Because they let me watch cool TV shows. As I've mentioned before I have this cool class this semester called "Teens and Tweens" where we discuss that age group, how they're portrayed in movies and TV as well as how movies and TV affect them. This week's assignment involves watching a PBS special entitled "The Merchants of Cool" and "My So-called Life" and a little bit of "Dawson's Creek." I've already saw all of "My so-called life last semester and really enjoyed it. I'm a little sad though that I left my Dawson's Creek DVDs at home and therefore I can't watch all of an episode (my teacher was only able to find parts of an episode online.
I really miss Dawson's Creek. Watching it made me want to go out and buy the other seasons. I really miss it. I also really love My so-called Life. I just liked that none of these people really seemed to have their lives 100 % together and nobody was perfect. Although I didn't really like her from the start, I ended up really Sharon's character in the second half of the season. I was really glad that Angela ended up spending some time with her.
What's your favorite TV show from the 90's?
Also, thanks to everyone who voted in the poll. I'll definitely be working in including some more Glee (especially once it goes back on TV), Veronica Mars, and HIMYM of course.
Sunday, January 31
Wednesday, January 27
Procrastination Strikes Again: Office Style
Although I'm at the library and supposed to be working on my Newsworthiness paper, I thought I'd take some time to blog about the next TV show I've decided to tackle: The Office (US version, although I do plan on at least testing out the UK version).
For the longest time, I couldn't stand The Office. I didn't see what other people saw in it and I just didn't find it funny. Then, over winter break (during which I apparently was nothing but bored--see my HIMYM obsession) I caught some of Season 2 on TBS with my boyfriend. It must have been a really funny episode, because I kind of fell in love with it.
When I came back to college, my roommate told me that all of the Office was available on Netflix's Instant Watch. So last night, I finally got to watching some of the episodes. I even rewatched the episode that originally made me fall in love with it: "The Fire".
This is the episode that first made me love Dwight's character. I just found the image of him exaggerating how bad the fire was by crawling on the floor with the fire extinguisher very funny because there was only a tiny bit of smoke coming from the office's kitchen. Also, his attempts to win back Michael's affections were very amusing. Dwight (the boss's "pet") only loses his affection after Michael learns that the temp, Ryan Howard (I always think Phillies when I hear his name--I can't help it) went to business school. He begins to admire him on such a creepy level that only he could. What I love most about this episode is at the end, when Dwight discovers Ryan is responsible for the fire, and then Michael and Dwight sing "Ryan started the fire" (to the tune of Billy Joel's "We didn't start the fire") for the rest of the episode. Once again, Dwight is the boss's "pet" he always aspires to be.
It also surprised me to learn that the guy who plays the temp, BJ Novak, wrote this episode. I think he did an excellent job, and it definitely makes him respect him more. I'm definitely going to be watching much more of the office in the future.
What episode(s) made you fall in love with your favorite TV show?
(also, please vote in the poll so I know what TV shows I should be posting about more often!)
For the longest time, I couldn't stand The Office. I didn't see what other people saw in it and I just didn't find it funny. Then, over winter break (during which I apparently was nothing but bored--see my HIMYM obsession) I caught some of Season 2 on TBS with my boyfriend. It must have been a really funny episode, because I kind of fell in love with it.
When I came back to college, my roommate told me that all of the Office was available on Netflix's Instant Watch. So last night, I finally got to watching some of the episodes. I even rewatched the episode that originally made me fall in love with it: "The Fire".
This is the episode that first made me love Dwight's character. I just found the image of him exaggerating how bad the fire was by crawling on the floor with the fire extinguisher very funny because there was only a tiny bit of smoke coming from the office's kitchen. Also, his attempts to win back Michael's affections were very amusing. Dwight (the boss's "pet") only loses his affection after Michael learns that the temp, Ryan Howard (I always think Phillies when I hear his name--I can't help it) went to business school. He begins to admire him on such a creepy level that only he could. What I love most about this episode is at the end, when Dwight discovers Ryan is responsible for the fire, and then Michael and Dwight sing "Ryan started the fire" (to the tune of Billy Joel's "We didn't start the fire") for the rest of the episode. Once again, Dwight is the boss's "pet" he always aspires to be.
It also surprised me to learn that the guy who plays the temp, BJ Novak, wrote this episode. I think he did an excellent job, and it definitely makes him respect him more. I'm definitely going to be watching much more of the office in the future.
What episode(s) made you fall in love with your favorite TV show?
(also, please vote in the poll so I know what TV shows I should be posting about more often!)
Monday, January 25
Osama Bin Laden Likes "Glee"
While searching for a topic to do a newsworthiness assignment on my "Writing for Journalism" class, I came across this wonderful article on NewsArse, a UK spoof news and satire website, about how Bin Laden accidentally recorded himself singing along to "Don't Stop Believing" and declaring his love for Glee.
The article says,
"Then, as the tape comes to the conclusion, the stop button is not completely depressed and Bin Laden announces his love for new FOX TV series ‘Glee’ which is playing in the background, before singing along to the hit track from the show, “Don’t Stop Believin’”.
Also quoted in the article is a US security spokesperson who mentions why the actual recording may have ended up recorded over this:
“It sounds like he might have taped over an old Al Qaeda karaoke night. Money is obviously tight, and so they’re recycling, I suppose we should applaud them for that.”
If anything, this article certainly brightened my day. But how do you feel that Osama Bin Laden also likes one of the hottest TV shows?
I know I may have found just the topic for my newsworthiness paper. EDIT: It appears that only the satire site that I found this on is reporting this. I thought it would make a good unusualness story, but I guess not. I'll keep checking back though for the next couple hours just to make sure. For now, the Haiti Telethon seems like a good topic.
Source article and source for image: Osama Bin Laden accidentally records himself singing along to TV show Glee
American High
Recently in my Teens and Tweens class we were told to watch the movie "American Teen". While I was on the IMDB, I found that many of the people who saw the movie thought the TV series "American High" was better. Here's the post I made at my class blog:
While I was reading about American Teen on IMDB after viewing it, a lot of the members discussing the movie thought that it was a rip-off of the PBS series called American High that ran from 1999-2000. Like American Teen, American High followed 14 Illinois high school students who were mostly Seniors (instead of just 4). Also, the director gave each student their own camera to record video diaries as well as shoot some of their live on their own, which allows for a lot more interesting footage and a more documentary feel than the cartoons sometimes presented in American Teen. I was wondering if anybody had seen the show or are at least interested in it. On this blog (http://tenpast.blogspot.com/2009/04/american-high.html) , a person who recorded all 13 episodes on videotape has posted some clips of some of the episodes.
In addition to getting more coverage because of being a TV series instead a single, 2 hour long movie, the students seem to be less stereotypical than those presented in American Teen (although the students chosen turned out to have more depth, originally they were presented to us as simple stereotypical characters: the jock, the geek, the homecoming queen, and the artsy girl). Take for instance, the blog's description of Pablo:
"Born in Ecuador and moved with his mother to the U.S. when he was young. His mother's been divorced twice, and he lives with her and his young half-sister. A talented writer, poet, and photographer, he's also well-known amongst school administrators for his frequent troublemaking and drug involvement. In a surprising turn of events, near the end of the series, he considers enlisting in the Marines instead of going to college next year."
The beginning of the first episode also portrays Morgan as a teenager who believes that teenagers should act truly reckless, just like we discussed in class as being mentioned in the article we read.
So what do you think of the show based on the clips on the blog? Would you want to see more? Do you think it's better, more realistic portrayal than American Teen?
While I was reading about American Teen on IMDB after viewing it, a lot of the members discussing the movie thought that it was a rip-off of the PBS series called American High that ran from 1999-2000. Like American Teen, American High followed 14 Illinois high school students who were mostly Seniors (instead of just 4). Also, the director gave each student their own camera to record video diaries as well as shoot some of their live on their own, which allows for a lot more interesting footage and a more documentary feel than the cartoons sometimes presented in American Teen. I was wondering if anybody had seen the show or are at least interested in it. On this blog (http://tenpast.blogspot.com/2009/04/american-high.html) , a person who recorded all 13 episodes on videotape has posted some clips of some of the episodes.
In addition to getting more coverage because of being a TV series instead a single, 2 hour long movie, the students seem to be less stereotypical than those presented in American Teen (although the students chosen turned out to have more depth, originally they were presented to us as simple stereotypical characters: the jock, the geek, the homecoming queen, and the artsy girl). Take for instance, the blog's description of Pablo:
"Born in Ecuador and moved with his mother to the U.S. when he was young. His mother's been divorced twice, and he lives with her and his young half-sister. A talented writer, poet, and photographer, he's also well-known amongst school administrators for his frequent troublemaking and drug involvement. In a surprising turn of events, near the end of the series, he considers enlisting in the Marines instead of going to college next year."
The beginning of the first episode also portrays Morgan as a teenager who believes that teenagers should act truly reckless, just like we discussed in class as being mentioned in the article we read.
So what do you think of the show based on the clips on the blog? Would you want to see more? Do you think it's better, more realistic portrayal than American Teen?
Wednesday, January 20
HIMYM Recap: "Jenkins"
This episode was interesting, even if some of it was kind of predictable. While Marshall and Lily are certainly my favorite pair on the show, I didn't really enjoy the whole "Jenkins" story line. I wasn't surprised that Marshall didn't think he was the "reacher" but instead was the "settler" in the relationship or that he would then go try and use Jenkins to try and make Lily jealous.
The storyline I enjoyed most was that the college students used Robin's morning news show as a drinking game. At first I thought it was a little reaching to say that college students were still up then, but then I realized that night when I was up w between 4 and 5 in the morning that in fact, yes, there actually is news on at 4 in the morning. I also like that Robin chose to get back at them (even if it meant risking her career--although this is the TV world. She's certainly done stupid things before and still kept her job).
I though Neil Patrick Harris did an okay job at directing this episode, although I was disappointed at the lack of Barney in it. I think Barney really makes the show what it is and his character can always make me laugh.
In other news, my 4th season DVD of HIMYM should be arriving shortly so I should be able to watch and review that soon.
What have you been watching on TV this week?
The storyline I enjoyed most was that the college students used Robin's morning news show as a drinking game. At first I thought it was a little reaching to say that college students were still up then, but then I realized that night when I was up w between 4 and 5 in the morning that in fact, yes, there actually is news on at 4 in the morning. I also like that Robin chose to get back at them (even if it meant risking her career--although this is the TV world. She's certainly done stupid things before and still kept her job).
I though Neil Patrick Harris did an okay job at directing this episode, although I was disappointed at the lack of Barney in it. I think Barney really makes the show what it is and his character can always make me laugh.
In other news, my 4th season DVD of HIMYM should be arriving shortly so I should be able to watch and review that soon.
What have you been watching on TV this week?
Sunday, January 17
Ahh, the Golden Globes.
I love Award shows. But sometimes I hate how much work I have to put into them. 2 hours of preshow (my favorite, I love watching the fashion) and at least 3 hours for a mere 25 Awards.
I thought Ricky Gervais was an okay host. There's really not a whole lot to hosting these days, there's not a whole lot to do with all the awards going on. It did, however, make me want to see the UK version of the Office.
It really surprised me that there is only 12 episodes.
Also, I've really wanted to see Mad Men. I've been interested in it ever since my Journalism teacher mentioned it in class and I may just have to since it won.
Award-wise, I was really disappointed Jane Lynch didn't win (I was sad Lea Michele didn't, but Lynch not winning came as a shock), but happy Glee won for best Comedy/Musical series.
Also, I was sad NPH didn't win, but that's life.
On another note, I'm really excited for Lauren Graham's new television show, Parenthood. Although it's not something I'd normally watch, I love Lauren Graham (and anything Gilmore girls). Also, Lauren Graham looked awesome on the red carpet: (via Lauren-online.net)
She's looking really good at 42 and I loved her dress.
So what TV show did you want to win at the Globes?
I thought Ricky Gervais was an okay host. There's really not a whole lot to hosting these days, there's not a whole lot to do with all the awards going on. It did, however, make me want to see the UK version of the Office.
It really surprised me that there is only 12 episodes.
Also, I've really wanted to see Mad Men. I've been interested in it ever since my Journalism teacher mentioned it in class and I may just have to since it won.
Award-wise, I was really disappointed Jane Lynch didn't win (I was sad Lea Michele didn't, but Lynch not winning came as a shock), but happy Glee won for best Comedy/Musical series.
Also, I was sad NPH didn't win, but that's life.
On another note, I'm really excited for Lauren Graham's new television show, Parenthood. Although it's not something I'd normally watch, I love Lauren Graham (and anything Gilmore girls). Also, Lauren Graham looked awesome on the red carpet: (via Lauren-online.net)
She's looking really good at 42 and I loved her dress.
So what TV show did you want to win at the Globes?
Friday, January 15
Quinn Fabray Braids Part 2!
Also, here is a video I made demonstrating how to do the braids yourself!:
I'm off to watch some glee because this post has inspired me.
What other types of posts would you guys like to see that are TV related?
Something A little Different: Quinn Fabray Braids: Part 1
Make sure you check out part 2 with my own tutorial on how to do the braids here
I realize this is a TV blog, but one of my other favorite things is hair and beauty. So today I'm bringing you a post about Quinn Fabray's aka Dianna Agron's hair.
Agron plays the pregnant cheerleader, Quinn Fabray, on the hit TV series GLEE. Although Fabray starts out as a ponytail-wearing, bitchy cheerleader, once head coach Sue Sylvester (played by the wonderful Jane Lynch) kicks her off the squad, Fabray becomes much calmer and begins to let her hair down. One of my favorite of her hairstyles, of course, is the side braid look. In the episode entitled Mattresses (as seen in the the picture) and in this song, Papa Don't Preach:
If you want to do the braids yourself, here is a decent tutorial on the side braid:
and here is even a more basic tutorial if you don't know how to french braid:
I'll be back later with a part 2 with pictures of my own hair with Quinn Fabray braids!
I realize this is a TV blog, but one of my other favorite things is hair and beauty. So today I'm bringing you a post about Quinn Fabray's aka Dianna Agron's hair.
Agron plays the pregnant cheerleader, Quinn Fabray, on the hit TV series GLEE. Although Fabray starts out as a ponytail-wearing, bitchy cheerleader, once head coach Sue Sylvester (played by the wonderful Jane Lynch) kicks her off the squad, Fabray becomes much calmer and begins to let her hair down. One of my favorite of her hairstyles, of course, is the side braid look. In the episode entitled Mattresses (as seen in the the picture) and in this song, Papa Don't Preach:If you want to do the braids yourself, here is a decent tutorial on the side braid:
and here is even a more basic tutorial if you don't know how to french braid:
I'll be back later with a part 2 with pictures of my own hair with Quinn Fabray braids!
Tuesday, January 12
Dogs 101
I have to admit, I love Animal Planet. It's one of my favorite things to watch as I'm trying to fall asleep (unless I'm at school, where I can't--because Temple University doesn't have it).
Regardless, while I do enjoy falling asleep to giraffes grazing, one of my favorite shows to watch is Dogs 101.
The series Dogs 101 offers info that any person searching for a new pet would want to know about specific breeds. Occasionally it includes a story about how a specific breed was important to its owners. One was about how a lhasa apso was saved by its owners and in return alerted them in a fire.
Regardless, while I do enjoy falling asleep to giraffes grazing, one of my favorite shows to watch is Dogs 101.
The series Dogs 101 offers info that any person searching for a new pet would want to know about specific breeds. Occasionally it includes a story about how a specific breed was important to its owners. One was about how a lhasa apso was saved by its owners and in return alerted them in a fire.
I think I want a lhasa apso or an Italian Greyhound.
Monday, January 11
Review of "Girls Vs. Suits"
Sorry for making this review kind of short. I've got a terrible headache and need to get to bed.
But on with the review!
For a 100th episode that I expected to be over-the-top, I thought it was okay. I thought that Barney's trouble with the suit vs. girl was written well, Barney would in fact do anything just to get a girl in bed. I LOVED his musical number (but then again, I'm extremely partial to musicals).
The one thing that annoyed me in this episode was Lily constantly questioning how the Bartender was way more good looking than she herself was. It just seemed out of character to me. I feel like Lily is confident in herself to know that she was no ugly duckling. I did, however, like it when the writers instead decided to turn it around to make it that Lily did think the bartender was better looking than Marshall. Because, lets face it, she is.
I was sad that Rachel Bilson's role was short. I really wanted her to be the mother, but I knew better. I think it was just because she kind of looked like Ted's teenage daughter. But, according to Ted, the mother is Bilson's roommate. So will we possibly see more of Bilson? I hope so.
Check out this video of the cast's favorite moments of the first 100 episodes: Top Moments of How I Met Your Mother.
The song, "Nothing Suits Me Like A Suit" has been available on Itunes since December 5th.
Check back here soon for reasons why I love South Park and a trip back to the past as I revisit Veronica Mars!
But on with the review!
For a 100th episode that I expected to be over-the-top, I thought it was okay. I thought that Barney's trouble with the suit vs. girl was written well, Barney would in fact do anything just to get a girl in bed. I LOVED his musical number (but then again, I'm extremely partial to musicals).
The one thing that annoyed me in this episode was Lily constantly questioning how the Bartender was way more good looking than she herself was. It just seemed out of character to me. I feel like Lily is confident in herself to know that she was no ugly duckling. I did, however, like it when the writers instead decided to turn it around to make it that Lily did think the bartender was better looking than Marshall. Because, lets face it, she is.
I was sad that Rachel Bilson's role was short. I really wanted her to be the mother, but I knew better. I think it was just because she kind of looked like Ted's teenage daughter. But, according to Ted, the mother is Bilson's roommate. So will we possibly see more of Bilson? I hope so.
Check out this video of the cast's favorite moments of the first 100 episodes: Top Moments of How I Met Your Mother.
The song, "Nothing Suits Me Like A Suit" has been available on Itunes since December 5th.
Check back here soon for reasons why I love South Park and a trip back to the past as I revisit Veronica Mars!
What Do three of my favorite TV shows have in common?
Glee, The OC, and How I Met Your Mother all come together in tonight's 100th episode of How I Met Your Mother airing tonight at 8 p.m. on CBS. Stop reading now if you'd like avoid being spoiled about the upcoming episode.
Glee choreographer Zach Woodlee designed a huge number for tonight's HIMYM episode. The musical number centers on how Barney (played by actor Neil Patrick Harris) gives up suits in order to woo a bartender and is titled: “Nothing Suits Me Like A Suit” and features Barney dancing on top of a taxi cab.
Also, "OC" star Rachel Bilson makes an appearance in the episode.
Check in later for a review of the episode!
Source
Glee choreographer Zach Woodlee designed a huge number for tonight's HIMYM episode. The musical number centers on how Barney (played by actor Neil Patrick Harris) gives up suits in order to woo a bartender and is titled: “Nothing Suits Me Like A Suit” and features Barney dancing on top of a taxi cab.
Also, "OC" star Rachel Bilson makes an appearance in the episode.
Check in later for a review of the episode!
Source
Glee Renewed for A Second Season!
Even though I just completed a post, I couldn't help but take a moment to squee about how I just learned (via many Glee cast member's twitter posts) that Glee was renewed (early!) for a second season.
What shows are you looking forward to being renewed?
What shows are you looking forward to being renewed?
My New Favorite Television 'Ship'
According to Wikipedia, "Shipping"is
"a general term for fans' emotional and/or intellectual involvement with the ongoing development of romance in a work of fiction. Though technically applicable to any such involvement, it refers chiefly to various related social dynamics observable on the Internet, and is seldom used outside of that context.
Shipping can involve virtually any kind of relationship — from the well-known and established, to the ambiguous or those undergoing development, and even to the highly improbable and the blatantly impossible. People involved in shipping (or shippers) assert that the relationship does exist, will exist, or simply that they would like it to exist."
So basically, it's the term that those of us who religiously watch TV have for our favorite couples, who may or may not actually be a couple on the show.
If you've read my recent posts, you know that I have recently developed a love for CBS's long running show, How I Met Your Mother. This brings me to my current favorite ship, Lily and Marshall. One reason I usually hate "ships" is because directors keep the couple everyone is routing for apart until the last couple of moments of the show (see Luke and Lorelai in "Gilmore Girls", Summer and Seth from "The OC", and Meredith and Derek from "Grey's Anatomy"). Why do they do this? Probably because they fear the couple will get boring. I think that almost all TV revolves around couples (hence why so many of us love "shipping".)
What I like most about Lily and Marshall is that they were together from the first episode (during which they got engaged), and except for a brief episode arc where Lily ran away to San Fransisco (HIMYM writers, I forgive for this brief lapse in judgement), they've been together for virtually the whole series. Although I love all three of the "ships" I previously mentioned, I can't help but admire how the writers make Lily and Marshall work without all the crazy drama.
So what's your favorite television ship?
"a general term for fans' emotional and/or intellectual involvement with the ongoing development of romance in a work of fiction. Though technically applicable to any such involvement, it refers chiefly to various related social dynamics observable on the Internet, and is seldom used outside of that context.
Shipping can involve virtually any kind of relationship — from the well-known and established, to the ambiguous or those undergoing development, and even to the highly improbable and the blatantly impossible. People involved in shipping (or shippers) assert that the relationship does exist, will exist, or simply that they would like it to exist."
So basically, it's the term that those of us who religiously watch TV have for our favorite couples, who may or may not actually be a couple on the show.
If you've read my recent posts, you know that I have recently developed a love for CBS's long running show, How I Met Your Mother. This brings me to my current favorite ship, Lily and Marshall. One reason I usually hate "ships" is because directors keep the couple everyone is routing for apart until the last couple of moments of the show (see Luke and Lorelai in "Gilmore Girls", Summer and Seth from "The OC", and Meredith and Derek from "Grey's Anatomy"). Why do they do this? Probably because they fear the couple will get boring. I think that almost all TV revolves around couples (hence why so many of us love "shipping".)
What I like most about Lily and Marshall is that they were together from the first episode (during which they got engaged), and except for a brief episode arc where Lily ran away to San Fransisco (HIMYM writers, I forgive for this brief lapse in judgement), they've been together for virtually the whole series. Although I love all three of the "ships" I previously mentioned, I can't help but admire how the writers make Lily and Marshall work without all the crazy drama.
So what's your favorite television ship?
Thursday, January 7
Teen Mom
So, I have to admit, my guilty pleasure is watching this MTV series. I don't know why I love it, but I do. I love watching the mom's struggle with there relationships with their babies daddies and how to raise a child. I could never imagine doing it myself. So I'm off to catch up on the series on MTV's website (including the mom's 16 and pregnant episodes) and I'll post a review of what I think overall later.
But for now, what is your guilty pleasure?
But for now, what is your guilty pleasure?
HIMYM
The other night, I was up to 2 a.m. thanks to my normal college routine and flipping through the channels. To my surprise, I stopped on Lifetime (a channel I normally hate) and started watching How I Met Your Mother. It was hilarious, and thanks to its stars including Neil Patrick Harris, Jason Segel and Alyson Hannigan, I am now addicted. I rushed out to Target and purchased Season 1 of How I Met Your Mother. From the very first episode, I loved it. Bob Saget does an awesome job at narrating to his children how the main character, Ted, met their mother.
The best part of the series is the comic relief that is NPH's character Barney, as Ted's forever bachelor friend. He makes the show.
Do yourself a favor and go pick up the DVD box sets of How I Met Your Mother now. Seasons 1-3 are on sale at Best Buy for $13.99, and at that price, they're a steal.
The best part of the series is the comic relief that is NPH's character Barney, as Ted's forever bachelor friend. He makes the show.
You dumped a hooker? Friendship over!
Do yourself a favor and go pick up the DVD box sets of How I Met Your Mother now. Seasons 1-3 are on sale at Best Buy for $13.99, and at that price, they're a steal.
Wednesday, January 6
Intro Post
I'm an 18 year journalism student who loves TV. I love watching it, and I love reading about it. So how is this blog different? As much as I love new TV shows, I also enjoy rewatching them (and watching them for the first time) on DVD.
The two TV shows I watch currently on TV include Glee and How I Met Your Mother. If you have any suggestions of TV shows I should be watching, feel free to comment here and I'll check them out.
My DVD range is far greater. I own Glee, How I Met Your Mother, Grey's Anatomy, Veronica Mars, Gilmore Girls, American Dreams, and Everwood.
So join me as I review and post my opinions about the TV I enjoy.
The two TV shows I watch currently on TV include Glee and How I Met Your Mother. If you have any suggestions of TV shows I should be watching, feel free to comment here and I'll check them out.
My DVD range is far greater. I own Glee, How I Met Your Mother, Grey's Anatomy, Veronica Mars, Gilmore Girls, American Dreams, and Everwood.
So join me as I review and post my opinions about the TV I enjoy.
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