I see the spell check icon on blogger . . .

I don't think "blog" has been approved as a real word yet . . . ergo, the dictionary database does not recognize it -

Woodchuck said...

Furry little woodland creatures have a way of making someone go missing and you will never find the body......heheheheh

Dr. Phil is on the list....

Stay out of the forest, be afraid...be very afraid....

Anonymous said...

hmmmm, was looking for comments on the fishing trip . . .