Kids TV

When my kids were little, the only shows they watched on television were Sesame Street and Barney, because we didn't have cable and those were on the local PBS channels.  These days, with Disney and Nickelodeon, kids have so many programs to choose from.  My kids would have loved Dora and diego.  Brandi would probably still like playing dora games, even if they are geared towards younger kids.

Kendall Schmidt

My kids love watching television.  A lot of the shows they like to watch I can not stand.  In fact, I usually have to leave the room because they are that annoying to me.  There are a few shows that I like, one of which is Big Time Rush. For those of you who don't know, this is a show about a group of friends who form a boy band, and all the misadventures that befall them.  It's funny, and the music is pretty good.

Kendall Schmidt is one of the stars of the show.  He plays Kendall, the lead singer of the group.  He has also had guest roles on a bunch of other shows, including ER, which just so happens to be my all time favorite television show.  Of course I had to look up what his role was, just to see which episode he was on.  It is one titled "Shifts Happen", and he played a character named Damian.  Of course I am going to have to look this episode up online to watch it, because I can't picture it right off the top of my head.

Maybe I'll do that tonight. I mean, I have nothing better to do.

I Miss Reading

A couple of weeks ago I finally broke down and bought myself the newest Dean Koontz book.  It's been out for a while, and while I have all of his other books (well, most of them anyway) I could not justify spending almost twenty dollars on a book.  Then one day, I was in the store, and I decided to treat myself.  I was so excited to go home and start reading it.  Well, that book is just sitting on my desk, mocking me, because I haven't even opened it up to the first page yet.

By the time I get home from work, I am so tired from working all day that all I want to do is sit on the couch and watch television.  I wish we had direct tv  instead of just the netflix so I could watch current shows, but I make due with what we have. Most people think my job is easy.  I mean, all I do is drive a van and make deliveries.  But, if you have never done this before, you have no idea how exhausting it can be having to concentrate on the road for ten hours a day almost every day of the week.  Trust me when I say, it's not easy.  I love my job, don't get me wrong.  But the last thing I want to do when I get home is read a book, which is sad, because I really do love to read.

That said, I am hoping that by next year I can afford to get directtv for my kids.  They deserve it. I hope I can take advantage of their dx3 plan, too, but I am sure by then they will have something different.  Probably even something better. For now, though, I am going to continue watching old shows on netflix. 

Upgrading My Television...Someday

I am going to share something with you that you might not know about me.  I'm kind of a Trekkie.  That's right...I like Star Trek.  Specifically, Star Trek Voyager.  I have tried to watch the other ones, but for some reason, I don't like them.  But Voyager, I just can't get enough.  I recently found it on Netflix, and have started from the first episode and plan on watching the entire series.  That's 168 episodes, just in case you were wondering.  The kids are even starting to get into it.  I have already seem most of them, since I watched it when it was on actual television, and I love it.

The only thing that would make them better this time around was if I was watching them on a new television.  I still have an old, regular, bulky television, which works fine.  In fact, that is one of the main reasons I have yet to buy a Flat Screen TV.  Why replace something that isn't broken?  

When I do finally upgrade, I want the best for my money.  I have lived my life settling for the cheapest of everything, but not anymore.  I am going to do some research and find the best deal for the amount I have to spend, and who knows how much that will be.  Hopefully, the TV I have now will last a few more years, and by then, who knows what kind of options will be available.

Rearranging

This week I am going to be cleaning like a madwoman and rearranging my living room.  Why, you ask?  It's all because of this Bank Of America thing.  You see, my house is tiny, and we have a lot of furniture.  The way my living room is set up, I have my desk facing the room, which means the unfinished side which is supposed to be against the wall is visible to everyone.  Normally, this doesn't bother me, but if they decide to take pictures here at the house, I want the desk turned the way it is supposed to be.


I also want to move the kids computer, and maybe the entertainment center that holds the television.  The problem with this is that there are a bunch of different cords for your television and I have no idea how they are all attached.  I don't know which are the DVI cables and which are the cable wires.  It also has the wii and DVD player connected, and I have no idea how to reattach all that.  I probably couldn't even figure out how to use the DVI to HDMI cable to be able to connect the computer to the television.  

Now that I wrote all this out, it's probably best if I leave the television alone, and just focus on moving my desk back to the way it should be.  Of course, that means I will no longer be able to watch television while I'm online, but that may end up being a good thing as well.  It may force me to actually be productive and get some work done.

Charter Mom's - I Love This Concept!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Charter. All opinions are 100% mine.
I use Charter for my cable, home phone, and internet.  There are so many reasons I love all the things they have to offer, but I have never been able to voice these reasons to them directly.  That is why I am so excited about their new facebook page, Charter Moms.  I "liked" them, and have been commenting over there a little bit.

I want them to know how much I love their "on demand" feature.  For those of you who don't know what this is, it is a list of shows from various channels that we can start, stop, rewind, pause, fast forward, and watch whenever we want.  This comes in really handy when there is nothing on regular television that the kids want to watch.  They simply hop over to Disney or Nick on demand, and they can watch Wizard's of Waverly Place or Victorious, or any other show on the menu.  It guarantees me at least 25 minutes of piece, which is like heaven when the kids are all home at the same time.  You all know I will using this service frequently in the next two weeks.
By "liking" Charter Moms Facebook page, I will be one of the first to know about new programming and services, along with all the other fans of the page.  I like that I now have a voice, as small as it is.  I like that I can now see what other mom's like about Charter.  It will be interesting to see if there are other mom's who think like me.

Parenthood And Dexter

Parenthood.  A show about four siblings raising their kids, and the relationships that happen along the way. 

Dexter.  A show about a forensics expert who secretly kill people.

You wouldn't think that these two shows would have anything in common.  But they do.  And the thing they have in common is keeping me from watching one of them, even though I really liked this show in the past.  Thoroughly confused?  Okay, check this out:

An innocent picture of Parenthood co-stars Peter Krause and Lauren Graham.  Did you know they are dating in real life?  Yeah, after I found out that juicy little tidbit, I couldn't watch the show anymore.  I tried, and it was the episode where she goes to work for his company, but to me, it's just weird to watch them play siblings on television knowing they are dating in real life.  Every time they looked at each other on screen, I was a little creeped out.  Weird, yes.  I know.  But that's me.

Did you also know that Dexter siblings, Dexter and Debra Morgan are really married in real life?

That's right.  Michael C. Hall and Jennifer Carpenter are a real life married couple.  I thought this would weird me out, too, but it doesn't.  I think because I have been watching this show since it started, and I seriously love it, it's not an issue for me.  Sure, there are hugs that look a little more "loving" than "sibling-y" (yes, I just made up that word) but not enough to push me away.

I was trying to think of more celebrity couples who play siblings, but I'm coming up black.  Do you know of any, and does it affect your watching their shows?

The Best Thing About September

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of TiVo. All opinions are 100% mine.

I love when September rolls around every year.  Not only does it bring cooler weather, it brings back all my favorite television shows.  There are also many new shows that I am excited to try out.  I have heard good things about this years Fall TV schedule.  This week, they are starting the new seasons of Parenthood and Survivor.  Last year was the first year Parenthood was on, and I loved it.  The cast is great, and the storyline was mostly believeable and realistic.

If you missed this show last season, don't worry.  With the new TiVo Search and TiVo Collections, you can easily find this show, and others, on Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, or Blockbuster On Demand.  Now, I have a confession to make.  I do not have TiVo, or any kind of DVR.  This makes it very difficult for me to watch my favorite shows if they happen to come on at the same time.  I am trying to talk Junior into investing in TiVo, though, and have been driving him crazy telling him about all the features that it offers.

For instance, TiVo Premiere lets you check out other things that your favorite actors (or actresses) have done, and then watch it via YouTube, Amazon Video On Demand, Blockbuster, Netflix, or even your own cable lineup.  I seriously love this feature, because when I find an actor I like, I love finding and watching other things he has been in.  I did this with James Marsden when I first saw him in a movie, and was surprised at all the movies he had been in before that I had never noticed.  TiVo search also helps you find all your favorite shows via the same channels as the Premiere.

Like almost everything these days, you can become a Facebook Fan of TiVo.  TiVo is also having a contest where you can Enter to Win a new TiVo Slide in the "30 Slides in 30 Days" sweepstakes.  All you have to do to enter is "fan" TiVo on facebook or follow them on Twitter.  You can enter up until September 22, 2010.  I am going to enter, and hopefully win.  That way, I will no longer have to beg Junior to buy me TiVo, and I won't miss any of my favorite shows.

I Love Billy The Exterminator

Do you guys watch this show?  It's on at 10pm on Wednesday nights on A&E.  In fact, the kids and I are watching a new episode right now.  We have been watching a marathon of episodes all day, and I have to say, some of the things this guy does are crazy.

On one of the episodes, Billy goes into this house that is infested with roaches.  There wasn't an inch of anything in the entire house that wasn't covered in bugs.  It was disgusting.  I seriously don't know how people live like that.  There was trash everywhere, and dirty dishes, and just mess upon mess upon mess.  Do these people not realize that the way they live may have something to do with their house being infested?  And have they no shame, letting a television crew come in and tape their horrible way of living?

On another one of the episodes, Billy gets some baby raccoons out of the wall of a barn in a zoo.  They were adorable!  And the snakes that this guy finds?  Those are cool.

I also love the way this guy dresses, especially when he puts on his bee suit.  If you haven't watched this show before, make sure you check it out soon.  It is seriously one of my new favorites.

Why CBS? Why?

When Survivor starts back up in September, it will air on Wednesday nights.  Apparently, they are moving The Big Bang Theory to Thursdays. 

In my opinion, this is going to be a mistake.  Most shows die a slow and painful death when they are moved from the time slot they are thriving in.  We've seen it happen so many times before.  Usually it is because of people like me.  I have specific shows I watch every night of the week, and when you move one of my shows to a night when I watch something else, well, I am going to have to pick which show to watch.  (I am one of the only people in the world who still doesn't have a DVR) Nine times out of ten I will not follow the show when it moves.

Luckily, there is nothing I watch at 8pm on Wednesdays. 

Tonight, We Finally Get To Say Goodbye

Tonight, in less than an hour, the episode will air where Captain Phil Harris dies.  I have been both looking forward to, and dreading this episode since I learned of Phil's death in February.  I have been watching Deadliest Catch since it started, and Captain Phil was always my favorite (with Sig coming in as a close second).  Though never having met any of these Captains personally, I feel like I know them. A lot of people feel that way, I'm sure.

I have been very emotional during the last few episodes, and I know I will not be dry eyed tonight.  I just watched a clip of the show that aired on Leno last night, and it was so hard to watch.  It was Josh and Phil, talking about how much they love each other.  I promise, my heart broke for them, and it still does for Josh and Jake. 

But, it's about that time.  Farewell Captain Phil.  You will be missed.

It's All About The Kids

 Did you know that there is a contest going on right now that is offering the chance to have a show on Oprah's television network?  I didn't either, until this morning.  One of the contestants is Jessica, and I love the concept she has come up with for her show, if she were to win. 

It's all about kids.  The things that they love, the things that are bothering them, and the issues they face.  All of these things will be addressed.  If you want to see Jessica's audition tape and hear for yourself what her show is about, you can Watch Now.  

I voted for her.  Will you?

And Yet Again, I Cried

We all knew before this season of Deadliest Catch started that Captain Phil died. 

But we watch, week after week, waiting for the inevitable. 

I thought it was going to be last week.  Then I thought maybe this week.

I found out this afternoon that they are going to air the episode where he dies in two weeks, on July 13.

I know it's crazy, but last week and tonight, I cried during the entire episode.  I know I will continue to cry for the rest of the season.  It's not like I knew this man personally, but I do feel like he shared a big part of his life with not only me, but the millions of other people who watch this show.  It is hard to watch his sons deal with what is happening to their dad. 

I almost lost my dad to a brain aneurysm 16 years ago.  I know how hard it is to sit by and not be able to do anything but wait.  Thankfully, my dad recovered.  But maybe that is why I am so emotional watching this show.  I have been where Jake and Josh are. 

And it's not a good place to be. 

Huge

ABC Family channel premiered a new show tonight called Huge.  It is about a bunch of kids at a fat camp.

I watched it, and am not too sure how I feel about it.  The main character is played by Nikki Blonsky, you know, the girl who played Tracey in the movie Hairspray.  She is at this camp, but does not want to be there.  She claims she doesn't want to lose weight, because she is happy with herself.  She says it's her parents who are embarrassed of her weight.  But by the end of the show, she decides that she is going to give it a try.

Now, I am all for kids getting healthier (that is what the counselor says the camp is all about) but what does this show says to kids who are struggling with their weight?  Sure, most of the kids on this show are extremely overweight, but a few are just kind of heavy.  This is where I am struggling.  Kids have a hard enough time with being heavy (I know from experience...I was always the fat girl growing up), shouldn't we have shows about it being okay to be who you are?  Not all shows have to be about being (or getting) thin.

I don't think what I am trying to say is coming out right.  Did you watch this show?  If so, what were your thoughts?

Is Tonight The End?

I am kind of dreading watching Deadliest Catch tonight.  This is the episode where Phil has the stroke, and I am not sure if this is the end, or if they will drag it out until next week.  Either way, I know I am going to be emotional watching it. I have been watching this show since it started, and Phil has always been my favorite captain. 

I wonder if they will continue to follow the Cornelia Marie next season, or if there will be a different boat?

It's Getting Hard To Watch

I am going to warn you now...if you haven't watched tonight's episode of Deadliest Catch, and you don't want to know what happened, stop reading.

Everyone else, let me ask you a question.  Are you finding it hard to watch the show knowing what is going to happen in the next few weeks?

I know tonight, the last five minutes ripped my heart out.  Listening to Phil tell Jake that he wanted nothing else to do with him, and then hearing Jake admit to being an addict...holy crap.  I wanted to yell at the television that they needed to make up, because there isn't much time left.  I don't want Phil to die feeling that way about his son, and I don't want Jake having to live with that.  I am hoping that on next weeks episode, before the inevitable happens, that they can sit down and make up.  Or that it happens while Phil is still alive in the hospital.  I want Jake to get the help he needs. 

And on another note, what is up with the other Jake's (Northwestern) father being missing?  Why haven't I heard anything about this before tonight?  I hope everything works out for him and his family, too. 

This episode really got to me, and I am trying to prepare myself for what is to come.  It's going to be hard.

How Have I Not Been Watching Psych?

Seriously, how I have not watched this show before today?   It is freakin' hysterical!  These two guys have awesome chemistry, and their references to old songs, movies, and television shows had me cracking up.

I was taking a break this afternoon, and for the first time in I don't know how long, I tried to find something to watch.  Let me just say right here that daytime television sucks.  Since Royal Pains was premiering tonight, I decided to watch last seasons final episode just to refresh my memory.  It was while trying to find it on demand that I stumbled upon Psych.  I watched one episode, and then another.  And then another.  There are two more on demand that I plan on watching tomorrow or Saturday.  I wish I could find the first couple of episodes, because I would love the back story on these two.  Maybe I'll check and see if there are any episodes to be found online...

Summer Television

Remember when Summer television was just repeats of your favorite shows?  I don't remember when, exactly, new shows started showing up on the Summer television schedule, but I am so glad they did.  I don't watch a lot of television during the day, but I do like to relax at night and watch a good medical, food, or vampire show.  That's right, I am talking about my three favorite shows that are all premiering in June.

First up is Royal Pains. Man, I would give anything to let Hank be my doctor!  If you are unfamiliar with this show, it is all about a doctor who gets fired from his hospital position, so he becomes a concierge doctor in the Hamptons.  With his beautiful assistant Divya and his brother Evan, he caters to the super rich, and the not so rich, who need medical attention.  I seriously love this show, and can not wait for it to begin it's new season on June 3rd at 10pm on USA Network.

Next up is The Next Food Network Star.  Now, you all know I love a good reality show, and this is one of my favorites, and not just because it stars Mr. Bobby Flay, who I absolutely adore.  I love the challenges, and watching the contestants cook.  Some of these people are really talented, and some of them, well, they make for interesting television. Check out the season premiere June 6th at 9pm on Food Network.

Last up is my guilty pleasure, True Blood.  I mean, is there anything sexier than brooding vampires?  Yeah, I didn't think so.  I can not wait to see what this season has in store.  I have been watching some previews and mini-episodes online, and it looks like it is going to be an awesome season.  I can not wait until June 13th at 9pm.  I will be tuned into HBO to get my True Blood fix.

Did you happen to notice that I have a conflict of interest?  Both True Blood and The Next Food Network Star are on at 9pm on Sunday nights.  Luckily, HBO always plays True Blood twice, and Food Network airs each episode twice as well.  I will most likely watch True Blood at 9, and catch the Food Network Star when it repeats, usually at 11pm or midnight.  It's a good thing the kids are out of school, and I can sleep in a little in the mornings.

What's your Summer Must See Shows?

Where Are Carly’s Parents

Posted by Avery Myers

As I was watching iCarly the other day on Direct tv satellite TV with my younger brother and sister it made me wonder where Carly's parents were. If you have never seen the show, the plot is pretty simple as most children's shows are. Carly creates a web show with her friends Sam and Freddie. Carly seems to live in a rather large apartment with her much older brother. There is never any real mention of Carly's parents in each episode. You get the feeling that her parents are maybe dead or away for extended periods of time.

It often leaves me wondering why anyone would leave a teenager in the care of an older brother like Carly's. While I understand that it is just a television show and does not have to make any real sense, it just seems so bizarre I found myself asking this question every time it airs. It's not that Carly's brother isn't very smart hes just sort of nutty. He does things that don't make the most sense. You may even find Carly pointing this out to her older brother. At times Carly seems to be more of a parent type then her older brother.

The whole show is pretty comical and Carly's brother dose need to play some role in that. His quirky attitude is often the side line of many shows. Whether or not Carly's parents left Carly with him intentionally or unintentionally, he seems to make a somewhat adequate parent although at times viewers will find that Carly can be more mature. This show is mildly entertaining at times for adults and can still be quite funny for children while not being too crude.

What's Up With The Crabbers?

Most of you know I love Deadliest catch.  You also know how sad I was when I learned that Captain Phil had died.  Watching this season is even sadder, because I know the outcome.  How can a man, who onscreen is larger than life, be gone?  It's crazy.  And then last week, Edgar, from the Northwestern, talks about walking away from crabbing to spend more time with his family.  

What will happen to the show if all my favorites are gone?