Is It Cool to be a Redneck?

For years, Jeff Foxworthy managed to create an entire career out of redneck jokes.  Although many folks enjoyed his humor, I would never have considered being a redneck the cool thing to do.  However, so many reality shows have popped up lately focusing on... well... less than classy southern behavior, I am starting to believe it is actually in style to be a redneck now.

If you don't believe me, let me give you an example of just some of the many shows that highlight southern living:

Duck Dynasty
Swamp People
Cajun Justice
Buckwild (cancelled due to death of cast member)
Deep South Paranormal
Myrtle Manor

This is a reasonably short list.  There are shows one could argue are considered rather redneck, like Honey Boo Boo's show and even Teen Mom.  Reality shows featuring southern life (often at its worst) are popping up all over the place. 

So why is this happening?  Are people in the south finally getting a chance to have their own television programs?  Is it genuinely cool to be a redneck now?  Is it really rednecks watching these shows, or are the viewers really people looking down upon the cast members and having a good laugh at their expense?  My guess would be it is a combination of the two.

No matter what, the cast members in these shows are walking away with a lot of money.  Most of them are doing better than the rest of us financially if their shows are a hit, so maybe they are really getting the last laugh.

Get Ready for Some Classic Real World Episodes this Weekend!

I am not sure if someone at MTV could hear my hopes and my dreams, but for some reason, I am being delighted with the return of some old school Real World episodes this weekend.  Yes, for all you fans out there that loved the original Real World episodes (the best episodes, I daresay!), you can enjoy them this weekend.  For those of you that never got to see the original seasons, sit back and have fun!

Starting Friday night at 8 PM, the original New York episodes from about 20 years ago are going to be running throughout the night.  Later on in the weekend, viewers can watch San Francisco and Las Vegas episodes.  To be honest, I am a little disappointed that I don't see season 2, Los Angeles, on the list, but I will deal with it.  I am so excited to my New York peeps from the past!  And maybe... just maybe, I would not mind seeing Puck from the San Francisco episodes.

If you are interested in seeing one of the first reality shows, you should check out the Real World on MTV this weekend.  If you hate reality TV and blame the Real World for it, you might want to stay away from MTV this weekend.  For me, I will be eagerly awaiting 8 o'clock tomorrow night!

Make a Man Basket for Easter!

Easter is a sweet time filled with bunnies, chickies, and pastel decorations.  Unfortunately, dudes feel a little left out of the deal.  Where are the masculine Easter baskets?  Why is everything so feminine?  Well, it doesn't have to be that way!

Yes, it is possible to make a manly Easter basket.  All you need is a dark colored basket, or even better... an Easter bucket that has a camouflage pattern or a football shaped basket, and then add some masculine items to it.  For instance, pretty much all guys like candy.  Make sure to get candy that is gender neutral.  What guy doesn't want some chocolate Cadbury Eggs and Reese's peanut butter eggs?

While we are on the subject of adding masculine Easter products to the man basket, let's not forget other items guys really like: video games, DVDs, sports related stuff, and other "dude" items.  You can potentially make the manliest Easter basket ever!

 

Manly plastic eggs and stress balls!



The Lay's Do Us a Flavor Finalists

Finally, the Lay's Do Us a Flavor contest winners' chips are available at stores.  You can purchase the chips and then vote on Facebook for your favorite. 

The three finalists are:

Cheesy Garlic Bread by Karen Weber-Mendham

Chicken & Waffles by Christina Abu-Judom

Sriracha by Tyler Raineri

My personal favorite is the Chicken & Waffles flavor chips.  They taste almost like an entire Thanksgiving meal on a chip!  I swear you can even taste the stuffing.  Delicious!

For those of you that enjoy spicy chips, Sriracha might be the flavor for you.  It is spicy, yet sour at the same time.  I personally find the Cheesy Garlic Bread chips to be a little strong for me, but I know several people that love them.  It seems as if they opted to use really strong cheese on the chip.

It is time to check out these Lay's Do Us a Flavor chips while they last.  There can only be one winner, so you might want to stock up on your favorite flavor in case it doesn't win.  Make sure to vote for your favorite flavor as well. 

Best Week Ever is BACK!!!

If your life has been just a little empty and sad since VH1 stopped showing Best Week Ever, well I have news for you!  Best Week Ever is back on VH1.  Yes, if you happen to be home on a Friday night (or alert in the mornings during the weekend when it is rerun), you can enjoy Best Week Ever again.

No longer are we forced to rely on just The Soup when it comes to catching up with pop culture.  We can now enjoy the snarky sense of humor Best Week Ever offers.  Each week, we will get to hear about terrible reality shows, celebrity gossip, and ridiculous television programs.  Thank goodness!  The world just wasn't the same with Best Week Ever gone.  Thanks, VH1!

SongPop on Your Mobile Device

Are you ready to play a game that will enable you to never move off your couch again?  Do you want to play a game that will make you neglect everyone in your life?  Are you tired of having a clean house and you would prefer to just let everything dusty while you play a totally useless music game?

Well, great!  I have the game for you! It is called SongPop and it will be your new addiction.  The game is quite simple.  You can download it to any mobile device and you challenge others to the game.  It is like playing Name That Tune, but at a much faster pace. 

You can choose from playlists like 80s Collection, 90s Alternative, Classic Rock, Classic Rap, Modern Rap, Today's Hits, Alternative Country, Musicals, Nostalgic 20s - 60s, Love Songs, Modern Country, and many more.  You can battle against people you do not know or battle against your Facebook friends.  Within no time, you will no longer check your phone for texts or emails or calls.  You will check for SongPop challenges.  Your life is about to change!

The best part of the app is it is totally free unless you want to pay so the game will be commercial-free and you can hear longer samples.  You are about to embark on a new journey in your life... the SongPop journey!

Smoothies Aren't Just For Health Nuts

If you are like me, you probably hear the word "smoothie" and you think, "Blah... healthy!"  I am here to tell you, that does not have to be true!  Yes, my friends, it is possible to make a smoothie that is totally unhealthy. 

I have a new blender and I have become inspired to make delicious and fairly unhealthy smoothies.  Most smoothies typically have milk or coconut water.  You can add healthy items like yogurt or a banana or kale.  But just because you add those healthy items, doesn't mean you can add some equally unhealthy items.  If you want that smoothie to taste great, you'd better count on adding some stuff that is not that healthy.

Some totally unhealthy stuff you can add to a banana smoothie are:

Chocolate syrup
Caramel syrup
Vanilla extract
Coffee creamer - any flavor!
Whipped cream
Ice cream
Sherbet
Flavored instant coffee
Alcohol
Sugar
Peanut  butter
Crumbled pieces of cake or cookies
And much, much more!

If you can put it in a blender, you can add it to a smoothie.  I would not recommend adding all these items at the exact same time, but you can add a few at a time.  Don't stop until you have made the most delicious smoothie ever.  Just don't bother counting the calories... I assure you it will be too depressing.  Have fun!

Want some fresh breath?  Check out How to Eat a Tic Tac the Right Way

Happy New Year!

Although 2012 was an interesting year in many ways, most folks are happy it is over.  It doesn't seem like anyone was having the best year ever, so let us move on to 2013.  Happy New Year!!!

In January 2013, we can look forward to a new season of Mob Wives returning to VH1.  We can also look forward to some cool movies being released at the theater, such as A Haunted House and Mama.  Yes, already 2013 is shaping up to be a good year for entertainment.

In 2013, I will be trying out many new smoothie recipes to share with readers.  If you think about it, smoothies are the ultimate food for the couch potatoes of the world.  You don't even have to bother with chewing!  Why focus on all that work when operating the remote control already takes so much energy?

Happy New Year!

Old Navy and the Griswolds

Old Navy has really outdone itself this year for their Christmas commercials.  Everyone's favorite vacationing family, the Griswolds, are featured in the new Old Navy commercials.  You can see the gang wearing Old Navy pants, and later, Old Navy sweaters.

The commercials feature Chevy Chase, Beverly D'Angelo, and Juliette Lewis from National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation.  The Sweater Sequels commercial even features some of the missing kids from other National Lampoon movies.  After all, they switched kids for each movie, so why not?

The only thing missing from these Christmas commercials is Cousin Eddie.  I sure wish Randy Quaid would make an appearance on the next commercial.  (Hint, hint, Old Navy.)

Catfish: The TV Show

For those of you that have not had the delight of watching Catfish: The TV Show yet, you are seriously missing out.  It is the show everyone is talking about.  The basis of the show is very simple: the show unites people that have met online yet never met in person.  Let the drama begin!

Originally, Catfish was an indie movie about a couple that met online.  Nev, our host of the TV show, thought he was in love with a girl he was talking to online.  Turns out, a married women in her 40s was just pretending to be the girl he thought he loved.  So basically, the show is the same concept.

Some of the online couples on this show have been talking for years and years, yet they've never met in person once.  One couple had been talking to each other for 10 years online, yet never skyped once or met in person.  This show definitely shows you all the dangers of "dating" a person you've actually never met.

In two cases so far, the "man" of two participants dreams turned out to be women.  I've seen 4 episodes so far, and still, no happy endings seem to be in sight.  It seems as if these are all sad stories full of lies and betrayal.  At the same time though, how could one not be suspicious of someone online that is never willing to meet in person or skype? 

In many of these cases, it seems as if the person is lonely and wants to believe the person on the other end of the computer is perfect for them.  I am convinced somewhere deep down, they must know this is a fantasy.  Otherwise, why would they not put more working into finding out the truth?  Within a short period of time, Nev and his buddy, Max, are able to learn plenty about these people using basic search methods online.  Why can't anyone else think to do this?
I suppose none of that really matters.  All that matters is the sheer awesomeness of Catfish.  If you've ever dated anyone online or you just like really shocking, crazy endings, Catfish is a show you should be watching on MTV.

America's Funniest Home Videos

This is not so much a blog post as it is a random thought... how on earth is America's Funniest Home Videos still on TV?

After all these years, you can still watch people getting hit in the crotch, people falling down stairs, and animals and babies do ridiculously cute things.  People are still watching this show!

I really would not even know this show still existed except my parents insist on watching it.  I suppose I can't even judge the reasoning behind keeping this show on the air.  Considering my parents will watch the same old clips mixed with a few new clips over and over again, there is always going to be an audience for this show. 

The Weather Channel and Hurricane Sandy

It is October 28, 2012 and the folks on the Weather Channel are living it up.  Let me just say, I appreciate getting the warnings about Hurricane Sandy.  Do I need to hear anyone call it Frankenstorm?  Probably not.  However, I live in Maryland and since dear little Miss Sandy is going to hit us, I am happy to hear up to the minute updates. 

The forecasters at the Weather Channel are close to peeing their pants with excitement about this storm.  I suppose if my job were to forecast the weather, this would be truly exciting for me, too. Obviously this is the type of storm forecasters wait for while telling boring forecasts about a cloudy day or a partially sunny sky.  The people at Weather Channel are flipping out right now. 

The problem with the entire Frankenstorm / Hurricane Sandy thing is the Hurricane Irene situation.  Anyone that was not hit hard by Hurricane Irene is not paying as much attention as needed to Hurricane Sandy.  The folks at the Weather Channel are all but bouncing off the walls trying to insist this is going to be worse than Hurricane Irene.  I understand they want us to take it seriously, but perhaps they should take it down a notch on the panic level.

Most of us have already gone out and bought food, batteries, flashlights, etc.  We know!  Thanks Weather Channel for helping us.  But please stop trying to freak out people more than they already are freaked out.  Furthermore, how about you let that nice gal that is standing on the beach in Nags Head, NC go back inside?  We get it... it is windy.  We don't need her to get blown away just to prove that point. 

Important websites to visit if you live on the east coast:

Weather Channel - Disaster Supply Kit

American Red Cross - Disaster Checklists

FEMA's website

Putting Too Much Thought Into "The Shining"

I could be watching a movie I've never seen before.  I could be attempting to do something productive with chores or errands.  But no, I am watching "The Shining" again.  I am starting to wonder a few things about it though.

First of all, who hires some dude to stay in the middle of nowhere for 5 months with his wife and kid when he already seriously injured that child?  Perhaps child abuse laws were pretty relaxed in the 70s.  Maybe no official investigation ever occured.  All of that seems strange, but OK.  However, why on earth does Wendy, the mother, think it is a great idea to go on this adventure?  Her husband obviously has issues.  Why go in the middle of nowhere with that creep?

Furthermore, why is there still electricity when there is a blizzard and the phone lines are out?  I could believe the generator might kick on for emergency exits, but if there is a terrible blizzard and the phone lines are down, I refuse to believe the electricity is on.  So what is the deal?  Why am I watching psycho Jack Nicholson right now in a well-lit motel?  I just don't get it. 

Also, I don't understand why I am even thinking about this right now.  I've only seen this movie about a million times.  Now is not the time to ponder over these issues.  I need to get a life.  And I need to focus on the next violent horror flick I am going to watch since it is so close to Halloween.

For more fun with horror flicks, make sure to check out:

Poor Parenting Techniques Seen in Horror Movies

Life Lessons Learned While Watching Horror Movies

Cadbury Screme Eggs

I love junk food more than any adult probably should.  It is no secret I LOVE Cadbury Eggs.  Normally I have to wait until the early part of each year to buy Cadbury Creme Eggs.  Once Easter is over, so is Cadbury Egg season.  Well, not this year!

This year, Cadbury decided to do me a favor and create Cadbury Screme Eggs for Halloween.  Oh, what a delight!  So far, I have found these delicious eggs at Target and Wegman's.  I heard a rumor they were at CVS as well.

You might wonder if these are just as delicious as Cadbury Creme Eggs and I am here to tell you, "Yes, they are just as good as the Easter eggs!"  Instead of being filled with white and yellow goo, they are filled with green goo that is just as tasty.  I highly recommend them!

Is Jersey Shore Already Over?

As a fan of Jersey Shore, I have to admit I was pretty sad to hear this is the last season.  I have grown to love the Jersey Shore crew just as if I know them myself.  However, now that I've seen the first episode, I know it is time for the show to end.

No one can stay young forever, and the gang is getting older and moving on.  After all, you can't (or at least shouldn't) have a house full of adults partying every summer without real responsibilities.  They are all changing and moving on.

Snooki was pregnant while filming this season of Jersey Shore.  You simply can't have Jersey Shore without Snooki, but pregnant, responsible Snooki isn't going to pull in ratings.  Sure, we all love her and probably respect her more now, and in the end, this makes her a better person.  But Jersey Shore just isn't the same.

The Situation has been to rehab recently and he is now trying to make amends with his roommates.  He is no longer drinking.  Although, once again, this makes him a better person, this is also a strange turn of events for a show known for partying.

Finally, we have Vinny now deciding he is going to be celibate.  I am kind of hoping that is a joke, but something tells me it isn't.  It seems as if half the house is trying to go down a healthier path. 

While I applaud these efforts, it makes me realize Jersey Shore and its glory days have truly ended.  I want nothing for the best for these people I almost feel I've gotten to know on a personal level, but I know this really should be the last season of Jersey Shore.

Dress Like a Commercial Character for Halloween

It is getting closer to autumn each day.  It is time to start thinking about Halloween.  After all, if you are going to wear an elaborate costume, you need to get prepared now.  You might even have to start buying some of your Halloween wardrobe online.  I predict some of the most popular costumes will be TV oriented again this year. 

Some returning favorites from last year are bound to be commercial characters.  This year, you can dress like Sun Drop girl or Sun Drop guy with just some simple items.  All you need is a Sun Drop shirt, red head band, shorts, tights if you are a girl, and some red leg warmers.  You can drop it like it is hot all Halloween.

If you enjoy the Progressive commercials, you can be Flo the Progressive Girl this year for Halloween.  A simple white apron over a white dress with the Flo name tag is plenty to make this look work for you.  You can even tease your hair up and wear some eye makeup like Flo to finish the look off.  You will be the most popular person at the Halloween party.

Don't forget, those Burger King outfits are still available and there is always Ronald McDonald.  The M & M characters are always pretty popular, too.  Why not be the new Brown M & M and walk around defending yourself at the Halloween party saying, "I am not naked!"

Commercial characters will definitely be a hit this Halloween.  Don't forget to watch some of the commercials just to make sure you've got the right look.  Enjoy!

Snooki Has a Baby

Yes, that loveable "Meatball" from Jersey Shore just had a baby boy.  Nicole "Snooki" Polizzi and Jionni LaVelle now have a son named Lorenzo.  Snooki gave birth this weekend and I am sure there will be many photos to follow.  Somehow, I kind of suspect a new reality show will come from all of this, but who knows?

There are those that have been a little rude about Snooki being pregnant, but she seems responsible enough in her show with JWoww.  She is not drinking and not partying.  It looks as if Snooki is really happy and I wish her nothing but this best. 

Have some free time?  Check out What I've Learned from Watching MTV's Jersey Shore!

An Endless Cycle of Food

Sometimes I think about how many commercials are on TV promoting food.  Well, really I tend to give this serious thought when I am on a diet, and since that is the case now, I've been noticing all the commercials for food.

If you think about it, this contributes to society's weight issues.  There will be 2 commercials about food in a row, and then the next commercial is about diet or exercise.  It can be anything from a new weight loss pill to a Weight Watchers commercial.  Isn't it a little ironic that the networks run Burger King commercials and Jenny Craig commercials back-to-back?  One commercial shows the cause and the other shows the solution. 

It is really an endless consumer cycle.  There is money to be made by making us overweight and then there is money to be made trying to make us lose that weight.  Very few of us have enough self control to stick to diet and exercise plans, and then the vicious cycle of gaining the weight back begins again.  Most of all, all it means for companies is more profit. 

I don't know, maybe I am overthinking this entire situation.  It is more likely I am just tired of eating salad when I have to sit through those KFC commercials though.  Sigh.

Facebook Entertainment

I know most of you have Facebook accounts and occasionally roll off the couch here and there to post status updates.  I am here to tell you, some of you are not writing the most exciting Facebook status updates.  It's OK... these things happen!

We all know the goal of Facebook should be to entertain your friends and family members.  So let's step it up out there.  If you like to post a particular type of status update each time you login, spice it up each day.  No one wants to hear the same mundane details of your life day after day... put a twist on it!  Search for some funny status update ideas and then post them. 

For more ideas, check out: How to Make Your Facebook Status Updates More Exciting

While we are on the subject, don't forget you can post videos on your Facebook page from YouTube.  Maybe you downloaded a cool video.  Well, you can share it.  Maybe you found a great new music video.  Well, share that, too.  Remember, caring is sharing!

Don't forget to post funny photos or share funny photos, but also, don't overwhelm everyone on your friend list with them either.  No one wants to see 10 photos in a row of weird animals.  Choose one or two and share them.  For those of you cluttering your friends news feed, it is not appreciated. 

So have fun, be entertaining, but don't overwhelm people on your friend list.  For more Facebook fun, check out these articles:

How to Ruin Any Relationship on Facebook in 5 Easy Steps!

Inappropriate Announcements for Facebook

WWW Smackdown: The Facebook Fight

The Return of Destination Truth

Finally, at long last, the premiere of the 5th season of Destination Truth aired on Tuesday night.  I am a die hard Destination Truth fan, and I was really excited to see it return.  A Destination Truth marathon aired, and then 2 new back-to-back episodes were shown.

If you are a fan of Destination Truth, I do hope you continue to watch the show when it first airs.  The show has not been getting the ratings it needs on Syfy channel.  It almost did not return this season.  If you are a fan, please make sure to view it each week to show your support.

The episodes that aired on Tuesday certainly did not disappoint.  I've already gotten to see Josh fall in a river, get swept away with the current, fling himself off a bike into more water, and see Evan (a camera man from the past) return and have blood run out of his ear.  Seriously, why is anyone NOT watching these shows?  You just can't get this kind of entertainment anywhere else.

I do hope should the show ever be cancelled, perhaps another channel would pick it up.  It is an entertaining show and I feel it would do well on other channels.  Personally, I believe the Travel Channel should grab the show if they ever have a chance.  After all, Josh and his crew go all over the world.  They even go to countries I've never heard of before.  It would be perfect.  Instead of showing episodes of Ghost Adventures all night on Fridays and Saturdays, Destination Truth could take over one night.  I would be more than happy to fall asleep while watching Josh Gates.  Just saying.