What Happened to Good ol' Television?

With the influx of reality television over the years, I’ve often wondered what happened to the great shows. The 24s and Lost of primetime television are gone, now replaced with Dancing with the Stars and A shot at Love. I’m sure the people who run the networks say it’s cheaper to film 10 episodes of a reality show than 10 episodes of a sitcom, and with the economy struggling so much, it’s a valid point. That still doesn’t take away from the fact that television today, is so much different than was it was 15 years ago.

I remember watching Saved by the Bell, Power Rangers and even Hangin’ with Mr. Cooper. I remember Full House, Dinosaurs and the Simpsons. The Simpsons was, and still is my favorite comedy of all time. What will this generation of ten year olds call their favorite shows fifteen years later? Fifteen years from now, one of those ten year olds will write a column like this talking about how television has changed so much since they were young. 

They say that kids watch too much television. They say that kids don’t exercise enough, and they blame it on the television. I remember watching television all the time growing up. I like to think I turned out alright. I got my associates degree with a 3.72 GPA. I’m currently working on a 3.82 towards my bachelor’s degree, and I’m in decent athletic shape. Television didn’t ruin my life like all the so-called experts are claiming will happen with today’s generation.

With my rant complete, I'd like to offer an invitation for all my blog readers to read about shows I feel weren't given a chance to succeed.
Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip
Jericho

Sodastream Fountain

As a member of BzzAgent, I have had the chance to try out some of they very best products just for spreading the message via word of mouth.  The latest campaign I want to try out is for the Sodastream Fountain.

What does it do?  Well it eliminates the need to go to the grocery store every couple of weeks to get your soda fix.  It eliminates the need for you to keep your dirty cans because of the deposits.  With Sodastream, you won't have to carry the heavy cases of soda for your kid's birthday party, or even find a plash to stash the leftovers.

In less than 30 seconds, your basic tap water will be converted to amazing soda.  From orange to root beer.  From cola to lemon/lime.  All your favorite flavors can be made in a split just by using the convenient Sodastream system. 

Not a fan of soda and don't think this will be of use to you?  Don't fret, they have sparkling teas, sparkling water, and MyWater.

If you are wondering how much each container of flavoring makes, imagine buying one of those large packages of cola at box stores, and add more to it.  Each container makes 33 cans.  Imagine the savings. 

For more information about becoming a BzzAgent, check out their site.

The Lincoln Lawyer Review

This thriller, based on the novel by Michael Connelly was absolutely mind blowing for almost two hours. As a fan of Connelly, the first thing I have to say is Brad Furman did a great job of not missing any of the important facts from the book.

Mickey Haller, played by Matthew McConaughey, is a lawyer who conducts business out of his Lincoln Town Car. His driver, a former client, gets Haller whatever he needs and gets him where he needs to go.

Ryan Phillippe played Louis Roulet, a man arrested for allegedly beating a prostitute, seeks counsel from Haller to get him off. I don’t think any other actor could have fit the role better than Phillippe, but back to the review, as the movie continues, a series of events lead Haller to question his client and whether he may be an innocent man, because, “There’s no client as scary as an innocent man.”

Haller’s ex-wife, Maggie McFierce (Marisa Tomei) was originally assigned to the Roulet case before Haller became the lawyer. The two showed great on-screen chemistry and had great interactions together.
Roulet’s mother Mary Windsor (Frances Fisher) did great in what little spots she had. Her facial expressions when Haller basically kicked her out of the office were priceless.

I’ve never been too good at picking Oscar movies, but I wouldn’t be shocked to see McConaughey receive recognition next year, or even Phillippe in a supporting role.

Overall, I’d give this movie 5 out of 5, and would suggest everyone who liked the movie and enjoys action books, to pick up a copy of this thriller. It is definitely worth the price of admission.