Blast from the past

I have no internet. How am I posting this you ask? Pre-written then posted when I finally got internet. But yes, it’s been six days that I have been living without internet at my home. Cable companies are actually Satan’s disciples doing his business here on this earth. Originally they were drug dealers but now they handle our internet and cable subscriptions. Anyways, I have discovered a new found respect for living without internet (granted I do have data on my phone, but that is limited and does not allow me to watch Netflix, HBOGo, Amazon Prime, Hulu or any of the hundred ways I consume television). So what am I doing you ask? Me, the devouring, TV characters are my only friends, “television is my hobby, that counts as a hobby, right?” person doing with my time?

Watching television of course.

I could be reading a book. I could be drawing (which would really just be me drawing stick figures). I could, jeez, what the hell did people do with their free time before the internet? Before Netflix! You could say I could go outside. I would counter that I do but that does not fill up my whole day. Plus, I cannot do that at midnight when I get home from work. I could bake or learn to cook something new or do my laundry.

But why do any of that when I can go into the past and watch some great shows?

Luckily, I dove into the depths of my Apple computer from college (not the one I’m using to type the post) and recalled I had a few shows on file using an illegal way to watch them. Those series are: “Boy Meets World,” “Gilmore Girls,” and “Friday Night Lights.”

I’m sure your first thought was, “She started watching GG because the revival is coming out in November and what an opportune time for me to watch the whole series in preparation.” That would make sense, but that’s not what I decided. (Aside, don’t get me wrong, I’m super pumped for the revival and am so ready to revisit Stars Hallow again.) Then you must think I chose FNL, one of the best shows ever created and a perfect time of year to start watching, right as football season is about to start. But that would make too much sense.

No, I decided to truly go back in the past and watch one of the most nostalgic shows of my youth: “Boy Meets World.” Ah, Corey Matthews, how I’ve missed you. Topanga, the first Hermione, smart, ambitious and someone who just goes for it. And good ole Shawn (this is the way the show spells it, I know, it’s wrong). The idiot playboy with one of the biggest hearts. How I missed these characters. How I yearned for them in today’s climate of television. Now to be clear, this show is not the best. And by that I mean it was totally written for teenagers who are in middle school/high school, to help teach certain lessons and rarely have episodes that are actually progressive week-to-week. It wouldn’t be the end of the world if you missed one.

But how I missed it! In today’s world, it’s all these 10 episode mysteries and character studies and creative understanding of the human race. These shows are fantastic. They make you think and make you curious and make you question some of the actions in your own life. But damn, if I just sometimes need some careless, easy to watch, loving TV show. Even today’s sitcoms are dramas. Everything is so serious and thought provoking. That, of course, is great for television and I am a true believer that there hasn’t been a better time for TV than the last five years (I know; I haven’t been alive long enough to be able to truly analyze this, but too bad, that’s my opinion). I don’t believe there is too much TV and the more of these curious shows that are made, the better off we will be.

But that doesn’t mean I could use some more “Boy Meets World.” Is it the nostalgia? Probably. I could never get into “Girl Meets World,” it was laced with too many of today’s problems and teenage issues, which of course is the point. There is an element of BMW that just takes me back. From cords on phones to chalkboards; how can you not love the lesson that Mr. Feeney teaches every episode.

So my lesson in this blog is to learn from my non-internet life and take a minute away from the Facebook and the CNN and the Instagram. Stop reading about Donald Trump and stop watching reality TV and stop watching “The Night Of.” If you can, go revisit your past. Go watch an episode of “Doug,” or “Hey Arnold,” or “Rugrats,” or come over and watch some BMW with me. I think those 20 minutes you might find yourself learning something you wouldn’t expect.

Until next time, live long and prosper.

What's to happen to broadcast TV?

I recently had an interesting conversation with some of my friends about television. I surprisingly learned that none of them really watched anything that was on the normal broadcast stations, i.e. ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, CW. They were all streaming content from cable stations (AMC, FX, USA, Comedy Central), premium cable stations (HBO, Showtime, Starz) or streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime). Not gonna lie, this utterly shocked me. I didn't realize I was the only millennial left still watching shows like "The Big Bang Theory," "The Blacklist," "Grey's Anatomy," "Brooklyn 99," or "Arrow."

Of course, that's not true. There are obviously people still watching these channels, and this was just a small sampling of my friends (I do still have friends who watch broadcast TV, albeit, not many.) And obviously there are still people watching these shows, Grey's still gets about 8-10 million viewers each episode (which is rather remarkable considering they're in their 12th season.) Nonetheless, this got me thinking on if creators are still itching to get their show on one of the (former?) top dogs.

Are people starting to write shows with the mindset that they'll have to write 13 episodes per season and are able to use more vulgar language and maybe already have a guarantee of having at least two seasons instead of the grind that is broadcast? Possibly. I'm not one of those people but I wouldn't be surprised if that was the case.

That being said, I don't believe people who love television and cherish it, will stop watching broadcast shows. I think it is still a sacred accomplishment to have your show ordered on ABC or NBC. They're looking for fresh, new, creative, interesting content just like all the other networks, Though it could be argued that companies like Netflix or HBO are doing a better job and selecting the ones that seem to do the best; both by critics and the people.

What I will say is I can see how only writing 13 episodes is more enticing. Being able to create a complete narrative, knowing you'll be able to finish it, with a full story arc, that's a great guarantee. And that's what platforms like Hulu and Showtime are able to provide to creators. What I'm noticing more and more is that broadcast has become the place where a procedural lives and dies. From all the NCIS's to the CSI's to the Chicago Fire, PD, Med and rumored Law; those shows can get anyone to tune in week-to-week and they don't really have to had watched last week's episode. There's something special about a show like that, no doubt. My mother just told me show opted to not watch a show she had been following because while she was flipping the channel she got sucked into a story line on one of the Chicago shows. That's where the broadcast platform can continue to survive on, despite how depressing that sounds.

I recently wrote about how great the CW has been the last two years in producing quality, creative shows that you usually wouldn't see on broadcast. I truly hope that doesn't disappear. I hope Shonda Rhimes doesn't find a new home and continues to make unforgettable characters and stories for ABC. I hope the Kings (creators of "The Good Wife") don't get sucked into that 13 episode model as enticing as it might sound and how good the products can turn out, because what they've done with "The Good Wife" is still quality, important television.

Broadcast is important to the survival of television and I do believe there is room for everyone at the table. Some entertainment writers have argued there are too many television programs available for people that it's overwhelming and will eventually be too much. I don't believe that's true. If a show can create interesting, developed characters with intriguing story lines, then why limit where or how we watch it? Let's just embrace how great it all is and enjoy the fact that shows like "Daredevil" or "House of Cards" may not exist because of Netflix, but shows like "Scandal" and "Code Black" are still relevant and deserve to be watched. Not to mention, shows on 2, 5, 7, 9, Fox are free... just something to keep in mind.

Until next time, live long and prosper.

The resurgence of the CW

I may have write this because it feels wrong if I don't. I watch a lot of television shows on the CW. That's right, I actually watch five shows on the CW. FIVE. That ties the network that I watch the most with a depressingly CBS. I always thought I was more of an ABC, NBC watcher. Nope, guess not.

I'm watching new shows "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" and "Legends of Tomorrow." Two shows I have surprisingly unabashedly enjoyed thoroughly. And then I watch the successful "Arrow," "Flash," and "Jane the Virgin." They're all a little cheesy, they're all very unrealistic (considering three are superhero shows) and they're all very well cast, well written and well, pretty creative. Granted, the three superhero shows are not originals, they are a breath of fresh air from the superheroes in the movies.

Green Arrow, Flash and all the Legends have many flaws, many (nonstereotypical) battles with their abilities. I will saw they first two have had their issues, they've had their bad episodes but I cannot deny that I look forward to watching the moment I get home from work.

The more surprising shows that I like are the two female leads. When I first heard the title of "Jane the Virgin" I was convinced it would be the first canceled show of the 2014 season. Instead, Gina Rodriguez ended up winning the Golden Globe for the first half of the first season. After that I was immediately alerted to the creative, soft and funny show that was on this network that I used to be ashamed to say I watched ("Gilmore Girls" being the only saving Grace). Once the show came up on Netflix this fall I decided I had to find out what all the fuss was about.

To say I was hooked is an understatement. Despite the unrealistic premise it was a fun watch. It was a show that was original and had a very likable lead character who had flaws. However, it wasn't the shows I had been increasingly seeing; the shows trying to be the next "Breaking Bad." It's refreshing to watch a show that has heart and is actually happy for the most part.

"Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" is rather similar except for the fact that when I saw the first trailer I knew I wanted to watch it. I can't say it enough other than the CW is putting together some of the most creative, original shows on TV; at least on broadcast TV. I keep using the words original and creative but that's because this fall TV season was full of the same formula shows. Some sort of strange, different premise but then a procedural that involved a cop and a regular Joe helping the police. It was like everyone was trying to remake "Castle." You have that with the "Blindspot," "Minority Report," "Limitless," "Rosewood," "Lucifer," "The Player," and you have it with established shows like "Person of Interest," "Blacklist."

Don't get me wrong, I watch and enjoy some of those shows listed above ("Blacklist," "Limitless"), but it can be a tiring premise. That's why the CW's lineup is just so great. It has some shows that have an established fan base with the superheroes, but they also have the shows that are utterly just different; just like "Gilmore Girls," was in the 2000s.

With the Netflix revival of "Gilmore Girls" officially announced now, I felt compelled to discuss the fact that the CW (formerly called the WB when GG was on) has had continued success with shows like GG. A rather simple premise that have complicated storylines and character development that keeps you coming back each week. So kudos to the risks they have taken in the last couple of years; the CW is turning around and shouldn't be thought of as the crappy network it once was when shows like "Vampire Diaries," and "One Tree Hill," had on it.

If you haven't yet, try one of the CW shows out, they may surprise you.

Until next time, live long and prosper.

Let's appreciate movies that are nominated

I recently read a column regarding Oscar films and why are they always movies that no one has heard of or movies that succeed at the box office. All I wanted to do when reading the column was punch the person who wrote it. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not always in favor of what movies the Academy nominates, but I will always appreciate the attention I hope it brings to films that are crafted with incredible detail and skill.

Now, would you ever see a movie called "Room" about a girl who gets kidnapped and has a boy living in one room for most of his life? Probably not. Or, if you aren't a movie snob, you might have never even heard of it. Without the attention and creed of the Oscars, how are movies of that stature going to get made? I think the importance of the Oscars is more important as we continue in an age where the box office decides if you have a successful film.

Now, do I base if I'm going to see a movie because it was nominated? Yes, maybe. But that's just how I operate. I love the film industry in my naive way of never having worked in it and unaware of how complicated and competitive it is; so for me I love trying to see all the movies nominated for best picture. Would I have seen "Hurt Locker" if it hadn't been nominated? Nope. I hated it, but I am glad I saw it. I'm glad I was exposed to a movie that told a story on a specific topic I had no knowledge of prior to seeing the movie. 

I'm also not an idiot, and realize that people wish "Star Wars" or "Straight Outta Compton" or any superhero movie made should get more nominations. And I always argue the merit of each film. Granted, it is difficult for someone who has not studied film or have much knowledge of what a quality film means for them not to realize they've seen something masterful. Heck, I don't even know all the time if I've seen something considered a work of art. I'm not going to pretend I understand all the things that go into it (art design, art production, costumes, makeup, editing).

What I will argue is that the Academy is already, albeit slowly, taking in consideration films that are not just released in November/December but summer blockbusters. Look at "Mad Max." That's a very exciting, action-packed movie that I do believe should have gotten nominated. I also think nominating something like "Brooklyn," which does have a simple plot, but is so enriched with character development and in the journey that I'm glad the Academy drew my attention to it. If it didn't, who knows if I would have seen it (and loved it.)

Let's embrace the quiet films and the loud ones. Let's also remember that movies are supposed to help us escape and explore and learn and if a movie helps us do one of those things then how can you say it was a bad movie? "Sisters" was goofy, crazy and nuts and I loved every second of it. Should it have been nominated because I liked it better than I liked something that did get nominated? Of course not. I just want to thank the Oscars for bringing attention to movies that would otherwise not have as much noise as others.

And if you haven't done it yet, "Spotlight," "Brooklyn," and "The Big Short" have been some of my favorite movies of the year. I have three left to go on the best picture list ("The Revenant," "Room," and "Bridge of Spies.") and I look forward to accomplishing seeing all of them. But also see movies like "Carol" or "Anomalisa" because we are lucky to have an organization that brings to light these movies that are powerfully loud and quiet movies.

Until next time, live long and prosper. (And remember go to the movies, and not just to see "Star Wars" for the fifth time.)

My hopeful winners the Golden Globes/playoff season

Folks, it's that time of year again, Awards Season! Who's exciting? Obviously this is my favorite time of year. Not only is it award season but it's also playoff season for the NFL; so basically it's the best time of year. Who says January and Feburary are the depressing months? So, in honor of these exciting events, I give my hopeful predictions of what I would like to happen.

Golden Globes winners (disclaimer: I am not even close to have seen all of the movies nominated):
Best film - drama: "Spotlight"
I have only seen this and "Mad Max: Fury Road" (which premieres on HBO tonight and you should all watch) that are nominated for this category but what I've read about the other nominees, I have a feeling "Spotlight" will be my favorite of the choices. I think it's the most important movie of the year in terms of what it is telling and showing how much the journalism industry has changed. It might also be because I'm a journalist, so I suppose I'm rather biased. I will say that I loved "Mad Max" and was pleasantly surprised when I saw it got nominated.

Best film - comedy: "The Martian"
This is a tough one because if we're going strictly by the nominations in this category, "The Martian" is the best choice. It is the most complete film with a great story with a handful of funny moments. When I came out of it (and reading the book first) I would never consider this a comedy. If we are going by which movie I laugh most at, it's a tie between "Spy" and "Trainwreck." But I would be surprised if the winner isn't "The Martian."

Best actress - drama: Saoirse Ronan, "Brooklyn"
There's no chance she's winning, but I would like to see her win. It's most likely my affection for "Atonement" that I want to see this happen, but I think it would be great for the movie (which is on my list to see.) The winner, in my opinion, will be Cate Blanchett (surprise, surprise) or Brie Larson (who is gaining lots of attention for her acting chops in "Room," a movie I don't really want to see but feel like I should after all the rave reviews.)

Best actor - drama: Leonardo DiCaprio, "The Revenant"
Could this be, finally the year Leo gets the credit he deserves. I mean he slept in an animal carcass! Leo isn't without a Globe win but it would be great to see him start winning for this movie in hopes he finally gets his Oscar. Though, he once again has tough competition this year. Eddie Redmayne is like the male version of Jennifer Lawrence.

Best actress - comedy: Amy Schumer, "Trainwreck"
There's nothing more that I want than an Amy Schumer accept speech in front of the Globes audience. I also think she's pretty deserving of this award, but it might also be because she wrote this movie. I laughed probably equally as much as I did with Melissa McCarthy, who finally had a solid performance since her "Bridesmaids" days. I would be cool with either of those winning, but would argue that Schumer's character required a little more than just playing for laughs.

Best actor - comedy: Matt Damon, "The Martian"
I feel like this is a lock, but who really knows with the Foreign Press. I actually secretly hope Steve Carell wins; there's something about him and Ricky Gervais being in the same room that has me excited about this show. But there's no doubt Damon's performance was one of his best, even though it seems he has played this needing rescuing many times in the past.

Best supporting actress: Kate Winslet, "Steve Jobs"
It might be because this is the only performance that I saw in this category, and I'm also very biased toward Kate anyways, but it would be fun to see her and Leo win on the same night. I also thought her performance of Steve Job's right hand lady Joanna Hoffman was quite perfect. This is a tough category with a lot of question marks.

Best supporting actor: Sylvester Stallone, "Creed"
How great would it be if he won for his role of Rocky he created nearly 40 years ago (in case you didn't know, he was nominated for an Oscar for writing the screenplay for the original "Rocky"). I think it would be very cool to see him win this one. Also, none of the other nominees are very intriguing. I'm thinking it was a weak year for supporting men.

I could go through the rest of the movies categories, but then I feel like I would be writing for the next three hours (though I will say if "Inside Out" doesn't win best animated movie, I will throw something at the TV.) Here's to just hoping there are good speeches and entertaining interactions. But now for television.

Best TV drama: "Mr. Robot"
I, of course, will not be upset if "Game of Thrones" wins, however I'm rooting for this one because after watching only the pilot (I plan to watch more, don't worry), I thought it was a very inventive episode of TV, not only plot but character development. It'd also be good to see USA have a winner. Please, just don't let "Outlander" win, the least deserving of the nominees.

Best TV comedy: "Silicon Valley"
Probably the funniest program on TV, one that I laughed the most at (maybe rivaled with "Veep," which likely will win, and I'm cool with that.) I just think "Silicon Valley" has a great tone and delivery that is unlike most shows, so it would be nice to see it score a win.

Best limited series: "Fargo"
There is no question what the best thing on TV was this year. Maybe TV ever. "Fargo" is the greatest. Go, watch now. What are you doing still reading this. If you need log in info to watch o Hulu, just text me, I'll give you mine. It is the best piece of writing, ever. Season 1 of "True Detective" be damned. Somehow they made it better than the original movie.

TV people I would like to see win: Kirsten Dunst, who was fantastic in "Fargo." She was able to portray a lot of emotions of a very complicated and hilarious character. Viola Davis is a joy to see win and would be no different in this situation. I don't necessarily think she was the best actress on screen but she still needs to be owed for all the times she has been snubbed in the past. Personally, I'm a sucker for final seasons to win, and that's the case this year for Jon Hamm and "Mad Men," would love to see him score the best actor. As much as I love the brilliance of Julia Louis-Dreyfus in "Veep" I would like to see fresh blood win this category again (Gina Rodriguez scored the upset for "Jane the Virgin" last year.) I would love to see Rachel Bloom be the next CW actress to win for "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" a ridiculous but creative show she created. The music performances alone should be reason she wins. Finally, I'm hoping Aziz Ansari wins for "Master of None," and again it is also because he created and wrote most of the episodes. His performance was great and funny, but the show itself was just pure fun to watch, a fresh comedy.

So there you have it. Here's to hoping all my hopes and dreams come true, even though they won't. And while I'll be crying during Gervais' monologue because it won't be muh ladies Tina and Amy up there, I am excited for the start of this awards season. I'm still holding out hope the ladies show up and do something ridiculous (though unlikely.)

NFL playoffs:
Quickly, I'm just gonna say let's all hope there is not another Patriots/Seahawks Super Bowl this year. I swear, it will not be fun. But that's mainly because the Patriots look like a limping horse coming into the final stretch. Everyone loves a good underdog and I believe I'll be rooting for all of them (including Bengals, Chiefs and Vikings.) But, I my hope lies with the Broncos and quarterback Peyton Manning, the nicest guy in the league (steroid report be damned.) How great would it be if he led the Broncos to one final Super Bowl win after being out the last six games and rode into retirement on top. So, go Broncos! More than anything I would love just competitive games to occur as any fan does when they're team is not in the playoffs. So here's to good competition and unhealthy amounts of food in the next month.

Also note that the Oscar nominations come out Thursday and all I'll say is that the only nominations I'm hoping for this year is Schumer for original screenplay for "Trainwreck." She, very similarly to Kristen Wiig and "Bridesmaids," reinvented the genre and deserves to be recognized. I mean, look, they included her in this roundtable discussion of screenwriters. I also, like the whole world, have jumped on the Schumer bandwagon.

Until next time, Live long and prosper.

As Star Wars returns so does Sammie

It only seemed appropriate that with the next phase of Star Wars films returning in just six days times, that I do as well. Welcome back friends, family and anonymous creeps who have nothing else to read and some how stumbled upon this blog. It feels good to write something other than sports scores and headlines.

With the return of Han, Luke and Leia, though, it got me thinking of why are we so excited to have this franchise back? Why do we love these movies so much? In preparation of Dec. 18, I have (like most) rewatched the first six. That means seeing the heroes of Jar Jar Binks (not sarcasm), the horrible acting of Hayden Christensen, the worst dialogue known to man, the greatest film to ever be made (circa 1977), the one everyone actually loves, and the one everyone should love (ewoks! they're just like teddy bears). As I watched, I kept asking myself what makes these movies so good? Is it the special effects (it was 30 years ago), is it the great storytelling with surprises (vater is father in German, we should known despite the spelling change! -- thanks "Pitch Perfect"for that fun fact), or is it the fact that they have been described as classics and we think we should love them?

I don't believe it's the latter part, though, I wouldn't be surprised if that may be the case for some people. No, I don't think it's any of those points. The reason we continue to rewatch Star Wars, talk about it and are so excited for the next installment is because we are trying to relive that first moment when we saw it for the first time. I would love to take some NZT so I could remember the exact moment I saw Star Wars for the first time and how exactly I felt. Even what I felt like when I saw Phantom Menace for the first time. And that's what I'm hoping for when I see The Force Awakens. I hope everyone who was born after 1977 gets to have the same experience everyone born before 1977 got to experience. A film to change how we see movies.

That's a lot of pressure to put on Mr. Abrams, and probably an unrealistic expectation, but one I am holding out for. If anyone could do it, it would be my boy J.J., creator of the show that made me watch TV. If the expectations fall short, that will not mean a failure for me though. Just the fact the original three are back tells me I don't have to worry about it being a failure. Because despite the money they made for making this and the hype that would have happened if they didn't return, I truly believe to the core of my being that they would not be in this movie if they didn't believe it. And that's enough for me.

Am I nervous? Sure. Am I excited? Not even a question; there are no words to describe the excitement. Only, I can tell you this: I'm looking forward to the moment the lights dim as I sit in my recliner chair next to my brother, my Star Wars buddy, and disappear into the universe we have all cherished. With you the Force be.

Until next time ... Live long and prosper.

What happens when you're in the same room as your hero

No, I did not charge the stage. No, I did not get arrested trying to sneak past security. No, I did not get to shake her hand or take a picture with her. Despite sort of wishing I did all of these things, I did get to see the Tina Fey in the flesh. Granted, I was a few rows back and a little to the right, but no one needs to know that. I got to see her face (prettier in person), listen to her talk (sounds of angels) and watch her interact with Jason Bateman (they act like siblings).

But what happens when the hero you've built in your head is finally there for your own eyes to see? Honestly, it was kind of like every YouTube video I watched of her get interviewed. You may say that sounds depressing, but actually it was refreshing. It was a relief to see that she actually seems like the the person she is in all those interviews she has to do. And I was secretly fine with not actually meeting her... bum, bum, buuuuum.

To give you some background, I went to the first BookCon event this weekend in New York. It was paired with the BEA conference that has been going on for years, which gathers all the book nerds in the world in one place. The kickoff event for BookCon (think ComicCon for avid readers) was Friday night and it featured the author and screenplay writer of the book and upcoming film, "This is Where I Leave." Along with him (Jonathan Tropper), was the director of the film (Shawn Levy) and some of its stars, cue Tina and Jason. The tickets were $10 and when I saw the event it seemed too good to pass up. Not to mention, the next day was the actual BookCon, which featured a panel of Amy Poehler (who was promoting her upcoming book, "Yes Please") and Martin Short – they basically just had a conversation together and it was glorious (I'll come back to that in a bit).

So, I was sitting at this round table, after waiting in line – the front of it I might add – for two hours. We got decent seats in that I didn't have to look at the TV screen to see them talk, plus whenever Tina talked she looked right at me. So, I'm sitting there, luckily with a Coors Light, and I was oddly calm. Excited of course, but it was kind of a moment of just complete shock. I had actually done it. I was in a place where this person I had admired for the past five years would be talking. It was a feeling of disbelief more than anything.

The overall event was great, and not just because Tina was there. The author would read a passage from the book and then we got to see how that passage translated in the scene – so we got some sneak peaks of the movie that opens in September, which by the way looks hilariously awesome. It was fun to watch the scenes and see how Tina and Jason reacted to them. Basically it was an hour I won't soon forget, and will be running in my head when I see the movie.

At the end, everyone stood up, clapped with much enthusiasm as we watched them exit the stage. I, of course, went outside and immediately went to where they would have left. I had to see her, meet her, if I could. We were in the same building for gosh sake! But, alas, there was the author, greeting some friends when I heard the him say Tina and Jason had been escorted out the side door and out of the building. And weirdly enough my reaction was not disappointment.

Granted, it would have been amazing, unreal, complete shock, lots of other adjectives to describe it, if I did in fact get to meet her. More than anything, though, I think I'm afraid it would be a huge disappointment. You always imagine what it would be like to have a few short words with a celebrity you love. You want to see how down to Earth they are, how pretty/cute they are in person, blah blah blah. But I have had such an image in my head of what the encounter would be like that it almost scares me. Because what if it doesn't meet my expectations? I had the line picked out if it would have happened. I would ask if she would take a picture with me, she would agree because she's a kind person, we would take it and I would look at it and say, "Wow, you look amazing. Would you like me to send you a copy of this to your email?" I'd want to be clever and not utterly too creepy at the same time.

Of course, this didn't and, honestly, probably will never happen. But I think I have come to terms with it because I'm not sure if it would ever really meet my expectations. I kind of like the image of what I have of her in my head, in a noncreepy way of course. Plus, I got to meet an Entertainment Weekly writer I have admired for a while now and got to shake his hand. An hour before, he was shaking and kissing Tina on the cheek (he was the moderator of the event).

One degree of separation, baby.

Quick notes:
• Though Tina's panel was fantastic and incredibly interesting because you got to hear how they turned the book into the movie, she didn't get to talk as much as I was hoping. I mean she was sharing the stage with three other people. That was not the case with Amy's panel Saturday. She talked the whole time, and damn was it funny. It helped, too, that she was being interviewed by Martin Short. She swore like a sailor, let loose that infectious laugh she has and told numerous hilarious stories (the best one was about her doctor dying two days before she gave birth). It sounds like her book will be similar to that of Tina's and Mindy Kaling's, so you know I have already preordered it, and after listening to hear talk for an hour about it, you should, too.

• Jason Segal was an unexpected surprise. He wrote a children's book with another and was a last minute addition to the BookCon schedule. I got to see him, and damn is that guy talented, and extremely good looking. He is hilarious and very charismatic in the flesh. And he still seems surprised when people show up to see him talk (he took a panoramic picture of the room when he got on stage). It's safe to say I will be checking out his book, too.

• It only seemed right that after this weekend I start blogging again. My hope is that I will again begin to write periodically throughout the week when something strikes me and I want to tell you all about it (and by "you all" I pretty much mean my parents, who I live with and tell these things to anyway). Obviously, it will most likely be pop cultured, TV, books, movies, music related since I don't do much other than sleep, eat and consume media.

Until next time, and there will be a next time, I promise (because I know I have so many avid readers out there – hi Mom!) ... Live long and prosper.

Warning: May cause reader to binge watch

All television shows should come with a warning. CAUTION: Side affects include loss of brain cells, loss of eye sight and chance of extreme binge watching. Binge watching is like my drug. If binge watching was in the Olympics, I would have every gold medal in every category.

It all started five years ago (is it weird that that I can pinpoint exactly when my binge watching started? Probably. Moving on) when I was persuaded to watch the television show 30 Rock. I didn't know much about it other than it was starring Alec Baldwin and SNL's Tina Fey (ah, how much can change in five years). I had asked for the first three seasons on DVD, and alas an obsession began. I watched all three in the time of my winter break and even illegally caught up with season four so I could watch the rest of it live during the spring. And so, a hobby began (and not so coincidentally this all started at the same time as my college career). 

And as more winter breaks came, so did more television shows. During my sophomore year it was Friday Night Lights and Parks and Recreation. During my junior year it was Arrested Development and Game of Thrones. During my senior year it was Alias and the start of the West Wing (that took be a solid three months to finish, but hey, it is seven seasons long). There were summers that allotted more time, like when I was in Champaign and watched all four seasons of Dexter in two weeks. Or when I watched the first season of community in two days. Or when I watched the first season of 24 is three days. Or my second summer in Champaign when I watched all 10 seasons of Friends and the first four seasons of Modern Family. Binge watching is a disease.

Luckily, it was typically constrained to when I wasn't in school. However, the activity would soon become a dog released from its leash. For I graduated in May, giving me an insane amount of free time. Given the fact that my days off during the summer were on the week days, I didn't have much to do. So, naturally, I picked up Scandal and New Girl. I also rewatched most of Grey's Anatomy and Friday Night Lights.

Once I started my new job, finally entering the real world, I thought my binge habits would stop. I was an adult now, I had responsiblities. No. I'm sorry to say it actually got worse. Thanks to MTV and ABC Family I could watch four hours of Boy Meets World before I had to go to work. Now that isn't quite binge watching because it was on TV so it had commercials, and I already had seen the show, but you get the point.

But finally, October arrived. My new shows have started again! With my night shifts, I would spend most of the day catching up on my 15+ shows. This worked out well for a while. I thought since I was watching a new episode it justified me spending most of my free time in front of the television. During that time I actually had read two books. Even saw a few movies. And on the rare occassion hung out with friends. Life was getting back to normal.

Then it happened. I was about to watch my usual 30 Rock epsiode to fall asleep to one November night, when I saw on Netflix that the show Chuck was now available. I had always wanted to watch the show even though I knew how it ended. The genre was pretty intriguing. It seemed light-hearted, an easy one-episode-a-night kind of show. It was suppose to be something I could watch before going to bed.

But was I wrong. 

Chuck has brought my binge watching disease to new heights. At first, it was doing exactly what I wanted it to do. I had watched an episode each night before going to bed and that was enough. Until I hit the last two episodes of the first season. I would eventually finish the 91 episode, five season series in about three weeks (most of which was done in the last two weeks). I could divulge into more facts (like when stayed up till 4 a.m. watching it to only wake up at 9 a.m. to continue watching until I went to work), but that would be embarrassing for me, so I won't.

I don't know what it was about Chuck, or maybe it's just the time of my life, but for some reason I was hooked. I actually chose to watch this show that was two years removed from being on-air versus the shows I watched live (save for Scandal, but that's only because I couldn't risk finding out what happened when I went to work the next day). I just kept hitting the next episode button on my Netflix.

The worst part of it all? I knew how pathetic it was what I was doing. I knew it. I looked at myself and thought, 'this girl needs some friends,' and yet, I kept hitting the next episode. It's one of those things you know you shouldn't be doing but you do it anyways. Chuck was my drug and Netflix was the applicator for me to take it. However, I don't really regret what I did because I enjoyed 63 hours of my life watching a great TV show. You could probably add another five hours of my life dedicated to re-watching YouTube clips of my favorite scenes and interviews with the cast – but that's neither here nor there.

And how am I doing a week removed from my greatest binge yet? I'm sitting, writing this blog, listening to a playlist I made of songs that played in Chuck. Currently, I'm listening to the song where Chuck and Sarah have their second "real" kiss. It's a good (hmm, on second thought, should I really be admitting all of this to you? Oh well, to late). Oh, and to answer my question, clearly, I'm doing fine. I like to remind myself there is always another binge around the corner, it's just a matter of time until I find the next new show. 

Until then, I obviously recommend watching Chuck. It's a hybrid show. Combining almost every genre into one while making your heart melt (all thanks to Zachary Levi). It has a killer soundtrack, a bunch of pop culture references and is available on Netflix. However, I would like to give you one piece of advice. Warning: It may cause binge watching. 

With that I say... Live long and prosper.

Respect the ending

Completing a series is a tough thing. Not that I know firsthand, but let's be real, whether it be a books, TV or film, it's rough. No matter how you slice it, you cannot make everyone happy. It's a shame really, but it's true. I'm sure there is someone on this planet that thought the ending to Harry Potter sucked (whoever that person is, we will never be friends). From what I can tell most people were not happy with how the last Hunger Games book ended, I have yet to meet someone who liked the Dexter finale and on the flipside of that I haven't met someone who disliked the Breaking Bad finale.

I recently completed another series, the Divergent books. For those of you who haven't finished the third book, Allegiant, which came out last week, you can keep reading, I will not spoil anything. For those of you who haven't read them at all, why are you wasting your time reading this blog when you could be reading those? Come on now. Go buy them, it takes like 5 seconds if you have Kindle. 

Anyways, once you finish, I highly recommend you read a blog the authorposted on her site. It explains, not defending, her choice to do certain things and not others. There is one line that she said that struck me. "You are allowed—encouraged!— to continue to feel however you want to feel, or think however you want to think, about the ending, no matter what this blog post says. I’m the author, yes, but this book is yours as well as mine now, and our voices are equal in this conversation." I respect what she says, but I disagree.

In my opinion, the creator of whatever I'm consuming has the right to do whatever they want with the characters they've created, and I have to have, at the very least, respect for what they've done. Now, does this mean I can't have an opinion on how something ends? Of course not. But the way I look at it, this is their creation. I don't think the book is mine as well as hers. Yes, I have read it, obsessed over it and analyzed it. But I haven't lived with it, breathed it, thought about it endlessly, as I'm guessing she did. 

I think consumers can get just attached as the author, they can have a sense of belonging to the character, but ultimately I believe the characters live with the creator for the rest of their lives. Susanna Collins, Veronica Roth, especially JK Rowling, all have more ownership over their characters than me the consumer. And because of that fact, I have decided to on more occassions than not, to respect how they end something.

This rings even more true when I discover the ending of the series was the decision from the very beginning. If the writer (because in every creative thing, books, TV, film; it's the writer who makes it great, unless Meryl Streep is in it) decided from the beginning they were going to kill this character or not kill that character, then I have even more respect for that decision. Because it means they didn't allow the audience to alter the story they wanted to tell. And to me, that is one of the most important qualities in storytelling. 

There are shows where the writers actually have zero clue where the next season is going when they write a finale, where they make their characters get in the worst possible holes and then some how dig them out, but aren't quite sure how they'll do it. Actually, that is the case with most television shows. But there are some, like Mad Men, that have creators already picturing the finale scene. Or books like Game of Thrones, where the author lets the characters tell the stories and he just goes along for the ride. I can't fathom what that's like, not knowing how you're already five-book series (and most likely seven-book series) will end. No matter, the point is, when the creator of something has a clear track for a character, I've decided you've got to respect it.

I hated the Dexter finale, I thought it was dumb, unbelievable and pretty much a disservice to the series. However, I have a small amount of respect for it because the producers and the writers decided this was the way to end Dexter's journey. Just because it wasn't the finale I wanted doesn't mean I should totally rip it apart and yell at the creators. It only gives me a little right to do that. It's much easier for me to come to peace with how something ends when I come to the conclusion that the creative minds behind this medium wanted it this way, so I'm cool with it.

Essentially, I believe that it is exciting to consume a book, a TV show and a movie and I'll have my opinion to how it ends, but ultimately it doesn't matter. The creators actually don't care what we think, most of the time. I think some of them are grateful to the success (like Breaking Bad) but I don't (and truly hope) that success of something doesn't alter the way it should truly end. As long as the quality of the show, the quality of the characters and it's still downright entertaining, then how they end should be up to the creators. 

So, when you're watching a series finale (like HIMYM in the near future) or you're reading Allegiant (wait, you're telling me you are still reading this and you haven't started Divergent yet? Get ready to feel stupid when everyone is talking about it) keep in mind the creator(s) have ended it the way they want to and we should respect that. And though it may not always be a happy ending, and though it may not be the ending you had in mind, it is the ending they wanted. Let's just hope it's a satisfiying one. 

With that I say... Live long and prosper.

It's that time of year... EMMYS!

It's that day of the year folks. It's like my Christmas. The best time of the year if you ask me. All in one week we get to celebrate the winners at the Emmys only to have the rest of the week to enjoy premieres of all the shows we have been so desperately waiting for since May. We have spent our summers watching reruns, binge watching new shows and trying to avoid all that's wrong with summer television.

But no longer. No. It is now time for fall premiere week. But first, the television's Oscars, the Emmys. We get to watch recent Emmy winner Neil Patrick Harris try to out do his stint at the Tony's (which won him the Emmy at last weekends Creative Arts Emmy awards). We get to watch Tina and Amy perform together (and announce they'll host the Globes again on national TV?! – Hey a girl can dream). We get to watch old and new winners take the stage for what I think will be a fun and exciting show with a lot of ifs in the air.

So, as to not embarrass myself completely, I'm going to tell you all what I hope will happen today. These are not my predictions of who will win, but the ones I would like to win. That way you can't hold it against me when all these people do not win. Let's get started.

Best Drama: This is incredibly difficult, I call for a five-way tie. Honestly, I want Game of Thrones to win because never have I watched a show that is so unbelievably unpredictable, enthralling and confusing at the same time. However, I have a feeling it may have a better chance come next season with the hyped up 4th (but second half of the third book). So this year, I'm saying Breaking Bad. I got into it this summer, and even though it took forever to get into, it finally grabbed my attention and in the final season episodes hasn't lost it once. It deserves to win.

Best Comedy: Duh. 30 Rock. In its last year of contention I have to pick my true love and cry thinking I will never see Liz Lemon with new sassy comebacks again. But it's not just a want, the last season of 30 Rock was awesome. It had everything a true fan wanted including a lot of laughs. Please, please by the hammer of Thor can Modern Family not win this year? That's all I ask (but it's doubtful to happen).

Best Actor - Drama: Again, I'm going to have to go with my new found love, Breaking Bad's Bryan Cranston. Who knew this comedy actor had so much depth to him. I'm a little late in saying that, but nonetheless, this guy rocks. (Though I wouldn't be angry to see Kevin Spacey win for making another bad character so good.)

Best Actress - Drama: This might be the hardest category (see my last post) but who I really want to win is another binge watching show of late, Scandal's Kerry Washington. Not only would it make history but it's totally deserved. I would be surprised if Claire Danes doesn't snatch it up for the second straight year but I think Washington has a very good chance. Here's crossing my fingers for her. (But really, anyone can win and I'll be a happy camper).

Best Actor - Comedy: As to not pick the obvious choice I want (Alec Baldwin) I'll also put my support toward Louie C.K. Everyone was upset he wasn't nominated last year and everyone said how great his show is (yeah, I don't watch it). However, I am a fan of his and I think he would give a really great acceptance speech (plus I love him as policeman Dave from Parks!)

Best Actress - Comedy: Yeah, I know who you think I'm going to say, but you're wrong. If she can win some writing things and the show can win, I'll be a happy camper, only, ONLY, if Amy Poehler beats Tina for this one. If it isn't Amy, then I want Tina. But the fact Amy has yet to win is just really stupid and needs to change, like right now. So yeah, I'm rooting for Poehler. (But let's all be realistic, I'm pretty 100 percent positive Julia Louis Dreyfess has this one in the bag for the second straight year for Veep).

Best Supporting Actor - Drama: This is another tough one but building off my Breaking Bad high I'm gonna go with Aaron Paul. I saw him on Jimmy Kimmel the other night and this guy is just the most likeable actor I've ever seen, not to mention he is able to realize how lucky he is and displays it. This guy is from Idaho. He already has two Emmys under his belt for his role of Jesse and I'm rooting for a third.

Best Supporting Actress - Drama: For this one I'm going to have to go with the one and only Maggie Smith. Yeah, I know she's won the past couple times and yes I know she is never there to collect her reward, but guys, she's like 80. Give her a break. Honestly, all these women had exceptionally awesome seasons, so I wouldn't be all that mad if Christina Hendricks or Anna Gunn won. You know what, Gunn hasn't won yet, so maybe I'll root for her.

Best Supporting Actor - Comedy: I'm so sick of the Modern Family men being nominated and winning. It's ridiculous. OK, it's not really because I know how funny they are because I watch the show. But this year I'm rooting for Tony Hale in Veep. He is absolutely the reason I have kept watching that show. He has some of the best comedic timing and the tone of voice he uses in certain situations is genus. He's like a smarter Buster, and it's great. For that matter, let's say Bill Hader, too. I just don't want a Modern Family guy to win (I swear I do like this show, but want to see some new blood win). Not to mention, Hader had an awesome sendoff as Stefon that deserves a win.

Best Supporting Actress - Comedy: This one is easy. She hasn't one yet and just for the fact that she sang this song, kept a straight face and actually articulated whatever the lyrics were is just amazing. That's right, my vote is for Jane Krakowski, he last eligiable year for 30 Rock. I'm a big fan of Merritt Wever on Nurse Jackie (she's actually the only funny thing on that show) but gotta give the vote to the Krawkoski's last shot. MUFFIN TOP FOR THE WIN!

All right, that's all I'm predicting, no one cares about the miniseries or made for TV movies anyways. Though, I would like to see Elisabeth Moss win for Top of the Lake because her Australian accent is uncanny and I would like to see her just win an Emmy because I'm not sure if she ever will for her roll as Peggy.

Hit me up if you disagree with any of these or think I should be rooting for anyone else. I'll be live tweeting the Emmys (and by live tweeting I mean writing whatever comes to my head about the Emmys as I watch them in my pajamas on the couch).

Also keep in mind the series finale of Dexter is on Sunday and I will be watching immediately following the Emmys. Also keep in mind the penultimate episode of Breaking Bad is on, which I will be watching directly following the finale of Dexter. Cool, that's a wrap folks, excited to talk to you all on Sunday.

With that, I say... Live long and prosper.

Gladiators in suits

So, I didn't want to wait this long to post something, but I was distracted. I know, it's usually my excuse, but this time it truly was the biggest distraction ever. A show called Scandal.

I surprised myself when I didn't start watching this show when it came out, since I'm known to bow down to the brilliant feet of Shonda Rhimes (Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice creator) but for some reason, initially, the premise didn't intrigue me enough. It premiered at a bad time (April of 2011) and I just missed it.

Then when all the buzz started to happen during its winter finale of the second season and then even more throughout the spring, I knew this would be a show I would like. And yet, I was afraid to start watching. I was afraid my expectations might be too high. And honestly, I thought if I took on another show I would start forgetting what ones I did watch.

Then it hit me. True Blood is officially calling it quits next season. Dexter leaving me in this week. Breaking Bad in two weeks (yes, I realize I started watching this in July, but still). Fringe and 30 Rock left me this past January. I realized I needed a new show (yes, to add to the 18 others I watch).

And were my expectations met and exceeded. Watch this show everyone. Do it. Go, it's on Netflix. This is what TV is all about. It won't be rolling in the Emmys like a Mad Men, but man is it fun. (NOTE: Kerry Washington is nominated – who, if she wins, could be the first female black leading actress in a drama to win an Emmy. Also, it also just scored a best guest actor award for Dan Bucantinksy. END NOTE). No, it's not this intense deep down-to-the-core analyzing who these people are, like Breaking Bad is. No, it's just a downright, fun, juicy show. The best comparison I have is Revenge, but less campy.

My mother started watching the show when it first came out and really enjoyed it. She watched the first whole season, but was unable to return. Why? The gross, scumbag, nasty president.

For those of you who have never heard of Scandal, the premise is this: Olivia Pope (Washington) is a "fixer." She takes public figures (senators, governors, rich people) who get themselves into trouble (have affairs, accidentally kill people, have affairs) and help them fix their issue. We learn she had a very deep (and sexual) relationship with the current U.S. president. As the season progresses, we learn she was the White House director of communications, until the affair with good ole Mr. President got to be too much and resigned, starting her own firm.

So, the show follows her team of "gladiators in suits" as they fix things. It's a mixture of a procedural and then an over arching storyline throughout the season. The main one being her relationship with POTUS. So, my mother stopped watching because she couldn't handle watching the president have an affair, be stupid and do it while his wife clearly knows what is going on (for the record, the wife is a nasty piece of work).

I agree with my mother, the majority of the time I can't handle him. But as the president (Tony Goldwyn) drove her away, Olivia Pope kept me around. Washington makes the most ridiculous storyline believable. The key to a leading lady. I love this character. Sometimes I want to slap her and tell her to stop going to the White House to see the scumbag, it only makes it worse. Then 10 minutes later I'm screaming that she needs to marry him and be First Lady! That is all, easily, Washington's doing. She is a master at making me want to strangle her but believing everything she is saying.

I am, 100 percent, behind her winning the Emmy. Granted, I want pretty much every woman who is nominated to win, except for maybe Vera Farmiga, but only because I don't watch that show. My guess is Claire Danes wins again, especially if she submitted the interrogation episode for her Emmy pic, because that episode is golden. Though, many experts are saying Washington has a chance. I love this year of unpredictability.

Who cares who wins, honestly, because it's great to see these powerful, bad ass woman on TV. I'm not referring to Danes' character (who always looks like she's about to cry), but Washington's and Robin Wright's on House of Cards, and Elisabeth Moss on Mad Men and Connie Britton on Nashville. All have power, money and leverage. It's fun to watch women be awesome.

So, if you don't watch any of the nominated women for this year's Emmys, I suggest you pick one. More so, I suggest you pick Scandal. Especially, if you're not looking for complicated plot, but just straight up political and relationship backstabbing (kind of like House of Cards, but more fun).

Here are some of my other notes:

1. J.K.! J.K.! J.K.! J.K.! J.K.! That's right, my girl, the one and only, the most famous, the most talented, the rock star of all authors is writing a screenplay. And not just any screenplay. No, she's basically writing a prequel to Harry Potter. OK, prequel is wrong. It's like a side story. From her book Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, similar to Quidditch Through the Ages one she wrote. Can you tell I'm excited?

2. TINA! TINA! TINA! TINA! TINA! It's been a good couple weeks for me. It was announced she will host the premiere of SNL on Sept. 28. She's going to whip all those newbies into shape for the new season. Can you tell I'm really, really excited about things?

3. As a note, I plan to live tweet the Emmys this year (I know exciting right?!) So this is my promotion for all of you to follow me so you can find out what I think since you can't all watch with me (I know, try not to shed any tears). But follow me @sammiekiesel and it'll be like you're sitting right next to me! (Also, if you don't even have a Twitter, get one.)

And with that I say... Live long and prosper.

I'm back, bitch!

The title of this post is not meant to use profanity in a negative way, but instead quote my new favorite show I got into just at the right time... "Breaking Bad." That's right, I've finally jumped on the bandwagon and caught up a week before the first of the final eight episodes aired. But before I get too much into that I want to first apologize for my lack of posting. The blog returned earlier this summer with an idea I had while driving the hour from work as writing down the conversations I had with myself. Unfortunately, I figured out commuting's unwritten secret: audiobooks.

That's right, I listened to Tina Fey's "Bossypants," "Prisoner of Azkaban," "Goblet of Fire," "Half-Blood Prince" and "Deathly Hallows" for the remainder of my very long commute from the city. Which, allowed me a chance, not to think, but to listen to some of the greatest words ever written (if you're wondering why I didn't listen to all of the Harry Potter books, and why not the fifth one, it's because I had a very thought provoking process where I listened to the ones I owned).

Alas, the books and my weird hours kept me from posting. But now, I have no excuse. I am no longer in school. I don't have an extra long commute, though I am still working nights, giving me another reason to bow down to whoever invented DVR. And as it is now officially Sept. 1 and basically the fall, it means all of our favorite things are back. TV, Oscar contending movies and college football.

OK, enough with this chatter! Time to catch you up on five things I've been dying to write about. Sit back, relax and get ready for the return of Sammie Kiesel, bitch!

1. "Breaking Bad" is on track to close out its series with the best eight episodes ever. If you haven't watched this show, or tried but stopped, try again. The series is a slow burn, but the past three weeks are making my time binge watching totally worth it. "Dexter" is killing me with its final season. It's enjoyable, it's typical Dex being Dex, but it is not giving me this is the end kind of vibe. Walter White, on the other hand, is laying all of his chips on the table and the audience is loving every minute of it. Expectations keeping getting higher and met, week by week.

2. Tina has had a productive summer. Who said Tina Fey needs a break. The girl has already filmed at least two movies and developed two TV shows (both of which have already been picked up - one by Fox the other by NBC). Not to mention, she killed it (per usual) on Letterman last week. And on top of it all, there are rumors that her and Amy Poehler have been asked back to host the Globes. You know I'm a real happy camper right now.

3. OK, I've been really bad this summer about getting to the movies, but there are a couple I am going to make an effort to see, and so should you. "The Way, Way Back" got great reviews, not an Oscar contender, but definitely something you should all rent. It's Steve Carell being an ass and Sam Rockwell getting very early Oscar backup (but I'm calling that super doubtful at this point). The other is "The Spectacular Now," which has been deemed the first real coming of age film since John Hughes made them all back in the 80s. It stars one of the biggest actresses right now, Shailene Woodley, and I have only read positive things. I just opened worldwide this weekend. The last one is "The Butler," which actually has a longer name but I'm lazy. It got mixed reviews but is still an Oscar contender at this point. I mainly want to see it for all the famous people playing presidents (Alan Rickman, James Marsden, Robin Williams!)

4. You all need to read "Divergent" before the movie comes out. Yes, this is the series you've sort of heard about as being the next "Hunger Games" and yes it does star that aforementioned hot actress at the moment. I read these a while ago, but have yet to discuss them with you. With the movie coming out next year, and the third and final book in October, I highly recommend them. If you need some insentive to read it, here is a featurette on the film. I'm not sure if they are "Hunger Games" stature but they're a fun, a quick read. Plus you can decide who you hate most, Katniss or Tris. Girl power!

5. Finally, the upcoming year of television is going to be real interesting. Shows I have been watching for years are leaving me forever. HIMYM ends this season. "Dexter" ends Sept. 22. "Mad Men" begins shooting its final season in November. I've already lost "30 Rock" and "Fringe." Rumors are "True Blood" may have its final season next summer. And finally, Sandra Oh is leaving "Grey's Anatomy" after this 10th season. I'm getting worried. But fear not! There are always new things in the works.  CBS is airing a show called "Hostages" staring Toni Collette, which will air all 15-episodes in one swoop (the future is unknown). Robin Williams and Michel J. Fox make their television return in "The Crazy Ones," and "The Michael J. Fox Show," respectively. J.J. Abrams is back with another produced sci-fi show called "Almost Human." Joss Whedon is helping bring the Avengers to television in "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D," with the "Avengers" director filming the pilot. And the one deemed as the most likely best new drama is NBC's "The Blacklist" starring James Spader as one of the most wanted men in the world turning himself in to catch other bad guys. All of these, plus a a few more, I'm going to check out when most shows return the week of Sept. 23. Look here in the future for what shows you should be watching.

Hopefully, you all are excited to see me back. Hopefully, I'll be on top of my stuff (I mean, I don't really have many friends in the real world so what else will I do with my life) and keep you updated to all the things entertainment, and sports.

With that I say... Live long and prosper.

Conversations with myself: Week 2 and 3

Another two weeks have gone by meaning so much more time for me to think. I have spent more time in my head in a quiet space than I think I have my whole life. This week there are many varied topics, the biggest, I'm realizing, is my fascination with transportation.

However, the topic I thought most about these last two weeks is my screenplay/TV pilot/fictional novel/memoir/historical novel. That's right, I was trying to decide which one I should tackle first and which one I have the better idea for. Obviously my memoir is down the road, considering all I have to put in it is I had the most boring upbringing ever. I think I'm leaning toward the TV pilot, which I have been joking for the last year that it will be my life when I don't have a job at the end of this summer. I'm calling copyright on both of these ideas, one of which is about a college newspaper (duh) and the second about a girl returning home after college to live with her parents (a little boring, but it's all about the characters!)

While thinking of my television show I also contemplated what it would be like to write a novel. Like a realistic fiction, or a fantasy or historical fiction. How do authors get these ideas? For J.K. Rowling it was while on a train, for Stephenie Meyer it was from a dream, for Suzanne Collins it was while watching TV. So, my point is, maybe by the end of the summer, while driving in my car all the time, I'll think of the next brilliant novel that will eventually get turned into a movie. It could happen, right?

And now, here are the other conversations I've had with myself, these ones are a little bit longer since I've thought about them for two weeks.

 1. The biggest thing I've discovered while driving the highway twice a day for more than two hours is there are so many bad drivers out there. Like, awful. I can't decide what makes me more upset, someone driving incredibly slow in the left lane or someone on my cars butt when I'm not the one driving slow. I think maybe the latter.

2. Despite the shitty drivers, cars are really cool. If you think about it, its just a giant machine that allows you to travel many miles in a short amount of time. We complain about traffic, but it's pretty amazing how quickly we can travel places these days.

3. But we complain anyways, because we're human, and traffic in Chicago is so annoying. Maybe one of the worst things ever. The amount of times I've starred at this billboard is eventually going to drive me insane (get the pun, drive. I'm hilarious). 

4. Traffic also allows me to recognize how many ugly cars there. Yes, they're really cool, but really Honda, that new SUV is so, so ugly. There are an insane amount of car types and companies and you design probably the ugliest car I've ever seen. Pick up your act Honda, you're better than this. It looks like this Acura (who is owned by Honda). (Note: I apologize if any of you own this car.)

5. Who would of thought we'd still be using trains? Do you think all those people in like the 1900s would think in the 21st century trains would still be relevant? Did they think cars were going to change the way we travel? I mean it does, but trains are so awesome. My preferred way of travel.

6. Theater tickets in Chicago and New York are insane. During the Tony's they said how theater struggled this year. Well, maybe you should price the tickets lower. All I want to do is see Book of Mormon but dang, it's so much money. Lower your freaking prices and I'll come. It's like around $100 a ticket. I don't have that kind of money. And New York is even crazier. But don't worry, I still love the theater.

7. Spring Awakening is a real depressing musical. Music is great, but still sad. Also, Lea Michelle and Jonathan Groff (Rachel and Jesse from "Glee") were in the original production. So, if you listen to the original soundtrack you actually discover they can sing! For some reason, that makes me feel much better about the fact they are on "Glee" because at least they can sing. I've recently rediscovered the album and forgot how good the music is. (Note: The Tony awards were last weekend, hence the theater focused thoughts).

8. How do you think Starbucks has still thrived? I bought a coffee the other day and it was like $5. That's like a sandwich. And it was a small coffee. Have you ever seen a Starbucks close? There are like two in a one block radius on Michigan Ave. How do these things never close? Oh yeah, because coffee is like blood for some people, they need it to survive. But come one, $5!

9. Why do people just wear plain white gym shoes if they're not old, a nurse or a doctor? Don't. If you do at this very moment, start a fire, and burn them! Then go buy some cool gym shoes. Call me, I'll help you pick them out.

10. Do you guys think Twitter will survive? Where do we go next after this social media craziness? Oh yeah, Google glasses. Those things freak me out.

11. Have you noticed how much more people are on Facebook during Finals week than any other time during the year? The definition of procrastination.

12. Have you ever thought about how weird language and letters are? That the words we write mean and communicate something? It used to be drawings, but now when I type "boob" you know it means a body part. How strange. As "Mean Girls" said: "I like math" "Eww why?" "Because it's the same in every country." Well said Cady, well said.

13. And then on top of language there is music, a completely different kind of language. When you see a note on five lines you know what note to play. So strange. Who decided all of these things, I ask? But when I do that it takes me back to like why are we here and that's too deep to be thinking in my car while listening to Vampire Weekend.

14. What if we only spoke in music. Like if you didn't sing a sentence then no one would know what you were saying. Oh, well I guess they kind of do that in Les Mis and it's annoying as heck. So, no, let's not do that. Plus I'm tone deaf so no one would ever want to talk to me.

15. Weddings are strange, too. They're weird. Don't get me wrong, they're awesome. But you spend all this time, like over a year, to plan one day. One. Day. When do you ever plan that long for one day? Never. Maybe that's why it's OK for people to plan weddings because you "never" get to do that again. Of course, in this countries divorce population, people might be doing it more than once.

16. I just thought of this one, but thought I'd include it. Whoever invented the peanut butter and jelly sandwich is my personal hero. It's currently my lunch, and what a great sandwich. Probably the best duo in the whole world. I would say it could even rival peanut butter and chocolate. PB&J FOR LIFE!

All right, that's all I got for now. Great thoughts though, right? Clearly you're all wishing you were in the car with me while I drove to work.

With that I say... Live long and prosper.

Conversations with myself: Week 1

Hello again. It's been a while. And as excited as you all might be of my return, don't get too excited. Though I plan to continue to talk about movies, TV and sports in my blog this summer, I am here today to start a new segment. And by new segment, I mean the only segment I've ever made. I like to call it: Conversations with myself. 

For those of you who don't know, I have started an internship at the Chicago Tribune this summer. It will last 12 weeks and be an amazing opportunity, yadda yadda, boring details. But, the hours are late meaning no Metra rail for me, and for a kid who lives an hour (hour+) outside from the city it means quality time with myself in my car, with my thoughts. I've found that this time has allowed me to really ponder the important things in life. So, I've decided as to not let these things go to waste (because obviously I'm a thoughtful person and these are worthy items to discuss). I will write about all the things that pop in my head once a week. Most of what I write will be the tangents that went inside my head, so enjoy the thought process.

How will I remember all these great things? Well, not to upset my parents, or the police reading this blog, I may or may not have written them down. See below.

But if you think about it, people do way worse in the car. Like, texting has to be worst than this, right? Or like, don't people shave or put makeup on in the car? I feel like that's gotta be worse. Anywho, if it makes you feel better I did this only when there wasn't any cars around me (it was a Sunday night), I was driving cruise control and I didn't look down to see what I actually wrote, resulting in me not really knowing at all what I wrote at all.

Anyways, in hopes to translate my beautiful penmanship, here is Week 1 of Conversations with myself.

1. I wonder what architectures feel after they see their building appear in a skyline they built. Like the guy who designed the Sears Tower, (which despite being a Chicagoan and loving that building, it's pretty ugly) how great that must feel to see that be so superior in the sky. I bet that's how Ted Mosby felt in HIMYM. Barney was right, guys who design buildings are hot, and I'd totally date one. Like, think of how much power that must feel to build a building like that; something that is so permanent. Well, I guess until it gets torn down to build a superior building. 

2. Why do some cars have wind shield wipers on their back window and others don't? While driving I noticed most SUV's and anything bigger have wipers but anything the size of a normal car, like the Lexus I drive, doesn't. Who makes that decision and why is it safe for some cars to have it and others not?

3. Why the hell does anyone put 18 inch wheels on a car that should only have the normal size (its 15 inch, right?) Like it just looks stupid and wrong and the car looks uncomfortable to be that high.

4. God I'm so hungry. (NOTE: About the majority of my car ride home is me thinking about food and what I'll eat when I get home. Hence the Facebook status I posted earlier this week. If you didn't see it, and I'm sure you all did because you're all my friends, it was pretty witty, if you ask me. If you didn't see it because you're not friends with me on Facebook, then YAY! I got a non-friend to read this blog post. Cool.)

5. Cruise control is such a cool invention. When I was younger I thought auto-pilot was a myth and just a thing they did in the movies. But it's actually real, and I can do it in my car. Well, sorta. Don't worry, soon enough the car will be driving itself.

6. People really suck at driving.

7. Cops are so nerve-racking. Any time I drive past a cop I slow down and I go like 10 miles under the speed limit for at least 10 miles after seeing hi,. Wonder if all cop go on power trips with all the power they hold. 

8. If you could only have one Disney song played at your wedding (I know most everyone has at least two) which song would you choose? I think I'd pick the Circle of Life. I don't really know why, I just feel like it's super epic. And obviously since my wedding (and marriage) will be super epic, it fits.

9. Why would anyone wanna adopt a highway? Like, what do you get from that? Does the head of the department of transportation (that's a thing right? I should Google that before I post this. Oh, not head, it's the Secretary of Transportation. Close enough). Anyways, has he adopted a highway? Because if he doesn't have one, then I feel like it's a broke system to adopt one.

10. Why are all direction signs green. Like the highway signs, street signs. Who decided to use the color green? And is it green everywhere you go? All the places I've gone they're green, but I haven't been everywhere, so they could be say blue in North Dakota and I wouldn't know it. But really, why the color green?

11. Glasses are great. Who invented them and decided people actually couldn't see correctly. I recently learned I couldn't see far away so I have had my glasses for about a week. Man, is the world a whole new place or what! To think I was driving without these (I got lost a ton because I couldn't read street signs till I had already past them).

12. The lights on some of these cars have to be illegal. Like I'm already blind, I think these will make me blinder. But really, they have to be illegal. Unless these idiot drivers have their brights on, which actually wouldn't surprise me.

13. I really wish I knew how to play the guitar. Maybe when I get really rich, I'll just stop working and hire someone to teach me all the parts of "Never Going Back" by Fleetwood Mac. If you don't know that song, listen here. What a cool instrument.

14. I'm saying the word sure a lot at work. I don't know why. Maybe I got sick saying "OK" after someone tells me something to do. Sure just sounds better I guess. New suggestions of words to say other than OK or sure or right are highly welcomed. Wow, and I've said the word "like" a ton in this post. 15 times actually, well 16 now if you count the one I just wrote. Don't worry, I won't edit any of them out once I edit this.

15. Fog is a weird thing. It must be what pilots experience when they drive through clouds. It can be kind of scary. But what a cool effect it has in movies.

16. At the end of every night when I get home between midnight and 1:30 a.m., every thought that runs through my head is this: I should have been a teacher. 

All right, those are my 16 thoughts, or at least the thoughts I could remember from this week. Please let me know if you have any answers to those questions. That's have the reason I've decided to write these things out, gotta have a dialogue of some sort with you people after driving by myself for at least 10 hours a week. Wow, I just tallied that up in my head and that is a lot of hours. Dang. So much driving.

I hope you all are doing well and look forward to these lovely, random thoughts of mine. Stick around later this week because I've got a lot to discuss in terms of movies (GO SEE STAR TREK, NOW!), TV (HOLY COW, GAME OF THRONES) and sports (HAWKS SCORED HOW MANY GOALS SUNDAY NIGHT?!)

With that I say... Live long and prosper.

A more fun Spidey

I did something last night that I have never done before. I saw a movie at a movie theater by myself. It was, surprisingly, a fun experience. Despite not having anyone to discuss the movie with after it was over, I was able to have my own thoughts, which I now get to relay on to you. One of the main reasons I went by myself is because I couldn't wait any longer to find someone to see The Amazing Spider-Man. If you didn't know, I pretty much love anything Emma Stone does, so this was a must see. And with the relatively good reviews, I had to see if for myself. And my verdict? Better than the original.

Now this movie had a lot of heat before anyone even saw it. A lot of people have questioned why a reboot of a movie that was just made 10 years ago, the most recent one done five years ago. So already fighting a lot criticism, I thought this movie was just so incredibly fun. Andrew Garfield, who is quickly becoming one of my favorite actors, was way more fun to watch than Tobey Maguire (and not because of his good looks). I thought Garfield captured the character a lot better and made me feel a lot more connected than I did to Maguire's Spidey. And even though that famous kiss, the one with Spidey hanging upside down and Mary Jane just pulling the mask to kiss his lips is like one of the most talked about kisses, I thought Stone and Garfield had some of the best chemistry I have seen in a long time. From the first scene you see them in, you feel a connection.

I also just had a lot more fun with this movie. It got to the deeper core of Peter Parker and examined his past a little further. It also took its time. I'm pretty sure the first really major action sequence didn't happen until an hour into the movie. I really enjoyed that pace. I was anxious to see him as Spidey but enjoyed the build up as well. Obviously and naturally, I did a lot of comparing to the original Spider-Man; what plot points were the same and what not. But once we got to the real meat of the movie, I stopped doing that and just enjoyed it. And I bet you if I saw it a second time (which I most certainly plan to do) I wouldn't compare at all.

Personally, and this might just be me, but I did think the plot was a little unpredictable. Of course, I saw where it was going in the first hour, but I wasn't quite sure where in the second hour. There are some surprising or unexpected things that usual superhero movies don't have in its first act. I thought the action sequences were a lot more believable, I thought the villain was pretty good, very similar to Dr. Ock (but not quite as good) and the overall directing was fun. My only critique would be the ending. I thought it was going to end three times before it actually did. There wasn't much of a cliff hanger either (unless you stayed till after the credits, which is something you should do).

Now, all this positivity toward this movie is not surprising. I can hear you all asking, "really, why?" Or maybe not, but I'll tell you anyways. Well, let's take a look at who helped make it. First there's Emma Stone. I have liked every movie she's made (except I'm not a huge Superbad fan, I know, that's like Superweird but deal with it). Then there's Garfield, who is pretty likable, plus you really can't go wrong with Sally Field or Martin Sheen as Aunt May and Uncle Ben. But then there's the fact that Steve Kloves was one of the screenplay writers. That's right, the guy who wrote seven of the eight Harry Potter films. It was also directed by Marc Webb, who directed 500 Days of Summer, which I am a fan of and think is a very creative movie. That is one of the reasons why I think this Spider-Man works so well, it's not just an action movie but has a lot of other dimensions to it. I would also just like to note for those haters out there, that the guy who wrote the screenplay for the second and third Spider-Man also collaborated on this one. Just saying.

So, basically what I am trying to say is if you are a huge fan of the Tobey series, you should still give this one a chance. I do believe it is a different take on Spider-Man and is in fact more enjoyable to watch. Definitely a quality superhero movie, which I think will mean that this summer will be 3-for-3 for superhero's (pending Dark Knight Rises doesn't suck, which is very, very unlikely). So go see this movie, because even though it is a summer blockbuster, it is a superhero movie that mixes a good heart with some good fun.

With that some side notes:
1. Comic-Con is this weekend, and once again I wish I had a job that would send me. But, alas, I'm just a college student. There are going to be a lot of really great stuff going on so if you care you should be sure to hit up Twitter and the entertainment sites to get all the dish. What I'm looking most forward to? Fringe, Dexter (have you seen those promos??), Community, I guess the last Twilight movie, The Hobbit, Game of Thrones. Wait I could go on forever, so I'll stop there.
2. Well it's official. Everyone is following in Harry Potter's footsteps. The final film of the Hunger Games series, Mockingjay, will be split into two movies. Not sure how I feel about this, especially since it is easily the weakest book from the trilogy. Let the speculation of where they'll split it begin!
3. Check out this really cool thing that came out for The Hobbit. The films are officially done filming and I am anxiously awaiting December. The amount of pressure for this movie to be good is incredible and I would be lying if I wasn't one of them. But after seeing this scroll thing, I of course have 100 percent confidence in Peter Jackson.

With that I say... Live long and prosper.

Animation is here to stay

I, along with my 21-year-old friend attended an animated movie this past weekend. Sound pathetic? No, absolutely not. Why? Because the movie was made by Pixar. Yep, I saw Brave and was not at all disappointed, as I thought I might be, by briefly looking at some of the reviews. I mean, don't get me wrong, the reviews were all good, but just not Pixar good. Actually, it's pretty unbelievable how Pixar has revolutionized the animated movie. I'm not just talking in terms of how it looks and the technology used, but the actual story telling.

First let's talk about this whole animated movie thing before I tell you what I thought of Brave. There are clear animated movies that as a 20-year-old, I wouldn't really want to see. For example, any of the Ice Age movies or even the Madagascar movies. I might rent them at some point, but really they are not on the top of my must-see-list. Now, when it comes to Pixar movies, I am anticipating those like three years in advanced. I started looking forward to the Monster's Inc. prequel last year (now called Monsters University), and it doesn't even come out until next summer. Pixar's ability to find a story that is not told very often in an incredibly unique way, is something that rarely happens. Seriously, think about it. A rat, who wants to cook. An old man who flies a house. A legendary tale about monsters in your closet turned into a whole new world. And Brave is not much different. 

It was interesting, I was talking to my friend about all of the upcoming animated movies and actually how original they are becoming. It seems like all the other production company's are starting to catch on. For example, Rise of the Guardians is a film DreamWorks is producing about every fairy tale creature (Santa Clause, Easter Bunny, The Sandman and the Tooth Fairy). Watch the trailer and you'll see what I'm talking about. Animated movies are becoming more about fun stories that everyone can enjoy than just about movies for little kids. Or, that is at least my belief. I think this certainly started with Shrek, but for some reason I feel like people my age are still seeing these movies. Maybe it's just the generation we grew up in, but I believe animated movies are only going to get better and more creative. 

All right, now that I'm off that soap box, let me tell you to go see Brave. Totally worth it. I purposely didn't read anything about the plot and I have to say the trailers didn't give much away and I am so glad they didn't. Mostly everything in the trailer is in the first 20 minutes of the movie, so you're not really sure where it is headed from that point on. There is no question, this is a very different movie for Pixar. It has magic, witches, with kings and queens. I don't want to give too much about the plot because I loved not knowing but it tells a story that, I believe, is not told very darn often. It is a very moving story and the voices are fan-freaking-tastic. An Oscar category should certainly start up because of this movie (and Jack Black's Po from Kung Fu Panda). It's a shame these voice actors do not get recognized. Two thumbs up for Emma Thompson and her scottish accent because it took me till the credits to realize it was her.

Overall, I wouldn't put it up in my favorite Pixar movies (Ratatouille, Toy Story) but it certainly deserves to be in the Pixar family (I do not like Cars does, but that's just me). I will say, I am pumped for the upcoming films they have planned. I mean look at all of them! Anyways, I will say that DreamWorks is starting to make a push at Pixar. But from what I can see, I don't know if anyone will be able to reach the pedestal most people put the brilliant production company on.

With that I have a few random side notes that are important. 

1. The Olympics are officially 22 days away. Watching all these darn trials last weekend only got me way too excited for the epic event in London. Of course, now I have to wait three weeks till I see them again but we all know it's worth the wait. Also, I got word, and by that I read that the Dan Radcliffe and Emma Watson are saying a message at the closing ceremonies, which is just an added bonus.

2. New book cover!! The most anticipated book of the year came out with it's cover. That's right, J.K. Rowling's first book for adults, Casual Vacancy, came out yesterday and personally I think it looks classy, simple and intriguing. Have you pre-ordered your copy yet?
3. Even though 30 Rock is ending this season, Tina has a new movie coming out in 2013. She is currently filming in Princeton, New Jersey. And even though my mom wouldn't let me go there to try and creep the filming, a lot of photos have been released. Check out this one, and might as well do this one too. It's for her film called Admission, with Paul Rudd and Michael Sheen. Get pumped.

With that I say... Live long and prosper.