Sunday, September 30, 2012

Revenge

One of my favorite shows that is on the air right now is ABC's Revenge. It is currently going into it's second season and this show is full of so many twists. For those of you who haven't seen the show, let me tell you a bit about it.

(http://thesunsgonnarise.files.wordpress.com/2012/07/revenge_poster.jpg?w=254&h=306 )
The series starts off with Emily Thorne coming to the Hamptons and purchasing a home next to Grayson Manor. The Graysons are the definition of the elite and fabulous. They are multi millionaires, live in a large manor, own a multi billion dollar company, and throw lavish parties. Emily quickly meets the family and starts dating the son, Daniel Grayson. What we eventually come to learn is that Emily Thorne is not who she says she is. Emily is actually Amanda Clarke, the daughter of David Clarke. The home she purchased was hers as a child, but her father was arrested for terrorism and she was placed in the foster care system. Her father worked for Grayson Global, and they framed him for laundering money to terrorists, which brought down an American flight. As Emily goes through the foster care system, she also ends up in juvenile detention where she meets the real Emily Thorne, who she changes identity with. She receives her fathers diaries from prison after he is murdered in a brawl, and comes to learn that the Graysons framed him. The Graysons are the reason Emily never had a proper life and that her family was torn apart. She returns to the Hamptons to seek revenge.

 
To a stranger, the Grayson family look like they have the perfect life. Beautiful children, perfect marriage, endless amounts of money; not all is what it seems though. The mother, Victoria Grayson, is still in love with a man she had an affair with years ago, who happens to be David Clarke. Her betrayal to him has left her sad and lonely. The product of her affair is her daughter Charlotte. We do not know at first that Charlotte is Emily's sister, but it does eventually come to light. Charlotte is dating Declan Porter who is the younger brother of a bar owner, and definitely does not fit into high society. Between learning that she is not a real Grayson, and her rocky relationship with her mother, she eventually starts to get high off of prescription pills. The eldest son, and the heir to the Grayson empire, is Daniel. He becomes Emily's boyfriend, and eventually fiance. He wants nothing to do with being a Grayson, and is very adamant about it. He does however end up showing his loyalty to his father when it is found out that the Graysons framed David Clarke. He becomes everything he claims that he did not want to be. The head of the household is Conrad Grayson. He started his empire, and Grayson Global. He also had an affair on his wife with her best friend Lydia. Perfect... not quite.

The next characters that play a very important role in the story is the Porter's. When Emily was a child she was best friends with Jack Porter. When she was taken away by social services, she left her dog with him. Now that she has returned, he has no idea who she is. He now owns a bar, and lives with his younger brother Declan. With his parents out of the picture, he is the sole provider for his family. Emily begins to date Daniel in order to get closer to his family, but her heart belongs to Jack. She never forgot about him through all the years they were apart, and she loves him from the moment she sees him again. His younger brother Declan is in high school and is dating Charlotte Grayson. He is always seen as not being good enough for her by her family, regardless of how hard he tries. He eventually breaks up with her when her drug addiction spirals out of control.

The last vital character to the series is Nolan Ross. He is a 20 something year old seld made billionaire, with important friends in high up places. He is also a tech genius. His mentor in life was David Clarke, which is why he does everything he can to help Emily. From hacking into computer systems, setting up spy cameras and even sleeping with the enemy to gain information, there is no boundary for what he will do to help Emily .

Emily herself is quite the dynamic character. She has studied the lives and patterns of those affiliated with her fathers arrest. She has learned how to kill a man through martial arts. She is blinded by her hatred and rage against the Graysons to think clearly. She easily transforms between the innocent girl next door, to a cold blooded killer who feels no remorse. Throughout the first season you see her burn down a mans house, beat up old cops, blackmail high society members, and kill. She is ruthless and will stop at nothing to get the revenge she seeks.

Now I don't want to give away the complete plot for the show because I think everyone should watch it! I guarantee you will get hooked just like I did after seeing one episode. Season 2 starts September 30th, taking over the time slot of Desperate Housewives. Check out the preview below.



Dance: Sport or Art?

I found this picture and it got me thinking about how when I was growing up, dance was considered an art form and now it's beginning to be considered as a sport. I started thinking about if dance is getting more physical and therefore considered a sport, or if reality TV shows are bringing more attention to the dance life and people are just beginning to realize just how physical it is.

When I was growing up, all of my friends were either hockey or ringette players and as the only dancer, I didn’t get much respect. Dance was viewed as the little frilly thing that people who can’t play “real sports” did after school. I think the reality TV shows that are available now truly shed light on what dance really is. The diversity and physicality are put in the spot light and are gaining attention and respect. Shows like Dancing withthe Stars, Breaking Pointe, All the Right Moves, Dance Moms, America’s BestDance Crew, So You Think You Can Dance and so many more are showing people all the different styles of dance that exist. This is one of my favorite dances of all time, from any season of So You Think You Can Dance Canada or US. I may be a little biased because Mackenzie Green is an old friend who I grew up with, but with a choreographer like Blake McGrath and dancers like Mackenzie Green and Nathalie Heath, prepare for greatness.

Who remembers this Nappy Tabs routine with Twitch and Alex Wong?! Absolutely mind blowing. I don't think you can find anyone who will say that dance isn't physically exerting!  


Like I said, dance is becoming more and more popularized because of reality TV shows, but it is also gaining the attention and respect from other famous celebrities. Check out this video. Anybody remember this? 


So here's my question to you. Is this new found recognition of dance the long over-due appreciation that dancers deserve? Or is it just a fad similar to the modeling shows (America's, Canada's, Britain's and Australia's)? 

Reality TV vs Educational TV


Tis the season! The season to throw our social lives down the drain. So long summer- where there is nothing to watch! As someone who watches pretty much every show ever of all time during the school year, summer is almost painful. God forbid I’d have to go outside to entertain myself. Alas, the TV season is back and already in full swing.

I’m not going to try to defend anything and say that the shows on TV right now are educational or thought provoking. Hell, the reason I watch the shows I do is because I don’t have to use my brain at all to keep up! Reality TV is really going down the drain (assuming it was ever anything more than pure entertainment). Jersey shore’s final season is airing next week and I think everyone can admit that the show is HI-LARIOUS to watch and extremely entertaining- but after the season in Italy, it’s gone way downhill. Teen Mom just had the series finale last week. I’m not even going to lie… I bawled like a little girl. I was legitimately upset and I’m not even ashamed to admit it! As for new reality shows…. Here Comes Honey Boo Boo. Seriously!? My roommate made me watch the show last night **for a whole hour!** and the only thing I could think of to say was “seriously!? I am wasting my time procrastinating homework on this?! I would almost rather do my homework!"

                                                                                    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RS2SzGUwaMI

As I said, I think it’s pretty well common knowledge the reality TV and reality TV stars aren't necessarily the best and brightest of this generation. But how ‘bout other TV shows? There are some shows these days that are A) mind blowing, B) thought provoking, and C) intelligent. Grey’sAnatomy? House? Yaaaaa, I’ll admit the first few seasons were better and then they both faded into the mushy romantic crap, but even just watching teaches you a lot! (well, more than you’d learn on Teen Mom). What about CSI? Like Seth Rogan’s character on Superbad said “I assumed there was semen- on everything!” But seriously… you learn things! My favorite show right now.. which has unfortunately been cancelled… is Fringe. Have any of you watched Fringe? I’m not a super nerd (though I did go to Comic-Con this year), but the SciFi show Fringe really keeps you on your toes and thinking for a full 60 minutes each week. At the end of  each episode- Boom- mind blown.. again!!


So yeah... there are some crap shows out there. They stay on the air because suckers like me get addicted and will do anything to avoid doing homework! But there are also some really great shows. It seems like the intelligent and thought provoking shows are being cancelled. What shows do you guys watch? Any guilty pleasures? Are there any awesome shows that have been cancelled recently that you are upset about? The Finder, Alcatraz and Touch are some more amazing shows that I am extremely upset about being cancelled. 

Saturday, September 29, 2012

Are you LinkedIn?

http://www.freefoto.com/preview/04-31-7/Business-Meeting
Photo By: 

If you have Facebook, I'm sure you can handle LinkedIn (well, maybe not). LinkedIn is sort of a 'professional' Facebook, so a profile pic from last Saturday night or an angry status update about your experience being stuck on Deerfoot Trail, will probably not be very acceptable. The purpose of this site is for business professionals to be able to network and connect while establishing business relationships - avoiding the personal and social aspects that Facebook provides.

As a 4th year university student, completing my last year of my B.B.A program (majoring in management), I have signed up to LinkedIn in the hopes of staying in the business loop for job opportunities after I complete my degree! I've filled out my profile with my work experience, school information, and my skills and attributes for the public to see! I'm looking to network and make professional connections.

I'm fairly new to the site and have been trying to get a handle on it. LinkedIn offers so much to business professionals looking to excel and connect. It is very informative and provides you with updates about new job opportunities, information on world news and business news, and offers you with recommendations regarding business and how to improve your LinkedIn experience. You can follow specific companies, be friends with people from other firms, join groups and get involved in chats, all while allowing you to stay connected with other professionals through email.

I think it's important for our generation to be actively involved in the business world, along with continually pursuing our future and careers - and LinkedIn seems to be a great start! LinkedIn is definitely something to look into!

I'm crossing my fingers that LinkedIn will provide me with opportunities and assistance in finding a job and making professional connections!

Are you LinkedIn? Do you think it's something you would be interested in signing up for? Do you feel our generation is actively involved enough in the business world and pursuing career opportunities?

Breaking Amish or Faking Amish?!

Breaking Amish is a new reality t.v series on TLC, on Sunday nights at 10 pm. It is based on Mennonite and Amish colony members who escape the colony to find themselves. They head to the big city (AKA, New York City) to experience and get a taste of the real world.  
http://amishcommunity.blogspot.ca/
By: 
The show has a cast of 5 members - four of which are Amish (Rebecca, Kate, Jeremiah and Abe) and one that is Mennonite (Sabrina). 

Apparently, they are all from different colonies and have never met one another. They meet up and travel to New York to explore the city and experience life as an 'English' person. An  'English' person being an outsider, one not of their faith, and someone that speaks, well ... English! 

Recently there has been some controversy over the show. Rumors have been flying that the show is staged and that TLC has provided viewers with false facts. Information has leaked that some of the members actually knew each other prior to the filming of the show. 



http://www.flickr.com/photos/mamnaimie/5195839472/By: mamnaimie

Below is some of the dirt I've found 
on the cast members:

On the show Rebecca and Abe have never met, end up getting to know each other, both developing crushes on the other, and eventually Abe asks Rebecca out on a date. Cute! Well, the rumor about these two is that in fact, Rebecca and Abe are married with a child in real life! So they don't know each other eh?!  Not to mention, Abe has apparently been arrested for drinking in public! Very interesting...

Jeremiah, a member of the colony who was constantly getting in trouble for breaking the rules, was apparently married (now divorced), with kids. Hey! They left this fun fact out! It is also said that he has been out of the colony going on 14 years. Sounds like he's already 'Broke Amish' for the last 14 years now, hey?!

Claiming to be an innocent, rule abiding Mennonite, Sabrina has had photos leak that show her 'kissing' and wearing 'English' clothes. She has apparently also been married. Hmm, not so innocent after all it seems!

Oh and for Kate. Well, the show does portray Kate as the wild one of the bunch. They have mentioned to us about her prior arrest and charge with a DUI - this isn't new news. As for her longing to be a model one day - well apparently she's already tried out and sent off photos to agencies. So this isn't her first rodeo as they claim it to be. Busted!

Well, I do enjoy the show and the drama that comes about. I'm going to continue to stay tuned (sounds like things might get juicy)! Although, now I'm a little skeptical and question the reality of the show - thanks to the rumors (true or not). TLC is going to be doing some back pedaling for the fans that are not impressed with the false information based on the leak of this info. Bad bad, TLC!

I'm not too sure if the title, Breaking Amish, is the right name now though -- Faking Amish seems to be more fitting! HA!

Here are a couple links to websites that discuss some of the controversies of the show I've touched on:




What do you think about this gossip? Do you believe it? Is this going to affect your feelings towards the show? 

Media Having An Immense Influence On Individuals

A lot of pop culture is through media, such as tv shows and social networking. A lot of the media influences individuals' immensely in the way they act, dress, talk, and their personality. A lot of people rely on various types of media to find out what's going on in the world, to update them on what's going on in someone else's life, to see what's trending, etc.

Tv shows such as Teen Mom and Jersey Shore have influenced some individuals in a couple ways. For example, Teen mom shows that it can be okay if you have an unplanned pregnancy. You have options, such as keeping the baby, keeping the baby while having support, or giving the baby up for adoption. Farrah is a teen mom with a baby named Sophia. Sophia's father died so Farrah is a single mom, but Teen Mom shows that women who are single mothers will be okay with the support of others such as family. Caitlyn is also a teen mom but gave her baby up for adoption and Teen Mom also shows that there is an alternative instead of abortion.  I'm not trying to say that having an unplanned pregnancy when you're a teen is a good thing, but Teen Mom has definitely made me think that if you're not ready to have a baby or raise a baby there are alternatives and options to take into account rather than abortion. I personally think that Teen Mom has an effect on the way people will act upon situations in an unplanned pregnancy. 
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/0/0d/TeenMomcard.jpg/250px-TeenMomcard.jpg



Jersey Shore has influenced a lot of individuals into the partying life style. I've seen so many guys with the "Pauly D hair" and it just looks silly on them. I mean it looks good on him, but not so much on other men. This show has influenced many people to do the "fist pump" at parties, clubs, etc., and it has also influenced numerous people to say the famous line "Yeah buddy!". I personally think that Jersey Shore is an entertaining reality tv show, but I get so annoyed hearing other people try to be like the people on the show or repeat lines from the show. Ever since Jersey Shore was released on tv it has effected the way individuals talk, act, and dress in relation to partying. 



http://mtv.mtvnimages.com/onair/jersey_shore/season_5/images/series_images//456x330.jpg?quality=0.85


Social networking media such as, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook have had a vast influence on individuals in todays society. Facebook has died down now, but twitter and instagram are very popular today. Twitter is just posting statuses about anything you'd like within a maximum of 150 characters. You can see updates on whoever you'd like to follow and have others see your updates when they follow you. Instagram is just posting pictures of whatever you'd like and you can also follow others and have others follow you. I don't know about everyone else but I get updated on things like what's going on in the world,  or what my friends are up to by looking at Twitter and Instagram. I'm such a busy person that I don't often get the time to spend time with a lot of my friends and catch up. It's probably such a bad thing but when it was September 11, I first realized it was 9/11 when I looked at twitter. Oops. I find that Twitter and Instagram are the most popular media sites for our generation. You can get updated, find out what's trending, what's going on in the world, etc. Also you can follow celebrities on Twitter and Instagram and see what's going on in their life. It's almost sounds creepy to just look at someones updates that you don't even know, but it can be interesting to find out what celebrity used to be innocent and is now crazy like Amanda Bynes or Lindsey Lohan.
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd5QYFUHHNqEJnDln53vxUdkc6shKKKGwwGWVF4khfkaHjhDuNgvXYrxoHJAjVuMK68OniJ16WRGQDM2QoS8D3mElg2pQyYomkIdpF9HNwIQKHhi2JlEu2d2aTdVQ7PQdrH19UciC3ZY8/s1600/twitter.jpg

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Basically, the internet and reality tv shows have a big influence on people in todays society. It's entertainment to us and it can basically easily brain wash us. We rely on media in our everyday lives whether it's the internet, our phone, the tv, etc. 


Friday, September 28, 2012

Long Island Medium ... Are you a believer?

Well, I'm sure you've heard about or have already watched the popular  and controversial, Long Island Medium on TLC. It's on Sunday nights at 9 pm! She's loud, she's funny, and she has some crazy blonde hair, along with some serious nails! This eccentric and lovable woman is, Theresa Caputo.

Theresa is a "medium". So what exactly is a medium? "A medium uses his or her psychic or intuitive abilities to see the past, present and future events of a person by tuning into the spirit energy surrounding that person. This means mediums rely on the presence of non-physical energy outside of themselves for the information relevant to the person being read" (Rosen, 2010, para. 4).
This show is a controversial reality t.v show based on Theresa Caputo and her life as a medium. Theresa channels messages from those who have passed over. She claims that spirits are constantly around her and always have messages to be relayed. This happens at the best of times - whether she is at the hairdresser's, the grocery store, or even at the gym during a workout. She also conducts private and group readings for her clients - through the show we get to witness all of these interesting encounters and experiences.

Long Island Medium often gets you laughing and more than often shedding a fear tears (make sure to have your Kleenex box handy). This show offers a different perspective and insight on life beyond the physical world. Theresa tries to offer comfort to those who have experienced a loss with passing along a message to these people from their loved ones on the other side. She usually validates the spirits presence with some sort of fact that would be unknown to anyone other then the person receiving the message.

There are many skeptics and non-believers regarding psychic abilities. It can be a touchy subject in regards to peoples personal beliefs. I've done some research on Theresa and there are definitely some mixed feelings on her "gift". It seems as though many people are not convinced and believe her to be a fake.

I personally love the show and I can relate to Theresa, her family and her personality. They seem to be the typical loud family, down to earth, and just everyday people. I believe this is why I enjoy watching and following the show. I enjoy the wittiness of the show, how she has the abilities to "talk to spirits", the accuracy of the information she relays, and the positive impact she provides to those who have been greatly affected by the passing of a loved one.

I'm from a Catholic background and believe in life after death - it's comforting to know that this may be the case once you "kick the bucket". I also realize that this is a poplar reality t.v show (on TLC may I add, that produces shows like Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, and My Strange Addictions) - so it is difficult to believe everything you see and hear (on a more than likely staged), reality t.v show. I do think that Theresa has a "gift", and I want to believe that her ability is true! But, really -- who knows?! All and all, this is an entertaining show and I will continue to stay tuned!

Regardless of my opinion - are you a believer or a skeptic? Do you believe that Theresa Caputo is the real deal or just a fake?


References:

Rosen, Rebecca. (2010). What is a medium?. Harpo Productions, Inc. Retrieved September 27, 2012, from http://www.oprah.com/spirit/What-is-a-Medium-Rebecca-Rosen