Tag Archives: TV

I’m Not Pro-Crastinating

We all have those things that we don’t want to do, and sometimes we avoid until we can’t. Even then, some of us go that extra mile and keep procrastinating. We’ve all heard it before and we’ve all done it, some more than others. When you procrastinate, you know you have something to do and you have plenty of time to do it. But somehow, every free moment you have seems like a perfect time to do something else! How will I find the time to write that essay when it’s so nice outside and all I want to do is go for a run, sit outside, walk the dog- speaking of the dog, I think I forgot to feed her. I’ll go look. Okay she has food, but I have no apples left! Man, I really want an apple. I guess I’ll add that to my grocery list. Hey look, there’s no more room on the page! I guess I’ll have to go to the store. Okay I’m back, but guess who I saw at the store. My 5th grade teacher! I wonder where my old yearbook is. I’ll go look. Well I couldn’t find the yearbook, but I found my old essay from 6th grade! Hey speaking of essay, I still have to write that. But look, it’s 7:50! My favorite TV show is on in 10 minutes! I guess I’ll write it after. Wow, that was a great episode. I think I’ll go take a shower. What? 10:00 already? I should probably get to sleep because I have to get up early tomorrow. And write that essay.

You see, procrastinators are perfectly aware of the task at hand, and have the time to do it. But when they have a week to do that project, why start now? Pretty soon, one week turns into one day, which turns into one night, which flies by until you finish with an hour to spare. Some very simple reasons that people procrastinate is because they seem too hard, too time-consuming, you don’t think you know what you’re doing, and you’re scared of failure. Who wants to write some big long hard essay when you could simply watch a movie? And who wants to spend hours preparing a speech when you can go out to dinner? And no one wants to try and do a presentation on something they know nothing about, and that can play into the fear factor too. Everyone’s going to know if you mess up, so let’s do this a little later. These are good reasons for procrastinating, and it’s not really hurting anyone, is it? They might seem like good reasons, but they actually aren’t. If the assignment is so hard, then you should do it now while you can get help from a teacher and ask questions. Something tells me they won’t be as helpful the night before it’s due. Too time-consuming? Maybe if you do it all in one sitting it is, but if you chunk it out in the time you have, it’ll be a piece of cake. If you don’t know what you’re doing, then you have the time to learn what you should, even if you just haven’t been paying attention in class. As for failure, things done in three hours are going to be a lot more sloppy than something done in three days, or more. If you put more time and effort into it, there’s a higher chance for success.

As for me personally, I’m an avid procrastinator. I think it’s fun to see how long it’ll actually take, especially when the teacher says “this isn’t a project you can do in one night”. Now this of course is a horrible mindset, but it’s a hard one to shake. If you haven’t started or aren’t in too deep, I would, without a doubt, advise you to stop procrastinating and never do it again. I think it’s addictive and not good, but I just can’t stop doing it. It’s usually more with projects, and I underestimate the amount of work and time I need to put into it. Of course, this is nothing that can’t be solved by a few hours of hard, frantic work. So even though procrastination is a horrible habit, I’d say that I’m pretty good at it.

~Michelle

Who(LU) Wants To Binge Watch?

Everyone has a favorite television show, and sometimes we sit down, turn on Netflix, and watch a few episodes. Or seasons. Or the entire series. This is called binge watching. We all do it without a second thought. There’s no harm in watching excessive amounts of television, right? Wrong. Have you ever heard of binge drinking, or binge eating? These are often linked to depression and loneliness. Is binge watching really that different? The answer is no. Binge watching is a way to escape the sometimes stressful world around you and sink into the action-packed drama-filled happy world of television. Also, when you’re sitting on the couch binge watching, probably with a snack, do you know what you aren’t doing? Getting that 60 minutes of exercise. Actually, you could be done with that after watching about 2 episodes of your favorite show. In addition, 75% of viewers admitted to binge watching, usually using Netflix or Hulu. However, we shouldn’t single them out. There are so many other places to find your favorite shows, so it’s difficult NOT to go watch them. Let’s look at Netflix for a minute. On there, the next episode of the show automatically starts playing when the previous one ends. Do you feel like skipping around? No problem, just click on the list of episodes that are available while you watch and decide what you’re watching next, while you’re watching. How much easier could it get?

 

 

 

Now, do I think that binge watching is all that bad? Honestly, there are worse things to do. Now, I’m not saying that you should go home and watch 10 hours of television, because you have homework to do. I have to admit that I fall into that 75% of binge watchers. After a long week of school, who wouldn’t want to get under the blankets and watch a little (lot of) TV? But, if you are a frequent binge watcher, and you can’t go a day without watching at least 3 hours, then maybe you should find another hobby. As long as you’re getting enough sleep and exercise, as well as keeping your grades up, then you’re good to go. Oh, and don’t forget about clubs. And sports. And food. And your friends. Now the only issue is finding the time to binge watch.

~Michelle

The Consulting Detective

 

Benedict Cumberbatch plays the modernized Sherlock Holmes on the popular BBC show, Sherlock. The show is about Sherlock with his friend John Watson ( Martin Freeman) on the dangerous adventures battling such criminals as Miss Irene Adler and Prof. James Moriarty. Sherlock and John also get help from Det. Inspector Greg Lestrade, medical examiner Molly Hooper and Sherlock’s older brother, Mycroft. Sherlock uses his vast intellect and keen sense of observations to solve crimes. Because he believes he is smarter than everyone he isn’t well liked by most people, often being called a freak and a psycho-path.

Sherlock is a great show and I recommend that anyone who likes an exciting and funny show should watch it. The episodes are an hour and a half long; but there has only been 2 seasons and 6 episodes. The latest episode aired on January 15, 2012 and they just started filming the next season. What I really like from the show is that the names of the episodes are similar to the names of the books Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote. Some episodes are A Study in Pink instead of A Study in Scarlet and A Scandal in Belgravia instead of A Scandal In Bohemia. This is a really great show and I hope you start watching it too.

~Hannah Fracasse

Oscar? Who the Heck is Oscar?!

The all famous Oscar Awards have arrived, and some lucky movies out there will get some awards for best actor, actress, makeup, special effects, and more.  This year Seth MacFarlane hosts the show for the first time, and all the nominees shall be announced.   Actors from the latest and greatest movies, such as Lincoln, Skyfall, Life of Pi, Flight, and Beasts of the Southern Wild. Families around the country will be switching on their televisions to watch this entertaining event. Be ready to see famous actors, actresses, makeup artists, and film directors walk up the carpet and receive their gorgeous golden Oscar trophy. The exciting once a year show keeps millions of viewers on the edge of their seats, waiting to see who will win the best picture.

This show is totally a big deal! Many men, women, and children have seen these movies, and they are all interested in the awards they’ll receive. They might have read the books, and can’t wait to see how well the public thought the movie was (the Hunger Games, Life of Pi). Or maybe it is interesting to see how the historical movies turned out in terms of being accurate (Lincoln). Whatever the reason, it is fun when a movie you like gets an award. Then people won’t tease you for liking a movie they don’t like, because the people have approved of something of its quality so much that it got an award for it. The Oscars are a must see, so as soon as it’s time, grab your family, turn on the T.V., and have a bet on which movie gets which award. I’m betting an oreo with my mother that Quvenzhane Wallis will get the Best Actress Oscar! She’s the youngest Best Actress Nominee in history!

Oscar nominations

~Savannah Nowicki

Is Breaking Amish Right?

 

Now, Amish people have a very different way of doing things, but do we really need to see their struggle in the real world through a reality show?  Well, within a month, TLC has brought a reality show called “Breaking Amish” to Sunday nights.  The show is based on 4 Amish and 1 Mennonite that leave their homes for good and move to New York City where they start a new life.   There is Abe, Kate, Sabrina, Jeremiah, and Rebecca.  These 5 might seem normal (besides their clothes), but they actually have different ways of doing things in their hometown, so how will they survive in the real world?  Many difficulties come their way as they were never introduced to real world things and situations back in their homes.

Amish and Mennonite people believe in doing things different than everybody else.  They prefer not to use electricity, cars, and most electronics or devices.  There are different kinds of Amish; Ohio Amish, Lancaster County AMish, and Mennonites.  They tend to practice the same things and beliefs, but in stricter forms.  Rules are given to you by your church, and if you disobey them you can be shunned and not spoken to for weeks at a time.  Anything modern makes them feel they are separating from God; worldliness.  If you’re not Amish, than you are considered English, no matter what race you are.  It’s almost like going back in time.   The women get up early to wash, garden, clean, bake, sew, and much more.  Now, what for us would be almost impossible is that they can have phones, but they are used outside the house and are shared with other families.  Women can only ever wear dresses and men wear jeans and a striped shirt at the age of 16.  Driving can sometimes be okay for men, but women can NEVER drive.  Those are a lot different rules than we have in regular towns!

Breaking Amish has people questioning… Did the creators pay them to leave their home or did they choose to find the show?  Some believe that it is wrong of these 5 to leave their Amish lives forever.  I  mean, just think of saying goodbye to your family and friends forever!  Therefore, some refuse to watch it, being disappointed with TLC.  I do too, but it’s pretty interesting to watch.  Now, there are reasons that the addicting show is fake, such as; Jeremiah has a domestic violence arrest from 2005, Rebecca divorced someone before running off with Abe (who she is actually married to and has a child with), Jeremiah has an ex-wife, Abe has a public intoxication arrest in 2008, Sabrina got married in 2009, and sadly more.  So, this show is an entire lie?  That makes me wonder what else TLC is lying about.  I think that Breaking Amish should tell the truth on the show instead of people seeing pictures and reading articles on the internet!  No one should be watching this fake sob story of these 5 young adults’ terrible lives that never actually happened.    

~Allison McAlinden

What to Watch; X-Factor or The Voice!?

Singing competition shows are through the roof with ratings.  Whether it’s The Voice or The X-Factor, there has to be one you enjoy watching and claim you know who’s going to win!  Yet, there always seems to be some sort of drama when these shows start up… like who’s judging, the ratings, airtime, and a lot more.  Here’s some information on these shows and why they are rivals!

 $5 million.  That’s a lot of money.  That’s the amount of money you receive if you win The X-Factor.  Simon Cowell started this show last year and it is in it’s second season now.  Cowell has judged in Pop Idol in the UK, American Idol, Britain’s Got Talent, and the X-Factor.  Returning judges are Simon Cowell and L.A. Reid and new judges; Britney Spears and Demi Lovato.  Anyone can audition 12 years or older from anywhere in the U.S.A.  If you make it, then you go to boot camp and get put into 4 groups; Boys, Girls, Over 30’s, and Groups.  Then guest mentors come on, and before you know it you’re at the finals!

The Voice is a much different show as it comes back to its’ 3rd season.  The judges  Cee Lo Green, Christina Aguilera, Adam Levine, and Blake Shelton are turned around in their chairs during the first few shows.  These are called blind auditions.  When they hear a voice they like, they press their red button and the chair turns around.  They are all competing to have the singer pick them for their team, in which they will be trained and coached.  If no one turns around, you do not go through and go home.  If you win, you receive a recording contract.

Now, X-Factor was supposed to be the only premiering show the night it premiered, on September 13, 2012, in which it was, but The Voice added their 3rd night of the show to start at the same time as X-Factor.  On X-Factor’s night to shine, The Voice’s 3rd night was airing and beat them in ratings!  X-Factor had a total of 7.5 million viewers, while The Voice had 10.7!  As a side note, some thought it was rude that Christina Aguilera(who was one of Spears’ rivals years ago) took Spears’  star moment away from her by having people tune in and watch her instead of Spears .   I personally like The X-Factor better than The Voice because more people seem to come from the show.  In previous years, Simon Cowell has discovered One Direction, Leona Lewis, Cher Lloyd, Susan Boyle, and many more.  

~Allison McAlinden

Perhaps the Coolest T.V. on the Market!

Recently, Samsung came out with a new HD LED flat screen tv. This TV has the most features of any TV on the market today. First, lets start off with the screen. Instead of having borders around the edges of the screen like most HDTVs have, this TV’s screen expands all the way out to the edges for maximum viewing space.This feature looks cooler and makes watching TV a whole lot less “annoying.” It looks like you could pick the TV up with just one finger because of its sleekness, thin appearance and floating looking design. The resolution is outstanding and the colors are vivid. The first screen size is only 46 inches, but there will soon be bigger screen sizes to please more people. Also, this TV has one of the newest features on most HDTVS’ 3D viewing.

Samsung has packed bags full of technology into this TV. First, they have integrated voice navigation into the TV. This means that you are able to control what you are doing by just your voice. With voice navigation you can turn the TV on or off, the volume up or down, change the channel and even search the web and switch which applications you want to switch to. Applications? Yes, this TV has the ability to run applications and internet connectivity. That means you can search Youtube, go on Facebook, check the weather or even play some games! But that’s not all…   this TV also has a gesture control option.  You can swipe the air and the TV with switch pages in the main menu or you can select and app with only hand movements. Now how does that work? Well, the TV actually has a camera mounted on the top. The gesture control feature is very similar to Xbox’s kinect device. So with a camera you can also Skype with friend or family, take pictures and much more.  The TV is also fast and connects to the internet as if it was your computer. That is because of its 1 gigahertz, dual core processor  which is also integrated into some computers and laptops.

Overall, this TV is very cool looking, “smart”, fast, and loaded with technology only seen on this TV. This TV will give you great sound and picture quality, which will make 3D viewing on it better than other 3D TVs. Once you get this TV into your living room you might never go back to your laptop or computer ever again!

 ~ Noah Perlroth

“Glee” Gets some New Directions

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Last year on June 12, 2011 on the television network, Oxygen, a show called “The Glee Project” was conducted by the “Glee” producers to find someone to be the newest member of New Directions. The auditions narrowed it down to twelve-yes, just twelve- young people for the competition. These twelve contenders would complete a homework assignment each week and after performing as a group, casting director, Robert Ulrich would bring in a special star from the show to determine who performed best. When this contender is decided, they get to be mentored by the “Glee” star for the upcoming music video to be made with the other contenders. After critiquing the video and how the contenders partook over the course of making it, Ulrich along with fellow “Glee” producers decide which three make callbacks. When contenders have callbacks, they must perform an assigned song in front of the producers along with the creator, Ryan Murphy. Two will be saved and advance onward while one contender will be sent home and so on until the final four.

In season one of “The Glee Project” there were two winners: Damian McGinty (who now plays Rory Flanagan) and Samuel Larsen (who now plays Joe Hart). Although, Ryan Murphy was impressed by the runner-ups, Lindsay Pearce and Alex Newell, he gave them minor roles (as Harmony and Wade) as well. The next season of “The Glee Project” is set to air on June 2, 2012. Already there are interviews of the new contenders and from this sneak peek it seems like season 2 is going to be a big hit. Damian, Sam, Lindsay, and Alex were all shining stars so I think that the new contenders may need to step up their game a bit to match the previous winners. All in all, the show is a success and I’d suggest on June 2, 2012 you get Oxygen on and watch.

~Maya Wylie

“Glee”: Guest Star Disaster

“Glee”, a popular show on Fox is currently on its mid-season break but they have already stirred up a buzz about who will be a guest star on upcoming episodes. At the end of the season they are thinking of bringing Lindsay Lohan on the show as a judge at Nationals. But the question that is traveling around fast is whether or not Lohan is setting a good example for anyone who watches the show. Her reputation has plummeted and will forever be in her shadow. Even though she claims to be on the right track again there is still the fact that she has been in rehab so many times.

By having Lohan be a celebrity guest I don’t think it is setting a very good image for “Glee” to have her on the show. According to CNN Holly Holiday who is played by Gwyneth Paltrow already bashed Lindsay by saying, “How many times has Lindsay been in rehab?”. Young viewers may also start to think that if a well known icon (such as Lohan) has the ability to star on a hit show like “Glee” even though she has made terrible choices in her life then they as well can make those choices and still be successful. This sends a bad message to viewers and therefore I think Lindsay Lohan should not be a guest on any upcoming episodes.

~Hannah Hackett

Acting Too Mature

Nowadays, I see kids (6-10 year old) dressing like adults. They wear overly expensive designer brands. Once, I went to the mall and saw a seven year old wearing a lot of makeup and carrying a Coach purse. My jaw almost dropped to the floor. I mean, I don’t even have a purse, especially not a designer brand like Coach. As the generations come and go, younger kids are dressing much differently than my friends and I did when we were in elementary school. I wore Limited Too and Gap kids.

Also, the kids watch a lot of inappropriate TV shows. They watch shows like Jersey Shore. When I was younger I was watching “Drake and Josh,” “Dexter,” etc. But, I think that having this on TV is not good for all ages. I like to watch Jersey Shore but, I’m fourteen and they’re seven. There’s a big age difference.  Finally, to conclude, I think that parents should not be letting all this slip by so easily for their young children.

~Sonja Pejovic