Here's to one of the greatest inventions of the 20th Century!

If television didn’t exist, I’d probably be one of the folks working to invent it. I love me some TV!

TV Trivia

Did you know that the world’s first commercial-television sets were sold in the US, the UK, and the Soviet Union only?

Yup. And, way back then (in 1928), they were unrecognizable compared to those of today; more like a weird-looking radio!

Source: Wikipedia

TV Trivia

Quick: What year did the world’s first commercial television come out? Can anyone guess (no cheating!)?

Now, click here to see if you were right!

Maggie Smith---funny without even trying to be!

queenjulialovesmaggiesmith:

- Smith, who has no e-mail address and hasn’t a clue about how to find her Internet Movie Database resume, totally missed the much-viewed online clip of her greatest Downton Abbey zingers from earlier this year that was titled (Bleep) the Dowager Countess Says. It is explained to her this way: “First you put someone in their place, then you ring the bell, then you stare and sigh, then you deliver another putdown.” Her reaction: “Who would put that online? Who would assemble it?”

- She never understood the popularity of her Downton Abbey inquiry, “What is a weekend?” Smith explains: “It’s a good line, but I never thought it was that funny.” Her favorite? “Put that in your pipe and smoke it,” which was her signoff after rival Isobel (Penelope Wilton) accused her of meddling in the romantic affairs of her son.

- Talk of a sequel to The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel has Smith puzzled. “I heard that and thought, ‘It would have to be in a funeral home.’ We are all in an old people’s home. Where else would you put the sequel?”

http://content.usatoday.com/communities/entertainment/post/2012/09/17/maggie-smith-downton-abbey-exotic-marigold/70000524/1#.UFdpUWthiSM

Remembering Desilu as Star Trek celebrates 45 years!

Even if you are a non-Treki, like myself, there was no way you could be on the internet yesterday and not know about Star Trek’s 45th anniversary! As one of my Facebook friend’s statuses informed me, Google was in on the party in its usually unique way, with a special Google sign, designed just for the occasion:

Needless to say, my friend was bowled over by excitement, after she saw the fun graphic honoring one of her very favorite shows. And, although I am not a Treki (Star Trek fan) myself, I must admit that this anniversary means a lot to me, too, thanks to a little bit of history calledDesilu!

In case some of you aren’t aware, Desilu was the name of the television production company ran by Desi Arnaz (company president) and his wife, TV comedian, Lucille Ball (vice-president). And, according to A Book by Desi Arnaz as-well as several other sources, the company was, at its peak, the biggest, most active TV production studio in the world, producing more programs and more episodes than any other company! So, it should come as little surprise that it was this very same, successful studio that first brought Star Trek into people’s homes 45 years ago!

That’s right, I may not be aStar Trekfan per se, but I am a Lucy-Desi fan, all the way! So, I am very proud of them for helping to launch such timeless programs asStar Trekall those years ago. And, even though the studio was eventually sold to Paramount, at which time it was renamedParamount Television Studios, the history ofStar Trekand other shows pioneered there will keep the memory of its original incarnation alive.

So, as you think ofStar Trekon its 45th anniversary, don’t forget to rememberDesilutoo—-the place where it all began.

Happy 45th, Star Trek fans!

A lesson in branding from "TV Land"

I get it now. I now know why TV Land felt compelled to change their logo—-it was because the old one looked to much like the one for the TV Guide Network. So, that being the case, if that was why the change occurred, then good move, TV Land; very sharp thinking!

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Also, I know people complain about the loss of old programs on your line-up, but I now understand that you are just trying to brand yourself. And, I have to admit that I respect that, especially given the current state of network TV when it comes to sitcoms. TV Land brand sitcoms are charmingly old-fashioned (using a studio-audience and the 3-camera technique) in their execution while also being refreshingly current. So, thank you! I am glad you are branding yourself as a sitcom-centered channel! We don’t get enough of that on other stations! Keep the laughs coming!

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7nCnps6H6Zs?wmode=transparent&autohide=1&egm=0&hd=1&iv_load_policy=3&modestbranding=1&rel=0&showinfo=0&showsearch=0&w=500&h=375]

Anyone remember this show from 2005? I like the Soaps that are either funny or Suspense/Thriller in mood. So, I enjoyed this (even though it scared me!!). It was much akin to a 1970s horror-flick, and kept the viewer hooked. However, the show was cancelled by the Fox network after less than a season though, which is odd, considering the success of shows like Revenge, which lacks the heart of this show and just focuses on the fear and violence aspects.

Odd what people ultimately keep on the air. And, considering the rough time Fox has had over the years (in comparison to the other major networks, I’d say the folks at Fox made a big mistake, thus cancelling a show that may have put the network ahead, if they had only given it at least a full season to prove itself.

(Source: http://www.youtube.com/)

Harry's Law (TV series, 2012)

Isn’t it crazy how Kathy Bates got a nomination for a Golden Globe or Emmy, but they (NBC) cancelled her show?? And cancelled it not because of the ratings, but because the network didn’t like the age range that watched the show… Ugh, the youth-obsession of Hollywood!

1000 different ways to make the same movie and TV show...

There are a thousand different ways to see the same picture, and a million different ways to paint it. That’s why I often appreciate re-makes. Looking forward to the Bewitched and The Munstersreboots, coming soon. I’m not saying they will be as good as the originals, but it will be interesting to watch the different interpretations of the shows. Sometimes though, the re-make is better…

Here’s an example of a remake I actually think I prefer, “Miracle On 34th Street”:

1947 version:

VS.

1994 version:

Once Upon A Time (TV series, 2011- )

The latest episode was fabulous!! I wish this show could last for decades, like Daytime soaps do/did! I mean, it’s a Soap too, the only difference being that it airs in Primetime.

Anyway, this latest storyline involving the Mad Hatter was brilliant! It makes me wonder if ABC has novelists working on the show! I hope we see Alice in Wonderland, at some point. I would love to see my alter-ego on

TV! : - )

And, the best part is, I know that we, the fans, have so much more to look forward to, because the show is produced by ABC, a Disney Co. I don’t think any other network could make a show like this and make it so well—-b/c with ABC being a Disney channel, I’m sure that we can look forward to the 101 Dalmations story being woven in at some pount, as well as non-Disney classics, like The Wizard of Oz, The Hobbit and more! Heck, maybe even Christepher Robin and Winnie the Pooh—-set in the Hundred Acre Wood! Yaaaaaay!! So excited for what may be to come!!

[and as I’ve said elsewhere, I wouldn’t be surprised if Emma Swann turns out to be Mother Goose—-the play-on-words actually works with the story!)

Lucille Ball (1911 - 1989): A comfort in my childhood

The movies and TV shows of Lucille Ball mean so much to me! I remember as far back as 4 or 5 years old, she was my favorite. And, not just for TV either! She’s also my favorite movie star, and even as a little kid, I preferred her old movies to any cartoon or kid show. Something about her films and shows have always been so comforting to me. Especially I Love Lucy! When other kids may have soothed themselves with blankies and teddies, I had Lucy. I could be sad or frightened or just plumb upset. But, I put on that show, and for just a little while, I feel like everything will be alright, everywhere.

Lucille Ball and everyone from “I Love Lucy” will always hold a special place in my heart. And, “I Love Lucy” will, for those reasons, always be my favorite. Truly the most timeless show I’ve ever seen! Thank God for the cast and crew of that beautiful, wonderful show, that has sparked my imagination, inspired me, and brought so much joy and wonder into my heart!

Shahs of Sunset (TV series, 2012- )

Well, it was as much like Jersey Shore as I thought it would be. But, it’s like Shahrzad Sepanlou said, “It’s a ‘Reality’ show…that’s what people expect.” Hence Shahs of Sunset is not to be taken too seriously. I’m just glad Persians are now getting some screen-time, outside the news. I think I’ll keep watching…

Happy 95th birthday, Desi Arnaz!

He would have been 95 today!

I will always love I Love Lucy——the first show I ever really cared about! My first ever favorite show! Long before DVDs and box-sets were released, I used to record it every night, on the old Classic Nick at Nite 1985-1998line-up! I was one lucky kid! Nothing made me smile like Lucy! And, when we lost our cable (before I started recording), I used to cry, I missed

Lucy so much! From then on, once we got cable back, I recorded them on VHS and have kept them to this day!!

I will always appreciate Desi Arnaz, for his part in the creation of my most beloved favorite TV show! I loved it so much, I used to literally fantisize about jumping into the TV to be with them! I wanted to be Lucy! I wanted to be her best friend! She was my childhood hero! I love Lucy…but, I love Ricky too! Happy 95th, dear Desi!

Clinton (TV documentary, 2012)

Oh my gosh! The first half of the  Clinton (TV 2012) documentary on PBS was freaking AMAZING! And MOVING! And INSPIRING!! Say what you want, but I like the fella! “Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.”
—-♥ Bill Clinton and his rock, Hilary Clinton!” Verdict on the 2nd and final part of the Clinton (TV 2012) documentary: Fan-freakin’tastic! Just as moving as the first (albeit with a tragic tinge to it). Yes, he’s highly sexed, yes, he denied it, yes, he’s flawed. But, there’s another thing he is too, and that’s a man who deeply loves this country and it’s people. And I love him for it!

He was a romantic, who took the statement “Make love, not war” a little too literally, but if I have to chose between leaving his private affairs between he and the women in his his life—-EVEN IF IT MEANS HE’S IN THE WRONG, I’d choose that over a venomous, gridlocking, vengeful scandal, any day! The man spent 2 years just trying to survive hateful attacks! Who knows what he could have accomplished, if he didn’t have to keep answering to his heartless enemies, every step of the way! And, he still left office with the gov. in better shape than it had been—-in 4 decades!! So, is Clinton a great husband? Maybe not. But, was he a great (not perfect) president? Heck yeah! So, the whole scandle was stupid, no matter how you feel about adultery. If is so-called more vertuous enemies really gave a darn about the country, they would have backed off…for the greater good. But, no, they had to spew hate all over the place! And, it only succeeded in shaking up the country and hurting our image in the word. But, I ask his enemies this: what harm would it have done just to leave it a private matter? NONE! At least then, the world could have gone on smiling just a little longer. I mean, if you want to call it a fairy-tale, then, okay. But, if it makes a better world to glamorize the president, then, why not?

William Jefferson “Bill” Clinton and Hilary Clinton, you’ve got a friend in me. And, Linda Tripp, Newt Gingrich, Ken Starr, etc., you all may have been right about a lot of things, but I WILL NEVER forgive you, for being back-stabbers. Trouble makers have no place in a peaceful, good world. Scandal should only be exposed for the greater good, not at the expense of it!!

PBS cooking shows

PBS cooking shows are the best! I find that they are more homey and warm-seeming than those on Food Network or what have you. Lidia’s Italy, Mexico: One Plate at a Time, and Lidia’s Italy: In America are so educational and visually amazing! And great soundtracks too! Thank you, PBS!

Rosie O'Donnel vs. Ellen vs. Bonnie Hunt

Back when The Rosie O’Donnell Show was popular in the mid-1990s, Rosie was the “it” thing, and her show had an old-fashioned showbiz appeal, while also being kid-friendly. After Rosie, The Ellen DeGeneres Show was basically the replacement. And, yes, I love Ellen and her show. But, it’s more modern in style and not nostalgic at all (nothing wrong w/ that, just saying…). Then, The Bonnie Hunt Show came, and I felt like finally, here’s a show that is really following in the footsteps of the original Rosie show. It was old-fashioned in it’s style, kid-friendly, and had nostalgic appeal, ala the show graphics. Dis anyone else see it that way? Yes, I like Ellen and her show. But, I prefer the style and mood that Rosie and Bonnie went with (with slight variations being that Rosie was more showbiz, Bonnie more homespun). I thought it was sooooo stupid when this show was canceled!

American Horror Story (2011- )

I like the occasional “scary” mystery (like Burnt Offerings or The Poltergeist Trilogy), as long as it doesn’t really “scare” me. I like to me intrigued, not scared stiff! I started watching the FX show, American Horror Story, and it’s just too much! Too much bad language and blood and just too much badness! I guess the kind of “horror” that isn’t so horrible is a rare thing indeed. Well, I’ll just say I’m sorry I even gave that show a chance…I am interested to see what happens, but I don’t think I should. So, I better bow-out now…

Waiting For God (1990 - 1994) and other Britcoms I love...

‎Britcoms are the best! Absolutely Fabulous, Waiting for God, and most recently, I have discovered A Fine Romance! And, I love it! I’m not saying I like all Britcoms (“Fawlty Towers” gave me a headache in the first episode and I consider “Are You Being Served” to be mostly tacky and annoying), but the ones I love—-I REALLY LOVE!

My favorite so far is WAITING FOR GOD. May my elder years be just as romantic, sensual, witty, fun, and full of love! Just like the WFG couple themselves, Tom Ballard and Diana Trent! I recommend this show to everyone who has sophisticated taste but enjoys a good laugh. And, if you’re a romantic at heart, the more you watch it, the more you’ll fall in love. I did!

Reba (TV show, 2001-2006)

Loving the Reba dvd set that my sister and brother-in-law got me! That show is a million laughs! I must admit though, that during its original run on the The WB (now CW), I was afraid to get too into it, bc of Reba’s ubber sentimental music…I don’t like for things to get too mushy. But, this show is great! Definitely a favorite! Is it any wonder that I prefer Reba’s acting to singing?! She’s wonderful!

Well, I’ve seen season 1 and need to catch-up on the rest! For the record though, I seriously doubt that her new series w/ Lily Tomlin will be anywhere near as good. You can’t be as great twice—-Lucille Ball is the perfect example of that—-just watch her series’ that she made after “I Love Lucy”!

The Lucy Show (1962-1968)

‎The Lucy Show really hits the spot sometimes! I love that episode when she pretends to be Carol Channing!! I think that’s my favorite of all the 150 episodes of the series!