Death in Real Life

Cancer has taken another person i've known since childhood. This time it was the first neighbor I remember. He helped my mom put my swingset together when my dad "real" dad wasn't there and was very fond of my family. Ironically, my (step)dad went over to his house to visit him today. He went on his own, without my mom or anyone and I am glad he did. I wonder what the death of his friend feels like for him. I know what it feels like for me. It hurts but I am relieved that he is no longer in pain. I feel regret too because I didn't get over to see him in time. I'm glad I communicated at all but should have gone. I feel sadness because I am reminded of the last time I lost someone to this disease. I do wonder though what it feels like now for my dad because the fact that he was over there today meant that he cared more than I would have thought he really cared about anything. I feel bad that my dad lost his friend.

Harry is someone I haven't seen often recently but was someone who was there for the important events. He and his wife were a special couple because I always enjoyed being with both of them. Usually I favor one half of a couple more than the other but not in this case.

If you're still reading about this stranger, it may be because you can relate. If there is someone you haven't seen lately but have meant to, just take the time. That hour it seems you just don't have will be spent later thinking about them when it could have been used wisely in their company.

Death at a Funeral

Death at a Funeral is a very funny film by Frank Oz (Bowfinger, In & Out, What About Bob?). British comedy suits this Brit who though British himself has ventured mostly in American film and television.

At times hilarious, Death at a Funeral marries dry humor with a little of the immature drug and bathroom humor audiences seem to love and it's really perfect. The overall story is the patriarch of a slightly dysfunctional family dies leaving behind a little secret that appears the day of his funeral.

I say definitely check this one out!

Fall TV

Where did the summer go? Where did most of September go? It flew by for me and I can't believe the new television season is coming up so soon. Some shows have already started and I don't even have my TIvo queue cleared from last season. I'll have to dedicate a weekend to that soon!

Anyway, here's what I'm looking forward to this season:

Back to You: Kelsey Grammer is back in a sitcom for the first time since my favorite show, Frasier, ended several years back. I've missed Kelsey and can't wait for the debut. Look for this one, also starring Patricia Heaton, starting the 19th at 9pm on FOX. In addition to Kelsey and Heaton, Fred Williard stars as well and for me he is always a delight.

Curb Your Enthusiasm: I've put the word out to my friends with HBO that I need to catch this show and so far so good. I just finished watching the first episode of this season and Larry David is as outrageous as ever. The problem with the show is it makes me so uncomfortable that I can't even quote my favorite line from the episode here. It was great though.

Tell Me You Love Me: HBO's newest drama is sexy and sad and delicious and another reason I might need to make an investment in expanding my cable package. I caught the first episode and it was such a well done, real show that I know if anything I'm grabbing the DVD's as soon as they're out. It is about sex and love and how theyir affect on several couples. If you can, try it once and tell me you love it!

The Office: The NBC hit show is still a fav of mine and I really, really want to know what is next for Jim and Pam (aka "Jam"), and Dwight and Michael too. If you need a fix before the season starts, check out the Summer Vacation webisode available online now. It's worth the 2 minutes.

Brothers and Sisters: Sally Field and Calista Flockhart only begin to tell this ABC drama's story. A strong cast and several intriguing storylines brought this show back for a 2nd season. Rob Lowe was a mid-season addition to the cast and a very welcome one. The Walkers are a cool family with as much right about them as is wrong and I feel at home with them every Sunday evening.

Private Practice: In all honesty, I don't have much hope for this Grey's Anatomy spin-off but I do have a feeling that I'll enjoy it as long as it lasts. Addison Shepard became my favorite Grey's character and I am disappointed that she's left the show but if her move to L.A. pans out well, Practice will be a welcome regular on my Tivo line-up. Tim Daly and Taye Diggs make the show all the more appealing.

Big Shots: More comebacks to network television come with Dylan McDermott and Michael Vartan when they return to ABC in a new drama series. I haven't seen a preview, only a print ad in People magazine but with those two guys the storyline won't much matter to me for at least the first week.

I have not watched tv all summer which is why I still have to catch up on last season but I have a feeling that my reduced watching will soon come to an end as the seasons start again. There are many more shows I'm looking forward to but above are my top picks for good viewing this fall.

Set up your Season Passes and cancel your prime time plans. This season on every major network looks promising.