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My Mindless Entertainments

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by Jonathan Hilton
crazyThere are a lot of things about myself that I look at and have to wonder about.  I really want to learn a lot. I was writing to someone today that I want to learn as much as I possibly can. And for the most part I am pretty focused on figuring out how we humans work and what to do to be happier about life.

Yet there are moments I look at the things I find interesting and I am in shock at the simplicity of many of them.  I guess every mind needs some rest and simple entertainment. I am going to sit back with a coffee with an espresso shot and reveal several of my favorite television shows.

 The Family Guy

fam guyThis one took me by surprise because I really wanted to hate it.  A stupid cartoon, about a family, a talking dog and a talking baby? Boring. Yet I couldn’t take my eyes of the mess.  Seth MacFarland is clearly a comic genius and I think that the edgy topics and low brow humor appeal to something in me. I can’t help but laugh out loud when I watch sometimes.  I think the best thing that I can say is that Peter Griffin often says things that many men think but would never say.  You can judge me harshly for this one and I will take your judgement to Spooner street and tell Stewie all about it.  This show is funny. Everyone needs to laugh.

Music and lyrics by Stewie Griffin

I am a Psych-O

psychThat doesn’t mean that I am a danger to society. Well no more than anyone else but it does mean that I am a major fan of Psych. This is the make believe world of psychic detective Shawn Spencer and his lifelong friend Burton Guster. Who help the Santa Barbara Police solve crimes.  I started watching on Netflix and I couldn’t stop streaming until I had seen all available episodes.  This is another one that just makes me laugh with the silly behavior and the stupid jokes.  Love it. I want to ride around in the blueberry and solve crimes. Not a lot of thought behind these but a lot of heart and laughter!

Hi my name is Shawn Spencer and this is my partner…………….Click here.

Scrubs

scrubsThis is a show that is no longer with us, yet it is definitely still running on my dvd player!! I am not afraid to say, (perhaps I should), that I not only know most of the episodes but can quote them word for word. Can’t help it, watching the adventures of Doctor John Dorian and his best friend Turk, and all of their hospital cast is one of my favorites. It was a sad day when it finally made its last house call.  I love the fact that the show went all over the place, funny, serious, threatening, I mean who hasn’t been tormented by the janitor, or had a supervisor who was a total jerk like Dr. Cox?  I love this and there is just nothing I can do about it.  Even though I know all of the jokes are coming and what is going to happen, I still laugh.  I need help.

Some clip show from a bad sitcom too lame to come up with a fresh story

The Big Bang Theory

sheldon quotesI have used this one before yet it is true. I often wonder how a show about super smart people can be classified as low brow humor? Yet here we are.  Watching Sheldon Cooper go through life is relatable to many including myself in this way. We have all been in situations that we know we don’t quite get what is going on. Didn’t get the joke, missed out on the good time, was busy playing video games. That is Sheldon Cooper’s life!  It makes me laugh out loud as the previous two shows do as well.

Big Bang Flash Mob

The Mentalist

mentalistI am fascinated with this show, because it should suck, yet it doesn’t.  Some people say that it is the intelligent version of Psych, yet I think that is a disservice to them both.  The mentalist is a cop show where the police in some I believe fictitious unit from the CBI, (I refuse to do research less it add validity to this post.) Uses a psychic to solve crimes. I have been a huge Simon Baker fan since he was on a show called the Guardian. Which I also liked.  These cases always end up solved yet he can never catch this Red John character who murdered his wife and daughter.  I find this a little baffling. He is so smart in arresting everyone else yet this super criminal can roam the streets committing horrific murder after horrific murder?  Seems strange. But I like the characters and the back storylines are usually interesting.

Can’t Catch Red John

Bones

bonesI could watch the Bones series from morning until night and never get bored.  It has wit, great cast, good story lines and I guess I don’t even really have to feel bad about watching it. Until I realize that the Jeffersonian doesn’t really exist, but the story is based on real life so that has to be pretty good.  They have had some great plot twists over the years and that has kept the show developing.  Each episode a new murder, Bones father shows up, bones is pregnant, Seely Booth is the father? What the heck just happened?  For Fox this is a pretty cerebral offering.  Thank you Fox.  I am probably the only person who has ever typed that sentence.

Bones and Booth Sing

The Waltons

waltonsOK now I am dating myself here, but when I was a kid my parents used to make us watch the Waltons because it was about values.  I thought it was dumb, but a funny thing happened in adulthood. I started to watch this show again.  It was by accident at first, passing it on a channel surf, stopping and realizing I was really worried if John Boy’s book would ever be published.  I also realized that I really didn’t remember anything about the show.  John Ritter was on it for years and he wasn’t even funny.  When Richard Thomas left the show, I lost interest, but you have to hand it to those Waltons. No depression or World War could ever keep them down.   They also ended every show by saying goodnight throughout the house.  I wish I had a nickel for every time I endured the good night John Boy line from someone.  Anyway, I like this show and if you don’t then stay away from Godsey’s store and there will be absolutely non of the recipe for you!  Click to visit Walton’s Mountain.

I could go on and on but this will have to do because I am out of writing time for today.  I like these shows and I just can’t help myself.  We all have things about us that we can’t understand about ourselves that make us totally  unique and totally us.   I think that is is weird that I like the Family Guy and the Waltons.  Makes you think.

What are the shows you can’t believe you like?

Articles

Looks Like Trouble- Tagged

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adventure pack
I made my own adventure pack, just in case. I use it in case of danger. Click the image to learn more

by Jonathan Hilton

I thought, “This looks like trouble.” When I saw this tag game going around. I want to participate and yet I have this daily writing prompt to take care of because I am committed. When I was tagged by the illustrious DJMatticus I had no choice to respond. I don’t have time for two posts today, what am I going to do.   (Visit Matticus Kingdom HERE)

Then the trouble continued as I was tagged by the wonderful Kim of Tanquil Dreams, and since I write on every post she makes, I have no choice but to answer her questions as well. It really looked like trouble, trying to answer all of those questions.  (Kim at Tranquil Dreams HERE!)

Being flexible in my actions and as dexterous as a cat, my solution took away any trouble I had, combine the two into one grand and exciting post that will inform and entertain all that come this way today, tomorrow or next week.

The rules of this game:

  • The Rules –
  1. Post these rules.
  2. Post a photo of yourself and eleven random facts about you.
  3. Answer the questions given to you in the tagger’s post.
  4. Create eleven new questions and tag new people to answer them.
  5. Go to their blog/twitter and let them know they have been tagged.

Note*********There is a post coming later to describe my new social demographic that I created this morning, but suffice it to say, we make our own rules so I am doing what I want in the case of entertainment. I am tagging everyone in the world, everyone in the galaxy, everyone who has ever lived.  If you know my philosophy, either you will answer some questions or you will keep them to yourself. I will love you no matter what you decide to do.  Free will, baby  enjoy it!!

This was taken today, February 20, 2013
This was taken today, February 20, 2013

 

So the picture of me? I love pictures of me so I am giving you a few,  because I look different all the time depending on length of hair, facial hair at the moment or the peace within my heart. 🙂

Eleven Random Facts About Me:

  1. Until yesterday I had no idea what a hipster was.
  2. I enjoy thinking about thinking
  3. I like the color blue because of my personality
This is what I look like without a beard.
This is what I look like without a beard.
  1. Music is important to me. (see link)
  • I am a positive thinker

  • I have been best friends with the same person since kindergarten

  • I am very stubborn sometimes, apparently when others are wrong, and don’t listen to reason.

  • My uniform numbers for various sports I played in high school were, Soccer  #10, Basketball  #14 then #12 as a senior  and baseball #4.

  • There were only two things I liked about high school, sports and girls.

  • I taught high school history for 14 years, loved it for 13 hated it for one.

  • I have fought  a chicken. Read the details here. 

    •  

    The Questions from Kim at Tranquil Dreams:

    1) Cookies or Cakes?

    Cookies, chocolate chip are my favorites.

    2) What was your first Blu-ray or DVD you ever purchased?

    No idea. I have Netflix.

    3) Whats the most inspiring book/movie you’ve ever read/seen?

    Into the Wild, I really don’t know if this is true or not, but I am thinking about that movie, it is pretty great if you haven’t seen it. Alexander Supertramp!

    4) Cats or Dogs? Or other pets?

    Dogs, they are like big (or little) people who never learn to use the toilet.

    5) What type of music do you like?

    All types at some point. I can listen to most anything.

    6) Whats your favorite Grimm’s Fairy Tales?

    Hansel and Gretel

    7) Console, Handheld, PC or Arcades?

    None of the above. Because I understand myself enough to know I would be addicted, I refrain from playing any games.

    8) Favorite flavor of chips?

    Salt and Vinegar

    9) What animal do you visit first at the zoo?

    Sea creatures of any kind, or apes, or apes fighting any type of sea creature.

    10) What food could you eat every single day?

    Chinese food

    11) Who is your favorite superhero?

    Kim of Tranquil Dreams

    Following are Matt’s Questions

    My questions for the unlucky few I just tagged:
    1) What does “inconceivable” mean to you?

    That what you are seeing can’t possibly be happening. but it really doesn’t matter because when I hear that word I think of the Princess Bride and many quotes enter my head.

    no more rhyming now, I mean it!” , “Anybody want a peanut?

    You seem a decent fellow, I hate to kill you.     You seem a decent fellow, I hate to die.

    On and on it goes!

    2) Have you ever had fun storming a castle?  If yes, please elaborate.

    No, because I was unfortunately caught without a Holocaust Cloak.
    3) Can you name the three terrors of the Fire Swamp?

    1. Bursts of fire, they make a popping sound before they ignite, easily avoided.
  • Lightning sands- must be avoided

  • R.O.U.S. – Rodents of unusual size?  I don’t think they exist.

    • 4) If you were named “Buttercup” would you keep that as a name or change it once you could legally do so?

    Yes I believe I would.
    5) Have you ever been walking around and just happened upon four white horses?

    This ironically happened to me today and I thought, there are four of us, if you count the lady. hey lady!  So it worked out wonderfully. RIP Andre the Giant
    6) If you could pick new actors to play Inigo and Fezzick, who would you pick?

    Antonio Banderas to play Inigo and The Rock to play Fezzick. He really isn’t a giant but with today’s technology it would be good. He could layeth the smacketh down on the castle.

    7) Have you ever pondered if you would make a good Dread Pirate Roberts?

    I have, in fact I have been thinking of a career change. All you have to do is never make exceptions because once you do, its nothing but work, work, work.
    8) Do you prefer your magic pills coated in chocolate or vanilla?

    Chocolate, they always go down smoother, you just have to wait 30 minutes before you go in the water.
    9) Do you have a wheelbarrow or a cloak?

    As I mentioned before no cloak so I guess that leaves a wheelbarrow to help me find the tourture chamber where the man in black is being held captive.
    10) Have you ever said “As you wish,” and really meant “I love you?”

    Not once, but I think this is a practice I am going to start.
    11) What could quite possibly be the greatest movie ever made?

    The Princess Bride could be the greatest movie ever made. Either that or A few Good Men, I only included that for Matt because it didn’t make his list. I’m difficult like that.

     

    11 new questions that anyone who feels moved by the Universe to answer are:

    1. What is a hipster?
  • Are you a hipster? (if you answer yes, you clearly aren’t, if no then maybe you are.)

  • Who is your hero?

  • Which planet do you like the best and why?

  • What president of the United States do you admire the most excluding Lincoln, Roosevelt and Washington?

  • If you were in charge of the world for a day what is the first thing you would do?

  • Describe your Mental image of the state of Maine in two sentences.

  • Are you tall or short? Explain your answer.

  • If you were a car, what kind of car would you be? Explain.

  • Why is love important to you?

  • Aren’t you glad you have answered all of these questions.

    • My tag goes to the Whole World. 

    If you are still reading way down here you are certainly dedicated and you deserve a special Kozo hug. Have a great day!!

    You don’t have to go through the whole tag thing, because I make up my own rules, but you can answer my 11 questions in the comment if you want to share your knowledge!!

    Interests

    Netflix OCD

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    Like many new things that have come from technology, I have often been slow to a, ccept them, I once swore I would never get a cell phone, now like everybody else in the world, my cellphone is my lifeline to the world.  Call me, text me, check Facebook, all involves my cell phone.  That is kind of how my unhealthy relationship with Netflix began.

    Royal Pains Early Cast
    Hank Med, How can we make you feel so much better today?

    I first heard of Netflix when they came out and thought, “That’s dumb, I would never use that.”  Since I am somewhat stubborn I stuck with that until about two years ago, I bit and signed up for the free month trial.  I was skeptical because I didn’t think that there was any television show or movie that I would like enough to want to watch each episode of.  What I found was not only would I like it, I would become obsessed with it.

    It all began innocently enough, I liked the show Royal Pains and wanted to catch up on the doings of Hank Med, so I got those DVD’s first, and at the time you could get dvds in the mail and stream shows.  The first Royal Pains DVD had an episode of a show called Psych on it, which I had heard of but never seen.  It was humerous so the next day I started streaming the first episode of Psych.

    Psych picture
    We Love Psychic Detectives

    This article is called Netflix OCD because much like a person with OCD who can’t control their compulsive behavior, I could not control my viewing of this show.  I had to keep watching, each episode in order, in every spare moment.  I would watch at night and bargain with myself, “OK it is 1 o’clock in the morning and you have to work tomorrow, only one more episode then that’s it for today.” Two episodes later I would finally pass out and that would be that.

    Finally the day came that I finished all of the episodes of Psych that existed.  I was finished.  Perhaps now it would end, my Netflix OCD would end.  That didn’t happen.

    Greek Cast from ABC Show Greek
    Greek Cast

    I got hooked on shows that I knew were dumb, but started watching and couldn’t stop.  Greek was one of these.  I know college isn’t like that but I found it fascinating to watch.  I was hooked and the pattern continued.

    Then came The Guardian, which was a short lived show with only three seasons about a stuffy lawyer in Pittsburgh of all places.  Simon Baker of the Mentalist was the star and I found the show riveting as the producers and directors clearly searched for a cast that would make the show go and stories that would interest an audience.  Finally ending with the two stars having a baby with down syndrome.

    The Cast of The Closer
    Don’t Mess With Brenda Lee Johnson!

    The next show was In Plain Site.  It was about two US Marshals and the people that they protected.  There were only three seasons of this so for me that is a momentary distraction.  I moved on to the Closer and watched all of the seasons available on that little treasure.  I was in a full blown addiction and didn’t want to be cured.

    I would even watch series that I didn’t particularly like like Saving Grace.  Nice premise, but characters totally unlikable and stupid.  I was glad when that was over, and I could stop watching.  Then I started watching Scrubs.

    Finally I had to do something before my life was consumed with old shows like Magnum PI and WKRP in Cincinnati.  So I quit cold turkey and started to read books instead.  I was running out of things to watch anyway.  Hopefully someday I will be able to handle the power of Netflix in a more healthy way, but for now I am going to have to keep going to Netflix anonymous and trying to find my entertainment in books.

     

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