TV, Books, and Music

I figured since I am bored tonight, I would give a general overview of TV shows I am watching, books I'm reading, and music I'm listening to.

As far as TV is concerned, I'm still watching some long time favorites like The Office, but it doesn't seem as funny as it used to. I don't think it's because Michael Scott left; it started to go downhill before that. I still make sure to watch it every week, but the funny factor went from every episode being comedy gold to only one in four being that good. Breaking Bad finished its season a few weeks ago, but I am still completely engrossed in it and can't wait for it to come back next year. Glee has been off the air for the past few weeks, but the first couple episodes of the season were good. I am still waiting for some more songs I know. I think this makes me sound old, since most of the songs recently have been newer pop songs. At least, Jen seems to think I'm old. Modern Family is as funny as ever. Great show and every week I can't wait to watch it. Same with the Big Bang Theory. When they had both Wil Wheaton and Brent Spiner on, I completely geeked out and it was great to see them on TV.

A couple new-ish shows I am still enjoying:

Raising Hope: I'm glad it got renewed for this season since we got into it pretty late last year. The writing on the show is good and the actors are great for their parts.

Happy Endings: A mid-season replacement from last year that also got renewed for this season. I think it's a funny show, the characters have a lot of chemistry, and it seems that they are going for a more "edgy" Friends kind of show.

The Sing Off: Liked this show the past 2 years when it was on for a few weeks around Christmas time. I like the addition of a new judge and the singing is first class. The judges aren't snarky or mean like on other shows and when they have a criticism it is always given in a constructive manner. I seem to have the same problem that I have with Glee though: I seem to be too old for some of the songs.

New shows from this season

Last Man Standing: I am glad to see Tim Allen back on TV. It's basically the same show as Home Improvement, but now he works at a sporting goods store, has 3 daughters (not sons), and the story lines are more modern and less preachy. I didn't think Jen would like this one, but she actually does.

Once Upon a Time: Fairy-tale story updated. I think it's a rip off of the Fables comic book series by Bill Willingham, but the details are different. I guess maybe you could say it was "inspired by" Fables. I'm enjoying the show so far (only 2 episodes in) and I am interested to see where they go with it.

Up All Night: Baby comedy with Christina Applegate and Will Arnett. It's funny and I like it, but I don't know how long the writers can keep it fresh.

Pan Am: I haven't actually watched it yet, but I record it to my DVR every week. I figure when I don't have anything else to watch, I can catch up. I don't know if it's getting favorable reviews, but I'll still watch it because of Christina Ricci.

Jen likes to watch a bunch of TLC shows (Little Couple, Sister Wives, etc.) and The Biggest Loser, which I don't usually watch with her, but I do on occasion. I can't understand the fascination with Sister Wives, but once in a while I enjoy watching The Biggest Loser. Until someone starts crying because they only lost 9 lbs and not 10 or they are having an "emotional breakthrough". I get enough of that at work. Oh, and the ridiculous music that supposedly "builds tension" during the weigh-in is over the top and completely unneeded.

OK, onto some books. Of course I read A Dance with Dragons, which was awesome. I don't want to have to wait another 4 years for the next book though. Ready Player One by Ernest Cline is a great book for anyone who likes fast paced science fiction set in the near dystopian future and has a healthy love for everything 1980's: video games, movies, pop culture, etc. Even if you don't love the 80's its still a great read. I also recently read Ender's Game by Orson Scott Card which I did enjoy and think I'll pick something else up by him next time I am lacking something to read. I am currently reading the conclusion to the Acacia Trilogy called The Sacred Band by David Anthony Durham and I am enjoying it thus far. If you haven't checked out this series, I think it's worth a read. The first book reads more like a historical fiction, but it is still good. On my reading list for the next few months (in order of getting read): The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson, 11/22/63 by Stephen King, The Kingdom of Gods (book 3 of a trilogy) by N.K. Jemisin, Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence, and only last because it won't be out until Spring is A Memory of Light by Robert Jordan and Brandon Sanderson. I do have a Goodreads account if you want to see more of the books I like.

As far as music, it won't surprise those of you who know my taste in music who I've been listening to recently. The new Evanescence album came out a few weeks ago and I have to say, I am impressed. I am really enjoying it and it's much heavier than their previous albums. Amy Lee's voice is still the best female voice in rock right now in my opinion. Her voice is full of emotion and the lyrics seem to fit the songs very well. The drum parts are also more complex than the previous two albums, but I am probably the only one who noticed. I'm also digging the new 3 Doors Down album and the new StainD album. 3DD don't change the formula, but it's still good music. StainD's new album is their heaviest since Dysfunction which was their first album. Enjoying it for sure.

Well, that's all for now. If you've got a suggestion for tv, book, or music leave it in the comments. I think I've wasted enough time talking about watching tv, reading, and listening to music. Time to go do one of those three!