From the Inside Out

The bad thing about watching TV during the summer is that there aren’t many good programs to watch.  We have nothing new saved on the PVR, so I’m stuck watching live television.  With live television comes commercials.  Normally, I tuned them out, but somehow the most annoying ones cut through and grab my attention even though I hate them.  Maybe that’s why advertisers love the annoying commercials — they stick with you.

Here is my top five annoying (and lame) commercials currently playing on TV:

Direct TV Terminator Ad

Driver Select

(Mostly played during daytime TV, but it seems like they play their ads during every commercial break.  This is an older one, but they all annoy me.)

Geico Caveman

Head On

He went to Jared

I couldn’t find an example for this one, but I’m sure you don’t need one.  You’ve probably already seen it a million times and listening to it again would probably make your ears bleed.  If Gary ever buys me anything from Jared, I think I’ll have to return it on principle.  I can’t stand their commercials.

So, that’s my list.  What did I miss?

For one week only, you can watch Joss Whedon’s latest project online for free. Dr. Horrible’s Sing-Along Blog is a humorous musical story of a low-rent super-villain, a hero who is completely infatuated with himself, and a cute girl from the laundromat.

This Internet miniseries event stars Neil Patrick Harris, Nathan Fillion and Felicia Day. The characters, story, and songs are well-crafted (not that you would expect anything less from Joss Whedon). For those Buffy fans out there, the musical elements are reminiscent of the “With Feeling” episode he did on that show. If you are a fan of Joss Whedon, you’ve got to see this. If you’re not, check it out anyway. It starts a little slow, but keep watching. It’s hilarious.

Act one and two are available for viewing now. The final act will be posted on Saturday, July 19th. Don’t delay because these episodes will be removed at midnight on Sunday, July 20th.

Click here to watch now

View the trailer

And now for something completely…funny!  With the weekend coming to an end and Monday quickly approaching, I wanted to share a good laugh.  I’m doing research for Saturday Night Life at ALC, and I ran across this sketch.  It’s features one of my favorite Amy Poehler characters, Kaitlin, with her stepdad at the mall.  Check it out….love it! :) 

Entertainment Weekly recently published its list of 18 “Awesome” Imaginary Worlds. These are the fabulous locales that you might like to visit if they really existed. While I agree with many of the locations on the list, there are others that I’d like to visit too.

With that in mind, here’s my customized list of “Top 5 Imaginary Worlds” in no particular order:

• Narnia: I wasn’t surprised to find this imaginary world on EW’s list — not only is it beautiful, but it also has its own rap song (check out the video by Andy Sanberg).

• Stargate Atlantis: Who wouldn’t want to live in a city created by the “Ancients” and be able to visit a new planet every day? If not for the pesky Wraith, it would be ideal.

• Lost Island: Mix the Dharma initiative with an island that looks like Kaui, and you’ve got a fantastic place to visit. A gorgeous blue ocean, luscious green scenery AND mystique — it’s the perfect combo.

• Mars (Life on Mars): Life on Mars is an original BBC police drama that premiered a couple of years ago. After a car accident, Sam Tyler finds himself in Manchester in 1973. The world he created while in a coma is full of interesting characters, and as an added bonus, there are the fabulous 70s fashions.

• Middle-Earth (Lord of the Rings): Another world on EW’s list, “Tolkien’s Middle-earth is home to hobbits and dragons and elves and jewelry of imponderable power.” Hobbits and dragons are cool. Jewelry that holds magical powers is every little girl’s dream.

That’s my “top 5″. What are yours?

Fans of Joss Whedon may soon have reason to rejoice. He’s working on a new show with Eliza Dushku (some may remember her as Faith from one of Whedon’s other popular television shows). 

According to comingsoon.net, his new show titled “Dollhouse” revolves around a group of young men and women, aka “Dolls,” who are imprinted with different personalities for different assignments. They have no memories of their previous lives, until Echo (Dushku) begins to try to find out who she was.”

The show will air on Fox, most likely in the Fall. Amazingly enough, Joss Whedon came up with the idea and the title by accident. He was having lunch with Eliza and offering career advice when it hit him.

A few days after lunch, he wrote a treatment and then an episode guide, pilot outline and poster. A couple of days later he approached Fox with the idea for the pilot. Soon after, they wanted more than a pilot. They offered a seven-episode commitment.

Wouldn’t it be nice if others could get their ideas picked up that easily! Of course if your name is Joss Whedon, you have instant credibility with the studios. The man is a genius. I envy admire his writing — it’s witty, smart, and unique.

I can’t wait for the Fall premiere.  It will be a breath of fresh air when Joss comes back to the small screen. It’s been lonely (and a bit boring) without him.