Lazy Lazy Lazy

So there is this new Vizio TV that allows you to have VIA (Vizio Interactive Applications) at the bottom of your screen. This is something we just discussed in class and I am still having a hard time adjusting to our new technology. This TV allows you to have applications on your screen like you would an iPhone or iPad. For example, you can access Twitter, Facebook, Ebay, Pandora, or even Amazon just from your TV screen, while still being able to watch your program.

My initial reaction was extremely negative. I mean, come on! Is this really necessary? Like I said in class, soon enough people will be able to prepare dinner through your television, its is absolutely insane. And I am not one for new technology, I think things to remain somewhat simple and not chaotic, but that is not the kind of future that lies ahead and it is frustrating.

However, after discussing this topic in class, I started to appreciate the idea more, because someone raised a good point. If you are sitting watching a movie with your parents and you want to know where that actor is from or what other movies he has been in before this one, all you have to do is click on your application and there your answer is right there in front of you, literally. So there is definite convience for this new type of television, however, it could create some sort of problem in other areas. For example, if I am sitting and watching a show with a friend and a commercial comes on, she could easily go on her facebook account and look at new posts while I am trying to watch tv. No one wants to see someone else's facebook wall while I am trying to watch a show. No chance! So in that sense, this new tv could easily pose some problems within the sharing community.

Not to mention, the TV which is something that people sit and watch to avoid a hectic life and to just sit back and relax, will not be able to avoid such things. Facebook, twitter, amazon, and whatever else you have an application for will be taking over your tv screen and will interfere when you least would like it to. I am having such mixed feelings about this new tv, but I wanted to vent about it. I think this new technology is somewhat cool, but I have no interest in being apart of it. It just seems like another thing to make our society more lazy. You never have to get up off the couch to do something. Aside from making dinner, the tv is going to excersize for you too. UGH. I am overwhelmed with new technology and while it is extremely cool and exciting to see what comes out next, it is also really intense and is making us all robotic and I am not a fan.

2010 Olympics

The 2010 Winter Olympics have taken off to a great start. With 15 total metals so far, we are in first place, go USA! Since the Olympics have started, I have watched a good amount it and have enjoyed seeing all the participants win the Gold metals, but apparently I am one of the only ones who felt that I was watching it all for the first time. To some, they had already heard who won the metals without even being able to see the actually sport, but why is that? According to Michael Rosenberg from SI.com, "Lindsey Vonn had won gold in the women's downhill hours before NBC primetime coverage began". Well, that's not good.

Apparently, NBC has been delaying coverage from the Winter Olympics which is upsetting many fans. This is I get. I know for me when I'm watching a favorite show and even when it is delayed or I have TIVOed it and everyone else already knew what happened, it can be really frustrating and annoying when I have to hear what everyone else says about it. However, the Olympics are a live sporting event, so to hear the results without actually seeing the sport can be really upsetting and frustrating to serious fans. In fact, it really sucks when you find out the ending result without actually watching it, but why is this happening? It is 2010 and there should not be problems of delay time with the way technology is today.

"The U.S. just had its best night in Winter Olympic history, which should have been awesome entertainment, and it was pretty cool, except ... it wasn't really the best night the U.S. ever had", said Rosenberg. Unfortunately, for some they already knew of the outcome without actually having seen the event, and with it being a live event, that makes it even more upsetting. I just don't get it because like Rosenberg says, with media now we can learn of an actor's thoughts on Twitter, everyone's family member is on Facebook, but somehow we cannot seem to get the Olympics to be aired live without having such a delay. If we are always making technology advances then why is it that events and programs are still delayed?

Another Host Takes Over

For those who watch the show "The View", this might pertain more to you, especially if you are a fan of Barbara Walters. I am for one not a huge fan, however I do enjoy watching her interviews when it comes to celebrities. For example, her yearly interview of "The 10 Most Fascinating People" and "The Barbara Walter's Special" where famous people are interviewed, I sit and watch. There was new news that was brought to my attention and that was that Barbara Walter's is doing her last Oscar night edition of "The Barbara Walter's Special" show this year in March. At first I didn't really care, but then I realized, this is her show. She cannot be replaced. That's when I decided to look more into it and find out what was going on.

According to Barbara Walters, she is "sick of doing them" and feels like 29 years is enough. Which all makes sense but its upsetting to those who really enjoy watching her interviews. Some have suggested that Oprah might be taking her spot and creating some sort of new special in place of the one's Barbara Walters has done, but to me, that is just not the same.

Her co-host Whoopi Goldberg said on the View today that Barbara Walters might reconsider her decision to retire the Oscar-night special, however, Walters was not in accordance.

"You cannot," Walters said. "I remember Frank Sinatra, whom I loved. He retired. Then he sang. Then he retired. Then he sang. When you say it, you're going to do it."

Walters does make a valid point and even though its a little upsetting for those of us who enjoyed watching her specials. I just hope no one takes over and tries to make it their own. I hate when new hosts try to come in and change the vibe of the show. I know it won't be the same show without her, considering the show is called "The Barbara Walters Special". But twenty-nine years later I can understand how she is ready to be done with the show and do other things.

The Jersey Phenomenon

So what started out being a silly show with a similar concept of MTV's The Real World, The Jersey Shore has really taken over the lives of many viewers. "The self-described “guidos” and “guidettes” have come under heavy fire as promoting negative stereotypes — not only of Italian-Americans, but also of New Jersey and its celebrated shore. But the stars said they don’t pretend to be role models". According to Sami "Sweetheart" and Mike "The Situtation", they are not trying to represnt anybody, but just trying to be themselves.

Of the 5 million viewers that tune into MTV on Thursday nights, I am proud to say I am one of them. I find the show to be absolutely entertaining and hysterical. However, I can understand why a lot of Italian-based groups have taken offense to this type of programming, because this cast of characters have not produced such a positive name for their culture. But who doesn't love the "G.T.L." aka: Gym, Tanning, Laundry, the hair extensions, the fist pumping, the alcohol, hook ups, and even Snooki's hair poof? Everyone does, except for the Italian-Americans. The National Italian American Foundation "has issued a statement expressing "continued concerns" about the hit MTV show, specifically in the way it depicts Italian Americans. Joseph V. Del Raso, NIAF President, said the show's characters have "more in common with the adolescent residents of Animal House than with Italian Americans."

Even though I am not Italian and do not consider myself a "Guidette" I can easily see how this show might be offensive, however, this is what brings in the ratings. Unfortunately, this is what entertainment has become. Especially for this age group who can relate to the crazy nights of partying and random sex, such as college kids. Not to mention, the lingo is really catchy, and who doesn't want to start fist pumping in a club on campus?

It is shows like this that have pushed our society to be less communel when it comes to watching shows with family. This is a show I can promise neither of my parents would ever sit down and watch with me, as least willingly. In terms of having a fun show to add to the list of TV during the week, The Jersey Show has brought great entertainment and my friends and I are constantly quoting and raving about the cast. In fact, hearing that they are coming back for a second season is very exciting, I just hope it happens while I am still at school. Otherwise I don't really see myself continuing to watch this show alone at home with none of my friends, it just does not have the same impact. Plus, when I come home from school, I like to watch shows with my family and I know that The Jersey Shore will not be making that list.

Superbowl Sunday

To have your commercial advertised during the Superbowl is a big deal, in fact, its usually the reason why I watch the Superbowl, unless of course the Chicago Bears are in playing in it. Unfortunately, that is not the case this year, but I am still excited to see the halftime show along with all the commercials.

Although I am not either a Colts or Saints fan, I am excited to engage in the Superbowl Sunday activities along with the rest of my friends. In class recently, we were discussing the idea of communal media and how watching shows are not the same as they once were where everyone is sitting around one TV in their house all watching the same show, however, we cannot say the same this day in age. However, on days like Superbowl Sunday, you can gaurentee the communal setting will be back. Like I mentioned before I am not either team's fan, however, I still fully expect to particpate in watching the game and all the activities with my friends. Whether my friends and I head to a local bar to watch the game with tons of other people or we will find a friends house to all sit around a big TV and watch the game. Either way, I will not be watching it alone.

According to Phil Rosenthal from the Chicago Tribune, "Super Sunday is often called the nation's undeclared national holiday. It's an orgy of excess. It's the day when we come together to eat, drink and watch TV with the promise we can take our minds off the troubles of our everyday lives, even if we can't tell the New Orleans Saints from the Indianapolis Colts or the "Undercover Boss" from the Who".

He's right. Superbowl Sunday is somewhat its own holiday and will be celebrated like one, especially if your team is playing and your team wins. The streets will be flooded with fans, both drunk and sober, and if the Colts win, I can promise that Indiana's campus will be filled with screaming fans. Unfortunately, when the Bears and Colts played my freshman year of college in the Superbowl, Colts fans were everywhere and the bars were packed like crazy.

It will be nice to find that communal setting again because it very rarely is there. I am very excited to watch the game with my friends along with others that I do not know but share the same interests, whether its for one of the teams or the halftime show and or commercials, does not matter. Either way, it will be a great opportunity to kick back and hang out with friends while watching a very exciting game. I wonder who will win, my vote: The Saints.

The Obsession with Lost

It is 8:45pm on Tuesday, February 2, 2010. 15 minutes away from the final season premiere of the non-stop talked about ABC show, Lost. I wish I knew what was going on. I am sitting here watching the recap with my roommate and another friend because they are actually obsessed with this show and they make it very clear. I on the other hand have NO idea what is going on. I don't want to watch the season premiere because I want to watch all the other seasons otherwise it wouldn't be right. However, while watching the recap, I am more interested than I thought I would be.

In class, Lost comes up all the time. My teacher, along with some of the students have been anxiously waiting for this night to come. Facebook statuses have been filled with comments related to either a Lost countdown or just how excited they are. Just checked Facebook, on my main page, 10 different statuses say "LOST!!!" not even kidding. It is amazing how many people are so excited for this show when I know nothing about it. There is actually a countdown at the bottom of the screen right now, this is absolutey crazy. I wish I knew what was going on.

What intregues me most about this show is that fact that even though I have NO idea what is going on, the "fans" are just as lost. I am sitting here listening to my friends ask each other, "why did this happen?" "Do you think he/she is really dead?" "Oh my goodness, they are going to go back into time again". Question after question and they have watched all 5 other seasons. This show looks unbelievable. I am trying to understand it all, but it is impossible to understand what is going on. I wish I started this from the beginning, this show seems really good. Very mysterious and similar to a game and I enjoy these kinds of stories. Where the answers to questions are slowly unraveled and connections are made and it all begins to make sense.

I can't wait to see how people respond and how throughout this two hour episode social medias will be blowing up with different updates. I can only imagine the conversations tonight and tomorrow will be about this show. I also can't wait to hear what my teacher has to say about this episode.

All I want to know is whether or not Juliette is dead. And let it begin...