Why TV Doesn't Mean Much Anymore (And Neither Does This Blog)

I started this blog in 2011... ish? It's been so long, I don't honestly remember, and I'm too lazy to look it up. Back then, we had cable. My son had a list of children's shows he loved to watch. I enjoyed some of them, and really did NOT enjoy others, so this blog became my way of sharing that information for other parents out there who were in the same position.

A lot has changed in five years.

For one, my son is now more into Minecraft than television. He'll sit for hours building what I'll admit are really cool things... an underground train station, complete with turnstiles and signs, a Tardis that is actually bigger on the inside... stuff I never would have dreamed of when I was his age. Of course, when I was his age, the high tech computers were Apple IIe's and I was excited when the ones at school had color screens; the one I had at home had a monochrome screen of black and orange.

Another thing that has changed: our television stand. Here it is...

(That's Louie, our spoiled Chinese Crested)

Notice anything? No, I'm not talking about the layer of dust I should have gotten rid of before I took the photo. Or the adorable spoiled rotten dog in the dog bed. I'm talking about what isn't there: a cable box.

We have been cable free for almost two years now. Our television subsists solely in terms of Hulu, Netflix, and an antenna. Yes, that's right, we have an antenna. We enjoy a channel called Laff TV that shows old 80's sitcoms and movies. In fact, we watch Night Court pretty religiously nowadays as we go to bed at night. It's pretty great.

Back to the lack of cable. We don't get any of the big networks anymore. All the Discovery Networks... gone. I missed the death of Hub Network, turned Discovery Family. No more Nickelodeon. No more Disney Channels.

You know what? We really don't miss it. Our network shows, we can basically watch on Hulu the following day, which is what we were doing with DVR anyways. Even our favorite @Midnight from Comedy Central posts the following day. We splurged for the $11.99 commercial-free plan. It's worth it. We use Netflix for the kid stuff mostly, and some of the other shows we didn't watch when they were originally airing, like Breaking Bad. We basically only watch television shows during dinner these days. I know, I know, it's not great for family time, but meh. After that, we're doing other things: playing our pinball table, playing a videogame as husband and wife or daddy and son. Spending time on our amazing lake-view deck.

Life is definitely different post-cable. And this is the main reason this blog is basically obsolete. About.com doesn't pay me to write about cartoons anymore (even though they are currently advertising my former site for a writer... I'm pretty sure that's a glitch though). From the friends I knew who were still working with them, they've cut their writer force significantly in the past few months. Almost all of my network connections have since moved to different jobs. Sure, my email box is probably filled to the brim with press releases, but they've basically realized I don't work for a major online outlet any longer and have stopped contacting me with opportunities for awesome freebies to review or trips to attend.

I have to come to terms with the fact that this phase of my life is over. It saddens me, because I was given some amazing opportunities through this outlet. I got to interview amazing voice actors, directors, producers, television stars. I got to meet famous people IN PERSON on red carpets. I got to hug Bill Nye for pete's sake! That was one of the most incredible things EVER!

Obligatory Bill Nye hug pic!

I got to review movies before others even saw them. I got to go to Los Angeles three times! For all of this, I am thankful. It was so much fun while it lasted! Memories were made, friends were made, dreams came true.

I never really became a "famous blogger" like some of the people I had the chance to work with: Nickida from www.NickisRandomMusings.com, Meredith from www.SanityInSuburbia.com, David from www.DadAllDay.net, Nancy from www.MediaMedusa.com, Matt from GeekDad, Mitch from www.GayNYCDad.com, and soooo many more I can't even begin to list. These folks have the right stuff. They made it big and continue to do amazing, awesome things with their blogs. I'm so honored to have met and worked with them.

It's time for me to hang up my blogging pants. While I'm obviously sad this phase is passing, I'm hoping to do more amazing things in my future. I'm working on a tech-thriller novel. I'd love to do a podcast (if I can figure out something awesome to talk about that others would enjoy listening to). Maybe eventually I'll even find more freelance work that pays me to write about awesome things.

To all my readers, thank you. I know there aren't many of you out there. I was never a "popular" blog. To all my PR people, thank you. I couldn't have done 90% of what I did without you. And thank you to television, for giving me something I never thought I'd get out of you. I'm humbled beyond belief.

Thank you, and goodnight.

This is a post all about how my life got flip-turned upside down...

We didn't become royalty of any LA suburb, unfortunately. However, the TV household is no longer based out of Columbus, Ohio.

It all started back in July. TV Dad got a job offer after not having taken down his resume from LinkedIn. Yes, you're reading that right, someone found him on LinkedIn and offered him an interview. He asked me if he should go, because the interview was for a job in another state. It was something we had never discussed before. I told him to go for it, what's the worst that could happen? So he did. And the offer they gave him, basically on the spot, was amazing. The company was fabulous. There was plenty of growth opportunity for him, something his previous job no longer afforded him.

So...  I spent the remainder of the summer packing our house, finding a new one, qualifying for the mortgage, figuring out what to do with our old house, making moving arrangements, and figuring out a temporary living situation for TV Dad. He moved out to go to work and would come home on the weekends.

He was less than 200 miles away, but it felt like it was across the country. I gained a new respect (not that I didn't have respect before, but now it was magnified) for spouses who are either parenting by themselves or while their partner is deployed. It was the hardest four months of my life as a mom.

October 23rd, we officially signed the mortgage paperwork for our new home in Indianapolis. It's my dream home (except for the kitchen, unfortunately, which was designed by a tiny Asian woman who wanted something like she had back home... I get it, but I have grandiose plans to redo it eventually). It's more than double the size of the house we were living in. It's got a finished basement, which we have given mostly to TV Boy to house his toys/video games. It also has a lovely mother-in-law suite down there, which has served well for the many visits of TV Grandma (sorry Mom, that's the name you get here!). We finally have a real guest room. All amazing things.

But I had to leave everything I've ever known behind. For the first time in my life, I had to get to know a new city. Yes, I was one of those freaks that went to college in the same city I grew up in. I never lived in a different city, unless you count my father's house after he remarried, which was a suburb of my city, haha!

Anyway, I digress!

Moving has been hard, mostly because I left my entire social life behind. TV Boy made friends with kids just up the street. TV Dad has new friends at work. I've been struggling to find groups to make new friends for myself, but no one tells you how hard that is in your thirties!

All this to say, I'm so sorry to any of my loyal readers (did I ever have any of those?) that I let this gig fall by the wayside. I'm hoping to force myself to get back into it! I'm considering making a change to more general entertainment instead of just kids stuff in an attempt to appeal to a wider audience. All in the pipes for now, of course!

As a fun little bit, I have actually been keeping up with The TV Mom Facebook page. Just this past week, as part of a farewell to MythBusters, TV Boy made a little LEGO scene of Jamie Hyneman blowing up a TARDIS. I posted a video of him explaining it to the Facebook page, and it went WILD! I still don't know if Adam or Jamie saw it, but look at these numbers!

17K people saw this... what???

So, do TV Boy a little favor and hit up the page, watch and click like/share/or comment on his video. He would lose his mind if Jamie or Adam replied to it! Help his little six-and-a-half year old dream come true!

Here's hoping for more new content from your (presumably) favorite TV Mom!

I'm back baby! A little bit!

Big news... we're moving! To another state! That's why I've been so quiet lately. Trying to coordinate an interstate move with a six year old and a husband that is already gone is HARD, you guys. Not enough coffee and wine in the world, I tell you!

But! I wrote a thing! For my friend Nancy's site MediaMedusa.com. (Those of you who don't know Nancy yet, hit up animatedtv.about.com and read more of her work. She's pretty rad!) It is a piece inspired by a conversation with a friend asking about the quintessential Doctor Who episodes one would need to see (from the new series... that's the caveat here... I couldn't even BEGIN to go into classic Who!) in order to get a feel for the entire collection.  Click the picture below to read more!

Tune In Alert! #BarkFest on Nat Geo WILD

Nat Geo WILD channel's inaugural BarkFest weekend begins TOMORROW, Friday May 15th at 8pm ET/PT and celebrates all things canine with shows that teach about the brains "behind that bark".

The BARKFEST programming lineup includes...

FRIDAY, MAY 15: 
World’s Greatest Dogs - Friday, May 15 at 8 PM ET/PT These are the stories of extraordinary dogs: a surfing therapy dog, a bionic dog, a dog with the world record in scootering, and many more. We’ll meet these incredible canines and their dedicated owners.
Cesar 911 Season Finale - Friday, May 15 at 9 PM ET/PT Cesar rushes to the aid of Joe, a frantic husband and father.

Is Your Dog A Genius? Doggy See, Doggy Doo – Friday, May 15 at 10 PM ET/PT Is your dog a born genius? Or can you make him one? Duke University dog scientist Dr. Brian Hare uses his groundbreaking research to help dog owners better understand their canine companions. This interactive series will help dog owners everywhere unlock their canine’s true potential.
SATURDAY, MAY 16:

The Incredible Dr. Pol: Dog-A-POL-ooza - Saturday, May 16 at 8 PM ET/PT In this special episode of The Incredible Dr. Pol, it’s all dogs all day this week at Pol Veterinary Services!


Unlikely Animal Friends: Bark-Tacular- Saturday, May 16 at 9 PM ET/PT We’ll take a look at some of the most amazing unlikely friendships that prove that dogs are more than just man’s best friend!


Is Your Dog a Genius? Who’s Your Doggy? - Saturday, May 16 at 10 PM ET/PT Can your dog outsmart you? Does he bend the rules behind your back? Duke University dog scientists Dr. Brian Hare has developed a series of scientific test to reveal your dog’s unique strategies and help you improved your relationship with her.
SUNDAY, MAY 17

World’s Greatest Dogs– Sunday, May 17 at 8 PM ET/PT (encore airing)

Super Underdogs – Sunday, May 17 at 9 PM ET/PT From smallest to largest, from longest ears to longest tongue, from unique shapes to most muscles. These are the stories of the worlds’ most extreme looking dogs.

Is Your Dog A Genius? Talk Doggy To Me - Sunday, May 17 at 10 PM ET/PT Dogs and humans share a social bond unlike any two species on the planet. But how does your dog really feel about you? Based on his groundbreaking research, Dr. Brian Hare has created a series of games to help you better understand your canine companion.


Stay tuned to TheTVMom.com blog tomorrow to find out if our bigger dog Macintosh is a "genius"... (thanks to the fine folks at Dognition.com, who provided us the opportunity to play with their site in exchange for my BarkFest promotion)

Yep, he looks smart. 

TUNE IN ALERT: Aloha Vet on Nat Geo WILD! Season Finale TOMORROW!

Dr. Scott Sims is one of Hawaii’s best-kept local secrets. 

Not your typical veterinarian, he treats both wild and domestic animals, and when islanders need help with their pets and livestock, he’s the one they call. 

Some clients live in hard-to-reach locations, but if an animal needs help, Dr. Sims always finds a way to get there, even if he has to walk, ride a horse, drive an ATV, fly a plane or swim. 

It’s a wild job that’s an adventure every day. “Aloha Vet” airs Saturdays at 9 PM ET/PT on Nat Geo WILD.

Be sure to tune in to see the season finale episode “Last Resort” premiering Saturday, April 11, at 9 PM ET/PT: There’s never a dull moment with Dr. Sims – today, one goat gets his horns trimmed and another gets castrated, a horse needs a lump removed from his rear, and an old dog needs a tumor removed from his stomach.

Check out these SNEAK PEEK CLIPS! 

New #MLP Season 5 Starts TOMORROW!

So much has changed for our Mane Six friends since we last saw them! Twilight has her own castle in the center of Ponyville, and the title of Princess of Friendship. Heck, even Hub Network has changed into Discovery Family Channel now.

Image courtesy Discovery Networks.

So, Pony-heads--Bronies and Pegasisters alike--are you ready for even more adventure in Season 5? Because I've had the opportunity to preview this weekend's first episode! No spoilers from me, but here's a quick synopsis:

Image courtesy Discovery Networks.

The Mane Six friends learn the secret of Twilight's new castle, and are led to an eerie village in the far east of Equestria. Something is strange about the new place (can you guess what it is from the image above?)... The utilitarian "utopia" lives much like a cultish-communist commune--very Orwellian "1984"--and has a dark secret. Twilight and her friends must figure out why they are being sent there and what they must accomplish.

Image courtesy Discovery Networks.

Strange magic is afoot here, and Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Apple Jack, Fluttershy, and Rarity must figure out how to save the day...

Image courtesy Discovery Networks.

... and THEMSELVES!

Be sure to tune in Saturday, April 4th at 11am ET on Discovery Family Channel (formerly Hub Network, check your local listings) to see what happens! All I can say is that it's exciting!

BOOK REVIEW - #Frozen: The Poster Collection

About a year ago, I was given the opportunity to go to Los Angeles to go behind the scenes of the blockbuster Disney animated film Frozen. I got to meet the directors, play in the rigging lab, even voice Olaf! It was an experience I'll never forget, and it forever made Frozen hold a very special place in my heart.

When Insight Editions contacted me to check our their new book Frozen: The Poster Collection, I couldn't resist.

The book is large and absolutely gorgeous. Each poster is double sided and printed on thick, high quality paper. The images included feature memorable scenes from the film, popular characters, and--my favorite part--foreign market versions of the film posters.

The images are stunningly high quality and show details you may have missed in the theatre or at home on your television. My camera couldn't do them justice, but I was most impressed by the fact that you can see the woolen texture of Anna's skirt! Just incredible!

 The book retails for $24.99 and is available wherever books are sold, including Amazon, linked below!





Disclosure: I received a free copy of the book for review purposes. For more information, please see my Disclosure tab.

TV Boy Reviews: Simpsons skin pack for #Minecraft

Since TV Boy is starting to be more active in things he enjoys, when this opportunity came through my email, I was excited to share it with him:

Minecraft players can bring their favorite characters from The Simpsons to life in The Simpsons Skin Pack, the newest downloadable content for Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition and Minecraft: Xbox One Edition, available for $2.99 USD.

Create your own blocky version of Springfield with the entire Simpsons family—Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie— plus 19 of Springfield Elementary School’s beloved characters from the Emmy Award-winning animated show and the longest-running scripted show in television history.

Simpsons fans now have the opportunity to bring their favorite Springfield residents into the world of Minecraft. Some have taken it to the extreme, building entire sequences using the characters shortly after their release.

Since I don't really know how to Minecraft (is it even a verb?), I deferred to the expert in our household for this review. He was super excited to do it. So, here is TV Boy's video review of the Simpsons Minecraft Skin Pack! 

Disclosure: We were provided a free redemption code in order to review this project. For more information, please see my Disclosures tab.

Nat Geo WILD - Bloggers Gone Wild!

I've been a bad blogger. Blame it on the winter. I get lazy when it gets cold. Such is the life of arthritis. Everything hurts. Blah.

But! Today it's in the mid-40's here in Ohio, the sun is out, and I'm feeling motivated!

I've been invited to be a part of the Nat Geo WILD channel's Bloggers Gone Wild community! The folks at Nat Geo were kind enough to send along a couple neat gifts and some promo material for their new seasons of Cesar 911 and Unlikely Animal Friends, both of which are in full swing now on Nat Geo WILD!

Our Chinese Crested, Louie, claimed the beach towel!

Cool water bottle from the
Cesar Millan Foundation.

Cesar 911 (season 2) features "Dog Whisperer" Cesar Millan as he travels to a new neighborhood each week that is in desperate need of his expertise. Co-workers, relatives, and friends call him up to "blow the whistle" on furry menaces that turn their lives upside down. Millan packs in practical tips and valuable insights to help loyal fans and new viewers alike. It airs Friday nights, 9/8c.

Unlikely Animal Friends (season 4) searches out the most unique, most surprising, and most loving animal relationships. The six episode series documents one heartwarming tale after another, many which you might recognize from viral internet fame. It airs Friday nights, 10/9c.  This coming Friday's episode features "The Tale of the Cockatoo and the Kitty Cat"!

Be sure to tune in and watch here for more great shows and giveaways from Nat Geo WILD!

Disclosure: Screener materials were provided for preview purposes. For more information, please see my Disclosure tab.

Live Long and Prosper - RIP Leonard Nimoy

There isn't much I can say, as we have lost a legend in Leonard Nimoy today. He truly said it best in his last tweet:

A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory. LLAP
— Leonard Nimoy (@TheRealNimoy) February 23, 2015

Rest in peace, Mr. Nimoy. Thank you for all the perfect moments.

Big Hero 6 on Blu-ray TOMORROW!

Image courtesy Big Hero 6 facebook page.

Are you ready to own not one, but TWO Academy Award-winning films? Tomorrow, Tuesday February 24th, Disney's Big Hero 6 comes out on Blu-ray combo pack and DVD! And it includes the theatrical animated short, Feast! Both Big Hero 6 and Feast won Oscars last night!

Images courtesy Walt Disney Animation Studios.

It's no secret that I am a huge, ginormous fan of Big Hero 6 and it was one of my favorite movies last year! Check out my full film review HERE.  The cats of the TV Household have been remiss since I saw it as I've taken to calling them "Hairy Baby" every time I pick one of them up! There are just so many great things about the movie. Thankfully, the Academy agreed! Congrats to the teams that worked on Big Hero 6 and Feast! Both awards were well deserved!

The Blu-ray combo pack features:

• Blu-ray, DVD, and Digital HD copy
• Feast theatrical short
• The Origin Story of Big Hero 6: Hiro's Journey
• Big Hero Secrets (check out a sneak peek on the Big Hero 6 Facebook page!)
• Big Animator 6: The Characters Behind The Characters
• Deleted Scenes

And don't forget to pick up Big Hero 6 on Blu-ray combo pack or DVD tomorrow!

Disclosure: A copy of Big Hero 6 on Blu-ray was provided for this post. Please see my Disclosures tab for more information.

COMICS: "Doctor Who - The Tenth Doctor Issue 7" With Weeping Angels!

Some of my recent dreams have come true and I'm officially reviewing Titan Comics' Doctor Who series! Cue Whovian-overload! Click the image below to pop over to SoundonSight.org and see what I have to say about the latest issue! If you like it, share it with your friends!

Rejoining the blogosphere... with COMIC BOOKS!

I have been one of the laziest bloggers ever lately. I'll openly admit that. I had fallen into a funk, gotten tied up in novel writing (with which I still am not finished), had the holidays to deal with and recover from, and so much more. I even applied for some new writing gigs... one of which, I got! I am now one of the Comic Book contributors for SoundOnSight.org! My first article is already live over there, and I'd love for you all to pop over there and give it and SOS some love for me! Click the image below to read my take on the new Female Thor!

I'm still going to be promoting my work here, and maybe occasionally doing the random review here and there for my blog. However, I am working on having new things to focus on, new frontiers to explore, and hopefully more to talk about for all of you fabulous readers of mine. Plus, hopefully now I'll be able to head off to more comic cons--on business, of course--and participate in panels, meet cool people, and parade TV Boy around in his 10th Doctor cosplay!

As they used to say... STAY TUNED FOR MORE!

Official #StarWars Episode VII Teaser Trailer!

Have you seen it yet? No? Well, look no further! The official Star Wars: The Force Awakens teaser trailer is HERE!




That red lightsaber... with the HILT! And the Milennium Falcon! And X-Wings! And TIE Fighters! And and and.... GEEKSPLOSION. (Click any image to enlarge!)

©Lucasfilm/Disney.

©Lucasfilm/Disney.

©Lucasfilm/Disney.

©Lucasfilm/Disney.

And I'm dead of geek. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving for my American readers. TV Boy has been sick all week, so our holiday was a little more low-key than we'd hoped. Sigh. And sorry I've been quiet... I participated in NaNoWriMo! I'm writing a BOOK, guys! And it's actually going really well. I got a late start, but I'll end the month with nearly 14,000 words and more than 30 pages. It's a realistic-sci-fi conspiracy thriller. That's all I'm going to say. But I'm happy with how it's turning out.

MOVIE REVIEW: Disney's #BigHero6

Big Hero 6 was in post-production when I went to LA last February for the Frozen and Pirate Fairy event. I didn't know much about it, other than it was a super hero-ish movie that had some sort of Japanese-ish influence. I've been getting the emails and following the Facebook page for months, and I honestly couldn't make heads or tails of it. I went in with no expectations... and left having seen one of my favorite Disney movies of all time. It's that good.

All images © Disney.

Before I get into Big Hero 6, I have to start where the movie experience does, and that's with the new animated short, Feast, featuring the cutest little glutton this side of Garfield.

Look at how cute!

The short takes us through the meals of a rescued puppy and his owner, but there is a bigger story behind the pup. I'm almost positive this will be up for Oscar consideration in the animated shorts category, because it's amazing how much of an emotional roller coaster viewers experience in just a few minutes. You will laugh, cry, and cheer before it's over.



Now, onto our feature presentation!

I'm going to warn parents that Big Hero 6 has the usual Disney story mechanism of dead parents. We all know it's not a Disney movie without dead parents! Lucky for us, the parents' demise happened long before our story takes place. However, that does not save us from more tragedy early on. That's all I'm going to say. Be prepared to feel, folks. The trailer kind of hints at it...



Meet Baymax: the most huggable robot companion ever, and probably one of Disney's funniest characters. So many of Baymax's scenes were laugh out loud funny, despite his calm and even delivery. Straight-laced comedy at it's finest. The low battery scene is probably the most hilarious thing Disney has written since The Emperor's New Groove.

"Hairy BABY!"

I was surprised at how dark the villain is in the film. He's pretty scary, and while TV Boy is the most well-adjusted kid on the planet when it comes to peril in entertainment, for some reason, other young kids might be a bit afraid of this guy on the big screen.

Overall, the film is visually stunning, incredibly well-written, and absolutely the most fun you'll have at a kids' movie. Parents will be psyched that there is no annoying soundtrack for your children to obsess over like Frozen; instead the film's title song is written by Fall Out Boy, and is pretty awesome. I can't stress enough how much I enjoyed Big Hero 6 and how every parent on the planet should take their kids to see it. Honestly, it has earned a spot in my top three favorite Disney movies of all time (Emperor's New Groove and Aladdin are my other two, if you were curious). I also really love how they depict female characters in science. Truly fabulous!

Big Hero 6 is rated PG and is released in US theatres today, November 7th. Seriously, do yourself a favor and go see this movie. And, just like all good superhero movies, stay after the credits! Trust me on this. Geeks especially. I know I sound majorly cliched in this post, but this is the best movie of the year!

Here are some fun science experiements you can do with your kiddos to celebrate Big Hero 6!





Disclosure: A free screening of the film was provided for review purposes. For more information, please see my Disclosure tab. 

ICYMI: #Marvel Age of Ultron SPECIAL LOOK!

Last night's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. gave us a sneak peek at Avengers: Age of Ultron. Here it is in case you missed it!

The Day #Marvel Broke the Internet

HUGE Marvel news today as they unveil the next series of amazing Marvel films for which we will now all wait anxiously!

All images courtesy Marvel©.

This morning, during a special event at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige revealed the films that will make up Phase 3 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, featuring a mix of fan-favorite characters and several heroes who will be making their big-screen debuts. Robert Downey Jr. (“Iron Man”), Chris Evans (“Captain America”) and Chadwick Boseman (newly announced “Black Panther”) all made special appearances.

Feige also unveiled the next two release dates for the Avengers Infinity War series and the release date for the highly anticipated sequel to their summer 2014 blockbuster hit (that is still breaking records worldwide!), Guardians of the Galaxy.

Here's the complete list of films from today's announcements: 

·       5/1/15 –  AVENGERS: AGE OF ULTRON

·       7/17/15 – ANT-MAN 

·       5/6/16 – CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR

·       11/4/16 – DOCTOR STRANGE 

·       5/5/17 – GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY 2 (previously dated 7/28/17)

·       7/28/17 – THOR: RAGNAROK

·       11/3/17 – BLACK PANTHER

·       5/4/18 – AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR PART I

·       7/6/18 – CAPTAIN MARVEL

·       11/2/18 – INHUMANS

·       5/3/19 – AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR PART II

Which film(s) are you most excited about? Sound off on Facebook, Twitter, or in the comments section! I personally can't wait to see the female version of Captain Marvel. Check out Marvel.com for more info on all your favorites!