So you've heard of the Y-generation. Mostly you've probably heard that we're a bunch of technology wizards, but we're actually much more than just that. We're a bunch of technology wizards buzzing with creativity and innovation. Half the time we can't even sit still, we get so excited.
So what do we do with these excited bursts of creativity? Why, we entertain the masses, of course. We're the actors, directors, writers, musicians, comedians, dramatists, artists just starting out and trying to make sense of our world. This is the place where you can find spotlights on entertainment made by the younger generation for the younger generation. Y-generated entertainment for the Y-generation.
Or maybe just Generation YouTube. But everybody has to start somewhere.
Hey, there! I'm a creative writer/blogger on a mission to help other writers flesh out their story, plot, and characters. If you're a writer looking for a beta reader, or an artist in need of a writer for your project, I would love to hear from you. TanyaMarcy@gmail.com
RUBY & THE ROCKITS and HANNAH MONTANA have a lot in common. Both series have the ongoing themes of music, "back-in-the-day" music stars as fathers, and even Austin Butler. I suppose the only major difference is Ruby hasn't made up a secret pop star identity yet, but I guess that's going to have to be another case of "wait for it". Though as it turns out, it appears both sit-coms (yet another commonality) have much more in common than even that.
Last night ABC Family aired episode four of RUBY under the title, "It's My Party, and I'll Lie If I Want To." Ring any metaphorical bells? Funny thing because back in 2006, Disney Channel aired episode five of HANNAH under the exact same title.
To be fair, it seems RUBY chose to go down the same road as HANNAH series-wise and decided to go with the song-parody episode titles, reminiscent of '80s ALF. Both series are under the Walt Disney Company roof, and both do center around music, and it definitely does make sense. But then why not take that as an opportunity to choose a different supply of song titles as the series engine, such as episode two of RUBY, "Save The Last Dunce For Me". With the amount of music past and present, genre to genre, I would think there would be an abundance of options. So why stick to the same sort of ideas?
The only reason I can figure is to make a pop culture crack because they can. It certainly wouldn't be the first time. ABC Family dubbed episode three of RUBY, "Do You Want To Blow A Secret?" The network's newest drama series, MAKE IT OR BREAK IT, also sprinkles various Disney Channel references throughout the series. Understanding that legality and rights aren't an issue, I believe it's truly meant as a joke on ABC Family's part with the best of intentions.
It's cute to be sure, but, and excuse me for the pun, cute is not always what we should aim for. Let's dare to do something completely new and different for once and make it the best we can possibly make it. Because I don't know about you, but as much as I love HANNAH MONTANA, when I sit down to watch RUBY & THE ROCKITS, that's the show I want to watch at that moment. And I really do like ABC Family's new series; I believe it has great potential. So let's match the potential RUBY already has with stellar episode titles. She deserves it.
Everybody knows laughter is the best medicine. Whenever I get sick, I always prescribe myself a healthy dose of cartoons and sit-coms to make all my troubles go away. And with some sort of strange flu bug flying around in my part of the world, I thought it fitting to spoon out some laughs. Hopefully you're healthy, but here's some sugar to help make the medicine go down a little easier if you need it - the last four hilarious episodes I've seen. And I'm talking gut-busters.
4. "Something's A Miss" THE MARVELOUS MISADVENTURES OF FLAPJACK (CN) Flapjack keeps getting mistaken for a girl.
Lately, FLAPJACK has just been the funniest overall on its network, and this episode stands out as one of the best. Gender confusion is always funny, but Flapjack just makes it even funnier, the gags getting better and better as the episode progresses. Plus, by the end, there's a surprise twist that you'll probably be half-expecting, but it's sure to put a smile on your face either way.
Funniest Moment: The girls in the club mistaking Flapjack for another girl.
3. "Family Game Night" - WIZARDS OF WAVERLY PLACE (DC) Alex uses a spell to switch brains with Harper, but she keeps on getting the spell wrong, including accidentally leaving Harper with no brain. After a girl at school asks Justin out, he devises a plot to keep her away.
There's nothing more amusing than family humor, and the Russos are the best family for it. Between no-brain Harper and Max's oblivious attitude to Justin's dilemma, the little things make this episode great, but what makes it even greater is the climactic scene near the end during "family game night" at the Russo loft. Anybody who's ever had a real family will love it.
Funniest Moment: Jerry and Theresa screaming out on the terrace.
2. "Swiss Family Phineas" - PHINEAS AND FERB (DC) The family takes a short sail trip out to sea, but a storm causes them to wind up stranded on a remote island. To pass the time, Phineas, Ferb, and Isabella, build a set of treehouses with the most modern conveniences, to Candace's dismay, as she wants to get back home in time to attend Jeremy's party. Meanwhile, Perry the Platypus, who was left behind, must get away from the watchful eye of Baljeet and Buford, so he can go on his mission to stop Dr. Doofenshmirtz's latest plot.
What I love most about this series, and I love a lot of about this series, is that no matter how short or long your laughs are, you never stop laughing during any episode. Ever. Unless you have no sense of humor. And this episode is no exception. Both the main plot and sub-plot are equally hilarious - the Flynn-Fletcher family getting stranded on a deserted island...Buford and Baljeet pairing up to watch Perry...the whole bit with Karl...and then there's always Doofenshmirtz. I guess you have to watch it to completely understand. I highly recommend it.
Funniest Moment: Karl.
1. "He Could Be The One" (pts. 1 & 2) - HANNAH MONTANA (DC) Miley’s back to dating Jake Ryan, but Robby Ray isn’t so sure he wants her to go there again. In an attempt to get Jake back on Robby’s good side, Miley schemes to feign interest in Jesse, the “bad boy” guitarist in Hannah’s band. But Miley finds herself in quite the pickle when she realizes she’s suddenly attracted to Jesse as well. Now she’ll have to choose between the two boys, and she’s determined to find out who could be the one.
This is actually a bit of a trick-favorite. For one thing, it's technically two episodes. For the other thing, I'm not too nuts about the episodes as a whole, but there was one aspect that set it apart from all the other HANNAH episodes I've seen lately.
Jackson and Rico.
Okay, okay, I admit it. Anybody who knows me knows that, for me, they're always the highlight of any episode. But in this special, they particularly stand out in hilarity. Why? Because nothing gets you laughing with border-line tears in your eyes like Jason Earles and Moises Arias singing and dancing the narration in their own number of song parodies.
These two episodes are definitely worth watching, just for them.
Funniest Moment: Jackson and Rico singing in Hannah Montana garb.
San Diego Comic Con 2009 is finally here, and although I won’t be plaguing the San DiegoConvention Center as a Comican this year, the show still goes on. So, for any Nick, Disney, and CN watchers planning on attending the world of comics this weekend (or for any who are just plain curious), here’s a schedule of panels you guys might be interested in:
Thursday, July 23
4:15-5:15 Cartoon Network: Chowder! The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack! Adventure Time with Finn and Jake!— This panel celebrates three of the best comedies from Cartoon Network Studios. First up is a sweet treat with Chowder, including special guests C. H. Greenblatt (creator) and Tara Strong (voice of Truffles). Then set sail with The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjackand creator Thurop Van Orman (voice of Flapjack) and Steve Little (writer, voice of fan favorite Dr. Barber). Finally, hold onto your seats for a sneak peek of the new series Adventure Time with Finn and Jake with creator Pendelton Ward. It's algebraic! Room 6A
Friday, July 24
12:30-1:30 Nickelodeon's The Fairly OddParents: More Magical Mayhem!— Get an exclusive sneak peek at what's coming up next for your favorite fairy family. Creator Butch Hartman (Danny Phantom), along with story editor Ray DeLaurentis (Shaggy and Scooby-Doo: Get a Clue!), art director George Goodchild (Danny Phantom), and producer Dave Thomas (El Tigre: The Adventures of Manny Rivera) present some highlights from the brand new episodes. Moderated by Rich Magallanes, executive director for Nickelodeon. Room 5AB
Saturday, July 25
10:30-11:30 Nickelodeon: Are You Ready Kids? Ten Years of Spongebob SquarePants!— Celebrate 10 years of happiness with the world's most beloved sponge, along with executive producer Paul Tibbitt, creative director Vincent Waller (The Ren and Stimpy Show), and story editor Steven Banks (The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius). The cast, including the voice of SpongeBob himself, Tom Kenny, will perform a live table read of a classic fan-favorite from Season 1. Q&A with the cast and crew follows, and be among the first to watch the yet-to-air episode, "Greasy Buffoons." Moderated by Claudia Spinelli, executive in charge for Nickelodeon. Room 6DE
11:45-12:45 Ben 10— It's all about Ben 10 at this panel featuring director Alex Winter and cast members from the upcoming live-action movie Ben 10: Alien Swarm coming this fall to Cartoon Network. Also appearing are Ben 10 Alien Force producer Glenn Murakami, story editor Dwayne McDuffie, and Yuri Lowenthal (voice of Ben). Make sure not to miss an exclusive look at what's coming next with a sneak peek at Generator Rex and the first images from the upcoming series, Sym-Bionic Titan, by creator Genndy Tartakovsky (Samurai Jack, Dexter's Laboratory). Room 6DE
2:00-3:00 Nickelodeon's The Penguins of Madagascar: Making a Splash— Executive producers Mark McCorkle and Bob Schooley (Kim Possible), supervising producer Bret Haaland (Futurama), creative consultant and voice of Skipper Tom McGrath (Madagascar 1 & 2), and cast members John DiMaggio (Rico), Jeff Bennett (Kowalski), and Danny Jacobs (King Julien) preview a never-before-seen clip from an upcoming Penguins special and perform a table read from a new episode. Followed by Q&A as they discuss the process of bringing the popular Penguins from the big screen to their very own series. Moderated by Rich Magallanes, executive director for Nickelodeon. Room 7AB
Sunday, July 26
10:00-11:00 Phineas & Ferb— Hey kids, whatcha doin'? Going to the Phineas and Ferb panel, that's what! Creators Dan Povenmire (Family Guy) and Jeff "Swampy" Marsh (Rocko's Modern Life) plus the voice of Phineas, Vincent Martella (Everybody Hates Chris) and other surprise guests from the show are on hand to tell you everything that's happening behind the scenes of Disney Channel and Disney XD's #1 animated series. You'll get to see sneak peeks of new episodes, new songs, plus prizes, giveaways, and juggling chainsaws (okay, maybe not that last one). Room 6DE
11:15-12:15 Nickelodeon Presents: SpongeBob, Fairly OddParents, and The Penguins of Madagascar— You won't want to miss this screening of your favorite Nickelodeon shows, including a never-before-seen episode of SpongeBob SquarePants, as Plankton tries yet again to bring down the Krusty Krab. Then be the first to watch Timmy and his fairies in a brand new Fairly OddParents episode. But wait, there's more! You'll also catch the gang from The Penguins of Madagascar on one of their latest adventures in the Central Park Zoo. Room 6DE
12:30-2:30 Zoinks! Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins— Come join everyone's favorite Great Dane as Warner Premiere & Cartoon Network present Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins. The all-new, live-action/CGI film reveals the origins of the Mystery Inc. gang on their first mission together. Be the first to witness the film, then stay for a fun-filled panel featuring director Brian Levant (Beethoven,Snow Dogs), producer Brian Gilbert (Wrong Turn, Skinwalkers), and the all-new live-action cast: Robbie Amell (Life With Derek, True Jackson VP) as Fred, Kate Melton as Daphne, Hayley Kiyoko as Velma, and Nick Palatas as Shaggy. Also expected to attend is Frank Welker, a member of the original Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! voice-cast, who provides the voice of Scooby-Doo for Scooby-Doo! The Mystery Begins, which will premiere on Cartoon Network and be distributed by Warner Home Video in fall 2009. Room 6DE
Picture this - my sister and one of her friends sitting on the couch watching Disney Channel, talking about the upcoming WIZARDS / SUITE LIFE / HANNAH special cross-over episode and trying to put the tongue-twister of a title together. This happened about a month ago before the channel released all their behind-the-scenes promos.
Then this little gem came around:
Say that three times fast. Others have tried and failed.
Remember to watch WIZARDS ON DECK WITH HANNAH MONTANA this Friday, July 17th at 8/7c on Disney Channel.
When I was a kid, it was The Big Green Help. It’s probably ultimately what started my enthusiasm for the planet (well, that and the R-E-C-Y-C-L-E song, of course), and I’ve been what many would call a tree-hugger ever since. But you know, being a tree-hugger ain’t so bad. In fact, it can be downright fun. Trees will always hug you back.
This month of July, join me in pledging with Disney Channel’s first Friends For Change global project - 2 Up 2 Down. No matter where you are in the world, everyone can take part in this worldwide climate project this Saturday, July 11th.
How the 2 Up 2 Down Project works:
If the climate where you live is in its summer season, adjust your home air-conditioning system 2 degrees higher. Example – if your thermostat is set at 74 degrees, turn it up to 76 degrees.
If the climate where you live is in its winter season, adjust your home heating system 2 degrees lower. Example – if your thermostat is set at 68 degrees, turn it down to 66 degrees.
The Goal - If we get as many as one million kids to adjust their thermostats accordingly, we would prevent 198,480 tons of carbon dioxide per year from polluting the air.
And don’t stop there – keep at it even after July 11th to keep the project moving forward.
Message to Kids: Make sure to check with your parents before you pledge to make sure you’re all on the same page.
Message to Parents: Feel free to make the pledge with your kids and join them in taking care of our planet.
“We were inspired by the outpouring of enthusiasm from our family of talent to enact real environmental change by connecting with other kids, fans and friends on an entirely new level,” said Rich Ross, president, Disney Channels Worldwide. “Friends for Change is about the power of friendship – when we all work together, anything is possible.”
This episode could be the one – the HANNAH MONTANA special of the year! Fireworks are going to fly this 4th of July weekend in the all-new episode, “He Could Be The One”, guest-starring Cody Linley and Drew Roy.
In this one hour, two-part special episode of HANNAH MONTANA, Miley’s back to dating Jake Ryan (Linley), but Robby Ray isn’t so sure he wants her to go there again. In an attempt to get Jake back on Robby’s good side, Miley schemes to feign interest in Jesse (Roy), the “bad boy” guitarist in Hannah’s band. But Miley finds herself in quite the pickle when she realizes she’s suddenly attracted to Jesse as well. Now she’ll have to choose between the two boys, and she’s determined to find out who could be the one.
Featuring the all-new Hannah Montana song, He Could Be The One, and musical numbers by Jason Earles and Moises Arias as Jackson and Rico, “He Could Be The One” airs for the very first time Sunday, July 5th on Disney Channel at 8/7c. And don’t forget to tune in early at 1/12c for a “crush-a-thon” with Hannah’s Heart-throbs Marathon, leading up to the one-hour premiere.
Who could be the one? Be sure to be there to find out.
P.S.
Check out TV.com for special preview clips of part 1 and part 2 of “He Could Be The One”.
Birds are singing, allergies are blooming, you can feel it in the air…no, I’m not talking about love, I’m talking about summer! Time to sweat buckets of Kool-Aid, do monsoon rain dances, and hit the beach (but not too hard). But we aren’t the only ones cooking and chilling for the summer – the three major kid/teen television networks, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, and Disney Channel also know how to heat things up to make each channel the cool place to be this summer. And with the hottest season already underway, it’s time to chill with the new summer schedules:
Nickelodeon
New Episodes of:
TRUE JACKSON, VP
iCARLY
Nick at Nite Series Premiere:
MALCOLM IN THE MIDDLE on Sunday, July 5th
Cartoon Network
CN This Summer
Wednesdays
CN Real:
SURVIVE THIS
THE OTHERSIDERS
Thursdays
TOTAL DRAMA ACTION
Fridays
STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS
Saturdays
CN Real:
BRAINRUSH
DESTROY BUILD DESTROY
DUDE, WHAT WOULD HAPPEN…
BOBB’E SAYS
Sundays
Cartoon Network Flicks, such as:
NACHO LIBRE
SPY KIDS 3
Disney Channel
Summer of Stars
Fridays
THE SUITE LIFE ON DECK
PHINEAS AND FERB
WIZARDS OF WAVERLY PLACE
Movie Features, such as:
THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA:
THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE
Saturdays
Movie Double Features, such as:
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 1 & 2
Sundays
SONNY WITH A CHANCE
HANNAH MONTANA
JONAS
Disney Channel Original Movie Premieres:
PRINCESS PROTECTION PROGRAM on Friday, June 26th
WIZARDS OF WAVERLY PLACE: THE MOVIE in August
Disney XD New Series:
ZEKE & LUTHER
But don’t let your eyes stay glued to the tube for too long. Go outside. Sell some lemonade. Play in the sprinklers. Or wish you could still do those things. :)
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