Do you ever miss those choose your own adventure stories you used to read as a kid? Do you miss the choice between going into the creepy cellar or continue on into the next room? Well here is some good ol' choose your own adventures!
http://www.survivethehouse.com/
And it's made in Canada. Now I've found 2 ways to survive and have been killed multiple times. It's a fun time. My favourite is the guy in the basement. He's a good man. You should go meet him! All the cool kids are doing it.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Rick Mercer
Can you believe that the Rick Mercer show is currently in it's 7th season? I was shocked to realize this today but I suppose it makes sense since it debuted the year before I went to university. It just doesn't feel right somehow. Anyway, this year I had fallen out of touch with ol' Rick. Sure I own his book but I wasn't watching him every week like in some years past. So today as I was feeling unwell, I sat myself down and caught up on the season.
I know that some people think that he was gotten over-hyped and seems to own the CBC (in partnership with TD) but that man still makes me laugh. The ridiculous things that he does on the show. I particularly liked when he went bungee jumping with Rick Hanson and you could tell that he really didn't want to do it. It was hilarious.
But the thing that makes me such a fan is how much he truly loves Canada. You can see it in every show and every page of his book. And his job is pretty much what every Canadian does anyway: critique Canada. But that in no way should imply that he (or all the other Canadians) don't love Canada. In fact, it's because we love Canada that we can point out it's faults. Just because you love something doesn't mean it's perfect. In fact, it's even harder to love something because it's imperfect.
George may be Canada's boyfriend but Rick is Canada's faithful husband, who despite all the issues and the fights, he'll always be there for. No matter how dysfunctional the relationship may be.
I know that some people think that he was gotten over-hyped and seems to own the CBC (in partnership with TD) but that man still makes me laugh. The ridiculous things that he does on the show. I particularly liked when he went bungee jumping with Rick Hanson and you could tell that he really didn't want to do it. It was hilarious.
But the thing that makes me such a fan is how much he truly loves Canada. You can see it in every show and every page of his book. And his job is pretty much what every Canadian does anyway: critique Canada. But that in no way should imply that he (or all the other Canadians) don't love Canada. In fact, it's because we love Canada that we can point out it's faults. Just because you love something doesn't mean it's perfect. In fact, it's even harder to love something because it's imperfect.
George may be Canada's boyfriend but Rick is Canada's faithful husband, who despite all the issues and the fights, he'll always be there for. No matter how dysfunctional the relationship may be.
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Gobble Gobble...Grumble Grumble
Today really made me reconsider some of my life choices. This morning was the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade. Now my family has a proud tradition of always watching it. Even back in the day, my mother, like any good mother, would let us all stay home for the day just to watch the parade. About a week ago, when we realized it was so close, I got excited. That was, until my brother reminded me that I wouldn't be able to watch it. My spirits fell nigh to the centre of the earth. Then my sister cheerfully skips down the hallway this morning and gleefully knocks on my door to let me know it was on. And I remind her that I can't watch it before rolling off and crying myself back to sleep. Twas a sad day indeed.
Sidenote: from watching Being Erica, I have a strong hypothesis about where the Goblins cafe should be. Based upon the streetcar and a street shot, it should be around the corner of Queen and Spadina. I think a field trip is in order.
Sidenote: from watching Being Erica, I have a strong hypothesis about where the Goblins cafe should be. Based upon the streetcar and a street shot, it should be around the corner of Queen and Spadina. I think a field trip is in order.
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Today was a very emotional day. JT got stabbed and Jude went off to London, after breaking off her engagement with Tommy. Now, when I was watching the other Degrassi the other day, I realized that the Lakehurst kid that was threatening JT was Erica's older brother on Being Erica. So I started shouting "Erica's brother is the one who stabs JT?!?" In the end, it wasn't him who killed JT but this is one of the reason I love Canadian TV. There seem to be so few actors and that it feels like they all appear in everything. And so, a case study:
Being Erica - Listed below are the other shows that the 15 stars of Being Erica (as determined by how many episodes they have appeared in) and beside it, the number of actors from Being Erica who appeared in that show, even if just for one episode.
Flashpoint - 5
1-800-Missing - 4
Degrassi - 3
Regenesis - 3
Heartland - 3
The Border
Wild Roses, The Guard, Falcon Beach, Durham County, The Listener and Canadian Idol - 1 each.
It's kinda sad. 1/3 of the cast have appeared on Flashpoint. Are there really that few shows in Canada that actors always end up on the same ones? And these aren't just limited to other shows on CBC. There's some CTV and even The Movie Network. And if you look at the cast of jPOD, it's like they just went through the list of people who have appeared on Stargate.
Come on Canada, let's get some more shows so that the actors have a better chance. And so we don't have to see the same actors again and again in different roles. Erica's older brother would never threaten to kill another student!
Being Erica - Listed below are the other shows that the 15 stars of Being Erica (as determined by how many episodes they have appeared in) and beside it, the number of actors from Being Erica who appeared in that show, even if just for one episode.
Flashpoint - 5
1-800-Missing - 4
Degrassi - 3
Regenesis - 3
Heartland - 3
The Border
Wild Roses, The Guard, Falcon Beach, Durham County, The Listener and Canadian Idol - 1 each.
It's kinda sad. 1/3 of the cast have appeared on Flashpoint. Are there really that few shows in Canada that actors always end up on the same ones? And these aren't just limited to other shows on CBC. There's some CTV and even The Movie Network. And if you look at the cast of jPOD, it's like they just went through the list of people who have appeared on Stargate.
Come on Canada, let's get some more shows so that the actors have a better chance. And so we don't have to see the same actors again and again in different roles. Erica's older brother would never threaten to kill another student!
Monday, November 23, 2009
Mmm...mmmm...good!
I love the Food Network! I lived over a year without it and didn't realize how much I really missed it. The lovely side to this is that there are so many Canadian shows I can watch. Thankfully, most of my favourite shows were Canadian. I can now spend my time with Ricardo, Michael Smith, Laura Calder and even The Main (he's a good man). And of course, Anna Olsen. I've even been to her bakery that might not even be there any more... it sure was delicious!
This rediscovery of the Food Network is handy since many of the shows I started watching have finished. There are more shows debuting in January but for now, I don't quite know what I'm going to do. A girl can only watch so much news, you know. But I look forward to seeing some new shows. Maybe this will give CTV and Global a chance to improve? We shall see.
This rediscovery of the Food Network is handy since many of the shows I started watching have finished. There are more shows debuting in January but for now, I don't quite know what I'm going to do. A girl can only watch so much news, you know. But I look forward to seeing some new shows. Maybe this will give CTV and Global a chance to improve? We shall see.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
So Much More
So I'm watching MuchMusic. Back in the day, this was a usual occurrence when I was in high school and it was cool. But as I grew, this died off and I moved on. Of course, I fall victim to the whole "Back in my day, MuchMusic was a lot better" but watching it now, I'm feeling like it's true. I feel a little out of touch since right now they have the band Honour Society on and I have no idea who that is. I know that I am no longer the target audience for this channel and was never the type to stand on the street and scream when I see my favourite band but I miss the old MuchMusic. Back in the day with Rick the Temp. The best is remincising with friends about everybody's old favourite VJs.
But if you just look at the programming available, there's very few music videos actually being played. I miss the music video. If the early 2000's are defined by the 30 sec youtube video, the 90's will be all about the music video. I know videos aren't are important as they used to be and I was actually surprised that bands still make them but look at the way they are now presented on MuchMusic. While airing the premiere of an Honour Society video, there was a little box at the side that still showed the band actually at MuchMusic. There was something else along the bottom of the scene. Above that, there were little facts about the band, including the fact that they are all single. They also had (have?) the PunchMuch channel were viewers text in the videos want to see and they have the ones with the top votes listed at the bottom and then "shout outs" that people text in along the side. I suppose this is just another example of accelerated culture but I kinda miss actually watching a video and not all the stuff that's going on around it. I don't need to know how the lead singer of Hedley is dealing with his fame. Just let me watch the video!
But if you just look at the programming available, there's very few music videos actually being played. I miss the music video. If the early 2000's are defined by the 30 sec youtube video, the 90's will be all about the music video. I know videos aren't are important as they used to be and I was actually surprised that bands still make them but look at the way they are now presented on MuchMusic. While airing the premiere of an Honour Society video, there was a little box at the side that still showed the band actually at MuchMusic. There was something else along the bottom of the scene. Above that, there were little facts about the band, including the fact that they are all single. They also had (have?) the PunchMuch channel were viewers text in the videos want to see and they have the ones with the top votes listed at the bottom and then "shout outs" that people text in along the side. I suppose this is just another example of accelerated culture but I kinda miss actually watching a video and not all the stuff that's going on around it. I don't need to know how the lead singer of Hedley is dealing with his fame. Just let me watch the video!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Why I Like Degrassi
You know, I used to be just like you. I looked at those who admitted to liking Degrassi with disdain. I mean, I watched Saved by the Bell when I was younger. Why would I want to watch another teenager show when I am in fact not a teenager?
And now look at me. I watch Degrassi every day of the week! Sometimes I even manage to catch the new ones on Sunday. But here's the thing, Degrassi ain't like Saved by the Bell in the least. My friend lent me her copy of the book Growing Up Degrassi and the authors come the show to both Saved by the Bell and 90120 and all say the same thing: the American shows lack the realness of Degrassi. On the Next Generation alone, I've seen them deal with eating disorders, teen pregnancy, lesbianism (and learned that the proper way for a man to come out to his father is in the middle of a school play), a predatory coach, cheating parents, and my favourite storyline of all:
Libery and JT: An inter-relational Couple
Liberty is a over-achiever and on the student council. Her parents disapprove of her relationship with JT, who lives with his grandmother and has to work 2 after school jobs. When Liberty gets pregnant, she is worried that her parents are going to kick her out so the two decide to get an apartment together. JT isn't able to afford the rent along with all the other costs of having a child so he begins to steal drugs from the pharmacy where he works and sells them to a drug dealer. Now, which one is Black and which one is White?
The answer may surprise as Liberty is African American and JT is a ruggedly handsome Causasian (I may also have a crush on JT). It's things like this where they flip the stereotypes around that makes me less ashamed to admit to liking Degrassi. It's not just cheating boyfriends or who's sleeping with who. It's stuff that happens in real life that teens have to deal with. And just so you all know, Liberty and JT give the baby up for adoption. But don't worry, other characters have had abortions and kept their babies. All options are equally represented here. But that's the thing about Degrassi, the characters have to live with their decisions. It's not a one episode per issue type show. The main characters are the ones who have to deal with the tough stuff.
So if liking Degrassi is wrong, I don't want to be right.
And now look at me. I watch Degrassi every day of the week! Sometimes I even manage to catch the new ones on Sunday. But here's the thing, Degrassi ain't like Saved by the Bell in the least. My friend lent me her copy of the book Growing Up Degrassi and the authors come the show to both Saved by the Bell and 90120 and all say the same thing: the American shows lack the realness of Degrassi. On the Next Generation alone, I've seen them deal with eating disorders, teen pregnancy, lesbianism (and learned that the proper way for a man to come out to his father is in the middle of a school play), a predatory coach, cheating parents, and my favourite storyline of all:
Libery and JT: An inter-relational Couple
Liberty is a over-achiever and on the student council. Her parents disapprove of her relationship with JT, who lives with his grandmother and has to work 2 after school jobs. When Liberty gets pregnant, she is worried that her parents are going to kick her out so the two decide to get an apartment together. JT isn't able to afford the rent along with all the other costs of having a child so he begins to steal drugs from the pharmacy where he works and sells them to a drug dealer. Now, which one is Black and which one is White?
The answer may surprise as Liberty is African American and JT is a ruggedly handsome Causasian (I may also have a crush on JT). It's things like this where they flip the stereotypes around that makes me less ashamed to admit to liking Degrassi. It's not just cheating boyfriends or who's sleeping with who. It's stuff that happens in real life that teens have to deal with. And just so you all know, Liberty and JT give the baby up for adoption. But don't worry, other characters have had abortions and kept their babies. All options are equally represented here. But that's the thing about Degrassi, the characters have to live with their decisions. It's not a one episode per issue type show. The main characters are the ones who have to deal with the tough stuff.
So if liking Degrassi is wrong, I don't want to be right.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
The Giller
Every once and a while I get really proud of Canadian broadcasting. It doesn't happen often which is really rather sad but last night was one of those nights. The fact that the Giller prize is aired on TV makes me ridiculously happy. In fact, this is the third year in a row that I was able to watch it on TV and find out live who won. I'm glad that Canada appreciates it's literary awesomeness and wants thinks it deserves to be shown across the country. And CTV even streamed it live online. Major props for that CTV. The highlight was clearly when Seamus almost said 'twat'. What a guy. But in his opening speech, he said Canada is a nation of readers. And that makes me proud.
Congratulations Linden MacIntyre and Canada. You done me proud.
Congratulations Linden MacIntyre and Canada. You done me proud.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Extra Extra!
A bonus post for today but something that needed to be mentioned:
Tonight at 9pm on Bravo are the Scotiabank Giller Prize Awards. What is the Giller, you may be asking? It's a literary prize given to a Canadian author of a novel or short story collection published (in English) in the previous year. This year's short list include:
Tonight at 9pm on Bravo are the Scotiabank Giller Prize Awards. What is the Giller, you may be asking? It's a literary prize given to a Canadian author of a novel or short story collection published (in English) in the previous year. This year's short list include:
- Kim Echlin, The Disappeared
- Annabel Lyon, The Golden Mean
- Linden MacIntyre, The Bishop's Man
- Colin MacAdam, Fall
- Anne Michaels, The Winter's Vault
Birthday/Christmas List
As some of you may know my birthday is next week. As all of you probably know, Christmas is in little over a month. So I've decided to devote today to a list of DVD's I would like to own as I can't find most of them online! Having these would make my viewing life so much easier.
-Robson Arms (seasons 1-3)
-Corner Gas (seasons 1, 3-6)
-Being Erica (season 1)
Now the rest of these are a bit risky since I've never actually watched any of these shows and might actually end up hating them. But with the limited amount of Cancon on these days, I would probably end up watching them anyways. I really wish that I could find more Cancon online since then I would have a better idea of if I would like them or not. Somebody needs to start the Canadian Hulu!
-Slings and Arrows (seasons 1-3)
-Made in Canada (seasons 1-5)
-The Newsroom (all 5 seasons )
And of course, Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High which I believe comes in a box set. Please, I don't think my siblings hate me enough!
-Robson Arms (seasons 1-3)
-Corner Gas (seasons 1, 3-6)
-Being Erica (season 1)
Now the rest of these are a bit risky since I've never actually watched any of these shows and might actually end up hating them. But with the limited amount of Cancon on these days, I would probably end up watching them anyways. I really wish that I could find more Cancon online since then I would have a better idea of if I would like them or not. Somebody needs to start the Canadian Hulu!
-Slings and Arrows (seasons 1-3)
-Made in Canada (seasons 1-5)
-The Newsroom (all 5 seasons )
And of course, Degrassi Junior High and Degrassi High which I believe comes in a box set. Please, I don't think my siblings hate me enough!
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Quantity
In my original post, I stated that I wasn't going to decrease the amount of television I watched so that I would still be consuming the same amount of TV except more Cancon. This hasn't quite worked out as planned. The amount of TV I watch has decreased, especially recently. This has been because of a number of factors so that since I'm now working more at night, I'm not sitting down for some good ol' fashioned prime time any more.
At the same time, a lot of the shows I watch have or are ending. SYTYCD-C is over and that took care of a good couple of hours a week. Battle of the Blades is finished next week. This leaves me Being Erica from the list of shows that I really started watching at the beginning of this whole thing.
Another factor is that my siblings have things that thy want to watch as well. Where as before I would just throw things on in the background, I now have to physically leave the room so they can watch How I Met Your Mother and Glee. Oh the politics of TV watching. Speaking of which, my sister commented about how she has never watched more news than we have lately. There will literally be nothing else on so we will throw on the CBC News Network or CTV News Channel and learn more about the world. It's not a bad thing but it would still be nice to have more variety to choose from. Just saying.
However, I still watch The Hour religiously and am looking forward to the new shows that will be premiering in January but that is still a long way away.
ps Really, Dubreuil and Richer?? I have no idea what Canada sees in them. They better not win. Shae-Lynn and Claude all the way!
At the same time, a lot of the shows I watch have or are ending. SYTYCD-C is over and that took care of a good couple of hours a week. Battle of the Blades is finished next week. This leaves me Being Erica from the list of shows that I really started watching at the beginning of this whole thing.
Another factor is that my siblings have things that thy want to watch as well. Where as before I would just throw things on in the background, I now have to physically leave the room so they can watch How I Met Your Mother and Glee. Oh the politics of TV watching. Speaking of which, my sister commented about how she has never watched more news than we have lately. There will literally be nothing else on so we will throw on the CBC News Network or CTV News Channel and learn more about the world. It's not a bad thing but it would still be nice to have more variety to choose from. Just saying.
However, I still watch The Hour religiously and am looking forward to the new shows that will be premiering in January but that is still a long way away.
ps Really, Dubreuil and Richer?? I have no idea what Canada sees in them. They better not win. Shae-Lynn and Claude all the way!
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Pitching Fun!
I think with all the reality shows on television these days, there needs to be more about the media industry. I mean, they have the fashion/model/business/cooking/comedy/dating shows but no real media reality shows. Okay, so there was Scream Queens and another one about directing I believe but they didn't really go that far. I want to see Canada's Next Top Cinematographer. Or So You Think You Can Pitch which can be done one of two ways:
(1) A Last Comic Standing-isque show where they hold auditions and select the top 10 pitchers across the country and week after week they have to complete challenges and escape elimination. Challenges would be things like creating a sitcom that involves a fiddle playing monkey and Dan Akroyd. But then again, that one just writes itself! The prize would be some sort of development deal with whatever network it is associated with.
OR
(2) A Dragon's Den type style where the nervous pitchees come in and have to pitch their ideas to a panel of professionals (I really want Norman Jewison in there). This wouldn't just be focused on just writers but would include producers and the rest of the circus as well. That way there would be another source of funding for filmmakers and already established filmmakers could give back in the form of money and advice. The downside to this is finding people who would be willing to be on the panel and put their money towards the projects. You don't find too many billionaire filmmakers around these days. But it sure would be interesting.
Moral of the story: there really isn't anything on Thursday nights.
(1) A Last Comic Standing-isque show where they hold auditions and select the top 10 pitchers across the country and week after week they have to complete challenges and escape elimination. Challenges would be things like creating a sitcom that involves a fiddle playing monkey and Dan Akroyd. But then again, that one just writes itself! The prize would be some sort of development deal with whatever network it is associated with.
OR
(2) A Dragon's Den type style where the nervous pitchees come in and have to pitch their ideas to a panel of professionals (I really want Norman Jewison in there). This wouldn't just be focused on just writers but would include producers and the rest of the circus as well. That way there would be another source of funding for filmmakers and already established filmmakers could give back in the form of money and advice. The downside to this is finding people who would be willing to be on the panel and put their money towards the projects. You don't find too many billionaire filmmakers around these days. But it sure would be interesting.
Moral of the story: there really isn't anything on Thursday nights.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Rawr
Due to the lack of Canadian shows, I sometimes end up having to watch shows that I wouldn't normally watch. One of these shows is Dragon's Den. I'm not really a business person and often it all goes over my head so I do what most people do and ignore it. There was no real incentive for me to watch the show. But one Wednesday night when there was nothing else on, I turned it on. And was pleasantly surprised. Okay, I don't really like seeing the people with the terrible ideas who the Dragons tear apart because I feel bad for them (and yet am always surprised that these people believe that they genuinely have a good idea and that the Dragons just don't get it. Somehow, I tend to side with the Dragons). But some people actually have good ideas and it's interesting to see how the deals go down. And I like to see the Dragons fight. It's all about the conflict.
I would say that it does so well on a major Canadian network in prime time because it's roots lay in our documentary/journalist/informational programming but like most things in life, it originated in Japan. Go figure.
I would say that it does so well on a major Canadian network in prime time because it's roots lay in our documentary/journalist/informational programming but like most things in life, it originated in Japan. Go figure.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Family Ties
There’s just something I need to share with you all: Last night, I had a dream and I was dating Ethan, Erica’s boyfriend from Being Erica. Not only was he my boyfriend, at one point she tried to get him back but he stayed with me. Take that, Erica Strange. I think this is proof that the Cancon has started to permeate my subconscious.
But in other news, I have gotten my siblings hooked on some good ol’ fashioned Cancon. We now all watch Take This House and Sell it and Style by Jury, they’ve started watching Being Erica and
Though there is a certain level of unfairness built into it. I mean, I limit what they can watch when we are all together and though they can watch the shows I want to watch, I can’t watch the shows they want to watch. There’s no real sharing going on. And there will be times when somebody will suggest watching some Futurama/Arrested Development/Family Guy and I just shake my head. Even right now, my sister is out in the living room watching NCIS and I’m in my room…alone. But so far it hasn’t worked out too badly and though it takes some adjusting, we all seem to be managing. At least they haven’t killed me yet.
Now I just have to get my brother hooked on Degrassi…
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Oops
...So that took a bit longer than expected. Sorry friends. But here's what you missed:
-Daneyko and Higgins got kicked off Battle of the Blades.
-Strombo is going to be skating with Kurt Browning wearing a Maple Leafs jersey.
-Erica learned the appropriate times to interfere.
-And Vincent didn't win SYTYCD-C but I was okay with Tara Jean wearing. I think she deserved it. But I will miss the way Vincent moved his hips when he would dance across that stage. Sigh.
But do not fear. Despite my lack of blogging, no American show has been watched in the meantime. In fact, I usually end up watching Degrassi now at noon. I may in fact be hooked and it makes me feel kinda dirty.
And I will provide my details dealing with watching TV with non-Cancon limited persons at a later date. Once I can stop painting and lifting heavy boxes.
-Daneyko and Higgins got kicked off Battle of the Blades.
-Strombo is going to be skating with Kurt Browning wearing a Maple Leafs jersey.
-Erica learned the appropriate times to interfere.
-And Vincent didn't win SYTYCD-C but I was okay with Tara Jean wearing. I think she deserved it. But I will miss the way Vincent moved his hips when he would dance across that stage. Sigh.
But do not fear. Despite my lack of blogging, no American show has been watched in the meantime. In fact, I usually end up watching Degrassi now at noon. I may in fact be hooked and it makes me feel kinda dirty.
And I will provide my details dealing with watching TV with non-Cancon limited persons at a later date. Once I can stop painting and lifting heavy boxes.
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