Music Review: Ceremonials

Florence + the Machines sophomore album Ceremonials delivers in many ways, perhaps even more than the first album.  FATM takes us back in time to the 80s and 90s with power vocals and beat-heavy tunes, combined with an ancient, primal ethereal nature.  It's perhaps even darker than the first album as well.

Geek Chic: My Deep Adoration for Argyle

Growing up, I was not fond of the Argyle pattern, but as I grew older, and my tastes became increasingly old-fashioned, I developed a strong love for the pattern.  A few years ago, I heard and fell madly in love with Kate Rusby, who sings a song called, "Bonnie House of Arlie".  This song is from the 1600s with origins in Scotland.  In the song, I kept hearing the word "argyle", and it struck me with curiosity.  How were these two related?

Why I'm Going to Stop Watching Modern Family and More...

I came to the realization that shows that aren't good or I don't like are not worth my time.  I've also come to the realization that I don't have the time to watch as much television now that I have to drive so far for my 9-hour-plus job.  And I also don't get paid to write a blog...or to watch TV for that matter.  So I'm separating the chaff from the wheat.


First on the chopping block: Supernatural. My GOD (pun intended) this show is boring.  I found myself so uninterested that I skipped through the episode with Jewel Staite unless the scenes had her in them.  I didn't even watch the last one.  I'm just not into it anymore.  The peen-fest that is Supernatural is way too macho-voice (yet emo) for me.  The only women who were on it have been very...dead.

I (Really) Love Lucy

From a very young age I adored Lucy. I spent many summer nights camped out in front of our living room television watching Nick at Nite and sure, I’m rather fond of Samantha, Jeanie, Mary, Laverne and Shirley, but it will always be Lucy I love. This past Saturday the show celebrated its 60^th anniversary, and my feelings toward Lucy as well as Ricky, Ethel and Fred have not wavered.  Why do I love Lucy? There are so many reasons but here are my top 5:

5. She Makes Me Laugh (especially when she’s intoxicated)
Think of the I Love Lucy moments you remember most. Even if you’re not as big of a fan as I am, I’m sure you remember those moments because they made you laugh. And who doesn’t love to laugh?

I don’t know why I don’t turn to Lucy more often on dim or dawnsy* days, because I know that if I watch Lucy Does a TV Commercial (Vitametavegamin), my favorite episode, my day will be brighter in 22 minutes or less.

4. Her Family Reminds Me of Mine
How lucky was Little Ricky to grow up with such fun parents? Think about it: your mom is hilarious and never boring, plus your dad is always singing, playing the bongos and acting out little skits. That’s his job. Now, my father was never a Cuban band leader, but the stage has always been a hobby of his in one form or another.

Just a Reminder!

Watch tonight's Happy Endings at 9:30 after Modern Family.  It's the Megan Mullally episode!

Buffy Beats

So listen, Amber Benson (Tara from Buffy) will reunite with Sarah Michelle Gellar (Buffy from Buffy...) for Ringer on the tenth episode as a stripper.  Whaaaaaa?!  Yeah, weird, but yay for Buffy reunions!

Also, Emma Caulfield (Anya from Buffy) has given word via Twitter that she'll be appearing on Once Upon a Time!  I'm getting more exciting for this show every day!

Fitting photo following...

Lizzy Caplan Guests on New Girl

After a weak second episode and a really strong third episode, The Hollywood Reporter scoops that New Girl has yet another guest star: Lizzy Caplan (Party Down, Mean Girls).  She joins as a love interest for Nick (the hobbit) in three episodes.  Julia will be around for Schmidt's 29th birthday celebrations.  Her character Julia has anger managements issues and a master's degree in art history.  I wonder if she has a job...

Husk Returns from Limbo!

It's official: Husk will be in Wolverine and the X-Men as a teammate featured on the #1 and #2 Bachalo covers.  Jason Aaron confirmed this on Twitter, as well as confirming a romance for her.  Iceman?  Chamber?

Arrested Development Shall Return!

Arrested Development creator Mitch Hurwitz announced that he's developing a new season of the show to bridge the old seasons to the proposed movie.  The new 10-episode season would showcase one character per episode.  Via Twitter, Jason Bateman said they'll shoot the season next summer to air nearly 2013.  Deadline reports that Showtime and Netflix are in talks with 20th Century Fox to air the series.  The rights to the show, though, are not in the creator's hands, so it's proving difficult in moving forward.

The New Shows

So of the TV shows that debuted this fall and after a few episodes each, I think I see where they're going.  Which ones exceeded my expectations, and which ones let me down?

New Girl
While I absolutely adored the pilot episode, the second left me wanting so much more.  I think with the new guy the extra spark form the show is gone.  He's way too boring.  Maybe he'll get some fun stuff in the future, but it was awful.  Of course, Zooey was adorably funny as always.