This week we’re going to do a gift card giveaway and this one is from Amazon.com. As you probably already know, Amazon has literally thousands of DVDs for purchase from all of your favorite TV shows. In addition, many shows are available for a rental or one-time purchase price, which can then be downloaded onto your computer’s hard drive. With Amazon’s discount prices off of most store retail prices, this gift card will help get your next video collection started or finish off the last one in your current collection.

Here’s how to enter:

Widely known as “Arnold” from the classic late 70′s, early 80′s sitcom Diff’rent Strokes, Gary Coleman was a bonafide superstar. Coleman suffered from Kidney disease his whole life and went through two transplants at a young age.

Coleman ran into some trouble after Diff’rent Strokes. From stints as a security guard to acting in local commercials, Coleman’s fame quickly faded into tabloid mania. According to doctors, intracranial hemmorhage is type of stroke and occurs when blood vessels in the brain break. Earlier this year, Coleman suffered a seizure on the set of The Insider, but the two have yet to be confirmed as related.

In memory of Gary, we decided to leave you with some of our fondest moments:

Sometimes your DVR screws up and you miss your favorite show. Then, you don’t feel like streaming the show live on the internet. The next, and best option? iTunes of course. And this week we’re giving you $20 worth of free goodness.

Of course, as you probably know if you own an iPhone or iPod Touch, you can download your favorite TV shows directly from the App store. Some current shows even have season passes, which provide discounts based on the fact that you want to see the whole season. You can see some current TV offerings in the image above. However, there are no strings attached – you can spend your iTunes gift card in any way you want.

So don’t miss out on this one, get your entries in, and know that next week someone is going to be doing some iTunes shopping!

Here’s how to enter:

The more you enter, the more chances you have to win!

(Note: Please use a valid e-mail address. US and Canada residents only. The winner will be chosen randomly. Giveaway ends on Wednesday, 5/19/10, at 12:01am  PST. Winners will be notified via e-mail and announced here on the blog.)

The first thing to consider is where your presentation will be held, the size of the room and the amount of people that will be inside the room. The best type of room for a projector is one that is very dark, but for business presentations there may be a need for some light in case someone needs to take notes.

The next thing to think about is what type of event is the projector for, business, educational, personal etc. Next think about how far the projector will be from the screen, this will allow the amount of brightness needed to be gauged. In a small room the lumens need to be about 500 to 1000, in a large room 2000 lumens are needed in order for the presentation to be seen clearly.

It is also good to figure out what type of projector is needed an LCD or a DLP (digital light processor). A general computer presentation or power point presentation is well received with a regular LCD projector. In the case of a video presentation a DLP projector would be best suited for quality.

Where to Rent a Projector

Projectors can be rented from store fronts or from online dealers. Local dealers area good place to start they may be offering some type of discount on their rentals. Also when searching online be sure to check, delivery, return policies, and pickup procedures. When searching for a reputable company check to be sure that they specialize in projector rentals. When searching in the yellow pages it is a good idea to search under audio-visual equipment renting and leasing. Another great place to rent projectors may be at hotels or conference centers. If the presentation needs to be done while at a hotel, many hotels have contract companies that they deal with and a discount may be received if their equipment is used.

Cost and Uses of a Projector

Many projector rentals range from $100 and up. These projectors are rented for all types of events like weddings, birthdays, graduations, outdoor movie night, sporting events, meetings, training sessions, conferences and presentations.

Conclusion

Many presentations, celebrations and gatherings can be made a little bit better with a projector. Any occasion is special and renting a projector can enhance the outcome. A projector can be rented from a storefront or from an online dealer. These rental companies offer several types of models and computer hookups that are great for connecting to laptops, cable, satellite, Audio and Televisions and all of this can be attained for around $100. Renting a projector is inexpensive, practical and realistic for giving a well put together presentation for business or personal gatherings.

Let’s begin with the simpler and older technology and work our way toward the present day video and digital technologies. Film projectors (also called movie projectors) are opto-mechanical devices that use a light source to project moving images on a projection screen. As still film frames moved past the light source, they are illuminated and projected onto the screen, giving the illusion of a moving picture.
The type of light source used in a projector varies depending on the scale of the image the image being projected and other factors. Full scale movie projectors usually use bright lamps capable of staying lit for extended periods called Xenon arc lamps. The light from these lamps passes first through two lenses – the reflector and condenser lenses – which focus the light source toward the film gate, unless it is blocked by one or several devices called dousers that are designed to block it either manually or automatically. The douser prevents the light, which is very hot, from burning the film when it is not in motion. As long as the douser is open, the light can proceed to and through the film gate.

The film gate is the aperture through which the film passes. It also holds the film in place as it travels past the light projected from the lenses. This however is not all there is to it. A device called a shutter is needed in order to block the film from the light as it advances from one frame to the next. The shutter is a kind of interrupter – it is usually cylindrical in shape and has an opening which aligns with the light source/lenses/film strip periodically. When the film moves away from the centered spot the shutter correspondingly blocks the light, then rotates to allow it through again when the next film frame is centered in the gate. Without the shutter moving film would only look like blurred and meaningless motion.

Projection screens (discussed a bit further below) are commonly reflective surfaces which are either covered with a coating of aluminum or glass beads. In movie theaters, sound equipment is often behind the projection screen, so screens are often filled with microscopic holes hat allow sound to pass the through.

You won’t find too many people these days with home projection systems based on film/ movie projection technology such as that mentioned above. Though you might find some buffs and enthusiasts that still use these types of projectors in smaller form, video projectors are the most common type of projection system used currently by home users. There are a number of different technologies used in video projectors. The following are three of the main ones:

CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) Projectors. A CRT projector uses the same type of technology used in a television set. But in the case of a projector the image is shined at high brightness through a focusing lense and projected onto a screen. Usually there are three CRTs in such a system – one with the image in red, the other in green, and the third blue. The three images are merged and projected onto a screen.

DLP – Digital Light Processing. In this technology, microscopic mirrors on a special type of computer chip (called a DMD Digital Micromirror Device) are moved very rapidly to reflect light out through a lense and onto a screen. Each mirror stands for roughly one pixel in the projected image. The mirror’s positioning corresponds to the digital data being processed by the chip. This technology is employed by Texas Instruments in their rear projection TVs.

LCD – Liquid Crystal Display. In this type of technology, banks of liquefied crystal respond to changes in electric current and either allow or block polarized light from a light source through. Usually in these devices the light source is a metal halide lamp which is passed through a prism to separate it into three colors. These are each then passed through their own liquid crystal panels and the image is brought together on the projection screen.

Projection Screens:

Projection screens can be of many types. They can be as simple as a painted wall, or may be fabric that is unrolled to provide an evenly white or grey surface. They are sometimes coated with aluminum, glass beads (as noted above), titanium dioxide or magnesium carbonate. This is a fairly simple area – there are only a few basic variables to be considered with projection screens such as screen gain (a measure of the reflectivity), and size and distance of the screen from the light source. A larger screen has less luminance, which means that there is less brightness per unit area of the screen. They will thus look paler in contrast to ambient light (light present in the room where the projection is being viewed). Thus these screens must be more reflective to show high definition and contrast and compensate for the ambient light factor.

The technology of projection has been around since the turn of the 20th century. As you can see, the methods have changed quite a bit. But the basic principle of changes in the patterns of a light source which are then enlarged or magnified and cast on to a screen remains the same.

LG originated in 1958 as a home appliance company under the name of GoldStar. TVs have always been one of their major products. The actual LG name comes from the merger of GoldStar and the Lucky brand. Latter the Life’s Good slogan was added and has become very popular. Later on LG decided to buy out the United States based company “Zenith Electronics”. This was an extremely smart move on LG’s part because a the time, 1995, Zenith was one of the leading electronics companies in the United States. While LG started as a Korean based company, it has now become international. LG offices can be located all around the world and market to a wide variety of retailers.

LG has come a long way in the past 50 years. They are still producing some of the worlds most innovative television sets across the world. They currently produce lines of Plasma, LCD and HDTVs. It is also impotent to note that LG has become the leader in hotel TV sales. Because hotel TVs take more abuse then your stranded in home television, it is a testament to the quality that LG provides customers.

Around 2005 LG became one of the top 100 in home brands. This was a huge successes for LG and has marked a true achievement point in their history as a company. Latter in 2006 LG reported a brand growth of around 14%. Still today LG brand growth continues to grow rapidly.

LG has received countless awards for their innovative designs. With the new wave of 3D televisions hitting the market soon, we are sure to see more of LG’s flawless designs come into play. Many consumers are looking forward to being able to view 3D in their own home. Previously 3D with out colored lenses was only viewable from a movie theater.

Currently LG produces TVs for home use which range from 19 inches to 60 inches. These TVs come in either plasma or LCD. There are many features that have been added to the newer LG TV models. One feature that is becoming very popular is wireless cable. These TVs are able to pick up wireless singles from a cable box. Previously home owners were restricted cable access to those rooms that had a cable cord. Having cable any where in your home is huge advantage. Imagine having cable in every room!

As technology advances, HDTVs are becoming the standard for home entertainment. LG has you covered. LG produces every television with full HD or HDDTV access. As more and more cable companies are offering HDTV accesses, these types of TVs are in high demand.

Many of the LCD TVs that LG offers also include computer hook up spots. These are great for people wanting to share movies, pictures, or other media from their home computer or laptop. Surround sound also becomes a snap with many LG TVs and home theater equipment.

All LG TVs come with a standard 1 year parts and service warranty. While most customers never have to use this warranty it does offer some peace of mind when choosing your new television.

Another feature that has been somewhat lacking in the new wave of flat panel TVs is the all-in-one TV. This TV features cable hook up spots as well as a DVD player. LG offers several of their models with the built in DVD feature. Customers with limited space will find this type of LG TV very convenient. The DVD player on these TVs is located on the side. Simply slide the DVD of your choice into the slot and use the universal remote control (supplied with the TV purchase) to navigate through the DVD menus.

Whether you are looking for a large TV for your family room with all the bells and whistles, or you are looking for a small set for your bedroom, LG will have the features and sizes you want. Their quality, convince, and selection can’t be beat when it comes to TV manufactures.

The first thing you want to remember is that its your money and it is your family that will get the most enjoyment out of your home theater, so plan the installation out completely before you begin. Choosing the right system for your family is important. Consider what type of storage unit the system will be resting on. Where are you going to set up your home theater system? An example: if you are going to get a projection TV too much light from a window in the room could cause a problem with glare on the TV itself. Choose how you want the wires of your system to be placed. What are the weights of the speakers? You will want to use the proper mounts on your walls. Will your speakers be placed on stands around the room or wall mounted so that sound surrounds you while using the system?

If you have dry wall, you will need to make sure to secure your speakers to a stud behind the dry wall. Be sure that all measurements are correct. Take more than one measurement to check your work and to be sure that they are correct. Remember to make informed choices. Beginning with a carefully laid out plan now will prevent mistakes later on.

Power outlets are important. Make sure you have enough power to operate your home theater system. Most power outlets will be able to take the load but check your circuit breakers. Not enough power could damage your system. Your system should also be set to a single circuit breaker. You can purchase a power strip or surge protector from any computer store.

How will the wiring be placed? Will it run under the carpet or along the board base on your walls? Letting wires run across carpet or hang can be dangerous to you, your family and the home theater system. Create a diagram to help you plan so you can do it right the first time which will help prevent mistakes and insure a proper installation on the first try.

Lay out the wires ahead of time. Use a work surface to layout the components of the system to be sure everything is there to do a proper installation. Read the manual first before you begin and follow the instructions step by step. This is extremely important to do so that mistakes can be avoided and problems can be solved. Most manuals will include a troubleshooting sections incase you run into problems.

A neat installation is a safe installation. Use wire holders to bundle all wire for your safety and for the home theater’s safety as well. You may also want to color code your wires for identification. Place a set of colored labels inside your manual so that you can identify cables and wires in the future. If you do this at the beginning it will stop problems later.

Once your system is up and running there is still some things you will need to do. Test your system’s sound and clarity by viewing a movie DVD. Most movies audio output run in Dolby 5.1 or DTS. Choose a scene and watch to see if it is clear and crisp. Make sure that all sound is balance between the woofer and all speakers. Sound should flow smoothly, if not check the wiring for a loose connection. A loose connection can cause major problems. Be sure to put your home theater system through all its paces. Choose several different DVDS, CD and be sure to play your video games to make sure that it is running properly.

Get an envelope to store the manual in incase you need it later. Write down the serial number, model number and date of purchase on the manual. Also store your wiring diagram and measurements with your manual.

The last thing while testing your home theater system is to check any default settings. They usually are set at a midway point on your equipment. You will need to change the settings to your liking. Just as a safe guard, write down the default factory setting first.

Now for the very last and most important thing, have fun and enjoy your new home theater system.

Buying a television in itself is not a simple process. People must take their time to study and truly think about what kind they need, evaluating different models, space needed for correct viewing area, wall mounted or free standing, size of unit desired, light room, dark room.

Televisions are available in many types labeled by acronyms. This does not make it any easier: CRT, LCD, DLP and the ever popular Plasma.

A short description of each reads as follows:

DLP=Digital Light Processing which uses rear projection light. They are relatively light weight and usually only 10-16 inches in depth. They are great for college students with weak budgets.
LCD=Liquid Crystal Display which uses a liquid to control each pixel and can change to different colors. These do great in rooms with lots of ambient light and smaller viewing areas. Not so good in a dark room.

CRT=Cathode Ray Tube which has been the main form of technology for many years. It works by heating a filament,( the cathode), inside a vaccum glass tube. The stream of electrons (the ray) is poured off into the tube and steered by the steering coils directed at the screen which is coated in phosphors. The phosphors become excited which cause them to light up. That is where the picture comes from.Most CRT televisions will not work with today’s High Definition Cable systems and DVD’s. Pictures always look a bit fuzzy and off color.

Plasma=Alot like a new version of the CRT. Little bits of plasma get excited then strike the pixels at the front of the screen causing the pixel to turn a specific color. Great for dark rooms where a home theater atmosphere is needed. Best for extra large screen sizes.

Then you have to choose cable or satellite. Personal choice, service provided and cost are the deciding factors.
Once the television is unpacked in your home there are a few really important things you must do before beginning any television installation. Measure the distances you will need for all wiring and cable and add one foot to each measurement. Better to have extra than not enough. Number one is be sure all manuals are in sight and clearly readable. Second, take the time to label all wires and cables. this will make for easy troubleshooting later. Lay everything out in the steps described by manufacturer and follow these directions closely.

One more thing, remember to purchase a RF Modulator(Radio Frequency Modulator) if planning on hooking up a DVD player along with your cable. It is a required object.

If using a wall mounted site, use a stud finder to locate studs. Two of them. Mark the center of the studs and place screws or bolts firmly into them. Be sure they are square not angled in placement as this will allow for firmer hold.

Connect all cables and wires correctly before hanging television.

For theater systems and all other components an open rack system is best. These are heat creating devices. An A/V receiver will create the most heat because they consume the most electricity. Keep the receiver low on the shelf where the air is coolest. If possible give it it’s own shelf away from other heat producers such as DVR’s, DVD recorders and HDTV satellite receivers.

Now it is time to wire them all together. It seems like common sense, but be sure a signal’s output is going to the appropriate input of the next device. Wiring them wrongly could damage the components circuitry. Take your time and look closely at the manuals received with each component.

Now sit back and pick up the remote, be sure the batteries are inserted correctly. Push a button and watch your favorite shows or movies in comfort.

Before you begin your research though you should have some general things in order. The first thing you want to decide on is your budget for your furniture. Prices can range from the relatively inexpensive all the way up to the extravagant Sit down and come with a realistic range of values that you can use to help narrow down your choices. If you were forced to look at every single piece of furniture you would barely be able to keep up with the newest items that are coming out.

This value should include both a top and a bottom. By having a range you can eliminate items that you do not need to look at it. Simply stating we are not going to spend more than X does not really help to limit the number of items available to you. By setting a realistic budget and range you be able to find the best furniture with confidence.

After you have determined how much you want to spend you now to figure out how many people you plan on seating in your home theater. If you just want to have your family and maybe a few friends over finding furniture to set up your theater will be easy. The more people you add in the tougher it can be. Again this number is going to have to be a realistic number and will be limited by the amount of space you have in your theater room. Some rooms can easily hold upwards of twenty people, while others going above ten is not a good idea. Be realistic about it and make sure that you have enough room so that everyone can be comfortable. Nothing is more annoying than trying to watch a movie when you are uncomfortable.

You are next going to have to determine what kind of color scheme you want to go with for your furniture. Darker colors generally work very well as they not only are easy to clean, but do not reflect a lot of light when the movies are playing. Color is up to you, but depending on how exotic you want to go you may have more difficulty finding furniture in your price range. Flat black is always a good choice for a theater room as most furniture can be found in it and it will go well with just about anything.

You also need to figure you what kind of cover material you want for your furniture. Many people prefer the look and feel of leather, but real leather can be tough to maintain. Cloth is generally not a good option, but if your price is limited it can work very well. Synthetic leather works well, is cheap, and very easy to clean. In addition to that many companies will offer many options as far as synthetic leather is concerned. You can go with other options such as suede and exotic fabrics, but sticking to the main kinds will make finding appropriate options easier.

The last thing to consider is what kind of layout you want for your furniture Some people prefer large L shaped couches, while others will go for full on stadium seating. Some people will even get individual seating for everyone or with just one or two small couches. This configuration will come completely down to personal taste and just about every option is appropriate if it is what you want. Take a look around at all the different options available to try to find the one that fits best.

As you can see there are many different things you need to consider before you can even begin to look at specific pieces of furniture. Get these things out-of-the-way ahead of time and finding the right options first will make your buying decisions much easier later on. Without taking these steps you will end up wasting the majority of your time looking at furniture that is just not right for your theater room.

Technology has come down in price in recent years for equipment such as flat panels, rear projection televisions, projectors, and speaker systems. Furthermore, the increase in image quality thanks to high-definition televisions and Blu-Ray discs gives the viewer a picture just as clear as would be found at the local movie theater. A home theater can be set up in a modern home for a few thousand dollars rather than for tens of thousands of dollars. Here are some tips and ideas for selecting and installing the perfect home theater system.

The most important part of a home theater is the television or projector. A projector would seem more fitting for a home theater system, as it emulates the projector commonly found in movie theaters, but in actuality a high-definition television may prove more useful. For instance, video projectors need a bulb light to function. If a person watches many hours of television a night, they may have to replace their bulb upwards of once a year. Furthermore, HDTVs now provide a clearer picture than most projectors. The upside to projectors, however, is that the size of your picture depends on the distance the projector is from the projected surface. For most people, a HDTV is a more practical option.

Just as important as the picture is the sound. After all, having an amazing picture but subpar sound would make for a dull and disappointing viewing experience. Choosing the correct sound system makes the viewer a part of the action. The best type of sound system is Cinema 5.1 surround sound, the most common type of which is Dolby Digital. 5.1 surround sound allows for six tracks of audio through five speakers and one subwoofer. These speakers include front left, front right, front center, low-frequency, back left and back right. This refers to the placement of the speakers in the home theater system. It is a fitting name, as Cinema 5.1 surround sound “surrounds” the audience and mimics the theater-going experience.

Of less importance than picture and sound but still a consideration is furniture. This is one area in which the home theater can be vastly superior to a movie theater. Movie theaters tend to have very uncomfortable and cramped seating. In person’s own home, however, they can include any type of expensive recliner and other seating that they wish. This allows for maximum comfort during an individual’s home theater viewing experience. Also a smaller consideration is home theater lighting. While some choose normal lighting fixtures, others install mood lighting complete with dimmer switches. This gives a person the ability to control the light levels in the room to the most minute detail.

It is plain to see how the right television, sound system, lighting and furniture can create a comfortable atmosphere for a theater in your own home. After installation, it is likely that a person will choose to spend movie nights at home rather than at the movie theater.

Ever since the black and white televisions started commandeering the airwaves, women have swooned over their favorite heartthrobs.  We kick off our slideshow with none other than George Clooney, who starred as Mark “Ace” Kolmar for two seasons of ER. Next up is Luke Perry of 90210 fame, followed by Don Johnson from Miami Vice. It’s hard to believe that his style and haircut were really in style during the 1980s. In fourth place is Tom Selleck, whose character, Thomas Magnum, was never at a loss for getting the attention of the ladies.

What list would be complete without Denzel Washington, who became famous from his role on St. Elsewhere. Now think back a bit and you will recall a few hot bods from the black and white days of television as well.  Take, for example, Clint Eastwood on Rawhide or Richard Chamberlain on Dr. Kildare.

Rounding out the list, last but not least, we have Jimmy Smits.  His acting career is wide and varied, but he is perhaps best known for his role as Bobby Simone in the hit crime drama, NYPD Blue.  While there will always be some disagreement about who should be on a list like this, there’s no denying that these guys are hot, hot, hot.

Well, I hope everyone (in the U.S. at least) enjoyed an abundant Thanksgiving dinner yesterday.  After doing all that cooking, I’m sure there you are ready for a break from the kitchen.  So how about relaxing for a few minutes and checking out who our favorite culinary artists are.  Most of these can be found on The Food Network, where inspiration for “good eats” abounds. From Alton Brown, to epicurean delights in diners and dives across America, all the way to the infamous Ace of Cakes, we think our selection is pretty good.  Tell us what you think and share your favorites so we’ll be inspired next time we venture into the domain of the nearest kitchen.

They’re a dying breed these days; sadly, more networks than ever before are beginning to kill the iconic opening sequences to their TV shows. The extra thirty seconds to one minute of airtime is now often repurposed to earn more advertising dollars, and a veritable art form is lost in the process. These opening sequences are more than simply a title card and some cheap music, they’re an ad’s length sum of the entire show. Most were meant to be thrown away, but many were masterpieces in their own right, and we’re celebrating those here today. These are the 15 greatest TV show openers we could dredge up; new and old alike, they’re all classics.

Six Feet Under

Six Feet Under has spanned five seasons, won massive amounts of critical acclaim, and touched millions of viewers worldwide since it hit HBO in 2001. The show’s intro grabbed those viewers from the outset; the cheery, 50′s era going to work in the morning hustle and bustle music set the tone as they watched a recently deceased woman maker way from the morgue to the grave. The clever use of some excellent camera work polished it off to be an excellent opening sequence.

Dead Like Me

Dead Like Me is another show about death, to put it bluntly — that being said, it’s intro is downright cute. The show itself takes a very playful and ironically live-life approach to the subject of death and the afterlife. That’s its appeal, and the opening sets the scene for all to come. Watching numerous reapers go about the daily lives of normal human beings is enough to catch our attention — doing it to music that reminds of a shopping spree in a 60′s era mall does it even better.

Dexter

Dexter is a much-loved show, and for good reason. It’s dark, it’s funny, it’s human, and most of all it’s surprisingly multifaceted. The intro to the show chooses a narrower route; they wanted to show the core of the show, that Dexter himself is a normal guy, living a normal life that borders on the mundane. It shows that people, despite the gloss and polish, aren’t very pretty when watched extremely closely, and that we are just animals, after all.

Weeds

Weeds has an intro that tells a story through song, and not just any song, either. The song they chose for this introduction is no other than “Little Boxes,” written by Malvina Reynolds in the 60′s. The intro’s absolutely perfect, since the show itself is about a suburban housewife turned single-mother, who turns to drug-dealing to maintain the cookie-cutter lifestyle that her family had enjoyed prior to her husband’s demise. What makes this intro particularly special is that while the first season used Reynolds’ version of the song, the second and third seasons used covers done by over 30 artists, including Death Cab for Cutie.

Nip/Tuck

Playing A Perfect Lie by The Engine Room, Nip/Tuck goes the sexy route with its opening sequence — perfectly matching the rest of the show’s MO. The metaphorical use of manikins and models is genius in that it makes for seamless transitions, and tells a story at the same time. The show may be about plastic surgery and the evils that come with its existence, but it goes pretty deep in doing so, and this intro sarcastically portrays that dynamic. This version is especially interesting; it’s subtitled in Portuguese with The Stroke of a Scalpel. Our American version has no subtitle to the name.

Bored to Death

A rarity these days, Bored to Death‘s intro is an animation. Aside from being a throw-back to the shows of yesteryear, this allows for much more creativity than can be afforded by actual actors and cameras; in this case, they’ve used some clever typography influenced by old-school film noir to make an excellent opening sequence. The intro, like the show, also makes for a great ode to all the private eye novels of the past.

The Fresh Prince of Bel Air

Not much needs to be said about the introduction to The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, since it’s one of the absolute most iconic opening sequences in television history. Low-budget and kitschy as it is on the surface, it’s actually quite genius; It was meant to be catchy, and tell a background story to set the show — both of which it accomplished with relative ease. The intro was so successful that now, nearly 20 years later, its song is still sung verbatim by countless fans at the mere mention of the show.

Fringe

Typography and word-placement play a huge role in the introduction to JJ Abrams’ Fringe. The intro is short and to the point, but it’s made to take the viewers symbolically through the show’s concept as they see what Fringe is composed of. This all happens with crystal clarity and speed, while the music builds to crescendo on a final, spartan screen showing only the show’s title and key production team. It’s genius in that it’s to the point, and also keeps with the show’s theme of hidden messages and hidden meanings. For a split second, the phrase “Observers are Watching” are visible near the center of the screen, just before you see the words Dark Matter.

House

In the US, the intro to House is set to the tune of Massive Attack’s Teardrop, while licensing issues caused a mock version of the song to be used elsewhere. The intro grabs viewers attention, soothes them and prepares them for a show far more cerebral than many airing today. It’s also visually in tune with a medical drama, which only further sets the scene.

The Sopranos

The introduction to The Sopranos grew to be such a favorite while the show aired that the song, Woke Up This Morning became a popular ringtone, and residents of New Jersey rejoiced that their state was finally shown a bit of respect. Mafia shows and movies have always been traditionally set in New York, with New Jersey being nothing more than an afterthought. The opening sequence shows the lead character, Tony Soprano, making his way through New Jersey on his way home to a house in the suburbs.

Twilight Zone

Originally airing in 1959, The Twilight Zone changed television forever. The show’s introduction, narrated by none other than Rod Serling himself, took viewers from the comfort of their home into the unknowns of whatever strange adventure the show was about to embark upon. It was new and genius, and at the time it was even known for its special effects, laughable as they are today. Coupled with the eery music, it’s no wonder this intro has lasted fresh in memory for decades to all who’ve seen it.

The Outer Limits

Taking cues from The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits made waves by pretending to hijack viewers television sets, taking them seemingly by force into a bizarre, scifi world of wonder with every episode. Even today, this introduction brings a smile to every nerd’s face.

Gilligan’s Island

With an introduction sporting a song so cute, so catchy, and so iconic, Gilligan’s Island not only made waves when it aired, but continues to do so today. The song’s actual title was, believe it or not, The Ballad of Gilligan’s Isle, and it told the entire story of how the wayward cast came to find themselves lost on a desert island. The song has probably started playing in your head already, and considering it was first sung in 1964 — you do the math.

The Muppet Show

Another musical masterpiece, the introduction to The Muppet Show touched the hearts of millions when it first aired, and anybody who watches it today immediately feels the same way. Undeniably cute, the intro started off with the familiar trap-door equipped wall showing the title, and our favorite muppet popping out to announce the show and its special guest of the evening. It then erupted into full show-tunes muppet-mayhem, to an order that only muppets could accomplish.

Star Trek

Of all introductions to all shows in all of television history, only Star Trek is so amazingly iconic that it could not only be easily recognized, but easily quoted in about as many countries of the world as Coca Cola or Pepsi are sold. This intro, simple and short as it is, burns into the memory of any who watch it. Considering it was made in 1966 on a shoestring budget, the special effects weren’t half bad, either.

Marge Simpson made history and headlines this month as she graced the cover of Playboy Magazine. That got us to thinking about other cartoon women that have been (or could be) considered sexy over the years.  This gallery is the culmination of our efforts, spanning several decades of television animation.  From The Jetsons to The Simpsons, it appears that sexy cartoon women have been part of the TV landscape for a while and they aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Whether we realize it or not, many of our favorite, or least favorite shows weren’t original ideas. Some of the very best shows on TV have been second or even third-tier spin-offs, and even the worst shows often get a second chance through an especially lovable character. These are the ten best, and ten worst TV spin-offs we could dredge up.

(Worst) Joey

When Friends went the way of the dinosaur in 2004, Matt LeBlanc got together with some big heads at NBC and signed on to beat the dead horse that would be Joey. The premise of this nightmare was that loyal fans of Friends would get to follow Joey to LA, where he would inevitably fail at life and become depressing. No amount of star-studded cameos could save this ship from sinking.

(Best) The Colbert Report

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Colbert’s run on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart was so successful, that network execs thought he’d do well enough with his own show. It started off a bit shaky, but then again, so did The Daily Show, and The Colbert Report is now so immensely popular that its jokes are ingrained in our very culture. The show is so widely available and well-received that Colbert uses it as a vehicle for real-world shenanigans, often getting people to name ridiculous things in Steven Colbert’s honor — including a treadmill on the International Space Station.

(Worst) Saved by the Bell: The New Class

Technically, Saved by the Bell itself was a spin-off of an old Disney show, Good Morning Miss Bliss, but it was much-loved despite the neon colors and horrible scripting. The New Class, however, was not. We put up with all the terrifying early 90′s cliches in the original because it was somehow able to make it work, and it had Screech. Even The College Years was tolerable because it kept the same cast, but this blue-light special garbage never made the cut. What nobody can figure out is how on earth this travesty went on for seven seasons.

(Best) Sesame Street

Not many realize that this 40-season monster of success is actually a spin-off of a Jim Henson production from over a decade earlier. Sesame Street, based in New York City, was a heavily funded educational endeavor that first saw light in Sam and Friends — a Washington D.C. black & white from the late 50′s starring Kermit and Harry the Hipster.

(Worst) Wheel 2000

Also known as Wheel of Fortune 2000, this horrid bit of patronizing failure was doomed from the start. As if the 2000 moniker wasn’t a dead-giveaway, the show was part of the seemingly endless spat of bad TV trying to capitalize on the then-nearing New Millennium. As such, producers felt the need to include a “virtual reality” cyber-hostess, which was possibly the most annoying thing to grace the screen before the days of Tila Tequila.

(Best) Aqua Teen Hunger Force

Of all the amazing shows to come out of Space Ghost Coast to Coast, the most wildly successful is Aqua Teen Hunger Force. The show is so ridiculous, that when broken down into factual analysis for definition, it sounds like a joke. That’s the appeal of it, and it works, because in ATHF‘s six short seasons it’s attained hordes of fans, and even went to the big screen in Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie for Theaters.

(Worst) Taradise

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E! Entertainment made the grand error of thinking that Tara Reid was both able to host a show of her own and interesting enough for people to care. This spin-off of Wild On E! was so weak that it can’t even be recalled by viewers today, and more spoofs of it exist online than do actual video clips from the show itself. Its premise was basic: follow failed actress/model Tara Reid around the world as she visits other countries, gets drunk, and acts like a two-bit prostitute. It was generally less well-received than Girls Gone Wild commercials.

(Best) Star Trek: The Next Generation

Of all the expansions to the Star Trek universe, The Next Generation was by far the most-loved and most successful to date. It was so successful, it spawned two full series and four major motion pictures, all taking place within the well-defined TNG timeline. Technically, it’s far more pervasive than the original Star Trek, despite our fondness for nostalgia and the classics.

(Worst) Wildboyz

As if Jackass weren’t bad enough, MTV felt the need to spawn the brain hemorrhage that would be known as Wildboyz. The show starred many of the same “characters” that helped make Jackass a popular success, but its premise was based largely on travel to remote destinations. The “characters” would proceed to more or less defile those remote (natural) destinations, insult the indigenous people, and lower the expectations they would have of Americans and modern society on the whole.

(Best) The Simpsons

It’s a little-known fact that The Simpsons was a spin-off of a segment from the popular, late 80′s, Tracy Ullman Show, which lasted only a fraction the time that The Simpsons has now successfully run. The show’s even gone as far as the big screen, with the 2007 release of The Simpsons Movie.

(Worst) Mighty Morphin’ Power Rangers: Jungle Fury

The 16th of 17 major inceptions of the iconic Power Ranger franchise to reach American shores, Jungle Fury is so far beyond bad that it reaches new heights of hilarity. It’s difficult to imagine how a group of funded individuals can create something so terrible, but they did, and while it was only one of many, it was the worst of many.

(Best) Mork & Mindy

Fonzie may have ruined Mork’s plans to abduct Richie Cunningham in an episode of Happy Days, but he didn’t stop Robin Williams from getting his own show later. Mork & Mindy lasted four seasons and acted as a springboard for what would become one of Hollywood’s most successful careers, as Robin Williams launched into super-stardom from the role of Mork.

(Worst) Bindi the Jungle Girl

Steve Irwin’s passing was cause for mourning worldwide, but an unfortunate outcome of that well-intentioned mourning was his talentless daughter getting her own show, Bindi the Jungle Girl. The show was a feckless attempt to grab viewers and ad slots in the time immediately after Irwin’s untimely demise, and while it was successful for a brief moment, it didn’t take long for the public to see through the ruse and shun the program.

(Best) Daria

Now with a cult-following, Daria was probably the most critically-acclaimed thing to ever be associated, much less have origins in Beavis and Butt-head. The lead character, Daria, was originally just a side-character — the nerdy girl — until she got her own show. Her entire story unfolded there, and to a large following as the show was much more cerebral than its parent-program.

(Worst) Super Sloppy Double Dare

While Double Dare had several reincarnations, often one right after another, it was Super Sloppy Double Dare that simply had no purpose other than to act as a bridge to the next spin-off. Despite its heavy reliance on messy physical challenges, the show was simply boring to all who watched it. There just wasn’t enough happening to make it worth the time wasted, and it was swapped out for Family Double Dare pretty quickly.

(Best) Frasier

Cheers was immensely popular in its own right, but when one of its favorite, most iconic characters picked up sticks and moved to a more TV-friendly town with a better time-slot, we got Frasier. The show began its run immediately after the end of its parent, Cheers, and went on to match its 11 seasons, joining the club of TV’s longest running, most successful shows of all time.

(Worst) I Love New York

The universe wasn’t quite impressed when VH1 created Flavor of Love, starring washed-up rapper has-been Flavor Flav, but it was curious and entertained. The show was a pretty big hit for the network, and they tried to milk it for all it was worth. Part of that endeavor was I Love New York, in which terrifyingly unattractive Tiffany Pollard, a.k.a. New York, plays the unlikely role of a sought-after sexpot. While she was a loser on Flavor of Love, she was so grating that the network felt she would grab viewers on the premise that she would surely cause nothing but high drama.

(Best) Darkwing Duck

A Cult classic spin-off of Ducktales, Darkwing Duck aired in the mid-to-late 90′s and bridged the gap between Disney fans and avid comic book readers. The idea was clever; take a Disney “duck” character and turn him into a vigilante super-hero of The Shadow caliber. The show turned out to be a recipe for success, and grabbed followers by the million, and they weren’t limited to children, either.

(Worst) Time of Your Life

Party of Five saw a great deal of success when it aired for a number of reasons, none of which existed when spin-off Time of Your Life brought the very popular Jennifer Love Hewitt to New York City. The show was cancelled in the middle of its first and only season, shunned, forgotten, and never missed. It had none of the original appeal of its parent-show, and it had even less of an audience.

(Best) Caprica

While not technically even in season yet, Battlestar Galactica prequel/spin-off Caprica has already pre-released its pilot in a move to grab an audience before the show even airs. The results were more than pleasing to Syfy, because the show looks to be a hit. Taking all the best elements that made the Galactica reboot such a smash-hit, Caprica aims to up the ante and bring the futuristic space-drama to more viewers than ever before.

We all love our TV shows, and sometimes we love them so much that we want more when they’re over. If enough of us want the same thing, a movie studio eventually gets the hint and puts together a major motion picture based on our favorite show, and that’s when the real magic happens. No more networks, no more censorship, no creative limits, massive funding — it all leads to the ultimate consummation of everything the show’s built up throughout its run. These 15 movies are the best and most loved of the ever-growing list of films brought about by a television show.

Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan

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Beginning as a lowly and impermanent character in Sasha Baren Cohen’s Da Ali G Show, Borat hit movie-goers in the face when it released in 2006. The movie was so funny that many audience members were already in tears from laughing before the opening credits were entirely finished. The film was banned in more countries than it actually ran in, and to this day is quoted ad nauseum by millions.

The Kids in the Hall: Brain Candy

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Canadian comedy super-troupe The Kids in the Hall made their biggest splash yet with Brain Candy in 1996, after their show had finished its run. The movie brought several fan-favorite characters from the series along with it, including the Cops, Cancer Boy, and the Racist Cabbie, who narrates the film. Mock packages of GLeeMONEX can still be found for sale at many online stores.

The X-Files

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Actually taking place between seasons five and six of the show, The X-Files hit theaters in 1998 to much fanfare and throngs of joyous fans. The show was at the height of its popularity at the time, and had several major story arcs up in the air. Of all things anticipated in the movie, it was the relationship between Mulder and Scully that fans were most interested in seeing gain some traction on-screen.

Starsky & Hutch

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An ode to the 70′s classic, Starsky & Hutch is one of many Stiller/Owen/Vaughn successes. The movie dropped all pretenses of being serious, while at the same time delivering a solid plot along with its ridiculous comedy routines. In short, it’s hilarious and still pays homage to the show it’s based on, which is a rare balance.

Serenity

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Released a full three years after the original airing of the incomplete, single season of Firefly, Serenity was the answer to the fans clamoring for more. The show was ended prematurely, and no party denies that anymore after the movie’s extreme critical acclaim, which came on the heels of the show’s unprecedented DVD sales.

Beavis and Butt-head Do America

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Released near the end of the show’s run, nobody thought Beavis and Butt-head Do America would attain any major success. They were surprised to find that it was all the best parts of the show, and hilarious. Complete with an appearance by Cornholio and the boys’ fathers, the movie fulfilled more than any of us could have hoped.

Wayne’s World

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1992 saw regular SNL favorites Wayne Campbell and Garth Algar explode into the mainstream with Wayne’s World. Suddenly it wasn’t just the late-night audience who were walking around quoting the movie, but everyone who was old enough to see the film. Still a favorite now, almost two decades later, this movie was a classic the moment it was released.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

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Rare is a childhood untouched by the TMNT of old. The original animated series, though pretty bad by today’s standards, was the foundation for what would become an empire. The first movie was huge, taking full advantage of all that 1990 had to offer in terms of tolerance for bad movies. The promotional slogan at the time was “Lean, Green, and on the Screen,” and full ridiculousness followed as costumed, ninja-laden mutant-turtle live-action hit the big screen.

The Blues Brothers

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Jake and Elwood Blues were much loved characters and musical guests on Saturday Night Live in 1978, played by John Belushi and Dan Akroyd during the show’s hay day. They were so popular that they later became a sensation as The Blues Brothers released in theaters nationwide, and a legend ever since.

Office Space

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Actually based on the old and oft-forgotten Milton series of shorts from Saturday Night Live, Office Space has gathered nothing short of a cult following. The movie was so ridiculously popular that Swingline actually had to release a red stapler to meet the demands of the rabid fans clamoring for a red Swingline stapler like Milton had in the movie.

Transformers

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This movie follows a long line of sister-ventures in the Transformers franchise based on the 1982 cartoon series. Regardless of any plot holes that may exist, Transformers was the biggest, most visually explosive movie of its time, and with Megan Fox present in most of the film, it’s one of the best movies to watch period.

The Naked Gun: From the Files of Police Squad!

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Based off the 1982 series Police Squad!, there just isn’t a more efficient way to describe this movie than to simply call it retarded — but for a 1988 slapstick comedy, it’s still hilarious. Made at a time when nobody was above a good shot of low-brow humor, this movie tore into everyone. Nobody was safe, but unlike the failed attempts at this genre that continually assault us today, Naked Gun managed to pull it off with class.

South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut

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Releasing at the height of the show’s popularity, South Park: Bigger, Longer & Uncut managed to take nearly every pre-established boundary and break through to new levels of offensively hilarious humor. Combining all the best characters and story arcs from the series, the movie was able to deliver on its promises as it was completely uncensored when released.

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

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While it’s true that the entire franchise is based on the original 1966 series, one movie in particular always stands apart; The Wrath of Khan is set in stone as the absolute iconic film of the entire Star Trek universe. The movie is beloved by millions of fans worldwide, and its chief antagonist, Khan, is still often credited as film’s best villain to date.

The Untouchables

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The Untouchables will forever be known as the timeless classic from 1987 that not only centered on a war between Al Capone and Elliot Ness, but managed to mix the likes of Kevin Costner, Robert De Niro, Sean Connery and Andy Garcia together in a take-no-prisoners prohibition-era period-piece. It’s a mouthful, but it’s awesome.

BONUS: Intro from Aqua Teen Hunger Force Colon Movie for Theaters

Easily the funniest scene to come out of the entire ATHF franchise, this introduction to the movie was what audiences were paying money to see. The movie itself may as well as never happened at all, it was that bad.

Every season has its in shows, and they nearly always have a cast with monstrous sex appeal. The story holds true whether we’re talking about hospital dramas or science fiction, and the exceptions to the rule seem to be less every year. Of all the shows in the lineup, these 15 are notable for having the hottest casts of Fall TV.

Nip/Tuck

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For a show based on cutting up people’s faces, Nip/Tuck manages to come off pretty sexy. Beautiful women abound in this surgical masterpiece, while Charmed baddie Julian McMahon trades in literal horns for the figurative to play the quintessential bad boy role.

The Vampire Diaries

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As the CW’s contribution to the recent vampire-craze, The Vampire Diaries has a lot to live up to. Thankfully, the execs over at the CW were smart enough to follow a few archetypal rules set in place for any and all vampire-fiction — like only using modelesque perfection for screen talent. Whether you’re a fan of the story or not, this show’s got it where it counts the most; it’s great to watch.

V

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Resurrecting an old cult-favorite science fiction icon, V hit televisions this week packing more than simple nostalgia. The show also brought considerable talent along with a classic story, not to mention the brain-trust behind The 4400 — as well as the show’s lead actor. V doesn’t stop there though, but also cannibalized cast-lists from shows such as Firefly, Lost, and Smallville. Morena Baccarin isn’t the only reason to catch this one.

Grey’s Anatomy

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Premiering in 2005, Grey’s Anatomy was most immediately known for its overwhelmingly attractive cast, which is also one of the largest on TV. The mix of not just sexes but sexualities represented has also played a large role in getting the show the sort of notoriety that it has today — that it’s a hospital-show with as much lust as medicine. These factors put together mean that Grey’s is on a shortlist of dramas that attracts as many men as it does women. With all the eye-candy this show has to offer, what’s not to want?

House

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Making women swoon and men take interest since 2004, House, much like Grey’s, turns a hospital into a torrid, hour-long affair for viewers once a week. This one’s especially interesting, since before the show grew popular, Hugh Laurie was never quite known for his sex appeal. Now posters with his face can be found in the bedrooms of high school-aged girls.

Dollhouse

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One could argue that any show showcasing Eliza Dushku is bound to be one of the hottest on TV, but Dollhouse producers didn’t want the show resting on its laurels. The cast, while obviously centered around Dushku, rounds out to resemble a team of fashion models. One thing’s for certain here, director Joss Whedon learned plenty on the set of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and he seems to follow the school of pack your set with good-looking people and ratings will follow.

Heroes

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Make no mistake — the cast listing of Heroes is intentionally crammed with beautiful people. This sex-inflation happens every season, and shows no signs of stopping either. Even the worst villains tend to be Hollywood-grade attractive in this fan-favorite.

Desperate Housewives

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Running since 2004, Desperate Housewives remains atop many lists of best-loved shows on TV. While the show may indeed have a much larger female audience than male, there’s no shortage of either. The women of Wisteria Lane continue to dominate the same slot they’ve held since their first airing, and with looks like that, it’s no surprise.

Stargate Universe

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The newest installment of a 15-year old franchise, Stargate Universe was created to take things in a decidedly different direction, and it does it with a cast so hot it could melt some screens. A tense, brooding, almost maniacal Robert Carlyle brings gravitas to any scene, while actresses such as Elyse Levesque and Alaina Huffman make men light-headed.

Bones

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Bones is so chalked full of beautiful people that, at first glance, it appears to be some sort of fashion magazine as opposed to a forensics lab. Emily Deschanel spices up an otherwise boring female lead role, while another Buffy alumnus — David Boreanaz — does what he does best.

Crash

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Diving back into the universe set in the extraordinarily successful 2004 film by the same name, Crash, hit TV screens in 2008 with a cast fronted by Dennis Hopper himself. Along with Hopper, D.B. Sweeney and Tom Sizemore also round out this heavy-hitters list of male celebs.

Lie to Me

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Lie to Me manages to not only bring class to all things nefarious, but does it with a polished, gorgeous look. Tim Roth doesn’t carry this one all by his lonesome, either; the beautiful Kelli Williams and Monica Raymund make this show absolutely painless for everyone.

Mad Men

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Of all casts on TV, the actors of Mad Men have the most fun at wardrobe. This 1960′s-infused powerhouse is nothing short of unstoppable, and its cast of picturesque characters make that possible. Jon Hamm and January Jones both look their parts as though they were born into them, and the show is all the better for it.

Melrose Place

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Having some extremely large shoes to fill, 2009′s inception of Melrose Place may be a reboot, but it’s got a cast that could replace Vogue cover-models. As if the cast of young hot stars weren’t enough already, original cast members Laura Leighton and Thomas Calabro also make regular appearances.

Smallville

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Telling the story of young Clark Kent and his friends, Smallville has been as mash hit since 2001. Studly Tom Welling plays the iconic role, while the women of his life (including Lois, played by the gorgeous Erica Durance) all steal attention from him, as audiences can’t keep their eyes off them. With a cast this solid, it’s no surprise that this show isn’t over yet.

While we like to think of ourselves as a progressive lot these days, the fact is that racism isn’t as behind us as we’d like it to be. More to the point — we actually keep it at the forefront of everyday life; whether we do it unwittingly or not, racism has become completely pervasive in our culture. These 15 examples show just how deeply rooted racism has become in America, as reflected by what we see on cable TV. Now don’t get too serious, while the subject-matter seems a bit dire, most of these clips are pretty hilarious — just watch objectively and you’ll see.

Merrie Melodies

While there are many examples to choose from when talking about racism in early animation, Speedy Gonzales’ appearances in Merrie Melodies are perhaps the most warmly remembered, as opposed to the absolutely unacceptable. Entire generations have grown up with the words “¡Ándale! ¡Ándale! ¡Arriba! ¡Arriba!” etched into memory for life because of these cartoons. Looking back now, there is much more to these shorts than we ever noticed as children.

All in the Family

A relic from a now distant past, All in the Family showcased race-relations in America as they existed in the chaotic 1970′s. Television was changing dramatically at the time from what everyone perceived as the norm, and overt racism was a big part of that. This clip is especially hilarious because of the drastic changes that the story goes through when it’s told by two parties on opposite sides of the race debate.

American Dad

American Dad, made by the same comedy think tank responsible for Family Guy, revolves heavily around the idea of the stereotypical American. The show’s portrayal of this white, suburban affluent male was taken directly from the archives — 1950′s America — and warped purely for comedic and anecdotal value. The idea’s genius, but the show’s humor fails to reach countless viewers outside its own ironically caucasian demographic.

The Jeffersons

Picking up where All in the Family began leaving off, The Jeffersons confronted racism in America in similar fashion, but from the opposite end of the spectrum. This clip demonstrates perfectly how the same joke can be told from two different perspectives, offering a humorous look at the trendy use of “uncle tom” as a phrase at that time.

Scrubs

Scrubs is interesting in that it attempts to meld many (if not all) races and modern interracial concerns into one comedy-drama. The show succeeds, for the most part, and is wildly popular because of that success. This clip is a good example of the light-hearted look the show takes at the daily minefield of racial sensitivity we all traverse.

South Park

South Park has earned massive critical acclaim for its direct, no holds barred approach towards topics of extreme sensitivity, and racism is a recurring theme on the show. The approach was simple, take every known racial epithet and stereotype in existence, then proceed to portray them as humorously as possible.

In Living Color

Self-deprecating humor began to gain a foothold in the racial sphere when shows like In Living Color started taking their place in the lineup. The humor is meant to be innocent enough, but these skits almost always wind up a double-edged sword. Immature audiences view comedy like this, and apply their own preconceived notions to further the wrong kind of thinking. It’s unfortunate, but in the long run we can only hope that more good is done than harm.

Family Guy

Often wrongly-accused of overtly prejudiced humor, Family Guy is a truly intelligent farce wrapped in guffaw-laden, shallow jokes. The idea of the show is to more or less ridicule the average American for propagating stereotypes by living them out. By calling attention to the often hilariously wrong views and practices of the “average” suburban American, the show manages to break those stereotypes. Unfortunately, the jokes tend to be just a little too good, and many immature individuals get the wrong idea about the show.

Rescue Me

Departing from the norm, Rescue Me doesn’t attempt to gloss over the ugliness of racism. The show takes a decidedly different approach, and portrays it hyper-realistically, going along with the already gritty feel that’s won the acclaim of so many critics. This approach is hugely successful due to the lack of any prefab-feel associated with anything artificially imbued with an overly-positive spin, and the realism doesn’t hurt the level of comedy, either.

Sealab 2021

Late-night comedy animation like Adult Swim‘s Sealab 2021 are on the rise in a big way — and for good reason. The fact that we never truly stop loving cartoons can’t be ignored, and networks are realizing that fact now as they allow more adult-oriented animation to air. These shows are perfect vehicles for racial humor, and Sealab is no exception.

Hannity & Colmes

While scripted shows are controlled in every way, they only account for roughly half of what we watch on TV. News, talk shows, and the grey-area in between the two have grown by leaps and bounds in the past several decades. Today, shows like Hannity & Colmes cover niche-topics that more conventional news programs can only touch upon. These shows become hot-beds for racial content, and usually by accident.

The Boondocks

Also a child of Adult Swim, The Boondocks centers its entire theme on racism. While appearing to be very aggressively oriented, the show actually strikes a bit of a bargain — poking at both sides. Popular culture is rife with subtly racial influences and this show takes shots at them in a more artistic manner than most.

The MidNightly News

Taking cues from successful contemporaries like The Daily Show, short-lived and already cancelled The MidNightly News struck out at racism in the popular mockumentary fashion. Wyatt Cenac was actually so good at this, that when the show was cancelled shortly after this airing, he was picked up by The Daily Show to continue in like fashion.

Chappelle Show

Dave Chappelle has grown famous (and rich) off of his ability to expose and exploit racism in everyday life. His gift lies in the hilarious and imaginative ways in which he manages to portray the issue at hand — in this case, it’s making a mockery of the KKK while making a statement about reverse-prejudice.

Fox News

Sometimes even our mainstream news programs find themselves in the middle of a racial gaffe, as Fox News did when Hillary Clinton went off the deep end in a speech about school vouchers. In a rare moment of unscripted ire, the (then) presidential hopeful managed to show her ignorance in the worst way possible. These incidents show that no matter how tightly controlled we make our entertainment, there will always be the chance of exposure.

Americans love their game shows. It’s no secret that the dumber the show’s premise, the more viewers will be attracted to it — but just how stupid have these shows gotten over the years? We’ve come a long way from the simple radio-centric question and answer styling of old, and some modern shows are even full-body athletic games. Whichever type they happen to be, these 15 shows are some of the absolute worst TV game shows to grace the living room. The sad part is how many of us watched them all.

Family Double Dare

As you’ll see in the video — Family Double Dare, like its parent-format Double Dare, was basically a culmination of all things 80′s. It was the flagship for the then-fledgling Nickelodeon, and subsisted off of messy “physical challenges” interspersed with elementary-level trivia questions. The entire franchise had countless spin-offs over the years, but none were so warmly remembered as this heaping, neon-colored monstrosity of 1988.

The Singing Bee

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The idea behind this show was lame enough without throwing talentless backup singers and an equally hapless Joey Fatone into the mix. The Singing Bee was doomed to failure the moment it was conceived, but that didn’t stop the network execs from pushing it out to the unwary masses for the short period of time it actually aired. Most people are happy to have forgotten about this experience, but we’re going to go ahead and remind you all of this wonderfully crappy nightmare of a game show.

The Moment of Truth

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This disgusting, despicable display of moral outrage was single-handedly responsible for a frightening number of ruined relationships, broken hearts, destroyed reputations and shattered marriages. Contestants were made to submit to a polygraph examination before the show, in which they were asked questions ranging from the personal to the inane. It was, obviously, the personal questions that got aired in front of the millions of viewers. They nearly always led to revelations of adultery or equally shady behavior. Lives were ruined — but that’s good TV.

Deal or No Deal

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Once upon a time, four years ago, a unholy alliance was formed between NBC and Howie Mandel. The tainted fruit of that union was Deal or No Deal, and we’ve all suffered the mind-numbing consequences ever since. Hopelessly transparent game-fixing covered by a pathetic attempt to woo viewers with a veritable horde of scantily-clad models filled 44 minutes of run-time, which in turn shaved years off the life-spans of millions of Americans. There was something about money, and briefcases, but that’s immaterial here.

Legends of the Hidden Temple

A favorite of many 80′s children now grown up — LOTHT as it’s known now was nothing short of epic to the average suburban American child. The fact that “ancient Mayan wheels” were actually just tire-swings, or that Olmec (the talking rock) sounded like he really wanted to be screaming Fabulous! every time he spoke were immaterial to the general viewing audience. This one lasted two years.

Bowling for Dollars

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Don’t misunderstand — bowling is a fantastic sport, a great pass-time, and a great way to socialize. One thing bowling is not: Interesting. Adding money to the equation doesn’t change that sad fact, and Bowling for Dollars failed to break this cold, hard paradigm. One thing they did get right was their attempt to localize the game show. This show wasn’t a national event, but a local one to several cities, which were treated like parts of one large franchise. Not even that could spice things up.

Distraction

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First molesting cable television in 2003, Distraction started off in the U.S. and made its way to Europe (somehow). The show was based on the premise that a human being can’t think clearly enough to answer inane trivia questions while being bombarded with distractions — like ping pong balls. Needless to say, this one didn’t last too long, regardless of the country it was airing in.

Amne$ia

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Attempting to market off the mere presence of Dennis Miller, Amne$ia failed in less than two months flat. This show was so pointless, that it didn’t even make sense to begin with: Contestants were asked questions about events they spent with a friend or loved one, for some of the rounds, while other rounds were as random as games of pin the tail on the donkey. We’re betting Dennis Miller claims amnesia on this one ever happening.

The Chair

John McEnroe made a brief but lucrative appearance on network television, hosting the monumental failure that was The Chair. Contestants were made to sit in a chair and answer questions while their heart rate was monitored for any sudden rise — with penalty points deducted if they lost their cool. This gem lasted barely three months before dying on the table in 2002, but don’t worry, McEnroe crossed the pond to host the show again, to a similar fate, in England later that year.

My Dad is Better than Your Dad

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What could be worse than the title of this pathetic excuse for a game show? The look on the children’s faces as they discover that their fathers aren’t supermen, or even real men at all. Add the fact that millions of Americans are watching while their dads fail in front of them, and you’ve got prime-time gold. This show is just plain awful.

Family Feud

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Family Feud is a show in which two families of below-average intelligence compete against each other by attempting to successfully answer questions posed to them. Those questions are supposed to be survey answers representative of the general population, but are in fact more akin to the ramblings of a syphilitic old man. The show’s most notable for having aired between Matlock and Murder, She Wrote. It’s just that boring.

Identity

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Playing on humanity’s innate penchant for discrimination, Penn Jillette’s Identity basically had contestants place stereotypes on models, based solely off their looks and a bogus hint. This sociology exercise inevitably became more like a verbal Where’s Waldo and the whole thing tanked before most people could ever get used to it being there in the first place. Good riddance.

Hurl!

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Titled with a phrase that hasn’t been used since 1996, Hurl! aired on G4 only a year ago, to an audience of dozens. The show’s only premise was vomit. Contestants were forced to eat until they couldn’t anymore, while being goaded into physical challenges that were almost sure to make them reverse flow. With the already tiny viewership G4 had, and the extreme niche-marketing of this sort of content, this show was doomed from the start.

Wipeout

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Here we have the sad result of a cross-cultural idea-rape. Takeshi’s Castle, a wildly popular and very ridiculous large-scale game show in Japan which starred none other than Beat Takeshi himself, was eaten and poorly regurgitated state-side as Wipeout. That’s all that needs to be said about this waste of film. You’re better off watching MXC.

Hole in the Wall

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Another Japanese game show that captured America’s attention, this time via YouTube video, Hole in the Wall was first known to us as Human Tetris. That was before most people thought it could ever come across the ocean and be ruined by American executives. This once-fun show was quickly turned into an overdone pile of fail, and viewers were quick to shun it. Nice try, Fox.

So you want to make it in the world of entertainment? Gather ‘round, because anyone can become famous on a non-scripted TV show; it’s the ass of the industry but everyone will get their 15 minutes of fame. The usual requirements for the industry include qualities like talent and beauty, but reality television is on it’s own completely. You don’t need a lot of things to have your share of pseudo-fame, just don’t waste it.

Common Sense

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Let’s start with common sense. We all need it in our everyday lives, right? Apparently not when you’re on a reality show. In fact, producers have banked upon the lack of common sense to make good TV after all. Socialites Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie were aptly recruited for display of their stupidity in The Simple Life. They pranced across the country struggling to maintain manual labor jobs like doing farm work and working at fast food joints… and couldn’t even succeed without major mishap. If you can manage to complete basic tasks like breathing, you can survive the reality TV circuit.

Intelligence

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Surely if common sense isn’t a prerequisite for reality TV superstardom, intelligence isn’t. You really could pull it off if you had sponge for brains. Exhibit A: Jessica Simpson. Though her reality show Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica is a bit dated, we all remember her line, “I know it’s tuna, but it says chicken. Chicken… by the sea.” It really doesn’t need any further elaboration. Go ahead, drool at the screen.

Attractiveness

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You want to have your fifteen minutes, but you’re fugly? Not a problem. You don’t need great looks to be famous on a reality show, just look at Omarosa Manface-Stallworth. Seriously, she’s like a festering STD in our televisions; she won’t go away. Even though she recently got a boob-job, our eyes are not fooled. Point is, you can look like a she-male and still have your piece of fame.

Personality

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You want to be interesting, so people will watch! You want to be real and deep, except you aren’t any of the above; you don’t have a personality. Just do like the Kardashians do and be your regular stale self! Her family isn’t even endearing, but somehow people keep watching. Real people are boring. Completely vapid is the new black.

Originality

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These days you can get away with worn out concepts, so who needs originality? There was nothing original about Ali Lohan’s reality series Living Lohan. Or should I say her mom’s series, since it was one of many desperate attempts at manufacturing fame for her and her little one after failing to ride LiLo’s coattails. Fall into a stereotype and you’re in; calling all dumb blondes, drama queens, and Ed Hardy-wearing douchebags.

Talent

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Unless you want to be on American Idol or something similar, you don’t need to be talented. Some would even argue that contestants on these talent (read: popularity) shows aren’t talented. On the average reality show, you can take up space and don’t need a special skill to get ahead. Take Jon and Kate Gosselin for example, they make babies, argue and were in their fourth season before drama-rama exploded in divorce. Now it’s just Kate Plus Eight. We don’t care, go away please.

Privacy

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Richard Hatch is the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of lack of privacy on reality shows. It’s a given that you don’t have privacy when cameras are in your face 24/7, but some choose to up the ante. Hatch frequented the island on the first season of Survivor completely naked. I’ll spare you the horror of those images, and the ones from his porno career as a bear-man that followed. You want the link don’t you? Sicko.

Anger Management

I was really torn on this one. I am absolutely positive you don’t need to master anger management to be in reality television, in fact, it’s encouraged to completely erupt on your co-stars. There were so many good examples to choose from, so I’ll leave you with this lovely clip.

Inside Voice

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Unless you dropped out really early, you’ll remember your third grade teacher demanding use of an inside voice. Whether you listened or not is another issue; you don’t need an inside voice in reality TV, and those who didn’t listen take advantage of this. Feel free to raise your voice to make a point like Teresa on The Real Housewives of New Jersey, and turn over a table while you’re at it, for dramatic effect of course.

Tact

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You’d think that participating on The Bachelor series would require some sensitivity, right? No. Apparently sifting through whores doesn’t require tact at all, they don’t have feelings. Season 13 bachelor Jason Mesnick is the poster boy for lack of tact. He seemed like the sweet, well-rounded single father, but quickly lost his following at the end of the season when he very publicly dumped the woman he proposed to for the runner up. Think you can match that? You’ll do swimmingly.

Morals

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Finding a woman in reality television with no morals is like finding brown on Coke, so you can understand my hardship in picking just the right one. You don’t need morals in reality TV, take it from Trishelle Cannatella. She’s a bit of a blast from the past, making her name known on The Real World Las Vegas, but her memorable first moments of the show participating in a three-way make-out session take the cake. Pull this stunt, maybe prance around nude on your other shows, shoot some nudes to spice up your portfolio and you’re good to go.

Self-Respect

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I had a hard time placing Heidi Montag in this list, because she falls under so many categories. She may as well be the list. If you would sell your grandma’s dentures to get a quickie shot with the paparazzi, then you have your chance at reality TV superstardom, because you don’t need self-respect. Heidi openly calls herself the modern-day Mother Theresa, boasts that she “loves Jesus” on her Twitter page but doesn’t bat an eye when it comes to posing for Playboy or framing gratuitous bikini-clad ass shots for the paparazzi. She will sell herself at every corner, and if you do this too, you have a shot.

It’s held as a near universal truth that men and women can’t agree on what TV shows to watch. The disagreement inevitably turns into a bitter feud, and in the end only one side can win. Somebody inevitably gives in to the other, and entire shows are lost in the crossfire – but it doesn’t have to be this way. Many shows can actually be watched by couples, together, and it can even be a pleasant experience. These 12 shows all seem to be exceptions to a long-standing rule – both men and women can agree on them.

Dexter

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Women love Dexter because it’s dark, quirky, unpredictable, and features a guy they can fantasize about. Men don’t realize how good the show is because they’re too busy being jealous of the attention women pay the actor playing Dexter. All that goes away once they realize how down-to-earth the show really is. Dexter is a man’s man, and he delivers drama with a dark, sick, twisted, and above all, humorous approach. This show is meant for couples. Catch it on Showtime, Sunday nights.

House

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Now rocking a cane for his sixth straight season, House is a great example of shows that inherently appeal to both sides, if they can just realize it to begin with. Most women already love the show, as they usually have some sort of crush on Dr. House. This is the very same reason many men shun the show. Once men sit down to watch about ten minutes of the drama, however, they find themselves just as addicted to Hugh Laurie’s perfect representation of a jerk. Catch this one Monday nights on Fox.

Stargate Universe

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Syfy’s newest installment in a venerable series is what appears to be a successful attempt to bring a distinctly science-fiction show into the mainstream. Men typically love the Stargate franchise for its action — it’s got aliens and battles in space. Women shun it because for the most part, they don’t dig sci-fi so much. Universe bridges the gap in that it’s taking cues from Battlestar Galactica, and bringing enough drama to the table to interest all parties. Catch this one on Friday nights.

The Office

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Unless one of the partners in a relationship was raised entirely on a farm, The Office is guaranteed to have couples laughing together every Thursday night. NBC’s found huge success in letting the cast and crew run amok on this show, and it’s now wandering through its sixth season. Most couples usually start off with one fanatic, and one person who’s never seen the show before — but once they watch the show together once, any couple will come back for more.

Fringe

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Like the second coming of the cult-classic X-Files, Fox’s Fringe burst onto the scene in typical J.J. Abrams fashion last year with more lens flares than you can shake a stick at. Men love the show precisely because it reminds them so much of their once favorite show. Women are uneasy with it, until they watch an episode. The mystery, the action, the cinematography, and the completely unpredictable plot-lines give couples plenty to talk about. Catch this one on Thursday nights.

Bones

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Fox’s Bones brings a familiar dichotomy to play as it mixes up the geeky scientist girl with a witty, adventurous boy in a crime-fighting duo. There’s humor, science, intrigue and action in this one, along with all the sexual tension five seasons can muster. Both women and men can enjoy watching this one together, guaranteed. Catch it on Thursday nights.

Heroes

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At first glance, NBC’s Heroes feels to women like one huge comic book collection, and they treat it like the plague. While some guys are lucky enough to score a girl who appreciates these things, most aren’t. The trick is to get her to sit down and watch an episode, all the way through. Once she sees the sheer amount of sex, lies, betrayal and outright drama, she’ll be hooked. Catch this one on Monday nights.

How I Met Your Mother

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Now in its fifth season, How I Met Your Mother has the unfortunate tendency of scaring off both men and women alike. Men because the title feels too Gilmore Girls for the unknowing average Joe, and women because they usually walk in on Neil Patrick Harris saying something misogynistic enough to make most female blood curdle. After that first, usually mistaken impression, both sides can easily see that this show is perfect for couples, since it’s a comedy about a couple and how they met. The show’s hilarious, and it’s packed with jabs at both sexes. You can catch this one Monday nights on CBS.

Grey’s Anatomy

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Grey’s Anatomy is ABC’s most successful answer to ER, only with a better looking cast. We all know just how wildly popular this show is among women, but the real surprise comes when men start watching it. If women can get their men to watch this show, and give it a fair shake, then they will like it within one episode. Guys dig sex and drama too, after all. This one airs on Thursday nights.

Desperate Housewives

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Possibly the flagship for popular “women’s television,” ABC’s Desperate Housewives still manages to frighten men into full sprint the moment their girlfriends or wives mention its name. That’s unfortunate, since it’s actually hilarious, and packed full of gorgeous women who tend to wear skimpy outfits for most of the show’s airtime. If a woman can sweet-talk her significant other into watching an episode of this show, odds are he’ll ask when they can watch it again the next week. Catch this one on Sunday nights.

Castle

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When Firefly’s Nathan Fillion returned to television in his newest role as Richard Castle, women quickly took note. Men have been decidedly slower to pick up on the show, but there’s just no reason for it. Men can enjoy this show just as much as women, considering the fact that Castle is a complete womanizer and smartass. Catch this show Monday nights on ABC.

CSI (Take Your Pick)

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There are three separate shows badged with the ubiquitous CSI: logo, and all of them are notoriously popular among women. Men can have fun watching them too, but they have to go into it with a clear head. For both New York as well as the original, this isn’t difficult. Miami, on the other hand, is a different case. Men can still enjoy this cheesefest by simply laughing at David Caruso the whole time. Don’t worry, chicks think he’s just as ridiculous, and turning him into a running gag only makes the show more fun.

The first thing that is important when deciding on speakers is that you want to be able to hear voices at the same level from all speakers. The easiest way to achieve this is to only buy speakers in sets that all belong to the same brand. Don’t mix and match brands because there is a good chance you will get different sound tones when you hear voices from the speakers.

The second thing that is important to remember is that you want to pick out home theater speakers that are made of good quality materials. Look for ones that are made out of MDF or aluminum. This will help to provide a crisper sound along with a longer lasting product.

The third thing that you want to be aware of is the varying levels of magnets and voice coils. The more powerful these are, the crisper the sound that you hear will be. Generally more expensive products will have higher quality materials here.

The last important item to check is the material that the tweeter and woofers are made out of. Depending on the material they are manufactured out of, this can have an affect on the performance of the sound. A tweeter made out of silk will be smooth, while a tweeter made out of metal will be sharper.

Types of Speakers
The center channel speaker is one of the most important parts of a home theater setup. It is where the dialogue comes from and is a vital part to hearing and understanding what you are watching. You will want to buy one that is comparable to the size of the other speakers you buy. This will help to ensure that the center channel can be heard and will not be drowned out.

The front speakers can come in all different sizes and shapes. It will be essential to figure out how much space you have in your home for a speaker setup and then you can buy something that will fit in that location. Floor standing speakers will be the largest type that you can purchase. They are best used in bigger areas where you want to produce a good amount of sound. Bookshelf speakers are smaller in size and are great for placing on a shelf or something. Satellite speakers tend to be small in size and can be mounted directly to your wall or placed upon a shelf or stand.

The surround speakers are going to pick up the ambient sounds that are available in what you are watching. These are designed to provide a realistic sound experience and are not meant to deliver the majority of the sound you hear. These are designed to compliment the center channel and the front speakers. These can be purchased in all different shapes and sizes and again you will want to buy some that are comparable in size to the rest of the speakers you have picked out.

The last item you will need to choose is your subwoofer. This is what will add that deep bass sound to what ever you are watching. This really brings what you are hearing to life and makes it feel and sound realistic. The larger size you buy the deeper bass it will be capable of outputting. Some common subwoofer sizes include 8”, 10”, and 12”. Again remember to choose one that is comparable to the rest of the speakers you have picked out. Equality is important here because you don’t want to over power the other aspects of the audio.

You now should be well informed when it comes to home audio speakers. You can find box sound systems as well as have the option to purchase speakers individually. Which route you choose to go will be personal preference. It is generally a good idea to make a budget before you start looking so that you can start narrowing down your options based on price and then you can choose what type of quality you can buy for your money.

The development of the VHS video cassette tape was one of the first establishments to allow for an in home movie experience. The video cassette was simply loaded into the video player, and produced a visual and audio experience. Several problems were associated with video tapes quickly after they became a popular it. Video cassettes only allowed users to watch a movie around two hundred times. After constant video play, the VCR would “eat” the tape. Eating the tape was evident when the film inside of the cassette was pulled out of the plastic box and possibly ripped inside of the VCR.

Soon after the problems were widely recognized in association with the VHS, the use of DVDs become popular. This allowed a user to watch a movie at a slightly higher quality than a video cassette. DVDs could be run in a DVD player or on a computer system. DVDs contain media which is burnt onto a compact disc. A scratch on the surface of a DVD could result in skipping or the inability to watch the media components.

The newest, and by far the best media storage unit is the Blu-Ray. A Blu-Ray is a high definition version of a movie. Blu-Rays display some of the best imaginable picture quality that has ever been developed. A Blu-Ray provides a viewer with the most realistic version of any movie ever created. Blu-Rays, also known as BR, are new optical disc storage mediums. They were designed to far exceed the quality of any DVD format. Blu-Rays contain data storage that relays over a media play through high definition audio, stereoscopic 3D, 1080p High Definition video.

A Blu-Ray is played in your home either with the use of a Blu-Ray player or a Playstation 3 gaming console. The Blu-Ray player or game console must be hooked up to a High Definition television in order to achieve the best picture quality possible.

Individuals have been relying on media to describe their new vacation spots. Several tourist areas provide DVDs and Video tapes of their location in order to capture the key features of the area, and allow you to experience the location without ever stepping out of your door. The next time you are considering where to go for your vacation, try watching a Blu-Ray promotional video for the location. With a Blu-Ray, you will be able to experience the location with the best high definition picture quality. This series of media will allow you to experience the location as if you were already there. You can watch a deep sea scuba dive on a Blu-Ray and feel like you are actually there, in the water, scuba diving and experiencing the beauty within the water. This will be a sure way to let you know how great the location actually will be. Also consider using a high definition video recorder and create your own Blu-Rays. This will allow you to capture and enjoy your vacation for many years to come.