This is what I hope to be the first in a series titled Future Consumption. Basically, I am rethinking our current usage of technology, and how we can change the state of current services to utilize newly available tools. Chances are that if you live in the United States, you have a cable or satellite dish provider that you have chosen to work with for your television, telephone, and internet services. They offer all kinds of bundles, but their prices are fairly high considering that you can technically live without a house phone and watch your favorite shows without cable. Now that networks actually stream their shows online, you can catch up over the course of a few hours without needing to use your living room (well, actually any) television. That is why I believe it is time to "unbox" cable.
If you have heard the news, you are aware that Oprah's last show will air next Wednesday. It's odd for me to think of the fact that it will be over. You see, adults watched their favorite shows end as my generation was born. In turn, it is now my time to watch the popularity of shows completely change.
Oprah was one of the only talk shows I have ever watched willingly (though not often). Her show was often life-changing for her guests. She helped people, she gave gifts, she brought secrets to light—she made dreams come true, with Disney finesse. We watched her battle with her weight from season to season, and she became more and more elaborate as the years progressed. Books rose to popularity at her word and Dr. Phil was introduced to the world. As she made her changes, my life changed. I grew older, I learned more, I found a goal for my life (maybe). However, in the back of my mind, I've always wanted to be on her show. I've wanted to accomplish something worthy enough to be aired on one of her shows, or at least sit in the audience once.
It seems that an appearance on her show is simply not in my fate. However, as Oprah ends its twenty-five year run, my mind can come up with nothing to take its place. Not just anyone can replace a woman who has spoken with celebrities, political figures, and the everyday person on the same level she did. As I raise my hat to Ms. Winfrey, I hope that no one tries to touch what she created. Now, I will simply have to wait for the next part of my childhood memories to vanish completely.
That's right, ladies and gents! With the coming of fall, television networks are about ready to queue up their offerings for our viewing pleasure. What will I be watching? Well, just hit the jump and find out!
Two words that begin a song that has been running for 40 years as of today. It's Sesame Street's birthday today. The ever-popular kid's show is still running and has been making several changes for the times. Cookie Monster is becoming a vegetarian, there is an AIDS muppet, Elmo always refers to himself in the third person and Oscar isn't as grouchy as he used to be. Although I hate these changes, the idea of the show has remained the same. It is one that I hope is still around when I have kids. This way, I don't have to watch Dora the Explorer or even worse—Yo Gabba Gabba.
This post was brought to you by the letter "N" and the number 13 (just kidding).
You know a niche that most people don't realize celebrities are all over? Kid's shows! For example, I was watching The Backyardigans this morning—don't ask—and Alicia Keys was the voice of the martian. While I haven't found a good video of the whole thing, I have found good audio which is below.
Earlier, I blogged about my Fall line-up. At first, things got off to a dismal start. Since So You Think You Can Dance was in the audition stages, it's nice to watch, but doesn't really merit my full attention. Glee has such a strange storyline that I don't know how much longer I'll continue to watch it. I was hopeful—but wary—that tonight's episodes of Fringe and Community would be more promising. Luckily, my gut instinct was correct!
Fringe (FOX) debuted with a surprising new character and its trademark plot. The entire episode kept me on the edge of my seat (and startled me at a few parts too). Of course, the previews for the rest of the season look phenomenal and I can barely wait to see how the relationship between Charlie and Olivia changes.
Community (NBC) stars Joel McHale (most notable for being on The Soup) and was a non-stop riot of comedy. The lines that I will be using from watching that show. Although several of this episode's scenes were in the preview (and most likely the pilot that aired on facebook), they were still fresh and funny. So, my Fall line-up is looking pretty good right now. Next up for discussion will be House on Monday for its two-hour premiere!
When I was in college, I was too busy to watch a show's entire season. Now that I'm one year out, I'm not going to let this be the case. In fact, I've already put together a line-up of the shows I want to watch this Fall. At the very least, this is what I'm tuning into...
