1. Whats Happening
June 24, 2011
Submitted by: Cryptkeeper
In the not too distant past good old fashioned clean and simple humor ruled the television airwaves. What's Happening ran for three seasons starting in 1976 and ending in 1979 after 65 episodes. After What's Happening ended in 1979, the "reruns" on TV in the 80s became so popular that a spin-off with the main cast, What's Happening Now (1985) was created and also lasted for three years. This television series is truly one of the pioneer television shows featuring an African-American cast; the only real agenda this show had was to make people laugh and, in its own way, impart valuable lessons about growing up and life in general. The cast of characters include Roger "Raj" Thomas (Ernest Thomas), Freddie "Rerun" Stubbs (Fred Berry), Dwayne Nelson (Haywood Nelson), Dee Thomas (Danielle Spencer), Shirley Wilson (Shirley Hemphill), and Mabel "Mama" Thomas (Mabel King).
Submitted by: Cryptkeeper
In the not too distant past good old fashioned clean and simple humor ruled the television airwaves. What's Happening ran for three seasons starting in 1976 and ending in 1979 after 65 episodes. After What's Happening ended in 1979, the "reruns" on TV in the 80s became so popular that a spin-off with the main cast, What's Happening Now (1985) was created and also lasted for three years. This television series is truly one of the pioneer television shows featuring an African-American cast; the only real agenda this show had was to make people laugh and, in its own way, impart valuable lessons about growing up and life in general. The cast of characters include Roger "Raj" Thomas (Ernest Thomas), Freddie "Rerun" Stubbs (Fred Berry), Dwayne Nelson (Haywood Nelson), Dee Thomas (Danielle Spencer), Shirley Wilson (Shirley Hemphill), and Mabel "Mama" Thomas (Mabel King).
Raj, Rerun, and Dwayne are highschool students and best friends. Raj is the aspiring writer who is the intellect and logic of the bunch. Rerun plays an overweight, not-so-smart, very blunt but kind-hearted spirit. Dwayne is the naive, fun-loving runt who most of the time enters an episode with his famous "Hey, hey, hey." Dee is Raj's bratty sister who is always giving her brother and friends a hard time. Shirley, a good friend of the gang plays a rough around the edges short order cook / waitress at "Rob's Diner" (the hang-out spot). Lastly Mama is the single mother of Raj and Dee. She is the glue that holds the family together as she mentors them through lifes challenges.
From left to right: Dwayne, "Rerun", & "Raj"
Whats Happening and Whats Happening Now is one of the most underrated television shows ever. In regards to todays comedy standards some may misrepresent this series as "cheesy" or "hokey". I for one find it to be wholesome and family orientated, something lacking from most modern popular sit-coms today. If you have the chance check out this feel good comedy television series. I don't think you will be disappointed. A 7.0 out of 10 stars.
(R.I.P. Mabel King (1932-1999) Shirley Hemphill (1947-1999) Fred Berry (1951-2003)
(R.I.P. Mabel King (1932-1999) Shirley Hemphill (1947-1999) Fred Berry (1951-2003)
2. Curb Your Enthusiasm
June 30, 2011
Submitted by: Tim Boeckelmann
I recently received a free preview of HBO and, in turn, the opportunity to watch Season 7 of Curb Your Enthusiasm starring Larry David (producer/writer of Seinfeld) as himself, Cheryl Hines as Larry's wife Cheryl David, and Jeff Garlin as Larry's best friend Jeff Green. I've seen late night re-runs on television, but nothing beats the chance to watch an entire season straight through. And that I did. If you are looking for a good laugh, I highly recommend this television show. That being said, I have yet to get to watch much of any of the previous 6 seasons, but will definately do so if given the chance. As you may or may not be aware, George Costanza's character on Seinfeld is based off of Larry David's life experiences. Many of Seinfeld's storylines (especially George's) came from Larry's own trial and tribulations - some exact situations and some fabricated. And actually, in Season 7 of Curb Your Enthusiasm, Larry brings the cast of Seinfeld (Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Micheal Richards, and Jason Alexander) back together for most of the entire season as part of his plot to get his divorced wife back. Larry's idea to cast his wife on a "Seinfeld Reunion" was not only genius, but truly hilarious to watch. Many other remarkably funny sub-plots unfold throughout Season 7, making the viewer hysterical over the entire 10 episodes of the season. I give this series 9 out of 10 stars, as this show definately qualifies as Must See T.V.! I give Curb Your Enthusiasm 9 out of 10 stars!
Submitted by: Tim Boeckelmann
I recently received a free preview of HBO and, in turn, the opportunity to watch Season 7 of Curb Your Enthusiasm starring Larry David (producer/writer of Seinfeld) as himself, Cheryl Hines as Larry's wife Cheryl David, and Jeff Garlin as Larry's best friend Jeff Green. I've seen late night re-runs on television, but nothing beats the chance to watch an entire season straight through. And that I did. If you are looking for a good laugh, I highly recommend this television show. That being said, I have yet to get to watch much of any of the previous 6 seasons, but will definately do so if given the chance. As you may or may not be aware, George Costanza's character on Seinfeld is based off of Larry David's life experiences. Many of Seinfeld's storylines (especially George's) came from Larry's own trial and tribulations - some exact situations and some fabricated. And actually, in Season 7 of Curb Your Enthusiasm, Larry brings the cast of Seinfeld (Jerry Seinfeld, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Micheal Richards, and Jason Alexander) back together for most of the entire season as part of his plot to get his divorced wife back. Larry's idea to cast his wife on a "Seinfeld Reunion" was not only genius, but truly hilarious to watch. Many other remarkably funny sub-plots unfold throughout Season 7, making the viewer hysterical over the entire 10 episodes of the season. I give this series 9 out of 10 stars, as this show definately qualifies as Must See T.V.! I give Curb Your Enthusiasm 9 out of 10 stars!
3. Through the Wormhole
July 21, 2011
Submitted by Cryptkeeper
From the Science Channel and hosted by none-other than one of the classiest and smooth voiced individuals in Morgan Freeman comes the hit television series Through the Wormhole. This series takes a look at some of mankinds most mysterious and elusive questions in the rhealm of Astrobiology, Quantum Mechanics, String Theory, and more to reveal the extraordinary truths of the Universe. You will have to be on your toes to follow along with much of the content in this program but the Science Channel does a great job explaining in laymen terms the most outrageous, infathomable, theories and remarkable discoveries of the Cosmos. You may have to watch a few of the eight episodes twice or more in order to fully grip some of the amazing hypothesis from some of humanities brightest minds. Watching this program is like exercise for your brain. Through the Wormhole takes your mind to its very limits and forces you to expand your thinking to the brink of the impossible. The eight chapters in this cerebral gauntlet of a series include: Is there a creator?, The Riddle of the Black Holes, Is Time Travel Possible?, What Happened Before the Beginning?, How Did We Get Here?, Are We Alone?, What Are We Really made of?, and Beyond the Darkness. As the host Freeman tells true life stories of when he was a kid and shares his thoughts and experiences about his childhood curiosity in regards to the unknown. Through his narrative Freeman does an outstanding job in keeping you interested in some of the most unreachable topics of physics and Quantum sciences. If you are up to tackling the time/space paradigm, antimatter, dark energy theory, time travel possibilities, and many more mind bending themes then Through the Wormhole is for you. This program can be watched and watched again and you will continue to learn and theorize about countless ideas and discoveries. I give Through the Wormhole 7.5 out of 10 stars.
Submitted by Cryptkeeper
From the Science Channel and hosted by none-other than one of the classiest and smooth voiced individuals in Morgan Freeman comes the hit television series Through the Wormhole. This series takes a look at some of mankinds most mysterious and elusive questions in the rhealm of Astrobiology, Quantum Mechanics, String Theory, and more to reveal the extraordinary truths of the Universe. You will have to be on your toes to follow along with much of the content in this program but the Science Channel does a great job explaining in laymen terms the most outrageous, infathomable, theories and remarkable discoveries of the Cosmos. You may have to watch a few of the eight episodes twice or more in order to fully grip some of the amazing hypothesis from some of humanities brightest minds. Watching this program is like exercise for your brain. Through the Wormhole takes your mind to its very limits and forces you to expand your thinking to the brink of the impossible. The eight chapters in this cerebral gauntlet of a series include: Is there a creator?, The Riddle of the Black Holes, Is Time Travel Possible?, What Happened Before the Beginning?, How Did We Get Here?, Are We Alone?, What Are We Really made of?, and Beyond the Darkness. As the host Freeman tells true life stories of when he was a kid and shares his thoughts and experiences about his childhood curiosity in regards to the unknown. Through his narrative Freeman does an outstanding job in keeping you interested in some of the most unreachable topics of physics and Quantum sciences. If you are up to tackling the time/space paradigm, antimatter, dark energy theory, time travel possibilities, and many more mind bending themes then Through the Wormhole is for you. This program can be watched and watched again and you will continue to learn and theorize about countless ideas and discoveries. I give Through the Wormhole 7.5 out of 10 stars.
4. Man vs Food
July 26th 2001
Submitted by: Cryptkeeper
Adam Richman has held every job in the restaurant business and now he is touring the USA to find some of the best restaurants and "greasy spoon" joints our country has to offer. From Anaheim California to Albany New York this energetic food consumer is bringing to the plate not only the best places to eat but also some of the craziest food challenges from coast to coast and border to border. In each episode Adam will visit two to three eateries in a U.S. city and explore their menus. Most of the food is high in fat and calories but that doesn't stop him from scarfing down some of the most infamous and astounding food challenges such as: eating 15 dozen raw oysters, or devouring a five pound omelet with 12 eggs, salsa, sour cream, cheese, and beef brisket accompanied by hash browns and toast, or how about drinking five twenty-four ounce malt drinks in less then thirty minutes, and my personal favorite Adam takes on the twelve pound Eagle Burger Challenge, with 5 pounds of beef, 2 pounds of bacon and cheese, and 5 pounds of french fries. He may not always complete the challenges but it is always fun to watch him try. It's a wonder how this guy is still living after watching three seasons of Adam eating this way. Man vs. Food is in it's fourth season. The first three seasons you can see Adam get bigger and bigger in girth and it's no wonder why. The fourth season is here and with a slight change in format and title. It is now called "Man vs Food Nation". Instead of Adam eating the food challenges he now coaches others how to complete them. Obviously this is for his own good and overall health. There is no way one man could continue eating like this for a living and live to be to a ripe old age. Even with the format change the show is still entertaining. With a knack for describing food and it's flavors Adam is a great host and a gracious critic of the food he eats. Long live Man vs Food and Adam Richman. I give this show 8.0 out of 10 stars.
Submitted by: Cryptkeeper
Adam Richman has held every job in the restaurant business and now he is touring the USA to find some of the best restaurants and "greasy spoon" joints our country has to offer. From Anaheim California to Albany New York this energetic food consumer is bringing to the plate not only the best places to eat but also some of the craziest food challenges from coast to coast and border to border. In each episode Adam will visit two to three eateries in a U.S. city and explore their menus. Most of the food is high in fat and calories but that doesn't stop him from scarfing down some of the most infamous and astounding food challenges such as: eating 15 dozen raw oysters, or devouring a five pound omelet with 12 eggs, salsa, sour cream, cheese, and beef brisket accompanied by hash browns and toast, or how about drinking five twenty-four ounce malt drinks in less then thirty minutes, and my personal favorite Adam takes on the twelve pound Eagle Burger Challenge, with 5 pounds of beef, 2 pounds of bacon and cheese, and 5 pounds of french fries. He may not always complete the challenges but it is always fun to watch him try. It's a wonder how this guy is still living after watching three seasons of Adam eating this way. Man vs. Food is in it's fourth season. The first three seasons you can see Adam get bigger and bigger in girth and it's no wonder why. The fourth season is here and with a slight change in format and title. It is now called "Man vs Food Nation". Instead of Adam eating the food challenges he now coaches others how to complete them. Obviously this is for his own good and overall health. There is no way one man could continue eating like this for a living and live to be to a ripe old age. Even with the format change the show is still entertaining. With a knack for describing food and it's flavors Adam is a great host and a gracious critic of the food he eats. Long live Man vs Food and Adam Richman. I give this show 8.0 out of 10 stars.
