Is there such a thing as "Plotcasting"?

The topic of some actors in the film industry being typecasted is one that has been around for some time, and there is no indication that the discussion will be letting up any time soon. For some, multiple roles in a similar capacity don’t demonstrate enough of an actor’s repertoire, while for others it is simply finding a niche and excelling in it.

 

Throughout the years, actors such as Morgan Freeman, Johnny Depp, Michelle Rodriquez, Jim Carrey and many others have all demonstrated that is it possible to have quite a successful career, even if you are branded as a typecast actor. While this has been going on for a while, a recent observation forced the thought into another category for actors, which prompted the query, is there such a thing as “plotcasting”?

 

 

What is Plotcasting?

 

The easiest way to respond to such a query – Liam Neeson. The Northern Ireland-born actor has managed to amass a successful career edging towards four decades in the industry, but of late he has been involved in quite a few movies that have one thing in common – the plot in one way or another involves kidnapping.

 

Neeson always seems to be involved in a kidnapping situation.

 

The release of Taken (2008) drew many movie lovers to the box office, as Neeson shone in his role as Bryan Mills. His daughter had been kidnapped on a trip to Europe, and with the use of the intelligence skills he developed while working for the CIA, he makes the journey to bring her home safe. In the process of rescuing his daughter, Mills killed quite a few Albanian mobsters, with the crime syndicate was not too happy about.

 

Though some considered the film unnecessary, knowledge of this disdain is what allowed individuals to return to theatres in 2012 for the release of Taken 2. In this production, Mills is back in Europe on a security job, where his daughter and ex-wife decide to surprise him. With the Albanians out for blood, they manage to track his whereabouts, and subsequently kidnap him and his ex-wife while they are out having lunch. They made an attempt to kidnap his daughter (again), but he saw them coming so he was able to warn her. After Mills is able to escape, he tracks the kidnappers all the way back to the source – Murad Krasniqi, the head of the crime family – where they make a truce to leave things as they are. Before Mills could get out of the room, however, Murad betrays him, so he is forced to end his life.

 

In the midst of those films, Neeson appeared in no less than five films, and among the lot there were more similarities. So much so that an article described Unknown as Taken with a bit of identity theft, The Grey as Taken with wolves, and Non-Stop as simply Taken on a plane.

 

Having appeared in those films, the producers may have spared little thought before contacting Neeson to star in the recently released production – A Walk Among The Tombstones. In this film, the actor plays Matthew Scudder, an ex-cop who works as an unlicensed private investigator. He is fired by a drug dealer to track down those who…you guessed it…kidnapped his wife. Unlike the other films, the wife is already dead before Neeson is brought into the picture, but he still uses his skills and expertise to track down the kidnappers for the husband.

 

Neeson in “The Grey”.

 

Just when fans might have thought that they had enough, reports surfaced that a Taken 3 was in the works, with Neeson of course set to reprise his role as Bryan Mills. Questions and doubts are already arising from the news, as movie lovers are curious as to who is next in line to be “taken”, with Neeson’s fans in particular somewhat tired of the actor appearing in such roles.

 

 

A Slight Difference

 

It should be noted that with all the films being referenced, typecasting in also evident. In the soon-to-be Taken trilogy, as well as in A Walk Among The Tombstones, Neeson plays a former member of a law enforcement agency who is now using the knowledge and skills he picked up to do some freelance work of his own. Having said that, the rationale behind the question is still the same, the similarity of the plots.

 

Freeman is always the “wise old man”, but The Shawshank Redemption, Bruce Almighty, Dark Knight, (and all his other roles of a similar character) are of a different plot. The same can be said of the ever-eccentric Depp – Edward Scissorhands, Pirates of the Caribbean franchise, The Lone Ranger, Alice in Wonderland – or the “badass Latina” Rodriquez – Fast and the Furious, Machete, while the roles are very much alike, the plot certainly are not.

 

So is there such a thing as plotcasting? That determination will be left up to you. What can be said, however, is that if Neeson – and any other actor who might find himself or herself in a similar scenario – continues along these lines, they may have a hard time consistently enticing movie lovers to watch them.

 

 

 

 

Is there such a thing as "Plotcasting"?

Smart Phone Tech Creates Game Console Mobility

There are many challenges that can arise on a daily basis to spoil the mood for gamers. One issue in particular is having to leave the home. It might seem far-fetched, but many gamers will readily acknowledge that when they are zoned in, they have no desire to move away from the console. Sure, they might be able to take the game console and the TV with them, but that’s as far as that goes because they still won’t be able to play it while they commute.

 

That issue of mobility may have plagued video game lovers for generations, but thanks to one of the latest smart phone innovations, it won’t any more. Two recent smart phone releases – Sony Xperia Z3 (5.3”) and the Xperia Z3 Compact (4.6”) – will attachable to a Game Control Mount, as we as facilitate Remote Play. What does this latest innovation mean exactly? Its simple really – no TV access? No problem.

 

 

What is Remote Play?

 

For those who are yet to make the connection, the same technology company that has manufactured the line of PlayStation gaming consoles – inclusive of the PlayStation Portable (PSP), and most recently the PlayStation 4 (PS4) – released both Xperia phones. Remote Play is a feature that allows for the wireless transference of video and audio output between a gaming console and a compatible device via the Internet. As such, a user can be miles away from their gaming consoles and still have the potential to access and play whatever files they so desire.

 

Sony Xperia gaming mount.

This feature is accessible on both PS3 and PS4 consoles, while the PSP and the PlayStation Vita are two of the gadgets that are able to “pair” with them. There was also software released that made the remote accessible to game files on Sony’s VAIO laptops. With the latest advancements in their technology, the smart phones are now among that list.

 

 

So what of the games?

 

It should be noted that only PS4 games will be accessible on the smart phones. An individual who acquires one of them would not have to scratch their heads to figure out how to access the feature, as it is being reported that a PlayStation app is prominent on the main screen.

 

Remote Play will make the games stored on the PS4 accessible, and the game control mount will facilitate the game play. With the attachable being a DualShock 4, users of the device will be able to play as they would the traditional means. In the eyes of many, such a feature puts this ahead of other compatible devices such as the PSP or PS Vita as their controls are noticeably smaller. In other words, this provides the gamers with a more natural feel.

 

There is nothing to indicate that Sony will allow older games to be available for play on the devices, but they are flirting with the possibility of making older Xperia models compatible with the technology as well.

 

 

Keeping the tech close to home

 

Being able to provide gamers with the option of playing their games on the go is certainly a feature that all smart phone manufacturers would want to get in on, but Sony has no interest in giving its competitors a piece of the action. It may come across as a bit harsh, but why would they?

 

This latest development in their offerings provides them with that extra bit of leverage to attract the eye of a consumer who is one the look out for a smart phone or tablet. Instead of running the basic apps that are available, they can look forward to the game play of their PS4, without actually being in front of it.

 

 

 

Merging the technologies

 

Some may ask the question, “why merge the technologies?”, but a better question would be “why not?” From computers to smart phones and tablets, the more ways they find to make links between them the more marketable they will become. With so many tech gadgets under one roof (figuratively speaking), it was only a matter of time before they found a way to incorporate them.

 

 

What It Means for the Future

 

Sony has made its stance clear that they do not intend to make the technology available to their competitors, so for now, they have a distinct advantage in the market in relation to game streaming. Having said that, however, this news could prompt the competition to seek partnerships with other game developers to offer their users more.

 

For any gamer, the news that they’ll be able to access their content remotely is likely to be a dream come true. Being at a distinct advantage for developing both gaming consoles and smart phones, Sony has undoubtedly elevated its appeal, and potentially taken a lot of consumers from their competitors.

 

 

 

Smart Phone Tech Creates Game Console Mobility

Chadwick Boseman – A Biography Genius?

The name ‘Chadwick Boseman’ may not be known in many households across the United States, but a few of the actor’s films may be. The films in reference are 42 and Get On Up. What is the common denominator of these productions? They are biographical films (biopics).  

 

 

The Express – His Film Debut

 

The actor’s movie debut came in 2008 when he played a minor role as Floyd Little in another biopic – The Express – that chronicled the life of the first African-American to win the coveted Heisman Trophy, Ernie Davis. The spotlight may not have been on him, but he certainly delivered in the scenes that he was a part of.

 

 

42 – His Big Break

 

Though it took him a further five years to appear in a major film, it would not be surprising if he were not too disappointed about that, as he was given a chance to star in a production – the biopic of Jackie Robinson entitled 42.

 

Boseman as the baseball icon, Jackie Robinson in “42″.

 

At the end of the movie, you would not be able to tell that it was Boseman’s first major role. Considering the pressure that must have been placed on him to deliver in his portrayal of the former Los Angeles Dodgers baseball icon, he actually seemed quite comfortable in it. Depending on how you look at it, the fact that Robinson’s wife told him that Sidney Poitier and Denzel Washington were the actors targeted to play the role had the film been produced in earlier generations could have added pressure as well, or motivated him to prove to her that he is the right man for the job.

 

 

Replicating the ‘Godfather’

 

If for no other reason, Boseman’s role as James Brown in Get On Up can be praised for his ability to replicate the dance moves of ‘The Godfather of Soul’. From the nimble dance moves to the splits, he made sure to get everything done.

 

Aside from this, everything else associated with the funk machine was depicted – his passion, his confidence and even his conflicts. Such was the performance that some critics are making the argument that a “Best Actor” award may be on the cards for Boseman at upcoming award shows.

 

 

Is He a Genius?

 

One of the first things that come to mind when thinking of Chadwick’s acting is his apparent versatility. Baseball and singing don’t exactly fall within the same category. In both productions he is able to capture both African American icons, and with his performance bring them back to life – if only for a couple hours.

 

Boseman as a young James Brown in “Get On Up”.

 

On the topic of being a genius, there are those who will stake the claim that two major roles is not enough to determine whether or not Boseman is. Having said that, however, if his performances continue in such a vein – provided that he accepts a couple more roles in that mold in the future – then it would be quite a hard task to deny him the prestige.

 

In both productions, his portrayal of his character was arguably spot-on. The actor was full of emotion as he depicted Jackie Robinson’s struggle to burst through the racial tapes to make an appearance on baseball’s biggest stage, and he was beaming with soul and “swag” as he brought James Brown to life. Notably, such was his performance in the latter that there are those who described it as perfect.

 

 

Chadwick’s in Good Company

 

Throughout the years, there have been quite a number of biopics of memorable contributors to the African American community, and there have been outstanding performances by renowned actors in those roles as well. Will Smith is one of the first names that’s likely to register in the minds of many for his roles as Muhammad Ali in the 2001 film Ali and Chris Gardner in The Pursuit of Happyness released in 2006. He received multiple award nominations for both roles.

 

Denzel Washington – who has a much longer acting career than Boseman and Smith – has featured in over five biopics. Among the roles he has played is Malcolm X in the 1992 film of the same name, Herman Boone in Remember The Titans (2000), drug kingpin Frank Lucas in American Gangster (2007), Melvin B. Tolson in The Great Debaters (2007).

 

Denzel Washington is no stranger to the biopic. Here he is in “Remember the Titans”.

 

 

His Future?

 

Interestingly, while many movie lovers would hold the opinion that Boseman thrives in biopics, the actor himself doesn’t appear to be too keen on another role in a similar capacity, expressing that it wouldn’t be a wise decision. Though he didn’t state the reason he held this belief, if one were to guess it would be that he doesn’t want to be pigeonholed into appearing solely in African American biopics. Considering that three of his first four appearances are – though he only stars in two – that concern is more than understandable. Who knows? Maybe he’s interested in a role in an action or adventure film to showcase other aspects of his acting talent.

 

 

 

 

Chadwick Boseman – A Biography Genius?

Comcast Set to Create a Global Wi-Fi Network

With some service providers, the moment you stray too far from home you are left in a tough spot. You want to be able to access on your IP-enabled devices – smart phones, tablets etc. – but you are out of your home’s Wi-Fi range, and they do not have enough wireless hotspots for you to connect to as you commute from one location to another. Consider the delight that some individuals would have knowing that whether they are home or on the go; they can still have wireless connectivity thanks to systems put in place by their Internet service provider. Imagine the reaction to being able to connect even when they are out of the country. How so? Through the creation of a global Wi-Fi network.

 

Years ago, such a thought would have been deemed impossible, but through the advancements in technology, Comcast and Liberty Global (a European-based service provider) are on course to make it a reality. Just over a week ago, the announcement was made that the two companies will be allowing their respective customers to access their Wi-Fi networks as at 2015. Unsurprisingly, this is the first time that a venture of this nature has been undertaken.

 

 

Mutually Beneficial

 

Soon, customers of top-ranked European cable company Liberty Global – who has operations in over 10 European countries – will have access to Comcast’s hotspots when they visit. In the United States, Comcast customers are able to access their high-speed Internet service in a multitude of locations. As it is now, they are in the region of three million, but it was announced that they are on a quest to reach eight million hotspots in the country by the end of 2014. This timeline is ahead of the 2015 mark that the companies agreed on to roll out their latest initiative. It should be noted that while the initiative is to be offered on a large scale in 2015, a trial period has already been set for the latter months of 2014.

 

Understandably, Comcast citizens will have access to Liberty Global’s wireless data connection when they are in Europe. Countries included in this list are Belgium, Ireland, Poland, the Netherlands and England, which is where the company’s headquarters is located. Similar to Comcast, the European company is also working to expand its wireless presence on the continent, with their hotspot counter rapidly climbing towards the three million figure.

 

 

Relieving the Concerns

One of the biggest concerns for individuals who travel are the high charges associated with roaming. Being away from home does not mean that they want to be restricted from making calls, sending text messages or using data to carry out certain desired activities. Traditionally, data connection is the only function of the three that can be attainable through Wi-Fi, but starting in 2012 Comcast has expanded their capabilities to include them all. With the Xfinity Connect App, subscribers to their Internet and Voice services would be able to make and receive calls and text messages for free – provided that they are connected to a wireless network.

 

 

Why it Makes Sense

 

It has been reported that over 11 million US citizens visited countries across Europe in 2013 alone, with over 12 million Europeans travelling in the opposite direction. While it is safe to say that all the travellers were not Comcast and Liberty Global customers respectively, those that do fall into the category will certainly be smiling as a result of the latest announcement.

 

By extension, the news of the partnership could work to better increase the customer base of each service provider, as the wireless potential is sure to appeal to many – particularly those who travel a lot. In addition to all that they already offer their customers, being able to brag on the feature of enabling wireless connectivity in a foreign country is one that not many (besides them) can brag about.

 

 

 

Views from The Execs

 

As the news of this initiative continues to spread, the public interest and anticipation surrounding the development is likely to grow. That being said, representatives of both entities have expressed similar sentiments.

 

“We are excited to be working with Liberty Global and see this partnership as a great opportunity to further expand our Wi-Fi footprint and offer fast and secure wireless broadband service to our customers, not only while they are here in the United States, but also while they are traveling overseas.” These are the words of Tom Nagel, Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives for Comcast Cable.

 

Balan Nair, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Liberty Global not only expressed pleasure in the agreement, but was hopeful of even further assistance in making Internet access possible across vast geographical landscapes, “We are delighted to join forces with Comcast to begin building worldwide Wi-Fi connectivity and we hope that this will create interest from other cable operators to join us.”

 

Flirting with the very latest that technology have to offer, Comcast and Liberty Global are on course to do what has never been done before – enable their customers to have Internet access in foreign territories. As far as telecommunication innovation goes, these two service providers have thrust themselves far ahead of the pack.

 

 

 

Comcast Set to Create a Global Wi-Fi Network

Multi-gigabit Service for "Big Apple" Communities

For most if not all businesses operating in the current global environment, there are a number of products and services that are reliant on a high speed Internet connection. Whether for the purpose of transferring large files from one device to another, or simply for the purpose of printing from the Wi-Fi connected printer, entities are increasingly desirous of an Internet service that can fully complement their needs.

 

 

Availability is Key

 

In understanding the desire for greater bandwidth across all major platforms and industries, Comcast – through its subsidiary Comcast Business – is seemingly on a mission to satisfy the demand, as well as exceed expectations. Recently, they extended their fiber optic network to 10 communities in the state of New York, providing them with the best they have to offer in terms of their Ethernet service. These communities are Beekman, Brewster, Carmel, Kent, Patterson, Pawling (town and village), Putnam Valley, Somers and Southeast, spanning the counties of Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester.

 

 

Considering that Comcast has established itself in almost 40 states across the US, one would not be faulted for thinking that it’s only a matter of time before businesses located within the towns and cities of each will also be able to enjoy the full extent of the Ethernet service as well. As a matter of fact, less than a month or so ago it was announced that expansions were made in Connecticut, Texas, Vermont and Washington.

 

 

What does Ethernet do for them?

 

The services made available to the ‘Big Apple’ communities are Ethernet Private Line, Ethernet Virtual Private Line, Ethernet Network Service, and Ethernet Dedicated Internet. With this, business operators are able to do everything from establishing a network for the devices within a particular location, to connecting multiple locations to the same network – the latter would be ideal for organizations, as the virtual space they operate and share information through would make the geographical space disparity a non-issue.

 

The bandwidth – which has the potential of speeds up to 10 gigabits per second (Gbps) – will enable the organizations to improve their functionality and productivity in a number of areas, with cloud computing being just one of the lot. With this, the chances of businesses not being able to function at an optimum level decrease.

 

Charlie Tzoumas, Vice President of Comcast Business.

There is no business in operation that does not have development and an improvement in their overall efficiency as a core aspect of their daily activities, and many would argue that a fast and reliable high speed Internet service is integral to achieving this. Charlie Tzoumas, Vice President of Comcast Business expressed similar sentiments when discussing the latest New York expansion, “Our fiber expansion in these ten communities is the latest example of the significant investments we’ve made to increase the availability of our Ethernet services to help foster economic development and drive competition, innovation and value for our customers.” He also stated, “Whether it’s a hospital transferring large radiology files, a police department looking to monitor surveillance video feeds in real-time, or a library needing more Wi-Fi capacity, bandwidth is increasingly becoming the engine driving all businesses.”

 

 

Why choose Comcast Ethernet?

 

Many business operators will readily acknowledge that establishing a great network is integral to the overall success of the entity. As far as great networks go, Comcast is undoubtedly among the leaders.

 

Proof of their impact on the market is highlighted in the fact that they were named the fastest growing Ethernet provider for 2013. Comcast also achieved a milestone for their services to businesses and similar large-scale operations, becoming the first service provider in the world to attain Metro Ethernet Forum’s (MEF) Carrier Ethernet 2.0 Certification.

 

What business would shy away from the products of a service provider with a high reputation?

 

 

Reasons to be Interested

 

In making an assessment for the acquisition of a particular service, what many individuals will consider before making a decision are the features. Aside from the improved data transference speeds that were mentioned earlier (bandwidth speeds of up to 10 Gbps), there is also a high level of security in place to protect the network. With a top quality firewall, businesses will be able to protect their information, as well as those of their clients or customers from cyber criminals who may seek to exploit it through creations such as spyware and malware.

 

 

Additionally, businesses have 24/7 access to Comcast Business’ technical support staff, so any issues related to the service can be resolved at any time. It is a fact that many businesses operate outside of the traditional “9-5” bracket, so it only makes sense that the service is always there with them.

 

Ten New York communities were recent beneficiaries of Comcast Business’ Ethernet expansion, but the overall impact of such a service is arguably immeasurable. With an increase in bandwidth, businesses can now expand their objectives with the assurance that the service being provided can meet their demands.

 

 

 

 

Multi-gigabit Service for "Big Apple" Communities

School’s In: The Gadgets Needed for Success

There are very few things that are more pleasing to a parent (or child) than to look at a report card at the end of a semester and see nothing but good grades. While there are a number of variables that will ultimately determine whether or not this actually takes place, it all starts with being prepared. The traditional notebook and pencil are still important tools required for the academic year, but there are also a number of tech gadgets that contribute to student’s overall success.

 

Here is a compilation of a few selections from that category:

 

 

2-in-1 Laptop + Accessories

 

 

The convenience and usefulness of a 2-in-1 laptop makes it one of the “must have” gadgets for the school year. A device that can be used both as a laptop and a tablet – it hardly gets any better than this.

 

For tasks such as completing assignments or even taking notes, the keyboard functionality of the device would understandably be preferred, as it would make it a whole lot easier. That being said, for other school-related activities – studying or doing some general research on the topic for the next class – the tablet portion would more than suffice.

 

With many of the big name tech companies with these devices on the market, identifying one that meets the budget and has the desired features (storage space, processing speeds etc.) such be a relatively easy task. Notably, this device is applicable to just about all grade levels, from elementary school to college.

 

On the point of accessories, while there will be quite a few that are compatible, one that will rank among the most useful is a laptop lock. After spending hundreds of dollars to acquire a laptop, the very next thought should be focused on the device’s security.

 

 

 

Noise Cancelling/Noise Isolating Headphones

 

 

It’s possible that not many of you expected to see such a device in this list, but now that you’re thinking about it, it makes a whole lot of sense. It’s a widely perceived notion that it doesn’t take much to break an individual’s concentration, and once broken it’s oftentimes difficult to re-establish. This is where noise cancelling or noise isolating headphones make a grand entrance.

 

Headphones in the traditional sense are designed to provide sound to the eardrums, but these do that as well as block or prevent what is referred to as ambient noise. Whether at home, school or public library, these gadgets should provide a bit more peace and quiet as you go about studying or doing your work – essentially allowing you to maintain some concentration.

 

It would be smart to note that these devices generally cannot cancel or isolate sound completely. If you are, however, in an environment where they don’t seem to make much of a difference, then its probably not conducive to school work.

 

 

 

 

eReader

 

 

Generations past have enjoyed the feel of skipping through the pages of a book to access all the desired information, but such a phenomenon is not as coveted among the school-attending population. This is the era of all things digital, so an eReader is needed for accessing books. It is a known fact that in recent years, these digital copies have outsold the tangibles, and that trend is not likely to change going forward.

 

Being able to walk around with multiple books (text books or novels) on one device versus a backpack that can only hold some of all that are needed literally relieve students of a huge burden. Then there’s the risk of the bookstore being out of stock or the library running out of copies – it may seem like a stretch, but there aren’t as much variables for online copies.

 

Some eReaders have built-in lighting for those late nights, and give the user a “feel” of an actual book, with features allowing them to “flip” the pages on the screen. Considering that some of these gadgets can fit thousands of books, there really is no comparison.

 

 

 

External/Back-up Drive

 

 

For every student, there really is a lot to think about for the school year in regards to their electronics. It might not be the old “dog ate my homework” excuse, but many students will agree that computers have a tendency to become faulty – whether it’s a system failure or it becomes infected by a virus – at the most inconvenient of times. In another scenario, you may avoid those two occurrences, but still be a victim of theft. It is with these possibilities in mind that an external or back-up drive is recommended as a tool for success.

 

 

A secondary point of storage for all relevant information can save a student from having to re-write a term paper, or scramble to find the notes they had made in class. There are many small enough to fit into a backpack, or even in a pocket, so there really should be no concerns about added weight.

 

While this by no means exhausts all the tech gadgets that can contribute to a student’s success throughout the academic year, the four gadgets mentioned could prove quite useful, regardless of what level they are in the education system.

 

 

 

 

 

School’s In: The Gadgets Needed for Success

The On-screen Journey of the Duggar Family

In the TV industry, there are two classifications of shows that people will gladly spend hours of their time watching – scripted productions (dramas, comedies etc.), and those that are considered reality television. While there are many who hold the opinion that many elements of the latter are also scripted, there are some shows that appear too real to be. One such show is 19 Kids & Counting.

 

The series follows the daily exploits of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, and their children – all 19 of them. This translates to having one child an average 18 months apart. For the past decade, TV lovers have been able to witness the events that unfold in the lives of this Christian family from Tontitown, Arkansas, and watch as the children (and the family) grow right before their eyes. In homage to their 10^th years on the air, here is a look at the on-screen journey of the Duggar Family:

 

 

 

Before They Hit 17

 

The TLC production 17 & Counting may have been the series that allowed Americans to witness the Duggar Family on a consistent basis, but those who have followed the family’s progression would know that they had been featured in shows for a long time. In 2004 there was 14 Children and Pregnant Again!, the first original special of the Duggar Family.

 

This was followed up by four similar productions – Raising 16 Children, 16 Children and Moving In, On the Road with 16 Children, and Duggar’s Big Family Album.

 

 

 

17 Kids & Counting

 

After numerous specials, TLC decided it was just about time that they made the Duggar family regular programming, so they got them started with 17 Kids & Counting, the 17^th child being Jennifer Duggar. With each episode, households across the country became more intrigued by this family and their interesting story. There was also a lot of commentary on their homeschooling practices, as well as questions related to their expenses – food, water, electricity etc.

 

 

The perceived success of the opening season prompted the renewal of the series, but before this premiered it was revealed that a name change was required.

 

 

 

18 Kids & Counting

 

By the time the series renewal began in 2009, Jim Bob and Michelle had already added their 18^th child to the family – Jordyn-Grace Makiya Duggar. During this time there were a number of notable episodes, including 20 Years, 20 Duggars – the title pretty much telling what it was all about.

 

 

 

19 Kids & Counting

 

In December 2009, the Duggar’s had their last (hesitated using the word ‘last’, but you know what they’re up to) child Josie Brooklyn Duggar. Understandably, this prompted another name change for the TLC-aired show. She was the spotlight of many early episodes, with TLC featuring Josie Duggar’s First Christmas, Josie Duggar’s First Hug, and Josie Duggar’s First Shoes.

 

Josie Duggar

 

There could have been another name change in 2012, but Michelle unfortunately suffered a miscarriage in December 2011.

 

 

 

Random Titbits about the Duggar’s

 

 

The Name Game

 

Believe it or not, all 19 children of Jim Bob and Michelle have a first name beginning with the letter ‘J’ – one would assume it’s as a result of the dad’s name beginning the same way. With nine boys and 10 girls it would be easily to imagine that they might have some sort of difficulty finding names of such ilk.  One name in particular that may justify that point is ‘Jinger’, which we all know isn’t actually spelt that way.

 

Interestingly, while all children’s names start with ‘J’, it would appear as though Josh Duggar – the eldest child – is out to try and settle the score for his mother. He and his wife Anna have three children, and all their names begin with the letter ‘M’.

 

Josh Duggar and his wife Anna changed the “J” trend. Their children’s names start with “M” (Mackynzie Renée, Michael James and Marcus Anthony).

 

 

“Dating” Rules

 

To say that the Duggar family is traditional would be an understatement in every sense of the word, and their view on dating is just one way this is manifested. All social outings are chaperoned by an older sibling, while all forms of physical contact are totally against the rules. That being said, with two kids already married and another engaged to be wed in a couple months, it would be safe to assume that the rules aren’t that big a challenge. Some have even been looking on the Duggar Family as a standard… somewhat.

 

 

 

Numbers Don’t Lie

 

Many may not realize this, but the Duggar Family has featured in excess of 120 episodes (with specials included it’s actually close to 200 episodes), and with the current season just beginning that number is naturally going to grow. If looked upon by no other standard, the number of episodes possibly indicates that there is a high degree of popularity surrounding this large family from Arkansas.

 

 

 

It Might Not Have Been…

 

Ironically, the couple had practiced birth control for the first four years of their marriage, but then made the decision to let God dictate the number of kids they had.

 

As it is now, the series (name changes aside) is in its ninth season, and while it would appear as though Jim Bob and Michelle have finally given themselves breathers, the children and grandchildren could ensure that the air time of the Duggar Family proceeds for another decade or so to come.

 

 

 

 

The On-screen Journey of the Duggar Family

The Internet is Essential, and Comcast Knows It

Imagine a child getting home after a long day at school, there is homework to be done, but the resources to complete them are out of reach. This is the unfortunate reality for a number of low-income households in the United States. Through an initiative of Comcast, this figure is being reduced one family at a time. A venture referred to as Internet Essentials.

 

 

A Brief History

 

Comcast’s Internet Essentials initiative was launched in 2011, during a period where remedying the digital divide and facilitating online education were among the hottest talking points in relation to academics across the country. Admittedly, while it is certainly applicable in many areas, providing kids with the means to access information and develop academically is arguably one of the most common reasons that households seek to acquire an Internet service.

 

The broadband adoption program was designed to allow low-income families to be able to access the contents of the World Wide Web within the confines of their home, but at a cost that was more manageable. Additionally, being a customer of the service would allow for the purchase of a desktop or laptop for the household at a reduced cost. Having access to the service without the technology to use it would be a waste, wouldn’t it?

 

 

Though it started out as conditionality for Comcast’s merger with NBC Universal, the value of the program and its subsequent impact have seen the telecommunications company extend the project beyond its initial three-year stint. Since its inception, the program has grown to span an impressive 39 states (the District of Columbia as well), connecting with over 350,000 families, which translate to an approximate figure of 1.5 million Americans.

 

 

Latest Program Updates

 

As a result of the eligibility requirements, there were a few of households that were (unfortunately) unable to acquire Internet Essentials, but Comcast has paved the way for a lot of them to do so. Through its recently announced amnesty program, customers whose bills have been outstanding for over a year will now be able to have the Internet in their homes again, provided of course that they meet to other requirements as stipulated by the program.

 

Notably, there was also incentive for new customers revealed in relation to the program. Prospective households that have met the requirements, applied and been successful in their quest to attain Internet Essentials will be able to privy to a six-month complimentary use of the service.

 

Speaking on the initiative, Charisse Lillie, Vice President of Community Investment for Comcast and President of the Comcast Foundation expressed, “The big concern that we have is because of this digital divide, when our children are going to school, they are starting out behind if they don’t have access to that information at home and it’s hard for them to catch up.” She went on to add, “this is a problem because schools more and more are getting into digital education and kids need to have access to the Internet at home in order to do their homework, to be connected to school and to be connected to research. It is just a huge issue particularly within the African-American community.”

 

 

More Than Just the Service

 

Granting low-income families the opportunity to access a fast Internet connection is a commendable feat, but the full extent of the Internet Essentials program makes it clear that Comcast is interested in providing more than just the service. For those who aren’t so familiar with the use of the Internet, there is also training that can be achieved via multiple channels – in print, in person, or online.

 

The material can help an individual to access a number of key resources such as how to look for a job, how to locate various healthcare professionals and even how they can familiarize themselves with the various social media platforms. The online portion even has interactive tutorials that provide insight on topics such as data backup, identity theft, cyber bullying and phishing.

 

 

The Total Package

 

For just about any family – from high to low income, having access to the Internet is a desire that cannot be overstated. In understanding that not all families have the means, however, to acquire the service at the usual rates, Comcast has implemented a service that is more affordable, ensuring that the members of the household (school kids in particular) are not at a disadvantage.

 

Their decision to extend the program – which was to come to an end in June of this year – is evidence that Comcast recognizes the importance of every family having access to the Internet. The fact that there is also a complimentary six-month use of it for new customers is also an incentive, especially when considering that it often takes a while for some to recover from the back to school expenses. Through all the implementations over the past three years, one thing is clear – the Internet is essential, and Comcast knows it.

 

 

 

 

The Internet is Essential, and Comcast Knows It

Interesting Tech Gadgets for the Senses

In this era of technology, the focus of many is to acquire the latest smart phone, wearable technology, and even kitchen appliances that can make their day to day activities a whole lot easier or just give them the comfort they are looking for. It is likely, however, that many didn’t know that there are indeed a few gadgets designed specifically to enhance and/or complement what we sometimes take for granted – our beloved senses.

 

Here is a list of some of the more interesting ones:

 

 

 

Sight

 

Bionic Glasses

 

For centuries, people have learnt to cope with visual impairment, but it can hardly be argued that of all the senses, a loss of sight is one of the most feared. While diminishing eyesight would certainly not be welcomed, there is indeed a device that is able to remedy somewhat such an occurrence – bionic glasses.

 

 

 

 

The glasses have a unique design involving a camera and tiny lights embedded in the frame, which works to improve the poor vision of the wearer. It is unsure how far along this gadget is in terms of development and large-scale production, but what we’ve learned of it so far allows for a lot of excitement.

 

 

 

Hearing

 

ReSound LiNX

 

There have been many articles staking the claim that the ReSound LiNX is “the world’s smartest hearing aid”, and while there will (expectedly) be a few who have something to say about that, its not difficult to understand such a position. If there was any “downfall” at all to this device, it would be that it is only compatible with select iOS smart devices.

 

The ReSound LiNX allows the user to personalize just about everything for their listening pleasure. With the supported app, an individual can fine-tune sound signals to suit them – controlling the treble and the bass until it meets their ideal requirement.  The gadget also makes it possible for an individual to configure a hearing aid program specific to their location with a few relatively simple touches – a walk on the beach wouldn’t necessarily require the same program for being at a busy train station. Such is the functionality of the device that the user can “geo-tag” the various programs, enabling the device to automatically make the adjustments once they are within a particular location.

 

 

Normal Earphones

 

Unlike the gadget listed above, this listening device has more to do with comfort than anything else. For those who love to plug in and get lost in the music (or whatever it is that they are listening to), one of the most annoying things to be constantly putting the earphones back in their ears because they keep dropping out. Annoyance relieved.

 

 

The Normals (yes, that is the actual name) are actually earphones that are customized to each individual. Much like a fingerprint, earholes are quite unique, and with three easily taken pictures and the beauty of 3D printing, acquiring a pair of earphones that only one can enjoy is relatively simple.

 

 

Smell

 

Peres Nose

 

This tech gadget doesn’t directly influence an individual’s ability to smell, but that in no way takes away from its intended purpose. Through its design and mechanism, the Peres electronic nose’s functionality is to determine whether or not certain food items are safe for consumption.

 

 

There is nothing wrong with the traditional method of sniffing with your on nose of course, but not being able to detect a particular scent doesn’t necessarily mean that the food is good. Among other things, the Peres nose is able to detect whether or not a product has been left unrefrigerated for a particular length of time, and whether or not it is fresh. Notably, the gadget – which expectedly has a supported mobile app for both Android and iOS devices – is specifically engineered to identify the quality of beef, chicken, fish or pork.

 

 

 

 

Taste

 

Digital Taste Interface

 

This particular device may not have been patented for commercial use, but having discovered a story about it some time ago, it just had to be mentioned. It is reported that scientists in Singapore are working on a Digital Taste Interface that allows individuals to “taste” food that they see on the Internet.

 

How does it work? The individual would first select a particular food that they would like to taste, then place an electrode on their tongue. Doing this will trick the brain into believing that it is actually tasting food. Thus far it is able to provide bitter, sweet, sour, and salty sensations.

 

 

Touch

 

Bionic Hand

 

We started this list with bionic glasses, so it seems only fitting that we end it with a similar piece of technology – a bionic hand. For many amputees, acquiring prosthetics to replace the missing body parts is the route they generally take, but those who lose their hands in particular can now be excited about the possibility of being able to feel again, even without the hands they were actually born with.

 

The bionic hand connects directly to an individual’s nervous system, allowing them to control the movement of the hand, and by extension actually be able to feel whatever it is they are touching or holding. Still in the developmental stages, this could open up a new generation of sensory prosthetics that could possibly challenge the more traditional “wearable technology” in terms of popularity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interesting Tech Gadgets for the Senses

Fall Premieres We Aren’t Too Excited About

Take a survey among TV lovers across the United States and it would be quite likely that they express a high level of anticipation for the Fall TV season. Such expectation is understandable too, as this is usually the time that there is a huge influx of new TV shows, and the return of the favorites that captured their attention from previous years.

 

With every season, however, there are those new series that fail to generate much hype or excitement, either as a result of a not too interesting trailer or a plot that doesn’t appear to have the makings of a hit. As an extension of this, once the shows air they tend to struggle to make any significant impression on the TV-watching public, neither in ratings nor in viewership numbers. For the upcoming 2014-2015 Fall TV season, the following shows are currently in the category that have failed to inspire thus far:

 

 

Galavant

 

This soon-to-be-aired ABC fairytale-based series is intended to be a mid-season fill in for another show of a similar nature (Once Upon A Time), but it would be of little surprise if it doesn’t last its desired tenure. A musical comedy, Galavant will follow the adventures of Joshua Sasse who will play the character of the same name as he goes about restoring his tarnished reputation and pride.

 

Joshua Sasse plays the titular character, Galavant.

 

Men parading in tights and singing along merrily may have worked for 1993’s Robin Hood: Men in Tights that many grew up watching, but there is nothing to indicate that such a concept will have a similar impact now. What has been seen of the trailer doesn’t help change the perception that the show won’t attract too many viewers, and as is often the case with these productions, it looks as though the singing will significantly overshadow the acting.

 

 

Selfie

 

The act of taking a ‘selfie’ is certainly not likely to decline in popularity any time soon, but in the opinion of many, the global “rave” surrounding it (Selfie Olympics for instance) is long gone. It is for this reason that there are some doubts in relation to the upcoming ABC series entitled Selfie.

 

The comedy is set to follow the exploits of Eliza Dooley (played by Karen Gillan), an aspiring “socialite” who is looking to achieve popularity through social media rather than the more conventional face-to-face approach. In comes Henry Higgenbottam (played by John Cho), a self-image guru on a mission to break Eliza out of her virtual comfort zone.

 

“Selfie” cast starring John Cho and Karen Gillian.

 

The comedy is said to be loosely based on the successful musical My Fair Lady, but there isn’t anything to suggest that the series will be as popular – the show hasn’t even aired and some already find it annoying.

 

 

 

State of Affairs

 

Political dramas (especially those of a presidential nature) generally gather a lot of fanfare because there are many TV viewers fascinated by the happenings of the White House – regardless of how fictitious they are. Being a personal fan of the drama, however, I would be among the first to suggest that this upcoming NBC genre is possibly a bit too dramatic.

 

The premise of State of Affairs involves Katherine Heigl as a Charleston “Charlie” Tucker – a highly distinguished CIA analyst, and Alfre Woodard as President of the United States Constance Payton. Charlie was engaged to President Payton’s son until he met his end in a terrorist attack, and it appears as though she is going to leverage her position to exact a bout of vengeance for his murder – seemingly with the President’s approval.

 

Heigl’s five-year stint on the ABC hit Grey’s Anatomy can be considered an indicator that this drama-filled production will be right up her alley, but it is the plot and not the actors involved that is the cause for concern. It just seems like a bit too much.

 

“State of Affairs” stars Katherine Heigl and Alfre Woodard.

 

 

Utopia

 

As most of us would have learnt by now, there is no such thing as a perfect world, and as far as perfect shows go, this already doesn’t seem like it’ll make the cut. This Fox production involves 15 contestants (referred to as pioneers) who are placed in a remote location with one ultimate aim – create their own society. Interestingly, they have a full year to do so.

 

Aside from the fact that the concept of the reality show is being likened to that of Kid Nation there really isn’t much to be said. Most TV lovers are interested in making the best of the society they are actually living in and possibly won’t be too eager to watch other people try to do the same for a TV show, let alone for an entire year. A twisted factor about a good show is that there is usually time afforded to miss them – can’t miss what you’re seeing every week.

 

It should be noted that mentioning the shows above is in no way intended to discredit the work that was undertaken to bring them to our television sets or doom them to absolute failure. As a matter of fact, with “show business” being as unpredictable as it is, there is every possibility that these series could become quite successful after their premiere. Having seen a number of trailers, however, and read quite a few articles of the upcoming series, these haven’t managed to make it unto my “must see” list.

 

 

 

Fall Premieres We Aren’t Too Excited About

Comcast – Making the College Experience Even Better

For just about anyone, college life can be stressful at best. Whether its hours spent in the library trying to put together that ‘Grade A’ paper, or being anxious about a test because they didn’t get all the answers down in time, there’s a lot to be concerned about. Interestingly, however, there are those who revel in the heart-pounding experiences, because without them, college would not be the same.

 

 

While “welcoming” the stress, there is no denying that a break is needed every now and then to ensure that there is the right balance between schoolwork and relaxation. It is widely regarded that one of the more popular “stress busters” is watching the television, and it’s seemingly with this in mind that Comcast has launched its latest initiative designed for the college population (specifically, those who reside on campus) – Xfinity on Campus.

 

 

What It Is…

 

Xfinity on Campus is a television service that provides video content to the users via the Internet. With it, students living on campus will have the ability to access their favorite shows, movies, and even live events anywhere on campus through their desktops, laptops, or select Apple devices (smart phones, tablets etc). Notably, there is work being done to allow Android devices to be able to access the service as well.

 

 

 

What It Entails…

 

The TV package for the campuses is set to feature an estimated 80 live cable channels. This is inclusive of all the major broadcast networks – NBC, ABC, and so on. It would be of little surprise to many that one of the most sought after features of Xfinity TV is also included in this particular Comcast service – Xfinity on Demand. The reality is that students will be desirous of video content at varying intervals, whether it is an hour before entering the lecture hall they dread, or for those study break moments.  Therefore, being able to access the content they want at the time they want it is highly coveted.

 

 

Speaking on the initiative, Executive Vice President of Consumer Services for Comcast Cable, Marcien Jenckes expressed similar sentiments, “With this younger generation, more and more viewing is happening away from the traditional TV set and we have evolved our products and services to better engage them. Whether it’s Game of Thrones, Scandal or The Daily Show, Xfinity On Campus offers all the content they want – anytime, anywhere, on any device.”

 

 

In addition, there are also a number of Xfinity on Campus subscription services that students would be privy to. College sports are big parts of the college life experience as well, so it only makes sense that the Sports Entertainment Package is included in the lot. This would allow students to keep up to date with the happenings of their team when they aren’t able to make it to the game, whether football, basketball, baseball or any other sport.

 

 

 

Colleges already on board…

 

With the college academic year back, and looking to get into high gear, a number of colleges have already moved to acquire the service for their students. Included in the lot are the University of Delaware, Drexel University and Emerson College. There will also be a few that will be partaking of a “trial run” of Xfinity on Campus such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the University of New Hampshire. Drexel even has a page dedicated to instructing their students on how to access it.

 

 

 

How Students Gain Access

 

Aside from the colleges already mentioned, it is widely expected that more and more colleges will seek to access the service in the not too distant future. For the colleges that are already on board, the process for their students to access Xfinity on Campus is relatively easy.

 

They would initially have to access the Xfinity on Campus web page, where they would then select the name of their institution from the drop down menu. Afterwards, they would be required to enter their user name and password for authentication. Once this is done, click on the button with the words ‘Start Watching”, and just like that they will have a lot of live channels and thousands of on Demand content within reach. It should be noted that there is soon to be an Xfinity on Campus mobile app that will make accessing the service even that much easier via tablets and smart phones.

 

For those who would be concerned about the cost of this service, they would be pleased to know that the fee would have already been included in their boarding fees, so there really is nothing to worry about. Additionally, though the service is offered exclusively to those who reside on campus, it is not confined to use within the college gates. This therefore means that they will still be able to access the service even if they were to go and visit the family for a weekend; their credentials will be able to grant them access from just about anywhere.

 

Through the Xfinity on Campus service, Comcast is on course to providing college residents top quality TV service via the World Wide Web. The college experience is more or less going to be like a roller coaster ride, but it can’t hurt to be able to stream thousands of hours of video content in the process.

 

 

 

Comcast – Making the College Experience Even Better

How Long Can Forever Last?

In just about three weeks’ time, ABC will be unveiling a host of new TV shows as a part of its Fall 2014-2015 television season line-up. There are some series that potentially have a large audience already – Shonda Rhimes’ How to Get Away with Murder being among them – but there are others whose impact could boom greatly once the first episode has been premiered. One such show is the crime-based drama, Forever.  

 

 

Its Background

 

Forever will feature Ioan Gruffudd as Dr. Henry Morgan (isn’t that the name of a famous pirate?), a highly regarded medical examiner in New York City. If the name doesn’t jump out at you right away, then a previous role of his, Mr. Fantastic from the recent Fantastic Four movie series, is likely to jog the memory as to who he is.

 

 

After dying, Dr. Henry Morgan (Ioan Gruffud) usually comes back to life, usually in a body of water…naked.

Dr. Morgan’s knowledge and skill in his craft is revered, however, this was not established as a result of extensive reading, but instead aided tremendously by a secret of his – he can’t die, well not really (those of you who were wondering how the title of the series fits in should be up to speed right now). Every now and then – for whatever reason – his heart does stop beating, but not too long afterwards he “returns” alive and well… in a body of water, completely naked.

 

 

As a result of his immortality, Dr. Morgan has pretty much “been there, and done that”, which permits him to deduce from previous experiences the likely causes of certain deaths. Interestingly, however, his exploits is not as a result of his love for science and the human body, but more so as a means of determining what it is about himself that prevents him from dying.

 

 

 

Will it Be a Hit or a Miss?

 

Like many other shows displaying through their trailers and initial snippets, Forever has the potential to be a huge success. The concept (unlike many other crime-based dramas on TV) is to a great extent unexplored. It is for this reason that some think that the series can rise through the ranks of popularity and be on the air for some time to come.

 

 

One factor to look at is the fact that the majority of the crime-based productions are focused on law enforcement officers who spend a lot of their time “chasing bad guys or running down leads”. There is no denying that there are other individuals who influence the judicial process (medical examiners for instance), but it is not often that their roles take center stage. To be fair to producers and writers though, unless there is some unique characteristic – like being unable to die – then the general operations of the coroner’s office isn’t likely to be as exciting as being in the streets.

 

 

Looking at it from another perspective, the somewhat unchartered territory of the plot could result in the series being sidelined long before making any sort of impression. This would not necessarily be as a result of TV lovers wanting a bit of familiarity, but more so because the producers run out of ideas that will be able to capture, maintain and build a vast viewership base.

 

Medical examiners take center stage on the show.

 

The Risk Involved

 

While there can be no denying that many TV lovers will be eager to catch a glimpse of what Forever is all about, one can’t help but imagine that there may be a few key elements that could jeopardize the show. The most obvious is related to the show’s main character and his “best kept secret” of immorality.

 

 

There is evidence to suggest that Dr. Morgan may utilize his inability to die to get him over speed bumps he may face in his day-to-day activities, but aside from this, the producers (Matthew Miller and Dan Lin of Lin Pictures) will have to be very careful of how they portray it. “Kill” him too often and it may just drive away those viewers who are looking to see a lot more than that. If they don’t do so enough, however, and people will be wondering how (or why) his immorality is the core focus of the show.

 

 

Not Everything is New

 

Though for the most part Forever will involve a lot of relatively new ideas, one element that will not be forgotten is romance. As if a bit of romance could ever escape such a series. Alana de la Garza (whose last major TV role was in the surprisingly unsuccessful NBC series Do No Harm) is set to play Detective Jo Martinez in the TV show, and of course there are already indicators of a bit of chemistry between her and Dr. Morgan. It will be interesting to see if the relationship gets to the point where he trusts her with his secret. Those familiar with Do No Harm will know that her last on-screen also had a secret he kept very close to his chest. Only one person knows of his secret, his best friend Abe (played by the very experienced Judd Hirsch).

 

 

Veteran actor, Judd Hirsch joins the cast.

 

 

 

 

 

How Long Can Forever Last?