I recently started watching old repeats of Saturday Night Live on Much More Music (Canada's VH1) and remembered how funny the show use to be. The current cast just isn't that funny and the skits often fall flat but in the past they had a lot of funny cast members and great skits that I thought I'd count down my 10 favorite.
Since Nessa and I decided to take the plunge and start using Netflix we've worked our way through the selection and found a lot of things that is actually worth watching. I was just expecting to use the free month and then bow out of the service but I can see us using it long term. I found a lot of old movies I love but don't own. Senior Trip for instance, which isn't a great movie but it's a guilty pleasure I love.
Netflix also offers TV series and we started watching shows that we never gave a chance before because we just missed the boat on the show or at the time they didn't really interest either of us. Here is just a few thoughts on each of the four shows we tried out.
Weeds
I kinda enjoyed the pilot but I'm not sold on enjoying the show. Usually when I love a show I can't stop watching until I am fully caught up but with this show even through I enjoyed the pilot I haven't felt the need to really watch any more episodes. It's nothing to do with the acting because the actors were chosen well and are likable for the most part. The premise and writing of the show is also good. Just for some reason I don't feel the need that I have to keep watching. I'll eventually get around to trying a few more episodes but feel no rush.
My Boys
This show was a miss for me. While the pilot had funny moments I didn't connect with any of the characters and found the main character really annoying. I've had that happen before and still liked a show (Dawson's Creek, Grey's Anatomy just to name two) but this show had no other character that made me want to watch the show.
Dead Like Me
This show I loved from the start. I love all the characters and relate to the main characters need to know her family is safe. It also has one of the best Opening Credits ever. It was only on for two seasons and I'd properly be almost done the show but I made an agreement with Nessa to watch the show together and she falls asleep while watching movies and TV.
Heartland
And since she fell asleep and I had to stop watching Dead Like Me I gave Heartland a try which I also quickly loved. I've watched the first season in three days (it's only 13 episodes so it's not as sad as it sounds). The show reminds me a lot of Everwood and other shows that were on The WB back in the gold old days of Teen shows. The storylines are honest and real like Everwood. It has characters you want to see grow and become couples. It has the parent figure and the annoying character that you don't like but always know when eventually do something redeeming. If you liked the feel of shows that made it on the WB I think you would love Heartland.
Round my hometown
Memories are fresh
Round my hometown
Ooh the people I've met
I've been thinking about old memories recently. I grew up in a small town with a one screen movie theater and a small mall filled mostly clothing stores. It made it hard to see movies right away but we still went to that theater every Friday. Jen, Rory and I saw a lot of good movies there and we saw others I hope I never see again (Battlefield Earth for instance).
It also made it hard to get movies and music for a decent price. It was always good that Columbia House had no problems delivering to the same address under different names. I had one acquaintance who I saw at Zellars every week. We never talked since we weren't exactly friends but we always nodded at each other as we walked the aisles. Now Amy's one of my best friends and if I had known then that we had such similar tastes in movies and TV shows I would have rushed the aisles faster to make sure I got what I wanted before she had the chance to grab the one copy first. Life in a small town ... one copy of the good movies, if someone else grabbed it first all you could do was pray that another copy came.
It's not that I miss that town. It's more I miss some of the people even through not many of them are there anymore. They have all scattered to other places living there lives in different ways. Some are going to school. And some are planning on living in a van down by the river. Some have children or are in long term relationships. Troy even surprised me by getting married to someone that is actually likable.
I don't miss the days of drinking too much. Or having a house full of people, some of which annoyed me. I did enjoy it while it lasted but I wouldn't go back. I've grown to much since those days and I like who I've become. But I do miss the days of hanging with Al, Rene, Rory and Troy. Making fun of each other. Playing video games and making sure we did whatever was possible to make sure Rorrrrrrrrrrrry lost. Mostly because he hated losing and it was fun even if it also meant I lost as well. I still laugh at the thought of Rory asking Al if he still had "Worms" in the McDonald's lobby.
I also miss the time spent in Matapedia at a cabin in the middle of no where. I had a lot of good times there. I remember driving there in Ryan's Jetta and then in his Trans AM. And as cool as a Trans AM is I always enjoyed the Jetta more with it's door ajar music.
Strangely I sometimes miss working at McDonald's and the Youth Center. McDonald's is a horrible job but it's made better if you work there with all your friends. And even through the Youth Center treated their employees like crap I loved working with kids. Sure they spend most of their time on computers or watching movies, I also got to organize games of Survivor and Amazing Race for the kids.
I miss late night trips to Indian Lake for night swims. Playing king of the dock even through it was almost impossible to get Troy off the dock.
But as much as I miss all those days I wouldn't go back. I love my life now, married to the love of my life who also happened to be my first crush. I love that I get to see her do so great in University because I always knew she would be great in whatever she put her mind to. I don't know where life will take us after she graduates but I'm excited to find out and will follow her wherever she needs me to be.
I look forward to seeing her in her Graduation gown looking almost as beautiful as the day she married me. I look forward to her saving the world with her Environmental Studies degree and making a difference. I look forward to spending the rest of my life with her.
It doesn't hurt to look back and miss the memories but I feel sorry for the people who want to actually go back. That means they have nothing to look forward to and that's just sad.
Every show has that one character that is supposed to be in the background getting little to no real attention. If they are lucky they are cast as the third or fourth lead character. They are usually the sidekick or comic relief. But in ever case something strange happens. Fans gravitate to them because the character is underused and they become the fan favorite character. Or in some cases they are just really good looking or have amazing chemistry with the main cast and the fan response is so strong that the writers and producers have no choice but to increase their role.
Here's my pick for the top ten characters that stole the show:
10. Alex Karev from Grey’s Anatomy
He started as the asshole intern in the main cast but as fans started to appreciate his scenes more and more the writers started adding more layers to his personality and made him seem more damaged and human. He's still under utilized on the show but that's because most of the writers have no clue what they are doing half the time.
9. Dov from Rookie Blue
I really enjoy this show but the writers haven't yet learned how to effectively share they scene time among all the cast. Case in point is Dov. He's the one who could do anything but just really wants to be a cop. Every other character seems like they were somehow pushed toward joining the police but he chose itdespite not needing to be a cop. I think his scenes are so effective because like Alex above the writers under use him and that increases the impact of his scenes.
8. Puck from Glee
He started as the mean jock who hated the Glee Club to the soulful singer. With all the poor writing and execution on the show he's the one character who has shown the most growth without really reverting back to old habits every second episode.
7. Summer from The OC
Considering she was never meant to be a main character she's come a long way. Right from the start she had good chemistry with the other characters especially Adam Brody's Seth. She stole any scene she was in because she was even through she was trying to be the spoiled rich girl she couldn't hide the sweet character that hid underneath.
6. Bright from Everwood
Originally written as the asshole brother of Amy, Bright grew on people because he added a sense of humor to a show that relied alot on drama and being serious. Whenever Ephraim or Amy was over thinking some life decision Bright was there to add the common sense element and just tell them to stop over thinking and just live their lives.
5. Dr. Cox from Scrubs
He's on this list because he's simply one of the funniest characters not only on this show but in any sitcom I've ever seen. But he also was able to pull off the rare episode where he had to be serious like the scene above or the episode where Brendon Fraser's character passes away.
4. Pacey from Dawson’s Creek
This show started as the Dawson and Joey show and ended as the Pacey show. It didn't matter what material they gave Joshua Jackson he was able to pull it off. When ever people think of there favorite Dawson's Creek episodes or favorite scenes a lot of the time the moment involved Pacey.
3. Chloe from Smallville
The writers took a chance creating a character that was never in Superman lore when they wrote Smallville. It could have all fallen apart but I think Chloe benefited because she had no history so there was no expectations on the character. They could do whatever they wanted with her and let her grow and become the fan favorite she became.
2. Brooke from One Tree Hill
She's on the list for a lot of the same reasons Summer is. Everything I wrote about Summer can also go here, just switch the names. I rather Brooke higher because One Tree Hill lasted nine seasons and for the last three seasons it was basically her show.
1. Luke from Gilmore Girls
For a character who was meant to only be in the pilot he came a long way. His chemistry for Lauren Graham was undeniable and people wanted them together from the start of the series. The writers drove me crazy while they made you wait for them to become a couple and then broke them up because of the annoying character of Christopher. Luke tops the list because he didn't matter who was in the scene with him he always added so much to the show.
Today Nessa and I took the plunge and signed up for Netflix. We figured the first month was free so why not jump in and give it a try considering the closest Blockbuster closed down and any other place near by that rents movies scares me.
Anyways while deciding what to watch with our dinner we made the bone headed decision to watch Vampires Suck. I made decision despite the fact that people told me it was horrible and there hasn't been a great spoof movie in awhile.
Even if you think the trailer kinda looks funny don't be fooled.
There was a time when you could rely on spoofs to deliver good laughs. When I was younger I loved Leslie Nielsen. I remember renting Airplane on VHS and laughing my ass off every time he said "I am serious... and don't call me Shirley."
There was so much the film did right and they never made the mistake of letting a joke run to long. The actors also acted delivered the majority of their lines in a serious tone rather then acting like everything was a joke. Even the inferior sequel is still better then any of the latest batch of so called spoofs.
The 80's and early 90's had so many great spoofs. Space Balls, Top Secret!, Loaded Weapon, Naked Gun series, This is Spinal Tap, Hot Shots, and Robin Hood: Men In Tights.The late nineties had a decline in quality with only Mars Attacks being really funny even through I did enjoy High School High.
Then came the Scary Movie franchise. It was a great return to form in the first two films. The kept the jokes short and to the point and moved on to the next scene before the audience got bored. Unlike the earlier spoofs like Airplane they didn't take themselves seriously but were still entertaining because they never allowed a joke to grow old.
This also worked in Shaun of the Dead and to a lesser extent Not Another Teen Movie. Then it all went down hill. Starting with Scary Movie 3 and 4 the jokes started feeling cheap and started lasting longer then they should.
Even with the lower quality jokes the films were still mildly entertaining and not enough for me to give up spoofs.
This is where things really got bad. It all started with Date Movie and sadly ends with Vampire Sucks. They have finally killed off the spoof movie. I will now vow never to watch another spoof movie again.
Until Scary Movie 5 comes out ... what can I say. I'm a sucker ...
I know its hard I know its hard I know its hard to be in this position if they stop loving you I wont stop loving you if they stop needing you I'll still need you my dear If you fall asleep down by the water baby I'll carry you all the way home
We all have moments when we feel hopeless. Like our lives could end and no one would care. It's a crippling feeling and can hold us captive. It's also not easy to fight our way out of the feeling.
I had moments when I felt like I was being left behind. What I came to realize is that we all have people that care about us, whether it is a partner, parent, sibling, best friend, or even a pet. We all have people that love us no matter what we do. We can push them away. We can turn away from them but no matter what they will always be there to love us. To carry us home.
It's something that we all need to realize. Take a second to relax and breathe. Then look around at the people who love you and fight your way back to normal.
This week I'm counting down my favorite songs that were never released as singles. Like any of my other lists I only included one song per artist and even through I narrowed it down from a long list I'm sure I still forgot some good songs but I did the best I could to include a lot of my favorite songs. Most of these songs I heard in some of my favorite TV shows and movies. Others I just remember from listening to CDs when I was younger. Some of them really surprised me that they were never released as a single.
I did some research on these choices and as best as I could find none of them were ever released as singles.
20. Alanis Morrisette - That I Would be Good (original)
This one would be higher but it was technically released as an acoustic version off of MTV Unplugged. I'm basing it on the original version. It's such a somber but inspirational song. The wish that no matter what you are to become that you would be good. That you would survive anything. I think it's a wish we all feel.
19. Matchbox 20 - Rest Stop
I love the story this song tells. It's not a happy story but it's still a good one. The realization that a relationship is just not working and it's time to just end it. I've always believed that a releatioship should run its course and if one of the participants isn't really in it for the long haul then they might as well just get out of it. Otherwise it's just wasting time and life is too short.
18. Coffey Anderson - Better Today
My sister Katie used this song as loved her wedding song and I loved it. I'll never understand why some people can write such beautiful music and not be able to find success.
17. Laura Veirs - Wrecking
I first heard this song on One Tree Hill and the lyrics really hit me.
We can do some wrecking here
And find something to love
In this broken place
This broken place
16. Dishwalla - Angels and Demons
I never thought this band got the credit they deserved. There albums were really good but they made it with only one big hit and a few other minor hits. And as good as Counting Blue Cars is it has nothing on this song.
15. Matt White - Wait For Love
Another song I found featured on television. Often I think my love for songs are based on how it's used in a TV show or movie. Regardless the idea of just waiting for someone no longer how long is a nice one if not always an easy idea.
14. Michelle Branch - Crazy Ride
I read someone that Michelle Branch wrote this song for her daughter. It's a beautiful message from a mother to a daughter and something that every mother should take the time to tell there child. It's is not always easy and it's almost never perfect but it's life.
13. Patrick Park - Life Is a Song
A similar message to some of the other songs on the list. It got extra points because it was the last song played on The OC and was used beautifully on the show.
12. Kris Allen - I Need To Know
It's another somber song about a relationship falling apart but unlike Rest Stop it takes the side of the person who doesn't seem like they are ready to say goodbye. It made it higher on the list because it's probably the side I would relate to more now. Not that I think my wife is leaving me but that I couldn't imagine ever wanting out of this marriage. And if it was to be over I'd want to know rather then live in a constant bubble of doubt.
11. Ray Lamontagne - Hold You In My Arms
Ray Lamontagne is such an amazing singer/songwriter and this would be my favorite song by him. I like the thought of being able to comfort someone just by holding them.
10. Michelle Featherstone - Coffee and Cigarettes
Another song that tells a sad story. When you come to the realization that it's the person you are in love with that is making you miserable. It's also about taking that step to walk away to save your own life.
9. Jimmy Eat World - Hear You Me
I've been lucky enough so far that I've never had to lose someone forever. With Facebook and text it's easy to get in tough with an old friend or family member. But the thought that someday I won't have that chance to tell someone how much I appreciated my time with them scares me. I would hope they knew how the help me along the road of life but you never know. That's why you should never go to sleep mad and always tell the important people you love them.
8. Joshua Radin - Winter
There was a lot of songs I could of chose by Joshua Radin. I chose this one because I like the haunting delivery of the lyrics. The song is not over done. It's just a simple deliver.
7. Tom Petty - Something Good
I've always been a Tom Petty fan. It's in the way he delivers the lyrics to a song and this song is no different.
6. Sara Bareilles - Breathe Again
If "Rest Stop" was someone realizing that a relationship was over and "I Need To Know" was the other person doubting it a relationship is still going strong then this song is the person wondering if they made the right decision. It's apart of every break up. When all you can do is remember the good moments and can't imagine life without them. Just hoping you'll breathe again.
5. Sheryl Crow - I Shall Believe
I was surprised this song was not a single. It's a beautiful song. Sometimes you just need someone to tell you that everything is going to be alright.
4. Pearl Jam - Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town
Pearl Jam has had so many great songs that were not released as singles and after going through them all this is simple my favorite and I thought they should be on the list.
3. Lifehouse- Everything
Sometimes a band's best song isn't a good choice for a single. That's the case here. While I love this song I don't think it would have done well as a single. It's to slow for rock radio and not fast enough for adult top 40. Regardless is it a beautiful song.
2. The Beatles - In My Life
One of my favorite songs by The Beatles and it amazes me that this was not a single considering they released a lot of singles.
1. Chantal Kreviazuk - Green Apples
This song gets a lot of bonus points because it was Nessa and my wedding song. The song represents everything I think love should be. The simple reminders like how you love "toast and jam and double rainbows." When someone reminders you have all the small things they must be the one.
I know you better than you know
You can fight but it's not over
I say to stop but you start to go
I guess that means it's L-O-V-E
This is such a fun song. It doesn't make you over think. It just hits you with a catchy beat and lyrics that are easy to follow along with. I never thought I'd enjoy singing "yeah, yeah, yeah" but this song pulls it off. It's a good song to just listen to and just chill on a nice summer day.
It's really a shame that Jive released this in the fall/winter with little to no promotion rather then making it a summer single. It's a great song to sit around and chill to or drink beers to. Imagine the drinking game of chugging ever time Kris sings the word "yeah."
When deciding on shows I'll be watching I realized that Thursday is still a crazy day for TV. There's also probably not many shows that will be dropped so I'll be busy on Friday and Saturday catching up with Thursdays shows on the DVR. And I have nothing to watch on Saturday anyways. I just included it in the title because today is Saturday.
Thursday
The Big Bang Theory
Nessa and I came to this show late and downloaded the first few seasons and watched them really quickly. Now it's one of my favorite shows on television and I watch it weekly.
Bazinga!
Bones
This one is on for Nessa. I do love the show but I've always watched it on DVD because I came late to the show and am now two seasons behind since we've gotten behind on the DVD releases. I do know bits and pieces of what is happening since I sometimes am around when she is watching it but not caught up enough it watch it o television.
Secret Circle
I placed this one on more for Nessa then me. She likes movies and books about witches and I think she may like this one. I slightly interested in it and will give it a try.
The Office
Like other long running shows (see Grey's Anatomy) I watch this more out of habit. The show has slowly been falling apart over the last few seasons and I actually hope that Steve Carell leaving improves the show and lets other characters shine more.
Whitney
Not sure if this one will last on the DVR but promos look entertaining enough to give it a fair shot. When I originally read about the show I didn't care for it but the promos make it look funny. Also I originally didn't think I'd like How I Met Your Mother or The Big Bang Theory and was wrong for both those shows. It's always more about the characters then the story and the characters look interesting.
Person of Interest
I loved Michael Emerson in Lost and have decided I'll watch anything he is in from that point forward. It helps that it seems like an interesting concept for a drama and has other fine actors.
X Factor (Results)
If I'm watching the performances I'd might as well watch the results but Thursday is a crowded night so I may skip the results show and just read the results online.
Prime Suspect
Another show Nessa requested be placed on the DVR. I wasn't really interested in the show but she liked what she saw in the promos and wants to give it a try. I'll probably try it since it'll be there waiting for her to watch it. I may like it.
Grey's Anatomy
At this point the show is so hit or miss. I won't be putting it on the DVR but will stream the show later. At least that's what I tell myself but depending on how other shows do this year I might not get to this show until next summer.
Friday
Chuck
I like when shows announce their last seasons because I can sit back and know that at this point it doesn't matter if no one else is watching the show because it's not coming back regardless. I can just enjoy the show and hope they get the ending right.
Fringe
At this point I'll enjoy Fringe for as long as FOX keeps it on the air. I wasn't expecting a season four so as far as I'm concerned everything we get from this point forward is a bonus. I think Friday nights help its chances but I anticipating this being the last season so it better get a proper ending.
Grimm
I've always liked the Grimm stories and think the show could be great if done right. We'll have to see if it is done right or not. I'm not sure if audiences will rush to the show especially since it's on Fridays. If it was on any other night of the week I'd probably check the ratings before watching the show but shows on Friday are given more of a chance to grow so hopefully this show is able to grab a good audience and keep it.
Kitchen Nightmares
I never really cared for this show but Nessa loves it so it's on the DVR for as long as she wants it there.
My friend Jen made me want to listen to some old R&B songs last night which inspired this weeks Top Ten. Looking through old videos on YouTube brought back a lot of memories of High School dances and parties. It was fun coming up with the list. I'm sure I forgot a few songs or bands. But I figure if I couldn't think of it by now then it couldn't have been that high on my list. I'll get right to it now but first a few honorable mentions:
Honorable Mentions:
Monica – Angel of Mine
SMV - Weakness
TLC - No Scrubs
Tyrese - Lately
Ginuwine - Differences
Ginuwind, Case, Tyrese, and RL - Best Man I Can Be
I've decided to lump these three days together because even through Monday is a busy TV night, Tuesday and Wednesday are slow for me with shows I'm not even sure I'll stick with for the full seasons.
Monday
How I Met Your Mother
It's a little weird that I'm more curious to know who Barney marries then who Ted ends up with but that's why it's an ensemble sitcom. The writers do a great job of making you care for all the characters and wanting them all to end up happy.
2 Broke Girls
I'm not totally sure I'll like this show but I felt the same way about How I Met Your Mother and loved that show so I'm giving it a try but am willing to easily drop it and download it later if the show doesn't grab my attention right away.
Hart of Dixie
The premise of the show reminds me of Everwood and if the show can deliver characters and story lines half of good as Everwood did then I'll enjoy it.
Gossip Girl
A guilty pleasure of mine. Most of the time the show drives me crazy, the writers make the same mistakes they made with season 2 and 3 of The OC with how they over use some characters and under use others and they ruined the Blair/Dan storyline which was one of the best things they tried over the last two seasons. But still I can't stop watching the show in the same way I watched The OC until the end.
Terra Nova
I love the Jurassic Park movies and this seems like Jurassic Park the TV show. I hope the show isn't too complicated for TV audiences because it seems like an expensive show and if it bombs I see FOX cutting the cord early rather then spend the money to hope it builds an audience.
The Sing Off
I like songs sung in A Cappella and if the groups are creative this show is very entertaining.
The Playboy Club
I want to watch this more because the Parent Television Council condemns it. It seems like a show that should be on Cable rather then NBC but I don't blame NBC for throwing the dice on a racy show that could work.
Body of Proof
It really seems like ABC's version of Bones but if it's done in a different way it could be good. If we can have three CSI shows then the universe can accept two medical examiner shows.
Tuesday
Glee
I didn't really care for season two and based on the headlines over the summer the show runners have absolutely no clue what they are doing. The outlines for the new characters being introduced don't interest me and seem like a waste of time since they have a hard time writing for the characters that are already on the show. But my wife likes the show and I like musicals so I'll watch with fingers crossed that they return to season one form.
90210
Teen shows mostly suck once they reach college so I hold low expectations that I'll actually make it through the full season this year.
Wednesday
Survivor
Not sure why I watch Survivor. The premise never really changes from season to season other then a few twists and minor change every season. After 23 seasons the challenges have pretty much all been done before in some way or another. The thing that really keeps people watching is the cast. If the show is cast well you get a few really good competitors and then a few train wrecks that drive you crazy but also keep it entertaining. If the cast sucks then the show falls apart.
X Factor
I'm a sucker for singing competitions and also I find Simon Cowell funny most of the time. Not sure on the other judges but I'll at least give it a chance to grow. I just hope they don't drag out the really bad auditions which are only good for a little while before they get over done.
