- Television actually written by writers!
Shows like Homeland, Downton Abbey, The Good Wife, 30 Rock, Parks & Recreation, The New Girl, Parenthood.
Quality shows that people actually spend time writing and researching. Reality television is the downfall of humanity. I’m convinced.
Often times, I wish I had become a television writer. Or, wish I could be a network executive who decides which shows get made or not – I have a skill to picking them out. Or perhaps in the past live I was a television critic. Either way, I love television. Good, old school, sit around a table and try to make people laugh kind of television. It’s rare these days to find quality – but it’s there if you look.
However, I will take a Real Housewives of any city on any day. - McKayla Maroney – I mean, come on…
McKayla Maroney
- Women in Comedy –
It shouldn’t even be a thing – but it is. I’m happy that the year of 2012 was the year of the female comedian. I’m happy that the world has finally realized what a gem people like Tina Fey and Amy Poehler are. Now- let’s stop focusing on the fact that they are women, concentrate on the fact they are HILARIOUS and think that anyone can be funny. Men, women, kids…doesn’t matter. Funny is funny and I hope to see more of that reflected in pop culture. I’m thrilled Liz Lemon (who seriously has stolen my life) will live on in reruns and my DVD collection forever. - Aaron Sorkin –
Yes, he also applies to reason number 1 – but he’s so amazing that he gets his own special spot on my top ten list. The man is obviously a giver. He’s given us so much already. First, one of my favorite television shows, Sports Night. But since I was apparently the only one watching it, it didn’t last too long. He also wrote one of my favorite movies, The American President. It’s truthfully the one movie I will stop no matter where in the movie I find it. I will also watch it with commercials even though I own it on DVD. He then went on to my other favorite all-time television show, The West Wing. The fact that I wish Jed Barlet was a real politician is sad. But it’s true and I love it. I reference this movie almost every day in real life. Then came Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip. I loved this show, and again, no one else was watching, so it went away. This year, he gave me the gift of taking my life and making it into a television show. The gift of HBO’s The Newsroom is amazing. My only wish was that the twitter accounts for @WillMcAvoyACN and @MackMcHaleACN were real people. Whomever is behind those accounts are genius – pure genius. They say they are not affiliated with the show, but they are just too good. - Flash Mobs –
We did a great flash mob at my sister’s amazing wedding in Chicago. It was so great – you should watch it now. All the families practiced for months to surprise the bride and groom.
- British People –
I love all things British. So thankful for famous Brits like Alan Cumming, Damian Lewis – these amazing men who play Americans on television. Colin Firth is dreamy and I think I’m in love with him. Even people like The Spice Girl, Piers Morgan and Simon Cowell are pretty great – even if they are somewhat to blame for the dumbing down of America with reality television. But it’s been a year of the British…the Olympics…the Royal Family…Downton Abbey…Prince Harry naked pictures! One day, I will go back to England. But I’m happy that for now, England has invaded America. - Blogging –
I’ve made a commitment to this blog this year and I’m thankful I’ve done so. I’ve gotten to do some amazing things simply because I put my computer nerd and writing skills to use. I’ve been able to meet some new amazing people and really expand my skills and knowledge base. So thank all of you for reading. - Hulu Plus & Other Technology –
I love that gadgets are smarter than television networks. This year, I was able to watch seasons 1 & 2 of Downton Abbey on Hulu Plus since I’ve never watched it before. Then, Season 3 started in England, but not the U.S. But thanks to fun technology, I was able to watch each new episode the day after it aired across the pond. Now, when it hits PBS here in January, I’m ahead of the game. When are the networks going to learn? It’s also how I watched The Olympics. Think I was going to wait to prime time on NBC to find out who won the Gymnastics medals??? Think again NBC! Thanks to live streaming, I was able to not only watch it in real time, but to interact with others watching live around the world on Twitter. It’s time to adapt. - Tom & Dan –
Let me start by saying that I’ve been a fan of Real Radio since I moved to Orlando in 1998. I love the talk radio format – always have..coming from Chicago. Before children, we often went to crazy Real Radio “Monsters” events. It’s weird feeling like you know people just from listening to them talk all the time on the radio. I had two favorite of the radio station….Jim Philips, who’s the “elder statesmen” of the group, who used to work in tv news and has a great perspective on life in Central Florida, and Daniel, who has the funniest laugh, crazy musical abilities and genius comedic timing. So over the years, I’ve followed their lives like a stalker. Many things have changed with this station over the last 10 years, but these two remained the same…until recently.
Daniel suddenly left the show after a ‘contract dispute.’ And while I understand the radio business and get the business decisions, I find it very, very heartbreaking that he wasn’t even allowed to say goodbye to his loyal on-air following.
But the best part about all this change, Daniel now has lots of time to commit to his other passion, his podcast. With his former Monster’s sidekick Tom (better known to 104.1 listeners as Drunkie) have this funny, inappropriate, great podcast that I highly recommend if you just want a good laugh.
As much as I’d like to continue listening to all the shows on Real Radio, I just can’t. It’s not funny or original. But the time between 3-7pm is all about Jim Philips – and it better stay that way! - Bacon –
I think we can all declare that 2012 is the year of Bacon. We’ve seen all sorts of new bacon-related items pop up all across the country. Many are completely pointless – like the Bacon Dental Floss, Bacon Toothpaste and Bacon Soap. But I think we can all agree that bacon made in/on/around food is actually quiet amazing. This year we even went to a Bacon Fest (on Father’s Day!!) here in Orlando, with some AMAZING food.
Also – I’m still dreaming about this cupcake from the Yum Yum guys.
Yum Yum bacon red-velvet cupcake.
