Kacey Watches Television Along Ways From Home...

I am in Abu Dhabi! Half way around the world from the Great Pacific Northwest of the USA. I have been teaching a classroom full of children for 3 weeks now in a well air conditioned classroom (because if it wasn’t I would melt into a puddle Wicked Witch of the West style).  I’ve been meeting people from all over the world (Lebanon, Ireland, Canada, South Africa, England, Australia, Egypt) and my kids all speak Arabic as a first language. I’m tired, but adjusting to the heat and a new education system.

Of course on of my top priorities once I got here was what to watch on television and how to do I get all my shows? There are plenty of huge movie theatres (even though the censorship is a little different here than in the states) so I’m not worried about seeing movies- but the TV line up here is a little…delayed to say the least. I have a TV in my room and without paying extra expenses I get about 27 channels- 7 of which are in English (most of the time). Much of what I have been watching is canceled television shows, newer shows about 2-3 seasons behind, and random movies.

Here’s a flavor of my viewing pleasure:

Canceled Shows Views:

Better Off Ted: Sitcom about an insensitive corporation that develops random products and the people who work there. Only 1 season I think.

Privileged: Drama about a tutor (played by the chick that was on Reba and played the girl next door on HIMYM) who works for spoiled twins and their grandmother and has like 3 men pursuing her. I don’t think there is even an entire season of this show.

The Defenders: Jerry O’Connell and Jim Belushi play defense lawyers in Las Vegas. Entertaining, but I like lawyer shows. Half season for this maybe?

Witched of Eastwick: I haven’t actually watched a full episodes of this, only caught parts of a few episodes. Not a fan and I can see why it didn’t last.

Shows currently airing in the States:

Rules of Engagement:  I think this show is still on in the states. Not a huge David Spade fan, but I am watching it more here than I did in the states and I am actually finding the rest of the cast quiet humorous.

Community: Did this make it? Is it still on? First time I’ve ever watched it and can see why people think it’s funny!

The Mentalist: I watched this on and off in the states and always enjoyed it, but I’m totally lost because I didn’t follow it enough to know what season is being played. Red John is maybe dead, but Jane knows he’s not…FBI thinks Jane is working with Red John…???

Pysch: Again- I only watched once and while in the states, but it makes me laugh.

Glee: I think this is about 2 seasons behind and I’ve actually only seen it on late at night and early in the morning (when I was still jet lagged).  But it’s a nice comfort of home.

30 Rock: Watching this more and more proves that I was not watching in enough at home…love Tina Fey.

Big Bang Theory: Never lost on this one, but the episodes are not new. However, BBT is on so much in the states that it feels like home to watch reruns.

2 Broke Girls: Only have seen one episode and it was the pilot. Guessing that it is just now starting.

Top Gear: This was one all the time on BBC America, but I never really got into it. It’s quiet international I guess.

The Exes: This is a new show right? Good cast, not sure if I like the concept. Only show that I’ve watched so far that is happening at the same time as in the states (perhaps not a good sign for the show?)

Lettermen: It’s become my “morning show” because it’s on in the morning right before I leave for school.

Shows that have ended (not cancelled):

The Closer: Can always watch repeats- and since I didn’t watch it much in the states most episodes are new to me!

Gilmore Girls: Seen most episodes…good repeat show.

Smallville, Jag, Medium: I never watched any of these shows, and if I watched them here I only get confused…might be into watching Smallville if I could from the beginning.

 

There are also lots of movies on…I actually have 2 movies channels…plus other channels show movies often.  Some I know well and others I had never even heard of. All in all keeps me entertained.

Sampling of Movie Titles:

Eagle Eye, The Interpreter, Harry Potter (4 and 6), Star Trek, Love Happened, Invincible, Die Hard 4, Aurora Borealis, Mummy (3^rd one), Chronicles of Narnia (Prince Caspian), In the Name of the King, Ocean’s 12, 50 First  Dates, Titanic, Rambo, Beverly Hill Cop 1 and 2, Serenity, American Sweethearts, Run Away Bride, Changing Lanes, Kung Fu Hustle

I keep seeing advertisements for Revenge, maybe it will start showing from the beginning and then I can see what all the fuss is about. And NCIS is going to be on NEW (like brand new) soon!

 

That’s Abu Dhabi basic television in nutshell… there is probably more but I’d have to pay for that. I do have the internet...which helps. ;)

Coming Soon: Sarah writes a crash course in communicating when you don’t know the language and all you have is gestures. She will provide pictures!

Glossary Part 2- (by Kacey)

I suck… here I had all these ambitions to write more blogs this summer… but alas I only wrote 1 entry in July making my summer grand total 4. You’d think I’d have some excuse like I’ve been really busy… but… um …no…unless it’s possible to be busy being lazy.

I mean I do stuff… lots of job searching still…helped plan an 80th surprise party of my Grandpa…spent some time at the beach… read a few books (well like 3)… did some berry picking… watched some baseball. But I can do better… I know it. (I’ve got some stuff in the works actually… so stick around for that...and the glossary will continue as well)

So as Jamie’s last entry noted we’ve started a glossary of phrases. If you spend more than an hour with us you’re probably going to hear us say something from the glossary… especially if we’re together. So here is the second part… in no particular order.

Glossary Part 2:

“Go on, get out of here, get” Source: The New Girl, via Schmidt. Also knowing as “White Fanging.” Schmidt wants to break up Cece and decides the best method is to yell at her like what happens in White Fang…. I guess. I’ve actually never read White Fang, but now I know that what to do when I want someone to leave and don’t want them to feel bad about leaving.

“Pivot!” Source: Friends. Ross is trying to move a couch and yells this it hopes of getting the couch up the stairs. This phrase is best used whenever moving something, predominantly when trying to fit furniture through small spaces.

“Moo Point” Source: Friends. Yes another Friends reference. This is a Joey phrase he says instead of say “moot point.” However in his defense he does follow it up with sound logic explaining that it’s like a cow’s opinion; it doesn’t matter. I particularly like to use this around mom as she knows the reference and it always makes her giggle (she loves Joey).

“Pants! Pants! Pants!” Source: How I Met Your Mother. Barney wants so bad for Marshall to tell the pants story and he eventually starts chanting “pants”. Ultimately the story proves to be only half as funny as Barney has built it up to be. The chant is really only invoked when “pants” are somehow part of a conversation and one suddenly feels the need to insert the reference or confuse people.

“You all want a victory!?” Source: Remember the Titans. Classic sports movie. Referenced whenever one wants to win a game, particularly when on a team and the team needs pumping up.

“Totes Cray-Cray.” Source: Kind of Unknown because I think it’s a thing young people say, but we started using it because of Lydia who is featured on the Lizzie Bennett Diaries and she says it regularly. (She also not has her own Vlog- so funny). It’s commonly used it a mocking tone, as we are not teenage girls and sound rather ridiculous saying it.

“Rrrreally Fun” Source: That 70’s Show. Kelso says this. Hyde then reminds him that last time Kelso said this they had to get his stomach pumped…so of course Hyde is game. Kelso then rides a canoe down a hill. The best time to use this is coming up when a really fun idea… obviously.

Coming Soon: Sarah discusses the Olympic opening ceremonies and draws parallels to Danny Boyle's movies. (My favorite part is where she discusses Trainspotting and the Queen parachuting with James Bond)

Glossary of Terms - Part 1 (Jamie starts)

Apparently Kacey & I speak our own language.  It generally consists of a plethora of quotes and references to our various pop culture obsessions.  Or something that started as mocking ("winning" or "totes") just takes on a life of its own, no matter how much we wish it would stop.  Some of these are familiar to a wide audience and some are quite random and obscure.  We thought that we would attempt to share with you all the sources of some of the things you are likely to hear if talking with us, or more likely when listening to us talk to each other.  This is part 1 of... well, many.

"Cause it would hurt a lot Warren” Source: Empire Records, Lucas says this to Warren (the obnoxious little shoplifter) in response to Warren asking why Joe didn’t shove the CDs up his ass.  This is always said in a fairly condescending tone, just like Lucas says a lot of things.  It is not always said in reference to something hurting (although usually), sometimes it’s just randomly said.

“Legendary” Source:The one and only Barney Stinson (How I Met Your Mother, on the off chance that you’re new here).  Generally said in the more popular format: it’s going to be legend… wait for it… I hope you’re not lactose intolerant because the next word is… dairy.  Legendary.

“Dear tiny baby Jesus” Source: Talledega Nights, spoken by the always amusing Will Ferrell.  While we are all big fans of Mr. Ferrell and find him to be hilarious, he’s not someone who usually motivates us to write up blog columns.  He is, however often quoted.  In addition to this little gem from Talladega Nights (which is often followed by comments of preferring to think of Jesus as a ninja), “I’m kind of a big deal” is quite popular (generally used by and in reference to Sarah, who is kind of a big deal), although like the above noted legendary, not particularly obscure.

“NO TIME!” Source:That 70s Show, in one of our favorite episodes of this show, the parents eat an entire pan of Hyde’s “special brownies.” This results in them having the munchies and this line is spoken when they are searching the fridge for food and find some hot dogs.  Kitty says she’ll start boiling the water, to which Red responds adamantly, “NO TIME.” It never fails to make me laugh, and we use this phrase with the appropriate intonations whenever we are pressed for time.  Or whenever it seems funny to act like we are pressed for time.

“Lawyered” Source: Another How I Met Your Mother gem, this time from everyone’s favorite lawyer, Marshall Erickson.  We are obviously not lawyers, but this is definitely used whenever we are able to logically argue our point.

“You get a _____, and you get a ____, everybody gets a ____” Source: Oprah, duh.  Were you born under a rock?  Remember when she gave away all those cars and she freaked out as much as everyone else, and then later it was a bit of a fiasco because of taxes and such? Regardless, it is still a memorable moment.  Arguably the most memorable in the history of the Oprah show… well, there was that one with the couch jumping, but we don’t talk about that one because it scares Kacey.

“Jesus is okay with it, but don't tell dad” Source: Sheldon Cooper, and not just Sheldon Cooper, but Sheldon on drugs.  Wolowitz drugs Sheldon when he is staying over (counting Catwomen and X-men) and returns him to Leonard.  Sheldon is supposed to be keeping a secret from Leonard for Penny, but he isn’t very good at it.  When Leonard presses Sheldon for the secret, the first one that comes to his drug-addled mind is: “Mom smokes in the car, Jesus is okay with it, but don’t tell dad.” His second secret is the equally hilarious “I’m Batman!” which we also say all the time.

“BAM, said the lady” Source: This is either a Nathan Fillionism or a Castleism, but since I am not sure, let’s just give them both credit, since Nathan plays Castle.  (With apologies to the writers if they came up with it).  Bonus points for using this in a conversation when Mom is the lady being referenced.

“Really smart” Source: Another Big Bang Theory moment, this time it’s Penny who provides the quotable line.  Sheldon teaches Leonard football so that he can fit in with Penny’s friends, however when practiced it doesn’t go so well and Penny’s football loving friends think Leonard is a little bit special.  He leaves just before halftime and Penny notes: “so… that’s my boyfriend, he’s… really smart”  We use this phrase, mimicking her tone when someone’s actions have not been particularly intelligent.

More to come...

Books read: 33

Coming Soon:  Sarah is taking a brief hiatus to study this glossary in an attempt to better understand Kacey & Jamie's conversations. At least that's what she told us, she's probably just watching Dawson's Creek on Netflix.

Jamie's Fave Five for May

May was officially our month with the most posts ever.  Yay!  Not too bad, huh? I know what you’re thinking, Jamie, you completely dominated the posting in May.  What happened?  I don’t know.  And I really hate to get your expectations up like that and then have to deliver again.  But I’m confident we can at least get close.  Kacey is almost done with school, which should free up a little time for her (well, when she’s not busy applying for jobs), and we all know Sarah has a pile of posts that she’s working on.  And I have some ideas.  Stay tuned.

But since another month has gone by I’m going to try and stick with this whole fave five thing.  Two months makes it a thing, right? So here’s what I was loving in May.

1) Joss Whedon’s letter to his fans - This month was all about the Avengers (I’ve only seen it twice, so far...) and the rest of the world realizing what all of us Whedonphiles have known for years, Joss is a genius.  Or, to use the popular (although admittedly cheesy) rhyme, Joss is Boss.  But in case you were concerned that it was going to his head that he has what is destined to be in the top 10 (5? 3?) all time grossing films, never fear.  Joss posted this lovely letter to those who have loved him the longest on Wedonesque, a very popular fansite.  

2) Doctor Who Tumblrs - Originally this was going to be a specific image (an Avengers/Doctor Who mashup, involving a mischievous look from Matt Smith’s Doctor beneath a picture of Samuel L Jackson’s Nick Fury assembling his team), but I can’t find it.  And when I was trying to find it, on tumblr, I instead came across a plethora of awesome images on tumblr and so many amazing Doctor Who images.  Many of which I was previously missing out on (since I was not caught up and did not want to stumble upon any spoilers).  There are quite a few, but I’m partial to the official one, seen here.  

3) tvbythenumbers - I was checking this site compulsively as the various seasons winded down and the major networks announced cancellations and new lineups for the fall.  They tracked (well they track) ratings and made predictions on what shows would survive the year.   Like Nate Silver for TV.  Okay, maybe not that good, but until Nate adds TV ratings to his repertoire, tvbythenumbers is a more than adequate substitute. While I have many issues with the ratings system that networks are ruled by, my favorite shows (well, and every other show) live and die by it, so I figure it is good to pay attention.  This year was mostly kind to me, with Fringe getting a 13 episode final season (instead of cancellation) & a second season of Hart of Dixie.  However it was less kind of my dad, who saw Alcatraz, A Gifted Man, & Missing cancelled.  Sorry Dad!

4) Book Club Question List - I had to send this out to my book club.  While not all are completely accurate, there are definitely more than a few that are ‘so us’, and those that aren’t crack me up anyhow. Like the obvious “is there more wine?”  Although we don’t typically ask that, because we’re generally never short on wine, the question is just can you please pour me some more wine.

5) The Opposite of Loneliness - This is simultaneously uplifting and devastating.  This was written just before a young Yale graduate was killed in a car accident.  Tragically this is making the rounds because of her untimely death.  It is an excellent read, and not just for her fellow 22 year olds whom she is addressing, but for the rest of us.

Books read: 29

Coming Soon: Sarah writes an open letter to the Mariners, pleading with them to spread their offense over more games in hopes of trying to win more often.  31 runs over 2 games is awesome, but being swept by the Angels at home is an embarrassment.

When Television Does Good….

I’ve been recently inspired by the latest happenings on GLEE to take a moment and discuss that while yes, television might be slowing rotting my brain and as I continue to see the rise in crap television *cough-reality T.V.*(*pauses for laughter*) there are still some pretty great moments in television that take on important issues head-on. And in those moments I have hope that people are still using their powers for good and attempting to bring a little awareness to things that may otherwise might go unacknowledged or un-discussed by many.

Many shows have had their moments and have briefly brought awareness to social issues, but there are some that have just gone above and beyond a “special episodes” and will weave important topics and themes into an ongoing storylines proving that not all television is mindless. There are arguably many shows like, but here are some of my personal favorites:

M*A*S*H:

Okay, I wasn’t alive when M*A*S*H originally aired and there are many episodes I haven’t seen. But M*A*S*H is one of my dad’s favorite shows and I have spent many hours watching reruns with (and sometimes without) him. It has occurred to me as I have watched M*A*S*H just how ground breaking it was. Besides the obvious topic of a war, there was often something Hawkeye needed to fix (with the help of Trapper or Hunnicut) because other people were being stupid (usually Frank).
Granted war is a lot less funny than this show made it out to be, but in face of such tragic things sometimes people just need to laugh.

Buffy:

Maybe vampires and demons aren’t everyday occurrences for everyone, but much of Buffy’s (and the Scooby Gang’s) fighting was clearly a representation of things people fight daily in reality, particularly in high school. Teen suicide, feeling socially invisible, parents trying to live their children’s life, school shootings, being careful what you drink at frat parties, teen runaways…

Yes, many of these were one episode only, but it was ongoing. Joss Whedon created a show that tackled valid life things by creating actual demons and monsters to fight. Plus it created one of the most awesome, strong, bad-ass chick characters ever. The creation of a female character that all girls could see as a role model- in itself made this show worth a mention.

My-So-Called Life:

Oh the angst of Angela Chase! However, despite her middle class, nuclear family upbringing this show did bring up some issues that many “typical” high schoolers faced in the mid 90s when they left the house. One was having a best friend who seemed sort of wonderful and had far less boundaries than you, but facing the reality that this friend’s life was spinning out of control and she had way more problems than known. However, the best ongoing story was Ricky. Ricky admits in one episode he is gay, which is news to no one (but in the mid  90s somewhat controversial), but as it turns out Ricky is hiding a lot more than that. As seen in by-far the best episode of this short-lived series, “So-Called Angels,” Ricky’s home life is not good and hardly exist. Angela has her eyes opened to reality of teens without homes or home lives that are so much different than her own. It would have been a beautiful thing to see this show continue, but perhaps it’s better that we only saw a glimpse of the lives of these great characters.  

Jamie kept mentioning 90210 when I told her what I was writing about. Of course she means early 90210. I have a hard time buying into the fact that 90219, one of the most popular television dramas/soap operas ever, was trying to get a message out, especially since it was about a bunch of rich, spoiled kids. But I think she makes a valid point about all the “issues” they brought up on that show (abuse, gambling, drugs) and it is valid to mention the attention it may have brought light to some of these issues. And I honestly just don’t remember very much of it (nor have I watched it much in reruns).

GLEE:
As mentioned my inspiration for this blog was the latest episode of GLEE. Despite the wackiness of GLEE, it has continually taken on the topic of gay teens and what sort of reality high school can be for them (both good and bad). With the huge popularity of this show I can’t help but applaud that it has not deserted this issue, but instead tried to bring about more awareness. I feel like its creator Ryan Murphy is to thank and for him I give standing ovation.  *stands and applauds*

And in case you don’t believe television can actual make an impact, Jamie sent me this:

http://www.hypable.com/2012/02/28/glee-and-dan-radcliffe-get-results-record-number-of-traffic-calls-to-trevor-project-following-episode-and-psa/

Sitcoms are silly, dramas are filled with one unrealistic happening after another, and reality TV will ultimately the down fall of our society. And maybe it is all just a ratings and money game and I am naïve… but I like to think that some writers/creators/actors really are using their powers for good.

Coming Soon: Sarah analyzes whale migration patterns and likens it to the multiple reappearances of the Daleks.