Monday, October 28, 2013

"Personalize"

The new Personalize tab allows you to further personalize your Netflix experience. Taking the short survey helps Netflix give you better suggestions. The tab is located next to the Just For Kids tab at the top of the page. Clicking on the tab will bring up a pop up screen with the following information, "Finding suggestions for you just got easier... Simply start rating and we'll find hidden gems just for you. The more you rate, the smarter our suggestions get. It takes just 2 minutes... First, tell us how often you watch these genres..."

After clicking "Lets Go" a list of genres appears, and you must choose one of three answers on how often you watch each of them. The three choices are: Never, Sometimes, and Often; on the right of the page, you can click to have examples shown. Next, a ton of movies will appear with five stars underneath each, rate each movie. After rating movies from each genre, Netflix provides you with suggestions based on the data you have completed. Rating more movies/shows gives Netflix more accurate information that is used to make your Netflix experience, as enjoyable as can be. Your interests will be shown in your suggestions on the main screen. I would recommend going through the personalizing steps, it is fast and helps your Netflix reflect you and your interests. I will continue to rate programs so i get more suggestions that fit my personality and interests. 

Holiday Programs

The holidays are near, and Netflix has a variety of programs available to watch. Some titles include: Christmas Angel, Christmas Cupid, Christmas Lodge, A Christmas Puppy, and more traditional titles such as Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer, Christmas Carol, Charlie Brown's Christmas, and many many more. Children and adults alike love to watch a good Christmas movie. This Christmas season, find your favorite holiday film on Netflix. 

ABC Family has posted several great holiday movies. These, just like others involve a love story. TLC has also posted Extreme Christmas Trees which shows many well, extremely decorated Christmas trees. Other programs range from children's cartoons to adult love stories. Each ties in the Christmas spirit that we all love. Although not everyone celebrates Christmas, the movies and television shows may still interest those who don't. 

Cuddling up on the couch next to the warm fire, holding a mug full of your favorite hot chocolate will be even more comforting while watching a Netflix film. Whether funny or serious, the films incorporate the holiday season and all the good (or not so good) things that come with it. There are children's holiday movies listed under the "Just For Kids" tab but also in the regular Netflix setting. Be sure to check the rating before letting the family watch the film together, just in case but enjoy the holiday time spent together with a great Netflix program. 

Long Island Medium

Long Island Medium is a television series that shows the life of Theresa Caputo. She lives in Long Island, New York and has the special talent of communicating with the dead. Theresa can help families, friends, or others by letting them know what the dead have to say. It can be like the final message the loved ones get to hear. On Netflix there is two seasons available. Season one contains nine episodes, and season two contains fourteen episodes. Long Island Medium is a TLC network series and is listed under the genres of TV Shows, and Reality TV. The show is rated TV-PG. 

Long Island Medium shows Theresa in different situations and gatherings, some may be random people on the street that she feels a connection with, and some may be organized meetings. One episode, she even had to go to a baby shower. She is able to connect with their loved ones on the other side. This helps her clients find closure from people who have passed away. 

Whether the show is a hundred percent accurate, I am not sure. I do find this series to be very entertaining and a bit emotional. Seeing people connect with those who have passed is very interesting but also sad.They are reminded of their horrible deaths, but can also find happiness with Theresa's help.  A review on Netflix says, "You know, this show is amazing just because it shows you that everyone has a story and is struggling with something. I don't care if it's real or fake, she gives happiness and peace of mind to others around her." There were many similar posts, such as, "Look, I don't care if it's made up gibberish. It's entertaining and inspiring. She's giving hope to these people." Others disagree... the following quote was also a review on Netflix, "This woman is a con artist and a fraud who should be in prison. It makes me sick to see her manipulate people's emotions and get paid for it. Only a sociopath could be so cruel as to bilk the bereaved for money." This user had also rated the show one out of five stars. 

The topic of being able to communicate with the dead is a very controversial one, which explains why the comments were varied. I'm not sure if the show is accurate, but putting that aside, I think the show is worth watching, just like most of the TLC programs. I think TLC does a great job of opening people's minds to lifestyles that most wouldn't consider "normal". The show is worth watching to experience different aspects of life, and that everyone has their own story and struggles. 

Sunday, October 20, 2013

Baby Daddy

Baby Daddy is an ABC Family series about a young bartender Ben, and his story of becoming a father. His daughter Emma is dropped off on the doorstep of his apartment, by an ex-girlfriend. Ben learns that the mother plans to put Emma up for adoption, but after the first day he is emotionally attached and wants to keep the baby. Although this news comes to a surprise to all of them, Ben, his mother, roommate, brother, and friend (who has a crush on Ben) all plan to help out to help raise baby Emma. They all become a sort of family and although it is difficult and very confusing, they start to figure out what to do.

Season one (ten episodes) and two (fifteen episodes) are available on Netflix under the genres of TV Shows, TV Comedies, and Sitcoms. The show is characterized as goofy, quirky, and feel-good. I find the show to be very funny and entertaining and a bit addicting. The plot is easy to relate to because the situations are very realistic. Although you don't find a baby on your door step everyday, the family conflicts, relationships, and the everyday struggles are realistic. 

The show was created by Daniel Berendsen and is rated TV-14. Comments include: "I think this show is hilarious and has definitely became one of my favorite shows! Netflix has to keep on playing these shows and more episodes," and "Loveee this show! Its a feel good and is always a good laugh." Reading through other comments I came across a couple that said Baby Daddy is a lot similar to Raising Hope, whether it was a good thing or a bad thing, depended on the viewer. If you are familiar with Raising Hope and enjoyed it, I would recommend watching Baby Daddy and seeing how it compares. Overall I think it is a great show and I can't wait for more episodes!

Saturday, October 19, 2013

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas was created in 2008, based on the tragedies of World War 2, especially concentration camps and the conditions of them. A family, including the commandant of the concentration camp (as the father) moves to the country side, which happens to be near one of the camps. While exploring the house, the eight year old son, Bruno sees the camp outside his window. He thinks that it is a farm, in which the farmers wear pajamas (which are actually the prisoner's uniforms). Bruno becomes very curious about the "farm" but his mother forbids him from exploring the back yard (where the two fences meet). While his parents and guards aren't looking Bruno sneaks off to the fence and finds a young Jewish boy his age on the other side. 

Being so young, it is hard for Bruno to understand why these people are put in these horrible camps and why they aren't allowed to be friends. Throughout the movie, Bruno sneaks off to talk, give his friend food, and play games. But it can be hard to maintain a friendship with an electric fence in the middle of the two children. After watching one of his father's propaganda films, Bruno views the camps with a different perception. He believes they are fun and supply the needs of the members.

Because of the horrible things happening at the time, the movie was very hard to watch. I found some parts (especially the ending) were disturbing. The movie definitely gave a realistic impression of what was happening during the war. Seeing what the time was like for a family on the other side (not in a concentration camp) was very interesting. I felt bad for the mother, she didn't agree with what her husband had been doing. After finding out about burning the concentration camp members in the ovens, she becomes very sickened and depressed. The father doesn't care about his families views on the issue. He says he is doing what is best for the country, his view point changes at the very end of the movie. Overall the movie is very sad but an eye opening film; I wish it had ended differently but I thought it was very good.

The movie is based on the novel by John Boyne, and is rated PG-13. Opening weekend (in the U.S) profits were $253,085 and was rated a 7.7 out of 10. On Netflix it is listed under the categories of: Dramas, Dramas Based on Books, Tearjerkers, British Movies, Dramas Based on Contemporary Literature, 20th Century Period Pieces, and British Dramas. The movie is listed as dark and emotional.

Comments on Netflix include: "This movie didn't turn out the way I planned it would. It is one of the most tear-jerking movies I have ever seen. I usually do not get anxious during the peak of the story but in this case I did. It is definitely a must-watch!", and "It shows a side of the holocaust and the Germans seldom portrayed in films or documentaries, and the innocence of the children in the midst of evil. This is a MUST WATCH film, and I think if more people knew what the film was really about it would get more media attention." People on Netflix enjoyed the movie and thought it was very powerful. I would recommend it... but be prepared for tears. I would not recommend this movie for young children because of the harsh history involved in the film.

Monday, October 14, 2013

Tanked

Tanked is a reality TV series about the nation's largest and most extreme, aquarium companies. While their headquarters is located in Las Vegas, two friends Wayde King and Brett Raymer travel the country building the most outrageous fish tanks (hence the name Tanked). On Netflix, Tanked is categorized as Reality TV, TV shows, and Animals and Nature Reality TV. The series is rated TV-PG.

Although there is only one season with 6 episodes, the show got many positive reviews, such as: "You will enjoy it! It is creative, interesting to me to watch the two build the tanks and find the fish and decorations to put in the tank for their clients. I hope Netflix adds more episodes," and "Please Netflix get the other seasons for this awesome show." 

Along with the amazing fish tanks, there is plenty of drama. Between the organization of projects or conflict between members of the work team, each episode shows the struggles with the job and the relationships. The end is my favorite part because you get to see the final product and how great it looks. I also like to see the clients reactions to the products. The wide variety of materials it takes to complete each project is very interesting. Wayde and Brett find a way to incorporate many tools to create the right look for the client, such as the container style, the decorations, and the type of fish. It is fascinating how they are familiar with so many different types of fish and their requirements. 

Many reviews find the show to be comical. One review states, "three words: MY, FAVORITE, SHOW! It is hilarious, I cant sit there for an hour watching this and not laugh." The main complaint about the series is that Netflix hasn't put any more seasons on. People enjoy the show a lot and want more episodes to continue to watch the show. Overall it is a great show and it is amazing how creative and talented the two men are. 

Disney

Most children have watched at least one Disney program; whether they outgrew them or still watch them, like reliving their childhood by watching these movies. Netflix has plenty of Disney movies and television shows to keep any group entertained, old and new. Some titles of older movies include Hercules, Pocahontas, The Fox and the Hound, Dumbo, and many others. New twists on movies include Mulan 2, Lilo and Stitch 2 and Leroy and Stitch, The Hunchback of Notre Dame 2, and more. New Disney movies include Read it and Weep, Geek Charming, Lemonade Mouth, and several others. The originals and the sequels, or twists are sorted together to make watching your favorite Disney movies easy.

Recently I have watched Mulan, Pocahontas, Hercules, and the Hunchback of Notre Dame. Lilo and Stitch is one of my favorites, so I have watched that recently as well. Another I have watched recently, that is available on Netflix is The Emperor's New Groove. I enjoyed all of these as I have when I was younger. I believe you are never to old to watch a good Disney movie!

Disney programs can be found under the "Just For Kids" tab, under the Disney category. Because these movies are placed in "Just For Kids", they are appropriate for young kids. Disney also has choices of TV series such as Phineas and Ferb, Jessie, and Jake and the Neverland Pirates. Both of these series are popular on the television network. Teenagers may also enjoy programs on the "Just For Kids" tab because it gives them a chance to relive their childhood and watch their favorite movies from when they were young.

Disney Channel movies are movies that are premiered on the television network instead of on VCR or DVD  a list of these include: Cadet Kelly, Cow Belles, Camp Rock, Cheetah Girls, Cheetah Girls 2, Girl vs Monster, Geek Charming, Lemonade Mouth, Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior, Read it and Weep, Avalon High, High School Musical, High School Musical 2, Princess Protection Program, and Phineas and Ferb the Movie: across the 2nd Dimension. These movies vary from old to newer and are found, again in the "Just For Kids" tab under the Disney category.

Because Disney has multiple programs such as Disney Junior, Disney Channel, and Disney XD, there is something available for every interest and age group. Netflix allows you to have all three in one convenient place. Also, with Netflix available on a wide range of devices, the children can all be watching what they choose, instead of fighting over what movie or channel to watch.

Monday, October 7, 2013

My Cat From Hell

Jackson Galaxy travels to cat owner's homes in order to set their cats straight; he is the cat whisperer. Jackson shares his knowledge of cats with the owners to help families on the verge of giving their pet up. Seasons one and two are available on Netflix, although the show is broadcasted on Animal Planet. This series is listed under the genres of TV Shows, Reality TV, and Animal and Nature Reality TV.

 My Cat From Hell is rated TV-PG. Each episode tells a unique story although the problem or solution may be the same. Jackson has a talent for working with cats and is able to help people and the cats that they love. Many of the problems causing the cat's distress are the owner's fault; viewers get a better understanding of how and why cats behave the way they do, but also how us, as humans should treat cats. There are episodes such as: He Hates My Boyfriend, Fifi's Ruining My Life, Wildcat!, and more. There aren't a lot of episodes but people can definitely benefit by watching My Cat From Hell. If the viewers don't own, or interact with cats, at least they will be entertained by the cat's horrendous behaviors. 

There are several reviews of My Cat From Hell available on Netflix, visible after clicking on the title.

Pregnancy and Parenthood

There is a large variety of movies about pregnancy and parenthood available on Netflix. Pregnancy and parenthood is a popular and controversial topic, with many new ways to create and raise children, many movies have been produced to show the new life styles, or how to avoid the complicated role of being a parent. Some titles include: Gayby, The Pill, Friends with Kids, Life Happens, What to Expect When You're Expecting, The Switch, and many others. These films may not be appropriate for all viewers due to sexual content, and language, so check the ratings before watching.

Gayby is based on a single and childless yoga teacher Jenn, who looks to her (gay) friend Matt for help. Jenn is thirty-something and feels as though she is running out of time to have a child, rushes to make a decision instead of the traditional way of waiting for the right guy and getting married. Matt would also like a baby, although there are difficulties, Matt and Jenn have a child. Gayby shows that there are alternative ways to having children (other than what is considered normal). Gayby can be found under the categories of: Comedies, Gay and Lesbian Movies, Independent Movies, Gay and Lesbian Comedies, and Independent Comedies. Gayby is one of many parenthood movies that show "the new normal".

The Pill is a film based on the story of a drunken one-night stand and the possibility of pregnancy. The main character Fred has also cheated on his girlfriend with Mindy (the female main character). Fred learns that Mindy isn't taking any birth control and could possibly become pregnant. The movie shows the struggle Fred encounters trying to get Mindy to take the morning-after pill. After she has taken one, he finds out it is a two pill procedure. Although the movie isn't about parenting children, it shows the struggle of two people trying NOT to become parents.

Another example of non-traditional parenting is Friends With Kids. Friends, and only friends, Jason and Julie both want children but see the difficulties their friends have. They consider having a child together, the perfect way to have a baby as they don't want to sacrifice their social lives or careers. This is also a new way that people go about to have children. They want the benefits of children, without all the problems. When Jason and Julie unexpectedly fall in love, things get complicated  between the two and their new child.

Life Happens is the story of an accidental pregnancy and the consequences that come with it. The main character has to leave her fun and young life style behind for her baby duties. At first she tries to continue her lifestyle and her responsibilities as a mother. As time goes on, she finds that this is very difficult, leaves her roommates and starts a new lifestyle as an independent mother. This movie shows the difficulties of being a single mother but also gives the message that single mothers can be independent and give their children a good life.

What to Expect When You're Expecting tells the story of the intersecting lives of several couples through twins, adoption, and other circumstances. This film does a good job of showing the ups and downs throughout pregnancy (and the adoption process) not just how wonderful it can be or how much pain you may be in. It really shows you what you should expect when you are expecting a baby. The film is named after the "pregnancy bible" that many mothers have or will read.

The Switch is a comedy based on the story of a single women Kassie, who goes about having a baby with the help from an anonymous sperm donor. It turns out that the donor's sperm is switch with the sperm of her close friend. As the plot continues, he must find a way (and the right time) to tell Kassie the truth. He sees his son growing and being raised by a single mother. He wants to be the father figure he knows he can be, and that the child desires.

Although these decisions in each movie can be criticized harshly, they are each giving people a family. These movies show the hardships and the positives of each experience and although they are fictitious, they are very similar to other's situations. The popularity of new parenthood movies show a break away from tradition to the new forms of starting a family. The movies above, and many others can be found on Netflix.

Monday, September 30, 2013

Review: Happy Gilmore

Happy Gilmore was created in 1996, featuring Adam Sandler as the main character. Like most of Sandler's films, Happy Gilmore is a comedy. It has also been listed under the category sports, as the plot is a hockey player, wanting to go professional, was rejected. He gets the idea to start golfing by Chubbs (a former pro golfer), although he hates it at first, it is a way to collect money. This money is used to attempt to save his grandmother's home, he is only given three months to come up with the money. Happy Gilmore is Adam Sandler's character, he is very aggressive and short tempered while not only playing hockey, but golf as well.

Happy is always up against Shooter, who usually wins first place. Although Happy usually doesn't place well, he has caught every one's attention. People are interested in him because of his humor and non traditional playing. Because of his aggressiveness, many people want Happy off the tour; because the ratings have dramatically increased, and he hasn't broke any technical rules he is allowed to continue to play.
The movie wouldn't be complete without romance. Throughout the film,  Happy begins to fall for tour PR head Virginia Venit. At first she overlooks his attempts to ask her out but she finally agrees and romance begins to blossom.

The film was extremely successful money wise, on its release weekend, it was ranked second in the box office, with $8.5 million in revenue. The movie was inspired by Adam's friend Kyle while growing up. Kyle wanted to be a hockey player but was extremely talented at golf. He joined a golf league and won the championship.

Adam Sandler is a common name in the comedy world. In Happy Gilmore, he has yet again created a hilarious film. Viewers are entertained by his funny antics but also by the anticipation of watching Happy compete in each round. You see Happy's sensitive side when talking to or about his grandmother, and also his relationship with Virginia. I would recommend watching this movie, available on Netflix. It is rated PG-13 for some language and comic sexuality. Because of this, preview the movie before letting younger kids watch it.

Thanks for reading,
     Emily

Review: Keeping Up With the Kardashians

Keeping Up With the Kardashians is a reality TV show broadcasted on E! network. Although there are now 8 seasons, Netflix currently only has seasons 1 through 4. This TV show is rated TV-14 because some situations may be unsuitable for children under 14 years old. Because this reality TV show has an extremely large audience, the family receives tons of criticism for their actions, apperance, etc. They are often shown on the covers of magazines and on television shows. Even with the cruel critics and paparazzi, the family continues to live their lives with the cameras watching their every move.

Many people are familiar with the popular Kardashian family. The family contains 3 sisters (Kim, Kourtney, and Khloe), their brother Rob, and their 2 half sisters (Kylie and Kendall). The family has a busy schedule filled with clothing lines, perfume lines, stores, photo shoots, appearances, as well as their everyday life. For Kris, the mom and Bruce Jenner (father of Kylie and Kendall) they deal with raising their family. Also raising a family is Kourtney and her boyfriend Scott, who have a son Mason, and now a daughter Penelope. Kim recently had a child with Kanye West, named North.

There is also spin off shows based on different members of the family such as: Khloe and Lamar, Kim and Kourtney take Miami, Kim and Kourtney take New York, Kourtney and Khloe take Miami, etc. These TV shows include the members of the Kardashians in different situations and different times in their lives. While each member has their own struggles, the family always ends up being there for each other, no matter what the circumstances. People find it easy to connect with the different characters and the family in general. Viewers may discover a favorite character throughout the seasons. Personally my favorite is Khloe, she is funny and is always full of life. She has a strong will and can usually bring the family back together during hard times.

Although the whole family has collected a lot of money and is very wealthy, they don't have it easy. Though some viewers may forget, they are just people. Kim, Khloe, and Kourtney's dad had died when they were teenagers, which was very hard for them, because of how close they were to him. Also, Khloe has had issues with getting pregnant and has had a lot of people look down upon her because of her weight. Kourtney has dealt with alcohol problems with her boyfriend Scott, and him not being a good father. They are all trying to figure out life just like all of you, but they do with cameras present.

Keeping Up with the Kardashians is an entertaining programn, showing the ups and downs of not only their personal lives, but also what it takes to run their professional lives. It is a reality TV show of the struggles and benefits of being famous and how they have developed throughout the seasons. I would recommend Keeping Up with the Kardashians if you enjoy other programs on E! television or reality TV in general. Although you may not learn new scientific breakthroughs, or the story of world war two, you will become more aware of the situations they are put in before you judge them, the next time you see "Kardashain" on the cover of People magazine.

Thanks for reading,
     Emily

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Profiles

Netflix has created the profiles feature for its users, in order to customize their Netflix. A maximum of five profiles can be created per account. These can also be connected to Facebook to get recommendations from friends. Although the profiles can be used to separate different user's feeds, you can also create different profiles for different moods, just like you would create different playlists on your iPod. You can now have specific suggestions for your taste, rather than a mix of every users taste. You can create profiles under the "manage profiles" tab. You can also set a different icon for each user, that will appear such as a profile picture on a social media site. If the profile is connected to Facebook, your Netflix profile picture will be the same as on Facebook. For more information on how to create, customize, or any other aspect of Netflix profiles, click here.

Thanks for reading,
     Emily

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Review: TLC

TLC is a broadcasting network for many popular television shows. Although the majority of the series are categorized as reality TV, they are far from most people's view or reality. The shows include Breaking Amish, Hoarding: Buried Alive, Extreme Couponing, Toddlers in Tiaras, and many other shows that show how different other's lives can be. This helps make people aware of the situations that people are put in by money, emotions, or by mere choice. Though not everyone accepts these lifestyles, and may judge the people or families on the show, each has an interesting story. Each of these shows are available on Netflix along with many others shown on TLC network.

Breaking Amish is a reality TV show about Amish young adults, leaving their homes and traveling to big cities to decide if the Amish community is right for them. With a dramatically different lifestyle and much more freedom than before, some become very lost and get consumed within parties, drinking, and drugs. Others find that they would like to return home and become a part of the Amish church. Although the teens should be given more freedom to make sure they want to commit to the church for the rest of their lives, i don't believe that is an excuse to act immaturely or inappropriately. The newly found freedom can become overwhelming for these Amish teenagers and the series captures many different aspects of different people's lives, while living on their own.

Hoarding: Buried Alive follows the stories of many men and women who struggle with the problem of hoarding. Hoard is defined as: "to accumulate for preservation, future use, etc., in a hidden or carefully guarded place,". Though hoarders hold onto items, usually for "preservation", they are not used in the future or hidden. The objects consume the owner's whole life. They fill the home, car, storage unit, etc. Holding on to these objects may have been caused by a traumatic event in the owner's life, or could also be caused mentally. Death, abandonment, etc. are examples of causes of hoarding. Being a neat freak, the show personally disgusts me but I understand that these people are struggling, and emotionally can't get rid of their belongings. Many people have heard of, or used the word hoarding but you don't fully understand how extreme the conditions can be until watching Hoarding:Buried Alive.

Extreme Couponing is a very difficult concept to me. These people save thousands of dollars a year by strategically planning what coupons to use, when and where. Each shopping trip must be planned out and double checked to make sure the buyer gets the most savings possible. Because there is a large variety of coupons, the couponer usually doesn't work and spends their time finding and clipping coupons. The television show shows the planning that has been completed and the shopping trips that the buyer performs. Typically, multiple carts are needed to carry the shopping items. The couponers store the items in stock piles around their homes. In these stock piles there are items such as canned food, boxed food, cleaners, laundry detergent, tooth brushes, soap, etc. Anything that has a coupon, the buyer usually purchases whether they need the item or not. The most amusing part of each episode is seeing the total drop dramatically, and seeing how much money can be saved by using coupons. Couponing has become more popular since the show was aired.

Toddlers in Tiaras is very comical; the contestants are usually little girls, although some boys participating in pageants. Competing in a beauty pageant takes a lot of money, time, and in general.. work! The families of the contestants have given a lot to their little ones to compete. Along with the work, sass is necessary to compete in the pageants.  The kids bring humor to the show with their funny actions and expressions. Each episodes the preparation and the final product (the actual pageant) of each child. Some may think it is wrong for parents to have their children participate in beauty pageants like those shown on each episode but I believe, as long as the child is having fun and not extremely pressured, that they are fine. Again, reality television gives others the chance to judge other's lives.

TLC is a network focused on reality TV, other TLC shows that appear on netflix include:
-Say Yes to the Dress
-Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta
-Say Yes to the Dress Randy Knows Best
-Cake Boss
-Sister Wives
-My Strange Addiction
-Addicted
-DC Cupcakes

Thanks for reading,
     Emily






http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/hoard

Monday, September 16, 2013

Review: DC Cupcakes


D.C Cupcakes is in the category of reality TV. It is similar to the show Cake Boss, for those of you that have seen it. D.C Cupcakes take place in Washington D.C following the stories of two sisters Sophie and Katherine. They had quit their jobs to follow their dreams of baking and created Georgetown Cupcakes.The show is aired on TLC.

Although there are only 28 episodes, it is amazing to see the variety of creations that the bakery can produce. Sophie and Katherine are extremely creative when it comes to making up new flavors for the shop or putting together a creation for an event. Although D.C cupcakes shows large products, the store is also open for regular customers and smaller orders. They have a large variety of flavors shown on the different episodes. Because they are sisters, and working together Sophie and Katherine have many arguments. Throughout the episode, they solve many problems within the cupcake world but also in their relationships.

If you enjoy cooking shows, reality TV, or sweet treats, i would recommend the show D.C Cupcakes. It is appropriate for all age groups and the creations are always amazing!

Thanks for reading,
     Emily

Below are some images of the Georgetown's finished projects.


Saturday, September 14, 2013

Recommendations 1

This post will feature brief recommendations for various age groups and interests, available on Netflix. I hope that you will all find something worth watching.

*Ages 5-10, Boys: Younger boys would enjoy Disney shows like Austin and Ally, Phineas and Ferb, cartoons like Hey Arnold, The Magic School Bus, Spongebob Squarepants, and movies like Spy Kids, The Avengers, and Rango.

*Ages 5-10, Girls: They may also enjoy the boys recommendations but more specific for girls would be TV shows like Dora The Explorer, Good Luck Charlie, and the variety of Disney movies such as Hercules and Fox and the Hound.

 *Ages 13-18, Boys: Boys of this age might also like How I Met Your Mother and various crime shows. Also, movies that include super heroes, like The Avengers. They may also like various movies like Super 8, End of Watch, and Restrepo.

*Ages 13-18, Girls: Many girls enjoy the series How I met Your Mother, various crime shows, Glee, and Pretty Little Liars. Older girls may like series such as Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill, and 90210. They may watch many movies such as Footloose, Matilda, and Ferris Bueller's Day Off. They may also like the Disney movies.


















Thanks for reading,
     Emily

Review: Bones

Bones is a crime, comedy-drama series that first premiered on Fox in 2005. It was created by Hart Hanson. The show is based on forensic anthropology, with the main characters being FBI agent Seeley Booth and forensic anthropologist Dr. Brennan, who Booth calls Bones. Although there isn't any new episodes, the series has been renewed for a ninth season. This will be premiering September 16th, 2013. There is also a spin off series called The Finder. The Finder is about Walter who has suffered brain damage over seas and is now very skeptical and has the ability to find anything. The two overlap in a couple episodes. I have started watching the finder after completing Bones. I believe that both are very interesting but I find that so far, I prefer Bones over The Finder.

Bones is interesting because throughout the seasons, many characters and viewers see how in love Booth and Bones are, but they fail to see it. Their relationship throughout the show is one aspect that makes Bones worth watching. If you find science, like the human body interesting then you can learn a lot by the dialog between characters. Also, you can learn a lot about the science behind crimes like murder. It is much more complicated than it seems on most crime shows. Although, it isn't all crime or science, there is detail on each character's relationships and lives. Another factor of the show that I find interesting is how much information about a murder you can find out by just looking at their bodies. In Bones, Dr. Brennan is the best in the world, so she works with a variety of problems. No crime is ever the same throughout the seasons but there is episodes that are related, such as the same murders. She is also an author of crime novels that are very successful. But all of her success is a result of hard work but also a rough childhood that causes Bones to be very rational-thinking. This can come in between her relationships with people. As the show continues, she finds out more about her past and how to love people, and not just her job.

There is eight seasons each with around twenty episodes. It is under the genres of romance film, crime fiction, comedy, procedural drama, police procedural and mystery. The cast includes Emily Deschanel, David Boreanaz, Michaela Conlin, Tamara Taylor, T.J Thyne, and many more. I would highly recommend the series Bones, i really enjoyed it and if you aren't interested in watching the whole series, it usually isn't necessary to watch the previous episode to understand the murder, but it may be necessary to understand the character aspect of the show. I am looking forward to the new season because the ending left me wondering what happens next. I am excited to see how things work out.

Thanks for reading,
           Emily


Monday, September 9, 2013

History of Netflix

Netflix is a word you may hear around high schoolers, throughout the conversations of sports teams, even the workplace. Netflix has had a dramatic increase in the number of subscribers recently. It is a very popular company, with over 37 million streaming members globally, with many of us are included in that number. We are all able to enjoy the services... But what is Netflix? How did it start? Where did the idea come from? How much is it? What is available? These are many common questions I hope to give you the answers to.

In August of 1997 Netflix (originally NetFlix, with a capital F) was founded by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph, to rent and sell DVDs over the Internet. Hastings had come up with the idea when he was forced to pay forty dollars in late fines for a movie. At first the company's goal was to send and sell DVDs to others because few video stores actually carried DVDs. The company could have low prices because shipping costs were low, but also guaranteed that the movie would be in stock.

The company opened on April 14th, 1998 with only 30 employees and 925 titles available. In September 1999, Netflixed offered the subscription option. This optioned allowed customers to pre-select 4 DVDs with no late fees or due dates for around $15. In February, 2000, Netflix started recommending titles. At this time, the company was distributing more than 100,000 DVDs a week.

In February 2003, Netflix had hit one million subscribers. By 2005, they we're shipping over a million DVDs a day and had over 35,000 titles to chose from. Finally in 2007, Netflix offered an on demand option. At first there was no charge for this service. In 2007-2011 Netflix experience dramtic growth as a business but in order to have extra services, it was going to cost them.

Today customers pay a monthly fee of $7.99 for unlimited movies and tv episodes streaming over the Internet. You can watch Netflix on devices like PS3, Wii, Xbox 360, smartphones, tvs, and computers. If you are not sure about joining Netflix, they offer a free trial period. You can try Netflix free for a month. Also, you aren't stuck in a contract. You can cancel your subscription at anytime with no cancelation fees.

Another benefit of Netflix is that you may rewind, fast forward, pause, and reply and tv episode or movie. Both that contain no commercials. During suspenseful movies I find this very beneficial so you don't have to watch a commercial when you are really excited to see what happens next. Netflix offers old, new, and original series and movies. Some of my favorite are the classic Disney movies they offer from when I was younger.I also enjoy the Netflix original series that are available to watch. To subscribe to Netflix, visit www.Netflix.com to sign up. You will need a credit card on account for your monthly fees to be paid.

Throughout my blog I will post more information needed about Netflix and the memberships, I will start reviews and recommendations soon! I hope you found this information helpful, or at least interesting.

Thanks for reading,
   Emily

Introduction

Bored of watching ordinary TV? Want to watch your favorite shows when, and where you want? Try Netflix. Netflix offers a wide variety of television shows and movies. People enjoy Netflix because it is easily accessible on any device with internet. Many teenagers spend a lot of time of their free time watching TV series or popular movies. Some find it fun to find uncommon shows or movies to share with others. Since becoming members of Netflix, my family and I have spent less time watching TV and more time watching Netflix. The "just for kids" option is great for younger kids, like my three brothers because it puts only appropriate content on their screen. One negative of Netflix is you can only be logged in on three devices; with a family of nine with many iPhones, iPads, and TVs this can cause a lot of tension.

I started watching Netflix with friends about a year ago, my family recently got a membership about three months ago. While watching Netflix I have completed the series of Bones, watched various episodes of Gossip Girl, One Tree Hill, Flash Point, and many movies. Throughout the year, i will be continuing to watch more series but movies as well. My sister, Lily just finished the series of, How I Met Your Mother.

In my blog, I will review many movies and TV shows available on Netflix but also give more information about the memberships, the history of the company, and other information. I will also give recommendations from my younger siblings (2 brothers: 6, 1 brother: 10, 2 sisters: 13) but also teenage friends, and older family members such as parents. Given the wide range of ages and interests, there should be ideas that each reader will find interesting.

Thanks for reading,
     Emily