watching expired appliances align

to be recorded - 9/12-9/17

I think the following is the real chunk of information that I’m trying to share with this series of blog entries about the new digital video recorder that also functions as my cable box. As I mentioned last night, I haven’t found that perfect source for telling me what I should be recording across the entire spectrum of available cable channels.

Here is the list of shows that are currently listed on the dvr as Scheduled Recordings (this list does not included shows from the Series Manager):

(fyi: all channel numbers listed are for Time Warner Digital Cable in Brooklyn)

FRIDAY - 12 September 2003

Music Express - According to the on-screen guide, this show presents an interview with Michael Stipe and Mike Mills of the rock group REM. The other day I taped one of these interviews with Beck. I watched it last night and it was some serious interview stuff. Lots and lots of talking, for those of you who are fans of that kind of thing. This show has potential, I think. Ovation (channel 83) 3:30pm

At Home with the Braithwaites – This is the second episode of the season. I have the first episode saved on the device’s hard drive. I have yet to watch it, so I’m waiting to be pleasantly surprised. It has something to do with winning the lottery and not telling your family. BBC America (channel 106) 8pm

Degrassi Crash Course / 100 Moments – I’m hooked on Degrassi. And when did JT get such long hair? Before the new season starts, The N is spending the month of September reviewing moments from the previous few seasons (were there two?). Each episode is being hosted by various cast members. Again, one of those fun, as long as the remote is in hand, kind of shows. The N (channel 129) 8pm

SATURDAY – 13 September 2003

P. Allen Smith's Garden Home – According to the program guide, this episode presents a segment about "the usefulness of garages and tool sheds in garden design." I’ve never seen this show, and it’s on way too early on a Saturday morning. But I’m curious and I have the dvr, so why not? WLIW (channel 21) 7am

Shalom Y'All – This film is about being Jewish and living in America’s South. It might be interesting. I think it’s only an hour long. I’m on a big "odd" documentary kick these days, so I think this should be entertaining. (This probably doesn’t fit into the category of "odd" documentaries. Maybe what I should say is that I’m on a documentary kick when it comes to watching docs that are 20 to 60 minutes long.) Sundance (channel 101) 2pm

TV Out of the Box – I don’t think I’ve seen this yet, but I get the feeling this has already run once or twice on Trio. Per the in-cable box guide, this is about "the creative process of making the show." I have no idea what show is "the show" but I guess I’ll find out sooner or later. During the past two or three weeks Trio has been all about TV as TV. I’ve been enjoying it, but I can’t wait to see what’s next for their programming. Trio (channel 102) 8pm

SUNDAY – 14 September 2003

Mixtape Mixdown – This show is on all the time, but the one airing tonight is this week’s "indie rock" episode. I’ve recorded this show a few times before and I usually don’t recognize any of the bands. I think this show covers the world of pay to play Canadian indie rock. But I may be making that up. I probably am making that up. As long as they don’t run that ridiculous Liz Phair video, I’ll be happy. Fuse (channel 132) 2:30am

First Time Gardener – I saw the title and I knew I had to record this show. Like that P. Allen Smith show from Saturday, this one is on way too early in the morning. I haven’t been in a garden since the mid-1980’s and I don’t really eat vegetables, but I’m fascinated by the idea of gardens and gardening. If this show is any good, I’ll start recording it on a regular basis. Maybe next I’ll buy a roto-tiller. DIY Network (channel ???) 7am

MediaTelevision – I think this is a show about making television shows but, again, I have no idea. The cable guide mentioned that there’s a segment about "shooting a baseball game." If the name of the show wasn’t enough to convince me to record this then that description was. Trio (channel 106) 11am

MONDAY – 15 September 2003

7th Heaven – It’s the season premiere. I’ve been following the story of the Camdens for much of my adult life. I think last season ended on some kind of pregnancy cliffhanger. Is David Gallagher still a teen heartthrob? WB (channel 11) 8pm

TUESDAY – 16 September 2003

Extreme Homes – This episode of Extreme Homes I plan to watch runs a few times this week. There’s a segment described as "bowling alley converted into home." How can I miss that? Why haven’t I gone bowling this summer? Someone needs to make bowling plans soon. I suggest using this show as motivation. HGTV (channel 131?) 2am

Music Wars: Open Mike – This is a repeat broadcast of a show about file sharing that’s actually on tonight (Friday). Maybe I should change the setting of my dvr when I get home. Looks to be pretty electrifying, but I hear the RIAA wouldn’t get involved. TechTV (channel 105) 10pm

The Joe Schmo Show – Have I raved about this show yet? I know I’ve gone off on a tangent to a few people. This show is amazing! But weird (in a not so good way) and it has some serious flaws. I think I missed the end of the second episode. And I can’t quite tell which episode is which on Tuesday nights, but I’m hooked. Joe Schmo is perfect in his role as the guy who thinks he’s on a show called "Lap of Luxury." Everyone else on the show is a professional actor playing the role of houseguest or "smarmy host." I can’t believe I’ve been watching this show. I am officially embarrassed. SpikeTV (channel 36) 11pm????

WEDNESDAY – 17 September 2003

Fantasy Camp – On a whim, I flipped through the upcoming schedule for the Fine Living channel. Somehow I saw this episode which is, according to the guide, about "campers playing and dining with former major-league baseball players." No word on whether or not recent hall-of-fame inductee, Eddie Murray, is one of them. FineLvg (channel 144) 8:30am

Call for Help – I like this show. It’s a friendly show about computer problems and issues. I don’t watch it nearly enough. This episode features a segment about "making money from a personal web site." I feel like that’s the subject line to some spam email I’ll receive this weekend, but I’m going to record and watch anyway. TechTV (channel 105) 3pm

Jake 2.0 – I raved about the first episode. Before watching that first episode, I’d spent the better part of the evening with a constantly refilled bourbon in my hand. I’ll watch the second episode of this show sober and see if it holds up to my now high expectations. UPN (channel 9) 9pm