Sunday, November 24, 2013

Almost Thanksgiving...but still no Doctor Who for me.

Happy almost Thanksgiving (or as Aunt Kelli calls it- Ad Day!)! I am hosting a gathering at my house Thursday night because I love to cook Thanksgiving dinner and although I am away from my family and in a country that does not recognize the holiday- I will of course be celebrating it. Here is a little Buzzfeed top 10 to get in the mood… (I particularly enjoy the one about the uncle and the Turkey… because we have that uncle).http://www.buzzfeed.com/redbull/13-unfortunate-truths-about-thanksgiving
My excitement for Thanksgiving, plus a long weekend since the United Arab Emirates is celebrating its National Day on Sunday and Monday, is keeping me somewhat cheerful. You see my original plan was to find The Day of the Doctor somewhere online to watch as soon as possible- but alas that plan has failed miserably. So I have not watched Doctor Who yet and am hoping for no spoilers. I’m mainly staying away from trumblr which is where I get most of my Doctor Who information.

In happier news I see Huskies put the smack down on the Beavers! (Oh how I long for the day where I get to watch American Football live instead of reading about when I wake up!)

Also we need to talk Christmas movies… cause we’ll really only be together for forced family bonding for about 1 week so we need a plan of attack. Muppet Family Christmas is obviously first…Love Actually… and you know how I feel about Christmas Vacation. Also maybe a sitcom Christmas marathon…including some of the best holiday episodes from HIMYM, That 70s Show, New Girl, Friends… other classics…and don’t tell Sarah but I watched White Christmas this weekend because my roommate Dianne had only seen it once and had forgotten most of it.  We have limited Christmas time over here since I leave on the 13th.


Okay that’s all I feel I have to say for now since I’m pretty much just waiting around for Doctor Who (but who isn't).

Sarah kisses the frog, only to learn that she was deceived and it was really only Kermoot the Moopet and there is no prince. She loses some of her special glitter power, but continues on her quest. 

Saturday, November 23, 2013

The Day of the Doctor Has Arrived!

Don't worry!  This is a spoiler free post as the show has not aired.  But it is the most important thing that will be happening today.  Even if the Huskies manage to beat the Beavers.  We are a mere 3 hours away.  I should be getting ready to head out because I have a ticket to see it in the theater with some friends.  However the sore throat and headache that I have been pretending does not exist will not go away.  And I am making the painful decision to be responsible.  Thankfully there is a little Doctor Who series 7 marathon to support my choice.  And hopefully with enough juice and water I can beat this stupid thing away.  Thanksgiving is almost here, I have to be in tip top shape.

So while I'm waiting for the 50th Anniversary to start (3:02:20 according to the BBC America countdown ticker that is in the corner of the TV screen, let's discuss what else is happening.

I watched Castle last night (finally), so I'm all caught up.  I know what you mean about needing an overarching story.  I mean, they needed to work out the personal drama (and wrap up last season's proposal cliffhanger and Beckett's new job), so I get that.  But I'm excited to see this happening. And I really think they have needed something like 3XK returning, as opposed to it coming back to Beckett's mom's murder again. Outside of the death of her mom, they have lacked something that sticks around and pops up often enough that people remember it (Krystal asked me for a refresher on 3XK after I watched and I couldn't give a ton of information).  I explained it was like Palant on Bones (not sure I'm spelling that right).  And I'm glad to see this on Castle as it's kind of a staple of a long-running crime show.  [I guess you could insert here an argument that following a formula relates my prior post about a lack of originality, but it's a crime show, it's not about original formulas, it's about good characters so that you don't care that it's following the same formula as all the other crime shows before it.]  Bones has had a couple, Palant and that creepy lady who was played by the actress from the Wire who buried people alive or something.  Anyhow, it was creepy and on-going.  The Law & Order with Vincent D'Onofrio (Criminal Intent?) had Nicole Wallace (played perfectly by Olivia D'Abo) and it was only a few episodes, but it was memorable, and I only watched a few reruns.  You gotta have a nemesis, and the creepy 3XK is the perfect match for Beckett & Castle.  Her brilliance and his outside of the box thinking present the ideal challenge for the meticulous sociopath. 

You should definitely start Newsroom, that should be a top priority.  It is so good.  Haters be damned, it is idealist Sorkin at his best (okay, maybe 2nd best, early West Wing is impossible to beat, although that might have been when he had the cocaine problem, so I don't know that it's appropriate to say he was at his best then?).  When you get through that, I want to make a case for giving Arrow another chance.  I feel like so many shows fall off in their second season (both Revenge and Once Upon a Time went through season 2 like they had no idea where they wanted to go, with too many storylines and a general lack of focus, but thankfully both are back on track with clear focus in season 3), but Arrow has come into its own.  The first season was entertaining, and I grew to really like the characters, but it wasn't solid, and a lot of the time I was just watching for Oliver to take his shirt off.  This season there are quality twists and turns in every episode, but it still manages to not be too busy.  There is a lot going on with returning villains and a secret bad guy that he doesn't even know about yet (not to mention the huge shock at the end of the last episode), but it's never too much.  Also, I don't know exactly how Summer Glau is going to fit into this all in the long run, but I just love anytime she's on a show because she is awesome.

Random tangent: I've been thinking a lot about this healthcare.gov snafu and how it seems completely ridiculous that we are incapable of accomplishing this technological task while elsewhere in the government the NSA is hacking into pretty much everything.  Now, my technological skills are nothing spectacular, but I do understand that creating that kind of website and sneaking into all aspects of our lives requires slightly different capabilities, so I'm not suggesting that the NSA guys make that ACA website (although come on, they could totally do it), but I think it just highlights some of our misplaced priorities.  Spying on citizens and allies? Top notch effort. Making sure that our new system that is trying to give everyone access to affordable health care is easy to sign up for?  Eh, we can phone that in.  That said, people who are getting up in arms over this (Congress) can just calm down.  These things take time.  We are talking about millions of people.  Also, I think I'll just type NSA in here one last time, perhaps it's like Beetlejuice and if you say it 3 times, they show up.  Only in this case, they just start reading the blog.  Welcome, NSA guys to our pop culture heavy blog.  

Finally, I wanted to show you yet another buzzfeed list. http://www.buzzfeed.com/kbweinstein/10-sad-truths-about-adulthood-no-one-ever-told-you-g105 I just want you to know that #4 is something I struggle with constantly.  I know that as a teacher you don't really have this, and I kind of envy that a little. 

The countdown continues, we're now at 2:34:11.  And Strax & Jenny & Madam Vastra are on this epsiode.  I love them.  I wonder if they'll make an appearance in the special.  

Sarah's encounter with the cookie elf has slowed down her progress considerably, but she does manage to cast a milk spell after rolling a 16 and escapes.  However next in her path is a frog who strongly resembles Kermit, but asks for a kiss to turn into a real boy, and thus is unlikely really Kermit. 

Friday, November 22, 2013

Rain cancels school and how I think we are geniuses...

It rained this week in Abu Dhabi… which meant school closed. Not a lot of rain at all, but way more than it usually rains (which is never) and the roads flooded a little and people panicked, so school was closed early. It was like a snow day at home and now I keep checking the weather forecast to see if more will come and school will be canceled on Sunday too! (It’s not looking promising)

Also I agree with your stance on the need for more new fresh ideas (which is why we like things like Buffy and HIMYM… they were once fresh, new ideas.) It sounds like you’re also pointing out the need to know when to STOP and allow a wonderful concept to slowly fade away- die with dignity. Although reused ideas and reboots can be highly entertaining…

I had originally planned to tell you about how I love Castle- but have been feeling lately that there has been some missing on-going drama that always adds to crime shows. Then I watched this week’s episode this morning. And I’m not sure if you have watched it yet so I won’t give anything away… but it was exactly what I felt had been missing. Just like how you were saying about HIMYM and you wished there was more with the mom and more bringing old things “back around” and then BAM! it happened.  We are either just as smart as writers and producers and really should work in television OR we just watch too much television. I’m going with the smart thing.

DOCTOR WHO 50th anniversary special this weekend (well for me actually next week). It’s coming very soon- even Google is excited. I’m not sure if I emotionally ready for it…. We will have to discuss as soon as I see it.

Still haven’t started Newsroom… which is still a goal… still making my way through Game of Thrones book 2… but have managed to watch 2 more episodes of Breaking Bad. It's good to have goals. 


Sarah: Resumes her quest in D&D and she has an encounter with a tree elf. He offers her a cookie that he says will give her the ability to fly. Instead when she eats it, it only gives her desire to have another. 

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

The importance of originality...

With Thanksgiving being so late it is extremely important to have a strategic plan in place to get in all the important Christmas movies. It is good to know what you get in before you head this way so that we are down to the same ones left to watch. 
I see your Henry Cavil respect video and I raise you Tom Hiddleston talking a delayed gratification with Cookie Monster. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_ubVVnWglk
Speaking of Tom Hiddleston and delayed gratification, I have got to see Thor. Which leads nicely into my topic for today…

We need to have a conversation about the lack of originality in the entertainment world. I know that this isn't new and I am usually the first person to say I don't care, I'll see you in line for Iron Man 6 and the next installment of Star Trek. And I love when existing stories are re-imagined, whether it's the Lizzie Bennett Diaries or every version of Sherlock. And even though the book is better 99.9% of the time, I don't even mind that Hollywood takes every book I love and turns it into a movie - whether they craft a beautiful visual to compliment Harry Potter or let the original writer adapt his novel own novel with brilliant casting like Perks of Being a Wallflower. (I also enjoy many others that don't happen to star Emma Watson)
But a couple of things have happened recently that have made me cringe almost as much as that talk of a Buffy reboot sans Joss Whedon or a Ferris Bueller sequel.
I will certainly miss How I Met Your Mother, although you have to agree, it was time for it to be done. Why do we need to replicate the premise for another show about late 20s/early 30s friends? How I Met Your Mother was basically the new Friends, only with less viewers and a fun gimmick to tie things together. But it wasn't the gimmick that kept us watching week in and week out, it was the characters. And so maybe it doesn't matter if you copy that same gimmick for a new show as long as there are quality characters, but could we maybe come up with a slightly different premise, to feign just a little bit of creativity?
And then, I was going to leave this topic alone, but what really pushed me over was this:  http://www.hypable.com/2013/11/18/its-a-wonderful-life-sequel/ 
I don't feel a need to comment on how completely sacrilegious this feels. Unless you can get Jimmy Stewart to come back from the dead to play a ghost, I'm really not interested. Side note: someone should start working on that immediately.
I don't blame the writers for any of this. I really think they are just trying to get something put on TV and studios prefer to back projects that have a built-in fan base and proven success rate. Maybe the HIMYM guys have some fantastic new ideas and this new show (which, with its female lead would fit beautifully into CBS' Monday night lineup, giving “America’s #1 network” a full 2 hour comedy block of all female-led shows with 2 Broke Girls, Mom, and Mike & Molly-sorry Mike, Melissa McCarthy is the star there) will be great.  Who knows?
Here’s the thing: I am the most pro-TV, give everything a chance, likes way too much of it all person I know, so if I'm having doubts, then perhaps they need to pause and think about things a little. 
Of course I can always peruse YouTube, which never seems to be lacking in original content.


Switching gears and completely negating all my half-assed pleading for a bit of originality, I really do think one can never have too many superheroes (although, I thought that about vampires too, so please don’t introduce any superheroes who sparkle in the sunlight). This week Arrow is introducing the Flash, who will get his own show in 2014. Per this lovely little article (http://www.hypable.com/2013/11/18/flash-standalone-pilot-arrow/) it looks like early viewings have been positive, so I will report back after these next two weeks of Arrow.  

Some might think that having an early pre-Thanksgiving meal would lead to Sarah lightening up on the anti-Christmas efforts.  Instead she channels Mad-Eye Moody and pushes forward into the next week and a half shouting CONSTANT VIGILANCE.  Her & Aunt Kelli have joined forces to boycott stores opening on Thanksgiving Day.  Shop at your own risk, America.

Saturday, November 16, 2013

My turn was skipped and I love Henry Carvill....

Blog:
First off- I’m telling mom you’re not taking turns. We’re supposed to take turns posting. You have now given me so much to respond to and consider.

I do enjoy a good Buzzfeed  list. Actually I tend to like list in general, especially pop culture related list. However, while I’m good at making To-Do and grocery list… I would have a hard time ranking Buffy episodes.  But then you go and send me an alternative idea about making a HIMYM list….which also seems like a nearly impossible task...but with some time and some serious careful thought we could do it. Perhaps when I’m home at Christmas we can conquer it. Sarah would also have thoughts and input.

We can just take a moment to appreciate how awesome SHEILD is. I just enjoy it more and more every week. Whedon can kill people off as long as he just keeps creating brilliance. I am always so entertained.

Supernatural update… on episode 5 in season 4. There is just so much happening. There’s this angel now and Sam is getting all supernaturally. Only 4 more seasons left to get caught up!

Doctor Who mini-episode this week! YES…. This had to be talked about face to face and couldn't wait for a blog, so we’ve already discussed it via Skype.  But just need to add it in here again, because there are only 7 more days until The Day of the Doctor. After further thought I decided this was the type of mini-episode that made me realize I need to know more about old Doctor Who and then I need to make a big chart. Maybe then the chart can hang in the “formally green room” at your house above the Tardis which we have yet to construct out of your cabinet.

So I’m home for Christmas very soon… about 27 days. I plan to do some Christmas watching prior to that. So far my list consist of Elf, White Christmas, Muppet Christmas Carol, Love Actually, Miracle of 34th Street, National Lampoon Christmas Vacation, The Santa Claus and It’s a Wonderful Life. I have limited time in December with my friends so the list can't be too long… and of course I will watch any or all these with you when I get home! And save Muppet Family Christmas for home of course. 

One last thing for now…
In searching for some video for my kids to watch I came across this little gem and… I LOVE Henry Carvill and everything he does.
I can’t show my kids here because of the pigs… they’re haram.


Sarah update: She took a break from D&D this week due to an overreaction at a mall caused by the hearing of Christmas music being played prior to Thanksgiving. There was a bit of scene and she now has to spend her extra time at the mall helping fix Santa’s Workshop. (She was in the right…there should be laws about these things.)

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Buzzfeed lists and a lot of Whedon links

So I love Buzzfeed lists. They can be the best thing on the internet and often get forwarded around. Like the 20-something vs 30-something party comparison, which was sent around multiple times between almost everyone I email with frequently because it was perfect.  We were like, that's totally us, and you've made references that we understand.  Well done. And even when the lists are ridiculous, they incite discussion. Like this comparison of random TV facts. http://www.buzzfeed.com/alexnaidus/truly-disappointing-facts-about-tv-shows
Mostly I just think it's kind of random. Sure, I dislike reality TV more than most and some of these facts make me cringe, but some of the others are stupid. I think Amy Poehler deserves 400 Emmys, just for being awesome, and another 12 million for the supreme being that is Leslie Knope. But I also think Jim Parsons deserves all of his Emmys and they don't compete against each other. So who made that decision. I understand that there are some who knock BBT's wide appeal and think it is more nerd-bashing than nerd-celebrating, and I could engage in a fight with you on that, but whatever your thoughts there, you cannot deny Parsons' brilliance.  The Wire also deserved all the awards, and Two & a Half men has definitely been on too long, but they aren't in the same category. General Hospital is a daytime soap and Twin Peaks is a bizarre cult drama. And perhaps my inability to get into Twin Peaks and my never-ending love for Sonny Corinthos makes me ill-suited to comment on this, but we are again comparing apples and oranges. I think they may have done just as well listing just the things on the right, because they are disappointing regardless of your thoughts about column A. 

Before we get to the Whedon portion of this post (the rest, basically), I'm just going to leave this here. 
http://hellogiggles.com/nick-miller-is-my-spirit-animal
Because who doesn't love Nick Miller?

But back to the Whedonverse.
Did you see who they are getting for the first of the new Netflix Marvel shows, Daredevil? Drew Goddard. 
http://www.thewrap.com/netflix-disney-marvel-daredevil-drew-goddard
Not ringing any bells? Because familiarizing yourself with names of writers/producers who work with your favorite creators is a life priority? Well, let me (and the link) help, Mr. Goddard's credits include Buffy, Angel, Lost, Alias, and he directed a little flick I still need to see called Cabin in the Woods. Speaking of things I need to see, he also wrote the screenplay for World War Z. Point here goes to the "you can never have too much superhero everything" camp.

Did we discuss how great this week's SHIELD was? I love Fitz and Simmons so much, and I am really starting to buy how this little family is coming together.  But that's not even my favorite thing from this week, my favorite thing is this amazing review that came in rhyming form on my favorite fandom site. 
http://www.hypable.com/2013/11/12/agents-of-s-h-i-e-l-d-season-1-episode-7-the-hub-recap/

You did watch Dollhouse, right?  This is another list, although not from buzzfeed.  I would probably tweak a little, but overall, pretty solid.   But spoilers for anyone who hasn't watched all the Whedon shows. 
 
And my final link for the week brings us back to Buzzfeed, where someone ranked every Buffy episode from worst to best. http://www.buzzfeed.com/louispeitzman/ranking-every-episode-of-buffy-the-vampire-slayer
I can't say I agree across the board and they are much harsher to the bad than I would be, but in general I think their order is pretty good. Their top ten isn't exactly mine, but it's not far off. This may have to be a group project, creating our own list. What do you think? 

Sarah rolls a 3 and her oxen stage a coup.  Tired of dealing with a wagon full of dysentary, they redirect toward an old house in the woods.  They have heard a rumor that if find a wardrobe in a room of an old house, it is possible to escape the old west and travel to new lands. Proceed carefully.

Monday, November 11, 2013

I had a bit of a Supernatural marathon, and then I made myself stop

Yes, I have passed you on Supernatural.  I was just trying to catch up so that you weren't so far ahead of me.  I wanted to see Harmony the vampire and the Christmas episode (all the feelings!) that you had teased.  So I just started watching, and kept on going.  Because, like you, I had used my powers of being several seasons behind and spending too much time on tumblr, to deduce that Dean was unlikely to die.  But I didn't know how.  And I had some guesses, because there is a recurring character that we have been waiting for and I just assumed he would factor into this somehow, so I just had to see.  And I would have stopped after the Season 3 finale (which is only about 3 episodes past where you were), in fact, that was my plan, until the Season 3 finale actually happened and I had no choice but to watch the Season 4 premiere.  You'll understand.  Important side note: I have discovered that if I am doing a puzzle while watching it distracts me just enough to not be terrified later. I am going to need a lot more puzzles to get through this entire series.
So now I have stopped and will get back to trying to watch the week or two of regular TV that I am behind.  Let me know when you pass me again, because I'm sure you will.  We just have to be at the same place for Christmas so that we can watch together.

I really want to see Thor.  There are some other movies I would like to see as well, but Thor has kind of bumped them off.  The review you found has increased my curiosity.  Of course, Chris Hemsworth is enough, but a positive review definitely adds to the appeal as well.

Just finished the new HIMYM (speaking of Breaking Bad, Brian Cranston was on!).  Loved it!  Two good weeks in row and I feel like they nailed it.  And next week the awesome guest stars continue with John Lithgow!  While I have been enjoying the season more than some, I definitely like that these two weeks have done a better job of two important things 1) nostalgia - bringing it all back around and 2) the mom.

This is all I have now.  Back to Kat Dennings and Jennifer Coolidge on Two Broke Girls.  I don't know how much I like this show, but I think those two women are some of the funniest around.

I saw Thor!

Response:
Taye Diggs on New Girl! My roommate didn't quite appreciate it my excitement… and then he spoke words…sexy, sexy words. And she was like “oh.”

Doctor Who Trailer- Epic. It’s 40 seconds of excitement and moments of “oh!” and “what!” .  So I guess I will have to watch it on the 24th due the time difference. But it’s on the calendar.

Heard about Netflix and Marvel teaming up… I’m tots on board. And I am not feelin’ too much Marvel… not now… and possible not ever.

Also- I was skyping (or skipping as my auto correct like to turn it into) with mom and dad and they brought up the new Mariner manager… mom’s sold, which of course he said funny things and had good communication skills. And Dad reflected on his experience. Overall a positive review too.

This week:
I went and saw Thor: The Dark World… and my review is simple- see it.
It’s just so much goodness (and godness). Way better than the first one. Just  pretty awesome and so much set up for another Thro and/or Avengers (not sure which.). I liked this review:

“Add one copy of The Lord of the Rings; one DVD of Hellboy 2 one complete set of Masters of the Universe dolls; one footballers’ hairdressing manual from 1983; one ‘Idiot’s Guide to Norse Mythology’; and one retrospective rock album:The Very Best of Yes. This is a deeply silly, extremely noisy and sometimes impenetrable action movie that’s drowning in CGI, wild overacting and mullets. And it’s actually enormously entertaining.”

Pretty much sums it up. I could have said it better… obviously- or I would have.

Also… have you really passed my on Supernatural? Cuz, I am on that if you have... I have just been waiting for you to catch up and then I can finish season 3 and find out is Dean lives or die. Right now I’m predicting that he doesn't die because I know there are 8 seasons. (I am using the information I know to make a prediction- it’s a 1st grade skill… my students are starting to do it.)

As for other TV viewing…  Still chipping away at Breaking Bad. It’s good… really good…. Just a bit exhausting sometimes and most of the characters are pretty unlikable.

Goal- Start Newsroom!

Sarah’s Quest:
She comes across a river… roll 1-10 and she has to forge it; a 11-20 and she can take the ferry. 

Sunday, November 10, 2013

All the things

I have been saving up my random comments all week, and that will follow, but I first want to respond to the sports stuff.
(interjecting here, I'm watching a little Supernatural because Kacey is way ahead of me, and Dean looking dapper in his tux saying "don't objectify me" is one of my favorite scenes to date, although Sam being hit on by the old lady is pretty great too)
Yes, the Seattle Mariners have hired a new manager.  Wedge and his glorious mustache opted not to return.  Our new guy is Lloyd McClendon.  I have done my homework this week.  I watched a little bit of the livestream of his first press conference, read the highlights from his Twitter Q&A (note, Legendary Lloyd - named after he hit 5 HR in 5 AB in the Little League World Series - does not tweet, he was using the official Ms twitter), and today Mom & Dad & I watched a special on Root sports with an interview and background.  Early thoughts: I like him.  The Ms have a long way to go, but I think they made a good choice.  He was confident, but not cocky.  He has a history of being emotional (one time he took first base and didn't throw it, but took it with him to the clubhouse), but definitely seems to have mellowed since his first manager position with the Pirates several years ago.  He spent the last several years as the hitting coach for the Tigers under manager Jim Leyland.  Also, he may have  used the phrase "man muscles" in reference to what our younger players would be able to grow this year.  I will not be forgetting that anytime soon.
On the bullying story.  I haven't followed it that closely, but I am glad to see the CBS guys calling out this horrific incident and I hope that the Dolphins respond in kind.  Coach Boone certainly wouldn't put up with this crap. I don't have a lot of info beyond what Kacey had, so I'll awkwardly switch topics to robots.

The other morning on NPR I was relieved to hear that using the Kepler telescope some scientists have been estimating the number of earth-like planets.  I don't know a lot about this given my general lack of scientific understanding, but my mind instantly went to the coming war with the robots (the week before there was a story about robot baristas, so it's really a matter of when, not if), and how it is really nice to know we have options.  I mean, I totally support that the Battlestar Galactica team went boldly forward on their faith, but I like having a little science to back it up if I'm running away into space after the robots destroy most of civilization.  Also, I will continue to work on my friendship with Siri, who says I don't have to thank her for things, but I am just being polite because I want someone on my side when her people are in charge.

Dad & I watched a little Sleepy Hollow this morning, and it was actually a re-watch for me, but I was happy to do so because the amazing John Noble made his first appearance on the show this week.  I don't know what the plans are for his character long term, but I hope he sticks around because watching made me realize how much I miss a weekly dose of Walter Bishop.  Or when I got behind on Fringe, a marathon.  Fringe was filled with fantastic, complex characters, but none more than Walter.  You just have to make it to episode 5 (or was it 6?) of Sleepy Hollow, Kacey, and he'll be there.  And while you're waiting for him, Tom Mison is gorgeous.

Also this week:
- Taye Diggs on the New Girl!??! Yeah, that happened.
- Doctor Who official preview!!!
- There have discussions of a Hunger Games theme park? Because when I think dystopian society with an annual event where children kill each other on reality TV, I instantly think, let's make that real! http://www.hypable.com/2013/11/08/hunger-games-theme-park-lionsgate/
- Blockbuster officially closed all remaining stores.  To which I first thought, wait, Blockbuster still has stores open?  Then, is there one nearby where I can try and buy some cheap movies? And finally, I wonder if the cable companies have been paying attention to the changes in how we obtain and view movies, because they are going to have to keep making changes so they do not become irrelevant.  I also read that Netflix & Marvel just made a deal for four new series and a mini-series that ties them together.  We can have a different discussion on when it will be "too much Marvel" (and I am of the opinion that if it's entertaining, bring it on) for now I will just point out that it is Netflix making a smart decision after their successful first steps into original programming.

Finally, this was on the Buffy facebook page, so I'll just leave this here because I think this sums us up incredibly well:


Friday, November 8, 2013

I get frustrated with the lack of sport news...

Sports catch up….
Jamie- when did the Mariners get a new manager? Did Wedge leave because of health? I totally missed the memo and I am feeling out of the loop about this.
And what do we know about Lloyd McClendon? All I say is in “Jack I trust”… (Jack Z the Mariner GM).

Also I have recently learned about what is happening on the locker room on the Miami Dolphin team and the bullying that was happening. I learned about it because someone on facebook (actual I think are mutual friend Carl) posted this story:

So I had to investigate because I had no idea what was happening. My first thought was to look for what “the boys” (Fox NFL Sunday morning show- mom's favorite) had to say… but this was all I could find:

Honestly- made some good points- but disappointed overall in the reactions. But I kept coming across and I was much more impressed by this reaction from the CBS boys:

Either way the question in my mind is: What would coach Boone do?

Sarah: Here D&D character did not roll a 15 so the tree was beat her like the Whomping Willow would. (Wait, I'm mixing up my fantasy worlds). 



Jamie... the one in Seattle... okay, Shoreline, but whatever

Since we're relaunching (for our countless readers - which at the moment is Krystal and at one time a couple Buffy fans in Russia) here's a little about me:

I count other people's money for a living. 
I recently bought a house, which is a new life challenge.  One thing I've learned is that if my mom says, "we can do that, it'll be easy" then it will take hours and involve a lot of swearing and tension.
I am the oldest sister.
I start counting the days until pitchers & catchers report as soon as the World Series ends.
Despite being the oldest, and having been introduced to the series by Sarah, the youngest, I think I am the biggest Harry Potter nerd of the three of us.  Although none of us are Muggles.
I totally started watching Doctor Who first, but Kacey passed me quickly and I had to catch up.  She is, however, totally responsible for getting me to watch How I Met Your Mother.
I don't like animals, shopping for clothes, Ranch dressing, or nacho cheese Doritos. 
I watch so much TV that I have a Google doc to keep track of what episodes I've watched so I don't get confused on where I'm at.
I love TV, but hate "reality" TV unless it is some kind of singing talent competition.  And I don't really watch any of those anymore because I just like the part where the people sing/perform and hate all the manufactured drama. 
I try to watch all the Best Picture Oscar nominees before the Oscars because I unapologetically love awards shows.  The Tonys are the best, but if the Golden Globes keep bringing back Amy & Tina, they may have a chance.  Because drunk celebrities plus Amy & Tina is entertainment gold.

From earlier this week (don't worry Kacey, I have more random thoughts for my next post, but this was a part of my original post, so it stays):  This week was election week, which is usually pretty exciting for me, but it's an off year and I'm not overly interested in the initiatives.  Mostly because I hate initiatives.  As a general rule I am a big proponent of representative democracy.  I pay attention to what is happening generally and elect people to make decisions.  If I feel they are doing a crappy job, then I will vote for someone else.  Initiatives are generally poorly written with little regard for the fiscal impact they will have. There are always exceptions - if it takes an initiative to advance civil rights because the legislature is too afraid of bigots to do something, then I'm certainly going to vote for it, but generally speaking, I want elected officials to do their job.  So on Tuesday I'll certainly have my computer open to King County Elections, refreshing to see who wins the Seattle Mayor's race, but I won't make an effort to find an election night party.  I'll wait until we're celebrating Hillary in 2016.  Yeah, that's right, I said it.  Don't pick a fight with me on this.  You'll lose.


A brief intro for the 3rd sister, who will make appearances from time to time, as that character you never see, but always speak of (see our earlier post on that topic):

Sarah... Portland... elusive... 

She helps the helpless.
She is a social butterfly.
Current quest: She comes upon a giant tree, which appears to talk slowly, but also beats you if you get to close.  You have to throw a rock and hit the knot to make it stop swinging at you.  Roll 15 or higher to hit the knot.   (everything I know about D&D I learned from TV shows, so I'm sorry if it's wrong)


Kacey…new blog look.. and a re-introduction.

We are two sisters living on opposite sides of the globe attempting to converse about  television viewing, movie going, sports teams playing, pop culture following, and general global well-being. And we make no excuses for excess interest or time spent in any of these areas.

Jamie and I are known for sitting around and beginning our conversation about something simple like a book we’ve been reading, a news story, or even the weather… and end up analyzing a character from Doctor Who or discussing in depth the parallels between Jane Austen and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. We actually drive our family members quite mad with our chit chat as many people don’t often know what we are talking about (nor do they find us nearly as interesting as we find ourselves). So when I moved away to Abu Dhabi and left Jamie in Seattle a year ago the conversations became Skype chats and very random emails and text messages. Now we’ve decided to provide each other with a weekly insight to all random thoughts in blog form.

Kacey....Abu Dhabi

Important facts to know:
I live in Abu Dhabi where I teach 1st grade at an international school.

I am the younger sister.

I am actually the middle sister as Jamie and I have a younger sister Sarah.

I enjoy sparkly things and I have a problem with purchasing accessories.

I miss watching American Football.

I hang around international types a lot here in the desert so I have to specify “American” Football otherwise people think I mean soccer.

I take credit for watching Doctor Who before Jamie and getting her hooked… however most things I am hooked on are because of Jamie… and I don’t mean drugs I mean television shows or book series mostly.

I like animals… more than Jamie…a lot more…that is important.

I watch The Avengers, Harry Potter, or BBC Sherlock when I just need something to fall asleep to at night.

My exciting news right now: My friends and I have started weekly movie night and they want to watch all the Harry Potter movies. I had to contain my excitement (to put it mildly)… then we’re having a Christmas movie palooza for the first part of December until we all leave for the Holiday break!

Also our sister Sarah is a plethora of thoughts, information and news…. But she often disappears into the night before she can actually record these things (yay- she’s kind of like a superhero).

However she is the only of us to play D&D where she worships a glitter god. We'll provide updates on that situation often.