Monday, August 13, 2012

TV snob

Television show snobbery does exist; and I knowingly partake in this particular sort of bias.

My criteria for a great TV show differs from those who have a say in the industry's nominations.  I don't follow the norm, or watch a certain program because it's the "must-see" program.  The shows I spend time watching on a regular basis are ones that move me in some way.  At times, it's the characters who are so interesting, complex and identifiable that I can't help but be invested in following their story.  Other times, the ingenious writing and story idea inspires me on a creative level; creating an underlying level of respect for those involved.

I tend to disagree with award show nominations when it comes to the television and film industry.  The ones the critics praise may be of extraordinary talent but most of them I've never watched nor cared to.  I'll admit there's even a little bit of stubbornness too; if you tell me something's great and I don't see what all the fuss is about I'm less likely to tune in!

Here's just a few of the shows (both currently on the air and ones that have left an indelible impression) that didn't receive award recognition but have not only my appreciation and praise but that of so many others...

  • "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" - Well written, brilliantly acted and full of depth and creative inspiration.  The title may leave you saying, "Um, no thank you" but you'd be missing out on incredible television programming.  This show had everything I believed a great program should...strong, complex characters, witty dialogue, innovative storytelling and consistent excellence in their medium.
  • "NCIS" - Still putting out new episodes, this unconventional drama series doesn't fit into the mold of the standard cop, lawyer, hospital themed programs. The interaction of the characters, witty dialogue and interspersing of comedy elements make this one show I look forward to watching each week.  The most disappointing part of "NCIS" not receiving it's due critical praise is the exceptional talent of it's actors. Performers who balance both drama and comedy equally well; without coming off cliche or one dimensional.
  • "Smash" - The first time I saw a preview for this show I knew without question I'd be tuning in! It stars Katherine McPhee (who I voted for in "American Idol"), Megan Hilty (who I read great things about in the Broadway world), Christina Borle (who I saw in "Spamalot" and "Legally Blonde; the musical") and the brilliant Debra Messing (the "Sound of Music" singalong episode from "Will & Grace" is still my all-time favorite). A musical theatre fan at heart of course I'd be watching with anticipation.  And I wasn't disappointed.  The episodes kept getting better and better and I watched thinking "I can absolutely see Katherine McPhee and Megan Hilty getting award nominations for their work." Alas, while the Primetime Emmys recognized the show's achievement in choreography, music and guest acting neither Kat's nor Megan's name was among the nominees.
There are plenty of other television programs that I enjoy watching for the sheer entertainment factor.  I support shows that take me throw a gamut of emotions; often times during the same episode.  I root for the characters, look forward to the next episode and in a world full of watching shows whenever you feel like I relish the anticipation of waiting to see what happens next!

Sunday, August 12, 2012

Fill That Glass!

I consider myself to be a “glass half-full” type of person. I’m optimistic, hopeful and generally believe in the goodness of others. That being said, or written to be more precise, there have been many instances where I regret the choices I made. Granted, those choices led me along a path that brought to where I am now but holding onto all these regrets have caused me to doubt the joy, happiness and confidence of the person I am today.

For example, I’m an entertainment girl. Through and through. With every fiber of my being, every beat of my heart and every molecule of my aura I am an artist. I sing. I write. I adore musical theatre. I will willingly choose sitting down and watching a TV show rather than read a book. I relish the enjoyment, artistry and creative stimulation these forms of entertainment bring to my life. For so long I devalued them. I believed the generalizations from others that my affinity for these types of superficial interests held no merit for a career, or any other long-term life planning. And so, I chose a different path despite the ache inside that yearned for me to listen to the artist within.

I hate money. I do. Really! Okay, so maybe I’m being slightly overdramatic. What can I say? I am a daytime drama fan. But seriously, issues of financial stability have plagued me since my high school years. Finding a career path that led to a stable future was promoted in lieu of being emotionally, spiritually and mindfully fulfilled? I listened to the opinions freely offered informing me that sometimes you had to take a job to earn money even though you may not like it. Who needs to be happy in what they do anyway? At least you’re bringing in money, right? Even as a teenager I knew there was something flawed in that line of thinking. Why would anyone willingly choose such misery? How is that productive? If, in fact, we only have one life to live (told you I was a soap fan) then why spend so much time and energy in a path so cut off from what you truly desire?

I've been on both ends of those extremes and I've been much happier pursuing that which brings me happiness, fulfillment and excitement.  When I stopped being so wrapped up in the negativity of "I'll never be a professional writer" I found ways to write simply for myself.  And eventually when I followed my instincts I opened myself up to new opportunities; including employment as a writer!

I spent way too much time being upset, frustrated and miserable but that was of my own choosing.  I choose now to embrace my creative interests and their importance in my life.  Because after all, it's up to me to fill my own glass!

Friday, August 10, 2012

Ne-SHAME-iny

**DISCLAIMER: In today's society you need to state the obvious...my opinions, viewpoints and comments are my own.  They do not reflect the opinions of anyone other than myself.  If you disagree with any of the following then I welcome your respectful, intelligent and constructive feedback.**

Neshaminy School Board, how you disappoint me.  Let me count the ways!

  1. CHILDISH BEHAVIOR: Then again that's an insult to children so I'll re-phrase - Stop your whining, complaining, crossing of your arms and stomping of your feet and general malcontent.  Grow up and perform the job you were elected to do without the "they started it" or "well, because I said so" responses.
  2. DEFLECTION:  Stop changing the subject.  We're talking about the jobs of your valued employees not mere pawns in your struggle to balance a budget.  Deal with the issues at hand and do so with grace, respect, dignity and complete honesty.
  3. SHOW, DON'T TELL:  Stop running to the press with every new development, or lack thereof.  Because most of the "developments" are examples of your own stalling tactics.  Halt the inclination to seek acceptance from the general public, aka taxpayers.  If you focus instead on the task at hand then your actions will speak for themselves. Case in point, the recent suggestion that the negotitations be videotaped because the NFT's methods are "toxic".  That may be the case but instead of reporting so to the press why not address the situation, figure out how you can improve upon it, and enact change.
  4. FOLLOWING:  Stop re-acting.  A leader is someone who steps up in a time of need.  An individual or group who seeks to unite not divide.  Someone who can look at a situation, evaluate what's working and what needs improvement, communicate solutions and do it all without anger, hatred or bias.
  5. JOB PERFORMANCE:  Do the job you were elected to do and do it well.  If you are unable to give ample amounts of your time, dedication and passion then step aside and let someone else fill that void.  We all have multiple labels we live by; parents, children, volunteers, employees and bosses. I applaud your initiative in wanting to represent the Neshaminy School District but if you are unable to give it the time and attention it's due then you are not only doing a disservice to yourself but to us all.
We are all members of the Neshaminy community.  So instead of lashing out at one another we need to seek a resolution now!  One that's fair and built on equality, respect and value.

When parents, taxpayers and the school board unite in opposition to the educators within their district they are instigating discord.  They are teaching the children that it's acceptable to treat professional as inferiors, without the right to be valued both financially and publicly for the work they do.  I typically do not find merit in comparing the salaries of others but if you find it acceptable to pay a professional athlete, actor or musician a boatload of money yet have issues with paying teachers a fair salary I recommend re-evaluating your position. Is the response based on their job performance or how the result impacts you in the short term?

If any employer treated me with as much disrespect as the Neshaminy School Board has done to the teachers in their district you'd better believe I'd be standing up for myself and for the rights of my fellow co-workers!  I applaud the teachers in the Neshaminy School District, whether they are actively participating in the union or struggling to figure out where they stand.  The work you do matters.  At least it matters to me!

All the best,
Kelly