Saturday, January 26, 2008

Famous People I've Enjoyed

Although I frequently profess to avoiding TV, there are a few shows that I find worth my time, from an entertainment and an academic standpoint.

Cesar Millan, the dog whisperer:
He doesn't train the pets, he trains the owners. You can gain a great many insights into dog behavior just by watching this show a few times. Cesar is firm yet caring with the animals, and his perfect balance and confidence really demonstrate how well we can get along with "man's best friend."

Duff Goldman, the ace of cakes:
If, five years ago, you had told me I would watch a show about a cake shop, I would probably have laughed at you. I mean, a TV show... About cakes... What...? But after just watching once, I was hooked. It's more like watching a show about three dimensional art. They make people's dreams come true, literally. They have become so renowned that they have made cakes for such events as the super bowl and the opening night of a Harry Potter movie. The cakes are amazing to behold, and getting to see the entire process is very interesting. As strange as it is to admit I am known to watch a show entirely about cakes, I feel no shame. The characters are pretty entertaining, too.

Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman, the Mythbusters:
This probably comes as less of a surprise than the above. I enjoy the antics. I enjoy the explosions. I enjoy the dialog. And I enjoy the knowledge. Usually the results are predictable, but the methods they use and the results they generate are always fun to behold. The list of topics they've covered is immense, but they never cease to amaze me with their ingenuity. Adam and Jamie make a good combo, with the goofy nerd type and the dry-witted cynic.

Mike Rowe, Dirty Jobs:
It's incredible how many jobs there are out there that I would never do. This show consistently adds to that list. Yet, for a day at a time, Mike works them all. Some are disgusting, some are simply dirty, and some are so rancid I am forced to look away... But not for long. Mike's humor is sometimes subtle, sometimes crass, but almost always spot-on. He makes the best of bad situations, and he makes bad jokes in the worst of situations. His crass humor can be the highlight, and when even modern day sitcoms fail to consistently make me laugh, he somehow does a good job of making me chuckle.


So, although I *try* to avoid that 54 inch behemoth in my living room, some programs are so multi-faceted that they are like a fine gem that catches your eye...

Oh, and I almost always watch poker. That could be my career some day, you know...?

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Thursday, January 24, 2008

I've Been Lax

I haven't posted much... or at all. Nor have I made a new comic in a very long time. Nor a new Masscott... I guess the list could keep going.

And that's not about to change. Hobbies come and go, but real life is always there, and always changing.

One interesting thing I saw today:

Write a wise saying and your name will live forever.
- Anonymous


Do you see the irony? I do.