How?!?: Friday, July 10, 2009

This post called "How?!?" is going to be my weekly discussion of things that baffle my mind or that I don't understand.

This week's topics:
-PC vs. Mac
-Actors
-NYC Prep

PC vs. Mac
The fact that there is even a discussion of PC vs. Mac is ridiculous. How can two things that are nothing alike be compared or even put in direct competition with each other? That's like me asking you Peyton Manning vs. Sarah Palin. There is no way that you could even compare the two. Why? Because, Mac's are on completely different level than PC's. Mac's win Superbowl's and PC's lose everything (Governorship of Alaska, VP of United States, Russia-seeking contest, etc.). This is why those PC commercials, in which people are given $1000 to buy a laptop, are so weak. The only thing about a PC that is superior is the price. And when you think about it, isn't value more important than price? I've had 3 Macs in the past 10 years and all three are still alive and kicking. Two I currently still use and the third I passed on to my sister. Meanwhile, my mother has had 4 PC's, each of which breaks down after 2 years and are virus-laden constantly. So I ask: How is there even a competition when one is clearly better?

Actors
Today I got to sit in on some auditions for a part in a film. I was shocked by the ease at which the actors came in, did their lines that they had just gotten the script for, then improvised a part of the scene. For me this would be not only extremely intimidating, but also very difficult. I was involved in the Drama scene in high school and have always attended as many plays as possible but had never sat in on an audition quite like this one. The summer after I graduated high school I participated in a program in which we made a film in 1 week. We did pre-production, auditioned the cast, shot for two days and did post all in one week. It was a great experience but I don't remember being quite as intimidated by the audition process as I am now. Actors are constantly going from audition to audition, changing moods at a moments notice, memorizing lines, being vulnerable in front of thousands of people, facing rejection and constant criticism. It amazes me. So I ask: How can actors do all that they do?

NYC Prep
The other day I stumbled upon a show on MTV called "NYC Prep." It's a "reality" show that chronicles the life of young, spoiled, New York City high schoolers who are obsessed with money, labels and getting in to a good college. I normally shy away from rich, spoiled kids but something drew me to this show. Perhaps it reminded of my own high school experience in an affluent Atlanta suburb where money was no issue and high academic and athletic achievement were the ultimate goals. As i watched this girl fret about her SAT scores I realized that while I at one point was that girl, I am her no longer. I love my college even though it's not Ivy League. I love it because of the people that I would never have met had I gone to the college in Boston that I had dreamed of attending. I lived in a bubble during high school, but I refuse to live in it now. I don't want to constantly be surrounded by people like me. How boring is that? What a horrible legacy to leave when I die: "Here lies Heather. She was pretty wealthy, went to an Ivy League university and threw awesome parties. Too bad she did nothing of significance with her life." Blah. So I ask: How can the kids on this show live in a bubble? And how can we show kids that bubbles suck?

Hakuna matata.

-H

Summer=Movies

The summer is always an ideal time to catch up on things you're too busy for during the year. In my case it's movies. I spend so much time writing and reading about movies for school that I often lack the time to sit down and watch one. Recently I've had the opportunity to catch up on some newer and older movies. Below are the most worthwhile.

1. Farrah's Story
After the disasterous week of celebrity deaths I don't know why I felt in the mood to watch this documentary about Farrah Fawcett's battle with anal cancer. But it was truly touching and a must watch for anyone who needs an example of a strong, brave woman. I have an increased amount of respect for her.

2. To Catch A Thief
My roommate and I were in the mood for Hitchcock last weekend so we went to the closest Blockbuster and found this classic that neither of us had seen. It's great to be reminded that movies don't have to cost $200 million (cough...Transformers) to entertain. Check out an older movie, you may be surprised.

3. Split
This documentary on Hulu is about the division in America and how it is so much more complicated than red states, blues states, race, religion, etc. It's A great trip across the country to figure out what people think about the division and how to close the gap. It's a very interesting look at America.

I hope this gives you some more options if you're not interested in paying $9 a ticket at the theater. Enjoy!

-- Post From My iPhone

Perks of Being A Film/TV Student

Being a student of TV & film is great for many reasons, but one of the greatest perks is the ability to call watching TV & film "research". In class and at my internships, watching television shows and films has been recommended if not required. So as my summer assignment, I have decided to not only watch my usual favorites, but to watch and discover as many new (to me) TV shows and films as possible.

Since my recent unemployment, I have had more opportunities to watch TV and movies. Basically, when I'm really bored I flip through channels or scavenge Hulu for new material. I've found several worthwhile TV shows so far.

1. Royal Pains
I discovered this show on Hulu several weeks ago and immediately watched the first three episodes. Not only is the show comedic, it also has it's dramatic medical moments. As soon as I saw the fourth episode up on Hulu the other day, I couldn't wait to watch it. If you've got three hours to kill, you can catch up really quickly.

2. The Philanthropist
Being an addict of travel & helping those less fortunate, I couldn't wait to watch this one on Hulu when I saw previews on TV a couple weeks ago. The show is really touching and really accurately portrays life in Africa. I can't wait for the second episode to be posted.

3. Web Therapy
I love Lisa Kudrow. I met her in Las Vegas in January and honestly she's just as hilarious in person as she is on TV or in this case, the web. In this show she stars as a therapist who analyzes her patients via 3 minute sessions online. The humor is about as dry as possible, but there are some laugh out loud moments. Great news, Seasons 1 & 2 are up on Hulu to entertain you for hours.

Next post will update you on some of the great documentaries that are around right now.

Hakuna matata.

-H