TV

So You Think You Can Doubt

/ Alex Doriot / Leave a comment

Time to come clean and reveal a dirty little secret. My favorite guilty pleasure of the summer is a show called “So You Think You Can Dance.”

I’m a fan of reality shows which track and reward a contestant’s growth over the course of the series. “Survivor”, older seasons of “American Idol”, even “Celebrity Apprentice”. I love seeing real people face down seemingly insurmountable challenges and overcome them, learning more about themselves and life along the way.

(Also I have an unhealthy crush on host Cat Deeley.)

But what I love most about “So You Think You Can Dance” is the moment of doubt. Continue reading →

The Hidden Wonders Of Waiting

/ Alex Doriot / 2 Comments

slide.001_2_2_2The dream of my childhood is alive on Netflix.

When I was a kid I used to fantasize about watching any television show you wanted whenever you wanted. In my head I dreamed of a network called “The Channel” – an on demand wonderland where viewers weren’t subject to schedules or programmers, able to watch any episode at any time.

I wasn’t the only one dreaming back then. The technology I once only imagined is now available not only through Netflix but Hulu, Youtube, Amazon, On Demand, and countless other streaming services.

The archives of television (and film and music) history are at your command. If you want to watch that episode of “Sanford and Son” where Fred thinks B.B. King is trying to kill him, you could right this second.

Take a moment to be in awe of this. Less than a decade ago if you missed your favorite tv show the night it aired (and you forgot to set your VCR) then you simply missed it. Continue reading →

The Greatest Catchphrase Of All Time

/ Alex Doriot / 3 Comments

“I’ll be back.”

“I could’ve been a contender!”

“Toto, I’ve got a feeling we’re not in Kansas anymore.”

“May the force be with you.”

“Houston, we have a problem.”

In 2005 the American Film Institute named the top 100 movie quotes of all time. You probably remember every one of those quotes and maybe 100 more depending on how big of a film buff you are.

What is it that makes these catchphrases so memorable? Continue reading →

Homer Simpson: Father Of The Year

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http://www.hulu.com/watch/33378

Homer Simpson. Always a model for fatherhood. Why, just in this clip above, he shows us 3 of the most important characteristics of a great father.

A father always makes time to give advice to his child. A father is always ready to teach his child. A father is willing to endure extreme pain for his child.

Ok, so he’s not always perfect. But he does what he can with what he has.

As long as you’re doing your best with your kids and not giving up, you should be commended. If you’re at least as good a dad as Homer Simpson then you have reason to celebrate this Father’s Day.

Relax and rejoice. The children of the world appreciate you. No one knows exactly how to do what you’re doing. But we’re glad you’re trying.

Happy Father’s Day.

The Hollow Treasures Of Storage Wars

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Why is “Storage Wars” one of the most popular shows on television? A&E’s megahit has turned the relatively obscure practice of bidding on expired storage units into the most popular game show on television.

Each episode builds up the anticipation of not only finding out the contents of each unit, but then learning just how much each unit is worth (though my biggest problem with the show is the values are often dubious in their interpretation).

Secretly everyone watching considers becoming a storage unit bidder. You think to yourself, “Is it really that easy? Spend a hundred bucks on a storage unit and turn a couple thousand dollars profit?

I thought about “Storage Wars” quite a bit as I prepared for our church’s yard sale this past weekend. At one point I even met a church member at her storage unit to pick up some items.

She had not been to the unit in years. When she unlocked the door the mountainous contents were overwhelming. Continue reading →

Prioritize Like Leslie Knope

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It’s Friday. The weight of work is overwhelming. You haven’t had a real weekend in months. You have a better relationship with the stapler on your desk than you do your best friend.

It’s time to rethink your priorities. Maybe you should prioritize like Leslie Knope.

Leslie Knope seems like she works 25 hours a day, 8 days a week to keep Pawnee running. But even a hyperactive workhorse like Leslie keeps her priorities straight.

Your work should not define you. Your job should not own your spirit. Take a minute to recognize what’s important today. Put work last for a day. Call a friend. Have a waffle.

When was the last time you made a 2 AM Waffle House run? Or the last time you skipped work to go see a movie? Do something today to make you smile. Your soul needs it. Recharge your happy meter. Ignore the calorie count. Enjoy this day as the unique individual gift it is.

Happy Friday.

Don’t Be Mad, Hermano

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Hey brother. It’s Friday. The Final Countdown to the new season of Arrested Development is less than 48 hours. The sun is shining. You’re awake and breathing. No reason to be a blue man.

You have too much good going on to get mad over the little things. Don’t let a careless older brother bring you down with his illusions. Have a sense of wonder today (did someone say wonder?).

Happy Friday.

(Credit to Funny or Die for the image above.)

What If Arrested Development Fails?

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arrested“What if it fails?”

It’s a question near and dear to the heart of every “Arrested Development” fan. For 7 years we’ve been clamoring and campaigning to bring the cult hit back to the airwaves.

There have been many false starts and glimmers of hope, hints and clues dropped by various stars that a reunion might occur.

Then out of the blue came the confirmation: “Arrested Development” was really and truly coming back. And not just for a brief reunion, but for an all new fourth season.

Come on! This was unthinkable news. The cult of “Arrested Development” has been steadily rising since the show went off the air in 2006. Many young adults discovered the show on DVDs borrowed from friends who couldn’t help telling people they were making a huge mistake if they had not seen it.

This Sunday all 15 episodes of the fourth season debut on Netflix. Still, the question remains in articles like this from The Hollywood Reporter: What if it fails? Continue reading →

Bill Gates and The System Reboot

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Bill-Gates-Bill-Melinda-Gates-FoundationA few weeks ago “60 Minutes” profiled Bill Gates. You know, the  founder of Microsoft, richest guy in the world, etc.

Check out the interview here if you haven’t yet. It’s worth your time.

Bill Gates may still be making all sorts of money from Microsoft, but the computer company doesn’t take much of his time now.

Currently he works with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation bringing life-saving vaccines to 3rd world countries who need them most.

It’s not that Bill Gates is using his fortunes to do charitable work that’s fascinating. What’s incredible is the level of innovation The Gates Foundation is involved in. Continue reading →

Skip Work And Watch These Office Bloopers

/ Alex Doriot / 1 Comment

dwight laugh

What did you think of “The Office” series finale last night? Was it everything you ever hoped for, or did it make you want to toss the series aside like a worthless piece of paper?

Whatever your thoughts, let’s celebrate what “The Office” gave us over the past 8 years. Let’s follow their lead in these blooper reels and laugh off all the mistakes and shortcomings. Let’s remember the good times and rejoice in this new day with an hour’s worth of giggles: Continue reading →