TiVo Guide Week of February 22, 2010 *spoiler alert*

“The Bachelor: On the Wings of Love---The Women Tell All” Fifteen spurned bachelorettes confront Jake and each other in a program that also includes outtakes from the season, a preview of the finale and appearances by former bachelors and bachelorettes, who talk about their lives since they were on the show. Monday at 8 on ABC.

“Lost” Hurley tries to persuade Jack to accompany him on an unspecificed mission while Sawyer runs into an old friend. Margo Shephard: Veronica Hamel. Tuesday at 9 on ABC.

“American Idol” The semifinal round advances with the Top 12 male singers taking to the stage. Wednesday at 8 on Fox.

“Burn Notice” Fiona deals with a paranoid kidnapper who's hiding a secret. Elsewhere, Michael tries to take down a black operative, but the mission soon gets out of control. Thursday at 10 on USA.

“Turn the Beat Around” A struggling dancer (Romina D'Ugo) gets the opportunity of a lifetime when she teams up with a wealthy nightclub owner (David Giuntoli) to bring back disco. Adam Taylor Brooks, Brooklyn Sudano, Jason Derulo. Friday at 10 on MTV.

“Winter Olympics:Men’s curling (gold-medal game)” All eyes are on the "house" as Canada and Norway vie for the gold medal live in men's curling. Canada's men have a gold (2006) and two silvers since the sport's return to the Olympics in 1998. Saturday at 6 on CNBC.

“Winter Olympics:Snowboarding, Alpine skiing, bobsledding, figure skating” Figure skating's newest Olympic medal winners perform in the Champions Gala. Also: finals in men's snowboarding (parallel giant slalom); Alpine skiing (men's slalom); and four-man bobsledding, where U.S. driver Steve Holcomb is a medal contender in his "Night Train" sled. Bode Miller and Ted Ligety could contend in the men's slalom. Saturday at 8 on NBC.

“Winter Olympics:Men’s hockey (bronze medal)” Live coverage of the bronze-medal game in men's hockey. Saturday at 10 on MSNBC.

“Big Love” Marilyn hatches a plot that could affect Bill's political career; Barb attracts unwanted attention at a ladies-only event; Adaleen and Bill hunt for clues about J.J.'s schemes; Sarah shocks the family with news about her future plans. Sunday at 9 on HBO.

Elimination Chamber results

Ohhhhh, the was devasting. I only went 1-3 last night in my Elimination Chamber picks (I also didn't make any picks on Batista vs. John Cena or Montel Vontavious Porter vs. The Miz because those matches were made during the show, and I picked Gail Kim & Maryse when it became them vs. Layla & Michelle McCool, d'oh). I really need to say thanks Drew McIntyre from ensuring my night wasn't a total wash-out. Now if only he can get some charisma to match his talent. Sheamus, Undertaker, and Gail Kim & Maryse, hit the road, Jack, and don't you come back no more, no more, no more, no more. With this setback, my record drops to 236-204. Oh well. Maybe my luck will be reversed at WrestleMania XXVI. Oh, and on that subject, I'll share the details of the trip when I get back. Peace out guys.

Elimination Chamber card & picks

Elimination Chamber for the WWE Title
Sheamus vs. Randy Orton vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Ted DiBiase vs. Triple H vs. John Cena

Elimination Chamber for the World Heavyweight Title
Undertaker vs. CM Punk vs. R-Truth vs. John Morrison vs. Rey Mysterio vs. Chris Jericho

WWE Intercontinental Title Match
Drew McIntyre vs. Kane

WWE Divas Title Match
Maryse vs. Gail Kim

I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous for this PPV. There's only four matches and this is not a good time of the year for me to make picks for one reason or another. Whatever it may be, I have 235-201 record, and I'm looking forward to improving it. I order to do just that, I'm picking Sheamus, Undertaker, Drew McIntyre, and Gail Kim. Wish me luck.

Advice needed

OK, dudes and dudettes, depending on how successful I am at getting parents to OK my trip to Phoenix for WrestleMania XXVI, what should I bring to the desert? Anything that would be fitting for the climate? Something that says WWE? Autograph book? Journalist pad? What do you recommend? I'm really nervous about that trip and I don't want to mess it up, that is, if I go.

TiVo Guide Week of February 15, 2010 *spoiler alert*

“Penguins of Madagascar” The penguins set out to rescue King Julien and walk into a trap set by their longtime enemy, an evil dolphin named Dr. Blowhole (voice of Neil Patrick Harris). Monday at 8 on Nickelodeon.

“Sesame Street” Leela and Telly help Jack, who has a cow but wants a beanstalk. Also: Super Grover helps Sarah Jessica Parker, who's waiting for Big Bird; Debi Mazar presents the word on the street: humongous. Tuesday at 10 on PBS.

“Human Target” A gifted engineer (Kevin Weisman) wants to leave his job at a weapons company, but he needs Chance's help to get out of his employer's top-secret, high-rise base of operations. Wednesday at 8 on Fox.

“Sarah Silverman Program” Sarah's campaign against violent entertainment---and the movie "Home Alone" in particular---leads to a position of influence in the crusade to clean up TV. Meanwhile, Brian becomes a victim of a bird's deadly accuracy. Thursday at 10:30 on Comedy Central.

“Smallville” Clark is unwittingly infected with wish-fulfilling Kryptonite on Valentine's Day. When he tells Lois he wishes they had a more conventional relationship, she moves in with him and begins to plan their nuptials. And Clark has a wish for Chloe as well: to better protect him. She responds by targeting Lois. Friday at 8 on The CW.

“America’s Most Wanted” A report on a San Diego gang known as Los Palillos (the Toothpicks) that's said to be affiliated with Mexican drug cartels. Members of the gang have been charged with murder and kidnapping in August 2009. Saturday at 9 on Fox.

“Sins of the Mother” A down-on-her-luck graduate student (Nicole Beharie) begrudgingly returns home to her abusive, alcoholic mother (Jill Scott), only to find that her mom has left behind her destructive ways. But the daughter finds it difficult to forgive and forget. Mimi Rogers costars. Based on the book "Orange Mint and Honey" by Carleen Brice. Sunday at 8 on LMN.

SI Medal Projections

The 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver kick off on Friday. Now, I'm no expert on all the sports, contrary to popular belief, but Sports Illustrated has taken the liberty of predicting who they think will win a medal in each event, so I'll be echoing their statements. Here's how they say the medal table will look. It will be listed as country: gold-silver-bronze (total). Tiebreakers are decided by the most golds, followed by the most silvers. So who will be the top country in Vancouver according to SI? Let's take a look.

Germany: 11-11-13 (35)
Canada: 10-11-9 (30)
United States of America: 7-10-10 (27)
Norway: 7-10-5 (22)
Austria: 5-7-10 (22)
Sweden: 6-4-6 (16)
China: 5-5-5 (15)
Republic of Korea: 5-6-3 (14)
Russian Federation: 3-5-4 (12)
France: 4-5-2 (11)
Switzerland: 4-2-3 (9)
Netherlands: 4-0-4 (8)
Finland: 1-1-5 (7)
Czech Republic: 3-1-1 (5)
Italy: 1-2-1 (4)
Slovenia: 1-1-2 (4)
Poland: 2-1-0 (3)
Australia: 2-0-1 (3)
Japan: 0-3-0 (3)
Croatia: 1-0-1 (2)
Belarus: 1-0-0 (1)
Great Britain: 1-0-0 (1)
Latvia: 1-0-0 (1)
Ukraine: 1-0-0 (1)
Denmark: 0-0-1 (1)

TiVo Guide Week of February 8, 2010 *spoiler alert*

“The Black List: Volume Three” A third compilation of interviews with influential black Americans, including filmmaker Lee Daniels, BET CEO Debra Lee, actor Whoopi Goldberg, model Beverly Johnson and United Negro College Fund president Michael Lomax. Interviews are conducted by Elvis Mitchell. Directed by Timothy Greenfield-Sanders. Monday at 8:30 on HBO.

“Kell on Earth” Kelly flies high when she pulls off a successful presentation for a new fashion client. Meanwhile, the intense pressure of Fashion Week begins to rattle staffer Stefanie. Monday at 10 on Bravo.

“The Good Wife” Alicia defends a man accused of murdering a babysitter. Meanwhile, she and her family await the outcome of Peter's appeal, which could result in his release from prison. Tuesday at 10 on CBS.

“White Collar” The guys attempt to capture a female thief who's stealing items from an extremely valuable collection. If her deeds are revealed before her apprehension, the news could cause an international incident. Tuesday at 10 on USA.

“Cougar Town” Laurie meets Smith's father (Barry Bostwick); Jules turns to Grayson for a default Valentine's Day companion; Bobby and Jules debate letting Travis go to a party where there will be alcohol. Wednesday at 9:30 on ABC.

“Leverage” In Part 1 of the two-part Season 2 finale, Nate and his A-team try to scam a crooked local mayor by taking advantage of his passion for baseball. The high-tech outlaws try to cover all the bases, but they're thrown a curve because of an unforeseen snafu. Jeri Ryan and Richard Kind guest star. Dean Devlin directed the episode. Wednesday at 10 on TNT.

“Grey’s Anatomy” A roof collapses on a restaurant known as a trysting spot on Valentine's Day, interrupting whatever romance plans the doctors might have had. Nonetheless, Arizona and Callie play Cupid---for Bailey and an anesthesiologist named Ben (Jason George). Callie also teams up with Mark to help persuade Sloan (Leven Rambin) to do the right thing for her baby. Meanwhile, Derek struggles to manage his time in his new role as chief, and Meredith wrestles with what being the chief's wife entails. Thursday at 9 on ABC.

“30 Rock” It's the highs and woes of Valentine's Day: Jack's heart thumps for a fetching CNBC host (Elizabeth Banks); Liz schedules a root canal to elude loneliness; and Jenna is horrified when her stalker grows disinterested in her. Jon Bon Jovi appears as himself. Thursday at 9:30 on NBC.

“Winter Olympics:Opening Ceremony, ski jumping” The Games begin with the Opening Ceremony, telecast live from BC Place in Vancouver. The event honors the heritage of the host nation and also features the traditional parade of nations, the athletes' oath and the lighting of the Olympic cauldron. More than 2500 athletes from about 85 countries are expected to appear in the parade. Also: competition gets under way with ski jumping (normal-hill qualifying). Friday at 7:30 on NBC.

“John Oliver’s New York Stand-Up Show” The first season ends with performances by comedians Chris Hardwick, Mary Lynn Rajskub, Greg Fitzsimmons and Paul F. Tompkins. Friday at 11 on Comedy Central.

“Survivors” In the series premiere, a deadly flu virus spreads around the world, leaving a small group of survivors struggling to survive while society crumbles around them. Saturday at 8 on BBC America.

“Elevator Girl” An uptight lawyer (Ryan Merriman) and a free-spirited woman (Lacey Chabert) become trapped in an elevator together. The incident produces sparks between the two, but their different lifestyles threaten to ruin the romance before it gets off the ground. Patty McCormack, Hedy Burress and Jonathan Bennett also star. Directed by Bradford May. Saturday at 9 on Hallmark.

“Tool Academy 3” The relationship boot camp begins its third season with 10 contestants, including two women. Sunday at 9 on VH1.

“How to Make It in America” In the premiere of this comedy about Brooklyn entrepreneurs hustling their way to prosperity, Ben (Bryan Greenberg) and Cam (Victor Rasuk) need a quick infusion of cash to pay off a loan to Cam's cousin Rene, who just got out of prison. Meanwhile, Ben's ex, Rachel, is moving on with a new boyfriend, while his old high-school friend, David, could be an important investor. Sunday at 10 on HBO.

2010 Oscar picks and 2009 recap

Alright, guys, I'm ready for my Oscar picks for this year. However, as far as I am sure, I didn't recap my picks from last year. So I'll just quickly run that down and show you how well I did. My picks that won are in bold and italics, my picks that lost are in italics, and the winners that I didn't pick are in bold.

Best Lead Actor
Richard Jenkins "The Visitor"
Frank Langella "Frost/Nixon"
Sean Penn "Milk"
Brad Pitt "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
Mickey Rourke "The Wrestler"

Best Lead Actress
Anne Hathaway "Rachel Getting Married"
Angelina Jolie "Changling"
Melissa Leo "Frozen River"
Meryl Streep "Doubt"
Kate Winslet "The Reader"

Best Supporting Actor
Josh Brolin "Milk"
Robert Downey, Jr. "Tropical Thunder"
Philip Seymour Hoffman "Doubt"
Heath Ledger "The Dark Knight"
Michael Shannon "Revolutionary Road"

Best Supporting Actress
Amy Adams "Doubt"
Penelope Cruz "Vicki Christina Barcelona"
Viola Davis "Doubt"
Taraji P. Henson "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
Marisa Tomei "The Wrestler"

Best Picture
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
"Frost/Nixon"
"Milk"
"The Reader"
"Slumdog Millionaire"

Best Directing
Danny Boyle "Slumdog Millionaire"
Stephen Daldry "The Reader"
David Fincher "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
Ron Howard "Frost/Nixon"
Gus Van Sant "Milk"

Best Original Screenplay
Dustin Lance Black "Milk"
Pete Doctor, Jim Reardon and Andrew Stanton "WALL-E"
Courtney Hunt "Frozen River"
Mike Leigh "Happy-Go-Lucky"
Martin McDonagh "In Bruges"

Best Adapted Screenplay
Simon Beaufoy "Slumdog Millionaire"
David Hare "The Reader"
Peter Morgan "Frost/Nixon"
Eric Roth and Robin Swicord "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
John Patrick Shanley "Doubt"

Best Animated Feature
"Bolt"
"Kung Fu Panda"
"WALL-E"

Best Documentary Feature
"The Betrayal - Nerakhoon"
"Encounters at the End of the World"
"The Garden"
"Man on Wire"
"Trouble the Water"

Best Art Direction
"Changling"
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
"The Dark Knight"
"The Duchess"
"Revolutionary Road"

Best Cinematography
"Changling"
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
"The Dark Knight"
"The Reader"
"Slumdog Millionaire"

Best Costume Design
"Australia"
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
"The Duchess"
"Milk"
"Revolutionary Road"

Best Makeup
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
"The Dark Knight"
"Hellboy II: The Golden Army"

Best Film Editing
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
"The Dark Knight"
"Frost/Nixon"
"Milk"
"Slumdog Millionaire"

Best Original Score
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
"Defiance"
"Milk"
"Slumdog Millionaire"
"WALL-E"

Best Original Song
"Down to Earth" "WALL-E"
"Jai Ho" "Slumdog Millionaire"
"O Saya" "Slumdog Millionaire"

Best Sound Mixing
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
"The Dark Knight"
"Slumdog Millionaire"
"WALL-E"
"Wanted"

Best Sound Editing
"The Dark Knight"
"Iron Man"
"Slumdog Millionaire"
"WALL-E"
"Wanted"

Best Visual Effects
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button"
"The Dark Knight"
"Iron Man"

My 2009 picks went 11-9, and I am 28-32 overall (since the 2007 Oscars). So I did great last year with my first winning year, but I'm still under .500 overall. I plan on changing that with the 2010 Oscars, so here are my picks. My picks are in italics.

Best Lead Actor
Jeff Bridges "Crazy Heart"
George Clooney "Up in the Air"
Colin Firth "A Single Man"
Morgan Freeman "Invictus"
Jeremy Renner "The Hurt Locker"

Best Lead Actress
Sandra Bullock "The Blind Side"
Helen Mirren "The Last Station"
Carey Mulligan "An Education"
Gabourey Sidibe "Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire"
Meryl Streep "Julie & Julia"

Best Supporting Actor
Matt Damon "Invictus"
Woody Harrelson "The Messenger"
Christopher Plummer "The Last Station"
Stanley Tucci "The Lovely Bones"
Christoph Waltz "Inglourious Basterds"

Best Supporting Actress
Penelope Cruz "Nine"
Vera Farmiga "Up in the Air"
Maggie Gyllenhaal "Crazy Heart"
Anna Kendrick "Up in the Air"
Mo'Nique "Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire"

Best Picture
"Avatar"
"The Blind Side"
"District 9"
"An Education"
"The Hurt Locker"
"Inglourious Basterds"
"Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire"
"A Serious Man"
"Up"
"Up in the Air"

Best Directing
Kathryn Bigelow "The Hurt Locker"
James Cameron "Avatar"
Lee Daniels "Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire"
Jason Reitman "Up in the Air"
Quentin Tarantino "Inglourious Basterds"

Best Original Screenplay
Mark Boal "The Hurt Locker"
Alessandro Camon and Oren Moverman "The Messenger"
Ethan Coen and Joel Coen "A Serious Man"
Pete Doctor, Tom McCarthy and Bob Peterson "Up"
Quentin Tarantino "Inglourious Basterds"

Best Adapted Screenplay
Jesse Armstrong, Simon Blackwell, Armando Ianucci and Tony Roche "In the Loop"
Neill Blomkamp and Terri Tatchell "District 9"
Geoffrey Fletcher "Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire"
Nick Hornby "An Education"
Jason Reitman and Sheldon Turner "Up in the Air"

Best Animated Feature
"Coraline"
"Fantastic Mr. Fox"
"The Princess and the Frog"
"The Secret of Kells"
"Up"

Best Documentary Feature
"Burma VJ"
"The Cove"
"Food, Inc."
"The Most Dangerous Man in America: Daniel Ellsberg and the Pentagon Papers"
"Which Way Home"

Best Art Direction
"Avatar"
"The Imaginarium of Dr. Pamassus"
"Nine"
"Sherlock Holmes"
"The Young Victoria"

Best Cinematography
"Avatar"
"Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince"
"The Hurt Locker"
"Inglourious Basterds"
"The White Ribbon"

Best Costume Design
"Bright Star"
"Coco Before Chanel"
"The Imaginarium of Dr. Pamassus"
"Nine"
"The Young Victoria"

Best Makeup
"Il Divo"
"Star Trek"
"The Young Victoria"

Best Film Editing
"Avatar"
"District 9"
"The Hurt Locker"
"Inglourious Basterds"
"Precious: Based on the Novel "Push" by Sapphire"

Best Original Score
"Avatar"
"Fantastic Mr. Fox"
"The Hurt Locker"
"Sherlock Holmes"
"Up"

Best Original Song
"Almost There" "The Princess and the Frog"
"Down in New Orleans" "The Princess and the Frog"
"Loin de Paname" "Paris 36"
"Take it All" "Nine"
"Weary Kind" "Crazy Heart"

Best Sound Mixing
"Avatar"
"The Hurt Locker"
"Inglourious Basterds"
"Star Trek"
"Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen"

Best Sound Editing
"Avatar"
"The Hurt Locker"
"Inglourious Basterds"
"Star Trek"
"Up"

Best Visual Effects
"Avatar"
"District 9"
"Star Trek"

TiVo Guide Week of February 1, 2010 *spoiler alert*

“One Tree Hill” An homage to John Hughes finds loved ones forgetting Haley's birthday, Jamie being left home alone, and Nathan and Clay getting stranded far from home. Meanwhile, Julian recalls his dorky teen years as he watches Brooke attend a dance with Alexander. Monday at 8 on The CW.

“Chuck” Continuing his taxing quest to balance his two lives, Chuck must train new Buy More employee Hannah (Kristin Kreuk) while his spy work involves handling his very own asset, a scientist who's entangled in a nefarious organization. Meanwhile, poor prevaricator Awesome must lie to Ellie about Chuck's undercover endeavors; and Morgan, Jeff and Lester snoop into Hannah's background. Monday at 8 on NBC.

“Lost: Final Chapter” A series recap focuses on the crash of Oceanic Flight 815, the mysteries of the island and its inhabitants, the survivors who returned to the U.S. (the Oceanic 6), the island's violent time shifts and the H-bomb detonation in May 2009's Season 5 finale. The hour reviews questions that have been answered and explores those that haven't. Tuesday at 8 on ABC.

“The Good Wife” Peter's appeal trial begins. Meanwhile, Alicia defends a murder suspect in civil court, but she doubts his innocence even though he was found not guilty of murdering his wife in a criminal trial; Diane fears for her life when a felon she prosecuted is released from prison. Tuesday at 10 on CBS.

“Mercy” The staffers are jarred by the arrival of one Dr. Joe Briggs (James Van Der Beek), the self-important new head of the ICU who promptly clashes with Veronica. Veronica's other frosty relationship is with Dr. Sands, but they work together to treat a boy. Meanwhile, Chloe comforts a mourning widower; and Sonia continues to care for a privileged family. Wednesday at 8 on NBC.

“American Idol” The preliminary auditions conclude with a "Road to Hollywood" installment. Guest judges: Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Kristin Chenoweth, Joe Jonas, Neil Patrick Harris, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry and Shania Twain. Wednesday at 9 on Fox.

“Surviving Survivor” Former "Survivor" castaways recall memorable moments. Also: a preview of "Survivor: Heroes vs. Villains." Among those interviewed: Richard Hatch; Russell Hantz; Jerri Manthey; Colby Donaldson; Parvati Shallow; Cirie Fields; James Clement; Stephenie LaGrossa; Tom Westman; and Benjamin "Coach" Wade. Thursday at 8 on CBS.

“30 Rock” Frank moves in with Liz, but what seems like a hellish version of "The Odd Couple" could prove surprisingly beneficial when each helps the other overcome nasty habits. Elsewhere, Jenna's mother (Jan Hooks) arrives, cuing Jenna to seek wisdom about mothers from Jack, certainly no stranger to mommy issues. Thursday at 9:30 on NBC.

“Super WHY!” The Super Readers jump into "The Big Game," in which storybook heroes prepare for a soccer match against their fairy-tale foes. Friday at 9 on PBS.

“Caprica” Amanda's public admission about Zoe's role in the bombing ignites a media backlash against the Graystones and creates tension for Lacy at school. Elsewhere, Sam and Joseph confront Daniel while Zoe plots her next move. Friday at 9 on Syfy.

“Temple Grandin” Moving portrait of animal scientist Temple Grandin (Claire Danes), who, as a young woman in the 1960s and 1970s, overcame the stigma of autism to become a leading authority on the humane treatment of livestock. Julia Ormond, David Strathairn, Catherine O'Hara. Directed by Mick Jackson. Screenplay by William Merritt Johnson and Christopher Monger. Based on Grandin's books "Emergence" and "Thinking in Pictures." Saturday at 8 on HBO.

“Demons” Luke has a run-in with a pyromancer in the Season 1 finale, and is later haunted by nightmares about the car crash that killed his father---and Galvin's connection to it. Saturday at 9 on BBC America.

“Puppy Bowl VI” The sixth annual adoption festival features a range of canine youngsters playing on a miniature football field, as well as a halftime show put on by kittens. Also: rabbits cheer for the pups on the sidelines. Sunday at 3 on Animal Planet.

“Super Bowl XLIV:Saints vs. Colts” New Orleans vs. Indianapolis in Miami Gardens, Fla. Four-time league MVP Peyton Manning and the Colts bid for their second title in four seasons, while this is the first Super Bowl in franchise history for New Orleans and its top-ranked offense. Both teams began the season 13-0. Halftime entertainment is provided by the Who. Sunday at 6:25 on CBS.

Royal Rumble results

Not a bad night last night. I managed to pull out a 3-2 performance from the Royal Rumble, but I once again lost the Royal Rumble match. Thank you, Christian, Undertaker, and Sheamus for the wins. As for Michelle McCool and Triple H, you have failed me again (note: I didn't change my pick in the Royal Rumble match when the 5 TBA's turned out to be Beth Phoenix, Drew McIntrye, Edge, John Morrison, and JTG. Now I wish I changed to Edge). So my record improves to 235-201. WOOOOOOO! See ya at the Elimination Chamber!