TV Characters All Men Should Try to Emulate

Although TV is mainly for entertainment, with an open mind and an eagerness to learn, everyone can get something useful out of it. The TV series characters sometimes portray behavior that should be included in one's arsenal as well. Here is a list of five TV characters that men should try to emulate.

 

Steven Hyde (That 70's Show) - Hyde represents the rebel that lies in all of us. He does what he wants to and ignores the rest, he drinks beer, does not care about his studies, and is laid back all the time. 

Although many students in high school do go through that phase, most of them stop after college, when they get a job and settle down with a family. However, is that how it should be? Should one just stop having fun altogether and become completely rigid and uptight? No. Actually, it is at this point of life that people should try harder to have fun, since life becomes more difficult. Everyone should bring out their inner Hyde occasionally to take a break from the hardships of life and stay from being burnt out.

Mike Ross (Suits) - With increasingly easier access to drugs and other self-destructive substances, it is very easy for someone to completely lose control over their live and mess up. That is when one should take inspiration from Mike Ross. He did not even go to college, but once opportunity knocked at his door, he welcomed it in. Instead of feeling sorry for his past mistakes, he moved on and decided to change life for the better, something ever man should do.

Fox Mulder (X-Files) - Agent Fox Mulder supposedly lost his sister to an alien abduction when he was a child, and never got over it. As result, throughout his life, he had two obsessions driving him: He wanted to find his sister, and he wanted to find extra-terrestrial beings. While such obsessions may be unhealthy, the lack of obsessions today is far more unhealthy.

 Every man must have a driving force, whether that be a car, a position, power, money or the knowledge, is irrelevant. The presence of an ambition is what really matters.

Harvey Specter (Suits) - Harvey Specter is the perfect mix of Michael and Sonny Corleone. He is smart, cunning and good with words, but he also loses his temper often, and is not afraid of a fist fight. He will go at any length to protect his loved ones, and has a very strong sense of ethics. He neither forgets a favor nor forgives an insult, which makes him all the more respectable.

David Palmer (24) - Of all the people to emulate, who better than the President of the United States, David Palmer. A confident man, totally in control of himself, and very well-respected by his peers, this man is the ultimate alpha male.

 However, what really sets him apart is his ability to make extremely sensitive decisions under a great deal of pressure. He is also quite fearless, and is not afraid of making personal sacrifice for the greater good. At the end of the day, David Palmer is the man to be.



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Far From the Madding Crowd - Review of 2015 Remake of Historical Romance

When poor orphaned Bathsheba Everdene (Carey Mulligan) unexpectedly inherits a mansion complete with servants and a working farm, her options expand tremendously in this historical romance based on the classic Thomas Hardy novel. She's simultaneously courted by three men, a wealthy older man, a brash sergeant, and a quiet sheep farmer. The strong-willed, fiercely independent Bathsheba has a forth option to consider as well - staying single and maintaining her freedom.

 

If she chooses, Bathsheba can have plenty of help running the farm and making business decisions. There's no impartial advisor to help with matters of the heart, however. Along with her independent spirit, her impetuousness causes lots of trouble. Her rash decisions include (with encouragement from one of her young employees) sending a valentine to her rich neighbor, William Boldwood (Michael Sheen), a seemingly cruel act because of his obvious devotion to her and her complete indifference toward him. This not-so-harmless prank begins a series of events that cause great hardship to the wealthy bachelor, who is plagued with self-esteem issues.

 

A Tale of Three Suitors

In addition, Bathsheba plays with the emotions of handsome sheep farmer, Gabriel Oak (Matthias Schoenaerts), another would-be lover whom she treats with casual disregard. Gabriel's solid (like an oak tree, naturally) character permits him to stay on her farm, working, watching, and caring for her from a distance. But even Gabriel has his limits to how much pain he can endure from her thoughtlessness.

 

Her third suitor, Sergeant Francis Troy (Tom Sturridge), an utterly detestable caricature of a soldier, has just the right amount of greed, lust, and deception to win her fickle heart. Apparently spurned by the real woman he loves, Troy has no qualms about taking what he wants from anyone else, and he clearly wants something from Bathsheba.

A Timeless Drama of Choices

How this troubling interconnected story plays out makes for timeless drama, as evidenced by the popularity of remaking the Hardy classic. This particular version provides a delightful journey back to Victorian England with beautiful scenes of the countryside, music, dancing, drama, and a colorful cast of young actors.

At 119 minutes, it runs longer than most films, but there's quite a bit of story to tell during that time. The film excels in all technical respects, and won't disappoint anyone seeking a great historical romance - although Bathsheba's bad decisions might have audience members shaking their fists at the screen at her exasperating "independence."

Far from the Madding Crowd

•    A young woman must decide between three different suitors in this historical romance based on the Thomas Hardy novel of the same name.

•    Starring Carey Mulligan, Matthias Schoenaerts, Michael Sheen, Tom Sturridge

•    Director: Thomas Vinterberg

•    Writers: David Nicholls (screenplay); Thomas Hardy (novel)

•    Genre: Historical Romantic Drama

•    Run Time: 119 minutes

•    MPAA Rating: PG-13 (for some sexuality and violence)


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3 Things to Know About the Changing State of Cable TV

Like all things related to technology, the cable TV industry has changed dramatically in the last ten years. It wasn't that long ago when families gathered in front of the television at 8pm and watched only a handful of network channels together.

Nowadays, families may opt to watch different channels in different rooms of the house, play on their tablets or smart phones while viewing a show, or just watch their favorite programs directly on their mobile devices. The average family's viewing habits have become completely different than what they were prior to the 2010s, and things are likely to continue evolving. Industry experts have seen these changes and predict that they'll continue to gain popularity in the near future. Here are 3 of the changing aspects of cable TV:

1) On-Demand Viewing

Today's cable options make it easy for many households to look at an on-screen menu, choose the show they'd like to see, and watch it at any given time. Viewers appreciate this because it means they get to watch their favorite shows, and it also allows them do it at their own convenience. For example, if a show they like airs at 8pm on Wednesdays, but they have an ongoing commitment at that time, they can opt to watch it Thursdays at 10pm, or another timeframe that works for them. In the past, shows that were available for on-demand viewing were at least several weeks old. Now, you can see shows a mere 24 hours after they originally aired.

2) More Channels

Expect to see plenty of new channels making their debut on cable. While nature enthusiasts might have had two channels to choose from in the 1990s, now they have a dozen channels to enjoy. Spanish language channels are also expanding and, in many markets, they come as part of a standard cable package. Kids TV networks have grown from several to a dozen or more in recent years.

3) More Niche Shows

As a growing number of networks find a place on the cable TV lineup, shows that focus on unique or niche topics continue to appear. Specifically, the popularity of and demand for reality TV shows has led to a huge outpouring of low-budget, casually shot series that offer glimpses at the everyday lives of people in all types of situations. Unusually large families, individuals with unique jobs, and people who just have fun, overdramatic personalities, all regularly get their own TV shows which air for as little as six episodes. No matter what your interest is, you can most likely find a show you will enjoy on today's television lineup.

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Is There Light at the End of the Tunnel?

I am a fan of science fiction! There are times when I yearn for television, films and comics that fit into that genre. Babylon 5 for all its faults is probably the only television show in the last twenty years that does. Solaris and Interstellar are the only films that I can't remember that I felt really satisfied me in what I was looking for.

I feel frustrated when I talk to other people about the lack of science fiction out there and their come back is 'what about Doctor Who?' You see for most people, who are not fans; all they need to see on their television or cinema screen is a space ship or an odd looking alien for it all just to blend into the same thing. It is all just Sci-Fi to them. If only they would look a little closer.

None fans (including comic book publishers, television and film producers and studio heads) will rarely bother to take a closer look, to try to examine, explain and interpret it in all its different forms.

However, for me as a fan, what is out there breaks up into three different categories...

What I would call 'science fiction substitute', that usually manifests itself in the form of the Police procedural drama; criminals from the future are chased back through time to present day earth by a cop who has to round them all up and send then back to the future or some such thing.

It is not the real thing; it is just the powers that be (producers and studio heads and so on) trying to take advantage of the cult fans reputation for spending money without spending much of theirs.

And then there is that curiously captivating category that seems to be about little more than space men running around blowing stuff up. As much as I love things like Doctor Who, Star Wars, Flash Gordon or the Marvel Studio's film Guardians of the Galaxy, they only tend to have elements of science fiction in them and lack any real science or speculation about the future.

Now the genuine thing for me, what some people call hard science fiction, be it the more thoughtful tales like Isaac Asimov's Foundation series, Alfred Bester's The Demolished Man, Harlan Ellison's Repent, Harlequin!' Said the Ticktockman or tales with a little more action to them like Frank Herbert's Dune books seem to be a rarity in the world of comics, films and television.

Theodore Sturgeon summed up the genre perfectly in 1952 when he said "A science fiction story is a story built around human beings, with a human problem, and a human solution, which would not have happened at all without its scientific content."

In essence it tells stories about the human condition...

But why do we not see more that fit into the genre like for example the aforementioned Babylon 5 in comic, television or films? J. Michael Straczynski once talked about how difficult it was to get studio heads interested the genre. Now that Straczynski is a studio head and owner of Studio JMS could he be our saviour?

He has several film and television projects on the go. The Netflix show Sense8, the Kim Stanley Robinson's Mars trilogy adaptation for Spike TV, Straczynski has also bought an option on Harlan Ellison's classic story, "Repent, Harlequin! Said the Ticktockman" and lets not forget a big budget film reboot of Straczynski own Babylon 5.

There are definite signs of improvement out there. There might even be a whole new wave of hard science fiction coming to a television or cinema screen near you.

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A Game of Entertainment: The Lannisters

The most powerful and feared man in all of Westeros,Tywin Lannister was the Hand of the King. He once led the Lannister armies against the Stark armies of the north and was awarded the title of "Savior of the City" after his victory against Stannis Baratheon at the Battle of the Blackwater. He was the patriarch of the Lannister house and was willing to do anything at all, moral or not, to preserve the proud family name. Tywin was killed by his son Tyrion.

Jaime, the eldest son of Tywin, is a knight of the Kingsguard. Unbeknownst to his father, Jaime carries on an incestuous relationship with his twin sister Cersei, the queen mother. After his slaying of King Aerys, the "Mad King", he became known as the "Kingslayer", much to his chagrin. He also pushed young Bran Stark, son of Eddard, out of a tower window after Bran had witnessed he and Cersei having sex.

 After the war begins between the Starks and the Lannisters, Jaime is captured in battle but later set free by Catelyn Stark in exchange for her daughters', Arya and Sansa's, safe return from King's Landing. He vows to bring them back safe, the first honorable act he attempts in the story. Along the way, he loses his right sword hand. Afterward, he develops some respect for his escort, Brienne. After King Joffrey's untimely death, he sides with his brother Tyrion against the false accusations that he killed young Joffrey and later helps him escape.

Cersei, twin brother of Jaime and daughter of Tywin, is the self-centered queen mother. She craves power and authority. She is cold-hearted and will go after anyone who disagrees with her.

Joffrey is the oldest son of Cersei and Jaime. He ascends to the Iron Throne after his thought-to-be father King Robert is killed. He takes after his mother in being very cruel and sadistic. He wrongly executes Eddard Stark for treason and, afterward, displays his head on a stick. During his wedding, he is poisoned and dies.

Tyrion is Cersei and Jaime's dwarf brother and Joffrey's uncle. He, along with his brother, are the only Lannisters to show any kind of remorse for the family's cruel ways. Whoring and drinking are frequent things he does.

He is viewed as an abomination by Tywin after Tyrion's mother died giving birth to him. Tyrion was falsely accused of Joffrey's death and convicted. But, as stated earlier, he escapes with Jaime's help. After learning a horrible truth about his father, the dwarf kills his father and flees King's Landing.

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Ideas for a Great Wedding Location

If you haven't looked at your destination for your wedding day, you should, getting married in a special venue is a great way to enhance the experience of your wedding. A wedding is likely to be the most important event of your life so why not make it a special as possible. There are many different places that you can choose as a venue for your wedding.

Here are some ideas that you can use to help you get started when deciding where you want to get married. 

There are many different places that you can get married, especially if you are looking for a special venue for your wedding.

Sports venue

If you are a sporting fanatic, for instance if you like, football, basketball, tennis or any other sport that really interest you, the one get married in the stadium of your favourite sporting event. 

There are many to choose from, such as football grounds, racecourses, you will also be encouraged to know that many sporting venues are licensed as wedding venues.
The film venues

If you are a big movie fan, getting married on the set of your favourite TV program or film program could be the venue of your wedding.

It will be great for you to be the star of the show on your special day instead of the regular actors that you are used to watching on a daily basis.

Wedding venue ideas have helped to spark some creativity in your mind, there are many different places that you can get married, it is up to you to check them out.

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Great Wedding Speech Quotes

A wedding is all about words... I mean at least literally. The clergy says their words and ask for the bride's and the groom's words. The bride's father says his words in his wedding speech and the groom and the bride say theirs in their wedding speech. Then there are the welcome words, the words of gratitude, the words of

praise, the words of wit and humour... the wedding vows and more wedding speeches. Quite a wordy affair! When it's time for you to deliver a wedding speech at a wedding (even if it's your own big day) some shivers are bound to run down your spine. The best speech would be the one that comes out confidently from the speaker's mouth and expresses the feeling of his heart. You get all the guidance and help regarding how should go about your speech. Some sites on the web would even give you the speeches. But there is always the danger of ending up saying something that many others have said. So take guidance, take help, take advice but do not take someone else's words. Imagine finding out that the speaker who speaks before you has got the same jokes as you... you borrowed from the same example speech!It's best to have your own words to express your feelings. You might have to keep it simple but it will be original. And original is original. You can use some famous quotes and saying about love, wedding and marriage to make your speech sound interesting. If chosen and timed carefully, some sayings and quotes (though well known) would give a rich and witty flavour to your speech.Here are a few famous quotes that can definitely adorn your speech.

i. It's so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life.

ii. May she share everything with her husband, including the housework.

iii. Chains do not hold a marriage together. It is threads, hundreds of tiny threads which sew people together through the years.
iv. If two stand shoulder to shoulder against the gods, happy together, the gods themselves are helpless against them while they stand so.

v. Matrimony is a process by which a grocer acquired an account the florist had.
vi. Here's to matrimony, the high sea for which no compass has yet been invented!
vii. Like good wine, marriage gets better with age - once you learn to keep a cork in it.
viii. It takes a loose rein to keep a marriage tight.

ix. Marriage is not a word - it is a sentence.
x As we grow older together, As we continue to change with age, There is one thing that will never change... I will always keep falling in love with you.
xi Men always want to be a woman's first love. Women have a more subtle instinct: What they like is to be a man's last romance.

xii. Love one another and you will be happy. It's as simple and as difficult as that.
xiii. To find someone who will love you for no reason, and to shower that person with reasons, that is the ultimate happiness.

xiv. The ultimate test of a relationship is to disagree but to hold hands.
xv. Marriage must constantly fight against a monster which devours everything: routine.
Incorporate these into your speech with effect and relevance; and see your words cast a spell!

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Get Great Wedding Favors at Your Local Grocery

A wedding favor is pretty special in the wedding because apart from the reception food and activities, these are one of the two tangible items that the guests can take home with them as a memento of your wedding (the other one would be the photographs). Even if photo thank you cards are sent, wedding favors are special because unlike wedding photographs, you can show your own personality, style and creativity when making your wedding favors.

Whether expensive, cheap, or homemade; wedding favors are something guests look forward to as well. But when your budget is running low, how do you come up with good wedding favors? While your local grocery or supermarket may not look like a great place to buy wedding supplies, there are a lot of items there that when paired with creativity and ingenuity can turn into romantic wedding favors that are easy on your budget.

Lip balms make for great and personalized favors just by adding a label sticker on it. Available in assorted flavors and colors, lip balms are something your guests can truly appreciate and use.

You can find edible favors too at the supermarket. Something that is fun to give and is always appreciated, chocolates are a fool-proof favor. Rounds, bars or minis, chocolate interestingly has been used to symbolize love and romance (Valentine's Day, anyone?). A jar of honey or marmalade can also be used. Cookies or sugar-coated or caramelized nuts in special boxes are a hit too.

While these goodies normally last for months, be sure to check the expiration date of these items before paying the full amount for them for bulk orders. While supermarkets are aware of these, you should also know how to handle or preserve the items, such as storing them at the right temperature, or keeping them away from direct sunlight. Preserved items would be your best bet, so stay away from fresh food products as their tendency to spoil is high. Remember that favors will be at your wedding venue for a relatively long time (or maybe even longer with unexpected delays in the ceremony or program), and giving them at the last part of the reception may be quite tricky when it comes to the freshness of your edible favor.

Small packs of coffee beans are sometimes available in your local grocery. You may opt for gourmet coffee to make your wedding favor as special as the event.

There are practical favors such as soap, bath products, mini lava lamps, and others that you can purchase. For a more lavish one, bath oils in small jars, may be tied with a hang tag or placed in small carton trays to be given as wedding favors.

Browse around the supermarket, and you may be surprised with what you may find. Almost anything can be turned into a favor, just stay away from the obviously tacky ones or the offensive ones. Do not be gender specific as well. Find unisex items so you'll be able to hand out your favors to anyone.
To make these cheap finds look elegant and more special, remember that packaging can change everything. You can have little organza bags, hang tags or small elegant boxes where you can put prints. And conveniently, these items may also be found at your local supermarket.



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