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
Dec 28, 2011
Sep 30, 2011
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.
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.
Mar 22, 2011
The Lincoln Lawyer Review
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.
Dec 18, 2010
The Many Tragedies of Cleveland Professional Sports
A look back on the recent trouble of the Cavaliers, Indians and Browns. The many franchises of Cleveland, which have had their share of difficulties in recent years.
When LeBron James left the Cleveland Cavaliers last offseason to go to Miami Heat, any hopes of a Cleveland franchise winning a championship in the near future, went with it. His return to Cleveland last month got me to thinking of what cities have experienced the most heartbreak over the years. This will be a two-part series, which will first highlight Cleveland. The second installment will feature the loveable losers of the midway; Chicago. With a population of over 430,000 people, Cleveland, Ohio is home to some of the most emotional fans in the United States.
Indians have produced quality talent (C.C. Sabathia, Grady Sizemore, and Manny Ramirez) but haven’t brought Championship to team since 1948
Their last appearance in the fall classic was in 1995 when they lost to the Atlanta Braves in six games. The ’95 team was full of talented young powerful bats (Ramirez, Jim Thome & Albert Belle) as well as quality arms (Dennis Martinez & Orel Hershiser). More recently, the team has produced quality athletes through the farm system, but they haven’t been able to put the talent together on a consistent basis.
The story seems to be the same for the Indians. They draft well, trade well, and have a good minor league system that helps develop top stars, but when it’ time to pay them, they can’t. It happened with Sabathia in 2008. In the last year of his contract, he was dealt to the Milwaukee Brewers. It happened with Victor Martinez in 2009. Martinez wound up in Boston during the last year of his contract – excluding option years, and more recently signed with the AL Central division rival, Detroit Tigers.
Sizemore was acquired in 2002 from the Montreal Expos in a six-player deal involving Bartolo Colon. He has put up decent numbers since his rookie year in 2005, but injuries have been a big issue over the past two seasons. Even when healthy, the Indians front office hasn’t put enough talent around him to succeed. With a combined record of 215 – 271 since their last playoff appearance in 2007, the Indians need to revamp the whole team to end the draught.
Since the last time the Indians won a World Series, there have been 12 Presidents and six different Popes.
Cavaliers only hope of winning NBA Title bolts to Miami
When James left his home state of Cleveland for the sunny Miami, Florida, the Cavs fans only hopes of winning a title left. The Cavs built the team around James, the #1 overall draft pick in the 2003 draft. Coming straight to the NBA from high school didn’t bother James as he won the Rookie of the Year averaging 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game.
Cleveland fans will never forget how they felt James gave up on them during the playoffs last year against the Boston Celtics. His “Decision” show on ESPN, where he announced to the world where he intended to play, angered Cleveland fans, and made him a villain in the eyes of many, including the legends of the game. Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan are among the many veterans who have been open about their feelings about the show and decision. James has brushed off all criticism in his Nike ad.
Pre-James, there wasn’t much to cheer about in Cleveland going back to the days of Craig Ehlo, Danny Ferry & Mark Price. The post-James Cavs are in the same position as Anderson Varejao & Moe Williams aren’t going to bring any titles home. The top free agents will not want to play in Cleveland after seeing how owner Dan Gilbert reacted following James decision to leave. The team will have to hope for a lottery pick in the draft, where they might be able to acquire a top player to replace James.
Cavaliers fans have seen ten Summer Olympics since the team’s inception in 1970 with zero titles.
Peyton Hillis and Colt McCoy are future stars in the Dawg Pound
The stars may be aligning for the Browns. Sending draft bust Brady Quinn to the Denver Broncos for running back Hillis might be the best move this franchise has made in years. Along with rookie McCoy, the two young stars are attempting to turn around a franchise that has had to winning seasons over the last ten years (59 – 98 combined record). The Browns haven’t seen postseason play since 2002 when Tim Couch was starting quarterback and Butch Davis was the Head Coach.
The Browns have been up and down in 2010, and Coach Eric Mangini has found a way to make his guys play for a change. He still lacks decision making skills, as evident by the 4th and goal in the 1st quarter vs. the Buffalo Bills in Week 14 (kicked field goal instead of going for touchdown).
This has been a troubled city for many years. The best hope for success for all Cleveland fans would go like this.
1. Browns – Although they play in the very tough AFC North with Pittsburgh and Baltimore, the NFL is a league of parity. Any team can have a bad season, and any team can come out of nowhere and succeed.
2. Indians – A Re-occurring trend as the Indians play in the tough AL Central with Minnesota and Detroit. In baseball, you either succeed by paying for talent (NYY, BOS) or by building within (MIN, TB). The Indians best chance is by building within.
3. The Cavaliers have no chance in the near future, unless they and the top pick in one of the next two drafts, and convince top tier free agents to come to Cleveland.
When LeBron James left the Cleveland Cavaliers last offseason to go to Miami Heat, any hopes of a Cleveland franchise winning a championship in the near future, went with it. His return to Cleveland last month got me to thinking of what cities have experienced the most heartbreak over the years. This will be a two-part series, which will first highlight Cleveland. The second installment will feature the loveable losers of the midway; Chicago. With a population of over 430,000 people, Cleveland, Ohio is home to some of the most emotional fans in the United States.
Indians have produced quality talent (C.C. Sabathia, Grady Sizemore, and Manny Ramirez) but haven’t brought Championship to team since 1948
Their last appearance in the fall classic was in 1995 when they lost to the Atlanta Braves in six games. The ’95 team was full of talented young powerful bats (Ramirez, Jim Thome & Albert Belle) as well as quality arms (Dennis Martinez & Orel Hershiser). More recently, the team has produced quality athletes through the farm system, but they haven’t been able to put the talent together on a consistent basis.
The story seems to be the same for the Indians. They draft well, trade well, and have a good minor league system that helps develop top stars, but when it’ time to pay them, they can’t. It happened with Sabathia in 2008. In the last year of his contract, he was dealt to the Milwaukee Brewers. It happened with Victor Martinez in 2009. Martinez wound up in Boston during the last year of his contract – excluding option years, and more recently signed with the AL Central division rival, Detroit Tigers.
Sizemore was acquired in 2002 from the Montreal Expos in a six-player deal involving Bartolo Colon. He has put up decent numbers since his rookie year in 2005, but injuries have been a big issue over the past two seasons. Even when healthy, the Indians front office hasn’t put enough talent around him to succeed. With a combined record of 215 – 271 since their last playoff appearance in 2007, the Indians need to revamp the whole team to end the draught.
Since the last time the Indians won a World Series, there have been 12 Presidents and six different Popes.
Cavaliers only hope of winning NBA Title bolts to Miami
When James left his home state of Cleveland for the sunny Miami, Florida, the Cavs fans only hopes of winning a title left. The Cavs built the team around James, the #1 overall draft pick in the 2003 draft. Coming straight to the NBA from high school didn’t bother James as he won the Rookie of the Year averaging 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists per game.
Cleveland fans will never forget how they felt James gave up on them during the playoffs last year against the Boston Celtics. His “Decision” show on ESPN, where he announced to the world where he intended to play, angered Cleveland fans, and made him a villain in the eyes of many, including the legends of the game. Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan are among the many veterans who have been open about their feelings about the show and decision. James has brushed off all criticism in his Nike ad.
Pre-James, there wasn’t much to cheer about in Cleveland going back to the days of Craig Ehlo, Danny Ferry & Mark Price. The post-James Cavs are in the same position as Anderson Varejao & Moe Williams aren’t going to bring any titles home. The top free agents will not want to play in Cleveland after seeing how owner Dan Gilbert reacted following James decision to leave. The team will have to hope for a lottery pick in the draft, where they might be able to acquire a top player to replace James.
Cavaliers fans have seen ten Summer Olympics since the team’s inception in 1970 with zero titles.
Peyton Hillis and Colt McCoy are future stars in the Dawg Pound
The stars may be aligning for the Browns. Sending draft bust Brady Quinn to the Denver Broncos for running back Hillis might be the best move this franchise has made in years. Along with rookie McCoy, the two young stars are attempting to turn around a franchise that has had to winning seasons over the last ten years (59 – 98 combined record). The Browns haven’t seen postseason play since 2002 when Tim Couch was starting quarterback and Butch Davis was the Head Coach.
The Browns have been up and down in 2010, and Coach Eric Mangini has found a way to make his guys play for a change. He still lacks decision making skills, as evident by the 4th and goal in the 1st quarter vs. the Buffalo Bills in Week 14 (kicked field goal instead of going for touchdown).
This has been a troubled city for many years. The best hope for success for all Cleveland fans would go like this.
1. Browns – Although they play in the very tough AFC North with Pittsburgh and Baltimore, the NFL is a league of parity. Any team can have a bad season, and any team can come out of nowhere and succeed.
2. Indians – A Re-occurring trend as the Indians play in the tough AL Central with Minnesota and Detroit. In baseball, you either succeed by paying for talent (NYY, BOS) or by building within (MIN, TB). The Indians best chance is by building within.
3. The Cavaliers have no chance in the near future, unless they and the top pick in one of the next two drafts, and convince top tier free agents to come to Cleveland.
Nov 27, 2010
Starbucks Eggnog Latte? Why Mess with a Good thing?
When I walked into Starbucks the other day, I had my mind set on my usual fall drink, the pumpkin spice latte. A classic, yet delicious drink. Now what caught my eye and steered me in a different direction was the eggnog latte. What could go wrong with combining two delicious things together? Apparently, everything.
I made the mistake of ordering the Venti (large for all you non-Starbucks drinkers). I think I got too excited about the potential and there was only one direction for it to go.
It seemed as though the eggnog was significantly hotter than regular milk after being frothed. Due to the heat, the traditional eggnog flavor lessened and became unappealing.
The more I drank, the more I wish I got something else. Lattes should be left plain or with pumpkin spice. The same could be said of the eggnog. Give me that plain any day or mix it with some whiskey, and I'll be a happy man.
To those who have had this drink, and like it, please let me know what was appealing to you. To those who have had the same experience as me, let me know. What are your favorite coffee combos or least favorite? Let's see how many responses we can get and maybe start a poll on the matter.
I made the mistake of ordering the Venti (large for all you non-Starbucks drinkers). I think I got too excited about the potential and there was only one direction for it to go.
It seemed as though the eggnog was significantly hotter than regular milk after being frothed. Due to the heat, the traditional eggnog flavor lessened and became unappealing.
The more I drank, the more I wish I got something else. Lattes should be left plain or with pumpkin spice. The same could be said of the eggnog. Give me that plain any day or mix it with some whiskey, and I'll be a happy man.
To those who have had this drink, and like it, please let me know what was appealing to you. To those who have had the same experience as me, let me know. What are your favorite coffee combos or least favorite? Let's see how many responses we can get and maybe start a poll on the matter.
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