Christine’s Weblog

I have to say that this is my favorite time of year. Family Channel has started its 25 Days of Christmas, which is basically one Christmas movie after another. This is usually the time when a lot of made for tv movies are shown, which most of the time are really good. Watching the Christmas movies puts me in the spirit and honestly, I think that is their goal.

I don’t know about anyone else, but I get so upset when I miss an episode of Greys Anatomy. Luckily, I can just go online and watch it–that same day even! What’s great about it is that the commercials are only 30 seconds as opposed to 5 minutes. You can also watch it whenever you want and you can pause it if you have to leave the room for a second. I have gone on ABC.com numerous times when I have missed an episode or two. The only downfall is that they only have a few episodes up at a time so you have to make sure to get on and watch them before they’re gone.

I was surprised when I turned on Good Morning America the other day. The main thing they were showing was a performance from Britney Spears who is making her comeback. I have to say that I’m not too impressed with her new music so this special wasn’t too exciting for me. I kind of wanted to see it just because but didn’t get the chance. Oh well–I’m sure I can just find it on YouTube if I’m thinking about it later. No loss.

I happened to be watching TV the other day–which might I add, is rare for me. Anyway, during a commercial break on ABC family, they advertised the Miser Bros. Special, which is a spinoff of “The Year Without a Santa Clause” movie. While this appeals to me because I love the classic Christmas shows, I was disappointed to see that while they tried to achieve the same look for the characters as the movie, there are a few differences. They are no longer puppets. Instead, they are CGI–which is the problem–the artists chaged the look of the characters. I also noticed that the voices are terrible–they should have tried to find voices that were closer to the originals. That’s the problem with sequels–they never live up to the originals. So, even though I will probably check it out, I’m not expecting much.

I thought it was interesting to find out today that GE owned the Universal Studios Parks. I didn’t know that. I thought it would be owned by the Disney Corporation because they are located within a few miles of one another. GE also manufactured the Victor Talking Machine which they pruchased from RCA.

I didn’t know that certain companies were responsible for several cable channels. I thought that all channels just belonged to the service provider but then again, I don’t know much about TV. It’s amazing what little I know about different companies. To think, I only thought GE was responsible for electric products and appliances.

I’m surprised sometimes with what is allowed to be said on TV. Even regular TV. I know some parents get upset with what is shown on TV nowadays and I have to agree. But, networks need to understand that children stay up a lot later now and the shows that come on at 10 should maybe come on at 11. That way, children are less likely to find them. Either that or the TV should be able to be locked at a certain time and only certain channels should be able to be shown.

This doesn’t apply to everyone however, there are some parents who don’t care what their kid watches. That’s a shame. Then, down the road, they’ll be wondering where their kid got something from (i.e.language, actions…etc.). It’s up to the  public to control the TV.

I have to say that I am very impressed with what technology has come to. I have just seen Bolt in Digital 3D and it’s amazing. However, I am disappointed with 3D movies released to DVD. I just bought Polar Express 3D a few weeks ago and I was so excited to watch it in 3D. It didn’t work! I don’t know if I wasn’t doing it right or what but the glasses that were included did nothing. All I saw was double vision and it gave me a headache. At least the DVd also has a regular 2D version…it’s not completely a waste of money.

I was thinking that maybe I’m doing something wrong and that’s why it’s not working. But as of now, I haven’t a clue. If I can’t figure this out, I will be forever discouraged in buying 3D movies.

I was watching the news Monday morning and they had a segment talking about how analog wasn’t going to be around anymore starting in January. Everything will be digital. This is a good thing and bad thing–good for people who have digital/satellite cable or HDTV’s–bad for people who don’t. I know I will be affected. My family still has 2 older TV’s–one with a turn knob and another one. We already had to order converter boxes. I just recently replaced the TV in my room but it’s not digital so the only thing it will be good for will be movies and video games. That doesn’t bother me though since the only show I watch is Greys Anatomy and I can see that on the satellite.

Honestly, I don’t think the switch from analog to digital will be that significant. Sure, the picture quality will be better but what are we really gaining from the switch?

Was browsing on the internet and found this site. Thought it was pretty amusing and decided to share. http://tv.popcrunch.com/the-15-worst-reality-tv-shows-ever-made/

I’m a little shocked at how early the Christmas music started playing this year. I was on my way to my friends house on Halloween night and was flipping through the stations when I stumbled upon 97.5, which was playing Christmas music. The malls are already decorated with garland and trees and Santa has arrived. All before Thanksgiving! Soon, we’ll start seeing the Old Navy Christmas commercials and the Christmas movies will start playing on ABC Family. Don’t get me wrong, I love the holiday, but I think that it’s just coming too early every year. I think part of it has to do with the economy…if they advertise holiday stuff, people will go out and buy things. It’s all a gimmick to make money. What has our world come to?