Network Netflix: Kid Friendly

via bsckids

I feel sort of bad about blogging on another unrelated SoOh topic because I'm realizing I have just hit the tip of the ice berg of all the neat sights, eats and events that Southern Ohio has to offer. But then again, I've only been here for two months and I have plenty of time to discover all of those things. And occasionally I can indulge in some of my other hobbies; including Netflix!

Endorsing Netflix is a guilty pleasure of mine which I previously alluded to in my last Netflix post but when something is this good, I can't resist blabbing/blogging about it. It seizes to amaze me how well we can get by with just Netflix streaming through Kyle's PS3 and no TV. And when I say no TV, I mean no cable and no network. We have no antenna in which to pick-up basic cable. I know...archaic. But it is more than easy to go without when we have Netflix. Perfect example. The last two days I've spent watching my lovely 6 11/12 (her words) year old niece. I'm tempted to blog a "Kids Say the Darndest Thing" post but I'll resist because seriously who doesn't have a kid relative that they think is adorable...okkkk just one story!

Today was the last day Olivia would spend with me after sleeping over at our home. The three of us had a great time watching Adventure Time (strongly recommend) and sharing lots of laughs. Olivia and I were getting in the car and I say something with the word "consider" in the sentence. She asks what does that mean. I say "to decide on something" and/or "think about". I am just pulling out of the driveway and I can tell she is silently thinking about the word (because usually she is chattering) and she says "Would you consider letting me sleep over at your house again some time?" That just tugged at my heart strings soooo much. And I told her "I have nothing to consider at all sweetie, I would love to have you over again". I seriously could have teared up at how beautiful and flattering that was that she had such a good time she wanted to stay over again. Also the fact that she learned a new word and used it appropriately in a sentence in under a minute is incredibly awesome.

Alright, I digress. So what I was saying is that I had her over and I was concerned that down time would be difficult to have with no Disney, Nickelodeon and/or Cartoon Network. But sure enough, I turn on the ole' Netflix and we see The Fairly OddParents. She was thrilled and I found it entertaining. And the beauty was we could pause whenever we wanted and she could watch as many back to back episodes as she desired. We also watched The Cat in the Hat show which wasn't too shabby either. And on further investigation, I found that Netflix has a plethora of kid friendly television series. So yet again, our Network Netflix can't be beat; we even have kid shows!

Network Netflix: Party Down

I really, really, really enjoy Netflix. I try not to make it a habit to endorse one corporate brand over any others but this one has been a great alternative for Kyle and I not having TV. Lately we've been discovering some great TV series on it. I like to think that our collection of discovered shows is like we're forming our own Network; our own Netflix Network. Our network only features back-to-back programming that we love and this "season" we came upon Party Down.

Party Down is a show about a catering business that employs mostly fledgling actors, a writer and a couple of oddballs. Each episode has the main characters working at a different event. The events range from birthday parties to funerals and everything in between. The show stars Adam Scott which you may know from Parks and Recreation (another one of my favorites) and Jane Lynch from Glee (not one of my favorites). The other stars include Martin Starr from Freaks and Geeks (definitely a favorite) and Ken Marino of Children's Hospital (I've heard good things). Ok enough about those shows what about this one. Well, it's refreshing in the fact that it doesn't have that mockumentrary, self-aware vibe like The Office and Parks and Recreation. And since it was on Starz, swear words and some brief nudity are abound. It's also a short series than only ran for two seasons. I'm a big fan of short series because for one, they don't drag on and on with storylines I don't care about (I'm looking at you Jim and Pam from the Office) and secondly, the characters remain true to their original roles (I'm looking at you British Office [2 season superstar]).

via tv.com

Characters (from right to left)

Constance is creepy. She sort of lingers around Kyle the most and gives him what she thinks is sage advice about the "biz". She is sort of an optimist but in a misguided psychotic way. Her phrases: "I'm a great wingman", "It's just like when I was in..."

Ron is a sad-sap, for lack of a better word, loser. He is trying to change his life around from being a slacker, alcoholic, drug-user. He does this by becoming a up-tight neurotic ninny who creates sophmoric rules for his staff. He is team leader but gets no respect but his character is endearing because he is trying so hard and has good intentions. His phrases: "Come on, guys", "Please, this is important", "Can you try to..."

Henry is the likeable, relatable guy. His failing is that he has become an underachiever and given up on acting. He is naturally paired with his young, "attractive", female counterpart but he remains likeable throughout the obvious romance set-up. His phrases: I'm going to let you find that out on your own

Casey is a insufferable...well you know. She is self absorbed and plays Henry for a fool. All this is done unintentionally but still I'm not a fan. She is important to carry the Henry story along so she is bearable. Her phrases: Things riddled with sarcasm and snark or non-committal statements.

Kyle is the man. He is the Brah with the emo haircut and he might be able to play 4 chords on a guitar. He is basically one of those eternal, naive optimists that charm you with his dopey earnestness and cheesy insights on life. His phrases: "In your face", "Dude", "It's cool, man"

Roman is a hard-scfi nerd. He is a jaded, pessimistic nerd that hates illiterate, wannabe intellectuals. But he is likeable for the cat and mouse friendship he has with Kyle. You can tell he appreciates his friendship despite Kyle not being of the same intellect. His phrases: "How original", "Sell-out", "I'm into Hard Sci-fi"

(not featured)
Lydia (Megan Mullally-Will and Grace's Karen and Parks and Recreation's Tammy) a neurotic, midwesterner stage Mom. I feel as though the character was designed to look and sound like Sarah Palin but don't let that scare you away she is very likeable and very funny.

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Overall the show is pretty solid and was a great edition to our programming. I read that losing Adam Scott to Parks and Recreation may have had something to do with the cancellation. But I like to think that Henry got his acting career back on track and that Parks and Recreation was his big break.