If you have doubts about how cool British TV shows are check out these four series for yourself and be the judge:

Dr. Who

Geeks all over the world cannot get enough of what is considered the longest running science fiction TV series of all time. The new incarnation of Dr. Who series, which started again with Christopher Eccleston, maintains the mad, screwball elements of classic Dr. Who but with edgier, witty writing. Since the new series started in 2005, Eccleston has been replaced by David Tennant and Matt Smith, who bring their own unique interpretations of the Dr. Who character. This is a series you should definitely check out especially if you’re a science fiction fan.

Strike Back

Strike Back is the action/espionage series that mainstream US networks can only dream of doing. It’s got a lot of sex, a lot of violence, and it’s got a killer story that will draw you in. Three “seasons” have already been produced and all of them are amazing. If you’re the testosterone junkie that can’t get enough of mayhem then Strike Back is the series for you.

Luther

The morally conflicted police character has been done so many times before but Luther, which stars the awesome Idris Elba, turns the concept on its ear. Luther is an extremely complex character and Elba really brings him to life with his superb acting. The story is also amazing – so tightly wound that you’ll be pulled in immediately. There’s talk of a third series so you’ll get more Luther fun in the future.

Utopia

Utopia could probably be the most British of the shows on this list. This is a series that throws linear plot development out the window and goes for something more cerebral. If you’re familiar with the comicbook writer Grant Morrisson then you’ll feel at home with this series. Truly worth checking out.

About The Author

Derek Gallimore loves to watch TV shows on his days off from working at Boutique London Lets, a company where you can rent luxury London apartments.

The Italian Job

In 2003 The Italian Job brought the world a great movie about a heist done using a bunch of Mini Coopers, to steal 35 million in gold bullion. Now that’s a lot of money. The movie starred, among others, Charlize Theron and Mark Wahlberg. The smaller cars were needed for all of the tight spaces they found themselves in.

Reservoir Dogs

In Quentin Tarantino’s 1992 film, the heist isn’t gold, it’s diamonds, and it’s a group of thieves going by assumed names, like Mr. Pink and Mr. Orange, that attempt to pull off the robbery. A group of thieves assemble to pull of the perfect diamond heist.

Unfortunately, one of the thieves is actually an informer for the police, and the group begins to doubt one another.

The Bank Job

The 2008 robbery film The Bank Job, starring action movie superstar Jason Statham, is actually based on a true crime that happened in 1971. Again, no gold here, but the plan is to steal some bank vaults stuffed with cash and jewelry.

The Lookout

It’s not the bank heist itself that makes this 2007 robbery film a gem, it’s the portrayal of a bank janitor that inadvertently becomes part of a heist by Joseph Gordon-Levitt. It’s a buyable performance and the movie will have you at the edge of your seat.

Heat

This 1995 film starred Al Pacino and Robert De Niro, among others, and was a great film about a group of professional thieves that not so professionally leave a clue at their latest heist, which puts the police on their tails.

Snatch

If you’d rather see the underdog, the amateur’s work to do the thievery, Snatch, from 2000, is a great film. It’s not the first time you’ll see Brad Pitt or Jason Statham in a film about heists. This film has a somewhat, dark, comedic edge to it that makes it worth a watch, as numerous groups, including the thieves, try to find a stolen diamond.

Ocean’s Eleven

Ocean’s Eleven, 2001, was a remake of a Rat Pack film from 1960, packed with A-list stars like George Clooney, Brad Pitt, and Matt Damon. It ends up being a trilogy, when it comes to the remake.

The premise of the movie is that a group of thieves plans to rob three casinos, all at the same time. It’s a very interesting movie, and casinos definitely seem like a good place for thieves to make some bank, in a quick fashion.

In other words, you have to get several things in order before you can have the best possible experience. You have to get a comfortable chair. You have to purchase an excellent TV. You can’t skimp on your sound system. And, TV is always more fun if you gather your friends and family around you to share the experience.

Get a Comfortable Chair

If you can’t sit down comfortably while you’re watching, you’re not going to have a good time. Some people choose to get a very comfortable couch or easy chair. Other people prefer taking a different route and buying the best ergonomic gaming chair that they can. It all depends on your personal preferences and how much room you have in your TV watching area.

Purchase an Awesome TV

At the center of your TV watching experience is the quality of the TV itself. In recent years, there have been considerable advances in color and quality when it comes to televisions, and the prices have gone down significantly. You can either buy one of the best TVs on the market, or you can even do something like buying a projector and get a screen. It all depends on what your budget is, how big your room is, and a few separate factors like mobility, if you want to hang anything on the wall, or if you have an entertainment center already that you need to fit the TV into.

Get a Home Theater Sound System

The best television programs in the world aren’t going to be as enjoyable if you don’t get full quality sound. And that means that you need to install a home theater sound system. Again, there have been rapid increases in technology lately that allow home theater systems to be smaller, better, and less expensive. You just have to find the one that works for you.

Gather Your Friends Around You

TV watching is also much more fun if you have your friends and family around with you. Yes, you can sit and watch game shows by yourself. But, if you have people around with you, you can interact with them in a way that makes the connection with the TV that much more valuable. Especially if you have a ritual with certain friends you always watch the same programs at the same time during the week, that can be a very relaxing and bonding experience.

Celebrities often own a home for almost every occasion, and their lavish tastes are just what our dreams seek. Seasonal homes are the stuff of dreams for most middle-class Americans. Let your mind indulge itself in the dream for a moment, and check out these five stunning seasonal homes of the stars.

George Clooney’s Italian Mansion

Villa Oleandra in Laglio, Italy provides a gorgeous getaway for George Clooney and his closest family members. On the Western shores of Italy’s Como Lake, Clooney has taken refuge in his eighteenth-century villa.

It did not take long for the media to find his little piece of heaven. Soon after George’s purchase of the beautiful property the City Council had to approve regulations for the paparazzi, as they were invading the privacy of the quaint area’s residence.

Donna Karan’s Parrot Cay Mini-Resort

Donna Karan (owner of the famed DKNY brand) poured her finances into an exclusive Turks & Caicos getaway. On Parrot Cay sits a world-class hotel, restaurant, and spa unlike any other. Built for the whole family, Donna Karan now offers exclusive access for a hefty price.

Parrot Cay is no stranger to celebrities. Bruce Willis, Keith Richards, and Christie Brinkley all own seasonal homes in the area. Karan, however, was one of the first celebrities to set up roots on the island, so the spot leaves very little to be desired.

Mariah Carey’s home in the Bahamas

Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon purchases a breathtaking estate on Windermere Island in the Bahamas. Unfortunately, that union did not work for better or for worse, and the couple has placed the property up for sale. A cool $5.5 million will get you the space. No big deal, right?

Johnny Depp’s own personal island

Johnny Depp takes his 145 ft luxury yacht out to his own personal island in the Bahamas when he wants to get away from the hustle and bustle of the world. One of his six beaches on the island was named after the great Hunter S. Thompson.

Gonzo island is lathered with memorable images of Thompson in the glass tables. Depp was quoted saying that the island is, “so pure and beautiful…It’s instant freedom.”

David Copperfield disappears in Musha Cay

If you have your own stacks of cash, you can rent out one of David Copperfield’s islands in the Bahamas. Known as Copperfield Bay, Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, and Johnny Depp have all taken a siesta on the islands. Musha Cay, in particular, can be booked by anyone for the small price of $57,000 per night.

Candy or Not Candy?

By the end of watching an episode, you might find yourself looking around your surroundings for something to eat because that is what they literally do in this game show. Celebrity contestants go around the studio looking for the things that they think are sweets. The rules are simple but what is so entertaining about the show is when they try to find out if the object – a shoe, a door knob, anything – is actually edible or not. To find out, they have to take a huge bite of the object, subjecting themselves to embarrassment, if it is not candy, or some sweet treats, if it does turn out to be candy. The awe of shaping these sweets into some kind of object, and the suspense of finding out the truth will keep you watching for more.

Human Tetris

Non-Japanese speakers know it as Human Tetris but its original name is, “Tonneruzu no Minasan no Okage deshita.” If you have seen Hole in The Wall, it is actually the same game. However, what is different about this game show is that the shapes of holes are not actually human-friendly. The contestant’s creativity and cleverness would be challenged – having to think of different positions and gimmicks just so that the wall wouldn’t push him.

VS Arashi

VS Arashi is a game show hosted by the boy group Arashi. Arashi invites a group of guests which they would be battling with in a series of games. What is so entertaining about this game show is that they change their games from time to time, so it is guaranteed you wouldn’t be bored with watching the same games over and over again. The groups’ physical strength and their teamwork is tested in VS Arashi with games such as Cliff Climb, Rolling Coin Tower, and Falling Pipes. This show would definitely a show to watch with the family.

DERO!

Missitsu Nazotoki Variety Dasshutsu Game DERO! Or “DERO!” for short is another Japanese game show. This is a game show where contestants are put in a locked room where they would have to escape. One such room is the retracting floor, people would have to step on the beams and failure to do so, you would fall and “die”.

It is no surprise that many actors go to extremes when portraying certain characters on film.  Not only do they need to get inside the character’s head but they also have to physically portray the part as well.  Physical transformations don’t come easy and often actors have to go on extreme diets in order to lose the pounds for certain parts.  Here are just a few famous actors who had to go to extremes when it came to losing weight for a role.

Christian Bale

Bale is known for being the type of actor who can drastically transform physically to portray a character.  Bale lost over 60 pounds to shoot The Machinist.  On his drastic weight loss for the part, Bale stated, “I had a stupid kind of feeling of invincibility, like, “I can do it, I can manage it”.  I really did feel like I hit this point of enlightenment.”

Natalie Portman

Portman, who is already a thin actress, dropped another 20 pounds to portray a professional ballerina in Black Swan.  Portman opted to lose the weight with the help of a nutritionist and ate small portions combined with a grueling schedule of strength and ballet training a full year before filming began. Referring to the training and weight loss, Portman stated “I think the most important thing is coming to work as prepared as you can be every day and working as hard as you can every day.”  Her hard work paid off as Portman took home a best actress Oscar for her role in the film.

Matt Damon

Damon portrayed an opiate-addicted soldier in Courage Under Fire and lost 40 pounds over the course of 100 days before shooting his scenes.  Though many actors gain and lose weight in a healthy manner, Damon admits that he was so desperate to break into show business he embarked on an unsupervised diet in order to nail the part.  He later revealed that after he finished filming he went to a doctor who told him that his heart could have shrunk permanently.

Tom Hanks

A two-time Academy Award winner, Hanks is no stranger to the physical demands that actors have to go through to play certain roles.  In Cast Away, Hanks had to lose 50 pounds to play the lead role.  He lost the weight by following a strict diet of mainly fish, veggies and a little fruit and a workout regimen that consisted of two hours of cardio training six days a week.

Most famous actors will commit to any role no matter what the demands are for their appearance.  Actors want to be convincing in the roles they play including any physical demands on their body.  These four actors are examples of committing their jobs, even if it meant losing a large amount of weight to get the role.

The lives of those in the public eye seem mostly out of touch with the lives of the average person. Through hard work, talent, and good fortune, the few that succeed separate themselves from the herd of humanity and live lives that seem ethereal compared to the average Joe and Jolene. Every now and then, tragedy strikes in its most brutal fashion and we are reminded of our commonality and the frailty we share. Like watching a medical drama, we see reality collide with the fiction of what we imagine these real people to be.

Rachel Bilson

Rachel Bilson recalls being 16 and surviving a coma-inducing car crash. She states that the horrific accident changed her and turned her from a self-destructive route. The hidden physical scars and headaches are reminders of her near death experience.

Harrison Ford

Harrison Ford’s near miss experience came about as his vintage plane fell from the sky. The accident resulted in Ford being hospitalized for almost a month to recover from a broken pelvis, hip,  and lacerations. The accident, a result of engine failure, played out in front of national media as it became known that Ford was the pilot of the plane.

Tracy Morgan

Tracy Morgan’s accident was also a media storm. As the media became aware of Morgan’s involvement, the storm surrounding the tragedy began to grow. Social media of the scene, in the form of drive-by video, was released and took the everyday to uncommon. Morgan’s recovery has continued following the accident. He has reached a point where he is near fully recovered.

Considering the severity of the accident, Morgan being alive is a miracle. Morgan’s van was hit by a tractor trailer from behind. The semi driver was tired and was not able to react in time to stop. Morgan suffered a traumatic brain injury, multiple broken bones, and internal injuries. He considers himself fortunate to be alive. Jimmy Mack, one of Morgan’s closest friends, lost his life in the accident.

Mariska Hargitay

Mariska Hargitay survived the accident that took her mother, Jayne Mansfield’s, life. A recent injury on the set of Law and Order: SVU resulted in emergency surgeries to repair a collapsed lung. Hargitay was about the same age as her child when she lost her mother, and the parallels were fairly intense. She was forced to reflect on the feelings of loss and loneliness she had growing up without her mother.

Through the loss and the recent injury, she has had to reflect on what it means to not only survive, but how much life is to be appreciated and valued.

The common thread through each story is an appreciation for the life each has now. When we face trauma and survive, we are given a recognition for each moment we have. The hard part is making the most of what time we are given.

Those who have reached some level of success may have a more accessible platform to proclaim their newfound appreciation of life. It is up to them how they use it.

It is said that life imitates art, and sometimes that art inspires people in what they want to do with their lives. A song could inspire you to become a musician or a singer. A painting could inspire you to start painting or drawing. A TV show could inspire you to become a doctor or lawyer.

Entertainment and art does inspire people to do many things, from creating their own to becoming trained in something they saw their favorite actor do in their latest television show. If you have a passion for legal dramas, you may find yourself inspired to become a lawyer, or maybe a judge. Here are a few legal dramas that are sure to make you think about going to college and hitting the books.

Law & Order

Whether you want to help people who have been hurt by their loved ones, raped, or you want to help the families of people that have been murdered, Law & Order has a show for you. In fact, there are seven incarnations of the Law & Order franchise.

In case you haven’t been keeping up since the first Law & Order aired way back in 1990, its popularity has bred many spin offs with great actors, like Ice-T. Spin offs include Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Law & Order: Trial by Jury, Law & Order: LA, Law & Order: True Crime, and Law & Order: You the Jury. They mostly pull their cases straight from the headline, and you get a chance to see what happens behind the scenes when a crime is committed.

The Good Wife

The Good Wife is an extremely popular television show right now, maybe because of the acting or simply because of the storyline. Julianna Margulies plays the good wife of a former state attorney that finds himself in prison after a sex and corruption scandal. She has to go back to work to provide for her family, and works as a litigator for a law firm.

One of the reasons this show is so popular is that it spends a good deal of time in the courtroom with the main characters. You get to see what it is like to work in a law firm, and maybe find that it looks like something you’d enjoy. The other reason it’s popular is because people love the actors, and they keep the stories fresh and interesting.

If you’ve been considering getting into law, take some time to binge watch some great legal dramas like these, or even look up some of the popular legal based movies. There are plenty of them. You’ll get a chance to get an idea what that world is like, and determine if it’s really what you want to do!

Film is one of frontrunners for entertainment in society today. Television itself has only been around since 1925. If you think about that, it’s been less than a hundred years and the world has completely been transformed by a little box that is able to broadcast information to the world in an instant. It’s really a marvelous invention.

For anybody who wants to be a filmmaker today, it’s not an easy line of work to be in, but it’s a line of work that can have major payoff if you’re able to secure the funds and make the money back once the film has been released. Making the money back is much harder than you would think. Many independent films will only make back a fraction of what it cost them to put together the film. If you’re undaunted by this statistic, you might have the savvy it takes to make it in this world. Here are some other steps you need to take if you want to make a film:

Develop A Vision

To carry any project through, it’s crucial that a vision is developed so that there can be a cohesive end product. A vision also helps things to stay on track and helps with the financials and other logistics of a project. If you don’t know what you want to make, it sets you up for an uninspired, challenging time.

Take your time looking for a project journey that is one that you want to embark on. Once you’ve grasped onto something that you believe needs to be made into a film, develop that into a fully fledged, operable vision by looking at this.

Establish Backers

Developing a vision is often the easy part. Once you know what you’re doing and you believe that it’s worth doing, you then have to go on to convince others of that. These people are often people who have no interest in why you’re working on the project, they’re just investors who have made their money by investing in things that they’re sure they’re going to make a return on. You’re going to have to establish backers by convincing them that your film will succeed. If it’s not about the money, you might have a hard time, but it doesn’t mean your art isn’t worth making anyway.

Cast the Talent

Casting talent can either be one of the last steps in making a film, or it can be one of the first. If you’re looking for star power and they’re the name selling the show, they will be the first thing you secure before all else, if you’re just making a film for the sake of a film, you’ll want to have a team established so that you can then go on and find the talent that is going to make your film come to life.

Art is Being Defunded in School

It’s a very sad reality to come to terms with. School systems are being faced with the defunding of arts programs in massive ways and it’s taking a toll on everybody more than the people doing the defunding would like to believe. Art is powerful. In school, it provides an outlet for students to express themselves. It teaches them to cope, to be problem solvers, it develops their brain to be able to do many things at once, and it ultimately makes them better at things like math and science.

Art is Essential to Development

Park West Gallery knows how art influences young minds. One of the world’s largest art galleries makes a point to reach students with art by giving them opportunity they’re not being shown in school. Art is multifaceted. Park West Gallery isn’t the only art based entity that is making a difference, but more needs to be done for this initiative. This is why more filmmakers need to step up and tell stories about the power of art and why it needs to be kept in school and in children’s lives.

Film and Entertainment Are Catalysts to Everything

The reason that film, television and entertainment need to hop on the train to telling more stories about how important art is in the lives of young people around the globe is because these mediums are the present and future of the world. People watch more film and television today than ever, and the statistics will only continue to climb.

Film, television and other forms of entertainment are art in themselves, so they’re the catalysts to not only change, but also to everything that goes in in the world. Art is essential to the function of society as a whole and if it’s not being taught that it’s valuable, all of society will suffer.

Film lovers and filmmakers need to step up and take a stand for art. Tell the stories that deserve to be told about art, through art, for art. The beautiful thing about film is that it takes other art forms and brings them to life. Writing, storytelling, design, acting, costuming, lighting, cinematography, and so many other elements of art are used in the making of film and television. Now it’s time that more stories about how art affects children are put on the silver screen.

Medical shows aren’t going to give you the knowledge to become a doctor. They are usually laced with romance, but they can be inspirational. Sometimes they will bring tears to your eyes, sometimes they will make you laugh, and sometimes they will simply make you want to go to nursing school or medical school.

ER

ER was a drama set around the doctors and nurses of County General Hospital in Chicago.
It personified medical drama, in its time. Running for 15 seasons, from 1994 to 2009. This drama starred such actors and actresses as George Clooney and Julianna Margulies.

ER spent some time on each episode focusing on the patient, while the majority of the show focuses on the doctor’s and nurses. You learn a little about the lives of the main characters, but always focusing on their time in the hospital. You’ll root for relationship between doctors and nurses, and you’ll cry when your favorite characters die or move on.

Nurse Jackie

Nurse Jackie is complete comedic relief, with a serious moment or two. If drug use offends you, it’s not the series for you. Starring Edie Falco, from The Sopranos, Nurse Jackie ran from 2009 to 2015.

It really gave a more in depth look at the stress that the profession of nursing can put on people, while still keeping things fun and edgy. With 7 seasons, Nurse Jackie is a great show to watch in streaming and is available on Hulu currently.

House MD

House ran from 2004 to 2012, with comedian Hugh Laurie at the helm. A show based around a troubled doctor and his antics with his crew of doctors, it was a popular television show for its entire run.

Most of the main faces on House moved on to great careers, from movies to television, but Hugh Laurie had already had a face in the comedy world. Most people were shocked after watching him on House to hear him with his authentic English accent in interviews.

MASH

The MASH TV series ran from 1972 to 1983, and ran longer than the war it was based on. With 11 seasons you learned about the lives and trials of the 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital during the Korean War. It lasted so long because of its popularity, and great actors like Alan Alda.

Even today this show is relevant, and still airs in syndication. Its popularity has spanned many generations.

Television likes to reflect the signs of the times, and they tend to give the people what they want. As interracial couples gained recognition in social circles, they also took to the screen to create mass acceptance. In 2015, many interracial couples were portrayed and supported on television. Included here are a few of the hottest, and most popular, interracial couples of 2015 television.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

After two seasons of a developing sexual tension, detectives Jake Peralta and Amy Santiago have finally developed a blissful union. Pasty Samberg is a stark contrast to the Latina beauty of Fumero. Within the sitcom, there are two other interracial couples, taking up the reins for solidarity everywhere.

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

Perhaps one of the most stereotyped people groups has always been Asians. On Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Asian-American Josh Chan is the former boyfriend of Rebecca Bunch. Chan’s family portrays a “typical” Filipino-American family thanksgiving dinner, that Rebecca Bunch, unfortunately, attends. This show has been critically acclaimed for changing societal perceptions of Asian-Americans.

Empire

This steamy new drama has no shortage of romance between races in its cast. Powerhouse Cookie finds herself dating the steamingly exotic Laz Delgado in the recent season. Additionally, Mimi Whiteman finds herself paired up with just about everyone in the cast, with no discretion as to race or gender. Other members of the cast remained strong in their interracial relationships, including the marriage of Andre and Rhonda.

Fresh Off the Boat

Kids start out so innocent, but have a tendency to pick up the stereotypes and misconceptions present in society around them. Perhaps this is why ABC’s hit comedy Fresh Off the Boat brought such a bright perspective to young interracial interactions. Eddie Huang represents a strong Asian-American character who falls in love with the flute-playing, hip hop lover Alison.

Jessica Jones

If there is anything Americans love, it is superheros. Recent success of comic book-based television show, Jessica Jones, demonstrates just how popular this genre of film has become. In the most recent season, Jones pairs up with Luke Cage, a bar owner with unbreakable skin. Their superpowered union is sure to cause sparks to fly in the coming seasons.

Master of None

Representing Indian-Americans everywhere, Aziz Ansari has brought a refreshingly hilarious perspective to racial representation in the media. Ansari stars as Dev, working as an actor, as he falls head over heels with American-bred, music publicist Rachel. Master of None has gone above and beyond to break down racial stereotypes in America and bring awareness to interracial interactions.

These talk show hosts earn big and became millionaires through time. To date, many female hosts have invaded the boob tube. Their common characteristics? They’re witty, bubbly and have a gift of gab that can hook the audience to every word that comes from their mouth. And they’re just so good in entertaining their guests whatever age they may be.

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey is one rich female host with an estimated net worth of $3 billion. Her Oprah Winfrey Show was the highest-rated program in the history of U.S. television and was syndicated nationally from 1986 to 2011. Known as the Queen of all Media, she is the CEO of the OWN network and has hosted other shows as well. Unknown to some people, she was the one who discovered Rachael Ray and other talented young people from other countries.

Rachael Ray

Rachael Ray has been hosting for more than 10 years now and she’s still good at it. Her Rachael Ray show focusing on food, nutritious diets and other meal-related problems continues to attract women worldwide. Her other hit shows include the 30 Minute Meals and Week in a Day. This Food Network celebrity also has a magazine called Rachael Ray Every Day. Currently, Ray is worth $60 million.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres is one of the most energetic and lively female talk show hosts today. Her show is unlike the others because of its unique format plus the dance portion that easily captivates the audience. She also helps young and old people in need and even surprises them with freebies including free trips, cash and appliances. Her show has also featured talented young people from the different parts of the globe, mostly children. Her net worth? It’s $285 million at the moment.

Katie Couric

Originally a news anchor for CBS, Katie Couric was eventually given her own daytime talk show called Katie. With her bubbly personality and friendly disposition, Couric has endeared herself to fans around the world. Her show tackles various issues including women’s social and health problems and features people of all types from celebrities to the ordinary folks. She has a net worth of $55 million.

Poverty seems to be a bit subjective. When you compare an American in poverty to a person living on a mat in the third world, it’s easy to see how much the worlds differ and how much the American actually has by comparison. While the contrast certainly puts things into perspective, it’s best to realize that every situation is different and while one level of poverty may be less extreme, both are difficult situations to face.

What is an accurate portrayal of poverty for those who are accustomed to a life of material belongings? Film is great because it invites us to be a fly on the wall of worlds we’ve never experienced. In the case of film and poverty, here are the films that best portray the world of poverty for everyone to see:

Slumdog Millionaire

India is a continent that holds over a billion people. Out of that billion people, over 850 million live in rural towns. Of that 850 million, over 220 million are living in a poverty that is unlike anything anyone in the western world can imagine. If that’s hard for you to picture, then you need to watch Slumdog Millionaire.

Slumdog Millionaire is a film that came out in 2008 and won 8 Oscars including the Oscar for best picture. The film very acutely portrays the reality of poverty in the slums of India where a young man is accused of cheating on the Indian version of the game show Who Wants to Be A Millionaire?

The crime, degradation, and harsh reality of a life lived in poverty is difficult to watch on screen, but you’ll have to watch to see if he won, and you’ll want to know the kinds of questions he is faced with in regard to growing up in a world where money is absent.

The Grapes Of Wrath

Originally a book written by John Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath in an American story about a family of farmers who are driven from their land during The Great Depression due to drought, troubles with economy, and other factors. The movie was made in 1940 and while it didn’t win best picture, it did win best actress.

Every culture has to deal with poverty and hard times. If you’re ever in need of a wake up call to how much you really have, pick up one of these movies and watch the world of poverty unfold before your eyes. It’s touching and sad at the same time, but maybe you’ll be inspired to help be the change the world needs.

There is always a problem, a struggle resolving the problem, and either a sad or happy ending. Unfortunately for most addiction based stories, the ending is not one that makes you cry tears of joy. Addiction is undoubtedly sad-but it sure does create a good movie.

Here are some of the most notable films about addiction to ever grace the silver screen:

Walk the Line

The classic Johnny Cash story. This movie came out in 2005 and Reese Witherspoon won an Oscar for best actress. The film was also nominated for many other Oscars including best editing and best costume design, though it did not win. The film did go on to win 44 awards, however.

The plot follows the tragic story of the infamous Johnny Cash who throughout his successful career became addicted to amphetamines and barbiturates. He used the substances to stay awake during tour. While substance abuse and addiction is common amongst entertainers, the use of drugs in Cash’s life fortunately didn’t lead to his cause of death. Cash died of complications from diabetes in 2003.

Ray

Who knows exactly why so many artists and entertainers alike fall prey to the clutches of drugs and alcohol. Though triggered by different things, the stressful and hectic lives that entertainers live can often lead them to believe that there is no other path from them.

One such man who fell under the spell and disillusionment of drugs was Ray Charles. The movie Ray was made in 2004 and stars actor Jamie Foxx as Ray himself. The film won 51 awards and was nominated for another 50 on top of that. It won the Oscar for best actor in a leading role and best sound mixing.

Charles went blind when he was 7 years old and lived smack dab in the middle of the depression. Not an easy life for any man, especially one in his position. He admitted to being a drug addict since the age of 16 when the police found narcotics, heroin and some other drugs in his possession.

The films are not easy to watch, but they’ve had a positive effect in showing viewers the cost the drugs put on a life. Some are able to get the help they need, others aren’t so lucky. As films continue to show the truth, hopefully others will heed the warning to steer clear of substances such as these.

Television is responsible for the output of most of the entertainment related data today. Why would anybody leave the house if they don’t have to? That’s the idea anyway. Not only is television capable of entertaining the masses, it’s also capable of educating, bringing people together, and using a lot of CGI magic.

Whatever it is you want to see, television is there to accommodate that for you. If you’re a horse person for instance, there is no shortage of horse related media gracing the silver screen. In fact, here are television’s most famous horses:

The Lone Ranger’s Trusty Steed

The Lone Ranger started as a radio broadcast in 1933, but the show was so popular that it didn’t take long for The Lone Ranger to grace his audiences with his physical presence on the television. And what is a cowboy without his horse? The Ranger’s loyal companion is Silver. Did you know that there were actually two different horses that played Silver on screen? The original horse to play Silver was 17 hands tall. He was known to be gentle despite his size. Sound like quite the ordeal to learn how to ride him!

Roy Rogers’ Ride

Roy Rogers is another cowboy who was one of the most famous ones to ever grace the television screen. The man was a singer as well as an actor, and appeared in over 100 movies, television and radio spots. His noble companion always went by the name of Trigger.

With 100 movies and television appearances, it makes sense that Trigger wouldn’t have been played by just one horse. The original trigger did live to be 33 years old though, and he won a P.A.T.S.Y award. Rogers loved him so much he didn’t want to see him put in the ground so Trigger now remains stuffed in a museum in Missouri.

Horses have been man’s best friend much longer than dogs have. Horses are the reason that man have even survived all of these years. It’s easy to see why so many have such bonds with these magnificent creatures.

In the years past, there has been no shortage of horses to grace the television screen. They’ve been used for entertainment, companionship, and labor as long as they’ve been around. Here’s to seeing more of the beauties on screen. They’re the real stars of the show.

It’s a reality that many women, whether single or married, are carefree about how they choose and wear clothes for every day use. They can’t be blamed, though, because not all are aware of the right ways to dress up that would make them look appealing to other people. For many, whatever they love and makes them feel comfortable is already right in their own eyes.

Thankfully, the internet is here to offer valuable information to people searching for practical tips on how to look good and dress up right. Beyond helping the so-called fashion victims, fashion-related websites also provide blogging jobs to experienced and aspiring fashion writers.

Other than the internet, though, fashion reality shows are doing a great job as well. They not only provide tips but sometimes, they also give cash in exchange for the old clothes of their chosen clients.

Here are some the successful fashion makeover shows on TV.

What Not To Wear

What Not To Wear helps fashion victims across the U.S. improve their fashion style and lets them shop for new clothes using a $5,000 credit card. Hosted by Stacey London and Clinton Kelly, the participant is usually nominated by family and friends and is required to fly to New York to meet the style gurus.

Apart from their wardrobe, the participant also benefits from a hair makeover and is taught how to apply makeup fit for her personality.

How Do I Look?

This reality program called “How Do I Look?” has a different twist because participants are given fashion tips by two of their closest friends and a style expert. Three makeover plans are provided which the participant must choose her preference at the end of the show.

Hosted by celebrity stylist Jeannie Mai, the show also offers prizes to contestants willing to change their wardrobe. The prize could be a gift certificate for a new wardrobe worth $1,000 or sometimes, it could be a year’s supply of products depending on the contestant’s needs.

Fashion Police

Aired on E! since 2010, Fashion Police discussed the do’s and don’ts of celebrity fashion. Originally hosted by the late Joan Rivers, Kelly Osbourne and Giuliana Rancic, the show will return on air this August with new hosts Kathy Friffin, Brad Goreski and Melissa Rivers, daughter of Joan Rivers. When the new season airs on August 31, the show will have a new format.

Here is a list of some of the best smokers television will ever see.

Sonny Crockett

During it’s tenure, Miami Vice was a powerhouse, holding sway over the culture of pop for many, many years. During the early days, no one was more desired and emulated than Sonny Crockett, a character so good and so bad, that no lady could resist.

Like many smoking characters, his habit illustrated his lackadaisical approach safety. Even his girlfriend knew that his smoking was nothing compared to his dangerous lifestyle. Cool.

Gomez Addams

Each and every member of the Addams family was unforgettable, but no one had more class than Gomez Addams, father of that affable and eerie clan. TV’s Gomez, played by John Astin, was so rich he didn’t care that he was the patriarch of so many weirdo’s. His smoking illustrated his affluence, a billionaire with a head of hair for a relative, and a spooky mansion to enjoy his cigars in (rumor has it he dedicated $1,000 per month to his tobacco related pursuits).

Starbuck (x2)

Now here’s a shout out to the ladies who love a good stogie. Both versions of the cult sci-fi hit, Battlestar Galactica feature a ballsy pilot named Starbuck (male in the first series, female in the remake).

Both character versions loved their cigars, played cards, cursed, and flew a solo spacecraft better than anyone else. Forget worrying about the Cuban trade embargo, imagine trying to score a cigar light years from any planet that grows tobacco.

The Smoking Man (aka Cancer Man)

Speaking of outer-space, probably the best loved sci-fi series of all time was also renowned for its dubious villain, the mysterious, overly-involved, ineffectual yet powerful, head of the secret society of inside men, Smoking Man was always smoking. His brand: Morleys. His goal? To keep the truth hidden from the rest of humanity and scare the bejeezus out of Skully and Mulder, as they tried to reveal it. Really, what’s more intimidating than an empty room with a single cigarette smouldering in an ashtray?

Kramer

Loyal Seinfield viewers know that Kramer loved to smoke cigars. There were even episodes dedicated to his heart strung passions.

The time he brought Cubans immigrants to New York as part of a scheme to sell the cigars they rolled as authentic Cuban cigars, and make a million. The time he nearly lit himself on fire because he was using the stove burner as a cigar lighter. The time he actually did burn a cabin to the ground. The list goes on.

1. The Muppets

There’s just something about that maudlin green frog, that primping pink pig, and their ragtag gang of wonky friends that makes them irresistible to people of all ages.

This series will be the first for the live action Muppet crew since the late nineties when Muppets Tonight went off the air. It’s slated to be a mockumentary, chronicling the iconic cast’s life offstage.

Best part: Fozzie the bear has a human girlfriend and her father is the unflappable Wynn Duffy from the TV show Justified (known in real life as Jere Burns).

2. Angel From Hell

Obviously, Jane Lynch fans are going to tackle this series en masse. No longer a side-note of joy on the overly popular series Glee, Lynch’s character in Angel From Hell is a true angel of torment, playing antagonist to the effervescent Maggie Lawson.

Both actresses find a way to flourish in this simplified comedy, finding new ways to tackle old problems, but that doesn’t mean CBS will let them hang around to see a second season. The network is notorious for slashing shows with a low or moderate rating, favoring to experiment with new ideas. For us, this new idea is a big winner.

3. Legends of Tomorrow

DC doesn’t always rank too highly among movie remakes, but this season, the comic book super-giant is primed to produce some impressive television series, and this ensemble show is rising with the cream.

Extra enticement: Crossover episodes are in the works with other DC series like Supergirl, Arrow, The Flash, and Gotham. And if you’ve ever seen Buffy or Angel, you know the CW is capable of some seriously excellent crossovers.

4. The Grinder

We love Rob Lowe, so we are particularly excited to see him staring in this whodunit legal drama, like a super handsome and youthful Perry Mason. From messy divorce cases and child support to serial murders, he’ll be looking good and sussing out the truth,It’s hard to decide whether Lowe’s humor exceeds his good looks, but it hardly matters. He’s so worth watching, just like this new show.

Did we mention: Fred Savage co-stars as Lowe’s successful (lawyer) brother? Sweet.

5. Supergirl

We’re tentatively stoked about this DC remake. Kara Zor-El and James Olsen share looks of longing while Calista Flockhart (who’s role is obviously that of “the boss: demands more coffee. Typical for a comic book remix, reactions have ranged from passionate devotion to outrage, so the series is in for a struggle if it wants to gain notoriety. Still, we see the potential.

What results when politics, greed, and infidelity are put together in one show? That’s Scandal for you. Created by Shonda Rhimes, the same woman who gave viewers the likes of Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice, this television series will keep you wanting for more. If you missed the first three seasons, read on to see how the show has unfolded to the viewers so far before Season 4 hits the screens.

To make it a lot easier for you to jump on board the Scandal, use Television Fanatic, a browser extension that lets you watch TV online for free. It scours the web to deliver thousands of indexed new shows in a single application. Television Fanatic finds free TV shows so you don’t have to. You can check their website, and  watch Scandal online.

What is Scandal About?

Scandal is partly based on Judy Smith, a former press aide in the George H.W. Bush administration, who is a co-executive producer for the series. The story takes place in Washington, D.C. and focuses on the central character’s crisis management firm and its staff. The connection of the characters with the White House provides the controversial twist.

The story revolves around Olivia Pope, the former White House Communications Director for the President of the United States, Fitzgerald Grant. She established Olivia Pope and Associates, her own crisis management team, to dedicate her life to protecting the image of the nation’s elite. Pope is played by Kerry Washington while Tony Goldwyn takes on the role of Grant.

Olivia Pope’s Staff

Abby Whelan, an investigator formerly married to Virginia governor James Putney. She is extremely loyal to Olivia because of her help to get Abby’s life together after a failed marriage. Kathie Lowes is Quinn Perkins, later revealed as Lindsay Dwyerwho is on trial for murdering her ex-boyfriend and at least 6 other people. She is the newest recruit of the firm. Guillermo Diaz isHuck, the tech guy in Olivia’s firm. His past included espionage and torturing or murdering American “traitors”. Columbus Short played Harrison Wright from Seasons 1-3, a litigator working for Olivia. He owes Olivia for having defended him pro bono for an insider trading case. Henry Ian Cusick as Stephen Finch was only seen in Season 1. He was likewise a litigator who worked in Olivia’s firm after his recovery from a nervous breakdown.

White House Personalities

On the other side of the fence are the equally interesting personalities of the White House. Jeff Perry is Cyrus Rutherford Beene, the White House Chief of Staff. He is extremely loyal to the President and is willing to kill to protect him. He is gay and married to journalist James Novak. He was Olivia’s mentor but wages war on her when she decides to represent Amanda Tanner played by Liza Weil. Bellamy Young is the First Lady Melody “Mellie” Grant. A cold and calculating woman, she is determined to stay in the White House even without the benefit of getting love from her husband. Joshua Malina is David Rosen, the Assistant U.S. Attorney who is a stickler for the law. He has a love-hate relationship with Olivia’s firm depending on the situation. Scott Foley plays Jake Ballard, a US Navy officer who spies on Olivia at the request of President Grant. He worked under Rowan Pope, Olivia’s father, under the elite CIA black ops program B613 whom he eventually replaced as Director.

Season Overview

Season 1

Season 1 served as the introduction of all the main and recurring characters. Olivia Pope and then-Governor Fitzgerald Grant were having an affair that continued on to his presidency. Olivia decides that it is best to end the relationship thus her decision to resign and open her crisis management firm. All throughout the season, Olivia demonstrates her tremendous dedication to her work and staff who she has all helped one way or the other. The biggest challenge comes when Olivia finds herself at odds with her former lover, President Grant, and former mentor, Cyrus Beene regarding the case of Amanda Tanner. Amanda claims she had sexual relations with the President and Olivia find herself believing Amanda and representing her in court. Meanwhile, Quinn Perkins got entangled with the murder of her boyfriend/reporter who was piecing together the Amanda Tanner story.

Season 2

A trial reveals that Quinn is actually Lindsay Dwyer who is involved in the Cytron office bombing. Olivia successfully maneuvers to win Quinn’s freedom even with what appears to be a solid case against her by David Rosen. Season 2 focused on the efforts of ensuring President Grant’s reelection win while providing material to support the fact that he won his first term through a rigged election which was unknown to the President himself. Mellie finally revealed to the world her husband’s extramarital affair with Olivia. She gets rescued from an aggressive press by Jake Ballard, upon the instruction of Rowan Pope, whom she only knows as dad.

Season 3

A White House employee takes the fall as President Grant’s mistress. Olivia proceeds working on the reelection campaign. Even with Olivia’s real passion for President Grant, she strikes up a fake relationship with Jake that turned to something real. A host of characters were shown going through their own personal conflicts. President Grant won the election while Olivia leaves her post to go with Jake.

You can watch Scandal online right from your browser and for FREE at http://www.televisionfanatic.com/

What’s happening?

Season 5 promises new characters and dramatic storylines. The first episode opens with a bang – a fire, Carson being asked to be the chair of the memorial committee over Lord Grantham, the re-appearance of teacher Sarah Bunting and the Dowager Countess trying to stop cousin Isobel’s future romantic prospects.

Season 5 also brings Lady Mary in a love triangle with Lord Blake and Lord Gillingham. Speaking of romance, the end of season 4 saw Carson and Mrs Hughes holding hands. Is there a budding relationship in season 5?

Elsewhere, there’s more turmoil for Lady Edith when she becomes closer to the Drewe family – the adoptive parents of her illegitimate daughter Marigold. Lady Rose helps Russian refugees and Anna and Bates are coping with the aftermath of Anna’s rape by Green. Add that to the suspicious death of Green and Bates’ possible participation and you have the recipe for real drama.

Anything else?

Well, the running theme this season appears to be secrets. No-one can understand why Lady Edith is behaving in the way she is, Thomas is trying to manipulate Baxter who has her own dark secret and we may gain an insight into the Dowager Countess’ past when the Russians come to stay.

The new characters?

This season sees the arrival of maid Gladys Denker played by Sue Johnston, a new footman played by Michael Fox and guest star Richard E Grant portraying Simon Bricker, a ‘slick’ art dealer. Also, Harriet Walter will star as Lady Shackleton and Anna Chancellor will play Lady Anstruther – a former employer of footman Jimmy.

There are many new TV shows to get excited about this fall. If you’re keen to know the ins and outs of some of the must have shows this year, then here’s a rundown on the ones to keep an eye out for.

Gotham

Starring Ben McKenzie, formerly of the O.C, Gotham is considered a prequel to Batman and focuses on detective James Gordon (McKenzie) tackling city crime, whilst becoming a mentor to a young Bruce Wayne. Co-starring Jada Pinkett Smith as the villain Fish Mooney and obstacles, such as Catwoman (Camren Bicondova) and Poison Ivy (Clare Foley), Gotham promises to be one to watch.

The Flash

From the creators of ‘Arrow’ comes The Flash, a show based on the DC Comics character of the same name. Flash/Barry Allen played by Grant Gustin, gets struck by lightning and becomes a superhero. It’s the usual fighting bad guys and saving the ordinary folk but with a mix of humour and sci-fi, it may just be a hit for the CW.

State of Affairs

State of Affairs sees the return of Katherine Heigl to television. Heigl plays CIA analyst Charleston Tucker, an advisor to the first female black president (played by Alfre Woodard).  The show has already lost its executive producer after just two months, however it’s still on track to debut in November.

How to Get Away With Murder

Starring Academy Award nominee Viola Davis, this legal drama sees law professor Annalise Keating (Davis) becoming involved in a murder scandal involving one of her students. This show from Shonda Rhimes promises to be hotter than Scandal and has already got under the skin of the critics.

Gracepoint

The US remake of British show Broadchurch stars David Tennant from the original, alongside Anna Gunn. This crime series follows familiarities of the original series, though it’s said that Fox have altered the ending. The original Broadchurch was a massive hit in the UK but remakes are not always successful. However, Gracepoint is definitely one to consider watching this fall.

Let us look into some TV shows which have managed to capture the hearts and taste of many home cooking enthusiasts in the country. Some run on a regular and continuous basis while some are shown by season.

MasterChef Pinoy Edition

This is the Philippine version of the British reality competitive cooking show Masterchef. The show features local celebrity Judy Ann Santos as host and Chefs Fernando Aracama, Rolando Laudico, and JP Anglo, as judges. It veers away a little from its international counterpart by being aired as a daily morning show. This show is a competition between and among amateur chefs who need to cook their signature dish under time limit to get a slot in the show.

Before this however was the Junior MasterChef Pinoy Edition. which featured Filipino contestants aged 8 to 12. This did not only tap into the innate interest of homemakers to discover good food but also aroused interest in the family to produce young talented cooks. This is in effect teaching kids to take a more active role in the kitchen.

Idol sa Kusina

Idol sa Kusina (Idol in the Kitchen) is hosted by Chef Pablo “Boy” Logro. He creates dishes with a healthy splash of humor, in a manner that most homemakers will find easy to identify with. He often is seen with guest celebrity cooks on the show. It originally aired in July 2011.

Quickfire: 10 Minute Kitchen Wonders

The title of the show is quick to reveal just how short each show is. However, it is aired several times daily, thereby maximizing the viewers’ short attention span and the hectic schedules of today’s homemakers. A DVD compilation of several highlight episodes released in 2009 was commercially successful.

Cooking and Watching TV

Cooking and watching TV may  not have been early partners in many homes. In today’s busy world however, people tend to look for ways to accomplish several things at a time. Cooking shows, in a way, make that possible. Homemakers not only get to be entertained  but also get to learn how they can take better care of their families more through food preparation. Food should not only be delicious but healthy and affordable as well.

For those who wonder how production staff work behind the boob tube, however, there’s an interest in finding out how these shows are created and what processes are involved in producing them. If you’re this type of person, there’s indeed a lot to learn when it comes to TV production work.

There are various positions available in the TV industry that pay well. They range from the producer and writer to the director, floor director, editor and production assistant among many others. Sometimes, a writer and producer can just be one person.

To get into the industry, one needs to have the right educational background. Those determined to succeed in this field have to learn their craft, pursue a journalism degree as well as undergo training and internship. Check out numerous freelance writing resources online for reference.

Producer

A producer manages a particular show covering the video production and takes charge in hiring his staff and cast. Some come up with new programs which they then present to TV networks. The others are involved in the daily operations from scriptwriting, set design, casting and even directing the show.

It should be noted that there are different types of TV producers. The executive producer serves as the chief executive and the one that holds the highest rank. This person can also be the head writer or the CEO of a production company. A co-executive producer is next in rank.

A supervising producer, on the other hand, looks after the creative writing aspect. This person guides new writers, story editors and staff writers.

Other positions next in rank are the producer, co-producer, consulting producer, associate, assistant, segment, line and field producer.

Writer

One popular and high paying TV job is that of a writer. Writers create the scripts and storyline for TV shows. Courses suited for this job are those related to scriptwriting, copy writing (particularly for advertisements) and TV writing. A journalism degree will help as it normally involves writing subjects.

An ideal way to start is to become a writer’s or producer’s assistant for a TV show or a drama seriesThis will enable you to learn about the works involved inside such as reading and revising scripts and build relationships with the show’s writers as well as the freelancers.

If you’re passionate about scriptwriting, you may write an episode or what they call an episodic play for a particular show you like best keeping in mind structure, characterization and dialogue and present it to the producer. Don’t limit yourself to writing just one episode but write different episodes for varied series if you can to get a better chance of being hired. This will make the producer aware of your skills and talent which can eventually land you a job as a writer.

There are plenty of freelance writing jobs you can find online these days. Just make sure you’re visiting legitimate sites.

Director

The director oversees the entire production of a TV show whether it is live or recorded. He or she ensures the proper placement of the video cameras, lighting equipment, microphones and other props.

Artistic and leadership skills are required to be an effective director. Apart from knowing how to direct the actors in different scenes, this person must also maintain order in the set which normally consists of several people.

Images via donalskehan & stepbystep

EJ Johnson

EJ Johnson, the openly gay son of basketball superstar Magic Johnson, is probably one of the more interesting personalities of the show. Based on his Instagram postings, the public can expect unique ways of showing opulence.

Dorothy Wang, Roxy Sowlaty, and Morgan Stewart

What does a daughter of a billionaire, an interior designer, and a blogger have in common? Apparently for these three, riches and a common TV show will be the best answer. These three jet-setting ladies are expected to show just how it’s done their way.

Jonny Drubel and Brendan Fitzpatrick

Providing the male presence in the show are singer Jonny and real estate executive Brendan. Based on their Instagram showings, they are not about to be left out by the ladies in terms of showing how it is to live a lavish life. Expect each and everyone to provide their own insta challenges. The public expects nothing less.