Blink-182 trounce Britney

A change in the wind direction? A reverse in the Earth's gravitational pull? A shift in the Matrix? How else would you explain the fact that regardless of two prime time specials and a publicity blitzkrieg that saw her on every major talk show over the past two weeks, that Britney Spears was beat out for the number one spot in Canada by the new album from Blink-182? It's true, it's true. Blink-182's "Blink-182" saw 31,400 copies fly out of Canadian stores in the first week, 100 more copies than the 31,300 sold of Britney Spears' "In The Zone". Britney's last album debuted in Canada with 44,500 copies in 2001.

The story in the US was a bit better for Spears who debuted at the top of the charts with 609,300 copies sold, while Blink-182 came in at spot three on sales of 313,100. Perhaps a sticker on Canadian copies stating "Featuring the hit song where Britney sings about masturbating" would assist sales?

Jon Stewart trounces Bullard

In a move that should surprise nobody, Mike Bullard's debut on Canwest Global has been less than perfect. In fact, by Tuesday night Bullard had 54,000 viewers compared to an average of 130,000 on CTV before his move. Making matters worse was the fact that a rerun of 'The Daily Show with Jon Stewart', now occupying Bullard's old time slot, snagged 208,000 viewers on the same night. The bad news isn't done yet - the previous Tuesday Global had pulled in 55,000 viewers to catch 'Entertainment Tonight'.

Fingers seem to be pointed squarely at Global, who outside of some on-network commercials barely seemed to promote the Bullard show. Monday's launch came free of billboards or print ads in any major newspapers. Meanwhile, 'The Daily Show' launched two weeks earlier at 11:59PM (Bullard starts at 12:06PM) with a hammering of promotion that left nobody unaware of Stewart's arrival on a major Canadian network.

SPOILERS: Survivor 7, Week 10

There comes a time when I'll have to get one of these boot-offs wrong, and this just might be the week. There are too many options, and I'm just going to pick the spoiler I like best. Don't click if you don't want to know, in case I happen to fluke into 12-0..

REWARD CHALLENGE
Ah, the infamous Reward Challenge. All week our previews and promos have hinted at the "biggest lie ever told" and blah, blah, blah - although it appears it may not be all hyperbole this time around. Episode 10 brings us our Family Reward Challenge, where friends and family make the long trek to the island to win the chance to spend time with their loved one right before they get kicked off anyways. People who wonder how I know stuff will happen - I knew Rupert would get booted last week after it was revealed by someone with access that Rupert's wife had arrived in Panama with the other friends/family, but sent home earlier than the others. The reason? Nobody to meet up with on the island. Anyways, I digress. The biggest lie ever told should help Jon get the sympathetic reward, even if he doesn't win things the old fashioned way. It should also help him stay at least another three days or more. That lie? Expect his friend to inform him of the untimely death of his grandmother, causing tears and.. well.. the best lie ever told. Go Jon go!

IMMUNITY CHALLENGE
The old-fashioned "RAOD TRIP" challenge returns where the Survivors must, ultimately, spell a bunch of really long words like "SLAVE" - correctly, even - pitted against one another. We're promised the first ever stripping of Immunity, and since the previews show Sandra with her hands heaved in the air like she just hit the jackpot, closely followed with Sandra in solemn reflection, we can assume she's the guilty party. I would presume Sandra is declared winner, it is discovered she is not the winner, and Christa edges Lillian to win it for real.

BOOT OFF
Rumours abound, and it is believed one of Burton, Christa, or Tijuana will go tonight. I've given Immunity to Christa, which leaves me with two choices. An advanced promo for next week's episode can be believed or not, and I'll choose to believe it. That promo features what sounds like Christa stating "I'm feeling very ... alone", and Burton yelling. That leaves one. Tijuana bids adieu, leaving only one Morgan left.

Third 'CSI'; Fourth 'Law & Order' On the Way?

If at first you don't succeed, rip yourself off (again). It would appear CBS is looking to go back to the well for a third rendition of their popular 'CSI' franchise, now boasting shows set in Las Vegas and Miami. Current talk is of a New York City show, although don't be surprised if they hop the pond for a program set in London. NBC is also looking to start what they're calling a "fourth" 'Law & Order', although I seem to recall a failed fourth previous to this when they took cameras inside real courtrooms. Producer Dick Wolf was also responsible for both incarnations of the failed 'Dragnet/LA Dragnet' series, which certainly shared more than a passing resemblance to L&O.

'Survivor: Amazon' Winner Jenna Morasca's Mom Dies

In some unfortunate Survivor related news today, 48-year-old Carla Morasca, mother of 'Survivor: The Amazon' winner Jenna Morasca, died Wednesday of cancer. Jenna had previously indicated her motivation to appear on the show - and win - was to help her ill mother with the bills related to her fight. There is no word on how this has affected Jenna's current participation in 'Survivor: All Stars', currently filming in Panama. This is not without precedent as 'Survivor: Thailand' competitor Tanya Vance was flown home after her elimination from the game when it was discovered her father, Thomas Vance, had been killed in an unfortunate traffic accident.

Donations in Carla Morasca's name can be made to The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, P. O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265.

Survivor's Elisabeth to Co-Host 'The View'

With Lisa Ling (who?) poised to make her exit from 'The View' (what?) a new co-host search was placed. The winner? 'Survivor: The Australian Outback' sweetheart Elisabeth, now known by her married name of Elisabeth Filarski Hasselbeck. The good thing? Elisabeth is back on TV! The bad news? I told you, she's co-hosting 'The View'. That means to see her you have to watch 'The View'. Barbara Walters. Women talking about stuff of no interest.

Upcoming Holiday Specials

Click the drop down menu if you're interested in airtimes for Christmas and Holiday television specials.

11/25 08:00PM FOX An American Idol Christmas
11/27 10:00PM NBC Harry For The Holidays
11/28 08:00PM CBS Frosty the Snowman
11/28 08:30PM CBS Frosty Returns
11/30 09:00PM CBS Finding John Christmas
12/02 08:00PM ABC A Charlie Brown Christmas
12/03 08:00PM NBC Christmas In Rockefeller Center
12/07 09:00PM CBS Undercover Christmas
12/09 08:00PM ABC I Want A Dog For Christmas, Charlie Brown!
12/09 08:00PM CBS Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
12/13 08:00PM ABC A Charlie Brown Christmas
12/13 09:00PM ??? I'll Be Home For Christmas
12/20 08:00PM CBS Robbie The Reindeer In Hooves Of Fire
12/20 08:30PM CBS Robbie The Reindeer In Legend Of The Lost Tribe
12/21 09:00PM CBS The Christmas Shoes
12/23 08:00PM CBS A Home For The Holidays

SPOILERS: Survivor 7, Week 9

Welcome to week 9, or as I'll call it, the day the laughter died. Don't click if you don't want to know.

REWARD CHALLENGE
Obstacle course! w00t!! There will raising and coming down of Jeffy's arm. There will be running, and rope wall climbing, and sliding, and swinging, and if you believe the CBS hype, SUSPENSE .. and INTRIGUE! Anyways, obstacle courses are built for the Colby's of the world. Cue Burton, who brings along Lillian (either as his partner or as his friend).

IMMUNITY CHALLENGE
Blow darts! Our preview shows the Survivors blowing darts at a large circular target, but there really aren't any other specifics offered up. I can't decide if I'm picking Lillian because of how well she did in the other target skill-based competition (sling shot), or because I'm a sheep. Whatever.

BOOT OFF
So who's left? Burton, Christa, Darrah, Jon, Lillian, Rupert, Sandra, Tijuana. Five girls, three men. Not good odds. I suppose the easy pick is "Tijuana" for those who believe in the Pagonging theory. I'm more likely to go with the "lousy women sticking together" theory, and since Jon is no threat to win and Burton is still friends with at least Lillian, it appears the gig is up for everyone's favourite Survivor. Yes, tonight is the night Rupert is sent home.

'Family Guy' To Return?

TVGuide.com reports the rumours may be true, and FOX is seriously considering returning 'The Family Guy' to the air in 2005, more than two years after its demise. They cite a report in USA Today noting that millions of new fans have discovered the show after syndicated airings on the Cartoon Network and the DVD releases of the first three seasons, and an order for 35 new episodes may have been requested.

'American Idol 3' Hits January 20th

FOX has announced the third incarnation of their hit star-making series 'American Idol' will launch Tuesday, January 20th.

Get 'Star Wars' While You Can

FOX has announced that the 'Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace' and 'Star Wars Episode II: Attack Of The Clones' DVDs will be placed on "indefinite moratorium" on December 31st of this year. This is likely a precursor to the long awaited Star Wars box set due to arrive about one year from now. However, if you wish to own these two DVDs you're best to get your shopping in now before they're gone.

Lena Olin Rejects 'Alias' Return

Fans of ABC's 'Alias' have no doubt been wondering when Sydney's mother Irina Derevko will return to the show, having been portrayed thus far only in Trillian web chats. Turns out, according to TV Guide, she has not signed a new contract to return despite "every single one of her demands were met by ABC and the producers."

'Survivor: All Stars' To Air Post-Super Bowl

Although the first edition of CBS' 'Survivor' was a ratings success in itself, the decision to air the second go around, 'Survivor: The Australian Outback' after the Super Bowl ended up making that version of the show the ratings winner of the franchise thus far. Today, CBS announced they hope lightning will strike twice as the coming 'Survivor: All Star' - featuring former castaways - will debut immediately following the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 1st.

ABC has also announced that Wednesday, January 14th will see the debut of the second 'The Bachelorette' and 'Celebrity Mole Yucatan'. This second bastardization of the usually entertaining show will star Stephen Baldwin and Corbin Bernsen returning to compete with Mark Curry, Angie Everhart, Tracy Gold, Ananda Lewis, Keisha Knight Pulliam, and Dennis Rodman. "Celebrity" indeed. o_O

NBC Orders Second Helping of 'The Restaurant'

Mark Burnett has announced in an interview with Australian website The Age that celebrity chef Rocco DiSpirito will return in the second season of NBC's 'The Restaurant'. There had been some discussion that the second season may follow a second restauranteur starting a brand new restaurant, but it now appears we will instead follow up the successes and failures of 'Rocco's' in New York City with taping beginning this coming Monday for broadcast next year.

SPOILERS: Survivor 7, Week 8

Don't click if you don't want to know...

REWARD CHALLENGE
The age old "pea shoot your neighbour's plate" challenge rears it's ugly head, and it's usually hard to peg exactly who has the best ability to slingshot. Rupert, and not because the spoilers say so, but because I picked him in my fantasysurvivor7.com pool on Monday for no reason. Apparently he picks someone "unlikely" to attend his reward with him, and I can't think of anyone more unlikely than Jon at this point. I'll say it's because Jon is a close second in the plate shooting.

IMMUNITY CHALLENGE
We're told it's a trivia challenge, likely based on vacated members of the tribes. Who better than Burton - who spent a week or two in solitary with them - to win?

BOOT OFF
In order of "strong members of Morgan getting Pagonged" it would seem Ryan is our next member of Loser Lodge. Spoilers say Lillian, but I ain't no sheep, dangit.

'Dragnet' Canceled

The axe continues to fall on the fall TV season with sophomore copy drama 'L.A. Dragnet' the latest casualty. Hot on the heels of a rare Jerry Bruckheimer ('Skin'), 'Dragnet' was a creation of Jerry Wolf, creator of the 'Law & Order' franchise. Unfortunately, NBC's 'Dragnet' was never able to acquire an audience, even after an overhaul this season in an attempt to make it more like the aforementioned cop franchise.

SPOILERS: Survivor 7, Week 7b

Oops.. I kinda spoiled this week a bit in last week's picks, and I apologize for those of you who looked before my warning appeared and now know the two returning bootees tonight. Regardless, I shall forge on and spoil episode 7b for one and all.

Oh, and don't click if you don't want to know...

OUTCAST TRIBAL COUNCIL
First things first - as noted last week, and I do apologize for misjudging what the first half of episode 7 would show, Lillian returns to Morgan and Burton to Drake.

MERGE
Not this week.

IMMUNITY CHALLENGE
The tribes are surprised to find they don't merge at the challenge as they usually do about this time, but instead compete as a tribe. Expect a beach, and water, and crucifixes, and Tijuana doing this: :o Then expect Drake to win and send Morgan to TC.

TRIBAL COUNCIL
Lillian returns, and who do you think she's gunning for? Even if Tijuana continues her blind allegiance to Mr. Springer's Attorney-at-Law, all Lillian has to do is convince Darrah to vote for Andy and you know the puppy dog Ryan will follow along as instructed. By a vote of 3-to-2 Andrew is voted off.

'Boomtown', 'Skin' Cut

The renewals and cancellations of the new fall TV season continue to pour in with Jerry Bruckheimer finally tasting his first small screen failure. FOX has cancelled his provocative 'Skin', a love story set in the adult entertainment industry of Los Angeles, after it debuted to a disappointing 6,300,000 viewers and fell from there. Bruckheimer had previously produced the hits 'CSI', 'CSI Miami', 'Without A Trace', and the season's hottest new drama, 'Cold Case'. Surprisingly, FOX will replace 'Skin' with a second episode of 'The Next Joe Millionaire', which had been cut from two episodes a week to one just days ago, but will now see back-to-back episodes until the November 24th finale. Also getting cut was NBC's critically acclaimed 'Boomtown', one of television's more creative and better acted shows, but one which could never find an audience after a move to Friday nights.

Survivor: All Stars Spoiled

That didn't take long - we have now obtained the full cast list of the Survivor: All Stars edition currently taping in Panama, featuring three tribes of six each. I'll place the names below the drop down in case nobody is interested in being spoiled. Hopes are obviously high for this edition of Survivor - the winner will receive an unbelievable $5,000,000 in prize money.

Previous Survivor winners are noted in boldface.

TRIBE ONE
Survivor: Pulau Tiga's Rudy Boesch
Survivor: Pulau Tiga's Jenna Lewis
Survivor: Australia's Tina Wesson
Survivor: Australia's Jerri Manthey
Survivor: Africa's Ethan Zohn
Survivor: Pearl Islands' Rupert Boneham

TRIBE TWO
Survivor: Pulau Tiga's Richard Hatch
Survivor: Australia's Colby Donaldson
Survivor: Africa's Lex van den Berghe
Survivor: Marquesas' Kathy Vavrick-O'Brien
Survivor: Thailand's Shii Ann Huang
Survivor: Amazon's Jenna Morasca

TRIBE THREE
Survivor: Pulau Tiga's Susan Hawk
Survivor: Australia's Alicia Calaway
Survivor: Australia's Amber Brkich
Survivor: Africa's Tom Buchanan
Survivor: Marquesas' Rob Mariano
Survivor: Amazon's Rob Cesternino

Reality Roundup VI

A smattering of reality news once again:

* Fans of NBC's 'Average Joe' may be wondering how bachelorette Melana Scantlin took the twist, that being the fact her 16 suitors were not the typical studs of reality fare, but rather average looking men. The New York Post reports "Scantlin ran off into the desert near the Palm Springs mansion where the show was filmed, before regaining her composure" soon after seeing her potential mates. Executive Producer Stuart Krasnow remarked "we were so nervous that Melana would potentially run away that as we taped the show we had a back-up girl booked - who we kept in full hair and makeup, and a beautiful dress - ready to go right in and replace [Melana] if need be." As it turned out, Scantlin decided to continue on with the show.

* 'Survivor: Pearl Islands' quitter Osten Taylor thinks he's getting a raw deal. In an interview with his hometown Boston Herald, Taylor justifies his decision to quit, citing "six staph infections on his chest and legs" and a 40-lb weight loss. He also noted Producer Mark Burnett's decision not to air his final words was "a juvenile response", while Burnett simply claimed the words didn't add anything. Taylor didn't mention the magic super growth of his staph infections that cause him to attempt quitting after the first Tribal Council.

* Australia's Network Ten has pulled popular NBC reality show 'The Restaurant' after excessive viewer complaints related to the demeanour and attitude of head chef Rocco de Spirito. The exceptionally quick axe came after over 1,000,000 viewers tuned in for the start of the first episode, but only 460,000 remained by the end. Complaints filed in quickly and in high volume, prompting 'The Restaurant' to be replaced on the schedule after one episode by 'The Simpsons'.

'Coupling', 'Joe' Axed

NBC has pulled the plug on British import 'Coupling', a show that simply had to be a lot better before NBC got a hold of it. Debuting to well over 15,000,000 viewers, anyone who's seen an episode probably isn't surprised by the tremendous plummet future episodes experienced.

FOX has a problem of it's own after 'The Next Joe Millionaire' proved to be anything but, losing 2/3 of the inaugural series' viewers, and suffering loudly through a two-night-a-week airing schedule. The series will now only air Monday nights, leaving Tuesday free for older program rebroadcasts. This week's 8-9PM slot will be filled with a repeat of the '24' premiere, leading into the second hour of the surging series.

News on All-Star Survivor

The 8th installment of the popular CBS show Survivor has begun taping in Panama, and this one will contain more than a few familiar faces. CBS is attempting to keep the names of the participating All Stars secret, but leaks and rumours are starting to come in.

An early report that only survivors from editions 1 through 4 could participate has proven faulty, as popular Pearl Islands superstar Rupert Boneham is the first confirmed participant since shooting began. Moving the finale of Survivor: Pearl Islands to Panama (from the traditional Los Angeles and NYC venues) allows Boneham - and other potential players from S7 - the chance to finish the All-Star version and still be present and accounted for at the December 11th finale.

Previously rumoured (but not confirmed) participants are former winners Richard Hatch, Tina Wesson, and Ethan Zohn, as well as Rudy Boesch, Susan Hawk, Jerri Manthey, Mike Skupin, Kathy Vavrick-O'Brien, and "the best player to never win" Rob Cesternino.