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.

EXCLUSIVE! 'The Haunting Hour' Featurette! #HubClubBloggers

Hey TV fans! Check out this super cool, exclusive featurette about Hub Network's acclaimed series 'The Haunting Hour'! It's a quick little interview with series Executive Producer Dan Angel and actress Margot Kidder! The Haunting Hour season four premieres on Hub Network Saturday, October 4th at 4pm Eastern/1pm Pacific! Be sure to check it out! Review of the first episode coming later this week!

#HubClubBloggers - Parents Just Don't Understand and #BarkWeek!

Did you know that Hub Network is a Discovery Network? On the heels of their sister station Discovery Channel's famed Shark Week, Hub Network is airing all kinds of Dog Themed Fun for #BarkWeek! Tune in Sunday August 17th and running for the entire week, catch tons of poochy programming, featuring Animal Planet programs and Hub Family Movies starring some of your favorite pups (like Snow Buddies, Scooby-Doo, and Cats & Dogs).




Following all the Bark Week excitement, Hub prepares to air it's newest reality series, Parents Just Don't Understand hosted by former N'Sync singer Joey Fatone. Parents and kids are given the opportunity to swap lives "Freaky Friday" style for an entire day to see who really has the harder life!

Image © Hub Network

While parents are faced with foreboding tasks like sports practices and schoolwork for subjects they may not remember so well...

Images © Hub Network

... the kids are given a rude awakening of their own dealing with family obligations, caring for their siblings, running errands, and going to work!

Images © Hub Network

As a Hub Club Blogger, I was given the opportunity to preview the first two episodes of the series. The idea of the show is adorable, and what kid doesn't think their parents have the easier day? However, I think Hub is missing the mark a bit with a couple very minor things. First of all, they definitely missed an opportunity to capitalize on parent nostalgia by not featuring the famous Fresh Prince rap by the same title. That's right, no Will Smith here folks. Sorry. The other thing is that a lot of the in-between banter is obviously filmed later. Logistically, I see why they had to do it, but a lot of it feels forced. I would much rather hear more from the participants as they experience everything in their day versus them sitting in front of a green screen. Hopefully the series relaxes a bit as it continues and settles into a smoother presentation, but still I think for sure kids and parents will be given a meaningful dialog and co-viewing experience as they watch the program. Tune in to see the premiere episode "The Touchdown Maker and the Cupcake Baker" on Saturday, August 23 at 7pm Eastern/4pm Pacific. Pop over to my Facebook Page or leave a comment here telling me your family's thoughts on the new series!


Disclosure: I was provided a screener of the new series Parents Just Don't Understand as part of my membership in the Hub Club Blogger program. Views expressed are purely my own and are not in any way influenced by nor representative of Hub Network. Please see my Disclosure tab for more information.

#MLPmegaMareathon! Plus, I've been NOMINATED for something!

SO MUCH GOOD STUFF TODAY YOU GUYS! KERMIT FLAIL!

First and foremost, I want to make sure my Brony community fans know about the amazingness that is about to happen on Hub Network next week! Starting on Monday, August 4th, Hub Network is going to be airing 50 HOURS of back-to-back My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. That is *EVERY SINGLE EPISODE* of MLP:FIM, plus My Little Pony: Equestria Girls and three My Little Pony Specials airing for the first time! (Phew! That's a lot of emphasis for one sentence!) So be sure to tune in to Hub Network starting at 9am Eastern/6am Pacific to catch more ponies than your eyeballs can handle!

Image © Hub Network.

Finally, I've been nominated for a Liebster Award! My new blogger buddy Kristen over at Ready, Set, Parenthood! nominated me! Thank you Kristen! I'd like to thank the academy.... wait, wrong nomination.

The way the award works is as follows: 1. Each person who is nominated must post 11 things about themselves. 2. You must also answer the questions that the tagger set for you in addition to creating 11 questions for the people you nominate to answer. 3. Nominate 5 – 11 of your favorite bloggers and link them in your post. 4. Go to your nominees’ pages and tell them. 5. Thank and link back to the person’s blog who nominated you.
Okay, so eleven things about myself... this ought to be interesting!   1. My eyes are two different colors. Like a husky. Well, one is all blue-gray and the other is half-blue-gray, half brown.  2. When I was an older kid (think 9, 10, 11), I wanted to race motorcycles like my dad. I wanted to be the youngest and first female street racer.  3. I have the early stages of Rhumatoid Arthritis. I don't have the titers in my blood yet, but everything else points to me having it.  4. I met TV Dad when I was just 13. I was a freshman in high school and didn't turn 14 until after the first quarter.  5. I used to speak German fluently. Now it's kind of Germanglish in my head, but I'm sure if you dropped me from a plane in Germany with nothing but my wits about me, I could survive just fine.  6. I've already done every single job I "wanted to be" as a kid... morning radio host (my senior year in college), teacher (the four years between college and having TV Boy), working in a brokerage firm (yes, I was a dorky kid, and I've done it several times), professional writer (About.com). I'm running out of dream jobs! 7. (Blank stare... this is how unexciting I am, haha!) I'm working at opening a pinball bar here in Columbus. Yes, for real! I'm aiming for a first of the year opening. Fingers crossed! 8. I've only ever lived in Columbus, Ohio. Even for college.  9. I'm an honors level Thespian in the International Thespian Society. However, the last time I did anything theatrical, I was 8 weeks pregnant. It's been a while.
10. I graduated with my bachelor's degree in three years and one quarter.
11. I've never had a roommate aside from TV Dad. Didn't live in a dorm or have a roommate in college, I lived alone my senior year.

Here are the questions Kristen gave me to answer:

1. Why did you start your blog? Honestly, I was bored. Yep, really. And watching a lot of kids' television shows. I figured I'd put my skills to good use and review them. Then I got hired at About.com, and it blossomed from there. Now, About is gone, and here I am!
2. What is your blog about? Kids' entertainment and geeky stuff. Because that's my life!
3. What is your theme song? Me personally? For most of my life it was "November Rain" by Guns n' Roses, so I guess I'll stick with that because I can't think of anything better haha!
4. What actor/actress would be cast to play you in the movie of your life? Natalie Portman, hands down.
5. What is your most prized possession? Tough call... I still have my loveys from my childhood, they're pretty special and irreplaceable. Aside from that, I'd have to say my autographed Star Wars t-shirt with Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett) and Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca)'s signatures on it. Which reminds me, I need to pack that for Fandom Fest in Kentucky this weekend! 
6. If you could meet anyone, dead or alive, who would it be? Well, I already met Bill Nye (although I'd have loved to have more time with him and say something not stupid like "I'm a huge fan" repeatedly like I did... derp.) and I met Neil DeGrasse Tyson back when I taught at a STEM school and before I knew who he was (d'oh!)... I think I'd like to say Zach Braff or Chris Hardwick for now. But not because I have huge crushes on them or anything.... (whistles and walks away)
7. What is your favorite post you have written? My Uncle Grandpa post. It was the only one that inspired actual hate mail. That was when I knew I'd made the big time!
8. If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be? California, somewhere near or around L.A. After having been out there three times in the past year, I'd give anything to move there. 
9. If you found a magic lamp with a genie, what would be your 3 wishes? 1, The money of someone making $250K a year (don't feel like dealing with taxes higher than that). 2, a second car for TV Dad so I don't have to drive him everyday I want the car. 3, A vacation home near some body of water with free flood insurance. 
10. What is the last book you read? Uh, it was a comic book... the new Doctor Who 10 and 11 comics and the 6th issue of Serenity. If we're going actual books... Charlotte's Web with TV Boy.
11. If you could give your 18-year old self one piece of advice, what would it be? If you really want to have a career, don't major in anything liberal arts. Also, you know that picture you think you look fat in? Yeah, you don't know jack sweetie. Enjoy your speedy metabolism and single digit pant sizes while you can!

On to the nominations! I would like to nominate the following amazing bloggers for a Liebster Award!

Nickida at NickisRandomMusings.com
Lynsey at MoscatoMom.com

Meredith at SanityInSurburbia.com

Becky at WhatUTalkingBoutWillis.info

Tonia at WhyNotMom.com

Misty at The-Top-Shelf.com

Amber at MeMyShelfandI.com

Claire at FastForwardGirl.blogspot.com

And now I have to come up with questions for you to answer... hmm...

1. What's your favorite cartoon and why?

2. If you had a million dollars, and you *had* to spend it, what would you spend it on?

3. What famous person would you love to sit down with for an afternoon?

4. What was your favorite subject in school?

5. What was your "dream job" as a kid?

6. What is your favorite fictional book?

7. Who is your hero?

8. Why do you write/blog?

9. What is one feature you love about yourself?

10. What is your biggest pet peeve?

11. What is the coolest thing you've gotten to do for/with your blog?

Phew! Lots of work, but be sure to check out all my amazing bloggy buddies! Thanks again for the nomination Kristen! 

*Stay tuned to my Instagram this weekend for shots from Fandom Fest in Kentucky! Seventh Doctor Sylvester McCoy is going to be there! Squee!*

What's The Hubbub? With Kid President! #HubClubBloggers

I've been horrible at blogging this month. I'm sorry about that. But I have some fun stuff to share with you, readers!

You may have noticed a new show on Hub Network, Kid President: Declaration of Awesome. It airs on Saturdays 7pm Eastern/4pm Pacific! I did not get to actually e-attend the hangout this time, thanks to TV Boy deciding that the sty on his eye needed to be picked off (yes, there was blood and a doctor visit involved... sigh!). However, I did get some questions asked! Check out the session with my questions below and the second half, which happened later in the day, below that.






Man is this kid just the epitome of adorable (I hope TV Boy doesn't get any ideas though, I don't know if I could handle a whole YouTube channel haha)! Be sure to tune in on Saturdays on Hub Network!

Littlest Pet Shop Season Premiere and GIVEAWAY! #LPS

This coming Saturday, the newest season of Littlest Pet Shop kicks off on Hub Network. Thanks to my friends at Hub Network, I was given the opportunity to see the premiere before it airs! A new pet comes to the day camp and Sunil and Vinnie are charged with entertaining him. Meanwhile, Biggest Ever Pet Shop is trying to figure out a better marketing strategy to beat LPS. There is also a new rockin' song from composer Daniel Ingram! I can't say much else about it--you want to be surprised, don't you?--but I can say that parents watching might find a little familiarity with a certain Weekend at a certain person's house whose name starts with B and rhymes with Ernie... kids will love the slapstick comedy that ensues!

Image © Hub Network.

To celebrate the new season, Hub Network sent a fun play set featuring Zoe! We already have the same playset (thanks to my trip in October for the Hub Halloween Bash!), so I was given permission to give it away to one lucky reader! Just fill out the Rafflecopter widget below to be entered to win!

You want to win it?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

#MLPseason4 What's The Hubbub with Tara Strong and Megan McCarthy!

Last night I had THE BEST What's the Hubbub chat to date! You know I'm an old hat at these by now, so this time I got to ask the first question! However, it was not before they revealed....

That's right! Coming in 2015, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic SEASON 5! From what I gathered during the chat, they are already in production for the new season. What they did not mention, however, was exactly when in 2015 we can expect our pony friends to return to our televisions. At the very minimum, we're waiting seven months. I guess we have Equestria Girls 2 to tide us over?

Anyway, there were SO many bloggers on the chat last night, so it's a long one, but I promise it's worth the entire watch through! Tara Strong is too adorable for words, and Megan McCarthy has her writers wit... and Ted Biaselli was wearing a Doctor Whooves shirt and TARDIS earrings. Yeah, these are my people!


 Tune in Saturday at 10am!

My Little Pony Season 4 Finale! #MLPSeason4

I've been teasing this for my past couple entries... this weekend is the Season 4 finale of My Little Pony on Hub Network! Leading up to the two part finale itself, Hub Network will be airing a marathon of pony awesomeness from the entire season beginning at 7:30am Eastern/4:30am Pacific (yikes, sorry West Coast-ers! Set your DVRs perhaps?) with the finale itself airing at 10am Eastern/7am Pacific.

"Twilight's Kingdom - Part 1"

To answer the question my Pony loving friends are asking: Yes, I have seen the finale. Yes, it is pretty rad. I don't want to give too much away, because there is no fun in spoilers! However, this year they have done something entirely different and the season finale is cumulative over the season, whereas before they have been stand-alone adventures. If you've read my Season 4 Wrap Up you might have an idea of HOW that all happens. Hint hint!

Here's what I can say without spoiling much: Twilight is disillusioned with her role as princess, being that she doesn't have a kingdom to protect or an important job like raising the sun or moon. She feels like the only reason she's a princess is to be a figurehead, and that's not something she jives with. When Equestria is threatened from a *new villain*, she offers to come to the rescue, but Celestia has someone else in mind for the task. Twilight, frustrated, turns her attentions to figuring out how to open the chest at the Tree of Harmony, hoping it contains some clues as to what her calling as royalty is. What happens is nothing short of fantastic!

I'm not giving you anything else! I want you all to tune in on Saturday morning, so I have to leave it up to time to share the rest!

However, tonight I will be joining another "What's the Hubbub?" chat with voice actress Tara Strong and head writer Megan McCarthy! This time I will only get to ask two questions, but I'm so excited! You can tune in to watch live tonight at 8pm Eastern by clicking this link. You can also follow all the talent and crew on Twitter using #MLPSeason4 or their individual accounts:

• Tara Strong @tarastrong
• Andrea Libman @AndreaLibman
• Tabitha St. Germain @StTabitha
• Cathy Weseluck @CathyWeseluck
• Ashleigh Ball @ash_leigh_ball
• Meghan McCarthy @MMeghanMcCarthy
• Jayson Thiesen @goldenrussett
• Daniel Ingram @dannyimusic

I will also post the whole interview video here at TheTVMom.com when it's in the can! I can't wait! Stay tuned TV Fans! It's about to get 20% cooler in here!

Our Trip to Build-A-Bear Workshop #MLP

To celebrate the season 4 finale of My Little Pony with Hub Network (which airs next Saturday at 10am Eastern), I and TV Boy were offered a trip to Build-A-Bear Workshop to make our very own pony friend!*

Our closest location is Easton Town Center in Columbus, OH. We were greeted by our Bear Specialist Amy and began our journey to making TV Boy a stuffed version of his favorite pony, Rainbow Dash.

This kid isn't happy or anything.

After we picked out our friend, we headed over to the heart station. All Build-A-Bear animals have a special heart inside that kids can choose attributes they want their new friend to have.

Making our heart

After that, you are offered the opportunity to add sounds and scents to your friend. We decided against a scent (TV Boy's room is smelly enough as it is! Ha!) but we did choose a sound: Rainbow Dash phrases. It includes "This needs to be about 20% cooler", which made me super happy. For the My Little Pony animals (or really any animal, I guess!) there is also an option to add the theme song.

Adding sounds.

After the sounds and smells, it's time to STUFF! We headed over to the big stuffing station!

Rainbow Dash takes shape!

Before the friend is stitched shut, you have to add the heart. If you haven't been to Build-A-Bear and plan to go, wear something comfy... adding the heart is a workout! You have to jump, spin, warm the heart, tap into a heartbeat, touch it to your nose, your heart, your head...

Making ponies is hard work!

And then you make a wish! For the first time ever, TV Boy made his wish silently, so I don't know what he wished for. Then you give it a kiss, and in the heart goes!

Now she has heart!

Once your pal is stuffed just the way you like it (kids can choose how soft their animal is or isn't), you head over to the bath station, where your animal gets a brush and blowout.

Taking a bath!

Then it's time to accessorize! The My Little Pony line has all the pony dresses from the show that are made for each specific character, along with some MLP themed outfits that any animal can sport. TV Boy went with the Rainbow Dash dress from the series and some sparkly pink sneakers.

All cool ponies need accessories!

Finally, you head to the birth certificate station, where you can name your new friend (we stuck with Rainbow Dash, of course) and fill out some information about yourself. Every pet has an individual identification tag that is stuffed into the animal so in case it is lost, it can be returned to any Build-A-Bear Workshop where they can get the tag out, scan it, and return the pal to its rightful owner. (I wish our loyal thrift store best buddy Doggie had the same feature!)

Filling out our information

Then it's time to head home in your awesome Build-A-Bear carrier, complete with personalized birth certificate, suitable for framing!

Going home with Rainbow!

The My Little Pony line currently in stores only features some of the characters: Rainbow Dash, Twilight (in Alicorn form!), Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity. Each pony is $25 and clothing and accessories are sold separately. Scents and sound options are also an additional fee.

Build-A-Bear at Easton

Right now, there are also mini friends to go with the ponies, featuring Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Spike the dragon. We ended up buying a Scootaloo to join Rainbow Dash, because of course you need a friend!

Pony friends!

I want to extend a special THANK YOU to our new friend Amy at the Easton Columbus Build-A-Bear location. If you're local, be sure to stop in and tell them The TV Mom sent you!

Thanks Amy!

Be sure to tune in to My Little Pony on Hub Network Saturdays at 10am Eastern, especially next week for the season finale!

*Disclosure: We were given a free trip to Build-A-Bear with a free friend in exchange for promotion for Hub Network. Please see the Disclosure tab for more information.

"Hub Network's What's The Hubbub?" - With Spooksville's Keean Johnson and Jim Kreig

Last night I got a chance to Google Hangout with Hub Network's seires Spooksville star Keean Johnson (Adam) and Head Writer Jim Kreig! Jim is an absolutely hilarious guy, and I really kind of want to meet up with him for a drink next time I'm out in L.A. because he seems like the kind of guy who that would definitely be a night to remember! Thank goodness they muted us when we weren't asking our questions, because most of the time I was cracking up.

Image © Hub Network.

My first question comes in around the 7 minute mark, and is a call back to my October excursion to California for the Hub Halloween Bash! Check out the video below to see the entire conversation between myself, these awesome guys, Hub Network Exec Ted Biaselli and a handful of other awesome bloggers! And don't forget to tune in to Spooksville on Saturdays at 5pm Eastern/2pm Pacific on Hub Network!

UPDATE 4/8: The video now has much clearer and better audio! Check it out below!