Mad Men - Season 1

This week I finished the first season of Mad Men.  I had very minimal exposure to what Mad Men was about when I started it, and I think that is almost always a good thing.

What I knew was that it was a show based in the 1960s about an advertising agency.  I knew Jon Hamm was in it, but only because of his appearances on SNL.  (Particularly, his The Curse skit.  I didn't know until now how ridiculous it was.)  I knew January Jones was in it, but also only because SNL, and her appearance didn't seem that outstanding.  And lastly, I knew a lot of people really liked the show. 

If you enjoy watching shows with a clean slate of expectation, then don't continue reading this.

I'm not completely sure what my definite opinion of Mad Men is just yet.  I'm going to continue watching the series to more clearly formulate my thoughts.  The idea that I need more than a season's worth of Mad Men to make an opinion should mean something.  The show is slow.  Very slow.  It is very interesting and thought-provoking, but it is no 24 or Lost.  The characters are slow-cooking, like in a crock-pot.  Bits and pieces are quite exciting, and occasionally humorous, but mostly the show is about average people doing average things.  Don Draper, the main character played by Jon Hamm, is mysterious and confusing.  His character is what makes the show watchable.  You find yourself wondering how he lives with himself; but at the same time, you are confused by how he came to be and it makes you question your premature judgments. 

The show has won many awards.  I don't know if those awards are warranted from great acting, writing or directing yet.  But I do know the awards with scene and costume deserve it.  It is amazing how relevant to the era it is.  The skinny ties.  The suits.  The slicked-back hair.  The smoking.  It makes you feel like you were in New York City in the 1960s.  The cinematography is very good, too.  All the scenes look like your grandparents' old photographs, all sepia and faded.  They have strangely been able to adapt that old look with a modern feel that transcends time. 

The show, while scandalous at times, seems to be teaching the viewer lessons about life in each episode.  A perspective that is different from ours, but one that our society has already experienced.  It is just intriguing enough to delve deeper. 

Motivational Poster for the Week

My New Favorite Actress - Elisha Cuthbert

So someone asked me who I thought was the hottest actress right now, and I had a hard time coming up with an answer. Most people say Jessica Alba, or Jessica Simpson, or Kate Hudson, or Paris Hilton, but I think all those girls are stupid. I have a hard time thinking a girl is attractive when I can't get over how incredibly dumb they are. (I don't think Kate Hudson is that dumb; I kinda like her.)

And I'm pretty sure most of the girls I say I like aren't that much brighter than Paris, but the ones I like are not well-known dummies, at least. I steer away from mainstream. I like unconventional. I like underground. I like up-and-coming. I don't like trendy pop culture. I talk about it, but I definitely do not enjoy it as much as the indie, under-rated culture.

I ranted a little bit there; I'm sorry. But this girl is becoming mainstream and good for her. She has appeared in the hit television series 24, Old School, Love Actually, House of Wax, and starred in Captivity. I just hope she doesn't become a stupid bimbo like the others I've mentioned. Without further adieu, Elisha Cuthbert! My new favorite hottie actress.

Chuck Norris: The Ultimate List Part VI

· Chuck Norris counted to infinity - twice.

· Chuck Norris was originally cast as the main character in 24, but was replaced by the producers when he managed to kill every terrorist and save the day in 12 minutes and 37 seconds.

· Chuck Norris can do a wheelie on a unicycle.

· On a high school math test, Chuck Norris put down "Violence" as every one of the answers. He got an A+ on the test because Chuck Norris solves all his problems with Violence.

· Chuck Norris died ten years ago, but the Grim Reaper can't get up the courage to tell him. When the Boogeyman goes to sleep every night he checks his closet for Chuck Norris.

· Once a cobra bit Chuck Norris' leg. After five days of excruciating pain, the cobra died.

· Chuck Norris can delete the Recycling Bin.

Intro 58th Emmy Awards with Conan O'Brien

This opening of the Emmy Awards is the best ever! Conan O'Brien is hilarious! I love how they put this sequence together. It is perfect!