What to (binge)watch on Netflix Instant: 30 Rock

One truly great thing about Netflix is that it allows for/encourages binge watching TV shows. It makes my heart palpitate when I log in and see a show where 5 or more seasons were added. It gives me the certainty I need to know that I won't have to spend hours browsing Netflix for something that I'll regret watching anyways.

One quality I look for when I'm searching for a show to visually devour, is that it needs to be light. I can't engage myself in a deep drama hour after hour; it just gets too heavy. I find myself mentally drained from all the stress, miscommunication, sneakiness, plotting, and just overall DRAMA! I need something that I can feel good when watching it. Something that makes me laugh, but still has good relationships between the characters. And, unlike many dramas, I need a show where all the main characters don't just take turns sleeping with each other!

One show that I have found fits my binge watching wish list is 30 Rock. A show featuring Tina Fey as a head writer for a sketch comedy show called "TGS with Tracy Jordan". I had seen this show on TV many times before and caught random episodes here and there, but never really appreciated anything about it. But, now i know why. You HAVE to watch this show straight through from the beginning. Every episode there are new jokes, based on the jokes from the episode prior, based on the jokes the episode before that, etc. So, if you just jump in the middle, it's kind of funny, but you can tell you're missing something.

There is a very diverse group of characters in this show that make it so great. Most importantly, there's Liz Lemmon(Tina Fey), who is the MOST relatable nerd in the world. You have Alec Baldwin playing Jack Donaghy, the boss man. He's kind of the big shot, rich guy who is just awesome all the time at everything, for no real reason. Then theres Tracey Jordan and Jenna Maroney who are the main actors in the TV show. They put a new meaning to the word ridiculous. They are incredibly self involved, needy, and ignorant, but the cast needs to cater to their every need, since they are they stars. One of main caterers is Kenneth Parcell, who is the Page for the show, and basically does whatever Jenna or Tracey needs. Of course there are many more characters worth mentioning but I think you get the gist.

30 Rock is definitely hilarious, beginning to end, and I highly recommend it. Plus, Tina Fey is a comedic genius. Thanks to Netflix, I've actually had the privilege to watch all 7 Seasons, and I don't regret spending roughly 54 hours of my life watching this show :)

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Be safe. Be courteous.

Ryan

Dad is Fat: WARNING: If you read this in public, you will get looks

Three days ago I decided to read a book called Dad Is Fat by Jim Gaffigan, and, unfortunately, I finished it today. I say unfortunatley because I didn't wan to put the book down. If you don't know who Jim Gaffigan is, kindly remove the rock you live under and welcome yourself to the current world, and I shall tell you. He is best known for his stand up comedy, but is also well known for his acting and paleness.

At first I was unsure of this book. Jim is a hilarious guy to watch and listen to, but that doesn't mean he can write. I didn't want to just read a stand-up routine. I was immediately rest assured. The book, from the very beginning, shows that the author can be a comedian and a writer at the same time.

A brief overview of the book: Parenting. This book is a must read by any parents, especially dads, of young kids. He communicates the many difficulties and joys of being a parent. He doesn't sugar coat anything, but does use his sarcasm to make the hard facts and realities of being a parent more enjoyable to swallow. 

The book offers many points of advice on parenting, without telling you how to parent. Jim is a very relatable father. He has 5 kids, aged 8 and below, and lives in a two bedroom apartment in New York City with his wife, Jeannie.

The reason I titled this review the way I did is simple: you WILL literally laugh out loud while reading this. I had to explain to my wife, several times, what was so funny because I was laughing so hard. Jim does a great job at seeing the funny side of parental shortcomings.

In conclusion, READ THIS BOOK! Especially if you have kids! It was so great to read the realistic struggles and joys that all parents go through, while, at the same time, seeing the funny side of life, in a way that only Jim Gaffigan can present it.

Buy the book here

Thanks for reading! Be safe, Be coureous!