RE: Television

Growing up I watched alot of television. I grew up in the eighties. Television was so different than what it is today. I loved Happy Days, Laverne and Shirley, I Love Lucy, Gidget and the Munsters. This was a regular line up on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. I'm an only child and generally I like to be by myself. I think I have social issues. As for today, there is not that much television that I watch. I love 24, George Lopez, One Tree Hill (am ashamed to admit that one), and ER. Oh let me not forget the original CSI. I also watch A&E, HGTV and the Food Network. You'll notice I only watch serial television not that reality crap. I hate the voyeuristic feeling of reality television. I can't believe what some people are willing to do for a little bit of fame.

When it comes to movies I'm just as picky. I like horror, action, comedy, drama and everything else, but they have to have a plot or character development. I hate movies that are easily funny. The ones that use the common jokes or gross out jokes. For whatever reason they just don't work for me. So what was the last good movie I saw Saw. That was an interesting movie. I like to be surprised. I hate predictability. I think that is the problem with movies. I went to go see Guess Who, which I did not choose, for me it was too predictable. It was similar to Meet the Parents. I am usually disappointed with movies, so I don't really bother with them. Except for the next Star Wars movie. Yes, I am a fan of that franchise. I can't wait. I plan on going to the midnight showing because it is fun to see that movie with other fanatics.

As for how to incorporate this medium into the classroom, I'm not sure. I know that some shows make allusions to other things. Take Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I am a proud fan of that show. I think that it is amazing how on occasion you will find elements of literature in that show. My favorite quote was from season five when they are referencing Shakespeare's Henry V. I think with some shows you can show the connection to literature. Another great medium is music. I love Tupac. I know alot of my students like him as well. What I wonder about is how many of my students realize that he was a voracious reader. Do they know that he made allusions to novels and movies? Do they even understand what he is talking about? I think if you clean up some of his lyrics, his songs can be an excellent way to teach poetry, or better yet buy his poetry book. I think if given the chance we can find ways to make a connection from these mediums into the classroom. It will make it possible for students to understand some connections easier than the classical stuff that we tend to like.