You Are The Biggest Loser, Or Just A Loser

Yeah I’m talking to you Melissa. That’s why you were voted off last night. In case you don’t know what I’m talking about, I’m referring to the latest person to be voted off of “The Biggest Loser” on NBC. If you haven’t been watching, Melissa was voted off several weeks ago and won the right to come back to the ranch by losing the most weight while at home. What made this such a tragedy was that NO ONE liked her. The only person who wanted her around was her husband and he eventually got voted off too.

Melissa has been a topic of controversy on this season of “The Biggest Loser.” The two trainers, Bob and Jillian, suspected that she was throwing the weigh-ins for a couple weeks. Her and her husband would win immunity in a challenge so they couldn’t be voted off at the end of the show. So what did she do, she only lost a couple pounds one week and actually GAINED a pound the next week. By doing that she was able to lose a huge number the next week when she didn’t have immunity, thus making it impossible to be voted off. Okay, I know this is a game and in the end the players aren’t only there to lose weight. They are also there to win a lot of money. To ensure that you stay around you have to play the game a little bit. We all get that. But throwing two weigh-ins in a row? That’s just stupid. People will catch on to you. And they did and that’s why the first chance they got the rest of the players voted her behind off.

When she won the chance to come back on the ranch she was a bigger annoyance, and that’s putting it nicely, than the first time around. The beginning of the season she didn’t only play the game to the extreme, she was rude and ignorant to most of the other players there. That didn’t change. She just amped it up a little more. Why someone would do this is beyond me. Isn’t it obvious that these people don’t like you and want you gone? Can’t you see that when given the opportunity they will get rid of you? The rest of the players did everything they could this past episode to make sure she wasn’t staying. The stepped it up and forced her to lose the challenge which gave her a 1 pound disadvantage at the weigh-in. That’s a big deal on this show. So when she didn’t lose enough weight she went to the ultimate extreme to get to stay. Now I ask, what kind of person says that if you keep them they can guarantee to be in the bottom two every week and help everyone else pick people off one by one?

Let’s examine her proposition shall we? What is she really offering here? Is she saying that she will throw the weigh-in every week so that she is in the bottom two which allows everyone else the ability to get rid of the other person? Does she think that she can’t lose enough weight every week to stay above the yellow line and not be up for elimination so she’s giving them an option? Are the rest of the players really supposed to believe that she won’t screw them and lose a ton of weight every week (because she is capable of it) and pick off the rest of them? Does she really think they are that stupid? Well clearly they aren’t since they got rid of her for a second time. Then she had the audacity to admonish them for not realizing what a wonderful opportunity they are throwing away. This woman has balls people.

I will spare you the catty, nay, witty banter that transpired between me and my mother about how they kept mentioning in the update on the voted off player how Melissa and her husband have been working on their marriage and making it better. Now if you have ever watched this show you can kind of guess as to why their marriage may be on the skids. But we’ll leave that up to speculation. There are some really great players left in the game for the big prize. I would be happy with any of them winning. I hope that all of them continue to lose ridiculous amounts of weight and look amazing and feel amazing in the end. The one thing I don’t want to see is Melissa coming back at the finale and winning the smaller monetary prize for losing the most weight at home. I don’t think I have ever disliked a player on this game more than I do her. If I never have to hear her horrible, grating voice or see that dung eating grin again I will be a happier person for it. Don’t seem shocked at my disdain either readers. I prefaced all of my blogs with a warning that I get invested in all that I watch.

For your viewing pleasure, please watch Melissa have her backside handed to her.


I give this episode 5 frames based solely on the fact that Melissa is gone!


Please head on over to the forum to support my loathing for Melissa. Or feel free to tell me why it is unjustified. Just go to the forum and chat it up.

Until next time kids, this has been Hava.

In Theaters Now....

I grudgingly admit that it has been quite some time since I've entered a real life, popcorn smelling, ludicrously priced movie theater. I've pushed my brain to its limits attempting to recall the last time I entered a cinema house. I believe it was to see The Princess and the Frog? (November of 2009!)

The first step to recovery is admission. Step two is to find out what is out there to determine if at this point, recovery is possible. The impossible is if all choices available = crap. This non-commercial watching gal then had to conduct a search of that which is currently in theaters and has come up with, although only a few, selections. The viewing experiences to come are the next steps to becoming a true POW powerhouse ;). The road consists of a continuous stream of entertainment to filter out that which is brainless, hopeless and a waste of time.

How to Train Your Dragon (2010)
Rated: PG; Running Time: 98 minutes; Genre: Animation, Comedy, Family

Fun filled story about a young Viking who dares to go against the norm and befriends a dragon. I truly look forward to seeing this and having lots of laughs. Those who brush off these types of films as childish are not only being close-minded but are beyond a doubt, missing out! Also available in 3D.



Shutter Island (2010)
Rated: R; Running Time: 138 minutes; Genre: Drama, Thriller, Crime

Yes, yes, this has been out for quite some time yet we all know that my LIFE is late so don't be surprised that I am only mentioning this now. Mixed reviews have been heard but no doubt this is interesting and I am intrigued; I would also love some opinions from those who have seen this as to if they have or have not enjoyed this movie. This has to currently be my top pick for what I want to see.




Alice in Wonderland (2010)
Rated: PG; Running Time: 109 minutes; Genre: Adventure, Fantasy

LeVonn78 will be surprised to hear this as I've refused to accompany him due to my childhood discomfort of anything associated with this story. Yet after his and quite a few (respectable) opinions, I am giving in and would like to see if instead of wanting to dash out of my seat, I will take pleasure in this viewing experience. The book always creeped me out and I saw nothing amusing, nor even fun about the story. Tim Burton and Johnny Depp's mutual love for all things odd has appealed to me before; I'm now willing to give it a shot.



I slightly aspire to see Youth in Revolt (Netflix!) - any opinions?

Note to the readers: for my protection and all those curious, if you've seen ANY of above films, post your opinion on the forum - let's discuss!!

Danae signing off!

Psychology of Television

It is safe to say that I watch a lot of television. I think I watch television as a way to not just entertain myself but as a way to escape from reality. When I'm watching TV I tend to push aside my paperwork and procrastinate on working out. Or I just use it as a way to get away from my family so I don't have to deal with that. Television is a very powerful thing. Network executives know that. They know that most likely other people are using television for the same things. So they make appealing, sensationalized television for us to lose ourselves in.

Ah, the psychological power of television. Just look at the shows I watch on a regular basis. Take "Gossip Girl" for example. Are we really supposed to believe that it's perfectly okay to just run around and have sex with whoever, manipulate all situations, never go to class, spend tons of money, and have no general concern for the world? I don't think so. But this show shows us the extreme of one way of living. How many people take this show and try to live their lives like it, even if just in small ways?

Don't get me started on these reality shows that every network imaginable has. All of these "real" people put in these "real" situations so they can win ridiculous amounts of money and faux fame. Is this really what people aspire to anymore? We think that our break through to fame is through stupid "love" reality shows or doing ridiculous stunts? Are kids even getting the right message anymore?

Now don't me wrong, I watch these shows. And I find these shows entertaining because they are an escape from my life. Which I'm sure is why most other people watch these shows as well. But I find myself more and more thinking, "Why the hell are these people doing all of this?" Who really thinks that they are going to find legitimate love on "The Bachelor?" Who really thinks that they are going to have as big a career as Tyra Banks from winning "America's Next Top Model?" These things won't really happen. And if they do, it's few and far between.

Please don't think that this whole diatribe is the end of me reviewing television or that I have lost my passion for it. That is far from reality. It just seems as I am watching this television I get more and more disgusted and the state of some of it. Bring back scripted shows that don't feel like they are being pushed to the most sensational point to beat the others. Well, next update I will have more reviews on more television that I am obsessed with. So head on over to the forum and discuss what you think about the psychology of television.

Until next time kids, this has been Hava.

What's to come.....

As some know, my household contains two ferocious beasts I captured in my Indiana-style adventures. One runs this territory as the aggressive, no holds barred, claw-wielding beast while the other lays back in the shadows, preferring the strong silent method - to assess and not assume, to be calm and not easily excitable. There are days where the protagonist leaps to capture its prey and his brother reaps the benefit of the his companion's work.

Sounds like a NOVA special huh? It is.... but not what you think. Minijag and Logan are my two babies... two felines that is. They do not come from African grasslands (although some days I wonder), instead they were both the result of something unfortunate - offspring of pregnant alley cats with the likelihood of a good lifestyle = slim. Providence united us and what an experience we've all had. They both amuse me, torture me and love me and I wouldn't trade any of their antics for anything else.

So why am I gabbing about them as if I am the old hag that lives in the dark house on the corner of Elm and 7th, the home to seventy+ cats, yowling a constant ringing to passerbys? I'm not that crazy lady, I promise - but I also promise that their interaction with one another stands tall amongst many the evening sitcoms. Their frolicking may not be as interesting as say 30 Rock, but deserves credit and even a comic strip they do (you must say this mimicking Yoda). You may not giggle at the thought of me writing this comic strip but a laugh is quite expected when I tell you I hope to draw it also!

For as long as it takes, I plan on learning how to draw! Okay, nothing miraculous, but I dedicate myself to trying hard and to at least give it my best. I certainly could just ask someone to complete this portion for me (as I know how many artists?!), yet selfish as it seems, I would like this to be mine(s) :) And much, much credit is due to Lee, a good friend, who has been encouraging me to get a move on as we've been exchanging hypothetical stories on how this would play out.

I have the first draft complete; all I need now are fluid hands to paint the picture.

Wish me luck (I need it)!!!

For something cute - here is a video of how awesome pets can be:



Danae signing off!

90210MG! Emily Valentine in male form!

9021Oh I’ve seen this plot line before. Yes I know that shows recycle plots all the time. And it is inevitable that when you bring a show back that hasn’t been on in ten years you will have some of the same plots. But as I was watching the back from the dead 90210 Tuesday night I saw hints of Emily Valentine stalker action in Annie’s drug dealer boyfriend Jasper. Now, if you didn’t watch the original 90210 then you have no clue who Emily Valentine is. In short, she was the girlfriend of main character Brandon Walsh who went crazy, psycho stalker on him and when he tried to break up with her she called his house NON STOP and wouldn’t accept that they were broken up. Fires were threatened. That poor float. Check out the video.



Well 90210 came back Tuesday night from its winter vacation. The show was eh at best. I’m not completely in love with the reboot. They are trying though, so I’m trying to love it the way I loved original 90210. In short the story lines were guy lies to other guy so that he doesn’t get with first guy’s ex-girlfriend that he still likes. Second guy then acts like a dick to girl which makes girl go back to first guy for solace. First guy almost feels bad enough to tell girl but then doesn’t. Second plot line was guy and girl who went through ridiculous crap to be together are finally on date and it sucks. The girl’s solution is to show up at guy’s house naked. Of course guy likes it. Third plot line was parents of main characters deal with a supposed crush on husband by one of his coworkers. Turns out the woman didn’t have a crush on husband, just generally needs a man. So wife befriends woman and tries to set her up with yoga teacher only to realize teacher may actually like wife. Fourth plot line is newly sober girl tries to deal with being sober and deal with her friends who have no clue what it’s like to be a former drug addict. She finds acceptance from other classmate who just so happens to be a former drug addict, and also a lesbian. I guess we all know where that plot line is heading. Fifth plot line is group of friends try to frame drug dealer jerk who has made their lives crappy but it backfires and one of the friends gets busted by accident.

But back to what got me started on this post. The major plot line from the show was that Jasper is now crazier than we once thought. Not only is he still a drug dealer, and obviously a genius because he figured out they were trying to frame him with coke in his locker and got it in the other guy’s locker before being caught, he is breaking into Annie’s house and blackmailing her to remain his girlfriend. See, way back near the beginning of this season Annie ran over some guy with her car. She sped off and never told the police. The man was found and it became a big deal but no one ever knew it was her. Due to other circumstances Annie was shunned by all of her friends and found her way to Jasper. He loved her and became her “first.” Well, turns out the man that Annie ran over was his uncle. Now he is blackmailing her saying that if she breaks up with him he will tell the police it was her. That is where he has crept into Emily Valentine territory. Hell, he broke into her house and left flowers on her bed. He destroys someone’s car window when she tries to make him mad. He makes her kiss him before she leaves. Next thing you know he’s going to rape her. I see it coming.

I don’t think this whole plot line is going to end with a float fire and Jasper coming to his senses that he’s crazy and needs some professional help like it did with Emily. Since it is 2010 and “teen shows” have to be more salacious than the next I’m sure it’s going to get pretty gruesome. Like I mentioned before, there may be a rape in the future. There may be a serious beating and Annie ends up in the hospital. Or you never know, the show may surprise us and Jasper gets his sooner than we think. The only thing I’m sure of is that Jasper will get his in the end. The bad guys always do. I’m just curious as to how. So of course I will keep on watching this reboot and hoping that I find even just a sliver of Emily Valentine in there.



Over all I give this episode only 3 frames. The potential for Emily Valentineness gets 5 frames, but based solely on it's individual showing, it stays at 3.


Well head on over to the forum and talk about how you feel about this new 90210. Does it even hold a candle to the original? Discuss it further there.

Until next time kids, this has been Hava.

Netflix (again!)

Due to the sickness (no worries, I won't pull any Daybreaker mess on you), I'm only updating this last minute. I swear, next post will be on a CURRENT movie. So I then deduced that since I'm a johnny-come-lately with the Netflixin (but a hardcore advocate and recruit.... don't I get some sort of commission or something?), I'm going to share with you what's up next in my queue.



Dexter Season 1 was a recommend by a good friend of mine. She knows my type of preferred viewership; mystery, murder, thriller, drama, dark, some humor, twisted and cleverly written. According to some of the reviews I've read and considering that the star of the series, Michael C. Hall, won a Golden Globe & Screen Actors Guild Award for this character, I'm convinced. The only downside, as with any series, is if you didn't start from when the show commenced, the task to catch up is daunting. Although not impossible with the availability with Hulu and Netflix. Starting a series, say Lost for e.g., NOW is terrifying. If Philadelphia continues to have snow like we've been having and a snow week was possible, there is hope. Regardless of how or when, you may be labeled "obsessive" or "crazy" but no one ever said you were sane. Dexter is now going on season five. Am I a tad fearful? Will those who arrive at my domicile cringe at me having not have moved for 48 hours, crumbs still on my shirt (snack for later), hair looking like Mrs. Lovett from Sweeney Todd (see below) and hissing upon a foreigners entrance? Maybe. But I have a feeling all will be worth it. There are 12 episodes per season, roughly 44 minutes without commercials, for four seasons, amounts to roughly 35 hours (a workweek). Doable, completely doable.... Pray for me...

Here's a short summary about the series that I took from imdb.com: "During the day, Dexter Morgan is a jovial employee in the Miami Metropolitan Police Department's crime lab, but his meticulously crafted life masks his true nature. In reality Dexter is a disciplined and murderous psychopath (a self-admitted "monster"), and he slakes his blood lust at night by carefully killing the serial killers he tracks down during the day. Based on the novels (Darkly Dreaming Dexter, Dearly Devoted Dexter and Dexter in the Dark) by Jeff Lindsay."

For your viewing pleasure, Mrs.Lovett:


I'm interested in what marathons you readers have had. Movies, shows, games.. What length of time was committed and what was the source of your attention? Personally, I don't have too many, but X-Files was something I could watch for hours *cough, days* and playing Mario 64. Let me know by posting below, on the main j1studios.com page or on the forum.

What have you invested hours of your life to and ended up looking like this:



Danae signing off!

Sick time TV

I have seen my fair share of day time programming. And yes, I tend to watch Maury, Jerry Springer, court shows, and just recently Wendy Williams. Well I was home sick this past Tuesday and stayed true to my usual programming. I started my morning with reruns of Cheaters; then went back and forth between Maury and Wendy Williams. I unfortunately slept through half of Jerry Springer because those people were a mess. Well, they usually are. Then it was half of Maury and a rerun of TMZ. Next up Days of Our Lives, then some People’s Court, and then more Maury. I’m sure you’re wondering why I’m telling you this. I’m sharing this because it leads me into my rant on day time talk shows.

Of course I could go on and on about court shows. I do frequent Divorce Court and Judge Mathis. On occasion I will settle in for some Judge Joe Brown. And I do love my Judge Judy. But court shows don’t always provide the flair that talk shows do. Yes they can be funny but most of the time I’m just frustrated at how stupid most of these people are. If you say you watch the judge’s show all the time then you should know don’t put someone on your phone bill, or always get it in writing. It will never be different for you.

I don’t want any judging about watching Jerry Springer. Everyone knows that they have watched it and laughed at it. I don’t care if all those people on there are paid actors. It’s funny and that’s why I watch it. Jerry Springer is a genius. He has been on for something like 15 years. He knows what people want to see and he gives it to them. If people didn’t really want to watch this crap then he would have been cancelled a long time ago. Face facts folks, you watch it, I watch it, everyone watches it. It’s not going anywhere until Jerry wants to quit.

My recent addition has been Wendy Williams. I use to listen to her from time to time when she was on the radio. When they finally started showing her talk show in Philly I didn’t watch it. What made me start watching it was the show The Soup. When the host, Joel McHale, would make fun of the show I just had to see if her show was really as crazy as he made it out to be. Sometimes it is. What I like about her is that she knows who she is and she is exactly that. She doesn’t try to amp it up or tone it down for television. I appreciate that. Her show is fun and she has some good guests and performances.



That brings me to my staple in my day time TV watching, Maury. He usually has to the same five topics on his show: paternity tests, lie detector tests, bad ignorant ass little girls, look at me now that I’m hot, and anything caught on tape. There is the occasional other show thrown in there but those are the main five topics you will see. The most seen is the paternity test show. I always find that I am shaking my head the hardest at those shows. This leads into my main rant of this entry:

Why do these girls on Maury always start downing the men that they are saying are their baby’s father? Clearly they were some kind of special at one point that you wanted to have sex with them. I always think it’s funny that the first thing they go after is how if they have a son the baby has the same small penis as the supposed father. Um, duh. Of course a baby is going to have a small penis. And if this man had such a small penis what were you doing having sex with them repeatedly? Obviously they knew how to use it so why make fun of it now? Also, when these men say that they think they aren’t the father because the girl slept around, they could be lying just to back up why they don’t want to be the dad. But girls, don’t think that when he is proven to be the father that it proves you weren’t sleeping with all these other men. It just means that he was the one to get you pregnant. I think Maury should do lie detector tests on all of the females that are accused of sleeping around so that the man can have some validation if they really were cheating. I have some helpful tips for the women that go on Maury to determine paternity of their children. A) Don’t start spouting off that you are a million percent sure that he is the father. Especially if you know you slept with other people in at least one month before or after you think the baby was conceived. Nine times out of ten he’s not going to be. 2) Be honest. If you slept with other guys just admit it outright so you don’t look like a whore later if he is proven to not be the father. C) DON’T RUN OFF THE STAGE! Do you know how stupid you look running off the stage after it’s shown he’s not the father? The answer to that is very stupid. 4) If he isn’t the father of your children, apologize for the mistake and keep it moving. And E) If the first guy isn’t proven to be the father don’t come back on the show 10 more times with all these other men. Come back one more time with all of the men. You may think it looks bad that you have all these men there at once, but it will look a lot less bad then repeatedly coming back. And again, go back to tip number one ladies. Okay you really thought that first guy was the father. Well, if you were proven wrong don’t come back and say you are 1000% sure of this new guy too. Just say you think he may be the father and let it be especially if you know you slept with other guys.

(Sorry for the poor quality of the video. But you get the point.)


But I digress. So the next time I’m home from work for whatever reason you can be sure that I will be watching a mix of all of those shows and enjoying all of them. I know I’m not the only one. Go to the forum and discuss your favorite daytime TV programs. I want complete honesty too.

Until next time kids, this has been Hava!